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[IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote

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belaran

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« Reply #90 on: <01-01-17/1211:33> »
While waiting for M.Fox to reply, Trixie does note the unrestness of his "dog"...

"Is something wrong ? Is this location compromised ? If so, can we wrap it up ? I already have ... help, coming to pick me up here, I don't want to change the meet location, neither want to go for an other "tour" with you. Given the heat that Bernie has brought on me, I need to go the ground. Stat."

Jack_Spade

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« Reply #91 on: <01-02-17/0843:46> »
<<Guys, good news bad news: There currently is no enemy entity lurking in the astral, but that's only because it left after reporting on our position. Expect new hostiles within the next five minutes to show up.

Also: I'm going to say in advance: Going into the SOX is a bad idea - terminally bad.>>


The dog went still again as if it was sleeping and from one second to the other the translucent, tall, emaciated form of the elf appeared in the van, addressing Trixie:
"Hi, please be not afraid. I'm part of this team. Before you go, I'd ask you to give us the addresses of those locations you mentioned as well as what you remember about who and how many people guard them and who is in charge."

talk think matrix

To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield
Revenant Kynos Isaint Rex

belaran

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« Reply #92 on: <01-02-17/0924:14> »
A bit surprised, Trixie quickly replies:

"Well, you do realize this is NOT the sort of things I am paying attention to, right ? That being said, here what I know in this regard. The Wasteland is just a bar in Leverkussen where Bernie is doing business - I think picking up drugs."

The young woman stops for a seconds, gathering her thought and try to focus on her recollection.

"Never saw any special security over there, but I would assume there is a minimal amount, as the place is dealing drugs. As for the SOX and the Geistratten, I honestly don't know that much. I do recall Bernie mentioning often Zweibrucken, this is small city on the frontier of the SOX. If you want to contact the Geistratten, and maybe confirm he is hiding in the SOX, you could start there..."

Finishing her tea, Trixie adds:

"Honestly, I don't think I can give you more than that. I'm pretty sure you have your own contacts and network that maybe able to put you in touch with some Geistratten. But having them turn on Bernie may not be a simple affair."

Haywire

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« Reply #93 on: <01-02-17/1438:37> »
#21

The DNI from Waywalker's body typed a message to his chummers.
"To:Team I think she has finished to be useful. We have heat on us, the faster we move, the better we are. Hop in the van and let her fend for herself, as she requested. If you think we need a space to do a brainstorm, I might know a place that suits our needs. Otherwise, I'd go straight to the Wasteland.
In the meanwhile, he looked some infos on the Matrix with the help of his agents.

Teamwork test from Deck: 12d6t5 3
Teamwork test from Sekretar: 6d6t5 2
matrix search on wasteland: 17d6t5 4
Teamwork test from Deck: 12d6t5 3
Teamwork test from Sekretar: 6d6t5 2
matrix search on zweibrucken: 17d6t5 8
«Never, ever, cut a deal with a dragon.»

belaran

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« Reply #94 on: <01-02-17/1542:24> »
As the result of his matrix searches arrives, Wawaylker start sharing with them, as ARO, with the rest of the team. The Wasteland is located indeed in Leverkussen, less than one hour away from their current position (North of Essen). The bar is open "'till dawn", and seems to be a discreet, low key bar, according to the public grid, but is mentioned in a couple of Shadow friendly website as being a good spot to score good drugs - including medical or combat one, not only recreational ones. There is real contact or protocol mention, apart for giving hint to the staff. Apparently, the unnamed boss must be the one providing the goods, because several people mentioned nothing happens when "management is not here". Also, given all of the above, some testimony over the 'trix hints at "the management" having good connection to local police and Chemie AG, which more/less own the area.

Zweibrucken is definitely something different - first it is over a three hours ride from Essen, and more likely four hours if one wants to avoid getting too close to the SOX border, being quite closely monitored by soldiers from MET2000. Overrun by refuges, back when the SOX got evacuated in 2008, the city is now under a martial law, and thus mostly runs by MET2000 mercenary - and they report more to the SOX administration council, made of corps, more than the ADL government. Despite this intimidating presence, the Geistratten, the smuggler organization mentioned by Trixie, is known to operate from there. On the underworld side, multiple sources mentioning that the local mafia is quite powerful and seems to reports or depend on Frankfurt mafia. But, being a gateway to SOX, the shadows of Zweibrucken are quite active, especially for such a small cities. The all town is but a giant smuggling hub between the SOX, France and the ADL.

Waywalker - helped by his agent, even find mention of a seedy bar called the Posthaus, run by a mafia goon called, apparently Valentin Prago. The place is rather remote, and clearly under the control of the mafia, but is probably a good starting point to get in touch with the shadows of Zweibrucken.

In the meantime, while the decker is busy fetching data, and sorting them, for his comrades, a dark-green Rolls-Royce Phaeton gently pulls over, just in front of the tea house. A large, but good looking troll, wearing a fancy Mortimer of London suit and hiding his eyes behind black, slick sun glasses. Very professionally, the troll looks around to discreetly assert, potential threats. At the same time, Trixie seems to have got a message on her commlink.

"That's my ride ! So unless you have some last questions, let me thank you again for your help, and, more importantly, to hold your end of the deal. Many of your coworker would have just... well, wasted me - but you honored your parole. I will not forget that."


As a result of letting her go unharmed, you can add Trixie - "Highend Escort" (L1, C3) as a contact.

Jack_Spade

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« Reply #95 on: <01-02-17/1651:16> »
"Be safe Trixie. And of course we would appreciate it if we were the only ones you gave this information. But if you are captured please do not hesitate to cooperate - this whole story is not worth you getting hurt. If at all possible we'd appreciate a heads-up though. And if you are in trouble don't hesitate to call us either. At the very least I can send a Kami to your help."

Once she had left the car, Rex turned to his chummers: "So, I guess we'll go to Leverkusen next, right? Wake me up when we get there. The Shogun will keep watch in the astral for trouble while I rest."


Healing Check: Healing Stun: 13d6t5 6
In case he gets the chance for an hours rest during the drive, Rex will be back in shape
talk think matrix

To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield
Revenant Kynos Isaint Rex

belaran

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« Reply #96 on: <01-02-17/1923:07> »
Trixie nods and adds:

"Hopefully, the friend I've reach out for help will be able to keep me out of harm... But I appreciate your words of caution, I will definitely let you know guys, if I'm force to reveal the same information to an other party. I wish you luck and good hunting, chummers".

On those words, the young woman jump into the limo, which quickly disappear in the shadows of Essen's street. Only a few moments after that, the runners gather in Waywalker's van, and the rigger have it immediatly on the fastest track to the Wasteland. It's barely the middle of the night when they in fact arrive in the rather quiet of suburbs of Leverkusen. One more turn and the van is only a few blocks from its target...


I let you guys discuss / decide how you want to approach the bar...

Haywire

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« Reply #97 on: <01-03-17/1459:47> »
#22

Waywalker divided his attention between the ride and the Matrix. He switched from VR to AR to talk to Rex and Jack:
"Ok chummers, we mostly arrived. We don't know what is the situation, and I suggest to assess the surroundings before entering. I think the tactic we used to find Trixie was a good one, I'll provide recon from the Matrix, you two will be in the field. Keep your eyes open, we are very likely to encounter opposition."
«Never, ever, cut a deal with a dragon.»

Jack_Spade

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« Reply #98 on: <01-03-17/1523:40> »
Rex had used the drive to sleep a bit. Now he was refreshed enough and eager to get on:
<<Agreed. The shogun is still with me, I'll ask him to do one last favor by scouting out the bar. One moment.>>
'Oh shogun, thank you for your help. As my last request I ask you to enter this building and report what you find there - specifically how many people are in their, if they are mages or if they have holes in their aura from mutilating their bodies with cyber-tech. Also any other dangers we could face if we entered there. Thank you, oh mighty one.'

Meanwhile, Rex turned to Fox: <<I think it would be prudent to increase your reaction speed. So if you want, I can lay a blessing on you to this effect.>>

#110
talk think matrix

To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield
Revenant Kynos Isaint Rex

belaran

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« Reply #99 on: <01-08-17/1840:04> »
As Waywalker, jumped into his drone, fly inside the small bar. The place, at first glance, looks most unparticular, in fact it looks like a classic German "Kneipe". However, once inside, a subtle atmosphere distills the impression that the guests are far from the usual drunks, but like connoisseur. Indeed, the drinks are pretty fancy, and often mention the uses of either magical compound (micro drams of reagents) or strange chemical products.

Actually, one of the rare patrons of the place (it is quite late in the evening, during a week day), an obviously tired Ork, wearing working clothes, stirs his drink: a bubbly, fluorescent blue mixtures, releasing some strange purple ooze, slowly forming a strange new layer on top. Eyes half closed, the ork smells his drink and a let a large smile appear, giving him a very strange, innocent look. Before the drone moves away, the Ork takes a sip, and put back his drink, clearly satisfied, on the table. In this brief moment, the feeds reveals the logo of AG Chemie on his outfit.

Moving past this first customer, Waywalker's drone goes straights to the roof, and pass through the impressive collection of bottles behind the bar. While the runners should probably be more focusing on the people inside the bar, most of them can not but stop to notice some label - either because of the quality and the age of its content, or because of its very improbable presence. Many of the flasks would look more appropriate in a chemist lab, than in a "Kneipe".

If there is a couple more patrons in the bar, a quick glance through the video feeds reveals them to be as mundane as the ork. One man with a leather jacket is drinking a beer at the end of the counter, while a woman in her late forties appears to be silently enjoying the second glass of wine that the barman just brought her.

The barman, quickly sneaking back behind his counter, appears to be a bit less dull than his patrons. Human male in his late fifties apparently, despite gray hair and receding hairline, the man is still pretty muscular, and move quite smoothly. He also an apparent red (left) cybereye, which clearly dates back from the 50's. All of this gives me a rather "badass" attitude, which is only balance by the large smile is giving to his customer while delivering the drinks...

Waywalker is still gathering intel on the bar, while the Shogun spirits return and reports to Rex, using their mental connection - no spirit presence, neither any special magical devices or security. Some bottles do have a strong aura in the astral, as they contains reagents in many liquid forms, but nobody - especially the barman with his darkened aura, appears to be awakened. The Shogun could not spot any concealed individuals. However is aware of this potential lead to Bernie's location is clearly not here.... yet.

"Hey, Arnd, pour me an other one", suddenly says the man at the counter, unexpectedly suppressing the lack of human exchange, in the Kneipe, where a low quality amp broadcasting retro punk from the last decade, where the only sounds accompanying the ones of the glasses... Just nodding, Arnd turns to a bottle and starts preparing a new drink....





Haywire

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« Reply #100 on: <01-09-17/1650:47> »
#23

The place looked clear from the drone perspective. "I think you two should have a chat with that Arnd... maybe he know something."
In the while, he jumped out of the drone and back in the Matrix to give another look just to be sure...

Teamwork test from Sekretar: 6d6t5 2
Teamwork test from Deck: 12d6t5 3
Matrix Perception: 17d6t5 7
«Never, ever, cut a deal with a dragon.»

Jack_Spade

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« Reply #101 on: <01-09-17/1658:10> »
'Thanks, oh Shogun, you helped me greatly. I release my bounds and bid you farewell.'
"My Kami tells me it's safe insofar as not magic threats or any special other hostiles wait in there.
So it is up to you Fox. Do you want to go inside alone, should I accompany you or would you rather have me just manifest and talk rather impervious to the bar patrons?"
talk think matrix

To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield
Revenant Kynos Isaint Rex

Jack_Spade

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« Reply #102 on: <01-10-17/1330:16> »
Fox held up his finger, indicating that he was on a call, but nodded at the last suggestion.
Rex' astral form shrugged: "Alright, I'll go as a ghost than."

Leaving his meat body behind, Rex went into the bar and made a bee-line for the barkeeper.
"Hello my friend." Rex gave the man his most charming smile. "I'm here on a referral and looking for some transport specialists."


Etiquette: 13d6t5 3[13d6t5=3, 4, 5, 5, 2, 4, 2, 2, 2, 1, 4, 2, 5]

#112
talk think matrix

To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield
Revenant Kynos Isaint Rex

belaran

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« Reply #103 on: <01-10-17/1658:23> »
Even if magic is a common occurrences in the sixth world, a mage manifesting - especially in a middle of bar, is far from being a common sight. That being said, and it is definitely a tribute to the quality of the product being served here, the small crowd does not appears to react to much to the ghostly figures of M.Rex. The Ork looked at him, interested for an instance, and, with a silly smile, returns to his blue, bubbly drink. The wine drinking woman, startled when Rex appears quickly found strength and apathy with a couple of (large) sip.  Only the guy wearing leather is paying attention to the scene...

On his side of the counter, Arnd appears to greet the "new customer" as he would any (more tangible) one - but Rex is used to the Shadow enough to know that he also shift his position, discreetly, to be able to duck for cover if something happens.

"Well, good evening sir. I must admit it is a rather strange way to have a drink. We do have reagents in some of our drinks, but I don't think you can taste from the astral. Not sure neither it is the right place to find a, how did you call it ? A "transport specialist" ? However, I will not let be told that I have turn a customer away, so I'll offer you to join back there to have a longer chat - just out of respect of my other patrons: they do seems to enjoy the music and the quietness that comes along late drinking on a week's evening..."

Arnd disappears in a backroom, just behind the wall of bottles, followed by the transparent shape of M.Rex. Once in the back, both the body language and posture of Arnd changes to more aggressive ones.

"OK, buddy, I'm not sure who referred you to me and told you it was OK to barge in from the astral into my bar, but he is fragggin'moron, and no friend of mine. So whatever business or game you are playing right now, you better come clean and quickly, because I don't care for this kind of theatrics or stunts."


@Jack_Trade don't misunderstand the tone of Arnd for a failure of your etiquette rolls - Arnd is a grumpy character by nature and your "astral" approach is raising flags, but he is somewhat inclined to hear out,

Jack_Spade

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« Reply #104 on: <01-10-17/1713:12> »
"Believe me, I wouldn't have come in this form if I had a choice in the matter... or rather a better solution. I am in fact referring to the Geistratten. And no, I'm not a cop or any other law enforcement agent. On the contrary. My current form prevents any mundane forms of recording to take place of what I say or do. And although I can't give you or the Geistratten a credstick I am able to authorize payment through an intermediary.
To cut this short: I need to get in contact with Bernie. It is vitally important since quite a few lives depend on this."


Rex replied in a serious yet companionable voice.


Negotiation/Leadership: 13d6t5 7
Whatever fits better, I want to appear as a serious and on the level business partner

talk think matrix

To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield
Revenant Kynos Isaint Rex