[Irn0rchid]

Rose walks over and sits on the couch. "Okay, first things first. I've got Howard's crap taken care of, it will just take some time. I've got someone arranging for transport of the ledgers to the Oyabun, so that should get us out from under those. For those vials, I'm going to give those directly to KE who should be able to dispose of the properly so we don't have to worry about being responsible if they resurface in the future. As for the money, well, we keep the money!" She grins broadly. "Elaine, have you thought any more about what you want to do? You've got your money, plus Howard's stuff, and that gives you a lot of options." Looking over at Robin, she raises her eyebrows and continues, "Because of all the stuff that's been going on, I decided to quit my job since I couldn't commit the time, but I still like doing it. You seemed to have inclinations that way as well. What would you think about the three of us setting up our own shop? Yeah you've got money now, but that would help ensure you had money in the future too. What do you guys think?"

[Mercy Merchant]

There is silence at first in response to your question and you can see both of the other women working things out in their minds.  Robin is the first to speak.  "So, you mean like buy our own garage and workshop and make it a business venture?  I think it is a great idea, but would you be able to commit the time to it?  I mean if that is the reason you quit your job?"

[Irn0rchid]

Rose laughs, "Well, *I* wouldn't be the only one working, right? At that point, we could also hire people if we had enough business to support it. If it becomes big enough to pay all the bills, then sure, I'd have plenty of time. I quit my current job because all this," she waves her arm towards the secret room, "is taking up a lot of time and I didn't need the money currently." She pats Elaine's leg, "You're already paying me more than I made there! That said, there's the final item to talk about. Ni Ni, the lady that hired us for the job that got his here has a line on another job, but it's out of the country. If I, or we, ended up doing that, I likely wouldn't have been able to keep the roadside job anyway. And that brings us back to what we're going to do. Robin, I think there's going to be a need for some Matrix skills on this job she wants done, so there's probably a spot for you on the job, but it's probably not worth it for you to try and tag along, Elaine. I was thinking you could stay in town and work on things here? Assuming you wanted to stick with us. And assuming all this Howard crap is done by then..."

[Mercy Merchant]

Elaine's face goes through several emotions as you talk, from thoughtful to happy to sad then finally resigned.  She shakes her head and puts a smile on her face before saying in a low voice, "Sure.  I mean, yes, I want to stay with you two.  My life has changed so much over the past few days that I cannot see going back to what I was.  I really like the idea of setting something up and I really do not have many skills that would be useful in a foreign country.  So how long would you gone and when are you leaving?"

[Irn0rchid]

"No timeline has been discussed, but it's a job similar to what this one was," she grimaces a bit at the reference to Elaine being a job. "It's in Thailand, and could very well go a couple weeks, or be done in a day. I don't have very many details yet. I'm supposed to let her know Monday if I want to do it. It should pay pretty well..."

[Mercy Merchant]

Elaine grimaces at your reference as well then says, "I know I was a job, but I hope we have progressed beyond that by now."

Robin looks between the two of you and nods.  "Yes, Elaine.  You were a job, but we have indeed moved beyond that.  I think our friend with the foot in her mouth does not mean anything negative.  Also, Rach, if this job requires any interaction with the locals, would not Elaine's skills at moving in social circles come in handy?  I mean, we do not know anything about the job, right?  Can we get any sort of advance information?"

[Irn0rchid]

"No, she was pretty cagey about the actual details... Does that sound like something you'd want to do, Elaine? We've not really talked about your skills other than your early mechanical proclivities. I could see if there's a spot if so. What would you like to do?"

[Mercy Merchant]

Elaine looks a bit pensive.  "I....I don't actually know.  No one has ever really asked me what I want to do.  I rather like both ideas, actually.  Starting a new life with you two is so......so interesting and amazing.  I think I would like to be where you two are.  I do know a thing or two about moving in certain circles and also happen to know some Thai.  When I was young, one of my nannies was from that country and taught me some."

[Irn0rchid]

"Speaking the language is always good. I'm not sure what else might be required, but the job is billed as a recon then infiltrate to snatch a pottery piece. The snatch guy is apparently already selected, so we wouldn't have to worry about that, just getting them the information to make it a success." Rose sits and thinks for a minute, "Getting us all out of the country while the stuff with Howard falls out probably isn't the worst idea ever... This might be a bit personal, but do you have any implants? Getting at least a commlink before we go would really help facilitate things. Something to think about at least."

[Mercy Merchant]

Elaine laughs.  "That is about all I have implanted.  My father was very strict that I have something in case I was kidnapped, but felt that more would take too much of my essence to let me be marriageable.  Howard just did not want me to have more because of the social circles he thought we would run in, but then he quickly stopped taking me with him.  So, yes, I have a good implanted 'link, but usually just use one I carry for appearances.  Why do you ask?"

[Irn0rchid]

"Well, when you're engaged in things that you don't want to be caught at, being able to communicate with your partners without anyone else being the wiser is a pretty key ability!" Rose laughs. "How do you think Robin and I communicated while we were both here? she grins. "So, is it group vacation to Thailand time?!"

[Mercy Merchant]

Both of the other women nod and Robin asks what you want to do for the afternoon..  Elaine suggests some time trying to take down Master Zagriv followed by the pool and hot tub.

[Irn0rchid]

"Relaxing would be nice. We don't need to commit to Thailand till Monday, so at this point we're just waiting to hear back about getting rid of Howard's drek. Master Zagriv won't know what hit him!"

[Irn0rchid]

Four hours later, Master Zagriv is toast and his minions are dead or
fleeing, although his mistress has escaped, promising vengeance in the
future.  The three of you have retired to the hot tub for some
relaxation when you receive a message from Ni Ni.  >>I have set things
in motion for you.  Can you bring me the rest of the ledgers in the
morning, say by 1000?  And a Colonel Anton Greaves would like to see
you for lunch at the KE headquarters in Downtown.  He is the head of
the Counterterrorism Unit and would love to meet with you.  Can you
make that and will it be just you showing up?<<

[Irn0rchid]

<<1000 would be fine tomorrow. I'll be glad to be rid of them. Will the Colonel be expecting me to bring any of the vials with me, or is this just a preliminary meeting? No problem meeting then, and it will just be me.>>

"Just heard back from Ni Ni; looks like we'll be able to get rid of the ledgers tomorrow and hopefully make some progress on getting rid of the drugs as well!"