Shadowrun
Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: Jack_Spade on <06-15-15/1727:52>
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Pain and Gain - Times are tough, so are we.
Murphy's Laws of Combat: 55. The one item you need is always in short supply.
Seattle, Tacoma, May 5th, early morning
Five cameras recorded how the man exited the stuffer shack with a big soy latte. The traffic was minimal before sunrise and the broad shouldered man walked quite relaxed toward the nearby monorail station. He did broadcast a SIN, but it most likely wasn't his own. His real leather jacket, the heavy boots and the crew cut together with his fit physique marked him as some kind of soldier or enforcer.
A big SUV appeared for a second in the frame of the nearest traffic camera before all surveillance lost their connection to the security host. When the sudden matrix noise had vanished so had the SUV and all that was left was the man lying on his back in a slowly spreading puddle of blood and soycaf. Two shots had hit him in the chest, one directly between the eyes.
The Knight Errant report talked about a shootout between criminals of unknown identity, possibly gang related. One hour later the crime scene had already been cleaned up, the body transported to the nearest morgue and all evidence collected.
Seattle, Tacoma, May 5th, late afternoon
The fixer had just ended an unsuccessful yet highly amusing call, when his link once again chimed:
"Armstrong"
"Oy, I's 'eard you was looking for some spec hardware?"
"Yes?"
"Well, well, seems to be an special crew that needs a troll size tiger'n coat and sum rifles of that calibre."
"I don't speculate about the needs of my clients. Can you provide the material?"
"Could be, could very well be. You see, I's in a bit of a bind meself. Got some really good hardware lying aboot, got even new flash chips for ownership. But I's in need a bit of a heavies meself. You got a reliable crew in dem wings? We's do business."
"There will be a commission fee. Are you sure you don't want to just sell me the stuff?"
"Nah, easier an' faster like dis. Tell'em to be at Marine Drive corner 7th Ave tonight round ten. I's got a proposal for dem,"
"Since you transfered the fee, I'll pass the message on, but I can't guarantee that they will follow such a shady call."
"Well then tell's em I's also got some well paid work awaiting'em. That's a gu-a-ran-tee from the Sunkid."
Seattle, Tacoma, May 5th, late evening, now
Murphy's Laws of Combat: 104. There is always a way, and it usually doesn't work.
bnc had made her homework. As soon as Slobbertooth had gotten the message from his fixer she had scoured the matrix for info on that Sunkid person. What she found wasn't much: There was some talk about a runner/smuggler from Hong Kong with that name to have appeared in Seattle. An ork in his late thirties - technically a grandpa. His reputation at least said he could acquire rare gear most of the time but at the same time he was described as "cash strapped" and "usually almost broke". A crude sketch identified him as the white haired ork running with remarkable speed down the small side road where the team had parked.
A moment later it became clear that this was no mere healthy evening exercise but rather owed to four individuals with shaved heads and armed with various stabbing and clubbing implements following the ork in close proximity.
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Slobbertooth smirked. Gotta love it when the punks come to me.
Slobbertooth acted quickly. Donning his helmet, he grabbed his HK-227, flipped on the smartlink, ran in a clip full of hollow point ammunition, turned on the new low-light flashlight, and blitzed out the back of the van.
He shouted back at the team as he started his chase. "Chummers! You can join the party or be left to clean up the scraps!"
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Krestov's helmet, it's golden eagle's wings catching the light on either side, went on the troll's head immediately after the ork's, the troll hopping out of the back of the van right behind Slobbertooth. With how Armstrong said he had marketed them, the big Russian figured it would be best to look the part, clad in his usual mil-type armored jacket, cargo pants, heavy boots, and muscle shirt, complete with his legs kit and helmet. Before he hopped out, he did a split-second assessment of their contact's assailants.
Four thug types, close range weapons, variable, but negligible protection. Assessment: stree jumping
Nodding his head, he held up his hand to Slobbertooth, visored gaze locking with the ork's for a brief moment of acknowledgment; the big guy trusted the tusker's aim. His Crusader holstered neatly at his hip, Krestov approached the attackers calmly, not even glancing as he let Sunkid scramble past, staring down the quad of street punks as he stopped a good 5 meters in front of Slobbertooth. His pheromones active, he slid one foot forward and brought his hands up into fists, a relaxed and guarded stance familiar to his style. His voice rumbling out, it sounded level and calm with an alarming amount of terrific resolution.
"Not your night. Advance and be dropped. Final warning"
Intimidate (http://orokos.com/roll/301617): 7d6t5 3
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"Get out of the way you fat troggy faggot." The four men - clearly inebriated and according to their patches part of a humanis poli club - didn't even slow down in pursuit of their quarry. Two were ready to move around the big troll, while the leading to showed clearly intent to use their knives on the new arrival.
Whatever drugs they had taken, one was clearly some kind of combat drug since they moved quite fast.
Humanis 2 Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/301665): 7+2d6 11
Humanis 1 Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/301664): 7+2d6 13
Humanis 3 Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/301666): 7+2d6 14
Humanis 4 Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/301667): 7+2d6 18
1 and 2 wield combat knives
3 has a machete
4 wields a baseball bat with some nails in it
They all have dodge 7 and 10 soak (cheap armored leather).
A quick look into the matrix shows all of them have a rating 2 commlink and light pistols with wireless enabled
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When the two huge Tuskers got out of the van Torrent found the space to stretch his legs and drink the rest of his soy-cola.His friends needed to let off some steam and enjoy themselves so he made no move to join the fight.
"Give them hell guys.And be quick about it.Pulp fiction is on trid tonight, don't want to miss it."
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Slobbertooth chuckled at the men's inebriated states. His mouth was visible under his helmet's visor. Krestov saw Slobbertooth's lips and tusks turn up into a grin.
His visage was downright feral.
Josiah Willows took a split-second to aim, and then squeezed the trigger. The HK-227's trademark muffled blasts rung out as two of the punks had their chests riddled with hollow point ammunition.
Initiative Round 1 (http://orokos.com/roll/301738): 13+4d6 29
Action Simple: Aim
Simple Action: FA Burst (Str + Weapon RC can handle it)
Slobbertooth splits fire between the idiot with the bat and the moron with the machete.
Target 1: HK-227 FA Burst (http://orokos.com/roll/301731): 8d6t5 2
Target 1 Dodge: Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/301733): 1d6t5 0
Damage Code: 10p +1AP
Target 1 Soak: Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/301735): 11d6t5 4
Target takes 6p damage.
Target 2: HK-227 FA Burst (http://orokos.com/roll/301732): 7d6t5 2
Target 2 Dodge: Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/301734): 1d6t5 1
Damage Code: 9P +1AP
Target 2 Soak: Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/301736): 11d6t5 2
Target takes 7p damage
Slob defense stats:
Defense pool is 15 (8 Rea + 5 Int + Combat Sense 2) or 21 if using dodge
Soak pool is 21 (12+2 Armor, 7 Body)
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The badges and the words were the only affirmation Krestov needed to turn off his internal restraint setting, his stance lowering into an aggressive ready stance as he refused to move. Humanis...this got personal. Knowing Slobbertooth felt the same, he was not surprised by the hail of bullets that whizzed by him, cooking like a viper ready to strike
initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/301795): 1d6+8 14
Krestov has defense pool of 8, soak pool of 29
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Multiattack is a complex action, so you can't aim. But looking at your dice result, I just subtract the last one which doesn't change the result.
New Ini
Humanis 2 Ini: 7+2d6 11
Humanis 1 Ini: 7+2d6 13
Humanis 3 Ini: 7+2d6-2 12
Humanis 4 Ini: 7+2d6-2 16
Humanis 4 gets an action:
He drops the club, pulls out his gun and fires one shot at Slobber:
Pistol shot (http://orokos.com/roll/301831): 6d6t5 2
Slobber defense:
Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/301832): 15d6t5 5
easily evaded
The thug with the bat doubled over in pain as did the other with the machete. But he was quick enough to drop his melee implement and instead pulled out a gun that he had haphazardly stashed in his trousers waistband.
He shot at the ork, but the adept easily evaded.
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The wild retaliatory shot was all that Krestov needed to spring into action, choosing to put his attention towards the knife wielders, springing forward and lifting his knee into the air. With a roar, his foot launched ahead of him like a hammer from the gods, connecting square into the thug's chest.
Without even looking at the resultant damage, Ivan Stoskorof turned to the other, mouth fixed in a grim expression as he steadied his stance.
Unarmed at thug 2 (Kick, Reach 2) (http://orokos.com/roll/301834): 12d6t5 7
Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/301836): 7d6t5 1
6 net hits, soak against 16P
.Damage soak (http://orokos.com/roll/301837): 10d6t5 2
14 Physical damage incurred. ..oh.
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The orks kick hit the sweet spot just above the idiots ear. His head was turned to the side and with an audible crack his neck broke.
With a rage filled scream his compatriot charged Krestov
Charge attack (http://orokos.com/roll/301843): 9d6t5 4
Krestov defense
Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/301844): 8d6t5 2
7 P AP-3
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/301845): 26d6t5 12
No damage
The knife hit and scraped harmlessly over the troll's thick armor.
The remaining thug also produced his gun and started firing at slobbertooth
Humanis 3
Shoot (http://orokos.com/roll/301846): 6d6t5 3
Slobber Defense
Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/301847): 14d6t5 3
No Damage
This time the ork felt the bullet scraping across his armored shoulder.
New Ini phase: Ini -10
Slobbertooth: 14
Krestov: 4
Humanis 1 Ini: 3
Humanis 3 Ini: 2
Humanis 4 Ini: 6
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"So you slots have guns, too, huh?" Slobbertooth chuckled. "Cute."
He aimed and squeezed the trigger again and filled another bigot with more hollow point ammunition.
Simple Action: Aim
Simple Action: FA Burst (RC reset, controllable). Focused on the guy that actually scraped my armor.
HK-227 FA Burst (http://orokos.com/roll/301852): 15d6t5 7
Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/301853): 2d6t5 1 <I also forgot that a 6 shot burst is a -5 to dodge, not -6
Damage Code:
14p +1 AP
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/301854): 11d6t5 6
Takes 8p damage.
14 bullets left in magazine
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With a bang and a whimper the racist went down, a look of shock and surprise edged on his face, while his blood sprayed like a fountain from his severed artery.
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Krestov rolled with the knife stab, almost feeling the blade scrape against his side as he turned and spun with it, encouraging the bigoted toadie to overextend himself. Bringing his arm up, he let out a grunt as he exhaled, bringing his elbow down at the joining of the foolhardy opponent's neck and collar, feeling a crunch underneath and instinctively knowing he had delivered a telling blow.
One person remaining, the troll stared him dead in the eyes and brought his fists up as he approached, as if daring him to attack.
Unarmed vs. Thug 1 (Reach 1) (http://orokos.com/roll/301960): 11d6t5 5
Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/301961): 7d6t5 3
2 net hits, soak vs 12P
Damage soak (http://orokos.com/roll/301962): 10d6t5 2
total damage of 10P incurred.
If attacked, Krestov will counterstrike if able (base pool 10, reach 1)
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The one remaining thug regained a glimmer of common sense, dropped his weapon and ran like a hare away.
Disengage and full defense: 10 dice
He needs about two full rounds to get out of sight.
Happy hunting ;D
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Slobbertooth was practically dancing in place when he turned to Krestov. "Take care of our new friend"
Slobbetooth bounded after the fleeing humanis punk. His HK-227 falling at his side as he drew and fired his Ruger Super Warhawk. "You ain't fast enough to get away from me skinhead!"
Simple Action: Agility Boost [2] (http://orokos.com/roll/302296): 8d6t5 2t
Slobbertooth's Movement: 16
Free Action: Quick Draw (1) (http://orokos.com/roll/302301): 14d6t5 3 < Free action thanks to Rapid Draw power.
Simple Action: Ruger Attack Test [8] (http://orokos.com/roll/302302): 14d6t5 5 Fired Gel rounds
Target Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/302303): 7d6t5 3 > Hit > Soak 11s -1AP
Target Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/302304): 9d6t5 5 > 6s damage > Target takes a -2 to their physical limit to avoid being knocked down
If necessary, Initiative Round 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/302305): 13+4d6 22
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The shot hit the fleeing guy right between the shoulder blades. He stumbled forward and fell. Luckily the ground broke his fall and his nose and face brought him shortly to a full stop.
All in all this whole thing hadn't take more than five seconds and already three dead and one severely fucked up opponent lay on the ground.
The man scrambled onto his knees and rose bleeding and pleading his arms: "NO, please. I'm sorry, please, don't kill me!"
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bnc remained at the back of the car for the time the combat lasted, watching the events with a troubled expression. This got personal. I only know little about Krestov and Slob's background, but I'm little surprised by the wrath and fury they displayed. Poor Krestov...
After the fight, she gets off the car, avoiding to look at the dead bodies. Sure enough, her eyes dated there anyway, and once her gaze fell upon the bodies, she felt herself unable to avert her eyes. Images came flooding back, images she buried deep inside her I'm too sick for this shit...
bnc bites her lips, and tries to relax after some moments. She closes her eyes, then waits for her companions to return.
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As much as he wanted to, Torrent couldn't ignore the man's cries.
"Slobber, I believe that's enough.He's no threat to us, let him be."
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"Chickendreks"
Slobbertooth walked over and crouched down in front of the man, Ruger still in hand. "Looks like you get to be the lucky one who lives to tell a story, but before you get to run back to the slots you call friends you have to answer me a question."
Slobbertooth and put his revolver under the man's chin. "Now answer honestly. Just a gel round coming out of this hand-cannon will probably be enough to put you down for good in your current state. Do you know anything about the murders of Zelda and William Willows?"
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"No...no, who the fuck is that?" Honest puzzlement and pantswetting terror flashed over the mans face. Now that Slobbertooth had a chance to see him closely, he estimated that he wasn't much older than 17, probably younger.
"I don't know nothing about any murders. Shit, we just wanted to scare that old tus... ehm, ork sir a bit. Really. Ask Skid, he's the boss. Please, please don't kill me."
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"I gave him a chance. He wasted it"
Slobbertooth cocked the hammer back on the magnum resting in his right hand, and chuckled "Too bad kid. If you had known about that, you might have saved yourself. Now you're fragged, just like 'Skid' over there." Josiah pulled the trigger and there was a sound not unlike a staple gun as the Ruger's blast was muffled by its suppressor.
The Orc had fired his weapon harmlessly into the air. He growled into the panicked teenager's ear, "I'll be watching you," stood up and re-holstered his weapon.
"Now run."
"Why can't we do fun stuff like this more often?"
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Krestov gave an affirming nod, letting the crazy ork take care of the running Humanis thug before turning away, visibly pausing as he straightened up. His thoughts raced, playing back every moment he just committed....and the thing that scared him briefly was how he felt no remorse...no guilt. Taking a breath, he strode evenly over to where the older ork had taken cover, offering a hand to help him up. "Must be Sunkid. Come, you can thanking us in van before KE shows" Leading the way, the troll crawled into the back of the van and resumed his seat by bnc, removing his helmet and letting his golden mane fall. His expression was set, and he avoided eye contact with the decker as they waited for Slobbertooth before moving.
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bnc watched Slob with mixed feelings. For one thing, she was sick with death and pain and anger and hatred Well, but one the other hand: Some people did deserve to die, didn't they?
Seattle ain't good for you, gal. Get yourself together. You've got enough problems without turning into a sociopath, too!
Wordlessly, she let her gaze wander over the bloodshed, then jumps into the van again. She turns on some 8-bit music in her head: loud enough to drown out the voice inside her head, not so loud as to drown out the important voices outside her head. She always thought that it was better to listen to real voices. Y'know, keeps insanity at bay.
But you do realize that thinking is usually a verbalized progress?
Shut up and let me think.
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Slobbertooth removed his helmet and hopped into the van's passenger seat. There were more than enough people in the back already. He looked into back and spoke to the assembled group.
"So now you guys know how your orc omai spends a not insignificant amount of his free time. It's usually not that bloody, but we had a new chummer to protect this evening."
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"Oy, that was mightily impressive. Thanks for saving me sorry bacon."
The ork had returned and was now leaning heavily on a walking stick. His white and grey hair floated around his head as if he had recently stuck a finger into a socket.
"Me's the Sunkid. I's guessing it's you I's to meet 'ere."
He coughed violently and spat a glob of phlegm into the street.
"Those lousy 'umanis fuckers got what was comming. So I's 'eard you was looking for some 'ardware, aye?
Well, you's in luck. I's gotta full container o' some really sweet stuff. Got it from a trade fare, all the big stuff and inna mint condition. An' I really can use sum cash aboot now 't 's 'spensive having to smuggle from 'ong fucking Kong, I's tell you.
There's jus' a little rub: My contact who's stashing the stuff has gone dark o' me. I's needs some muscle an' brains to find him an' getting me stuff back.
You's innerested?"
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Krestov turned to Slobbertooth and gave a grim expression, broken slowly by a small smirk. "Explains much. Rare with you I get say Krestov faster one" Allowing a deep chuckle, he shifted over to let Sunkid into the van, letting them take off and away from what likely would be turning into a crime scene before the night was through. I'll talk with bnc later...she's likely pissed He mused to himself as he listened to their contact's deal, tilting his head as he worked through the slang-ridden English best he could. After the question was popped, the troll took a breath, pheremones still active, as he opened up with a small smile.
"Krestov. Been Hong Kong for two job, have friend there. Nice city, very big. You say you have stuff, but need help in get? Might agree to such, Da, but business business, you knowing this yes? If heard of us, already knowing what we can do, and what brings for price. How saying go...you scratching bear's back, bear is scratch you? Krestov sure speak for everyone that can agree to help in acquiring stash, exhanging for credit towards purchase of such, additionally with discounted rate?" The troll gave a long pause, glancing to the others and giving a nod, the go ahead to say their pieces for good or ill.
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"You's got me over a barrel there. I's need them stuff sumwhat pronto. So you's name ya price. I's jus a poor old codger from the Japans where they don like orks. Help me an I's help you."
The old ork coughed again and spat expertly out of the window. Now that he was inside the car, the team could see that he had a stooped and posture and a pronounced hump on his back under layers of pretty dirty sailor clothes.
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Slobbertooth was bemused by Sunkid's downplaying of life for tuskers in Japan. "They don't like orcs much? That's putting it mildly." (Japanese)
"So how is this going to work? We go get your stash and then pick out all the drek that you were told to get us?"
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"Ah, it is good to hear the tongue of my childhood. Indeed it was not a happy childhood for anyone born with the mark." (Japanese).
Sunkid nodded:
"Eh, after a fashion. Mosta what ya need you's shoulda find in there. Other stuff I's might have ta ask a favor or two from sum special friends who's owing me sum or other. But did na worry: The Sunkid's yet got everyone what was coming for them."
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"Those nazi punks...."
Torrent cut in
"..was it a random attack?"
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bnc listens to the conversation without adding anything. She still sees herself in the role of the new chick, the puppy. Which she is. After all, this is the second Johnson in her life, and she doesn't feel very comfortable in the situation. If there'd be anything she needs to add, she'll do so in the end. She trusts in Krestov to agree on good conditions for everybody. Unlike her, he looks after other people's needs as well...
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Sunkid looked at Torrent and said: "No thing's random. But if ya think someone's out for me, I's dun think so. Them fuckers was bored - now them's mostly dead. Life's funny like this.
So, what'ya say? You in for helping me's get ma stuff back? On return you's get the stuff you's asked your fixer for. An if you's find some stuff you's wanna sells while looking for my stuff, I's give ya a favorable 25% retail."
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<PN@Krestov [23:44:09] <Can u get me a control rig??>>
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Slobbertooth rested his palm on his chin, and tapped his fingers against his cheek. "So, just a thought here. The 25% price on our used gear is certainly nice point for something that doesn't require negotiation. I got no complaints there, but...
"Shouldn't we be getting a discount on the gear we paid for if we're also having to retrieve it?"
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"You's wanna discount on gratis? How's that supposed ta work?"
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If Krestov had received and or acknowledged bnc's text, the troll did not give any indications, bringing his hands together in front of him while Slobbertooth and Sunkid did their exchange. Eventually he spoke up. "Not to speak for friend here, but gratis was not considered. It is most generous, but one point still needing address. Sunkid not ask us find stash if not suspecting foul play, da? Why else needing services?"
"Knowing this in mind, Krestov normally asking no less than 35% on extra gear relinquished. But will overlook and accept 25% if Sunkid throwing in decent control rig, originally not on asking list.". The troll gave a reassuring smile, locking eyes with the older ork. "This guarantees service and results, and is very generous offer for you"
Negotiation (http://orokos.com/roll/303120): 9d6t5 5
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Negotiation (http://orokos.com/roll/303121): 11d6t5 3
"Oh well, if that's what I's got to endure ta get me rightful stuff back, I's say oh, well. Done. I's sure there is some fragger as can scrounge up one.
BUT I's expecting top service, no stealing me's stuff when we's get it. Or shoving me's with a hunred pounds o' old railing tied to me's boots inna ocean. Because I's don like that."
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Krestov's smile was definitely genuine, the adrenaline of a successful deal pumping his veins. "Krestov happy we come to agreement. Reputation we have tell you we can meet requirements. Now terms are out of way, if Sunkid please, fill us in on information on lost contact. Where about, what stash has, suspect parties, things like that. Our Decker handle all ARO attachments you provide."
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bnc's smile turns her into a rising sun in the blink of an eye. Beep? Did he actually say yes? A control rig? For free? For me? Yippeee!
She's positively sure there is something foul. There must be a hook. Still, bnc can't avoid the trap. She wouldn't try and avoid the trap if she knew it was one. Leaning forward, she listens closer to everything she has to know to complete the run successful.
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Murphy's Laws of Combat: 31. If the enemy is within range, so are you.
"So, It was like this:
I's an' mes partner Scary Spice were 'andling this large ass container with all dem stuff over from Hong Kong. Got that really shiny transport sub from an ork buddy of mine.
So's no problem getting em out. Sea's a bit rough but nothing us two canna handle. Now's the tricky part: I's got to get out an' secure sum discrete dock.
So, me's get out at an old oil rig an' take sum coyote's overpriced dingy back ta here. Been asking aroond without much luck.
So, I's getta call this mornin. Scary Spice tellin me's 'e's found sum super securish place by 'isself, want's ta meeting me's for an early breakfast.
So, I's make me way ta sum posh 'arbor coffee drek an sit there like sum puffin slurping overpriced dishwater, but no Scary Spice. I's try callin 'is com thingy, but all I's gettin is sum recording tellin me ta try later since his thingy is na online.
So; I's askin sum friends o' mine, but notasoul's 'eard or seen o' 'im.
So, I's got nervous. But this new fangled matrix crap ain't as it was an' I's get nothing. I's been ta Seattle a fair few times, but I's don' know enough fora search, so I's jus' lookin for sum talent when I's see ya fixer's request. So, I's try me luck and voila, 'ere we are.
So, first an' foremost we's looking for Scary Spice. Is a tall fellow. 'uman, shoulder's like sum shit 'ouse. Fair scrapper 'e is. Got 'imself sum 'onerable discharge from them British special forces. Said 'e's seen sum bad shit with sum summoners or other.
Anyways, Scary's na sumone you wanna pick a fight with."
Sunkid finished his account by pulling out a really outdated piece of commlink from the depts of his pockets. The screen was cracked and it took him an enervating long time to navigate through his menu trees until he was able to display a photo. It showed a smiling man with a broad jaw, freckles, red-blond, short cropped hair and an impressive amount of muscle on his upper body. The man smiled at the camera and gave a thumps up. In the background a burning millitary installation was visible.
"That's 'im after 'e's planted sum mines aroon sum Renraku installation aboot ten years ago. Decent job that was. Helped sum runners get out an stop sum AI research or other.
So, you's know how ta find sumone the likes o' 'im?"
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Still not saying anything, bnc gets to work. It's not only more likely to provide the right information if she just hacks the commlink (as opposed to asking nicely), it's arguably also faster. Not that she's in a hurry.
Hacking on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/303393): 17d6t5 7 I guess, I got a mark.
Edit File (copy) (http://orokos.com/roll/303394): 15d6t5 2 tell me, if I have to reroll.
I assume that he will have some file cluster designated to Scary Spice - a profile or something like that - including his image, fake SIN, phone number etc. This I'll copy to my deck.
Including a recording of their last phone calls, if possible.
I guess, if the phone is offline, I can't call and trace it, right?
After copying the relevant data, she does pose some questions.
"Don't worry. We'll find him, Sunkid. The more data you can give us, the faster and likely healthier we can bring him back. Where did you see him last time? Do you have any clue what he could've found? Do you know any contacts of his you haven't contacted yet? What is his last location you know?"
And, if she cannot find copies from their call history, she'll also ask: "What did you talk about when he phoned you in the morning? Do you have any clue where he was at this time? Did you see anything in the background?" She would prefer, however, to answer this questions herself by just watching the records...
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His comlink is a horribly outdated thing with a corresponding weak 2/2 rating. So as long as you get two successes you can do whatever you want to it.
That said, he stores very little of value on the thing (probably due to his inability to use it right). There are a few dozen of unlabeled pictures without gps coordinates (module non-functional) and only vague location markers, indicating they were made while not connected to the matrix.
His SIN is a moderately well forgery (rating 3), declaring him to be a John Henry from Glasgow.
He has never bothered to enter connection data into an address book. Also he seems to enter comm-codes by hand without any indication to whom they belong.
If you had to guess, that guy probably still has a little black book where he saves his contacts data.
His online storage is a clutter that no-one has organized in a long time or ever.
You find the com-code of Scary Spice as one of the latest entries, but it doesn't seem to be online.
For more information you have to start a Matrix Search [Not Publicized Threshold 3, 30 Min. Specialized -1, Public Grid -2]
"Aye, seen 'im last when I's went from board a hunred miles out from Seattle on them oil rig. Me's guessing 'e's found sum lonely dock or hidden underwater access, where 'e's could surface with da sub. Would've had to have sum loading machinery, since them stuffs right heavy. Don't know if I's got every contact from 'is, I's asked everyone I's could think off.
'e's called me's from sum Stuffer Shack or sum such, somewhere in this harbor district. Been runnin aroon here since this mornin. Was just a call, no fancy vid-call since me's screen is cracked an I's don see the fiddly things so good anyways.
As I's say, he's jus callin me's fora quick update. Tell's me's 'e's found a secure loca for da stuff, but wants to tell me's face ta face. Always worried about spies 'e is."
-
Krestov remained silent, recording the testimony with his commlink for future reference all the while. After the last bit, he gave a little nod, the troll glancing out in the general direction of the harbor district. "Busy place, lots faces in and out. Might be difficuilt. Is that extent of info you providing?" While waiting for response, the Russian brought a hand up and idly touched at the newest feature on him: a dime-sized access port at the base of his skull. Having DNI all the time was a new feeling...old habits die hard one would guess, but Krestov didn't think on it as he sent out a Matrix message.
<<Officer O'Malley. Is Krestov. Calling in favor. Need locate individual. Have photograph and last known location. Can assist?>>
<<@Team: I have friend might help. Inquiring now, will ask if he want charge>>
-
Slobbertooth made a mental checklist of people he knew that might be able to help in this situation.
Ødin? Dead.
Riptide? Dead
Nitr0? Would try to kill me before helping me.
$parrow? Dead.
Burnt Up? Hahahahahaha! No.
<<@Team: I don't have any new friends in high places who can help here. I'll only be able to help with your basic footwork.>>
-
bnc Matrix Search (Hot-Sim) (http://orokos.com/roll/303623): 13d6t5 6
Ok, bnc finds the relevant data quickly after about five minutes search:
You have a screenshot from the last call: A Stuffer Shack somewhere near the docks in West Seattle. A quick cross reverence gives you the address.
The saved automated transcript shows in essence the same info that Sunkid gave you.
Scary Spice walked around under the guise of Richard Brag. His SIN is even worse than Sunkids (Rating 2)
Your digging through other files shows one interesting bit of information: Scary Spice has been in Seattle about two years before and lived for two months at a place called Moma Chau's, a bordello that rents rooms with special security features to runners. Sunkid is likely unaware of that information: He has not tried to call someone from that establishment.
Sunkid nodded: "Aye, I's tell what I's can think of. If I's remember anything else you's the first ta know."
It took about five minutes for Krestov's contact to get back to him: <<As it happens, I can tell you something about that. Won't even cost you more than a round at Murphy's since it's been in the news: The guy you are looking for is dead. He was brought in this morning. Fake SIN, gunned down at the docks. He's now under Knight Errant's Police Plaza down at the docks. Let me see...
Officer Sanchez, Office 322 is responsible for the case.
See you>>
-
Krestov's poker face seemed to be on point today as he nodded slowly to Sunkid, eventually giving a reassuring smile to the ork as he had the van pull over after a couple more minutes, opening the door. "Very good then. Sunkid know how reach us and other way around. Will hear from us again." He nodded his head to the older tusker as he departed, waiting until the door was shut and they were well on the move again before speaking up.
"Krestov friend find Scary Spice. Geeked at harbor docks night before. KE recover, Krestov have name of officer on case. If drop me off when get to docks, can follow lead on own...thinking you three not want be near KE, da?" The troll smirked dryly, straightening his back as best he can.
<<Officer O'Malley, thank you for info. Next round Murphy's is on Krestov as promised>>
-
Torrent raised an eyebrow at Krestov's suggestion.
"You really think I lack the confidence to plant myself among cops?Tsk tsk..."
If bnc informs the team about Scary Spice's hideout , Torrent will certainly suggest to assume the identity of Scary Spice and visit Moma Chau's in case the man had a stash there.
-
"Yeah. You'll be going to that party without a date, Krestov"
Slobbertooth would suggest to Torrent that the head of the hideout would probably be up on current events and would know that Scary Spice is dead
-
<<@Team: I don't have any new friends in high places who can help here. I'll only be able to help with your basic footwork.>>
<<@Team> I don't have any friends at all.>
When Sunkid went off the van and Krestov shared the info the team, bnc is incredulous. "Why didn't you tell Johnson? I mean, we were to look for him und you knew he was deas? What's the point?"
After his response (which will surely be enlightening) bnc relaxes. "I wasn't idle in the meanwhile either. I raped his commlink and found the video call. With a little look-here-n-there I found the address of the place where Spicey Salsa or so called Sunkid. It's a stuffer shack to the west.
I also was able do dig out an... etablissment where Scary lived. We might find something there, too.
"Looks like we have some leads. And Scary had some lead..."
-
Krestov raised a brow at Torrent's challenge, smirking ever so slightly. "Your choice. Options are options..." On bnc's query, he glanced away a bit, his lips moving slightly as if he was doing his best to form his words to be the most clear.
"Death on news. Possible he already knew. If so, detail not important to Sunkid Johnson. If not, bnc, you tell me. How would ork like that react to owner of Sunkid stash murdered? Like this, he won't try things his way and trust us to do job. And that is it: his job giving us is to recover stash. Job was not to recover partner. Cold thought, da, but true thought." His expression was grim, but he remained level as their hacker spilled her intel she picked up.
"Sound like we having two places starting. Place of residence and KE Plaza. I already say Krestov go plaza, maybe with Torrent. Unless he want going with others to place Scary Spice stay?"
-
"I'd rather see Torrent go the his residence first. If KE gets aware of us, by whatever mistake, they might show up at the other place before we do."
-
"We've got two vehicles, we can go to two places at once, as long as someone doesn't mind riding tandem with me."
-
"Three. Mine is just in shop, heh" With that cut in, Krestov could only give a nod at the advice.
"Plan set then. Torrent go to abode with assumed Slobbertooth and maybe bnc. Krestov go along only if requested, otherwise can be dropped off here and will wait to talk to KE until given light green, sounding good yeah?"
-
"Sounds like a plan. I guess that means we're taking the van."
-
"We've got two vehicles, we can go to two places at once, as long as someone doesn't mind riding tandem with me."
"We can, Torrent, aka Slicey Spice, can't. But yeah, I guess that's a plan."
-
Murphy's Laws of Combat: 75. If enough data is collected, a board of inquiry can prove anything.
After the decision was made, the team split up.
Krestov made his way to the Knight Errant subsidiary. The customer entrance was a fortified gate system that clearly stated that all visitors had to leave weapons in a locker prior to entry. As soon as Krestov drew near, a nice looking, computer generated head of a caucasian looking women appeared on his AR:
"Good day to you citizen. How can Knight Errant - your primary security service provider - help you today?"
---
The brothel Moma Chau's didn't look like much: The walls were covered with graffiti, all windows had thick steel bars and wire mesh protection. A faded real life neon sign proclaimed "Girls Girls Girls" to the weary passersby. In the matrix, the whole thing looked a lot more interesting: Despite having a severely outdated iconography, bnc realized, that the whole building had a level 6!!! host on the premise. Whoever entered here, could be very sure that his icons would not be visible from the rest of the matrix.
It was already 22.30h and a lot of foot traffic went to and from the building.
-
Slobbertooth walked up to the door, hiding his Ruger under his coat, and held the door open for Torrent .
-
bnc gives a sharple whistle as she takes a look at the host.
"They're serious, brothers. They don't want anyone to peek into their clients' business. Shall we first have a look with our meat eyes? And, who knows, maybe we find the opportunity to get a physical link, that might make it easier to dig out shit. I don't think it's wise to attack such a strong host at this point. A small mistake might cause alarm.
-
Krestov was more than happy to comply with the no weapons policy the KE subdivision had in place, finding the mentioned locker and depositing his Ares Crusader, tagging it to his name before shutting the door. Doubt things will go ugly, but I am still very much not defenseless. As the troll approached, he could feel his chest tightening as he had to pause to catch his breath, eyes blinking twice at the ARO greeter. The nationality changes, but the role is the same. Morgan, no doubt.
Before responding, Krestov would take a moment to activate his direct neural interface, contacting the team's decker.
<<bnc, is Krestov. Am at KE facility. In case Krestov miss something, can have access to MARK what I see. Work good, yes?>>
With that out of the way, he finally turned to Morgan. "Request speaking Officer Sanchez, Office 322. Regarding recent murder at docks. Purpose: inquiry from acquaintance." Without even thinking it, the troll stood up straight and brought his feet together, his right fist crossing onto the left side of his chest....a KE salute.
-
Knight Errant Subsidiary, 22:45h
It took the program a moment to parse the answer. For just a second a little icon flashed in the upper right corner of Krestov's vision. It was to fast to comprehend clearly, but it resembled a little bird.
"Detective Sanchez is on premise. Please move to the elevator and follow all AROs. Have a nice day and thank you for choosing Knight Errant."
Indeed several arrows appeared in Krestov's vision, guiding him toward an opening elevator. It created a narrow corridor and marked everything else as red territory with warning labels not to enter or risking severe responses.
It took the troll less than five minutes to navigate to a small office on the third floor. The ARO bade him to wait while one of the generic advertising spots of KE run as a sort of pseudo entertainment.
The light on the door handle turned green and Krestov was allowed to enter.
Sanchez was a small, but muscular man of Mexican descend. The man had cultivated a quite impressive mustache that went well with his receding yet still deeply black hairline.
He seemed to be surprised to see a troll enter his small office but nodded curtly:
"I understand you have information to that shooting on the docks? Please have a seat. Do you want some coffee or water?"
He indicated towards a small food processing unit in the corner.
"But first things first: Who are you and what is your relation to this situation?"
---
Moma Chau's, 22:50h
The inside of the brothel was a lot more tasteful than expected. The room was clean, the ventilation good and the walls were plastered with high quality reproductions of antique Chinese and Japanese art - mostly of the more explicit kind. A large troll with a very smart suit acted as a bodyguard for the elven hostess behind a podium. She wore a Kimono but otherwise did not resemble a geisha.
With a friendly smile she welcomed the new comers: "Welcome at Moma Chau's temple of earthly delights. My name is Delilah, how can I help you tonight."
-
Slobbertooth followed in behind Torrent, directing the hostess' inquisition to the disguised elf.
I'm with this guy." (Japanese)
-
Krestov remained silent as he lumbered through the halls as he followed directions. The bird that flashed in the corner of his vision was noted, but he gave no reaction. Likely a MARK to keep an eye on me. They worry too much The big guy couldn't help but feel a bit of nostalgia at the entertainment reel...language barriers aside, he'd seen it before. Upon entry into Officer Sanchez's office, the troll took great pains to avoid bumping into any edges, brushing away a stray strand of blonde from his face as he nodded and approached the processer.
"Water fine. Thank you" His accent shone through as usual as he served himself, choosing to stand in front of the desk, legs instinctively going to shoulder-width distance at a familiar "at ease" stance. "Am Ivan Stoskorof. I am...please pardoning, still working finer words English.." The troll instinctively activated his pheromones in the event things would get to a head..unlikely, he had no intention of it. "Deceased was close acquaintance of mine. Dated family member. Heard what happened, wanted to know more and who did job. Family closure, I think is word." He paused and gave a gentle smile, his free hand going behind his back as he took a drink of water. "Was worried...hoping he not cause trouble that ending him"
-
"Well," the detective said, "we don't know. The man carried a false ID and seems to have been erased from all relevant data bases. You could start by telling me, who he really was and why he had an illegal replicated SIN with him. We are assuming that he was a low level criminal somewhere from Europe.
Can you tell us more about that."
-
Hmm...she doesn't remember this face...let's hope she's new around here
"It's been a while since I last enjoyed Moma Chau's services. I expected a warmer welcome.I'd convinced myself I'd made a lasting impression."
Torrent smiles and leans towards the hostess
"To tell you the truth I was hoping to impress my friends by entering this fine establishment and asking for "the usual" .Alas it seems that my past escapades were left unnoticed "
Con (Limit 6) (http://orokos.com/roll/306678): 11d6t5 4
-
"I'm sorry sir, we do entertain many guests and you seem to have lost our MARK on your commlink. Please give me the name you checked in with the last time, and I'll try to reestablish your preferred services."
Torrent had to think a moment before he uttered confidently: "Oh, yes, that would be Richard Brag."
The Hostess looked towards an AR window only she could see and smiled.
"Good to have you with us again Mr. Brag. Your MARK has been reissued and your access reestablished. Be advised, that your "surprise package" is still active."
A small file had been sent to Torrents commlink that contained a passcode to enter the rest of the establishment.
-
"Well," the officer said, "we don't know. The man carried a false ID and seems to have been erased from all relevant data bases. You could start by telling me, who he really was and why he had an illegal replicated SIN with him. We are assuming that he was a low level criminal somewhere from Europe.
Can you tell us more about that."
Krestov's mind gave a little pause at the moment, but what came out as the answer was certainly the truth. "I had feared something like that after I did my checking. Unfortunately, I have little more than that to give. I simply knowing him as Mr. Gray, which is on SIN, and that he sounded from Europe." He gave another brief pause, eyes fixed towards the officer as he looked to be recalling more information. "Had recently come back from vacation abroad, or so heard, and suspected might have gotten into trouble. Mr. Gray not known for avoiding fights, as were. Maybe recent reports show 3609 (disturbance at business) happening in past two days?" He sighed a bit, bringing a meaty hand up to his head. "How he die? Gun, knife, bomb?"
-
bnc followed the two men into the brothel. I'm sooooo gonna blend into the crowd. Dammit, I should have stayed outside. Now I'm not only a teenage punk, but also a teenage punk perv. Awesome. Let's hope Americans do have a different sense of humour than Austrians, or they'll never let me forget this scene.
As we enter, bnc puckers her eyebrows. She steps back into the dark to hide her insecurity.
<@Torrent <"I'd convinced myself I'd made a lasting impression"?? How would "I's a-thought you's remember me, honey?" Talking like that, they'll look through your disguise in no time.>>
bnc looks for an invite ARO to join the host. When Krestov answers he request, she smiles for a split-seconds and activates the ARO. She blends in the livestream somewhere in the corner of her eyes and concentrates on Moma Chau's again.
-
@bnc This is place is no slum and I am not "Scary" Spice.Now please shut up and let me do my job.What about that surprise package? Can you see if it's about a device registered in the host?
-
The MARK gave the team access to a simple floor plan:
(http://i61.tinypic.com/2nq4n6e.jpg)
Downstairs seemed to be primarily reserved for table-, pole- and lap dances. Strategically placed greenery cut the sight lines effectively and gave everything a very hot, steamy feeling.
The file gave no indication which room was that of Scary Spice, but it was probably one of those upstairs.
---
Detective Sanchez had a skeptical look on his face: "So he was dating a family member of yours. Would you mind getting her or him on the com? They might be able to help us more with that.
As for your question: He was shot. Two in the chest, one in the head. Probably out of the window of a car with a high caliber hand gun. Probably an Ares Pred."
He sighed: "Ok, let's cut the crap. You are interested in this man, but you clearly haven't met him in person. If I had to guess, I'd say you've been hired as some kind of PD, since the system marked you as Ex-KE. Frankly, I don't have the resources to look into this case to hard. If someone pays you to do that - fine.
I'll offer you a deal: I'll let you have a look at what we got and you in turn give me what you find out about the shooting.
So give it to me straight: What was this man doing in Seattle?"
Judge Intentions (http://orokos.com/roll/307053): 9d6t5 4
Resist Judge Intentions (http://orokos.com/roll/307054): 9d6t5 4
Close call, but since you have your pheromones active, the officer is in a favorable mood towards you.
-
Krestov blinked twice as the officer called him on his bluff, fully prepared to have dialed Torrent--the best liar he knew--and pull a fast one. He even invented the name of the boyfriend, his 'brother' Sergei. But that was all useless: his hand was caught in the jar, and it was best to come clean...at least as much as was needed.
"You have me. Surprised I flagged as Ex-KE, but not matter. Deal is fair, meaning I handle case, you get information, file case as done, one more for resume, ya?" The troll broke his expression into a more relaxed smile as he finally took a seat, being as gentle as possible with the furniture. He settled in before continuing.
"Much not known of Mr. Gray, and what said before about recently abroad all true. I suspect involved in major deal of bad stuff...er, what word...contraband. That stuff. Contents unknown, but could guess low grading, given he come here, yeah? Thinking he come here wanting sell goods, but maybe killer want not pay, or take goods for self?"
"Like said, resources for case hard find, and sounding like digging in might be risk. I'll handling risk, give you info I find for file. We have deal, yes?"
-
Sanchez nodded.
"Ok. But you better deliver. I'll list you under confidential source. I'll spare you the time to remember the name you are broadcasting. I'll enter you as Mr. Graymatter. Use this name when you contact me. Now, let's have a look."
He opened an AR projection of a very dead man. Scary Spice was naked with the typical Y incision on his chest. His face was relaxed and the entry wound between his brows looked tiny - especially compared to the exit wound that had taken half of his head off.
Over the AR display, details about the body were listed:
Outdated Essence Eater Wired Reflexes, cheap muscle augmentation, datajack and skillwires, as well as all the periphery you needed. Evidence of cosmetic bio augmentation showed, that the person had undergone face surgery somewhere in the past. His fingerprints had been melted away and were healed - probably by magic, as the healing pattern showed.
His health was noted as particularly bad: A long time alcohol abuse combined with phases of malnourishment and some unevenly healed broken bones. This man clearly had had a very hard life.
The clothes he wore, were new and good quality and had been purchased recently somewhere in Seattle. Besides his commlink he had carried only a few loose plastic money chips, the kind you could still use in very out-dated vending machines.
"You probably already saw the incident on the news. We have him exiting the Stuffer Shack, a car closes in and every wireless device within 50m loses its matrix connection and stops recording. When the connection is restored, he lies there on the street in his blood with a very surprised look on his face."
-
Krestov nodded silently as the information was given to him, using his eyes to snap pictures of all the information to be accurately relayed to the rest of the team later. "Mr. Graymatter not one to back down on word, Officer Sanchez. You will have report". His gaze narrowed at the details of the body and the musings of what went down, bringing up two questions in the troll's mind as he drank from the water glass.
"Is too much to asking for borrow of commlink for data search? And I assuming that no live witnesses present at scene?"
This guy was more chromed out than myself, likely more machine than original self, so hard person. The clothes might be a hit...but it would take a ton of legwork and luck...whoever these are, this wasn't a chance mugging...a hit and run assassination, using a decker to wipe chance of electronic detection...hope malyutka likes a challenge...
-
"No-one has seen anything. People in that area generally avoid talking to us. Obviously a remnant of the previous contract holder. Maybe you have more luck in that regard.
And no, I'm sorry, but I can't have you access our data within the host. Generally it would be best if your investigations were not connected to me or this building.
Personally I feel that something is fishy about that whole affair. The matrix black out seems like overkill just to geek such a poor bastard that must have lived a considerable part of his life on the streets."
Sanchez nodded at the door.
"If there is nothing more, I'd like you to go now. I have work to do and if you want to stay an anonymous source you should avoid giving our automated agent search more fodder."
-
Previous contract holder. Lone Star. For Krestov, That needed no distinction. The troll gave a simple nod as he finished the water and set the glass down, slowly rising. "We in agreement, odd case. Will go now. Thank you.". Bringing his hand to his chest, he gave the Knight Errant salute before turning to leave. "Honor, Duty, Vigilance."
Following the AROs out of the building, Krestov stretched his neck with a couple cracks in front of the place, surveying the surrounds. The square was abuzz with auto traffic and pedestrians, each focusing only on themselves and whatever was driving them to their destinations... Scratching his head, Krestov remembered what his tiny friend and teammate told him to do whenever anything of the Matrix was suspect: he rebooted his commlink and electronic devices. Once freshly loaded up, he quickly sent a message to her, figuring Slobbertooth and Torrent were busy with the search.
<<bnc, Krestov. Finished appointment. Interesting results. Will tell you later. Looks like another kid is in your playground. Where want go for lunch?>>. here's hoping speaking in code is getting better... The troll shrugged, hands going into pockets as he started walking, most people giving him wide berth...
-
Slobbertooth was getting a little twitchy, he didn't like the long, awkward silences.
-
bnc starts to snap back some bity answer but then decides that he might actually be right and she might actually be an idiot. Still, she at least casts a gloomy look at nothing in particular, before she swallows her defiance and moves on in the job. So, what she replies is:
<@Torrent <It's a separee downstairs. There is no reason to assume that it is anything you would find unpleasant. If you have to make sure, however, well, you've paid for it. Why not enjoy it? Or, if you really are suspecting anything, I can try and rape that host. Thing is, it's damn tough and if I hit the wrong button, they are likely to send someone Krestov-size to bring us in a new shape.>>
Yuk! What pleasure can anyone ever find in doing a girl who doesn't even want him to screw her? Pervs...
Trying to blend in as best as a 19 year old teenage punk who didn't pay can blend into a brothel, she enters the building along with Torrent and Slobbertooth. As soon as they are past, she whispers: I guess you really should go there. If she is his "surprise package" that is still active, it might be that they already made acquaintance in the past. Maybe you can find out anything if you are with her. Just don't forget about the talking part, da?
If no-one objects, the three of them take the elevator and move to the assigned room.
-
When the elevator reached the upper floor a discreet ARO appeared in Torrents field of view. It directed them south along the nondescript corridor to Zimmer 14. The whole atmosphere was here much more like a normal hotel. Even the AR decorations were now just bland and nondescript. The door to room #14 was locked and needed a four to five digit code to be entered into a keypad.
A critical inspection revealed, that the casing was probably a class 2 with anti-tamper measures. It was utterly silent here.
A quick peek into the matrix showed that no wireless cameras where active on this level, but a few sensor tags acted as smoke detectors.
Beyond the door there seemed to be a whole sensor bank active, slaved to the host. A quick lookup of the model told bnc that it was equipped with infra red, ultrasound and millimeter wave scanners.
Just at this moment Krestov's message reached bnc.
-
bnc whistles. "Boys. This room is secure. They are more scanners and sensors inside this room than in a typical Hollywood studio. What do you think? Is it worth taking a closer digital look before going in? This smells utterly.
Krestov, good boy.
<@team <Sounds good, big 'un! You're the man. It'll take us a couple more minutes, we only just arrived inside. I guess we can leave here in about 30 minutes or so, difficult to tell. As to the location ... well, I'll prefer some place where they do muesli!
-
"I can disable the lock but the sensors require your kind of magic."
Torrent moves near the door and activates his motion sense.He knew Slobber was ever watchful and a quick draw so there was no need to warn him.
Motion Sense (Magic+Perception) (http://orokos.com/roll/308783): 12d6t5 9 Limit [6]
Assuming I feel no movement inside , I'll pick the lock
Locksmith (Anti Tamper) [Limit 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/308786): 10d6t5 2 ....Just enough right?
If the threshold is RatingX2 I'll use some Edge (can't quite remember the rule right now and my books are at home)
Locksmith (Lock) [Limit 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/308787): 10d6t5 4
-
Slobbertooth turned his back on Torrent as he picked the lock, watching the teams back as best he could.
-
A soft chuckle escaped the troll's lips as he shook his head at the tail end of that message, pinching his brow as he thought up his response.
<<Of course. We do have to get you eating real food at some point, malyutka...we are running out of places that will accept those like Slob and I. I'll seek one out and await your comm>>
Adjusting his jacket about his shoulders, Krestov returned to his walk, pulling up an ARO map of the area and looking at various restaurants, pulling up their menus to check for malnourished-hacker-human safe foods, staying mobile as he killed the time.
-
The case opened without triggering the anti-tamper device. It took Torrent a good minute to find the appropriate connections, but finally the door lock clicked.
bnc registered a sudden activity on the other side an icon had activated and vanished within a millisecond.
-
Slobbertooth put a hand to his holstered Ruger, and started backing up towards the door. "I'll go in first. Are we all clear to enter? Locks unlocked, ultrasound, millimeter and infrared sensors knocked out?"
-
bnc decides to answer Krestov later. Her voice is tense as she says:
"Careful. Something happened."
The girl closes her eyes to blend out real-life impressions (they always made her kind of nervous). Instead, she focusses on the only thing where true means true and false means false: the digital world.
Matrix Perception test to find the vanished icon on the assumption that it runs silent now. I'll swap my configuration to 3465 first, but will reconfigure it to my standard configuration immediately after that.
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/309519): 11d6t5 2
Did I interpret it correct that it appeared the moment we opened the door and vanished almost the very same instant?
More importantly: Did Slob (or Torrent) reveal a universal data connector where I can create a direct link to the lock and/or the security system?
-
Slobbertooth knocked on the door and then opened it, his right hand resting on the grip of his Ruger Super Warhawk.
"Housecleaning." (Japanese)
-
bnc established a direct connection through the open case. A quick look showed nothing but the sensor array in the room, but since she knew that there had to be something, she took a closer look.
<<Do not open the door!>>
The warning came a fraction of a second to late. Slobbertooths Combat Sense gave him just enough warning that he could throw himself aside before a hail of flechette tore through the opening.
Perception check for Slobber:
Perception test (http://orokos.com/roll/309688): 14d6t5 1
Not much, but enough to get a defense test.
A custom rig with six shotgun shells going of simultaneously:
It's a trap:
Attack test (http://orokos.com/roll/309690): 6d6t5 4 Wide spread
13 Dmg AP +4 -10 to dodge
Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/309692): 3d6t5 2
15 P vs. 25 soak (downgraded to S)
Do you want to spend Edge?
-
"Aw... frag." (Orzet)
There was a loud blast as Slobbertooth's armor and helmet were shredded by the flechette, and he was thrown backwards by the and back into the wall behind him. He was silent for a second. Slobbertooth was sure it felt like an eternity to his teammates.
Slobbertooth groaned, and slowly picked himself up off the ground, grimacing and hold in his gut. He walked over to bnc, and put a hand on the petite girl's head. "That's why I go first."
Soak booby trap (http://orokos.com/roll/309761): 26d6t5 7 7 Damage absorbed. Slobbertooth takes 7S damage, 7/10 stun boxes filled. -3 Penalty to actions.
-
The "surprise package" was exactly that: A heavy base plate with a fixed tripod and an actuator that moved a block of steel with six holes that still smoked.
The shots had been loud, but the walls were build to absorb sound and prevent it from traveling to the neighboring rooms.
Still, it would not take long until some bouncers or security guys came here to see what was going on.
A look into the room confirmed three things:
- A male single lived here
- He had a serious collection of basic military hardware
- He had a weakness for yellow rubber ducks.
Smelly, worn clothing lay strewn across the room. It was hard to discern but the arrangement was probably due to the owners habits and not because of an enthusiastic search. In contrast, a sleak looking SMG lay in a small carrying case, propped open and proudly displaying HK Urban Combat on the front. In the case was also a suppressor and three sealed magazines of APDS ammo.
A Cavalier Arms Crockett EBR sniper rifle leaned in the corner of the room.
A neatly folded chameleon suit as well as a armor jacket + helmet completed the arsenal.
A half open box contained small plastic containers labled with pharmaceutical stickers.
Not fitting into this picture was the collection of small yellow rubber ducks that adorned various surfaces in the room and who had their origin from a lazily discarded oem-package under the broad bed.
The small adjacent bathroom contained some basic hygiene products, but was empty otherwise. A small black book lay neatly on the small table beside the door next to a commlink charging station.
-
bnc suppresses a shriek as her companion gets thrown across the corridor. When he rises, anger wins over worry. "Goddammit, Slob! Can't you fucking wait until I do my work before you get yourself killed?" Scheiße
Scowling, she lets Torrent and Slobbertooth decide what to do with the military gear. She takes the black book, casts a short look at it and then fits it under her armpit. If the commlink charging station is not empty, the contained commlink vanishes in one of her pockets for later inspection. Either way, she checks whether there is any data stored on the charging station. In the unsurprising event that this attempts appear to be futile, she at least moodily takes a rubber duck.
-
"In the end , all the paranoid surprise packages in the world couldn't save mr Spice .Still, gotta admit, that was a neat trick. Slob, you took one for the team, but these shiny guns must seem like candy to you, right?We should pack the equipment while bnc has her fun with that box"
Search the room : Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/309971): 10d6t5 4
-
"Yeah, let's grab what pieces of this gear that we can sneak out of here with. I doubt the tin men that this place hires will just let buzz out of here with a Crocket EBR."
Slobbertooth reached out to grab the HK Urban combat and then jerked his hand back. "You know what, why don't we make sure there isn't another surprise waiting to blow up."
I'll also make a perception test
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/309973): 11d6t5 3
-
There were no more mines or other "surprises" in the room. The commlink to the station was missing, but bnc discerned that it was most likely one of those new EvoTech Himitsu things with the integrated sleaze module.
The charging station was last used 24 hours ago and showed that the owner was the fake SIN Scary Spice had used to stay in the city.
The rubber duck squeaked sadly as bnc grabbed it. The plastic felt sticky and warm and smelled faintly of plasticizers.
Beside two more magazines for the sniper rifle and an armored bag with which the hardware must have been brought in, the team found nothing else of interest.
The little plastic containers proved to contain drugs of one family: Laes. There was enough of the stuff to wipe a whole crowd of people's memories.
-
Slobbertooth looked at the Laes and stammered for a bit. "So, um... hm..."
"Hey, bnc, no real specific reason here, but how much does a pound of Laes go for on the open market these days?"
"Also, anyone got a radio wave sensor?"
-
"Don't even think about it Slob.That shit may come in handy.We should keep it"
-
Slobbertooth frowned. "First of all, boo." Slobbertooth tried to chuckle, but ended up just clutching at his stomach.
"Second of all, seriously does anyone have a radiowave scanner? I'd like to check for transmitting RFID tags."
-
bnc did not see any RFID devices on Scary Spices' stuff and a short search for hidden icons didn't reveal any.
But the elevator had activated and it would be only seconds before they got company and someone would see the dozens of flechette needles embedded in the corridor wall opposite the room.
-
Slobbertooth heard the dings that signaled the elevator approaching their floor. Slobbertooth stuffed the HK Urban combat and the 4 clips of APDS under his jacket, tossed the Crocket EBR to Torrent, pocketed the little black book, put the box of Laes under his arm, and handed the hand-me-down armor jacket and cameleon suit to bnc.
"Time to buzz"
-
bnc's answer is short, she's focussed on the situation. "Later. Let's move"
Without any further hesitation, she stuffs the station and the duck in her pocket, throws the suit over her shoulder, draws her weapon and follows behind Slobbertooth.
-
Stacked with loot, the team made a quick exit to the stairs. The door closed behind Torrent just as the elevator door opened.
Getting out of the bordell was easier than expected: The mark Torrent had received also indicated a discreet exit, that the runner residents could use.
They found themselves in a dark back alley, that reeked of urin and other, even less pleasent smells but granted quick access to a nearby parking garage.
Krestov had meanwhile found a nice all-night cafe with a nice secluded spot to meet up again.
-
This brings back memories. This place smells like where me and K used to play sportsball with the other kids
Slobbertooth did his best to hustle outside to their vehicle with the others, still dealing with the pain of the flechette needles that impacted on his chest. It made it surprisingly difficult to breathe at times.
"Well, that went pretty well, don't you think? Who's driving?"
-
"I am. Are you fine? Do you need treatment?
"We should meet with Krestov seen. He has some interesting things to say. From there, we can rethink our position and plan our next step."
bnc activates the interface for the car and moves the vehicle to the place Krestov indicated.
-
Slobbertooth chuckled with some weezing, "Don't worry buttercup, Ii's not the first time that I've been on the wrong end of flechette rounds. Just give me a little bit and let Krestov take the next hit."
Slobbertooth pulls the little black book out of his pocket as he gets into the car and tosses it over to Torrent. "See if you can make anything out of this."
-
Torrent opened the book and started reading.
-
The little decker steps behind Torrent and tries to catch a glance over his shoulder.
-
The book contained a somewhat convoluted collection of comm-codes marked with initials. A bit of crossreferencing later revealed that Scary Spice had contacts to all major crime syndicates in Seattle.
Vory, Italian Mafia, Irish Mafia, Triads, Yakuza and Mexican drug pushers were listed.
Even more interesting were his contacts to fences and black market sources. Those had little annotations, listing if the relations were currently positive, what volume they could process and how likely a betrayal was.
One fence had recently received a status change: Lung Feng, owner of a series of cheap china restaurants had been downgraded from "reliable" to "double faced s.o.b."
The only other recent addition was an entry under the number of a shadow clinic: "Appointment on 7/7 10.00h. Check up for Synaptic Booster and Bone Strengthening!!! 3 year guarantee for bioware is running out!"
While he read, the team had reached the cafe and where shortly thereafter reunited with Krestov.
-
The table that the trio of investigators found their troll friend was perfect: quiet and off in the corner, away from prying eyes and ears. As they arrived, Ktestov looked up and waved them over. Food and drink were already served, the troll making picks based on how he saw each eat before...appetizers mostly, carnivorous for himself and Slobbertooth, and a bowl of laesse for bnc. As they sat down, the big guy folded his hands together on the table in front of him.
"Glad returned in one piece. Slob, there is story for hole in chest yes? Father of girlfriend find you?". He cracked a short smile before growing serious. "Business. Met with KE detective, agreed to give info in exchanging for report on incident details. As we suspect, SS death professional job. Three shots with pistol, likely from car. No witnesses approach KE. More still..". He took a breath, turning to bnc. "SS link secured in KE system, could not get permission, apologies. But definitely professional job...all devices in 50 meters of hit went offline at time of incident."
Guessing by your looks, you find good info yeah?"
-
"We found out that he likes rubber ducks, high-end military equipment, and flechette rounds." Slobbertooth said patting his chest.
"Oh, and we found a book full of comm codes. So there's that."
-
Slobbertooth looked over at Torrent and bnc.
"So where do you two think we should go from here."
-
Torrent made himself comfortable and scanned the table for any dangerous food.His intolerance to gluten was annoying but at least he could enjoy meat.
He was about to enjoy his first bite when Slobbertooth adressed him.
"It seems dear old Spice was well connected.The book is filled with the names of fences and dealers.One name stood out: Lung Feng, a restaurant owner,recently got on Scary Spice's bad side. Maybe we should investigate further."
-
Krestov's commlink took this dramatic appropriate moment to buzz with a short message from the detective:
<<Just got another report back from toxicology: Although there was nothing in the blood of the corpse beside some day old nova coke, the spilled coffee contained a Laes derivative. Pretty potent - tox guesses a memory loss of up to 24 hours. Also, someone drank from the paper cup that was not the victim. DNA is inconclusive - the techs guess it's some kind of highly illegal gene-treatment for fast deteriorating dead cells.>>
-
bnc smiles as she sees her favourite Indian dish. Normal yoghurt, mueslied yoghurt and Greek yoghurt get boring over time. Thus, Indian yoghurt is an awesome change. She gives Krestov a thankful kiss on the cheek before she attacks the lassie, although her passion for eating is still very limited. She stretches out, thinks for a moment, then raises her voice.
I assume that Krestov shares this information. If not, I'll edit the post.
"As I see it, we have two leads from now on. Three, if you want me to kill myself.
"The first lead is the most obvious. We found this notebook, and we should try and find out whether there is a direct connection between Lung Feng and Scary Salsa.
"The second lead is the place where he got killed. Maybe I can find a trace in some of the gear they blocked during the incident. Maybe they missed something. Maybe we find traces. At least, we can try. That is, I can try.
"Three, the suicidal one ... I try to enter KE's system and extract what info they have. Best case, we find what info they have. Regular case, I'm as dead as I should long have been after what I do to my body. Worst case, we're all dead."
As she looks into the group, Krestov's 'link buzzes and her huge bodyguard shares his information about the Laes derivative. She turns to Krestov. "We found Laes at the brothel. Loads of laes. Which coffee are we talking of? How did the Spicey get it? Where was he, when did it happen? Also, what exactly did he refer to when he talked of this gene-treatment? The second person who drank from the cup or the laes itself?"
-
Krestov shifted a bit as his gears turned at the pace they normally do for him, eyes half-shut as he fiddled about with the pieces of this puzzle. "Is correct on two leads we having, yes. If Lung Feng double-crossing Spice, then chance Feng is suspect very likely. Worth checking. As for location, I approve of bnc check, but advising caution. Gut is telling me that this was no quick dirty revenge killing..." Heaving a sigh, he sat up.
"Likely found coffee at Stuffer Shack he was killed outside of. The fact that other dna found on it telling me killer or someone involved there as well. Gene treatment...I know little, but enough knowing it was for other person, and very expensive tool for assassin type." His voice grew quiet...quiet for him at least. "The widespread hacking, the fact Spice was more chrome than myself, the expensive gene tools, they telling me one thing: someone put lot of cred into making Spice dead. Krestov advising caution, yeah?"
-
Slobbertooth patted the troll on the back while taking a sip of his soykaf. "Don't worry Krestov, they won't put nearly as much money into killing us. We're cheap."
-
bnc frowns. "There's yet another lead, then. We found a box of laes in the brothel. Laes is usually a knockout drug with a side effect of deleting a person's memory. The stuff he drank, however, is a derivative. Like a modification, if you want to put it like that. Fry thing, doesn't knock you out, but still wipes out your memory. You can call me blond n00b cub if the one missing dose in the box we secured is not the named derivative.
"This tells us one thing: Either Scary Spice knew that he was going to take it or at least to prepare it - or someone else used his room in the brothel.
"So, here is my working hypothesis: Scary Spice was a professional. He contained more chrome than our van, and maybe the gene modification was supposed to make him stronger still, that is, tougher. Someone hired him to do something dirty and he agreed under the condition that he wipe out his memory after the deed. And so he did, but his Johnson hat a plan B ready and made sure, there is no way SS would talk to anyone about anything anymore.
"I'm not sure, though. I know it's far-fetched. Just to make sure there is no misunderstanding: Scary Spice came out of the stuffer shack. In his coffee, there was this laes derivative. The same derivative was found in his system. Another person, too, drank from the same coffee. Shortly after that, SS was geeked. Right?
"Maybe the personnal at the shack cam remeber something, too. I suggest we move."
-
Krestov gave a nod at bnc's suggestion, finishing his meal and paying for it while waiting for the others to do the same. He was quiet for some time until they got into the van, his voice booming out a bit as he realized something.
"Spice never took laes. Would have been found in his system, and was not, just novacoke. Meaning coffee was not Spice's...went into Stuffer Shack with killer, or at least lure..." He clutched his head as he tried to think. "Hrmph...assassin with laes perfect...no memory of killing, total denying. Killer was someone close, likely Lung Feng or..." He paused, eyes flicking up. "Long shot...Sunkid." He shook his head at his own notion.
"Too many unknowns. Maybe following leads help."
-
"It was not in his system? How can a autopsy find something that was not in his body?
"Anyway, that changes matters. We should check those two places anyway. I vote for the place of the murder first. Any other voices?"
-
"Just a thought.He had merchandise at the brothel he needed to push.Maybe he met one of his fences at Stuffer Shack.But it couldn't have been Lung Feng.He did not trust that fragger.So...Sunkid maybe?Let's assume that Spice knew about the laes.Let's also assume he was the one to put it in the coffee.And finally let's assume the one who drank from it did so before Spice was geeked.Isn't Sunkid old? Orcs live fast and burn out fast, right?Maybe the old orc is under treatment."
Torrent's eyes suddenly widen
"Wait a minute!It was Sunkid!He did say Spice wanted to meet him for breakfast, tell him about a secure place to move the stuff! Now that's why he can't remember shit!"
After posting Torrent's theory I went back and read Sunkid's story! Haha, It actually matches his story
-
"Oh drek."
"You're telling me the only person who would know where the stash is, is the person who hired us to find it, and he doesn't know because he's willfully made himself an amnesiac?"
-
The conversation was again interrupted - this time by torrents commlink. The icon displayed matched Moma Chau's place.
The caller - a gorgeous looking girl in her mid twenties, blond hair, blue eyes and with just a touch to much makeup became visible. Without waiting for a reply she began:
"Scary, where the hell are you? Why didn't you give me your new number? I had to log into the house system to get your code. Tiffany said you brought some friends with you. You know you don't have to hide anyone from me. You know that I like to share.
Oh, also someone broke into your room after you left. Benny tried to catch him, but it was some kind of Chinese wizard couple. They totally cleaned out your stuff."
-
Krestov stared silently as the pieces started to fit together... so our employer may have been witness...as good as it is for us anyway.. Clearing his throat, he thought harder before speaking up. "Laes has no agent to reversing effects, I'm assuming. Hm...oh.". He was thumbing through the book and had come across the shadow clinic appointment.
"This entry...is no right. Spice not having density and synaptic boosters to checking on. Has reflex and skill wires instead. Perhaps clinic third place in our list to check?". Any further speculation got interrupted by Torrent's comcall, the troll attempting to listen in with a brow raised.
-
Slobbertooth listens to the call for a bit while thinking about the incorrect implants. We got us a worked over face, burned fingerprints, and incorrect cyber? He probably ain't got a SIN to compare genetics too...
"Maybe he ain't fragged? Surely the safe-house's owner, whatever she might be to him, would have heard about it by now with her connections."
-
Torrent turns to bnc
"Can you find anything about this pretty face before I reply?Maybe she knows something useful"
-
It takes bnc only a few seconds to hack into the cheap commlink of the caller: The location is indeed Moma Chau's and the registered SIN on it identifies her as Maria Souza, her social media page gives her name as "Candy" and tells you she is specialized on massages, French and Russian.
There are no saved messages from Scary, but she seems to have a bit of blackmail material on some business man, including videos. There are a few call logs with Scary Spice - but only date and time. Those tell you, that Scary contacted her yesterday and the day before two times each.
-
bnc gives Torrent the information he wants.
Before (or after) his call, she frowns again, musing over some thoughts. "Do we know how old the cosmetic modifications are? Has he been changed just recently? If so, the dead victim might not even be Scary Spice.
"Aber Sunkid. It's easy to double-check our suspicion. We can call him anytime. I can take a blood sample and find out whether he has laes in his system, or not. We shouldn't wait too long, though. I can't guarantee how long traces can be found. Shall I call him?"
-
Wait a sec... Lung Feng... A Chinese couple? Drek!
"Be prepared for some more mojo drek, boys. Our restaurant owner might be a spell slinger! Lemme check!"
bnc tries to find out what she can about Lung and his supposed wife. She digs a bit deeper, too, if he's not a registered mage.
-
A quick search reveals the following:
Lung himself has no magic regarding his public profile and neither is he married - but this Triad connections definitely do have some major mojo at their disposal and they do employ couples. His restaurants were investigated some years prior, but no evidence could be produced that he was a fence, slave-trader or that he was laundering money for the Triads...
-
Krestov remained silent during the whole exchange, seeing the wheels of possibilities and twists form as the time ticked by moment by moment. Eventually, he slumped his shoulders, the big troll giving a little sigh. "Too many unknown parts to story to make good conclusion, but all are possible. Seems only course of action is digging further?"
-
"Well let's get a move on then, I've always kind of wondered how a manaball reacts to flechette rounds"
-
"I suggest we contact Sunkid. If we can prove or disprove that he has drunk the soykaf, we know more, and have no risk at all. After that, we can either investigate the crime scene or, if you want to risk fucking with the Triads, Lung Feng. I'd prefer the least suicidal options. I'm already killing myself the chemical way..."
-
Krestov gave a little shrug. "Thought that is what you having me for, malyutka. That being said, you have point. Slob, Lung Feng at known location, public business. Can dig easily, but crime scene decay with time. Should go there first." He gave a nod of affirmation, settling into his seat as he rubbed his temples with thick fingertips.
-
Murphy's Laws of Combat: 33. Things which must be shipped together as a set, aren't.
That decided, the team went to look at the site of the murder.
Seattle, Tacoma, May 6th, 00:20h
The Stuffer Shack was utterly unremarkable, except that he was a bit less secure than the harbor region would suggest. A paltry level 2 host provided the business with matrix services. Only two staff members were visible, the rest was made up of drones and vending machines.
On the pavement there were still faint traces of blood and coffee visible, but the famous sour rain of Seattle would remove them soon more thoroughly than any cleaning agent.
A nearby alley showed signs of habitation and a food vendor had set up shop only 20m from the site, selling an assortment of cheap fast food from behind a think wire mesh - mostly to junkies and stoners that found a hungry graving around midnight.
-
bnc looks around. Where to begin..? Well, everybade start at their turf, I guess.
"Somebody should talk to the people around: workers in the stuffer shack, inhabitants, that shop owner over there. I'll try and find out what I can."
Before she goes online, however, she gets a vial from her chemistry toolkit and moves over to the spot where Sunkid (supposedly) died. There she tries to take a blood sample for further investigation, hoping against hope that it's not utterly worthless. There can be a lot of info in a single drop of blood, but time and environment are playing against her.
After that she gets back to the van, closes the door and locks them from inside. She makes a rough analysis of the blood drops. If the results are - as expected - frustrating, she leaves her meat body and does what she can do best. First she identifies open and hidden sources of matrix activity. cameras, security measurements, nearby hosts, basically everything. She investigates each and every icon for anomalities, interesting contents and, of course, system shut-downs in the recent past.
Looking for hidden icons:
Matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/315174): 13d6t5 6
Some more perception tests:
Matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/315175): 13d6t5 0 This was my worst roll ever. Let's hope it was nothing important.
Matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/315176): 13d6t5 1
Matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/315178): 13d6t5 5
Matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/315179): 13d6t5 3
Matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/315180): 13d6t5 4
-
A mixture of soycaf, blood and dirt. The only thing she could be sure of is that the blood type was AB+ and that it was regular stuff withoug any gene treatments. bnc found a lot of cameras close by. Most of them were part of the Stuffer Shack host, but two belonged to parked cars that recorded and uploaded everytime an object comes to close. Hacking those wouldn't pose much of a problem, since they were only part of a PAN with a cheap commlink (DV3).
So far the story checks out: In the morning for about a minute every matrix activity was droned out by noise. But one of the cars might have something: According to the public visible modding profile, it's owner did recently upgrade it with an offline storage - probably to have his enormous Jazz collection available without network access.
-
Slobbertooth paces around the crime scene, doing his best to observe and take note of the physical evidence that is left.
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/315325): 14d6t5 6
-
Seeing the others go about their business, Krestov decided to best spend his time asking around. The food establishment seemed like a best bet; the owner definitely did not seem the type to want to talk to cops. Lumbering over there, he approached, a smile on his face.
"Got anything good?"[/color] He inquired politely as he made it to the main opening of the establishment. "Given smell, am surprised not having line. Bad week for business, I take it?"
-
Slobbertooth looked around, he went on one knee and aimed an imaginary pistol, then went over to the brick wall of the Stuffershack. There, a bullet hole. With a straw from a discarded big gulp cup he measured the angle of the shot and sighted down wards. After pantomiming a bit more he came to the conclusion that the shooter must have gotten out of the car and stood in front of the victim at point blank. looking down he saw something in the gutter, half buried in refuse he found a single cartridge of an empty capsule round.
The food seller looked up from behind the wire mesh. It was a pretty hairy dwarf whose beard seemed to be greased almost as much as the foodstuff he sold. He replied: "Sure Tiny, you in for Super Dog with extra Chili? Only the finest proteins for the strong ones.
...
Nah, just a little slump is all. I have so much business, that I installed a sleep regulator, so I can keep up with the demand.
So, how about that Super Dog?"
-
Slobbertooth pawed at his tusks. "Strange. The shot was point blank. Either our deceased was impaired, careless, or familiar enough with the shooter to allow him to approach."
He looked down at the capsule round. "Ugh..." "We've also got something to run ballistics on, though I'd put my money on an Ares Lightfire, but someone is going to have to get it."
-
"Krestov. Can you please double-check with your contact at KE what blood group Scared Salsa was?"
bnc bites her lip and gives the car a closer investigation.
-
Krestov blinked, hmming a little before giving a nod, his pheremones activating instinctively as he pulled out a credstick, slotting it into his commlink for a quick transfer. "Da, I could go for good dog right now" The benefit of being the size Krestov: it's not hard to find room to eat, and it would take a hell of a lot to gain mass. Making a quick decision, he decided to slip two hundred and fifty nuyen into the credstick before slipping it through the mesh towards the halfer.
"Maybe your slump will find way to right itself, hm? Cannot imagine what would cause. Not just this place seeing that, too. What happened?"
Negotiation (http://orokos.com/roll/315592): 9d6t5 4
-
"You a cop? 'cause you don't look like one." Then the dwarf saw the "donation". "Well, I like your credentials. Thing is, I wasn't actually here this morning and I saw nothing."
He leaned closer to Krestov, the pheromones seemed to do their work:
"That's what I told this police guys and it's the truth. But... my brother worked the early shift today. I saw no need to tell them that. Have to keep the family out of trouble if you get me. So you want to know what happened here?
As my brother told me, there is this guy coming out of the stuffer shack. Has a large soycaf or something. My brother thinks may be wants a breakfast dorito - big guy you know, usually hungry. Now something funny happens. His commlink goes offline - no signal - and a large black SUV comes around the corner. This guy, goes for his pocket. My brother thinks he's pulling a gun and takes a dive. He hears the breaks of the van and a single shot. My brother looks up a bit, but he can't see shit with this big ass SUV. But he hears grunting and someone cursing in Chinese. That goes on for a few seconds with more cursing. Now my brother is no idiot - he dives down again and not a second to soon. There are three shots and the SUV screeches off. And now there lies this guy shot down. Blood everywhere. And he didn't even get ond of our doritos. That's no way to die if you ask me."
-
Krestov gave a slow nod as he made the payment, giving a reassuring, gentle-giant smile. "Am not cop. Concerned local. Agree, death on empty stomach never good. Thank you for meal, and for story." Graciously taking the dog, the big troll gave a nod and stepped back towards the main area before the Stuffer Shack, taking a bite. Heavy in protein, he was not lying. Not a bad hot dog for sure. Shrugging, he looked at the comm message from bnc.
<<@bnc: Tox report showed AB+ if I recall. Will share with rest of team, but more information. Attacker was Chinese, Spice received three bullets, yes, but before that, single bullet was fired, implying another victim.>>
As he looked up, he noticed Slobbertooth milling about to the side of the building, and decided to join him, munching on his snack. "Find anything useful?"
-
Hacking on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/315752): 17d6t5 6
Opposed roll (http://orokos.com/roll/315762): 6d6t5 2
Control Device (open door) (http://orokos.com/roll/315759): 15d6t5 5
Opposed roll (http://orokos.com/roll/315763): 6d6t5 2
Control Device (http://orokos.com/roll/315760): 15d6t5 3
Opposed roll (http://orokos.com/roll/315764): 6d6t5 2
After her futile attempt to draw some interesting info out of the blood, bnc strolls over to the car. Effortlessly, she hacks the vehicle while walking over to it. She waves her hand as if she was swinging a magic wand, and the car's door opens. She looks for the universal connector in the offline storage and/or camera and plugs herself in, downloading the video. After the deed is done, she carefully searches the chariot for any other interesting things, then leaves the car and locks it. If possible, she tries not to leave any traces.
<@Krestov <Okay, AB+ doesn't come as a surprise. Good. The single bullet might indicate another victim, or that Scary Spice shot a bullet himself. But we should keep that in mind. Hey, lo and behold, I conjured a video. Wanna see?> >
bnc sends the video she found to her protector.
-
Looking at the timestamps, the car seemed to have recorded indeed some of what happened.
The action cut in with the parked SUV.
Two man were standing to the side of the open rear door. One of them looked like Scary Spice, looking directly into the camera. He was saying something to the man in front of him who had turned his back to him. This man wore a dark suit, had short black hair and was about one foot smaller than Scary. Also there seemed to be a larger tattoo on his back, but it was largely obscured by his clothes. But the bit that was visible was probably the snout of an Asian dragon.
A cup of soycaf lay on the ground, the lid still holding but dripping on the ground. Scary was picking up the cup, smelling it's contents curiously. He opened his mouth to say something and stopped: The man in front of him had drawn a gun and with a quick and precise motion shot Scary in head and torso.
The man was in the car before Scary had fallen to the ground, crushing the cup and spraying soycaf everywhere. The door closed and the SUV sped away.
bnc replayed the video and looked again: There! At the very beginning there was a boot visible just inside the car. Make and model was exactly the same as the one that Scary wore and utterly unlike the leather loafers that the other guy wore.
-
"Boys! I found a movie clip! If I'm not mistaken, it tells us three things:
Firstly, I Scary Spice sat in the very same car with which his killer escaped: the black SUV.
Secondly, he was killed by a person he trusted.
Thirdly, this person seems to be Asian.
I suggest we visit Lung Feng in the not too distant future. But look yourself, maybe you see something I missed."
bnc transfers the video to the group channel. And while she's at it, she goes online and looks for car-shaped AROs (hidden or no) near Lung Feng's restaurant and home.
"So, what did the snack shop and the stuffer shack provide info-wise?"
Just for good measure she checks the drones and security system of the stuffer shack for interesting stuff, but it's more to keep herself busy than in expectaion of valueable info.
-
Slobbertooth looked at the shack and then at his housemates. "So who wants to go knock on that door?"
-
The Stuffer Shacks firewall had almost as much resistance as wet tissue paper, but the contents were disappointing: There were no records of the crime. Whoever had done the jamming had also entered the host and deleted all files pertaining to the action.
In the alley beside the Stuffer Shack someone or something moved inside a large carton that once held a soy-processing unit.
-
Krestov gave a nod at this information, watching the video while standing stock still.
<<"I can confirm the theory that Spice was in the car. My gut telling me that person not in vehicle was Sunkid, confirming earlier theory. He knew meeting this morning, but laes easily write over that. Agree that Lung Feng likely route to go next...wait...">>
At that moment the movement occurred outside the Stuffer Shack, and Krestov closed the comm message shortly after sending it. Stance widening a bit, the troll brought a hand up to motion to Slobbertooth to step behind him as he lumbered over to the carton. Nudging the side with his boot, the troll cleared his throat. "Trouble in there, chummer?"
-
bnc tries to check who edited the file.
Matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/316776): 11d6t5 4
-
The lid of the box is shoved aside and under a filthy mop of graying hair the toothless and extremely dirty visage of a very thin ork appeared.
"Ey, ey, no trouble - been just a bit napping. 't is past midnight, what ey? Can't a hard working man get some sleep around here?"
Just a moment after the words register, the smell hits Krestov. Mixed with cheap booze, unwashed flesh and clothes are the odors of infected wounds and decayed gums.
bnc scrutinizes the files, but can't find a legitimate signature. The only thing she finds is an automatically generated log entry of the type MARK that was used to edit the file last: A tiny cat wielding a ninja star.
-
Krestov's nose crinkled as he instinctively reared his head back from the stench. This man has seen little days worse He thought to himself before coughing and giving a response.
"They can, after one question answering. Earlier, big incident happen here. Very loud, much crowding. Maybe ork see something interesting. Maybe troll buy ork man meal if share something interesting. Then ork man go back to sleep, deal?"
-
"You mean da business with da fucking cops? Got away as fast as I could - damn fascists.
A meal you say? How about you add a few hundred NewYen?"
...
After some bantering the man relented:
"Ok, ok. Yeah I've seen what happened. Guy came out of the Stuffer alone with a cup in his hand. Was about to ask him for some change, when he suddenly looked around like he heard something. Stuck his hand in his jacket as if to draw a gun, but he seemed to have left it at home. He cursed in some lingo or other and looked toward the street. A black SUV came driving along. This guy goes for his other pocket, takes a pill or something out and puts it in his mouth. He opens the lid of his cup to take a swallow. But the drek is to hot so he spits half of it back in. He just gets the lid down again when the car stops beside him.
The window goes down and hear a shot. Guy clutches his breast and looks confused as his hand comes away clean without any blood. Than he just keels over.
Last thing I saw before I scrambled was a guy getting out of the car looking exactly like the one on the ground. After that I hid away as fast as I could."
-
"Looks like our fellow tried to fake his own death. What do you think? Somebody was modified to look the same way Scary Salsa does. The dead man obviously is not Scary Spice himself: his augmentations don't match those SS was supposed to have checked. So somebody - I assume, Spicey Scar himself - offered a gutter rat (we're now leaving facts and entering the brain-wanking phase) - a sum to allow some modifications to be made. Our gutter rat now looks exactly like SS. Now it's time to send the official Scary Spice into Nirvana. Boom.
"There are still questions:
Firstly, why should he put such an effort in faking his death?
Secondly, why did the subject try to drink from the coffee?
Thirdly, why did they put all the effort in putting their hands on the laes if they planned to ex him anyway?
Fourthly, why did they stun him first, and then kill him?"
-
"And fifth, what pill did he try to take and why did he try to take it?
-
Krestov nodded, straightening up before slotting another credstick. "Fifty should be plenty. The hot dog stand will give you a meal, say it on troll's tab. Spasibo, thank you" Turning, he nodded to Slobbertooth before walking away.
"It is clearing that Spice in morgue and Spice from hotel not same Spice. Information we have here likely enough. Perhaps Lung Feng best option taking next...or what about shadow clinic? Long shot, but maybe information there?"
-
I'd rather we get as many rubber ducks in a row that we can before we talk a Triad"
-
"Why not talk to the Sunkid first? Do you think it's dangerous?"
-
"So correct me if I got this wrong: The Chinese stunned the first Spice and shot the second one dead.They probably took the first one with them.We should pay Lung Feng a visit."
-
"Either this, or they stunned the fake one, then killed the fake one. That guy over there said that the other SS left the SUV. I guess he did it on his own."
-
Since we can't decide on where we want to go, how about we let luck decide. bnc, you can do the honors, as I'm sure you've got a random number generator program somewhere in your chrome dome.
"[1] is we get an audience with the Triads, [2] is we talk to Sunkid, and [3] is we go the clinic to get more information on the treatment he was undergoing."
-
Just as the indecision is about to kill the team's momentum, they received a call from no-one else but the Sunkid himself:
"Oy, I's jus received a call from sum tart jabbering 'bout Scary. Says 'e's been to 'er bordello, but vanished again jus' before sum Chinamen busted 'is room and now is not answering 'is new phone. Says she's got my number from Scary if anythings gone wrong. You's may wanna check out dis bordello: Moma Chau's. Ask's for Candy."
-
Krestov was just about to make the executive decision when the comm rang out, the troll answering it himself. Clearing his throat, he gave a nod. "Many thank you for advice, Sunkid. Some information coming up now, wondering if you knowing of more. In investigation, name Lung Feng came up. Familiar with him, maybe?"
At the same, time, he filtered in a text message to the others.
<<With many unknowns, spilling stroganoff to Sunkid may do more harming than good. Right now, Krestov theory is either Spice is kidnapped, or faking death to screw Sunkid.>>
-
"Lung Feng? OY, that's one oily snake, if ever I's saw one. Was one o' the first we's asked fo' a hidin place fo' me stuff. Asked some horrendous price and wanted even first pick and exclusive sales. I's tell him fuck off;" was Sunkid's reply.
-
Torrent uses his comlink to send a text message to Candy.
<<@Candy : I had to stay low for a while.Is there any safe place we can meet?>>
"I think I should have a little chat with the girl.Even if she sees through my disguise maybe she will help anyway.After all, she seems eager to find Spice."
A third Scary Spice must be making the killer nervous..
The thought amused Torrent
-
bnc listens to the various conversation, but remains silent. She knew she was clever, but she also knew she was a cub in the biz. The pros would know what they did, and she would listen.
-
Josiah ran a thumb across his tusks. "So Lung was aware of our stockpile, but didn't get paid the way he wanted to. We've finally got something approaching a firm motive for Scary Spice to off his own double. There were still too many possibilities, though. Maybe Sunkid has been meeting with the fake Scary Spice for a while now.
He reconsidered going down to get the bullet in the sewer, but he still wasn't up for it.
-
Candy replied almost instantly: <<Sorry honey, my shift still goes for another five hours. But you can come back to my room, the discount still applies. I'll make you feel real safe with me.
It's good to know that they didn't get you. Those were two nasty spell slingers.>>
Krestov heard: "Oy, you's still there? You's think Lung's got something to do with Scary disappearing? Gotta's watch out - 'e's Triad. Them's fuckers got mind mages and all them fancy drugs. "
-
<<@Candy: Anything else you can tell me about those Chinese mojomen?Left any messages?Asked any questions?>>
-
Well, at least she tried to. After a few seconds, however, she's getting impatient.
<@Krestov <I'd really like to have a blood sample of the Sunkid.>>
-
Krestov blinked, then gave a nod, speaking into the commcall in his usual deep tones. "Yes, still here. Connection to disappearance unknown, simply following leads. Speaking of, would like sampling of your blood, for comparison. Could be very important, yeah?"
Turning to bnc, he gave a bit of a nod, the troll saying no more for the time being.
Negotiate for getting a strange and potentially suspecting request to work with Sunkid:
Negotiation (http://orokos.com/roll/318723): 8d6t5 3
-
Candy replied:<<Well, they didn't really talk much. They both wore black suits, sunglasses, black hair, around 1,75 high, tattoos with chinese dragons on their wrists. I'm not good with asians, but I think they could have been twins. One of them kicked Boomer through a door with some kind of spell. They left quickly after that. Mean bunch of guys.>>
Sunkid replied: "You's out for me blood? What do you's wanna that for? You's can do a lot o' bad mojo with a sample. If you's wanna meet up, I's going to da 'arbors Edge Tavern. Gonna be their for da next three hours."
-
Krestov couldn't help but smirk a bit as he nodded at the old ork's answer. "If wanted for that purpose, would not asking of that, no? Understood, will look for you." Hanging up with a mental click, the troll straightened up and turned to bnc. "Sunkid agreed to sample, but uneasy on it. At Harbor's Edge, three hour window."
-
<<@Candy: Thanks doll! I'll visit you as soon as possible>>
Note to self : buy some throwaway commlinks asap
"Hey kid, can you be a sweetheart and erase my number from Candy's contact list?"
-
bnc smiled a shy smile, one of those rare reminders of her young age. "I know, eight-six-eight-two. I overheard your conversation." She winks.
"That'll be no problem. I'll take the sample in front of him, I'll check for the drug in front of him, and I'll destroy the blood in front of him. No worries. Only thing, we might want to come up with a cover story. I s'pose you don't want him to know about Spicey's double, do you?"
bnc nods to Torrent's request. "Why, with Scary's face you could have gotten lucky."
Seeing how inappropriate and childish the remark was, she averts her eyes, clears her throat and erases the number from Candy's commlink.
If her commlink turns out to be some Transys or Fairlight, I'll go full VR to get the extra dice. Otherwise:
Hacking on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/319668): 17d6t5 4
Edit File (http://orokos.com/roll/319669): 15d6t5 5
-
The quick hack goes of without a hitch and soon the team finds itself at Harbor's Edge.
The Sunkid had taken a seat at a small table in a corner of the room. As soon as he saw the team he waved them over:
"You's a quick lot. But I's got pretty bad news. I's just heard on them news that someone with a name like one of Scary Spice's fake sins has been shot this morning. You's maybe wanna look into that."
-
Slobbertooth ordered a soykaf, and sat down with the rest of the team.
"We heard about that, too."
-
bnc nods, but leaves the topic to Krestov and the others. She focuses on her task. She waits until the others have responded properly to him, then raises her own demand.
"My colleague already told you that we're investigating something. If you'd allow me to take a blood sample, please. I'll destroy it in front of your eyes after that. May I?"
-
"The last time I's taken a blood test was when I's was with that harlot on Hawai that's turned into a vampire."
Sunkid didn't hesitate to present his arm - a mess of tanned skin and white scars. But once bnc found the vein it was no problem to secure a few ml of blood.
The test took a few minutes, but in the end the result was clear: Beside alkohol and coffein there were no traces of any other drugs in his system.
"So, you's gonna tell me what that's about?"
-
"Identification"
Slobbertooth made some motions that belied his use of AR to take notes.
"Are you taking any drugs that would show up in or alter the results of a blood test?"
-
Krestov gave a small nod as bnc retreated with the blood sample, crossing his arms in front of him. "Eliminating variables. We have been acquiring information, and having comparison with known factoring well help much narrow down what we are looking for. At moment, several possibilities are up in air, but think we are on right trail. Worry not, Sunkid"
-
"You's got to be kidding! I's not a junky. Or do you's think I's been drugged? That hasn't happened since '63 and I's haven't kissed a whore since then."
He composed himself: "So what's going on. You's lot found something, didn't ya? Why else would you's be asking such questions."
-
Torrent's gaze shifts from Sunkid to his team.
"There are two Scary Spices in the streets of Seattle."
not counting myself hehe
"The real Spice and an imposter. And before you ask, no, we don't know which one is dead.The Chinese are definitely involved. Need more?"
-
The old ork perked up. "Damn. I's knew them fuckers in 'ong Kong would cause us grief about that. So they's got a double of Scary? That's good news - in theory. Means they's wanna interrogate 'im at their leisure. No idea why they's killed the double. Crazy fuckers, the lot o' them. Any idea who's would be the local contact of them Triads?"
-
bnc pours a bit of ammonia into the blood sample, then washes it down the sewers. "This is to make it impossible to use it either for blood mage or for identification or basically for anything else I could think of using blood for. I doubt even a mosquito could do anything with your blood now.
The test is negative."
She turns to the Sunkid.
"Yes, we do, but I'm not sure you'd wanna know so many details so soon. Someone got drugged by those buggers, and we try to narrow down who could be involved. Anyway, it wasn't you."
"So, boys... I think we all know what the next station's gonna be, don't we?"
-
"Off to speak with some Triads we go, we go."
"Anyone here speak Cantonese or Mandarin?"
-
The old ork perked up. "No idea why they's killed the double."
Krestov gave a sigh, nodding his head at this. "Throw off scent. Friends not look for dead man." Shrugging, he turned to the others. "This was enlightening, and gives us direction. Thank you, Sunkid."
"I speak not. Lung Feng seems likely lead now. Unless Torrent new girlfriend have something? Not sure, but with Spice likely alive, time now important"
-
"Maybe we should find out a bit about our enemy before we face him. They're Awakened, so it would be wise to know which kind of spells they use. Depending on this, we should choose who and how to face him. If, for example, they use mind manipulation, I'm close to immune to them. If they, on the other hands, prefer fireballs or stuff like that, Krestov would be the man to go.
"I'll try what I can find first."
Matrix search (http://orokos.com/roll/320948): 13d6t5 6
Bam!
You might, of course, apply a negative dice pool modifier which would cost me some hits. If the results are promising, however, I'd dig a bit deeper. If you categorize the information as "Limited Interest or Not Publicized", I'd find it within half an hour with this roll.
-
The matrix search was quite enlightening, now that bnc knew what to look for:
The Seattle Triads had extensive ties to Wuxing - but unlike the Yakuza and their japano corp they still were separate entities.
With the information so far gathered, bnc could pin-point who the mages were that visited the bordello after them: Yini and Yan, brother and sister twins following the Wuxing-tradition. Yini specializes in brutal force - fireballs, barriers, levitation and other overt displays of power. Her brother completes her with subtle spells like mind reading, mind control, illusions and other tricks.
Both work as enforcers for the Triads but are given considerable autonomy.
There is no direct connection to be found between them and Lung Feng, but have been recorded as visiting a certain park from time to time. The Da-Sho park lies on top of a market plaza downtown (B territory).
While looking for contact details, bnc stumbles on a wanted notice from the two mages: They are looking for a certain Japanese fox shapeshifter. The bounty is a considerable 75.000 NY - only alive.
-
bnc shares the information with the team once they are alone and in a safe location.
"That's interesting to know. I think I could handle Yan for quite a time. I have never really encountered a mage, but from my studies I can extrapolate that it should be rather difficult to control a mind like mine ... not even I don't really understand it, so how should someone else be able to control it?
"That said, Krestov and Slobbertooth should be able to deal with Yini. Most of those spells directly manipulate the physical world - and can thus be countered with physical strength. Of which you have more than plenty, eight-six-eight-two."
She smirks, then moves on.
"Do you think it's worth hunting down this shapeshifter? He might know something, but then, it's only our job to find Scary Spice and not to fight the whole triad. We might just as well try and encounter on of the mages and have a little chit-chat with them."
-
"Sorry kid, but even if you can handle a manipulation spell you sure as hell can't handle a punch in the face or a bullet in the gut. You should stay away from those mages, or have one of us watch your back. I could mask my presence in the astral space and sneak up on them, but there is a good chance they will be using quickened detection spells. We should find a way to separate them."
-
Slob looked over to Krestov. "Hey big guy, think you could put on your best smile and best set of clothes and see if you can distract one of those mages?"
-
Krestov blinked, looking over at Slobbertooth briefly before giving a nod. "Da. Think have suit in kit in back of van. We going get, will need change quickly. Assuming you wanting me distracting Yini, Da? Will follow Slobbertooth plan."
-
Slobbertooth shrugged, "Whichever one you think will fall for your wiley charms, big boy."
"I'm going to go count ammo and refill some magazines."
-
"So, what am I s'posed to do? Chillax?"
-
"I'd bet that this establishment will have cameras and MAD Scanners that we'll need to get past."
-
"Check, brother."
-
Murphy's Laws of Combat: 86. A Purple Heart just proves that were you smart enough to think of a plan, stupid enough to try it, and lucky enough to survive.
Seattle, Downtown, May 6th, 01:00h
This assumption proved to be well founded. Lung Feng's restaurant was a pretty large, free standing structure with two levels above ground and at least one sublevel according to the public available records of the area.
You could still recognize the buildings origin as an early 20th century warehouse at the harbor's edge. Since then it had received severe makeovers - especially the roof reminded now of imperial Chinese architecture. Only the old brick walls at ground level had remained unchanged.
The restaurant was paired with a severely oversized parking lot, that allowed even complete trailer trucks to find a space - not a bad feature considering that close by also the exit ramp to an overpass could be found.
Wire mesh protected the parked cars from anyone wanting to take a shortcut over the grounds. Still, about one in four lamps had been smashed so that not all parts of the lot were visible from the small hut at the entrance where a severely bored rent-a-cop/greeter watched over the comings and goings. Only about one third of the roughly 100 parking spots were filled, so it was quite easy for the team to find a space close or far from the building.
On the matrix side of things bnc noted a rating 4 host providing it's service to the guests. A few lonely cameras mounted on 4 m tall poles dotted the parking lot.
A few quick checks confirmed what bnc had suspected: The Host ran a conservative 5/4/7/6 ASDF configuration.
For a direct connection the most accessible device would probably be found with in the tiny guard hut.
-
"Check, brother."
That's "sempai," to you.
Murphy's Laws of Combat: 86. A Purple Heart just proves that were you smart enough to think of a plan, stupid enough to try it, and lucky enough to survive.
Seattle, Downtown, May 6th, 01:00h
This assumption proved to be well founded. Lung Feng's restaurant was a pretty large, free standing structure with two levels above ground and at least one sublevel according to the public available records of the area.
You could still recognize the buildings origin as an early 20th century warehouse at the harbor's edge. Since then it had received severe makeovers - especially the roof reminded now of imperial Chinese architecture. Only the old brick walls at ground level had remained unchanged.
The restaurant was paired with a severely oversized parking lot, that allowed even complete trailer trucks to find a space - not a bad feature considering that close by also the exit ramp to an overpass could be found.
Wire mesh protected the parked cars from anyone wanting to take a shortcut over the grounds. Still, about one in four lamps had been smashed so that not all parts of the lot were visible from the small hut at the entrance where a severely bored rent-a-cop/greeter watched over the comings and goings. Only about one third of the roughly 100 parking spots were filled, so it was quite easy for the team to find a space close or far from the building.
On the matrix side of things bnc noted a rating 4 host providing it's service to the guests. A few lonely cameras mounted on 4 m tall poles dotted the parking lot.
A few quick checks confirmed what bnc had suspected: The Host ran a conservative 5/4/7/6 ASDF configuration.
For a direct connection the most accessible device would probably be found with in the tiny guard hut.
"Testing, testing." was heard over the team's comms as Josiah prepared himself for the run. Helmet? Check. Smartlink On? Check. Ruger loaded with Gel rou-
"We going lethal or with a lighter touch?"
-
"I always prefer the non-lethal approach , excluding wetwork of course.If this restaurant is a property of the Triads we should avoid any casualties."
-
"Roger"
Slobbertooth loaded gel rounds into his Ruger, and loaded his HK with a magazine of Stick-n-Shock ammunition.
-
bnc dons her chameleon suit, loads her gun with gel. She then follows her comrades.
Nullifying the cameras:
Hacking on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/322686): 19d6t5 6
Edit File (http://orokos.com/roll/322687): 17d6t5 6
Any hidden icons in 100 m radius? Matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/322688): 13d6t5 6
I run my standard ASDF = 3654.
"Path is clear, sempais. I follow you."[/spoiler]
-
Torrent also wears his chameleon suit
Sneaking (Limit 8) (http://orokos.com/roll/322746): 17d6t5 4 (Traceless Walk)
Perception (limit 4) (http://orokos.com/roll/322750): 10d6t5 3 (as an elf I got low light vision...so I guess I get no penalties due to lack of lamps?)
-
By their arrival, Krestov had done his best to clean up his look, opting to keep the armor jacket look and smoothing out his hair. A troll in a business suit would look strange, so the rugged and dashing look would have to do. He mulled over what words he would say...being a terrible liar, he relied on half truths when avoiding a revelation most of the time. As they arrived, his Ares Crusader was tucked away under his arm, loaded with gel rounds as he needed naught else. Stepping out of the van, the big guy fixed the collar of his jacket.
"Comms check clear. Just a trog looking to get some food. Not problem. Approaching when ready."
-
"I'll hand out in the van with Mein little Junkie here until guard station is cleared out and we have a clean entry to the restaurant."
-
bnc dons her chameleon suit, loads her gun with gel. She then follows her comrades.
Nullifying the cameras:
Hacking on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/322686): 19d6t5 6
Edit File (http://orokos.com/roll/322687): 17d6t5 6
Any hidden icons in 100 m radius? Matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/322688): 13d6t5 6
I run my standard ASDF = 3654.
[/spoiler]
Host defense (Camera) (http://orokos.com/roll/322886): 8d6t5 4
One Mark
Host defense (Edit File) (http://orokos.com/roll/322888): 8d6t5 3
Success
Yes, there are hidden icons around, but to identify them you need to enter the host (which you can now that you have a mark
It was distracting to continuously edit the camera's stream, but bnc did it with little trouble. The guard in the hut only glanced at the van before returning to look at something more interesting inside his room.
-
I enter the host. Do you want me to reroll the perception test?
Are there any obvious icons. Like drones or so
-
Torrent tries to approach the hut by moving through the shadows that the faint light of the lamps casts
I try to avoid the guard's line of sight and he has a -4 dice penalty to hear my steps (traceless walk)
-
The host opened up before bnc and a multitude of icons appeared.
Looking for hidden icons and threats, she easily detected at least 20 weapons registered to the host. Most were light pistols and automatic pistols, but there were five AKs and one Ares Alpha inside the host, running silent.
The kitchen had three automated drones and a standard array of food processors.
A lot more interesting were the two SUVs registered to the host. One did fit the description of the attacker's perfectly.
bnc could see a patrol ice making it's rounds it would take a while but she wouldn't be able to hide the camera editing forever.
Torrent had no problems approaching the hut unseen. The door was closed but ill fitting. He could see the latch and it would probably be very easy to jimmy it open - but not without making some noise. A distraction would be needed...
-
"Hurry up, boys. There's only so much time I can blind the cams. We're at the right address, though. I found the SUV. This is gonna be so mucho grando fun, sempais.
Inside this, there's about one gun for each centimetre of Krestov's little hobbit."
How much firewall and device rating does the black SUV have?
Are there any cameras inside the host?
-
Torrent sends a text message to bnc
@bnc :<<Hey kid, is there any trideo inside the hut?Could you increase the volume while I'm busy with the lock?>>
-
Is there a trid inside?
"Won't that attract attention? Trids don't tend to turn louder all by themselves!"
-
Yes, there is. It's what keeps the guards attention so concentrated inside.
Currently it's turned to a pretty exciting urban brawl game but with muted sound
-
@bnc: <<You're the tech wizard.Brick the damned thing if you have to.I just want you to buy me a couple of seconds.>>
-
"Roger, boss. Count to three!"
bnc dives fully into the host, assuming an indistinct icon which blends in as chocolate chips blend into cookies. She approaches the little iconographic trid station and says:
"One"
She then generates a gew chunks of code, a kind of small proxy, that imitates a legitimate server within the host and registers the icon to it, leaving a small smiling mask attached to the icon.
"Two"
Then she gives the command to turn on the sound.
Well, two-and-a-half, damn
And gives it again, finally turning on the goddamn thing and hoping to catch their interest long enough.
Hacking on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/323064): 17d6t5 6
Opposed roll (http://orokos.com/roll/323067): 8d6t5 1
Control Device (http://orokos.com/roll/323065): 11d6t5 4
Opposed roll (http://orokos.com/roll/323068): 8d6t5 4
Control Device (http://orokos.com/roll/323069): 11d6t5 3
Opposed roll (http://orokos.com/roll/323070): 8d6t5 2
-
... AND SHE STRIKES, KAWAJIMA IS DOWN!
The sound exploded out of the trid and made the guard fall backwards from his chair.
-
OK, here goes nothing
enhance agility (http://orokos.com/roll/323093): 7d6t5 0
Locksmith (limit 6) (http://orokos.com/roll/323094): 10d6t5 5
If I didn't surprise the guard , plz roll initiative for me as well
Nerve strike (limit 6) , target reaction (http://orokos.com/roll/323096): 15d6t5 3
shitty enhance agiliy and shitty nerve strike...oh well, time to use some edge
Edge (second chance) (http://orokos.com/roll/323099): 12d6t5 3
6 hits total
-
The guards surprised face froze as Torrent entered in a swift move and paralyzed him completely.
For at least an hour this guy would be unable to do anything.
-
"The guard is down.Time to move!"
@bnc: << Thanks, kiddo>>
-
Slobbertooth opened the door to the back of the van, piled out with bnc, and radiod Krestov "Alright, give us a sec big guy and we'll be in position."
-
During the very clever distraction and taking out of the hut guard, Kredtov had been calmly walking, approaching the entrance. In fact, just as Torrent took the guard out with his tricky fingers, the big troll had passed in front of the window. Nodding to the elf, he kept going, listening to Slob's voice.
"Understood, approaching front door. Signal when want me to enter. Knock or ring bell?"
-
<@Torrent <Well. Thank you for taking out the guard, I guess? Never knew runners were such polite folk.>>
Again, apologies for bnc. I designed her that way doesn't mean I approve. ;-)
bnc uses the time to get another mark or two on the host. She walks into the guard's hut and plugs herself in.
Hacking on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/323347): 17d6t5 3
Hacking on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/323348): 17d6t5 8
Btw, what theme does the host have? She's running silent, as you could guess.
Is there anything interesting in the hut?
-
With the direct connection it was no trouble to hack the host.
Inside it looked very much like a mixture of chinese restaurant and a Feng Shui for Dummies guide book. Chinese symbolism met with tacky decorations.
With three marks secured bnc had time to look around and load up a map of the place.
(http://i57.tinypic.com/r8gyeg.jpg)
Curiously upstairs and the cellar maps were not available.
Krestov moved towards the front entrance and immediately spotted a smartly dressed Chinese woman behind the reception. Her AR tag identified her as Tina Lee. "Good evening and welcome to Lung Feng's, do you have a reservation? I'm very sorry, but despite the late hour we are still very packed. Maybe you want to wait at the bar until a table becomes available?"
-
Slobbertooth watched Krestov's icon move through AR. "You're the director right now, Krestov. Run the show how you'd like."
-
bnc releases the cam and retreats from the host before the Ice can pinpoint her.
"Do you want me to disable their weapons or some of them? If it comes to a fight, they won't work, but if - for any reason - they should try to fire it earlier, it might give us away. Or, if I fail."
-
Krestov had a small smirk on his face as he stopped at the front desk, slowly bringing his big hands together, palms pressing as he gave a low bow. "Good evening. Am afraid I have no reservation, but you coming highly recommended. I can wait at bar, thank you." As he strolled over, he took a glance around...a cursory one, not unlike one would expect a curious visitor. As he listened to his comrades speak to him, he went to cough, using the cover to respond.
"Torrent and Slob, any other access points? Front door is open to view. Place crowded. Malyutka, right now Krestov wanting eyes on things. No need disabling, but thinking ping and mark on Krestov AR who has weapons where?"
Sitting down on the bar stool, he felt the furniture creak slightly under his weight as he held his hands in front of him, waiting patiently to be served.
-
<@Krestov <Roger, Commander>>
bnc creates the usual virtual map for the team, sharing her infos about their respective positions and of those whose PANs contain weapons. She shares this maps with all of her team, awaiting further commands from the more experienced members of the squad.
-
A small Mongolian looking bartender came to Krestov: "Good evening sir, what can I get for you?"
The bar was well stocked but didn't seem to contain anything special. In the large mirror Krestov could monitor the whole section behind him.
It took a few minutes until bnc spotted him on camera: From the back stairs Lung Feng had entered the restaurant. At his side was a well shaped female in traditional Chinese garb. They seemed to be engrossed in conversation and moved towards the bar.
-
<@Krestov <Careful, boss. Lung Feng approaching. I marked him on the map.>>
bnc investigates his PAN.
-
Slobbertooth got out of the truck geared up and moved into the darkness near on of the rear entrances.
"I'll move in if there is any trouble. Otherwise, my appearance would probably just make things awkward."
-
Krestov nodded in recognition to the bartender, pointing at a bottle on the lower shelf. "Could have that mixed with cola, maybe? Was recommmnded it and this place by friend. Said special was good, but cannot remember name. Translated not work well. Thank you" As the tender fixed his drink, the big troll kept his looking at the mirror casual, using his eyes to snap a picture of Lung Feng and his shapely companion in the quality dress, sending the full pic to bnc.
<<Can hold on for me? Maybe want get you dress like this>>
Watching intently with his peripherals, the troll kept an eye on Lung Feng, taking the guise of trying to remember the name he had fabricated. "Special was...DartLight...NightDay....hmm..."
-
The bartender shrugged without losing his smile: "Sure, one Coke and Kahlúa coming up. I think what this would be called is: Up all night and day"
bnc spotted Lung Feng's PAN after a moment - the man ran silent and not without reason. Slaved to a Trans Sys Avalon she found a concealed monowhip - probably in his thumb. A Colt America L36 with a laser sight was secured in a concealed holster. His companion did not seem to sport any wireless gear except a Blue Defender commlink.
Both had now crossed half the distance and where in clear view of the bar.
Lung Feng showed an emotionless mask while his companion looked severely pissed off.
Krestov received his drink just as the restaurant owner reached the bar. In harsh accented English he barked at the bartender: "Stop what you are doing. Get your kit and go downstairs and measure precisely this time. Barb will cover you here."
His companion made a disgusted face at that, but the bartender just nodded took of his apron and proceeded to take a small leather case out from under the bar to leave in the direction Feng had come from.
With no visible enthusiasm Barb went behind the bar. Her face promised a severe chewing out to everone who dared to ask her for a drink.
That done Feng turned around to go.
-
<@Krestov <Happily. But first you gotta buy me some tits or it'll look like dump.
Lung Feng Inventory list:
- Concealed Monowhip (thumb?)
- Colt America L36, concealed
Press the button to render your favourite drug addict to deactive all marked entries.>
I assume that I cannot trace the bartender via cameras, online cybereyes or any of these?
<@Slobbertooth @Torrent BCC@Krestov <Can you follow Lung Feng? I must know which car he takes.>>
-
@bnc :<< Gonna hide near the back stairs, wait for him to come out>>
@GM
any Sneaking tests required?
-
Slobbertooth moved to take up a concealed overwatch position.
@bnc @Torrent <<I'll cover you Torrent. Don't want too many cooks.>>
-
<@Torrent <Roger>>
<@Slobbertooth <Agree. To many cocks are painful.>>
-
The bartender moves away and vanishes from sight as he enters the stairwell. Lung Feng made a small round through the restaurant, before he too moves to the stairwell, although he seems to ascent to the rooms above.
Torrent had no problem sneaking outside. With the watchman paralysed and bnc as early warning system he could move everywhere outside largely with impunity. It didn't take him long to spot the fire escape near the back exit on the backside of the building. With only a small effort he would be able to jump to the lowest rung and climb up if he were so inclined
-
Krestov covered his mouth with his hands to suppress his small smirk at the comments filtering in from his teammates. At least they are all in good humor. Good for morale Closing his eyes, he sent off a message back after confirming where Lung Feng and the bartender went, nursing his drink idly.
<<@bnc: So, increasing calorie intake not option yeah? Suppose you wanting Mk.II job for that huh?>>
<<@team: Update. Lung Feng moved upstairs, out of my field of view. Bartender doing task for Feng, lost visual. Lady with me. Attempting to make it downstairs without attention>>
Opening his eyes, he looked ahead before glancing over to the woman, being met a second later by an icy glare that would put bnc's slitch face to shame. "Pardons. You have restroom, yeah?" Getting up, he would head towards them, hoping that they would be located at or near the stairwell to slip by...
-
<@Torrent <Roger>>
<@Slobbertooth <Agree. To many cocks are painful.>>
<@bnc <Sometimes it only takes one.>>
-
<@bnc <Sometimes it only takes one.>>
<@Krestov <Confirm that, Six-eight-six-two.>>
<@all <So, objective is alone? Isn't he what we came for in the first place?>>
-
@team:<<I'm going in.>>
@bnc:<<Can you trace Feng?>>
Jump(Limit 6) (http://orokos.com/roll/325311): 12d6t5 7
The elf jumped deftly,grabbed the first rung and pulled himself up the ladder
-
<@Torrent <I can trace his gear, anyway.>>
bnc bites her lip, as often when she's nervous. Or thoughtful. Or both. Joking time is over. Working time begins. bnc ducks deeper into the car, reboots her cyberdeck and goes online again. She swiftly uploads the map again, so as not to distract her companion, and rejoins the communication channel.
Silently she approaches Lung Feng's icon, attacking it carefully. The masks af comedy and tragedy appear on the Avalon's icon.
Quickly now. Don't attract attention.
Turning off her Goo (GOD Overwatch Overwatch) after a last glance at its collected data, she create some memory to load Pathfinder beta, a new piece of gear, designed for the very purpose of tracking.
Once Lung Feng's gear is tracked, she exchanges Pathfinder beta for Misty Morninx, and shifts back to silent mode.
Standard Stealth configuration:
Hacking on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/325489): 19d6t5 8
Hacking on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/325490): 19d6t5 9 --> with Exploit and Stealth I reach Sneak 9
Exchange Baby Monitor for Track.
Trace Icon (http://orokos.com/roll/325492): 17d6t5 7 --> with Track I reach Data Processing 7
My dice love me.
Exchange Track for Fly on the Wall.
Should noise be bigger than two, I would load Signal Scrub in case of Stealth, reducing my effecitive Sneak to 8.
-
With unexpected ease, bnc pinpointed Feng's position. He seemed to have moved into the room directly next to the fire escape.
Torrent reached moments later the window and peered through the shutters:
Feng sat at a desk and used an old fashioned fountain pen to make some entries in a large leather bound book. A safe is open at his side from where the book most likely came. Otherwise there are some boxes of ammunition, a stack of cred sticks and some more books.
The safe is made to vanish into the floor if not in use.
The room itself is furnished again in the typical Feng Shui pattern with a mirror and other wall decorations. The noise of the restaurant is still clearly audible up here and Lung Feng is very concentrated on his work.
Torrent estimates that he could get in silently if he manages to pick the window.
Threshold of 3 to open the window without noise.
bnc has a trace on Lung Feng's commlink +2 marks on all the gear in his PAN
-
It takes only a moment for Torrent to manipulate his qi and boost his agility.The surge of magical power is enough to help him open the window without making a sound in the process.He hides his tools and unholsters his Guardian.Trusting bnc to warn him about any alarms and sensors he enters the room and approaches Feng.
About time we had a little chat.
Agility Boost (http://orokos.com/roll/325578): 7d6t5 1
Locksmith (Limit 6) (http://orokos.com/roll/325579): 11d6t5 5
Sneaking (Limit 8 ) (http://orokos.com/roll/325581): 18d6t5 6
I want to go behind Feng and put the gun to his head.
-
Slobbertooth saw what Torrent was doing through the image link and began inching closer to the restaurant for when something invariably went wrong.
<@bnc @Torrent @Krestov <Moving in to intercept in case of reinforcements. >>
-
Krestov blinked a few times as he "used the restroom", using the time to keep track of the team's visual feeds and communications. Inwardly he cringed a bit at bnc's latest response, wondering if he just agreed to purchase her the implant he mentioned as a joke. wouldn't want to lose face...oh, we're moving in. Stepping out of the stall, the troll went to wash his hands, in the event anyone else is in there, firing off a message.
<<@Team: Krestov here. bnc, disabling weapons on Feng requested by time Torrent is moving. Can be up in seconds. If worried, Torrent, please give sign>>
-
Feng scratched his neck at the sudden draft but did not stop to carefully write into the book.
He did stop when Torrents gun made contact with Feng's head.
Very slowly Feng laid down the pen and spread his two hands flat on the desk before saying:
"Know this is a mistake. If you go now I'll consider not to have my mages hunt you down like an animal. Who sent you?"
-
Hacking on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/325946): 19d6t5 5
Since I don't his Opposed roll, there are two possibilities now:
Possibility 1: He scored less hits:
I load Fork and attempt to Format Device both weapons:
Format Device (http://orokos.com/roll/325947): 17d6t5 5
And then reboot them:
Reboot Device (http://orokos.com/roll/325948): 17d6t5 7 (limited to 5 since I didn't load Crash in favor of Fork)
Possibility 2 (or if he outscores me in any of the following tests) the brutal way.
I load my Battle mode and Data spike the whip's container:
Data Spike (http://orokos.com/roll/325949): 17d6t5 5
-
Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/325959): 10d6t5 2
Defense Format (http://orokos.com/roll/325960): 10d6t5 2
Defense Reboot (http://orokos.com/roll/325961): 10d6t5 4
Worked. Weapons won't respond now.
-
Lucky time for bnc ;-) I relaunch Baby Monitor. I assume my OS is around 10?
<@Team <His weapons are out. The proper way: There's no way he even realized what I just did.>>
And now let's do some magic....
Edit File (http://orokos.com/roll/326124): 17d6t5 5
Feel free to use another matrix action for this. I just thought overwriting the "telephone number" would be the simplest way to do this.
Smirking, bnc further attacks her victim, this time intruding his very commlink. She searches for the mages' entries, identifying them by either connaissance from her matrix research or deduction, and subtly edits them to redirect them to her commlink (which is not slaved to her cyberdeck). In case he would contact them, bnc would answer the call.
She then searches for phone call logs to acquire some snippets from older conversations to copy into the call, making the illusion more profound.
Showtime, bastard! Never mess with an undernourished bitch!
-
The code exchange worked without a hitch, but Lung Feng did not try to call. Instead he was really concentrated not to move despite having a wireless DNI.
-
"Don't do anything stupid.It would be a shame If your brains stained the pages.You don't see many real books in Seattle anymore."
Torrent lightly pressed the gun against Feng's temple.
"On the other hand, I heard Seattle has an abundance of eastern European men who go by the name of Scary Spice.Know anything about that?"
-
bnc loads Fly on the Wall and carefully watches the commlink's activity, ready to intervene, should he perform any Matrix actions.
Yeah, and she's cheering silently after everything went so smooth.
-
There was an edge to Lung's voice as he said:
"Haven't you heard? He is dead, shot down this morning and now in some morgue. There is no need to threaten me. I met with him yesterday, he wanted to store something illegal but I turned him down. That is the extend to my dealings with him. Whatever he owes you, I have nothing to do with it."
-
"I don't have time for your bullshit.You had your chance to come out of this unharmed and you blew it."
Torrent searches for the building's intercom and calls the barman
Imitating Feng's voice (Acting 5+Charisma 4+Voice Control 1)
Voice Control (http://orokos.com/roll/327382): 10d6t5 3
Let's make sure no-one calls the bluff
Second Chance (http://orokos.com/roll/327385): 7d6t5 3
6 hits in total (Limit 6)
"There's a Troll downstairs.Blond hair, smartly dressed.Show him the way to my office.He is to come alone."
"My friend dislikes lies.Mother Russia breeds them tough.You got what, a couple of minutes before he arrives?"
-
Sometimes, bnc finds Torrent a bit scary.
-
@Sabato Kuroi
You know, I really like that move. Have one Edge back, you magnificent bastard ;D
Feng didn't dare to move his head. You only hear him mutter "...that's not how I sound at all."
At the bar the sulking barkeep suddenly developed an interest in Krestov: "The boss wants to see you. Follow me."
Without waiting for him, she moved away from behind the bar and led the Troll to the "staff only" door and up the stairs.
"It's the door on the left. Go right in, he is waiting for you."
She turned around quickly to get back to the vacant bar - obviously the boss would not be happy if she left her post for longer.
-
Krestov, having since finished his time in the restroom and had been casually viewing the entire scene upstairs, knew perfectly well what was coming as the lady stood up and ushered him to the stairs. Feigning surprise, the big troll tilted his head slightly before complying, keeping his hands loose and by his side as he went up the stairs and towards the door. When he entered, he took a look at Torrent and viewed his expression, followed distinctly by a glance at Lung Feng, then back at Torrent, a small sigh escaping his lips.
"Could not getting to talk before me, hm? Unfortunate..." Closing his eyes, Krestov stepped over to the other side of Feng, the Asian looking very much surrounded on both sides as the big guy towered over him. "You are alone, no backup is coming. Tell us where Spice is, and we walk away. Is simple, yeah?"
-
Slobbertooth tapped his left heel anxiously. Things were going well, but they wouldn't be safe until they were gone.
<@bnc<Watch the matrix traffic, Feng might have panic buttons not visible to the naked eye.>
<Oh, and put in an order for Just for Trolls hair dye for Krestov. Some of us are gonna need new faces after this.>>
-
"I already told you..." Feng stopped as Torrent increased the pressure of the gun barrel to the man's ear.
A bead of sweat became visible.
Intimidation test, you gain +5 bonus.
You may also make a perception test (visual) for a bonus information
-
<@Slobbertooth <I'm watching every single icon in the whole room, including his commlink. I even redirected all outgoing calls to his security mages ;-)>>
-
The bead of sweat. That was what Krestov needed. Pheromones activated, the troll leaned forward, bringing his hands down on the desk right in front of him, an ominous creaking of the wood under the weight accompanied by a few snapping noises. Leaning his head close, his voice grated out in a low, menacing rumble.
"No. You have not."
Intimidate + 5 (http://orokos.com/roll/327963): 12d6t5 6 Limit 7
bonus: Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/327999): 7d6t5 3
-
Krestov noticed how Feng looked down at the question after Scary Spice's location. It was just for a tenth of a second, but the gesture was unmistakable. Krestov was sure: Scary had to be in this very building.
Lung Feng tried to change his tactic: "You know, I have access to money. Just forget about him and I'll pay you both 20.000 cash. No questions asked."
-
The raising of a brow was all that Lung Feng met as Krestov noted the tell. The giveaway. A sharp exhale of breath was followed by a grin as the troll mentally called out to his team.
<<@Team: Spice is in this building. Sure of it. Guess is basement. Should we tie up Feng and take offline?>>
Straightening up, the troll simply shook his head. "Twenty thousand each insulting. That is price for keeping us from spreading news of Lung Feng not be trusted. My terms not for negotiating. Best to talk, my comrade...he sometimes have twitch in gun hand..."
-
"So name your price."
Feng had regained a bit of composure. And still his body language told Krestov and Torrent that he really, really did not want to sully his books.
-
<@Slobbertooth <I'm ready to go. Shall we search the basement?>>
-
<@bnc<Sounds good. Hopefully scary spice didn't fortify his current location like he did his apartment.>>
<@Torrent @Krestov <Moving to investigate basement with bnc>>
Slob headed to get bnc from her acquired security booth.
-
[color]<@Slobbertooth <Roger, kempai!>>[/color]
Donning her chameleon suit, bnc follows Slobbertooth a few paces behind, carefully watching the Matrix around her.
Overwatch check, please :)
-
Without any trouble, the two arrive at the back door. Since bnc still has MARKs on the host it's no trouble at all to command the back door to open and check the cameras for a clear coast.
A subsequent check of her baby monitor shows her that she now is at about 40% to a GOD response.
The basement is dark, illuminated only by weak energy saving lamps. A long corridor stretches along the building. Left and right are several doors, eight in total.
From the farthest one down the hall a thin sliver of light showed from under the door
Your overwatch score is 17
-
Krestov quickly sent out a message to the ork And decker pairing once he realized they were inside.
<<@team: expecting at least one person opposing in basement. First bartender went down before meeting. Signal if needing help, da?>>
Turning back to Lung Feng, his wheels turned as he got low and in the man's face, and spoke a genuine offer. "Name price? Two hundred thousand to each of us buys your victory, saves reputation, and ensures word that those in room not pull Spice from your hands if no resistance met. Is good deal, yeah?
-
"Are you insane? How on earth should I have that kind of money on hand? 40 each is all I have available. And that means my employees won't get paid this month."
You can almost taste the rage that Lung feels at being blackmailed.
-
"Alright, let's do this. Tread lightly"
Slobbertooth opened the door and began to skulk down the basement hallway, hoping the girl knew how far enough to fall behind him. Being and orc, the lights weren't and issue for Josiah Willows, in fact it gave him an inspiration. He raised his HK-227 and pulled it too his chest so that he could manually switch his low-light flashlight on. He wirelessly activated his smartlink, and gave his eyes a few seconds to absorb the information overlay. It told him that his weapon was loaded with a stick-n-shock. It would have to do.
"If you can, and if we need to, cut out all the lights down here. I'll give you the signal. You ain't still young enough to get a big sphincter factor form the dark, are ya?"
Slobbertooth contained a chuckle at his own joke, and took a deep breath and focused his magic in on himself. He hoped it would be enough to conceal his approach. He tried to step lightly down the hallway, doing his best to notice any more of Scary Spice's homemade traps. He pressed himself up against the wall left of the door frame.
"bnc. If this all goes to drek, just keep your cool, and things turn out aces, alright?"
Slobbertooth held his HK-227 pointing upwards with his right hand, and rasped his knuckles on the door. Slobbertooth considered speaking in Or'zet or Japanese, but he didn't want to sound like an orc thug (and angry... angrier one), or a Yakuza come to collect on some past dues,
"Hoi chummer or chummers. Just a man looking for a meet n greet with Scary Spice. Nothing violent. Just here on behalf of a girl from Moma Chaus's interested in confirming his well being."
Ability Boost Agility [2] (http://orokos.com/roll/328594): 8d6t5 4 2
Stealth [9] (http://orokos.com/roll/328595): 12d6t5 3
Perception [5] (http://orokos.com/roll/328596): 14d6t5 3
-
"God it, sensai. I think, it's a good time to point out that I don't have any optical augmentations, though. Thus I guess turning off the lights will do more harm to me than to them. Also, it might attract attention both at the demiGODs and the people inside the basement.
Still, your wish is my command, ol' tusker!"
Stepping around 3 to 4 meters behind the ork, bnc follows him. Her Tom is ready but she really isn't. She never used the gun in a real firefight and she hoped she wouldn't have to.
"Roger, Slob. I'll try not to piss my chameleon suite."
bnc tries to make herself sound cool, but there is a soft tremble in her voice. What's the use in seditative drugs if you can't use them when you really need them?
Biting her lip she focusses on the job and tries to be useful without pulling the trigger. That is, without pulling her weapon's trigger.
Ability Boost Agility (http://www.google.com): 0d6t5 0
Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/328680): 6d6t5 3
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/328681): 8d6t5 4
Which icons can I see behind the doors? Are there any controls? PANs? Weapons?
-
Behind the door only two icons can be found: The Mongolian barkeeper's commlink and what seems to be an autodoc unit.
Since it's still under her control, bnc has a split second warning to intercept and delete an outgoing message to Feng: <<Help, there seem to be intruders in the cellar.>>
Otherwise no sound comes from behind the door.
I've taken the liberty to roll a quick hacking roll for you
-
Very much obliged.
Control Device (http://orokos.com/roll/328716): 17d6t5 5 (see below)
"They noticed us and called for help. I could suppress the message but I suggest we do this quickly."
After she issued the voice message, she sends a message from Lung Feng's commlink to the barkeeper.
<LungFeng @Mongolian barkeeper <Confront them. Buy time by involving them into a conversation. Don't hide. Don't draw weapons. Help is on the way.>>
She blends in the conversation for Slobbertooth as well to keep him informed.
He might hear a soft chuckle over the voice channel.
-
Slobbertooth saw the text comm run over his AR feed, shrugged his shoulders and put the flash bang grenade back in his pocket. Saves me some cash, anyway.
-
Krestov gave pause, standing up straight in a moment and turning away from Lung Feng, arms crossed in front of him. Suffering of those innocent...I cannot allow that. Forgive me Torrent
Pinching his brow, the troll slowly turned around and leaned in low next to the restaurant owner, his voice dropping some of its grit. "...I am not unreasonable man, Lung. Life made up choice and consequence. All trouble can go away, and return normal as if I never here. Lung need decide if ruin of business worth price of resistance. I know Lung not straight with me. So tell me. What have down in basement, da?"
-
In the cellar, no answer came from within. Silence stretched for a moment.
Krestov saw how Feng's pupils dilated for a moment as he was confronted with the truth. Yet he said:
"This is just a restaurant. There are cooking supplies and our wine and spirits down there. I really can't help you with anything else."
-
"Slob? What are we waiting for?"
-
"I was hoping he would come out to say hello after your little stunt. But since he isn't doing that..."
Slobbertooth shifted himself to the side of the door opposite the hinges. He let his HK drape from his shoulders and pulled a flash-pak from his pockets. "If the door is locked, I'll try to kick it down. Get to cover, the moment the door opens, cut the lights."
Slobbertooth quickly tested the handle to see if it would budge.
-
"Sir, yes, Sir!" I'm ready when you are.[/color}
Or at least I hope so...
-
The door was not locked and the flash bang went in without a hitch. The sound was muffled by the excellent sound proofing of the interrogation cell.
Opening the door again revealed the barkeeper lying on the ground pressing his hands on his ears. On a dentist's chair with to many straps was a naked man that looked remarkably like Scary Spice. In his left arm stuck a needle that led to a massive auto doc unit.
Besides some really gruesome looking torture tools which had left some definitive marks on Scary, there were - as bnc could identify with a glance - quite a bit of magic paraphernalia connected to Feng Shui and detection magic.
-
Flash-pak not Flash-Bang but whatever works
Slobbertooth spun into the room, saw the bartender lying on the ground and the man in the chair. "Have a look at the Scary Spice, I'll deal with the bartender." Slobbertooth ran over to the man holding his ears on the ground and gave him a square kick in the ribs.
Melee Attack (http://orokos.com/roll/329454): 7d6t5 2
2 Hits, 5 Str. 7 Net damage
-
The man screamed in pain and rolled up to protect his ribs, making no attempt to fight back.
Yeah, that guy is a push over. You can subdue him without rolling
-
bnc nods and rushes over to Scary Spice.
"Lung Feng might know about our presence by now. There's some detection magic working."
She takes a glimpse at Scary Spice, estimating his condition. Depending on what the injection delivers, she most probably shuts it off and tries to restore his health.
First Aid (http://orokos.com/roll/329509): 13d6t5 6
-
A quick look into the logs of the auto doc showed that Scary had been pumped full of tranquilizers and different kinds of truth sera, the last being scopolamin.
Besides some bruises he was healthy, without broken bones or bleeding. The auto doc did note that he had very expensive bioware implants, including enhanced kidney and liver functions, making him very resistant to drugs.
It took bnc only a few seconds to administer something to wake him up.
He started to blink and looked around before asking: "What... where the hell am I?"
-
Slobbertooth threw the KOd bartender out of view and moved over the doorway to check that their exit was clear. He answered the captive's question.
"We're in Lung Feng's restaurant. Would you happen to be Scary Spice?"
-
The man answered: "Shit. That cheap bastard. Yes, I'm called Scary Spice. Damn. I haven't been that deep in shit since Saigon 59'.
And if you don't mind me asking: Who are you and why are you looking for me?"
-
Josiah helped Scary Spice out of the apparatus and introduced the two present. "I'm Slobbertooth, and that's bnc. We some of the people that were hired to find you by one of your clients."
"Oh, and btdubs according to the spit jockeys and the autopsy reports you were shot and killed today."
-
"Damn. They faked my death? How did you find me? The last thing I remember, I wanted to go to a meeting and suddenly I find myself in a torture dungeon.
Can you help me get out of here? I have to contact my partner."
Scary stood but was very wobbly on his feet.
-
Slobbertooth rattled off the answers to his questions, while helping him out the door. "Expensive cosmetic surgery. We have our ways. It's our job to get you out of here. Who is your partner?"
"Krestov, Torrent. Target probably acquired. Leaving basement post haste.
-
"His handle is the Sunkid. Best smuggler there is if you want something from Asia.
Oh, if you don't mind, could you give me that guys trousers? It's a bit chilly in here..." said Scary Spice
-
"The Sunkid? We've heard of him. Shouldn't be a problem." Slobbertooth hands him some trousers.
"Now lets go get in the unmarked, windowless van. I promise that there is candy inside of it."
-
bnc didn't say much during the conversation. This was still the domain of the professionals. She quickly checks her Overwatch Score, but proceeds as normal if her status is not alarming.
(Team-Channel) "We got him. I suggest I shut down Lung Feng's car and weapon and we get the hell out of here. So-ka?"S
-
Krestov gave another sigh, standing up and remaining silent for a moment, his hands balled into big fists as he contained his frustration, keeping his head level. The visual and audio feeds that filtered into him from the team below confirmed everything: Spice was alive, and better, being recovered. With a sigh feigning resignation, he gestured his head to Torrent before darting forward, one hand gripping around his throat while Torrent's gun pressed to the back of his head..
"He sees not reason, but see little point breaking man. Decide fate, but let us be gone" He growled out while at the same time sending into the team chat a message.
<<@Team{Krestov}: Understood, go for it. Please confirm location of Spice's goods? If here, should get now>>
He stared coldly into the man's eyes, no wavering or signs of uncertainty in his icy blue eyes.
-
At Krestov's words Torrent unceremoniously hit the nerves on Feng's neck, paralysing the restaurant owner.
He wished he had a dose of laes because the Troll's face had been exposed.
Forget it.We can handle this.
"Let's go big guy.Through the fire escape ladder."
I didn't roll for Nerve Strike.I guess I don't have to since Feng is defenceless?
-
Feng fell forward like a wet sack, his chin hitting the book pretty hard.
The extraction was no problem either - between the highjacked cameras and the suppression of communications as well as the still full restaurant, the team made it back to their car without a hitch.
Scary Spice had entered the Van quickly and was rubbing his bare feet to get the circulation going again:
"You wouldn't happen to have some more clothes on board? Fucking Feng must have kept me in a freezer or something.
And also, could you give me comm? I really need to contact the Sunkid."
-
If Slobbertooth doesn't, bnc asks Scary Spice:
"By the way, you do not perchance remember where you deposited the stuff you and the Sunkid brought here, do you?"
"You wouldn't happen to have some more clothes on board? Fucking Feng must have kept me in a freezer or something.
And also, could you give me comm? I really need to contact the Sunkid."
"I have something better: a medkit. I'm preparing a heated natrium-chloride solution with a hint of noradrenaline to get your juices flowing again. If you were indeed kept cool
Guys, don't turn the heating systems too hot before I measured his core temperature. Would you mind stopping somewhere where we can get him a soyk... a hot tea and a chocolate bar?"
She turns back to Scary Spice. "I'm sorry this might feel a little bit incomfortable, but I have to ask you to insert this (she hands him a wired pocket thermometer) into an orifice."
She pauses a moment in memory of their trip into the Deep Black Sea, before she continues: "Your mouth will do."
@Sabato: bnc took the laes with her. Torrent might remember that.
-
Slobbertooth looks through his bag of goodies, pushing past the flash bang grenades and clips of ammunitions. "Dammit, I know I've got one around here somewhere." After a bit of intense searching, Slob reveals his discovery of one of his spare Meta Link commlinks.
He tosses the Meta Link to bnc. "Give it to him when you think he's ready."
-
"Team. Do we still need access to Lung Feng's link or car? If not, I'll make it inutilizable and reboot my deck before the Wrath of GOD will hit me. So-ka?"
-
Scary grinned at bnc: "Bless you for your care, young lady. When this is over, I'd like to buy you a drink. That way warming up is way more fun."
The man waited patiently to be given the commlink. Once everything was in place. He made his call:
"HEY, it's me...
...Yes, they did. You are the one who hired...
...
...Yes, fucking Feng. Had me in his restaurant's cellar. Wanted to know where our haul was...
...No, don't think I told him. But I'm a bit fussy on the details. They had me drugged to my gills, so who knows what I told him...
...Yes, I'll tell them. We are going straight there...
...Laes? Don't remember taking any...
...No, I'm not joking...
...Sure, yeah, my bad...
...Pier 33. We'll meet there. Hey can you do me a favor and bring my gear from my emergency stash? ZuluEchoUniformGolf. You can't miss it. Alright, see you in a bit."
He finished the call and turned to the team.
"Change of plan whatever they were. We have to get to Pier 33 asap. I don't know if Feng has already sent someone there to steal our haul, but the container won't hold them off for long if they do."
-
I assume it is unnecessary to mention separately that I formatted and shut down Lung Feng's commlink, bricked his car, rebooted my deck and spoofed the meta link we gave SS. I don't assume there is anything important in what the Sunkid said, but if there is, please tell us ;-)
bnc smiled. "Fair enough. But no laes in my soycaf. I mean it."
And I'll date Dr. Schmitt first. He was a heartbraker!
"And there we go. I can drive. I'm probably the best driver and the worst shooter."
bnc goes full VR and moves the car to Pier 33. Asap.
@ Teamspeach && Scary Spice "I made Lung Feng's commlink inutilizable, but I don't think this kept him long. I'm sending my drones to the pier but I'm not sure when they will arrive there. They might prove useful, if they come in time."
-
Slobbertooth held bnc back from getting in the driver's seat.
"bnc, you stay in the back and watch our patient. I'll take the wheel. Krestov and Torrent prep for a fireshow."
Totally by accident, it turns out out Slobbertooth has the highest Pilot Groundcraft dicepool of 9 (until bnc can jack in). Improved Reflexes has a use outside of combat I guess.
-
Krestov had remained fairly silent for some time after he and Torrent departed through the fire escape, leaving the paralyzed Lung Feng on his desk. On the commands of their ork comrade, Krestov snapped up from his seat in the far back of the van (the only place he fits and the weight's balanced), giving a small nod.
"Da, though Feng receiving Torrent's special touch. Unlikely get help for at least hour. If forces of his already to place, likely find Yini and Yang mages..."
The click of moving parts from the troll's modified Ares Alpha added to the atmosphere of his point as he loaded his rifle up, propping it to the side as he donned his helmet, the golden eagle wings glinting on either side. His shield was also out, the troll fully geared for a fight. "Ready"[/b]
@Squirrel: ahahah, perks!
Also, I find no material supporting or restricting the use of an assault rifle with one hand. Ruling? I'd personally be slapping the heavy weapon double recoil rules, but that's just my thoughts
-
Torrent made himself comfortable and closed his eyes.He felt tense.
Things had gone smoothly.Perhaps too smoothly.
Shadowrunner paranoia...I bet some day doctors will name a special kind of mental illness after our profession.
-
It took only 20 minutes to reach the pier. With Scary Spice' direction they slowly drove through a labyrinth of containers and obsolete machinery.
Perception check for the driver
Matrix Perception check for bnc
-
Slobbertooth cut headlights. He didn't need them. He considered switching to infrared but thought better of it, and instead relied on his natural low-light vision to carry him through the night.
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/330480): 14d6t5 5 hits
-
bnc took care of the patient, carefully measuring his core and skin temperature, blood pressure, heart and breathing frequency and the color of his skin. "What is the last thing you can remember before you were in the basement. And is it okay if I take a blood sample? Maybe I can find out what kind of drugs are running through your system."
Matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/330654): 10d6t5 3
I'm running ASDF 3456 atm. Since I'm taking care of SS, I'm not full VR.
-
"The last thing I know was that I was about to meet some Woman named Tanja Vashnopoya which I wanted to ask for a secure place around here. That was in the really early hours of the morning, around four or five. The next memory I have is waking up in that room you found me. I still don't know what happened"
The tests show that Scary Spice is an almost offensively healthy person. As far as bnc could gather, the man had quite a bit of bioware inside him but all had to be at least alpha grade if not better. Without the steady infusion from the autodoc, Scary's body was rapidly purging all poisons and his overall well being was increasing by the second.
Slobbertooth noticed the danger before it could notice them: Three people with powertools and SMGs where trying to open up a heavy steel container. Close inspection showed that despite their normal size they were moving heavy loads with ease. Their eyes had a vacant expression.
bnc meanwhile registered the tree man's SMGs and sidearms (Light pistols) as well as there commlinks. On a whim she made a matrix search and spotted three hidden icons: 3 smart platforms loaded with AK 98s had been placed in such a way as to be able to fire on everyone going near the site.
Slobbers timely action had prevented them from being spotted.
Scary frowned: "That is not our container."
-
bnc immediately uploaded the gathered data to the ARO map.
"Avoid or attack?"
-
Slobbertooth wasn't interested in any more vigilante action for the evening. We're here to secure the gear, not stop a robbery. If some geeks are here to run the jewels, I saw we let 'em, unless we can identify them as Triad thugs who are going to cause us trouble later.
However, he was interested in getting his paws on the custom Yamaha Raiden he purchased. "And which container is yours, Pumpkin Spice?"
Slobbertooth applied easy pressue to the brakes, letting the van slow to a crawl, maneuvering it so that the back doors had cover.
-
Scary said: "It was right next to this one. Bright green with a sunflower on the door. I unloaded it myself from the sub. I am missing six hours, I might have moved it somewhere.
About those thugs - I am pretty sure they are Triads..."
A soft knock on the side door of the van interrupted him:
"Open up. It's me, the Sunkid."
You can't say quite how the old ork got so close to your car as he did without being noticed, but he did.
Once inside he tosses a full bag of gear towards Scary:
"You's got some nerves, I's tell you's that. Gettin caught by them Triads like some rookie."
"Yeah I'm glad you are fine, too, old bastard."
"So's, what's goin on? Why's them possessed Triad boys tryin to break in a potato box?"
-
Slobbertooth kept facing forward, "We're waiting to find out what box we need to go to for the goods. We don't know why those thugs are trying to crack the box."
-
bnc just opens her mouth to ask "Are you all right", but then shuts up. Slob's questions are way more relevant and she hates people asking irrelevant questions. Since she can't come up with something more urgent, she just does what she should do more often: hold it.
-
"Can't you's smell it? This container's full of moldy potatoes. Most important, it's not ours so why you's wanna waste time on it. Them boys down there have themselves gotten sum spirit riders - damn Triad sorcerers."
The Sunkid threw a glance back in the van:
"And you's Scary 'urry up with them trousers. There's a lady in 'ere."
-
bnc laughs out loudly. "It's been a time since I've been called a lady!"
Only those with a good feeling for people can hear the faint hint of disappointment in her voice that shows this was not entirely a joke.
"Let's move on. Quickly."
-
"So the Triads brought a small army to open a container full of potatoes?And this has nothing to do with your stuff?It must be our lucky day, right?"
Torrent added in a sarcastic tone
-
Scary chimed in: "Well if I told them about the place while under the influence, I expect they will come here and try to open the only container available. If only I could remember what happened with it. I knew I couldn't leave it here, that's why I was shopping around. Never should have asked Feng - that one is definitely no longer in my little black book."
-
Krestov remained silent, eyes fixated on the triads, barely registering Sunkid as he hopped into the van. "If we engage, they know we're on, and will be on alert. If ignore, they may find us later. Better ignore and chance it. Still need location.." He thought silently, gears slowly turning as he turned to Scary Spice. "Oh...they found Spice apartment. Cleared out. Found lot laes in there. Wait...what chance girlfriend Sophie know about where crate is?"
-
"Well, I don't think I would have told her, but you know - women - she might have gotten something out of me. That girl is sharp.
Oh yeah, about that Laes - I got it to find someone where I could stash our haul and than make him or her forget about it. Near perfect solution in this uncertain world.
But just to be clear: We are talking about a massive 40ft shipping container, packed to the brim with military grade hardware and other expensive stuff. You need a truck or a very large drone to move it" replied Scary
-
"I might be able to steal one," bnc mused, "as soon as we found out where the crate is. You don't want to call that sharp girl and try to find out whether she knows something or not?
Or else we could try and get theirs...
-
Slobbertooth rolled his eyes. A large shipping container on a dock. Helpful.
"You wouldn't happen to know someone with X-Ray specs would you? Or are those what's in the shipping container?"
-
"A few handheld cyberware and milimeter wave scanners actually. But you are right. It's time to call her."
...
A few minutes later Scary was finished: "Ok, she didn't know where I stuffed the container, but she is sure that I didn't go looking for other contacts after I met with Tanja Vashnopoya.
And also I just asked Tanja for a meeting", said Scary.
"You's and your Russian contacts. Them's almost as bad as them Triads. Just so's you's know: We'll all be along for that talk. So when's that meet?" asked Sunkid.
"In the evening. We have enough time to get something to eat and some sleep. So, any of you have a safe house where it's hard for a spirit to find us?"
-
"Well, when I'm in a bad moods, it's difficult for spirits to last the evening, but I'm positive this is of little help now...."
-
Slobbertooth just kind of shrugged. "I know a couple of people and a couple of places, but the frag if I know if they're actually any good at hiding us from spirits. I ain't a magical theorist and I don't view the murky ectoplasm of the astral plane."
-
"I did" says bnc in a dreamy voice.
"Serious: If you want to be safe you've got to hire a mage. There's no other choice. Or go undergrund. If you have contacts to the ork underground, this is the time to tell. Otherwise, a good old basement or just an underground hotel room will do. But then, nothing can prevent a spirit from just taking the door if we don't have a mage."
-
"Good enough for me's. I's got a underground hideout where we's can hole up. Old parking garage south of the barrens."
The old ork described the route to Slobbertooth.
-
bnc nervously bites her lips. She isn't used to stand tension so long without doing something. Again and again her eyes or her fingers wander in direction of her boots. But then, however, she instead turns to Krestov and wraps his arm around her, eyes saying: Hold me!
-
Krestov perked up a little at the mention of the contact Spice had arranged a meet with, eyes narrowing a little. Russian...been some time since I heard the Mother's tongue...interesting.. He was lost in his thoughts for several moments until he felt his arm being pulled by their smallest team member. He turned to glance at her, about to ask the problem, but one look at her answered it: stress.
Nodding slowly, he wordlessly pulled her to his side, squeezing gently as he looked ahead to the front. "Plan is good. Recommend get food on way, yeah? Krestov am game for this meet if think help. If find spirit can try to protect best as possible, but hope not come to that." He gave a little smile of confidence, but that was it out of the big guy for the rest of the trip, his wordless motions taking care of his little charge.
-
"Let's go then.And when we get there, Spice and Sunkid can tell us what to expect from this Tanja."
-
The hide out turned out to be the underground parking garage of a burned out shopping center. Graffiti, dirt and broken glass dominated the scene. Unnatural coldness dominated the environment. Both Torrent and Slobbertooth felt through their innate magical talent how everything about this place screamed pain and panic.
"Place's been burned down inna race riot. 67 meta 'umans where 'erded 'ere by a mob of racists. Barricaded the exits and torched the 'ole place. No one's got out. It's been 'aunted since then. Not a easy place to sleep, but pretty secure."
Sunkid steared them to the lowest level through a slalom course of debris. Ashen handprints decorated the walls and gruesome messages had been scrawled across them.
The hideout itself turned out to be a large camo tent. A large electric space heater dominated the inside and provided a much needed reprive against the unnatural chill outside.
A few cots, camping furniture and other amenities like a cooking spot were already set up.
"You's be careful. There's shades outside who's hating anyone using fire - them's can be quite nasty."
Scary had collapsed on to a cot and turned to the group: "So, what do you want to know about Tanja and everything else?"
-
Slobbertooth wished he had brought a heavier coat as he helped Krestov unload equipment from the back of the Van. No reason not to sleep with their weapons as far as he was concerned.
-
"Basically anything that'd be helpful to find your container: Who is she, how do you know her, what does she know about the container, where is she? Stuff like that."
-
"Tanja Vashnopoya is a former prostitute from St. Petersburg. She is loosley affiliated with the Vory but operates alone. Her specialty is safe places - not unlike Moma Chau's but for cargo. She has a carefully cultivated reputation for discretion and honesty. She never looks at the storage - or so she says.
I heard rumors that recently a customer of hers was robbed shortly after retrieving his stuff.
That's why I organized the Laes. After closing the deal I planed to give her the pill."
"You''s wanna tell me, you's dosed the only person who's coulda known where's our stuff? And then you's went ahead and took a pill yourself. Scary, you's got less sense then a concussed duckling. How are we's gonna ever find it now?"
"I'm not stupid. If I took the pill I'm sure I thought of a way to find it again. We just have to be careful."
"We's got to be fast, too. Who knows what you's blabbed while down in Feng's larder. We's still on the clock."
-
Slobbertooth palmed at his face, "Or you took the pill because you wanted to forget about the cargo. That's the fun part about taking Laes, you can't remember what you were trying to forget. "
-
Since thei arrival at the safe house , Torrent's mood had worsened.After Sunkid's story he spent some time wandering through the debris without purpose.
How many metahuman kids from the streets of Seattle died here?If not for Raven's guidance, I would have stayed a street brat myself.A victim.Damn this shithole.
He entered the tent just in time to hear Slobbertooth saying something about Laes.
-
Again, Krestov had remained silent during the transition and arrival at the safe point...though safe seemed hardly the appropriate term to use. Busying himself, the troll distracted his mind by unloading their gear: all their guns, his shield, their other equipment, the team decker, etc.
Upon completion, Krestov listened with intent as the description of the contact they were meeting shortly was uttered, the big guy giving a nod. "Unless appropriate and necessary, Krestov remain quiet during exchange. In experience, Russian prefer speaking in mother tongue when can, which may distracting this conversation. Will follow lead" And with that he said no more, his eyes looking blankly ahead as he took inventory.
-
"unloading their gear"? Thanks, mate -.- :D
"So what do you guys suggest? Shall we meet her at all? I mean, Scary, you said, your plan would be to leave some trail behind. If you did and you did it to prevent the girl from finding your stuff, I assume you wouldn't have sown your breadcrumbs in her lap, would you?
So, where would you have put your trails no-one else should be able to pick up? My first assumption would be your 'link, but maybe that's just where I would but the damn thing. Do you have something like a favourite place? Somewhere where you go when everything else pisses you off? Or someone maybe? Anyone you trust? A host perhaps? I assume it wouldn't be something you carry with you. Otherwise we're complètement paumé anyway. Do you have a whazzitcalledinEnglish, body compartment thingy? Mierda, manchmoi kummt ma voi, i bin de anzige Erwochsene in dem Verein..."
-
"Well, the meet is scheduled. And there is the chance that I didn't go through with my plan. Quite a lot of variables. Not least the thing about her lap - she still is an attractive woman." He grinned.
"But yeah, good question. It's a bit like playing chess against yourself. If I did take the pill myself as you say I must have realized, that I had no weapons on me and that they would catch me. Hm, I wonder where my gun is now - Savalette Guardian with top of the line accessories.
Anyway, my favorite place in Seattle was Moma Chau's but as I understand you already searched there.
I have no smuggling compartment and it doesn't feel like I hid something up my arse.
What I usually do in dangerous situations is to pay a guy on the street to hold onto a key without him knowing what it's for or hide stuff on the toilet. That way if I'm searched I'm in the clear and collect whatever I need afterwards."
-
bnc makes a face at the remark about Tanja's various qualities. She was no, as you put it in Austria, child of sadness herself, and she learnt the vitals about why men and women interact at an age you should play games like TinkerbellTM or OtterlandTM, but she still feels like pretty much any teenage girls feels when it comes to statements like this.
"I know perfectly well what you're talking about. I do play chess against myself. It's a way to keep your mind busy during English lessons at B2 niveau. Do you have your commlink with you? If you have a mark at your gun, I might be able to find it."
She winks.
"So what you're telling us, is: There might be some random shaker on the streets holding a key which means nothing to him, waiting for you to return. Which you never will because you've completely forgotten who the drek he is. Da?
"Right. Let's talk to Tanja..."
-
"With that piece of crap I can't get even a pizza place. But feel free to trace the gun. I'm sending you a few MARKs."
He shook his head at the second part:
"Not anyone random. It would have to be someone who is regularly at the same place. Someone who people overlook and don't talk to much more than they have to. Those are usually very well disposed if you approach them with friendliness and compassion.
So, anyone else got some questions? Otherwise I'll take a nap. I still feel like hell."
-
Krestov sat near the back, towards the entrance to the tent, ever the alert sentry as he continued taking stock of their gear, listening lightly to the conversations. As Spice drifted off, the big guy hmmed a little, a low rumble coming from his throat.
"Two possibilities from that description then. Bum near that one shack, or the hot dog vendor...nuyen is going towards the former....good to know, but now waiting for Russian agent, da?"
-
"Right then. Scary sleep. We'll meet Tanja-with-the-beautiful-ass and then have a look around the Stuffer Shack again.
Let's do it, then."
-
Murphy's Laws of Combat: 119. Mine fields are not neutral.
Seattle, Tacoma, May 6th, early morning
Something felt wrong. It took Torrent a moment to realize what had awoken him. First he thought it was the breaking of a small burned bone somewhere up the ramps, but than he realized what it really was: His motion sense had triggered through the thin canvas of the tent. There were six, humanoid and they moved very slowly and carefully towards the tents entrance.
Perception check from everyone else.
Background count is 4
-
Slobbertooth was busy sorting out his equipment and din't notice any approaching threats.
Perception [5] (http://orokos.com/roll/334954): 14d6t5 1
Alright, so how the hell does background count work. I know that it affects our magic in some way, but I can't sort it out for myself.
Edit: Now with a proper roll of the dice, and boy was it terrible
-
Krestov had slept little that night, taking the brunt of turns on watch while the others rested. As he sat there, helmet on, Krestov spotted Torrent shifting...which is unexpected, because Torrent never shifts. Something is up... Keeping his movements subtle and patient, the troll's left hand gripped at the shield at his side, the other reaching for his Crusader as he shifted his gaze, around, his eyes picking up the subtle displacement of their environs.
company..
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/334826): 9d6t5 5
-
bnc's sleep was unsteady and restless. She shifted from side to side. She shut her eyes more tightly, only to find herself even less sleepy. It seemed pointless.
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/335035): 8d6t5 2
Eventually, sleep overcame her, though. In a bad moment...
-
The tent canvas was ripped away by a muscular looking man with an Ingram Smartgun in his hand - Torrent recognized him as one of the thugs trying to open the container - looked in. In his eyes a kind of madness flickered and faint phantom flames roiled over his body without doing him harm. Behind him an even larger and heavier guy held an AK 97 ready to fire.
Initiative!
Thug 1 Thug 1 Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/335060): 11+2d6 19
Thug 2 Thug 2 Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/335061): 10+2d6 15
Thug 3 Thug 3 Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/335062): 10+2d6 18
Thug 4 Thug 4 Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/335063): 10+2d6 16
Drone 1 Drone 1 Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/335064): 8+4d6 21
Drone 2 Drone 2 Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/335065): 8+4d6 18
Krestov and Torrent are at full Ini, everyone else is at -10
Since I don't want to fight against myself, I'll give Scary to one of you to play (The decker for example). The Sunkid won't fight directly
Important Scary Spice Info:
BOD: 5 +4 Bone Density
AGI: 8
REA 7 (+3d6 Ini dice)
STR 6
CHA 4
INT 5
LOG 3
WIL 5
12 Dodge
Urban Explorer Armor 9 +4 +5= 18 Soak
Unarmed Combat (Aikido) 14(16) (Called Shot Disarm, Counterstrike, Yielding Force (Counterstrike) 11P AP-
Pistols (Heavy Pistols) 12(14) has a Savallette Guardian loaded with Ex ammo (Acc 7, 9 P, AP -2 SA/BF Extended Mag w/ 18 shots)
Automatics (Submachine Guns) 12(14) (should he gain a weapon via disarm)
-
Slobbertooth hadn't heard the enemy approaching, but Wolf's influence was able to reach through the background count. Slob was always a hunter.
Initiative at -10 penalty (http://orokos.com/roll/335482): 4d6+13-10 23
Where were those dice on the perception check!?
-
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/335547): 11+4d6 22
-
Slobbertooth grabbed the HK Urban combat they had acquired in Scary Spice's parlor safehouse, spun around and unleashed a torrent of fire onto the intruder with the AK-97.
"Surprise drekhead"
[spoiler=]Simple Action: Ready weapon
Simple Action FA Burst (6 Bulets, 4 RC -2 to my attack, -5 to dodge) FA Burst [9] (http://orokos.com/roll/335801): 11d6t5 6
Base Damage: 8P -4AP
Net Damage Code: 14P -4AP[/spoiler]
-
bnc: physical initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/335856): 1d6+7-10 3
She will do nothing except for going full VR, hot-sim. So we basically ignore her the first CR.
Scary man with bad initials: INI roll (http://orokos.com/roll/335858): 3d6+7 17
If he, too, was surprised, it would be 7 instead. I don't know whehter you rolled a perception check for him.
bnc blinks, then decides that her dreams were way more beautiful than reality.
-
Thug 1 tries to dodge:
Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/335964): 6d6t5 1
Ouch
13 P AP -4
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/335965): 15d6t5 1
Double Ouch!
Yeah, he is dead and the possessing fire spirit just exited to his home plane...
The man looked indeed surprised as a salvo of APDS ammuniton tore through his face and dropped him like a stone.
bnc noted two AR Icons that looked suspiciously like Atztech Crawler drones on auto pilot.
-
Torrent, still trying to clear his head from the sleep and trusting his motion sense more than his vision, instinctively draws his Guardian and shoots
Simple Action: Ready Weapon
Simple Action: Shoot
Shoot (http://orokos.com/roll/336110): 15d6t5 5
Ammo is stick n shock
-
Thug 2 dodge:
Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/336289): 6d6t5 1 [6d6t5=3, 1, 5, 2, 4, 2]
10 S AP -5
Soak: Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/336293): 15d6t5 6
Takes 4 damage, -1 to all actions, -5 to ini
Drone 1 moves into view:
Simple action: Aim at Torrent
Simple action: FA Burst
FA Burst (http://orokos.com/roll/336297): 12d6t5 3 [12d6t5=1, 4, 3, 5, 5, 6, 4, 1, 3, 3, 3, 3]
10 P AP -2 Dodge -5
At Ini 11 now
Drone 2 moves into view:
Simple action: Aim at Slobbertooth
Simple action: FA Burst
FA Burst (http://orokos.com/roll/336300): 12d6t5 3
10 P AP -2 Dodge -5
At Ini 8 now
Thug 3 moves into view
Complex action: FA Fire Ingram Smartgun at Krestov
FA Burst Long (http://orokos.com/roll/336301): 8d6t5 1 [8d6t5=4, 4, 3, 2, 1, 6, 2, 3]
8 P AP 0 Dodge -9
At Ini 8 now
Thug 4 moves into view
Complex action: FA Fire Ingram Smartgun at Scary
FA Burst Long (http://orokos.com/roll/336303): 8d6t5 0
Misses
At Ini 6 now
Thug 2 will act after Scary and Krestov. If he's still alive he'll do a
Complex action: Suppressive fire
Suppressive Fire (http://orokos.com/roll/336306): 6d6t5 2[6d6t5=4, 5, 2, 4, 1, 6]
Either "Hit the Dirt" for -5 Ini or roll Reaction+Edge to avoid 8P
Every action is penalized by -2
no more Ini for Thug 2
The mountainous looking man was thrown backward by the electro ammo but kept his balance.
With the creepy grace of two overlarge insects the two Aztech Crawler drones made their appearance. Someone had planted AK-97s on them, including a Smartlink and a scope. Their dog brains recognized the drawn weapons and attacked the two adepts.
Another, greasy looking guy came into view. He carried an Ingram Smartgun and immediately started shooting at Krestov, filling the air with an incredible ammount of lead, although not particularly precise. A forth foe tryed to emulate him, but only produced a spray of bullets that went wildly above Scary's head.
-
Slobbertooth first dodged, ducked, dipped, dove and dodged to try and avoid some of the incoming fire but was hit by one of the bullets. It didn't pierce his armor, but it left a mark.
My Initiative/Reaction booster is on so I would take a -4 from the background count. Might as well have the +2 bonus from combat senses on too to end up with a net +1 bonus to my dodge roll.
8 Reaction + 5 Intuition +2 Combat Sense -4 BG = Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/336432): 11d6t5 2 Hits dodged. Spend Edge. Second Chance. Reroll ones. Dodge rerolled with edge (http://orokos.com/roll/336434): 5d6t5 3 Slobbertooth dodges the attack from the drone.
2 points of edge remaining.
Wait... is Slobbertooth still at 7/10 stun boxes filled from the flechette rounds at Mama Chau's?
^^^ Alright, let's do all of that again, and properly this time .
My Initiative/Reaction booster is on so I would take a -4 from the background count. Might as well have the +2 bonus from combat senses on too to end up with a net +1 bonus to my dodge roll.
8 Reaction + 5 Intuition +2 Combat Sense -4 Background CountG -5 FA Burst = 6d6t5. Spend one point of edge to Push the Limit boost the dice pool by 3 and have exploding 6s = Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/337015): 9d6h5 2 :-\ 2 Points of edge remaining.
Soaking 8P -2AP Damage, which will be converted to stun, and damage is below my physical limit so it will be stun and I won't be knocked down.
Body 7 + Armor and Helmet +14 -2 = Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/337016): 19d6t5 4 Slobbertooth takes 4 Stun Damage.
Let's deal with that suppressive fire now.
8 Reaction + 3 Edge +2 Combat Sense -4 BC -1 from stun damage = Avoiding suppressive fire (http://orokos.com/roll/336438): 8d6t5 4 Slobbertooth avoids the suppressive fire.
-
If I didn't make mistakes, this should be our initiative order:
Slob, Torrent and the drones already made their moves. Thug 1 won't make any moves anymore. So it should be thug 2's turn. Then comes SS, but only if he managed the perception check. Afterwards 4 and 2. I don't know Krestov's INI.
Slobbertooth 23
Torrent (not sure but something high)
Drone 1 Initiative: 8+4d6 21
Thug 1 Initiative: 11+2d6 19
Thug 3 Initiative: 10+2d6 18
Drone 2 Initiative: 8+4d6 18
Scary Spice (if he passed the check (??) ): 17
Thug 4 Initiative: 10+2d6 16
Thug 2 Initiative: 10+2d6 15
Scary Spice (if he didn't passed the check (??) ): 7
bnc: 3
-
Dodge (11-5=6 dp) (http://orokos.com/roll/336596): 6d6t5 2
forgot to add my Combat Sense and subtract 4 dice from the backround count
let me reroll
Dodge (11+1-4-5=3) (http://orokos.com/roll/336597): 3d6t5 2
Using Edge to push the limit
Edge (http://orokos.com/roll/336598): 3d6t5 1
1 Edge remaining, 3 hits in total, lucky dodge for Torrent
@Slobber I hate to be "that guy" but I think you forgot to subtract 5 dice as well from the Auto Burst?
-
Well... I sure did, didn't I.
I'm going to wait until I see what my health situation is though before I go an reroll everything. All sorts of things are could be horrible right now.
-
Krestov acted with the measured precision of someone aware that they could not escape. Instead he stood with his raised shield in front of bnc and just absorbed the hail of bullets.
Calmly he raised his own weapon and fired as short burst against his attacker
Fire (http://orokos.com/roll/336662): 12d6t5 4
Short burst
Thug 3 dodge: Thug 3 (http://orokos.com/roll/336663): 4d6t5 1
10 P
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/336664): 18d6t5 7
3S
The shots hit but don't manage to penetrate the man's armor.
-
Scary Spice quickly drew his gun and tried to put down the electrolyzed thug.
Single Shot (Savalette Guardian) (http://orokos.com/roll/336923): 14d6t5 9 limited by ACC: 7
-
Thug 2 Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/336924): 5d6t5 1
15 P AP -2
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/336925): 17d6t5 8
7 S
Total 11 S
Unconscious
One explosive-bullet later the man lay on his back, unmoving.
-
Initiative is now 13, or is it 8? I forget how injury affects it. It could determine whether or not I get a 3rd pass.
Slobbertooth spoke to the team over comms while he moved to cover behind one of the pillars in the undeground garage, "Torrent, use your stick n shock on the drones." Slobbertooth wheeled around the pillar and fired another burst with his new HK Urban Combat at the Thug that had already been wounded but wasn't unconscious.
Slobbertooth can move up to 12 meters to get to cover.
Simple Action: Take Cover - reset recoil.
Simple Action: FA Burst at Thug 3.
6 Agility + 6 Automatics - 1 Recoil = FA Burst [9] (http://orokos.com/roll/337431): 11d6t5 3*
Damage Code 8(11)p - 4AP, -5 to dodge from FA Burst.
*I forgot to include a -1 penallty to the pool from wounds, but all of my hits occured int he first 6 dice, so I'm not really inclined to reroll it. The average hits with 10 dice is still greater than 3, anyway.
-
Thug 3 Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/337910): 4d6t5 2
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/337912): 15d6t5 5
5+3 S= 8
Still alive. Ini falls by another point
The third, somehow really slimy looking thug was hit hard and staggered backwards but didn't fall.
-
Torrent activated his smartlink and aimed at the drones
Simple Action: activate smartlink +1 dice , +2 accuracy (don't have the book with me right now, I think the augmented accuracy for the savalette guardian is 7?)
Simple Action : Shoot the drone
Shoot the drone (http://orokos.com/roll/337934): 16d6t5 8
-
Drone 1 Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/338071): 8d6t5 2
6+5= 11 S(e)
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/338072): 3d6t5 0
Drone is out of action.
I'll edit in the other enemies' actions later
Drone 2
Simple action: Aim at Torrent
Simple action: FA Burst
FA Burst (http://orokos.com/roll/338176): 12d6t5 6
10 P AP 2 Dodge -5 + 6 successes
Thug 3 fires at Krestov
FA Burst (complex) (http://orokos.com/roll/338178): 4d6t5 2
8 P AP- Dodge -9 + successes
Thug 4 fires at Scary
Simple Action: Aim
Simple Action: FA Burst (simple) (http://orokos.com/roll/338180): 9d6t5 4
8P AP- Dodge -5 + successes
The electro-ammunition worked like a charm: The crawler drone started to smoke and deactivated itself.
It's sister model recognized the threat and unleashed a hail of bullets quite accurately towards Torrent.
The two remaining attackers also seemed to have no regard for anything refined like tactics: They opened up with their Ingrams as if their bullets were close to their best before date...
-
May be busy the next few days. Rolling my stuff ahead of time.
Slobbertooth blinked to activate his smartlink, adjusted himself to it, and wheeled and fired on an armed thug to put him out for good.
Simple Action: Activate Smartlink
Simple Action: Full-Automatic Burst
6 Agility + 6 Automatics -1 RC +1 Smartlink = FA Burst [9] (http://orokos.com/roll/338300): 12d6t5 2 Hits.
8(+2 hits)P Damage -4AP. -5 to dodge.
Rolling initiative for next round if necessary Initiative Round 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/338302): 4d6+13-1 24
-
No defense dice, 10P damage
Damage Soak vs. 10P, AP 0 (http://orokos.com/roll/338422): 35d6t5 11
No damage incurred
As the thug unloaded the hail of bullets, Krestov stood there like the wall of troll he was, simply bouncing the bullets of with his shield. Figuring he had enough, his legs coiled for a brief moment before springing into action, causing the big guy to leap forward. Planting his left foot, he swung his right leg behind him, rotating into a full spin whilst extending the right leg, executing a hook kick and driving the heel across the thug's face...
Unarmed (Kick attack, Reach 2) (http://orokos.com/roll/338424): 10d6t5 4
10P + net hits, AP -
-
Krestovs Opponent clearly hadn't expected the troll to charge him. With a heavy "BAM" first his head connected with the trolls foot and only moments later with the cold concrete floor of the garage. He twitched once and lay still.
Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/338711): 4d6t5 1
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/338712): 19d6t5 4
goes unconscious, 3 P
Thug 4
Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/338714): 2d6t5 0
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/338715): 15d6t5 7
3S
Slobbertooths victim failed to move out of the way entirely, but his armor prevented him taking serious damage.
-
Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/338741): 12d6t5 6
Shoot (http://orokos.com/roll/338742): 14d6t5 4
Scary Spice nimbly dodges the incoming bullets and responds with a semi-automatic burst from his Ingram.
-
With the -5 to dodge, Scary got hit for with one success
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/339031): 18d6t5 8
But the lucky bastard only gets a scratch
Thug 4
Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/339035): 6d6t5 3 [6d6t5=6, 5, 1, 6, 1, 4]
Hit by the guardian with BF (complex), he only gets one success to dodge
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/339037): 17d6t5 5
He takes 7 S to a total of 10S and goes unconscious
Drone 2 Initiative Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/339038): 8+4d6 22
Taking care of Slobbertooths action:
Burst (http://orokos.com/roll/339039): 12d6t5 2
Drone dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/339040): 3d6t5 0
soak (http://orokos.com/roll/339041): 3d6t5 3 [3d6t5=6, 6, 6] Wow, the drone seems to be possessed by the devil
It takes 7 damage, which leaves it exactly with one point of health to continue operating
Ini time for the rest. Maybe bnc can dataspike it can act again
Scary was not fast enough to avoid the hail of gun fire completely, but his armor prevented it to become more than a bruise.
His opponent wasn't so lucky: The explosive ammo hit dead center on the man's breastplate and sent him to the ground.
Now the only thing still active was the small drone with its assault rifle. It was fast, moving with the speed of electronic data processing, but still it was no match for Slobbertooth's speed enhanced by wolfs gifts: Another burst ripped through the drones paltry armor.
Yet it stayed operational and turned its baleful ocular towards the new threat.
-
I think I have one more pass at Initiative 2?
Simple Action: Aim (+1 dice)
Simple Action: Shoot the second drone
Shoot : 15 dice pool + 1 smartlink+1 aim - 1 RC = 16 dice (http://orokos.com/roll/339333): 16d6t5 5
-
Indeed you have, my bad for overlooking you.
Drone 2: Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/339460): 5d6t5 1
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/339462): 3d6t5 1
Kabumm!
But before the thing could do anything at all, Torrent had squeezed the trigger of his Guardian and sent a bunch of bullets into the high density battery pack of the drone. In a spectacular conflagration the energy storage ignited and sent plumes of acrid smoke towards the ceiling.
Just before anyone from the team could say anything a deep howling filled the air around them.
Suddenly the garage was full of shades - grotesquely deformed shapes of metahumans gained semi-substantial form. Burn victims, partly made of burnt flesh and ash gathered around the fallen forms of their attackers.
With savage fury they began to unleash their anger, pounding the humans, rending their meat and ripping their limbs.
The gruel mockery of a troll advanced toward bnc's prone body and Scary Spice, his eyes like little smoldering coals.
Suddenly the old ork Sunkid was between them and with a bellow he called out: "OY, YOU'S GET THE HELL AWAY FROM THEM'S OR I'S BEAT YOUR ASS DOWN THERE MESELVES!"
The shade hesitated for a moment and quickly turned back towards the other fallen. All in all it took only a few seconds before the phantoms dissolved, leaving behind nothing more than a few splatters of blood and some utterly destroyed equipment.
"You's only got to show thems who's boss."
-
Torrent was still aiming his gun towards the nightmarish forms, trying to stay calm and pick a new target when suddenly Sunkid gave his own rendition of the classic "Gandalf" speech.
"OK old man, gonna have to teach me that trick some day.But for now we should get the hell away from here!"
-
Slobbertooth looked over the HK Urban Combat, judging it's performance in this encounter, and then looked over at Scary Spice.
"So are we going to give him back his stuff, or what?
-
The battle was over before bnc could even react. She only woke up to go online to see that nothing was left. After she made sure the threat was over, she turned back to normal mode with the intention to go back to sleep or talk to the others.
And gave a lout shriek, when the first thing her open eyes saw were not the trusted shapes of Krestov, Slob and Torrent but those of these terrible tortured souls. Pale as a sheet of linnen, mouth wide open, bnc crouched back a few inches, shivering. For once, she didn't say anything wiz at all.
-
The Sunkid grinned at Torrent: "The secret's me charms. I's got so many loads of it that even ghosts gets afraid."
-
After a long, awkward silence, bnc begins to stir.
"Woah...", she summarizes the events of the past ten minutes.
"Well ... I guess it's time for me to do what I can do best.
First, anyone wounded?
Second, intel."
After you knew her a while, you can see without doubt, that she hasn't really recovered. She's distracted herself with business to avoid other, more comfortable distraction. On the other side, you know she's damn good in distracting herself, so you guess she can hold on for a while longer before her next breakdown.
Addiction test (http://orokos.com/roll/340175): 13d6t5 7
Could you summarize what we have she could exploit?
- Wounded people she could fix up.
- drones with intact hard drives where I might be able to extract... well, anything.
- commlinks
- other stuff I didn't think of right now but are apparent
[/spoiler]
-
Slobbertooth raised his hand. "I got the wind knocked out of me by some bullets earlier, so I'd appreciate the helping hand.
"Look at me. I learned my lesson."
Slobbertooth currently has 4 stun boxes filled
-
Careful investigation of the remains turned up one semi-functional NIxdorf Secretar, two intact Ingram Smartguns and the one drone Torrent had only electrocuted without turning it into fireworks.
Scary was rubbing his head and turned to Sunkid: "I thought this was a safe place to haul up?"
"Ay, safe-ish at least. Seems as if them shades' gone tame since I's been 'ere last. But you's seen them bastards. They's was slow and bad shots. Except the first one. That's seemed to be quite at 'ome. Fire spirit I's guess. Probably 'ad one of thems looking for us."
Scary yawned: "Well fuck me sideways with a garden shovel. We probably should have geeked them at the harbor when we had the chance."
"Maybe, but them's possessing spirit would'a been lots more dangerous outside this garage. So cheer up - we's alive them ain't."
Scary only grunted at that and began reloading his gun. He turned to the team: "What do you say: Should we stay for round two or look for another hideout?"
-
Slobbertooth shrugged, "I don't exactly know where else we would go besides trying to pile in as many people that we could into the van and driving somewhere out of the way."
He chuckled at the implication
"Yes, let's all get in a van and sleep down by the river."
-
First Aid (http://orokos.com/roll/340888): 13d6t5 4
He has no longer ;-) I'd love to watch this kid in RL...
bnc grins. "Oh did you, kempai. How comes I didn't offer any help to you before? Ever sorry, sensei."
bnc pushes him (in a more symbolic than actually pushy way) into a sitting or lying position and, almost in passing, applies some baisc medication. She pinches him here and there to improve the blood flow. Or so she says.
After that, bnc plugs herself into the drone and tries what she can find out in the programming. (Well, actually she first steals one of the guns and then plugs herself in.) Maybe there are any records on what the drone's purpose is. If she's lucky, she might find some camera records that makes it easier to trace their origins back, or maybe even a link or mark to some commlink or another.
There should be commlinks, too, I assume. The fallen attackers. Are there not? How dead are they, by the way. Can bnc prevent them from dying or even wake them up for interrogation?
-
bnc soon learned that high voltage electro shocks will fry sensitive electronics pretty seriously. Without a few hours with a hardware tool kit the drone wouldn't even be able to power the little green light to show it had power.
Looking at the gruesome remains she was quickly dissuaded: The shades had rended and destroyed the bodies of their erstwhile enemies with amazing thoroughness. Beside the one commlink, the weapons and the drone nothing else had survived the fury of the dead.
The Nixdorf Secretary Commlink finally did contain some helpful stuff. It took bnc two tries and one reboot to hack it´s defenses, but finally the level 3 agent on the device did cease to resist:
The link had belonged to one Kane Woo. He had been the forth member and was the controller of the two drones. A quick search through his files showed that he had been in Feng´s restaurant six hours earlier and was also at the harbor with the others trying to break into a container full of potatoes.
Records showed that he had only recently been made into a foot soldier for the Triads - and only two days ago he had been forced to endure a ritual that prepared him as a vessel for a spirit of air. Beside the ritual he didn't seem to have been in contact with the two mages - but considering he had had a spirit implanted they probably didn't need any electronic communications.
But one thing was sure: The thugs had not recovered their employers stash.
-
Assuming bnc informs the others.If not, I'll edit my post
"I agree with Slobbertooth.We should get in the van and find some place else.Who's to say the twins won't send more spirits after us?"
-
"If they haven't already..." Krestov was already hand-reloading his Crusader's clip before depositing it back into it's resting place on his body before glancing around. He had to admit, the display of the dark spirits rending the dead shook him up a bit. There's more to Sunkid than we see... Shrugging it off, the troll straightened up before giving a nod.
"Agreed, moving target harder tracking. Let us go. Maybe can do something revive Spice?" He gestured over to the unconscious target of their efforts before starting to load up the gear. While doing so, his sky blue's made contact with the youngest member of the team, his expression denoting his unease of the situation...but not any lack of resolve.
-
Slobbertooth blinked. He hadn't expected his plan of sleeping in a van down by the river to be so popular. "Well, alright then. Let's load 'er up and get out of here."
-
And so the team gathered up all supplies, loaded the van and got out of the garage as fast as possible.
All in all it became pretty cozy in a hurry. Scary and Sunkid seemed to have no problem sleeping in close proximity - asked about it Scary just shrugged and mumbled something about sleeping in a small submarine for five weeks.
Their parking place close to one of the dirtiest waste processing plants made sure that only the most desperate or toxic spirit would be willing to come near them. Although Slobbertooth suspected that the filters in their car would need replacing after this night.
Murphy's Laws of Combat: 46. If you can't remember, the Claymore is pointed towards you.
Seattle, Tacoma, May 6th, evening
It was early evening, just a few hours before their meeting with Tanja Vashnopoya. The team had found a small coffin hotel where they could fresh up and make themselves presentable. Scary used the time to prepare a few infos on Vashnopoya's lair:
"...and here you see the front of the building. Used to be an apartment block, but one of the renters experimented with explosives and blew up himself and half of the back of the building. It was never really repaired. Instead some genius thought they could sand it down and put some kind of Transpex over the damaged side. Makes for a very confusing layout in the upper stories but you have a good view of the yard.
Her offices are at the top floor, next to the elevator. We'll have to check our weapons at base level before we are allowed up. Pistols should be no problem though, Benny her security guy is a homophobe, so he never gets to close to the crotch area with his pat downs - unless you are a girl. Sorry bnc."
-
bnc quickly fixes Scary Spice up in the car, then allows herself a dose of Whoom to relax a bit.
The coffin hotel
"It's no real issue. I don't need weapons anyway. But if this prick comes too close to my crotch area, he's in trouble with or without weapons."
"So, what's the plan now? Find the stuff, get outta hear and leave Scary and the Sunkid to Lung Feng? Or do we deal with the Triads? Is there any protocol for a situation like this? Man, why is it always magicians..."
-
Slobbertooth pondered whether the HK Urban Combat's built in anti-detection software would be enough to overcome the doorman if he was clever in how he hid it, while reactivating his Adept powers now that they were out of the parking garage and away from the background count. He was glad to be back to his full ability, but he didn't want to be limited inside the base only a pistol.
He took some time to answer bnc's question.
"I always make sure that the people who are paying you get out alive, so that I can hold them accountable when something goes wrong with the payment.
"Also someone keep and eye on the Sunkid. He's clearly more than an old metahuman."
-
@team : << "If Scary and the Sunkid need further protection from the Triads they should add a bonus to our payment. In any case Krestov could always renegotiate the terms of our agreement if the job parameters seem to change.>>
Torrent turned his attention back to the building layout, trying to find weak spots and exit points.
Architecture Knowledge (http://orokos.com/roll/342270): 4d6t5 0
nice...please don't trust anything Torrent has to say about the building
-
"So you got anything to tell us about that building layout, Torrent?"
-
bnc takes a rest. Unless something happens, she's ready to go to Tanja as soon as possible.
That means: Feel free to fast-forward.
-
Torrent dons the mask of the consummate professional
"No, as a matter of fact, I don't."
Slobber, you bastard :D
-
Slobbertooth looked over at Krestov, and then at his HK Urban Combat and HK-227, and then back at Krestov.
"So... these probably won't fit under my jacket, but how many weapons do we think we can fit under our friendly neighborhood Troll's jacket?"
-
Since no-one seemed to have anything to add to this, the team started its preparations. But even with the trolls "enhanced" anatomy it was simply not possible to conceal a sub machine gun in his trousers.
The building looked a bit like the lair of a spider. The concave depression in its side looked as if it was covered with silk webs. A skilled climber would have no problem to reach the top floor from the outside - or if necessary use it to quickly descent safely.
Scary led the way while the Sunkid stayed behind in the van. As promised, the ground floor was manned by a brutish looking bald man who - in a bad light - could have been mistaken for a troll.
"Hi Benny, I've got an appointment with the Lady of the house."
"You again. And what do you think to bring strangers here."
"Relax, those guys are working for me - heavy lifting if you get my drift."
"I don't like this. But the boss says this is ok. So we'll see. Don't misbehave or Lady Vashnopoya will have you gunned down like an old useless dog."
"Cheer up man, that's no way to do business."
With these words Scary smiled and winked at the man. Without any enthusiasm Benny came over and began to pat him down
Ok: The character with the best palming+agility can try to hide your guns. Anyone who wants/can, can make a teamwork check to assist.
Repeat that for every weapon.
-
OK then I'll try to hide my pistol.If someone else wants me to hide their weapons feel free to use my dice pool (Agi 7 +Palming 5)
Palming (Limit 6) (http://orokos.com/roll/344081): 12d6t5 3
-
OK then I'll try to hide my pistol.If someone else wants me to hide their weapons feel free to use my dice pool (Agi 7 +Palming 5)
Palming (Limit 6) (http://orokos.com/roll/344081): 12d6t5 3
@team
Should I try and climb the building from the side and act as backup?
-
Slobbertooth let Torrent sneak by with his weapons.
Ruger Super Warhawk, Torrent Palming+Agility (http://orokos.com/roll/344091): 12d6t5 4
If getting an submachine gun by is even a physical possibility, I'll try it, too. HK-227, Torrent Palming+Agility-2 (http://orokos.com/roll/344092): 10d6t5 6
-
bnc doesn't t intend to hide any weapons. She wears tight jeans to make a point of that. If he's a professional, he won't pat her anywhere since there really is no space to hide as much as a tampon anywhere.
Well, that is, besides the drugs in her boots...
-
No, no sub machine guns in your or anyone else's trousers. Only things with a concealabilty of 0 or lower
You can try to hide bigger things, but a patt-down doubles positive concealability and halfs negative ones for the searching person.
That said: Seeing that you have 6 successes, I'll give you a chance: Benny search (http://orokos.com/roll/344161): 15d6t5 7 [15d6t5=4, 3, 6, 5, 5, 3, 6, 2, 5, 2, 1, 3, 6, 3, 6]
Sorry...
As Scarry had said, Benny didn't dare to pat another man's crotch and so he didn't spot the suspiciously hard and long pieces inside the guys trousers - despite the bulging.
His otherwise thorough search had no trouble to find Slobber's HK.
"Nice try, but either this stays here or in your car or you won't see the Lady."
bnc had to endure the search despite it being clear that she couldn't have hidden more than two raisins in her shift. At least Benny kept his groping to a minimum before allowing the team to go through to the elevators.
-
"Your one of those door guards that doesn't like to have any fun, huh?"
Slobbertooth held out the HK to the petite woman in the tight jeans. "bnc would you kindly put this back?"
-
"Sure, sempai. Your wish is my order."
"Is there any reason you don't put it back yourself, or are you just being a chauvinistic jerk?"
Though the wording is harsh, her voice, however, indicates that she's not as bad-tempered as it might seem.
So bnc walks back to the car to hide the gun in there. She tries to stay within Benny's line of sight.
-
"Thank you"
"Because you're not trying to sneak anything into the building, and I am. If this guy is even halfway competent, he'll search me again when I come back. The fewer times he gets a go and finding our weapons, the better."
-
The elevator ride was cramped but smooth. Two very muscular orks awaited them, armed with AK-97s, ill-fitting armored suits and - to complete the cliché - sunglasses. Both looked like they were brothers and showed a gait that Krestov immediately filed away under ex-Spetznaz.
It was only a short walk to Vashnopoya's office. The very well preserved mid-forties lady smiled, sitting behind a massive desk with her back towards the transpex wall.
"Scary, how nice to of you to come back so soon. Is there something else I can do for you?"
With a smile of his own Scary moved toward her, gave her a hug and kissed her on both cheeks.
"Tanja, how could I stay away from someone as charming as you."
She still smiled, but her tone became a lot more business like:
"Cut the crap, Scary. I know what I am and what you are. I agreed to take the Laes for that extra commission and because you are a charming bastard. So why did you bring a bunch of runners here? If you have problems with your container I can assure you that it's not my doing. Your little drug ensured that.
"You are right. There is a problem. To be precise, I got hit with a dose myself and now I don't know where it is."
At this Tanja started to laugh hysterically. It took a full three minutes until she was ready to talk again.
"Scary, you are a cute boy, but you have less sense than a concussed duckling.
So, what are you expecting from me? After your little stunt I don't know either where you hid your stuff."
Scary looked helplessly to the team: "Well, isn't there anything you can do? You must have a way to track your hiding places, don't you?
Have you guys and gal any ideas?"
-
The Sunkid has no clue.Scary remembers shit.Lu Feng and the Triads are searching for the container but Tanja Veshnopoya didn't steal it.
Torrent shrugged.
@team : <<Guys , what are we missing?There must be something, a detail we ignored in the first place. >>
-
Slobbertooth pawed at his face. "So you're telling me that no one here puts Stealth RFID tags on things, and then writes down those frequencies to be used later?"
@team: <<I don't know. Maybe we follow the Triads around, with the assumption that Scary broke down from the drugs and interrogation, but doesn't remember doing so, and that they know where all of our stuff is?>>
-
"Still have one witness, but believe we not done here. Please having trust on me"
Krestov had remained silent through the whole approach to the Body's meeting. He didn't even dare to bring any of his firearms...he knew that him being a troll warranted the most likely to search, and he knew he didn't need a gun to influence a conflict. As he was patted down, he stared ahead as they approached the meet point.
But this time he no longer remained silent, clearing his throat as he made eye contact with the woman, rumbling out in his deep voice. Нет русской вашего статуса не согласится на стирание памяти без надежен. Если вы помочь нам, вы сделаете Китайский толпа выглядеть глупо без связи с вами . Какой вред там?
Translation:
No Russian of your status would agree to a memory erase without a failsafe. If you help us, you make Chinese mob look foolish with no connection to you. What harm is there?
-
Tanja raised one perfectly sculpted eyebrow. In very melodious Russian she replied:
"The Triads you mean? I would like to help, but contrary to what you might believe I am a woman of my word. Discretion is part of what I sell. There are no trackers or spyware. The transporters I use are all old fashioned throwbacks with diesel engines this job I even did myself - at least that is what my guards tell me. I lost pretty exactly two hours of memory.
But there might be a way. I know that my loader has moved exactly 15,35 km from the harbor where the container was previously to the hiding place back to this place. If you can get into the Seattle traffic control host you might be able to find where I went. The registration of the loader is FT-L04D77. Your team seems resourceful. I am sure, you can do something with this.
Now that I have helped you, you owe me a favor. I will call on you."
Scary looked bewildered at that exchange: "What's going on here?"
-
Krestov allowed himself the smallest of smiles as he gave a respectful lowering of his head to the terms. Woman of word, but still has a way. bnc will like this puzzle I think.. Mentally pulling up his messenger app, he forwarded the intel to the diminutive decker before responding, this time in English. "May have founding way track down shipment. We come agreement, yeah?" He made no mention of the price he paid for this intel...some things are better kept quiet, to avoid distressing the team.
-
bnc bites her lips nervously as she receives the data. Unconciously, she runs a hand through her hair.
There's no fucking way I can crack the Seattle traffic control host. This is a couple of leagues higher than my skill. Higher than anyone's skill, I suppose. That is, unless... No, I can find a smarter way to find this truck. Hopefully
bnc opens a map of Seattle and shares it with her team and Tanja. "Could you please pinpoint the position where the truck started?"
If she refuses, she will just mark the point she deems most likely, or most central.
She then draws a circle of 15.35 km with the chosen point as the center. If we don't have an exact position, the circle will be transparent and about 2.5 km wide. After subtracting unlikely positions (like the ocean, restricted areas, ...), this should narrow down the possibilities where the truck is to a manageable amount.
"Time to send out some drones."
-
Tanya made a gesture and bnc received a map file to her commlink. Both map points were labled and had an oval around them, indicating the area, the cargo could be in.
"If that is all, I'd ask you to leave. I have other clients to receive.
I'll be in contact, Krestov."
bnc can attempt an int+computer or int+navigation check to narrow down the search radius where a heavy truck could have driven with that reach.
Krestov gains a new contact with Tanja: Con 4 / Loy 1 - one favor owed.
-
Narrowing down the search area (http://orokos.com/roll/346154): 11d6t5 3
bnc receives and stores the file, then thanks Tanja.
"Thank you for your time and help. I don't think there's a reason to keep you any further."
With that, bnc leaves and heads for the car, where she starts to edit the map. Once she's finished, she shares the results with her teammates. Alora, let's start, sempais. The night is ours!"
-
The mapsoft started to work and filled the map with lines, indicating streets where a 40t trailer truck could have driven.
This narrowed the area considerably down, but still left them with four 1km² areas to search. Direct access to some nearby traffic cameras would help to narrow it down, but that would require someone to climb up and plug in a data cable for direct access at somewhat busy intersections. Nothing impossible, but time sensitive nontheless.
-
Slobbertooth grumbled, but held out his hand. "Give me that cable, I'll get up there. Just find a way to kill the lights so I'm not seen."
Slobbertooth focused some of Wolf's magic into himself, activated his image link, and climbed up the pole with the cabling held in his teeth.
Ability Boost Agility, +Level 2 [2] (http://orokos.com/roll/346382): 8d6t5 4: +2 Bonus to Agility
It's Seattle, I'm assuming a -2 Dice Pool Modifier for the pole being slipper or wet (bow chicka bow wow).
Climbing, Gymnastics+Agility-2 [9] (http://orokos.com/roll/346383): 12d6t5 4
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I'm confused. This has three reasons:
- I'm not as bright as I'd love to be ^^
- I thought the whole point in doing all the calculations was to avoid climbing up a traffic light and hacking the traffic control system. If I do, I won't have to narrow down anything any further, don't I? By the way, I only have the cable that is integrated in my datajack, so unless Slob does the hacking, bnc has to go up herself somehow.
- We know the exact distance the truck drove. So shouldn't we have a finitive amount of points where it could have landed, instead of a large area?
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I'm confused. This has three reasons:
- I'm not as bright as I'd love to be ^^
- I thought the whole point in doing all the calculations was to avoid climbing up a traffic light and hacking the traffic control system. If I do, I won't have to narrow down anything any further, don't I? By the way, I only have the cable that is integrated in my datajack, so unless Slob does the hacking, bnc has to go up herself somehow.
- We know the exact distance the truck drove. So shouldn't we have a finitive amount of points where it could have landed, instead of a large area?
Before the calculation you had just an oval from the linear distance. Now you have a calculation where the truck could have driven too.
You now either can search the four areas directly or you can narrow it down even further by hacking into the traffic host and executing a file search
Lastly, longer data cables can be bought in every stuffer shack for 5 NY per meter
-
All right ^^ I'll assume that there's still a store open at this time of the night? If so, let's go and grab a couple o' meters and plug our beloved teenie decker in!
Could you give me the host level and the device level of the traffic light - assuming the plugging in goes without any problems.
-
After a short stop at a stuffer shack, the team drove to one of the areas, searching for a likely traffic light with a sensor array.
Slobbertooth just had to climb onto the roof of the car to reach the light. A quick strike with the butt of his gun uncovered the universal data port.
bnc had direct contact.
The traffic light is a simple device with rating 2, so only 4 dice to defend against your hack.
The traffic host is rating 7 with ASDF of 8/7/9/10
Once you have entered the host, you'll have to make a data search threshold 2 (since you already narrowed down the area) and a simple crack file action vs 10 dice
Don't tarry, the ice there is nasty 8)
-
Hacking on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/346853): 19d6t5 2
This is the worst hacking ever. Luckily, I'll only have to beat 4 dice...
Matrix search (http://orokos.com/roll/346854): 13d6t5 6
That's my girl :)
-
Device Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/346873): 4d6t5 1
Ok, one mark on the light and one mark on the host
You find the file, now you have to crack it...
Crack File Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/346874): 10d6t5 5 [10d6t5=2, 3, 5, 3, 5, 5, 5, 2, 6, 4]
For bnc it was childs play to enter the host after getting direct access to the traffic light. A quick search with the right parameters revealed a secured file with the relevant data. Now it was just a question of cracking the file without alerting the patrol ICE.
-
Oh damn. This is gonna be tough.
I don't have my character sheet with me, but I dimly remember there was a program which grants 2 bonus dice on cracking. If i remember incorrectly, just subtract the last two dice. If I remember correctly, I'll load this instead of my baby monitor. My OS should be at 0 anyway.
*breath*
Ah, yeah, And I'll load Defuse instead of Exploit.
Crack File (http://orokos.com/roll/347006): 19d6t5 4
Time to spend some edge. I can't remember having used edge in this run before. Anyway, after the night it should be replaced. So I'll have 3 points left.
re-roll blown chances (http://orokos.com/roll/347007): 15d6t5 5
Bam. That sums up to 9 scores. Whew, the concept of edge sometimes takes a lot of tension out of situations...
-
For a moment bnc had been worried about a warning message, telling her that the decryption had stalled, but the process finished nonetheless.
Copying the file and jacking out was only a formality after that.
Back in the van she was able to open the photos of the traffic cameras. They showed the truck driving to an abandoned dockyard and vanish into a rundown warehouse with the number 12b. 10 minutes later the truck left again - this time without the container. The warehouse itself looked as if it hadn't been used in 20 years but was otherwise remarkable like the one they had used as a launch point on their previous run.
In point of fact this warehouse was no more than 200m from that previous one away.
-
"Ayla"*, bnc commented dryly, as she found out that they have already been just a stone's throw from their target.
"Seems like we're slowly approaching our finals, boys and - me. I'll double-check the place, then I guess, we let our Torrent flow...
Once we arrive at the place, bnc'll take a closer look at the icons there - if there are any.
* youth slang for "Irony of Life"
-
Slobbertooth nodded, putt he van in gear, and started the team along their way. He figured they should get their getaway vehicle as close as was safe, considering how many people seemed to have an interest in its contents. Note to self: Find out why Triad's care about my custom Yamaha Raiden assault rifle.
Once he got the vehicle to a decently hidden location, he killed the engine, and moved to the back. "Alright, time to get in our professional criminal costumes." Slobbertooth donned his helmet and respirator, and began doling out weapons and feeding ammunition into his weapons.
He tossed the HK Urban Combat, and its spare magazines to bnc. "It's holding Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot rounds, so be careful no to geek one of us with it." He holstered his Ruger Super Warhawk, Slung his HK-227 over one shoulder, and an Ares Alpha over the other.
"Ready to go when you are."
Total weapons on Slobbertooth atm.
- Ruger Super Warhawk loaded with Gel ammo. 1 spare speed loader with Gel ammo. 1 spare speed loader with APDS ammo
- HK-227 loaded with Stick n Shock ammo. 1 spare magazine with Hollow Point ammo. 1 spare magazine with APDS ammo. 1 spare magazine with regular ammo.
- Ares Alpha loaded with Gel ammo. 1 spare magazine with EX-explosive ammo. 1 spare magazine with Stick n Shock Ammo.
- Grenades: 1 flash bang, 1 smoke, 1 thermal smoke, 1 high explosive
- Survival Knife
Yeah, that should probably be enough. :P
Remind me to make two drain tests later. I think I used agi boost earlier without making the necessary drain rolls.
-
bnc catches the gun and smiles. "I got my Tommy myself, but I gotta admit this gun looks mucho malo. Let's fetz!"
She dons her chameleon suite and takes a deep breath. Holstering her Tommy and slinging Slob's Urban Combat around her shoulder, bnc gets ready. "Oh, one final touch..."
She unzips one of the small plastic bags in her boots and removes one of the small candy-like crystals, before she zips it close again and stuffs it away.
"Time to party, bitches. I'm in bastante grando soundtrack for some rainy fire, sempais!"
-
After Torrent puts on his chameleon suit and makes sure his Savalette Guardian is loaded he turns to the team and nods.
"Fifteen steps"
He gets out of the van and takes a moment to focus his inner magic
Better mask my magical presence.The twins might be near.
Torrent uses the masking metamagic.
For any opposing tests against assensing checks my dice pool is 7.If it turns out to be an extremely important test feel free to use Edge.I think I got two points of Edge (assuming we managed to rest before the meeting with Tanja).
Agility Boost (http://orokos.com/roll/347582): 7d6t5 5
Damn that's more than I can handle on a drain test.Can only use 4 hits anyway because of my augmented maximum.Lasts for 10 Combat Turns.
Sneaking (Limit 8 ) (http://orokos.com/roll/347583): 21d6t5 6
Perception (Limit 4) (http://orokos.com/roll/347584): 10d6t5 4
He enters the shadows and approaches the Warehouse.
-
Slobbertooth looked over at Krestov. "Just catch up with us when you've got your gear on and you're ready to go."
Slobbertooth advanced alongside bnc, keeping his distance from Torrent, with his HK-227 at the ready.
Sneak [9] (http://orokos.com/roll/348349): 10d6t5 4
Perception [8](5+3)] (http://orokos.com/roll/348350): 14d6t5 2
I also need to make a couple of drain tests, and maybe have a first aid check later (depending on whether I take stun or not). I've used agility boost a couple times without making the necessary drain tests for them.
Did we bring Scary Spice and the Sunkid with us. If so, someone needs to keep an eye on them.
-
The Sunkid said: "Aye. I's wait out 'ere by's the car an keep an eye on things. Scary, you's made this mess, you's go with them an helps them sort it out."
"No need to be that grumpy about it. We've found the stash again and it wasn't to hard."
"No thanks to you's. You lot's be careful. I's got the distinct feeling that them Ying-Yang mages an there's foo-dogs be close by. I's feel it in my water. If you's see them, shoot them even if it's maybe an illusion."
Scary Spice just stuck out his tongue and got out of the car.
Murphy's Laws of Combat: 37. Anything you do can get you killed, including nothing.
Seattle, the Docks May 6th, late evening
The huge warehouse had no light of it's own. Only the glaring headlights from the nearby overpass illuminated in unpredictable flashes the grounds. Trash littered the ground with lot's of broken glass, crumbly concrete and deceptively sharp edged rebar showing through. 12a's door was closed with a heavy duty chain and lock. And despite it's appearance, no part of the walls seemed rotten enough to grant easy access.
From the matrix side of things it was a bit confusing: Drones and their icons flitted across the sky but only a few cars came and went within the 100m radius of reception. Beside the team, no other active gear seemed to be on the premises.
-
Assuming my approach was uneventful
I'll use my Motion Sense to catch any movement behind the door (7m radius)
Motion Sense (http://orokos.com/roll/348920): 12d6t5 7
If there is no movement I'll try the lock(I guess the agility bonus hasn't expired yet)
Locksmith (Limit 6) (http://orokos.com/roll/348921): 14d6t5 6
-
bnc stays close to her guardian, relying on his ability to guard him and on the chameleon suite to keep her hidden in the first place.
Is the door accessible through the matrix or is the mechanism fully mechanical?
-
The door lock proves to be a purely mechanical solution - and not a particular cheap one at that. Still, at a guess it would not take more than a few seconds with a microwelder to cut the chain.
Torrents movement sense registers a few rat sized movements, but nothing more inside the building
-
"Hm. I'm good with explosives, but that might be too loud. And with chemics, but this might take too long. Someone's got a more ... straightforward approach? Someone's got something to melt it down?"
-
Slobbertooth put a finger to his ear more to signal that he was using the team's comms than any actual need to hear better.
"Hey Krestov. We need you to take your big boot and apply it directly to this door."
-
Krestov had once again remained quiet as the team transported to where they believed Space's shipment of goods lay. As they sorted out their equipment, the troll kept his gaze forward, his hands automatically checking mags and weapons. Any careful reading of his facial features would denote the unease he felt.
But, there was no point in a living wall if everyone was in front of it, so once Krestov was ready, he was out of the van and rejoining the group, Crusader in holster, helmet on, shield in his left hand, Alpha nestled in his right. Looking to Slobbertooth, one could almost see the slightest grin on his face, perhaps in memory of the last time he kicked in a door.
"Da." was all he said before stepped up to the door. Two steady brraths, the troll swung his knee up into the air before bringing his heel down on the lock, a sharp exhalation of breath the only sound from him as he connected...
Unarmed vs. Door (http://orokos.com/roll/349187): 12d6t5 5
15P damage
-
Slobbertooth nodded and took position near the door as Krestov slammed his boot into the door. He gently nudged Torrent away from the door, and handed him a smoke grenade. "I'll follow behind Krestov. We go as soon as the door is down. Pop that smoke if you hear gunfire or follow in after us. Stay in contact bnc.
Slobbertooth then closed his eyes and focused and made sure everything was in place.
Low-light flashlight on? Check.
Smartlink on? Check.
Stock extended? Check.
HK-227 readied? Check.
Wolf's Magic is flowing? Not yet.
Slobbertooth took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and thought of the hunt as he tried to bring Wolf's magic into himself. He figured the stress and excitement of the new gear was clouding his mind, though, as he couldn't seem to do it this time.
First Those drain tests I need to make.
Drain Test 1
Agility Boost 1 (http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=21044.msg402733#msg402733)
Body + Willpower (4) (http://orokos.com/roll/349205): 11d6t5 5 \o/
Drain Test 2
Agilty Boost 2 (http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=21044.msg414296#msg414296)
Body + Willpower (4) (http://orokos.com/roll/349207): 11d6t5 5 \o/ \o/
Ability Boost Agility, +Level 2 [2] (http://orokos.com/roll/349209): 8d6t5 0 :-/ Welp. At least it wasn't a glitch.
Just in case it's necessary Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/39244): 4d6+13. 28
-
I's with you, honey, and I's gonna rock dad förböveln tin-eyses soon's 'em stain me vista!"
+1 Reaction (+3 in hot sim VR), +2D6 Initiative Dice due to Golden Mirror. Her ability to judge situations might suffer slightly under her good mood ;)
-
Reistance (http://orokos.com/roll/349238): 20d6t5 10
Krestov smash (http://orokos.com/roll/349240): 12d6t5 2 12 dmg
Reistance 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/349239): 20d6t5 11
Krestov smash 3 (http://orokos.com/roll/349241): 12d6t5 3 13
resist 3 (http://orokos.com/roll/349242): 20d6t5 9
It took Krestov surprisingly three heavy kicks before the lock gave in and parted for the party.
Heavy plast crates were stacked high on the floor, containing - as far as the team could see - mostly useless junk and rubble. To the east, about 25 m away the office and break rooms were visible, there windows cracked and curtains closed.
Rats scuttled among the shadows, complaining in high pitched feeping about the intruders. Tracks in the dust showed where not long ago a heavy truck had moved in and out of the building.
Following those they moved first straight north for 30 m and then a sharp turn west, moving in a slalom course through the crates.
And there it was: A forty foot long, red container with the faint smell of the sea still clinging to it. The seals showed it to be still waterproof and its doors were locked and unharmed.
Scary beamed: "Well guys and gal, it seems like the work paid off. Now, all we have to do is..."
"Surrender your weapons and we might let you live."
The voice had come from high up on the crates and sure enough the silhouette of two people became visible. The two asians - a man and a woman wore black suits and black sunglasses, both holding riot shotguns with drum magazines.
"You have greatly angered Mr. Feng and he wishes your death. We may grant you your lives if you lay down your weapons now and leave the one called Scary Spice behind - he still owes us some answers. Especially, where that old Kitsune is hiding."
While Slobbertooth and Krestov stared, Torrent and bnc had the distinct impression that there was something wrong - or rather wronger than two people holding riot shotguns that had appeared from thin air.
[spoiler=For Volker and Sabato Kuroi only]
You both realize this is an illusion, as you can see through those figures.
Torrents motion sense also notices now four objects moving towards your position behind a crate to your left.
[/spoiler]
-
How many lights are there in the warehouse and how is the lighting in general?
-
There are no lights per se, only the high up windows are letting in light from the overpass - enough for low light vision to have no problems.
-
Where there goes the plan of shoot out the lights and dive for cover. :P
I hate to ask a spoilery quesiton, but is this scene/combat going to go on for a while, or are we going to be at this location for a while? If so, I'd really like to have a map of the area as our characters know it.
-
Yeah, we'll use the derelict building from p. 371 core. You are in the north western corner
It's not perfect regarding scale, but you get the the general layout (one box is approx. 2m long)
-
"They're illusions. It's a trap!", bnc bellows almost hysterically. Not knowing from where ambushers might come, she draws closer to Krestov (and his shield). In the same instant, she looks out for any hidden icons.
-
"We got incoming!Crate to the left!Take them out!"
@GM please let me know when my Agility bonus expires
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/349393): 4d6+11 24
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Initiative:
Ying Ini round 1 (http://orokos.com/roll/349417): 16+4d6 32
Yang Ini round 1 (http://orokos.com/roll/349418): 20+4d6 32
Ying Foo Dog Ini round 1 (http://orokos.com/roll/349419): 14+2d6 17
Yang Foo Dog Ini round 1 (http://orokos.com/roll/349420): 14+2d6 17
Wow, that's really funny. There really must be some kind of connection between twins...
The warning came not a second to soon. A hail of flechette tore the box apart and revealed the real sorcerers. Both were accompanied by two large, identical looking Do Khyi Mastiffs - better known as Tibetian temple dogs.
The fight was on.
-
I hope I have my stats correctly in mind:
Ini roll (http://orokos.com/roll/349467): 1d6+7 12
-
Sorry for the delay, I forgot that SquirrelDude already posted his initiative in the OOC thread.
Ini 32
Ying: Auto-Assault 16 Shotgun
Short range, Wide Spread, Full Auto Long Burst vs. two Runners, in this case Torrent and Slobbertooth
Shotgun Attack (http://orokos.com/roll/350096): 14d6t5 5 [14d6t5=6, 4, 3, 5, 3, 4, 3, 6, 3, 5, 3, 1, 1, 6]
11 P AP +4 Dodge -14
Yang:
Net Bind Force 6 (http://orokos.com/roll/350098): 15d6t5 5
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/350099): 14d6t5 4
Yang suffers 1 S Drain
Everyone suffers -5 to AGI unless they can brake the net with STR+BOD vs. 12 dice, you can defend but suffer a -5 to defense. If you AGI is lower 5 you can't act physically until you free yourself.
Threshold to break the net Break the net (http://orokos.com/roll/350100): 12d6t5 3
I'll also allow you to make teamwork tests to help break each other free.
Time seemed to slow down as the two magicians began to act. The woman rose the Auto Assault-16 Shotgun to her shoulder and fired a long salvo against the two adepts. Flechette filled the air so the team almost didn't notice when black, tar like smoke appeared and fell across them, sticking to them, binding them to the ground.
And the hound began to howl...
-
OOC thread? I posted it in the IC thread. Here: http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=21044.msg416364#msg416364 (http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=21044.msg416364#msg416364)
Also, rules question for clarification in the future, I'll roll with what happened so far. When targeting multiple characters, don't you split up the attack pool and roll it separately against each character or does it work differently for shotguns than it does other weapons? I wouldn't be surprised if it worked that way, just curious.
Slobbertooth did his best to dive out of the way of the incoming fire, but knew that this was going to sting a little. He quickly spun around and covered his vulnerable areas to the best of his ability with his armor and lowered his profile to avoid taking some of the incoming fire.
The flechette rounds plinked off his helmet and body like gentling falling hail. Slobbertooth turned around and growled at Yin, only to be covered in Yang's net. He promptly broke free of it, and spoke to the two mages with a tone of voice befitting a bully scolding the children who tried to stand up to him. "Oh chummers, you've really hosed yourself now."
Vs Shotgun
> Full Defense + Willpower 4 + Gymnastics 6 to defense (Agile Defender), - 10 to initiative. 28 Initiative -> 18 Initiative.
> Reaction 8 + Intuition 5 - 14 + 6 = Full Defense [9] (4) 19-14 (http://orokos.com/roll/350104): 5d6t5 2
> Damage Code to soak 9P +4AP, doesn't break armor will be stun after soak. Does not surpass physical limit, so Slobbertooth isn't knocked down.
> Body 7 + Armor 14 + 4AP = Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/350105): 25d6t5 10 Slobbetooth takes 0 damage \o/
Vs Net
>Strength 5+Body 7 (3) = (http://orokos.com/roll/350108): 12d6t5 4
Intimidate Check
>Free Intimidate Charisma 3 - 1Untrained (http://orokos.com/roll/350112): 2d6t5 1 Not a critical glitch \o/
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Yeah sorry, you rolled Ini before my post and I didn't look far enough back - and you also posted in the OOC, so it's really twice my fault ;)
Also, yeah, shotguns have this nasty little special rule for wide spread, allowing to target two individuals within 3m of each others with the same roll.
Also I like your reaction. Make an intimidate check to penalize the mages' next actions ;D
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Crap, it is so not going to happen that bnc can break free :D
I've got to break free! (http://orokos.com/roll/350374): 3d6t5 1
Wow, surprise.
Oh, I just remembered that she's still on Golden Mirror. That's 2d6+1 extra INI!
extra INI (http://orokos.com/roll/350375): 2d6+1 10
So it's 22 instead of 12. Booyah!
So it should be:
Twins: 32
Slob: 28
Torrent: 24
bnc: 22
Dogs: 17
Krestov: ??
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That would make the initiative
Yin: 32 22 (acted)
Yang: 32 22 (acted)
Torrent: 24 13 (acted and injured)
bnc: 22
Scary Spice (Played by Volker): 21
Slob: 28 18 (Full Defense)
Dog 1: 17
Dog 2: 17
Krestov: 9
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Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/350624): 12d6t5 3
forgot to add the AP+4 dice to my pool
Soak (+4AP) (http://orokos.com/roll/350627): 4d6t5 1
so I got 4 hits out of 16 dice
gonna use Edge for a second chance 16 dice- 4 hits = 12 dice
Second Chance (http://orokos.com/roll/350628): 12d6t5 7
So my total : 11 hits
Took 5P damage, -1 modifier
Break the net:
Break the Net (http://orokos.com/roll/350629): 6d6t5 3
Success
Torrent runs and jumps up the southern crate
Jump (Limit 6) (http://orokos.com/roll/350631): 16d6t5 7
Forgot to subtract one dice, but since I got 7 hits I'm OK.
This means I can execute a 3 meter vertical jump, and I guess it is enough.
Can I use 4 of my hits to jump vertically(2 meters) and 2 of them to jump over to the other side of the crate?
If the whole maneuver is successful Torrent will try to stay out of line of sight and sneak upon the enemy.
The flechette rounds hit Torrent just as he turned to face the twins.The impact almost threw him on his back.
Fucking bitch.You're going to pay for this.
He resisted the sudden urge to charge the enemy and strike the woman's throat.
The fucking dogs will tear me apart , even if I manage to land a hit.
Torrent hated fair fights.He loved unfair fights only when he had the advantage.
He had to tip the scales in his favor.
He turned and run.Just when It seemed that he would collide with the crates he executed a perfectly timed somersault to jump over to the other side.
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These bastards. AR hacking is like sex with a condom. You're doing the act, but it doesn't really feel the same.
I consider forcing me into AR hacking as raping me with a condom. Foramen culi!
Considerably pissed off, bnc doesn't fully realize the danger she's in. Her brain acts twice as fast due to the Golden Mirror in her system, but as it is with everything: Speed always comes at a price. Evaluation seems to be a thing she can spare at the moment. Furiously, she slings very bad-mannered code at Yin's gun.
Scary Spice answers Slob's question for himself in a simple way: Who do you shoot first, if all opponents are mages? The one who cast a spell. So he aims for Yang's chest and presses the trigger.
bnc:
Free Action: reconfigure (load Configurator setting: Hammer, Shell, Decryption, ASDF=6345)
Complex Action: Data spike: Data Spike (http://orokos.com/roll/351239): 15d6t5 5
Damage: 7 (6 Attack + 1 from Decryption) +2 (Shell) = 9M plus net hits
Scary Spice
Simple Action: Aim at Yang (+1 die)
Simple Action: Single Shot: Shoot (http://orokos.com/roll/351241): 15d6t5 4
(I don't know how many Edge points he has (and if he as a NPC has some at all). If it were my character, I assume I would have used Edge for this roll).
Damage: 9 + 1 (Ex) = 10P plus net hits (AP -3)
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Slobbertooth finished getting the webbing off of himself and looked up at the two, clearly terrified mages.
"See ya in a sec"
He then ran behind the box in view of Torrent and Krestov and out of sight of the two mages.
"Dogs incoming."
Complex action: Break webbing: rolled dice previously, but now I can actually do it. Now on the proper turn. :P
Free action: Movement
[spoiler=Initiative]Yin: 32 22 (acted)
Yang: 32 22 (Acted) <- may change after damage
Torrent: 24 13 (Acted and Injured)
bnc: 22 12 (Acted)
Scary Spice (Played by Volker): 21 11 (Acted)
Slob: 28 18 8 (Full Defense & Acted)
Dog 1: 17
Dog 2: 17
Krestov: 9[/spoiler]
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Scary needs to break free first or suffers -5 to hit
15d6t5: 4 [15d6t5=3, 2, 4, 4, 6, 3, 3, 4, 2, 6, 3, 5, 4, 4, 5]
Defense Yang (http://orokos.com/roll/351257): 14d6t5 5 [14d6t5=4, 1, 3, 4, 6, 2, 5, 6, 1, 6, 6, 2, 4, 2]
Evaded, even if it were a fullround burst.
Here is stats again:
BOD: 5 +4 Bone Density
AGI: 8
REA 7 (+3d6 Ini dice)
STR 6
CHA 4
INT 5
LOG 3
WIL 5
12 Dodge
Urban Explorer Armor 9 +4 +5= 18 Soak
Unarmed Combat (Aikido) 14(16) (Called Shot Disarm, Counterstrike, Yielding Force (Counterstrike) 11P AP-
Pistols (Heavy Pistols) 12(14) has a Savallette Guardian loaded with Ex ammo (Acc 7, 9 P, AP -2 SA/BF Extended Mag w/ 18 shots)
Automatics (Submachine Guns) 12(14) (should he gain a weapon via disarm)
Also, I assume bnc didn't try to free herself if she want's to hack with her action instead
Matrix Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/351258): 12d6t5 3
= two net hits = 11 M
Matrix Damage Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/351259): 104d6t5 1 4 [10d6t5=1, 2, 5, 3, 4, 4, 4, 6, 5, 6]
10 damage total.
Sayonara Shotgun!
Foo Dog Action:
Ying: Dog casts: Fire Aura F 4
Spellcasting (http://orokos.com/roll/351261): 12d6t5 4
Drain Resist:
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/351262): 12d6t5 3
Takes 2 S
Yang: Dog casts: Hot Potato F 6
Spellcasting (http://orokos.com/roll/351263): 12d6t5 5
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/351264): 12d6t5 7
No Drain
Anything metal in your hands seems to be on fire right now, incuring a -5 to all actions unless you resist with INT+LOG
Scary Resist: Resist Illusion (http://orokos.com/roll/351266): 8d6t5 1 Nope, his gun feels as if its burning
To their surprise, the dogs didn't attack right away. Instead, the dog at Ying's side spontaously combusted - or at least it looked like it. An aura of blue white fire surrounded the creature. His twin on the other side barked in a surprisingly high pitched voice and suddenly every metal around the runners seemed to glow cherry red and emitted unbearable heat.
bnc noticed that the device icon of the shotgun had vanished completely from the matrix - the thing was a brick now.
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Oh, sorry, I forgot about the spell resistance roll for SS.
bnc doesn't try to free herself if that's an action. I rolled because I don't know the spell description and I was under the impression that there is an Opposed roll in every spell in the Shadowrun universe that has a direct effect on people. If the spell hits automatically and it costs an Action to resist its effect, I would of course not try to break free.
Am I right to assume that the gun is slaved to one really tough commlink to get 12 and 10 defense dice? :-( Also I'm not sure whether Damage Resistance Tests count as Defense Tests. It sounds counter-intuitive for me that the same PAN can spend bonus dice twice against the same action. Just my thoughts on it.
I hope there are no metal components in my chameleon suite or this is going to be the worst sunburn ever.
Cursing, bnc drops her weapon. Her heart starts pounding faster as she slowly realizes the glue isn't going to release her, and their opponent survived every attack until now.
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The unfolding scene seemed to wash over Krestov like some training trid, the troll simply looking up at the pair of mages and their hounds, his cold blue eyes steeled against their covered gazes as they made attempts to look intimidating. Even as the one unloaded shot shells at his comrades, he did not flinch. As the dogs barked and created flames around themselves and their weapons, he did not falter--if anything, the grip on his Alpha grew even tighter in bold defiance--. And when the net fell on them to bind them down?
All that came out of his mouth was a little sigh, as his team dispersed and he realized that half of them were stuck. He had to make a call. They will attack the biggest threat Was what passed through his mind as he finally snapped to, his right foot shifting his weight back, pulling at the magical net atop him. Leveling his helmeted gaze on the man casting the spell, he opened his mouth to utter one word before he made his move.
"Dasvidaniya."
The way the troll moved next, the net may have never existed. Breaking free in a backlash of mojo, Krestov lunged forward, shield raised towards Yin as he took two pounding steps before leaping into the air, driving his right knee up to propel him towards the duo. Not once hesitating, he plowed his entire weight into the coming blow, driving his right heel against Yang's center mass. Sustain this...
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So, 2nd round:
Yin: 32 22 (minus possible injuries)
Yang: 32 22 (minus possible injuries)
Torrent: 24 13 (injured)
bnc: 22 12
Scary Spice (Played by Volker): 21 11
Slob: 28 18 (Full Defense) 8
Dog 1: 17 7
Dog 2: 17 7
Krestov: 9
bnc smiles as she sees how the Chinese's gun goes up in smoke and ashes. The smile vanishes as quickly as it came, though, for she knows that his gun is the last thing a mage needs.
Are there any sensible drones around?
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Ok, Troll to the face:
Yang Defense + Full Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/351531): 19d6t5 6 [19d6t5=5, 6, 4, 5, 6, 2, 1, 5, 3, 1, 1, 5, 1, 1, 3, 2, 4, 2, 2]
Ini is down to 12 and he still eats 12 P
Defense + Full Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/351532): 18d6t5 6
He is now at 7 S, has a useless gun and a Troll in his face.
Ying is furious and tries to help her brother without killing him:
Force 8 Death Touch w/Witness my Hate vs. Krestov
Force 8 Death Touch (http://orokos.com/roll/351534): 16d6t5 7
Resist Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/351535): 14d6t5 4
No drain
Defend with normal defense against the touch. If you don't beat the 7 successes you get to resist with Body against 9 P
Yang tries to get out of the melee and errects a Force 6 Physical Barrier between himself and Krestov, securing himself inside a half dome
Physical Barrier (http://orokos.com/roll/351536): 12d6t5 4
[12d6t5=4, 3, 2, 2, 5, 1, 1, 1, 1, 5, 6, 6]
4 Armor and 4 Structure
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/351537): 14d6t5 3
He takes another 2S for a total of 9S
A charging troll was a problem that the two mages had no smart answer for after the net spell wasn't enough to restrain Krestov.
The kick was as brutal as a small meteor. The expensive armored suit prevented Krestovs foot from breaking bone, but it sure was enough to drive the wind from the mages lungs. As he was flung backwards, the woman screamed a Chinese curse, baleful black energy coalesced around her hand as she in turn charged Krestov.
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Important note. Before Yang gets to put up that barrier, Torrent gets his turn. He's initiative 13 and and Yang dropped to 12. He's also tied with bnc, but I don't know how that is worked out.
After all of that Initiative is now
Round 2
Yin: 32 22 12 (acted)
Torrent: 24 13 (injured) < Current Turn
Yang: 32 22 12(Full Defense)
bnc: 22 12
Scary Spice (Played by Volker): 21 11
Slob: 28 18 (Full Defense) 8
Dog 1: 17 7
Dog 2: 17 7
Krestov: 9
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Trying to flank them, they get -4 dice to hear my steps and maybe -2 dice because they are distracted from the fight?
Complex Action:Sneak (Limit 8 ) (-1 dice) (http://orokos.com/roll/351741): 20d6t5 5
So I'll go as close as I can to avoid being noticed.I guess I used at least half my movement (14m/2 = 7m) during the last Pass.
Next Initiative Pass I'll attack and hopefully they won't get a defense test
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I won't roll perception for Yang, since those modifiers put his dice pool below the threshold. Torrent gets his surprise attack.
Yang will apply a Stim Patch with his complex action, so if Torrent wants to strike, this is the time
Torrent moved silently behind Yang, just as the mage errected the barrier between himself and the troll. Sweat had formed on the man's forehead and a thin trickle of blood flowed from his nose.
He had not noticed the elf sneaking up on him, instead he had retrieved a slap patch from his pocket and was about to apply it to his neck.
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I'm not sure whether or not Torrent can still act or has used his Action already for his movement, but since I'm not influencing anything, I'll just post.
Unable to contribute anything important, unable to move and unable to do anything other than curse and sit down, she does the latter. bnc sits down and dives into the only world she understands.
I change into Full VR. Thus, I get another 3D6+2 initiative, plus another +2 from Golden Mirror.
Ini upgrade (http://orokos.com/roll/351758): 3d6+4 15
This raises my left-over initiative from 2 to 17. Still, everyone else has an INI pass before I can ... well, still do nothing, but really fast.
Are the drones equipped with anything? Do the mages have any interesting gear? I have a full simple action left for matrix perception checks. And a whole lot of Free Acitons.
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That's right, I will be able to attack in my third Initiative Pass (used a skill as a complex action)
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Your matrix perception shows you quite a few delivery drones flying outside, but most are slaved to Rating 5 to 7 hosts.
Looking for silent running icons, you see that the mages have each a commlink, their shotguns, biomonitors, sunglasses with Smartlink, Flash compensation, Low Light Vision, Vision Magnification and a boat waiting outside.
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Oh, sorry for missing Scary's action. He tries to finish off Yang.
Aim + Single Shot: Shoot (http://orokos.com/roll/352067): 15d6t5 7 (Accuracy 7)
So, that's 9P + 1 (Ex) + 7 (hits) at AP-3 for the barrier.
I take the liberty to roll for the barrier: 4 (structure) + 4 (Armor) - 3 (AP) = 5 dice: Resistance Roll (http://orokos.com/roll/352068): 5d6t5 4
shit :(
That would be 13 P for the barrier, which takes it out. The remaining damage is transferred to the target behind the barrier. So that would be 13 P - x (hits in his Defense roll), if I understood all rules correctly.
Scary remains calm and tries to focus on the one shot. He brings up his Savalette again, aims carefully, and shoots a round right at Yang's heart.
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Resist Hot Potato
Int+Log(5) (http://orokos.com/roll/352107): 8d6t5 2
3 net hits. -3 penalty to all actions until Slob drops the metal.
The HK-227 burned in Slobbertooth's hand as he came back to the corner of the container and took a survey of the situation. The mages weren't defeated, but they were certainly distracted for them moment. However, the two stupid dogs were still free to act.
"I'll handle pest control, but after some fun."
Slobbertooth yelled over the din of combat. "Maybe you didn't understand me the first time, so let me speak your language. You geeks got in fight with a troll and an orc, and you started out by just pissing us off. How stupid are you breeders?!" (Japanese)
Slobbertooth dropped his HK-227, channelled magic into himself, and flipped us his Ares Alpha loaded with gel ammunition and unleashed the burning gun onto the foo dog that had set it one fire. Realizing his mistake, Slobbertooth removed the gel clip from his weapon, in preparation for putting a more effective ammunition into it.
I am aware Triad are chinese and not japanese. That is the joke.
Actions:
Free
> Move
> Talk (okay, maybe it was a little long)
> Drop HK-22, it hangs at my side on my sling
Simple
> Ability Boost Agility, Magic+Level 2 [2] (http://orokos.com/roll/352111): 8d6t5 3 +2 to agility
Free - Quick Draw(+Rapid Draw)
>Quick Draw Agi+Automatics-3 (2) (http://orokos.com/roll/352109): 11d6t5 4 Ares Alpha is brought up and can be fired.
>Attack at the Foo dog who cast hot potato FA Burst Agi+Automatics+2 [8] (http://orokos.com/roll/352112): 13d6t5 3 +1 dice for smartlink 1d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/352114): 1 = 4 Hits = Damage Code 15s +1AP -5 to dodge.
Simple Action - Remove clip
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Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/352138): 7d6t5 2
So 13 S AP-1
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/352139): 7d6t5 2
11 S vs. 11 Stun Trac
Dog takes a nap and spirit is disrupted. Nicely done - Real ammo would have left him 1 point from overflow to still be able to act.
Hot potato spell ends
The hail of gel bullets hit the large dog square on the face and flank and slammed it to the ground. A short feeling, not unlike a huge static build up occured and the burning sensation of all metal parts ceded. Best of all, the poor vessel dog was still alive.
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Totally high on both drugs and full VR, bnc is about to go crazy. If there's nothing else to do, she can always create confusion.
Free Action (before I act): load Fork.
Hacking on the Fly (both sunglasses): Hacking on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/352568): 19d6t5 6
Free Action: Control Device (turn off input)
This should effectively blind the two mages for at least as long as it takes to
a) realize what the fuck is going on and
b) put off the glasses.
This is what I do in the 3rd pass, if the dog doesn't perform any action that would otherwise prevent me from doing it.
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Scarry's shot hit true through the barrier and squarely into the chest of the enemy mage. The force field collapsed and his sister suddenly stumbled, moving a lot slower than she had before. Again she screamed as she saw her brother fall to the ground.
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When the male twin fell , Torrent saw the opening he was waiting for.The glow around the female twin vanished and she seemed distracted and enraged.
Don't worry honey, you won't feel a thing.
@GM: do I have any more meters to move(14m total)? I guess I could run(28m total)? Don't know how far I've walked during the Combat Turn.
Nerve Strike (Target: Reaction) (http://orokos.com/roll/352579): 19d6t5 6
Forgot I had to subtract one dice from my pool due to injury, I guess I got 5 hits
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Yin
Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/352587): 10d6t5 3
Reaction falls by two
Ini for Round 2
Yin: Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/352589): 8+1d6 12
Yin's Foo Dog: Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/352590): 14+2d6 16 [2d6=1, 1]
Wow. The dog got even slower. I wouldn't have thought this possible.
Also Volker's attack is successful, with a free action she'll drop the sun glasses - if she get's the chance to to so - suffering -3 to her defense on the first attack of this new round
Yin screamed as the elf hit the nerve cluster just above her left knee. Staggering she grasped for her sunglasses that had just became a dazzling display of flashes like worst kind of seizure inducing anime.
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How did Yin get a defense test?I thought I surprised her(did she notice me flanking her?) :(
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You sneaked up on Yang, who was thrown back by Krestov. Ying attacked Krestov in melee, so Torrent wouldn't have come up behind her.
But don't worry, I am sure you'll nail her this round for good before she can act ;)
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You have the final word of course but I merely stated my intention to strike at Yang before Scary Spice KOed him, I didn't come out of hiding during the previous Pass since coming out of hiding without striking would be an automatic success on a perception test for the enemy (and that is why I wrote that during the previous pass I go as close as I can to avoid being noticed). I was under the impression that my sneaking test was rolled against the whole enemy team.I guess it's my fault and I should describe my actions in more detail ;D
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/352593): 4d6+10 22
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Since bnc is hyper-useless against mages, she just hacks her commlink for fun.
2 marks at once: Hacking on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/352615): 15d6t5 4
You don't really have to make an opposed roll. It's not really that I'm going to actually do something important. She's just bored and hyper and has to hack something
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Round 1, Initiative 7 (Just to make sure things are in the right place)
Yin's Dog charged and attacked Slobbertooth, who was still defensively aware and managed to dodge away from the strike.
Charge (http://orokos.com/roll/352286): 13d6t5 4 [13d6t5=4, 6, 5, 5, 2, 5, 1, 4, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1]
Bite with 12 AP -6(fire) + Successes
Defense - Int 5 + Rea 8 + Gymnastics Agility 6 -1 (http://orokos.com/roll/352301): 18d6t5 4 Grazing hit. No damage
Round 2, Initiative 25
Slobbertooth was suddenly very happy he hadn't become a wage-slave for government pest control companies. Hell hounds seemed bad
enough, but having to deal with the reality that whenever you came across a dog it could turn into a vessel for some kind of fire
spirit was a bridge too far. Well, time to put the dog down.
Slobbertooth backed away and the dog snapped at him.
Yin's dog Intercept Action -5 Ini
Intercept Attack (http://orokos.com/roll/352622): 13d6t5 6
Damage Code 14pfire) -6AP
Slobbertooth uses Full Defense -10 ini +Agility 8 to all future defense tests
Agi 8+Int 5+Rea 8+Combat Sense 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/352623): 23d6t5 10 attack dodged
Slobbertooth avoided the possessed dog's jaws and went to put a clip of Ex-Explosive ammunition into his gun, and then suddenly froze.
"Wait... seriously?
"Oh come on, it's just a dog, Wolf.
"No I don't think that all-
"Oh for the Fragging spirts! Alright I'll use the gel ammo so I don't hurt your new dog friend."
Slobbertooth put the clip of gel ammunition back into his weapon and fired at the dog, while mumbling cursewords in Or'zet
Simple Action: Insert magazine into Ares Alpha
Simple Action: Slobbertooth FA Burst
Agi 8+Automatics 6+Smartlink 1 (http://orokos.com/roll/352624): 15d6t5 6
Damage Code
17s -1 AP -5 to defense
Slobbertooth's iniative is now 5, and the dog's initiative is now 11
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Foo DogDefense (http://orokos.com/roll/352626): 9d6t5 4 [9d6t5=6, 1, 5, 5, 3, 5, 1, 4, 2] 13 S
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/352627): 7d6t5 3
End result: 10 S, still conscious.
But Wolf smiles on your decision: Have a point of Edge back
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Torrent pressed his attack. He knew the mage should get no time to focus and blast them all to pieces with a destructive spell.
Look at me , trading blows with a Chinese mobster, as if starring in a vintage kung fu flick.
Nerve Strike (Target:Reaction) (http://orokos.com/roll/352633): 18d6t5 6
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Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/352634): 5d6t5 2
And she is paralyzed - but remember, she's a mage - doesn't take muscles to magic
Torrents fingers hit true again, this time just below the neck and the woman seized up completely and fell on her back.
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As he brought his feet back under him after kicking Yang, Krestov stared down the wall that formed between them. It was at that moment that he felt something coming from his arm, an odd sensation.
Pain. Pure, legitimate pain
Roaring out, the troll wheeled on the remaining mage, just in time to see her go down with wide eyes, the slim for of Torrent taking her place. Giving a nod, he looked down before swinging his leg high into the air, driving his heel down in his signature axe kick onto her skull...
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YinSoak (http://orokos.com/roll/353605): 15d6t5 5
The kick ended rather abruptly any remaining hostilities. The dog lost its flame aura and bounded away as fast as Scary's gunshot wound allowed him. From one moment to the other silence reigned.
Scary dusted himself off and calmly walked over to the mages.
"Well, seems like Feng has played his last card. Well done."
With a smooth motion he swung the gun around and calmly shot both mages a neat hole into their heads. "You can't be careful enough with those mage types - and after what they did to me in the cellar I won't take any risks in that regard.
But time to take a look into the container - after all you want to be paid in merchandise - would be a shame if anything was missing."
He walked over to the container and opened the maglock.
Inside everything was packed to the roof with crates and boxes from different weapons and cybertech manufacturers. As Scary looked around, he frowned:
"Huh? Don't remember packing that thing in there." With those words he pulled a sheet away.
From under it a one meter tall fox statue made of pure gold appeared. It's eyes were made of Sapphires and it sported nine tails.
On cue, Sunkid appeared.
"Oy, You's done it. You's got it back."
-
Slobbertooth went over to the unconcious dog to make sure it was okay after Scary Spice made sure the two mages were geeked. He wasn't particularly happy with Scary Spice's decision to do so, "Well now I know why Scary Spice isn't liked by Triads. We're going to need to lie low for a while now."
Slobbertooth petted very large dog that suddenly seemed completely harmless. "I always did want a puppy dog. (Or'zet)" He looked over to the team with a toothy and goofy smile on his face. "Can we keep him?"
The grin was replaced with shock when he saw the contents of the container. "What in the fuck is that!?"(Or'zet)
-
bnc returns back to her now liberated meat body and stretches. Slowly, the tension began to wear off.
Golden Mirror didn't.
"Heilige Scheiße! Are you friggin' kidding me? This... This must be worth ... well, worth enough to pay four professional shadowrunners, I guess. Frag! Has it got a name?"
bnc whistles in amazement.
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The old orks face had turned into a grin: "Well, yes actually. It's me brother called Jingoro - or rather the shrine made in 'is 'onor."
"Your brother?!" Scary replied incredulous. "What's going on here?"
"Ah, come on Scary, you's known me for so long, you's never wondered how's I's got those gigs for the two's of us? True, I's been lacking a bit - seeing as I's was under one of them geas - so I's couldn't practice me arts until I's get the shrine back in order - or change my shape."
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The name of Sunkid's apparent brother set of bells in Slobbertooth's head. "Jingoro?" (Japanese) Why didn't I ever pay more attention to the Armstrong's tellings of Japanese myths and legends. Oh right, I was looking at K's sister.
"bnc, look up shapechanging creatures from Japanese myth."
-
"Roger"
What can I find out about Jingoro or something related?
Matrix search (http://orokos.com/roll/353949): 12d6t5 5
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What you find:
Jingoro (enshrined) is the name of a Kitsune and was recorded as possessing someone when he thought the man was going to try to kill him. The man, to escape possession and not come to harm, had a shrine built to Jingoro, calling it Jingoro-Inari.
Looking for his brother you find:
Gengoro (express messenger) was a kitsune known for having the strength, speed, and vitality of three people, and was known to do farmwork, and send messenges for the people he protected. He was supposedly killed by a wild dog.
Kitsune do not use their real names when among mortals. The true name of a kitsune can be used to bind the kitsune, banish it, or work spirit magic on it. For the most part, the kitsune will take a name appropiate to the task at hand, or as a joke.
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bnc quickly forwards the summary to her team.
Swallowing, she asks: "So, what's this s'posed to mean. You ... You wanna tell us that you're a mucho grande Kitsune? Your job's to free your brother?"
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"No, no. Me brother's fine. It's 'is shrine I' 'ad to bring back. You's know 'ow it is - you's need a few million cash pronto and you's pawn a few valuables. Mixed up - purely by accident - that piece of me brother in my haul. Took me 20 years to get it back. " The old ork turned to Scary "And you's almost got it lost and yourselves killed."
"I already said sorry... wait a minute. The Triads! You stole the statue from them, didn't you!"
"I's didn't steal it - I's bought it fair an square."
"From a professional thief I gather."
"Of course - you's got any idea how valuable that thing is?"
"And you didn't think to mention that to me? That I might have Triad contacts of my own that I ask for storing their own stolen goods?"
"How was I's supposed to know you had them? You's never told me about them."
"I... you are just unbelievable."
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Torrent didn't buy the "accidental pawning of my brother's holy shrine" story but he was not going to express any doubts about its validity.
Their employer was weird and probably quite powerful, he knew that since Sunkid's little show at the mall.
Being a kitsune just meant more power and weirdness.And danger.
"So, are we done here?"
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"Not, unless you don't want to get paid." Scary still glowered at the ork: "Since my friend neglected to tell me and you about this additional little package of trouble, I think it's only fair if you get a little bonus from his share. I've seen you are in the market for some augmentations. It happens that I have a very good friend at a discreet delta clinic near Glasgow. If you'd like I can arrange an appointment for you.
What do you say - upgrades to all the ware you wanted - and Sunkid pays the bill."
"Now you's wait a second..."
"No, no I won't. Since they got me out of this cellar you gave me shit for my decision to keep your precious multi-million dollar statue safe."
"Sheesh... you's mortal always get so 'uffy about such stuff. But don' expect any Christmas presents this year."
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Not gonna lie to you Raven...this is a tempting offer...on the other hand cyberware-even deltaware- can be traced and I enjoy being a faceless bastard.This is the reason you chose me isn't it?
"Do you happen to know any magical tattoo artists as well?"
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A mischievous grin appeared on Scary's face: "Oh sure, I imagine our Immortal over there will get you a contact and a good price."
"...and no birthday present for you - except that little T-Bird. And only because I want to take a ride on it too." replied the Sunkid.
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A giant grin spread across Slobbertooth's face, and then he started to laugh. "And to think I had giant shopping list before I came to this container."
"But I don't want ware, or magical tattoos, or even some really nice YNT softweave mil-spec hardened armor with an environmental seal and thermal damping. That last one would be nice, though."
Slobbertooth paused and then got a look of determination on his face. He hadn't felt this close to his answer in a long time.
"No, I don't want any of that. I want information. I want everything you can find on the murder of two Orcs in 2062"
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"Tell me more. I have one or two Lonestar and KE contacts who might be able to help you." Scary answered.
That reminded Krestov of something
Memory test for Krestov
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Slobbertooth nodded. "I'd worry about giving you too many details, but you don't appear to the best memory, and we're too small fry for anyone to go after Sunkid.
"Orc couple. The barrens. William and Zelda Willows. All signs of the murder pointed towards it being a Humanis attack. My fa- William. William was hung and shot in front of the building. Their home was burned down. Remains examined inside the building pointed towards..." Slobbertooth faked a cough and centered himself. "she was knocked out and left in the house while it burned down."
"The couple apparently had a kid. Whereabouts currently unknown. He moved to a foster home, but after more violence he appears to have disappeared from the premises.
"I want the people who did that."
Josiah Willows looked over at the unconscious Tibetan Mastiff. "I also want the pup."
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"Help yourself. Their previous owner won't mind. I'll try to find out what I can. Any other wishes while we are at it? How about you bnc? The invitation to dinner still stands."
Scary Spice grinned at the last remark.
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"Well...", bnc begins slowly. Although she's still affected by the drug, she felt that this was the wrong place to express wordly desires, such as...
"A control rig. I was dreaming about a control rig for quite a time."
Her eyes darted to Slobbertooth. She felt that she had degraded herself. Yet, this was the one moment where she could leap towards her dream and she would be utterly, no, mucho bastante stupid, if she didn't grab this chance out of false respect.
"Is that possible? I'd also take the dinner. It's been a long time since a handsome man asked me out." It's been ages since last time you got screwed, you anorexic teenage drug addict. A dick would do you better than Golden Mirror. She flashed a shy smile that clearly showed her age despite her being a quite successful shadowrunner already.
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Krestov couldn't help but give a little smile at Slobbertooth's request for the dog, letting out a chuckle. "Maybe it teach you table manners huh?" at the revelation of their employer being a magical being..he was quiet.
But, the job was completed, and they were offered a bonus. To this, Krestov awaited his turn to speak. "Many thanks for generosity, comrade. If such generosity is up for begitiation, I have one request: if can trade in delta quality for lower grade in exchange for higher performance with boosters. I was much slow in fight, and wish fixing that. Thank you"
Bowing his head, his mind turned slowly over the recent events...
no memory test needed. I know about the report I need to give to the KE agent. Was waiting for the right time
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"Both can be arranged."
To Krestov he said: "Don't worry about the costs to much. What did you have in mind? I personally like bioware best to boost those synapses, but I understand if you want something more robust to wire your reflexes up a notch or two or three. The delta clinic does also lower level ware - although that would be a waste.
Let's see: Alpha grade synaptic boosters, second generation go for 228.000. Add a nice control rig II also alpha grade for 116.400. Not to forget the Sleeping Tiger outfit, the Full Body Armor, some magic stuff, we come to round about 400.000 for your team. That sounds like a nice number - especially since most of it should be within this container.
Oh and you are of course entitled to the dead mage's stuff. Those shotguns are - if I'm not mistaken - grade A military material."
"Yeah, and that guy packed two sustaining foci of the sixth dan. The lady also has a magical cestus on her person. 3rd tier if I'm not mistaken" the old ork chimed in.
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Krestov gave a nod, smiling graciously. "I will accept the full extent your generosity allows, sir Spice. Biotic synapse I believe superior, and at as strong a generation and grade you will allow. Thank you."
He asked no further, simply agreei by to his armored suit of a fashion which he knew bnc would surely comment on. As for the relics, he was sure his magic-minded brethren would want those.
"one last point...a KE detective has asked me for a report on your death, comrade Spice. In exchange for leads to fund you. Tell me, how would you like your death to look?"
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Slobbertooth was still entranced by the thought of finding the killers, but his eyes shot up at the reminder of what was in the container.
"Oh right, the stuff. I'd go in there an get my gun, but the last time I ventured inside your property I got some new chest piercings."
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"Tell him the truth: Feng shot the man because he looked like some smuggler he wanted caught. I'll have to have my face modified anyway if I don't want to trip any alarms in the future. I bet you that they'll find the incriminating weapon in Feng's office. That asshole loves his Predator V. And without his magic security he'll be an easy grab."
Scary chuckled: "Ah, you got the surprise packet. You are lucky it didn't take your face off. But don't worry, I'll go get your stuff - just as soon as I find it in the manifesto."
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Slob nodded at Scary Spice. "Alright then, I'll leave you to it. Let me know when you find my gun. I can't wait to put it together"
Slobbertooth started going through the mages' things and sorting out the equipment that was left over. His hands went all over the two triads' duds. "Anyone know a really good dry cleaner? I'd like to try and save these suits, they'll probably fetch a pretty penny, and one of these might fit you, Torrent, if we can get them tailored."
"How do we want to deal with these bodies, anyway?"
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Piece by piece, Scary produced the desired items or at least most of them. Not every desired modification wast there, but he sure had the components. Once he had packed a crate with all the stuff, he sent a short text to bnc. "I just gave you the address of a very good and discreet armorer. Get that stuff to him and he'll put it together and add what's missing. I'll give him a call to expect you. And don't worry if you don't see him, his workshop is manned completely by drones - just get the stuff in and he'll inform you when it's ready to be collected."
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"Oh, right. Almost forgot."
Slobbertooth grabbed the HK Urban Combat off bnc, and searched through the van for the Crocket EBR and his little black book. He gathered them up in his arms, and brought them over to scary spice.
"Grabbed these from your place during the investigation. Don't know if their yours or a clients. The HK is nice. Didn't get a chance to test out the EBR, though."
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"Ah and I wondered where you got that HK. Thanks. Keep the Crocket. I won't be taking that with me to Europe.
The book is a treasure that would be hard to replace.
And now excuse us. We have to shift the rest of this stuff as quickly as possible. I'll be in touch about your request."
Scary pocketed the book and began to shift crates around to get to the easy to sell stuff.