Thor walks over to Sedryk. "You have a boat, right? My van is submersible, and has enough air to get us to the island, though we would probably have to fill the tanks back up to come back home under water. I can hold the entire team, and the mining gear, but then it would have no room for any other gear except what people can put on their laps. It's also very hard to detect. What is your vehicle like?"

"Good stuff, Skeeter" Paris says. Damn, that kid was better prepared than I was. "If we're going to Encrypt, we're all going to need the same Encryption codes, though."

"You know, if we've got a boat going over the surface, we could just send the gear in with the van under water, and a few of us could go without anything illegal, as tourists. If we get stopped, no problem. Skeeter might be good to have in the boat... he doesn't seem all that threatening, and I think the border gaurds would have a tough time believing he's on any kind of mission."

Swift Eagle walks over to Brand and whispers in here ear. "Do you have a bug scanner? The Johnson may have left a bug right before exiting." He then walks over to Hellcow and whispers in his ear. "Do you have a bug scanner? I think we should sweep this room again, in case the Johnson left one."

He then walks over to where the Johnson was seated and looks at the bottom of the chair and the bottom of the table in front of it.

Belfast just watches Swift Eagle walk around, whispering in people's ears. "As if one 'special' fellow wasn't bad enough." He just slowly shakes his head then continues jotting down items as they're mentioned by the others.

Raven reaches over the back of the brief and quickly counts out the 2k. The money disappears into her pocket.

“Sounds like a plan, Belfast right? Ok, so gear we need for the wilderness. I am actually pretty handy in the woods, I do a lot of cross-country skiing. Everyone who doesn’t have one, will want a sharp utility knife. Cold weather gear, something camouflaged. A change of clothes for every day your there. We will want a portable heater, it’s going to get cold out there. Sleeping bags, tents, preferably camoed. What else, basic survival gear. Evan ,how are you for medical supplies, you’re the medic right?”

As she speaks she makes her way back around the desk to her chair in the corner.

Belfast just smiles inwardly as he sees the group finally starting to come together.

"Aye, Belfast it is, and those are all good suggestions." He continues scratching the list down and adds multipliers where appropriate. "Climbing gear would also be a good idea in case we have to do any spelunking, as well as a few other basic mining tools in the advent of a landslide or cave-in."

"Oh, yeah, and I've got some hatchets. We could cut and split firewood with them. And a couple of knives we can use for cleaning fish or skinning game, or ..." Skeeter thinks a moment, "or chopping veggies. They're real sharp." At this, he pulls back his coat, emulating the way the real pros did it.

"I came ready to go. I have a sleeping bag and self-inflating tent on the back of my bike, and about 10 square meters of camo netting. Flashlight, ration, flares, check. Marqi of Yorks' latest line of tailored fatigues, in this seasons chic armored stylings. The Alpha and HK227 are gonna be a little conspicous crossing the border though."

Hellcow looks over at Paris. "Yeah. As few of us could go over on bikes, a camping road trip through Native American lands. Sounds good."

The elf holds up his Pocket Secretary.

"I've got some decent encrytion on this thing. I didn't bring a radio, figured getting lost in the flood of cell calls was more secure than radio. I can pick a few up if we need them though. Subvocal mikes and strong Encrytion would be a good idea, but might be rough to get on short notice."

Hellcow walks over to the chips. "Mind if I slot those?" He loads the maps into his pocket secretary, and slots the other chip into a jack in the back of his head.

Brand momentarily wondered if the entire group had some kind of precognance that let them in on the fact that they were going camping. She'd stuffed all of her usual gear into her duffle along with a change of clothes and some miscellaneous personal items, but would still need to round up a survival kit, some rations, and a sleeping bag.

The kid was remarkably put together. Or more accurately, she corrected herself, his caretaker was. She doubted he would have remembered to wear underwear on his own.

"I'm afraid I don't have a cell phone" says Paris. "Never liked the things anyway."

Sedryk looks over at the dwarf. "It's just your standard Samuvani Chriscraft Otter picked it up a bonus 'couple years back. I've only crashed on it a few nights to let the heat die off from my usual crash pads. Currently it's docked in Everett"

"The way I figure it it's about 300 plus clicks to the target, even figuring hauling ass all the way there, it'll take about three hours to get there. Figure it'll take six with getting it prepped, stealthing the border patrols and making dock."

"I know someone already nixed the idea of splitting up, perhaps we could send a van team and a boat team? The team arriving first could scout the area, and possibly establish a base camp." Slowly he produces a slim black cigarette and lights it.

"Also since I know we have some long gun experts, they could set up a posted security while the rest of us get the samples.

After finishing his thoughts, Sedryk gets up from the table and calls his old friend and free trader Byran. When he hears nothing but a simple tone and silence, Sedryk simply says "Hollar at yer boy."

"All right. Those of you without a radio, let me know and I'll add it to the list and hopefully the Demonic Cowboy will be able to snare you one. Phones won't be reliable, so if that's all you got, you're on the list of those who need a radio. If there's anything else you need, now's the time to mention it because our time here is running out.

"Now that that's covered, as far as I'm concerned we need to get our shite together and get it together quick. While 200 miles doesn't seem that far as the crow flies," he pauses for a moment as he gives a bit of a smirkish smile since that's his preferred means of travelling, "it's a different story when we have to do it quiet like while sneaking across two borders. Now Sedryk has a good point: It would be best if we split up into two teams to increase our chances of getting across as well as insuring we have some kind of backup if we need to make a dirty escape. I suggest we take a moment to decide who's on who's team. Let's call Thor's group Alpha Team and Sedryk's group will be Bravo Team. We'll make it an even five-five split, so let's get started there.

"I'll be honest with you, I want to be on Bravo Team for no other reason than because I'd rather sail than ride in a van. So I'm putting dibs on that one." He flashes a boyish smile and kind of shrugs his shoulders a bit.

"Not to talk drek about my suggestion, but I'm not a leader. That and I can't pilot the boat. Skeeter up for a boat ride?" Sedryk smiles

Driving on the bottom of the ocean? That sounded kinda scary. The boat sounded much better, maybe do a little fishing. But the mean, bossy man wanted to go on it. I don't think he likes me. Don't know why, I didn't hit him or nothin'. Not yet, anyway. He'll probably want to bring the mean old crow elf, too.

"Yeah," Skeeter said. "I'll go on the boat." But his usual enthusiasm had vacated him. Sometimes being professional sucked.

"I'm not a big fan of enclosed spaces, so if it's all the same to you guys. I'll go on the boat. Think we can fit my dirt bike on your boat, Sedryk? It's a little smaller than a Rapier, we could probably lash it to the top or back."

"Wait a minute," Swift Eagle cautions. "As I recall, an Otter is a kind of speedboat, with only a couple seats, and not a whole lot of cargo space. Is this a non-standard model? I don't think a standard model could carry half the team."

Brand shrugs. "I have no preference, so I'll take whatever seat is available."

Raven looks over at Swift-Eagle and shrugs. "What the hell do I know about boats, it's why I was asking, Sedryk. It's not a very big bike, it is far smaller than a street bike."

"Ok, while the rest of you figure out what's up, I need to call my contact."

Raven manoeuvered her way to the balcony over looking the river and excused her self. Once out side she placed her phone next to one delicate ear.

"Hey Rick, I know it's late, I need two things. I need a week off, and I need some gear. You got a pen? Good. Here it is."

Yep, sure enough. Mean old crow elf lady wants to be with her new boyfriend.

Or maybe they plan on jumping poor little Skeeter taking his stuff and using him for chum. If they start calling him 'chummer' and smiling to each other, he'd know.

"I can lead the team that makes the initial beachhead" says Paris. "Though if someone else would prefer to do it, that's fine with me. Either transport method works for me, though some of my gear could be problematic if searched. I won't be needing a radio, just some camping gear and a little camo netting, as I mentioned earlier."

Evans had already half expected to be ignored by Thor, and he breathed in deeply and smiled to himself, slowly shaking his head. Nobody appreciates a competant medic these days. Their loss.

Survival gear...Hmm, knew he forgot something. "Hellcow, if you're getting gear, would you mind snagging a ration bar and survival kit for me while you're at it?" Evans slides over the briefcase and takes his share, snapping off a few notes roughly equalling 150 nuyen, then passing it over to Hellcow if he accepts.

"As for the vehicles, I'll be willing to go in either one. Preferably the one with less firepower, but I suppose we're all good at shooting, hmm? Well, any one, then."

"Here, this is all of what I'll be needing" Paris says, handing Hellcow a list. It reads:

Encryption for Radio
Sleeping Bag (Cold Weather, Camoflagued)
Survival Tent (Camoflagued)
Two Canteens
10 days self heating trail rations
Mess Kit
Binoculars (standard)
Pair of one square meter camoflague nets
Climbing Harness/Gear/Rope
Camping Backpack
Microflare launcer + 2 Microflares
Respirator
Gas Detection System, Rating 2+ (If possible)
Cold Weather Clothing (Insulated, preferably muted green or white)

"Just get as much of that as you can, and let me know how much it comes to. Only one of us should have one of those Gas Detection Systems... I thought it might be useful if we go underground."

Rick dutifully takes down Raven's list. "Looks like 24 hours on what I can get. Might even be able to get it all. I'll know a price in twenty."

Twenty minutes he gives Raven a call back. "Prices are pretty much standard, about 5k for the lot. Still want it?"

"Yeah, sounds good, thanks Rick, I'll work double when I get back to make up for it. Maybe take some people out on a tour. Call me when it's in." Raven killed the call and slipped the phone into her pocket.

She took a deep, cleansing breath before heading back inside.

The room was filled with the different conversations and requests. It was always the same when Shadowrunners met. It was like they followed some un-written script. She shook her head.

I just want the damn mission to get on.

“I’m good, my guy can have the stuff I need by tomorrow. So, when are we leaving?”

Belfast pulls out the bundle of cash he just tucked away and peels off forty $100 UCAS dollar bills before tucking the rest back into his coat. Handing them to Hellcow he says, "Here's the cash for what I need plus about ten-percent extra for tips or whatever else. Feel free to keep the change."

Hellcow checks his list:

"Paris wants a camo sleeping bag, camo tent, 2 canteen and mess, 10 self-heating rations, binoculars, 10x20m camo netting, climbing kit, large rucksack, microflare launcher with flares, respirator, and cold weather clothing. Comes to almost 2,000.

Evans just needs 10 rations and a survival kit, for about 150.

Sedryk wants a respirator, extra filters on the side 500.

Belfast wants a canteen and mess, respirator, sleeping bag, 50' rope, and a survival kit. That should be about 950

Brand needs a sleeping bag, survival kit, canteen and mess, 5 self heating rations, climbing kit, cold weather clothes, and a large flashlight. Umm, 520 or so?

Is that it? Eagle, Thor? If so, i'm off to Sportgreens!"

Yeah, I better get some stuff too.......

Hellcow looks over to Raven on the balcony.

I guess she's getting her own gear. Well that'll make it easier to fit all of our stuff in the trunk.

"That's right" Paris says, "just make sure the sleeping bag and tent are both camoflagued... I wouldn't mind the rucksack being natrual colors at least. And don't forget a pair of flares to go with the launcher."

He hands Hellcow the appropriate amount.

Skeeter picks up a bundle of cash and hands it over to Hellcow. "This is for stuff the group needs, right? If it helps get everyone what they need, it's ok with Skeeter. Can I come along? I may see something I want. I'd like a fishing pole and worms if I'm going on the boat. Well, I could probably cut a pole, but I'd need some line and hooks.

If you don't want me comin', I'll just go outside and look for some bait."

"Perfect."

Brand fishes the bundle of cash out of her pocket and peels off the appropriate amount to give to Hellcow.

"So, have we got it pretty much settled? I'd like to get a decent night's sleep before leaving civilization."

"While there would be room for a small bike, and it would be nice to have the mobility on the island, having it on the boat might not be the most subtle." Before Sedryk can continue to answer his pocket secratary rings.

"Hoi chummer, what can I do you for?" Quietly Sedryk stands and moves to a secluded corner of the room. "Listen I hate to call like this, but I need to know of any loop holes in the Salish Shide border to Vancouver island. Any good spots where the boat patrols are thin?"

Hearing that Hellcow is leaving, he comes back to the table and sets down four 100 UCAS bills and ten 20 UCAS bills. "Make sure you get me a couple of exra filters."

Bryan goes with the pleasantries as well. At the question, he answers, "You goin' land or sea? Cuz their's always holes in the land, but the sea is harder. Last week, the sensors on the east bank were spotty, I hear, but that's likely fixed by now. Salt water wears 'em out fast an' all, but they're pretty good about maintainin' the blasted things."

There's a pause which could have been a shrug, "Anyway, if you want past through the water, ye'd best have papers or be ready to bribe your way through."

After a day of hurried gear aquisition, the team finally decides it is time to head out under cover of darkness.

Raven arrived at the dock with her Opal Prowler. The dirt bike had large tires but a relatively small frame. The four stabilizers folded up on it gave the bike a strange look. They were good for going amphibious though.

She dropped her large duffle on the deck. Followed by a smaller one. She was still wearing her street clothes from the night before, and she was still armed. The Opal easily stowed in the boats vast cargo space. With it’s electric engine there was no worry of fumes either.

Not knowing much about boats she stored her stuff below decks and tried to stay out of anyone’s way. If asked to help she does whatever asked.

"Took ya long enough." Walker called out to Evans as he returned to the truck in the parking lot. Walker had his feet on the dashboard and one of his metallic dog-like drones resting on his stomach. In his right hand was the last cup of drink Evans had brought him, and the other tossed him the keys to the back of the truck.

"Well, go on then. I've got to get back to love at HQ. Been called up."
"What was it this time?" Evans replied, snatching the keys out of midair and walking to the back of the truck. "Another call on the vertical tank project?"
"Naw, Kelly's come back. Being the gentleman that I am, it's only right that I bring her out to dinner, eh mate?"
"Sounds just like you." KER-CHLINK. The lock opens up. Evans hops in and digs through the mound of piled equipment and fishes out his (thankfully intact) Shiawase Blazer, Ares Alpha and several boxes of assorted mini-grenades.

"Evans, that's all you're bringing? I lugged all this down here for nothing?"
"Chin up, Walker. You got free beer."
"Whiskey, mate."
"Right. Say Hi to Raine for me. She should be back at HQ by tonight. Give Kelly my regards, eh?"
"Will do. Cheers and good luck."

Hellcows GMC Electra-Go pulls up into the shadowy docks, right alongside Thor's van. The elf steps out, looking anomalous in a camo three-piece suit of standard cut. He opens the trunk, and starts to lay out several camo backpacks in a line. They vary from completely stuffed to almost empty. Each bag has an attached bright yellow tag with one of the runners names.

Picking up the pack with his name, the Hellcow steps over to Thor. "Mind if I stash some stuff on you're van?" Hellcow hands Thor a long package wrapped in brown paper and twine. "Doubt you'll need it, but there's and Alpha and HK227 in there. Just in case."

The elfs eyes scan the docks, Sedryks boat just a few steps away. He heads over, nods at Raven, and starts rooting around for a life-vest.

I really wanted to take the van. But if getting picked up is as likely as I hear, they're gonna need me on the boat.

Before arriving at the rendevouz point with the others, Belfast took a detour to one of his most favorite river docks near the fork where the White River merges with the Pullyup River a good hour before their departure time. There, under the cover of darkness, he calls out to the faerie world in order to petition the services of a powerful undine named Sejal that he had worked with in the past...

By the time he finally arrived at the site, he looked a little tired but otherwise in good shape. He was dressed exactly the same as he was at the meet save that he now sported a rather extravagant harness of pouches and holsters underneath his peacoat.

"So we meet again," he says, flashing his trademarked smile as he sees the familiar faces of his new teammates.

Paris, in much the same gear but now sporting a nice rucksack to go with his duffle bag, starts loading his gear into the van. The duffle bag looks a lot lighter now, and this he tucks away in a more hidden spot of the Van. He then climbs in, and changes into his Camoflague suit, placing his other body armour in the duffle bag.

"When we're all here, let's roll."

Skeeter gets out of the cab. It takes a few minutes to get out his duffle bag, backpack, golf bag and fishing pole. But he quickly puts on the backpack, slings the bag of clubs over a shoulder, picks up the duffle, then grabs the fishing rod with his other hand. He makes carrying the stuff look easy.

He asks where they want stuff stowed and lets them know the most illegal weapons he has are the tomohawks, two of which he takes from under his coat along with a wicked looking knife and their sheaths. "Can you put these in the van?"

After stowing the gear where he's instructed, Skeeter grabs the rod and reel and taking a worm from the bait container on his belt, baits the hook and heads for the dock. Time to try out this new fishing rod while waiting for everyone to arrive.

Thor stows his gear in the van, along with the package Hellcow handed him, and then starts to work packing in the survey equipment.

After leaving the meeting he headed to see Mellow. She glanced up from her pocket computer, seeing that he was still geared up sighed. "Why do you always come back before the job? You know it just makes both of us crazy."

"I just wanted to see you, see if you needed anything before I left, that all." Sedryk replied unable to look up from his boots.

"I need a father who can spend time with me, who I don't have to worry about." He could hear the tears straining her voice.

"This job could mean retirement." He said, his words sounding weaker in speech than they had in his head. "I love you." He said as he kissed her on the forehead and left the room.

"I love you too", she whispered so softly only Sedryk's ear mods could pick it up.

Sedryk spent the night on the boat loading his gear and to make sure his legs were ready for the trip. Sleep eluded him most of the night, the last time he read his wrist com it said 3:47 with a sigh he rolled over and managed to grab a few hours of sleep. Once the sun rested overhead there was nothing to do but wait, Sedryk always hated waiting. So taking a page from an old Marine Corps book he read once, rather than wait, he prepared. He gave the boat a quick once over, topping off the fuel tanks, filling four smaller fuel tanks, and picking up a small gas powered generator.

When Raven arrives at the boat, Sedryk greets her and offers her a hand onto the boat. He makes sure to leave the bike on the back deck uncovered once its tied down. When he catches her with a wondering look he smiles and says, "All part of the plan."

Seeing Belfast arrive, Sedryk makes sure to keep any mysterious gear hidden under the legit camping gear. "Good to see you again."

"Hellcow, I had an idea for bluffing the border guards, I do some work for the ORC(Ork Rights Commission) monthly flyer, we could say that we're doing a piece on areas outside the sprawl." With a large hand Sedryk takes the elfs gear below deck.

"Skeeter you can fish on the boat, now come on."

Swift Eagle takes a seat in the van. His meager possesions all fit at his feet or in his lap.

Brand shows up, dressed much the same as she was the night before, although she's swapped her trench out for a rather voluminous camo jacket, and is wearing a rather battered and dirty looking baseball cap. She makes her way over to Hellcow's rig and finds the backpack labeled with her name. She nods to him and says, "Thanks, man."

She glances at the boat. Probably some local fisherman, out for a pleasure cruise... at night.... in ... eel infested waters.

She quirks an eyebrow at Hellcow. "You look a little green. Sailing not your bag?"

Hellcow smiles at Brand, roots in his pocket, and pulls out a wallet. Flipping through the card holder, he shows one to Brand.

"Platinum member of the International Sailing Federation, chummer. Came within a hair of placing in the ISAF Youth Sailing championship quite a few years back."

The elf turns to look over the ship.

"I've never tried my hand at a motorboat though. Never really interested me. No, it's the situation more than anything. I'm much more used to taking my time and planning everything out. But.." sighs "I guess rush jobs will always be a part of the biz."

Brand examines Hellcow's little card appreciatively.

"But it's so much more exciting this way," she replies, flashing him a wide grin. She slings her gear over her shoulder and makes her way back to the van. She stows her camping gear and stakes out a seat near the back. With the more delicate items in her inventory settled firmly in her lap, she slouches down comfortably and pulls her baseball cap down over her eyes.

Raven smiled at Sedryk when he offered to help.

“Thanks,” she said demurely. “Bike on the back deck huh? Master plan. Ok.” She finished stowing her gear and then helped the big Ork lash the bike down.

She climbed up to the flying deck. She liked being up there, it gave her a good vantage point. She took the time while the others were finishing up to shift her Five-seveN to her thigh rig. The gun hung low on her right hip on a dual belt. The clasps and buckles were all a muted black metal coated with non-reflective paint.

Nothing to do now, but wait.

Paris, stashed away on board the van, produces a gun repair kit from his duffle bag and Defiance Super Shock from a concealed holster on his theigh, and begins cleaning and maintaining the weapon while he waits. When he finishes, he replaces the Taser on his theigh and produces a Slivergun from under his arm, and begins maintainance on that weapon as well. He quietly hums The Marine's Hymn to himself as he works.

The waters of Puget Sound lap around the boat and van as they set sail. If a bridge existed between Seattle and the island, the whole process would have been simple. As it is, vehicle sensors and sea charts are required to move between the two locations. As the boat nears the invisible line between the SSC and the island, the lights of a patrol boat come into view.

Not more than half a kilometer past the line, it is clear that the patrol boat is heading in the direction of the Otter with search lights playing over the water. The group tenses as the boat nears.... and sails right past, its lights still searching over the water.