Jack glances over at Donovan at his outburst, looking to Callisto. "What's he talking about?"

"I have no idea, something to do with magic is all I know." Calisto moves to lean against the kitchen counter once more.

With the full team reassembled in the parlor of Jaron's ranch, your employer listens to you plan the next steps and waits patiently for you to answer his question.

Trixie takes a deep breath and then begins to unfold the mystery and investigation that you have been working on. She starts the story before getting the job, with an investigation of Falcone. Breaking down each step of the mission until reaching the present.

Jaron listens, nodding occasionally.

Jack sighs as he listens, leaning back against a counter with his hat tilted back.

"That's pretty much it in ah nutshell boss. Anything we kin clarify for ya?"

Jaron leans forward, thinking.

"Well, it looks like we need to find out who that woman was if it's possible. I'd like to speak with her and find out what part she played in the Zeidel's work if any...but the presence of a wireless trode net is pushing coincidence. Also have you spoken to Zeidel's aide, the one who found the body initially? Insight into that spider drone from the apartment could also prove useful.

"The other point I have to ask, is if you are convinced that All-Father is a full AI and responsible for Zeidel's death...have you thought about how you are going to corral it into one place? Given the nature of the AI that Zeidel theorized it should be very human simply with a level of scope beyond our own."

Jester let loose a low whistle.

"Ahm not sure I know what your gettin at. You mean corall it in one place so we can do what? Ask it a question? As much as I think we all can take care of business, I don't think we can take on a AI. Maybe find some evidence that links it to Z's death, but actuall oppose it?"

"That was the necessary condition for the larger payout, Jester. If your team has decided to not attain that goal, I will respect such a decision."

Calisto leans forward slightly. "I'm in if the tech side of this can pull off the capture. I suspect All-Father will send some of his chip zombies to complicate things but we can be ready for that."

"I am not as well versed in computer programming or the chaos theory that backs most AI programming, but would it be possible to sever the connection between the BTL users and the All-Father. Without them receiving orders, they would not know to come here. Calisto you and Hafiz may want to go over the security system here. It is connected remotely to the Matrix for an outgoing call to Knight Errant, but otherwise is cut off from the outside. I believe the problem before was that the system was disarmed.

"If you and Hafiz would like to tour the grounds and determine where any possible holes are in the system, I would be most appreciative for your insight."

"Well a EMP would dever any connection to the chips, but it unlikely we could get one. Enough RFI would do the trick to, we just need to know what frequency they are transmitting on."

Calisto nods at his suggestion. "I think that's an excellent idea. When we're all done here I'll do the tour and have Hafiz take me through the layout."

Jack
Listening to the group talking, your mind begins to churn with different possibilities. If you can ascertain the signal frequency used by the All Father to communicate with his flesh based processing units, a dissonant wave should be possible to counteract the connection. Cascading viruses that target specific sections of code could also scour the Matrix destroying subsections of an AI which spreads itself across multiple systems and cause minimal damage to related systems. As a final resolution a massive, electromagnetic pulse could work as well.

Calisto
With a thought towards the meat world assailants that the All-Father will likely send your way, a possible solution presents itself in your mind. Thinking of each individual as no more than a flesh-ridden drone, it should be possible to take control through their Command channel and issue new orders. You'd have to get access to the core network that was transmitting the commands, but once inside, it's theoretically possible to alter their programming.

Jack blinks for a moment, and then starts talking rapidly, his normally fairly clear Texan accent heavy on every word.

"Look, 'fer them drones, it'll bay easy enough ta' set up a contras'ing signal freakqwency, that'll block all them there orders. 'Fer the All-Father his'self, Ah'm saying we go larg', set up a cascading viarus, release it froma' buncha locations, an' cut ta' All Father off from alla' his processor power alla' once."

Returning from her tour of the grounds, she makes her way to Jester. "I may have an idea for the chip zombies. You might be able to take them over just like any other drone, just find the core network and they would be easy to deal with."

Jaron nods as he listens to both suggestions.

"That may be possible, especially if you are able to spread the code to the various tribes that your liaison in Tokyo is working with.

"And while I hate to continue to harp on the same concerns, I would be more comfortable moving forward if you can find out who that woman was outside Markham's apartment. I'd like to speak with her and find out what part she played in the Zeidel's work if any...but the presence of a wireless trode net is pushing coincidence.

"Also have you spoken to Zeidel's aide, the one who found the body initially? Insight into that spider drone from the apartment could also prove useful."

A wave of fatigue washes over Jaron before he can push it back.

"It has been a long week. Please, work with Hafiz and develop a plan of action. If you need more assets on the ground to handle certain aspects of this investigation, let me know and I will try to arrange it."

Calisto steps forward. "I'll see what I can find out about the woman then. Anyone care to join me?" She pauses to see if there are any takers. She moves to exit the room but stops by Jaron, locking eyes and simply saying to him. "My time bought by your dime." A slight smile plays across her lips and she nods.

Preparation and planning continued on into the night. The investigation continued to tie up loose ends as hardware and programs were prepared to face the difficult time ahead...

Elsewhere, quiet weeping could be heard along the wind of a cool night along the coast. A chapter brought to a close. The dawn would bring the start of a new chapter, a story for another time...

...