[Zweiblumen]

Looking at Thorn and the Detective, still not sure what to think about thier bond.
"I'll call my KE contact in Seattle.  I'll see if he has enough pull to secure the area for us."
Glancing at the Commander again, "Getting the sign off before going to Lenny always makes things easier."

<<<@Ralph [Tommy]Don't ask how I know, but there's a SNAFU down in the Barrens.  Some folks I know at Ares are coming in to investigate, but it would help me a lot to have you and your boys&girls secure the area before we get there.  I can make sure you get some more toys for them if they keep the area clear, but that includes you guys staying out.  You know I can make good on the gear.  Time is of the essense on this, please respond ASAP.>>>

With that he looks around the room and says, "Why are we still here?  Lets get to Lenny then in the air.  Time's wasting, we can work on the plan in transit."
Then he gets up and heads to the quartermasters office.

[Scawire]

Stix is just about ready to leave but has just a few things to add before the team leaves. I think there is only a couple things we need then we should hit the skies to Seatle. First we should see about getting some cred sticks to bribe intel out of locals. Second we should start with masks and matching armor when we check the site out, then change into our own armor when we hit the street. Also there is two items I would like to get if we can get our hands on the quickly. A machine pistol, and extra ammo for it and my SMG. I think everyone else should think quickly if they have any equipment they need since we might not get a chance to resupply ourselves until this tragedy is solved. Then get to the skies. Oh ya we will need a ground vehicle when we get there. I would suggest two cars one to get to site from the air lift then a second one we use after we finish with look over of the site. Stix starts doing a mental check wondering if there was anything he might have missed...... Hum..... Stix can't figure anything yet but will keep pondering until the team is ready to get their gear and leave.

[Ravensoracle]

"I'll grab my gear on the way to our ride. Once we hit the streets, I've got a car stored in Seattle for one of my cover ID's. It's nondescript. If we have an Ares cover on site then we should e able to get a KE car."

[Ryo]

"I think linking up with the law in the area would be good. Are we going to get to check out the crime scene ourselves? If we can take a look we might want to wear disguises, that way if we start talking to locals we won't be IDed as someone linked to the law."

"If you feel examining the scene of the abduction is the most expedient way to complete this mission, then you are free to do so."

"Ellis, when we get a plan together you going to sign off on our gear right." Stix's fingers start to twitch not having a smoke in them and decides to bring more sweet fog into his lungs.

"That depends entirely on what you plan to bring into the field." Without missing a beat, Ellis reaches out and snatches the lit cigarette out of Stix's mouth and crushes it into embers and ash in his hand. "Time is of the essence here, so make your plans quick and let me know what gear you need."

"We're gonna need fast transport directly to the site. We land far enough away to not disturb evidence." He looks to the commander. "Anyway we can get creds as a Ares HTR specialty unit called in for Forensics? I think it will be better if we can control the scene." He strokes a finger across his chin. "Helmets or Ballistic Masks should be enough to hide our faces since we want to hit the street unknown. And the high clearance will keep Knight Errant from asking to many questions as to while we're wearing them on the scene."

"John is right, Sir. I'd like to get on the scene as quickly as possible. There's no immediate indicator that magic was used in this hit, but if it was a runner team then it's also unlikely that there wasn't magic involved. The sooner I get to the scene, the more likely I am to be able to discover and read any signatures left behind by the perps. Barring that, a scene this violent is also likely to carry strong emotions that could help us find our man. We need to move out ASAP."

Ellis looks to the door as Thorn steps in. "Agent Thorndyke, so glad you could join us. There is no immediate evidence of magical involvement, but we'll know more once astral investigators reach the scene. There's only so much a drone can see. Lieutenant Stieber will be waiting for you in the hanger once you're ready to deploy. I assure you he'll get you to Seattle as fast as humanly possible."

"As for your investigation, Captain Mendoza will set you up with the necessary credentials to get on site, as well as suitable uniforms to conceal your appearance and not rouse suspicion. I'll add that to the gear requisition now." He taps at his data pad as he says this. "And I highly recommend you change attire before continuing the mission once your investigation is complete."

I think there is only a couple things we need then we should hit the skies to Seattle. First we should see about getting some cred sticks to bribe intel out of locals. Second we should start with masks and matching armor when we check the site out, then change into our own armor when we hit the street. Also there is two items I would like to get if we can get our hands on the quickly. A machine pistol, and extra ammo for it and my SMG. I think everyone else should think quickly if they have any equipment they need since we might not get a chance to resupply ourselves until this tragedy is solved. Then get to the skies. Oh ya we will need a ground vehicle when we get there. I would suggest two cars one to get to site from the air lift then a second one we use after we finish with look over of the site.

"Weapons and ammo can be done. You'll have to secure ground transport once you're on site. Due to time constraints, I've instructed Lieutenant Stieber to transport you via the AVT-Falcon. There's barely room for you and your gear, let alone a ground vehicle." He continues tapping away at his data pad, before looking up.

"Anything else? If not, I suggest you suit up and head out."

[Ravensoracle]

John nods to Ellis as he steps to the door. "I think the only equipment I require issued are the standard issue armor to hide our identities and a Forensic kit to examine the scene." He gestures toward Stix, "And once we hit the Shadows a few untraceable creds to grease the wheels will make things go a lot smoother." 

He steps over to the screens on the wall, taking a closer look at the kid. "I am thinking the plan is two part. First we arrive on scene and take control from the Knights. The last thing I think anyone up the chain wants is to get beat cops stomping around the scene.

Before we hit the Shadows, we'll need a cover. Luckily I've been to Seattle shortly before the Accident. I was undercover as a runner named Jester. In fact I may still have some contacts with some pull around up there that know me as such. We can use them if we need to." He looks to the other on the team in the room. "How do you all feel about becoming a motley crew of Runners?"

Pointing at one of the bodies, "I think if we can identify one of the crew that ran with the boy we may have an in. Our cover selves are hired to find out what happened. Not for blood...Just info about why they had to die. If we can find the runners responsible for the extraction, that story might allow us a sit down. I'd prefer to stay away from violence unless needed. Stray bullets have a way of finding the wrong person. In this case, the kid."

He concentrates for a moment to telepathically speak to Thorn, "Once we get on scene, I may need to borrow that astral vision of yours to examine the evidence. We may get that vital clue we need when we mix my skill with your abilities."

[Scawire]

When Ellis crushes Stix cig a wave of sadness comes over Stix Ah death before its time. Stix gives Ellis a head bow then moves on with his request.

Stix listens to Johns plan with twitching fingers not wanting to light another smoke knowing it will not make the CO happy. That sound like a good plan John. When we get on site you guys cover the scene I will wnat to dive into the local matrix and see if I can track down as many personal comm in the area, then I can start hacking and see if I can find any logs of comm links that where in the area around the time of the kidnapping. Also see if any of the bodies left behind have cyber-eyes or AR that might have been on record. Stix wants to get moving since time is ticking. If everyone has their gear request complete I say we grab our gear and get jumping on this. Lets meet at Lenny's Requisition office to grab our extra gear and then talk more about our plans in flight. Stix stands up to leave and bows at Ellis before he starts walking for the door.

[Koshnek]

Ellis looks to the door as Thorn steps in. "Agent Thorndyke, so glad you could join us.

Thorn's face remained unchanged in the face of Ellis' annoyance. (Thorn felt both upset and apologetic in the wake of the Commander's words). Damn. He quickly checked the Astral to gauge the commander's mood before responding.

"Sir. I have no excuse, and I won't waste any more time by bulldreking you. I have one request and two questions about the victim, sir. First, I would like to ask for written permission for access to Lenny's best disguise kit. Second, Is Elden awakened, and how reluctant would he be to return to Ares with us?"

Thorn continued to watch the Commander closely.

He concentrates for a moment to telepathically speak to Thorn, "Once we get on scene, I may need to borrow that astral vision of yours to examine the evidence. We may get that vital clue we need when we mix my skill with your abilities."

(Thorn's mind was filled with amusement after receiving this request). He took a brief moment to respond to John while watching the commander. "If the day comes that I need a mundane to help me read auras, I'll trust the corp with all my heart. But you're my partner, so of course I'll let you in on the Astral. Who knows, you might just get lucky and beat me at my own game. Don't count on it though!"

(The amusement slowly faded to be replaced by concern)Thorn stopped communicating for what would have seemed an instant to the rest of the world but felt like moments for the bonded pair. "Be careful what you ask for, Johnny boy. I've given you a few tastes of the Astral to practice some aura reading. You may even be the only person to have ever read their own Aura now that I think about it.

The experiences I've given you, however, are nothing compared to what you'll read in the real world. If you read a crime scene like this...It'll be worse than anything else you've seen. You see mutilated bodies, and imagine what they felt. I see mutilated bodies, and I determine exactly what they felt. I can handle this part, but I won't stop you from helping if you insist.

[Zweiblumen]

Gunter heads back to the baracks to pack the rest of his gear.  While he's doing that he sends a message to Lenny.
<<<@Capt. Mendoza[Dr. Schwarz] Lenny, we're being deployed ASAP.  I would like to requisition one of our level III PI-Tac systems for this mission.  You should be getting approval from the Commander any time.  Headed to your office in 3 minutes.>>>

He packs the Lancer into it's travel case.  In his duffel goes his RT suit along with his trusty little Light Fire and shock gloves and his "Tommy" commlink.  Knowing he's got all of his essentials in Seattle already at his doss downtown he doesn't worry about travel goods.  He shoulders the power pack with the spare power clips attached.  Looking around the sparse room, he thinks to himself, Damn, wish I had room for the drone.  Might have to pick up another one in Seattle. Then heads down to Lenny's office to pick up the PI-Tac.

[Ryo]

"I have one request and two questions about the victim, sir. First, I would like to ask for written permission for access to Lenny's best disguise kit. Second, Is Elden awakened, and how reluctant would he be to return to Ares with us?"

Ellis looks gruffly at you before turning his attention back to the data pad. "A disguise kit is doable. As for Elden, as far as I'm aware the boy is mundane. As for his cooperation, that remains to be seen. I'd certainly hope that idiot brat would have the good sense to be grateful for a rescue, but you can never be sure with kids these days."

Gunter heads back to the baracks to change into his full armor and pack the rest of his gear.  While he's doing that he sends a message to Lenny.
<<<@Capt. Mendoza[Gunter] Lenny, we're being deployed ASAP.  I would like to requisition one of our level III PI-Tac systems for this mission.  You should be getting approval from the Commander any time.  Headed to your office in 3 minutes.>>>

You receive a prompt reply from Lenny.

>>Incoming Message
>>From: Lenny
>>"I'll believe that when I see it."

[Scawire]

Once Stix is out of sight of the CO he lights up another Ares Gold Cig and walks to his bunk. Stix mind starts to think of ways to use the Matrix to help track the runner team. At his bunk Stix grabs his gear then heads to meeting the group at Lenny's place. Not 100% sure what the matrix will bring Stix still want to dive into it once they get in flight.

[Ryo]

LOCATION: CYGNUS - ARMORY
LOCAL TIME:120455Z MAR 76



Commander Ellis dismisses you as the briefing comes to an end and you head down the stairs back towards the armory, seeing Lenny waiting for you behind the small counter that separates you from the majority of the gear stored here. He looks up at you gruffly, an image link monocle over one eye displaying the requisition list that Ellis had put together.

"So, let's see if I have this right. One Ares Crusader II machine pistol. Two boxes of machine pistol ammo. One box of SMG ammo. Four Specialist uniforms, with helmets. Four Special Investigator Licenses. One disguise kit. One forensics kit." As Lenny speaks, a number of small spirits move about the armory at high speed, collecting things as he names them off and placing them in an organized pile on the counter beside him. Getting a good look at them, you'd see that each one actually looks like a miniature, almost cartoonish versions of Lenny as a ghost, with oversized heads, tiny bodies, and no legs, their forms instead tapering off into a vapor trail as they flew about.

"Anything else?" Lenny asks, looking past his image link towards you as the last Lenny-spirit deposits a box of ammo on the counter next to him.

[Zweiblumen]

It must be the lack of sleep.  Gunter curses to himself under his breath.
<<<@Cmd. Ellis; Capt. Mendoza[Dr. Schwarz]Commander, I forgot to request an IP-Tac level III system for this engagements.  The wonder twins have their bond, but that leaves Styx and myself out in the cold.  Thank you in advance.>>>
Looking to Lenny with a knowing grin he says, "Forgot to actually make the request to the Commander.  Hopefully he'll approve it shortly."

[Scawire]

Stix grabs his gear but before he grabs the ammo he asks So Lenny did you get me some good ammo, how about some APDS rounds? Also there was no order for untraceable cred-sticks.  Stix starts to think over how much nuyen he has in his own account. I hope I don't have to use my own nuyen to get intel, well if I do maybe the big bad Ares corp will pay me back. Only if I fill out three stacks of forms I bet.

[Ryo]

It must be the lack of sleep.  Gunter curses to himself under his breath.
<<<@Cmd. Ellis; Capt. Mendoza[Dr. Schwarz]Commander, I forgot to request an IP-Tac level III system for this engagements.  The wonder twins have their bond, but that leaves Styx and myself out in the cold.  Thank you in advance.>>>
Looking to Lenny with a knowing grin he says, "Forgot to actually make the request to the Commander.  Hopefully he'll approve it shortly."

Lenny smirks and scoffs, rolling his eyes at that. "Hah, those things are worth more than most yearly salaries. That'll be the-" He stops as something streams by the image link over his eye. He frowns. "Well I'll be damned. One PI-Tac, Level 3. Try not to break it." One of the Lenny-Spirits disappears into the back, returning with the expensive piece of equipment and laying it gingerly on the counter.

So Lenny did you get me some good ammo, how about some APDS rounds? Also there was no order for untraceable cred-sticks. 

"Right, cred-sticks." Lenny reaches under the counter and produces a few credsticks, slotting them in the console next to him for a moment before laying them on the table. "4 sticks, 1,000 nuyen each. Try not to spend it all in one place, code monkey. The expense account has a limit."

"Ellis has authorized you to each have one clip of specialty ammunition. Have at it, but I'm keeping my eye on you." Lenny gestures to the weapons and ammo on more accessible display, filling the area of the armory in front of the counter.

[Koshnek]

Upon being dismissed by Commander Ellis, Thorn gives a rather professional salute and follows the rest of the team to the armory.

LOCATION: CYGNUS - ARMORY
LOCAL TIME:120455Z MAR 76

"So, let's see if I have this right. One Ares Crusader II machine pistol. Two boxes of machine pistol ammo. One box of SMG ammo. Four Specialist uniforms, with helmets. Four Special Investigator Licenses. One disguise kit. One forensics kit." As Lenny speaks, a number of small spirits move about the armory at high speed, collecting things as he names them off and placing them in an organized pile on the counter beside him. Getting a good look at them, you'd see that each one actually looks like a miniature, almost cartoonish versions of Lenny as a ghost, with oversized heads, tiny bodies, and no legs, their forms instead tapering off into a vapor trail as they flew about.

"Anything else?" Lenny asks, looking past his image link towards you as the last Lenny-spirit deposits a box of ammo on the counter next to him.

"I appreciate it, Lenny. You run a tight operation as always." He gathered up his gear, added the new license to his comm, and shifted his perception to the astral to glance around the shop. Thorn was neither skilled with nor interested in conjuring, but Lenny was old magic. Thorn always kept an eye open to see if Lenny was doing anything unique or just straight up wiz with his decades of experience.

He let his vision slip back into the physical before giving Lenny a warm, genuine smile. Thorn knew hoop kissing wouldn't get him anywhere with an old codger like Lenny, and he respected the grumpy dwarf too much to annoy him by trying."Hmm. Lenny, it won't show on your list of requisitions, but would you sign me out a power backpack? It'd lend credibility both to my disguise and the team's supposed identity if one member seemed to be specialized with laser weaponry. I was leery about bringing the Lancer without knowing what we were getting ourselves into, but I'm leaning towards it after the briefing. You can trust that I'll treat it with the respect your equipment deserves."