Little Tim
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Jul, 2002



IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 13, 2003 12:21 AM
Reply

The fixer calls, says he has work for you. The team gets together and you head to a bar in Puyallup. You meet Mr. Johnson, pleasantries are dealt with, and you get down to business.

"This," he passes over a photo of a young girl, "is Elizabeth Berlind. Members of the Everett Chasers gang recently kidnapped her. My sources indicate that she is being held here." He hands you a note card with the address on the front and a phone number on the back. The address is in Everett; a squatter area named Keeler's Corner. "The gang is small, only a dozen full members, but they will be expecting an attack. Also, the gang's second-in-command, an ork named 'Desk' if I recall correctly, is known to be a physical adept. Once you have girl call the number on the back of the card so a meeting point can be arranged. You will be given 2,000 nuYen now and another 10,000 nuYen when we have the girl. You have 48 hours to complete the run.

"Do you have any questions?"


Matrix Monkey
From: 127.0.0.1
Registered: Jun, 2003



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 13, 2003 6:52 AM
Reply

Cat lounges in the corner booth, seemingly relaxed, almost distracted or daydreaming even, but his mind stays focused on the situation at hand.
He keeps quiet as the J makes his pitch, mentally filing away all the important names and data into his headware memory, as well as taking a snapshot of the photo of the target.

"Seems clear as crystal to me. But since I like to know who I'm working with, I suggest we go over each member's specialties so we can form a plan accordingly."
______
::: PooFlinger-6 [144MP, Program Ready] :::

Spookymonster
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Apr, 2002



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 13, 2003 7:39 AM
Reply

The silver charms adorning Skee's cobol-blue suit lapels glitter under the bar's harsh light as he leans forward to ask a question. "What's the Chaser's angle in all this? Fun? Money? Revenge?" Skee flashes his trademark smile at the fixer, casually brushing his hand through his frosted blonde hair. "Walkin' blind into a firefight ain't the healthiest thing for us to be doing, especially for only 10,000¥."
______
Despite popular opinion, I am not perfect.

Izzin
Registered: Aug, 2003



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 13, 2003 8:57 AM
Reply

Kimo paces back and forth playing with the hair by his lips twisting it between his fingers.
"This is something new for me, a hunt to retrive something while they are alive? Hmm.. "
Continueing to pace and look at the rest of the people in the bar appearing uncomfortable being indoors.

"Are there any considerations for this hunt? What force is allowed against this gang."



phelious fogg
Registered: Aug, 2003



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 13, 2003 9:59 AM
Reply

"Actually, I do have a question" Alexander chimes out. "How much are they asking for ransom?" Alexander looks at J in the astral, trying to get an idea of his mood, and anything else of note that he can pick up.

To answer the other runners question, "I do a bit of B&E now and again. Mostly get-in get-it get-out situations."
______
the wandering mathemagician

Spookymonster
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Apr, 2002



Re: Each person's specialty (the Scotch Watcher) Posted: Aug 13, 2003 1:02 PM
Reply

"Fair enough question", Skee grins. His eyes drop to Cat's drink. With a snap of his fingers, a shape begins to form in the glass. A translucent arm emerges from the alcohol and grabs the lip of it's container. With a sharp heave, the form lifts itself out of the liquid, landing wetly on the scratched surface of the table. Approximately 10 centimeters tall, the creature appears to be composed entirely of scotch liquor. It's featureless head gazes around at the assembled runners and their drinks before finally resting on Skee's own glass. The amber spriteling turns back to Cat, tosses him a farewell salute, and makes a running leap into Skee's drink. With a near-flawless jack-knife, the scotch fae splashes into the alcohol, disappearing into the murky depths of Glenfiddich...

(OOC: making some assumptions about Cat's drinking habits)
[ Edited: Wed Aug 13 13:10:02 EDT 2003 ]

______
Despite popular opinion, I am not perfect.

Matrix Monkey
From: 127.0.0.1
Registered: Jun, 2003



Re: Each person's specialty (the Scotch Watcher) Posted: Aug 13, 2003 1:17 PM
Reply

Cat grins as he witnesses Skee's illusion.
"OK, you've made your point omae "
Giving a passing waitress a smart smack on the rump, he holds up his empty glass, stating: "Make it a double this time." and gives her a wink.
"As for me, I specialise in espionage work, and B&E."

Izzin
Registered: Aug, 2003



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 13, 2003 1:41 PM
Reply

Kimo turns his head to the side pondering the sight of the illusion for a bit. A small salamander cresting his shoulder to watch as well, the small tail curled around the back of his neck interlaced in his fur.

"hmm.. That reminds me of one of the tricks one of the elders pulled on me when I was stealing his berries. " he chuckles for a moment and then rubs the back of his right leg unconsiously. "I can still feel the sting of the fire."

Moving closer to the group, "I normally am asked to aquire things without being seen. Normally when there are paranimals involved. Occasionally, I am asked to rid areas of said animals."



Little Tim
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Jul, 2002



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 13, 2003 3:01 PM
Reply

Spookymonster wrote (Skee said):
"What's the Chaser's angle in all this? Fun? Money? Revenge?"


Mr. Johnson stares at Skee for a moment thinking thing over before speaking. "While I was not told the reasons for the kidnapping, I got the impression that this was done for money." Alexander gazes at Mr. Johnson on the astral, his aura is mostly calm, you don't think he is lying to you.


Izzin wrote (Kimo said):
"This is something new for me, a hunt to retrive something while they are alive? Hmm.. "



Although there is no sign of it on Mr. Johnson's face, Alexander observes bubbles of fear in Mr. Johnson's aura.


Izzin wrote (Kimo said):
"Are there any considerations for this hunt? What force is allowed against this gang."


"Ideally minimal force should be used. None of us want the gang to be seeking us out for revenge. It would also be unfortunate if Lone Star felt obligated to investigate this situation due to any large explosions or bodies piled in the street. It is in all of our best interests to have this done as quietly as possible, but in the end, any amount of force is permissible so long as Miss Berlind is not harmed by it."


phelious fogg wrote (Alexander said):
"Actually, I do have a question. How much are they asking for ransom?"


The bubbles of fear in Mr. Johnson's aura are replaced with annoyance. "I do not know the answer to that question."

phelious fogg
Registered: Aug, 2003



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 13, 2003 3:08 PM
Reply

"Sounds Do-able to me then. What is the timeframe we have to operate in?" Alexander's vision goes back to normal sight, and he sipps a glass of wine.

______
the wandering mathemagician

GunnerJ
Registered: May, 2003



Roger Posted: Aug 13, 2003 3:50 PM
Reply

"Well, then, we'll have to check out the address a bit. Any idea what type of security is kept up; either Matrix, astral, or, my specialty, physical? Or should just assume that 'thug standing by door' is the extent of it? I shouldn't imagine too much sophistication from a bunch of punks, especially considering the area. Also, is there anything you can tell us about the girl that might help us?"
______
-=GunnerJ=-

"You may have questions as to the precise location and identity of The Man. I submit that he is before you."

Little Tim
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Jul, 2002



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 13, 2003 4:56 PM
Reply

phelious fogg wrote (Alexander said):
"Sounds Do-able to me then. What is the timeframe we have to operate in?"


"I will expect to hear from you within 48 hours from 1930 today. It would be better if you were to get the target as quickly as possible, for Miss Berlind's safety, but I don't want to rush you."


GunnerJ wrote (Roger said):
"Any idea what type of security is kept up?"


I have no information on what type of security to expect. While they are 'a bunch of punks' as you say, they are also sure to expect someone to try and steal Miss Berlind back."


GunnerJ wrote (Roger said):
"Also, is there anything you can tell us about the girl that might help us?"


"I was given no information as to any qualities or status that would make Miss Berlind worth kidnapping."

Spookymonster
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Apr, 2002



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 14, 2003 1:20 PM
Reply

Mr. J said:
"I will expect to hear from you within 48 hours from 1930 today. It would be better if you were to get the target as quickly as possible, for Miss Berlind's safety, but I don't want to rush you."

Skee raises an eyebrow at the Johnson's words. That was the second time he'd mentioned a deadline. He pauses in thought, rolling his glass between open palms.

"What happens in 48 hours? She turn into a pumpkin or somethin'?" He takes a slow sip of scotch before speaking again. "C'mon, bro... it's just us," he says, waving his hands at the other runners, a conspiratorial grin spreading across his face. "We can keep a secret."
[ Edited: Thu Aug 14 13:37:05 EDT 2003 ]

______
Despite popular opinion, I am not perfect.

Little Tim
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Jul, 2002



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 14, 2003 10:19 PM
Reply

Spookymonster wrote (Skee said):
"What happens in 48 hours? She turn into a pumpkin or somethin'?"

Mr. Johnson stares at Skee. "I would think not, Mr. Runner. I was given no information as to any reasons for the 48 hour limit, but I don't believe that is a likely scenario. In my personal opinion, this is the limit given by the gang to get whatever it is that they want from kidnapping young Miss Berlind."

Spookymonster wrote (Skee said):
"C'mon, bro... it's just us," he says, waving his hands at the other runners, a conspiratorial grin spreading across his face. "We can keep a secret."

"Yes, it is just us; men hired to do a job. While I understand that runners such as yourselves sometimes operate under a less restrictive set of ethics, I do not. I will not risk my job, or my life, for some cheap power thrill by withholding info from a bunch of criminal lowlifes!"
He leans back in his chair and takes a couple of deep breaths before looking at you again. "I'm sorry, I apologize for that outburst." He takes a long pull from his beer. "I have given you the information that was provided to me. I understand that this information is less then what you would hope for, but it is all I have for you. Now, unless you have any further questions, I think we are done." He reaches, slowly, into a jacket pocket and pulls out two certified credsticks for 1,000 each and places them on the table.

phelious fogg
Registered: Aug, 2003



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 14, 2003 11:09 PM
Reply

Alexander reaches out for one of the credsticks, picks it up and looks over it. "Sorry about asking so many bloody questions, my comrades just want to know what to expect." Alex replies to the Johnson. "Its nice to have all the information when we can get it is all. We didnt mean to push you so far. I understand you have a job to do, as do we it seems. And, to be honest, we should be getting to it." Alex tries to calm the J's nerves. "Its okay if you wish to leave so the rest of us can discuss how we should proceed in this caper." Then he turns to the other runners and asks "How should we split these?" Alex waits for the Johnson to leave before talking to the rest of the runners. "I think he blew his top, perhaps you should try to play it cool next time?"
______
the wandering mathemagician

GunnerJ
Registered: May, 2003



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 15, 2003 1:46 AM
Reply

Roger shakes his head. "It seems a little like this is a personal job... this isn't some random middleman, I'd bet that this is the girl's father, or a relative."

"But anyway, the only problem, as it seems right now, is the gang itself. If I know the area right, this is a squatter hangout she's held in, and security shouldn't be too tight. On the other hand, squatters tend to cluster together, and may even be recieving protection from the gang, so the gang may be using the squatters in the area as lookouts."

"But as I said, any physical security in the world won't be a problem for me! A master thief won't be beaten by the Everett Kool Aids, or whoever this is."
______
-=GunnerJ=-

"You may have questions as to the precise location and identity of The Man. I submit that he is before you."

Matrix Monkey
From: 127.0.0.1
Registered: Jun, 2003



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 15, 2003 5:10 AM
Reply

Cat just frowns at the Johnson's outburst, remaining silent until he leaves the table before taking a swig of his double scotch.

"He's definitely involved. My guess is those gangers thought they'd hit gold kidnapping a corper's daughter and assuming he's the father, he probably isn't high enough up to have this dealt with by company 'assets' and decided to take matters into his own, or should I say our hands."

Composing himself a little bit, Cat's frown turns into a smile as he looks around the table, taking in the other runners.

"Enough about that already. We're not getting paid to guess at the identity of our employer, the important thing now is planning this thing through. I for one am not inclined to go in guns blazing against overwhelming numbers, risking one of those gangers putting a bullet through my skull."

Spookymonster
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Apr, 2002



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 15, 2003 7:28 AM
Reply

Roger said:
"A master thief won't be beaten by the Everett Kool Aids, or whoever this is."


"The Chasers," Skee corrects. He stretches a hand before the other runners. A small cartoonish image of a troll springs forth from his open palm. The troll wears a ripped synth-leather jacket with a green stripe down the back. The 'toon rotates slowly so that the whole team gets a good look. "Notice the stripe... that's their calling card." The trog scratches himself rudely. "They're krill food - strictly small-time."
______
Despite popular opinion, I am not perfect.

Izzin
Registered: Aug, 2003



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 15, 2003 9:18 AM
Reply

Kimo ponders the conversations quietly.. Playing with the fur around his mouth again (a nervous habit). He considers the job, not having much to complain about he waits till those with more experience conversing to J's to finish.

After the negotiations are done, he looks to the small illusion of the trog.. "Well, " he pauses a moment..

"Trivial Gang, minor force, oh.. yeah, and cant hurt the girl."

"how about drugging the gang and then getting the girl? They have to sleep sometime in 48 hours, slip some sedative in their food/drinks and just wait for it to take effect.. "



phelious fogg
Registered: Aug, 2003



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 15, 2003 9:19 AM
Reply

"If we have 48 hours, we shoud probably spend a day looking the place over, find the easiest way in, and some backup plan, then go in on the second day. If its a squatter place, I wouldnt mind going in as a prospective client looking for a place to live.

Another thing is that if we have a mage with us who can project astrally, we should have him do astral recon on the place, it might be protected that way somehow, afterall on of them is supposedly a phys ad.

To me this seems like a kitty cat run, but that doesnt mean we shoudlnt be careful."

After talking for a while, Alexander sits back and takes a break seeing what ideas come up.

[edit]since spookymonster is an obvious mage, i ment a mage who could leave his body[/edit]
[ Edited: Fri Aug 15 09:27:13 EDT 2003 ]

______
the wandering mathemagician

Spookymonster
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Apr, 2002



Re: IC: Slot and Run Posted: Aug 15, 2003 1:46 PM
Reply

Skee nods. "Sounds good. I'll sweep the rooms, get a body count, maybe even find The Package. You guys scan the grounds, look for emergency exits, and anything else that might help or hurt us.

"As for spikin' their noodles," he says, turning to Kimo, "how much is that gonna run us? I don't mind springing for a little Wok Foo, but gettin' enough sleeping powder for a dozen hopped-up chipheads is a different story, so ka?"
______
Despite popular opinion, I am not perfect.

With a casual wave of his hand, Skee dismisses the trog ganger's image and is replaced with a 3-d wireframe of buildings. "Here's ground-zero. Looks like we got a back alley. Maybe that's a way in?"

"Maybe we could come in over the rooftop on the buildings behind?"
"A bit of levitation might get us in unseen?"

"The rooftops could be a good way in, agreed.
Once inside, I have the means to plot out and transmit an accurate tactical map of the inside. Perhaps this could be of use if we need to split up, or we could try and acquire a blueprint of our target building."

"Levitation? No problem," Skee says, grinning. Four cartoonish figures representing Alexander, Kimo, Cat and Skee appear in the illusionary neighborhood. With exaggerated leaps, they bound to the top of the ganger's hideout in pairs; first Cat and Alexander, then Kimo and himself.
"how's that by you, Kimo?", he says, turning to the fur-covered dwarf.

Kimo smirks at the small figures as they bound over the buildings.

"Able to leap with a single bound" he chuckles.

He then turns a bit serious again, twisting the fur along his mouth.
"Chip heads? How long, or would it be possible for you to alter their btls... Valuable chips yes, I would believe the girl is more valuable to them, it would be possibly easier to steal the chips, modify them. Return them Either way, if we can reduce our oposition, however we do it, the better we are."

He turns to Skee, "Can you do that round someone? In other words make me look like someone else? Never attach a herd when you can solo out a weak member. Could we isolate one of them. And impersonate them?"

"Of course, I have a ride waiting outside. " Alexander says to Skee.
"I suppose we should be on our way, I'd like to get some survalence up tonight. I can call back in the morning, with whatever information I have."
With that he gets out of his chair and excuses himself. "Unless there is anything else?"

"Sounds good. We want to cover as much ground on the surveillance work as we can tonight, so I suggest we split up into pairs or go solo.
That way we hopefully won't attract too much attention to ourselves, and we can scout out the surrounding rooftops as well as the squats in the area."

Walking out with the rest of the group, Cat relays a few simple commands through his headware radio to the receiver on his Aurora parked out front, which promptly flashes from an intense red to a dark blue color, grinning widely as the other runners see the change.

Now that is MY kind of magic...

"I'm going to pick up some gear at my doss before I hit those rooftops... anyone coming with?"

Skee engages in a short, casual conversation in a foreign tongue on his p-sec. The rustic middle-Eastern dialect seems incongruous with the blonde anglo's decidedly urbane manner.

Snapping his p-sec closed again, he turns to Alexander, nodding in acceptance at the offer of a ride. "Wiz. Just a quick stop, and then off to the work site. I'll slip out of my skin and do a quick fly-through, see what there is to be seen."

Skee turns back to Kimo, smiling amicably at the dwarven native. "How about you, fuzzy? You ready to roll?"