Shadowrun
Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: Volker on <03-15-15/2309:19>
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Shrawan 30, 2131 (15th of August 2075)
Monsoon time is drawing nearer but by now little would allow you to guess so, save vor a glimpse at the calendar. Today, the heavy rain is yet to expect. The air is moist and heavy with smog and unhealthy fumes. Rats are scurrying through the garbage in hope of some left-over piece of food. And you... You do the only sensible thing on a warm summer day: You lie in the shade of the lego-puzzle rooftop of one of the beehive's slum cell units. It's warm, but considerably cooler than corrugated sheet roofs. Since we live in the 5th floor, the noise is more bearable and the smog less dense. You learned to live with the constant swaying of the instable construction, and the ever-lasting threat of the whole construction breaking down when somebody had a fight or too much fun with his girl. Or the choking smell of the cheap paints you use to make the flats look less shabby. Hari, Lucky, Scipio, Riker and some of the kids are enjoying a nice evening of doing nothing.
In short words, everything is at it is supposed to be. Until you hear the voice of Nishan, one of the younger boys. "Riker-dai! Brother! Musaa is back!" His voice is agitated, and you can tell in an instant he's not joking.
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"You've got to be kidding me." Riker was on his feet fast like a snake (if snake had feet...). With mixed feelings he went into Nishan's direction. If this was some sick joke, he'd kick his balls off. Undirected rage still simmered inside him. The theft of his bike was still fresh and raw and he felt useless.
On the other hand there had been so many disappearances that this news kindled some kind of hope within. Maybe it would work out, maybe Mouse even had gotten rich somehow and now was back to help out his friends somehow... (he stopped that line of thinking. Even for a daydream that was just to unrealistic).
"Yo, what gives. What's going on."
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"Come, quickly, all of you! He's still downstairs. They gave him stuff and a slot an' all!"
With that, Nishan already rushes off, climbing down the rusty ladders and rope construction with a speed no sane person could accomplish.
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Lucky lifts himself from the floor, grabs his guitar and slowly goes down. He is a bit sad due to the weather, terrible weather - I wish I lived someplace nice with good clean air he thinks to himself.
Lets see what brought the little mouse back to us! he says to Riker as he decent into the smog.
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Scipio didn't know how to feel. On the one hand, it was good that the mouse was back, but anything inside him, that wasn't there before, probably meant trouble but most certainly an unpleasant experience for the little brother. "Can he talk?", he asked Nishan, while trying to catch up to the quicker boy. Hopeless, Nishan was already far ahead. Who would want to hurt Musaa?, he thought by himself. But as he knew, many people in the sprawl didn't need a reason to hurt someone.
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"Can he talk?," Nishan repeats Scipio's question. "And how he's a-talkin'. Chattering all the time. He's happy as a kid in a candystore. He's definitely as happy as I'd be in a candy store, dai."
Nishan sighs as he has to wait on one of the plastic roofs. From out here, one has a quite spectacular view over something that is not spectacular at all. The beehive grew out of the dirty, stinking slums of Kathmandu like a pistule on a leper. The higher floors are reserved to children and dwarves, and sometimes elves, so as not to bring down the whole building. But of course, no one cares, and the eventuall thrill-seeking troll on drugs brought down whole segments of the hive.
Standing next to the rope-ladder made of cheap plastic fiber, Nishan shouts up: "He's fine! Pop! Gone for months and there he is, babbling about some dudes who healed and fed him and bought him fancy stuff, he is!"
And indeed. Seconds after a heavy thump told everybody that Hari (who went last because he has to move most carefully) reached solid ground, we can already hear agitated talking. A heavy cloud casts his shadow over us as the unevitable monsoon rain clouds herald their approach. A skinny twenty-five-year old woman crouches in a corner with her baby boy, not even bothering to open up her hands for us gutter rats. She knows we're lost, just the way she is. As you move around the corner, you see a group of our gang standing around something. After a little bit of pushing, a little bit of pulling, you force your way through the cloud, and see a real-life verson of Bikki the Mouse, the lost boy.
You have a hard time recognizing him. In fact, would you have met him on the street, you'd probably have missed him. He's clean and has a nice hairdo. He's wearing a cheap shirt, but it's stainless and hasn't got any wholes yet. A datajack (that must've been what Nishan meant by a "slot") shines in the afternoon sun, trying to cast a few last rays through the heavy clouds. He's wearing jeans and a holster with a gun on his hip. He's chattering happily as you approach.
"Dai! So nice to see you!," he exclaims as he sees Scipio who is the first to find a way through the men thicket.
Riker Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/264578): 9d6t5 3
Hari Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/264579): 4d6t5 2
Scipio Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/264580): 6d6t5 3
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The first thing he felt was relief. Musaa was right there and he seemed safe and sound. More than that, he looked a lot happier than when he left.But Scipio still had a bad feeling about this: no one just helped little children for free. Scipio didn't believe in saints, especially not in the sprawl of Kathmandu. And where did the shining slot in Musaas head come from? Something definitely smelled fishy around here...
"Where have you been, bhai? What happened to you?"
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"After I've told my story, Lucky's gonna have to look for a new name. He can have Musaa, though, cuz I'm not needing it any more"
He grins widely and starts his story.
"Everything's begun couple o' months ago when I had a nasty encounter with some local th..."
When Riker (who used to have a very good relationship to the young boy) appears, Musaa's face changes almost instantly. He takes out his gun and fires two bullets at Riker without hesitation. The crowd screams after the loud pang tore the chattering apart and many of the younger ones flee, while others take out their weapons or try to unarm the boy.
The chaos is absolute.
1st bullet (http://orokos.com/roll/264585): 6d6t5 3
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Lucky pulls out his taeser, and point it to Musaa: don't make me do it little mouse... just drop your gun man.
Riker you too - please stay down... nobody shoot!
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/264625): 10+1d6 15
If he does not drop his gun - lucky will shot at him (accuracy 7)
fire teaser (http://orokos.com/roll/264620): 11d6t5 5
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It would be to much to say, that Riker had expected an attack, but the shiny gun had drawn his attention from the moment he saw it.
Surprise test (http://orokos.com/roll/264636): 11d6t5 3
so he wasn't taken utterly by surprise when the small boy suddenly pulled the weapon on him.
Riker might not have been the smartest or suavest resident of the slums, but he certainly was one of the quickest.
Even as the little boy drew his weapon he already began throwing himself to the side
Dodge test (http://orokos.com/roll/264637): 11d6t5 1
Spending Edge for reroll
Dodge test reroll with edge (http://orokos.com/roll/264638): 10d6t5 8[/url]:
The rage instantly began to boil within him. A vile mixture of adrenaline and hate. It wasn't the first time someone had shot at him. After the first time, his mother had eaten almost nothing for a month to buy him armored clothing. But that had been different - less personal.
His hand found the combat knife he kept hidden in his back sheet.
The urge to just charge Mouse with his bare hands was almost overwhelming
Composure test Thrill Seeker
Composure test (http://orokos.com/roll/264641): 5d6t5 2
but he kept himself enough under control to not run into the line of fire
Initiative:
Dodge test reroll with edge (http://orokos.com/roll/264645): 12+1d6 16
1. Combat phase (ini 16): Simple Action: pull knife
2. Combat phase(Ini 6): Charge with knife, disarming attack (-4)
4647]Disarm test[/url]: 8d6t5 3
His plan was to attack the boys weapon hand. Once the boy had lost the gun he wouldn't be a problem, Riker thought.
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Everything happened too fast. When Bikki drew has gun, Riker was immediately upon him, boilong with rage. Restraining himself enough not to kill him (immediately), Riker tried to attack Musaa's forearm. The sly young boy jumped back, bringing up the gun again.
"Just drop your gun, man," you can hear Lucky shout, but Bikki seems to be completely changed. His face is full of fury. Completely ignoring Lucky, Musaa pulls the trigger. The bullet races past Riker's shoulder and you can hear someone scream. Then there is the soft "bzzz" of electrical current, Musaa thumping on the ground, and then nothing.
Lying on the ground, Bikki appears peaceful. Still, he looks changed: he's cleaner, wears nicer things, his fist is clenched around a gun, and there is the datajack. Now that he's lying on the side, you can see something's wrong with it, too. There's something inside: a nail.
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Lucky is shocked. Terrified - he rushes to Bikki, are you okay little mouse? He reach to see if he is still breathing. I can't believe that just happened... are you hurt Riker?
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"Anybody hurt?", Scipio asked, his holdout-pistol still pointed at Musaa. His heart raced. What the hell is wrong with him? They had to check the boy, that was for sure, but at first they had to make sure he couldn't do any more crazy shit. He reached out to pull the gun from Musaa's clenched fist. Holy shit, that could have gone bad. If Riker had been a little slower, he... He gazed at his friend who still looked like he wanted to break someone'neck.
You won't do anything you might regret later, right?
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Riker almost couldn't hear, so loud beat his heart in his ears. Only now did he realize, that Scipio was asking him something. Suddenly he began to shake while still clasping the knife in a white knuckled grip.
"Yes..." his voice broke and he had to repeat himself "Yes, I'm alright. He... he missed."
This hadn't been the first time he had come close to death, not by a long shot. But this was something completely different. Stuff wasn't supposed to happen here at their home turf while all his friends and allies where around.
"What have they done to Musaa?"
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No idea - any reason he'll want to kill you? did you fight or anything?
... lets carry him someplace so we can ask him questions when he wakes up.
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"I haven't seen Musaa for months, same as you. I even helped him learn how to ride a bike..." That sentence brought back a whole tide of bitterness and the rage was back in his voice.
"Whatever happened, that's not the Musaa we knew. Make sure to tie his hands and feet. Gods know what else they implanted in him...
Oh and Scip, can I see that gun? In juvie I've learned a few things about guns."
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Dammit... he is insane Riker, something terrible happened to him - I mean he is lucky I knocked him out before someone pulled out a real gun. What could he possibly want to achieve?
I can't wait to question him. Lets take him to the rooftop.
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When Hari turned around, he could se Sharmila biting down her tears. The Ares Predator V (yeah, the one with the improved ergonomy, the built-in wireless smartgun system and the fancy design) tore a whole right through her upper arm. She's bleeding heavily. If someone stopped the bleeding, she would not die, but if not, the wound might prove lethal in the long run. "Ow...," she moans silently.
The gun's held tightly by Musaa's clenched fists. The current made his muscles contract, but finally you were able to remove the gun. Bikki was only a boy, after all. Bikki lay on the street, slightly bleeding from a headwound he caught when he landed on the floor. It wasn't easy to tie him at first, because the shock made Musaa stiff as a wooden plank, but after a few minutes, you could tear off a piece of his shirt (or something else) and wrap it around his wrists.
Others were gathering, HarleQueen and Man Bahadur among them. "What happened here?," the oldest of our gang asked.
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Lucky took off his shirt and gave Hari.
To Hari: Here, have my shirt - Let's leave the poor Kiddo to rest heh? He had enough for one day and is clearly insane. Besides with the way he looks people may look for him.
He then looked at the 'elder', In short - Musaa is back... Longer version: Musaa tried to become a killer today, but we were quick enough to stop him hopefully without permanent damage.
I'd say we should call some doc to look at them tough.
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Scipio's heart raced. There was way too much insane shit happening way too quickly. He looked at the injured girl. She need's a doc. Scip kneeled down next to her and very carefully patted her shoulder. "Shhh, it"s gonna be all right, little sister", he said with an unsteady voice. The sad truth was: he didn't know what else to say or do.
He watched the unconscious boy, still shocked about what the little mouse had done. Gosh, that was was close. If Riker had been a little slower, he...
But they still needed to properly treat the girl. "Maybe we should try to get Father Rajesh? He might know a trick or two to make sure, she doesn't... get worse.", he suggested. "Maybe he'll even know what struck Musaa?" Scipio didn't feel well about leaving the fate of two of his friends to the old man, but his poor knowledge about injuries and even poorer knowledge of datajacks and how they worked made him unsure whether he and his friends had the situation under control...
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"Damn" Riker hadn't looked at the injured girl, instead his gaze was fixed on the heavy pistol: "That's an honest to god Ares no-kidding Predator V. That gun is worth more than three months of work in a good job. Who the hell gives such a piece to a 10 year old?"
The crying finally pierced his addled senses and he replied to Scipio: "I'll go fetch him - and don't let Musaa get away..."
The rest was drowned out as he sprinted away to find the old man
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Lucky, Hari, Scipio:
Sharmila bravely bites down her tears and nods. She even manages a smile when you assure her a mark.
Man Bahadur tries to be in control but you can see that he himself has to fight down panic. "Dammit. HarleQueen, you're a gal. Can't you do something?"
The orkess shoots him a look. "Nay? Iz me lookin' like me wuz some kinda doc or stuff?" (Lately she has a habit of overemphasizing her slang Nepali to show that she's different.)
"Get Pratiksha, for Heaven's sake!"
HarleQueen looks hurt (she hates being commanded) but even she realizes that this is a very, very bad moment to argue. She swiftly rushes off.
Looking desperately at the wound, Man Bahadur forgot to inquire any further, biting his lip as he waited for Pratiksha to arrive.
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Sharmila holds down the bandage, silently crying.
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Lucky tries to take Sharmila's mind off the pain and he figures up that if he makes her laugh she will have better time handling the pain as they wait for medical assistance. He therefore improvises a couple of jokes regarding the incident.
performance (comedy) (http://orokos.com/roll/265577): 10d6t5 3
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Riker
Riker runs through the alleys and sideways as fast as his bare feet carry him. He rushes past beggars, cripples and sick children, ignores the shouting of vegetable vendors, shoemakers and drug dealers. Once, you almost slip as you cross a small trinklet of something consisting water (and lots, lots of shimmering bubbles). From somewhere far, you can hear singing, but it's almost drowned out by honking, chattering and shouting.
Suddenly, you encounter something which is where hard to ignore: 150 pounds of muscles, compromised into a five-feet yaksha with unpleasantly red-shimmering tattoes on his forehead. His black beard reaches down to his breast, and is almost equally wide as it's long. He's wearing torn jeans and a studded leather jacket (the kind which was modern in the early 50s in the States) and blocks your way. He appears so suddenly, that you almost run him down.
"Nahnah, who's in a hurry?," he sneers. His brother, appearing to your right, smirking and closing in.
The others
Sharmila noticeably cheers up as Lucky creates a vision of Sharmila setting a new fashion trend: After piercing, tattoing, branding and skinshaping, Sharmila would be the one who'd earn the credet for bulleting. Arranged in the right fashion, it's going to drive airport securities mad!
After a while, HarleQueen comes back with Pratiksha. The girl gasps as she sees her bahini bleeding (yet laughing) on the street. With a worried expression, she tries to prevent her from further blood loss. "We need to clean this," she then says. "Otherwise she will die of poisoning rather than blood loss. I need you to get some synthahol, and leave most of it untouched, you hear me?"
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Riker didn't have time for confrontations. Instead of slowing down, he just relied on the general filth coating the ground. While still running full power he transfered all his weight to his left foot while extending his right foot. He used the pommel of his knife as a stabilizing point and just slided through between the two trouble makers. He found his footing again and hammered away while spouting a few incoherent words: "...They're after me... don't be seen with me...".
He was so pleased with the flawless execution of this maneuverer that he almost didn't see the fruitcar that was pushed out of a small passage.
Instead of crashing into it, Riker used a dive roll to get over it, much as he had done so often when he had flown over the handlebar of his bike. There would be a few small abrasions, but nothing that kept Riker from running on even more determined than before.
How about gaining Edge back for brave/cool/stupid actions/the Daredevil Quality?
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You hear that friend? now its time to get you drunk! I'll be right back I think I have some in spot. One of the most bezaar tips I've ever got... I'll be right back - don't forget me when you are famous!
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"Thanks, lucky." Scipio took a deep breath. He was glad that his frieds kept a calm mind in situations like this. His own thoughts still raced from the unconscious little brother, the shining gun, to Riker, who almost got killed some minutes ago, and back to the bhai who pulled 5he trigger. The Musaa I knew would have never done this. What changed him? The bright spot on Bikki's head caught his attention. He gave the slot a closer look. He noticed something fairly odd in Bikki's new slot: Scipio had no knowledge about datajacks, but he knew, that nails weren't supposed to be in them. "Hoi, check this out", he said to Hari and the remaining gangers. "Looks like someone sabotaged his new third eye. Any clues what this means?"
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Riker
Riker’s heart was racing when he escaped those thugs with a rather elegant maneuver, dodging in between them and hurrying off. Considering him not worth the breath and instead deciding to bully someone else, they leave Riker alone. In the not so far distance he can hear thunder rumbling. It will be only a matter of minutes until everything will be drowned in heavy rain. Monsoon will come and do its best to cleanse the sprawl from its dirt and dust and fecals.
Yet, it’s still warm. When Riker finally finds Father Rajesh at the bottom of a small temple, he’s sweating heavily. Inmidst of honking bikers, ragged beggars, hungry street kids and some luckier (and better armed) fellas, you can see the saddhu, wearing but an orange cloth and smoking marihuana leaves. He is thin and sinewy, his grey-black beard falling on his bare chest, and the coal-black eyes almost hidden under bushy eyebrows. You have the impression that he’s just waiting for you, an oracle awaiting its visitors.
The others
There is indeed something strange with the ‘jack. Looking closer, it appears to be a clean (and new) datajack. It was implanted by someone who at least knew what he was doing. Telling from the hair that has regrown around the implantation it has been there for at least a month, maybe more. There are no fresh implantation wounds either. There is something decidedly wrong, though. Someone fixed a nail inside in a only semi-professional way (your guess is Nepali), effectively preventing anybody to insert (or remove) chips, cables or snotty fingers.
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Scipio scratched his pointy ears in a not very elvish manner. He often did that when thinking about something. "So... What should we do with Bikki? I'm sure there is a good reason for his behavior." Or at least he hoped that there was one. He just couldn't believe that his little brother would do such a thing as trying to murder one of his friends. There HAD to be a reason! And even if there was no reason: Bikki was a part of the family. Scipio could never hurt the little mouse. "Shall we wait until Riker comes back with Father Rajesh or do you want to wake him up and question him now?"
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Riker came to a full stop with all the grace of a kitten on a hardwood floor.
"Pratiksha", he gasped, than coughed from the strong smoke surrounding the old man. "Weneedyourhelp,SharmilahasbeenshotandMouseisback,buthe'snothimselfandanywayhetriedtoshootme,buthitSharmilainsteadandyouhavetocomenoworshedies" Riker babbled without taking a breath.
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Riker
Baba Rajesh does not so much as look up when Riker reaches him, reporting and urging him at amazing speed. He just raises his right hand to stop Riker, eyes still shut, and let his other hand rest in his lap. Instead of answering, he softly chants some words in Sanskrit, motionless but for his lips. Despite the summer heat, a shudder runs through your body. That very instant, something cold touches your shoulder. Then your forearm. And your neck. The rain has begun.
Suddenly Baba Rajesh opens his eyes and meets your gaze. The first raindrops run through his white beard, as he slowly speaks with this strong and deep voice of his: "Your friend has been helped. Now, son, sit down, release yourself from your tension, and tell me - slowly - what happened."
The others
As you sit over Musaa's cramped little body and start your deliberations on how to solve the mystery, the first raindrops cast spots on the dusty street. Soon the first heralds of monsoon are followed by an army of drops, washing away plastic bags, dust and the growing pool of blood under Sharmila's frail body. The dirty shirt is soaked with blood, and still the bleeding doesn't stop. She's getting cold, and the chill monsoon air would do little to make her last longer. Hari, stubborn as an ox, embraces her to spend her some warmth, repeating her name, knowing she must not lose conciousness before help arrives.
But before too long, help indeed does arrive.
Next to Hari, a deva materializes from thin air. She chose to appear in the form of a blue-skinned woman. A large chain of gold hanging around her neck falls on her bare breasts. Her long, black hair moves like a veil over her slender body. She wears a long, artistically woven skirt, but her feet are bare save for small anklets. Hovering just two inches over the dirty, wet street, she kneels and kisses the girl's wound. You can see the wound shrink the very instant, and the bleeding cease. Still, the wound has not been healed entirely. The deva puts her hand on Sharmila's forehead to bless her, then vanishes the same way she came.
Several instants pass without anyone saying a word. It is Pratiksha who tears the silence. "Sh-she should be stable. Quickly, Hari, carry her under a roof, or the wound will get wet and begin to rot."
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Riker still felt fury and rage mixed with adrenaline and fear coursing through his mind, but the calm authority of the old man overcame his desire to just get up and sprint right back. Still, he couldn't suppress his twitching while he told Baba Rajesh what had happened: "... and then I ran as fast as I could to you to tell you about it. Are you really sure that she is safe?"
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Baba Rajesh nods. "She is not beyond danger, but a deva saw fit to stop her bleeding.
"Take me to this young man, son, and let me see whether some vile curse made him do that.
"Please, help an old man up..."
He reaches out for your hand.
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Riker immediately jumped to help the old man up. He wasn't usually that courteous, but... well, magic was scary shit and Riker had no desire to anger Rajesh, especially since he supposedly just helped save a life."
"It's that way..." Riker again suppressed his desire to just run ahead and instead kept pace with the old man.
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Lucky just stands there charmed and terrified as the Deva materialize.
He points his taser suspiciously monitoring her every move, ready to fire in the slightest sign of hostility.
When she is gone he approaches the girl, are you okay dear?
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Sharmila's breath is shallow and weak, but she manages to tilt her head yes. "Sanchai chha."
She smiles, and cuddles a bit deeper into Hari's embrace.
Soon after that, Riker appears, followed by the old man you know as Baba Rajesh, a spooky yet usually beneficious yogi. A man who knows how to arrange himself with others and, as you have seen, even the gods. A dangerous, powerful old man.
His gaze is stern as he approaches, his brows clenched in a frown. He curtly bows his head namaste (and, as you know, expects you to show him all the reverance a senior, a yogi, and a savior deserves!) and walks over to duck under the shelter we have chosen to endure the heavy monsoon rain.
"This is the boy, isn't he?"
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"Namaste Father"', Scipio murmured with a deep bow of the head. He did his best to hide his mixed feelings about the spooky apparition, for which the sadhu was probably responsible. He was glad that he had sent for help, he just didn't like not understanding what Father Rajesh did. "Yes, this is Musaa... Bikki bhai, I mean. We don't know what's wrong with him, he got lost some months ago, came back just right now with a sabotaged slot in his head. And he tried..."
Why, Musaa? What have you become? "He was aggressive. We had to put him to sleep." "
Scipio felt helpless. He didn't know what to do, he just hoped that the old man could do SOMETHING to find out who was responsible for this mess. He still didn't believe that Musaa did this on his own will. He would have never done this. Someone made him!We could question him, but I don't know whether he can or wants to tell us anything "Can you... find out what changed him? Can you look inside his mind or... or... do anything?"
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Baba Rajesh slowly shakes his head no. "A person's mind is the diamond inside the mortal shell. It is sacred and belongs only to a person. Even if I could "read" someone's mind, I would never dare to do so."
He runs his almost skeletal hand through his grey-and-white beard, frowning. "Whatever it is that changed your friend, it is neither curse nor demon, unless a vile and gifted sorcerer put some effort in deceiving the third eye that Vishnu has granted me, and did so recently.
I think not that your enemy is to be found in the other world. It was men and machines as twisted this young boy's mind."
He bends down to the boy and opens a beg with cinnabar and puts tika on the boy's head, blessing him. "I can do no further for this young man. His soul is in trouble, and he needs someone to guide him back. If you think, it is my path that would send him back to rightousness, I might consider taking him in as a student. If not, it is the duty of his brothers to take care of him."
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"Well, we could start by getting that nail out his head. I don't know a lot about that stuff, but I'm sure that thing isn't supposed to be in there." Riker gestured at the datajack.
"By the way, has anyone of you looked into his pockets or the labels of his clothes? Maybe we can find out who gave him this stuff and afterwards ask some pointed questions. I very much want to give those people their bullets back..."
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As Riker bends down to examine Musaa more closely, he notices two things he didn't see before.
First, there is something inside the datajack. You don't know a lot about technology, but it looks very much like a chip. The nail has been driven into the slot with care so as not to hurt Musaa. It would prove difficult, however, to remove it without doing harm to the boy, if you don't know how to do it properly. But if you're careful and skilled, you might be able to remove it (but still not the chip).
Second, there is something on his forehead you thought was dust or dirt. Maybe you still would be fooled, but since he is clean everywhere else, the grey speck caught your attention. You gently brush your finger over Bikki's forehead and feel the substance. It's not dirt: It's ash.
The clothes themselves, however, proved less interesting. They were normal cheap clothes, most of them Western style. While they're clean, they're definitely not new: his shirt has some small holes, the jeans are threadbare and thin at the behind. Also they don't fit him perfectly, but still better than most of your clothes fit you.
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I'll wait to see what happens when he wakes up... without his gun the worst thing is an angry 10 years old.
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"I... I'm not sure whether I could do this... To pull something out of his head, I mean. What if we damage the slot? Will it damage his brain?" Scipio felt useless. If he only knew more about datajacks...
He turned to the ascet. His work here is done. "Thank you for your help, wise father. You saved our sisters life. We..." He wanted to say we owe you, but since he didn't want his whole gang to be in the old man's debt, he changed his sentence to "...shall pray for your health and safety". Some day, there would be a possibility to return the favor, but at first they had to treat Musaa.
But how? "Do you guys know anyone who knows about datastuff? Or do you think, we can do this on our own?"
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Baba Rajesh throws a stern look at Lucky and possibly Hari? who refuses to pay him the respect he expects. His gaze is warning and punishing as only the eyes of a powerful father can be. His pride is touched, and this insult is not likely to be easily forgotten.
He turns around without a further word, ignoring Scipio's diplomatic words, and walks off briskly.
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It takes quite some time until Musaa finally awakens. I assume that you put Riker out of sight for at least the first part of your questioning him. His head seems to be dizzy but as he catches sight of his friends and brothers, he kind of relaxes. There is a perplexed and confused expression on his face.
"What just happened..?" He shakes his head to get it clear, but apparently to no avail.
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Scipio sat down next to Bikki. "Hey, brother... You okay?" He gulped. He could hardly believe that this was the same Bikki that tried to murder his friends the very same day. "Er... can you remember anything? I mean, what you did?"
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"Hey, Scip-dai. Yeah, I'm all right.
The hell, yeah, I do. Where is he? Where is Riker?"
The mere thought of his brother seems to make him furious. "Who shot me? Did someone of you actually shoot me? I thought we were family, goddammit?"
-
"Speaking of familiy..." Scipios look got harder. He tried to be stern, tried to be severe, but he just couldn't condemn his little brother. "Where is the problem with Riker? He's your brother just as you are our brother. Why did you..." He gulped. This was just too messy. "Damn, Musaa, what the hell is going on?"
-
"Where is the- are you serious? What about him beating me up all the time? Or ... what about when my parents got killed, huh? Or when I was stabbed back when I was six? Or..."
His face is puzzled. He seems utterly, utterly confused. "Or ..." He now turns desperate. "You fucking know well yourself what's the problem! Dammit, dai, you know him! A-Are you defending him? I'll go back. I should never have come here! Back to my real family!"
Tears swell in his eyes, as he jumps up, on the verge of crying, or else splitting some skull. His behavior is absolutely incongruent. He seems to notice himself that something is wrong with him, but he can't but his finger on it, and thus reacts with anger.
Background information regarding this: - Riker never beat him up (maybe a petty stroke on the back of his head to keep his grey cells running, but he definitely never beat him up).
- Riker didn't even know Musaa at the time his parents got killed over a 1000 rupees note.
- And when he was stabbed by some street punk, Riker ran off to find help which might even have saved his life, though you can never be sure.
[/spoiler]
-
"Hush, little brother, no need to be angry." Scipio does his best to hide his confusion, even though his brain is struggling to understand what Musaa means. He reaches out to the boy and tries to pull him back to the ground with a gentle gesture. "You're right, we're your family. We protect you. Riker ain't here, nobody can beat you up." He throws a helpless look at the others. "Uhm... Tell me again: what do you mean with real family? Did they give you the slot?"
-
Riker was boiling with rage at the words of this boy he always had seen as a little brother. It took all his limited patience not to jump down from the plastic roof where he currently lay and give the boy the beating he accused him off.
It was so unfair. Especially since Riker never had hit anyone. Not with his hands or feet anyway. He knew how to use a knife and if he had wanted to hurt someone it would have been...
He stopped himself thinking about it. He had had to use the knife in prison. After he had been caught by the Chinese hotel owner, he had learned in earnest what it was like to fight for his life. That he had been let go was thanks to the overcapacity prison and not due to good behavior.
Tense as a coiled spring he listened. Who had told that asshat that bullshit...
-
Lucky approached Bikki with joy! "Yo, little brother... don’t listen to them they are crazy. This Riker man deserved it. You are totally right - he shouldn't have jumped you again. So tell me little mouse..."
he holds his hand and lowers his voice to a near whisper
“where have you been these last monthes...? I missed you! Playing in the street is not the same without you lifting their wallets - I barely make a living now”
-
Musaa is still raging, but doesn't make any attempts to actually leaves this place. Lucky and Scipio can tell that he doesn't really want to leave anyway. Leaving his gang once was enough for him. Yet there is something...
When Lucky said those things about Riker, HarleQueen was about to jump about and set him on flames (as you've seen her see people set on flames before!), but then she realized what this was about, and restrained herself. She allowed Lucky to gain Musaa's trust, and kept her feelings about this to herself.
"I'm not talking about my real real family, y'know. More like, y'know, lika ya, but different.
"Ya remember, I went off roaming tha city when I got into that mean guys' turf. They beat me up badly, they did. Then they left me to die, and died I would have if Prakash hadn't found me. But he found me, and he brought me home. That is, his home. But it would also become mine. And there I lay, bleeding, and then I got cold. It was so damn friggin' cold, and I already saw my soul leaving my body.
But it didn't. It stayed, because of Sai Baba. You musta heard of him: Sree Yela Sai Baba the Saint. He come towards me, he put a tika of holy ashes on my forehead and suddenly I felt warm and safe, and the bleeding was almost gone. They gave me clothes, they gave me food and a shower. I was allowed to stay with them, can you imagine? I ... I had everything I always missed. 'cept for you, course. But they let me stay under the warm roof of the temple, and eat and drink with them, and I there was nothing I had to do, save to worshop my savior."
Musaa sits down again, as he sees how people listen to what he has to say. Led by some encouraging questions, mostly posed by Lucky, he told the entire story:
"And then came those men. I call them the white men, because they were always wearing white suites although the street is so dusty. But sometimes, they too, were dusty. Y'know, not the finest man can go through dirt without getting dirty, can he?
"They told me that I was chosen because I was the fastest and strongest and toughest of all the boys in the temple. And y'know what, it's true. Not everybody grew up in the toughest gang of the city, so they told me they would make me a soldier. Soldiers never go hungry, because they can work in the army, and they earn really tough money, y'know? I'd be afraid of nobody, and I'd be rich and then I would buy myself a big house and let all of you live with me. I'll kill all those who are bad to me. Kill Riker.
So the white men came, and they trained me. There were paper puppets and they gave me a gun and let me shoot them. There was a trainer, and he told me how to shoot. He said, always pull the trigger twice, then you can kill more likely. And he taught me how to shoot straight at the chest. And they told me how to use a knife and I got the taughest boy of the temple.
And then the white men said, that I was even better than they thought. That they would give ma a very special present, a new technology that would make me stronger still. With this, I could be the strongest warrior in the world. They explained me how it works, but I understood nothing. They said, it would hurt in the beginning, because my brain is getting stronger than it used to, and then they made me sleep and when I woke up, there was this."
Musaa touches his datajack ever so slightly, as if it were some precious jewel, or something that hurt. He smiles, though.
"And then I resumed the training. And at first, there was nothing special, but then sometimes I saw things I couldn't really see. But they were there and they made me faster and more accurate. And I got better and better. And the stronger I got, the better food they gave me (I even got meat once a week to my dal bhat) and the better the clothes were.
And after so many, many weeks of training, they said I can make holidays. And they let me go and visit my brothers. And so I came here to see all of you again. But I didn't know that Riker was here..."
-
Lucky said, Look! I think Riker put somthing in your slot. Probobly when you were out. The basterd! lets go someplace have it fixed. We got some money no problem. After all it is our only chance of ever having a real home to stay in. He was probobly just jelious...
pops will know where to do that, he put so much chrome inside there is not much meat left. He must know where to do this kind of stuff. Shall we go?
-
Scipio din't feel good about this. Vilifying Riker wasn't right! But it was probably the easiest way to get Musaa to a cyberdoc. "Yeah, we'd better get you checked by someone who knows about this stuff. Someone drove a nail into your slot. Riker might..." Shit, that ain't true! Scipio had to turn away, otherwise Musaa might see the lie in his face. Let's get him checked, that's what's important now. I just hope, Riker keeps himself under control...
Musaa's story confused him. Sure, he had heard about Sai Baba, but he didn't relly believe that this so-called-saint ideed helped people for nothing in return. Nobody did that! So what's in there for the temple-people? A new follower? But how could Bikki be of use for them? He's no warrior, he's just a mouse that got lost in the sewers...
There were way to many questions, but maybe the datajack would bring them some answers.
-
Those fucking drekheads. Riker couldn't eat as much as he wanted to vomit. Sai Baba - if that asshole wanted war, Riker was more than willing to give it to them. But even in his rage he knew, that he would probably be gunned down if he went there with just a knife.
While the others were busy repeating those lies back to mouse, he would do something useful:
He slid down from his hiding place and went to have a look at this funny saints place. Fucking drekheads.
Still fuming he began to ran.
-
Riker
You run, turning your fury into fuel, burning it as you force your way through the crowds. How much faster you could be if that assholes hadn't stolen your bike!
It takes you a while to get there but everybody knows the place. Sai Baba's temple. It is a nice four - levelled pagoda, surrounding by some more mundane buildings: Kitchens, sleeping rooms, bathrooms. The place before the temple is full with people: Followers who savor the holy air, traders, sick and wounded who wait for the Baba to return, street dogs who live from those people's garbage. But although there are so many, many people, you can't deny the feeling of being watched closely...
the others
Musaa shakes his head. "no, he didn't. The nail was already there. They said, this would make it impossible to remove my be powers. I don't need to go to Pops. I'm fine, really. I'd like to see some of the others, though!"
Musaa didn't seem to have looked through your trick but you knew he was a clever boy. It might only be a matter of time until he thinks about the real relationship of you and Riker.
-
Riker rubbed the short stubbles on the back of his head. A niggling feeling told him, that what he was doing now was not the best idea. But Riker was neither in the habbit nor in the mood to listen to this feeling. Instead he made his way towards one of the vendors, selling various types of food.
Looking as if he couldn't decide what to order, Riker glanced around and tried to get a feeling for the place: Where were the guards, where was that school Mouse had talked about and who did he know that could possibly want him dead by the hand of his little ex-friend?
Perception Check + Hawk Eye (http://orokos.com/roll/271136): 10d6t5 5
-
Lucky answer Musaa, Why are you lying to me little mouse? The people that put nail are not the people that put slot.
-
I'll write a note detailed description when I have a computer.
Slowly you wander around and watch the people. Some of the vendors are just this, but some are watching their environment closely. More importantly, you recognize some people who are neither this not that, bulky men who look around with an almost fanatic state. You realize they are the watchers and the guards. And they, like Musaa, have spots of grey ash on their foreheads.
You cannot identify a specific school building, but you can see some children entering the temple building itself and some coming from their sleeping quarters.
A little later, you can tell you're not the only one who is watching. A sinewy task man in orange robes fixed you with a penetrating gaze.
-
So the temple-people changed him... Scipio felt the rage building up in him. He would find out, why and he would make them pay for it!
For a moment he thought about giving one of Sano Souraj's henchmen a subtle hint that the Sai Baba-temple was brainwashing street-kids and making them kill Souraj's subjects, but Scipio doubte that the wanna-be (if he even believed the story) would do something helpful.
No, they had to do this by themselves. But the most important thing was Musaa's safety. The temple can wait! "Listen, brother...", he said, trying to sound as calm, professional and encouraging as possible. "Even if your... friends... at the temple had nothing bad in mind, you have to get your slot checked. Operations like this can often go wrong and..." Damn, I don't know a single thing about these operations! But we have to get him checked, whether he wants it or not. If the temple put the chip and the nail in his head, that's probably what made him go crazy.
He tried to take on a stern voice: "I hate to be a big brother like this, but you're leaving me no choice. Do you know that you almost killed your sister? The Musaa that left us would have never fired a bullet at a crowd with his brothers and sisters! I don't know whether your slot or the nail on it is responsable for this, but we'll gonna find out!"
Scipio hoped that Lucky's and his words left enough of an impression on the little boy. His tone got softer:
"Musaa, we're your family. We just want to protect you from whatever is inside your mind. It's like when you have a bad wound: even when it seems all right, you still should let an expert have a look at it. Please, just do this for us, you'r worried dhais who just want to keep their brother safe"
-
Riker ignored the staring man and went in the direction the other children had gone to. While he did so, he loosened the knife he wore in the sheath on his left arm. Whatever happened, they wouldn't catch him alive...
-
Riker
The temple is a beautiful yet somewhat neglected building. It's clean but here and there bricks show, windows have holes, our other signs of bad sustaining arise - just as anywhere else in this God-forsaken city. As you enter, you come into the main hall. There is a huge poster displaying Sadi Baba on the wall. His right palm is directed to his followers - and Riker. People lie on the ground, worshipping him. There is a huge donation box on front of the poster. The whole room is held in red and orange and white. Nobody wears shoes inside. If you enter without taking yours off, you are asked friendly to remove them. Just as you do so, you can see the boy you were following turn around a corner to an area you're quite sure you're not allowed to follow. The tall man moved a few steps to be able to keep an eye on you.
The others
"I'm not lying, Lucky. I mean, it wasn't there very same person, but it was also someone the white men ordered to, y'know? But he was a local, and the slot was put by some white westerners. But they did it for me, y'know?"
Musaa seemed reluctant to have the jack checked. But as Scipio mentions Sharmila, he changes. Bikki throws a glance at the still sleeping girl, soothed and held by Hari. "I... I didn't think about them. I'm still your brother! Man, I'm so sorry! I... Alright, let's go to this... doctor. Thing. Whatever."
-
On the way to the doctor Lucky was distracted he did not say much. The guilt... Bikki had to be stopped but the image of him just collapse like a stone, echoed in Lucy's mind. He enjoyed the thrill - but could not get rid of that terrible guilt.
-
Riker decided fast: He left his sorry excuse for shoes (he made sure to leave them just next to a nice pair that looked as if they could fit) and strode with the self importance of a messengenger to the door where he just saw the children leaving.
When he was inevitably stopped he said: "I have a message for the teacher of Musaa"
Con(Fast Talk) Test (http://orokos.com/roll/272416): 8d6t5 2
-
Scipio made no attempt to break the awkward silence that joined them on their way. In fact, his own thoughts kept him pretty busy. He knew one sad truth: If they couldn't heal Musaa, they had to stop him. No, I can't let this happen! He's our brother, we can't give him up! But if Musaa didn't want to be "healed"? Nobody had the right to put his own version of the truth over someone else's. Nonsense, he's been brainwashed, he told himself. He's not himself. It's our duty to get the old Musaa back. Let's get the chip out, maybe that'll solve the problem.
But in the back of Scipio's head, a doubtful voice remained, that just wouldn't shut up about how wrong it was to change Bikki against his will.
And another question, fairly simple, but still important, came creeping up his mind: How should they pay the doctor?
-
Riker
Opposed Roll: 4 successes. Sorry :) as soon as I get back to a computer, I'll roll online again. Promise
The sinewy man frowns at your request. "Who sent you?" You can tell from the tension in his body that you didn't quite convince him.
"What kind of message? And which teacher do you mean?"
The others
Unfortunately, there's only one place you can be sure you'll find someone who knows this business but doesn't ask too many questions: Thamel. Neither of you feels very comfortable at the thought of going there, even more so if you're unprotected. But you're not. Although Hari excused himself (He wouldn't let go of Pratiksha before he knew she was well), there were actually two offers for help. Sissy's came first. "Aye, dai, you go there but you don't without someone big. I'll..."
But he was interrupted by someone else. You couldn't quite bite back a grin over your gang's eagerness to help. "You is need some'un with brains, brudders. Me's a-goin' with ya, and me mojo's a-cummin' along. Whazzay ya?", asks HarleQueen.
No matter whether you take muscles our magic with you, it's always good not to be alone in the headquarters of organ snuggling, drugs and prostitution...
-
"How the hell should I know. The kid said go to the temple and tell my teacher: I have done as he asked. Also I should tell him where they can be picked up. And no, I don't know who "they" are."
Riker made a bored face. "And since I gave the message to you, you now owe me the rest of my pay. Cough up the rupie"
Fast Talk (http://orokos.com/roll/273844): 8d6t5 1
Yeah, they probably won't buy that. I'm adding edge:
Fast Talk +Edge (http://orokos.com/roll/273846): 5d6t5 2
1 exploding 6
Fast Talk +Edge (http://orokos.com/roll/273847): 1d6t5 1
-
It was a tough choice. Scipio knew that it would not come down to who was the best fighter, but with whom they could avoid most of the fights. There was always someone with a bigger bite in the sprawl, and especially Thamel was full of bear-size-biters. And if they wanted to last an hour in Kathmandu's black heart, they had to stay away from those. And there was the choice: with Sissy in their squad, they might be able to avoid most of the nine-to-five-cutthroats and robbers, simply because his intimidating figure would hopefully scare them away. On the other hand, with the big troll in the party the would loose a lot of their agility since the wouldn't be able to "meld" into a crowd or get away from trouble unnoticed.
With Harley in the team, they would still be able to escape through cellars and narrow shortcuts, but Sissy would definitely slow them down. Still, every thug in Thamel knows Thamel's street better than we do. They'd probably get us anyway, but Sissy can probably keep them at bay just by looking at 'em.
"Ahm, HarleQueen, I think the thing we lack the most is indeed force. Sheer, brutal force, I mean. And someone who looks bad enough to cause them nasty folks nightmares just by looking at them, and - don't get me wrong - you're just to pretty for that."
He tried a charming smile and hoped the orc-girl was not in a bad mood.
-
Lucky said, "thanks a lot guys... My own opinion is that we need no magic nor muscle. We need a silver tongue, and some wits. If we get into any kind of fight someone will die and I can't accept that.
Unless magic can get us there undetected or disguise us as infected people - we do not need it this time... but do explain if you have another idea."
he smiles.
"A little bit of ruppies in wallets... enough so we can get robbed a couple of times - but somthing not satisfying about a meal worth nothing more. will do the trick for us.
Face it guys, we're not exactly a powerful force in the streets - it is better that we don't pretend to be somthing that we are not...
Some cosmetics to make us appear very sick can also go a long way towards not ending up in the organ doner list. If we may be infectious and have nothing worth stealing why bothor us? we can be more damage to just to approach than the couple of ruppies we may be carrying"
-
Usually, there should be only one roll on a social skill in a certain social situation. I'm quite sure you don't roll for each combat round ;-)
I think you could re-roll 2 dice more if you used 2nd chance.
But since my roll without dice is not really valid, too, I guess it's fine this time.
Opposed Roll (http://orokos.com/roll/274373): 6d6t5 3
Riker
The man shoots riker a suspicious look. Frowning, he replies, unsecurity in his voice: "Musaa, you say? That street dog that found his way here a couple of months?"
He frowns again. To buy time, he demands to know: "Why didn't he come himself?"
The others
"Yo," says HarleQueen, "me mojo may make you get anywhere undetected, sweet dai, but I ain't no sure whether you wants to go Thamel-ways invisible. But me'd love to kick some ass with 'em who fragged wid da kiddo's mind, me would!"
Cissy remains calm, knowing he could never outtalk any girl (let alone HarleQueen, who usually is as loud as her face is colorful). He actually winced a bit when she let her stream of words pour over you, as you can tell from his face that he really feels bad letting you go to Thamel alone, but feeling at a loss of words to convince you.
-
Invisible? Scipio frowned at the thought of that. Was his sister really capable of doing something like that? Well, whatever, he didn't want to find it out with himselt as the test object. He trusted HarleQueen, but not her spooky abilities. No, invisibility - even it was possible - was not an option.
And if Scipio ws completely honest with himself: The big-mouthed orc-girl wasn't an option either. I love her, but she's a bomb. She'd probably rather provoke a fight than help us avoid one.
But going alone?
"I don't know, Lucky, I like the plan with the make-up but I think we can get a lot more done with a silver tongue and some steely teeth than just with a tongue alone. We go there alone, I say five minutes 'til they're on us, no matter how sick we look. The people there would kill for a hot meal, I think we need some force to back us up if the camouflage fails."
He turned to HarleeQueen. " You think you could do that, my pretty bahini? I think you've got more experience with make-up than the most of us."
-
I agree, if I am to go - this trip has to resolve peacefully. So far speaking or fleeing kept me alive. We should also cover Musaa's slot.
He address HarleQueen with a respectful look: Could you please help us with mundane cosmetics?
Does Lucky knows anything about HarleQueen Magic? can she summon spirits for example?
-
Riker just shruged: "Didn't ask him. He just said I should tell his teacher where he and the others could be picked up."
Riker wasn't a schemer by nature, but maybe - just maybe - they could prepare an ambush for whoever would come for Musaa and make them give him and the others some answers...
-
Riker
Still frowning, the tall bald man replies: "All right. I, uhm... I'll go get hime. You wait right here, tik chha?"
He walks off briskly, entering the forbidden parts of the temple.
The others
"Ya, like frag, shit'eads. Y'wanna looks like some clown or what? Me's not a cosmetician or what's-a-called-it. Could give it a try, though... Whazzit gonna be? Sick'n'beautiful? D'ya've any idea already where ta go 'n' wadda do?"
A shy smile appears on Sissy's tusky lips. You chose him. Hiding his pride, he takes a seat next to you, ready to go whenever you're there. "Shall I get my club, dai?"
The problem is that none of the others has any experience with magic themselves. If she is able to summon spirits, you might never have witnessed it, or didn't realize what it was. Fact is, you never saw hear summon a spirit or something. You do know that she has a knack of igniting things (and people). Apart from this, you never know what is her spooky appearance, and what actual magic.
-
As soon as he was left alone, Riker to out his comlink and discreetly send a message to his friends:
Am at temple, trying to lure bad guys who made Musaa to old scrap yard. Prepare ambush by old containers.
Reply.
-
"Uhm..." Even though he knew her for so long now, Scipio sometimes still had difficulties to understand HarleQueens slang. But I guess that means yes. Ok, great. Thanks, bahini. How much time do...
His Comlink gave a buzzing sound. Who could that be? It was Riker. And he meant business. Holy shit! For one moment his face turned into a mask of shock, then he got himself under control again.
Scipio pretended that nothing had happened and waited until Musaa wasn't looking at him to pass the comlink to Lucky as quickly as possible.
Con (default on CHA, using Edge) (http://orokos.com/roll/278320): 10d6e6t5 4
-
Riker
You wait in the temple hall for a few minutes, then you can hear footsteps of a small group approaching. The first one to arrive is the sinewy, bald man from before. He's not smiling, but he nods in your direction and inclines his head. He is followed by a stout man with relatively dark skin in a fine suite, a middle-aged troll in wide, orange robes and a bulky human wearing street clothes and a big gold chain around his neck.
"Good aftermoon", the stout man shouts over the noise of the heavy monsoon rain drops. "Nice to make your acquaintance... What was your name again?"
The others
Musaa falls silent for a moment, when the commlink stirred, but gets impatient quite quickly. "Can we go now? I thought you wanted this thing to get checked?"
You have little choice but to move in order to avert Musaa's attention. As soon as you walk off direction east, Scipio finds a moment of unawareness to pass the 'link to Lucky.
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/277286): 4d6t5 2
-
Lucky is conflicted when he sees the message - on the one side it seems like a perfectly reasonable plan and it would have passed if he could bring himself to be the first to initiate aggression. But he can't, using force - any sort of force when you do not absolutely have does not pass on his moral campus.
On the other hand Riker may be in trouble and if they do not come, and if he simply does not go with his friends they'll be in more danger. He got to prevent any sort of violence in that encounter at all cost. He address Musaa: "come on little mouse, we got to get your slot examined... and we better leave quickly". He does not show any sign of the mental struggle inside.
Con roll in case I need to roll...Con hide emotions (http://orokos.com/roll/277314): 10d6t5 3
-
"Name's Scip. Honored to meet you to... whoever you are. You know, I could be delivering another message and earning money instead of standing here around. You probably want me to tell you again what I just told that guy. So here it goes:
I got a message for Musaa's teacher. He says he did as you asked him to do. Now he waits for pick up with the others at the metal sheds down arrow way. No, he didn't tell me anything else and I didn't ask why he wouldn't go himself since delivering messages is kind of my job."
Riker tapped his foot impatiently.
"That will be one Rupy, thanks."
-
Riker
The man eyes you for a second, his two followers silent as the grave. The troll is frowning slightly. After an awkward moment of silence, the well-dressed man flashes a smile that never reaches his eyes, and nods, as if to confirm something no-one has ever said. “Very well, nice, nice. Yeah, here is your rupee. At the old metal sheds, you said? Fine, thank you indeed. Good to hear, good to hear indeed. Very much obliged.”
He turns around, and the other three men follow him into the restricted area inside the temple.
You somehow understand better why Scipio dislikes people in suites.
@the others: I'm not 100 % sure where you are heading: direction Thamel or direction metal sheds?
-
Riker had toyed with the thought to just stab that slick bastard,
Thrill Seeker:
Composure (http://orokos.com/roll/277949): 7d6t5 3
but the troll security discouraged him sufficiently. Clutching the Rupee he took of again. Of course he didn't just run straight towards Arrow Way. He might be hotheaded but he wasn't a complete idiot.
Instead he detoured back towards their turf and called his friends again: "Made it out ok. I'm not sure if he bought it, but that slick fuck definitely has something to do with Musaa being fucked up all of a sudden. So, where are you?"
-
Scipio's comlink buzzed again. He already had a feeling who might be trying to call him, still he took out his comlink and tried to act surprised. "Ah, that's Bajitha", he improvised. "Sorry, I have to answer that one. You guys just go ahead, I'll catch up to ya in a minute." With these words he turned left into a sideway and moved out of hearing-range with a couple of steps.
"Riker, what's going on?", he whispered. "We're on the way to Thamel with the kid, gettin' his slot checked." Scipio took a deep breath. He hated to protest against his friends, especially if he ruined the plan. But someone HAD to take responsibillity for Musaa.
"We can't drag him into an ambush. Bhai barely made it back to us, we have to get him to a doc, for the best of him. I'll take him there with Lucky or Sissy, or I'll go alone if I must, but I won't take him to a fight with whoever will come there."
-
"Who the hell said you should bring him to a fight? I want answers from those fuckers - and we won't get them by being nice, but I never said we had to fight. If they jammed that stuff in - whatever it is - they should know how to get it out again. I'm sure that will help us more than prodding around in Musaa's brain. At the very least those bastards will have the money to pay for the doc.
Just get him somewhere safe and bring the muscle."
Riker had begun to run again, now that he knew that no-one of his friends was in position. Though, he had to admit that he maybe should have told his friends what he intended to do. Problem was: Until he had been in the temple he hadn't known himself...
-
"But... Allright, on the way. I'll send Musaa back to the hive." He ended the call and and returned to the others,quickly typing sending the message "LOOK AFTER MUSAA" to HarleQueen. She'll take care of him.
"Uhm, guys, I think we might have to change plans: Musaa, it's probably for the best if you don't go with us. You're young, ya look clean, healthy and cute, every dealer and thug in Thamel could get a damn lot of Rupies for your body, dead or alive. We'll just try to rush in and get a doc to come with us."
He ignored the boys attempts to protest, trying to look as stern as possible. "I know, you're a big boy, but I think we can still move faster without you. And I know that you can hold your own, but please stay with Harley and the others, just this one time.Will you do this for us, bhai?"
-
I'm not sure it is wise... said lucky there is so much a doctor is able to do outside of his clinic.
-
Scipio was a little thrown off by his friend's objection. He only wanted to get Musaa back to the others so they could move to the ambush as quickly as possible. "We can't be sure about that", he replied. "Maybe he just needs some tools to get the nail out and... don't know, his comlink? But I'd rather not take the risk and drag Musaa into the hellhole."
He gave his best to sound convincing. "I say we hurry, take the smaller sideways and are back in two hours. We know how to handle thugs."
-
Riker reached the sheds by the scrapyard in record time. It wasn't strictly spoken their gang's territory - mostly because no-one wanted to live here. The place used to be a normal dump, but since the waste burning plant had taken away almost all organic and plastic waste, only blackened and burned metal parts and other non-ignitable material remained now. People had started to recycle some of it but most of the stuff was rusted beyond any use.
But as everywhere else in the slums, some people had tried to take his place as their domicile and created some makeshift sheds from the rusted and corroded material. But since the population of devil rats had significantly overtaken that of the meta humans, those had been abandoned. Arrow way was called that, because it led straight to the middle of the dump - a place you wanted to avoid at night if you didn't intend to become rat-dinner.
Riker knew that his comm would stop working once he was in there - stupid cheap crap. But hopefully the same would apply to whoever this temple asshole would send there.
-
Lucky wanted to go to no ambush... okay okay... you stay here little mouse... but do wait up as we might be doing the same trip twice. he figured out that maybe some miracle will happen and it will go down peacefully.
-
Riker, Lucky and Scipio ... and Sissy
First Riker, then the other three reach the sheds. It's still pouring heavily, making it difficult to see far. Even the devil rats prefer to stay hidden. Long before you came so much as close to the place, you were soaking wet. The heavy drops falling on the metal sheds create a noice which makes communication nigh impossible. There seems to be no more life than you four sad figures, standing in the pouring rain, when Lucky, Sissy and Scipio arrive.
You can hear distant rumble.
-
Scipio wanted to take cover as quickly as possible, for once because he didn't like standing in the rain, but also because he didn't know when the other guests would join their miserable party. He greeted Riker with a waving gesture since he didn't want to shout against the rain and thereby warn possibly approaching strangers. On the one hand, he was extremely glad to see his friend safe and sound, but he still didn't like the feude with the temple that they might be about to start. If there was any way to prevent this situation from escalating, he would try his best NOT to start a war with the so-called saint and his followers.
He gave his friends a sign that he would suggest to split up and carefully walked a few steps through the garbage, trying to make as little sound as possile and to avoid cuts from sharp metall-edges.
-
Lucky picks the most exposed and visible place he can find and stand in it. He is waiting for the group to arrive. He does not seem concerned about the rain or about tactics.
-
Riker hurried over to them, glad to see his friends come through for him.
"Hey Scip, did you bring the Ares? Might be useful to get them on the defensive why they gave a 11 year old such a gun... and of course because we could shout them in the kneecaps if they try any funny business."
-
"What?" Scipio had a hard time understanding his friend with all the noise the rain caused. Damn, totally forgot about the gun! "No, I didn't. Riker, we must not let this escalate! We don't know what they're capable of, but I'm sure they're up to no good."
He was in an inner conflict: on the one hand, he really wanted to make these bastards pay for what they did, but he could not forget his friends' safety. We're responsible for them. We can'risk their lifes!
"They had Musaa for quite some time. They probably know where we live, shit, they probably know everything about us! What are we? Just a few street rats, nothin' more. Can you guarantee that these temple-folks won't send an armed crew in our hive? They almost killed you, what if they aim at Pratishka or someone else the next time?"
His voice grew into a formidable fortissimo. Damn, I should be more quiet...
Scipio continued more silently: "We must not start a war with these guys. For our gang's sake!"
-
"As far as I'm concerned, the war already started when they sent an eleven year old boy to have me killed. Sooner or later they will learn that Musaa failed and is still alive. Do you think they won't come for him and that they won't get rid of the witnesses? Whatever this is, we won't win through pacifism."
Riker had been getting louder and louder: "There is always a price and if you don't think so, you clearly haven't been shot at enough."
-
But why attack like they did... it makes no sense. Lets ask them politely about it. Even if we can kill them it wont make us any smarter and many of our friends will die.
-
"Damn it. I don't want to kill anybody. But I want to be ready. That includes being able to force them to tell us everything if the polite asking route doesn't work."
-
I dont think we can force them... we know too little and cannot tell bullshit from truth. We should do.somthing unexpected. Be friendly, perheaps even tell them that bikki became a hero and all the mids want super powers like him... that way they will be caught off guard and may talk too much.
-
"Fine by me if you want to try. I'll wait up there with a knife for if or when your kind words fail."
-
Okay... Rambo. Lucky did not actually say Rambo as he never heard of him. However, to a reader of our time it is the best translation.
-
"Shhh..." Scipio tried his best to calm his friends down. The guys from the temple could arrive anytime! "So we'll try to be nice at first, and if that fails, we can still think of a plan B, right?" He looked at his friends to see if they agreed.
He scanned their surroundings. " Guess it might be for the best if at least Lucky and I show our good intentions by not creepin' up on them." Turning to Riker and Sissy he suggested: "But what about you guys, wanna try to take cover and surprise them?"
-
Lucky nods with agreement. He did not approve violence but he wasn't going to get a less violent plan.
-
It takes close to 40 minutes until you can see somebody entering the yard. The monsoon rain became slightly less terrible, but it's still not showing any signs of stopping. Although you tried to find some shelter, all of you are wet to the bones and shivering.
The sun is just about to set - it's already getting slightly reddish - as three figures enter the metal sheds. The first is this Indian looking guy Riker has already met before. He's wearing an umbrella in a futile attempt to stay something close to dry. He's being accompanied by his two bodyguards: the troll in his orange robes looks stern and keeps wiping raindrops off his face, and the stout human with the big gold chain hides his aggression so poorly that it appears like open hostility. A heavy arm hangs openly in his belt, but it's not drawn.
"I am here," the stout man in the suite cries, "where are you?"
-
True to his word, Riker had hidden on the roof of a burned out van that balanced precariously at the top of the nearest heap. He had his knife in hand and was ready to jump onto the guy with the gold chain. He was cold and miserable.
Anxious he waited for his friend to make his speech. If that actually worked, he would have to apologize to Lucky. But something told him, that the chances for that weren't very high...
-
Cissy, who hides behind the same van, casts a worried look at Riker. He's not really a coward, but ... well, if he can avoid a fight, he does so. Might have him brought a couple of additional years already. He doesn't seem eager to jump at security personnel.
-
Scipio loosened the small hold-out-pistol, that was carefully hidden in his armslide. He nervously scratched his ears. All right, now or never! From behind the broken metal-canister, where he was cowering, he shouted in a voice, that he hoped would sound authoritan and intimidating: "Four arms are pointing at you, so don't make any sudden movements!"
He waited a few seconds, then he got up and walked towards his enemies, his hands up in the air as a sigh of his good intentions. "We just want to talk, ok?"
-
Fearlessly approaching the man Lucky extands his hand. Lucky... nice to meet you. Are you the guys that augmented Bikki? Dont mind my colleagues they are just nervous.
He is not afraid if they wanted to kill Riker was gone already.
-
The dark-skinned man casts you a look that is quite difficult to determine in the semi-darkness of the heavy monsoon rain. It could be anything... apart from friendly, amused, beneficial or basically anything you might find positive. He clears his throat before speaking.
"Is this a way to begin a conversation? Shiva and Vishnu, you street rats are even more impolite than I thought after all these years of working on you. Now, bistarai. My boys have better weapons, better training and less restraints, just to sort that one out. What is it you want, boys? I made my way all through this nasty weather, so you better have some good excuse."
If you want to frighten him, you might roll Intimidation rolls. Since Cissy is the scariest of you, I'd suggest he'll do the main roll and you the supportive ones.
-
Why did you made that lovely child an assasin? What was it good for? This is not exactly the place for manners and ettiquete... stop this guns bullshit... if you wanted to use them you could have just do so yet here we are... I am not bleeding yet...
-
"...And we don't want to use ours either. I just wasn't sure if you would let me finish talking before putting a bullet between my eyes. You know, gotta be careful in the streets." Scipio does his best to hide his disgust. He already hated the man. He was wearing fine clothes that could probably feed their whole gang for a week if they sold them and smelled of expensive aftershave. Scipio couldn't tell if he REALLY smelled of anything in specific, but simply being around this sad excuse of the process of evolution made him want to vomit on something expensive.
Still, he tried to keep his masquerade up, if possible without lying. Scipio knew that he was not a very good liar, he would leave that mostly to Lucky.
"See, we're his friends, his family if you want so. So we want to know a little bit more about his... godfathers."
He did not exactly know what that meant, but he knew it was supposed to be a fancy word for "uncle", or at least something similar.
It tastes bitter and wrong in his mouth...
-
The man with the gold chain glowers at Lucky. "Easy, man. It was you who threatened. I suggest you put down any arms you have right fucking now or you will have to re-think that statement about not bleeding real fast. Got it, chummer?"
Then the stout man interferes. "That's fine, B.R. Those kids just lost their temper after something happened to them.
Now, kids, explain what the fuck is going on, and then we'll se what we can do, tik chha?"
-
Lucky does not show any emotions... My little taser stays where it is.
That said... little biki shows back in the hood armed and with a new slot in his head... some chip stuck in there... he was not himself... he started shooting... he got one of us by the time we stoped him.
Can you explain a little bit whats he been up to these last monthes... and who would do this to a little kid.
-
While Lucky was talking, Scipio carefully scanned the men for weapons or any dangerous belongings. He folded bis arms behind his back, for one reason because he thought it would look sophisticated, but mostly to make sure zhey didn't discover his hold-out.
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/285207): 6d6t5 2
-
Grudgingly the human doesn't shoot a hole into Lucky or Scipio, but he demonstratively puts his hand on the MP he brought. Through the heavy rain it's impossible to tell whether the troll has any weapons hidden under his wide orange robe. Same goes for the stout man. He might have hidden weapons practically anywhere, but if he does, they do not show.
The man frowns. "Yes, I think I can shed some light on the past, though I am afraid I can't give answers to all of your questions. Bikki indeed lived at our place for a couple of months. But before we talk, I suggest we go somewhere nicer, if it pleases the gentlemen?"
-
"Nah, I think you'll stay.", Scipio declines without hesitating. "See, you were perfectly right earlier, your guys ARE better equipped and probably better trained. Our only advantage is at the moment, that we are more than you, and that you can't see most of us. Would be kinda stupid to give up that advantage just for a dry place, right?" Be tries an innocent, charming smile.
"Besides", Scipio continues with a grin, "where are your manners, that you just decline our hospitality like this?"
He turns serious again. "But you were talking about Bikki. He lived with you, you said. Were you in charge of him?"
While talking, he carefully eyes the man with the gold chain and the MP. He seems the most dangerous and the most ready to do bad stuff. Behind his back, he makes sure that his small streetlight-special can slide out of his armslide smoothly. I don't wanna use it, but I'd better be ready to do so.
Negotiation (in case it counts as one) (http://orokos.com/roll/285997): 9d6t5 5
-
Lucky nods and agrees with Scipio. "While I wouldn't even dream to provoke you guys... my friends here seems a bit edgy - I do not know if it can go to some other location right now. We are not made of sugar and are already totally wet."
Sorry for missing the post I was going to post it a couple of days but got distracted and never finished it.
if it is negotiation Lucky can help and provide additional dice to Scipio.
-
"Hmm, is that so." The stout, almost bald man frowns, but remains silent. Riker and Cissy are having problems to make anything out in the increasingly dim light and through the heavy rain. Lucky, tense like a spring, waits for the man to finally give some answers. Only Scipio notices a split-second earlier that something is wrong. He's seen the like before: The temple's spokesman is not thinking, he's communicating. Almost too late he realizes the flickering in the armed human's eye: He has received some kind of command...
Scipio: Judge Intention (CHA+INT vs CHA+WIP): Judge Intentions (http://orokos.com/roll/286295): 9d6t5 5
Opposed Roll (http://orokos.com/roll/286296): 8d6t5 3
Success!
Lucky: same:
Judge Intentions (http://orokos.com/roll/286297): 11d6t5 3
Opposed Roll (http://orokos.com/roll/286298): 8d6t5 3
That's bad luck...
Riker (-6 visibility modifier):
Judge Intentions (http://orokos.com/roll/286299): 2d6t5 1
Opposed Roll (http://orokos.com/roll/286300): 8d6t5 2
No success.
Sissy (-6 visibility modifier):
Judge Intentions (http://orokos.com/roll/286301): 2d6t5 1
Opposed Roll (http://orokos.com/roll/286302): 8d6t5 3
Let's rule this as follows: In the next combat round, Scipio will count like having a delayed action, which means, he comes first, no matter what initiave score everyone has, but suffers a -1 dice pool modifier. Hope, I didn't get anything wrong.
If that's fine for you, I'll roll all the initiative scores and display them in my next post.
-
There, for one short moment, Scipio noticed a certain gleem in the man's eyes. It was the dangerous gleam of obedience, paired with an even more dangerous sadism. Inside his mind, an alarm-bell started ringing like crazy. The young elf had dealt with enough obedient, sadistic assholes to know when a man was dangerous.And this man, according to Scipios inner sense, was danger and aggression packed into fancy clothes. He had to react.
For one moment, he thought about shooting either the stout man or his aggressive sidekick with the gold-cain. But that would probably cause more problems than it would solve, plus he didn't want to kill anyone just IN CASE they were dangerous. No, I won't murder someone just because they act suspiciously.
The other option was to call Sissy. Maybe the impressive troll would be intimidating enough to prevent any bullets from flying. In fact, Sissy might be the only one that could hopefully prevent the situation from escalating, without provoking the already hostile templemen even more.
On the other hand, they had given them the chance to negotiate. But the stout man had given them zero inforation so far. Seems like he doesn't want to talk. I endanger my friends if I keep trying to reason with these guys!
If the templemen wanted to negotiate, they had had their opportunity and they missed it. In other words: the time of talk was probably over. Now was the time to react before it was too late.
In one smooth movement, Scipio stepped forward (between Lucky and the templars) and let his small streetlight-special slide out of his hidden holster, pointing directly at the man with the MP (more or less at his heart, to be exact). "Don't move, fuckers, or I'll blow his brains out!", he shouted, trying to sound not as nervous as he felt. His thoughts were racing. Shit, what am I doing? He still did NOT want to use his gun, but he felt like a threat was the only way to make sure the armed man couldn't endanger his friends.
-
And then everything went crazy. Out of nowhere HarleQueens shrill voice yelled over the rusty fields of long-forsaken metal junk: "Ambush!"
The same moment, you hear the soft clicking of muffled shots. Sissy, at whom the shots were aimed, just in time managed to throw himself to the side, leaving him unharmed. Thunder rumbles in the distance, accentuating the menacing atmosphere. A couple of kids from the street got into something way too big for them. Sissy curses silently.
A couple of meters apart, you can see the troll setting one step forward, bringing himself into a fighting stance. The man with the gold chain lifts one leg and shifts his weight to the side, hoping to evade an early doom. The time of parley was over. Now it would be weapons speaking...
-
Riker was like a coiled steel spring. The signal was what he had expected and somehow hoped - a release for all the frustrations and indignities.
Without thought or doubt he jumped from his hiding place down on the chain man, channeling all his rage and fury into a single strike at the man's exposed neck with all the weight a 16 year old scrawny boy jumping from three meters height could muster.
Charge attack +2, Called Shot (Vitals) -4, Superior Position +2
Edge +5
Charging-Jump-Vitals-Attack (http://orokos.com/roll/286790): 16d6t5 7
Rerolling Sixes (http://orokos.com/roll/286791): 5d6t5 3
Rerolling Sixes(2) (http://orokos.com/roll/286792): 2d6t5 1
Rerolling Sixes(3) (http://orokos.com/roll/286793): 1d6t5 0
Dmg: 6+2 + 11 successes AP -3
Remaining Edge: 3
-
In a desperate attempt to still stop the violence and hoping that their attackers would reconsider once their troll is down. Lucky pulled out his taser shot the big troll.
He rolls skill + specialty (6) + agility (5) + edge (7) Simple action ready weapon, simple action shoot. free action go after that man if he is not down).
Taser + edge (http://orokos.com/roll/286797): 18d6t5 6
Exloding sixes:
Exploding sixes (http://orokos.com/roll/286798): 4d6t5 2
Exploding sixes 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/286799): 1d6t5 0
Overall 8 hits. (no limit due to edge). damage is 9S -5 (electric) (I think).
-
Focussed on the quite immediate threat of Scipio's gun pointing at his chest, B.R. completely misses Riker's attack. He is caught off-guard. B.R.'s neck explodes in a gush of blood as Riker almost beheads the man in a single, precise swipe. The cut-off gold chain hits the ground split-seconds before the already dead body of its former owner.
In the same instant, a dart hits the troll squarely in the chest. There is a small buzzing sound, followed by a deep groan. Slightly dizzy, the troll unsheathes his forearm snap-blades and attempts to kill his attacker before the knife-wielding berserker has a chance to approach him. His attack does not attempt to strike fear - it attempts to kill.
But there's another troll, and he is not more amused than our opponent. Readying his club, he storms into the general direction the shot came from. There lies a human of about 40 years, biting his lips. He knows he's got only one shot left, before a several hundred pounds heavy harbinger of doom will crush him with this heavy iron-rod of his. The bullets find their target - but fail to bring down the troll. You think you can hear FY gulp.
The stout well-clad man, however, uses the overall confusion to leave the battlefield before any harm reaches him. He turns around, and runs off as fast as his short legs carry him.
-
The arterial blood spattered like rain over Riker and threatened to blind him. He landed hard on the body of his victim, smelled the sour, rank smell of him that now was drowned by the smell of hot blood.
He noticed the troll, but his eyes were fixed on the fleeing man. That guy held the answers, and Riker would be damned if he let him get away.
Ignoring the troll, he reached for every last bit of strength his body had to offer and gave chase. He knew the place and had no problems vaulting over debris or treacherous ground, so he could take a direct course while the suit wearer had to avoid these obstacles.
Parkour Gymnastics (http://orokos.com/roll/286850): 9d6t5 5
At the moment he was very much like a dog chasing a car: He had absolutely no idea, what he would do when he caught up with him.
'Cut his hamstrings, make him crawl' a cruel, dark part of him whispered while his blood pounded in his ears. Oh yes, that was it. That was what he needed to feel alive...
-
The world around Scipio was shrouded in a storm of violence and noise, and he found himself right in the middle of it. Suddenly Riker was there, together with an explosion of blood and screams that sounded like a cannon's thunder to the elfs ears. And there was the troll, gigantic and menacing, striking heavy blows at Lucky. Scipio ignored the bloody rain that had stained his scared face red and focused on the major threat around him: the raging troll in the orange robes. Ignoring his principles, his ideals and everything he stood for, he raised his pistol, that seemed ridiciously small compared to the size of their enemy, aimed quickly and fired at the troll.
"Sorry", he murmured, and felt extremely stupid for that.
Trolling (http://orokos.com/roll/286896): 10d6t5 2
-
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA... Lucky screamed as he miraculously dodged a very fast and accurate swing... it was him and a gaint troll head to head - the size difference made Lucky look like a dwarf. ... please go down... please go down he thought as he shot that troll again.
-
Shaking with fear, Lucky pulls the trigger again, and a second time his name does not betray him: The dart hits the troll right at the heart. He twitches, and collapses in a heap of brown and orange. His teeth are tightly clenched and you think you could see a small spark of lightning springing from his hair to the wet ground.
A couple of meters apart, Sissy's club strikes in a wide arc - but it's not directed at the assassin, but at it's weapon. If you have good ears, you can hear metal scrape on metal, but Frozen Yoghurt manages to draw back the weapon before the huge man can disarm him. You can clearly see the terror in the crouching man's face - but will he surrender, or attack even more fiercely?
-
Poor thing... lucky cries as the massive Troll collapses right next to him. Almost crushing him. He looks at the remaining fighter and say: "Drop that weapon... there are enough victims for one day.... we only want to talk, we'll cause you no harm. " Lucky's voice is genuine, his eyes are red... tears are covering his cheeks, he is indeed very upset. He wants that fighter to drop his weapon because he fears for his health and for the killers that he may make his friends become. Taking life with a knife like Riker did - was a line... once you crossed that line it is difficult to get back to humanity. He does not want his friends to become killers.
-
Ravinder sweated and sweared as he saw Riker, the bloody knive still in his hands, coming closer and closer.
"Please don't," he cried out. "Please! I... I did nothing to Bikki!"
Seeing as his flight would bear no fruits, he stood, turned around and rose his arms. "Mercy, please! I will tell you everything!"
The situation turned sour for the remaining fighter. Although he hasn't received a single scratch yet, he knew that he couldn't handle the whole bunch of fighters. He decided to bolt. In the menacing shadow Sissy casts, he turned around and ran for his life.
Run rate = 24. Run (http://orokos.com/roll/287232): 3d6t5 1 Increased to 26.
-
Shit, Scipio cursed silently as he turned towards the remaining man, wo was right now making his way through the scrapyard, away from them and out of their reach. Without a moment of hesitating, Scipio jumped around and started to chase after the running man, his gun still in his right hand. He could not let him allow to get away and report to the temple about the skirmish.
Sprinting+natural athlete (http://orokos.com/roll/287240): 6d6t5 1
-
"Nothing? NOTHING?! Musaa had a gun from you and was convinced he had to kill me. He shot at me and hit a little girl. THE FUCK, do you think we are stupid? Why would he do that if not for that thing you put into his head?"
Riker had to control himself not to lunge forward and just stab that asshole.
"I'll give you one chance - one chance only: You go back to my friends, who are a lot more tolerant and sane than me and explain exactly what happened to Musaa. If you try to run, I'll hunt you down and feed you your own entrails - YOU HEAR ME? I'll cut open your fucking stomach if you so much as think about lying.
NOW MOVE!"
-
Ravinder shakes heavily. "T-Tik chha. I-I'll just walk over to them..."
Shivering, he leaves Riker and moves into Lucky's direction.
The assassin, in the meanwhile, is running as if the devil was behind him. Sissy, panting heavily, falls behind soon. Scipio, on the other hand, can match the man's speed - but it doesn't seem he's catching up. It's only a question of seconds before they will reach the dark and confusing spider-web of alleys and sideways of Kathmandu. Once he'd arrive there, there's no way you can find him. And, being alone with a professional assassin, you're not sure whether you want to...
-
Name and job! saud Lucky... he then add start talking... if I feel like you are hiding anything you return home with a couple of new holes.
-
Scipio cursed as he made his way across the unsteady ground, sticking to the heels of the fleeing assassin. He's too fast! Scipio knew that he wasn't catching up to him significantly, and if the man managed to reach the alleyways, he was definitely out of their reach. He had to change plans.
Panting heavily, he stopped in his tracks, raised his hold-out, took aim and fired as many bullets as possible at the escaping man.
semi-autoburst with edge (http://orokos.com/roll/287590): 7d6t5 1
normally 10, -4 due to running, +4 due to edge, -3 due to environmental shit. You gotta be kidding me...
-
Lucky
"God - fucking ass! Shiva, mercy! I'm just doing my job!"
Ravinder looked around, shakingly. Riker, his knive stained with blood, a mad glare in his eyes. Sissy, a huge troll with an iron rod, panting heavily at cursing like mad. Scipio, firing bulluts and the escaping assassin. The only one he could hope for was Lucky, who at least used taser darts instead of bullets.
"La! My name is Ravinder Singh, I... I work in the temple. My job is, well, to supervise, hm, special children. Like Musaa. For heaven's sake, can't we go somewhere inside? It's freezing, darn!!
Scipio
Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/287592): 10d6t5 5 Muahahahahahaarr!
You fire three bullets into the approaching night, half blinded by the heavy rain drops clashing on the metal scraps. The assassin's flight is not a headless bolting, it's a professional zig-zag move that makes it nigh impossible to hit him. The bullets get lost in nowhere. There is nothing left but curses when the slender man reaches the first buildings. There he pauses, standing for a second in the neon-pink light of a dance-club sign. For a moment, you can see his face, clearly outlined and sharply perceived by your elven eyes. He, too, is of your kind. His face is slender and almost beautiful. His long black hair has a silvery shine in it. And his eyes, eyes like a wolf, are menacingly fixed at yours for just the blink of an eye. Than he vanishes, and all that's left is his image in your mind.
-
Lucky say: "We leave when I say we leave... you haven't given me nearly enough yet so talk fast before you witness the devil rats feasting on the dead."... "How many other special kids there are?... what are they for?"
-
Scipio cursed like he had never cursed before. I falied... the man was gone and he would report to the temple about what had happened. We're fucked! Holding back his frustration and his tears, he returned to the others. We still have the spokesman, and I swear we will get every bit of information out of him! He had never felt so furious, and yet so scared. What if they send an assassin into the hive and smoke us out? They had to react quickly. But at first they had should question the spokesman. You will talk!
"Kill him", he bluffed briskly, making his face a stern mask of anger. "He might be able to communicate via..." Via what? He knew that fancy pashupatifolks used to talk to each other with some wireless matrix-stuff. "He could inform the temple about us. If he does, we're fucked. He has to die RIGHT NOW."
He hoped that his friends understood that he was bluffing, as he pulled out his rusty khukuri with a dramatic gesture.
Scipio never knew it could feel so good to be angry.
-
"Don't kill him... I want to keep him as long as he cooperates...", protect me while I search him... " Lucky gave the man a physical search looking for a commlink or anything of interest in his pockets or hidden on top of him.
-
"With pleasure." Riker stepped close behind the man and rested the knife lightly at his throat. Although he trembled from cold and adrenaline, his hand was unfailingly steady. Riker concentrated totally on the sweating man in front of him. If he had turned his head just a few centimeters, the mutilated form of his first opponent would have come into his field of view.
He didn't want to think about him, the living man was more important right now...
-
Unsure what to do, Scipio searched the body of the dead bodyguard, primarely for anything that might be dangerous or could be used for communication, but also for anything that looked precious. We still need the money for Musaas operation. If we get it by selling templethings, I'm perfectly fine with it.
He stopped for a moment before searching the troll and made sure was really unconscious.
He thoughts were still racing about how the bodyguard suddenly died in front of his eyes and about how he failed to hunt the assassin down. And about the assassins cold, dark eyes...
-
The man indeed wore a commlink, a fairly expensive one, too. In addition, he's got a purse full of cash, a Shiva VII (a light pistol) and a stun baton. Oh, and a golden watch. He's wearing an armor vest underneath his clothes.
Scipio's mouth turns dry and sour as he approaches the corpse. The heavy rain washes the bright red blood away in small streams, revealing the ripped-open flesh at the man's throat. There's something white in the neck, you think. Can you actually see the spine, or are your eyes playing a trick on you. His eyes are broken, forever caught in an expression of wonder and horror. The big gold chain lies in a pool of blood. It's a small skull on a plate of gold. It's grinning.
If you manage to put yourself together and search the dead body, you'll find a Ceska Black Scorpion and a combat knife. Inside a pocket of his armor jacket, you can find a couple of rupee notesc, reserve ammunition a pack of chewing tobacco. You find a commlink and metal handcuffs.
The troll wears orange robes and an armor vest. Apart from the commlink, he's got his forearm snap-blades and a collection of throwing knives. He brought nothing else, save for a lucky charm.
All three are equipped with datajacks.
Ravinder fights down his panic. "All right, boys, all right - no point in getting aggressive, right? I guess, you deserve to be treated accordingly. Right ... now, before we start ... would you boys mind if I ... I take a look at my comrades. They are... (he shoots a look at the dead man) ... were my friends...
Just make sure, at least Bhuwan is fine..."
-
Scipio took a deep breath. It wasn't the first time he saw a dead body, but most of the times, they were less... butchered. And mostly he himself was less involved. Ravinder's words sounded relatively unimportant to him, just like they were spoken from far away, yet they found a way inside his mind, where they lungered for a while and then suddenly bursted into an explosion of fury and anger. They had just murdered a man, their whole gang was in life-threatening danger, and yet this ASSHOLE just talked about not getting aggressive?! "Chill, Scipio, get yourself together!", one voice inside his mind said. "He's just doing his job." But there was another voice inside his head, a voice that he normally tried to ignore: "Who died today deserved to die. And this slimy drekhead also deserves it... Don't let him check the corpses, he's up to no good! Take him as a hostage, send a small piece of him to the temple and tell them, if any of their guys visit us, we will send a bigger piece!" Scipio knew that unnecessary violence was against everything he stood for, but BOY WOULD HE LOVE TO CUT OFF THIS DAMN BASTARD'S... "Damn, calm down!"
He cleared his throat and spit a thick glob of slime, dust and sorrow onto the metal-planks. Then he turned towards Ravinder, the templemen's goods still in his hands (he had put the khukuri away while searching them), giving his best to hide his tears. He wanted to act strong! "You answer our questions, and then MAYBE we will let you live and if we are VERY FRIENDLY, we might even let you take a look at your mercs. But don't count on it, that depends on your answers."
You can see that Scipio really comes to like showing his cold shoulder more often...
-
No... said lucky aggressively: "first tell us what exactly did you do to Bikki, and toward what end." He browsed the comlink for contacts trying to figure out what are the most significant contacts in there to get some meat for his investigation.
"You should have thought about your dead friends before you tried to kill us.... for no apparent reason. there are tens of people that know what we do about Bikki are you going mass killing now?"
-
As Lucky browses through the contacts, one contact immediately attracts his attention:
Manisha Thapa Magar, 19:47:33
You check the time. It's 19:48:12.
Ravinder casts a nervous glance at the commlink, then starts babbling. "Bikki is part of a research programme. They perform ... I don't know. I really don't know exactly. It's actually a corporate. I'm just doing, you know, communication and stuff. See that Bikki's fed and everything..."
-
Lucky turns off the commlink and say, guys we must change location. Can you pack our friend here please, his last call was about a minute ago... either during the fight or while we were talking... "come sneaky one... we are going to hide you so so deep that nobody would find... In the meanwhile if you want to stay alive you'd better tell me about this "Thapa Magar" girl. ":
-
"NOT. Good enough." Riker had to grit his teeth at this painfully obvious attempt to distract them: "Answer the fucking question."
He was now at a point where he had to force himself to stay angry. He knew that the instant he let any other emotion in again, he would lose it. First his composure and then his last meal. Fuck. He had killed a man. That was bad. He had seen someone killed in prison and he had used the knife in anger to not get raped while in juvie, but not like this.
Despite the pouring rain he felt hot. With an effort of pure will he steered his thoughts back to why he had done it. The fucker had tried to shoot them. They had given them every chance and they had blown it. There was always a price to be paid, always a price...
At Lucky's words he removed the knife and instead grabbed the mans wrist and forced it into a painful position: "Move."
-
Shit, this is getting worse and worse! Scipio hastingly put the money and the comlinks in his pockets. "Any of you want the gun or the knives?", he asked his friends.
After a short moment of hesitation, he takes the handcuffs and approaches Ravinder. "All right, let's tie the fucker."
He casts a worried look at the injured Sissy. "Are you all right, chummer? Where did he hit you?"
-
"I am more interested in finally having a comlink of my own. But take them - maybe some people in the gang will need weapons especially if the temple go after us. Besides we cannot leave weapons where there is an unconscious troll that will wake up in several hours very angry. That guy is a weapon on its own... don't give him knifes and guns. "
He was nervious - help was on the way and he did not want to be there when it arrive - but he couldn't even convince his friends to let the spokeman go as he haven't given them anything yet.
Perhaps he should leave him with Riker to interrogate him, Lucky did not feel very skilled at interrogation.
-
As it's his native language, Lucky would recognize Manisha as a female name. So I'll just assume you said something like "girl" instead of "guy".
Ravinder still evades the answer like a pussy circles hot milk. "What question do you mean? You posed more than I can answer simultaneously." As Riker twists his arm, he groans. "Fuck! Right, right, I'll come with you." You can read the fear in his eyes, smell it, feel it. He knows he lost this battle.
Sissy joins the others and grits his teeth. "I'm ... all right. I think. The bullet hit me in the shoulder. I'm fine, though."
You can see blood trickling down his body, only to be washed away within seconds by the rain. It's nothing he will die of, but it's gonna take a long time until he can lift two sacks of rice simultaneously again.
HarleQueen, too, leaves her hiding place, cursing audibly. "That fuck got away, bang Krishna! Me's a-tried ter deep-fry him, just me no thinks he has noticed it at all. Fuck!"
Scipio's commlink gives a soft buzzing sound.
-
"I'll take a gun, thank you very much. I want to be ready when the other one returns." Riker was thankful for the distraction and to be able to get out of this place.
"Take the vest to, it's good money."
-
Looking at sissy lucky said: "Poor thing a medikit should be the first thing to buy with our loot. Our life seems so dangerous... "
-
The buzzing of his comlink distracted Scipio. For one moment he thought about ignoring it, but he couldn't. What if there's a problem at the hive? He passed the gun and ammo to Riker and the handcuffs and the best-looking comlink to Lucky. Then Scipio grabbed Ravinder's wrists and tied them firmly behind his back. "Don't do any drek, got me?", he hissed into the bound man's ear while he put the key for the handcuffs into a small pocket inside of his worn-out jacket.
Then he fimbled the comlink out of his pocket to check what the buzzing was.
-
You received a message from an unknown contact. His account (there is no SIN in Nepal, remember) runs on the name of Chiso Dhau (Frozen Yoghurt). A photo is attached, displaying the face of the man you let escape just a minute ago. He is smiling, but it is a cold, terrible, predatory smile. His eyes, however, are cold and piercing. The photo makes you shudder. So does the message he sent you:
<Chiso Dhau, 19:48:02> I know where you're at home. ;-)
-
Scipio... is everything ok? You look pale. Said Lucky.
-
"Ah..." Scipio didn't know what to say. He felt a cold shiver crawling down his spine, spreading all over his body and taking hold of his thoughts. I know where you're at home... He gulped. He was in danger. Everyone of his friends was in danger. "We... We gotta move!", he stambled.Then he kneeled down next to thedead manand tried to lift him. "Help me with the vest", he adressed his friends. "We're gonna need that." Did the troll just move? Damn, Scipio, don't get paranoid! Get youself together!
"The assassin... the elf, I mean. He sent me a message. And he claims to know where we live." He passed the comlink to Lucky. "Let's get the vest off of that guy and then move back to the hive. Or... let's tell the others they have to get away from there."
Damn, these eyes...
-
It is a step of weakness Said luck and added.
He knew where we lived yesterday as well. Thouse that kill kill... dont talk. Just turn off the link. They may be able to track it.
-
At once Riker thought about his brother and his mother. Did the assassin know about them?
Keep cool. The message went to the comm of one of those scumbags. "Yeah, ignore it. If it's not just a bluff, there is nothing we can do different with the knowledge. Just write back, that if he wants to escalate this, his troll buddy will be chained here until the devil rats come out to play. Let's see if revenge is more important to him, than his buddy. Also, we got his boss. If he wants him to live, he better not fuck with our kin."
-
Don't write back... it tips our hand. Said Lucky... give him absolutely no information. He shouldn't even know that we have the comlink he is just fishing.
Our end game should be to release our prisoner once the slot has been removed from Bikki. Let's move to some safe house and keep him someplace when the sun does not shine. He takes off a piece of cloth from the troll cutting it with Rikers knife and put it over the prisoners head. covering his eyes thinking... If he does not know where we are going... he cannot tip our hand.
-
"He knows that we have at least one of his friends, and that they will die first if things get bad, I just don't know if he cares.", Scipio concluded more confidently. His friends were right, the hunter might be bluffing. Or he might not... What if he's getting ready to slaughter our gang right now? Well, then it was too late anyways.
He struggled with the protection-vest, but he finally managed to pull it of of the dead man. Being so close to the butchered corpse with the heavy wound gave him a bitter feeling in his mouth.
Then Scipio opened the backslot of his old comlink and took out the battery. The idea of his trusty comlink being tracked made him VERY uncomfortable...
He turned towards the bound Ravinder and grabbed his hands that were tightly tied behind his back. "I'm not in the mood to play your stupid games, so you will just tell me who this Manisha is RIGHT NOW!", and be started to twist the man's fingers into rather unnatural angles. He wished he could make him pay for what happened to Musaa...
-
As soon as the man was blind folded, Riker stepped away. He had kept it in as long as he could. While Scipio led the man away and distracted him with a brutal finger lock, Riker ran around the corner and vomited out what little food he had had in his stomach. Tears burned in his eyes but were washed away by the rain as quickly as they appeared. With heaving breaths Riker slowly regained his composure. He had to get himself together. This was not over - not by a long shot. The negotiations had turned into a war - and he would be damned if he didn't do his very best to win both for his friends, his family and himself.
He took a swig of water from a relatively clean painted metal sheet and sloshed it around in his mouth before spitting out.
He slicked back his rain wet hair and checked his new gun before engaging the safety catch and sticking it into waistband at the small of his back.
He was ready. With quick steps he returned to his friend and their interrogation attempts...
-
Just to make sure there's no misunderstanding. The message arrived at Scipio's private commlink, not at the one you took from Ravinder.
"Fuck! La, I'll sing, crap. Manisha too lives at the temple. She's in charge of the education.
"Where are we going?"
-
"We're going somewhere where nobody will hear you scream", Scipio hissed in the man's ears while letting go of bis fingers. His temper was cooling down and he already regretted that he hurt Ravinder. He deserved it though!
The truth was, he didn't know where to take him. They could use Bajitha's house, as long as his friend's patron wasn't there. But that was quite far away, out of the sprawl in the direction of Swoyambunath, the great stupa and research centre. The easiest thing was probably to drag him into a random empty building, that seemed unused.
Scipio grabbed Ravinders shoulders and spinned him around a couple of times until he was sure the man couldn't tell in which direction they were going.
Then he offered the protection-vest to bis friends. "Safety first, guys. Wo wants that?"
-
The intergation is over... we are going to kill you and hang you over a tree near the temple. Said Lucky... you obviously do not want to tell us enough to stay alive so why bothor.
-
Riker just nodded toward Scipio. Might as well wear the blood spattered armor of his victim. At least it would be easier when the temple send the next assassin to kill him...
-
You can almost hear Ravinder's heart beating. He knows that the tide has turned against him, and that no-one is going to find him before it's too late.
"Wait, wait, wait! I'll tell you what you want to know! Don't kill me, I've done nothing to Bikki!"
You drag Ravinder into an empty building. Some bricks are loose and there are some severe cracks in the walls, but it has not broken down until now, and you just hope it won't break down in the next thirty minutes or so. No-one pays any interest in you pushing the squirming Indian-looking man through the dirty streets of Kathmandu. Well, almost no-one: An elderly man on the street offers you milk tea and, as you decline, some special tea. "Very good price for you, my friends. For you, only 2000 rupees, because I didn't have any customers in this shitty weather."
As you finally reach the shelter - a forlorn house you used to play in, but which you knew you had to leave soon after nightfall, because bigger people used it as well - you tie Ravinder to a pole and start asking some question. He breaks, and sings his song:
"Bikki came to us a couple of months ago. He was beaten up by some street rats, and we brought him to the temple. Sai Baba himself spoke his blessing upon him, and the gods saw fit to answer this blessing and relieve Bikki from his wounds. He, whose life is without sins, are the blessed.
"We never held Bikki, I swear to you by the Heavens and the Earth. After what had happened, we offered him food and shelter, as we thought he would deserve it more than anyone. And so he stayed, and he became one of our most devoted family members. He listened to our lores, and proofed wise beyond his years. At this time, unfortunately, I had little to do with him. It was brother Ram Kumar who cared for him.
"Then something terrible happened. I have to say, before I say something, that we are a good people. We feed the hungry, we heal the sick, we treat the wounded, and we host those without shelter. Neither food nor medicine nor houses are for free, and so we are always in dire need of money.
"One day, a company aproached us. They were Japanse, and called themselves faruke. It was them who did this to Musaa. They offered us a tremendous sum, if they were allowed to try out some stuff on him. They said, it wouldn't hurt him, and we only saw the thousands of people we could support with this money. And so we agreed."
-
"Sure, sure. Heal the sick. Probably with a healthy dose of lead injection." Riker shoved the newly aquired gun into the man's face.
"Body armor, snap blades, a hired gunman that now threatens our friends - that all speaks totally for a peaceful temple where everyone just wants the best for each other.
You sick fuck. Maybe you don't know exactly what they did to Biki, but you surely have an idea. Now spit it out or I'll make you spit teeth."
-
Lucky replied:
"Oh really" ... "Good people?!... you just tried to kill us!" ... "and for what crime? for asking questions?... You guys are homicidal monsters and you are protecting some secret"..." Bikki is important to you... you are willing to kill for him - for the secret that he represents... you are stalling... dreaming about a rescue?! ... perheaps you will find it easier to speak if we cut some of your fingers..."
"I live in the streets and I find your story insulting... cooperates do not just show up out of the blue... they don't need to pay you to access helpless children... they can grab street rats on their own... without paying you a fortune... they can seduce half the children of Kathmandu with a promess of a warm meal and clean cloths."
-
Scipio's hatred for the man grew with every word that came pouring out of his mouth. Still, the kind, mercyful voice inside his mind remained strong, preventing him from attacking Ravinder right where he was. What if he's indeed a benevolent soul that simply lost his way? Nonsense, the other voice replied. Benevolent souls don't send assassins with muffled guns!
"Even if your intentions towards Bikki were good, the blood of our brother right here...", and he laid his hand on Sissy's muscular shoulder "...is definitely on YOUR hands, asshole, since I guess you were the one to send chiso dhau. And I know you instructed the gold-chained guy to attack us, we aint blind."
He approached the tied man with his khukuri drawn. "Listen, our goal right now is not revenge. At least not primarely. If you can tell us how we can reach these faruke-people, that changed Bikki the way he is now, we might consider to let you live.", and he let blade wander across the man's throat.
"Or at least untie you before the organ-smugglers arrive here at nightfall", he added with a wolfish grin.
-
Ravinder sweats and shakes. "Don't! Don't kill me, I'll tell you everything. You ... you are no killers. Don't stain your hands with my blood!
"Right, I'll talk! Faruke is a daughter enterprise of Mitsuhama. I don't exactly know what they are researching but it is kind of a new technology that might be worth a real fortune - talking in megacorp terms - once it is fully developed. They needed ... participants to do research on this technology. They offered our temple money if we can provide and organize some children under controlled circumstances. I don't know any details, really. They gave him and the others a trainer who trained them in shooting. And they installed a datajack and did some experiments. Oh, really, I don't know the details! I'm not a big fish, I really just do what I was told. Please don't hurt me. It's always the small ones who get the punishment, and the real evil people get away.
"I can give you the contact number of Babita Hatsumoto, the project manager here at the temple. She's half Japanese, so be careful.
"Please, can I go now?"
Ravinder's commlink gives a buzzing sound.
-
Scipio frowned. SOME children? He had to think about Som, Durga and all the others that went missing too. Did they suffer a similiar fate?
"All right, give us that number!", he ordered. "Or how about YOU make the call? Would be one step towards convincing us that you might deserve to live."
Then he reached out to grab Ravinder's comlink and check what the buzzing was.
If - as gilga stated - all comlinks are switched off, just ignore the last line.
-
"How many children? what are their names... who has them now? how come Bikki came back to us?" Asked Lucky.
-
Riker just nodded at those words. Yes, that sounded like something those people would do. Adding to Lucky's question he said:
"And one other thing: Why did you jam a nail into Bikki's slot? Don't tell me it was the corp. That crude shit is totally you guys."
-
"What?"
His voice is high-pitched, shaking with fear. "What am I supposed to say to them? I'll give you what you want, please let me go. I have family...
"There are four other children in the programme. Kabir, Som, Nanak and ... dammit, what was her name. They only used to call her Starlight. Samita? Samira? Sharmila? I can't tell, really."
"And one other thing: Why did you jam a nail into Bikki's slot? Don't tell me it was the corp. That crude shit is totally you guys."
"No, that wasn't our work, either. It was Harka's work, a local surgeon. He did the work for Faruke. He's a local. I-I guess it did the job, didn't it?
"Please let me go now. I told you what I know..."
At the third buzz, Scipio managed to take a look at the commlink. Again, there was a message from your new friend Frozen Yoghurt:
"Drip, drip, bahini's blood tastes bitter sweet."
-
"Som?", Scipio gulped. Calm down, Scip, there's probably hundreds of Soms in the sprawl. "What does he look like?"
"Dunno, tell that Japanese you wanna meet her at a special place, where we can TALK", and Scipio stressed the last word with special caution. "something like that, I mean we obviously can't make the call ourselves."
Then he took a look at the message...
Scipio's eyes widened. With a sharp crack all his inner resistances bursted, every wall inside his mind broke down, making his thoughts widely open to a rushing flood of fury and panic. What did you do, please, what did you do?!, the frightened voice inside his mind screamed out in agony. But there was another voice inside him, burning with rage, craving for the man's blood. I'll find you, fucker, you'll pay for whatever you did to her!
Ignoring all caution, he pcalled the number that sent the message and waited for the elf to answer, thinking of a thousand ways to hurt him. She'd better be all right, or mister Indian over here will not see the next sunrise...
Turning to his friends he whispered: "He has our sister..."
-
Lucky asked: "What is this frozen Yogurt guy and why does he threat to kill our friends? Why did you attack us? You obviously did not tell us much more than we already knew... so either we are terrible investigators or I just don't get this whole thing... You could kill us yesterday also or any day of the week why now? why in the middle of discussion what could you possibly achieve by that?"
To Scipio, look man if he wanted to kill our friends he did not have to let you know about his plans... and face it living on the streets we are not very difficult to kill... Don't be stressed... he sends you these messages because there is something else he wants.
-
"Uh, well, Som ... he was a teen, older than Bikki. Black hair, some scars, skinny... Not so special, really.
"I still don't know what you guys want from me! Why don't just call that ... lady, and talk to her yourselves?
"They are doing some research. Something in their brains. They explained me but I didn't get it. They send some, I don't know, pictures or orders or whatever into their brains, and make them do things, and they want to try and find out how it works. What I do is, I observe those kids and tell Babita if something strange happens. Bikki's ... education was complete, and apparently they wanted to try out whether their tricks worked."
He looks around in panic, still hoping for someone to find him. But no-one comes.
"When this lunatic arrived at the temple, I panicked. Something apparently went wrong. He, well, urm, you know. Was here...
"If those Faruke people find out I messed up, I'm screwed. Please let me go, I promise, I go somewhere else and quit the work in the temple. I can't go back there, anyway. I'll do something ... decent. Please lemme go!"
He skipped to talk about Frozen Yoghurt, purposefully or because he missed the question. So does Frozen Yoghurt himself - the call doesn't get answered.
-
"So you tried to kill us because you try to cover your faliure to monitor Bikki?... Who does Frozen Yogurt works for?"
Lucky is loosing his paitience... " Maybe we should just kill him..." he say to his friends... "He is the one that ordered them to kill us... he does not even take responsibility about that" he whispers.
-
Scipio really thought about Lucky's suggestion, but as he knew his friend, he was probably bluffing. All right, let's play good-cop-bad-cop then, he interpreted Lucky's change of mind.
"I say we give him one last chance.", and he turned to the sweating Ravinder again. "Remember what happened last time when we arranged a meeting? Three guys we didn't invite showed up, armed to the teeth, trying to kill us. We don't want the faruke-date to end in a similiar carnage, so you're gonna call this woman and you're gonna make her come to a specific location ALONE, got me?"
He looked at his friends to see if they agreed, ready to give the comlink bat to their hostage.
But the truth was, he knew they couldn't let him go. He already tried to kill us once, and that was before we had this crucial information about the temple. He'll want to get rid of us.
Then we gotta be faster!, the cruel voice inside his mind said...
-
Lucky put the taser in the prisoners mouth... "I don't even care if you talk... this is my girlfriend Tiffany... she only stun people but I am not sure what she will do if I use her like this ... right into your brain... it is not even in the user manual... I really want to find out... You tried to kill me man... You came to the meeting with the intent of killing us all... to cover for your own misbehaving... You have an expensive comlink good equipment... I want you to arrange a doctor to remove the slot from Bikki! do this or we are going to find out if it is possible to kill someone with a taser..."
-
He opened his mouth to say something encouraging to Ravinder, but then he stopped. No. Why should I? He deserves a little panic... Scipio didn't like this new side of him that he only discovered since the incident at the scrapyard. He could not deny that he sort of enjoyed watching the spokesman suffer...
T
o avoid thinking too much into this dark direction, he pulled out his comlink and fimbled the battery out of his pocket. If the temple really was able to track comlinks, they could as well track Ravinder. And due to Bikki, they probably also knew about their gang's hive, sp what was there that he could give away?
Migt as well text Man Bahadur and ask if they're all right. He checked if any calls or messages had arrived while his comlink was turned off, hoping to find none.
-
His eyes widened in panic. "There is really no need for violence! Just... Just tell me where I should ask her to come. Please stop this! I can see now this was all a mistake. Forgive me!
"Here? To a restaurant? To the temple? Just tell me, fuck!"
His eyes darted from Lucky to Scipio, from Scipio to Lucky (trying to avoid the menacing presence of Riker). "I ... I can pay Harka to remove that thing. He put it there in the first place. Just let me go!"
Scipio's commlink awakens with a soft flash of light. There are no more new messages.
-
Glad about the absence of new threats, Scipio wrote a short message to MB:
We r ok. r u all fine?
This had to do. He focused back onto Ravinder and his question of where to meet the woman. Here? No, she'd never come to a pace like this. He thought about inviting her into a restaurant, but the ragged rats that they were would raise a lot of suspicion there. Plus, he didn't like restaurants. The people, the smalltalk, the sky-high prices for food that you couldn't be sure of whether it's pork as claimed, or infectuous streetdog.
"How about a park or some rather public area?", he suggested, not to the bound an, but to his friends. A park would be intimidate enough to talk in peace, but still too open for a shooting.
"Or do you want to meet this Harka before that?"
-
"How about the small Vishnu temple down at the river? I don't like the idea of a wide open field like a park. We already had one hidden gunman. If everything goes to shit, at least we can jump into the river if we have to."
Riker had become silent and almost apathetic. He felt drained and sick.
-
"The temple it is, then? What do you want me to say? 'Meet me, it's urgend? Come alone?' Something along that line?"
-
"The fucking truth: You botched the job and now you need an adult to get you out of this mess. Tell her to come to the temple. No weapons. If we can have a civil conversation and Bikki is restored, no-one else has to die or get hurt. I mean it. I just want to be done with this shit."
Riker pulled himself together - his inborn impatience had overcome the shock for now. As long as there was an aim he could work towards he would be ok. Just don't think about the dead man...
-
Scipio got a little nervous when Riker suggested to jump into a River. He couldn't swim... But since he knew that all the rivers in Kathmandu were flat enough to walk in at least close to the sides, he didn`t make a comment about it.
He walked up to Ravinder, giving his best not to sound threatening. "Just sound casual. Remember, as long as you don't betray us, you have nothing to fear." He brought up the man's comlink and searched for Manisha's number, only waiting for Lucky's approval before dialing it.
I just assumed that the situation about Kathmandu's rivers won't be so different from how it is now. Right now pretty much all rivers are flat enough to walk through them. If that's a problem, I will change the post asap and humbly apologize.
-
Scipio was sweating. He got more and more nervous, as he knew that other folks, dangerous folks, might also enter their hideout and cause trouble. Plus, the absence of Man Bahadur's message really troubled him. Don't be stupid, there might be a hundred reasons why he didn't read the message yet..., a voice tried to comfort him. Didn't succeed quite well, though...
Anyways, he wanted to get the hell out of there, so he just dialed Manisha's number and pinned the comlink between Ravinder's shoulder and chin.
"Don't fuck this up, ok?"
-
What seemed to be minutes, were indeed only seconds. MB didn't respond immediately, but quite soon. Your body tenses as you see the incoming message, but the tension is all gone when you read the news:
evry1s fine Musaas impatient whenll u cum?
Ravinder shakes, but he seems to relax as he smells a way out of the mess. He doesn't appear likely to betray you (again). Swallowing, he answers the phone.
"Manisha, is that you?"
"Hai. What can I do for you, Ravinder?"
"I'm fucked, Manisha didi, I screwed up. Y-You know that youngsters we sent numb-" He corrects himself. "Bikki to. They found me. They killed Big Rohan and beat Guts. They got me, didi, and they're fucking gonna kill me!"
"Relax, Ravinder. If they wanted to kill you, they would have done so. Obviously, there must be a reason for you to call me. Now, please feel free to tell me what you want to."
"You ... You're right. Please, they want to meet you. I think they want to talk. Help the boy, you know, that kind of thing. Please come to the temple at..."
He casts a look at you. "When?"
After your answer he proceeds. "And please come alone. They're doing me, if you bring somebody. Please come!"
I'll stop the post at this point to give you the opportunity to influence the conversation. If nothing comes within 24 hours, I'll proceed.
-
Riker nodded along during the conversation. Asked for the specific time he said: "15.00h. Don't even think about betraying us this time. We only want Bikki back the way he was. Play fair, leave us alone afterwards and we'll return the favor.
You may be smarter, richer and more ruthless than we are, but we do have weapons. Any betrayal will cost you more than it could earn you. That's a promise."
Riker shuddered involutarily. As if. When was the last time, that the powerful had wasted one thought on the lifes of their footsoldiers. Still, it was worth a try.
-
"Hold on!" Scipio raised his hand and waved Ravinder to be silent. "Don't tell her the exact location yet. We'll tell her that as soon as our eyes arein position. Gotta make sure she doesn't install anyone there before we arrive."
That was close..., he thought, glad that the man had only said "the temple" so far. There were dozens, maybe hundreds of temples in the area, so she - hopefully - wouldn't be able to tell where to go or where to send an assassin.
-
"Please, Ravinder, be serious. I don't think this is funny."
"I'm fucking serious, Manisha! They got me! Please! I'll tell you the location. Be ready at 3pm! I ... I will let you know, where."
He swears some more words few of which are very suitable for a man as fancily dressed as he is. During the argument, Manisha remains calm and cool as a glacier. Then she closes the connection.
Immediately your captive starts pleasing again. "I did what you wanted. I can give you her number. Now, let me go, goddammit! I've done nothing to the boy!"
-
Scipio's face was sad. "Well, unfortunately we can't let you go just yet. You are our life insurance after all. If the meeting at the temple passes without problems, and after Bikki is restored with your money, then we're even, but not one minute earlier."
His look grew stern as the cruel voice inside his mind awakened, urging him that this was a way too nice treatment for Ravinder. "And you'd better not complain about that. Even if you didn't hurt Bikki, bringing a hidden gunman when fetching a kid is slightly suspicious."
Ange rolled over him again, paired with an undefinable grief as the memories of the shooting rose up in him again. The massive troll, slashing through the air, the Big Rohan exploding in a mess of blood, and the cold, dark eyes of the assassin. The eyes of a predator...
-
Lucky was silent. He had nothing to add. No interrogation skills and no idea what another chat with a temple representative will achieve... why couldn't it be done on the phone? what the fuck are we trying to achieve here he thought to himself. Are we determined to get killed or to make kidnapping our livelihood?
-
All in all, the preparations for the meeting went without any further problems. You managed to order Manisha Hatsumoto to your destined location without complications. Well, she is late of course, but some twenty minutes after the pre-arranged time - twenty minutes full of worries, doubts and fears - she arrives at the temple. The first impression you have is neat. Then you think Pashupatinath, but you correct yourself quite quickly. She isn't Nepalese, at least not fully. She definitely has foreign ancestors. Telling from her appearance, her being a half Japanese sounds plausible. She's wearing a clean business suit, a gun openly carried in a holster.
Manisha wouldn't enter though. From a distance, she yells: "I am here. I will answer any three questions. After that, you have to hand out my workmate. Please be informed that I am in a cooperative mood, but this state is very much dependend on your participation."
-
Somehow this development seemed to be a lot more promising, Riker thought. Unless they were prepared to level the temple, her reluctance to enter the temple meant probably, that she didn't feel safe and hadn't brought assassins with her - at least not into their immedeate vincinity.
"Fine, so are we.
First Question: How can we reverse the fuck-uped killer you made out of Biki?"
-
Scipio was relieved. He had imagined Manisha as all forms of wickedness, but she seemed rather rational to him. Fine, we can work with that, he thought about her demands. But first of all, he wanted to make sure there was indeed no hidden trigger in the area. This is going almost too well, he thought suspiciously. I need to get to a high ground, and he looked around the temple for a accessible rooftop or an unsuspicious overlook.
-
"The change is not something implanted. His very brain has been modified. How can you undo it? I guess, you can't. Maybe you know a damn good psychiatrist. But you can relax. The imprinting has been performed on only one person. Everyone else doesn't need to be extra-cautious. He might show small indications of aggressive behavior, but looking at you I don't think that'll bother you, will it?"
Manisha pauses, then demands. "Now, your second question before I reclaim my workmate and we end this ... unfortunate meeting."
It is easy to climb up the stairs. Without exposing yourself more than dozens of other people do, you can get a slightly elevated position, giving you a slightly better overlook.
-
"Sorry..." Said lucky "We won't be asking no more questions. "
Dramatically approaching her, look her straight in the eyes and coldly say.
"I m not playing by your rules... your friend tried to kill us. Either you send a doctor of our choosing that will remove Bikki's chip. Or you better pray that your friend survives the night... you know how it is to be a street rat... we cannot guarantee that we will remain alive ourselves tomorrow. Let alone guarantee that your friend will...
The deed must be done within the next couple of hours.
Think about your alternative - there are so many armed angry people... some of them clearly with violent tendencies as you yourself suggested. Some of them are going to be very angry when they see our wounded and know that your friend is the one that gave the order. They'll also blame him for messing with Bikki's head... so pick compromise or street justice..."
That will put her in her place he thought, this facade have gone long enough and a few more lies they cannot confirm from people they do not trust are not going to give them anything concrete, there is only one thing that never lies - commitment to pay money. Words are cheap - but money spins the world.
-
For the first time, a flicker in her eyes indicates that she's about to lose ground. Out takes some moments of almost frantic thinking, before she responds, her voice even chillier than before.
"Go, call some mediocre street butcher, you scum, and let go of Ravinder. This is one too big thinking for the likes of you and I suggest you don't mean too far out of the window."
-
"Everything's got a price. All we want is fair restitution. Hell, I bet that assassin costs more per day than what we actually need to bring Bikki back or at least remove that shit from his brain.
Swallow your fucking pride and pony up the cash. You don't want to deal with us and we not with you. Do it and we both won't have to waste any more time with that shit."
Riker felt again the warmth of anger rising. Why did everyone they dealt with have to be so stupid...
-
Damn, this is escalating!, Scipio thought. Screw the overlook. He wanted to intimidate her, not enough to make hthe people panic, but at least enough so that she knew who was in control of this. Although, if he ws completely honest, he wasn't sue if they were still in control of everything. He approached Ravinder and whispered in his ear: "You tell her to do what we say, or I'll have to defile the temple with your blood. In a terrified voice, will ya? Shoudn't be difficult for you..."
He adressed the woman: "Think about that: What if we made faruke's scemes public? You think the Nepali will stand by as their children are brainwashed by foreigners?"
Fury rose up in him as her words echoed through his mind. She is the one behind faruke. She is the one who had Musaa perverted! She is the one to blame! Would be so easy to finish her off right now...
Still, he stayed calm. An angry mob is the last thing we need now, he thought, while trying to look as relaxed and "nothing's-wrong-here-like" as possible.
Negotiation (in case this is one) (http://orokos.com/roll/299035): 9d6t5 1
Damn it...
-
Manisha sighs audibily.
"Are you aware that exactly this kind of manners is what makes all the difference between the Pashupati people and you street scum? You simpletons can't even tell a yes from a no. I will tell you a last time in Battisputali maanche language: "I a-gree. Call a doc-tor. I will pay. Re-lease Ra-vinder. Then get the fuck out of here, before I change my mind." And don't you ever come close to our holy temple or spoil our work. Did you get it?"
-
Scipio growled. He suddenly got reminded of all the reasons he HATED the pashupati-people for. This arrogance, this way of acting superior, the business-suit and the overall nice appearance, this was a mixture that made hatred rise up in him like boiling water. Chill, he told himself, his hands clutched to fists. Now's not the time for pride.
"One more thing:" He shouted, the anger made his voice crack. "We know you have a boy named Som in the temple. Did he arrive within the last three months or so? If yes, we want to see him."
Scipio did NOT want to meet this Harka-doctor Ravinder was talking about. Maybe Pops would be of help, and if not, they would somehow find a doctor. I'd rather search every house in Thamel than have another meeting with anyone of this god-forsaken temple.
-
Lucky laughed... "I was almost certain that was a yes... You got yourself a deal. Despite communication problems we are reasonable people." He is happy, he got what he wanted, he could not trusted anything she tells them anyhow. He look at the prisoner, " No hard feelings R... heh? looks like you are sleeping at home. My place is a little crowded anyhow - so do know that I envy you for having a shower and a warm bed to return to... You should really stop trying to kill street kids, drugs and pollution are killing most of us anyhow."
With his friendly lovely voice "Let me just get a recommendation from a friend on a good cyber-doctor and we'll be on our way." He texts Pops, the old Samurai never talks - just answer to texts. " >> Pops! Check out my temporary new commlink! I need a good cyberdoctor that agrees to do a simple job and will come to gang territory... another option is someone that can treat our friend someplace where we can go without raising too many questions. You missed all the action, there was a massive combat... I took down a troll with a taser... Our friend has a nail stuck within a slot - hopefully remove the nail without brain damage. We can pay... don't ask how.
He say to R: "I'll also return your commlink ... I am just borrowing it for a day or so. I am no killer and no thief." Lucky felt that, he has a chance to gain some cred within the temple folks. He was a bit more domesticated and non violent and well... he hoped that they won't kill him on sight but rather treat him as a good kid that was at the wrong place at the wrong time.
-
Manisha's smile froze at the mention of Som's name. She hesitates, and when she continues you feel that she is less confident.
"You ... I'm sorry. I don't think it's possible I allow you to talk to Som. He does not want to meet outsiders any more."
Pops responds quickly, but - as usual - very monosyllabicly.
"Dr. Manzoo. Phone number and geodata attached. First appointment, then work. He's the man. Good luck!
-
Lucky quickly calls the doctor to schedule a meeting. He is friendly and happy with the voice and heaven negotiate slightly mentioning it is a referral from pops to get a good price. He however knows little about negotiations, but he seems to make an effort to not to pay more than is needed for the service despite the fact that somebody else is paying. He knows that money is difficult to come by for everybody and their relations with the temple are already very bad. Trust is difficult to establish.
When they settle on price, he looks at Mashina with caring eyes... "this is the best price I could get, I am sorry I don't usually have money to purchase stuff. We're quite poor around here."
Negotiation (http://orokos.com/roll/300544): 5d6t5 1
-
You're not quite sure what to think of this Dr. Manzoo. When you ring, his camera appears not be switched off. Instead what you see is the image of a bizarre creature: human torso, goat head and legs, with tentacles instead of arms. This creature, however, doesn't have the looks of a mythical creature: One of the eyes is obviously a cyber-eye, the "tentacles" are made of chrome, and LEDs and light blink and beep on different parts of his body. It takes you a second - but no longer than this - to figure out that this is not Dr. Manzoo but his Matrix persona.
It takes you another second to analyze his name: Man zoo. Maybe a minotaur or something?
Despite his looks, Dr. Manzoo acted quite professional. He let you shortly describe the task ahead, gives you a number (a way too high number, you think, but Manisha accepts the sum without hesitation) and tells you to come there at 1 am. You swallow as the geodata confirm what you half feared: his lab is in Thamel. Where else would you get a good cyberdoc?
This leaves you a bit less than six hours until you have to arrive at the place.
-
Marco texted pops: << We have a meeting at 1:00. Thanks a lot!
pops had a tendency to show up when the troubles were really bad... Lucky knew that be don't just happen to be there when nasty stuff happens... If pops knows where they are going - he might choose to hang around to see if his special talents are required. Otherwise - he can't just magically appear like a guardian spirit. From all the information that Lucky was giving Pops he seemed to only care where he is going and if troubles are on the menu... the stories, the drama and emotional content of the words - they all seemed to be alien to him.
"Looks like we are going to take an 11 years old to Thamel... what could possibly go wrong ?" Lucky said with a sarcastic smile, it was either that or crying.
-
Manisha's answer startled him. First, because he hadn't expected so much as an emotion from her, plus because the message was cryptic. "Listen, Missy…", he adressed her, still angry about her arrogant behaviour, but in a placative voice. Looks like she's doing her best to solve this mess. "He will want to meet us. We're his family!" But after having seen Bikki's change, he wasn't so sure about that anymore… "At least we once were."
"There gotta be a way to call him. Let's have a chat with him, and then we'll see if he is really our Som and if he really doesn't want to see us anymore."
The thought of Som, the strong, always calm boy he knew and loved being perverted into some brainless killer made him sick with anger and pain. We'll get you out of there, bhai, whatever the cost!
-
"Ok, I'll keep an eye on Ravinder until you've brought Bikki to this doc and the payment went through. Once that is done, I'll piss off and we hopefully won't have to see each other ever again."
Riker still was agitated but at least now it seemed as if the whole thing could end more or less peacefully. 'Until they nab the next one of our number...'
-
Manisha frowns again at Scipio's words. "Mind your place, boy. You got Bikki, and I'm willing to pay a price, but don't overestimate yourself. Now, if you don't mind, hand over your hostage. Our deal is sealed, the money is transferred. That is, the order has been placed to transfer as soon as you mark the deal done.
"Now, I did my part of the deal. Will you do yours, or do you have to have me do it the hard way?"
Manisha is losing her patience. This is good and bad: good, because she might say something rash. Bad, because she might do something rash...
-
Scipio grinded his teeth. He knew they were walking on a sharp edge, but wasn't willing to give up that easily. Som's a member of our familiy, just as Bikki is. We can't let him down!
"You said you'd answer three questions. Well, I'd like to know if your Som is the same Som that we're looking for, and it seems to me that you might know that."
He instantly regretted pushing her. This is a bad time to make more demands...
With a more pleading voice he continued:
"Please, if he ran away from us, just let us make a call, that's all we ask for. He's our brother, we just want to make sure he's all right....
And that he's not the next one to appear at our hive trying to kill us."
Negotiation (http://orokos.com/roll/302124): 9d6t5 5
seems like the force is with me this time...
Then he addressed his friends "Lucky...", he asked in a quiet voice so Manisha couldn't hear him. "Would you search Ravinder's comlink for a contact or anything of Som?"
-
Lucky texts Scipio << Even if you can't get it... R will do it for us. Remember I still have is comlink and I am going to get it back to him. It worth a lot... and with a bit of luck and a dash of greed he'll do it later... however, he won't do it in front of his boss >>
-
You can tell with your every sense that Manisha's self-confidence is crumbling. She's still under control, but her voice is tense as a spring.
Eyes darting back and forth, she finally agreed. "I can allow you to call him once. Buy remember that he doesn't want to talk to you. Please do not call before lunch tomorrow. Do we have a deal?"
Lucky can indeed find an entry, with a matching name: Som Magar. It's your friend's, your family member's name. Ravinder swallows as you find the number, bit remains silent.
Well done! Not only did you get a free doctor, you also found out that Som is in their hands without getting yourselves killed. I was a bit afraid that the social subtleties would be too difficult to grasp via pbp, bit gladly I was wrong! Not bad, dear victims. Stage open for level 2, hehe
-
"Deal", Scipio agreed with a sigh. And for the first time in the last days, he indeed felt relief.
To be honest, taking their little brother to Thamel - and out again in one piece - and somehow getting a brainwashed Som out of the temple didn't really sound reliefing, but now at least they knew where the problems were.
-
Happy Lucky pulled of his Guitar and started playing... He was improvising something about the events of the day. It included devil rats, temple guys, angry trolls, an assassin named frozen yogurt that got a way and a deal with a devil woman. Playing and happily singing made him forget all the troubles of the day. He knew they are going to take little Bikki to someplace terrible but there was no point in over thinking about it.
"No offense for calling you devil... heh... you seem as tough as one ... besides it seemed to fit in that sentence... don't kill us okay ?"
He said to Mashina and R, as the team wen't by to their business.
-
Manisha didn't stay to listen to Lucky's song. As soon as you release Ravinder, she casts the group of you one last look, then she leaves.
"Dad means goodbye, dunnit?," says Sissy, after you exchanged your thoughts on what to do next. "Aye, tik chha. I've had enuf."
SIghing heavily despite his words, Sissy gets up and heads home.
"See?," HarleQueens smirks, "me told 'ee, me's da gal!"
She winks, but then the happy mask drops away. She sighs. "What do you think? Shall I go with you? I knows I'm a sort of a troublemaker."
-
"Commmon... you are not that bad... Besides it is not just sissy that can be scary to meet in a dark ally. If I didn't know you, I'd be terrified to approach you... on a second thought... I am just a bit fearful even after knowing you." Lucky laugh, hoping to squeeze at least half a smile from HarleQueen.
-
Scipio approved with a nod. "Three of us plus Bikki is fine.", he agreed with a cold voice. His mind was too occupied with dark thoughts to smile. "Small enough to avoid attention of the big fish, big enough to maybe scare off some smaller ones."He knew that probably wouldn't be the case, but saying it gave him a little confidence.
"Let's get going. The sooner this is over, the better."
He turned towards Riker, trying to give him a reassuring smile. "So... what are you gonna do, pal?"
The elf was nervous, and it was plainly visible. He checked his comlink every minute, half fearing a message from MB, saying that Bikki ran off or that an army of templemen was trying to kill them. Damn, so much could go wrong, even without going into Thamel.
-
"Since I still can't get close to Bikki without him flipping, I'll just cover your back. I have a gun and the armor. By the way, I can't wear my biker stuff with the vest. Mom said it's bullet resistant, so maybe you want to wear them? It's better than nothing, especially if some fragger comes with a shotgun after you."
Riker shrugged. "It's going to be ok. We'll get Bikki back and then we fetch Som."
-
HarleQueen smiles indeed at his joke. "You charming little bugger! No wonder the gals chase you! You know how to compliment a girl."
Thing is, you're not quite sure whether this was sarcastic or not.
-
Lucky kind of like HarleQueen. She always speaks her mind and she is tough enough to survive mockery for many years. She's a badass... the kind of girls Lucky likes. he smiles at HarleQueen saying "Dangerous, scary and a badass... you are my kind of girl HarleQueen " He laughs, the thing his he is not really joking, she is exactly his type.
-
Thamel
Once, Thamel was the marketplace of Kathmandu. Foreign traders came from distand lands, or from just around the corner. There were spice traders, tailors and merchants beyond count.
It was the very place that first attracted tourists. When the country opened its borders to the west more than 100 years ago, people who were looking for a hotel, English speaking natives or other pleasure came to Thamel. As everything it Nepal, the process went slowly, but after a few decades, the economy was adapted to tourists from India and the west of the world.
Things changed, and when the gods of the mountains claimed the mighty Himalayas for themselves, only few people who tried to challenge the mightiest of nature spirits dared to seet foot into Nepal. Or those who were not looking for mountains but for organs, kids or cheap labour.
Year by year, Thamel decayed more and more. Nowadays, it is but a shadow of the (relative) splendor of ancient days. Old hotels are empty (save for gutter rats like us, only grown up) or have become brothels for those who still come to Kathmandu. Former shops still have signs displaying "Vishnu handicrafts" or "today shawls 20 % off". Cheap AROs float in front of them - for those who have the gear to read them - to inform the honored customer that they don't sell clothing, but kidneys. And no 20 % off, either, saathi.
"Uncomfortable" is a euphemism to describe how you feel when you enter this world that screams one thing above everything else: this is grown up world. It is dark, sinister, dangerous and predatorious. You make sure your guns are loaded when you enter the area. Your only hope is to make it through here without attracting attentions.
Which you can't. Three young boys and ... and, well, HarleQueen. You certainly do attract attention. You feel that you're being followed by hungry eyes whereever you go, and sure enough, after only a few turns, you encounter the exact kind of people you were trying to avoid.
"Heh," makes the troll as he blocks your way. "Kiddos in da hood".
"Fairly strange," agrees a four-armed blue-skinned Gandharva who obviously makes a point of wielding eight shuriken simultaneously. "What leads you here, young lords? You need someone to guide you around, eh?"
People stop and turn.
Almost simultaneously, both Lucky's and Scipio's commlink buzz.
-
Lucky Smiles... his instincts tell him that fear is the last thing to show right now.
"YO! WASSAUP! I am Lucky and these are the Moon Stones... you must have heard of us... I can play you one of our hits...
You seem passionate about music... what do you guys say. Walk with us a little bit, so we reach our destination safely and I'll show you some good time with my guitar?"
-
He couldn't help it, but the corners of Scipio's mouth moved slightly upwards as Lucky revealed his bold plan. I like it! I'd be damned if it works that easily, but I like it!
Then, suddenly, his comlink buzzed. His first thought was I ain't got time for that, but the timing startled him. It was just too horrible to be random.
Eying the thugs carefully, he pulled out his comlink and read the message. A short moment of thinking, and then his fingers tiped in a quick response, before the comlink disapeared in a pocket of the heavy jacket again.
Scipio glanced over his shoulder, looking for obvious threats, then his eyes went back to the thugs again, checking. He tried to look calm and relaxed to not ruin Lucky's plan, but he was alert. Very alert.
@Volker: Since you sent me the incoming message as a pm, i assume you want only Scipio to know about it and will therefore not post it. If it's ok to post the message and my reaction/reply in the thread, i will add it asap.
Oh, and I guess it's like looking for trees in the forest, but: Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/304283): 6d6t5 1
-
The troll snorts. "Huh! Thad un's a bold un! Heh!"
The four-armed elf, too, can't suppress a smile. "Soso, the Moon Stones? You want to give us a privat concert, here, in the middle of the night? That would indeed be a merry occasion, wouldn't it, Tower?"
The troll doesn't give an answer, but grins in response.
"You know what, fair Moon Stone lead singer and guitarist, you add a little tip and we show you around in our turf. Does that sound right to you?"
Yep, you got the point. What was the perception roll for? Finding your commlink? It's in your pocket, pal.
-
"Are you worried about disturbing the neighbors?!... Nobody is going to call the police..." Lucky laughs... "About the tip... No problem at all friends. We would love to tip you for your time and protective escort... Everybody got to make a living some how... You bring us so many advantages, we will be honored to tip you handsomely once we reach our destination. It is not far from here."
Lucky did not have any problem to pay these guys off - he just did not want to pay every bully that they encounter. He figured that with a troll and a 4 armed ninja elf they will be as safe as it gets, and the money that they were supposed to pay the doctor from gang resources could just be routed to different use. Mashina paying for the treatment did give them some flexibility to pay protection money.
-
Riker kept his distance and had frozen when the two thugs made their entrance. Automatically, his hand had crept to the handle of the gun and its deceptive feeling of security.
He felt out of place with his biker helmet but without his biking clothes and his bike. Instead he tried to be as invisible as possible...
Stealth Check (http://orokos.com/roll/304340): 9d6t5 1
-
"You won't regret it, I promise.", Scipio added to Lucky's words and put up his most charming smile. "He's amazing. Everyone stands by and listens when he starts singing."
Then his comlink started to buzz again. After a murmured excuse towards the grunts, Scipio took a look at it - followed by a very unelvish curse that wiped the smile off of his face. He turned around, hissing "Frozen Yoghurt!" in Lucky's ears, then the elf walked two steps away from the group and dialed a number.
His expression was furious, grim, almost maniacal.
@Volker: Well, after completing the difficult task of finding his comlink in his pocket, Scipio actually wanted to look around the area for threats like gunpoints or people following them (exept for Riker, that creepy little stalker of course).
That was supposed to be the perception roll: Scipio glanced over his shoulder, looking for obvious threats, then his eyes went back to the thugs again, checking.
[/spoiler]
-
Lucky
"There's a gentleman with a sense of business, my dear retarded friend."
The troll grunts in agreement, obviously ignorant of what the word "retarded" means.
"Well, well. If the kind sirs would then agree to an expense allowance of, say, 9.000 rupees, we would gladly escort them to whatever lovely place they seek in this wonderful spot. What say you, my friends?"
Tower smiles.
Which gives you the creeps.
Scipio
You see many trees, but cannot make out some special threat.
After your call is being answered, no one says anything for two long seconds. He then breaks the silence with a pleased "Ah."
The screen is turned off, but instead of blackness you see this predatory smile that's going to haunt your dreams for weeks. "I am happy you call me, saathi. I am a fair man. You gave me three bullets, and I mean to return them to you. Would be most unpleasant if innocents were to bleed for your mistakes, wouldn't it?"
Riker
As you look around, you can identify someone who is moving towards us and watching us. At this point, of course, you can't tell whether he is just another spectator who watches as the predators attack the prey. He is human, at least 35 or 40 years older, though he might as well be 60. Difficult to say as he doesn't look very healthy. Most likely a scavenger who will try and feed off what the predators leave.
-
Riker wanted to warn his friends, but he also really did not want to attract attention. As discreetly as possible, he retrieved his com and typed a hasty message for Scipio:
<<Danger, man on ur 6>>
Finally he took out the gun, ready to fire at the man should he produce a weapon.
-
Lucky gracefully ignores the hissing. If there is some problem with an assassin he can pick a number... as he is clearly not the only one that want to kill them. Lucky survived this far with violence as his last resort and he was not going to change his ways now. Violence is not his game, he'll never be as strong as the orcs and trolls and Scipio and Harleequeen does not look very menacing themselves.
He say: "9 big ones?... I am not sure we have that much on us... my manager keeps me on a short loop... you know what I mean. ".. He send the troll an explaining look. . "I'd love to shake his pockets and see how much money he really makes out of my music. I'll get you the money tough no problem... Will just write it as expenses...Only music is important to me. "
Lucky takes out his guitar and gently pet it.
"Common, Moonstones don't be shy... " To the bullies - "They are a bit new... my manager say that nobody want to hear a single singer with a guitar... it is all about bands now and their special dynamics." Lucky smiles at Harleequeen with affection.
Shortly after he begins to improvise and sing, trying to get the bullies in the groove.
Playing the guitar and singing (http://orokos.com/roll/304435): 12d6t5 4
-
"Listen, punk, the gang is armed and alert, it you're really there, you gonna have a bad time!" Scipio was agitated, yet he knew that intimidations wouldn't get him anywhere. "You want me? Fine, I'm waiting for you. Guess you can track me anyways?"
While he was talking, his comlink buzzed again. I'm not a fuckin' callshop! Tense as a bowstring, he looked at the message - and froze for one tiny moment.
Then, with a slow (and as he hoped theatralic) gesture, he shifted the comlink into his left hand and with his right hand he reached under his jacket for his right hip, where other people tend to keep their guns, while he gave the approaching man his best fuck-off-look. His hand rested on his hip as calmly as he could keep it, and he looked the man straight in the eyes, trying not to blink.
Ok I hope that's right, since I don't really wiled any weapons, but we outnumber him, it should simply be +2. Intimidation(no weapon): 6-1+2 (http://orokos.com/roll/304896): 7d6t5 5
Boom, get outta here!
If our number doesn't count since Scipio probably still stands two steps away from the others, or some other stuff, feel free to reroll, Volker.
-
Lucky
"Ey-ey, what do you mean, expenses?"
The four-armed man doesn't seem content. "How much cash do you have? Just give us what's in your pockets, right? 7 big ones? Ya? Promises don't buy rice, my lord."
HarleQueen returns the smile, but shyly. She obviously isn't used to being smiled at - especially not by cute boys. You can tell she's uncomfortable with the unfamiliarity of the situation.
Scipio
Again it takes some two or three seconds, until Frozen Yoghurt replies. "I know. That's why I am not here. See you soon. That is, I will."
The connection ends.
I'm not sure you can make an Intimidation roll here, since you cannot do anything ... well, initmidating. But I'll appreciate that your fuck off look is a real nasty fucking fuck off look or I will beat you so badly that your grandsons will have blue balls look.
Riker
The man casts an eye at you. His gaze rests at you for a long moment, then turns back to Lucky. He doesn't seem to be aggressive, but being a street rat you can sense when somebody is tense. He is tense.
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/304988): 8d6t5 3
-
Riker slowly pulled the gun out, looked at the man, shook his head slowly and with a nod indicated him he should piss off.
Whoever he was, Riker did not want him anywhere near. And those thugs seemed to be getting really annoying.
-
Lucky say: ... "... you'll get everything we have... don't worry... We'll go back with the rest. Just let me play a little bit... common I am not bad just listen whats the rush... you'll enjoy it.
Lucky continues to play with movements as if he is some rock star from a trid and there is a large audience. He figures that if Pops decides to interfere Lucky should do his best to keep their eyes on him. That way... before they know it they'll be in a different state of mind.
-
When Riker threatened Pops openly, he too drew his gun, but showed no indication of shooting yet.
At this point, Lucky will get aware of his presence, despite being distracted by his negotiations and his rock event.
-
Is Lucky aware to any of the happening between Riker and Pops? Lucky is aware that Pops is there this is why he is using distraction.
-
Riker froze. That guy had drawn a weapon. He knew he should have shot him the moment he saw the gun, but he couldn't.
Shit, Shit, Shit, fucking Shit.
-
Crap! was Scipio's first thought, and then - a bit more pleasant - Well, now at least I know he can track me - his second. He knew it would be wise to get rid of the comlink, but he would think about that later. Now he had to deal with the pretty intermediate threat of an old man with a gun drawn and two street-bullies that were getting aggressive.
Since the gangers were occupied with Lucky and HQ and the stranger had just drawn his weapon, Scipio decided to focus on him. It startled him though, that the man did not show any aggression so far. Why did he not attack when we were all distracted? What is he up to? Following the direction the stranger looked with his sharp elven eyes, Scipio could make out a familiar figure: although he was missing his usual biker-jacket, the helmet was pretty recognizable. Riker!
And then he saw the gun in his hand. Shit, buddy, don't do anything harsh! He knew his friend's temper and he knew that Riker would try to protect his friends, so Scipio did the only thing that woud prevent an escalation:
With his bare hands raised in front of him, looking at the older man, he stepped right between the two, hoping the stranger wouldn't shoot at him, and ready to use his hold-out as soon as the man would show a flick of a malevolent intention.
What the hell am I doing?!
Since Scipio just tried to intimidate Pops I guess he is aware of Pops' demeanor.
Perception (spotting Riker) (http://orokos.com/roll/305527): 6d6t5 2
So I assume I also spot Riker?
-
By now, everyone spottet everyone and everything. The situation is about as stealthy as a rampaging herd of gnus.
"What, by the mighty lord, is going on here?," the Gandharva demands, obviously confused. "Are you paying no respect to elders at all, you crazy bunch of youngsters?"
Pops facepalms and lowers his gun.
-
Scipio didn't know what to make of this awkward situation, but something told him that he did something wrong. The stranger apparently had no intention to hurt them, but the bullies were obviously losing their patience.
He knew that no-one of them would have enough money with them to satisfy the thugs, and fighting them or running away were no options. There had to be a different way.
"Well, friends, what we have with us is yours, sure, but you could actually make much more out of that: The man I just called... well, he's rich. Like, pashupathi-rich. But not someone we value. Matter has it that I've lured him to follow me, should be here pretty soon. So... if the sirs have the guts to seize a golden opportunity..."
He left the rest unspoken. I've lied quite enough anyways. Actually it wasn't even a lie, just an incomplete truth. But they didn't have to know th unimportant details, like the fact that Frozen Yogurt was a dangerous killer.
Guess this would be a good opportunity to ask for the rough exchange-rate rupies - nuyen. I somehow have 100rp=1ny in my mind, but no idea how that thought got there. If that's true, then 9 big ones ain't so big...
And I'm not sure if I have to make a con-roll here, since Scipio's technically not lying, so I'll just roll con and negotiation.
Con (http://orokos.com/roll/306686): 5d6t5 3
Negotiation (http://orokos.com/roll/306687): 9d6t5 2
-
Lucky laugh... "Usually people pay me when I play... a little appreciation would be nice. I am pulling out good music mates. We'll pay you alright but since we already gained the escort of two manacing strangers... we'll only pay 5 big ones. That chromed up person over there is my manager. He barely feels like a persona anymore and does not talk much. I am begging you to take the money discreetly and leave. He is scary, barely a man inside and I doubt he has much respect for meta human life. His friend over there can be a real monster when the blood start spilling. It is not a threat as i am giving you the money - I do not want to see any bloodshed guys. We entertained you with music and gave you some pocket money for the road."
-
Riker shook his head in confusion. The old guy was on their side? Well, good thing that he apparently wasn't yet a hardened killer.
Damn it Bikki, why do you have to have to be crazy toward me?
He reholstered the weapon and stepped back so as not to alert the thughs to his presence who seemed to be the only ones who had not seen him yet.
-
The gandharva was obviously overwhelmed by new impressions and unexpected turns. After a few moments of open confusion, he decided to take what he can before things went crazy.
"I, I completely understand, friend. In that case, I will cover my pride and disappointment with smiles and bows, and take my leave. Nice to make your acqaintance, sirs."
He reaches out for the 5,000 rupees and, if you give it to him, makes off along with his troll rellow, who grins in satisfaction. Then he retreats.
-
Lucky pays the thugs and runs toward pops with excitement... saying "Pops! it is so good to see you... thank you for your help. One look at you and they decided they do not feel like fighting anymore... you too Riker."
-
Scipio quickly walked up to Bikki and placed himself right in front of the small boy, just to make sure he wouldn't Spot Riker in th
e distance behind them. He tried to make him feel comfortable, or at least as comfortable as an 11-year old could
feel in a place like Thamel. "I'm proud of you, bhai! When I was in Thamel for the first time, I almost pissed myself, and I was older than you're now."
But he wasn't as relaxed as he pretended to be. The stranger had turned out to be Lucky's godfather, a good thing, but there were enough other possible threats around them, and now that two bullies were gone, others might try to have their fill. Money attracts street-punks like blood draws predators near.
"Come on guys, we should move." Away from the spectacle, away from a quite likely approaching Frozen Yoghurt. I have to warn them.
He nodded towards Pops, what should serve as a "thanks" as well as an invitation, then he scanned the bystanders for anything or anyone remarkably hostile, or anything remarkable at all.
Perception (again) (http://orokos.com/roll/307868): 6d6t5 5
If you're tired of my perception-rolls, just let me know .
-
The gandharva and the troll quickly collect their money and get off. In the meanwhile, a small crowd of spectators has gathered. It is difficult to tell who might actually be a threat to us and who might not - actually, basically everyone in the neighborhood is a potential danger. Most of the people here are between twenty and thirty-five. Only few - like Pops - have survived longer, fewer still - like you - dare to go to Thamel at a younger age. After the situation dissolved, however, so does the crowd. After one or two minutes, the only especially suspicious persons you can see are:
- two teens of around eighteen, a boy and a girl, who have a distincitvely vulture-like appearance. They are eyeing us with unconcealed curiosity.
- a street trader who comes closer. He is stout and bearded and one of his eyes obviously is a cyber-eye. He grins, displaying a single whole in his yellowish teeth, and says. "Aye, that party looks like one that's in need of some guns and barrels. I can sell you some good guns to a very good price. You impressed me, I can make you a special price. Look, I can get you a real Ares or a Browning."
Bikki's face turns sour as he hears Lucky say Riker's name. "Riker? What do you mean? Where is that bastard? Are you still friends with him? I can't believe it! I-" He stops mid-talking, puckering his brows. He then falls silent, immediately, with a very troubled expression on his face.
Pops joins his group. He nods in their general direction, thus greeting Lucky, HarleQueen, Scip and Musaa, casts a look at the trader, but decides to ignore him. Instead he turns to Lucky and asks: "Trouble?"
I'm never sick of rolls. Rolls can always go amiss, and failed rolls usually mean fun to the GM ;-)
-
Scipio turned away from Bikki. He knew he was a bad liar, and the small boy could probably easily see through his lies. Lucky's better with Musaa anyways.
Instead he focused on the street-trader. He still didn't want to hurt anyone, but having another big, shiny Ares might be useful. And there was Frozen Yoghurt... One of us use should use Bikki's gun, but if at least two of us are properly armed, that might actually change the stakes- at least a tiny bit. "Well, as you saw we just lost most of our money, so if you want to sell us a gun, you gotta make a really good price for gun and ammo."
Then he wrote a quick message to Lucky, Riker.and HQ: FY on the way, gotta be armed.
Negotiation (http://orokos.com/roll/309622): 9d6t5 4
-
"I am armed. I am sure we could kill them... but it was enough blood for a day." To little Bikki - "we are going to fix Riker too I won't let him anytime near you."
-
The street vendor nods gravely. "Is that so? M-hm. I can give it to you for 2 and a half big ones. One set of ammo included, because you're this night's first customer."
-
Scipio was tempted to agree. The security of a heavy Ares in his hands would probably make him feel more comfortable and safe - but he hesitated. Since when do I buy firearms? That ain't me...
When he thought about it, the predator probably had an even better gun, and was definitely more skilled with it. They wouldn't be able to beat him with sheer firepower, he would always be stronger.They had to be smarter. That's how Scipio survived so far, being smarter than other thugs, being friendly and innocent on the outside while always having a gun ready in the right moments. And a big, fancy Ares wouldn't help him with that, but only attract attention, envy and distrust.
He was glad and thankful that Lucky never gave in to the urge of battle and always remained calm, strong and peaceful. With him always sticking to his ideals, Scipio found it easier to stick to his own. If I give in now, I give the predator a victory over me. You won't make me paranoid, you crazy son of a...
"Nah, sir, we have no need for that.", he told the vendor. "Guns are for pussies."
-
Riker had fallen back, since that little incident with Bikki. But he could still here the conversation with the vendor.
Sometimes he despaired about his friends:
<<Don't be an idiot. Arm yourself. Clever insults won't keep the gunman away.>>
-
>> Do you really want to give little Bikki a gun again? because me and Scipio are armed. My Tiffany took down an angry troll. She is good enough for me.
Lucky was a little afraid of the consequences but he asked never the less.
To Harlequin, "do you want a gun ?"
-
Scipio signed as his comlink buzzed. Even without looking at it, he knew what was going on: Riker was telling him that he was stupid, that he would endanger the whole gang through his pseudopacifism and that he should just get the damn gun so that they could proceed. And on the one hand, he was probably right. I shouldn't endanger my friends through my ideals...
Then he saw Lucky, his fingers quickly typing something into his comlink, most certainly a reply. The last thing we need now is an argument.
So, for the sake of.unity - and a little bit because additional gus could always come in handy in Thamel - he adressed the vendor again. "See, violence actually isn't our way of solving problems. But if we say two big ones, we might have a deal."
Even if we don't need it, we could just resell it afterwards.
But it didn't feel right. Now I betrayed my own attitude again, a doubtful voice inside his mind said. Oh, stop whining like a little kid!
Negotiation (price) (http://orokos.com/roll/310800): 9d6t5 2
-
HarleQueen smirks (at least this is how you interprete the more or less uncontrolled shifting in her face). "Me's alweez got me biggun. No worries for da gal, sweet meat!"
Scipio knows the price was too high the moment the vendor agreed eagerly. "Two big uns, then. Filled 'n' ready ter go, sir. You'll be as rambo as a grown-up predator, my friend."
He hands you the gun and stretches out his hand.
If you don't intent to be kept any further, you arrive at the doctor's place just a little later. No more incidents keep you. As you arrive at the place, you are a bit confused. It says "Sanjeev Tailoring - 50 % retail price". You can't see anything inside, because the lights are turned off.
-
Great, a tailor. Scipio hated tailors. They made suits, ties and basically anything that was expensive but totally useless outside of a fancy dining-hall. Pashupathi-stuff.
Scipio quietly and carefully approached the door and placed himself next to it, pressing a pointy ear against the door, listening for sounds inside the building.
If the door is made of anything transparent - most probably glass - then he carefully tries to make out any shapes inside but I guess that's obvious.
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/311449): 6d6t5 0
Well, that kinda sucks...
-
Riker had followed the group without texting again. He was satisfied, that Scipio had reconsidered.
Not for the first time did he curse the whole situation. He felt alone and isolated and it was increasingly harder not to blame Bikki. He's a victim just like us. The doc will help him.
It was almost a mantra at this point.
Still, he kept watch, looking out for the killer that was stalking them.
-
Lucky knocked on the door and then tried to opened it. "Dr. Manzoo? we are here as agreed" He said with a loud voice.
-
When Scip approaches the door, he can distincitvely see... nothing. Well, no, there is someone right behind the glass door. Startled, Scipio brings out his gun. Not a moment too late, as the person behind the door too... oh, you're looking into your own mirror image.
Only you settle, and Lucky shouts into the building, you can relax. You hear a clear voice from the cellar. "Come in, come in, my friends, come in!" The words are inviting, still, the voice lets a chill run down your spine.
HarleQueen stops at the door. "Me can wait'n stop surprises, tik chha?"
The interior of the building is not very spectacular. Whenever this might have been a tailor, no sign of it is left. You can see plastic boxes of unknown content stapled all over the room, most of them closed, the others empty. An empty desk stands in a corner. Apart from this, the only intersting thing is a flight of stairs, leading down into the basement.
-
Scipio nodded. He didn't want HarleQueen to stand guard alone, but since Riker wouldn't be able to accompany them downstairs, he would have to stay with her anyways, at least as long as Bikki was attentive.
So he placed his hand on Bikki's shoulder and guided him towards the dark voice, trying to make the little boy feel comfortable. "Don't be nervous, bhai. We make sure you'll be all right."
The truth was that he was pretty damn nervous himself.
Pops is still with us?
-
Take care and be safe. Said Lucky to Harleequeen with a warm look. He fearlessly went down to meet the doctor. He was curious more than scared, almost anyone in the street could kill him if he start being scared now he'll never get over it.
-
As Lucky, followed by Pops and Scipio, carefully walks downstairs, he can first smell than see that they enter a shadow doctor's lair. It reeks from antiseptica, sterilizing fluids and the half-concealed stench of blood. In the neon-bright light of huge halogen lamps, there are three small figures, all of them humans with Nepali origin. One is a gaunt figure in his mid-thrities with huge glasses and a white surgical gown. The others are female, nurses from their looks: one is a woman of about 50, the other one is a cute girl of roughly your age. It is her, who hides her fear the most...
You instincitvely feel that something went amiss here. Despite that, Dr. Mangooze raises his voice: "Ah, bhaai-haroo, what is it that troubles you?"[/i]
As soon as they three entered the doctor, HarleQueen relaxes a bit. "daai", she whispers into Riker's general direction, "you seen dad bike over there? Seemsabit, y'know, ownerless, dinnit?"
-
Lucky say "That little boy has something stuck in his new slot... we think it is effecting his judgement. We want you to take it out. "
He shows him the slot on Bikki's head and the foreign object that's stuck in there.
-
The presence of the frightened young girl startled him, but he ignored his curiosity. Stranger things have happened...
"And we would like to know... side-effects of the slot. How it might change his demeanor, his attitude, memories and everything. Can you help us?"
-
As soon as they three entered the doctor, HarleQueen relaxes a bit. "daai", she whispers into Riker's general direction, "you seen dad bike over there? Seemsabit, y'know, ownerless, dinnit?"
Riker perked up immediately, trying to see what kind of bike it was. His gloominess was instantly blown away - just to be blown away by suspicion. Those who lived here would never leave an expensive ride outside. And as far as he could see, there was no other business here that could reasonably be visited by a biker.
"You've got a good eye for details Harly." Without hesitation he walked over to the bike while he texted Scipio and Lucky:
<<It's probably nothing, but there's someone here who left a fancy bike on the street. Be careful, someone might use the doctor visit for an ambush.>>
-
Lucky approaches the young nurse and slips her a small note, whispering "This is my link number, call me." With a promising smile on his face. He figures up, if she is afraid he might get her to talk as to why.
Seduction (http://orokos.com/roll/312164): 12d6t5 5
-
Lucky and Scipio
Dr. Manzoo nods. "Yes, yes, sure. Just bring the boy here." Immediately the older one of the nurse comes towards you and leads the boy to the treatment bed that is positioned in the middle of the room.
The doctor asks. "How did you get involved in this? And how did you make yourself such enemies?"
Riker
Riker's suspicion was just. Nobody leaves an expensive bike somewhere outside ready to take. But someone did leave a bike outside. It's a cheap Nissan bike. A quick estimation has you guess that it must've been produced somewhere around the year 2060. Still, there is no immediate reason to assume that it won't move.
Just as you turn around to move over to the bike, your eye catches a movement where none should be. You can see the silhouette of a man jumping up from behind one of the crates inside the former tailor's shop, rushing downstairs, with swift, precise and nimble movements...
-
"FUCK!"
Riker turned around, running back over the street.
"Harly, he is inside!"
<<Incoming>>
-
"Family and friendship how else?... Liking people get you in trouble ya know what I mean. We don't really have enemies, we just look for our friends trying to make it in one piece."
-
When Scipio's comlink buzzed two times in a row, he knew something was out of place. For one moment he just stared at Riker's message, then it made click inside his mind, and he cursed audibly and heavily. The predator!
"An enemy followed us, he's dangerous. Get away from the door! Is there another way inside?"
And with quick, but a little unsteady hands he drew both his holdout and his Ares and positioned himself right next to the door, ready to shoot anyone and anything that was hostile. He assumed that Riker and HarleQueen were out of intermediate danger, since Riker had found the time to write him a text, but he still wanted to move towards them to check on them.
He threw one last look towards the scared nurse. What's wrong with her? Does she know anything? Whatever, she's the last of my concerns. Tense as a bowstring, he listened for any sounds coming from upstairs.
-
Lucky smiles to the young nurse - "I'll be right back..." He say as he activates the laser sights on his Tiffany and takes a good aim at the door. "Whomever approaches us will not lust long" He seems completely at peace, as he tries to impress the nurse, hoping that she will call him. As if an armed stranger running down the stairs is just a minor set back. Besides, Pops is with them - this is a really bad time to jump them.
-
Everything went fast, too fast. Taking two steps at once, the predator was downstairs in no time. Riker just found enough time to text the message and press the send button. In the very same second, the first bullet made its way.
You don't count as surprised, but you have no actions free to draw your weapons or position yourself in the room, before the combat phase starts. Please roll for initiative!
INI roll (http://orokos.com/roll/312720): 2d6+11 18
Called Shot (http://orokos.com/roll/312721): 9d6t5 5
Called shot with 5 successes at a vital area with partial cover. You're not lucky, mate!
Once you've determined your initiative, everyone of you (including Riker) can describe their action. I'll bring them into the right order if you want ;)
A loud boom broke the tense silence of the room, as a single bullet was unleashed. Scipio had only time to recognize the face in the dark. The eyes. And the evil, evil smile.
-
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/312723): 10+1d6 11
-
Riker ran as fast as he had never ran before. The door was not locked and the doorhandle turned by the force with which Riker hit the door. He regained speed as he stumbled down the stairs, weapon drawn, firing a single shot at the attacker.
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/312734): 11+1d6 16
Sprint Free Action:
Draw Weapon
Fire: 5 (Agility)+ 6(Semi Automatics)-3(Sprint)+5(Edge)
Shoot (http://orokos.com/roll/312735): 13d6t5 1 [13d6t5=4, 2, 1, 1, 3, 2, 2, 4, 3, 6, 2, 2, 2]
Shoot (http://orokos.com/roll/312736): 1d6t5 1
Wow what a spectacular bad roll for an edge-enhancement
7P +2 successes
-
Initiative (+9) (http://orokos.com/roll/312737): 1d6t5 1 + 9 So a total of 10.
Time to pray...
-
HarleQueen: 13 (good roll)
Pops: 12 (bad roll)
HarleQueen, too, runs inside the building, draws her weapon and fires. Shoot (http://orokos.com/roll/312891): 6d6t5 3
Defense: Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/312894): 12d6t5 5
DODGE
Pops: Shoot (http://orokos.com/roll/312895): 9d6t5 5
Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/312896): 12d6t5 3
HIT!
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/312898): 14d6t5 6
8P + 2P (net hits) - 6 (soak) = 4P
@Jack: Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/312886): 12d6t5 4
He dodges your attack.
@luckace: Please roll your defense roll! INI+REA d6.
@gilga: It's your turn now.Your turn.
I'll set up a complete IC post after the CR is finished.
-
Lucky take fire his taser.
Fire + Laser sight (http://orokos.com/roll/312731): 12d6t5 3
(I previously rolled I just remind it)
-
Scipio was not fully caught by surprise: he had of course heard the steps of the assassin, as he came charging down the staircase and he had definitely heard the loud bang as he busted the door open. And since he had been nervous the whole time, half expecting an ambush behind every corner, he was not completely unprepared for the bullet the predator sent after him.
When Frozen Yoghurt came charging into the room, his arm with the gun raised, Scipio instinctively threw himself aside, not looking where he would land or what was behind him, just out of the line of fire. Not one second to late, as the bullet seemed to miss him only by inches. While falling, Scipio quickly drew his new Ares out of his pocket and fired what he had at the predator, until he smashed on the ground with a hard landing that sent jolts of pain through his back and pressed th e air out of his lungs.
Do I have to roll anything to not take any severe bruises from doing such a full-body-touchdown?
Rest is in OOC.
-
I just saw that I wrote "It's your turn now. Your turn." That's kinda double. Apologies, that was not intended ^^
Okay, here are the defense rolls:
Lucky: Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/313562): 10d6t5 3
Almost a hit! Frozen Yoghurt's feeling uncomfortable.
Scipio: Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/313564): 9d6t5 5
Aw man! This man has more luck than he deserves!!
On the other side, I always forgot to roll 4 more dice for his defense, so I guess that's a clear sign of the god dice that FY is not yet done with you. ;-)
As for for your defense maneuver: since you even have a net hit, you don't hurt yourself :-)
Within a blink, the basement turned into hell. Bullets flying, rebounding, hitting the walls. Frozen Yoghurt jumped around the corner and let out a single bullet. Just milliseconds before they would have pierced Scipio's shoulder, he dived away, hitting the ground hard. Blasts came in response as no less than four men try to take down the intruder, all of them failing, except for one well-aimed round coming from the old runner, Lucky's long-term friend Pops.
The assassin realizes that there is nothing to win here. With the nimbleness of a cat, he turns around, almost running into Riker, and makes his escape. As suddenly as the danger came, he vanishes into the midnight crowd in Thamel. Silence falls over the dramatic scene like a heavy curtain.
Riker can attempt to shoot at him once. If you glitch, however, you might hit one of the other inhabitants of Thamel at this time of the night. There's of course the possibility to follow him, too, though he looks very fast.
-
Riker was angry - angry enough to shoot a fleeing man's back. But the streets weren't deserted and he realized all to well that this had been the exact situation he had experienced earlier today - the bullet missing him and hitting an innocent girl.
Trembling he lowered the weapon and instead started to run after the man, securing the gun in his waistband and drawing his knife instead. But he had been to slow. Frozen Yogurt had vanished.
-
"Sorry about that..." Says lucky still smiling. "While we consider no one our enemy, some people consider us their enemies apparently... They are weak and misguided as they use force to solve their problems. Thous who live by the sword die by the sword - there is nothing but death in their path. If any, I feel sorry for them. "
He looks at Pops "Nice shoot! Thanks for saving our asses... "
-
Scipio was panting heavily. Again, the predator had escaped, and the threat of him being still around made him feel very uncomfortable.
He turned to the doctor, the nurses and Bikki. "Are you all right?"
-
The doctor exhales. "I am so sorry we didn't warn you. He threatened to kill me and to ... to ... be violent on young Nita." Manzoo bites his lips. "I'm always in your debt. Please forgive me my weakness. I just- just wanted to protect them."
He shakes his head in frustration. "Bring the boy here. I will try and do what I can."
The two nurses completely lost their nerves. As soon as the bullets flew, they flung themselves behind the tables with loud screams. They still hide down there, sobbing heavily, and giving no answer but cries.
Pops nods at Lucky, then goes upstairs. You need no words to understand that he will guard the room to prevent further surprises.
HarleQueen whistles and pats Riker on the shoulder. "Boom. That bugger wuz a tough 'un, jeez. Butcha see wat? Da bike's still da!"
-
Lucky answers to the doctor "You did well, life are worth saving and that misguided person got more than he bargained for... Besides I wouldn't want anything bad happening to Rita" Lucky then crawls down under the table and smiles to the nurses... "do you mind if I join you?" He say, but he does not wait for a replay With a very serious face he tells Rita "This is an unusual place for a date... we could have just gone to the trids" He laughs. "I am Lucky by the way. Sorry for being like that... I see a pretty girl and lose my mind."... He pauses and adds "Really I mean it... I am not usually like that... After a short while he adds "I actually hit with my taser most of the times." He laughs again. Hoping that the couple of jokes will ease their fear a little bit.
-
The words of Dr. Manzoo echoed through Scipio's mind, awakening the fury inside him. That little bastard almost got all of us killed! He sold us out to protect his pretty little... But he couldn't blame him. I probably would have acted the same way. "Fair advice, doc: don't trust the temple-people. He would have shot you just as he tried to shoot us."
But as he thought about it, the fact that the doctor was in their debt might be useful later on.
"You saw the temple's true face today.
As far as we know, they have more kids, probably also one of our brothers.
You did maybe not show weakness by valueing your nurse's life more than ours - which is quite understandable - , but you could show real strength by helping us out and treating our other brother, should he need your kind of treatment.
Can we count on you?"
"Oh, and... Thank you, Pops. You saved me.", he added towards the old runner.
Negotiating (treating Som for free) (http://orokos.com/roll/314128): 9d6t5 2
-
Riker perked up at that: "You think, we can somehow short circuit the thing? Damn, that would make that whole shit almost worthwhile."
With a few quick steps he was next to the machine, slowly stroking the sleek chrome. Yes, he wanted that piece of hardware so much - it almost physically hurt. He was meant to ride...
Only after a few seconds he remembered that the others just had also been in a shoot out. Thank the gods, it seemed as if Bikki hadn't noticed Riker's role in this little interlude.
"Can you help me get this thing home, while the doc treats Bikki? We'll need some time to find someone to crack the digital locks."
-
In the basement
Dr. Manzoo gives Lucky a puzzled look. "Who is Rita? Oh... Oh, you mean Nita. Uhm, yeah.
"What temple people are you guyes actually talking about? I haven't got the slightest clue what kind of mess you're dragging me into, boys. What is going on here?"
Before you can answer, Dr. Manzoo kneels and touches the older nurse at the arm. "Shush. Everything's all right now. You can come forward again."
Nita isn't quite sure how to react to Lucky. Getting almost shot by a psychopathic murderer doesn't seem to stand on her list of on-turners. She reacts in a shy and nervous way, retreating a bit further, as you assure her that you usually aren't as straight-forward as to date somebody you never talked to, but now that you all got yourselves almost killed, you're fine with that...
The other nurse - you still don't know her name - seems to catch herself rather quickly. After a few moments, she gets up and bows namaste to you. She still seems to be more comfortable with keeping her silence.
The Dr. clears his throat. "Now, I already received payment anyway, so I'll do the job at least. What has happened? Tell me, what I can do for you. No-one of you seems to be injured, as far as I can tell."
In front of the shop
HarleQueen grins a tusky grin. "Aye. Y'know what? Me think thazza sign. God or Vishnu or Da Great Gamemaster or waddever you calls it, says: 'You a'serves it, Riker. For da 'ole shit 'n' drek wid Musaa 'n' all. See? Iz there for you!"
It's her way of saying that she's sorry for your situation. First you loose your bike, and then this. She's with you, and she won't let you down.
-
To Nita he said: "I am always this direct... I never know how many days I really have left. You are better off without me. I am nothing but a pacifist street rat, I have no money and I live among misguided and violent people most of them are twice my size. You are wise to stay away from me, I am nothing but troubles. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable." He smiles.
Straightening his cloths he tells to the Doctor. "You really did nothing wrong, your decision kept your staff safe. See what you can do with little Bikki. "
Lucky then hugs little Bikki saying "Do not worry friend, you are in good hands now. We are your family and will always be with you. You will be alright little mouse"
To Scipio he say "Maybe I should wait outside, my manners are terrible and I do not want to make Nita uncomfortable... is that alright?"
-
Riker kept looking at the bike. He wanted to get this going so badly. "Right. My thanks to any god that listens. And with any luck the doc will fix that drek inside Bikki."
Giddy and without his usual brooding tone, he sent a quick message to his friends: <<FY left his bike behind. I think it's mine now. Harly and I are bringing it back to the compound. Don't go outside til we are back.>>
He gave Pops a grin and a nod before moving off with the loot.
-
To Lucky:
"As you want, but I think you're better with Musaa than I am."
To the doc:
"Oh... yeah, I guess we owe you an explanation. I'm Scipio , and he bowed them namaste. "We don't know who this guy is, I think you've talked with him more than we did. We met him just yesterday, when we were trying to have a...
And as he just wanted to explain their situation, his comlink buzzed again. "Oh, excuse me." If he's sending me threats again...
<< DON'T! Might be doc's bike and we might need his help again with Som! Let's find out first if it's theirs>>
-
"Okay I will stay here." Say Lucky and takes out his guitar. "Is it okay? I do not want to interfere with the medical procedure." he asks as he begins playing soft and relaxing background music.
To Riker he texts "That's awsome, remember us when you are rich and famous!"
-
<<Sure, I doubt it but it can't hurt to ask.>>
...
<<Have you asked him already?>>
-
>>Take it and we will ask later. It is not good to advertise theft.
-
To the doctor:
"By the way... uhm, you should be careful when starting your bike again. The gunman might have sabotaged something to get rid of witnesses. We don't want that fancy stallion to blow up under your butt."
-
The doctor smiles and nods. "Thanks for the advice. I'll let it check before I use it again. Luckily, I live in walking distance from here, so that I hardly have to use it. I feel it's safer that way: for me and for the bike."
He winks, than ushers Bikki to the bed. He frowns, then orders his nurse to prepare some basic tools. "What happened to the boy? There's a ... nail in his datajack. Is this what you came for? He seems healthy to me."
With some swift and smooth movements, he removes the nail. Not a single drop of blood flows. He drops the nail into a dustbin.
"Anything else I can do for you? I hardly feel I deserve your payment."
-
"Ah, I see. Never mind."
"But about the slot: Are you sure the nail's the only awry thing about it? No, er, chip or whatever inside? And do you have the means to find out how the slot might influence him?
We really want to make sure he's all right."
When Manzoo is focussed on something different, he texts Riker:
<<Feel free, not his bike.>>
He figures that before some bully steals it and hurts someone, Riker might as well get a piece of the cake for himself.
-
Maybe I misput my words. It is not his bike. What point would be in going here by bike if his home is within walking distance?
"If you would kindly tell me what the heck is going on," the doctor replies, "I might have a clue what I'm looking for. Yes, there is a chip inside. I assume, now that it is gone, your young fellow can remove it without problems. Is there any reason to assume that this slot is not an ordinary datajack?"
-
"Do not assume that it is an ordinary datajack, check it if you can. We weren't in contact with Bikki for a while and something is not right about his behaviour, this is why we convinced him to go see a doctor - we have no idea what it really is."
-
"How did his behavior change? If this is something cerebral, I have to know what I'm looking for. Otherwise it's like looking for a needle in a haystack as huge as the Hive. A yellow needle."
-
Lucky say: "M... I do not understand it for sure, he seem to have some fake memories that do not make sense and he became violent. He was a little devil before but definitely not the kind to start a fight or to just shoot at one of his friends unprovoked, in a crowded area."
-
Riker grinned. "Ok, we are off with it. If we are quick, we can be back here before they are done."
With a spring in his step he helped Harly to move the bike away.
-
"From what we know, a con experimented on him with some special technology. They also trained him in combat, it seems. And...one of the responsible guys told us they also messed with is mind. I mean, like psychology and stuff.", Scipio added to Lucky's explanation.
Then he sent a short text to Riker:
<<"Be alert, predator might be lurking. U want the Ares?">>
-
<<What's going on? Is it my birthday or what? Sure thing. If we see him, we'll deal with him.>>
Riker replied.
-
"Hmmm... I understand. This is then going to be a more thourough inspection. Lemme check for cyberware first."
The doctor pulls forth a roughly troll-palm sized scanner and runs it over Musaa's body. "Hmm"... he makes as he looks into the void. It takes you a second to realize that he is staring at an ARO, invisible for you. These new spirit technologies always made you wonder.
"You are right. Somebody messed with his mind. Serious drek. I'll have to investigate it further, which will make me time but this sure is interesting. As it seems this datajack is directly connected to brain cells, creating a kind of expanded neuronal network. Uh"
He stops as he sees your puzzled faces.
"You know what. I'll try to figure out what the heck they did to the poor boy and then I'll explain it to you in words you'll understand. Fair?"
-
To Riker:
<< Let's celebrate when we're all back home. Just thought when you two go out there slowed down by a bike you might need extra firepower. >>
Scipio didn't like the fact that they were completely in the doctor's hands. Damn, he could totally screw us! He knows that we pissed off some high-end-folks, what if he's selling us out to the temple? First he takes Bikki as a hostage, then he blackmails us to... Oh come on! Pops trusts him, then we can also trust him. Besides, if he hurts Bikki, we can hurt him back. Or his little nurse...
There was enough drek that Scipio couldn't understand, from magic to cyberspace, he got used to not-understanding what other people said or did.
"All right, sounds good to me", and he placed himself next to Bikki. "Don't worry, bhai, we'll stay right with you. And as soon as the doc's done, we can all go home again."
What kind of gun did Riker pick up after the fight again?
-
A couple of days later, you receive a phone call from Dr. Manzoo. He bids you visit him in his "clinic". Since he invites you for 11 am, and Pops agrees to escort you one more time, you have no troubles getting there. In the meanwhile, Sissy is doing great in terms of recovering, HarleQueen gets uglier than before but shows signs of affection for both Riker and Lucky (or at least this is how you interpret her plump insults) and there was no further attack from Frozen Yoghurt (except from a single PN sent to Scipio who remembered him that his debt increased from 2 bullets to seven, but, seeing as it would be unfair to punish Scipio alone for the malbehavior of his Hive companions, he is going to deal the retribution strikes no longer to Scipio in person, but to the inhabitants of the Hive instead).
As you arrive, Dr. Manzoo's facial expression is grave. He meets you upstairs where you can sit on the crates. Since Bikki is excluded from the meeting, he specifically asked for Riker to come here, too. Scipio double-checks wether no diary products lie hidden in the shadow behind the crates, but as it seems, this place is secure enough.
Dr. Manzoo clears his throat.
"The news I have for you are not so very good. I examined him, and I examined him closely. To be honest, I spent more hours in it than reasonable and way more hours than the payment I received justified. But I did it anyway, because curiosity drove me, and because I see my debt towards you now as cleared.
What they did ... I'll try to explain it in simple words, but at some points it will be difficult. The change in behaviour in little Musaa does not directly depend on the chip. Rather, the chip monitored and altered his very brain. Thus, by removing the chip, we can prevent it from doing further damage, but what has been changed has been changed. Even after I explained him what had happened to him, I doubt he can face Riker again. Maybe - and this is a big maybe - behavioral therapy might help him to fight down the urge to kill him instantly, but this is a long, straineous and expensive procedure.
I'm not yet sure why they did it. I am quite sure it is nothing personal. I assume they are testing some kind of new invention. Properly tested and improved, this kind of technology might change almost any person's mind. The way they're doing it now, it takes weeks if not months to do so, but the results show. He tried to kill a person he once loved - and, I think, still loves in a way. I have no incling who's behind this, or what they do, but it is most cruel, and no child should suffer from something like this..."
He shakes his head and sighs heavily.
"There's more, though it seems to be small in comparison. They did not only connect the pre-frontal cortex to the datajack, but also several centers connected to firing a weapon. Its structure is similar to skillwires - are you familiar with the concept? - but it's different. It doesn't substitute the brain's function. It's monitoring and altering it. I can't yet decide what it is, but I made some tests with Musaa and - in regard of how little training he has - he is a brilliant shooter.
Do you have any questions at this point?"
-
Riker began: "So... what can I do? Do I have to wear a mask now and pretend to be a stranger around him? Or would it be possible to... I don't know... get him used to me again if I just talk to him over a commlink? I really don't want to have to change my face just so Bikki won't turn into a murder machine."
-
Lucky thinks: "Is that even legal to do this kind of research? It feels odd to me that we are doing all the hard work, but there is a lot of money involved and we can barely finance a lunch."
He then say:
"Dr. Manzoo, can you give us some written examination report? In case we want to try the psychological treatment option. "
Lucky thinks:
"I should involve Tammie, she always tries to figure out what we're doing and apperantly it is not us who are misbehaving now... I wonder if she could do anything to that temple or the company that is behind them."
-
"Thank you very, very much, doctor."
"So there is no way to reverse him?", Scipio asked. No, it was not a question. He spoke out a truth he had feared all the time and did not have the courage to face until now. The old Musaa is gone...
Life would become difficult at the hive...
"From the view of an expert... how plausible does this sound? I mean, should we tell other people about this, will they believe us? would you believe us"
Can we assume that we warned our gangfellows about FY and told them to stay alert, not wander off, things like that?
-
His expression remains stern.
"Poor kid. Alas, I don't think that concealing your face will do the trick. It would help, of course, but as soon as he recognizes you - your figure, your voice, anything - the reconfiguration would cause him to try and kill you...
There are, however, two other options:
The first one is easier (but still not easy) but involves a lot of money. You'd need a psychologist or someone who knows what he's doing to perform what they call behavioral therapy. Basically what they do is: they get him used to you again in small steps. This is painful, takes a lot of time and money, but it might work in the end.
The other one is more ... adventurous. I don't know exactly how it works, but there might actually be a way to undo the whole process the same way it was made. This would, of course, involve the cooperation with those people who did this in the first place. You'd need their data, you'd need their expertise and you'd need some luck."
He turns to Lucky.
"I ... yes, I could give you a report, of course. Though I don't really know what's going on here, to be honest. This is a completely new technology, unheard of. And this is nova hot. You have to know one thing: If you dig deeper into it, you risk your lives, and maybe others. I'd prefer a personal recommendation, therefore, in order not to bring any risks to fellow doctors."
To Scipio:
"Hm, well, it does sound a little ... incredible. But if you explain it properly and you can show some data I could prepare for you, a competent medical staff might believe your story."
He sighs and brushes through his hair.
"Boys..." (He seem to have missed the fact that HarleQueen is a female) "this is probably research of a new kind of augmentation technology. They will not want you to interfer. You're risking much if you don't let his poor soul go. But on the other side ... they will not do research only on him. There might be more Bikkis still in there."
He raises his hands in a gesture of defense. "Just telling my thoughts. I'd rather not get connected with you in future, but I'm with you in case you need me. Just ... just keep me out of it. I have family."
We can assume that.
-
"So, you say unless I somehow rob a bank and get rich the only way to have Bikki not wanting to shoot me is breaking into that temple and finding someone who can undo that shit in his brain?
Ok. I can do that."
said Riker with a very determined face.
-
"No Riker this where our road ends... we clearly cannot take these odds. These are cooperations and we are a bunch of street rats. We'll have to study psycology and treat Bikki ourselves, just please write down what you can because we are not very smart and I am not sure I'll be able to explain myself what happened to Bikki. "
Lucky lied, he did not want the doc to know about their future plans.
-
Scipio didn't like any of their options. Things we do for family...
"Were you able to find out what exactly they made him think about Riker?
You are right, we are even. We will try to keep you out of any trouble, doc"
"What is necessary to do the reversing? Do we only need know-how, or also fancy equipment? "
-
"That, or either of you leaves that place, yes."
After Scipio's questions, he pauses for a moment, then takes another look at the images that were flying invisibly somewhere in the Matrix. After frowning again, he turns back to you and says:
"Yes and no. The answer is not that simple. He doesn't believe him to be a demon or something. This is not magic. It is neuroscience. Let me put it this way: Imagine something you really hate. Something you made terrible experiences with. But try and pick something you also liked once. I don't know what it is for you: maybe a certain girl, your parents, dogs, Kathmandu, anything.
Now try and trace how this happened. You made bad experiences, or had bad feelings, or something like that. Basically, what they did, they altered his brain the same way these experiences would. They stimulated the area that is associated with Riker, and simultaneously triggered centres like the amyg... like ... you know, the part of the brain that is there to warn you from dangers, or to get aggressive, to be aware of enemies.
So, Bikki doesn't belivee Riker to be something. He doesn't have any clear thoughts about him at all. He just sees him and becomes aggressive, out of an impulse. Something like that. It's difficult to figure out details.
So, to do the reversing, we would need a couple of things:
Firstly, we need someone who knows how this procedure works and is willing to undo it.
Secondly, we need the protocols of what they did to Bikki.
Thirdly ... I don't know, but I'm damn sure we'll need something as soon as we know what exactly happened."