[skulldixon]

Do we want to break off into groups and station ourselves in various areas near the building?

[Lighthouse]

"I believe Tanya and I in our finery could take a walk by the building and see if we can spot anyone. Kumiho could you hack one of their commlinks? You could find out where they like to hang out after work darling."

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya chuckles.  "I hope that you mean the finery I intend to buy in a few minutes.  Right now I am dressed more to attract a different type of attention."

[Aria]

Requiem smiled at the banter but otherwise stayed quiet...

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya looks at Kachina and Mother.  "Do the guardian spirits protect against astral access to the building, or can they also detect a mundane approach, such as us sneaking in?"

[obidancer]

Kachina was observing the dynamic of the group. They all had to learn about each other's strengths and weaknesses.
She was brash and quick to action, and if it was up to her they would probably be in the building already. But that didn't mean that was the smartest move either. The Thunderbird had been guiding her from well before she knew or understood what a Mentor Spirit was.

Being the leader of a group meant she may have the last word after all, but use it unwisely and the leadership would soon fade away. She understood Kumiho's desire to take it slow and gather as much data as possible, or could appreciate Tanya's idea to acquire a guard or employee's pass.

"Do the guardian spirits protect against astral access to the building, or can they also detect a mundane approach, such as us sneaking in?"

Tanya brought Kachina's back from her own thoughts.

I believe you refer to the Watchers that I encountered last night during my search. If so, yes. They would be able to detect mundanes trying to sneak in. From what I understand, Watchers are not really Spirits per say they are some some of manifestation of a Magician's mind. I can't banish them for instance. They however have a limited lifespan too; a few hours at most. The two I've encountered were powerful and would for sure last all night long, but it means the magician or magicians would have to recreate a couple via a ritual this morning to look after the place again. I guess that is really what we call wage mage. They'd be paid to perform a couple ritual - under 10min each I would think - every eight hours or so, so the company could have some Astral protection. They'd probably have to be on call in case their Watcher detects something.

Now, this is true that Saint James didn't really gave us any timeline. But we need to keep in mind what and why we're doing this for. Our mutual friend has been murdered. If there's any clue as to who could be behind it, it is supposed to be in that building. The longer we take the more chances we also take to see those clues disappear. The first 48h are usually capital when dealing with murder. 

I too would love to spend time gathering as much data as possible, but I have the feeling if we don't act quick enough, we will lose our chance to find something. Yes, rushing in won't bring our friend back, but not doing so could give someone just enough time to erase the data that we are looking for. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying we need to go now, but let's get clear on what we have, what we need, what could be good to have.

Kumiho, you got us the blueprint of the place already, right? Now it would be very valuable to see the inside with our own eyes, including how they are set up, before we attempt to break in.
The pass Tanya could steal would be extremely useful to get in during our break in, if not we will have to rely on Kumiho controlling their hardware. Or having one of them voluntarily take us where we need to be...
The Employees. Outside of the heads, including the dead ones, we know pretty much nothing about them. We, however, could use them to get info and possibly access to the building. I am specialized in all forms of interrogation techniques; getting info from someone is what I do. It could be useful to know where we need to look in the building.
I personally feel it is important we get in under some pretense. We may learn some valuable information and if done properly even some info on their own security and response time. Let's keep in mind they are a security company.

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya has an odd thought.  "Say, we have been sort of told that this is a security company, right?  But what if we have the wrong sort of security in mind?  Perhaps it is a private investment brokerage; one that guarantees a "Safe Return" for its clients' money?"

She looks at Kachina with respect, knowing how hard it is to be a leader and wanting to give support because she has no delusions of wanting that mantle.  "So, Kachina, what would you recommend we do?"

[obidancer]

Then their Matrix security will probably be stronger than their physical one. Probably better for most of us. said Kachina.

She pondered for a second then added: 
Let's start by getting closer to the building, get a better view. That sport in the park sounds good. Mother we will go with your idea to start. You and Kumiho will do a casual walk by. Stay on public walkways, just check what a visula can get you by the entrance of the building. If you get close enough to a employee, Kumiho, get in his 'link and see what sort of info you can get out of it. Local hang out spot could be good, but also authorized zone in the building and things like that.
I have a way to see inside without jeopardizing anyone's identity. I'll just need to get close enough. Requiem and I will just pass as a couple enjoying their day around the park. We'll get to settle by a wall of the building.
Tanya. Go shopping. Depending on what we gather, I may still want you to go inside. With one of us. Get an outfit that would be suitable, just in case.
 

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya nods.  She finishes her cup of tea and the last hushpuppy.  Turning to Mother she says, "Thank you for recommending the food.  It was quite good.  I have to go out with you more often.  I have lived in Seattle for about three years and have never tried these hushpuppies.  Bloody tasty."

She waves over the cute waitress and indicates that she would like the check.  Even though the girl has been working her butt off in what seems to be an understaffed restaurant, she has managed to stop by several times to check on the people in the booth and has kept the various coffee, tea, and other drink orders filled.  The waitress manages a smile as she produces the check and wishes everyone a nice afternoon.  Tanya recognizes the difference between someone trying hard and hardly trying and this girl has been trying hard.  Adding a hefty 50% tip to the bill, Tanya stands and leaves the booth.  She digs a small business card from her pocket and gives it to the waitress as she leaves, saying "Give me a call when you have some free time.  I appreciate a hard worker and just might have something for you." 

Going out into the mall area, Tanya makes her way to the trendy boutique that she had seen on her way to Barney's.  She enters and engages a rather bored shop girl in conversation, asking about the cute frock she has seen in the window.  She tries that one and a couple more on and decides to take the one that had originally caught her eye.  The girl that helps her is almost the opposite of the young waitress from the restaurant, seeming to be almost bored to be helping the customers.  As she takes the frock and goes to put it on, Tanya shakes her head at the difference.  She asks for and get a bag to put her shorts and blouse in and leaves the shop. 

Tanya goes out to the Mirage and stows her clothes in one of the side compartments and then takes a stroll in the direction of the Return Safe building.  She pulls up the comm code that Kachina had given her and sends a message to the sorceress.  <Kachina.  Tanya.  I am wearing my new frock and am wandering in your direction.  Any instructions?>

[Lighthouse]

"Well sugar...shall we?" asks Mother putting out her arm.

"I do declare that is a beutiful frock. Where did you get it?" asked Mother as they walked.

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya is a bit surprised to see Mother waiting for her, but takes her arm and smiles warmly at her.  "This?  Thank you.  It caught my eye when I was walking to the restaurant this afternoon.  I think it is just too darling.  The shop is called Waller's.  Sadly, the girl that served me seemed far too bored to be working there."

She nods towards the Return Safe building as they get closer.  "So what is our play here?"

[obidancer]

Kachina and Requiem made their way closer the the building. They stopped not too far from the crossing signs, close to a tree. They stood together and Kachina hugged Requiem, without much warning. Hold me. She told him. She just wanted to look like a couple enjoying each other's presence and remain inconspicuous to everyone around.  Her eyes closed as she mumbled something inaudibly, and her vision was propelled far across, inside the building.


Casting a Clairvoyance spell Force (F7) to stay hard to spot.
Clairevoyance F3: 15d6t5 3

Drain:
Drain Clairvoyance (4): 10d6t5 7

She can pretty much see from anywhere within a 210m radius (660 ft). She will look inside each room, trying to pay attention to as much as she can remember, including the number of people, what kind of people, and what sort of interesting things are visible, trying to get a clue as to where the main server would be.

She has a Perception limit of 7 (number of successes) while using the spell.

She casts a second spell of Clairvoyance on Requiem, so he too can look inside.
Clairevoyance F7 (-2 for the first one being sustained) on Requiem: 13d6t5 2
Drain Clairvoyance (4): 10d6t5 3

Stun 1 block



After a few second Requiem realized he too could see inside the building. His vision was less clear but he could see in almost any room as if he was there. (Limit of 2 on perception tests)

The two only had to stand there lovingly for a few seconds to look around all the rooms.

[Jayde Moon]

As Kachina and Requiem stand at the crosswalk, the elf holds the Amerindian steady as she loses her local vision and projects her sight into the building.  What she notices at first doesn't help much.  It looks much like any other small office building on the inside.  There is a break area with soykaf and food processors on the north wing of the building (left side of the top blueprint) and a few tables and folding chairs, nothing overly comfortable.  The south side houses four offices, a supply closet, and just outside the four offices are the restrooms.

The main entrance opens into a foyer/waiting room and what appears to be a large receptionists area are opposite the main doors.  A larger office nestles in the back between the receptionist area and the four offices, with its own small waiting area.

Between the foyer and the break rooms is a small office room that has been converted into some manner of storage.  There is also a small closet just outside the break room.

Interstingly, Kachina does find a stairwell, but her vision is blocked just as the stairs would descend.  Something about that blockage keeps her from trying to extend her vision down the stairwell and she instead turns her attention to the second building (bottom blueprint).

It's a garage with a toolshed, and a unisex bathroom.  Inside the garage are two black Rover's, they look brand new, along with a Suzuki Mirage.

There appears to be no one in the building.

[obidancer]

There's an underground level. It is either warded or deep underground where my magic cannot reach from here. I'll need to get down there first.
Kumiho there's no one inside, that solve your part of the initial plan. There are two new Rovers and a Mirage inside the garage.

She switch the Astral vision to see if she could detect the Watcher spirits today.

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya laughs.  >>All.  It is Sunday, after all.  The building may be closed for business today.<<