1235 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Parking the truck in the small employee lot, around back, Steele cuts the engine, and steps on out, pocketing the keys. He picks his hat up off of the passenger seat, dusting it off a bit, and he heads around to the bed of the truck, leaning on over it, and looking to his passenger with a hint of a smile.

`Best Greek food in the city, though I reckon there'd be some closeminded folk who'd disagree.`

1236 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

"Ask what you want?" The voice sounds genuinely puzzled, as if such a possibility had not even occurred to he/she/it. "Why would I do such an unnecessary thing? I already know what you want. If I didn't, I wouldn't be here." A brief pause. Almost as if the presence could sense Alleycat's guarded mind and distrustful heart and was considering what to do next.

"Perhaps we should start over and try this again. How about we introduce ourselves, and then maybe this won't seem so very bad or dangerous to you and then..." the voice seems to grow excited, "and then we can be friends! I would like to be friends with you. What do you say? Would you like to be friends with me, Talia ?"

1238 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Blaze pulls into the small lot where he can see Steele's truck. Parking the bike in the corner of the lot he slides the keys into one of the pockets of his coat. Seeing Alleycat and Steele he walks quickly over to the truck to meet up with them before they go inside. "Sorry, I should have been faster but I kinda got caught up in my own thoughts and missed the turn."

1238 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

What I would like ...

Trying to smile at him -- "Sounds good!" -- although, honestly, McHugh's would have sounded good at that moment, if it involved a moment of inner silence -- Alleycat steps out of the truck's back, flinches a little as a stray beam of sunlight catches her through the overcast sky, and almost loses her balance. She looks like she's got a headache, and the sound of Blaze's bike pulling up isn't helping. If either of them were to give her a hand, getting down, she wouldn't say no. She's having some trouble getting past that last word she'd "heard".

Let me get this straight. You've decided to descend upon my life because you think I want this ... and because you want to be ... friends?

The next question is hovering incessantly in the back of her mind, but she stubbornly holds it there: who are you? What are you? Not least held back, because the other part of the question is far, far too close to begging for her to be at all comfortable with it: can't you just leave me alone?

1239 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Noticing Alleycat wince and sway Blaze quickly moves to help her from the back of the truck. Stifling a jaw-cracking yawn he offers her a hand and helps her down out of the back of the truck. "I guess the truck bed wasn't very handy for a nap..."

1239 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Alleycat shakes her head, regrets it. "Guess not." She takes the moment to rub at her temples, then looks up at the two of them: "By the way, how did I do, back there? It was my first time!"

1239 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

The voice pauses, most likely thinking about what to say next. If it was Alleycat in the voice's shoes, no matter what her intentions, she'd be picking her words damn carefully, for sure. "I don't think you want this, or me. I know you do."

Somewhere after the sentence, Alleycat got the distinct impression of a shrug. "And no, I can't just leave you alone. Because if you didn't really, truly, deeply, want me here, I wouldn't be. A pause, and then, the voice continues musingly, "Perhaps I couldn't be here, if that were truly the case. Hmm..."

It astonished her, the ease with which this voice could read even her deep, unspoken thoughts. It probably wasn't a tough guess in any event, but still...it was far too easy for this voice who seemingly knew so very much about her, with so little effort. Yet there seemed to be no malice in it at all; if anything, an almost childlike straightforwardness seemed to permeate its speech at times.

Seeming to shrug off the question it had last been pondering, the voice continued, "I don't know if friend is really the correct word. It's more like..." again, a distinct impression of thought, and then, the voice shocked Alleycat yet again by clarifying,"I want to be your bestest friend in the whole wide world!"

Alleycat could barely keep her jaw from dropping in front of Blaze and Tin Star. The voice suddenly had sounded like a little girl, and the image of that child running up to her to hug her leg flashed through her mind. Just as suddenly, the voice shifted yet again, sounding older and wiser, and definitely with a masculine 'sound' to it, albeit a very gentle one, like a kindly old teacher. "But that is neither here nor there. We are tied together by fate and destiny, and neither of us can resist that call. Hence, we must learn to cooperate. Tell me honestly, are you not at least a little bit tired of being so very alone?"

1239 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Ruthlessly she cuts off the answer already forming in her mind. Too late. She knew the kid had picked up on it.

It's a kid. A kid, for frag's sake. But it's also -- not. Destiny talk notwithstanding, this is still the Sixth World, and there are more things in purgatory and earth, etc etc. The world has a way of quickly cutting down anyone who thinks they know everything. Even her design team -- but at least one of them maybe hadn't learned that lesson yet. After all, here she is, standing here today.

1239 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Steele looks to Alleycat after the few moments of silence, and he slides his hat on, tipping it just a touch.

`You alright? Looked like you might faint for a spell there...`

He's as much making sure he's not going to have to bring her to a hospital and answer some questions he's not sure he knows, or wants to know, the answer to (for professional reasons), as he is making sure she's ok.

1239 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Already she's starting to retain her balance. "No, I'm okay," she smiles at Tin Star. "Way tired, but that's nothing that a bit of Greek soykaf won't cure. Sorry about that." The smile grows wry. "Thinkin' way too much, maybe."

1239 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

"Very well," comes the masculine voice again. "We accept your deal, and will expect you to address us in an hour. As for your question," he pauses, and Alleycat gets the sensation that he's coughing in what can only be termed embarassment. "We must confess that we really don't know."
The only thing that enters Alleycat's mind at that is such a simple, strong response, there's no way she can hide it. Not that she really needs to. HUH???

Before the man can talk again, the childish voice comes through, "They told us that we need you to be holes!"

"Ahem, no dear," the man interrupts the little girl, "they said we need her to BE WHOLE, not A hole." Alleycat can suddenly see in her mind's eye a picture of a little girl, frowning deeply in thought as she tries to process the difference between the two.

Still, she doesn't have time to sit here and debate with them while she tries to understand their answer, let alone make something useful out of it.

"All right," she cuts them off. "Leave me alone until I get back to you, and we can discuss this more thoroughly then. And I expect at least an attempt at a reasonable explanation for me to consider you as holding up your end of the bargain. Fair?"

"We shall endeavor to assist you upon your return," the man answers solemnly. The little girl is more succinct. "OK nice lady! We'll see you soon! Buh bye!"

Shaking her head as she follows Tin Star and Blaze towards the restaurant, she woefully thinks, What the frag have I got dumped on me now?

1239 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

For now that's established, so for now she's setting that aside. One hour, make it count. "I have to admit, Tin Star," she adds, "I know next to nothing about Greek food. So you'll have to order for me. But just so you know: I'm willing to try anything once. And you'd better make it a large, extended meal, not a five minute bolt. I've heard that Greek food is good for that." A definite sag of tension released goes out of her shoulders as she crosses the threshold of the small restaurant: "With what we know now, and our revised cast list, we've got a lot of work ahead of us."

1239 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Blaze follows Tin Star in, and once a table's been selected he begins speaking. "I'm more than willing to offer my aid to our friends, but I know nothing about comanding. I can help, but putting me in charge may be a mistake. I trust you or their origenal comander more than I trust myself. I'm kind of a loner when it comes to combat."

Blaze seems worried about what will happen, not to himself, but to the mission if he's in charge. His voice shows that edge of fear in it.

Me in comand? Me directly responsible for over a dozen people's lives. Each choice of mine deciding their fate. I am not the man for that job. My life is nothing, but I would never forgive myself if I killed them through my choices.

1240 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

"Listen, right now I don't care if they're going to end up taking your orders or you taking theirs. I do know that you're absolutely the right person for that job." There's an edge of haste in Alleycat's voice underlying the sudden crispness, a sense of impending deadline; but already she looks much better than she had, only a few minutes ago. Had it been summer in the CAS, Tin Star might have wondered about sunstroke. "But we don't have enough there to work with, information-wise, in any case. That's not what I'm concerned with, here and now." "Nice lady." Huh.

She trails off as a waiter arrives to take drink orders and leave menus, letting Tin Star take the lead in this ... and anyway soykaf and water go with everything. Once he's gone, she begins again: "We've still got the heart of our original plan: me on the inside one way; you inside on the opposite side" -- nodding to Tin Star -- "and you" -- nodding to Blaze -- "giving outside support and distraction. So far, we're still in the groove. Just maybe, we've got a workable distraction and support deal worked out -- and I'd really like to hear both your thoughts on that. Not the specifics," she quickly preempts Blaze's objection, "and not that it's you that will be with them; but in terms of what we're getting from them, how much we're paying for it, and its overall reliability."

She's got the menu open, without really looking at it. "But I think you'll agree we've got a huge problem in terms of Matrix and rigging support; and we could probably stand a couple more people in other support positions as well."

1242 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

"I don't have a problem with the overall plan. I do agree that we need to find another decker, although maybe not a rigger." Shaking his head slowly, "I'm more than willing to help provide the distraction, I just don't want to be the one barking orders." Smiling slightly to himself. "I think it would be nice to be paying less, but I'm willing to go with their price."

Blaze trails off as the drinks are delivered and lets Tin Star place his meal order, and then orders the same thing. As the Waiter leaves he continues on.

"I trust that they will do their job. I don't know that they are willing to stand up and really fight when the Drek hits the fan, but until then they should work well. And besides, once the drek really hits the fan we all ought to be running."

1243 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

"Agreed," Alleycat smiles, and toasts him with the glass of retsina poured from one of the pitchers by the waiter, and tosses it back. "And we don't really want anyone fighting anyway. In fact, nearly as possible, we want to make this seem a 'natural' disaster. They're willing to share information with us. Wouldn't it be nice if we could convert some of that information to some stubbornly reversed sewage and drainage pipelines? I'm thinking that should fall within the purview of a pissed-off land spirit."

She can taste the alcohol lingering in the back of her throat. "But if we're going to bring more people into this, we'll have to know exactly what we need. An on-site decker for sure, like you said. But beyond that, we'd better know what we need done, exactly. Do we want to bring in another person with demolition or melee skills? Do we want to ensure everyone brought in can drive? Do we want to look for someone with access to a sea vessel? or do we want to consider temporarily acquiring the use of one? How many persons, beyond the three of us, do we need?

"And finally," pouring herself some actual water from the other pitcher, "who's willing to chip in for tomorrow's retainer? and upon delivery? You'll get it back from everyone else's share, when we're paid. Will we have to find a quick source of income?"

1243 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Steele orders like a seasoned regular, which he pretty much is. A cowboy gunslinger with a taste for Greek was unusual, but he wasn't claiming to be normal. When they settle down to business, he listens, nodding when he agrees. The Decker, though he's not always keen on their kind, is a definite.

`I should be able to handle the retainer. Got one of my contacts working on ID, hopefully... that should get my cover all set up. I'll need to cross at least a few days before y'all. I need to get hired and have a day to get the general lay of the land.`

1243 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

"I --"

But as she's starting to explain her own ID situation, the call comes in over her earpiece -- and this time when she tries to relay it to message, it's the one with the automatic break-in, which by itself tells her who it must be. "Excuse me a moment," she says to the others, and then, aloud: "What's up?"

"So you want it in a female, of the opposite gender, this time?"

It's Grail, all right. For a moment Alleycat entertains a small fantasy of introducing him to both her other voices and -- just watching. From a distance. But she says only, "Yes." That seems safe enough.

"Good thing I placed dibs on it then when it came open," says Grail, "and I don't even have to nail it to the perch, got a live one here. There's nothing an agnostic can't do if he doesn't know whether he believes in anything or not. Already got my personal search virgin worming out and revising gender as we speak." Alleycat blinks: had there been a sleepy protest in the background? "Only one catch, but that shouldn't de-chill you none: can't use it inside Seattle confines. It's hot the way Galahad's doctors were."

Despite her better judgement Alleycat spends a brief moment trying to make sense of this. "Over the borders it'll be fine," says Grail quickly and earnestly into the silence. "Over there, you'll be Petra deVeers. You cool with that?"

She thinks she said "yes" again. Around Grail, for the first time she can remember, it's really hard to be sure. She does remember him signing off with "Farewell, sweet Lance!"

I really have got to get those three together sometime.

1243 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

"That call," she says after she hangs up, "confirms my side of the ID. Over the borders it'll be fine," she says quickly and earnestly, her voice briefly taking on Grail's exact intonation. "Thank you for covering the retainer. I'm afraid I already spent mine -- speaking of which, this is one of the items I'd like to be smuggled into the camp, for me specifically," holding out the wrist computer. "Of course it's not a deck, but I'll need something if I'm to be setting up an in-camp Matrix link; and I'm thinking that's going to be fragging close to essential to this succeeding. But if I'm to go in as a detainee, I'll have to ditch this and credstick and everything somewhere before I arrange to get myself caught. That means I'm relying on you, Blaze, to do a locker pick-up next day, soon as I can get the information to you.

"I'm thinking we set up crossing borders in two groups: you and me first," glancing at Tin Star, "and a day later (and by boat if we can still manage it) you, Blaze, with the decker and anyone else we end up recruiting. We need you there, then, to set up a temp-base on the outside. With the two of us inside the camp, you'll be primary on the outside, the link between inside and outside; and have the average human's freedom of movement as well. Hang onto that edge as long as you can. How's your end coming with the visas?

"I'm also kind of worried about that truck of yours," she says finally to Tin Star. "If we're running hot, we might have to ditch it ...?"

1243 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

`Truck's no never mind to me. We have to ditch it, we'll ditch it. But I'm not overly worried about that. I just need to contact a friend, make sure my end of things is cleared for our trip, and I'm all good to go.`

He's already packed anyway. Not like he travels with much more than he carries. It's just a matter of hoping Duffy can handle his credentials.

1244 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

"Should we try to make sure that our decker is human as well? I mean I hate to sound like a rascist, but it sure would make our lives easier."

Chuckling to himself slightly Blaze continues, "I think I have slightly more movement available to me than the 'average' human, given that I can move on the astral too. Why don't I keep up with you through the astral plane and we arrange the drop that way, we never have to be seen together that way." Blaze smiles slightly, "Not that I don't like being with you, just it might put me under suspicion when you get picked up."

"I have no problem with traveling in a second group, and in fact I think the less connected I am to you two the better. I can speak enough Japanese to get buy, and if I'm on my own I should be ok."

For a moment Blaze looks like he's thinking and then starts shaking his head slightly, "I might know where we can get a decker but I make no guarentees. I can talk to my contact, and I can try to find one as well. Just don't let that stop you from trying as well."

1244 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

"Well, I'll try not to get it ditched, how's that?" smiles Alleycat, but some of the tension drains visibly out of her. "The decker's got less problems than the rest of us. "If he's discovered while working, he'll be up the creek for a lot worse than just being meta, or whatever. That's another reason I'd like to keep him as off-shore as possible. After what you said before, Blaze, I'm absolutely counting on you for astral communication; although I'd like to get some scrambled radios for us as well. You're the one that's going to be most out of communication, Tin Star, 'cause it'll just shatter your cover if there's anything like non-spec radio equipment found on you. Maybe we can set up something for you outside the compound, something that you can access regularly? Unless anyone's got a better idea?"

She shakes her head then: "But I don't want you on your own either, Blaze, even when you're non-astral. You'll be liaising with our temp-allies, you'll be filtring what's to be gotten into the camp, you'll be running distraction, and I'd really like for you to have backup throughout. So, besides the maybe-decker, what say you two to trying to get one, maybe two more people who can hold their own in a firefight, maybe have some demolition or electronics skills as well, at least one of them meta so we can smuggle him into the camp once I'm established?"

A quiet laugh: "You know, the Johnson still thinks there's the original six of us, and we're supposed to get paid accordingly. I don't think we have to tell him differently?"

1244 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Chuckling as well, "Hey, what the corps don't know can't hurt us, right?"

Smiling slightly more, "If the decker's going to stay way off shore it makes it more likely that my contact will be willing to work with us. In terms of comunitcating with Tin Star, I might be able to use a watcher or two to send messages but that's chancy and traceable, and it takes a while."

"I can try to arrange back-up for myself, can't guarantee anything, but in this biz you never can."

1244 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Alleycat rested her elbows on the table, and her chin on her hands: "So you do think it is a corp, behind this. We never did do a proper search on the person we're looking for, did we? That's another thing we need done before we leave, and on the QT at that. We'll use that search as the test for our new decker. I don't know how well 'way off shore' is going to work yet, so why don't we all spread the word quietly that -- oh, better come up with a different name this time, even if it's me ends up doing the talking; we don't want this getting back to the Johnson -- that we're looking for a good decker and those two other guys I mentioned before: and if we end up with multiple choices, so much the better."

1244 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Shrugging slightly Blaze answers, "I can put out the word on the decker and gunners. I'll check with my contact when we finish and see what he can do, maybe we won't need the word out about teh decker. Either way I think that's settled and fairly easily covered. Anything else you figure we need to do?"

1247 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

"Get one fragging hell of a lot more information on the person we're supposed to be rescuing than we currently have? and get it before any of us leaves? Know as far as possible exactly who's involved behind the scenes? Get all the information our temp-allies have for us? Know our escape route -- and know our alternate escape route? Know exactly what each of us is going to be doing, beyond scoping out the place? I've got some ideas, but our resources keep changing on me."

She sighs.

"But first of all, Tin Star, get that retainer as untraceable as possible -- not the sticks from the Johnson. Cash would be ideal; a different certified credstick less so, but adequate.

"Second: obtain some miniaturised radio equipment with scramblers, from somewhere. Borrow, beg, anything. We'll get one of them smuggled inside the camp and one of them smuggled to you, Tin Star -- but everyone outside the camp should always have one accessible, even though we aren't going to be using them until we're ready to act.

"And third ..." She trails off thoughtfully, studying the table, letting the waiters divest themselves of large group platters of rice and souvlaki and spanakopita. After they are gone, she remains still for a good few minutes longer, her head bent: then raises it suddenly. "Gentlemen, we all know this would go much better with a boat. So what can we find out, on the QT, about obtaining one ... however temporarily?"

1247 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Blaze smiles slightly, "Yeah I'll see about getting the radios, but a boat, this quickly, might be harder to finagle. I just don't have the contacts to work."

1247 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

"True, that -- but ask around anyway. Both of you. As well as transport, we just might discover another location that needs freeing." Alleycat looks thoughtful then: "Did our allies say anything before about the stipulation for bringing the detainees back to Seattle? I thought for sure they'd try for some reassurance that we're not running slaves."

She chews thoughtfully the stuffed pastry-like dumpling variant she'd speared from the main platter. "Tin Star, what all am I eating, here? I'd like to be able to order it again."

1247 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

`I've never much had a problem with being left to my own ends a while.`

Border patrol, always lonely duty when the numbers are stretched thin. When it's the Azzie military on the other end, then you're all the more on your own. He doesn't even bother with mentioning that he knew not to bring tracable cash. He knows crime, knows how it works.

`Sour beef and dumplings, Z's makes the best in the city. Though I reckon I'd recommend the mixed grille, that is if you've got the stomach for squid.`

1248 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

If Alleycat's eyes were visible behind the red lenses, they might have narrowed; and for once she didn't smile. He didn't acknowledge anything I said other than the direct question, and he doesn't much care whether he's in contact with the rest of the team or not. He states it as though the only issue were his ability to function out of touch, ignoring completely that we might need to contact him -- to work with him. He knows what he's doing with regards to the credstick, but he really doesn't care whether the rest of us know that he knows; and there's nothing he said before that would make it obvious. I'm thinking maybe he was military, but if so, it was maybe low rank (where you avoid volunteering for anything that isn't in your self-interest) and for sure long stretches alone; and maybe he's been on too many of them to remember how to work with other people.

You should talk, "Alleycat".

I'm forcing myself, okay? We're supposed to be working as a team here. That means I've got to find a way for us all to stay at least periodically in touch, and all of us recognise that that's important. That means they've got to know for sure that I can do what I say I'm going to do. That means if someone asks me to do something, I've got to acknowledge, out loud, to them, that I will do that thing. We're still a ragtag collection of individuals, not nearly enough bonded yet for silent understandings to work. That's already expressed itself, in how many people up and vanished. So we've absolutely got to take into account that we aren't yet a team, but that we're working toward becoming one -- and that means that like all of us, I've got to make sure I say relevant things out loud, even if they seem obvious to me.

Otherwise we're screwed before we begin.

1248 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Blaze can see that the meeting is begining to wrap up. Taking a moment the other two can see his focus slide out for just a short while. Even behind his yellow lenses they can see that he's shifted his focus.

Taking a moment on the astral plane Blaze studies the auras of both his companions, committing them to memory. At least I should be able to find them this way.

1248 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

But we haven't even gone over plan specifics yet ...?

No matter. Even without it being blazingly obvious in the astral, she'd know that she's lost Blaze's focus (which maybe is the only reason she isn't more uncomfortable under the shaman's steady, analysing stare); and Tin Star's been ready to leave for a couple of days now. So's she for that matter: but they're not working on nearly enough information for her taste -- and she's far less willing to unnecessarily jump into something blind than either of them. We may never have perfect information, but perfect information is a long way from what we've got.

If this doesn't work out ...

What's holding her back from the sudden urge to just disappear again, out of the world, away from this whole thing, is the knowledge that, somehow, she has to make this work -- and making it work means to make it work for all three of them. At some point she's been shifted into something of a leadership position. She doesn't mind the order-giving part -- but apparently there's a responsibility part too. Sucks beans, that.

"Okay," she says at last, knowing at least enough never to give an order that will be ignored or actively disobeyed, "Looks like we're pretty much wrapped up here for now. Tin Star, unless you want to help vet any new recruits for yourself, or unless you're going to be able to get any background legwork for us" -- she's proud of having acquired that word -- "looks like all you've got left here is the finalising of the meet with our allies, you know when and where. After that you're clear to go as soon as the ID paperwork's in and Blaze can get you a radio. Since I've still got some work to clear up on this end --" let's hope that at least one of the new guys can come up with something about this Alexander person or his sister "-- if your ID checks out before Sunday, looks like you'll be going on your own after all. If either of you comes up with a potential team member and you want me to vet them, call me. You've got my number."

Fragging hell, she's tired. And the thought translates into personality, and the personality translates physically into what's left when the energy runs out of your body and you just want to sink into the floor.

1248 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Blinking out of his focus Blaze returned to the normal world, feeling that slight loss that the transition leaves. "Sorry, I just needed to make sure I could pick the two of you out in a crowd. Tin Star, I'm gonna need your number to let you know on the radio, and I'll giv eyou guys mine if you want it. I've found that works better than suddenly looking like a ghost in the middle of your bedroom."

Realizing his feeble attempt at humor was just further proof of his complete exaustion Blaze continued on. "It may take me a day or two to get them, but I hope not."

Turning his shaded gaze back to Alleycat he swtiched over to a different subject. "I'll know by the end of the day how we stand with my decker, in or out and conditions. I'll try to find a gun bunny to cover either you or my meat, whichever is more needed, but no promises on either account, I've found these things to be fairly hit or miss."

Decking and gun bunnies certainly aren't my spcialty. I hope Max can set me up with someone he trusts. I don't know that we truly need the gun bunny, but I think Alleycat would prefer that I had some more backup. I really should try to stay in touch with her after we finish saving these people.

1249 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

"Appreciate that, Blaze." The attempt at humour had gone completely past her, another indication that maybe after all it was a good idea to wrap up with what they had. "Got a bit of Matrixy work to do myself."

The food's far from finished, but since they've started packing it in anyway, Alleycat waves over the waiter and asks for what's left to be packed up, at the same time asking the waiter lightly for the damage -- revising it to "the bill" when she doesn't get that instant smile out of him. When it arrives, she mock-cringes -- "You'd better look at that, Tin Star" -- but she pulls out and unfolds a couple of diagonally-folded notes regardless and places them inside the padded book of a folder in which the bill had arrived. The total's close, but it's not nearly enough to cover the full bill.

1249 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Tin Star is quick enough to take up the bill when it comes, regarding it a moment. Business is absorbed, but in his usual manner he doesn't have much to say about it. He's new, green to this business, so he's handling it as any other he's been new to. Stay quiet, smile and nod, and when it comes time, act. For now he's just got to arange to have to retainer wired to a place he can get it in cash, and he's got to talk to Duffy. There's tension with the team, this he can tell, but he's never been much of a leader, or much of a team player in the past. He's a lone wolf, a straight arrow. Of course that's got him in trouble in the past.

`I'll leave y'all with my contact number. The meal's on me, 'long as you'all pitch in for the tip.`

In truth he'll leave the bill to his tab with Z, and have it taken out of his payment for the run. It's just how things work.

1250 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

Alleycat nods acknowledgement, knowing he'd see it and understand it. In the quiet way Tin Star's taken the bill, she knows he's going to take care of it in his own way. She'd held a private bet with herself that he would. (Suppressed sigh. Note to self: always ask the experts ... later.) She's vaguely curious about the protocol he'd follow after that, once he'd noticed that she'd left what was almost certainly close to the value of the entire meal; but really only for what it would tell her about him, and even that observation would be muddied by what a "standard" tip would be, under ... call them "unusual" circumstances. She wouldn't have expected it -- and that's why she's trained herself not to rely to heavily on preconceptions -- but he's got some of the same sense of "belonging" in this place as Avalanche had had, back at Blink's.

Live and learn.

"So, if we're done here, I'll see you both here tomorrow, half an hour before I've got to finalise our deal. Unless either of you comes up with a nibble you want my opinion on before then, of course. Blaze: can I catch a ride with you to the Puyallup civic centre?"

Got forty-nine minutes clear yet, fragging straight I want to get some solid Matrix stuff done first. And then afterwards I can head to the shooting range, and maybe it'll be my turn to pin up a picture. Hmm, the Teaser felt like he might be a scrapper, wonder if he knows anyone who teaches? I am so far from what I should be ...

1250 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Zerikolopoli's

"Sure, might be a little tight, but I think I can manage. I'm pretty much fine with the plan as is, I'm not sure I like being 'in charage' of our friends, but I can manage. Thanks for covering the charge Tin Star, I'll pay you back at some point and I'll see you tomorrow, hopefully with a friend."

With that Blaze stood up, stretching and yawning. It had been a very long night, and he suspected the next few days and nights would be just as long. Maybe I can catch some sleep before Squall and Max call back. If not I'll need to sleep on the ride over.

1301 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - leaving Zerikolopoli's

This time of day, outside the major rush hours and with the overcast mostly cleared, leaving the sky almost as clear as Seatle skies ever get, the ride is a relatively fast one. The watery sun beating on her worn longcoat, Alleycat hunches a little closer on the seat behind Blaze. If he weren't as tired as he is, she thinks he might have asked if there wasn't some better place to take her -- her place, perhaps? But the bus terminal suits her purposes particularly well, just now; and she's got to set a few things in motion quickly: so she just quickly slides off before he can think better of it, raises his visor to peck him on the cheek, and becomes quickly one with the mid-noon-hour commute. She can feel the seconds slipping away.

Where is that Matrix café I had marked earlier? They said it was around here somewhere ...

1321 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - leaving Zerikolopoli's

As he slowly drives off Blaze can't help but have his mind wander.
I really should have asked if there was a better place to drop her off. And I wonder what that small kiss meant..

As he starts getting near his place his mind slips into bussiness mode.
Call Max, set up a time ot meet him, today, and tell him what I'm looking for. Call Squall, leave a message on his answering machine, because that's the only way to talk with him. Then, finaly get at least an hour or two of sleep.

Trying desperately to supress it Blaze lets out another jaw cracking yawn. Sleep would help, but he couldn't afford to sleep for too long, there was still a lot he had to do, and more than a few things he needed to figure out.

1321 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - leaving Zerikolopoli's

After he settles the bill, and the others depart, Tin Star hangs back a few moments, ordering a coffee, and inquiring if the boss is in. If Z is present, it might make things a bit easier alround. Duffy isn't always the easiest soul to contact, and Steele needs the creds for a border cross, and a background check come to think of it, soon.

13:22:02 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - leaving Zerikolopoli's

A waitress comes back in a few moments, and says quietly, "He's in, and he'll see you in the back for a few if you need him."

13:23 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Meeting with Z

When the waitress comes back, it'll be to Tin Star busying himself with folding a copy of the bill into a little origami thing or another. With a smile and a friendly nod, he pushes back his chair.

`Thank you kindly, if you'll lead the way.`

He stands, and pushes the chair back into place, falling in behind the waitress. He knows the way, of course, but there are protocols to follow after.

1351 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Home

It had been a long day, and it was only half done. As he entered the door Blaze sagged visibly, the exaghstion from the past 24 hours fully catching up with him. He shrugged off his coat and hung it up.

Stepping towards his bedroom he began calling Squall. Typing numbers he knew by rote from his may days of calling asking if he'd found anything Blaze was focused on what he was going to talk with Max about. As the call went through to Squall Blaze could hear the answering machine pick up.

"Hey, it's Blaze. I've got a few things I need to talk to you about. Give me a call back on a secure line and we'll talk."

Hanging up Blaze imediately began dialing Max. It's been so long since Max and I have been able to just sit down and talk. If I can somehow manage to stay awake for a dinner this will be good. Just me and him talking.

"What's up?"

"Hey, Max, this is Blaze. I was just thinking it's been a while since you and I have gotten a chance to just sit down and eat a meal together."

"It's been too long since we've done that. You planning something?"

Max knows me all too well "Yeah actually. How about we get together tonight for some sushi, you pick the place and I'll meet you there."

The quick pause on the other end let Blaze know that tonight would have to be quick, Max obviously already had something planned.

"Yeah, that sounds fine. How about we eat on New York time, about 10:00."

He must have a meet to broker before that, he's always been a fan of eating at a reasonable hour.

"That sounds fine. Give me a call if you don't want to eat at the regular place."

Max's response was kindly, it had been too long since they'd talked. "Sure, It'll be good to talk to you in person again. Bye"

Shaking his head Blaze set his bed alarm for 4 hours That ought to be enough time, and if Squall calls it should wake me up. It'll be good to talk to Max again, even if some of it will have to be biz.

Double checking the alarm Blaze took off his under shirt and lay down for the first real sleep he'd had since night before last. His thought before drifting off was of the two women he has vowed to protect. I have to find her and keep her safe, even if it gets me killed. And I will not let anything happen to her durning this run, I can't let the corps hurt them again.

16:47:12 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Home

The telecom rings. Blaze rolls out of bed and answers, and is greeted with the usual static filled background that accompanies Squall’s voice. “You rang with stuff to say. I’m here, so let’s hear what you’ve got for me.” Always blunt and to the point, Squall was. Still, there were worse traits in a person, the shaman supposed. Shaking off the last remaining cobwebs of sleep clouding his mind, Blaze began filling him in.

13:25:19 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Meeting with Z

The waitress leads him to the back, where a nondescript looking Greek male is sitting at a plain, unassuming table with a cheap .99 nuyen tablecloth covering it. A plate of chicken and potatoes is pushed off to one side, and the whole surface of the table is covered with receipts. Looking up at their arrival, Z gestures to a chair a small distance from the table, opposite from himself, and says, “Ah, if it isn’t the Star.” He chuckles a little at his joke, and asks as Tin Star seats himself, “What can I do for you today?”

13:25:19 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Meeting with Z

Tin Star takes up the chair, twisting it about so he can sit and rest his arms on the back. A meeting with Z has never been an overly formal affair.

`Been a little while Z, thanks for the tip on this one, she's big. big enough I'm going to need some new credentials, something with enough beef to get me across a few potentially unfriendly borders.`

A plain white human with more than a bit of redneck in him isn't exactly Tir friendly. Then again he's thinking a little more roundabout journey.

13:26:09 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Meeting with Z

Looking up at him with a familiar, friendly irritation, Z grumbles, "Details my American friend, details. You are always so short with your words. I must have details to know how to respond to you. Be more specific in your requests, please. Which borders? Any specific things these credentials must have? Will there be cause to examine any particular aspects of them closely? Come come, let the words flow and paint me a picture of your desires."

16:47:12 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Home

Blaze begins speaking slowly, trying to clear his sleep fogged, and deprived brain. "I've taken a job to shut down one of Saito's camps." Shaking his head Blaze's voice regained some strength as his brain slowly woke up. "We lost our teams decker and are in need of another one. You could most likely do all of your work from where you are right now, and anything else we could set up for you so you wouldn't have to leave.

Squall's silence could only be described as stunned. "I know this seems blunt but you're the best Decker I know and we kinda need one." Shaking his head to try and further clear it Blaze gave Squall a minute to let his rapid delivery sink in. "You'd be paid of course, although I can't tell you how much right now, but it should be in the 10 k range. If you're even going to consider it I need to arrange a way for you to meet, even if it's electronically, with the rest of the team." The world had finally begun to clear itself up to Blaze. "So, you interested?"

Squall's voice was hard to read over the static on the line, but the words could be heard clearly. "I can't help you, at least not on short notice like this. I've got other things that I have to do. I'll assume that you have at least a few other things you need me to do."

Blaze sighed slightly at the news. You know I really ought to know better than to expect him to be able to do that like this. Squall's always liked to really look things over before committing, must be the crazyness of the past few days, throwing me off.

"Yeah. As if I hadn't asked enough of you I have a few things I need. I still need a decker, if you know anyone trustworthy who you think can accept a job this quickly please let me know. I also need to know if you can connect me with a set of 4 radios with at least some encryption. The other is I need some information about an individual." Blaze began running down the list that Alleycat gave him to try and find out.

edited per the PM

16:47:52 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Home

“Four radios with encryption I can do. The level of encryption we’re talking about though, will influence how fast I can get them. Any specifics on that? As far as another decker, I’ll look into it for you, but I’d recommend going through other channels on this as well. Any info I should know as far as passing along the job to them? And now, what’s this information you’re looking for on a person?”

16:48:05 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Home

"I've never been reallly good with technology so I'm not sure exactly. I know it needs to be enough to offer some level of protection, but I don't think we need it encrypted heavily enough to fool someone like the CIA. If that helps any... "

Taking a breath Blaze shook his head once again, clearing the last of the cobwebs out of his head. "I'm already working on trying to find someone through other routs, but since you're the expert I figured I'd ask."

Slight static crackled through from the other end, but Blaze could still hear Squall's breathing over the line. "As for the information... I need as much background as you can get me on three individuals. The first is Mister Alexander Wong, he's a 22 year old Elf from China, he's currently held in a concentration camp in Cal Free. I need background and, mainly, a reason why someone would pay me to break him out. The second is his sister, same thing for her."

The static was getting slightly louder again, perhaps Squall adjusting the encryption on the call. "That should be do able, but it's going to take some time, and some money. You said you had a third target?"

Blaze continued on finally truly awake. "The third is my Johnson. Called himself Mr. Fan and met us in the Paradigm Shift I'd like to know who he works for and what his, or his employer's, connection to the target is."

"You know as well as I do that Johnson's like their privacy. I can try but I make no promises, and it's going to cost me some for that, so I'll likely need you to pay for some of it."

"Thanks, and I know. Let me know when and if you find anything."

The line went dead leaving Blaze groggy but awake. I'm not gonna be able to get back to sleep, so I might as well get up.