<<Alright. Finestra is on her way to us. We'll hold tight until she's here. But if you should need it, we are right now developing a few measures with which we can put some severe pressure on the Alliance ourselves. I'd imagine that this is right up your alley, considering that you work for a Mafia.>>
Kynos replied, nodding towards Wheely to get on with it.

<<Alright. Finestra is on her way to us. We'll hold tight until she's here. But if you should need it, we are right now developing a few measures with which we can put some severe pressure on the Alliance ourselves. I'd imagine that this is right up your alley, considering that you work for a Mafia.>>
Kynos replied, nodding towards Wheely to get on with it.

"Good to know it might not be as messy. Do you have eyes on Nyx?"

At the same time Wheely send a message to Nyx.

<<@Nyx: Not sure if you had the news yet but it seems the Alliance has released the lawyers, might not need to end up in a bloodbath finally but it still a good idea to have some backup plan if they try something nasty and I will need you for one. Got a minute?>>>>

The answer came quickly >>Wheely [Nyx]: I'm not digging a tunnel under the farm at the moment, so yes, I have a minute. Plenty of minutes in fact I hope.<<

After a couple of minutes following Kynos instructions Wheely finds himself in front of Nyx again.

"So, how good are you with a camera?"

Nyx had been sitting in the garden, not doing much of anything. She looked up at Wheely, blinking in surprise "A camera?" She frowned "Not at all? I know how to use a 'link and do basic stuff on the Matrix but..." She shook her head.

"Nevermind I can hold the camera, the plan is to make a little video of the slaver business to publish on the Matrix if they try to mess with us. The objective is to push gangers or others to attack other facilities to divide their attention and we thought you might be better to find some words to convince those, like explaining that it is currently legal to dismantle slaving operations."

"Oh." Nyx took a second to think about that, then cocked an eyebrow "I suppose Maxwell failed to share everything. The pixie thing is an ongoing federal plan to identify the vampire population in Seattle, before killing each of them. I'm really not sure messing with that is a great idea... For one farm, they may ignore it, but if we expose everything... I'd say we have more than enough problems as it is, don't you think?"

"Damn that changes everything, assuming they didn't lie. I could still be worth to keep it as a bargaining chip if we can have them believe we are mad enough to use that. I'm sending that info to the others."

<<@Team: Looks like there is a little problem with the "expose everything" plan, according to Nyx the slaving operation is some kind of federal plan to identify the vamps, so exposing everything might push the government and some megacorps into action. I guess we could still keep it as a threat but I doubt we will be able to use it.>>

"Anything else we should know of?"

<<Not our problem. It's still illegal - even if the government does it. Slavery stays slavery. Besides, I can't really see this plan working - only affluent vampires can afford to buy pixies in the first place. And vampires with money are typically not those that the government catches.
This is either more bullshit from the Alliance or straight up corruption with a flimsy pretense. In both cases I wouldn't hesitate to let the gangs met out some street justice and to hell with possible consequences. Or do you think one of the politicians will support this program after it is made public? Those rats will drop all connections like hot irons and kick the Alliance to the wolves. Public opinion is still a factor after all.>>
Kynos replied.

<<Assuming we have the time to make it public, corps have their own decker and it wouldn't be the first video to be dismissed as edited. All I'm saying is that we should it for last, once it's out the alliance and whoever is supporting them and can't get out easily will do everything to erase physical proofs to save their hides, or what's left of it.>>

<<Yeah, but we want this as a threat and a punishment. Maybe they can put the djinn back into the bottle - but that will cost them time and resources. For us it's pretty inexpensive to create - we lose nothing, but they have another fire to put out. Also, it's the gangers we want to convince primarily. If they manage to crack this open, there will be enough other evidence from different sources that it will be hard to bury - especially if the bloggers get in on it.

Just make the video good enough that the Alliance get's worried. That's the main focus. Trust me - I know a thing or two about intimidation tactics.>>

Kynos answered.

Wheely turns to Nyx.

"I guess Kynos has a point, what do you think? Worst case it can still be use as a deterrent."

"Easy for him to say, it would not be his face on the video." She shook her head >>Team [Nyx]: You're making three big assumptions. First, that the Alliance won't call our bluff. Second, that anyone will give a damn. Oh the vampire would, they know after all. At best, they'll just ignore the problem, at worse they'll take control of the farms by themselves, or find out how it works to replicate the process. I very much doubt they want those farms simply destroyed. But the gangers? Going toe to toe with mercenaries, when it could very well be an hoax? I don't believe it. Third, and maybe more importantly, this would take time, far more than we have.

For all we know, the Alliance, when they receive the video, could very well decide that at this point, they'll have to warn the federal whatever responsible for the plan, who will send troops under the guise of making sure vital food production facilities are liberated from terrorists. That wouldn't exactly improve our day.<<

<<You never know until you try - or do you have a fragging better idea? Or an appointment? If you are too afraid to do anything you'll never gain anything.
If the feds truly cared about their illegal operation they'd have already acted. Jeez, with that attitude one could almost assume they paid you off to convince us to give up.>>

"I wasn't planning to take your face in, unless you think it would work better with it. We just need to show the facilities."

>>Team [Nyx]: You know what? Speaking of attitude, I'm tired of yours in general, and your 'shoot first, ask question later if at all' policy. So take care of this mess by yourself, and don't ask anything of me. Don't worry, I won't ask any payment out of this if we ever get one.<<

<<I'm still hearing a distinct lack of better ideas - and they released the lawyers, sounds to me like the approach works.>>

>>Team [Nyx]: Good for you then, see, you don't need me at all.<<

Casa texted >> Negative this is over with the Alliance. We get control on the farm but at their terms. This is a big step for the Finnegan's and thanks for not being bribed. Please do not cause any more collateral or we lose the farm to lawsuits, you are acting as citizens that stepped up for the police, not as shadow runners do not forget that. At least some of you would have to stick around to represent us and to appear in court.


As the cars arrive Finestra exits with Casa and two attractive elven lawyers which instantly begin recording the place. They wear expensive suits. You might have seen the female one on tv a bunch of years back, with her slogan. There is a criminal lawyer and a *criminal* lawyer. You want the latter. Debora Miles is notorious for embarrassing the knights and releasing criminals on all sorts of technicalities. She accompanies two male lawyers that seem more specialists in the specific kind of law required and a bit terrified and shaken from all the commotion.

As they arrive Finestra greets Kynos, and Simone and asks "What's the matter with Nyx?"

Simone shrugs. "Nyx is fine. She was of the opinion that we had done enough damage here. I was not in on all of the discussions, though, so Kynos is probably the better one to ask. Or mayby Nyx herself."

"Hi Boss. No big deal - just a small clash of personalities. But I get the impression she won't want to appear in court for us.
Speaking of which: I'm not too fond of an appearance myself, getting me on the stand will cost extra. Our contract is fulfilled as far as I can see."
Kynos nodded towards the devastation
"Luckily, the opposition employed a fire spirit of considerable power that got loose and killed its master, causing that devastation before it left. Tragic really.
Inside, the security personal rigged cleaning drones with grenades and managed to blow up themselves as well. Also tragic.
All other personnel left without a fuss after being informed that this was a legal act against a slaving operation.

That's my statement as far as this operation is concerned."

Casa says "of course you won't no offense Kynos but you look guilty. I won't sympathize with you -Juery won't like you. Face it, Finestra is our Gal... people dig her, Nobody will see her as a rough criminal.

Edith Cohen is a patriot... A brave woman that saw an injustice and took an action. I know about the fire spirit and we'll have to stash your pyromaniac friend deep down - he has quite the body count. Can't argue with power though. He is useful - but he stays on the lam, or we might lose the court. He has quite the body count - 12 dead Yakuza goons, two of them SINNers. While he is technically not a murderer because it was in KE time... If he is seen we lose. Make sure he is not seen or heard for until it is all over. "

Nyx is ahm... too shady for that, no offense."


Finestra thanks, Simone and then approaches Nyx - are you alright friend? You look a bit upset." She said.


The lawyers walk around as if they own the place and Debora just looks at the damages. "Looks like you might need my services," she tells the team and shares her contacts "I am expensive but well worth it."

"Upset?" Nyw frowned, then shrugged "Maybe. A disagreement with some blood-thirsty people around here over the means to use to get what we wanted. Nothing important, especially now. And considering that I will probably be leaving town soon, it doesn't really matter."

"Criminals are rough" she shrugged "Still, you are part of this team. Here by direct order of Dame Valentina. With or without fireballs and violence believe it or not you and I get just as much as the rest of them. In fact, without us, there was no mission. You negotiated like a legend with Casa I never seen anything like it - you earned us much more than your mere share. We need you, especially now, you see...

Casa had to accept the alliance terms after Maxwell threatened Ben. He did not have many options Valentina hoped that you can keep the madness down and you didn't.

Not that I blame you, being mundane and unaugmented and only semi professional with a pistol it is easy to feel sidelined. The thing is, the Alliance is sort of taking from us anything that we are hoping to earn. We need to increase profitability we have an ace in the pocket. There is only one independent food business in the city - the little guys that thrive against the cooperations.

The thing is, they do it with magic - not the fireball kind the agriculture kind. Things that the Alliance cannot use due to prejudice. The mage, in question, however, is so angry about these guys she'll never help us.
She is not so mentally stable herself - there are plenty of stories.
But you are just the type that can get through to her. Strawberry has a weak spot toward the awakened. They fascinate her and she just has to know them all. Perhaps you can charm her into helping us, negotiate her do something. I'd do it myself but well I was just not born interesting to her.

Besides, you have this hair and skin and the way you spoke to Casa - I am almost attracted to you myself. What I mean is, we need some soft skills - not more fireballs. Otherwise, we just risked our lives for nothing much. A quick sell out at terrible conditions of a business that is worth almost nothing. Strawberry's support can make this business a success! Or alternatively, she can buy Eggs! and pay us much more than anyone else - as in her hands this business is profitable. It is worth much for her - and nothing to others.

With her expertise there is profit, without it, we are stuck. "

Maxwell had remained intensely silent as Kynos, Nyx, Simone and Wheely deliberated on the wisest course of action. He glowered at the she-elf for some time though. Grinding teeth inside his head at her every reservation and complaint. Whilst offering... little in any semblance of an alternative course of action. He knew his methods weren't always the most tactful but submission was simply out of the question. To deal in on their terms would be to give up. To surrender. "I might have stirred the pot on this one a smidgen too strongly. I've effectively driven a wedge between us now. But fuck all if those terms weren't complete bullshit from the start! How am I being painted as the ultimate fucking lunatic when everything that candy-ass had said was the most jarring nonsense ever uttered by Man? So what if I let it be known that i'd rather play hopscotch in his mangled cadaver than turn in? I'm not taking that back. I stand by that statement all the way. Hold on a minute... I'm losing myself in my own train of thought and getting off topic again. Everybody is talking and I haven't a blighted thing to add other than if we should use fire to kill everyone or lightning or acid... My nihilism increases day by day it seems."

The crazed fire mage stops mentally arguing with himself when a short buzz vibrates his side. This startles him at first as he wasn't expecting something so random or abrupt. A jittery hand reaches inside a zippered jacket pocket to pull out the cheap plastic device that was his commlink. A message from Simone that came... a little while ago. Shortly after he followed Nyx via astral projection. The pyromaniac arches an eyebrow upon initial reaction to reading it. Not a word, a grunt, an open mouth, a sigh, a guffaw or any other kind of reaction that might indicate his opinion. The world around him goes quiet as he drifts off into a daydreaming haze. Images blur out of focus, sounds are retarded into a muffle and physical sensations dull away. "I'm forgetting myself more and more these days its like. I'm supposed to be misogynistic. I'm supposed to be misanthropic. I'm supposed to be miserable. Then again, me pretending to be of those traits was more an act than anything. A way to safeguard myself from myself. Oh Simone... please don't fall for me. I felt bad for kicking you out of your bed and I wanted to express my gratitude for letting me spend the night. I didn't anticipate that you'd reciprocate as well as you did. I thought it'd just be a fling at best. But... it's not your fault. I also offered to be your bed partner until you found someone yourself. But I think you found me instead though. Oh hell, I forgot to add Amy into this equation! I don't know if she'll be furious, jealous or heartbroken! There's not even an eloquent way of stating that I've been sleeping around with other women! Fuck me... Oh Amy... Oh Simone... Dammit..."

Maxwell stops reflecting and looks up at Simone in front of him. How strange that a few hours of passion had created so mighty a bond. He curses under his breath and leaves the room in a silent huff. He was changing. For better or worse, he was changing. More hotheaded, more reckless, more aggressive, more ruthless and more violent. And with his mood and mindset, his magic too changed with him. Constantly altering the way the Art and the Weave is practiced by the magician. Sadly, the idiot savant never finds out until after the fact. A shame really. To be so skilled, so powerful and to know so little.

Some time passes and the lawyers are eventually released. Maxwell still hasn't said a word yet. Either in person or in matrix. He remained quiet as Kynos talked to Finestra. Filling her in on all the gritty details. Occasionally, he would look up at the surgeon across from him. Subtlety so to that he does not draw her attention to him. He wanted to say something to her but for the life of him he didn't know what. The circus media rolls in shortly after but he pays it all no mind. Clowns and jesters they are. Politicking over nothing. But never mind it all. His focus was on Finestra and that of some guy called Casa. Maxwell wracks his brain for the significance of the name but comes up short. He shrugs it off and decides he'll find out more by listening in on to what he had to say.

After hearing about his past adventures with the Yaks causes the conjurer to rasp out his disdain towards organized crime in general. "Twelve dead you say? I only remember killing ten. Although, plenty of others were caught in the crossfire last month I didn't account for. It'd be really funny if they died in the burn ward. With modern day medicine doing drek-all to save them. And Edith Cohen? Is that the rent-a-mage they had on payroll here? You know, before her own fire elemental immolated her? Rank amateur in my book. That reminds me of another insipid mageling that tried to kill me with a different fire elemental. Only to have it blow up in her face! Bwahahahahaha!"

"Fine by me - public relations never were my strong point.
Sovereign, I think we have some business left in the cellar before we can vacate the premise."

Leaving Casa to do his talking he waited for Sovereign to catch up with him to get the rest of the Pixies.
"Guess what I just caught on the feeds: Casa wants to bring in Strawberry to push the production value of the farm.
That's what I'd call a grade one opportunity..."

Simone has had no real input to the conversation except to nod at some of the salient points. This level of diplomacy is completely beyond her and she knows it is better to keep her mouth shut than appear to be as dumb as she is. She does spare time to look over at Sovereign a couple of times, once catching him looking at her. She wonders why he has not responded to her text and considers sending it again, but realizes that would make her appear as desperate as she feels so decides to wait it out for a while longer before taking any additional action.

Looking at him brings back the memories of him in her bed and how great he had felt inside her. She sighs as she considers that the experience may be the only thing she gets from him. Still, the thought of sharing him with his girlfriend sends small signals of excitement and desire through her and she wonders again, what if..................

Casa replied: "First, Edith Cohen is the best criminal lawyer in town. She is the one I would call for myself if I have problems with the law. Might want to introduce yourself, just in case you and Lone Star are in disagreement... While it is a mystery for me how come you are not wanted by the Yaks, two dead SINners may come to haunt you.

But I did not come here to preach, I am just glad you are all alright and secured the building. This completes the first part of our plan to own equity. So far there is nothing that was not anticipated, we got the place Alliance made demands which were exaggerated but they underestimated us. A business in the food industry offers certain immunities which are valuable as it is considered critical infrastructure. It is a foot-hold which is worth much to the Finnigans and for you. Our problems are now more short-termed than longer term. We need to make this business a profitable one to enjoy some cash flow in a time where liquidity is limited.

There is a certain mage, some of you might have crossed paths with. A ginger dryad that calls herself Strawberry, normally we could have never accessed her as the Yak's held her like a trophy. Though, she recently became an independent agent. In disagreement with said organization that is sort of building an army. She befriended a powerful free spirit which rescued her from her captivity.

Now, while this Strawberry is not the most emotionally stable individual, to say the least - Nobody else has managed to profitably grow food independently of other cooperations. Heck, she even grew it in the Barrens that are considered unusable land by the Alliance. This is where our very own Nyx enters the picture an attractive awakened and socially skilled - she is just Strawberry's type. One that our agent believes can get passed her usual paranoia and be granted an audience to her. While charming the mage is our first option it is certainly not the last, I also understand that Kynos and Sovereign have had some issues with her which we can use to our advantage.


At any case, if we can get that specific mage to run our business the chances of success and profitability are looking exceptionally well and we can start discussing an informal dividend from this investment. So one way or another, she needs to run this business preferably from her own will but coerce her if there is no other choice. "

Simone shrugs her shoulders. This sort of talk is completely beyond her. She was here for a payday that seems to be farther and farther away. She slips up to Kynos and whispers to him. "I am pretty lost at this sort of negotiation. Do you mind if I go back to working on Wheely's drone or do you still think I am needed here?"

"Sure, everything seems to be in hand as far as I can see. I'll keep you posted."

To Casa he said: "Personally I'd suggest getting her a persona fix to keep her in line. There are some things you don't know about Strawberry which gives the food she produces a pretty sinister touch."

Nyx interrupted "What things?" She looked even more upset than before.

Simone shakes her head as she leaves the room. She is a support person and the negotiations here are above what she is used to. She is a simple fixer of things and people and prefers to leave the rest to those more capable. She smiles at Sovereign as she leaves and sighs a bit.

Returning to her van, she settles down to fixing the drone, trying to put thoughts of the scary mage and his girlfriend out of her mind. He seems to have made his choice and she will accept that and move on. Still........................

"Let's just say that Strawberry should draw the attention of a certain military branch of Ares that rhymes with "tire batch".
Not that I can proof it, Casa, but in light of you and your employers wanting to take her on board, I think you should be aware that she is most likely has connections to some very unsavory metaplanes."
Kynos replied

Maxwell turned around and shrugged, then kept quiet after his initial outburst. He casually payed attention to Casa elaborate on Edith Cohen and wondered whether or not it'd be worth the effort to get to know the attorney in case his dealings with the cops ever went sour. Again he shrugged and decided that he'd cross that bridge when he got to it. As soon as Casa mentioned the name Strawberry, Maxwell froze in place. Uncharacteristically, Maxwell just quietly stood still. Listening to Casa explain why she'd be the next person of interest. Next, he hears Simone speak. Then Kynos. Then Nyx. Then Kynos again. A faint memory froths in his head. He remembers that he swore his revenge on the elf. One way or another, he swore he would get the upper hand on her. One problem with that line of wishful thinking was that he was never certain how or in what way he'd get it. Maxwell's statuesque composure ends as his hands clench into fists and with him muttering several unintelligible curses to himself.

"Her? Her of all people? There's no one else? Absolutely no one else? Why that... that... that no good, rotten simpleton of a magician! Two-bit conjurer charlatan! She's barely even a mage! I can't believe I was nervous and almost scared of her when we first met. She's useless. Literally a waste of magical talent. She relies on cheap parlor tricks and thugs to get her work done. Not actual magic. In what way will anything get accomplished by working with her?" Replied Maxwell contemptibly. His eyes bloodshot and sunken in. Creating a mask of wolfish grimness. "Let's say, hypothetically, that I came to terms with this and am all on board. Is Nyx fine with the fact that she's being delegated to the task of team whore? Call me crazy but that sounds kinda demeaning."

Casa laughed "If you can make things grow with the same skill you burn them you can have this job yourself, otherwise... The Finnigan's require access to the one image that has proven capabilities in this field. Others like her exist but not as free agents if we do not get to her, some other faction will rest assured of that and if the Yak's find her before us then well she might be killed, or worse.

He looked at Nyx and said "I did not ask you to sleep with her, I asked you to get her attention. Intrigue her, you are the new awakened in town. Given her history, it is the best way to find her."

To Kynos and Maxwell, he said "Strawberry was last seen with some former colleague of yours. A changeling mouse adept that calls herself Minnie."

Even with the Novacoke Wheely is barely following the flow of conversation, especially since the subject is so focused on magic. Magic! He has seen more awakened in this mission than in his whole life (Nyx was awakened too? Though there was something weird about her). As if Mages hasn't messed with mundanes enough those past decades.

For now, Wheely stays silent and try to keep up.

"I don't see the humor, Casa. Strawberry is unstable and dangerous. Taking her off the market is likely the best solution for all parties involved.
Minnie is - as far as I am concerned - a traitor and can rot in hell. She is the main reason we had to get that expensive flight to Japan. Her allying with Strawberry is inconvenient but not entirely surprising.

But I am curious: Assuming we can make contact with her - which isn't as easy as it looks since she likes to use body doubles - what incentives would you offer her to work for you?
She has her turf and is linked to it. Making her give that up can't be easy."
Kynos replied

Casa said "Apparently Strawberry no longer has her turf. She disappeared to the Yak's and despite their extensive physical security was never found. Shortly before she allied herself with a powerful free fire spirit, the strongest one currently in town. That caused quite a few high profile events before it went off the radar.

She is on the run, with a powerful organization after her. She needs to ally with someone or she will end up dead. Magic or no magic, eventually technology overcomes. She hates the Yaks and was planning her escape for a while. Allying herself with the means of her freedom.

We have a natural environment for her. A place for her to call home and an organization to keep her safe and far away from abuse and background counts. Last but not least, Valentina is keeping these cards close to her chest, but the Finnigans know who Strawberry really is. They know her real identity which we believe is unknown to Strawberry. Valentina knows her origins, she did not disclose anything to me but this knowledge is on the table to get her to cooperate and meet with her."

Frowning, Nyx looked at Finnestra "Rough?" She shook her head "No, some criminals are pretty smooth, smart, well educated. Aren't we criminals ourselves, by most standards?" She snorted "And I'm not even sure we can say they're rough. It goes well beyond that, when your only desire in life is to kill and blow things up, you're way beyond the simple criminal tag. I think the word you wanted to use is psychotic."

She paused, then frowned "As for the deal proposed by that Ben, I was planning to consult with someone more knowledgeable as far as laws go. Maxwell's intervention, namely insults and threats prevented me from doing that." She sighed "As for that Strawberry... Maybe. But. I will promise you that if Maxwell pulls that shit again, he will have problems. The fatal kind. I don't think it'll be a problem for anyone else but him, considering that it would render a huge service to the community, but you should know."

Once she was sure Finnestra had at least understood what she had just said, Nyx rejoined the others. She listened quietly for the most part, but couldn't help snorting when Maxwell wondered about her role in it "Please." She seemed pretty sarcastic "Don't even try pretending you care about what I think. I might have bought it an hour ago, but not now."

She listened to Casa explain what he knew about Strawberry. She didn't reply straight away, appearing thoughtful. "If I'm to do any of that, I want it made clear that I will be the one doing the talking. Unless I request it, no one, and I do mean it, no one is to talk to her at all. Given the abysmal level of skills of some around here as far as social interactions go... Well, outside of intimidation tactics, I'll give you that..." She shook her head "Anyway, if any of you so much as sneezes in her direction, you can bet there won't be any kind of agreement, but..." For a moment, she considered adding some kind of threat. But it would be mainly aimed at Kynos and Maxwell, and there was no way they saw her as anything more than a chatterbox and wouldn't take her seriously. Which would give her no choice but to show them she was much more than that, and it wouldn't end well. As such, she ended just shrugging "Let's say it won't end very well."

Kynos shrugged:
"Ok, Casa, sounds like you could have something to offer her. Although I have my doubts that this kind of agriculture with artificial fertilizers and pesticides will jive with all that nature mumbo jumbo dryads like. But that's production detail I don't care about."
At Nyx assertion he just shrugged:
"As you wish. I hadn't really planned to talk to Strawberry again anyway. So rest assured that I won't come anywhere near you on this mission.

Excuse me now, I have to gather some intelligence."

Kynos turned around and composed a private message to his Yakuza contact Balls:
<<Hey there Balls, I hope I find you in good health. I just learned that your esteemed organisation had a little falling out with Strawberry. Is it true that you guys have called a bounty on her head?
I'd be interested on getting her off the street, so if you can give me some useful info in that regard I'd appreciate it - favor for a favor and all that.>>

Finestra watched Nyx with empathy and nodded with agreement when Nyx finished she added: "They got the job done though." Finestra watched the angry women as she established her dominance she kept her poker face and did not show an overall concern to Maxwell or the other. Her social instincts taught her when it was best to be quiet. Still, Nyx would not have been the first to literally kill a fellow runner. Afterall, she herself worked frictionlessly with the man that murdered one of her comrades. Sometimes we play for the same team, sometimes we play for opposing teams was how she summarized it. She sighed and lit a cigarette, trying to relax from the hectic day and distance herself from the social conflict.


Casa remained silent and watched the interplay carefully clearly alert.


Balls texted back >> Bitch is off limits, nobody has seen her in a long while... Even if we do, none of us is allowed to talk to her. Mr. Andu is especially crisp about her. So even asking about her can get me in troubles.

<<Interesting. Would Mr. Andu mind if I contacted him instead? I'm sure we could come to an arrangement.>>
Kynos replied.

Simone finishes one of the legs and carefully examines it for flaws. Finding none, she sits back and raises her goggles to the top of her head and smiles. "One down and three to go." She gets up to use the toilet and grab a Dr Pepper as she stretches muscles sore from sitting at the bench. Shaking her head, she walks back to the bench and sits down as she lowers her goggles again and picks up a second leg to begin working on it.

Balls texts >> Andu?! Do you really want to contact him directly? You have iron balls Kynos, I'll give you that but don't mention my name when you do. Nobody knows why the man has not sent people to get you after that incident.


Casa looks at the gang and says "Try not to get in trouble kids... I'll leave you the file on Strawberry. If you require any equipment ask Finestra. There is a safe house approved for you... It is a populated area so try not to draw too much attention to yourself. "

<<Sure thing, Balls. Catch you later. Love Kynos.>>

Without a trace of hesitation, Kynos used the contact for Mr. Andu:
<<Greetings. It has come to my attention that your esteemed organization has had a difference of opinions with the mage called Strawberry. I myself have a vested interest in her being removed from play. I hope in light of a common goal we can leave past differences aside for a mutual beneficial cooperation. Love Kynos.>>

Kynos nodded at Casa
"Sure thing. We'll keep you posted."

>> 18:00, Red Phonix, Golden Dragon room, bring a suit . A bit of research reveals the Red Phoniex to be an eastern restaurant. There is plenty of parking and the place is ranked very high in the city. There is a dress code and the prices are also high.

<<I'll be there.>>
Kynos replied. He knew all to well that this could be a trap - but then, this at least would be a fun distraction.
Still, that didn't mean he had to come unprepared. And there was some time to do so.

To the closed team circuit he sent the next message:
<<Alright, I just got a date with a head honcho of the Yaks to hash out that Strawberry business. Might give us a place to start looking for Strawberry and avoid having Yaks breathing down our necks while we do so.
Anyone interested in watching my back?
Simone, I could use you and your van for transport. And I assume you, Sovereign, might also want to know what the Yaks have to say.
I'll go home for a few hours of Zs and change into my good suit, but I'm available over matrix.>>

The message from Kynos comes in as she is nearly done with the second leg. She sits back and looks at the work in front of her and nods to herself before sending her reply. >>You got it. Are we done here then? And will you need me inside with you or just as wheelgirl?<<

She hunches back over the bench to put the finishing touches on the drone leg while waiting for Kynos to get back to her.

<<As far as I know it's an expensive place with a strict dress code - so no battle axes, even if they match your purse.
If you can deal with that - feel free to tag along, but I don't mind if you'd rather sit in the car and wait for me being thrown through a window. I'm not saying that it will happen, but it might...>>
Kynos replied.