Drachen - Sunday October 13th, 2070: 10:30 - Cape Town

The market is as crowded as always. Hundreds of people jam packed into a space barely large enough to encompass three blocks. The scent of spice and fruit blend in a way that is comforting and at the same time, strangely alarming. Children with dirty faces and quick hands swarm you as you make your way through the street. Thankfully, they know your face well enough by now to leave you alone... but several paces down the street a tourist couple is not as lucky. The man and woman will be broke before they make it to their hotel room.
Several booths offer mystic and ancient secrets on sale to the highest bidder. One booth openly sells what it claims are scales from the great Mujaji herself. One hurried astral glance proclaims them to be painted fish scales. Still, one wouldn't want to be them once the Rain Queen's shaman's find out.

Finding your breakfast and the meat you need for sacrifice is easy. Not getting price gouged is not. However, today you emerge from the market feeling victorious... and for once, with a little extra cash in your wallet.

Nico - Sunday October 14th, 2070: 01:00 a.m. - Cape Town

The fingers of your free hand scramble for purchase, gripping tightly around the bottom rung of the ladder leading up to balcony of your room. With a metal scream, the bolts of the fire escape twist and shear, pulling a heart-stopping inch away from the wall before catching.
The woman stirs again in your arms, almost jeapordizing her already precarious position. Hefting her body up and over the railing of the balcony, you're able to set her down and finally swing yourself up beside her.
Finally allowing yourself to breathe, you collapse beside her. Your room is still dark, the window closed.

Desert Eagle Smith - Saturday October 13th, 2070: ~ 1100 - Jeremiah's Teepee

"Done for now."

DES stared up at the ARO superimposed bright stars in the sky, the unfamiliar patterns reflecting his mood. The Southern Cross was the only obvious one, like a giant X on the map of stars, the rest of the barely winking lights a sea of unknown shapes and stories waiting to reveal themselves. Being able to pull the latest astronomical survey and find some white astronomers number for every mote in the sky didn't mean a thing.

With a shrug of his skinny shoulders the young amerindian seated his aviator's jacket and returned to more practical matters. Now that it was over, he walked to the wheeled cooler and started hauling out supplies for the old man.

"Sugar, flour, coffee, tobacco, salt, 5 kilo stay fresh packs, where do you want them?"

at least I won't have to carry all this back to the car, and of course, only after whatever my business here is done will I be able to look back and understand the signs.

As usual.

Drachen - Sunday October 13th, 2070: 10:30- Cape Town

Checking his watch, Drachen curses.

Fraggit, no time to do any summoning worth the name. Mayeb I should go look up that talismonger instead...

Time to go find this 'Anhya'


Drachen whips his bike around, heading out of Cape Town, dodging traffic, up towards the eastern out skirts, and the coordinates he was given. Feeling the cool morning wind on his face finally brings him fully awake, and loving the feel of the world. He slips his perceptions in to the astral plane once out of the city and of the main roads, reveling in the feel of the natural world and the power it holds.

Closest I'll ever get to flying...

After a time, he brings his senses back to his meat, and focuses on directions. It would not be a good idea to get lsot out here, especially before a meet. With that in mind, he sets the alarm on his chronometer on his commlink for 1330, giving him plenty of time to make it to the cricket field and booth F43.

Nico - Sunday October 14th, 2070: 01:00 a.m. - Cape Town

Nico allows a low, primordial growl as if he could scare the fire escape into holding. Once he places her on the balcony of the fire escape outside the window to his room and is reasonably sure that it is going to hold, he climbs back over the rail and down to the ground.

He then makes his way back around to the front of the motel, past the desk, up the stairs, into the room and to the window. He opens the window and pulls her into the room. He makes a first pass at cleaning the wounds now that he has water before heading back out into the night in search of better supplies....

Rave - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 1115: Home

Rave arrived at Mama's house, entering the kitchen he spotted a note on the counter. Child please do not disturb me, I am in the middle of a very complex reasearch Rave shrugged and went about making a meal. He finished his meal and turned the note over. Mama, I have a job in the city, you may call me if you wish. he wrote. He drank another glass of water and sucked the sweat out of his eyes. Hyena had taken him into San country and there the youth had learned that although the small people were disdainful of technology, they had much knowledge the people of the cities didn't. He placed his knife in a pocket and slipped his asegai into it's holster under his jacket. He turned and went back out into the hot Cape Town afternoon.

Drachen - Sunday October 13th, 2070: 12:30- Cape Town

The heat in the open steppes is stifling, underneath the black helmet, its even more so. Sweat pours down your brow, stinging your eyes and leaving an acrid taste in the corners of your mouth.
The directions to Anyha's home are simple. Head west. Painted rocks and Aborigine tribal markers dot the route, all of them pointing towards one final destination. Several times along the road you pass the remains of caravans that weren't so lucky, perhaps caught in dust storms or they misjudged the amount of petrol needed... either way, what's left of their cars litter the road.
One particularly unlucky Jeep looks to have rolled off the road, dried mud covering its frame up to the bottom of windows. Several vultures perch on the drivers side window frame, risking pecks now and then at something that lies hidden deep in the recesses of the vehicle. A lone lioness rests leisurely in the shade, something raw and bloody captured in her paws. She looks up and regards you with an almost regal stare before returning to her meal.

Finally, the markers note the last kilometer of your journey. A long, private rode snakes up a small mesa on the plains. Atop the mesa sits a neat frame house, a small shed painted in glaringly bright colors and a row of several small chicken coops. A white picket fence encircles the entire lot, it's posts decorated with animal skulls and tribal designs. Lounging outside the main gate is a large lion. Its head comes up slowly as you approach, regarding you with liquid brown eyes.

Nico - Sunday October 14th, 2070: 01:45 a.m. - Cape Town

The water washes through the wounds, pulling long, ropy strands of green pus with it. The wound itself is putrefying quickly from the effect of the harbor water. The edges are almost completely black, the flesh necrotising as you watch. Stifling back the urge to retch is almost near impossible.
Composure Test: Charisma + Willpower

Despite his familiarity with death and dismemberment, this type of gruesome pestilence affecting a pregnant woman nearly affects Nico more than would otherwise.

OOC: 2,1,2,5,4,1,1,3 = 1 hit

He recoils a bit, fighting back the bile. I have to find supplies now, not later.

Rave - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 1145: Home

The almost noon-day sun is hotter then usual. By now, the streets have mostly cleared with those who knew better retreating to their dimly lit and cooled homes.
With Mama's out of the equation and nowhere to be until after 3, the afternoon was looking very long and very hot.
Sighing in frustration, you steer your bike towards Cape Town Records, the premier spot for up and coming club acts as well as the best new releases. The owner, Greggo, had a soft spot for the young and disenfranchised... he saw in them himself ... and as such would often open the back room to those without places to sleep for the night or as a place to chill for a few hours and escape the heat.
It was as good a place as any right now, and with the heat index rising... probably the best choice if you wanted to survive the day.

Drachen - Sunday October 13th, 2070: 12:30- Cape Town


Oh kaaaaayyy... that's a lion guarding the gate...

Drachen takes the bike to a stop ten feet from the ... lion. With exxagerated slowness, he removes his helmet, sure that the thing is somehow laughing at him. He places it on the handlebars, and climbs off the bike, again , slowly.

Holdin out his hand, he approaches slowly.

Oh, I'm an idiot. I can deal with that. This isn't a dog it's a lion! Not like a lion gives a flying frag what I smell like. Shoulda kept some of that meat. Idiot!

In a slightly higher voice than usual Heeeyyy there Mr. Lion.. how ya' doin' there lit .. big guy? huh? Want some ... uh ...dont' seem to have any ... uhhh.... wanna go find some nice cool shade ot go lay down in , huh?

I'm an idiot. This thing is soooo gonna eat me. Yep.

Desert Eagle Smith - Saturday October 13th, 2070: ~ 1100 - Jeremiah's Teepee

Put them in the back. But, no so near the water this time. The flour grew mold. The old man grunts and waves a hand, gesturing to the shed behind the teepee.
As you move the supplies to their designated place, the old man watches, his eyes crinkled into slits by the sun.
Your vision has been made clear to you, I think... and now, you can know what the rest of the Gods have revealed. Sansome has spoken with me. He tells me of work offered in the city... of work sanctioned by the Gods themselves. He says it pays well, though you would know more about such things then I. You will call him. Take this job the Gods have offered. Yes? The old man looks at you expectantly. His posture is tense, more then a simple job offer rides on your response.

Desert Eagle Smith - Saturday October 13th, 2070: ~ 1100 - Jeremiah's Teepee

in the names of the gods...

I've seen where that takes us. The People suffer.

Yes ,sweating in his opened jacket as he carries the bags, two at a time, more trips, more time, but there's no hurry in this timeless place. For all the lightweight modern breathable composite weave, the jacket's still an extra layer, but aside from shrapnel and odd bits of ballistic metal, it will still protect him from the UV. A tradeoff, a little sweat to save his skin.

let's see if he manages to give me an actual commcode, or if I'm expected to call on the spirits to guide me to Sansome

Rave - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 1215 Cape Town Records

Rave waves lightly at Greggo and starts picking through the stack of new releases looking for any tracks he hasn't heard yet. He moves impaitenly from foot to foot itching for action.

Drachen - Sunday October 13th, 2070: 1:00- Cape Town

As you approach, the lion heaves itself to its feet, causing the ground underneath your feet to tremble slightly. It's a very large lion, easily weighing in over the 600 lb. mark and standing just over 5' at the shoulder.
The lion takes another step forward, sniffing at the air. Apparently, it finds something distasteful about your scent because it snorts, blowing warm air over your proferred hand. The lion bares its teeth and growls slightly at the back of its throat.
Suddenly, a shotgun blast rings out across the plains. A very near shotgun blast. The lion starts and then roars, turning to face the culprit. It's heavy body smacks into you as it turns, knocking you off balance and sending you sprawling across the dirt.
Up at the main house, a woman stands in the open doorway of the home with shotgun in hand, reloading.
Casually, she snaps the gun back into place and takes careful aim again. The barrel pointed in your direction.
Mozan... you run along now, you hear! Don't have time for your foolishness!
The lion growls again and takes a step back, almost stepping right on your ankle. It's eyes turn back to you, something very much predatory in the gaze.
The woman calls out again.
I'd get up if I were you. You're looking an awful lot like his prey right now, belly all exposed and the like.
Another shot rings out and the lion leaps. Roaring, it takes off in a loping stride down the mesa's steep eastern edge.
The woman starts towards the gate, once again reloading the shotgun.
I'm Anyah. Who the hell are you?

Drachen - Sunday October 13th, 2070: 1:00- Cape Town

What the fuck! I just got hit with a lion! I kill that fu .....

breathe .... breathe .... caaaaalm....wooo-saaaa

ok..

Drachen stands up, in no hurry, glaring at the lion first, then over to the woman with the shotgun. He takes a moment to dust him self of. It would not to to appear desheveled to this woman he's just met. The feel of the Guiding Spirit of dragon setles over him, steeling his nerves. He answers in a strong clear voice.

I am called Drachen. I have come by way of Savoyius. He said you would be expecting me.

Drachen - Sunday October 13th, 2070: 1:00- Cape Town

The woman rolls her eyes and sighs in frustration but lets the shotgun barrel drop to her side.
Fraggin' Sevoyius. Thinks I'm some kind of mystic. Couldn't call... nooo... The woman continues grumbling under her breath before opening the gate and extending her hand.
Well, Drachen, nice to meet you. Come in. She smiles.
Now that imminent death is no longer staring you in the face, you have a moment to take Anyah's appearance in.
She stands about 5'5 and is a shade past curvaceous and into plump. She's wearing khaki cargo pants with pockets brimming with feathers, sticks, and other assorted odds and ends; a white tank top and an olive green button up shirt. Worn, red Converse sneakers complete the look. Her long, brown hair is tied back in a haphazard ponytail and a few stray bits of hair fall around her face and curl at the nape of her neck.

Drachen - Sunday October 13th, 2070: 1:00- Cape Town

The woman's casual greeting gets Drachen to 'let his hackles down'.
He walks up from his bike towards the porch and follows her inside.

What's with the shoes?

Sorry to drop in on you. I'd through Sevoyius would have contacted you to let you know I was coming.

His not contacting you might make it a bit difficult to convince you that you're supposed to be giving me conjuring materials at 20% street price.

Drachen braces him self for the "He said WHAT!? he's expecting.

Desert Eagle Smith - Saturday October 13th, 2070: ~ 1100 - Jeremiah's Teepee

The old man smiles and waits until you finish unloading the groceries before handing you a small piece of paper. On it a commcode number is scrawled.
This is the number at which you can reach Sansome.
Apparently satisfied that everything has been taken care of to his satisfaction he returns to the teepee.
After a moment, his voice calls out from inside.
Well... what are you still doing here, boy?

Rave - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 1215 Cape Town Records

Flipping impatiently through the stacks soon becomes an hour spent. Walking out the door, the cred on your comm is a little lower but at least your music collection is that much better. Still, it leaves you wondering what you're going to do for another hour.
Thankfully, your thoughts are interrupted by the ringing of your commlink. Checking the Caller ID, the number reads "Girls! Girls! Girls!. It must be Gully. The 3G's was a local adult entertainment parlor run by one of Gully's partners.

The phone rings again.

Drachen - Sunday October 13th, 2070: 1:00- Cape Town

Anyha turns back to look at you, regarding you steadily. After a moment, she just nods and continues on into the house.
Inside, the house is a strange mish-mash of pin-neat but pack-rat cluttered. Every inch of shelf space has something resting on it. The whole place seems to give off a faint vibe on mundane plane... the place just feels... connected. On the astral, the place must simply flare.
Anyha walks into the kitchen and walks back out a few minutes later with two cups of what must be tea. She places them both on the coffee table and sits down.
So, what exactly are you looking for?

Drachen - Sunday October 13th, 2070: 1:00- Cape Town

Working on manners after the little fiasco with the lion, Drachen sits and drinks some of the tea first.

Mmm. Good. Sweet. Thank you.

I need conjuring materials. I'm looking to summon a few spirits up. Earth, Air, Water, and Man. One of each, at a strong force. I'd like to be able to get it taken care of within the next couple of days. Is this something you can work with?

I follow the hermetic path, with Dragon as my guide. My materials are usually more shamanic in nature if that helps.

Rave - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 115 Outside Cape Town Records

Rave looks at the link's display, of all the people he didn't want to speak to today here was the one he didn't want to talk to the most.

He sighs and ducks into the shadow of a nearby building to avoid the ever present heat.

Hello Gully mater, what is it now?

Desert Eagle Smith - Saturday October 13th, 2070: ~ 1100 - Leaving Jeremiah

"Good hunting."

The cooler was much lighter on the way back, and he took it slow and easy so he wouldn't overheat. His Honda Enduro wasn't that far, just far enough the motor running wasn't going to blast and echo around the area and disturb things. When he got to better roads he'd pick up the car and get the benefit of air filtration and cool air. Till then he was going to have to make do with the wind in his hair. Not a bad thing really.

Once he got rolling DES was more comfortable, and running Kite at the limit of it's signal range as a relay made losing connections far less likely, he punched the commcode gleaned from the scrap of paper and recorded in his head.

@Sansome Jeremiah told me you had some work

Nico - Sunday October 14th, 2070: 01:45 a.m. - Cape Town

The urge to wretch is overwhelming and for a moment you are overcome. Thankfully, the moment passes quickly. When your eyes open, the world is once again in crisp focus and your head feels clear. Looking at the woman, you're startled to find her eyes on yours. With what looks to be an enormous act of will, she speaks.
You must help me. There's no one else to do what needs to be done. I thought we were safe. I thought we had gotten away. I was wrong. There's still time. The woman's face pales and for a moment it looks as though she's going to lose conciousness but she fights against the pull.
There is a man in Johannesburg. His name is Valentino. He owes us a good deal of money for what I have. Take the chip to him. He will give you what is owed. The chip MUST go to Valentino. Only he can do what needs to be done. The woman's words are feverish, her eyes bright.
Do you understand what I am telling you?

Drachen - Sunday October 13th, 2070: 1:00- Cape Town

Anyha smiles at your appreciation of the tea and sips her own. Once you've finished talking she places her cup on the saucer and thinks for a moment.
I can get you the supplies you need. I have most of what you require on hand now... with the exception of the conjuring materials for water.
Return tomorrow and I can have them all for you. Tomorrow at dawn.

Rave - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 115 Outside Cape Town Records

Gully's face turns up into a leering smile. Now it's seeming to me that you're not exactly thrilled to be hearing from me, love. Now I'm wondering why that is when I have such excellent new to be passing along. Course if you're not interested in hearings what I have to say maybe I'm thinking I should just end the call now... find someone else who will be interested. Whatcha say to that, guv'nor?

Desert Eagle Smith - Saturday October 13th, 2070: ~ 1100 - Leaving Jeremiah

Your information is correct. Meet me at the Cricket Fields, down by the Betting Tables. 2:30. Dress for business. Mine won't be the only proposal you'll hear. Are we clear?

Drachen - Sunday October 13th, 2070: 1:00- Cape Town


That will be more than sufficent. Obviously I can't summon them all in one day anyway. He grins, trying to make the mood a bit more informal now that business is established.

Then I'll pay you now for what you have now, and for the water materials tomorrow. Agreed?

Desert Eagle Smith - Saturday October 13th, 2070: ~ 1100 - Leaving Jeremiah

@Sansome Roger, Cricket Fields, Betting Tables... 14:30 local, is there a sign I should give?

Dressed for business was an interesting turn of phrase. DES didn't have any light arms with him, but there were other ways of being prepared. One didn't always have to carry your own firepower, it was good enough to have it on call and prepped.

//Falcon:Peregrine Full Systems Check, Alert Status Yellow Omega

In his vision the radial status monitors blossomed and starting flitting through the systems checks in the series blinking greens as he rolled the Growler over the dry grasses.

Nico - Sunday October 14th, 2070: 01:45 a.m. - Cape Town

Nico listens to the woman, mentally chastising himself for being weak, for allowing someone else to see that weakness. His own internal frustration wells for a moment before he resumes his calm.

When she is finished, his reply is simple, "Yes. Where is the chip and how do I make contact with Valentino?"

Rave - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 115 Outside Cape Town Records

Rave smiles without feeling it. "Gully, I'm always ready to speak with you? You foul mouthed son of a jackal What information did you have for me? Mr. Sanderson didn't cancel did he?

Nico - Sunday October 14th, 2070: 01:45 a.m. - Cape Town

Nico turns, his chin dipped low, eyes almost closed from squinting as if that could keep the darkness in. He stood, waiting for her reply. That reply was a long time coming. As he brought his fingers together interlacing them before flipping his palms over and cracking his knuckles. Perhaps it will never come.