Shadowrun
Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: kalarin on <05-04-14/2208:52>
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Lightning flashes overhead streaks flashing across the sky with radiant light. The sound of thunder rolls in not long after with a monsterous boom. Rain pelts down like a blanket across the city, coating everything with a miserable sheen of wet. Welcome to Fox Island, Seattle, Chummer. The weather sucks on a good day, the soycaf's drek and nuyen's tight.
There is low class and then there is where you are, a run down bar in a seedy part of town. Fox Island aint exactly known for its fine dining and formal dress and well, Doolan's bar is a step below that. The good definitely outweighs the bad for a shadowrunner, however. Several rather large troll bouncers make sure that pretty much everyone keeps in check, the bar is known to attract Johnson's looking to hire, there are rooms out back where one can conduct business in private and the owner is known to keep his mouth shut about the goings on.
The time is just after 10. It's your typical Friday night, patrons are just now moving past tipsy, you see several mosh pits starting to form from the latest act… some of the better bands from tonights card must be playing. You notice the drummer of this latest band is excellent, drek, better download the EP later.
The reporter speaking from one of the various trids around the bar sparks your attention. "An explosion near Fox Island Boat Ramp on 3rd Avenue has brought Fox Bridge to a screaming halt. Those who need to leave the island should sit tight until further notice. The Knight Errant are on the scene, currently questioning several witnesses. Stay tuned for further updates" The trid shows footage of Fox Island bridge. Traffic is at a standstil, people are out of their cars looking around. You see a large plume of smoke rising in the background. It will be a while before this mess is cleared…
@Trance
"Heyyy love" You turn, seeing a ridiculous looking human in a red leather jacket and fedora smile, just before he winks at you. "Drink and a party, sweetheart? You know Swish will show you a gooood time." You're a little disturbed, he's old enough to be your father. You turn your head ignoring him, glancing at the trid from your seat at the bar. You're pretty sure this loser won't cause trouble here. From what Mini Boom told you, this place has a reputation for keeping folks in line. Looking at the trid, the areal footage of Fox Island bridge playing catches your eye. You won't be getting off the Island overnight, obviously. Shit, you had a meet with Mini Boom first thing tomorrow morning… Even though you've only met recently, The crazy, fast talking dwarf with 4 cyberlimbs to boot seems to be trust worthy. You'd best let him know you may be late.
You were hoping for a job and fast… cash is tight, rent is due and you'll be out on the street if you don't get work soon.
@Duckdown
It's an exceptional night, the bars almost half full, there's even a few mosh pits starting up. you notice several humans edging away from a mosh pit started by two trolls and an Ork .There are a few patrons singing along with the music, these guys must be pretty popular here. Shit, Deen looks hot, she always looks hot playing the bass. You shift your focus, from Deen back to the drums. This is a difficult song. You're glad she convinced you to play tonight. You weren't sure it was a good idea to fill in, though being honest it wasn't too hard for her to persuade you. The music's a lot heavier than what you normally play, the drums much more demanding. After a brutal set the singer calls an intermission. You wipe the sweat from your brow, heading to the bar for some water, possibly a beer.
Glacing overhead you see the reporter on the grid. Drek, you think, you were hoping to pop over the bridge in the morning…. Hopefully this is nothing too major. As you get to the bar the commlink in your pocket vibrates. You notice it's a call from Zipline. Drek, she probably wouldn't contact you unless it was important, the two of you never really did get along and it's been quite a while since you've heard from her.
>>Incoming Call
>>Contact: Zipline
@Slim
You're not happy. The exit fee from the Dolly Sisters Gang was exorbitant. That ware you'd been eyeing up is now a distant memory. You paid your dues, you're still kill on sight and you've been burnt by most of your contacts. You're on the bones of your ass.
"Honest" Joe, has offered you some work. He's probably the least honest Joe you've ever met, though for now you're desperate. He's asked you to look in to the disappearance of children from the Northern district of Fox Island. He has said a few of the parents of the children have banded together, putting up the nuyen to have someone look in to the disappearances. You suspect Honest Joe has other agenda's, though it does seem to be a noble cause. There are rumours a local gang is involved, snatching kids off the street and selling them to the highest bidder. You're holed up at Doolan's, Joe has said Andy, the owner of the bar has connections and could possibly help meeting others looking for work. Without a team you trust you're little wary taking on a job like this, your reputation in gang circles is shot, you'd best make sure you have decent backup before making a decision.
He's asked that you let him know if you're interested by 11:00, tonight. The clock is ticking… You flick your attention to the reporter talking about the accident. Drek, you think to yourself. I won't be getting off this island anytime soon. You look at your clock, an hour to make a decision. If you're going to talk to Andy you'll need to persuade one of the trolls bouncers for an audience. Sipping on your drink you listen to the music, contemplating your next move…
@Cheshire
You find the music intriguing. It's not quite anything you've heard before… The groove of the drummer catches your attention, he moves from a drum fill in to the break down, very tight.
Since you've been off on your own, you've found things tough. You find yourself at Doolan's, Fox Island, sipping back a vodka and soda. Andy, the club owner has been good to you. He's given you the odd job and while the pay is average, he's given you enough work to keep you on your feet and off the streets. He's asked you to meet him tonight. On of the trolls motions you toward the back door. Looks like Andy's ready to see you.
You follow the troll down a hallway, walking past several open rooms. large round wooden tables are placed in each, surrounded with seats. Several of the doors are closed, no noise can be hear inside. Andy definitely has a good setup here. You enter the the door at the end of the hallway, the troll closing the door behind you as you enter. At the back of the room, lounging in a leather recliner sits Andy. He'd be your quintessential Jamacian, were he not european. He smiles a cheesy smile, feet up on the table, sipping on a glass of whiskey, neat. "Ahhh, Cheshire, sit." He sparks a match, lighting a cigar and taking a large drag. "Good ta see ya.." he exhales a plume of smoke "I have a friend, possibly be needin someone wid ya…mystic skills for a lil recon mission… Be some good nuyen in it for ya brother. Whaddya say?"
@Kitty
You catch a small crowd gathering at the corner of the bar. You notice several Street Fighter 2070 arcades lining the back wall of the bar. Competition looks fierce, though you think you can school these chummers. You walk on over, cosmopolitan in hand, lining up for your turn. You hear the music in the background… It's not your genre, but the band is definitely decent. There's an arrogant ork, trash talking his opponent at the arcade. He laughs, "Fool you be trippin if you think you beatin me, everyone knows I'm the champ here!" You glance at the trid above the arcades, the mention of Fox Island garnering your attention. An explosion? You wonder what may have caused that…While you wait for your turn you pop in to AR, browsing the local news sites and load up the traffic reports for Fox Island Bridge…
>>Search Initiated
>>Please enter search terms…
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The game forgotten for a fraction of a second as the line slowly crawls Caroline feels that maybe that fool of an ork will have to wait for his turn on the reckoning grounds. the news intriguing her, her implanted commlink AR display coming to life at her bequest.
//config ASDF//
//1343//
//load: Virtual machine//
//load: Toolbox//
//load: exploit//
//set grid hop: Global//
As she set up for a better connection (the pucblic grid did have its limitations) Kitty craned her neck just just a bit and exclaimed Omae! whats taking you guys so long?! just move the line or wipe his ass! while flashing a large grin.
grid hop (http://orokos.com/roll/189308): 13d6t5 3
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Duckdown turns from the bar, shot of tequila in one hand, lime in the other, and heads towards the backroom set aside for performers. As he heads down the short, dark hallway, he downs the shot and tosses the glass toward an already overflowing rubber garbage can. He sucks on the lime and mentally gives the command to answer the call.
Whaddup Zip? How are the girls?
aint seen Leonards daughters since before i went in.
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Trance sighed and tapped her commlink to begin a message, quickly typing on it. Shwoosh or whatever his name was quickly faded from her memory as she focused instead on the far more important item of the bridge being closed.
I may miss our meeting. Someone decided to put on an amateur fireworks show and the Knights Who Say Duh closed the bridge. Keeping an eye out for if the fireworks display is followed by a final New Year. Please let me know if an alternate arrangement is necessary? I know your time is very valuable and I am extremely saddened at wasting it like this!
She then leaned back and reached her hands up to rub her eyes.
Great. I might end up living in a cardboard box if this keeps up. Or work summoning spirits for Johns.
And then she sighed.
Strange how close "John" and "Johnson" are. Might say a lot about runners.
She leaned forward and turned her eyes back to the news.
I wonder what Chip is up to? No idea what Earth elementals get up to where they live. And I probably shouldn't nickname the elementals...
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What do I say? I say you're even crazier for asking me here than I am for showing up. We both know I don't belong here. Trouble, that's what's in it for me. Nothing but...
Realizing that Andy is waiting for an answer and knowing that he can't afford to say no, Cheshire sighs and closes his eyes for a moment.
"Alright. What have you got?"
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@Kitty
You deftly navigate the matrix, exploiting your way from the much slower public grid to something a little more useful. Piece of cake, you think to yourself. Now to see what the hell's going on…
The ork roars with laugher as he downs his latest opponent "Think you can beat me little girl? I was the champ before you were sperm in ya old mans sack" he continues his laughter, a couple of his cronies join in while several people in the queue are looking at you." He HAS been on here a while, you wonder how good he actually is.
@Duckdown
As you walk back stage, you notice this is the only door that isn't guarded. You guess most musicians don't need the same privacy as some of the other patrons. You feel the warmth of the tequila moving down toward your belly. You think you'd better take it easy on the shots if you want to finish the set on top.
You take Zipline's call. you begin to ask about the girls when she interrupts you."Duck? Oh god, Duck" You're worried… This aint the usual condescending tone she gives you "They're missing… Both of them. I figured they're just out playing, you know? But it's been 2 days and nothing…Please…There've been disappearances lately…" she burts out sobbing. "Please help them…"
You spend the next few minutes calming her down. Once she settles slightly, Zipline tells you she'd found out the girls had snuck off to a concert. She checked their email, The Silver Clovers, an up and coming pop rock group, were putting on a show, about 15 minutes north of Fox Island Bridge, she knows they had tickets. To your surprise you find Zipline had recently moved less than an hour from you, though she had never bothered to let you know.
@Trance
You watch in your peripheral vision as Swish moves off, trying it on with another lucky lady. You laugh to yourself, he's likely playing a numbers game, hit on 100 and hope to get lucky.
You order another drink, sitting at the bar keeping an eye on the trid, It's not long before Mini Boom comes back.
>> Incoming Message
>>Contact: Mini Boom
>>Message: And an EXCEPTIONAL explosion it was! Hehehe!! No matter… this MAY work in my favour. I've been doing a little digging, Those Knight Errant fools have quarantined off the area. You won't be going anywhere soon!! As exciting as the explosion was, Andy, the bar owner and I have a mutual interest in keeping the bridge open… Be a dear, tell one of those troll meatheads he keeps that I sent you… That is if you want to make some nuyen while you're stuck, hehehe!! Perhaps you can be of assistance"
You shake your head as you read the message. Mini Boom talks like a 13 year old girl. He has been a big help however and if you can make some cash off this inconvenience it could tie you over for a month or so…
@Cheshire
Andy leans back even further, smiling even wider. "A simple job mon, I been asked ta look in to some kids dat gone poof! You want to help tha kids ya? Course ya do…" He puts out his cigar in an already overflowing ashtray, immediately sparking another. "Dat astral sense you have be most useful finding things I need found. Kids been goin missin and I think de Mongels biker gang be behind it. I give you de location, you go look? Oh.. Check out de explosion while you there ya? I want to know what's going on and it be niiice an close to their headquarters. Maybe you go look for a favour, we discuss paid work after? Only take you a second ya?"
You wonder how long he has worked on that ridiculous jamacian accent. You watch Andy finish his glass, grabbing a decanter from this desk and topping up. You notice he doesn't extend the hospitality. He fills his glass, waiting expectantly...
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[Friday 22:06 | Fox Island | Doolan's]
Bloddy no good fixer, having me do his job for him. Should be his thing establishing contact with a team... suppose beggars can't be choosers and at least he got me a name to reach out to. Waiting for a slight lull in the traffic through the door Slim walks over to one of the bouncers and grabs his attention. "Hey, I've heard your bossman Andy is good at connecting people with likeminded business interests. Is he available to talk biz tonight?" After a slight pause Slim adds, "It's about some missing kids."
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@Slim
You head over to the troll near the back of the bar. He's at least 3 meters tall, huge, muscular arms folded, doing a damn good job of looking intimidating. You've seen several people come and go tonight, if Andy's anywhere he'll be found this is the door to go to.
You tap him on the elbow, managing a "Hey" before he grabs you, swinging you around, slamming you in to the door. He bends down looking in to your eyes, snarling "You best have a good reason for disturbing me, chummer. This aint the place for a walk in appointment" You finish your sentence. He looks at you, considering his options, scowling before opening the door. "Follow me" he says. He walks down the hallway, motioning to one of the empty side rooms. "Andy's busy. Once he's done I'll see if he's interested in talking, THEN we'll see where whether you get a meet, or a weighted swim..." you hear the door close, then lock, the toll leaving the room closing the door behind him.
You look around, the walls are bare and other than the table and chairs in the room, there are no other furnishings. Drek, you think. What has Joe gotten me in to? You ponder your options...
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Those guys are in serious need of some education in manners, don't know if I could take them both though. Slim takes a seat and checks on his extendable baton and the Colt in its arm slide. Nothing to do but wait I suppose.
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@Duckdown As you walk back stage, you notice this is the only door that isn't guarded. You guess most musicians don't need the same privacy as some of the other patrons. You feel the warmth of the tequila moving down toward your belly. You think you'd better take it easy on the shots if you want to finish the set on top.
You take Zipline's call. you begin to ask about the girls when she interrupts you."Duck? Oh god, Duck" You're worried… This aint the usual condescending tone she gives you "They're missing… Both of them. I figured they're just out playing, you know? But it's been 2 days and nothing…Please…There've been disappearances lately…" she burts out sobbing. "Please help them…"
You spend the next few minutes calming her down. Once she settles slightly, Zipline tells you she'd found out the girls had snuck off to a concert. She checked their email, The Silver Clovers, an up and coming pop rock group, were putting on a show, about 15 minutes north of Fox Island Bridge, she knows they had tickets. To your surprise you find Zipline had recently moved less than an hour from you, though she had never bothered to let you know.
Duck flops down on the beer stained off-green couch in the back room and puts his feet up on the cigarette burned coffee table. He reaches into his pocket, removes a jar of zen and a large thick paper, then begins rolling one up. He's not planning on burning it now, but wants to have it for later. In his standard "cool uncle Duck" tone that may just be the reason Zipline doesn't like him, he responds,
Shit, if i had snuck off to see some bubblegum drek like that, i'd have hid out in shame myself. For real, its not a big deal, Zip. Lenny was a wild one and the girls probably got that from him, wiz? Course, i done seen how you ride, so maybe they had it comin from both angles, huh? Listen, I'm ON fox island right now, playing some techmetal show as a favor to a friend. We go back on in about 20 minutes, play one more set for about an hour. After that, i was planning on getting zenned to beJEEZUS, but instead, I'm gonna hop in the truck, head over near the venue, and see what i can see, wiz? I'll holler at ya when i know something.
As he thinkspeaks to Zipline, he mentally does some math in his head. Ok, Deen weighs about two fifty, maybe three hundred. She's had about 6 vodka rocks so far tonight and i'm pretty sure she wants me to chill with her and her people after the show... Hmmmm...How fucked am i when I tell her i gotta bounce?
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Drek, at least it's better than stealing something...
"Ok chummer. I'll see what I see at the bridge. But what makes ya think these bikers are snatching kids? Just what kind of operation am I nosin' around here?"
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Trance smiled at the message.
Well, at least I get to have work.
>>You're a lifesaver! On my way now.
Trance stood, stretched to remove some of the stiffness from sitting so long. picked a bouncer nearby who wasn't busy, and promptly walked up to him, careful to make her approach both obvious and slow so as to not be an obvious danger or attract attention. Once at the troll, she says, "Excuse me, sir. I apologize for interrupting you, but Mini Boom sent me. He said I should talk to Andy."
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While Caroline was setting up her grid connection "upgrade" the line was moving fast, faster than she thought at fist, Geez, just kick his butt already! loud -mouth baka! she thought while her turn was coming faster and faster, the line in front of her shortening by the minute.
You puny ass squishy breeder pup ready to get schooled by the champ here?, it was loud, it was arrogant but even Kitty had to hand it to him, the trog was not half bad at it. Yeah well, lets see if you can walk the talk replied Caroline.
Seemingly it was even handed, but that was just an illusion, 30s into the game, the trodes and jacks cables connecting to the device, the trideo showing the action that was happening, and it was presumably pretty even, maybe the ork was just testing the waters but what follwed can only be described as a ass whooping.
AH! Breeder pups are no match for the champ here! NEXT! Yelled the ork, Kitty just turned her back to him, clearing the space for another challenger only muttering Baka! in a manner that can only be described as weak.
Retrieving her Cosmo she took a last glance at the trideo blaring with the new challenger going down fast, her wallet 5 NuYen lighter for the effort. Waitaminute! if the damn bridge is locked... sitting tight? Samantha...drek! calling up the search tool in her AR display she quickly introduced a search pattern to grab what intel she could about the bridge event. matrix search sponsored by NeoNET she grinned at the thought, her pride quickly burying the recent memory of the utter defeat faster than you say drek!
//text message to Janice: Janice, can you look after Sam a while longer? island closed, ill send you a message as soon as i can, thanks, owe you another one.// Her thought to text software working like a charm.
Now to know what happened
//set search parameters//
//fox bridge AND explosion//
//fox bridge AND Knight errant AND witnesses//
//fox bridge AND real situation//
matrix search - limit [5] (http://orokos.com/roll/189521): 3#9d6t5 2 4 1
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While Slim sat and waited for his 'audience' he tried to rack his brain about the little info Joe had offered him. What gangs work out of Fox Island? Are any of them known for doing snatchings of this kind?
Seattle Gangs Turf Knowledge (http://orokos.com/roll/189528): 9d6t5 3
Seattle Gangs Knowledge (http://orokos.com/roll/189527): 7d6t5 2
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@Slim
You know The Mongrel's are the largest gang operating on Fox Island, having recently driven Devil's Cut from the turf. This area is hotly contested, as Fox Island is a great stopover for smuggling operations and the Mongrel's enforce a cut on all operations.
They aren't known to traffic children, usually focusing on weapons and drugs. Recently their numbers have been growing and you've have heard rumours that they recently acquired some pretty hefty hardware. You also know their old leader Slash has had been killed, though you aren't sure who's running the show now.
You mull over the information, waiting for your meet with Andy. You think about payback you'd like to dish out to that troll, though you know you'd be in hot water if anything serious breaks out. As your patience wears thin, the door opens, that damn troll is back. He leads a girl inside, she takes a seat opposite you "Make nice until the boss is ready for you" he says before closing the door.
Drek, who's this? You eye up the newcomer...
@Duckdown
You end your call with Zipline, she even thanks you before she hangs up, she MUST be really worried.
You decide to down another tequila shot, "Yo, Duck, we're back on in 2" Carl, the singer yells before heading back toward the stage. You straighten up, heeding out to finish the remainder of your set. Damn it feels good to be performing in front of a crowd again.
Another tight set and a couple of encores later, you find yourself out back, Deen brings round of shots out back "Tight set boys" she smiles, walking over to you, handing you a shot. You down it quickly before Deen slams you in to wall, hard. Moving closer she speaks, you smell the vodka on her breath "Let's settle with Andy then roll, yeah Sweetie?" she winks.
Drek...
@Cheshire
"Eyes and ears in many places mon." He taps his nose. "But none available wid your abilities to take a closer look. Several parents of de kids dat have kids missin pooled their resources, I be guessing they wouldn't put up the nuyen for fun. De Mongrels had a change in leadership, new guys a nasty, nasty fella. Wouldn't surprise me if he be snatcin dem for the nuyen. De old leader was a hard bastard, but he kept away from de kids."
You the the feeling that while Andy is shady, he does genuinely seems to care there are kids missing. As you ponder your options there's a knock at the door. One of the trolls pops his head in "Boss" he says "I got two in room three, want to see em now? One's from Mini Boom, I recognise the other guy, Slim, shady reputation that one…" Andy laughs "Everyone have a shady reputation here" Andy strokes his chin in thought "Find out their skills. Looks like dis island going to be locked down a while." The troll leaves the room, Andy drums his fingers on the desk "So how bout it? Take a look yah?"
@Trance
The troll grunts in acknowledgement as you approach. You saw what happened to the last chummer that touched him. Not interested in being manhandled you approach VERY cautiously. You speak, he eyes you for a second before responding. "Mini Boom? Little bastard moves fast" He take you out back, down the hallway. several paintings are hanging on the wall, you notice one, a tall, lanky, european, jamacian looking fellow and two ridiculously large pit bulls, one on each side. Drek, you think. Wouldn't want to come face to face with those… He opens one of the side doors, motioning inside. As you enter you see another occupant seated in one of the chairs. "Make nice until the boss is ready for you" you look across the table, it's the same guy that nearly lost an arm earlier. You hear the door shut as he leaves.
You eye the person across from you nervously. Who the drek is this?
@Kitty Nursing your ego, you walk away from the arcade a little annoyed. A little more practice and you think you'd school that fool. You hear the ork in the background laughing "Come back when you got some real skill love!"
Downing your drink in a gulp, it's not long before Janice replies.
>>Incoming Message
>>Contact: Janice
>>Sure thing sweetie, things are schway here, take your time ;)
You sigh with relief, you always worry about Samantha and hate leaving her too long. With that out of the way, you're back on the grid, deftly browsing though pages and pages of articles, video, you browse to several local BBS boards scouring for information.
Multiple news sites are reporting a gas leak, causing the explosion Fox Island Boat Ramp. You dig deeper, trying to find more information, it seems that the bridge has been closed until further notice.
You struggle to find anything on the Knight Errand presence. Articles and video all mention them on the scene, though little else other than they are questioning several witnesses.
After a little more scouring you DO find a BBS for a local boat club. They had a meeting today, planning to take out several vessels. The wife of one of the captains has replied, saying she had a call from her husband and that he'd been asked to stick around for questioning. It's the last anyone has heard from them. You search more, it seems there are no first hand accounts, only what you can find from various news groups. Strange….
You find nothing online that contradicts a gas explosion.
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Adopting a comically bad Jamaican accent, Cheshire smiles. "Jah mon, I go take a look." Dropping both the accent and the smile, he leans forward in his chair. "I trust that you would not be sending me somewhere that you did not think I could get out of. And that if I find these children, I will be getting a cut of those "resources" you mentioned."
He scoots up to the edge of his chair and hops off. He makes a show of straightening his clothes and jacket while reassuring himself that his foci and reagents are in place. "Now then, if there is nothing else I need to know?"
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@Duck You end your call with Zipline, she even thanks you before she hangs up, she MUST be really worried.
You decide to down another tequila shot, "Yo, Duck, we're back on in 2" Carl, the singer yells before heading back toward the stage. You straighten up, heeding out to finish the remainder of your set. Damn it feels good to be performing in front of a crowd again.
Another tight set and a couple of encores later, you find yourself out back, Deen brings round of shots out back "Tight set boys" she smiles, walking over to you, handing you a shot. You down it quickly before Deen slams you in to wall, hard. Moving closer she speaks, you smell the vodka on her breath "Let's settle with Andy then roll, yeah Sweetie?" she winks.
Drek...
Duck leans his head up to kiss her briefly, then pulls back and responds, "Baby, you know this aint about money. I filled in tonight cause you needed me." He reaches one arm around her waist, and winks back as he says "But, you're gonna have to wait to thank me for another day, unless you wanna try and fuck in a coffin." He can tell from the confusion spreading across her face, she hasn't seen the news about the explosion, and has no clue what duck is talking about. "Bridge is out. Unless you got some friends on the island i don't know about, we're crashin in coffins tonight."
well, fuck it, she's already gonna be mad, lets just blow the whole wad, why not?
"Besides, i got some shit I gotta take care of once we get packed up. Between sets, i got a call from my brother's baby mama. She's trippin and needs a hand with somethin."
Recognizing the look and dreading the situations that it foretells in the days to come, the slighty drunk, aroused, and fearful ork quickly adds, "Go get your loot while i get all my shit loaded up. I'll see ya before i leave."
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Trance stood barely over five feet ten inches, with green shoulderblade-length hair. She was wearing a loose black t-shirt, depicting a troll with what looked like a minigun strapped to each arm and one on each side of his head, and a pair of jeans that hugged her curves. Her feet were covered in a pair of combat-style boots that were just barely small enough to fit her; the laces were obviously pulled slightly tighter than the boots were normally designed for. On one arm, designed in a tentacle-style that mimicked an alien device from a science fiction trid a couple years back, was a green holster for her commlink. Her ears remained unpierced, while she had mystical tattoos along her forehead, cheeks, and arms.
"Yes, he does," she said with a smile.
She followed the troll back, careful to not touch him at all during the trip while making it a point not to get away from where he could observe. Once she was in the room, she blinked, then nervously waved hello to the other person in the room.
Is this a trap? Crap, what did my parents do in traps? Okay, think, what would my mother say? "If in doubt, double the explosives." No, not helpful! Okay, about people? "If you set a Johnson a fire, he will be warm for a day and then screw you over for another fire tomorrow. If you set a Johnson on fire, he will be warm for the rest of his life." I now know why Dad didn't let her talk to strangers much...
"Um, hi. I guess you're here for the Fireworks Action Committee too?"
I could always stun him, steal any credsticks he has, and report him to the police as a flasher... No! Stop thinking like Mom!
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@Angel
With a burst of speed you rush to the end of the alley, deftly ducking left. You vault over a trash bin, accelerating once you land, forcing your way past anyone that gets in your way. Drek, well THAT was the wrong car to steal… even if the womanising bastard deserved it. There are two humans hot on your trail. The boost was going without a hitch, one minute more and you'd have been away scot free. You're no idiot, however. The difference between a poor and great boost IS the difference of seconds. You'd been too slow.
You look back at you assaliants, they are gaining on you. You dig deep, drawing all the stamina you can muster, rushing off in to the crowd. Perhaps a final sprint will help you lose them. Weaving left and right while running is definitely slowing you down, though neither chaser has managed to fire off their taser so far.
Luckily you're about halfway across an intersection as the lights go green . Cars surge forward just as you cross the street. Hopefully that will slow those bastards down. Doolan's is only two blocks from here. If you can make it there you're sure you'll be fine. You've heard about Doolan's through Joe and know it's your best bet. Joe's the fixer you've recently met. You don't really like, let alone trust him, though you do need someone to take items off your hands, which you must admit he does quite well.
You finally arrive, the troll on the door giving you the once over as you enter. You've been here a few times before, though always to meet someone. Sitting at the bar, you order a small bottle of baijiu, warm, one cup. Might as well relax a bit before heading home. looking up at the trid overhead, you watching the new unfold. Looks like you're stuck here for a while longer.
A human, mid 30's, wearing a stupid leather jacket and fedora struts over "Aint seen you before baby… How bout a party with Swish? Swish definitely show you a good night" You've seen this chump before, always talking to someone unlucky girl. He's harmless, those trolls would grind him to paste in a heartbeat. Ignoring him completley, you focusing on the news reporter on the trid. You grab your commlink, it looks like you'll need to find somewhere to stay for the night. May as well message Joe too, You never know what car he's after, you may be able to find one on the trip home...
-
On second thought, this chummer might go down hard. Hard to say as he's sitting down but Slim is around half a foot taller than you but on the verge of being too thin. He's wearing a unbuttoned dark charcoal 3/4 coat over a plain black t-shirt and black jeans. His combat boots are scuffed and obviously well worn in and you can catch a glimpse of a small baton on his hip. There is nothing shiny or reflective on his person, all buttons are either dark matte or purposefully scuffed. His hair is short and brown, intended more for comfort and ease rather than style. He has tattoos on the backs of both hands and also on the right side of his neck. You only catch a glimpse of his eyes as he glances up before continuing with what is best described as sullen brooding.
Fucking trog doesn't seem to have found reason to bat this chick around, damned sexual discrimination is everywhere. Well, playing rough with a girl this nice would be a shame, even if she's too skinny and WAY too green. Looks to be mojo'd though, or at least a wannabe. Better be on my guard, you never know with these awakened types.
"No, I don't believe I am. You sure you're at the right spot?"
-
Oh yeah. Now I remember what bars are for...
Angel smiles shyly looking for a quick escape but realises he probably wouldn't take no for an answer anyway. Guessing Swish to be about a 2 she scans the crowd for a desperate 3 on the rebound. She takes a stab at Swish's age.
Hmm. Maybe one with daddy issues...
Judge Intentions= 6d6t5: 3 [6d6t5=1, 6, 2, 2, 6, 5]
http://orokos.com/roll/189823#
She takes her best guess and orders a Cosmopolitan for her target on her Commlink and put's Swish's name on it.
Swish, you just bought that woman a drink. Don't let it go to waste. You'll probably be busy so talk later?
Flicking the Commlink open to access the keyboard she flicks a message out to Joe.
>>Message
>>Contact: Honest Joe
>>Out at Doolan's. Done for the night as the bridge is closed. I'll get a new hit list from you in the morning.
Check the time and go find myself a corner to stand in. At least it's warm.
(Subtracting 15 nuyen from character)
-
Strange, what do we have? an explosion, right... why are the pawns questioning people? yet all the media goes silent about it.... its starting to smell like a kitty litter and its not my fault this time... Cracking her knuckles and shuffling her bleached short hair Caroline decides to go at it in another way, time to find out... hell if i am going to be stranded on this stinky island for hell knows how long.
The jest from the ork still ringing in her ears I´ll get you some other time... bakayarou...
>>Compose message
>>contact: Jill
>> Ohayou! you know anything about the incident on Fox island bridge? has Charlie choked to death already? (*3*)ノ*
The AR message display quickly vanishing after the message is sent and Kitty starts heading to the bathroom, and to Kitty's (lack of) surprise it was pretty much like the rest of the place, sleazy and unkept.
Hew!! right... clean stall..clean stall.. HEW!!! ok.. not so dirty stall... there was not much to choose from, only three stall, its was like picking the lesser evil in the ladies bathroom, there was some traffic, one ork girl in tight syntleather adjusting her make-up and a skinny girl that kept talking to herself on a hype manner, Jazz addict... for sure. Kitty chose the one of the least filthy ones, the one on the back, settling in, grabbing some paper to put on the top of the seat, bolting the door and enabling the video display from the implanted commlink to a small pop up window in her right upper side corner field of view, Just in case... She thought. Her backpack providing some comfort to her back, she let herself go into VR.
Her persona coming to life and merging with her implanted cyberdeck icon, a human sized "Hello Kitty", no surprise to anyone that knew her, as the meat world vanished the full life colours of the matrix came in to view, around her icons of other devices, persona's and the like, not paying much attention to the bystanders, kitty's persona just soared into the space heading to the matrix location of the Fox Bridge, Kitty's background theme a no frills thing, just using the plain ol'NeoNET standard setup, shades of digital greens and grey, an emerald sky above her and plenty of hosts on her field of view, the vast mass of the icons, adverts, spamverts and all the nuisances the matrix usually spewed at you.
>>shutdown program
>>exploit
>>Load Agent
>>Agent rate 3: Missy
>>Set agent command routine
>>Hello Missy, run a matrix search pattern for me: Fox bridge; Explosion; Knight Errant; claiming credits for event.
As her agent loaded the small form of an orange cartoon kitty took form right next to Kitty's persona, snuggling up to kitty's persona legs and letting a small virtual Miau meaning that she had her job, hoping into the matrix Missy went.
>>setup safety protocols
>>Enable hot-sim
>> Setup Stealth protocol
>>Enable silent running
With the feeling of the full matrix experience kicking in, Kitty flew (literally) towards the Fox Bridge, gazing at the virtual scene she looked for icons that might give her a hint of what was going on.
Agent rate 3 image (http://www.clipart-box.com/images/cartoon-cat120524.png)
matrix perception for Fox bridge (http://orokos.com/roll/189876): 9d6t5 2
Missy matrix search (http://orokos.com/roll/189877): 7d6t5 4
.
-
On second thought, this chummer might go down hard. Hard to say as he's sitting down but Slim is around half a foot taller than you but on the verge of being too thin. He's wearing a unbuttoned dark charcoal 3/4 coat over a plain black t-shirt and black jeans. His combat boots are scuffed and obviously well worn in and you can catch a glimpse of a small baton on his hip. There is nothing shiny or reflective on his person, all buttons are either dark matte or purposefully scuffed. His hair is short and brown, intended more for comfort and ease rather than style. He has tattoos on the backs of both hands and also on the right side of his neck. You only catch a glimpse of his eyes as he glances up before continuing with what is best described as sullen brooding.
Fucking trog doesn't seem to have found reason to bat this chick around, damned sexual discrimination is everywhere. Well, playing rough with a girl this nice would be a shame, even if she's too skinny and WAY too green. Looks to be mojo'd though, or at least a wannabe. Better be on my guard, you never know with these awakened types.
"No, I don't believe I am. You sure you're at the right spot?"
Trance looked at the wall, and intentionally leaned against a part of it right next to the door. She took a quick glance at the tattoos, trying to see what they were, just in case they were arcane or gang markings. Made it a point not to look more than a second. Her hand came up to play nervously with the end of her hair.
Seems to be in a dark mood. Her thoughts paused a moment. Well, then again, I would be too if trolls roughed me up a bit.
"Right spot? Not even close." She sighed theatrically. "But I can't afford to sip champagne off the stomachs of Japanese women and smoke tobacco in solid gold pipes every day. So, close enough for the moment." She winked.
I hope the deadpan delivery didn't ruin the joke!
She then noticed her hand was playing with her hair and quickly pulled it down.
"This not where I should be, but the bridge closing eliminated Plan A. An alternative was needed."
No need to inform him this is Plan C. Like Mom always said, Plan B is always twice as many explosives as Plan A. And Plan A didn't involved explosives.
-
Trance looked at the wall, and intentionally leaned against a part of it right next to the door. She took a quick glance at the tattoos, trying to see what they were, just in case they were arcane or gang markings. Made it a point not to look more than a second. Her hand came up to play nervously with the end of her hair.
Seems to be in a dark mood. Her thoughts paused a moment. Well, then again, I would be too if trolls roughed me up a bit.
"Right spot? Not even close." She sighed theatrically. "But I can't afford to sip champagne off the stomachs of Japanese women and smoke tobacco in solid gold pipes every day. So, close enough for the moment." She winked.
I hope the deadpan delivery didn't ruin the joke!
She then noticed her hand was playing with her hair and quickly pulled it down.
"This not where I should be, but the bridge closing eliminated Plan A. An alternative was needed."
No need to inform him this is Plan C. Like Mom always said, Plan B is always twice as many explosives as Plan A. And Plan A didn't involved explosives.
That actually managed to bring a small smile to Slim's face. "Sorry about that, being manhandled by a troll with an inferiority complex doesn't bring out the best in me." Slim sighs and sits up straight, gesturing to one of the chairs in the room, "Please, have a seat. The explosion is actually why I'm here too. I wasn't sure if I was going to see Andy but if I'm stuck on this rock... might as well. I'm Josh but by all means call me Slim." Slim sticks his hand out, "So, what should I call you?"
-
@Cheshier
"You be makin fun of my accent, small fry?" Andy looks a little annoyed, though his features quickly smooth over "It take a REAL Jamaican ta talk like dis. You sound like some impostoar, fool." he's pointing at himself as he talks about jamaicans.. You're not sure if he's serious, or if he's talking drek. "As to ya other question..,I didn't get my reputation, sendin people ta die, feel me?" Reaching down, you hear Andy open one of the drawers from his desk. He places a second glass on the table, filling both from the decanter on his desk, sliding a glass over the table toward you. "Drink up, then we get you ta look. I have another room you can use, mon. Shouldn't be a problem, back in a flash, my boys look after your meat while you gone" Andy grins, "Perfectly safe"
@Duckdown
You reel back as she slaps you. "You best not be shooting off to see some other slut" she shouts, slurring her words. Jesus, that hurt. She laughs "Of course you're not" she smiles at you "You aren't crazy, are you?"
Carl joins laughing, cracking open a beer. "Take it easy on the poor guy, looks like he's about to have a heart attack" he raises his bootle and tilts it in your direction "Cheers for filling in, that was some tight as drek drumming tonight"
You think about packing up your kit. Although the bridge is only 6.5km away, you imagine the traffic north will be shot. Drek is it safe to travel on foot?
@Angel
You quickly dismiss Swish as your typical all talk, no walk, drek talker. You're pretty sure you'd make him scream like a girl in a real fight. You see him shrug, leaning on the bar, occasionally glaring in your direction. Not long after, the bartender serves the cosmo you ordered and you see Swish quickly shuffle off to take credit
Your commlink buzzes. You weren't expecting a response so quickly...
Incoming Message:
>>Contact: Honest Joe
>>Doolan's? I saw the report on the trid. I have interests on Fox Island, I want that damn bridge open. Interested in some nuyen? See Andy, the owner. He may have use for your skills. Guess you won't be delivering the 400GT I asked for? Careful of the bouncers, they're a touchy lot.
I have another contact at Doolan's, asked him to look in to some missing kids. This goddamn explosion is more important, I'll attach his details, see if the two of you can find out what the hell's going on.
>>Attachment: Slim Commcode
You think back, embarrassed you got caught. Luckily Joe doesn't need to know the details of the botched boost. You'd think the kids would take priority, you guess the closed bridge will cost Joe nuyen.
-
That actually managed to bring a small smile to Slim's face. "Sorry about that, being manhandled by a troll with an inferiority complex doesn't bring out the best in me." Slim sighs and sits up straight, gesturing to one of the chairs in the room, "Please, have a seat. The explosion is actually why I'm here too. I wasn't sure if I was going to see Andy but if I'm stuck on this rock... might as well. I'm Josh but by all means call me Slim." Slim sticks his hand out, "So, what should I call you?"
Trance nodded, wincing as she recalled the sight. "I saw it, but couldn't intervene. I made certain to keep a bit of distance on my way here."
She tilted her head, pondering the offer, and walked over to sit in the nearest empty chair, keeping her back straight and sitting on the edge.
"I'm willing to bet KE is behind it. Dumb fraggers probably did it by accident and confused themselves into thinking something else happened."
She leaned forward, reaching out to shake his hand, while her free hand instinctively reached up to brush her hair back from her face. "It's nice to meet you, Slim. I'm Trance!"
-
Checking out the message she flicks a message out on her Commlink.
>>Message
>>Contact: Honest Joe, Slimm Commcode
Hi there. Looks like Joe wants to circle his wagons. Free to talk?
>>Message
>>Contact: Honest Joe
I am heading back to talk to Andy now. An introduction may grease some wheels...
She flips the lid with an audible snap and pushes off her bar stool. She checks her extendable baton is within easy reach on the external pocket of her backpack and starts to head for the trolls that are taking up doorways. She waits until she's on their radar before making her way up to them.
I think Andy might be expecting me.
-
Oi, probably shouldn't mock a guy that trolls call boss.
Cheshire scoops up the drink and throws it back in one motion, wincing as it goes down. Exhaling hard and trying not to shudder, he sits the glass down and nods. "Call your boys, let's get to snooping."
Sure hope nobody else is hanging around, this never was my strongest subject in school...
-
@Kitty You're seen litter boxes tidier than these bathroom stalls. You turn up your nose in disgust, looking for the best of the bad. The skinny girls lifts her head, gazing at you, eyes glassy and hands shaking. "Please, just a couple nuyen? Y-y-you don't have any jazz? That'd be great…" she looks desperately hopeless, an addict for sure.
Entering the stall, you shut the door, locking yourself in. Gah, you almost stood in something. Jacking in, your feel the rush of leaving your meat body behind, the unpleasant smell of the stall a fading memory.
Missy bounds off, jumping in to the air, tail swishing behind her. You hope she kinds something useful, though you know a thorough search will take a little time…
You launch yourself upward, racing toward Fox Island, icons flashing past as you move, you ignore them, pushing on. You reach your target quickly, filtering through the mass of icons for any clues. Running a quick scan, you notice several Ares icons in the area. These must be the Knight Errant on the scene. You also note the mass of cars, there are a lot, must be really jammed up. Dismissing them for now, you take a look at the bridge itself. No systems are running, it must be completely shut down.
A quick hop and you arrive at the Boat Ramp. the icons of the ships docked grab your attention. You also spot the control room, that must be where ships radio, signalling their arrival. Looks like explosion didn't take it out.
You ponder your options, a few places to look at, but where to start?
-
hmm boats, boat captain asked to stay for questioning by the pawns... comm central for boats... I wonder if they keep any files or footage tehre about the lockdown... sorry Missy I´ll have to stop you for a while
>>compose message
>>Missy, cancel seach pattern and start shutdown
>>shutdown program
>>Toolbox
>>Load program
>>signal scrub
>>Baby Monitor
In truth it really was a matter of knowing how good the host was, the noise being a problem outside it. As missy vanished, her program shutting down, Kitty focused her attention on the host in front of her.
Right... lets see how well defended you are.
matrix perception - limit 4 (http://orokos.com/roll/190083): 9d6t5 2
Matrix perception - limit 4 (http://orokos.com/roll/190085): 2#9d6t5 2 3
questions:
- Host rating
- Host Firewall attribute
- Host Commcode
-
@Duck You reel back as she slaps you. "You best not be shooting off to see some other slut" she shouts, slurring her words. Jesus, that hurt. She laughs "Of course you're not" she smiles at you "You aren't crazy, are you?"
Carl joins laughing, cracking open a beer. "Take it easy on the poor guy, looks like he's about to have a heart attack" he raises his bootle and tilts it in your direction "Cheers for filling in, that was some tight as drek drumming tonight"
You think about packing up your kit. Although the bridge is only 6.5km away, you imagine the traffic north will be shot. Drek is it safe to travel on foot?
Well, traffic might be shitty, but i aint exactly in a hurry. Plus, i already had to DWO (drive while ork) to get here, so i didn't come strapped. If anything goes down, i need to be able to get away. I GOTTA take this truck. Besides, if i leave it here, some junkie is gonna shit in it.
He turns to face Carl, his arm still around Deen's muscular waist, and a massive red handprint growing in brightness across the left side of his face. " Thanks. I do what i do, y'know? So, yall got a place to crash on the island or what?" As he chats with Carl, he mentally activates his commlink.
>> Send File: LennyFam276.jpg
Recipient: Deen
>> Send Message
Recipient: Deen
Message: This is my late brother, Lenny. Those two adorable little grubs sharing his motorcycle jacket are my nieces, Melinda and Pharos. The "slut" in the background is their mother, Zip. She aint seen the girls since they snuck off to that frakkin silver clover show two days ago. She wants me to go look around. It'll take one hour, two if traffic is shitty. By that time, you will have found us a place to crash and...
>> Send File: DeenDuckHotel18.jpg
Recipient: Deen
[OOC: i gave myself +2 dice for romantic involvement and another +1 cause she's drunk.]
Negotiation, i think this would be... (http://orokos.com/roll/190167): 8d6t5 4
-
Trance nodded, wincing as she recalled the sight. "I saw it, but couldn't intervene. I made certain to keep a bit of distance on my way here."
She tilted her head, pondering the offer, and walked over to sit in the nearest empty chair, keeping her back straight and sitting on the edge.
"I'm willing to bet KE is behind it. Dumb fraggers probably did it by accident and confused themselves into thinking something else happened."
She leaned forward, reaching out to shake his hand, while her free hand instinctively reached up to brush her hair back from her face. "It's nice to meet you, Slim. I'm Trance!"
"No reason to intervene. My own damn fault, probably. Should have expected a hair-trigger from the guys that manage to keep a place like this from going to shit every night."
Noticing Trance fiddling with her hair, A tell of some sorts or just a nervous tick from a kid in over her head. "Pleasure is mine Trance, yeah, it's impossible to tell. Could be anything from the Knight to some gangers too stupid to properly transport explosives."
-
@Duckdown
Carl nods "For sure man, You know what Derek's like, missed a few gigs, likes them week long benders a little TOO much, ya know? May need you to fill in again, if ya keen?" he takes a swig from his beer, before downing another tequila shot "Of course we organised a pad, we normally crash at the bars we gig at. Andy's put us up overnight, tiny room, but who gives a drek at the end of a bender?" Carl pats his chest, reaching in to his jacket pocket, pulling a pack of Marlboro Lights. He pops a cigarette in to his mouth, sparking a match and lighting up. He takes a drag, exhaling several rings. "Ant no good for the singing he takes another drag "but drek, never could bring myself to quit"
You fire off a message to Deen, attaching a snapshot of last weekends fun. She grabs her commlink, frowning you'd sent her a message while in the same room. Spending a lot longer than needed, she reads the message and walks over. Was that concern on her face for a split second? "Just don't be too long, alte?" She punches you in the chest, she's punched a lot harder than that. You consider your plan...
@Angel
You fire off several messages, your ancient commlink snaps shut. You hear someone at the bar snicker. "Nice commlink love, hand me down from grandma?" Instinctively you reach for your baton. No, that's a bad idea.
You walk over to the remaining troll. The other seems to have disappeared. The troll frowns, is that concern? Nah, probably just anger. "Wait here" he grumbles. "Who are you and who sent you? Too many people be askin to see the boss tonight, I smell trouble" You give your name, mentioning Honest Joe. He nods, heading out back, shutting the door behind him.
You hope Honest Joe hasn't put you in the shit...
Guess there's nothing to do but wait.
@Cheshire
"Ahh, most excellent brother" Andy looks pleased. He reaches under his desk, you hear a faint click. Must be paging someone. Moments later the door opens the same troll entering the room. Andy stands, motioning you toward the door. "Crash, Take our friend here to tha cellar" The cellar? You're a little worried. Andy notices, lauging. "These room upstairs keep nosey eyes and ears out, understand me?. Tha cellar be much easier and my boy can look afta ya."
You follow Crash in to the hallway. He's a monster of a troll, at least 8'8, 360kg of muscle. he stops before one of the doors, opening it revealing a staircase. "Follow me" he grunts, bending down, descending without waiting for a reply.
There's another door at the bottom of the stairs. Crash fumbles for a key, not long after you hear the click of the mechanical lock and the door opens. Inside is nothing special. Kegs line the back wall, spare tables and chairs are stacked high. You notice a bunch of broken furniture stacked in one corner. You wonder if rowdy patrons caused the damage, or if it was a result of a troll keeping order. Crash walks to one corner, grabbing a rather large chair and placing it in the center of the room. "Here ya go. Unless you'd rather pass out on the floor?"
You watch the him lean against a wall, keeping an eye on you. Seems he really will be watching over you while you work, you're not sure if you're relieved or scared...
@Slim @Trance
You're getting impatient. How long are those damn trolls going to keep you waiting? Time passes, you exchange brief introductions with each other. It's possible you'll be working together soon, might as well get along. Finally the door opens. This troll's new. He grunts. "Come on, seems the boss be busy tonight"
@Slim
As the troll opens the door, your commlink buzzes. Weird, wonder if that was a coincidence.
>>Message
>>From:Angel
>>Contact: Honest Joe, Slim Commcode
Hi there. Looks like Joe wants to circle his wagons. Free to talk?
Who the drek is Angel? Looks like she knows Joe at least. Is that a good thing?
@Slim @Trance
you follow the troll to Andy's office. He's sitting behind a desk, pouring a whiskey from a crystal decanter. "Welcome friends, welcome" he motions you closer "Sit down, time for a chat". You sit, Andy rolls back in his chair, putting his feet up. Axle leaves, shutting the door as he goes. "Seems ya know a few friends of mine? You be brave approaching Crash and Axle like dat" he laughs "Or stupid, tell me, why you ask ta see me? Both be desperate for work?"
-
Find a corner. Wait patiently. Check to see what the news captions read on the trid now that the music is out.
She runs a check over her gear. Over the past 6 months it has become OCD to her. She had lost several apartments to squatters before she finally kicked out the big bucks to get an apartment in a building with locks. But that still meant she only left her bow and her staff behind. She checked her cred balance every morning but she always knew what it was before she looked. Times were tight. Her olive green armour jacket was starting to show roughness around the end of the sleeves and the collar. She should probably get a new one, but it wasn't bad enough to justify the expense. Her boots had the lightness of familiarity and the wear of age. At least the soles never wore out. She smiled at that but quickly put it away in case anyone saw.She pulls an elastic from her pocket and quickly puts a ponytail in place and tucks it into her jacket.
Flicking her Commlink open, she run's a fast scan for RFID tags. The built in functions did not have the power of a full scanner but the price was right. When it flashes a foreign warning, she pops her backpack off as she backs into a corner. Nine times out of ten, it's the backpack. Finding the tag she try's to pull it off.
Fucking adhesive.
She fumbles into a pocket for her eraser wand and runs it over the pack.
Starting to get more tags than pack.
Dropping it into her pocket she let's out a squeak as she notices the bar crowd has been edging in towards her wile she was preoccupied. Putting on her best "Get away from me" face she moves back to the door the troll left.
At least no one wants to come closer to these guys on purpose...
-
@Slim As the troll opens the door, your commlink buzzes. Weird, wonder if that was a coincidence.
>>Message
>>From:Angel
>>Contact: Honest Joe, Slim Commcode
Hi there. Looks like Joe wants to circle his wagons. Free to talk?
Who the drek is Angel? Looks like she knows Joe at least. Is that a good thing?
@Slim @Trance you follow the troll to Andy's office. He's sitting behind a desk, pouring a whiskey from a crystal decanter. "Welcome friends, welcome" he motions you closer "Sit down, time for a chat". You sit, Andy rolls back in his chair, putting his feet up. Axle leaves, shutting the door as he goes. "Seems ya know a few friends of mine? You be brave approaching Crash and Axle like dat" he laughs "Or stupid, tell me, why you ask ta see me? Both be desperate for work?"
Wait, is he making a figure of speech or is he for real? Does Joe actually have a connection to this guy? I may have been underestimating the little bastard, this Angel character might even be fairly competent.
Judge Intentions: Andy (http://orokos.com/roll/190220): 8d6t5 4
>>Speech-to-text, subvocal mic<<
<<At meet with Andy, will ask you be included. How will we recognize you?>>
Slim smiles at the brave/stupid joke, "I've never been considered for Mensa, that's for sure. Those are some tough dudes you got there, maybe even as tough as they think they are. But speaking of mutual friends, Honest Joe apparently has another runner in your bar, name of Angel. Would it be possible to add that person to this meet? I can tell the chummer to speak to your most excellent and mild mannered bouncers."
Etiquette; Andy (http://orokos.com/roll/190221): 5d6t5 3
-
Aint got much of a plan. I was just gonna hop in the truck, drive down near the venue, and circle the area for a couple hours. Do some people watching. See if i can see anything out of the ordinary. It'd be nice if i had some backup, but i don't know anyone here i can really trust 'cept Deen, and she's too hammered and horny to be any good out there. Besides, she'd just gimme shit for not coming strapped.
He pulls his arm from around Deens waist and moves toward the rear entrance to the venue, turning over his shoulder to say, "I'm gonna go load my gear into that room you mentioned, Carl. Then, im gonna head on out."
Duck walks back into the venue. He pushes his way along the edge of the crowd toward the side alcove where his drumset sits, waiting for him. Picking up the collection of off green dufflebags it resides in and slinging them over his shoulders, he makes his way back through the crowd, shoving his way to the bar. As he fights through the sea of drunken fists, feet, and tusks, he stops for a moment to listen to the band playing now. This troll techmetal stuff just doesn't do it for me. Sure, I can respect the skill level and all, but it just seems too "in the head" and not enough "in the soul" for me. Once he gets to the bar, he raises a finger to the overworked troll bartender filling a truly immense glass of beer. He shouts to be heard over the noise. "Ayo Chum! Carl tells me Andy's got a room set up we can crash in? Mind pointin me toward it? I don't wanna leave this shit in the truck all night, wiz?
Listen to me, all talkin like i know who the drek "andy" is.
-
Trance was about to reply when the bouncer interrupted her. She nodded and stood, following behind Slim and the troll. She kept silent during the trip, relaxing as she walked and composing herself. Once they inside the room, she smiled to Andy and mouthed a small thanks as she took a seat. She then waited while he talked, using the time to try to get a read on him, and smiled at his joke.
Judge Intentions (http://orokos.com/roll/190241): 8d6t5 3
Perception to notice hidden weapons (http://orokos.com/roll/190244): 6d6t5 3
"Slim's brave, I'm stupid. Gets the job done when you need something brave and stupid done," Trance replied with a wink.
Etiquette test (http://orokos.com/roll/190247): 8d6t5 2 Social limit of 6
I think that came across badly...
"I had a meeting for a job lined up until the bridge closed. I was redirected to you. Mini Boom thought this turn of events could still work out and sent me to you," Trance said.
Rule three: Never tell a fixer you're desperate for work, but don't lie to them.
She didn't blink at the mention of another person being added, but mentally added it to her list of things being added on to this.
A third person, he probably met with a fourth before us... This is a true shadowrun team. Slim is definitely experienced, from what I've seen. Andy isn't playing around and this has him incredibly busy. I bet this third person will be part of it as well. Might also mean competition for spots. No screw-ups, Trance!
She almost began to open her mouth on the subject of adding another, then thought better of it.
No, don't speak up. The fixer chooses the team members and decides who he'll meet with when; doesn't need to hear me say I'm okay with it.
She just put on a relaxed, if very slightly nervous, smile.
-
Cheshire moves up to the chair and hops into it, scooting all the way back so that he can recline with just his feet hanging off. Taking a few breaths to calm his nerves (and his stomach, after taking that shot with Andy), he relaxes back into the chair and feels himself sliding out of his meat.
He gets the same urge every time he enters the astral, the urge to shoot straight up into the sky at blistering speeds, to spend at least a couple of minutes enjoying the complete freedom from the limitations of his body. Not tonight, self. We have more important things to look into. Startin' with what I'm not supposed to look into. Guess that means you first, Crash.
He flits over in front of Crash to take a good, hard look before he moves on. Assensing Crash (http://orokos.com/roll/190259): 7d6t5 0 Frag it's been too long since I tried this. What was it Professor Krinch said that color means? I hope it wasn't anger. Drek, they probably all mean anger on a troll. He hangs around for a few more moments to make sure Crash wasn't just waiting for him to go limp before floating out of the cellar.
Let's go see if there is anything suspicious going on here real quick. I wonder if Andy's room is warded...
-
@Kitty
Abandoning stealth, you recalibrate, shutting down Missy, your icon reappearing in the matrix. You weigh your options, you need the extra juice.
Targeting the communication hub at the docks, you probe its defences. You scan the icon, wondering if you'll need to get jack out to move closer. This interference isn't ideal, hopefully this host isn't too well defended…
>>Matrix Perception
>>Target: Fox Island Boat Ramp
>>Device Rating
>>Firewall
>>Commcode
>>Scan in progress...
You work quickly, you've done this many times before. It's not long before you have a result. Seems like your standard low end host, shouldn't be too much of an issue. You probe the firewall, you wonder how easily you will be able to break through.
>>Matrix Perception
>>Target: Fox Island Boat Ramp
>>Device Rating: 3
>>Firewall: 5
>>Commcode: N/A
You wonder what IC countermeasures the host is running, considering your next move.
-
The information displayed in her field of view her persona icon tilting her head, mimicking the mannerism she has in meat space. Not so though are you host-kun... Samantha face flashing briefly in her mind, the idea that the worst could happen even to the best of them, usually "kitty" is a bit averse to being reminded of the dangers of reality, but on this instance, as she hoovers near the shimmering data block representing the host of the comm hub at the dock, kitty cant help herself and the persistent thought of Sam keep crossing her mind.
Brrrrr.. snap out of it... why am i doing this? to get out of this stinking island.... why am i here on the first place... GOD knows... HiHi... no they don´t, not until i hack this shiny little thing... curiosity killed the cat eh? well... not this one. shaking her head and gathering her thoughts Kitty moves in a steady way to do her magic, steadier than her meat body would allow, but then again the matrix was always her natural habitat, licking her paws, rubbing them together and in her face kitty moves.
Looking around to try to spot any icon or persona, even one running silent, that might be on the lookout for anyone, Kitty moves her paw near the shimmering virtual construct, placing it gently on the surface of the host
And you never know what you can find inside... do news networks pay up for stories? i know the pawns are hiding something, they always are.... she thinks with a mischievous grin.
>>Shutdown program
>>Baby Monitor
>>Load program
>>Sleaze
To hell with the baby... I´ll keep tabs on overwatch later.
>>reconfigure ASDF
>>1/4/3/3
>>initiate hack-on-the-fly protocol
matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/190484): 9d6t5 2
hack-on-the-fly - comm hub - Sleaze [6] (http://orokos.com/roll/190486): 13d6t5 9 - limited to 6 hits
-
@Cheshire
You feel at home. There's nothing like the feel of leaving your physical body, the meat and entering the astral plane. Makeing sure Crash keeps his word, you stick around briefly. Looks like he's good. You shoot off through the door, up the stairs. Before you leave, you try a sneak peak at Andy's office, it's as you suspected. Wards surround the entire room, drek, looking around you notice every room in this hallway is warded. You wonder how much Andy spent, he must love his privacy...
Launching yourself off, you fly in to the air, the life force of the people below fading as you make your way to Fox Island Bridge. Stars shoot by overhead as you make haste, faster than any VTOL could travel. Drek, Andy didn't give you the gang's location, you wonder if that's taken a back seat to the news report. In no time at all you're near the bridge. You scan around, noticing a tent, the cars on the bridge and what obviously is the location of the explosion. You scan around, where to look first?
@Trance
Feeling Andy is up to something, you give him the once over, who knows how shady this guy is. You notice a stupid looking cane leaning against his desk. You take a closer look, noticing a small, but identifiable button near the thumb groove. You wonder what nasty surprise awaits the receiving end of that, definitely shady. Despite that, you get the feeling he's not all bad and for some strange reason you trust him. Probably at least worth a listen, at least.
"If I wantad brave, lady, my friend here woulda been more than fine" he laughs, pointing his cane toward Axle leaving the room. As the door closes he contiues "If I'da wantad stupid, well" he laughs motioning toward the door again. "Mini Boom eh? Crazy, crazy bastard!" Andy cuts the end from a fresh cigar, sparking a match and lighting up. "Ask tha crazy fool bout his cyber" he laughs "But if he sent ya, I can trust ya, can't I?"
@Slim
Andy puts down his glass, turning to you "I know about ya friend. My boy be gettin her now. Seems Joe been busy lately, mon. Two of ya in my bar..."
@Angel
You rip the tag from your pack, dropping it and grinding it to pieces with your shoe. You shift away from the crowd, drek, it's pretty packed. You wonder why you came here, thinking about leaving before remember the bridge and the two assailants from earlier in the evening.
Luckily the troll returns "He's expecting you, let's go" he barks before walking off. He lead you to a door, you realise you've never actually spoken with Andy, though you have seen him from a distance. You enter, seeing Andy with two others, a short, young girl with crazy green hair and an older male, charcoal coat, short brown hair. You assume the male is Slim, it looks like he can handle himself in a fight.
@Trance @Slim @Angel
Andy sets down the glass "Right, we all be here, time ta talk business" He pulls his shoulders back, stretching before continuing. "I believe I had a run down from our mutal friends Joe and Boom. Maybe you be able ta help" he cracks his knuckles "Looks like the island going to drek since Slash was killed, bad for business. I need someone to look in to tha new leader of the Mongrel's, I wouldant be surprised they be responsible for tha explosion, mon"
He looks around at each of you "Where be my manners? You don't know each otha, I give you some time, talk it over, knock on the door when ya done" he rises, opening the door to leave speaking to Axle "Get me when they ready, mon, feedin time for tha girls"
Axle shuts the door, it looks like the three of you are alone...
@DuckDown
"Hoi, drek, tight set Chummer! That break down was wiz!" The bartender nods approvingly. "Out back, near the rear car park. Take the stairs on the left, room 3. You're gonna have to walk around the side though, no rear exit" he reaches in to his pocket, handing you a key card.
Damn, going to have to carry the drums a little further. You sling your kit over your shoulder, exiting at the side entrance. Two large, awful smelling rubbish bins are to your right. You see an old man, passed out, surrounded in vomit. Better him than you, drek, that could have been you if you'd kept up those shots with Deen. You head left, down the alley, toward the back of the bar. The carpark's still almost full, looks like the party will be pumping a while longer yet. You see a gathering of people near the exit, looks like two fools are going at it. You hear a smash as one bottles the other. Idiots...
You easily find the stairs, adjusting the straps of your bags before ascending. You swipe the card, opening the door. You notice the door is heavy, wondering what it could be made from. The room is nothing special, there's a single bed in the corner, gas burner, no fridge. Drek, hardly enough for 2 let along 4. You wonder if Deen would have cared, she was worse that usual tonight.
Setting down your kit, you consider the zen you'd rolled earlier, though deciding against it. Thinking about the job ahead, you close the door, time to roll, you head toward the pickup…
@Kitty
You bound over to the host, initiating a scan as you approach. Looking to spot anything hidden, you bring up a search, text filling your HUD as you look around. Interesting... You spot a ship icon, hidden, it's the only one that isn't broadcasting. You take note, focusing your attention back to the host. Placing your paw at the front door, you try your luck.
>>Hack-on-the-fly
>>Initiating…
Several moments later, a cat door appears, that was easy. You smile, licking a paw before making your way inside.
Filing cabinets fill the room, hanging lights flicker, swinging slightly from above. The room appears as a warehouse, packed with cabinets. You leap to the top of the closest cabinet, leaning over the edge, curiously looking upside down at the label. Seems these files are organised by date, you wonder where the latest files are kept... You hunt around, leaping from cabinet to cabinet, as agile as any kitten. You feel like you're making good progress, not long and you'll find what you're looking for. Not long after, a security guard enters, flashlight scanning the room. Shit, patrol IC, best be careful...
Getting low, jumping from the top of the filing cabinet you silently land, moving on all fours away from the patrol. The last thing you need is the guard calling something more nasty... You creep as quietly as you can, finally coming to the cabinet you're after. First looking around for guards, you give the locked cabinet your attention.
-
After checking the back to make sure no one was sleeping in there, Duckdown opens the door to his gopher and steps up into the cabin, slamming the door shut behind him. He hated leaving shows early, but he hated not knowing where his nieces were more. Even more than that, right now, he hated not having his AK in his lap. Man, FUCK a trog! That's what the whole world set up to do anyway, right? Make it so a ork gotta have a gat to live, then make havin a gat a crime!
He takes a deep breath and exhales, thinking about the zen he's got rolled up and stuck in his black bandana. Chummer, what you NEED to do is take a couple hits off that before you go gettin all aggro out there in the sprawl and get into some dumb shit. "Nah, fuck that! Burn on the way back." He reaches behind his left ear and opens a small compartment, removing a long thin wire from it and plugging the end into the port under the dashboard. Once he starts to see the AROs loading up for the guages, he gives the mental command to start the engine and turn off the wireless. Frag it, I'm plugged in, right? The stout little pickup truck roars to life and as he throws it into gear to make his way out of the parking lot, he tries to remember what he knows about fox island gangs. Who runs the streets round here on fox? Have i heard anything about what they been upto lately? Runnin round in gang territory aint always the safest thing, and me bein unarmed, I'll need to have every edge i can get out there.
int+gang knowledge (http://orokos.com/roll/190559): 4d6t5 3
-
Cane hiding a weapon. He's careful enough to be armed. Shouldn't need it with the trolls around, but has it anyway. Smart and cautious.
Trance grinned at Andy. "Mini Boom is a riot by himself! I will have to ask about his cyberware! And he sent me to you, so I think we can trust each other!"
"Rule Four: Never trust your fixer." Shut up, Mom.
She nodded at bringing another in and gave Angel a glance and wave hello as the woman entered. Then she listened quietly, with her hands folded on her lap and her right hand idly tapping fingers on the back of her left. She blinked a moment at hearing the new gang leader may be the one responsible for the explosion. But, before she could ask a question, Andy was out the door. Trance shrugged; she could ask the question later.
Then, her eyes turned towards Angel fully. "Welcome to the Fireworks Action Committee!" She then winked. "What brings you?"
-
Hmm. What bring's me here...
Oh, you know. The promise of glory, riches beyond imagination, and the opportunity to live on forever in the minds and hearts of all manking as a heroine. Oh, right. That was the OTHER job I turned down. This one is RENT. Sorry guys, I'm sure your not happy about being thrown to the shit with people you don't know. Hardly ideal.
Give them the once over...
Looking for weapons and armour.
Weapons on Slim: 9d6t5: 4 [9d6t5=1, 6, 6, 6, 4, 5, 3, 3, 2](Limit 5)
http://orokos.com/roll/190651
Weapons on Trance: 9d6t5: 3 [9d6t5=2, 4, 2, 5, 5, 2, 2, 5, 4](Limit 5)
http://orokos.com/roll/190652
All hoping to do covertly...
Covert peak roll in case you need it: 13d6t5: 6 [13d6t5=2, 6, 3, 6, 1, 6, 3, 2, 5, 2, 4, 5, 5] (Limit 6)
http://orokos.com/roll/190653
Eye frisking done.
Also wanted to see if they are left or right handed. Professional stuff aside...
I'm Joe's friend Angel. Slimm?
She extends a hand to shake... I am not sure which is which so I choose the skinnier of the 2 and am leaning towards it being male.
Description time. Olive green Armour jacket. Long black hair currently in a ponytail. She has a worn green rucksack over one shoulder. Her pants are a black denim that have faded past black and have turned grey. The jacket is unzipped as the club is hot no matter the weather. Shirt is a black T. Her face would have been pretty. Except for the broken nose that was clearly not set properly. She doesn't sit but leans on a cabinet or table close to the door. She is smiling, but it's that shy smile of someone who doesn't know what her face should be wearing in most situations.
The way she delivers her line makes you think she has been practicing things to say before she enters the room.
Etiquette: 4d6t5: 2 [4d6t5=2, 5, 6, 4]( Limit 5)
http://orokos.com/roll/190657
-
"Angel." Slim shakes her hand briefly but firmly, "This is Trance, who I've just met myself, Trance, this is Angel who I've known for even shorter than I do you. Has Joe been in contact with you regarding this bridge business? I was sent here to find some missing kids and as far as I'm concerned that is still priority number one. However it seems clear that Andy has the expectation of us working together on this, and the same gang that he suspects were involved with the bridge are linked to these missing kids. According to what I've heard they've been adding new members and getting their paws on some real hardware. Might be that included demo charges, I have some contacts that might help with that info."
Slim pauses for half a second to let this sink in before continuing,
"If we're going to be working together it only makes sense that we'll get an idea of where each others talents lie. Me, I'm a weapons specialist and I can make do as a front man if needed. I also have some experience with gangs so that might be why I was pegged for this job in the first place. So, what is it that you guys bring to the table?"
-
Trance snirked. "So you got the gold mine offer too? I mean, sure, the offer of wine, men, women, unlimited wealth, weekend access to nuclear missiles... it sounds so enticing, but this one is just so much better!"
Trance gave Angel a quick glance-over, but wasn't looking for hidden weapons this time, listening to what Slim said.
Hardware? This doesn't sound good.
"Could we look into their hardware and see what they're using on the magical side? They might not have triggered that explosion using demo charges, but a properly placed spell. And the last thing I want is to walk in on a pyromaniacal mage with an addiction to fireballs. It can also help us prepare in case they have other magical security we don't know about."
She mmms at the mention of what Slim can do and nods. "I can provide some magical power. I know a couple of helpful spells. One that might be dangerous." She shrugs. "Throg tells me I should put a bit more effort into using spirits and take up challenges more often, but I know better than to promise anything unless I intend to do it."
And then she frowned. "Missing kids, an exploded bridge, a gang leader who may be a little violent... I don't like the possibilities of that combination."
-
No guards around... i think... better make it fast.. grab what i want and scoot out. thought Kitty, maybe it could be as simple as that maybe it would not, nothing like finding out was what was on her mind.
>>stop program
>>Exploit
>>Load program
>>Toolbox
Seeing if she could find the file icons corresponding to the explosion time frame, video feeds and communications, Kitty set herself to work.
Matrix perception - Data[4] (http://orokos.com/roll/190727): 8d6t5 4
matrix seach - files - Data [4] (http://orokos.com/roll/190731): 8d6t5 4
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/190732): 8+4d6 16
-
I'm not sharing my thoughts until I'm paid too. Guaranteed Andy's listening, right Andy? Let's work out if we are working. Who we are working for. What they expect of us and how we play in. This whole situation smells funny. Joe didn't hire me but expressed where his interests lie. Instead he introduces us to Andy. Too much coincidence. Too many unknowns. I have gaps that need filling
She cocks her head sideways a bit. That last part didn't sound right right coming out...
Stupid English.
-
Be nice if Andy had been a little more specific 'bout what to look for here. Probably thinks I'm better at this than I am. Suppose I should check the bridge first in case I need to make a hasty retreat...
Moving a couple of blocks back from, and to the side of, the bridge, Cheshire descends to street level. He folds his legs beneath himself and drops low enough that his astral backside is sliding across the concrete, presenting the smallest target he can for anybody who happens to be watching. Flitting between shadowy objects and brilliant auras he makes his way to the waterfront, about two blocks down from the bridge. Upon reaching the water he judges how far out the explosion was and sinks into the whirling pinpoints of lights coming off of the multitude of lifeforms flowing along, from simple algae on up. Trying to match the speed of the current he floats along until he is below the bridge's newest and most impressive pothole before rising enough for his head to be above water. Spotting the nearest corner with the most cover he launches upwards at full speed, turning as he does so that when he stops he is upside down with his legs against the bottom of the bridge.
He begins to slowly move around the hole, keeping back as far as he can, and looking for signs of magical activity.
Assensing explosion site (http://orokos.com/roll/190764): 7d6t5 2
-
"Good thinking Trance, not something I'm used to considering. Could an elemental do something like this? Isn't a pissed of fire ellie basically the same thing as a big firebomb, in practical terms at least?"
Slim frowns slightly at Angel's words, "Joe's a fixer, he makes connections for his guys. That the connections are, in his case, tenuous doesn't really surprise me at all. Andy has all but come out and said he wants us to do this job for him, so far as I'm concerned he is our 'Johnson'. What is unclear is what exactly he wants done and whether we have the tools to get it done. So, should we get Andy back in here or does either of you have something she wants to add?"
-
Angel shrugs...
I get that. I don't know the nature of their relationship is all. I don't want something told to me in confidence by Joe to get out on a fishing trip. That's why Andy left us in here. He already knows we'll take the job. We could have hugged it out after saying yes. It's all good though.
I can be a team player too. Since we are speculating. The ordinance may not have been detonated by gang members at all. I can't see the purpose behind it. It would not stop the authorities from arriving. Maybe the bomb was detonated by parents and concerned citizens so that their children couldn't be smuggled off the island. Lockdown lowers the search vector. I think we need Andy though. If I'm awake and stuck here, I might as well find something to do.
-
Trance just smiled as the two interacted, then spoke up.
"It could have been a fire elemental. Could still be waiting around. Nasty surprise for anyone who stumbles upon it."
She then stretched a bit and sighed as her back popped. "I don't think many of us would talk. We're in a business where secrets are our stock and trade. We blab too much, we become untrustworthy... and untrustworthy people who can't keep their mouths shut probably don't live long." She then tilted her head. "Which means we'll need to know at least the basics about each other's strengths to be effective. I'm certain that telling all isn't on the table; I haven't revealed all about me, and I'm certain both of you are also keeping stuff back you'd never say. Works better that way."
Andy is a Johnson... what did my mother say about Johnsons? "A Johnson can only be trusted when you're tasering them with one hand and beating them with a pipe wrench with the other."
... my mother needed therapy.
"We need more info anyway."
-
Angel crosses her arms, not realising she was moving into a defensive posture. Dealing with jobs was always easier than dealing with people. This conversation was already going south for her.
All fair. I'm not worried about sharing about me. With that out of the way, it was just taking the job or not and moving on. If we are not taking it, I don't want to waste time on it.
She takes a moment to think about how that sounds.
Look, I'm not paranoid, I'm just used to keeping my shit tight. It comes with the circles I travel.
She uncrosses her arms and cracks of exasperation seep into her demeanour.
I don't want to offend. Everyone's a pro here. Ijust never deal well with the people parts.
-
"No offence given, no offence taken. Different skill sets are why people like us are hired as teams. So we all think it's time to ask Andy to join the conversation and give us info on what it is that he actually wants done."
-
Trance relaxed in her chair and nodded.
"You're not offending. Just being cautious. And I agree. It's time for Andy."
-
Seeing no one else moving toward the door, Angel takes a step and gives a know. Waiting for the troll to open the door.
-
@Cheshire
Thinking about the lack of instruction from Andy while you scan the site, searching for any sign of an astral signature. Was this explosion caused by magic? You find no residue, nothing pointing the finger at magical intervention. Moving from shadow to shadow, building to building, you hope to remain unseen from any prying eyes while you look around. Auras emanate from several Knight Errant patrols, a stark contrast from the grey, dulled down view of the bridge and your surroundings. Keeping covered, you cautiously observe the scene, leaving the bridge, sneaking your way to toward the tent.
Suddenly, you sense a wash of emotion. Surprise, fear and pain. Sensing the strongest of these emoting coming from the tent, you look toward it, a mass of auras pushing their way free. You watch in horror as they run, making it not far before dropping to the ground, fading to nothingness. What the hell is going on here? You notice the patrol that you spotted earlier, running in the opposite direction of those in need. Obviously they were caught by surprise, not interested to stick around and help those in trouble.
It doesn't take long before the majority have fallen. Sensing helplessness, breathlessness, death, the life force being ripped from their bodies as they pass.
What the drek just happened?
@Kitty
Flexing a paw you extend a claw, shaped as a key from your index finger. You slot it in to the filing cabinet, a quick flick of the wrist and click, the cabinet opens. Too easy, you think, downloading and scanning through the mass of folders and files. There's data for ship schedules, CCTV footage, audits and more. Looks like there's a fair amount to look through. You check the days sign in register, seems only a few ships were supposed to dock today. You think back to the hidden icon, looking up it's registration in the sign in logs. Strange, the ship has never signed in, in fact there's no mention it at all here…
Scouring the CCTV footage, you try and pinpoint the ships docking time. You find nothing that shows the ships entering the docks, though you notice a 10 minute gap in the footage, the ship appearing once the cameras are back online. You take a closer look at the footage once the ship had docked, something strange catching you eye. Deja vu? No, that footage is definitely looped…You watch a bird fly past the camera, repeating every few minutes. Whoever had access to the security feed has removed at least an hours footage, brining the cameras down enough for the ship to dock, looping the footage to hide whatever they were doing.
You're getting closer, you just finish copying the data when you feel something strange. A rumble? That seems odd… No long after, filing cabinets start shaking, some topple over. You look up, just as the ceiling seems to collapse on you… You try to jack out, though you know you're too slow.
Everything goes black…
You rub your head, coming to. Damn, that hurt. You've fallen off the toilet, crashing through the shoddy lock, sprawled on the floor. Luckily your deck's implanted. Drek, you can't afford to replace that if it's damaged. You look up finding yourself face boots with a nasty, angry looking troll.
"You best have a DAMN good explanation for what's going on here, Chummer" he scowls at you, cracking his knuckles, glaring at you.
@Duckdown
You know the Mongerel's are the now the top gang on Fox Island, keeping their position with brutality and intimidation. You have a younger cousin who dated a potential prospect a while back and while you don't speak to your younger cousin often, she trusts you and has come knocking when drek hits the fan. Based on your cousins bruises and once a broken arm, you know they are savage and ruthless. Thinking back, you remember The Devil's Cut crew used to control most criminal activity at the northern end of the Island. While they were heavily in to smuggling operations, they kept the violence off the streets, preferring to stay anonymous. From what you know these Mongrel's are the opposite of anonymous. You've also heard that since a change in leadership, they have basically driven out all other gangs from Fox Island, massively outgunning any competition, becoming even more violent. They often ride Harley Scorpions and always wear their gang colours, red and black bandanas, black leather jackets emblazoned with a rabid dog, foaming at the mouth.
You consider jacking in, the rush, becoming one with your gopher, the vehicle becoming an extension of your body. Not yet, want to look around, see there are any kids. You browse through the vehicle's ARO's, ensuring everything's running smoothly. Oil temp, fuel, sensors, all looking good. Wouldn't want to get caught in gang territory without a ride. Pulling out, you head off, toward the bridge. Drek, weather's shot, the rumbling of thunder washing over you with the rain as you drive. Surprisingly, there is little traffic toward the bridge, you wonder how they've blocked off the bridge, guessing that everyone with half a brain is keeping away.
You're about a block away when you hear more lightning, also… something else? You listen though the sensors on your vehicle, that second sound definitely wasn't thunder. Looking around, you see a fresh plume of smoke rising. Drek, another explosion? BOOM, another, then another. It seems you're driving right in to a war zone. You contemplate your options, you're close, too close?… Reaching an intersection, you managing your first view of where the bridge one stood. Smoke rising in to the air, a fire beginning to spread. You see concrete breaking off the now decimated bridge, falling in to the ocean, cars following not long after. There seems to be another explosion at the docks, boats are on fire and the control room has been utterly destroyed.
@Trance @Angel @Slim
Not long after Angel knocks, Andy walks back in. "Ahh, so ya had plenty of time for a chat" Walking around the room to his char, leaning on his cane as he sits." He looks at Angel, grinning slightly "So what did ya all talk about? Be rude of me ta eavesdrop on a ya hmm?" He winks, sparking another cigar, you notice he seems to smoke a drek load. "Joe and I be…mutual business partners, Mini Boom too. We all have a… mutual understandin, feel me?" he turns to Slim "Boom already sent ya here ta talk to me about another them kids. Be nice ta sort that, dealing with kids nasty business, however the bridge be the main priority, I think they both related, perhaps ya can kill two birds one stone ya?"
"I need someone ta look in to these Mongrel's. Of course I neva offered you tha job, anyone asks, I hardly know ya, seen ya at the bar once or twice." He seems to be checking you all out. You definitely be outgunned, though I think ya be able ta outsmart em, they not be too bright" Andy laughs "Much like my bouncers, see? All shoot no think. I have someone else doing a job for me, checkin the bridge, should be back soon wid info, another team mate for your team"
You see Andy peer up, looking up toward the trid hanging in one corner behind you. You listen as the volume increases, reporters voices getting clearer. You see a reporter in a rotocraft, filming what's left of Fox Island Bridge and Docks. "Another series of explosions has ripped through the northern end of Fox Island. It seems one of the explosions has released some sort of chemical weapon, currently the body count and chemical released is unknown. Knight Errant have evacuated, the bridge is closed and our intel tells us that Fox Island will be locked down until further notice" You watch the reporter look in horror as a rocket flies toward the aircraft. Moments later a loud explosion, the screen turning to static before cutting back to a stunned news anchor. "We'll be right back after these messages…" she stammers, cutting to a break.
Angry picks up his glass, filling from his decanter and taking a long swig, slamming the glass down on the table "Bastards!" quickly composing himself, he looks back at you all "Seem ya be stuck here ya? Why not make some nuyen while ya here? I don't wantcha taken the fools head on, dat be suicide. I need someone quiet, someone dat go unseen, I need more info ta take these bastards down. Are ya Interested?"
-
Frag it!.. Coff..Ghnnn... Gasping for hair and looking at the huge trog in fron of her kitty just feebly raised her hand, blood trickling down her nose Just what was that?!? trying to stop the blood dripping, Kitty rolled to one side, her deck safe and patting her back with the other other hand, the backpack still there. Gimme a minute will you her head throbbing from the pain, she was not new to dumpshock, nor even to physical harm, but the feeling was never pleasant .
Standing on her knee and trying to get up, almost falling over Kitty grabbed a piece of the paper lying on the toiled, rolling into a small ball she stuffed it up her nose, as the world swam around her she had to lean on the stall walls.
Trying to get her act together she fished for her glasses, the red tint giving the world the colour that was swimming in her head. I was doing nothing mister. she said her voice almost faltering while she settled her back against the wall lying on her butt on the floor.
resist biofeedback - will+firewall -» "pushing the limits" (http://orokos.com/roll/192006): 12d6o6h5 2
-
Trance just grinned as he returned and listened to what he said. "I don't think it's rude to take prudent precautions. After all, you hardly know us."
Etiquette to ease any tension (http://orokos.com/roll/192070): 8d6t5 3
I definitely am not liking this picture.
Her eyes widened as the trid began to play the news, talking about a second series of explosions. She then frowned, narrowing her eyes, before looking to Andy.
"Want me to go check on that second explosion? I can also have a spirit check on the one investigating the first bridge, but I'll need an image of them for identifying them to the spirit. But either way, I'm in."
-
Frag, frag, frag! What kind of dreck have I stepped into here? Andy might get me some jobs but damned if I'm hanging around here with people dropping.
Deciding to abandon his efforts at stealth in favor of speed, Cheshire launches himself into the air and spins around a few times, trying to see if anything seems out of the ordinary in the astral. Quick scan of tent area (http://orokos.com/roll/192085): 7d6t5 0
Not noticing anything that seems important, he zips down to the back oh the tent. Just a quick peek, that's it. Just take one look and get out of here. Steeling his nerves, he drops prone and slowly starts pushing his face through the fabric of the tent...
-
Those fuckers aren't fucking around!
"What could their endgame possibly be? I mean what the hell is in it for them to go apeshit on the bridge and shutting the island off? They shot down the bloody newscraft."
As Trance jumps right into accepting the job without even asking what the pay would be Slim takes a steadying breath, changing the subject. "I can move around alright without being noticed but it isn't like it's a specialty of mine. Do you consider me as more of a troubleshooter if we mess up or are you thinking that an infiltration might be possible? What about this drekhead gang, do you have any leads on them? Headquarters, safe-houses, places where they do business?"
Last but definitely not least, you mentioned Nuyen. How much are we talking about? Please keep in mind that this is shaping up to be one spectacular mess and you're asking us to get in the middle of it.
-
"Fuck ME!" he says as he jolts his head toward the direction of the most recent blast. "Guess those devils cut fuckers still aint got the message."
Cause of COURSE Zip calls me to do this on the night the mad fucking bomber is taking mongrel contracts. What other time COULD this have happened?!
He shakes his head. "Dun change nothin. Gotta die somehow, right?" He grins wide, and thinks one more time about the zen in his bandanna.
Duckdown drives slowly through the streets at near midnight, crisscrossing the area, block by block, the truck barely purring as it crawls along the pavement. He's got the radio off and all his AROs minimized and pushed off to the side, so he can pay more attention to the people on the sidewalk. He watches every figure, every shape in the rain looking for something out of the ordinary. Mostly, he's looking for kids. There's no damn reason good kids would be out at this hour, and bad kids are gonna know something. He's also keeping a sharp eye out for any scorpion riders who may have taken an interest in him. After thinking about how easy it is to knock a rider off a bike, he's not quite as concerned about his lack of a gun.
[OOC: giving myself -1 die for the rain.]
Look for kids:
Perception+Intuition (http://orokos.com/roll/192122): 6d6t5 0
Keep an eye out for bikes:
Perception+Intuition (http://orokos.com/roll/192123): 6d6t5 3
-
Angel sits quietly as she listens to Slim and Trance. She starts the commlink recording the conversation to listen to later.
Flipping open her commlink, she flips a message.
>> Mesage
>> Contact Slim
>> Can you find out what his criteria is? I want to know what establishes a payday. "Check things out" seems a little vague. What gets us paid?
Then she flips open a new tap and brings up a page to download some software.
>> File Download-Browse
>>File Download-Toolbox
She flips 160 nuyen off her credstick and thumbs a few searches.
>> Data Search-Publicized locations children were taken from
>>Data Search-News stories of explosions on Fox Island
>>Data Search-Mongrols
Then she flips a message to Nigel.
>> Message
>>Contact Nigel
>>Coffee next week? Stuck on the island and the Mongrels are running the place. Have your guys run into them before?
She limits her search to public knowledge to see what she gets.
Dice rolls.
Matrix Search-7d6t5: 1 [7d6t5=3, 3, 6, 3, 3, 3, 1] http://orokos.com/roll/192141
Matrix Search-7d6t5: 1 [7d6t5=1, 5, 3, 2, 3, 1, 1] http://orokos.com/roll/192143
Matrix Search-7d6t5: 4 [7d6t5=6, 5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 3] http://orokos.com/roll/192144
Etiquette for Nigel
4d6t5: 2 [4d6t5=5, 2, 3, 6] http://orokos.com/roll/192145
She closes the commlink and sets it in her pocket leaving it recording. She tunes back into the conversation.
-
@Kitty
The troll grins at your discomfort "Looks like a little too much nothing for my liking" he frowns, drek, he looks pissed. The door bursts open, the drug addled girl from earlier bolting away from the bathroom. "I can't imagine anyong willingly sitting sitting on these floors… You best be coming with me, yeah?" He glares down at you, walking toward the door, holding it open "I aint holding this door open because I'm a gentleman. Hurry up."
This is most definitely not a request.
@Cheshire
You slide through the tent, senses on overdrive. The scene before you is much the same as outside. Death surrounds you, bodies piling up near the exit. You notice several spots where people tried to bust through the side, the material from the tent refusing to give way.
You glance around, finding nothing suggesting arcane involvement. You leave dejected, wondering how Andy will respond to your info. Considering your options you look around, spotting a glimpse of several auras quickly leaving the scene. It looks as if there were at least several survivors.
@Duckdown
You drive slow, focusing your senses, looking to spot anything out of the ordinary. You see no kids, drek, you know it wouldn't be that easy, the venue from the concert is close, but it's not on the island. As you get close to the bridge, you note the distinct gang colours of the Mongrel's coming up your rear, you see their scorpions, definitely Mongrels.. There's only two of them, they glare at you as they ride past, hitting the throttle and speeding off in to the distance. Luckily it seems they had more important things to do than harass you. You do notice that both riders were wearing full gas masks, bandanas tied around their heads opposed to their face.
You wonder how wise it is to get closer, still looking around for anything out of the ordinary.
-
Gas masks? Fuck is going on here?
A look of horror crosses his tusked face and all the color drains out as he presses the brake pedal to slow the vehicle to a halt in the center of the road. An angry dwarf in a little three wheeled metrocar behind him honks in protest a sweet, annoying little tone that almost says "i love you" rather than "move it", but Duck hardly pays attention. He's thinking out loud.
"This is bigger than me. I gotta find me some gear and probably someone to watch my ass before i get into this."
The bright red jellybean behind him honks again, jolting him back into reality. He throws the truck back into gear and pulls a quick U-turn as he reaches up into his bandana. Checking the time to see how long he's been gone, he drops the smoke between his lips and steers with one hand while he fishes underneath the seat for a lighter. The hell TIME is it, anyway? After fumbling for a few moments, he finds one and lights up as he gives a few mental orders to his commlink.
>>Send Message
>>Recipient: Deen
>>Message: Hey baby, I'm on my way back. Shit is bigger than i thought at first, and I'm gonna play it cool for now. You think you can you introduce me to that Andy guy that owns the joint when i get there?
>> Send Message
>> Recipient: Zipline
>> Hey, you down with anyone from Devil's Cut?
>>Websearch: Mongrels/activity/recent
Intuition+Computer (http://orokos.com/roll/192747): 4d6t5 1
The world gets a lot less full of drek and he switches on the auto-drive to lean back and relax on the way back to the bar.
Zen Duration (http://orokos.com/roll/192753): 1d6 5 x 10 = 50 minutes
-
Ah drek! it got into the dress! blood drops had splattered into the flowery dress and some onto the synthleather jacked, the jacket was ok to clean it was the dress that was a pain in the butt to deal with.
Carefully trying to hold her balance Caroline staggered as she leaned against the walls, the filth and muck obviously secondary due to the disorientation she felt.
Ok ok mister, i'm getting up Looking at the huge troll even when standing was a daunting prospect, from her vantage point (1,65m of it) it was like looking up into a skyscraper, the buzzing in her ears and the red dots swimming in her field of vision (and it was not due to the tinted round glasses) did not help much either.
Staggering out of the room she took a small glance at the troll, i was doing nothing, ok?, serously... the attempt feeble with just the slight hint of a pout. Let me just wash my face will you?
Leaning on the sink, the water running, Caroline slapped a hand cupped with water in her face, her head still swimming Drek... might as well check the hardware
>>System reboot
A fresh jolt of pain made her stagger once more, her right hand flashing up trying to tell the troll she was ok, but he probably did not care anyway. the seconds flashing as her AR display popped a small display window with the system running its familiar routine in Caroline's head.
>>System check: hardware integrity
//System integrity 100%//
With a sigh of relief at the data displayed Kitty turned around, the troll's huge arms bracing himself in an impatient posture, turning and trying to step on the tip toes of her iron reinforced army synthleather boots send another bolt of pain into her skull, taking her hand to the skull she complained <Baka>... should not do that... she mumbled to herself.
-
This is bad. This is real bad.
Cheshire launches out from the tent at full speed, trying to process what he's seen in the short time it takes to get back to Andy's basement. He stops short of his body and begins to pace back and forth about three feet off the ground.
Think, man, think. The fuck was that? Not magic, no magic at all. And the tent wasn't damaged, so whatever it was wasn't physical. Had to be poison, right? Probably gas. But why? What gain could possibly come from this? Drek, have I been laying like that the whole time?
Regaining a bit of his composure, Cheshire takes a few imaginary breaths and slips back into his body. After taking a moment to reorient himself he sits up in the chair and twists his stiff neck to the side until there is a satisfying pop. He scoots forward and hops off the chair, straightens his clothes, and looks towards his "bodyguard."
You'd better take me to Andy now.
-
@Cheshire
Back in meatspace, you see Crash stretching, noticing you’re back from astral space. He glares at you, noticing the concern on your face ”That bad huh?” interlocking his fingers he cracks his knuckles ”Guess the boss will want to see you right away”
He leads you back up the stairs back in to the hallway”Normally I’d make you wait in a room, but this seems to be important. Stay here and don’t go wandering, hear me?” Crash wanders off toward Andy’s office, knocking on the door and entering
Not long after you’re left along the hallway opens. Another troll enters, looks like he’s leading a young girl. You take a glance, noticing a jack. Definitely cybered, looks like she’s in trouble. The troll opens the door, motioning her inside.
Wondering what the girl has been up to, the troll walks past you, glaring down at you, heading toward Andy’s office.
@Duckdown
Exhaling several rings, leavening back in your seat, your worries fade slightly, the relaxing effect from the zen taking over as you engage autopilot. Looking at the clock, seems it’s just after 1. Drek, won’t be getting sleep anytime soon.
Sending off several messages you wait, hoping Deen and Zipline aren't already asleep. Not long after you get a response.
>>Received Message
>>Contact: Zipline
>>Message: You think they behind this? They were tossed from their turf, don’t think they the type either. Find anything? The girls were taken from the St James hall on the other side of the bridge. There been disappearances on both sides though, more than a dozen kids missing. Don’t seem like the Devil’s game. Please tell me you found something…
It’s about a 3 blocks back to Doolan’s, almost dosing off you jolt upright. Can’t sleep now, drek, must be the zen.
You wonder if Deen is passed out or still partying as you pull up to Doonlan’s.
@Kitty
Tidying yourself up little you feel a constant ache, throbbing at your temples. Following the nasty troll from the bathroom, you notice the crowd’s looking a lot smaller now, no one’s playing Street Fighter, must be all too drunk. You see the Ork that schooled you earlier, leaning over the bar, beer almost full. Seems the Chummer had too much to drink.
You head toward the back; the Troll leads you through a door in to a hallway. You notice a dwarf, short even by their standards, leaning against a wall about halfway down the corridor. A door opens at the opposite end, another troll emerging, motioning for the dwarf to follow.
The troll opens the first door pointing toward one of the chairs ”Inside” is all he says. DEFINITELY not a request
This is not a good night…
@Slim @Angel @Trance
Andy turns toward Trance ”I like ya enthusiasm, but I have it covered” Looking at Slim, Andy smiles ”Nice ta see someone taking tha lead”” he motions toward his decanter, offering you a glass ”I send ya a mapsoft with known locations, mon. These mongrel’s be vicious, but also stupid. I lookin for info, these Mongrel’s be cutting in ta my business. I pass the info to tha Devil’s, they retake, their turf, yah? What say ya?” Andy leans forward with a wide grin, his teeth holding a cigar as he takes a long draw. ” Payment? Dat depend on the information, brother, that be fair?” exhaling he stubs it out“For information dat lead to the Mongrel’s leavin this island? Ya be gettin a fair payout”
As Andy finishes his sentence, Crash enters the room ”Sorry to intrupt boss, he’s back, thought you might wanna know” Andy nods ”Ahh Send him in, maybe they all work together, mon. I have someone might be useful, how bout we talk nuyen once we all here?”
@Angel
As you flick off a few messages, you notice the time. Doubt you’ll get a response tonight. You do a brief search, glancing at the your comm while listening to Andy. Seems the Mongrel’s are all over local news feeds for a range of crimes. You find a few small articles about a rise in missing kids in the region, though no specifics. Searching for info on the explosions, you see the footage you saw from the trid and little else, strange, you’d have thought this would have been big news.
-
But... wait.... oh drek! <baka>! good for nothing trog!! pushy...<baka>....trog...<baka>....HOW....my head...sweet, just sweet.... now i am in this room waiting for the Gods know what....with just me, myself and <watashi> and the mother of all pains for company... pouting and her head bitten by pain, Kitty just steps carefully into the room anyone?!?
AR...icons....lets take a closer look
>>Config ASDF
>>>1/3/4/3
>>Set Mode
>>>Run Silent: False
>>Load Program
>>>Toolbox
>>Load Agent
>>>Missy
>>Compose message: Missy
>>>You´ll have to lend me a paw out here Missy, run routine for my actions sub-processing, on my queue
Missy - TeamT - matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/193279): 8d6t5 2
matrix perception test - +2d6 +1limit [6] (http://orokos.com/roll/193280): 6d6t5 2 (assuming -3 dice, 2 from dumpshock stun and -1 from wounds)
-
For the first time in hours, a smile crawls it's way across the orks normally scowling face. It looks awkward, as if it knows it doesn't belong there. He puts his feet up on the dashboard and looks at his boots, noticing for the first time just how dirty they are, barely aware of the city moving by behind him. I mean, it makes sense. The types of puke and beer filled spots i stomp through all the time. He chuckles briefly and sends another message as he takes another hit.
>>Reply: Zipline
>>Message: Naw girl, It aint even like that. Naw, I don't think them DC boys had drek to do with takin no kids. Naw, That just aint their style, girl. Naw girl, i wanna try and get a meet with one of em cause, like you said, they been on the bad end of some beef lately and i figure they'd be willing to share some info with a trog. Naw girl, Naw. So... you down with any of em? Think you could set up a meet?
God DAMN, Deen can play the drek outta that bass!
-
@Slim @Angel @Trance Andy turns toward Trance ”I like ya enthusiasm, but I have it covered” Looking at Slim, Andy smiles ”Nice ta see someone taking tha lead”” he motions toward his decanter, offering you a glass ”I send ya a mapsoft with known locations, mon. These mongrel’s be vicious, but also stupid. I lookin for info, these Mongrel’s be cutting in ta my business. I pass the info to tha Devil’s, they retake, their turf, yah? What say ya?” Andy leans forward with a wide grin, his teeth holding a cigar as he takes a long draw. ” Payment? Dat depend on the information, brother, that be fair?” exhaling he stubs it out“For information dat lead to the Mongrel’s leavin this island? Ya be gettin a fair payout”
As Andy finishes his sentence, Crash enters the room ”Sorry to intrupt boss, he’s back, thought you might wanna know” Andy nods ”Ahh Send him in, maybe they all work together, mon. I have someone might be useful, how bout we talk nuyen once we all here?”
Slim gives Angel a small nod, indicating that he has received her message.
"Getting that map would be a good start, yes. I find that job description uncomfortably vague though. But you are right of course, it's best to save any talk of nuyen until everyone is here."
-
Trance smiled as he said he had it covered, falling silent for the moment.
Well, drek. Still, he now knows I'm willing to help. What was it Mom said about being helpful to fixers?
"The best way to help a fixer is to pound the greed out of him. Repeat until it takes."
... what was it DAD said about being helpful to fixers?
"If you show some eagerness to help and are useful, they tend not to make you need your mother's advice."
Maybe Dad had the more useful advice.
Then she considered a bit,
Wait, he's acting like a Johnson. What was it Dad said about Johnsons?
"Listen to your mother."
... frag. What did Mom say?
"A breathing Johnson's trustworthiness is measured by bullets. The more you shoot them, the more you can trust them. If they stop breathing, you can trust them utterly."
I was raised by entirely wrong people!
And then she perked up at the mention of pay, only to bite her lip when she heard when they're getting paid.
Oh, frag! I already agreed to do the job! "Never agree to do the job before payment is negotiated!" Little late now, Mom!
But I think I can work this. Slim is talking about a map... That would help.
"How many others are there?"
-
Angel doesn't give up her post by the door. Things are getting crowded now. She doesn't feel claustrophobic on space, but people set her on edge. As people enter the room she covertly gives them a once over.
Glad that Slim is doing the talking, she set puts her mind back on work. If things were going to go south, Andy wouldn't be in the room. Mage and muscle. Need a decker and transport now. The map would be handy. Info on the Mongrel's leaving the island. That might be tough.
She runs through the numbers in her head. Andy is not planning on killing us. No point. He has not mentioned price but it will be fair. When you plan on ripping people off, you don't do it from your own home. Andy is not hiding behind the anonymity of "Johnson" so he's on the level.
She flicks a message to Slim.
>>Message
>>Contact: Slim. Trance.
>> I'm in. You have covert covered. Need Decking and transport to round us out. Looking good otherwise. Starting to get crowded in here and if we agree, I'd like to get out into the open air a bit. Maybe a booth outside or something. See if you can get some money up front. Can't grease wheels with no grease and even looking is worth something.
As people enter the room, Angel looks them over covertly.
Seems fortuitous to have all of these people in the same place. Probably not a coincidence. I wonder how much of this was planned. Hmm. Honest Joe may have sicced those thugs on me to get me out this way. If that's true these guys are playing the long game and have known about it a couple of days before at least.
>>Message
>>Contact:Slim. Trance
>>See if you can find out where Andy is getting his intel. Might be handy
As Kitty and Cheshire enter the room...
Covert Weapons Check Sneak roll13d6t5: 2 [13d6t5=1, 4, 4, 5, 3, 4, 2, 5, 2, 3, 1, 1, 3]
http://orokos.com/roll/193429
Perception on kitty:9d6t5: 5 [9d6t5=1, 6, 6, 4, 5, 4, 1, 6, 6]
http://orokos.com/roll/193430
Peception on Cheshire: 9d6t5: 2 [9d6t5=2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 6, 2, 6]
http://orokos.com/roll/193432
Perception on Duck: 9d6t5: 2 [9d6t5=5, 3, 2, 2, 3, 1, 1, 5, 4]
http://orokos.com/roll/193433
-
@Kitty
The nasty troll closes the door, your pleas falling on deaf ears. The room's sparse, fluro tubes hanging from the ceiling, round table surrounded by 8 chairs. Pouting, locked in you in you consider your options. Looking to get more intel, you try and search, finding no signal, it seems you're cut off from the matrix here, you panic slightly, now what?
Should have stuck to Street Fighter…
You sit and wait, nothing else to do you load AR, browsing through your collection of games, settling on IC 3000, the game window popping up in your view. You play poorly, seems you're off your game tonight, more important matters on your mind.
@Duckdown
>>Received Message:
>>Contact: Zipline
>>Message: Drek, if you think it'll help I'll try anything…. DC been keepin a low profile since these Mongrel's taken over, lost a lot of crew they were well out gunned. I'll see what I can do, might take some time to track em down.
Oh and Duck? Thanks…means a lot.
You head up to the room, Carl's snoring on the only bed, looks like Deen's still up. Wondering what she's up to, you head back to the bar. Looks like they keep the doors open late. The live acts are done for the night, heavy metal blasting over the PA.
Glancing around, you notice Deen, obviously smashed, arm wrestling some idiot Ork. There's a small crowd, cheering as the match progresses. "Hah! That all you got old man? Deen smiles, smashing the Ork's fist in to the table, better him than you. The crowd roars "Who's next?! she shouts, grabbing a shot and slamming it back.
Drek, no wonder she didn't reply.
@Slim @Trance @Angel
Axle opens the door, Andy's office becoming more and more cosy. He steps back in to the hallway, Crash leaving before he enters. "Little crowded boss, seems we got a troublemaker, found her in the stalls, lyin on the floor, bleeding out her nose. I know she up to something. Figured with what's goin on you'd want to know" Andy smiles at Axle "Interestin… if she aint been beaten up, wonder what she's here for. Sorry fellas, might have ta leave ya for a couple minutes, need ta deal with this. The other member of ya team should be here in a sec, be nice, introduce yaselves I be back in no time ya?" He gets up, walking out in to the hallway, Axle also leaving. Not long after, Crash opens the door, motioning to a rather small dwarf "In here" is all he says shutting the door as the newcomer enters. Seems there's a lot of traffic tonight…
@Cheshire
Leaning against the wall, you wait for Crash, still pondering the nights events. Are you getting in over your head? Though Andy hasn't lead you astray, you still don't completely trust him. You see Crash "Looks like Andy is ready ta see ya" He barely finishes his sentence before Andy opens the door, speaking as he walks past"Cheshire" he grins "Been busy my man, got a job for ya, a team too. Follow Crash, introduce yaself, I be back soon, have ta deal with somethin mon" you watch him walk down the hall, opening the door to the room the girl entered earlier…
Crash motions you toward Andy's office "In here he opens the door for you...
@Kitty
It hasn't been long, a couple minutes at most. You close the game you're playing, definitely not helping the headache. The door opens, a strange looking man enters. "Now then, how bout a little chat? What ya be doin in my bar? He's definitely the most european looking jamician you've seen, his dreads almost comical. You might laugh, were he not looking so serious. "Be honest, maybe we can forget dis happened hmm? I aint had a good night, this not be a good time ta lie to me"
-
Duck knows a rough party waiting for him when he sees one, but right now he's got bigger shit on his mind. He tries to stay put and stay invisible, leaning against the wall, just another trog in a sea of trogs, he hopes.
Sneaking+Agility to hide from Deen in the crowd. [gave 1 extra for crowd, and 1 extra cause she's hammered] (http://orokos.com/roll/194118): 9d6t5 5
From the security i saw in the back, this place has some serious nuyen behind it. If the guy in charge is out here, he'll be wearin some kinda flash and the employees will pay extra attention to him. Should be easy to spot. If he aint out here, maybe i can find him one way or another in the back. The hell was his name? Andy?
Intuition+Perception to look around the room for the guy with the clout around here. (http://orokos.com/roll/194119): 7d6t5 2
-
Looking at the man Caroline knew that something was off, this was just no ordinary conversation he wanted to have, and the reason still eluded her for the time being.
Who? kawaii little me? The throbbing pain in her head receding just a little bit I came to the arcades… of all the god forsaken places in the world… she finished mumbling and that’s the honest truth dreadlock-san , until some fragger closed the bridge and I got stranded here… her voice trailing down.
But I was doing nothing to your bar dreadlock-san, swear to GOD and hope to fry
-
"You're running through my brain like a fire engine
Coming to cool down my day!
You leave me with indecision
On how I should sway!"
Trance blushed very, very deep and quickly hit the mute button on her commlink to silence the message ringtone. She quickly pulled up the menu and switched it to silent mode, then looked to the message.
>>To: @Slim, @Angel
>>I think I can convince him to give us money up-front. We might need equipment and such. I can let you know if you step out. Maybe we can get lucky on the intel? Not certain it's smart to pry too deep.
She nodded to Andy and frowned. A troublemaker? That doesn't sound good...
Then she waved hello to Cheshire. "Heya! Welcome to the party! I'm Trance. Are you here for the Bridge Fireworks Action Committee too?"
-
Entering the room, Cheshire glances over those already inside and walks a few steps to the side of the chairs. Abnormally short but with a muscular thickness, he is very pale and has the perpetual slight squint of somebody who has spent a lot of time reading faded text. He has dark hair falling just past his shoulders and a bushy beard about five inches long. He is wearing nondescript dark green cargo pants and a plain black long sleeve shirt with a faded black armor jacket reaching almost to his dark brown workboots. He has no visible weapons on him and his only adornments are a beaded necklace peaking out from his shirt, some hair ties on his wrist, and a small pouch attached to his belt.
Huh, wasn't kidding about a team. Almost like I'm turning pro. Mother would have a fit. But why is Andy the one taking charge here? There's gotta be more to him than he lets on.
He nods in greeting to the Trance, then the others. "Call me Cheshire."
Party? Fireworks? They don't have a clue what's happened.
"Look, chummers. I don't know how you ended up in this room; I assume you can take care of yourselves. Also don't know what interests Andy is workin' to protect. What I do know is there's some seriously bad drek goin' down out there.
-
@Kitty
"Looks like ya already a little fried, sweetheart" Andy pulls back a char, taking a seat opposite you. Pulling a silver case from inside his jacket, Andy takes a cigarette, motioning the case toward you. "Smoke? he offers before sparking up, feet resting on the table as he leans back. "Unfortunately little lady, we have a problem, see... my cameras show you enter the ladies. You be gone quite a while, a long time even. Then my friend see you lookin worse for wear, lyin on the floor. Jazzed up girl in the corner said you been locked in that stall tha whole time. Ya may not be doing nothin to my bar, but ya definitely be doin something inside my bar" his smile unsettles you slightly "Or I be mistaken?"
@Duckdown
Luckily it seems Deen is preoccupied, she hasn't noticed you enter. Drek, she could have been useful to organise meet with Andy, just not in that damn state. You watch the ork slide away from the table, his ego almost as bruised as his knuckles. Slumping off he heads to the bar, ordering another beer from the bartender.
You glance around. Strange, you'd have thought there'd be at least one of those troll's keeping watch. No sign of the big boss either. Seems the only staff is the bartender you spoke with briefly, at least he liked your music. He smiles as you approach "My man, ya back! Hope to hear ya play again soon, might be here a bit with that damn bridge eh? Beer? We still open a bit Andy likes to keep things running late."
Asking for Andy, he frowns slightly, feigning mopping down the bar, moving away from the ork slightly. "He quite busy man, shit of a night with this bridge, think he's busy out back. This urgent, man? I like ya, but I like not pissing him off more."
-
What you up to mister? the situation unfolding fast but still no solid information to correlate with the bridge happenings.
putting a sheepish look and looking at the man Kitty kept looking at the man no thanks dreadlock-san, smoke is bad for you... say that i virtually looking at bridge... i just wanting to get home....and i did nothing that might get you in trouble... the double entendre in the air and the though in her head that sometimes it’s better to tell some of the truth or at least not to tell a blatant lie.
-
@Kitty
"Now we gettin somewhere. Mind sharin what ya found? Let's say I have an interest also..." Andy takes another draw from his cigarette, smoke filling the poorly ventilated room. "How ya be gettin that nose bleed?" Andy relaxes slightly, seeming to have broken the ice somewhat. "Can I get ya somethin?"
-
Yeah.... the pain is a bitch.... if you can get me a docwagon it should be peachy in one week other than that i would take a witchdoctor anytime now.... the tone evidently snarky but not unrespectfull so let me get this straight dreadlock-san, are we talking dinner here?
-
@Kitty
"Even a doc-wagon stay away tonight"Drek, he might be right"You be in my bar, seeming ta cause trouble, I have ta see what's goin on. Witchdocter? Not sure they be a witch docter... someone that can help, ya. So ya be a matrix wiz?" Andy briefly glances at your bronze chrome datajack. "Definitely look the type. Maybe we talk ya? Tell me what ya find..virtually, I maybe give ya work? Nothing else ta do on dis island." Wondering how long you'll be stuck here you consider your options...
-
Well... you may be right dreadlock-san... nothing much to do on this island... what if i told that a small kitten told me that the bridge footage was looped? someone out to no good and not wanting people to find out about it shrugging just a tiny bit Caroline continues what is that worth to you? the pain a constant but maybe a way out of this stinking place was just what she needed and any work was always a plus.
say...you not running with any gangs are you?
time for you to answer some questions <ojiisan>...ouch... as soon as the pain settles a bit...
-
"Don't stress it, Omae. We never talked, wiz?" says duck with a grin as he walks away from the bar. Man, nothing sounds worse than metal when you're zenned. I gotta get outta here. Once he's back outside in the parking lot and the roaring music subsides to a tinny echo, he lets out a sigh of relief, feeling the raindrops on his face and loving it. I BELONG here, maaaaaaan. After taking a second to compose himself, he starts off around the corner, heading to the back of the club. He puffs out his chest, sets his jaw firm, and tries to put on the best "bad-ass" look he's got.
Is there a way to ask a trog i've never met for a gun and a gas mask on loan that won't make me sound like im scorched? Hope so.
-
<<@Trance; @Angel>>
<<Yes, getting something upfront would be very nice. We should see if he's ready to tell us where his info is from, wouldn't surprise me if it's bits and pieces from all over though. Andy seems to have his hands in a lot of pies.>>
<<@Trance>>
<<You want to take point on any negotiations? If so I'll be ready to back you up if needed.>>
Slim looks up from his commlink as Cheshire is ushered into the office and rolls his eyes as Trance decides to give the 'Fireworks Committee' another shot.
"Hey, Cheshire. Don't pay the kid too much attention, she's just trying to get maximum mileage out of that joke for some reason."
"We've seen the news footage, so we do have some idea of what has been happening out there. If you have any more details they would be appreciated, but we should wait for Andy so you don't have to go over everything twice."
"The job that has been offered is intel gathering, Andy wants info that could bring down the Mongrels and get them off his island. Terms have not been finalized yet and we have some other concerns that need to be addressed as well."
"I'm Slim, by the way, and will serve as your friendly neighborhood gun nut. Only without most of my guns because I was not planning on this extended stay on the island."
-
@Duckdown
The thump of double kicks and fade slightly as you head out in to the night. Light rain drops fall, coating your jacket with small droplets of water. One of the trolls is taking a smoke break, leaning near the back entrance to the bar. He looks up, eyeing you suspiciously. You consider heading straight to your room forgetting the whole thing. Drek zen's wearing off, could use another hit about now. You glance toward the stairs, then back at the troll, thinking about Zipwire and the kids. Damn woman owes you one after this.
Wiping some of the water from your jacket you walk over, racking your brain for what to say. Seems it's now or never…
The troll straightens to full height, an intimidating scowl on his face "What? You lost Chummer? Entrance out front"
-
Walking toward the imposing figure with a determined stride, he turns his empty palms to face him. Duckdown is counting on his obvious lack of weapons, chrome, or a shirt to convey how harmless he really is. If this troll wants a piece of me, he's only gotta go through a crappy armor vest and a pair of blue jeans to get whatever piece he wants. With all of the "cocky ork" he can muster, he nods his head slightly upwards just before he speaks. "Hoi. I aint no trouble, captain. I just need to settle up with Andy, wiz?" Duck ain't stupid, and he knows the look he's being given.
Shit, this guy doesn't recognize me.
"Y'know, drums?" he says as he pantomimes a half assed drumming motion with this hands.
cha+etiquette to assure this troll i'm no threat. (http://orokos.com/roll/194657): 4d6t5 0
-
@Duckdown
You see the troll relax, dropping his finished cigarette butt, stomping it out on the pavement with a large leather boot. "Sheeet, didn't recognise you without the kit, first time I seen ya play." He nods approvingly, the scowl on his face vanishing "Andy be with some other chummers, looks like some drek gone down tonight." the troll sparks another cigarette offering you the pack "Smoke? Names Axle, I keep folks in line with my partner Crash he extends a hand "You may be waitin a while to get paid, priorities and all ya know? Andy not too happy about that damn bridge"
-
"Fraggin bridge." he says as he takes the smoke from Axles pack. "Duckdown." He grits the word between his teeth, along with the cigarette as he lights it. "I got some people that mighta' got caught up in all that bullshit though. S'kinda what i needed to settle up with Andy about, chip truth. It'd be a real wiz move if you could hook me up with him. Clock may be tickin on some real close friends of mine."
As he talks, he slips his gunmetal grey Erika from his front pocket and mentally calls up the picture of Lenny, Zipline, and the girls, then flips it around to show his new companion what he's talking about; Two little orkish cherubs, in their best dresses with cowboy boots and covered in dirt and motor oil. They each have one arm through an opposite sleeve of Lenny's gang colored armor jacket and are grinning from ear to ear. Melinda and Pharos, blonde and a redhead. Pharos, the older, is just starting to get her baby tusks in. They're fraggin adorable.
-
Angel smiles as people are shuffled into the room but doesn't say anything as Trance and Slim seem to be holding conversation just fine. She keeps her eyes up and watchful without trying to look paranoid.
-
>>@Slim, @Angel
>>He almost sounds like a standard fixer with how much he keeps track of. Could it be he's asking us to investigate as a representative of someone else? Or to gather intel for someone else to run?
>>@Slim
>>I can take point easily, and I appreciate the backup!
Trance turned to stick her tongue out at Slim for his comment about mileage and turned to look at Cheshire. "Nice to meet you! As Slim said, we've seen the footage already; we were already in here when the second bridge blew. Andy said he had people investigating."
She looked around the room and considered. "He's putting together a lot of talent for this. Weapon talent, some magical talent... And more, it looks like. Almost looks like he's covering his bases."
I hope Angel doesn't mind me keeping quiet about her talent... she seems the shy type. No need to make her uncomfortable by bandying it around.
"So, what can you do?"
-
@Kitty
Andy laughs "I be lookin like a go-ganger to ya, girl?" he strokes his chin, considering. Taking his sweet time, he finishes his cigarette. You glance around, the neon light flickers slightly a slight haze from Andy's cigarette blurring your vision. The silence is making you a little nervous, he takes a last puff, stubbing the smoke out on the table with this thumb. "Well, little lady. Seem Andy's eye is sharp. Well, what it worth depend on what ya find. I'm lookin for info, get ta the bottom of tha bridge. Ya be any good? Seems I may have a team bout ready ta go, ya skills could be useful, interested? Seems ya already usin my bar, make some nuyen for ya effort?"
-
@Duckdown
"Drek, I like you Chummer. But the boss busy with all this goddamn drek. You say it's related? I hate to see them kids hurt. At least tell me you got some skills or info I can tell the boss. He don't want to be disturbed unless it's urgent." You're surprised. That definitely went better than you'd thought it would. Seems the old troll has a soft spot for kids. Or was it the drumming?
-
Rising slowly Caroline does a slow bow, hands outstretched in from of her lap Kawaii matrix lurker at your service, dreadlock-san hehe... ouch... my head... the metallic taste of blood still in her mouth and the piece of paper that she stuck into her nose already damp with blood i 'd really like that witchdoctor of yours.... sitting back into the chair, her head still woozy from the dumpshock and ensuing damage to her person.
-
"Illusion's my specialty, though I have other tricks of course. And we're going to need our bases covered. Whoever's behind this, they wanted more than holes in a bridge. Before we all agree to this ya should know I saw death at that bridge. Piles of it."
-
"Info?" A worried scowl works it's way across Ducks face as he takes a long drag off the smoke. "Yeah, i got some info." He glances over his shoulder to make sure they're alone before continuing. "I just came from pretty deep in mongrel territory and those fraggers are rollin round with gas masks on. Somethin WAAAAY bigger than that bridge is goin on, chum." He takes one last drag and flicks the butt across the parking lot, the little cherry spiraling through the air before landing in a puddle and dying. "Look, if you don't wanna go gettin your boss pissed at ya, I get it. Maybe you could just loan me a mask and a piece? I ain't no squish, I could go take care of this on my own, wiz?"
-
Angel glances up at Cheshire's comment about death. That got her attention.
Hey guys. I don't know about you, but I'm still in. I haven't got a team to work with so I'm out alone with no one watching my back on a rainy night to make ends meet. They don't have anyone else to call, they're stuck with us. This gives me a chance to find some pro's to work with. Get a rep and a steady income. Find some people to work with. To drastically improve my life. I'm in even if all of you are out. I believe everyone starts here, give or take. I understand anyone wanting to back out though.
She extends a hand to Cheshire.
I'm Angel. I do covert work and dabble in electronics and combat. I'm sure my guns aren't as big as Slims, but I need to fit in smaller spaces.
Did you happen to see what was killing people? Or where? It might be a good place to start looking.
She flashes a shy smile at Slim.
A decker and a rigger. After that, we're ready to go pro.
-
Angel glances up at Cheshire's comment about death. That got her attention.
Hey guys. I don't know about you, but I'm still in. I haven't got a team to work with so I'm out alone with no one watching my back on a rainy night to make ends meet. They don't have anyone else to call, they're stuck with us. This gives me a chance to find some pro's to work with. Get a rep and a steady income. Find some people to work with. To drastically improve my life. I'm in even if all of you are out. I believe everyone starts here, give or take. I understand anyone wanting to back out though.
She extends a hand to Cheshire.
I'm Angel. I do covert work and dabble in electronics and combat. I'm sure my guns aren't as big as Slims, but I need to fit in smaller spaces.
Did you happen to see what was killing people? Or where? It might be a good place to start looking.
She flashes a shy smile at Slim.
A decker and a rigger. After that, we're ready to go pro.
"Comments like that is asking for bad jokes, although I must admit I'm feeling slightly under endowed. Most of my kit is back on the main land."
"So, Angel is in, Trance has already said yes. I'm inclined to take the job myself, these Mongrel dreks need to be dealt with."
"Cheshire, you seem to already have a working relationship with Andy. What sort of man are we dealing with here?"
-
Trance had to cover her mouth with both hands at Angel's comment about gun usage.
Must not make jokes! Must not make jokes! Must not make jokes!
At Slim's comment about endowment, she could not hold it in; she began giggling uncontrollably at the comment and the constant barrage of puns that pole-danced through her mind.
-
Cheshire glances towards Trance and raises an eyebrow before quickly turning his attention back to the others.
"Couldn't tell what killed 'em, which pretty much tells me what killed 'em. No signs of magic that I could find and it wasn't explosions that got 'em. Must've been poison; gas makes the most sense, 'natch. There were...a lot." Cheshire sighs and shakes his head, his concern clearly visible on his face. "Somebody 'round here has a set of balls nanites couldn't dig through. Lot of badges had to have hit the ground with whoever else was there."
"Far as Andy goes, haven't known each other long. Decent enough host and finds some low key work. Really can't tell you why he's gettin' involved here, or who's he's gettin' involved for. Seems a bit above his pay grade to me, if ya get my meaning."
-
The night rolls on, the moon shifting across the horizon, smog casting a hazy fog across the city. Flickering streetlights and dark shadows cast an uninviting scene across the island. You hear the distant rumble of thunder, seems to be less frequent than before. Rain falls, lighter, a steady patter against the pavement, a slight annoyance for those outside. Thinking back, you recall the nights events, the (un)fortunate circumstances that have lead you here.
@Angel Would have been off this damn island had that boost gone smooth, wonder where those chummers are now.
@Duckdown Drek, what has Zipzine gotten me in to? Damn kids, hope they're alright.
@Cheshire What the fuck am I in for here? Drek's bad, hope these guys are good.
@Trance What did Mom say about coincidence?
@Slim Can I trust these chummers? Andy still ain't told us the whole story.
@Kitty Dreadlock-san offering a job? Could be fun...
@Duckdown
"You go out there mask on, guns blazing you're as good as dead, Chummer" Axle scratches his head "Awh fuck it, follow me.. see what I can do for ya." He opens the back door, motioning you inside... as he leads you toward Andy's office, you hear him mutter under his breath"Drek, hope Andy's in a good mood"
@Kitty
"Sure we can get that head looked at. Follow me, I introduce ya to the others" Andy stands, opening the door, leading your toward his office. Rubbing your head, you get up, chasing after him as he heads down the hallway. You see Axle enter from the rear, this time with an Ork on his tail. Drek, that ork's the drummer from earlier. Axle looks slightly nervous, as if he's considering speaking or keeping his mouth shut. "Boss Andy stops briefly "I know ya busy, but I think he be useful. He the drummer from one of the bands earlier, says he been down near the bridge. Has some info, wants to go back by himself, asking for a gas mask."
@Duckdown
Watching Axle talk, you quickly realise this must be Andy. At first he looks annoyed, seems these trolls don't interrupt him like this often. After after speaking about the bridge, then the fact you have info, Andy relaxes slightly. He laughs as Axle mentions the gas mask and going at it alone. "You have guts mon, I like that. These Mongrel fools be savage, want ta take control of all the territory on the island." He motions toward his office [colour=red]"You last 5 minutes in a gun fight with those crazy fools". He opens the door, this must be his office. "Come, maybe you have spot.
@Cheshire @Slim @Angel @Trance
Talking amongst yourselfs, introductions and forte's aside, you wonder what kind of drek Andy's getting you in to. He's been a little vague. The room's a little cramped the majority of you standing or leaning against a wall. You hear footsteps, heading toward the room. The door opens, Andy enters, followed by two more chummers. He leads them in, a young girl and an older ork. Drek, that's the drummer from earlier on. "Sorry bout that, few things ta attend to, perhaps a couple more ta help" Andy motions toward Kitty and Duckdown. He walks behind his desk, pouring a glass of whiskey, downing it quickly"Too crowded in here, the fellas close up early, we head out to the bar"
@Everyone
Entering the bar, you notice Axle and Crash, efficiently asking everyone to leave, the crowd thinning fast. There are a couple of players on the arcades, Crash pulls the juice, ending their game. They walk off, sulking but not willing to cause a scene. The bartender's wiping down the bar, slapping a passed out ork, snoring at one corner trying to wake him. Crash walks over, placing a hand on his shoulder. Shortly after he jolts awake, quickly shuffling out of Doolan's. As the last of the patrons leave, Axle closes the door, locking with a key, then sliding a steel bar across the frame. Definitely take a strong chummer to break through that.
Andy motions toward a large table, walking over, taking a seat. "Barkeep mon, give us the Lagavulin, seven glasses, no ice." he nods, a short while later the barman heads over, tray in hand. Andy smiles toward you all "No need for the ice, mon, this much better neat"" He pours a glass for each of you, sliding them toward you. "As I sayin before, I have a job need doin. I be lookin for discreet, more for intel, understand? These damn Mongrel's bad for business, causing drek all over. I be lookin for info, things ta help me get them off this damn island." he pours a final glass for himself "Before I talk more, we best discuss if we can all work together. Them damn Mongrel's be fully armed, too hard to do alone. I have a few sources, say the island be shut down a while. Ya not my first choice on a team, but desperate times ya know?" Andy shrugs "I'm know at least a few of ya be keen, what about tha rest of ya? Even let ya stay here while this damn island shut down. Interested? I think most our bases be covered" he smiles taking a sip from his glass.
-
I'm in.
She reaches into her backpack and pulls out an electronics kit, a set of lockpicks, and a light crossbow, placing them all on the table. She makes sure to do so non threateningly.
No secrets. I'm a second story girl. I can do break-in's and know my way around electronics. I will make myself useful.
She picks up the glass and heads over to one of the windows facing the street. Leaning against the window, she watches the street but switches focus to the table whenever anyone speaks.
-
Hmph. Don't know why I assumed Andy was a troll.
Duckdown is on the more muscular side for a human, but as far as other orks go, you've seen a lot bigger. He's soaked to the bone, but doesn't seem to mind. Dark brown hair hangs in long matted strips that stick to his shoulders and back. He's wearing a brown leather belt with a silver buckle in his ratty paint stained blue jeans with holes in the knees. No shirt, just an old scuffed black armor vest strapped over his bare chest. Finally, he's wearing a black bandana with something written in Or'zet across his forehead. For those of you who can read it, it says "trogs don't die". He walks like one of those cocky assholes you see in music trids, head high, arms wide, chest puffed out, leaning back and forth as he does.
As he flops down in his chair, he puts his elbows on the table, crosses his fingers in front of his face, furrows his brow, and takes a long look at the collection of breeders sitting here. Hope they don't expect me to cram this many heads into a pickup. He doesn't react when his glass arrives. He's carefully sizing everyone up as he removes a small glass jar and package of rolling papers from his pants pocket and places them on the table. Slowly, he works his way over the dwarf, then the two human women, Does she have a nosebleed? then the two elves. When his eyes settle on Slim, he pauses, trying not to let his face give away his thoughts.
Ok, i KNOW that aint the same pixie that tried to set up a fuckin bunraku parlor for DSG while i was locked down. What was that breeder's name? Slim? That aint Slim, is it? The fuck am i getting into?
He says only, "Duckdown, wiz? Fore anything else, we're gonna need gas masks if we're goin out there. Mongrels aint playin tonight." then stays quiet and listens to what everyone else has to say while he opens up the jar, takes a few grams of zen from it, and deliberately starts rolling one up. He just can't stop looking at the elf in the lined coat, trying to figure out if those are the right tattoos.
I might need help stayin cool if i gotta make nice. Let's see how this goes.
-
The giggling faded as soon as Cheshire revealed what he knew.
Gas? Poison? Drek... That is horrific!
Despite trying to keep her thoughts secret, the horror she felt was plainly written on her face. But she had no time to ask questions before Andy came in and dragged the group out to the bar. She then blinked as Andy ordered a drink and glasses. While Duckdown choose to sit, she instead picked a spot where she could stand and lean against the bar, watching the group as much as she can. It also helped her hide the nervous tapping of her foot.
"Could I get fruit juice? Or soymilk? I'm a lightweight with alcohol."
"Never mix drinking with business!" Really, Mom? You wait until now?
She frowned a bit as she listened to what Andy had to say.
This seems strange. The bridges are taken out, I'm redirected to Andy with the note this may be to Mini Boom's Advantage, this gang suddenly heavily armed... Chip, I may need you after all.
She smiled as Duckdown spoke; that only made what she had to say easier. She planted her tapping foot on the floor, so as to not give away any nervousness while speaking.
"I know I can be discrete. And I'm in. But, we will need extra equipment. Plus, we may need to grease some wheels."
Negotiation, social limit 6 (http://orokos.com/roll/193317): 11d6t5 8
I hope I'm not stepping over the line. Probably did with the juice request.
Then she noticed how Duckdown was watching Slim and tilted her head. Okay, that's odd. She gave a quick glance to Slim, but didn't really see anything that warranted watching to her. She then looked back to Andy. Chip, please be ready to manifest. I don't want to call you and find out you were on the spirit equivalent of a toilet. There may be trouble tonight and I may need you.
"Also, do you have any leads on where we could start? It may save us some valuable time."
-
"Could I get fruit juice? Or soymilk? I'm a lightweight with alcohol."
Duck cracks a smile. Least one of em seems serious about this.
"I know I can be discrete. And I'm in. But, we will need extra equipment. Plus, we may need to grease some wheels."
He nods at the mention of extra equipment.
"Also, do you have any leads on where we could start? It may save us some valuable time."
"Yeah, no shit." he says to no one in particular, continuing to roll.
-
When his eyes settle on Slim, he pauses, trying not to let his face give away his thoughts.
Ok, i KNOW that aint the same pixie that tried to set up a fuckin bunraku parlor for DSG while i was locked down. What was that breeder's name? Slim? That aint Slim, is it? The fuck am i getting into?
He says only, "Duckdown, wiz? Fore anything else, we're gonna need gas masks if we're goin out there. Mongrels aint playin tonight." then stays quiet and listens to what everyone else has to say while he opens up the jar, takes a few grams of zen from it, and deliberately starts rolling one up. He just can't stop looking at the elf in the lined coat, trying to figure out if those are the right tattoos.
I might need help stayin cool if i gotta make nice. Let's see how this goes.
Slim’s jaw tightens as he notices Duckdown giving him the eye. Great, I know where this is going. Looking the ork straight in the eye, "Name’s Slim, weapons expert."
Looking away from the ork, Slim continues,
"Trance, makes a good point, folk is way more likely to open up with a few nuyen coming their way. Don’t like how vague the terms are either. Don’t get me wrong, these dreks clearly need to be taken care of and I’m more than willing to assist in that. I’d just like some clarity on how payment is defined."
"Now, most of my gear is on the mainland, I’ve got nothing heavier than a light pistol on me. I’m guessing we’re all in similar situations with that. Do you have any throw away pieces around here Andy? Also, like Duck here says we’ll need gas mask before we start running around out there."
Negotiation: assist Trance (http://orokos.com/roll/195453): 7d6t5 4
-
Angel pipes up at the mention of gas masks.
Worse comes to worse we can steal the gas masks or wait until the shops open in the morning. I would like to have a bow handy but I can do without.
She flips her commlink to get local survival nut stores and martial arts/sportting shops to do some browsing.
As for the big guns,, I know we feel naked without them. But in this case they may get us into trouble. To be gassing people and bombing bridges, that's take some planning. To send Knight Errant packing, that means there is a presence in force. It's one thing to take the island. Shows initiative. Holding it is what impresses me. If we had a vehicle to store weapons on, that would be great. Otherwise going out with anything noticeable is going to draw the kind of attention we could probably do without. A side affect of guns is usually shooting. Food for thought. If we end up in a running gun fight we will not weather this storm.
She looks over to Kitty, Cheshire, and Trance.
I think you 3 will be amongst our most useful tools. You may also end up taking the biggest risks for it.
She looks at Andy.
Some contacts here on the island would be handy. Maybe some in the local gangs? Or workers down on the docks? I would like to go see where these guys were gassed as well as the bomb sites and such. Getting the locals to help get us in would be nice.
She turns her attention back to the window, but glances at people around the table to see if anyone takes offence. She doesn't want to step on anybody's toes.
-
I would like to have a bow handy but I can do without.
Duck raises an eyebrow.
Bow, huh?
If we had a vehicle to store weapons on, that would be great.
"I got a gopher out front."
I think you 3 will be amongst our most useful tools. You may also end up taking the biggest risks for it.
Wonder who the hell they are...
Some contacts here on the island would be handy. Maybe some in the local gangs? Or workers down on the docks? I would like to go see where these guys were gassed as well as the bomb sites and such. Getting the locals to help get us in would be nice.
"I got some people trying to make some connects right now. Expecting a message any minute." He licks the paper, careful not to tear it with his tusks, and gives it one last finishing touch before adding, "Didn't get your name there ma'am."
-
She smiles.
Didn't give it...
Angel. You introduce yourself so many times in a night you start to lose track. If you missed what I do, they can all catch you up. I work quietly though. If that's your Gopher, any other toys with it? Drones or the like.? The further out our eyes are, the more warning we will have.
She looks everyone over at the table. The only one left is the new Asian girl. Her eyes settle on her.
So all we need now is a decker...
-
Didn't give it...
Angel. You introduce yourself so many times in a night you start to lose track. If you missed what I do, they can all catch you up. I work quietly though. If that's your Gopher, any other toys with it? Drones or the like.? The further out our eyes are, the more warning we will have.
Duck smiles back at her. I kinda like this breeder.
"Heh, I wish. Naw, all my gear is on the mainland. I got my truck and my dick, basically."
-
Trance hmmms as she listens to the conversation, noting the lack of drones mentally.
Looks like we won't be covered by drones... But he does have a contact with info. How modified is his transport?
"Have any guns on the gopher? We may need to make a noisy exit."
-
"Have any guns on the gopher? We may need to make a noisy exit."
You think I'd need you buncha breeders if-
Duck takes a sharp inhale, ready to say some smart mouthed shit, then checks himself. Speaking quite calmly through gritted teeth, he responds, "It did this morning before i spent 2 hours removing them, so as not to draw unwanted attention to this friendly music gathering here."
He lets out a long sigh and leans back in his chair, forcing a smile before repeating himself.
"Truck and a dick, omae."
-
Looking at the crowd and holding her drink Kitty kept gathering whatever info was dropped, explosions on the bridge, gas masks, gang involvement, nothing of it good in her perspective, the work would come in handy but gas and armed to the teeth gangers was not handy.... not by all means.
And that would be my queue... before you testosterone freaks start dishing it out. You can call me Kitty, <Kawaii> decker at your disposal tapping the temple with the datajack and giving the shortest of bows and a faint little smile
adjusting the bleached hair and the red tinted glasses on her nose bridge, Kitty takes a slow look down at her flowery dress stained with blood and filth, the bloody nose, the loosely tied army boots where probably the cleanest element in the whole package... Kitty just shrugged to the rest of the group You know what they say... some days you´re better off staying in bed and today is certainly one of those days...
So... what´s the plan? some of the names people presented oddly familiar to her.... and yet she could not place it exactly... or maybe it was just the throbbing in her head.
-
Duck nods at the bleeding woman.
"Kitty."
-
Right now my plan is just waiting for Andy. I'm not in this for charity reasons. No offence Andy.
-
Trance nods to Duck.
"So a vehicle and a melee weapon... Okay."
She tries her best to look utterly innocent.
"I'm waiting on Andy as well."
-
Wow. It's like a ghost town out there...
Angel comments as she stares out the window.
You know, with a reduced to non-existent Knight Errant presence. We could just go shopping with a couple ski masks.
When Angel notices the attention around the room.
I'm just saying... Her voice trails off at the end.
-
"So a vehicle and a melee weapon... Okay."
The lanky ork looks over at the green haired woman and smiles, silently chuckling.
Ok, I like this one, too.
"So, you're Trance? What's your deal and what the fuck is with that shirt?"
-
You know, with a reduced to non-existent Knight Errant presence. We could just go shopping with a couple ski masks.
Yup, she's my kinda people.
-
OK, so who the hell we got here?
Angel, the second story girl, surprisingly open for a human,
Trance, the green haired elf with a quick wit, probably a mage of some sort,
Slim, the slaver with a gun, (Guess who's riding in the back?)
Kitty, the bleeding decker lady who dresses like the neices i'm trying to find right now, (Can't decide if that's a good sign or a bad sign, or if signs are bullshit.)
whoever the hell that dwarf is,
and a pissed off ork that'll smack the shit outcha.
Now, who the hell is that dwarf?
-
"So, you're Trance? What's your deal and what the fuck is with that shirt?"
Trance grinned.
"I have some magical ability. And the shirt is Dakkaman. His superhero power was More Dakka. Somehow, it amounted to being able to shoot stuff a lot. Sadly, he never had enough dakka..."
-
"So, you're Trance? What's your deal and what the fuck is with that shirt?"
Trance grinned.
"I have some magical ability. And the shirt is Dakkaman. His superhero power was More Dakka. Somehow, it amounted to being able to shoot stuff a lot. Sadly, he never had enough dakka..."
He glances down at the shirt, then back at the ceiling.
"Well, looks like we got us a mascot for the team, then. We got the same problem he does."
-
Memory test to remember any band paraphernalia from Andy's office (http://orokos.com/roll/196281): 4d6t5 1
Intuition+Music knowledge for revalent facts about any band/s my memory test may have turned up. Assuming he's a fan of goblin rock. (http://orokos.com/roll/196283): 8d6t5 3
-
With Doolan's emptied, you see the bartender wiping down the bench with a cloth, swiping bottles in to a bag as he moves down the bar. Crash and Axle are seated at a table nearby, sharing a bottle of Scotch, shooting the shit. Music's still playing over the PA, though at much quieter levels, the genre a lot mellower than earlier. You turn your focus to Andy, he stands. leaning on his cane before speaking "Brothers and sistas. Glad ta see ya all gettin along so well" he motions toward you all, you glance at one another, a very diverse crew... "I know I been vague, but I be glad ya all interested in the job. I looking for info, these Mongrel's been causin all sorta a drek since the new leader taken ova. Interfering with my business." He looks toward each of you in turn, answering questions.
@Slim
"I understand some of ya be from off the island. Dependin on what ya want I can possibly sort ya out. I aint no armory though and with this lockdown it be hard to get some stuff, ya feel me?"
@Duckdown
Giving Andy the once over, you wonder what kind of human employs the use of trolls such as Crash and Axle. They are definitely not run of the mill, and they seem to respect Andy's wishes without question.
"Sorry mon, no gas masks tonight. Ya have good ideas, but this island too small for what you after. I can look around, sure I can get ya somethin. but won't be tonight" You notice the music change, prog rock, much better than the tech metal from before. You recognise the band, Procupine Tree. Andy had a poster up in his office. You notice him glance toward the speakers, nodding slightly in approval as he speaks.
@Trance
"Only fruit juice we got comes with vodka" Andy laughs before looking more serious "Depends on the equipment, ya want a pistol, yah sure I can sort that. Something more serious? Take longer. Especially with this lockdown. Anything that's not already on the island be hard to get for now." He looks a little confused at the Dakkaman comment "Must be an old man, No idea what you talkin about"
@Angel
"I think ya skills be more important than ya think, ya right, I be lookin for stealth more than anything. Hope ya not using those tools in my bar" Andy laughs, checking out the gear you've placed in front of you.
As you look outside, you notice the distinct lack of people. Seems the streets on Fox Island are quiet after hours, at least tonight..." You glance back at Andy as he speaks "I'm sure I can find a bow for ya, not too difficult, dependin on how strong ya are... Most I see are weighted for Trolls. As to locations, like I said ta Slim. I have a few locations of interest. I used ta have a business realtionship with the Mongrel's, before the new leader took over, greedy bastard."
You get the feeling he really doesn't like this new leader.
@Everyone
Andy offers to send you all a mapsoft listing various locations and several notes you have a quick browse, there several locations, listing people of note, schedules, locations and other intel gathered.
(http://i.imgur.com/MRZpl1i.png)
>>Mapsoft: Areas of Interest
>>Club House:
>>Location:
>>Key Personel:
>>Old Leader: Slash
>>Current Leader: Not Available
>>Drug House
>>Location:
>>Key Personnel:
>>Drug Boss: Dimebag
>>Substances:
>>Bliss
>>Zen
>>Storage Facility
>>Location:
>>Fighting Arena
>>Location:
>>Key Personnel:
>>Fight Manager: Rick
>>Champ: Hammerfist Jack
>>Schedule:
>>Dates:
>>Street Racing
>>Location:
>>Key Personnel:
>>Champion: Shifty
>>Schedule:
>>Dates:
"My people tell me this brige thing ain't goin away soon. While things be shut off, I like ta look in to these Mongrels better, disrupt their business. They must be workin with someone, they don't have the contacts for what they packin. These Mongrel's mostly be morons, use to ya advantage. As I said before, I only be after info, I pay ya 3,500 nuyen up front for ya trouble. Course ya want gear I'm happy to help, fair price of course." Andy grins, topping up his glass "Find me info ta helps get rid of their leader, twice that again and help me get rid of them from the island all together, same bonus." He offers you all another round. "I given ya a list of known locations, find info, get paid. don't get caught. Sound good, Chummers?
@Kitty
As you hold your drink, listening to Andy you rub your head. Damn feedback, always a bitch. He as he finishes speaking he looks at you "Drek, my bad girl, almost forgot" he looks at Trance and Cheshire "Either of you fix her up? Looks like she took a nasty hit jacked in, team spirit yeah?"
@Cheshire @Duckdown
"I'm pretty the Mongrel's have sometin ta do with these kids, make some extra nuyen while ya look to find em?"
@Everyone
"Unless ya think ya make a difference tonight, how bout ya relax, sit back, think of a plan if you interested." Thunder cracks overhead "I guess some of ya needin a place ta stay?"
Andy reaches in to his jacket sits, pulling out another cigar "Am I smokin to our newfound partnership?" he motions toward you all as you contemplate your next move.
-
"I understand some of ya be from off the island. Dependin on what ya want I can possibly sort ya out. I aint no armory though and with this lockdown it be hard to get some stuff, ya feel me?"
"Not hoping for a Panther or anything, heavy pistol would do me fine. But if getting gear is a problem others can have priority, I can make do with what I have if needed.” Slim pauses for a sec, ”Getting gas masks as soon as possible would be good though."
"My people tell me this brige thing ain't goin away soon. While things be shut off, I like ta look in to these Mongrels better, disrupt their business. They must be workin with someone, they don't have the contacts for what they packin. These Mongrel's mostly be morons, use to ya advantage. As I said before, I only be after info, I pay ya 3,500 nuyen up front for ya trouble. Course ya want gear I'm happy to help, fair price of course." Andy grins, topping up his glass "Find me info ta helps get rid of their leader, twice that again and help me get rid of them from the island all together, same bonus." He offers you all another round. "I given ya a list of known locations, find info, get paid. don't get caught. Sound good, Chummers?
"I know some folk that might know where they are getting their gear from, I’ll reach out to them once we finish here. These Mongrels might be morons but they are controlling your island so lets not underestimate them. I’m thinking info that would clear a whole gang from their turf deserves a bigger bonus."
Negotiation teamwork test (if applicable).
Negotiation: TwT (http://orokos.com/roll/196532): 7d6t5 2
-
Following the group into the bar, Cheshire takes a seat. Perched on the end of the chair, he begins to stroke his beard and ponder events as the others begin to talk.
Drek, this is gettin' serious, and fast. Hope these guys don't realize how out of my depth I am here. I just make awesome lookin' fake monsters and get hard to notice. Mother didn't want me to learn combat magic, let alone to use a gun. Not much here to go 'gainst a violent gang willing to snatch kids and gas Knights. Least some of them look capable enough. Not sure how a drummer fits, but look at me.
Falling into the old habit of blending in with the furniture, he continues to listen while the others talk about gear and makes a mental checklist as he fiddles with his otherwise untouched drink.
A bit of light firepower and a truck. Some B&E tools. A medkit back at my room I could throw in the truck, at least. Not getting much better here, fellas.
He turns his attention to Andy, listening to the job breakdown and checking the location information. Deciding to make his presence known again, he gently clears his throat before speaking.
"You know I'm up for work, Andy, but this smells like a steamin' pile you want us to step in here. And from what I see, without shoes on. I saw a lot of people die at that bridge. 50, 100. Also saw a lot of not carin' 'bout a lot of badges in the dirt." He glances at the newest arrivals. "Name's Cheshire, by the by. Suppose I'll be your resident illusionist and general trickster. Good show on the drums."
"Now, far as gear goes...I don't have any. Just a medkit too big to lug around back in my room down the road. And when it comes to guns, 'fraid I know little more than point it at the other guy. Not a whole lot I really need but it'd be nice to know what's available locally. Seems gas masks might be in high demand come morning, but it occurs to me we know one group likely to have some spares..."
-
Raising an eyebrow, the lanky ork listens to the hook. Alot of thoughts are bouncing around in his head, competing for attention right now.
The fuck kinda fixer aint got a few breathers layin round?
Is he just savin em for him and his people?
Wonder if me and angel could steal some from somewhere.
If not, i bet we could beat down some mongrels and take theirs. Probably get some guns, too.
The fuck am I even doing? I can't wait till morning for this! Those girls could be on a timer!
But by morning, these breeders will be better in a fight, and there will DAMN sure be a fight at some point.
FUCK!
"I know some folk that might know where they are getting their gear from."
"Hmph!" Duckdown snorts with a half laugh, half growl as he stands up from the table, and begins pacing back and forth by the bar.
I fraggin BET you do, you piece of-
Time to chill.
He lights his zen and continues pacing as he browses through the mapsoft in several AROs, floating in the air before him. As he rounds the room smoking, he makes eye contact with Crash, Axle, Kitty, Trance, Andy, and Angel, giving the universal raised eyebrow that means "wanna hit?" and passing it if accepted. He's careful not to make eye contact with Slim.
"You know I'm up for work, Andy, but this smells like a steamin' pile you want us to step in here. And from what I see, without shoes on. I saw a lot of people die at that bridge. 50, 100. Also saw a lot of not carin' 'bout a lot of badges in the dirt." He glances at the newest arrivals. "Name's Cheshire, by the by. Suppose I'll be your resident illusionist and general trickster. Good show on the drums."
Man, i love dwarves. They say what the FUCK they mean.
Wait, BADGES in the dirt?
"Hold up hold up. You said BADGES in the dirt?"
That's good news! I was worried-
I don't wanna think about what i was worried.
" Seems gas masks might be in high demand come morning, but it occurs to me we know one group likely to have some spares..."
Duck stops in his tracks and turns to face Cheshire, extending both his open hands enthusiastically, zen in the left. He exhales a musty cloud of smoke, "CHIP fuckin TRUTH, Omae!" coughing little as he does.
This one's on the list too.
He motions toward Cheshire with the zen. "Unh?"
-
Cheshire slides off of his chair and takes a few steps toward Duckdown, accepting the offered zen and taking a couple of short puffs. Well, better for my nerves than the booze at least. Haven't had any since that awful party a few months ago.
" 'Preciate it. I won't lie, that bridge got me rattled. Can't tell ya how many of who died there, too much life snuffed out to try to sort it." He takes one more, longer, drag before passing the zen back. "There was a tent set up, lot of people were in and around it. I'm thinkin' Knights had a command tent set up or somethin'. Main thing is, whoever is backin' these Mongrels now, it's obviously got 'em feelin' very well protected. They poked the bear, man, and hard."
-
Trance grinned at the comment about a mascot. I was thinking the same thing.
Trance kept her mouth shut for the moment, just listening. And the more she heard, the less she liked it.
No gas masks, no supplies at hand, run was put together quickly... He wasn't prepared for this.
"Remember, an unprepared fixer is a useful boat anchor."
Shut up, mother. I'm not strong enough to drag him to the nearest dock. Besides, he's paying us.
"Remember, an unprepared Johnson is a trap. Please do not fall for traps. You are not the Rebel Alliance."
My parents were nerds!!!
"Could you please see about getting us gas masks? It sounds like we will need them."
She frowned more as she looked over the map. Just get information? But your informants gave you their places of operation and enough intel to make you think they're behind things...
"IIIT'S A TRAAAAAAP!"
Hey! If I don't get to be the Rebel Alliance, you can't be Admiral Ackbar!
"I have to agree with Slim. Getting the information on their boss is going to be risky, and we may need to spend extra to do it."
Negotiation teamwork test, social limit 6 (http://orokos.com/roll/196602): 11d6t5 3
She then walks over to Kitty, while still looking at the map, and reaches up to touch the other woman, hoping her hand is not smacked away. If she succeeds, she promptly begins to mutter, calling upon magical power... only to wince a bit as she feels how hard the energy is to work into the woman, how it seemed to not flow as naturally into her. But the young mage persisted, muttering even more, until the spell finally completed. It was incredibly weak, and she felt as though she may have not actually managed to help at all.
Cast Heal at Force 6; limit 6, -2 dice for Kitty's cybernetic enhancements (http://orokos.com/roll/196600): 10d6t5 1
Resist Drain from Force 6 Heal (http://orokos.com/roll/196601): 8d6t5 3
She must be cybered. What was it my mentor said about cyberware?
"Remember, young one; lightning spells are best when cyberware is involved."
Was anyone in my life not a raging psycho?!
"Sorry about that." Trance could not keep herself from sounding sheepish. "I was caught off-guard by the amount of cyberware you have."
Then she turned back to the others.
"What was that about badges in the dirt? Are they killing cops?"
She frowned. The Knights of Error are going to be out for blood!
"I think we may need to move fast."
-
Without looking up from the window, her gaze tracking random movement, Angel muses out lod.
Everyone works better in the day...
She turns away and addresses everyone.
Except me. It would be a shame to lose the night as we won't get it for at least another half day or so.
She pulls up the Mapsoft and has a quick peak on her commlink.
One of these says supply. We'll need to look at it sooner or later. Could be we'll find a way in as well
Now, I'm just thinking out loud here. I don't know how people tend to operate.
Looking over at Kitty.
You could stay here for now and slave my commlink. I've got unc cable in the bag and I can hook up anywhere I need. You can bridge over the wireless. If not, I'm sure Duckdown's truck is cozy.
Not sure what the mages can do, but it might be one of them can run support fro a distance as well. Not all the time. Just for tonight. The rest of us ca go have a look?
She looks everyone over to see what they think.
-
Also, Andy.
I'm not adverse to a bonus if this gang were to be suddenly leaderless.
-
" They poked the bear, man, and hard."
Good point. Mongrels might have just signed their own death warrant. If KE finds those kids before I do, god KNOWS what kinda public welfare hellhole they'll wind up in.
If they didn't have my girls right now, I'd almost admire em for the balls it musta took to say "fuck those pawns" like they did.
"I think we may need to move fast."
Switching his gaze from Cheshire back to the flag bearer, he grunts in agreement.
Without looking up from the window, her gaze tracking random movement, Angel muses out lod.
Everyone works better in the day...
She turns away and addresses everyone.
Except me. It would be a shame to lose the night as we won't get it for at least another half day or so.
She pulls up the Mapsoft and has a quick peak on her commlink.
One of these says supply. We'll need to look at it sooner or later. Could be we'll find a way in as well
Now, I'm just thinking out loud here. I don't know how people tend to operate.
Looking over at Kitty.
You could stay here for now and slave my commlink. I've got unc cable in the bag and I can hook up anywhere I need. You can bridge over the wireless. If not, I'm sure Duckdown's truck is cozy.
Not sure what the mages can do, but it might be one of them can run support fro a distance as well. Not all the time. Just for tonight. The rest of us ca go have a look?
She looks everyone over to see what they think.
This one's got a good head on her shoulders. I trust her.
Duck clears his throat before speaking.
"Sound like our little team has a leader. I got your back, captain. Lets do this. Sooner we get this show on the road, better for me."
Finally, turning to Andy, "Thirty-five up front for info sounds good. But that other thing ya said, 'help gettin em offa the island alltogether'? That sounds like a separate job with a whole separate discussion about it. I aint sayin I aint down. I'm just sayin' that's a whole nother bag of bullshit."
-
"I don't have a better plan at the moment. I should be able to help gettin' into the place unnoticed."
Cheshire walks back over and to his chair and hops back up.
"I think we should try to see what needs to be done before we worry too much 'bout how much what needs to be done costs. Who knows, might end up being an easy way. Maybe somebody under the new leader liked things the way they were and wouldn't mind a promotion. Too many unknowns right now, we could haggle all night."
-
"I don't have a better plan at the moment. I should be able to help gettin' into the place unnoticed."
Cheshire walks back over and to his chair and hops back up.
"I think we should try to see what needs to be done before we worry too much 'bout how much what needs to be done costs. Who knows, might end up being an easy way. Maybe somebody under the new leader liked things the way they were and wouldn't mind a promotion. Too many unknowns right now, we could haggle all night."
"Agreed. Let's do this."
-
One of these says supply. We'll need to look at it sooner or later. Could be we'll find a way in as well
Now, I'm just thinking out loud here. I don't know how people tend to operate.
"Sound like our little team has a leader. I got your back, captain. Lets do this. Sooner we get this show on the road, better for me."
"I’m fine with Angel taking charge, she’s made nothing but good suggestions tonight. If you want backup while checking out the supply place then I’m good at sneaking around."
Slim turns towards Duckdown, "How would you feel about checking out their drug den, seems like you could... 'blend' right in.”
Looking back towards Angel, ”Depends on whether we want to split up tonight or not."
-
Trance nodded.
"It seems we have our leader."
She then stretched and moved to lean on the counter. And then she remembered Andy's comment about juice and mentally sighed. Welp. No drinking the local flavor.
"I can provide magical back-up from the astral plane." She then hrmed, before looking to Andy. "Do you have any reagents handy or know of someone with any?"
-
Slim turns towards Duckdown, "How would you feel about checking out their drug den, seems like you could... 'blend' right in.”
Duck does not respond. He just looks the little pixie straight in the eye with no expression, takes a long hit off the zen, and exhales a cloud directly at him.
Yeah, keep that shit up, squish. See how much of that advance you end up spendin' at the dentist.
-
ahving followed the others and listening to conversations, Kitty winced at the gentle tingle from whatever Trance did to her, however it did make Kitty feel slightly better, the throbbing pain isn't gone but at least the nose stopped soaking the papers she kept stuffing in the nostril.
Shrugging at the mention of amount of cyberware she give a wide grin it aint so much, just a bit of mojo in here she winks while tapping her skull but thanks for the effort Omae, if you can patch me up later tonight i'll officially declare you my second favourite witchdoctor said Kitty while maintaining the wide grin despite the pain.
So its down to business uh? well little kawaii me could use a satellite link if you have one lying around shooting a small smile and looking at the Zen being passed over Kitty shakes her head slightly (despite the pain) indicating she will pass it this time around.
Shooting a glance at angel Kitty gives her a thumbs up guess you´re the boss lady for this juvie get together hehe and now if you don't mind i'm off to the bathroom... again casting a sideways glance at Andy just to change just to change, no need to send the mountain again eh
Headin to the bathroom Kitty thinks about all the information and the job offer, taking deep breath she cant stop thinking Hope Sam is doing ok.... drek.... hope shes having one of the good moments... but we really could use the coin...
>>>compose message
>>>thing got pretty hairy in the island, got a gig at least, can you take a look at Sam till i get back? credstick with some cash is on the lower drawer if you need anything
>>>send message: Janice
Hope they are alright.... Janice is a good person... but sometimes she can be as odd as Sam in her worst days...
Stepping into the ladies bathroom, Kitty drops her backpack in the counter, fishing a spare shirt and a pair of Jeans she undresses, her light body shivering slightly from the exhaustion it has been put under, carefully manoeuvring the feet not to touch any poodle (easy to say, hard to do) she dresses the Jeans, pulls the "Halo Kitty" green shirt on and dresses the jacket back on, boots again in her feet and a splash of water to her face to make it all complete.
Much better now girl she thinks while looking at the stained mirror back to the crowd i guess... carefully inspecting for any new stains in her ancient Hello Kitty backpack she gives it a tight hug before putting it on her back I´ll get you clean when we go back home Kitty, just you wait.
Ready to go people, and i think ill take that offer to stay in the truck for once, not feeling peachy from the dumpshock Kitty tells her new crew after rejoining them.
And now...
>>>Grid Hop
>>>Set: Global
Ok Missy now its on you
>>>send Message: Missy
>>>Switch off silent mode
>>>Matrix search: Mongrels activities and operations
grid hop (http://orokos.com/roll/196677): 2#12d6t5 1 4
Missy matrix search - threshold 3 [5] (http://orokos.com/roll/196678): 10d6t5 5
Halo Kitty shirt picture
(http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs40/f/2009/016/f/e/Halo_Kitty_by_WhiteBoyGus.jpg)
-
Shooting a glance at angel Kitty gives her a thumbs up guess you´re the boss lady for this juvie get together hehe and now if you don't mind i'm off to the bathroom... again casting a sideways glance at Andy just to change just to change, no need to send the mountain again eh
When Kitty leaves the room, Duckdown leans in a bit closer to Axle and says quietly to him, "Hell happened to her anyway? She aint try to get up in the pit did she?"
-
Trance smiled to Kitty. "If all goes well, I won't have to."
She turned back to the group. "We have two magic-users and two targets. Could one cover each? Gives us a chance to make certain both are protected."
At Duckdown's question, she shrugged. What do I know about dumpshock, anyway?
Knowledge test defaulting to Logic (http://orokos.com/roll/196813): 5d6t5 1
"Remember, dumpshock is when something goes bad and your dad does his funny dance and then has a headache all day..."
Thanks, Mom.
-
She turned back to the group. "We have two magic-users and two targets. Could one cover each? Gives us a chance to make certain both are protected."
Duck swivels his head slowly to face Trance with a slightly muddled look on his face.
"Two targets?"
He cocks his head to the side like a dog.
-
"Two targets?"
Trance nodded, looked embarrassed, and quietly said, "Drug den and warehouse."
-
He grunts and nods in understanding.
"I don think it's such a good idea to spread ourselves even thinner than we already are just yet. After we raid their supplies and take what gear we need, i think we can swing some drek like that. But tonight, tired and under equipped, I vote we stay together."
He turns his tall lanky frame to face Angel again.
"Whachathink, boss?"
-
"Not to mention," Duck brings up the mapsoft in an ARO and blows up the portion around the drug house. "look how close the HQ is to the trap house. If they got even ONE kid who can cover those, what, six blocks with any kinda quickness, we're in a world of shit." He shakes his head and frowns. "Naw, we hit the dope house last, chummers."
-
He grunts and nods in understanding.
"I don think it's such a good idea to spread ourselves even thinner than we already are just yet. After we raid their supplies and take what gear we need, i think we can swing some drek like that. But tonight, tired and under equipped, I vote we stay together."
He turns his tall lanky frame to face Angel again.
"Whachathink, boss?"
"Not to mention," Duck brings up the mapsoft in an ARO and blows up the portion around the drug house. "look how close the HQ is to the trap house. If they got even ONE kid who can cover those, what, six blocks with any kinda quickness, we're in a world of shit." He shakes his head and frowns. "Naw, we hit the dope house last, chummers."
Slim grunts slightly, "Good points there..." He obviously doesn't like coming to this conclusion, "My idea to split up is premature."
The fuck didn't I consider where their fucking main crib was, getting upstaged by a high as a fucking kite trog, pull your shit together Josh.
"Lets back up a sec though, when did info gathering turn into raiding their supply depot? Do we really want to put them more on edge?"
-
"Lets back up a sec though, when did info gathering turn into raiding their supply depot? Do we really want to put them more on edge?"
"It happened when Rasta mon 'ere said he can't get no breathers tonight."
-
Trance listened to them, only to blink as a crazy idea occurred to her...
I should not do this. It's crazy.
"If it's crazy and it works, it's not crazy. Like my marrying your mom."
Okay, maybe I should do this...
"If we're raiding their supply of gas masks, we may need some spray paint and a copy of local gang signs. Keep them busy while we plan our next move."
-
"Lets back up a sec though, when did info gathering turn into raiding their supply depot? Do we really want to put them more on edge?"
"It happened when Rasta mon 'ere said he can't get no breathers tonight."
"Good thinking, Trance. Andy, are there any gangs or other groups on the island that we could hang this raid on? What are the colors of the Devil's Cut?"
-
Diversionary Tagging! i like it! and while we are at it we can just slap some ARO's to go along with them Chipped in Kitty, the idea striking her as brilliant.
-
A mischievous smirk crosses Cheshire's face for the briefest of moments. "Ya know, if I can get a good image of some members of a rival gang, I might even be able to arrange for them to be "spotted" leavin' the area in a hurry. How's your surveillance, Andy? Got any security footage could be useful?"
-
Angel stands quietly until things start to rev up.
It seems I've stirred up a hornets nest.
Angel starts talking as she moves back to the table and starts to prepare for a night on the town. She takes the backpack off the floor and saunters to the table where she left her crossbow. Pulling items out piece by piece she starts to prepare (the dialogue below while she's doing this). She pulls out a small box and opens it to make sure the membrane is still intact and tosses it to Kitty as she come's back to the table. She takes out a small, stiff wire in a U shape and her speech becomes jumbled as she stuffs it up into her gums as high up as it will go. Looking into a small dressing mirror, she confirms it is in place and out of site. She takes out her lock pick set and threads the two smallest picks into weave of the shirt she is wearing. She puts on small pads on her knees and slip overs for her shoes, placing the gloves of a the matched set with her crossbow. She takes out a screwdriver and a length of UNC cable and places it into pockets of her pants. She then pulls out a Subvocal Mic and attaches it low on her throat so the collar of her jacket can cover it up. Pulls out a length of tape and takes off her armour jacket.
I don't want this to be a supply run, but honestly, I have a sneaking suspicion that opportune theft at this point is just early looting. We might as well neat the jackals to the feed if we can.
She directs glances at Cheshire and Trance.
It would be a shame if we underestimated these guys. This is well executed which implies preparation if not discipline. If you guys separate to check things out magically you could die and we wouldn't even know what happened to you. Nobody without a wingman. Not just for the people going in, but everybody in the cheap seats as well. If someone is taken we need to know so we can move out of Andy's. They have enough firepower to turn this into a siege even with those 2 here. Andy may even want to leave so he doesn't know where we're going.
Continuing on.
Based on what we've seen out there, mixing gang signals from rival gangs and using illusion to incriminate other gangs may be signing there death warrant unless you are using some powerful gangs. If you guys are ok causing some death with your mayhem, I have no problem with that. These guys are not exactly using precision to deal with people they don't like though. Something to think about.
As she pulls away from the tableand takes off her jacket she glances at Trance and Kitty.
Can you guys give me a hand with this?
She glances at Duck and puts on her best broken-nosed pretty girl smile.
Can you help too? I just need to stand there with your back turned.
She places herself behind Duck, using him as a modesty cover against the men at the table and takes off her shirt. She hands the collapsible baton to Trance and the tape to Kitty.
Can you tape that up high up on my back and between my shoulder blades?
After they tape it up, I move my shoulder blades back to make sure my movement isn't restricted then put my shirt back on.
Perfect.
She glances at Duck as she makes her way back to the table.
Thanks. I can do that myself but it takes more time. Sorry.
I'm ready whenever you guys are now that I've got my make up on.
As Duck is moving back to the table...
Do we need to jack a car for you? If you use your own, it may not still be with you by the end of the night.
Then up to Andy...
Do you have a mickey of something cheap? Preferably in a glass bottle? And maybe flammable? Happy to pay for it.
-
She limbers up and looks over at Kitty.
My sat uplink. I'll get it back when we're done. If I don't make it. keep it.
She starts to pull joints way out of place and puts them back in. She keeps this stretching up casually until pulling her arms out of their sockets no longer makes the popping sound and goes silent again to see if what she said had any impact.
-
She glances at Duck and puts on her best broken-nosed pretty girl smile.
Can you help too? I just need to stand there with your back turned.
She places herself behind Duck, using him as a modesty cover against the men at the table and takes off her shirt. She hands the collapsible baton to Trance and the tape to Kitty.
Usually slouching, Duckdown stands up to his full height and crosses his arms in front of his chest, head held high. He can't even count how many times he's done this for his sisters.
As Duck is moving back to the table...
Do we need to jack a car for you? If you use your own, it may not still be with you by the end of the night.
As she speaks, Duck listens and pays attention, taking one last long hit from the tiny little thing before dropping it in an ashtray. When she gets to that line, he chuckles. "Welcome to the sprawl, Chingon. Growin up trog, ya learn that lesson about everything you own real quick like. My truck'll be fine."
-
Cheshire watches Angel as she starts preparing her gear. She's got a good head on her shoulders. Quick, and confident. Glad Andy managed to pull her in. His eyes move over the gear she lays out and how she secrets itself on her body. Eesh, I gotta be better prepared if I live through this. Makes me feel naked with just my foci and reagents.
As she moves behind Duck he turns slightly in his chair to avert his gaze. Huh. Maybe I'll learn how to steal a car tonight. As she comes back towards the table, he turns back and leans forward on his elbows.
"I'm not overly concerned 'bout some gangers, mysef, long as they deserve it. If there're some 'round that really make life bad for the normal people just livin' here and we can do it without civvies gettin' hurt, I say we at least keep it in mind."
-
Trance chewed her bottom lip a moment as she helped Angel out, considering what the woman has said.
What other gangs are here? And they're using gas...
"It may be a bad idea. I don't know how hard gas is to contain, but if there's a risk it will affect innocent people, I don't think we can risk it."
-
-Angel-
Based on what we've seen out there, mixing gang signals from rival gangs and using illusion to incriminate other gangs may be signing there death warrant unless you are using some powerful gangs. If you guys are ok causing some death with your mayhem, I have no problem with that. These guys are not exactly using precision to deal with people they don't like though. Something to think about.
-Cheshire-
"I'm not overly concerned 'bout some gangers, mysef, long as they deserve it. If there're some 'round that really make life bad for the normal people just livin' here and we can do it without civvies gettin' hurt, I say we at least keep it in mind."
-Trance-
"It may be a bad idea. I don't know how hard gas is to contain, but if there's a risk it will affect innocent people, I don't think we can risk it."
Slim was trying to rattle his brain and see if he could dig up something about how the Devil’s Cut had operated, any tactics that they were known for or where they used to have their main cribs.
Were they one of those gangs that went around setting things on fire?
Know: Gangs [Devil's Cut MOs] (http://orokos.com/roll/197048): 7d6t5 1
Know: Gang turfs [Devil's Cut former Hangouts&HQ] (http://orokos.com/roll/197049): 9d6t5 7 Limited to 5
Dammit, can’t hardly remember a thing about how these Cuts handled their business.
Slim speaks up when Trance voices her concerns.
"That might be one of the beautiful parts of implicating the Devil’s Cut, the Mongrels know they wouldn't mind getting their turf back but right now they don’t have any presence on the Island. These Mongrels might be batshit crazy but I hardly think they’ll start gassing random neighborhoods on the off chance that the Cut is hiding there. They’ll hopefully divert some of their attention to looking for the Cut which might keep some heat off us. They might even figure that the Cut is being ferried to the Island specifically to raid them."
"Does anyone remember if the Cut had any signature style, would burning down the supply store be out of character for them?"
-
"Does anyone remember if the Cut had any signature style, would burning down the supply store be out of character for them?"
Said to Angel, as though she had asked the question, "Naw, them DC boys aint like that. They're all about that jing. Smuggling, dope, numbers, that kinda drek. Don't get it twisted, if you fucked with em, they'd still he makes a sideways glance at Slim for just a moment, beat your mawfukkin ass to the point your mama wouldnt recognize ya. But they aint bout to blow some shit up, burn some shit down, when it could make money for em. Plus, they aint big enough to scare no Mongrels no more. We should use a gang from the mainland. Someone with the stones and the numbers to actually put a lil fear into these fuckers, wiz?"
-
You all jolt suddenly; Crash slamming down the empty scotch bottle he and Axle were drinking, smashing it in the process. ”Throw us another, Alex!” he booms, the bartender slinging his cloth over his shoulder, grabbing another full bottle of scotch, tossing it over. Crash catches the fresh bottle easily, cracking the top and pouring two more. Damn those trogs can drink and to be fair Andy seems like he can pack it away too.
You watch Alex as he heads over, cleaning up the smashed glass. He’s a young human, early 20’s. He seems comfortable enough around the trogs, must have been here a while. You notice that he is tatted to shit, rocking two full sleves, though each very different. One arm’s covered in skulls, flames and several demons, typical of the metal drek that’s played around here. The other looks Japanese. Bright floral designs, a carp and a dragon adorn his left arm. The dragon winds up his whole arm, disappearing in to his shirt.
@ Cheshire
Andy looks at you, speaking once you’ve expressed your concerns. ”Like I say mon, stealth be good here. You be goin in guns blazin, you last 5 snaps Chum. Ya’ll got spark, I like that. But ya get caught, you own ya own feel me? Far as I know ya stayin at my bar while my bridge closed, Mongrel’s come knockin and ya won’t be and I don’t know ya, dig?”
My bridge? Did he just say my bridge?
He listens as you discuss framing a rival gangThese damn Mongrel’s done a good job clearin the island, not sure anyone worth framing left.” Andy continues ”I think the pay tell ya what the danger be, mon. Consider it a promotion, yea? More danger, more nuyen brother”
As Duckdown passes around his joint you nod, taking a small hit, exhaling a small stream of smoke. Before long your whole body relaxes, thoughts slower, calmer. Conversation around you suddenly seems less important. You smile slighty, drek, Duckdown gets good shit. You watch, Duckdown taking a long toke, exhaling a larger, then smaller smoke ring. As the smaller ring passes through the larger, you zone out, fixated.
@Trance
”I not really in tha business of chemical attacks, dig? Can ask around for some masks, sure, but what you think the cost for six masks be, right after this drek nearly 2 in the mornin? Like I say, ya’ll keen, I feel ya. Stay out the blast area, should be fine. Tomorrow I see what I can do. Course if ya find some, problem solved”
Definitely doesn’t sound that fine…
”Reagents? Andy thinks for a second ”Talk ta Cheshire here mon, he been here a while, sure I hear he visited a talismonger on tha island not long ago, aint that right Chesh?”
@Angel
”Inerestin, I thought wid ya age there be more argument about you leadin this little crew. He laughs ”Though looks like a most of you quite young, ya seem competent too, I like ya.” Andy looks at Axle, [color]”Give these Chummers the other 2 room cards mon, looks like they crashin here for a while”[/color] Axle sits up slightly, reaching in to his back pocket passeing two keycards to Alex. He walks over, handing them to you. Seems he’s done for the night. Alex wripes the sweat from his brow, cracking a beer. ”Later boss" he waves as he heads toward the exit, door closing behind him as he leaves.
”You wanna go meet these Mongrel’s face ta face? Some of em hang at Shooters, pool hall more west of the island, ya think this place rough then ya should head there.” he raises an eyebrow slightly ”Doolan’s be Wonderland compared ta that drek hole” Seems Shooter’s isn’t far from here, though while Mongrel’s hang out there, looks like they don’t actually own the place.
Andy raises an eyebrow as you ask for a bottle of something flamable. "Molotov? Don't seem to stealthy, plenty empty bottles behind the bar sure we find somethin to fill it."
@Duckdown
Blowing smoke in Slim’s face, you notice Andy glance in your direction. He doesn’t say anything, though he definitely notices the conflict. You might wonder what he thinks, but the zen is kicking in, drek, it had nearly worn off, that familiar feeling returns, your worries of the world slipping away…
Axle turns his head as you ask about Kitty, roaring with laughter ”Be a lot worse for wear if she’s been in the pit, Omae. You saw how brutal that drek was, your set was killer and a few acts followed. Crowd was riled up good.” You nod, drek you’d seen that crowd it was a little crazy. Was more than one broken nose in that circle pit.
Relaxing, leaning on the table in front of you, you suddenly realise you didn’t see Deen leave. Drek, wonder if she actually went to bed? Did Axle kick her out?
@Kitty
Your head tingles slightly as Trance attempts to help your headache, the pain subsiding slightly. There's still a dull ache, definitely more bearable than earlier.
Entering the bathroom, you look around, slightly disgusted with the horrible smell. You pinch you nose, trying your best to stay away from anything nasty. Drek, is that a needle on the floor? As you finish getting changed, you feel your commlink buzz.
Incoming Message:
>>Contact: Janice
>>You woke me hun, was a great dream! Sam's doing well know how long you'll be? I'm going back to sleep, unless you need something urgently talk tomorrow x
As you send Missy off you think back on the nights events. Hopefully Missy finds something useful, guess you'll find out in the next 30 minutes or so.
Heading back to the bar, Angel asks for assistance, handing you a roll of tape, asking you to tape her baton to her back. Seems she's done this before. As you finish taping her up, Angel puts her shirt back on. Impressive, seems she's done this before you can hardly see the baton. Tapping your head, you think you your implanted deck, thankful you don’t need to follow suit. Damn things are too expensive to replace, even the cheaper models.
@Slim
Andy heads behind the bar, shooing Alex away to wipe down a few tables. Reaching underneath, shuffling slightly, he grabs something, pulling out a small bag, tossing it toward Slim ”Here Chummer. Twelve credsticks, 100 nuyen a pop. Better than threatnin folk for info. Sure you find use a use for em. My price be fair, the best I can do. Be dangerous should you be stupid, try be smart, feel me?” Andy reaches down, pulling open a bar fridge, grabbing a beer and poppin the top, taking a long swig.
You get the feeling he’s had a drek night.
He heads back toward everyone, just as Slim finishes speaking. Damn, those shoes of his are loud. Never sneak in anywhere wearing those. ”I have me a good relationship with DC, mon. Better for me they take out them Mongrel’s once they sure they have the upper hand. They not involved with this drek, they had that firepower they send Mongrel’s packin long time ago. Also if they behind this the target be their headquarters, not tha bridge"
@Everyone
Sighing, Andy head toward the back of the bar ”Guess I show ya what I do have, in case ya be needin anythin. How bout ya follow me out back, see what we can find, ya?"
-
Duck keeps quiet, puts his hands in his pockets, and follows, near the rear of the group.
-
As Slim stands up to follow he hefts the bag slightly and asks, "How do you guys want to split this up, 2 for each or should Trance hold on to most of 'em?"
-
Angel follows on quietly.
-
Trance nodded to what was said about the lack of reagents and then looked to Cheshire. "Could I get your help in picking some up? May need them later..."
She otherwise keeps quiet, before nodding to what Andy says about following. But Slim's offer of having her carry them got a friendly smile.
Access to all of that money...
"Never off your teammates for nuyen! Never!"
Mom, you didn't even have to tell me this one.
"I can hold them. And if anyone tries to steal them, well..." She grins wickedly. "Well, then I negotiate with them via other methods..."
-
Trance nodded to what was said about the lack of reagents and then looked to Cheshire. "Could I get your help in picking some up? May need them later..."
Cheshire nods and pats the pouch attached to his belt. "For sure, we can stop and see Makumba when we get a chance. 'Til then, I've got enough that I can share if need be. He's a scared sort, not sure if he'd be openin' his door with the goings on tonight."
When Andy finishes speaking, Cheshire nods and gets down from his chair. His hands briefly move across his chest, his left wrist, and the snaps on his belt pouch before he steps away from the table, falling in with the group.
-
As Slim is walking to the back he fires off a couple of quick texts.
>>Freddie
<<Hoi chummer. How’s life treating ya? I’m looking for info on how a gang on Fox Island is getting its gear. Crazy bastards called Mongrels. Details/rumors about what said gear is also welcome. If u need NY for the info just let me know. Soonest is best and all that crap too.>>
>>Rex
<<Hey man. Anything about a crazy bridge explosion at Fox Island on the trid? I got stuck here because some crazy ass gang called the Mongrels started playing with bombs and gas. Would u have a clue about who might be providing them with toys? Payment available for good info.>>
-
As the ragtag group of mercs winds their way through the darkened club hallways leading to Andy's stash, the tall skinny ork named Duckdown stays to the rear of everyone else. He keeps his hands in his pockets and leans back and forth as he walks, high as fuck, behind the rest.
I feel good about this, and it ain't jus the zen.
We got two mages, both of whom seem trustworthy, a good solid leader, a decker who at least TALKS a good game, and some asshole with a gun who thinks he's smarter than he is, but really? What crew doesn't have at least one of those, right? I should be fraggin THRILLED we only got one!
As he thinks, he keeps consciously taking his eyes off the asses of the female members of the team ahead of him and intentionally looking at something else; posters, graffitti, decorations, burn marks, etc.
Wonder if Deen ever got that message. She's probably slottin some trog somewhere. heh. Duckdown lets out an audible chuckle. Drunk, horny ass troll. I still can't tell if she thinks i don't know, or if she knows i don't care. I don't know if she gets it or not, but that's just how us orks are. Ya do what your heart tells ya until it tells ya to do sum else, and ya don't go gettin all shitty when other trogs hearts do the same. Well, either way, she don need to be worryin bout me.
He gives some mental orders to his Erika.
>> Send Message
>> Recipient: Deen
>> Message: Hey girl, don worry bout me, i got it all worked out. Your boy Andy is chill as fuck. Oh yeah, you were in RARE form tonight. You're a god damn GENIUS, girl. Can't wait to see ya again, but i think i gotta stay up all night on this one. Until then, you do you, baby. :)
Well shit, while i'm at it...
>> Send Message
>> Recipient: Sully
>> Message: WHADDUP OMAE!! Long time no hear from! Hate to hit ya up for a favor so late at night, but i'm a little fucked. Long story short, I'm gonna be stuck on Fox island for a while, and i aint got no peeps over here. You ain't got no chummers on this side a town from back in the day you might could link me up with, do ya? A trog gotta eat, wiz? I know i never say this, but hit me up ANY time. I'll set this fucker to wake me up if you call. Peace.
-
it sure is a relief they are both ok for now....
Picking up the pace to follow the rest of the crew Kitty quickly puts her best smiley deameanor, flashing an easy grin so.... we´re off to Santa's little rastafarian workshop for an early Christmas? hehe
and time to get this crew commcodes in case i need them for the run
Quickly looking at the AR feed on her field of vision Kitty works what is an easy skill even for the matrix clueless blokes, picking the visible codes and storing them in her memory.
And now to see if anyone has turned their thingys into silent mode....
Matrix perception - devices running silent (http://orokos.com/roll/197778): 8d6t5 1
-
>>Message
>>Contact:Kitty
>>Are you able to set up a drop for us to leave messages for Andy? Something secure?
-
Light flickers from the ceiling, the bulb briefly casting an ominous shadow throughout the room. Glancing around the bar, you notice it's a little cleaner compared to the drekhole earlier in the night, it actually look a lot cleaner. Alex must work his ass off dealing with this drek. Crash stumbles back, breaking his chair, falling on to his ass. Axle roars laughing "Already Omae?! Night's still young ya damn daisy eater" He stands clumsily, stumbling over to the retro looking jukebox near the back wall, changing the tune.
Andy nears the back exit, Axle and Crsh talking drek, making their way through their second bottle of scotch. He Leads you back down the familiar back hallway, paintings dotting the walls, You notice one painting tilted slightly, poorly covering a large crack in the concrete. Wonder what caused that? Surprisingly Andy stops at the door to his office. Grinning, he opens the door, revealing the same room as before, the now familiar lingering smell of cigars filling your senses. A massive metal chest sits in front of Andy's desk, gaining your full attention, the opening mechanism is facing away from you. Who the hell moved that in to Andy's office? Be a pain for a troll to shift. Drek it might need more than one. Walking in to the room behind the case you see Andy fumble with the lid for a few moments, before long you hear a click, watching the top open.
Cutting the end from yet another cigar, Andy lights up, smiling to you as as he looks down toward the cases contents. "Ahh, let's see, what he have here " he frowns, browsing the chests contents. You head the sound of metal on metal, He frowns, then laughs "Hah! Thought we run out of these. you see Andy casually reach in to the top of the case, grabbing, then tossing a grenade into the air, catching it before putting it back into the case."Ya won't be needed anythin like this, ya?" Andy says raising an eyebrow.
He motions you all to come have a look. "No way I be turning this thing round. To heavy, mon" You take turns shuffling around, checking the contents. Inside is a collection of small arms, ammunition and several grenades, neatly lining the interior, it also looks like several weapons are intended for a troll, the modifications obvious. Andy unclips the two latches from the case, unhinging the front and pulling it open. Multiple trays line the front, Andy slides one open, revealing a sniper rifle, neatly packaged. "There be an inventory. Check the ARO on the case. You buy what ya like, mon, though you know what I said bout gettin caught, ya? Don't be too flash, oh and no credit, well, cept that 3500 of couse, spend that no worries, mon. Andy laughs slightly before continuing "Once we sorted, you do your thing, dig?" he smiles "Oh and as I said before if ya be needin anything else, let me know, maybe I know someone."
ARO:
>>Gun Case: Inventory
>>Light Pistols:
>>Ares Light Fire 70
>>Spare clips: 6
>>Colt America L36
>>Spare clips: 4
>>Colt America L36
>>Spare clips: 5
>>BLANK
>>BLANK
>>Heavy Pistols:
>>Browning Ultra-Power
>>Spare clips: 4
>>Ruger Super Warhawk
>>Spare clips: 4
>>Ruger Super Warhawk
>>Spare clips: 3
>>Ares Predator V
>>Mod: Troll sized weapon
>>BLANK
>>Machine Pistols:
>>Ares Crusader II
>>Spare clips: 4
>>BLANK
>>BLANK
>>BLANK
>>BLANK
>>Grenades:
>>High Explosive
>>High Explosive
>>BLANK
>>BLANK
>>BLANK
>>BLANK
>>Assault Rifle:
>>AK-97
>>Spare clips: 2
>>AK-97
>>Spare clips: 3
>>Sniper Rifle:
>>Remmington 950
>>Spare magazines: 2
>>BLANK
>>Shotgun:
>>Defiance T-250
>>Spare magazines: 5
>>BLANK
-
Duck leans down and rummages through the crate for a few moments before coming back up with an AK in one hand and the Ares Crusader in the other. Now that's what IM talm bout! Try as he may to fight it, a huge tusky grin creeps its way across his face as he turns to Andy.
"Nuff respek, rude bwoy, seen?" he says with a slow, deliberate nod of his head. "Hey Trance, mind taking these off my stick?" He sets the firearms down on Andy's desk as he stuffs 3 clips for each into his pants pockets and waistband, then picks the guns back up, turns, and moves toward the door. Before leaving the room, he turns to the tall, broken nosed leader of the team. "Angel, if ya think we got time, I'm gonna go strap this AK on to my truck. Easy job, shouldnt take more than an hour or two. If you wanna get a move on now though, it can wait. Your call, Commendatore."
-
Angel glances at the ARO long enough to see there is nothing there she needs. She drops a reminder to hit a sporting shop in the morning. Thinking about Duck's question for a moment, she addresses Andy, but voices it as something of a question to the team.
Actually, if it's all right with everyone, I think this is where we part ways with Andy for a while. Andy, we can give you updates regularly and we appreciate the offer for a place to sleep but I think a little distance would be best for everyone. We'll sort out our own accommodations. Kitty will give you an address for a secure drop box. As we gather intel, we'll drop it in there realtime. We can fuse it together as we start to make the connections. It's only a little after 2 now, too early to hit anything. We've got a couple of hours still Duck, but let's not do it here. We just need one person to see a truck getting fitted with a gun. Then if we are made later it won't require a lot of math. If you need us, Andy, leave a message in the drop box with a way to get a hold of you.
She glances around the room at everyone, takes a deep breath and steels herself. When she starts talking, it's got the cadence of someone who has something to get off her chest.
I don't think I'm the best one to lead us. Everything I do will be in the best interest of keeping us hidden and secure. If the shit drops and a firefight breaks out, I expect Slim to take over tactics. In the truck, it's all Duck. If it's electronics and keeping us out of harm for wireless, definitely Kitty. I'm not sure how we can handle magic. I'll leave it between Trance and Cheshire to see who they think is best to deal with it. I don't know enough about those things to make informed decisions and it would be irresponsible of me to pretend I did. If we're all good with that then let's say our goodbyes.
She looks around the room to make sure that everyone is in agreement and waits for everyone to chime in on how they feel about it.
-
Actually, if it's all right with everyone, I think this is where we part ways with Andy for a while. Andy, we can give you updates regularly and we appreciate the offer for a place to sleep but I think a little distance would be best for everyone. We'll sort out our own accommodations. Kitty will give you an address for a secure drop box. As we gather intel, we'll drop it in there realtime. We can fuse it together as we start to make the connections. It's only a little after 2 now, too early to hit anything. We've got a couple of hours still Duck, but let's not do it here. We just need one person to see a truck getting fitted with a gun. Then if we are made later it won't require a lot of math. If you need us, leave a message in the drop box with a way to get a hold of you.
I don't think I'm the best one to lead us. Everything I do will be in the best interest of keeping us hidden and secure. If the shit drops and a firefight breaks out, I expect Slim to take over tactics. In the truck, it's all Duck. If it's electronics and keeping us out of harm for wireless, definitely Kitty. I'm not sure how we can handle magic. I'll leave it between Trance and Cheshire to see who they think is best to deal with it. I don't know enough about those things to make informed decisions and it would be irresponsible of me to pretend I did. If we're all good with that then let's say our goodbyes.
"Don’t sell yourself short Angel, you have a solid head on your shoulders and you’re aware that you have limitations. Being a leader is not necessarily about being a dictator who calls all the shots, we’ll always need input from different directions. You’ve been doing great and I don’t see any reason to think that’ll change. Like making sure that we don’t drag shit back on Andy’s doorstep, if we think you’re falling short we’ll let you know."
"Hey, Andy. What kind of ammo do you have for these guns? Just regular? I’ll take the Warhawk and 4 speed loaders but I would appreciate being able to get the Remington later if it turns out that we’ll need to take any of these Mongrels out from distance. Any mods on the scope on that?
Oh, and I’ll take one grenade as well. Better to have it and not need it than the other way around."
What I wouldn’t give for having my actual gear here, always bad to go out with guns that you aren’t familiar with.
-
Actually, if it's all right with everyone, I think this is where we part ways with Andy for a while. Andy, we can give you updates regularly and we appreciate the offer for a place to sleep but I think a little distance would be best for everyone. We'll sort out our own accommodations. Kitty will give you an address for a secure drop box. As we gather intel, we'll drop it in there realtime. We can fuse it together as we start to make the connections.
Duck stands, gun at each side, listening and nodding his head at the appropriate bits.
"It's only a little after 2 now, too early to hit anything. We've got a couple of hours still Duck, but let's not do it here. We just need one person to see a truck getting fitted with a gun. Then if we are made later it won't require a lot of math. If you need us, Andy, leave a message in the drop box with a way to get a hold of you."
Everytime she opens her mouth, i like her more.
I don't think I'm the best one to lead us. Everything I do will be in the best interest of keeping us hidden and secure. If the shit drops and a firefight breaks out, I expect Slim to take over tactics. In the truck, it's all Duck. If it's electronics and keeping us out of harm for wireless, definitely Kitty. I'm not sure how we can handle magic. I'll leave it between Trance and Cheshire to see who they think is best to deal with it. I don't know enough about those things to make informed decisions and it would be irresponsible of me to pretend I did. If we're all good with that then let's say our goodbyes.
She looks around the room to make sure that everyone is in agreement and waits for everyone to chime in on how they feel about it.
The grin is gone from his face, replaced with a look that almost says "oh no she DIDN'T"
Yeah, FUCK that. Slim? If that squish is in charge when the bullets start flyin, he's the only one walkin out alive, chip fuckin truth. But if we're trying to keep some distance between us an Andy, maybe that's not the type of drek to bring up just now. Jus chill, and talk with the bosslady later on.
Zen is a helluva drug, man.
Duck nods his head to Angel with a grunt and leaves the crowded little office, headed for the bar to inspect the weapons more thoroughly.
-
Take them off his stick? What does he mean by... Trance thought, having been slightly thrown off by the Jamaican accent. Or was it something else? Eh, she doesn't know. Oh, right! His credstick!
Trance then blinks. Wait, we've not been given those yet...
Then, she nodded to Angel. "That would be a good idea. That way, if things go the way of the Titanic, there's no connections." She looks to Andy. "Maybe even have the bouncers escort us out and make it look like they're chasing out people who wouldn't leave?"
She then turned her face back to Angel as the woman said something about not being a leader. "I think you're the best candidate. Leaders delegate and know when to have someone else take charge."
-
Awh...guns... Looking at the ARO displaying the contents Kitty could not hide her disappointment, the Santa's little stash ebing teh lead spitting type despite her hopes.
Say... no chance for a Satellite link? pouting just a tiny bit and straightening the following second Oh well, secure connection is easy
turning to Andy I could also do with an Erika link and that would allow for a nice old PAN with me watching over it
>>>Compose message
>>>On the meantime we could all slave the links to your Erika as it seems to be the best piece of equipment around here, its your call
>>>Send: Angel
-
Awh...guns... Looking at the ARO displaying the contents Kitty could not hide her disappointment, the Sant's little stash ebing teh lead spitting type despite her hopes.
Say... no chance for a Satellite link? pouting just a tiny bit and straightening the following second Oh well, secure connection is easy
turning to Andy I could also do with an Erika link and that would allow for a nice old PAN with me watching over it
Upon hearing this, duck stops in the doorway and turns around to face the woman in her new clean clothes. He cocks his head to one side again.
"Huh? Aint you got no deck? I thought you..." he taps the side of his head where a datajack would be commonly located.
The hell? Did i miss something?
-
Letting the others have their turns at the cache, Cheshire glances over the ARO and listens as people talk. Ugh, great. Probably be obvious I don't know how to use a gun soon as I pick one up, but...fuck it, better to at least be able to close my eyes'n squeeze than not. Pretty colors ain't always goin' to do the trick, 'Widge.
He walks over to stand by Andy for a moment and speaks quietly. "I'll take the light fire 70 off your hands, chum. Might be able to give somebody second thoughts, at least." Turning towards Angel, he takes a step before he stops and thinks about what Slim said. He turns back towards Andy. "Know what, the other grenade too."
Turning back towards Angel, he gets three steps off before he stops this time. His right hand pushes his coat out of the way and rests on the pouch at his waist. One for all, right? May get my ass outta the fire later. He looks at Angel and speaks louder this time as he walks over to Trance.
" 'Fraid the great leaders don't always get a choice in the matter. You seem to have a good head on you, and I barely know the area well enough to get from my room to the bar." Reaching Trance, he undoes the snaps on his pouch and folds the flap behind it. He cups his left arm against his chest and begins to count out reagents into it with his right hand. "Now, far as handlin' magic goes, I'll likely be best used as cover and distraction for you guys. I'm much more useful in meat form; astral was never my strongest subject." Redoing the snaps on his pouch, he looks up and flashes Trance a quick grin. "Wait 'til you see my illusions though."
He gathers the reagents into his hands and holds them out towards Trance. "Buy me some if we see daylight again."
-
Tilting her head sideways and adjusting the red tinted glasses on her small nose bridge Kitty looked at duck, her small hand poised at her hip.
Hmppf... Decks aren't made for that she started, and adding in a tighter voice Not the cheap ones anyway... her voice trailing away before continuing a deck is made for going silent and bricking your thingy, that thing you hold in your pocket is made for protection she finished sticking her tongue out to duck.
-
Tilting her head sideways and adjusting the red tinted glasses on her small nose bridge Kitty looked at duck, her small hand poised at her hip.
Hmppf... Decks aren't made for that she started, and adding in a tighter voice Not the cheap ones anyway... her voice trailing away before continuing a deck is made for going silent and bricking your thingy, that thing you hold in your pocket is made for protection she finished sticking her tongue out to duck.
He shrugs his bony shoulders, responding "My bad. You obviously know what you're doing. Aint mean ta back seat drive ya like that, ma'am. You do your thing and i'll do mine." before swaggering out of the room with his two new guns.
I'm gonna have to get better with this matrix drek if i'm ever gonna be a halfway decent rigger, man. I gotta buckle down and get serious.
-
Ok then. Kitty, I've never had to slave off my commlink. We'll go through that after we leave. If everyone has got their party favours than let's head out. Andy, a couple for me as well. An umbrella with a large top and long handle. Preferably colourful. After a night like this their usually left by the door. I can grab it on the way out if you like. Also, that mickey of the cheap stuff in a glass bottle. Something flammable if possible. Everclear, maybe?
She pops out her commlink and tosses off a message to Duck.
>>Message
>>Contact:Duck
After we get out can you stop a few blocks away? Off the street and out of the way? We'll need 10 minutes or so...
-
Slim looks up from checking out the Warhawk and addresses Kitty.
"If it is a question of how many things we have to protect then I don’t really have anything that needs to run wireless except for my commlink and that should be okay if I reboot it from time to time, right?"
Checking condition of the Warhawk (http://orokos.com/roll/198835): 6d6t5 2
-
>>Message
>>Contact:Duck
After we get out can you stop a few blocks away? Off the street and out of the way? We'll need 10 minutes or so...
Duck fires back a quick message to the team leader from one of the bar tables as he inspects his new weapons.
Logic+automatics for a quick inspection (http://orokos.com/roll/198848): 6d6t5 2
>> Reply
>> Contact: Angel
>> Message: Wiz. Jus holler.
-
Trance grinned to Cheshire and held up her hands to accept the reagents. "Thank you! I definitely will buy you some once this is over."
And I just gave my word... I will need to keep it.
She then looks to the others as they discuss slaving commlinks. Despite trying to follow them, the blank look on her face at it makes it pretty obvious it's gone over her head.
Okay... No asking about the technical mumbo-jumbo in front of the Johnson. That would be unprofessional.
"Almost time for us to get on our way?"
I don't need any further weapons... I can barely use the one I have! Hope I don't need to rely on it...
-
Andy’s weapon case looks impressive. Polished finish, neatly packed, plenty to go around, albeit not completely full. It’s quite high, standing about chest height on Duckdown, much higher on Cheshier. Searching through the upper chest and opening each of the lower, foam packed drawers, you scour the contents, eyes open for anything of use. Andy watches, taking note of each item taken.
Smiling, Andy nods his head in approval as he listens to Angel speak of finding other sleeping arrangements ”I like you sister, glad ta have ya on board, leadin the team. Fortunate ya wind up in my bar. Ya’ll sleepin elsewhere suit me just fine”
Grabbing your weapons, clips and ammo of choice, Andy reseals the front of the case, closing the lid and reattaching the latches. ”Grenade, brother? I glad ya'll crashin elsewhere." Heading toward the back of his desk, He bends down, disappearing behind the large case briefly. You hear the sliding sound of a drawer, Andy rummaging through his desk a short while. ”Ahhh, there we are” he remarks, taking several seconds before standing, holding several more credsticks , slotting each in to a commlink before handing one to each of you. ”Payment minus ya purchases”
@Angel
He thinks for a few moments, stroking his chin while speaking. ”I think we get along just fine. Once you leave here I don’t know ya, ya never been here” he walks back behind his desk, opening the bottom drawer, pulling out a dark glass bottle. ”Trolls like dis shit, sister, I don’t suggest drinkin it. But I think it suit your purpose just fine. Don’t let Crash see that, ya? Look out tha font for an umbrella, drunk clowns leavin drek all tha time. Ya be good for leadin this team, keep hidden, ya? I don't want ta hear no drek about fools causin no riot, getting captured and tortured by them Mongrel's. I have ya details if I need ta get in touch, ya'll know where ta get a hold if me if ya need somthin”
@Duckdown
You listen to Andy for a while, grabbing you weapons, receiving your credstick before heading toward back. Drek, decent pay-out off the bat. This won’t be no easy run. You easily make your way outside, rain casting a slight mist, cascading down, seeping in to your clothes as you head in to the night. AK in hand, heading toward the truck, you glance back toward the balcony, your room. You notice someone, an outside bulb casting a long shadow. Eyes squinting, adjusting to the light, you see the familiar silhouette of Deen, leaning on the railing, having a smoke. As you wonder why she didn’t message back, you notice she’s changed, likely left her commlink in her other jeans. She flicks her smoke off the balcony, stumbling slightly turning toward your room.
Drek. Are you staying? Will Deen understand? This be dangerous, but that payout is too good to pass. Surely she won’t mind If I catch her later.
@Slim
”Sorry, mon, what you see on the list be what they have. The Remington have a basic scope, nothin more” Andy frowns slightly as you reach for the grenade, though does nothing to stop you as you remove it from the case, hoping you won’t need to use it. As you pocket the grenade, you notice your name in Angels speech. In charge for combat? You glance toward Duckdown, pretty sure he won’t be happy about that. She continues, Duckdown says nothing. Maybe it’ll blow over, drek, hopefully this shit doesn’t become a problem.
Incoming Message:
>>Contact:Rex
>>drek I just miss it that shit be crazy ya no I all be cruisin, doin my thing an neg minute BOOM what the fuck man why you askin bout that drek?
Drek that wasn’t useful, you think, right before your comm-link buzzes once more.
Incoming Message:
>>Contact:Rex
>>nyen? how much nuyen we talkin?
As you consider your next move, a sudden though about the kids you were originally after flashes through your mind. Wonder if you’ll be able to help them too?
@Cheshire
Andy looks surprised as you take the grenade ”Don’t let that off accidentally, dig? he laughs as you pick up the pistol, lack of experience evident. ”Don’t be too quick ta draw. You done good work for me, don’t go doin sometin stupid now.” you hold the light pistol, wondering where the drek to store it. Don’t want it accidentally going off, drek, is the safety on? Where is the safety?
You take note as Duck picks up an AK, definitely look like he has more experience. Maybe one of the guys will give you a hand, a few pointers. Looks like will be a big job. Nuyen, gangs, explosives, all the makings of a dangerous run. Andy wants us to keep undercover, you wonder how easy it will be, eyeing up your new found team mates.
Could be trouble…
@Trance
Incoming Message:
>>Contact: Miniboom
>>Message: Heyyyy, glad to hear you took the job with Andy heheh. Trust him, good player he is. Wow those explosions were CRAZY wonder if there be more… may be stuck there a while? Make yourself at home! Hehe
Wasn’t but a few hours ago you were strapped, desperate for work, for nuyen. Seems you have both now, that 3500 will really help. Wondering if you’d have taken the job under different circumstances, you look at your team. At least they look competent , all our bases covered. Damn well better be with the task ahead. Cheshire hands you reagents, at least one of em knows about teamwork. Hell, if all goes well perhaps this lot will be together a while…
@Kitty
As you ask about a satellite uplink, you remember Angel had passed you one earlier. Damn dumpshock must be still messing with you. Rubbing your head, the dull throbbing sensation still present, you glance around at your new team. A diverse bunch, mostly young, though it seems all bases are covered.
A message from Missy pops up in your AR view, about time! Mentally you open the message, reading through a summary of information
Incoming report:
>>Agent: Missy
>>Search Results:
>>News Article: Renraku shipment stolen on Fox Island
>>Dated several months ago
>>Contents unknown
>>Culprits unknown, Mongrel’s suspected
>>News Article: Mongrel and DC war escalates
>Mongrel leader rumoured killed
>>Gunfights escalating
>>Mostly isolated to north of Fox Island
>>BBS Bulletin: High Times Forum – For all your drug needs
>>Location: Drug house
>>Bliss
>>Zen
>>Dealer contact: Slade [contact info]
>>BBS Bulletin: Industrial Street Racing Forum
>>Location: Fox Island Industrial Zone
>>Schedule: Tomorrow night 11:30pm
>>Events: Death match, motorcycle jousting
>>Prize Pool: 2000¥
>>Contact: Gearz [contact info]
You smile, browsing through the contents of Missy’s report through your image link. Everything seems to match up with what Andy said. Missy has done a good job, tracking down several hidden BBS boards, finding an archived news article on a missing Renraku shipment. You’re worried slightly; drek if that’s the hardware the Mongrel’s have taken no telling what they have up their sleeve.
@Everyone
”Aite! Brothers and sisters, I believe we done for the evenin, if ya don’t mind, I be closing up now, guess I won’t be seein ya for a while, in fact, guess ya were never here” Andy sits, leaning far back in his chair, blowing several smoke rings from his cigar. ”Don’t let a Troll hit ya on tha way out”
-
”Don’t let that off accidentally, dig? he laughs as you pick up the pistol, lack of experience evident. ”Don’t be too quick ta draw. You done good work for me, don’t go doin sometin stupid now.”
Cheshire's does a poor job of trying to hide his discomfort holding the weapons. "Last resorts, friend. Promise." He gingerly slides the grenade into his left jacket pocket and pulls the end of his right sleeve over most of the gun, sticking the barrel into his right pocket. Holding his jacket away from his body just a little, he moves towards the exit and waits to follow Angel into the night.
Sure hope the big guy doesn't mind if I stash these in his truck for a bit.
-
Slim sighs inwardly as Andy closes the drawer on the rifle, Hope it ain’t a mistake not taking that stick, all this talk ‘bout not knowing us once we’re out the door gets me thinking getting my hands on that thing if I need it might be harder than I’d like.
The buzz of his commlink disrupts Slim’s train of thought, Damn, Rex has the attention span of a gubby when he’s on a run. Taking my money made him think twice at least.
>>@Rex
>>Damn straight brother, this all sorts of fucked. Got stuck here on unrelated biz but a job checking out these Mongrel nutters fell into my lap. Can go up to 500 for good info. Who is supplying these cats and with what, if you know who their new leader is that would be info worth paying for.
Fuck it, I’ll take the bloody rod too. "Hold for a moment Andy, I’ll take the Remington as well my man. You wouldn’t happen to have a duffel bag that I could stash the rifle in?"
Having collected his guns and ammo, Slim gets ready to follow the rest of the team out of the bar.
-
Angel waits for everyone to hug out their goodbyes.
Let's hope this all sticks. After a day we'll see how everyone likes squatting.
Hey Andy.
Thanks for all man. I'm glad I showed up here tonight as well.
She eyes Duck leaving the room and watches people stash weapons. It's going to be a cold night tonight. When everyone is ready, she stands straight, releasing the wall from it's arduous task of holding her up. She handles the mickey Andy hands her long enough to twist the cap and break the seal on it. She drops it into the right hip pocket of her pants.
She walks out down the hall and gives a small smile to anyone on her way out and heads to the front door. Reaching into the can at the front where umbrella's are drying, she picks out a long, heavy, sturdy one and compares the handle against the collapsible staff.
She heads back down the back and out the door Duck left earlier. She check's out Duck's build against the light from the cab of his truck.
Not very big for an ork, but he fits those rifles pretty well.
She hops up onto the back of the Gopher and takes a knee, checking the sky for rain.
This is it. The big one. I suppose we're in it now.
You good?
She asks Duck as he stows gear.
-
Trance smiled, accepting her credstick... which she put down her shirt right off the bad, slipping the others into her pocket.
"I do hope you know us when we succeed," Trance said with a smile, before giving a wave and turning to follow Angel and Duck out.
Smooth! Perfectly smooth!
"It ain't smooth unless something is blowing up behind you!"
I am not blowing up my employer! Well, not unless he gives me a reason to... But I don't think he will. Too much the used car salesman.
She looks down as her commlink vibrates, nods, and taps out a reply on an ARO.
<<@Miniboom>>
<<Null sheen. Looking to make myself at home. Will need some materials moved, though. Can't work mojo properly without lodge materials.>>
She then looks up to Angel and Duck, nodding to them, but keeps her distance; this conversation looks private, and she doesn't want to interfere just yet. Instead, she types out a couple of messages.
<<@Slim>>
<<What's the story with the stink-eye? He seems to know you, and I want to know if I need a spirit playing peacekeeper.>>
<<@Cheshire>>
<<Know of a good place to stash bodies while on magical recon? Last thing I need is to wake up in a dalmation suit and wearing rodeo clown make-up just because I was out of it around the wrong people. It was bad enough the first time.>>
-
She flicks her smoke off the balcony, stumbling slightly turning toward your room.
Duck shakes the last bit of rainwater out of his hair and smiles as he watches Deen walk back toward the room.
Best be havin enough fun for the both of us tonight, girl.
The ork turns back to the truck and reaches into his glovebox to retrieve a yellow t-shirt with the stitching around the neckhole starting to give way. As he pulls it down over his head and armor vest, you can see, across the front in faded blood red letters and the worst font you've ever seen, it says "El ChupacAbra-cadabra". He notices Angel coming his way, duffle bag of gear in hand and nods as she looks at him.
She hops up onto the back of the Gopher and takes a knee, checking the sky for rain.
This is it. The big one. I suppose we're in it now.
You good?
She asks Duck as he stows gear.
"Me? Naw, I aint good. I got a lotta shit on my mind and to give ya the chip fuckin truth, it's stressin me the fuck out. But am I chill? Am i gonna follow orders when ya give em? Yeah, far as that goes, i'm the fuckin iceman tonight, baby."
He reaches back into the glovebox and returns with a badly scuffed and dinged helmet, obviously tricked out with a few basic optic systems. He flicks it on with a mental command and as he checks its readings on an ARO, making sure its smartlink system doesn't have any issues with his new Crusader, he notices Trance standing alone at the other end of the lot. Duckdown reaches one giant calloused hand in the air and waves to her with his "serious business" frown, beckoning her over. As she gets closer, but before she's really in ear shot, he speaks, just loud enough for Angel to hear, and almost under his breath.
"It's razorboy junior ya need to be worryin bout."
Then, back at regular volume to Trance, "Whaddup Omae! You down to be out?"
As she approaches, Duck looks down at his Ares Crusader II, critically.
If i actually end up havin to use this fraggin pop gun, it's gonna be the smallest weapon i've ever fired.
-
Angel watches Trance come up and nods. She takes the collapsible staff and runs it parallel to the handle and wraps her gecko glove around it. Methodically working as she thinks.
Stick
She checks to make sure the staff is firmly in place.
So this was too good to be true.
She spends some time eying her surroundings.
If Andy's as big a player as he thinks he is, both DC and Mongrels will be here.
Perception leaving Andy's (-3 for night)
6d6t5: 0 [6d6t5=4, 3, 1, 1, 3, 4]
http://orokos.com/roll/199244
-
<<@Slim>>
<<What's the story with the stink-eye? He seems to know you, and I want to know if I need a spirit playing peacekeeper.>>
While making his way out Slim fires off a quick reply.
>>@Trance
<Nah, no need for the cavalry. I'm not about to start anything and he is all talk. There was some serious shit smeared on me in another life and I haven't been able to get the stink off of me yet, pretty sure that's what's going on.>
Making his way to the truck Slim gives Duck his widest grin, "Anyone called shotgun yet!"
-
Making his way to the truck Slim gives Duck his widest grin, "Anyone called shotgun yet!"
Duck rolls his eyes.
Called shotgun? This aint the field trip to the arboretum, fuck-boy. OK chill out, Duck. This aint the time or the place yet.
Without looking up from his Crusader, he speaks to Angel.
"What's the seating arrangement, Captain?"
-
Cheshire moves out of the bar, stopping to take a moment to breathe in the night air. Guess this drek's really happenin'. Bombs and gas and missin' kids. Oh my. And a grenade in my pocket! The hell was I thinkin'? Gotta stash this quick like. His train of thought is interrupted by his commlink, giving him a little start.
<<@Cheshire>>
<<Know of a good place to stash bodies while on magical recon? Last thing I need is to wake up in a dalmation suit and wearing rodeo clown make-up just because I was out of it around the wrong people. It was bad enough the first time.>>
<<@Trance>>
<<Got a spot nearby if needed. Not much to speak of, but it's got a door that locks...a little.>>
When the message is sent, he leans back a little and flexes his shoulders until they pop. His eyes dart around the rooftops and windows while he moves his head side to side, finishing his show of stretching before he walks over to the truck.
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/199296): 7d6t5 4
-
Waving Andy goodbye and following the rest of the crew out, her piece in her jacket and new information in her possession Kitty quietly stashes the satellite link on her way out...
Jeez... damn dumpshock to mess up you day...
while we decide who rides shotgun and who goes in the trunk here is something to chew on... a little cat just drop this on my lap
Calling up the texting tool in her AR Kitty quickly collates the newly acquired information and sends its to all the commcodes in this crew.
Angel, guys, any does anything pop up to your attention? a death match still scheduled uh, and where did that shipment go?
-
Trance smiles and waves to Duck and Angel as she's spotted. "I'm ready! But, you'll need to teach me how to do the doohickey thingamabopper with my commlink you were talking about. I'm not exactly savvy with these things."
I am a master of technical language!
She glances between Duck and, as he comes out, Slim. Something about how they interact just makes her uneasy; however, she imagines herself sticking that unease in a box and kicking it into a closet for now. They had a job to do, and she was pretty certain they would be professionals.
"Remember, if don't think you're being too paranoid, you're not being paranoid enough."
She pondered those words of wisdom for a moment.
Hey, Chip? I hope you're still ready to manifest. You may need to break up a fight. I don't think it will happen, but I may not be paranoid enough.
She nods to Slim and the others as they come out, before feeling the buzz of messages.
<<@Slim>>
<<Wiz. Tell me about it sometime? I've got a couple people I owe a violent favor to... The do-unto-them kind.>>
She then looked up as they talked about seating arrangements. "Put those of us who suck at catching bullets in the back? As long as I have a clear view for if I need to make things explode, I'm good."
<<@Cheshire>>
<<We may need to make use of it for recon purposes. If it's one you don't like to see on fire and riddled with bullet holes, probably a bad spot. You know, in case the excrement and rotary oscillator decide to have a tango at our expense.>>
Trance then frowned at the mention of AROs, idly twirling a lock of hair as she looked at it. "I bet Renraku is the source of those chemicals they're using..."
-
Just get little kawaii old me a spot to sit and lay my back on.... I'll probably spend most of the time in VR... anyone touches the Hello Kitty backpack and its gonna turn nasty Kitty added while sticking her tongue out at the guys and gals.
-
Anyone who needs to be distraction free with a shell around them when they work should be up front. Mages, Kitty. I think you can 4 up there crowded if there small. Anyone who needs room to manoeuvre and is swinging anything bigger than a breadstick out back.
As she says this she stows the umbrella and picks up the crossbow. She draws the line back on it and makes sure a bolt from the magazine pops into place.
She stows anything people hand her close to the cab and then takes up a seat on the wheel-well over the back tires. She keeps her right hand on the crossbow but leans her left arm up along the box rail to give herself something to hold on to.
Feeling a little better under open sky she turns her face up to the rain. She smiles a bit and pulls her back into a single ponytail and pulls the hair elastic off her wrist, over her hand and pulls her hair through. After doubling it up a couple times she moves it up as close to her skull as possible. Simple pattern repetition and open air takes some of the weight off her shoulders and she smiles a bit.
When she looks up, she blushes, flushed that anyone got a brief into any of the small, personal stuff that makes her happy.
-
<<@Slim>>
<<Wiz. Tell me about it sometime? I've got a couple people I owe a violent favor to... The do-unto-them kind.>>
>>@Trance
<<We’ll see. Not exactly a fun story and I’m more interested in leaving it behind. Maybe if you get me drunk once we’re finished with this Island.>>
Anyone who needs to be distraction free with a shell around them when they work should be up front. Mages, Kitty. I think you can 4 up there crowded if there small. Anyone who needs room to manoeuvre and is swinging anything bigger than a breadstick out back.
Slim nods when Angel finishes ordering people to their seats and jumps up on the back of the truck after her, taking position on the other side of the truck.
"You good Angel?" Slim crouches down by the wheel well, rifle in hand, focusing outwards. "In position, eyes open."
-
Anyone who needs to be distraction free with a shell around them when they work should be up front. Mages, Kitty. I think you can 4 up there crowded if there small. Anyone who needs room to manoeuvre and is swinging anything bigger than a breadstick out back.
Duck shakes his head. "I don't feel safe crowdin everyone together like that. If shit gets crazy, we're gonna need some elbow room." He looks back and forth between Trance and Cheshire, sizing them up. "Dwarves tend to be a bit tougher than the rest a yall. Mind riding bumpy there, Cheshire? Look like Kitty there can't take many more bumps tonight."
He looks back at Angel. "Unless you insist, Captain."
-
Trance shrugs. "If need be, I can drive. Just not anything involving a chase."
Which one is the gas pedal again? Eh, I'm sure I'll remember.
She then chuckles at what Duck says. "If anything bad goes down, we may need gas masks to survive. We're all potentially screwed if things go badly."
-
Angel sighs and closes her eyes at Duck's use of the word captain.
So it's like that is it?
Pretty quick you guys are going to make life or death decisions that are going to affect you and each other. Right now you guys are asking where you need to sit. Are you sure your in the right line of work? Sit where your comfortable. I don't care.
She opens her eyes and looks around at everyone, pressure starting to get to her.
I don't know any of you. I can't control any of you. This is not how I expected this night to go, although I'm not sad it did. I will tell you what I can control. I can control me. Here's what you need to know to function. The one prevailing thought when you take an action is "Angel's got your back". When either of you leave your body and want to know if it will still be there. I've got your back. Risky paydata. I've got your back. That guy slept with your sister. I've got your back. He owes you 20 quid for drinks last week and it's time to collect. I've got your back. He's back-talking you with 3 of his friends and your wondering how many are at your back when it's time to respond. At least one. There's a million scenarios and always one response. It's like that. The only thing I expect is the same in return. Everyone starts out even here as it's the only way I can function. I need to know when I am making decisions that I have everyone behind me. That's that. Running scenarios in my head of what people will do if I do this is going to get me killed. Getting into someplace and wondering if I've got people to help me get out if I need it. That will get me killed. And I don't even mean captain shit. I mean the basic functions to do what I do.
She looks around a bit.
It sucks I have to have this talk...
That being said, my name is ironic. I'm not. When the election came up for nicest shadowrunner of the year came up, I didn't even turn up to vote. I expect none of you even made honourable mention. I don't care what you did. Hell, I don't even care what you will do. I can't sit and wonder what you will do for each other either. If you've got shit with each other than don't work together. If anybody is here, they will have your back. If someone's going to do something questionable, take it up after it's done. In private. If you can't handle that, if people are going to start throwing toys, this is not the sandbox for you. Take your toys and go. No one's comments are going to lower my opinion here. Just their actions.
If your not big on speeches, then just say ok. If you have anything to add, everyone's got a podium.
And if you don't even want to respond, the fact that your staying shows that's the way it will be.
With every decision here being life or death for me, you can see how I might be put out over seating arrangements. Come on guys, sort your shit out.
She gets quiet for a while and waits for either a response or Duck to start driving.
-
Duck turns to look at the ragged human woman and the green haired wizard in the cabin next to him, then back over his shoulder at the team leader, the dwarf, and the male elf in the back bed, taking one last check over the mood of the team. His eyes settle, squinting at Angel.
She's testin' me. Wants to see if she can get me pissed enough to swing or sum, prove i aint a fuckin professional or some shit. See if i can be trusted to keep my head when emotions run high. Girl is good. Girl is damn good.
When no one else speaks, he leans down and puts his helmet on, then plugs himself into the jack under the dashboard of the gopher, just in case he needs to jump in a hurry. He adjusts the rear view mirror with one hand while he gives the mental command to start the engine and announces, "Yall heard the captain!" Trying and failing to hide a giant shit eating grin, Duckdown starts the loaded up little truck out of the Doolan's parking lot and into the street.
Lets see how cool SHE can keep, eh?
He heads west down Island blvd, letting the auto pilot run the thing nice and safely and obeying all the traffic rules. After a few blocks, he checks the rearview, then kills the autopilot and pulls south off the main road into a short, dirty alleyway between two buildings. He turns the headlights off, but leaves the engine running.
-
Trance raises an eyebrow, but piles in the truck, where she waits until it's moving before calling up an ARO.
<<@Angel>>
<<That was a nice speech... but I was being polite. Not my vehicle, and I know that irritating teammates is a great way to not come back from a run.>>
Then, she leans back in her seat and sighs, closing her eyes.
Chip, are you there? You've been quiet this time... I guess earth spirits don't talk much, huh?
-
>>@Trance
>>Fair enough but not mine either ;)
Angel hops off the truck. She takes out her commlink and turns it off. Then turns off the wireless on her staff and her gecko gloves. She doesn't say anything to anybody. She takes the commlink out of it's ballistic case and boots it up running the commlink up and down her body once it's booted up listening for interference. Once she hears any interference she takes out her tag eraser and runs it over the tag, deleting it.
She tosses the tag eraser up to Slim.
Rebooting your commlinks will erase any old a decker has had over it. You can use your commlink as a basic bug tracker after it's rebooted and the tag eraser will burn out the bug. Turn your gear off first though so you can see if it's tracked. From there we can slave the commlinks as they boot. Everyone starts fresh.
She waits.
I warned them. Paranoid.
-
Slim grabs the commlink and runs it over his body. Finding a few tags and promptly erasing them. He then restarts his own commlink, running silent. Handing Angel's comm to Cheshire as he asks, "Any special reason that we're stopping other than cleaning us up?"
-
After listening to Angel's speech Cheshire climbs into the back of the truck, his boots slipping a bit on the wet bumper. Upon rolling over the tailgate he gives her a single nod and settles in, scrunched down to avoid drawing attention. Good start, make the captain think twice 'bout workin' with us before we get a block away. Need to stick close to her, pick up what I can 'bout doing this shit right.
When the truck stops he stands up and waits in the bed of the truck. Listening to Angel's directions, he takes the grenade and gun out of his jacket pockets and sits them along the side of the truck bed and shuts down his commlink. When it comes to his turn he does his own body and then hesitates. Ugh, better be up front here. None of them do what I do, nothin' bad 'bout not doin' what they do, right?
He picks up his pistol as he steps over towards the cab of the truck, sticking his face in the little window between the bed and the cab. "Hello in there!" He sticks the comm and eraser through with one hand and his pistol, grip first, with the other. "Look, honest-like, I've only fired one of these a few times before. One of you mind givin' it the once over?"
-
Slim looks up to Cheshire from behind the truck, "Hand it here, I'll make sure it won't blow up in your hand."
Armorer for Cheshire's pistol, checking for flaws etc. (http://orokos.com/roll/199521): 6d6t5 3
-
Duck takes the eraser from Cheshire through the window, follows the instructions he's been given thoroughly and without a word, then passes it over to either Trance or Kitty, whoever takes it first.
Pro shit, right here. I'm rememberin' this little trick. Matter fact, next time I do this, I'm gonna call it "Angel clean."
"Yo! Yall trogs be fuckin up! Yall ain't even Angel clean yet! What the fuck yall?!"
Yeah, that sounds cool.
-
Trance reaches up to accept the bug scanner, which she then runs over her commlink. She then holds it up as she reboots the commlink.
>>@транс
>>Достаточно, но не мое Средне либо ;)
She then sighs and resets it again, this time in the proper language, then reads the message and nods.
"I suspect this is where we make the real plan about how we approach this," Trance says in reply to Slim. "Never fully trust a Johnson. After all, all Johnsons are dicks."
-
Angel watches everyone reboot and clean up. She slaves commlinks as they come up, doing the math.
After commlinks I have room for 7 devices. My habit is rebooting a commlink after any dicey situation in case a decker gets in. I think probably Duck's truck as well leaving 6. My weapons are simple so I'll leave those off. The only thing I might need is the Gecko Gloves. I might need them when I have to climb.
>>@kitty
>>Invitation:Mark
>>Accept?
Kitty will remain separate and she can run invisible. I need your opinions now. My preference would be to squat until this is over. We'll be doing this for a while. Andy wouldn't have offered that much cash if he expected it to be quick or easy. I'm pretty sure we can find an old business or warehouse to stay at where we can keep the truck out of sight as well. Not everyone is used to a lifestyle like that though. I spent some time doing it before I got an apartment. I didn't want to bring it up in front of Andy as I don't want him knowing where we're staying.
Thoughts?
-
"I got nothing that needs slaving except the comm. Everything else is wireless off. I'm good with the idea of squatting, lived worse than that before."
-
Angel watches everyone reboot and clean up. She slaves commlinks as they come up, doing the math.
After commlinks I have room for 7 devices. My habit is rebooting a commlink after any dicey situation in case a decker gets in. I think probably Duck's truck as well leaving 6. My weapons are simple so I'll leave those off. The only thing I might need is the Gecko Gloves. I might need them when I have to climb.
>>@kitty
>>Invitation:Mark
>>Accept?
Kitty will remain separate and she can run invisible. I need your opinions now. My preference would be to squat until this is over. We'll be doing this for a while. Andy wouldn't have offered that much cash if he expected it to be quick or easy. I'm pretty sure we can find an old business or warehouse to stay at where we can keep the truck out of sight as well. Not everyone is used to a lifestyle like that though. I spent some time doing it before I got an apartment. I didn't want to bring it up in front of Andy as I don't want him knowing where we're staying.
Thoughts?
Duck sticks his booted feet out of the truck window, leans back, takes his helmet back off, and listens as Angel talks. When she finishes, he plops his opinion down.
"Yeah, I feel ya with regards to Andy. He may seem on the level, but there's only so far you can trust a white boy that wants to be black as much as Rasta mon does. Far as the truck, i can run it wired or i can slave it to somethin'. Whatever yall think is best. I WOULD like this crusader on yalls watch though, if ya got room. As for squattin..." He tosses his helmet about two feet into the air and catches it again. "Sheeeeeyit, be just like growin up with mom. I aint no stranger to shittin in a bucket, Omae. That the first order of bidness? Findin us a squat?"
-
Trance tilted her head. "What do we know about the gang he's working to install? Would we be driving out one band of crazies just to replace them with something worse?"
She then sighs, before shaking her head. "Never can trust a Johnson..."
Then, her eyes turn to Angel. "I just need to slave my commlink. I can run my gun on silent. I shouldn't need it anyway. But, when it comes to somewhere to squat, we need somewhere secure."
-
"They're called Devil's cut and it's more like he's trying to re-install them. Basically, they were businessmen who weren't afraid to put beef on the streets. Mostly into smuggling, gambling, shit like that. Peacefull sorta folk, if ya can say that about any gang. They damn sure aint the type to bomb bridges or gas pawns. Andy probably has bidness arrangements with em that just don't apply to the Mongrels. For real though? DC aint kidnap no fuckin kids neither, so I really aint got no problem helpin em get back what's theirs. I'm bettin they're the real johnson here. Rude bwoy seem more like their fixer to me."
-
Whoever was hear before, I never heard about Fox Island on the news. To me that says stuff was running all right.
Kitty, can you do a search? I'd prefer someplace on the North End to stay. We're looking for real estate that has been on the market a long time. My preference would be a foreclosure. They usually have equipment still there. Maybe an automotive shop or something. They usually run chain link and cameras to protect customer vehicles. Lots of bench and floor space to work with. An office or two. Later I can jack another Gopher like Ducks in case parts get shot off he can replace em. We can pick up a generator tomorrow and run it into the mains to get hoists and CCTV working. We won't have to live like animals I think. Between the lot of us I'm sure we can figure out how to wire it in.
Angel slaves the Crusader bringing it up to and then the truck to 6 (4 for Commlinks as I don't need to slave mine or Kitty's).
We'll slave the truck to so you can access it when you're not in it. Besides, it would be bad if someone got a hold of the AK and we don't notice.
After we pick out a place and make it ours, we'll hit the first location we choose tonight to have a look around. Stay up until shops open in the morning and we can grab some gear and get some sleep in the daytime.
-
We'll slave the truck to so you can access it when you're not in it. Besides, it would be bad if someone got a hold of the AK and we don't notice.
Duck nods once with a short grunt.
Smart.
-
Search coming up Captain-san
>>>compose message: MIssy
>>>matrix search
>>>parameters: foreclosed AND 6 months AND North end of fox island AND autoshop OR office space
matrix search - real estate (http://orokos.com/roll/200203): 10d6t5 1
-
@Slim
Requesting the Remington, Andy smiles ”That more my style, brother. Ya be lucky, talk ta one of the trolls on tha way out. Ask for the bag that some disrespectful fool left” Andy’s giving you the once over.”Things go well I sure we do business down tha line I’m sure”
@Trance
leave ”And you just don do anythin stupid, we stay best of friends, dig?” Andy laughs ”Ya be fine, look at ya comrades!” he grins, motioning everyone ”Solid team, ya have no worries, sister”
Incoming Message:
>>Contact: Miniboom
>>Message: Heheheh, lucky ta ship anything there with the great explosions. See what I can do but might take some time!
@Angel
As you leave Andy’s you glance toward the shadows. Smog smearing the face of the moon; broken street lights and a light, steady rain make visibility tough. Nothing takes your eye, a quiet night with the exception of your companions. You’re still alert; conditions like this make it easy for anyone to hide.
@Kitty
You browse through Missy’s report. The Deathmatch grabs your interest, sounds fun, definitely dangerous. Probably better played on an arcade…Wonder if Duck’s that good in meatspace…
You clutch your backpack tightly; an unconscious reaction as you warn your team mates, hands off. They know what’s good for em, you’re sure there will be no problem.
Leaning back, rubbing you head, dumpshock almost gone, you grin. Unexpected night… could be worse, definitely get that chummer on Andy’s arcade next time!
@Cheshire
Holy drek, this has escalated. You take in all you can, you’ve been thrown in the deep end here, time to sink or swim. You think back, looking at Andy’s past jobs, definitely nothing this big. Must be starting to trust you, or it’s a suicide mission…You force a smile thinking on Andy’s intentions as you’re assigned a back seat. You’re definitely a lot tougher than you look, time to show your team mates what you can do…
@Slim
As you leave, you see Axle behind the bar, Crash slumped over their table. You ask about the bag, Axle grunting, reaching down, and tossing a black duffle bag your way. He shuffles clumsily over to Crash, lifting him under one shoulder, dragging him out back. ”Bars closed, get out” he grunts, slamming the door has he leaves. You take a look, pretty standard, but definitely good quality.
@Everyone
It’s late, coming up on 2:50am. You notice the moon, a faint glow in the sky, not too long before sunrise. Wind blows, shifting smog and cloud across the moon, dimming its light. Grey, transparent clouds paint a smoky scene overhead a steady, annoying stream of rain bouncing off jackets, clothing and skin alike. It’s wearing a little thin; those up front in Duck’s cabin are a little relieved, glancing ahead, rain lightly, steadily falling. Angel looks comfortable outside, leaning back in back of the pickup, a glimpse of relaxation passing over her face before snapping alert quickly, scanning her surroundings.
@Trance
As Duck drives off your mind drifts to your latest pad, a shithole, the fourth floor of six stories, mouldy, rundown with a lingering and unpleasant smell. Accommodation’s tight, cheap on Fox Island. You’ve seen worse, though to be fair not much better. Definitely too small for everyone to stay at the apartment, much too high for easy escape, no exit from your room and the only fire exit outside, near the end of the hall.
Maybe Angel’s right, is it safe to head back? Could it be useful down the line?
“Chip” speaks, astral thought booming, unheard by your companions. ”WE CAN TALK…WHEN THERE IS SOMETHING…TO SAY... I AM BOUND….I WILL DO AS YOU WISH...TELL ME THE PLAN... ARE YOU OF YOUR WORD, ELF?”
Seems friendly… Sure know how to pick em Trance… Your newly bound spirit surprising you slightly.
@Everyone
Kitty fires a command to Missy, scouring for anything of use on Fox Island. Drek, seems Missy’s luck is done for the night, Kitty’s disappointed, letting you all know of a several for hire locations, though if they’re advertised they’re likely looked at.
You briefly consider Andy’s offer. No, too late for that now and he was pleased you didn’t take him up on it. Definitely the right decision there… You’ve since stopped and removed any tags, smart choice on Angel’s part.
You head north, traffic almost non-existent. Seems folk are definitely listening to the broadcast, staying away. There is the odd drunkard or two, stumbling their way home. Damn fools, obviously no idea of the danger at the moment. Duck navigates Fox Island, damn, pretty smooth for this drek of a road. Good driver, a good start.
@Duckdown
What a night… tight gig, new team, missing kids. Despite beef with Zipline those damn kids need to be found, and soon. Awh drek, love some zen right now. Spark up? Nawh, need to find a new pad first. Sure Deen will get the message tomorrow, no drama. Fuck, if she’s stuck here are you locked in to more gigs?
Helmet on, AR gauges each side of your peripheral vision you head off, in search for a safe house for yourself and newfound comrades. Empty streets roll by, the odd working street light flickering, streaking past your windscreen. You drive past Kitty’s locations, definitely not suitable. You head further north, the building becoming more rundown, more abandoned.
@Everyone
It takes a while, Duckdown driving, scouring the northern section of the island. You're all surprisingly quiet, checking out Kitty’s locations, unfortunately, to no prevail. Drek, some have real estate signs, even ARO’s advertising. Duck heads further north, less residential and commercial, definitely more industrial. Large factories dot your view; you find a section of buildings, seemingly abandoned, broken windows, disarray apparent. Duck pulls over, Kitty scouring the addresses online. Luck is with you, this latest block is abandoned, empty for a couple years. Kitty shares an article, showing the reason, the protest caused when the factory was no longer deemed profitable. Sticking her tongue out, grin on her face, Kitty…This could be suitable…
You glance toward the large, industrial structure. Kitty pointing out the sleeping quarters for the residents, drek, it’s better than nothing. Hopefully no one else has the same idea…You drive toward the the entrance, gate busted open. Duck drives inside, everyone on lookout, tension sharp.
Pulling up toward the quarters all looks dark, you all wonder if this drek hole is liveable, at least squattable...
Heading off in to the unknown, you all take in the task ahead, the fresh faces, drek, you’re all in now, can you trust each other? Definitely the feel of a Shadowrunner, the makings of a shadowrun.
-
As the group carefully rolls into the decrepit old compound, the ork behind the wheel steers the truck with his left hand, just barely creeping along, the engine running silent on electric motor only. Trying to make a truck full of criminals as stealthy as he can, he also doesn't run any lights or broadcast a SIN. His right hand rests on the crusader in his lap and he keeps both eyes peeled for any sign of an ambush.
I KNOW we aint the first ones to come along thinkin this looks like a good squat. Come out, come out wherever you are, fuckers.
I'm giving myself -3 for being in a freaking truck.
Agility+Sneaking to keep the truck unseen. (http://orokos.com/roll/200527): 3d6t5 0
I'm giving myself +3 (specifically looking for it), -2 (distracted by driving), -1 (light rain)
Intuition+ Perception to watch for ambushers. (http://orokos.com/roll/200538): 8d6t5 2
>> Send Message
>> Contact: Angel
>> Message: Dun look bad from out here. Want I should stop for a sec and let a couple a yall more, recon-y types hop out real quick?
-
We can use the factory. Lot's of workspace and probably a loading bay for your truck. We'll probably be fine as squatters will take the dorm instead.
Angel takes a look back at where they came from to check for tails.
6d6t5: 1 [6d6t5=4, 5, 2, 3, 3, 1]
http://orokos.com/roll/200579
Then does a sweep to see any recent activity on the grounds...
6d6t5: 2 [6d6t5=4, 2, 2, 5, 1, 5]
http://orokos.com/roll/200604
Slim and I can go have a look. We'll give it a once over and then we can come back after we do some legwork at one of the gang locations. Duck, can you keep an eye out for anyone taking an interest in what we are doing? I would send Cheshire and Trance in astrally, but I'm not a fan of risking them like that.
Angel looks at Cheshire and then at Trance...
If I'm wrong, let me know. I don't want you to think I'm underestimating you guys, I just feel like you both are too valuable as support resources to be front line.
Next to Kitty...
Hope your feeling better. Can you have a look at see if any nodes are online out here?
She drops lightly off the truck, this time not waiting for everyone.
If any of you feel like you can be better used doing somewhere else, let me know.
30 minutes here and then we're back on the street, it's going to be a long night tonight. We'll have it easier tomorrow night and we can catch up on rest tomorrow. All nighter time.
Angel waits for Slim to hop down and then heads to the factory as quietly as she can.
If we need to get out of there fast, Duck, you'll need to cover us with that AK. Do you want to take the time here before we go to mount that gun?
She takes the umbrella and releases the gecko glove to get her collapsible staff. She twirls it a couple times and then places her light crossbow on her back. She looks up at Slim.
All good?
Sneak roll to check out the factory.
13d6t5: 6 [13d6t5=2, 3, 5, 3, 6, 6, 6, 4, 3, 6, 3, 1, 6](Limit 6. -4 dice for any to hear due to traceless walk)
http://orokos.com/roll/200608
-
Slim is on alert as the truck rolls up to the old factory.
Perception; Factory Lurkers (+3 active looking, -1 light rain) (http://orokos.com/roll/200619): 10d6t5 6 Limit:5
Once the truck has stopped he jumps down after Angel, "Ready in a sec. Duck, if you’re going to plug the AK in before we head out again I could give you a hand. I’ve helped with a few of these installations before."
That’s right Slim, don’t let how big an asshole this junkie bitch is get in the way of doing the job right.
As soon as Slim is down from the truck bed he stashes the rifle in his duffel bag and takes out the ‘Hawk loaded with Stick n Shock, keeping two speed loaders of S’n’S and two with regular ammo in his coat pockets. "OK, I’m good to go."
Sneaking into factory (http://orokos.com/roll/200624): 10d6t5 4
-
As the truck pulls in, Cheshire takes in the scene. Run down, abandoned factory. Always ends well on the trids, right? Come oooon, no mutant hordes! Trying to stop thinking about how many horror trids started this way, he focuses on Angel.
If I'm wrong, let me know. I don't want you to think I'm underestimating you guys, I just feel like you both are too valuable as support resources to be front line.
Cheshire smiles and gives a slight chuckle, projecting slightly more confidence than he feels at the moment. Speaking a little above a whisper, he says "Front, not so much. Beside, behind, and above're my sweet spots."
If any of you feel like you can be better used doing somewhere else, let me know.
Force 4 Levitate on self (http://orokos.com/roll/200803): 12d6t5 3
Force 4 Levitate drain (2) (http://orokos.com/roll/200804): 12d6t5 5
Raising a hand and pointing up, Cheshire rises out of the truck bed and hovers a foot or so above it. "No sense in you doin' all the work. I'll take the high ground, make sure nothin's waitin' up top for ya." He opens the snaps on his reagent pouch and fishes around inside, pulling a few out. "Be safe."
Force 1 Improved Invisibility (through focus, 3 reagents used) (http://orokos.com/roll/200845): 14d6t5 2
Force 1 Improved Invisibility drain (2) (http://orokos.com/roll/200846): 12d6t5 6
As Angel and Slim head towards the factory he starts rising into the air above the truck, spinning around a few times to get a good view of the area. When he has risen above the roof he moves in towards it. Keeping an eye out for any signs of recent activity or heat sources he scans the rooftop before starting to do laps around the building, peering through any windows and openings on each floor before dropping down to the one below it.
Perception, checking the factory (http://orokos.com/roll/200850): 7d6t5 4
-
Slim and I can go have a look. We'll give it a once over and then we can come back after we do some legwork at one of the gang locations. Duck, can you keep an eye out for anyone taking an interest in what we are doing?
That is SO freakin cool! I gotta get me one of those subvocal mics.
As soon as all three passengers in the back hop off, Duck finds a tight little spot between two buildings and stops the truck there, leaving it running silent on electric mode. He keeps his finger on the trigger of his crusader and his eyes sweeping the area for threats.
-
No worries, Chip. I will keep my word. I gave it, I keep it. I plan to see this through, and collect pay. But, first, we will need to get an idea of what the gang is like.
She kept silent as they approached, only to close her eyes once they were there. This was the difficult part; the shift from the physical to the astral. Swimming in that sea of living, breathing magic... she grinned as she crossed over, keeping silent as she followed those who got out of the vehicle. She also kept an eye out for any other auras, trying to spot those who are moving around.
She made it a point to glide towards the building, intent on sticking her head inside and glancing around.