1100 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

... arrived.

1100 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Arriving at The Big Rhino, which is just starting to draw the first customers drifting in from work, Alleycat takes a moment to scan the place out. Nothing out of the ordinary, just the first wave of hungry soon to be diners trying to beat the lunch rush. The only thing standing out is the slightly higher preponderance of orks and trolls, but this is The Big Rhino, after all. Casually, she waits for Blaze to arrive, blending it with the crowds, just one random face in the crowd waiting for someone else, someone who will never pass as just another face in the crowd...

1101 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Stepping through the door to the Rhino Blaze imediately draws the attention of the people in the bar. Looking through the hoard of wageslaves and others just starting their lunch he tries to locate Alleycat.

1100 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Casually yes, but with a hidden core of nervousness: the memory of that voice, coming out of nowhere, is too near the surface to be dismissed so easily. She'd been able to sleep, dreamlessly, because she'd needed sleep and she'd found the opportunity -- or been granted it, but let's not go there. Anyway, she'd worked out a contingency plan, just in case.

And the fragging sneakers she'd picked up to match the outfit were half a size too small, and it was too late to alter them now.

She spots Blaze at once. There's a surprise.

He doesn't spot her. There's another. And she'd forgotten that mentioning it to him ahead of time might be relevant.

No Avalanche, or dwarf samurai (named Dice or otherwise), or Tin Star for that matter, although she'd been warned by Avalanche that he was likely to be late or a no-show, Dice wasn't expected before 1145 anyway, and Tin Star had by now established a pattern of being late. Durin -- she had his number, and after this meet she intended to establish final group needs and pickup of the supplies he'd promised. And Miss Cheng -- after the initial no-show, to the best of Alleycat's knowledge the woman was out of the loop, which today would officially make her out of the team. Alleycat would miss the yacht -- it had figured prominently in her original planning -- but better now than in the middle of the run.

She's got to start thinking as a team member. As such, she's recognising that this fledgling team has started to develop some serious holes. If they lost anyone else, they'd have to bring in another person or two.

We'll see who shows up by negotiation time, figure it out afterwards. The MPA doesn't need to know our situation. Avalanche went in last time with two people backing him up, but he didn't commit us to anything -- says that he didn't give himself negotiating authority. Dice and Blaze have been seen by them before. I'm the new element.

Huh. I think I just became the "leader".

But first, I'd better catch Blaze's attention before it gets any busier. Better yet -- and she fits action to the thought and stands up, and when his searching gaze wanders back in her direction, she lets him read his street name on her lips. In the moment of startled recognition, she reinforces it with a sharp nod. Slowly he comes over, still startled, more than a bit wary at this change. "The MPA," she says sotto voce, in a voice just slightly higher and harsher than the one she'd used at Blink's yesterday, and which owes more than a little of its tonality to Ripper, "haven't met Sal before," adding just that little bit of stress on the new name, in exactly the same manner, if not the same accent, as she'd used on the telecom when he'd called her the previous night. She doesn't know if he'll use her street name again, as he did yesterday -- but she's prepared to cut him off if he does; she has to assume that as an MPA-friendly place, there would be unwanted ears to hear.

And then she adds: "Have you set a city spirit to searching for her, while you're here? There's a couple of other possibilities I thought of as well, but those aren't time-sensitive."

1100 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Note to self, If I ever need a disguise made up come to Alleycat

Blaze shakes his head slowly, and speaks softly, "no I haven't, the city is vast, and it is unlikely she'll be in an abandoned building, or just on the streets. Besides, I lack any real skill in conjuring."

Looking around the Bar Blaze searches for Dice or Tin Star, in a louder voice this time, "Any sign of our friends? You did tell them the address of this place right?"

1101 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

"Wouldn't need more than having the skill --" once again a flash of that haunted look on her face as she reseated herself, gone almost as quickly "-- and it was an against-the-off-chance, was all." Sal echoed the slow headshake. "But Avalanche said he's running late and doesn't know if he can make this meet. He'd left word with Dice to turn up at quarter to -- means he's a hiree and not a planner. I did leave a message with Tin Star -- no joy yet, but then he's been fashionably late the last couple of times as well. Got Durin's contact, so all those supplies are still in. No word whatsoever on Miss Cheng -- so as of now, she's out."

Planting her feet apart, Sal leaned forward, elbows on the table, chin resting on her laced fingers: "Think we're going to have to revise our resource list. Pity -- I was really looking forward to making use of that yacht."

1101 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

"they can be fun, but aren't really all they're cracked up to be. However, it does mean we'll have to revise our travel plans. Shall we meet with our mutual friends now, or should we wait another few for our other friends to show up?"

While he speaks it's plain to Alleycat who he's talking about, but Blaze continues to use his odd code, while looking around the bar and at each of the patrons.

1102 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

"We're far too early yet. Makes us look desperate -- which we're not," she added with a slight smile and a flash of white teeth. "Dice won't show until quarter to, and it's not like we don't have some revision to do in any case until then.

No, I'd been thinking yacht -- or boat of some nature -- because it would make a very practical, and much safer, astral platform to use for your base. Accessible, yet just that bit of distance until you're ready to go in. I'd still prefer that to anything in the area on land." She pauses. "Come to think of it, some variant on a freighter would solve a lot of issues."

1103 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

"well I'm afraid I don't have any access to the kinds of resources we're talking about, I never was one to travel much. I can use pretty much any non-moving station as my base, heck, if needed I could do it from my lodge here, but then I wouldn't be able to provide any healing support."

Blaze continues looking around the bar for anyone close.

And that's something I'm not willing to do, when we hit them innocents will be hurt, and I'm going to be there to help them, Leopard willing.

"once we're in Calfree I can set up in any squat, build a small ward, call up a spirit or watcher to cover me, and then do the astral stuff from there, while still being on hand to heal any of the injured. What we really needed that boat for was to transport the innocents, sorry, the inhabitants back to Seattle, or whatever their destination may be."

1106 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

"I know," said Sal. "No more do I, have those kinds of resources, I mean. Just by way of compiling a wish list, when we consider who we might have to bring into the project."

The place was slowly getting busier, more and more hungry soon-to-be-diners. Order now, they'd be completely ignored later, when they'd be really wanting the privacy. When the waiter (t-shirt, worn blue jeans, lightly muscled, ork) came by with the drinks for the next few tables, she flagged him down and placed a quick couple of orders for soykaf and the -- "What's the special? ... sure, two of those."

"For example," she continued when he was gone, "although any platform might work for you -- wouldn't one just off-shore work better, giving you the safety of a bit of distance, while at the same time allowing you to be close enough to give that healing support? After all, it's not all that hard to track someone astral back to their body -- but it's a bit more difficult to bring amphibious units to bear. Not much, but it might give that little bit of a break when we need it. And if it were something like a freighter, it would even be large enough to serve that second function. Which reminds me," she glanced at her wrist computer, "I'd meant to ask what you intended in case we encountered wards. Ones not of your making, I mean."

Her fingers drummed once across the table. "Oh, and everything you remember from the previous meet you had with these guys." She grinned, white teeth in a chiselled ebony face. "Start downloading."

1107 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

"Hold that thought for a moment there, chummer, let a fella get hisself situated, how 'bout that?" Both Blaze and Sal looked up into the face of Tin Star , who apparently had broken form and arrived early. Pulling up a chair, he gestured to the waitress, who started slightly at the sight of his cowboy hat, boots, and flannel shirt. Indeed, he looked like he'd wandered in off the set of an Old West trid or something.

"What would you like sir?" she inquired politely. "I'll have a glass of water, and what these two here are havin darlin'. Thanks a'plenty," he called as she headed back to the kitchen to place his order.

Turning back to his team, Tin Star continued, "Figured I'd been a touch late the last time out, and seein' as how I weren't here last time and all, didn't want y'all havin' to retell no stories on my account," he added by way of explanation.

Glancing at Sal , he continued, "Well I'll be. Ain't you somethin? I de-clare, I wouldn't have recognized ya fer nothin' if it hadn't been for this here pardner." He gestures to Blaze , who is looking at terms amused and pained by this display of Tin Star's obvious southern heritage. "We were just about to hear what happened last time at this meet, so we could be better prepared for it," Sal cut him off smoothly.

"Well I'll be, I'm jist in time. Awright pardner, why doncha tell it like it is, and I'll just sit here and keep as quiet as a prarie dog hibernatin." Tilting his hat in acknowledgement, he sits back and waits for the two of them to resume their discussion where it left off.

1108 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

The grin widens to include both of them, while her raised eyebrows signal Blaze to continue ... or, more accurately, to start.

1109 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

"basically they are willing to offer some transportation for refugees, but they want to have control of them, not us, and not Mr. J. Secondly they have some demolitions, and perhaps a grenade launcher, or machine gun to lend, but they're fairly strapped as it is. That's about all we asked from them, they seemed willing to go with it; however, there will be some serious negotiations to deal with to settle the terms of the deal. The main thing is they won't be cannon fodder."

Turning directly to Alleycat, "Wards will be a problem, I have two ways to deal with them. One is to smash them down, but that's going to be loud, really loud, at least to any mages around. The other is one I've heard about but will need to go over with some of my contacts before I really want to try it. I think I can attempt to alter my form to match with what the ward is set to allow in, I don't garuntee it will work, but I can always break it down later if that's needed. As for my safety, if my meat is behind any ward it will be fairly hard to track, and it'll give me some cover. Besides, projecting from any moving thing is hard, boat, truck, anything like that, it's hard to get back in."

Looking back towards both of them, "anything else you need from me?"

1110 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

"Loud's not good." Sal leaned back in her chair and stretched out her legs. "Then again, most of the place can't be warded -- too big. So it's not like you'll be blocked out altogether, even if there's a ward here and there. But what we'll have to keep in mind is the 'here and there' are almost certain to be exactly where we want to go." She shrugs. "Doesn't strike me as an uncrossable bridge.

"But yesterday's discussion, how did weapons come into it? Did they have any other personal concerns, beyond not being used as cannon fodder? Did they wonder at all about the requirement to return everyone to Seattle? Did any of you ask if they had more up-to-date information about the place, or weren't the negotiations up to that point?"

She's being a bit direct for Blaze's taste, until he realised that her voice isn't carrying -- quite the opposite, it's hard even for them to hear her against the buzzing of a normal lunch crowd -- and in any case she's saying very little that the MPA wouldn't already know, and she's not talking specifics at all. Come to think of it, she hadn't even greeted either of them by name -- and she'd not mentioned names at all, after Blaze's light suggestion.

"Was a price of any kind mentioned for that transportation and the weaponry? Form of payment? Something was said before about them wanting to be paid for the manpower and the trucks, up to us to come up with the rigger ...?"

A thought struck her, and she added: "Did any of you commit or suggest commitment to anything -- personally?"

1111 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

In response to Alleycat's comment about loud, "However, if I did something loudly, and then jetted I could be gone before they had a good chance to track me, and it would serve as a decent distraction. Although we should talk about that after I've chatted with my friend."

As he discusses more precise plans in relation to the meeting he slides back into his pseudo code.
"We hadn't really gotten into specifics; however, I did get the distinct impression that they would be driving our transportation. In terms of equipment they told me that they had a few things, but not much; however, we could rent out what little they had, and it should cover our needs for the trip. The price wasn't really discussed, so I'm not sure what they'll ask for. In terms of commitments we said we would talk to you about this and then get back to them, which is exactly what they said as well."

Blaze looks over his shoulder, and then continues, his meaning fairly clear despite his choices of words. "an exact intinerary hadn't been discussed, and they didn't offer any travel guides, although I forgot to ask about them."

1111 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

"Understood."

Blaze had half been expecting for her to say it in Japanese. But there's a slight frown in her, one that doesn't make sense given what he'd told her, like she thinks there might have been things said there that he wasn't saying, or maybe had forgotten.

And then the food arrives. She asks the price for the table, and when the waiter tells her, she tosses a couple of diagonally-folded multinuyen notes and one folded lengthwise on the waiter's tray and waves away the change: good tip flirting with generous, but not exceptionally so. Not a completely usual thing here, to pay with cash notes -- but not unusual enough to raise eyebrows.

She's silent while she's eating, like she's thinking.

1112 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Blaze eats his meal in silence, considering the steps that may need to be taken to ensure the safety of all the prisoners they will be rescuing.

1146 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

The place isn't silent. Quite the opposite. But under the usual busyness and clamour that would typically be found in a restaurant around lunch time, there's also a subtle but definite undercurrent of -- what, exactly? Uneasiness, certainly. People taking comfort in the presence of others of their own kind. At least Sal's on the fringes of belonging. Blaze and Tin Star: not a chance, not here.

Live and learn ... but this is the last time I'm ever agreeing to meeting so far in advance, in the same place as a different meeting.

Tin Star hadn't ordered during the last three meets either, so Sal adds in a soykaf on his behalf, next time the waiter comes around. It's been cooling in front of him for almost half an hour by the time Dice walks in. The dwarf does a visible doubletake upon not seeing Avalanche there. As she greets him without detailed explanation beyond "He's running late", Sal just feels a sudden, uncharacteristic relief; recognising then what had been troubling her about this place: the two men with her are just about the only humans in the entire place ... and elves aren't what anyone might call common either. Though she could have dealt with that, had she been on her own. This whole "working with a group" thing is starting to wear on her.

Why am I here again? Oh yes, to negotiate. Going in blind, on behalf of those who aren't here, for help none of us here really want. A sudden smile: I have got to talk to Blaze about the importance of details. Fading just as quickly: If he'll even find that relevant. Or care.

She's got her next step in that pursuit clear in her mind, at least. So that's something. Set it aside for now, completely, centre, stillness, catch the rhythm of the place, focus on what's coming. Who in here is just here for the companionship and the food, who in here is trouble.

Blaze has been poking at the last of the meal for some minutes now, still in brooding silence. Draining her soykaf, she stands up, and an interesting vestige of formal etiquette brings the CASan to his feet as well: "Shall we?"

1146 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Blaze stands up and, after getting out of it, slides his chair back into place under the table. He takes up the position on Alleycat's left side, a little behind her, and surveys the resteraunt for any potential threats, astral or otherwise.

1146 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

As Blaze rises to join Sal, Dice and Tin Star rise smoothly to their feet as well, the former falling in to the elf's right, and the latter behind the group. The strut in their walk makes it clear that she's with them, and that anyone looking for trouble better go looking somewhere else, unless they want to bite off more than they could chew.

Inwardly, Sal winces. Oof. So much for subtlety. On the other hand, that is their job; to make it clear that we're not to be messed with. Sigh, double-edged swords and all that. Still, maybe next time I'd better make it clear that subtlety might not be such a bad way to go, especially when we stand out enough as is, for the most part. Oh well, what can you do?

Scanning the place thoroughly with both his natural senses and those he had been gifted with above and beyond a normal person, Blaze spots no one with even potentially hostile emotions. Well, except for himself and the rest of the team, that is.

1147 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Ye gods and little fishes, we look like a military unit.

Almost as quickly flashed through her mind: I could get to like this.

It's not particularly surprising that they've caught the ork bartender's eye long since -- and the glance at the shaman tells Sal that he's definitely recognised Blaze, no question there. Behind her, Tin Star gets a harder look: This guy with you? Sal smiles quietly to herself. Even though Tin Star had come dressed down, as he had for the second meet, in some places just being human and looking like you knew how to handle yourself was enough to make you stand out.

To her right, Dice has managed to be almost ignored. Not that he's ignorable or really even been not noticed -- but it's all in the environment and the context.

"We have a meeting of mutual interest arranged," she says quietly, drawing the bartender's attention to her. "Apparently you're the person to see."

"How nice for you," says the bartender, his gaze still straying toward Tin Star. "All 4 of u?"

Sal had a moment's reflection on how the conventions of adspeak could come across, even when on the surface the words should have sounded identical. "Yes, they're with me."

1148 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

The bartender looks them over, shrugs, and says, "Aight. I'll send ya back." He picks up a phone in the of the bar and mumbles something along the lines of 'they're here', or so Sal guesses.

After a moment, he nods at them. "They're expecting you."

The four of them walk on into the back room, where Blaze recognizes the ork, elf, and troll who were there last time. Once again, the ork is already seated behind a small, round table, the curiously normal elf and the massive troll flanking him. He raises an eyebrow at their entrance, and remarks, "I remember you, man in red. The dwarf too." He motions towards Sal and Tin Star. "But you two..."

Fixating his eyes on the elf, he says, "I gather that you are the primary decision maker that Mr. Cube spoke of. I assume he filled you in our discussion last time, yes? Perhaps you could inform me as to what developments have arisen on your side as we reopen our discussions." He folds his hands on the table in front of him and waits patiently.

1148 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

The beauty of a creative truth is that you shape it, and it shapes you. With the ork's words, Sal settles into that truth, and it becomes her.

"How specific are you looking for, at this point?" She smiles gently. "Because I think you would think less of us if we just assumed there wasn't a trust issue involved, here ... on both sides."

1148 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

The ork shrugs nonchalantly, and smiles casually. "You already know what you've asked from us, and you already know what we've asked for in return. Let's just pick it up from there, and tell us what you're still willing to give, and what you still want from us? In short, let's pick up where we left off last time, shall we?"

Leaning back, he motions politely with his hand. "And as I recall, last time, you came to us with a list of requests to open the talks. Seems as good a place as any to start, so how about that list? Or perhaps I should say, the revised version thereof?"

1148 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

She's already reviewed in her mind what Avalanche had said, as well as what Blaze had added to her understanding of the meet. Neither had mentioned anything about any list of requests they'd made. As Sal sits back in the chair she'd picked and steepled her fingers, her elbows resting on the chair's arms, her face shows no sign that her mind's racing; and she's far too deep into the challenge even to feel any irritation. Insofar as any emotions penetrated the cool calculation, it would have to be ... exhilaration?

"Somehow I doubt the word 'list', as such, was used by Ice Cube at any point in the negotiation," she says without hesitation, tapping a gloved finger on the arm of her chair. "Nevertheless, I believe the primary negotiation was for available bulk transportation from San Francisco to Seattle, in exchange for nuyen. A second was for any resources which you might be able to make available locally; although if you agree to create a major diversion or to smuggle weaponry to the people inside the camp, we could alter the negotiations toward that direction. As a resistance movement, I suspect you might prefer to have any spare weapons in the hands of those inside the camp in any case, leading them as you see fit. As I am sure you will appreciate, people fight hardest when they can glimpse their own freedom. So long as you can assure that their bullets won't be coming at us, we have no objection to their being armed."

Then she leans forward, elbows and forearms on the table. "Key to everything we agree to, here, is that we intend to take this camp out of operation permanently." The dead evenness of her voice leaves no doubt as to her sincerity. "I believe this should be in our ... mutual interest ... and may factor heavily into whatever price -- and specifics -- you wish to open at."

With that she settles back in her chair, cocking her head at Blaze: "Let me know if I'm missing anything."

1148 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Blaze tilts forward, trying to pitch his voice so that only Alleycat can hear, "Not yet, but I have to admit, I'm better doing the fighting then the corporate" his inflection on the word showing his distaste for them, "style negotiations."

1149 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

The ork laughs loud and long. But it is far from a mocking laugh. Call it a friendly, incredulous, yet partly admiring laugh, if so many things can be translated through such a basic human form of response.

"Lady, I don't know who you are, but you and your friends, you all got cojones, huh? You realize that we're talking about what's got to be a hundred or so of that bastard Saito's Imperial Marines, and that's not even talking the defenses of the camp itself or what they can call in, right?"

Knowing the question to be more rhetorical in nature than a genuine inquiry, Sal sits there silently and waits for the ork to continue. Chuckling to himself, the ork takes a moment to regain his composure and smiles at her. "You're crazy. The kind of crazy that gets you killed. But I like that. Cause that kind of crazy also sometimes does a lot of good in this world."

Clearing his throat, the ork says, "All right then. To business." Holding up his fingers, he ticks off his responses to her point by point.

"If you got a plan, we got the guys to help get the people back to Seattle. But we may or may not have the transportation for that kind of job, I'm afraid. We've got some trucks, sure, but if you're planning on going through the Tir...well lady, I hope you got some real smarts to go along with that kind of crazy. And as for going by water...if you've got it, we'll got with it, but otherwise we're drek out of luck there. Those are details though. For now, that service for straight up nuyen, sure."

Ticking off another finger, he continues, "Resources, it all depends what you're looking for. Sure, we got some stuff, but nothing military or heavy duty like the high explosives Mr. Cube was talking about last time I was here. And we would be willing to outfit the people, sure, but we don't really have a enough to outfit everyone in there. As far as the diversion though," he shakes his head, "that's just out of the question. I told your friend last time that we don't have the numbers or the training to be used like that, and I won't have my people thrown away as cannon fodder."

Folding his hands in front of him, he finishes, "In exchange for that, Mr. Cube, at least, indicated he'd be willing to help us on something else down the road, call it, a favor. I don't know if any others of your group are along that line of thinking, but we can work something out."

Leaning back slightly, hands still folded across his lap, he nods at Sal. "Well Ms. Johnson, I believe your people were the ones who contacted us. If we're up to date on what we discussed last time, then I believe it's on you to make us the offer, right?"

Ms. Johnson? Argh! That must be what it looks like to them, at least somewhat, since we did contact them about hiring on...Well, not that that's any significant thing, but it's different, that's for sure. Despite her initial surprise, neither her aura nor her physical self show any traces of surprise. Indeed, her attitude might almost convey that she expected to be referred to as such.

"Oh that's good, very good. Very impressive. You're not used to being Ms. Johnson, are you? But you hid it well. They probably don't even know they surprised you. Of course, that's not any real surprise, is it? After all, you're good at hiding things from everyone, aren't you? Huh. It's a wonder some days that you don't try to disguise yourself from yourself."

And then, out of nowhere, that damnable voice again...

1149 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Ignoring the voice, "Listen, drop the Ms. Johnson, please? We're on the same side for this, and if we're to pull this off, we'll all be risking our lives, side by side. Call me Sal -- that's short for Sally."

She spreads her hands, straightening: "We have a plan, once we hammer out the details here we will have a timeframe, and we'll get into details once we're both certain just exactly what you have in the way of trucks and other transportation you're willing to commit. I can understand your concern about the diversion -- would you feel better about it if one or more from our group were to join you? Because I'm not looking for anything like a full combat assault, here. You of all people will know that it doesn't take heavy armaments to make a continuing military commitment untenable. The most up-to-date information you can supply will be crucial. You use resistance tactics, and" -- striking the edge of her palm on the arm of her chair to emphasise the point -- "by Kibo I can help you make them work!"

She's absolutely sincere. What she chooses to do, she will do well.

"But regretfully," she continues, shifting the tone slightly, "any favours volunteered by Mr Cube will now have to be a personal matter between you and him. When we succeed in this, I think we are committing ourselves to a reasonable maximum."

And Sal stretches back comfortably, too firmly settled into this negotiation to -- just now -- hear whoever-it-was as anything more than an irritation ... but also in a position to unnoticeably flick on her answering machine if the voice shows any sign of interrupting necessary information again.

1150 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

She sounds sincere. Very sincere, in fact. But sincerity alone isn't going to help anyone, and it's certainly not going to stop people, maybe a lot of people, from getting killed in the process of this op. Calmly, the ork asks, "How many people are we talking about moving? If you're on the level about getting those people out of there, then we'll get as many trucks as it takes to get them out of there. But like I said, if you want something in terms of sea or air, your drek out of luck with us. As far as a diversion, yeah, having one or more of your people along would probably go a ways to convincing my superior our people won't be used just as cannon fodder."

He grins, a toothy grin, and adds, "Not that we don't trust you or anything. But as a show of faith..." Of course, they both know perfectly well that trust was the issue. Sure, they were out to make the world a better place, but even then, you just couldn't trust people these days, no matter what they were trying to do, right? Or could you?

"So personal favors with Mr. Cube aside, now that I've answered your question, it's still on you to answer mine. What are we talking about here in terms of nuyen?"

1150 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

"The bargain would be in three parts," begins Sal. "The first part should be on a per truck basis, to be acquired in the San Francisco region, each truck to come with a driver willing to cross NAN borders. Of course, if you happen to know of a handy freighter or Ares Dragon which could be volunteered into service --" she smiled "-- and know persons capable of operating it, we could alter that basis." She's still leaning back as she steeples her fingers again: "Then again," she begins thoughtfully, "if you're willing to take part of your payment in kind -- specifically, in what you could salvage of Saito's trucks ...?" She lets that hang for a moment. "Because I'm thinking that a competent and soon-to-be dominant guerrilla group would have some very detailed information on deliveries in the area, and might have some interest in acquiring resources for their own long-term use ...?"

"The basis of the second part would be access to your information and supply lines, initially so as to operate on a mutual equal-information basis with respect to all information concerning the camp, and later in helping us to smuggle small arms and very basic demolitions and, if at all possible, a Matrix-linked datatap into the camp."

"The basis of the third part would be your assistance with diversion at the crucial moment, with your people working directly with Blaze here" -- she tilts her head slightly, what might have been an ironic, understanding, oddly gentle glance behind the red lenses, that somehow takes him instantly back to that moment at the all-night cinema,

1150 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Up until this moment Blaze's gaze had been piercing, as he studied both the auras and physical bodies of their "partners". As Alleycat glances at him his features soften slightly, as if she is once again able to temper the steel that are his emotions. He softens for only a moment, just long enough for Alleycat to catch it, but not enough for their "partners" to take a major notice of it. When they look to him he is once again cold steel, his gaze iron behind his lenses.

I don't know what kind of distraction she is expecting from me, but at least I can provide support for the men with me.

1152 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

The ork closes his eyes for a moment, apparently thinking. His aura shows signs of introspection and consideration, then quickly flashes to resolve. "All right, since you seem determined to avoid the first offer," with a smile, he adds, "not that I blame you, then here's my initial offer. For the first part, 4K, plus rights to whatever vehicles and equipment we find in the camp. The second part, the information will be free provided it is on the basis of a mutual exchange between us and you, with a 1K 'retainer' for the smuggling, to be negotiated on a case by case basis depending on the item in question and the proportionate risk to our people. As far as the third part, 15K, with the understanding that my people will be following the orders of your man there." He gestures to Blaze , then leans back again. "So what do you say?"

During his offer, Blaze has been studying the auras of the three closely. The ork is calm and thoughtful, but seems to have no deceit in mind beyond the desire to get the most for his people as possible while giving up the least, typical for a negotiation, and certainly nothing unusual. The human looks almost bored, but only the naked eye. To Blaze's astral sight, he appears to have coiled, controlled violence lurking beneath the calm exterior.

No surprises there, he's probably the muscle, and he's staying ready in case things go wrong quick. Still, best keep an eye on him, even though it doesn't look like they're planning anything

And the elf, as before, looks perfectly, absolutely, and utterly, boring and mundane.

1154 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

The calculation is so intuitive that it flashes into Sal's mind almost before she's aware of having made it.

"Start with the third part," she says. "15K is acceptable within that understanding, providing you provide your own armament. Depending on what you can tell me of resource specifics tomorrow, it's possible there might be an additional member of our team by your side during that diversion, and I'll leave it up to the two of them which one of them is to be in charge. It's understood that some of the people within the camp will be also assisting you in this -- at least, both you and I will be helping them to be able to do so -- so you'll be providing appropriate armament for them as well." A quirk at the corner of her mouth: "Self-interest all around."

"For the second, I'm amenable to mutual exchange of information as we each acquire it. Again, we have here a situation of mutual self interest." She pauses. "Primary items we're hoping to get into the camp are medical supplies and basic needs we'll be bringing with us. Secondary is one or more secure means of communication as well as a Matrix datalink. Third are the specific items the people inside the camp will need to be able to assist you with attaining their own freedom. Given that we aren't looking or going to be looking at bringing in anything off the charts, or indeed anything that isn't in their direct best interests -- I think you should suggest an "all-inclusive" sum here and not a case-by-case basis, don't you?"

"Finally," Sal leans forward, "for the first part. It's understood that whatever you manage to retrieve from the camp is yours, no question, but neither we nor the drivers will be assisting you. After all, we'll already have our hands full! We do reserve the option to retain a single vehicle from the camp for our own purposes, and we'll similarly reserve the option for a few small items of our choice, nothing that can't be carried on that single vehicle. I mention this only to cover in case one of us should happen to pick up something while in the camp. Please do understand that we'll be trying to get people out, not hunting around for loot! However" -- and here her tone shifts slightly, just as sincere, the slightest bit more dangerous -- "if our man here" -- she indicates Blaze -- "or any one of us encounters and has to battle magical opposition, we also lay claim to any proceeds directly related." Just that quickly, the slight edge to her voice evaporates. "Like most moderately crazy people" -- the quirk turns into a grin -- "we'd generally prefer to sidestep or entirely avoid any such encounters, of course."

"Given all this, I'd suggest 200 nuyen per truck or bus with driver, and a 1K bonus for any truck or bus capable of carrying more than 20 people. It's understood between us, of course, that we'll try to get as many people on these vehicles as is reasonably possible, and that if we take care of the border arrangements, your drivers will be willing to drive them to Seattle."

Once again she settles back, head cocked: "You said earlier that you'd have to confirm this with your people, so we'll have a 5K retainer ready for you, say, at this time tomorrow? The balance, of course, will have to await task completion ... but we can settle the details of that transfer tomorrow as well."

1156 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

The ork takes a moment to consider her offer, then counters, "15K for the 3rd part is acceptable to us both, as well as the clarifications you just laid out, so we'll assume that's set. As for the second, say 2K then for an 'all-purpose' inclusion, but we reserve the right to renegotiate in exceptional circumstances."

Before Sal can ask what 'exceptional circumstances' are, the ork shrugs. "Your man Cube came in talking about high explosives. Smuggling C12 is a bit different than a medkit. Just in case something crazy like that comes up again, I'd want to reserve the option to renegotiate. Barring anything extreme though, a 2K retainer for what it sounds like you have in mind should be fair, given that we'll probably be making numerous trips to smuggle numerous things. As for the first, I'll go with everything you say except the price. Make it 300 per vehcile with driver, and we're good. I assume that the 1K bonus is PER truck or bus capable of carrying more than 20 people, yes?"

He leans back and folds his hands. "And as for the 5K retainer tomorrow, same time and place, that's fine by me. So, what do you say?"

1157 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

"Yup, we're on the same 'base with the bonus. And among the stuff we think people inside the camp will need to help us out, we'll try to keep the C12 to an absolute minimum." Sal stands up, holding out her hand: "I think we've got a deal. See you here tomorrow, then?"

1157 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

The ork nods his head and rises as well. "Tomorrow, same time." Then he and his two bodyguards exit, leaving the team alone in the back room.

1157 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Sal lets out a long breath, almost a sigh, and her shoulders visibly sag a little. "Dice, thank you," she says. "I guess he's later even than he thought he'd be. You've got his LTG, of course?"

It's a very dwarfish look Dice gives her. "Of course."

" 'K, then. You'll let him know what's up with here?"

Dice nods: "Can do. Need anything else?"

"Your LTG," she says, but she's shaking her head at the same time, "Besides that, not for now, but we'll see how it goes. When's good to reach you?"

The dwarf laughs. "Spend as long as I have in th' biz, you don't got no bad times for good news."

After a moment Sal smiles: "Got it. Talk to you when I talk to you, then." The dwarf nods again, and walks out.

"Blaze, Tin Star," she says then, leading the two of them toward the front door of the small eatery, "we've got to talk. Got a preferred place that isn't here?"

1157 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

"I'm afraid I don't have anywhere really good for it, but I may know one place. How much anti snooping protection do you feel we need?"

1157 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Sal shrugs. "Got any idea how few people even care? 'Course, it's the one who does who'll burn you ..."

1158 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Quiet as always through the negotiations, Steele had pretty much been a non-entity. Hide in plain sight, and people let you know things. As far as business went, he was sure he could trust the deal they'd just made, but he couldn't be so sure that these people wouldn't buckle under pressure. Resistance is only as strong as those who provide it. Still, he knew this was their best course of action.

`If'n the two of you don't mind, I know a man who owns a few places we can get some food, an' talk a spell.`

Funny, the guy who never seems to eat during meets, is offering a restaurant for a quiet talk. Then again, Steele's got a hankering for some definitly un-Texan food.

1158 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

"That's fine, it's probibally better than my place anyway."

1158 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Sal grins. "Lead the way."

And then, cocking her head in Blaze's direction: "Did you take a cab again?" Turning slightly to include Tin Star: "That 'back of the truck' offer still open?"

1158 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

A pearly white smile crosses Tin Star's features, and he nods.

`Offers always open. Would probably be best if we all took the same ride anyway, less conspicuous.`

With his drawl, he pronounces every syllable of the last word alone, making it seem more like four.

1159 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Blaze shakes his head apologetically. "Actually I have to pick up my bike, which is how I got here by the way," tossing a jokingly angry look at Alleycat. "I can meet you somewhere and join you in the truck, or you can tell me where to meet you. It's your call, I don't know how private you want to keep your meet site."

1159 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

`It a'int no worry.`

He produces an old fashion business card for a greek restaurant about a half hour from the Rhino. Th erestaurant's part of a fairly sucessful chain, with locations in places that'd suprise some people. Mainly because Z likes to keep his ears out and about in the city.

`We'll wait on outside for ya, that'll avoid us gettin' hastled about a reservation.`

1159 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Glancing from one to the other with a "what did I do?" expression as they approach the parked pickup, Sal opts for the back by the simple expedient of hopping into it. "Mainly because I can crash in the back," she says apologetically, "if only for a few minutes. It's been a disgustingly early morning. Blaze, we'll meet you there, then?"

1159 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Blaze nods, "I know exactly what you mean. I'll see you there."

Blaze turns and walks over to his bike's parking spot. Sliding in the keys he revs the engine once and then peals away towards the resteraunte and the sight of the meet.

As he leaves he dials Max's number on his cell. "Hey, Max, It's Blaze."

(continued on Lits IC)

1225 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

But even though the pickup bed is at least as comfortable as the coffin of a few hours ago, she isn't able to fall asleep, not quite. She knows what that means. Part of her mind is cataloguing turns, stops, once an on-ramp: fitting the kinetic sensory information into a gradually building picture of the Seattle in her mind -- but that's purely a matter of instinct, it's entirely possible she could have done it in her sleep, had she needed to. Another part of her mind is reviewing and sorting the events of the previous hour, to make them her own and to learn from them. In her case, the old cliché is true enough: her first training had been in how to learn.

But again: that wouldn't have been enough to hold her awake.

She's in potentially hostile territory, but she's never really stopped being there, not since -- Enough, no need to go back there: enough to say that she's slept in hostile territory before, to the point where if such ability hadn't been almost second nature, she'd have died from sheer lack of sleep years back. Well -- a couple of years, anyway. So that wasn't it.

No -- she's gone on last reserves and beyond, she's shrugged down two and three all-nighters back-to-back, she's gone so far out of any kind of standard wake-sleep pattern she's no longer sure she ever had one -- come to think of it, that's entirely possible -- wake up out of a sound sleep, with physical and mental faculties fully on-line.

But.

She knows it then. Really, she's known it all along. One refuge, one reliable space when not even her own body, her own physical being, had been reliable. Skills learned, and then the harsh discovery that her own body hadn't the ability to perform them as she remembered performing them: for the second time in her life, now. Even the basic morning routine, culminating with the sun salutation, still leaves her too often trembling in physical exhaustion. It shouldn't be beyond her ability but -- it is. But she'd been prepared for that, once again she's working her way out of that, and if the Ancients connection panned out, she'll be able to tap a reliable steroid market again, or maybe make her own. She's absolutely fed up with her current state.

What she'd not been prepared for, not at all, was a sentient presence inside her own thoughts. With the ability to violate her barriers at will, without even any perception of resistance. It's wrong on so many levels she doesn't even know where to start. It's -- it's wrong. Just leave me alone. Is that too much to ask?

Apparently, it was.

So, Alleycat, this isn't something within your control -- but at least it doesn't want to kill you and it doesn't want to capture you, at least not yet. And it did shut up when it knew I was willing to risk the radio signal out to record what the frag I was in the middle of at the time.

So what are you going to do about it?

She hasn't the foggiest.

The truck's pulling in somewhere, and Alleycat pulls out of her drifting trance. We're here ...

1235 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

As if on cue...

"Violate? That's so...evil sounding. Really now. Just because I want to hold a civil conversation with you, which I might add, has been quite impossible to this point, you think that I'm violating you? Honestly! And I stopped talking to you because you were being quite the difficult one. So don't act as if I'm to blame for all this! Maybe if you'd stop being so hostile and suspicious of everyone and would just listen for a change, we could handle this like nice, mature adults. What do you say?"

1235 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - The Big Rhino

Alleycat's too tired, really, to react: and anyway she'd been half-expecting it. Good to know, at least, that this thing could be goaded in predictable directions. Now that that's established, why not. Did you bother asking what I want?