[Imladir]

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 10th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #53

Cynthia nods to the couple, then shakes her head to answer Marie "No, I don't know anyone. I almost never go to clubs, and certainly not in the VIP section. If I can't go there in jeans and t-shirt, it's not for me. And judging from what I see..." she stops there and shrugs. Then Tany arrives. Cynthia blinks a few time, completely unsure of what she should do. Did she just hijack the reception of someone else?

*The deputy what of the what!? Frag, what is this drek!* Cynthia glares at Marissa for a second, before trying to keep a cool front *And she wanted me to snoop around ehh. Yeah, as if. Still... I didn't do anything wrong. In the last hour... No wait the parking... In the last half hour... Frag, I'll just nod, smile a bit and get the hell out of here. After the concert... Should be ok right?*

For a few seconds, Cynthia stares at Tanya, completely unsure of what to do. Her conversation with Marissa at least achieved to calm her a bit, but now her stress goes to overdrive. In barely more than a whisper, she says "Cynthia.". She blinks, then adds "That is, that's my name." *Erk, whose name could it be, moron?* She flinches a bit, and mumbles "Obviously."

*Wait, why is she...No way. No no no...Drek...* For a moment, Cynthia seems unsure of what to do with Tanya's arm. Then, gingerly, she takes it. "My outfit?" she glances at her pants "Huh... Some mart in downtown? Wait the club? There must have been a mistake, Marissa invited me but I didn't know... I should probably leave..."

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya pats your hand and the way she does it does not seem at all patronizing.  Her voice is completely sincere as she says, "Oh, I hope not.  The food here is top notch and comes with the price of admission.  I hear that Concrete Dreams is giving a concert on Level four.  I don't know about you, but I love their stuff.  I wish I could sing, but I am afraid I could not carry a tune in a paper sack, so I just pretend.  My shower head gets a lot of use as a microphone.  Say, I can link you to some of their music if you have not heard it before.  Of course, there is also the MM cover band on Level eight.  I heard them last time I was here and they are pretty good and do most of her songs.  Please say that you will stay for at least a while.  So, I know a bit about everyone else, would you like to tell me something about yourself?"

Tanya's gown is silk and blue in color, hanging to the floor.  The belt at her waist emphasizes her trip figure and the dress is modest, concealing her chest yet drawing attention to it.  Herons are embroidered on the front and back and there is a slit on the right side that goes almost up to the top of her thigh.  Something about the name..............your eyes snap open.  THAT Tanya Marisart.  Lady Tanya Marisart.  British noblewoman living full time in Seattle.  Something...................something..............a vague idea of some sort of scandal in England that brought her here.  Very high society.  Very rich.

[Imladir]

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 10th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #54

Cynthia beams when Tanya talks about music, forgetting a bit about her anxiety. "No, no, I love their songs. In fact, that's pretty much the only reason I'm here tonight, otherwise I would have declined. I like Mercurial too, but I don't know. I'm not so sure about her most recent songs. I don't know if it's since Dunkelzahn mentioned her in his will or whatever but it changed and I don't like her new songs as much as the old ones. But then again, I prefer old music to new one. Operas, classical and so on. The Mother of the Sea by Shield Wall is probably an exception. Then again, it's almost as old as I am so... What I prefer are violin concertos I think. Or maybe piano? Anyway, maybe I'm old before my time."

She shrugs, thinking about it. Wistfully she adds "I...err...found...a copy of a recording from the Orchestre Symphonique du Conservatoire de Paris of 2027 for the Requiem Mass in D minor by Mozart and it's..." she shivers a bit "divine. I'm not a believer but..." she shrugs, half-smiling. She shakes herself, and glances at Tanya. Then freezes. *Frag. Let's hope there's no one to take a photo, I don't want this kind of attention... No wonder Marissa was so sure she could get me in then. I wonder what's the deal with them...*

She opens and closes her mouth a few times, then coughs "There's nothing to know, I'm no one. Just a...a..." *Drek. How do I finish this sentence without shooting myself in the foot?* "A normal teen? In a loner kind of way I suppose. I mean, I like the matrix and that's pretty much all... I'm enjoying the freedom there, looking for stuff, playing and...stuff... I didn't decide yet what I want to do later." *Lame. Lame!*

[Mercy Merchant]

@Cynthia  Tanya stops and looks at you.  "I so agree with you about MM.  Her songs did change after that, but so many people I talk to say that is wrong.  I am glad to find someone I can agree with.  And opera?  Say, there is a special presentation of the Der Ring des Nibelungen here at the Seattle Opera on Wednesday evening.  Would you be interested in coming as my guest?  Think about it and let me know.  It sounds like we have a good bit in common.  But would you excuse me?  I cannot ignore my other guests, but please do not run away."  With that, Tanya moves off to where Marie and Tom are standing.


@Eva   Sylvia is watching Tanya move about the room and whispers to you, "So where do you know her from?  She knows more than she should."

[Mercy Merchant]

@Eva   Your quick check of the area reveals that there is a watching spirit here at the VIP waiting area, and that the club itself seems to be well warded.

[Imladir]

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 10th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #55

Cynthia cocks an eyebrow. "Wagner, eh?" she nods, standing on the side, pensive. After a few seconds, she looks at Marie and Tom. Or, more precisely, at their comlinks in AR. Wondering if she should still try to do anything. After a glance at Colonel Sanks, she decides to at least wait until he has left. There may be some deckers on overwatch - which she will try to check - and she doesn't want to do anything illegal in his vicinity. That would probably be a bad idea... And since his comlink may be linked to some KE Host... Of course, that would be a risk for the Host, but they probably figure that if the Colonel's comlink isn't safe, nothing is anyway.

Given the situation, in addition to check for hidden personas, she will regularly check that no one is trying to put marks on her (or her comlink, even if that one doesn't really matter, since there's next to nothing there), and will try to make a list of all the devices in her vicinity and their owner, looking for informations such as comcodes, device ratings and running programs. Of course she will begin by the group she's in, before looking around: after all, it shouldn't take long to see everything there is too see. That way, she won't be bored, she won't step on anyone's toes, and will forget a bit the situation she's in. All good points for perfectly legal actions! And if she decides to go a bit further than that, well... She will have some data.

She will still look around from time to time, not wanting to miss something important, but it's mostly for appearances: she's perfectly happy if no one comes talk to her. Especially if it's one of those people.

[Mercy Merchant]

There is nothing special about the comlink that Marie is using.  It has some basic firewall protection, but nothing that should prove too difficult to get past if you wanted to.  Tom's is a bit better and so is his firewall, but it should be fairly easy if you tried hard.  There is no AR for the Colonel's 'link, but you are pretty sure that he would have one, so it must be hidden and probably wrapped as something else.  Tanya's is out in the open, but is top of the line, as you would expect, and has a top of the line firewall to go with it.  You might be able to get through if you concentrated, but she might notice.  The woman with Marisa, Sylvia you think, is also walking about without a broadcasting 'link, so perhaps another hidden and wrapped device.  Marisa's is off, as you know, so you do not have a feel for it.  The rest of the crowd is a mix of the ones in your own group.

Tanya walks over to where Marisa and Sylvia are standing and says, "Are all of your guests here, Marisa, or are we expecting anyone else?"

[Imladir]

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 10th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #56

*Oh, some of those would be worthy challenges...* with a wistful sigh, she smiles slightly *I'd need Sherlock's help to find the missing ones and Arsène's to get past the defences. Could be interesting but...* She glances at the Colonel. *Far too dangerous for something I don't really care about... Hacking comlinks is a bit lame after all.*

Leaning against a piece of furniture, Cynthia waits patiently.

*I could make a point or two if I did though. First that their security sucks...or could be better... and second that I have some ability... I'll have to think about that if there's something more than this concert.*

[VegasRigged]

As we follow them into the club I respond to Sylvia quietly "She's a close friend of that employer you contacted on my behalf, I'm redoing her room, making a connection and flirting. As for her guest I am as surprised as you, but it will be lovely to get to know the man, I'm sure he's quite pleasant."

'Not to mention unusually vulnerable for a man of his station. If I could strike at him, read his mind, Laes him, anything! He's a treasure trove of power and secrets just waiting to be unlocked!' The gear are in full spin, but I'll keep them under control for now, the thought of bring down such a man on the first date seems a bit presumptuous, especially without an form of pre-planning. Still, getting to know him can only work in my favor.

To Tanya I respond "Everyone I expect, and one I did not. If I'd known I was meeting Colonel Sanks I might have stuck with a suit, which I suppose would have been a wasted opportunity. And pardon my manners, yes, this is Sylvia. We live in the same building and have become quite close since my return from Hong Kong."

I take a moment as  I reference him to asense the Colonel.

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya smiles at everyone and takes one of the Colonel's arms in her left and offers her right to Cynthia.  As the others step in behind them, Marisa is able to assense the lawman.  He is awakened and quite powerful, as might be expected, given his position.

The walk to the VIP entrance is short and is covered by an awning to protect people from the rain.  Two massive trolls guard the last bit of the walkway and as you approach them, Tanya points to a large sign on a post that indicates the premises are well guarded in both the astral and the matrix.  Spells and matrix actions are to be limited to the bare minimum necessary and are not to interfere with any patron's enjoyment of the club activities.  The two trolls nod respectfully as the group approaches. One, the largest of his race you think you have ever seen, holds up a scanner.  "Good evening, Lady Marisart.  It is nice to have you with us again.  How are you doing?"

"I am very well, Crag.  How are your wife and kids?"

"Couldn't be better, Your Ladyship.  I see your party is one more than................oops, the addition just came across.  I apologize for the slowness of the system tonight."  Tanya steps forward and allows the troll to move his wand over her.  Once scanned and passed, she moves ahead and waits for the others to join her after being scanned.  Colonel Senks is next and draws a nod from the troll as well.  "Good evening, Colonel.  It has been a while since you were here.  I guess we will be safe tonight."

[VegasRigged]

I follow them through, glad I don't carry a weapon. I briefly wonder if Sylvia will pass this little test with her deadly tools implemented in her fingertips, but I suspect she's gotten into tighter places without too much trouble. Besides, if she gets kicked out I'll have someone to run background for the evenings more illicit activities.

I glance back reassuringly at Marie and Tom. If they prove trustworthy, they could both be useful, and neither is as frustrating as the decker girl.

[Imladir]

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 10th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #57

Not quite sure this is such a good idea, Cynthia takes the offered arm. It will probably be better than following alone but still... With an amused smile, she reads the sign *Well, that just makes things interesting I suppose. I don't have a deck anyway, and who could do anything useful in the 'trix with a 'link, eh?*

When it's her turn to be scanned, she isn't the least bit worried: with only her 'link, she has nothing to fear at all. Still, she looks at the troll, a bit surprised. "Woh, you're tall!" she blinks a bit *Did I just say that out loud? Given how he looks at me... I guess...* she smiles apologetically "Huh, I'm sorry, that was...huh..." the bip of the scanner announcing that she's clean interrupts her. With a last feeble smile, she joins Tanya, head lowered, muttering under her breath.

[Mercy Merchant]

Crag laughs gently at Cynthia's comment.  "Yes, I am tall.  The club hired me for my boyish good looks.  You are clear; please have a good time here tonight, Miss."  Tanya smiles at Cynthia as well, Giving her hand a gentle squeeze as she takes it back up.  She bends over to whisper in your ear.  "Hey, nice try.  It is alright to be nervous if you are not used to this sort of thing.  Have confidence.  You are an interesting person and people will want to get to know you.  Thank you for being brave enough to step away from your comfort zone."

Straightening, Tanya nods at each person as they are passed through then leads the group up a short winding ramp to the entrance, where a woman with a data pad cradled in her arms is waiting for you.  She greets Tanya by name.  "Good evening, Lady Marisart.  You will be in suite three."  The woman takes something from a small pouch at her side and touches it to Tanya's arm then that of Colonel Senks, then each of the rest of the group.  A small AR pops up that indicates you are with Lady Tanya Marisart's party and have access to the VIP suite 3 as well as every level of the club, including the bottom two special levels.  It will also act as a guide to the various areas of the club.  She tells you how to turn the AR off and activate it, telling you that it will be taken back when you leave.

Tanya looks at everyone and says, "Well, that is taken care of.  Do you want to go to the suite first and see what sort of refreshments they have provided us?"

[Imladir]

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 10th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #58

Cynthia grins at Crag, nodding "Thank you. Good evening."

She seems to take some comfort in Tanya's gesture and thanks her with a small smile, even if she is really doubtful that she is interesting. Most would probably want to stone her to death if they knew what she is, an infamous Technomancer... Still, except a small grumble, she doesn't protest. When the woman touches her arm with the pouch to apply the AR, Cynthia seems to forget everything else. Studying the thing, she wonders how difficult it would be to get access to whatever place she would want to go. Not that she would want to go anywhere but still. Could be handy to know.

Still studying the AR when Tanya asks her question, Cynthia just mutters "I'll follow."

[Mercy Merchant]

The club is packed and the crowd is in full swing tonight.  People are moving about in groups, pairs, and singles.  Tanya stops at a largish AR of the club.  "The club is themed after a book of the same name written a long time ago.  There are nine circular levels in a sort of inverted cone, each level smaller than the one above it.  Each level has a different theme, based on the levels of hell.  Contrary to some rumors, there is not really anything about hell except for the decorations and the clothing of the staff.  Of course, by the time one makes it to the lower levels, there is a chance that enough drink has been consumed, and perhaps some drugs as well, that most inhibitions have been loosened.  I have noticed people engaged in different sexual encounters on these levels.  Please do not feel that you have to participate to that level.  To me it represents a loss of personal control, but I do not force my own concepts on any of you.  We are here to have fun."

"The AR on your arm will guide you to anywhere in the club that you wish to go that is open to the guests.  All you need to do is ask it to guide you and a path will appear for you.  Please feel free to visit anywhere in the club.  The AR is your pass, even to the special bottom two levels.  Now, as an example, I will ask the AR to guide me to VIP Suite 3 and I will take you there, but feel free to ask yourself.  Any questions?"