>>I can clean up nice and the battleaxe is not permanently attached to my arm. So, do you think a shotgun would be an acceptable accessory instead? OK, OK, no guns. I have a very nice gown I brought all the way from Paris that I could wear. How much time do I have to clean the grease from my face and fingernails and get dressed? And are we done here so I can move my van?<<

"Wait." Nyw frowned suspiciously "Casa just told us that if the Yaks find that Strawberry, she'll be fish food, and you want to go talk to them about her? What are you intending to do here?"

"Well, obviously we have no influence about weather the Yaks will find and murder Strawberry. By talking to them I might learn something they know. At the very least I know who her enemy is. Could be a bargaining chip when you talk to her.
Ideally, they'll back off from their hunt and leave hunting her to me. But I wouldn't hold my breath for that outcome."

<<The meeting is at 1800h, so there is plenty time to wash and get ready. And as far as I'm concerned, yes, we can leave here and move to the safe house.>>

Simone nods as the reply comes in. Sighing, she secures the drone leg in some brackets and checks on the other parts that are loaded in the van. While doing that she sends a message back out to the team. >>Roger, packing to leave. Wheely, I have your drone all packed up and secure. I will continue to work on it as time allows, but I am still pretty confident that I can have it back together in a couple of days. So does anyone need a ride to the safe house with me? Please let me know so I can be sure to not leave anyone behind. Hey, Kynos, it sort of sounds like we have completed the original contract and are moving on to something new or at least something added beyond the original scope. I am assuming that we are getting paid for the prior run and can I ask what the pay is for the new one?<<

<<We haven't negotiated the price yet - that's another reason I want to talk to the Yaks: Casa has to meet the bounty on her head at the very least.
Informed decisions and all that.>>
Kynos replied.

>>Fine, I can let you smart guys work out the pay, but I hope we are not working for free. I will be loaded up and ready to roll in about fifteen. I will make a last call for rides before I go. Plenty of room here for all who need a lift.<<

<<@Simone Thanks don't hesitate if you need a hand.
@Team Looks like I'm not needed for now so I will chill at the safehouse, call me if you need a driver>>

<<You are welcome to tag along - or you could use your computer skills and maybe also buy some cheap flyspy drones and start searching for Strawberry.>>
Kynos refrained from adding anything about a disturbing lack of motivation and initiative. 'Hopefully that didn't deplete my diplomacy resources for today...'

>>Hey, Wheely, you are welcome to use the shop in the van to work on your drone if you like if you need something to do. That way, we also have someone ready to be at the wheel of the van if anything goes south at the meet with the Yaks. And Kynos, not to sound too brash, but 2K for a stripped down Fly Spy is not really cheap when we have not been paid yet for the mission. Has the client made any sort of distribution of funds yet? Have not heard from Sovereign yet. I brought him here and hate to leave him in the lurch if he needs a ride back.<<

Finestra adds "We sort of already know where Strawberry is, it is all in the file. There was a massive fire spirit set free - and I am talking demi god massive. She influenced people all over its path to behave passionately and erratically. Then Strawberry calmed it down somehow, perhaps allied it or offered it something. As Strawberry was last seen with the spirit, she is probably still with it. The fire spirit was last seen in Tacoma, our experts say that it should be reasonably easy to discover such a powerful spirit. "

<<I'm pretty sure you too got handed a bunch of cred sticks from selling those pixies to the vampire and so did Wheely.>>
Kynos replied

To Finestra he said: "All the more reason to get a drone into the air and watch out for her, before the Yaks find out that Fire Spirits can be countered with water."

"Oh I didn't get that we knew her position, I've heard that spirits have trouble to spot drones so yeah it's a good idea. I will get on that from the safe house."

Finestra added" The spirit is referred to as a fire spirit because it burned some government warehouses at the dock. This was the first documented sighting illustrating it as a large fire entity.
The next sightings were different and in many ways terrifying. It attended several social events possible in human form and its mere presence made these go out of control, from mass violence to orgies and hysteria.

Then came our ginger witch and somehow just took that spirit into an old park which is now not much more than a wilderness. This is what got's Valentina's attention in the first place - that specific mage we are after
is believed to be very much pinned to a specific place. We believe that the yaks would not just let her leave like that. The only other sightings we have on Strawberry is at the Joke, never very far from that spot.

The spirit's victim describes it as many things, possibly some magical effect. Most of them carry some fetish like a school girl, a pool man, young boys and even famous cartoon figures. These seem to reflect more about the viewer than about the spirit. It is unlike other fire spirits, just a head up. What I am trying to say
is, we honestly do not know what it is. In a way we do not care, larger and more powerful organizations will go after that spirit. We just want to seize Strawberry whose days are also numbered as well - she was the only mage in the city to confront that beast and was successful in removing it away from the mass concentration of people. That kind of fame does not sit well for Strawberry as well.

What I am saying, we can send fly spies to Tacoma but we believe that going to that park would definitely mean it finds us."

"Wait will they be able to get back to us from a drone? Even if they spot it surely we are not the only one interested in prying on them.

Also flying drones aren't really my thing but I should be able to get one in a couple of days…"

Finestra said "I am a direct person if the spirit is in the park, I'd just go there.

Safehouse is a no questions asked motel... Bad hood, prostitution, drugs and gang violence. Nothing that tough criminals like yourself cannot handle. Though, I would stay there as little as possible and the sooner we get this gig resolved the better for us.

You can do whatever you like in there, but use caution, just because nobody cares if you carry around a sniper rifle does not mean that they won't remember it. Blissheads and Clockers would do anything for their next shot. This zone was a no go zone to the Knights, too many hostile gangs and these now sport the kind of firepower to blow up an armored police patrol. Current gang calls themselves the Cobras, they are survivalist human supremacy bigots and are organized as a militia.

They should not bother you because you are under the protection of the Finnigan's and their presence will keep the police out. If there are problems tell them you are Gery's guests - and do call me before you start violence. I know most of these assholes by their given name. Which is more than I can say for their gangmates.

Our rooms are on a bulk, I am extending you digital keys. It's not a nice place, so let's get it over with... " She shrugs. Finestra climbs her oversized Scorpion bike and done her helmet "Perhaps you need a ride?" She eyes Nyx suggestingly.

Given the way Nyx looked at Kynos when he talked about 'hunting" Strawberry, it was pretty obvious she doubted they had the same goal. It was only a supposition though, and maybe she wasn't in the right state of mind, which made her see things where there was nothing. So when she was asked by Finestra if she needed a drive, she nodded "Hum, yeah, that would help, thanks."

Finestra said "There is an extra helmet in the back, use it. " She said flatly and closed her helmet. It was an high-tech biking helmet with augmented reality on its inner side. Nyx hops on the bike that speeds silently and without lights. That silence is strange - it is unnatural for that specific bike.
The Scorpion has speakers to emulate an old engine sound and these are very loud.
This specific model is completely silent. Finestra drives well above the speed limits, but there was no police force yet to enforce such rules. Another strange thing was that the two were not headed toward the safe house, the direction was wrong, they were heading north east rather than south. Finestra remains silent and skillfully maneuvers the light traffic, hugging the shorter woman it is evident that she is physically fit.

Kynos nodded and made his way to the car as well. To Simone he said:
"I need you to stop by the casino, I left my bag in one of the lockers."

Once inside the car he took of the helmet and revealed his sweat soaked, short cropped hair. He had the distinct feeling that despite the presumed agelessness of his elven nature there must have cropped up some more grey hairs. The nap in the infirmary had at best delayed the fatigue he was feeling now. On an intellectual level he knew that what he felt was the hangover from the endorphin and adrenaline rush that the assault had brought him. Still, he had to fight the depressive mood that started to come over him like a wast, black tide.

He barely noticed when Simone started to drive towards the so called safe house - the area looked worse than where he had holed up the last two months. Still, there seemed to be electricity and flowing water. Without so much as a word he found one of the rooms - ignoring the hookers and junkies in the lobby - gave the room a perfunctory check for any hidden bug-spirits, got out of his armor and into the shower.
The lukewarm water turned cold after only a few seconds, but Kynos stayed under the icy stream for another few minutes.

With blue lips but a nice clean feel, he stepped out of the tiny bath, used a towel to become slightly less wet and turned to the essentials:

In his underwear he sat at the small, rickety table and began to methodically clean all his gear, reload magazines and examine his armor for wear and tear, relying on manuals to perform all the necessary steps. He spend another 15 minutes methodically killing all RFID chips he could find in the liberated ammunition. Only when his go bag was once again functional and his fancy suit was sure to be clean and wrinkle free, did he fall onto the smelly bed for some shut eye. His alarm was set to wake him an hour before it was time.

"Say Sovereign, do you think you could arrange a meet for me with the Brain Eaters? They might have a spare flying drone, this will be much faster than going through my fixer. With some luck they will even have someone to teach me the basics of those things."

The ride to the safe house was subdued, with Simone, Kynos, and Sovereign all lost in their own thoughts. The scary mage's continued silence and apparent aloofness to Simone certainly served to dash any hopes that she would be included in his life beyond a professional level. Driving through the neighborhood is a bit depressing, too. Still, the news that the gang is well armed and equipped might mean that she could get some paying work if they are here long enough.

"Hey, Kynos. Not too sure I want to leave the van out. I have a very nice shower and bed here and would like to remain in the van, if that is possible. I can come inside for meetings, but I am still working on Wheely's drone. Is that OK? I will be ready to get us to the meeting."

"Sure, normally I'd say I'll send a snack out to you, but I assume you've got better fare here than can be found in the snack automates in there."
Kynos replied with a shrug.

Ayato was silent, he received a text message that placed his values to the test. There he was working for the Mafia to cover a debt of money and honor to the Yakuza, it seemed innocent but now that Mafia wanted to steal a mage from the Yakuza. Strawberry and her army of spirits. The legendary witch that was able to resist the mighty Yakuza on her own. Sure, she was captured eventually, forced to give up - but that was not a victory of might. It was a victory of someone without morality and borders over a pacifist.

Ayato remembered why Strawberry yielded, it was her son. The insane, magician did not even recognize him but she felt the connection. She could not let Ayato slay the poor man. With Strawberry's cooperation, the Yaks were able to expand and build an army. Strawberry's influence over people has caused the mighty Ares to arm them like a private army. The pacifist mage made sure that the right officials were seduced to accept bribes. She gave mr. Andu the possibility to achieve what the other Yakuza factions could never achieve. To subdue all the gangs in the Barrens - to become the rulers of Redmond. Soon the entire city would pay protection to the SINless army of Redmond and Andu would be completely free. The shadow ruler of the entire city.

That Strawberry has run away, how could someone with such a silly name was so valuable. The call from mr. Andu came shortly after Kynos made the call and Ayato knew the words even before Andu said them. Strawberry must either be killed or delivered to Andu. What happened to her child? How come Andu has lost his leverage over her? and how was that insanely powerful spirit related? Ayato did not know the answers. He did not refuse Mr Andu, but the thought of having to double-cross his teammates saddened him. They were just trying to make up some money - to use Strawberry to grow chickens or chicken food with her forbidden ant spirit magic. They did not deserve her, they had no vision and did not understand the magnitude of Strawberry's mental capabilities. Or perhaps they did... and the chicken story was just a coverup?

Ayato kept to himself during the drive, he got settled in his room, showered and begun cleaning his weapons and his blood stained sword. They were all pawns in a much larger power play, but at least he knew things for what they were. It was for the better good - even if the Mafia scores Strawberry, Andu knew too much his men would just take her back or worse. Destroy that Eggs! building and kill everyone... Heck, they might even send Ayato with the demolition team. No... Betrayal was for their own good. Or so he tried to convince himself. It felt terrible and dishonorable - but how could he refuse mr. Andu?

@Nicole as you start working in the car and the hours pass a large crowd of junkies assembles watching your cars perhaps looking for something to steal. They are at bay but the sight of working cars is unusual.
A pale woman approaches your car wearing a very short dress with a generous cleavage. "Perhaps you require my services?" She asks.


@All The Safehouse is well guarded, the Cobras sport automatic weapons and grenade launchers and wear green military like clothes. The only thing that makes them a gang like is the large cobra snake devouring an elephant on the back of their uniforms. No military would have such a silly drawing as their symbol. The same drawing waves around like a flag on the nearby buildings the neighborhood feels like an occupied territory marked at the building level. The nearby buildings are Cobra's but there are other flags and other militias. It made the team wonder - how do pathetic gangers gain access to such equipment? Food - was also evidently plentiful. People were not hungry, not even the junkies - you have seen hungry people in many other places. Sure the rich have enough but the beggars were hungry, lesser gangs were dying like flies attacking armed supermarkets desperately trying to feed. Other were stealing and food became a commodity to be delivered in armored trucks... and even that was not enough.

@Nyx Finestra says casually "Don't be alarmed I am not kidnapping you. Though we are not going to the safe house... Having the team settling in there bought us a few hours to conclude the negotiations. Valentina trusts only you for such delicate negotiations. You are the most unusual casino hostess. I could have never guessed that you had such an integral part in this gig."

Nyx shrugged "I wasn't really worried." she paused, then asked "I'm glad I don't have to go to that Safe House but... Which negotiations are we talking about? Those with the Alliance who are supposed to be done, or with Strawberry which are supposed to be taken care of later?"

@Nyx Finestra "Strawberry, you see Valentina has two agents already entangled with Strawberry, she is always planning within plans within plans. They call her the iron lady as she is the only outsider at their family's inner cycle. Anyhow, she has two renegade agents entangled with Strawberry, agents which Valentina still has the means to compel to meet us.

There is Nagisa whom you saw earlier, she is a senior decker a talented one as well, she had certain priveledges within the family and one of these was the right to companionship. She fell in love with a high-end prostitute called Yulia. Yulia is a mouse changling and a very promising adept. Valentina has gone to great length to bring Yulia out of her original profession into this new profession.

Now guess what, on her first mission as an adept. Yulia falls madly in love with Strawberry, move in with her and then compels her poor girlfriend to do the same. An insane story, right? The thing that I find most disturbing is how convenient it is that the two most trusted allies Strawberry were linked to Valentina's organization. It is very much likely that these girls are looking for some way to get back in grace. As traitors of their kind are usually killed - though Valentina avoided any retaliation for these actions. Which makes me wonder if she planned for this moment all along?"

The bikes pull over at a secure high-end neighborhood called the Vault. Which is a gated community composed out of several tall buildings. Before pulling in, Finestra said "You are Valerie and I am Fabiana Pope. You are probably my new girlfriend unless you come up with some better excuse. We will get in, clean up and dress up and head to meet Nagisa and Yulia. Oh and I hope you like cats...

Simone has kept her service window open while working on the drone for Wheely. After all, with the people out here that seem well armed, it is possible that some may come to her for work and in fact she gets two customers in the first hour. Both need some minor tweaks to a weapon and sends them off as happy customers. She expects that word of mouth will get her more of the same. She does smile at the rather attractive woman who approaches the van. The prostitute is likely in her late teens or early twenties and Simone has a bit of sexual frustration to work out.

After working out the hourly rate, she closes her shop window and invites the girl inside. Simone has had experience with prostitutes in the past and is prepared for the usual pretend this and fake that, but is clearly surprised at the intensity of the young woman and it is apparent that the girl is also as surprised as Simone is. After Simone catches her breath, she learns that the prostitute's name is Carla and that she works a corner near Gabby's Bar, about a block from the safe house. She allows the girl to use her shower and tips her well above the norm before promising to see her again..........soon. Simone shakes her head as she climbs into the shower herself to get ready for the evening.

Looking through her rather sparse selection, she realizes that she really only has one gown that would be appropriate for the meeting. She had bought it for her graduation from medical school and it had cost her about three month's salary. But it had been worth it. The backless emerald green gown ties behind the neck and brushes the floor. The bodice does well at emphasizing her bust but is demure enough to be acceptable in any forum. She slips the gown on and smooths it down over her curves then takes some care with her hair and makeup. She smiles at the effect in the mirror, shaking her head at the woman looking back at her. The gown is a reminder of what her former life could have been and is just about the only thing she brought away from France when she left. Turning from side to side, she is quite pleased that not only does it still fit her, but that she looks damned hot in it.

She straps on her thigh sheath and slips the sapphire knife into it. Ready, she grabs up the clutch with her lipstick, her makeup compact, and a credstick and leaves the van, locking it up behind her. Walking the few feet to the front door of the building, she endures several cat calls and wolf whistles from the men nearby. >>Kynos. I am ready and waiting at the outside at the door for you. We are taking my van, right?<<

<<Right. I'll be there momentarily.>>

Kynos had made sure his suit was wrinkle free and even ironed one of his shirts into a semblance of civilized clothing. His buzz cut needed no maintenance beyond a wash cloth.
When he reached Simone he actually smiled, while he shouldered his bag. Again from his forearm a small piece of bandage was visible beneath the jacket sleeve. The tailored suit didn't reveal any hidden weapons.

"Alright, let's do this."
<<We are off to the meeting - whoever feels like it is welcome to tag along or keep us covered.>>

Kynos decided against opening the car door for Simone. Not only was it her car and she was driving, he also wasn't sure if the car wouldn't shock him as an intruder. So he waited for Simone to open her door first, before he climbed into the passenger seat beside her.
"So, just to be clear: I'll probably say a lot of things during this meet, that seem pretty harsh. But don't think for a second that my first loyalty isn't to the team.
There is a pretty good chance that the Yaks will try to kill us - either before or after we had our talk. Likewise there is a good chance they'll drug us and try to drag us to some torture cellar.
So if you have some antidote patches for narcoject, this would be the time to share. For that reason don't eat anything you haven't seen coming fresh from a package or drink anything that isn't served in a sealed bottle. Also don't drink from any glas that they serve you.
When I say run, you run for your car. No looking back, just get out and away."

Simone unsecures the vehicle and climbs in, watching as Kynos enters from the passenger side and anyone else coming moves to the back seating area. She apologizes for the slight jumble in the service area, explaining that Wheely's drone is being put back together and is taking up some of the space. She pulls away from the curb and listens to Kynos' speech before nodding.

"Got it. But you seem sure that I could not be useful if you have to stay and fight, but I might be misinterpreting that. Can you please explain your rationale for not wanting me to stay and help you? I am not completely without the ability to be useful. And yes, I do have various slap patches and antidotes and can give you some to carry with you before we go inside. I also have this really neat ring that tells me if my food and drink has been tampered with. I am sorry that I only have the one, but I can certainly find an excuse to pass my hand over your food and drink and let you know if it is safe to consume. My two bracelets are Medusa drones that can inject narcoject into someone who is getting a bit frisky."

She looks sideways at him. "So, regardless of what I do if the drek hits the fan, how are we playing the initial meet? My guess is that my role is eye candy, which gives me a reason to be there but does not require that I say anything stupid. How much familiarity do you want me to display. I would have a good excuse to have my hand over your plate if I feed you occasional tidbits from it. Do I hold your arm or your hand and do I allow you to talk bad about me? In any case, it might be much better if you ran and left me to the Yaks. I could perhaps learn things that you could not."

"My rational is that you are my getaway driver. If you are killed I have to walk home. I hate that.
Honestly, I'd prefer it if you came across as a hardened runner - otherwise those Yaks could get it into their head that I brought you as some kind of present. Which again I would not like because you have the keys to the car.
What you could learn from the Yaks... probably the current level of misogyny in the local Yak culture. Once they have you they won't let you out again with all your body parts attached. It's one of my principles not to leave a man or woman behind.

Whatever you do or say, don't even think about mentioning our plans or mission. I introduced this as me being interested to join forces to take out Strawberry.
Having your chemsniffer around is good. I'll give you an opportunity to use it.

Again, just run for the car, so I have somewhere to run to too. I don't hope that this happens, but I can see it happen all too easy.

This whole thing is about respect. We show some, but at the same time they have to show us some too. Otherwise we just become their slaves with payment consisting only out of threats and abuse."
Kynos replied laconically.

Simone nods. "I can be a hardened runner keep my mouthy shut about any plans. I can also agree to run for the van, but I also feel as strongly as you do about leaving team members behind. You do not get to be the only one that feels that way and I will go back in for you if you are not able to follow me out."

Kynos grinned:
"Deal."

Kynos grinned:
"Deal."

Simone waits to be sure that everyone is ready then pulls away from the curb. She looks over at Kynos with a grin. "As long as it means I don't take a risk of getting my very expensive nylons ripped, of course. If that is a risk, all bets are off and you are on your own." She laughs at the expression on his face. "Well, it might be the case if I was wearing nylons."

Satisfied on some level, Simone whistles as she drives to the meeting location.

@Nyx Finestra sneaks you to her apartment, it is a small one bedroom apartment with an armed guard at the building's entrance. When he asked who you are, Finestra smiled and stroked your hand. Which was enough for the guard not to scan your SIN. The elevator ride is quick and Finestra explains "You need a proper shower and some fresh clothes. I have it all don't worry"

Her apartment is meticulously clean with plenty of cat images on the walls. In her closet you find plenty of clothes enough for a small shop at multiple sizes. Many of the clothes are of different sizes which makes it evident that Finestra is not the only one to use that particular safe house. Other than that there are no identifiable features. Finestra selects a black dress and some under garments and says "make yourself at home, Casa has here plenty of sizes. It is a much nicer spot but the guard at the entrance makes it a bit difficult at times. We are meeting with Minnie and Nagisa soon, so don't take too much time."

@Simone, Kynos You arrive at the Red Phoenix and the restaurant is packed. You are greeted by a troll named Zog, which wears a fancy suit and invites you to seat and orders drinks, apparently Andu had previous engagements and will be late. Zog apologia in his behalf. Although the place is packed with many clients it is evident that at least some of the couples are actually security - either that or the two of you are very attractive to look at.

At the enter to the restaurant there is a SIN scanner as well as a metal detector and the guards would not let anyone armed passed. (If you weapons do state it and roll palming).

Kynos had left his gun in the car - since the security was as high as expected. Nevertheless he chose to keep his legal taser on him. The Berwick Suit was well tailored to keep hidden his trusty Defiance



Just to make it a bit harder for the security guys, he made sure that he kept Simone gripped close to his body, obscuring and shielding his weapon of last resolve.

Simone knows that the metal detector will not pick up the sapphire knife in its thigh sheath, but the security guards might find it if they want to go that far. Her gown floats just above the floor when she is in her heels and a man would need to move a bunch of fabric to get to it. Of course, so would she, but then it is a weapon of last resort, not one she expects to have out and in action quickly. Her Medusa bracelets are currently wireless off and would appear as jewelry.

She smiles as Kynos puts his arm around her and walks with her to the bar. She orders white wine and makes sure to innocently pass the hand with her ring over the drinks brought to either of them.

True to his own advice, Kynos ordered mineral water and made sure to open the bottle himself. He didn't intend to drink any alcohol tonight - not when he was dealing with someone that high in the Yakuza's hierarchy.
He performed a silent toast toward Simone and Zog before taking a sip. Mentally, he was trying to identify all the people who were with security and calculated the point in the restaurant where the lines of fire would be most favorable to him. He came to the conclusion that the best place would be behind the bar with an exit through the storage rooms. Just as a secondary option he mentally marked a petite looking woman that probably was a crack shot, but didn't have too strongly toned legs, indicating she was no martial arts expert. Getting her gun would be the alternative Plan. To that effect he ordered a double whiskey - pure, wincing slightly at the stated price.
He didn't touch the drink, but asked his companion: "Would you have a lighter for me?"

@Kynos it is evident that security inside is not very alert, clearly waiting for someone to come. They seem to be seated next to windows and doors hinting to their task. They clearly want nobody to enter or leave when given the order. Yet, they do not specifically respond to your entering so you do not feel threatened (or you may feel threatened but you do not see concrete evidence that this is going to degrade to violence.)
Also, none of the security seems to be carrying guns. They are all equipped with tasers and stun batons. For an organization that is rumored to be hoarding advanced military grade weapons, they are sure lightly armed. This reminds you of a specific ginger that had a similar kind of agreement with Mr. Andu the one that Venom's people disobeyed and that you decommissioned. Perhaps your relationship with the Yak's is just bad.

@Kynos and Simone, Zog drinks with you and says "Welcome welcome, have a seat... Andu-San will be here in a minute he apologizes for being late. You guys are going to share a Fugo fish and discuss your future plans. In the meantime, let me order you drinks."

A large armored car stops at the entrance to the building, a very expensive one. Out of it exit two armed men with tasers and stun batons and then Mr. Andu which opens the door to a very attractive and boldly dressed ginger elf. It is Strawberry, no doubt of that - it is difficult to forget her. As the two enter all the guards tense up. Some of them are forming eye contact with Andu which apparently can instruct them with very subtle gestures.

As for Strawberry, she is wearing a flowery red cheongsam dress with a generous cleavage. Her hair is collected in a bun and her green eyes are inquisitive. The woman is stunning and it is evidence that her entrance is accepted with awe in the restaurant. All the eyes of both male and female attendees are enchanted by her look and Andu's security is obvious as they are the only ones that look away. The crowded restaurant becomes suddenly quiet, Mr. Andu seats and allows the waiter to pull out a chair for Strawberry. It is only once she seats, that people seem to resume breathing and talking - and even then many of them are whispering among themselves.

Mr. Andu extends a hand to Simone and introduces himself as Andu. The breathtaking ginger elf remains silent but extends her hand as well. Mr. Andu replied "My lovely dinner companion is Strawberry - our mage. She was gracious enough to respect us with her presence but be aware that she does not speak in public. It is an ordeal she took upon herself. She will text us if she wants to participate in the conversation."

<<@Simone: Well. That was unexpected. Although I'm not buying this - Strawberry has used decoys before, all of them mute.
@Team: A slight complication has arisen - Andu has brought a young lady with him that looks remarkably like Strawberry...>>
Kynos got up and gave Andu a slight bow that probably was all kinds of wrong in polite Japanese society. But then, he was an uneducated round eye and probably no-one expected him to do anything else.
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Andu."
He sent a calculating look at the woman that looked like Strawberry.
"I don't want to appear rude, but now I wish I'd have known about your companion beforehand.
I happen to have given my word to an acquaintance that I wouldn't try to talk to her. And since I am a man of my word, please do not take it remiss if I'll be only referring to you."


"Anyway, thank you for the invitation and the chance to talk eye to eye."

Andu smiled and said, "Well, I must say that I am intrigued." He sighed and said "Strawberry is unpredictable... I could not give you heads up because I did not know. It is a relationship that requires some open mindedness and compromises. Like all relationships." He explained. Strawberry just smiled at Kynos and quickly shifted her attention to Simone. She effortlessly played with Simone's visual attention and focused it on her lips. All she need to do was taste her wine. The woman wiggled the glass a bit smelled it and then closed her eyes and tasted the wine. Eyes closed and the lips opened just a bit implying a different kind of pleasure. Simone was almost certain that Strawberry was flirting with her, but she could not understand exactly why she thought that.

After a quick stop at his house Wheely was heading to the Brain Eaters fortress. He swears and turn around when he receive Kynos message.

<<@Team: Don't like the sound of that, I'm coming to your position for whatever backup I might be able to provide if things go south. Anyone need to be picked up on my way?>>

While it was still just the two of them and Zog, Simone nods and reaches for a lighter on the counter and flicks it to life as she passes her hand over Kynos' drink. She smiles and picks up the glass to take a sip of it to let him know it is safe. She gives a slight grimace. "Ugh, no thanks. I will stick to my wine."

She stands with Kynos when the Yak boss enters the room with the elf. "Thank you, Andu-san, for seeing us tonight. I hope that I am not too out of place in saying that I would kill for either the figure or the dress of your companion." She sits in the chair that Zog pulls out for her, leaving the rest of the talking to Kynos at this point. She looks directly at Strawberry when the woman is flirting with her and can feel the attraction,, unable to completely resist it even though she knows she is being played. Simone gives a quick glance to Kynos then back to Strawberry.

Nyx cocked an eyebrow "A mouse changeling? I don't know about the rest, but at least that's exotic..." The comment seemed a bit out of place, given everything else that was said. It was however a perfectly good way to get some time to think "I don't mind cats. Though they don't seem to like me very much." She frowned "And don't expect me to be a cuddly girlfriend."

After a second or two, she added "And you know, when there's one betrayal, there are often more lurking behind..."

Kynos tried to smile, but all he managed was to move the corners of his mouth a bit.
<<Simone: I'm handing you a stealth tag. I just had it reboot with a start up delay of six hours. Since you are already flirting, can you manage to put it somewhere on the girl where it will stay? In her hair for example?>>
With that he laid his hand on Simones and squeezed for a second as if to reaffirm her.

"Indeed, a lot of compromising. Again, I have to apologize, it seems I was ill informed about the current status of your relationship. I wouldn't have bothered you if I had.
Still, now that we are here I have to ask: Am I to understand that she is once again part of your esteemed organization and enjoys the privileges and duties that membership entails?"

@Nyx Finestra said "Oh she is exotic... The senior Finnigans miss her greatly.
She was educated solely for pleasure since child birth, Finnigan's are like that. Just like Nagisa was raised to be a decker since an early age. You won't be bored with her.

About loyalty and betrayal? I could never afford to behave like this. If I was a prostitute and Valentina would have redeemed me of that fate, I would have never betrayed her. Heck, I would not even consider crossing Valentina or Casa now. Finnigans do not normally tolerate lack of loyalty. It puzzles me how these two are still alive, but these thoughts are above my pay grade. "

She continued to dress and replied "I am a cat person, got two of them in my real apartment.
Kind of unprofessional but these are their pictures on the walls. No worry about cuddling, you do not have to pretend to be my girlfriend once we leave. Besides, if my cats don't like you then it limits our options... She smiled, amused by the image of how the two of you would cuddle.

"Nothing explicit from me, I do it subtly - a kiss would look like trying too hard. You saw how I got you passed the guard by smiling at him and holding your hand. I did not say you were my lover, he assumed that. Things are always hotter in Men's imagination.

She frowned "Besides, You are out of my league anyhow... "

@Kynos
Andu replied, "Strawberry has never left us, it is strange that you asked about it. However, if there is another mage out there that you can fetch us without anyone knowing. You might have a lucrative deal here."

Simone takes the very small tag from Kynos and smiles at him as if reassured of something and then switches her attention to Strawberry. She knows that she is being seduced and she is letting it happen, not knowing where this is going but Kynos must have a plan of some kind. She waits for Strawberry to look at her again and smiles at the beautiful elven woman. Seeing as the men are talking, she bends forward a bit and whispers softly to the woman. "Love the dress. I don't really have the figure for it, but it fits you very well. Who tailored it for you, if that is not too personal?"

Simone Strawberry listens carefully but does not answer your question. In the meanwhile, your dinner arrives it is the deadly Fugo fish. Mr. Andu said "Tonight we are going to consume the Fugo fish, it is the most dangerous edible fish, its venom is potent enough to kill thirty men. Few chefs can properly make it without killing you. I find that this experience breaks the ice and establishes trust."

(Knowledge check in cooking - or something related threshold 3 will tell you something cool).

"I can't say that this would have ever occurred to me as a measure to establish trust. Especially since there are a lot of ways to improve one's chances of survival if one is prepared. I hope the cook takes a bite before us.

As for other mages: Those are indeed hard to come by. Even more if you want one that isn't crazy, toxic or in league bug spirits. Only a little while ago I was hired to dispatch one that had turned toxic. An alchemist that terrorized a shopping center. A really unfortunate situation. But I'll keep my eyes open for a suitable candidate.

As I said, I was misinformed. But that is why chances to talk about these things in a civilized manner are so very precious."

<<Team: Bad news, good news: According to Andu, Strawberry is still in good graces with the Yakuza. So getting her will cause major friction. Good news is that so far he only wants us to eat a poisonous fish called Fugo with us. Anyone know what this fish is about?
Oh and he is asking if I can sell him some more mages.>>

Simone remembers that the woman does not talk and blushes a bit. She does, however, look closely at the woman's dress, impressed with how it is staying up.

Not being a cook, she knows nothing special about the dish brought out to them, but she has heard of it. Still, she is playing the role of a hardened, yet flirty, runner and she reaches out to take a piece of the fish when Andu indicates that she should try it. Feeling that the meal deserves something special, Simone takes a small bit of the fish on her fork and places it gently to her lips, savoring the smell and texture. She may not be a true gourmand, but she is French and she grew up in a household where the appreciation of food and wine was not only important, it was mandatory and she calls on her memories of her youth to guide her. She leaves the bite of fish on her lips for no more than a couple of seconds, but long enough for the delicate flavor to be detected. She opens her lips just enough to place the bite on her tongue and closes her mouth, not wasting any of the flavor as she closes her eyes in appreciation.

Simone finds the taste immeasurably nice and realizes that she could really get used to whatever the chef cooks. Without opening her eyes, she speaks in French of how this tastes, describing the texture and flavor in glowing terms. Suddenly, she remembers where she is and opens her eyes. Blushing, she looks at her host. "I am sorry, Andu-san, for breaking into French, but I could not help it. This is amazing." She turns her head a bit to look at Strawberry and licks her lips as she speaks, before reaching for another bite of the fish on her plate.