[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya smiles at Kumiho.  "Nice.  Is there something we need to do here with the information or is it time to go someplace to sit and discuss what we know?"

[Señor T]

As Cal watches Kumiho go limp on the on the light pole, he realizes just how much his life is in the hands of these strangers. Somehow he thought it'd be more like it was with the company... an organized team that knew what it was doing from the start of the mission. This was all ad-hoc stuff with people he hardly knew. He gives the area another scan then rolls his neck to stretch a bit.

"No problems with heading to Ms. Marisart's place here," he replies to John before turning to Tanya with a good-natured grin. "Besides, I'm guessing she'll have the best snacks."

He could really go for some snacks.

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya carefully helps Kumiho out of his harness before removing hers and placing both in the bag, along with the rope and gecko gear.  The hammer, spare pitons and D-rings go into special pockets on the inside of the bag.  Once done, Tanya stands and puts the bag across a shoulder on a carry strap and looks around.  "So far I have a request for single malt from one guest.  Any other requests?  No promises, but I can try to have something laid on.  Now, Kumiho, you have been to my place before.  John, go to the Gates Undersound Hotel and head into the covered car park.  You probably call it the parking garage.  Use my name to get a guest parking pass then park in the designated slot and take the elevator to the lobby.  Wait for me if you get there first.  The elevator down is secure and private and you will need me to get access to it."  She looks at the others.  "I guess Earlybird, Cal, and Calico are still with me?"

Tanya sends a quick note to Alphonse to meet them at the entrance as she walks with the group to the Temple gate, where she thanks their escort.  "感謝你為你的耐心。 我希望,我們並沒有太大的負擔。 我的歉意,干擾您的一天。 我們將找到了他們這樣做的十分珍視並獲得返回。"  She makes sure that he has her comm code and asks him to give her a call if anyone remembers any detail, no matter how slight. 

Translation:  Thank you for your patience.  I hope that we have not been too much of a burden.  My apologies for disrupting your day.  We will find out who did this and get the treasures back.

[Stoneglobe]

Climbing into my Ford I marvel again at what the valet service at The Palace of China had achieved during our meeting. Not only did the car look like it has just rolled out of the dealership it once again had that undefinable yet distinct new car smell. Shaking my head in admiration I boot up the dog brain and enter the address Tanya gave me. That place, very nice. Marisart must be worth more than I initially thought. Not sure how I'd feel living with only a few sheets of plexiglass between me and the Sound though. Deciding to let the dog brain do the heavy lifting I select Driving Miss Daisy mode, yeah I know it's actually called Manufacturer's Recommended Mode (using any other mode of autopilot automatically invalidates your warranty and the manufacturer accepts no liability for loss of life, injuries, reconstructive surgery, miscellaneous medical expenses blah, blah, blah) or Safe 'n' Slow as a rigger acquaintance of mine used to call it back in the Bureau but since falling asleep with the old flatvid feature playing in the background it had kind of stuck in my head, and let the car trundle out of the parking lot and start making it's way to Tanya's.

Resting my hands on the wheel - I'm not that trusting - I let my mind wander through the events so far. Something about all of this just wasn't stacking up for me but I couldn't quite put my finger on it yet leaving my brain with the equivalent of an itch I couldn't reach or scratch. I booted the problem to the back of my mind and tried to ignore it for the time being. Sitting down and actually talking things through with the others was the immediate solution and I was hoping that would provide the reach my mental fingers needed in order to be able to scratch away and provide some relief.

The triple beep of the dog brain pulled me back to focus. Looking at the screen >>[Ford TraffiScan^tm] I5 northbound Exit 142 through to Exit 158: Gang activity leading to fatalities, major congestion including all alternative routes, clean up crews on site, estimated journey time 3 hours<<

Just fragging wonderful, now all it with that the heavens opened and the windscreen became a sea of water, needs to do is start raining. Still, at least it's practice for when I'm at Tanya's. That last thought raised a slight smile as I tap the on button for the entertainment system and let the sounds of KSAF fill the car whilst I settle back in the seat for the long and boring journey back up to Downtown.

[Stoneglobe]

As the traffic slowly crawls up the I5 I realise that I could be doing something useful with with this externally enforced downtime. Opening a channel to Kumiho >>Kumiho [Chance] can you send me the files you were able to retrieve please. I can make a few calls whilst this traffic grinds along and see if we can't start shaking the tree a bit to see what falls out.<<

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya and her traveling companions wait for the Rolls to pull up, standing quietly at the front gate to what should have been a serene place but is marred now by the closeness of violent death.  Alphonse steps out and opens the door, assisting the small group into the car.  As always, Tanya hesitates just a bit at the door then feels the driver's hand at her elbow and a soft whisper, "It will be just fine, Miss.  Nothing is going to happen to this car while I am driving."  Tanya smiles up at the man who has been her driver of choice for three years before squeezing his hand in a silent thank you and sliding into the car.  Once everyone is in, she reaches for the small refrigerator and takes a bottle of water from it, motioning for the others to do the same if they like.

Her internal GPS tells her they are nearing the halfway point when she feels the large vehicle begin to slow down.  Alphonse opens the intercom channel just as she is picking up the news reports on her 'link.  "I am sorry milady.  There has been some sort of accident on the freeway that is tying up traffic in all direction.  Even the alternate routes are clogged.  It will be a while.  I have taken the liberty of alerting Monique about the delay."

Tanya considers the implications then shrugs.  "Thank you Alphonse.  I am not in that much of a hurry."  Tanya looks at the others sharing her ride and says, "Well, it appears that we will be together here for a bit longer than expected.  My news feed indicates that there has been some sort of gang-related activity on the 15 that is slowing traffic to a crawl.  There are snacks in the bin just over there by Earlybird if you get hungry, as well as water and champagne."

At just that moment, the car is battered by a wall of water as one of the frequent summer downpours strikes.  Not that the occupants of the Rolls feel much more than a slight drumming on the roof. 

[trv123]

Once more nestled in the plush leather of the limousine, Calico hears the offer of refreshments and reaches for the champagne without hesitation. *If we're going to be stuck here for hours, might as well make the ride enjoyable* she thinks, popping the cork with a smirk, her eyes flitting between the other passengers, silently asking them if there were any other takers as she poured herself a glass, handing the bottle off as the bubbles threatened to boil over the rim of the delicate champagne flute.

"So once we get an address on that-- ohh, damn that's good" she comments distractedly, tilting her glass to admire its contents before continuing her thought. "Once we have the address, we're going to want to do a little recon, right? And ..." she pauses, gesturing with her half empty glass towards Earlybird, "we DO happen to have a helicopter at our disposal..."

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya finishes her water then reaches for a flute and accepts the bottle from Calico, pouring herself some champagne.  She nods at the other woman's words and shares her look at Earlybird, who has been strangely quiet.  "Indeed, Calico.  We do have access to a helicopter."  She looks between the two men.  "Any thoughts, either of you?"

[Señor T]

Cal reaches for a water, twists off the cap and takes a swig. His hangover was just about gone, and he should probably try to keep his energy up given that he hadn't had the appetite to eat much back at the restaurant. He leans over and reaches into the compartment Tanya had indicated for the snacks and pulls out a couple of tidily-wrapped bars. He examines the foil and paper wrapper for a few moments--apparently looking for an open tab--before giving up and simply tearing off the entire wrapper from the first bar and devouring it in four bites. He seems mostly oblivious to the crumbs.

He then waits for a pause in the conversation before speaking up, "So, I'm new to this town. But do you have many traffic jams caused by gang-related activity? And how long you think we'll really be sitting here? You know, before I drink too much water."

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya sends a question to Alphonse then looks at Cal.  "Alphonse says it could take another couple of hours.  I am monitoring the news feeds and he is probably right.  I wil call ahead and have some dinner set up instead of snacks.  The hotel prides itself on its seafood.  Any interest in that or would you like something different?"

[trv123]

Calico watches Cal intently, hearing the impatience in his voice, but paying particular attention to the way he moves. *Competent, clearly ... but he's running at regular speed, I'd bet my tits on that.* she thinks with satisfaction, sipping her bubbly. *Yep, he's my guy. But not yet.* She smiles with inner amusement as she imagines Cal, already anxious about the delay, suddenly having his Fast Forward button pushed over and over. And then being forced to sit still for three hours. *He'd probably get out and just start running!* she thinks, picturing the image of Cal bursting from the limousine and barreling down the highway, leaping onto and over cars in his desperation to burn off this intense and thoroughly confusing new energy coursing through him. She resists laughing out loud only through sheer force of will.

"Seafood sounds delicious, Tanya." she says, feeling her riotous laughter pushing through the cracks of her composure.

Composure to keep from laughing: 15d6t5 3

Oops, should've been 13d6 for the spell.

[skulldixon]

Kumiho gathers himself up and heads back to his bike. He swings his leg over the side of the bike and pulls his helmet on, all while thinking, hopefully this clue will lead in the right direction. Hate when a job begins with a red-herring.  Starting the bike with a thought, his Autonav tells him about the traffic between here and Tanya's place. Pulling up his city map, he quickly maps out a route that will allow his bike to bypass most of the trouble. While in AR and Driving (Don't try this at home), Kumiho sends out some Messages to see what he can find out about his work associates. Most of them seem like a solid crew, but that Earlybird is a bit of a noob or something.



First Kumiho calls up The Red Lady. She might know a few bits of gossip and news about some of these people.
Kumiho Hoi, Lady. Its Kumiho. Hows business?
The Red Lady 안녕하세요, Kumiho. Everything is going as well as one would expect. Currently, live blogging on the minor war that has broken out on out lovely streets. From the sounds of it the Bloody Screamers are up to something and Knight Errant got in the way. But you can read all about it on my Blog; What Might I be able to do for you?
Kumiho I'm on the job, but I was wondering what you could tell me about a few individuals? I just emailed you a list of names with some photos that my Spyfly took earlier. If you could take a look I would appreciate any information you can give me.
The Red Lady On the job and with some Handsome men, no less. Ok, I will check in on this and get back to you shortly. However, I am hoping that you'll be a good white hat and fill me in later on any Juicy details you might have picked up while.... on the job.

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya sips her champagne and watches the others.  She smiles as she notices Calico's intent examination of the former soldier.  She looks at the others as she opens the armrest at her side and activates the sound system.  "I prefer to listen to jazz or opera, but there is a wide range of music available.  Each of your seats has a set of earphones and individual sound controls that I think are fairly easy to figure out.  Please make yourselves comfortable since it appears that we are here for a while."  She slips her headphones on and tunes in to some soft jazz.

Eventually, the car edges past the jam in the road and the traffic picks up once again.  As the car nears the Downtown area, Tanya sends a note to Monique to let her know they will arrive soon so that the final arrangements can be made for dinner.  She taps a knee of any of her companions that might have gotten lost in music or the simple beat of the rain.  The car finally pulls into the covered entry way at the front of the hotel and Alphonse steps out to open the door and assist the group out of the car.  Tanya gives the driver a hug and says, "Thank you so much, Alphonse.  As usual you have been a dream."

"You are very welcome, milady.  I did tell you that nothing happens to this car while I am driving it."

Tanya nods and steps away, giving a weak smile.  "You must get tired of telling me that.  Thank you."

The large driver tips his hat.  "Why, I cannot remember any other times.  I believe this is the only time I have had to say it, milady."

Tanya laughs as she turns away.  "Liar.  But thanks.  Be sure to have the chit for your day sent down. Ta."

Tanya takes one of the picnic baskets from the boot and leads her three companions to the front entrance of the Gates Undersound Hotel, where two uniformed men open the huge glass doors for them.  Tanya nods and greets both by name as she passes into the expansive lobby.  Designed to impress, the large three level room is decorated with a seascape theme.  The opulence is understated but present if one knows what to look for.  She leads her companions to the bank of elevators at one side of the lobby where she stops to wait for the other two to show up.  Once John and Kumiho arrive, Tanya goes to the private elevators and taps the button to summon the car, greeting the uniformed attendant.  Those who know what to look for can see the telltale sign of a concealed weapon under the tailored jacket.  "Hello, Rodger.  How is the family?"

"Good afternoon, Lady Marisart.  Everyone is just fine, thank you for asking."

Exiting the elevator on floor U3, Tanya leads the way to Suite A, where Monique is at the open door.  She stands aside to let everyone in and smiles broadly as she takes the basket from Tanya.  "Thank you, Miss.  Ni Ni called to say that she had sent my special crab legs home with you.  I think she wanted to make sure they got here.  Dinner is here and will be ready in about a half hour."  The living room is very large, with two long couches and several comfortable-looking chairs arranged in two conversation groups, but oriented so that everyone can see out the large floor to ceiling window at the far end of the room.  The expanse of glass goes from wall to wall and looks out at the water three floors beneath the surface of Puget Sound.  Lights hidden in various places allow the residents to view the sea life in its natural state.  A nice bar sits against the right wall.  From the living room, one can see off to where the full kitchen and formal dining room are.  The table can seat twelve comfortably, but is currently set for six and three hotel staff can be seen removing covered trays and bowls from rolling carts and placing them on the table, the aroma of food wafting into the living room.  Tanya points to the doors leading off from the large room.  "There are loos through those two doors, so feel free to freshen up if you like.  There, there, and there lead to bedrooms and that last one there is to the planning room.  Please make yourselves comfortable while I return my climbing gear to the room.  I will be right back and dinner will be ready in a few.  Drinks are at the bar, so please let Monique know what your personal poison is.  John, I am told that your choice was available." 

Tanya goes off to the planning room to put her things up and Monique offers to take coats to the closet before going to the bar to serve drinks to those that want them.

[Señor T]

Cal glances at Calico and flashes an uncertain, but friendly smile as he sees her looking at him. He can't help but notice her outfit, but manages to look away casually... he thinks. Frag, man, keep it professional. You need this job, he chides himself. He then goes to work on the second bar, furrowing his brow a bit at her laughter.

"I'm not picky," he replies to Tanya before following her lead and settling in with his own headphones.

*****

When they arrive at the... apartment? Suite? Underwater palace? Whatever it was, it was possibly even more astonishing than the restaurant. After handing Monique his jacket, he makes his way over to the window and looks up and down, frowning. He can't help but wonder where this money is coming from and why he was on this case. Surely if either Tanya or the Triad... was there even a difference?... would rather have someone with more experience in running than him.

From his vantage point near the edge of what he could only think of as the reverse aquarium, he had several good lines to different spaces within the suite. Which made sense so people could see out. And what would happen if this glass were blown out anyway?

Cal decided to move away from the window. Maybe I'll have one of what John is having after all, he thought before making his way to the bar.

[Stoneglobe]

First part is provided Kuminho sends me the relevant files

My commlink beeps to alert me to the incoming files it's received. Having given them a quick scan I place a call to ADA Dana Oaks, as usual getting her voicemail, "Ms Oaks, John Chance here. I was hoping we might be able to talk later concerning a case I'm currently working on. I'm available on my usual number."

If Kumiho doesn't send me the files I'll delete the above part in an edit

After what seems like an eternity the I5 eventually begins to move again freely and there is no sign of the incident remaining. Being on one of those clean up crews has got to be like being in some kind of special hell.. The reminder of the journey is uneventful and the remaining miles to Gates Undersound Hotel pass in what feels like a blink of an eye in comparison to the slow grind of before.

Pulling up to the entrance to the parking garage I stop in front of the barrier, wind my window down and let my eyes wander over the attendant in the booth playing the old game of spot the hidden hardware, or in this case automatic weapon hanging on the wall behind him, whilst speaking, "Mr Chance for Lady Marisart. She is expecting me." After what seems like an eternity, though in reality was probably no more than 5 seconds, during which I can virtually feel the energy of the sensors no doubt scanning the car with every wave and frequency I'd heard of, along with some I probably hadn't, the attendant proffers what appears to be a small case. "Welcome to the Gates Undersound Hotel Mr Chance. We have been expecting you. Please park in bay V3a, follow the overhead signs for visitor parking, and leave this permit on your dashboard. You will find the entrance to the lobby on your right about 100 meters own from here. Please enjoy your stay." Taking the case I see it's actually a slab of grey polycarbonate with the hotel logo and visitor pass engraved on one side. Tossing it onto the dash I wait as the barrier starts to recede from view as it descends into the ground.

Once the barrier has slid down into the ground I drive through the garage following the signs and stop in the designated bay. I can't help but oggle, with a twinge of jealousy and envy, at the various vehicles I pass along the way. Making my way back through the garage I reach the lobby entrance and enter the hotel proper. Whilst the restaurant had screamed wealth and ostentation, this lobby quietly whispered the same message. If anything the effect was even more profound. Like many of the residents of Seattle I'd visited the mall attached to the hotel previously but that hadn't prepared me for entering the hotel. Spotting Tanya and my other companions waiting by the bank of elevators on the far wall I force my mouth shut, before it becomes obvious it was hanging open, and stroll across the lobby trying to look like I belong here.

Entering the apartment, Well this is nice the living room alone could have swallowed my entire doss with barely a sip of water, I suppress a shudder at the wall to wall glass window providing the panoramic view of the (under)seascape of the Sound. Allowing Monique to take my hat and coat, "Thank you Ms Monique," I turn to Tanya, "My compliments to your decorator."

Accepting the offer of a drink I head to the bar on the right wall where I am more than pleasantly surprised to see a bottle of 30 year old Ardbeg. A generous helping with just a splash of cool water later, it helps to open the whisky up and release the full flavour, and I'm savouring the complex peat smoked aroma and taste of one of the finest liquids on the planet. Taking one of the comfortable chairs closest to the window, if the glass gives might as well get it over quickly, I settle down and wait for the others to join me.