[Csjarrat]

Thanks Asha, look, to use this time the best we can, we're gonna need at least an inkling of where heading out to eh? Give us a hint would you?


Ultra takes the beer and has a big swig before reaching into his daybag and digging out his deck.
He slots in the mapsoft, calls up its AR display and dumps its output to the trid projector so the team can see.
Right then, lets have a look at the old mapski.

[JackVII]

Mlinzi rests her chin on one of her hands and rubs her forehead. Cognizant of Frenchy's operational security concerns, she lowers her voice a bit. "We've got a few pieces of information we can chew on... Johnson gave us a rough idea of the area where we are going to start our search. If someone has a mapsoft and a display, maybe we can take a look at the area. It might help us figure out what gear we might need for the expedition. I would assume tents and other standard gear, but we may need water gear as well. We also have the researcher's name. Well, maybe... it might be an alias, it might not. But if it is his real name, someone who is good with the Matrix might be able to get an idea of what kind of research Alzmer is doing so we can have a better idea of what challenges we might face."

[Reminder]

Thanks Asha, look, to use this time the best we can, we're gonna need at least an inkling of where heading out to eh? Give us a hint would you?

Look, I don't know any more about what the Johnson is after than you do. After a pause, Asha leans forward and studies the map. From the directions, I would assume somewhere in this area. She indicates a general area to the West, about 100km south of Mt. Kilimanjaro between three large lakes. I'd be less worried about the exact where, as who controls that area right now.

[Csjarrat]

why, what you heard?

[Reminder]

I've heard nothing. But I know, and you should too, that the borders of tribal lands are always changing some and not that they are ever drawn out all nice and neat on some map. Some of those will be more particular than others about who is nosing about in their territory. Asha finishes of the last of her original drink and a waitress promptly appears to drop off another before quickly retreating.

[Csjarrat]

No doubt. Anyone here got contacts out in the sticks? My expertise is a little more "digital".

Ultra sat and looked at the highlighted area, running his hands through his long, unkempt beard. That was quite some area. A cursatory glance at a higher magnification showed the road quality was fairly poor in places.
Making a visit to a mechanic might be in order, they were going to need some serious kit. Winches, off-road tyres, long range fuel tanks, spare parts, tools and some decent outdoors gear.
The more he though of the spiralling upfront costs, he saw the diminishing profit margin.

Time is cracking on guys, are we crashing over here tonight or shall we meet up first thing tomorrow?

[JackVII]

Glancing at the map where Asha indicated, Mlinzi pulls out her commlink while reviewing it. Flipping the face of the cheap comm open, she taps out a quick text message to one of her tribe's sub-chiefs.

[spoiler=Mlinzi's Comm]<<@ElderMug [RohoRafiki] Hello Chief. Taking a trip about 100km south of Mt. K. Anything I should be worried about?>>[/spoiler]

"I'm reaching out to my people. I am not sure what they will know as they usually keep north of Mount Kilimanjaro, but the tribes do gossip. I am hoping for an answer by tomorrow."

[Reminder]

After a minute or two, a response comes through Mlinzi's com.

What have you gotten yourself into this time?

[JackVII]

While the others continue their discussion, Mlinzi taps into her comm.

[spoiler=Mlinzi's Comm]<<@ElderMug [RohoRafiki] That does not sound promising. Just an escort gig for a group of tourists. Trouble I should know about?>>[/spoiler]

[Ren]

"I didn't hear about anything special in the area, although i couldn't say which tribe is currently in control. Possibly more, as we don't exactly know where we go. I can ask around if one of my friends know anything but it might cost some nujen. Ready to pay?" Mutumbo looked at his teammates-to-be, waiting for their answer.

[Bewilderbeast]

While introductions were being made, Alexander cleared his throat. "You all can call my Alexander, but the few friends I've made here call me The Tourist, for reasons I'm sure are obvious. I'm the first to admit I don't have much experience surviving in the scrub, but I'm good with corp types and can bluff my way past a checkpoint." When Mlinzi offers to pay another round of drinks, he gratefully orders another bottled beer.

When Mutumbo asks if he's willing to pay for information, The Tourist shakes his head. "Sorry to be a cheapskate, but... well, I might look the part of a rich Johnson, but trust me, I'm not. I'd wager I'm as grateful for this opportunity as any of you." Alexander leans back, nursing his beer and listening to the rest of the conversation.

[Reminder]

The discussion over Mlinzi's comlink continues.
Tourists, coming to look at a land that they will never understand. I do not know why you continue to ally yourself with those foreigners, after what they have done.
After a brief pause he continues
But I know you will not follow this advice, so heed my words daughter of Kipchoge. While the land there may have great beauty and put some of the foreigner's money in your pocket, you should not take them there.  If you associate with the foreign devils, take them elsewhere; they will be as easily impressed by other sights that Mother Africa has to offer. For if you insist upon this course and stray too far and cross into the Maasai lands, they will treat you as they treat foreigners, and you will share the same fate.

[JackVII]

Mlinzi squints as the talk turns to money.

"If I might offer a suggestion," the elf interjects, "it might be best if we figure out where we currently stand on gear and make a short shopping list of anything we are missing so we know what we must spend simply to make a basic expedition. While these expenses may cut into our pay, being unprepared in the bush may mean we never see that pay. After that, I would suggest we set aside an additional 1,000 nuyen in case there is any specialized equipment we might need such as inflatable boats or other items that we can't really anticipate until we know more from Alzmer. If we don't need anything, all the better."

"I do think we should reserve some cash for information. It can be pretty dangerous out there and going in blind could be a very, very final mistake. Our advance should be 6,000 nuyen, can we agree to set aside an additional 1,000 for information? Like with the specialized equipment, only using it if necessary, of course?"

Mlinzi turns to her commlink as it dings. Reading the words written she frowns in displeasure. She taps a quick reply.

<<@ElderMug [RohoRafiki] You know why I feel I must do what I do and I appreciate your guidance. Thank you for the information Elder, I will do what I can to convince the devils of better sights to see. Shukrani>>

Turning to the group, she says, "Does anyone here have any experience with the Maasai?"

[Ren]

Mutumbo looked at Mlinzi appreciatingly. "I'm glad someone else sees reason too. Although i wouldn't set so strict limits. I'd say survival is worth a lot more."

[Bewilderbeast]

Alexander shrugs a bit. "I misunderstood. Using the advance to pay for some information is a good idea, and I'm for it. I just mean I don't personally know anybody that knows the area. Most of my friends are a bit more... hmm. Urban."