21:00:30 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Arriving at the table, Daedalus comes to a stop about a foot from the table, enough distance to be respectful of the mobster's space but close enough to be private. Dragon stands about a little bit behind and to the left of the rigger, dividing his attention between their conversation, the Japanese and elf tandem, and the rest of the restaurant's assorted goons, enforcers, and soliders.
" Vinnie , I presume? We have a friend in common." The rigger waits for the mobster to look up, and when he does, Daedalus continues, "I'm Daedalus . I believe you have something, several somethings actually, that belong to me."
Full Version: IC: A Short Victorius War
21:00:30 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
When Tenmou's sake never arrives, the runner simply shrugs. He types a text message to Erebus.
"Delivery time. Keep your eyes peeled."
Lightly tucking the package under his arm, Tenmou made his way towards Vinnie. He arrived at the table with the package only slightly behind two other runner types. He faded back and hoped his business would not interfere with theirs, or vice-versa.
When Tenmou's sake never arrives, the runner simply shrugs. He types a text message to Erebus.
"Delivery time. Keep your eyes peeled."
Lightly tucking the package under his arm, Tenmou made his way towards Vinnie. He arrived at the table with the package only slightly behind two other runner types. He faded back and hoped his business would not interfere with theirs, or vice-versa.
21:00:35 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Oh sweet bloody frag! The drek is going to hit the fan now!
Erebus couldn't help but notice the stir Tenmou caused, he felt like a center of attention enough all by his lonesome, and the tension level in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.
The two heavies covering Vinnie were twitchy enough just by nature, then the pair of runners jander right up to Vinnie's table and start a soft voiced conversation, and in the middle of that Tenmou heads over to the table with a box large enough to hold a SMG or a large explosive.
Erebus didn't bother to hide his interest in the events unfolding at Vinnie's table, at this point it wasn't going to make much difference if he pretended indifference or not. He was sure everyone in the bar had an eye on the unfolding scene, after all what is dinner without a show?
Hell, all we need now is a tiny, bright yellow car to roll up and a dozen clowns to jump out. This show is so wiz we should be selling tickets at the door.
Oh sweet bloody frag! The drek is going to hit the fan now!
Erebus couldn't help but notice the stir Tenmou caused, he felt like a center of attention enough all by his lonesome, and the tension level in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.
The two heavies covering Vinnie were twitchy enough just by nature, then the pair of runners jander right up to Vinnie's table and start a soft voiced conversation, and in the middle of that Tenmou heads over to the table with a box large enough to hold a SMG or a large explosive.
Erebus didn't bother to hide his interest in the events unfolding at Vinnie's table, at this point it wasn't going to make much difference if he pretended indifference or not. He was sure everyone in the bar had an eye on the unfolding scene, after all what is dinner without a show?
Hell, all we need now is a tiny, bright yellow car to roll up and a dozen clowns to jump out. This show is so wiz we should be selling tickets at the door.
21:00:36 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Noticing the Japanese guy approach and stop at a reasonable distance, Dragon kept his senses tuned and his body ready to move. It was starting to get a little bit on the ridiculous side of tense, so many possible players, so many things that could happen... if just one person decided to get a little jumpy, this whole thing could get really ugly, really fast. Still, there was nothing to do but wait for Vinnie to respond, and hopefully, to ease some of the tension.
Noticing the Japanese guy approach and stop at a reasonable distance, Dragon kept his senses tuned and his body ready to move. It was starting to get a little bit on the ridiculous side of tense, so many possible players, so many things that could happen... if just one person decided to get a little jumpy, this whole thing could get really ugly, really fast. Still, there was nothing to do but wait for Vinnie to respond, and hopefully, to ease some of the tension.
21:00:36 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
"I'm Daedalus. I believe you have something, several somethings actually, that belong to me. I got your message and I was hoping to be able to conclude our business soon."
He could feel the hairs rising on the back of his neck as he noticed what seemed like the weight of the whole room became focused on a point just behind him.
Holding his tone calm, he continues, "and, while that is the primary reason we are here, I also wanted to talk about something else that may be of interest to you."
But first things first, where is my gear.
"I'm Daedalus. I believe you have something, several somethings actually, that belong to me. I got your message and I was hoping to be able to conclude our business soon."
He could feel the hairs rising on the back of his neck as he noticed what seemed like the weight of the whole room became focused on a point just behind him.
Holding his tone calm, he continues, "and, while that is the primary reason we are here, I also wanted to talk about something else that may be of interest to you."
But first things first, where is my gear.
21:02:00 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Vinnie continues to chew the food that was already in his mouth. He finishes and puts down the news fax letting his left hand fall below the table. With his other he carefully wipes his mouth with the table white hand cloth. He looks up at the unlikely trio for a second then speaks in his heavily accented baritone.
"Let me get this strait, your the mook whos van got pinched crossing the border. Whos the slant, one of your friends?"
Vinnie continues to chew the food that was already in his mouth. He finishes and puts down the news fax letting his left hand fall below the table. With his other he carefully wipes his mouth with the table white hand cloth. He looks up at the unlikely trio for a second then speaks in his heavily accented baritone.
"Let me get this strait, your the mook whos van got pinched crossing the border. Whos the slant, one of your friends?"
21:02:00 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Choosing to ignore the racial slur, Tenmou opts to step forward and even bow to the ignorant Italian.
"I am not with them. I do have a message for you. I was told to say, 'Time to pay the piper, Vinnie'."
Hopefully, Tenmou thought, the other runners will not act adversely to that statement...
Choosing to ignore the racial slur, Tenmou opts to step forward and even bow to the ignorant Italian.
"I am not with them. I do have a message for you. I was told to say, 'Time to pay the piper, Vinnie'."
Hopefully, Tenmou thought, the other runners will not act adversely to that statement...
21:02:05 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
You could hear a pin drop after Tenmou speaks.
"You think this is going to be easy you little bastard!"
The large twin barreled shotgun seems to materialize in Vinnies hand as he swings it over to point directly at the three.
"You can tell those damn Yaks that it will take more than a setup to take out 'ole Vinnie!"
You could hear a pin drop after Tenmou speaks.
"You think this is going to be easy you little bastard!"
The large twin barreled shotgun seems to materialize in Vinnies hand as he swings it over to point directly at the three.
"You can tell those damn Yaks that it will take more than a setup to take out 'ole Vinnie!"
21:02:05 Sunday January 7, 2063 - OK Corral aka Spaghetti Palace Auburn
Oh drek.
Erebus watched, stunned to immobility, as Tenmou walked right into the middle of what looked like a developing fight to deliver the package. He couldn't believe it, it looked as if Tenmou had found the worst possible moment to make his approach and deliver the recognition code.
Then everything Erebus had been afraid would happen did.
He saw the gun come up above the table level, and heard Vinnie's shouted challenge, as he planted his hands on the sticky synth-mahogany bar, tucked his left shoulder and rolled over into the bartender's space. The rush of adrenaline and the way the world seemed to slow down let him know that his boosted reflexes were online, and made the crash of his glass breaking into a long drawn out scream. His feet found the floor and his brain flashed into that strangely peaceful quiet of the Void, where he became almost a disinterested observer as his body reacted to combat stimuli. As his right hand found the grips of his Predator he had one final extraneous thought filter across his conscious mind before he surrendered to the Void.
I'm never going to get paid.
Oh drek.
Erebus watched, stunned to immobility, as Tenmou walked right into the middle of what looked like a developing fight to deliver the package. He couldn't believe it, it looked as if Tenmou had found the worst possible moment to make his approach and deliver the recognition code.
Then everything Erebus had been afraid would happen did.
He saw the gun come up above the table level, and heard Vinnie's shouted challenge, as he planted his hands on the sticky synth-mahogany bar, tucked his left shoulder and rolled over into the bartender's space. The rush of adrenaline and the way the world seemed to slow down let him know that his boosted reflexes were online, and made the crash of his glass breaking into a long drawn out scream. His feet found the floor and his brain flashed into that strangely peaceful quiet of the Void, where he became almost a disinterested observer as his body reacted to combat stimuli. As his right hand found the grips of his Predator he had one final extraneous thought filter across his conscious mind before he surrendered to the Void.
I'm never going to get paid.
21:02:05 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace Auburn
As Vinnie draws his weapon, Tenmou can't help but think one word:
"Crap..."
As Vinnie draws his weapon, Tenmou can't help but think one word:
"Crap..."
21:02:05 Sunday January 7, 2063 - OK Corral aka Spaghetti Palace Auburn
I don't believe this clown! Asian guy like that walks into a Mafia joint while syndicate tensions are running high and he delivers a message like THAT? Hell, why not just make the password 'I came to jam with your wife', or something along those lines?
Trusting his reflexes and his armor to protect him in case the drek hits the fan in the next few milliseconds, Dragon does something drastic: goes for peace. Not that he's any less ready to pull the Guardians and get down to biz, but in this case, peace is definitely the way to go.
Calmly and carefully, Dragon shifts slightly to open up his field of vision as well as his fields of fire, and says, "No setup! Ask!" He motions to Tenmou so there's no confusion as to who he wants Vinnie to ask to explain the situation.
Come on...work...this isn't a day I want to get into a gunfight. Not here, not now, not like this, and sure as hell not for this.
I don't believe this clown! Asian guy like that walks into a Mafia joint while syndicate tensions are running high and he delivers a message like THAT? Hell, why not just make the password 'I came to jam with your wife', or something along those lines?
Trusting his reflexes and his armor to protect him in case the drek hits the fan in the next few milliseconds, Dragon does something drastic: goes for peace. Not that he's any less ready to pull the Guardians and get down to biz, but in this case, peace is definitely the way to go.
Calmly and carefully, Dragon shifts slightly to open up his field of vision as well as his fields of fire, and says, "No setup! Ask!" He motions to Tenmou so there's no confusion as to who he wants Vinnie to ask to explain the situation.
Come on...work...this isn't a day I want to get into a gunfight. Not here, not now, not like this, and sure as hell not for this.
21:02:05.5 Sunday January 7, 2063 - OK Corral aka Spaghetti Palace Auburn
The Mafioso to Dragons left, closest to the bar reacts to his boss toting the shotgun like a kid released from Summer break,
"Grease em," he gleefully yells while dropping to one knee and pulling out a very heavily modified Ares Predator. The weapon 'clinks' as he draws it, a spring loaded front handle drops down. The mobster pushes the gun out in front of him.
The roar of a three round burst in such close quarters is deafening. The little gun bucks in his hands as he sprays the trio.
The Mafioso to Dragons left, closest to the bar reacts to his boss toting the shotgun like a kid released from Summer break,
"Grease em," he gleefully yells while dropping to one knee and pulling out a very heavily modified Ares Predator. The weapon 'clinks' as he draws it, a spring loaded front handle drops down. The mobster pushes the gun out in front of him.
The roar of a three round burst in such close quarters is deafening. The little gun bucks in his hands as he sprays the trio.
21:02:05.5 Sunday January 7, 2063 - OK Corral aka Spaghetti Palace Auburn
Drek! Well, there goes the neighborhood. Stupid fragging bastard! Why couldn't you just fragging let the man explain himself? No one made a fragging move except you!
Cursing the trigger happy mobster, the worst-sense-of-timing messenger boy with the worst-password-EVER, and whatever the frag it was that made Shifty even consider using this son of a slitch Mafia rat bastard who was so damn trigger happy it was a wonder he managed to find anyone to do biz with him at all, Dragon instinctively whipped the paired Savalette Guardians out of their holsters as bullets whipped past him. As soon as he did, crosshairs blazed to life in his eyes, as the smartlink kicked into play. Unfortunately, he couldn't concentrate on the crosshairs because his attention was divided between the two guns, forcing him to aim and fire manually with the benefit of the link.
Damn it to hell, I didn't want it to come to this, but this hoopfragger's left me no choice. Now that he's started shooting, this whole place is going to turn into a damn shooting gallery in no time flat. Maybe if I can take his goons out Vinnie will listen to reason. I might regret this later, but I'll sure as frag regret it now if I let these bastards turn me into a human swiss cheese. Speed and quantity over accuracy. I don't want to kill these guys, just put them out of the fight long enough for cooler heads to prevail. I hope.
Yelling, "Gel rounds!" to convey his nonlethal intent, and to hopefully reinforce the notion that they just wanted to talk without getting killed (spirits, was that too much to ask?), Dragon squeezed off rounds in rapid succession. First he sent a round at the goon who was firing, then a pair at the other goon, hoping to take him out before he could even draw his weapon, before sending a last 'warning shot' at the bartender. Not to hit him, but to make him think twice before getting any funny ideas.
Come on, call timeout already, let's talk, and then we can all go home in one peace, as opposed to pieces...
Drek! Well, there goes the neighborhood. Stupid fragging bastard! Why couldn't you just fragging let the man explain himself? No one made a fragging move except you!
Cursing the trigger happy mobster, the worst-sense-of-timing messenger boy with the worst-password-EVER, and whatever the frag it was that made Shifty even consider using this son of a slitch Mafia rat bastard who was so damn trigger happy it was a wonder he managed to find anyone to do biz with him at all, Dragon instinctively whipped the paired Savalette Guardians out of their holsters as bullets whipped past him. As soon as he did, crosshairs blazed to life in his eyes, as the smartlink kicked into play. Unfortunately, he couldn't concentrate on the crosshairs because his attention was divided between the two guns, forcing him to aim and fire manually with the benefit of the link.
Damn it to hell, I didn't want it to come to this, but this hoopfragger's left me no choice. Now that he's started shooting, this whole place is going to turn into a damn shooting gallery in no time flat. Maybe if I can take his goons out Vinnie will listen to reason. I might regret this later, but I'll sure as frag regret it now if I let these bastards turn me into a human swiss cheese. Speed and quantity over accuracy. I don't want to kill these guys, just put them out of the fight long enough for cooler heads to prevail. I hope.
Yelling, "Gel rounds!" to convey his nonlethal intent, and to hopefully reinforce the notion that they just wanted to talk without getting killed (spirits, was that too much to ask?), Dragon squeezed off rounds in rapid succession. First he sent a round at the goon who was firing, then a pair at the other goon, hoping to take him out before he could even draw his weapon, before sending a last 'warning shot' at the bartender. Not to hit him, but to make him think twice before getting any funny ideas.
Come on, call timeout already, let's talk, and then we can all go home in one peace, as opposed to pieces...
The staccato roar of Dragons heavy pistols fills the room as he spins to shoot 3 different targets. His first round smashes into the chest of the trigger happy mafioso who rolls with the momentum across the floor as he continues to spray and prey.
The goons first three round burst heads toward Tenmou at 1300 feat per second. His second burst flies at his assailant. Smoke and flash fill the room form the auto and semi auto fire.
The bartender raises his hands and moves back, but its a ploy. A thin wire appears in his hands and he lunges for Erebus. His large hands try and fit the wire around the Samurai's neck.
The goons first three round burst heads toward Tenmou at 1300 feat per second. His second burst flies at his assailant. Smoke and flash fill the room form the auto and semi auto fire.
The bartender raises his hands and moves back, but its a ploy. A thin wire appears in his hands and he lunges for Erebus. His large hands try and fit the wire around the Samurai's neck.
21:02:05.5 Sunday January 7, 2063 - OK Corral aka Spaghetti Palace Auburn
The second man shot by Dragon stumbles a step back as the Gel round impact with his chest. He grunts as he drops to one knee from the force of the blow.
Dragon spins forward and ends with his back to the bar to avoid the incoming burst aimed at him.
The second man shot by Dragon stumbles a step back as the Gel round impact with his chest. He grunts as he drops to one knee from the force of the blow.
Dragon spins forward and ends with his back to the bar to avoid the incoming burst aimed at him.
Error in post *deleted*
21:02:05 Sunday January 7, 2063 Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
He was almost taken by surprise by the bartender, when he stepped back it looked like he was going to try and stay out of the fight. Of course, almost is an awful big word in a situation like that.
The barkeep was a big norm of obviously Italian ansectory, broad and thick he looked like an older athlete who'd put on some weight around the middle but still had plenty of muscle under that fat. He reacted quickly and well, light on his feet for someone his size. The bartender's arms whipped into motion and Erebus caught the flicker of light on the garrotte. Actually not a bad choice for a barkeep, many patrons would be looking the other way towards the main part of the bar and would be in perfect position to be bent backwards over the bar with a garrotte, effectively hung.
Erebus safely tucked away in the Void, distantly noted the threat, instantly cataloged the terrain and decided that there was not enough space behind the bar to allow him to extend the conflict and use his reach advantage. He opted for the unexpected, instead of retreating he advanced.
The left hand he'd raised to try and forestall an attack he used to slap the barkeep's arms together, effectively spoiling his assault. He lunged forward to meet the bartender, his right hand rising from the grips of his Predator in a stinging backhanded slap to the other man's face.
The bartender blinked once at the blow, looking more surprised than hurt, then the surprise turned to anger and he bore in with a enraged roar.
He was almost taken by surprise by the bartender, when he stepped back it looked like he was going to try and stay out of the fight. Of course, almost is an awful big word in a situation like that.
The barkeep was a big norm of obviously Italian ansectory, broad and thick he looked like an older athlete who'd put on some weight around the middle but still had plenty of muscle under that fat. He reacted quickly and well, light on his feet for someone his size. The bartender's arms whipped into motion and Erebus caught the flicker of light on the garrotte. Actually not a bad choice for a barkeep, many patrons would be looking the other way towards the main part of the bar and would be in perfect position to be bent backwards over the bar with a garrotte, effectively hung.
Erebus safely tucked away in the Void, distantly noted the threat, instantly cataloged the terrain and decided that there was not enough space behind the bar to allow him to extend the conflict and use his reach advantage. He opted for the unexpected, instead of retreating he advanced.
The left hand he'd raised to try and forestall an attack he used to slap the barkeep's arms together, effectively spoiling his assault. He lunged forward to meet the bartender, his right hand rising from the grips of his Predator in a stinging backhanded slap to the other man's face.
The bartender blinked once at the blow, looking more surprised than hurt, then the surprise turned to anger and he bore in with a enraged roar.
21:02:06 Sunday January 7, 2063 Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Wounded but not out, Tenmou blocked the pain and agony from his body. using techniques mastered in thousands of hours of training he put the pain in a box and closed the lid.
His leap forward sidestepped Daed and Dragon and landed him square in front of the machine pistol wielding maniac. Tenmou pushed forward with his weight, his fist forming a square and moving out from the center of his body.
Lead with your furthest two knuckles. All the weight of your body strikes with those.
The voice of his old Sensei echoed in his mind as he started the attack. The mobster had some formal training in hand to hand, but he was unprepared for the ferocity of the oriental mans attack. The loud kia split the air as they engaged. The maniac blocked, parried, and stepped backward trying to bring the barrel of his pistol to bear on Tenmou. The oriental man lead with his fist, waited as he was blocked and then snapped kick forward. The ball of his foot landed squarely in the mobsters stomach. The man dropped to his knees exhaling the air in his lungs with a 'oof'.
Wounded but not out, Tenmou blocked the pain and agony from his body. using techniques mastered in thousands of hours of training he put the pain in a box and closed the lid.
His leap forward sidestepped Daed and Dragon and landed him square in front of the machine pistol wielding maniac. Tenmou pushed forward with his weight, his fist forming a square and moving out from the center of his body.
Lead with your furthest two knuckles. All the weight of your body strikes with those.
The voice of his old Sensei echoed in his mind as he started the attack. The mobster had some formal training in hand to hand, but he was unprepared for the ferocity of the oriental mans attack. The loud kia split the air as they engaged. The maniac blocked, parried, and stepped backward trying to bring the barrel of his pistol to bear on Tenmou. The oriental man lead with his fist, waited as he was blocked and then snapped kick forward. The ball of his foot landed squarely in the mobsters stomach. The man dropped to his knees exhaling the air in his lungs with a 'oof'.
21:02:06 Sunday January 7, 2063 Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Tenmous move caught the Second mobster of guard, he hadn't expected the wounded man to rush past him like that. But the more dangerous threat was obvious. The duel wielding Samurai standing spitting distance of his boss.
He had seen the move done a hundred times, and had always been ding to try it himself. He leaned forward, through his right shoulder down and tucked his head. He rolled clumsily on his side and came up with his Ares Pred in both hands. The weapon bucked twice as he fired nearly point blank at Dragon.
Vinnies thrust his shotgun out at his two assailants, yelling obscenities he pulled the trigger aiming roughly at Daedulus. While firing he was trying to move deeper into his booth, hoping to not get hit in the crossfire between the runners and his own men.
Tenmous move caught the Second mobster of guard, he hadn't expected the wounded man to rush past him like that. But the more dangerous threat was obvious. The duel wielding Samurai standing spitting distance of his boss.
He had seen the move done a hundred times, and had always been ding to try it himself. He leaned forward, through his right shoulder down and tucked his head. He rolled clumsily on his side and came up with his Ares Pred in both hands. The weapon bucked twice as he fired nearly point blank at Dragon.
Vinnies thrust his shotgun out at his two assailants, yelling obscenities he pulled the trigger aiming roughly at Daedulus. While firing he was trying to move deeper into his booth, hoping to not get hit in the crossfire between the runners and his own men.
21:02:06 Sunday January 7, 2063 Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Narrowly sidestepping the rain of flechette spewing from Vinnie's gun, Daedalus realizes that the situation has passed far beyond the realm of reasonable discussion or even threats.
Quickly considering the non-subdual nature of his own ammunition, he reaches for the Ingram Smartgun hanging at his side and thinks to Dragon:
I'm lethal, you get Vinnie.
As his own smartlink reticle blazes to life, Daedalus sets the target squarely on the would-be action star mobster...
Narrowly sidestepping the rain of flechette spewing from Vinnie's gun, Daedalus realizes that the situation has passed far beyond the realm of reasonable discussion or even threats.
Quickly considering the non-subdual nature of his own ammunition, he reaches for the Ingram Smartgun hanging at his side and thinks to Dragon:
I'm lethal, you get Vinnie.
As his own smartlink reticle blazes to life, Daedalus sets the target squarely on the would-be action star mobster...
21:02:0605 Sunday January 7, 2063 Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
The Smartguns hammer falls and blazes away instantly. The gun roars as it send 4 rounds at its intended target. They blast into the mobster stitching a line up his left arm. The impact sends him sprawling on the floor in a heap.
The Smartguns hammer falls and blazes away instantly. The gun roars as it send 4 rounds at its intended target. They blast into the mobster stitching a line up his left arm. The impact sends him sprawling on the floor in a heap.
21:02:0605 Sunday January 7, 2063 Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Erebus conintues to struggle with the bartender. He manages to plant his knee in the mans stomach and then slam him in the back as he is doubled over.
Erebus conintues to struggle with the bartender. He manages to plant his knee in the mans stomach and then slam him in the back as he is doubled over.
21:02:0605 Sunday January 7, 2063 Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Whirling smoothly to clear Daedalus’s line of fire, Dragon wastes no motion and uses his momentum to bring both pistols to bear on Vinnie. Shifting his body ever so slightly to stay aware of the Mafia soldiers while keeping his sightlines and fields of fire open, he yells at the Mob Boss, “Drop it!”
Meanwhile, he communicates to Daedalus, “This is it. If he doesn’t give up now, I’ll knock him unconscious. I’m through playing around with this trigger happy maniac.”
Whirling smoothly to clear Daedalus’s line of fire, Dragon wastes no motion and uses his momentum to bring both pistols to bear on Vinnie. Shifting his body ever so slightly to stay aware of the Mafia soldiers while keeping his sightlines and fields of fire open, he yells at the Mob Boss, “Drop it!”
Meanwhile, he communicates to Daedalus, “This is it. If he doesn’t give up now, I’ll knock him unconscious. I’m through playing around with this trigger happy maniac.”
21:02:0605 Sunday January 7, 2063 Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
A sudden silence washes over the bar. Dragon can here the sounds of screams from the eating section as people scramble to get out of the fight. A few broken bottle from stray bullets fall to the floor and shatter.
Vinnie is attempting to reload his shotgun when Dragons booming voice echoes over him. He stops and lets the gun fall.
A sudden silence washes over the bar. Dragon can here the sounds of screams from the eating section as people scramble to get out of the fight. A few broken bottle from stray bullets fall to the floor and shatter.
Vinnie is attempting to reload his shotgun when Dragons booming voice echoes over him. He stops and lets the gun fall.
21:02:07 Sunday January 7, 2063 Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
In the tense silence that follows, Dragon speaks loudly enough that everyone in the room (at least the combatants) can hear him, but calmly, rationally; projecting his voice but not yelling, as he often did on the parade grounds.
“Listen to me. If we were here to assassinate you, why would we do it this way? Why would we repeatedly call for a cease-fire? For that matter, why would we even bother to give you a warning or message? Why not just come in and start shooting?”
He motions with his head at the elf behind the bar and the Japanese man. “I don’t know who these two guys are or what their biz is with you, but I’m guessing they aren’t here to kill you either, judging by their reactions throughout this whole thing. For me and him,” he motions to Daedalus, who still has his SMG readied, but isn’t blatantly pointing it at anyone in particular, “we’re just here to complete a business transaction with you, that’s it.”
“So how about it? Why don’t we all just take a deep breath, calm down, and maybe talk things out instead of letting our guns do the talking for us?”
Dragon looks at Vinnie, waiting for an answer. As a sign of good faith, he slowly lowers his weapons so they’re pointing at the floor, but his instincts and reflexes are on high alert, his body tense and ready to spring into action if anyone shows even a sign of making a hostile move.
In the tense silence that follows, Dragon speaks loudly enough that everyone in the room (at least the combatants) can hear him, but calmly, rationally; projecting his voice but not yelling, as he often did on the parade grounds.
“Listen to me. If we were here to assassinate you, why would we do it this way? Why would we repeatedly call for a cease-fire? For that matter, why would we even bother to give you a warning or message? Why not just come in and start shooting?”
He motions with his head at the elf behind the bar and the Japanese man. “I don’t know who these two guys are or what their biz is with you, but I’m guessing they aren’t here to kill you either, judging by their reactions throughout this whole thing. For me and him,” he motions to Daedalus, who still has his SMG readied, but isn’t blatantly pointing it at anyone in particular, “we’re just here to complete a business transaction with you, that’s it.”
“So how about it? Why don’t we all just take a deep breath, calm down, and maybe talk things out instead of letting our guns do the talking for us?”
Dragon looks at Vinnie, waiting for an answer. As a sign of good faith, he slowly lowers his weapons so they’re pointing at the floor, but his instincts and reflexes are on high alert, his body tense and ready to spring into action if anyone shows even a sign of making a hostile move.
21:02:35 Sunday January 7, 2063 Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Vinnie mulls it over for a few seconds.
"Ok, you got your self exactly one minute to explain, all of you." The man slides out of the booth and stands up. "and I don't care if you know eachother or not, you all have soem things to answer for."
Vinnie mulls it over for a few seconds.
"Ok, you got your self exactly one minute to explain, all of you." The man slides out of the booth and stands up. "and I don't care if you know eachother or not, you all have soem things to answer for."
21:02:35 Sunday January 7, 2063 Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Tenmou doesn't take his eyes from his attacker as he addresses Vinnie.
"I was given explicit instructions by my employer to deliver a package to you. I was to state the phrase, 'Time to pay the piper, Vinnie' to which you were supposed to give an explicit statement in reply. If I received the correct phrase, I was to deliver the package."
Tenmou nods to the box on the floor. "I hope it wasn't damaged by the misunderstanding." He cradles the bleeding injury he sustained, some of the pain starting to seep around his mental defenses.
"Perhaps there is more than one Vinnie in this establishment?"
Tenmou doesn't take his eyes from his attacker as he addresses Vinnie.
"I was given explicit instructions by my employer to deliver a package to you. I was to state the phrase, 'Time to pay the piper, Vinnie' to which you were supposed to give an explicit statement in reply. If I received the correct phrase, I was to deliver the package."
Tenmou nods to the box on the floor. "I hope it wasn't damaged by the misunderstanding." He cradles the bleeding injury he sustained, some of the pain starting to seep around his mental defenses.
"Perhaps there is more than one Vinnie in this establishment?"
21:02:45 Sunday January 7, 2063 Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
"No you got the right Vinnie you slant eyed whacko. I don't care who you say you are, but you don't walk into my legitimate business and threaten me, none of yous do. You owe me, all of you. You want to square it, you find out who ordered the hit on me and you tell me who it was so I canz pay them back in spades. You get me?"
"No you got the right Vinnie you slant eyed whacko. I don't care who you say you are, but you don't walk into my legitimate business and threaten me, none of yous do. You owe me, all of you. You want to square it, you find out who ordered the hit on me and you tell me who it was so I canz pay them back in spades. You get me?"
21:03:08 Sunday January 7, 2063 Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
While listening to Vinnie’s brief, pointed discussion with the Japanese man who started this whole thing, Dragon transmits to Daedalus, ”We’re not getting caught up in a mob war. We don’t have time, and we’ve already been distracted enough from our primary reason for being in Seattle. I don’t want to waste more time than we already are doing some maniac mob boss’s bidding to make amends for trouble we had nothing to do with. I’m going to make a counterproposal. I think I know what he’ll say to it, but I hope he does refuse it, because that gives us an opening to broach that particularly sensitive subject, which I don’t want to do right away.”
“Also, give me the details on how this transportation of your van was supposed to work out. It might be relevant to the discussion. Was it a favor, and if so, from whom to whom, or was money involved, and if so, what’s the balance that we owe him? And make it quick, and over the comm. Don’t putz around, because I have feeling patience is in very short supply all around here.”
“If you have something to say when I’m done, I recommend you say it. Otherwise, if this place gets nasty again, put everyone down except the other two runners. They can’t finger us and we can’t finger them. Unless one of them has a head camera…but we’ll burn that bridge when we come to it. You make sure the bartender and two goons are dead, whether the other two do it or you do. I’ll handle Vinnie”.
When Vinnie is finished speaking, the mercenary responds, “I have a counterproposal for you.” Dragon’s voice is polite and respectful, attempting to calm the mob boss down. However, there is unquestionably steel, and not submission behind it. Not threatening or intimidating in any way, simply a subtle reminder that if things explode again, for whatever might happen to all of them after the fact, it won’t change the reality that Vinnie will still be very, very dead.
“Deal with those two,” he motions with his head towards the elf and the Japanese, “separately from us. They’re the ones who had the message for you, they’re the ones who’d have a chance of tracing who called the hit. Me and him,” he gestures to Daedalus, “are separate.”
Dragon narrows his eyes. “It is my understanding that you were contracted to transport something to Seattle that belongs to him,” again, the nod to the rigger, “and we came here to collect it, that’s all. We don’t know anything about a hit, we don’t know anything about who might have called it or why, and we don’t want to get involved.”
His tone lightens, and becomes a friendlier, more conciliatory. “Let’s just close this transaction, give the man the items you were contracted to bring to Seattle, and call it quits. We’ll chalk up whatever problems we had just now as being due to…outside circumstances, shall we say, and leave it at that.”
While listening to Vinnie’s brief, pointed discussion with the Japanese man who started this whole thing, Dragon transmits to Daedalus, ”We’re not getting caught up in a mob war. We don’t have time, and we’ve already been distracted enough from our primary reason for being in Seattle. I don’t want to waste more time than we already are doing some maniac mob boss’s bidding to make amends for trouble we had nothing to do with. I’m going to make a counterproposal. I think I know what he’ll say to it, but I hope he does refuse it, because that gives us an opening to broach that particularly sensitive subject, which I don’t want to do right away.”
“Also, give me the details on how this transportation of your van was supposed to work out. It might be relevant to the discussion. Was it a favor, and if so, from whom to whom, or was money involved, and if so, what’s the balance that we owe him? And make it quick, and over the comm. Don’t putz around, because I have feeling patience is in very short supply all around here.”
“If you have something to say when I’m done, I recommend you say it. Otherwise, if this place gets nasty again, put everyone down except the other two runners. They can’t finger us and we can’t finger them. Unless one of them has a head camera…but we’ll burn that bridge when we come to it. You make sure the bartender and two goons are dead, whether the other two do it or you do. I’ll handle Vinnie”.
When Vinnie is finished speaking, the mercenary responds, “I have a counterproposal for you.” Dragon’s voice is polite and respectful, attempting to calm the mob boss down. However, there is unquestionably steel, and not submission behind it. Not threatening or intimidating in any way, simply a subtle reminder that if things explode again, for whatever might happen to all of them after the fact, it won’t change the reality that Vinnie will still be very, very dead.
“Deal with those two,” he motions with his head towards the elf and the Japanese, “separately from us. They’re the ones who had the message for you, they’re the ones who’d have a chance of tracing who called the hit. Me and him,” he gestures to Daedalus, “are separate.”
Dragon narrows his eyes. “It is my understanding that you were contracted to transport something to Seattle that belongs to him,” again, the nod to the rigger, “and we came here to collect it, that’s all. We don’t know anything about a hit, we don’t know anything about who might have called it or why, and we don’t want to get involved.”
His tone lightens, and becomes a friendlier, more conciliatory. “Let’s just close this transaction, give the man the items you were contracted to bring to Seattle, and call it quits. We’ll chalk up whatever problems we had just now as being due to…outside circumstances, shall we say, and leave it at that.”
21:03:08 Sundy January 7, 2063 - Spagehetti Palace - Auburn
As the angry bottle jockey backed off, Erebus accepted the reprieve and jumped back as well. Getting the distance he wanted in the first place.
Vinnie and one of the other runners were blabbing about something down the bar but Erebus kept his eyes on the guys who had guns pointed in his direction. As quickly as his jacked reflexes would allow he jerked the Predator from its holster and fell into a crouching Weaver stance. The weapon pointed at a spot on the floor somewhere between the bartender and himself. He gave the bartender a double dose of his best "I'm-nasty-and-well-armed" look and growled out his first and last warning.
"No more hitting."
I knew this drek was going to go bad. The payment method was fragged, the recognition code just designed to get me shot, and the package some kind of ritual "Eat drek and die" message from the Yaks to the Mafs. There are days when I freaking love my job; this just ain't one of them.
As the angry bottle jockey backed off, Erebus accepted the reprieve and jumped back as well. Getting the distance he wanted in the first place.
Vinnie and one of the other runners were blabbing about something down the bar but Erebus kept his eyes on the guys who had guns pointed in his direction. As quickly as his jacked reflexes would allow he jerked the Predator from its holster and fell into a crouching Weaver stance. The weapon pointed at a spot on the floor somewhere between the bartender and himself. He gave the bartender a double dose of his best "I'm-nasty-and-well-armed" look and growled out his first and last warning.
"No more hitting."
I knew this drek was going to go bad. The payment method was fragged, the recognition code just designed to get me shot, and the package some kind of ritual "Eat drek and die" message from the Yaks to the Mafs. There are days when I freaking love my job; this just ain't one of them.
21:03:10 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spagehetti Palace - Auburn
The barrage of information streaming from Dragon into Daedalus's head would render a normal person utterly incapable of coherent thought or response. Thankfully Daedalus and Dragon had been at this for a long time and so his response flowed back seamlessly:
"The deal was that he would get my van and 2 drones to me tonight in 2 packages (the drones then the van 2 hours later) at the port tonight. No money owed, but I do owe him a favor. Not so much anymore though if it got intercepted. That and the fact that he just shot at me. He posted on Shadowland that there had been a complication and to contact him. Way I see it, I owe him nothing till we see some proof of services rendered."
Keeping his gun at the ready, he speaks matching Dragon's conciliatory tone, "Look, you told me to contact you, something about a complication. That is what we are here for. I just want to know what happened and how can we resolve it."
The barrage of information streaming from Dragon into Daedalus's head would render a normal person utterly incapable of coherent thought or response. Thankfully Daedalus and Dragon had been at this for a long time and so his response flowed back seamlessly:
"The deal was that he would get my van and 2 drones to me tonight in 2 packages (the drones then the van 2 hours later) at the port tonight. No money owed, but I do owe him a favor. Not so much anymore though if it got intercepted. That and the fact that he just shot at me. He posted on Shadowland that there had been a complication and to contact him. Way I see it, I owe him nothing till we see some proof of services rendered."
Keeping his gun at the ready, he speaks matching Dragon's conciliatory tone, "Look, you told me to contact you, something about a complication. That is what we are here for. I just want to know what happened and how can we resolve it."
21:08:10 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
He tried to keep his eyes moving, keeping everything in sight, and his ears tuned as well. The familiar stink of cordite mixed with the equally familiar metallic tang of blood in the air. Even though his ears were still ringing from the torrent of gunshots that had just occurred Erebus was still able to make out the soft voiced conversation going on between Vinnie and the street sam who'd stopped the gunfight.
"Contracted to transport something. . . " just like me huh? Today is so incredibly NOT the day to be a delivery man. The young elf's face twisted with a bitter grin.
At least from the sounds of things Vinnie got paid BEFORE accepting the package to deliver. I got stiffed by the Johnson and got the pleasure of being involved in a gunfight with a bunch of nut cases who wander around with SMGs.
Still he couldn't leave the conversation stand with all the talk about someone being hired to "hit" Vinnie. The mobster dude seemed a little to quick with that shotgun to let that impression lie. Erebus raised his voice loud enough for everyone in the room to be able to hear him.
"Hey! I didn't get paid to 'hit' anyone! I'm just security for the package, which is a bunch of freaking flowers for Christ's sake! Everybody just chill!" Erebus didn't give a rat frag if the whole flower thing was supposed to be a secret or not, the Johnson had already lied to him about the job and about Vinnie expecting the package, much less being willing to pay 4000
to receive it.
The young elf began backing towards the end of the bar, acutely conscious of the time ticking by, looking for enough room to be able to get over the bar and out the door. Lone Star would be here soon, if they weren't on the way already, they soon would be and they wouldn't be happy when they arrived. Even if everyone in the bar was a mafioso hitman that little gun battle would have people for two or three blocks hitting their PANICbuttons and dialling 911, Auburn might not be Bellevue but neither is it the Barrens. The sound of a difference of opinion being settled via Smith & Wesson had a tendancy to upset the locals.
Drek, with all the autofire that went on I wouldn't be surprised if Lone Star has a SWAT team descending on us right this instant.
He had no intention of being here when Lone Star arrived to begin asking questions.
He tried to keep his eyes moving, keeping everything in sight, and his ears tuned as well. The familiar stink of cordite mixed with the equally familiar metallic tang of blood in the air. Even though his ears were still ringing from the torrent of gunshots that had just occurred Erebus was still able to make out the soft voiced conversation going on between Vinnie and the street sam who'd stopped the gunfight.
"Contracted to transport something. . . " just like me huh? Today is so incredibly NOT the day to be a delivery man. The young elf's face twisted with a bitter grin.
At least from the sounds of things Vinnie got paid BEFORE accepting the package to deliver. I got stiffed by the Johnson and got the pleasure of being involved in a gunfight with a bunch of nut cases who wander around with SMGs.
Still he couldn't leave the conversation stand with all the talk about someone being hired to "hit" Vinnie. The mobster dude seemed a little to quick with that shotgun to let that impression lie. Erebus raised his voice loud enough for everyone in the room to be able to hear him.
"Hey! I didn't get paid to 'hit' anyone! I'm just security for the package, which is a bunch of freaking flowers for Christ's sake! Everybody just chill!" Erebus didn't give a rat frag if the whole flower thing was supposed to be a secret or not, the Johnson had already lied to him about the job and about Vinnie expecting the package, much less being willing to pay 4000
to receive it.The young elf began backing towards the end of the bar, acutely conscious of the time ticking by, looking for enough room to be able to get over the bar and out the door. Lone Star would be here soon, if they weren't on the way already, they soon would be and they wouldn't be happy when they arrived. Even if everyone in the bar was a mafioso hitman that little gun battle would have people for two or three blocks hitting their PANICbuttons and dialling 911, Auburn might not be Bellevue but neither is it the Barrens. The sound of a difference of opinion being settled via Smith & Wesson had a tendancy to upset the locals.
Drek, with all the autofire that went on I wouldn't be surprised if Lone Star has a SWAT team descending on us right this instant.
He had no intention of being here when Lone Star arrived to begin asking questions.
21:09:10 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
"So you're Daedulus," Vinnie responds. "Your van is waiting for you in the BP's impound yard. It was a setup from the word go, and I lost all the cargo I had a board, a considerable amount of moneys worth. Since it was 'your' van I can only assume the leak that got it pinched was on your end. So you owe me some money." Vinnie got the end of the booth and stood up. He completely ignored Erebus outburst and walked over to check on his fallen man.
The guys with the overzealous gun was moaning but okay. The second man had a sever wound to his arm and side and was bleeding badly.
"You've got 24 hours to find out who set this up Daedulus. You find out who hired the two jokers here and I wont have you all killed for this. That’s all of you," he looked sternly at the four runners.
"I don't care if you know each other or not, you are all a part of this now, and you all owe me."
The implied alternative wasn't pretty. Vinnie may not be Seattle head don; but he was still a Mafia boss.
"So you're Daedulus," Vinnie responds. "Your van is waiting for you in the BP's impound yard. It was a setup from the word go, and I lost all the cargo I had a board, a considerable amount of moneys worth. Since it was 'your' van I can only assume the leak that got it pinched was on your end. So you owe me some money." Vinnie got the end of the booth and stood up. He completely ignored Erebus outburst and walked over to check on his fallen man.
The guys with the overzealous gun was moaning but okay. The second man had a sever wound to his arm and side and was bleeding badly.
"You've got 24 hours to find out who set this up Daedulus. You find out who hired the two jokers here and I wont have you all killed for this. That’s all of you," he looked sternly at the four runners.
"I don't care if you know each other or not, you are all a part of this now, and you all owe me."
The implied alternative wasn't pretty. Vinnie may not be Seattle head don; but he was still a Mafia boss.
21:09:30 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Daedalus felt his heart sink.
This is how people get dragged into these mob wars... Arrgh... What is he thinking, leak on my end? I have as much invested in this than he does, probably more. Doesn't he realize that his side is the side that is no longer holding the guns in this room? I wonder what would happen if we follow through with Dragon's plan to put everyone down... It might almost be worth it to get rid of this guy.
Frag it, gotta stick to the mission. Can't risk getting involved in this, but having a mob boss after us isn't going to make things any easier.
PEEEYJAYYYYY WHERE DID YOU DIG UP THIS GUY!!!
Daedalus calms down a bit as he collects his thoughts on what to say.
Daedalus felt his heart sink.
This is how people get dragged into these mob wars... Arrgh... What is he thinking, leak on my end? I have as much invested in this than he does, probably more. Doesn't he realize that his side is the side that is no longer holding the guns in this room? I wonder what would happen if we follow through with Dragon's plan to put everyone down... It might almost be worth it to get rid of this guy.
Frag it, gotta stick to the mission. Can't risk getting involved in this, but having a mob boss after us isn't going to make things any easier.
PEEEYJAYYYYY WHERE DID YOU DIG UP THIS GUY!!!
Daedalus calms down a bit as he collects his thoughts on what to say.
21:09:40 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
"Okay hold up Vinnie," Daedalus begins in an even measured tone, "You were hired to provide a service, and well, things went down wrong, that happens. Now you just shot at me, normally I don't take that sort of thing lightly but we all managed to calm down and talk things out. I take this as a good sign. We can find out who did this, but you were contracted for a job. I still want my van and my equipment. We find out who is after you, you get the stuff and we can call it all square."
He adds, maintaining his professional tone, "Why don't you tell us where it got impounded? We may even be able to help get your cargo back in addition to the van. I know people don't get to where you are in this business without being able to reason, and the way I see it, we are professionals here, and this deal works out for you in all ways," he finishes with a smile.
Otherwise... we may have to take more drastic measures
"Good cop, bad cop" he transmits to Dragon indicating the use of a technique originating from the pre-trid film days.
I hope for your sake you take the deal Vinnie. Mob boss or no, in the here and now, all your family and connections aren't going to protect you from us.
"Okay hold up Vinnie," Daedalus begins in an even measured tone, "You were hired to provide a service, and well, things went down wrong, that happens. Now you just shot at me, normally I don't take that sort of thing lightly but we all managed to calm down and talk things out. I take this as a good sign. We can find out who did this, but you were contracted for a job. I still want my van and my equipment. We find out who is after you, you get the stuff and we can call it all square."
He adds, maintaining his professional tone, "Why don't you tell us where it got impounded? We may even be able to help get your cargo back in addition to the van. I know people don't get to where you are in this business without being able to reason, and the way I see it, we are professionals here, and this deal works out for you in all ways," he finishes with a smile.
Otherwise... we may have to take more drastic measures
"Good cop, bad cop" he transmits to Dragon indicating the use of a technique originating from the pre-trid film days.
I hope for your sake you take the deal Vinnie. Mob boss or no, in the here and now, all your family and connections aren't going to protect you from us.
21:09:40 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
"I can give you the location of your van, but there is no way I will be able to get it for you. So your going to have to do that, after you find out who hired these two mooks," he waves his hand at Erebus and Tenmou, "to come in here and casue trouble. You all do that, and I will call your debt square. And I will see what I can do about making it easier for you to extract the cargo and your van."
"I can give you the location of your van, but there is no way I will be able to get it for you. So your going to have to do that, after you find out who hired these two mooks," he waves his hand at Erebus and Tenmou, "to come in here and casue trouble. You all do that, and I will call your debt square. And I will see what I can do about making it easier for you to extract the cargo and your van."
21:09:40 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
"I don't know how many times I have to state, that I was not told to come in here and cause trouble..." Tenmou said with a sigh.
"I was paid to deliver a package. That is all. Do you really think that a person of my nationality would walk in here alone, intent on causing trouble? My employer implied that the package was expected."
The Japanese mercenary looked to Dragon and Daedalus. "I will take my leave. I need to find a doctor to patch me up and then I am going after my former employer to 'question' him about this job. I am not doing this for Vinnie, but for myself and my compatriot of the evening, who was equally setup in this. You are welcome to come with me, to ask your own questions of him. If you are interested..."
"I don't know how many times I have to state, that I was not told to come in here and cause trouble..." Tenmou said with a sigh.
"I was paid to deliver a package. That is all. Do you really think that a person of my nationality would walk in here alone, intent on causing trouble? My employer implied that the package was expected."
The Japanese mercenary looked to Dragon and Daedalus. "I will take my leave. I need to find a doctor to patch me up and then I am going after my former employer to 'question' him about this job. I am not doing this for Vinnie, but for myself and my compatriot of the evening, who was equally setup in this. You are welcome to come with me, to ask your own questions of him. If you are interested..."
21:10:33 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
“Sounds good to me, that’s more or less what we were looking for anyway. Besides, we might be able to leverage this somewhere along the way for profit if we’re lucky, and more importantly, it’ll help us expand our network here in Seattle if we work with these two. So in an indirect way, it actually works towards our official reason for being here as well.”
“All right then, let’s get the location from him and recruit these two and we’re out of here. The Japanese guy seems willing to work with us, so it’s a reasonable guess his partner will too.”
“OK, let’s do it.”
Dragon and Daedalus shared a brief moment of telepathic radio communication before Dragon turned to Vinnie and nodded. “OK, sounds fair to me. We’ll find out who ordered the hit, you try to make it easier for us to extract our van and the cargo. If you’ll just tell us where the van is so we can start putting things in motion to get it back after we take care of this biz for you, as well as how to get in touch with you when we have the information, we’ll be on our way.”
While Vinnie’s making his decision, the mercenary turns towards the Japanese and the elf. “We’ll accept your offer to work with the two of you, and as soon as Vinnie answers my question, we’ll get to work.”
Turning back to the mob boss, Dragon waits patiently for his answer.
“Sounds good to me, that’s more or less what we were looking for anyway. Besides, we might be able to leverage this somewhere along the way for profit if we’re lucky, and more importantly, it’ll help us expand our network here in Seattle if we work with these two. So in an indirect way, it actually works towards our official reason for being here as well.”
“All right then, let’s get the location from him and recruit these two and we’re out of here. The Japanese guy seems willing to work with us, so it’s a reasonable guess his partner will too.”
“OK, let’s do it.”
Dragon and Daedalus shared a brief moment of telepathic radio communication before Dragon turned to Vinnie and nodded. “OK, sounds fair to me. We’ll find out who ordered the hit, you try to make it easier for us to extract our van and the cargo. If you’ll just tell us where the van is so we can start putting things in motion to get it back after we take care of this biz for you, as well as how to get in touch with you when we have the information, we’ll be on our way.”
While Vinnie’s making his decision, the mercenary turns towards the Japanese and the elf. “We’ll accept your offer to work with the two of you, and as soon as Vinnie answers my question, we’ll get to work.”
Turning back to the mob boss, Dragon waits patiently for his answer.
21:10:50 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
With a certian degree of mischief Daedalus points out:
"You know, he didn't stipulate what would happen to the cargo after we get it back... some leverage eh? Well.. I guess we should burn that bridge when we get there."
With a certian degree of mischief Daedalus points out:
"You know, he didn't stipulate what would happen to the cargo after we get it back... some leverage eh? Well.. I guess we should burn that bridge when we get there."
21:10:50 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
"Ok. We have a deal. Your Van is on the P-1 floor of the Seattle general impound, its located downtown. I expect to hear from you guys by tomorrow. Now get out."
"Ok. We have a deal. Your Van is on the P-1 floor of the Seattle general impound, its located downtown. I expect to hear from you guys by tomorrow. Now get out."
21:11:10 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Erebus bit back his angry reply to Vinnie, no matter what the little wop thought Erebus owed him nothing.
If Little Capone there wants the data on who hired me then he's going to pay for it, just like anyone else. Of course, after having met Vinnie I can see why someone would want him killed. It was probably his wife.
Still, the elf knew better than to look a gift horse in the mouth. If he was here when Vinnie got dusted all sorts of people would be looking for him here in Seattle. Word was bound to get out and if that happened Amanda would hear about it and come looking. Discretion was definitely the better part of valor.
Erebus glanced out the lounge entry way to make sure the coast was still clear then, without another word drifted for the front door. The other runners could follow or not as they wanted but it was time to leave before Lone Star or Vinnie's reinforcements showed up.
He slipped the Predator back under his jacket, not yet holstering it but getting it out of sight. He knew that he would look odd to anyone watching, not many people walk around with one hand hidden within their jacket, but he figured he'd draw more attention wandering around with the Predator out in the open.
He stopped just inside the front door, looking out through the glass to scan the sidewalk, and waited for the other runners to follow.
Erebus bit back his angry reply to Vinnie, no matter what the little wop thought Erebus owed him nothing.
If Little Capone there wants the data on who hired me then he's going to pay for it, just like anyone else. Of course, after having met Vinnie I can see why someone would want him killed. It was probably his wife.
Still, the elf knew better than to look a gift horse in the mouth. If he was here when Vinnie got dusted all sorts of people would be looking for him here in Seattle. Word was bound to get out and if that happened Amanda would hear about it and come looking. Discretion was definitely the better part of valor.
Erebus glanced out the lounge entry way to make sure the coast was still clear then, without another word drifted for the front door. The other runners could follow or not as they wanted but it was time to leave before Lone Star or Vinnie's reinforcements showed up.
He slipped the Predator back under his jacket, not yet holstering it but getting it out of sight. He knew that he would look odd to anyone watching, not many people walk around with one hand hidden within their jacket, but he figured he'd draw more attention wandering around with the Predator out in the open.
He stopped just inside the front door, looking out through the glass to scan the sidewalk, and waited for the other runners to follow.
21:11:10 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
The team begins its slow fallback into the restaurant area. Vinnie tends to his man and orders the other to get 'the Doc'. He nods to Dragon as the big runner leaves the.
Erebus stands vigilantly at the window carefully scanning the street for any aggressors. At the same time a few hundred meters up, a lta* drone hovers over the scene, casting its gaze down at the street. Daedulus stops at the door for a moment, his mind reaching out to the drone to collect sensor information. Mostly it comes back normal, regular movement, followed by a burst of movement as people fled the gunshots in the building. There seems to be some anomalous readings here and there, but it could just be the weather.
* Lighter than air
The team begins its slow fallback into the restaurant area. Vinnie tends to his man and orders the other to get 'the Doc'. He nods to Dragon as the big runner leaves the.
Erebus stands vigilantly at the window carefully scanning the street for any aggressors. At the same time a few hundred meters up, a lta* drone hovers over the scene, casting its gaze down at the street. Daedulus stops at the door for a moment, his mind reaching out to the drone to collect sensor information. Mostly it comes back normal, regular movement, followed by a burst of movement as people fled the gunshots in the building. There seems to be some anomalous readings here and there, but it could just be the weather.
* Lighter than air
21:11:10 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn (Astral Space)
Virgil is unsure exactly what has been transpiring between his comrades and Vinnie, not to mention the two unknown runners, but at least the lead has ceased to fly. The auras in the room have appeared to relax ever so sligthly, though much anger and tension is still in the air . . . Perhaps they making a deal, hopefully for the information on Jonah that we need.
Seeing Dragon slowly pivot on his heel and turn for the door, Virgil moves his ethereal body through the front wall of the Italian joint and scans the astral space around the awaiting street.
Don't want to make the mistake of jumping back to my body too soon . .
Virgil is unsure exactly what has been transpiring between his comrades and Vinnie, not to mention the two unknown runners, but at least the lead has ceased to fly. The auras in the room have appeared to relax ever so sligthly, though much anger and tension is still in the air . . . Perhaps they making a deal, hopefully for the information on Jonah that we need.
Seeing Dragon slowly pivot on his heel and turn for the door, Virgil moves his ethereal body through the front wall of the Italian joint and scans the astral space around the awaiting street.
Don't want to make the mistake of jumping back to my body too soon . .
21:12:10 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn (Astral Space)
Virgil swims out in the ether. The area around the restaurant is dark and convoluted from years of crime, death, and evil. Moving through it is like swimming in garbage. Not pleasant.
Though it is hard to see well, it is not impossible. Virgil get the distinct feeling that the team is being watched, he just can't see from where.
Virgil swims out in the ether. The area around the restaurant is dark and convoluted from years of crime, death, and evil. Moving through it is like swimming in garbage. Not pleasant.
Though it is hard to see well, it is not impossible. Virgil get the distinct feeling that the team is being watched, he just can't see from where.
21:11:45 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Erebus tried to watch the sidewalk and buildings outside but keep the lounge doorway cover as well, meaning he did neither very well. A bleeding and unhappy looking Tenmou came waltzing out of the lounge first, followed almost immediately by the stranger with the SMG fetish. The young elf waited until the larger of the two strange runners, the one using tandem pistols came out of the lounge before saying anything.
"Exit looks clear, as much as I can see. You guys go ahead and exit and I'll cover the rear."
He shot the two strangers a meaningful look, like it or not they were in the same boat and it made sense to at least talk about working together.
"Hoi, I'm called Erebus, and I think we have some things to discuss in a more private setting. How about we all meet up again at a bar I know on the Tacoma docks, called the Depot, its on Portland Ave near the I-705/I-5 junction. Say about 22:00:00?"
Erebus kept his eyes moving about the restaurant, never letting them leave the doorway to the lounge but making sure that no one was close enough to hear the whispered words he muttered to the strangers.
I figure someone's got this place wired for sound but I doubt anyone will check the recordings in time for them to intercept us at the docks. Besides, the Tacoma docks are Yak territory and a bunch of Mob boys aren't going to be too welcome in that area.
The fourty-five minutes would give them all time to exit the area and leave a bunch of false trails, and give everyone time to look for tails.
That'll give me time to make a quick stop on my way out of Auburn too, I've got a discussion to have with a florist. After all I warned him what would happen if this were a set up.
Erebus tried to watch the sidewalk and buildings outside but keep the lounge doorway cover as well, meaning he did neither very well. A bleeding and unhappy looking Tenmou came waltzing out of the lounge first, followed almost immediately by the stranger with the SMG fetish. The young elf waited until the larger of the two strange runners, the one using tandem pistols came out of the lounge before saying anything.
"Exit looks clear, as much as I can see. You guys go ahead and exit and I'll cover the rear."
He shot the two strangers a meaningful look, like it or not they were in the same boat and it made sense to at least talk about working together.
"Hoi, I'm called Erebus, and I think we have some things to discuss in a more private setting. How about we all meet up again at a bar I know on the Tacoma docks, called the Depot, its on Portland Ave near the I-705/I-5 junction. Say about 22:00:00?"
Erebus kept his eyes moving about the restaurant, never letting them leave the doorway to the lounge but making sure that no one was close enough to hear the whispered words he muttered to the strangers.
I figure someone's got this place wired for sound but I doubt anyone will check the recordings in time for them to intercept us at the docks. Besides, the Tacoma docks are Yak territory and a bunch of Mob boys aren't going to be too welcome in that area.
The fourty-five minutes would give them all time to exit the area and leave a bunch of false trails, and give everyone time to look for tails.
That'll give me time to make a quick stop on my way out of Auburn too, I've got a discussion to have with a florist. After all I warned him what would happen if this were a set up.
21:11:45 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Tenmou was tired and in a considerable amount of pain, but he tried his best to show composure. He gave Dragon and Daedalus a somewhat subdued bow.
"Please accept my most sincere apologies for what transpired inside this evening. I had a job to complete and made the unfortunate assumption that our employer was honest. I am Tenmou. I would meet with you at Erebus' location, if you are interested. From there, we can take you to our former employer."
Tenmou was tired and in a considerable amount of pain, but he tried his best to show composure. He gave Dragon and Daedalus a somewhat subdued bow.
"Please accept my most sincere apologies for what transpired inside this evening. I had a job to complete and made the unfortunate assumption that our employer was honest. I am Tenmou. I would meet with you at Erebus' location, if you are interested. From there, we can take you to our former employer."
21:13:10 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn (Astral Space)
His astral form was not capable of shivering, but just the same Virgil felt the cold sensation of nervousness begin to creep through his mind. Calling his two scouts out of the nether he begins to form a plan with his spirit companions.
Ok you two, I think that we may have an astral spy out around this street. I need you both to go the the tops of the buildings across the street and search for a presence. Lazarius, report back to me if you spot anything while Danagrath watches it. If you find anything hostile then I want you two to flee back to me right away.
Seeing the two bright orbs speed off towards the roofs Virgil turns his attention back towards the car carrying his awaiting body and guard spirit. If there is something hostile around I am a better use on the radio and ready to wield defensive mana.
His astral form was not capable of shivering, but just the same Virgil felt the cold sensation of nervousness begin to creep through his mind. Calling his two scouts out of the nether he begins to form a plan with his spirit companions.
Ok you two, I think that we may have an astral spy out around this street. I need you both to go the the tops of the buildings across the street and search for a presence. Lazarius, report back to me if you spot anything while Danagrath watches it. If you find anything hostile then I want you two to flee back to me right away.
Seeing the two bright orbs speed off towards the roofs Virgil turns his attention back towards the car carrying his awaiting body and guard spirit. If there is something hostile around I am a better use on the radio and ready to wield defensive mana.
21:12:57 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Dragon nods at the Japanese man who named himself as Tenmou. All the hostility that had been building throughout this whole escapade drained out of him as he considered that their lead to Jonah, at least through Vinnie, was pretty damn shot to hell right about now.
Sighing to himself, he answered both him and the elf identifying himself as Erebus, "All right, we're fine with meeting you there, unless you have a problem Daedalus?"
Without waiting for an answer, knowing the rigger will chime in after he's adequately considered, he turns to Tenmou, "I think we might be able to help you with the medical attention if you'd like before we go, that wound looks like it's serious."
Getting on the radio, he radios Virgil, "Hey, we've got someone here who might need medical attention. Think you can help him? And while we're here, can you give me an astral update of what's out there?"
By way of explanation, he added, "I think we might be hooking up with two other guys. It was setup for them, no question about it, and we freaking walked right into the middle of it and now we've got a new set of messes. I swear, it just gets better and better. Anyway, I'll give you a full sitrep when we see you, otherwise, let me know if I can tell this guy if we can help him, and whether we're clear to exit without walking into another freaking trap."
Turning back to the other two, he says, "We've got surveillance of our own outside. Give them a minute to do their job if you don't mind, and when get an all clear, we'll head out. Anything else in particular we should know about where we're going?"
Dragon nods at the Japanese man who named himself as Tenmou. All the hostility that had been building throughout this whole escapade drained out of him as he considered that their lead to Jonah, at least through Vinnie, was pretty damn shot to hell right about now.
Sighing to himself, he answered both him and the elf identifying himself as Erebus, "All right, we're fine with meeting you there, unless you have a problem Daedalus?"
Without waiting for an answer, knowing the rigger will chime in after he's adequately considered, he turns to Tenmou, "I think we might be able to help you with the medical attention if you'd like before we go, that wound looks like it's serious."
Getting on the radio, he radios Virgil, "Hey, we've got someone here who might need medical attention. Think you can help him? And while we're here, can you give me an astral update of what's out there?"
By way of explanation, he added, "I think we might be hooking up with two other guys. It was setup for them, no question about it, and we freaking walked right into the middle of it and now we've got a new set of messes. I swear, it just gets better and better. Anyway, I'll give you a full sitrep when we see you, otherwise, let me know if I can tell this guy if we can help him, and whether we're clear to exit without walking into another freaking trap."
Turning back to the other two, he says, "We've got surveillance of our own outside. Give them a minute to do their job if you don't mind, and when get an all clear, we'll head out. Anything else in particular we should know about where we're going?"
21:13:05 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Continuing to astrally view the street in front of their car Virgil responds to Dragons radio call. "Healing can be done. Hold position for a moment, potential astral spy. Be ready for instruction, confirmation in a moment. Try to look calm so as not to alert anyone watching . . . if anything moves it will get hit by me."
Continuing to astrally view the street in front of their car Virgil responds to Dragons radio call. "Healing can be done. Hold position for a moment, potential astral spy. Be ready for instruction, confirmation in a moment. Try to look calm so as not to alert anyone watching . . . if anything moves it will get hit by me."
21:13:06 Sunday January 7, 2063 - Spaghetti Palace - Auburn
Erebus turned his attention away from the exterior and sidled around a little to get a better angle on the entrance to the lounge and a view down the hall into the main eating area as well. It made him feel a great deal better knowing the two runners who'd walked into the drek-storm back there were pro enough to have surveillance outside the restaurant. With that angle covered he focused more on making sure no threats appeared from inside the restaurant.
"Okay, you call the 'all-clear' and we'll exit." Erebus whispered as he risked a glance at the big gunman.
"You got a handle you answer to? You called your partner Daedalus but if your identifier has been mentioned I missed it." The elf glanced around at the walls, and added, "Of course it you'd like to skip it until we're someplace more private that's chill. The walls have ears you know."
I'm glad they've got a medico on stand by, I'd have to call Dom Hammerclaw but his place is way down south in the Tarislar. This crew came here a lot better prepared than we did.
A small voice in the back of his head whispered warnings, the crew was better prepared almost as if they knew things would go down this way, it could mean this was a set up all aimed at drawing him out into the open. That voice played to all his paranoia and the constant nagging fear about his past coming to find him, and once again he had to shout it down.
No way, this is too elaborate a set-up just to draw me out. I'm not that important, even to Amanda this is way too costly a way to get ahold of one person.
Even though that thought was reassuring and wholly logical the little voice, which now had a distinct female timbre, had an answer.
Too elaborate for the lady who's spent more than a year chasing and who knows how much nuyen? Besides a boy-toy she might forget after awhile but you didn't just walk away empty handed did you?
The headware memory chips had been inside his head for so many years now he didn't even think about them anymore, they were just a part of him, but suddenly he could feel them there inside his head, along with that tiny little portion that contained the encrypted data files he'd walked away with and all the logic in the world couldn't wipe the bitter taste of fear from the back of his tongue.
Erebus turned his attention away from the exterior and sidled around a little to get a better angle on the entrance to the lounge and a view down the hall into the main eating area as well. It made him feel a great deal better knowing the two runners who'd walked into the drek-storm back there were pro enough to have surveillance outside the restaurant. With that angle covered he focused more on making sure no threats appeared from inside the restaurant.
"Okay, you call the 'all-clear' and we'll exit." Erebus whispered as he risked a glance at the big gunman.
"You got a handle you answer to? You called your partner Daedalus but if your identifier has been mentioned I missed it." The elf glanced around at the walls, and added, "Of course it you'd like to skip it until we're someplace more private that's chill. The walls have ears you know."
I'm glad they've got a medico on stand by, I'd have to call Dom Hammerclaw but his place is way down south in the Tarislar. This crew came here a lot better prepared than we did.
A small voice in the back of his head whispered warnings, the crew was better prepared almost as if they knew things would go down this way, it could mean this was a set up all aimed at drawing him out into the open. That voice played to all his paranoia and the constant nagging fear about his past coming to find him, and once again he had to shout it down.
No way, this is too elaborate a set-up just to draw me out. I'm not that important, even to Amanda this is way too costly a way to get ahold of one person.
Even though that thought was reassuring and wholly logical the little voice, which now had a distinct female timbre, had an answer.
Too elaborate for the lady who's spent more than a year chasing and who knows how much nuyen? Besides a boy-toy she might forget after awhile but you didn't just walk away empty handed did you?
The headware memory chips had been inside his head for so many years now he didn't even think about them anymore, they were just a part of him, but suddenly he could feel them there inside his head, along with that tiny little portion that contained the encrypted data files he'd walked away with and all the logic in the world couldn't wipe the bitter taste of fear from the back of his tongue.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.