Shadowrun
Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: Sentinemodo on <03-21-11/1559:46>
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"Face it you Fraggers. Denver is a sub-divided, pain-wracked, schizophrenic, self-serving, epileptic, sado-masochistic haven for the divinely warped. And I love each and every one of your bitter, thrice damned souls."
- Right Reverend Donald R. Byrne, Street Samurai
Welcome to Denver !!!
SPOILER WARNING: this game is played using the official Missions 02 - 03 Grab scenario. If you wish to ever play it do not read any further.
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The Rattle of the snake
Stryker's appartment. The mage is out as usual fixing people, Cursor is sitting on the small bed. He's often out and that's good. Otherwise in a place this small you'd have hated each other by now. It’s another late afternoon in the sprawl, and it’s shaping up to be about as exciting as watching educational trid. Your commlink chimes in to let you know your debt is due next month, and you begin to wonder why you’re sitting in somebody else's doss doing jack shit when there’s money to be made in the streets of Denver.
You’ve been working your contacts for a solid week, asking them to keep an ear to the ground and find you some work before you get kicked out into the street by Stryker, or pulled below the street some six feets or so by the Triad thugs. If you keep calling, they’re going to quit answering. There are limits after all. No one wants to be compared to a needy ex, and that’s what’s going to happen if you ring your buddies one more time. But still, no dice?
As if in answer to your prayers, your commlink notifies you of an incoming call. Shooter help me. You almost connect before the first ring is finished, but discipline yourself to wait until at least the third. Then you put your game face on, and answer.
Your image link reveals the face of an attractive Asian woman, her skin like porcelain and her eyes like ice. This definitely isn’t one of your contacts, but neither does she look like your typical Johnson. Her shoulder length hair cascades in short, tight dreads. The collar of her leather jacket is upturned and raises high to her jaw, concealing the entire nape of her neck. Her voice, smooth as the silk of her hypercolor tank top, greets your ears. “I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time. My name is Ms. Johnson, and I have some business I’d like to discuss. Let’s meet for dinner, bring your team, my treat.” She pauses just a moment, and then adds, “Do you like rattlesnake?”
From there the matter was simple you made your calls, forwarded the recording. Mata immediatelly recognised her Asian features as Japanese. Stryker pinpointed that she might be implying Rattlesnake grill. Higher class restaurant in Pueblo Sector, several blocks from his appartment. Eight-stone had found himself a job already, and you had to find somebody else. Going for a job without some pointy stick would be reckless. So you called Tabby if she could find anyone quickly. And there she was - Calico Cat in her black jeans, shirt with the catty pattern, lined leather duster and form fitting body armor. Mata was furious We traded Trog for a slitch ?!?.
Wilco was already popping a beer in the van waiting, so you packed in and rolled. There are very few places in the Denver sprawl with food as good as The Rattlesnake Grill, especially if your preference is southwestern flair. The burritos are heaven, and the rattlesnake is to die for. As you cross the threshold into the restaurant, an ARO pops up welcoming you to the restaurant, and presenting you with an option to view the menu. For now you close it, and instead focus on locating Ms. Johnson.
You spot her flagging you down from a corner booth, and snake your way through the tables and servers working the floor. Drinks have already been ordered you notice, as well as a spinach con soy-queso appetizer. Ms. Johnson scoops some onto a tortilla chip and tosses it into her mouth as you slip into your seat, chewing and swallowing before speaking. “Thank you for coming. I know it’s short notice, but I appreciate your punctuality. Shall we order?” She smiles lightly. “I’m starving.” Without another word, she tunes you out and begins manipulating the trackball on her commlink, no doubt browsing the menu in her image link and placing her order directly with the kitchen. Perhaps you should do the same...
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Cursor orders the cheapest full meal he can, while patching Cat into the line.
Testing. Testing.
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Wilco ponders the menu for moment while partaking of the drink that had been ordered. Wilco then orders a meal that would be in mid price range, as well as another drink. As he is finishing his order he decides that he may have a sweet tooth and then orders the cheapest desert. Wilco Private messages Mata about what his finders fee on the sin for the van was. He is prepared to cover it, and "I hope you like the ashtray that was installed in your usual seat." At that Wilco sends Calico Cat a private message "So, what brings a lad like you to the shadows? We usually ride in the van if any accomodations are needed with your seat and space let me know. " Then to Cursor, "get desert pow. Ms. Johnson picking up the Tab. By the way hows the living arrangements going." Wilco then takes tme to acknowledge Stryker " forgot to mention nice work on the last job, Kid. "
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Stryker smiles at the sight of his bank balance display, as he orders something that the AR finds suitable for Awakened tastes, but without any unnatural, or 'spicing' additives. That, and a glass of cactus juice should be enough.
At the same time he sends a message to Cursor. "You've been a good roommate. I don't mind sharing a place. How much do you need to pay them up? I was thinking of getting a real home-base after that job. Well, maybe except Mata. He'd be too classy for it, and too hard to stand in the long run."
Then he nods to Willco, and acts according to the proper japan etiquette, though he hates it with every moment he has to keep the act. It feels like chains, heavy and binding his will again... but this time he's strong enough to break them anytime.
He sends a message to Mata... and the others after a moment of hesitation as the orders come in. "I don't like it. You should know - there's a japancorp after me. They still think they 'own' me. That's why I came here. I just cannot risk to trust japanes corpses..."
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PM@Stryker: "15k... End of the month. That should be the entire debt too.... but the Yaks bought it... I think it's payback from our first run. A home-base would be good, MT might agree, we might be able to afford a nice one eventually."
PM@Wilco:"Slight fear of owing money right now so I'll keep it low priced any way. Living with Strykers going pretty well, we both keep nice hours in our downtime."
"I understand stryker... I have a feeling this might not be a corporate gig, just dressed up pretty."
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Calico Cat checks the menu then orders a cheap drink deciding she didn't have the money to get something better. She scans the room taking note of exits just in case then responds to the others.
Yes? she says to Cursor then scans the team she'll be working with trying to guess everyone's jobs. Once again checking that she has her weapons in place and hidden, she messages Wilco.
I'm here for the same reason anyone joins this profession, to make money and if the situation calls for it I'm the trouble shooter.
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Mata was happy to go, finally he wouldnt look out of sorts for the choice of clothes...or manners for that matter. Mata arrived in his Berwick suit, this time minus the loud shirt and adding a tie. Mata doesnt hesitate to order the most esquisite, and perhaps expensive meal, as long as it seems palitable to his Japanese tastes. His is cheerful yet reserved in his own way, as a Salariman would be with a potential client. Between the small talk of the menu and decor he texts.
@Stryker: I understand, most in our business are running from something or someone. If the time comes Stryker-san I will negotiate on your behalf, but we will minimize your exposure as much as we can.
Mata was unsure of the new member, a woman of all things, atleast the Trog had the physical ability if not the will and intestinal fortitude to use them.
Composure Test
BBCode8d6.hits(5)=4 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2948246/)
Mata kept his manner and tongue civil despite his cultural chauvenistic tendencies, and even replied warmly to any questions or comments from the 'new girl'.
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Cursor kept an eye on his well dressed associate and was pleased to see he handled the new member well. He hoped it stayed that way.
"How was your week MT?"
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"I was fairly busy, but nothing to tasking Cursor-san. Speaking of which I hope everyone is happy with what was procured." Mata's voice carries over a bit of welcome familiarity with it.
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"I took a leaf from your book and socialised a lot, remember Sgt. Adams when we did that first job? That's going well."
PM@Mata"In case that worries any of your... strict sensibilities... The relationship is just to help our buissness."
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After you all have placed your orders. Ms. Johnson turns her attention off her commlink and onto the table once more.
How about we get this business out of the way so we can enjoy our meals? I need a team of professionals for a fairly routine extraction. The work pays 25 thousands nuyens. I can give you 10% up front as a retainer, and to help with your expenses. Are you in or out?
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"That's a ridiculously good offer up front... Routine Extraction my Matrix-Savvy ass. Smells fishy. Milking is up to you MT.
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Well, of course you are. You are professionals after all and the pay is good. You'll try to haggle a little bit once you get some details. So let's just skip it hai?
The most important piece of detail you need to know is that who is a target. Ms. Johnson reaches into her jacket pocket and removes a photograph, which she discreetly places on the table and slides into your view. This is the most recent photograph I have. Her name is Catherine Westmore. Within three days time, I need you to get the girl and deliver her, unharmed, to a second team who will be awaiting your arrival at a safehouse in the Aurora Warrens. This is very important: not one hair on her head is to be touched. If she is hurt in any way, and I mean any way at all, you get nothing. Ms. Johnson pauses for just a moment to let that sink in. Once you’ve turned her over to the second team’s care, I’ll transfer the remainder of your fee.
When Ms. Johnson is done speaking, you take a moment to peruse the photo more closely before responding. The girl in the picture is clearly an Asian-Caucasian mix, dressed in a school uniform. Her smile is compromised by braces… and she can’t possibly be older than twelve. This is the target?
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Cursor immediately needs to know more, he does his usual VR while sitting straight trick, using his contacts to keep an eye on RL.
Browse:Thread Browse (10d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2948529/)
Rating 4 Browse
4S Fade:fade reist (10d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2948540/)
1S Total
Data Search Catherine Westmore: Data Search 3 + Browse 4 + Analytical 2 + VR 2 (11d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2948549/)
Data Search 3 + Browse 4 + Analytical 2 + VR 2 (10d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2948550/)
Data Search 3 + Browse 4 + Analytical 2 + VR 2 (9d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2948551/)
Data Search 3 + Browse 4 + Analytical 2 + VR 2 (8d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2948552/)
Data Search 3 + Browse 4 + Analytical 2 + VR 2 (7d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2948553/)
Data Search 3 + Browse 4 + Analytical 2 + VR 2 (6d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2948554/)
Data Search 3 + Browse 4 + Analytical 2 + VR 2 (5d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2948555/)
Data Search 3 + Browse 4 + Analytical 2 + VR 2 (4d6.hits(5)=0) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2948556/)
Data Search 3 + Browse 4 + Analytical 2 + VR 2 (3d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2948558/)
Data Search 3 + Browse 4 + Analytical 2 + VR 2 (2d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2948562/)
Data Search 3 + Browse 4 + Analytical 2 + VR 2 (1d6.hits(5)=0) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2948563/)
25 hits
11 seconds later Cursor is back and better informed.
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Calico Cat couldn't believe it a kid, a fragging kid. Now she knew she couldn't turn down the job if the girl was in some kind of danger.
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Wilco, looks at the pic. Sends mata private message, target is a kid. That's kidnapping chummer. You need to try and get more info. Is she related to mrs. Johnson? Etc.... Wilco then looks up and comments "cute girl"
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Wilco sends a PM to group. Just to be up front, we do this and she hurts the girl. I'll have a beef to settle with Mrs. Johnson.
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Stryker still sits there silently, but he uses his trodes, hidden in his hair' to compose another message.
"I'm with Willco here. The girl cannot be harmed. If that's the reason, I'm not only out of the job, but against the Johnson. I'm a man of Honor. I don't just kidnap children, if there's no moral reason for it..."
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Calico looks at the picture again and her thoughts go back to a different time in her life. She immediately cuts off those thoughts, she can go get drunk later she has work to do. She then responds to her new team.
"I'm hoping this is a rescue job and this woman is the kids mother but I can't tell. If this is kidnapping well...Mrs. Johnson is going to meet the business end of my gun." She then pauses for a moment before commenting on what Stryker said. "When would there ever be a moral reason for kidnapping a child?"
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"I'm putting a dossier together already. Let's put it this way, DNA extraction to Distraction to keeping her safe, fine. I doubt it's to kill her. I don't like it though. And Cat, Wilco, even if the jobs bad, even if she hurt the girl, attack a Johnson and you might never get work again.
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Eleven seconds of silence at the table full off people really make an awkward atmosphere. She's looking at each off you.
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Cursor was able to find following:
1. Catherine Westmore is a daughter of Donna Westmore (researcher at Federated Boeing)
2. She is studying at Holm Elementary School (one of Denver’s most prestigious public schools)
3. The girl was born blind. Her eyes were replaced to correct this.
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Wilco, looks at the pic. Sends mata private message, target is a kid. That's kidnapping chummer.
'In every sense of the word, yes' Mata texts back.
Mata reaches for the lighter and cigarette case before feigning a faux pau. "Sorry" he says as to excuse the forbidden material "I'm rather unused to these types of meeting held in such an upscale location." Mata leaves them on the table, the lighter fixed on the Johnson. "With the short flood of texts from my comrades here, we are in agreement about the safety of the package. It seems very fragile, and while we can guarentee...with not an unreasonable amount of certainty that we can deliver said package unharmed, it begs two issues. The first and by my comrades most important issue is the safety of the package once delivered." Mata let that hang in the air a short moment. "The second issue is to the amount of extra care we must administer in performing this. That being said, it isnt unreasonable for us to discuss both the issues of such care and the additional costs that might be incurred, is it?"
Mata texts: 'Lets see how comfortable we feel with the answers before we make any decision...soka?'
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So ka. I'll repeat. Your job is to perform the extraction and deliver the girl. From that point it is another team's responsibility. She paused for a moment. I have every intention to keep the girl unharmed.
As far as you're able to tell via lie detection software or aura assenssing she is not lying on this and seem to be determined about that.
The other part of your statement is part of fee negotiation, we'll be rolling about that, for now we are accumulating the modifiers - I'll post them in other thread. We may roll now, but it will make the price final regardless of further info you might get from the conversation.
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Cursor was a Technomancer first and a Merc second. He signed up to -escape-- being corpnapped like others. Especially tales of old otaku, some still kids, getting their heads cracked open. Not to mention Celine... She'd only just been taken...
"You better be about to tell us a phenomenally good reason. Before you shoot me down by threatening to find another team, you know any team you can trust not to harm a kid will question kidnapping a kid, so you'll have to explain to someone eventually. Might as well be us."
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Ms. Johnson if you'd be so kind. You better be about to tell us a phenomenally good reason, Ms. Johnson. And no you don't need to know reasons - you are either in or out. And yes, there are others. You're just first recommendation. New faces, effective, that's all.
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Calico is annoyed she could use that money rent and gear aren't cheap.
"Well this does not appear to be a job I'm willing to take. If you all could send me whatever data you've collected on Ms. Johnson and the girl I'd appreciate it. I think I'll check out the girl and see if she's in danger or if I threw a good job out."
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[Calico receives the dossier i put together when ever i get to do that 15 minute data search]
Cursor's eye visibly twitches. "Take the job MT/Stryker/Wilco/Cat. I'll go to make sure you're safe but I don't like this. BUT we won't screw up, another team might. I' just want to make sure the girls safe for as long as possible..."
"Ms. Johnson, I'm in, Ms. Johnson............Ms. Johnson."
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Mata Tabi nods his head in affirment as he speaks not as much to her as to the others in the team "I'm in. We're the best team to ensure the child is delivered safe, and as it's the intention to have the event happen regardless of who performs it, I sadly accept that fact and will use whatever assets available to deliver her unharmed."
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Calico hated jobs where morals get called in it only messes things up. She knew the job would get done either way and there is a possibility its not a kidnapping. Plus if it turns out to be a kidnapping and they still try to do the job she can kill them and protect the girl.
"I'm in."
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After short but intense round of negotiations she looks at each of you in turn starting from Cursor, and finishing on Stryker. We've agreed then on thirty thousands nuyen, three thousands upfront. You will withing three days bring the girl to the safehouse at this address in Aurora Warrens.
Regardless of the individual decisions of Stryker and Wilco I assume you didn't make an exit, but at least made a stay until the end of the dinner, since she is paying.
All I have for you is the name and the photograph. I’m sorry, but I just don’t have much else to go on with this one. The only other thing I can tell you is that her mother’s name is Donna Westmore. She’s a wage slave at Federated Boeing.
Once all the particulars of business are out of the way, you had time to enjoy quiet savory meal with Ms. Johnson. You make small talk about the weather, Denver gridlock, and last night’s Combat Biking match. All in all, it’s a nice little calm before the storm you know is coming. Your new employer is also a breath of fresh air: there aren’t many Johnsons who can put aside the business just like that and let themselves be a metahuman. She is very careful not to give away too much, however, and despite your solid hour of conversation it all ends with you not knowing one more piece of pertinent information about her than you knew before you walked into the grill.
It all ends with a round of fantastic cinnamon apple sopapillas and coffee. Then, you all stand together and make your way out of the restaurant. As you step out into the parking lot, Ms. Johnson casts you a glance and says, This is where we part ways. She removes her car keys from her pocket, looks each of you over one last time, and then gives a satisfactory little nod. Good luck. I’ll catch you later.
Catch? a man’s voice chimes in. You turn your head to see a group of men, dressed in gang colors, approaching; and they don’t look too happy. The speaker continues - The only thing you’re catching any time soon Lady Jade is a one way ticket straight to Hell.
You know what’s coming now. They draw their weapons. You draw yours. Everybody fires. Looks like it’s time to throw down.
And it was shaping up to be such a wonderful evening...
Anyone with underworld knowledge make a test to recognize the gang colors. (1).
Make initiative rolls.
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Underworld Politics 3 + Logic 5 (8d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2953774/)
Initiative (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2953776/)
Initiative 11
What kind of action is getting in the nearest cover?
"Wilco! Van! Now!"
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Underworld Politics 3 + Logic 5 (8d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2953774/)
The toughs are members of The Godz, Denver’s premiere go-gang.
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wilco nods that hes in.
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Mata's hand hovers over the small revolver before pulling it up palms out and begins to harmonize his pitch. "Whoa! Whoa! Whatever this is, It can be handled without violence." Mata isnt entirely sure of that fact, but atleast he can get his team some time to think of a way out.
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Calico looks at the gangers then at Johnson seeing neither looked very happy. "Handled without violence? Yeah like that's going to happen." After saying that the Savalette Guardian in her right sleeve comes sliding down right into her hand.
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Wilco, grabs the dinner knife he was eating with and makes a bee line for the exit to get to the van. He is looking for cover as he is making his exit. Dodgeing and weaving his way around people. times like this he's glad to be a dwarf hoping that his small size will atleast make it harder to spot him. If he happens to spot a fire alarm on his way out he will pull it. Then he sends a message to his teammates anyone close to the breaker box, if not Cursor can you take out the lights. I'll be at the van, preparing a drone to launch. Wilco, thinks a fly spy drone will be handy.
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Thanks Cursor, I apparently missed that detail.
Wilco then luanches a flyspy drone and will get the MP-5 out. Asks everyone if we want a fight or just grab the Johnson and get us all out of here. I do have an oil slick with the van if need be. It' will be difficult for them to follow us. He then addresses the situation, if we need to fight I can roll out the doberman, that should get their attention.
Init= 11
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"I vote get the frag out of here."
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"I vote get the frag out of here."
I won't be running from scumbags like this.
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Stryker turned, with quicksilver reflexes fueled through the elf's sheer willpower, and jumped forward towards the nearest cover, with magic arcing and swirling in his eyes. A huge arc of liquid spellfire jumped from his hand towards the at the front. He saw the Johnson reacting as fast as he did... Hoping that this won't make her a target, Stryker decided to try and get the enemy's attention. He had a good idea how to do that...
"Always take out the leader first. It weakens morale, reaction and maneuverability of the enemy squad. It's like blinding, deafening and dumbing down your opponent. And if possible, do it in a way that will strike fear in the hearts of his subordinates." - his Combat Tactics trainer voice roared like distant thunder through his head, as the arc of massive, almost uncontrollable power surged through the Spellweaver's body, burning like liquid silver. With the sound of the very threads of reality torn, and roaring, unstoppable power of the Manastreams the spell surged from Stryker's hand, hitting the enemy leader with massive force, pouring liquid magic into his body in deadly amounts.
Everyone saw the magic and light show - that was probably visible from a few blocks away - and most Awakened and spellcasters in the victinity suddenly flinched for a second. The team felt the surging magic also... But Stryker was an F/X like from a Karl Kombatmage trid. His hair suddenly turned pure silver, and silvery mist poured like smoke from his eyes. His voice distorted felt like a mental thunder that everyone heard. "Cover me!"
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Wilco, shoots "Dammit chummers get in the van, so we can get the F@#K out of here." Then he reaches for a beer pops the top and as soon asw the last team member enters the van. He slaps it in gear and halls A$$. He sends the OCC comment to team on PM. As wilco is leaving if there are any gangers in his way he runs them over.
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As soon as the led starts flying Calico is setting her sights on the man in front. She lines up the shot and squeezes the trigger but then a blast of power flies past her and impacts on her target making her miss if the shot hit. She immediately takes off toward the van that picked her up earlier that day.
Fragging mages and their light shows. she thinks to herself while running. When Calico gets to the van she stops before getting in, crouches, and turns around. Seeing a ganger start moving toward Stryker she aims, her cybereyes zooming in on the man and squeezes off another round. Her target hits the ground dead a bullet right through his heart. Calico then hears a bullet fly past her head. Spinning slightly to the right her eyes focus in on another target. Bang. Thats two.
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With their lieutenant gone, the remaining part went fast. Ms. Johnson or Lady Jade as they have called her knelt down and efficiently one by one removed the thugs. Loud, fast, and brutal is the name of the game. The Godz bodies are laying around. The blood and gore in plenty. The remaining ones bloodied hurriedly left the scene.
Lady Jade holsters her sidearm and turns to face you. Thanks for the help. You’ll get a little bonus for that when all this is done, I promise. Her eyes dart around the parking lot, and up and down the street, scanning for more trouble. For now though, we need to move. PuebSec’s bound to show up soon. She looks at you again. Go on, get out of here. And good luck. With that she heads to her car hastily.
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"Grab whats nearby then let's buzz Turbo. Someone yank my bolt out of that guy, it's reusable."
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Calico's eyes zoom in on another ganger and she claims her third life of the day. Seeing the last of their enemies run off she shakes her sleeve open wider and her pistol disappears up it. Running over to over to the dead leader she relieves him of his weapons and ammo. After doing the same to a couple more of the dead men she gets in the van.
Grabbing her black duffel bag Calico sits down in the back and goes to work. She ejects the clip and empties the chamber of each gun then thoroughly goes over them with her Tag Eraser making sure there where no RFID tags in them. She does this while waiting for the entire team to get in and someone to start the conversation on their new controversial job.
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"I'll search "Lady Jade". Might shed some light, you guys just drive the hell out of here."
Cursor dropped into VR.
Will roll when i go home tonight
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Mata couldn't help but be impressed by the Gilette...lady Razorgirl, but a sobering thought emerged, possibly from so many years of being culturally Japanese and Yakuza. The fact she did anything was more than the filthy Trog had, so obviously his perception of her was skewed from that fact. Mata walks to Stryker "I put one in him for good measure, a bit late I must admit. I am glad you are unhurt Stryker-san." Mata helped with the collections and then entered the van. Watching the woman work he ventured a conversation. "I hope you're smart enough to dump those weapons quickly. Any bodies on those, will get attributed to you if caught with them." Mata knew he could come of condesending at times, but it was solid advice none-the-less.
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Wilco suggest driving to another location. As peer the. Occ thread comment. Wilco suggest that we are start ringing up our contacts to see what info. Is out there that we can find. Wilco has no problem driving to his place and parking in the garage. Wilco contacts his bartender contact and orders a couple more cases of beer. Inquires about the gangers and also ask his contact if he knows of anyone that has had negative dealing with a person named lady jade. The other two topic questions are in the OCC thread.
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"Huh? Camera? I'll look around. You lot look for physical evidence of camera to point me in the right direction, I can't just "know".
Checking for camera nodes: Comp 3 + Analyze 5 + Tech 2 + VR 2 (12d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2961161/)
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Don't worry this Isn't my first job. Wipe them clean of tags, then sell them to or through my dealer, who sells them to a gun runner who then finally sell them to people elsewhere in the world where the bodies on these guns won't matter. Calico Cat responds in a smooth voice not even looking up from the gun she's working on.
"Plus" With a few movements she puts the pistol back together. Then holds it up by the barrel. "If I kept one and got caught anything on these guns wouldn't really matter compared to some other things they would find." She makes eye contact with Mata though her sunglasses stop him from actually being able to see her eyes."That's why we runners shouldn't get caught." After that Calico Cat spins the pistol in her hand and sets it down next to her. She pulls a briefcase out from under the seat where she set it when they picked her up. Calico doesn't open it but she looks at the locks and makes sure nothing's been tampered with, then puts it back under the seat.
She pulls a knife out of her left boot and takes a sharpening stone out of her bag. Then Sitting back Calico Cat takes to sharpening the blade waiting for them to get to wherever the van was heading.
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Stryker entered the van immediately after the shoot-out ended. He sat in the corner, motionless while his Astral body tugged at the threads of the Manastreams to erase any sign of his presence. He worked hard, knowing the stunt he managed to pull - he was amazed at it himself - wouldn't be easy to hide. He briefly though of summoning a spirit to help, but that wouldn't be something he'd like to be bothered for.
After the group finished cleaning the thugs of their junk, Stryker worked till the van with his body started to move. That was his cue - he jumped back to his body with lightning speed, and opened his eyes.
"That was almost too easy. Makes me wonder... Those punks wouldn't be able to kill 'Lady Jade'. She'd manage to fend them off at least. I'm curious... " He turns his head to Mata. "Don't worry. I take no debts from teammates. There is no giri here... More like guanxi." He smiled at the rest of the team. "I'm starting to think this was a fortunate chain of events that lead me here. Good to have people I can count on. That's why I hope this job isn't what we think."
At the same time he was sending Cursor a private message. "Can you have one of your invisible friends keeping tabs on the girl? I though of summoning help myself, but that wouldn't be something they can't notice..."
-
Wilco's garrage is the actually The Wilco's Garrage". You can see the neon sign from a block away. He is running there a tool shop and with nearby street gangs paid off this actually is a nice living place. Conviniently setup several hundred meters from the main grid lanes allows quite high disappearance chance.
The shop is closed but the remote control open the main entrance and as soon as you drive in a small drone begins cleaning the van.
A moment later delivery boy arrives with two crates of beer, cashed the payment and left you to you devices.
The gate closed again, trid set in the shop corner fired up a news channel - so far nothing about the gunfight near the Rattlesnake, but that is bound to happen soon anyway,
Hoi Wilco, what's up? Got a new delivery of European beers. And believe me they anythign but that soya or synth crap I have to serve. Still They're costly bunch. 200 yen for a dozen of bottles. But decide quickly. The supply is limited, and flows like water. He listened for a while to Wilco's questions, pondered a second and replied. Jade's an independent arms dealer, and she’s got about as sizeable a market share as you can hope to get in this business going it alone. And if you ask if she has any problems with gangs, I might tell you something, but you know, this info has pricetag attached.
Wilco - it will cost you 50 yen to make him tell you.
-
After that business he inspects the van to make sure it didn't recieve any or atleast not much damage from the fight. comments that Stryker is right the fight was too easy, ewandering if were getting pushed into a direction, just incase we weren't originally totlally committed to the job.
Wilco, thens starts to have a private discussion with himself.( he mutters it loud enough for teammmembers close to hm to hear. "No prroblems kid napping a wageslave and delivering them to a Johnson, but this is a kid. at what age does it make a difference. Why do I care if we can do the job better and protect the kid umm(target) better than another team. At the end of the day it's a paycheck. no more or no less. I have paid a price for every rotten job i've ever done. I hope in the end the price for this jon isn't too high."
-
"I would like a shippment of the Europeans beers and a few quality smokes if you got them." I pay him the 50 nuyen again leaving an extra 20. "Hey man you got any peanuts?" Chummers we have some good stuff coming. He grabs a six pack beteter than the usual anyone care for one.
-
Packing now. The smile on his face made his eyes looking almost like nuyen signs.
As fro the gangs, she has a clash with Godz - yes that's the go-ganger that tremble entire Denver - they used to make a pretty profit protecting her incoming shipments. Don't ask me how do I know that. A few weeks ago, she ended their business arrangement and brought in the Zombies to fill the void.
Twenty minutes later a delivery boy rang. and brought another crate of beer bottles and a paper bag full of chips and peanuts and a few cheese crackers.
-
Stryker looks at Willco for a while, like he wasn't entirely sure what to say. After that while he speaks up, and sounds quite confident...
"It doesn't. Kidnapping is kidnapping. And doing anything to a child is... vile. I've seen a child kidnapped, ransomed and rigged with implanted explosives. I had to cut the girl open and pray that she won't bleed to death, because there was no other way she could be saved..." You hear a surprisingly large amount of anger as the elf talks. He probably noticed that he's getting all emotional, and paused for a while.
"Whatever happens, if Jade just wants to take revenge, or ransom the child to get something from the mother... Well, then I'm going to stop her. Doesn't matter we were hired - some things money can't buy. Without them, you're just a lowlife thug who just has more skills and gets paid more than the average murderous scum. Just look at the whole deal with the Black Cats. Did they loose anything by having principles and honor? We're a team now. We need rules. We need to draw the line, even if we already crossed it. Stepping back wouldn't be a mistake. It would be fixing one... People who count will understand. People who won't don't matter - we wouldn't want to work for them anyway..."
-
{Health: 0 / 12P and 0 / 11S damage, No Wound penalty, No Dumpshock penalty, No Sustaining penalty} | {Edge: 1 / 2}
{Defense: 3; Initiative(VR): 8(11); IP's: 1(3)} | {Ballistic Armor: 6; Impact Armor: 6} | {Sustained threads: None R-,} | {Registered Sprites: Paladin 1/2 Tasks "Guard Styker's node." R3, Machine 4/4 Tasks. R3, Crack 6/6 Tasks. R3 | {Compiled Sprite: None R-}
"Right.. restaurant first."
Thread Stealth: Thread Stealth (10d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963386/) GLITCH, I'll double the fade damage if thats ok?
Stealth 7, 4P Fade: Fade Resist (10d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963389/)
2P Overall, Machine sprite sustains it.
Turn 1
IP1: Ask crack sprite to assist exploit for 3 turns.
IP2: Hack on the fly Target 7 : Hacking 3 + Exploit 5 + VR 2 + Assist 3 (13d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963394/)
IP3: Hack on the fly Target 7 : Hacking 3 + Exploit 5 + VR 2 + Assist 3 (13d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963396/)
Turn 2
IP1: Comp 3 + Analyze 5 + VR 2 + tech 2 (12d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963399/)
IP2: Delete footage
IP3:Data Search Access Log: Thread Browse (10d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963444/)
Browse 4, 4S fade: fading (10d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963447/)
2P overall.
Data Search 3 + Browse 4 + Analytic 2 + VR 2 (11d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963449/) I'm looking for traces of myself, in the last 6 seconds so that should be enough, if not Data Search 3 + Browse 4 + Analytic 2 + VR 2 (11d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963450/) and bump everything down an IP.
Turn 3
IP1: The access log rules aren't great, it hasn't been 5 turns (unwired p.65) so the logs haven't been updated yet so I've no trace of m login to delete but waiting around 2 more turns makes no sense, can we assume I can cover my tracks by using the action to make sure it doesn't update? Delete Raw Log Data? Ignore next Log out? it says hackers can do it, but not how.
IP2: Log Out then Renew Assist Exploit
IP3: Hack on the fly Target 7 : Hacking 3 + Exploit 5 + VR 2 + Assist 3 (13d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963467/)
{Health: 2 / 12P and 0 / 11S damage, No Wound penalty, No Dumpshock penalty, No Sustaining penalty} | {Edge: 1 / 2}
{Defense: 3; Initiative(VR): 8(11); IP's: 1(3)} | {Ballistic Armor: 6; Impact Armor: 6} | {Sustained threads: Stealth R7,} | {Registered Sprites: Paladin 1/2 Tasks "Guard Styker's node." R3, Machine 3/4 Tasks. Sustaining Stealth 7 R3, Crack 4/6 Tasks. R3 | {Compiled Sprite: None R-}
Turn 4:
IP1: Hack on the fly Target 7 : Hacking 3 + Exploit 5 + VR 2 + Assist 3 (13d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963469/)
IP2: Comp 3 + Anlyze 5 + VR 2 + tech 2 (12d6.hits(5)=0) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963475/)
IP3: Comp 3 + Anlyze 5 + VR 2 + tech 2 (12d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963477/) "Oh THERE it is."
Turn 5:
IP1: Delete footage
IP2: Data Search Access Log: Thread Browse (10d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963486/)
Browse 2, 2S Fade: Fading (10d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963490/)
2P Overall
Data Search 3 + Browse 2 + Analytic 2 + VR 2 (9d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2963492/)
IP3:Cover tracks again
Turn 6
IP1: Log out
IP2: Back to meat
Hack took 16 seconds. 4 analyse attempts for you Sent.
"I've done my best."
-
Two and a half hours later, Cursor went off the van, looking tired. That's all I was able to find on Lady Jade.
Over the past two years, the Lady’s managed to secure a huge piece of the independent marketplace, and she counts some of Denver’s top tier buyers among her most loyal clients.
She wasn’t always an independent operator. She likes to make it look like she’s green, that’s how she keeps people off guard. But trust me, she’s not.
Her real name is Junko Tetsuya. She cut her teeth working as a fixer for the Yamato-rengo, and walked out with enough of a contact web to secure her power in the Denver region.
The day (Monday) is coming to an end with evening turning night. Three days from now (by the end of Thursday or earlier) you should deliver the girl to fulfill the job.
-
Stumbling out of the van, "We're taking the job.. it's just a hunch but I think it'll be all right Stryker...urgh" He held his head. "Think I need your help again, sorry."
-
Stryker takes a look at Cursor, and it's not the usual, nice kind of look. He unpacked his MedKit and started working on Cursor...
"I'm sorry, Cursor, but a hunch it's not enough. This is beginning to feel personal to me. I won't kidnap a child. And I don't think you guys should too. There are things you just shouldn't have on your heart... Besides, that Jade lady is still an enigma to us, we need to know more. I'm going to try finding out more through my channels. I don't trust her. I though that maybe it's a family matter, or something like that..."
Stryker checks out the biomonitor readout, and applies the proper medical procedure, trying to keep the parameters steady, and excluding a few chems that could mess with brain and neurotransmiter chemistry.
Logic(4)+FirstAid(1)+Medkit(6)-Technomancer(2) (9d6.hits(5)=5) Enough to heal 3 boxes of damage (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2966314/)
Looking at the biomonitor ARO blinking and turning green in all areas Stryker managed to smile a bit.
"To be honest, it's my fault. I should've called out that I pass. But I was scared. That corp that's after me... Well, I don't want them to get their hands on me while I'm breathing. It scares the crap out of me. So I failed to speak my mind, because I feared that she might be one of them... Hell, I was scared of Mata when we first met."
Stryker packed his MedKit, and patted Cursor on the shoulder.
"Nothing major this time. A few bleeders, but the kit was enough. No need for magic..."
He sighs, and looks at the rest of the team.
"I know that might be something you will not approve, but let's say we want to earn some money, and keep our hands and consciences clean... and we turn to the target's side. We might be able to squeeze enough money out of them, and not involve ourselves in dirty, immoral work. We're Shadowrunners, not common criminals."
-
"Thanks Stryker." He nodded at the mage. "MT looks like you'll need to work your connections really well
-
When they get to the shop Calico Cat looks at the neon sign and sighs shaking her head. She sends a message to Rick The Arms Dealer.
Hey old chummer you know anything about a Lady Jane, obviously an alias, a Catherine Westmore or her mother Donna Westmore. I've also got some possible merchandise to sell. Nothing fancy just some basic thug gear. I'm still looking them over but I'll get back to you another time about them. That old friend always demands to have his job in his title Back when we were mercs it was Rick The Mercenary. Yep that crazy guy, one of the only friends she has left. Another sigh leaves her mouth.
"I seem to be sighing allot these days."
She shoots off another message to Rick The Arms Dealer. We should go get a drink sometimes. I need someone to carry me home when i get completely smashed. After this job though its fishy I need to keep my focus. She sighs once more."Hope we finish this job quickly and save the girl I need to drown my memories in alcohol."
-
At the same time Stryker sent a message to Stalker, Lena and Mr. Falcone, hoping one of them would have any decent info on Jade - he refused to call a gun runner and kidnapper a lady. He was trying to be as courteous as possible, knowing they don't think much of him yet...
-
Hoi Sister, always happy to join the drinking contest. Bring the stuff with yourself. We'll dispose it first and then go drinking. Lady Jade is a major one lass and a competition at that. Intouchable kind until lately - Yakuza linked. Very loyal to her clan, and you know those Yakuza. They take their loyalty seriously, to a fault I’d say. I know nothing about Catherine Westmore though Donna Westmore ring more bells though. I know a guy named Jack McPherson retired from active duty and she hired him. He was bitching about it in the Military Central in UCAS. Taking orders from a pretty lady must be pain if she don't know the business end of gun form the other. I can ask around for him if you want.
Stalker and Lena provided Stryker with no info (Stalker was unavailable at all) while Lena courtly replied that she is selling guns, and that there is little more she can tell. The access to Falcone was a little bit restricted but in the end you confirmed most of the information provided by Cursor and Codac plus one more. The rumor in the shadow is cruising that Jade is an independent now, and she never really had aspirations to be an independent. To quote: "Something must’ve happened to make her walk away. Something bad. Whatever it was, I’d bet money she hasn’t forgotten. Or forgiven."
The above had in total costed you the 300 yen.
-
Stryker without a word took a few items out of his backpack, and threw them on the van's floor. Surprisingly, those were I-Ching pieces, and after a silent moment a ghostly figure of an old, corpulent Japanese woman of granthmotherly posture materialized. She looked at Stryker - and the others - with a smile that was as creepy as it was meaningful, and the meaning was different for everyone. Stryker bowed low before her, his forehead touching the floor, and staying there while he was talking. It was in Japanese, so those who knew the language heard him greet her, an 'Ancient and Wise Grandmother of Scrolls' and asking about what the fates had in their game for them and that particular child, if they would stand on the side chosen, and what if they did the opposite, and took pledge to protect the child...
-
The woman didn't listen, or at least didn't seem to, because of her constantly moving eyes and head. She examined every piece of metahumanity in the room looking deep into their essences as if following the strings that linked them. Her head from time to time turned at the angles impossible for a human, reminding you of an owl. An old Japanese owl. Creepy.
She took her time, leaving Stryker at the bow.
A glimpse of future it is then. The streams of fate flow like the streams of mana my child. You wave them into pattern. Or rip the thread. Or split the thread into two. But the thread of fate exists as is the mana flow existing and you can change it if it already woven into pattern, ripped or split, much the same as you can't undo the spell that has been cast and done. What make you think my child, there is a difference? The pattern is made, so is your decision made and with that decision and that pattern her fate is sealed.
She drew something on the scroll, and when she finished you see a girl from the picture. She is sitting in the corner, her cyber eyes focused over something and there is huge shadow of a metahuman over her.
She listen or don't listen for another question, but reply anyway.
A glimpse of past it is then. An easier task, watching the pattern is only as hard as the distance is far and the meaning clear. See this man. She draw a picture of samurai, his face shadowed by the hat, kneeling before his house with a woman kneeling by his side holding two children. All into the peaceful picture of a farmhouse. And see the other men. She draw another samurai with his back bare and a large dragon tattoo on his back. And see this women. At the distance she draw two figures of women one of them in geisha outfit but both too far to discern any details. And see the child. She draw a cute, looking like the five years old blindfolded girl. Walking in the central part of the picture between all the figures.
Both scrolls falled into the ground before Stryker. She disappears.
-
Stryker sighs heavily, looking at the scrolls with his unfocused eyes...
"Well, this is new. She never did this when my Sensei called her, and the divinings were cryptic, but understandable... I'm just a stupid elf anyway, and I don't see the pattern. I don't understand it at all... Anyone?"
-
alright chummers, wilco grabs 2 flash bang grenades out of his gear and places them securely on the drivers side of the van. then reaches over and grabs the MP-5 chambers a round, Claims that he always hates carring one in the chamber, but he hates the feeling abouut this job even more. After that the rant on the OCC thread hapopens and he grabs a notebook from the van and walks into his private quarters in the shop without another word said. Once there he begins to studty his notes on smuggling routes and looking for good places to hold up if needed.
-
"What? You don't get it? Seriously?"
He gets up and points at the first scroll. "We've got trouble, kid has a Bodyguard."
He waves in the direction of the geisha. "She's an illegitimate yak kid too. I better not have to explain where i got Yak from."
"Could be Jade's..."
-
"Makes sense to me but more likely Donna Westmore is the geisha. Bodyguard eh a friend tells me Mrs. Westmore hired an ex-military for something he's checking it out for me now." Calico says from her spot leaning on the wall.
-
"I'll check out Donna, Bodyguards, The kid and Jade again...."
He sat back down, "catch you in a few, gonna be out a while."
Thread Browse (10d6.hits(5)=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2968315/)
Rating 8 Browse 8P Fading: Fading (10d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2968318/)
6P Damage
He jolted out of VR, instantly after receiving his text to everyone else, grabbed the nearest container and vomited blood. "F-Frag! The matrix just hates me today... Sorry to call on you again so soon Stryker... Er... sorry about the bin Wilco..."
"At least i held the thread..."
-
Stryker was lost in thoughts, but he nonetheless unpacked his MedKit, and applied it to Cursor's forearm, starting up the procedure cautiously...
Logic(4)+FirstAid(1)+Medkit(6)-Technomancer(2) (9d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2968669/)
1 P damage healed.
He looked at the biomonitor for a while, and it obviously wasn't enough for him. He looked at Cursor with the unfocused eyes that the rest of the team already learned to notice, and jabbed him in the solar plexus with his right thumb.
Spellcasting: Magic(4)+Spellcasting(5) (9d6.hits(5)=6) The spell heals up to 4 P damage and will become permanent in (3*2)-2=4 rounds (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2968670/)
Drain Resistance(3S): Drain Resistance (10d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2968672/) Stryker takes 1S damage.
It doesn't hurt, nor does it paralyze Cursor like it should. Instead he feels the warmth of magic flowing through his body from the point Stryker's thumb hit. And the pain slowly fades away... In a few moments Cursor is feeling great again. No pain, no muscle spasms, nothing. Just an aftertaste of blood in his mouth.
"Here, that should do. I still don't want to kidnap the child. It could be like you say, but I doubt it. If this is a Japancorp, then the whole 'geisha' figure means the child's mother is working for them. We know that already. We know there's a decent bodyguard. And that Jade's hands definitely aren't clean... Do you guys trust her? I don't. Not with a child's life... You guys, we went through some together. I like you. So please, don't make me chose between my Loyalty to the team, and my Honor." You don't know how, but the kid(?) managed to sneak real capital letters into the last sentence. It sounded... Just true. Real.
-
To speed up. I've assumed no spectacular rolls on the Cursor side, just about the average. The remaining is coming for the Calico friend. The total cost of information is 600 yen. You may make the roll if you wish, if you make an exceptional one - above 32 hits you'll save 200 yen out of this. Mata has also pulled some string to learn anything more about the Catherine.
By the morning Ricky called back.
Sister, you owe me one. But don't shout your gratitude. My head is banging. With that he send a file.
Combined with what Cursors was able to find you got the following picture.
Jack McPherson goes by the handle Frost, the breeder’s ex-UCAS Special Forces.- you got his commlink ID.
He used to run with a team that is based right here in Denver. Maybe you’ve heard of ‘em. They call themselves The Trinity.
Since about the month he’s a full time bodyguard for a Catherine Westmore. He carts her back and forth to school and baby sits her at home.
Business is real slow these days, his bitchings comes mostly from the fact that he had to take quite a cut in pay when he accepted the job and he isn't too happy about the arrangement.
Donna Westmore is on Federated Boeing’s payroll. She’s an aeronautical engineer. Probably works on some pretty heavy stuff. - you got her address.
She used to be on the short list for all the hottest club’s in the UCAS sector’s international district. Strange for a gaijin, but anyway few weeks ago she was struck off all the lists.
Cursor wasn't able to find anything more on the Jade or Catherine. But Mata was able to dig out the following:
The girl was born blind. Her mother paid an arm and a leg to have nature’s mistake corrected with cybernetics.
Word on the street is that she could have Yakuza blood in her veins.
-
Gracias old friend this should help. I'll talk to you sometime soon about those guns and getting a drink. Chau.
Calico cat puts her focus back on the group and tells them what she learned.
-
"Gah... We need to choose on which side we are. On the one that does what's right, or the one that thinks money justifies everything..."
-
I'll take the liberty of NPCing the Mata. Forgive me if the style is slightly different, you may say this is from his being upset at the turn of events.
Mata stood from the chair where he was sitting entire night, chainsmoking and watching you.
As usual his face was unreadable, lighted only with the flame as he lit another cigarette. Last one as you see.
Fare thee well bitch. I'm out my beloved freaks. I'm out of smokes and I'm out of the job. You're spiralling into the pits, and I won't be pulled down with you. Until you regain senses don't call me. We'll work on your reputation then.
It seemed as if he wanted to leave it unsaid, but then decided to speak anyway.
What are you thinking elfkid? but he did not let you aneswer That you're some kind of trid hero? that you're better than all of us? all that shit around? that morality makes you sexier? that it attracts shaman chicks?
Wake up call, fragger. You've just KILLED A MAN without an after thought on it. BEFORE he even attacked anyone with something harsher than words. Are you PROUD you make it happen looking so fast and so cool, the lighting, flashes and all? MAYBE he had a reason to do so? Maybe this fraggin' Jade cut the contract, and his child died becuase he hadn't have the cash to pay for the food or protection? We just killed FOUR man leaving their slitches and kids ALONE in this world, and believe me the shadows aren't nice for leftover chicks. THOUGHT about that? You ARE a killing machine equaly thoughfull as this gun that lay there.
Want more? How about that poor fragger, that we left in the Mafia boss house? You really believe he got out from there alive? Lying to yourself can get you a long way. Why didn't your morals kicked in by then? Were you thinking about that job even? What morally higher good can result from the deal between Mafia and a drugrunners? You asked, you care, you took the money and cut away. I know Yakuza is sponsoring schools for children in the district they protect. They do it and commit murders in the neighbourhood. Does it make them morally better in any way? TELL ME ANGELBOY!
What exactly is your moral allowance? Where is the FUCKING LINE? We may deal with criminals? We may steal from the evil japan sindicates, the megacorporations, source of all evil, and frag that they give the slags a reason to live and money so they could buy their daily soia rations for themselves and their children? They're sufficiently anonymous that your conscious doesn't protest on crime against them? Or maybe we can only protect poor people who can't do so themselves like from the go-gang rides and live on from selling their bikes.
We have all AGREED on this job. We KNEW this is the kidnapping. HERE are the fucking money we took. You'are looking for the second bottom, no problem from me, go for it. But FRAGGIN UP the fuckin' Johnson? Why not go to the cops and tell them? WHY?
FUCK! You want a life in this sprawl? Knowing no one in the shadows? No one to vouch for you? Feel like lacking enemies or something? Go to hell and have fun, I am not. My rep will suffer enough from the quitting, and I won't stay in your way if you want to mess with her. But I won't be pulled into this.
You have ALL said "I'm in" and so did I. I don't care about you slitch, even if you're good with the guns. He started with Calico and turned to Cursor. But you omae think it over again, and again if the conclusion do not came. You may not find a job after this one. You might even find the wrong type of payment, lead instead of gold.
Mata drops the rest of the cigarette, the Lady Jade's credstick and leaves.
To Stryker's astral perceiving eyes something has changed. Through the entire outburst Morrigan was there watching, and you feel her approval even if it wordless. Her presence is reassuring as to the right course of action you took.
For all rolls for the next 24 hours , Stryker has +1 dice.
-
Stryker's eyes went cold the very moment Mata started yelling. And they stayed this way, until he walked out. His face was an emotionless mask for the time. When their ex-face left, the elf spoke...
"There are rules. I have them. Even if i falter sometimes, who doesn't? It matters what you do in the end, when the time comes to choose right and painful, or wrong and cozy. Whatever kind of reasoning he'd use - those gangers attacked us. They would kill us as well, if we didn't act. And as for Jade... We didn't know her true intentions by then..."
Stryker sighed, and crossed his arms.
"Why am I even explaining myself? I'm not a kid. I never really was. And I'm not a criminal. Whatever they might say, we're free men, gods damnit. That's why I chose this line of work instead joining some bigger corp that would eat my former 'owners' just to get their hands on a trained killmage. To be free. And to get to keep my soul. And I can't do that to this girl, and keep it. That IS a threshold, and you guys know it..."
-
He looked at everyone's faces. "Oh okay so the asshole up and left."
He flopped into a chair for some VR. "I'll be out a while."
Returning from VR a long time later.
"Here's what I got.... Where's some food?"
After eating enough he sat back down.
"I'm with you. If we're warning the Mum I need to be on the top of my game. BRB."
How does he fall asleep so fast?
-
Finding the Donna Westmore commlink code was easy. Just a short trip to the public node of the Boeing's Federated and a quick query yielded results.
However on contact tries, you got info. Recipients unavailable. Autoreply at the headquarters said: Donna Westmore, I am on the business trip with limited access to Matrix connection. Please leave a message. I'll return the call as soon as possible. For information about my projects please contact respective junior projects managers. Message contained commlink codes to few people linked with meaningless project codename ("Eagle", "Panther", "Dolphin"). A short call to one of them confirmed that she is unavailable for another two weeks, travelling around Boeing laboratories in China. He usually return calls within two days.
-
Calico is silent throughout Mata's outburst just observing the others' reactions to it. After Mata walks out the door she just looks at it for a second then turns back toward the group.
"Didn't like him anyway."
She laughs slightly when Stryker says hes not a criminal amused at his attempt to lie to himself.
As they try to get in touch with the mother of their target she activates her right arm slide, ejects the clip and starts reloading the bullets she shot.
-
You dial up Frost’s commlink I.D. After a moment, he connects. His video feed stares back at you in your image link. Frost looks to be in his mid-40’s, with cropped whiteblonde hair. He’s currently wearing a crisply pressed, gray pinstripe Actioneer business suit. “Can I help you?”
-
Wilco, listens to Mata rant and comments as he is leaving "everyone has to have rules they play by, and harming a kid just isn't in the rules. Hell Mata even 98% of the sleze balls in this world respects that rule." Then turns to the group voice changes to a dead seriuos tone. "I may be alot of things that the fine upstanding people in this world would look down on. I know it. I'll be the first to admit it. Am I a Scoundrel? yea. Will I shoot first in a confrontation? You better believe it. Will I take from those that have? Yeah, I've done that too. But will I sit ideally by and witness a child being harm? Not while I'm breathing chummers. This mission for us may be over, I propose a new one begins. No payment we just get a little piece of our souls back. Face it somebodys team is going to get the child, ( Long Pause) Unless we stop them. Looks a Cursor, "I know your in it with the Yaks. And losing this paycheck is going to hurt! I can help a little not much but I do still have some left from the last run."
-
Stryker smiled, bowing to Willco slightly.
"Good. Then we're set. Cursor, I have over 8k saved, so we can help you with the debt. And you'll find out that we're better creditors than the Yakuza. Oh, and can you beam that, or send back to Jade? We don't want her money, do we?"
(...)
As soon as the feed showed Frost's face stryker bowed a bit - but only a little.
"My name is Stryker. You don't know me, I'm new in Denver. But I have information that would be vital to your work. The girl you're protecting is in danger. We were hired by a woman named Jade to kidnap her. But we decided that there's a line between shadowrunners and soulless bastards that we won't cross. So we quit. But the problem is, she either hired two teams to be sure, or will hire another when she hears that we quit... And as our Face didn't have enough soul to care about a child, she might hear it soon. Here's the info we have on this 'job'...."
Stryker punched an invisible button, sending all the collected data to Mr. Frost, including his recording of Jade's message.
-
I see... hadn't she be in danger I wouldn't be guarding her in the first place. Thank you for the information nevertheless. He browse the file you sent him in the second AR window.
Hmm... his bitchings comes mostly from the fact that he had to take quite a cut in pay when he accepted the job and he isn't too happy about the arrangement.
I need to talk to the guy I was drinking with yesterday...
I'll get back to you. There might be a need to proceed with a preemptive retaliation, but that's up to the employer.
he disconnect.
-
Just as he disconnected, Cursor receive a calling.
It's Ms. Johnson.
-
"Oh Frag it's Jade. Fraaaaag."
Straightening himself up, "Hello, Ms. Johnson. I'm afraid after some unforeseen trouble we will have to terminate our contract, we're now short-handed and would simply be unable to succeed. My sincerest apologies. We will of course return your advance."
-
Can I help you with that unforseen trouble? I trust this is not the money issue, we had an agreement. Still if it is that important I can't force you to work for me. I was warned that you're fresh to the shadows, so perhaps it should be expected.
But if you're that green as to quit the ongoing run, than maybe I need to remind you, that all details you were privied to are confidential with the standard penalty.
She accepts the transfer, and unless you want to add anything else she disconnect.
.
All of you got an immediate hit of 1 notoriety.
You returned 3000 yen of the advance
without the food and drinks that Wilco's paid from his own pocket, you paid 950 yen for legwork so far. Please distribute that between yourselves as you see fit.
-
The day passed uneventfully.
Frost declined offer to help him guard the kid. You've done your part. I'll do mine. I have all the angles covered.
By the evening however an owner of the Strykers' appartment came down to him.
Excuse me Mr. Stryker. Can we talk? He motions on Cursor and his things. He leads you to his own appartment upstairs. The month is ending and I've heard rumors, something about you not keeping the deals.
-
Calico Cat hefts her duffel over her shoulder and grabs the suitcase.
"Well chummers adios let me know if you ever need a gunhand." Calico says while leaving. As she walks out the door they hear her mumbling. Why couldn't it have just been some nice moral wetwork.
-
Stryker looks at him, and shakes his head. His conversation with Frost was short, and he decided to let Frost handle it. But he left him his number, just to be sure. And decided to keep a Watcher around the girl once in a while... He summoned one, and told it - a blue polyhedron of swirling manalines - to materialize in front of Frost, if he's alone, or just with the girl, and serve him as a third eye, also sending Frost a notice via commlink.
Summoning: Magic(4)+Summoning(3) (7d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2973720/)
Drain(2S)Drain Resistance (10d6.hits(5)=0) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2973721/) Critical glitch. I'll downgrade it to a normal one, and take 2S damage... =='
Forgot about the +1 to rolls: 1d6.hits(5)=0 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2973725/), 1d6.hits(5)=0 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2973726/); As usual...
When his landlord came over, he was trying to focus on an article about Denver spirit world, but with the echoes of the rouge Manastream he tried to draw upon still in his mind it wasn't easy. He listened, and tried to hide his irritation...
"Yeah, I knew that would come up sooner or later. I don't kidnap children. That's why our team bailed out on the job - it involved kidnapping a little girl girl. You don't want me to do something like that, do you? If you want me gone, I'll find some other place. If not - I'm able to pay. And I'd be more interested in better accommodations, if you have these. With a space for work, or better two..."
-
"I'm willing to help with some Matrix Security on this place to help with Rent."
-
Calico was first.
Calico wander out by the evening, from her house. Wondering if this is already over or not. The commlink stay silent. No calls, no run offers, even the standard matrix chatter died out, like she was being avoided.
Even Rick hadn't replied yet.
The evening came, and with it wageslaves started to disappear from the streets, giving place for a more nocturnal creatures. You suddenly see Rick The Arms Dealer, is sitting at the bench about fifty meters from you, down the the paved walking street. The shops are shedding lights on him. He doesn't seem all right, more like drunken or beaten.
on the other side of the street you see two street sams watching him, or rather not watching him but the surroundings. If they were expecting you, they haven't yet noticed you.
She checked to make sure her Wired Reflexes are on, and she usually keeps them on but better safe then sorry. Her eyes zoom in on Rick attempting to tell if he's hurt or not. This is just not my week I knew this job would bite me in the ass. Fragging morals. She thinks to herself. If the sams had any weapons, she wasn't able to see it.
Calico Cat shaked out her sleeves just to make sure in the event that she needs to use her hidden arm slides they're available. She then steps out of the shadow she was standing in and starts walking towards these punks who seem to have hurt her long time friend.
You seem occupied my friend, a soft woman voice whispered into your ear. at the same time you feel something hard pushing your back and hear the sound of removing safety from the gun.
No stupid moves - sit into the car. He'll be all right, wasn't us to violet his eye. But it played well.
As an orchestrated move a a green van parked. the door opened and a dwarf with a pistol in hand make an inviting gesture. Both sams fully aware of your presence turned toward you showing their HK MP5's close your way toward Rick. One going for clear shot against Rick, who seemed to be still unaware of anything happening around.
the van seems like the best option then So what's this all about. She asked entering. But as soon as she sit into the van the woman close in, and then there was an injection from the dwarf side. Everything went dark.
-
Wilco was second
Delivery boy brought another crate of beer. After the day like this he needed more than the usual amount to flush the regrets.
He popped out the beer. Drinked half with a first gulp.
His hand slumbered .. the bottle rolled over .. the beer was spilling on the floor .. so slowly .. oh so slowly ... and then eveyrthing went dark.
-
Stryker was third
When his landlord came over, he was trying to focus on an article about Denver spirit world, but with the echoes of the rouge Manastream he tried to draw upon still in his mind it wasn't easy. He listened, and tried to hide his irritation...
"Yeah, I knew that would come up sooner or later. I don't kidnap children. That's why our team bailed out on the job - it involved kidnapping a little girl girl. You don't want me to do something like that, do you? If you want me gone, I'll find some other place. If not - I'm able to pay. And I'd be more interested in better accommodations, if you have these. With a space for work, or better two..."
You talk as you go upstairs.
I don't really know the details, and you seem to be a good person, helping people and all. But I have a family on my own, so I must do such things sometimes ...
and you have another person occupying your room, that wasn't agreed, no?
As you enter the room of the appartments' owner and passed the door you felt something is wrong. The door closed, the owner duck behind the table.
A young fellow stepped out from behind the doors. We can make it peacefully or painfully - drop your weapons
Stryker looked at the guy with a smirk, as he answered to his threat. "Do I look armed to you?"
Yep, armed and dangerous magician according to my intel.
The spell hit from behind. Stryker felt the surge of power converging on his aura, but he raised his left fist, and with a sigh he quenched it with his own Mana. He felt the spell's power, so he spoke up before the mage behind him could repeat it.
"Please, stop it before you hurt yourself. I'm not that dangerous, as you can see. What do you want?"
To an almost comical effect. The face of the young men was expressing "You said you will have him down easily, moron" and a sigh in the same moment as Stryker "mages and their tricks" rushed to the attack swiftly dropping the mage prone and subduing him.
Half a second later he yelped in pain as mana erupted from Stryker. Another second later the young man disappeared, and Stryker taken off the ground with an invisible burden hunging at his back slowly suffocating him.
On the Astral plane, a call erupted - cal for help to the souls of man surrounding the block. And the souls were plenty. And the spirtis of Man appeared in responce, but even before he finished to gather his energies, the links of mystic energy between him and Stryker were brutally cut dispelling him into oblivion. Another spirit closed in, an angel of wrath with glorious golden eyes and sparkling fists. Stryker despite his strugles had no chance, when they landed and slammed him hard. His head slopped unconscious.
The young men appeared again. Swept the blood that was spilling from his mouth, spit on the floor. "Finally, I thought he'd never give up"
-
Cursor got back to the Stryker's appartment from his city wanders. No job on horizon, which was pretty disappointing, but after last week, actually expected. His thoughts still on the kidnapping they have almost got manuevered into.
ping, ping, Cursor? A message arrived to his bionode. The cab is waiting outside. Green van. You have an invitation you shouldn't refuse. A pictures of Calico, Stryker and Wilco's are attached, all of them have closed eyes.
-
Assuming I'm healed up by now.
"Son. Of. A. Bitch." He grabbed his silencer while his cyberarm popped his holster, he screwed it onto the Pred IV and Re-holstered, all the while typing with his mind "On my way." He moved one bolt to his pocket, leaving the rest in his duffel bag.
Compile Sleuth Sprite R.4: Compile (6d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2978335/)
Sprite resist (4d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2978338/)
Compiled with 2 tasks, I'll buy hits on the 2S fading. Optionl CF: Decrypt.
"Trace this photo", he was heading out the door.
1 task left.
Going down the stairs.
"I may lose contact soldiers, be ready." He mentally saluted his sprites.
There it is, the green van... Horrible colour... He stepped over quickly, hands in pockets.
As a wage slave passed cursor bumped into him, tripping over and laying sprawled eagle on the ground, cyberarm under the van.
"Slot! Watch it man! You better get your doc to put in better eyes!
His mechanical hand pushed the needle into the undercarriage as he pounded his other fist into the van door, apparently in anger. The sound concealed he stood up.
"Get outta here you stuffed suit, before i teach you to watch where you're going." The bolt now lay in the gutter.
"Open up before another wagezombie pisses me off, can you believe that guy?"
Activator Nanites R.6:
Vector: Contact, Inhalation, or Injection
Speed: 1 minute
Penetration: 0
Power: 8
Effect:A new hazard in the Sixth World, intruder nanites are a
specialized form of nanoinfectors. Intruders are hard machines
that carry simple firmware and are designed to subvert electronic
devices and cyberware. Once deployed—normally in a sticky
gel solution—they seek out the nearest input-output electronic
circuitry and feed the processor preprogrammed instruction sets.
Since this is a hardware-based attack, it circumvents standard
device protections (such as Firewalls). Specific effects must be preprogrammed
when the system is acquired. Once inside a person,
intruders will latch onto the first cyber system they find (barring a
called shot this is left to the gamemaster’s discretion).
Intruders have no Signal rating and rely on physical contact. To
subvert a device the intruder nanites must win in an Opposed Test
between their rating and the target item’s Device or System rating
(see Sample Devices, p. 214, SR4). While the user can simply command
an infected device to behave normally, the intruders will simply
re-execute their instruction set on the next Combat Turn (and will
continue to do so until deactivated or ordered to stop). A tag eraser
or system reboot destroys all of a device’s active intruders. Most intruders
cannot defeat encryption, so are ineffective against encrypted
devices (gremlins, however, are unaffected by encryption).
Activators: Activators infect wireless-capable devices and
perform one of two simple, yet annoying tasks: They either subscribe
the infected device to nodes without the user’s permission,
or open the device to universal unrestricted access. Such changes
in access status are not necessarily apparent if the device isn’t being
directly monitored.
I'm going for subscription to me
-
Cursor was last
Before being invited into the van, two guns were pointed upon him (hold by a young woman and a dwarf), and a young man stepped out searching him out for weapons. Once completed he put on a cyber restraining manacles over the cursor arm disabling it.
Once inside a narcoject was applied. Standard procedure he managed to think and the darkness came.
-
You wake up sitting on the metal stools screwed to the ground. They are standing in a row, probably leftoever of some production line deassembled decades ago. You seem to be tied to them with a metal links in a way the prevents you from slumping from them, but allow to move your heads freely. Your hands are tied behind you using the same kind of restraint. Stryker has been blindfolded, so he cannot see the styling of the abandonded warehouse like the rest of you. He also cannot see Ms. Johnson sitting on the stool before you.
The area is matrix-free area, no coverage at all.
The area has also a negative background count of -2.
The area around you has been warded with a F5 barrier (Stryker can see the cubicle of wards built around you - just around you not around the warehouse)
Welcome drowsies. I can't believe that I've been granted the priviledge to meet you again. The newest star in the Denver's shadow firmament. The famous Quitters within my humble walls.
I can't believe you're so stupid as to spill the beans. If there is but one single thing you shouldn't have done it was to to tell anybody. I should have had you killed on the spot. And yet ... you saved my life. A debt for a debt, so you'll live.
I cannot let this happen again though, so some sort of reminder is in place. And that's why my mighty Quitters, I've gathered you here. Please bear no grudge to the fellows that has brought you here, nor for the punishment they'll extract on you very soon. The fault is all mine.
Your talkative mouths, have mightily increased the difficulty of the job that has to be done. Bringing you here has also been costly. You'll cover those expenses gladly I hope. For starter I'll have this magic trinket you have Mr. Stryker. she waves the sword you have seen him carrying. For the remainder costs Yakuza was so kind as to vouch for each of you. It seems that Mr. Cursor proven to be a reliable in terms of paying off debts.
Now you have proven that already, that you cannot be called rational in the most obvious meaning of the word, so I'll tell it straight. If I see you again, you'll be killed, if you but raise a finger against any of my operations, you'll be killed. I guess that expecting a confirmation now would be a waste of time so I'll leave you in most capable hands of your replacements. She nods to you, and leaves.
From behind you a young man and woman advance, with a dwarf standing aside with a medkit.
Regular bag punching begins. You soon learn the woman is called Jewels and the men Ruben. The dwarf's name is Dennis. You learn that because they freely chat among themselves, and generally treat it as a non-personal unarmed combat training. They are showing themselves punches and moves, on how to most effectively maim the opponent. As on offside comment you hear praises on what kind of fight Stryker put out, and what hell is to put down a mage without resorting to lethal force. There was a hint of admiration in the comments, that were only underscored by the punches.
The girl pounds at Calico and Cursor - hard luck, she may lack the skill but she seems to pack greater punch. Ruben unleashes his punches on Mata, Stryker and Wilco. Since this is the punishment you're meant to endure if any of you accidentally passes away Dennis step in, and skillfully sets you up online. All of this take a painfuly long time. By the end all of you are top-down, professionally beaten. Just to stand up will take one hell of self-motivation.
By the end there is nothing broken in you, just bruises and violet eyes that'll stay for several days if not weeks. Jewels and Ruben strikes highfive when all of you finally drop down to a barely alive level. Wiping the blood from the knuckles over the Cursor shirt, Ruben commented I hope you hold no hard feelings chummers, that's just a job even if it was fun. Whatever the Johnson says I'll buy you a beer if we meet. Somebody will free you soon.
Laughing aloud they leave. The lights go out. You hear the sound of locking gates.
As the silence finally approached (well the silence of the sprawl suburbs, you hear a distant traffic, a low flying plane from time to time, a gunshots now and then). You hear Mata Tabi sigh Thanks guys, I owe you a big one this time ...
To summarise your conditions:
- each of you have earned yourself an Enemy - Junko "Lady Jade" Tetsuya Connection Rating 3 and Incidence 1
- each of you have earned another notoriety point.
- each of you have also earned a street reputation point - even if they laugh at you now, they at least start to know who you are
- each of you is currently at 1 point of stun left and 1 point of physical left.
- each of you have 15 thousands nuyen debt against Denver Yakuza each, payable when possible, monthly interest 20%. You'll receive the visit to pay off half of the debt if it ever reach 30 thousands per individual.
-
Hours of waiting later, passed by cursing, nervous sleep, bickering at times you heard the locks have being undone, lights turned on.
Two young orcs run in and undid the metal bondings that have kept you sitting.
With tremendous effort, you didn't just slumped down on the ground, but kept face, and stood up. You almost hear the strain of you muscles.
The boys scrambled out as soon as Calico and Mata were free. Together they freed others. Your gear was laying in a heap nearby so you took it.
You made it outside the matrix deadzone. Calico called friend. The one that still counted. He was fine. Frost send someone to stone him good with a booze, and then to left him on the street for some beating from the nearby thrill gang. Nothing as serious as you did, and he accepted that you get some beating from time to time unless you're dead. Didn't even know he was being used during your extraction. Some young girl helped him get up from the street he was laying at. Bought him soycaf and asked him to wait until she call a friend to pick him. She hadn't returned. He was deeply shaken by the shape of Cat though and cursed for being stupid enough to be used like that.
He took his car, picked you up and drove you homes. On first night Mata, Chrona and Stryker slept in Wilco's Garage. Calico landed at Rick's place. All tries to refuse were denied.
The best care you're able to administer to yourself was to sleep. So you slept for 18 hours straight.
You ordered some medicines via the Garage agent and some food, applied them and went to sleep again. Next morning however you woke up to hear the news. They were bad and left you wonder what would happen had you not refused the job....
-
"Oh well done Jade. BRAVO."
Cursor punches a wall with his metal fist.