[Xabulba]

@runtThe room is shielded and doesn't have any kind of AR at all. Other than the group you can pick up 3 other comlinks, 2 on Mr. Johnson and one on the Patron.

@GrimmYou feel that Mr. Johnson isn't telling you the whole story but when do they ever.
The Patron defiantly doesn't want to be there and seems afraid/intimidated by Mr. Johnson. 

[kirk]

Runt sighs regretfully, and puts his empty glass on the table. He leans forward, placing both hands on top of his walking stick to support his weight.

"Suh, perhaps ya'll were distracted by mah companion, but yuh didn't tell me. Are y'all gonna give us anything more tuh work with, or are we gonna have tuh be creative?

Ah know it puts yuh in a bother havin' to remove our patron's anonymity like that, but if'n we have tuh get creative the necess'ry expenses are gonna be bigger."

He leans back, raising his hand to gesture inclusively at the group.

"As the sayin' goes, y'all can pay us now, or pay us later."

[Mirikon]

This was the problem when dealing with a team where no one knew eachother. It seemed they were missing a face. Of course, given the way the Johnson was acting, Iceblade had to think that obvious oversight was intentional. "You're lowballing us, plain and simple. And, frankly, it is insulting. So you're going to up the ante, or not only are we going to walk, we're going to have some valuable paydata to sell." Turning away from the Johnson, he looked at the Patron. "I doubt that the Azzies will look kindly on you taking liberties with their supply chain. And it wouldn't take much for both the PCC and Horizon to give you 'special' consideration, as someone who wants to deal with the big A so badly."

<OOC> Negotiation again. 9d6.hits(5)=3
Spending a point of edge to reroll failures. 6d6.hits(5)=1
So 4 hits this time.

[jonathanc]

Xinzhi considered the Johnson's deflection briefly. She didn't think insurance money would cover the PR loss of having their product debut wrecked before it could even start. She casually photographed the faces of both men and sent the data to her little Agent, to see what it could dig up on these two.



OOC: Agent 3 + Browse 4 on Data Search 7d6.hits(5) → [6,5,4,2,1,2,3] = (2)
It's an extended test and the Agent is moving at Matrix init speeds, so I'm guessing the Agent might get more rolls. Just in case, here are results for the next 10 rolls.

[Xabulba]

Patron is about to speak but only manages a squeak when he is cut off by a sharp look from Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson then turns back to the group with a bigger smile than before, the smile isn't matched by his eyes.
In a low harsh voice, "It isn't wise to attempt blackmail, Iceblade". in a slightly softer voice, "It is also not prudent to underpay useful assets. I shall cover Mother Dragon's fee and offer a 4000Y bonus upon satisfactory completion of your tasks".

@XinzhiAfter a few minutes your agent comes back with details of the patron. He is Dominic Bertinelli sole owner of Bertinelli Electronics. Bertinelli Electronics has 12 outlets around LA and has been doing reasonably well until recently. The Big Box chain Supreme Purchase has opened a new store next to each of Bertinelli's and has engaged him in a price war. Both Supreme Purchase and Bertinelli's were to have the Nuance for pre-sale but for unknown reason Bertinelli's was cut from the promotion.
So far the agent hasn't found any info on Mr. Johnson.

[Phylos Fett]

Grimm quietly observes the interaction between his soon-to-be team-mates and the Johnson. The elf Iceblade seemed to be pushing his luck with the Johnson, but it seemed to be getting results. They could get better results from the Patron, but that wasn't going to happen with the Johnson muzzling him. They needed to wrap the meet up, and get their heads together to work out who could do what here, and how they'd get it done in time.

[kirk]

Your previous @Runt should have been @Xinzhi. I asked them for the info directly.

Runt grunts. "Not bad," he thinks." Still, he ain't giving me the details Ah been been askin for.  Just in case, let's make sure Ah can be findin the two if'n things to perdition. First things first, though."

He sends a quick message to the group. "It ain't all hunkydory, but Ah reckon it's about all we're gonna get. Less'n someone's got an objection, Iceblade can soothe those ruffled feathers by doin' the acceptin' so's we can get down to nuts and bolts."

Once that's sent, he goes about fixing the two firmly in mind

Lots of player actions here. All matrix are AR still, don't want be obvious by dropping to the floor.
First, I'm going to start recording sight and sound. I'd intended to claim that as default but forgot to tell you - mea culpa, I'll live with the loss.

Second, three matrix perception tests, focused on (in order) Mr Johnson's two comms then Our Patron's comms. The information I'm seeking in priority on each search is:
1) Access ID;
2) Matrix Attribute: Firewall;
3) Matrix Attribute: System;
4) Is there a databomb attached to the node logon?
Note that all these are "externally" visible and do not require a logon/hack into their commlinks. The rest of the list are GM choice. If it requires logon, skip them.
5) Is the node encrypted?
6) Is Analyze running?

Rolls for Mr.J 1, Mr. J 2, and OP, in order:
Analyze (6) + Computer (4) + Analytical Mind (2) + TM bonus for matrix perception (2). (14d6.hits(5)=6, 14d6.hits(5)=3, 14d6.hits(5)=5)

I'll store the resulting data in my bluetooth - the datachip in my hollow tooth.

I make this out to take three or four combat actions altogether; matrix perception and messages are simple actions, switching on devices is a free action.

[jonathanc]

Private message to the group:

"The patron's identity checks out so far, but I've got nothing on the Johnson. I don't buy this story for a second, though....the patron is too jumpy, and why would he agree to come along for a meet like this, instead of just sending the Johnson? I'm up for the job, but we need to be careful, because this job is going to bite us in the ass."

[Mirikon]

"Perhaps. But sometimes one has to show that they are capable of playing the game, no? Very well, I accept." That was 5k, each, half in advance, with a 4K bonus to split between them. Still not enough to make rent, but if some of the 'destroyed' commlinks ended up in the hands of a street gang, then he could make a bit of coin. Or, better still, some of that plus a couple liters of fresh water could get him an in with that group of technos living on the water. They'd be a useful resource, if he could get their cooperation.

[Phylos Fett]

Grimm sends a PM through to the group: "I don't think we're going to get much more off this pair - there's definitely more here than meets the eye, but that's standard for a day ending in "Y". I'm keen to get out of here and have a little meet of our own. If anyone has a place to go and do some talking where the walls don't have ears, let's head there."

[kirk]

Runt interrupts his AR work to reply by comm,

"Well, I aim to give him a few minutes. We finally agreed to the price, maybe we can get some details about the job now. I'm with you on finding a hideyhole to chat a bit afterword, though."

With that, he goes back to checking the comms.

[Mirikon]

"There's a bar I frequent near Arcology Row. Black Dragon Tavern. Owner's a friend from the homeland, and as long as your credit's good, she'll be happy to serve you. Won't even put anything in you short-timers' drinks. As long as I'm with you, and vouch for you, there shouldn't be any problems."

[jonathanc]

Xinzhi remained motionless in front of the Johnson. Via private message, she responded to the group:

"The tavern sounds fine. If you're all concerned about privacy, I can stop home and pick up my white noise generator...should give us some privacy. Otherwise I'm fine going straight to the bar. If anyone needs a ride, I'm willing, but you'll have to ride bitch."

[Operator]

"If you're still offering that ride, I'll take it. You won't have to go by your home either, as I'm carrying a white noise generator."

Operator quietly sat in his seat, observing the two businessmen for personal effects that might betray their identities. The Johnson's demeanor hinted that he was no stranger to dealing under the table, but even he was capable of oversights.

Making a Perception test for both Johnsons. The fat patron is first, and the shark Johnson is second.
Perception(6) + Intuition(4) (10d6.hits(5)=1, 10d6.hits(5)=6)

[kirk]

XABULBA: I don't intend to do any other actions once I've got the information from the matrix perception rolls - no if/then actions. So I'll continue play assuming I have it at this point. If there's a problem let me know and I'll fix.
Runt relaxes with the access ID's stored.

"Ah've got a ride for a few if'n y'all don't mind sharing with my servants.  Reckon Ah could fit the lot of you if'n Ah had to, but it'll be more comfy if some of you have yer own. Ah'd kinda lahk to see what the pig in the poke looks lahk now that we bought it, though."

He nods to Mr. Johnson. "All raght, then, our druthers are your ruthers. You gonna give us more info, or are we just gonna play at bein' hornets in the outhouse?"