[8-bit]

"Mingyun, huh? Doesn't sound Japanese to me, and I do speak a little Japse. Is it Chinese?

"Yeah, sounds Chinese to me too. Not really much to go on though, just because it's a Chinese name, it doesn't mean much."

I guess this is our hottest lead. Normally I'd have said, it'd be better first to do the intel, then go there physically, but if we now wait for hours it's morning and we lose the day. So here's what I suggest:
Someone get me a good description of the way to our three sweethearts plus map plus satellite pictures. I will go there astrally which should not take long, and see what I can see. In the end, I might even see more than my mundane eyes could see. You know, the whole Gaia sph-"
He interrupts himself. He insteads clears his throat and goes on.

"With this first impression, you, Binary, try and narrow down your search for, what's its name? Something like minigun. Tomorrow in the morning, we meet again, you get us updated, and then we'll see what our next step will be.

Taking a swig of his drink, Binary replies, "Sounds like a good plan. I can give you the coordinates from the geotag, but Tacoma is a large place. They could have been sending it from the dealer's, or they could have been several streets away. Still, it's a place to start."

Binary falls silent as he sips from his drink. A notification pops up.

|| Renraku Tsurugi Cyberdeck - Unit 31-02E-A5 ||

...subroutine Agent.Smith rendering...

Agent Smith: "No information found. Any other instructions?"

Binary sighs silently to himself. He mentally sends, "Standby for further instructions." Not the best way to start a run. He quietly mulls things over as the others speak.

[Volker]

MacC takes on an expression that you will soon learn is very typical for him: Grumpy, but in a very charming way, kind of a heart-warming grumpiness, a grumpiness only Dwarves can show.

"That won't do. You know... Okay, maybe it's necessary. Let's see if that's a bright one.
MacC smiles - a little weary, but also heartily. "As every being has a soul, so does Gaia, or you may call her simply Earth. A shaman has the gift to see the souls of beings. That is, for example, how I knew you were a decker. I could read it from your soul. As I could read in Dave's soul - or aura - that she's an adept.
Just like a decker can leave his meat body to fully emerge in the digital world, so can we leave our meat body to fully emerge in what we call the astral sphere. We then see what really is true, like if you would pull a curtain. You see life itself, and everything that is dead is but a shadow.
But in this lies the crux.
You see, an ARO has no soul, and neither has a sign post. So it's sometimes difficult to find your way in the astral sphere if you are in a unnatural, that is, urban, environment. So I need you to find waymarks I can read in the astral sphere: parks, full of living things, huge buildings, streets swarming with life. Things like that."
MacC frowns.
"Can you do that?"

[Imveros]

The look of distraction leaves Sterling's face.

"ok got the last of my leads in. Ah and just in time for dinner it seems. That smuggler friend i mentioned earlier came through in a big way. As I assumed he didn't know much, but he knows a guy who knows a guy and set up a meeting for us in 2 hours at a stuffer shack down the road. He's a local chip maker here in Tacoma. I've been told hes a bit of a hard ass and we'll need to watch our hoops, but I bet he will know a thing or three about this "Mingyun". Either he will be involved in the scheme or be mad that someone is moving in on his turf. We can use either to our benefit. I will also agree it sounds rather Chinese. Lets keep our fingers crossed this isn't a piece of the Triads pie, or this job just got a lot more interesting."

Nothing more dangerous than an "interesting" job

Sterling takes a long pull from his beer

Hmmm not bad, I will have to remember this place next time I'm in the area. Though i may want to dress down next time

Sterling looks over toward Mac

"Never had a head for mojo myself. Doesn't work the way I'm used to things workin. Also if your implying what I think you are, you can count me out. I like keeping my two feet firmly on the ground and my arms covered with ten fingers and not a row of feathers. If i ever want to fly, I'll stick to the Sim chips Omea."

Sterling's gaze hardens at what his purpose is here

"There is a lot more to this than simply being "price charming". Two old sayings sum it up best. Knowledge is power, and It's not what you know its who you know. I've got friends in high places and a nack for making them fast in low places. Some situations can only be solved with a little pressure from the right people. If the right people think, or actually are, your friends it makes things a lot smoother. Not to mention the right words in the right ears make the world go round. Why sneak in somewhere when you can just fool them into thinking that you belong? Why gun down a group of gangers when you can bluff them down and have a few drinks after? The best battle is the one your enemy never knew he was fighting."

Sterling pats his coat pocket takes another sip of his drink

"This pile of creds we talked out the Johnson will also help ease things on us a bit. I do admit though we don't live in an ideal world. Things don't always go as planned, and my tongue isn't quite as silvered as I'd like it to be. I assume you've seen or at least noticed my piece. It's best in class and I have the skills to match. At a moments notice i can bring a rain of lead down on our enemies. I've also got a few other tricks up my sleeve. Though if the last resort is the only option, I haven't done my job quite right."

[Volker]

MacC raises his eyebrows, then chuckles. "Ya know what I never got straight? All the world is afraid if some wizard can cast a fireball by merely uttering words, gesturing and calling to the might of the elements. But nobody - nobody - cares that you were just able to set up a meeting with a drug dealer while we were talking without so much as uttering a single word, performing a single gesture or calling to any might there is. Except your Matrix provider." Who says he cannot call upon a go-gang, an assassin or a hitmage in the same way? You're talking nicely and the next instant you got a 9mm-lead-poisoning. Good to be on his side. Better to stay there.

"I have to say, Sterling, I'm wondering more and more who of us is the one doing magic. First you charm Mr. Johnson more thouroughly than I ever could, than you summon a drug dealer in no time. You have me impressed, omae."
There's no sign the dwarf is feigning his respect.

After verbally patting your shoulder, he returns back to business.
"Who do you think should go there? He might get a littl itchy if everyone shows up." He darts a short glance at Dave.
"Maybe only one or two should go there ... physically I mean."

[Imveros]

"Honestly people are just scared of what they don't understand. They see trids where the bad guy walks in, snaps his fingers, and everyone shoots themselves in the head. Not for a second thinking how many brains have melted out of ears due to corp IC or drek hot deckers."

Sterling lets out a slight sigh

"I also think people are jealous. With a little cred and a few instruction manuals you could do what i just did. Don't even need to go under the knife either. But I'm will to go out on a limb and say that no matter how much i try, i will never be able to turn other people into birds"

Sterling leans in

"Just between the four of us. You wouldn't happen to have a bird cadge full of people that have slotted you off over the years would you?"

He leans back out with just as quickly

"On second thought I'd rather not know. As for the matter at hand, i think you have it right. The four of us go in guns blazing and we will spook the guy. Also if he is as paranoid as I've been lead to believe, we may not like to see his plan B. How does this scan with you guys. I walk up with Dave here, I pose as a big time buyer looking for the next hot thing, and Dave poses as the hired muscle. Tacoma is a dangerous place after all. All kinds of undesirables at every corner table. Then you two could be my eyes and ears. Do a little scouting before during and after? Binary, do you have any little robotic friends you could send in ahead of us? Mac, how long can you keep that bird spell going? No one ever suspects the bird"

[Volker]

"S'pose you're right, chum. A fireball ain't neither quicker nor deadler than a bullet and has worse after-effects for the one who casts it. But a gun is easier to understand."

"Just between the four of us. You wouldn't happen to have a bird cadge full of people that have slotted you off over the years would you?"

Mac also leans in for the answer, a serious expression on his face. "I don't. If I don't like people, I turn them into fish." He gives this a second to sink in, than breaks into a broad grin, marking it as a joke.

"As for the matter at hand, i think you have it right. The four of us go in guns blazing and we will spook the guy. Also if he is as paranoid as I've been lead to believe, we may not like to see his plan B. How does this scan with you guys. I walk up with Dave here, I pose as a big time buyer looking for the next hot thing, and Dave poses as the hired muscle. Tacoma is a dangerous place after all. All kinds of undesirables at every corner table. Then you two could be my eyes and ears. Do a little scouting before during and after? Binary, do you have any little robotic friends you could send in ahead of us? Mac, how long can you keep that bird spell going? No one ever suspects the bird"

MacC nods slowly. "I'm inclined to agree that Dave and you'd be a good combo. On the one hand I don't like the idea that I can't ask questions, but on the other hand I do like the idea that I'm not in the front row when meeting a drug dealer with an itchy finger on the trigger of his best friend. I'm not used to bullets, and I don't mean to change that."
He winks, taking a sip of his blonde. The only kind of blonde I'm going to get soon, I fear.
"I can sustain the spell for hours if need be. In fact, I regularly do so. You do understand the mysteries of nature better if you truly become a part of it. For the job, however, I think something more subtle would be suitable. No one ever suspects a bird, as you said, but few people like crows in a stuffer shack. Maybe the alleycat on the window sill would be a more favourable form.

Okay, seems like we have a plan. Leaves us a couple o' ticks to discuss what we're gonna ask."
MacC rubs his hands. Business time. Oh, how I missed that feeling!

[8-bit]

"Magic, charm, a deck; they are all just tools we use in our job. None of them are more mysterious or more powerful than another." Binary shrugs as he sips his drink.

"On second thought I'd rather not know. As for the matter at hand, i think you have it right. The four of us go in guns blazing and we will spook the guy. Also if he is as paranoid as I've been lead to believe, we may not like to see his plan B. How does this scan with you guys. I walk up with Dave here, I pose as a big time buyer looking for the next hot thing, and Dave poses as the hired muscle. Tacoma is a dangerous place after all. All kinds of undesirables at every corner table. Then you two could be my eyes and ears. Do a little scouting before during and after? Binary, do you have any little robotic friends you could send in ahead of us? Mac, how long can you keep that bird spell going? No one ever suspects the bird"

"Can't help you there. I can provide Matrix Overwatch and make sure you don't have any unexpected people heading toward you, but I don't have any drones on me. I always preferred the virtual over the meat; drones just seem like another way to interact in the meat world. I can still be your virtual eyes and ears." He sits back and sighs. He sends off a quick message.

<<@Patch [Binary] Hey man, I got a quick question. You get any BTL junkies recently? Word is that there is some serious drek circulating around Tacoma that's burning through people's brains.>>

He says, "Well, I think I've done about all I can do, for now. Shall we eat and then go meet your 'friend'?"

[RagallachMC]

The dwarf waitress appears again, this time carrying a tray laden with plates. 

"Corned Beast for you", she thunks a plate down in front of Sterling.  Its a huge sandwich with shaved meat piled high between two slices of dark rye bread and what looks like mustard dripping down the side.  It smells really good.  There's also a nest of chips and a huge pickle.

"Soybeef for you two," and she thunks two more plates down in front of Mac and Dave. Two more huge sandwiches, these served on big rolls.

"and a barbecue soybeef for you", and she drops the last plate in front of Binary.  It looks similar to Mac's and Dave's but its slathered in dark reddish-brown barbecue sauce.

"Let me know if you need anything else", and before you can respond she hustles away to take another tables order.

[Volker]

MacC's eyes gleam as he gets his sandwich. He grabs it with both hands and takes a hearty bite, chewing with joy and hmm'ing happily. After a few bites, he clears his throat, wipes the sauce out of his face and says:

"Kay. Let's do it that way. We go there together, then I will check the place from the astral space, while Binary looks for any unwanted gear, stuff, whatever. As soon as I give you the thumbs up, you two go in, and I will follow shortly after as a cat. This way, I'm not as free to observe the astral space, but I don't expect any hidden mojo I can't find if I check the place out before you go in anyway. But I can interact with you, at least a little, and I can, uhm, interact with your friend's friend's friend if things turn sour."

He takes another bit of the sandwich.

"Do you know some place near, where I can ... do something in private for a second? A park, a hidden rooftop, an alley where we can sure that no one comes in for at least a couple of seconds? I'll be quick, but I don't want anybody to get nervous."

[Raven Runner]

DAVE

"Sounds good, as long as I can get a bow between now and then..."

Dave is just tagging along and going with the flow.  As long as she can get a bow some how (availability 0, rating 9, 900 Nuyen).  She can roll unarmed without a bow if absolutely necessary.

[Imveros]

Sterling looks over the massive sandwich and eagerly takes a bite, then another.

"Glad to see the old intuition hasn't failed me yet. The special is usually the only eatable thing at these kinds of places Mac How much space will you be needing? I've got a back seat and there are plenty of garages around here. Dave and i can watch your back for however long you need. As for your Dave, if Mac's biz will really only take a moment then we can hit up the weapons world a few blocks from here, tap into the slush fund, and get you armed and ready.  Assuming of course that's ok with you two? Then go to our meet at the shack and hope it bares fruit."

This night is starting to turn into a pub crawl. Not that I should complain i guess.

Sterling Gestures to Mac and Binary then reaches down for another few bites.

"Well it seems that's all settled then! Eat up chummers this may be a long night. Here is to hopping its not"

Sterling raises his glass

[Volker]

MacC nods and takes a good sip of his blonde.

"Yah, that will absolutely do. I just wanna do sorts of a phone call. Though without a phone. Right then!"
He rubs his hands. "Let's do some business, boys and ma'am!

"A toast to a short und uncomplicated night." He raises his beer, then drinks, but doesn't empty it.

After that, MacC walks over to the bar and pays his bill. While he waits for the others to do so as well, he dismisses the Lesser Servant. "I thank you for your watchful eyes, Water Serpent. I release you from any ties in friendship. Go home, or stay, whatever your nature demands you to do."

He then leaves the sandwich bar and follows Sterling to his car, where he eases himself in the back seat and waits for his fellow shadowrunner to drive him somewhere where they can remain unobserved for a minute. Once they arrived at the garage, he once again opens his Astral Eyes and looks around to avoid unwanted eyes or company.
"Hmm, good. I am now going to summon an ancestor spirit. Be not afraid, and try to remain silent. It is not going to take long. Don't attack it or interrupt me. Right?"


MacC closes his eyes, then shapes his hands into a bowl. He blows some air into his palms, then removes his hands. Where his flesh was seconds before, Sterling and maybe Binary and Dave can see a bowl of shimmering energy. You hear a silent humming and it takes a second or two until you realize it is MacC's silent bass, humming a melody which sounds both hypnotic and nostalgic.
Without words and without taking notice of any observers, MacC takes out the bottle of beer and pours its remaining content into the shimmering bowl. He then puts the bottle to the floor and stops humming.

His fist closes around the Crow pennant around his neck and he lays his head into his neck. His voice is steady and deep as he intones the summoning "Ancestor from the Beyond, Spirit of Man and Transcendent Soul, I call upon your aid. Take this sacrifice as a gift, and let it be a carrier of the honour and respect I feel for you and your service."

[8-bit]

Binary eagerly digs into his barbecue. It brings back some memories, and while it isn't quite as good as he was used to, it was delicious compared to what he had been eating recently.

Binary takes a moment to clean himself up before raising his own glass for a toast.

"A toast to a short und uncomplicated night."

"I can drink to that." He drinks his beer and goes back to finishing off his sandwich. Before he knew it, his plate was empty and he was cleaning his hands with his napkin. He drains the last of his beer.

"I'm ready when y'all are. Shall we get this party started?"

[Imveros]

Sterling submits the payment for his meal and heads for the door. A look of relief crossing his face when his car has not been messed with in any way. Dave saunteres out of the restaurant and grunts out "Shotgun" The car door opens and the shocks groan, or at least sterling thinks they do, as Dave gets in.

"Well Mac, the back seat is all yours. Soon as Binary mounts up we can head a few blocks over to to this garage we passed on the way here. This time of night it shouldn't be to crowded and anyone there will be minding their own damn biz."

The ride is uneventful. Trafic has died down now that the second shifters have gotten where they are getting to. Will be a few hours before third shift is doing the same. Sterling's car drives itself expertly towards and up the garage. Sterling selects the second from the top floor, and signals the car to pull into the back corner space with a few glances.

Sterling gets out of the car while Dave gets out and stretches her back after being hunched up in the car again just as binary pulls up. The three share a few glances as Mac starts to chant. Sterling leans in for a whisper so as not to disturb him at his task

Magic has always given me the willys. You two ever been around so much mojo before? I've only every worked with one other before, and she kept all her magic on the sly. Wouldn't have even noticed at all except for the sudden glow she had when a ganger though to throw some lead her way. 

[Volker]

A pale image appears hovering in front of the car. It has the appearance of a middle-aged woman dressed in early 21st century clothes. There is no color at all to the apparition, it is all a translucent grey and white. You find it difficult to suppress a shudder when the ancestor answers Mac's request in a hollow, mournful voice.
"I accept your offer, servant of Crow. What is it you demand of me?"

MacC bows, not entirely at ease himself. "I need your protection, elder one. My companions and I are going to a dangerous place this night. Until I return home safely, or until sunrise releases all your bonds to the world of the mortals, I ask you to watch over me, and warn me from all harm you can perceive, be it mundane or from yonder."

The woman casts a stern glance at MacC, then nods without any further answer and vanishes into thin air, the way she came.

With a sigh of relief MacC leaves the car.

"Chummers," he says. "Be n... Don't be afraid. She's on our side and she's not going to do you any harm"
He pauses, letting Binary, Sterling and Dave continue the sentence on their own: As long as you are on my side.
"I feel a lot safer when she's around. She's frightening, and not without reason. Uh, do you have any questions before we move on? I found that some people feel more at ease if they have a clue what they're dealing with"
It seems as if the temperature had fallen a few degrees when the ancestor spirit was around, but now the chill is fading again. MacC might have a lot more routine in dealing with entities like this, but you can see that you're not the only ones the spirit has given the creeps.