January 28th 2063 - BBC international news - "Large crater found in Southern Texas, CAS. Hit a small desolate industrial community, leaving a crater the size of two football fields wide. CAS military have a lockdown on the site and are trying to determine the nature of it. Cameras show that there was only one survivor of the blast. This person i guess you could say, doesn't really seem like a normal human, then again who does nowadays, however any more information has been kept secret from us. The death toll is 112 died in that blast, zero injured, but many people traumatized at lost husbands and wives. This is Lauren Wellesley for your BBC news - you heard it here first!"
CAS-CBS news - "In the small town of Smallville, Texas, a tragic accident happened today. Government officials are still sorting out the details, however an explosion occured wiping out an industrial complex on the outskirts of town. Unfortunately 112 brave workers were lost today, however, there was noone else seriously injured. We trust that our government will get to the bottom of this, but for now, this is Monica Roselli saying, we mourn with you Smallville."
"Drek! How'd this get loose so fast! Drek!" General Wilson screamed at his staff. "Someone tell me how it got out!"..."NOW!"
"Sir, we believe that we might have a mole, sir" a young man peeped quitely.
"Well fix it! and we're moving, if the media knows something's here, so do a lot of other people, especially those already looking for us. By the way, how did Gabriel get free from all of that you stupid fragging morons!?" The general was screaming at the top of his longs with veins almost popping out of his head.
The same young man shuddered a bit as he replied, "we don't know, our omega measure wiped out all of the evidence of what happened, luckily for us that day's research work was already sent back to HQ. And we're lucky that the final blast knocked him out enough to get him into an electromagnetically sealed container again."
This seemed to calm the general down a bit. "Yes, you're right, we did get a little lucky, but from here we need to beef security up a bit. Also, call up labs 2 + 3 and see which one is better suited to take over this work. And finally, get our shadow network up, let's see who's been asking about us again, and whether we can eliminate some of these problems." A lot of the men were beginning to smile. They were the type of soldiers that hated doing the day to day things with the general. hate doing cleaning cooking, and chores. They became soldiers for one reason, and that was combat. With the scent of new blood in the area, and things starting to heat up, a lot of them even began to grin and clean out theor weapons once they were back at barracks.
Jan. 30th - "General Wilson sir, this is bloodhound 1. We are sending over a list of those who have asked about us, a list for companies already sponsoring runners with all the intel on them. Also, we have the list of people that know of our operation and may be planning a move as well. we are standind by awaiting your command sir." a husky voice came over the phone as the lists came up on screen.
Hmmm... a lot more than i thought, well we deal with them one by one i suppose. "Any team casualties as of yet?" Wilson asks getting his pen reay to sign the order.
"Sir, team gold is a bit banged up, and have one man hospitalized, but they are operating at about 70%efficiency, all other teams are operating at above 90% efficiency, sir."
Slowly breathing the cold stale air of Frion from his HQ, he finally signs the order and says, "Go on operation: Shadow spanking. We go with plan A, deter and warn, give a lesson to the rest of the shadows." He sees the smiles on their faces as he turns off the link, and gets back to the other side of the operation.
Jan. 31 - Shadowland obituaries - Wren, Pawn, The trimmer, Trace, Phoenix, Fintail, Sweep, Flick, Mantis, Howl, Snap, Whiting, Eagle, Figment, Martian, Zack, Genie, Vapor, Stiletto, John Walker, Jenny Walker, Laertes, Flank, Ox, Goober, kitty, White Princess. The shadowland salutes those that have fallen.
<<I did my research.... these guys were all killed by the same team, most of these guys were in teams anyways... someone's making some big power moves taking on the whole shadows.
--Argent
<< It's not corp. I can see that much. Many of this list were high ranking corp people from diverse corp, and not one corp is strong enough to pull moves like this without ending up suffering much worse. No, it's something bad, something big, someone's being planning this.
-- Prime Runner
<< It's bad news alright, I was on one of the teams when we were hit, i survived through a stroke of luck, but everyone else is gone. Their carcasses were piled up near a dumpster. It was bad. I'm probably still being hunted. I'll give the rest of the shadow world a hint. Don't do anything biblical in the near future, because that's what this is all seems to center around.
-- Anonymous
Today -
Everyone - These last 2 weeks of downtime has helped you all relax and heal from your last runs. It let's you take care of all your bills, and train and study to improve yourself. Some of you have found each other to drink with or hang out with, while others continued their day jobs. Eventually, you guys get back in the swing of being in your prime. ready and anxious to try out your improved skills, you've just been itching to hear that call from The Nerd for a team meeting.
The Nerd - Next time you look down at your phone you have a page from your safehouse. It reads 1319 which you know means you have a message about a job from your team fixer, Jarvis, and the video is in the mailbox in your safehouse computer.
Full Version: IC Revelations
The shop was doing good. Even though the neighborhood was not the best, the operation was profitable. And upper management had taken his advice, and allowed him to cater to the more... exotic... clientele. That meant looking the other way once in a while, but it also meant the shop had not been ransacked, burglarized or even shot at since it opened.
And management liked that. No repairs meant more profits.
The phone made a blipping sound. The Nerd looked at the screen and read the numbers in it. One - Three - One - Nine. Good. Jarvis has something for us. The Nerd had to wait until his shift was over at 3PM, locked his desk, took his pistol, said goodbye to the guys at the shop floor, and left. There was no need to break the routine, so he didn't. Appear predictable while being unpredictable, one of his mentors had drilled into him time and time again, so that you can achieve surprise whenever you need to. That piece of advice had saved his neck more than once.
Making sure, as usual, that he wasn't being tailed, the Nerd took a tube from Columbia to Everett. Exiting the closest he could to their safehouse, he walked to 2083 Pelican Way taking a rather complex path. He always did this, although there was no actual pattern to it. It was just his way of making sure he was not being followed.
As he approached the gate, he gave a careful inspection to the lock. He made sure it had not been tampered with. Not that he expected it to be, but again, better safe than sorry. He punched his 16-digit entry code, using his body to hide his fingers as they went through the keypad. Once the gate opened, he made sure it was locked behind him, and he repeated the process at the house's front door.
He knew the hidden cameras were tracking his every move, and he derived some comfort from that. They would pick any intrusion and the computerized system would page, e-mail or phone all team members within 2 seconds of a break-in. The system WAS that good.
His first stop was in the kitchen. He got a beer, a blue Romulan Ale that was deliciously cold, opened it, and started sipping from the can while he moved downstairs. Once in the basement, he sat in front of the 'puter and logged in using a combined thumbprint and thermal reader. The system acknowledged his identity, and started the on-the-fly decryption of his e-mail. The Nerd took another gulp from the can, and waited for decryption to complete...
And management liked that. No repairs meant more profits.
The phone made a blipping sound. The Nerd looked at the screen and read the numbers in it. One - Three - One - Nine. Good. Jarvis has something for us. The Nerd had to wait until his shift was over at 3PM, locked his desk, took his pistol, said goodbye to the guys at the shop floor, and left. There was no need to break the routine, so he didn't. Appear predictable while being unpredictable, one of his mentors had drilled into him time and time again, so that you can achieve surprise whenever you need to. That piece of advice had saved his neck more than once.
Making sure, as usual, that he wasn't being tailed, the Nerd took a tube from Columbia to Everett. Exiting the closest he could to their safehouse, he walked to 2083 Pelican Way taking a rather complex path. He always did this, although there was no actual pattern to it. It was just his way of making sure he was not being followed.
As he approached the gate, he gave a careful inspection to the lock. He made sure it had not been tampered with. Not that he expected it to be, but again, better safe than sorry. He punched his 16-digit entry code, using his body to hide his fingers as they went through the keypad. Once the gate opened, he made sure it was locked behind him, and he repeated the process at the house's front door.
He knew the hidden cameras were tracking his every move, and he derived some comfort from that. They would pick any intrusion and the computerized system would page, e-mail or phone all team members within 2 seconds of a break-in. The system WAS that good.
His first stop was in the kitchen. He got a beer, a blue Romulan Ale that was deliciously cold, opened it, and started sipping from the can while he moved downstairs. Once in the basement, he sat in front of the 'puter and logged in using a combined thumbprint and thermal reader. The system acknowledged his identity, and started the on-the-fly decryption of his e-mail. The Nerd took another gulp from the can, and waited for decryption to complete...
*Bing Files done. the computerized female voice says.
"Yarr ye scurvy sea dogs..." Jarvis laughs as he tries to hide his heavy english accent. Jarvis's face pops up with an obviously fake beard, crummy looking pirate hat, an eyepatch, and finally a big fake blue parrot on his shoulder. "I know I know, too much downtime again... you guys think you'd et sick of jobs at the rate you guys are going. Well, i've got a mighty powerful gig lined up for you guys. The man asked for my best team. And as of yesterday that's you."
He takes off the beard and eyepatch as he laughs and says, " He's giving up a lot of heavy nuyen. so this could be your biggest break yet. but also the most dangerous. He's asking for experienced professionals, and sad to say i know... but that's all you guys." Now he takes off his smile and gives you a serious look.
"Ok down to business, i'm only taking 5% on this one if you guys take it. it'll be a long term contact with a couple jobs he says. He wants to meet you guys face to face. The meeting time and place is in the file i gave you as well as his info. OK wifey's cooking dinner. Call me if you need me." And just like that the screen goes black again.
End of messages says the machine, as the file begins downloading.
As The Nerd opens the file on the computer, a map of Seattle opens and a bar is blipped up on the corner of 32nd and Broad. The meeting time is set for 9:00 PM on Wednesday, 2 days from today. It seems like a small bar, with a younger crowd, and a couple back rooms for conferencing. it's a little watering hole and for a pint of "house ale" it's only 1 nuyen, while a "House Light" costs 3. They like their sports and have some tvs set up, a couple pool tables, and some other entertainment.
The area is rather run down, with small shops for greasy food, liqour stores, and convenience stops are all around. the area is not highly populated, but there will almost be at least 2 people on the streets. Hookers have taken up some of the hookers, and gang signs are all over the walls.
Info on the Johnson himself is rather scarce. Jarvis was able to find that the man's working under the name of John Jones. John's currently getting paid by both Mitsuhama and Cross Applied Tech. This job is unclear but it looks like the money is coming from Cross. He has much experience in doing this and has almost nothing except for a few shoplifting charges. No Address, no age, no SIN, no relevant information. Only that he's got some power, and he has a lot of authority. This guy looks like he's the real deal.
"Yarr ye scurvy sea dogs..." Jarvis laughs as he tries to hide his heavy english accent. Jarvis's face pops up with an obviously fake beard, crummy looking pirate hat, an eyepatch, and finally a big fake blue parrot on his shoulder. "I know I know, too much downtime again... you guys think you'd et sick of jobs at the rate you guys are going. Well, i've got a mighty powerful gig lined up for you guys. The man asked for my best team. And as of yesterday that's you."
He takes off the beard and eyepatch as he laughs and says, " He's giving up a lot of heavy nuyen. so this could be your biggest break yet. but also the most dangerous. He's asking for experienced professionals, and sad to say i know... but that's all you guys." Now he takes off his smile and gives you a serious look.
"Ok down to business, i'm only taking 5% on this one if you guys take it. it'll be a long term contact with a couple jobs he says. He wants to meet you guys face to face. The meeting time and place is in the file i gave you as well as his info. OK wifey's cooking dinner. Call me if you need me." And just like that the screen goes black again.
End of messages says the machine, as the file begins downloading.
As The Nerd opens the file on the computer, a map of Seattle opens and a bar is blipped up on the corner of 32nd and Broad. The meeting time is set for 9:00 PM on Wednesday, 2 days from today. It seems like a small bar, with a younger crowd, and a couple back rooms for conferencing. it's a little watering hole and for a pint of "house ale" it's only 1 nuyen, while a "House Light" costs 3. They like their sports and have some tvs set up, a couple pool tables, and some other entertainment.
The area is rather run down, with small shops for greasy food, liqour stores, and convenience stops are all around. the area is not highly populated, but there will almost be at least 2 people on the streets. Hookers have taken up some of the hookers, and gang signs are all over the walls.
Info on the Johnson himself is rather scarce. Jarvis was able to find that the man's working under the name of John Jones. John's currently getting paid by both Mitsuhama and Cross Applied Tech. This job is unclear but it looks like the money is coming from Cross. He has much experience in doing this and has almost nothing except for a few shoplifting charges. No Address, no age, no SIN, no relevant information. Only that he's got some power, and he has a lot of authority. This guy looks like he's the real deal.
the Ballerina wiggles the small earplug cellphone into position as she steps out from the foyer of her apartment block onto the cold streets of downtown. Barely recognizing the presence of the security guard permanently posted outside the hi-rise building.
Pulling her oversize parka tight about her slight figure, she weaved her way through the already bustling crowds eager to squander their hard earned corporate nuyen on some trinke or other. Her route was well travelled, passing by the majority of the better fashion boutiques, though she was frustratingly prevented from doing more than window shopping .
Money was tight, a situation not helped by her preference for expensive clothes and nice accomodations. Still, it had been a while since the teams last asignment, and much as she disliked the somewhat shabby everett building, she wished the call to action would come sooner rather than later.
Taking a moment respite from the cold february air, she slipped into a small cafe, quietly assuming a small corner table and ordering from the datapad on the tabletop. As the first of the three large soba noodle dishes she ordered arrived, she made sure to cast a practised scowl at the young man at the counter who looked as if he might dare try to sit with her.....
...downtime really was getting dull.
Pulling her oversize parka tight about her slight figure, she weaved her way through the already bustling crowds eager to squander their hard earned corporate nuyen on some trinke or other. Her route was well travelled, passing by the majority of the better fashion boutiques, though she was frustratingly prevented from doing more than window shopping .
Money was tight, a situation not helped by her preference for expensive clothes and nice accomodations. Still, it had been a while since the teams last asignment, and much as she disliked the somewhat shabby everett building, she wished the call to action would come sooner rather than later.
Taking a moment respite from the cold february air, she slipped into a small cafe, quietly assuming a small corner table and ordering from the datapad on the tabletop. As the first of the three large soba noodle dishes she ordered arrived, she made sure to cast a practised scowl at the young man at the counter who looked as if he might dare try to sit with her.....
...downtime really was getting dull.
The Nerd looks up from his computer to find Sigmund looking over his shoulder, scrutinizing the info the Nerd's gathering.
"I was just here to drop off some of my cyberware meds and ammo, in case I get cut off from my usual source. Jarvis got a new job for us?"
He spends a few moments scanning the screen.
"That's strange. A powerful Johnson with shoplifting charges...what kind of high-tier Johnson getting paid by two different corps shoplifts? And doesn't get the records deleted so corps won't think he's low-class scum? See if you can find the exact records on the charges."
Sigmund pops off to the kitchen to get himself a can of soda, then sits down next to the Nerd and watches, sipping his Soy-Sprite TM
"I was just here to drop off some of my cyberware meds and ammo, in case I get cut off from my usual source. Jarvis got a new job for us?"
He spends a few moments scanning the screen.
"That's strange. A powerful Johnson with shoplifting charges...what kind of high-tier Johnson getting paid by two different corps shoplifts? And doesn't get the records deleted so corps won't think he's low-class scum? See if you can find the exact records on the charges."
Sigmund pops off to the kitchen to get himself a can of soda, then sits down next to the Nerd and watches, sipping his Soy-Sprite TM
The Nerd was definitely not a decker, a Matrix jock, but the Matrix was, indeed, a wonderful research tool. So, he cross-referenced Mitsuhama and Cross Applied Tech, looking for joint ventures, assigned research from one corp to the other, etc. He then looked at the data obtained and used his own knowledge on the corps, trying to find the answer to the following question: "What is it those two corps are up to?"
While he waited for some of the searches to complete, he took time to contact the other members of the team that did have a cel, using his "running cell". He did not say much, but "pint of house light", "I pay", "corner of 32nd and Broad", "Wednesday, 9PM", and "I'll bring a friend along", were part of all the conversations. They had worked together for long enough so that everyone would know that negotiating a run was on the works, and that the "friend" wanted them there.
Turning to Sigmund, he said, regarding the shoplifting charges, "I'm no decker, so hacking police records is beyond me, but I might have a way of finding out who this Johnson is, exactly. It will have to be done in person, though, so it will take a day or so". The Nerd did try to find any unsecured piece of information on the Johnson, though, just in case there was something useful in the sea of data that was the Matrix.
While he waited for some of the searches to complete, he took time to contact the other members of the team that did have a cel, using his "running cell". He did not say much, but "pint of house light", "I pay", "corner of 32nd and Broad", "Wednesday, 9PM", and "I'll bring a friend along", were part of all the conversations. They had worked together for long enough so that everyone would know that negotiating a run was on the works, and that the "friend" wanted them there.
Turning to Sigmund, he said, regarding the shoplifting charges, "I'm no decker, so hacking police records is beyond me, but I might have a way of finding out who this Johnson is, exactly. It will have to be done in person, though, so it will take a day or so". The Nerd did try to find any unsecured piece of information on the Johnson, though, just in case there was something useful in the sea of data that was the Matrix.
"Well, you tell me what you find at the meet. See you there..."
Sigmund puts on a breath mask and opens the door, his nose wrinkling as Seattle's stink hits him even through it. He makes an attempt at whistling that the mask muffles almost immediately, shrugs, and heads to his apartment to kill some time.
A street punk tries to jump him on the way, but makes a great show of I'm-sorry-I-thought-you-were-someone-elsing when he gets a good look at his massive 6'2 frame and cyber-agumented muscles-upon-muscles.
Sigmund puts on a breath mask and opens the door, his nose wrinkling as Seattle's stink hits him even through it. He makes an attempt at whistling that the mask muffles almost immediately, shrugs, and heads to his apartment to kill some time.
A street punk tries to jump him on the way, but makes a great show of I'm-sorry-I-thought-you-were-someone-elsing when he gets a good look at his massive 6'2 frame and cyber-agumented muscles-upon-muscles.
Cinder rolls over and looks at his clock Midday, figures I'd sleep in after... He gets out of bed and goes over to the bathroom. He set the bath to Spa/Jacuzzi and sinks in to allow the sweat of the night and the dirt of his life wash off. After 20 minutes he gets out and uses a shower to finish the job, he half succeeds.
Getting dressed he hears the door intercom "Hey it's me Caroline. Open your fragging door chummer, or I'll razor it open."
"It's open, come in Pixie."
"Okay, but you better be dressed this time."
"Jeans count?"
"I guess." The door Opens and the Red haired elf walks in. "I saw Josephine walk off last night and the way her shoulders were. So I figured you'd want breakfast and to talk about it."
"Caroline thanks, she used the 'Georgia'."
"She said she was leaving because she wasn't good enough for you?!" Caroline asked incredulously."
"Yeah, of all the break up lines, I hate that one the most." Cinder responded ad he ate the bacon and eggs that his friend had placed before him.
"True, you think she was lying?"
"Not sure, I know Georgia really thought she wasn't good enough..." Cinder started but was interrupted.
"Jetblack's little fan-bitch was right. She wasn't good enough!"
"Maybe, anyhoo how's things with you and Bradley?"
"We broke up." Caroline says sans emotion.
"Really? You looked so happy." Cinder says with some surprise.
"He was too legit, too pedestrian, I guess he isn't what I'm looking for."
"So what are you looking for?" Cinder begins an old ritual between friends.
"You'll know when I am at an alter, saying 'I do.' it will be the man next to me." Caroline finished the ritual, "Now you gotta get yourself a job." She finishes.
"Yeah, hang on is that my phone?" Cinder grabs his PocSec, "Yello... House beer?... friend of yours... two days... ok will be there." Cinder hangs up the PocSec.
"Let me gueas..." Caroline begins
"Girl, you have spectacular timing. Just got a gig." Cinder answers with a grin.
"Good, like to have you smiling."
"Yeah, anyway job don't start for a couple of days, wanna catch a simflick?"
"Sounds fun." Caroline agrees and the friends walk out to see what was in the SimCinema.
Getting dressed he hears the door intercom "Hey it's me Caroline. Open your fragging door chummer, or I'll razor it open."
"It's open, come in Pixie."
"Okay, but you better be dressed this time."
"Jeans count?"
"I guess." The door Opens and the Red haired elf walks in. "I saw Josephine walk off last night and the way her shoulders were. So I figured you'd want breakfast and to talk about it."
"Caroline thanks, she used the 'Georgia'."
"She said she was leaving because she wasn't good enough for you?!" Caroline asked incredulously."
"Yeah, of all the break up lines, I hate that one the most." Cinder responded ad he ate the bacon and eggs that his friend had placed before him.
"True, you think she was lying?"
"Not sure, I know Georgia really thought she wasn't good enough..." Cinder started but was interrupted.
"Jetblack's little fan-bitch was right. She wasn't good enough!"
"Maybe, anyhoo how's things with you and Bradley?"
"We broke up." Caroline says sans emotion.
"Really? You looked so happy." Cinder says with some surprise.
"He was too legit, too pedestrian, I guess he isn't what I'm looking for."
"So what are you looking for?" Cinder begins an old ritual between friends.
"You'll know when I am at an alter, saying 'I do.' it will be the man next to me." Caroline finished the ritual, "Now you gotta get yourself a job." She finishes.
"Yeah, hang on is that my phone?" Cinder grabs his PocSec, "Yello... House beer?... friend of yours... two days... ok will be there." Cinder hangs up the PocSec.
"Let me gueas..." Caroline begins
"Girl, you have spectacular timing. Just got a gig." Cinder answers with a grin.
"Good, like to have you smiling."
"Yeah, anyway job don't start for a couple of days, wanna catch a simflick?"
"Sounds fun." Caroline agrees and the friends walk out to see what was in the SimCinema.
Raven rolled out of bed onto the carpeted floor. The silk sheets fell off her curves like water. The twenty-three year old had the body of an olympic athlete and she was none to afraid to show it off. Probabably because she had been an Olympic athlete, or almost. A wave of bitterness and regret seeped into her thoughts as she made her way to the shower to wash of last nights fun.
The hot water spilled over her erasing the memory of the day before. One by one she relaxed her muscles and allowed her mind to wander. It wasn't easy. It wasn't like she made the team and then failed, she didn't even get that far. She knew she was good enough though. A hundred shots on the streets proved it. But it was to late, she was to far into the shadows now to get it back.
She had almost forgot about Heath when she stepped out of the shower, he was standing there a smile on his face.
"Hey" she said as she breezed past him.
"Hey, Just hey?"
"Listen, Heath, last night was fun but I am not looking for a relationship." She glanced at her watch. "I need to get to class, theres food in the fridge and cable, eat what you like and let yourself out okay?"
As she spoke she dressed in a short skirt and pullover sweater, the outfit did nothing to hide her good looks. She slipped on her shoes and grabbed her duffle heading out the door. She left the man standing there with a dumbfounded look thinking, isn't this what guys are supposed to do?
The hot water spilled over her erasing the memory of the day before. One by one she relaxed her muscles and allowed her mind to wander. It wasn't easy. It wasn't like she made the team and then failed, she didn't even get that far. She knew she was good enough though. A hundred shots on the streets proved it. But it was to late, she was to far into the shadows now to get it back.
She had almost forgot about Heath when she stepped out of the shower, he was standing there a smile on his face.
"Hey" she said as she breezed past him.
"Hey, Just hey?"
"Listen, Heath, last night was fun but I am not looking for a relationship." She glanced at her watch. "I need to get to class, theres food in the fridge and cable, eat what you like and let yourself out okay?"
As she spoke she dressed in a short skirt and pullover sweater, the outfit did nothing to hide her good looks. She slipped on her shoes and grabbed her duffle heading out the door. She left the man standing there with a dumbfounded look thinking, isn't this what guys are supposed to do?
After listening patiently to the nerds clipped conversation, ballerina quietly presses the disengage button. For a second she pauses, her feet dangling in mid air, not quite touching the floor, then with a smooth motion slides from her seat and out from the crowded noodle bar.
A short wait at the tube station, and a brief ride before she was in front of the safehouse door, pale fingers tapping in the security code. Stamping a little feeling back into her feet, she quietly padded through the house, wondering if anyone else had planned to meet before the rendevous with the client.
A short wait at the tube station, and a brief ride before she was in front of the safehouse door, pale fingers tapping in the security code. Stamping a little feeling back into her feet, she quietly padded through the house, wondering if anyone else had planned to meet before the rendevous with the client.
Sigmund reaches his pad and walks up the stairs, crashing on his couch and resting for a bit before beginning his pre-run ritual. It wouldn't do to show up at the meet at less than 100%.
First, he carefully checks all his guns, calibrating the smartlinks, chambering a round, and cleaning each individual component.
Next, he readies his cyberware, running some basic diagnostics with a handy Pocket Secretary program and his datajack. He finds and downloads the latest stable-build firmware for his muscle-replacements, correcting a previous problem that would send MR/encephalion users into violent seizures.
Then, he gives his armor a once-over, replacing a few shattered ceramic plates, patching the bullet holes, checking the chemseals, and stitching a pocket back onto his Greatcoat line armor clothing.
Sigmund checks his miscellaneous equipment, making sure the various slap patches aren't past their expiration date, cleaning his binoculars, and charging the battery for his jammer, as well as carefully greasing up his knife to insulate it from blood and prevent it from gleaming when stealth is vital.
Finally, he readies his mind, slotting a relaxing massage simsense program set to Duke Ellington's best, and hits Seattle's streets in his motorcycle at 7:30, plenty of time to get to 32nd and Broad.
First, he carefully checks all his guns, calibrating the smartlinks, chambering a round, and cleaning each individual component.
Next, he readies his cyberware, running some basic diagnostics with a handy Pocket Secretary program and his datajack. He finds and downloads the latest stable-build firmware for his muscle-replacements, correcting a previous problem that would send MR/encephalion users into violent seizures.
Then, he gives his armor a once-over, replacing a few shattered ceramic plates, patching the bullet holes, checking the chemseals, and stitching a pocket back onto his Greatcoat line armor clothing.
Sigmund checks his miscellaneous equipment, making sure the various slap patches aren't past their expiration date, cleaning his binoculars, and charging the battery for his jammer, as well as carefully greasing up his knife to insulate it from blood and prevent it from gleaming when stealth is vital.
Finally, he readies his mind, slotting a relaxing massage simsense program set to Duke Ellington's best, and hits Seattle's streets in his motorcycle at 7:30, plenty of time to get to 32nd and Broad.
"Pass me the wrench, will ya" Rip said, his feet sticking out from under the hood of the battered Americar.
"Not that one, the 3/8" he added, after glancing at it. He worked for a moment and then pulled himself out and stood up. "It's about good as new" he said. "I never shoulda let you talk me into lettin your daughter borrow the thing Thrash. What the frag did she run over. That undercarriage was a mess."
Just then his phone rang. He answered it, and his mood seemed much improved. "I gotta run, I'll see ya later."
He got into the car and drove out of the garage, heading for his doss. He spent almost half an hour packing some gear into large military duffel bags, then left for the safehouse.
He wasn't carrying any of it with him, but he wanted to be ready if the job required quick action. He could swing by and pick up the van and the gear relatively quickly.
He drove around the block and parked the car on the street. The Americar was an older model, the only vehicle he owned that was stock. Its sides were scratched and rusting, and not even the most hard up car thief would want to steal it as it looked like it was on its last legs. Completely unobtrusive and perfect for driving around town.
He got out, patted his side to make sure his Roomsweeper was still there, and walked into the safehouse.
"Wazzup?" he asked the Nerd.
"Not that one, the 3/8" he added, after glancing at it. He worked for a moment and then pulled himself out and stood up. "It's about good as new" he said. "I never shoulda let you talk me into lettin your daughter borrow the thing Thrash. What the frag did she run over. That undercarriage was a mess."
Just then his phone rang. He answered it, and his mood seemed much improved. "I gotta run, I'll see ya later."
He got into the car and drove out of the garage, heading for his doss. He spent almost half an hour packing some gear into large military duffel bags, then left for the safehouse.
He wasn't carrying any of it with him, but he wanted to be ready if the job required quick action. He could swing by and pick up the van and the gear relatively quickly.
He drove around the block and parked the car on the street. The Americar was an older model, the only vehicle he owned that was stock. Its sides were scratched and rusting, and not even the most hard up car thief would want to steal it as it looked like it was on its last legs. Completely unobtrusive and perfect for driving around town.
He got out, patted his side to make sure his Roomsweeper was still there, and walked into the safehouse.
"Wazzup?" he asked the Nerd.
The Nerd turned to look at Rip. For a moment, a flashback from his memory flooded his awareness. It was one of the few instances he had seen Rip use his shotgun at close range. Nasty.
But he immediately returned to the present. "It seems we have a contract to negotiate, but the Johnson wants to meet us all. Corp all the way, confirmed by Jarvis as powerful and with authority. There are only two things I would like to clear up before the meet. First, the SIN of the Johnson. And second, Jarvis said something that has my neck hairs standing on end..."
The Nerd collected his thoughts before continuing. "Jarvis said, and I quote: 'The man asked for my best team. And as of yesterday that's you'. You know I am paranoid, but there is only one way that yesterday, when we were not running, we became his best team. And he even said his take would only be 5%. What is going on? I don want to close a deal none of us walks alive from."
The Nerd was really worried. Everybody knew that nothing, and nobody, was what it seemed, but his instincts told... no, yelled, to him that something bad was going down.
The Nerd played the video message on the computer again, this time for Rip to see, to make sure he had not missed any important detail. "So, what do you think?"
But he immediately returned to the present. "It seems we have a contract to negotiate, but the Johnson wants to meet us all. Corp all the way, confirmed by Jarvis as powerful and with authority. There are only two things I would like to clear up before the meet. First, the SIN of the Johnson. And second, Jarvis said something that has my neck hairs standing on end..."
The Nerd collected his thoughts before continuing. "Jarvis said, and I quote: 'The man asked for my best team. And as of yesterday that's you'. You know I am paranoid, but there is only one way that yesterday, when we were not running, we became his best team. And he even said his take would only be 5%. What is going on? I don want to close a deal none of us walks alive from."
The Nerd was really worried. Everybody knew that nothing, and nobody, was what it seemed, but his instincts told... no, yelled, to him that something bad was going down.
The Nerd played the video message on the computer again, this time for Rip to see, to make sure he had not missed any important detail. "So, what do you think?"
Sabosect rolled out of bed, biting back a cry of pain as he hit the floor. He didn't remember much about the day before, except that he had started the usual ritual to pay Coyote respect. The last time he forgot to do it, he woke up to find his entire apartment had been colored pink and all of his clothes had been replaced with frilly dresses. Luckily, his Physical Mask spell was handy and no one wants to date an ugly troll, no matter what they are wearing.
Sabosect looked at his cyberterminal and blinked. He had missed an email from Nerd. Only taking enough time to put on a shirt, wanting to keep his scars covered, he walked over to the computer and opened the email, hoping he had not just missed out on money. Even coyotes needed to work.
"Free beer, paying run, and a mysterious friend. I have got to talk to him about details," Sabosect said, talking as much to himself as to whatever else may be in the room.
Sabosect fired off an email to Nerd telling him he'd be there, even if they could not see him. He smiled, knowing Nerd would understand that to mean the shaman wanted to astrally project to the meet and was asking him whether it was advisable. Then, not smiling, he called his own fixer.
"It's Sabosect. Nerd emailed me with a job and failed to give enough details. I want to know who is hiring us, what his background is, and if he is trustworthy. Jinglejanglejunglebob hasn't danced or advised caution yet. I'll ask him tonight. Maybe he'll have some of the old entertainment for my collection," Sabosect said.
Sabosect smiled, liking the system of code. His old buddy would know he is going to try asking Coyote about this to see if the totem would respond with advise, while anyone else reading it could easily assume he is after a computer program or something else far from the truth. Then, feeling a grumble in his stomach, he was reminded of breakfast. Today may be a long day indeed.
Sabosect looked at his cyberterminal and blinked. He had missed an email from Nerd. Only taking enough time to put on a shirt, wanting to keep his scars covered, he walked over to the computer and opened the email, hoping he had not just missed out on money. Even coyotes needed to work.
"Free beer, paying run, and a mysterious friend. I have got to talk to him about details," Sabosect said, talking as much to himself as to whatever else may be in the room.
Sabosect fired off an email to Nerd telling him he'd be there, even if they could not see him. He smiled, knowing Nerd would understand that to mean the shaman wanted to astrally project to the meet and was asking him whether it was advisable. Then, not smiling, he called his own fixer.
"It's Sabosect. Nerd emailed me with a job and failed to give enough details. I want to know who is hiring us, what his background is, and if he is trustworthy. Jinglejanglejunglebob hasn't danced or advised caution yet. I'll ask him tonight. Maybe he'll have some of the old entertainment for my collection," Sabosect said.
Sabosect smiled, liking the system of code. His old buddy would know he is going to try asking Coyote about this to see if the totem would respond with advise, while anyone else reading it could easily assume he is after a computer program or something else far from the truth. Then, feeling a grumble in his stomach, he was reminded of breakfast. Today may be a long day indeed.
Nerd - Very few things come up for this person. He is officially employed for High Sights, a stock brokerage company based in Seattle, with offices over the world. He was an international consultant, making 135,000 plus commissions. His last year he made 600,000 dollars. Years before that he's worked in Direct Sales Divisions in various Sales management positions.
A look into this company will see that it is privately owned by one person. The company's been around for about 18 years, and is growing at a very rapid rate. They have redefined annuity and retirement investing.
Mitsuhama and CAT have various ties. there are rumors of many shadow actions against each other. They are publicly neutral with each other helping each other in certain areas, and fighting each other in different ones. Recently, They've joined together in forming a cleaning service using the best home cleaning system. The system or the service is for sale, depending on what you prefer. Also, they've begun talk of shipping mergers to increase trade internationally. They are fighting over patent rights in splicing dna during cloning procedures. They are also fighting for maintaining the edge in the computer/decking field, where they both just came out with a new line of programs for their decks. And finally, the last bit of news is that a rumor hit the town saying that they might be making a second strip together in Las Vegas.
A look into this company will see that it is privately owned by one person. The company's been around for about 18 years, and is growing at a very rapid rate. They have redefined annuity and retirement investing.
Mitsuhama and CAT have various ties. there are rumors of many shadow actions against each other. They are publicly neutral with each other helping each other in certain areas, and fighting each other in different ones. Recently, They've joined together in forming a cleaning service using the best home cleaning system. The system or the service is for sale, depending on what you prefer. Also, they've begun talk of shipping mergers to increase trade internationally. They are fighting over patent rights in splicing dna during cloning procedures. They are also fighting for maintaining the edge in the computer/decking field, where they both just came out with a new line of programs for their decks. And finally, the last bit of news is that a rumor hit the town saying that they might be making a second strip together in Las Vegas.
Sabosect recieves a call later from his FAVORITE person as he smirks and opens the phone. "Ready for the 411? yea ok, great. He's legit. John Jones has been Johnsoning for about 9 months now. He's a regular man and just doing his job. His survival ratio is fairly high around 10 to one. He's been getting a reputation of doing top-class deals, giving out major creds for major threats. He's trustworthy, but he probably always has an ulterior motive. He's known for taking care of the hot issues, and being the ones that corp will trust to hire the right team. His past is kinda scant, but about half the people who ran for him before won't do it again, while the other half will jump at the chance. Still I hear he never leaves regrets and that the reward was always better than the risk.
The nerd looked at what his search and his knowledge came up with, and only two items raised a flag. Splicing DNA during cloning procedures, and the new line of deck programs Hmm... that sounds like big bucks and like something important enough that shadow work would be required. Which one was it this time? He bet on the dna splicing, but there was not much to go on with.
The Nerd decided to continue his research if they closed the deal. Otherwise, there was no need to be poking around corps. They might take an exception and come looking for him.
But there were a couple of vid trans he wanted to make. The first one was to his personal fixer, whom he knew also had a secure connection. "Mr. Joe Black, the Nerd here. I am researching an party interested in a run, but I would like your help in digging about the mentioned party a bit." He punches a key and the photo of the Johnson is transferred securely via the matrix. "I am mainly interested in his police record and any other dirt you can dig up. Thanks, and I owe you a bottle of real Scotch."
Indeed favors from Mr. Black had to be paid, and true scotch was expensive. But a liter of 15-year old Aberlour was a small price to pay for the quality of information Mr. Black usually found.
The second trans was of a more personal nature. He did not expect much from it, but the little he expected would probably be something he could not get anywhere else. He keyed the ID he was sending it to and began. "Hey Linda, I was wondering if we could get together one of these days? Like going to the movies, dinner, and stuff? Let me know when it would be convenient for you, due to your busy schedule. " Then he posted the Johnson's picture, and asked: "and listen, honey, this guy wants me to go work for him. Rumors say he works for you guys. Have you seen him around the office lately? If so, what does he do? Thanks!"
All the Nerd wants to confirm is the Johnson's relationship to the corp. If there is more info than that, great, but the 'Noid is definitely para-'Noid.
The Nerd decided to continue his research if they closed the deal. Otherwise, there was no need to be poking around corps. They might take an exception and come looking for him.
But there were a couple of vid trans he wanted to make. The first one was to his personal fixer, whom he knew also had a secure connection. "Mr. Joe Black, the Nerd here. I am researching an party interested in a run, but I would like your help in digging about the mentioned party a bit." He punches a key and the photo of the Johnson is transferred securely via the matrix. "I am mainly interested in his police record and any other dirt you can dig up. Thanks, and I owe you a bottle of real Scotch."
Indeed favors from Mr. Black had to be paid, and true scotch was expensive. But a liter of 15-year old Aberlour was a small price to pay for the quality of information Mr. Black usually found.
The second trans was of a more personal nature. He did not expect much from it, but the little he expected would probably be something he could not get anywhere else. He keyed the ID he was sending it to and began. "Hey Linda, I was wondering if we could get together one of these days? Like going to the movies, dinner, and stuff? Let me know when it would be convenient for you, due to your busy schedule. " Then he posted the Johnson's picture, and asked: "and listen, honey, this guy wants me to go work for him. Rumors say he works for you guys. Have you seen him around the office lately? If so, what does he do? Thanks!"
All the Nerd wants to confirm is the Johnson's relationship to the corp. If there is more info than that, great, but the 'Noid is definitely para-'Noid.
the Ballerina peaks out from the kitchen of the safe house, wiping her lips free of the sandwich she had scrounged together fom the emergency supplies. Padding quietly up behind the nerd as he conducted his research, she announced herself with a polite cough.
"Does he check out clean?......." she whispered, adding after a moment "...oh, and *someone* ate all the krill cakes you bought, probably cinder..."
"Does he check out clean?......." she whispered, adding after a moment "...oh, and *someone* ate all the krill cakes you bought, probably cinder..."
The nerd's research concludes that the patents are still being fully written up and both sides seem to have very similar methods.
Mr. Joe Black calls back and says, "Listen, I don't really know who this guy is. He's not in any major criminal databases. But we have a guess of who he might be. If it's this guy that we catch on tape over in this NSA file, he's what they've deemed the phantom lifter. Apparently he likes stealing white socks and advil. See if you think it's him, as the videotapes catch his face on camera. Nothing is known about him other than this habit, and people don't think he really exists. Now what this has to do with hiring you I have no idea."
Linda eventually messages you back saying, "Sorry babe, but I've never heard of this guy before, and noone else that I know has ever seen the guy before either. I doubt he's a well-known person in the office, because I have this one friend, and she likeknows everybody. It's incredible. But she's never even seen that person before."
Mr. Joe Black calls back and says, "Listen, I don't really know who this guy is. He's not in any major criminal databases. But we have a guess of who he might be. If it's this guy that we catch on tape over in this NSA file, he's what they've deemed the phantom lifter. Apparently he likes stealing white socks and advil. See if you think it's him, as the videotapes catch his face on camera. Nothing is known about him other than this habit, and people don't think he really exists. Now what this has to do with hiring you I have no idea."
Linda eventually messages you back saying, "Sorry babe, but I've never heard of this guy before, and noone else that I know has ever seen the guy before either. I doubt he's a well-known person in the office, because I have this one friend, and she likeknows everybody. It's incredible. But she's never even seen that person before."
Sighing, and considering, Sabosect decided to forgoe the usual search. If Torturi couldn't find even a suggestion of dirt, his other contacts would not appreciate him wasting their time. But, he still wondered about something. Picking up the phone, Sabosect placed another call.
"Hey, Nerd, let's have a meet and greet before we pull our Johnson in the shadows. My place?" Sabosect asked.
Meanwhile, Sabosect glanced back at the kitchen. After this call is over, he'll stop and eat something. Then maybe see what the day brings. After all, he had more to do than just run the shadows.
While waiting on Nerd's reply, Sabosect considered whether or not to bother Coyote. The totem would not appreciate being bothered over nothing. But, in any case, this would be known for sure after the run.
"Hey, Nerd, let's have a meet and greet before we pull our Johnson in the shadows. My place?" Sabosect asked.
Meanwhile, Sabosect glanced back at the kitchen. After this call is over, he'll stop and eat something. Then maybe see what the day brings. After all, he had more to do than just run the shadows.
While waiting on Nerd's reply, Sabosect considered whether or not to bother Coyote. The totem would not appreciate being bothered over nothing. But, in any case, this would be known for sure after the run.
Cinder leaves the cinema after the movie and bids his friend goodbye. he heads down to the grocery store and picks up some things. Then drives down to the safehouse... taking a roundabout route and keeping an eye out for tails. As he gets to the place he grabs the bags.
"Hey guys, I figured I'd try to fix diner while we're waiting. I am going to get the hang of cooking if it kills me."
"Hey guys, I figured I'd try to fix diner while we're waiting. I am going to get the hang of cooking if it kills me."
[ Spoiler ]
As of yesterday that's you Rip heard.
"That doesn't sound good" he agreed. He glanced over at the Nerd. "Who ever heard of a Fixer volunteering to take a smaller than normal cut?" he asked. "You able to find anything out about this Johnson?"
"That doesn't sound good" he agreed. He glanced over at the Nerd. "Who ever heard of a Fixer volunteering to take a smaller than normal cut?" he asked. "You able to find anything out about this Johnson?"
tapping her foot patiently as she waited, Ballerina cast a sdeways glance at rip. "as of yesterday....." the fixer had said, which irritated her a little "as of always..." would have placated the little ice queen far better.
Nose twitching, she glances back as she hears Cinders call for food. Quietly wandering into the kitchen she carves a huge slice of lasagne before walking back to rip and the nerd, barely awknowledging cinders presence. Obviously something about the ork and his....appetites irked her slightly, but she wouldnt let it get in the way once a run got started
Nose twitching, she glances back as she hears Cinders call for food. Quietly wandering into the kitchen she carves a huge slice of lasagne before walking back to rip and the nerd, barely awknowledging cinders presence. Obviously something about the ork and his....appetites irked her slightly, but she wouldnt let it get in the way once a run got started
"Ok, even if we were to think we are that good, and I do not, there is the matter of the smaller cut. That in itself yells trouble to me." The Nerd then checks the answers to his previous inquiries. "And the Johnson does NOT enter CAT via the front gate. Otherwise I'd have info on him by now. That is all we know except what you have already seen."
The Nerd thinks for a moment. He compares the photo of the Johnson with the NSA file Mr. Black sent him, trying to decide if it is the same guy or not. If it is, there'd be leverage in negotiations... the Johnson would be a very particular cleptomaniac. "Guys, why don't we call for a meeting here right now? This smells like a week-old herring to me, but we do need the gig."
The Nerd began the autodial and autosend sequence that would call and mail all the members of the team to the safehouse. All he had to do now was to push a button if those already there agreed.
The Nerd thinks for a moment. He compares the photo of the Johnson with the NSA file Mr. Black sent him, trying to decide if it is the same guy or not. If it is, there'd be leverage in negotiations... the Johnson would be a very particular cleptomaniac. "Guys, why don't we call for a meeting here right now? This smells like a week-old herring to me, but we do need the gig."
The Nerd began the autodial and autosend sequence that would call and mail all the members of the team to the safehouse. All he had to do now was to push a button if those already there agreed.
Sigmund is interrupted in the middle of his simsense reverie by the call, and he frowns and nods as he reads it. He understands intellectually the need for such pre-run prep meetings...but he'd rather be breaking things and hurting people. Sighing, he revs up his Rapier and arrives at the safehouse without incident, beyond a few halfhearted potshots from a local go-gang.
"Find anything else?"
"Find anything else?"
Sabosect hmphed as he read Nerd's message. He was being ignored by Nerd. Still, he had things to do.
The rest of the day amounted to more time spent on the Matrix, playing the occasional game or watching the trid. The next day was different. He spent the day preparing, checking his gun to make sure it still worked, checking his bike, and getting his gear together. Then, dressed in a long-sleeved shirt with jeans and wearing his armor over it, Sabosect checked himself in the mirror. He looked, for a moment, like a man preparing to go to war. While watching himself, he began to put on the spell focuses, hiding them beneath the armor, and grabbed the stim patches. He decided to stick to normal, sticking the stim patches and the Slivergun, which he grabbed from the table, under an arm. Just in case...
Exitting the house and grabbing his bike, Sabosect drove around for awhile, seemingly at random, before heading to the safe house. No sense in not being safe. Besides, tonight he'd get the answers to his questions, if they could be found.
Once outside, he considered for a moment what to do with the bike. After all, it was incredibly obvious. He smiles and parks it by Sigmund's and, smiling at anyone on the street, began to chant and wave his arms, summoning a City spirit. He smiles as it appears, feeling slightly drained, but alright, from the summoning.
"I wish you to attack anyone who touches this," Sabosect said, pointing at his bike.
Then, turning, Sabosect entered the building, smiling. He continued until he entered the meeting room, looking around at those already there. Today would be the day.
"Nerd, you called us?" Sabosect asked.
The rest of the day amounted to more time spent on the Matrix, playing the occasional game or watching the trid. The next day was different. He spent the day preparing, checking his gun to make sure it still worked, checking his bike, and getting his gear together. Then, dressed in a long-sleeved shirt with jeans and wearing his armor over it, Sabosect checked himself in the mirror. He looked, for a moment, like a man preparing to go to war. While watching himself, he began to put on the spell focuses, hiding them beneath the armor, and grabbed the stim patches. He decided to stick to normal, sticking the stim patches and the Slivergun, which he grabbed from the table, under an arm. Just in case...
Exitting the house and grabbing his bike, Sabosect drove around for awhile, seemingly at random, before heading to the safe house. No sense in not being safe. Besides, tonight he'd get the answers to his questions, if they could be found.
Once outside, he considered for a moment what to do with the bike. After all, it was incredibly obvious. He smiles and parks it by Sigmund's and, smiling at anyone on the street, began to chant and wave his arms, summoning a City spirit. He smiles as it appears, feeling slightly drained, but alright, from the summoning.
"I wish you to attack anyone who touches this," Sabosect said, pointing at his bike.
Then, turning, Sabosect entered the building, smiling. He continued until he entered the meeting room, looking around at those already there. Today would be the day.
"Nerd, you called us?" Sabosect asked.
Waiting patiently for therest of the team to assemble, Ballerina seated herself in the corner of the meeting room. She ran a mental checklist, the Nerd, Cinder and Rip had been there for some time....Sigmund and Sabosect rolling through the door not soon after, leaving only frag and raven to get themselves sorted out.
Tapping one dainty foot impatiently she cast a slow gaze about the room, not for the first time wondering quite how she had ended up with this crew.
"Is this really necessary?" she said softly after a few minutes wait. "We won't even know what we're going to be asked to do until we get to the meet..... and its not like we have anything else on the cards right now...."
Tapping one dainty foot impatiently she cast a slow gaze about the room, not for the first time wondering quite how she had ended up with this crew.
"Is this really necessary?" she said softly after a few minutes wait. "We won't even know what we're going to be asked to do until we get to the meet..... and its not like we have anything else on the cards right now...."
OOC:
Maybe I did not write it clearly enough, but the Nerd had not pressed the key yet, so the calls had not gone through... but since two of you have already posted, let's say the Nerd DID press the key, and that furthermore he told Sabosect that the meeting was safer at... well... the safehouse. I was not ignoring you, Sabosect... I just had not made the call yet
I will try to write in a clearer manner... English not being my first language, I sometimes make mistakes.
The only thing is that the meeting at the safehouse is taking place 2 days before the meeting with the Johnson... so that we all have time to get whatever equipment we want to get before going to the meeting. The Nerd, for example, is not packing enough gear yet
IC:
"It IS necessary because it smells bad, dangerous, and thus, I wanted to warn you all personally and beforehand." The Nerd plays the vid from the team's fixer for all to see. "We do not have much to go on, so be prepared for the unexpected. I propose those that can be there unseen, be there so." The Nerd refers to both Sabosect and the Ballerina. They would BE there (in Sabosect's case at lest technically), but they could provide much help if things went sour.
Maybe I did not write it clearly enough, but the Nerd had not pressed the key yet, so the calls had not gone through... but since two of you have already posted, let's say the Nerd DID press the key, and that furthermore he told Sabosect that the meeting was safer at... well... the safehouse. I was not ignoring you, Sabosect... I just had not made the call yet
I will try to write in a clearer manner... English not being my first language, I sometimes make mistakes.
The only thing is that the meeting at the safehouse is taking place 2 days before the meeting with the Johnson... so that we all have time to get whatever equipment we want to get before going to the meeting. The Nerd, for example, is not packing enough gear yet
IC:
"It IS necessary because it smells bad, dangerous, and thus, I wanted to warn you all personally and beforehand." The Nerd plays the vid from the team's fixer for all to see. "We do not have much to go on, so be prepared for the unexpected. I propose those that can be there unseen, be there so." The Nerd refers to both Sabosect and the Ballerina. They would BE there (in Sabosect's case at lest technically), but they could provide much help if things went sour.
Sigmund nods slowly.
"Sounds fine- and what do you say we head to the meet a little more heavily armed than we usually do? I don't like this either."
Then, he takes a good look at the profiling the Nerd's compiled, and laughs.
"Let's all wear white socks to the meeting. Make the Johnson sweat as he desperately tries not to steal the runners' socks. Give us a negotiation edge, ne?"
"Also- Sabosect, how will you alert us if something is awry in the Astral? Let's agree on a signal."
"Sounds fine- and what do you say we head to the meet a little more heavily armed than we usually do? I don't like this either."
Then, he takes a good look at the profiling the Nerd's compiled, and laughs.
"Let's all wear white socks to the meeting. Make the Johnson sweat as he desperately tries not to steal the runners' socks. Give us a negotiation edge, ne?"
"Also- Sabosect, how will you alert us if something is awry in the Astral? Let's agree on a signal."
"I was thinking of a cover if I get caught. I'm in the hospital after a bad run in a few hours before the meet and that is the only way I can attend. You, of course, will be surprised I could fragging care enough to show up after that. Now, what signal shall we use, and how far away shall I be?" Sabosect asked.
He briefly wondered how his spirit outside would be doing. Of course, his orders to it left him unable to touch his bike until dawn, but he would not want something to happen before then.
Now, on to this. The information stunk. But he had a few pieces they did not, and those would help, he hoped.
"I suggest asking around to your buds about this guy. I had him checked out. He's not unknown in the shadows, is perfectly clean, and leaves no regrets. That means anyone who regrets his missions are not alive to tell about it," Sabosect said.
He briefly wondered how his spirit outside would be doing. Of course, his orders to it left him unable to touch his bike until dawn, but he would not want something to happen before then.
Now, on to this. The information stunk. But he had a few pieces they did not, and those would help, he hoped.
"I suggest asking around to your buds about this guy. I had him checked out. He's not unknown in the shadows, is perfectly clean, and leaves no regrets. That means anyone who regrets his missions are not alive to tell about it," Sabosect said.
Frag rolled out of bed at an unknown hour. He also turned his phone off on days like these. Been without work for... Quite a while, definitely.
He groggily made his way to the mini-fridge that housed the majority of his food that couldn't sit out.
Soyburger, soydog, soyritto, soypancake... Yeah, breakfast food. Goodie.
He popped the soypancake in the microwave and set it. After making sure the damn plate actually began rotating (it sometimes doesn't thanks to a small accident involving a Predator and one of his old friend's fingernails, don't ask), he made his way to the telecom.
Blink. Blink. Blink. Blink.
"Whassa... Who..."
Blink. Blink. Blink. Blink.
Recollection kicked in. He'd been out drinking with his old gang last night. Turned off the com when he got in so it wouldn't wake him up.
Blink. Blink. Blink. Blink.
He unmuted it.
"Message Waiting. Message Waiting. Message Waiting. Mess--"
"ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, SHUDDUP ALREADY!"
He clicked the Playback button. The Nerd had left a message.
"Work!"
Beeeeeeep! Beeeeeep!
"Breakfast!"
He jogged to the microwave and pulled out his soypancake. He scarfed it down, careful of the heat, doing the usual "blow on the pancake while it's in your mouth" technique that all good masticators know how to do.
"...Wonder if I get to crack skulls... Haven't done that in a good... Well, a good while..."
He got his Armor Jacket out, dusted it off a bit, then slid it on. Still fit. Not surprising, considering he just had it on last night. Still had some Bleeding Troll Gut on the left shoulder where he spilled it.
He grabbed his Shock Gloves and put them in a pocket, followed by attaching his mace to the inside of his jacket.
"Now... Er... Need a ride... Mebbe one o' dem can get me..."
He walked over to the telecom and looked at it for a bit.
It really has been a while since he used the thing.
He blinked at it. It sat there.
He blinked again. It sat there.
"On?"
It sat.
"Call?"
It sat.
"Oh, heh."
He picked up the reciever and thought for a second, then hit a few numbers, which may or may not have been the usual hiding spot.
He groggily made his way to the mini-fridge that housed the majority of his food that couldn't sit out.
Soyburger, soydog, soyritto, soypancake... Yeah, breakfast food. Goodie.
He popped the soypancake in the microwave and set it. After making sure the damn plate actually began rotating (it sometimes doesn't thanks to a small accident involving a Predator and one of his old friend's fingernails, don't ask), he made his way to the telecom.
Blink. Blink. Blink. Blink.
"Whassa... Who..."
Blink. Blink. Blink. Blink.
Recollection kicked in. He'd been out drinking with his old gang last night. Turned off the com when he got in so it wouldn't wake him up.
Blink. Blink. Blink. Blink.
He unmuted it.
"Message Waiting. Message Waiting. Message Waiting. Mess--"
"ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, SHUDDUP ALREADY!"
He clicked the Playback button. The Nerd had left a message.
"Work!"
Beeeeeeep! Beeeeeep!
"Breakfast!"
He jogged to the microwave and pulled out his soypancake. He scarfed it down, careful of the heat, doing the usual "blow on the pancake while it's in your mouth" technique that all good masticators know how to do.
"...Wonder if I get to crack skulls... Haven't done that in a good... Well, a good while..."
He got his Armor Jacket out, dusted it off a bit, then slid it on. Still fit. Not surprising, considering he just had it on last night. Still had some Bleeding Troll Gut on the left shoulder where he spilled it.
He grabbed his Shock Gloves and put them in a pocket, followed by attaching his mace to the inside of his jacket.
"Now... Er... Need a ride... Mebbe one o' dem can get me..."
He walked over to the telecom and looked at it for a bit.
It really has been a while since he used the thing.
He blinked at it. It sat there.
He blinked again. It sat there.
"On?"
It sat.
"Call?"
It sat.
"Oh, heh."
He picked up the reciever and thought for a second, then hit a few numbers, which may or may not have been the usual hiding spot.
Upon seeing the phone ring, Sabosect could not help but pick it up. He figured it would be Frag, asking for the address of the hideout. Of course, this just made it easier.
"McSoyburger, this is Ronald speaking. Would you like to order a McSoyburger with some McSoyfries and a McSoyshake?" Sabosect asked, knowing full well Frag would not be happy with him for it.
Of course, he only did this because it was fun. Besides, he'd not had a chance to do this in awhile, and this time was too tempting. Of course, he'd also have to remember to warn Frag about his little pet outside...
Covering the mouthpiece of the phone just long enough to speak, Sabosect said, "Guys, when you leave, don't touch my bike. Considering my method of guarding it, doing so would be a health hazard. But spirits keep the bike from being stolen."
"McSoyburger, this is Ronald speaking. Would you like to order a McSoyburger with some McSoyfries and a McSoyshake?" Sabosect asked, knowing full well Frag would not be happy with him for it.
Of course, he only did this because it was fun. Besides, he'd not had a chance to do this in awhile, and this time was too tempting. Of course, he'd also have to remember to warn Frag about his little pet outside...
Covering the mouthpiece of the phone just long enough to speak, Sabosect said, "Guys, when you leave, don't touch my bike. Considering my method of guarding it, doing so would be a health hazard. But spirits keep the bike from being stolen."
"Wha? I didn' know McSoyburger had a phone-in. That makes life so mu--Waaaait a minute..."
Frag shook his head for a second.
"You know damn well that you should never joke about food with me! Sheesh. Tell Nerd I got the message. Though, I need a ride up. Can one of ya... Uh... Come get me?"
Frag shook his head for a second.
"You know damn well that you should never joke about food with me! Sheesh. Tell Nerd I got the message. Though, I need a ride up. Can one of ya... Uh... Come get me?"
"Hmm. I'll tell them. I can't use my bike until dawn because of a spirit guarding it. Don't touch it when you arrive. I didn't have time to tell it who not to attack," Sabosect said.
Then, turning to the others, he said, "Guys, Frag needs a ride, and I can't go because my magic thing. Can one of you go get him?"
Then, turning to the others, he said, "Guys, Frag needs a ride, and I can't go because my magic thing. Can one of you go get him?"
Cinder looks around "I guess I'll do it." he says, "Someone take the two trays out of the oven when the timer goes ding, 'kay?" Not waiting for an answer the Ork walks out to his westwind, deactivates the antitheft and heads out to collect Frag.
Raven tossed her purse into the Saab, quickly getting in herself to escape the cold weather. Her phone and Predator spilled out onto the seat.
"Not exactly college issue."
She grabbed her phone, "Hey, yeah I will be there in an hour."
She dropped the phone back into her purse and started the car. The engine and more importantly, the heater fired up quickly and smoothly.
An hour later she slid to a halt outside the safe house. Wrapped in her arms she trundled through the snow in her high swede boots. She broke through the door, her six foot frame shivering in the cold.
"Hey," she greeted everyone. "What's up?"
"Not exactly college issue."
She grabbed her phone, "Hey, yeah I will be there in an hour."
She dropped the phone back into her purse and started the car. The engine and more importantly, the heater fired up quickly and smoothly.
An hour later she slid to a halt outside the safe house. Wrapped in her arms she trundled through the snow in her high swede boots. She broke through the door, her six foot frame shivering in the cold.
"Hey," she greeted everyone. "What's up?"
As all the members of the team gathered, the Nerd waited so that he could show all of them the vids, and displayed all the info they had gathered. While waiting, he had a large piece of lasagna which, he had to admit, was quite good.
But as his last presentation of the facts was laid out, he finally made a suggestion. "I suggest that we go in packing heavy, just in case. Furthermore, Sabosect should be astral and Ballerina, there but unseen, both watching our backs. We will need to have a clear escape route planned, and I will take my jammers and stuff, to make sure we are not being eavesdropped on. What do you think?"
The 'Noid knew he was probably missing something, but he knew the rest of the team was made up of efficient pros that would add to his generalities and complete a good working plan.
But as his last presentation of the facts was laid out, he finally made a suggestion. "I suggest that we go in packing heavy, just in case. Furthermore, Sabosect should be astral and Ballerina, there but unseen, both watching our backs. We will need to have a clear escape route planned, and I will take my jammers and stuff, to make sure we are not being eavesdropped on. What do you think?"
The 'Noid knew he was probably missing something, but he knew the rest of the team was made up of efficient pros that would add to his generalities and complete a good working plan.
Sigmund speaks up, chewing on a mouthful of good lasagna.
"You want me to bring an additional jammer? I've got a nice one, Mitsuhama top-of-the-line. Friend of mine nicked it off a shipment going to the UCAS army...really good stuff."
"You want me to bring an additional jammer? I've got a nice one, Mitsuhama top-of-the-line. Friend of mine nicked it off a shipment going to the UCAS army...really good stuff."
[ Spoiler ]
"I agree" Rip said. "I'll have two armed Drones ready to launch if things get a bit ugly. Maybe I should stay outside and monitor things from there. If things do get ugly I can provide covering fire and a distraction to help you get out. If Sabosect is going in Astral only, he could project from my van. "
"Sigmund and Rip, those are excellent points. A second jammer will be great, just in case mine fails. And the drones, plus the van acting as Sabosect's coffin," here the Nerd winked at Sabosect, "will be great."
"Sigmund, just make sure you are not caught sitting duck while we are inside the premises. That would not do either."
After a couple of gulps from the bottleof Romulan Ale, and finishing his lasagna, the Nerd spoke again. "Well, if there isn't anything else, we could let it be until we have to go to the meeting."
"Sigmund, just make sure you are not caught sitting duck while we are inside the premises. That would not do either."
After a couple of gulps from the bottleof Romulan Ale, and finishing his lasagna, the Nerd spoke again. "Well, if there isn't anything else, we could let it be until we have to go to the meeting."
Sigmund nods, smiling a little as he pictures a literal sitting duck with body armor, an AR and a Dikoted combat knife.
"Duck. umImean- yes, yes, leave it at that."
"Duck. umImean- yes, yes, leave it at that."
"I agree. Meet here for set-up beforehand?" Sabosect asked.
He wondered if they should even meet at all. This guy worked for two corps, and yet was not in any kind of trouble for it. And the fact he had not heard of people with complains either boded extremely good or, more likely, very bad. He decided to be extremely cautious on this one.
He wondered if they should even meet at all. This guy worked for two corps, and yet was not in any kind of trouble for it. And the fact he had not heard of people with complains either boded extremely good or, more likely, very bad. He decided to be extremely cautious on this one.
"We should meet here before hand, on another note, I should go in a half hour before you guys and setup as a bystander. That way if anything goes wrong we can have alittle suprise waiting for him."
Sigmund laughs.
"Ay, yi yi! So much preparation! How many of the team are actually going to show up to the meeting? I think we've got plenty of surprises set up for him already, don't you? Short of wiring ourselves up with explosives or something equally drastic, I don't see how it's possible to be much more prepared. Still, if you really think it needed, sure, set up as a bystander."
"Ay, yi yi! So much preparation! How many of the team are actually going to show up to the meeting? I think we've got plenty of surprises set up for him already, don't you? Short of wiring ourselves up with explosives or something equally drastic, I don't see how it's possible to be much more prepared. Still, if you really think it needed, sure, set up as a bystander."
The morning of the meet is a lousy one. It's one that reminds you how much winter in Seattle really stinks and how badly you want it gone. Outside it's freezing rain and the streets of the city seem barren. Major Highways are slow travelling about 30 miles an hour slower than normal due to various minor accidents, and hazardous road areas.
John Jones wakes up and looks over to the bathroom. He brushes his teeth and takes a long hot shower. Today's a professional day. I hate professional days. Especially when the Robertson brothers forget to wake up. Urghh, he grunts as he makes his way out of the shower and into his closet. There he smiles at his variety of clothes, from old spaghetti western costumes to his black riding jumpsuit. One side is covered in different expensive suits, and the other side has t-shirts and jeans all piled up. He goes over and picks up one of his better suits and puts it on. Then he goes over to his briefcase and pulls out today's work. He notes the files in chronological order and puts these things in his pocket secretary. He looks at his watch and notices it tick 7:29:58.... 59.... ding dong, his doorbell rings. Smiling he says "come in. You';re right on time as usual." As the giant troll brothers walk into the room, one stands guard at the door as the other activates the central computer.
An elven head pops up out of a screen in the wall. "Hello, John Jones," the female computerized voice says, "You have 2 new messages." Her head fades away as the picture comes in. An Executive of *** comes into screen, smilling as he begins to speak.
"Well done on that job Herr Jones. I must congratulate the team's results, it was utterly perfect. We left you a nice surprise in your account, hopefully today's missions will be that successful. I suppose when we pay for the best, we get the best. Again, thank you."
<<<End Message>>>>
Filling the screen now is **!@#&$%#@!*** hiding his face in shadow. "Hey there, Jones. Hope you could spare a minute. I was trying to find you and ask you what you thought of that proposition. I believe that you've been holding some VERY BIG deals from me recently, especially in the middle of these recent races. Well, I'm giving you a fair warning. Either you accept, or you're going to be counted as a liability. I am waiting for your call. I hope for your sake I get it." He chuckles slowly as he turns his chair around and the screen goes black.
"Ha, like anything can get past us," Alex Robertson said, "Those MCT goonies were pipsqueaks." A big grin on his face as he straightens his tie. He resumes his place at John's side as John studies some faxes. "So, where we getting some breakfast today boss?"
John smiles as he said, "Well, for food we're going to the usual place, but for our fun, it looks like we'll be in the city." As he pats his big friend on the back and walks out the door.
John Jones wakes up and looks over to the bathroom. He brushes his teeth and takes a long hot shower. Today's a professional day. I hate professional days. Especially when the Robertson brothers forget to wake up. Urghh, he grunts as he makes his way out of the shower and into his closet. There he smiles at his variety of clothes, from old spaghetti western costumes to his black riding jumpsuit. One side is covered in different expensive suits, and the other side has t-shirts and jeans all piled up. He goes over and picks up one of his better suits and puts it on. Then he goes over to his briefcase and pulls out today's work. He notes the files in chronological order and puts these things in his pocket secretary. He looks at his watch and notices it tick 7:29:58.... 59.... ding dong, his doorbell rings. Smiling he says "come in. You';re right on time as usual." As the giant troll brothers walk into the room, one stands guard at the door as the other activates the central computer.
An elven head pops up out of a screen in the wall. "Hello, John Jones," the female computerized voice says, "You have 2 new messages." Her head fades away as the picture comes in. An Executive of *** comes into screen, smilling as he begins to speak.
"Well done on that job Herr Jones. I must congratulate the team's results, it was utterly perfect. We left you a nice surprise in your account, hopefully today's missions will be that successful. I suppose when we pay for the best, we get the best. Again, thank you."
<<<End Message>>>>
Filling the screen now is **!@#&$%#@!*** hiding his face in shadow. "Hey there, Jones. Hope you could spare a minute. I was trying to find you and ask you what you thought of that proposition. I believe that you've been holding some VERY BIG deals from me recently, especially in the middle of these recent races. Well, I'm giving you a fair warning. Either you accept, or you're going to be counted as a liability. I am waiting for your call. I hope for your sake I get it." He chuckles slowly as he turns his chair around and the screen goes black.
"Ha, like anything can get past us," Alex Robertson said, "Those MCT goonies were pipsqueaks." A big grin on his face as he straightens his tie. He resumes his place at John's side as John studies some faxes. "So, where we getting some breakfast today boss?"
John smiles as he said, "Well, for food we're going to the usual place, but for our fun, it looks like we'll be in the city." As he pats his big friend on the back and walks out the door.
Sigmund shows up at the safehouse for the pre-meet plan ten minutes early, a suspicious bulge barely showing up under his thick jacket.
"So...astral recon, 'innocent' bystander, drone support...who does the talking?"
"So...astral recon, 'innocent' bystander, drone support...who does the talking?"
"Well, I guess that you can leave to me," the Nerd said thinking about how good the lasagna had been. "At least that has been my job up to now, unless any of you want it? I would not feel offended, since negotiating, conning, fast talking, and other such niceties are tiring, you know?" He said this last with a mischievous grin. The Nerd actually enjoyed negotiating for the team.
"Of course, I do not intend to go at it alone, so who would like to be a part of the debate team?"
"Of course, I do not intend to go at it alone, so who would like to be a part of the debate team?"
"I'll go. How about me and Frag? Combined, we're half a ton of cybered samurai and very impressive-looking, if I do say so myself."
"...not much point in me going into the bar...probably wouldnt get served..." the Ballerina says icily as she stomps into the safehouse for the staging point
"Rip can give me a lift, I'll take up a position nearby in case things take a turn for the worst. Keep me informed through comms though, I dont want to walk home."
Moving toward the door she stops for a moment, before adding "Unless theres anything else.......shall we get this done?."
On the way out of the door she pauses for a second, looking back over her shoulder as she slips a heavy pistol into one big pocket " ..." the silence deafening as she waits for the rest of the team to mobilise.
"Rip can give me a lift, I'll take up a position nearby in case things take a turn for the worst. Keep me informed through comms though, I dont want to walk home."
Moving toward the door she stops for a moment, before adding "Unless theres anything else.......shall we get this done?."
On the way out of the door she pauses for a second, looking back over her shoulder as she slips a heavy pistol into one big pocket " ..." the silence deafening as she waits for the rest of the team to mobilise.
"Like I said, I'll go in with you, just a little early to check the place out, then join you once your inside." She turns to Sigmund, "if that meets with your gracious approval."
The acid in her voice is obvious.
The acid in her voice is obvious.
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