Willie responds, <<Got it. I'll work out a wish list and get back to you for contacts. >>
Willie sits down with a piece of jerky that had hidden earlier in a corner of his pocket and considers the possibilities.
Full Version: Charm City [IC]
"Aw. Well, we did say to try and keep it fun"
Mike joins in, matching Selina's energy (buying hits) But still with a big smile. He shifts from dancing on his own to dancing with Selina. However not very aggressively in the sense of not going for lifts or fast twirls.
In contrast some people are getting pretty crazy. Taking the music as a reason to throw each other around. The staircase gets crowded as folks give each other more space than usual in the small club.
Mike gives he a look. "I guess it's the planner in me. I figure we need to talk if you want to try anything like that out here. But I can do lose too. "
He goes back into a more Charleston type dance, but with a lot more sway. Letting his knees swing wide and getting lower to the ground.
--------------
(OOC: So I've been thinking about this, and I think the intent might be that the magic just helps guide movements into something that happens to hit metahumans as hypnotic. So it translates through recordings, just with generally a reduced effect depending on the medium. I'm not sure about hard and fast house rules, but maybe a couple hits off for a cheap holo. Still, that's enough for a pretty significant effect on most people. I'll give you a bit of leeway in how it affects Bongo. Though his higher perception dice pool might make a difference compared especially to people whose pool goes to zero. )
Mike joins in, matching Selina's energy (buying hits) But still with a big smile. He shifts from dancing on his own to dancing with Selina. However not very aggressively in the sense of not going for lifts or fast twirls.
In contrast some people are getting pretty crazy. Taking the music as a reason to throw each other around. The staircase gets crowded as folks give each other more space than usual in the small club.
Mike gives he a look. "I guess it's the planner in me. I figure we need to talk if you want to try anything like that out here. But I can do lose too. "
He goes back into a more Charleston type dance, but with a lot more sway. Letting his knees swing wide and getting lower to the ground.
--------------
(OOC: So I've been thinking about this, and I think the intent might be that the magic just helps guide movements into something that happens to hit metahumans as hypnotic. So it translates through recordings, just with generally a reduced effect depending on the medium. I'm not sure about hard and fast house rules, but maybe a couple hits off for a cheap holo. Still, that's enough for a pretty significant effect on most people. I'll give you a bit of leeway in how it affects Bongo. Though his higher perception dice pool might make a difference compared especially to people whose pool goes to zero. )
"Loose is fun. Fun is good!" Selina smiles happily as they dance and gives Mike a sly wink. "Fortune favors the bold. Isn't that what they say? Let's see what we got!"
Frank looks confused for a moment as he parses out the seeming contradiction in her statements, but then focuses on the latter quote saying "Alright Kim, I can do bold. I could try and lead, but I don't know what you can do so just whisper a lift or point at somebody else. let's start with straight lift to between legs and back"
He then moves to execute the move trying to get her to fly up in the air a little ways. It's a pretty easy lift in terms of not having anybody fall nor hitting another dancer. He shows he's got the strength to move the relatively light Selina around, and, more rarely, hand control to keep from hurting her sides while he does it.
Though Selina notes he doesn't have the above average strength his frame indicates.
He then moves to execute the move trying to get her to fly up in the air a little ways. It's a pretty easy lift in terms of not having anybody fall nor hitting another dancer. He shows he's got the strength to move the relatively light Selina around, and, more rarely, hand control to keep from hurting her sides while he does it.
Though Selina notes he doesn't have the above average strength his frame indicates.
"Just do what feels right is what I meant. Don't overthink it."
As Mike lifts her up, she leans back a bit and pushes her arms out showing that she trusts him there.
"Yeah, that was a good start."
She continues their dance, doing a bit more fun stuff, even though that more acrobatic dance style gets exhausting pretty quick.
As Mike lifts her up, she leans back a bit and pushes her arms out showing that she trusts him there.
"Yeah, that was a good start."
She continues their dance, doing a bit more fun stuff, even though that more acrobatic dance style gets exhausting pretty quick.
"Hmmm. I think maybe I don't like moving you so far away" He smiles and gets a little silly, but is clearly enjoying having his hands on Selina as he starts incorporating more short quick lifts, often with a spin into the dance here and there. (OOC: I actually make him roll for that but he picks up a couple hits). Not exactly the typical ones, for example holding under one leg and other hand under Selinas arm so she can almost sit and he spins her around himself.
Without practice they aren't always be best, but it keeps up the pace of the music better than a grander maneuver. Selina does notice some others starting to copy his style, especially if a more acrobatic move got them some dirty looks if they came close to or hit other dancers.
However as Selina noted it's a more exhausting dance, and pretty soon Mike says "A drink waiting in the ice pale seems nice right about now. How about a couple and then maybe we can see about this upstairs, it should be opening soon." He still has that uncharacteristically goofy smile on his face from the dancing.
Without practice they aren't always be best, but it keeps up the pace of the music better than a grander maneuver. Selina does notice some others starting to copy his style, especially if a more acrobatic move got them some dirty looks if they came close to or hit other dancers.
However as Selina noted it's a more exhausting dance, and pretty soon Mike says "A drink waiting in the ice pale seems nice right about now. How about a couple and then maybe we can see about this upstairs, it should be opening soon." He still has that uncharacteristically goofy smile on his face from the dancing.
Bongo watches himself perform, and of course he is impressed with his technique. Oh, wait, there was one bobble in the timing. To paraphrase Tennyson, Bongo's improvement is a world whose margins fade ever and forever while he plays.
But the recording is a bust as far as his magic goes. Nothing of it comes through. I figured so, he thinks to himself.
"You get anything out of the recording? I get nothing."
But the recording is a bust as far as his magic goes. Nothing of it comes through. I figured so, he thinks to himself.
"You get anything out of the recording? I get nothing."
She doesn't speak for a moment. "It was still really good percussion. "
She gives him a smile. Not quite as bright as usual, but reassuring.
She continues.
" But yeah, it isn't the same. I can definitely say the thought that it's only drums never occurred to me when it was live. "
She then smiles more brightly as a thought occurs to her "But I can say that I've never ever sat through a whole full length drum solo before! So you have that on everybody!"
She pauses and gets that more serious look that she gets "I guess the question then is how it works with everybody else. Do you know anything about that? Like could I grab the mic, put a big band on the holo, and have your drumwork still do it's magic? "
She gives him a smile. Not quite as bright as usual, but reassuring.
She continues.
" But yeah, it isn't the same. I can definitely say the thought that it's only drums never occurred to me when it was live. "
She then smiles more brightly as a thought occurs to her "But I can say that I've never ever sat through a whole full length drum solo before! So you have that on everybody!"
She pauses and gets that more serious look that she gets "I guess the question then is how it works with everybody else. Do you know anything about that? Like could I grab the mic, put a big band on the holo, and have your drumwork still do it's magic? "
"I figure anyone present during my performance would be affected. I know that people who are forewarned can function relatively normally, like my teammates in my other gig can. Probably you would be able to be free of the effect if you prepared for it, or at least use it to get in the pocket for your own performance.
"Yeah, drums, marimbas, garbage cans, kitchen table, anything I can beat on can be the instrument."
The reference to garbage cans reminds Bongo of the time at the Rex in Toronto after he aided the team that hired him to get into the nearby Club Rojo. Finished his work, he returned to the Rex and struck up a relationship with one of the patrons that night. A fond, fond memory.
"Yeah, drums, marimbas, garbage cans, kitchen table, anything I can beat on can be the instrument."
The reference to garbage cans reminds Bongo of the time at the Rex in Toronto after he aided the team that hired him to get into the nearby Club Rojo. Finished his work, he returned to the Rex and struck up a relationship with one of the patrons that night. A fond, fond memory.
She nods "Alright. Let's give this a try. I assume you know the old jazz standard "It don't mean a thing" or is the full title "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing" whatever. I'm hoping you know what I mean. If you don't just fake it and try not to embarrass yourself. I guess you have a minute while I find a track without vocals or drums"
She shuts down the image of Bongo on the holo, to be replaced by the frozen image of a guy with a trumpet. Bongo can see her further messing with some stuff in AR. After a minute she sashays over to the microphone, turning her back to Bongo to look out at the non-existent audience and her cameras. She continues to move her hips as she gets into her stage persona. With a flick of her hand the holo starts playing, though the image isn't shifting on her practice track. After a bit of piano she drops in with the vocals.
(OOC: I'm figuring she'll manage to function properly, especially since Bongo wants her to. She's giving a solid but safe "buying hits" sort of performance. That's forced a little since the digital band isn't going to adjust to any changes she might want to make. You can sling the die and RP based on that. If Bongo keeps it going after the track ends, she'll keep going with him. )
She shuts down the image of Bongo on the holo, to be replaced by the frozen image of a guy with a trumpet. Bongo can see her further messing with some stuff in AR. After a minute she sashays over to the microphone, turning her back to Bongo to look out at the non-existent audience and her cameras. She continues to move her hips as she gets into her stage persona. With a flick of her hand the holo starts playing, though the image isn't shifting on her practice track. After a bit of piano she drops in with the vocals.
(OOC: I'm figuring she'll manage to function properly, especially since Bongo wants her to. She's giving a solid but safe "buying hits" sort of performance. That's forced a little since the digital band isn't going to adjust to any changes she might want to make. You can sling the die and RP based on that. If Bongo keeps it going after the track ends, she'll keep going with him. )
Bongo says, "Oh, yeah. I know it." As the Backup band starts, Bongo dives in with the rhythm right away, as the backup is more like Ella fitzgerald's fast pace from just a few decades ago, rather than the slower original from the 1930s. Once he synchs with the backup, ( which is odd because they should synch with him, but he can handle it ) Bongo calls up the magic.
He can feel the strong flow of the mana through him. He almost thinks he could will the background recording to follow him, but it doesn't matter. It sounds as if they were tuned in to him all along. He wonders if there is a way to adjust the recording on the fly. Hmmm. Maybe a sound tech affected by his magic could do that. He will have to investigate.
He checks on Rose to see how she is handling it. She's got a pretty good voice.
[ Spoiler ]
He can feel the strong flow of the mana through him. He almost thinks he could will the background recording to follow him, but it doesn't matter. It sounds as if they were tuned in to him all along. He wonders if there is a way to adjust the recording on the fly. Hmmm. Maybe a sound tech affected by his magic could do that. He will have to investigate.
He checks on Rose to see how she is handling it. She's got a pretty good voice.
(OOC: Bongo would remember Roses band had a guy "playing" what looked like an old cyberdeck. Presumably he's doing just that for them. Certainly the software exists regardless, Rose just isn't using it. )
Rose manages to hold her tune professionally, clearly a song she's done before. As the recording ends she keeps going with the refrain, and switches to her Jazz scat style, and starts heading over to Bongo.
"We'll have to think about how to get you to go viral. Maybe flash mob type stuff that could catch views? "
She keeps sashaying as she goes behind the drums.
"Of course the question then is how well you deal with distractions..."
She starts working her hands under Bongo's shirt. Bongo then has to also resist laughing as she starts giggling as she starts having some difficulty with Bongo's armor (OOC: I guess she could just have trouble with any clothes and go with that if Bongo is unarmored. What occurred to me was that Bongo probably rolls out with his Urban explorer jumpsuit under other clothes blocking not just bullets and knives but playful hands.)
Rose manages to hold her tune professionally, clearly a song she's done before. As the recording ends she keeps going with the refrain, and switches to her Jazz scat style, and starts heading over to Bongo.
"We'll have to think about how to get you to go viral. Maybe flash mob type stuff that could catch views? "
She keeps sashaying as she goes behind the drums.
"Of course the question then is how well you deal with distractions..."
She starts working her hands under Bongo's shirt. Bongo then has to also resist laughing as she starts giggling as she starts having some difficulty with Bongo's armor (OOC: I guess she could just have trouble with any clothes and go with that if Bongo is unarmored. What occurred to me was that Bongo probably rolls out with his Urban explorer jumpsuit under other clothes blocking not just bullets and knives but playful hands.)
"That was fun! Selina comments. "Especially without any practicing.
When Mike suggests to get back to the table, she nods.
Sure. A drink sounds perfect right now. And we can certainly use a little break."
When Mike suggests to get back to the table, she nods.
Sure. A drink sounds perfect right now. And we can certainly use a little break."
Bongo is a young man. He relishes the ... pleasures of the flesh. But he is on a mission that could take him anywhere a clue to his Great Purpose might lead. Or get shot. Getting in a relationship with a talented woman who is talking about future work together and clearly interested in those same pleasures could tie him down.
But, Bongo is a young man. Oh, this is hard on the guy.
Once he gets control of his giggles, he helps Rose free herself from the densiplast and liquid reactive armour of his urban explorer jumpsuit. He had thought of switching to his lined coat, but hadn't done so.
He turns to face her, takes her hands in his, and says, "You just found out something of my other line of work. The one that right now is paying a lot better than music does.
"I could be called away at short notice to anywhere nearby. One night I might not come back. My long term goal could take me to any part of the world. Making a commitment to anything long-term would be unfair to others. Or, the other. I respect you, and would love to work with you in any way my path allows. Getting physical would muddy that."
But, Bongo is a young man. Oh, this is hard on the guy.
[ Spoiler ]
Once he gets control of his giggles, he helps Rose free herself from the densiplast and liquid reactive armour of his urban explorer jumpsuit. He had thought of switching to his lined coat, but hadn't done so.
He turns to face her, takes her hands in his, and says, "You just found out something of my other line of work. The one that right now is paying a lot better than music does.
"I could be called away at short notice to anywhere nearby. One night I might not come back. My long term goal could take me to any part of the world. Making a commitment to anything long-term would be unfair to others. Or, the other. I respect you, and would love to work with you in any way my path allows. Getting physical would muddy that."
Mike starts moving slowly towards the stairs, but then realizes himself, smiles again, and starts heading up them often a few at a time, attempting to jump or dance between the many patrons still avoiding the floor. This makes a path for Selina and a couple scowls, but Reggie slowly following without any of the dancing is good for keeping things at scowls.
The group soon is back at the table. Instead of heading to the far end he steps to the side at the bottom of the steps to let Selina past and Mike pours a glass of Champaign for her. Then he does a quick shot of Absinte. "Ugh. I really need to remember not to do that with this stuff. I'll make some up properly in a moment, I just need to step out for a bit to freshen up. I'll be right back. Enjoy the view."
He then steps back up the stairs and Reggie follows toward the second floor bathrooms.
(OOC: The two will be back in five minutes, at which point Mike gets started on the ritual to make the Absinthe enjoyable.)
--------------------------------------
Rose looks at Bongo like she's broken. She starts to talk a couple times.
But stops.
She starts to get into one of the alluring poses she's so good at.
But stops.
She stares at Bongo a while. "Well. Ok. I'll just pretend you're gay. You'd say if you were actually gay right? That's be fine. It's all fine. I can respect, you know, professional integrity and goals. Let's. Let's just watch the holo. "
She shifts back to one of the chairs and starts up the recording of the two of them and the virtual band.
And pretends to watch it.
The group soon is back at the table. Instead of heading to the far end he steps to the side at the bottom of the steps to let Selina past and Mike pours a glass of Champaign for her. Then he does a quick shot of Absinte. "Ugh. I really need to remember not to do that with this stuff. I'll make some up properly in a moment, I just need to step out for a bit to freshen up. I'll be right back. Enjoy the view."
He then steps back up the stairs and Reggie follows toward the second floor bathrooms.
(OOC: The two will be back in five minutes, at which point Mike gets started on the ritual to make the Absinthe enjoyable.)
--------------------------------------
Rose looks at Bongo like she's broken. She starts to talk a couple times.
But stops.
She starts to get into one of the alluring poses she's so good at.
But stops.
She stares at Bongo a while. "Well. Ok. I'll just pretend you're gay. You'd say if you were actually gay right? That's be fine. It's all fine. I can respect, you know, professional integrity and goals. Let's. Let's just watch the holo. "
She shifts back to one of the chairs and starts up the recording of the two of them and the virtual band.
And pretends to watch it.
Paul shrugs in response to Enzo. ""Ideas for a different spot? Sorry, sir, but I'd have to know more about your needs. If all you want is discreet access I could build you a lockup shed up top with a dedicated access tunnel down here, maybe even with a winch lift, but screwholes in the access hatch would just turn into water fountains with the next storm that rolls in and you don't want that. I'll finish up this reinforcement job for now, and we can talk about a different ingress pattern later. Urgent work before important work, you know?""
Enzo nods and says "Uh. Sure. I'll think about that. What might be awesome is if there were some other secure place that wasn't the union. But I can't think of anything. A hatch up above might be great now that you mention it. They'd notice a shed, but maybe if we could modify a van to have a hatch at the bottom? Actually that could be pretty whiz period, if I could find a mechanic for that. But you're right. Let's get something reasonable done tonight. "
(OOC: If Paul lets him, Enzo will walk off leaving Paul free to work.)
(OOC: If Paul lets him, Enzo will walk off leaving Paul free to work.)
Paul buckles down, cheerfully finishing the job in front of him before turning to new ones. That fresh lid won't fabricate itself.
Bongo notes her response. Sometimes he wonders if life would be better if he just went with the moment. Goals and morality be damned.
Yeah.
"Nope not gay. Just not willing to throw away a good thing for some fun. "
He watches the recording. And keeps an eye on Rose.
Yeah.
"Nope not gay. Just not willing to throw away a good thing for some fun. "
He watches the recording. And keeps an eye on Rose.
Willie thinks deeply while he munches. The other two out in the woods kept looking to him for leadership. That had never happened before. Mostly he had been a weapon someone else had pointed and been told to shoot. Since he began to be able to think deeply, much has changed.
He considers the team Brewster has amassed. He gets a quick rundown of the 'save the girl' run from Angel. They worked amazingly well together without firing a shot or even getting noticed. Wow! So the team has what it takes to get a silent run done. But what if it comes to violence? He can't think of anyone better suited to take the lead when the bullets start to fly than himself. That means he has to get better at getting the rest to follow his lead.
He dives into the Matrix, checks out some titles, and downloads "Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual, 11th Edition, by Jocko Willink." It looks to have some good stuff on how to step up in a team that has a lot of strong willed people in it. He's going to have to study this a lot.
Then he considers how the last run went. He's glad the effort he put into making him a 'tank' payed off. If they hadn't had to stay quiet there would have been little trouble. It isn't lost on Willie that he was better at keeping things away with his knife than by just dodging. That will stick. So do some of the moves he needed to pull to get past the underwater things' shells.
Maybe a bigger knife would help!
Two come to his attention in another Matrix search. Vibro blade! Awesome and cuts through armour better, but it is noisy. But, if you are going to make noise, why use a knife? A Cougar Fineblade on the other hand looks good. Oh! Oh! A Victorinox Memory Blade! When they think they've disarmed you. Yeah!
He puts together a shopping list for Brewster and fires it off.
<<Hey, Boss. Here's some stuff I could use. Let me know what's doable.
1) Cougar Fineblade knife, long.
2) Victorinox Memory Blade
3) 2 30 round clips of regular ammo for my AK - 97
4) What the hell -- APDS ammo, one or more clips of 30 >>
Once that is sent off, he practices some of the moves he developed out in the swamp. Then, armed with the HK Urban Combat SMG well tucked away, he heads out for something good to eat. A nice restaurant with a big steak deal would be perfect. Real steak.
He considers the team Brewster has amassed. He gets a quick rundown of the 'save the girl' run from Angel. They worked amazingly well together without firing a shot or even getting noticed. Wow! So the team has what it takes to get a silent run done. But what if it comes to violence? He can't think of anyone better suited to take the lead when the bullets start to fly than himself. That means he has to get better at getting the rest to follow his lead.
He dives into the Matrix, checks out some titles, and downloads "Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual, 11th Edition, by Jocko Willink." It looks to have some good stuff on how to step up in a team that has a lot of strong willed people in it. He's going to have to study this a lot.
Then he considers how the last run went. He's glad the effort he put into making him a 'tank' payed off. If they hadn't had to stay quiet there would have been little trouble. It isn't lost on Willie that he was better at keeping things away with his knife than by just dodging. That will stick. So do some of the moves he needed to pull to get past the underwater things' shells.
Maybe a bigger knife would help!
Two come to his attention in another Matrix search. Vibro blade! Awesome and cuts through armour better, but it is noisy. But, if you are going to make noise, why use a knife? A Cougar Fineblade on the other hand looks good. Oh! Oh! A Victorinox Memory Blade! When they think they've disarmed you. Yeah!
He puts together a shopping list for Brewster and fires it off.
<<Hey, Boss. Here's some stuff I could use. Let me know what's doable.
1) Cougar Fineblade knife, long.
2) Victorinox Memory Blade
3) 2 30 round clips of regular ammo for my AK - 97
4) What the hell -- APDS ammo, one or more clips of 30 >>
Once that is sent off, he practices some of the moves he developed out in the swamp. Then, armed with the HK Urban Combat SMG well tucked away, he heads out for something good to eat. A nice restaurant with a big steak deal would be perfect. Real steak.
(OOC: So Enzo heads off. Unless you take a substantial period of time and want to be around late at night when folks want to leave or go down to a skeleton crew nobody is bothering Paul, though folks do occasionally walk around down here, they have their own business and don't engage. So you can specify what Paul does, and then call up whoever you'd want to wrap things up.
As a side note I thought you might bite on the mechanic thing, but you have Enzo's contact info for later )
-------
Bongo wonders at what his magic senses can pick up. A lot is playing on Rose's face, and, if he isn't focusing a lot on the holo either, he can go back to play through it again. Probably some sort of internal discussion going on. Initially some very prickly body language, but then some resolute thoughts slide through, eventually she gets more of that hard edge, then a look Bongo has taken to associate with her ambitious side, but as the holo comes to a close she's actually smiled a little.
As it ends she says. "Well, at least I was able to sing alright. Maybe for the next thing you could pick something you think might work well. Like think of a scene where you might be able to work well and we could get something going, and then pick a song and we can try that. We've got some time. We could even try just some karaoke before being up to speed enough to really try it together. "
Eventually she adds " I suppose I should address the other bit. I think where I've gotten myself is to realize I don't know that I've ever really had an actual just friend that was a guy. Maybe I have. But, you know, I've always assumed they were just waiting for an opportunity or the right mood you know? Even the really old ones. " She laughs a bit at that last part.
"That's wrecked a few things. Maybe more than a few, I don't know. So. Maybe this is actually a good way to make it big. " Her smile is a little sad, but it's still a smile.
----------
Brewster sends back a message <<I'll have to look into sourcing some of those. I haven't had a request for a memory blade and the streets eat APDS as fast as it drops. At least they made a lot for the AK-97 across the pond. >>
(OOC: I'll roll that stuff up later. I'm not sure if you want to mess around with him trying to avoid getting into trouble with his manners and AK in the kinds of places with real steak. I might let you freeform some of that if you'd like. )
As a side note I thought you might bite on the mechanic thing, but you have Enzo's contact info for later )
-------
Bongo wonders at what his magic senses can pick up. A lot is playing on Rose's face, and, if he isn't focusing a lot on the holo either, he can go back to play through it again. Probably some sort of internal discussion going on. Initially some very prickly body language, but then some resolute thoughts slide through, eventually she gets more of that hard edge, then a look Bongo has taken to associate with her ambitious side, but as the holo comes to a close she's actually smiled a little.
As it ends she says. "Well, at least I was able to sing alright. Maybe for the next thing you could pick something you think might work well. Like think of a scene where you might be able to work well and we could get something going, and then pick a song and we can try that. We've got some time. We could even try just some karaoke before being up to speed enough to really try it together. "
Eventually she adds " I suppose I should address the other bit. I think where I've gotten myself is to realize I don't know that I've ever really had an actual just friend that was a guy. Maybe I have. But, you know, I've always assumed they were just waiting for an opportunity or the right mood you know? Even the really old ones. " She laughs a bit at that last part.
"That's wrecked a few things. Maybe more than a few, I don't know. So. Maybe this is actually a good way to make it big. " Her smile is a little sad, but it's still a smile.
----------
Brewster sends back a message <<I'll have to look into sourcing some of those. I haven't had a request for a memory blade and the streets eat APDS as fast as it drops. At least they made a lot for the AK-97 across the pond. >>
(OOC: I'll roll that stuff up later. I'm not sure if you want to mess around with him trying to avoid getting into trouble with his manners and AK in the kinds of places with real steak. I might let you freeform some of that if you'd like. )
Paul makes sure that the pipe is strapped, that the scaffolding is in place as props, and uses a drone to check that the concrete patching and other internal repair work was completed. He then devotes himself to the fabrication of the lid, making sure that the match of the lid insert is tight and exact to the curve of the pipe and the shape of the hole. Then he matches that to a covering section that affords a flange that he can use for vault-style bolts around the perimeter. Finally he installs mating hardware all around the edge - standard industrial bolts would do fine. This takes a few hours, and then he puts the sucker in place. Enzo has the ability to lift it unaided - good for him. Paul just uses the scaffolding and a come-along to hoist it.
And there you are. Job done as per specification, time for signoff, payout and a beer.
And there you are. Job done as per specification, time for signoff, payout and a beer.
Selina chuckles. "Yeah, I will rather stick to something like this." And takes another sip of champagne.
She leans back in her seat and watches the dancing crowd for a moment, until Mike is back.
In the meantime, she sends Fiona to the entrance on the third floor, to check if they are opening up there. And to check, whether the astral barriers are still in place.
"So? Are we ready for the great reveal?"
She leans back in her seat and watches the dancing crowd for a moment, until Mike is back.
In the meantime, she sends Fiona to the entrance on the third floor, to check if they are opening up there. And to check, whether the astral barriers are still in place.
"So? Are we ready for the great reveal?"
"Yeah, 'just friends' is a stranger to me, too. But I've seen too many competent groups explode because of personal attachments or breakups." Bongo considers Rose's ideas. "You think voice and percussion are enough? Usually there's something like a keyboard or a guitar in there. You know anybody who could sit in for a jam tonight?"
(OOC: Care to make a roll for all that Koekepan? I'd be interested in what pool you end up with. Been a few years since I've had someone doing construction. ).
------------
Scouting ahead Fiona can get an eye on folks starting to be let in upstairs. At least there are a fair number of them, casting their shadows into the astral. There does seem to be some negative energy in the air though.
There are a few things that pop out immediately as she moves into the area. The first is that the wards are still there, clearly visible through the open doors. The second is that there are a pair of spirits hanging out over the crowd. A dog and a flame. In the moment Fiona enters the area they're stationary and facing each other.
She could slink away unnoticed if she wished.
On the balcony Selina might notice that people here seem just more interested in having fun than normal for the sixth world. With dancers trying acrobatic movies they do not have the skills for, the incidents of folks bumping or kicking each other, mixed with trying to impress other and booze, would usually result in trouble and bouncers getting involved.
(OOC: Although perhaps Selina tended to frequent places without the exuberance or violence? I'm assuming she's been in a variety of places. )
Mike seems refreshed as he returns and smiles "Well Kim, if you're ready they're probably getting ready to start upstairs. I'm afraid I've probably cost us getting the first spots in line, but I think today that might not be the best thing anyway. We'll be able to scout things out a bit. "
-----------------------------
Rose thinks a moment. " I suppose I'd be entertaining notions of running off and trying to make something magical happen just to the two of us. Maybe that wasn't the nicest to my existing band. We're a bit of a weird bunch anyway with basically two singers and a "performance decker' as Renee calls himself managing everything else. Tomy and I have a bit of history and maybe a strained musical relationship. We can each manage some instruments a bit to let each have a turn as lead. You might need to use some charm on him to keep from butting heads too. He wants to be the star, but don't we all? "
She things a bit longer 'Outside of Retrostack I suppose I know all sorts of musicians in the scene. A few try to go solo and become a matrix sensation. Most of the good ones would claim to be in a band or two I think, but it isn't like they're married. "
She laughs "It doesn't even feel like going steady until somebody asks you to go on tour. And people don't go on tour like the used to. Also nobody says "going steady" in real life anymore now that I think about it. Maybe this friends thing will be nice. "
------------
Scouting ahead Fiona can get an eye on folks starting to be let in upstairs. At least there are a fair number of them, casting their shadows into the astral. There does seem to be some negative energy in the air though.
There are a few things that pop out immediately as she moves into the area. The first is that the wards are still there, clearly visible through the open doors. The second is that there are a pair of spirits hanging out over the crowd. A dog and a flame. In the moment Fiona enters the area they're stationary and facing each other.
She could slink away unnoticed if she wished.
On the balcony Selina might notice that people here seem just more interested in having fun than normal for the sixth world. With dancers trying acrobatic movies they do not have the skills for, the incidents of folks bumping or kicking each other, mixed with trying to impress other and booze, would usually result in trouble and bouncers getting involved.
(OOC: Although perhaps Selina tended to frequent places without the exuberance or violence? I'm assuming she's been in a variety of places. )
Mike seems refreshed as he returns and smiles "Well Kim, if you're ready they're probably getting ready to start upstairs. I'm afraid I've probably cost us getting the first spots in line, but I think today that might not be the best thing anyway. We'll be able to scout things out a bit. "
-----------------------------
Rose thinks a moment. " I suppose I'd be entertaining notions of running off and trying to make something magical happen just to the two of us. Maybe that wasn't the nicest to my existing band. We're a bit of a weird bunch anyway with basically two singers and a "performance decker' as Renee calls himself managing everything else. Tomy and I have a bit of history and maybe a strained musical relationship. We can each manage some instruments a bit to let each have a turn as lead. You might need to use some charm on him to keep from butting heads too. He wants to be the star, but don't we all? "
She things a bit longer 'Outside of Retrostack I suppose I know all sorts of musicians in the scene. A few try to go solo and become a matrix sensation. Most of the good ones would claim to be in a band or two I think, but it isn't like they're married. "
She laughs "It doesn't even feel like going steady until somebody asks you to go on tour. And people don't go on tour like the used to. Also nobody says "going steady" in real life anymore now that I think about it. Maybe this friends thing will be nice. "
Bongo replies, "Well, percussion is my calling, but I can play other instruments, too. The magic only works with percussion, though. Heh. I can even take a stab at singing!
"Got any other instruments hidden away here? Or wanna take turns at karaoke?"
"Got any other instruments hidden away here? Or wanna take turns at karaoke?"
Willie halts on the street with a start. He messages Brewster. << Hey, Boss. Just remembered. I picked up ten phoenix feathers in the last run. If those can be sold, I'm willing. If they can help get gear more easily or faster, even better! >>
Rose says "I have some at my place. If people knew too much of value was here they'd break in. That's why I hide the holo when guests are around. So you should feel special for seeing it. Even if it isn't a great projector. But anyway we definitely don't need a third signer fighting for the mic! If drumming is your thing just focus on that. So it isn't a matter of needing more instruments it's a matter of how many musicians we want to bring in. And maybe that depends on the kind of things we want to do and how much you want to share the limelight.
I could also spend some time practicing on my guitar, I could do that and sing. Actually I might want you for back up vocals after all.
Though I'm already thinking about where we might pop up to play. The more stuff we carry the harder it is to get in and out. Maybe we should get somebody to record us? Hey, maybe somebody rigged to make a simsense chip? "
It isn't entirely clear if she was thinking all that to herself or properly asking Bongo's opinion. Either way she's paused for the moment.
I could also spend some time practicing on my guitar, I could do that and sing. Actually I might want you for back up vocals after all.
Though I'm already thinking about where we might pop up to play. The more stuff we carry the harder it is to get in and out. Maybe we should get somebody to record us? Hey, maybe somebody rigged to make a simsense chip? "
It isn't entirely clear if she was thinking all that to herself or properly asking Bongo's opinion. Either way she's paused for the moment.
Since there is no reason, she cannot be there, Fiona sticks around, staying in the background and observing.
She will take a closer look at both spirits (assensing them), also wondering whether they are both with some of the guests, or one is more like an astral bouncer. She will also look at the guests (assensing them as well), in order to determine whether any of them are awakened, and whether she can figure out if someone there summoned any of those spirits.
Selina enjoys the pretty relaxed atmosphere on the dance floor. Sure, occasionally there is some small ruckus, but overall the people are pretty laid-back.
The prospect of seeing what they made of the upstairs area is piquing her curiosity. "Alright then, lead the way!"
She will take a closer look at both spirits (assensing them), also wondering whether they are both with some of the guests, or one is more like an astral bouncer. She will also look at the guests (assensing them as well), in order to determine whether any of them are awakened, and whether she can figure out if someone there summoned any of those spirits.
[ Spoiler ]
Selina enjoys the pretty relaxed atmosphere on the dance floor. Sure, occasionally there is some small ruckus, but overall the people are pretty laid-back.
The prospect of seeing what they made of the upstairs area is piquing her curiosity. "Alright then, lead the way!"
"OK, Rose.Why don't we call it a day for now. My other work needs some attention too.
"Let's try a different angle. I'll try to see if I can scare up a musical contact or two, and if you try the same, maybe we can come up with a couple of good people. We might need to jam with a few prospects to see if we can gel. If we can impress well enough, we might be able to build a killer group. I'm thinking people who come together, make a few recordings, get the public to notice, and still have time for their regular gigs. I remember in the past there were a few groups that did just that. Get together under a new name, produce a piece or two, and then go back to the regulars. How does that sound to you?"
Bongo has absolutely no doubt he can impress anybody with his playing. He has a sense that Rose has some talent too. This could work.
"Let's try a different angle. I'll try to see if I can scare up a musical contact or two, and if you try the same, maybe we can come up with a couple of good people. We might need to jam with a few prospects to see if we can gel. If we can impress well enough, we might be able to build a killer group. I'm thinking people who come together, make a few recordings, get the public to notice, and still have time for their regular gigs. I remember in the past there were a few groups that did just that. Get together under a new name, produce a piece or two, and then go back to the regulars. How does that sound to you?"
Bongo has absolutely no doubt he can impress anybody with his playing. He has a sense that Rose has some talent too. This could work.
[ Spoiler ]
Fiona stays in the astral and observes in more detail. Luckily since folks are recently arrived the astral isn't murky like it was last time here...yet. There's a blend of tension and excitement in the crowd. Background count is starting to ooze into the astral. As if the astral shadows were perspiring.
Fiona can see the trails linking the spirits to two of the people in the crowd, who are also looking at each other in the physical realm much as the spirits are. They seem to be guests not bouncers. Fiona feels she's got more magical power than any of them. There's also some cyberware in the crowd and one other awakened.
Frank nods and heads up. "Well, let's see if gangers are as fun as they hope they are." He eyes the group cautiously as they make their way into the third floor. At least everyone dressed appropriately, and gang insignia aren't being flagrantly flown. Still, they seem to know who each other are. As they file in some cluster up on opposite sides. Selina recognizes some of the regulars who sit down at the various tables in the middle, but they don't know quite what to make of things.
The fun music makes building tension harder than it might otherwise have been, but at least things start happening as the cards on the table between the two groups start getting picked up like weapons in a duel. On the stage and near the back near Mike and Selina it seems more like a dance off. With Ork men and women showing each other off for the other groups the women doing a better job of showing off their moves.
Mike whispers "I'm pretty sure they've invited a bunch of groups, but maybe the east and west side thing is playing out. "
Selina or Fiona (OOC: She could push through the wards again. Though if she isn't trying to be stealthy I think ally spirits can still use the extraplaner shortcut right? ) could see that each side has a mage and a spirit mostly watching their counterpart, but keeping an eye on everything else. There's a decent chance they know Selina and Fiona have a strong magic aura. Selina realizes she's got a couple extra eyes on her, and not for the usual reasons.
Mike is oblivious to that part of the scene "Well I think there might be some fun to be had in that I think they might be competing for attention from the regulars. Feel like some gambling or seeing what stories come out as the drinks flow on the couches. Maybe getting into a dance off on the stage or, well, actually it looks like a dance off even over here closer to the doors where it's usually pretty chill. Or....it looks like so far with these fierce ladies the private side rooms aren't getting nearly the business they used to. We could encourage their attempt to operate away from their old MO by renting one. "
Fiona can see the trails linking the spirits to two of the people in the crowd, who are also looking at each other in the physical realm much as the spirits are. They seem to be guests not bouncers. Fiona feels she's got more magical power than any of them. There's also some cyberware in the crowd and one other awakened.
Frank nods and heads up. "Well, let's see if gangers are as fun as they hope they are." He eyes the group cautiously as they make their way into the third floor. At least everyone dressed appropriately, and gang insignia aren't being flagrantly flown. Still, they seem to know who each other are. As they file in some cluster up on opposite sides. Selina recognizes some of the regulars who sit down at the various tables in the middle, but they don't know quite what to make of things.
The fun music makes building tension harder than it might otherwise have been, but at least things start happening as the cards on the table between the two groups start getting picked up like weapons in a duel. On the stage and near the back near Mike and Selina it seems more like a dance off. With Ork men and women showing each other off for the other groups the women doing a better job of showing off their moves.
Mike whispers "I'm pretty sure they've invited a bunch of groups, but maybe the east and west side thing is playing out. "
Selina or Fiona (OOC: She could push through the wards again. Though if she isn't trying to be stealthy I think ally spirits can still use the extraplaner shortcut right? ) could see that each side has a mage and a spirit mostly watching their counterpart, but keeping an eye on everything else. There's a decent chance they know Selina and Fiona have a strong magic aura. Selina realizes she's got a couple extra eyes on her, and not for the usual reasons.
Mike is oblivious to that part of the scene "Well I think there might be some fun to be had in that I think they might be competing for attention from the regulars. Feel like some gambling or seeing what stories come out as the drinks flow on the couches. Maybe getting into a dance off on the stage or, well, actually it looks like a dance off even over here closer to the doors where it's usually pretty chill. Or....it looks like so far with these fierce ladies the private side rooms aren't getting nearly the business they used to. We could encourage their attempt to operate away from their old MO by renting one. "
When Mike mentions the gangers, the whole scene suddenly makes a lot more sense. Right. The two mages will both be from rival gangs.
On Selinas request, Fiona tells the spirits: "Tell your masters, that I am not affiliated with any of your groups. I'm just here for security. And as long as you behave, I have no reason to cause you any trouble."
"Seems like things are a little... tense. That kinda works, actually, for what they are doing here. But it does keep you on your edge, doesn't it?"
As they get inside and find a seat, Fiona also makes her way past the barrier. She will, obviously, keep her astral eyes open.
"Atmospherically, I do prefer it downstairs. So chill and fun. Everyone is just having a good time. Well, mostly, anyways. But it's good that they are moving away from their old habits here. Encouragement. Seems like the right move to give them some incentive to keep it that way."
On Selinas request, Fiona tells the spirits: "Tell your masters, that I am not affiliated with any of your groups. I'm just here for security. And as long as you behave, I have no reason to cause you any trouble."
"Seems like things are a little... tense. That kinda works, actually, for what they are doing here. But it does keep you on your edge, doesn't it?"
As they get inside and find a seat, Fiona also makes her way past the barrier. She will, obviously, keep her astral eyes open.
"Atmospherically, I do prefer it downstairs. So chill and fun. Everyone is just having a good time. Well, mostly, anyways. But it's good that they are moving away from their old habits here. Encouragement. Seems like the right move to give them some incentive to keep it that way."
The spirits note her response but do not immediately respond. Presumably they let their summoners know. That's verified a bit later, after everyone gets somewhat settled in, the casters whisper each to some of the Orks around them and in particular to a pair, that have the air of leaders, who have sat down opposite each other at one of the poker tables.
The net result is a lot of attention shifting Selina's direction, both astral, and a few cyber eyes zooming in.
It occurs to Selina how she and her companions must come off. Mike selected a spot at the wall opposite the stages, where the music is the quietest, like last time. Also like last time this puts the group between the bouncers by the door and where the owners hang out. Close enough Selina could eaves drop on their conversation if she concentrated.
However from a distance this might make Selina, Mike, and Reggie look like they're affiliated with the club. The spirits can probably get a good enough read on Selina and Fiona to know they themselves aren't as strong, at least in terms of force, as the new "security." From her close scrutiny in the astral and physical realm Selina suspects all of Mike's weapons are non-lethal, his armor is a bit more fashionable than functional, and his cyber and bioware are only to improve his performance in either the boardroom or the bedroom. But distant observers would just figure out he's armed, armored, and wired. They're trying to be intimidating with their looks, but Mike is focused on Selina and his aura is pure confidence and anticipation for some action. Especially after her last statement.
Selina has little idea how good Reggie really is in a fight. But his skill in a stare down? He proves he's exceptional and well-practiced. The gangers don't maintain their obvious scrutiny long.
The group must seem like a bunch of hired heavies for the establishment. The gangers hadn't been paying too much regard to the personal security for the uptown guests nor the bouncers, but this development gets people whispering. The mood relaxes some.
Mike might be an observant guy in most situations, but he's pretty distracted at the moment, and seems oblivious to all this. Reggie doesn't bother him with it either. He just responds to Selina.
"I suspect a bit of tension is what they're shooting for. Wake up some jaded uptowners you know? I'm less jaded myself, but happy to offer some encouragement , I'll send over some funds to rent one of the side rooms for us. Their system should flag that this is the first time I've done that."
------------------------
Rose thinks a while. "Yeah. If they're willing to go that route it avoids some of the drama. If we get in enough trouble they might even want to stay anonymous. She gives Bongo a smile. Occasionally folks have managed to stay anonymous leading bands and still managed to monetize views. I could probably work something like that up if you'd like. "
She starts off looking playful about that, but then dials it back "Well, hmmm. I think I should be careful with that. And now I worry I may have really gotten some past boyfriends in real trouble. Well. if you want less trouble that's fine with me too actually...as long as we can still make it big!
I could look into other musicians. I guess the only real question is if you want to just roll out with Retrostrack or if you want to avoid that drama...for other drama. Musicians always have drama. "
She gets up and turns off the holo and looks over at Bongo, without all the sauntering or hair flipping but more ease and comfort. "Help me hiding the holo again?"
--------------------------------
Some time would pass, and steaks would be eaten, but eventualy Brewster gets back to Willie with a message.
<< I'd been looking into the feathers. Rare and useful but not so often specifically needed. I can get 500 for them though. >>
The net result is a lot of attention shifting Selina's direction, both astral, and a few cyber eyes zooming in.
It occurs to Selina how she and her companions must come off. Mike selected a spot at the wall opposite the stages, where the music is the quietest, like last time. Also like last time this puts the group between the bouncers by the door and where the owners hang out. Close enough Selina could eaves drop on their conversation if she concentrated.
However from a distance this might make Selina, Mike, and Reggie look like they're affiliated with the club. The spirits can probably get a good enough read on Selina and Fiona to know they themselves aren't as strong, at least in terms of force, as the new "security." From her close scrutiny in the astral and physical realm Selina suspects all of Mike's weapons are non-lethal, his armor is a bit more fashionable than functional, and his cyber and bioware are only to improve his performance in either the boardroom or the bedroom. But distant observers would just figure out he's armed, armored, and wired. They're trying to be intimidating with their looks, but Mike is focused on Selina and his aura is pure confidence and anticipation for some action. Especially after her last statement.
Selina has little idea how good Reggie really is in a fight. But his skill in a stare down? He proves he's exceptional and well-practiced. The gangers don't maintain their obvious scrutiny long.
The group must seem like a bunch of hired heavies for the establishment. The gangers hadn't been paying too much regard to the personal security for the uptown guests nor the bouncers, but this development gets people whispering. The mood relaxes some.
Mike might be an observant guy in most situations, but he's pretty distracted at the moment, and seems oblivious to all this. Reggie doesn't bother him with it either. He just responds to Selina.
"I suspect a bit of tension is what they're shooting for. Wake up some jaded uptowners you know? I'm less jaded myself, but happy to offer some encouragement , I'll send over some funds to rent one of the side rooms for us. Their system should flag that this is the first time I've done that."
------------------------
Rose thinks a while. "Yeah. If they're willing to go that route it avoids some of the drama. If we get in enough trouble they might even want to stay anonymous. She gives Bongo a smile. Occasionally folks have managed to stay anonymous leading bands and still managed to monetize views. I could probably work something like that up if you'd like. "
She starts off looking playful about that, but then dials it back "Well, hmmm. I think I should be careful with that. And now I worry I may have really gotten some past boyfriends in real trouble. Well. if you want less trouble that's fine with me too actually...as long as we can still make it big!
I could look into other musicians. I guess the only real question is if you want to just roll out with Retrostrack or if you want to avoid that drama...for other drama. Musicians always have drama. "
She gets up and turns off the holo and looks over at Bongo, without all the sauntering or hair flipping but more ease and comfort. "Help me hiding the holo again?"
--------------------------------
Some time would pass, and steaks would be eaten, but eventualy Brewster gets back to Willie with a message.
<< I'd been looking into the feathers. Rare and useful but not so often specifically needed. I can get 500 for them though. >>
QUOTE (Koekepan @ Nov 11 2024, 11:51 AM) 
Paul makes sure that the pipe is strapped, that the scaffolding is in place as props, and uses a drone to check that the concrete patching and other internal repair work was completed. He then devotes himself to the fabrication of the lid, making sure that the match of the lid insert is tight and exact to the curve of the pipe and the shape of the hole. Then he matches that to a covering section that affords a flange that he can use for vault-style bolts around the perimeter. Finally he installs mating hardware all around the edge - standard industrial bolts would do fine. This takes a few hours, and then he puts the sucker in place. Enzo has the ability to lift it unaided - good for him. Paul just uses the scaffolding and a come-along to hoist it.
And there you are. Job done as per specification, time for signoff, payout and a beer.
And there you are. Job done as per specification, time for signoff, payout and a beer.
Once he starts indicating the job is done in AR it'd get the attention of Enzo
He saunters down holding a tube he shows it to Paul "Thanks for your work, maybe just walk me through it quick. And I think I've got a plan to keep the grumpy old guys underwear unknotted, and, if word gets out, keep stupid kids out of trouble. This tube says it's good for temporary fixes but isn't strong enough to be load bearing. I figure I can use to put the bricks back in the wall behind the plate. I know I left those bricks down in the basement somewhere. Anyway this should let me put 'em back in quick and easy, but if I want them out I can just punch down that section of wall. "
Paul looks at the product. His plan doesn't seem unfeasible, but he's going to bust his fist, even using his gloves, if his bones aren't reinforced. That stuff's pretty runny and Paul bets it'll look nasty if Enzo does it. Also it'd be thinner the filler used in the rest of the wall if he doesn't use any spacers or let it partially harden, so he'd wind up with a gap between the bottom of the existing wall and the top of the repaired section, which Paul figures he'd wind up filling up by slathering that stuff in there. Still, it should basically work with some effort. It wouldn't look like the kind of job Paul would do though.
Selina watches the gangers for a moment. Pleased with herself about the development, even though the gangers took it a bit farther than what Fiona meant by it, she just smiles confidently when they have their attention. Seeing the mood relax a little, it certainly pushed them into the right direction, and if the first evening is going well, that should also help for the future. Reggie's formidable presence helped quite a bit there, too, obviously. So, all in all, not too bad. Just have fun tonight, guys.
"As long as it does not escalate into more... I'm actually quite impressed that they managed to get them to show up without their colors. If things go well enough tonight it might also set a precedence that this arrangement with them can work out. Who knows, maybe they will just see the club as some sort of neutral ground. Haha, sorry! I sometimes have my rose-tinted glasses on. I do like to think there is a little good left in this world."
"As long as it does not escalate into more... I'm actually quite impressed that they managed to get them to show up without their colors. If things go well enough tonight it might also set a precedence that this arrangement with them can work out. Who knows, maybe they will just see the club as some sort of neutral ground. Haha, sorry! I sometimes have my rose-tinted glasses on. I do like to think there is a little good left in this world."
Willie responds to Brewster. << Thanks. I think I'll keep them for now. Maybe one of our magicians can use them for some ooglie booglie. >>
He messages Bongo. << Hey. What's up? Anything fun going on? >>
[OOC: Just getting my two PCs, at least, on the same timeline]
#############
Bongo helps with the stashing of the equipment. "Yeah, let's see what we can find in the way of other musicians. Might as well try to keep your original group as functional as possible. "
Once the material is packed away, he gives Rose a peck on her cheek and goes on his way. Out in his vehicle, he starts his search for musical talent and, including 'magical group' in the search criteria, he happens across a reference to an alleged initiatory group of musicians somewhere underground in the Federal Hill area. Not far from their safehouse, actually. Troublemakers? Huh. Maybe a group he could get along with.
He get a ping from Quick Willie. << Yeah, as a matter of fact. I just got a lead on some magical, musical rebels hanging out under Federal Hill. Wanna help me check it out? >>
##############
<< Sure. Got a belly full of steak and a hankering for some fun. Pick me up. >> He sends Bongo his location.
##############
<< Be there shortly. >> Of course, finding a way down into some old tunnels might be a challenge. Hey. Tubesnake does that kind of shit.
<<To Tubesnake: Yo. You got some time? I got a lead on a bunch of magical outlaws hiding out under Federal Hill somewhere. You got any info on that, or any way to find tunnel entrances? >>
Once Bongo and Willie are together in Bongo's Land Rover, Bongo drives towards the safehouse in case Tubesnake is there.
Willie shows Bongo the new belt he got to hold his new memory blade. "Cost me 67 Nuyen, but ain't it beautiful? Way better than the cheaper one they showed me. If you're looking for a place to buy some cool clothing accessories, this place rocks. "
"You're a man of style, Willie." Bongo then gets another idea. Full of them, today!
<<To Angel: Hey, Angel. I got a line on a group of magical musicians hiding out under Federal Hill. You're the whiz in the Matrix. Any chance you could find out something more about what's under Federal Hill, and maybe that group who hide out there? It'd be great if you could learn something. >>
He messages Bongo. << Hey. What's up? Anything fun going on? >>
[OOC: Just getting my two PCs, at least, on the same timeline]
#############
Bongo helps with the stashing of the equipment. "Yeah, let's see what we can find in the way of other musicians. Might as well try to keep your original group as functional as possible. "
Once the material is packed away, he gives Rose a peck on her cheek and goes on his way. Out in his vehicle, he starts his search for musical talent and, including 'magical group' in the search criteria, he happens across a reference to an alleged initiatory group of musicians somewhere underground in the Federal Hill area. Not far from their safehouse, actually. Troublemakers? Huh. Maybe a group he could get along with.
He get a ping from Quick Willie. << Yeah, as a matter of fact. I just got a lead on some magical, musical rebels hanging out under Federal Hill. Wanna help me check it out? >>
##############
<< Sure. Got a belly full of steak and a hankering for some fun. Pick me up. >> He sends Bongo his location.
##############
<< Be there shortly. >> Of course, finding a way down into some old tunnels might be a challenge. Hey. Tubesnake does that kind of shit.
<<To Tubesnake: Yo. You got some time? I got a lead on a bunch of magical outlaws hiding out under Federal Hill somewhere. You got any info on that, or any way to find tunnel entrances? >>
Once Bongo and Willie are together in Bongo's Land Rover, Bongo drives towards the safehouse in case Tubesnake is there.
Willie shows Bongo the new belt he got to hold his new memory blade. "Cost me 67 Nuyen, but ain't it beautiful? Way better than the cheaper one they showed me. If you're looking for a place to buy some cool clothing accessories, this place rocks. "
"You're a man of style, Willie." Bongo then gets another idea. Full of them, today!
<<To Angel: Hey, Angel. I got a line on a group of magical musicians hiding out under Federal Hill. You're the whiz in the Matrix. Any chance you could find out something more about what's under Federal Hill, and maybe that group who hide out there? It'd be great if you could learn something. >>
Paul nods to Enzo. ""Ugly, but functional. Well, if you want a more professional and discreet job done, you should have my contacts. Here, have a card. Old school, but I like them. Let me know if you come up with a plan to fix things in the longer term, and I'll be happy to put it into practice for you - umm, excuse me, I'm getting a work request. I'll clean up and be out of your hair.""
Once he steps aside a little, and the drones are withdrawing all the tool cabling and work carts, he pings the team.
<<Just wrapping up another job. But yeah, I can find you pipes and tunnels. I don't know about rebels, but I can definitely do some inspections. Want me to head over there?>>
Once he steps aside a little, and the drones are withdrawing all the tool cabling and work carts, he pings the team.
<<Just wrapping up another job. But yeah, I can find you pipes and tunnels. I don't know about rebels, but I can definitely do some inspections. Want me to head over there?>>
Enzo just sort of stares at the card for a while. An interesting artifact of the modern era is people don't actually have to learn comcodes as actual numbers anymore if the don't want to, and why would they want to? It's all handled in AR, mostly automatically.
But he says "Thanks. I suppose I don't have a specific plan. Mostly because I don't have another place that I think would work. Also I don't have a van with a hatch thing. But if you get any wiz ideas or know an enterprising mechanic I'd be interested. I'll be sure to request you if anything comes up again. "
He goes in for a handshake, and at least isn't doing the annoying thing of trying to use whatever is artificial about his body to try and crush Paul's hand.
He then nods and gets out of Paul's way again, though he does casually make sure Paul leaves.
------------------
Angel pings back <<Hi! Nice to hear from you! Everyone seems to busy. >>
Then they add. <<I'll have to get to it a little later. I tried multitasking at the gym and I fell.
They keep making me run and jump. 
>>
---------------------------------
(OOC: If Selina would rather stay where they are for crowd monitoring or eavesdropping she could interrupt this. Otherwise Mike is going forward with what he understands of the plan and I'll post that way. )
Mike stands up. "Well, I can appreciate how nice it is to let down your usual pretenses. Hopefully they're at least somewhat more interested in enjoying themselves than their usual trouble. There are a lot of gangs out there. I bet a bunch of them would have just to the owners just where they can shove their old timey outfits. But you don't need many to say yes to fill up this place.
It's weird to think what they might get up to in that life. But here it's fun to think of them as edgy businessmen. If that reduces violence somehow elsewhere that would be great. "
He holds out a hand to Selina "And speaking of things that are great"
Mike leads her towards the small privacy room he'd rented.
They haven't refurbished these since Fiona last used one as a way to sneak through the ward where she wouldn't be spotted. Just a relatively small room dominated by a pleather couch big enough to serve as a small bed. Reggie stays outside.
Mike says "The info when renting said there's a drawer underneath with all sorts of harnesses, swings, velcro straps and the like if you're interested in any of that. I suppose I've never invested in those or attachments points in the ceiling at my place. "
But he says "Thanks. I suppose I don't have a specific plan. Mostly because I don't have another place that I think would work. Also I don't have a van with a hatch thing. But if you get any wiz ideas or know an enterprising mechanic I'd be interested. I'll be sure to request you if anything comes up again. "
He goes in for a handshake, and at least isn't doing the annoying thing of trying to use whatever is artificial about his body to try and crush Paul's hand.
He then nods and gets out of Paul's way again, though he does casually make sure Paul leaves.
------------------
Angel pings back <<Hi! Nice to hear from you! Everyone seems to busy. >>
Then they add. <<I'll have to get to it a little later. I tried multitasking at the gym and I fell.
They keep making me run and jump. >>---------------------------------
(OOC: If Selina would rather stay where they are for crowd monitoring or eavesdropping she could interrupt this. Otherwise Mike is going forward with what he understands of the plan and I'll post that way. )
Mike stands up. "Well, I can appreciate how nice it is to let down your usual pretenses. Hopefully they're at least somewhat more interested in enjoying themselves than their usual trouble. There are a lot of gangs out there. I bet a bunch of them would have just to the owners just where they can shove their old timey outfits. But you don't need many to say yes to fill up this place.
It's weird to think what they might get up to in that life. But here it's fun to think of them as edgy businessmen. If that reduces violence somehow elsewhere that would be great. "
He holds out a hand to Selina "And speaking of things that are great"
Mike leads her towards the small privacy room he'd rented.
They haven't refurbished these since Fiona last used one as a way to sneak through the ward where she wouldn't be spotted. Just a relatively small room dominated by a pleather couch big enough to serve as a small bed. Reggie stays outside.
Mike says "The info when renting said there's a drawer underneath with all sorts of harnesses, swings, velcro straps and the like if you're interested in any of that. I suppose I've never invested in those or attachments points in the ceiling at my place. "
Bongo replies to Tubesnake. <<Yeah, there's parking along Warren Ave. on the south edge. See you there in a few minutes. You have any info on this place, by any chance? You know, underground stuff and all that?>>
<<It may take more than a few minutes. Grab a soykaf or whatever, I'm just cleaning up after today's job, but I'll be there soon. I do have the standard location equipment - current detectors, metal detectors, basic GPR, ultrasonics. What any plumber should have, basically. And of course the public documentation although I'll guarantee that's out of date with all the digging that the local community has been doing. You need to find a tunnel, or operate within one?>>
<<Both.>> replies Bongo. <<Got a lead on a magical group I might want to join. They have a reputation as troublemakers, so might be less than willing to welcome strangers. I figure I can talk my way in, if only I could find where in is. Willie is with me in case things turn hostile.>>
(OOC: After about an hour and a half in game Angel will send a reply with some attached photos.
<< Hi Bongo! I'm back at the house! That was rough! I looked into the group. They're known as "Vex" and what they seem to be known for is. Well, it was a little hard for me to get. I think the idea is that most people, from corporations, to people on ships, to gangers, to police, and politicians and everybody has places they don't want you to go.
Now I feel better about not going anywhere I haven't got an invite link to!
Anyway that's where they like to play. And then people get mad and then they get away and I guess people really think that's cool. I think.
here are some clips. >>
The attachment includes some files of trid shot guerrilla style of them on top of uptown buildings, on a ship, right in front of a police stations with what seem like a bunch of hookers. Since more and more people have started using better systems with vision links this isn't so bad. Always stuff on the edge of public spaces, so a crowd can develop. So they, at least in these videos aren't breaking into corporate Zero zones or anything. But they can make the gangers, corp security, and Baltimore Police Union look back as they display impressive freerunning abilities or go invisible or fly off, often with a spirit or two running interference. Bongo knows all those groups, probably even gangers, could go a lot harder. But it isn't like they're putting on full concerts, so the opposition doesn't have a chance to muster much of a response before the band is clearing out. Usually just some mundane first line security, and drones. They often don't even choose to shoot at the band members. The band usually only gets maybe one song out if that. Though they'll usually release a full version of a song or two people can put over the whole escape scene in their social media postings.
Bongo's memory correlates the videos. They're using different nanopaste disguises every time. So he wouldn't be able to pick one out by looks, not even skin or hair tone. But Bongo is pretty sure it's the same people due to body proportions being similar. Even though they do mess with those too. Bongo guesses the group is a female dwarf and a male dwarf, a female human and a male human, and an elf that he can't exactly put his finger on gender wise. The humans are probably physical adepts and the rest spellcasters or conjurers.
He also notes that they don't actually seem to be the best musicians. They also don't have a drummer. Though there really wouldn't be a way to incorporate a proper drum set into their routine. Instrument wise the dwarves haul large speakers, the other three play guitars, and everybody sings. Granted they might be performing in far from ideal conditions, and there is a certain asthetic where punk music shouldn't be especially good. Still, not so impressive.
<< Hi Bongo! I'm back at the house! That was rough! I looked into the group. They're known as "Vex" and what they seem to be known for is. Well, it was a little hard for me to get. I think the idea is that most people, from corporations, to people on ships, to gangers, to police, and politicians and everybody has places they don't want you to go.
Now I feel better about not going anywhere I haven't got an invite link to!
Anyway that's where they like to play. And then people get mad and then they get away and I guess people really think that's cool. I think.
here are some clips. >>
The attachment includes some files of trid shot guerrilla style of them on top of uptown buildings, on a ship, right in front of a police stations with what seem like a bunch of hookers. Since more and more people have started using better systems with vision links this isn't so bad. Always stuff on the edge of public spaces, so a crowd can develop. So they, at least in these videos aren't breaking into corporate Zero zones or anything. But they can make the gangers, corp security, and Baltimore Police Union look back as they display impressive freerunning abilities or go invisible or fly off, often with a spirit or two running interference. Bongo knows all those groups, probably even gangers, could go a lot harder. But it isn't like they're putting on full concerts, so the opposition doesn't have a chance to muster much of a response before the band is clearing out. Usually just some mundane first line security, and drones. They often don't even choose to shoot at the band members. The band usually only gets maybe one song out if that. Though they'll usually release a full version of a song or two people can put over the whole escape scene in their social media postings.
Bongo's memory correlates the videos. They're using different nanopaste disguises every time. So he wouldn't be able to pick one out by looks, not even skin or hair tone. But Bongo is pretty sure it's the same people due to body proportions being similar. Even though they do mess with those too. Bongo guesses the group is a female dwarf and a male dwarf, a female human and a male human, and an elf that he can't exactly put his finger on gender wise. The humans are probably physical adepts and the rest spellcasters or conjurers.
He also notes that they don't actually seem to be the best musicians. They also don't have a drummer. Though there really wouldn't be a way to incorporate a proper drum set into their routine. Instrument wise the dwarves haul large speakers, the other three play guitars, and everybody sings. Granted they might be performing in far from ideal conditions, and there is a certain asthetic where punk music shouldn't be especially good. Still, not so impressive.
Paul runs a quick inventory of his tools and drones, then gets everything back up the stairs with a cheery wave and ""If you decide on a location, you let me know!"" to a watchful Enzo before getting things buttoned back up in the van.
It doesn't take him long, given that the tools were mostly small, and then he dusts himself off with the blowing end of a shop vacuum and gets back in the van.
<<I'm on the road, and under way. Let me know what you need me to do and I'll prep for it.>>
It doesn't take him long, given that the tools were mostly small, and then he dusts himself off with the blowing end of a shop vacuum and gets back in the van.
<<I'm on the road, and under way. Let me know what you need me to do and I'll prep for it.>>
Bongo replies to Tubesnake. <<Willie and I are in 3 Bean Coffee just west of the park, off Key Hwy. What I would like to know is how to get into the tunnels that are supposed to be still under the park's hill. There's a group allegedly working out of those tunnels called Vex. A bunch of magical types who do musical demonstrations to get under the skins of corporate and government agencies.
<< I think they need somebody with real talent to up their game, and they might be able to help me beef up my magic. So, I gotta get in there and meet them. Might be a bit dangerous, don't know, but I think they are more the hit-and-run protest types. So, If you could help find an entrance somewhere and maybe give advice on how to navigate the 'underworld', that would be great. >>
Seeing as they had some time, and their safehouse is not too far away, after Tubesnake had said he would be a while the two of them stopped off at the safehouse. Willie traded in his HK for the AK and the Ceska (Whoa, Willie! What you think we are getting into?) and Bongo picked up his bongos and a couple of drumsticks.
<< I think they need somebody with real talent to up their game, and they might be able to help me beef up my magic. So, I gotta get in there and meet them. Might be a bit dangerous, don't know, but I think they are more the hit-and-run protest types. So, If you could help find an entrance somewhere and maybe give advice on how to navigate the 'underworld', that would be great. >>
Seeing as they had some time, and their safehouse is not too far away, after Tubesnake had said he would be a while the two of them stopped off at the safehouse. Willie traded in his HK for the AK and the Ceska (Whoa, Willie! What you think we are getting into?) and Bongo picked up his bongos and a couple of drumsticks.
"Yeah, I think those are more for people with, uhm, special interests," Selina comments.
She sits down on the couch. "So, we should probably stay in here for a while."
"I'm sure you remember that I mentioned looking for a place in the city. I actually found one by now. It's pretty cool. Inner harbor. Fairly high up, so the view is great as well, straight towards the waterfront. And it even comes with a terrace. That is going to be really nice in the summer. The layout of the rooms is a bit odd, like there is no bathroom you can reach without going through one of the bedrooms, but that's not much of a problem for me. Maybe part of the reason that it is going to be free soon. Well, that and the price tag, but I'm not complaining."
She sits down on the couch. "So, we should probably stay in here for a while."
"I'm sure you remember that I mentioned looking for a place in the city. I actually found one by now. It's pretty cool. Inner harbor. Fairly high up, so the view is great as well, straight towards the waterfront. And it even comes with a terrace. That is going to be really nice in the summer. The layout of the rooms is a bit odd, like there is no bathroom you can reach without going through one of the bedrooms, but that's not much of a problem for me. Maybe part of the reason that it is going to be free soon. Well, that and the price tag, but I'm not complaining."
Prior to getting his guns Bongo and Willie, but Willie in particular, might have noticed a lot of stares while near the inner harbor. Nobody did anything to them or even approached them, and once they were spending money on some kaf that seemed to settle things. But they were aware of being watched. However while their time on the streets would make that response almost automatic, it wouldn't take much longer to figure out they weren't singled out really, not even Willie.
The Baltimore Police Union is out in force here. Though if anything they seem to be enjoying themselves as tourists will actually say hi in a cheery voice. Probably not the usual sort of treatment they get on the streets. But anybody that doesn't look enough like a tourist, or at least looking to be wholesome and drop cash, gets some scrutiny. Even then they seem to be looking at any Ork, whether they'd admit that even to themselves. Even the BPU officers that are Orks themselves.
Japanacorp security is also out in force. Not necessarily Japanese or even Asian themselves, nor in obvious corporate armor usually, but somebody in the group tends to have a patch or something. Some are just a security agency, but who else would be paying them? They have no jurisdiction on these streets, but there also isn't any regulation the BPU could use to say they can't be out for a stroll themselves, so there they are. They're also looking out for trouble, but from Brewsters materials, mostly they're just in position in case anything suspicious heads towards the corporate facilities to the south, or if anything goes down there and perps try to make their way out this way.
Bongo gets some vibes that it might also be a pride thing, at least for some of the lieutenant types leading groups here, if not those assigning them here.
After getting to the safehouse and back Bongo gets another Ping from Angel, this time live.
<<Hi again! So I looked up a bit on the whole Federal Hill Underground thing.
Some article said there are some official entrances.>>
An ARO pops up with the following:
https://sobopost.org/wp-content/uploads/202...tunnels-map.jpg
Angel continues <<
They'd all been sealed up, but people knew they were there when things started to crazy after Goblinization and busted into some of them.
There was talk they should be sealed up again, but people in comments sections seem to think they stayed open either because the government was trying to be sympathetic to the people in there, because the corporations knew they couldn't build up the area anyway with that kind of soil, or because the people that want to be down there could have just punched out with holes anywhere and everywhere.
So those are to an extent open to the public. It says the Federal Hill North slope entrance had some large caverns and is now a city museum with history on the area and tunnels for tourists. The house eating sinkhole down on Clement street was bought by Disney for a small themed underground area based on "The Hunchback of Noter Dame" after it's re-release on sims.
Ooooh! I remember that one! I kinda wanna go now!
Uh. Sorry. Professional. Or do you have to be professional outside of a job? Like a real job job?
Anyway the other two marked entrances are for post office boxes. The folks in chat say there are other entrances, but act all like they don't want to share where they are. Info jerks. >>
-----------------------------------------------
Mike eagerly sits down close to Selina.
Sitting close, she can get a good read on his face. She hasn't played cards with him, so she doesn't know if he really has a "poker face" or if he'd use it in conversations, but at least she can rule out him always using it as his usual easy confidence starts to evaporate as she starts talking. Culminating in an expression Selina associates more with a runner bracing for a yet another nasty hit after already taking many in a fight as she mentions the price tag.
But then surprise after she had said "but I'm not complaining."
He actually has something of a dumbfounded look. Temporarily flummoxed, he seems to be thinking over the statement, perhaps literally replaying it in his head.
He tries to dial his expression back to a happy flirty one. "Sounds great. I like my view, and uptown amenities, but the inner harbor is very nice. I'd like to see it sometime, so long as you'll let me use the bathroom. "
He gives her a smile, and as casually as possible says. "Though it seems like a favorite occupation of everybody in this town is complaining about rent prices. You're passing on the local tradition?"
The Baltimore Police Union is out in force here. Though if anything they seem to be enjoying themselves as tourists will actually say hi in a cheery voice. Probably not the usual sort of treatment they get on the streets. But anybody that doesn't look enough like a tourist, or at least looking to be wholesome and drop cash, gets some scrutiny. Even then they seem to be looking at any Ork, whether they'd admit that even to themselves. Even the BPU officers that are Orks themselves.
Japanacorp security is also out in force. Not necessarily Japanese or even Asian themselves, nor in obvious corporate armor usually, but somebody in the group tends to have a patch or something. Some are just a security agency, but who else would be paying them? They have no jurisdiction on these streets, but there also isn't any regulation the BPU could use to say they can't be out for a stroll themselves, so there they are. They're also looking out for trouble, but from Brewsters materials, mostly they're just in position in case anything suspicious heads towards the corporate facilities to the south, or if anything goes down there and perps try to make their way out this way.
Bongo gets some vibes that it might also be a pride thing, at least for some of the lieutenant types leading groups here, if not those assigning them here.
After getting to the safehouse and back Bongo gets another Ping from Angel, this time live.
<<Hi again! So I looked up a bit on the whole Federal Hill Underground thing.
Some article said there are some official entrances.>>
An ARO pops up with the following:
https://sobopost.org/wp-content/uploads/202...tunnels-map.jpg
Angel continues <<
They'd all been sealed up, but people knew they were there when things started to crazy after Goblinization and busted into some of them.
There was talk they should be sealed up again, but people in comments sections seem to think they stayed open either because the government was trying to be sympathetic to the people in there, because the corporations knew they couldn't build up the area anyway with that kind of soil, or because the people that want to be down there could have just punched out with holes anywhere and everywhere.
So those are to an extent open to the public. It says the Federal Hill North slope entrance had some large caverns and is now a city museum with history on the area and tunnels for tourists. The house eating sinkhole down on Clement street was bought by Disney for a small themed underground area based on "The Hunchback of Noter Dame" after it's re-release on sims.
Ooooh! I remember that one! I kinda wanna go now!
Uh. Sorry. Professional. Or do you have to be professional outside of a job? Like a real job job?
Anyway the other two marked entrances are for post office boxes. The folks in chat say there are other entrances, but act all like they don't want to share where they are. Info jerks. >>
-----------------------------------------------
Mike eagerly sits down close to Selina.
Sitting close, she can get a good read on his face. She hasn't played cards with him, so she doesn't know if he really has a "poker face" or if he'd use it in conversations, but at least she can rule out him always using it as his usual easy confidence starts to evaporate as she starts talking. Culminating in an expression Selina associates more with a runner bracing for a yet another nasty hit after already taking many in a fight as she mentions the price tag.
But then surprise after she had said "but I'm not complaining."
He actually has something of a dumbfounded look. Temporarily flummoxed, he seems to be thinking over the statement, perhaps literally replaying it in his head.
He tries to dial his expression back to a happy flirty one. "Sounds great. I like my view, and uptown amenities, but the inner harbor is very nice. I'd like to see it sometime, so long as you'll let me use the bathroom. "
He gives her a smile, and as casually as possible says. "Though it seems like a favorite occupation of everybody in this town is complaining about rent prices. You're passing on the local tradition?"
Bongo sidles up to the counter to get some extra napkins. Beside one of the people who looks like japanacorp security, He remarks (Japanese: Excuse me, I need some napkins.) he couches the phrase in social terms that reflect an artisan speaking to a warrior.
He asks the server to bring him and Willie a couple of butter tarts.
[ Spoiler ]
He asks the server to bring him and Willie a couple of butter tarts.
Now it's Selina's turn to look slightly confused.
"You seem conflicted. And surprised. I thought you might like the news, that I will actually be moving here."
She winks at him, playfully. "Or are you surprised, that I can afford a place like that?"
"To be honest, it is going to be a little tight, but I can make it work."
"You seem conflicted. And surprised. I thought you might like the news, that I will actually be moving here."
She winks at him, playfully. "Or are you surprised, that I can afford a place like that?"
"To be honest, it is going to be a little tight, but I can make it work."
Tubesnake nods to himself at Bongo's reply, and then checks back on his earlier hunt for business.
<<I could go seeking and sneaking, for sure, but just in case you want to start poking around the metahuman landscape, I have a name that you could check into: Anne Abbot. She's a dwarf with a reputation for liking blue collar men. I don't know too much more, but maybe dropping that name along with some dazzling charm and wit will get you places.>>
<<I could go seeking and sneaking, for sure, but just in case you want to start poking around the metahuman landscape, I have a name that you could check into: Anne Abbot. She's a dwarf with a reputation for liking blue collar men. I don't know too much more, but maybe dropping that name along with some dazzling charm and wit will get you places.>>
Bongo receives some napkin, and nod, and a "O Yaku Ni Tate Te, Kouei Desu" ( “I’m delighted to have been of service.” )
After that Bongo seems to be on the "safe" list as far as the mans searching eyes go. It seems it doesn't take much to fit in here. Of course with the tourists and crowds they've got to make fast decisions about how is OK and who to focus on.
-----------------------
Angel chirps in Bongo's ear again <<I'm really not finding anything on maps of the tunnels, and I'm really good at finding things. Maybe they don't make them? People don't put names on the post office boxes either, just numbers. I can sometimes find a correlation, but I don't have any leads on the names of the band members of Vex. I might be able to try and see if I can track down some comcodes of folks associated with the widely believed rumors they're in the Federal Hill Underground. If you think there might be something useful on their comlinks if I can find them and they don't change their codes.
I'm not so sure I would. But I don't know how to find those guys. >>
--------------
Mike purses his lips but forces back on a smile, it seems to have help Selina has put on a playful tone herself. "Ah, I'd try to move the conversation on, but you wouldn't let it go would you, my curious cat. Cornering me in a little room for questioning."
He slides back onto the couch, mostly laying but letting the back prop up his torso. " Remember when we met and you asked about me always having different girls? Pretty early in the conversation as I recall. Anway a more detailed answer is that relationships tend to run a certain course. We get to have fun together. For a while. And then I hear about an apartment, or a car, or a student loan. You get the idea. At some point I'm just a means to an end, a tool. "
He shrugs his shoulders "Now, I can be pretty useful tool for a while sometimes. But, yeah, not something I'd want to try and build anything remotely serious on. "
He pauses a moment "I guess one perk of the cycle is that they usually feel a tiny built guilty for going there, and so don't go psycho on me. Which is nice because I really do enjoy this club, and where else am I going to wear all these clothes!?"
He smiles, more genuinly this time "I suppose I'm willing to share because I appreciate that you seem to be taking the same approach to living as your dresses "A little tight, but you make them work" "
After that Bongo seems to be on the "safe" list as far as the mans searching eyes go. It seems it doesn't take much to fit in here. Of course with the tourists and crowds they've got to make fast decisions about how is OK and who to focus on.
-----------------------
Angel chirps in Bongo's ear again <<I'm really not finding anything on maps of the tunnels, and I'm really good at finding things. Maybe they don't make them? People don't put names on the post office boxes either, just numbers. I can sometimes find a correlation, but I don't have any leads on the names of the band members of Vex. I might be able to try and see if I can track down some comcodes of folks associated with the widely believed rumors they're in the Federal Hill Underground. If you think there might be something useful on their comlinks if I can find them and they don't change their codes.
I'm not so sure I would. But I don't know how to find those guys. >>
--------------
Mike purses his lips but forces back on a smile, it seems to have help Selina has put on a playful tone herself. "Ah, I'd try to move the conversation on, but you wouldn't let it go would you, my curious cat. Cornering me in a little room for questioning."
He slides back onto the couch, mostly laying but letting the back prop up his torso. " Remember when we met and you asked about me always having different girls? Pretty early in the conversation as I recall. Anway a more detailed answer is that relationships tend to run a certain course. We get to have fun together. For a while. And then I hear about an apartment, or a car, or a student loan. You get the idea. At some point I'm just a means to an end, a tool. "
He shrugs his shoulders "Now, I can be pretty useful tool for a while sometimes. But, yeah, not something I'd want to try and build anything remotely serious on. "
He pauses a moment "I guess one perk of the cycle is that they usually feel a tiny built guilty for going there, and so don't go psycho on me. Which is nice because I really do enjoy this club, and where else am I going to wear all these clothes!?"
He smiles, more genuinly this time "I suppose I'm willing to share because I appreciate that you seem to be taking the same approach to living as your dresses "A little tight, but you make them work" "
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