Shadowrun
Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: Ryo on <09-24-14/2309:37>
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LOCATION: CYGNUS
LOCAL TIME:120437Z MAR 76
It is never quite silent in the Cygnus facility. Underneath hundreds of meters of solid rock, the sounds of the outside world are far off and foreign, unheard, but the entire structure is like a mason jar that keeps all its own sounds locked in tight. Even from your bunks in the upper barracks, you can pick out the subtle rumble of the machines down in engineering if you pay attention, or the slight hum of power or hiss of water in the pipes along the rocky walls. With time, you've learned to tune all this out, makes sleeping at night easier, but it's an ever-present din no matter where you are.
A quick look at the clock would tell you that it is the 12th of March, 2076, at 4:37 AM Zulu time. You know when you think about it that just 200 meters above your head, it's around 6 in the evening, but Cygnus never sees daylight, and so internally runs on UTC-0. Most likely, you're in your bunks, trying to get a good night sleep. Or maybe you're at the shooting range, or in the gym, or working on a late night project. Wherever you are in the facility at that moment, your commlinks ring with an urgent message at precisely 4:37 AM. Those of you with DNI get this message as an ARO appearing directly in your field of vision, colored a vibrant red and with an audible buzzing to emphasize its urgency. Those of you without DNI simply have a ringing commlink.
Briefing Room, 10 minutes. Be ready to deploy.
-Commander Ellis
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John was in the gym giving the heavy bag a few rounds when the alert flashed across the edge of his vision. The mix of insomnia and the sleep regulator he had installed meant plenty of early mornings while many of the others still slept. He'd developed a sort of routine so he didn't bother the others. Some of it was spent on gym time, some at the weapons range, and most of the rest of it was taking virtual classes on whatever subject happened to catch his attention at the time.
Man was he itching to get out of this hole. He grabbed his gym bag and headed to the showers. 10 minutes... Just enough time for a quick shower.
As he's heading for shower he throws a verbal jab at Thorn, "Wake up, fellow lab rat. Looks like we got a mission."
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Gunter happened to still be awake working in the lab. He is tired of the stupid trid-trope of a design the Redline currently has, and is frustrated with the fact that some of it actually makes sense. Sarah is saying that there's nothing wrong with the design, and that we're wasting time when he receives the message. In the middle of her detailed explication of the technical benefits of the Redline series he gets up and walks away. As he leaves the lab he sends a message to the commander. <<<@Cmdr [Dr. Schwarz] Loud or quiet?>>>
Heading to his quarters, he gets both his Rapid Transit workers armor and the heavy armor set up. While waiting for a response, he puts his Light Fire in his ankle holster and gets his MP ready with its backpack.
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Waffe receives a reply that simply reads "Quiet. Details in Briefing."
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Waffe receives a reply that simply reads "Quiet. Details in Briefing."
With that response, Gunter puts his Transit suit on and packs the Redline in the backpack. Then heads to the briefing room.
ETA: grammar fixes
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Stix had just gotten back to sleep from waking up from an attack via demonic looking wasps, when his brain gets buzzed with a call. With a direct link to the matrix of this secret site, Stix mind starts to race with matrix codes and commands thinking some runner team has started a dive into the systems of this facility. With a thought Stix could send some top end IC to fry any runner but before he starts releasing digital hell on the team of runners Stix's brain wakes up to see it is a call to a meeting. Oh drek I was about to put the system on full alert. At least its just a meeting.
Stix stops clutching his cyber deck. (yes he sleeps with his deck.) Then starts getting ready for the meeting. (washing up and brushing his teeth, etc.) Then sports his black long coat but leaves his SMG in his foot locker, being on site he doesn't care his SMG with all the time, mostly because he has a few spell to fry intruders if he has too. Stix throws some water on his face hoping to help himself wake up, then heads to the meeting clutching his deck close to his body, and sucking back smoke from his Ares Gold cigs as walks down the corridors of the facility.
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Ever since the Detective's mind had been linked to his own, Thorn had developed a habit of waiting until the Detective was going to sleep before hunkering down for the night himself. Thorn found that this was the window of opportunity to find his own sleep without being distracted by whatever it was that troubled the Detective throughout the day and night. Unfortunately, he had missed that window the night before as he had been completely absorbed in his present activities last night.
A faint buzz gently vibrated against Thorn's left arm through his forearm guards, but the sensation was unconsciously swept aside as quickly as it was felt. (A dull sense of annoyance briefly colored Thorn's thoughts before disappearing as quickly as it appeared). Thorn found himself in the testing range early this morning indulging in a new passion of his he had named Fiery Expressionism. By using his own power to create a sustained fire source, Thorn would again use his power to give form and motion, or stillness, to the flame.
The result was a transformation in the fire from a flickering, chaotic element into a pseudo-lifeform birthed from his consciousness. This new art form he had developed allowed Thorn to freely display his innermost fears and desires as easily as Waffe could dissect, reassemble and improve a weapon. Such honest expression was difficult for Thorn, and at times this new art consumed him.
As he's heading for shower he throws a verbal jab at Thorn, "Wake up, fellow lab rat. Looks like we got a mission."
(An intense annoyance flashed through Thorn's mind and lingered as he heard the Detective in his mind, but he didn't really notice the words.) Thorn continued twisting and contorting the frozen, pulsing light in front of him for a few moments before finally realizing he had received a message earlier. He flipped the panel covering his comm open to read the message from Commander Ellis.
Briefing Room, 10 minutes. Be ready to deploy.
-Commander Ellis
Frag! (Shock reverberated through Thorn's mind as he realized that the message he received several minutes ago was from the Commander and that he was going to be late). Thorn closed the comm pannel and released the flame before heading for the barracks. "Johnny boy, I'm going to be late to our rendezvous. Would you kindly kick the link up a notch with me when you arrive? Let our stern-faced commander know that I'll be arriving later than requested. Do shoot me the look on his face when you tell him, will you? Seriously though, let him know that I'll be participating fully in mind if not in body. I'm in the testing range, and its going to take me a minute to get to the Barracks, a couple minutes to change, and another minute to get to the meeting."
Thorn hauled hoop to the barracks and changed into his trusted Ares BGH and slipped his head into his helmet. He slid his Redline into the built in holster before taking a moment to consider his primary weapon. Hmmm. No specifics, but a man can't go wrong with a shotgun. Thorn's hand hovered over the Lancer before passing over it for his Phalanx. Shame to pass up a perfectly good laser though. Taking this hit for the team. He placed an extra battery clip into his pack and strapped his battery pouch around his waist for good measure. Thorn inserted a clip of APDS into his Phalanx before putting two clips of APDS and two clips of Flechette into his pack with the battery clip. Finally, he slipped a Flash, Flash-pak, two gas, a smoke and a thermal smoke into his grenade pouches before giving himself a satisfied nod. Not too heavy, and nothing illegal. Shouldn't raise too many eyebrows if it matters.
(Thorn had been looking forward to finally being let out of this cage, and in the back of his mind, he was upset that he was getting off on the wrong foot now that the time had finally come. Despite this, floating just barely higher in his subconscious than his disappointment, was a smugness rooted in the annoyance and anger the Commander would surely feel about his tardiness.)
With his helmet on, Thorn mentally messaged to the group letting them know he'd arrive soon.
>Send Group Message
>>Detective, Waffe, Stix
>>>OMW. ETA two minutes. Had to catch up on my beauty sleep.
Thorn arrived to the meeting a couple minutes late as estimated.
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(http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140701095417/projectrebirth/images/b/b9/XCOM_Concept_Art_SituationRoom2.jpg)
The briefing room is always a little dark, overhead lights dimmed almost to the point of obsolescence with the large trid screen on the far wall serving as the primary illumination. As a result, the room always has a bluish hue over everything, and feels like a dark and secluded place, far from prying eyes. You enter from the left, passing through the barracks, into the armory, and then climbing the stairs to the halls that lead into the briefing room itself. As you arrive, Ellis is entering the room from the right, through the door you know leads to his office.
Ellis is an elderly man, but still as hard as ever, with obvious bulk to his body from both constant upkeep and augmentations that enhance his musculature. The scars on his face are numerous and old. You've heard rumors among the personnel that he got them from a wasp spirit in Chicago, during the numerous raids Ares authorized prior to the city being bombed to kingdom come. You don't know the validity of the rumors, but you can't deny that there is an animalistic quality to them, like something large and ferocious dragged its claws across his face. He's wearing a black and red uniform with thick plates of body armor, and carrying a briefcase which he sets on the large conference table as he enters the room. He opens it, consults some of the files he has within, extracts a data pad, then shuts it again before looking up at you.
"Gentlemen." He addresses you with a gruff nod, noticing the absence of Thorn immediately and frowns. "I see Agent Thorndyke does not feel it necessary to be punctual. I trust he's at least with us in spirit?" He remarks, glancing towards Detective.
"Let's get started. At precisely 0430 this morning, a citizen of Ares Macrotechnology was abducted within Seattle." He taps at his data pad and the world map on the screen behind you zooms in towards North America, then centers on Seattle.
"The target of this abduction was Elden Shaw, a 14 year old boy who happens to be the son of a rather important and powerful Ares executive." More tapping at the data pad, and a picture of the abductee comes up on one of the side screens, appearing to be a picture from a social media profile.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/ryowolf/Elden.jpg)
"From what we know, the kidnappers specifically targeted this boy because of who he is related to, and intend to use him as a bargaining chip, or in a ransom. We became aware of his abduction within minutes of it occurring, and due to who this boy's family is, the appropriate response was deemed to be an immediate, overwhelming show of force. That is where you come in. This will be your first time in the field as a unit, so consider this a test run. This mission should be well within your capabilities. We are expecting to receive notice of a ransom or blackmail attempt within the next 24 hours. Your job is to locate this boy, recover him safely, and terminate his kidnappers with extreme prejudice, before that call is even made." Ellis explains, looking away from the screen to your faces.
"Any questions?"
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Stix smoke away during the briefing glad he didn't have to defend the facilities matrix from a team of rouge hackers. With Ellis finishing up his speech of what the newly formed team of Ares Elite had to do Stix sports a few questions. I was wondering do we have an intel of who might of done the kidnapping, or do I start digging on line to see if there is an whispers in the 'trix community of who might be involved? Also is there any evidence left at the site of the abduction that might help me narrow the search for who are target is and where they might be located at? Stix knows if this is a pro team of Runners most chance at finding much evidence at the site of the kidnapping might slim, but if they have a mage there might be an astral sig, if the decker missed a beat he might have some camera feeds to look over or maybe if they have a rigger that didn't cut off from the grid link Stix might be able to track the team that way. One other thing too. Can I get a feed from all the cameras not just at the site the target was taken at but all the feeds we can get from around the site. Some hacker forget to erase all the cameras other facilities they pass on their get away. Stix starts to thumb his cyber deck that is located inside his black long coats inside pocket. I think I will have to spend some time taking Meralin (Cyberdeck's name) here for a trip to the shadow side of the 'Trix. Should be fun.
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"I was wondering, do we have any intel of who might of done the kidnapping, or do I start digging online to see if there are any whispers in the 'trix community of who might be involved? Also, is there any evidence left at the site of the abduction that might help me narrow the search for who our target is and where they might be located? One other thing too. Can I get a feed from all the cameras, not just at the site the target was taken at, but all the feeds we can get from around the site. Some hackers forget to erase all the cameras of other facilities they pass on their get away. "
"Elden was considered a high risk target for extraction due to his unfortunate habit of running away from home. For the past 8 months, Elden has been living in the Redmond Barrens, and working in the shadows as part of a group of runners operating out of the Bargain Basement. He hired these runners himself to extract him from home. His mother believed him to be going through a phase, and declined any attempts to retrieve him, until now." Ellis taps at his data pad a bit more as he talks before sending new pictures to the screens. What comes up is a series of photographs of an average looking rundown building from the redmond barrens, in desperate need of repair and looking like it is being maintained by juryriggers patching it back together with scrap as necessary. The first few images look normal, showing the building from different angles, apparently taken by an eye spy circling the building. Then the next image comes up, showing that the building has been gutted from one side, an entire wall missing and crumbling into the alleys below it with thick black smoke billowing up towards the sky.
"This was the safehouse the runners Elden associated with used as a home base. We suspected that his identity would eventually be discovered, and that someone would think he was low hanging fruit, hence the drone surveillance." The next few pictures show the drone flying through the black smoke, coming into the building itself before switching to a different camera mode. The next several images are millimeter wave scans, giving an accurate read on the contents of the rooms despite the opaque smoke. There are two charred bodies in the first room, looking warped and disfigured by fire. Their metatypes are barely determinable, let alone their identities.
"We believe this to be the result of white phosphorus. The building was hit hard, and loud explosions were reported from numerous sources. That was followed by reports of gunfire." The drone continues through the building, and the next few pictures show a troll slumped against a wall that was chewed to pieces by hundreds of high caliber rounds. The troll himself is similarly shredded. Ellis then sends a few more pictures up wordlessly, showing a pair of legs sticking out of a doorway down the hall, and as the drone approaches, it becomes clear the other half of the body is absent. That is, until the drone enters the room, and the upper half of an ork is lying dead in the middle of the floor, looking like he'd had a brief trip through a meat grinder. The walls of the room similarly have numerous cut marks across them in large sweeping motions.
"There should be one more member of Elden' group, but the drone failed to find their remains. It's entirely possible there wasn't enough left over to find." Ellis remarks grimly.
"These images are the only ones we have. Elden was abducted less than 20 minutes ago. Anything else will be your responsibility to acquire."
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"I know a guy in KE up in Seattle, I can ask for some assistance from them through him... or we could have him run interference for us so we can get there first. Let me know what you more CSI types would like."
Gunter seems lost in thought for a few minutes, then looks up and says, "Didn't someone try to extract his father a few years ago?" Looking towards the Commander, "Do we have any intel on that attemt that could be related to this one?"
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"I know a guy in KE up in Seattle, I can ask for some assistance from them through him... or we could have him run interference for us so we can get there first. Let me know what you more CSI types would like."
"Knight Errant should be on site within the hour. The response time isn't stellar for this area of the Redmond Barrens, but the investigation should be underway by the time you arrive." Ellis explains, tapping at his data pad.
"Didn't someone try to extract his father a few years ago?" Looking towards the Commander, "Do we have any intel on that attempt that could be related to this one?"
Ellis frowns a bit and sighs, rubbing his temple "Yes, we had considered it possible the two were related. There are enough people who think Eldwin is in hiding to try and take his son as a means to an end. However, it's unlikely to be the same team involved. The team who attempted to extract Eldwin Shaw were terminated down to the last man before they escaped the arcology, but not before they put a few rounds in his chest to spite us. We had reason to suspect they were working as an intermediary for a man with known ties to Renraku, but as is typically the case with shadowrunners, we never had anything concrete."
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I think linking up with the law in the area would be good. Are we going to get to check out the crime scene ourselves? If we can take a look we might want to wear disguises, that way if we start talking to locals we wont be IDed as someone linked to the law. Stix inhales the last of his smoke then killed his small friend of death in the ash tray on the desk in front of him. Stix's mind starts to think of what kind of gear that would come in handy, also where on line he might be able to search for leads to our missing kid.
Stix addresses the group. When we finish with the Q&A we best get a plan together quick. The longer it takes for us to move the more steps these runners will be ahead of us. Stix tries to think if there is much more he has to ask. Oh. Ellis, when we get a plan together you going to sign off on our gear right. Stix's fingers start to twitch not having a smoke in them and decides to bring more sweet fog into his lungs.
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John stayed to the back and listened to the briefing. The gears in his head already turning. He does his best to let Thorn monitor the briefing without clouding it with undue internal dialogue. But In the active state of the link Thorn can easily sense the tense jaw at the effort. Some still bleeds through.
"Damn kid doesn't know what's good for him...what a massacre... "
When Stix mentions the word plan then John steps up to the table.
"We're gonna need fast transport directly to the site. We land far enough away to not disturb evidence." He looks to the commander. "Anyway we can get creds as a Ares HTR specialty unit called in for Forensics? I think it will be better if we can control the scene." He strokes a finger across his chin. "Helmets or Ballistic Masks should be enough to hide our faces since we want to hit the street unknown. And the high clearance will keep Knight Errant from asking to many questions as to while we're wearing them on the scene."
He looks over the drone video for a moment. "I can give more answers to exactly what happened once we get on scene and I can analyze the evidence."
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After entering the room, Thorn stood near the door at attention. He didn't want to draw any more attention to himself, but he also wanted to be as professional as possible to help make up for his tardiness. "I appreciate the mental feed, Detective. We can closer her down now, if you like."
(Thorn picked up on some dark emotion from John through the link, but Thorn was too focused on the meeting to mind it. The gruesome imagery didn't have much of an effect on Thorn either. His only priority is the Ares citizen that's still alive, and any concern felt would be towards Elden).
Thorn stayed silent for most of the meeting, going over the pieces. I'd like to get a look at those signatures.
"We're gonna need fast transport directly to the site. We land far enough away to not disturb evidence." He looks to the commander. "Anyway we can get creds as a Ares HTR specialty unit called in for Forensics? I think it will be better if we can control the scene." He strokes a finger across his chin. "Helmets or Ballistic Masks should be enough to hide our faces since we want to hit the street unknown. And the high clearance will keep Knight Errant from asking to many questions as to while we're wearing them on the scene."
He looks over the drone video for a moment. "I can give more answers to exactly what happened once we get on scene and I can analyze the evidence."
(A nearly imperceptible feeling of approval floated through Thorn's consciousness in response to John's words). He nodded in agreement and finally spoke up. "John is right, Sir. I'd like to get on the scene as quickly as possible. There's no immediate indicator that magic was used in this hit, but if it was a runner team then it's also unlikely that there wasn't magic involved. The sooner I get to the scene, the more likely I am to be able to discover and read any signatures left behind by the perps. Barring that, a scene this violent is also likely to carry strong emotions that could help us find our man. We need to move out ASAP." He paused a moment to consider whether or not he should bring his fixer into the mission. "I also know a guy in Seattle. He's not a big shot, but he has his hands in a lot of pies. It's possible that he has some information on this if it happened in the barrens. I'll make contact en route."
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Looking at Thorn and the Detective, still not sure what to think about thier bond.
"I'll call my KE contact in Seattle. I'll see if he has enough pull to secure the area for us."
Glancing at the Commander again, "Getting the sign off before going to Lenny always makes things easier."
<<<@Ralph [Tommy]Don't ask how I know, but there's a SNAFU down in the Barrens. Some folks I know at Ares are coming in to investigate, but it would help me a lot to have you and your boys&girls secure the area before we get there. I can make sure you get some more toys for them if they keep the area clear, but that includes you guys staying out. You know I can make good on the gear. Time is of the essense on this, please respond ASAP.>>>
With that he looks around the room and says, "Why are we still here? Lets get to Lenny then in the air. Time's wasting, we can work on the plan in transit."
Then he gets up and heads to the quartermasters office.
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Stix is just about ready to leave but has just a few things to add before the team leaves. I think there is only a couple things we need then we should hit the skies to Seatle. First we should see about getting some cred sticks to bribe intel out of locals. Second we should start with masks and matching armor when we check the site out, then change into our own armor when we hit the street. Also there is two items I would like to get if we can get our hands on the quickly. A machine pistol, and extra ammo for it and my SMG. I think everyone else should think quickly if they have any equipment they need since we might not get a chance to resupply ourselves until this tragedy is solved. Then get to the skies. Oh ya we will need a ground vehicle when we get there. I would suggest two cars one to get to site from the air lift then a second one we use after we finish with look over of the site. Stix starts doing a mental check wondering if there was anything he might have missed...... Hum..... Stix can't figure anything yet but will keep pondering until the team is ready to get their gear and leave.
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"I'll grab my gear on the way to our ride. Once we hit the streets, I've got a car stored in Seattle for one of my cover ID's. It's nondescript. If we have an Ares cover on site then we should e able to get a KE car."
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"I think linking up with the law in the area would be good. Are we going to get to check out the crime scene ourselves? If we can take a look we might want to wear disguises, that way if we start talking to locals we won't be IDed as someone linked to the law."
"If you feel examining the scene of the abduction is the most expedient way to complete this mission, then you are free to do so."
"Ellis, when we get a plan together you going to sign off on our gear right." Stix's fingers start to twitch not having a smoke in them and decides to bring more sweet fog into his lungs.
"That depends entirely on what you plan to bring into the field." Without missing a beat, Ellis reaches out and snatches the lit cigarette out of Stix's mouth and crushes it into embers and ash in his hand. "Time is of the essence here, so make your plans quick and let me know what gear you need."
"We're gonna need fast transport directly to the site. We land far enough away to not disturb evidence." He looks to the commander. "Anyway we can get creds as a Ares HTR specialty unit called in for Forensics? I think it will be better if we can control the scene." He strokes a finger across his chin. "Helmets or Ballistic Masks should be enough to hide our faces since we want to hit the street unknown. And the high clearance will keep Knight Errant from asking to many questions as to while we're wearing them on the scene."
"John is right, Sir. I'd like to get on the scene as quickly as possible. There's no immediate indicator that magic was used in this hit, but if it was a runner team then it's also unlikely that there wasn't magic involved. The sooner I get to the scene, the more likely I am to be able to discover and read any signatures left behind by the perps. Barring that, a scene this violent is also likely to carry strong emotions that could help us find our man. We need to move out ASAP."
Ellis looks to the door as Thorn steps in. "Agent Thorndyke, so glad you could join us. There is no immediate evidence of magical involvement, but we'll know more once astral investigators reach the scene. There's only so much a drone can see. Lieutenant Stieber will be waiting for you in the hanger once you're ready to deploy. I assure you he'll get you to Seattle as fast as humanly possible."
"As for your investigation, Captain Mendoza will set you up with the necessary credentials to get on site, as well as suitable uniforms to conceal your appearance and not rouse suspicion. I'll add that to the gear requisition now." He taps at his data pad as he says this. "And I highly recommend you change attire before continuing the mission once your investigation is complete."
I think there is only a couple things we need then we should hit the skies to Seattle. First we should see about getting some cred sticks to bribe intel out of locals. Second we should start with masks and matching armor when we check the site out, then change into our own armor when we hit the street. Also there is two items I would like to get if we can get our hands on the quickly. A machine pistol, and extra ammo for it and my SMG. I think everyone else should think quickly if they have any equipment they need since we might not get a chance to resupply ourselves until this tragedy is solved. Then get to the skies. Oh ya we will need a ground vehicle when we get there. I would suggest two cars one to get to site from the air lift then a second one we use after we finish with look over of the site.
"Weapons and ammo can be done. You'll have to secure ground transport once you're on site. Due to time constraints, I've instructed Lieutenant Stieber to transport you via the AVT-Falcon. There's barely room for you and your gear, let alone a ground vehicle." He continues tapping away at his data pad, before looking up.
"Anything else? If not, I suggest you suit up and head out."
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John nods to Ellis as he steps to the door. "I think the only equipment I require issued are the standard issue armor to hide our identities and a Forensic kit to examine the scene." He gestures toward Stix, "And once we hit the Shadows a few untraceable creds to grease the wheels will make things go a lot smoother."
He steps over to the screens on the wall, taking a closer look at the kid. "I am thinking the plan is two part. First we arrive on scene and take control from the Knights. The last thing I think anyone up the chain wants is to get beat cops stomping around the scene.
Before we hit the Shadows, we'll need a cover. Luckily I've been to Seattle shortly before the Accident. I was undercover as a runner named Jester. In fact I may still have some contacts with some pull around up there that know me as such. We can use them if we need to." He looks to the other on the team in the room. "How do you all feel about becoming a motley crew of Runners?"
Pointing at one of the bodies, "I think if we can identify one of the crew that ran with the boy we may have an in. Our cover selves are hired to find out what happened. Not for blood...Just info about why they had to die. If we can find the runners responsible for the extraction, that story might allow us a sit down. I'd prefer to stay away from violence unless needed. Stray bullets have a way of finding the wrong person. In this case, the kid."
He concentrates for a moment to telepathically speak to Thorn, "Once we get on scene, I may need to borrow that astral vision of yours to examine the evidence. We may get that vital clue we need when we mix my skill with your abilities."
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When Ellis crushes Stix cig a wave of sadness comes over Stix Ah death before its time. Stix gives Ellis a head bow then moves on with his request.
Stix listens to Johns plan with twitching fingers not wanting to light another smoke knowing it will not make the CO happy. That sound like a good plan John. When we get on site you guys cover the scene I will wnat to dive into the local matrix and see if I can track down as many personal comm in the area, then I can start hacking and see if I can find any logs of comm links that where in the area around the time of the kidnapping. Also see if any of the bodies left behind have cyber-eyes or AR that might have been on record. Stix wants to get moving since time is ticking. If everyone has their gear request complete I say we grab our gear and get jumping on this. Lets meet at Lenny's Requisition office to grab our extra gear and then talk more about our plans in flight. Stix stands up to leave and bows at Ellis before he starts walking for the door.
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Ellis looks to the door as Thorn steps in. "Agent Thorndyke, so glad you could join us.
Thorn's face remained unchanged in the face of Ellis' annoyance. (Thorn felt both upset and apologetic in the wake of the Commander's words). Damn. He quickly checked the Astral to gauge the commander's mood before responding.
"Sir. I have no excuse, and I won't waste any more time by bulldreking you. I have one request and two questions about the victim, sir. First, I would like to ask for written permission for access to Lenny's best disguise kit. Second, Is Elden awakened, and how reluctant would he be to return to Ares with us?"
Thorn continued to watch the Commander closely.
He concentrates for a moment to telepathically speak to Thorn, "Once we get on scene, I may need to borrow that astral vision of yours to examine the evidence. We may get that vital clue we need when we mix my skill with your abilities."
(Thorn's mind was filled with amusement after receiving this request). He took a brief moment to respond to John while watching the commander. "If the day comes that I need a mundane to help me read auras, I'll trust the corp with all my heart. But you're my partner, so of course I'll let you in on the Astral. Who knows, you might just get lucky and beat me at my own game. Don't count on it though!"
(The amusement slowly faded to be replaced by concern)Thorn stopped communicating for what would have seemed an instant to the rest of the world but felt like moments for the bonded pair. "Be careful what you ask for, Johnny boy. I've given you a few tastes of the Astral to practice some aura reading. You may even be the only person to have ever read their own Aura now that I think about it.
The experiences I've given you, however, are nothing compared to what you'll read in the real world. If you read a crime scene like this...It'll be worse than anything else you've seen. You see mutilated bodies, and imagine what they felt. I see mutilated bodies, and I determine exactly what they felt. I can handle this part, but I won't stop you from helping if you insist.
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Gunter heads back to the baracks to pack the rest of his gear. While he's doing that he sends a message to Lenny.
<<<@Capt. Mendoza[Dr. Schwarz] Lenny, we're being deployed ASAP. I would like to requisition one of our level III PI-Tac systems for this mission. You should be getting approval from the Commander any time. Headed to your office in 3 minutes.>>>
He packs the Lancer into it's travel case. In his duffel goes his RT suit along with his trusty little Light Fire and shock gloves and his "Tommy" commlink. Knowing he's got all of his essentials in Seattle already at his doss downtown he doesn't worry about travel goods. He shoulders the power pack with the spare power clips attached. Looking around the sparse room, he thinks to himself, Damn, wish I had room for the drone. Might have to pick up another one in Seattle. Then heads down to Lenny's office to pick up the PI-Tac.
-
"I have one request and two questions about the victim, sir. First, I would like to ask for written permission for access to Lenny's best disguise kit. Second, Is Elden awakened, and how reluctant would he be to return to Ares with us?"
Ellis looks gruffly at you before turning his attention back to the data pad. "A disguise kit is doable. As for Elden, as far as I'm aware the boy is mundane. As for his cooperation, that remains to be seen. I'd certainly hope that idiot brat would have the good sense to be grateful for a rescue, but you can never be sure with kids these days."
Gunter heads back to the baracks to change into his full armor and pack the rest of his gear. While he's doing that he sends a message to Lenny.
<<<@Capt. Mendoza[Gunter] Lenny, we're being deployed ASAP. I would like to requisition one of our level III PI-Tac systems for this mission. You should be getting approval from the Commander any time. Headed to your office in 3 minutes.>>>
You receive a prompt reply from Lenny.
>>Incoming Message
>>From: Lenny
>>"I'll believe that when I see it."
-
Once Stix is out of sight of the CO he lights up another Ares Gold Cig and walks to his bunk. Stix mind starts to think of ways to use the Matrix to help track the runner team. At his bunk Stix grabs his gear then heads to meeting the group at Lenny's place. Not 100% sure what the matrix will bring Stix still want to dive into it once they get in flight.
-
LOCATION: CYGNUS - ARMORY
LOCAL TIME:120455Z MAR 76
(http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/14/147915/3129549-8721632083-Chapt.jpg)
Commander Ellis dismisses you as the briefing comes to an end and you head down the stairs back towards the armory, seeing Lenny waiting for you behind the small counter that separates you from the majority of the gear stored here. He looks up at you gruffly, an image link monocle over one eye displaying the requisition list that Ellis had put together.
"So, let's see if I have this right. One Ares Crusader II machine pistol. Two boxes of machine pistol ammo. One box of SMG ammo. Four Specialist uniforms, with helmets. Four Special Investigator Licenses. One disguise kit. One forensics kit." As Lenny speaks, a number of small spirits move about the armory at high speed, collecting things as he names them off and placing them in an organized pile on the counter beside him. Getting a good look at them, you'd see that each one actually looks like a miniature, almost cartoonish versions of Lenny as a ghost, with oversized heads, tiny bodies, and no legs, their forms instead tapering off into a vapor trail as they flew about.
"Anything else?" Lenny asks, looking past his image link towards you as the last Lenny-spirit deposits a box of ammo on the counter next to him.
-
It must be the lack of sleep. Gunter curses to himself under his breath.
<<<@Cmd. Ellis; Capt. Mendoza[Dr. Schwarz]Commander, I forgot to request an IP-Tac level III system for this engagements. The wonder twins have their bond, but that leaves Styx and myself out in the cold. Thank you in advance.>>>
Looking to Lenny with a knowing grin he says, "Forgot to actually make the request to the Commander. Hopefully he'll approve it shortly."
-
Stix grabs his gear but before he grabs the ammo he asks So Lenny did you get me some good ammo, how about some APDS rounds? Also there was no order for untraceable cred-sticks. Stix starts to think over how much nuyen he has in his own account. I hope I don't have to use my own nuyen to get intel, well if I do maybe the big bad Ares corp will pay me back. Only if I fill out three stacks of forms I bet.
-
It must be the lack of sleep. Gunter curses to himself under his breath.
<<<@Cmd. Ellis; Capt. Mendoza[Dr. Schwarz]Commander, I forgot to request an IP-Tac level III system for this engagements. The wonder twins have their bond, but that leaves Styx and myself out in the cold. Thank you in advance.>>>
Looking to Lenny with a knowing grin he says, "Forgot to actually make the request to the Commander. Hopefully he'll approve it shortly."
Lenny smirks and scoffs, rolling his eyes at that. "Hah, those things are worth more than most yearly salaries. That'll be the-" He stops as something streams by the image link over his eye. He frowns. "Well I'll be damned. One PI-Tac, Level 3. Try not to break it." One of the Lenny-Spirits disappears into the back, returning with the expensive piece of equipment and laying it gingerly on the counter.
So Lenny did you get me some good ammo, how about some APDS rounds? Also there was no order for untraceable cred-sticks.
"Right, cred-sticks." Lenny reaches under the counter and produces a few credsticks, slotting them in the console next to him for a moment before laying them on the table. "4 sticks, 1,000 nuyen each. Try not to spend it all in one place, code monkey. The expense account has a limit."
"Ellis has authorized you to each have one clip of specialty ammunition. Have at it, but I'm keeping my eye on you." Lenny gestures to the weapons and ammo on more accessible display, filling the area of the armory in front of the counter.
-
Upon being dismissed by Commander Ellis, Thorn gives a rather professional salute and follows the rest of the team to the armory.
LOCATION: CYGNUS - ARMORY
LOCAL TIME:120455Z MAR 76
"So, let's see if I have this right. One Ares Crusader II machine pistol. Two boxes of machine pistol ammo. One box of SMG ammo. Four Specialist uniforms, with helmets. Four Special Investigator Licenses. One disguise kit. One forensics kit." As Lenny speaks, a number of small spirits move about the armory at high speed, collecting things as he names them off and placing them in an organized pile on the counter beside him. Getting a good look at them, you'd see that each one actually looks like a miniature, almost cartoonish versions of Lenny as a ghost, with oversized heads, tiny bodies, and no legs, their forms instead tapering off into a vapor trail as they flew about.
"Anything else?" Lenny asks, looking past his image link towards you as the last Lenny-spirit deposits a box of ammo on the counter next to him.
"I appreciate it, Lenny. You run a tight operation as always." He gathered up his gear, added the new license to his comm, and shifted his perception to the astral to glance around the shop. Thorn was neither skilled with nor interested in conjuring, but Lenny was old magic. Thorn always kept an eye open to see if Lenny was doing anything unique or just straight up wiz with his decades of experience.
He let his vision slip back into the physical before giving Lenny a warm, genuine smile. Thorn knew hoop kissing wouldn't get him anywhere with an old codger like Lenny, and he respected the grumpy dwarf too much to annoy him by trying."Hmm. Lenny, it won't show on your list of requisitions, but would you sign me out a power backpack? It'd lend credibility both to my disguise and the team's supposed identity if one member seemed to be specialized with laser weaponry. I was leery about bringing the Lancer without knowing what we were getting ourselves into, but I'm leaning towards it after the briefing. You can trust that I'll treat it with the respect your equipment deserves."
-
It must be the lack of sleep. Gunter curses to himself under his breath.
<<<@Cmd. Ellis; Capt. Mendoza[Dr. Schwarz]Commander, I forgot to request an IP-Tac level III system for this engagements. The wonder twins have their bond, but that leaves Styx and myself out in the cold. Thank you in advance.>>>
Looking to Lenny with a knowing grin he says, "Forgot to actually make the request to the Commander. Hopefully he'll approve it shortly."
Lenny smirks and scoffs, rolling his eyes at that. "Hah, those things are worth more than most yearly salaries. That'll be the-" He stops as something streams by the image link over his eye. He frowns. "Well I'll be damned. One PI-Tac, Level 3. Try not to break it." One of the Lenny-Spirits disappears into the back, returning with the expensive piece of equipment and laying it gingerly on the counter.
So Lenny did you get me some good ammo, how about some APDS rounds? Also there was no order for untraceable cred-sticks.
"Right, cred-sticks." Lenny reaches under the counter and produces a few credsticks, slotting them in the console next to him for a moment before laying them on the table. "4 sticks, 1,000 nuyen each. Try not to spend it all in one place, code monkey. The expense account has a limit."
"Ellis has authorized you to each have one clip of specialty ammunition. Have at it, but I'm keeping my eye on you." Lenny gestures to the weapons and ammo on more accessible display, filling the area of the armory in front of the counter.
With a grunt for as a reply to Lenny, the elf takes the PI-Tac form the spirit and one of the cred sticks. He picks up a clip of Ex-Ex rounds for his Lite Fire to go with his APDS rounds as a heavier kick. He walks away thinking to himself,"I could grab another, but I'm sure one of Lenny's snoops would catch me... And what's the point, this is a better to ask permission then beg forgiveness situation anyway."
He says, "I'll set up the PI-Tac in flight. You boys ready?" And then heads to the flight deck.
-
Stix is glad the request for the creds come through, might have to grease a few palms before the team has enouph intel to make a move. Thanks Lenny the cred sticks will help out alot. Stix bows at Lenny then grabs the gear making sure to have one clip of APDS rounds for his machine pistol. Well Guys I'm good to go. We should change into our disguises and get airborne.
-
"Hmm. Lenny, it won't show on your list of requisitions, but would you sign me out a power backpack? It'd lend credibility both to my disguise and the team's supposed identity if one member seemed to be specialized with laser weaponry. I was leery about bringing the Lancer without knowing what we were getting ourselves into, but I'm leaning towards it after the briefing. You can trust that I'll treat it with the respect your equipment deserves."
Lenny rolls his eyes and sighs, but seems to relent. A spirit zips into the back and returns quickly with a backpack, laying it on the counter with the rest of the gear. "Try not to scratch it."
-
After making his request, Thorn swapped back to the astral again. (He feels equal parts impressed and awed by Lenny and his Shop). Lenny had put himself together quite a shop at Cygnus. Between the spirits and the wards, Thorn would hate to be the one foolish enough to try pulling a fast one on the old dwarf. Especially considering that Lenny was incredibly impressive on his own. I wouldn't be surprised if the old codger has 50 or even 60 years of magical expertise. I hope I can live and learn for that long.
Lenny rolls his eyes and sighs, but seems to relent. A spirit zips into the back and returns quickly with a backpack, laying it on the counter with the rest of the gear. "Try not to scratch it."
Thorn smiled a big smile as he reached for the backpack. "You surly old dwarf, there might be half a heart in there after all! No harm shall come to this backpack, chummer. I took a look around the place. Impressive set up you have here. I'm sure an old man like yourself might know a thing or two that might interest a youngster like me. Maybe I'll get lucky enough one day to corner you in a good mood with some spare time, eh? Things to do, people to save. Good day, Lenny."
He swapped back to the physical, eager to get the mission started. "Small change of plans for me, boys. I'm going to make it over to my bunk and make a couple minor adjustments to my loadout. If anyone else has any last minute business, take care of it now. Lets see if we can get in the air within the next 10 minutes.
Thorn hoofed it to the bunk and put his Phalanx away, replacing it with his Lancer. He quickly stripped out of his BGH and Helmet and slipped into the disguise and power backpack that Lenny had provided. He quickly tucked his BGH and helmet into his duffle with the Industrious and zipped it up. Hmm. Might be better to take the suit.
Thorn flipped his armguard open and checked the time. Still got a minute. He pulled the Industrious out and replaced it with his Ace of Cups, being careful to fold it properly to avoid unnecessary wrinkling. Finally, he opened up his other duffle and replaced his ammo clips with peak charge clips. Thorn zipped everything up and rushed to the Hangar, arriving with two and a half minutes to spare.
-
Gunter gets to the hanger and sees he's the first one there. Taking the opportunity to change, he gets into the disguise armor and stows his RT suit in his duffle.
Making himself as comfortable as possible on in the transport, he gets the PI-Tac out and starts configuring it.
-
Stix leaves Lenny's sweet shop then ducks into a bathroom and changes into his disguise. Then throws his gear into a duffel bag. With everything ready for the flight Stix makes his way to the hanger. Stix makes sure he has a carton of cigs in his duffel bag then boards the transport. Hey Gunter, seems you talked the CO into giving us some sweet toys for this run. Stix grabs a seat and gets conformable, well as conformable as he can be seeing how this is most likely a non-smoking flight.
-
John stopped by to pick up his gear bags before he headed down to Lenny's workshop with the others. That made him a little late to the party compared to the others so he waited patiently on the others to grab their gear.
"Hey Lenny you got a couple of spare magazines for an Alpha and a Pred V? And for the ammo... maybe a box of mini Hi-Ex grenades for the Alpha as well."
He starts stuffing the forensic kit into what little room is left in his two large duffels while he waits for Lenny to grab the rest of his request. Once that is put on the counter he grabs that and the disguise as well.
It takes a quick minute to change then he's on the transport with the two duffels and a large case marked "Black Betty." Once he stows them he takes a seat and waits for the flight.
EDIT to add:
John mind turns over what Thorn told him through the link. It takes some time for him to really analyze it, then he responds with. "Not trying to take over your abilities or anything. I just need to know every bit of evidence I can if I am going to figure out who was responsible for the abduction in a quicker than normal timespan. It's going to take long enough to get there... If I have to analyze everything the old fashioned way, then the trail may just get too cold. I think I can handle the nastiness of a crime scene."
-
LOCATION: CYGNUS
LOCAL TIME:120500Z MAR 76
(http://cdn4.nerdapproved.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/aven5.jpg?874fb4)
The hangar is barely more than a hole in the solid rock of the mountain with the bare minimum of catwalks, platforms and reinforced ceram-plasteel walls and pillars necessary to serve its purpose. At the center on a raised platform is the primary landing platform, where the small and fast AVT-Falcon is already waiting for you, ramp down and engines hot. The hum of the idling turbines echoes off the stone, rising up the 100 meter shaft towards the outer doors above. Off to the sides of the primary platform, you can see hangar doors for Bays 1 through 5. Each bay is connected to the primary platform by a length of rail, able to taxi whatever vehicle needs to be launched into position as necessary. The doors to Bay 5 are currently open, and the tracks extended, making it clear that this is the usual resting place for the AVT-Falcon.
Off to one side, a smaller, secondary launch platform is also available, just in case multiple vehicles ever need to be prepped for take-off simultaneously. Of course, any pilots trying to take off at the same time would have to be completely insane, from how narrow the shaft to the surface is.
You head across the catwalk and up the stairs towards the primary platform, the heat of the jetwash off the VTOL engines making it uncomfortably warm just outside the ramp as you enter the vehicle and get your gear tucked away. The sound of the engines is almost immediately muffled as soon as you enter the craft, although not completely with the rear ramp still down. Along each interior wall are a row of 3 seats with full body harnesses, and minimum storage space available above and below each one.
"Welcome aboard, gentleman! Make yourselves comfortable and strap yourselves in." Internal speakers come to life as soon as you're all inside and you recognize the friendly voice of Lieutenant Jordan Stieber. The rear ramp starts to close by itself once you're inside, and as soon as it bolts into place, the only sound from the outside is a barely discernible dull hum, likely more a vibration coming in directly from the connection to the engines than any sound permeating the thick hull.
"Fasten your seatbelts and keep all hands and legs inside the vehicle as we initiate take off. You may feel a slight wavering as we hover up towards the outer doors." Jordan speaks over the speakers, sounding like a flight attendant giving a safety briefing. The vehicle does in fact waver in a manner that suggests you've left the ground, and the hum increases somewhat in volume as the engines rev up to full speed, but for a few short seconds, very little happens from inside the crew compartment that you can determine.
"It's worth noting that the AVT-Falcon is the fastest VTOL ever designed by Ares, with quad Pratt & Whitney J210 turbojet engines. Ordinarily, the on-board computer restricts the throttle on these beauties to keep it under control, but the Commander insisted that time was of the essence, so I may have made a few tweaks to the Limiters; in that I completely disabled them. Hey, just a quick question, are any of you prone to having blackouts?" Shortly after hearing this, the hum from the engines increases to the point it is easily audible in the crew compartment, and you are suddenly jerked to the side as the entire vehicle accelerates to ludicrous speeds.
"For those of you still conscious back there, we are now cruising at a pleasant Mach 3.4. ETA to Seatle: 20 minutes."
-
Stix's is glad he will only have to wait 20 minutes to light up, most flights are a killer, they always take too long to get back to his favorite past time... breathing in the sweet fog of nic sticks.
So guys I'll need someone to watch over my meat shell if I go hot into the matrix. Any one want that job. Stixs tries to start small talk about the job ahead to get his mind away from not smoking his lungs into a black caking of goodness.
-
Sharing the links does have some perks but at other times being inside another's head can involve some small but of headache. He mentally messages Thorn,
You know that is asking for one hell of a ruckus if that fire gets out of hand. Here try this trid projector instead it will be much safer.
John reaches into a pocket on his uniform and tosses a Trid Projector thrrough the air at Thorn.
-
"Not trying to take over your abilities or anything. I just need to know every bit of evidence I can if I am going to figure out who was responsible for the abduction in a quicker than normal timespan. It's going to take long enough to get there... If I have to analyze everything the old fashioned way, then the trail may just get too cold. I think I can handle the nastiness of a crime scene."
Your call, Johnny boy. I warned you though, yeah? What's mine is yours.
LOCATION: CYGNUS
LOCAL TIME:120500Z MAR 76
"It's worth noting that the AVT-Falcon is the fastest VTOL ever designed by Ares, with quad Pratt & Whitney J210 turbojet engines. Ordinarily, the on-board computer restricts the throttle on these beauties to keep it under control, but the Commander insisted that time was of the essence, so I may have made a few tweaks to the Limiters; in that I completely disabled them. Hey, just a quick question, are any of you prone to having blackouts?" Shortly after hearing this, the hum from the engines increases to the point it is easily audible in the crew compartment, and you are suddenly jerked to the side as the entire vehicle accelerates to ludicrous speeds.
Cheeky bastard! Thorn was able to avoid G-LOC despite the sudden jolt by quickly and forcibly controlling his breathing to restrict blood-flow to his lower body. (As the G's leveled out, Thorn's intense concentration was quickly replaced by mischievous excitement. [The Detective would have undoubtedly noticed that Thorn was looking to mess with anyone who succumbed to the sudden increase in G-Force]) Thorn spotted Waffe limply dangling from his harness, and a wolfish smile tugged the corner of his mouth up ever so slightly. Let's have a little fun with Waffle, Raven. (Thorn's mind had become no less mirthful, but It was now more reminiscent of a predator stalking his prey than anything.) Thorn swapped to astral sight instantly and began monitoring Waffe's consciousness. [The Detective would have picked up images and thoughts of fire, explosions, and plane crashes]
You know that is asking for one hell of a ruckus if that fire gets out of hand. Here try this trid projector instead it will be much safer.
John reaches into a pocket on his uniform and tosses a Trid Projector thrrough the air at Thorn.
(Thorn was both annoyed and amused by this intrusion.) "Got one myself, remember?" Thorn tossed it back. "Live a little, Detective! A little fire never hurt anyone. Well, ok, we're in an aircraft, I'll give you that one. Relax. If anything happens I'll handle it somehow." During this briefest moment of mental communication, Waffe began to wake up. Thorn burst into action, quickly activating the trid clip he had selected at maximum volume. Next, the flaming floor he had envisioned burst into life. He drew portions of the flame up and around Waffe, condensing them as much as he dared without extinguishing them, while spreading the rest out further along the cabin.
Violently jerking against his harness, Thorn roared over the trid and the engines, "Fragging HARNESS! Someone get me out of this thing!! Damn thing's stuck! GET ME OUT!" As Waffe became fully aware, Thorn began simulating "explosions" with the balls further away from Waffe while using the closer ones to obscure his vision and convey heat.
Once it was obvious that Waffe has realized whats going on, Thorn released the fire and put forward his kindest smile before appologizing, "I'm sorry. I saw you dangling there, and I couldn't resist. If you like I can show you some tricks to help you avoid G-LOC when we get back to base." (Thorn does not truly feel apologetic in the least, but his offer to help was most sincere).
So guys I'll need someone to watch over my meat shell if I go hot into the matrix. Any one want that job.
Thorn shrugged his shoulders before responding, "I prefer long-range and magic support, but if no one else will do the job then you'll be safe with me. It's not easy to slip past me, brother, and woe to he who tries. I'm not your typical finger wagger."
-
Thorn starts to speak to Stixs when the craft kicks into high gear. With the shock of the g forces hitting stixs his mental lights are shut off before he can even hear the response from Thorn.
Wow now that is a sleeping pill and a half..... but then the nightmares come Stixs is in a dark basement looking around. Red eyes start to appear in the shadows. Then the faces start to move towards Stixs there evil grins accent the demon bugs faces, and Stixs knows they want to feast on his flesh.........
-
Gunter settles into his seat and listens to Lt. Stieber give his little speach. Just as he gets to the part about acceleration, Gunter realizes he wasn't breathing correctly. The G forces reduce his blood pressure and he passes out.
As the acceleration dies off and they are maintaining speed, his consciousness retuns. He's greated with a face full of fire and some fake explosions going off in the passenger section of the aircraft. Gunter sees Thorn trying to supress a grin and restrict his gestures controling the fire. Not even slightly amused, the normaly crusty elf turns out right hostile. Faster than anyone can react, Gunter has his Redline pointed directly at Thorn's forehead. "Sie sind die Besonderen und so erhalten Sie, um zu leben. Wir sind auf einer Mission, so dass Sie nicht verletzt werden. Auf der Rückfahrt, vielleicht nicht so viel Glück?"
And with that, he puts his gun away and starts working on some schematics in AR completely ignoring the fire around him.
-
"Okay gentlemen, enough horsing around and pointing guns. We've got a job to do. Lets all work to get it done. Put a pin it it 'til we get back to base."
He does seem to get somehow even more serious was he focuses on Gunter, "Don't know what you said, but next time you point a gun at a team member, I'll personally cut your balls off and let Ellis shove them up your ass."
He nudges Siixs as they reach a constant speed and he shuold come around. "Time to wake up sleeping beauty, we've got shit to do."
Edit: Fixed color issues
-
Attempting to keep at least a facade of machismo, Gunter says "Keep him on zee same leash." But having put his gun away already he is not very confident in his position, and is visibly cowed by the large man threatening him.
To try and move on he shares some of the AR maps he had started to go over and asks, "Vhere do ve vant zu begin once ve land? I vill likely be best at assisting rather den leading any forensic verk. I haf put out a feeler zu mein kontact im Seattle zat may be able zu help us."
-
Faster than anyone can react, Gunter has his Redline pointed directly at Thorn's forehead. "Sie sind die Besonderen und so erhalten Sie, um zu leben. Wir sind auf einer Mission, so dass Sie nicht verletzt werden. Auf der Rückfahrt, vielleicht nicht so viel Glück?"
And with that, he puts his gun away and starts working on some schematics in AR completely ignoring the fire around him.
When Waffe pointed his laser at him, Thorn smiled a little bigger and ran a matrix search on whatever Waffe just yelled at him. "Look at this Drek, Johnny boy. This is great! Not at all what I was expecting, but damn. Haha. Maybe you were right, fire can be dangerous. You think I should have messed with our spider over there instead? Oh well, this turned out amazing."
"Okay gentlemen, enough horsing around and pointing guns. We've got a job to do. Lets all work to get it done. Put a pin it it 'til we get back to base."
He does seem to get somehow even more serious was he focuses on Gunter, "Don't know what you said, but next time you point a gun at a team member, I'll personally cut your balls off and let Ellis shove them up your ass."
Attempting to keep at least a facade of machismo, Gunter says "Keep him on zee same leash." But having put his gun away already he is not very confident in his position, and is visibly cowed by the large man threatening him.
To try and move on he shares some of the AR maps he had started to go over and asks, "Vhere do ve vant zu begin once ve land? I vill likely be best at assisting rather den leading any forensic verk. I haf put out a feeler zu mein kontact im Seattle zat may be able zu help us."
Thorn finished his search as the two were wrapping things up. "Hey, he said I'm special! Waffle talks pretty big when you can't understand him. I suppose he could have shot me seeing as how we're wrapped up in these harnesses...But he'd have gotten cooked for his troubles. I appreciate the backup regardless, but I wouldn't listen to any advice that involves me and leashes, partner."
Thorn flipped his comm open and tapped out a quick message to Samson in Seattle.
>Send Message
>>Samson
>>>Sammy, Its been a while. I have business in the Barrens. A hit went down in Redmond on a team of Runners. This wasn't just a hit, it was a drekstorm. I know info isn't your Schtick, but this was big. Someone saw something, and I know you know enough middlemen to find out what it was they saw. Can you get something for me?
Thorn closed his comm before speaking up. "I reached out to a contact myself. I'll let everybody know if I hear anything back. In the meantime, I realize this is our first live op together. To clarify, I prefer long range and magical support, but I came equipped for mid range fire today due to the nature of the mission. If we need someone to stick back with a limp body, I can do that. If we need someone to charge forward and lay down fire, I can do that too. I will usually just do whatever I feel is best."
-
Attempting to keep at least a facade of machismo, Gunter says "Keep him on zee same leash." ...
John nods, "Fair 'nuff."
"Vhere do ve vant zu begin once ve land? I vill likely be best at assisting rather den leading any forensic verk. I haf put out a feeler zu mein kontact im Seattle zat may be able zu help us."
Thorn closed his comm before speaking up. "I reached out to a contact myself. I'll let everybody know if I hear anything back. In the meantime, I realize this is our first live op together. To clarify, I prefer long range and magical support, but I came equipped for mid range fire today due to the nature of the mission. If we need someone to stick back with a limp body, I can do that. If we need someone to charge forward and lay down fire, I can do that too. I will usually just do whatever I feel is best."
John rubs his chin, "I have a few contacts in Seattle, but I want to wait until I have gotten some time on scene before I contact them. I already have an idea about what went down and possibly even who is responsible but I need to put foot to dirt before I can confirm my suspicions. If no one else wants it I'll take lead at the crime scene since I have some experience in that regard. I've ran crime scenes before on cases. I think we need to come in from at least a block away just so the engines don't stir up as much crap on site."
He points to Gunter,"Any chance your KE contact could secure us a non-descript van for while we are there? I've only got a sedan in town so we'll all be crowded with the gear we're carrying. "
John then lightly kicks the case he brought with his boot. "I've been ok with just about any weapon. Brought along Black Betty here. She's a LMG on a smart platform. but the rest of the time I got an alpha for the lighter work. Beyond that I am handy with anything technical. And that includes patching anyone up that needs it. Or making something go Boom."
-
@Waffe
>>Incoming Message
>>From: Ralph
>>"SNAFU in the Barrens? You'll have to be more specific than that, pal. The whole Barrens is a SNAFU."
@Thorn
>>Incoming Message
>>From: Samson
>>"Well ain't this a fancy surprise. I heard you were dead, JJ. I guess you aren't that easy to kill. I haven't heard anything about a hit in the Barrens, but I might know somebody who does. I'll see what I can do."
@Skynet
>>Incoming call
>>From: REDACTED
>>"Ground support, this is Black Sky, do you read, over? Slowing to approach speed and coming in to land. ETA 10 minutes. Rendezvous at landing point 6."
@Everyone
The ship starts to lurch again, this time with a feeling of gradual deceleration that sends vibrations through the walls.
"We're slowing to approach vector and coming in for a landing, boys. You'll be meeting up with ground support shortly. He should take you the rest of the way to the building site." Jordan's voice echoes over the comms.
-
Stix's sees three bug demons leave the shadows surrounding him and come towards him with green saliva dripping out of mouths with razor sharp teeth. As the group of demon bugs get closer terror starts to course through Stixs and his mind tries to figure out how to cast a mana storm of death onto these monsters. For some reason Stix's mind draws a blank. Stix's panics and starts to grab at the mana around him wildly doing anything he can to fend off these beasts that want to chew the flesh off his bones......
..... With a scream Stixs walks up in the passenger compartment of the transport. Stixs starts to throw his arms around wildly and darts his head side to side. With in a second or two Stix's calms down looking at the scene around him his mind returns to the real world. I need a bloody smoke and fast. Stix's starts to piece together his plan for when the group gets on site.
-
John watches as Stix startles awake and nudges him from the nearby seat, "G-loc can be a bit disorienting. You with us now?"
"We're slowing to approach vector and coming in for a landing, boys. You'll be meeting up with ground support shortly. He should take you the rest of the way to the building site." Jordan's voice echoes over the comms.
John keys up an channel with the Jordan and the rest of the team. "Roger that. Any info on our support?"
-
Stix's scans the compartment again then answers John. Ya I'm with you again. What is our ETA. Stix still can't shake the sight of three demon bugs tearing at his flesh. Drek I need some mental bug spray, I wish Ares would come out with a can of that stuff.
-
After sending off his report to Ellis regarding the apparent abduction of Elden Shaw, Marcus was ordered to hold his position and await backup. Presumably the team that he was waiting for would have forensics experts and checking out the scene might compromise the evidence. He'd already had drones in there providing preliminary footage, and even he knew not to send in the Lynx - not that it had any instruments that would be helpful. But he took the order at face value - stay out of the ruins of Elden's hideaway.
But sitting idle was not something Magnus was good at. So he re-tasked the Fly-Spys to perform a wide search pattern around ground zero, hoping to find something of interest. And, just to keep an eye on the building of interest, he sent his Kanmushi off to find a nice dark crevasse to hide in to make sure no one else disturbed the scene. For good measure, he attached a micro-sensor microphone to the little drone since the basic sensors it came with did not provide an audio feed.
As the insect like drone got near the house, he took more direct control, not leaving such a sensitive task to the simple dog brain of the drone. Reaching out across the Matrix with his mind, he touched the drones primitive mind and entered it, feeling his senses merge with the digital sensors of the drone. The world became huge, a tiny pebble becoming a boulder large enough to cause navigational issues. But he was able to move across the dirt and blacktop with amazing speed, mechanical legs moving faster than any natural bug could manage.
As he moved up the driveway, scanning the house for a good spot to sit undetected, he noticed deep furrows in the dirt. Regular patterns marked the furrows as tracks, and from the size and wide set of the tires and deepness of the impression, he guessed that they were from an Ares Roadmaster, or at least something similar. He made a mental note of the tracks and moved the Kanmushi into a spot under the eave near the front door where it was virtually impossible to spot, but had good coverage of any approaching vehicles. From that vantage he also noted the front door, bashed in so hard it was only barely still on its hinges. Dead center there was a very troll sized boot print. The dust on the porch and the dirt around it showed a plethora of recent prints from various shoes, at least 4 different people in all.
From the outside, he was a man, sitting quietly in a chair in a nondescript house in the middle of the Redmond Barrens. Next to him sat a large drone, all armor and wheeled legs and menacing weapons. The Lynx sported a massive machine gun on an equally massive mount. Two smaller side mounts provided a grenade launcher and a flamethrower. The drone was not the type to be intimidated by concepts such as "superior numbers" or "heavily armored". It filled rooms with death quickly and completely. Occasionally, it had even collapsed buildings with the sheer amount of ordinance it delivered. It watched all the exits at once, flooding the room with motion sensing radar. The man in the chair was not expecting company, so the drone had orders to fire on anything that entered.
Outside in the driveway sat an Ares Roadmaster - not the one that left the tracks at the Elden squat. It was tasked to watch for any movement near the house and it contained another drone, a Roto-Drone armed with a single high caliber rifle. It could launch quickly, needing only to have the van's rear door open to let it out, and it could "subdue" a target over a kilometer away, or hiding behind a wall. Of course, the dog brain was unlikely to make such shots, but it rarely had to.
The man in the chair didn't look like he was doing much, but in the Matrix he moved with speed and grace. With the small bug drone situated, he began the task of following the tracks. He opened a virtual window and began forming complex shapes within it, a cryptic code that eventually formed an automaton made of pure Resonance - a Sprite. The sprite took the form of a small robot, a machine not unlike the drones he commanded in the meat world. And indeed, this sprite had an affinity for such devices. He picked one of the three Fly-Spys and re-tasked it to the house, having the sprite merge with the device's icon in the Matrix, working its magic to improve the flying drone's capabilities.
Marcus jumped in to this drone, again merging his consciousness with its brain, reveling in the freedom of flying through the open sky. The senses and responsiveness of the drone were beyond what the drone could normally manage, helped as much by the sprite as by the mind link he had with the airborne device. The world was laid bare before him in all its squalor.
He followed the tracks until they reached the northbound lane of the 202 and are lost. He jumped out of the dragonfly shaped drone and flitted along the 202 in the Matrix, looking for cameras that might have captured the getaway vehicle. It takes a while, but eventually he finds three cameras. He is ready to deftly pry their secrets from them when he notices that they are owned by Knights Errant. He stops short and leaves the Matrix, marking them with an ARO first. The footage could wait for proper channels - he would not hack Ares property without a clear and present need.
But it was still valuable intel, and he was in the middle of sending an update to Ellis when he received a message from whom he assumed was Jordan Steiber.
>>Incoming call
>>From: REDACTED
>>"Ground support, this is Black Sky, do you read, over? Slowing to approach speed and coming in to land. ETA 10 minutes. Rendezvous at landing point 6."
He finished sending the update to Ellis, then replied to the anonymous message using the same channel.
>> "OMW. Who am I babysitting today?"
He leftthe Lynx to guard the house and headed out to the van, got in, and commanded it to drive to the pre-arranged coordinates for landing point 6. He retasked the Fly-Spys, keeping one watching the burned out husk of the crime scene, one providing areal coverage for the safe house, and the last, still harboring the machine sprite, to scout ahead of the van as it makes its way to the rendezvous.
-
LOCATION: MONOHAN VEHICLES - REDMOND BARRENS, SEATTLE
LOCAL TIME:112125U MAR 76
John keys up an channel with the Jordan and the rest of the team. "Roger that. Any info on our support?"
"Not sure, just that he's a Cygnus agent that's been in Seattle for a few months. Drone specialist, been watching the boy you're trying to find. He'll be able to tell you more." You feel the sudden jolt of landing and realize that the trip is over a little sooner than you expected. The vibration from the engines dies down a bit, but it doesn't sound like Jordan is planning to shut them off.
"Thank you for flying Air Stieber. Please put your seats back into their full upright position and check your aisle for any personal items you may have left behind. Welcome to Seattle. Local time is 9:25 PM." The rear door opens to the sound of the roaring engine, the ramp lowering and revealing a ferrocrete landing pad outside a large facility of some kind and the pitch darkness of the barrens beyond. Stepping out of the ship, you find yourselves on an elevated platform among a number of other landing pads, most of them empty, save for a tilt-rotor cargo vehicle three pads down, currently being unloaded by workers ignoring your existence.
Standing on the pad when you arrive is a gaunt dwarf, barely breaking 3 feet and wearing an outfit befitting a civilian, equally ignored by everyone else in the area. He's clearly waiting for you.
@Skynet
Jordan replied to your message as follows:
>>"A team of Special Agents straight from the Facility. I'll leave proper introductions up to them."<<
-
John is standing and and has his gear in hand by the time the cargo door touches the landing pad. Since he didn't get much from Jordan he's already got the helmet on, ready to play the needed role.
He pops off a quick message to Ellis using the secure comm channel in the aircraft.
@ Eliis, Cygnus Facility
Has our escort been read in to the program or do we keep it quiet. What's his need to know?"
He kicks the link up to active so he can talk with Thorn without extra ears, "You got anything on our newest teammate? Think he's another handler for us lab monkies."
He walks past the dwarf, acknowledging him, only slowing down enough to spot their ride.
"You our wheels?Not sure if you've been told but time is of the essence."
-
The four person team exits the aircraft - the sight of which confirmed that Jordan was the one that contacted him earlier - and he recognized two of them, Stix and Waffe, whom he'd met at Cygnus base. He didn't know them well, but he knew their names and their roles at the base. The other two he hadn't yet met, but had seen now and again at the base, usually through the eyes of a drone. They seemed important and were largely kept isolated in the base, so he had assumed that they were subjects in one of the research programs at the base - they certainly hadn't had the appearance of scientists - but he had been unable to get any more information than that. Questions to Ellis about them had been met with stonewalling, and Marcus knew when to keep his nose out of Ares business he wasn't invited to. As had usually been the case, his loyalty had paid off, and it looked like he was going to get his answers after all.
"You our wheels? Not sure if you've been told, but time is of the essence." The larger of the two mystery men waled past him with only a small nod of acknowledgement before posing the question. So it was going to be like that.
"It is clandestine; it does not match your armor." The blatantly Ares armor they all wore screamed "notice me", and clashed with the unmarked vehicle he'd been using for the last two months. He felt distinctly under-dressed in his street clothes and armor jacket. He wondered if he should change, but decided that he'd likely remain in the car and thus out of sight. Of course, that was usually when he wore the armor that would turn the wrong kind of heads on the street.
He looked to the other three and popped up an ARO with his commcode visible to all present. "However, I will drive whatever you choose."
Once the commcodes and pleasantries had been exchanged, he erased the ARO and continued the conversation via secure message.
<< @Team [Skynet] KE road cams may have picked up some footage of our kidnappers. Preliminary on-site indicates at least four culprits, escaping by way of a large armored van, not unlike the Roadmaster here. They headed toward the 202, but I can't determine if they went North or South without the camera footage. >>
-
@ Eliis, Cygnus Facility
Has our escort been read in to the program or do we keep it quiet. What's his need to know?"
He kicks the link up to active so he can talk with Thorn without extra ears, "You got anything on our newest teammate? Think he's another handler for us lab monkies."
>>"Your escort has not yet been given clearance for this program. Until further notice, he does not need to know."
As you all disembark with your gear, the ramp raises on the AVT-Falcon and the ship lifts off again, turning in place before flying south at high speed. It seems as though Jordan was just dropping you off. You'll have to call Ellis for an Evac once you've completed your mission.
-
Stix's dam near runs off the AVT-Falcon. throws a black ares stix of death into his mouth. after three very long drags he looks over at the teams driver, then bows. You better tell me this ride of yours lets me smoke or I'm not going to happy. Stix is usally a very nice person but after the dream he had is not wanting to be taken away from his favorite food for too long. With another drag the team watching can see the back smoke turn into nothing but a huge cherry, then it hits the floor. I'll see what I can do about the video feeds. Stix's steps on his smoke as he heads to the ride.
Bowing at Magnus Thanks for the ride..... But really need to be able to smoke in there if that is ok with you. Stixs grabs his seat then starts to get his deck ready for the hacking ahead.
-
Marcus looked at Stix, wondering how he survived PT with so much soot in his lungs, or how he didn't alert the enemy to his presence from a kilometer away with the constant stench, but he wasn't the first smoker he'd worked with.
"Company car. Just don't burn the upholstery, and keep your smoke out the window."
Of larger concern to Marcus was his intent to hack the KE cameras, but he decided to defer to the team members on the assumption that they had a better idea of to manage their time and resources. If urgency trumped protocol, then hacking the cameras was the right call.
<< @Team [Skynet] I have eyes and ears on site. Let me know if you need me to re-task anything for a better look. >>
>> Attachment: Video feed, Fly-Spy 1-3
>> Attachment: Video feed, Kanmushi
>> Attachment: Audio feed, RFID 1
>> Attachment: AROs, KE cameras on 202
-
Having already caused a scene, Thorn decided to lay low and do a quick sketch in his book after. The rough portrait of the Waffe from minutes past stared angrily back at Thorn when a small message ARO appeared in front of him, coded to blink in and out of existence until opened.
>>Incoming Message
>>From: Samson
>>"Well ain't this a fancy surprise. I heard you were dead, JJ. I guess you aren't that easy to kill. I haven't heard anything about a hit in the Barrens, but I might know somebody who does. I'll see what I can do."
Thorn examined the contents and replied with little more than a thought.
>Reply
>>Samson
>>>Just a magic trick, Sammy. Null sweat if the rumor spreads.. Who knows what kind of fun I could cause as ghost? Keep me posted, Sam. Nothing is too small.
LOCATION: MONOHAN VEHICLES - REDMOND BARRENS, SEATTLE
LOCAL TIME:112125U MAR 76
John keys up an channel with the Jordan and the rest of the team. "Roger that. Any info on our support?"
"Not sure, just that he's a Cygnus agent that's been in Seattle for a few months. Drone specialist, been watching the boy you're trying to find. He'll be able to tell you more." You feel the sudden jolt of landing and realize that the trip is over a little sooner than you expected. The vibration from the engines dies down a bit, but it doesn't sound like Jordan is planning to shut them off.
"Thank you for flying Air Stieber. Please put your seats back into their full upright position and check your aisle for any personal items you may have left behind. Welcome to Seattle. Local time is 9:25 PM." The rear door opens to the sound of the roaring engine, the ramp lowering and revealing a ferrocrete landing pad outside a large facility of some kind and the pitch darkness of the barrens beyond. Stepping out of the ship, you find yourselves on an elevated platform among a number of other landing pads, most of them empty, save for a tilt-rotor cargo vehicle three pads down, currently being unloaded by workers ignoring your existence.
Standing on the pad when you arrive is a gaunt dwarf, barely breaking 3 feet and wearing an outfit befitting a civilian, equally ignored by everyone else in the area. He's clearly waiting for you.
Thorn scrambled to get his gear together as the door opened. A dwarf he could only assume was their support waited for the team to disembark. The dwarf looked vaguely familiar, but Thorn found himself unable to remember him. Without a word, he swapped to astral and read it's Aura.
He kicks the link up to active so he can talk with Thorn without extra ears, "You got anything on our newest teammate? Think he's another handler for us lab monkies."
"Already ahead of ya, Johnny boy. I'm checking his aura now. Id say he's definitely Ares and probably Cygnus, but I'll let ya know more in just a sec."
Thorn turned his focus to the Dwarf's Aura and picked through it piece by piece. Interesting, A Technomancer. Impatient...? Curious. Thorn paused, realizing the Detective was hearing everything he was thinking. "Him, not me." Healthy...no implants, normal essence.Thorn sighed. I take that back, Boring. "Well, You know what I know."
"It is clandestine; it does not match your armor."
He looked to the other three and popped up an ARO with his commcode visible to all present. "However, I will drive whatever you choose."
Once the commcodes and pleasantries had been exchanged, he erased the ARO and continued the conversation via secure message.
<< @Team [Skynet] KE road cams may have picked up some footage of our kidnappers. Preliminary on-site indicates at least four culprits, escaping by way of a large armored van, not unlike the Roadmaster here. They headed toward the 202, but I can't determine if they went North or South without the camera footage. >>
Thorn smiled. "My dwarf friend! If the armor isn't loud, it isn't fun. It takes all the challenge out of it if they don't see and hear you coming. But earnestly? We don't need to announce that we're en route, but the boys at the scene need to know who we are. So your wheels and our fancy armor...it's a good fit."
Thorn nodded at the dwarf as he exchanged information. "Skynet? It's a pleasure to meet you. I hope we can work together to complete this mission. As the special agent said, time is of the essence." Finished with pleasantries, Thorn loaded into the roadmaster and reviewed the latest footage supplied by Skynet.
-
Introductions complete, Marcus starts the engine of the Roadmaster before turning away from the landing pad and heading for the driver's side. He hops up into the seat with a practiced grace - the Roadmaster was not an easy vehicle for dwarves to get into, but he'd been doing it for so long that it was second nature.
"Mind the cargo." He indicates the Roto-drone standing in the back of the van. He drives the van in AR through the facility and out the gate. Once on public roads, he turns to address the team. "Buckle up children, or hold on tight." By way of demonstration, he buckles his own harness - fortunately a five point harness was standard in the front seats. He winks at the passengers, turns to face forward, and goes limp.
<< @Team [Skynet] I'm told time is of the essence... >>
In seconds, they are barreling down the road well in excess of the speed limit toward the hideout turned crime scene.
-
>>"Your escort has not yet been given clearance for this program. Until further notice, he does not need to know."
>>"Roger that, Commander."
"Already ahead of ya, Johnny boy. I'm checking his aura now. Id say he's definitely Ares and probably Cygnus, but I'll let ya know more in just a sec."
Thorn turned his focus to the Dwarf's Aura and picked through it piece by piece. Interesting, A Technomancer. Impatient...? Curious. Thorn paused, realizing the Detective was hearing everything he was thinking. "Him, not me." Healthy...no implants, normal essence.Thorn sighed. I take that back, Boring. "Well, You know what I know."
John lets the info Thorn gets from the aura reading sink in as it triggers his own memory. "Id say Cygnus. I've seen him at the facility in passing before. Commander Ellis said he's not read into our program though so we keep our mouths shut about that.
....."Mind the cargo." He indicates the Roto-drone standing in the back of the van. He drives the van in AR through the facility and out the gate. Once on public roads, he turns to address the team. "Buckle up children, or hold on tight." By way of demonstration, he buckles his own harness - fortunately a five point harness was standard in the front seats. He winks at the passengers, turns to face forward, and goes limp.
<< @Team [Skynet] I'm told time is of the essence... >>
In seconds, they are barreling down the road well in excess of the speed limit toward the hideout turned crime scene.
John loads his bags into the back of the Roadmaaster and grabs a seat next to them. He starts to go through his gear but realizes it is a futile effort as the truck bobs and weaves through traffic.
So instead he reviews the footage Marcus provided.
<<@Team {Detective} When it comes to extractions the first few hours are critical. Our chances to identify the ones responsible begins to dwindle even now."
John adds a timer to the feed showing 1 hour has passed since Elden was grabbed.
"They are going to be going to ground or making the exchange very soon. Let's hope they go to ground with Elden because chances of finding him decrease further if he trades hands. We have two jobs right now. Tracking the route they took out and examining the scene to identify those responsible,"
All the time John is posting this on the channel he is also going over and manipulating the video from the original drone footage and matching it to the current footage looking for clues. The speed at which he is doing so would tell you he has to be in VR but he's still up and moving so the man is obviously heavily wired for speed to be doing this all in AR.
"I'll examine the scene, I already have a couple of ideas of who is responsible but I need to collect more details in the meat to verify. Who is going to assist me on scene and who is going to trace the camera's to determine possible destinations?"
-
<<<@Ralph [Tommy] Sorry in a bit of a hurry here. Seems like there was a bit of a scuff up here <ARO attached>, was wondering if KE would want to delay their investigation of that by about an hour or so? It's the barrens afterall, I'm sure your boys have better things to do. Hope this isn't too big of an ask. Also, I owe you dinner from the last time I was back in town. >>>
Gunter finishes up reviewing his docs as they finish their approach. As they depart the transport he begins recording the bonded pair and saving the data to his implanted commlink.
Stix, you've got our gear covered right? Looking to the decker as he darts down the gangplank to inhale his cigarette.
Stepping down onto the street he sees the tall dwarf that is apparently their local transport. Grunting his version of a greeting, Gunter steps into the van and starts checking the visual feeds for any threats.
-
Edit:
Before Stix got into the van he remembered his team mate asking for help with his gear so he heads back and does his best to assist him with his gear.
Once Stix's get situated in the van he straps. Ok guys I'm diving into the Matrix so make sure I have a body to come back too, and no one steal more then one smoke each. Stix eye balls the team as he tells the team to keep their hands off his smoke.
Stix puts the cord from his deck into the side of his head then turns on the trid Projector encase anyone cares to watch what Stix is doing.
Stix enters the vastness of the 'Trix. Standing in his second home Stix has a dark green hooded robe on with glowing green circuit board chips all over it, other then the robe all you can see is a black skull under the hood with a smoke of pure fire burning in his mouth. Stix heads home to the Cygnus Host. Then does his best to see if he can gain access to the cameras in the area the kidnapping took place. If not he will send a quick request over 'trix to the local KE for control of the cameras in the area.
Edit
The Trid screen will stay black with a small dancing green eastern dragon unless Stix heads out into the 'trix to start hacking since when on the home system no one gets to view his work unless they have been cleared too.
-
LOCATION: BARGAIN BASEMENT - REDMOND BARRENS, SEATTLE
LOCAL TIME:112136U MAR 76
(http://vsphere-land.com/wp-content/uploads/ruined-building-hurricane-katrina.jpg)
Detective John Walters let out a low whistle as he looked up at the ruin of a building that had been the source of numerous calls to the few precincts still open in Redmond. He had thought they were exaggerating when dispatch had told him that it was like a small war had broken out, but from the look of this place, an honest to God airstrike was involved. There wasn't much that could gut a building like this, and leave it still smoldering an hour later.
"What in the sam hell do ya think happened here?" He asked, turning briefly to his partner as they both stepped out of their car. The forensics guys were still ten minutes out, it was always a pain in the ass trying to get them out into the boonies like this, so it was just the two of them at the moment, parked under the halo of one of the few functioning street lamps, headlights casting massive shadows across the debris.
"Maybe some gangers were holed up in there, and them halloweeners lit them up like a marshmallows on a campfire?" John shook his head, trying to find the best words to disagree without calling his partner an idiot.
"We're a long way from Halloweener territory, Mac. Plus a bunch of gas cans and matches won't tear the wall off an apartment building like this." John replied, pulling a flashlight out of his pocket and approaching the ruin slowly. He stopped after a few steps, noticing some tracks in the dirt at his feet and bent over to get a better look, when a message flashed in front of his eyes.
>>Incoming Call
>>Captain Suarez
What the hell was the Captain calling for?
He quickly tapped at his throat to turn on his mic and sent a mental command to his commlink to answer the call.
"This is Walters." He spoke in an even tone, not rising from his kneeling position.
"I'm told you and McGinnis are responding to that 246 out in the Basement. Have you arrived at the scene yet?" The Captain asked, a strange tone to his voice.
"Yes, sir. We just got here. This place is a mess, looks like-"
"Maybe you should do some canvasing first, scope the place out from a distance before you start investigating." The Captain interrupted him. Walters paused, standing up and blinking in confusion.
"Sir? I'm sorry, say again?" He asked for clarification. Mac was looking at him inquisitively, but he ignored him, his attention on the call.
"Take a walk, detective. This one doesn't need your attention right now." The captain stated more forcefully. Unseen by either Mac or Walters, a small Kenmushi drone hides in the shadows, listening in on the entire conversation and transmitting it back to its owner.
Walters was about to say more to the Captain, but the sound of an approaching engine captured his attention, turning towards the noise to see a black roadmaster driving up on them. That wasn't the forensics team.
@Everyone
You arrive on the scene to see a Knight Errant cruiser parked in the halo of a lone street lamp, and two men dressed in street clothes standing nearby. The taller one is standing near the driver-side door of the cruiser, looking at your vehicle wearily with one hand on the Ares Predator V in the holster on his belt. He's human, or possibly just a human looking ork, judging from his size.
The other is standing on the side of the road, down near some deep tire tracks that look like they lead away from the road. He's short and stocky, with a 5 o'clock shadow on his face to go with his look of confusion. He has a flashlight in his hand that he's now pointing towards your vehicle. It looks like he's talking to himself, likely in the middle of a phone conversation that he was in the process of ending.
"This is a restricted area!" He shouts at you, using his free hand to pull his Knight Errant badge from the clip on his belt. "I suggest you move along!"
@Waffe
Prior to your arrival, you received a reply from Ralph.
>>"I expect an explanation for this later, but I'll tell them to take their time on this one. No guarantees they'll just stand around twiddling their thumbs for long."
-
Plumes of dust kicked up form the dirt road trail behind the van as it speeds toward the derelict house. The two officers that the Kanmushi had dutifully listened in on are visible, mostly just by the lights from their cruiser. They turn to face the vehicle, reflexively reaching for their weapons as they notice it. Cursing his lack of vision options on the Roadmaster's sensor suite, and deciding that a slower approach might be the better part of Valor, Skynet returns his mind to his own body, leaving the dog brain to pilot the van as it makes the final approach.
"SINs silent. Time to spook the locals."
Once the van has stopped, the smaller man demands that they leave. Still in AR, Marcus finds the man's commlink in the Matrix and sends an anonymous message to it, unintentionally parroting the words of the man's Captain from moments before.
<< @John Walters [Unknown] Take a walk, Detective. >>
The side doors of the van open, spilling jackbooted thugs with swan insignias.
-
As the van slows down John grabs the gear he'll need for this part of the op. He's got the Predator strapped to his hip. The combat knife sits just opposite. His sensor array and RCC were already in place under his armor in the harness he had that placed them against his back.
He was the first to step from the van with his imposing build,. He carried the forensic kit in one hand and Black Betty with the smart platform attached like an over-sized folded tripod in the other. The armor covers him from head to toe hiding his identity. The only distinguishing mark is the swan insignia. The only acknowledgement he gives the Knight Errant detectives is a glance in their direction as he makes his way toward the destroyed building
The frustration in very clear in his thoughts as he exits the vehicle. Someone dropped the damn ball.
He opens a voice channel to the rest of his team and sub-vocalises his displeasure, "I thought we were cleared through KE to be here. Someone with some kinda access better handle this before it turns bad on us."
Edit: Fixed gramar
-
<<<@Ralph [Tommy] I'll give you all the details over drinks. On me of course. Pick a place, I'll make the reservations.>>>
Gunter sees the LEOs outside and curses under his breath in German. Putting his helmet on and strapping his power pack to his back he checks that his weapons are in place. Satisfied that all his gear is with him and he has free access to everything he continues recording the pair as they head towards the scene.
As he exits he looks over at the LEOs and shakes his head and walks past them. Between the teams suit and insigna and the no-nonsense gait of everyones walk, he literally dismisses the detectives.
-
Detective Walters' jaw drops open and his eyes go wide, slowly lowering the hand holding his badge as he struggles to form coherent sentences to respond to what he was currently seeing. He almost doesn't even notice the message from an unlisted source reaching his commlink, instead focused on the Swan Insignias each of you are displaying.
"H...Holy shit." He finally manages, sufficiently cowed. He stumbles back towards his cruiser, exchanging a look with his partner to verify that he isn't imagining this, but otherwise remains silent.
Neither one makes any attempt to stop you, or question you further.
-
Once the others have filed out, Marcus closes the doors with a thought and, keeping AR feeds from all of his drones and the Roadmaster up, he steps into the back to change into his "work clothes". While he changes, he brings the Fly-Spy that had been watching the Roadmaster down to provide close in support and brings the drone that had been watching the house in close as well. They hover near the roof of the building, performing areal reconnaissance and peeking through windows, waiting in case one of the team tasks them to look somewhere specific. They ignore the detectives, but the Roadmaster provides the team with eyes on.
Time to up the intimidation.
Suited up, he sets the suit to a pre-programmed black and red Ares Firewatch pattern with the distinctive Swan patch, then returns to the driver's seat. He puts the seatbelt back on, just in case, mentally reboots, then drops into VR. He commands the Roadmaster to open the rear doors and commands the roto-drone there to spin up its rotors and carefully exit the van. Once it is clear, he closes the rear doors and jumps in to the drone, feeling the freedom of flying and the joy it brings.
Resisting the urge to rev the rotors and rocket straight up spinning and pulling maneuvers the drone was never designed for, he instead steadies it out at about 10 meters and brings it around to the front of the van towards where the two men stand, uncomfortably, near their car. Keeping it above the general position of the van, parked as it is about 15 meters from the KE vehicle, the massive rifle mounted on the drone points menacingly at the two men.
Oh, what I wouldn't give for a PA system, Skynet thinks to himself as he waits for the two men to get the message and shove off.
-
Stix was going to stay in the van and do a few matrix searches and hacks but decides to turn his VR off and his AR on. Stix gets out of the van to fallow the team. Stix has his full armor on, a SMG hanging from his right shoulder, and his deck he has tucked into his jackets left inside pocket.
To: Team
From: Stix
I'll be doing a search on the camera feed via AR so if I'm acting like a space case it is because I'm off in the 'trix. Also if you find intel to narrow this camera search it would be great if you could let me know. Thanks guys. d:^)
Stix knows he will most likely not get a chance to have a smoke until the team leave the site so he decides to throw himself a AR cig, he doesn't have a BTL chip for it but AR smokes beat no smokes.
Stix keeps pace with the group on the way to the house but once inside he will look for a wall to hug and spend most his time fishing through the camera feeds.
On the walk up to the house Stix decides to open a second AR window where he wants to check out who is who in this neighborhood.
EDIT one search the other I think I'll check on later
-
LOCATION: BARGAIN BASEMENT - REDMOND BARRENS, SEATTLE
LOCAL TIME:112136U MAR 76
You arrive on the scene to see a Knight Errant cruiser parked in the halo of a lone street lamp, and two men dressed in street clothes standing nearby. The taller one is standing near the driver-side door of the cruiser, looking at your vehicle wearily with one hand on the Ares Predator V in the holster on his belt. He's human, or possibly just a human looking ork, judging from his size.
The other is standing on the side of the road, down near some deep tire tracks that look like they lead away from the road. He's short and stocky, with a 5 o'clock shadow on his face to go with his look of confusion. He has a flashlight in his hand that he's now pointing towards your vehicle. It looks like he's talking to himself, likely in the middle of a phone conversation that he was in the process of ending.
"This is a restricted area!" He shouts at you, using his free hand to pull his Knight Errant badge from the clip on his belt. "I suggest you move along!"
He was the first to step from the van with his imposing build,. He carried the forensic kit in one hand and Black Betty with the smart platform attached like an over-sized folded tripod in the other. The armor covers him from head to toe hiding his identity. The only distinguishing mark is the swan insignia. The only acknowledgement he gives the Knight Errant detectives is a glance in their direction as he makes his way toward the destroyed building
The frustration in very clear in his thoughts as he exits the vehicle. Someone dropped the damn ball.
Stix was going to stay in the van and do a few matrix searches and hacks but decides to turn his VR off and his AR on. Stix gets out of the van to fallow the team. Stix has his full armor on, a SMG hanging from his right shoulder, and his deck he has tucked into his jackets left inside pocket.
To: Team
From: Stix
I'll be doing a search on the camera feed via AR so if I'm acting like a space case it is because I'm off in the 'trix. Also if you find intel to narrow this camera search it would be great if you could let me know. Thanks guys. d:^)
Thorn grabbed his gear and got his PC Backpack in place while the others stepped out. When Stix stepped out and everyone was unloaded, Thorn brought up the rear. He acknowledged Stix as he stepped out of the transport "Roger that. I'll be searching through the Astral while you and the Detective poke through evidence and the German does...Whatever he does."
As he aproached and stepped past the KE Officers, Thorn did not acknowledge their presence whatsoever. (Disappointment washed over Thorn as he left the officers behind) "So dull, Detective. I should have taken the lead...This could have been so much fun." Thorn made sure John heard Skynet's Rotodrone. "Even robot boy's giving the boys drek!"
As the group closed in on the building, Thorn let his senses fade out so that he could see the Astral. He scrutinized both the bigger picture, and the emotions of individual objects. Every broken piece of broken glass and every fallen wall had a story to tell, and he was determined to hear them all.
-
As he approached and stepped past the KE Officers, Thorn did not acknowledge their presence whatsoever. (Disappointment washed over Thorn as he left the officers behind) "So dull, Detective. I should have taken the lead...This could have been so much fun." Thorn made sure John heard Skynet's Rotodrone. "Even robot boy's giving the boys drek!"
Amusement washes over John at Thorn's disappointment. "You telling me that their face at seeing the insignia wasn't enough. I got to make them pee their pants too?"
He sends the mental command to the smart platfrom which snaps open as he sets it down. Once on the ground it immediately starts sweeping the street.
He sub-vocalizes "Betty's got your back Stix. Just stay close to her."
Once the games are over he quickly gets down to business. He starts with the outside of the building and the tracks that Skynet had found. He used the Forensic kit to meticulously inspect, record and collect every bit of evidence he could find. He takes his time to cover the evidence he has already found earlier and starts to analyse everything he can now that he is on the scene.
-
The detectives stare, dumbfounded, at the rotodrone, the lead detective not yet having seen the anonymous message on his commlink, and thus not aware of purpose behind the intimidation. It is only then that things sink in for Skynet - his drones have had a good look around the area near the house, out to a quarter mile, and they haven't seen anybody beside the detectives. Not just no one suspicious or interesting, but nobody at all. Considering the noise and destruction and people's general propensity toward curiosity, this seemed out of the ordinary. He eased the rotodrone around to no longer point the gun at the KE officers and instead jumped out and tasked the drone to patrol the area.
<< @Team [Skynet] It's awful quiet here for what has happened. No lookie-loos or anything. One of you guys might want to question the detectives here and see what they know. >>
Out of the drone, but still in VR, he surveys the vicinity, looking for any icons that might be interesting. He then tasks the machine sprite to merge with the Kanmushi and jumps in after it. The insect-like drone scurries down from its perch on the front porch and enters the building. Navigating with the radar sensors, the machine pokes around into the vents and nooks and crannies the comparatively large metahumans might miss. As he scurries across the floors - massive open spaces to the tiny drone - he uses the laser range finders to measure the dimensions, building a dataset that can be used to generate a 3-d map and then using that map to look for hidden spaces. The process is time-consuming, but sped up considerably by the drone's astonishing speed and the sprite's cooperation. The radar itself provides considerable detail and volumetric measurements of its own, further speeding the process. Each room takes no more than a few minutes, plus whatever time is needed to poke the drone into interesting looking anomalies. The virtual representation is shared with the others as it is built, allowing them to use it to focus their searches and provide input on items of interest to examine in more detail.
Once the map is done, and he is confident he has poked the drone into every orifice the building possesses, he jumps out of the tiny drone and frees the machine sprite to return to the Resonance that spawned it. He commands the drone to return to the van, cracking the driver's side window slightly to allow it to enter.
-
Stix was planing to do his search through the Data havens for intel on the local powers that be on his flight to Seattle but turns out he had a unscheduled date with a bug filled nightmare instead.
Stix decides to enter the building and hug a wall, trying to stay out of the way as the team searches the house. Stix searches the video feeds and the 'trix for intel to help the group. Stix keeps his matrix search on AR in order to still be able to tell if any nasties try and eat him for dinner.
To: Team
From: Stix
I'm going to search the 'Trix for any info you guys keep me in the loop if you find anything. I'll be staying right here, so if you need me you know where to find me. Also I'm staying in AR so I will not need a meat body babysitter.
-
The two detectives just stand back in stupefied disbelief, unsure what to say or do as you quickly take over the investigation and all but ignore their presence. Skynet's drones begin their sweep, Thorn takes to the Astral to find the emotional echoes of this place, and Detective gets to work living up to his name and examines the evidence he finds in detail, all while Stix reclines into the Matrix under the watchful eye of Dectective's turret.
Thorn is immediately awash with the astral presence of this place, decades of decay and human suffering in the dirges of poverty soaked into every brick and stone like a spilled drink left unattended on a carpet. But there is a more recent stain upon the astral here, one of panic and violence, still fresh upon the surface, like a wound.
The door is the first thing with a story to tell, cracked in half with a sense of urgency, but a distinct lack of rage or aggression. This was a calm act of violence, planned and precise.
The stairway starts to tell a different tale, a story of kindness masking deception in the walls, followed by extreme violence that climbs the stairs and washes through the landing on the second floor. There is more emotion here, panicked, confused, and desperate. Continuing in, these emotions begin to increase, along with a distinct sense of terror. You find the body of the ork cut in two, and the emotions that linger almost pulsate with the fear and pain that permeated the room and halls. This man died violently, painfully, and in a state of overwhelming fear. There are tinges of shock and confusion, a lack of understanding what was happening, like the ork didn't know why he was dying. You suspect he never even saw his attacker. Strangely enough, you find no evidence that there was an attacker at all. No rage, no aggression, no killing intent. Whoever or whatever killed him felt no emotion at all, and left no astral trace.
This pattern continues as you find the troll, then the two burned corpses of the remaining runners. Confusion is the running theme. This was a surprise attack on an unprecedented level. None of these runners even knew what hit them. They were dead before they knew why.
Something strange stands out to you as you finish examining the entire scene. Downstairs, you were able to distinguish between attackers and attacked. Someone breached the building, came up the stairway, and engaged in an extended fight with a terrified inhabitant, one they seemingly won. But for the rest of the building, you feel nothing from the attackers. They were given no chance to return fire, no opportunity to survive, and their killer left no trace of his or her presence on the astral.
From this, you get the feeling that two separate attacks occurred here. The first wiped out the running team with ruthless efficiency, and the second breached the building to capture Elden.
As Thorn performs his Astral searches, the Detective busies himself collecting samples and examining the evidence on the physical plane. He starts with the tire tracks outside. He finds from the wheel base, and the depth of the tracks, that he's dealing with an Armored Personnel Carrier, most likely a fully loaded Ares Roadmaster. And judging from the impressions the tire tracks left, it was equipped with Smart Tires.
From there he turns to the tracks leading to and from the building. He sees 6 distinct sets of tracks, one troll, two orks and three humans, judging from the size and stride of each set. They move into the building in a sweeping pattern that looks tactical, but the tracks leading out are more interesting. Only 5 sets of tracks walk back out of the building, and there are two distinct drag marks, likely from the moving of a body, that lead back to where the vehicle was parked. From this you gather that 6 men went in, and 7 came back out, but two of them had to be carried.
Entering the building itself, and turning towards the detailed mapping Skynet is feeding from his drones, Detective finds evidence of an extended firefight that started between the first floor and the second floor. Numerous bullet holes line the walls of the stairwell, as a clear line of fire occurred up the stairs. There are more signs of bullet holes that originate from the upstairs going down, looking like smaller caliber rounds, while the few holes the other way are at least the diameter of an Assault Rifle, if not larger. Looking in the bullet holes, the Detective finds signs that the slugs were dug out of the holes, and is not able to determine what type of bullet was fired.
Continuing up into the rest of the building, he finds that his initial suspicions from the camera feeds were accurate. The ork's body has all the signs of a monofilament wire flung at high velocity through his body, and it was at least 2 meters in length judging from the slices through the walls and ceiling of the room his body was found in. The troll was completely shredded by high caliber bullets, and the firing angle suggest it came from outside the building and from above, firing through a solid wall to kill the troll, with the bullets continuing on their path through the floor. If there was anything left of them, they'd be lodged in the walls and floor of the basement.
Finally, the Detective finds himself in the burned out room with the two bodies, one of what was formerly a human man, twisted in agony from having burned to death, and the other appearing to be an elven woman on closer examination. Studying her body, the Detective finds a small hole in the side of her head that looks like an entry wound. Judging from her position on the floor, the size and angle of the hole, and the way she fell, it looks like a sniper took her out with a single shot, through a nearby broken window. She was likely the first to die, her body burning post mortem.
-
As Skynet watches the feeds coming in from the drones and ponders what he found in the matrix, he quickly comes to the conclusion that the silence is significant. He tasks one of the Fly-spys to look in on the nearby houses, looking to see if people were simply hiding indoors, or if the whole area had been evacuated. Did they scatter when the badges showed up, or had it been that way even before the kidnapping took place? He looks back through the surveillance feeds his drones had been gathering for the last hour to see if he could determine how recent the lull in activity here was.
The man that went by the handle "Detective" tagged points of interest on the map, and Skynet browsed those as he waited for the drones to get him some information he could use. It looked like the initial attack made use of some high grade intel, eliminating all of the occupants except Elden without even breaching - a drone outside the building shredding the troll, a sniper from outside taking out the elf. The human in that room probably bit it for a fireball delivered form the outside as well, though it could have just as easily been mundane fire. The elf was likely a wiggly seeing as she had died first - geek the mage and all that. The ork body put an arc spanner in that line of logic, though. The monowhip appeared to have been employed by a person inside the building, unlike the other attacks. Perhaps an infiltrator in a sneak suit? That would help explain the intelligence on the building's internal occupants that allowed for such a precision strike.
Once the runners were taken out, then the snatch team swept in, likely shooting stick-n-shock to take the boy alive. He had had some heads up - seeing his comrades fall only seconds before the front door was kicked in, or perhaps nearly simultaneously. It appeared that Elden got off a good shot, wounding - or even killing - one of the breachers. Way to go, kid - that'll teach them to fuck with Ares, even the spoiled brats.
He shared his thoughts with the team, adding his own observations to the virtual map, then asked questions that he hoped might fill in some of the gaps in the story. What had happened to the camouflaged infiltrator during the gun-fight? Or was he even camouflaged? He - or she - could have been a plant, posing as an ally to gain entrance. Where had the gunfight ended? Where had the wounded attacker fallen before he was carried out with Elden?
<< @ Team [Skynet] Can we determine what was used to burn the room? Was it a spell or some man-made accelerant? And assuming that the firefight up the stairs was waged with Elden, was it a moving firefight or had he dug into a defensible position and engaged them from there? Knowing where the snatch team was when one of their members fell might give us a focused area to look for evidence - perhaps blood. >>
-
Gunter scans the immediate surroundings. The lack of any kind of movement is somewhat alarming. Nothing scurries, no one dashes around corners. The area is completely abandoned, and while not the sort to be easily creeped out, Gunter is a bit on edge about it.
He curses under his breath for not thinking about bringing a flashlight. He follows the pair into the house, mostly using his thermographic vision to follow them around. He makes sure his Redline has clear access for an easy draw and slings his Lancer in a low-ready position.
He's watched the pair in many tests, but this is the first live-fire they've done. He continues to keep close watch on them while watching for any threats, even though everything in this neighborhood seems dead except for them and the two detectives that have yet to take that walk they are supposed to go on.
-
Skynet watches the sensor data as it streams in from the drones searching the surrounding buildings. The first building is empty - no signs of people, alive or dead, and no signs that it had seen recent occupation. The building seemed structurally sound, and from his previous observations over the last two months, he knew it was rare indeed to find any habitable building completely abandoned. As it scouts the house he monitors the chatter among the team, and finds it odd when the two called Detective and Thorn start finishing each others sentences, or speaking the same thing at the same time like some twisted stereo. He was familiar with mental links - technomancers did them frequently, forming full telepathic connections with other technomancers, but this seemed different, uncanny. Whatever experiments they had been a part of seemed to go beyond simple telepathy and into actual sharing of thoughts. Frankly, it sounded too much like those insect spirits he'd heard about in the news, with their hive minds and such. No thanks.
The drone flits out an open window - broken really - and finds the next door building, entering it from another "open" window. Here he finds corpses. The bodies tell a confusing, and macabre, story. As far as he could tell from the grey images from the drone's radar imaging systems, the people had simply collapsed where they stood, with no indication that they had responded in any way to an attack. Whatever had killed them, it seemed that they had been caught completely unaware. In the kitchen he finds the bodies of a woman and a man, the woman laying in a dried pool of blood, apparently having hit her head on the counter as she crumpled to the ground. The man is face down in a bowl of what is likely soup, spoon in hand, and if he was alive when he came to rest this way, he likely drowned a while ago. In the stairwell, two orks lay at opposite ends of a couch looking as if they had simply passed out while moving it down the stairs. Physics then took over, crushing one against the wall at the bottom of the stairs, and the other lay half draped over the couch, apparently bled out form injuries sustained during the fall.
The bodies leave more questions than they answered, mostly because the only question they had answered was whether the occupants were alive or not. But the building they were in was large enough to house way more than four people - perhaps dozens. There should be more bodies here, or at least signs that more people had been here and had perhaps left.
How had they died? Had the same sniper that had taken out the elf methodically killed each of them? They'd need to get some light and more than a fly-spy to examine the bodies more closely. But if they had been shot, then the BTL den, with its armed guards and higher security, would likely have survivors that could shed some light on what had happened. He directed the fly spy to the den - hoping they didn't shoot before he could get some useful information, or really at all - and watched with disappointment as it found body after body. But all of the bodies appeared to be junkies - none of the armed guards or anyone that didn't appear to be using was there - alive or dead. So had the local gang been in on this? Or at least had some heads up so that they could clear out their own before this - whatever this was - had happened.
They were going to need more resources - the crime scene possibly extended for blocks.
He was still transmitting the feeds to the other team members, but as the drone continued to explore the BTL den, he messaged the team to make sure they were seeing them.
<< @Team [Skynet] Watch feed F2. This crime scene extends for at least a block. There are dozens of bodies. Fewer than there should be if all the inhabitants had been killed, but more than just what is in this building. I haven't seen any gangers - whatever happened, they either bugged out before it happened, or they were part of it. But so far, there are no living metahumans for a good fraction of a kilometer, except us and the good detectives here. >>
<< I don't think we're going to be able to process all of this crime scene in our allotted time - perhaps we should let the detectives and their KE buddies start on the other buildings while we keep tabs on their progress. Our time might be better spent visiting the local criminal element and seeing if we can encourage them to help us fill in some blanks. >>
<< As per usual, there's something about Elden that we're not being told. The kid was good. The snatch team was well trained and well prepared and he fought them to a standstill for a while, even took one of them out, before he was finally taken. >>
He marks the blood on the floor with an ARO and adds it to the map as well.
<< This blood is likely from one of the attackers. I suspect he's suffering from a head injury - likely lethal - so I don't know if it'll allow us to track him by magical means, but that'd be something for one of you magicky types to decide. >>
<< What I can't figure, though, is he had a good plan and it was working, then for some reason he just suddenly failed to execute on it. He had plenty of good places to fall back to in order to keep them held off - and from his first position he should have been well aware of them, but he ended up getting himself pinned in. There had to have been more opponents in this building than just the snatch team. Spirits maybe? Or perhaps a guy in a sneak suit, or even a Judas. But they've cleaned up after themselves pretty thoroughly, except the blood. >>
-
Stix has been keeping his ears and eyes open and scanning all the data the team was feeding his way. All the while checking though camera feeds trying to idea the van the kidnappers used to get away.
To:Team
From: Stix
I've found a small chuck of intel on the power base in this area. Seems the main ones in charger are a gang calling them selves "The Basement Breakers". Their main area of operations in in the field of drugs, BTLs and protection for a price. I found that the leader is an Ork named Frenzy who is said to work out of an abandoned gun store around three blocks north of us. He also has a few subordinates that work for him the one in charge of this area is a human named Sideways, the data says he runs a BTL den a few doors down.
If you ever like someone else can take over the scanning the video feeds for the get away van and I can do an astral run of the area. Let me know if you want be to go astral scouting.
End of Message
Stix goes back to looking over all the camera feeds looking to see if he can find a van fitting the description, now he know to look for smart tires too, that should cut down the number of possible hits. I always thought agents could never do a job as good as me so why waste the nuyen, now I see how a little helper could do this job well I focus on other actions. Oh well guess I'll have to pony up the nuyen when my pay check shows up. Stix takes a drag from his AR smoke wishing he didn't have to wear this helmet and could feel the real sting of an Ares Black cig.
-
John takes his time studying the debris, the corpses and any other evidence he or the others could find. Once he receives the map from Skynet, he quickly begins to add notations to layout for everyone what had occurred. He took his time around the staircase battle and also around the corpses that had been burned in the fire.
He was leaning over the corpse of the burned man...But he was also upstairs reading the aura of the building. Feeling the fear that came from the pitched battle... He was studying the gunshot wound the female elf had suffered ... But he was amazed at the ruthless efficiency of the first attacker. The complete lack of any feelings registering on the astral... He was studying the residue and after effects of what seemed to be a mundane explosive, puzzled by what could have damaged the wall in such a way... He watching himself climbing the stairs to examine the area for the one injured in the second attack.
He pauses for a second as it begins to hit him what was occurring. Things were getting fuzzy. There was a buzzing in his mind and headache. Each getting worse as he concentrated on them. Then it hit him in a burst of comprehension. Even then it was unclear to him if it had been his idea or Thorn's. He used all of the mental force he could muster to slam the Active link shut. The pull he was feeling from it was too much. It had to be stopped before he plummeted over the edge. Into what he had no idea.
He lets out a sigh and a sense of relief floods over him as his thoughts return to his own. There is also a growing sense of agitation. Most likely from letting himself have such a lapse.
<< @Thorn {Detective} Don't think we want to do that again anytime soon.>>
<< @ Team [Skynet] Can we determine what was used to burn the room? Was it a spell or some man-made accelerant? And assuming that the firefight up the stairs was waged with Elden, was it a moving firefight or had he dug into a defensible position and engaged them from there? Knowing where the snatch team was when one of their members fell might give us a focused area to look for evidence - perhaps blood. >>
<<@ Team [Detective] the fire was from a man-made accelerant, but I am at a loss as to what caused the collapse of the wall. >>
He continues to collect and analyze the evidence as he moves around the building. He keeps moving from one area to another then back again as the pieces of the puzzle begin to present a picture.
... He was still transmitting the feeds to the other team members, but as the drone continued to explore the BTL den, he messaged the team to make sure they were seeing them.
<< @Team [Skynet] Watch feed F2. This crime scene extends for at least a block. There are dozens of bodies. Fewer than there should be if all the inhabitants had been killed, but more than just what is in this building. I haven't seen any gangers - whatever happened, they either bugged out before it happened, or they were part of it. But so far, there are no living metahumans for a good fraction of a kilometer, except us and the good detectives here. >>
<< I don't think we're going to be able to process all of this crime scene in our allotted time - perhaps we should let the detectives and their KE buddies start on the other buildings while we keep tabs on their progress. Our time might be better spent visiting the local criminal element and seeing if we can encourage them to help us fill in some blanks. >>
<< As per usual, there's something about Elden that we're not being told. The kid was good. The snatch team was well trained and well prepared and he fought them to a standstill for a while, even took one of them out, before he was finally taken. >>
He marks the blood on the floor with an ARO and adds it to the map as well.
<< This blood is likely from one of the attackers. I suspect he's suffering from a head injury - likely lethal - so I don't know if it'll allow us to track him by magical means, but that'd be something for one of you magicky types to decide. >>
<< What I can't figure, though, is he had a good plan and it was working, then for some reason he just suddenly failed to execute on it. He had plenty of good places to fall back to in order to keep them held off - and from his first position he should have been well aware of them, but he ended up getting himself pinned in. There had to have been more opponents in this building than just the snatch team. Spirits maybe? Or perhaps a guy in a sneak suit, or even a Judas. But they've cleaned up after themselves pretty thoroughly, except the blood. >>
John moves with a purpose as Skynet points out the blood on the ceiling. It doesn't take him long to gain a sample. The whole time he is studying the feeds form the drones as well. Once he sees the bodies and puts all of the info together he bagins to gather his things in a bit of a rush.
<<@Team {Detective} I think we're done here I've got what I need. I can name the one responsible for the first part of the attack as well as the collateral damage in the other buildings. Hopefully that person or the blood sample will lead us to the extraction team.
Stix has been keeping his ears and eyes open and scanning all the data the team was feeding his way. All the while checking though camera feeds trying to idea the van the kidnappers used to get away.
To:Team
From: Stix
I've found a small chuck of intel on the power base in this area. Seems the main ones in charger are a gang calling them selves "The Basement Breakers". Their main area of operations in in the field of drugs, BTLs and protection for a price. I found that the leader is an Ork named Frenzy who is said to work out of an abandoned gun store around three blocks north of us. He also has a few subordinates that work for him the one in charge of this area is a human named Sideways, the data says he runs a BTL den a few doors down.
If you ever like someone else can take over the scanning the video feeds for the get away van and I can do an astral run of the area. Let me know if you want be to go astral scouting.
End of Message
<<@Team {Detective} Stix, Send me the info if you want to go for an astral stroll. Two mages checking it out may be better. But we need to track the van, if we lost that then we the trail for Elden requires a roundabout way to track him. >>
He grabs the handle to Betty carries her, the stand quickly retracting, as he heads toward the two detectives left standing dumfounded at their cruiser.
In his most authoritative voice he addresses the detective that flashed the badge.
"The scene is all yours..." He nods to the nearby buildings that Skynet's drones had scouted. "You've got more bodies in the surrounding buildings." He then leans in real close to make sure the point is sent home. "It WILL take you at least 24 hours to go over the crime scene before you can move on. Understand!"
-
Thorn is immediately awash with the astral presence of this place, decades of decay and human suffering in the dirges of poverty soaked into every brick and stone like a spilled drink left unattended on a carpet. But there is a more recent stain upon the astral here, one of panic and violence, still fresh upon the surface, like a wound.
The door is the first thing with a story to tell, cracked in half with a sense of urgency, but a distinct lack of rage or aggression. This was a calm act of violence, planned and precise.
The stairway starts to tell a different tale, a story of kindness masking deception in the walls, followed by extreme violence that climbs the stairs and washes through the landing on the second floor. There is more emotion here, panicked, confused, and desperate. Continuing in, these emotions begin to increase, along with a distinct sense of terror. You find the body of the ork cut in two, and the emotions that linger almost pulsate with the fear and pain that permeated the room and halls. This man died violently, painfully, and in a state of overwhelming fear. There are tinges of shock and confusion, a lack of understanding what was happening, like the ork didn't know why he was dying. You suspect he never even saw his attacker. Strangely enough, you find no evidence that there was an attacker at all. No rage, no aggression, no killing intent. Whoever or whatever killed him felt no emotion at all, and left no astral trace.
This pattern continues as you find the troll, then the two burned corpses of the remaining runners. Confusion is the running theme. This was a surprise attack on an unprecedented level. None of these runners even knew what hit them. They were dead before they knew why.
Something strange stands out to you as you finish examining the entire scene. Downstairs, you were able to distinguish between attackers and attacked. Someone breached the building, came up the stairway, and engaged in an extended fight with a terrified inhabitant, one they seemingly won. But for the rest of the building, you feel nothing from the attackers. They were given no chance to return fire, no opportunity to survive, and their killer left no trace of his or her presence on the astral.
From this, you get the feeling that two separate attacks occurred here. The first wiped out the running team with ruthless efficiency, and the second breached the building to capture Elden.
(As he investigated the Astral evidence, Thorn was more interested in the events than the victims. If anything, he was somewhat impressed by the level of efficiency the hit team achieved. This clearly changes as he begins distinguishing between the Hit team and the Extraction team. Thorn is more focused and concerned about the details of Elden's capture. As the investigation continued, John's thoughts and discoveries began intermingling with his own. It was becoming difficult to tell which ideas were his own and which were John's.)
Edit 2:
He pauses for a second as it begins to hit him what was occurring. Things were getting fuzzy. There was a buzzing in his mind and headache. Each getting worse as he concentrated on them. Then it hit him in a burst of comprehension. Even then it was unclear to him if it had been his idea or Thorn's. He used all of the mental force he could muster to slam the Active link shut. The pull he was feeling from it was too much. It had to be stopped before he plummeted over the edge. Into what he had no idea.
He lets out a sigh and a sense of relief floods over him as his thoughts return to his own. There is also a growing sense of agitation. Most likely from letting himself have such a lapse.
<< @Thorn {Detective} Don't think we want to do that again anytime soon.>>
Thorn shook his head clear, glad to be free of the distraction and chaos. He quickly read and replied to the small text box that appeared in the corner of his image link.
>Reply
>>Detective
>>>Agreed. Why are we texting?
"Luddite. But seriously, that was odd. I was starting to get a little too comfortable inside your stuffy head, you know? As loath as I am to go to the man, I feel like we should mention this when we get back to base. That seemed...wrong. Anyhow, on with the mission."
<< @ Team [Skynet] Can we determine what was used to burn the room? Was it a spell or some man-made accelerant? And assuming that the firefight up the stairs was waged with Elden, was it a moving firefight or had he dug into a defensible position and engaged them from there? Knowing where the snatch team was when one of their members fell might give us a focused area to look for evidence - perhaps blood. >>
<<@ Team [Detective] the fire was from a man-made accelerant, but I am at a loss as to what caused the collapse of the wall. >>
He continues to collect and analyze the evidence as he moves around the building. He keeps moving from one area to another then back again as the pieces of the puzzle begin to present a picture.
John moves with a purpose as Skynet points out the blood on the ceiling. It doesn't take him long to gain a sample. The whole time he is studying the feeds form the drones as well. Once he sees the bodies and puts all of the info together he bagins to gather his things in a bit of a rush.
<<@Team {Detective} I think we're done here I've got what I need. I can name the one responsible for the first part of the attack as well as the collateral damage in the other buildings. Hopefully that person or the blood sample will lead us to the extraction team.
"I won't spoil your surprise, Detective, but lets share what we know" Thorn commented through comms, and when he continued he drew from the information he had gathered from the Detective's mind, "Everything seems to point towards two hits. The first hit cleared out Elden's team, and as you can tell, it was an impressive job. The lack of emotion staining the astral leaves me confident that it was done by drones. The angle of the shots that took down the troll, the sniper that took out one of the burn victims, and the monowhip that shortened our orcish friend were all possibly, and likely, done by drones.
Later, someone seems to have spoken with Elden just before the extraction team hit. Astral evidence leads me to believe that he either knew this individual or at the very least the individual was not suspicious. Then the extraction began, and Elden seemed to have been able to hold his own briefly before he was overwhelmed. He definitely injured one member."
Thorn nodded, satisifed with his report. "I could check out some of the surrounding buildings, if we want to be thorough. I've already found most of what I can find astrally, so I'm free to check out the surrounding area. We could also leave it to the locals. Alternately, we could let Skynet take over the virtual investigation and take Stix up on his offer to project." Thorn continued mentally, "Although I'd feel more comfortable keeping as much of the investigation "in-house" as possible."
Edit:
"Before we leave, I want to take a closer look this structural damage. It could be an explosion...but something's off. I can't quite explan it." With that, Thorn turned and began examining the structural damage.
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Once Stix hears that The Detective has an idea who one of the team members was that hit the house he stops standing still in the corner and races to him. Detective if you have an idea who one of the persons is I need to to know who it is. I have a contact that might help dig up info on him, and the sooner I drop him a line the faster we can get the intel. I'll have to say off the astral until this lead gets back to me, since he is great at digging up intel and that intel is more important right now then an astral run around the neighborhood.
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<<@Team {Detective} Stix, Send me the info if you want to go for an astral stroll. Two mages checking it out may be better. But we need to track the van, if we lost that then we the trail for Elden requires a roundabout way to track him. >>
He grabs the handle to Betty carries her, the stand quickly retracting, as he heads toward the two detectives left standing dumfounded at their cruiser.
In his most authoritative voice he addresses the detective that flashed the badge.
"The scene is all yours..." He nods to the nearby buildings that Skynet's drones had scouted. "You've got more bodies in the surrounding buildings." He then leans in real close to make sure the point is sent home. "It WILL take you at least 24 hours to go over the crime scene before you can move on. Understand!"
The Detective walked off as Thorn turned back towards the building to check for one final piece of the puzzle. Definitely odd. Maybe magic? Never seen explosive damage like this. Thorn approached the damaged portions of the wall while he shifted to astral perception. It was immediately obvious that not only was magic used to take down the wall, but it was also a very familiar spell that was used. Drek! How the frag did I miss that?
"We're definitely dealing with a mage, boys. Our wizard omae dropped this wall with a Shape Material spell for Brick. The formula is different, but its basically the same spell I use to manipulate flames. He can freely move brick as he desires, so we should avoid tactical situations that rely on brick structures when possible. I should have noticed sooner...(Thorn feels quite disappointed that he failed to notice this until the team was practically leaving the scene).
Thorn let the astral fade away as he walked to the wall for a closer examination. Hmm. Evidence of scorching on exposed surfaces of the wall. "The explosion definitely happened after the wall was torn down. I can't clearly determine the purpose of the explosion. It may have been used to keep the mage distracted while the sniper lined up his shot... I doubt that is the case, however. Geek the mage and all. The sniper probably did lead off against this team."
Thorn shrugged and walked back towards the Roadmaster. "That's all I got. I'll let you boys work out the next move." Once again, he strode past the two officers without saying a word or acknowledging them in any way. Thorn climbed into the Roadmaster and strapped himself in before removing his helmet and popping a cram tab. He took a moment to quickly climb out of the Ares disguise and to gear up with his BGH suit and his personal helmet. "Ready to roll." Thorn turned to a new page in his sketch book in the meantime, quickly jotting down his dismal interpretation of the scene of the building as seen primarily through the Astral.
-
Gunter is uncharacteristically out of his element when it comes to investigations. He's much more comfortable in the lab, but thats basically what this is when it comes to Thorn and The Detective. He makes notes of the times he started observing their behavior begin to change, and when it returned to normal. He also noted the way they methodically moved through the scene.
As the rest of the team described the scene around the building and then The Detective says he knows why, it piques his academic curiosity. <<<@Team [Waffe] What happened to this neighborhood? You said you know who did it? Did they kill everyone to cover their tracks?>>>
While the team is wrapping up and heading back to the van, Gunter continues in his overwatch. As they are loading into Skynet's rig Gunter asks subvocally, "Do we have a base of ops out here or do we need to come up with a place to go? I know of a few options if we need them."
-
Skynet pulls the Fly-spy back from the surrounding buildings and as the team begins to regroup, sends it ahead to scout their route to the safehouse. The news about the wall confuses the time line some. The mage was dead before the explosion, but if that dead mage was responsible for the wall, what purpose would she have had to do it? They were attacked unaware, so it wasn't likely that she could have done it for some tactical advantage. Was there an enemy mage that might have done it after the elf was down in order to allow a grenade to be placed in the room? But why not put it through the open window?
<< @Team [Skynet] Do we know where the fire in the room started? Grenade? Or something less explosive? >>
Waffe asks about the safehouse as he gets into the van, and Skynet replies via message.
<< @Team [Skynet] Ares has privided a safehouse a few kliks from here. It'll be a little tight for a group this size - it only has two bedrooms with beds. An office area and the common areas have room for cots, but I don't have any, and unless we all keep exactly the same schedule, privacy will suffer. It'll be just like bunking in the barracks. >>
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<< @Team [Skynet] Do we know where the fire in the room started? Grenade? Or something less explosive? >>
Thorn continued his sketch of the building while he mentally set his comm to convert voice to text and used his subvocal mic to text. Although his trodes provided DNI, voice-to-text felt more natural than directing his comm with his mind and therefore less distracting while he focused on his drawing.
>Voice text
>>Team
>>>The good Detective and I had a private discussion while we investigated the building. Judging from the blast radius he believes that it's likely the fire was caused by an explosive. Now that we know the wall was taken down by magic, I'd say that we're not dealing with anything high ordinance like plastics. A grenade or maybe a rocket seems likely. The responsible party seems quite professional, so maybe they wanted to be sure that they geeked the mage by doubling the assault in her room?
Thorn finished his rough drawing and sat back and relaxed as the Cram began kicking in. Now I'm ready. Let's get this party started. (Thorn feels subtely more relaxed, but yet noticeably more restless.) Not even a minute after he put it down, Thorn opened his sketchbook to a fresh page and began drawing comic panels of the morning's events.
<< @Team [Skynet] Ares has privided a safehouse a few kliks from here. It'll be a little tight for a group this size - it only has two bedrooms with beds. An office area and the common areas have room for cots, but I don't have any, and unless we all keep exactly the same schedule, privacy will suffer. It'll be just like bunking in the barracks. >>
Thorn read the message as soon as it popped into his image link and immediately replied via voice text.
>Voice text
>>Team
>>>Privacy? That's a luxury I don't remember. Sure, I don't mind. If that's not good, I have a contact who might help. It doubt it'd be cheap. Or nice. Definitely not respectable. Don't expect much sleep because we're wrapping it up within 24 hours. If we spend the night, I'm sure we can get some cheap bedding. Air mattress, sleeping bag or some such nonsense.
Thorn returned to drawing his strips. At that moment, he was embellishing upon his prank on the German earlier. (Thorn's mind fills with mischievous amusement). He was especially amused with the panel which showed Waffe pissing himself. He doubted the dour elf would be as pleased.
-
John didn't take long once he was sure the two Knight Errant detectives understood his directions. He was quick to join the others in the van. He's already pulling up the map and adding more detail as he puts Betty back in her case.
His mind seems to be going in several different directions at once as he tries to piece together what happened and who is responsible.
<< @ Team {Detective} I have a name but something isn't setting right with me. I'm afraid that there isn't much more we are going to find digging around here. Let the KE boys dig through the rubble and deal with the dead. We can monitor their progress easy enough. >>
He continues to add and edit the map to reflect some of his thoughts. The speed at which it changes is dizzying to the others.
@Team {Detective} The majority of evidence points at one man being responsible for the initial attack. A rigger by the name of Manticore. BUT some of the details are wrong. He doesn't like witnesses, so the dead among the other buildings are probably collateral damage from some form of knockout gas. He's also rumored to have a device that can wipe out Matrix devices within 100m radius. The use of drones, even the monowhip fit his MO. But he has a rep of never working with anyone. The use of magic and the extraction team are not part of MO though. It's almost like someone is trying to set him up. Either that or someone payed him enough to actually work with others.
Before we start doing to much to find Manticore I want to try something. I may be able to set up a meet face to face with Manticore but it may not be cheap. I don't want him alerted by anyone searching for him first though. It will make things harder if he goes to ground on us as well.
I also need to get the blood sample I collected analyzed to try to get a name for the extraction team. Is there anyway we can get it couriered to a lab to get an identification?
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The two KE detectives just salute and nod, unable to construct any kind of coherent response other than some 'yes sir's and 'right away sir's. As you all head back to the car, Stix pauses for a moment, AROs flashing in front of his vision alerting his attention.
"What the...that can't be right." He stops, concentrating for a moment as he accesses his DNI. He frowns, and then frowns deeper.
"Shit, I gotta go guys, The commander needs me back at base. Someone just..." He pauses, unsure if he should explain. "Nevermind. I'll meet up with you later." He departs, his attention split between headed over to the two Detectives and whatever is going on in his deck.
-
Skynet watches Stix go through the sensors of the Roadmaster. Curious, he thinks to himself.
Stix had not found any images of the getaway vehicle, but had found a gap in the recordings of a camera to the north nearly 20 minutes after the kidnapping. So, they had headed north.
<< @Team [Skynet] We need to get the street camera footage from before the abduction, just in case they weren't as meticulous covering their tracks on the way in. If they didn't want to risk tipping anyone off before the attack, they might have skipped the hacking until the action started. I don't have Stix's access to KE systems, so I either have to requisition it or hack it. Just let me know which way you want to go and I'll get it done. >>
He was tasked to follow orders from the team he was escorting, so if they said to grab the files, that was all the push he would need to break in to KE's host and grab what was needed. Taking the long route - paperwork and authorizations - was slow and tedious, but it was what Ares demanded, and so it was what Skynet did. But sometimes expediency trumped decorum and Firewatch had the operational leeway to outright break the occasional rule in order to get the job done. All it took was a direct order. Or even just a statement from a superior officer that could be construed as one.
Curious about the situation back at the Cygnus base, Skynet scans through the feeds from various drones stationed there, looking for anything out of the ordinary. He sends another command to the KE patrol car to display an ARO with the message "I've set an ARO for some blood evidence in the building that you should look into." He also has the car show an ARO indicating the blood they had found in their investigation - all originating form the car itself rather than either of his SINs.
While doing this, he sends a command to the Roadmaster to head toward the safehouse, recalling the rotodrone at the same time - opening the rear doors of the van to receive it and then closing them again once it had landed safely. The drive is fairly brief - less than ten minutes - before they pull into a small neighborhood on the Redmond border of Bellvue. They then pull into the driveway of a fairly non-descript house on the corner - granting it good visibility for all approaches. The house is about 1800 square feet and features a master and spare bedroom, an office, a full kitchen, one and a half bathrooms and a dining room and living room that are not separated by a wall, creating one large room. Marcus hadn't noticed it before, but the sofa in the living room folded out into a bed, bringing the total beds to three.
After the van came to a stop, Marcus dropped out of VR and blinked a couple times. He commanded his armor to change appearance to straight black with no patches or insignias, removed his helmet, and without looking to the passengers in back, said "We're here" and got out of the van, commanding the front door of the house to unlock and open as he walked up the driveway. He ordered the Lynx to stand down before entering the house, simultaneously sending the dog brain the information it needed to recognize the others as friend rather than foe. He set the fly-spys on their standard watch and headed to the master bedroom, kicked off his shoes, and laid back on the bed so he could think.
<< @Team [Skynet] Stow your gear. Use the facilities if you like. But we shouldn't tarry here long. I'm already situated here, so just let me know when you guys are ready to head out again and where you want to go. >>
-
<< @Team [Skynet] We need to get the street camera footage from before the abduction, just in case they weren't as meticulous covering their tracks on the way in. If they didn't want to risk tipping anyone off before the attack, they might have skipped the hacking until the action started. I don't have Stix's access to KE systems, so I either have to requisition it or hack it. Just let me know which way you want to go and I'll get it done. >>
<<@ Team [Detective] I'd contact Ellis to see if he can grant you access to the needed files. If not then a little hacking may be called for. >>
<< @Team [Skynet] Stow your gear. Use the facilities if you like. But we shouldn't tarry here long. I'm already situated here, so just let me know when you guys are ready to head out again and where you want to go. >>
John slips off the helmet and the jacket for the armor. He leaves the jacket and helmet in the Roadmaster in a spare seat so it wouldn't draw attention. Once it is clear where the safehouse is located, John sends a message to his own set of wheels. A Ford Americar parked in the long term parking storage at the airport. It quickly comes to life and is on it's way toward John's location.
<<@Team [Detective] I've got my own set of wheels heading this way. It's a nondescript Ford Americar. Don't be surprised as it pulls up.>>
While he was at he he also opened a line to one of his other commlinks. One he kept as a working burner link. He opened a connection to a message service that he knew was a dead drop location for a fixer he knew form his undercover work named Jax. He opened a simple message screen and typed in Need an Appointment, Time Sensitive ---Signed Jester and included his commcode for that burner.
He knew he'd be contacted soon by Jax. Jax wasn't one to just call directly. The man had channels to use and John knew the proccess had to be respected.
Once that was done he grabbed his bags and headed into the house. He looked at the others and nodded toward the bathroom. "If I am going to setup the meeting with Manticore then I have to set a meeting with my contact first. I'm gonna clean up. If anyone wants to come with me, I recommend you have a suit for the meeting. My contact isn't one to look like a slob in front of. I'll be in the head getting cleaned up.
He sets his bags down next to the couch and removes a garment bag and a small travel bag. and turns to the others before he goes to the head.
"We need to determine what our next step beyond meeting with Manticore is. And we need to continue looking for the other extraction team. It may not hurt to split up to cover more ground. We need to continue tracking that Roadmaster if possible. Is it possible that the gang responsible for the surrounding area may have seen something beforehand. It would be nice if they could give us a description of the perpetrators. How do we want to proceed?"
-
Gunter listens and reads the ideas the Detective has and nods in agreement. "I believe others may have better options, but I can try and get the sample analyzed if no one else can. Otherwise I'm happy to go along as backup for whoever wants to try interrogating the gangers. I know when to keep my mouth shut and look mean."
He pulls off the Cygnus armor and wears his dungarees and t-shirt into the house while carrying the rest. He's surprisingly strong for his lithe physique.
Once inside, he makes sure all of his gear is in order and changes into his Transit suit. Ready to go either back to the Barrens or out to meet up with Ralph.
-
Marcus considers Detective's message. Ellis would certainly not be happy to be disturbed with such a request. He supposed he could go through Jarrod - the pull of Firewatch without tipping the hand of Cygnus might meet the requirements for secrecy they had been saddled with. Of course, Cygnus's hand had already been tipped back at the ruined house, so maybe the direct route would work fine. Sometimes he regretted having to paint within the lines, but he understood the need for rules.
<< @Team [Skynet] I'll provide backup for the meet with the local gang. I also want to find out more about that Matrix blackout device that Manticore has, so I'll be looking into that for the next few hours after I grab the footage and look through it. >>
He mentally commands the van to pull in to the garage and then guides the Lynx into it. He situates himself in the driver seat and starts on his searches while he waits for the others to finish up.
-
Thorn closed his sketch book and walked into the house to stash his spare gear. He took out his feel good baggy out of his pack to bring it with him. Never know when party favors might come in handy. Thorn also grabbed a can of spray glue and his miniwelder out of his bags. He stood up to leave and then stopped. He must have thought better of leaving the restraints behind, and thorn reached down and grabbed a few zip ties and a pair of cuffs.
"We need to determine what our next step beyond meeting with Manticore is. And we need to continue looking for the other extraction team. It may not hurt to split up to cover more ground. We need to continue tracking that Roadmaster if possible. Is it possible that the gang responsible for the surrounding area may have seen something beforehand. It would be nice if they could give us a description of the perpetrators. How do we want to proceed?"
"I believe others may have better options, but I can try and get the sample analyzed if no one else can. Otherwise I'm happy to go along as backup for whoever wants to try interrogating the gangers. I know when to keep my mouth shut and look mean."
<< @Team [Skynet] I'll provide backup for the meet with the local gang. I also want to find out more about that Matrix blackout device that Manticore has, so I'll be looking into that for the next few hours after I grab the footage and look through it. >>
Thorn sighed a little. "I was hoping to meet the surgeon responsible for the strike on Elden's hideout, but I guess I'll have to miss out." Then thorn smiled, feeling relaxed to be back in his own gear and out of the car. (The cram earlier definitely calmed Thorn's mind, but he was still a little jittery). "It sounds like tech support wants to hit meet the local boys, Detective. Why not? I have a spare suit in my pack if you want to steal one of these guys from me, though. I won't be needing a suit with gang boys. Actually, if you tech boys have any dirty clothes laying around, that'd be great. Maybe something that smells kind of funny?" Thorn walked back to the Roadmaster before continuing, "If we check this out quickly enough, maybe I won't miss out at all, eh?" Thorn continued mentally for the Detective only, "Open the link if you end up meeting Manticore on your own. Ill be able to give you a hand, and we can close it down in a more timely fashion afterwards."