[Jayde Moon]

Even as she moves away, she checks her commlink and then shoots off a response, followed by another message.

@Athos (Artie) In.  Where else would I want to be?  Do we need or want any back up in the 'trix?  I got a bithead that's going to look at the toy Minnie found and it's gonna cost a pretty penny.  but if I can offer some bigger work in exchange, might bag two bird?

@Roxxy (Artie) Looks like I have a window of a few hours, I need to be somewhere after nine, tonight, but might be able to meet up before then?  Five hundred nuyen if you want it, or might have something else to offer, we'll see.

[gilga]

@Artie - Roxxy text you back>> can you  meet me at The Downfall at 16:00 ?

[Mercy Merchant]

Athos nods to himself.  >>I like the way you think.  Yes, we could use a bit of backup.  If you know a trix wiz bring him to meet us at 2230 and we will see if he fits.<<

He turns to Minnie.  "Say, isn't Nagisa a trix wizard?  Why not give her a shout and see if she wants to earn a bit of extra.  Tell her 2230 at the Redmond Phoenix.  2100 if she wants to eat dinner with us.  In the meantime, give the restaurant a call  and set up a reservation for 2100."  He sends another text out to Artie.  >>Hey slight change of plan.  Meet at Redmond Phoenix at 2100 for dinner.  Bring your wizard if you can round him up.<<

[Shaman_Yuri]

"Um..." Minnie temporizes at the unexpected question.  "I'll schedule the restaurant - that's no problem.  As far as Nagi, she's really good in the matrix but I don't want to see her in a fight.  I've seen her shoot at the range and she's lucky to hit the target at 100 meters.  She cuts herself with a knife slicing vegetables.  If we can keep her out of any meatwork, though, she might be interested.  Can we keep her out of the line of fire?"

[Mercy Merchant]

Athos laughs.  "Count on it as much as you can count on anything.  I would not risk her.  besides it should just be a negotiation for the building.  I would just like a trix wizard on hand to check out that part.  Give her a call."

[Jayde Moon]

@Roxxy (Artie) The Downfall at... 4.  Got it, I'll see you there.  What am I looking for?  You'll know me in the red Vashon.

She looks at her watch.  A few hours to kill, but most of that getting to her destination.  A combination of public transit and parkour gets her there quickly enough and she's able to check out the Downfall and see exactly what sort of place it is.

[gilga]

@Artie Roxxy texts back >>A troll lady and disco queen you can't miss me, really.
With your agility the downfall is no more than an hour away, you do not even need a ride to get there. When you reach the place you note that is a high security drinking den. The place is themed as an ancient military bunker... It is actually more than themed as a military bunker - it is a bunker on the ground there are two armed guards in ancient military uniforms and once you climb the stairs inside the bunker you discover a clean and nice drinking den.
[spoiler]
@OOC - the place is decorated after a movie of the same name. You are in a duplicate of WW2 German bunker. There are no nazi symbols - as even in 2075 they offend people. The atmosphere is an historic military bunker. The place is deep into the ground  matrix reception is very poor. The guard weapons despite their historic uniform are modern, and you can guess that under these uniform they are armored somehow,  security seems very tight.
[/spoiler]

When Roxxy arrives at 16:05 you find her struggling with the size of the place. If she stands up her hair touches the ceiling. She is clearly not comfort in that place and the way she is dressed you can tell that it is not her style either. You wonder why she picked such a place.  As you look around you see that even the waitresses are armed. Every crew in this freaking underground place with no matrix reception is armed.  Luckily they do have troll size tables - for the unlikely event that a troll would like to drink there. Roxxy finds herself such a table and is now sitting there with her drink waiting for you.

[Shaman_Yuri]

Athos laughs.  "Count on it as much as you can count on anything.  I would not risk her.  besides it should just be a negotiation for the building.  I would just like a trix wizard on hand to check out that part.  Give her a call."

Minnie nods.  "Leave it to me, then."  Once in the car with Athos, Minnie will see to business by scheduling dinner and having a conversation with her girlfriend.

[spoiler]I have a character sheet for Nagisa and will have it ready for when the warehouse events are being played.  I should have no problem playing two characters during that mission[/spoiler]

[Mercy Merchant]

Athos and Minnie pick up Nagisa and the three drive to the Phoenix House in Redmond.  The place serves some of the best Japanese food this side of.........well, Japan.  The family of the original owner still has the name and is the face of the place, but that is about all.  The Yaks had provided a lot of the seed original seed money and have increased their share over the years.  The entertainment is piped-in music and some of the wait staff have seen better years.  There are rumors of a sex den and gambling parlor hidden in the back, and security is managed by the Yaks.  Said security is far more noticeable when the Yaks are in to eat. 

Dining at the Phoenix House is definitely growing in popularity and the new head chef is clearly the cause.  At just 27 and female, Takishi Sarona is a fortunate import from the home islands.  She was brought in by the Yaks to help the restaurant regain its place in the extremely competitive dining food chain.  She is a master chef and has re-branded the menu and table service in the restaurant.  And it seems to be working.  Of late, the Culinary Critique has given rave reviews of the food and service, something that has not gone unnoticed.  Takishi has received several offers of employment at a higher salary than she is currently getting, but her loyalties keep her with the Yaks and Phoenix House.

The interior décor has undergone a complete facelift in the last two years.  Gone are the familiar but threadbare carpets and the torn and tacky neo-plastic booths and chairs; replaced with newer, more traditional seating.  Even the few chairs are of much better quality.  Sliding wooden and silk panels set apart small dining rooms rather than the more common open space crammed with small tables and uncomfortable chairs.  Part of the allure is that they have opened the doors to metahumans and are sure to let people know.  The Humanis League and other hater organizations can cry foul all they want, but that is about all they do.  Several months ago some punks with ties to the Humanis movement tried to fire bomb the restaurant.  The Phoenix House security was able to prevent any real damage and the Humanis thugs were never seen again, although there is a lot of rumor that the two women in the group are now working in a bunraku den, loaded on BTL chips.

Athos likes coming here, mostly for the food.  The establishment has gone out of their way to make Trolls welcome by putting in special dining areas where Troll-sized chairs are set into the floor to give the impression that everyone is at the same level.  The restaurant ownership is genuinely fond of Trolls because they can tend to police after themselves and keep nearby tables somewhat in line.  Trolls also eat a lot of food, which is good for the bottom line.  The Yak ownership knows that Athos is a member of the Finnigan family of the Mafia, but try to treat the restaurant as a more or less neutral area.  After all, lots of food at good prices is good.  And Athos is very careful to not let his Mafia side get in the way of good food.

The three arrive a bit early for their reservation and are seated in the bar until their table is ready.  Athos orders appetizers for all of them and they enjoy the succulent crab and oysters that are available.  The huge Troll loves his oysters and publicly agrees with the menu blurb that you cannot find better oysters in all of Seattle.  There are stories of how Takishi gets them for her place, and no one is interested in finding out how it is really done.  Suffice it to be more of a let things be attitude.  The table is ready a few minutes before 2100 and the three are taken there.  Athos has a word with the hostess and tells her that he is expecting at least one and maybe two additional guests.  After being shown to their separate room, the diners are seated and begin to discuss the menu.

[Shaman_Yuri]

Upon leaving the casino, Minnie gave a general part of Redmond as a destination so that Athos could make progress as she made some calls.  Her conversation with the restaurant was short and sweet.  She'd made reservations there before in her month as Athos' personal assistant.  She was able to interject personal anecdotes with the person on the other end of the comm and even made use of her minimal skills in Japanese.  Athos could see the progress the slight girl had made in just four weeks.

The next call was a less scripted.  Given the far off look Minnie's eyes held in the back seat, Athos could tell she was in a visual call thought her AR eyeglasses.  For this call, Minnie was subvocalizing, so Athos couldn't tell what was being said.  Through the mirror, though, it was clear there was some intense emotions involved.  Still, it seemed to end well as the smile on Minnie's face seemed genuine and warm.

"Nagi will join us for dinner and tentatively agreed to the mission.  She didn't have anything going on tonight.  She just has to spin a story to convince her team lead to let her out of the house.  I think I'll have to sign in blood that I'll guarantee her safety while out on our date."  Minnie's expression suggested the 'sign in blood' might well be literal.  Athos knew enough about mages and adepts to know that they tended to be very particular about their body tissues and the fluids that might carry them, most particularly the red stuff.

Athos had only met Nagisa once.  Like most of the crack matrix wizards employed by the Family, she was kept under strict security in safe houses where teams lived communally.  They ate together, played together, worked together, and slept together.  They were held responsible as a team for everything.  One's success was all's success,  One's failure was all's failure.  Betrayal by one often resulted in punishment, up to death, for the entire house.  Their work was serious business and often involved knowledge about Family members and Family Operations that could severely damage the reputation and fortunes of the Finnigans.  As such, they didn't get out much.  For Nagisa to be allowed on a date outside her house or some other Family-secured facility was a mark of the trust they had for their young up-and-coming hacker and her adept girlfriend.

Once off the call, Minnie gave Athos more specific directions and they soon arrived at a nondescript, two story Victorian house in a neighborhood of such older structures deep in an area controlled by the Finnigans.  Minnie hopped out of the car and went to the door.  Athos watched as a middle-aged woman opened the door and spoke briefly with Minnie.  Artos noted the woman looking out to him and his car with a strict eye.  Seeming satisfied, she nodded and another girl with a mix of caucasian and asian features framed by apple-red hair suddenly appeared next to Minnie.

Nagisa and Minnie made their way quickly to the car and slipped in together.  Athos marveled at just how small Minnie looked even next to another human.  Nagisa wasn't very big for a human female, but her 160cm frame still towered almost a head taller than Minnie's tiny 145cm.  How Minnie managed to pack so much of a punch in barely 40kg never ceased to amaze the massive troll.

The trip to the restaurant was made in relative silence.  Athos spared a few glances back, but seeing the two quietly and chastely snuggled up together as much as the seatbelts would allow, eyes closed but clearly off in their own little world, kept his eyes mostly forward so as to offer the girls a little privacy.

With afternoon traffic, it took a while to arrive at the Phoenix House.  When they did, Minnie became all business again.  Seeing to Athos' needs as they arrived to the hostess while keeping a constant watch on Nagisa and everything surrounding her.  It was left unsaid, but Athos realized that even the fiction of Minnie being his bodyguard was off out the window when Nagisa was outside the safe house and Minnie's responsibility.  Only once did Nagisa slip briefly away from the rest of the party to have a brief conversation with one of the servers.  The conversation was hushed, but Athos' keen hearing heard the word 'kosher' and the server nodded knowingly.  The hacker girl seemed to be satisfied with the results of the conversation when she returned and seated herself next to the adept.  The two kept more distance between them than Athos would have expected.  Neither gave any sign that there was anything more between them than between them and Athos.

Note: Here's a picture of what Nagisa looks like

[gilga]

@Minnie, Athos Some family assets are simply off limits and nobody,  no matter how high in the family hierarchy is allowed to use them without going through the formal channels. Nagisa is one of these very limited assets.  Her job makes her exposed to information that may risk her life every time she leaves that safehouse. The only excuse she can possibly make that will get her out of the safehouse for a few hours is a date with you, her approved girlfriend. It is very possible that the approval she has to see you outside of her safehouse will soon be revoked now that you are part of Valentina’s team. You are no longer a powerless whore, but potentially an agent of a very specific faction inside the family.

Yet, tonight Nagisa can go on a date with you, and she is happy to take that risk for you.  When you pick her up, you can see that she is wearing her best clothes. Nagisa must have spent an hour, just to look good for you. However, you cannot be certain, did she do it for you,  or was it to make her ruse more believable?   The only suspicious sign about her true intent, is the deck that rests in her purse. Nagisa’s deck is brilliantly disguised as a pink cosmetic kit.  That deck was tailored especially for Nagisa’s needs and capabilities and was clearly designed with love. Nagisa is very attached to her deck and it was not the first time she took it with her.  The only reason you know that the cute and innocent looking cosmetic kit is actually a very expensive deck is because once she was mysteriously called to do a job while you two were intimate with each other. 

Nagisa did not think twice, she dropped everything immediately and plugged the deck to her head. She quickly disappeared into the matrix and you had no idea what she did in there. All you could do is watch with horror as her body suffered biofeedback damage. All you could do was snuggle her, and hope she will come back.  When she finally did, she packed her small deck, returned it to her purse and continued exactly where you two left. She refused to say a single word about what just happened. In fact, she never told you anything about her work.

[Mercy Merchant]

Athos had not immediately recognized the great risk he would be taking on by inviting Nagisa to the crew.  It was not until he pulled up to the safe house and saw the family-assigned watcher that it sunk in.  Here was a family asset that was more important than he had best make sure that she returned to the house in one piece.  During the drive, Athos gives one look through the rear view mirror to make sure the women are alright then keeps his eye off the rear seat so that they can have a modicum of privacy.  Not that he would have been able to interrupt the trix conversation they were having.

When the trio is brought to their private dining room, shoes are removed and left just inside the sliding door and they are shown to their table.  Once seated, Athos listens as the sommelier gives the wine list and orders a type and year that will go well with the food.  The new menus do not list prices, a sure sign that the Phoenix House is not concerned about the cost of the food and the diners should not be either.  A lively discussion of the menu ensues as the three try to decide what to eat.  Each has their favorite and Athos places the order for his friends.  The cute waitress is obviously used to Troll appetites and does not bat an eye at the enormous meal that Athos orders.  Food ordered, the three sit back and listen to the piped in music designed to relax the body and wallet.  The private dining room ensures that normal eyes are not on them but he is sure that electronic or astral eyes are.  it is unspoken that their business will not be discussed here.  Tonight is just about meeting friends.  Speaking of friends, Athos begins to wonder about Artie and her new associate.  They are running just a tad bit late and he is considering sending his friend a message when the sliding door opens and Artie is quietly ushered in.  Alone.

She nods an apology as she removes her shoes and joins the others.  The waitress appears as soon as Artie has had a chance to look at the menu and takes the woman's order.  Even she understands that this is a meeting of friends and that business will not be discussed in this house of the Yakuza.  After a short delay the food trays and platters begin to arrive, far more that any four normal individuals could eat in one meal.  However, Athos is not a normal individual and this meal is more normal than extraordinary for him.  The food is exquisitely prepared and Athos can taste the culinary artwork of the new head chef, Takishi Sarona.  Everything is perfect, down to the last noodle.  Athos has dined at the Phoenix House many times and has seen the decline and the rebirth of the restaurant and is pleased.  The manager makes an unobtrusive visit during the meal, leaving as quietly as he came and his presence barely noticed, which is how it is meant to be.

Since business talk is forbidden, small talk is the order of the day.  For once, Artie resists tossing any of her patented zingers at Minnie and the four thoroughly enjoy the company and the food.  Wine consumption is extremely minimal, limited to one glass, and even less for Minnie, who has been known to dance on tables after a drink or two.  of course, Athos is never sure if she has done that to mimic being drunk or if she really is a lightweight drinker.  Athos slots a credstick and adds a very healthy tip to cover the excellent service they had received.  Shoes retrieved, the four leave the restaurant and make it outside to Athos' car.  He holds the door for the three women then climbs into the front.  When all are safely buckled in he waits while Nagisa runs a complete bug scan and diagnostic of the car.  After all, it pays to be sure, especially in Yak country.  Once the trix wizard gives the OK sign, he pulls away from the lot and heads to the warehouse.  The four can finally discuss a bit of business on the way and he briefs everyone on what he is supposed to do tonight. 

"This is a business deal, pure and simple.  I am finalizing the purchase of a warehouse for the Finnigan family from the Yaks.  I am sending you the address to your commlinks now.  I go in, inspect the place, shake a few hands, sign some papers.  No risk, right?  Maybe.  That is where you three come in.  Athos is a Troll, but not a dumb one and I realize that my senses alone are not equipped to deal with what may be hidden.  Your jobs are to search the matrix and the astral as well as the mundane.  You are my special eyes and ears and you are to let me know if anything looks off.  I do not expect anything to go wrong, but if things start to go south, I want you, Artie, and you, Minnie, to swear to get Nagisa to safety.  And that is nuff said about that."

"Changing the subject a bit, what about your trix contact, Artie.  were you able to give him the drone?"

[Shaman_Yuri]

Minnie listens quietly as her friend shares the low down.  Into the silence afterwards, she chooses to speak first.  "Depending on where you park, Nagisa should be able to cover us electronically and scope the place out virtually from the car."  Minnie pauses a moment to see the redhead nod.  "As far as me, I really need to go in with you to scope the place out magically.  I can't project like a mage can.  I can also help back you up if I'm with you."   She turns to look at Artee who is sitting by the opposite door with Nagisa diplomatically between the two rivals.  "Artee, you know your skill set best but would it be best to drop you off before we arrive at the warehouse and let you get close in your own way?  That way you can keep an eye out on the big picture as well as monitor the car where Nagisa will be holed up.  If it starts to look like a trap to you, you can call out via comm and we can react as appropriate.  Thoughts, everyone?"  After another pause.  "I haven't been doing this for very long, so feel free to chime in."

[Mercy Merchant]

Athos nods at Minnie's plan.  "We can do it like that.  But I cannot leave Nagisa alone in the car.  I have a contact I can call who can stay in the car and watch out for her.  Let me get to him."  He pulls out his 'link and sends a text.  >>Bruno.  Athos.  I have a payday for you.  I need some muscle for a job.  You will be watching one of the family's trix wizards, so you know how important this is.  Job is for two good men, so bring a pal to the address attached to this text.  Need to be on-site by 2300.  2K up front and another 3K when this and the follow on job are complete.  Contact me quickly if you are in.<<

He closes the comm and says, "OK that is taken care of.  Looking for two minders for Nagisa while she waits in the car.  I am pretty sure that Bruno will get back soon.  If that part falls through, we can come up with a plan B."

[gilga]

@Minnie Nagisa looks at you as you talk, she seem charmed. Obviously, she was always the strong one in your relationship. You were nothing more but a whore. While she was a very important family asset. While both of your life were carefully monitored and managed.  Her life were about developing her skills and intelligence about empowering her.  Your experience was obviously a lot different.

You started as plain meat for the enjoyment of low ranking made men. They used you to blow off some steam and you were handed over as a reward for good work. They were brutal on you and never looked you in the eyes, you were nothing but a ‘cattle’ to them not even a person. Just a sex toy that they are do anything they can possibly want with. During this era you were usually given to small groups and they abused and raped you.

But you’re survival instinct kicked in and you managed to make yourself more seductive. Despite everything you never once openly criticized the family, and that kind of loyalty and skull were eventually rewarded. You advanced into a less destructive place, you still had no control over your sexual life once and forever, but now you had regular clients. You were no longer some random reward, you had a schedule.

That period still took a bit of your soul, but it was a lot less destructive than the first one. Sure some of the clients would still beat you. You learned already that sadistic asshole can be found in every shape and rank. But even these assholes, knew your name and looked you in the eyes.  They understood how much torment your little body can endure and when they could control themselves they made an effort not to cause you permanent harm. Other clients were nicer and just wanted you to excite and seduce them, while few of your clients were actually attentive to your own enjoyment.

In your relationship with Nagisa, you were always the weaker one, the broken one. Her admiring look now is something that you know all too well, it is the same look that you usually gives her. She now looks at you and she envy you for going on secret meetings with the Yakuza while she is stuck in that safehouse of hers and need a good excuse just to get out. She holds your hand tightly and listen carefully.

Your heart skips a bit when after just a few minutes Bruno arrives. He doesn’t recognise you but you know him. That sadistic fuck beat you and abused you many years ago, when you were nothing but ‘cattle’. You were gifted to him and his goon not once but three times, and every one of these times is one big hole in your soul that you desperately try to suppress.
 
@Athos Bruno texts you >> sure thing bossman thanks for remembering me.
It takes him just a 15 minutes to arrive - apparently he just dropped everything immediately and came for you. The drive itself must have taken most of these 15 minutes. He joins you in the car and seats in the back with Minnie and Nagisa completely unaware to how Minnie must feel at that point.