Shadowrun
Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: Reminder on <09-26-13/1712:48>
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A light breeze blows in from the east, stirring occasional clouds of dust where puddles from last night's rain do not linger. You pause what you are doing and look up, as the low-hanging morning sun temporarily breaks through the clouds, revealing a blush of color. As it drifts behind another cloud, you go back to what you had been doing on a day not that different from yesterday, and likely one that will not be that different from tomorrow.
At least until the call comes in from Asha, the alleged "fixer" who dropped in on you a few months back with vague allusions to "opportunities."
"Mosi's. Dockside. 1600. Take a table and wait. On time, or don't expect another."
The short, clipped message is all that you receive before the transmission ends.
You look to the sky again as you ponder whether to take the call. It is still early, 0900 at the latest. It would seem enough time to easily arrive, but Asha's closing words hang in your mind.
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At first Johannes didn't even hear the vibration of his 'link notifying him of the incoming message, the soycaf maker was far too loud and probably ten years past it's best.
Sipping from a chipped mug and staring out the window at the beautiful morning, his mind turned to breakfast. turning away from the window, the pulsing notification LED on the 'link caught his eye.
Mosi's? hmmm...no idea.
Knowing he was going to need at least an address to make the meet at all, Johannes set the soyprocessor to rattle up some crappy analogue of old-school ham and eggs.
Johannes headed through to the living room, grabbed his deck, took a seat and jacked in.
going for a data processing load-out; Virtual machine running toolbox (+1DP) and browse (1/2 search time), R3 agent running in 3rd slot.
deck set at: DP 5(6)/ firewall 4/ sleaze 4/ attack 2.
Diving into hot-sim, Ultra mentally summoned a search terminal:
//Browse V.2.31b//<<Search terms: Mosi's, Dockside, Mombasa.>>
Tags: <<meeting venue, restaurant, bar, cafe.>>
Request <<location, recent history, recent news articles.>>
Ultra had his agent run an independent search, two heads are better than one eh?
int 4, percep 2 image enhance 2, active search 3 (possible exits) (11d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234059/) 4 hits, no glitch for ultra
pilot 3, comp 3, hot sim 2 [dp 6] (8d6.hits(5)=2) 2 hits, no glitch for agent. (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234152/)
//Reply to:Asha//<<Sounds good. We coming ready to rock or discreet?>>
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The chirp from Mlinzi's commlink startles her awake. She's always been a light sleeper, a quality developed from years of living off the land. After all, there's not much you can do once the simba has your foot in its mouth. Inside her small hovel of patched together plasboard and sheet metal, she doesn't have far to reach to grab her commlink. In the shaded interior, she squints her eyes to read the small screen. Most people of the Sixth World would call up the message with their AR-enabled visioning devices or a direct neural interface. Mlinzi, on the other hand, found the alien sensations of simsense distracting and nauseating and preferred doing things the "old fashioned" way.
The docks, huh? she thinks to herself. That shouldn't be too much trouble to find. I'm sure someone can point me to the proper place. She was actually fairly surprised to hear back from Asha. It had been a few months since she had last worked with her. Their last bit of biz had gone okay as far as she could tell. Tracking down and relocating the fisi pack that had been hassling some of the northern slum dwellers had been relatively simple for her and her spirit companion. It hadn't paid all that well, but so it goes. Hopefully this job would pay a little better or at least further her personal goals.
Mlinzi's current situation found her between jobs and living in the slums outside Mombasa along Mombasa Road. As she semi-regularly transited between Mombasa and Nairobi, it made the most sense for her. It also afforded her a fairly direct route to Mombasa Island where the meeting would take place this evening. While there seemed to be plenty of time to get there, the elf knew that she was rather "fragrant" from bunking in the slums for a few days and thought it would be best to swing by one of the less frequently visited stretches of Tudor Creek to take a quick bath before showing up at the meeting.
Running a few scenarios through her mind, she crafts a quick cover story for "Erika Koinainge, Game Warden." Simple is usually best, so Mlinzi's story largely reflects reality. "Erika" would be meeting a few friends for dinner on Mombasa Island before heading out directly for a few days in the bush. Grabbing her gear, she secures her limited belongings. Taking one last look around the squat to make sure she wasn't forgetting anything, she heads for the shower curtain serving as a door the hovel. Before stepping outside, she pauses to center herself and calls for one of her spirit companions to join her. "Come Wawindaji! It is time to hunt!"
The air shimmers as Wawindaji answers her call. The spirit appears on the Astral plane, today taking the form of the Emela-Ntouka, an African cryptid vaguely resembling a rhinoceros. Nodding its head, it speaks in her mind, "It is good to see you, roho rafiki." With her friend accompanying her, Mlinzi heads for Tudor Creek, arriving after about an hour.
At this point outside Mombasa proper, Tudor Creek remains a relatively clean waterway feeding into the Indian Ocean. Mlinzi locates a relatively secluded bend in the creek and strips naked. Sending a mental message to her spirit companion she says, "Wawindaji, please protect me from the eyes of predators." The spirit manifests and protects her with its power of concealment.
Grabbing a small bar of soap from her kit, she starts scrubbing away the grime that had built up over the last several days. The elf wasn't overly modest, but preferred to play it safe given her past experiences. The last thing she needed was a gang of young toughs coming across her. Other than a fisherman who failed to notice her due to the concealment afforded her by Wawindaji, she encountered no one during her bath. After drying off, she dressed and settled her kit. Thanking Wawindaji for its assistance. she asks for the spirit to follow her on the astral plane so as not to draw undue attention. She heads out from Tudor Creek and picks up Mombasa Road about 30 minutes later. From there, she heads towards Mombasa with Wawindaji in tow.
Realizing that she has plenty of time before the meeting, Mlinzi strolls at a leisurely pace, occasionally switching her view to the astral plane to see if she can spot any spirits in the area. By 1430, she is crossing the bridge to Mombasa Island with what she feels is plenty of time to locate the meeting spot in question. Once she reaches the island proper, she plans to use her natural charm to zero in on the docks and Mosi's.
[spoiler=OOC]Summoning Spirit of Beast (4): Summoning (5) + Spec (2) + Magic (4) (11d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234212/) w/Concealment Power (Reduced to 4 due to limit)
Spirit's Resistance Test (4d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234215/) (1 away from a glitch, poor Wawindaji)
Drain Resistance: Willpower (5) + Charisma (8 ) (13d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234214/)
Force 4 Spirit of Beasts w/Concealment. 2 Services Remaining (- 1 Concealment)[/spoiler]
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The buzz of the comlink taped snug against his ribs cut through the jarring rumble of the Yamaha. Francois twitched a command and the fixer's message scrolled across the bottom of his vision field. Mombasa. Merde. He twitched another finger and checked the time. Enough time to drop off this package and see if one of the assholes had a delivery for Mombasa? He ran the journey through in his head. No. He cursed into his bandana. Barely enough time to stop at Voi to recharge the bike.
Francois gunned the Yamaha and veered into a dry gulley. First things first. Drop the package off charge up and then burn for Voi and Mombasa. Then hope this fixer is as good as their word. A few good scores and he could be out of this pest hole and back to the Mediterranean. Francois grinned into the wind and whooped a war cry.
Francois is driving to Mombasa with a stop off in Voi to charge up the Growler. He should get there in plenty of time for the meet, but he won't have a lot of time to do anything else.
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili[/color
Matrix/Text
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Mutumbo got up to the sound of the comm, a bit disoriented. He tried to interpret the meaning then he decided he would try again after sipping a soykaf for a while. Yesterday evening was very good, he spent it with Sokoro’s family, celebrating the successful hunt from which they just arrived and the generous shares it yielded. The celebration went on for quite a while, involving all the neighbors, and there were plenty of reasons to stay until the end.
After waking up fully, he went back to the message. He frowned after reading it again. He didn’t really trust this Asha figure, although last time she made good on her word, and her nujen was as good as any. Still, it was strange to meet her in the hustle of a preparing hunting party, and given a job he actually had to perform during the hunt. It couldn’t have been easier. He just had to slip a piece of paper into the tent of one of the hunters unnoticed.
Mutumbo was content having not heard of her again, she was a shady type. But he had no hunt scheduled for at least two weeks, and if this work meant serious nujen, it might help him save up for that wreck his neighbor still insisted was a car. He wanted his own ride, it was embarrassing to ask his co-workers to give him a lift every time. And he would have to do it today, too.
…
”Thanks buddy, you’re a life saver.” he told Sokoro, as he took the bag with most of his hunting equipment in it out of the trunk. Sokoro drove the family car, he had to run errands for them for the afternoon, and it wasn’t too much of a detour to drop him off on the island. Mutumbo waved goodbye to him as he drove off, then shouldered his bag and directed his steps towards Mosi’s. There was still plenty of time, so he looked around a bit, the dockside had all kinds of interesting ware, and sometimes some crates ‘just fell off a truck’, and that was when you could buy good stuff if you knew the right man. He spent the next hour or so looking around.
…
He arrived at Mosi’s about five minutes before the appointed time. He didn’t plan to be this late, but some annoying SOB gave him wrong directions. He entered, looked around to check whoever was in there, then walked to the bar, nodding to the bartender. ”A beer. Bottled.” You never knew what was on tap in these places. The bottled beers might not be better, but at least knew what to expect.
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Johannes planned a route on his mapsoft, zapping it over to the truck's node, and jacked out as the soyprocessor alerted him that his breakfast was ready.
It wouldn't take that long to get his kit together and although he had a bit of a drive, he still had stacks of time. Knowing that the island's police could be tricksy at times, Johannes makes ure to conceal his firearm and deck's icons a music player and e-paper device using his wrapper software.
He took the time to watch the news, water the plants and load up the truck, pulling the tarpaulin rain cover over the flat-bed to keep it from scattering out on the bumpy roads as much as to keep away prying eyes.
Lighting up his AR feed, Ultra eased up the throttle and headed to the meet.
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Alexander woke up in the late morning, enjoying the few blissful moments of confusion and oblivion on waking. For a few seconds, he couldn't remember who he was or where he was. The first thing to shatter his reverie was the heat. It was still morning, but he was covered in sweat. A harsh light filtered through metal barred window of his tiny, condemned second-floor "apartment." He sighed heavily and sat up from his pallet, surveying his barren room. It was time to face another day as a penniless foreigner in a foreign land.
He headed downstairs, through the hallways and into the washroom he shared with the other tenants who were renting a room from Jimmy's flophouse. He was just dumping a bucket of lukewarm water over his head for his "shower" when Jimmy stuck his head in.
"Hey, sorry Mr. Tourist, but your comm is going off. Go answer it. Some of us are still trying to sleep it off, yeah?" He shut the door and Alexander sighed again, scrubbing himself off quickly and heading back up to his room.
Inside, he found his Renraku Sensei buzzing itself across the dusty floor like an out-of-control wind-up toy. He picked it up just in time for Asha's message to go straight to voicemail. He was surprised and intrigued. Isaiah gave him the number after he was released, but he never actually expected a response from the fixer. He listed to the message and immediately started to get dressed. He'd been in the gutter before. He knew what it took to get out, and he sure as hell wasn't staying there. A little punctuality could go a long way... or at least it did at Ares.
He opened up his closet, beating out a layer of dust from his Actioneer's business suit before putting it on. The thing was hot as hell in this climate, but they say dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Before he left, he bent down and wiggled loose a floorboard, pulling out the Browing Ultra-Power he kept stashed there. He secreted the weapon in the built-in shoulder holster of the suit, then made his way back downstairs.
Passing by Jimmy Tibbs, he flashed an earnest smile. "Jimmy, think you could give me a ride to some place called Mosi's? I got a job."
Jimmy groaned loudly, shaking his head, and Alexander's expression suddenly grew somber. "Let me put it this way. If you want your rent money, you're giving me a ride to Mosi's."
"You're lucky your so damn pretty, Mr. Tourist," Jimmy chuckled. Alexander could tell he wasn't happy about it, but he reached out a long dark arm and grabbed his keys anyway, motioning for Alexander to follow.
Jimmy dropped him off in the general area and gave him further directions to Mosi's. Explaining he had "errands to run," (meaning clients to sell zen and bliss to, most likely), Jimmy sped off. Sticking his hands in his pockets, Alexander started heading toward the meet at a leisurely pace, trying his best to enjoy the dust, grime and heat. He was due to arrive at the meet about five minutes early; just early enough to impress Asha with his professionalism, but not early enough to appear desperate. Alexander was very, very concerned about appearing desperate. Desperate men usually are.
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He arrived at Mosi’s about five minutes before the appointed time. He didn’t plan to be this late, but some annoying SOB gave him wrong directions. He entered, looked around to check whoever was in there, then walked to the bar, nodding to the bartender. ”A beer. Bottled.” You never knew what was on tap in these places. The bottled beers might not be better, but at least knew what to expect.
The giant of a man behind the bar turns his head to look at you as he finishes filling a tray full of shot glasses with a greenish-grey liquor you can't recognize. After a minute of hushed discussion with the waitress, she grabs the tray and deftly turns before heading off with it to the back recesses of the cavernous room. The bartender wipes down the bar before finding his way down to you. He reaches under the bar and after a moment pulls out a bottle as he slaps down a napkin before depositing the beer on top of it. As you look at the bottle, you note that the beer is not going to win any contests for it's flavor, but you are a bit surprised by the condensation forming on the sides. "Five Nuyen," he says.
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Jimmy dropped him off in the general area and gave him further directions to Mosi's. Explaining he had "errands to run," (meaning clients to sell zen and bliss to, most likely), Jimmy sped off. Sticking his hands in his pockets, Alexander started heading toward the meet at a leisurely pace, trying his best to enjoy the dust, grime and heat. He was due to arrive at the meet about five minutes early; just early enough to impress Asha with his professionalism, but not early enough to appear desperate. Alexander was very, very concerned about appearing desperate. Desperate men usually are.
You pass a series of what you take for various factories or warehouses. As you move farther towards the outskirts of the industrial sector and begin to approach the docks, you notice a change. The paint is less fresh, boarded up entrances become more frequent, and the din of traffic and people dies down as you begin to have to pick your way around occasional bits of trash left on the sidewalks. You wonder to yourself if Jimmy was in a hurry, or if he was avoiding coming down here.
As you round a corner, Mosi's comes into sight. It's dull grey exterior does little to distinguish it from the warehouses surrounding it on on all sides. You might have overlooked it, were it not for the small, faded white sign with red lettering over the solid double doors that identifies your destination.
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By 1430, she is crossing the bridge to Mombasa Island with what she feels is plenty of time to locate the meeting spot in question. Once she reaches the island proper, she plans to use her natural charm to zero in on the docks and Mosi's.
Though you are one of few people crossing this bridge to the island on foot, you note that you are actually moving faster than any of the three lanes of traffic in either direction. As you near the far end of the half kilometer long bridge, the cause for the congestion comes into view. The cables lashing a cargo container to the back of a large truck have snapped, spilling what appears to appears to chunks of some kind of ore across three and a half lanes of traffic. A large crowd has gathered as angry motorists who have left their vehicles mix with the crowd of onlookers who take up most of the sidewalk on either side of the street.
As you approach, you see a pair of shoving matches break out. The dozen or so uniformed officers you can see seem unaware or unconcerned as they deal with sorting out the people and vehicles in the road.
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"This does not look good Wawindaji, but it is not our concern. Let us see if we can slip through but please be prepared for my call."
Mlinzi tries to work her way through the morass, slipping onto the street and weaving through the ersatz parking lot. She glances at the truck involved in the accident to see if there are any markings to help her determine what corporation, if any, was responsible for this mess. She also glances at the ore on the ground, wondering what it is and guessing it is headed to the docks to be shipped out of the country, yet another resource being drained away by the corporations. Admittedly, Africa had been like this way for over 300 years with the various European colonies exploiting the natural resources of the continent and giving almost nothing in return to its people. Speaking of its people, things seemed to be growing even more heated. Noticing the gathering crowds, Mlinzi had some concern that things might escalate here rather quickly and tries to determine the cause of the ruckus.
[Spoiler=OOC]Let me know if I need to make any rolls for Perception, Judge Intentions, etc. If it looks like things are going to get out of hand, she may have to try and play peacemaker.[/spoiler]
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Speaking of its people, things seemed to be growing even more heated. Noticing the gathering crowds, Mlinzi had some concern that things might escalate here rather quickly and tried to determine the cause of the ruckus.
You make some headway as you move along the street, but the officers onsite quickly notice you and usher you back onto the sidewalk. They are clearly more focused on clearing the road than on what is going on alongside it.
Several people bump into you as you pick your way through the crowd. As you near the span of sidewalk next to the tumbled container, you can make out a logo on the side of the truck that had been carrying it, and identify it as belonging to Regulus Joint Industries. Your focus on the truck, however, causes you to jostle another onlooker.
She shoves you, causing you to stumble. "Watch where you are going Bantu!"
You need to make a balance (gymnastics) check at this point to avoid falling.
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[spoiler=Balance Check]Gymnastics Check: AGI (4) - Default (1) (3d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4237293/)[/spoiler]
Mlinzi is caught off-guard by the woman's shove and stumbles, nearly falling to the ground. If not for the close press of bodies, she would have been sprawled on the ground. Regaining her balance and steeling herself against any future violence, she turns toward the woman.
Be calm, Wawindaji, I can handle this, she sends to her spirit companion.
"I am quite sorry, you are dosari." Bowing her head meekly, she continues, "With everything going on right now, I was not watching where I was going. Please accept my apologies. Do you know what is happening?"
[spoiler=Hoop-Kissing Check]Etiquette Check: CHA (8) + Etiquette (1) (9d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4237299/)[/spoiler]
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Do you know what is happening?"
As you regain your footing and turn your attention from the road to her, you note she is dressed in a stiffly pressed grey business suit that once may have been quite fashionable, but has seen better days. She moves as though to brush herself off (not that she had any reason to), and gives you a look filled with disgust.
Are you too stupid to see?
After letting her statement hang in the air for a few seconds, she decides she has wasted enough time on you and turns back to watching the process of extracting the few vehicles surrounded by the rubble.
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Shrugging aside the woman's disdain, Mlinzi checks her commlink to make sure she wasn't going to be late for her meeting. Given the woman's dress and pejorative use of her ethnicity, the elf had the vague feeling the woman may have been associated with one of the Corps, although most tended to dress better. Had she been one for shallow vengeance, she would have called Wawindaji forth to terrify the slitch. As it was, she had more important things to do than waste them on the unpleasant woman and rightly feared that the spirit's sudden appearance might increase the chaos.
Mlinzi turns her efforts toward moving through the crowd along the sidewalk as best she can, being as polite as possible while pushing through as best she can.
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Mlinzi turns her efforts toward moving through the crowd along the sidewalk as best she can, being as polite as possible while pushing through as best she can.
It takes a couple of minutes, but you work your way through the crowded sidewalk. As you finish extricating yourself, seemingly at last, from the tangle of bodies, you look up and notice the guard stations on either side of the bridge's end are still both fully manned; the officers have not left their posts to assist in sorting out the crowd below. You quickly pass below one, and move out onto the island proper.
While the main road remains crowded, as you pass the first cross street you note that traffic flows at a more normal pace along its length. As you work your way a few more blocks away from the bridge, you begin to notice scattered groups of pedestrians going about their business on either side of the road, most dressed in the drab blues and greys commonly associated with factory workers.
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Glad to finally be out of the close press of bodies, Mlinzi pats herself down quickly to make sure no enterprising pickpockets had taken advantage of the close quarters caused by the accident to make off with anything. After taking a quick inventory, she sends her thoughts to Wawindaji Thank you for accompanying me and providing protection, dear friend. I will see you on our next hunt.
With that, Mlinzi bids goodbye to her wild spirit companion. Stepping over to one of the buildings lining the street, she leans against the outer wall and calls for a new companion to aid her now. Mzimu! I have need of your help! the elf thinks as she summons forth a new spirit companion. Surprisingly, the effort to call Mzimu is much greater than Mlinzi is used to, leaving her drained and winded. The elf remains silent as she tries to pull herself together.
In the astral, a spirit resembling a small Kikuyu tribesman steps out of the wall next to her. With ageless eyes, it ponders her form. Is something wrong, roho rafiki? Mzimu asks as he waits for Mlinzi.
It is nothing dear friend, Mlinzi replies. Calling you just took more out of me than I anticipated. Come, we are to meet someone about a job. With that, the elf pushes off from the wall and starts to ask some of the passersby if any of them have heard of Mosi's. She's strategic about it, trying to target relatively older men who may be willing to help a young girl in need.
[spoiler=OOC Rolls]Summoning Spirit of Man (3) w/Fear Power: Summoning (5) + Magic (4) (9d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4237398/) (Limited to 3 due to Force)
Spirit Resistance Test: Force (3) (3d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4237399/)
Drain Resistance Test: WIL (5) + CHA (8) (13d6.hits(5)=0) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4237401/) (No Glitch, but fuuuuuu...)
Spirit of Man w/ Fear Power (3): 1 service.
Mlinzi takes 4 boxes of Stun Damage from Drain >:([/spoiler]
[spoiler=Status]Condition Monitor: 0/10/||4/11 (-1 Wound Modifier)[/spoiler]
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She's strategic about it, trying to target relatively older men who may be willing to help a young girl in need.
After a few ignored attempts, you eventually find a man willing to stop and listen to your question. Upon hearing it, he looks you over and gives you general directions and indicates it is still about a kilometer and a half distant.
That is quite a distance little one. Do you want me to take you there?
At this point you have enough information to find your way should you choose to do so, with a little bit of looking.
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"No, that's fine. I can see that you are a busy man. Thank you for the directions!"
With a nod and smile, Mlinzi makes her way to Mosi's with Mzimu following in the astral. A short kilometer later, she rests her eyes on a depressing looking dive-bar sandwiched between the industrial sector and the docks. Being used to far worse accommodations, she shrugs in indifference and enters the bar. Her natural low-light vision kicks in as she scans the room. With some time left before the meeting, she makes her way to the least occupied area of the bar and tries to make eye contact with the bartender. When she finally gets it, she says, "One Tusker please, draft is fine."
Looking forward to the cold brew, she tries to ease her aching head before the meeting time arrives.
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Mutumbo paid for the beer then took a seat by one of the tables, as directed in the message. He opened the bottle, drew deep, then looked around again. He entertained himself by taking guesses about the patrons' professions. The elven woman puzzled him greatly. For one, he wasn't good at knowing the tribe of someone by the paintings and marks on them. For two, her attire showed her being a hunter, which was a bit ridiculous, because that usually was done by the men. For three, she wore that suit covering her full body, which must have been a hassle in this heat. He didn't stare too much, though, you never knew who might take offence.
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The satnav pinged to indicate his arrival. Johannes looks out of his dusty, grimy windows at the nothing looking bar and disengages his AR feed, killing the engine.
Striding in a little early, he takes a good look around for the meet and orders a sandwich and a bottled water and takes a seat
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Alexander quickened his step as he spotted the sign. For the past few minutes, he'd been afraid he was in the wrong part of town (in every sense). Skipping over a fetid pile of garbage and approaching Mosi's, Alexander stepped inside. Taking a seat near the back, he did his best to look inconspicuous, which was a bit difficult with his rumpled suit and pale skin. When a server approached, he ordered a bottled beer in broken Kiswahili before leaning back in his chair and scanning the crowd for his fixer.
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Francois leans into a small table in the corner attempting to cut road dust with a cheap local beer. His goggles are pushed up on his forehead, his bandana hangs loose around his neck and his helmet and gloves sit on the table in front of him. He scans the crowd and smiles lazily, humming almost inaudible to himself.
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Your orders arrive one by one and time slips by. 1600 becomes 1630, then 1700. Additional patrons begin file in slowly, in twos and threes, their day of labor ended. It is nearly 1800 when a waitress appears, collecting what you owe, before setting down a final drink that you do not recall ordering at each of your places. As you look to the drinks, you notice that they have been set next to napkins, on which "back corner, left and opposite the door"is scrawled in faint lettering. As you turn to look, you notice the small African woman you recognize as Asha sitting alone in a secluded booth in the back. How she got there you are not sure, as she is distinctive enough that you would have noticed her entering with any of the other patrons.
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Francois stands wearily and tosses back the last of his beer. He glances around the room as he gathers his gloves and helmet and purses his lips in a gesture of annoyance. He weaves his way skillfully through the tap room to Asha's table.
Asha he nods politely as he pulls out a chair. Lovely to see you Were you delayed by the trouble outside? Francois' tone is light and his English has a pronounced French accent. He sits and puts his helmet and gloves on the table.
Power plays like showing up late to a meeting on your own turf are the cost of doing business in the minor leagues. Still, good to keep in mind that she's the kind of fixer who wants to prove she owns you. Watch yourself Frenchy. Are we waiting for more, or can we get down to business?
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili
Matrix/Text
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Mutumbo looked around puzzled. Asha was becoming more of a mystery every time they met. He hoped the fixer really got delayed, although he suspected this was some elaborate plan to make him nervous and put her in a better position for negotiations. And he wouldn't have chosen the Mosi's as a place to hang out at if he wanted to chug some down. His friends frequented places that were in the outlying areas.
Still, it was a job opportunity, he reminded himself, and probably not that simple as the last, he thought, when he saw the other guy sitting down next to Asha. He took the beer, his gear, then walked to the back table. When he heard the guy asking about waiting for others, he answered, in an almost perfect English, coloured by some local tones. "That would be me, i think. Or not just me. Hello, Asha." He sat down on one of the empty chairs, taking a place next to one of the walls. He looked at the other guy with obvious interest.
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Mlinzi cools her heels while waiting for the meeting time. She limits her drinking as the last thing she wants to do is be drunk for the meeting. She spends the time switching her attention back and forth to the few working trids in the bar, one showing a regional news feed and the other a football match between two Azanian teams. She vaguely wondered whether Asamando had ever been approved to play by FIFA but seriously doubted it. Who would want to play against a player that was just as likely to eat your face off than slide tackle you?
As 1600 passed, Mlinzi grew a little agitated. Considering the curt nature of the invite, she would think that the least that Asha could do would be to show up on time. By 1700, she was getting seriously pissed off. Dealing with a near riot, walking all the way into town... I know I need work, but this may be the last time I work for this fixer. Particularly if she stands me up.
"Is something the matter?" Mzimu sends to her. The spirit had been waiting in the astral outside on the bar's roof so as not to draw unwanted attention, occasionally sticking its head through to check out what was going on. "No, friend," the elf replies, "just my impatience. Thank you for staying with me."
As 1800 approaches, Mlinzi begins to gather her things to leave. Annoyed at the wasted day as well as her not apparently having a job to do, the girl flags the bartender and asks for her check. When it arrives, she's surprised to see an extra drink and a note on a napkin come along with it. Reading the note, she glances to the corner and sees the woman she knows as Asha. Well, imagine that... I wonder how she got in here? Paying her tab, she grabs the beer and napkin and starts to head toward the corner table. She's somewhat surprised when she notices a man with gloves and a helmet already seated at the table and another man doing the same thing as her. Quickly switching her vision to the Astral plane, she quickly scans the corner to make sure there are no nasty surprises.
"Head's up, Mzimu. My meeting is about to start. I know you have to go soon, friend."
Sitting down at one of the remaining seats, she says to all, "Jambo." Not sure what the relationship of the men at the table were to Asha, she awaited the fixer's reply.
[Spoiler=Dice Rolls]Assensing Test [9]: Assensing (2) + Intuition (4) (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4239795/)[/spoiler]
-
As the time for meeting came and passed, the knot of tension in Alexander's stomach grew and grew. He needed this job, and if Asha changed her mind about him, he wasn't sure what he would do. He stayed at his table, sipping his singular beer and holding onto the thread of hope that she would show up. He'd never met her in person before, having only heard her voice over commcalls, so every woman that stepped into Mosi's sparked an eager little flare of anticipation in him.
The only previous work he'd done for her was strictly small-time, helping some hulking troll cross a checkpoint by having the goon pose as his bodyguard. The job was simple and went out without a hitch, but Alexander spent the afternoon scouring his memory for any mistake or slip-up that might have made a bad first impression on Asha. Had she found somebody more qualified? Had she decided he wasn't worth her time? These worries hounded Alexander until finally, mercifully, the server approached with Asha's note. All the self-doubt and panic melted away as Alexander walked confidently over toward her table. He flashed the woman he assumed was Asha a gleaming white grin before taking his seat. It was showtime.
"Asha," he said in English. "Nice to finally meet you properly."
-
Boredom had finally kicked in, long after the sandwich went down and the bottle of water had long since been drunk. Most of the major news articles had been pored over in detail on Johannes link before the tap on the shoulder came.
Glad to finally be making some progress on what had been a painfully slow and boring day, Johannes headed across to the now busy table, not in the greatest of moods.
He nodded at Asha, flashed a half-smile at the others and took a seat.
-
As you find a seat around the table, you are again struck by just how small this woman is. Though not a dwarf, you would be surprised if she stood more than a meter and a half tall. Her sharp features make her seem a small statue carved from ebony. As you take a seat, she turns her bright green eyes to each of you in turn, but waits to speak until all have arrived.
"Good. You are all here. I assume no one had difficulties finding the way."
She speaks in smooth tones, in a slightly accented Kiswahili, her words followed a few seconds later by an electronic translation to English.
"A client has requested an escort for a field researcher on the ground. Rather than use an established guide service, the client prefers this excursion remain unofficial. It is my hope that you prove adequate to the task."
-
As each of the men greets the fixer by name, Mlinzi does her best not to respond. She hadn't used the name in years but still found she had to will herself not to react to it. Of all the names in Africa, go figure... Taking a sip of her beer, she leans back and waits for Asha to respond. As the fixer explains the job, Mlinzi slowly nods in understanding. She is a little surprised that the job seems to require such a large group, not that it bothers her overmuch. It does, however, highlight a few gaps in the details the fixer has provided. You don't bring an elephant gun to a mouse hunt, after all.
Responding to the fixer in Kiswahili, Mlinzi says, "Sounds good, Asha. If I may ask a few things before I agree to the job... Is the job to escort a single researcher or a group? Can you tell me the general area or our destination? Last but not least, what kind of pay are we taling about here?"
-
Responding to the fixer in Kiswahili, Mlinzi says, "Sounds good, Asha. If I may ask a few things before I agree to the job... Is ithe job to escort a single researcher or a group? Can you tell me the general area or our destination? Last but not least, what kind of pay are we taling about here?"
Asha's eyes drift over to Mlinzi. As she speaks, her small mouth curves into a smile. "So eager."
After a brief pause, she continues, "The client will provide you the details seen fit in a moment. I wished first to bring you together and impress upon you the need to make a good impression. You are responsible for more than yourselves in this. Remember that."
-
"You've got my ear. Hit me with the specifics."
-
Francois rocks backwards a bit in his chair. Asha's silly games made her seem nervous, made it certain she wouldn't get top flight professionals. How far out of her league is she?
Can you give us any information, or shall we just wait for the client? Francois' Kiswahili has a North African Arabic edge to it. An accent, but definitely not one that matches your expectation of the man in front of you.
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili
Matrix/Text
-
Seems we can't even finish a conversation in one language. Just like the hunting parties. Mutumbo drank, then also switched to Kiswahili. "Fine by me. Just let's get over with it."
-
Asha subvocalizes something, and for those with the commlink capacity, an image of a middle aged caucasian man dressed in a grey suit appears (the rest receive audio). He speaks in plain English.
So these are the guides you have found for me? You are certain they will be sufficient to keep Alzmer safe?
Asha responds simply, with a single word "Yes." It is the first time you have heard her speak a word of English.
After a pause, the Johnson continues."Very well then. Alzmer is due to arrive by ship at 9:00AM in two days time. You will collect him from the docks and ensure he obtains the samples we require. Payment of 30000 nuyen has been authorized, with 20 percent in advance. Additionally, transport for Alzmer's equipment has been arranged."
-
Sounds Corp, Mlinzi thinks to herself as the Johnson speaks. She wasn't a big fan of working on behalf of the corps, but the very few times she had done it, it had been fairly lucrative and generated interesting information. Weighing the Johnson's words, the elf begins to sketch a few of the details out in her mind and tried to fill in the blanks.
She found it odd the researcher was coming in by boat. Granted, Mombasa was on the ocean, but it had an airport. While she pondered it, the Johnson mentioned both the payment and equipment. Probably accompanying the equipment... must be expensive or this Alzmer person just doesn't want anyone fragging with it. The pay was surely a total payment rather than per person. Assuming everyone invited to the party was sitting at the table, it wasn't a bad payout for what sounded like a relatively simple task. That probably meant the task wasn't so simple.
Deciding to get the measure of the others at the table, she held her tongue to see if the others would ask the Johnson anything.
She sends a quick missive to Mzimu, "Thank you for staying with me, friend. Farewell."
-
The image of the suited man filled Ultra's AR feed. Mentally, he issued the "screenshot" command, storing the still image in an encrypted folder on his commlink.
We'll give this guy the once-over later eh? Questions first though.
//So what are the samples you require, and where are we getting them from? I assume by the size of the team you've assembled, these "samples" either aren't likely to come willingly or are under protection of some sort?//
-
If we knew the exact location the desired materials could be obtained from, there would be no need for this expedition. The best information puts the most likely location 200 to 250km west of Mombasa. You will begin the search from there.
As the field expert, Alzmer will brief you on information pertaining to collection upon his arrival.
-
How long should we plan on the search taking, and will our fee increase if your expert takes longer than expected? Francois pauses. Also, what gear will your expedition be providing and what do you need for us to acquire.
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili
Matrix/Text
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If you do your jobs adequately, total time for retrieval should not exceed two days, with three as the expected outer limit. Contingencies are in place that allow for twice that, but that is a suboptimal result, and as such will not result in an increased payout. If you complete the retrieval in less time than that......we'll talk.
As for equipment, you are the contracted guides, and as such are responsible for any equipment beyond that needed to take the samples.
-
Absorbing all of the information relayed so far, Mlinzi asks in accented English "Can you tell us a bit more about the samples? Rough size? Special Handling? Providing secrutiy and escort through the bush below the radar shouldn't be a problem, but it gets much more complicated if we need specialized equipment or have to make special arrangements to transport it."
Mlinzi opens up a notepad file and types in the name Alzmer using the tiny keyboard on her commlink. Probably an alias, but doesn't hurt to check.
-
As I said, the equipment needed and the means of transport for the equipment and collected samples has been arranged. All you need to do is get our man where he needs to go, and get him back.
Now, is there anything else?
-
So we should prepare for two to three days overland. Your expert will take care of the handling, transport and collection of the sample. Is that correct? Frenchy pauses. I assume that the advance will be paid now and Asha will hold the completion payment in escrow.
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
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That sounds correct, yes.
-
While the other pumped the Johnson for more info, Mutumbo thought about the area: geographical features, what tribes would there be, did smugglers have an operation in the vicinity, and what kind of wildlife, especially what kind of predators they could expect there, and in the interlying terrain.
[spoiler=knowledge tests]rural area knowledge: INT(5) + area knowledge(3) [mental(4)] (8d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242966/)
wildlife: INT(5) + local wildlife(3) [mental(4)] (8d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242967/) (glitch)
critters: LOG(2) + paracritters, Kenya(3) [mental(4)] (5d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242968/)[/spoiler]
-
Alexander leaned forward, listening intently to the exchange. He was at a disadvantage in that he didn't have any form of image link handy to view te Johnson, so he'd have to take his cues directly from their new employer's tone of voice. He seemed curt, dismissive, and borderline disinterested. He was trying to give the impression that the team here was replaceable, that the price was the price and they could take it or leave it. But that wasn't true at all. Either Asha's crew was the best this Johnson could truly afford, or Asha was a better fixer than Alexander had been lead to believe. Either way, negotiation was Alexander's raison d'être. He needed every penny, and he was determined to find out exactly what this guy was "authorized" for.
While he listened to the other's questions, Alexander tried to pick up on anything in the Johnson's speech or turns or phrase that might hint at what corp or organization he could possibly be representing. It helped to know who you were getting into bed with, even in a limited contract relationship.
Corporate Politics (3) + Logic (2) = (5d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242998/)
"I think the job is doable," Alexander spoke up at last. "We've got a good team here, and I'm confident we can meet your deadline. What concerns me is the budget." Alexander took a pause for breath here. He couldn't see the Johnson, but he had been in the man's shoes before, and imagined a suit rolling his eyes in exasperation. Teams bickering over nuyen had always annoyed him when he was on the other side of the negotiating table, but now that he was the one risking his neck out on the run... well. A little bartering was traditional, wasn't it?
"I can accept that, due to the nature of the project, we have to follow Alzmer's lead. That means we have to trust that the equipment you've arranged is satisfactory. That means we have to trust that these specimens he's looking for out in the scrub are actually out there, actually in that general area. I'm sure our team can find them if they are, but we have to trust that Alzmer's intel is good. We have to trust that this equipment you're so generously loaning to us- equipment we have no info on, sight unseen- is adequate for the job and the rough terrain. That's a lot of trust for 30,000 nuyen and a 20% advance."
Alexander sucked in a short breath through his nostrils before he continued. "I understand you're ony authorized for a certain amount, but if you want to see this project succeed on time, any additional resources you can allocate would be tremendously appreciated. We'll call it a sign of trust."
Negotiation (8) + Charisma (6) + First Impression (2) [Social 8] = (16d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4243008/)
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(15d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4243335/)
The Johnson's image shuffles around, delaying.
If you are willing to accept the strictures of the assignment.....I will authorize payment of an additional 3000, provided you complete the task within the three day window. Any more than that, and the usefulness of the data collected begins to decline.
Do we have a deal?
-
Mlinzi gives a curt nod to the well-spoken foreigner who took control of the negotiation with the Johnson, in the event he was looking for confirmation from the group. As something of an afterthought, she also nodded at Asha in the event the fixer was going to be the to actually close the deal.
-
Alexander smiled a little, nodding. The Johnson had thrown them a bone, albeit a small one, but in doing so he had demonstrated that he really needed this job done, and what's more, he really needed it done by this team. It was nice finding the chink in the armor, and cutting through a bit of the suit's intransigence. It was also good to know that meeting the deadline was imporant to the client. Still, The Tourist knew enough not to push his luck...
"Sounds good to me," Alexander answered. He looked around at the others to see if they agreed as well. "Any one have any more questions? Or is it time to meet Alzmer?"
-
The Johnson waits a moment, then nods as he fades out.
As you step out of the call, the faces around the table come back into perspective. Asha looks around the table appraisingly, before taking a casual sip of her drink. She looks at the nearly empty glass, as though considering it too, before speaking.
I shall leave you to become acquainted then, unless there is something you require at this time?
-
He took each of them in. The out of place American, the tribal elf, the quiet bearded man. New beginnings eh. Call me Frenchy. He glances areound.
Not to doubt our fixer's honesty, but we might want to go elsewhere for a private conversation. Does anyone have any local suggestions? I rarely make it to Mombassa.
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
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Speech-Kiswahili
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Taking in the four men at the table, Mlinzi wonders about the make-up of the group. Other than the pale-skinned foreigner, most of them looked like they knew their way around the bush and the foreigner, American of some persuasion judging by his English, had already proved his worth. The group seemed like a competent one given the particular task at hand, even if details were still very murky.
"Jambo, Frenchy. You can call me Mlinzi. Your suggestion is a good one, but I am unfamiliar with this part of Mombasa. Is anyone at the table capable of providing us with privacy? It's probably getting too dark to check out the docks at this point in time, but I think it would be helpful if we knew what to expect before we got there."
-
"You can call me Mwindaji. Or just Hunter if the former doesn't come easily to your tongue." Mutumbo nodded to the others and also finished his beer. "Before we leave, let's talk equipment with Asha. I assume everyone has their own guns or such but we need much more out there. Let's see... two jeeps with spare parts, tents and sleeping bags, rations, water, and so on. I don't know what you have of the needed vehicles or camping gear, of the latter i have mine, but as the former goes..."
[spoiler=test]survival test to make a list of everything we need for six people and a week: WIL(3) + Survival(6) [mental(4)] (9d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4243965/)[/spoiler]
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Facing Asha:
Asha, I just wanna get this straight. the contract begins when? When this researcher lands? If so, why bring us here 2 days early for a meet?
Nodding at Hunter, Johannes replies.
I go by "Ultra", I've got a pickup loaded with a medkit, some survival gear and a few spare jerry cans of diesel.. Can fit 3 sat on the front bench and a couple can ride in the back if needs-be. Don't spend too much time out in the bush if I can help it though so I've only got the basics; blankets, rations, purificaton tabs and such. We've got a couple days to get kitted up, that advance fee should cover what we'll need.
As for privacy, I can sort us out a secure node to chat in VR, but I'm not exactly sure that's the best option in a bar like this. Maybe we should take a walk, find somewhere a bit quieter?
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Asha, I just wanna get this straight. the contract begins when? When this researcher lands? If so, why bring us here 2 days early for a meet?
Asha returns her nearly empty drink on the table and leans back into her seat. Fashioning a sly smile that fixes on Johannes, she replies. I did not know you preferred last minute affairs. I will keep that in mind for next time.
Truth, it is the same reason I came down here myself. Despite what you may think of yourselves, you are all a bit green.As she speaks, her focus shifts around the table, When she gets to you, it is hard to tell if she pauses a bit longer or not. I've always found the more you know going in, the better chance you have of coming out. And the most important thing to know is who you are running with.
Let's just say I have an interest in you actually pulling this off.
-
"Does anyone want something else to drink?" Mlinzi asks as she rises from the table. Taking any orders, she heads over to the bar and tries to catch the eye of the bartender. When the bartender moves over to take her order, the elf leans close to place the order and says in Kiswahili, "Does this place have a private room or at least a room with some privacy? My friends and I are about to leave so we can discuss some biz but I'd rather just stay here and spend money if possible."
-
The towering man looks down at you.
"Place was originally a warehouse. The only "room" I got is my office, and you ain't gonna all fit in there. "He looks over the at best half filled space. "Half hour and most of them will be too drunk to tell you their names, much less listen in on what you got to say. Unless it's to go home with one of them girly. They'd be eager to discuss things with you there.
-
"Much obliged." Mlinzi says as she takes the drinks and returns to the table, leaving a fairly generous tip in her wake. Distributing any drinks that were requested, she says, "Well, this place doesn't have anywhere more private, but the bartender seems to think the patrons are going to be too deep into their cups to know what way is up if we want to stay here.."
-
Frenchy shrugs an elegantly gallic shrug. I've never liked relying on the inattention of my enemies for operational security, but I have nothing better to offer here. He glances around the table. A few days to do background work and shake down as a team should be welcome. I'd like it better if we could scout the actual route, but it seems Mr. Johnson doesn't trust us with that information. Again he shrugs.
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
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Matrix/Text
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Thanks Asha, look, to use this time the best we can, we're gonna need at least an inkling of where heading out to eh? Give us a hint would you?
Ultra takes the beer and has a big swig before reaching into his daybag and digging out his deck.
He slots in the mapsoft, calls up its AR display and dumps its output to the trid projector so the team can see.
Right then, lets have a look at the old mapski.
-
Mlinzi rests her chin on one of her hands and rubs her forehead. Cognizant of Frenchy's operational security concerns, she lowers her voice a bit. "We've got a few pieces of information we can chew on... Johnson gave us a rough idea of the area where we are going to start our search. If someone has a mapsoft and a display, maybe we can take a look at the area. It might help us figure out what gear we might need for the expedition. I would assume tents and other standard gear, but we may need water gear as well. We also have the researcher's name. Well, maybe... it might be an alias, it might not. But if it is his real name, someone who is good with the Matrix might be able to get an idea of what kind of research Alzmer is doing so we can have a better idea of what challenges we might face."
-
Thanks Asha, look, to use this time the best we can, we're gonna need at least an inkling of where heading out to eh? Give us a hint would you?
Look, I don't know any more about what the Johnson is after than you do. After a pause, Asha leans forward and studies the map. From the directions, I would assume somewhere in this area. She indicates a general area to the West, about 100km south of Mt. Kilimanjaro between three large lakes. I'd be less worried about the exact where, as who controls that area right now.
-
why, what you heard?
-
I've heard nothing. But I know, and you should too, that the borders of tribal lands are always changing some and not that they are ever drawn out all nice and neat on some map. Some of those will be more particular than others about who is nosing about in their territory. Asha finishes of the last of her original drink and a waitress promptly appears to drop off another before quickly retreating.
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No doubt. Anyone here got contacts out in the sticks? My expertise is a little more "digital".
Ultra sat and looked at the highlighted area, running his hands through his long, unkempt beard. That was quite some area. A cursatory glance at a higher magnification showed the road quality was fairly poor in places.
Making a visit to a mechanic might be in order, they were going to need some serious kit. Winches, off-road tyres, long range fuel tanks, spare parts, tools and some decent outdoors gear.
The more he though of the spiralling upfront costs, he saw the diminishing profit margin.
Time is cracking on guys, are we crashing over here tonight or shall we meet up first thing tomorrow?
-
Glancing at the map where Asha indicated, Mlinzi pulls out her commlink while reviewing it. Flipping the face of the cheap comm open, she taps out a quick text message to one of her tribe's sub-chiefs.
[spoiler=Mlinzi's Comm]<<@ElderMug [RohoRafiki] Hello Chief. Taking a trip about 100km south of Mt. K. Anything I should be worried about?>>[/spoiler]
"I'm reaching out to my people. I am not sure what they will know as they usually keep north of Mount Kilimanjaro, but the tribes do gossip. I am hoping for an answer by tomorrow."
-
After a minute or two, a response comes through Mlinzi's com.
What have you gotten yourself into this time?
-
While the others continue their discussion, Mlinzi taps into her comm.
[spoiler=Mlinzi's Comm]<<@ElderMug [RohoRafiki] That does not sound promising. Just an escort gig for a group of tourists. Trouble I should know about?>>[/spoiler]
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"I didn't hear about anything special in the area, although i couldn't say which tribe is currently in control. Possibly more, as we don't exactly know where we go. I can ask around if one of my friends know anything but it might cost some nujen. Ready to pay?" Mutumbo looked at his teammates-to-be, waiting for their answer.
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While introductions were being made, Alexander cleared his throat. "You all can call my Alexander, but the few friends I've made here call me The Tourist, for reasons I'm sure are obvious. I'm the first to admit I don't have much experience surviving in the scrub, but I'm good with corp types and can bluff my way past a checkpoint." When Mlinzi offers to pay another round of drinks, he gratefully orders another bottled beer.
When Mutumbo asks if he's willing to pay for information, The Tourist shakes his head. "Sorry to be a cheapskate, but... well, I might look the part of a rich Johnson, but trust me, I'm not. I'd wager I'm as grateful for this opportunity as any of you." Alexander leans back, nursing his beer and listening to the rest of the conversation.
-
The discussion over Mlinzi's comlink continues.
Tourists, coming to look at a land that they will never understand. I do not know why you continue to ally yourself with those foreigners, after what they have done.
After a brief pause he continues
But I know you will not follow this advice, so heed my words daughter of Kipchoge. While the land there may have great beauty and put some of the foreigner's money in your pocket, you should not take them there. If you associate with the foreign devils, take them elsewhere; they will be as easily impressed by other sights that Mother Africa has to offer. For if you insist upon this course and stray too far and cross into the Maasai lands, they will treat you as they treat foreigners, and you will share the same fate.
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Mlinzi squints as the talk turns to money.
"If I might offer a suggestion," the elf interjects, "it might be best if we figure out where we currently stand on gear and make a short shopping list of anything we are missing so we know what we must spend simply to make a basic expedition. While these expenses may cut into our pay, being unprepared in the bush may mean we never see that pay. After that, I would suggest we set aside an additional 1,000 nuyen in case there is any specialized equipment we might need such as inflatable boats or other items that we can't really anticipate until we know more from Alzmer. If we don't need anything, all the better."
"I do think we should reserve some cash for information. It can be pretty dangerous out there and going in blind could be a very, very final mistake. Our advance should be 6,000 nuyen, can we agree to set aside an additional 1,000 for information? Like with the specialized equipment, only using it if necessary, of course?"
Mlinzi turns to her commlink as it dings. Reading the words written she frowns in displeasure. She taps a quick reply.
<<@ElderMug [RohoRafiki] You know why I feel I must do what I do and I appreciate your guidance. Thank you for the information Elder, I will do what I can to convince the devils of better sights to see. Shukrani>>
Turning to the group, she says, "Does anyone here have any experience with the Maasai?"
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Mutumbo looked at Mlinzi appreciatingly. "I'm glad someone else sees reason too. Although i wouldn't set so strict limits. I'd say survival is worth a lot more."
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Alexander shrugs a bit. "I misunderstood. Using the advance to pay for some information is a good idea, and I'm for it. I just mean I don't personally know anybody that knows the area. Most of my friends are a bit more... hmm. Urban."
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Sensing the gathered runners settling down to get to know each other and planning their run, Asha excuses herself from the table to attend to business elsewhere. Before leaving, she transfers the balance of the advance payment to the foreigner.
-
As Asha got up and left, Johannes gave her a nod of thanks and got comfy in the booth, diggin himself into the seats as much as he could for support.
Righto guys, I'm heading into the 'Trix, see if I can get some answers to our burning little questions. Here's my contact details if you need to get in touch
Johannes took his datajack and seated it in place with a satisfying click.
The rush of hot-sim englufed him, drowning his senses for a pico second, before he appeared and awoke inside his home node of the deck, sculpted elegantly into an elegant post-modern workspace.
Heading over to his crisp white desk, Ultra configured his deck for raw processing power. he had a lot of turf to cover and was going to need to crunch some serious data to flesh out the tenuous leads they had.
Requiring some back up, Ultra called his agent into being, loading him up to assist in the search.
//Matrix Search v1.002b//<<Search terms: -Alzmer;(tags) science, scientist, expedition, africa, recently published.>>
Using the folling setup:
Virtual machine: Browse + toolbox (+1DP and 1/2 search times) and Agent R3 in the second slot.
deck stats; 5(6) DP/4 sleaze/4 firewall/2 attack
Comp 2, int 4, hot sim 2 (8d6.hits(5)=3) 3 hits (6 limit) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4248737/)
The influx of data coursed through Ultra's mind, desperately trying to filter it into some kind of coherence.
He tasked his agent with the next search;
//Matrix Search v1.002b//<<Search terms: -Masai; (tags) territory, foreign relations, culture and practices, recent news.>>
agent 3, comp 3, hot sim 2 (8d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4248740/)
-
//Matrix Search v1.002b//<<Search terms: -Alzmer;(tags) science, scientist, expedition, africa, recently published.>>
As your agent continues to work away on the second search, your first query returns results quickly, taking only a minute or two. Filtering through the data, using Alzmer as the key criteria, you find reference to 8 individuals who meet at least two of the other criteria dating from the last 5 years (filtering out entries in fields such as psychology, market research, or advanced numerology).
Results matching the most criteria are listed first
Francis Alzmer - Resident of Cape Town, Azania - Employee of Universal Omnitech -Several listed publications in the last 5 years in the areas of botany, parabotany, and advanced genetics
Achilles Alzmer (Missing) - Professional gamehunter - Last known location was leading an expedition hunting Enwontzane in the southwestern Congo Tribal lands (formerly Tanzania) - linked to several publications reported as chronicles of his adventures, most famously "In the snare of the Jabberwock" and "The Basilisk's Stare."
James Alzmer - Lead archaeologist on a dig site of alleged 4th world artifacts in Egypt
Mary Alzmer - Itinerant Professor at the University of Nigeria in Ife, Nigeria. Several Publications in the areas of parazoology.
Lauren Alzmer - Resident of Nairobi, Kenya - Anthropologist - Two publications on the genetic histories of West African Tribes.
Iris Alzmer (deceased) - Former resident of the allied German States. Several publications in the areas of High Energy Physics and advanced fuel cells
Hugo Alzmer - Graduate Student at the University of New Delhi. Single publication is a thesis on the fractal properties of quartz.
Agnes Alzmer - Current location is not listed in your search - Credited on a publication pertaining to the use of solar energy in military applications.
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Frenchy shakes his head. I'm afraid I don't know any Massai. Frenchy Shrugs. The advance will barely cover what we need to spend on information and equipment. But better a live pauper than a dead miser. By all means lets get as much information as we can.
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//To:Team//<< First batch of results are in for our "alzmer". I'm thinking top three/four could be interesting.>>
<<Attached list: Francis Alzmer - Resident of Cape Town, Azania - Employee of Universal Omnitech -Several listed publications in the last 5 years in the areas of botany, parabotany, and advanced genetics
Achilles Alzmer (Missing) - Professional gamehunter - Last known location was leading an expedition hunting Enwontzane in the southwestern Congo Tribal lands (formerly Tanzania) - linked to several publications reported as chronicles of his adventures, most famously "In the snare of the Jabberwock" and "The Basilisk's Stare."
James Alzmer - Lead archaeologist on a dig site of alleged 4th world artifacts in Egypt
Mary Alzmer - Itinerant Professor at the University of Nigeria in Ife, Nigeria. Several Publications in the areas of parazoology.
Lauren Alzmer - Resident of Nairobi, Kenya - Anthropologist - Two publications on the genetic histories of West African Tribes.
Iris Alzmer (deceased) - Former resident of the allied German States. Several publications in the areas of High Energy Physics and advanced fuel cells
Hugo Alzmer - Graduate Student at the University of New Delhi. Single publication is a thesis on the fractal properties of quartz.
Agnes Alzmer - Current location is not listed in your search - Credited on a publication pertaining to the use of solar energy in military applications.>>
//END//
Diving back into the fray, Ultra hooked up the screenshot for an image search. He knew it was a longshot, but it only cost time to run, and he had plenty of that to kill.
Millions of faces, family photo's and E-news articles washed over him as the search ran its course.
comp 2, int 4, hot sim 2 (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4248893/) 3 hits, limit 6.
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Mlinzi flips open her commlink and squints to read the text that Ultra transmitted to the team. First item on the shopping list, she thinks to herself, is durable electronic paper. The elf considers the names listed to see if she had ever heard of any of the various Alzmers, either through research articles or word of mouth amongst the native populations. The only name that rung a bell was that pile of kinyezi, Achiles Alzmer. She had heard enough to know his writings should be classified as fiction. He was a desecrator just like all of the others, regardless of popular opinion. Hopefully the epilogue of his latest escapade ended with the enwontanze having him over for dinner... literally.
With the rest of the names not ringing any particular bells, she opens up her text application. Grinding her teeth at the though of having to deal with this particular contact, Mlinzi tries to keep the text short and to the point.
[Spoiler=Mlinzi's Comm] <<@FreeAfrique [rohorafiki]Jambo Dez. Ever run across Univresal Omnitech?>>[/spoiler]
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//Matrix Search v1.002b//<<Search terms: -Masai; (tags) territory, foreign relations, culture and practices, recent news.>>
About fifteen minutes after your own search completed, your agent reports the completion of it's search
You find much conflicting information as to exactly what territory the Maasai currently control. Different sources have wildly differing opinions on what tribes control exactly what territory, but after sorting through the results, the best estimates seem to put the beginning of their territory within about 25km of 37.8 degrees east longitude. While they control a vast stretch of territory, they are not a numerous people, and therefore the land is lightly populated.
Their relations with other tribes and cultures has changed markedly in recent years. Following the Mount Kiliminjaro incident, they have become increasingly insular to most groups, and outright hostile to anyone they associate with corporate interests. They associate little with any outsiders; even other tribes which share a similar viewpoint (such as the Gikuyu) receive at best a neutral reception, as opposed to being welcomed openly.
Over the course of the past three months, they have been blamed for several terrorist attacks, most notably the destruction of a clean water reservoir near a middle class district in Nairobi, and the abductions and subsequent execution of the all members of a licensed mining operation 50km north of their currently controlled territory. This second incident is confirmed. While these incidents may or may not be the work of a small group within the general population, all foreign interests have been officially warned to stay clear of Maasai controlled lands due to safety concerns.
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//to:team//<<Right guys, those co-ords match up to the estimated borders of Masai territory. From what I gather, they are openly hostile to corp interests, I assume that will extend to us too.
I take it we all know how to defend ourselves? Let's have a crack at a shopping list and I'll see if we can get some kit ordered for pick-up tomorrow. Anyone know any good mechanics in the area?>>
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Mlinzi taps a quick reply to Ultra while he remains in VR.
<<@Ultra [rohorafiki] How reliable are the reports that they are hostile to corp-backed interests? Any documented incidents?>>
The elf knew reports of tribal exploits were often sensationalized as standard operating procedure by corporate-controlled media.
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I can fix most things given the right tools. Frenchy smiles wryly. It's hard to tell what we'll need with as little information as the suit gave us. He shakes his head. Survival gear certainly, supplies, camp security. We need to inventory what we have.
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<<Yep, there are a few, how much of it is smoke and mirrors is anyone's guess. Looks like they don't even get on with their neighbours too well, even the ones that share a similar attitude. We'll just have to prepare for the worst>>
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Mlinzi reads Ultra's response and nods her head. The decker seems like he's familiar with the propagandist approach most media takes in the 2070s and seems appropriately skeptical. At Frenchy's suggestion, she pipes up.
"I do not have much, but I am fairly self-sufficient." Toeing the backpack under the table, she continues, "I have a full pack with enough provisions and supplies to last me about a week in the bush. I'm a good hand with my bow and have a few specialty arrows designed to take down large game without killing them."
"I guess we also need to discuss our capabilities if we are preparing a full inventory. I do magic."
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Alexander flashed Mlinzi a grin. "Mojo, huh? I've been accused of that myself. I prefer the term raw animal magnetism, though." Reaching under the jacket of his suit, Alexander pulled out a pager-style, belt-clip commlink and began typing out a message using the miniature keyboard. "I can take care of myself in a firefight," Alexander said, eyes on his commlink but speaking to the group. "but I'd prefer it not come to that. I'm not really equipped for an extended stay in the bush, though. If anybody knows a good place to get survival gear around here, I'd appreciate it."
Alexander didn't trust these people enough to openly say that all he really had to his name was his suit, his 'link, and his gun. He did have some other resources at his dispsoal, however. Clicking send, he sent the following message to Isaiah:
>>> Isaiah, I'm in deep now with that friend you introduced me to. Know anything about or know anybody in the Maasai? Could help me stay alive.
It was a long shot, but Alexander learned during his short "stay" with Isaiah that the neo-anarchist groups often recruit from disaffected tribal kids. It was possible, given their mutual anti-corporate interests, that the Maasai and Isaiah's cell had worked together or at least knew each other.
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"I tend to leave the animal magnetism to... others." Mlinzi responds somewhat cryptically. "But I do have some of the land's resources at hand. Probably most important to you all, I have the capability to speed the body's ability to heal itself."
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I'm a good mechanic, a passable shot with a rifle and the best driver you've ever seen. Frenchy smiles as he brags. Boats too. It's all in the reflexes really. I know my way around the bush and speak English, Arabic, French and Swahili. I'm not unknown as a bullshitter either. He darkens a little. As for gear I have my off road bike and my Ruger, but not much else. If I could afford more I probably wouldn't be working for Asha again. She plays too many little power games to be reliable. Eventually she'll play a game at the wrong time and it will get someone killed. He pauses as if thinking and continues in a more contemplative tone. If we decide on a cover I may know a man who could produce supporting documents. It wouldn't be cheap though. A hunting expedition would give us an excuse for the firepower and transportation.
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>>> Isaiah, I'm in deep now with that friend you introduced me to. Know anything about or know anybody in the Maasai? Could help me stay alive.
The reply comes through very quickly
The Maasai? Are you crazy? I value my skin too much to get within 200 meters of one of them if I can help it.
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"I'm usually working with expeditions like the one currently planned. I'm mainly a tracker and a hunter, but i know how to handle a jeep, both at the wheels and if it needs maintenance." Mutumbo confidently enumerated his talents. "As for gear, i also have what i need for a prolonged stay out there. What i don't have and we desperately need, is transportation. As i said earlier, two jeeps. At least it seems each will have its driver." He nodded to Frenchy.
While the conversation went on, he also sent a message to Smokescreen. >>Hey man, i'd need some info. Have a fresh map of the area around this point? [include coordinates of target area] Heard the Maasai have their tribal borders around there, if you could include where they consider their borders i'd be grateful. Also would appreciate any info about anything you heard from there. Put a pricetag in your answer, and i see what i can do.<<
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It's hard to tell what transport we'll need until we know what transport the client is bringing. For now we have a pickup and my Yamaha. He shrugs, even at short aquaintance you can tell that Frenchy's shrugs are both frequent and expressive. This shrug perfectly conveys the message that Mutumbo is right, but that circumstances conspire against the proper solution. It's not like the advance would cover a vehicle we'd trust in the bush anyway. In a pinch we can make do. Hopefully the client's transportation won't be probelmatic. We have two days and our friends here he gestures to Alexander and Ultra seem fully competent to handle the arrangements here. Do we think a trip west for the rest of us to get the lie of the land would be fruitful? Seeing the mage and the hunter in action would go a long way. The first impression was good, but one could never be too careful.
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While the conversation went on, he also sent a message to Smokescreen. >>Hey man, i'd need some info. Have a fresh map of the area around this point? [include coordinates of target area] Heard the Maasai have their tribal borders around there, if you could include where they consider their borders i'd be grateful. Also would appreciate any info about anything you heard from there. Put a pricetag in your answer, and i see what i can do.<<
After about 30 minutes, your commlink indicates you have a reply.
A map, that's easy. Won't help much though, as about 4 different tribes lay claim to that area. Not much business out there these days. If you still want the lay of the land, I can do it but you'll owe me one.
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"Does anyone have a good weather application? It would be nice to know how miserable we're likely to be out there." Mlinzi jokes. "I like the idea of getting eyes on the area, but I'm not sure if we have the time to get there and back. I may have missed it, but do we have a drone operator amongst us? That could be handy and would only require a one-way trip for the drone. We could pick it up on our way to our target area."
"If we can determine the groups in the area, we may be able to put together a better picture of what is going on. While marks on a map are nice, they don't actually show up on the ground. The actual lines change on a nearly daily basis, if they are even recognized at all. So knowing if the area we are traveling to is designated Masaai or something else is only going to be partially helpful. We already know the Masaai are not going to be friendly, maybe we can find out a bit more about the other groups. Tribal fueds can run deep."
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Searches done for the moment, Ultra jacks out and rejoins the real world conversation.
"I've got an old rotodrone for scouting but matrix access is patchy the further out you get. I don't really want to lose it before we get started, I'd rather have it give us eyes-in-the-sky when we're out there. We know that the roads are going to be rough and it's relatively sparsely populated. We're gonna need decent off-road tires, spares, extra fuel, tools and a decent winch. Oh, some oil too.
As for outdoors kit, I've got some basics and emergency stuff. We'll need decent tents, lights, nets, cooking gear and provisions though.
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Any chance you can rustle up some satellite imaging? Even if it was out of date it could be useful.
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Ultra pops his deck onto the table and opend the mapsoft again, handing it over
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Frenchy takes the mapsoft and slots it into a cheap and battered comlink, you see the flicker of an image link cross the lense of his goggles. Thanks much. Frenchy leans back and stares at the ceiling as he reviews the maps.
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A waitress comes and clears the collection of empty glasses off the table.
"Anything else?"
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Looking around the table to see if anyone else wants anything before speaking, Mlinzi says, "I do no think so, but I have a quick question. I have work that I need to take care of here on the island early tomorrow morning. Do you know of any coffin hotels nearby?"
As she asks the question, the elf accesses her commlink and sends 20 nuyen to the waitress as a final tip.
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”Frenchy, can I take a look at that map?” Mutumbo turned back to the others. ”I wouldn’t count on the client bringing any kind of transportation. I think the advance does cover the rental of a couple of sturdy cars and the extra equipment we need. Better go prepared than to look unprofessional. I agree we shouldn’t send out the rotodrone, connection might be tricky in that area.” Thinking for a moment, he continued. ”As for scouting: it’s pretty far out, and we only know the general area, so I suggest we use the maps we have, maybe some imaging software if someone has a problem with simply reading the map. To go out there would invite more attention than we currently need. And I’d suggest we rather rest for the next two days than take further risks.”
After he got the map from Frenchy, he checked if he thought Smokescreen would have a better one.
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To the waitress: "Sure, i'll take a SoyCaf please, black, to go."
To Mlinzi: "Give it here, l'll hook it up to my trid projector so we can all see it"
Johannes put the deck on the table and loaded up the mapsoft, dumping the output into the trid projector and enabling 3 ARO's for controls.
Those co-ordinates put us about here..... and the borders are roughly about here.....
These are the main roads we can take... but really most of this is speculation until our contact gets here and tells us where the fuck we're actually going.
Johannes pulls his commlink out, jacks into it and zaps a message through to JDV.
//To: JDV//<<Hey, how's it going? Got a job coming up, gotta head out into the bush by the looks of it, skirting the Masai patch. Supposedly a corp run "sample gathering" exercise for a "scientist" by the name of Alzmer. You got anything on this? Any news on the Masai I should know about? Cheers man, hope you're well.
After rattling off the message, Ultra runs a search for local parts dealerships, entering his make and model.
//Matrix Search v1.002// <<Spare parts for Toyota Gopher>> Tags: Off-road tires, winch, long range fuel tank, suspension.
6D6E5 => 3 | ones: 1 ultra's search (had to use rolz.com as invisible castle is down!!)
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Looking around the table to see if anyone else wants anything before speaking, Mlinzi says, "I do no think so, but I have a quick question. I have work that I need to take care of here on the island early tomorrow morning. Do you know of any coffin hotels nearby?"
As she asks the question, the elf accesses her commlink and sends 20 nuyen to the waitress as a final tip.
The waitress finishes gathering up the glasses, and replies hastily, "Nearest beds are closer to the docks. Not sure they'd rent to one of you."
She picks up the tray of glasses, and, with a quick shake of her head, moves off towards the bar.
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Frowning at the girl's comments, Mlinzi briefly touches the tips of her ears before belatedly tracing a finger down her face. She might as well have been wearing a sign saying:"Hello, I am of the Agichaku Tribe, please discriminate against me."
Glancing around the bar, she looks for the restrooms.
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//Matrix Search v1.002// <<Spare parts for Toyota Gopher>> Tags: Off-road tires, winch, long range fuel tank, suspension.
6D6E5 => 3 | ones: 1 ultra's search (had to use rolz.com as invisible castle is down!!)
Your search finishes quickly and leads you to Whulee Shop and Salvage, back across the bridges in southwest Mombasa
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Ultra stores the GPS co-ords into his commlink and attaches it to his to-do list. Glancing at the time, he'd have to swing by tomorrow, first thing.
Right guys, got us a decent start point for beefing out my 'van. I'm gonna hit it up in the morning, see if I can get us some decent off-road tires, long range tanks and a good pulling winch.How we looking on getting a bunk tonight?
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"The waitress said we should be able to find lodging closer to the docks. We seem to be on the outskirts at the moment. If we plan on staying at the same place and traveling there, please wait while I use the washroom."
Mlinzi excuses herself from the table and heads to the restroom. After relieving her bladder, she washes up, stripping the face paint from her face. Downtown Mombassa appeared to not be a place where tribal identification was appreciated. Once her face was reasonably clean, she returned to the table. "Are we ready to go?"
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"You all strike me as fairly professional," Alexander said, scrolling through several Matrix sites with the thumb-wheel of his commlink. "I take it we can all agree on some fairly frugal accomodations? We want to keep as much of our advance free for information, survival equipment, so on. I'll see if I can find us somewhere cost-effective." As he spoke, Alexander searched for ads for local motels, sorting them by looking at the cheapest and closest first. He then forwarded his results to the other runners at the table.
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"Accomodation? I have my place i will return to after we discussed everything we needed. I don't understand why we would need one place to stay."
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Frenchy nods at Alexander. That would be appreciated. It's a long drive back to Nairobi. He glances at Mutumbo. I don't think you would have to stay there, but some of us aren't local talent.
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You ask for your bill and settle up with the waitress before departing for the night, to either your abode or Josie's. Those arriving at Josie's, enter into a narrow wooden building and each acquire a room for the night. You follow the long hallway into the depths of the bunkhouse, noting the evenly spaced doors every 2.5 meters or so. About halfway down the hallway, you reach your cluster of rooms, and settle in for the night.
Wherever you find your rest, you awake the next morning around 0800, ready to go about your tasks in preparation for Alzmer's arrival tomorrow.
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Mlinzi awakens at 0800 to her commlink's alarm chime. Waking up from a fairly relaxing sleep, the woman stretches and gathers up her belongings. Departing Josie's, the elf spies a cafe in close proximity to the flophouse and settles in there. Knowing how much loiterers tend to infuriate cafe owners, Mlinzi orders a small soykaf.
Pulling out her commlink, she shoots a quick message to the team message group that Ultra had established the previous day.
<<@Team [rohorafiki] Grabbing a soykaf at the cafe next door, if anyone wants to meet up before we head out.>>
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looks like we're first up Johannes said as he walked through the door of the cafe.
He'd been up early to drive back in for the meet and his stomach was reminding him loudly that he'd missed breakfast.
Ordering a soycaf and a cooked breakfast he took a seat next to Mlinzi.
I'm gonna head out after this and get some kit for the van and some more rations for the trip. Got a spare seat if you wanna ride out?
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Frenchy walks into the cafe with his coat slung over his shoulder looking clean and scrubbed without last nights road dust. His hair is in careless spiky dissaray. He orders a soycaf and a piece of fruit and sits down to join the other two. Late start eh? He drums his fingers on the table lightly as he waits for his coffee. He glances at Ultra. Did you need help kitting out your van? I have tools in my gear and know my way around a drive train.
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Yes please mate, I'm heading over to pick up the parts after I've finished this so you can ride shotgun.
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Frenchy nods languidly and smiles wryly as the waitress brings his soycaf and mango. He sips and grimaces. This coffee is shit. Up on the Med we used to drink the real Kenyan stuff on night ops. Now I'm in Kenya and all I can afford is soy. Frenchy spits on the ground I wish we knew more about the setup. Hard to plan when the Johnson tells you nothing and the fixer is too busy playing games to know what you need.
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too right. Just hope what we can plan works out alright. Made enough enemies in this life without making any more.
Johannes finishes his breakfast, swilling back the soycaf, not really understanding what the foreigner's complaint with the soycaf was. It was warm, wet and caffeinated. Sorted?!
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"Thank you for the offer, but Francois here may be a better choice. I'm a bit of a devil around machines sometimes," Mlinzi replies to Ultra. "I am going to head out in a minute to take a look at the docks and get an idea of what kind of traffic and security we are likely to see tomorrow. I'm sending a message to Asha now to see if Johnson has provided a specific berth where we are to meet Alzmer."
Sipping her soykaf, the elf flips open her commlink and taps out a quick message to Asha.
[spoiler=Mlinzi's Commlink] <<@AshaFX [rohorafiki]Need berth information for tomorrow's pick-up. Can you check with Johnson?>> [/spoiler]
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"Thank you for the offer, but Francois here may be a better choice. I'm a bit of a devil around machines sometimes," Mlinzi replies to Ultra. "I am going to head out in a minute to take a look at the docks and get an idea of what kind of traffic and security we are likely to see tomorrow. I'm sending a message to Asha now to see if Johnson has provided a specific berth where we are to meet Alzmer."
Sipping her soykaf, the elf flips open her commlink and taps out a quick message to Asha.
[spoiler=Mlinzi's Commlink] @AshaFX [rohorafiki]>>Need berth information for tomorrow's pick-up. Can you check with Johnson? [/spoiler]
Your reply comes through almost at the same moment as you send your query
I'll send it along as soon as I get it from Mr. Johnson.
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Johannes finished the plate of soy eggs and soy bacon and stood up, motioning for frenchy to follow him.
right, we're off shopping. Catch you guys later on, give me a shout on my comm if anything interesting pops up
Johannes heads outside and hops in the van, firing up its solid diesel engine and switches the music over to the national news service. Lets see if anything interesting is going on in the world...
Easing the van out of the tight parking spot he'd found, he manoeuvres it out onto the road and heads to the salvage mart.
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Mlinzi frowns in annoyance at the response from Asha. She hasn't been in the shadows all that long, but she was quickly growing irritated with the Johnson's lack of detail concerning the run. You would think he would want this thing to succeed, she thought to herself. As Ultra and Frenchy rose to leave, she said, "Good luck."
Finishing her soykaf, she waited until 0845 to see if any of the others were interested in assessing the pick-up area before leaving the cafe.
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Johannes finished the plate of soy eggs and soy bacon and stood up, motioning for frenchy to follow him.
right, we're off shopping. Catch you guys later on, give me a shout on my comm if anything interesting pops up
Johannes heads outside and hops in the van, firing up its solid diesel engine and switches the music over to the national news service. Lets see if anything interesting is going on in the world...
Easing the van out of the tight parking spot he'd found, he manoeuvres it out onto the road and heads to the salvage mart.
You cross back over the bridges and off the island and into the lower class housing district, as high rise apartments line the street on both sides. Slowly, the buildings shrink and become farther apart. You are nearing the edge of the city as your destination comes into view. A sign on the left identifies Whulee Shop and Salvage in a mixture of old blue paint and rust. As you turn up the drive, you pass between rows upon rows of derelict vehicles and equipment.
Pulling up in front of a dun colored, old three bay shop, you note that the building shows the same signs of decay and neglect as the junked equipment you passed on the way in. Several vehicles are spaced around what you take for the parking lot, but many are on blocks, and only one, an old Toyota Stallion, looks like it may still run.
You climb out and pass through the open door to the left of the shops, into the main office. As you look around the empty office, you take note of the ads lining the walls for new automotive parts, or at least what passed for new once as you recognize most of the equipment being advertised is from well before the second crash.
After a few minutes of waiting, the door to the adjoining shop opens and a lanky African woman passes through. Her face looks to be covered in some kind of lubricant, but it is difficult to tell for certain in the low light. She pauses to look you both over. As she speaks, she wipes both hands on her full length coverall.
"I help ya gents?"
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Alexander felt incredibly well-rested after his night at Josie's. The flophouse was actually a step up in his usual accomodations. He woke late, having slept through Mlinzi's offer for breakfast. He made for the cafe, finding the team just as they were finishing their breakfast.
At Mlinzi's offer, Alexander decides to go along. "I'd like to see where the pick-up is happening ahead of time, too." As he waited the others to finish their breakfast, he pulled out his commlink again and typed out another message. Something Isaiah had said had been bothering him, and he justed wanted to confirm...
>>>[Isaiah:] Just confirming... you're saying the rumors about the Maasai being bloodthirsty are true? I'm hoping to avoid contact with them, but just in case, any info on them you can offer would help me out.
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"Sounds good," Mlinzi says as the Tourist agrees to accompany her. "I already asked Asha. Naturally, Johnson has yet to provide the details about the berth or ship identification. We may need to chat up a dock worker or two to see if they have access to a shipping schedule or manifest."
Finishing her soykaf, the elf grabbed her gear, nodded to the Toursit, and headed out the door.
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I hope so, I'm after a decent set of off-road tires and a decent winch if you have any?
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Frenchy scanned the junkyard with apparent distaste. And none of this junk. We're looking for good stuff. Cheap but reliable. We're willing to pay for what we get, but only if it's worth our money.
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I hope so, I'm after a decent set of off-road tires and a decent winch if you have any?
Frenchy scanned the junkyard with apparent distaste. And none of this junk. We're looking for good stuff. Cheap but reliable. We're willing to pay for what we get, but only if it's worth our money.
For the gopher out in tha lot? Solid piece of work those, take a beatin. Good thing for ya they are so common. The woman behind the counter crosses her arms and looks up at the ceiling, mumbling to herself. After a few moments, she nods her head, having reached a decision. I might have somethin that will fit ya.
She frowns at FrenchyI'm guessin by your friends attitude you don't wanna pick over the lot yerselves. If you want heavier tires than what ya already got, I can fit ya with four tires, but will take lifting the suspension some. Cost ya 125 a tire, and another 300 to do the work puttin em on.
As for a winch, yeah, I got a few in the shop. Bein' the tires you are buyin, I doubt you are wantin' the lightest one. Couple of em too heavy for your ride though. It's not necessarily built for a winch, and they would tear right outta the frame pullin the loads they are built for. It's your lucky day though, cuz I think I got one that might work, but it will run ya. Guy who sold it to me swears he used it to lift a frame carryin three full grown trolls. Even if he was lyin some, it should work for your needs. Pricey item though. Gonna cost ya an even thousand, and another 100 if you want it mounted.
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Frenchy nods. If you'd prefer we look over the lot we can, I'd assume you know more about your stock than we could find out in the time we have. We may be able to handle installation if the parts are good. He pauses and shrugs a bit. I'd like a look at that winch if you please. For a thousand used it must be a hell of a winch. He smiles a bit. On the other hand we don't have three trolls to pull, so it might suit our needs.
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili
Matrix/Text
-
Frenchy nods. If you'd prefer we look over the lot we can, I'd assume you know more about your stock than we could find out in the time we have. We may be able to handle installation if the parts are good. He pauses and shrugs a bit. I'd like a look at that winch if you please. For a thousand used it must be a hell of a winch. He smiles a bit. On the other hand we don't have three trolls to pull, so it might suit our needs.
Up to you if you want ta look. Some like huntin for a deal. I'll bring out the winch, hold on. She turns and exits back out into the shop
-
1000 seem a bit high for a used winch to you? fancy haggling a bit?
-
It's reasonable. I'd like to see if we can get the price down a little though. Maybe get the tires thrown in or something.
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili
Matrix/Text
-
She returns, pushing a cart ahead of her bearing the winch.
Look it over if you want.
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log 5, auto 1 (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4260872/)
Ultra takes a good look at the winch, checking it over from every angle.
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log 5, auto 1 (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4260872/)
Ultra takes a good look at the winch, checking it over from every angle.
The winch looks to be in working order. The attachments show only slight signs of wear, and on inspection the cable appears free from kinks or other defects. The only thing you notice that may be required is a fresh application of lubricant.
-
Frenchy looks on as Ultra examines the Winch.
Logic 3 + Engineering Group 4 (7d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4260999/)
-
Looks decent, if a bit dry. Lets see what you got for off-road tyres then.
-
She waves you out into the garage.
-
Johannes gives an "after you" gesture to frenchy and heads out to the garage.
-
Frenchy follows the woman into the garage.
-
You pass through the doorway and into the greenish light of the garage. The walls are lined with rack upon rack of parts in a seemingly disorganized array, wires and shafts protruding from many. Two of the three lifts are occupied by vehicles, an old sedan you can't recognize the make of due to the mishmash of replacement panels and a fairly new bush jeep with an empty turret mount.
As Josi follows you into the shop she directs you to the far back corner where you see stacks of varying tires.
"I was thinking to use these."
-
tyres look good thanks. Say, that jeep, does it run?
-
Will once I's done with the modifications to it.
-
She looks you both over
So we got a deal?
-
5d6.hits(5)=1 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4265109/)
I think we're happy with the winch and the tyres, especially if you'd chuck in some oil or lube for it.
Have to say I am interested in that jeep though, we're planning a bit of an expedition and need to rent a second vehicle for a couple of days. That machine looks pretty capable.
What mods you putting on it? would you consider renting it out? It'd probably cover the cost of your mods...
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5d6.hits(5)=1 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4265109/)
I think we're happy with the winch and the tyres, especially if you'd chuck in some oil or lube for it.
Have to say I am interested in that jeep though, we're planning a bit of an expedition and need to rent a second vehicle for a couple of days. That machine looks pretty capable.
What mods you putting on it? would you consider renting it out? It'd probably cover the cost of your mods...
She turns to look at the jeep on the lift, and walks a few steps over to it. She runs a hand along its side and speaks without turning back to you. Don't think this girl's owner would be too happy if I rented her out.
-
5d6.hits(5)=1 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4265109/)
I think we're happy with the winch and the tyres, especially if you'd chuck in some oil or lube for it.
Have to say I am interested in that jeep though, we're planning a bit of an expedition and need to rent a second vehicle for a couple of days. That machine looks pretty capable.
What mods you putting on it? would you consider renting it out? It'd probably cover the cost of your mods...
She turns to look at the jeep on the lift, and walks a few steps over to it. Running a hand along its side and speaks without turning back to you. Don't think this girl's owner would be too happy if I rented her out.
-
Ah, sorry, I got the impression she was yours. You know anywhere that would stock the kind of vehicle we're after?
-
Ah, sorry, I got the impression she was yours. You know anywhere that would stock the kind of vehicle we're after?
Sooner or later most of the bushrunners round these parts have their kits end up in here. Might know of one or two that could be persuaded. Not gonna come cheap though. Their rides their lives. Her voice takes on a slightly heavier tone. Treat em better than their wives 'n kids, some of em.
-
That sounds like it comes from personal experience?
-
That sounds like it comes from personal experience?
It is few moments before she turns back to you with a flat expression. She starts to speak, but then merely shrugs. After a few more moments of silence, she speaks in a level voice.
So we got a deal or not? I can get to your rig on Friday.
-
Sorry, I didn't mean to pry. Do the bushmen tend to hang out anywhere specific when they're in town? I'd like to touch base with them before we head out, get the lay of the land yeah?
As for the deal, Friday is pushing it a bit, we need to be heading out by then. Any chance you can slot us in any earlier than that?
-
For those leaving the cafe for the docks
You finish of your modest breakfasts and pay your bills. The sun is in your faces as you head out the door of the cafe and head off towards the international port on foot. As you draw closer to one of the few avenues into the kilometers long shipping port, the level of passing traffic increases slightly, mostly heavy vehicles, distinguishable from one another only by the corporate logos on their sides, hauling bulk cargos to, and occasionally from, the docks. Other than yourselves, you see few people traveling the area on foot. The few you pass appear to be weary eyed sailors, returning to their various ships from a late night spent ashore.
As you turn along one of the avenues, a gatehouse in the fenced enclosure is visible a few blocks ahead.
-
Sorry, I didn't mean to pry. Do the bushmen tend to hang out anywhere specific when they're in town? I'd like to touch base with them before we head out, get the lay of the land yeah?
As for the deal, Friday is pushing it a bit, we need to be heading out by then. Any chance you can slot us in any earlier than that?
Some of them hang out at Kukanyagana. Not a place for an outsider to go though. They'd pick you out in a heartbeat. As for the work...She pauses a moment, considering... I could maybe work ya in if ya want, but it would cost. I'm in demand. Bushrunners always on the go, hate waiting. She flashes a smile.Course, ya could do the work youselves, if you just want the parts, but wouldn't go recommending it. I's the best wrench around after all.
-
We'll be ok with the winch, I think. how much to advance fitting the tyres?
-
We'll be ok with the tires, I think. how much to advance fitting the winch?
For pushin them all down? I think 300 or so should do it.
-
Johannes looked at Frenchy and gave him the nod.
He mentally called forth an AR message terminal:
//To:Team//<<Found out about a bar where the bushmen hang out when they're in town. Sounds like they prefer talking to the natives but it'd be a good idea to check it out before we go. Might get some good intel.
Place is called "Kukanyagana">>
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Frenchy purses his lips and shrugs. The price still seems a bit high. It's not like we're looking for munitions or something that could bounce back on you. Frenchy smiles broadly, his teeth are gleaming, but crooked contrasting oddly with his weather worn face and travel stained clothes. Maybe you could comp the install?
Negotiation 4 + Charisma 4 (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4269094/)
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili
Matrix/Text
-
Frenchy purses his lips and shrugs. The price still seems a bit high. It's not like we're looking for munitions or something that could bounce back on you. Frenchy smiles broadly, his teeth are gleaming, but crooked contrasting oddly with his weather worn face and travel stained clothes. Maybe you could comp the install?
Negotiation 4 + Charisma 4 (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4269094/)
9d6.hits(5) → [4,3,2,2,3,4,1,4,2] = (0) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4269601/)
That's not gonna work out. Can't consider letting word get around that I am allowin freebies or else I'll have to close up shop. She sticks her hands into the pockets of her coveralls, and pauses for a moment. Tell ya what, since you boys are in such a hurry. If you think you are up to it, I'll let ya use the spare lift for 100 nuyen and ya can do the work yerselves. Worth it I guess to save me the hassle of pissin off the rest of my clientele. She withdraws her right hand from her pocket and wipes it along her coverall (not that it does anything to remove the grime) before sticking it out. Deal?
-
Alexander walked through the docks, back straight and eyes forward in his weathered Actioneer. Already he was beginning to sweat again, but he made his best effort to look like he knew where he was going. Everything about this continent was strange to him, and he was still getting his footing, but he was trying very hard not to look like a bumbling American.
After observing and drinking in the bustle of the docks for a few minutes, he walked up to one of the weary looking sailors and introduced himself. "Hey man," he said with a casual smile. "You heading back out this morning?"
Around this time, Alexander's commlink chirped with Ultra's message. He read it briefly through the cramped window of his comm. Since it was unfriendly to foreigners, it likely wouldn't be a great hangout for him personally, but it was still worth checking out. He made a note of it later.
-
That's not gonna work out. Can't consider letting word get around that I am allowin freebies or else I'll have to close up shop. She sticks her hands into the pockets of her coveralls, and pauses for a moment. Tell ya what, since you boys are in such a hurry. If you think you are up to it, I'll let ya use the spare lift for 100 nuyen and ya can do the work yerselves. Worth it I guess to save me the hassle of pissin off the rest of my clientele. She withdraws her right hand from her pocket and wipes it along her coverall (not that it does anything to remove the grime) before sticking it out. Deal?
Taking a second to think it out, Johannes replied and shook on the deal:
"Ok, sounds fair. we'll do that"
-
Mutumbo replied to Ultra’s message. >>Can check the place if you tell me what you want to know. Anyone care to join?<<
He called up a quick matrix search to get the public data about the place. He thought about what little he knew about the city, about what kind of neighborhood the Kukanyagana was in.
[spoiler=tests]Matrix search: INT(5) – defaulting Computer(1) [Data Processing(3)]; I’d like to buy 1 hit to get the basic public info.
Area knowledge: INT(5) + Area knowledge: Mombasa(1) [Mental(4)] (6d6.hits(6)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4270574/) (actually 3 hits, just wrote hits(6) accidentally)
Gangs: INT(5) + Street gangs(1) [Mental(4)] (6d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4270575/)[/spoiler]
-
//Great stuff, see if you can find out where the borders lie and who the main players are. Any justification for a researcher to head out there would be great too. Keep your wits about you as I didn't get the impression it was just a friendly little restaurant//
-
Taking a second to think it out, Johannes replied and shook on the deal:
"Ok, sounds fair. we'll do that"
Sounds good. Pull 'er in then so I can lift 'er up and get back to work. She moves across the garage and activates the controls to open the door to the third bay.
-
Alexander walked through the docks, back straight and eyes forward in his weathered Actioneer. Already he was beginning to sweat again, but he made his best effort to look like he knew where he was going. Everything about this continent was strange to him, and he was still getting his footing, but he was trying very hard not to look like a bumbling American.
After observing and drinking in the bustle of the docks for a few minutes, he walked up to one of the weary looking sailors and introduced himself. "Hey man," he said with a casual smile. "You heading back out this morning?"
The man you have singled out is alone and dressed plainly in garments of a heavy weave. He jumps slightly at your words. As he stops, you note a dull shine to his heavily lidded eyes.
He focuses on you, studying you for a moment before responding in halting English. That's not up to me mista. Depends on when the cargo is loaded. As he finishes, he quickly retreats, heading towards the enclosure ahead.
-
He called up a quick matrix search to get the public data about the place. He thought about what little he knew about the city, about what kind of neighborhood the Kukanyagana was in.
Your search indicates that Kukanyagana is in the Northwest area of Mombasa, at the edge of the city. It is not far from the salvage yard that your companions had identified as their destination for the morning.
-
You pull your truck in and run it onto the lift. You go to work on the suspension as the mechanic goes back to work on the jeep on the adjacent lift.
Lifting suspension+mounting tires. Rolling Automotive Mechanic+Logic[Mental](6, 1 hour) Extended Test
Hour 1:
Assist: 6d6.hits(5) → [2,6,5,3,2,4] = (2)
Leader: 9d6.hits(5) → [5,2,1,1,3,3,1,4,5] = (2)
Hour 2:
Assist: 5d6.hits(5) → [6,3,6,1,6] = (3)
Leader: 9d6.hits(5) → [2,1,4,2,3,1,6,1,2] = (1)
Hour 3:
Assist: 4d6.hits(5) → [5,4,4,6] = (2)
Leader: 7d6.hits(5) → [1,5,4,3,1,6,4] = (2)
Hour 4:
Assist: 3d6.hits(5) → [4,5,2] = (1)
Leader: 5d6.hits(5) → [2,5,5,6,1] = (3)
As you work the mechanic comes over to check on your progress occasionally, making a few comments to herself. Finally, after four hours of work you have the suspension adjusted and the new tires mounted.
-
@all: >>OK, I’ll get down to the Kukanyagana at around 4 in the afternoon. Anyone feeling up to backing me up there, just tell me if I should wait for you or you wanna come separately, to be silent backup.<<
Mutumbo spent the remaining hours with finishing his preparation for the next days. Routine got him through these activities relatively quick so he paid a short visit to Sokoro, telling him he’ll be out of town for maybe as long as a week.
When the time came, he headed to the Kukanyagana.
-
//Great stuff. We've got the tires on, we'll get this winch fitted and head over that way. I'll drop you a message when we're heading over. How you guys getting on?//
Wiping his hands down on a dirty rag, Ultra heads over to the control panel and lowers the lift, double checking the suspension and ride height.
Satisfied, he grabs the trolley with the winch on and starts to size up which wrench they'll need first.
lets keep this rolling, can you run the winch fitting test for us GM?
-
Frenchy swears as he pulls himself from beneath the winch. That was a stone cold bitch. He takes a long pull from a bottle of water. Let's get the rest of this finished shall we?
-
Hah, yeah. Gonna take a leak then we'll get this baby rolling!
-
As you start to work on the winch, the mechanic finishes her work on the jeep next to you and lowers it down. You hear the door from the office open and close and the mechanic heads over to talk to whomever entered.
-
Grabbing his tools and hoisting the winch above the mounting points, Ultra hears the office door close and the ancient electronic chime announcing a new customer arrived.
Ultra changes his position of work so that his back is no longer to the door out to the office, rather, keeping his left side to it so he can keep an eye on things.
He also patted down his holster, double checking his weapon was in place and accessible, though there was probably no need for alarm.
Ultra mentally called forth an AR window from his headphone controller and turned his pumping beats "work music playlist" down, instead dialling up the ambient audio enhancement and enabling his sound filter, concentrating on the conversation in the other room.
int 4, percep 3, audio enhance 1 (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4278570/) audio only perception test (i assume i can't see the new entrant from this position)
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"Well, that went well..." Mlinzi says after the laborer continues on his way. Shrugging to the Tourist, she says, "I doubt we're going to have any luck at the gate. Other than maybe checking out what kind of equipment and security the gatehouse is running, I do not see much use of doing a whole lot more here. Hopefully Johnson is providing some kind of access to the port. Given how dreked up this deal has gone down so far, I'd be surprised. What do you think we should do?"
-
Frenchy, humming La Marseillaise under his breath, glances over and notices Ultra patting down his holster. Without looking in the direction of the door or seeming to stop his work, he makes sure that a large wrench is close to hand.
-
Noticing that Frenchy had picked up on his twitchyness, Ultra silently gestured to the door, mouthing that someone was in there.
-
The discussion in the adjoining office remains unintelligible for a while, but slowly the volume increases until you can hear bits and pieces of what is being said between the mechanic and an unidentified male out in the office.
...have to pay...
...last time...you owe...
...feed your family...
The end of the conversation is punctuated with the door between the office and garage slamming (or the attempt to slam it anyway; swinging doors don't slam very effectively).
The mechanic stalks over to the controls to the middle repair bay and opens the door. You see a wash of light from the afternoon sun across the floor of the shop as she pulls the now modified jeep out. You can clearly hear the door slam this time as she gets out of the vehicle. After about 10 seconds you hear the door open again and the vehicle drive off. The mechanic walks back through the door and begins to close it.
-
Ultra makes eye contact with frenchy and flashes his eyebrows in a "wow, wouldn't-fuck-with-her" kind of way, and continues working on the winch.
-
The rest of your work passes without incident, the only distraction the occasional sound from an automatic tool from the far end of the garage. In total, the work on the winch takes about an hour. As you are finishing up your work, the mechanic wanders over and looks it over. As you slide out from below the truck, she crouches down, grins, and speaks.
Wasn't sure you boys were going to get it done.
She tosses you a towel to clean the grease from your hands, but you realize looking yourselves over that it won't do much for the splotches on your clothes. She points you to a small door in the rear of the garage, near the office.
Sinks out back. We can settle up after.
-
>>>[Isaiah:] Just confirming... you're saying the rumors about the Maasai being bloodthirsty are true? I'm hoping to avoid contact with them, but just in case, any info on them you can offer would help me out.
As you stare at the back of the retreating sailor, a reply to the message you sent yesterday comes through your commlink.
Who knows what their agenda is, other than causing trouble. Oh sure, they are still all up in arms about the whole thing on the mountain, but that's not exactly news anymore. I don't have any reason to seek them out, and they haven't been paying me any unexpected calls, so that's good enough for me.
-
You manage to remove the bulk of the grease from your hands and arms, but most of the spots on your clothing are beyond the ability of the sink to clean. You head back out into the garage a bit cleaner than before, enter the office to settle up with the mechanic. Before presenting you with the bill for the parts and use of the lift she inquires as to how many spare tires you want thrown in the back of the truck.
-
The rest of his team still off on errands, Ren sets out for Kukanyagana around 1530. The drive passes without incident as he moves out of the city proper and past the outskirts of the city. Working his way around a few holes in the well-worn pavement, Kukanyagana comes into view ahead. As you draw up to the entrance off the main road, an unlit sign spanning most of the second story of the building confirms your destination.The dirt lot in front of the wood-sided bar holds only six vehicles.
As you pull into the lot, your survey reveals that the building sits in the middle of a field of grass that is allowed to grow wild around three sides of the building. Two dirty narrow windows sit recessed from the wooden paneling on either side of a screen door.
-
"Thanks for cutting us the deal. We'll take a couple of spares and some of that puncture preventing gel too." its like a gel that you put inside the air space of the tyre and it hardens and plugs puncture sites. can't remember the official name for it!
Ultra checks his AR HUD and sees the time,
<<team>>//Hi guys, we're all finished up here, just loading the spares and we're on our way. anyone picked up the rations and cooking gear yet?. We'll head over to Kukanyagana now, though we'll be a bit late//
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Mutumbo looked at the vehicles and at his surroundings cautiously then walked into the Kukanyagana. Inside, he glanced around, taking in the scenery and who was already in then walked to where they gave out the drinks, ordered a beer, and sat down to enjoy it. He intended to spend the first half hour with only listening, to determine who might be the best source for the information he looked for.
-
Mutumbo looked at the vehicles and at his surroundings cautiously then walked into the Kukanyagana. Inside, he glanced around, taking in the scenery and who was already in then walked to where they gave out the drinks, ordered a beer, and sat down to enjoy it. He intended to spend the first half hour with only listening, to determine who might be the best source for the information he looked for.
The air hangs feels heavy and close in the dimly lit interior. About a half dozen cheap wooden tables sit close together on the plank floorboards.
Two groups, one of four men and one of two men and a woman, sit at tables at opposite ends of the room. The larger group is boisterous, drinking freely. The remaining three patrons sit at the bar. One is slumped on his seat, long gone in drink. The other two sit side by side engaged in quiet conversation with the bartender.
-
<<team>>//Hi guys, we're all finished up here, just loading the spares and we're on our way. anyone picked up the rations and cooking gear yet?. We'll head over to Kukanyagana now, though we'll be a bit late//
Perception rolls
Frenchy: 9d6.hits(5) → [4,3,2,2,2,4,5,1,3] = (1)
Ultra: 7d6.hits(5) → [6,6,4,1,2,5,2] = (3)
You skid to a stop in the lot of Kukanyagana at 1612, your tires finding easy purchase in the uneven dirt lot. As you climb out of the truck, you both notice one of the vehicles in the lot looks remarkably similar to the rig the mechanic was working on in the stall next to you not much more than an hour earlier.
Entering the bar, you pause a moment to let your eyes adjust to the lower light of the interior. You see the runner you met yesterday, Hunter, seated in the middle of the bar.
-
Ultra nods at the jeep as he walks past it. "Recognise that, Frenchy?"
Walking into the bar, Ultra's Flare compensation dialed back its assistance for the bright sunlight, adjusting to much darker interior. The air inside was stale, like the extractor fans hadn't worked in quite some time.
Trying not to look too much like the outsider, Ultra walked up to the bar, waving the "fancy a beer?" sign at Hunter as he did so, ambling up near to the men sat at the bar.
-
Mutumbo tried listened to both conversations for a time. The boisterous group was easy, as alcohol flowed, their voices carried. For the other group, he had to turn to the electronics, built in his ears and earbuds.
[spoiler=tests]Note: I just want to know what kind of people are part of the two groups before I decide to go to one of them. I don’t think it is hard to hear what the louder group talks about, for the other, here’s my perception check. I have a spatial recognizer and a rating 1 select sound filter to help me discern their communication.
INT(5) + Perception(5) + Enhancers(3) [Mental(7)] (13d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4292933/)
Note: I also wanted to get a “feeling” from both groups, which of those look more trustworthy, here’s a Judge Intentions for that.
INT(5) + CHA(2) (7d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4292935/)[/spoiler]
-
Mutumbo tried listened to both conversations for a time. The boisterous group was easy, as alcohol flowed, their voices carried. For the other group, he had to turn to the electronics, built in his ears and earbuds.
The conversation of the four men is easy to discern despite the fact they are at the far side of the room. While there is some substance to their discussion, much of it consists of boasts related to beasts they have slain, sticky situations they have bested, and various bodily functions in surprisingly intricate detail. It is clear that their debate is not entirely factual, as several claims are countered and you are fairly certain the human (or in some cases orc) body is incapable of some of the functions the men claim.
The conversation between the two men and the bartender is harder to overhear. Much of the conversation is beyond your range of hearing, but you hear a name, Sonje, more than once. It is hard to get enough of a read on their conversation to glean much more than that.
-
Ultra sidles up to the bar near the men and mentally establishes a connection to his headphones, monitoring the frequencies of the conversation to his right, setting the general range as the target filter.
He dialled up the audio enhancement and set it to record straight to his commlink while he ordered a couple of beers and some snacks for the guys.
-
The next time he asked for a beer, Mutumbo addressed the bartender in Kiswahili. ”Hey, didn’t want to bother you while you talked to those two, but I wanted to ask something. You must know these people, and I’m looking for someone who knows more about the Maasai area than just rumors. Anyone here you suggest I should talk to?” He didn’t bother to keep his voice down too much, if the others in the bar heard him, that much better, hopefully someone would volunteer something useful.
-
The next time he asked for a beer, Mutumbo addressed the bartender in Kiswahili. ”Hey, didn’t want to bother you while you talked to those two, but I wanted to ask something. You must know these people, and I’m looking for someone who knows more about the Maasai area than just rumors. Anyone here you suggest I should talk to?” He didn’t bother to keep his voice down too much, if the others in the bar heard him, that much better, hopefully someone would volunteer something useful.
The bartender looks you over, considering.
Most of these folks are smart enough to steer clear of those lands, being a lot of their lines of work don't always agree with the tribesmen. If they do contact them, they are likely to keep quiet about it. You can ask, but expect a queer look from most. Generally don't like talking about their business to outsiders either.
That said, them boys over there he waves towards the men and orcs gathered around the table have been been known to brag about just about everything, Unlike most around here, they don't hold their tongues about nearly anything. Not sure I'd believe more than one thing outta five they claim to have done though. Could try old Jamison he indicates the nearby drunk man, but good luck gettin more than 3 words in a row outta him. Hasn't been the same since his brother died out in the bush three months or so back, but those boys used to run some of that area.
Others might be more reliable, if they know anything. Be hard pressed gettin them to talk to someone they don't know though.
That'll be 60 for the beer by the way
-
Johannes grabs the beers and takes a seat, popping on his headphones and tunes into the conversations, hoping to pick up an idea of what they're talking about.
-
Mutumbo paid the “beer”, although he didn’t do so gladly. He found the price a bit steep, but didn’t grumble about it, the bartender at least talked to him, despite not knowing him. ”Thanks, man. Cheers!” He nodded to the bartender.
He forwarded to Ultra and Frenchy what he heard about Jamison. @Ultra and Frenchy: >>Can one of you speak to that one? I don’t think its my best area. I’ll try and get into the conversation over there, although it seems a long shot.<< With that, he turned to the loud party and waited for a queue line to join in.
-
Frenchy entered the bar a little behind Ultra, having taken a moment to walk a quick circuit of the parking lot to stretch his legs. He surveyed the taproom, noting the drunk man Mutumbo had indicated. He lifted his goggles up until they rest on his forhead and tugged his bandana clear of his face.
He sits next to the drunk man and orders a drink from the bartender with a gesture. He turns to the drunk man as he speaks. Do you speak English?
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili
Matrix/Text
-
Mutumbo paid the “beer”, although he didn’t do so gladly. He found the price a bit steep, but didn’t grumble about it, the bartender at least talked to him, despite not knowing him. ”Thanks, man. Cheers!” He nodded to the bartender.
He forwarded to Ultra and Frenchy what he heard about Jamison. @Ultra and Frenchy: >>Can one of you speak to that one? I don’t think its my best area. I’ll try and get into the conversation over there, although it seems a long shot.<< With that, he turned to the loud party and waited for a queue line to join in.
The volume of the group of men and orcs at the table continued to eb and flow as their laughter and arguments continued to run together. The discussion eventually turned into an argument over who had killed the most ghouls, with one particularly large orc claiming to have lived in Asamando for two years.
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Frenchy entered the bar a little behind Ultra, having taken a moment to walk a quick circuit of the parking lot to stretch his legs. He surveyed the taproom, noting the drunk man Mutumbo had indicated. He lifted his goggles up until they rest on his forhead and tugged his bandana clear of his face.
He sits next to the drunk man and orders a drink from the bartender with a gesture. He turns to the drunk man as he speaks. Do you speak English?
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The man ignores you until the bartender returns with your drink, whereupon he downs the rest of the amber liquid from his glass before setting the glass down in front of you and nodding to it.
-
That’s it, Mutumbo thought, then spoke up, turning fully to the group. He didn’t have to feign the mixture of amazement and disbelief in his voice, that was how he really felt while measuring the amount of truth in the previous statement. ”No way, in Asamando?” He leaned eagerly towards the speaker, almost raising from his seat at the bar. ”How come those ever-hungry bastards didn’t try to kill you all the time?”
-
Frenchy gestures at the bartender to fill the man's glass.
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Frenchy gestures at the bartender to fill the man's glass.
As soon as the refilled glass is placed on the bar, the man grabs it and downs half in one pull, his uneven movements causing him to spill part of its contents on himself in the process. Returning the half-full glass to the bar, he does not release his grip on it or turn to you. Instead, he studies the glass on the bar and allows the silence to stretch before speaking speaking
What you want? Can't you see I am busy getting drunk?
As he speaks, his words slur, dragging together..
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That’s it, Mutumbo thought, then spoke up, turning fully to the group. He didn’t have to feign the mixture of amazement and disbelief in his voice, that was how he really felt while measuring the amount of truth in the previous statement. ”No way, in Asamando?” He leaned eagerly towards the speaker, almost raising from his seat at the bar. ”How come those ever-hungry bastards didn’t try to kill you all the time?”
The conversation around the table halts as all the men turn to you, with expressions that are a mix of confusion and amusement. As you look around the room, you notice the conversation between the bartender and the two men at the bar has been interrupted as well, as they turn to the unexpected interruption.
Your attention is drawn to the orc who's claim you questioned and you see his grip tighten around the middle of bottle of liquor he had been drinking directly from. His focus shifts between you and the onlooking faces and back again. As the sudden silence stretches to near half a minute, he speaks.
They did try. You callin me a liar? You want the same they got?
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As the silence dragged, Mutumbo started to feel uncomfortable, a measure of confusion entering his expression. The silence was explained by the ork’s words, though – unfortunately, he completely misunderstood. ”What? No, didn’t call you anything. I was just impressed, I don’t think I’d want to spend a week there, not two years. I know them ghouls and the like are tough buggers, took part in a hunt or two going at them, and that’s just reason to be more amazed. So, how did you fare for those years?”
[spoiler=etiquette test]CHA(2) + Etiquette(3) + Edge(5) [no limit] (10d6.hitsopen(5,6)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4303653/)
Note: as this started almost the worst possible way while still being peaceful, I thought of supporting my roll with Edge. If you think I’d have needed a different skill, please tell me and I’ll modify the roll and the post accordingly.[/spoiler]
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I want to help you get drunk. Frenchy smiles crookedly. And while we do that I was hoping you could help me out. My friends and I are headed out into the bush and I hear your the man to talk to about (the area where the run is going to be). Seemed like a friendly conversation could help us out, and a few drinks could help you.
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Sipping his beer and listening into the conversation, Ultra couldn't help but feel the rising tension in the room. He made a mental note of the exits in the room and opened up an AR terminal to the truck in case they had to make a hasty exit.
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I want to help you get drunk. Frenchy smiles crookedly. And while we do that I was hoping you could help me out. My friends and I are headed out into the bush and I hear your the man to talk to about (the area where the run is going to be). Seemed like a friendly conversation could help us out, and a few drinks could help you.
The man sighs If you are smart, stay out of the back country. No good comes from it. He downs the second half of the drink..
But it's your cred. As he goes to return the empty glass to the bar, it fumbles from his grip. Landing on its side, it bounces once before rolling off the bartop and onto the floor where it shatters. S'pose I'm already drunk.
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As the silence dragged, Mutumbo started to feel uncomfortable, a measure of confusion entering his expression. The silence was explained by the ork’s words, though – unfortunately, he completely misunderstood. ”What? No, didn’t call you anything. I was just impressed, I don’t think I’d want to spend a week there, not two years. I know them ghouls and the like are tough buggers, took part in a hunt or two going at them, and that’s just reason to be more amazed. So, how did you fare for those years?”
The orc does not reply, looking confused, his eyes drifting around the faces watching him.
As the seconds pass, the silence in room is broken by the sharp sound of breaking glass, causing the standing orc to jump, but also serving to ease some of the tension in the air.
The dark skinned man at the table, the only one who's face you cannot see as his back is to you, turns to you for the first time and speaks.
Have some balls man; don't kiss his arse. He laughs and takes a drink Ghend here is an idiot. Two years in Asamando? He wouldn't last two minutes. Ain't that right Ghend?This causes the other man and the orc still seated around the table to join in on the laughter. Ghend, however, looks lost, his eyes about to jump out of their sockets as most of the bar's attention is still focused on him. Eventually, his gaze settles on you and you can see his anger build, his grip on the bottle tightening even more, until finally it breaks in his hand, showering him in booze, which only causes the men's laughter to increase. His hand now bleeding, Ghend tosses the shards of the bottle still in his hand to the table and stalks out of the bar.
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ok fella, don't you do anything stupid now...
Ultra uses his AR terminal to the car to view the sensor suite output, trying to get a bead on whether this guy was slinking off home or fetching his gun from the car.
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ok fella, don't you do anything stupid now...
Ultra uses his AR terminal to the car to view the sensor suite output, trying to get a bead on whether this guy was slinking off home or fetching his gun from the car.
You see Ghend climb into a truck in the lot and tear out of the lot heading East
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Relieved, ultra sets the sensor suite to alert him of all new contacts and returns to his beer, listening in on the conversation occuring at the bar.
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Encouraged by the man talking to him, Mutumbo got up from the bar, beer in hand, and went towards the table. ”Right you are, man, but i found that it pays to be cautious, you never know when someone tells the truth or not. By the way, I’m Mutumbo. Mind if I join your merry recollection of hunts?”
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Unfortunately staying out of the bush isn't an option. Frenchy smiles crookedly. Give me the lowdown. What should I be looking out for? The more detail the better. The drinks will keep coming as long as you give me information I can use.
Thought
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Encouraged by the man talking to him, Mutumbo got up from the bar, beer in hand, and went towards the table. ”Right you are, man, but i found that it pays to be cautious, you never know when someone tells the truth or not. By the way, I’m Mutumbo. Mind if I join your merry recollection of hunts?”
The man who addressed you before looks at you and replies as he brushes the glass shards from the table onto the floor "Since you gave us the best laugh of the day I tell ya what. Buy us a bottle to replace the one the dumb orc smashed and you can sit here long as you like."
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Unfortunately staying out of the bush isn't an option. Frenchy smiles crookedly. Give me the lowdown. What should I be looking out for? The more detail the better. The drinks will keep coming as long as you give me information I can use.
The man's speech is slow and unevenLook o' for? Everythin... Nothin...He laughs to himself and then sighs. First trouble isn' the danger. Tha's the one tha's easy.
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Frenchy nods Tell me all about it. Tell me what to look out for.
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[/quote]
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Frenchy nods Tell me all about it. Tell me what to look out for.
Everythin... Nothin.... The man shakes his head, realizing he is repeating himself. He reaches for his glass and gets it all the way to his mouth before noticing it is empty. He stares at it, looking confused. Panic... Panic's what gets ya. Or Confidence. Either....Both...
Worry about the big dangers, cause they kills ya quick. Brutal. See one, run...
Flee Blind, miss the adder lying in wait. Kills ya slow. Painful... Still dead. Manj...He trails off.
As he finishes speaking, he looks down, the empty glass on the bar clutched loosely in his left hand.
The bartender found his way back to you as the man spoke. He bartender looks to the man's empty glass and back to you before raising an eyebrow.
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Ultra starts to tire of listening in to the drunken bullshit through his enhancing headphones. His beer is nearly drained and as yet, the boys didn't seem to have to much reward for their effort.
He began to suss out whether the patrons here would have anything useful to them on their commlinks; perhaps diaries, gps routes, maps and such. It seemed a long shot, and the last thing he wanted to do was get arrested before he even got rolling on this job.
Ultra got up and went to the table Mutumbo was sat at, motioning at the barkeep to replace the missing bottle.
"Alright gents? Is your missing friend known for doing anything daft? seemed to be in a bit of a hurry? I've got us another bottle on its way over.
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Ultra starts to tire of listening in to the drunken bullshit through his enhancing headphones. His beer is nearly drained and as yet, the boys didn't seem to have to much reward for their effort.
He began to suss out whether the patrons here would have anything useful to them on their commlinks; perhaps diaries, gps routes, maps and such. It seemed a long shot, and the last thing he wanted to do was get arrested before he even got rolling on this job.
Ultra got up and went to the table Mutumbo was sat at, motioning at the barkeep to replace the missing bottle.
"Alright gents? Is your missing friend known for doing anything daft? seemed to be in a bit of a hurry? I've got us another bottle on its way over.
The bartender sends over a bottle. As you pull over a chair from a nearby table, the man snickers.He may be an idiot, but he knows better than to start a fight in here. If he gets us kicked out he'd have hell to pay.
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Yeah it's not a fight I'm bothered about, I don't wanna go outside and find the fucker's slashed me tires.
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...
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Feeling the effects of a couple of beers, Johannes realised they'd propbably got all the useful info they were going to get. He could really do without travelling on a hangover tomorrow and bade farewell to the bushmen, motioning to the others to head out to the van.
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Mutumbo felt he mostly had enough drink for the day. They needed tomorrow for preparation anyway, and he didn’t want to sleep in too much. He messaged the other two in the bar. >>Guys, I think I’m done here. Can you give me a lift on the way home?<<
As he sent a message, a nasty thought started to nag at the back of his mind. He needed to do something, involving someone he knew. He gave it some thought before it hit him. He then sent another quick message. @Smokescreen: >>Hey, sorry about the late reply, things move at a blur. It seems we got what we need about the area so I won’t need that map you offered. Thanks, anyway, and don’t hesitate to call if you need something.<<
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//Yeah, i'm cooked too. Lets go, i'll drop you off//
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Johannes heads out of the bar with the others, waving his thanks to the barman.
The gravel crunches underfoot as they cross the parking area, the temperature having noticeably dropped in the late afternoon sun.
He fires up the van, tweaks the audio system and hits the volume.
Right then Mutumbo, where we heading?
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Mutumbo gave the address which turned out to be a bar called the Smoke. When they arrived there he thanked Ultra and waved goodbye. "OK, meet you day after tomorrow morning at the docks. Give me a call if you need help in shopping or something else." He waited for the car to go before he started to walk.
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"Sounds good mate, see you soon"
Ultra heads home for the night, letting the pilot do most of the heavy lifting.
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Everyone finds a place to bunk down for the night. In the middle of the night, a message comes through on your commlinks and stores in the queue until you access it in the morning. Included are the details of your pickup for Alzmer from the third birth in the international port and and a passcode allowing you access to docks between 845 and 1000. Attached to this message is a reminder from your fixer Asha that you will likely need to present identification as well when entering the docks.
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The alarm went off at 06:00 and Johannes rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. A nervous and restless night meant he didnt exactly feel 100% this early in the morning. Concerns about the scarcity of information on the job and who they were likely to face had haunted his dreams. The message about the job was welcome though, at least he now had a plan to work to.
He hauled himself out of his warm cosy bed and dragged himself to the kitchen via the shower.
The auto-cooker had his breakfast ready whilst he was still drying his hair, double portions as he just didnt know when the next decent feed would be available.
He read the news feeds, re-read the message from Asha, supped his soycaf and headed back upstairs to suit up ready for the journey.
He checked and double checked his kit and last night's purchases, secured them in the back of the van and headed down to the meet, making sure everything wireless was either off, running silent or tied to his fake SiN + licenses as it should be.
<<To: team>>//Rise and shine boys and girls. We are set for today. I'm on my way in to the docks now//
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Mlinzi's commlink alarm wakes her promptly at 0615. While the coffin hotel room was cramped, it was reasonably safe and allowed her to stay close to the docks. With a bit of difficulty due to the tiny space, the woman lays out and inventories her gear, making sure she has everything and that it is all in serviceable condition. As she accounts for her supplies, Mlinzi briefly considers the wasted time yesterday in attempting to develop additional detail about the docks. She wasn't a fan of going in blind, but she was less a fan of burning the run before it even started.
With the inventory complete, Mlinzi finishes dressing and secures all of her gear in an appropriate fashion. Her commlink chimes and she quickly reads Ultra's message. Verifying that her fake credentials are in order, she types out a quick message before heading out the door.
<<@Team [rohorafiki] Sounds good. Individual entry makes sense if one of us gets burned. See you there.>>
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Frenchy scanned the docs with barely hooded eyes. The early morning traffic shouted and shouldered their way to the waiting ships. He cupped a disposable cup of soycaf that steamed in the chilly morning air and warmed his hands. Eyes open Francois. It's showtime, and as cagey as the Johnson is something was sure to go wrong.
His comlink buzzed with Ultra's message and he typed a quick response by hand.
in position near the docs. I'll cue on you when you get here.
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Johannes pulled in a drive through Soycaf joint on his way in to Mombasa, letting the pilot do the hard yards in the morning traffic while he supped the steaming brew and re-read his search results on the Alzmer's from yesterday.
Finally approaching the docks, Ultra zapped over a message to Frenchy.
//to:Frenchy//<<Morning! I'm here now, I'm at the passenger terminal drop off area, not too far from the main gates. Hop in>>
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You pile into the gopher and pull into line behind a flatbed being inspected by security. After about two minutes, the flatbed is waved through and as you pull up to the gate, the tire spikes raise from the ground. A human security guard in his mid thirties approaches from the driver's side, studying you with his cybereyes as three other guards, two orcs and a dwarf, look on from the security shack.
After a moment the guard finishes his initial summary and focuses on Johannes and asks for your documents
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Johannes hands over the documentation he is asked for with a smile.
We're here to pick up a client from an inbound ship, should be docking soon.
I've got an R3 fake sin and will use that if you're scanning against it. its device rating x2 for the guards scanner with threshold of my fake sin (3). looks like that changed in sr5 too!
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The man pauses for a moment as you assume he runs a check on the documentation and your identifications. As he is doing so, the two orcs find their way out of the guardhouse and walk around the vehicle, looking it over.
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Ultra smiles at the officer and keeps his hands on the wheel
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"Salamu" Mlinzi says as the guards circle the truck. She remains professional and courteous, but not overly friendly.
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The orcs finish their walk around, checking the under carriage as they do so. Satisfied nothing is attached under the gopher, they peer under the tarp thrown in back, paying particular attention to Frenchy perched in the back as they do so.
After about three minutes, the spike strips in front of the truck descend and the guard to the side of the truck waves you through, forwarding routing information to the designated berth to Ultra's commlink that includes an impossible to miss warning to not venture outside the approved area. Attached is a schedule indicating that the ship in that berth, the Merchantman "Mærsk Mumbai," docked at 8:07 and has begun discharging cargo.
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//Shit, they docked early. we're late.//
Johannes followed the route given to him, heading to the berth as hastily as the port traffic allowed him to go.
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You find your way along the outer road within the docks, passing several deep sea cargo ships and row upon row of cargo containers. The drive takes about five minutes. As the designated birth comes into view, you see the side of the vessel emblazoned "Mærsk Mumbai." Somewhat smaller and sleeker than the other cargo ships you passed, it nonetheless is a towering vessel.
Workers are scattered around the area engaged in various tasks, though most are closer to the dockside where a pair of giant cranes is engaged in unloading bulk containers from prow and midship.
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As Ultra brings the Gopher to a halt, Mlinzi slides her perception to the Astral plane and takes a quick look around to familiarize herself with any entities currently patrolling. After a quick glance, she returns her senses to the mundane and hops out of the truck.
"Which one do you think is Alzmer?" The woman scans the area looking for anyone that looks out of place.
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After suiting up and packing his gear, Mutumbo flagged a cab and got near the bridge where the others would leave the inner city area. No sense in taking more risks than necessary. He sent the coordinates to the others and sat in a bar for a coffee and some snacks.
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As Ultra brings the Gopher to a halt, Mlinzi slides her perception to the Astral plane and takes a quick look around to familiarize herself with any entities currently patrolling. After a quick glance, she returns her senses to the mundane and hops out of the truck.
"Which one do you think is Alzmer?" The woman scans the area looking for anyone that looks out of place.
Given the numbers of people located around the area, it is not strange that you cannot identify a single individual that looks out of place.You do however note a few watchers located around the area and a pair of spirits atop a row of crates 50 or so meters north of your position.
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Exactly as the chronometer on your commlink turns to 9:00, an audio file arrives on all your commlinks at once. Hey, you there? Er, I mean here? The, umm...., guy told me I had to be ready for pickup at 9am sharp. The, uh, stuff is unloaded, but they didn't tell me how to recognize you. Just to call this comcode at 9. So, ummm...., you there, er, here?
Attached to the file is a code to callback.
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Ultra picks up the audio file and nods at the guys, motioning he'll take it.
//Hi, got your message. we're down on the dock side waiting for you. Any chance we can meet up and have a chat? The instructions so far have been a bit vague eh?//
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Mlinzi nods her head in understanding. She turns her attention to the surrounding area, slipping her senses to the Astral plane and keeping watch for anyone or thing showing undue interest in the team.
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Frenchy crouches casually in the back of the truck, leaning back slightly against the cab. He scans the crowded docks with a smuggler's eye, looking for anything that seems out of place.
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Mutumbo sent a short text to the others. >>See the client arrived. Ping me if you need help, or if i need to change location.<<
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Uh..............There is about a 10 second delay Meeting up sounds good.....I am dockside, if you want to come down and help me open up the crate....Crate was the first thing off the front of the ship, container 31964B-32.
The guy stressed the need for secrecy. Maybe the chat should wait. Won't there be time once we are out of the city?
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//We're completely blind here, we haven't a clue what we're supposed to be doing or where we're going. we'd appreciate at least the basics before we leave the city. We'll try and find the crate now. any pointers as to what we're looking for specifically?//
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His reply comes after a moment, sounding even less certain then before.
Um, it's a giant orange shipping container. Came off the front a few minutes ago. Guy paid for it to be first off the ship. It's off to the side now, easy to unload I guess. I'm in front of it now, waving, can you see me?
It just being unloaded means it is down in the area just off the water, at the other end of the access road to that berth. And you can't see him yet from where you are, but you can drive down to the area he is talking about.
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//can't see you from here, will head down to the water, we're in the red pickup//
Ultra eases the throttle up and heads down to the waterside, keeping his eyes peeled for the contact
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As you pull up into the area dockside, your contact is hard to miss, and not only because he is waving both hands in the air while turning from side to side looking to see if anyone is responding. As you pull up near the shipping container, you get a good look at him: early 20s and fairly pale. But that isn't what stands out so much as how he is attired. To say he was dressed for a safari might be accurate, were this two centuries ago.
Needless to say, he has drawn a fair amount of attention.
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Jesus Christ, who is this prick? Don't tell me we're stuck with this colonial tosspot!
The dismay in his voice would be apparent to the others as ultra pulled up alongside the shipping container.
this is our guy, unfortunately.
He killed the engine and hopped out,
you alzmer?
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He stops with a bit of a jump Um, yeah. You, um..., I guess they never gave me any names.
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They didn't give either of us a damn thing by the sounds of it. Care to bring us up to speed? How much is unloaded, how much more is there and what are we actually being paid to do here?
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Everything should be in this container. Hold on.
He goes to a key pad and enters a code, then leans forward and speaks something into the locking mechanism.
Help me open it up?
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"Sure"
Ultra waves the others over for their assistance and helps Alzmer with the door.
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You pull back the double doors to the giant container, and peer inside. About 3 meters back into container, you see the front end of a Nomad all-terrain vehicle, tied down with heavy duty shipping straps. Anything behind the vehicle is not visible in the dark interior.
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Ultra mentally commands his glasses into low light mode, taking a good look inside the darkened container
int 4, percep 3, enhance 2 (9d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4329413/)
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You try your best to look around the bulky vehicle and into the rear of the container. You don't think you see anything back there, but you have to admit that the vehicle is blocking much of the view, other than about a half meter of space on the right side, as it takes up nearly all of the width of the shipping container
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Frenchy jumps down off the back of the pickup and walks up to the Nomad. He begins to cexamine the vehicle carefully.
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Ultra flashes his eyebrows at frenchy in appreciation of the tricked out ride before talking to Alzmer.
"Nice wheels. Where we taking it? You got any more gear to pack or prep?"
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While the men examine the vehicle, Mlinzi slips her senses back to the mundane and does her best to keep an eye open for anything out of the ordinary in the vicinity of the container. The last thing she needs to do is mess around with the vehicles. Given her luck with machines, kicking a tire could end up knocking an axle loose.
Keeping Watch: Perception (2) + Intuition (4) (6d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4329444/)
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Just those. He nods to two cases to the side of the container.
I assume we take the truck to the pickup spot.
As you continue your conversation, you notice about half of the onlookers Alzmer's initial display attracted have gone back to work, but about twenty or so are still paying attention to the ongoing scene. No one has approached the area immediately surrounding the container however.
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Gesturing at the onlookers, Ultra asks Alzmer
Friends of yours?
and what do you mean, "pickup spot?". Who or what are we picking up?
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Not particularly happy about the crowd, Mlinzi keeps her eyes open and readies herself to intecept anyone trying to get close. She figures a story about soaking a wealthy wannabe hunter of a lot of money would work considering Alzmer's fish-out-of-water appearance.
She taps a few lines into her commlink.
<<@Team [rohorafiki] Anyone heard from the Tourist? Not getting happy thoughts from him being MIA.>>
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Mutumbo's answer came quick. >>Wasn't he supposed to go in with you? He sure ain't here.<<
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<<@Mlinzi>>//Nothing yet//
Alzmer, you know what, forget it. We've already got a bit of a scene going on here. We'll get these loaded and get the car out of the crate and talk details later. You go get changed, can't have you driving around looking like a boer war re-enacter. Locals are already staring you down. He said, gesturing to the crowd of dockers gawking at them.
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<<@Team [rohorafiki] Well, drek. Let's get out of here in case he was compromised. Frenchy in the new ride with Alzmer, I'll ride in the Gopher?>>
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You undo the straps and unload the Nomad from the shipping container. Behind the hauler, the rear of the container proves to be empty.
You exit the docks and make your way back in the city, stopping along the way to pickup a couple spare sets of clothes, over Alzmer's protests... He really put a lot of effort into getting his kit. No matter what you say, he refuses to give up his hat.
Traffic is fairly heavy this morning, and after your stop it takes you another half hour to get back over the bridges off the island. It is 10:23 when you pick Hunter up, buzzing with caf, from the coffee shop where he had been awaiting your arrival. You head out through the outskirts of the city and turn onto a paved road in a moderate state of disrepair and out towards the villages and countryside.
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As the team picked hunter up and got some new gear for Alzmer to wear, Ultra has a word with frenchy, given he was going to be driving for him.
See if you can get the guy to talk. I wanna know what the hell we're getting into here. Can't make my mind up whether he is Alzmer the "famous animal murderer" or Alzmer "clever researcher and botanist". Dunno about you, but I know which Alzmer I'd rather be escorting.
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Mutumbo hopped in the car next to Alzmer, greeted him and introduced himself as Hunter, but he waited for the team to move out of town before bringing up some important topics, as it seemed a general concensus. Once they were out of Mombasa, though, he immediately started to ask questions. At the same time, he opened up a chanel to the rest of the team so they also heard what was said. "OK, as i already told you, you can call me Hunter, and that name is not incidental. Now, i'd like to ask some questions that will make our jobs possible so please answer them as honestly as you can. First, i'd like to know if you ever were in a situation like this: outside of a city, in African wilderness where man can only rely on himself, his wits, his guns, and maybe the person next to him. I'd also like to know what we are looking for out there. As i saw no cage, no boxes, no exuipment whatsoever, i can't even make a guess about the goal of our little hunting trip."
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The man you know as Alzmer seemed surprised at Hunter's direct line of questioning. It took him a few moments to answer.
African wilderness? No, I have never been to Africa before, but I did extensive research on the topic before setting sail. And as for my wits, I will have you know I was second in my class at the University. Guns on the other hand, are quite barbaric, but I know which end to not point at myself if that's what you mean.
As he continues, his tone becomes more steady
As for what we are after, I can only assume they our employer saw fit to withhold that bit of information from you. I know he stressed the need for secrecy on that point when he was hiring me.Hmm...
However, since it is necessary we get where we are going quickly, I feel I must be forced to enlighten you eventually. It may as well be now. We are after a series of samples from abandoned mines in this area. He identifies an area similar to, but not identical, to that which you were informed about from the Johnson.
-
Same old, same old. Alzmer wasn’t the first person going on a trip like this, thinking studying from books was enough to get by out there. He knew they had to take extra precautions around such people, them being oblivious of dangers they thought couldn’t hurt them because they were prepared.
He compared the area Alzmer showed them now to that the Johnson gave, in relation to the Maasai lands and geographical features, checking what mines he knew of in there. He also thought about what kind of creatures were likely to make their homes in these underground structures.
[spoiler=tests]INT(5) + Area Knowledge, rural(3) [Mental(4)] (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4334563/)
INT(5) + Local Wildlife(3) [Mental(4)] (8d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4334564/)
LOG(2) + Paracritters: Kenya(3) [Mental(4)] (5d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4334565/)[/spoiler]
Meanwhile, he continued the questionnaire. ”So, abandoned mines. What kind of structures do we have to prepare for, vertical shafts in the ground or more like tunnels in hillsides? How long have these mines been abandoned? Do you know their exact locations? And about the samples, Mr. Johnson said you will take care of them, but what can we expect in size? Are these samples alive? Do they represent any danger to us after collecting them?”
-
Meanwhile, he continued the questionnaire. ”So, abandoned mines. What kind of structures do we have to prepare for, vertical shafts in the ground or more like tunnels in hillsides? How long have these mines been abandoned? Do you know their exact locations? And about the samples, Mr. Johnson said you will take care of them, but what can we expect in size? Are these samples alive? Do they represent any danger to us after collecting them?”
The mines were abandoned when the natives who controlled the mines stopped trading with the corporations or made it unfeasible for them to do so. I was not provided with any schematics but I believe it is safe to assume that these are not strip mines, which means they have shafts and tunnels. They are mines afterall.
As for dangers, I assume your paranormal expert would have briefed you on that.
I'll get the roll results once the others have a chance to chime in if they so choose.
Ren, if you continue the line of questioning with Alzmer, make a ettiquette roll when you do so.
-
Mines? Drek... Mlinzi thinks to herself, knowing she had next to no experience with working underground. The only mining operation she had ever been familiar with had been the work at Kilimanjaro that had brought about so much trouble. Still, she searched her memories for anything she had ever read or heard about subteranean paranormal organisms.
She also noted that Alzmer totally avoided the question about the nature of the samples. Grabbing her commlink, she tapped out a quick message to the team.
<<@Team [rohorafiki]>> Not sure about you boys, but I am tired of being kept in the dark. Now that we're a ways out of the city, maybe we should pull over for a quick look through those cases and crates to find out what the frag is going on here.>>
Waiting for a reply, Mlinzi continues monitoring the conversation between Mwindaji and Alzmer. Conversations like this often need to be handled delicately. If needed, she interjects questions or hopefully helpful advice to help Mwindaji along. We could really use the Tourist right now...
Screwed up the Parabotany roll, zero hits either way. Man there were a lot of 4s in there, LOL
Parabotany (1) + Logic (2)/Mental (5) (4d6.hits(5)=0) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4334747/)
Parazoology (2) + Logic (2)/Mental (5) (4d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4334748/)
Zoology (2) + Logic (2)/Mental (5) (4d6.hits(5)=0) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4334749/)
If allowed, Etiquette Teamwork for Mwindaji
Etiquette (1) + Charisma (8 )/Social (9) (9d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4334750/)
-
//Thanks for the heads up on the mines. Dunno about you guys, but I can't say i'm too happy about going down an abandoned shaft. Active mines are dangerous enough//
-
If it was gping to be easy they wouldn't have hired professionals. Frenchy drove the Nomad casually, humming quietly under his breath. M. Alzmer, anything you can give us to help keep you alive would be appreciated. It's in all our interests to get this done as quickly and cleanly as possible.
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili
Matrix/Text
-
He seems a bit surprised by your question.
Alive? What would be the problem? Mines are perfectly safe. This isn't the 1900s.
Anyway, getting there and back is your responsibility. I am here to collect the samples we need. He pauses for a moment, and then continues, more to himself than anyone in particular. Just think of it, a new mineral. Maybe. Well not exactly new, but close enough. He turns to Frenchy and grabs his arm as he continues. Do you know how rare this is? All my chums back at the University would just die to have this opportunity!
-
The wheel barely twitches as Frenchy compensates for his passengers actions. Jealous colleagues can cause problems my friend, and Africa is a dark and dangerous place even now. We are all professionals of the highest caliber I hope but like in any endeavor the more we know, the smoother we can make things.
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili
Matrix/Text
I'm assuming 8 hits was a success, if not I can edit the scene.
-
Mutumbo sent a short text to the team. >>Wow, paranormal expert, does one of you recognize him/herself or do I assume this responsibility?<< To Alzmer, however, he said ”Enthusiasm is an admirable sentiment, and it is far from me to try and curb it, but I’d appreciate if you didn’t act on it when we get to these mines. I hunted these areas for several years now, sometimes alone, sometimes in groups, and I can tell any abandoned structure doesn’t remain abandoned for long, especially structures this big. Usually nature takes it first, it provides shelter for a wide variety of normal and paranormal animals like snakes, or bats. Sometimes even bigger predators may dwell in such places.
“And two-legged predators often look for places like these. The mines are very adequate for a smuggling operation as temporary storage, or even a base. And they are the easier to get friendly with. The area is pretty close to Maasai tribal lands, and they don’t relate too well to strangers trying to steal what is theirs. And trust me, they will see things this way.
“Now, I don’t say all these to frighten you, or to try and dissuade you from your goal. I just want you to be aware that this is a dangerous place where we need to be constantly cautious.
“With above dangers, we can calculate. What I asked if the target of your forage – a mineral, as you now say – is dangerous in itself. We have to know if we need to take special precautions around it. And that, even if we have a paranormal expert, would be your area of expertise, better than any of ours.”
Mutumbo hoped he said everything right. Usually, this was the job of the Eagle, and the hunters only communicated with the guests when needed. He heard the man talk to the tourists on several occasions, and tried to use the same tones and such, but he wasn’t so sure of himself.
[spoiler=Etiquette]CHA(2) + Etiquette(3) [Social(4)] (5d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4337069/)[/spoiler]
-
“With above dangers, we can calculate. What I asked if the target of your forage – a mineral, as you now say – is dangerous in itself. We have to know if we need to take special precautions around it. And that, even if we have a paranormal expert, would be your area of expertise, better than any of ours.”
Mutumbo hoped he said everything right. Usually, this was the job of the Eagle, and the hunters only communicated with the guests when needed. He heard the man talk to the tourists on several occasions, and tried to use the same tones and such, but he wasn’t so sure of himself.
Alzmer gives you a befuddled look.
I was told there would be a paranormal expert on the team, and this would be their area of expertise. I assume they have been informed of what to expect.
If the ritual that disrupted the spirits on Kilimanjaro truly did alter the properties of some of the tanzanite, I have no way of dealing with anything like that. All I know is that some tribe, what did you call them, the Mass-eye, are using it in some rituals, or so the rumor goes.
Like I said, not my area of expertise. I don't talk to the spirits.
Why are you looking at me like that?
-
There was a minute’s silence from Mutumbo. His expression spoke volumes as half-formed thoughts raced in his head. By the time he could think coherently, his initial flare of anger mostly subsided, so only a short string of Kiswahili swearwords escaped his mouth. He tried not to glare at Alzmer without much success while texting the team. >>Guys, did you come to the same conclusion as me, that we were actually hired to steal some magical thing from the Maasai? If this is true, we are up to much more than we expected, like regular tribal patrols in the area, even shamans. Do any of you know something more about this stone or whatnot, to give us a better chance to estimate opposition? Are these stones sacred?<<
-
//Bit outside my area of expertise. I'll run a search, see if anything comes up. Whatever it is we're supposed to be doing out here, its not sounding particularly good//
>>>Matrix Search terminal 1.10.0.2b:
Terms:
-Tanzanite,
-Maasai,
-Rituals
Ultra, piloting from VR, opens a shimmering terminal form and quickly hashes out a search from Alzmer's new info, forwarding the instructions to his agent as well.
Ultra's search results: log 5, computer 2, hot sim 1 (8d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4337211/)
agent's search results: agent (6d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4337212/)
getting lots of good rolls today :-)
note: -running signal scrub and through datajack for -3 noise
-
Wonderful... the woman thinks to herself. Mlinzi says, "My magic training was sparse on magical objects and materials. Let me check with one of my contacts, assuming I can get a message sent out here." Huddling down into the passenger seat, the woman flips open her commlink and taps a message out.
[spoiler=Mlinzi's Comm]<<@AmazingGrace47 [rohorafiki] Jambo, Grace! Long time. Working a thing. Ever heard of tanzanite having magical properties/significance? Hope everything is well!>>[/spoiler]
-
Wonderful... the woman thinks to herself. Mlinzi says, "My magic training was sparse on magical objects and materials. Let me check with one of my contacts, assuming I can get a message sent out here." Huddling down into the passenger seat, the woman flips open her commlink and taps a message out.
The reply comes through surprisingly quickly.
Now that tis a strange question out of the blue. Who do you be hearing that from?
It possible I guess. Magic, like anything else has consequences. And their was some seriously major mojo used on that mountain.
-
Tapping out a bit of truth, a bit of white lie, and a bit of elicitation Mlinzi writes back.
[spoiler=Mlinzi's Comm]<<@AmazingGrace47 [rohorafiki] Got a job to "procure" some from a foreign dealer in Mombasa. Wanted to see if there were any reports of it being dangerous. Haven't really seen much of it lately. Heard it may have something to do with the Maasai... may just be rumor>>[/spoiler]
-
//Everyone be quiet, spotted a drone behind us. It might be listening in.//
Not taking any chances, Ultra switches the truck to pilot control and sets his deck up for "work".
5/4/4/2 deck configured as:
-Firewall 5
-Attack 4 (5)
-Sleaze 4(6)
-DP 2(3)
Programs: 2(3)-
Virtual machine; Tool box (+1DP), Exploit (+2 sleaze)
Decryption (+1 Attack)
Ultra begins to sleaze his way through the device's defenses, trying to chip away at its firewall.
hacking 5, log 5, hot sim 2 (12d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338144/) hack on the fly, 1 mark.
-
"Drek," Mlinzi lets slip before shutting the frag up. The woman slips her vision to the Astral and tries her best to see if they are being followed in Astral space.
-
"Where is it? Tell me if you need me to take it out." Mutumbo asked over the comm. He calmly stared in the same direction as before, there was no sense in revealing he knew of its presence yet. His right hand slided to his rifle though.
-
Ultra begins to sleaze his way through the device's defenses, trying to chip away at its firewall.
hacking 5, log 5, hot sim 2 (12d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338144/) hack on the fly, 1 mark.
You try to get a solid mark on the microdrone that is pacing you, but just as you think you have it solved, you suddenly realize your attempt has failed
Attempt failed, the drone's owner now has one mark on your deck.
"Drek," Mlinzi lets slip before shutting the frag up. The woman slips her vision to the Astral and tries her best to see if they are being followed in Astral space.
Other than your party and a few small animals, astral space is as clear as the sky overhead
-
Ok, screw this. Not taking any chances now, you're going down you flying piece of shit.
used a point of edge on this so no limits;
log 5, cybercombat 5, hot sim 2, + edge 5 (17d6.hitsopen(5,6)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338193/) 10 hits with a data spike! attack base damage of 5 from deck for total soak of 15.
-
Ok, screw this. Not taking any chances now, you're going down you flying piece of shit.
used a point of edge on this so no limits;
log 5, cybercombat 5, hot sim 2, + edge 5 (17d6.hitsopen(5,6)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338193/) 10 hits with a data spike! attack base damage of 5 from deck for total soak of 15.
Your spike finds it mark and hits hard, severely damaging the minidrone but not quite bricking it.
The drone took 8 matrix damage. It didn't have to soak the full 15 since data spike is an opposed test, and your net hits were reduced a bit. The other actions in the initiative pass have been taken at this point (you have no way of knowing what they were, so you can do whatever you want with your next turn.
-
Seeing the icon flicker and fade as his data spike finds purchase, Ultra follows up with a second blast of damaging code
data spike (12d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338213/)
-
Seeing the icon flicker and fade as his data spike finds purchase, Ultra follows up with a second blast of damaging code
data spike (12d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338213/)
The drone's icon fades as your second data spike hits.
-
//Guys, I dropped the first one, I think there might be another one floating around. anyone in the vicinty got kit that's running silent? I might be getting a false positive here.//
Ultra gives his system a full reboot knowing that the bout of data slinging would surely have alerted the GOD.
-
"Nope, but now that you mention it, I probably should." Mlinzi says out loud, assuming the truck has audio pickups inside.
Fiddling with her junky commlink, she switches it to silent mode.
-
Mutumbo sent a quick test to Ultra. >>You sure it’s not Alzmer or some of his equipment, like the car?<< He looked around from the shotgun position anyway, checking both the sky and the ground around them. He even considered the other signal could be slightly ahead, anticipating movement and “following” them that way. He also checked above them, leaning out of the window.
[spoiler=perception]INT(5) + Perception(6) + active search(3) + vision enhancement(3) [Mental(7)] (17d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338235/)
Notes: limit and dice pool both raised by electronic enhancement.[/spoiler]
-
Mutumbo sent a quick test to Ultra. >>You sure it’s not Alzmer or some of his equipment, like the car?<< He looked around from the shotgun position anyway, checking both the sky and the ground around them. He even considered the other signal could be slightly ahead, anticipating movement and “following” them that way. He also checked above them, leaning out of the window.
[spoiler=perception]INT(5) + Perception(6) + active search(3) + vision enhancement(3) [Mental(7)] (17d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338235/)
Notes: limit and dice pool both raised by electronic enhancement.[/spoiler]
The only thing you notice is how clear the day is as the sun rises towards its apex.
-
//No, I'm not, hence the question.//
With his deck back up and booted, he slaves it to his commlink's defences and gears for combat again.
Forgot about that, frees me up a bit.
5/4/4/2 splits as:
Attack 5 {6}
Data Processing 4
Sleaze 4
Firewall 2 (slaved to commlink for firewall 5)
Programs:
1-Virtual box; -Armour (+2 resist), decryption (+1 attack)
2-Hammer (+2DV)
Where are you, you little fuck?!
int 4, computer 2, hot sim 2 (8d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338248/) hopefully this will pinpoint him!
-
Not liking the fact the team is apparently being followed, Mlinzi thinks it's a good time to call in the cavalry. Still astrally perceiving, she sends out a call for her spirit friend, Wawindaji. Within a second, a portion of astral space coalesces into the familiar form of the Emela-Ntouka that Wawindaji seems enamored of lately. "Hello roho-rafiki, I can sense your concern. What do you need of me?"
Summon F4 Spirit of Beasts w/Guard = Summoning (5) + Magic (4) + Specialization (2) [F4] (11d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338256/)
Spirit Resist = Force (4) (4d6.hits(5)=0) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338258/)
Drain Resistance [DV 2] = Willpower (5) + Charisma (8 ) (13d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338260/) <- Jeez...
I'm not sure if we're in turns at the moment, so I am going to wait before asking the spirit to perform a service. For his first service, I want him to follow our convoy and monitor astral space for anyone following us.
-
Mr Alzmer I'd like you to check your seatbelt and make sure it is securely fashioned and that any loose objects are secured. Frenchy continues in a calm monotone. You don't need to be concerned, but we may be maneuvering sharply in the next few minutes. Frenchy pauses. If there's any supplemental security present this would be a good time to disclose it.
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili
Matrix/Text
-
Mr Alzmer I'd like you to check your seatbelt and make sure it is securely fashioned and that any loose objects are secured. Frenchy continues in a calm monotone. You don't need to be concerned, but we may be maneuvering sharply in the next few minutes. Frenchy pauses. If there's any supplemental security present this would be a good time to disclose it.
Alzmer turns to you looking confused but after a moment, he seems to begin to understand what you are getting at (though with his lack of street smarts, can you really ever be sure what he is thinking?). His eyes go wide, and turns to look out the back of the Nomad's cab before realizing that it is enclosed and there is no rear window for him to look out of.
-
Speaking through her mental link to Wawindaji, Mlinzi says, "Thank you for coming. My companions and I are traveling in two vehicles, the one I am currently in and one behind it. I ask you follow us from above like an eagle and keep watch for astral entities that may be tracking us. They may be in front of us, behind us, or to either side. If you spot something tracking us for 100 of my breaths, please let me know."
-
>>No signs of physical followers. They don't show up on normal visual or thermographic. If anything keeps up with us that close, it must be in one of the cars.<< Mutumbo messaged to the others. >>Anyone more adept at tech than me care to ask Alzmer about it?<<
-
<<Team>>//Aha! Got the little fucker. It's a stealth tag, buried in the nomad. Alzmer, is your position supposed to be monitored at all times or do you want me to hose the tag to stop it broadcasting?//
-
Position? I don't know. Someone trying to keep us safe?
-
//or under tabs. If it's not important to your Jon out here, I'll hose it. I'd rather us not having our position broadcast unnecessarily//
-
Speaking out loud and trusting that Ultra is monitoring the cab of the Gopher, Mlinzi says, "I'm not a fan of someone keeping tabs on us. but given the location of the tag, seems like it's Johnson or the corp keeping tabs on their gear, don't you think? He'll probably charge us for the tag and installation costs if we geek it or even send a team out to check on their property if the tag goes silent. Seems like it might be better to just leave it as is." From her voice, it's pretty clear she's kind of ambivalent about the whole thing.
-
I say get rid of it unless Ultra can spoof the signal. I would rather have apologize to our employer for being too cautious than deal with the consequences if he has a mole in his organization.
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili
Matrix/Text
-
There was no hesitation in Mutumbo’ answer to the team. ”If the Johnson wanted a working tag on the vehicle he should have said so. Because that raises risk and should have been calculated in the price. Before this came up I was about to call someone I know to get the coordinates of some emergency boltholes in case we need to get out of sight for a few hours, if he knows some in the area. But I won’t jeopardize his or his associates’ business with a tagged vehicle.
"Anyway, when we get back, if the Johnson asks about the tag, we can ask him ‘What tag?’ and that’s the end of it. And if he doesn’t ask about it, we can tell him after getting paid, and he may even be grateful for the info. So, I’m all for frying the hell out of it. Or do something else, so that it doesn’t work until we finish this job.”
-
//Great stuff. I'm gonna cook it.//
Johannes preps for another data spike, hurling a nasty bolt of code at the tag
log 5, cyber 5, hot sim 2 (12d6.hits(5)=7) {limit 6} (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4355058/)
base damage 6 from attack 5 + decryption program.
hammer program gives +2dv for base damage of 8 + net hits.
-
The tag resists initially, but under your continued spikes, eventually breaks down and ceases to function.
-
Seeing the Icon flicker and fade under the attacks, Johannes messages the team:
//Nailed it guys, should be ok from here. I'm just gonna drop out of VR and reboot, follow me into the next layby. Anyone need a pee-break?//
Ultra pulls the van up in a suitable layby reboots his deck, re-establishing VR control of the van and re-joining the flow of traffic shortly after.
-
”Good, let’s get on with it. Mutumbo followed suit and rebooted his commlink at the same time as Ultra. Then he sent a text to Smokescreen, using their standard encryption protocols. >>Hey, remember the area I told you about a few days back? Seems like I might be somewhere around there in the next few days, and as things look, it is possible the situation will get hot. I might need a bolthole for a couple of vehicles, to lay low for a few hours. You know anything in the area, or someone I could turn to if needed?<<
-
Seeing no more obvious watchers, your focuses return to the road ahead, kilometers of cracked pavement stretching out across the grasslands in front of you. The only sign of pursuit is an occasional glimpse of the sun as it breaks through the clouds.
About the time you are reaching the second town along your route, the glare of your pursuer begins to reflect off your windscreen, signalling the day has moved into the afternoon. Traffic remains steady though light in both directions, most of the vehicles of a commercial rather than personal nature.Though traffic slows some as you pass through, it is only a minor delay before you are back onto the road.
About an hour later, the ground beginning to rise, you notice the approaching signs of another settlement in the distance. Checking your position against the maps, you realize you are about 2km outside of Voi, and the first decision on your trek as the turnoff from 109 fast approaches..
-
"Looks like we're getting close to town, Ultra. Since we had that drone on our hoops while we were on this road, any thoughts on heading around the outskirts of the town rather than going straight through it?" Mlinzi asks aloud. She glances at the man's slumped body, briefly wondering what the sensation was like.
-
//couldn't agree more, we got an alternative route?//
-
"I suggest we don't avoid the town completely, unless we give a really wide berth, like a few kilometers. Still, i'd avoid the center, choosing small, back roads."
-
Alzmer picks up on what you are discussing and jumps in on the conversation.
Can we stop somewhere? I could really use some lunch. Breakfast on the ship was pretty poor, even worse than usual in fact, being they were about to make port.
A tall, cool glass of lemonade would be nice about now, wouldn't it? And I could use the little boys room too.
-
Mutumbo took it upon himself to answer Alzmer. "We will stop shortly after we left Voi. I'm afraid we only have travel rations, water and some isotonic drinks but you will have plenty of room to do whatever you need to."
-
Ultra sees the waypoints update with the incoming message from Mutumbo and follows the new route as best he can.
-
With Voi still about a kilometer in the distance, you turn the two trucks off of the highway onto a a road littered with potholes and broken pavement. As the two vehicles snake their way through them, your pace slows to a crawl, the two vehicles nearly on top of each other. After what seems like an hour, but in reality is only about 10 minutes, you work your way to the edge of the town.
As you enter into the city, you are not greeted with bright lights and the street you are on is little better than the one which brought you the city. Though houses line both sides of the street, the area feels abandoned. Fences are unpainted, children's toys lay upended or half buried in some of the yard. While not inviting there are few eyes to see as you slowly roll by. Other than the low rumble of the engines or loose gravel and debris crushed beneath your tires, the only sounds you hear are sighs as Alzmer stares glumly out the windows.
About halfway through the town, you find the blind alley you are in blocked by an old pickup. You backtrack, but it costs you another 10 minutes finding an alternate route while still staying away from more populated sections of the town.
Finally, you find yourself on the far side, on a road more dirt than pave on the far side of Voi, the serpentine trip across it having cost you just under an hour.
You look around for signs of pursuit, but the only vehicles you can see look more likely to crumble into piles of dust where they sit than to pose any kind of threat.
-
A kilometer or two after leaving Voi, Mutumbo signaled to the team. ”I think it’s time we stretched our legs and have a bite, so stop at the next point where you think is OK, would you?” He then turned to Alzmer. ”If you heard this, then I’m sorry for repeating, but better be safe than sorry. When we stop, we’ll be in the wilds, so treat it like that: with caution and respect. A lot of innocent-looking things are dangerous out here, so if you don’t know it, don’t touch it. I will check the surrounding area for any dangerous animals, but they – snakes especially – are good at hiding, so always be aware of where you step or where you intend to do whatever. If you encounter any animals showing any kind of aggression, don’t make sudden movements unless they are attacking you, you might just provoke them…" He was giving the quick run-down to Alzmer, the one they always gave to tourists. There were only two exceptions this time. First, he couldn’t add the ‘you do everything at your own risk’ clause to the end. Now, they were responsible for Alzmer’s every move. He wasn’t sure they would be paid if something happened to their charge. And there was the tag. ”… And lastly, I’d like to ask you to wear this tag at all times. This is a precaution, in case something separates us, to find you easily. It features a clip to fasten it with to your clothes. Please check it regularly, and if you misplaced it, ask me for a replacement.
Before handing the tag over, Mutumbo invited three marks for Ultra and told him on the team channel. ”Ultra, this is the tag I’m giving Alzmer. I gave you full access, in case there is an emergency.”
-
Ultra drove on for a few more miles, stopping at a deserted looking lay-by on the far side of Voi. His stomach was beginning to grumble and he could feel it even through the VR.
He stuck on the indicator and flashed the brakelights to signal to the following team they were making a rest-break.
Jumping out of the truck, Ultra takes a look around as he stretches his legs
int 4, percep 3, image enhance 2 (9d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4367998/)
He waves a 'thanks' at Mutumbo and readily accepts the invited marks, setting a background trace on the tag to keep an eye on its movements.
He takes a swig of water from a bottle and tries to chew down some dried snacks while the others do their business.
-
As the crew comes to a halt, Mlinzi hops out of the Gopher and stretches her legs. Her back was tight from the long drive and the recent less-than-ideal road conditions.Catching site of the passengers of the other vehicle disembarking, she walks over to Mwindaji. "Are you going to clear the area so the mgeni can relieve himself? If so, I'd like to offer some assistance."
Assuming Mwindaji doesn't object, Mlinzi gathers mana and shapes it into a spell that should aid the man with detecting living things. Touching the man, she says "As with all things, it is not foolproof."
[spoiler=Detect Life Spell]F4 Detect Life Spell: Spellcasting (5) + Magic (4) (9d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4368048/)
Drain Resistance vs. DV2: Willpower (5) + Charisma (8) (13d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4368049/)
Results: 16m range, 360 degree sense providing major details only. Resisted with Willpower + Logic. For now, I am sustaining it.[/spoiler]
Pulling out her canteen, Mlinzi takes a few sips to slake her thirst. Eyeing Alzmer as he stands around, looking somewhat inept, she sends a missive to her spirit ally, Wawindaji. "Friend, while we rest here, please keep an eye on the one that smells strongly of foreign lands. He knows not what he does here and would benefit from your protection if he is attacked by man or beast."
Using up another task asking Wawindaji to protect Alzmer in the event of an attack. Two services remaining.
-
Frenchy steps out of the Nomads cab and stretches broadly. He glaces around and then leans back into the cab and pulls his Ruger 101 from behind the drivers seat. Using one hand he pulls himself up onto the cab of the vehicle. Once there he settles into a loose crouch.
-
Rifle in hand, Mutumbo circled the area once, scouting out the places they were likely to use - rocks to sit on, vegetation that could hide the more shy from sight while visiting the boys' room. He gave a wide berth to likely hiding places, where the more venomous reptilians and insects were probably spending their time this time of the day. He only gave the OK signal when he found everything OK, then he put the rifle in the back of the pickup and refreshed himself.
[spoiler=looking around]INT(5) + Perception(5) + enhancements(3) + active search(3) [Mental(7)] (16d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4368275/)[/spoiler]
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After seeing to her own needs, Mlinzi approaches Mwindaji and says, "Perhaps we should swap places in the convoy? Now that we're closer to the mines, it might be better to have your eyes and knowledge as a guide up front. It would also give me a chance to talk to Alzmer. It seems like he might know a few things, but may not understand that they're important."
-
Mutumbo didn’t need to consider Mlinzi’s request too much. He answered her in a low voice. ”No problem, i’m not that good in getting people to tell me what they really don’t feel the need to. And it will be a welcome change of scenery, not watching the dust kicked up by the pickup.” He then spoke up. ”OK, it’s the 1-oh-9 to the west from here, as we spoke earlier. I suggest we do B and A mines today, and see how much daylight we have left, then decide about the rest. I suggest we don’t try to navigate unknown terrain in the dark, it tends to lead to accidents. And we also see whether anybody wants to approach the vehicles in daylight better. Do you agree?”
-
Sounds like good old-fashioned common sense to me. Besides, I've not been camping out in the bush for a while. Anyone know any good campfire songs?
He slung a wry smile at Mutumbo; motioning with his head at their boy-scout "guest".
He slung a bottle of water to Alzmer, drink up eh? It's not a tall cool lemonade but we can't risk swinging by the local supermarket.
Johannes still had an open connection to his deck, given the downtime he thought it wise to have a little search on the mines prior to their arrival, opening his browse software..
//Matrix Search terminal v1.0.2b//<<4 Mines at marked map co-ordinates>>
-Tags: news, owner, production, last activity
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<<Message Protocol>>//To agent{Please repeat my search parameters and continue search until terminated}
int 4, computer 2 (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4369787/) my search
r3, comp 3 + hotsim 2 (8d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4369793/) agent's search
-browse software makes it 1/2 search time so it should be 30secs/15mins/6hours depending on threshold etc!
-
//Matrix Search terminal v1.0.2b//<<4 Mines at marked map co-ordinates>>
-Tags: news, owner, production, last activity
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<<Message Protocol>>//To agent{Please repeat my search parameters and continue search until terminated}
int 4, computer 2 (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4369787/) my search
r3, comp 3 + hotsim 2 (8d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4369793/) agent's search
-browse software makes it 1/2 search time so it should be 30secs/15mins/6hours depending on threshold etc!
You find information indicating that the two Northern mines have been out of operation for the last 16 years, as they became "economically unviable." The two southern mines lasted longer, with Mine D closing 10 years ago and the last a little less than a year after the Kilimanjaro event.
-
<<Agent, compile results and forward to distribution list; {team}>>
-
Mlinzi's commlink chimes with a new message notification. Opening the document attached the to notification, she begins scrolling through Ultra's report. Walking over to the decker and Mwindaji, she says in a low voice, "Thanks for that report, rafiki. I'm not surprised the western mine closed down after Kilimanjaro, things got pretty rough around here. Can you figure out who owned these mines? Might be helpful to know."
Walking over to Alzmer, Mlinzi[ asks, "How are you holding up, Mr. Alzmer? Have you been on an expedition like this before? Let me know if you have any questions that I may be able to help answer."
The elf also takes the opportunity to assense Alzmer while they're stopped.
[spoiler=Assensing Test]Assensing Test: Assensing (2) + Intuition (4) = (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4372485/)[/spoiler]
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Most of what you gather from the human's aura does not surprise you. He is in fairly healthy condition and his depressed mood mirrors what is shown on his face. As you are making your assessment, he looks up to you from where he is sitting on the turf and speaks.
Pretty obvious that I haven't. It isn't what I expected.
-
Picking up the man's mood in voice and aura, Mlinzi briefly recalls bits of an old African proverb about bees and honey.
With a faint smile, she says, "I understand, Mr. Alzmer and I'm sorry that it hasn't quite lived up to what you had in mind. But the wilderness is a different kind of place than the city, it's unpredictable. In the city, you can go to a location and know what you're going to get, anything from a football match to a movie. Out here, you never really know what to expect, it just sometimes takes a bit of patience. I know Mr. Hunter has told you about the dangers out here, and he's right about that, this place can be dangerous... but it can also be amazing. There's no telling what we might see out here: wildlife, shooting stars, possibly even magic. I hope that you'll keep your eyes open and give it a chance. For a start, wait until the sun goes down tonight and you can see the stars without the light from a city washing them out, it's pretty spectacular."
Mlinzi briefly pauses before continuning, "Anyway, I'm going to be riding with you on this leg of the trip, maybe we can talk more. By the way, you can call me Mlinzi."
-
Chewing down the last of the pre-packed rice with a strained gulp, ultra checks his AR feed for the time.
we ready to move on?
-
"Let's roll," Mlnzi says. "Come on, Mr. Alzmer, next stop is the mines." The elf walks over to the large Nomad and clambers into the passenger seat. of the vehicle. Releasing her sustained spell, she sends a mental message to Wawindaji. "We are preparing to move again, friend. I would appreciate it if you would resume watching over us."
Assuming that costs another service, Wawindaji is down to one service remaining.
-
As everyone drifted back to their vehicles, Johannes chucked the spent packaging back into the carry-all in the flatbed so as not to leave any signature behind, making sure the tarp was well secured before climbing back into the cab.
Jumping back into Hot-Sim mode, he re-established connection with the vehicle and opened the throttle, re-joining the road westward toward the mines
-
As the convoy started rolling, Mlinzi turned her attention to Alzmer. "So Mr. Alzmer, when you aren't running around darkest Africa, what do you do to keep yourself busy?"
-
As the convoy started rolling, Mlinzi turned her attention to Alzmer. "So Mr. Alzmer, when you aren't running around darkest Africa, what do you do to keep yourself busy?"
He looks at you glumly. I read, read about places. And events. True ones, not like kids stories.
-
Well, this may be a tough nut to crack... Mlinzi thinks to herself after Alzmer responds.
"Is that what you do for work? Like a researcher or something?" the woman asks kindly. "That sounds pretty interesting. I imagine you know all kinds of things. Is there anything in particular that you study?"
-
He laughs. Sort of. Not like that though. Obviously, I study minerals. Well, you would call them rocks.
-
"But rocks are incredible! Out of everything on the Earth, rocks are the oldest and have the most history. Imagine the stories they could tell if they could speak." Mlinzi says encouragingly. "I think your work is very interesting and that you will learn much from the rocks in Kenya. Did you learn about rocks at the University you mentioned earlier?"
-
"But rocks are incredible! Out of everything on the Earth, rocks are the oldest and have the most history. Imagine the stories they could tell if they could speak." Mlinzi says encouragingly. "I think your work is very interesting and that you will learn much from the rocks in Kenya. Did you learn about rocks at the University you mentioned earlier?"
It's nice of you to say so, even if you don't mean it...And yes, at the University in India is where I learned all of this, about the only place you can. No one cares much about the stones beneath their feet. The others there, they always smiled and pretended to be interested, but I could tell they weren't. Probably why I jumped at the chance when the man came and offered me a chance for adventure.
Didn't change anything. I fit in about as well here as I did there.
-
"I do mean it, Mr. Alzmer. As far as you fitting in, you just have to give it some time," Mlinzi said, trying to give the man some hope. "And if time isn't on your side, everyone respects success. I would think you would be admired by your equals if you were to discover a new rock."
"Let me tell you a story that my tribe tells, it's about Simba and Panya, or Lion and Mouse in english. Lion comes across Mouse at a pond and decides to eat him. Mouse pleads for his life, making quite the scene, moaning and crying the entire time. Lion took pity on Mouse and decided not to eat him. Mouse thanked him and promised to help him if he were ever in need. Lion laughed at this thinking how big and strong he was compared to Mouse. Later, Lion is captured in a net set by hunters. The net binds him so much that he cannot use his sharp claws to get out. Mouse hears Lion's struggles and shows up to help. While Lion could not get at the net with his claws, Mouse has no problem chewing through them. Freed, Lion thanks Mouse and promises to protect him from that day forward for saving his life."
"You see, Mr. Alzmer, everyone has skills and just need the right time and place to shine. For you, that time is now. Who else could your employer go to for this expedition? These rocks are the net, you are Mouse, and respect is Lion, waiting to be set free. So cheer up, this is your time to shine." Mlinzi pauses, waiting to see if the lesson hit its mark.
-
He merely shrugs We'll see.
Is there something that you wanted?
-
"I mostly wanted to make sure you had your head in the game." Mlinzi replies. "But I did want to ask about what all is involved in collecting these samples. As you know, we're on a timeline but those of us who aren't rock researchers don't really know what to expect when we finally start digging. The rocks we're looking for... do you know if they're going to be deep in the mines or close to the surface? Once we find the rocks, how long would you guess it would take to collect a sample? If we want to hit all four mines, we need to get an idea about how long we have to spend in each one."
-
"I mostly wanted to make sure you had your head in the game." Mlinzi replies. "But I did want to ask about what all is involved in collecting these samples. As you know, we're on a timeline but those of us who aren't rock researchers don't really know what to expect when we finally start digging. The rocks we're looking for... do you know if they're going to be deep in the mines or close to the surface? Once we find the rocks, how long would you guess it would take to collect a sample? If we want to hit all four mines, we need to get an idea about how long we have to spend in each one."
He looks at you, and speaks with a little more confidence.It's hard to say exactly, but i would expect anything left is going to be rather far in. These mines were abandoned years ago as the costs involved in extracting the mineral didn't justify the value of it. So it may take a bit of looking, but I brought some equipment that should help in locating some, even if it is mostly just dust. Of course, it is possible that the mineral wants to be found, and that would make things much easier.
Once we find it, it just involves cutting out a section of the rock. We don't have to get a pure sample here. Haulting the sections back to the surface is likely to be harder than cutting it out of the walls. We just have to get it in the crates as soon as possible once they are removed from the mine.
-
While the elf is pretty pleased that Alzmer is opening up, some of the things he said chilled her for some reason. Composing herself a bit, Mlinzi says, "What do you mean by 'it is possible that the mineral wants to be found'? How is that possible?"
-
Alzmer sits up and straightens his shoulders. Well, you see...he pauses for a moment, and when he speaks again his tone is less sure. Well, the truth is I don't know. The man... the man who hired me... didn't tell me much. And I guess i didn't ask. I was just so eager to go out and have a real adventure.
I can identify the Tanzanite, I can find it even, get it out of the bedrock. But if it's changed like the man said... I don't know much about parageology. It sounded exciting, so I tried to study it a little, but without being able to see, it was hard to understand.
I do know some though, but probably not enough. That's why the man hired a paranormal expert, or at least that's what he said. But I am beginning to think there was a lot that he didn't tell me. Do you know him? Know who he is? Calling him the man seemed mysterious and exciting once, but now it just seems silly.
-
Intrigued, Mlinzi tried to focus Alzmer. "Honestly Mr. Alzmer, in our line of work, we don't usually know much about the people for whom we're working. If you want a give him a name, the best bet would just be to call him Mr. Johnson. It sounds like you know about as much about him as we do. Tell me, did he mention why he chose you for this adventure?"
Pausing briefly, the elf continues, "If you recall what Hunter said earlier, the wilds can be dangerous. The best way to avoid danger is if we're all aware of what is going on around us. But to know what's going on around us, we need to share information. It would be very helpful if you could tell me what Mr. Johnson shared with you about how the rocks had changed so we can get a better idea of what dangers we may be facing. While Hunter and I have had our share of experiences with paranormal animals and plants, I don't think either of us would be considered an expert."
-
I really don't know much more than that. I am really not sure that if he did either. Just like I told the other man, that those Massey people were using them as part of some sort of rituals. Whether or not that means anything, i don't know.
-
Really starting to regret saying yes to all this shit....
-
"Thanks for talking to me, Mr. Alzmer. You've been a big help." Mlinzi pulls out her commlink and fiddles with it. Looking at Alzmer again, she say, "You might want to try to get a bit of rest. It sounds like we might be working pretty late tonight."
Flipping open her commlink's keyboard, she types out a quick message.
<<@Ultra [rohorafiki]I know you're busy driving, but if you get the chance you might want to look into the search results you did on Alzmer and see if any of the possible Alzmers attending university in India. He also said he thinks the Masaai may be using the rocks for some kind of ritual.>>
-
//Yeah, I'm a little busy dodging these ridiculous pot-holes. Here, I'll make my agent + results available to you. Accept these marks and it'll do what you need it to do <<invited three marks on "Agent" {Owner::Ultra_01}>>//
-
<<@Ultra [rohorafiki] That's probably not a good idea, machines and I really don't get along. Mwindaji is riding with you, maybe he can do it?>>
-
//Ha, you can't do any damage 'cept crash it. I can soon reboot it if it gets stuck. <<To:Team:: Invited 3 marks on "Agent"{Owner::Ultra_01}>>
-
Mutumbo didn’t really understand what was so hard about mentally commanding a device to perform something, even while driving the car, but he shrugged and accepted the marks. Then he commanded the agent to look up everything it could find about the mines they had to visit.
[spoiler=agent’s action]I don’t know its dice pool , please help.[/spoiler]
-
You slowly pick your way down roads of decreasing quality as you draw closer to your destination. You find your way around the last town and past the small village at the point of the lake. As you exit the lake basin, you begin to climb into the foothills, the roads now heavily rutted and turned to dust.
-
As the group nears the mine area, Mlinzi grabs her comm and send the team a message.
<<@Team [RohoRafiki] Before we get too close, I can ask my spirit ally to scout the area once we find the road to the mines. Thoughts?>>
-
//works for me, I'll hold back till you give me the word//
-
Mlinzi sends a silent missive to Wawindaji. "My friend, thank you for watching over us. I have one more favor to ask. Please follow the man-path we have been traveling on to a hole in the earth, one likely bearing the scars of wounds inflicted by man. If you see any men along the way or once you arrive, please let me know."
With her ally dispatched, the elf texts the team.
<<Wawindaji is on the hunt. It should not take him long to report.>>
Nudging Alzmer she says, "We're getting near, Mr. Alzmer. Best prepare yourself."
-
A band of the two legs nest in the not-den.
I have done as you asked. My hunt begins.
The spirit fades from this plain, returning to its home.
-
"Trouble..." Mlinzi says out loud as she grabs her commlink. She composes a quick message to the team.
<<@Team [RohoRafiki] Alright, we may have a problem. Wawindaji says there are people at the mine, but I do not know their numbers. I believe the road from here to there is clear. We may want to be cautious and use the cover of darkness>>
-
”If we want a useful recon, I wouldn’t wait for dark. We won’t be able to se either. They are there, know the lay of the land, easier for them to surprise us than the other way around.” Hunter’s instincts kicked in, as he read Mlinzi’s report. The hunt began, and this was his area of expertise. ”Also, they will be able to hear the vehicles from miles. They probably won’t be able to say from where, but will hear it. So if you want reckon on foot, we’ll lose an hour or two. Ultra, that drone you brought with you, is it able to make sharp pictures from high altitude? If you make a single pass over, they may not notice it, or just think it a passing bird.”
-
//Yep, I'll get it unpacked now//
Ultra brings the vehicle to rest on the track, killing the engine and returning to his physical body.
His legs ached a bit with under-use, and his feet tingled as he jumped clumsily out of the cab onto the track.
It took a couple of minutes to retrieve the drone from under the tarp and deploy its blades, but soon Ultra had the nimble craft in a stable hover, guided from his deck in a beautiful cacophony of AR readouts, sensor feeds and avionics. He opened the AR channel to the team, allowing their Image links to pick it up.
"Hunter, you might want to run your eyes over this feed, i'm going over for a pass now"
Johannes eased up the throttle to gain altitude, pushing 500m and the limits of his sensor's vision magnification before heading towards the mines.
pilot test if needed: pilot air 2, rea 4, AR +1 (7d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4380921/)
Perception test through camera sensor:int 4, ewar 4, actively looking 3, image enhance 1 (+ vision mag) (12d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4380947/)
looking for metahumans around the mine
-
I sometimes forget they are humans, Mlinzi thinks as the men prepare to reconnoiter the area.
"Wait here in the truck, Mr. Alzmer. The men are checking out the mine before we move forward."
Lacking any form of AR display due to the vertigo such technologies cause her, the elf squats down in front of the vehicles and keeps watch on the surrounding area as the rest of the team focuses on the operation of the drone. Sliding her goggles over her eyes, she readies her bow and sets an arrow to the string.
-
"Shit. We're not the first ones here. I've currently got one guy on sensors, unloading a jeep"
Ultra dialled up the image enhancement even further, trying to get a good look at what the guy was unloading off the van.
int 4, ewar 4, actively looking 3, image enhance 1 (+ vision mag) (12d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4381248/)
-
Frenchy huffed lightly and smiled vaguely. It looks like we may be earning our paychecks Mr. Alzmer. Please remain calm and we'll keep you informed as we develop more information.
-
"Shit. We're not the first ones here. I've currently got one guy on sensors, unloading a jeep"
Ultra dialled up the image enhancement even further, trying to get a good look at what the guy was unloading off the van.
int 4, ewar 4, actively looking 3, image enhance 1 (+ vision mag) (12d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4381248/)
Most of what is in the back of the jeep is packed in low wooden or plastic boxes, some of which are open and not that hard to see into. Those that you can make out seem to contain varying types of plant material you cannot identify. If this is also what is in the closed containers, you cannot tell.
He isn't unloading everything, but a few of the boxes/crates are being unloaded
-
Guys, not sure if you are seeing this or not, but it appears to be some kind of plant material being unloaded. Get Alzmer to have a look, see if he can figure it out. We're either going to have to force these guys out or come back when they've finished whatever it is they're doing.
Ultra mentally kicked his trid projector into action, beaming a narrow cone of the sensor displays into the air ahead of him.
-
Mlinzi stood up from her crouch as the sun approaches the horizon. It would probably be another hour before the sun fully set. Wondering what was taking the others so long, she headed back toward where they were conferring. Ultra was focused on his cyberdeck, leaning it this way and that as his thumbs flew across the screen. A small device rested on the ground projecting an image of a familiar fruit. Mlinzi had a really, really good idea of what that fruit was; she was certain she had heard stories about it and she was determined to inform the group about it.
"I'm certain I know what that is.That fruit is of the Sangre Del Diablo tree. It's an Awakened carnivorous tree from South America and was involved in a war down there I think. I heard the Corps here were developing them to use on Kilimanjrao to keep eco-warriors out.
-
Awakened, CARNIVOUROUS plants? What the fuck? No way am I going in there.
Ultra shook his head in despair, this job was going to shit and they hadn't even stepped foot in the mines yet.
He swung the drone around and followed the map-co-ords for the second mine, maintaining his altitude.
Datajack and signal scrub for -3 noise
if the noise applies to sensor tests: perception test with noise (10d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4383509/)
if it doesn't: perception test with no noise (12d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4383507/)
-
”Hm, doesn’t look like a corp facility down there.” An uncomfortable feeling started to creep up Mutumbo’s spine. The fruit of some rare South-American awakened plant. Must be worth something. He said only one word, half a question, half a statement. ”Smugglers?”
[spoiler=knowledge]Note: Mutumbo tries to think what this might be worth on the black market, if there is demand for that at all. Also, if there is, he tries to remember if he heard about anybody doing business with the fruit and/or the plant itself.
INT(5) + Black Markets(3) [Mental(4)] (8d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4383520/)[/spoiler]
Hearing Ultra he rolled his eyes. "Oh, and for Gods' sake, its fruits in a box, man, not the plants themselves."
-
Right, and just how sure are you that there isn't an entire fucking farm of the adult ones down there?
-
"I know little about how they grow and whether that could happen in a mine. But, with the right amount of heat or better yet an open flame, the fruit bursts and the seeds fly all over the place. It caused problems in the war in Central America when one of the sides tried to use flame-throwers and napalm to clear out the Sangre Del Diablo thickets. I think they are still dealing with the rampant growth now." Mlinzi says confidently.
-
Me this is the job. No? If the plant wants to frag with us we'll frag it back. Frenchy typed with the fingers of one hand as he smiled at Mr. Alzmer.
My associates are reconnoitering the first mine now Mr. Alzmer. Be patient and we'll have your rocks for you toot sweet.. If there is a plant we'll deal with it. Do any of you know any good tricks for dealing with something like this. I assume a machete would just get your arm taken off.
Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili
Matrix/Text
-
As the device projects the drone's overhead view of the mine marked as Mine A on their map, Mlinzi says, "It looks clear. What is our decision? We only need a sample from either of these two mines." The elf thought it made little sense to try the closest cave given the confirmed presence of others and the option to try the other mine in its stead.
-
"What's this crap about two mines?" Mutumbo asked in a low voice, so that Alzmer couldn't hear. "I know Alzmer said that two would probably be enough but he also said he'd like the four. So in my opinion we go for the four." He looked around the others seriously. "By the way, the guy seems to be unloading now, so i say we go to the mine that looks clear, handle that one, then come back and see if he left, then we go into this mine. We can still do that today. And if some plant messes with us, i agree with Frenchy. Hopefully we can rely on you magic, Mlinzi."
-
"Roho Kutoa," Mlinzi says in response to Mwindaji's comment. "If that is to be our decision, then let us move."
Mlinzi returns to the Nomad with Alzmer and secures her restraints. Turning to Alzmer, she says, "We will be checking out the mine marked A first and then returning to this mine to see if the occupants have departed. Tell me, Mr. Alzmer, is there any reason others would be searching for this rock?"
-
"Roho Kutoa," Mlinzi says in response to Mwindaji's comment. "If that is to be our decision, then let us move."
Mlinzi returns to the Nomad with Alzmer and secures her restraints. Turning to Alzmer, she says, "We will be checking out the mine marked A first and then returning to this mine to see if the occupants have departed. Tell me, Mr. Alzmer, is there any reason others would be searching for this rock?"
Well......probably.....I don't see why not. I mean if we have a reason, someone else could have the same reason? Occam's razor and all. Although... I don't know what help a plant could be in finding a mineral. Plants usually draw up minerals from the soil, but still... a carniverous plant would derive it from living tissue it liquifies, and I doubt it has anything like teeth that would cut through solid bedrock...
He suddenly sounds paniced Does it?
-
"Not that I am aware of, only strong enough to rend flesh. But that's why you have us, your security is our number one priority." Mlinzi says, trying to calm the man down.
-
You pile back into the two vehicles and follow the dirt access road past the first mine and head off to the second. As you pull up outside of it, the sun is barely above the horizon.
-
”OK, everyone, here’s what I suggest.” Mutumbo was the first out of the vehicles. ”We spend a few minutes scouting out the immediate area before we go in. Then, we go in, but someone should guard the cars. Will the drone be able to do that? Does someone need to stay outside?”
-
Mlinzi exited the Nomad and scanned the immediate area. Other than threats, she was also looking for signs of activity at this mine such as fresh tire tracks or refuse that had not been properly cleaned up. Readying her bow, she looked over to Mwindaji.
"I could ask for help, but that might be better used in the mine. If we can, we should probably move the trucks out of sight while we are down below." Considering Mwindaji's question, the elf commented, "The machine would be best, the tunnels might be too tight for it to fly anyway."
-
Ultra stretched his legs again, nowhere near as weary as after the previous leg of the journey, un-tarping the flat bed to get access to their kit and supplies. He deploys the drone, commanding it to perform a patrol route 1km square around their current position and slaving it's sensor suite to his image link for his perusal. He grabs the tents from the flat bed and begins setting them out in a logical order on reasonably flat ground, using the car's headlights as a boost to the failing evening night. Grabbing his flashlight out of the truck for close up work, he addressed the gathered team:
Doesn't take much rock for the signal to drop off. Depending on how deep we go, we'd lose connection to the drone and wouldn't know what it is reporting in the first place, let alone the latency of us having to get all the way out of the mine and back to camp to deal with whatever is reports. its unarmed too and has no autosofts so it can't exactly fend anyone off. I bought it as an extra set of eyes and early warning system.
It's fine, I'll stay topside and look after the vehicles. I'll get the tents up while we still have a fragment of daylight to work with too.
Keep in touch though, we'll probably need to daisy-chain RFID tags every 50m if you're going deep. {He slings his bag of rfids to Hunter} Switch those to broadcast mode and they'll extend a mesh network down the shaft, giving us at least a basic line of communications.
If you pass me the RFID key for the nomad, I'll spin both vehicles around in case we need to make a hasty exit.
Ultra checks his pistol's firing action and loads a clip of APDS, hoping to hell he wouldn't need to use it, holstering it while he sets to putting up the tents.
-
Mlinzi crouched down and rubbed her hands on the ground near the vehicles. Picking her way around the mine entrance, she took note of what her senses and instincts told her. After making a circuit of the area, she returned to the group.
"There have probably been vehicles here somewhat recently, but probably not within the last few weeks. I also did not see any other signs of metahuman activity either, mostly just a lot of bat drek." Glancing over at Ultra she warned, "Watch out for hyenas, though. They can be nasty in large enough packs."
-
As Alzmer waited in the Nomad, Mlinzi conferred with her companions. "If I remember right, one of the conditions of the job was keeping Alzmer safe. Would it be best if he waited up here with Ultra while the rest of us clear the mine of obvious danger? Won't do us much good if he just gets randomly geeked, right?"
-
"I don't really want to clear the whole mine if i don't have to. And only he knows what we are looking for." Mutumbo calmly checked his guns while speaking.
-
"So be it. Since we have no more daylight left to burn, let us get started." Mlinzi replied. Moving over to the Nomad. the elf opened the door. "It is time for your adventure, Mr. Alzmer. Can you show us what equipment you will need to collect these rocks?"
As the researcher moved to the back of the truck to locate equipment, the elf leaned against the side of the truck and asked Mwindaji, "So what is the plan inside the mine? I can cast the spell I cast earlier on whoever is leading that will allow them to detect living things. While the tracks don't seem to show any people, there's still no telling what could be in there."
-
"Wow, that is useful. Will that new kind of sense take long to get used to? I think i will take point, so i would be the one receiving that spell, and i don't want it to distract me from sight and hearing."
-
"It should be as natural as your own eyes and ears. Here, let me cast the spell on you now and you can see what it is like. If it is too distracting, I will end it."
Mlinzi looks Mwindaji in the eye as she reaches for his arm, wanting to make sure the hunter knew her intentions. Calling forth a burst of mana, she infused the man's aura with power, opening senses that he normally did not posses. Oddly, Mlinzi felt a strange resistance to her spell and she intuitively knew that it was less powerful than she expected. "Hold, Mwindaji, there is a... resistance. Let me try it one more time."
Dropping the cast spell, the elf again called forth mana from the surrounding area and tried infusing it into the man's aura. Once again, she encountered a resistance she did not expect. "I apologize. For some reason, my spells are not as effective as they normally are. I do not know if it is this place or something I have done to anger my allies. You should rely on your own senses in the mines, the spell I cast may give you an inkling of other beings, but I can make no promises."
Discouraged, Mlnizi gathers her gear and wonders what she has done to displease the spirits. As she waits, she takes the time to erase the evidence of her spellcasting failures from the astral plane.
Casting Detect Life (F5) on Mwindaji: Spellcasting (5) + Magic (4) (9d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4389062/)
Drain Resistance (2S): Willpower (5) + Charisma (8 ) (13d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4389119/) (No drain)
I'm really getting tired of these rolls...
Recast Casting Detect Life (F5) on Mwindaji: Spellcasting (5) + Magic (4) (9d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4389176/) ...FFS! $*%^!
Drain Resistance (2S): Willpower (5) + Charisma (8 ) (13d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4389178/) (No Drain)
For bookkeeping purposes, Mwindaji has a 20-meter Detect Life spell that will only give vague information when it isn't completely resisted (which will be rare). Sorry!
Erasing Astral Signatures of her two spells. Takes 30 seconds.
-
Ultra finished putting up his own pop-up tent in the course of a few minutes, glad he'd made the most of the ailing light as the others prepared to enter the mine
He took a minute to scan the trid feed from the drone's sensors, checking for anything that looked alive enough to be a threat as it performed its patrol.
int 3 percep 3 image enhance 1 (low light) active search 3 (10d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4389143/)
The trid feed cast a greenish hue across Johanne's face as it's Lowlight mode worked against the fading evening light, amplifying the available light into something than Ultra's eyes could make sense of, it's motion sensor pinging away merrily in Ultra's audio feed.
Satisfied with his work on his own tent, he turned his attention to the murky looking mine entrance, shrouded in the dusk. He felt glad he wasn't going in there, part of him deeply afraid of collapsed tunnels, ghouls and whatever beasty his imagination brought into existence when he thought too long about it. He'd never been that good with caves, always feeling uneasy in them. The prospect of an abandoned mine did nothing to calm his nerves, he'd rather take his chances with bandits, pissed off locals and ravening hyena packs anyday. Well maybe not anyday, but certainly this one.
He opened up his scanning suite and began a sweep.
matrix perception (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4389147/) general matrix perception for mine entrance
matrix perception (6d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4389148/) search for hidden icons
-
As the sun dips below the horizon and full twilight descends, the tens of thousands of bats that make the cave their home erupt from the fissure, fanning out in all directions, temporarily plunging you into near total darkness. The exodus takes nearly 10 minutes, and when only the stragglers remain, you find yourselves highlighted with random splotches of guano. for those that already are out of the vehicles that is. hey, at least anything in the cave won't smell you coming.[/spoiler] You can almost hear Alzmer's rolling laughter from inside the closed nomad. He steps out of the nomad and smartly sets his helmet on his head before fetching his case.
Shall we be off, or in chaps? And don't forget a crate.
-
Mlinzi merely shrugged. Far worse things than bat guano had covered her in the past, such was life.
"Yes Mr. Alzmer, let us go. Hunter will lead, I will go next, then you, and Frenchy will cover our backs."
Stowing what little gear she had, the elf grabbed hold of one of the crates. Lifting with her legs, she grunted as she picked the heavy box up. Shifting it in her hands, she settled the crate to where it was as comfortable as possible. Shifting her perception to the astral, she said, "Alright, I'm ready."
-
Drek, this will take some effort to get out of my clothes. Mutumbo took some time to at least remove most of the guano from himself and his equipment, double-checking the gun before they went inside. ”OK, I’m ready. The one behind me should keep a distance of about three meters. If by some chance you notice anything I missed, please use the radio instead of just shouting, we don’t want to alert anything that might live in the mine to our presence.” He fastened his high-output flashlight to his helmet, shouldered his backpack, and after the others were also ready, he grabbed his gun and started down the tunnel.
-
Ultra just looked down at the thin covering of bat shit on the tent he'd just put up.
Fucking brilliant, bagsy not sleeping in that one tonight.
He flashed his torch into the flat bed, grabbing the other tents out ready to make a start before re-applying his insect repellent spray.
He couldn't help but feel a bit scared. A glance around him told him that he was out in the big country. A wound out here would be fatal, it had taken them most of the day to get this far, there certainly wasn't any hope of a docwagon pickup and it was a bloody long drive back to civilisation from here.
Don't fuck this up Johannes. Keep your eye on those sensors and you'll be fine.
Almost instinctively, he brushed his arm past his holster, subconsciously checking the gun was still there.
@GM, Can you consider Ultra to be checking the sensor feed every couple of minutes while he sorts the camp out? please roll for him if you can, thanks
-
You find your way into the opening, and down into the twisting tunnels of the mine. At each branching of the tunnels Alzmer stops and, using a piece of chalk, places an arrow pointing back the way you have come. Three bends in, you are in total darkness, the only illumination the weak glow of your lanterns which is quickly sucked up in the endless dark, the only sound the shortness of your indrawn breath and shuffling of your feet over rock floor, slick in places with the leavings of the bats.
Alzmer is using some kind electronic sensor that you cannot discern the function of. At every cross junction before picking a path, he runs the apparatus over the walls in either direction. You can see no difference in the device as it is passed over one wall or the other, but apparently he sees enough to allow him to choose one path or the other.
After what seems like an hour in the pressing dark, but in truth is only about eight minutes, most of it spent while Alzmer takes his readings, you come to the top of the shaft of an old heavy duty elevator. You press the button, trying to call the platform from the bottom, but the machinery doesn't react. Several more attempts at it yield no different results. Whatever generator once powered the lift was likely removed when the corp pulled out. Shinning a light down the opening you can make out the platform sitting, immobile, about a dozen meters below.
-
Mlinzi gazed into the yawning opening. Leaning close to Mwindaji she pitched her voice low and said, "It appears we will need to set ropes if we can not figure out a way to activate the machine." The elf looked around for somewhere to tie off a rope, her natural eyesight best suited to see in the low light. Resting the crate on the ground, she placed a hand on Alzmer's forearm and asked in the same low voice, "Are you any good at climbing ropes?"
-
”Whatever powered this elevator is probably long gone, so unless you hid a powerful battery up in your sleeves, climbing it is.” Mutumbo replied quietly. ”Mr. Alzmer, I assume we stopped because we have to go down? I have rope and harness in my backpack. How far down you think it is?”
-
Alzmer peers over the edge and waivers on his feet, stepping back quickly with his left to regain his balance.
Far enough. And down. Yes, need to go down.
-
Noticing Alzmer's uncertainty with the height, Mlinzi leaned close to Mwindaji and said in a low voice, "He doesn't seem too sure of himself. I can use spirit magic to lower him and others down but I will need to cease the spell I have on you. We should set the ropes though, just in case... If you would be kind enough to cover me and provide light, I am going to check things out below."
Mlinzi dropped the spell she had been sustaining on Mwindaji and peered over the ledge. Switching her senses briefly to the astral, she checked out the shaft to make sure nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Satisfied, she summoned mana from the rocks surrounding her and lifted herself over the yawning shaft. With a nod, she descended into the depths.
Checking out the shaft in Astral: Assensing (2) + INT (4) (6d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4396060/)
Casting Levitate (F4): Spellcasting (5) + MAG (4) (9d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4396062/)
Resist Drain (DV2S): WIL (5) + CHA (8) (13d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4396064/) (No Drain)
-
You descend into shaft, and drift down to the platform. Ahead, you see a featureless gray tunnel, unremarkable from those above.
-
The elf pauses for a second, trying to detect any unusual sounds, before floating back up to the rest of the group.
Huddling up, she says, "As far as I can tell, it looks clear. I'll go back down, drop off the crate, and then cover the tunnel entrance while Mwindaji makes his way down. Mr. Alzmer, I'd prefer to bring you down using this spell while you hold on to the rope that Mwindaji will set. It's perfectly safe, all you need to do is move your hands down the rope as I bring you down. Frenchy, your call on how you want to get down, just let me know."
Before heading back down, the elf takes the time to wipe out the astral signature of the spell she cast. Once agreement is reached, Mlinzi levitates back down to the platform, ceases sustaining her spell, and focuses her senses on the tunnel, waiting for Mwindaji to join her.
Keeping watch on the tunnel (Sight/Sound): Perception (2) + INT (4) (6d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4396364/)
-
Mutumbo took the climbing gear from his backpack. He looked for anything the rope could be securely tied to, and if he didn't find anything suitable, he took a piton and hammered it in a stable and big piece of rock in one wall, to have something to tie the rope to. He waited until Mlinzi gave him the sign it was OK to descend then grabbed the rope and climbed down.
[spoiler=climbing]STR(4) + Gymnastics(4) + Assisted(2) [Physical(5)] (10d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4396986/); 2 meters
STR(4) + Gymnastics(4) + Assisted(2) [Physical(5)] (10d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4396989/); 8 meters
STR(4) + Gymnastics(4) + Assisted(2) [Physical(5)] (10d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4396990/); 16 meters, down[/spoiler]
When he arrived, he took over watch duty from Mlinzi, waiting for all to arrive before moving on.
-
With Mwindaji covering the tunnel, the elf levitated the remainder of the party down the shaft. Starting with Alzmer, the elf called on the magic of the spirits to carefully brings him down. With his eyes closed, Alzmer held onto the rope with a death-grip; Mlinzi paused occasionally so that the man could readjust his grip on the rope.
As soon as the researcher reached the bottom, Mlinzi dropped the sustained spell and targeted Frenchy. With the precautions taken with Alzmer, Frenchy was forced to carry the researcher's kit down the shaft, but not having to actually climb the rope made the task significantly easier.
Once all of the group had reached the platform. the elf asked, "Are we ready?"
Two Castings of Levitate (F4): Spellcasting (5) + Magic (4) Two Drain Resistance (DV2S): WIL (5) + CHA (8) (9d6.hits(5)=1, 13d6.hits(5)=4, 9d6.hits(5)=4, 13d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4397257/)
.
-
Topside, the air was clear and a fair bit noisier than in the mine given the stirrings of nocturnal insects. Occasionally a pair of eyes would catch some stray reflection of light, but none approached the campsite.
In the mine, things were much quieter. Alzmer had mounted the cutting laser to the wall, the laser working in a circular pattern, digging ever deeper into the rock, nearly silent in its motion. Though there was no way for you to tell the torches progress, Alzmer assured you it was making headway.
Finally, the light of the torch faded, and after allowing the rock to cool, Alzmer withdrew a conical section of rock about 24 inches in height. Holding it out to Mlinzi, he spoke softly.
You see the tiny blue flecks in the rock? They are far too small for use in jewelry, but should provide enough for sampling their properties when they are removed.
As he spoke, he smiled for the first time in a while. And the rock was kind of pretty, the way the tiny bluish gemstones reflected the light.
As Mlinzi studied the rock, she was distracted by a voice in her mind. Why do you take these things from the Earth. Looking up, she made out two spirits in the astral, flanking her and Alzmer in the tunnel.
-
Mlinzi looked on the rock with wonder. It is beautiful... she thought as Alzmer spoke, the weak light refracting off the cone of rock. Happy that they had concluded this task, Mlinzi was about to contact Frenchy and Mwindaji when the voice entered her head. Her astral sight picked out the two spirits hovering near her and Alzmer.
Breathing in sharply, she said out loud, "Great Spirits!" Bowing her head out of respect, she mentally responded to the spirit's query. Great spirits! Forgive us our for coming to your home! We believe something of concern may have happened that changed the Earth. The man needs to take only a small piece to see if that is the case. I am very concerned,
Assensing Spirits: Assensing (2) + Intuition (4) (6d6.hits(5)=2, 6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4401707/)
Assensing the spirits if possible, 2 hits on each test
Let me know if I need to roll an Etiquette test or something.
-
They are free earth spirits, from what you can tell. You can't tell what their force is.
The two legs that hold themselves above the earth changed it. Many were made unto aether. Earth bleeds tears of stone. This is her blood. It calls to us. It is ours.
There is a pause, and the voice in your head is replaced with another. You cannot tell from which spirit the words come, but you can tell the second is speaking now.
The one is of the earth. The other two not.
-
<<@team:://How you getting on guys? clear up here for the time being//>>
-
Mutumbo looked around alarmed at the words from Mlinzi. He saw nothing and that made him shiver. Great, spirits, he thought, wishing he had a third hand to hold a jazz popper at the ready as well. He didn’t light the magnesium torch yet though, lest they take it as offense.
Remembering the peaceful days, what the tribe’s shaman tried to tell people, he began a silent prayer to appease the spirits and avert their possible wrath from the team.
-
After a pause, Mlinzi replies.
"Great Spirits, look into my aura and know that I speak the truth. I cried alongside the Earth when the two-legs who hold themselves above the Earth changed her. My parents were lost to me that day. I want to punish those two-legs for what they have done to the Earth and my parents. They have plans for the blood tears of the Earth, but I know not what they are yet. I humbly ask that you let us take this small tear so I can uncover those plans."
The response of the spirits comes faster
You may seek the showing. Do the others?
The second voice finishes.
What trade do they offer? What trade is worth blood of the earth?
As they are speaking Alzmer cuts in. We really should put that in the box.
-
Switching to her terrestrial voice, Mlinzi says, "Mr. Alzmer, I'm at this very moment bartering over your rock with two spirits who apparently lay claim to it. You might want to shut the frag up unless you want to be buried down here..."
Raising her voice enough to carry down the passageways, the elf calls out, "Gentlemen, we have visitors. Please come..."
Smiling at the spirits, she sends to them, "Please forgive the young two-legs, he is blind and weak like a wingless bat." Getting down to business, she continued, "I will seek the showing. I cannot speak for the others, they are unfamiliar with the ways of the earth. What could we offer of value to the spirits that you do not already have?"
-
Bartering? With the spirits? Oh, man, why can’t she leave us out of it? She’s the shaman, after all, ain’t she?” Despite his misgivings, he drew closer to Mlinzi and Alzmer, although he kept about 6 meters distance. He acknowledged with growing unease, maybe even a little fear, that whatever the elf decided to agree on, the spirits might try and force on them, too. That was why he didn’t like the denizens of the spirit realms, because he wasn’t able to represent himself, and he didn’t understand their needs and goals. At the same time, though, he knew from stories that earth spirits were stronger and more stubborn than a charging rhino, so he had no inclination to fight them here. Or anywhere at all, if that could be managed.
-
Smiling at the spirits, she sends to them, "Please forgive the young two-legs, he is blind and weak like a wingless bat." Getting down to business, she continued, "I will seek the showing. I cannot speak for the others, they are unfamiliar with the ways of the earth. What could we offer of value to the spirits that you do not already have?"
Blood of Earth without price. Blood calls to blood. Can you make that unmade? What have you?
-
If blood calls to blood, then blood the Earth shall have...
Mlinzi drew her survival knife and set it to her palm. With a swift jerk and wince, she sliced the meaty part of her palm near her thumb. Squeezing her fist, her blood ran between her fingers and dripped to the ground. Opening her hand, the elf placed it inside the hole Alzmer had cut into the rockface and smeared it on the sides of the hole.
-
Mutumbo watched in horror as Mlinzi drew her knife and cut herself, doing Gods knew what kind of blood magic. He prayed even more fervently. Beads of sweat rolling down his neck, unease slowly turned into fear, but his word still kept him in place.
-
Spirits! Here?!?Alzmer looks around wildly. We took too long!
As he finishes speaking, the two spirits materialize in the tunnel.
-
"Shut up," Mlinzi sayid sternly to Alzmer. "We'll have words later... hopefully."
The shaman bowed her head in respect to the spirits. Clenching her blood-seeping fist, she said, "I have given to you what I can. If you seek more, then say your terms."
-
As soon as the spirits materialized, Mutumbo lit the magnesium torch. He didn't quite feel comfortable with them in the dark. When the torch was lit, he dropped it and took a jazz popper from his pocket, and waited for developments.
-
Frenchy swings his rifle up into position and fires recklessly on the nearest spirit.
<French> I ain't dying in no hole in the ground.
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4406155/ (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4406155/) He hits the spirit between he and Mlinzi quite hard..
His shot connects dead center on the spirit, causing it to turn towards him.
<English>I think I pissed it off!
-
Damnit Frenchy!, Mlinzi thought, realizing the situation was now well and truly fragged. While she hated having to fight these spirits, the elf knew that Frenchy's attack had instituted the law of the jungle: kill or be killed. Calling out to Alzmer, she yelled, "Secure the rock and take cover!"
Her hair standing on end, the shaman shaped the surrounding mana into a bolt of lightning. Acrid, bloody smoke curled up from her hands as she lanced the bolt toward the spirit Frenchy had just attacked. Forgive me, she thought.
Cast Lightning Bolt (F5): Spellcasting (5) + Magic (4) - Astral Perception (2) (7d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4406274/)
Resist Drain: WIL (5) + CHA (8 ) (13d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4406276/) (No Drain)
DV 7P (-5 AP) Electrical Attack if it doesn't avoid it. Electrical causes -5 Initiative & -1 Dice Pool to all tests (excepting resistance tests) for 1 CT)
-
The lightning bolt leaves her hand and glances past the dusty form of the earth spirit, kicking up sparks as it impacts with the tunnel wall. The second spirit turns it's attention to the nearest threat, and focusing its will attempts to drive it from the fight and deeper into the mines.
Spirit number 2 is using the fear power on Hunter, and scored 2 hits. Hunter needs to roll logic+wil to resist or flees for x combat turns where x is equal to net hits.
Alzmer, shocked by the sudden outbreak of violence, stands stunned in the middle of the tunnel.
The first spirit, ignoring the near miss of the bolt of electricity, moves in an ethreal cloud of dust towards Frenchy, and attempts to to engulf him within its churning sandstorm, but Frenchy ducks and manages to roll out of the way as the spirit reforms behind him.
Ren's turn is up after he resists (or doesn't)
-
8D6R5 => [ 1; 5; 3; 5; 1; 4; 4; 4 => 2 success(es) against 5 ] = 2 | ones: 2
perception test to hear the gunshot in the mine. (had to use rolz.org as invisible castle is down again)
//Guys, no answer from the last message.
Just checking we've still got comms, you copy?//
Ultra checks the sensor feed once again as he stirs the rice, now simmering over a low heat.
-
[spoiler=resistance test]LOG(2) + WIL(3): 5D6E5 => 2 | ones: 1[/spoiler]
Mutumbo felt the waves of horror passing him but he didn't have the time to be afraid. He knew he needed the edge against the spirits, so he took the popper and inhaled quickly, feeling the extra adrenaline coursing through him immediately. It seemed taking no time to raise the rifle and take a shot at the spirit.
With not too much time to reply to Ultra, he barked in the radio "Got a situation."
[spoiler=actions]Use Simple Device, simple action: using the inhaler already in his hand; effect: +1 REA and +2d6 initiative immediately - initiative goes up by 2D6+1 => 10 (to 19), duration is 1d6*10 minutes (1D6 => 3)
Fire Single Shot, simple action: AGI(6) + Longarms(6) + Smartlink(2) [Accuracy(9)]: 14D6E5 => 7 | ones: 1; opposed by REA + INT, DV 12P + net hits, AP -4[/spoiler]
-
Ultra nearly spat out the rice he was testing as the AR message pinged up in his feed.
<<What kind of situation??>>
-
Stuff happened (placeholder)
-
The shaman gathered herself. While she had hoped to resolve the situation peacefully, things had clearly gotten out of hand. Mentally indexing the powers granted her by the spirits, Mlinzi sadly rejected the non-damaging spells, realizing they either would be ineffectual or possibly effect the rest of the team. With few options, the elf switched her vision back to the material plane and hurriedly called on the spirits of the sky to grant her another boon. "Roho za anga, hear my plea!" Mlinzi knew she risked danger for her impertinence but the situation called for it. She knew she would have to seek absolution for her crimes when this job was over... if the spirits didn't take her first.
Lightning welled from her hands and flew toward the spirit Mwindaji had recently shot.
SA - Switch from Astral to Normal Perception
SA - Recklessly Cast Lightning Bolt (F3): Spellcasting (5) + Magic (4) (9d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4420621/)
Damage: DV3 + Net Hits (AP -3) (If damage sustained, then electrical secondary effects as well)
Resist Drain (3S): Willpower (5) + Charisma (8) (13d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4420625/) (No Drain)
-
With the immediate threat disappearing, Mutumbo turned to the other enemy without much thought. Adrenaline surging through his veins, his vision focused on the materialized spirit, he was not really considerate of Frenchy, although he knew he was there. After briefly aiming, he took his second shot.
[spoiler=actions]Aim, simple action: +1 dice pool to shoot
Fire Single Shot, simple action: AGI(6) + Longarms(6) + Smartlink(2) + Aim(1) [Accuracy(9)] (15d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4426616/); opposed by REA + INT, DV 12P + net hits, AP -4[/spoiler]
-
The shot finds its target and the spirit fades from this plain of existence.
-
Mlinzi took a deep breath to steady herself. What am I doing? she thought to herself. I am fighting the very beings that have blessed me with these gifts. While she held herself together externally, she was a bit of a mess on the inside with her emotions continuing the fight in her mind.
She briefly switched her senses to the astral plane to insure that the spirits were actually gone and not simply hiding to ambush them again. Once satisfied that the coast was indeed clear, she switched her senses back to the physical plane.
Walking over to the researcher, the shaman handed the mystical rock to him and said, "Mr. Alzmer, please put the rock in your case so we can get out of here." Mlinzi says dispassionately. "Is anyone injured?"
-
”No injuries here, but that can change if some other spirits come to check on us, so why don’t we get the HELL out of here while we still can? Come on, people, show some activity, we don’t have time to idle here.” Mutumbo was obviously on full speed now, his eyes somewhat feverish, his head snapping this way and that as he constantly kept watch of their surroundings. He totally forgot his mental link to the comm, so he used the mic when he spoke to Ultra. "Hey, Ultra, pack the gear up there and don’t care to be too tidy about it. We will need to put some distance between us and this mine before we can rest. Get the drone to find us some likely campsite by the time we’re up there." He turned to the others as if wanting to say something, then used the comm again. ”I mean, please.”
-
Ultra was just about ready to send another message to find out what the hell was going on down there as the reply to his previous query came through.
//Got it, will do. Anyone hurt?//
Ultra quickly sets about unpopping the tent pegs from the ground with the blade of his knife and flattening the pop-up struts as quickly as he could, keeping half an eye on the drone's trid feed.
-
As Mwindaji snaps out orders, the elf examined her hand. The cut seeped blood, her body mocking her failure to negotiate with the spirits of the land. She sighed heavily and closed her eyes, hoping the spirits would answer her call and heal her. Warmth flowed through her body as she channeled the energy, the flow of blood stopping and the gash in her hand sealing almost immediately. Whispering a prayer to her spirit guardians and slipping her senses to the astral plane, Mlinzi took several more seconds to erase the various spell signatures littering the astral plane, stark reminders of the recently completed battle.
Cast Heal (F1): Spellcasting (5) + Magic (4) (9d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4428434/) (Net Hits: 1 due to Force)
Resist Drain: Willpower (5) + Charisma (8) (13d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4428438/) (No Drain)
- Takes about half a minute to wipe clean the astral plane
-
Alzmer eventually manages to put the rock in the box.
-
Mlinzi squatted next to the box and attempted to lift it. "OOOF!" she exclaimed. "Hey Frenchy, can you give me a hand. This rock must weigh a ton." The elf grabbed one handle and waited for the short man to grab the other end. "Let's get out of here."
-
Frenchy wanders down the tunnel and grabs an end.
-
The team hastily retraced their steps through the dark tunnel and reached the disabled lift platform in short order. Glancing around, Mlinzi stated "I will send Frenchy up first to make sure our way is clear above and Mwindaji can cover the rest of us while we go up. Then we can cover him when he climbs."
The shaman steadied herself as she prepared to cast the series of spells. She had been confident when the team had headed into the mine. Now, her sense of self was shaken. Gathering the mana from the surrounding rock, Mlinzi channeled it and lifted Frenchy up with little effort. The little Frenchman ascended relatively quickly and took up a covering position in the tunnel above. Mlinzi squatted and grabbed hold of the heavy case, making sure to life it with her legs. She once again channeled magic and lifted herself from the floor of the cavern, holding onto the case tightly. Once she arrived at the top of the shaft, she set the case down and breathed heavily. From the bottom of the shaft, the elf fainly heard Mwindaji say, "Get a move on, we don't have all day."
Looking over the edge of the shaft, she spotted Alzmer in the light from Mwindaji's flashlight. "No time for ropes, Mr. Alzmer, I'm bringing you up now. As you can see, it is perfectly safe."
Cast Levitate (F4): Spellcasting (5) + Magic (4) Resist Drain (2S): Willpower (5) + Charisma (8) (9d6.hits(5)=5, 13d6.hits(5)=6, 9d6.hits(5)=6, 13d6.hits(5)=3, 9d6.hits(5)=3, 13d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4430700/)
Easily Mlinzi's best rolls ever, LOL
-
Mlinzi channeled the power of the spirits and levitated Alzmer off the ground and up toward the edge of the elevator shaft. Finally reaching eye-level, the elf held him there dangling. "Frenchy, can you cover Mwindaji while he makes his way up?" The shaman gave the native hunter the signal to start climbing.
Legs kicking the air, Alzmer looked at the elf and asked with equal suspicion and panic, "What do you think you're doing?"
"I said we'd have words, Mr. Azlmer." Mlinzi replied. "While we wait for Mwindaji to get up here, I figured it was as good a time as any. When you found out the spirits had arrived, you said that we had taken too long, as if you weren't surprised. What aren't you telling us? What do you know about the spirits and other threats we might run into that you haven't told us about? I hope it's good. If I get bored, my concentration usually... breaks."
Intimidating Alzmer: Charisma (8) - Defaulting (1) (7d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4431190/)
-
He looks hard at Mlinzi
How in the hell is this my fault? I don't know anything about spirits. That would seem to be your job.
-
"Who said it was your fault? I'm not going to repeat myself. Once I told you the spirits were here, you said that we had taken too long. Sounds like you knew we were on a timetable. A timetable you didn't tell us about. Look, in order for us to get paid, you apparently have to come back alive. Personally, I can go without the payday if I have to. If it turns out you've been keeping things from us now that I've given you yet another chance to tell us, I'll be happy to let whatever wants to kill you do so. That's how it works." Mlinzi said, pretty much done with the man's attitude and lack of candor.
She slowly levitates him over solid ground and waits for Mwindaji to finish his ascent.
-
Mutumbo shouldered the rifle and quickly started to climb up the shaft, using the rope and the walls equally.
[spoiler=tests]Assisted climbing upwards:
STR(4) + Gymnastics(4) + Assisted(2) [Physical(5)] (10d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4435418/)
STR(4) + Gymnastics(4) + Assisted(2) [Physical(5)] (10d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4435419/)
STR(4) + Gymnastics(4) + Assisted(2) [Physical(5)] (10d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4435420/)
STR(4) + Gymnastics(4) + Assisted(2) [Physical(5)] (10d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4435421/)
Takes 4 combat turns to climb up.[/spoiler]
When he reached the top, he asked Mlinzi ”Is this really the time? I’d rather we were out of here and a few kilometers off. Who knows what else dwells here? You’ll have plenty of time to bite his head off later if he deserves it.”
-
"Sometimes the land blesses us with opportunity, like a handy pit to drop a lying mgeni down." Mlinzi replied. "If you're done with collecting your gear, let's go."
With Mwindaji taking point and Alzmer following behind, Mlinzi and Frenchy grabbed the case and headed for the mine exit.
-
You find you way out of the mine and back to camp, which is halfway through being broken down.
-
Mlinzi and Frenchy placed the case in the rear of the Nomad, strapping it down securely. Moving over to help Ultra with the rest of the camp breakdown, she said, "I take it nothing exciting happened up here? We had a few... problems down below, but managed to secure the rocks."
The woman sounded guarded. Between having to fight the spirits and her annoyance with Alzmer, she was not particularly happy at the moment. With Mwindaji near by, she asked, "What now? The mine where we spotted the man and the truck is not too far away. Should we give that a shot? If people are active over there, perhaps the spirits are not?"
-
The sound of the guys returning from the shaft caught Ultra's ear, swinging his torch beam over at them as they approached.
Thank fuck for that, when I didn't get a reply I was expecting a bloody medevac.
Everyone's alright then? All quiet up here so far, we in a hurry to get moving then?
He raised an eyebrow at the mention of the spirits, looking at the others and their reaction.
Someone wanna fill me in eh?
-
"Yeah, everyone all right, so let's just get outta here." Mutumbo was still bristling with adrenaline. "And you really think it a good idea to go back to the uncharted mine in the dark? No? Didn't think so. Oh, man, gimme that, i'll pack it quicker." He just took the remains of a tent from Ultra's hands and started to wrap it up in a hurry.
-
The elf took the insulting tone in stride. Whatever drug Mwindaji had taken was apparently impeding the few social graces he had.
"Why not? We know where it is. Otherwise we're going to just set-up a random camp in the dark? That sounds like a wonderful idea. At least we have some idea what to expect there."
Ignoring Mwindaji for the moment, Mlinzi turned to Ultra, the decker deserved an explanation. "We ran into a pair of spirits that didn't want us to take the rock Alzmer needed. We put them down. Nothing else bothered us on our way out, but we probably don't want to stay here. You and Frenchy are driving, what do you think?"
-
Yep, that's fine. Let's get the last of the kit in the van then move.
Ultra recalls the drone to his position, issuing it a "Follow Me" command as he takes the last of the tents down.
He was pretty pissed off. it had taken long enough to put the damn things up in the dark, now he had to strip it all back and start again, this time without the benefit of the dying evening light.
Fuck it, he'd just sleep in the van.
-
Mlinzi furrowed her brow but remained silent, quietly packing up the remainder of the gear along with the rest of the team. Ultra seemed entirely focused on taking down the camp as his response didn't make much sense to her. What's fine? she thought to herself. Certainly not whatever it is we're up to out here...Given Mwindaji's altered state, she didn't think it particularly worthwhile to argue about their next destination. When the packing was complete, she hopped in the truck with Ultra, avoiding Mwindaji and Alzmer entirely.
-
Mutumbo took his usual place in the car next to Ultra. After a few minutes he noticed that he just stared out the window dejectedly, barely watchnig the surroundings.
OFF: i assumed that by the time we end packing gear, the 30-minutes duration of the drug is about to end. I will suffer disorientation and depression for the same amount of time.
-
You rush through the process of tearing down the camp, throwing the gear into the back of the gopher in a bit of a disarray, tying it down as best you can in a way that seems like it should hold.
Everyone piles into the vehicles, Alzmer having to be hunted down and found by Frenchy as he had wandered off to the side during the flurry of tearing down the camp. With a quick scan to see if they had missed anything obvious, the two vehicles set off back down the mine access road and then off into the brush.
After racing through the scrub for about ten minutes to put some distance between them and the mine, the pace slows. Proceeding more cautiously, the runners seek out a suitable campsite. Eventually, they settle in on a low rise with a rocky top that offers some cover from below in the form of a few rocks. Parking the vehicles as best they can to avoid detection, you shut down the engines and listen for a moment to try and hear any noise that may have been hidden behind their rumbling.
-
Ultra opens up an AR terminal connection to the roto drone, trying to get a fix on its location relative to the team before scanning through its lowlight sensors for signs of activity
-
Mlinzi exited the Gopher and switched her sight to the Astral plane, scanning the area for any hidden threats. Once assured that they were clear of threats from that vector, the elf returned her senses to the physical realm. Hoping the spirits would still grant her a boon, she called on them to grant her the ability to detect life. Without any kind of resistance, her senses were flooded with information and the shaman smiled to herself, her boon granted. It was hard to describe the new sense. For lack of a better term, it was a heightened instinct similar to the preternatural cognition that many animals displayed; knowing with great efficiency where their fellow participants in the food chain were physical located.
Mlinzi circled their ersatz camp site trying to pick out any potential dangers with her new sense. Once satisfied the area was clear of danger, she headed over to Ultra. "I would guess we're not going to attempt to make camp at this point. We could try to clear out some space in the bed of the Gopher two could sleep there and another two in the cab of the Nomad? That should cover everyone if we leave at least one person on watch at all times. It would keep us off the ground and away from dangerous insects and snakes." She looked over at Mwindaji who looked totally out of it.
Detect Life (F5): Spellcasting (5) + Magic (4) Resist Drain (2P): Willpower (5) + Charisma (8) (9d6.hits(5)=4, 13d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4442669/)
4 hits, 20 meter sense (ForceXMAG), Opposed w/WIL+LOG, No Drain
-
Given the presence of the snake, Mlinzi decided to call on Wawindaji for assistance.
Great Wawindaji, I beg your aid. We will be resting here tonight along with the metal beasts. The thoughtless destructiveness of the metal beasts is well known and I fear for the lives of the creatures of the wild. Please watch over our campsite and keep away both predators and the envenomed. Prey will not attract the notice of my felllow two-legs or our metal beasts.
With a burst of power, Wawindaji appeared on the astral plane and slowly faded into physical existence. Your favor is granted, roho rafiki. The mysterious looking cryptid hopped on top of one of the rocks and took up a silent vigil.
"Wawindaji should protect us from dangerous animals and vice versa. Should we set-up watches?"
Summoning (F2) Spirit of Beasts: Summoning (5) + Magic (4) + Specialization (2) = 11d6.hits(5)=4
Resistance Test: Force (2) = 2d6.hits(5)=0
Drain Resistance: Willpower (5) + Charisma (8) = 13d6.hits(5)=4 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4444422/)
4 net hits, capped at 2 due to force. No hits on resistance test. No drain
-
”Watches are a good idea, but they shouldn’t sit in the car.” Mutumbo seemed to get back into the game, although his voice was still stressed and he sounded more tired than the others. ”It isn’t good to obstruct their fields of vision more than necessary. Sleeping in the cars sounds better right now than anything else, although I hate the idea. I can take care of the first watch, I have to cool down anyway. I will wake the next volunteer in a few hours.
“Question. Anybody who doesn’t have the means to see in low-light conditions? Everybody has flashlights? I will place a micro-flare launcher on the hood of the Gopher, if anything gets dangerously near, don’t hesitate to use it.”
-
Ultra landed the drone and plugged it in the charging rig.
sounds good. I'll take second watch then
Ultra dropped the drivers seat back as low as it could go and grabbed the microfiber blanket out of his survival kit.
It was gonna be a long night...
-
"I can take the last watch bringing us to dawn. That way I will be awake for when Wawindaji departs." Mlinzi said. She was about to affirm to Mwindaji that she could see in the dark when Frenchy interjected.
"I ain't tired at all, mes amies. I can cover all of the shifts, if need be, but wouldn't mind a second pair of eyes at times," the little man said.
Mlinzi moved to the Gopher and removed a few items from the back, setting them on the ground next to the truck. She pushed a few other things around inside the bed of the truck making a space for her to sleep. Grabbing her blanket from her kit, the elf laid down and tried to get what little sleep she could.
-
The opening of the Gopher door and the rush of cool night air startled Ultra out of a shallow sleep.
A quiet gesture was all he needed to see to know it was his turn on watch. Groggily he climbed out of the cab and unplugged the drone off its charging rig before climbing back into the warmth of the cab.
He knew he'd need something a bit punchy to keep his attention over the next couple of hours, so jacked into his deck and felt the rush of hot sim tingling over his senses.
Initiating control over the roto-drone, he took to the air and swept a patrol route out over and around the team's impromptu campsite.
drone is loaded with:
-Vision Mag
-Lowlight
-Vision enhance 1
and also has microphone + motion sensor.
please consider him as actively looking for contacts,
limit is 5 on perception tests; sensor 3, VR 2
Int 4, e.war 4, image enhance 1, hot sim +2 for 11 total dice for perceiving through sensors.
and an amazing roll to get us started lol:
11d6.hits(5)=6 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4447888/)
Deck load out:
5(6) DP, 4 Firewall, 4(5) sleaze, 2 attack
>Virtual machine- Toolbox
- Configurator
>Signal scrub (-2 noise)
>Sneak
will run silent if possible
-
Through the wandering drone, you pick up the signs of a jeep patrol only a few kilometers off.
-
Oh shit... just what we need
//Guys, don't mean to alarm anyone but i'm tracking a patrol jeep a couple of klicks away. keep your weapons nearby//
-
Mutumbo learned to be a light sleeper while out in the wilds, so he woke up immediately. He got out of the car and checked and reloaded his gun. He checked the surroundings for a suitable sniper position.
[spoiler=perception]@Reminder: what are my modifiers for a perception test this time of the night, for the surrounding area? I have both low-light and thermo.[/spoiler]
-
Mlinzi had set her commlink to silent-vibrate mode. Upon receiving Ultra's warning, she opened her eyes and thumbed the commlink's display, reading the warning silently. She scanned the camp. noticing Mwindaji and Frenchy already alert and scanning the area. Climbing down from the bed of the Gopher, she grabbed her bow and secured her goggles to her forehead.
Mentally, she contacted Wawindaji. Hello friend, we've sensed another group of two-legs in a metal beast hunting close to us. Stay focused on protecting the true beasts for now, but I may ask for help with the other two-legs.
After communicating with the spirit, the shaman slipped her sight to the astral planes to look for any threats there.
-
The patrol continues its way eastward, passing about 2km north of your position. It would seem set to pass you by harmlessly, at least before it turns southward. If it does not change course, you estimate it will pass within half a kilometer of your current position.
-
//Looks like they're just going to skim past us unless they have a change of direction.
Everyone turn wireless off or run silent. This is gonna be a bit too close for comfort//
-
Mlinzi double checked the few pieces of gear she possessed. As was her standard practice, the wireless functionality was turned OFF for everything but her chameleon suit, which was running silently.
-
Mutumbo also turned his wireless functions off. He frowned as the electronics enhancing his vision went off, blurring his sight slightly for the fraction of a second as his eyes got used to the new conditions. ”Stay down, I’ll stand watch in the cover of the cars. I’ll holler if anything happens.” With that he took a position that provided the optimal mixture of cover and vantage point, considering the position of the patrol and readied himself for whatever.
[spoiler=stealth]AGI(6) + Sneaking(6) [Physical(5)] (12d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4452568/)[/spoiler]
-
The scout draws even with your camp a little under half a km out, making it's way southward without slowing. As it begins to pass, however, it's pace slows slightly and it turns, not directly at you, but to the south west, which would bring it somewhat closer to your camp.
-
Ultra follows the van with the drone's sensor feed, monitoring its progress.
//Change of course guys, this is going to be close; be ready//
Sensing the impending danger, Ultra dropped out of VR control; switching to an AR terminal instead.
The momentary shock to his nervous system was soon drowned out by the rush of adrenaline, prepping him for a potential fight.
He continues to monitor the AR feed as he draws his pistol in preparation.
-
Mlinzi sits tight as the tension increases. I'd really like to know who this is... she thinks to herself.
-
Mutumbo didn’t like the patrol changing direction. It might not be because of them, but it might. He used the built-in magnification of his eyes to zoom in on the jeep. Fortunately, he dedin’t really have to move for this, as he already occupied a watch position. Regardless, he concentrated on making the least possible moves, and make them slowly, as sudden changes of the environment, however small, could be noticed easier. He changed from normal to thermal spectrum, changing back to normal at the end.
[spoiler=observe in detail]INT(5) + Perception(5) [Mental(7)] (10d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4454584/)[/spoiler]
-
As you shift to the thermal spectrum, you make out what appears to be three people in the jeep, two in front and one in the rear. Any distinguishing characteristics of the individuals are not visible, and the figures are lost as your vision returns to normal, the jeep only vaguely visible through the darkness.
-
Mutumbo looked back towards the hiding place of the others. Then, in cover of the car he was hiding behind, he raised his left hand, showing three fingers. He held it visible for two seconds, then held his hand open, with palm down, and slowly lowered it towards the ground. After making the signal, he returned to watching the jeep, and unless something changed, he intended to let it pass peacefully.
-
Three people, Mlinzi thought to herself. We should be able to handle that, just have to make sure they don't call anyone.
The elf maintained her position, quietly waiting and hoping they were not spotted.
-
Ultra set his deck up for "work" mode, searching for the occupants of the vehicle still lit in a green hue on the Drone's sensor feed.
5(6),4(5),4,2= Sleaze/data processing/firewall/attack
Programs:
Virtual box;Stealth (+1 sleaze) + toolbox (+1DP)
Configurator
As his sleaze suite came online, he extended his Icon filter out to 600mtrs and ran a search, trying to get a fix on the electronics of the patrol jeep and it's occupants.
matrix search for the icons in 200-600mtr (6d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4455564/) 3 hits, within limit of 5
-
Sifting through the icons this far out does not take very long. The only icons you can recognize not belonging to your team are for a pair of what look like commlinks.
-
All of a sudden, Ultra's mind clicked into overdrive. He could potentially tap into a mine of information on this patrol, maybe see if they were co-ordinating with other teams in the area and trace them back to base.
He instructed the drone to land and slipped into hot-sim, the wash of the simsense kicking him in the gut as it disengages his motor control.
eenie meenie miny mo...
Ultra picks the leftmost Icon, sleazing the commlink's firewall to convince it to allow him a Mark.
hacking 5, logic 5, hot sim 2 (12d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4459880/)
EDG to re-roll failures
hacking 5, logic 5, hot sim 2 (11d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4459881/)
well that was more like it lol!
7 hits to place a mark.
i'm gonna assume that was successful and roll for the next action; i'll edit if i failed (just wanna keep things moving)
Granted a Mark on the device, Ultra proceeds to direct his EWAR suite to the traffic emanating from the device, setting it to record on his storage and play vocal feeds through his headphones
"Snoop"
ewar 4, int 4, hot sim 2 (10d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4459882/) oorah! 6 hits, limit 6.
resist with LOG + firewall.
EDIT! just remembered, i'm running silent!
-2 dice removed from the end of the roll means that the snoop roll goes to 5 hits and the Mark roll will go to 6 hits.
-
You manage to look into the datastream to the marked commlink, and catch the last few seconds of a conversation...unfortunately you do not recognize the language.
I dropped a few dice off the end but you still easily succeeded. You got about 3 seconds of chatter that you heard, but it was not in Swahili, Afrikaans, or English.
-
Ultra left the recording running to his deck's storage and edited the audible snippet of the conversation into a raw music file.
//<<guys, anyone recognise this language? its a recording from the jeep's drivers>>//
-
Mlinzi sits in silence, unable to hear Ultra's communications. She keeps her eyes peeled on Mwindaji to see if he sends any further hand signals.
-
Hmm... the guys are quiet. Must be wireless off..
Ultra didn't want to drop out of hotsim just yet. He brought up his analysis tool, its pulsing blue form shapeshifting around his left wrist and ran its subroutines on the Patrolman's commlink, probing it for info on its files and storage.
-
The comlink is only carrying 1 file.
-
The vehicle completes its passby and heads off to the west.
-
Mutumbo waited for a few more minutes after the jeep left visual range before easing up. It seemed they were out of immediate danger. He walked back to the others, switching all his gear back to wireless manually. ”Seems all is well. Let’s wait another 10, then I think we can get back to sleep.”
-
Mlinzi breathes a sigh of relief.
"The danger seems to have passed, my friend," the shaman sends to Wawindaji, "we will be returning to sleep."
-
Ultra breathes a sigh of relief as one by one, the team's wireless signals returned.
Figuring he might not have much of an option to glean information off the device once he'd rebooted, he chanced his arm.
He mentally flicked open his configurator suite and rapid-loaded up his noise cancellation suite and editing suite.
Swapping editor + Signal scrub in for Stealth and Configurator; total NR of 3
Matrix perception on file: comp 2, int 4, hot sim +2, (8d6.hits(5)=3) (looking for encryption/databombs) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4469513/)
copy file action if not protected comp 2, Log 5, hot sim +2, +editor +2 (11d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4469512/)
-
With minimal effort, you remove the protections from the file and copy it.
-
Mlinzi's commlink buzzed as she received a message from Ultra. Squinting at her commlink's screen, she realizes the message is blank but has two files attached to it, one a text file and the other an audio file. Uncoiling the earbuds from the recessed area of the commlink designed to hold them, she popped them into her ears and listened. The words were unknown to her, which eliminated many of the local African tribes.
Stopping the audio file after a few words, she recoiled the earbuds and accessed the text file. Squinting at the backlight screen, she tried to make out what appeared to be a list of contacts. None of the names rung a bell, but she searched her memory to determine if any of their surnames were associated with any of the tribes in the area.
-
After coming up empty on the audio and text files Ultra had hacked, Mlinzi settled back down to sleep. Knowing her shift was coming up in a few short hours helped the elf find sleep quickly. Unfortunately, it was a sleep filled with the restless cries of disrupting spirits cursing her from the metaplanes. When Frenchy woke her, it came as welcome relief.
Rolling out the side of the Gopher, the shaman grabbed her bow, nocked an arrow, and settled on top of a nearby boulder.
"Come Wawindaji, let us welcome the coming sunrise."
-
The time is about 4am when you note a pair of vehicles approaching your position from the west, just over half a kilometer out.
-
Slipping down from the rock, Mlinzi whispered sotto voice. "Frenchy! We've got incoming. Wake Mwindaji, I'll get Ultra."
Moving over to the Gopher, she tapped on the glass repeatedly until the man woke up. "Two trucks to the west, about 500 meters."
With that, she shut off her commlink and took position to observe the patrol.
-
Ultra awoke with a start, the rapping on the glass shocking him out of a shallow and uncomfortable sleep.
He wastes no time in preparing himself, slamming the cable from his datajack into the deck and feeling the kick of the hotsim smack into his cerebellum as it over-rides his motor control.
Kicking his filters into action, he searches for icons in the truck's range.
matrix perception to spot icons in the truck's range (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4479200/) search for icons in 100-800 metres range
-
Not again, thought Mutumbo. This was the second distraction during the night, and it was very hard to get rested this way. Still, he got out without complaint, donned his vest, and before taking a sharpshooting position at the corner of a vehicle, that would provide some cover from the incoming trucks, he took a good look around. He didn't want to be surprised from behind while they concentrated on the trucks.
-
"Guys, sniper in the bushes at 3 o'clock. Don't know who he belongs to? Do i take him out?" The tone of the radio message suggested urgency. Mutumbo still didn't turn to face the indicated direction, but his muscles tensed to move at a moment's notice.
-
//drop him, can't take any chances out here, not with two trucks inbound!//
-
Mutumbo didn't wait for more. He raised his rifle as fast as he could, turning towards the target at the latest possible point, aiming for a bare minimum, trying to take him out before he could react to the sudden change in pace.
-
You manage to hit your target.
-
Frenchy looks around and tries to find a bit of cover while looking out at the southernmost of the approaching vehicles
-
With Wawindaji floating in nearby in the Astral, Mlinzi beseeched him, "Great spirit, I fear the two-legs in the metal-beasts charging us may be enemies. I ask that you defend us if they attack."
-
The trucks continue to approach your position, without changing direction or slowing.
-
Ultra hurled waves of code towards the two commlinks, the datastream forking and striking both Icons hard. It wouldn't stop the trucks but hopefully he could shut down their comms and prevent reinforcements heading in.
-
As the sniper in the bushes didn’t act, Mutumbo assumed he just went down from the shot. He turned the rifle towards the nearest truck, aimed for the driver, and pulled the trigger.
-
Your shot goes well wide of the mark.
-
Frenchy takes aim again at the southernmost vehicle and fires, but fails to hit his target.
-
Seeing the two Icons flicker under his assault, Ultra prepares another shimmering blue disc of code, hurling it off his launcher, wrapped around his right arm.
It forked into two at the last second, each hunting down its target at blazing speed
-
One of the icons flickers and fades.
-
The vehicles halve the remaining distance to your encampment as a shot rings out from an unknown direction.
-
Mutumbo felt the shot hitting his body but mostly being stopped by his armored vest. The momentum of the shot, pushing him in a certain direction, indicated roughly from where it came. He turned in that direction with his gun, looking for the shooter, ready to pull the trigger immediately when he found her.
-
You quickly scan the area you believe you heard the shot come from, and manage to locate a second figure opposite the approaching trucks that must have circled around your camp without being spotted by the watch. You squeeze off a round quickly in that direction but it does not find its mark as you see a puff of dirt kick up in front of the prone figure.
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Frenchy tries to locate the target his partner was firing at but fails to locate it. Judging that firing a single shot at the oncoming vehicles was unlikely to do much, he takes cover behind a medium sized rock.
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Failing again to locate the gunman, Frenchy fires off a single shot in the direction of one of the trucks, but it skips harmlessly off the hood.
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With shots being fired all around, Mlinzi decided to see to the group's magical defenses. Looking around, she called on the spirits of the land to protect her allies from inimical magic. Noticing Mutumbo apparently shooting in a direction opposite of the vehicles, the elf shaman looked in the same direction, trying to pick out an opponent.
Figuring she needed all the help she could get, Mlinzi begged the spirits to grant her the agility of the monkeys in the jungle. She felt a modicum of power infuse her. Apparently, the spirits were not in a giving mood tonight.
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As the beast spirit fades into the astral, another shot rings out.