[Ren]

While the other pumped the Johnson for more info, Mutumbo thought about the area: geographical features, what tribes would there be, did smugglers have an operation in the vicinity, and what kind of wildlife, especially what kind of predators they could expect there, and in the interlying terrain.
[spoiler=knowledge tests]rural area knowledge: INT(5) + area knowledge(3) [mental(4)] (8d6.hits(5)=2)
wildlife: INT(5) + local wildlife(3) [mental(4)] (8d6.hits(5)=2) (glitch)
critters: LOG(2) + paracritters, Kenya(3) [mental(4)] (5d6.hits(5)=2)[/spoiler]

[Bewilderbeast]

Alexander leaned forward, listening intently to the exchange. He was at a disadvantage in that he didn't have any form of image link handy to view te Johnson, so he'd have to take his cues directly from their new employer's tone of voice. He seemed curt, dismissive, and borderline disinterested. He was trying to give the impression that the team here was replaceable, that the price was the price and they could take it or leave it. But that wasn't true at all. Either Asha's crew was the best this Johnson could truly afford, or Asha was a better fixer than Alexander had been lead to believe. Either way, negotiation was Alexander's raison d'être. He needed every penny, and he was determined to find out exactly what this guy was "authorized" for.

While he listened to the other's questions, Alexander tried to pick up on anything in the Johnson's speech or turns or phrase that might hint at what corp or organization he could possibly be representing. It helped to know who you were getting into bed with, even in a limited contract relationship.

Corporate Politics (3) + Logic (2) = (5d6.hits(5)=2)

"I think the job is doable," Alexander spoke up at last. "We've got a good team here, and I'm confident we can meet your deadline. What concerns me is the budget." Alexander took a pause for breath here. He couldn't see the Johnson, but he had been in the man's shoes before, and imagined a suit rolling his eyes in exasperation. Teams bickering over nuyen had always annoyed him when he was on the other side of the negotiating table, but now that he was the one risking his neck out on the run... well. A little bartering was traditional, wasn't it?

"I can accept that, due to the nature of the project, we have to follow Alzmer's lead. That means we have to trust that the equipment you've arranged is satisfactory. That means we have to trust that these specimens he's looking for out in the scrub are actually out there, actually in that general area. I'm sure our team can find them if they are, but we have to trust that Alzmer's intel is good. We have to trust that this equipment you're so generously loaning to us- equipment we have no info on, sight unseen- is adequate for the job and the rough terrain. That's a lot of trust for 30,000 nuyen and a 20% advance."

Alexander sucked in a short breath through his nostrils before he continued. "I understand you're ony authorized for a certain amount, but if you want to see this project succeed on time, any additional resources you can allocate would be tremendously appreciated. We'll call it a sign of trust."

Negotiation ( + Charisma (6) + First Impression (2) [Social 8] = (16d6.hits(5)=5)

[Reminder]

(15d6.hits(5)=4)

The Johnson's image shuffles around, delaying.

If you are willing to accept the strictures of the assignment.....I will authorize payment of an additional 3000, provided you complete the task within the three day window. Any more than that, and the usefulness of the data collected begins to decline.


Do we have a deal?

[JackVII]

Mlinzi gives a curt nod to the well-spoken foreigner who took control of the negotiation with the Johnson, in the event he was looking for confirmation from the group. As something of an afterthought, she also nodded at Asha in the event the fixer was going to be the to actually close the deal.

[Bewilderbeast]

Alexander smiled a little, nodding. The Johnson had thrown them a bone, albeit a small one, but in doing so he had demonstrated that he really needed this job done, and what's more, he really needed it done by this team. It was nice finding the chink in the armor, and cutting through a bit of the suit's intransigence. It was also good to know that meeting the deadline was imporant to the client. Still, The Tourist knew enough not to push his luck...

"Sounds good to me," Alexander answered. He looked around at the others to see if they agreed as well. "Any one have any more questions? Or is it time to meet Alzmer?"

[Reminder]

The Johnson waits a moment, then nods as he fades out.


As you step out of the call, the faces around the table come back into perspective. Asha looks around the table appraisingly, before taking a casual sip of her drink. She looks at the nearly empty glass, as though considering it too, before speaking.

I shall leave you to become acquainted then, unless there is something you require at this time?

[Crunch]

He took each of them in. The out of place American, the tribal elf, the quiet bearded man. New beginnings eh. Call me Frenchy. He glances areound.
Not to doubt our fixer's honesty, but we might want to go elsewhere for a private conversation. Does anyone have any local suggestions? I rarely make it to Mombassa.

Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili
Matrix/Text

[JackVII]

Taking in the four men at the table, Mlinzi wonders about the make-up of the group. Other than the pale-skinned foreigner, most of them looked like they knew their way around the bush and the foreigner, American of some persuasion judging by his English, had already proved his worth. The group seemed like a competent one given the particular task at hand, even if details were still very murky.

"Jambo, Frenchy. You can call me Mlinzi. Your suggestion is a good one, but I am unfamiliar with this part of Mombasa. Is anyone at the table capable of providing us with privacy? It's probably getting too dark to check out the docks at this point in time, but I think it would be helpful if we knew what to expect before we got there."

[Ren]

"You can call me Mwindaji. Or just Hunter if the former doesn't come easily to your tongue." Mutumbo nodded to the others and also finished his beer. "Before we leave, let's talk equipment with Asha. I assume everyone has their own guns or such but we need much more out there. Let's see... two jeeps with spare parts, tents and sleeping bags, rations, water, and so on. I don't know what you have of the needed vehicles or camping gear, of the latter i have mine, but as the former goes..."
[spoiler=test]survival test to make a list of everything we need for six people and a week: WIL(3) + Survival(6) [mental(4)] (9d6.hits(5)=4)[/spoiler]

[Csjarrat]

Facing Asha:

Asha, I just wanna get this straight. the contract begins when? When this researcher lands? If so, why bring us here 2 days early for a meet?

Nodding at Hunter, Johannes replies.

I go by "Ultra", I've got a pickup loaded with a medkit, some survival gear and a few spare jerry cans of diesel.. Can fit 3 sat on the front bench and a couple can ride in the back if needs-be. Don't spend too much time out in the bush if I can help it though so I've only got the basics; blankets, rations, purificaton tabs and such. We've got a couple days to get kitted up, that advance fee should cover what we'll need.
As for privacy, I can sort us out a secure node to chat in VR, but I'm not exactly sure that's the best option in a bar like this. Maybe we should take a walk, find somewhere a bit quieter?

[Reminder]

Asha, I just wanna get this straight. the contract begins when? When this researcher lands? If so, why bring us here 2 days early for a meet?

Asha returns her nearly empty drink on the table and leans back into her seat. Fashioning a sly smile that fixes on Johannes, she replies. I did not know you preferred last minute affairs. I will keep that in mind for next time.



Truth, it is the same reason I came down here myself. Despite what you may think of yourselves, you are all a bit green.As she speaks, her focus shifts around the table, When she gets to you, it is hard to tell if she pauses a bit longer or not. I've always found the more you know going in, the better chance you have of coming out. And the most important thing to know is who you are running with.

Let's just say I have an interest in you actually pulling this off.

[JackVII]

"Does anyone want something else to drink?" Mlinzi asks as she rises from the table. Taking any orders, she heads over to the bar and tries to catch the eye of the bartender. When the bartender moves over to take her order, the elf leans close to place the order and says in Kiswahili, "Does this place have a private room or at least a room with some privacy? My friends and I are about to leave so we can discuss some biz but I'd rather just stay here and spend money if possible."

[Reminder]

The towering man looks down at you.

"Place was originally a warehouse. The only "room" I got is my office, and you ain't gonna all fit in there. "He looks over the at best half filled space. "Half hour and most of them will be too drunk to tell you their names, much less listen in on what you got to say. Unless it's to go home with one of them girly. They'd be eager to discuss things with you there.

[JackVII]

"Much obliged." Mlinzi says as she takes the drinks and returns to the table, leaving a fairly generous tip in her wake. Distributing any drinks that were requested, she says, "Well, this place doesn't have anywhere more private, but the bartender seems to think the patrons are going to be too deep into their cups to know what way is up if we want to stay here.."

[Crunch]

Frenchy shrugs an elegantly gallic shrug. I've never liked relying on the inattention of my enemies for operational security, but I have nothing better to offer here. He glances around the table. A few days to do background work and shake down as a team should be welcome. I'd like it better if we could scout the actual route, but it seems Mr. Johnson doesn't trust us with that information. Again he shrugs.

Thought
Speech-English
Speech-French
Speech-Arabic
Speech-Kiswahili
Matrix/Text