[Csjarrat]

It had been a fairly typical october afternoon for you. Grey, cold and desperately trying to stay warm in the shit-tip you called home. The landlord had been unreachable for a week, despite your best attempts and the heating was off AGAIN. your 'link lights up and a message terminal pops up on your AR feed: 
//Matrix Message Protocol 1.0.2b//<<Incoming message from::GrEeNw00d_002>>Mantis, you got a sec? Got a run for you, meet me in DataDump_109 VR bar on this node <<encrypted attachment>> for a chat//

[Scawire]

Mantis was holding his lighter dazzled by the flame as his body grabs a bit of heat from the fire when a comm message comes in. After reading the message Mantis doesn't waste time, he put on his Trode baseball cap  then cold sims himself on to the 'Trix.

In the matrix Mantis appears as an image of a blue oriental dragon wearing a white Chinese shirt with a black praying mantis on it's back side. Seems to me I got some work to do, it is about time maybe I can get a new heater for this place. Lets go see what Greenwood has in store for me. As those thoughts go through Mantis's head he streaks across the Matrix to the DataDump_109 and waits to see what Greenwood has in mind for a job.

[Csjarrat]

It takes barely a nanosecond to traverse the 'trix to your desired location, and when you arrive, a brightly lit neon room awaits.
The default music is pretty loud and by some electronica artist you don't recognise, though the node queries your icon with a terminal window to poll you on the choice of next track
<<next track vote: 1) Dubtek- ars technika 2)Brighton Beach- undergound 3) Rave Machine- Up all night>>

The bar itself is pretty sparsely populated, a variety of colorful icons hanging around the various booths and a particularly large dragon as the bartender are the only really notable attendees.

Yo, glad to see you, i'm in the backroom. head on through. <<user login details attached>>
A bright pink neon line begins to pulse under your feet, guiding you round the back end of the booths and to a doorway. an Authentication terminal window opens, scans your icon for credentials and accepts you into the "Back Room", clearly stylised on the old black and white 1950's trid's you'd seen.
This node requires a dress code, please choose your new icon from the list provided:
1) Business attire
2) Gangster attire
3) Smart attire
A row of booths runs along the left side of the room though only one of them is occupied, Greenwood (dressed snappily in a period suit and fedora) motions for you to join him and a pretty waitress comes over to your table to take your order.
Greenwood orders a bourbon and looks at you with a wry smile..

<<Mantis, how you doing? not seen you in a while. Glad you could make it mate, got a milk run for you. I'm struggling to get hold of enough "gear" to meet my orders, and stuff keeps going missing off the boat.
My middleman's contact lands the stuff in a warehouse down in the East End and suspects a bit of unfair play from a rival. He's set up a sting tonight, and we need you to be the stinger. Pay is 1k and a bonus of 500 quid for any names, images, addresses you can get of any outside parties. The box is labelled up in Jap, but marked with an ultrasound reflective paint with the # sign.
Simple job really mate, find the box, watch it. Follow anyone who interferes with it. You get rumbled, well you know how to handle yourself right?
You in?

[Scawire]

Mantis shows up at the matrix bar hoping that this meeting will lead him to money, power and his lost wife but as Mantis knows that is not going to happen so one or more of his hopes is good enough. A poll shows up in Manis's view not being big on music but still with a taste for the harder music he decides to vote for Brighton Beach- undergound. Seeing that the bar is not packed to the teeth Manis is happy no need having a lot of cyber eyes looking his way.

With the message received from Greenwood Mantis sends one back.
---Ya I'm here I'll be right back.---
With his short rely sent Mantis heads back to the room seeing the need for a dress code he changes his VR image into an Orc that is sporting a violin case and a old school pin strip suit and hair slicked by with so much oil it could keep his bike running if he ever ran out of gas. With his new cyber threads in place Mantis walks into the black and white room.

With Greenwood getting a bourbon from the waitress Mantis asks for a gin and tonic.

<< I'm doing fine, I'm sorry I haven't been around the shop in some time I've being busy with a few odd jobs.>> Mantis pulls out a cyber cig, lights up and listens to the job offer. Once the comment "Simple job really mate" was said Mantis had a bad feeling in his guts, you learn from this job never to take the "simplest" jobs lightly any one can go to H3LL in a second and you best be ready for it.
<<Seems like someone is trying to take a piece of your pie, I'm sure I can do my part to help you out. One thing this middle man how much man power is he bring to this sting, also do you have any more info about him or his man power. The more knowledge I have the better I can gauge their help they can give>> Mantis takes a drag from his cyber cig running a cold sim the stuff still has the great burn to it.

<< As for the job I'm in. Just lay on me all the details, time location, any info on other personal.>> Mantis sits back in his seat and starts flicking his lighter on and off having to resist the temptation to find out if any of these matrix items would burn.

[Csjarrat]

The pretty waitress returns with your drinks and Greenwood takes a large gulp of his before answering your questions.
Yeah, well thats what we need to find out. who wants the pie, and why.
Like I said mate, this is a simple job, just an observe-and-record kind of thing, I'm not expecting you to hunt these fuckers down solo, so no heroics. What we need is names, faces, addresses, organisations/companies involved. We reckon this fake box is going somewhere within the east end, and I want to know where. Theres a bonus for you for the extra's, but if you need to knock heads with these boys, make sure you cover your arse, right?

As for the middleman, like all good middlemen, he doesn't want to be too involved in this whole thing. People give him the kit, then he gives us the kit. he gets a cut, everyone is happy. You have a problem out there, you get on the blower to me yeah?
I'll forward on the details now.
<<Encrypted Attachment>>

That's the warehouse you're after, abot 10mins walk from cutty sark station. Box arrives on a shipment just after 10pm, so you'll need to be around there a bit before then. like I said, its marked with a # in ultrasonic reflective paint so be prepared.
It's a little after 4.30pm now

[Scawire]

Mantis pounds back half his gin and listens to what his contact Greenwood needs done. Well Ièm in but I don't have any tech that can read the ultrasonic reflective paint if you would provide that to me I think I should get going to the site to get a look at the place so I know where the best vantage point is. Mantis puts away his lighter and sucks back the last of his virtual smoke. I'll do my best to get you the info you are looking for. Mantis downs the last of his gin and starts to run through how to get a birds eye view of the docks. My best bet is to use Speedy on this one since we are after intel Speedy should help me get closer with out getting noticed. Once I see the lay out of the docks I should be able to find a good spot to perch at to see the thief.

[Csjarrat]

<<Good stuff, as for kit, you can grab a set of ultrasonic kit in any hardware store mate. You'll need something that runs in active mode though. I can forward 100 quid as an advance if you need it, but it'll come off your total.
I gotta run, so message me if you need the advance <<User GrEeNw00d_002 Disconnected>>
Greenwood finishes his drink and disconnects from the room.

[Scawire]

With meeting over and the job description in mind Mantis logs off, but knowing that he doesn't have much nuyen on hand he sends Greenwood a text.

----------------Message----------------

To: Luke Greenwood
From: Mantis

I will take you up on that 100 nuyen advance I'm strapped for cash and this will help me out.

------------END OF Message---------

With the message on the cyber travel to Greenwood Mantis figures first thing to do it grab the needed gear and take a drive by of the location so he can get a heads up on where he wants to view the thief's from. Mantis grabs his Lined Coat and bike helmet, comm link and a few other pocket sized items and heads out. "Time to hit the electronics store I need a few things." As Mantis leave his apartment he double checks the lock heads down to the underground parking.Grabbing his bike Mantis makes his way to the closest electronics store to buy his gear.

After parking his bike and setting it's anti-theft system Mantis walks into the electronics shop with his bike helmet under his arm. Not wanting to waste too much time he heads over to one of the worker. "I'm looking for two thing two day and thought you could help me. I need myself a ultrasonic kit and a micro camera that is equipped with magnification." Mantis looks at the store owner as he starts to go through his comm link in AR to find what Mantis ordered. After a minute or two the store clerk gives Mantis the good news . "We do have what you are looking for sir. Let me show you." The two of them walk down a row of electronics and find what Mantis is looking for. First Mantis gets his hands on a camera then his ultrasonic kit. With both ready to go he pays the clerk the 300 nuyen it came to. "Great the run has just started and I'm already shelling out my own money." With a bow to the clerk Mantis heads back to his bike and drives to his second store this time he was in and out much quicker he grab himself a 5 nuyen roll of duck tape (good for everything).

With his three items stored in his bikes saddle bags Mantis decides to take a drive down to the docks where he will soon be doing his stake out. Mantis drives down Creek road and takes a left onto college approach. Seeing that he might have to walk he decides to head back to his apartment. Once back at his pad he grabs his map of London and zooms in on the area around the stake out and sees that there are alot of trees in the area that might be his best bet to stake out the docks.

Mantis thinks to him self on how much time he has. "If I didn't go shopping I could have summoned a helper spirit and bonded the thing to me now being the case I'm thinking I might not have the time or I might back drain myself. I guess I'll just get the camera ready." With that Mantis uses the duck-tape to attach the micro camera onto his bike helmet, doing his best to keep the area the tape covers to as small of area as possible. Mantis also decides to cast his control animal spell on his little friend speedy. " I might not be able to record what Speedy sees but if I need him at least I'll have some more eyes."

CASTING

Casting Spellcasting 5 + Magic 3 = 8 (Force 1)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4098710/ 2 hits
Resist Will 1
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4098711/ 0 hits
Drain logic 7 + Will 5 + Daredrenaline 1 = 13 TN (f/2)+1 = 2 or 1
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4098714/ 2 hits no drain


Mantis Locks the spell into his ring and gets ready for the stake out.
With his camera and ultra sonic kit linked to his Butler 2.0 comm link Mantis grabs his gear. 4 Stim patches, 3 psyche, snuff, a med kit goggles earphones comm link AR gloves, comm link, camera, sonic kit, and his armor form-fitting armor and his bike armor aka his stealth suit. With all his gear ready Mantis waits until 2 1/2 hours before the estimated time of deliver and heads out.

With Mantis riding his bike to the meet some thoughts cross him mind. "I hope the crowds of people will thin out I don't want too many people's eyes on me." When Mantis gets on site he parks on the street waiting until the people thin out enouph for him to click his stealth suit to invisible and his bikes camo to the same he will then try and slowly move into position. One of the reasons for coming so early was to get his bike and him stealthed and in position with out someone noticing. The position Mantis is aiming for is east of the greenwich pier near the Trinity Laban conservatoire of music and dance in the trees near the shore line. Mantis slowly walks his bike making sure to dodge anyone coming his way (if people are around still). If any one gets too close to him under the cover of his stealth suit he will have to influence the person with his spell to keep from them running into him. A force 3 influence with a step out of the way should work for these people. "I hope"

[Csjarrat]

//Sure thing, wiring it through to you now//

The shopping trip was productive, you managed to acquire some ultrasound capable goggles, which were on offer. These are expandable with two other slots should you need them in the future.
for game purposes these are R3 goggles, with one slot taken up for ultrasound

Speedy can't resist the power of your casting and gives in to your control. you can feel him actively pushing against your control though, for some reason, today he isn't happy.
The damp and cold weather seems to have put off most of the evening crowds and promenaders, not that its exactly the type of area for a nice evening walk. Most of the industrial units around here are derelict or in serious need of a lick of paint.
Your stake-out is long and boring, with very little interesting happening at your target.
From your angle, you can clearly see the back of what appears to be a derelict warehouse. a concrete jetty runs out of the rear access and you can just make out a solitary security camera covering the rear access. There is a small boat moored up on the right hand spur of the jetty, and the single large metal shutter door dominates the rear wall. some rusted equipment covers the landing and loading area adjacent to the jetty.

[Scawire]

Mantis leaves his camoed bike in hiding in some trees, makes sure his micro camera is on record and linked to his image link on his bike helmet. Mantis does his best to zoom in on the boat that is moored up on the right hand spur of the jetty in order to take a video of the boat and anyone in the boat. Mantis will keep creeping so he has a good view of the pier where the shipment is to arrive at, but at the same time keeping his distance. Mantis shelled out the extra nuyen to get a camera with zoom ability for a reason and that was so he didn't have to get to close, since he is less likely to be spotted if he keeps his distance. "If they take the shipment out by boat I won't be able to fallow but I guess I don't need to get the shipment back just find out who is snagging them."

With Speedy in a small cage in his inside pocket  Mantis can feel the little guy not being so happy about the stake out using him if needed. "Well little Speedy I need to give you a treat for being under my control when this is all over, ever time I do this I always need to give you your reward, kind of my way paying you back for being such a good bird" As the deliver time getting closer Mantis decides it is best to let Speedy give some aid. Mantis grabs the cage out of his inside pocket and gets Speedy to fly onto his hand. Once on his hand Mantis cast his animal sense spell.

Casting

Animal Sense F3 (Drain F/2 -1 = 1)
Spell casting  5 + magic 3 = 8
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4100058/ 2 hits (Character Name: ScawireMantis)
Drain Will 5 Logic 7 Daredrenaline 1 = 13
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4100066/ 4 hits zero drain

Sustaining spell -2 Dice Pools


Once the spell is in place Mantis checks to see if he can see through Speeds eyes, now that Mantis knows the spell worked he sends Speedy to fly to the other side of the building he is staking out in order to give Mantis an extra view of the area. Every other minute Mantis will view through Speeds for a minute then come back to his own view. Still not satisfied with just using his stealth suit to keep Mantis from detection he does his best to keep to the trees in hopes that the trees will help to keep him from being detected.

[Csjarrat]

Your observation of the small speedboat reveals little.
Its is a form of personal craft, you could just about squeeze four people into its open cabin, but it is most certainly designed for two to travel comfortably. It is powered by an outboard motor and is moored to the jetty with a rope coming from the bow (front).

about 30minutes before the designated time of delivery, a large slow barge carrying cargo navigates the bend in the river, heading your way, it's speed decreasing. you can just about make out the outline of the pilot in the cabin at the rear of the barge. A young man moves out of the cabin to the bow of the craft and begins to untangle some rope.

Speedy is perched on the front of the adjacent industrial unit keeping watch over the front of the target warehouse. Nothing much of interest is happening in this area. The front of the warehouse appears to be derelict, the front door appears not to have been opened for some years.
A small volume of passing traffic is the only thing of interest, but this is mainly composed of commuter busses ferrying industrial wage-slaves to and from work, and freight lorries carrying goods to and from the factories.

[Scawire]

Mantis spends extra time observing the incoming cargo barge, using his micro camera to zoom in as best as he can to take as many useful pics of the barge. Mantis knows that the cargo barge isn't the main intel he needs so he does his best also to scan the area for other personal.

With the looks of the front of the warehouse not being used much he sends a mental command through his locked spell on his ring to Speedy. The command tells Speedy to get a good view of the pier that the barge is going to be docking at from the left side. This will give Mantis a view from the right side where he can video tape any shadow activity and a birds eye view from the left side.

[Csjarrat]

Speedy fights against your control but eventually gives in, moving to perch over the rear of the building, just above the security camera.

The barge slows to a crawl and moors up at the jetty, a passing light craft causing it to sway in the swell.
The length and hieght of the barge obscures your view slightly, so you view from speedy's eyes.
The younger crewman walks down the jetty, across the landing and over to a rusted and bent forklift truck. You can't quite see what he is doing with it, but shortly afterwards an ancient access lift on the exterior groans and creaks into life.
The crewman then starts to unload several of the large containers, directing a small cargo drone wirelessly to move the boxes into the access lift. The whole process takes about 20minutes, and you get good footage of the event.
Eventually the crew cast off, and head downstream, leaving the outside of the building exactly as you found it.

Nothing much happens on target for an hour after the barge leaves, but you start to realise you really really need to take a leak..

[Scawire]

As the barge is being unloaded Mantis makes sure to keep checking his view through his goggles that have the ability to id the ultra-sonic reflective paint. As Mantis stands there waiting for the shadow business to begin he starts doing a pee pee dance. Not equipped with a suit to deal with the problem Mantis ducks into better cover in the trees and begins to re-leave himself but once he gets started he flips his senses back to Speedy letting hims observe the area well he finishes up with drowning a tree.

Once finished he gets back into position and keeps changing views from himself to Speedy again.

[Csjarrat]

Typical, you've been staking this joint out for hours and nothing happens until you need a piss...
As you're in mid-flow, speedy's senses seem to glitch for a minute, or was it a glitch? It seemed like the weeds near the back door moved very deliberatley, but no-one was there to do the moving...