0159 January 5, 2063 - the back room at Blink's Grill
"But I'd have no way of knowing that, would I?" Alleycat unfolds herself from the chair, working out the slight stiffness in a series of embedded small stretches. Through the rest of Avalanche's information she'd simply sat, accepting, or acknowledged with a short nod here and there. "I said I could watch over someone gone astral. This isn't so very different, so now seemed a good time to start.
"Besides," she adds with another, full body-encompassing stretch, "no one asked for cell numbers, and you needed to know that we're confirmed to meet back here in 24 hours with everything we've been able to find out during the day." With a small laugh, she amends, "I guess that's 23 now.
"And it gave me the time to think out a few things, which was kind of useful, but most of that can wait until later. After all, you might still luck out with Shadowland, and what you learn there could change everything." She frowns. "Except maybe that I'm thinking Mr. Fan has some kind of connections at the Paradigm Shift ... like he sort of belongs there, you know? Maybe it might be useful to try to track? But, really, we've got nothing besides the name, sort of, and his physical appearance. Still, maybe someone's dealt with him before?"
Full Version: Salvation
0200 January 5, 2063 - the back room at Blink's Grill
Avalanche nods thoughtfully. "Ok, here at 1 am tommorow, then. As for Mr. Fan...I didn't really get much time to pick up on it, but he did seem rather at home. If we have a pic of him, I can scan it through and see if it pops up anywhere, especially in connectiong to the Shift.
"Oh, thank for the overwatch anyways, by the way. I appreciate it."
Avalanche nods thoughtfully. "Ok, here at 1 am tommorow, then. As for Mr. Fan...I didn't really get much time to pick up on it, but he did seem rather at home. If we have a pic of him, I can scan it through and see if it pops up anywhere, especially in connectiong to the Shift.
"Oh, thank for the overwatch anyways, by the way. I appreciate it."
0201 January 5, 2063 - the back room at Blink's Grill
"Null sheen." For a moment Alleycat looks like she's about to add something, but then she says instead, "You wouldn't happen to know where the nearest all-night bus station is around here?"
"Null sheen." For a moment Alleycat looks like she's about to add something, but then she says instead, "You wouldn't happen to know where the nearest all-night bus station is around here?"
0201 January 5, 2063 - the back room at Blink's Grill
Alleycats' subtle method of asking for a ride almost failed. "Sure, just go around the corner and turn....wait...you need a ride? I'm heading home myself, I could probably drop you off if you need it."
Alleycats' subtle method of asking for a ride almost failed. "Sure, just go around the corner and turn....wait...you need a ride? I'm heading home myself, I could probably drop you off if you need it."
0202 January 5, 2063 - the back room at Blink's Grill
Although she's looking down and away from him, Alleycat's expression can only be described as ... sheepish. "That didn't come across so good, did it? All right," and she looked up straight at him, "you know I won't say no to a ride ... but I won't ask you to take me all the way home, just to the Puyallup civic centre. That's reasonably patrolled even at this hour, and I'll know my way from there."
Although she's looking down and away from him, Alleycat's expression can only be described as ... sheepish. "That didn't come across so good, did it? All right," and she looked up straight at him, "you know I won't say no to a ride ... but I won't ask you to take me all the way home, just to the Puyallup civic centre. That's reasonably patrolled even at this hour, and I'll know my way from there."
0202 January 5, 2063 - the back room at Blink's Grill
"Yeah, I can take you there null persp, chummer."
A bit out of my way, but rather not take the chance of a teammember getting killed or wounded walking back through the drek of the sprawl.
"I'm parked right out front, let's go."
In the tiny Electro, Alleycat makes a few attempts at conversation, which Avalanche replied politiely to, but did not prolong his answers any more than he had to, and asked no questions of hi own. Despite his cheery exterior, it becomes quite clear to Alleycat that he is rather withdrawn, and not overly keen on small talk.
Arriving at the civic center, Alleycat hops out of the car and stretches her cramped muscles. "Thanks for the ride," she calls out to Avalanche.
"Not a problem. See you tommorow." With that, he pulls back out into the street, and starts heading for home. Ok, get home, do a brief check on Shadowland to see if I've gotten any replies, and then see what else I can dig up on CFS. I Think I'll have the shop closed tommorow so I can get some sleep for the meet. Ah, I love being nocturnal....
"Yeah, I can take you there null persp, chummer."
A bit out of my way, but rather not take the chance of a teammember getting killed or wounded walking back through the drek of the sprawl.
"I'm parked right out front, let's go."
In the tiny Electro, Alleycat makes a few attempts at conversation, which Avalanche replied politiely to, but did not prolong his answers any more than he had to, and asked no questions of hi own. Despite his cheery exterior, it becomes quite clear to Alleycat that he is rather withdrawn, and not overly keen on small talk.
Arriving at the civic center, Alleycat hops out of the car and stretches her cramped muscles. "Thanks for the ride," she calls out to Avalanche.
"Not a problem. See you tommorow." With that, he pulls back out into the street, and starts heading for home. Ok, get home, do a brief check on Shadowland to see if I've gotten any replies, and then see what else I can dig up on CFS. I Think I'll have the shop closed tommorow so I can get some sleep for the meet. Ah, I love being nocturnal....
(Moved to Living in the Shadows thread...)
(moved to the Living in the Shadows IC thread)
0232 January 5, 2063 - Puyallup civic centre, standing in a corner of the bus platform and generally being one with the night
Drek, just missed it, and the next all-night won't be for almost another half hour. Do I really want to wait around here that long? The other apartment's not all that far from here. The same transit line goes right by there, and it's due a lot sooner.
Two other people joined her at the terminal. One was a pimply ork kid wearing some kind of delivery hat. The other had a knife and gang colours, not the Terminators but something she didn't recognise, probably claimed the platform here and not much else. The better parts of Puyallup were like that. Wasn't even cybered -- not that many of the gangers around here were. She'd noticed that the gangs claiming a particular area tended to reflect their environment: muscle and steel and the rare revolver in the poorest areas; maybe some razors or spurs or even a smartlink would be the most of it around here. The Ancients, now ... but she'd be willing to lay odds "Talker's" only source of income wasn't just the protection money she'd have to pay pretty fragging soon. There were rumours ... and one time she'd smelled the raw chemicals on him. That could be worth pursuing.
This particular ganger was about to give the kid a bit of a hard time, but it wasn't going to be much more than posturing, not unless the kid did something unfortunate, and the kid felt too scared and smart to slip up on anything so obvious. She observed disinterestedly, not letting her attention build up the kind of weight that someone else could feel.
Avalanche sure was preoccupied in the car. Bet he's going straight onto Shadowland the moment he gets to his place, and if he's like every other decker I've known, he'll be on and off for hours. If I move quickly, I can pick up on his Matrix handle and get the hack parts of the search straight to him. Maybe he'd pull up the leads on his own too, but it can't hurt. Although I think I'll not send out anything that mentions the specific camp at all, just in case. I'll work that into the summary file. She smiled, a moment of rare pleasure. Time to put the Matrix connection in this location through its paces.
The bus came, and the kid quickly slipped ahead of her and on, leaving the ganger behind. Something -- and then her smile very nearly slipped into an outright grin, even as she unobtrusively checked her own inner pockets to ensure Teresa's credchip and her advance were still there. The kid had balls, she'd give him that: but if the ganger on the platform connected him too quickly with the theft, she wouldn't lay good odds on him keeping them. Herself, she found a back corner seat on the side away from the platform, propping her feet up on the low metal armrest of the seat beside her, and waited for the bus to start moving.
Drek, just missed it, and the next all-night won't be for almost another half hour. Do I really want to wait around here that long? The other apartment's not all that far from here. The same transit line goes right by there, and it's due a lot sooner.
Two other people joined her at the terminal. One was a pimply ork kid wearing some kind of delivery hat. The other had a knife and gang colours, not the Terminators but something she didn't recognise, probably claimed the platform here and not much else. The better parts of Puyallup were like that. Wasn't even cybered -- not that many of the gangers around here were. She'd noticed that the gangs claiming a particular area tended to reflect their environment: muscle and steel and the rare revolver in the poorest areas; maybe some razors or spurs or even a smartlink would be the most of it around here. The Ancients, now ... but she'd be willing to lay odds "Talker's" only source of income wasn't just the protection money she'd have to pay pretty fragging soon. There were rumours ... and one time she'd smelled the raw chemicals on him. That could be worth pursuing.
This particular ganger was about to give the kid a bit of a hard time, but it wasn't going to be much more than posturing, not unless the kid did something unfortunate, and the kid felt too scared and smart to slip up on anything so obvious. She observed disinterestedly, not letting her attention build up the kind of weight that someone else could feel.
Avalanche sure was preoccupied in the car. Bet he's going straight onto Shadowland the moment he gets to his place, and if he's like every other decker I've known, he'll be on and off for hours. If I move quickly, I can pick up on his Matrix handle and get the hack parts of the search straight to him. Maybe he'd pull up the leads on his own too, but it can't hurt. Although I think I'll not send out anything that mentions the specific camp at all, just in case. I'll work that into the summary file. She smiled, a moment of rare pleasure. Time to put the Matrix connection in this location through its paces.
The bus came, and the kid quickly slipped ahead of her and on, leaving the ganger behind. Something -- and then her smile very nearly slipped into an outright grin, even as she unobtrusively checked her own inner pockets to ensure Teresa's credchip and her advance were still there. The kid had balls, she'd give him that: but if the ganger on the platform connected him too quickly with the theft, she wouldn't lay good odds on him keeping them. Herself, she found a back corner seat on the side away from the platform, propping her feet up on the low metal armrest of the seat beside her, and waited for the bus to start moving.
1053 January 5, 2063 - Key to the Future
"SNNNNRG!"
Avalanche bolted upright in bed. Not nearly enough sleep. What time is it? Frag, it's almost 11?! He jumped out of bed and hurriedly started to dress.
Seriously, you'd think I'd have stopped using that alarm proggie the [I]first time it didn't work...[/i]
He slipped into his street clothes, his taser in it's concealable yet accessible holster underneath his armor jacket. It's secure weight was all he would be packing for this meet. After all, gotta keep my New Year's Resolutuions...
Avalanche met Dice one Block to the east of the Big Rhino at exactly 11:30. "Hey Ave, ya're right on time." The other dwarf stood a full foot and a half shorted than the albino decker, but was incredibly more muscle-bound. Avalanche couldn't see them, but he was sure the street samurai had at least two guns somewhere on his person. "I did a quick scan already. There's one back door that leads through the kitchen, and an 'mergency exit on the side that triggers the fire alarm. 'sides the main way in, those the only ways out of the place. Windows're tinted, so snipers don't got an easy shot. Didn't see anythin' suspicious."
"Good. Thanks, omae. If you already checked it, we'll just chill here for a bit. Our mage support should be on the astral scouting the place out himself right now. He'll meet us at 11:45 at the front of the club. We'll head over then."
"SNNNNRG!"
Avalanche bolted upright in bed. Not nearly enough sleep. What time is it? Frag, it's almost 11?! He jumped out of bed and hurriedly started to dress.
Seriously, you'd think I'd have stopped using that alarm proggie the [I]first time it didn't work...[/i]
He slipped into his street clothes, his taser in it's concealable yet accessible holster underneath his armor jacket. It's secure weight was all he would be packing for this meet. After all, gotta keep my New Year's Resolutuions...
Avalanche met Dice one Block to the east of the Big Rhino at exactly 11:30. "Hey Ave, ya're right on time." The other dwarf stood a full foot and a half shorted than the albino decker, but was incredibly more muscle-bound. Avalanche couldn't see them, but he was sure the street samurai had at least two guns somewhere on his person. "I did a quick scan already. There's one back door that leads through the kitchen, and an 'mergency exit on the side that triggers the fire alarm. 'sides the main way in, those the only ways out of the place. Windows're tinted, so snipers don't got an easy shot. Didn't see anythin' suspicious."
"Good. Thanks, omae. If you already checked it, we'll just chill here for a bit. Our mage support should be on the astral scouting the place out himself right now. He'll meet us at 11:45 at the front of the club. We'll head over then."
1055 January 5, 2063 - Blaze's Lodge
Blaze let himself slide first his vission, and then his entire being over to the astral, reveling in the freedom it granted him. Time to check out the Rhino. Blaze followed the directions he had gotten from Mapquest, 70 years and still going strong. Arriving above the club Blaze begins scanning it for any signs of warding, or anything out of the ordinary. Feeling the emotions of the place, and seeing no wards he prepares to head in.
Blaze let himself slide first his vission, and then his entire being over to the astral, reveling in the freedom it granted him. Time to check out the Rhino. Blaze followed the directions he had gotten from Mapquest, 70 years and still going strong. Arriving above the club Blaze begins scanning it for any signs of warding, or anything out of the ordinary. Feeling the emotions of the place, and seeing no wards he prepares to head in.
1059 January 5, 2063 - The Big Rhino, Astral Space
Cruising quickly through astral space to The Big Rhino, Blaze soaks in the emotions. Besides the usual busyness and clamor that would typically be found in a restaurant around lunch time, he also gets a strong sensation of...oppression, and prejudice. The shared feelings of those oppressed coming together to relieve themselves of the pressure of being different in a society that typically does not value their kind.
No obvious wards or astral security are found, but that's to be expected. He notices a pair of dwarves, heavily cybered, with suspicious intentions lurking about a block away. They seem to be expecting trouble, and are obviously prepared for it, although slightly tense nonetheless.
Inside, a table of orks are enjoying their lunch break, laughing and in good spirits, while off to another side, there's a trio of trolls, brooding and dark, their emotions turbulent, like they're expecting, maybe even hoping, for trouble. The waitstaff appear to be good-natured and although harried, are reasonably at ease. The final thing to catch Blaze's attention in his preliminary scan is a pair of humans who walk in and order a table. They seem to be...curious about something, and although they attract a few stares from the surrounding patrons, they are left alone. Their attitudes are almost...indifferent to the crowd around them, their attention focused entirely inward.
Cruising quickly through astral space to The Big Rhino, Blaze soaks in the emotions. Besides the usual busyness and clamor that would typically be found in a restaurant around lunch time, he also gets a strong sensation of...oppression, and prejudice. The shared feelings of those oppressed coming together to relieve themselves of the pressure of being different in a society that typically does not value their kind.
No obvious wards or astral security are found, but that's to be expected. He notices a pair of dwarves, heavily cybered, with suspicious intentions lurking about a block away. They seem to be expecting trouble, and are obviously prepared for it, although slightly tense nonetheless.
Inside, a table of orks are enjoying their lunch break, laughing and in good spirits, while off to another side, there's a trio of trolls, brooding and dark, their emotions turbulent, like they're expecting, maybe even hoping, for trouble. The waitstaff appear to be good-natured and although harried, are reasonably at ease. The final thing to catch Blaze's attention in his preliminary scan is a pair of humans who walk in and order a table. They seem to be...curious about something, and although they attract a few stares from the surrounding patrons, they are left alone. Their attitudes are almost...indifferent to the crowd around them, their attention focused entirely inward.
1059 January 5, 2063 - Blaze's lodge
Zipping back to his body Blaze finds himself noting those three things, and checking his lodge's barriers before entering. Two dwarves about a block away, could be Avalanch and his partner, could be more trouble. Two Humans inside, might want to stay away from them, and point them out to the meat, could also be our hosts. Preparing himself mentally Blaze opens himself to the Leopard's gifts, focusing on his single piece of jewlery he feels the power of the manasphere building around him. Thank you leopard, may your gift be used in the search for justice. Casting the spell he braces for the drain.
Zipping back to his body Blaze finds himself noting those three things, and checking his lodge's barriers before entering. Two dwarves about a block away, could be Avalanch and his partner, could be more trouble. Two Humans inside, might want to stay away from them, and point them out to the meat, could also be our hosts. Preparing himself mentally Blaze opens himself to the Leopard's gifts, focusing on his single piece of jewlery he feels the power of the manasphere building around him. Thank you leopard, may your gift be used in the search for justice. Casting the spell he braces for the drain.
1100 January 5, 2063 - Blaze's lodge
Grabbing his helmet off the ground Blaze slides his shades off, places the helmet on and then replaces the shades. Sliding on his trademark coat Blaze steps out of his lodge and grabs his bike. Heading over to the Big Rhino he keeps his astral sight down, and revels in the speed that the world seems to be moving at, everything slower than normal, almost enough to make the counter surge that acompanies the spell worth it.
Arriving at the Big Rhino Blaze finds a parking spot, and places his bike there, timing it perfectly he arrives infront of the Big Rhino at exactly 11:45. "There were two humans inside who looked like trouble, two dwarfs who, as of about an hour ago were about a block away and three trolls inside who looked like they were expecting trouble. The Dwarves may have been you two, I'm not quite sure, but the ones inside looked like they were expecting difficulty. Shouldn't be too much, but stay on your toes."
Grabbing his helmet off the ground Blaze slides his shades off, places the helmet on and then replaces the shades. Sliding on his trademark coat Blaze steps out of his lodge and grabs his bike. Heading over to the Big Rhino he keeps his astral sight down, and revels in the speed that the world seems to be moving at, everything slower than normal, almost enough to make the counter surge that acompanies the spell worth it.
Arriving at the Big Rhino Blaze finds a parking spot, and places his bike there, timing it perfectly he arrives infront of the Big Rhino at exactly 11:45. "There were two humans inside who looked like trouble, two dwarfs who, as of about an hour ago were about a block away and three trolls inside who looked like they were expecting trouble. The Dwarves may have been you two, I'm not quite sure, but the ones inside looked like they were expecting difficulty. Shouldn't be too much, but stay on your toes."
1146 January 5, 2063 - The Big Rhino
Dice barked a laugh. "Chummer, you spend as long as I have in th' biz, and you don't got feet anymore, just toes. Anyways, what say we all get in the fraggin' place 'stead of yappin' out here?"
Avalanche smiled at his rough-tounged friend. "Well, since it appears there's no immediate threat, there's certainly no reason to loiter out here. We'll be a bit early, but the barkeep can just point the contact in our direction when he gets here, if he isn't here already. Let's head in."
The trio entered the bar, earning a cursory glance from the bar's patrons. Some did a double take at Avalanche, and one of the trolls actually did a triple take. Probably didn't realize I was a dwarf 'till the third take.
Avalanche walked right up to the bartender, who looked at him expectantly.
"I have a meeting arranged with someone with a...Mutual Interest. Can you help me out?"
Dice barked a laugh. "Chummer, you spend as long as I have in th' biz, and you don't got feet anymore, just toes. Anyways, what say we all get in the fraggin' place 'stead of yappin' out here?"
Avalanche smiled at his rough-tounged friend. "Well, since it appears there's no immediate threat, there's certainly no reason to loiter out here. We'll be a bit early, but the barkeep can just point the contact in our direction when he gets here, if he isn't here already. Let's head in."
The trio entered the bar, earning a cursory glance from the bar's patrons. Some did a double take at Avalanche, and one of the trolls actually did a triple take. Probably didn't realize I was a dwarf 'till the third take.
Avalanche walked right up to the bartender, who looked at him expectantly.
"I have a meeting arranged with someone with a...Mutual Interest. Can you help me out?"
1148 January 5, 2063 - The Big Rhino
The bartender looks at Avalanche with a raised eye, and takes a long, hard look at Blaze. "Yeah, mebbe I could." Motioning at the red-garbed shaman, he asks, "This guy wit u?"
Realizing how much Blaze stood out, especially in a place like this, Avalanche thought, Hmm...so much for subtlety. Oh well, hopefully no one around here cares enough to remember us... before replying, "Yeah, he's with us."
Nodding, the bartender says, "He's in the back. I'll buzz ya in."
The trio heads to the back room, where seated at a small square table is a well groomed ork. Standing at his sides, flanking him, are a huge muscular troll and a thin, pale elf. Motioning for them to take a seat, the ork says, "You wanted to discuss a mutual interest Mr. Cube. Should I call you Mr. Cube? Well now we can discuss that mutual interest. So please, fill me in on who you are and what business you may or may not have with me."
The bartender looks at Avalanche with a raised eye, and takes a long, hard look at Blaze. "Yeah, mebbe I could." Motioning at the red-garbed shaman, he asks, "This guy wit u?"
Realizing how much Blaze stood out, especially in a place like this, Avalanche thought, Hmm...so much for subtlety. Oh well, hopefully no one around here cares enough to remember us... before replying, "Yeah, he's with us."
Nodding, the bartender says, "He's in the back. I'll buzz ya in."
The trio heads to the back room, where seated at a small square table is a well groomed ork. Standing at his sides, flanking him, are a huge muscular troll and a thin, pale elf. Motioning for them to take a seat, the ork says, "You wanted to discuss a mutual interest Mr. Cube. Should I call you Mr. Cube? Well now we can discuss that mutual interest. So please, fill me in on who you are and what business you may or may not have with me."
1155 January 5, 2063 - Back room at the Big Rhino
Avalanche sits down at the small table opposite the ork.
"My street name's Avalanche, but you can keep calling me Ice Cube if you want. As for who I am....I'm sure you know by now that I am a shadowrunner, a decker to be exact. I have been hired, along with others, to free a certain refugee at a certain 'relocation camp' in Saito's territory. That is the main objective. However, we have also been offered substantial rewards for every refugee we rescue and bring back to Seattle, as well as for disabling the camp permanantly.
"It is mainly for these last two goals that we may need some help. Smuggling ourselves into the country is no problem, but transporting so many men, women, and children back out is another matter. Also, disabling the base permanantly is something that my group might have a bit of trouble doing properly left to our own devices. With help, however, I'm sure we could do it. Many hands makes light work.
"Obviously, I cannot give specific details, such as the location of the facility, until I know what help you can offer. So, what do you think? Can we do business?"
Avalanche sits down at the small table opposite the ork.
"My street name's Avalanche, but you can keep calling me Ice Cube if you want. As for who I am....I'm sure you know by now that I am a shadowrunner, a decker to be exact. I have been hired, along with others, to free a certain refugee at a certain 'relocation camp' in Saito's territory. That is the main objective. However, we have also been offered substantial rewards for every refugee we rescue and bring back to Seattle, as well as for disabling the camp permanantly.
"It is mainly for these last two goals that we may need some help. Smuggling ourselves into the country is no problem, but transporting so many men, women, and children back out is another matter. Also, disabling the base permanantly is something that my group might have a bit of trouble doing properly left to our own devices. With help, however, I'm sure we could do it. Many hands makes light work.
"Obviously, I cannot give specific details, such as the location of the facility, until I know what help you can offer. So, what do you think? Can we do business?"
1158 January 5, 2063 - Back room at the Big Rhino
With a neutral expression, the ork answers, "OK Avalanche, the first question I'd want to ask is what kind of negotiating authority you have to ensure whatever we decide here will actually happen. Forgive my suspicion, but plenty of runners would love to use those who believe in a cause for their personal cannon fodder, and that is unacceptable. As far as help, we would be more than happy to take the refugees off your hands and help reunite them with friends and family, or allow them to join us in the fight against oppression."
Pausing slightly, he adds, "I cannot speak for the upper echelons of leadership just yet, but I can tell you that it is possible we would be willing to commit some manpower to the mission, especially for the chance to destroy the camp. Of course, this assumes that they would not simply be used as cannon fodder. We cannot and will not attempt a direct confrontation with professional soldiers."
Folding his hands in front of him, he concludes, "So yes, I believe that we still have things to talk about, and it is possible to do business. You contacted us. What would you want from us?"
With a neutral expression, the ork answers, "OK Avalanche, the first question I'd want to ask is what kind of negotiating authority you have to ensure whatever we decide here will actually happen. Forgive my suspicion, but plenty of runners would love to use those who believe in a cause for their personal cannon fodder, and that is unacceptable. As far as help, we would be more than happy to take the refugees off your hands and help reunite them with friends and family, or allow them to join us in the fight against oppression."
Pausing slightly, he adds, "I cannot speak for the upper echelons of leadership just yet, but I can tell you that it is possible we would be willing to commit some manpower to the mission, especially for the chance to destroy the camp. Of course, this assumes that they would not simply be used as cannon fodder. We cannot and will not attempt a direct confrontation with professional soldiers."
Folding his hands in front of him, he concludes, "So yes, I believe that we still have things to talk about, and it is possible to do business. You contacted us. What would you want from us?"
1158 January 5, 2063 - Back room at the Big Rhino
Avalanche nodded in understanding. "I am not the leader of our little group, so I can't guarantee anything decided here will be final. Just as you answer to your higher-ups, I have to make sure my group will go with whatever agreement we reach. Like you, I'm just a representative here. Once we have an idea of what we'd like from each other, we can adjourn and run this by our people, and meet at a later date.
"I understand your concern regarding use of your manpower. I have no intention on making your people meatshields. What I had in mind was your help in transporting the refugees, and perhaps some supplies, such as explosives, that we could use to shut the place down for good after we get the refugees clear. Also, you might have some information concerning the camp itself we could utilize.
"I do want to make something of my own clear, however: the refugees are to be taken back here, to Seattle. As much as I love sticking it to that racist thug, I'd like to get paid in the process, and the J needs to be able to see the people for himself so make sure we didn't just take a picture of some random tourists and say they were refugees. Rather than you taking them off our hands, we'd appreciate some help getting them out of there completely. Really, it's better that they get as far away from Saito as they can, because he'll be sure to have men be looking for them."
Avalanche nodded in understanding. "I am not the leader of our little group, so I can't guarantee anything decided here will be final. Just as you answer to your higher-ups, I have to make sure my group will go with whatever agreement we reach. Like you, I'm just a representative here. Once we have an idea of what we'd like from each other, we can adjourn and run this by our people, and meet at a later date.
"I understand your concern regarding use of your manpower. I have no intention on making your people meatshields. What I had in mind was your help in transporting the refugees, and perhaps some supplies, such as explosives, that we could use to shut the place down for good after we get the refugees clear. Also, you might have some information concerning the camp itself we could utilize.
"I do want to make something of my own clear, however: the refugees are to be taken back here, to Seattle. As much as I love sticking it to that racist thug, I'd like to get paid in the process, and the J needs to be able to see the people for himself so make sure we didn't just take a picture of some random tourists and say they were refugees. Rather than you taking them off our hands, we'd appreciate some help getting them out of there completely. Really, it's better that they get as far away from Saito as they can, because he'll be sure to have men be looking for them."
1200 January 5, 2063 - Back room at the Big Rhino
Nodding at Avalanche's reply, the ork says, "I understand you have your...requirements in this undertaking, the same as us. However, how do we know that the refugees will really be taken to a better place, and not simply pressed into service somewhere else as forced labor, or worse, slaves? The slave trade isn't dead yet, as I'm sure you know, and a supply of refugees with a variety of talents and skills who won't be missed would be prime stock."
Clearing his throat, he adds a bit hastily, "Not that I am accusing you of such things. But as I'm sure you know, trust is not easily given in this world we live in today, especially in light of recent events in California. Since this is a bit different that what you are used to, I would have to ask what your group would have to offer us in this exchange. Of course we would want to help just to help our people, but in exchange for helping you bring those people back to Seattle, supplies, personnel, information, shutting the place down, and transport, what would you be prepared to offer us to continue our struggle? Long after you all are gone and paid, we'll still be fighting. And while we do want to help, we need resources ourselves to replenish what we'll lose, and maybe even more, to expand our operations and fight back against our oppressors. What are you prepared to offer us in exchange for our help?"
Nodding at Avalanche's reply, the ork says, "I understand you have your...requirements in this undertaking, the same as us. However, how do we know that the refugees will really be taken to a better place, and not simply pressed into service somewhere else as forced labor, or worse, slaves? The slave trade isn't dead yet, as I'm sure you know, and a supply of refugees with a variety of talents and skills who won't be missed would be prime stock."
Clearing his throat, he adds a bit hastily, "Not that I am accusing you of such things. But as I'm sure you know, trust is not easily given in this world we live in today, especially in light of recent events in California. Since this is a bit different that what you are used to, I would have to ask what your group would have to offer us in this exchange. Of course we would want to help just to help our people, but in exchange for helping you bring those people back to Seattle, supplies, personnel, information, shutting the place down, and transport, what would you be prepared to offer us to continue our struggle? Long after you all are gone and paid, we'll still be fighting. And while we do want to help, we need resources ourselves to replenish what we'll lose, and maybe even more, to expand our operations and fight back against our oppressors. What are you prepared to offer us in exchange for our help?"
1201 January 5, 2063 - Back room at the Big Rhino
"Of course, nuyen would be our primary form of payment. Also, while I am hesitant to volunteer my fellows, I am willing to put my decking skills to good use for you a bit of a discount in return for your help.
"As for the matter of the refugees, I'll admit I can't guarantee anything. However, I don't think you can guarantee that Saito won't rip them out of your hidey holes and execute them all for rebellion or some other drek. For what it's worth, I myself plan on looking into their fate after we bring them here, but they will need to be brought here, barring our Johnson allowing some other method of verifiying how many are rescued. That said, I can look into that if you wish. If the J is fine with leaving the refugees in your hands, I'm fine with it. It makes things easier, in fact, since we won't have to smuggle them around."
"Of course, nuyen would be our primary form of payment. Also, while I am hesitant to volunteer my fellows, I am willing to put my decking skills to good use for you a bit of a discount in return for your help.
"As for the matter of the refugees, I'll admit I can't guarantee anything. However, I don't think you can guarantee that Saito won't rip them out of your hidey holes and execute them all for rebellion or some other drek. For what it's worth, I myself plan on looking into their fate after we bring them here, but they will need to be brought here, barring our Johnson allowing some other method of verifiying how many are rescued. That said, I can look into that if you wish. If the J is fine with leaving the refugees in your hands, I'm fine with it. It makes things easier, in fact, since we won't have to smuggle them around."
1204 January 5, 2063 - Back room at the Big Rhino
"Nuyen is always acceptable. And a skilled decker would be a welcome resource to be able to call upon for a crucial operation. If you are willing to look into leaving the refugees with us, that is good. But you raise a good point, they will be exposed to potential danger anywhere they go. That said, let's get into some hard details. Can you give me a list of what you want from us, in order of priority, and what you would be willing to offer in return? Then we can return to our respective groups and discuss with them our tentative initial offers."
"Nuyen is always acceptable. And a skilled decker would be a welcome resource to be able to call upon for a crucial operation. If you are willing to look into leaving the refugees with us, that is good. But you raise a good point, they will be exposed to potential danger anywhere they go. That said, let's get into some hard details. Can you give me a list of what you want from us, in order of priority, and what you would be willing to offer in return? Then we can return to our respective groups and discuss with them our tentative initial offers."
0250 January 5, 2063 - Puyallup doss ... if it can be called a doss
The Matrix connection worked, Avalanche had been tracked and PMed, all the searches and automatic forwards had been set in motion, and Alleycat would still have just enough time to catch the cross-town bus, if she ran. After all, there'd been a reason she'd ensured the two places were on the same route.
She caught it, just. Almost, she fell asleep on it, the day's and week's and months' exhaustion catching her up all at once, and dug her nails into her palms to stay awake. She stopped herself just before she would have drawn blood: half willpower, half a very deep instinct.
And then, thankfully, she was home -- when had she started thinking of it as home? -- very familiar smell of motorcycle exhaust which she couldn't for the life of her place just then, up the stairs, through the door -- somehow she managed to remember not to turn to the right after wedging the chair under the doorknob, fell into bed and into dream right in her clothes -- just on time to be woken by the persistant buzzing of the landline. She snarled something at it and fell asleep again. Hard to believe that in only three hours, she'd be back to what had so quickly become her normal routine.
Please, Avalanche, don't call, at least not for a few hours. You've got everything I can get for you right now anyway, everything except me, and you can get the others to do that kind of stuff anyway. I'll deal with everything later.
The Matrix connection worked, Avalanche had been tracked and PMed, all the searches and automatic forwards had been set in motion, and Alleycat would still have just enough time to catch the cross-town bus, if she ran. After all, there'd been a reason she'd ensured the two places were on the same route.
She caught it, just. Almost, she fell asleep on it, the day's and week's and months' exhaustion catching her up all at once, and dug her nails into her palms to stay awake. She stopped herself just before she would have drawn blood: half willpower, half a very deep instinct.
And then, thankfully, she was home -- when had she started thinking of it as home? -- very familiar smell of motorcycle exhaust which she couldn't for the life of her place just then, up the stairs, through the door -- somehow she managed to remember not to turn to the right after wedging the chair under the doorknob, fell into bed and into dream right in her clothes -- just on time to be woken by the persistant buzzing of the landline. She snarled something at it and fell asleep again. Hard to believe that in only three hours, she'd be back to what had so quickly become her normal routine.
Please, Avalanche, don't call, at least not for a few hours. You've got everything I can get for you right now anyway, everything except me, and you can get the others to do that kind of stuff anyway. I'll deal with everything later.
1204 January 5, 2063 - Back room at the Big Rhino
"Ok, here's what we need:
First and foremost, transportation. Even if we're just moving them a short distance, we have a lot of refugees to worry about, and moving them on foot is simply not an option. We'll need trucks or tansports of some kind, and drivers (riggers if you can spare them) to drive them.
Second, supplies. We're going to bring this camp out of business, and to do that will require some items of...less than legal nature. Things that really can't be carried across the border. Explosives, heavy weaponry, you get the idea. As a side note, any demolition experts you can offer would be good to have as well, I'm not sure
Lastly, any diversions you can offer would be useful. Again, I'm not suggesting that you use your troops as cannon fodder, but anything you can do to lessen the amount of the guards at the compound just before we strike would be helpful."
Avalanche leans back in his chair. "So, what would you be expecting in return?"
"Ok, here's what we need:
First and foremost, transportation. Even if we're just moving them a short distance, we have a lot of refugees to worry about, and moving them on foot is simply not an option. We'll need trucks or tansports of some kind, and drivers (riggers if you can spare them) to drive them.
Second, supplies. We're going to bring this camp out of business, and to do that will require some items of...less than legal nature. Things that really can't be carried across the border. Explosives, heavy weaponry, you get the idea. As a side note, any demolition experts you can offer would be good to have as well, I'm not sure
Lastly, any diversions you can offer would be useful. Again, I'm not suggesting that you use your troops as cannon fodder, but anything you can do to lessen the amount of the guards at the compound just before we strike would be helpful."
Avalanche leans back in his chair. "So, what would you be expecting in return?"
1204 January 5, 2063 - Back room at the Big Rhino
Sliding his vision over to the astral plane Blaze begins examining the other people in the room. First a quick glance, and then a close study of all three other members of the meeting.
Sliding his vision over to the astral plane Blaze begins examining the other people in the room. First a quick glance, and then a close study of all three other members of the meeting.
1206 January 5, 2063 - Back room at the Big Rhino
The ork nods at Avalanche's first request, but breaks out laughing at his second one. "Mr. Avalanche, I'm afraid you overestimate us slightly. Explosives alone will be hard enough to get, but doable, although if you were expecting military grade I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. As for heavy weapons, we're a resistance group, not a professional army. Miniguns, rocket launchers and the like are a bit beyond us right now. We may have the odd heavy weapon lying around, but if you're expecting a serious arsenal you may need to scale your expectations down just a little bit."
Turning serious again, he says, "But I will do what I can about your requests. Now, in return, I'd like you to see about letting us hold on to the refugees. Beyond that though, since I understand that may be beyond your control, straight nuyen works just fine, but we can arrange for a discount on the overall price if you can provide some of that in gear and equipment. Also, a discount on services such as your own or other members of your group would be heavily considered as well."
As the discussion rolls on, Blaze switches to astral vision and scans the opposition. Both the troll and the ork have some cyberware, and the elf...the elf is curiously...normal. Just normal. The troll and ork show some signs of tension that would be expected at a meeting such as this, but nothing too unusual. The elf...is just normal, calm and level. Hmm...interesting...wonder what his deal is... Blaze wonders to himself.
Pushing himself back from the table, the ork concludes, "If you have no further objections or points to make, perhaps now would be a good time to adjourn so we may discuss this offer with our higher ups. Do you have any further you'd like to discuss before we say goodbye for now?"
The ork nods at Avalanche's first request, but breaks out laughing at his second one. "Mr. Avalanche, I'm afraid you overestimate us slightly. Explosives alone will be hard enough to get, but doable, although if you were expecting military grade I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. As for heavy weapons, we're a resistance group, not a professional army. Miniguns, rocket launchers and the like are a bit beyond us right now. We may have the odd heavy weapon lying around, but if you're expecting a serious arsenal you may need to scale your expectations down just a little bit."
Turning serious again, he says, "But I will do what I can about your requests. Now, in return, I'd like you to see about letting us hold on to the refugees. Beyond that though, since I understand that may be beyond your control, straight nuyen works just fine, but we can arrange for a discount on the overall price if you can provide some of that in gear and equipment. Also, a discount on services such as your own or other members of your group would be heavily considered as well."
As the discussion rolls on, Blaze switches to astral vision and scans the opposition. Both the troll and the ork have some cyberware, and the elf...the elf is curiously...normal. Just normal. The troll and ork show some signs of tension that would be expected at a meeting such as this, but nothing too unusual. The elf...is just normal, calm and level. Hmm...interesting...wonder what his deal is... Blaze wonders to himself.
Pushing himself back from the table, the ork concludes, "If you have no further objections or points to make, perhaps now would be a good time to adjourn so we may discuss this offer with our higher ups. Do you have any further you'd like to discuss before we say goodbye for now?"
1207 January 5, 2063 - Back room at the Big Rhino
Avalanche nods thoughtfully. "I wasn't hoping for too much in the way of heavy weapony. We aren't equipping an army ourselves, and we may end having no need for explosives or heavy weapons at all. That said, it is good to know that we might be able to have the benfit of some equipment that can't easily be smuggled across the border."
"I think that's about all I have for now. How about we meet again tommorow, same time same place?"
Avalanche nods thoughtfully. "I wasn't hoping for too much in the way of heavy weapony. We aren't equipping an army ourselves, and we may end having no need for explosives or heavy weapons at all. That said, it is good to know that we might be able to have the benfit of some equipment that can't easily be smuggled across the border."
"I think that's about all I have for now. How about we meet again tommorow, same time same place?"
1207 January 5, 2063 - Back room at the Big Rhino
The ork nods, and stands. "Agreed. Give the same password to the bartender and he'll let you back here." Motioning to his companions, the three of them exit the room, and the restaurant.
The ork nods, and stands. "Agreed. Give the same password to the bartender and he'll let you back here." Motioning to his companions, the three of them exit the room, and the restaurant.
1207 January 5, 2063 - Back room at the Big Rhino
Avalanche makes no move to get up after the ork and his friends left. "Well, that was informative. I suppose I can fill the group in tonight." Avalanche turns to Blaze. "Did you check them out on the astral?"
Avalanche makes no move to get up after the ork and his friends left. "Well, that was informative. I suppose I can fill the group in tonight." Avalanche turns to Blaze. "Did you check them out on the astral?"
1207 January 5, 2063 - just outside the Big Rhino
"Yeah, they seemed on the level, the Elf is a mage of some sort, and equal to me, other than that, he seemed a little overly calm, but some Hermetics can get that way." Now that we may have some back up it's time to report back in. "I think we can trust them, now shall we see what offers the rest of the team wants to make?"
"Yeah, they seemed on the level, the Elf is a mage of some sort, and equal to me, other than that, he seemed a little overly calm, but some Hermetics can get that way." Now that we may have some back up it's time to report back in. "I think we can trust them, now shall we see what offers the rest of the team wants to make?"
1207 January 5, 2063 - Back room at the Big Rhino
Sitting back in a his chair, Avalanche nods. "Yes, of course. We'll tell them all about the meeting tonight when we meet again at Blinks. Until then, I'm going to shake down my fixer and see if he knows anyone else in the area we can work with."
Getting up from his chair, Avalanche tosses Dice a
1000 credstick. "Thanks for the cover, chummer. I don't think I'll take you along for tommorow though, unless you don't mind getting paid. From the looks of things, I won't have to worry about those guys geeking me unless I did something to earn it."
"Hey, null persp, omae. You change your mind, you lemme know. Oh, if ya need and extra gun for th' job, gimme a call then, too."
"Of course, Dice."
The three head out of the bar, and go their seperate ways.
Time to see if Zig's got some connections behind the bamboo curtain...
Sitting back in a his chair, Avalanche nods. "Yes, of course. We'll tell them all about the meeting tonight when we meet again at Blinks. Until then, I'm going to shake down my fixer and see if he knows anyone else in the area we can work with."
Getting up from his chair, Avalanche tosses Dice a
1000 credstick. "Thanks for the cover, chummer. I don't think I'll take you along for tommorow though, unless you don't mind getting paid. From the looks of things, I won't have to worry about those guys geeking me unless I did something to earn it.""Hey, null persp, omae. You change your mind, you lemme know. Oh, if ya need and extra gun for th' job, gimme a call then, too."
"Of course, Dice."
The three head out of the bar, and go their seperate ways.
Time to see if Zig's got some connections behind the bamboo curtain...
1229 January 5, 2063 - An apartment above Key to the Future
Avalanche heads straight for the vidphone as soon as he walks in the door. Stifling a yawn, he punches in the LTG of his fixer, Zigzag.
A second later, Zigzag's face appears on the screen. It would have been a perfectly normal face but for a large black tattoo of lightning etched on one cheek, which brilliantly contrasted his albinism. Birds of an abnormally pale feather.... Avalanche smiles inwardly. He made the joke to himself every time he saw Zig. I'll have to share that with him someday.
"Oh, heya Ave. What's scanning?"
"Not much, Ziggy. I'm working on that last bit of biz you set up for me yesterday. Thanks for that, by the way. I was starting to get bored of shopwork."
The fixer's eyes crinkle as his (in)famous smile splits his face. "It was null persperation, Ave. Thought you might like it."
"I will, but I'll like it more the more I get paid. Which is why I'm calling, actually. I wanted to see if you knew anybody in CFS who operates against Saito in his own territory. Rebel groups, Rangers, anybody who doesn't mind working with shadowy types. You got anything for me?"
Avalanche heads straight for the vidphone as soon as he walks in the door. Stifling a yawn, he punches in the LTG of his fixer, Zigzag.
A second later, Zigzag's face appears on the screen. It would have been a perfectly normal face but for a large black tattoo of lightning etched on one cheek, which brilliantly contrasted his albinism. Birds of an abnormally pale feather.... Avalanche smiles inwardly. He made the joke to himself every time he saw Zig. I'll have to share that with him someday.
"Oh, heya Ave. What's scanning?"
"Not much, Ziggy. I'm working on that last bit of biz you set up for me yesterday. Thanks for that, by the way. I was starting to get bored of shopwork."
The fixer's eyes crinkle as his (in)famous smile splits his face. "It was null persperation, Ave. Thought you might like it."
"I will, but I'll like it more the more I get paid. Which is why I'm calling, actually. I wanted to see if you knew anybody in CFS who operates against Saito in his own territory. Rebel groups, Rangers, anybody who doesn't mind working with shadowy types. You got anything for me?"
1229 January 5, 2063 - An apartment above Key to the Future
It takes Ziggy all of one second to reply, "Nope. Absolutely nothing. You want help there, you're on your own. If you're going there though, do me a favor and kick that rat bastard Saito in the nuts for me, will ya?"
It takes Ziggy all of one second to reply, "Nope. Absolutely nothing. You want help there, you're on your own. If you're going there though, do me a favor and kick that rat bastard Saito in the nuts for me, will ya?"
1229 January 5, 2063 - An apartment above Key to the Future
"No problem, Ziggy. See you later."
Avalanche sighs as he turns off the tridphone. Well, it was worth a shot...
"No problem, Ziggy. See you later."
Avalanche sighs as he turns off the tridphone. Well, it was worth a shot...
0051 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar
Avalanche walks towards Blinks with eagerness. He had skipped dinner, and his stomach isn't thanking him for it. A halfer special would really hit the spot. Man, I've got to go to the gym more often if I keep eating like this...
He opens to door to the hangout and nods to Blink. The elf nods back as Avalanche heads for the back room. Sometimes, if Blink gave a certain signal when a newcomer came into the bar, one of the orks by the dart board would swagger up to them and take any weapons they found off of the customer for the duration of their stay. This happened until the customer became a regular, or was vouched for by a regular. It kept violence in the bar down to a minimum. Of course, Blink knew what Avalanche was packing anyways. A Predator III, a taser, and his cyberdeck, all under his long coat.
Shutting the door behind him, Avalanche settled down to wait for the others.
Avalanche walks towards Blinks with eagerness. He had skipped dinner, and his stomach isn't thanking him for it. A halfer special would really hit the spot. Man, I've got to go to the gym more often if I keep eating like this...
He opens to door to the hangout and nods to Blink. The elf nods back as Avalanche heads for the back room. Sometimes, if Blink gave a certain signal when a newcomer came into the bar, one of the orks by the dart board would swagger up to them and take any weapons they found off of the customer for the duration of their stay. This happened until the customer became a regular, or was vouched for by a regular. It kept violence in the bar down to a minimum. Of course, Blink knew what Avalanche was packing anyways. A Predator III, a taser, and his cyberdeck, all under his long coat.
Shutting the door behind him, Avalanche settled down to wait for the others.
1257 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar
Blaze walks into the bar, supressing a huge yawn. Stepping through the front entrance the tails of his red coat swirl around him from the wind. Looking around for his rather distinctive teammate Blaze walks towards the owner, Blink. As he aproaches Blink instantly remembers Blaze's bright red long coat and shades. Gesturing towards the back room Blink just sort of shakes his head. Wandering into the back room Blaze tries to stifle another yawn.
"Hey Avalanche, you get any new info about our new possible contacts?"
Seeing the slight change in Avalanche's Aura, and facial expression Blaze retracts his statement almost imediately.
"Don't worry about it. How do you suggest we put this forward to the rest of the team?"
Sitting down as he speaks Blaze's manner makes him look almost menacing. Perhaps it's something about the tired way his body moves, both too smoothly, and also in the calm way of one who's expecting combat. He looks and feels like a hunter, out for his prey.
Blaze walks into the bar, supressing a huge yawn. Stepping through the front entrance the tails of his red coat swirl around him from the wind. Looking around for his rather distinctive teammate Blaze walks towards the owner, Blink. As he aproaches Blink instantly remembers Blaze's bright red long coat and shades. Gesturing towards the back room Blink just sort of shakes his head. Wandering into the back room Blaze tries to stifle another yawn.
"Hey Avalanche, you get any new info about our new possible contacts?"
Seeing the slight change in Avalanche's Aura, and facial expression Blaze retracts his statement almost imediately.
"Don't worry about it. How do you suggest we put this forward to the rest of the team?"
Sitting down as he speaks Blaze's manner makes him look almost menacing. Perhaps it's something about the tired way his body moves, both too smoothly, and also in the calm way of one who's expecting combat. He looks and feels like a hunter, out for his prey.
Early Morning, January 5, 2063 - Renton
When Steele gets to his apartment, tossing his coat over the back of the second hand couch, and his hat on the table next to his telecom unit, he considers a moment. He's got borders to cross the next day, and a long haul with potential passengers to smuggle. Sneaking across borders isn't up his alley, he's more used to defending them, but he knows someone who might be able to help a little. After the call he'll see about getting some shuteye, maybe put in a call to Greenly.
Settling on the sofa, he takes up the keyboard to his computer, and sets about composing a short e-mail. Nothing fancy, just a 'call me.' Duffy'd never been keen on unsocilited calls, so Steele respected the decker's wishes, and instead dropped him a line, and settled in with a lukewarm beer and a re-run Urban Brawl match until the call came in.
When Steele gets to his apartment, tossing his coat over the back of the second hand couch, and his hat on the table next to his telecom unit, he considers a moment. He's got borders to cross the next day, and a long haul with potential passengers to smuggle. Sneaking across borders isn't up his alley, he's more used to defending them, but he knows someone who might be able to help a little. After the call he'll see about getting some shuteye, maybe put in a call to Greenly.
Settling on the sofa, he takes up the keyboard to his computer, and sets about composing a short e-mail. Nothing fancy, just a 'call me.' Duffy'd never been keen on unsocilited calls, so Steele respected the decker's wishes, and instead dropped him a line, and settled in with a lukewarm beer and a re-run Urban Brawl match until the call came in.
1504 January 5, 2063 - Durin's apartment in the university district
"What the -- oh bloody hell," as Durin slowly registers that at some point he had fallen asleep over the drafting table, sometime after he had completely lost track of time. This will never do. How'm I supposed to afford a proper ancestral axe when I can't even stay awake long enough to design one? And I was going to do something -- oh right, place some calls.
The next few hours are singularly frustrating. Every last person he can think of is either away at classes, or on business, or away from their phones for one reason or another. "They were here earlier, but ..." He's sick of hearing "but". He's down to the end of his rope when he finally hears ("but don't tell him you heard it from me") that Krager would be at his usual table in a couple of hours. Good guy to talk to, if you could ever find him. The human was positively transparent. Could be right in front of you, and you'd never see him. Of course, that made him an exceptional information broker and go-between for the Bigio Powers That Be. For Durin though, it was more often sheerly frustrating.
Predictably, when he arrived at the bar, there was no sign of Krager. As he sat down at the usual table, the waitress approached with a stein of beer. "But I didn't order anything yet?" wondered Durin aloud.
"I did," came the voice across the table.
Durin jumped, almost dropping the flagon. Drek, how he hated that. "How long have you been sitting there?"
Krager shrugged. Somehow the words "average" and "bland" just seemed inadequate when it came to describing him. "I heard you wanted something?"
"I have to meet with Gianelli today. I need some info. Can you arrange it?"
"I take it you took the run then?" asked Krager. "That could be bad ..."
"How did you ...?" Durin gave it up. Considering how extremely bland Krager was, how no one ever seemed to notice him, for all Durin knew Krager might even have been in the meet room along with the run team. "I'll need info on smuggling truck cargos across borders. Probably also some weapons and explosives," Durin added almost as an afterthought.
"Which borders?"
Durin gave him a look. "North American borders."
The human shrugged again. "I'll see if he'll see you. Of course, late as it is ..." He wisely trailed off at seeing Durin's expression. "Expect a call," he said finally, and got up.
Durin would have sworn he'd never taken his eyes from the man, but somehow Krager had managed to vanish into the crowd anyway.
Frag, I hate it when he does that.
"What the -- oh bloody hell," as Durin slowly registers that at some point he had fallen asleep over the drafting table, sometime after he had completely lost track of time. This will never do. How'm I supposed to afford a proper ancestral axe when I can't even stay awake long enough to design one? And I was going to do something -- oh right, place some calls.
The next few hours are singularly frustrating. Every last person he can think of is either away at classes, or on business, or away from their phones for one reason or another. "They were here earlier, but ..." He's sick of hearing "but". He's down to the end of his rope when he finally hears ("but don't tell him you heard it from me") that Krager would be at his usual table in a couple of hours. Good guy to talk to, if you could ever find him. The human was positively transparent. Could be right in front of you, and you'd never see him. Of course, that made him an exceptional information broker and go-between for the Bigio Powers That Be. For Durin though, it was more often sheerly frustrating.
Predictably, when he arrived at the bar, there was no sign of Krager. As he sat down at the usual table, the waitress approached with a stein of beer. "But I didn't order anything yet?" wondered Durin aloud.
"I did," came the voice across the table.
Durin jumped, almost dropping the flagon. Drek, how he hated that. "How long have you been sitting there?"
Krager shrugged. Somehow the words "average" and "bland" just seemed inadequate when it came to describing him. "I heard you wanted something?"
"I have to meet with Gianelli today. I need some info. Can you arrange it?"
"I take it you took the run then?" asked Krager. "That could be bad ..."
"How did you ...?" Durin gave it up. Considering how extremely bland Krager was, how no one ever seemed to notice him, for all Durin knew Krager might even have been in the meet room along with the run team. "I'll need info on smuggling truck cargos across borders. Probably also some weapons and explosives," Durin added almost as an afterthought.
"Which borders?"
Durin gave him a look. "North American borders."
The human shrugged again. "I'll see if he'll see you. Of course, late as it is ..." He wisely trailed off at seeing Durin's expression. "Expect a call," he said finally, and got up.
Durin would have sworn he'd never taken his eyes from the man, but somehow Krager had managed to vanish into the crowd anyway.
Frag, I hate it when he does that.
1955 January 5, 2063 - an Italian restaurant in Tacoma
Durin was not late for the meeting Krager had arranged with him. He'd been hoping to speak to Gianelli. That one of the man's lieutenants had taken the meeting instead did not bode well. It would not do to be late, not this time.
He knew he wasn't the most sensitive codger in the barrel. Most of the time, he didn't care. He had a goal in life, a Mission with a capital mannaz. Sure, there were some things he needed to do along the way to raise the funds, establish the foundations: but they were just inconveniences, things he'd deal with and get done while keeping his eyes fixed on the Big Picture.
This time, the vibes were strong enough that even he couldn't blind-shoulder them.
"Ah, Durin," began the man. Durin had already forgotten his name, even though Krager had told him. He could probably have remembered it if he wanted to, and it probably had latched in there somewhere in the gray cells. Truth was, he didn't really want to. "You're looking for some supplies for that run you took over from Johnny."
"Transportation, border crossings, weapons, med supplies," Durin added, struggling valiantly to keep the half-growl from his voice.
The man nodded. "We can probably arrange for some of that. Of course, you'll not be going with them."
Durin blinked. "What?"
"We need you here to follow up on a couple of things, jobs you did earlier, that kind of thing."
Durin stared, still trying to think how to protest when the man rose from the table: "Is that all, then? Just leave the details with Julio here, and we'll take care of it, COD."
He was already gone before Durin got out a "But ..."
Other words would follow, later; and a desperate planning how to get out of this. Frag it, this wasn't fair. He needed that run! And dwarves weren't supposed to be quick-witted, more along the lines of being able to see through a brick wall in time, as the Underground saying went. Just give him time, and he'd ...
For now though, well, he'd gotten the supplies for the team ... but he himself was screwed.
Durin was not late for the meeting Krager had arranged with him. He'd been hoping to speak to Gianelli. That one of the man's lieutenants had taken the meeting instead did not bode well. It would not do to be late, not this time.
He knew he wasn't the most sensitive codger in the barrel. Most of the time, he didn't care. He had a goal in life, a Mission with a capital mannaz. Sure, there were some things he needed to do along the way to raise the funds, establish the foundations: but they were just inconveniences, things he'd deal with and get done while keeping his eyes fixed on the Big Picture.
This time, the vibes were strong enough that even he couldn't blind-shoulder them.
"Ah, Durin," began the man. Durin had already forgotten his name, even though Krager had told him. He could probably have remembered it if he wanted to, and it probably had latched in there somewhere in the gray cells. Truth was, he didn't really want to. "You're looking for some supplies for that run you took over from Johnny."
"Transportation, border crossings, weapons, med supplies," Durin added, struggling valiantly to keep the half-growl from his voice.
The man nodded. "We can probably arrange for some of that. Of course, you'll not be going with them."
Durin blinked. "What?"
"We need you here to follow up on a couple of things, jobs you did earlier, that kind of thing."
Durin stared, still trying to think how to protest when the man rose from the table: "Is that all, then? Just leave the details with Julio here, and we'll take care of it, COD."
He was already gone before Durin got out a "But ..."
Other words would follow, later; and a desperate planning how to get out of this. Frag it, this wasn't fair. He needed that run! And dwarves weren't supposed to be quick-witted, more along the lines of being able to see through a brick wall in time, as the Underground saying went. Just give him time, and he'd ...
For now though, well, he'd gotten the supplies for the team ... but he himself was screwed.
0059 January 5 - the back room at Blinks
Avalanche shifts uncomfortably under the studious stare of Blaze. Avalanche knew a bit about shamans, and the near-wild look in this one's eyes made him uneasy. The awkward silence fills the rooms like thunder.
Where the frag is everyone?! Maybe I should just call Blink in here and order without them. At least food will give him something to look at besides me...
Avalanche shifts uncomfortably under the studious stare of Blaze. Avalanche knew a bit about shamans, and the near-wild look in this one's eyes made him uneasy. The awkward silence fills the rooms like thunder.
Where the frag is everyone?! Maybe I should just call Blink in here and order without them. At least food will give him something to look at besides me...
0100 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar
Almost on the stroke of the hour Alleycat enters the room, having spoken quietly to Blink on the way through the bar. She's wearing almost exactly the outfit she had the day before, the only differences being that she's replaced the diamond arm lacings with drivers' gloves, and that she's carrying a somewhat worn excuse for an attaché case.
To Blaze, she looks disgustingly rested.
She nods to them in greeting, and hands each of them a chip and a hardcopy file from the case. "General area and route information, with summaries," she says as Avalanche looks a question. "And weather satellite imagery, if any of you can make anything of it. Were you able to make anything of those LTGs I sent you, Avalanche?"
Almost on the stroke of the hour Alleycat enters the room, having spoken quietly to Blink on the way through the bar. She's wearing almost exactly the outfit she had the day before, the only differences being that she's replaced the diamond arm lacings with drivers' gloves, and that she's carrying a somewhat worn excuse for an attaché case.
To Blaze, she looks disgustingly rested.
She nods to them in greeting, and hands each of them a chip and a hardcopy file from the case. "General area and route information, with summaries," she says as Avalanche looks a question. "And weather satellite imagery, if any of you can make anything of it. Were you able to make anything of those LTGs I sent you, Avalanche?"
0100 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar
Avalanche groans inwardly. "No, Alleycat, I haven't had time. I spent most of it lining up contacts and meeting with them. Which reminds me, when more people arrive, I need to go over what I found out. After I do that, though, I can deck in on the telecom over there and do some cautious sniffing. I can keep track of the convo in here through the camera on the telecom null persp. Sorry about that, it's been a full day..."
Avalanche groans inwardly. "No, Alleycat, I haven't had time. I spent most of it lining up contacts and meeting with them. Which reminds me, when more people arrive, I need to go over what I found out. After I do that, though, I can deck in on the telecom over there and do some cautious sniffing. I can keep track of the convo in here through the camera on the telecom null persp. Sorry about that, it's been a full day..."
0102 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar
A few minutes later, the telecom in the room rings. It's Kurukami. She looks a bit distressed and annoyed, and her voice quickly shows her frustration. "Hey chummers. Something big came up. I'm not going to be able to make it tonight. I'll check in with you all when I've cleared it up. I'm really sorry about this." Her tone is harried and rushed, and her abrupt disconnect is an emphatic close to her quick blurb of information.
Before Avalanche can even walk away from the telecom, it rings again. This time it's Durin. Looking a bit embarassed, and more than a little bothered, he says, "Hey guys...uh...I was able to line up that stuff I said I would that we needed...but there's a problem...I'm not going to be able to go with you all. A marker got called in, and I can't back out of this. Just tell me where you want the stuff sent, and I'll get it there. It's on me, by way of apology for having to bail on you all like this. I'm really sorry everyone. Hit me back at this number when you know where you want the stuff."
The rapid barrage leaves Avalanche in a momentary state of shock. Before he can even reply to any of this, a knock on the door sounds and Blink pokes his head in. "Hey chummers, having a good night? Are you all ready to order, or ya wanna wait for your friends?"
The irony hangs in the air.
A few minutes later, the telecom in the room rings. It's Kurukami. She looks a bit distressed and annoyed, and her voice quickly shows her frustration. "Hey chummers. Something big came up. I'm not going to be able to make it tonight. I'll check in with you all when I've cleared it up. I'm really sorry about this." Her tone is harried and rushed, and her abrupt disconnect is an emphatic close to her quick blurb of information.
Before Avalanche can even walk away from the telecom, it rings again. This time it's Durin. Looking a bit embarassed, and more than a little bothered, he says, "Hey guys...uh...I was able to line up that stuff I said I would that we needed...but there's a problem...I'm not going to be able to go with you all. A marker got called in, and I can't back out of this. Just tell me where you want the stuff sent, and I'll get it there. It's on me, by way of apology for having to bail on you all like this. I'm really sorry everyone. Hit me back at this number when you know where you want the stuff."
The rapid barrage leaves Avalanche in a momentary state of shock. Before he can even reply to any of this, a knock on the door sounds and Blink pokes his head in. "Hey chummers, having a good night? Are you all ready to order, or ya wanna wait for your friends?"
The irony hangs in the air.
0107 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar
Steele enters a short while afterthe others, dressed down from what he'd been wearing the night before. He was in travel clothes. Simple, faded jeans, work boots, and a flannel shirt. He still wore a good old stetson, but his pistols weren't evident. They were packed with the rest of his gear in the bed of his truck. No need to be carrying at the moment, since he expected to leave straight from here to the border. He can sense the tension in the air as he walks in, and he looks to those that are there.
`What's the deal?`
Steele enters a short while afterthe others, dressed down from what he'd been wearing the night before. He was in travel clothes. Simple, faded jeans, work boots, and a flannel shirt. He still wore a good old stetson, but his pistols weren't evident. They were packed with the rest of his gear in the bed of his truck. No need to be carrying at the moment, since he expected to leave straight from here to the border. He can sense the tension in the air as he walks in, and he looks to those that are there.
`What's the deal?`
0107 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar
Before anyone can answer, a phone rings. Everyone scrambles to see whose it is, before Blaze finally figures out that it's for him. Walking off into the corner of the room, he flips it open and says, "Yeah."
"Hey kid, that's no way to talk to a surrogate father." Despite the suddenly much more tense situation regarding the run, Blaze still smiles. Good old Max. I knew he'd watch out for me. "What's up Max?"
"Got a lead for you kid, but I don't know if it's good news or bad news."
Bracing himself, Blaze replies, "Lay it on me."
"All right kid. Word is that your cousin, she lost her extraction team. That's the good news. The bad news is that she's lost somewhere in the Barrens. I'm not sure which one, Redmond or Puyallup." What he didn't state was the obvious, that the difference between the two was bad...and worse.
"Lost track of her after that, but I heard the corp's hired an investigator, real P.I type, to locate her in addition to their crews. And oh yeah, he's magical."
Blaze's insides went cold, in stark contrast to his name. Magical wizworm looking for her in addition to their usual crews? Great Leopard, is she that important? Unbidden, the answer sprang to his mind. She's magical. She's special. They want her, and they're going to try to find her. One way or another...
Cutting through the silence, Max's voice rang in his ear. "So what do you want me to do now kid?"
Before anyone can answer, a phone rings. Everyone scrambles to see whose it is, before Blaze finally figures out that it's for him. Walking off into the corner of the room, he flips it open and says, "Yeah."
"Hey kid, that's no way to talk to a surrogate father." Despite the suddenly much more tense situation regarding the run, Blaze still smiles. Good old Max. I knew he'd watch out for me. "What's up Max?"
"Got a lead for you kid, but I don't know if it's good news or bad news."
Bracing himself, Blaze replies, "Lay it on me."
"All right kid. Word is that your cousin, she lost her extraction team. That's the good news. The bad news is that she's lost somewhere in the Barrens. I'm not sure which one, Redmond or Puyallup." What he didn't state was the obvious, that the difference between the two was bad...and worse.
"Lost track of her after that, but I heard the corp's hired an investigator, real P.I type, to locate her in addition to their crews. And oh yeah, he's magical."
Blaze's insides went cold, in stark contrast to his name. Magical wizworm looking for her in addition to their usual crews? Great Leopard, is she that important? Unbidden, the answer sprang to his mind. She's magical. She's special. They want her, and they're going to try to find her. One way or another...
Cutting through the silence, Max's voice rang in his ear. "So what do you want me to do now kid?"
0107 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar
All three of the others have heard the references to Durin and Lady Cheng on this end of the line. Her head tilted in a query, Alleycat looks as though she's about to ask -- when yet another phone call comes through, this time for Blaze. Looks like it's about to be an even fuller day. Instead she turns toward Tin Star: "Seems it's fortunate we weren't given a time limit. We may need to delay our departure."
All three of the others have heard the references to Durin and Lady Cheng on this end of the line. Her head tilted in a query, Alleycat looks as though she's about to ask -- when yet another phone call comes through, this time for Blaze. Looks like it's about to be an even fuller day. Instead she turns toward Tin Star: "Seems it's fortunate we weren't given a time limit. We may need to delay our departure."
0103 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar
Avalanche shakes his head in disgust. "No, Blink, we might as well order now. Gimme a halfer special." What the fragging drek is going on here? Two team members sudden bail? This isn't right...
Steele's sudden arrival sooths Avalanche's nerves a bit. Well, at least he's still with us... The, the jangling of Blaze's phone makes Avalanche start. Great, now I'm getting jumpy. It's almost enough to make switch on my wired. Almost.
"To answer your question, we just lost Durin and Cheng. Durin can't do the run at all, seems he owes someone something that he can't back out of. Cheng just said she couldn't make it to the meeting, no reason given.
"That said, I can make a call of my own. I know a good street sammie to replace Durin. Heck, he's even a dwarf. Lose one dwarf street sam, gain another. This particular sammie goes by the name of Dice. I can call him up if we feel "we need the muscle. He's reliable, he and Blaze covered for me when I met with some contacts about the run. That reminds me...
"I've met with some representatives of the MPA, that's Metahuman People's Alliance. They were cautious, naturally, but interested. They can supply drivers and trucks to smuggle people out of the camp, and some explosives as well. The representative made it abundantly clear that he did not want his men to be used as meatshields, so I doubt we can expect much in the way of fire support. Also, he was leery of us having to take the refugees back to Seattle. He asked me to see what I could do about having the refugees stay in CFS.
"Of course, this means a call to Mr. Fan. We can also take the oppertunity to inform him about Durin and see if Mr. Fan will fund any replacements.
"As for payment, straight nuyen will work, but the contact said any equipment we can offer will be taken as well, and any services we can offer them at a discount will be considered.
"That pretty much sums it up. So, shall I call Dice?"
Avalanche shakes his head in disgust. "No, Blink, we might as well order now. Gimme a halfer special." What the fragging drek is going on here? Two team members sudden bail? This isn't right...
Steele's sudden arrival sooths Avalanche's nerves a bit. Well, at least he's still with us... The, the jangling of Blaze's phone makes Avalanche start. Great, now I'm getting jumpy. It's almost enough to make switch on my wired. Almost.
"To answer your question, we just lost Durin and Cheng. Durin can't do the run at all, seems he owes someone something that he can't back out of. Cheng just said she couldn't make it to the meeting, no reason given.
"That said, I can make a call of my own. I know a good street sammie to replace Durin. Heck, he's even a dwarf. Lose one dwarf street sam, gain another. This particular sammie goes by the name of Dice. I can call him up if we feel "we need the muscle. He's reliable, he and Blaze covered for me when I met with some contacts about the run. That reminds me...
"I've met with some representatives of the MPA, that's Metahuman People's Alliance. They were cautious, naturally, but interested. They can supply drivers and trucks to smuggle people out of the camp, and some explosives as well. The representative made it abundantly clear that he did not want his men to be used as meatshields, so I doubt we can expect much in the way of fire support. Also, he was leery of us having to take the refugees back to Seattle. He asked me to see what I could do about having the refugees stay in CFS.
"Of course, this means a call to Mr. Fan. We can also take the oppertunity to inform him about Durin and see if Mr. Fan will fund any replacements.
"As for payment, straight nuyen will work, but the contact said any equipment we can offer will be taken as well, and any services we can offer them at a discount will be considered.
"That pretty much sums it up. So, shall I call Dice?"
0103 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar
"I don't know, any idea where in the Barrens she is?"
"I didn't think so, Either way I'll find her, even if I have to comb the place astrally the whole evening. Thanks Max, I'll keep in touch."
Turning back to the rest of the group Blaze's face has taken on a truly scarry look, the focus with which he looks to the team is enough to unerve even the most hardened runner.
"Ok, what's the plan? I need to get this done but in the mean time I have something I need done, perhaps you all can help me."
I was hoping not to have to resort to it, but this team will be as good as anything for the meantime. And I have to find her before that Corp does.
"My cousin disapeared about two weeks ago as part of a likely extraction. She ditched her handlers but has now been lost in the Barrens, and I'm not quite sure which Barrens, either Redmond or Puyallup. I need her found, period, I'm willing to offer my entire cut from this run if needed but I want her found. She's magically active and being hunted, if none of you want in I'll be searching for her during the ride down. But no matter what I'm going to find her and help her."
The cold rage of Blaze's comment stilled the room for a moment, causing him to look even more focused and to create the immage of him as a man willing to die for his cause.
"I don't know, any idea where in the Barrens she is?"
"I didn't think so, Either way I'll find her, even if I have to comb the place astrally the whole evening. Thanks Max, I'll keep in touch."
Turning back to the rest of the group Blaze's face has taken on a truly scarry look, the focus with which he looks to the team is enough to unerve even the most hardened runner.
"Ok, what's the plan? I need to get this done but in the mean time I have something I need done, perhaps you all can help me."
I was hoping not to have to resort to it, but this team will be as good as anything for the meantime. And I have to find her before that Corp does.
"My cousin disapeared about two weeks ago as part of a likely extraction. She ditched her handlers but has now been lost in the Barrens, and I'm not quite sure which Barrens, either Redmond or Puyallup. I need her found, period, I'm willing to offer my entire cut from this run if needed but I want her found. She's magically active and being hunted, if none of you want in I'll be searching for her during the ride down. But no matter what I'm going to find her and help her."
The cold rage of Blaze's comment stilled the room for a moment, causing him to look even more focused and to create the immage of him as a man willing to die for his cause.
0103 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar
Avalanche stares at Blaze, totally taken aback. What the frag? How the fragging hell did this meeting get so hosed? Two missing, and now we have a wild goose chase in the Barrens? And we don't even know which Barrens!
Avalanche quickly regains his composure. His cut of the run, hmmm? Well, this meeting is pretty much clusterfragged anyways..wait! Drek!
"Blaze, I'd love to help you out. However, we need to take care of this meeting first. I've got another meeting with the rebel group's contact in 11 hours, and we need to have a response from Mr. Fan by then, as well as how we plan to pay for their help, assuming we end up using it at all. Also, we need to call Dice. Hell, he could help us look for your cousin too. Can we just settle these matters before we go charging out like a blind bull?"
Avalanche stares at Blaze, totally taken aback. What the frag? How the fragging hell did this meeting get so hosed? Two missing, and now we have a wild goose chase in the Barrens? And we don't even know which Barrens!
Avalanche quickly regains his composure. His cut of the run, hmmm? Well, this meeting is pretty much clusterfragged anyways..wait! Drek!
"Blaze, I'd love to help you out. However, we need to take care of this meeting first. I've got another meeting with the rebel group's contact in 11 hours, and we need to have a response from Mr. Fan by then, as well as how we plan to pay for their help, assuming we end up using it at all. Also, we need to call Dice. Hell, he could help us look for your cousin too. Can we just settle these matters before we go charging out like a blind bull?"
0104 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar
Blaze's cold attitude remains and he keeps his focus but no longer seems angered.
"That's fine she's magically active and important enough to be extracted I hope she can keep herself out of trouble for a few hours. I'm just saying that my plan is to do that as soon as I leave here, we can finish the meeting, and then I hope to be out hunting, whether in the Astral or in the flesh, perhaps both."
Blaze's cold attitude remains and he keeps his focus but no longer seems angered.
"That's fine she's magically active and important enough to be extracted I hope she can keep herself out of trouble for a few hours. I'm just saying that my plan is to do that as soon as I leave here, we can finish the meeting, and then I hope to be out hunting, whether in the Astral or in the flesh, perhaps both."
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