15:00:40 Saturday, January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic // Cyberspace
"You already know who I am and you already know I'm in it for the story," said Tiffany levelly. "Why else would a reporter slitch like me be here?"
"Now, now, my dear, don't be tempetuous." Kiki wagged a finger in her face, then reached up with a luxurious stretch toward a golden shower which had crystallised out of a break in the "clouds", to a loud fanfare of trumpets; which briefly cast the icon's entire body into a shimmering vision of gold which fairly blazed from within the billowing red dress.
"Can't help but notice, Dragon dear," continues Kiki as if nothing had happened, "that you've had my street name from the get-go, but you've carefully avoided giving me yours, even after she let it slip anyway. I'd say that makes us about even in the who and why department." For now, Kiki seems content to hold Sybersnake's unmanacled arm twisted hard around her back, her face pressed against the exposed metal of the bar. In a different reality the hold would have been extremely painful, but who knows how the Matrix twists these things? The one in the back, working silently at the car's screws, wasn't talking. "At least he's refreshingly direct," continued Kiki, nodding at Virgil, "and you've already corroborated him, Dragon my dear ... days ago. But you'd really prefer to just snap off some more questions, and you know, I don't do so good with orders. I'm sure you've shot a few people like that before. So while I can buy your loyalty to her -- she is kind of good-looking, isn't she? -- and I can see how you got dragged into this thing, I can't really see it as your kind of thing."
There was -- not silence, not stillness, but -- a sudden non-happening? while all the commotion around them continued. Chaos -- suspended.
He is browsing the message he has received. He also thinks he already has a tracer solidly on Sybersnake. He might be satisfied with that, and he might not.
"The interesting thing," Kiki says suddenly to Virgil, "is that the word on the street, from the Azzies, is to bring Julia home. Not that they want to acquire her, but that they want to bring her back. The girl's SINless, as you might expect, but no one's invisible."
Yet never once had Kiki asked anything of the decker working quietly at the back ...?
"There are enough people who've seen her before to let me know she was born here and lived here all her life," Kiki continues. "DNA cross-checks verify it. Perfectly normal kid to six decimals. Want to know what clinic she was born at?"
"Is it relevant?" asks Tiffany dryly.
"Not really, no. There's absolutely nothing exceptional about it, and nothing exceptional about her ... until now. And now, suddenly, she's become very visible, with two different Azzie factions and a major and interestingly anonymous benefactor of the ASPS all bidding for her -- and the one entity that's not placed a bid for her yet is the one that needs her most." When no one says anything, Kiki impatiently adds, "CorpDeVo. They need whatever she's got to rein in what's happening before their research files are opened publicly and their shares crash completely."
"Or before more people die," says Virgil.
"That too," agrees the decker coolly. "But if any of you really think you can take Julia somewhere safe where no one will take advantage of her, you're living in a dream world."
"That's your interest," said Tiffany. "You've got a copy of what's in those files. Maybe you even planted it in the first place."
"Very good, my dear, and almost half right. As it happens I didn't plant it, though I wouldn't have turned down the contract if it had come my way. So I don't know who's behind that. But I do have a copy of the files -- and now," leaning over Tiffany to plant a soft, lipsticked kiss on Sybersnake's immobile cheek, "so do you."
Full Version: Living in the Shadows: IC
Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39
21:11:00 Friday 05 January 2063 - Dante's Inferno, Seattle, UCAS
Shitoki lightly ran a hand over Mioko's cheek and gently tightened his embrace.
"I've been lonely too. It's the nature of my new life to be alone. I'm so thankful I found you again. I hadn't been whole without you in my life."
The sounds of the Inferno seemed so distant as he felt her body against his own. The rest of the world was gone, save for the two of them.
Shitoki lightly ran a hand over Mioko's cheek and gently tightened his embrace.
"I've been lonely too. It's the nature of my new life to be alone. I'm so thankful I found you again. I hadn't been whole without you in my life."
The sounds of the Inferno seemed so distant as he felt her body against his own. The rest of the world was gone, save for the two of them.
21:11:30 Friday 05 January 2063 - Dante's Inferno, Seattle, UCAS
The odd feeling that Tenmou can't identify is peace. A peace he hasn't felt since back in Japan, back before the death of his father, back when the world made sense, back when his place in the world was clear.
He found himself wondering about the honesty of the moment before, and how suddenly his feelings had crystallized. When they'd been together before, in the teams, everything had taken a backseat to utter professionalism and tactical ability. He'd always loved her, even then. He just didn't know it.
Gunfire stabbed through the street below, seven rapid shots overlying shouts and the squeal of tires. Training and memory raced through familiar channels, Tenmou and Mioko dropped and pivoted, putting their backs to one another, hands reaching for weapons. A pair of Lone Star Strato-9 drones curved past at fifty meters, air snarling through their turbofan engines clearly audible. Both drones had weapons deployed, gun muzzles questing for targets. The combat moved quickly down the street, sirens disappearing into the night. Tenmou cleared the area once again before standing and moving over to the railing. Mioko joined him, scanning the crowd below.
"Hey! There you two are. Whew, I need to take a break." Tanisa leaned against the railing, holding a bottle of chill water against her forehead in an effort to cool down.
The odd feeling that Tenmou can't identify is peace. A peace he hasn't felt since back in Japan, back before the death of his father, back when the world made sense, back when his place in the world was clear.
He found himself wondering about the honesty of the moment before, and how suddenly his feelings had crystallized. When they'd been together before, in the teams, everything had taken a backseat to utter professionalism and tactical ability. He'd always loved her, even then. He just didn't know it.
Gunfire stabbed through the street below, seven rapid shots overlying shouts and the squeal of tires. Training and memory raced through familiar channels, Tenmou and Mioko dropped and pivoted, putting their backs to one another, hands reaching for weapons. A pair of Lone Star Strato-9 drones curved past at fifty meters, air snarling through their turbofan engines clearly audible. Both drones had weapons deployed, gun muzzles questing for targets. The combat moved quickly down the street, sirens disappearing into the night. Tenmou cleared the area once again before standing and moving over to the railing. Mioko joined him, scanning the crowd below.
"Hey! There you two are. Whew, I need to take a break." Tanisa leaned against the railing, holding a bottle of chill water against her forehead in an effort to cool down.
18:17:45 Sunday 07 January 2063 – Virtual Daze Arcade
The girl looks up at him, and nods quickly. "OK chummer, ya got yerself a deal. Let's get while the gettin's good." John easily leads them out of the arcade, and the two of them make their way down the street a few blocks to the aforementioned Oodles of Noodles.
Grabbing a table near the back, by the kitchen door, they sit down. Once they're seated, the girl says, "Airight, I'll tell ya everythin I can 'bout whatever you wanna know for 50 nuyen and a meal. How's that?"
The girl looks up at him, and nods quickly. "OK chummer, ya got yerself a deal. Let's get while the gettin's good." John easily leads them out of the arcade, and the two of them make their way down the street a few blocks to the aforementioned Oodles of Noodles.
Grabbing a table near the back, by the kitchen door, they sit down. Once they're seated, the girl says, "Airight, I'll tell ya everythin I can 'bout whatever you wanna know for 50 nuyen and a meal. How's that?"
double post
18:32:13 Sunday 07 January 2063 – Oodles of Noodles Restaraunt
John watches the girl as he lights a cigarette and takes a long drag. He holds it a second before blowing the smoke skyward and motioning for the waitstaff. As they wait, he continues to watch the young elf, and before long she begins to squirm. But her resolve never wavers. She's tough. Got to give her that.
John turns to the tired looking Korean waitress as she says, "What can I getcha?"
"The sign says that the special is Pad Thai. That real or soy?" The look she gave him was all the answer he needed. Sighing, he said, "Ok, ok, two specials then. Also, uh, how about some hot tea, and an order of spring rolls."
Turning back to the young girl across from him, John said, "50
, huh? I thought you said you was Nora's friend?"
"An' I thought you said dat you wants to find her."
John looked away to hide his smile and took another pull from his cigarette. Like I said: tough. I can't blame her, she's just trying to get by. It's like I always told Nora, get it while you can. Besides, I don't have much choice. He took another drag and blew it out. Still, this better be good.
Ignoring the dirty look the old woman behind the counter was giving him for smoking, he turned back and said, "You're right; I do want to find her. Consider the twenty in your pocket a down-payment. You talk while we eat. I'll decide if you've earned the other 30 ."
The small girl scrunched up her nose and glared at him, but only for a second before the tea and spring rolls arrived. John quickly grabbed a roll before they were gone and poured them both tea. "I'll take that as a yes? First thing I want to know is easy. What's your name and how do you know Nora?"
John watches the girl as he lights a cigarette and takes a long drag. He holds it a second before blowing the smoke skyward and motioning for the waitstaff. As they wait, he continues to watch the young elf, and before long she begins to squirm. But her resolve never wavers. She's tough. Got to give her that.
John turns to the tired looking Korean waitress as she says, "What can I getcha?"
"The sign says that the special is Pad Thai. That real or soy?" The look she gave him was all the answer he needed. Sighing, he said, "Ok, ok, two specials then. Also, uh, how about some hot tea, and an order of spring rolls."
Turning back to the young girl across from him, John said, "50
, huh? I thought you said you was Nora's friend?""An' I thought you said dat you wants to find her."
John looked away to hide his smile and took another pull from his cigarette. Like I said: tough. I can't blame her, she's just trying to get by. It's like I always told Nora, get it while you can. Besides, I don't have much choice. He took another drag and blew it out. Still, this better be good.
Ignoring the dirty look the old woman behind the counter was giving him for smoking, he turned back and said, "You're right; I do want to find her. Consider the twenty in your pocket a down-payment. You talk while we eat. I'll decide if you've earned the other 30
."The small girl scrunched up her nose and glared at him, but only for a second before the tea and spring rolls arrived. John quickly grabbed a roll before they were gone and poured them both tea. "I'll take that as a yes? First thing I want to know is easy. What's your name and how do you know Nora?"
21:11:30 Friday 05 January 2063 - Dante's Inferno, Seattle, UCAS
Shitoki was mildly irritated that his time alone with Mioko had been interrupted, but he did his best to stifle his disappointment. Now that he was clear on how he felt about Mioko he could swear he could almost feel the tension between them. Of course, he was hesitant to do anything with Tanisa there...
To avoid being rude, he smiled and waved.
"Well, there's a nice cool breeze out here, if you don't mind the distant sound of gunfire and sirens..." he slightly joked, his gaze following the rapidly fading Lone Star pursuit.
Shitoki was mildly irritated that his time alone with Mioko had been interrupted, but he did his best to stifle his disappointment. Now that he was clear on how he felt about Mioko he could swear he could almost feel the tension between them. Of course, he was hesitant to do anything with Tanisa there...
To avoid being rude, he smiled and waved.
"Well, there's a nice cool breeze out here, if you don't mind the distant sound of gunfire and sirens..." he slightly joked, his gaze following the rapidly fading Lone Star pursuit.
21:15:14 Friday 05 January 2063 - Dante's Inferno, Seattle, UCAS
If Mioko minded the interruption, she didn't show it, laughing with Tanisa and drinking from the bottle of water. After a few minutes, she grabbed Tenmou's hand and pulled him back into the club. Instead of heading back out to the dancefloor, though, she drew him into one of the shadowed corners, pressing her body against his again.
If Mioko minded the interruption, she didn't show it, laughing with Tanisa and drinking from the bottle of water. After a few minutes, she grabbed Tenmou's hand and pulled him back into the club. Instead of heading back out to the dancefloor, though, she drew him into one of the shadowed corners, pressing her body against his again.
18:34:13 Sunday 07 January 2063 – Oodles of Noodles Restaraunt
The girl listens to his deal and nods, especially once the food is served. Grabbing a spring roll and stuffing it into her mouth like she hasn't eaten in days, a very real possibility, she mumbles around mouthfuls or roll, "Name's *chomp* *chomp* Megan. I know *munch* *scarf* Nora because we got some *gulp* mutual friends."
Taking a sip of her tea, she makes a face as it is too hot for her liking, especially after eating the steaming spring roll. Grabbing a glass of water, she washes it all down in a long chug. "We hung out at the arcade a lot, the guys who stopped you knew her too."
Great...almost got in a fight with Nora's friends. As if we didn't have enough issues in our relationship all ready. Yeesh. When is the bad luck going to end?
*Scarf* *munch* More spring roll went into her mouth as Megan quickly snatched another roll and stuffed it into her mouth. "You'd better *chomp* watch out. Word might get out, and people might *gulp* *chug* think you're one of those guys that came by last week."
The girl listens to his deal and nods, especially once the food is served. Grabbing a spring roll and stuffing it into her mouth like she hasn't eaten in days, a very real possibility, she mumbles around mouthfuls or roll, "Name's *chomp* *chomp* Megan. I know *munch* *scarf* Nora because we got some *gulp* mutual friends."
Taking a sip of her tea, she makes a face as it is too hot for her liking, especially after eating the steaming spring roll. Grabbing a glass of water, she washes it all down in a long chug. "We hung out at the arcade a lot, the guys who stopped you knew her too."
Great...almost got in a fight with Nora's friends. As if we didn't have enough issues in our relationship all ready. Yeesh. When is the bad luck going to end?
*Scarf* *munch* More spring roll went into her mouth as Megan quickly snatched another roll and stuffed it into her mouth. "You'd better *chomp* watch out. Word might get out, and people might *gulp* *chug* think you're one of those guys that came by last week."
18:36:58 Sunday 07 January 2063 – Oodles of Noodles Restaurant
John took a bite of his roll and watched amusedly while Megan stuffed yet another into her mouth whole and chewed noisily. "Mmmpfff! *munch* S'good. *Gulp*" Not quite what I meant by talking while we ate, but at least she's talking. Wait, what did she say...
Megan quickly sat back in her seat as he eagerly leaned across the table, "Some guys came for her last week? At the arcade? How many? What did they look like? What did they say? What did she say? Were they wearing colors? Did they hurt her? Tell me everything you remember!"
Blinking in surprise at the older man's sudden outburst, Megan slowly and thoughtfully chewed the rest of the spring roll in her mouth. Swallowing heavily, she took a sip of tea and then looked pointedly at the uneaten portion remaining on John's plate. Sighing in exasperation, John pushed the plate across the table.
"Well?"
John took a bite of his roll and watched amusedly while Megan stuffed yet another into her mouth whole and chewed noisily. "Mmmpfff! *munch* S'good. *Gulp*" Not quite what I meant by talking while we ate, but at least she's talking. Wait, what did she say...
Megan quickly sat back in her seat as he eagerly leaned across the table, "Some guys came for her last week? At the arcade? How many? What did they look like? What did they say? What did she say? Were they wearing colors? Did they hurt her? Tell me everything you remember!"
Blinking in surprise at the older man's sudden outburst, Megan slowly and thoughtfully chewed the rest of the spring roll in her mouth. Swallowing heavily, she took a sip of tea and then looked pointedly at the uneaten portion remaining on John's plate. Sighing in exasperation, John pushed the plate across the table.
"Well?"
21:16:20 Friday 05 January 2063 - Dante's Inferno, Seattle, UCAS
Shitoki wrapped an arm around Mioko's waist as she pressed into him. He relished in the warmth of her body being so close to his own.
He lightly placed his free hand against her cheek and turned her face towards him. He studied her face and enjoyed the softness of her skin. Smiling as he looked into her eyes, he said, "You are so beautiful, Mioko."
Shitoki wrapped an arm around Mioko's waist as she pressed into him. He relished in the warmth of her body being so close to his own.
He lightly placed his free hand against her cheek and turned her face towards him. He studied her face and enjoyed the softness of her skin. Smiling as he looked into her eyes, he said, "You are so beautiful, Mioko."
19:26:12 Saturday January 6, 2063 Tacoma Radio Shack
"All our tool kits are located in aisle five." Proclaimed the young ork in his best salesmen voice. Getting up from is stool he beckoned for Erebus to follow him towards the back end of the store. Given the small size of the store and the aisle location Erebus could have easily helped himself, but the kid was probably bored stiff working the closing shift on a Saturday night.
"We have two basic kits that are popular items. This is the entry model . . " the kid hands Erebus a hard black plastic case about the size of an old paperback novel. "The case is waterproof and shock resistant and contains most of your staple tools, go ahead and open it up."
Snapping open the latch mechanism Erebus sees a wire multi-stripper and cutter, a small pair of needle-nose pliers, a sturdy set of forceps, a set of four electronic sized scewdrivers, one larger multi screwdriver with a set of lock on heads, and a small roll of electrical tape.
"That kits sells for 20 , the next kit up sells for 35 but it also includes a battery operated cold-soldering iron and a coil of solder. It comes in the same type of case." The clerk hands Erebus another hard plastic case.
"All our tool kits are located in aisle five." Proclaimed the young ork in his best salesmen voice. Getting up from is stool he beckoned for Erebus to follow him towards the back end of the store. Given the small size of the store and the aisle location Erebus could have easily helped himself, but the kid was probably bored stiff working the closing shift on a Saturday night.
"We have two basic kits that are popular items. This is the entry model . . " the kid hands Erebus a hard black plastic case about the size of an old paperback novel. "The case is waterproof and shock resistant and contains most of your staple tools, go ahead and open it up."
Snapping open the latch mechanism Erebus sees a wire multi-stripper and cutter, a small pair of needle-nose pliers, a sturdy set of forceps, a set of four electronic sized scewdrivers, one larger multi screwdriver with a set of lock on heads, and a small roll of electrical tape.
"That kits sells for 20
, the next kit up sells for 35 but it also includes a battery operated cold-soldering iron and a coil of solder. It comes in the same type of case." The clerk hands Erebus another hard plastic case.
15:00:52 Saturday, January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic // Cyberspace
No doubt those files will shed some light onto how Julia is tied to this sudden plauge outbreak, but it still doesn't bring us any closer to locating her.
"Whatever your specific motives in regards to CorpDeVo, Aztechnology, or Julia are not my buisness and attempting to extract them from you is not, and has never been my intent."
Two competing Azzie factions . . . potentially two times the effort, two times the resources, and half as much time for us to find her.
"You strike me as a shrewed enough professional that I cannot envision that this meeting does not benefit your motives in some fashion and perhaps I will be able to help you in some way. But none of that changes the reality that this entire web is anchored upon this one girl, and her safety from the Azzies is only compromised further the longer we wait. Do you have any information about her location that can keep me one step ahead of them?"
No doubt those files will shed some light onto how Julia is tied to this sudden plauge outbreak, but it still doesn't bring us any closer to locating her.
"Whatever your specific motives in regards to CorpDeVo, Aztechnology, or Julia are not my buisness and attempting to extract them from you is not, and has never been my intent."
Two competing Azzie factions . . . potentially two times the effort, two times the resources, and half as much time for us to find her.
"You strike me as a shrewed enough professional that I cannot envision that this meeting does not benefit your motives in some fashion and perhaps I will be able to help you in some way. But none of that changes the reality that this entire web is anchored upon this one girl, and her safety from the Azzies is only compromised further the longer we wait. Do you have any information about her location that can keep me one step ahead of them?"
15:00:55 Saturday, January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic // Cyberspace
"As if you could, my dear," says Kiki mockingly, in answer to Virgil's initial comment. "The priest is the one who took her to cover. At least, if he followed my recommendation. Ask him."
Is there anything else you need from him?
"As if you could, my dear," says Kiki mockingly, in answer to Virgil's initial comment. "The priest is the one who took her to cover. At least, if he followed my recommendation. Ask him."
Is there anything else you need from him?
15:00:59 Saturday, January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic // Cyberspace
I have one final question to ask, then we can leave this place. Not entirely sure how to communicate with the strange matrix presence whom appeared to be their benefactor, Virgil continued without skipping a beat, hoping that his thoughts would be heard.
"I am glad that you gave Father Bremen advanced warning, if he followed your instructions then I am grateful for what you have done to protect Julia thus far."
Now I just hope that we can pick up her trail. It seems as if Father Bremen's knowledge of how to find her went up in smoke along with the gaming house.
"I have a bit of knowledge concerning the types of factions that Aztechnology might have sent on such a mission. If you know the identities of either group it would be invaluable in helping me to prepare for the impending storm."
I have one final question to ask, then we can leave this place. Not entirely sure how to communicate with the strange matrix presence whom appeared to be their benefactor, Virgil continued without skipping a beat, hoping that his thoughts would be heard.
"I am glad that you gave Father Bremen advanced warning, if he followed your instructions then I am grateful for what you have done to protect Julia thus far."
Now I just hope that we can pick up her trail. It seems as if Father Bremen's knowledge of how to find her went up in smoke along with the gaming house.
"I have a bit of knowledge concerning the types of factions that Aztechnology might have sent on such a mission. If you know the identities of either group it would be invaluable in helping me to prepare for the impending storm."
Double Post . . .edited for deletion
21:16:20 Friday 05 January 2063 - Dante's Inferno, Seattle, UCAS
Mioko responded by leaning forward and kissing Tenmou with a passion that took his breath away. She tasted of mint and sake, and a hidden fiery desire. Breaking the kiss, she shivered, hey eyes opening after a moment.
"Take me home, Shitoki," she whispered.
Mioko responded by leaning forward and kissing Tenmou with a passion that took his breath away. She tasted of mint and sake, and a hidden fiery desire. Breaking the kiss, she shivered, hey eyes opening after a moment.
"Take me home, Shitoki," she whispered.
19:27:00 January 6, 2063 Tacoma Radio Shack
Erebus dropped the small microtronics set into the storage compartment on his bike and hopped on. The basic kit was worth the 30 bucks he'd spent on it. Small, easily carried and he could supplement it with the stuff needed for the more nefarious tasks he planned to use it for.
Dropping onto the saddle of his Rapier the young Elf revved the engine and slid into the night time traffic. He had about half an hour to talk with Angel before he had to head to Redmond to meet his contact. Angel might be just another dancer at Neon Dreams but she also had more gossip about who was doing what to whom in the shadows than anyone Erebus knew. She would never have the details but she'd have all the rumors, and sometimes those rumors turned out to be true.
Besides, she could dance like a dream and had the body of a simporn star, talking to her was never that onerous a chore.
Erebus dropped the small microtronics set into the storage compartment on his bike and hopped on. The basic kit was worth the 30 bucks he'd spent on it. Small, easily carried and he could supplement it with the stuff needed for the more nefarious tasks he planned to use it for.
Dropping onto the saddle of his Rapier the young Elf revved the engine and slid into the night time traffic. He had about half an hour to talk with Angel before he had to head to Redmond to meet his contact. Angel might be just another dancer at Neon Dreams but she also had more gossip about who was doing what to whom in the shadows than anyone Erebus knew. She would never have the details but she'd have all the rumors, and sometimes those rumors turned out to be true.
Besides, she could dance like a dream and had the body of a simporn star, talking to her was never that onerous a chore.
Double post - edited for deletion
15:01:03 Saturday, January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic // Cyberspace
Is there anything else you need from him?
Although it couldn't show on his icon, Virgil frowned at the repetition. Clearly his message hadn't gotten through.
"All I've gotten," says Kiki, "and this is strictly hearsay, mind you, is that although they're both after Julia, they're both after different things. I'm not sure if both are officially project leaders: what I've gotten, people talk a lot about the leaders of both factions taking this awfully personally. I've also heard that for one or maybe both, it's really all about respeto. Something about Julia, or maybe about you four, dears, really pissed someone off -- a couple of someones -- and it's not the kind of pissed off you get just by killing people. I'd be kind of curious to know what's behind that, myself."
Is there anything else you need from him?
Although it couldn't show on his icon, Virgil frowned at the repetition. Clearly his message hadn't gotten through.
"All I've gotten," says Kiki, "and this is strictly hearsay, mind you, is that although they're both after Julia, they're both after different things. I'm not sure if both are officially project leaders: what I've gotten, people talk a lot about the leaders of both factions taking this awfully personally. I've also heard that for one or maybe both, it's really all about respeto. Something about Julia, or maybe about you four, dears, really pissed someone off -- a couple of someones -- and it's not the kind of pissed off you get just by killing people. I'd be kind of curious to know what's behind that, myself."
21:16:52 Friday 05 January 2063 - Dante's Inferno, Seattle, UCAS
Still reeling from Mioko's kiss, Shitoki simply nodded. He figured Tanisa would get a ride to wherever she needed to be in one way or another. He looped his arm around Mioko's waist and led her through the crowd, toward the front doors of the Inferno.
The cool night air quickly enfolded them as they broke free of the massive gathering of people. The world seemed strangely silent after the din of the club. It made Shitoki feel like he was alone with Mioko in the world and the thought brought a smile to his lips.
He unlocked the BMW and opened the door for the woman he loved before rounding the car and climbing in. Putting the car in gear, he pulled out of his parking spot and merged into traffic.
Still reeling from Mioko's kiss, Shitoki simply nodded. He figured Tanisa would get a ride to wherever she needed to be in one way or another. He looped his arm around Mioko's waist and led her through the crowd, toward the front doors of the Inferno.
The cool night air quickly enfolded them as they broke free of the massive gathering of people. The world seemed strangely silent after the din of the club. It made Shitoki feel like he was alone with Mioko in the world and the thought brought a smile to his lips.
He unlocked the BMW and opened the door for the woman he loved before rounding the car and climbing in. Putting the car in gear, he pulled out of his parking spot and merged into traffic.
08:47:21 Saturday 06 January 2063 - Seattle, UCAS
Rain rattles against the windowpane, rousing Tenmou from sleep. He blinks against the dimness of the apartment, eyes adjusting automatically to the low light level. Something isn't quite right, and it takes a moment for him to register the faint vanilla and honeysuckle scent of Mioko's perfume. He knew immediately that she was gone, though, but he slid out of bed to check anway. On the countertop in the kitchen was an origami crane, folded from one of the scrap pieces of paper he had laying on his desk. The crane's wings were charred black, though, and crumbled as he ran his fingertips across them. Tenmou smiled as he remembered.
Mioko covers herself shyly as he slips her blouse from her shoulders, glancing through the veil of her hair. He understands as his eyes adapt: she carries the scars of an operator, faint though they are, she knows that he will see them. Gently, he runs his fingers across them, barely touching her skin. Softly, one by one, he kisses them, feeling her tremble beneath his lips. Her hands, hard with a warrior's callouses, are soft and warm as she pulls him close. "Shitoki", she whispers, and all afterwards is lost in the liquid fire of her eyes and the embrace of her body.
Rain rattles against the windowpane, rousing Tenmou from sleep. He blinks against the dimness of the apartment, eyes adjusting automatically to the low light level. Something isn't quite right, and it takes a moment for him to register the faint vanilla and honeysuckle scent of Mioko's perfume. He knew immediately that she was gone, though, but he slid out of bed to check anway. On the countertop in the kitchen was an origami crane, folded from one of the scrap pieces of paper he had laying on his desk. The crane's wings were charred black, though, and crumbled as he ran his fingertips across them. Tenmou smiled as he remembered.
Mioko covers herself shyly as he slips her blouse from her shoulders, glancing through the veil of her hair. He understands as his eyes adapt: she carries the scars of an operator, faint though they are, she knows that he will see them. Gently, he runs his fingers across them, barely touching her skin. Softly, one by one, he kisses them, feeling her tremble beneath his lips. Her hands, hard with a warrior's callouses, are soft and warm as she pulls him close. "Shitoki", she whispers, and all afterwards is lost in the liquid fire of her eyes and the embrace of her body.
19:52:07 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
A small, slow smile deepens the dimple in her left cheek as she settles onto the offered chair, deftly draping one of the vivid napkins across her lap as she watches Caska move about the table. There was something .. otherworldly about all of this, thrilling too, as she considered how she had begun this day with a pocket secretary and a handgun. Cosmo chuckled softly as a saxophone wailed in the background, idly trailing a finger across the supple linen, almost unconsciously testing the texture of the fabric, savoring its luxuriousness as she realized it was the very best. She was thrilled .. but not at all surprised. This race against the clock, a dance between life and death, crawling through the slime of the inner city only to find herself stalking among the beautiful and the powerful a few hours later .. it was all as familiar to her as breathing, somehow, and she knew that nights like this one ranked among the deadliest. It was easy to lose oneself in a slow, seductive moment, to drop an otherwise ironclad guard .. that was how she'd operated before ....
Cosmo paused and considered the slender knife resting against the inner curve of her thigh, something she had placed without a thought but felt there was a reason. Now she knew.
Not just a soldier, then; a killer.
She smiled more broadly as the salad was placed in front of her, murmuring a soft "thank you" while she fought against a surge of nausea. A killer. She appraised Caska from across the rim of her goblet, her bold, expressive eyes reflecting the small light of the gas flames until they seemed to glow with their own inner fire. Cosmo took one last sip of her wine as she waited for him to settle himself as well, admiring the easy, predatory grace of his movements, the strength just barely held in check ....
To her credit, she did restrain herself from taking a bite of the exquisite-looking first course until Caska had his fork in hand, though a fragrant hint of white truffle made it a truly herculean effort. She sighed blissfully, savoring the delicate balance between ingredients almost as much as the salad itself. A few moments pass before she glances back up at her partner and blushes becomingly under his intense stare, the plate before him untouched.
"It's delicious, Caska, won't you have some?"
A small, slow smile deepens the dimple in her left cheek as she settles onto the offered chair, deftly draping one of the vivid napkins across her lap as she watches Caska move about the table. There was something .. otherworldly about all of this, thrilling too, as she considered how she had begun this day with a pocket secretary and a handgun. Cosmo chuckled softly as a saxophone wailed in the background, idly trailing a finger across the supple linen, almost unconsciously testing the texture of the fabric, savoring its luxuriousness as she realized it was the very best. She was thrilled .. but not at all surprised. This race against the clock, a dance between life and death, crawling through the slime of the inner city only to find herself stalking among the beautiful and the powerful a few hours later .. it was all as familiar to her as breathing, somehow, and she knew that nights like this one ranked among the deadliest. It was easy to lose oneself in a slow, seductive moment, to drop an otherwise ironclad guard .. that was how she'd operated before ....
Cosmo paused and considered the slender knife resting against the inner curve of her thigh, something she had placed without a thought but felt there was a reason. Now she knew.
Not just a soldier, then; a killer.
She smiled more broadly as the salad was placed in front of her, murmuring a soft "thank you" while she fought against a surge of nausea. A killer. She appraised Caska from across the rim of her goblet, her bold, expressive eyes reflecting the small light of the gas flames until they seemed to glow with their own inner fire. Cosmo took one last sip of her wine as she waited for him to settle himself as well, admiring the easy, predatory grace of his movements, the strength just barely held in check ....
To her credit, she did restrain herself from taking a bite of the exquisite-looking first course until Caska had his fork in hand, though a fragrant hint of white truffle made it a truly herculean effort. She sighed blissfully, savoring the delicate balance between ingredients almost as much as the salad itself. A few moments pass before she glances back up at her partner and blushes becomingly under his intense stare, the plate before him untouched.
"It's delicious, Caska, won't you have some?"
19:52:36 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
Caska glances over at Cosmo, his expression fixed for the second it took him to decide whether eating the bite of salad on his fork would constitute a concession in the game. It was more of an invitation than a direction, though, following it would not endanger his control of the situation. He fades the text notes that hover in his vision to a twenty percent mask, ghostly pale letters framing the left isde of Cosmo's face. The food was, predictably, excellent. He rarely saw Ankaros, but he kept the lines of communication open for occasions just as this.
Taking another bite of salad, he dismissed the list of notes and possible topics of conversation and questions altogether. He set his fork down on the plate, and looked over at Cosmo, his gaze as intense as hers of a moment ago.
"There is no mistaking the truth in us, we are both proficient in our chosen craft. I know you by your professional name, as you know me by mine. I'm sure if I were to ask you would be able to provide me with another name, complete with history and personality, all believable yet fake. You could expect the same from me and not be disappointed. Something tells me that I shouldn't waste our time like that. Instead of trading lies tonight, tell me one true thing about yourself. Anything."
Taking his glass in hand, he stared out into the night sky, his gaze far beyond the city lights and the stars on the horizon. When he speaks, his voice is not the urbane and playful thing Cosmo has heard so far, but something remote and gravelly. It is his true voice, the animal's snarl left when the conscious mind exerted no control.
"For myself, I love the rain. To stand out in it, to let the heavy drops wash down your face, to feel it soak you to the bones. In my life I have never been happy. But the rain brings me a sense of peace."
Caska glances over at Cosmo, his expression fixed for the second it took him to decide whether eating the bite of salad on his fork would constitute a concession in the game. It was more of an invitation than a direction, though, following it would not endanger his control of the situation. He fades the text notes that hover in his vision to a twenty percent mask, ghostly pale letters framing the left isde of Cosmo's face. The food was, predictably, excellent. He rarely saw Ankaros, but he kept the lines of communication open for occasions just as this.
Taking another bite of salad, he dismissed the list of notes and possible topics of conversation and questions altogether. He set his fork down on the plate, and looked over at Cosmo, his gaze as intense as hers of a moment ago.
"There is no mistaking the truth in us, we are both proficient in our chosen craft. I know you by your professional name, as you know me by mine. I'm sure if I were to ask you would be able to provide me with another name, complete with history and personality, all believable yet fake. You could expect the same from me and not be disappointed. Something tells me that I shouldn't waste our time like that. Instead of trading lies tonight, tell me one true thing about yourself. Anything."
Taking his glass in hand, he stared out into the night sky, his gaze far beyond the city lights and the stars on the horizon. When he speaks, his voice is not the urbane and playful thing Cosmo has heard so far, but something remote and gravelly. It is his true voice, the animal's snarl left when the conscious mind exerted no control.
"For myself, I love the rain. To stand out in it, to let the heavy drops wash down your face, to feel it soak you to the bones. In my life I have never been happy. But the rain brings me a sense of peace."
15:35 Saturday January 6th, 2063 - Redmond Barrens-Cao Jaan's halfway house
Knight listens to the man talk, drinking in the apparent genuine empathy he seems to have for meta-humanity, especially those who are truly unlucky in the world.
"So," he speaks softly with a considering air to his voice "you are really requesting more astral recon for those waywards unfortunate enough to be in need of the sanctuary of this, your, establishment? " he raises a brow looking to Jaan.
Jaan nods, "Yes, there is very little potential for any magical threat here and I only wish if trouble happens for people to do it elsewhere, or if possible not at all."
Knight pauses thinking this through. Is this guy for real? He certainly seems to give a damn about those he looks after and i dont get any feeling of duplicity....
Using the moment he takes to breath and ponder Jaan`s words he gentley extends his perceptions astral again at the same time dropping the complex weave of magical energy he had held in place about him.
Nodding Knight continues " I can do that, calling up a spirit requires a little warning time though and a few tools, but i can arrange some Elemental support for the building and the immediate area. A showy enough display from a fire or eath elemental should send most Barren`s gangers running. Such things, given the right resources, are the easy part of the work." Knight leans back and folds his arms. "The more complex aspect of the task is the astral recon or rather how often you`d wish me to be keeping survielence upon the local region for those in need? I`ll not lie to you Mr Jaan, I have a great deal of business to be attending in the `plex. While I am more than willing to do this job for you, it is useful to know roughly how much exterior time I will have whilst in your employ and thusly how much of my business I shall be needing to place in the hands of others?..."
Knight listens to the man talk, drinking in the apparent genuine empathy he seems to have for meta-humanity, especially those who are truly unlucky in the world.
"So," he speaks softly with a considering air to his voice "you are really requesting more astral recon for those waywards unfortunate enough to be in need of the sanctuary of this, your, establishment? " he raises a brow looking to Jaan.
Jaan nods, "Yes, there is very little potential for any magical threat here and I only wish if trouble happens for people to do it elsewhere, or if possible not at all."
Knight pauses thinking this through. Is this guy for real? He certainly seems to give a damn about those he looks after and i dont get any feeling of duplicity....
Using the moment he takes to breath and ponder Jaan`s words he gentley extends his perceptions astral again at the same time dropping the complex weave of magical energy he had held in place about him.
Nodding Knight continues " I can do that, calling up a spirit requires a little warning time though and a few tools, but i can arrange some Elemental support for the building and the immediate area. A showy enough display from a fire or eath elemental should send most Barren`s gangers running. Such things, given the right resources, are the easy part of the work." Knight leans back and folds his arms. "The more complex aspect of the task is the astral recon or rather how often you`d wish me to be keeping survielence upon the local region for those in need? I`ll not lie to you Mr Jaan, I have a great deal of business to be attending in the `plex. While I am more than willing to do this job for you, it is useful to know roughly how much exterior time I will have whilst in your employ and thusly how much of my business I shall be needing to place in the hands of others?..."
18:37:48 Sunday 07 January 2063 – Oodles of Noodles Restaurant
Grinning at him as he slides over the plate, she eagerly digs in. "Thanks chummer, ya sure know how to keep a girl talkin." Twirling some noodles around her fork, she continues, "OK OK so anyway, they came by about a week ago yeah? Couple guys in suits, not locals. We didn't trust them, of course, so we didn't say nothin. But they were askin around the arcade a bit, flashing her picture and stuff."
She stuffs another mouthful into her throat, although this time it's obvious her mouth is so full she has to chew and swallow before she can talk again. "Anyway, yeah, maybe like three or four of them, nothing special, just looked like real corp types, you know? As far as I know, they hadn't found her when they came to the arcade, so when we told them we didn't know nothing, they wouldn't say much more than that."
She stuffed more food in her mouth, and John had the distinct feeling he was forgetting about something, but what?
Grinning at him as he slides over the plate, she eagerly digs in. "Thanks chummer, ya sure know how to keep a girl talkin." Twirling some noodles around her fork, she continues, "OK OK so anyway, they came by about a week ago yeah? Couple guys in suits, not locals. We didn't trust them, of course, so we didn't say nothin. But they were askin around the arcade a bit, flashing her picture and stuff."
She stuffs another mouthful into her throat, although this time it's obvious her mouth is so full she has to chew and swallow before she can talk again. "Anyway, yeah, maybe like three or four of them, nothing special, just looked like real corp types, you know? As far as I know, they hadn't found her when they came to the arcade, so when we told them we didn't know nothing, they wouldn't say much more than that."
She stuffed more food in her mouth, and John had the distinct feeling he was forgetting about something, but what?
19:54:47 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo tilts her head to one side and listens quietly, actively, as Caska speaks, nodding slightly in agreement. She set the game aside for a moment.
"Instead of trading lies tonight, ..."
Her smile softened somewhat. No one respected the truth as much as someone that lied for a living and if Cosmo was anything, it was a liar.
And a killer....
One finger trailed along the line of his forearm, a silent reminder that she was there, listening. She found herself glancing at the fine hairs on the backs of his hands, wondering at the thin network of scars that webbed across his knuckles and prevented new growth, wondering how a person can live for so many years and never find a second of happiness.
"The old movies," she began in a voice that was hardly a whisper, "black and white but so classic.." Cosmo sighed, idly tracing a finger along the stem of her wine glass. "I've been fascinated with them since I was a girl. There was an innocence to them that I've never seen anywhere else and values I didn't know existed. Things that were important .. should still be important." She trailed off and raised the wine glass to her lips to cover another, louder, sigh.
Cosmo tilts her head to one side and listens quietly, actively, as Caska speaks, nodding slightly in agreement. She set the game aside for a moment.
"Instead of trading lies tonight, ..."
Her smile softened somewhat. No one respected the truth as much as someone that lied for a living and if Cosmo was anything, it was a liar.
And a killer....
One finger trailed along the line of his forearm, a silent reminder that she was there, listening. She found herself glancing at the fine hairs on the backs of his hands, wondering at the thin network of scars that webbed across his knuckles and prevented new growth, wondering how a person can live for so many years and never find a second of happiness.
"The old movies," she began in a voice that was hardly a whisper, "black and white but so classic.." Cosmo sighed, idly tracing a finger along the stem of her wine glass. "I've been fascinated with them since I was a girl. There was an innocence to them that I've never seen anywhere else and values I didn't know existed. Things that were important .. should still be important." She trailed off and raised the wine glass to her lips to cover another, louder, sigh.
19:58:19 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
Her touch brings him back from the dark place of blood and death. His smile smooths from its vicious rictus of a moment before, back to the casual predatory look Cosmo so enjoyed. For a moment still he remained quiet, and she thought he may not have heard her amidst the screams of his memory. He took another bite of salad, his eyes sliding sideways to watch her watching him.
"The classics, then? What was important that should still be such?"
He pours more wine for the two of them, willing himself to slow the rushing return of his desire for the woman seated next to him. He could feel an equal fire from her, an electric charge that built in the cool night. There were only two times he felt alive, and this was the better of the two.
Her touch brings him back from the dark place of blood and death. His smile smooths from its vicious rictus of a moment before, back to the casual predatory look Cosmo so enjoyed. For a moment still he remained quiet, and she thought he may not have heard her amidst the screams of his memory. He took another bite of salad, his eyes sliding sideways to watch her watching him.
"The classics, then? What was important that should still be such?"
He pours more wine for the two of them, willing himself to slow the rushing return of his desire for the woman seated next to him. He could feel an equal fire from her, an electric charge that built in the cool night. There were only two times he felt alive, and this was the better of the two.
19:59:04 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
She paused and sipped at her wine, considering for a moment how to answer without sounding hypocritical, her quicksilver mind searching for flaws in her reasoning, possible workarounds, anything that would strengthen her position. Her eyes, still downcast, widened in surprise at the almost-violent tense and release of Caska's arm, flickering upwards to catch the last of a pain-ridden snarl before that maddeningly charming smile slid back into place. A sharp, pleasurable jolt shot through to the tips of her toes, caused the finger hovering over his wrist to twitch ever so slightly.
Just cut the crap, girl.
"Life," she breathed. "You know how much it costs and so do I but the price was different then. The small amount of violence there was had a purpose beyond the deaths per dollar, shoot 'em up ratio and I know that I'm getting carried away but there was a reason for it all, Caska, and it was always a good one. They lived, loved even, with grace and respect. Spirits, the actors never even really kissed one another, but .. it .. didn't ..."
Cosmo stopped and took a deep breath, a soft flush running to the pulsing base of her throat as she gathered her thoughts, knowing that she'd already shifted the balance heavily in his favour. A dimple peeked playfully at him as she demurred, her finger tracing a small circle across the back of his hand.
" .. matter."
Score one for you, Watchdog.
She paused and sipped at her wine, considering for a moment how to answer without sounding hypocritical, her quicksilver mind searching for flaws in her reasoning, possible workarounds, anything that would strengthen her position. Her eyes, still downcast, widened in surprise at the almost-violent tense and release of Caska's arm, flickering upwards to catch the last of a pain-ridden snarl before that maddeningly charming smile slid back into place. A sharp, pleasurable jolt shot through to the tips of her toes, caused the finger hovering over his wrist to twitch ever so slightly.
Just cut the crap, girl.
"Life," she breathed. "You know how much it costs and so do I but the price was different then. The small amount of violence there was had a purpose beyond the deaths per dollar, shoot 'em up ratio and I know that I'm getting carried away but there was a reason for it all, Caska, and it was always a good one. They lived, loved even, with grace and respect. Spirits, the actors never even really kissed one another, but .. it .. didn't ..."
Cosmo stopped and took a deep breath, a soft flush running to the pulsing base of her throat as she gathered her thoughts, knowing that she'd already shifted the balance heavily in his favour. A dimple peeked playfully at him as she demurred, her finger tracing a small circle across the back of his hand.
" .. matter."
Score one for you, Watchdog.
20:04:15 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
The part of his mind that functioned in the background at moments like this picked up on her mention of 'spirits' and filed it away for later use. When required, the information would be supplied, along with its possible connotations to her religious beliefs, ready to be used for whatever advantage possible. It was as instinctive as his perception of her body language, and the warmth and warning in that dimpled smile. It was what made him such an excellent predator.
Again, he felt her fingertips touch him, and again half of him recoiled at the invasion of his defensive space while the other half sought to erase the remaining distance between their bodies. He enjoyed the flush on her cheeks, though, his smile momentarily widening.
"I think that life has always been cheap, as you say, even then. But I agree that people have lost sight of the purpose of living. Or, rather, that few people today live with a purpose. Most everyone out there is simply existing. It is rare to come across an individual these days who knows what it is to truly live."
Caska turns his palm up, running his thumb along the edge of Cosmo's hand, then gently down her palm. He finishes with a gesture towards her nearly empty salad plate.
"Shall I bring the main course?"
The part of his mind that functioned in the background at moments like this picked up on her mention of 'spirits' and filed it away for later use. When required, the information would be supplied, along with its possible connotations to her religious beliefs, ready to be used for whatever advantage possible. It was as instinctive as his perception of her body language, and the warmth and warning in that dimpled smile. It was what made him such an excellent predator.
Again, he felt her fingertips touch him, and again half of him recoiled at the invasion of his defensive space while the other half sought to erase the remaining distance between their bodies. He enjoyed the flush on her cheeks, though, his smile momentarily widening.
"I think that life has always been cheap, as you say, even then. But I agree that people have lost sight of the purpose of living. Or, rather, that few people today live with a purpose. Most everyone out there is simply existing. It is rare to come across an individual these days who knows what it is to truly live."
Caska turns his palm up, running his thumb along the edge of Cosmo's hand, then gently down her palm. He finishes with a gesture towards her nearly empty salad plate.
"Shall I bring the main course?"
08:50:34 Saturday 06 January 2063 - Seattle, UCAS
Tenmou momentarily savoured the memory of the night before refocusing on the day ahead. He had his meeting with Omura-san this evening...
He decided to step into the shower to clear his mind and wash his body from the smell of sweat and smoke, resulting from last night's events.
When he finished cleaning up, he went over to the telecomm and momentarily paused. He wanted to call Mioko and talk... he hoped she didn't regret anything from the evening. His feelings for her had solidified, but he had hoped to speak with her before she had left...
Tenmou dialed her number and wasn't surprised when he was routed into her message box.
"Hey Mioko, it's Shitoki. I'm sorry I missed you this morning, but I hope that we could get together for coffee some time this week. Let me know if you're free sometime this week," after a brief pause, he quietly added, "I miss you," before hanging up.
Disconnecting the line, he began to make himself breakfast and mentally preparing himself for his job tonight.
Tenmou momentarily savoured the memory of the night before refocusing on the day ahead. He had his meeting with Omura-san this evening...
He decided to step into the shower to clear his mind and wash his body from the smell of sweat and smoke, resulting from last night's events.
When he finished cleaning up, he went over to the telecomm and momentarily paused. He wanted to call Mioko and talk... he hoped she didn't regret anything from the evening. His feelings for her had solidified, but he had hoped to speak with her before she had left...
Tenmou dialed her number and wasn't surprised when he was routed into her message box.
"Hey Mioko, it's Shitoki. I'm sorry I missed you this morning, but I hope that we could get together for coffee some time this week. Let me know if you're free sometime this week," after a brief pause, he quietly added, "I miss you," before hanging up.
Disconnecting the line, he began to make himself breakfast and mentally preparing himself for his job tonight.
18:43:01 Sunday 07 January 2063 – Oodles of Noodles Restaurant
John took a bite of his own noodles while watching the girl finish off the spring rolls and begin to shovel pad thai into her mouth. Washing down the bite with a drink of tea, he tried to digest what he had learned and organize his thoughts. What kinda drek could Nora be involved in that would bring corpers into the fraggin' Barrens looking for her? Whatever it is, it can't be good. And what am I going to do if some mega has grabbed her? Organize an extraction? How would I pay for it? Besides, the last run I put together didn't exactly work out.
He took another bite and chewed before speaking. "Ok, Megan, I'm still confused about how those suits fit into this, but let's leave that for now. Here's a couple of more questions. 1) Who are these mutual friends that you and Nora share? 2) Do you know Twiggy? Nora left me a note saying that if she didn't come home that I should find Twiggy and he'd tell me what was going on. 3) How does Underground 93 fit into all of this? Nora said that was where she was going the night that she left the note."
The young elf opened her mouth, giving John a good view of her dinner. "Whoa, wait a sec, kid. Take your time and chew. Good, now swallow." Megan struggled to swallow the huge bite. When she was ready he continued, "Ok, let's hear it."
John took a bite of his own noodles while watching the girl finish off the spring rolls and begin to shovel pad thai into her mouth. Washing down the bite with a drink of tea, he tried to digest what he had learned and organize his thoughts. What kinda drek could Nora be involved in that would bring corpers into the fraggin' Barrens looking for her? Whatever it is, it can't be good. And what am I going to do if some mega has grabbed her? Organize an extraction? How would I pay for it? Besides, the last run I put together didn't exactly work out.
He took another bite and chewed before speaking. "Ok, Megan, I'm still confused about how those suits fit into this, but let's leave that for now. Here's a couple of more questions. 1) Who are these mutual friends that you and Nora share? 2) Do you know Twiggy? Nora left me a note saying that if she didn't come home that I should find Twiggy and he'd tell me what was going on. 3) How does Underground 93 fit into all of this? Nora said that was where she was going the night that she left the note."
The young elf opened her mouth, giving John a good view of her dinner. "Whoa, wait a sec, kid. Take your time and chew. Good, now swallow." Megan struggled to swallow the huge bite. When she was ready he continued, "Ok, let's hear it."
19:33:10 January 6, 2063 I-5 North between Tacoma and Seattle
Erebus carefully controlled the throttle as he leaned to his right, shifting his bike into the more open carpool lane. The late evening traffic made driving on the freeway somewhat interesting, Erebus actually preferred the more open roads where he didn't have to worry so much about other drivers, you could never tell what the idiot in the car next to you would do next. He carefully controlled his weight, tried to feel the road through the machine like he'd been taught to feel a target when holding a gun.
A small part of him revelled in the simple uncomplicated thoughts that came when he rode, he put aside his worries to focus on the now. It was the same feeling that he got during his workouts with Ujio, and to an lesser degree a reflection of the focus and rush he got from combat.
He blasted along, moving just slightly faster than the rest of traffic and took the Ravenna exit just past the U district. Neon Dreams, on the edge of Ravenna near U-Dub, catered to the college kids from U-Dub and the street cutters living in the low rent Ravenna district. It always had a solid crowd, including the younger corpers from downtown looking for a night of sprawling without leaving the safety of Seattle proper.
It took him a good twenty minutes of riding through the small crowded streets until he got to the brightly lite three story nightclub. The parking lot, as usual, was pretty full so he slipped his bike in beside the dumpster near the back exit, where the shadows were thick.
Erebus carefully controlled the throttle as he leaned to his right, shifting his bike into the more open carpool lane. The late evening traffic made driving on the freeway somewhat interesting, Erebus actually preferred the more open roads where he didn't have to worry so much about other drivers, you could never tell what the idiot in the car next to you would do next. He carefully controlled his weight, tried to feel the road through the machine like he'd been taught to feel a target when holding a gun.
A small part of him revelled in the simple uncomplicated thoughts that came when he rode, he put aside his worries to focus on the now. It was the same feeling that he got during his workouts with Ujio, and to an lesser degree a reflection of the focus and rush he got from combat.
He blasted along, moving just slightly faster than the rest of traffic and took the Ravenna exit just past the U district. Neon Dreams, on the edge of Ravenna near U-Dub, catered to the college kids from U-Dub and the street cutters living in the low rent Ravenna district. It always had a solid crowd, including the younger corpers from downtown looking for a night of sprawling without leaving the safety of Seattle proper.
It took him a good twenty minutes of riding through the small crowded streets until he got to the brightly lite three story nightclub. The parking lot, as usual, was pretty full so he slipped his bike in beside the dumpster near the back exit, where the shadows were thick.
Taking a big gulp of tea, Megan clears her throat for a moment and responds, "Twiggy is one of those mutual chummers of ours. His cousin is a bouncer at Underground 93 so he gets in sometimes when it's not super packed. Anyway, Nora and I just ran in the same circles. Parties, drugs, chips, booze, you know? Never really talked to her much, but we were cool with each other, and if she's in trouble, I don't want to see her fry."
She looks down for a moment, almost like she's ashamed to take money from someone who's trying to help Nora. Then she looks up again and the hardened street kid is back. Guess she figures if I can afford to go looking for Nora, I can afford to help a few of her friends along the way John thinks dryly to himself.
"Anyway, when those guys came looking, Twiggy got spooked, said he didn't want to tell us what was up, cause he didn't want us knowing more than we should. But if we did see Nora before he did, he said it was really important to tell her that those dudes were looking for her from the clinic."
Stuffing more food into her mouth, she chews a bit more thoughtfully. "Come to think of it, that's all he really said. After that, he bolted out and said he had to find Nora right away, and she had to lay real low for a while, ya know? I guess Twiggy knows these guys too or something, that must be why Nora told you to find him."
Way to put two and two together genius John thought dryly to himself. Then again, he supposed, he wasn't paying her to think, just tell him what she knew, and she was certainly doing a good job of that.
She looks down for a moment, almost like she's ashamed to take money from someone who's trying to help Nora. Then she looks up again and the hardened street kid is back. Guess she figures if I can afford to go looking for Nora, I can afford to help a few of her friends along the way John thinks dryly to himself.
"Anyway, when those guys came looking, Twiggy got spooked, said he didn't want to tell us what was up, cause he didn't want us knowing more than we should. But if we did see Nora before he did, he said it was really important to tell her that those dudes were looking for her from the clinic."
Stuffing more food into her mouth, she chews a bit more thoughtfully. "Come to think of it, that's all he really said. After that, he bolted out and said he had to find Nora right away, and she had to lay real low for a while, ya know? I guess Twiggy knows these guys too or something, that must be why Nora told you to find him."
Way to put two and two together genius John thought dryly to himself. Then again, he supposed, he wasn't paying her to think, just tell him what she knew, and she was certainly doing a good job of that.
15:01:23 Saturday, January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic // Cyberspace
Perhaps Dragon just pushed all the wrong buttons, he seems to have taken on a more cooperative attitude for the moment. What does Kiki stand to gain from calling us here . . .?
"I must admit that I would also be interested in knowing the precise motivations of each faction. Perhaps you and I can broker an exchange of information agreement. As I am running in direct confrontation with both of these Aztlan factions I am in a unique position to uncover details about their specific motivations. While I am positive that I cannot track down information with the raw efficiency that someone with your training would be able to, my closeness to the situation might afford me a few advantages in that respect. Perhaps I might learn some things that would be of a curiosity to you and vice versa."
Perhaps Dragon just pushed all the wrong buttons, he seems to have taken on a more cooperative attitude for the moment. What does Kiki stand to gain from calling us here . . .?
"I must admit that I would also be interested in knowing the precise motivations of each faction. Perhaps you and I can broker an exchange of information agreement. As I am running in direct confrontation with both of these Aztlan factions I am in a unique position to uncover details about their specific motivations. While I am positive that I cannot track down information with the raw efficiency that someone with your training would be able to, my closeness to the situation might afford me a few advantages in that respect. Perhaps I might learn some things that would be of a curiosity to you and vice versa."
20:06:40 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo suppressed a shudder as his thumb brushed across the tender flesh of her palm, groaning inwardly at how quickly goosebumps formed along her forearms. She'd learned to fake such things after hours of training but had never mastered the ability to prevent those infernal things. After placing the slender fork diagonally across her plate, she nodded and smiled slowly.
"If you like, Caska," and if you can stand this, then so can I.
She laughed softly and sipped at her wine, not drinking nearly as much as one would expect but not abstaining either; whatever happened tonight, staying sharp would remain a priority. Control, she understood, was more important to Caska than it was to her at the moment so, for the moment, she did not mind relinquishing it. Her posture was relaxed, her manner inviting as she shifted in her seat to face him more fully. Thick red wine swirled around and around in her long-stemmed goblet as she appraised him, one elbow resting casually against the back of her chair, one slender blonde eyebrow arched ever so slightly as if to say that the main course could wait, if that was his desire.
Cosmo knew that she'd made a mistake earlier and hated the fact that it had happened so easily. There was no excuse for it .. balance would be restored by morning, sooner if she had her way.
Cosmo suppressed a shudder as his thumb brushed across the tender flesh of her palm, groaning inwardly at how quickly goosebumps formed along her forearms. She'd learned to fake such things after hours of training but had never mastered the ability to prevent those infernal things. After placing the slender fork diagonally across her plate, she nodded and smiled slowly.
"If you like, Caska," and if you can stand this, then so can I.
She laughed softly and sipped at her wine, not drinking nearly as much as one would expect but not abstaining either; whatever happened tonight, staying sharp would remain a priority. Control, she understood, was more important to Caska than it was to her at the moment so, for the moment, she did not mind relinquishing it. Her posture was relaxed, her manner inviting as she shifted in her seat to face him more fully. Thick red wine swirled around and around in her long-stemmed goblet as she appraised him, one elbow resting casually against the back of her chair, one slender blonde eyebrow arched ever so slightly as if to say that the main course could wait, if that was his desire.
Cosmo knew that she'd made a mistake earlier and hated the fact that it had happened so easily. There was no excuse for it .. balance would be restored by morning, sooner if she had her way.
20:07:02 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
Caska stands, setting his own fork on his plate. Leaning in, he reaches around Cosmo for her plate, deliberately close. He could feel the heat from her body, smell her heady perfume. The hunt shimmered in his mind, his eyes hungry. He knew, without asking, what she offered. He knew that if he closed that distance, to brush his lips across her cheek, inhale the wonderful fresh scent of her hair, to finally taste her, that she would sweep the dishes from the table and draw him down to her. She would devour him as surely as he hungered for her. Not yet!, he told himself, not yet. Savor the game. The anticipation would make the endgame so much sweeter. Sweeter still, if he played his hand well. Again, the look of predatory possession flashed across his face. Finally breaking the moment, he disappeared through a door Cosmo hadn't seen in her initial scan of the patio. After a minute he reappears, three plates balanced in his arms. He sets one before her, and one at his place, while the third is between them.
The main dish is lamb, shaved thin and seasoned with onions and garlic and a roasted chicken kabob over a bed of rice, dusted with saffron. The center dish holds warm pita bread wrapped in a linen napkin, and a shallow bowl of tzadziki sauce.
Caska stands, setting his own fork on his plate. Leaning in, he reaches around Cosmo for her plate, deliberately close. He could feel the heat from her body, smell her heady perfume. The hunt shimmered in his mind, his eyes hungry. He knew, without asking, what she offered. He knew that if he closed that distance, to brush his lips across her cheek, inhale the wonderful fresh scent of her hair, to finally taste her, that she would sweep the dishes from the table and draw him down to her. She would devour him as surely as he hungered for her. Not yet!, he told himself, not yet. Savor the game. The anticipation would make the endgame so much sweeter. Sweeter still, if he played his hand well. Again, the look of predatory possession flashed across his face. Finally breaking the moment, he disappeared through a door Cosmo hadn't seen in her initial scan of the patio. After a minute he reappears, three plates balanced in his arms. He sets one before her, and one at his place, while the third is between them.
The main dish is lamb, shaved thin and seasoned with onions and garlic and a roasted chicken kabob over a bed of rice, dusted with saffron. The center dish holds warm pita bread wrapped in a linen napkin, and a shallow bowl of tzadziki sauce.
20:08:48 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo felt a rush of air leave her as he leaned in, so close that she could almost hear the steady pounding of his pulse .. a rhythm that would closely match hers. She fixed him with a heated look of her own, one that almost dared him to pick up the plate and widen the distance between them, a small span that was becoming more electrifying with every passing second. Briefly, she considered how he would react to being pushed onto their small table, pinned, and devoured slowly, whether or not he'd mind the spilled wine and the clatter of overturned dishes .. her vivid gaze turning aggressive to mirror her train of thought as hot, heady desire curled around her middle. She gauged their strengths as comparable .. wondered if he'd push back .. no. Ultimately, Caska wouldn't be satisfied unless the first move was his.
Her laugh was soft, throaty, as he pulled away; the miniscule twitch of his jaw was enough to mollify her for the moment. "You're hungrier than I thought," was a murmur almost too quiet to hear as he stalked off towards the door she hadn't noticed until now. She took a minute to breathe deeply, scanning the patio for anything else she might have missed earlier now that the enchantment of a few minutes ago had faded and only the huntress remained.
She smiled when he returned, the only difference in her posture was that one long, slender leg crossed towards him as he served them both and seated himself. Cosmo found herself warming to the game they played, enjoying how every move, every lingering glance was slowly driving the both of them mad. This was a game she knew, one she prided herself on playing well (and winning often) though she couldn't quite recall if she'd played with someone who understood its nuances quite as well as Caska. She leaned forward, pulling the heavy curtain of her hair over one shoulder and away from the table as she inhaled some of the fragrant steam rising from her plate, her eyes half-closed in blissful surrender to the succulence of the dish, her smile turning dreamy in silent homage to the roast that was quite possibly too good to eat....
Cosmo felt a rush of air leave her as he leaned in, so close that she could almost hear the steady pounding of his pulse .. a rhythm that would closely match hers. She fixed him with a heated look of her own, one that almost dared him to pick up the plate and widen the distance between them, a small span that was becoming more electrifying with every passing second. Briefly, she considered how he would react to being pushed onto their small table, pinned, and devoured slowly, whether or not he'd mind the spilled wine and the clatter of overturned dishes .. her vivid gaze turning aggressive to mirror her train of thought as hot, heady desire curled around her middle. She gauged their strengths as comparable .. wondered if he'd push back .. no. Ultimately, Caska wouldn't be satisfied unless the first move was his.
Her laugh was soft, throaty, as he pulled away; the miniscule twitch of his jaw was enough to mollify her for the moment. "You're hungrier than I thought," was a murmur almost too quiet to hear as he stalked off towards the door she hadn't noticed until now. She took a minute to breathe deeply, scanning the patio for anything else she might have missed earlier now that the enchantment of a few minutes ago had faded and only the huntress remained.
She smiled when he returned, the only difference in her posture was that one long, slender leg crossed towards him as he served them both and seated himself. Cosmo found herself warming to the game they played, enjoying how every move, every lingering glance was slowly driving the both of them mad. This was a game she knew, one she prided herself on playing well (and winning often) though she couldn't quite recall if she'd played with someone who understood its nuances quite as well as Caska. She leaned forward, pulling the heavy curtain of her hair over one shoulder and away from the table as she inhaled some of the fragrant steam rising from her plate, her eyes half-closed in blissful surrender to the succulence of the dish, her smile turning dreamy in silent homage to the roast that was quite possibly too good to eat....
20:09:31 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
Caska folded the triangle of pita bread over the slices of lamb, but his eyes never left the long expanse of stocking-clad leg that Cosmo offered so innocently. He found her so intoxicating, how casual she seemed, even as she wavered from girlish delight to a sultry intensity. It was easy to see how she could crush an ordinary man, to bend him to her will without so much as a second thought. It was raw hubris for him to think that his fate would be different, yet he had long ago accepted the fact that he was not an ordinary man. Nor were his appetites anything that resembled conventional. He wanted more than to just wring cries of passion from her, she would give him that much. Her body language had all but promised that. What he wanted was her surrender, he wanted to watch her eyes as she gave up her control to him. And her knowledge of the game they played would make that victory so much sweeter. He would savor the moment even as she tore him to pieces. The outcome of this night would hurt so beautifully. Memories surfaced from the dark waters of his mind:
"There are two ways to conquer a woman like that," she mused, her face turned away towards the window. The streetlights seeping through the curtains painted the naked curves of her body bronze. Caska listened with all the intenseness of the sixteen-year-old student he was, propped on one elbow.
"You can treat her like an exotic cat, a tigress, to be petted until she purrs and rolls over for you. Or, like a proud mustang, to be broken to the bit and bridle, until she does your bidding."
"Which do you prefer?" Even then, his facility for information storage was manifest. She turned back to look at him, her eyes dark and fathomless, a soft smile twisting her lips. Arching her back, she offered herself up.
"Break me."
Caska folded the triangle of pita bread over the slices of lamb, but his eyes never left the long expanse of stocking-clad leg that Cosmo offered so innocently. He found her so intoxicating, how casual she seemed, even as she wavered from girlish delight to a sultry intensity. It was easy to see how she could crush an ordinary man, to bend him to her will without so much as a second thought. It was raw hubris for him to think that his fate would be different, yet he had long ago accepted the fact that he was not an ordinary man. Nor were his appetites anything that resembled conventional. He wanted more than to just wring cries of passion from her, she would give him that much. Her body language had all but promised that. What he wanted was her surrender, he wanted to watch her eyes as she gave up her control to him. And her knowledge of the game they played would make that victory so much sweeter. He would savor the moment even as she tore him to pieces. The outcome of this night would hurt so beautifully. Memories surfaced from the dark waters of his mind:
"There are two ways to conquer a woman like that," she mused, her face turned away towards the window. The streetlights seeping through the curtains painted the naked curves of her body bronze. Caska listened with all the intenseness of the sixteen-year-old student he was, propped on one elbow.
"You can treat her like an exotic cat, a tigress, to be petted until she purrs and rolls over for you. Or, like a proud mustang, to be broken to the bit and bridle, until she does your bidding."
"Which do you prefer?" Even then, his facility for information storage was manifest. She turned back to look at him, her eyes dark and fathomless, a soft smile twisting her lips. Arching her back, she offered herself up.
"Break me."
18:49:22 Sunday 07 January 2063 – Oodles of Noodles Restaurant
The point seemingly decided (at least to her mind), Megan continued, "Yeah, that's it a'ight. It must be why she said that. Twiggy always knows what's what. It's like this one time that Twiggy's cousin let us in the club. Chummer, it was sooo wiz! This band was playin, they were nova-hot! My chummer Ray-Ray, he says he hears they the next Concrete Dreams, but he's full of drek! I mean, they were wiz, but not wiz, you scan? Anyway, there we was..."
As the girl became more and more animated, John stopped looking for an opportunity to interrupt and just allowed her to babble. In a way, it reminded him of when his niece was younger, before his sister returned, when it was just the two of them (well, three after Rosa moved in). He'd come home in the evening, and Nora would run squealing through the apartment and jump into his arms. The nanny would shake her head and smile while Nora would describe, in minute detail, the events of her day. Who knew that a four-year old could do so much, or talk so long? John had loved every second.
Those were the good times and they thought it would last forever. He knew now that they'd taken it all for granted, at least he had. Then came word of his long-absent sister, Etta, and she was in trouble. John had managed to save her, but after that everything changed. And none of it for the better.
Looking back at Megan, he could tell that she was still talking, but she sounded like it was coming from a distance. Gesturing with her fork, she sprayed noodles everywhere, some even landing on his hand. He barely felt it. It didn't seem real. Like a scene from a movie, maybe one of those quirky slice-of-like comedies Etta used to watch back when they still had a trid.
On some level, John recognized the disconnected feeling, as he had experienced it off and on for years. Everyone with a significant amount of cyber felt something similar, or so he'd heard. You learned to deal with it. However, when he was tired, like he was now, the feeling was harder to shake.
He was brought back to reality with a snap, literally, as the elf reached over and snapped her fingers under his nose. He hadn't realized that he'd triggered his wires or reached for one of the Brownings under his jacked until the pistol's info appeared in his smartlink display. The girl sat back quickly and raised her hands.
"Hoi! Uh, ...Nora's uncle! Chill, chummer, chill! You'd bin sittin there so long, not sayin nothin. And then you didn't answer my question...I thought you were sleepin. Truth! I didn't know. It's those freaky eyes; a girl can't tell what you lookin at. I mean..."
John calmly released the pistol's grip and sat his hands on the table. Over the girl's shoulder, he could see the other patrons turning back to their meals. He couldn't see any of the waitstaff, but that old lady behind the counter was glaring at him again. Or maybe she'd never stopped?
"Sorry, Megan. I was zoned. Got a lot on my mind, you know? What was your question?"
The young girl watched him a minute more before replying. "I said 'What else you want to know?'"
"For starters, what is the clinic that you mentioned before? Does it have a name? And speaking of names, does Twiggy's bouncer cousin have one? A description would help too. I think I need to talk to Twiggy. Hopefully his cousin has some idea where I can find him. Unless you know?"
The point seemingly decided (at least to her mind), Megan continued, "Yeah, that's it a'ight. It must be why she said that. Twiggy always knows what's what. It's like this one time that Twiggy's cousin let us in the club. Chummer, it was sooo wiz! This band was playin, they were nova-hot! My chummer Ray-Ray, he says he hears they the next Concrete Dreams, but he's full of drek! I mean, they were wiz, but not wiz, you scan? Anyway, there we was..."
As the girl became more and more animated, John stopped looking for an opportunity to interrupt and just allowed her to babble. In a way, it reminded him of when his niece was younger, before his sister returned, when it was just the two of them (well, three after Rosa moved in). He'd come home in the evening, and Nora would run squealing through the apartment and jump into his arms. The nanny would shake her head and smile while Nora would describe, in minute detail, the events of her day. Who knew that a four-year old could do so much, or talk so long? John had loved every second.
Those were the good times and they thought it would last forever. He knew now that they'd taken it all for granted, at least he had. Then came word of his long-absent sister, Etta, and she was in trouble. John had managed to save her, but after that everything changed. And none of it for the better.
Looking back at Megan, he could tell that she was still talking, but she sounded like it was coming from a distance. Gesturing with her fork, she sprayed noodles everywhere, some even landing on his hand. He barely felt it. It didn't seem real. Like a scene from a movie, maybe one of those quirky slice-of-like comedies Etta used to watch back when they still had a trid.
On some level, John recognized the disconnected feeling, as he had experienced it off and on for years. Everyone with a significant amount of cyber felt something similar, or so he'd heard. You learned to deal with it. However, when he was tired, like he was now, the feeling was harder to shake.
He was brought back to reality with a snap, literally, as the elf reached over and snapped her fingers under his nose. He hadn't realized that he'd triggered his wires or reached for one of the Brownings under his jacked until the pistol's info appeared in his smartlink display. The girl sat back quickly and raised her hands.
"Hoi! Uh, ...Nora's uncle! Chill, chummer, chill! You'd bin sittin there so long, not sayin nothin. And then you didn't answer my question...I thought you were sleepin. Truth! I didn't know. It's those freaky eyes; a girl can't tell what you lookin at. I mean..."
John calmly released the pistol's grip and sat his hands on the table. Over the girl's shoulder, he could see the other patrons turning back to their meals. He couldn't see any of the waitstaff, but that old lady behind the counter was glaring at him again. Or maybe she'd never stopped?
"Sorry, Megan. I was zoned. Got a lot on my mind, you know? What was your question?"
The young girl watched him a minute more before replying. "I said 'What else you want to know?'"
"For starters, what is the clinic that you mentioned before? Does it have a name? And speaking of names, does Twiggy's bouncer cousin have one? A description would help too. I think I need to talk to Twiggy. Hopefully his cousin has some idea where I can find him. Unless you know?"
20:09:52 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
The smile that curled across Cosmo's plush lips was anything but innocent as she noted the direction of Caska's glances. A sound somewhere between a purr and a chuckle was barely suppressed as her next move was immediately and irresistibly decided.
So it's like that, is it?
She shifted in her seat again, absently sliding one slim leg against the other, knowing full well how the shimmering stockings would look in this dim lighting and appearing completely ignorant of the slow rise of her silk skirt and the precarious position of the crimson napkin. Cosmo made a point of enjoying the course, her breathy sighs and heartfelt 'mmmm's interspersed with the most horridly inane conversation, all delivered in her throaty contralto voice but absolutely no innuendo. The lamb was delicious and the rice seasoned to perfection .. she couldn't help but savor the kebab with her fingers, so long as he didn't mind .. wine was sipped with infuriating slowness as she watched him from out of the corner of one eye, always watching to judge the best time to catch him off guard.
Every few moments she'd shift again, or stretch those long pale arms over her head to silhouette a marvelously-curved frame, every few moments that infernal napkin would dip lower and lower but refuse to fall in spite of the fact that a black silk hem, a hint of satin, and the promise of smooth, snowy skin were surely no more than a breath away....
The smile that curled across Cosmo's plush lips was anything but innocent as she noted the direction of Caska's glances. A sound somewhere between a purr and a chuckle was barely suppressed as her next move was immediately and irresistibly decided.
So it's like that, is it?
She shifted in her seat again, absently sliding one slim leg against the other, knowing full well how the shimmering stockings would look in this dim lighting and appearing completely ignorant of the slow rise of her silk skirt and the precarious position of the crimson napkin. Cosmo made a point of enjoying the course, her breathy sighs and heartfelt 'mmmm's interspersed with the most horridly inane conversation, all delivered in her throaty contralto voice but absolutely no innuendo. The lamb was delicious and the rice seasoned to perfection .. she couldn't help but savor the kebab with her fingers, so long as he didn't mind .. wine was sipped with infuriating slowness as she watched him from out of the corner of one eye, always watching to judge the best time to catch him off guard.
Every few moments she'd shift again, or stretch those long pale arms over her head to silhouette a marvelously-curved frame, every few moments that infernal napkin would dip lower and lower but refuse to fall in spite of the fact that a black silk hem, a hint of satin, and the promise of smooth, snowy skin were surely no more than a breath away....
18:12:22 Saturday 06 January 2063 - Seattle, UCAS
Tenmou busied himself throughout the day with exercises and preparation for his meet this evening. He checked his kit from the other day, having not put it away since he picked up his car. After double checking all his gear and putting on his form fitting body armor, he hoisted the duffle bag onto his shoulder and carried it down to the car.
He tossed them into the trunk and climbed behind the wheel of his ride. He could still smell Mioko's perfume in the interior and a smile crossed his lips as he slid the keys into the ignition. He reluctantly forced the thoughts of Mioko from his mind to take on his professional neutrality before he pull into traffic and headed for the meet.
Tenmou busied himself throughout the day with exercises and preparation for his meet this evening. He checked his kit from the other day, having not put it away since he picked up his car. After double checking all his gear and putting on his form fitting body armor, he hoisted the duffle bag onto his shoulder and carried it down to the car.
He tossed them into the trunk and climbed behind the wheel of his ride. He could still smell Mioko's perfume in the interior and a smile crossed his lips as he slid the keys into the ignition. He reluctantly forced the thoughts of Mioko from his mind to take on his professional neutrality before he pull into traffic and headed for the meet.
20:21:17 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
Amidst the thoughts and plans of conquest that dominate his mind as he watches Cosmo tease him, a solitary quote lifts itself to the forefront, a solemn reminder of the inevitable outcome:
La Belle Dame Sans Merci hath thee in thrall!
Using the patience born of long stakeouts, of stalking through the mud and rain after your prey, he holds himself to a simmer, keeping the fire between them stoked, but not raging out of control. The storm hovered in the back of his mind, all of the delicious possibilities arrayed out with geometric precision. But he would wait, wait and see how far she was willing to tease before action was warranted. He wondered, idly, how much her dress cost and if she would be upset if it was ruined. Leaning back in his chair, he sips from his wineglass, waiting for a moment.
"If you're finished, I have gelato for dessert?" Or I could just have you....
Amidst the thoughts and plans of conquest that dominate his mind as he watches Cosmo tease him, a solitary quote lifts itself to the forefront, a solemn reminder of the inevitable outcome:
La Belle Dame Sans Merci hath thee in thrall!
Using the patience born of long stakeouts, of stalking through the mud and rain after your prey, he holds himself to a simmer, keeping the fire between them stoked, but not raging out of control. The storm hovered in the back of his mind, all of the delicious possibilities arrayed out with geometric precision. But he would wait, wait and see how far she was willing to tease before action was warranted. He wondered, idly, how much her dress cost and if she would be upset if it was ruined. Leaning back in his chair, he sips from his wineglass, waiting for a moment.
"If you're finished, I have gelato for dessert?" Or I could just have you....
19:58:08 January 6, 2063 - Neon Dreams - Ravenna
Erebus strode across the parking lot, sticking to the shadows and watching the empty cars for movement. He never came here on any set schedule, it should be almost impossible for someone to ambush him here, but he couldn't help himself. He still hadn't figured out how the trio of cutters who'd caught up to him in Vladivostok had found him there, he'd gone over his trail several times and couldn't figure out what had let Amanda's hunters find him then, so when he'd taken on this new incarnation he'd vowed never again to assume he was safe. He walked through the near dark with his senses tuned to anything that could suggest trouble.
The pair of bouncers at the door to the club wore their Cutters colors openly. The Cutters were too busy to bother squeezing a place like Neon Dreams for protection money, but the owners of the club had deliberately gone out and hired a bunch of Cutter bangers as his "security" force, and then allowed other Cutters to have two free drinks if they wore their colors. Erebus had to admit it was a pretty clever move, the small fry local gangs weren't too interested in slotting off the Cutters by trying to squeeze the club and end up tangling with the Cutters at the door, the Cutters came for the drinks and spent money on the girls and gave the patrons the impression that there was a ton of security in the club so there were very few incidents. It was a sweet system, everyone benefited.
Erebus strolled past the bouncers without missing a beat, he figured they'd either spot his guns or have some scanners which let them know he was packing but unless he pulled one in the club they didn't give a frag if he was carrying legal or not. They didn't even care if the hardware he brought in was out right illegal, so long as he played nice and at least tried to hide it.
Of course the young elf reminded himself the last drekhead to drag iron in here the sec guards drug outside, beat the crap out of him and set him on fire. Ample encouragement to play nice.
The music and heat of the club hit him like a slap in the face after the cold night air. Smoke for smoke machines and cigarettes created a visible haze, which when added to the lighting effects for the dancers, always drove his cybereyes crazy when trying to adjust to the ever changing light levels. The music was PrimeTime Or'zet rock, he couldn't understand a word of it. The young female Ork on the center runway seemed to be really into the music though, and Erebus paused to take it a couple of seconds of the show, before heading back to a booth. He'd never known that was anatomically possible before, and it had to be hard on the chair.
He dropped into his padded seat near the ancillary runway where a girl who might actually be eighteen, danced wildly to the delight of the young men crowded around the stage, occasionally dropping folded nuyen notes on the stage for her. Instantly one of the waitresses slid over to him.
"Its a two drink minimum chummer, whaddya have?"
Erebus scanned her for possible weapons, but there was no way she'd be able to hide anything under the microskirt and lace bra combination that served as her uniform; the six inch spike heels might constitute a weapon but Erebus wasn't too worried. As top heavy as she was if she could use those heels as a weapon he deserved to die.
"I'll take a gin and tonic with a twist and a gin and tonic with a twist chaser. Go ahead and bring them both over now please." He slotted his stick into the portable cred reader she carried and keyed in a request for 200 nuyen in cash as well as the 15 nuyen for the drinks and a tip. He rarely carried hard copy currency but he would use the currency tonight for the equipment and no one would wonder why he was getting hard copy currency in a strip club. Before the waitress could rush off he fired off a question of his own.
"Hoi, is Angel working tonight? She's a chummer of mine." Erebus figured it was a relatively safe bet that she was working, Saturday nights were big money nights to a girl in her line of work.
Erebus strode across the parking lot, sticking to the shadows and watching the empty cars for movement. He never came here on any set schedule, it should be almost impossible for someone to ambush him here, but he couldn't help himself. He still hadn't figured out how the trio of cutters who'd caught up to him in Vladivostok had found him there, he'd gone over his trail several times and couldn't figure out what had let Amanda's hunters find him then, so when he'd taken on this new incarnation he'd vowed never again to assume he was safe. He walked through the near dark with his senses tuned to anything that could suggest trouble.
The pair of bouncers at the door to the club wore their Cutters colors openly. The Cutters were too busy to bother squeezing a place like Neon Dreams for protection money, but the owners of the club had deliberately gone out and hired a bunch of Cutter bangers as his "security" force, and then allowed other Cutters to have two free drinks if they wore their colors. Erebus had to admit it was a pretty clever move, the small fry local gangs weren't too interested in slotting off the Cutters by trying to squeeze the club and end up tangling with the Cutters at the door, the Cutters came for the drinks and spent money on the girls and gave the patrons the impression that there was a ton of security in the club so there were very few incidents. It was a sweet system, everyone benefited.
Erebus strolled past the bouncers without missing a beat, he figured they'd either spot his guns or have some scanners which let them know he was packing but unless he pulled one in the club they didn't give a frag if he was carrying legal or not. They didn't even care if the hardware he brought in was out right illegal, so long as he played nice and at least tried to hide it.
Of course the young elf reminded himself the last drekhead to drag iron in here the sec guards drug outside, beat the crap out of him and set him on fire. Ample encouragement to play nice.
The music and heat of the club hit him like a slap in the face after the cold night air. Smoke for smoke machines and cigarettes created a visible haze, which when added to the lighting effects for the dancers, always drove his cybereyes crazy when trying to adjust to the ever changing light levels. The music was PrimeTime Or'zet rock, he couldn't understand a word of it. The young female Ork on the center runway seemed to be really into the music though, and Erebus paused to take it a couple of seconds of the show, before heading back to a booth. He'd never known that was anatomically possible before, and it had to be hard on the chair.
He dropped into his padded seat near the ancillary runway where a girl who might actually be eighteen, danced wildly to the delight of the young men crowded around the stage, occasionally dropping folded nuyen notes on the stage for her. Instantly one of the waitresses slid over to him.
"Its a two drink minimum chummer, whaddya have?"
Erebus scanned her for possible weapons, but there was no way she'd be able to hide anything under the microskirt and lace bra combination that served as her uniform; the six inch spike heels might constitute a weapon but Erebus wasn't too worried. As top heavy as she was if she could use those heels as a weapon he deserved to die.
"I'll take a gin and tonic with a twist and a gin and tonic with a twist chaser. Go ahead and bring them both over now please." He slotted his stick into the portable cred reader she carried and keyed in a request for 200 nuyen in cash as well as the 15 nuyen for the drinks and a tip. He rarely carried hard copy currency but he would use the currency tonight for the equipment and no one would wonder why he was getting hard copy currency in a strip club. Before the waitress could rush off he fired off a question of his own.
"Hoi, is Angel working tonight? She's a chummer of mine." Erebus figured it was a relatively safe bet that she was working, Saturday nights were big money nights to a girl in her line of work.
20:23:52 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo nodded slowly, one eyebrow raised slightly higher than the other as she popped the last bite of roasted chicken into her mouth, deliberately taking her time to clean off each finger and wipe her hands across the precariously balanced napkin.
"Mm, I could do with a bit of dessert."
She chuckled and eyed him meaningfully, wondering exactly how he was intending to serve this gelato, her mind offering up all sorts of devilish possibilities, none of which involved bowls or spoons. One finger trailed across the curve of her wine glass as she considered how much more of this he could take, much less how much longer she was willing to wait. Her eyes turned a shade darker, the challenge burning within them more than clear. She could wait all night.
Cosmo nodded slowly, one eyebrow raised slightly higher than the other as she popped the last bite of roasted chicken into her mouth, deliberately taking her time to clean off each finger and wipe her hands across the precariously balanced napkin.
"Mm, I could do with a bit of dessert."
She chuckled and eyed him meaningfully, wondering exactly how he was intending to serve this gelato, her mind offering up all sorts of devilish possibilities, none of which involved bowls or spoons. One finger trailed across the curve of her wine glass as she considered how much more of this he could take, much less how much longer she was willing to wait. Her eyes turned a shade darker, the challenge burning within them more than clear. She could wait all night.
20:24:39 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
Again, Caska leans in, eyes alight. Instead of reaching for her plate, though, he circles her right arm with his left hand, holding it against the arm of ther chair. With his right, he brushes his fingertips gently down the curve of her cheek. He pauses, his face centimeters from hers, reading her eyes. The moment seems to stretch for hours, electricity blazing between the two of them, before he closes the last distance between them.
Again, Caska leans in, eyes alight. Instead of reaching for her plate, though, he circles her right arm with his left hand, holding it against the arm of ther chair. With his right, he brushes his fingertips gently down the curve of her cheek. He pauses, his face centimeters from hers, reading her eyes. The moment seems to stretch for hours, electricity blazing between the two of them, before he closes the last distance between them.
20:24:58 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
She had been watching him all night, making note of every move, every quirk in his behaviour. Cosmo had taunted him, tested him, and teased him until she, herself, was near the point of screaming but nothing, nothing she'd experienced in a good long while, anyway, could have prepared her for the churning desire that threatened to overwhelm her. Caska's searing gaze, the firm grip on her arm paired with such a sweet caress across her cheek, the maddeningly slow descent of his lips over hers .. everything played out so methodically, so precisely, that there could be no doubt as to who contolled the moment.
Cosmo found herself leaning slightly into him, a low, contented purr slipping from between her lips as they tasted one another. That's the point, she understood, a sharp thrill coursing through to the tips of her toes as she imagined some of the "battles" to follow. Long, supple fingers threaded through close-cropped hair, teasing the flesh along the nape of his neck as she intensified this first embrace, knowing that there could only be one uncontested victor tonight. She kissed him until they both had no choice but to pull away, breathless, to plan their next moves. By all the Spirits, she was going to make him work for it.
She had been watching him all night, making note of every move, every quirk in his behaviour. Cosmo had taunted him, tested him, and teased him until she, herself, was near the point of screaming but nothing, nothing she'd experienced in a good long while, anyway, could have prepared her for the churning desire that threatened to overwhelm her. Caska's searing gaze, the firm grip on her arm paired with such a sweet caress across her cheek, the maddeningly slow descent of his lips over hers .. everything played out so methodically, so precisely, that there could be no doubt as to who contolled the moment.
Cosmo found herself leaning slightly into him, a low, contented purr slipping from between her lips as they tasted one another. That's the point, she understood, a sharp thrill coursing through to the tips of her toes as she imagined some of the "battles" to follow. Long, supple fingers threaded through close-cropped hair, teasing the flesh along the nape of his neck as she intensified this first embrace, knowing that there could only be one uncontested victor tonight. She kissed him until they both had no choice but to pull away, breathless, to plan their next moves. By all the Spirits, she was going to make him work for it.
20:25:22 Monday 01 January 2063 - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CFS
It was fire pumping through his veins, a storm which threatened even his reserve and control. She felt weightless to his adrenaline-fueled muscles as he lifted her to her feet, her chair skittering back across the patio from the urgency. His lips came down on hers again, eliciting that same low throaty purr. Unable to wait longer, he pulled her towards the door. Dessert would have to wait.
Shadows cast by the dancing flames slid like liquid darkness across the naked skin of the predators curled before it. Several hours had passed, the master bedroom in disarray as a result. Clothes and weapons were strewn on the floor, and the king bed's mattress lay askew on the box spring. The bedclothes as well were cast aside in a haphazard manner, except for the sheet wrapping the pair as they rested on the floor. Cosmo lay on her side facing the glass-enclosed fireplace, her hair fanned out about her. Spooned against her, Caska ran his fingers gently over the swell of her hip and down to the supple muscles of her stomach. She glanced back at him, and he met her dark gaze, reading the desire there. He could still feel the smouldering passion between them, but it was different somehow. Less of a destructive, all-consuming fire and more of a slow simmering pleasure. He hadn't won tonight, despite this outcome, but he hadn't failed either. Neither one of them surrendered, or gave ground. But that aspect of the game seemed less important now that they'd shown each other their true faces. It was so very rare that he met another predator of the same caliber. Rarer still that he enjoyed her company. It would be disappointing to waste this relationship with a power play. You would fight me, wouldn't you, if I closed my teeth on your throat, he mused as his hand brushed across her skin. Not to escape, but to take me down first. Caska leaned in to taste her lips again. Would you offer your neck to me though, were I to ask?
It was fire pumping through his veins, a storm which threatened even his reserve and control. She felt weightless to his adrenaline-fueled muscles as he lifted her to her feet, her chair skittering back across the patio from the urgency. His lips came down on hers again, eliciting that same low throaty purr. Unable to wait longer, he pulled her towards the door. Dessert would have to wait.
Shadows cast by the dancing flames slid like liquid darkness across the naked skin of the predators curled before it. Several hours had passed, the master bedroom in disarray as a result. Clothes and weapons were strewn on the floor, and the king bed's mattress lay askew on the box spring. The bedclothes as well were cast aside in a haphazard manner, except for the sheet wrapping the pair as they rested on the floor. Cosmo lay on her side facing the glass-enclosed fireplace, her hair fanned out about her. Spooned against her, Caska ran his fingers gently over the swell of her hip and down to the supple muscles of her stomach. She glanced back at him, and he met her dark gaze, reading the desire there. He could still feel the smouldering passion between them, but it was different somehow. Less of a destructive, all-consuming fire and more of a slow simmering pleasure. He hadn't won tonight, despite this outcome, but he hadn't failed either. Neither one of them surrendered, or gave ground. But that aspect of the game seemed less important now that they'd shown each other their true faces. It was so very rare that he met another predator of the same caliber. Rarer still that he enjoyed her company. It would be disappointing to waste this relationship with a power play. You would fight me, wouldn't you, if I closed my teeth on your throat, he mused as his hand brushed across her skin. Not to escape, but to take me down first. Caska leaned in to taste her lips again. Would you offer your neck to me though, were I to ask?
15:01:32 Saturday, January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic // Cyberspace
Thank God Virgil stepped up and started talking. This flaming homo, (can I even describe him/her like that?) was driving me absolutely ballistic. He (she?) comes in and attacks us, goes nuts playing little power games with us all over the fragging place, and then is surprised that I don’t trust him? Bastard. And that priest, we still are going to have words when we get out of here, regardless of how this turns out. Yeesh, I might need to learn some social niceties, that’s for sure, but there’s a line, and this clown definitely crossed it. Kiki …I’m gonna remember that name, and in the worst kind of way…
Wrapped up in his own dark thoughts, Dragon forced himself to be calm and simply watch and let his partner work. Soon they’d be out of this joke of a meet, and they could get back to the real world. His world, the place he operated best. After this long fiasco (even though he knew in his head seconds, probably not even too many, if any, minutes was how long had really passed) it would be a welcome relief. At least when he was getting shot at, he could shoot back, unlike this world of strange imaginary happenings and electronic impulses. Yes, he definitely preferred getting shot at to…matrixed (?) to death…
Thank God Virgil stepped up and started talking. This flaming homo, (can I even describe him/her like that?) was driving me absolutely ballistic. He (she?) comes in and attacks us, goes nuts playing little power games with us all over the fragging place, and then is surprised that I don’t trust him? Bastard. And that priest, we still are going to have words when we get out of here, regardless of how this turns out. Yeesh, I might need to learn some social niceties, that’s for sure, but there’s a line, and this clown definitely crossed it. Kiki …I’m gonna remember that name, and in the worst kind of way…
Wrapped up in his own dark thoughts, Dragon forced himself to be calm and simply watch and let his partner work. Soon they’d be out of this joke of a meet, and they could get back to the real world. His world, the place he operated best. After this long fiasco (even though he knew in his head seconds, probably not even too many, if any, minutes was how long had really passed) it would be a welcome relief. At least when he was getting shot at, he could shoot back, unlike this world of strange imaginary happenings and electronic impulses. Yes, he definitely preferred getting shot at to…matrixed (?) to death…
18:50:42 Sunday 07 January 2063 – Oodles of Noodles Restaurant
Megan stops chewing for a minute, a minor miracle in and of itself, it seems. Closing her eyes, she rubs her eyes with her hands, like she’s got a big decision to make but she isn’t sure how to play it. Finally, her eyes open, and she looks at John with the expression of a hardened street kid that says, ‘I know I’m just a punk kid, but you do not want to cross me on this one, because I got nothing to lose and I will take you down if you frag with me and mine.’
“I don’t know nothing about the clinic. Twiggy and Nora wouldn’t talk about what went on there. Only he knows about it; name, location, what happened, all that jazz. Here’s the deal. You got two choices, and there ain’t no negotiating on this. I know where Twiggy’s at. His cousin might, depends on if Twiggy was able to tell him before he went to ground. I’ll take you there, but only if I got some of our gang with us. I ain’t takin no chances with his life, or mine.”
She sits back in her chair and crosses her arms over her chest. “Or I’ll tell you his cousin’s name, and you can track him down from there on your own. Either way, after this, I’m a ghost, and don’t look for me, cause I’m laying low too. I want them safe, but I can’t do drek about it, and I figure maybe you can. But I ain’t gonna hang my head out to get it shot off while you’re doing it, you scan?”
Megan leans forward and looks him in the eye. “Don’t zone again on me chummer. Tell me, what’s it gonna be?”
Megan stops chewing for a minute, a minor miracle in and of itself, it seems. Closing her eyes, she rubs her eyes with her hands, like she’s got a big decision to make but she isn’t sure how to play it. Finally, her eyes open, and she looks at John with the expression of a hardened street kid that says, ‘I know I’m just a punk kid, but you do not want to cross me on this one, because I got nothing to lose and I will take you down if you frag with me and mine.’
“I don’t know nothing about the clinic. Twiggy and Nora wouldn’t talk about what went on there. Only he knows about it; name, location, what happened, all that jazz. Here’s the deal. You got two choices, and there ain’t no negotiating on this. I know where Twiggy’s at. His cousin might, depends on if Twiggy was able to tell him before he went to ground. I’ll take you there, but only if I got some of our gang with us. I ain’t takin no chances with his life, or mine.”
She sits back in her chair and crosses her arms over her chest. “Or I’ll tell you his cousin’s name, and you can track him down from there on your own. Either way, after this, I’m a ghost, and don’t look for me, cause I’m laying low too. I want them safe, but I can’t do drek about it, and I figure maybe you can. But I ain’t gonna hang my head out to get it shot off while you’re doing it, you scan?”
Megan leans forward and looks him in the eye. “Don’t zone again on me chummer. Tell me, what’s it gonna be?”
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