[ismilealot]

@ Yelena  Sam smiles at you again as he smoothly wraps one arm around yours, leading you to the back room. "I think to wear such a dress and not get laid would very much be a shame." He moves smoothly, confidently, like a tiger in his domain. And when he opens the door you note that there is no lock on the door, and the room is indeed softly lit with the gentle glow of a large holographic projection of a woman moving through the streets. Sam moves to the center of the room, smiling like a wolf at you, waiting for your reaction. As you study the image the woman moves towards the camera, and she is very expensively dressed. A gorgeous figure and a subtle sexiness has several men turning slightly to observe her as she walks past them. She is familiar, even if the camera is a little far. And then Yelena's blood freezes in her veins, only to burn a moment later, Tsina Molovna! The hair is changed, the nose has had a bit of work, as well as a few enhancements to her figure. but it is Tsina, of that Yelena is certain. The woman who stole her life and her lover and took everything from her. Obviously still alive, and doing very well for herself. But where? There is no identifying markings, no street names, only a trid advert for a game that's being played tomorrow, and it's in English, although that's only minimal help. "Her address and her schedule in exchange for one single favor. A favor you have absolutely proven you are capable of. I am here as an operative of a very special task force. And if you help us, not only will you get what you want, but, you will be helping so many, many more people live. There is a mage, a mage responsible for all the killing, she lives in a sewer. Find her, and kill her, and Tsina is all yours."   

[Mercy Merchant]

Yelena steps forward and her hand involuntarily touches her chest where the puckered scar from a gunshot wound is an ever-present reminder of the woman in the holograph.  She watches for a few moments to see if there is any tell tale that she can use, but quickly realizes that these people have carefully placed their sensors and she will get nothing from the feed other than the face.  That she commits to her mental file.  Without turning from the view, she says,  "You know much, Sam Webster.  You know what I am, what I do and have found perfect tie.  Yelena does not hunt for revenge, as that is sure path to error and destruction, but in this case I make exception."  She turns to the handsome man.  "And are you the devil?"

She turns back to the holograph.  "Tell me what I need to know about mage.  I will kill her to get payment promised.  Yelena does not fail, but already you know this.  You are very clever hunter, Sam.  Are you my boss now?"

[Triskavanski]

@Arc  <<What Rigs?>>


Moving around to the back of the shop, towards the warehouse, she took a moment to memorize the area around her. The burst of magical ability memorizing the small radius around her, allowing her to mentally run through ways to get the lady out of there, strip her down and come back in wearing her face. She moved as far as she could and be in the very limits of her pistol's range, climbing up the ware house, before waiting for the owner of the shop.

[Poindexter]

After going over the map with Arc, Duckdown takes his share of the devices and heads out on foot by himself. The decision had been made to split the group up to cover more ground, but to keep in contact on the comms. He spends the rest of the day, and quite a bit of the early evening installing the devices as instructed to by the little human mechanic.

[Csjarrat]

Feathers looks out the window as he ponders the responses, feeling as old as his years and then some.
The burden of action against this powerful entity weighed heavily on him. He knew he was too old and too weak to do much other than co-ordinate and rally as much support as he could, but these were unruly folk, not used to working together for a greater cause.
His idea of success now dipped into damage limitation, find this fucker and stop it from feeding. Baiting it and trying to pin it seemed even more foolish with the knowledge it was now gaining in power with its more frequent feeding schedule.
They'd need to get the sensor net in place and soon.
<<Team>>//Guys, where are we up to with these sensors? We've got to get some eyes and ears on this fucker's route as soon as we can if we're going to get a handle on it's movements. FFM division are hot on the last victim, we're running out of time here//

[SgtBoomCloud]

@Arc  <<What Rigs?>>

After going over the map with Arc, Duckdown takes his share of the devices and heads out on foot by himself. The decision had been made to split the group up to cover more ground, but to keep in contact on the comms. He spends the rest of the day, and quite a bit of the early evening installing the devices as instructed to by the little human mechanic.

<<Team>>//Guys, where are we up to with these sensors? We've got to get some eyes and ears on this fucker's route as soon as we can if we're going to get a handle on it's movements. FFM division are hot on the last victim, we're running out of time here//

Arc was sure to be grateful for Duck taking it upon himself to send out a few of the sensor rigs to the closest locations to her garage, even offering for him to take the car if needed.  Wiping her brow, she blinked as the team messages finally came rattling in.  Sighing, she sat down on the workbench and fired up the Chatroom messaging system ARO.

<<Team>>
<<@Raven, I just spent better part of today building some surveillance rigs so we can pinpoint our VIPs when they do show up.  Can you send me a fix on the witch's "front door" so I can set something up there?

@Feathers, Sensors just got finished.  17 total going up, just need confirmation on a few more spots.  Duck's out on his own placing a few, I'm gonna get some more up, pop a Long Haul, and start watching.  Where we at on that binding ritual or whatever drek you're doing???

@Duck, I'll take over sensor placing.  You got HUZ going out there in the cold.  Come back in make some soykaf, take a break.

@All, assuming we fraggin' ready to move by tonight or tomorrow, we can get these hoops pinged null sheen.  Frag, it's good to be able to drekkin' contribute...

[ismilealot]

@ Feathers  You receive a comm call from an unrecognized number. >>Mage Turnstall, this is Special Operative Inkudu with FFM. I have been informed that you are my point of contact in this advance operation to try and contain this situation before it warrants a full scale intervention. I have been told that you have been fully prepped in a ritual to bind the beast and a reliable method of summoning it. I have been instructed to find whatever information I can and if possible a way to kill the mage associated with this creature. I will give you whatever assistance I can and will expect your full cooperation in this matter.<<
It's easy to leave the bar un-noticed at this hour. The heavy partying has long since been over and it's mostly just staff moving around. the few orcs & trolls at the bar don't even glance your way.

@ Masquerade  Despite the cold Jimma isn't wearing more than the cotton tee, slacks and her apron. And as she leans with her back against the wall and takes her first long drag of the cig. her eyes close. She is obviously not expecting any trouble and is far to easy a target for you. The AC/Heating unit when coupled with the dumpster will make the perfect spot to hide her from anyone except someone right on top of her. It almost couldn't be better.

@ Johnny  The walk back with Tommy is quiet, or it would be if not for Tommy's chatter about the monsters. You learn all about his awesome fight with the cougar and how he got it in a troll hug and, "That was that bro! And then she summoned a python to hug me back, but I grabbed it's jaws and ripped it in half! And then she summoned a Yaun-Ti, that's some kinda mythtastical beast what some chumer made up, but 2-Bit can summon it! And Tom made me a sword an shield! And I got to fight it!" Tommy is in high spirits, practically dancing around you as you walk pantomining his moves and the monsters moves as he re-tells you about his afternoon. " An 2-Bit said when I come over to study she'll show me more stuff!<< And his excitement is in sharp contrast to what 2-Bit said to you privately, just when Tommy is finally excited about his lessons and actually wanting to show up. Drek.

@ Yelena  "The mage is an elven girl of 12 or 13 who we have reason to believe is living in a sewer. And that's why we need you Yelena Petrovna. Russian prisons make a sewer look like a nice quiet vacation spot. And far to many assassins balk at killing children. But, this "child" is perhaps one of the most dangerous criminals alive today. She's killed 16 people so far. Usually in groups, and then strung them up for decoration. But, killing children is not a problem for you. You do what you must do, the consummate professional."  His look at you is hooded. "We've intercepted a few cryptic comms about her. But most of our intel has been bought the old fashioned way, since gangers are notoriously closed mouth. And again, that is where you are tailor-made for this job. You move in and out of gangs. You already have an in with the Ancients. I'm sure it won't be hard to get in with a few other gangs to find out what you need to know to track this killer down and put a bullet in her brain." He pauses then watching you, and then his voice intensify's."But, I'm afraid I need to put you on a timer. My team will be done with their current job tonight. A day to debrief and resupply, another to get here, and once they are here, this 'hood comes down. And with it, your chance to earn your payment. For we will do what we must to stop this before it goes any further. And we will allow her no possible chance of escape, above, or below, the ground." Watching you, his body a spring-coil, he speaks again, "So, to answer your question, am I your boss? No, that is the need that drives you. Am I the devil? Yes, very much so." He smiles at you then as he crosses to you, and once again leans down to whisper into your ear, caressing it lightly with his nose. "And we both know the devil is an old familiar lover of yours, yes?" He kisses your neck then, his lips lingering as they glide down your skin, and his hand goes around your waist to the small of your back to lightly guide you into him. "Shall we honor the dress?"

@ Duckdown  A few children are curious enough to watch you as you go down into the drainpipes, "Whatcher! He aint drunk or nuttin an he be going down there? Maybe he be crazy like my uncle Rose. He be doing crazy drek all the time. Maybe, ask him! I aint asking him, you ask him! " Is just one of the conversations you overhear when the kids spot you. But, your actions aren't sufficiently interesting to warrant more bother than that. It's just fragging cold. The rain earlier means they've all got water running in them and your shoes aren't water proof. Frag.

@ Arc  The garage has been mostly quiet today, and now that you've stopped working you notice the chill. Your comm rings just then, >>This is Micah Salazar. I was in the fender-bender in front of the shop yesterday and I haven't recv'd an estimate. I'll need my car no later than tomorrow afternoon so I need to know an estimate and whether or not you can have it ready by then.<< A second message in your inbox reminds you that you have a delivery ready for pick-up and that this is the 2nd notice.     

[Mercy Merchant]

Yelena nods her head and smiles coldly.  "Killing child in not a problem for me, yes.  And sewer would have been paradise to early days in prison.  You have researched me well, Sam.  I am professional, as you say, and I will kill this mage.  I will do this in the two days you give me if it is possible."

"I am not sure I trust Ancients.  Just feeling I have, but I learned long ago to trust feelings.  But I do have contact with Howler gang and they might want to help.  I will see her tomorrow and talk.  Am I to contact you again?"

She allows Sam to pull her close and she moans in response to his lips on her neck.  Her breasts rise and her nipples respond to his closeness and the invitation.  She takes a step back and touches the dress in the right places.  As it falls to the ground, she bends to remove her panties.  She stands up and looks appreciatively at the man in front of her.  Smiling, she says, "You are devil, Sam Webster, but an intriguing one.  I would sleep with many devils for this."  Yelena eyes him up and down.  "If like what you see then you are way overdressed right now."

[Imveros]

Johnny gets quiet as Two-Bit admits she may die, but her concern is Tommy's classes This cant be a coincidence. Everyone around me bringing up this monster while having dreams about the damn thing Thanks for what you've done for little Tommy here. If you can work magic strong enough to get Tommy to study, this thing better watch out Johnny helps gather the last of Tommy's things and he heads towards the door Good luck you two He tips his hat as he walks out onto the now dark streets

The streets were quiet too quiet. There should be several people milling about, the occasional car, and the frequent distant gunfire. It made little difference though. Johnny was so deep in thought he would have noticed a VOTL flying down the street. Maybe i should have offered to help them. Theyv'e already done so much for Tommy here, and i know i don't pay them nearly enough for that much care Tommy is oblivous to his brothers inner turmoil. "That was that bro! And then she summoned a python to hug me back, but I grabbed it's jaws and ripped it in half! And then she summoned a Yaun-Ti, that's some kinda mythtastical beast what some chumer made up, but 2-Bit can summon it! And Tom made me a sword an shield! And I got to fight it!" Johnny misses his cue and responds too late That sure does sound wiz but Tommy had already moved on to the blow for blow moving around the side walk, fencing with a garbage can, and giving a hearty war cry at a tom cat that got a little too close. But this isn't my fight right? I moved out here to give Tommy a better life. Not fight some hell spawned monster Tommy finishes his blow by blow and stops right next to Johnny An 2-Bit said when I come over to study she'll show me more stuff! A big smile beaming on his face. Johnny just keeps walking with his hands in his pockets.

Yeah right. We moved out here to change both our lives. I made promises to myself and to my heroes. They didn't ride into town, hear the towns folk's plight and then pack up and run just because "It wasn't their fight. Ghost but what can i do? Two-Bit has her monster things, Tom has his sword and shield, and all i got is a thick skull and bluster Johnny's shoulders droop. I know how to deal with a man, but a honest to ghost monster? Tommy finaly notices the look on his brothers face You ok bro? You got that look on your face again. I'm doin good aint i? You aint upset at Two-Bit for the monsters are ya? It was my idea chip truth! Tommy crosses his heart as Johnny forces a smile to his face Nah i couldn't be more proud of you little hombre. Not only are you doin your book work, but you're learnin how to scrap. Two lessons for the price of one! Johnny leans over and ruffles Tommy's hair once more Since you're both a scholar and a fearless warrior now, why don't we go grab some burgers to celebrate? Johnny checks his cred chip for the 5th time today Not nearly enough for the week, but he doesn't need to know that. Drek why isn't life as easy as it is on the trids?

[ismilealot]

@ Yelena  Sam isn't over-dressed for long. And you receive the benefit of a considerable expertise throughout the evening and night. Turns out there's more than one room available for his use. In the morning when you roll over there is a small box with a pair of earrings in it. The note says, "Flip the cabochon up to talk to me and let me know she's dead, and I'll tell you where to go. Battery is limited so don't waste it. There is a mage running the front-end of this operation who has offered you his assistance. You are to give him every cooperation and courtesy. His comm is DF85252PL95145. His name is Turnstall." When you check the earrings only one has a cabochon, the other has some subtle faceting on the edges. So, very limited, 2-3 messages at best, and limited range. He'll have to be in the city to get the message.

@ Johnny  Evening is here, time to go to the pizza place if you're going. And, well a free pizza would make the cred go a little farther. And if this businessman is serious about protecting someone, or his shop or whatever, maybe he'd be willing to pay you in a few more pizza's. Maybe even enough for you & Tommy for a good meal. You could try and make a deal. Protecting isn't like smashing heads, this sounds like something you could even brag about to Tommy. Maybe, if it's legit.

[Mercy Merchant]

Yelena rolls over on her back after looking at the earrings. *Nice touch.  I guess it really was too much to hope for the promised breakfast and an interview at the bar.*   She laughs as she sits up.  *Yeah, too good for you, Yelena Petrovna.  I guess I need to get a shower and see if I can roll over to visit Arc.  Looks like truth time.* 

She gets out of the bed and dresses so she can go home, checking her cases to make sure that he left everything with her.  After a cursory check, she leaves the club and hails a cab.  At home she uses a few minutes of her hot water allotment to wash Sam off her then dresses in some no-nonsense clothes.  Opening the weapons case she carefully takes everything out and disassembles everything, to include removing the bullets from the clips.  After cleaning the guns, she reassembles the pistols and sets them aside.  She reassembles the rifle into its major components and slips them and the reloaded clips into the fitted slots of the case.

Seeing that it is mid-morning, Yelena places the Light Fire into the concealed holster in the coat and puts the Predator at her hip.  She puts the earrings on, grabs her cases and leaves the apartment.  She puts the  cases in her rig's cargo boxes and heads over to the address she got from Arc.  *I hope that she does not mind me dropping in.  Maybe should call, as situation has definitely changed.  She calls up Arc's number as she drives and sends a note.  <Arc.  Olena.  I need to see you.  It is important.  Scorp is still making noise, but need to talk to you about Howlers and these murders.  I am headed your place.  Is alright or should meet elsewhere?

[Mercy Merchant]

Yelena will send another message.  <Virtual Goddess.  Wanderer.  I have situation I hope that you can help with.  Looks like holiday is shorter.  Was approached by man with deal.  But I may need contact with gangs here.  I know Ancients and have contact with Howlers, but can you provide others?  Might not need, but might.  let me know cost and I pay from last job, but need the information early today.  Thank you.>  *I wonder what she thinks of that.  Hope she comes through as it might help.  Now, on to Arc and confession.  Hope she does not throw me out of garage.*

[ismilealot]

@ Yelena  >>Wanderer, contact Faux Paw, he's got contacts in the gangs.<<

[Poindexter]

<<@Duckdown [Arc], I'll take over sensor placing.  You got HUZ going out there in the cold.  Come back in make some soykaf, take a break>>

<<@Arc [Duckdown] It's a cold world girl. Aint no thing. I'm bout to put these last two up, head home and get some sleep. Holler at me in the morning, wiz?>>

[Mercy Merchant]

Yelena sends a thank you back to Virtual Goddess.

She then uses the contact information that Virtual Goddess had sent.  <Faux Paw.  Wanderer.  I was given your contact information by Virtual Goddess.  Please feel free to check me out with her.  I have need to ask for information on Elf Mage in sewer who might be involved in Smiley Face killings.  Can you help me with gang contacts that might know something?>  *Well, dance started.  Will see if can get date to the ball.*  Thinking of dates brings back thoughts of the evening and night with Sam.  Pleasant thoughts.  It has been far too long since she had met a man she wanted to have sex with more than once.  And this Sam who was not Sam was definitely worth a second or third try with.  As a thought, she sends a quick message off to him, not knowing if he had burned that contact number yet or not.  <Sam.  Yelena.  Thank you for lovely time.  Dinner was good, but after was better.  Call when this is over if want real date and after.  You still owe Yelena breakfast and bar interview.  Ta.>