Shadowrun

Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: ismilealot on <03-17-15/1644:12>

Title: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-17-15/1644:12>
Mon.  Dec. 1   20:00

@ Marco  It's taken three weeks and some serious jing to get into this club. But it's the new "In" scene and Marco wants to impress this client, she's new, and as a low level manager with an Az corp. she's the highest paid, highest placed client he's had so far. She, and the client he's bringing here Wed. are the two he's really working on right now so that he can really improve his contact list. He's confident he really looks good right now, the new outfit he splurged on is the latest style in the Arc. And once he steps into the club he knew he was right to spend the jing. The decor is lunar themed and is sleek, clean, and even smells good. The AR overlay is really good, and the staff is dressed as aliens, but sleek, not campy. He has no trouble showing Lela, his client tonight, a good time, and he's impressed with the acoustics, as well as the drinks menu. A success job indeed, he thinks to himself the next morning as he leaves her place.

Wed. Dec 3
Your comm goes goes off while you're getting coffee that afternoon, and you start to answer it with a professional smile, carefully cultivated to appear genuine, and then it freezes as you see who it's from, her, the daemoness, damn. >>Marco, I'm interested in The Stardust. You're taking a client there tonight.<< How she knows that Marco doesn't know, he's swept his apartment, changed his comm three times and swept all his clothes for bugs, the daemon calls him and makes him dance to her tune whenever she wants. >>I'm very interested in it. Who's really in charge of what. Not just the names on the adverts. This should be right up your alley. It's a new club and getting in with the management as a pro wanting to build up a high dollar client list should be easy for you. Just keep doing what you're doing, and make nice, get to know a few of the more upscale party-goers that are there. Yes there are party drugs there, but keep your eye out for any that are being offered by the house. Don't ask about it at all, just keep doing what you're doing, have a good time, make nice, and give me every iota of info you find. I've transferred 4k nuyen into your account to make you look like a serious player. and I'll contact you Thurs morning to find out what you've been able to learn. Don't spend the nuyen in one place. You're buying in, not buying out.<<

@ Blackhat  The Yak are angry. Nakagawa has disappeared, and they're guessing it was from here. She'd been spending every night here for the last two weeks. And was starting to display some unusual traits. Mr Wakasiri had actually sent a crew to bring her in when she hadn't answered her comm. And a member of the Yak wasn't allowed to not answer their comm, and a lieutenant, even a minor one like Nakagawa, was not allowed to disappear without a serious response from the Yak. And he was here as part of that response. To hack into the system to learn whatever secrets he could and find out if they were indeed responsible for taking her. And then his comm is hacked. Hacked because it's a private number running silent. WHO THE HELL! >>Blackhat, you've played both sides very well. But it's only a matter of time before Kasumi finds, or manufactures, data that you were part of RH and you're a dead man. But, I can help you. Give me every bit of info you can find on this club and I can make you disappear completely from the Yak's radar, you'd look like you were dead to them, and I'd give you a new, clean SIN and 10k. <<   
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-17-15/1847:19>
"Yes, demoness it goes without saying... I will do what as you say, thanks for the pocket money." He hang up comlink, no hint of anger or distress in his voice - bees and butterflies.
“Damn! every time this daemon is asking for a favor I want to shoot something. Devil knows why I like that bitch... But she has her uses... My client will be especially pleased tonight”. 

He picked up his Ares Crusader, it was the latest model modified with some extra shock pads for recoil compensation. It was his favorite gun and a great therapeutic tool for anger control. He got dressed and took the elevator down, heading for the local shooting range that was just a short walk from his apartment.

He channeled his negative energies into shooting cardboard targets. These were augmented in AR  to look like the demoness with manually added demon horns and tail. It wasn’t realistic - just a hastily crafted cartoon a technical savvy friend did for him. 

Bam Bam Bam - he aimed for the heart first with a few single shots and after a while he went  for automatic bursts trying to keep the little machine pistol balanced under the recoil. He felt better after emptying a couple of magazines...

At that rate, by the time I get some leverage over the demoness I’ll be a professional marksman. He thought.  With his newly gained tranquility, came acceptance. She is not unreasonable - with that kind of money I could book a VIP booth and I wont feel poor in there.  I can just get my client any goodie that joint has to offer.

Once back at his apartment he poured himself a glhoop of red wine and made that call. Trying to sound as charming as possible... He called Tammie, the gorgeous elven hostess. He recently managed to sweet talk her into letting him book regular tables at short notice, for a reasonable fee.

Well... hello Tammie.


Yes... what do you want Mr. Black -  I am working. Is it about your table for tonight?... don’t tell me you too are cancelling on me. I trusted you!’

‘No Tammie - on the contrary I liked the club so much I want a VIP booth this time.’


An Upgrade? Sweetie... there is no way you are getting an upgrade - you simply cannot afford it.’


‘Look Tammie... you did me a favor that time- I do you a favor this time. I got this important date tonight... You book me that table and I commit for a 1k minimum spending probably a lot more. You guys just keep the temptations coming, everything you have to offer we’re interested.  I’ll wire 1k in advance and will cover the rest of the bill at the end of the night. Don’t worry I am good for it. 

I don't know... are you sure I can trust you Marco? My bosses will kill me if it is a ruse.



This is your chance to bring a serious roller... Imagine how happy your bosses will be when we start regularly spending that kind of money at your joint. When the client *You* brought in is investing this kind of money... think commissions think promotion.


‘Marco, I didn't know you had, *that* kind of money... I’ll be right back with you with an answer.


He hoped she will go for it. After all, he only spent a couple of hundreds the last time. This time he planned to spend more than ten times as much. Dr. Kawagishi is up for a serious treat... a lot more than his investment...

Dr. Kawagishi was a DocWagon middle manager, and had a strange appetite for excessive entertainment.  I think he went into medicine just so he can learn about drugs, thought Marco. He then spent a couple of hours running on his treadmill followed by a long bath, that prepared his body and mind for a night of corruption.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Herr Brackhaus on <03-17-15/2315:10>
It was on a cold winter day that I found myself in Snohomish near the Salish border, outside a place called The Stardust. Mr. Wakshira, my current employer, had had one of his acquaintances arrange the invitation and the ride so there would be no link to the Kanaga-gumi if anyone went looking.

Walking up to the door I displayed my invitation as a public ARO to the bouncers, and tipped my black fedora to them as I walked in. One of them nodded back and pointed to the "Check All Weapons" ARO flashing beside the door. "Big guys" I thought to myself. "Place like this probably needs them, what with everyone flocking out here to see what all the fuss is about."

As I entered the lobby I shook off my lined coat and handed it to the attendant. I then slowly opened my suit jacket in full view of the security guards to make sure they saw me remove the machine pistol from its holster in a non-threatening manner. With my PAN in broadcast mode it took a mere thought to eject the clip from the weapon, and I slipped the clip full of gel rounds into the holster on my back as I placed the now empty weapon onto the counter. "Won't be needing this in here from the looks of things" I smiled at the girl behind the counter.

At first glance the place looked good, and I set my sights on the bar as soon as I I was inside. I sat down in an empty seat with a good view of the room and addressed the bartender. "Pack of Saratogas and two fingers of Jameson. Neat, please." I was about to start casing the Matrix security of the joint when my burner link buzzed in my pocket. "The hell... no one has this number" I thought as I swiped the call into my AR view. Whoever was on the other end had been careful enough to have hidden themselves. "Not for long, my friend." I smiled inwardly as I loaded up my Watcher protocols and accepted the call.

Commcode blocked: >>Blackhat, you've played both sides very well. But it's only a matter of time before Kasumi finds, or manufactures, data that you were part of RH and you're a dead man.<<

Between the intimate knowledge of my operations this person had and the skill at which they'd hidden their icon, all I could do was wait for them to continue to avoid tipping my hand. Confirming that my headware had configured itself correctly, I turned off my AR transfer filters and began sifting through the data flowing back and forth around me.

Commcode blocked: >>But, I can help you. Give me every bit of info you can find on this club and I can make you disappear completely from the Yak's radar, you'd look like you were dead to them, and I'd give you a new, clean SIN and 10k.<<

Whoever was on the other end were good, but not good enough. The Matrix here was solid, and I managed to wrestle the callers commcode from the brilliant data streams that enveloped me in AR. I considered what was being offered while I tagged the commcode with a "Broker" label, making special note of this persons knowledge of recent events before deciding to play it safe in case someone was listening. 10,000¥ and a fake SIN would go a long way to get me out from under the Yakuza, but how reliable was this person when it came to making someone appear dead. For all I knew, they could just actually kill me when it was all over. "No, better to try to negotiate" I thought to myself.

BlackHat: >>It seems that someone has been feeding you bad intel, as I am quite sure I know nothing about any duplicitous activity. Your sources were correct about one thing, however; my debt to a certain... organization... is substantial. That being said, my work takes on many different forms and in this case it seems our interests may be aligned. Your offer is interesting but ultimately inadequate, as had I wanted to get away from anyone I would quite simply have left already. So, it seems we find ourselves in a predicament. You want something from me, and I might be prepared to give it to you for the right price. The question is, how strong is your desire?<<

The bartender had returned with the cigarettes and my drink while I was sending my mental commands, and as I leaned back in my chair waiting for a response I took a sip and fished a disposable lighter out of my pockets.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-18-15/0245:55>
@ Blackhat  >>My network for intel is already substantial, as I'm sure you can tell. My offer does not need to be any larger as I already have a means of gathering data in place. But I prefer to have many sources of data. It allows me to substantiate information quickly. So the question becomes, how much do you trust Eclipse?<< Around you the music in the club changes to a more intense, driving rhythm and the AR décor changes to match it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Herr Brackhaus on <03-18-15/0927:24>
As the music and the AR environment changed around me, I lit up a cigarette and took a deep, relaxing drag.

Broker: >>My network for intel is already substantial, as I'm sure you can tell. My offer does not need to be any larger as I already have a means of gathering data in place. But I prefer to have many sources of data. It allows me to substantiate information quickly. So the question becomes, how much do you trust Eclipse?<<

"Someone certainly is sure of themselves," I thought.  "But if this persons network is as good as they say, they wouldn't need me in the first place. Hmm..." I quickly glanced at the icon of my cyberdeck looking for unknown marks, satisfied that I'd found none.

BlackHat: >>I trust Eclipse about as far as I can throw her, which means not at all. But I know her, and I can handle her, if I have to. Strangers, even well informed ones, who cold-call people and make live-or-die offers... I am sure you must have heard the saying "Better the devil you know" at some point in time...<<

I smiled to myself at that moment, and took another drag of my cigarette. "Time to roll the dice."

BlackHat: >>You say you want this information and that your network is extensive, but if things were as you claim you would already have it. That means you have one of two wants; either you want this information quickly, or you specifically want me to get it for you. Both imply that your wants are stronger than mine, which means that for now at least I hold the upper hand. So, forget about the disappearing act and the SIN but make it 30,000¥ in certified cred, and you've got a deal.<<

With the cigarette between my index and middle fingers, I took another sip of my whiskey then tapped my smoke gently with a thumb to get rid of the excess ash.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-18-15/1244:58>
Marco suits up with a white suit. A really good one from some high tech fabric that interacts with the AR environment. He does his makeup with a subtle tribute to the clockwork orange. Once he is happy with his makeup he adds a black hat in order to complete his naughty look.

His logistics are carried out flawlessly.  A long auto pilot driven limousine picks him and Dr. Kawagishi to their dinner date just in time. Hello sweetie! he say with genuine excitement as the middle aged physician enters the limousine... Are you ready for the night of your life? He smiles.

[spoiler](http://cdn8.openculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/clockworkorange.jpeg)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-18-15/1715:50>
@ Blackhat   >>Nice try, I'm amused. 13k and Eclipse gets to lose face in a very well deserved scandal.<<

@ Marco  Dr. Kawagishi starts his evening with his usual drink in the limousine. Debauchery has always suited him well in his opinion. Tammie greets you at the door, the smooth smile and welcome not quite hiding the eagle eye trying to make sure you're not putting her on. You can tell she's not sure, but she does have the cred already on file, so she smiles smoothly and greets you both with the unctuous deference due a heavy hitter. It's a new and heady experience for you. Almost as good as your own personal high. The night goes well, Dr. Kawagishi engages in every pleasure his appetite calls for, and a private booth comes with a privacy ARO and some sound proofing that allow those pleasures to be enjoyed while still very much being part of the club atmosphere. There are all the usual party drugs. But as far as you can tell from his comments even the designer stuff is just some variations on the usual. Nice variations from his responses, but not more than that.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-18-15/1752:00>
Marco does not do drugs, not with this client, not yet... He is at work right now. Laughing at his jokes making some of his own acting all high, accessible and happy really happy. While Marco is new to this level of service, to his client it is almost casual.

He does have one benefit, Tammie being personally concerned about this gig is eyeing them from time to time... trying to make sure everything goes well. He makes a minute gesture when they make eye contact.. his face expression suddenly change and for a brief moment he sends Tammie his unhappy face. She seemed to have picked it up, as at that moment she reached for her comlink. The gesture was subtle enough so that he did not lose the momentum of the conversation... he get to use his rolling laughter just at the right part, and the two are hitting another round of Saki.

Gosh I like subtle people like Tammie... I almost do not need telepathy with this kind of attention.  He thinks to himself.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Herr Brackhaus on <03-18-15/1801:20>
Broker: >>Nice try, I'm amused. 13k and Eclipse gets to lose face in a very well deserved scandal.<<

"What are the odds this person has dirt on the Kanaga-gumi and would waste it to save my sorry hoop?" I wondered as I finished off the whiskey, its light floral and peppered spicy aroma pleasantly permeating my senses. I began tapping my fingers on the bar as I deliberated with myself for a split second, then composed my reply.

BlackHat: >>I am glad to be a source of entertainment to you this evening, but let us not forget that you are the one who came to me, chummer. If that is your final offer then we have nothing further to discuss.<<

I knew posing an ultimatum was a risky move, but at this point there was nothing left except to jump in with both feet. If this Broker went for what I was about to say next I would hopefully be in a perfect situation to deal with Kasumi, and I would have the coin to pay off most of what I owed the Yakuza. If they weren't amenable to making an honest deal, however. "Well, that is a worry for later..." I finished my message and sent mentally sent it hurtling into the Matrix.

BlackHat: >> That being said, I will lower my price to 20,000¥ so long as you also include any and all copies of whatever dirt you have on Eclipse, and as long as you let me deal with her my own way. She is of no use to me dead. Deal or no deal, the choice is yours.<<

While I somewhat anxiously waited for the reply, I began investigating the AR constructs of the club. "One way or another, I've got a job to do."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-18-15/1817:04>
@ Blackhat   >>17k and the info stays mine. After all, you haven't hacked the system yet. And by my calculations you should have been in 1min 13sec's ago. Knowledge is true power, something a decker knows all to well, and doesn't let anything stop him from getting. <<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Herr Brackhaus on <03-18-15/2045:09>
Broker: >>17k and the info stays mine. After all, you haven't hacked the system yet. And by my calculations you should have been in 1min 13sec's ago. Knowledge is true power, something a decker knows all to well, and doesn't let anything stop him from getting. <<

BlackHat: >>No deal. 20,000¥ is as low as I'll go, and you and I both know that is a fair asking price. Knowledge might be power, but nothing is free in this world. You know where to leave a message if you change your mind.<<

With the final statement sent I turned the burner comm off and  I issued a few system commands to my deck in order to prepare for the work ahead.

Blackhat: >>Change Operation Mode: Silent. Success<<
Blackhat: >>Load configuration: Controller. Success. Array status nominal at 1-5-5-2. Programs (Stealth | Toolbox) running on virtual machine<<

I curbed my cigarette and pocketed the stub before I quickly made my way from the bar to the restrooms. Finding an unoccupied stall proved easy enough, and I leaned back against the wall before immersing myself fully into the virtual reality known as the Matrix.

Blackhat: >>Hot-sim module engaged. All systems green.<<

As a precaution in case anyone was watching, I let myself drift into the streams of data flowing around me before settling into the the digital representation of the sky above of The Stardust.

Blackhat: >>Operation successful: Hide.<<
Blackhat: >>Load configuration: Flanker. Success. Array status nominal at 1-4-5-2. Programs (Exploit | Stealth) running on virtual machine<<

I turned my attention to the digital Stardust and got to work casing the security system of the club.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-18-15/2104:18>
[Dec. 3, 2075, ~3:00 PM,  O'Haggen's Clothing and Boutique, Touristville Plaza, The Barrens, Seattle]


[/b]"...no..no...come on, frag it, this wasn't supposed to be this hard to figure out!"[/b]

The frustrated cry of the short human, Arc, followed by a stomp of the foot and a rustle of the curtains of the changing room she was in, filled the immediate area as she revealed herself.  It was the day of the initial pull of the job the three heroes of the Barrens--Feathers, Wanderer, and Arc-- had been hired for by the ever enigmatic employer Sam Webster, and through acts of indecision and blatant procrastination, the human and the elf had realized they still needed to get clothes of taste.  They had little to go on, but enough: the Stardust was a cosmic space-themed club, though some pictures off social media hosts revealed to Arc that the dress was aesthetically less like the xenomorphic space horror she had initially envisioned....more Star Trek.

Needless to say, the two were having little luck finding something.  This time, Arc had an almost comically ill-fitting dress with Rings of Saturn motifs around the skirt, the garment swishing about her legs whilst bunching tightly around her middle.  She smacked her head, flustered, groaning as the smack of her metal right hand connected with her forehead.  "ow...any luck, omae?  Oh...nevermind.."  She took one glance at the elf, covering her mouth to hide her impending burst of laughter.  "Aight...one more go or this ain't working..."

Grabbing the last item on the rack, the human disappeared into the changing room, hastily swapping out and donning the garment.  It took a bit, the girl trying to figure out how to get the thrice fragged thing on, but once she did and she glanced in her AR-enhanced mirror, she paused, tilting her head.  Titled Scion of Andromeda, the light blue dress hugged tightly and flatteringly to her figure, ending just above the knee with a slit up the left leg.  The arms were left bare, the fabric seeming to flow into the deltoid curvature, ending in a high collar and wrapping around her chest not unlike a tunic, a decorative armor piece over the left shoulder.  A flattering patch on the right side of her waist was missing, revealing bare skin between the hips and ribcage but leaving her stomach covered, a rich violet belt resting on her hips.  Knee high boots framing her calves covered her feet, and a few bracelets on each wrist completed the ensemble.  Turns out, the whole deal was meant for a party, as it was designed to interact with environs, shimmering and giving off light not unlike glowsticks.

Arc was stunned, mostly because it fit her, and then again because she didn't hate it.  "Y...mind checking on this...?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-18-15/2314:10>
Yo, Doc, Marco giggled, we want something special.  He went to the Bar, looked at the Barman like he owned the place and said. Bill! (He knew the name from the AR interface), can you make us something... special...  he thoguht for a moment Yes, that space shots... the glowing ones...

Apollo 17? asked the barman.

Yes Yes, these ones,  I heard they are great!   He extend his hand with a 100 dollar bill as a tip. Have them extra strong, and keep them coming until we beg you to stop. He sent Bill his happy smile as he carried the first two shots himself.

Prior to drinking he activates the glasses - *10* - *9* - *8* - *7* - *6* - *5* - *4* -*3* -*2*- *1* liftoff cried the AR decore. Even a drinking glass is wireless... oh my  he thought to himself. The shot triggered some chemical reaction and turned into a glowing green fluid after at the 'liftoff' moment.

At the very same moment the two emptied the small glass.  It is their specialty he later said. I asked them to keep them coming... if you have the capacity for another lunar mission... We can even go over the entire Apollo program. They laughed.

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-19-15/0146:05>
@ Blackhat As you immerse yourself in the matrix, the rush that accompanies it is a familiar caress. Soon everything else is forgotten as you manipulate the streams of data, sifting, eliminating and marking relevant information. Soon you're able to identify the clubs security systems. But, anyone can do that. You're here to identify the security that they think is unhackable. By the time you're done you've found it, but no trace of Kanagawa San is there. Well, that's something to tell the Yak at least.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-19-15/0241:19>
Yelena shares her friend's frustration.  In her entire life she could count the number of times she had worn a really nice dress on one hand.  Some of the clothes they had seen were just too silly and most of the rest just too.............something else.  So far the pair had been to three different shops that advertised as catering to the party crowd.  Yelena had already had a good laugh trying to imagine what sort of party.  "Arc, girls on serious drugs to think these get them laid.  But, if they are right, I have serious doubts about viability of respective races to survive with any sort of intelligent gene pool."  She cannot help but giggle at Arc's Rings of Saturn look, and more than willing to laugh at her own selection.  She is very surprised when her friend comes out of the dressing room in the last gown.  She motions with her hand for Arc to turn around in circles.  "Arc.  Is good.  Is very good.  Emphasize figure and hide at same time.  Hint of this and that.  Very nice on you.  I think rigger man would like.  Why not invite to club to escort us?  I could arrange to leave you alone for a bit while there if want."  She shake her head.  "But nothing here for Yelena.  We can try more, but might have to wear dress already own."

Leaving the store after making Arc's purchases, they go out into the mall, heading to the next shop on the list for party apparel.  Suddenly, a small shop almost hidden in a side corridor catches her eye.  Yelena takes her friend's arm and turns down the hall and into the shop.  A small oriental woman of undoubtedly great age sits on a stool near the entrance to the extremely small store.  Several racks of dresses compete with a few shelves for the available space.  The woman barely looks up from a book she is reading.  *A book!  Who reads books anymore?*  "Arc.  Yelena would like to look here for a bit." 

She walks about, touching the material and holding it up to her to look at herself in the standing mirror.  A young oriental woman comes through a beaded curtain at the rear of the shop and asks if she can be of assistance.  She and Yelena talk for a few minutes and the young woman nods and says,  "I think we have just what you are looking for."  She disappears back through the curtain, returning with a dress over her arm.  As she shakes the dress out, she says, "This is an older style, but it is simple and still very attractive when the right person wears it.  It is called a cheongsam dress and was once very common in my homeland.  Now not so much as most girls want new things.  New styles are so popular.  But this will look good on you.  Try it on." 

The woman leads Yelena through the beads to a tiny dressing room where she put the dress on.  She returns to the front of the shop to look in the mirror and get Arc's opinion.  The dress hugs and accentuates her curves, falling to mid-thigh with a slit up the left side.  Embroidered white herons decorate the front and back of the light violet dress, perfectly setting off Yelena's own snow white hair and violet eyes. Three gold clasps hold the front together, leaving small gaps that hint at the cleavage beneath.  The girl finds a fabric flower of the same light violet as the dress and puts it in Yelena's hair just behind her ear.  She admires her work and says, "Not too much of anything else.  Light makeup and some gloss for the lips will be enough.  People will wonder who you are and want you.  I have some slippers and a small clutch here that will go perfectly.  The dress was made by hand and is good quality.  It will last a long time if you treat it well.  What do you think?"

Yelena turns to Arc.  "What think?  I like it, do you?"  She turns back to the young woman, pointing to a longer style on one of the racks.  "You have this in longer version, like one over there?  I actually thinking that better for Yelena."  The woman does indeed have one of the same color and Yelena goes to the dressing room to try it on.  When she gets back to the mirror in the shop she looks at herself then smiles, nodding.  The dress still clings to and accentuates her figure, but reveals little.  It falls to the floor and the nearly waist high slit on the left side shows a lot of leg.  The sleeves go to the middle of her upper arms and the neckline is extremely demure.  "This better for Yelena.  I like very much, even more than other."

She turns to the clerk and indicates that she will take the dress, slippers, clutch, and flower.  Turning to Arc, she shakes her head and says, "Now why take all day to find one dress?  Well, are ready for club?  I call Feathers to remind him."  Yelena sends a message to their friend.  <Feathers.  Yelena.  Just a reminder we going to club.  You my date, maybe Arc too, if cannot get rigger man to go with.  Meet you at entrance at 8.  Ta.>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-19-15/1143:17>
Arc gave a laugh at Yelena's quip about the intelligent gene pool joke, shaking her head as she eyes herself in the sleek dress.  "take a look around, girl.  Sixth World fragged as it is anyhow...heh..". A quick change back to her street clothes and a purchase later, the two left the shop and found their way to the small oriental shop.  It was cramped for sure, and Arc had little room to move, mostly trying to get out of the way of Yelena and the younger shopkeeper.

When the cheongsam was introduced, the human tilted her head, a small smile flitting across her lips.  "Drek, that's a good one.  Suits you well.  Classic yet relevant.  Not a bad choice, babushka". She chuckled.  Over the couple weeks she had looked up a couple words in russian just for fun.  The pronunciation was terrible, but she was trying. After the purchase, the human picked up her shopping bag and left with the elf, hopping into her slick black Americar...the Scorpion was fun, but impractical for the agenda tonight.  Before starting up, she finally answered Yelena's suggestion.

"I uh...think I ain't gonna take Jaime with us.  If this club be as sketch what SW be suggesting, best not to have -too- much distraction, eh?". She winked, plugging herself into the interface as she fired up the engine.  "far as I'm concerned, I'm out with friends.  Word's been going around too, might be recognized by Barrens folk.  We will see." . Arc honestly doubted that, as her part in the whole deal was small and out of the spotlight, but you never know.  The drive was uneventful, broken only by a stop at a quick burger joint for some grub before returning home, the two needing to clean up and get ready.  The uman showered quickly, just enough to get the grime off, and the dress was on in short order, the matching purse actually strapping to her belt.  No makeup, though, so it must figure that Arc thinks the dim lighting of a club will hide the faded scars in her face...right?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-19-15/2100:26>
Thurs Morning Dec 4

@ Arc, Feathers, Yelena,  You receive a comm from Sam >>Please meet me at the Seamstress Union at 15:00 so that I can give you all the information I know regarding The Stardust. Ask for John.<<   

@  Marco  You receive a call from the daemoness, >>Marco, pls meet me at the Seamstress Union at 15:00, be prompt. I'm going to introduce you to several people that you will be working with. They know me as Sam. When you get there ask for John.<<     

When you arrive you're directed to the second floor, end of the hall, room on the left. When you go in you're each greeted warmly by Sam. "Thank you for coming and agreeing to look into this. This is Marco, he's already been to the club and is well known to the hostess as a pro looking to upscale his clientele at the new "In" club. It will look very natural for him to bring in new clients to the club tonight." She looks at Marco, "Marco sweetie I've taken the liberty of booking you another VIP table for tonight." Looking back at the group she continues. "I don't have much to go on yet. The similarities a few club goers are exhibiting are subtle, but once they start exhibiting them they disappear. It's what's made this so hard. There are no connections between any of them except that club and those similarities. Becoming very absent minded, a light aversion, skin becoming a bit waxy looking, and all tech around them starting to become glitchy and hard to use. I have a feeling it's the designer party drug that a very select group of club-goers get. And I think they're trying to force some kind of change in their status to Awakened. So far hacking into the club has produced zero results. It's got absolutely the worst security and the worst camera surveillance system I've ever seen That's why I've put the club under surveillance. And what I'm finding is that at the rate of one or two people a week, someone just never comes out. And now that I know what to look for, I can identify who's not coming out. That's why I'm asking you to look into this. You're faces are well known. You're hero's. People will talk to you, maybe tell you a few things about the club. Please don't ask questions, you're not trained in it. Just relax, talk to people, have fun, you've earned it after what happened, and now you have the jing to spend and so you're spending it. I've transferred an additional 2k onto your cred so that it looks like your party-goers looking to spend big now that your able. Marco will give you an ID of a few of the staff at the club." She looks toward Marco and motions him forward.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-19-15/2133:18>
Arc blinked as she was about to merge into traffic when the comm message from Sam blinked into her view.  Using trodes was one thing, but this rig connecting her brain directly to the Trix was another.  Every time she used it, still, it blew her away.  Glancing over at Yelena, she could tell by her look that the elf received the same thing.  Nodding, the human mentally sent off an acknowledgement whilst locating the seamstress' union.  "Fraggin' finally.  Briefing the day of, least we ain't the only slitches last minute...hope Feathers is around, I heard he moved or some drek..."

Upon entry, and making their way to the meetup, Arc tilted her head at the male figure in the room with Sam.  Get a load of this fragger...  Sticking her hands in her hoodie pockets, she adopted a widened stance, her torn cargo pants swishing a little as she eyed the two of them.  She was about to protest this withheld tidbit of info when their employer spoke up, explaining the sitch to them.

Arc's blood ran a little cold.  MORE Awakened drek?  And this time of more unnatural kind?  Frag me....   She waited for this Marco hoop to speak up, but inside she was practically seething with small dread.  The only solace she could muster was that of thinking the process through, namely how she was going to help with the work.  She could help with surveillance maybe, or help them escape if drek got hairy.  Wait, surveillance...   "Heh...I never took you to get your hands dirty, Sam.  You doing the surveillance work yourself?  Or do you have another team of so-called "hero" hoops doing work outta our sight, hm?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Herr Brackhaus on <03-19-15/2310:58>
The Stardust turned out to be far less impressive in terms of Matrix security than expected. "Whoever owns this place spent a lot more money making it look good than they did securing it." I caught the reflection of my digital persona on a nearby surface and quickly wiped away the scornful look. Facial expressions just looked out of place on an avatar with no facial features.

At least the last minute had been productive. Besides cataloging the various exterior and interior cameras, locks, and sensors, I had managed to copy the last 24 hours worth of security footage with little difficulty. The operators had not even bothered with an archive function for their footage so everything ran on a 1 day loop.

As I exited the restroom with the meager paydata stored in my head, I opened up my facial recognition software and began feeding the various video files through it. After an hour or so of watching the AR displays change through a red Mars-like scene, a spaceship bridge set against a backdrop of the Milky Way, and some sort of wormhole travel, I discovered that the recordings revealed no trace of Kanagawa San.

With a sigh, I stored all of the nights intel in a protected file and then moved the file to a datachip. "No use getting sloppy just because the paydata is drek". I then powered my burner link back up and shot a quick message to my mysterious contact while picking up my coat and firearm on the way outside.

BlackHat: >>My offer still stands. If you want it, you know how to reach me<<

A last look back at the physical exterior of the Stardust told me I had seen enough. I got into the back of the Americar that would take me back towards the more civilized parts of the Barren, and into the waiting arms of the Yakuza with no leads whatsoever.

"Better to deliver bad news in person."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-19-15/2320:19>
At the end I did manage to feel free and have fun... Marco thinks to himself as he wakes up. He blinks a couple of times the place looks familiar... too familiar. Yes, it is his own apartment. He scans his bed, and is eased to see that he is alone.  He is happy, almost too happy as night was so much fun. He vaguely remembers the night ends with the big doctor receiving an emergency call.
 I just hope he was clear enough to use his medical skills.   He also remembers a short drink on the bar with Tammie and Bill while he pays for the table and entertainment. Tammie seemed relieved when it was over and Regina just enjoyed the fat tip he left both of them. He assured Tammie that she will see him often at the club.

When he received the message: He texted back -

Dear Shilla/Sam or Demoness -  whatever your name really is.
Thanks a lot for the money I had a great time!  It is always fun spending your money - although I must admit that it feels a bit strange to do so with some other lad. We should definitely go someplace nice soon.

 As for your very expensive club review:  We had a good time - but stay away from their space program. I vaguely remember what happens after we started with these Apollo drinks.

They also have special drugs per request that are usually served to clients that are already bored with the regular stuff. It might take a while before any of my regulars is offered this type of treatment. Although the last one is on his way there, he never refused a single party drug the entire night.

Are they dangerous by the way? - I really don’t want to lose any of my clients in the middle of a date. I’ll never forgive you if the good doc drops dead because you wanted to see what these drugs are all about.

Kisses,
Marco.

P.S I will be there no problem.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-19-15/2357:22>
Yelena listens to her friend then looks at her before quietly responding.  "Yelena sorry, Arc.  Not mean to get in Arc's personal life.  It just seem that you not think much of self.  And you wrong.  You are very smart, funny, nice to be with, and very pretty.  Interested person see through grime armor and garage clothes.  Have skills and talents.  Have job and assets.  Only blind person not see and wish for relationship.  Yelena stop talking now in case you stop car and make walk home."

She waits her turn in the shower and uses up the remainder of the hot water allotment.  Stepping out of the shower she calls out, "Arc.  Still think need pay for additional hot water."  She dresses in the sleek cheongsam, forgoing any underwear at all to avoid the lines.  She applies basic make up and the lip gloss she had purchased.  She finds that adding the flower to her hair really does set off her own snow white mane and violet eyes.  Satisfied with the look, she places the gloss in her clutch, along with a credstick, her silver cigar case, and her lighter.  Stepping into the matching slippers, she moves off to find her friend.  When she sees Arc, she whistles softly, "Very nice Arc.  Very nice.  You get many stares tonight."

While riding in the car she says, "Yelena sent message to Feathers to remind.  Hope he makes it to club."  She gets the same message as Arc does and nods her head in agreement.  "Yes.  Sam leave briefing to last minute.  I work decades for gang bosses, and they just like that, too.  Keep information to last so feel important."  Once they arrive at the meeting site, she, too, is surprised to see the other Keeb with the fixer.  *Frag.  That Keeb with Sam looks nice.*  She listens to Sam talk then waits to hear from Marco. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-20-15/1241:01>
The hour was 9:00 Marco started his day at the gym then the shooting range and afterwards had a nice lunch all by himself. He was a predictable fellow with fixed routines and in his way discipline.

Once again the demoness is putting me in harms way. That summarized how he felt about this meeting. He was weak and he did not like it one bit. Absurdly enough she was also the only person that showed real interest in his life. An abusive kind of interest but still. There was something comforting in the thought that she knows who he really is. That he could speak freely with her knowing that she already has all the cards. As perverted as their relationship turned up to be, it was still the most meaningful one he currently had. 

Her colleagues and friends were usually Shadowrunners some of them trained assassins, street mages,  and different kinds of technology people. He knew just what to wear to such a meeting, a dark grey suit made from armored fabric. It was brand new and he bought it after being shot at for the first time. He complemented the look with a red shirt and a large copper earring that celebrated his right elven ear.

In the Vatican, him being elf was frowned upon - some people thought that elves are the children of Lilith and are some sort of sweet talking demons, others just enjoyed the opportunity to laugh at what appeared to be over-sized, pointy ears. Many times he asked his parents *why* they choose this particular kind of education for him. They always answered with the same cryptic answer - vows must be respected. They never said more - but this little he knew.  Back in their early days they promised their first born son to the church - to be a man of god.

A decision like that is typically made under extreme conditions, but his parents never spoke about the past.  He knew this much about them:  they were not Italian like they claimed to be.  They had perfect English despite living in Rome and their Italian was mediocre at best. There was no chance in hell - that bad Italian of theirs was their mother tongue. But that was then and now was now... the feeling of imminent death always made Marco a bit nostalgic. He arrives to the meeting with a bit of dread and the excitement of meeting new people.

He did not listen much to Sam. she said that people disappear at the club - he assumed that there will be some kind of danger and his job was simply to enjoy himself with her friends. This mission seemed to be pleasant, however he assumed that it would turn out dangerous like the previous ones. Once Sam finished he talked I'll be very happy to show you good time at the club. I've grown to like it and by the size of my previous tips expect some royalty services.

He winks to Sam - he'd say something but what he has to say has no relation to the mission. She'll touch his hand if she'll wants to exchange a few thoughts, she already knows his body language very well.

After a short while he adds:
 We will go to the club tomorrow - you'll need a really good dress this place is for the rich, famous and wannabees like us. Imagine like you live in the better parts of the city with all the goodies you could imagine. We still have today tough, we're already here and it is evening someplace I am sure. I'd say lets try the drinks here. We could all use some introduction. Will make us feel more comfortable tomorrow at the club.  he smiled... Sam will treat us for  a couple of drinks, are you guys interested?  .
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-20-15/1420:51>
@ Blackhat  Blackhat plays the few security feeds The Stardust has for Kato, the head of Mr Wakasiri's security. Whoever placed these security camera's really should be taught their job, they're placed terribly, most of what you see is staff. "Clever," "
You hear him murmer. "No permanent records and they can plausibly claim that they are making sure staff don't steal. And with most likely timeline for Kagawara entering the club is over 24hrs ago. We can not be sure they did not take her. We can only be sure she is not in the staff areas during the time indicated" He turns to you. "I will report your findings to Wakasiri-san. The club warrants more investigation if they go to these lengths to hide themselves."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-20-15/2241:10>
Earlier....
Yelena listens to her friend then looks at her before quietly responding.  "Yelena sorry, Arc.  Not mean to get in Arc's personal life.  It just seem that you not think much of self.  And you wrong.  You are very smart, funny, nice to be with, and very pretty.  Interested person see through grime armor and garage clothes.  Have skills and talents.  Have job and assets.  Only blind person not see and wish for relationship.  Yelena stop talking now in case you stop car and make walk home."

Arc lifted her right hand, the metal reflecting the sunlight filtering through the smog as she stopped her.  "It ain't that and you know it, but I appreciate the compliments.  Before this gets awkward, I thinking you be misunderstanding my point, Yelena.  This Sam slitch told us there was weird stuff going on with this club.  Given our work history, probably got hired by her because it be a tad bit sketch dangerous, so ka?  Now I don't know how I feel about Jaime other than I get chills whenever he pronounces manual transmission, but how do you think I would feel if I took him to this place and he got his hoop geeked, hm?  Yeah, that's right...Another time, mayhaps, then you can give me a better lesson~"  She let her hand drop, her light smile faded a bit, but quickly released the tension as she yelled at a jaywalking hoophead that nearly cut her off.

And now, back to the present...


We will go to the club tomorrow - you'll need a really good dress this place is for the rich, famous and wannabees like us. Imagine like you live in the better parts of the city with all the goodies you could imagine. We still have today tough, we're already here and it is evening someplace I am sure. I'd say lets try the drinks here. We could all use some introduction. Will make us feel more comfortable tomorrow at the club.  he smiled... Sam will treat us for  a couple of drinks, are you guys interested?  .

"Done"  The short stout human had her arms crossed as she looked up to the 'pretty' elf man, an eyebrow raised as a defiant smirk played on her lips, expecting a note of surprise that someone like her, who looked like some street hoop casual, could find something nice for the Stardust.  "No need to go looking for something for me at least.  I'll take the free drinks though.  That way if i have to cap a slitch, I'll fraggin' have a warning first before job goes south, amiright?  Marco, wuzzit?  There's a couple watering holes what be around these parts, know a few myself.  Just one condition"  Her voice lowered as she glanced over at Yelena and (assumedly) Feathers.  "I drive.."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-20-15/2354:09>
As Yelena enters the meeting room, she immediately scans it for possible exit routes and points of exposure.  She deftly takes her friend's elbow and guides her to a location that is as much out of direct line to any door or window as possible.  Her violet eyes flick across the female Sam, focusing on the new Keeb, introduced as Marco.  *Nice suit.  Must cost many nuyen.  Armored, too, I think.*  She is not an expert at reading body language, but she wonders if she can detect a bit of tension between Sam and Marco.  Standing next to Arc she listens to Sam talk then looks at Marco for his part of the briefing.  When it does not come, she shrugs her shoulders, thinking *Not unlike gang boss after all. Only give so much information.*  She smiles, although the smile does not reach the eyes that scan the room every minute or so. 

She nods at Marco's invitation.  "Yelena have dress for club.  Can go for drinks now, too.  Maybe you give rest of briefing there.  Would like know about workers and diagram of club.  Also physical security, if know."  She pulls a small silver case from a pocket and takes a thin cigar from it before offering the case to the others in the room.  Lighting up, she draws the acrid smoke in and lets it out, then adds, "You ride with us or have ride to follow Arc to bar?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-21-15/0315:46>
Marcos thoughts raced, her studied his three colleagues. He knew there is not much time to establish some initial trust, without such trust things can go badly quite fast.

The human lady seemed to know the other two he thought looking at them for approval on the driving dibs. A driver definitely and a passionate one -  either she is really good, or just starting. In any case, with this kind of passion she’ll probably be really good.

The elf lady clearly had Russian roots, might imply the drink selection and social meaning of drinking- stereotypical of course but when in hurry this is the kind of thinking you can do. But what does she do? She seems to be a bit cautious - scanning the room for something either she is into security or she does not completely trust Sam. Probably a bit of both he thought. Got to watch out for this one. She may even carry a gun.

Marco had complete trust in the demon he knew. Despite his complex emotions towards her. He was still alive, that got to count to something. Also with the amount of trouble she went through to gain leverage over him he knew he was a valuable asset in her eyes. An investment probably. He is probably safe until he tries to break free. At Least he thought that way.

The human, what's his story? If he is a mage he may know that I am awakened - I am a bit more difficult to spot as I control my emotions very well but a good mage will spot me nevertheless. He discreetly tried to guess his caliber.

They claimed to have the appropriate clothes to the occasion, either they did some legwork and bought it especially or they are more flexible than their current clothing implies.  Both options are a good sign. He just hoped they’ll feel comfortable in such a place. It was after all his job was probably to make them blend in. This is why he got that pocket money to burn in Wednesday date... Oh that crazy doctor, I really hope he calls me again.
In any case, it will be helpful if they get to know his fun loving side for a little bit beforehand, in a less sensitive environment. Will also imply what kind of drunks they are - if they are the violent kind he'll have to watch out their drinking habits in the club.

He then turned to Arc, I do have some taxi service I am working with. Having the right wheels for the places I typically go is a bit too rich for my blood. However, I’d be delighted for a ride with such a passionate driver. I do have my boundaries by the way,  you’ll have to tell me your name before I get into your car. *All of you*. He giggled.  As he looked at them.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-21-15/0509:58>
Yelena looks at the strange Keeb with interest as she pulls on her cigar.  Smiling, she says, "Am Yelena Petrovna.  We need get to know each other.  Maybe buy vodka at bar?"

She waits for Arc and Feathers to introduce themselves then makes ready to follow them out of the room.  Before leaving she looks over to Sam and says,  "Yelena think you have something about Tsina Molovna.  Will give time to act on it?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-21-15/1228:58>
Arc graciously accepted the Russian cigar from Yelena, lighting it with the motions of one who has done it several times before, taking a deep inhale before replying to the male elf.  "fair nuff Marco.  Means you ain't total drek in the trust department eh?  You can call me Arc.  Everyone else in this hood call me that."

The human wasn't sure how to size this guy up.  I mean, frag man, he GIGGLED.  Guys don't do that...well human ones at least.  Maybe it's a keeb thing, I dunno... Glancing at Sam, she gave a nod to affirm that this meet was over."Aight.  Y'all know how to reach us.  Let's fragging bounce." "

She led the way to her car, the sleek black Americar just where she left it. In most social circles, this kind of car would be considered low end of plain, but here in the Barrens, any vehicle of this quality and level of care was worth its weight in gold.  Caressing the hood as she passed it delicately, Arc unlocked the doors, letting the others fight over who sits where and whatnot.  "you pick the place, tell me where I go and drek.  If not, I recommend the Drake Pit.  It's a bit of a dive, but the booze is legit."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Csjarrat on <03-21-15/1537:50>
The house was beginning to feel a little more like home now, a few bits from the bric-a-brac store down the road gave it a more rural feel and it felt great to know that there was milk in the fridge and that the shower was going to run warm in the morning.
He spent the day soaring out over the open fields, riding the thermals and generally just enjoying the feel of the wind across his wings with Johannes in close to benefit from the aerodynamic tow of the eddy currents trailing his sleek eagle body. Late afternoon came and the sky clouded over, killing the thermals as the reflectivity of the fields dropped. He swooped in to land and dropped the spell, changing into his clothing in the cold field as the wind whipped at his exposed skin. Grabbing a quick sandwich, he thumbed through his commlink's inbox, seeing a couple of missed messages. *Fuck*, going to be a bit late for that.
Johannes, I've got to head out for a meeting about a job. You ok to hang out here today? I'll let you know if anything requires your assistance.
He smiled and got changed into his new wardrobe of slightly more upmarket clothing and climbed on the bike, heading into town for the meet.
<<Reply to:: SW>>//Ah sorry, I was in the middle of something and only just picked up your message. I'm heading in for the meet now, I'll be as quick as I can//
The traffic wasn't too bad when you rode on two wheels and he made vastly better time than he'd planned on, though he was definitely going to be late, it would only be a few minutes instead of 20 or more if he'd taken the bus.
Hurriedly he pushed through the venue's doors and headed over to the group, now familiar after their ordeal.
Apologies for being late. What did I miss?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-21-15/1641:15>
Yelena looks at the strange Keeb with interest as she pulls on her cigar.  Smiling, she says, "Am Yelena Petrovna.  We need get to know each other.  Maybe buy vodka at bar?"

Marko noded, Marco Black, Indeed Vodka it is for tonight! We definitely need to drink a bottle or two before we can be comrades. 

"fair nuff Marco.  Means you ain't total drek in the trust department eh?  You can call me Arc.  Everyone else in this hood call me that."
"you pick the place, tell me where I go and drek.  If not, I recommend the Drake Pit.  It's a bit of a dive, but the booze is legit."

He answered to Arc: Lets not jump into rushed to conclusions about my drek trust. He smiled, he seemed careless and happy.  Yet, he intentionally allowed a subtle hint of bitterness into his voice. It was intended to Sam and was his own little rebellion. It was as much  bitterness as he could get away with in public. 
... Also - that Drake pit sounds awesome, I’d love to see this place. How is their Vodka? 


Arc is talking about some drinking den... I better put on a tougher face. My feminine gestures from yesterday sort of stick, and well that doctor is indeed a lovely person.  However, my kind is not accepted in these places.  Sexuality as it seemed to him will always be an issue in some places. Being a bisexual, a mage and an high end escort for the rich -  just gave the SINless so many reasons to mistreat him. From plain mockery to fear suspicion or even open hostility.

While his job and sexual orientation where his own creation and he was proud of them. Magic was forced on him since he was a little child. Separated him from a family that willingly gave him away to the claws a of a religion that disapprove anything that he really is...  Not only he lost his family to magic, he also lost his freedom to it, as this demoness sort of captured him for his talent. Forcing him into the shadows where people openly talk about ‘geeking’ mages. The worst part was that somehow, he still was catholic despite all his attempts to scorn his religion.

She did offer money... but money he could get in different more sensible ways. He thought to himself, if I am ever to fully accept my new status I need my own devil deal.  I want her to advance my career and I want to learn about my family and why they did that awful thing to me. It is either a devil deal or to break free, I just don’t know even where to start in getting the kind of leverage that will set me free.


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-21-15/1808:03>
Yelena looks at Feathers as they all start to leave.  "You follow on new bike?  Yelena still need talk and know you better."    On the way out, she takes a small handkerchief from her pocket and wipes the doorknob, the only thing she had touched in the room.  Heading downstairs and out to the parking lot, she finishes her cigar, tapping the long ash out into a puddle of water on the pavement.  Field stripping the small cigar butt, she puts the remains into her pocket for later disposal.  Yelena will graciously let Marco ride shotgun and slips into the rear of the car for the ride to the bar.  She rides quietly, wondering what Sam had left out of the briefing.  *Bosses and Fixers always leave stuff out.  Is in their nature.  Why pay Yelena for have fun and learn of club?  Not sense.  Maybe Marco Black know.* 

Once at the bar, she waits for Feathers to pull up and offers him her arm.  She patiently goes through the bouncer's pat down, although it does seem that he takes a little extra liberty with his hands.  She looks around the room, categorizing the exits then nods to a semi-private booth at one end of the room that is out of any direct line to the doors and asks if it is available.  After sitting she nods to the cutish waitress that comes over and orders a round for the table, making hers whatever vodka they might serve here.

After the drinks arrive she turns to Marco, lowers her voice and says, "Now, tell what did not say in room.  Who is staff, what club like.  Drinks, drugs, sex, other?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-22-15/0120:26>
Arc drives jumped into the car, so the front seat is not such an attraction. It takes Marco too much time to type anything on his commlink to make a meaningful conversation. He therefore just sit back and enjoys the ride.

When they arrive he opens the door to Arc and extend his hand as if this joint was a super fancy club. Thanks for the ride he say, Shall we?

After they sits: 
After the drinks arrive she turns to Marco, lowers her voice and says, "Now, tell what did not say in room.  Who is staff, what club like.  Drinks, drugs, sex, other?"[/color][/color][/color]

Marco replies with a serious look: “I never thought I will use these words so early in the night but YES! YES! YES!”. He remains silent for just a second and then let a rolling laughter out.

"Seriously now - treat tomorrow night as an investment. You come to the club dance a little bit, drink, do drugs, do sex whatever you fancy. Everything will be openly offered to you as special guests. Do your thing basically... loosen up relax and have some fun. Sometimes, the best information is just given to you once people feel comfortable enough around you. Tomorrow will be my third time in that club, and I did not make anything out of the ordinary yet. Sam insists that it continue on this path - and she wrote the book of extracting information. So I suggest we trust her and do as she says for now.

I do know these things already and I emphasis, do not do anything with this knowledge quite yet it is just to keep you in the loop. The head hostess there is a gorgeous elf named Tammie, a ginger you’ll recognise her from a mile away.  Anyhow, I overheard her talking to to other stuff about some rooms for private parties.  These rooms are probably managed by Regina that is in charge of all accommodation requests. If you decide to spend the entire night in there or decided to do something that is too explicit for a private soundproof booth she is your girl. I haven’t personally talked to her quite yet.

Tammie also mentioned that they have a basement in one of her conversations. These could explain where the missing people go before they turn up missing. Again, don’t confront her just ask her for the regular stuff - more drugs more alcohol or more companionship - with the amount of money we’re leaving there expect royalty service.

There is Bill at the bar, that make an awesome series of shots called the Apollo program. Fancy drinks with wireless glasses that does some fancy pyrotechnics - these are really good, but very strong - a speciality of the barman. They challenge you to try and drink the entire Apollo space program - backwards. So if you are up to getting hammered AND studying some history this is a good drinking option.  I never quite made it to the first flight tough these shots were too strong for my capacity. I lost track of what happens around me at Apollo 13 - so drink at your own risk.  They do have all the regular alcohol, *anything* you fancy - if they don’t have it in the menu they can send someone to fetch it for you from anywhere in the city it will just cost Sam a little extra.  Tip well - everyone, you’d be amazed how far a good tip goes in establishing a relationship. 

Finally there are their drugs, any party drug is available freely they don’t mind if you use them. They do have a *different* kind of drugs that are not on the menu, *they* have to offer *you* these drugs. So for all practical meaning forget what I just said. Do not ask for these in anyway, but if you hear anything let me know.  They’ll offer these to you when they trust you enough. In  that case either go for the chemistry experiment on your brain or collect a sample. Just make sure you can live with your life choices as these are completely unknown drugs.

Speaking of life choices - I am way too sober.  "

He pours some of the Vodka to those interested and say - *Cheers*!
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-22-15/0156:37>
While listening to Marco talk, Yelena pulls out her cigar case and offers it around.  She lights up her own and pulls on it, looking around the room as the Keeb talks.  She shoots her first vodka and orders another, which she will nurse.  She is on the job and can use that to keep the demons at bay.  She is amused, but will not smile, at Marco's invitation to get drunk tonight as well as tomorrow at the club.  She shivers internally at the talk of drugs.  She had gotten seriously addicted to some pretty heavy drugs while in prison and it had taken her twenty years to kick those habits.  She is not willing to go there again.

Looking at Marco as he finishes, she says, "Marco.  You work Sam long time?  To Arc and me is just boss, but seems you more."  She moves on to talk about the club.  "Any security?  Men with guns?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-22-15/0250:08>
"I know her for about a year... she was one of my regular clients but  turned to be...  he pauses and takes a deep breath. A different kind of client, I could say that she knows just what to say so that I make these special, often dangerous or illegal gigs for her. ‘shadow running’ I think is the street word for it.  She might be just a boss now - but you’ll never know her true nature until you try to refuse a job.  The confusing part is that i sort of admire her for holding me on this leash... she can do anything that I can do only better - it took me a long time to learn how short my leash really is. 

About the club, you will not see armed people - but they will not be far. In the better places in town it is more difficult to carry a gun. You can expect a successful club like that to pay the local police gang quite well. So if you pull that gun. that I am certain that you keep somewhere on that sweet body of yours,  you *will* be in grave danger, as well as the rest of us. That aside - you will be wearing a fancy probably unarmored dress, you seriously cannot conceal a gun. Just leave the gun in the car or at home, and think like a rich person you do not need a gun - the cops are there for people like you. You *own* them - they work for *you*.

That said,  I understand some of you may consider it unprofessional to do this kind of stuff while working - but you will be expected to indulge yourself and you *will* draw attention if you refuse all their temptations. Among all the things they offer. alcohol is probably the demon you already know. The sex or the drugs are way more addictive. So my professional advice is to get drunk today... go all in - but remember how much you had before you totally lost it.

*Never* under any circumstances go above that level - the drinks will keep coming and they will be free so you need to be careful on how quick you empty that glass of yours. This is just a friendly professional suggestion, most of my clients get completely hammered when they first experience good service. I usually keep my head relatively clear the entire night, while never refusing a refill.

Take in to account that  *No one* comes to these places just to listen to the music. Refuse their temptations and you will draw suspicion. Do not look for escape routes or wipe clean everything that you touch. Rich people do not do that - and fun is difficult to fake for a long time. Sensitive people will pick you from a mile ahead, and this Tammie girl will read you like an open book if you try. She will be *That* sensitive to your facial expressions and behavior especially since its your first time in there. "

Now hit me again, he smiles, and fill these glasses whenever they go empty.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-22-15/0409:52>
Yelena smokes and smiles as she listens to Marco.  "Yes.  No place in dress hide anything.  In fact, not much left to wonder about, but all is covered.  And, yes, will draw attention by not using drugs or getting drunk.  That is Yelena plan.  We supposed to be on happy time after killing Keeb mage girl.  Are new to fancy scene.  Pretend too nervous for drugged or drunk.  Yelena never get addicted to drugs again.  Prison drugs took twenty years to kick and never going back to that."  She shrugs.  "Maybe drink and can do sex if needed."  Smiling.  "Yelena like sex.  And do not clean up when supposed to be somewhere.  Clean up when not supposed to be somewhere."

She looks at Marco as she taps her cigar ash into the tray, "So Tammie is beautiful Keeb.  Know if is into sex with nervous female guests?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-22-15/0447:31>
Marco keeps his poker face, so these too are into ‘geeking mages’... interesting.

Oh, by all means avoid them then... I am not into drugs myself, I have a less addicting method to be high so I do not even have to fake it.  Sex and prison blends well together actually, I imagine it is the best thing to do to pass the time. How many years did you sit?

Tammie? - she will be more nervous than you... he grins. She’s new in there and is afraid of messing up.  All I got from her was a single glass of wine and the place was half empty at a late hour. It took some serious convincing to make her even add my name to the guest list, and she still refered to me as Mr. Black.
... He pauses and looked a bit distant.
Honestly, if I could just sleep with her to end up in that guest list it would have been easy. She would tottaly stick to Mr.Black even in that case tough.  He laughed.

Seriously tough...She showed no interest in this kind of tip... She is after money like the rest of them.  Perhaps if you get her  to loosen up a bit you’ll have a chance. But I think she would be more interested in *who* you are, rather than in what you look like - if she thinks you are powerful enough perhaps. She only called me Marco the night I spent big money in their joint.
 I do not know her well,  but I guess she would not mind if you tried though, as she get many offers like that. Maybe this is why she is so cold.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-22-15/0933:24>
Yelena's heart goes cold and her eyes hard at Marco's flippant remarks about sex and prisons.  She controls an urge to do bodily harm to her new acquaintance, even as her mind flashes back to her days, her years in prison.  She is able to control herself by the time he finishes speaking.  Smiling, she says, "Вы знаете, мало.  By talk, you never inside Russian state gulag prison.  Sex not for relax or waste away hours.  Sex was rape every day of first year just to keep living, to let any man have just so he not kill.  Then find that willing body is currency to buy things, like food, vodka, drugs, guns.  Sex was harsh and rough, many times with beatings.  Use sex to find powerful man to want bring into gang, and more sex to stay with powerful man, and more sex to find even more powerful man.  Yelena Petrovna survive ten years in gulag, much by sex and killing for powerful men.  Sex was tool, like knife or gun.  Tool for survive, not for relax."  She shrugs, still smiling.  "But you not know that so Yelena forgives.  Sex still tool, but different now.  Sex for fun and Yelena say yes or no."

In the few seconds of silence following her words, Yelena looks down to tip the ash from her cigar into the dented ashtray on the table.  Realizing that she might have said too much she looks up.  "Yelena sorry.  Go to ladies' now.  Excuse for minute."  She stands and goes to find the restroom, where she splashes cold water on her face and looks at her reflection in the single remaining mirror.  The spider web cracks in the glass stand as a mute witness to what this mirror has seen in this dingy room.  Yelena puts a real smile on her face, takes and lights another of her cigars, then returns to the table.

As she sits down she looks at Marco, "Thank for telling of club.  Now, we know too little of you.  Can tell more?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-22-15/1145:02>
Marco was pleased that Yelena was furious - now I get to see if I can really trust her. If she strikes me I’ll find a way to call this thing off.  When she returned he said:
I respect you for staying alive so long! I am just 20 years old. I also respect you from not harming me.

Cheers to you Yelena Protokova!



For once, sex for me is also a currency to entertain powerful men and women. I am not into killing or raping tough - if you ask me what’s better to run or to be an escort - I’ll tell you that in both professions you serve powerful people. The latter is more fun, and you are less likely to end up dead.

I also get a little freaked up when people speak about geeking mages in front of me as I too bare this terrible curse of magic. It have shaped my entire life for the worse. My parents were from the first generation of elfs. They never said a word about their past but apparently they made a deal my freedom in exchange for something. Things were really shitty for our kind back then so I am not judging them, still it was *my* freedom they traded.

At the age of 5 they gave me up, to this awful religion. Every interaction I had was about shaping me in a certain image, controlling me making me tool to their desires. But things did not work up very well for them, they couldn’t control me. They gave up when I was 18, two years ago. For a brief period I was free as a bird - I started my own magical escort business and I seemed to be making a lot of progress in the field of exploiting magic for pleasure...  But then came your boss and things changed for the worse.

I simply cannot refuse her.  So she made me her runner toy, controlling me for my magic. Now, I try to find my place in this shadow world, where everybody seems to agree that I should be killed first. So far I have my initial luck, but unless I find my way out of this world this luck will run out someday.

Why are you guys running?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-22-15/1234:26>
Yelena smokes and looks carefully at Marco.  She wonders at the misuse of her name.  For a man who declared he could function well while drinking, he had made an error that would have hurt him greatly if she had been a client.  Deciding that is was a mistake she smiles at him and says, "Petrovna.  Second name is Petrovna.  And, Yelena sorry, Marco.  I not hurt you.  You did not know what said.  Prison was not happy time and your words seemed to say you thought was."  Between pulls on the cigar, she adds, "And mage girl was insane killer of many people.  Kill more if we not kill first.  Yelena not make habit of killing mages, if you worried.  But you very trusting to admit magic.  Most people hate mages.  Why tell?"

"I was like Marco's parents, first generation UGE.  Was hard.  Yelena sent to camp for freaks.  Doctors and scientists did experiments on us.  Your parents made deal to stay out of camp, maybe.  Hard on Marco, but was choice to live for your parents."  She shrugs.  "But enough of that.  How use magic for pleasure?"

"As for run?"  Is what Yelena does well.  Keeps demons in head at bay and stops drinking."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-22-15/1330:35>
The waitress, a pregnant, young orc girl, comes over to refill the drinks and hangs around a moment more, nervous. Finally she speaks up. Looking at Feathers she says, "You were the guy that got everyone together to kill the Smiley Face monster. And then instead of taking all the reward you helped people. Made sure everyone was taken care of. I walk home late every night. And every night I was terrified for me and the baby. And now, at least I walk a little safer. I'm naming the baby after you, because maybe neither of us would have lived to that day without you. I'm proud I got to serve you and your friends drinks, and to tell you the baby's gonna be named after you."

Feathers grows red hearing that, and says, "Well, the baby could just as easily be named after Arc or Yelena or anyone else that was there and fought hard that day. They all fought, Arc & Yelena just got out of the hospital. And Arc lost her arm to that thing. And far to many others died. Including a young orc mage girl about your age that knew exactly what she was going up against, and was terrified of it. And stood there anyway to fight with everything she had in her. I'm proud to have stood beside them." Standing up he awkwardly hugs the girl, still embarrassed.

The night continues on, the band arrives and begins playing metal synth. Not bad, and as more customers arrive they pick up the tempo and volume and begin driving the beat.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-22-15/1348:26>

You’d find out about it sooner or later with a simple background check. Difficult to hide when you got this ‘day job’. Every single word that I spoke this evening was magic. I got this devil tongue that gets my will despite my modest social skills. Apparently no matter what I say, it sort of have an appealing sound to it. It is also difficult to control.

Magic can make you look like, sound and taste like anyone you could possibly want to be. Different people different tastes. Some want me to look like someone specific, others want me to be taller or shorter, darker more masculine more feminine seriously every person with their own crazy stuff that goes inside.

Thoughts can also be exchanged directly without langue imagine how intense it can be when you just feel exactly what the other side feels. .You touch and you directly feel what you did... you learn to do exactly what feels good, you know what your partner wants before they realize that. There is also the brute force solution - to simply use magic as a powerful drug to induce pleasure directly.

Then there are hundreds of usages that are not directly related to pleasure, ever wanted to fly? to literally be as free as a bird? to feel the wind in your feathers, to taste the thrill of the hunt as you dive from a kilometer in order to catch a small mouse? Magic can do all these things. I could never think about hurting people with magic tough, you should have the decency to hurt people with something they can understand. Automatic fire for example.

You people seem to be quite famous, part of the good guys. cheers to that. He empties another shot.

 Anyone wants to dance with Marco ? I never danced with a hero before! He laughs as he stands up and starts moving his body to the music.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-22-15/1412:40>
Thurs Dec 4 @ 15:18

@ Blackhat & Ambrose  Your comm buzzes, >>My office, 17:22. Kato<< When you arrive the secretary shows you in at exactly 17:21:43. The head of Yakuza security lives his life in increments of seconds, and woe to those working under him that do not toe that line. When he looks up he nods to both of you and says, "I want the both of you to go to The Stardust tomorrow night together. I've already made the arrangements. Blackhat, you're there because you've been before. You know the layout, keep you're eyes and ears open for security that isn't electronic and on the grid. Ambrose, you're there to get something for me. A drug, the "house special". Nakagawa told me about it before she began changing. I thought nothing of it then, party drugs were well known to her, and were never a problem. Now, I'm thinking that it must be what is responsible just for that reason." He looks at both of you frowning. "You are to back each other up. Be each others distractions if needed. Ambrose, I expect a full report of exactly where to place bombs and of what kind when you return. If they did take Nakagawa they need to learn that the anger of the Yakuza is not to be taken lightly." he looks at both of you with his trademark glower. "Any questions?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-22-15/1425:05>
Yelena laughs at Feather's obvious discomfort.  She points to the Howler necklace he wears.  "Feathers, is honor, like necklace.  What did was good.  Someone has to be face of us, but Arc and Yelena were killing mage girl and then blown up.  No one see that.  You were leading kill of monster, and monster was what they saw, not mage girl.  All saw you and you are hero.  Take pride in what did.  Ork girl glad you were there.  Others are too.  Maybe many babies with name of Feathers, Merlin, Lance, Mermaid, Fallon, even Bonehead.  All others who there and lived or died.  Neighborhood will remember and that good, right? 

She listens to Marco and for just a moment her nostrils flare and her mind considers the temptation of that sort of power.  The reality hits.  "No, Marco.  Not want that power.  Yelena weak and would use to hurt and kill.  Already too many dead behind me.  Besides, not skilled.  But know guns.  Talent with guns.  Yelena have limitations."

She laughs when talks about being famous, pointing to the older human.  "Feathers is famous.  Arc and Yelena just got blown up."  Her response to his invitation to dance is another laugh.  "It your ruin.  Yelena not dance in long time.  No good for sure."  She steps away from the table and moves to the rugged dance floor.  As promised, she is not a good dancer, but she can be energetic.  And she has never been self conscious and resolves to have a good time.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-22-15/1601:30>
Arc was surprisingly quiet during the exchange, downing the vodka with careful precision. She took a moment to confirm that she had secured Feathers' bike in sending it back to her place, letting home ride along in the back next to Yelena.  After the first round or so, the human deviated from vodka, turning instead to her favored drink: dark rum with a splash of tequila: smooth with a sweet finish.  Taking a quart, she smacked her lips before turning to the young keen, about to speak when the waitress cut her off.

Arc eyed the orkette carefully, her left hand clenching a bit but eventually relaxing.  It was moving...hard to realize just how many different walks of life were affected by the blood spirit and its mage slitch.  She forced a small smile at the mention of her arm, nodding her head in respect, but piped up once she departed.

"they all be saying true.  Either we handled this Drek or the corps glass the place and fragging geek us all to kingdom come.  I made a home here after growing up with Drek, I wasn't about to lose it, ya heard?  Instead, we handled this stuff, I lose a piece of me, and our boss lady hooks me up with this.". She lifted up her right arm to demonstrate her point.  "So yous can say I'm in a bit of a debt to do this Drek.  But hey, it seems more involved than fixing cars, eh?"

It may have been the few drinks, but the human was starting to relax.  Her head bobbed Happrovingly to the synth metal, standing up with Yelena and Marco to dance, turning to Feathers.  "Come on, old timer.  I can't dance for Drek, so you ain't gon look bad..". Mentally, she was contemplating what she may have to do the next day at the club...not sure which she would be okay with...but for now, frag it, she's drinking and having fun!
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <03-22-15/1640:20>
Thurs 17:30
Yak Office


Ambrose was starting to get tired of this. He was too old for this shit, but he was too old for honest construction work too, and didn't have any legal work experience to get into management for civil engineering like he'd need. While the Yak boss lived his life in seconds, Ambrose lived his in miliseconds. Always plotting out what next. Already he's seen how the Yak office was set up and were key structural points for the building where, or could guesstimate their location.

But that would just bring even more trouble, He scratched his head, frowning slightly. He was out of most of his explosive stock, but perhaps, just perhaps he could swindle out a bit more explosives than what the deal needed. Not that he'd use them for the Yak office here. No, he had other plans if it was ever needed.. A few neurotoxins perhaps? If the Yak had any idea he'd do something, they'd be looking for explosives.

How he missed his old gang of pranksters. That Chinese firework shop was probably one of the worst ones they did, but heh, it was what brought them together. There was the time with the cherry bombs in the toilets, the west wing of Merriweather Technical University was flooded for days after that.

"Drugs, Bombs, Report. Got it." he replies simply, before standing up to look his partner over.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Csjarrat on <03-22-15/1641:07>
The incident with the waitress was a touch embarrassing but her affection was heartwarming. Feathers found it incredibly difficult to take any praise for his altruism, to him it just made sense.
Relaxing back with his drink he joins in with the laughter and banter.
Haha, well I don't know about famous but it certainly got more difficult to buy myself a beer around here. You're right, what we did was good. It felt good too, I'm sorry for those who had to perish to achieve it but its a lot more noble-a-way to go than the usual gang wars and drug peddling that seems to claim most of the young guys around there.
He passed up the opportunity to dance at first, his knees aching from the long ride in from suburbia, his old frame not used to the riding position of a dirt bike.
The music was passable and he was just enjoying being part of something, the alcohol numbing the edges of his consciousness and helping him unwind a little.
After a couple of insistent arm tugs from Arc, he finally relented, finishing a healthy slug of vodka with a cough and a smile as he allowed himself to be dragged up to the dancefloor, his knee pain numbed from the booze.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-22-15/1710:52>
That orc girl that complemented that feathers guy made quite an impression on Marco, so these runners are not all bad. He felt like a huge burden was suddenly lifted from his heart, it was a dangerous feeling. But he gave into it, it was time to let his guard down and have fun. Stop playing with people emotions thinking that they either cannot control themselves or are murderers. He somewhat feared Yelena, she could have been his mother, yet she looked no older than him. Her rage outbreak was the first glimpse that he got for these early times. He felt dirty for playing that card, just to see if she will strike him, but she controlled herself.  She seemed happy, yet, she killed many people before, scary lady.

There was the music, and the band, the alcohol and the suspicion that was lifted he was energetic and did not want to stop dancing until morning. He felt happy, a different kind of happiness, he was out dancing for fun. Plain old fun, he wasn't trying to entertain anyone.  he was overdressed, way overdressed but he did not care, there were so many other reasons to provoke him. His last clear thought was about Arcs loyalty to that miserable place was... well he did not quite understood it. To him every place was a stepping stone to some other ‘better’ place.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-22-15/2154:11>
Yelena has fun dancing, but it is easy to see that Marco is the better dancer. She does like the way his arms feel when they touch and can tell when his attitude softens, but she also recognizes the potential danger in that.   After a few tunes she claims mercy and goes back to the table to sit and watch.  Still nursing her second vodka shot, she looks around the room to keep track of the people coming and going.  She burns through half her cigars and makes a mental note to refill it when she gets home.  When the Ork waitress comes by checking on refills, Yelena asks  if the bar serves any food and will order something to eat if it is available.  She has no plans to go beyond the second drink and will keep an eye on the others to make sure that they are alright.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-23-15/0018:57>
It was clear that even sober Arc had no dancing skills worthy of any ballroom, moving and bobbing not unlike the metalhead she is,  hips swaying and arms in the air, hair whipping about her in time with the strong rhythms.  Two drinks in and she was still lucid, but relaxed.  And smiling.  Genuinely smiling from having a good time, which was rare to see for anyone who hadn't known her before the whole spirit incident.  Catching he breath, she sat down with Yelena just in time for the expecting waitress to come back and take orders for food, something Arc was more than happy to pitch in for.

The Drake Pit was described as a bit of a dice because it certainly was.  Not the cleanest of establishments, the place made up for it through good service and better food and drink.  The menu consisted of most standard bar fare: nachos, street tacos, sliders, and all other stuff that tastes like the sound of arteries crying for mercy.  The human ordered the nachos and watched the ork waitress leave, thinking while downing her third drink.

"..bet she's about 15 or 16...that's about time tusker's be putting out young like that.  Heh.  Howlers all consider me an old maid for not finding someone to slot and breed with.   Puts some irony in the term breeder eh?". The girl laughed heartily, patting Yelena's shoulder before trailing off into a sigh.  "Har... besides drinking I dunno how much fun ill be tomorrow...between drugs and sex, not sure which I'm more scared to do.  I'm not weak for that, am I Y?". It was more than clear that, while not staggering drunk, she was feeling the buzz and rambling.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-23-15/0212:48>
Yelena agreed with her friend's evaluation of the bar.  By 10, the place was crowded and alive with noise and people from the neighborhood.  The service was good and the prices fair for the location.  She ordered a plate of several street tacos on Arc's advice and thoroughly enjoyed them.  After hearing the short human's words, Yelena put a gentle hand on her arm and responded softly enough that only Arc could hear.  "Arc.  Tessa.  You not weak for being scared of sex or drugs.  Both very addictive if not careful.  And both are dangerous if not ready.  Yelena very scared of drugs.  You know I was heavy user for years, from prison time.  Drugs were always available if could pay price.  Yelena paid and paid.  Addict for twenty years.  Almost die several times from overuse.  Never really kick habit like drugs, always there.  Yelena Petrovna scared one use sends back to hell of addiction.  And sex is personal choice.  Do or not do.  If man or woman pressure for sex, it not good and should walk, no, run away.  Some will try get drunk or high with drugs to have sex because will is less.  Not listen to new Marco.  Not need do drugs, get drunk, or have sex for mission.  That right for him, but not Yelena, and maybe not Arc."  Yelena puts a small amount of pressure on Arc's arm.  "I be there, Arc.  I not let bad happen you.  You Yelena friend and I........................" Her voice trails off as she realizes that she may have said too much.

Sitting back she tries to observe the others, particularly Marco.  Speaking almost to herself, but loud enough that Arc can hear, she says, "Yelena wonder.  Marco say he fooled by female Sam and she have something bad on him.  I wonder why she need him so much?  He appears not made or ready for shadows.  More party man for sex and drugs.  Yelena guess he was following own advice to consume all vices available and female Sam saw advantage.  Such actions dangerous, as he now knows.  But he still advise do same actions.  Yelena not follow advice of Marco Black in this."  She laughs and looks at her friend.  "Arc and Yelena need teach him to stay alive."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-23-15/0336:26>
Marco did not come back from the dance floor.  Instead he stepped outside of the club reached for his comlink. He thought to himself, I do not know how these fellas can be disguised as the rich and famous in a night out. Think Marco, think they are not fully comfortable even in their own turf.  Got to soften them up a little bit

He called one of his suppliers, a high end beauty salon owner named Debi.

Debi, how are you dear?

Oh Marco, it has been a while, how are my makeup lessons?


Totally worth it Debi, you are truly the best! Look I need a favor, I need you to accept two clients for tomorrow. I am sorry for the short notice.


M... she said for tomorrow are you sure it can’t wait?


Yes he said, tomorrow noon, 12:00, I’ll pay double. I know it sucks but they really need it.


Well, okay Marco what's your plan?


Just give them your royalty treatment - I’ll come to personally thank you if they look good enough for the Stardust. You know the drill!


Okay Marco, as you wish. Try giving me some extra notice I’ll have to move up some clients for that.


Yes I am sorry, I’ll make it up for you don’t worry!


Oh... and message them to invite them. Tell them it is from Sam.  I am wiring the money now.


His next call was to Tammie, a text message:


Dear Tammie,

Tomorrow- I am coming with some actors from a future action trid - ‘Witch hunters’. Anyhow, they are a bit strange fella's professionals - but sometimes a bit too deep into character. Go easy on them - help them loosen up and have fun but do not pressure them.

Please keep their visit a secret until the movie comes out or they’ll never work with me again.
I am serious it is a really good gig for me, don’t mess it up!

Looking forward to meeting you tomorrow,
‘ Marco, Black.


That should do the trick.

He returns to the table, smiling. Not fans of dancing heh? he turns to Arc. So, Arc... you’re local around here aren't you?

After a short while he mention:

By the way, just enjoy yourself tomorrow. I put too much pressure on you I am sorry.

I told Tammie you were the cast of the 'Witch hunters'  a future action trid. You are professionals, that are sometimes stuck a bit into character. It is a good cover up because 90% of these trids never reach the public anyhow.
Lets face it, it will be hard to disguise you as my regular clientele by tomorrow...  So make your best effort to blend in - but really don't mind it too much. They'll just assume you're a bit in character if you act a little bit like... well... who you really are.  He laughs.
 You do your best, and I'll just do a bit of legwork to make it more believable.






 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Herr Brackhaus on <03-23-15/0804:54>
I had been killing time in my room since delivering my report from the Stardust, listening to some old-world pianist called Stan Kenton and looking for traces of the mysterious person who had contacted me the previous night. The message from Kato was short and to the point as always.

Kato: >>My office, 17:22. Kato<<

"7 minutes and 18 seconds. Enough time for the stairs" I thought to myself as I jacked out, grabbed my suit jacket and fedora, and headed out the door. The three flights of stairs to the top of The Joke did wonders for loosening up tight muscles gained from spending too much time in full VR, and by the time I entered the office of the security chief at 17:21 sharp I was slightly out of breath. To my surprise I was not alone, as an older gentleman entered along with me and listened to Kato talk. I chuckled to myself as I noticed we were both wearing the same cut of suit. "Can't fault the man for having good taste..."

"I want the both of you to go to The Stardust tomorrow night together. I've already made the arrangements. Blackhat, you're there because you've been before. You know the layout, keep you're eyes and ears open for security that isn't electronic and on the grid. Ambrose, you're there to get something for me. A drug, the "house special". Nakagawa told me about it before she began changing. I thought nothing of it then, party drugs were well known to her, and were never a problem. Now, I'm thinking that it must be what is responsible just for that reason."

I looked over at the man Kato had addressed as Ambrose. "Demolitions expert, huh. Why is Kato sending a demo guy to get drugs? Maybe he is a user." He showed none of the obvious signs of abuse, so for all I knew he could just be in the pocket of the Yakuza. Kato was frowning at us when I turned my eyes back at the man.

"You are to back each other up. Be each others distractions if needed. Ambrose, I expect a full report of exactly where to place bombs and of what kind when you return. If they did take Nakagawa they need to learn that the anger of the Yakuza is not to be taken lightly."

With an internal sigh I nodded in understanding. "Great. Running interference for some washed-up ordnance guy who either has a habit or is in deep with the Yaks."

Kato finished his briefing with his usual stare. "Any questions?" Ambrose was the first to answer. "Drugs, Bombs, Report. Got it." When they both looked to me, I addressed Kato. "Just to clarify, we are to obtain a sample of the drugs and report back, not level the place, right? At least not tonight, anyway." After Kato confirmed his orders I turned to Ambrose and extended a hand. "Daemon O'Toole, aka BlackHat. Looks like you're on point, so you just tell me what you need. Here, scan this." With a few mental commands to my deck I created an ARO for Ambrose so he could take a look at the report I had put together for Kato. It had taken minimal effort to extrapolate on the interior and exterior footage obtained during my first outing, and the result was a high resolution floor plan complete with dimensions, the locations and types of electronic security, and annotations for everything else I had been able to see with both my meat eyes and my digital sight.

Waiting for the response, I made a mental note to run a quick Matrix search on Ambrose while en route to the Stardust. "Better safe than sorry."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <03-23-15/0852:35>
"Ambrose." he made it a point not to just give out his last name, he wasn't exactly trusting of this Blackhat guy either. However at the the same time, he realized that he was needing to  explain the reason why the Yak sent him out on a job. After all, he looked a little more like a teacher than some sort of harden criminal "Aka, Phoenix. Forgeries, Chemical, Hardware, Demolitions and custom gear. And correct, It would take a few moments to compile a list of what we'd need. This here is nearly perfect for explosives.. " he remarked pointing to the maps. Great, I'm being a babysitting to a fashion accessory. Honestly, who names themselves blackhat? Leave it to a baby faced knife ear to think that fashion is a good street name. At least he didn't name himself cry baby. I'll never understand that movie..

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-23-15/0941:52>
Arc grew quiet, lost in thought as she swirled her rumquila in her hands, a small smile flitting onto her features.  ".....If one didn't know better, one would say you got soft, Yelena.  But I know better.  You are too kind to me, and I appreciate it.  When we do this Drek, don't worry about me.  Heh, I've been to a few thrashers in my time.  How bad can it be?  We will watch each other's back...theirs too..hehe.."". She trailed off into some chuckles as drink number three was downed, her fourth coming before too long.  Right about then was when Marco returned, saying his piece.

the human gave a shrug, lounging back in her seat.  "you got that fragging right.  Grew up in the Barrens since I lost my fam long time ago.  Raised by the Night Howlers...yeah, I know I ain't a trog, very observant of ya.  Anyhow, they kept me as a sorta pet/beatstick until I proved useful and started to drive and fix cars/blow drek up for them, then I bought my freedom.  Set up a shop at my place.  I worked damn hard to get where I am.

Eh?  ....frag it. That might actually work.  That mean we can bring our gun Drek in right?"
. She was grinning from ear to ear, her green cybereyes twinkling in the dim bar light.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-23-15/1028:22>
Wow it seems like its been rough, I was bitching about my childhood ... the only thing wrong with it was that I wanted to either be a human and blend in, or to be with the rest of my family. I the rest of my brothers and sisters grew up quite normally.  How did you end up running tough? you have your shop and everything, could just fix stuff and build an honest living, no?

He reach for another shot of Vodka and then stops himself. I am terribly sorry Yelena, I want to be comrade with you, but with this new plan I need to wake up early in the morning. I got to fix some things, autographs, flowers maybe... I’ll figure something out when I wake up. Don’t worry this is the stuff I regularly do. But if I take another shot, there is no way I'll wake up early enough for the shooting range. Who knows perhaps someday I will have to defend myself - and I better know how to do it, as this day may come a bit earlier than I plan if I keep associating with you guys.
 
He makes eye contact with Arc to make sure she is listening also.
 I booked you two up an appointment in a beauty salon, I told them to say its from Sam, but it was a moment of weakness, Lets to stick to the truth when it is not necessary to sugar coat it.  You do not have to go, but I think that you should go. They’ll spoil you so much you’ll start believing that you are rich and famous yourself. You’ll have to convince yourself that it was just a gig when you wake up after the club.
Hopefully in the same bed you planned on waking up tough.  He laughes

I’ll still leave the gun in the car tough - even in this case - you do your best to try and appear like you belong in there. If you screw up a little,  I’ll just sugar coat it for you. I bet this is why I am here anyhow. If you want to fake something I'll just take you to a private room and pretend with you - don't worry I can be a gentleman when I try to. Just don't think about it too much- you'll have my fullest and complete attention the entire night.
 
By the way Arc, it may be a bit rude -but I've never seen such a hand from close by. Most people in my cycles would have picked the synthetics -  can I touch your cyber hand? Will you feel it? Do you have some gadgets and tricks in there? ... he look distant for a moment, then offers his eyes are bright: Can I tell people that you got it for the part? I bet some of the scars are still fresh. he adds 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-23-15/1056:40>
Yelena nods as Marco explains his idea.  "Yes.  Like Arc say, might work.  Is good idea, Marco.  Yelena the trid star.  Hmmm, might need stage name?"  She gives Marco a quizzical look then smiles at him.  He might not be so bad to work with after all.  "Is very OK, Marco.  And smart to know limits.  Yelena is Russian and loves vodka, but not on job."  She raises her glass.  "This only second for Yelena, so you win."

Yelena unconsciously reaches up to touch the snow white hair that frames her face.  "Salon for hair?  OK, will try, but is new thing for Yelena."  She looks at Arc and chuckles, "Probably still no guns, Arc.  Besides, Yelena dress cannot hide gun."

With another cigar in her hand, she waves idly to the room.  "Marco like techno music?  Is fun and has good beat.  Arc's favorite.  Yelena like softer better.  Love jazz.  Man once new gave Yelena sax.  Can play a little.  Not like he played, but some.  Maybe we go quieter club some time?  One not far with open mike night.  Can listen Yelena play."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-23-15/1143:40>
"Metal.  I like metal, Y, which is what this stuff is, haha haha..."". She grinned, blinking and looking over Marco, cheeks flushed a bit.  One look over the human would easily tell she wasn't one to frequent a daily shower, let alone a salon.  "...you're fragging joking...you're not...wow.  uh, okay.". Arc took a glance at the Russian, seeing her reaction to it as well.  "trid stars getting their drek done up...sounds appropriate.  And last I checked, people did enjoy foreign action stars since the late 20th century...suits you"". She laughed merrily, nursing her fourth drink.  She was starting to feel a bit fuzzy, so she figured this would be her lucid limit

In reference to the hand, she grew quiet, a little wry grin on her face as she lifted the chrome up.  "I did get a few things installed...nothing illegal, don't worry, but it might help my job out a bit.  Yet to test it out though.  As for the scars...". She unzipped her hoodie, shrugging it off her body, her tank showing set in grease and burn stains from her work.  Her full arm was revealed in its chrome plated glory, set in around the collarbone, the various plates shifting as she moved.   "you can tell em what you want.  Go ahead and touch, I just won't feel it...this is what our boss hooked me up with, and the resultant favor that has me doing this Drek with y'all"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-23-15/1258:54>
Marco holds his breath as he carefully touches the cold metallic hand. First with a single finger and then as he gains confidence with his entire hand. em... it is so... powerful... so useful... too bad you cannot feel my fingers tough... sense of touch... is *fun*.
He pauses
I know nothing about machines though it is just... magic to me. He let go of her hand and finally allows some air inside. It is clear that he is excited.  it is amazing how it is both mechanical and part of your body... He looks at the scars. They seem so... painful .  Does it still hurts?  He becomes silent when Arcs mention Boss.


Totally serious about salon Arc, I think you’ll actually like it. Will make you in touch with your inner lady.  He giggles for the first time this night. Holding her chrome hand, pretending to do her nails... his face expression changes, he is completely feminine in body language as he speaks in the voice of an old lady: such beautiful nails... You’ll charm all the boys in the room.   He snaps out of it... You’ll feel so pretty when Debi is done with you. Now you also know what she is like.

He looks at Yelena:
Techno is mainly for dancing - I doubt I can listen to it without my inner demon demanding a dance. I grew up on classical music though... think  opera and the likes. Jazz makes me, feel stuff differently I like it a lot. Makes me feel like a real person...  I'd love to hear you play sometime soon...

He pauses, close his eyes and smiles. When he opens them he say.

Something *touches* me in many music styles, something deep that I cannot explain in words. Maybe it is similar to what Arc feels when she drives. Some passion,  I breathe differently and my senses are just a little bit sharper - I feel alive... There is no point in talking about it tough - I will *show* you sometime if you like.   

You should also teach me Russian, it will be amazing to learn and we’ll have our own secret language. I pick up languages quite fast you’ll be surprised...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-23-15/1743:50>
Arc was a bit unsteady with her arm being touched, mostly because it made what little lucid, apprehensive part of her brain was still active after the alcohol recognize the fact that it was not her flesh, yet still part of her.  She flexed and moved her digits and joints in demonstration, the springs and inner workings cooking and relaxing to give surprisingly organic movement.  She eventually let out the awkward was with a laugh, shaking her head.  " When I'm doing something it don't hurt at fragging all, hehe.  By the way..."". She lowered her voice, but couldn't hide her buzzed mirth.  "where I grew up, behaving like that would get a boot up yo hoop as a matter of principle.  Ladies don't get treated well, you could say"

Arc paused as the ork waitress returned with a serving of nachos, along with a round of waters on the house.  A nice gesture, that was for sure, and the human beamed wildly as she swayed to face her, clearing her throat before belting out in her best Or'Zet.  "you are far too kind!  Ancestor's blessings upon you and your child!". She coughed a little afterward, steadying herself with her human hand.  "Huu... think four is my limit.  Frag, I might regret this...Drek on me."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-23-15/1901:14>
Marco laughed, well tell me about it... As the only elf, when my classmates started having facial hair I was constantly laughed at and mocked as feminine. Eventually though...  I just embraced it, couple of years later most of my classmates fantasized about me instead of mocking me...  Funny enough, this is what set me free eventually, it was too much hassle to keep it quite. This is why I am so far from Rome. So I paid a price too...


That said most people would have changed to fit in. In my case, I just changed everyone else in my image... Imagine 30 teenagers living together for most their life - studying just one thing. Virtually no contact with the outside world.  But then suddenly, one of them becomes charismatic, seductive and difficult to resist. It was too much power, too quickly and I was out of control - a total jerk.  I ended up fooling around with most of them. Including children of some very powerful people. This is why I moved to this city.


But I tell you what, if there is an inner lady in Marco, there may be a lady in Arc. Maybe you just suppressed her in order to survive in this neighborhood... Maybe not, you’ll never know unless you try.

After a short while.

4 is not bad actually Arc, is this your first time? You could probably drink more after a proper meal. It is important to know your limit. I drink a lot several times a week so, for me after 3 I just add one hour of sleep per drink. If I didn't have legwork tomorrow, I could probably reach 6-7 before I lose control. But then again, I am not exactly a beacon of self control even when sober. He laughed.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-23-15/2003:10>
The night wears on, The band is a popular one in this bar and each of the three heroes is bought several more drinks and is invited to dance by half the bar it seems. Even Yelena is asked to dance by some of the orcs as a matter of priniciple, and when they find out she's got no prejudices against orcs, she doesn't sit down for more than a drink all night. Feathers learned his lesson about orc girls after the last time in a bar and is a bit more circumspect. At least he was until he had a few more drinks. Soon, it's closing time and Arc is forced to rely on the car on auto to get them all home. Well everyone except Feathers, he got a ride well before closing time, it just wasn't for home.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Herr Brackhaus on <03-23-15/2247:35>
The old man's hands were surprisingly supple for someone his age. Firm grip, too. I met his eyes as he introduced himself.

"Ambrose. Aka, Phoenix. Forgeries, Chemical, Harware, Demolitions and custom gear. And correct, It would take a few moments to compile a list of what we'd need. This here is nearly perfect for explosives.. "

I nodded along as he studied the plans for a moment, then turned back to Kato. "If that is all, Kato-San, we will take our leave."

The elevator ride down to the ground floor was uneventful, the usual chitchat of relative strangers forced together by circumstance. As we reached the bar I nodded at Noah, one of the regular bartenders, and headed for the booth in the back.

I reached into my suit jacket and triggered my white noise generator. If talk about explosives were involved ed, I wanted as few people to know as possible, even the yaks who were responsible. "So, security at the club is pretty low-end. We could sneak some serious ordnance past the scanners with minimal effort, but since this is more of a hand to hand I say we go in light, make the buy, and get back here as instructed."

The music accompanying the burlesque on stage was classic last century, not uncommon for this place on the lighter nights. The girls looked good in their sparkly outfits, and I enjoyed the view as we talked.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-23-15/2249:59>
[~10:00 AM, Friday, Arc's Home (presumably), The Barrens, Seattle]

The rest of the night was more or less a blur for Arc.  It was certainly far from her first time consuming alcohol, and likely not the last, but it was the first time that she drank so much and partied so hard.  It was...odd, being revered and regarded so highly, and it may have gone to her head as she partied on.  The last thing she can recollect is dropping Marco off somewhere of his choosing before setting the car to take them home...

The morning sun filtering in through the bedroom window is what slowly stirred the human to life, causing her to groan and roll over in her bed.  She was half-dressed, her jeans flopped on the other side of her pillow as she was tangled in her bedsheet, hair a wild mess on her head.  Smacking her dry lips, she let off another groan as her AR clock chirped the time as her vision booted up.  "...oh frag me..."  She uttered, head swimming a little as she blearily tried to recall the previous night.

She remembered the dancing, the local band playing tracks in tribute (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bkC1gLdY0I) to the "heroes" of the night.  She vaguely remembers Feathers uproarously leaving the bar with someone that wasn't them, long before the bar closed down.  Jokes were made about the "old time breeder" by the orks in the bar, maybe even a couple bets placed as for how many fractures would incur.  Arc recalled Yelena having a very social time, the human not getting much further opportunity to chat.  Just as well, the human found herself beset on by a small group of young male orks, each flirting in the way typical to their culture: boasting, aggressive jostling of each other, and general peacockery.  Dancing, drinking, enjoyment, the night seemed to never ended...

The blips of ARO messages pending brought Arc out of her reverie, the stout girl shifting and groaning as she propped herself up with her cyberarm, bringing herself to a seated position, hair hanging over her face as she went over the messages she missed from sleeping in.

@Arc{Debi}>>
<<Hello, this is Debi from the Golden Swan Salon & Beautique.  This call is to remind you of your 12:00 PM appointment on Friday, as set by our mutual acquaintance Sam.  We hope to see you there>>

@Arc{Bryce}>>
<<Hoi, my main slitch, had a bangin' time last nite @ the PIT!  You be a good breeder and hit me up again, I'll show you what a REAL bangin' time is, ya heard?  Holler>>

@Arc{Trent}>>
<<Yo, girl, you got real HUZ for a breeder doin' what you did.  You ever in a bind, or need a trog to cover your hoop, you know where to reach me.>>

@Arc{Mal'Kaz}
<<Never seen a girl take her drank that well.  You party hard, and that arm of yours is totes metal.  Wouldn't mind seeing you again.  My treat>>

"...Heh..hehahaha...ow...hahaha..."  She flopped on the back of the bed, covering her eyes with both hands and rubbing her temples, trying to clear her head.  Without opening her eyes, she grabbed her pillow with her cyberarm and flung it to where Yelena's cot was.  "Hoi...I didn't lose you to some gentleman what got your slot in a buzz, did I?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <03-23-15/2316:16>
A bar? Are you even old enough to drink kid?  Moving to sit down at he bar with the kid, he watches as he pulls the little toy out. "I have no idea what you're talking going on about. Never once did he say anything about that. We're just suppose to make sure that structural points are properly protected. Wouldn't want any accidents to happen would we? Besides that, I've got to find this house special of theirs. It shouldn't be like any others."

Sitting back in the bar, he raises a finger to bring over a Waiter or Waitress. He wasn't picky. "House rum and cola." The old man was a bit of a cheapskate from the sounds of it, despite his more fancy coat and suit.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Herr Brackhaus on <03-23-15/2348:52>
"Good to see we're on the same page. You seemed a little short with Kato, and since I would like to stay in one piece past tomorrow night I just wanted to make sure you were not going to go all Hand of Five on me and firebomb the joint."

I fished a Saratoga out of my inside pocket and lit it, cupping the filter end between thumb and index finger as I inhaled the smoke and held it for a second.

"What is the game plan" I asked as I released my breath. " If I will be watching your back, I'd like to know how you plan to approach the locals to get your hands on some of this house special stuff."

I waived the waitress away with a shake of my head as she took Ambroses drink order.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <03-24-15/0010:47>
Ambrose stares for a moment raising a brow at that. "Why would you even think that?" his question was simple and short to point. "Expending any more effort to explain I understood would take approximately fourteen to fifteen and a half seconds. With an average number of times I'd have to speak with him in this manner being anywhere from two, to three times a month, I'd be looking at spending Five-point-Six to Nine-point=three extra minutes on pointless talk. In the end the only thing that is important is saying one understood and then completing the job."

Once his order comes in, he gently lifts it and and takes a sip. "While some of your age wouldn't be so punctual, I'm nearing the end of my life, so Its important to make every millisecond count. Even so, I'm not some baby faced hooligain who thinks he's top drek because he can put a bit of dry ice in a soda bottle. Honestly though, with the maps you've provided it wouldn't be hard to plan on how to stop an accident, though I'll need to see my locations in person. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-24-15/0031:30>
Yelena does enjoy the night, somewhat to her surprise.  She finds that she does not have to be a good dancer, or even a passable dancer to dance with the denizens of the bar.  She has no racial prejudices and remembers working closely with Orks and Trolls.  This gives her a chance to practice her Or'zet and she takes full advantage of it.  She will accept any drink offered but will casually set it down to talk to someone then move away as if she had forgotten it.  The chances are very good that someone will pick it up and drink it and she stays to her two-drink limit.  The object is to have fun and meet some of the people here, and she accomplishes both.

Her 'link clock goes off early and she rises quietly so as not to disturb Arc.  Throwing some clothes on, she goes out for stretching exercises and then tunes in a local jazz station for her early morning conditioning run.  She uses the exercise to get her muscles toned and to learn the neighborhood.  Even the early morning gangers seem to know the Keeb with the white hair and violet eyes and she is rarely bothered.  She finishes her run at a soycaf stand that serves a decent blend and picks up two go-cups.  She swaps channels to get the early news feed as she heads back to the garage.  She quickly showers and goes to the room she shares with Arc.  Putting one cup on her friend's bed table, she grabs her weapons case and carries it to the bed. 

Sitting naked on the bed Yelena opens the case and removes the weapons, carefully dismantling and cleaning them, to include removing all the rounds from the magazines.  She lovingly inspects each part before reassembling each weapon and replacing the rounds in the clips.  She has finished the two pistols but is still working on the rifle when her internal clock tells her that Arc's alarm is about to go off.  She watches as her friend goes through the first symptoms of a hang over.  Her feelings are more of concern than anything else and she can recall many nights when she would be lost in drink and drugs. 

She deftly catches the pillow that Arc tosses her way and laughs.  "No.  Arc not lose Yelena to some Ork who wanted slot her.  Not sure that there any there that really wanted try because they were all too interested you."  She tosses the pillow back at Arc.  You have good moves on floor, Arc.  Should go out more.  Maybe show Yelena how to dance.  Arc get message from Debi?  Meet noon.  Can take?  And coffee by bed.  Large and black."

By this time Yelena has finished reassembling the rifle.  Taking a dark cloth from beside her she ties it around her head to conceal her eyes.  Lowering her hands to her sides, she clicks her internal stop watch and races through disassembly and reassembly of the rifle.  Removing the blindfold, she says.  "Almost three seconds faster today, Arc.  Fingers almost back normal."  She fishes a cigar from the case near her and lights up before sipping at the still-hot soycaf. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-24-15/0129:54>
Marco did not go home from the meet, the hour was late - he had a couple of drinks danced a little bit and stayed more than he wanted. But he managed to pass yet another day... another day without giving in to his inner demons. The drop off was church for him, his regular one.

Confession? asked the priest, and for a moment Marco was tempted to use this opportunity to explicitly describe with great details some of  his more sensual nights trying to seduce the poor priest. It took him about a second of silent - the alcohol and the happiness almost seduced him.  “No, same as usual, I am just here to pray. You are relentless for keep asking me that every time I walk in here.”

Marco never confessed, nor did he attend any religious event since he left Rome. He wasn’t sure if he was a believer but praying seemed to help him not acting like a jerk, abusing his magic to take advantage of others. In the shadows he felt that it can keep him alive. Few people knew that part in his life as he only ever visited church when it was almost empty.

On his knees by the cross, he spent about half an hour in silent. He donated 100 bucks to the charity box and went home walking. It was half an hour walk and it was cold. He felt relieved to be in a part of town where walking alone at night is not heroic feat.

Texting Sam on the way.
Dear Sam,

I invited two of my friends, Arc and Yelena for a makeover at Debi’s Salon. They are
the cast of a new trid called witch hunter. I'll appreciate it if you can help me create some initial buzz around them. Some flowers, or autographs at public places - you know the drill.

Kisses,
Marco.

He was not hacker type but he did not want to confess his plan in any electronic media. He was sure Sam was bright enough to connect the dots. Knowing what she asked him to do.

He did not have time for shooting range in the morning, he spent the entire morning organizing a few interruptions at Debi’s salon for the two young trid stars. He booked them for a late lunch at a very fancy restaurant. Asking them to text the runners before saying it is complimentary by the production.

He then  made a couple of calls to his in between jobs friends, and offered them some pocket money if they disturb the runners with autograph requests, flowers or chocolates during the day. His highest paying challenge was a selfi with feathers and he was willing to pay as much as 20 dollars.  He planned it like a game, and he figured out they would probably compete with each other who achieves more goals in the list.

The rest of his hours he spent listening to classical music. He had an appointment on the same Salon at 13:30, and planned to go shopping for yet another good suit. He could not afford to be seen there wearing the same outfit twice in the same week. Especially if he was to pass as a high roller.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <03-24-15/0506:40>
>> Yeah. I'm on the way. Thanks.

Stahl cut the connection and rose from his bed. It was still dark and Stahl took extra precautions to avoid waking Heidi. She'd only just fallen asleep and Stahl himself had only managed to get a couple hours of sleep before Hendrick messaged him. The young elf shuffled his way across the dirty floor, pausing to glance at the relatively new crib resting near the entrance to the kitchen. Thankfully, she was still sleeping. After an entire afternoon of yelling and crying Stahl supposed he would be tired too.

Stahl managed to make it to the small bathroom, flicking the switch on the wall upwards and causing dim light to cover the room. Stahl peered into the dirty mirror with a squint, inspecting himself. The young, energetic elf he was a couple of years ago was gone. He looked, above all, exhausted. With a short frown, Stahl prepared himself for the day's events. Showering, Stahl took a moment to plan on how he was going to handle this particular problem. Hendrick had informed him of Reiner falling off the wagon again. Stahl couldn't blame him considering the trio's circumstances but regardless felt hostile towards the young human for tying him up like this. It wasn't exactly easy to find work or take care of people you care about when you're constantly looking for your drugged up friend in some seedy bar or alley.

Stepping out of the shower, Stahl dressed in a simple white shirt and a dark green jacket along with a casual pair of slacks. The sun was just now coming in through the small windows spread out through Stahl's apartment and Stahl made a mental note to unlock the door for Abigail as he strapped his holster to his waist. Doing a quick check of his weapon, he slid it into his holster along with his trusty knife. Debating on whether or not to grab something to eat before leaving, the tell-tale sign of Heidi broke the peaceful silence of the apartment.

"Waaaaaaah!" Heidi wailed, now standing up in her crib. Stahl quickly made his way over, attempting to be cheerful. "Good morning, you." Reaching down to pick the surprisingly angry child up into his arms, Stahl made his way past into the kitchen in a valiant attempt to search for food. Heidi, meanwhile, had thankfully stopped crying. She seemed more interested in Stahl's slicked back platinum hair, pulling and grabbing at it with little regard for Stahl's comfort. Wincing, Stahl attempted to negotiate a peace treaty with the restless two and a half year old, "Hey, hey, hey-" Stahl attempted, re-directing the infant's attention with a well-placed snap of his fingers. At this moment, thankfully, Stahl's door opened and in stepped the middle-aged lifesaver known as Abigail Cross. She was his landlord and more often than not his babysitter. While she could be a pain to deal with, her hours were flexible and she had a way with kids that Stahl simply didn't have.

"Helllllooo! Oh, give her here Erik. Did she sleep well? Did you feed her? Why is her face red? Was she crying? Oh, give her here, come now!" Abigail crowed, her surprisingly large bag of what Stahl assumed to be baby supplies trailing behind her. Stahl handed Heidi over and thankfully the girl was pleased to see Abigail. Stahl echoed that sentiment as he greeted the woman. "Good morning, Abigail. She slept well, ate, cried. I was just about to make breakfast-" Abigail cut him off abruptly, waving her free hand as she coo'd and proceeded her usual routine of baby-talk. "Oh, I'll handle that. You get going. We both know you're very busy trying to find work in order to pay me. Run along, we'll be fine here. You should really clean this place up. It's disgraceful." Stahl trailed off as the woman berated his admittedly poor living situation. The money he had saved up was slowly draining away and it showed. "Alright, alright. You know how to reach me if there's any problem. I should be back in a couple of hours. Thanks again, Abigail." The thanks was heartfelt, perhaps a bit more then Stahl intended, but without Abigail Stahl dreaded his prospects in this place. Leaving the daughter of Maxwell Frei alone all day filled him with a sense of dread and he knew it was something the late Maxwell simply wouldn't do.

As he stepped out the door he inspected the general area to ensure it was free of the usual loiterers - ganger scum, squatters, druggies and the like. Apparently pleased by the lack of those types of characters around, Stahl began walking down the uneven street towards some of Reiner's usual hangouts. Hendrick had tipped him off about some sort of fancy, ritzy club he had seen Reiner at last. Stahl supposed he would start there, though he was unsure on whether or not a club like that would be open during the day. He didn't even know the name of the place, only the rough location. Why couldn't Hendrick do this again? Stahl thought as he paced down the street. Hendrick had seemingly made a few friends since the trio had moved here from the Allied German States and Stahl just assumed he had a demanding work schedule. Regardless, Stahl had to find Reiner before Reiner found the wrong end of an alley. After all, Maxwell would have done it. The young elf continued down the road, aiming to find the fancy new club and with it, his friend.




Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-24-15/1143:03>
Arc couldn't help but give a laugh, clearing her throat and stretching as she fought through the headache starting to creep over her senses.  "Wiz.  You was the only one doubting your recovery, Omae.  Keep it up."". Fumbling for her pack of Marlboros, the girl picked up the coffee graciously, sipping the hit beverage between puffs.  "Haa, much appreciated...breakfast of fragging champs, eh?". Smirking, she shook her head in mild disbelief over how crazy the night was.  Well if I'm here, that means I didn't slot with anyone...I think... Lifting her head up, she sent over a copy of the texts she received.  "just think a couple months back, a trog woulda as likely be finna beating my hoop than chasing it.  Drek."

"Anyhoozle, yeah, I can get us there.  If I'm alive I can drive, remember that Omae...ah..."
. She finally turned and quickly turned back, having forgotten how comfortable the Russian was in her skin.  "Dunno what's more crazy, how insane last night was or knowing tonight gonna be just as much or more...hm"

Arc took her time getting around, popping in the shower for a quick cold rinse to wake her up, shivering as she toweled off and dressed, saving the dress for after their appointment...though she was certain Yelena would argue against that and brought the dress out anyway.  Gingerly, she looked over her unkempt self in the mirror, gently touching the faint scars still around her eyes.

@Marco{Arc}>>
<<Hoi, can't remember if I said this, but a thanks for doing us the solid of getting us all gentrified n Drek.  Owe ya.  Holler>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-24-15/1237:12>
@ Marco  >>You're an idiot. You're letting the jumped up image of the club and the money I gave you to spend go to your head. Those three are there precisely because they are The Barrens own homegrown heroes. And that club, despite the image someone has poured a lot of money into creating, is IN The Barrens. They know them. They trust them, They love them. And because of that, they'll talk to them. They'll tell them more, offer them more, then they will anyone else. The bouncer, the parking lot attendant, the cleaning lady, they all see more than they say. And trust me, nothing moves in or out of that club without one of the gangs private stamp of approval, and half a dozen gangs know and trust their faces. So, by all means create a buzz, but not over some wannabe actors, but over the real heroes who've now made good, rags-to-riches because they saved everyone. Sure, give them a bit of spit shine, everyone loves to see their heroes looking like a trid hero. But don't change them. I need them the way they are.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-24-15/1306:03>
@ Arc & Yelena  Arc still has a bit of a headache by the time they make it to Debi's, but at least it's tolerable. And Debi's Salon makes her feel as out of place as rust on a brand new engine. Even Yelena feels a bit out of place as she's never splurged on the full salon treatment before. The men who used her in the past were either more concerned that she really was female, or that she was doing everything in her power to please them. This is a very different experience than the simple no frills cut she's always had. And to say that Arc & Yelena are a completely different experience for Debi is an understatement. Even with all her years of experience with, "all kinds", Debi more than once let's slip disapproval over Arc & Yelena's hair, nails and utter lack of makeup savvy. Arc in particular must have her hair shampood three times to get all the grease out, but when she's done the two don't even recognize themselves in the mirror.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-24-15/1313:57>
@ Stahl  You check the usual haunts. With the usual propositions and offers. Reiner is in none of the usual places. And before long Hendrick calls him. >>I went threw his stuff. Hacked his computer. I'm certain he went to the Stardust 2 days ago, and that's where he disappeared from.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-24-15/1319:30>
@ Phoenix & Blackhat  The waitress comes over smiling. "I always knew I'd be serving the two of you either together, or competing over the same woman. Both of you always so spiffed up & proper all the time."  She places each of your favorite drinks on the table before you. "Nychella owes me a drink now! She bet you two wouldn't be able to be in the same room together on accounta you two being like as two peas in a pod." She beams at the both of you and then waddles off to collect her winnings.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-24-15/1320:53>
When Marco got the message from Arc.
He texted back:

Dear Arc,
I really enjoyed your company that night.  You seem to be so popular over there star of the party. I am looking forward to seeing you tonight,

Kisses,
Marco.
 
PS:
(in bad Or'zet):
trogs interested in slotting Arc and drek. Not interested in whipping or hitting... we similar drek you and I.


When the Demoness’ message arrived marco laughed so much, it took him a minute to reply back. He felt so happy so peaceful he even liked her at that particular moment and could totally visualize her anger.

Dear Demoness,

I am sorry if I messed up - I truly tried to please you.
I improvised something with the information I had.
I will do a quick fix - perheaps spin it into a small documentary about their efforts. They'll get their buzz people like
being famous, trust me it is a common fantasy.   I hoped the illusion of some extra fame will smooth things up - if you notice the movie name you’ll see that it could also pass as documentary... That is they'll come as themselfs, maybe we can actually do the documentary and make some cash on the side... I don't know... but let me spin it back for you. 
 
I also booked them some fancy lunch - I think they'll enjoy it. Some real food for a change, they just got out of hospital - I bet it is a drop in the sea.  I am also curious if anyone completes my selfi with feathers challenge.

We should talk more, I am a bit lost without you.

Sincerely yours,
Idiot Marco.

He continued to his appointment at Debi's and then to buy a suit and get ready to the club.

On his way he sends a little message to Yelena and Arc. He thinks they are just finished at Debi's.

Dear pretty girls!

I miss you already!

Demoness don't like trid star idea, but she still okay with making some buzz around you.
So... enjoy the rest of the day I planned for you - you have a reservation for a fancy lunch. My favoriate place, let me know if you like it. But be careful it is an expensive habit.  They got real Italian food, not soy based  generic drek- actual food with fresh vegtables... I hope you like.

P.S if some of my drinking buds make buzz asking for autographs or giving you flowers or drek just enjoy it.
Treat them nicely, most of them could use some extra pocket money... things are a bit rough for them so I really did not want to cancel them now... besides if I do cancel, I'll have to pay for their drinks next time we go out.

Ciao.
Marco.



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Csjarrat on <03-24-15/1616:32>
Feathers pushed hard against the brick wall, his stomach contents making a break for the weak glow of the streetlight from the dark internal compartment of his stomach.
His "lady"friend had long since scarpered, the first retches and coughs putting paid to any plans she had of scratching an itch tonight.
He tried to flag a cab, but his woozy stagger had put off the drivers of the few manned cars still on the roads and the queue for the auto-cabs was massive. Knackered and regretting all the vodka, he slumped on the kerb, chucking up the last few chunks of dinner and vodka into the stale smelling drain.
A few revellers left the club and patted him on the back, laughing and joking at seeing the old boy suffer after a heavy night's drinking with the young bloods.
He woke up feeling like death, no idea how he got home and still fully dressed. A massive crick in his neck painfully resolved itself as he rolled onto his back, an off-colour drool/vomit trail remained on the newly cleaned sheets from where his head had planted itself.
He forced himself to focus on the clock as the daylight streamed painfully into his eyes.
06:12
Too fucking early, and I'm too fucking old for this shit...
He dragged his sorry ass into the shower and dragged a disposable razor across his thick grey stubble as he tried to wash out the night's sins.
His knees had flared up, painful and swollen to touch his mind flashed back to the dancefloor and he groaned as he remembered agreeing to get up and "pull some moves".
He remembered the woman, well kind of, remembered her big hands, her inquisitive big hands and groaned even harder, dry retching at his own stupidity.
I bet those guys think I'm a right old tosser. Come on Tunstall, get your shit together.
Finished in the shower, he popped a batch of anti-inflammatories, painkillers and aspirin and headed down stairs to line his stomach with some caffeine and something stodgy to eat, hoping it'd take the taste of arab's jock-strap out of his mouth.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <03-24-15/1624:59>
Stahl's mood was quickly souring after his latest message from Hendrick. Nobody had seen Reiner anywhere in his usual hangouts and the tiny voice at the back of Stahl's mind kept insisting something was wrong. Sure, Reiner had fallen off the wagon before, but he eventually showed up either at Stahl's place or at least one of his usual bars. Stahl quickly changed his direction, heading straight for the Stardust club after finding out it's location. He wasn't one to waste time, though without a vehicle it took him much longer to locate the club.

Stahl inspected the outside of the club with a wary eye. He doubted he was dressed appropriately for the ritzy club, but he wasn't about to double back and change his clothes. Stahl loitered across the street, keeping an eye on the club in an effort to get a general layout and feel for the place while also idly shooting a message to Abigail.

>>Abigail, it's me. How's everything there? I might be later than I thought. Got a few errands to run.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <03-24-15/2022:27>
@ Phoenix & Blackhat  The waitress comes over smiling. "I always knew I'd be serving the two of you either together, or competing over the same woman. Both of you always so spiffed up & proper all the time."  She places each of your favorite drinks on the table before you. "Nychella owes me a drink now! She bet you two wouldn't be able to be in the same room together on accounta you two being like as two peas in a pod." She beams at the both of you and then waddles off to collect her winnings.

"Thank you my dear." he replies, and before she goes, "tell me, does this place have a real jukebox? Something where you can actually feel the music?"

Once she answers, he thanks her, and then looks to the White Noise generator. Honestly, Kids these days. shaking his head. "Look, Are you trying to hide something?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-24-15/2035:46>
To say the experience was an odd one for Arc would have been putting things VERY mildly, the whole salon appointment going by in a small blur.  The shampoo burned a little at her scalp, and the digging and cleaning care along her hands and her feet (oh gods, her feet!) made her recall all the beatings she had endured in her adolescence...almost in a positive light.  The human held her tongue during the painful parts or during Debi's multitude of chidings, opting to simply mutter quiet profanities in Or'Zet so no one would understand her.

Finally, when all was finished, the two were brought before a mirror to take in their appearance.  "...the frag...that can't be us..."  The human was barely recognizable for the grungy mechanic girl she was, her face cleaned up and makeup applied, masking her scars while applying a light blush to her cheeks.  Eyeshadow and liner made her green eyes pop, and a light, subtly red lipstick was applied.  The hair was even more dramatic: completely clean and muss-free, a light wave applied to it.  The length was not shortened much, remaining just above shoulder-length, a single small braid framing her face while the rest was held back with a headband.  Part of her wondered if this kind of drek was what she woulda looked like had her parents not up and died.  Giving a polite smile and thanks, she waited for the two to be outside before speaking to the Russian.  "Holy mother of drek, do we look corp-type...we walk through our hood like this, we gon get mugged...wha?"

She was barely able to finish her sentence before a couple stopped them on the sidewalk, their excited faces denoting they recognized the pair.  A couple flowers and autographs later, the two were left in mild bewilderment of their famed status, regardless whether it was manufactured or not.  The lunch date was just as jarring as the salon appointment as well, the clean plateware and cutlery a sharp contrast to the usual soypaste and fast food Arc was used to.  The food was out of this world: a fresh garden salad with all the fixings, followed by a chicken fettucine slathered in a rich alfredo sauce.  The flavors danced upon the girl's tongue, practically ruining her for the low quality food she was used to.

The rest of the afternoon went in a mild haze, but a quick stop at home and the two were getting ready for the night.  Changing into her dress, Arc started to feel a flutter of nervousness.  They were revered, celebrated, pampered...and it felt off.  So different from what she was used to being--the bottom of the barrel--and a look of worry was on her flatteringly made up face.  As she struggled to remember how her dress went on, she practically stumbled before bringing up a point to the elf.  "...I'm bringing my stuff in a bag in the car...I got this feeling.  This is way out in left field, omae, and I think if I ain't careful, I'ma frag it up and we needin some powpow on the quick.  Wiz?  I'm hittin' up the boys to see what the plan is in getting there.  You still going with the plan that Feathers be your date, babushka?"  She winked, mentally pulling up her ARO and firing off at the speed of thought.

@Marco{Arc}>>
<<If yo job was to build up fraggin' hype, I think it worked.  Drek, man, this is way weird.  Anyhow, you bringing us into this place?  We can pick you up wherever, just give us enough time to get there, wiz?>>

@Feathers{Arc}>>
<<Still alive, pops?  Don't feel bad, I'm still shaking it off too.  Won't ask about that Trina gal, yo biz is yo biz.  Need a lift to the Stardust?  I can swing by.  Holla>>

Rubbing her head, she downed some water with a small gasp to shake off what she could of her hangover.  "Drek..aight...ready as I will be.."  She stood a little awkwardly in her sleek dress, turning to check over Yelena.  "..wiz...that drek fits you like a fraggin' glove..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Herr Brackhaus on <03-24-15/2046:46>
I let my eyes linger on the waitress as she walked away. "Cute," I thought to myself. "I should have played the "I'm just taking granddad out for a night out" card... Oh well, maybe later". When Ambrose asked for a "jukebox" I actually had to look up the word to know what the frag he was talking about. "Jeez, how old is this guy anyway," I wondered.

His question surprised me. "Hide? Not particularly." I leaned back in my seat and took a drag on the cigarette. "Using a generator can be pretty obvious in and of itself. But I for one don't feel like having random people potentially overhearing conversations about bombs and the illegal drug buys, even in a place like this." The grin on my face grew a little colder. "Especially in a place like this. I would have expected you to be a cautious man if you have survived to become a veteran in this game. Maybe you're just lucky..."

I flicked the ash off of my smoke into the ashtray on the table and smiled. "Anyway, pops, how about we talk business instead of banter. What's the plan; more specifically, what do you need from me? If you just want me to watch your back like Kato said, I have got other business to attend to and we can just meet up at the Stardust tomorrow. If you have got something else in mind, I would appreciate knowing beforehand so I can avoid the the veritable clue-by-four hitting my right while we are in the middle of things."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <03-24-15/2100:43>
"Yes, I'm far more cautious." he remarks, shaking his head. "First off, at least you know that its like a beacon. If it was a cone of silence perhaps more useful. But it makes noise.. Something else that does is the local jukebox." Groaning a little, "Of cours the problem with that is most places use virtual music these days, rather than subjecting everyone to a good round of whatever you pick. With facial recognition, they can see the words we form with our mouths, something most will switch over to once they start hearing the buzzing noises of the white noise generator. "

taking a look to his drink, he stares at it for a moment, examining it. He hums softly, before picking it up and figuring how heavy the drink is with just a touch.

"You haven't told me what you do. Other than provide maps. So I wouldn't know what I could use you for. However, you could probably more easily get a few items with that baby face yof yours.  Since we're going in to inspect for potential accident sites, we need a bit of gear to seem more official. I can spend the night working on a few badges, and inspection permits. Since we both happen to have the same taste in clothing, we should use that to our advantage."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Herr Brackhaus on <03-24-15/2134:39>
"Sounds like a plan. And I am a man of many talents, my learned friend. You cook up the permits and gear, and I will make sure they have a record of an upcoming inspection in their systems."

Curbing the cigarette butt on the ashtray, and stroked my chin as I went on. "So, what are we going in as? City Health Inspectors? Pest Control? Fire Insurance? Metroplex Architechtural Office? Let me know and I will dig around for some details. Knowing the name of supervisors and the like is always useful, just in case someone at the club happens to have an uncle somewhere."

"Oh, and as for lip readers, I am sure you have noticed where my hand is when I talk." As if to make a point, I tapped my nose with an index finger while the rest of my hand rested on my chin, obscuring the lower half of my face from the side and front.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-25-15/0038:08>
Marcos day was busy, Debi was a bit upset by the clients he sent her last minute.

Where did ya pick these ones...  in the Barrens?! They were so neglected, especially that human... she seemed new to the concept of Shampoo. So much dirt... so much!


Actually you are just right, in the Barrens.


Oh dear... you shouldn’t go there it is dangerous out there. Can’t trust people with this kind of hair.


You are right, Debi. It is a favor for that Shilla girl I told you about.


Oh that one... stay away from that one... she is not good for you!


Well Debi, ... he took a long breath... letting go of the air slowly... I tried to stay away... but in the end of the day, the heart wants what the heart wants.

There was some truth to Marco's words, but he would never tell Debi the half of it. She would probably call the police if she heard he was doing anything illegal. Her entire moral campus is narrowed to the way people maintain hair.  Marco is trustworthy because he keep it clean.  Arc is probably a criminal because she do not. There was no point in even trying to convince her otherwise.  His session was a lot shorter, 20 minutes and she was done, just maintenance. 

He paid her handsomely and went to buy a suit, the process was enjoyable as the shop already had his dimensions so all he did was to pick the fabric he wanted. It took a lot of AR modeling - but eventually he decided to pick black... he felt that that color make him appear a bit older and more masculine.

He then bought a case of his favorite wine, Rossi di Bianchi. It was a cheap red wine, relatively reasonable to the taste. Marco liked it because it was made in his parents winery. It was as close as he could feel to his family.  He took it to his regular drinking place, a small joint named Joy.

It was evening and most of his buddies were already there waiting for him.
Look guys you did so good... I am sorry I cannot drink today - but I brought this case of complimentary wine - like I do every friday... so I wish you a lovely evening.

oh... common Marco...  not even a single one? common just a single bottle before you go. Then the mass cried Marco! Marco! Marco! to encourage him to open a bottle. After a short while he replied... Okay okay! but just one you hear!... and I only do it to avoid the riot.

With a glass of wine in his hand he drew a table on a blackboard and listed every completed achievement to the appropriate name. 134 dollars were split between eight different people to achieve the requested buzz. The process was cheerful, and a lot more money exchanged hands as people gambled on who will win the contest.

He then texted Arc
Dear Arc:

About ride - you can pick me up from Joy (coordinates attached) or I can book my regular limousine to pick you guys up.  Limo has no rigger interface tough...  Also consider that if you do bring a gun - limousine is not dedicated to us, it just cycle from client to client and is available to us at the requested hours.


They decided to start the cairokee night a bit early - as most of the regulars came to see who wins Marco’s challenges anyhow. Marco had time for just several songs before it was time to prepare for the club. He showered at a friends appartment that was just next door to Joy... dressed up and applied some subtle cosmetics to get just that look that he was after.
He was ready to party! 

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-25-15/0046:00>
Yelena looks at the messages that Arc sent over.  "You popular, Arc.  I not get any like this.  Probably you well known in area already and Yelena still stranger."  She breaks down the rifle into its storage components and puts the pieces in the padded slots of the case.  She gets off the bed and dresses when Arc goes in for her shower.  When her friend returns, Yelena looks at her dress and says.  "Hair at noon, maybe lunch somewhere.  Should have time come back to dress, yes?  But think take dress so woman know what Yelena wear to club."

Yelena is extremely uncomfortable in the salon.  This is not her style and she can tell that it is not Arc's either.  She almost throws in the towel several times, especially when the old sourpuss chides her about her hair, nails and make up, but grits her teeth and stays.  She lets Debi look at the dress so she can match the colors for her make up.  She asked that her hair be left straight and Debi finally acquiesced, but added some highlights and a violet ribbon at the end.  The entire effect was perfect...........if one wanted to look like this.  Yelena looked in the mirror and did have a hard time seeing herself.  She thanked Debi for her hard work and picked up her dress before leaving the salon.  When the two were outside, she replied to Arc's statement.  "Yes.  Get fragging mugged.  This not Yelena." 

The autographs and flowers were going a bit too far, in Yelena's opinion, but she was as gracious as possible.  The restaurant was far better than anything Yelena had ever been in before.  Sure, she had seen some nice places, but from the outside.  Halfway through the heavenly meal she turns to Arc, "OK.  If clothes and make up come with food, Yelena put up with Debi.  Marco get much money from female Sam for this.  Look.  Menu not even say what cost is." 

Finally home, they rush into the garage to avoid being seen by the people in the neighborhood.  Yelena notes the slight struggle Arc has with the dress and comes over to help her friend.  Fastening the back up, she says.  "Here, Arc.  Let Yelena help.  There, now look in mirror."  She stands behind her short friend and looks over her shoulder.  She smiles broadly.  "All men look you tonight, Arc.  Not see Yelena.  You beautiful.  Have many want take you home."  She stands behind the human for a few seconds longer then goes to put her own dress on.  Slipping it on over her naked body she runs a hand down her figure.  She smiles at Arc's remark.  "Yes.  Like glove.  Not room inside for anything but Yelena."  She finishes off with the violet flower in her hair at the left ear and admires the effect.  "Maybe never see Yelena like this again."

She touches up her lip gloss and goes to the side of her bed, where she steps into the slippers and picks up her weapons case and the small clutch.  When Arc get the message from Marco she says, "Tell him we pick up.  What good his car if cannot keep weapons?  If ready let's go knock dead."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <03-25-15/0054:10>
"The story? Now thats the hard part. I wouldn't know which one to do for this job.. I've not been there. But usually goveremental ones tend to.. not be too usable. However if we can make them believe enough, we could get a few bribes if they believe our cover story. "

He doesn't touch his rum and coke. The waitress scared him just a little too much to drink it, quite possibly she's working for someone else as she didn't even comment about the noise maker.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-25-15/1022:45>
Arc couldn't resist a little smirk at Yelena's comment, crossing her arms and leaning on one hip, shaking her head a little.  "Pfft.  Don't deny it.  You just as likely be finna wearing that drew to score some hoop if ya wanted it.  Besides that, you hots the know how about it.  Fifty nuyen tells you I'm gonna be awkward as Drek."". She winked, adjusting her dress until it was comfortable, reading the message from Marco.  yeah frag that.  Just asking for trouble..

Before they left, Arc took a moment to pack a ready bag, stuffing her guns, kits, and a few pipe bombs, just in case.  Lastly, she grabbed one of each of her drones, popping open the compartment in her arm and stowing them inside, making sure they were very much offline.  "There we go...frag if that's weird though..."

@Marco{Arc}>>
<<Sounds wiz, but wouldn't make a drek of sense.  People know I fix cars, and know how much I enjoy my ride.  My car shouldn't clash with your high and mighty atmosphere.  Pick you up soon.

Turning to the elf, Arc gave a little smile and nodded.  "well, let's not waste all this Drek, eh?  Time to go play Corp-class for a night...". And with that, they departed, hopping into Arc's car and zooming off to pick up their passengers.  The human was jacked into the interface, but remained in AR to continue conversing.  She knew the objective was to be natural, but some unease still lingered.  "Y...a thought..how likely is it Sam has more than one player in this party...call it a hunch..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-25-15/1030:51>
Responding Arcs message, Marco texts the following.

Dear Arc

Your car is great, totally love it. It shows that you handle it with care... it is almost part of you. Wouldn’t dream of separating a rigger from her wheels.  I wish I knew how to drive... it seems really fun.
 
P.S I can’t get that band from yesterday out of my head they were freaking awesome!
Do you remember their name?... its all a bit foggy for me.

Yours Truly,
Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Csjarrat on <03-25-15/1336:08>
The chime of the commlink dragged Feathers out of his half-slumber as he sipped at a soycaf and tried to get some breakfast down his neck. He voice commanded the commlink to dump the message up onto the AR wallpaper and dictated a reply.
<<Reply to:: Arc>>//Barely. Feel like a horse shat in my mouth and a troll jumped on my head. What the hell were we drinking? A lift would be great, no way I'd pass a breathalyser this morning. So that was her name, don't worry about it. I was too old, too stupid and too vomity to make that big of a mistake. I barely remember it anyway. I'm up and about so I'm ready when you are.
Johannes fussed and messed about, concerned about Feather's state but too inexperienced in this plane to realise just how self-inflicted Feathers malaise was.
Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Its just a headache. Why don't you get out of the house today eh? Go for a fly and a bit of an explore. I'll call if I need you.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-25-15/1428:25>
It was pretty amazing how easy it was for Arc to respond to messages now that she has a direct link to the Matrix with her control rig, sending stuff out with merely a thought.  While out and about, eating, driving, it barely took from her concentration to reply to the messages as they came.

@Feathers{Arc}>>
<<That, chummer, is what happens when a place dint water the booze down first.  Ts why the frogs love it so much.  Anyhow, sorry to hear of the hangbang, but I can sympathize: shaking off a head hurt now.  Anyway, Y and I got hooked up to get prettier up for the high class scene, so I can pick you up between 4 and 5?  Don't feel bad if you can't recognize us, haha haha.  See you l8r

@Marco{Arc}>>
<<Ah, enjoyed that stuff, huh?  Band was called Access Denied...tribute band for this lowtime Ruski band called Hammerforce.  You like them, I suggest checking out Vision Divine.  More of a cosmic feel but it's good drek.  Anyhow, pick you up a little after 5
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-25-15/1454:16>
Fri Dec 5th

It had definitely been a day for the history books. Arc & Yelena had been stopped and photographed and autographed and "Pls, just a selfie!" all afternoon. There'd even been a local trid crew stop by for a short interview with them, even if the interviewer had seemed to concentrate more on her own appearance than on any intelligent questions about what had happened. Finally it was time to get ready, and then to leave for the club. One thing about all the hoopla, it hadn't left much time for worry. Still, it was hard not to worry.

The drive was fairly uneventful. Traffic was heavy, but at least it was moving and soon enough they were there. A couple of orc bouncers were on guard and as you all approach the doorway one of them elbows the other and points at your group. "Hey, Arc baby, I knew you couldn't resist me!" He grins and opens his arms. "You shoulda told me you were coming. I coulda made some special arrangements!" He grins and winks broadly. "I knew we were meant to share a special kinda connection when we met last night." Arc vaguely recognizes him as one of the guys she met last night. Well, maybe, truth to tell there were a lot of guys, and it had been a lot of liquor.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-25-15/1500:37>
When Arc pulled her back Sedan to pick Marco his authentic reaction was "WOW... you gals look amazing!"
He knew they had it in them, he could picture it that night - but still he was surprised just how changed they looked.
Demoness will kill me...  he thought.
He looked at feathers, smiling... you did not seem the type for salon, but I’ll hook you up too next time if you like. To Arc and Yelena: I see that you had the discipline to stick with Debi until the end... Definitely worth it if you ask me. I am sorry about her attitude she sees the world a bit differently than us.   Did you enjoy your lunch date?  I usually go there after a run, this food is pure happiness to me.

Marco looked plain, his suit was plain black and he wore a nice white shirt that fit his torso like a glove. He looked okay, but nothing out of the ordinary. However, to those at the club enjoying the AR setting Marco’s suit made him appear a bit taller, a bit wider and a bit stronger. His entire clothing played with subtle manipulation of colors to make him look just a little bit *more*.

The equivalence between outside and inside of the club was similar to the before Photoshop/ after Photoshop.  If you enjoyed the AR, Marco simply looked amazing, just as if he was taken out of some fashion journal. His body language was masculine, he used just enough cosmetics to give his face a more rigid look, with an almost invisible touch. He wore green contacts that made his eyes slightly glow in the dark.

His voice tone had this authoritative feeling that somewhat compelled people to do what he said. He was the same person, but his body language, voice texture and general appearance were so different than yesterday that he felt like someone else entirely. When he entered the party he greeted Tammie saying:  “well hello gorgeous", kissing her hand.  The cold and distant hostess blushed and giggled, she barely had enough air to respond with ‘hello Marco’.
 
It wasn’t just the look of him, it was something else, something that was almost supernatural. It was the first time that week that Marco unleashed the full force of his devil tongue. The feeling was addictive and difficult to control, He felt spectacular and omnipotent. He held the hand of Yelena as a hostess escorted them to their VIP booth. "You look amazing...I know it must be awkward for you, I’ll do what I can so you feel comfortable. Everybody deserves stardust, even if it is just for one night."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <03-25-15/1903:31>
Stahl's brief conversation with Abigail was enough to put his mind at ease. Though he knew he probably shouldn't call and check up every twenty minutes, he felt better doing so. The last hour or so of loitering across the street from the Stardust was nothing special. Stahl saw nothing that denoted the place as being much different from other poncy clubs in the area and this put him at ease, somewhat. Reiner had probably just passed out in one of the rooms, or something like that. It wouldn't be the first time. Stahl had noticed nothing unusual about the outside of the club besides what appeared to be a couple of high-profile guests being dropped off. Stahl quickly moved to cross the street, perhaps aiming to use the group's arrival to slip inside.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-25-15/2121:26>
The attention given by the "fans", and then by Marco, was enough to keep Arc feeling uneasy about the whole thing.  She tried her best to focus on the driving and the whole objective at hand: be natural, find out what you can.  She made a note to have her cybereyes record everything she picks up for later, as it might help.  Especially if I lose control like last night...frag man...  Gulping, she slowed down as they approached the Stardust, parking the car until everyone got out, upon which she sent the car's autopilot to find a parking place and lock up.

The crowd and line on the approach was loud, the energy in the air excited, and it was all weird territory for the short human.  So this is high class social stuff huh...weird...  Her thoughts were interrupted by the booming voice of the ork bouncer who recognized her.  Oh, DREK!  That guy was at the Pit last night...what's his name...oh frag, he was one of the forward ones with delusions.  oh frag me  In her mind, she had to find a way to get her inside and avoid this trog's advances that would look natural and avoid further catcalls from this one.  She glanced over to Marco, but he already was holding hands with Yelena, and Feathers was on the opposite side.  So, she had to think fast.

Her eyes turned the other way, as they were other patrons seeking entry along with them.  Without thinking twice, the short human grabbed the arm of one, the man (Stahl) lurched by the grip of her cyberarm to her side.  "Be cool, 100 nuyen if you play along" was all she muttered before she put on a bright smile to the ork.  "Aww, y'know if I knew you was aworkin' here i mighta considered it.  But, alas, tonight ain't your lucky night.  Perhaps next time, hm?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-25-15/2303:20>
Yelena might never have spent much time in a place like the Stardust, but she does know how to walk the walk.  Moreover, she is comfortable in her skin and has had lots of experience mingling with people from different social classes.  Before she gets out of the car, she turns to her friend, "Arc.  Take deep breath.  All people here put clothes on like Arc and Yelena.  One leg or arm at time.  Trust in self." 

She gets out of the car and looks at the building exterior.  Despite what she had said to Arc, she was a bit unsure of herself here.  She shakes her head and laughs before hooking her arm with Feathers.  "Let's go boys.  Off for relax and fun."  She is impressed with the way Marco is handling the situation and how smooth he is with the hostess.  She hold out her hand to the Keeb woman.  "Hello, Tammie.  Is Yelena.  I hear much good you from Marco.  Where we sit?  You will help if need, yes?"

Yelena is surprised that Arc has so readily picked up a strange Keeb.  The man is not dressed for the club and she wonders how he got in.  She looks around the club as they are led to their table.  The dress she chose is deliberately not of the same style as the rest of the glitterati are wearing, but she knows she wears it very well, and her walk is designed to get attention.  She smiles at everyone and nods to anyone trying to get her attention.  Once seated, she looks at the stranger and holds out her hand.  "Hello.  Is Yelena.  You friend of Arc?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <03-25-15/2330:01>
The crowd appeared more energetic as Stahl grew closer, slipping his way through the throngs of people as best he could.  Unlike the large majority of clubbers near the entrance, Stahl didn't seem particularly excited to be there.  The under-dressed elf took a short glance around near the club entrance, mentally noting the two rather large and boisterous looking orcs manning the doors.  The trio he had spotted exiting the vehicle earlier were now just in front of him.  Upon closer inspection, Stahl realized they may not have been the best group to follow.  They were certainly getting quite a bit of attention, something the elf had hoped to avoid.  The woman in front of him was currently being chatted up by one of the bouncers. Stahl could see why - even with a cyber arm, the woman out-classed at least half of the other woman waiting to get into the club.  With a quick glance over his shoulder, Stahl swore he caught a couple of jealous glances directed towards the woman.  Must be the high rollers. Stahl thought, stuffing his hands into his pockets as he waited for an opportunity to get inside. Stahl took a few moments to sneak a few glances at the last two members of what he thought was a trio.

His heart skipped a beat as his gaze centered on the female elf hanging onto the arm of the other well-dressed elf. Time seemed to slow down and for half a second Stahl stared into a hauntingly familiar face. As quickly as it happened, it ended. Stahl felt a force tugging him forward. He hardly registered the low voice offering him payment and the rough grip of the cyber-arm on his own before he snapped out of it and plastered a large grin onto his usually solemn face. "Sorry girlie, I had a call. You know how busy I am." he announces loudly, not-so-subtlety inspecting the loud orc up-and-down in the typical defensive boyfriend manner. "Gonna' let us in, pal? I'm lookin' to drop some nuyen on the good stuff, y'know?" Stahl spoke in the manner of what could be considered a cocky street kid who had just a bit too much wealth. He ended his statement there, not intending to provoke the large orc. After all, he was trying to get into the club, not get into a fight.

It seemingly worked, as the large orc waved the small group through with a displeased frown. Stahl let out a breath, making a point to inspect the interior of the club as he walked along with the woman. He lowered his voice, his usual neutral tone returning "I appreciate it. Doubt he would have let me in." He continued playing the part, walking along with the woman and listening to her responses, if any, while sitting with the group as they finally arrive at a nice table. He feels the gaze of the familiar elf woman as he sits in his seat, offering a polite smile as he moves to shake her hand.
"Hello.  Is Yelena.  You friend of Arc?"

"I'm Stahl. Ah, no, we've just met." He offers his introduction to all seated at the table, his earlier manner of speaking gone.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-25-15/2343:43>
Frankly, Arc is surprised that half-brained idea of hers even worked.  The elf man played along splendidly, and even needed a way into the club to boot!  Mentally grinning at her stroke of combined luck and genius, the human wrapped her arm around the man's, tilting her head a little with a polite smile to the bouncer as they were let in.  Upon entry, and meeting Tammie, she was floored by how Marco handled himself in these circles, and even more so as Yelena adopted her own persona, working the looks and the stares as if some kind of performance.  And if the human didn't know better, the Russian seemed to be enjoying it.  Taking her advice, she took a breath and turned to the man as they were led through the club to a table.

"Guess we both needed a hand, huh?  Appreciation recipro'ed, chummer.  Name's Arc.  Feel free to join us."  She casually used her street name, though likely it carried a reputation now, being involved in saving the Barrens from its recent peril, but she thought none of it as they all sat down as a group at the table, Yelena offering her hand.  Arc's cheeks flushed a little pink at the realization that he basically was her cop out, but she shrugged and smirked widely.

"What can I say?  Needed a fraggin' excuse to get m'hoop clear of whatsisname.  Works out too.  Hoi, you're not looking to score a free partay, are yeh?"  The human trailed off, glancing sidelong and tracing the man's gaze to Yelena, head tilting a bit in curiosity.

As for refreshments or whatever, Arc started to pull up the ARO menu, mentally swooning a bit at the pricing of the service, but then remembered the pocket money Sam had given them...oh boy...Pace yourself, girly...let the escort boy run that show, just do yo thang...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-26-15/0011:11>
Seeing the situation at the door Marco realizes that Arc must still feels like a pet. Why is the guard so explicit with her... he shouldn't feel comfortable speaking like that to her,  she makes herself too accessible. She does have some resolve... but instead of talking him up she picks some other guy as if the only way she could possibly refuse his attention is waving some other guy in front of him. It was a bit strange, the young girl was popular, in her own turf they all liked her, yet no one appreciated her... Marco assumed that she still feels like a pet or a what was the word she used yesterday... beatstick.
Marco felt odd... he never anticipated her being so threatened by the same attention she seemed to be enjoying so much yesterday. Infact, Yelena was watching her all night trying to make sure she wasn’t enjoying herself too much. The two must share some special connection. He felt it - but was not sure what connected them.

He addressed Arc’s new date:
Name is Marco and the pretty lady here is Yelena, this is Feathers.  He shook his hand with confident. It is awesome that you made it in here with us... by all means do join us! I 

Tammie!... Get our friend a suit! He sized him up... size B will do. .

The table was already packed with what Marco felt were their favorite drinks thanks to some prep calls he made. There was also a nervous waitress, that constantly tried to establish eye contact in order to see if they wanted anything. She was dressed like a blue Deva.  Marco poured some Vodka for Yelena, and what he hoped was the Rum Arc drunk that night. Feathers did not seem to be picky about drinks so he just invited a large variety of them for him. For himself he poured a glass of good quality red wine.

He played with his glass a little bit, smelled it and when his foreplay was finished. He said:
I hope I got drinks right... just get yourself something else if I did not.  he said as he raised his glass. *Cheers* he said, and took a sip. It was a small one.

He whispered to Yelena :  - His face showed no clue as to what it was about.
[spoiler]
Do you still want to sleep with Tammie?
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-26-15/0049:40>
Marco then contacts Arc, saying: I thought you liked 'WhatshisName' you two seemed to be dancing quite a bit yesterday... shouldn't let him talk to you like that tough.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-26-15/0052:19>
Yelena laughs softly, "Fragging brilliant, Arc."  She looks at the strangely dressed Keeb.  "Guess with us now."   Scanning the AROs scattered about the club's interior, she finds the directions to the public restrooms, and the exits.  At the table, she smiles and takes Stahl's hand as Marco makes the introduction.  "Nice to meet.  Thank for help Arc."  As Marco poured out the vodka, she pulls the small silver case from her clutch and offers the cigars to the others at the table before taking one and lighting up.  She pulls the acrid smoke in and lets it out, relishing the flavor.  She holds the cigar with her left hand and reaches out for the vodka in the shot glass.  Holding her drink up to the others she says, "Nostrovya!"  Downing the shot in a single gulp she relishes the fire it causes as it wends its way from mouth to stomach, where it stays on fire for some time.  She smiles as she places the shot glass upside down on the table and pulls at her cigar.  She looks at the obviously nervous waitress.  "Very good and thank you.  You pick good vodka.  Yelena pleased."

Yelena is surprised when Marco leans over to whisper in her ear.  She considers the question carefully then whispers back, "Yelena interested, yes.  But not if pay or coerce.  Must want Yelena.  And not for now.  Later.  Cannot forget reason here."  She sits back against the soft seat, smoking her cigar while looking around.  "Will others come if sit here or should move about?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-26-15/0215:08>
Marco watched himself, like he watched Arc driving, he was inside his body... he agreed to where she was taking him but was not in complete control. Sure he could fight his charm, struggle to keep it contained - but he was exhausted from doing so. Yesterday took all his restraint, he struggled all night not to be too charming.

Tammie was not his type, she was breath taking indeed - but their relationship revolved around a power struggle.  It took him three weeks to gain access to the club because he was not confident enough to go directly to the one making decisions -to her.

He talked to more accessible mid level employees, asking for favors placing a couple of bribes. The previous time he went to the club he used money as a weapon, throwing it around in piles, it was unexpected and gained him the advantage.  But that tactic he could not continue for long, and will not be unexpected for long.   If he wanted that VIP table for the future he need to get it because of his personality, not his money. He felt that after the impression he did tonight she will book him that VIP table when he asks. Infact, if he was charming enough - any table he sits in will become a VIP table.

Tammie had more inside than she let people know... she probably did not have to consult with anyone to give him that table. Not returning a replay was her own power struggle, he’s not calling to verify was his own. She was a player, like he was. Both of them used  every social interaction trying to define the relationship, trying to get advantage.  He  felt that he was a bit ahead. For tonight at least - she was caught off guard as he acted in an unexpected way. Suddenly confident, almost rude and for tonight she was working for him.

After a short pause, he answered Yelena;

Well, think of this table as the Olympus, people will come to entertain you here... but no one will dare to just approach you for a casual chat. We should go dancing, or go to the ‘holodeck’ if we want casual social interaction. But do stick here for a short while, just being seen at this table will effect most people in the club.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-26-15/0329:12>
Yelena looked at Marco while she finished her cigar, then gathered her clutch and stood up.  "Yelena not sure Sam want this.  Will go along, but not happy.  Now need use loo."  She nodded to the others and went off, following the ARO that lead to the ladies room.  Once inside she nodded to the attendant and went to one of the posh sinks.  Leaning back slightly with her butt against the counter, she took a cigar from her case and lit it.  She pulled several times, thinking of Sam and the mission.  *Why Sam find Yelena?  Had to look hard.  Yelena dead three times and no real trail.  No record exist after prison riot and even if did, Yelena died in river in Moskva.  How he find and why?  Yelena not important to anyone.  Good skill, yes, but others with good skill.  Yelena kill many times; for self, for Nikko, for Vory, for gangs.  But not explain why Sam want find.  Sam is too secret.  Not sure Sam good Yelena, and not sure Marco not stooge for Sam.  Too easy.  Too much money.  Too much big idea.  Frag Sam  Like all boss; not tell all.*  She finishes the small cigar and tips the ash into the sink before washing it down and field stripping the butt without really thinking about it.  Putting the paper end into her clutch, she asks the price of the small alcohol hand wipes and buys several, then places several nuyen into the small tip tray next to the attendant.  She opens one of the packets, removing the wipe and using it to wipe down the faucet handle she had touched.  She smiles at the attendant and leaves the restroom, using the wipe to clean the surface of the handles on both sides of the door.

Instead of going back to the table, she decides to wander a bit, going from room to room.  This really is so very far from what she is used to that she is not comfortable here.  The dress is great and she knows she looks good in it, and the hair, the make up, the accessories all add to the ruse.  They all say that the woman is not Yelena.  Still, it is only for the one night.  Right?  She snorts, as if.  She avoids the main room where the others are sitting at the table and circulates, trying to make the contacts that Sam is paying them for. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-26-15/0524:52>
Say minimum get maximal effectiveness - could Demoness anticipate that her runners won’t go along with a night out in a fancy club?  Yelena seemed to be itching to start working. He did not know how long she’ll play along if at all.  Demoness was a lot different, patient and careful. She frequently booked Marco for several months before she made her move. She probably did a lot of legwork and only made her finishing move when she had enough leverage to ensure compliance. If Marco was more of an adventurous type and enjoyed this new profession he would have never find out about her leverage.

He was already too similar to a runner, he hated it. He had many buddies but no friends - no one that he really trusted. Part of it was thanks to Demoness that introduced him to a degree of illegality, where he started doing things he could not talk about. But really - everyone betrayed his trust, his parents, his bishop, Demoness... his life were just one betrayal after another.  But he never burned bridges, he kept in touch with his bishop, he worked for Demoness and he did what he could to stick with his parents.  That despite wanting all of them dead from time to time.

Yesterday was different, for a moment he forgot that they were runners and it was a job, for one night he was out with friends where he had nothing to hide from - well just for one night. He figured that he must have pushed them a bit too far with glamour, he hoped that they see it as a positive experience after all. He found it odd that a runner will be that neglected - I mean sure you grew up in the barrens but you are more than a street scum. You make serious money... you should be able to go to fancy clubs, eat real food and enjoy life. Instead, most runners spent their money on fancy expensive equipment - they were after *more* power... in a never ending pursuit to be better missing the very essence of life.

Marco was not going to let Demoness pay him money... money is a mechanism of control.  He already burned anything that she paid him on lifestyle, fancy restaurants and donations. In fact, his last job paid enough money to establish a small soap kitchen - while many runners where after power - Marco wanted to escape it - he was too young and too trusting to handle the powerful beings that were attracted to power. This is why he wanted to learn to be like Demoness.

That thought, he just continued drinking and making a pleasant chat, enjoying the music thinking about that Access Denied band. He was determined not to try and do anything practical to advance demoness goals - just like she asked him ... let them come to you. Just be a high roller and eventually they offer their special stuff. Besides, for him it wasn’t so difficult to obey an order to have fun - in fact, he was partying before he left to the club.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <03-26-15/0636:22>
"Guess we both needed a hand, huh?  Appreciation recipro'ed, chummer.  Name's Arc.  Feel free to join us."
Stahl nodded once in a polite manner, responding. "Good to meet you, Arc."  Stahl wasn't entirely expecting that sort of street accent, though he was pleasantly surprised by the woman's attitude. Her use of a street name was also rather curious, though Stahl had other things to worry about. He decides against ordering any drink, instead chatting with and meeting the rest of the group at the table. His gaze lingered on Feathers for a few moments, his brows furrowing lightly. Where have I seen him before?

Hoi, you're not looking to score a free partay, are yeh?"

"I'm afraid not. I'm actually looking for a friend of mine."
Stahl's expression turned a bit more serious as he kept this information limited to Arc, though imagined it wouldn't be too hard to overhear. "Short, dark hair. Human. Sort of skinny. Green eyes, usually wearing a black suit with a green pin on it. I don't know how often you come here, but.." Stahl trails off, looking to Arc in a vain hope she'll know something about Reiner. Stahl had not yet caught any glimpse of his friend which was especially concerning since Reiner was usually the loudest and drunkest person at these kinds of places.

Stahl smiled towards Marco, nodding his head. "I really appreciate it. Good to meet you too." Stahl wasn't about to turn down a suit. He stuck out like a sore thumb in this place. Had he not entered with this group, he had no doubt in his mind he'd be asked to leave. Stahl accepted Yelena's hand, the accent she had throwing him off again. It seems he had severely misjudged this group. With a short sigh one thought slipped into his mind: She looks just like her. Quickly shaking the thought from his mind, Stahl did his best to look like he belonged there.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-26-15/1138:00>
Marco finally established eye contact with the blue deva shaped waitress. We’ll have four steaks, medium well. Please do not return until they are ready.. He watches the waitress leave and then takes another sip from his wine and say.  Good, their kitchen only has room for three steaks so it will take her some time to return. Keep your glass full and laugh when I laugh.

He poured some red wine into Stahl's glass. It is awesome wine from Portugal. Called port wine - 20% alcohol so be careful...  but by all means keep that glass of yours full and your face cheerful despite what I am about to say.  He laughs, his laughter is deep and loud - and it seems so genuine it makes you want to laugh as well.

Marco takes a sip of wine, and speaks his hands move as if he is excited - his tone of voice and his body language are as if he is talking about some very vulgar, very explicit sexual joke but the actual content of the words is entirely different.

You are in great danger Sthal. You are extremely lucky to have found your way into our table. Let me guess, your friend was a loud dude right? a party lover?... well here is the deal he is not the only one missing. He laughs... it takes him around 20 seconds to get his breath back. his laughter his so contagious, you feel the urge to laugh as well.

He continue, again there is no relation with the excitement he moves his hands in and his facial expression to his lips. At what day did he visit the club? I was here twice previously perhaps I have seen him. Don't ask no one here nothing tonight because you are in over your head. Tomorrow I’ll introduce you to a friend of mine that may be willing to show you surveillance footage of the club so we can try to find your friend. You see... this club is not what it seems to be - and if you stick your head into the rabbit hole unprepared you might fall inside.   He laughs.

 If you managed to pay attention to both his words and the joke, you could actually understand both of them. As if his body language hand movements, facial expressions and pitch of voice were enough to tell the joke even without words.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-26-15/1144:49>
Arc gave a little sigh at Narco's comment, mentally firing him a text to avoid having to speak on the situation.

@Marco:  It wasn't serious last night.  I barely remember him.  Besides that, needs to be on my terms.

There was one key difference between how Arc feels at the Stardust than at the Pit: the Pit was familiar ground, streetpeeps of that which she grew up around.  She was comfortable there, and just having fun.  The fact she was also wasted up to here might have helped with that.  Here at the Stardust though, she was in a class unknown to her.  Nonetheless, she reminded herself she was supposed to be having fun, and picked up a shot glass of the rum, downing it with the others.  She held the dark liquor on her tongue for a moment, letting it burn While the amalgamation of flavors and notes danced on her taste buds: hint of cinnamon, fire, and ooh was that cocoa?  Gulping, she let out her breath in a small sigh. 

Listening to the stranger, now known as Stahl, the human gave a little nod as her stomach warmed to the booze.  "I don't.  First time here.  Believe it or not, I don't normally earn this kind of pay, haha.  Got lucky with some stuff, so to say.  I'll keep an eye out...ah". She noted Yelena had left to find a restroom, sitting back and furrowing a little, for a brief moment before she made her smile return.  She laughed and chatted for a bit, seeing the crowd ebb and flow around them, the music however muted filtering in.  Marco dropping the bomb was a surprise, but if living under a gang taught her one thing, if was to play along, and she laughed with him, her green cybereyes glancing at Stahl to confirm that Marco wasn't trying to pull a fast one.

"Thinking of hitting the floor in a bit...anyone care to join?  Feathers, I ain't gonna force you this time, I already owe ya for before..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-26-15/1154:46>
Sure thing Arc, you do not have to ask me twice... Shell we? He look at feathers and Stahl   ... You guys are coming? On the way Marco texts Arc I know dear...was just teasing you a bit. You don’t need a date to stand up to him - just do it. The balance changed now you are the powerful one..
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-26-15/1402:03>
@ Yelena  As you're leaving the restroom your stopped by a waitress. She looks at you and says, "Hi, I just wanted to say Thank You" for killing that thing. I saw you on the trid today or I wouldn't have recognized you, but my brother was in White Serenity and was one of the first people killed by Smiley.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <03-26-15/1944:37>
Stahl's expression hardens as Marco speaks. While he doesn't laugh along as Arc does, he offers a thin smile when the man is finished speaking, staring for a moment to assess the man's intentions. After a short breath, he takes a small sip of his freshly-poured wine. When Marco finishes laughing, Stahl answers simply, "I don't know specific days, only that this is his new favorite joint. Could have been anywhere between a month ago and yesterday." Stahl opted not to take the elf's closing comment, or any of the other information he revealed, as a veiled threat. There was certainly something odd about this group but Stahl didn't feel as though they were the danger relating to this place. He found himself intrigued by Marco's words, despite knowing he shouldn't get himself involved. He continued, nodding his head to Marco in an appreciative manner while spouting off a decent fake-laugh for any observers, "I think I would very much like to meet this friend of yours, Marco."

Stahl would remain silent for a moment after, pondering both Arc and Marco's words. He shakes his head lightly as Arc heads off to the dancefloor. "I'm more of a nice dinner and trid sort of guy. I'll stay." Stahl nods politely to Feathers before taking a few moments to sip from his wine glass, seemingly deep in thought.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-26-15/2028:34>
Marco descreetly text the following message to Demoness. 

Demoness

I know we agreed that I don’t get to add my friends .

I know we agreed that I don’t just tell random strangers.

This stranger that Arc picked up had a story so insane that I decided to trust him and warn him before he get himsel 'missing' and our opertunity is lost.  Having an ally that is genuinely interested in someone can also shed more light on the entire situation. The opportunities I saw were too great to ignore so I decided to pick bold over careful.

P.S he came so under dressed that he obviously did not have an intelligent plan and was in over his head... I was genuinely afraid for his life.

I hope you won’t actually kill me this time - and please contact him ASAP if you think it is worth it - before we lose that opertunity. I warned him in a way that could also pass as a joke, so I am not sure how seriously he took my word. He did give me his com frequency tough.

I am going to dance a little - just in case this is the last opertunity to do so.

Idiot or Brilliant Marco
(depends on your perspective).

Attached Stahl's comlink frequency - please contact him.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-26-15/2342:48>
Yelena is genuinely glad to see someone that is apparently not on Marco's payroll.  "You welcome.  Many helped.  Yelena just one.  But you welcome.  What name?  Is Yelena."  She smiles and stays with the girl, exchanging small talk about the Barrens before shifting the topic.  "So what club like? Yelena not been in place like this before.  What can do?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-27-15/0057:28>
With a nod, Arc smiled at Stahl before departing fro. the table with Marco.  She felt bad for Feathers, leaving him with Stahl without so much as a warning, but Marco was right: she had to get herself out there to try to get any info.  Luckily, it wasn't hard to pull up Stahl's link and rip the commcode, allowing the human to send a message, along with one to the currently missing Yelena.

@Stahl:  pulled your code.  Null sweat.  I'll keep an eye out for your friend.>>

@Yelena:  putting myself out there and hitting the dance floor w/Marco.  My date might be discretely aware drek is going on.  Best I act natural and do the Drek I did last night eh?  Everything okay, omae?"

And with that, she led the way to the dance floor.  Cosmic electric grooves were blasting through the Matrix, lights and some smoke filtering through the throng of swaying bodies.  Arc's dress kicked in its AR features, dazzling shooting stars and other astral effects leaping across the fabric as she started to Bob and sway, finding the rhythm.  The warmth of the run tickled her insides but nowhere near to the point of inebriation, a wide smile on the dolled up human's face as she mingled with the crowd.  She was seen.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-27-15/0115:50>
Yelena keeps talking to the waitress as she responds to Arc.  @Arc:  Yelena chat up waitress.  Ask her what can do in club.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-27-15/0225:29>
@ Yelena  The waitress looks at you and smiles, a bit relieved. "My name is Nova. I'm not even joking, it really is." She laughs,  "The club is great! You can do just about anything really. It's already set up for so much Matrix stuff that you can have/do/be just anybody. There are private rooms where you can do anything. Tammie or Regina make sure everyone is having fun."

@ Marco  You receive a comm from your daemoness >>I'll check him out.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-27-15/0818:14>
Marco takes Arc to dance the music today is latino style, and Arc quickly discovers that her partner is skilled in the art of salsa. He spin her, bend her and lead so well that she intuitively learn the moves... sort off. Marco does his best to make her feel special, feminine and smoking hot. He treats her as if she is the the only woman on the dance floor, and every time she get a move wrong he improvise something around it, to keep her from feeling awkward.  After a couple of songs the scenery changes, everything become red as mars.

Marco reluctantly tell Arc:  I am enjoying you so much but we better mingle a little bit. I am going to the Bar, feel free to share around some of the moves I showed you, and give me a buzz if you need anything. With your DNI it is the closest thing to telepathy. Great dress by the way... I love how you throw stars around where ever you go. 

Marco then leaves and sits at the Bar... So Bill - what’s going on around here? has anyone completed the space program challenge yet? he then orders another glass of his favorite port wine and signals one of the waitresses to fetch Arc some of her Rum. Thinking that she would probably need it to loosen up a bit.


attached: Salsa room music
[spoiler]
My baby girl loves it ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exneSCE60AY[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <03-27-15/0909:06>
Stahl shot a quick reply back to Arc, seemingly not bothered by the fact she managed to rip the comm code from his cheap comm-link. Either he was used to it or he just didn't mind, especially considering she said she'd keep an eye out for Reiner.

@Arc: Appreciate it. His name's Reiner in case you find anything. Break a leg out there.

Stahl opted to stay at the table with Feathers in silence. It seemed he had stumbled into something bigger than just a missing friend. The atmosphere in the club was ecstatic with the large amount of people dancing and drinking all around. Stahl scanned the crowd for a familiar face, though he didn't exactly have his hopes up. He nursed his drink for a short moment, thinking over what Marco had said. It was strange to relay that information to him, though Stahl supposed it was a good thing. He didn't exactly have any leads. Stahl sat in silence along with Feathers, idly pondering his situation.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-27-15/1014:31>
Yelena talks with Nova for a few minutes before the girl has to get back to work.  Smiling and moving her hips to the beat of the Latin music, she moves past a few of the rooms, not seeing much out of the ordinary.  Once back in the main room she sees Feathers and Stahl sitting at the table and goes that way.  She moves to stand in front of Stahl and smiles at him as she offers her hand.  "Yelena not good dancer but Stahl want try?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <03-27-15/1135:45>
Stahl peers up to Yelena, in the middle of sipping his drink. He offers a brief smile before shrugging his shoulders and standing, taking the offered hand. "Why not. It's been awhile." He moves to follow Yelena onto the dance floor. Seemingly a bit uncomfortable in the large crowd, Stahl nevertheless loosens up, aiming to dance along casually with Yelena. He couldn't help but notice how similar she looked to Elyse - though the accent threw off the illusion thankfully. Stahl didn't want to dance with a dead woman. Considering the day's event, Stahl put in a solid effort to enjoy himself, even if for a couple of moments.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-27-15/1141:39>
To say Arc was swept away by the dance would be a mild understatement, the elf leading her through steps she didn't I ow her short body could do.  Sure, she stumbled a bit, especially with the small heels her boots sported, but it felt natural and flawless throughout.  It was definitely catching the crowd's attention, and just. like that Marco said his farewells for now.  "Thanks, chummer.  Take a pic, who knows if I'll wear it again."". With a. Grin, she let him leave as the music turned to a slower, more hypnotic tone with electronic themes. the crowd turning into a sea of conversation and motion.

The human joined in, no longer worried after getting the assurances and updates from her friends and partners here.  Even as a waitress came by with her drink, she picked it up without skipping a beat, holding and balancing the liquid carefully while sipping from it.  To the casual eye, she was simply a young adult having a good timea, wearing something much more valuable than her street mechanic reputation would suggest.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-27-15/1809:29>
The crowd was definitely having a good time and the waitresses were busy weaving in and out with drinks and party drugs. The heroes were approached by a number of people for handshakes and selfies. Several people bought them drinks and drugs, "A little something to celebrate with" they'd generally say. But only a few seemed to know who they really were. Most just seemed to have overheard, "I saw you on the trid today!" and just wanted to be part the crowd taking pics with the movie stars. The ARO's throughout the club constantly changed from one exciting venue to another, supernova, aliens, shooting stars, primordial pop and the list kept on and as the crowd grew more inebriated and hopped up the music kept driving them on. But, there must be a glitch in the computer program, because there was an area of static and darkness in the pattern. Oh wait, it's ok, management seems to be on it, several bouncers were with Tammie and the glitch moved off the floor and towards the private rooms and then disappeared.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-27-15/1825:01>
  "Thanks, chummer.  Take a pic, who knows if I'll wear it again."". With a.
Marco was not sure if she meant it literally, but since he really wanted a picture with her he asked a nice lady to take their picture with his comlink.

The way to the bar was long - he did not want to stop dancing it was in his blood. Luckily his timing was perfect and the song he picked was the last for this session. There was something about this night that was different - it was fun to just dance with Arc without the pressure to impress her - just honest fun.

He enjoyed it so much he had to stop himself, he kept reminding himself that it is just for one night, and after that she’ll return to be that tough mechanic girl from the Barrens. He’ll return to be a strange guy that enjoys giggling sometimes and is considered a freak in the Barrens.
 
But tonight was strange, he was a manly man, and she was a lady. Was that all just pretend? 
He did not listen very closely to Bill - Eventually, when he figured out whats really on his mind he smsed Arc.

Dear  Arc:

Would you like to do Salsa again sometime soon?
I know it is not metal but it will be a shame to let this nice dress of yours gather dust.

Marco


He then spotted Yelena and Sthal dancing - there was something funny to this picture. He wasn't sure why... until a moment later it hit him... I just ordered four steaks just for feathers... poor fellow.
He laughed.
SMS to the party:
Dear Arc, Yelena, Sthal - if you are hungry poor feathers is probably served four high quality steaks just about now... They are the real deal, not that crappy soy based replacements.

He then picked up guest at the bar, she looked a bit familiar but he could not place her. Hey... he said how about a dance? He used their common dance in order to get close to Tammie and her bouncers, perhaps overhearing a little bit about what they are talking about.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-27-15/2234:30>
After a few steps it was readily apparent that neither Yelena nor Stahl could really dance well.  She laughs and leans closer.  Yelena not very good.  Sorry.  What about just hold Yelena."  She puts her arms close around the male Keeb and moves in to plaster her form to his.  They dance with a rhythm all their own and she is a bit lost in the music and the closeness.  Someone in the crowd feels her butt through the dress and she does not seem to mind. It could be Stahl or some random stranger, but it feels good that someone wants to feel her up.  After two dances she lifts her head a bit and says, "So tell Yelena about you.  Where from and what do?"

After a few more dances and hopefully some words from her dance partner, she sighs, "Well, back to work, Stahl.  Thank for dance.  Yelena must mingle.  Maybe more later if want."  She moves closer to the edge of the dance floor so as to be more available.  She smiles at all the people who bring her drinks or other things.  The drinks she takes and conveniently puts on a small table to her side before returning to a conversation with someone.  She guides the person chatting her up to the next table over, conveniently forgetting her drink.  The drugs she slips into her clutch.

When she gets the message from Marco about the steak she can hear her stomach growling.  Laughing, she moves over to her table and sits with Feathers to enjoy a really good steak.  She has not had a real one in years and thoroughly enjoys the flavor.  She pours another shot of vodka, her second of the night, and slugs it down, placing the glass upside down on the table with the first one.  She asks the waitress for some iced water.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <03-28-15/0047:00>
Stahl smiled briefly as Yelena spoke, realizing that the pair of them were certainly rather poor at dancing compared to some of the other people on the dance floor. Stahl replied to Yelena sheepishly, waving a hand briefly. "Don't worry about it. I'm not much better." It seemed Stahl's dancing skills fit in better with the slower tempo and he doesn't object to Yelena moving in closer. The uncanny feeling Stahl got every time he looked at Yelena returned and his vision was plagued with thoughts from the past. He once again shook it off as Yelena spoke again. After a short pause, he replies evenly, keeping his answers short and sweet and perhaps purposely vague, "I'm from Germany. The capital, to be precise." Stahl pauses for a moment and a flicker of what could be doubt flashes across his face. "I suppose I don't do much of anything right now. Work's been hard to find." Stahl would end it at that, clearly uncomfortable about speaking on himself.

As Yelena gets back to work, Stahl says his goodbyes and eventually meets back up with the elf at the table, eyeing the steak hungrily. He couldn't remember the last time he had honest, cooked food. He sat, using any available silverware to eat the steak in a decidedly posh manner. He'd remain quiet for the most part, opting to listen in to the others talk. Stahl realized, with some amount of surprise, that he was actually enjoying himself. The entire event was rather spontaneous but this group seemed to be made up of good people. Soon after these thoughts Stahl was hit with a pang of guilt. After all, he'd come here to look for Reiner, not party. He continued eating, nevertheless, his expression dour and solemn despite the club's energy.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <03-28-15/0258:36>
Ambrose sighed as he didn't get a response from the kid. "Well.. Just think on it." he remarks, shaking his head as he stood, and moved off out of the bar. He was fortunate enough to get the maps of the place, and honestly could plot the bombs out with just those alone. It wouldn't have been hard, but in this job he's learned one thing. Undersell yourself more.

While the Yak knew his demolitions and pickpocketing, they weren't really brought into the knowledge of what else he could do. If it was about sixty years ago or so, he could be in some truck cooking meth with a dead beat druggy. Now the chemical compounds are different, a lot different. Somethings effect trolls, some effect awaken, somethings are digital drugs.

Moving around to a few shops here and there, he began a shopping list of gear he needed, wanted to have in order to properly do this. The first was the papers he needed to make the fake IDs, While he had some at his place, it was at his place. Besides that it was getting a little tinged from unuse, and he needed to make sure he had a fresh stock.

Then to the convenience store to pick up a few packs of cheap cigarettes, he wasn't of a smoker, actually quite the opposite, but one thing he found was just how usable one of these were if you pulled out a few and replaced with a small micro camera or Micro-microphone. Of course there was also removing the tabacco and putting a small fire cracker within then stuffing the tobacco back in. If done carefully enough,  none would be the wiser of the explosive within.

Along with the packs, he bought a few decent lighters. These were probably even better for hidden surveillance gear, as few people take them apart when they are emptied out.

He moved all over town so he could be there the next day, Collecting a few minicameras, minimics, things to hide them.

Along with that he finally got that update to his car's software, adding a rating 2 pilot program.

Returning home he begins to sit down and stare at his desk. What could he use for his story? While he pondered this he began taking apart the first lighter to install a microcamera into it.

[spoiler]
Criminal Knowledge (http://orokos.com/roll/268409): 8d6t5 1
Disguise the Lighter (http://orokos.com/roll/268410): 10d6t5 3
Sprawl Life (http://orokos.com/roll/268411): 6d6t5 2

Bought 4 packs of Cigarettes 5Y each 20Y
Bought  6 Lighters at 10Y Each, for 60Y
Bought 4 Micro Cameras at 100Y Each for 400Y
Bought 6 Micro Microphones at 100Y Each for 600Y
Bought rating 2 Auto Pilot at 500 per rating, for 1000Y

Total cost 2080Y

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-28-15/0411:37>
Ambrose works for several hours, slowly, carefully, methodically. And when he's done the ordinary looking cigarettes are tools for his trade and each one will serve his needs.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-28-15/0611:52>
Marco goes back to the table, he looks happy and it is not the port wine. He sits and eagerly eats his steak… they are decent… definitely not exquisite tough, if Sam pays enough I’ll take you to a place with good meat. They'll do their work in enabling a night of drinking tough.

He looks distant for a short while and then speaks with great passion in his words.
This careful and in control thing does not work for us tonight…. we should indulge ourselves so we get offered their really cool attractions.  We need to be paitient -  I am going to start with the Apollo missions and I am going to drink the entire program- Or pass out trying to!
then I am going to dance like a devil and when my legs are tired I'll go to chill out in that hot tub on the roof… this my night plan. I think that it will be super effective, and we’ll have some fun in the process. I bet Arc can just record everything she sees and I can browse my memories when I am sober -  I can even help you remember if you let me.

After a short while he adds in a serious voice.

The people that see the true nature of this places are the ones that party the hardest, not the ones that carefully control how much they drink.  he orders the entire Appolo program in intervals of 5 minutes between drink to drink.  Be punctual. he tells the waitress, it appears that it is very important to him.


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-28-15/0648:30>
Yelena stays close to Stahl as he talks, stroking his back with an arm.  She perks up a bit when he says he is from Germany.  "Deutschland?  Jelena wurde Deutschland.  Mehrere Städte, sind Kapital."  She pauses but his answers do not express much.  Sensing that Stahl is uncertain, she stops asking questions and puts her head back against his chest and lets the music take her away.  When she reluctantly breaks from Stahl to mingle she spends a few moments to check on Arc.  Her friend seems to be having a great time so she leaves her alone to begin mixing.

When Stahl joins them at the table, Yelena motions for him to dig into one of the steaks.  She notices his hesitation and the expression on his face.  "Stahl miss friend?  Yelena know how feel.  Hope you find." 

She smiles at Marco when he comes back to the table.  Laughing, she says, "Marco know fun.  Yelena not know how let loose.  Very uncomfortable  Marco say tub on roof?  That where Yelena go and maybe meet with other people there."  She picks up one of the bottles of vodka and several shot glasses and heads for the stairs to the rooftop garden and hot tub.  A sign at the top of the stairs warns the patrons that the pool is a bathing suit optional area.  The paved path leads through a decorative garden, complete with small trees and she follows it to a large open patio.  A full bar sits on one side, artfully blending into the vegetation and several chaise lounges circle the bubbling hot tub in the center of the expanse.  She gasps when she sees the size of the pool.  *Is like huge boiling pot.*  Yelena greets the three women and five men that are already in the tub.  There is a pile of large fluffy towels on a rack near the tub and Yelena goes to get one.  She places her bottle and glasses on the patio surface in reach of the tub then she strips the cheongsam off and slips into the bubbling water, not particularly caring if they notice her tattoos.  After all, they might be conversation starters.   She offers the others a drink as she pours herself a shot. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <03-28-15/1209:20>
"Stahl miss friend?  Yelena know how feel.  Hope you find." 

"Danke. Viel Spaß." Stahl offered, somewhat still lost in his thoughts. Between meeting this new group and searching for Reiner, Stahl had a lot of thinking to do. He silently finished his steak, glancing around the club. Seems like I've enjoyed myself too much. Stahl shot a short glance around the less-populated parts of the club in an effort to maybe spot something odd. Not finding anything out of the unusual, Stahl realized he wasn't just going to get lucky and find out some random clue about his friend. With a somewhat crestfallen sigh he stood from the table, bidding anyone still there a good night, before moving to exit the club swiftly. On his way out, Stahl thought to himself, Looks like I'll just have to wait for Marco's friend. May as well ask around some more. Shortly after leaving the building, Stahl shot a short message to Arc.

>>@Arc: Heading out. Thanks for the help. Contact me if you find anything. Stop by my apartment sometime - I need to repay you for helping me get in. Bring whoever. No need for fancy dresses this time. After shooting Arc his address, Stahl began the long walk home. He wasn't too worried about handing his address out to the group. They seemed friendly enough and if they had information regarding Reiner he definitely had to make them his friends. It was getting rather late by this point. Stahl thought perhaps he might have stayed out a bit too late - Abigail wasn't going to be happy. With a short frown Stahl realized how old that made him sound. He was hardly in his twenties. For a brief moment Stahl longed to be back in Hannover. It hadn't even been that long since he left, and Stahl felt like he was a completely different person. He shook these thoughts off. Stahl debated stopping to pick something up for the babysitter, instead deciding to head straight back. He stuffed his hands into his coat as he swiftly walked down the darkening sidewalk.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-28-15/1233:15>
Sat @ 03:00
@ Arc  The music is infectious and you're having a good time despite you're earlier misgivings. The number of guys wanting to dance with you is very large, and you're earlier clumsiness is soon swept away. You eventually find yourself at the bar cuddled up against a very good looking human who signals one of the bartenders, an orc, to bring you a fresh drink. "I know a great little place we can go to after this. Someplace quieter, where we can enjoy each others company a bit more." His smile is warm and engaging and he gazes up and down your figure appreciatively. The orc glances at you and says, "I'm glad to meet Arc." and in Or'Zet, "Joyboy is branching out." with a look towards your 'admirer'.

@ Yelena  The party on the roof admires your figure and accepts the drinks. And once you're in you can see that bathing suits would be unexpected in here. They're friendly and one of them passes you some Bliss. "It doesn't go as well with Vodka as it does the Twin Sun Twilight but it'll still help your enjoyment. And I would definitely enjoy getting to know your tats a lot better." He grins at you lasciviously. A woman smiles at you all, "Although nothing beats the Starlight. Once you guys get over playing with the usual offerings and spend enough money the club will offer you their special." she says with the air of someone tantalizing you to sin. He responds, "I'm sure we'll all get around to it. Places like this make their money y keeping you coming. So they've always got to offer something new. But noting beats having someone new. RIght?" He says reaching an arm around Yelena and pulling her into him. The water is the perfect temperature as is his skin and his hand roves suggestively, teasingly, as his lips stroke her neck.

@ Marco  You're in demand tonight as the women and a few men via for your attention. It's not hard to keep the drinks coming as someone is always willing to pay for them in order to dance with you, and one good looking keeb leans in after a dance. "I've got a private room. You can enjoy a far larger variety of the pleasures this club has to offer back there with me. Very nice moves by the way." his voice drops a notch and his arm slides around your back with a subtle pressure pulling you towards him.

@ Stahl  The air is cold, and it's no time of night to be walking in The Barrens. Stahl decides he'd better get a taxi and one of the bouncers hails on for him. On the ride home he receives a comm, >>You're persona non-grata in your own country. But it remains to be seen if that makes you a hindrance or an asset to me. I am willing to show you the few photos I have of the missing to see if one of them is your friend and then we can discuss the possibility of you joining my crew. Meet me at The Skeleton at 09:00.Sam<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-28-15/1331:26>
After what seemed to be her second drink, Arc was definitely much more relaxed on the dance floor, her lack of knowledge of how to dance giving way to a natural moving of the body.  Ever she kept her eyes recording, in case there was something she missed that she may have so much as glanced at, for looking through later.  She picked up Yelena's trick about how to handle three drinks, though from all the offerings, she could have easiliy imbibed a full drink's worth or more.

Reading the messages from Marco, her smile seemed to falter a bit, but only for a brief moment.  Marco, what are you up to...  Stahl's seemed a bit less suggestive, which helped her relax a bit more as she finished her glass of rum, mentally sending her replies.

@Marco{Arc}>>
<<I'll think about that offer.  Stahl can have my steak.  Think I'm getting somewhere.  Saw Tammie take a glitch somewhere, but couldn't follow.  Drones won't do drek with this much noise.

@Stahl{Arc}>>
<<Null sweat, chummer.  I might take you up on that.  Be safe

It wasn't long after that into the late hours of the night that Arc found herself at the bar next to the man...who the bartender identified as Joyboy.  The human couldn't help but feel pleasantly surprised by the fact that only a few weeks ago, staying up this late would have  resulted in pain where her eye implants would begin burning from extended use.  That is gone, and now she is having a wild night as part of a job.  As the ork tender handed her a new drink, a dark whiskey neat in a glass, the little human responded back in Or'Zet.  "Joyboy, huh?  The frag you mean branching out?  Thanks for the drink, Ancestor's blessings."  Tilting her head, she sipped the strong whiskey as she turned to the human, a smirk on her face.  She was feeling the warm glow of the alcohol by now, getting a bit giggly.

"Picked up the language growing up.  You wouldn't be the first to think it odd, hahaha"  She took another pull, leaning up against the man before glancing up at him.  "..Quieter, huh?  I think I can be a bit more amenible to that...you ain't gonna whisk me away to some bunraku drek, right?  I'll break ya for that.." She winked, laughing and patting his chest, nodding her head.  "Aight...lead the way.."  Recalling through her buzz that private rooms could easily be where stuff is going on they might be interested in.  She sent a message to Yelena as a safety measure.

@Yelena{Arc}>>
<<Some gentleman Joyboy is taking me someplace private.  Seems innocent enough...for this place @ least.  Little nervous, but hoping I learn drek.  Will call if need help? :)
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-28-15/1341:11>
@ Arc The bartender replies, "Ancestor's Blessings" and in Or'Zet, "Grifter, smart enough to know his face won't last forever."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <03-28-15/1344:01>
Finally finished with his work, and satisfied he can pick up a rather lot of info, he spends the night at home so he could be able to be rested the next day. Thoughts buzz through his head as he sleeps, plans for the new day.

Waking up, he eighed, looking at the ceiling. Another day, another dollar. Well, the job wasn't going to get finished with him staying here. Sitting up he began to stretch the fatigue ouf of his body, joints popping as moved. Everything creaked, popped and crackled on the old man.

The place probably did have metal scanners at the door. What place wouldn't? Especially one that looked rather fancy like this. Slipping into clean clothing, he began putting on his suit again, the heavy coat over his shoulders. It was great he lived up here in Seattle where it was quite a bit cooler than some place like Arizona where wearing this heavy coat would be.. heavy.

A few hours to go for the reservation he had, He was very much a preparer. He didn't like going into situations without having backup plans, but now that he was by himself, unless the fashion accessory finally got back to him on things, He was going to have to go in without one. If nothing else, he spent the time before, looking at the maps that he did get for the bomb placements, and what kind of bombs would be needed. He did however go just slightly over the amount actually needed. Not too much in case the Yak did it themselves, but enough he could pocket a bit of boom. The club however was a little different from his normal targets, too many people in a small space.

Now was the time, at long last, to enter into the club. HE didn't bring any weapons with him, at least none that could be counted as one. His cigarettes, lighters and normal outfits.

He looked around, trying to find what he'd need to do for his job, Thats right, there is a party here for some local monster hunters or something. It probably wasn't anywhere near as bad as the media said, they do like to embellish things. HE didn't want to spend any nuyen, but he knew the importance of course to look like he wasn't just there for a job. He examined his reservation a few times to see if it allowed for any sort of "business expenses" he could do.

[spoiler] Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/268488): 10d6t5 4 [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-28-15/1411:39>
@ Ambrose  You receive a comm message just as you're leaving for the club. >>Blackhat will not be joining you. He had some most unfortunate friendships. Kato<< The credstick that's was delivered to you this morning is good for 300 nuyen. Ok for two, not generous but enough for drinks and tips. But, very generous for Ambrose with Blackhat out of the picture.

When you get to the club the AR display is in it's Jupiter Ascending phase. Spectacular, and the music is rising in tempo. Ambrose is a bit out of place with this young crowd, especially since he's not displaying any AR enhancements at the moment,
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-28-15/1450:07>
@ Arc The bartender replies, "Ancestor's Blessings" and in Or'Zet, "Grifter, smart enough to know his face won't last forever."

"Ayup, definitely not his usual then.  Ah well, thanks for the tip.  Here's one of my own"  A quick mental command authorized a deposit of 60 nuyen to the tender in appreciation of the warning.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-28-15/1459:05>
Yelena accepts the little capsule and looks at it, knowing what will happen if she breaks it and inhales the forbidden pleasures hidden inside.  It has been years since she was this close to her drug of choice.  Well, this and kamikaze.  She recalled different highs and different thrills.  The kamikaze had made her feel invincible and the bliss had been her means of escape.  She had never even realized she was addicted, much less how addicted she was.  It did not take long for her to be so very reliant on the drugs that she would do anything to get them.  Sex and killing were the common coin in prison and she was very proficient at using both to get her fixes. 

In the partial second it took for her to relive this, she felt herself sliding back into the pit it had taken twenty years to crawl out of.  The capsule in her hand proved to be too much.  Breaking it open under her nose, she allowed the heady, wonderful stuff to enter her body, suffusing to every part of her sensory group.  Smiling she looks at the man who had given her the drug, "Thank much.  Yelena like much.  And may tell of tattoos, but might not like what hear."  She also smiles at the woman,  "And what this special?  You have?"  Her look promises a tantalizing sin of its own, if the woman wants to accept the offer.

She is amused by Arc's message.  <Arc.  Yelena.  Not likely innocent this place.  Go with eyes open.  Have fun.  Call if need and Yelena be there.  Friend always.>

Yelena does nothing to resist the man as he pulls her to him.  She momentarily closes her eyes as his fingers roam across her body.  She opens them as he kisses her neck and, looking at the friendly woman, motions with an arm for her to join them.  She will let herself completely feel the moment and all the joy it can bring.  Her body leaps at the remembered joys of the drug coursing through her.  So long, so very long between hits and yet everything is remembered as if her last capsule was just hours ago.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-28-15/1623:38>
Having sort of wrote the book about temptation, Marco would never make it easy. He thinks that it does not matter how good you look - the best way to kill a desire is to completely satisfy it. Give them what they want and they are yours for a day, leave them begging for more and they are yours forever.

Marco gives a blank look to his partner, in just the right time he charges him and gives him a hot, sensual and passionate deep french kiss. I am sorry sweetie, there is really nothing you could possibly offer me. I like your smell and I would totally devour you some other night. I have experienced all vices in existence... I got bored with most of them. Either you shake that sweet body of yours, or stop wasting my time.

He continue dancing, giving in to the music and having fun. He does not wait to see what that keeb will do.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <03-28-15/1637:35>
Ambrose moved towards the bar, sitting down, where he pulled out his first lighter and a pack of cigarettes. He had everything running on silent, sans his com-link and SIN, if this place was one of those types of places where you needed to broad cast that.

"Rum and cola, well drink." he ordered. He wasn't about to spend much of that credstick, not yet. He didn't even know how much it might cost him to get the drug in the first place, but to keep up appearances he needed to at least get a drink. Watching from the bar, he begins scanning the crowed to see just who look like the kind for needing something stronger or different than normal street drugs.

[spoiler]Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/268517): 10d6t5 6[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-28-15/1658:44>
@ Ambrose  The bartender brings you your drink and sizes you up to see what kind of service to give you. And then just gives you a non-committal, "There you go chummer." You sip it and it's a good quality rum at least. As you scan the crowd it's quickly obvious that it's not a matter of who's likely to take the drugs. It's a matter of how much & what kind. Thinking back to the conversation with Kato yesterday you remember him saying Nakagawa had a history of use with party drugs and they weren't a problem. So you know your not looking for the usual offering. As you look around you see a small party of 5 that seems to be getting a lot of attention. Ah, those must be the heroes. As you sip and study the crowd over the next hour it becomes obvious that there is nothing offered on the floor by the waitresses that's out of the ordinary. But, that is definitely not true of the private tables. if you're going to lift the drug you'll need an in, Assuming you can spot which one is THE one.

@ Marco  Immediately when you turn a girl moves in to dance with you. But the keeb won't be shaken off just quite so easily and he's back for the next dance,
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-28-15/1751:17>
Seeing that keeb again... he is relentless Marco thinks. Yet - a private room and just having sex is too casual... I am having fun and getting tons of attention. It is way better than sex. After all -  this night is my night off...
 

Marco smiles at that keeb. Name is Black... and you?. He will not let the chat go past names. Not yet. He dances and enjoy the keeb and the music.
After the song is over, Marco will stick with the keeb if he does not try to speak to him. (otherwise he turns for new parthner).
After a couple of more songs:
"So...  why should I go with you to that place?"

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <03-28-15/2302:18>
Stahl exited the cab in front of his dingy apartment. He noticed the light in his front window was still on and he took this to mean Abigail was still there. Stahl was thankful, though he imagined he was about to receive a stern lecture. After turning the key into the rather shoddy lock, Stahl entered his apartment quietly. He glanced around slowly, looking for Abigail and Heidi. The apartment was quiet and Stahl took this as a sign the sitter had managed to get the kid to bed. The soft rattle of what Stahl assumed to be silverware echoed from the kitchen and Stahl wasted no time in making his way over there. Abigail stood in the middle of the kitchen, organizing and re-arranging the variety of old plates and silverware Stahl had collected. She didn't look any worse for wear and Stahl hoped Heidi didn't give the older woman such a hard time. He took a short moment to glance down into the crib and was pleased to see the child passed out in a comfortable position. Abigail really was good with kids.

"Keep it down. She's tired. Your kitchen is atrocious." Abigail chided him, waving a fork in the elf's direction.

"Sorry I'm late. Met with a few people about work and it ran on later than I thought it would." Stahl offered a genuine apologetic look, moving about to pack up most of Abigail's things for her. Abigail moved to help, collecting most of the assorted child-goods and blankets among other things. She spoke, sounding tired. "You're fine, you're fine. Making me stay up this late. An old lady like me." Stahl began to apologize again but the older woman cut him off,  "Oh, I won't be available in a couple of days. Need to travel and meet my good-for-nothing sister. I'm sure you'll find a replacement for a day or two. Anyway - have a good night." Abigail turns to the sleeping Heidi, baby-talking quietly, "You have a good night too, dearie." She laughs quietly to herself, aiming to leave after waving over her shoulder to Stahl.

Stahl closes the door quietly behind the woman, ensuring the lock is set before he takes a moment to unwind from the day's events. While he didn't exactly find Reiner, he was closer than he was yesterday. He had a good feeling about this group of people. What he assumed to be a group of ritzy celebrities turned out to be something else entirely. Moving to his small room, Stahl removes his weapons from his jacket and places them on the small table in the front of his bed. Sitting on the edge, he proceeds to disassemble his Predator and secure the strap on his knife sheath. He then places them on his nightstand, well within reach. A habit Maxwell made sure to enforce into him since day one.

Falling backwards onto the (admittedly not comfortable) bed, Stahl stared up at the roof and reached a hand over into one of the nightstand's drawers, setting his alarm an hour earlier while he was at it. He booted up a small PDA, fingers tapping on the interface idly. A picture of six men popped up. The group appeared to be posing with a variety of firearms in front of a few ruined buildings. The dark room was illuminated by the glow of the PDA and soon Stahl switched to another picture of a light-haired elf woman. Stahl stared for a couple of minutes before the PDA flicked off, coating the room in darkness.

"Drek."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-29-15/0033:16>
Yelena sits back against the edge of the hot tub, basking in the heat of the water and the aftermath of the sensual experience with her two companions.  All three were panting heavily, with the man practically comatose in exhaustion.  The woman is still snuggling, stroking Yelena's side.  In the euphoria of the Bliss that still rushes through her body, Yelena does not even care that her antics, as well as the whole of her body, had been on clear display for the other people in the large tub.  The woman next to her had told her that her name was Bella.  Whether or not that was her real name is unimportant.  What is important is that she seems to have knowledge of special house drugs.  Yelena leans over to kiss the woman again and whispers, "Again?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <03-29-15/1219:25>
Ambrose sighed, as he contemplated his options. He wasn't really one who could flow into a crowd and infiltrate into groups. His tongue while not lead, was far from silver, beyond that he didn't know anyone here, and was quite outside his game. In the old days you could flash a stack of cash, and those with things to sell would come to you. Just how were kids doing it these days? There doesn't seem to be anyone here selling the drug, certainly not the waitress. But no one else either for that matter. Except maybe these.. heroes.

He groaned a little, That is what he could have done, he could have been a reporter for the Daily Occult, that would have been probably one of the better ways of going about this. Getting up he began to move towards the group, pulling out an AR pad and pencil.

"Greetings, I hear you're the heroes who brought down the monster. I'm Hastur of the Daily Occult, and I've been doing a piece on magical monstrosities, and would like your input on it."

Well.. That was weak. But it was a start at least.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-29-15/1312:14>
Feathers looked up, a bit pleased and embarrassed at all the notoriety he was suddenly getting. He stands and shakes 'Hastur's' hand. "Pleased to meet you. Mike Turnstall, I was part of the group that took down the creature that the called 'The Smiley Face Killer' I even wrote an article for The Daily Occult once, although that was years ago. What do you want to know?" He smiles and talks to Ambrose at length about the experience answering the questions Ambrose is able to think up. Sitting at the table Ambrose is able to see the 'VIP treatment' up close as he's included in the drinks and attentive treatment. While he's conducting the interview several people stop to get pictures taken with 'Feathers'. Ambrose is grateful for the interruptions as it usually gives him time to have a much better look around. The waitress is very amenable to getting Ambrose whatever he wants.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <03-29-15/1335:56>
Ambrose blinks, well that isn't good is it? Someone who knows of the Daily Occult. While Ambrose knows a bit of the occult, its a very limited field of study for him, well, will just have to try to pull things from those movies he watched long ago. Of course his Mike fella is probably old enough to know about that himself as well.

"Well, does anyone know what it was?"  he asks, stalling for time as he begins to look around.

[spoiler]
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/268727): 10d6t5 3
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-29-15/1415:52>
The party drugs offered here are slightly different than what's offered to the majority of the guests. The packaging is certainly better anyway. And if watching another table is any indication most of them involve several steps and several drugs. The Daily Occult ruse is at least getting him closer to his goal.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-29-15/2020:10>
As Marco was dancing his thoughts raced... on the one hand he really wanted to go to that private room but on the other hand he did not want to be randomly picked, used and tossed away.  He therefore decided that while he will do his best to seduce the mystery Keeb, he is going to stay on the dance floor. He’ll use all his charm in order to get a date before they go together to party at some private room later this week.

He then tought about the past... He remembered now an alternate reality where a reporter appeared as they were having their steaks. The reporter did not let Feathers eat and kept asking questions. When Marco got Arc’s text - he quickly offered her steak to the reporter. saying It is made from a real cow you should try it.

After a delicious steak Marco tried to chat up the reporter: You are a bit of a night person aren’t you... do you happen to mix pleasures with work? They got this great series of drinks called the Apollo space program, care to drink with me?

[spoiler]Marco tried to remember what that reporter answered. Although it happened in the past it felt as if it did not yet happen. He hoped that chasing this memory will not lead him to a conclusion that he is in fact his own grandpa. [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <03-30-15/0908:52>
Ambrose blinked, his eyes moving to the steak pushed over to him, this put him into a state of quandary, trying to think if he should.. or if he shouldn't eat the steak brought before him. Would it be rude to eat it? Or not to eat it? It had been a while since he did something like this.. and seems that possibly... something. Something wasn't right.

Someone is loaded..He hadn't had real cow since.. well long before he could even remember. But now one was before him in edible form.. "Ah, thank you very much." he remarks with a nod, deciding to accept the steak. Later as the question is asked,  "I might possibly be interested in drinking with such fine heroes as yourselves. Not every day do you mean monster slayers." 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-30-15/1141:29>
It didn't take a keen observer to deduce that Arc was feeling pretty awesome by this point of the night, laughing and grinning in her social interactions leading up to her invitation to a private room from Joyboy.  Her apprehensions of how people would treat her were gone with her judgment, leaving her to be able to enjoy the night like any young person her age.  Fear, lack of confidence and such were but a distant haze.  Without a thought, the girl spent her time between thoughts to fire off random messages, sharing how she was feeling.

@ Yelena:  hells to the yeah, omae!  Man, I dunno what we was thinking, these Corp flunkies are TIGHt!!  Don't get j to too much teiuvbf.  Pace.

@Marco:  Yknow what?  Frag it ill take you up in that dance man.  Why the he'll not I like how it looks.  And why shouldn't I have a good time hm?  Just no funny vixnaz aight?

@Feathers:  just wanna say man.  You aight. I sees a street kid in teh heart and you cool.  Don't stop bein awesome ya heard?

@Stahl:  Ah FRAAAAG man, I was supposed ta ask if you wanted a ride or not.  It's cold out there homie and I could slender my ride.  Whups.  Don't fresze!

[Spoiler]any typos in the messages were intentional.  Enjoy :)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Csjarrat on <03-30-15/1206:48>
The night had been a bit weird for Feathers, shit music and loud bars seemed to be becoming a bit of a regular occurrence since they'd finished the beast off, but he'd be lying if he said he felt comfortable in this environment and with this many eyes on him. He felt like he fitted in more than ever now that his last paycheck had allowed him to upgrade his wardrobe somewhat, but his grey hair and wrinkled face shone through relentlessly, even if he did have a close shave and haircut recently.
Ambrose was good to talk to, appearing interested in Feathers' nostalgia and recollection of happier years and once again, he found himself really enjoying everyone's company.
Well, everyone but the persistent reporter. He seemed genuine but all Feathers wanted to do was eat the damn steak, have a glass of wine and puff on his deepweed-loaded pipe, but it was a tirade of question after question.
Eventually Marco saved his skin, a gracious assist shut the reporter up long enough for Feathers to make his excuses and nip to the gents, stopping on the way back at the bar to grab a glass of white wine and stoke his pipe with a dose of deepweed. He'd not seen anyone else using but there were enough pill-heads dancing around like idiots that he couldn't see it being a problem.
He pushed through the busy crowd and returned to the table, nodding in thanks to Marco as the reporter turned his attention to the others.
Arc seemed pretty vacant as the night wore on, clearly over-enjoying herself somewhat. He kept an eye on her, not wanting her to come to any harm at the hands of the scumbags that waited for pristine opportunities like she would be seen as in her current state.
//::Smiley face:: Ha, You couldn't be further from the truth. Feel like a fish out of water here but thanks for the "big-up" yo! ::Smiley face:://
He didn't have a clue what the "street kid" response should be to that so he just made a daft joke of it, smiling at her and finishing the last of the wine.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-30-15/1344:27>
@ Ambrose  The steaks gave Ambrose an excuse to wrap up the 'interview'. He'd long ago run out of questions from the trids and had just been asking 'Feathers' to clarify this statement or that statement and his opinion on that theory now that he'd faced the beast. Tucking into the steak made him glad he'd come. Wow was it amazing. The beef was almost melting in his mouth and the au jous had been infused with a port that complimented it perfectly. He didn't know who'd flavored the Moroccan Quinoa and smoked vegetables but he could almost die happy right here at the table. But all good things come to an end, and his came close to the end of dinner when a distinctly Asian face was giving him a long look from a few tables down. It was an abrupt reminder that the Yak have an extremely long reach and he definitely could not afford to botch this job. They'd probably had already killed Blackhat and he couldn't afford to be expendable or he might find himself counted as a 'loose end' in that business even they were the ones that had paired the two of them in the first place. He'd seen enough to know that VIP tables got every wish handed to them, maybe that was the way to go.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-31-15/0752:22>
past:

Marco and Ambrose, started drinking and making casual conversation.
After a couple of drinks when both were slightly light headed Marco told the reporter: "Honestly, man you are not that good of a reporter…" he then laughed and added "but I like you nevertheless" …


 shortly after and a couple of more drinks later. Marco said:
"by the way, I think that Asian dude is interested in us… he seems to avoid eye contact but keeps looking to our direction.  He creeps me out so I am going to dance a little bit to preserve that buzz I have."
He left the table and went to the dance floor.
.... back to the present:

Marco texts Arc:
Dear Arc,

I promise I will do no ‘funny vixnaz’ if I do it - tell me and I’ll stop. by the way, what exactly did I just promised? You seem happy! I bet you’ll have tons of fun tonight.
It will be nice to have a partner I can be honest with.

Yours truly,
Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <03-31-15/0831:07>
Ambrose groaned slightly, as the Asian was pointed out. Really? he thought to himself.  This local group must be completely inept. Honestly, if you're going to send men here to watch me, you could have sent men here to do your own bloody work.

The Asian might not even at all be anyway connected with the Yaks, but Ambrose wasn't going to take that chance in his way of thinking. Or rather, he was rather willing to believe the group was rather inept to begin with. Then a single thought came to him. They're going to kill me. it was a simple, solitary thought, but it was the realization he came to. After he got the drug, they were going to kill him. And why shouldn't they? He wasn't going to be valuable to them after he finished the job after all. In fact he might be detrimental to them, as he would be freed to be hired as a mechanic for hire by any other gang. There was only one solution to the issue, and that would be to become valuable alive, long enough for him to come up with the plan to kill them all.

But how to kill them? That was an issue of course. Bombs would be traceable back to him. Perhaps drugs? If he could get his hands on a system that would allow him to aerosol a drug, he could possibly set up something that would induce a psychosomatic episode within the yaks, driving them to the state of paranoia that would cause them to destroy themselves. 

Excuse me miss, but do you have anything real good? I've got dosh to pay for it myself. he'd ask the waitress when she was near.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-31-15/1025:19>
@ Ambrose  The waitress smiles at you, "Of course sir. We have everything available. What kind of a high are you looking for?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-01-15/0016:46>
"Well, two rounds of the house special. I've heard good things for it.. Could you give one of them to that cute looking asian fellow over there? I want something that would blow his brains out its so good." The old man responds, before handing her a lighter, being rather careful to not let the possible Yak see. "Here, and let him use my lighter, I've got my number on it so he could call me for a good time if he likes the buzz. Can you hook a lonely old man up?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-01-15/0110:07>
@ Ambrose  She smiles, "We've got a good variety of house specials. We have an alchemist whose a genius."  "And it sounds like your wanting our 'Very Private Pleasure'."She winks at you conspiratorially, "If that doesn't get him to call you, then he's a dud in the sack."

She moves away then and comes back with two missile shaped containers each about the size of your thumb. She says, "It comes apart in 3 places, the first stage is a cream you rub in, the second stage you hold on your tongue and the third stage is lit and inhaled as you're letting stage two dissolve. It's just that simple, and you won't need any other tip, trick or toy, it is just that good. Your cred stick's already been charged so that you and your future partner can just enjoy." She hands one to you and then moves off to the Asian fellow. You see her pause and explain the drug to him.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-01-15/0130:20>
"You're a wonderful lady, fabulous. Give my compliments to the chef." He held the rocket in his hand for a bit.. Then with flick it was gone, Just in case that guy wasn't a Yak, it was important to have a back up. Rather pleased with himself at the moment he turned to feathers. "Thanks for the meal and letting me use your table for the moment Chummer. Be on the look out for for Yaks."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-01-15/0219:38>
@ Ambrose  You do learn the name of several of the "house specials" but you can't be sure any of them are what you're after.

@ Yelena  The woman smiles at you and kissing you deeply pops open another Bliss between the two of you so that you can both inhale. The drug rockets through your body, still high from the first hit. The surge makes the pleasure so intense between the two of you that for a very long time the pleasure between you all is the only thing that matters. Yelena knows somewhere in her mind that she is shared by all of them, just as she shares all of them, it's been far to long since the pleasure was this good, this intense.

@ Arc  The human, whose name you learn is Bob, ushers you into the private room, and proceeds to lavish you with attention. He appears to be fascinated by your descriptions of engines and the different difficult repairs that you've done. And as little bit by little bit, your hard childhood comes up, he orders champagne saying, "You deserve only the finest things. The things you should have had all along. You're beautiful Arc, inside and out, and only a fool would fail to see that. I know I've never felt like this about anyone before." He kisses you then, and keeps kissing you, slowly beginning to explore as he listens to you, and your bodies response.

@ Marco  The keeb whose been dancing with you promises you more pleasures, "Everything this club has to offer is available to me. And it could be available to you." he says, stroking you suggestively. "And as pleasurable as your company is, the pleasures I can have in there are so much more. Perhaps another time you can join us." He says, and then smiles and moves off to a group of three young male elves that you now see have approached you both from behind you. They grin at you, eyeing you appreciatively, and then move off to the private room.

@ Stahl  You finally get some sleep after some tossing and turning wondering about this contact that you're supposed to meet in the morning. And thankfully your small charge sleeps too. She still doesn't sleep all the way through the night regularly, and when she does she wakes up early. Stahl doesn't get much sleep, but it's more than a lot of nights. And at least he'll get a chance to get her fed and dressed before he has to go.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-01-15/0250:41>
Ambrose sighed. This place had too many house specials, Far too many of them. If nothing else he learned that the one he got was only one in a plethora of specials.. but more so, he learned something else. An Alchemist was responsible for these drugs. Really? Who uses alchemists to make drugs? A flick of his hand again and the little rocket appeared in it.

Now it was possible he learned if Feathers was a mage or not, and if he did.. "Look, I'll be frank with you. I'm not a reporter.. I'm investigating a particular drug that this place has to offer.. as it does some very bad things." Well, not a total lie at all.Actually pretty spot on with the truth. "Is this thing awakened?" he asks holding up the rocket. of drugs.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-01-15/0343:34>
Marco replied: "So there is nothing you can offer me tonight - you are full of words and may have access to some exquisite things and a fancy private room - but you still know nothing about *real* pleasures. Still no hard feelings..." he holds his hand for a brief moment... closes his eyes and takes a big breath. It seems as if Marco is trying to memorize his skin pattern and smell.

When he opens his eyes he say... "Some other time". He then nods at the three elves and say: "Have fun tonight, thanks for the dances". He grins, he is confident and proud of himself.

he turnes away and goes to the Bar thinking to himself.

Not even a name? I do not swinging that way, not even for Demoness. I will have to find some other way to get her drug sample. I am paying the consequences for raw, uncontrolled desire every single day of my life, I am not going to that dark and miserable place ever again.  Yet, I may still be ahead because these ‘have it all’ rich people always desire what they can’t have.

Marco then orders a glass of water at the Bar and asks Bill:  ”What is the story of these creepy elfs?... they act like they own this place”.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-01-15/1016:00>
Yelena feels the power of the drug that flows through her.  The largest part of her revels in the pleasure and the intensity the drug allows her to experience and she wonders why she ever left it.  The smaller part of her knows exactly why she left it and hates herself for falling back into the clutches of the drug.  In prison, Bliss was called Blue Tsarina because the small capsules were blue in color and the feeling they provided made one feel like they owned the world.  At this point she recognizes she is in trouble but does not care; no, more than that; she wants more of it.  She wants to feel everything the drug offers.  She lets herself fully succumb to the demands of the drug, to the sensual pleasures of living, to the desires of the men and the woman sharing the tub and the joyful exhilaration of arousal and satisfaction. 

But even still, enough of Yelena remains herself.  The drug does not make you forget who you are, it just helps you forget your troubles and heightens your pleasures.  At some moment she finds herself once again embracing the woman who had said her name was Bella.  Enjoying what the man behind her is doing, she does her very best to pleasure the woman in front of her.  She looks into her eyes and whispers, "Yelena and Bella good together.  You good friend to share Blue Tsarina, share Bliss with Yelena.  Earlier said Starlight is best?  How Yelena get?  Have money if need pay extra."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-01-15/1025:07>
A sober Arc would have been repulsed by the idea of a kiss.  A sober Arc would have flinched in response to being touchedm. Luckily for "Bob", Arc was not sober.  In her eager attempt to impress those experienced in the work of Running, the young human had overestimated her ability to hold her liquor, and as such was responding well to the touches and attention the man was giving her.  Drinking the champagne, she laughed and arched her back a bit, pushing him a little to get his attention.  Her speech slurred a little, but was still pretty clear, the girl using her hands to gesticulate her point.

"Hold up a minute.  I gotta..I gotta be real wit ya...sshsh... I gots ta say this drek.  A week ago? Shoulda died.  Bam.  End of story.  Made me...Made me realize that I dunno how long I gots left before I goes and dies.  So I promise to me I promise to you...I wanna live like no tomorrow.  You used to this kinda life, Bob.  How can a girl like me.make the most outta tonight hm?"  she giggled, falling into his embrace once again, only part of her mind screaming at her for carelessness.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Csjarrat on <04-01-15/1657:04>
The deepweed had kicked in and feathers slipped loosely into astral sight, enjoying the vapid blur of emotion and life around him. The emotions of the table ebbed and flowed between drug induced bliss and sharp concern and feathers had to focus hard when mention of a yakuza overwatch came up in conversation.
He glanced nervously as the yak's aura before taking the drug off ambrose and studying it carefully
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-01-15/1913:39>
@ Marco  Bill looks at you and says, "I'd have thought you'd be interested. That's Cinan Mistishsa, his mum is the second heir of one of the Ele Arandur in the Tir. Cinan is supposed to be studying for his boards. He's to start with a firm here." Bill looks at you, "But I doubt he's met a vice he didn't like. He and his biddies are here most nights"

@ Yelena  Bella's head is thrown back, her body arched against you, her hands exploring and pleasuring, even as she's being explored and pleasured. She moans and shudders with climax and goes limp against the guy behind her, held up more by the two of you than by her own power. She smiles, and then gently strokes your skin. "The house will offer it to you when you've been here enough. They're cagey with it, saving it to help bring people back." She opens her eyes then and smiles at you, "Trust me, it's worth coming back for. And there are enough pleasures to enjoy in the meantime." Her hand caresses you, even as her hips shift against the man behind her.

@ Arc  Bob smiles again, "I love your attitude Arc. You're not hiding from anything. You're absolutely right, we should enjoy every moment. Grab life with both hands and wake up every moment determined to do it again. We should have everything we want."  He moves then against you. And every touch, every kiss brings such an intensity of pleasure, it's as good as any drug. When you wake up in the morning it's to find that you've charged a number of things to your name in this room. You very vaguely remember telling Bob you wanted him to have the world, and authorizing the purchases. It takes awhile to find your dress, there's no finding your undies. But, at least you won't have to comm anyone for clothes.

@ Feathers  The Asian guys aura is dark, dangerous, and bound. But more fascinating is the little rocket in your hand. It does indeed bear the unique signature of magic. It's really quite a fascinating study. As you delve into the nature of the magic it bears the unique signature of a very sensual ensnarement. And unless you're mother is a pygmy goat, it's design is to both enhance the drugs effectiveness and addiction potential. You're impressed, this is a very difficult bit of magic. But why? The cost and skill to do this isn't warranted for this drug. So, the question remains, Why? And as you study it further, you see a more subtle magic infused, it's an enhancement alright, but, it's designed to enhance the users strength and endurance. This is the type of magic forbidden in professional sports. And there are so many guards, wards, and mages assigned to assense for it that it's generally not used there. So why is it here? In this little rocket of a pleasure drug?

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-01-15/2044:27>
The following morning led to Arc waking up, and from the looks of it waking up alone in the private room.  Her eyes fluttered as she groaned, trying to check the time as she booted up her vision.  8:00 AM...frag me...nnh..  The human shivered as the sheets passed over her nude form upon her rising, brief fleeting images of the previous night's memories filtering through her brain as she shook off the fuzziness.  She licked her lips, downing a nearby glass of water as she felt the workings of another hangover..but not so severe this time.  Huh.

Stretching, she pulled up her credstick granted her by Sam for spending at the club.   [color]/Current Balance: 000 Nuyen/[/color]   "Hm....Drek, I'd never spend that much..did I..nnh..really lavish that hoop like that?"  She frowned, the memories still a bit fuzzy.  Either way, she could have a look through her eye's recordings to confirm everything.  No harm done..except...  her cheeks tinged pink at what had happened, the girl instinctively pulling the sheet up to cover herself, looking for her dress.  There it was, draped over a chair haphazardly, that and her boots the only garments she still had.  "....Frag it, hope everyone got home okay..."  She pouted a little as she stretched, her body still aching and burning a little from the night of passion as she got up and went to grab her dress, firing off several messages to those who may need an update, the human regretting she was unsuccessful in acquiring results.

@Yelena{Arc}>>
<<Hey, omae....sorry for the lack of ride.  I kinda...lost track of time?  Ehe...if you need a lift home I'll swing by...need to figure out what we got...

@Feathers{Arc}>>
<<Well, I'm a terrible chauffeur.  Sorry, man.  Hope I didn't screw yo hoop with my disappearing act.  Next time I'll leave a set of "keys" for everyone just in case...if we have to do a next time?

@Marco{Arc}>>
<<...I dunno how you live this life.  It's great, but...oh man, not what I was expecting.  Jaysus, I didn't even go home.  You manage to bail alright?  Need to recover, but I'll see what i picked up...

With that, her haired mussed and dress covering her form, the human Arc proceeded to try to exit...her "walk of shame" as it were...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <04-01-15/2133:15>
Stahl awoke to the sounds of crying in the other room. He still wasn't used to it. Stumbling out of bed, Stahl quickly scrambled into some clothing and checked the time. Thankfully it wasn't too late, though he still had some time before Abigail showed up. Squinting, he read the message he missed from Arc and shot back a slow reply. @Arc::> "Don't worry about it. Got a cab. Going anywhere at nine? Curious." Stahl sent the message, turning to exit his small room. Heidi was definitely awake and not pleased to be trapped within her crib. Stahl quickly moved to the kitchen and threw open a few cabinets, searching for some delicious baby food to quell the furious child. Finding some after a short search, Stahl took a moment to unscrew the dingy metal cap and fetch a (relatively) clean spoon from one of the drawers. Finally prepared, Stahl booted a plastic chair towards the crib as he placed the food onto the ground momentarily. Heidi, seemingly happy she was getting some attention, waved her hands towards Stahl in what Stahl could only assume to be some sort of secret code language that meant she wanted to get out of the crib.

Lifting the child out of the oppressive crib, Stahl plopped down onto the chair and carefully reached his free hand down to recover the food. The child didn't make this easy as she bounced about energetically in an effort to escape. Managing to succeed, Stahl quickly scooped out a small bit of what was supposed to be applesauce and the girl quickly chomped down on the spoon. With minimal fuss, Stahl secured a few moments of quiet and took a moment to think about what he was supposed to do today. He had a decent amount of time before he had to set off so he wasn't worried about being late. Abigail was on schedule to show up in a short while. Stahl couldn't shake the feeling something odd was going on, but as far as he could tell everything was going fine so far. Stahl briefly pondered on what he should bring to the meeting as he sat there feeding Heidi in the relative dimness of his apartment.

Maybe I'm just being paranoid.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-01-15/2229:07>
Shortly upon her exiting the room, the overcast but bright light almost blinded her as she adjusted, grabbing her stuff and holding it to her as she shut the door behind her.  As she took a step, her comm blinked, indicating she had a message, which she then pulled up.

@Arc::> "Don't worry about it. Got a cab. Going anywhere at nine? Curious."

@Stahl{Arc}>>
<<So far, nowhere, but I'll admit I'm a bit of a mess.  Think I got a little carried away, ehe...why, you needing a lift somewhere or summat?

She glanced at her clock and groaned a little.  She could swing by home for a change and run a pickup if he was in the Barrens...just.  It was Sunday, so traffic wouldn't be too bad in the morning... ah well.  Guess we'll have to see what happens...feel like I owe the guy, couldn't find his friend anyplace...frag it
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-02-15/0143:08>
Marco replies to Bill: “Guys like that gets their way too easily... He did not even see a reason to introduce himself, as if vices alone are a good temptation... If I want to go with somone, and I don’t care if he is the king of Ireland, that someone has to really want me".
Marco orders a bottle of his favorite wine, tips bill handsomely and ask him to text him when the royal gang are hanging around at the club again.

Marco then calls his favorite limousine service and asks for a limousine to take him home.

Ciao sono Marco, voglio ordinare un limousine.
Si Si... stesso posto.
Si, in an ora come sempre.
Chiamami 10 minuti prima di  arrivare.


Time to relax a bit in the hot tub. In this hour the hot tub usually becomes a big orgy,  but that only means that no one will give me further attention and I can sit in peace, drink my wine and watch the city view.  

He asked the limousine handler to call him 10 minutes before the it arrives- that way he’ll have some time to get dressed and go down..

He text,


Dear Arc Feathers and Yelena
it is getting a bit late... and I danced a lot. I plan to go home soon, but first I’d like to visit the hot tub for some good air and city view. I called a limo, and it is scheduled to arrive in an hour.
Let me know if you need a ride and I will give you a buzz 10 minutes before. 

I am going there to relax a little bit. Feel free to join if you want but be advised this place is a bit sleazy at this hour... even for me.

Best regards,
Marco


Just like a clock, Marco thought to himself he danced exactly as much as he liked, and he was super predictable playing the script he defined to himself as he intended. Drinks, Dancing, Hot tub, and Home.

Creepy royal elf gang seems dangerous - who knows perhaps they are the ones that make people go missing.  These kind of people would definately think they can get away with it.


Beside, 5 is a crowed. Marco did not like to share nor did he like to be shared.  He wanted his entire attention to be focused on a single person. The most intense pleasure he knew was using the mind link spell with someone he loved and trusted.  The high bandwidth of thoughts, sensual feelings and emotions crossing from side to side was nothing but amazing. This is the kind of behavior that formed strong emotional attachments between Marco and his regular clients. He could not imagine such intimacy between more than two people, so he drew the line at orgies... atleast for now.

He was ready for the hot tub - he undressed and tried to spot some quiet place where he can  just sit and enjoy the view without being bothered.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-02-15/1606:35>
@ Feathers  As you think about the possible elements that would need to go into this the list is fairly long, but you can eliminate some just on rarity and cost. But that still leaves a little over a dozen elements. The magic though that's another story. The magic to build strength and endurance is of the shamanic tradition, and has legitimate uses in rehab medicine. The practitioner could very easily have learned it legitimately. The seductive elements though are another story, those are only quasi-legal in the pleasure industry, and the two elements together? Not many mages would have had the abilities for both. And with it being a difficult mixture in a very highly developed narcotic? That can't be to many mages or alchemists. Hmmm, Who do I know that would know who this could be? Feathers thinks about all of his friends and acquaintances in the biz.

@ Marco  Bill pockets the tip with an ease of practice that could rival sleight of hand, "Sure thing." Marco leaves knowing that the game with that particular group has yet to be played. And he's not sure yet if he wants to play it. Going upstairs to the hot tub he strips and finds the water temperature is perfect as usual. And the view in & out of the tub is good. Yelena? Marco sees her enjoying herself with a bit of Bliss and some company and knows he's not the only one to take pleasure in a few vices.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-02-15/1619:06>
The roof was relatively empty, and except for several groups having sex it was a good place to chill out. The music along with the high sexual tension made this place an ideal place to conclude another day.  After a night like this Marco’s next date is expected to find him a bit more passionate than usual.

As Marco was about to leave, he could not miss his new friend. The always in control, super careful Yelena, in a position that does not indicate a lot of self control at all. He grinned... she seemed to be enjoying herself and there was nothing wrong about it. Everybody needs to get laid, and preferably several times a week.

There was however something a bit wrong in that image... something in the eyes of the participants, they seemed to be completely unaware of their surrounding as if they are in some sort of trance. Probably bliss he thought to himself, and that also did not disturb him at all, most of his clients did drugs and they were positive people after all. Marco himself avoided drugs because, he couldn’t afford to do drugs so often in his profession.

Still, something bothered him in the picture in front of him... it took him several moments to understand what it was... That other night, Yelena said somthing about 20 years fighting addictions.  He now remembered commenting on that story saying that he is only alive for 20 years. Yes... it was clear for him - she jump started her own drug problem for who knows how many years... if she would have met Marco half a year ago he’d be the one offering her the drug and abusing her for it. Still why does he care so much?

Then it hit him, fuck... I am responsible... I messed her up. Even when I do try to act professional - I mess up... I just outsourced the temptation to others.  I pressured her to relax and have fun... I took her off balance with good food, saloon and autographs. I guess for some people when they let their guard down they just go all in.


Since I do this stuff almost every day I have my defense mechanisms... I plan my night in advance and try not to deviate from it. She will hate me for waking her up from her sweet little fantasy - but who knows how much of that thing she did already. It is better to have a clean cut   He picked a dress that he hoped was Yelena’s and went all in to her little party.

He did not say a thing, there was no point in talking to these people... they were barely aware to their surrounding.  He went there, lifted Yelena on his shoulder and took her to the limo. It somehow worked, his move was so quick and unexpected that her partners looked around in confusion trying to figure out what just happened.  By the time they did figure it out, Marco and Yelena were already half way down. Marco was almost certain that they will continue without her. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <04-03-15/0547:30>
@Stahl{Arc}>>
<<So far, nowhere, but I'll admit I'm a bit of a mess.  Think I got a little carried away, ehe...why, you needing a lift somewhere or summat?

Stahl responded shortly, thinking for a moment. @Arc>> - Yeah, actually. I'd really appreciate it. Beats walking around everywhere. It's at some place called The Skeleton. Shouldn't take long.

Taking a quick look at the time, Stahl began to worry. Abigail hadn't shown up yet and it was getting close to the time for him to head off. Stahl shook his head. Abigail wasn't due gone for another two days, she would definitely show up. Stahl idly washes dishes and watched Heidi crawl about as time passed ever so slowly. He couldn't help but think about what would be discussed at this meeting. No doubt it would have something to do with what Marco had said the other night. Stahl just hoped everything went according to plan. It usually didn't.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Csjarrat on <04-04-15/0559:59>
**Whistles**
Wow, this is some really really dangerous stuff. Whatever you do, don't take this. You'll be hooked after one hit. Some serious magical and alchemical talent went into this, it is not to be trifled with.
He cycled through his contacts in his mind, settling on contacting Nbungu once they were at a more sociable hour of the day. It was within his skills, but making drugs was well outside of his moral compass, or so Feathers had assumed...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-04-15/0747:20>
"I see.. And that isn't the only kind they have here. Honesty, I would not be surprised if they had some sort of drug they use to kidnap people."

Well, now there's a reason to blow this place sky high. Of course that won't get the drugs off the street. The Yaks may be inefficient, dumb  and.. Nah they did kill the fashion accessory after all. He carefully palms his mirror, and uses it to look back at the Yak he gave the drug to see what was happening. And if that Yak got the lighter, if he was saying anything at all on his comm feed.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-04-15/1314:21>
@ Ambrose  The Yak was taking out a cigarette and lighting it. Ambrose caught, "this call." And then for several long minutes those were the only intelligible words. It was definitely Asian, maybe Japanese, he couldn't be sure. What he was sure of was that the eyes watching him never waivered.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-04-15/1722:59>
Ambrose sighed. This was the last time he was dealing with non-english speaking types without a protocol droid. "You wouldn't happen to know someone who speak yak. do you?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-05-15/1557:21>
Ambrose sighs as he gets a text message. "Sorry to cut this short, but i have someone else to speak to." And with that, he takes the drug rocket to head towards the Yak office again
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-05-15/2335:22>
@ Ambrose  'Office hours' are long past. But the Yak head of security can always be reached by an operative and Ambrose's call to report finds him responding on the first ring. Kato is curt as always, >>Report<< ,is the only thing he says and is then silent, waiting.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-06-15/0005:20>
@Arc>> - Yeah, actually. I'd really appreciate it. Beats walking around everywhere. It's at some place called The Skeleton. Shouldn't take long.

Arc couldn't help but flinch a little as she saw the name of the Skeleton flash in her AR display.  The memories of what took place there, and what followed, still burned fresh in the human's mind.  Granted, mornings weren't a time big on gang activity..it was a rule that most Howlers weren't awake before noon... it still bore some curiosity.  What are you up to there...  As she rounded a corner to approach home, she sent one more reply to the elf.

@Stahl{Arc}>>
<<I know the place.  Didn't take you for a shady gang deal type.  Whatevs, it's null sheen.  I'll pick you up in about 25

As she pulled in, the human couldn't help but notice her disheveled appearance: a little frizz and stray hairs dotted her head, and her makeup was a bit smeared.  As she got out, she darted in and grabbed a quick, slightly warm shower to clean herself off.  She checked, and couldn't find Yelena anywhere.  Weird...she's a tough girl though.  Bet she's meeting up with Feathers or Marco for coffee.  She'll message me if needed...  Shaking off her slight headache, she quickly toweled off and got dressed, slipping into a familiar tanktop, her armored vest, and a hoodie, slipping her pistol into a holster at the small of her back.  Old habits and all that.  Tying her hair back into a hasty ponytail, Arc grabbed a mealbar for a quick bite and was back out, heading over to the address provided to her...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-06-15/0014:23>
@ Ambrose  'Office hours' are long past. But the Yak head of security can always be reached by an operative and Ambrose's call to report finds him responding on the first ring. Kato is curt as always, >>Report<< ,is the only thing he says and is then silent, waiting.

Ambrose mentally face palms. Seriously, these Yak have office hours? How is he suppose to actually give them information at all? "Sound file, Magic, Building Plans." is all he says, before sending the files towards Kato.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-06-15/0116:49>
Yelena did not seem to mind Marco’s move very much, after her initial protest she did anything she could to try and get him in the sack. She was extremely difficult to resist, a rare combination of a young body along with the refinement of age and experience. She knew just where to touch and how to do so. Infact, Marco was not sure that she recognised him at all. Perhaps in her eyes he was some mystery man taking her for a night full of even wilder vices.

Marco did manage to bring her to his apartment and keep his pants on. In a moment of weakness however, he carried her to his room, kissing her deeply. He then placed her on his bed, took his pants off and leaned over her accepting her embrace. He noticed his cross as he was madly kissing her and the religious symbol gave him just a brief moment of clarity. “this is not why I brought her in here...” He left Yelena on his bed, stood up and rushed out of the room. He then quickly locked the door and tossed the key inside.

He regretted that choice almost immediately, but a locked door between them gave him more clarity. “I must leave this place, or I’ll break that door trying to get into that room. Where would I go? my commlink is in that room along with my pants”. He took some clothes from the laundry and left, he did not know where to go, but for once in his lifetime he wanted to do what he felt was right.

Drunk, with dirty pants and a fancy shirt he entered the church.

Confession? asked the priest.

Marco sighed - "seriously? he keeps provoking me, I could make him regret ever becoming a priest. I can introduce him to such pleasures that his all life would feel like a terrible waste. "
He was going to that confession chamber and planned to do his worst to that priest.
His lips however did not agree, and said:

"As usual, I only came here to pray"

Somehow compelled by his own declaration he went praying, he wasn’t silent - he was madly speaking to Jesus. He was angry... "why is it so difficult for me?" he said out loud. He almost cried. Unlike most times in the church, this time Jesus was smiling at him. In fact, in his mind he even heard him answering him.

"You are pathetic!" he said

It wasn’t the first time, his ex mentor spirit mocked him like that, so Marco was not surprised.

Succubus, talk to me directly! do not mock my religious beliefs.

A beautiful naked women appeared between Marco and the cross, she spoke in his mind with a terrible voice:

SAY MY NAME I COMMAND YOU TO SAY MY NAME MARCO BIANCHI!

"Agrat bat Mahalt"... Marco said reluctantly - he said her name merely as a soft whisper, and saying it  somehow gave her power over him. He was going to seduce that priest he just could not resist her temptation. Marco was on his way to that confession chamber when she provoked him further.

I will mock whatever I want - I *made* you, I gave you demon tongue. I made you what you are. You cannot turn your back to me - I own you!

Marco’s face turned red, he was clearly angry. It was unusual about him because he had full control over his facial expression. Spontaneous emotions rarely got to the level of explicit facial expressions. He rushed towards her and said out loudly, he did not care that to an outside viewer he appeared as a mad man.

"You made me what *YOU* are! You pushed me into abusing people.
You took away my entire social circle drowned me in a pool of uncontrolled passion. You made everything in your power so that I’ll have no choice but to serve your destructive will. "

she replied in her mind - she seemed to enjoy his anger.
I am pure temptation, pure freedom. I am happiness - there is nothing else. You will never be happy without me. Tell me that you are happy and I will leave you forever.

Marco could not say that, he could not lie to her, he said loudly.

No I am miserable - but *YOU* made me this way. His eyes became wet, he was angry, he wanted to throw stuff at her, but he knew that it would just go through her and will hit the alter. If the priest tolerated him speaking like a mad man in the middle of the night - throwing stuff would get him kicked out for sure. He restrained himself.

I did not make you miserable - you did! you started using your brain instead of trusting your inner desires. YOU CHANGED! 

At this point Marco was able to replay with a soft whisper.

I did not just change, I became better, stronger and mastered the art of anticipation. You still have a lot to learn about passion Agrat. You only see one side of the coin. Spontaneous and random, uncontrolled emotions. You make people burn for a short while and finish them off. I can make them burn their entire life. You make them miserable while I can make them happy!


Why do I care what they feel? Humanity are my toys... they could have been your toys as well - but you turned your back on what you really are.


You can not understand anticipation.  We do not have patience like you do. Our desire is not just a single moment, it starts with hope and anticipation, and the longer we wait the better that single moment is. You have infinite patience - you are immortal and therefore you will never know real pleasure.


YOU ARE CRAZY! I INVENTED PASSION THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN TEACH ME ABOUT IT, I INVENTED YOU! YOU ARE NOTHING WITHOUT ME!

Marco remained silent, he ignored her. After a short while he whispered- I will not talk to you unless you stop using that awful voice. He felt like he was gaining momentum. .

The elf girl literally begged you to exploit her, she told you about her weaknesses, you did not use it. She then got handsy, she was naked and high and she wanted you to use her ... and You?... you refused?! Do you still think that you are you a priest?

Marco answered with a thought, he felt stronger he did not need to move his lips this time.

I will never be a priest thanks to you... but I will control *my* powers - I will seduce whomever I want, whenever I want and however I want.
Shortly after Marco thought with the same scary internal voice, he knew it was him but he felt like he was possessed. 
 I WILL BECOME A POWERFUL INCUBUS, MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU!

Marco was terrified, he never knew he wanted this... but why did he say that?
The lady was offended, angry - although her body was nothing but a mask it showed clear signs of anger. She tried to say something but Marco stopped her.

BEGONE SUCCUBUS! he commanded.

Just like that the succubus disappeared. Exhausted, Marco collapsed right there where he stood. A couple of hours later, the priest woke him up. Marco noticed that he was covered with a blanket.

You better go now son...  there is a choir practice soon and you are in no shape to be seen in public.

Still hangovered, still a bit shaken and somewhat terrified of what he has inside he got up and walked home. It was already 7:30,  a nice day - but a bad start for him. He wanted to sleep and hated the world. He hoped to be there when Yelena wakes up, he imagined that waking up naked in a locked room can be a bit creepy. Even if the key is somewhere on the floor. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-06-15/1054:11>
Yelena wakes from a sleep to find she is naked on a strange bed in a room she does not immediately recognize.  She lies on the bed and lets her eyes focus on the room around her.  Moving her head she sees a vanity table next to a full-sized closet on one wall.  The door to the attached bathroom is open and the one leading out of the bedroom is closed.  The wall opposite the bed has a number of pictures hanging on it, but she cannot make them out from where she is.  A quick check of her cybered commlink confirms that it is 6:30 AM Saturday morning. *Frag.  Yelena let self go in big way.  Forgot how fragging good Bliss feels.  And what does to me.*  She closes her eyes and replays the memories of the previous night.  She basks in the memories of the extremely pleasurable sensual experience in the hot tub.  Bella, Georg, and the other two men she thinks were named Phil and Roberto had proven to be attentive and demanding lovers.  It has been a long time since she has had such fun in pursuit of pure sexual enjoyment.  The big disappointment has to be that she has fallen back into the clutches of Bliss.  It had taken so much work and so many years to get clean and free of the drek and then to just lose it in an instant of carelessness.  She HAD been cured.  And yet just holding the small blue capsule in her hand had proven to be more than sufficient temptation to send her tumbling back into the abyss of addiction again.  The recognition that she is so weak sends tears from her eyes. 

Yelena shakes her head.  *Yelena ashamed of weakness, but can do again.  Start now.*  She sits up to get a better look around the spacious bedroom.  It is much larger than the space she shares with Arc, and much neater.  It is perhaps too neat, as if no one really lives here.  Stepping to the plush carpet on the floor she goes to the closet and opens the twin doors, almost gasping at the array of clothing hanging from the rods and hooks.  She reaches out a hand to caress the variety of materials.  No rags here; she recognizes several of the labels as from top-tier designers.  Something about the clothes nags her for a few moments before it hits her; there are clothes for both men and women in the closet and there is a wide variety of sizes to choose from.  The shoes neatly placed in the hanging rack on one wall of the large closet are also of different sizes and styles and clearly made for both men and women.  Confused, Yelena closes the closet and next looks at the vanity table.  The supply and variety of beauty products visible would do a theater dressing room, or perhaps even the salon where she and Arc had been tortured, proud.  She catches a look at herself in the fancy mirror on the table and has to choke back a laugh.  *Frag.  Yelena look monster.  Where beautiful woman hide?*  Sitting, she looks over some of the bottles and selects a product for removing makeup.  Yelena takes some wipes and uses the stuff in the jar to clean her face, trying to be as sparing as possible.  She does not want to know what this one jar cost, but it must be expensive and she wants to use only as much as is needed.

Yelena stands and looks about the room, seeing for the first time what had been over her head as she lay on the bed.  On the wall is a large poster advertising “Confessions”, apparently a high-end magical custom escort service; one that promised “We can meet your desires if you can dream them.”  She puts the comm code into her ‘link.  The poster stands in direct contradiction to the large wooden cross hanging just below it and the religious books, to include an old bible, that sit on a small shelf below the cross.  She shakes her head, *Marco very strange man.*  Turning from the bed, she spies a set of keys on the floor and new memories jump back at her.  She remembers Marco hauling her from the hot tub and carrying her naked down the stairs and out of the club to a waiting limo.  Smiling, she recalls her attempts to separate the strange man from his trousers during the ride and how he had managed to keep them on.  Marco had needed to slip some nuyen to the doorman of this building to get him to look the other way as he brought a naked woman through the lobby to the elevator.  More to the point, she remembers that she did eventually get his pants off on the bed in this room and that his kisses had been full of passion and lust.  Things had begun to get pretty hot when he had bolted upright, swore in Italian, and fled the room, locking the door and tossing the keys in before shutting it. 

She moves over and picks up the keys.  Standing, she looks for somewhere to put them and decides that a small tray on the long dresser against the remaining wall will do.  Her cheongsam from the night before is folded on the dresser, her slippers on top, along with her clutch.  She opens the small bag, noticing that the cred stick, cigar case, and lighter are still in there.  She absently reaches for the case and lighter, but stops.  *Yelena not know if Marco wants smoke in house.*  She puts the clutch back and begins to open the drawers of the dresser, noticing the same motif as in the closet.  Women’s and men’s clothing, to include underwear, in different sizes all neatly stored in the drawers.  Stepping back, Yelena next looks over the pictures on the wall.  They all appear to be of a Keeb family, apparently a happy one if the faces in the pictures portray the real situation.  There is a progression of photos that seem to cover the time from the birth of a little boy to until he was about five or six.  Then nothing, as if the family had just gone away.  Yelena wonders if this is Marco’s family and if they perhaps had died except for him.  The open bathroom door reminds her that she reeks of smoke, sweat, and sex.  She goes into the small room and checks to see what his hot water ration is and is quite surprised that a ration card is not posted.  She opens the glassed door and begins running the water, letting it get hot as she looks to make sure that there is soap and shampoo available.  The hot water feels great, soothing her aches away.  *Yelena not have such sexual exercise in long time.*  Laughing at herself, she washes her body and her snowy tresses to a squeaky clean.  She dries off with the softest towel she has ever used and spies a clean robe hanging from the door.  Putting it on, she revels in the luxuriousness of it against her skin.

She pads on bare feet into the bedroom and across to the door leading out.  Unlocking it, she carefully opens the door and looks into the next room to be sure that Marco is not sleeping on a couch.  Finding the room unoccupied, she enters what has to be the living room.  She looks about and spies a small dining area and kitchen off to one side.  She also sees what must be the door out of the apartment and a door to another room.  A quick look about the living room and kitchen reveals that Marco likes his kitchen retro as there are very few truly modern conveniences.  The sole exception seems to be a fancy coffee maker that has Yelena yearning for a hot cup, but she has no idea how to work the machine.  Once in the kitchen she spies a small wine storage cooler.  She recognizes some of the labels as rather common and inexpensive, but some of the labels seem to be of a nicer vintage and certainly quite expensive.  Back in the living room Yelena finds a rather extensive library of real books.  *Who the frag reads real books?*  Many are religious texts, but a number cover such eclectic subjects as art, music, wines, and philosophy.  She then spies the controls to a music system and turns it on, pleasantly surprised by the sophistication of the sound system.  She scans through the music selection and settles on some soft jazz.  The remaining door is locked and Yelena resists using the keys.  *If Marco wants lock something Yelena not open.*  She goes to the glass doors she had seen in the dining area and sees that they open onto a small balcony patio.  Opening the doors she steps out and looks over the railing at the ground that must be ten or eleven floors below.  The view of the Seattle sprawl is amazing from here.  There must be hidden speakers somewhere because she can hear the music clearly out here.  She pulls up one of the chaise lounges on the balcony and sits on it, enjoying the view and the sound of jazz. 

She is still sitting there when the text comes in from Arc.  She sends a quick response, <Arc.  Yelena.  Arc not worry.  Yelena safe.  Went Marco for talk.  Tell all later.  Can pick Yelena up later?  Will call.  Can use cab if busy.>  She decides to stay a bit; after all, Marco fled without his keys and might have trouble explaining to the management what happened and why he needs someone to come up and unlock the door.  Listening to the sounds of jazz, she tries to put together what little she knows of the man who lives here.




Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-06-15/1634:55>
The soft sound of Jazz music that was not fully muted by the walls, welcomed Marco as he arrived back to his home. He was a mess, he did not even want to look at the mirror in the elevator. Non-matching clothes, bad hair, exhaustion in addition he was tired and hungry.

Yelena must be still in, and awake. With a small hesitation he knocks on the door. Saying “Morning Yelena, My keys are with you I am afraid”.


Yelena breaks her reverie at the sound of Marco’s voice.  She gets up from the chaise and moves into the living room, calling out.  “Yelena coming.”  She unlocks the door and steps aside to let him in.

Marco smiles, he did not know that he was capable of such feat at his condition, but the situation of him being greeted by Yelena in his robe at his own apartment was a bit strange, then again, it was a strange night.

“Morning, I see you already found your way to the shower. Did you discover my coffee machine yet?... I could definitely use some coffee before I hit that shower myself, do you want some?”


She shuts the door behind Marco after he enters the apartment, looking at him.  “Yes, Yelena like coffee.  Not know your machine.”  She looks wistful, “Marco have Russian coffee?” 

Yet another disappointment, he thinks to himself and answers. “No I drink Italian coffee and I live here alone so just Italian for now... I’ll get your kind if you ever visit me here, under normal circumstances”  He walks to the machine in the kitchen and makes some coffee, he then browse the refrigerator for a couple of apples.  Not the classical coffee and pastry but will do for today.
He moves to the balcony shortly after with the apples in one hand and two glasses of coffee in the other. places them and tosses Yelena an apple. “They are really good, I hope you like...”.


Yelena nods and smiles, “Italian good.  Yelena like.  Yelena in Italy three months many years ago.  Working.”  She follows Marco into his kitchen and looks over his shoulder as he peers into the refrigerator, gasping as she sees the food.  “Marco have fragging real food?  Not soy drek?  Yelena impressed.”

She goes out to the balcony with him after the coffee is done and sits on the chaise.  She catches the apple and bites into it.  “Yelena not have real apple in long time.  Thank you.”  She sips at the coffee and gives him an appreciative look.  “Can talk Yelena?  Sorry I borrowed robe and used hot water.”

Marco replies:
“Don’t be, somethings are better when shared. Demo... aham, Sam pays for it anyhow I try to only spend her money on stuff I could do without. Otherwise I will never be free” He says and then drinks some of his coffee, the high caffeine content the company and the good air,  makes the day bearable. The apple is delicious.  He adds, “Didn’t you had real food yesterday?  I sent you and Arc to my favorite Italian restaurant yesterday. I wanted to join you, but I was afraid to finish all our pocket money before we even reach the club.”


“Why want free of Sam?”  Yelena waves her hand at the apartment.  “Much money.  Good boss to Yelena so far.  Is monster boss in disguise?”  She takes another bite of the apple, “Yes.  Yelena had real food yesterday.  But whole day was not real so not really enjoy food.  This day is real so enjoy apple and coffee.”  She looks carefully at the man near her.  “Why Marco leave?  Yelena make afraid?”  She passes a hand in front of her chest.  “Marco see tattoos and not want Yelena any more?”

Marco replies: “The apartment is paid by my well... day job. Sam pays for all the little extra’s that makes it more pleasant. She is not that bad really, she saw an opportunity and seized it. I would have done the same until not long ago. Many people are like that, I just expected more from her“.
He then adds: “Sorry about yesterday, I probably overdid it, wanted you to have a fun day and feel super hot and comfortable at night.” ... “ about last night... “ he sigh ”I wanted you very much, still do... I just did not want you like that... About tats they make you what you are, they are part of your past - but I am more interested in your future. I do not find them repulsive or anything if thats what you mean.”


Yelena laughs, “Yelena feel very special yesterday.  But was only for day and Yelena knows it not real.  Yelena like that, but not her.  Too many years in gangs and prison to be like that.”  She finishes the apple and puts the core on the small table between them and takes up her coffee again.  She takes a few sips while appraising the man, “Marco right about tats.  Tell story of prison for Yelena.  Life hard but Yelena want look future. too, not past.  But long ago past is why Sam find Yelena and why hire me.  Yelena want know more of this Sam who is both man and woman.  Like Marco?  Man and woman?  Magic or other?”

Marco struggles to hide his surprise. “Sam is like that? I only know her female form.” He sighs, “Apparently while she knows a lot about me I know nothing about her. Still I could have been captured by some darker force.” ... “About me? I have some demon blood in me. I can change my appearance not only male or female but also to the form of animals. I also enjoy both sexes but thats a different story. “  
“... How did Sam find you because of your past... what did she do?”

“Sam came Yelena as man.  Hired me kill mage of Smiley Face monster.  Made love to Yelena as man.  Yelena not know how Sam found.  He just find.  Knows much of Yelena and made pact to give something Yelena dearly want as pay.  So take job and kill mage.”  She shrugs,  “Sam also come hospital as man, then later as woman look like demon.  Even horns and tail.  Much knowledge.  Much influence.  Tell doctor save Yelena when doctor want let die.  Yelena owe Sam.”

Yelena smiles when Marco talks about his sexuality.  “Why different story?  Is Marco story so is good part.  Besides, Yelena like both sexes.  Marco have skill.  Yelena only know to kill people.  Not like change form.  Would help Yelena much to do that.”

Marco laughs when he hears Yelena mention Sam as a demon...  “I call her Demoness because she is evil. Seduced me into her shadowy world to be part of a plan I cannot understand. Kept her leverage hidden until I wanted out... It is the killing that made me discovered the true nature of our relationship. It was greed that captured me in the first place. I am skilled with a gun, but I never killed anyone. I only used the stick and shots a couple of times.... I know that there is great evil inside of me, I am not sure what I will become if I cross that line. I don’t know if I will be able to stop. I hope that I have a choice in there, this is what keeps me going”.

“I use my shape changing powers merely for pleasure... I really enjoy fishing, flying like a bird, hunting or swimming like a dolphin or a seal - you should come with me some time... it is unlike anything you can experience in human form. Each body feels different.”


“Now if you excuse me, I think I’ll hit the shower myself and switch into something clean.... I look awful right now and probably smell that way as well. I won’t be long and we can have some real breakfast afterwards.”
Marco gets up and goes to the shower, not considering that his shower robe is taken.

Yelena leans forward, “All people have evil inside. Most never use.   Yelena very evil person.  Much use talent to kill innocent people.  Many people.”  She shrugs, “Some were bad, yes, and deserved die.  But many did not.  Yelena fight inner ghosts for many years.  Not pleasant.  So Yelena tell Marco not slip across line.”

Her eyes light up.  “Marco make Yelena change?  Would like.”

Yelena sits back and watches Marco leave the balcony for the shower.  She waits two minutes then stands and goes into the bedroom where she slips out of the robe, placing it across the bed.  She can hear the water running as she quietly opens the door to the bathroom and slips in.  Opening the shower door she steps in and takes the bar of soap from Marco.  “Yelena wash Marco back.”  She glances down before looking up with a smile, “And front.  See what comes up to talk about.”  She soaps his back then turns him around to do his front.  As her hand lathers him she turns her face up to be kissed, if he has the inclination.

Marco is a bit surprised, but Yelena seems to have her mind set. She makes it so natural, and somehow she enters his personal space so he just enjoys her touch, silently. As she turns her head he softly says as he approaches her lips  “don’t be scared...” and he casts the mindlink spell, sharing with her his full spectrum of sensual feelings as he deeply and passionately kiss her. A short while later he thinks at her “is it okay with you?”


Yelena is momentarily caught off guard by the mind link.  This is new and she gasps as she shares the sensuality of the experience.  She loses herself in the kisses, returning as much as she gets and wonders if she heard his question with her mind or her ears.  She murmurs in response, “Yes.  Yelena like.  Yelena want.  Marco turn water off and take Yelena bed.  Breakfast later.”

Marco turns off the water, and thinks “just don’t let go or we lose the link...” he hugs her and carry her to his bedroom, thinking “You are actually the first one I brought in here.”  He gently places her on the bed and lies next to her, stroking her lips and body with a single finger, enjoying her pleasure using the link to map her body. He places her hand on his chest, and let her feel his pulse as he shares his anticipation with her. “Take it slow, everything is more intense like this”, he thinks.

Yelena shares the experience and the emotions with Marco, enjoying the full play of this extra feeling enabled by the spell.  It is hard for her to keep things slow, as she is normally a very energetic lover, but she accepts that Marco knows best.  At least for her first time.  Afterwards, she lies next him, quivering as much as he is.  Placing a hand on his chest she says, “Yelena sex never better.  Yelena like again some time.”  She rolls away a few inches, allowing her hand to leave his chest and break the link.  “Some rest then shower more.”

She mentally thumbs her commlink.  <Arc.  Yelena.  Damn.  Yelena lose time.  Now almost 10:30 AM.  Can pick up at noon?  Wait.>  She looks over at Marco.  “Yelena telling Arc to come at noon.  What is address?”  She goes back to Arc, <Address sending.  Let Yelena know if cannot come.>  After she sends the message, Yelena moves back to snuggle with Marco.

Marco looks into Yelena’s eyes and whispers “WOW”, still struggling  to keep his breath.  His eyes becomes heavy and he quickly descend into a deep sleep.  His last memory before falling asleep was the warmth of her soft body against his chest.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-06-15/2237:39>
@ Ambrose  You receive a reply from Kato, >>Interesting. It should be easy for you to obtain the other "house specials". Just make sure they do not know that it is on our behalf. I'm further authorizing 3,000 nuyen to obtain the other drugs, and have secured you a reservation for Sunday and Monday night. My informant tells me that you met friends there last night. I think that if possible it would be best to continue to meet friends and seem to be there to enjoy everything the club has to offer. The ploy of buying him the drug for an introduction would seem natural in that atmosphere. And remember, I have authorized the cred for our purposes, not your own. I expect results. Any questions?<<

@ Stahl  The time comes for you to leave and Arc promised to pick you up. You've left a bit of fudge time for the pick-up since you really don't know her and know if she'll be prompt. But it's time to leave and as soon as you grab your things in case Abigail is late there she is. Bringing in her "bag for the baby" she looks at you. "That's way to much cologne you're wearing." She states frowning at you in disapproval. "You smell like a French whorehouse. And it is not good for Heidi's little lungs to have to breathe all of that." Heidi, hearing "Abba's" voice comes toddling at a run from the other room and then bursts into tears. Abigail frowns at you again. "Has she been fed?" she says in an almost accusatory tone. And hearing your assent she says, "Well at least you've gotten better about that. Likely she's gassy then. You really should find out what's best for a toddlers digestion." she scoops Heidi up with a smile that transforms her face as she looks at her, "Hey there Abba's cutie beauty. How's my girl? Do you want Abba to read you a story?" Heidi's tears are instantly transformed into a sunny smile and she hugs Abigail and says, "Puss-in-Boots!" It was her new favorite evidently. Abigail takes her to the couch and sits down, rummaging in her bag, it seems you've been forgotten.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <04-07-15/0047:47>
Stahl shut the door behind himself, sniffing once. He didn't think he was wearing too much cologne. Oh well. Adjusting his jacket briefly, Stahl did a double check of his gear before making his way down to the street. Raising a hand in silent greeting towards Arc, Stahl opted to take a seat up front. He greeted the woman cordially, taking care to buckle up. "Morning. Sorry for the sudden text. Walking around here isn't exactly the best pastime." The young elf would turn, offering a wry smile before taking a moment to inspect the inside of the vehicle while listening to Arc's response.

Stahl hoped the meeting would be uneventful. Whoever had contacted him had done their homework and Stahl hoped that's all they did. He supposed it wouldn't be too hard to find info on him. There's not much you can't get with a bit of digging these days. Chief above all, Stahl was worried his mysterious contact would use his situation overseas as grounds to blackmail him. Stahl really couldn't afford that, especially with Reiner missing and Heidi getting older. Just thinking about it made him fidget uncomfortably in the seat of Arc's vehicle. If his situation could be compared to a chess game Stahl supposed he'd have to choose his opening moves carefully. The last thing he wanted was to be doing wet-work for some unknown benefactor. Granted, he could use the money.

Stahl was impressed at Arc's ability to clean up. Despite what Stahl thought to be Arc partying hard last night, she seemed rested and recovered as she drove. Then again, Stahl couldn't really tell. Maybe she just looked different in the daytime - everyone looks different at a club after all. Upon basic inspection Stahl looks more or less the same as he did last night at the club. Besides what looked like a normal brown jacket and a small black backpack Stahl wasn't really wearing anything interesting. His wardrobe was boring, almost mimicking the stoic gaze on his face. His platinum-blonde hair was freshly slicked back and his teal eyes had small bags under them - no doubt the product of late nights with Heidi.

Stahl peered outside the window, watching the buildings pass by. After a moment of silence, Stahl inquired to Arc passively, "You helped kill the Smiley-guy, didn't you?" He'd shoot her a glance, his usual passive gaze not hiding his curious look. While he knew about the killings, the elf didn't really keep up-to-date with the case. He wasn't necessarily pushing for information, more like poking Arc about the subject to see if she even wanted to discuss it. Stahl found himself curious about the ordeal, reading and hearing about it all around the place. A short glance to Arc's cyber-arm made Stahl regret his question instantly. Thinking to himself, he mentally sighed. Maybe she lost it before whatever happened. Maybe she didn't even 'lose' it. Bought it, maybe.

Stahl decided he wasn't going to ask anymore questions.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-07-15/0842:18>
"Right.. because I can use three thousand nuyen for so much personal stuff" he muses out loud to himself, his and moving to rub the bridge of his nose. He remembers back when he had some of his own mafia going himself.. Where they this annoying? Or is it just kids these days?

<<None>> he replies back, quick, and clean. Now was time to start figuring out how he'd get back at the yak. He'd want a way that he could be absolved of blame, and that it could possibly point to someone else, as he went home thinking about it. IT was too late today.. but tomorrow, he was going to go and collect a few more items for his surveillance network.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-07-15/1147:30>
Sat Dec. 6  13:00

@ Arc, Yelena, Marco & Feathers  >>I'd like your impressions of the club and a review of the people you met there. Arc, your recordings of the club would be especially valuable. If you could send them to me as a file please I would appreciate it. I'm also hoping to speak with all of you as a group tomorrow morning after I've had time to review your impressions and crosscheck some data regarding the club that I've found. I'm also working on a party there in your honor hosted by Isabella Smith-Apellido. She's enjoys being in the spotlight with the new trend or hot topic.<<   
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-07-15/1744:39>
Sat. Dec. 6, 8:45-9:00

Arc had eased up as soon as she pulled up to Stahl's apartment complex, the sight of a familiar environment a welcome thing for the girl. As the usual local courtesy, she remained in her car after parking right on time, letting him come out to her.  When the male elf revealed himself, the young human was partaking of a smoke, the cigarette hanging on her lips as the smoke puffed out her open driver's window.

She was a dramatically more casual sight than her overdone getup at the club the night prior, her clothes showing signs of extended use and wear.  Her hoodie was damp around the collar and shoulders as her ponytailed hair was still wet from the shower.  Her makeup was gone, revealing the faint scarring around her eyes as well as the signs of sleep deprivation.  But again, a sense of calm as it seemed driving was therapeutic to her.

"Null sweat, ain't no need to explain that Drek to me.  I grew up on these streets, ya heard?". She cast a wink and a wicked grin as she took off, swerving and weaving through traffic.  Unlike what one would expect a Barrens car to be like, this sedan looked and even sounded in very good condition, denoting a high, almost affectionate level of care. Only thing out of the ordinary was the freshly installed rigger interface right by the steering wheel.

The Skeleton was not too far, and they were about five minutes out when the elf dropped the question about the Smiley Face killer.  The human girl gave some pause, her cyberarm  tightening on the wheel as she fought down the memories before taking a breath, her voice surprisingly quiet, almost tender.  " Yeah...set up the sensor network to help pinpoint the blood mage and her spirit responsible and took her down.  Lotsa people died.. I shoulda died too.  Guess you could say I got lucky, with lots of strings attached."". She indicated her arm at this time, her green cybereyes glancing to him at a stoplight.  "Guess I wasn't meant for a normal UCAS life, eh?"

"Anyhow, here we are.  I know this place well: territory of the Night Howlers.  Nasty bunch.  Shouldn't have much presence this early, but still.  I can cover your back if you want...I ain't got anywhere to be for a bit anyhow."
. With that, Arc wheeled the car to park in front of the club, her mind fletti g through her memories of the place, waiting for the elf to make a move.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <04-07-15/2154:36>
" Yeah...set up the sensor network to help pinpoint the blood mage and her spirit responsible and took her down.  Lotsa people died.. I shoulda died too.  Guess you could say I got lucky, with lots of strings attached."". She indicated her arm at this time, her green cybereyes glancing to him at a stoplight.  "Guess I wasn't meant for a normal UCAS life, eh?"

Stahl offered a short smile, responding, "I guess not." He leaves it at that, content with the answer. The thought of a blood mage troubled Stahl. He was rather ignorant in the ways of magic and the thought of some rogue mage preying on people off the street made his skin crawl. He understood why the clubbers had treated the group with such adoration now, stopping a blood mage isn't something that happens everyday.


"Anyhow, here we are.  I know this place well: territory of the Night Howlers.  Nasty bunch.  Shouldn't have much presence this early, but still.  I can cover your back if you want...I ain't got anywhere to be for a bit anyhow."[/b]. With that, Arc wheeled the car to park in front of the club, her mind fletti g through her memories of the place, waiting for the elf to make a move.

Stahl took a look around the area. It was definitely gang territory. The elf scratched his cheek idly, mulling over Arc's offer. Eventually, he speaks up, removing his seat-belt and preparing to exit the vehicle. "I'd owe you another favor. I owe you about two now. Doubt I'd make a convincing gang member anyway. It's up to you, but I wouldn't mind the backup." Stahl offers Arc a grateful glance, checking the inside of his coat briefly before exiting the vehicle. After a short look around to try and locate the entrance to the Skeleton, Stahl pauses to see if Arc follows before moving for the entrance. He looks visibly cautious and a bit tense throughout the whole ordeal.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-08-15/0758:55>
Arc herself had waited a moment, eyes fixated on Stahl as the elf exited the vehicle as if scanning him.  Sniffing once, she gave a sigh and hopped out of the car, shutting the door with a light slam and locking up, the short human quietly chuckling as she caught up to him.  "Man, you need me more than you fraggin' know.  Relax, chummer.  You be givin' off one scent right about now, and that is prey.  Be cool, be confident, you gon' be aight."

With that assurance, the human girl led the way into the club.   It was different coming here in the morning...not a usual time to be at a club, especially one like this.  But hey, it meant things were pretty quiet--assumedly--and that they had no trouble getting in.  "You go ahead and find whoever the frag it is you meetin'.  I'll find a place to hole up within sight of you, but just holla if you need me directly, aight?"  With that, Arc separated from the young keeb, finding the bar and hopping onto a stool, one eye kept on Stahl at all times.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-08-15/0847:57>
Sat. Dec. 6, 8:30

Having a day between times he's to go and try and get the drugs, Ambrose decides to make use of his time in other departments. First off he needed to expand his ability to gain Intel, a few stealth tags to try and see where everyone is, sighing softly, he wonders if there is someway he could get someone to do some of that fancy computer stuff, someone he could trust perhaps?

The first trip was to a few local dumpsters, looking for supplies, particularly things like empty paint cans, fullish paint cans, and other random items.. He'll Mcgiver something together.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-08-15/1447:31>
@ Stahl   The bar is almost empty when you go in and when you ask the bartender he gives you a curt nod and tells you,
  "Upstairs, second door oun your right." Going upstairs  you find the door open and a lanky human steps forward and shakes your hand. "Hello, I'm Sam. Pleased to meet you. Marco tells me you're missing your friend. I admit I've been doing some surveillance there. But, before I show you the images I need to know. What do you intend to do with this information? "

@ Ambrose  You hunt for several hours before you find what your looking for, but at last you're home with your ragged bounty. Spreading it all out before you, you get to work.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-08-15/2103:05>
Arc blinks as Stahl makes his way upstairs, frowning a bit as she wasn't asked to follow.  "Think I can get a coffee or somethin, Mack?"  She waved curtly to the tender, passing her personal credstick to pay for it in advance.  The human's youthful curiosity got the better of her, and the opportunity to learn more about this new stranger and his mysterious meeting was too good to pass up. 

While the tender's back was turned, the girl glanced her eyes to her cyberarm, lifting up the sleeve and giving the impression of a flex.  A quiet shhhnk was heard as her drone bay activated, launching a small Fly-Spy into the air.  Her AR blinked online as the drone's HUD went into effect.  A few quick mental commands, and the tiny drone whizzed off up the stairs, its sensors scanning for the room and hovering just above the door, the human girl trying to listen in as she pulled her sleeve back down.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <04-09-15/2116:25>
Stahl had remained mostly quiet since exiting Arc's car. The advice she had given him was good and he really should have followed it, but he couldn't. Thoughts entered his mind and he couldn't ignore them. If someone like the person he was about to meet could dig up information on him, who else could? This bar's pretty empty. Could be a string operation. Agents ready behind the counters, tables, corners- No. It'd be stupid to start thinking like that again. It's been a long time. Stahl took a short breath and nodded at Arc's promise of backup. He calmed himself as the bartender pointed him up towards his fateful meeting. Stahl entered the room carefully, inspecting the general area for the briefest of moments before moving forward to accept the offered handshake.

"Hello, I'm Sam. Pleased to meet you. Marco tells me you're missing your friend. I admit I've been doing some surveillance there. But, before I show you the images I need to know. What do you intend to do with this information? "

Stahl stared at the man for a short moment before answering, stepping back and crossing his arms abrasively. "I'd be surprised if you didn't know who my friend was. You found out who I was easily enough." The elf spoke clearly and never took his eyes off the man. The conversation was moving into the tense realm as Stahl made no effort to hide his general discomfort with the entire situation. Instead of answering the question, Stahl asked one of his own. "Does it matter?" The elf clearly wasn't in the best of moods, though he made no outward sign of turning violent. Stahl paced lightly from the left to the right.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-10-15/1236:33>
@ Stahl  Sam remains still, refusing to be baited, his arms loosely at his sides. "Yes, it does." he answers. His eyes never leave your face as he waits calmly for your answer.  As Stahl looks around he sees no evidence of weaponry on him, or in the room. Not that that mattered as Stahl knew full well. He'd hidden weapons for more than one op himself.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <04-11-15/0007:41>
Stahl didn't know whether to be impressed or worried that Sam didn't take the bait. He clearly not some two-bit information dealer. In all honesty Stahl figured this man wasn't an information dealer at all - probably something much more sophisticated. Visibly relaxing, the elf replied to the man's question as simply as he could. "I just want to find my friend. We've know each other awhile and I owe him. I'm sure if you had the time to dig up information on me you have some on him as well." Stahl pauses, considering. "Information always has a price and i'm willing to bet you plan on making me pay that price one way or another." The elf relaxed his posture, awaiting the man's reply.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-11-15/0048:35>
@ Stahl  Sam looks at you, his gaze level. "Information has a price. And so does friendship. But, some prices are to high. If your friend was involved in a group of high level drug dealers that took him because he stole the money and the stash and tried to get away, what price would you be willing to pay to get your friend back?" he tells you with a slightly raised eyebrow and a small lift to his chin. And then before you can answer he says, "If your friend was in the wrong crew and got in way over his head because he's a dumb fuck and they're making him do a job where he's got a good chance of dying in order to pay off a debt. What price are you willing to pay then?" He looks at you waiting for your answer.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ElteeDan on <04-11-15/0121:28>
Stahl's jaw clenches briefly before, moving to the right a bit as Sam speaks. "I'm not willing to give up everything for the guy. He's got a history of being unreliable." Stahl moves closer to Sam, lowering his voice and clearly attempting to run the man through a few tests. "What if I told you I want to get him back to put a bullet inside him myself? Hide him in some ditch where nobody but the rats would ever find him?" Stahl, at this point, might even look a bit menacing as he finishes his little speech. "I'm here to offer my services. What else do you want?" The elf backs up, staring Sam down much in the same way Sam was staring him down. Despite his harsh words, Stahl doubted he could do it. Reiner was a pain in his ass and more than a liability, but he was still in Maxwell's squad and one of the few people Stahl could trust nowadays. A little voice in the back of Stahl's mind said he might just regret that sentiment down the road.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-11-15/0213:21>
@ Stahl  Sam looks at you, the right hand corner of his mouth quirking up in the ghost of a grin, "I'd say you need lessons in lying. If you really hated him that much your first two sentence wouldn't have been, 'Not willing to give up everything. And a history of being unreliable. Those sentences tell me you're frustrated with him and have looked for him before. But, the fact that you're here, and more than willing to pay the price, again, and to tell whatever lie you have to to try and get the information tells me you'll get pretty damn close to hell's gates for him" He smiles at you then, "Yes, I will expect paid for the info if you're friend is in my surveillance video. And the price may get very close to hell's gates." Saying that he looks at you, "Are you ready?" At your answering nod he activates the video. It plays for well over an hour. Finally you see the heroes from last night enter and Arc grab onto your arm. He's not there, you're relieved even if that means you've got to keep looking. You look Sam straight in the eye. "My friend isn't there. And I'm not sure I'd have wanted as close to those gates as I think you're going to end up getting." He looks a bit disappointed, but he shakes your hand. "Ok, good luck on your search." You walk out of there feeling a bit freer.

@ Arc  The fly spy only gets a flash of Stahl going into a room, and what looks to be a man greeting him before the door closes. You can hear voices, but some of the noises coming from other rooms are louder and you're not really able to make out more than a few words here and there. But, it's not long before Arc is greeted. And Bo-Peep starts talking to her about fixing up his bike for more speed. When Stahl finally leaves Arc gets a brief 3/4 view of a tall, lanky man.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-11-15/0325:23>
As Marco was enveloped in a warm and fuzzy feeling, for a brief moment his mind was blank and he was happy. There was nothing else in his mind. That fuzzy vibe did not last for long, as Marco dives into a deep sleep. He enters a strange and lucid dream. He feels as if some other entity is reaching out for him. In the Dream that entity looked just like a Rabbit doll, but he somehow felt that it was a regular client of him. The one he referred to as Lady. He also sort of knew that he was a black rabbit doll in this dream.

White Rabbit: Blackie? Are you with me?

Black Rabbit: Lady... I am always with you.

White Rabbit: Do you know who I am?

Black Rabbit: You are Lady...

The white rabbit doll turned away from him and run, he tried to run after it but it disappeared into a hole in the ground. He knew the white rabbit as his regular client nicked Lady... but that reply did not seem to satisfy the white rabbit.

Why is he dreaming about her... and why as a rabbit doll? There was something odd about this one. She was not interested in vices, not sex, no drugs hardly anything. All she wanted to do is talk to him, they would meet someplace discreet and speak about magic, about music or art for hours. They sometimes went to social events parties and all - but he never knew why did she hire him.

 She was his age and yet seemed to be an established mage that mastered many disciplines. How she achieved so much so early - he couldn’t even begin to know. She was charming and had a silver tongue of her own and was also rich. She even had money to throw on a special soup kitchen project. Infact she was now in the middle of purchasing the real estate for that project. They planned to partner up in that and Marco already donated some money toward that aim.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-11-15/2352:24>
Yelena wakes up as her internal clock nudges her at the prescribed time of 11:25.  Her arm is languidly curled about the torso of her unexpected lover.  Slowly, so as not to wake him, she moves her arm and sits up in the large and very comfortable bed.  She sits with her back to the wall and brings her knees to her chin, wrapping her arms around them.  She gazes at the Keeb next to her, letting her eyes roam over every exposed inch of him.  Her mind, a bit clearer with greater time from the last dose of Bliss, goes over the evening before and then this morning.  She has experienced nothing like what he had done to her with that link.  Sharing has never been a strong point for Yelena and it had been a bit uncomfortable at first, but that had changed when she just let go and participated.  Every shared feeling and emotion and experience had just made the sex so much better than anything she had ever had before.  She shakes her head, *Yelena not get soft.  Cannot allow tie to slow reaction or thought.*

Yelena shakes her head and drags her eyes from the temptations of the man.  She silently gets out of bed, feeling the softness of the carpet on her toes as she pads to the bathroom.  After using the toilet, she turns on the water in the shower and climbs in to soak and wash Marco off her body.  Unfortunately, it is much harder to wash the man from her mind, and that makes her a bit uncomfortable.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-12-15/1214:41>
Late... headache, Marco reaches over and feels the empty post where Yelena just was. She did not seem to be the type that forms emotional attachments, yet here she was the first one to reach his private room instead of an hotel room. Marco had patterns, predefined scripts clear limits. In a way - this is what helped him let go and enjoy the night. One of this patterns was "never take anyone to your room".

Yesterday was different, he was in control until he saw her high on bliss. It has been a roller coaster ever since. For a client he would have booked a hotel room, but Yelena threw him off balance. But why? She felt unlike any other... mysterious, skilled in the art, probably a lot more experienced than him... Yet it felt as if he was leading her, showing her who he really is, who she really is. She is probably used to walking away the day after never looking back.  He wanted her,  but he was not sure that there can be an happy ending for this particular story.

Time to wake up! He thought and clapped his hands; It was a smart home system installed over 50 years ago, oddly enough it was still working and the primitive trick indeed opened the windows.
Everything looked different as sunlight flooded the room, Marco quickly ordered the room putting it back to normal. He then put on some casual clothes, and picked some clothes that seemed to be similar in size for Yelena.  He left them neatly on the now organized bed.

He could hear the water running, she is still in here.
He took a look at his com link:
@Marco{Arc}>>
<<...I dunno how you live this life.  It's great, but...oh man, not what I was expecting.  Jaysus, I didn't even go home.  You manage to bail alright?  Need to recover, but I'll see what i picked up...

He replied:

Dear Arc,

Last night indeed was intense - and I am glad you enjoyed it. It was a bit too much fun -for me too, not all my nights are like that.  I am good though,  I just booked a taxi. 

What do you feel about lunch and a bit of planning? I can cook at my place or you can pick a nice spot. I have a feeling that we’ll need to see that club again soon.

Yours truly,
Marco.

@Marco{Marina} << Hey Blackie, did you miss me? I know you did. We should meet soon to discuss soup kitchen give me a buzz when you can.
Kisses, your lady M. >>


Dear Lady,

Of Course I missed you.  I am a bit busy but will call you as my schedule clears out.
It is great hearing from you.

Yours truly,
Blackie.
Replying to her reminded him about his crazy dream last night. That darn dream again... have I seen these toy rabbits before? Never mind that, time for some real breakfast.

His next stop was the kitchen, he took a bunch of vegetables out and skillfully turned them into a rich salad. In parallel he was able to make a nice omelette, and a couple of toasts. He hoped that along with some cheese it would be a good way to start the day.   Food was a big passion for Marco and touching the ingredients himself was a lot more satisfying than anything that ever came out of a machine. It made little economic sense - but he liked it that way.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-12-15/1258:07>
Yelena stood under the hot water in the shower and luxuriated in the feel of it on her skin.  Never had she really been able to use hot water without worrying about rationing.  She recalls many, many times when the shower water would suddenly go cold, and even more times when there was no hot water to begin with.  Or showers.  She steps out and towels off, enjoying the feel of the soft material.  She wipes the fogged mirror and looks at herself, thinking.  *Shhh.  Life not for Yelena.  Hot water, soft towels, nice clothes.  Marco wake up one morning and not want Yelena.  So much blood on hands.  Too much death.  Marco like pleasure of beautiful girl, drink, sex.  Yelena drink to forget not for fun.  And was beautiful only one day after torture in salon place.  Too much different.* 

She looks at the sink and sees only the one tooth brush.  *Hmmm.  Marco not have regular girl here.*  She puts toothpaste on a finger and gives her teeth as good a cleaning as she can.  After all, at 64 one cannot be too careful with one's teeth and so far hers are all originals.  After running a brush through her snowy mane Yelena leaves the bathroom.  The morning light pours through the windows, along with a cooling breeze.  She sees that Marco has made the bed and left some clothes out for her.  She holds them up and nods her head when it seems that they will fit.  Putting the clothes back on the bed, she shrugs into the soft robe and goes to the dresser to pick up her clutch and put it in one of the oversize pockets.  She walks to the door and opens it, her nose telling her that someone is cooking. 

Walking into the living room she goes to the sound system and hits the button to restart the jazz loop, then goes to the kitchen.  She sees Marco and waves her hand across the robe.  "Good morning.  Marco not mind Yelena wear robe and listen jazz?"  Her eyes widen a bit when she sees that Marco is cooking real food.  "Marco cook real food?  Why Marco not married?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-12-15/1307:19>
@ Arc  The fly spy only gets a flash of Stahl going into a room, and what looks to be a man greeting him before the door closes. You can hear voices, but some of the noises coming from other rooms are louder and you're not really able to make out more than a few words here and there. But, it's not long before Arc is greeted. And Bo-Peep starts talking to her about fixing up his bike for more speed. When Stahl finally leaves Arc gets a brief 3/4 view of a tall, lanky man.

Sipping her soycaf idly, Arc gave a bit of a shrug at the results of her snooping.  Gut instinct failed me there.  Figures.  Just a guy doing another deal or whatever  She was distracted for the moment by the ork Bo-Peep approaching her: a rather lanky male with strikingly curly, bristly hair, hence the moniker.  "Hoi...your cred good for it this time, Bo?  Y'all know how I feel about freebies.  Anyhow, the garage be outta commish for a little while, man.  Gotta refit summa mah tools to keep m'self in working order, ya heard?"  She gave a nod, affirming confidently that she had the final say on what she worked on, and returned to her soycaf.

Then she noticed the glance of the man, and realized she left the Fly-Spy snooping on them!  Drek, please don't get noticed..  Entering the commands, she instructed the bug to flit away, down the hall and out the window, maintaining a decent altitude above her car until instructed otherwise.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-12-15/1335:06>
Marco’s eyes light as he sees Yelena, Morning! ... Jazz is awesome feel free to put some.

Why am I not married?... maybe its because I like a keeb three times my age...
He get close to her and adds.
 ...one that travels light and kills people for living...
Once close to her, he extends his hands for a hug and a kiss.

I made breakfast for two, I figured it takes a bit more than an apple to satisfy your hunger. I know I could eat some more.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-12-15/1415:47>
Warning bells go off as Marco moves closer.  All of her well honed defenses go on-line, yet she finds herself allowing the strange Keeb to enfold her in an embrace.  His arms feel good around her and his lips feel good on hers.  Good?  No, better than good.  Then, like battling against a tide, some part of her concern trickles up to her consciousness.  *Yelena Petrovna!  Too much too soon.  Still on job.*  She manages to reluctantly pull away from the embrace.  Looking at Marco, she laughs and says.  "Marco smooth.  But not know Yelena three days ago.  So not real answer to question.  Yelena can wait for answer.  Food smell good."  She looks around the room and says.  "Was thinking Arc.  Maybe ask to lunch so can talk job?  Feathers, too.  Maybe strange Keeb looking for friend?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-12-15/1444:13>
Marco set the table and sits down... I am one step ahead of you... I just texted Arc about meeting for lunch and planning for work. About strange keeb... you mean Sthal, I already took a risk trusting him, I will not reveal anything more unless Sam approves him. I try to learn how to be professional and then someone like that comes and I just can’t bring myself to shut up and let him burn for his recklessness.

A few moments later:

It pains me to think about you entering that terrible place again... It will be full of bliss and I am not sure pleasing Sam is worth the risk.

There may be some other way to learn about the club from the outside,  I kissed some prince from Tir yesterday. Apparently, he offered some private room full of vices but did not even care to introduce himself... I was just a piece of meat for him.  I’ll ask Sam to background check him to see how dangerous he is. From what Bill tells me he rarely refuses vices so I thought about offering some vices of my own far away from that awful place and see what I can learn from him.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-12-15/1457:48>
Yelena smiles.  "Thank for thinking faster Yelena.  Also thank for caring.  Yelena is big girl and knew risks.  Not as able to give Bliss pass, but can recover.  Woman in tub with Yelena called Bella.  I have comm code.  Think she know about drug.  Called it Starlight.  Bella tell Yelena that club use it for people that think of leaving club, but need to be big spenders first.  If need go back, Yelena will.  Might need help withdraw from Bliss later, after job.  And Yelena not do for Sam alone.  People go missing from club and maybe Yelena help."  Even saying that surprises Yelena a bit.  Always out for herself in the past, it is a new feeling to be thinking of others.  Maybe Arc is rubbing off a bit, but it feels good all the same.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-12-15/1620:32>
Feathers calls Sam when he reaches his home. >>Sam, I hate to bail on you, but, after being in that club I realized I can't do this. I need the money, but, I can't do this.<< Sam pauses a moment and says, >>I understand, this life isn't for everyone and I appreciate you letting me know upfront.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-12-15/1817:46>
Marco looks into her eyes saying: Maybe you are a hero Yelena Petrovna. after a short pause.

People are suffering all over the world, there is darkness wherever you look. I’d save the people I like. I get the feeling that you are connected to the barrens somehow. I really appreciate it,  still you said it took 20 years to shake that drug and the temptations in that club brought your past back to you.

He sighs...
Don’t get me wrong, I am a big fan of temptation - it is life itself. Still it is also a destructive force. Temptation need to be balanced and controlled... I am not sure it can be done, but I lost my mentor succubus when I started to feel that way. She took with her a part of myself. Something is missing ever since - and I am not sure that I can be both happy and not evil. 


Here is your reason for why I am not married... I wasn't the man I am now, half a year ago. I was in a dark place where I’d be the one to offer you bliss shortly after you told me you fought it for so long. I never had any real connection with anyone. My parents gave me up, I abused all my friends and was expelled from my homeland. Then I met Sam and she took advantage of me. I think that she could easily justify this kind of behaviour because the man she captured used his talent to hurt people. To make them burn... 

He than adds:
I use my escort service to make people happy... at least other people can be happy until I find my place in the world.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-12-15/1848:04>
Yelena smiles.  "Yelena not hero.  Did mage for pay.  Sam pay club job."  She shrugs as she takes a bite and chews.  "Not sure connected anywhere.  No home.  No friends 'til now.  And happy is for each person.  Only Marco decide Marco happy.  All have evil inside.  Yelena let evil control many years.  Maybe working on that."

She eats her breakfast while Marco explains why he is not married.  "Yelena think Marco wrong about tempting.  Never control or not know difference.  Same good and evil.  Must know difference.  Yelena also think Marco wrong about Sam.  Think Sam good.  Hire to kill Smiley-Face mage and find missing people.  Yelena think Sam help people and help Marco.  Only look evil because Marco look at Sam wrong.  Not take advantage but help Marco learn about self."  Yelena laughs and adds, "Sam probably help Yelena learn about self, too.  Yelena not see until now." 

Yelena sits back in the chair after finishing.  She leans forward a bit and the robe gaps to show an inviting bit of cleavage.  She puts her hand in the pocket of the robe.  "Yelena can smoke here or not?  So Marco tell Yelena if too personal?  Only one brush for teeth in bathroom.  Marco does not have regular girl here?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-12-15/2106:25>
Money? this is an illusion. Money does not really exist - everything you do you have to get paid, because you are not rich. This is the way of the world - it does not make your deeds any smaller because Sam paid you to do them. Almost everyone has to do something for money - and most of them are not playing heros and geeking evil mages.

In response to Yelena talking about Sam and happiness:

I was happy when my life were nothing but a moment, no past no future - just a single moment after another. I did not feel like a person, I felt like a force of nature. I did not respect anyone  - I was temptation itself. When I was expelled from my homeland, I was also denied a confession... a very uncatholic thing and the decision was made very high up in the hierarchy of the church. I was angry at first - but after the anger left I was wondering why don’t they just play along - they forgive everyone for everything... why not me?  It made me see my entire life in a different way,  I did not like it. It made me unhappy... it made me feel pain.  I was no longer a moment, and no longer happy.

In a way, it was my doing entirely... The good bishop tried to combat my mentor succubus and failed every time. She shaped my talent in her image, she shaped my personality in her image. No ritual, no psychological trick nothing worked... I did not want to change.  I could not be contained, and they decided to let me go. A simple unexpected action lead to a chain of events that in time lead me to change my ways.


About Sam I hope you are right, I do not like to think bad stuff on people and I both like and hate her. I know that she broke my trust, and that some things cannot be fixed. I like her, but once you cross a certain line the relationship can never truly recover. Good people just don’t play this way.
...
Shortly after:

Yes, I only had guests in here, not lovers. I have these patterns that help me survive, and one of them is no matter what happens during the night - if you go home you do so alone. Then there was you... the first time that I broke my own rule. Maybe just surviving wasn’t enough for me anymore.

He smiles when Yelena brings out smoking,

 I leave that decision to you. 
He leans toward her.  If you want to be a guest in my home, please go to the balcony as I do not smoke. This is what my guests do.
He then hold her hand, touching it gently.
If you desire to be more than a guest in my house, then light your cigarette and feel at home.

You do not have to decide now - but do know that the offer is there. It seems that both of us are fighting our past - and in a way, perhaps something real can be built on this base. If I believe in controlling temptation - I can believe in being attached to the women you want to become.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-12-15/2148:53>
Yelena shakes her head and laughs.  "Money only illusion to people who have.  To others money is way eat, sleep, live.  Is real."  She listens carefully as Marco talks about not bringing people here.  "Yelena sorry Marco break own rule.  Not mean to.  Have to say Marco sex was best sex Yelena ever had.  Maybe not all from link.  Yelena want Marco without link and that important.  Yelena want Marco now."

Yelena feels a small jolt as Marco touches her hand.  She looks into his eyes as she clenches her fingers to hold onto him, not letting go for several seconds before she smiles and stands, releasing his hand.  "Was good breakfast.  Yelena thank Marco.  Now Yelena help clean from cooking.  Marco wash or dry?"  She moves to the sink and helps wash, dry, and put away the dishes and cooking implements used in the meal.  The space is not so large and there are a few unavoidable instances of bumping into one another.  The activity is accompanied with laughter and probably a bit of water is flicked at one or the other of the two.

When everything is done in the kitchen, Yelena takes the clutch from the pocket of the robe.  "Better as guest to start.  Yelena go balcony."  She takes a few steps and stops.  Not looking at him, she softly says, "Yelena not know what woman she be.  Marco might need take what Yelena is."  She goes to the balcony and steps into the clear midday air, shivering just a bit and pulling the warm robe a bit closer to ward off the slight winter chill.  She sits on the chaise, removes a cigar from her case, and lights it, thinking about Marco.  The offer to be something other than a sometime guest had been unexpected.  Very unexpected.  She mulls over every sentence for the fourth time and has to admit to herself that she detects no hidden motive behind the words.  She looks back through the glass doors while taking drags on the acrid cigar.  *Yelena could like place.  Money.  Hot water.  Nice clothes.  Not old Yelena, but can be new Yelena.  Maybe.  Could be one day, two days, three days then Marco tired of Yelena.  Like all others.*  But Yelena feels that something is different this time.  Even after just one morning.  There is SOMETHING different.  Maybe two partial souls coming together.  Maybe not.

She has expertly held the cigar ash to the end and flicks it off into the void beyond the balcony.  She makes up her mind and nods, turning to the door and going back inside.  Moving through the apartment to the bedroom, she removes the robe and hangs it back on the bathroom door, then dresses in the clothes Marco had laid out.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-13-15/0133:21>
Dec 6th Sometime later

Ambrose has been getting busy, after spending a few hours scavenging for supplies in dumpsters, he then went around to various locations around his home outside of the city proper. In this, he was actually quite lucky, as he gathered supplies, including a pine tree for the upcoming consumer appreciation day.

Carefully using the handful of various glass bulbs he found, he gently rubs away small spot of paint in the bulb inserting one of the microcameras he had gotten earlier with straw filled with gunpowder and small rocks. Not enough to really do any damage, only a bullet's worth of powder, but enough to destroy the camera if someone was to have discovered it.

The hardest thing of all was trying to figure out what to do with the partridge in a pear tree.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-13-15/0348:54>
@ Arc  Stahl comes down the stairs looking relieved, and when he spots Arc his chin lifts and he comes close, "He wasn't there. Thanks for the ride. I know you've got other things to do and it was kind of you to make time for me to try and help me find my friend." The ride back to his place is uneventful and he tells Arc a little it about Heidi and Abigail. And if Reiner isn't among the kidnapped that this group is looking for, well then at least he won't have to worry so much about who he could get to babysit her when Abigail had to go to her sisters.

The afternoon wears on and you receive the comm from Sam.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-13-15/0544:13>
Yelena shakes her head and laughs.  "Money only illusion to people who have.  To others money is way eat, sleep, live.  Is real."  She listens carefully as Marco talks about not bringing people here.  "Yelena sorry Marco break own rule.  Not mean to.  Have to say Marco sex was best sex Yelena ever had.  Maybe not all from link.  Yelena want Marco without link and that important.  Yelena want Marco now."

Nothing in my apartment is what it seems to be, I renovated the place myself just to get the contract. It was a mess when I got it, the previous tenant totally destroyed it. Friends helped me piece it together. They got me good prices on stuff a few favors and barters and eventually I managed to make it a home.    I pay for everything on a monthly base. The wines and coffee machine are rentals... I pay per use.  My lavish lifestyle is paid for by clients. I am no richer than you or Arc, I do not own a car and I doubt that landlord of mine will think twice before throwing me into the street if I am late on the payments.

I also don’t try to be rich, once I pay for expenses, I keep only a small amount in my balance and donate the rest to charity. Sam pays me fairly even if I never negotiate with her.  After a good run I usually donate more. I am not a rich man at all, I come from a rich family tough and perhaps this is why I wanted to live these life in the first place. Makes me feel connected to them somehow.

He is a bit embarrassed when Yelena speaks about best sex. He thinks: It indeed was amazing, but Yelena have seen a lot. Perhaps she is saying something about herself rather than complimenting me. Maybe it is because we connected emotionally.

Don’t be sorry... you are not *people* to me. The link is indeed fun... We can also do without... Perhaps we we can go to a nice jazz club tonight? you said that you play the sax... how about someplace with an open stage...?

  She takes a few steps and stops.  Not looking at him, she softly says, "Yelena not know what woman she be.  Marco might need take what Yelena is."


He follows her to the balcony silent... after a short while he finally speaks. What you were until recently is someone on the run, a survivor... someone that does not look back when she moves on. That person cannot form a real connection with me or with anyone else for that matter. Don’t change for me but you owe yourself more than that.

He looks at the city view from the balcony he seems to enjoy himself. It is such a nice day... when we’re not working I will show you the city from a bird view, it is amazing.

When Yelena exist his room he study her for a short while... It fits quite nice... suits you better than it suits me, I want you to have it.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-13-15/1045:12>
Yelena Listens carefully to all Marco says without adding comment.  When he offers her the clothes she looks at him, picking her words carefully.  "Clothes belong Marco.  Yelena accept as gift and thank."  After a short pause, she continues.  "Marco very nice.  Very different.  Yelena interested living here with Marco, but after finish job.  Maybe Marco not want Yelena after.  Most do not.  Longest lover except sax man two weeks.  Yelena has too much death.  Too many past bodies.  Sometimes wake at night from dreams.  Sometimes drink much to forget.  All together is too much for lovers.  Ask Yelena leave.  Maybe Marco ask Yelena leave.  Maybe not.  Marco want take chance?"

Yelena waves her hand at the room.  "Yelena not need wealth.  Only drink, gamble away.  Yelena not need.  Not know what need.  But know what want."  She will step up to Marco and unless he pulls back she will kiss him with such passion that if he is normal he will remember the kiss for some time.  Pulling back after what could be minutes, she will look up at him and smile.  "Yelena like Marco kiss.  We go jazz club if like.  Yelena play there before.  After finish come here.  Yelena show Marco what is like without drugs and without link.  Promise not disappoint.  Hope Marco walls not thin.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-13-15/1221:08>
Yelena Listens carefully to all Marco says without adding comment.  When he offers her the clothes she looks at him, picking her words carefully.  "Clothes belong Marco.  Yelena accept as gift and thank."  After a short pause, she continues.  "Marco very nice.  Very different.  Yelena interested living here with Marco, but after finish job.  Maybe Marco not want Yelena after.  Most do not.  Longest lover except sax man two weeks.  Yelena has too much death.  Too many past bodies.  Sometimes wake at night from dreams.  Sometimes drink much to forget.  All together is too much for lovers.  Ask Yelena leave.  Maybe Marco ask Yelena leave.  Maybe not.  Marco want take chance?"

As Yelena talk Marco just look at her - she is a mystery to him. Strong and weak, confident and unconfident. Unlike everyone he ever dated... Marco does not even understand why he wants her after she confessed to being raped, killing innocents and having drinking, gambling and drugs problems... She has such a long history behind her that he cannot even begin to understand what she has been through. He does not care about any of that - she needs him, he understands that by now. Somehow that simple fact is more significant to him that anything else. No one needed him in the past - most people were even better without him. Some of them wanted him for all the wrong reasons.  He just look at her, charmed.

Yelena waves her hand at the room.  "Yelena not need wealth.  Only drink, gamble away.  Yelena not need.  Not know what need.  But know what want."  She will step up to Marco and unless he pulls back she will kiss him with such passion that if he is normal he will remember the kiss for some time.  Pulling back after what could be minutes, she will look up at him and smile.  "Yelena like Marco kiss.  We go jazz club if like.  Yelena play there before.  After finish come here.  Yelena show Marco what is like without drugs and without link.  Promise not disappoint.  Hope Marco walls not thin.[/color][/color][/color]

Most people are attracted to wealth, most people would be repulsed by the image of him renovating the place himself like a poor wageslave. He appears rich, but he appears many things. His train of thoughts is cut when Yelena kisses him. He is a moment again, there is nothing else in the world. He is happy, he feels that in her own way his old mentor is smiling at him. 

Once he finally catches his breath again, he just looks into Yelena's eyes. There is no need for a mindlink spell to say that Marco expects it very much, he is blushed, clearly excited and he is silent. He crushes on the couch in the living room. When he finally speaks he say, I anticipate it very much, I will never forget you.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-13-15/2036:38>
@ Arc  Stahl comes down the stairs looking relieved, and when he spots Arc his chin lifts and he comes close, "He wasn't there. Thanks for the ride. I know you've got other things to do and it was kind of you to make time for me to try and help me find my friend." The ride back to his place is uneventful and he tells Arc a little it about Heidi and Abigail. And if Reiner isn't among the kidnapped that this group is looking for, well then at least he won't have to worry so much about who he could get to babysit her when Abigail had to go to her sisters.

The afternoon wears on and you receive the comm from Sam.

Arc gave a nod at the confirmation of the news that there was no news, giving a shrug.  "Tough breaks, chummer.  If I hear any more I'll let ya know, aight?"  Upon exiting, she commanded the Fly-Spy back to her, having it land on her shoulder as she entered the car, the human deactivating and pocketing the drone with casual grace.

As predicted, there wasn't much said, but Arc did seem to take some interest in his home life, so there was a plus for Stahl at least.  The human was surprised that the man had a daughter he was essentially raising on his own...and from what little she could make of him, he wasn't home too much trying to work and stuff.  She frowned a little at that, mostly because the whole deal gave her a slight pang of loss, that brief hidden instance where she misses her own family  that she regretfully cannot remember much of.  Followed closely was the thought of raising a child in the Barrens, and that such a situation was more than common, for as much as you want to be there to raise young, the bills need to be paid.  Hells, I probably couldn't do better...  As they pulled up to Stahl's apartment, Arc wanted to say something.  "..I know it ain't my place, cuz it's your kid and all that.  But if you gon' do me a solid?  Make sure she knows who you are and drek.  Do that, and we'll call it even how's bout?"  With a faint smile, the girl saluted with her cyberarm before zooming off, her commlink blipping up the messages from Yelena and Marco.  Hmm...

@Yelena, Marco {Arc}>>
<<Well, seems like we all had some similar ideas.  You guys didn't get into much trouble, I hope?  Frag it, Touristville is deadlocked...shopping hoopla I guess. Ping me the location, and I'll get there...I'll guess around 2:00 PM?  Sorry for the wait, had to drop off someone what needed a ride.  Job's done though.

Later...

After many, many moments of near-misses, waiting for cars to move, and LOTS of Or'Zet curses she didn't even know she know, Arc was nearing the location that was shared with her for the lunch date.  That's when Sam's message hit, and the human froze.  She...He...whatever...wants to meet us tomorrow, and then soon go BACK into that place?  Frag, I'm young, but I don't think I could go in there without doing something I would regret..again...drek, man   As she pulled up to a place to park, she composed a reply to Sam.

@Sam{Arc}>>
<<Give me a little time to compile the footage into a file, and you'll have it in a few hours for review.  Maybe by morning you'll find what ya need>>

With that, she slammed the door, locked up, and started to look for her friends, following the general direction Marco gave.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-14-15/0053:42>
Yelena smiles at Marco.  "Marco still smooth react that way.  Nice.  Arc here soon.  She like metal music.  Marco have on system?"  She moves to the sound system controls and surfs for something metallic and puts it on.  She turns to Marco, "Now Marco have two women in room.  Yelena corrupting Marco."  Yelena begins moving to the metal beat, losing herself in the ebb and flow of the music.  Eyes closed, she moves quite sensuously, even provocatively.  There is no thought in the movement, just rhythm and beat.

Soon a soft buzz from the doorman informs them that Arc is in the building and Marco gives the OK to send her up.  Yelena opens the door when she rings the bell and pulls her inside, smiling broadly.  She gives her friend a hug and says, "Oh Arc.  Yelena glad you alright.  Have much to tell.  No answer from Feathers to come, so hope alright.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-14-15/0502:58>
Marco say: Sure thing there is this band Arc recommended me the day we met... Vision Divine.  I downloaded all their albums along with that Access Denied band that we already enjoyed. Put that new one on... 

He laughs when Yelena suggest that she corrupt him. I do not know what you have in plan for Arc... but I was refering to my bedroom as a private place. I have people in here all the time. He thinks to himself, what is the relationship between these two? They seem to be very close.

For a short while, Marco observes her with a smile. He is fascinated she seems so free, so happy... and   *so seductive* - the little succubus . He thinks to himself as he notice some of her more provocative moves.  When Sam buzzes him, he can barely focus long enough to replay her.. he does not want do so, but his responsible voice tells him to that the more time that Sam has for the background check he needs the more informed he'll be. 

Dear Demoness

I kissed a strange keeb named Cinan Mistishasa... apparently some Tir prince... not the Irish one, the one in America... I am terrible in geography i think it is Tir Trairngire. He offered a private room that I declined gracefully. Guys like him can have anything they want, so the obvious thing to get their attention was not to be too accessible. I have a feeling it will keep him intrigued. You thought me patience so lets see if this works for us.

Speaking of things that you taught me:
Can you background check this guy? I believe that he has access to anything in this club, including that drug you were interested in. Heck he may be rich enough to think that he can also get away with making people missing.  I can go down that rabbit hole for you... but if I do I need be well prepared.

Yours Truly,
Marco.

Marco is glad that this message was already mostly written...  In fact, he stopped writing it when he saw Yelena in that hot tub to begin with. He could have never completed it with her dancing like this in his living room. Before he thinks about it, he is dancing close to her in a manner that is definitely not appropriate for a catholic priest.

He is a little bit nervous when Arc enters but he do not let anything get to the face... Welcome, he say - we really dig your music.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-14-15/0951:39>
The last thing Arc expected to hear as she approached the apartment in the snazzy looking complex was her own style of music, though once she recognized the powerful, almost ethereal rhythms as the music she recommended to Marco it all made sense.  She let out a little oof of surprise as she was pulled into the hug, grinning and embracing the Russian keeb happily.  Turning to the both of them, she scratched her head.  "Glad you're digging them.  Honestly, didn't think Italian metal existed, but whatevs.  As for much to tell, yeah seems like it..Feathers said he hitched a cab home last night, the coot's as likely still sleeping it off, har."".

The short human laughed, sticking her hands in her pockets, looking very much like her natural self, if not a little sleep deprived.  "Frag it if this isn't a wiz pad though...how you manage this on Barrens pay?"". She sniffed the air, smirking wickedly as she joked, though it was clear it was innocent: "You two been keepin outtat trouble I hope?  I heard how keebs can be...heh...anyhow!  Someone said something about lunch?  I been on the go since waking up today". She rubbed her hands together, surveying with mild wonder what she considered the lap of luxury.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-14-15/1029:12>
Yelena takes Arc's jacket and hangs it in the small closet near the door, then takes her by the hand, leading her to the small counter separating the kitchen from the living room.  Perching on one of the bar stools there, she motions to another.  "Arc have sit.  Marco good cook.  Can all talk while prepares lunch.  Arc get message from Sam?  Something party tomorrow.  Honor heroes.  Yelena not get invite yet.  Arc get?"

Yelena will shake her head slightly if Arc pulls her cigarettes out, motioning to the balcony through the glass doors.  "Yelena first.  Met woman named Bella.  Might be same woman for party.  Might not.  We had party in tub with men.  Much vodka.  Much fun.  Then she talk of drug "Starlight".  Tell Yelena club offer to special clients to keep interested in club.  Have comm code, can call.  Maybe get to know and she tell more of drug."  She shrugs.  "What happened Arc?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-14-15/1224:08>
Italian metal?!  Marco giggles a little bit - I am from Italy but I wouldn't call myself an Italian. Long story short, they didn't let me out much -  barely saw sunlight just during lunch time - study the rest of the day. It was awful and I hated that... I was probably the worst mage in my class. I still have no idea about most of the stuff they tried to teach me back then. I feel like that building that was my home, could have been anywhere in the world really... they also spoke just English because most of the students were foreign. My Italian is so so because I stopped hearing it at the age of 5, I work on it tough.

Marco grins as Arc  seem impressed by the decor... I did a lot of work myself with help of friends. I got good prices, and I negotiate carefully what I need, a lot of the stuff here is bartered for other goods that I could easily provide. Mainly entertainment - that I am good in providing.  My day job also helps a little bit.

When he looks at how Yelena snatches Arc, he grins - we are happy today... I hope you are hungry. I am going to make some Spaghetti. Fresh onions, tomatoes, basil and garlic with some Italian sausage and Parmesan cheese. Delicious, yet basic - it will take a while but it is worth the wait.  He enters the kitchen and starts preparing the dish. He seems to enjoying himself working with the food while slightly dancing to the rhythm.

[spoiler]
(http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/play-by-post/date-night-(-ic-)/?action=dlattach;attach=3442;image)
http://www.food.com/recipe/jo-mamas-world-famous-spaghetti-22782?photo=261792

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-14-15/1617:39>
Dec 6th 13:00

Feathers is watering his herb garden. It's afternoon already, late night partying taking it's toll he'd overslept, but he needs time to think and watering the garden and plucking a few weeds gives him time and clarity that few other activities do. Flying is better, but he sometimes gets lost in it and right now he needs to plan what he's going to do to make a living and keep this place. Hmmmm, a winter garden needs more protection than this. Perhaps a way to catch and reflect more of the sun, along with a bit of insulation and I could start harvesting in 6-8 weeks. he thinks. Working with Merlin has made him seriously consider teaching. The money is bound to be far less than I would have made with Sam. But, I'd live longer that's for damn sure. he thinks to himself. Schools were on break right now. But he could apply and maybe get on, even if only part-time, somewhere. That plan made, Feathers goes back into the house for one of natures true delights, a hot cup of tea. When suddenly, he's hit hard on the back of his head. He's got only a moment before he blacks out, and in that moment instinct and habit form one single action. He opens his comm and calls for help, and the call is placed to the last person he called. >>Help, he unnh<<

Sam gets the call and runs a program to cross-check location through several different algorithms and then makes a call of his own. >>Ghost, I need you to check this address. Belongs to a mage by the name of Turnstall. Find out what's not there. Usual fee plus 25% if I get a full report in less than four hours.<< That done Sam turns his concentration back on sifting through data, running programs and scheming.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-16-15/1024:43>
Arc couldn't help but smile from Yelena's and Marco's infectious cheer, shrugging off her armor vest as well, the glint of the Night Howlers insignia on the back reflecting the sunlight for a brief moment.  Copping a squat, she listened with curiosity to the others.  All the while, she was multitasking in AR, pulling up the recorded video footage of the previous night and compiling it into a sendable format.  Because of the...nature of her mental state the Night before, and to save time, she just included all footage from the moment she entered to when she left.

"...onion, garlic, basil, wuzzat?  Oh. DREK.  You're talking real food Drek?!  Man, you lying to us keeb, ain't no way you hots real food.". Truly a product of her generation, it was likely more clear than ever that the typical Barrens young adult would know only of the soy and krill-based processed foods and sweets, never even dream of anything, yknow...real.  "now this I gotta see..."

Turning to the Russian, the human felt her cheeks redden as she recounted her experience.  "Ah...as for me, dance floor was a continual machine of energy and entertainment.  I spotted a glitch in the AR system, but couldn't follow up on it and Drek...maybe if I had my RCC might a snuck a peek.  later on I spent some time with this drekker name.of Joyboy.  Total playa known at the club for helping rich celeb hoops like us spend our jing.  Think I gotta dead end, he just helped me get drunk...I think.  I kinda admit, I dont rmemeber much about last night to a certain pint, aha...". She trailed off, not sure how much she wanted to share, but if Yelena and Marco were as experienced in the ways of people as believed, it would not be a stretch to connect the dots...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-16-15/1445:35>
Maro talk to Arc as he skillfully cut tomatoes, fry the onion and turn it all into a nice looking sauce.
You touched a point I feel very strongly about, what’s wrong in this world is that highly processed soy based food is cheap while simple plain, not processed food is expensive. There is no special reason for that other than genetically engineered soy that is more efficient to grow.
Do not believe corporate propaganda - it is not good for you... it is only good to their bottom line.  Many things you can grow yourself for free with a bit of water, sunlight  and some compost...  They won’t let you know that, hardly any knowledge softs about it. This is the kind of stuff you can learn only from real books.

Understand that books were created before the mega's took over the world, they also have knowledge that corps would not approve. Created before the mega’s took control over the entire knowledge databases. We forget the basic things in life....We still have fancy gadgets latest in technology... DNI a standard... A sleep regulator... no problem... fresh tomatoes - thats a luxury. I just don’t get this outside world.

The one thing I liked about my early life is that we always had a garden to grow food in. Either my parents that had grapes, or the monastery that grew its own food out of some religious ideal of humility. Growing all your food is sometimes a bit tricky,  but you can significantly improve your diet with gardening. Did you know that 60 years ago people lived into their 80’s and 90’s ?  Real books contain real knowledge -  knowledge softs only contain cooperate versions of knowledge. You can use what's written there, but some important stuff is left out on purpose. Books however, were created in a time where knowledge was more free and was happily shared.

A bit later, slightly interfering to the conversation with Yelena.
You gotta be careful with these... some of these people have silver tongues... these can make you do stuff... he winks at Arc and smile half to himself.
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-17-15/0003:44>
Yelena listens to Arc and understands that her friend is leaving out details, but she does not push.  She reaches out a hand to touch Arc's arm and says, "Arc right.  People not friends there.  Only want us spend money.  More money, more drink, more drugs.  Yelena not used to that life."  She takes advantage of Marco turning away for a minute and puts pressure on Arc's arm, looking her in the eyes.  She softly says, "Yelena need Arc help.  Was Bliss at tub party.  Yelena not strong enough and use.  Now want more.  And more.  Yelena may need more to find Starlight drug.  Will need help after to get clean again.  Not pretty.  Not nice.  Arc help Yelena?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-17-15/1908:27>
It was certainly a valiant effort on Marco's part to explain healthy eating, and to her credit she did try to understand where the male elf was coming from, but the whole concept of someone growing their own natural food was beyond Arc's reckoning.  Arc, who has spent her whole life in the Seattle metropolis and sprawl, had only seen what could be passed as countryside in the trids let alone felt natural, fertile earth beneath her feat.  She gave a little smirk, shaking her head with a sigh.

"I kinda doubt 80-90, but whateva helps ya sleep.  Next y'know you'll be tellin' me I should eat dandelions next, eh?  Haa...around the people I grew up, if you hit 40, you were an ancient relic to defy the fate this jungle we call home has for us.  By all rights, you were expected to be working and living indie by 15, and my 21 year old hoop is an over-the-hill old maid in a trog's eyes.  If the violence of the Sprawl don't kill you, it's the KE oppression, the corp garbage vats, the debt cleaners, or the smog if you're lucky.  Last I checked, that don't leave a lot of time to be fretting over grub.  But hey, I'll give it a shot, you do seem accustomed to the niceties secreted away in the high-classers."  If it sounded like a backhanded compliment it probably was, but the short human was probably like that when talked down too like some kid.

She paused after Yelena said her piece, her mind reeling a bit at the news.  Bliss...frag  to hell...  She's seen more than her share of Blissheads in the Barrens: those folk who were focused solely on their next hit, not caring about any other aspect, even survival.  Hell, Bliss had a hand in the death of a small child killed by Ol' Smiley, her babysitter too Blissed out to do her job.  The human visibly tensed her jaw, her hand reaching up to cover the other's, easing it slowly off her as she gave a small nod.   Her next action might have been odd, but now felt more natural: she sent Yelena a message coded with her voice, her mouth remaining shut.

<<Yelena: Neither of us be used to this, omae.  You think I normally drink till I'm passed out, go to a private room with a guy, and wake up in the morning?  This job is a fraggin' test, just not what we used to.  We gotta survive, Y.  I will fragging tie your slot to a chair and string you up with shockers to clean you out if I hafta.  I ain't finna lose a roomie right after getting one, ya heard?>>

The message was interrupted as the human sniffed the air, smelling the cooking and roasting of the food Marco was preparing, forcing her stomach to rumble a bit.  "Woah..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-17-15/2157:39>
Yelena smiles at Arc's words of assurance.  She remembers the last time she had quit and managed to stay clean.  It had been hard, almost too hard, and there had been no one to help her.  She had been a mess for several weeks as she fought the urges and finally won.  Well, apparentlyshe had not truly won, only managing to keep the drug at bay until last night.  It had just seemed so natural, so normal to crack the little blue capsule and take the hit.  *At least not Big K.  Kamikaze much worse get clean.*

Shuddering, she smiles at Arc and focuses on what Marco is cooking.  "Mmmmm.  Smell good Marco.  Yelena bet taste good.  So what we do now about drug?  Go back in daytime?  Wait party invite?  Call Sam?".
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-18-15/0118:29>
Marco sighs I am done with preparations, but it will be a bit longer before it is ready. ....When Yelena mention work, he is suddenly serious. The happy and careless smile disappear almost immidiently and his voice takes a more serious texture.

We should get some astral recon on this place so we know how dangerous it is to use magic in there. It will also teach us about the nature of these guys... Magical security is something we should report Sam. It is very unusual for a club to ward everything. I can summon a minor demon to help us with that... I couldn’t do it myself yesterday because I am blind for a mage.

... he thinks a little bit and adds:

Another good option will be to try and snoop around, and see what's going on. I also have a spell for that - but in that case it takes either luck or great skill to discover stuff... I’d prefer technology for that task. I have a directional microphone we can place. It is not as good as being inside but it can pass a wall maybe two so lets hope we get lucky with it.

He then smiles at Yelena:
If we go during the day we should definitely take guns... I sort of feel brave about walking unarmed in that place after what Arc just told us.

He goes to his room for a short while, and bring back a bag, a an Ares Crusader machine pistol, and a leather jacket, helmet and glasses.  He neatly place the equipment on the floor. The jacket is the only thing I have that is apropriate to wear in the Barrens.  I hope it is not an overkill. He finally say.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-18-15/0143:01>
Yelena smiles and nods.  "Marco do magic seeing of club?  Man of talents.  Yelena like that."  She watches as Marco pulls things out of the bag.  "Oh.  Marco have Ares gun.  Crusader.  Ares make best guns.  Yelena not use Crusader, but is good gun."  She walks over to the pile and points at the Crusader.  "Yelena look?"

She bends over to pick up the gun, turning it over in her hands to get the feel of it.  As she puts it back down she says, "Good gun.  Feel right."  She turns to look at Arc.  "Arc.  Yelena leave gun case Arc car when go club.  Still there or need go garage?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-18-15/1117:03>
About the Ares Crusader:  it is the largest one that I could possibly conceal in the elevator. My neighbors won’t appreciate arms. He laughs.

He then say:
Let’s summon the demon before we eat, that way we may have some interesting company. Marco close his eyes for a couple of seconds, he seems concentrated. When he opens them a demon materialize right in front of him. 

The demon looks like a metahuman, he is about the size of a troll and has dark red skin and  a demonic tail. His eyes are bright red, and his head is decorated with a pair of long white horns. He wears a black business suit,  a white shirt and a bow tie.  He is very muscular, and appears attractive despite his obvious demonic features.

Every other student in my class summon angels... Every time I summoned anything it looked like a demon and my mentors banished it without even talking first.  He thinks to himself.

Thank you for coming to our aid noble demon, for your enjoyment I made Spaghetti. I dedicated a lot of effort into making it. You are welcome to dine with us. My name is Marco, and these are Arc and Yelena. What is your name? 

The demon respond with a deep and low voice. I am Asmodeus.

It was expected... any demon Marco ever summoned, at any force level was named Asmodeus. Somehow none of them knew about each other, but they claimed all to be the same demon.

Marco say: Well Asmodeus... have a sit... First we eat, and we’ll get to work. Food is one of the important pleasures of this world... We are happy to share it with you.   
The demon sits, and Marco begins serving the spaghetti. Bon Appetit!. He say.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-18-15/1202:59>
Yelena chuckles at the thought of Marco's neighbors and what they might think of his gun.  She returns to Arc's side when Marco says he is going to summon a demon.  The creature that appears is frightening, but the clothes the demon is wearing softens the appearance.  Her hand reflexively grasps Arc's arm as her eyes instinctively go to where she had put the Crusader down.  Fortunately for all concerned, she knows that the gun is unloaded.  Her dealings with various truly horrible people in many gangs allows her to calm down quickly, accepting that this creature not a threat.  Still, she has never seen a summoned creature of this, or any other kind, from so close.  Its apparent friendliness, or lack of hostility is better, could be a ruse, so Yelena will remain vigilant.  She calculates the time it would take her to get to the Crusader and load it if that became necessary.

She sits at the table when Marco invites them to, watching the demon with interest.  Just the fact that she is so close to this..........demonic ally is a bit disconcerting, but Marco seems to have it under control.  Her estimation of Marco's talents certainly increases a lot with this demonstration.   She begins eating the food before her and his value goes up another notch.  She looks at him closely as she eats.  *Excellent lover.  Excellent cook.  Skilled mage.  Nice man.  Why Marco not married or at least with girl full time?  What wrong Yelena not see?  Must be careful.  Too easy fall for man then find out monster.*  After a few bites she says, "Very good meal.  Marco good cook.  Thank you for share."

She looks at the demon, still somewhat incongruously eating a meal with them.  "So.  Can we talk with you or just Marco?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-18-15/1218:01>
Arc was once again reminded that Marco was a mojo slinger of sorts, which put her just a wee bit at unease, mostly due to her experience and lack of knowledge about them.  But that was turned aside when the Crusader was revealed, the human giving a little smirk and picking it up after Yelena was done with it.  "Eh...not a bad piece.  Found the smartsofts to be a wee bit buggy, and the frame doesn't do much for the kick of repeated fire.  Still, a decent piece, you chose good.  After this job, bring it to me sometime, I'll fix it up nice."  She grinned, glad to be talking about something in her element.  For your go-kit, this definitely will make you look less like a fraggin' squish, which is vital in the Barrens, ya heard?  Biggest thing is just how you present y'self.  You act like prey, you gon' get nommed like prey."

"As for recon, if you got the mage stuff going down, I think I can handle a bit on the tech side.  Check this drek out.."  Lifting her cyberarm up, she clenched her hand into a fist, as if flexing, reaching across with her other hand to catch a pair of drones that popped out: a Kanmushi bug and a Fly-Spy.  "It's a lot easier to use with my RCC, so I'll wanna be someplace outta sight when I go diggin, eh?  Ah..."

When the demon was summoned, it took everything for Arc to not bolt out the door.  As Yelena gripped her arm, she sent her a message.  Marco was right:  this DNI stuff was pretty much telepathy.  <<Yelena--your go-bag is in the car.  Mine too, but my Pred is with me.>>  She eyed the figure up and down, a little wary as they took their seat at the table.  Eh, what the hell...a fraggin' succubus hired us, brought Marco to us, why shouldn't I be fraggin' surprised...  Shrugging, she picked up a fork, picking at the spaghetti hesitantly before taking a bite.  Her eyes widened at the explosion of flavors and the texture, something actually different from the overprocessed foods her body was used to.  "...frag me seven ways to Sunday...  She muttered in wonder of the taste, digging in whilst listening to the impending conversation.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-18-15/1308:23>
Yelena looks at the drones that Arc has displayed.  "Rigger friend in Denver was fan of drones.  Arc like so far?  Yelena protect when not in body."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: i.smile.alot on <04-18-15/1509:17>
@ Arc, Yelena, Marco  The devil looks at you all in turn. Measuring. And then it becomes a red mist that swirls through the meal and then the apartment. Marco feels his hair stand on end when it swirls around him, and he hears a whisper. "Two services. I am not bought by a meal." It is clearly waiting.

@ Arc  >>File sent. Downloaded.<< Arc's comm acknowledges the file transfer and receipt to Sam. Well, it's away. she thinks. She colors at the memory of just what was on there, but done is done.

@ Ambrose  The afternoon has been spent quite profitably. And when Ambrose stands back and looks at his handiwork. It's with the pride of any new father. One  last touch,  Ambrose thinks to himself,

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-18-15/1652:03>
Marco nods at Arc when she offers to fix his gun. I appreciate it... while I know how to use it, I actually have no idea how it works... He is especially impressed when the little drones pop out of Arcs hand. He smiles... It is fascinating.

Then during the dinner Marco say to the demon. Please, Asmodeus ... do understand. You may not know me personally,  but you are all I know is you, during all my short life.

I brought you here for a single service, not two. What I know how to do myself I prefer to do myself. But you can look into the astral world and I can’t.  This is why I ask you to visit a place and let me know what it looks like from the astral world.  Give me a detailed report about anything magical, or awaken in there.. and please if you do not enjoy my cooking and our company you are free to leave right away. I only brought you a bit early because I wanted to make your visit to the physical world a pleasant one. But I can be all business if you prefer it like that.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: i.smile.alot on <04-18-15/1938:55>
The demon listens to your description and directions of where you want it to go and then is away in a mist of red that fades in a moment.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-18-15/2111:27>
Yelena is surprised and a bit discomfited by the response and disappearance of the summoned demon spirit.  After a moment of quiet where she tries to get her thoughts together, she points to the demon's plate.  "It seem demon not want.  Yelena have?  Is very good.  Not want waste."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-19-15/0224:08>
Marco sighs... and say: I am terribly sorry. Asmodeus is not always this impatient. I can never begin to understand him.

He looks a bit distant...he thinks:
He’ll do what I asked, then he’ll go back to where he came from. The next one I’ll summon will also be called Asmodeus, and will probably be completely different and deny all knowledge of this one. Providing he cannot lie to me... I cannot even begin to understand what answers my calls.

He smiles at Yelena: Sure feel free... the food will not be this good tomorrow.
To Arc...  this will cover the magic part for now.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-19-15/0310:50>
Yelena shrugs her shoulders.  "Marco not be sorry.  Yelena think demon magic was good.  Yelena impressed Marco can do."  She digs into the second plate of spaghetti with gusto.  Waving a fork, she says, "Is very good Marco.  Yelena not eat like this in long time.  Maybe never.  Thank you."

Yelena finishes her meal and takes her dishes into the kitchen to begin washing up.  She notices a small console on the counter.  Looking at it closely, she sees that it is a remote for the sound system.  Looking over her shoulder at Arc, she uses the console to restart the metal track that had run to conclusion during lunch.  She moves her hips to the beat as she starts the water and adds soap.  As expected, Arc is moving her head and tapping the table.  Yelena motions with her head, "Arc.  Come help.  After clean can talk about what do tonight."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-19-15/1200:04>
After the demon passed, Arc was absently chewing on the food.  Delicious as it was, her mind was focused on that video log she sent to Sam, her cheeks visibly reddened at the thought.  Well, too late for regrets, I guess.  Drek  Her mind was snapped back when Yelena grabbed the demon spirit's plate of spaghetti, causing her to snort.  "Keebs having seconds, now you're just messing with me, Y..."  She winked, shoving down another mouthful and chewing happily, finishing the plate just in time for Yelena to invite the human over to wash up.  "Ah, what...oh, this ain't disposable...aight, cool.  I'll give the frag a shot."  Bobbing her head, she picked up the plate and headed to the kitchen, following the Russian's lead.

"As for tonight...I dunno about you, but after last night, I could use a trid and sleep night.  We gotta meet up with Sam in the morning, and she ain't exactly paying us for extra recon, ya heard?"  She picked her voice up, enough for Marco to hear.  "I'll let my toys loose next time we at the club, maybe they be small enough to slip into places without notice.  Find a reason to have my RCC and stuffs if I can get away with it.  But for now...this breeder be needin' a step back, you feel me?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-19-15/1249:41>
Yelena nods to the music as she helps Arc with the dishes.  "Yelena relax, too.  Go small club with open mike.  Play sax jazz and relax..  Yelena there several times since come Seattle.  Nice crowd Saturday nights.  Like jazz."  As she straightens back up after putting the last plate away she says, "So when meeting tomorrow?  And where?  Same place as before?  Yelena send message Sam to ask.  Now need smoke." 

Yelena moves through the glass doors onto the patio balcony and looks over the railing at the Sprawl.  She takes a cigar from her case and lights it while she mentally thumbs her commlink.  <Sam.  Yelena.  Thank for party last night.  Yelena had much fun.  Maybe too much fun.  Met woman named Bella who might know of drug named Starlight that is house very special drug.  Only give special guests.  When and where meet tomorrow?>  After sending off the message, she stands leaning against the railing.  She offers a cigar to Arc if she comes out, but otherwise remains lost in thought for a bit.  She finishes the cigar with the ash intact and flicks it off over the rail.  Having come to a decision, she pulls up the code for Bella and sends a short text.  <Bella.  Is Yelena.  From tub party last night.  Want thank for sharing you.  Long time since Yelena has that much fun and you best part.  Bella tell Yelena call if want so am calling.  Love to see again if like.  Club place or other place does not matter.  Give ring back if interested.>

After the smoke and call, Yelena finds Marco.  "Yelena thank Marco for all.  Special salon.  Special time party.  Much more special time after party.  Cook real food.  Yelena go home for rest.  Meet club later.  Here is ARO for address.  Yelena there at six to practice.  Open mike at eight.  Come earlier maybe eat?  Club food not Marco food, but is good."   Yelena runs a finger down his shirt before adding.  "And Yelena show Marco great time after if still interested."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: i.smile.alot on <04-19-15/1422:02>
Sat.  Dec. 6  14:00
@ Arc Yelena, Marco  You receive a message from Sam.  >>The meeting will be at the same place as before at 09:00. I've been working on a party in your honor at the club and it looks like we'll be able to hold it on Monday. Isabella is well known there and is a customer they're very interested in keeping. I've got some plans for recon and want to be able to discuss them with you.<<

@ Ambrose  You receive a message on one of your 'business lines'. >>You don't know me, but a dwarf by the name of Hrock recommended you to me for your specialty skills. I have a job where I need quite a lot of flash and boom, but very little damage and no lives lost. Hrock tells me you can not only do that but give me pink, fluffy unicorns to boot. I need the job done and set to go off with a remote switch on Monday evening, which means you'll have tomorrow & Monday to do some surveillance and set everything up. I'm willing to pay the usual fee +1000 for the rush. If you're interested meet me at the Seamstress Union at 15:00. Ask for John.<<

@ Marco  Asmodeus returns  The prison is well warded and most of the creatures there are bonded slaves.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-19-15/1423:24>
To Arc... as you wish - I was thinking now will be more quiet than in the evening but we could all use a bit of rest. Sam probably did most of the legwork herself anyhow.

After lunch Marco joins Arc and Yelena at the balcony with 3 glasses of coffee. They have some nice time with a casual talk.

When Arc and Yelena were about to leave he say:
I am looking forward to hearing you play... club food for dinner sounds great. He then embraces her and leans for a kiss.

He finds it a bit odd that Yelena thinks he’ll have a change of heart so soon, but he do not gives it much thought. He has a busy day in front of him. The apartment does feel a bit empty once they leave though he admits. From two guests and an impatient demon to being alone.

The apartment is suddenly quiet, Marco tidy up a little bit and then sends a message to Lady. 

Dear Lady,

Sorry for being so busy... You know how it is sometimes.
I am free now... until around 18:00.
Do you want to see properties soon? 

Marco.

He then unlocks the door to his ruined magical lodge, looking at the destruction he previously caused. He feels bad about what he did. It is sad that it had to end that way, he thinks. He tidy up a little bit in there, throwing some of the decaying reagents to the garbage. The place still looks terrible, but at least the floor is now free.

Marco sends a brief report to Sam:

Demoness,

I sent one of my demons to the club and he said that they got some serious
magical defenses the place is a magical fort. I believe it is very unusual for a club.
He even called the place "prison" and said that there are many bounded slaves in there.

Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: i.smile.alot on <04-19-15/1448:07>
@ Marco  It's almost an hour before she replies. >>Yes. Meet me at the Vatican at 19:30.<< The Vatican was a former church. Now it was a homeless shelter and soup kitchen. That wasn't it's real name of course. She'd nicknamed it that after a vandal had broken in and graffitied the walls, saying it had been masterfully done by a new Michaelangelo.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-19-15/1459:24>
Marco replies: 19:30 is a bit tight. Can we do earlier?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-19-15/1508:53>
Yelena returns Marco's kiss and leaves with Arc.  She is quiet in the elevator and gives a nod to the doorman as they leave the building.  Once in the car and on the way, she turns to Arc.  "So.  Arc OK after night or want talk?"  She listens if Arc wants to talk, but otherwise remains quiet.  At the garage, Yelena removes her go-bag from the car and takes it to a work bench, where she carefully strips and cleans the weapons.  When she is done she strips down to underwear and dons a long tee shirt before laying down on the bed to grab a bit of sleep, setting her internal clock for 4:30.

She wakes when the clock goes off, laying still for a moment to scan the room with her senses.  Sitting up in her bed she turns to Arc, who is watching a trid of some kind, and says, "Yelena not want interrupt, but going small club.  Meet Marco for dinner then Yelena play sax.  Yelena go home Marco after so not wait up.  Is not problem?"  She looks at her friend and adds, Arc want come club?  Jazz music, not metal, but still good.  Not fancy but nice place to meet and talk.  Can come if like.  Show Arc part of Yelena's world."  She gets up and puts something on that will go with the setting of the club.  Grabbing her sax she smiles and laughs as she holds up the keys to the Scorpion as a temptation.  "Yelena let Arc drive if want come."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-19-15/2047:20>
Arc was silent as the pair departed, the human girl reading Sam's message as she caught the kiss out of the corner ofher eye.  She bit her lip, frowning a little but remaining silent.  When the Russian asked her the question, it wasn't for two blocks until she responded.

"I'd be lying out my hoop if I said I was okay after last night.  man, I just got all swept up in the hoopla, in the fun of it all.  Part of me felt like I might a turned out this way if it hadn't been for, yknow, losing parents and Drek.  And I ain't gonna hide it.  I slotted some fragger that I dunno and likely won't ever know.  A bullet I can be ready for, hell by now a fireball won't sway me.  It's this Drek now that I wonder what it'll make me before this is through..."". She trailed off, a mixture of pissed at herself and upset over the lack of control.  There was not much more chatter before they went home, the little human plopping herself down in front of the grid viewer.

A few hours later, she was still there, watching an old pre-Trix action flick called the Punisher.  It amazed Arc how real they made the stuff looked given the complete lack of computer or AR enhancement, and the gritty atmosphere felt at home to her.  She perked up at Yelena and her request, shrugging a little but finally putting the pieces together. 

"Aight, I'll go, but I ain't dressin up or nothin'.  Ain't drinking either, I'm good for a bit, haa..."". She flicked out a smoke and deftly lit it, grabbing her jacket.  "so how long you been slotting the keeb, hm?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-19-15/2149:06>
Ambrose blinks, as he continues working on his current project, slowing down a little bit more. Reading the message, he thinks to himself, Finally someone who knows a little of whats up when trying to get a job done. He wasn't going to abandon the yak job, but a bit of long haul and he'd be able to do both jobs fairly easily.

installing the camera in the partridge's head was the last little touch, before he cleaned himself off, washing away the scent of chemicals bubbling and brewing for a batch of improvised explosives. He was going to deck someones halls, perhaps. Or he'd just set them off in the woods. Was always a tough choice sometimes.

Finally getting cleaned, he headed out to the cleaners, arriving exactly 14.59. "I'm Looking for John"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-19-15/2320:30>
Yelena lets Arc be quiet during the ride home, believing that the best she can offer right now is companionship and silence.

But as the pair are getting ready to roll the bike out of the garage she puts a hand on Arc's arm  "Arc, wait.  Have time for short chat if want.  Arc friend more important than club or Marco or Sam."  She pulls one of her thin cigars from her case and lights it, trying to get a grip on her next words.  "Yelena not good at friend thing so please listen.  Only try help.  Yelena not know Arc life much, but know was bad.  Yelena life much bad too.  Different bad but still bad.  Yelena know what lose control is.  Many years in hole of drugs.  Many man rape or demand sex for trade for drugs.  Yelena in bad place in mind.  Not like self.  Hate self.  Then Yelena get clean of drugs and learn secret.  Yelena control body.  Yelena decide when have sex.  Things happen, but sex good when you want it.  Never let man take sex unless want give.  But if want then go all in.  No regret.  No punish self."

Yelena smiles a bit ruefully.  "Yelena lose control when offered Bliss.  Probably will again if offered.  Maybe need for job.  Then try clean out with Arc help.  But Yelena know risk and go all in.  Now Marco.  Yelena have sex Marco today.  After Bliss effect go away.  Good sex.  Plan on Marco sex tonight after club.  Go Marco home in cab.  He very talented lover.  Kind, nice, exciting."  She shrugs.  "Not know how long Marco want Yelena.  Most Yelena lovers only want for a few days then say leave.  Not expect more from him.  Might be different.  Not know."

Yelena pauses as she finishes her cigar and flicks the ash from the tip before tearing up the butt.  Then she looks closely at Arc.  "Arc OK with Yelena?  Not want trouble because of Marco."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-20-15/0038:49>
Arc paused, her flesh hand gripping the handle of the Scorpion to hold it steady while the Russian spoke her. piece, listening intently and watching with unblinking cybereyes, the deep greens not wavering once.  Her mind spun a bit, and the open talk of the subject matter brought color to her face.  She didn't understand why for a moment, as jokes of that nature were all too common around her growing up, but she figured it was because of how it wasn't a laughing matter, but a serious one of the heart.  She waited for the question before responding, giving a little sigh.

"tch... lack of control.  Seems to be the theme of what we gotta do to get this Drek done.  Aight.  You think we can do this, and that's all I need.  As for Marco..". The human formed her words carefully.  "If y'all slotting his hoop and that's what you want, I won't get in the way of yo Vrukan, ya hear?  I only hesitate because I gotta hard fragging time reading him.  He seems to love everyone.  Hell, yesterday he asked my hoop out dancing again sometime.  There's a belief about non-trogs: rare to find one who pairs off by heart alone.  Call me protective but I won't get in ya way."

She gave her customary grin before swinging a leg over the bike, kicking the engine to life before reaching for her access port.  "we cool, Yelena.  You gotta hurt me directly to change that.  Just don't expect me to stick around if any third wheel Drek comes about, aight?".  When the elf was aboard, Arc plugged herself in, pulling up her AR driving UI before speeding off, following Yelena's direction.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-20-15/0227:41>
Yelena climbs on the bike and places her arms around Arc as she lays her head against her friend's back.  Something about the human was so comfortable and she instinctively knows that she can trust her new friend.  Even considering what that level of trust might mean was disconcerting and a bit scary.  Less than a couple of weeks earlier she had been working for the Ancients and was on watch at a meeting that Arc had been a part of.  At the time she had been told to kill the human if she looked to be a danger and Yelena could not have been gladder that she had not had to.  She chuckles a bit to herself as she thinks of the intersections of fate and how someone can affect another person.  If Sam had not hired her to kill the Keeb mage, she would have simply left Seattle and never really got to know her friend.

Yelena notices the ease with which Arc glides through the traffic.  Certainly, here is a true professional.  What they had scarped together as a team had opened a whole vista to Arc.  She is able to see some bit of the true potential she has inside her, perhaps for the first time.  her self confidence and self worth had jumped considerably.  For all intents and purposes, the Scorp really belongs to Arc and Yelena is only allowed to take it out after receiving the sort of talk a concerned father would give to the boy who dared to ask his daughter out.  The truly odd thing is that Yelena is comfortable with the arrangement.  There is an attachment growing between the Keeb assassin and the human rigger that defies common sense.  Yelena smiles as she considers the reasons she does not try to seduce Arc.  One, she is her friend she does not know how the human would react.  Losing that friendship would be a devastating blow.  Second, see the first reason.

After Arc pulls up to the small club, Yelena climbs off the Scorpion and grabs her sax.  She waits for her friend to secure the bike and walks with her to the door, stepping through into the sultry dimness within.  She exchanges nods with the man at the door.  In French accented with her Russian she greets him and introduces Henri to Arc.  The man bows over the human's hand and in English, offers to take them both to a special table.  Yelena switches back to English and tells Henri that she is expecting another Keeb to show up and gives Marco's name and description to him.  Henri promises to watch for him and guides them into the room.  The dim interior holds about fifteen small tables with several semi-private booths line the walls.  Yelena slips Henri something and he takes the women to one of the side booths.  After seating them, he says, "Vodka for my friend Yelena, but what for you, mademoiselle?"

After taking Arc's order, he quietly vanishes.  There is already a three man group playing soft jazz on the smallish stage.  The soft melodies of the sax and piano mix with the snare drums.  As Yelena and Arc wait for their drinks a huge troll emerges from a side hallway and looks around.  This guy looks like he could give any of the Howlers a run for being the ugliest and meanest looking trog alive.  He looks around and sniffs, almost as if her were tracking a scent.  His smile is about as horrible as the rest of him, always assuming, of course, that he was really smiling.  He makes his way to where Yelena and Arc are sitting and bends over.  His cultured tones are so completely at odds with his appearance that the uninitiated are taken completely by surprise.  "Yelena Petrovna.  You have been missing from here and missed as well.  My drums just do not sound the same when you are not on stage with me.  I hope that you are here to play tonight?  Louie is here for piano and Gil on horn, but it has not been the same without you."  The huge troll looks at Arc and holds out a giant hand.  "Pardon my lack of manners.  Say, I recognize you.  Arc, right?  Got a garage not too far from here?  Hey, you must be the girl that helped save the Barrens.  Welcome to Josie's House of Jazz.  I'm Josie, and before you get the inclination to ask, don't ask.  Unless you want to hear a truly long story because I have no way to shorten it.  But if you stick around after the show, maybe I can tell you part of it."  He smiles at both of you and looks over to where Henri is back standing at the door.  "Hey, Henri.  Drinks for these two on me.  And anything else they want, too."  He turns back to the table and says, "About ten and then some practice, eh, Yelena?  And nice to meet you, Arc.  Any friend of Yelena is welcome here and you being a true hero is a real bonus for the club.  I hope that you like jazz, because you will hear some great stuff tonight."  Saying that, the mountain turns and moves through the other tables, stopping at one or another to wish the patrons a good evening.

Yelena chuckles, "Josie story really, really, really long.  Not sure much true, but makes good tell.  Arc should listen to it.  I need to go practice a bit.  Order lamb rack for three, unless you not like lamb.  Best meal in house.  Is soy, but taste like lamb.  Not Marco food, but place makes up for it.  I be back in thirty to eat.  Get me more vodka, please."  Yelena smiles at her friend, grabs her sax, and goes off through the hallway the troll had come through.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-20-15/0254:26>
Matco showers and orders a cab and texts lady.
 19:30 is too late for me, I am going to see properties alone now. At 19:30 I’ll have a dinner date (a real date...), I really like that one and I don’t want to mess it up. I’ll try and find some time to meet tomorrow evening perhaps we can discuss it over a glass of wine.

He wore his leather jacket and most casual clothes, his concealed Crusader, and a few magazines just in case. After how Arc pictured the Barrens they suddenly appears like a dark and dangerous place, but Marco does not see the Barrens like that, he look at that place and all he sees is potential for good. The Barrens should be completely reformed, places like that should not exist.

He is not afraid of anyone in the street, he may not have god on his side but powerful demons answer his calls. He is also skilled with a gun. His greatest asset however is a super natural self confidence. Sure there are big  trogs in there - but so far he could have talked his way out of most troubles.  When he talks well enough, there is no need for demons or guns.

Marco had a purpose, he did not come to this world to just mingle with the rich and famous. Despite gallons of selfishness, he has the cross. Somewhere inside there still is the vow of poverty that he took. He never managed to fulfill it ... what was the point in being poor in a world that circles around money, around power. The richer you are the larger your impact when you use that money for good.

A soup kitchen was a big step towards being poor. It will challenge him, give him significant financial responsibility and he’ll have to work hard and bring in more money. This means fancier clothes, better social skills and richer clients. Still a single soup kitchen cannot reform the Barrens. Marco understands that. However, it can show kindness and give hope to people that have none.  For Marco it is also a fight for his own soul. He can never fix what he previously broke. He made a joke out of everything sacred to the church. It reached a point where no one even believed that he was genuinely christian. His life can be long and he believes that he can be a different man from now on.

Marco browse vacant places for sale, he already knows the list from previous visits. He feels where the Mana is bad, like Lady asked. For some obscure reason she insists of legally buying a place rather than squat one.  Where does this kind of money comes from he has no idea. Yet, he somehow trusts her, and some of the really terrible places he sees are not that expensive.

When the hour becomes late he goes to the address Yelena gave him.. House of Jazz... this is going to be an interesting night. He enters the place and say to the doorman that he is here to join friends. It is a bit after 19:00 when he enters the club.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-20-15/0341:11>
Henri recognized Marco from the description given to him by Yelena.  His English is accented by French as he says, "Welcome to the house of Jazz, Monsieur.  I believe that you must be Marco.  Please follow me to your table.  The ladies are already waiting and I believe that you are just in time for dinner.  Our special rack of lamb was ordered for all three of you.  I know that you will enjoy it."  Marco is led into the dimly lit room to one of the booths lining the far wall.  Soothing sounds of soft jazz are provided by the four-man group that came on about twenty minutes earlier.  As he guides Marco to the table, Henri asks him what he will be drinking.

As Marco arrives, a waiter is putting several platters of food on the table where Yelena and Arc are sitting.  Yelena's face lights up with a smile as she sees Marco approaching.  She slides out of the booth and motions for Marco to sit between the two women.  The atmosphere is cozy but not too cozy.  There is plenty of room at the table for all three to talk, but they do not have to speak loudly to be heard, either.  Yelena says, "Yelena talk Arc to come.  Good food and good music.  Hope Marco like lamb.  Cook here does good.  Is special of house.  Yelena has some time to eat then goes to stage."  The three will dig into the meal and both Marco and Arc realize that the preparation and flavoring are excellent.  After about a half hour of small talk and eating, Yelena rises to go to the stage for her set.  She whispers to Arc and Marco, "Not be too mad if not like."

Yelena walks to the stage as the four men step down to applause.  A huge Troll walks through the tables and climbs onto the stage, followed by a stocky Dwarf and an Ork.  Yelena is the last to move onto the stage.  The Troll sits his massive frame behind a large set of drums, the Dwarf takes a trumpet from a rack as the Ork sits behind the piano.  Yelena picks up her sax and all four take a minute to get set.  From behind the drums, the low bass rumble of the Troll announces that Josie's group is back together after a short hiatus of their sax player.  At some unseen signal, the four begin playing.  The tones are melodic and mesh well.  This is soft jazz as it was meant to be played.  Each person in the group gets a chance to showcase his or her instrument in various solo pieces, but they all make great music together.  They mix up the pacing and the beat, but stay within the confines of jazz.  The two hour set goes by far too quickly and Yelena takes center stage for the last solo.  She plays what was his song, then their song, and now her song with all the heart and soul she can put into it.  The sax wails at times, almost causing the hairs to rise from the neck.  In all that she does well, this is the best thing she does and it shows in the passion and heart put into it.  As the final notes fade away there is silence for almost a minute before the house applauds.  Yelena bows to the tables then turns to bring her band mates to the fore, where all take a well-deserved bow. 

Yelena puts the sax on the stage rack and makes her way to the table where her friends wait.  She smiles at them as she sits down and tosses back a shot of vodka that had suddenly and mysteriously appeared on the table.  She looks at both of them and says, "Hope liked.  Group good form tonight.  Play well."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-20-15/0414:18>
Marco greets Henry... Pleasure to meet you. He is happy to see Yelena, and Arc. Hey! I am sorry for being a little bit late it was a crazy day for me. He then looks at the food:  The food smells great... indeed I am just in time, I hope you did not wait up for long!

To the waiter... wine for me,  something red with a strong body that blends well with the food.
During dinner he tries to form conversation with Arc. How are you doing ? Recovered from last night a little bit? he smiles at her.

After a short while he adds:  I wanted to ask you something earlier but you seemed a bit distant... Can I ask you a bit about the Barrens?

[spoiler]
If Arc is interested Marco will tell her that he and Lady are trying to find a spot to buy in the Barrens. They plan to run a soup kitchen. He'll say,  that they are looking for a spot where great evil was present recently. He will suggest that the locals are more likely to trust one of their own and ask for her help in negotiations and locating the right spot. There is a lot Marco is not aware to in the Barrens like gang territories and stuff.
[/spoiler]

... Later when Josie’s group goes on stage, Stands up and extends his hand to Arc... He looks at Arc and asks: Want to dance?... I bet Yelena will enjoy having us in her line of sight...  Besides... If you have regrets from yesterday... I hope they do not include our special dance.  . He smiles at her.
[spoiler]
nice jazz competition with couple dancing;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7dApj1vACQ
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: i.smile.alot on <04-20-15/1237:48>
@ Arc & Yelena  It's a wonderful evening. Arc and Yelena's popularity is still in full force as Henri tells them that their meals have been paid for by two of the other patrons. And several different drinks arrive throughout the evening courtesy of other guests. But, it is not polite applause that Yelena receives, after she plays but genuine appreciation for the soul she put into her music. After seeing to a few details Josie joins them at the table. Kissing Yelena affectionately on both cheeks he says, "It has been to long mon cherie, you must quit your day job and come play with me full time. Your heart and soul belong to this! Not whatever crude task you do to earn cred!" He's all smiles as he sits down and introduces himself to Marco. He is amusing company and all to soon the club is closing.

@ Marco  You are already at the club when you receive her reply. >>Sorry I wasn't able to respond earlier. I was unexpectedly delayed. I will see you, and the properties, soon. Have fun on your date.<<

@ Ambrose  When you ask for John the bartender waves you upstairs. You're definitely expected, as you arrive at the landing a door opens up and a tall, lanky individual greets you. "Thank you for coming on such short notice. Please, have a seat." he gestures to the table off to the side.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-20-15/2051:26>
To say that Arc was a bit surprised about how Josie's House of Jazz turned out to be would have been a bit of an understatement.  With the Barrens address, the human had figured it would turn out to be some kinda dive like she was used to.  She shyly nodded to Henri as they were let in, eyes blinking as she looked around in small wonder.  It wasn't cheap or dirty by any means, yet didn't give off that air of superiority like at the Stardust.  Refined...drek, I didn't think places like this could hold a spot around here...  She was even more taken aback by meeting Josie himself, his smooth deep tones not matching the guttural look he gave off at first glance.   Arc muttered a "nice to meetcha too"  To the troll before they sat, ordering a soda for herself, for once finding herself not wanting any alcohol for a night.

After ordering the lamb as per Yelena's request and a moment of silence to herself, Marco arrived just as the Russian returned from practice.  She gave a little nod of recognition as she scooched over a bit while the meal arrived.  In regards to how she was feeling, she casually deflected the question away, directing the small talk between the two elves on their date.  When Yelena stepped up again to go warm up, she listened to Marco's query about her neighborhood, nodding a bit in small understanding.

"I don't handle talks that well, but I can get you some pointers.  You ain't gon' find a place round here that ain't territory of some gang or another.  If it ain't the Ancients, it's the Howlers, or Halloweeners, or Turnpikes, to name a few.  And it shifts too.  Basically, you gon' need to keep on toes and make sure whateva gang is in control is on yo good side, ya heard?  As for a place of...wuzzatusay...great evil drek?"  She paused a bit, thinking to the battle against the blood spirit.  So much death...  She pulled up her AR map, sending the keeb a location.  "This place was where the Barrens rallied against the Smiley fragger.  Lotta geeked there.  Sounds apropo eh?"

She was cut off as the group Yelena was in came on.  The music...jazz...it definitely didn't evoke the same emotions Arc felt when listening to her metal.  With her music, it was powerful, giving her strength, confidence, a primal surge of identity, if one will.  This, however, the notes that wailed and sang into the air....passion, vulnerability, love.  It reminded the human that jazz was also called soul music, and this music was certainly an extension of that thought.  She smiled a bit, leaning back and sipping her drink as Marco invited her to dance.  She paused, colors flaring on her cheeks as she wondered his angle.  "...I got regrets, but the beef ain't with you.  I'll dance, but that's just it.  Am I clear?"  This might have perplexed the keeb, but to Arc it was necessary to make that distinction: in Howler culture, dancing with another's vrukan was grounds for a fight.  Regardless of Yelena's feelings or level of comfort with the idea, Arc wasn't about to step on bounds.  So, taking his hand, in her worn jeans and tank, she joined the elf on the floor.

To say the human's step was awkward would have been a mild understatement, but by some miracle Marco was able to make it work, weaving and moving to the beats, directing the short girl in the subtle intricacies of jazz dancing.  Her green eyes caught Yelena's briefly during a solo, showing a bit of enjoyment as she relaxed a bit, letting herself get swept up into the movement and the music.  And just like that, it was over, the two were back at their seat, and Arc was having a smoke if no waitstaff objected.  When Yelena returned, she shoved the shot of vodka to the older woman.  "Frag, I thought you played good when we met...dayum..."

She was interrupted as Josie joined them, the human scooching over to the edge of the booth to allow seating room.  She smiled as they all chatted up, especially the troll, who seemed all too happy to talk whenever he had the opportunity.  "Man, I gotta say, you got nice digs here, Josie.  Hella wiz.  Kept it indie of the local hoopla too."  She was referring to gang influence, but that may have been missed.  And who cared, it was a night of stress easing, wearing on until it was near last call.  Grabbing her jacket, she took one last swig of soda.  "Well...I guess this is my queue, eh?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-21-15/0100:16>
Yelena looks at Arc and smiles, "Arc look have fun dance.  Jazz not metal, but can feel soul if play right."  She moves a bit as Josie comes over to join them.  She feels herself flush at his sincere compliments.  "Yelena might call bluff then Josie stuck Yelena.  Say, met Ork can drum.  Is good.  Not jazz, but good.  Name Duckdown.  Josie know?"  The large Troll smiles and nods.  "Josie does indeed know of him.  I have some of his stuff in my sound system for a different mood. That trog got hauled over some coals not of his making, and I heard he got hung out to dry by his label."  He shakes his massive head then adds,  "You know him you tell him to come see Josie."  Yelena tells him that Arc knows the Ork much better and Josie turns to her.  "I still got a few irons in the fire from my days in the biz and I still have some folks out there that owe me favors.  Have your boy contact me and I will see what I can do for him.  No promises, but it can't hurt." 

Josie gives a deep rumble that must be a laugh when Arc talks about the place.  "Pardon my language, but damn straight I keep it free of the local troubles.  Got four Ancients and a couple Howlers in here now, but they cause no trouble.  Sort of like neutral ground.  Even Keebs and trogs can agree to like jazz.  So I hear that you got some link to the Howlers yourself, Arc.  That would be a story to put to some jazz or blues."  Josie seems to like Arc and they engage in small talk for quite a while.  All too soon it is time to close up.  Josie excuses himself and leaves the booth.  He turns to the table and says, "It was a real pleasure having you here tonight.  Meant what I said, Yelena.  Got a place in the house band ever you want to leave off your day gig.  Marco, you move like a breeze on the dance floor.  Could teach some folks how to dance.  And Arc, got to admit you got to this old trog.  Got to admire a woman who drinks nothing but soda and juice all night.  Strong woman.  Come back some time and I will tell you the whole Josie story.  Seriously though, all of you are welcome any time."

After Josie moves off to help Henri push the stragglers out the door, the group leaves for the parking lot.  Yelena moves close to Arc.  "Arc good friend.  Thank for come.  Hope had better time than old trids.  Marco take Yelena home cab.  Arc not wait up.  We meet at Sam at nine."  She leans over and gives Arc a big hug before taking Marco's hand and waiting for him to call a cab.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-21-15/0137:02>
Joise was a pleasant influence... “You guys are awesome... Pure emotion... I enjoyed it very much”

Dancing was a passion for Marco, something he was deprived from in his early life.  For a moment he could imagine more simple life, no clients no shadow running just dancing. It was a fantasy but just thinking about it made him smile. Also the idea that Yelena could one day just play Jazz for living seemed a lot less grim than killing people and then drinking to forget. Yet these are fantasies, and shortly after the club closes. Marco thanks Josie for a pleasant evening and say his goodbyes to Arc.

The taxi arrives quickly, Marco opens the door for Yelena and joins her shortly after. When he joins he look into her eyes, smiling: “We should do that again some time... I had so much fun. Your music can make angels cry.’’ He holds her hand and asks: “was there ever a wedding ring on one of these fingers?... that person that taught you to use the Sax... he was a lover... wasn't he?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-21-15/0219:20>
Yelena smiles as she pats the sax case next to her in the cab.  "Yes.  Yelena like that.  Is dream to play all time.  No more killing.  But is only fantasy."  She goes deathly silent for a minute when he asks about the sax man.  Then she nods.  "Yelena not talk much of sax man.  Met in Oslo, Norway.  Yelena working London gang.  After finish take two week rest.  Hear music never hear before.  Was man playing sax in café.  Was something different.  Go back four nights and he see Yelena.  We talk.  We drink.  We make love.  Yelena stay five years.  Sax man was famous.  Lived UCAS and other places.  Many people know.  Married.  Two daughters.  One son.  Wife have sex other men, but sax man love enough to not care.  Then wife love best friend.  Betrayal too much.  Sax man go Europe and end in Oslo.  Live there twenty years.  Still love wife.  No divorce.  No ring Yelena.  Sometimes Yelena almost make forget wife, but not quite."

"Sax man teach Yelena forgive.  Teach love.  Teach sax.  Teach greatest song.  His song.  All love. hope, betrayal, misery, forgiveness in one song.  Teach Yelena and Yelena make it both song.  Play together in club.  Forget killing.  Not forget demons because demons refuse to go away.  Yelena drink and forget for a while.  Sax man help Yelena get clean of drugs.  Bliss and Kamikaze ruled Yelena life for years.  Sax man help get free.  Then he die.  One day just stop living.  Yelena find in chair at window.  Sax on bed.  Picture of wife in hand."   Yelena lowers her head and tears fall from her eyes.  "Was picture of wife.  Not Yelena.  At end he think of her."  She pauses without trying to stem the tears, then continues.  "Yelena bury sax man in Oslo.  Take some money.  Take sax.  Take guns.  Go back to killing.  All Yelena knows is sax and killing.  Not much for sixty-four fragging years, is it?" 

She looks up again and swipes at the tears.  "Sorry.  But Marco ask.  Answer is no for ring and yes for lover.  Still hurt he loved drek of wife more than Yelena.  Still, Yelena learned much from sax man.  Was mostly happy five years."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-21-15/0500:14>
Marco listens carefully to Yelena... "You are still alive at 64, while holding one of the most dangerous professions in the world. Do not under estimate yourself - your kind of quality is extremely rare. You know what you can do, and more importantly you know what you can’t do. This knowledge is what kept you alive all these years...   " He hugs her and softly whisperers... "Your sax lover, might have given her his last moments, but he gave you his last years. I am not sure it was you he betrayed... "

When he finally let go of her, he adds:  "But this is all long gone, and here we are now... The world cannot survive for a single day without hope and so can’t we.  Everyone I ever loved betrayed me, including my own parents. Yet here I am, back on my feet trying to open my heart to you... "

There is so much more Marco wants to say, but he don't. He just look at her, holding her hand and trying to guess where the night is going from here. He then say... "if you need some time alone... I am okay with that, I can wait."  He looks into her eyes and after a short silence adds: "I will never expect you to forget him... even if we spend together many years...  I am thankful ... his love kept you alive until last night. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-21-15/1026:00>
Yelena pulls back and looks at the Keeb next to her.  "Marco still want Yelena?  Not need tell lie of years to get sex.  Yelena used to days then lover ask leave.  Have problems.  Drink much. Smoke much. Now drug.  Yelena much trouble.  But not want be alone now.  Sax man dead, gone.  Marco alive, here."  She reaches out a hand and places it on his chest over his heart.  She whispers, "Marco alive."  With that she leans into him and starts kissing him, giving him a hint of the passion she has.

When they get to the apartment building, the cabbie gives a couple of "Ahems" then just lets the meter run until they break from the kiss.  The pair go into the building, nodding to the doorman.  Once upstairs, Yelena barely gives Marco time to secure the door before she is on him.  Pushing him against the door she gives him a taste of the coming night.  While not particularly strong, her sheer sensuous physicality and passion are clearly a force.  She is like a tigress as she removes enough of her and Marco's clothing to get at him.  She is insatiable in her lovemaking and no room except the locked one is missed in her effort to claim something of this man who has sparked a desire long hidden behind a veneer of self doubt and self scorn.  There is no magic spell, no link, just passion.  The buried demons stay hidden as they are afraid of their fate should they try to interrupt her.  She has no time for demons tonight, only for Yelena and Marco.  Marco is an incredibly talented lover and she lets him know that over and over.  How they ended up in the bed is a mystery, but she takes advantage of that, letting her passion pour through her and onto Marco.  Finally she collapses on top of him, sweating and panting, her head on his chest.  She strokes his face and murmurs, "Yelena keep promise.  Show Marco good time." 

She rolls off and lays next to her lover, allowing one arm to stay across his chest.  She remembers to set her clock before dropping off to sleep.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-21-15/1105:58>
The speed that it all happened, that the night moved from tears to passion was a mystery to Marco. He was very passionate and  very attentive to her and did his best to keep up. She indeed was a very energetic lover and he gave her his complete attention.  When she fell asleep exhausted he kept stroking her hair gently and thought to himself. “ Still she do not believe me...Sex is amazing but it is not all...  If by some miracle she can be saved from her terrible fate - there is hope for me... for everyone else... I will follow her to the gates of hell and carry her sorry ass back to this world if I have to... There is also the possibility that I will just fall to that dark place together with her... a likely possibility given my history... but even in that case at least she won’t be there alone. ”

If religion ever taught him anything it was belief... Belief that despite anything she told him she could one day be happy... That her demons will let her be and that she can live a normal life. Belief that the same could apply to him, that no matter what happened before... as long as they are still breathing it is never too late.  He kept stroking her hair until he fell asleep himself. Tranquility, it was another careless moment. Like many he had before - this time it, however, it felt different.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-21-15/1145:05>
Arc was definitely more cheery as they left the club, even swapping commcodes with Josie before doing so ("From the sounds of it, we both got stories to tell.  We can swap em sometime, null sweat") and again expressed her appreciation of the performance and the treatment to the two keebs.  As the human hugged Yelena, she couldn't help but whisper to her "Now don't go breaking drek.  See ya tomorrow" with a little snigger.  As she hopped onto the bike, she glanced over to watch the pair ride off in the cab, heaving a little sigh as she jacked in and rode home.

It surprised Arc how much she had grown accustomed to sharing her living space, as the silence that greeted her upon arriving home left her with a little sense of loneliness.  A feeling she didn't really recognize that much, having not had genuine friendships outside her abusive gang relations.  Frowning a bit, she turned on the trid and wound down with a quick martial arts flick, stripping down and plopping onto the couch before eventually drifting off to sleep.

While a full night's sleep was in store for the little human, it by no means was a peaceful one.  She dreamed vividly, her senses assaulted by a myriad of images, rapidly shifting from one scene to the next. 
Dancing at the jazz club, the sounds echoing in her head. 
The meeting before hunting the blood spirit, scent of pizza and dread heavy in the air. 
A wild night of drunken passion and regret. 
The first engine she ever fixed, the hot smell of oil and metal. 
An eagle, soaring overhead and disappearing in the horizon. 
A small child, babbling cheerily and reaching out for her arms in embrace. 
A chase on motorbikes, adrenaline pumping. 
A fire. Consuming everything she knew and loved around her While she burned...

With the last one, she awoke with a start to her alarm, telling her to get ready for the meet up.  Her chest rode and fell heavily as she steadied herself, a little bewildered and confused.  Still wondering about it. She absently dressed in her street attire, tank, jeans, and jacket, pistol at her lower back.  Grabbing the car, she zoomed off for the seamstress's union, arriving right on time much to her luck.  "Hoi again.  Is John in?". She asked casually, lifting her arms up as if the front desk might recognize her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-22-15/0133:29>
"Indeed." Ambrose replied, sitting down and looking to get a good look at this 'John' fellow.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-22-15/0217:46>
The internal buzz of the commlink alarm brings Yelena awake from a deep sleep.  A sleep that for the first time in years had not been interrupted by her hidden demons.  Turning her head, she looks at the Keeb sleeping next to her.  This man is different; she can feel that.  Certainly his bed skills were better than those of anyone else she had ever bedded before, but it was more than that.  She had talked about the sax man and told things about herself that she had not told others.  Yelena barely knew him, but felt like he had been with her for a long time. 

Yelena recalled the tempestuous events of the early morning and winced a bit.  She had simply let all of her emotions run wild with Marco, and the Keeb had participated fully.  He had proven to be a complete match for her sensuality and desires.  There had been no hesitation in him and it seems that he had desired her just as much as she needed him.  She grimaced when she remembered being so entwined in each in each other that they had barely noticed the pair of lamps that crashed to the ground.  All in all the experience had released a lot of emotion.

Even now, looking at Marco brought desire to her and she felt her body reacting to his nearness.  Not able to resist him, Yelena runs her hand down the length of his body then covers his body with hers, kissing him awake and making love to him.  Not the frenetic action of earlier, but a deep, soul searing passion that sweeps away years of cobwebs within her.  At this moment and in this place there are only two people in the world.  The hurt of the sax man's loss and seeming betrayal is pushed off to a hidden corner, as is every other hurt.  From her position above Marco, tears well up and spill from her eyes to fall onto his chest, the tears signaling a release from a self-imposed bondage years in the making.  Her slow but emotional movements are perfectly timed to those of the awakened body beneath her.  Her passion reaches previously unexplored heights and the explosive release of.......of......of everything is the most unexpected and most desirable sensation she has ever felt.  Such force cannot be easily contained and her body reacts with spasms of joy as she gives voice to a primal noise that has no connection with any recognized language. 

Yelena collapses on top of Marco, sobbing into his chest, her body quivering uncontrollably.  It takes several minutes for her to regain any semblance of control and she uses the time to cover Marco's chest and face with kisses.  Finally barely able to speak, she whispers, "Never before.  Maybe never again.  Best ever.  Marco best lover Yelena ever have.  Yelena needed Marco."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-22-15/0334:58>
Softness... warmness and warm kisses. He embraces the feeling as he floats someplace between alertness and sleep. For a moment it all seems like a dream... a very sensual dream.
He opens his eyes, and Yelena’s face is the first thing that he sees. “Good morning” he whispers, she is already making love for him and his body responds. Intuitively he moves in complete sync with her, looking at her with affection.

She seems different... for a rare moment she is no longer running. Marco is excited... he is aware of every tiny facial expression every minute movement in her body, and each new height furthers his excitement until eventually he too let go. He never knew he could enjoy it like that. No fancy technique, no magic, just emotion... Kind of like Jazz.  He gently strokes her back until she catches her breath again. Her eyes are wet... he wipe a tear away from her cheek and say “I am not going anywhere... I need you too”...

Shortly after reality kicks in, they do not have much time until they need to arrive at the meeting. "I’ll make us some quick sandwiches with omelette for the way we should get going soon". He puts on a pair boxers and watches the mayhem in the apartment as he walks to the kitchen.  Despite being a very organized person, somehow every displaced item brings back happy sensual memories. “It will take some time to re organize the place". He thinks to himself... when he  see's the broken lamps near the bar he sighs, but he quickly broom out any remains to prevent an accident.

He begins his work at the kitchen with some toast bread, cutting onion and champignon mushrooms. He then mix it all with 3 eggs and fry it quickly. It only take 3-4 minutes until there are two nicely looking sandwiches waiting for them for the road. He books a taxi, and heads to the shower.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-22-15/1018:34>
Yelena lays in the bed for a minute after Marco leaves it to get breakfast started.  She puts her hand in the spot he vacated, feeling the warmth of his body there and wonders why she has to go anywhere and do anything.  Cannot life be like this?  She fantasizes for a moment then realizes that this can probably never be.  She is a killer of people, more, she is paid to kill people.  Her body count indicates that she is quite good at her job.  She has no business dreaming of a different life.  Marco might be different, but he is still likely to ask her to leave after a few days.  Idyllic bliss is hard to maintain and Yelena is not the type to settle down, a lifetime of moving bears that out.  Still, what if..............

Shaking her head, Yelena gets out of bed and takes a quick shower.  She searches through the dresser for underwear and a tee shirt that fit, remembering that her shirt from the evening before had suffered a bit and is now missing at least two buttons.  She slips the tee on and pads out to the ruined living room to put her pants on.  Marco is nearly finished with the breakfast sandwiches and she smiles at him.  "Yelena sorry about rooms.  Much mess."  She starts to clean up and notices that two lamps are missing.  She reddens as she remembers again that she had kicked them to the floor in her passion.  "Yelena very sorry for lamps.  Will buy new.  And breakfast smell good."

Yelena continues straightening up when Marco goes for his shower.  She has the sandwiches packed and is ready to go when he emerges from the bedroom.  As they leave the room and head to the elevator, she tentatively wraps her arm through his and walks close to him, almost surprised when he does not flinch or move away.  She allows herself another fleeting  what if..............

In the elevator, Yelena stands close to Marco, reaching down to hold his hand.  She is quiet in the taxi, not really saying much until they arrive at the meeting address.  "Yelena thank Marco.  Was best night ever.  Not know if can do all again, but Marco want try sometime?"  They arrive at the site about fifteen minutes early, just in time to see Arc disappear into the building.  She does not see Feather's new bike and hopes that he is not too late.  They enter the building just behind Arc and join her as she heads to the meeting.  She gives her friend a huge hug and walks upstairs with her and Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-22-15/1214:11>
"Yelena very sorry for lamps.  Will buy new.  And breakfast smell good."

Marco.[/color][/color][/color][/color]

Marco gives her a naughty smile... "It may be a blur to you but I vividly remember holding you against that bar and madly kissing you when the lamps fell". While speaking  he approaches Yelena, gently pushes her to the bar and kiss her briefly.
"You do not need to pay for the lamps, its okay I’ll find some new after job is done. "
... He then whispers "Last night... and this morning were both amazing experiences... You are a remarkable woman."

He showers quickly and get dressed, from his experience from yesterday he need nothing too fancy again. “I am going to need some more casual clothes...”.

"Yelena thank Marco.  Was best night ever.  Not know if can do all again, but Marco want try sometime?"  [/color][/color][/color][/color]
Marco smiles at her, he quietly say: “of course... I’ll be happy to see you again. Maybe tonight or after the party in monday... I really enjoyed you at the club and we should also do that again... I want to take you to my regular drinking place when we have some time.”

When they arrive he warmly greets Arc... “Great too see you I hope you had a good night... I really enjoyed dancing with you yesterday... We’re getting good together and should definitely definitely dance again.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-22-15/1354:37>
@ Ambrose  The room is spotlessly clean and almost barren in it's austerity. John is tall and lanky, and his clothing is completely nondescript, designed to fit into a variety of situations and be forgotten. Ambrose should know, he's mastered the art of that particular fashion aesthetic himself. And when he steps forward John greets him with a polished, professional voice. "Pleased to meet you. Thank you for coming on such short notice." He calls up an ARO map that appears between the two of you. "The job I need done is here in the Barrens on the Salishe-Sidhe border. It's an old warehouse located right here on this street corner." He points to several places in quick succession each one enlarging temporarily in response to his command gestures. Ambrose immediately recognizes the area. It's less than a block from the Stardust, and there is only an empty lot between it and the club. This job just got a bit easier. There won't be any extra travel time involved to factor into his plans. John continues "As I said in my message I'll want a lot of flash, and a very loud bang, preferably several. I'm also thinking a small fire on the outside of the building on this wall." He points to the side of the building facing the club. "Something large enough to be seen and burn for 10-12 minutes. He points to the side of the building facing the club. "I'll need it set to a remote switch that I'll want to control. The warehouse does do a bit of legitimate business but most of it's workers are gone by 18:00 and the explosion will happen well after that so it should be easy to prevent loss of life. The biggest problem will be preventing anyone from seeing you set the charges given the relatively short amount of time before I need them." He looks at you. "I'm sure you have a few questions, but my biggest question is can you handle the job?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-22-15/2030:56>
"On the matter of handling a task like this, its really about how much you can pay. Not for me personally, but for the supplies needed. Do you have any personal for more technological things? If so I would suggest having a song to go along with it, Overture 1829 is a bit cliche, but for good reason. Being its more near the holidays, Might I suggest Wizards in Winter, or for a bit more avaunt guard, Ava Maria. Or we could go with irony with Silent Night. Any particular reason you're blowing up this particular warehouse?  That tends to help with setting the proper song, and light show."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-23-15/0119:56>
@ Ambrose  John looks at you and an eyebrow quirks up. "Hrock told me you were a professional. He didn't tell me you had a flair for the dramatic. I'll remember that in case I need it. An artistic touch can send a far better message than a bomb alone in some cases. But, in this case I want it to look like oversight or the perfect storm of unlucky coincidences. And while I do have a financial reason for wanting this particular building torched. You & I are both better off pretending it's a gang problem.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-23-15/0152:28>
"Mearly a misunderstanding of what was meant by a lot of flash. For this matter, I would need to know what the warehouse is for. While I can clearly look myself, it benefits both of us to have a rather mutual sharing of information. If we want to make it look like something just simply went wrong, this would be the frist thing.  If we want it to look like someone else, that would be something else entirely. "

Ambrose explained his position.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-24-15/2355:57>
@ Ambrose  Sam looked at Ambrose and smiled. "The warehouse manufactures egg crates and packing popcorn. And it under the erstwhile protection of the Halloweeners since this is on the edge of their territory. I want the explosions to be in White Chapel colors. They've been making a few noises lately and will easily be believed as the culprits. The most important part of this is the timing, which I will have no control over. It's why I need the explosion to occur by a remote detonator. So that when the explosion is needed, is when the explosion happens."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-25-15/2326:57>
"White Chapel Huh? I might know a few of them that do a bit of the bombing work. Even with that, what I'll need now is the explosives. I can make some, but that takes time, a luxury you don't have right now. The sooner I can get those, the sooner I can get them to look like what you want. The problem after that is to get the burn going as long as you want it to go. For that, I'll need some gasoline. The packing peanuts at the place should be sufficient enough for me to work with that."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-25-15/2353:24>
@ Ambrose. Sam looks at you, "So how much are we talking, and what will that buy me?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-26-15/0018:51>
"Well a few gallons. Too much and I can't possibly carry it inside.  as for the bombs, the more boom you want, the more amount of bombs you want. But again.. too much and I can't carry it inside. I don't know the lay out of the building, but two or three pounds of plastic should blow fairly nicely. Not enough though really to do a whole lot of damage though."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-26-15/1333:29>
@ Ambrose. So what are you going to use to detonate them and what are you going to use as a switch to give me my control? Sam asks you. The look on his face expects answers.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-27-15/0202:04>
"Well considering that we're trying to mimic a street-gang here, using the more common fertilizer type explosives along with plastic is probably the best bet as far as boom goes. I don't know a whole lot about White Chapel however, so I couldn't say how crude their bombs are suppose to be, However a couple of holiday decorations would probably fit right in. As for detonator, the easiest one is a commlink. I'll send you the code to activate them." 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-27-15/0222:33>
Yelena takes Arc by the arm as they ascend the stairs.  She bumps against her friend and says, "So, what did really think Josie and club?  You seemed hitting off well with him.  Josie seems nice.  Yelena meet soon after come Seattle for job.  Always look for club to do sax in and find ARO for Josie club.  Yelena think Josie like Arc.  Not normal he stay at table so long to talk.  And Yelena see Josie look Arc.  Maybe Arc have new boyfriend?  Could do worse."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-27-15/0429:42>
@ Ambrose  That should be cheap and almost impossible to track down. And if you think you can get it there in sufficient quantities to do the job I need I'll defer to your judgment. As I said, usual fee 1/2 up-front & the remainder, including your bonus when I get the detonator.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-27-15/2051:02>
Yelena takes Arc by the arm as they ascend the stairs.  She bumps against her friend and says, "So, what did really think Josie and club?  You seemed hitting off well with him.  Josie seems nice.  Yelena meet soon after come Seattle for job.  Always look for club to do sax in and find ARO for Josie club.  Yelena think Josie like Arc.  Not normal he stay at table so long to talk.  And Yelena see Josie look Arc.  Maybe Arc have new boyfriend?  Could do worse."

Arc gave a little smirk as she heard Yelena and Marco entered the building behind her, turning and returning the Russian elf's embrace before her arm was taken, leading her towards the stairs.  She couldn't help but react to the grab with a little flinch, but it didn't seem voluntary: likely just conditioning from her past.  Smiling, she nodded to Marco's invitation to dance again.  "Maybe after all this drek be done and in the past, eh?  Don't wanna lose my cool and drek when things get hot and fraggy"  Trailing off, she listened to Yelena talk about Josie.  Her cheeks reddened again.   Chalk it up to inexperience, but she hadn't considered the big troll in that way.

Clearing her throat, she brought her voice low for the older lady.  "The club was cool.  Josie was pretty wiz, too.  I like how he gives no drek about the hoopla the street gangs all be about, ya know?  Boyfriend, though?  How old is the trog, hm?"  She dropped her voice further into a whisper, craning up on her tiptoes so Yelena could hear.  "..besides that, what if drek got mad serious yo?  Ya think I'd stand a chance poppin out a tiny troll, huh?  Think about it.."  She might have been joking...maybe...then again, it might have been missed by the keebs that trog culture usually saw procreation and relationships as mutually inclusive entities.  Oh well.  Regardless, they were running out of staircase anyway, and unless they paused, their meeting would happen soon.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-28-15/0026:56>
Yelena immediately notices her friend's reaction to taking her arm and lets go, whispering "Sorry.  Yelena forget."  She laughs loudly and shakes her head.  "Yelena not think that bit.  Arc right.  Just think of and laugh.  But Yelena still think Josie good friend to Arc maybe.  Not know how old and Yelena forget Arc bad times with trogs.  But think Josie better friend than Howler trogs." 

She pauses as they reach the top of the stairs and looks at her friend.  "Arc hear from Feathers?  Thought would be here but not see new bike outside.  Not answer invite club last night either.  Yelena worried."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-28-15/0157:04>
"Oh, don't get me wrong, I ain't got no beef finding myself cozying up to a trog or whateva.  Howlers are drek, but trogs make more sense to me than da squishes, us feel me?  I'd either wanna be sure I want that...". She dropped low again, blushing and chuckling.  ...or hella drunk apparently...""

She trailed off at the question regarding Feathers, the human admittedly haven't given the old man much thought.  "Eh...I know he ain't one to ignore comms, but the Stardust was definitely a bigger thing for the breeder than for us.  I wouldn't be fragging surprised if that wiz be sleepin it off still..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-28-15/0211:05>
Yelena laughs again.  "Yelena so Blissed that night.  Marco drag out so not sniff more."  She looks over to where Marco is standing.  "Marco is Yelena hero.  Take more Bliss if he not drag away.  Not notice Feathers."  She looks back to the human.  "Yelena want come home tonight.  Is OK?  Maybe Yelena and Arc just watch old trids and eat pizza?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-28-15/0945:15>
Silently climbing the stairs Marco paid attention to Yelena and Arc's interaction. Something was there... They are so different these two...yet they are so close....  Arc does not seem comfortable with her sexuality or with most social interactions that Marco imagined. Yelena seemed to be at ease as long as it was all “professional” once emotions were involved she was very unsecured. So different yet so similar.

If Josie was particularly interested Maco didn't notice it... Arc was so popular in the Barrens she could date most of the single guys in there if she wanted. Somehow though he was curious to see who will finally get to her... But before all that was a mission, Feathers was out and the demon description of the club was disturbing at best. Again, danger follows Sam and her cursed money... The one thing that bothered him the most was that he seemed to be filling the magical role in the group... yet there was so much he lacked in that department. He was not sure he was the right person for such role.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-28-15/1332:45>
Sunday, Dec 7th

@ Marco, Yelena & Arc  The door opens when you're still three steps from it. And Sam is standing there waiting for you. "Thank you for being so prompt. I have quite a bit to tell you. Please, take a seat." He stops and waits for everyone to be seated comfortably and you notice coffee and pastries waiting for you on the table. "First, Feathers is missing. He sent me a call for help late yesterday afternoon. I've had his home investigated while you slept. The investigation was complicated by his recent move, he hasn't had time to really settle in and establish habits and tell-tale signs for the investigator to work with. But, what I can tell you is that the job was professional in nature. They took nothing but Feathers and a large dagger. I can also tell you that they left his foci. They also went out of their way to make it look like he never went home Saturday night. They even wiped his comm record, no easy task. So, that tells me that they hired very expensive skills for this job, not just neat and paranoid muscle. And since the last thing Feathers did that could be considered a threat to someone with money was ID some drugs, I have to assume he was taken for what he might know. And it tells me that the people we're dealing with are, smart and paranoid." He pauses for a moment to look around the group. "I've formed a very rough plan to try and find Feathers, if he's at the club. It rely's on distraction and Marco's abilities to mimic anybody. I need you two" he looks at Arc & Yelena, to be the belles at a ball given in your honor on Monday. I've arranged for an explosion to happen then. And when it does. I want you to make sure that everyone's attention is focused on that explosion. Toast it, make up a dance in it's honor, shoot fireworks off. Whatever it takes, and whatever would have the staff running around dancing to your tune. Marco, You'll go separately, study the security personnel there, and when the explosion happens, take the place of one of the security personnel and get into the basement and find if that's where they keep the people they kidnap. I suspect not, but I need to be sure." He pauses again, "And as upsetting as I know this information is for you Arc and Yelena, I need all three of you to focus and tell me everything you noticed and felt at the club and the impressions it gave you. That's something surveillance camera's can't give. I also want your feedback and ideas about the plan to look for Feathers and the other hostages. You know your own skills and needs far better than I do, and if you have a better plan, or even just a different plan I want to hear it." He stops then, looking at all three of you expectantly,
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-28-15/1530:45>
Marco first take a sit, he thinks about eating some of the pastries but decides against it. If Sam insists that they sit there is a reason. He listen carefully to his words. He is still confused that Shilla is Sam and is a guy... she seems better than him in disguises.

When Sam talks about Feathers his thoughts run... but why Feathers?  A warded club, then they expend so many resources to extract Feathers... out of them all they picked him. In a way Feathers intimidates them. But why him?  Feathers must have done something that exposed his talent... He must be a Mage... otherwise why him... he could see their magical nature and they already suspect us.

When Marco speaks he say: “When you look into the void... the void looks back into you. This is no time to be discreet... Feathers is a Mage isn't he?...  I wonder just how he ID'ed these drugs... maybe some sort of magic? Because people that know a lot of drugs come to the club all the time...  I think they use alchemy... It explains it all... people take their drug samples all the time... but the thing is with alchemy by the time the drug gets out of the club and reaches a lab or an expert - it already lost its magical potency... This is how they keep their professional secrets...  Very smart of them!

 But Feathers - he managed to see their drugs inside the club - I bet they only give their magic drugs to mundanes - somehow it reached feathers hands and it was a disaster he was probably too drunk to understand how close he was.“

Without waiting for an explanation he continues

You see... The club has no serious physical security but it has plenty of magical security. While this security did not stop him from getting the special drug - it spotted Feathers and the drug together - this is why they were so nervous.

This is exactly what the club security is for - to prevent a mage from being offered anything special. I think that these people weren't hired to kidnap Feathers... not at all - they were the last layer of security - if a mage is offered the drug they geek him...  Expensive skills are not hastily recruited. The people that took Feathers were waiting for the magical security to fail for quite a while... 

I bet they only offer their  special drug to mundanes after being assensed - so someone must have unexpectedly given the drug to Feathers. Maybe one of the ladies that wanted to dance with him.
 
This is where they got sloppy - they kidnapped him - so they approved that what he discovered was important. They should have waited to see if he understands what he saw... if he does anything risky but they got stressed and showed their hand. They were afraid that his knowledge would leak.

I could guess their plan because these guys are paranoid... but they made a mistake - they just told us a lot about themselves.

... He take a look at Yelena and then at Arc, they seem upset. He pours them a glass of water and say... “Where are my manners... I am so sorry I must be more scared than I thought.” He pours them a glass of water and asks:" Are you okay?" nothing in his body language indicates fear, but Marco is afraid. If his little conspiracy theory is true than he is also at risk.

He takes a deep breath and add: “I understand my part... My aura is difficult to read, I trained for years in controlling my emotions and body functions. But I may be exposed as a mage if I do magic... Perhaps  if I am fast enough... but it scares me... I can try mundane disguises - less impressive but invisible in the astral.  I do not want that *THING* to look into me.”

A moment later he realize there is quite a lot of time until Monday- and the other side have professionals with them.
 
“The thing is... I am not sure how we should behave until the party... we may be at danger...  so I am not sure how we should behave. Disappearing feels safe, but doing absolutely nothing unusual is more stealthy. Do you guys have any experience regarding that? I am totally lost here.”

Unlike previous times, he did not feel like he wanted to run away. Somehow being emotionally involved meant he wanted to stick around and do his best so that Yelena and Arc makes it back in one piece. Was he becoming a shadow runner? The thought of it scared him even more than being kidnapped like Feathers.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-28-15/2032:46>
@ Ambrose  That should be cheap and almost impossible to track down. And if you think you can get it there in sufficient quantities to do the job I need I'll defer to your judgment. As I said, usual fee 1/2 up-front & the remainder, including your bonus when I get the detonator.

Ambrose nods and takes his leave. As he does, he fires off a message to Frank Castille, his arms dealer. <<Here to order. Three pupu platers, a side of hot chille cheese fries. Beer pong table set, and the hottest chimechangas you've got.>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-28-15/2116:13>
Sat. Dec 6 late afternoon

The cred transfer to Ambrose complete and Ambrose safely gone Sam gets back to what he was doing. Going through all the data from the security camera's and reading through reports from his inquiries. Ghost's report does not come in at the four hour mark and even that bit of knowledge tells him something. The data package from Arc's eyes comes in in the afternoon and Sam sets it aside for after dinner when he can run a facial detection program that's currently busy with the security camera feeds. When he finally runs it, sipping a coffee, he almost chokes. Ambrose! Sitting at the damn table with them all!  And by his lip movements saying something about an interview and reporter! The HELL! If he'd only known he'd have grilled the fragger when he had him! And now he's either hired the most dangerous person to do the job, a guy working for the other side, or, the guy that may hold the key to Feathers disappearance. What did he tell him? Sam reviewed the conversation again, looking for tell-tale signs that Ambrose knew exactly who he was. Hmmmm, nothing that he could see, and he hadn't told him anything in particular. He'd made it seem as though it was a financially motivated hit of the warehouse. And Ambrose hadn't seemed all that concerned for the club. Well, he'd keep an eye on Mr Ambrose that was certain.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-28-15/2134:29>
Arc could feel her blood freeze as the meeting commenced and Sam's current form shared the updates on what was going on without them, all thoughts and merriment from the prior conversation dashed away with the big revelation: Feathers was hit.  Kidnapped probably, killed maybe, but missing definitely.  And a professional job too?  Frag us sideways to Snohomish and back..  The color drained from her cheeks as her understanding drifted from their missing, older friend to the fact that they might be suspect too, and might be targeted...

Panick struck her for a brief moment, anyone sitting next to the human seeing it on her face.  Her breath stopped in her chest, her real hand gripping her pant leg with white knuckles as her mind raced.  But this was all over as quickly as it came as she started thinking, approaching it like she would a car.  This is a new wreck...just wheeled in..let's diagnose the drek..okay...  She didn't respond to Marco's offering of water, but after a few minutes, processing all the info was shared, Arc finally spoke up.

"So we do know a few things.  One, our reps.  Barrens folk talk alot, so they know the three of us be heroes in this drek.  Feathers as an outreached hand for the downtrodden, myself as an indie mechanic with street blood, and Yelena as a foreigner who gave a drekton and is now one of us.  You can bet your hoop the Stardust know that.  Two, our night there.  Doesn't take a decent security setup to trace what we all did, and that was separate and never regroup for the rest of the night.  I'm willing to bet that Feathers did that drek you guys be talking about after we separated...and if they wiped his comm history, then they probably looked, and saw he didn't contact any of us about drek.  So they ain't got reason to think we know about the mojo drek."

"So on that bent, I'd say until tomorrow night, let's not give them reason to think we know wassup.  Business as usual and all that jazz."
  She cleared her throat a bit, straightening up and sitting back, turning to their employer and grabbing a cup of coffee.  "As for the club, I saw a lot of partying.  Likely mojo sec be the best thing in all that chaos I guess to figure out what's what.  Lots of people there to have fun and help people have fun.  Other than that, I saw some glitching in the AR overlay for a bit, but couldn't dig further...Sam, with my mental state that night, you'd probably have better luck finding stuff through the vid feed I sent ya."

"As for the plan, I've got a couple bugs I can have slipping through to check stuff out.  Might help Marco look around for drek as needed if I link the feed to him.  I think if I can loop it through my link, I can loop commands through my RCC left in my ride and to the drones.  A little noisy, but carrying that in the club will be just stupid.  I can help that way, since I'm assuming you weren't intending me to rig up the explosion."
  She winked, leaning back and tapping her cheek a couple times.  "Drawing attention and running a party may work, plus I can be obnoxiously loud if needed.  Especially with a bit of the drank, ya heard?  You got no worries, and I'm assuming that this person hosting the shindig's gonna give us a call today.  They might be tracing our comms now, so make the full monty show, right?  Another thought..."  She paused for a bit, biting her lip.  "If they do give that house spec to mundies for the very reason that wiz's can see it, it might as likely be Yelena or I will be offered the drek during the party.  Depending on how much control we can show, it may just as likely be one ends up with it in our system...our choice or otherwise.  This will be tight...guessing more dangerous the more time we spend than we need to."

She straightened up, looking to the three of them quizzically.  "What?  Street girl can't think of stuff or som-somethin'?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-28-15/2309:15>
Marco face Arc and listens carefully, when she is done he say: "You are right... i bet we should change nothing. Just act normal... as scary as that sounds."
To himself... "what a professional."

He adds, looking excited at Arc.

"...a small drone will make me safer. I do not interact that easily with machines so having a small drone with me will keep us in control... you will be able to know if something bad happens without me typing something explicitly. Heck it may make physically sneaking to the basement a backup plan. Or  it can help by alerting me before someone approaches me. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-28-15/2346:46>
Yelena takes a seat next to Arc and smiles at Sam as she listens to his story, taking in and absorbing all he says.  As he mentions Feather's disappearance, she notes the slight stiffening in her friend and from the corner of her eye she catches the white-knuckle grip of the short human.  Remembering the reaction her earlier grab had elicited, she very carefully touches Arc as she mentally thumbs open her commlink.  <Hey.  Yelena here for Arc.  We find Feathers.  We find others.>  Beyond that, she sits impassively as first Marco then Arc say their piece.  Even though she is listening, part of her mind is already focusing on the mission.  It is different from what she has done in the past.  As yet there is no clear target to focus on, but the people behind this sort of operation cannot remain behind the curtain of anonymity forever.  Mistakes will be made and Yelena will then have targets for her considerable skill.  People will die.  Sam is completely aware of what Yelena is and what she can do and he would not have brought her into this without believing, without knowing, that people will die. 

Yelena removes a thin cigar from her case which she leaves open on the table in case anyone else wants one of the acrid Russian-Turkish blends.  Lighting it, she takes a few drags to help order her thoughts then looks at the others before saying, "Yelena ignore Arc comment.  Yelena know Arc smart with many good ideas.  New toys is good idea.  Yelena think targets made mistakes.  First take too many too fast.  People wonder.  Second take Feathers.  He know something.  They take to silence.  But taking tell us almost all he knows.  Mage security see him do something and can only be magic seeing of drugs or magic seeing of captives.  We know even if Feathers not tell us.  We know they scared.  We know on right track.  A little more rattle and know targets.  Then targets die."

Yelena pauses to take a couple of drags, expertly keeping the cigar ash intact.  Looking at Sam, she continues.  Yelena saw some and learned some.  Meet woman name Bella at tub on roof.  She and other man had Bliss and give to Yelena.  Bella talk of starlight drug.  Is special drug club only give to spenders to keep coming back.  Yelena think she special guest and club give starlight drug to her.  Is same Bella as Isabella giving party?  If same Yelena already friend and can get closer.  She very much into girl-girl sex and Yelena very good at it.  Probably give more Bliss at party.  Yelena take.  Arc try stay from take.  Very bad and Yelena need Arc help after to clean up.  Get information."

Yelena finishes the cigar and finally taps the ash off before stripping the butt end.  "Targets made other mistake.  Maybe worst.  Not believe Feathers' reputation.  Arc know Merlin?  Arc tell Merlin about Feathers we get magic ally, maybe more than one.  Feathers has magic friends who can help.  And Sarge make honorary Howler.  Howlers not like men who take Feathers.  Can tell about feathers and maybe Howlers help when need.  Barrens not just one person.  Barrens much people.  Come together for Smiley face Monster.  Come together for Feathers and stop drug men.  Club place bad."

She looks directly at Sam.  "Is party for more looking or for stopping drug men?  If stopping, Yelena want gun.  Any idea to get gun inside for Yelena find?  If party for more looking, Yelena do that without gun.  For party, bell of ball means dress up again?  More torture salon?  If at club, party not tux and tie.  Yelena know dress want but need makeup like before.  Can happen tomorrow?  And need more money for spend at club."

Yelena shifts her attention back to her friend.  "Arc arm hide gun?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-29-15/0205:15>
Marco looks at Yelena when she start talking about girl-on-girl sex and taking more bliss he thinks to himself - “what is she thinking... she’ll say anything for another shot of Bliss. This is going to be a difficult road”.  When he finally speaks... he say... “Might I suggest a plan that does not include sex at the club.”... “ I mean - no offense Sam” he gives Sam a look with a minute facial expression as if seeking his conformation and then continues: . “Right now... drug research is of minor importance... our priority should be to find Feathers - hopefully he knows something important enough and perhaps finding him will solve the drug research issues”
Back at Yelena - “We might need your special skills ... I also know how to get your gun into the club... The hot tub is a serious security problem a flying drone can discreeotly land in there... A spirit if we can not get a suitable drone. I bet they do not keep Camera’s on the roof as their patrons are not dressed and won’t feel comfortable.  A small gun is preferable tough... how do you feel about my Crusader?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-29-15/1028:03>
Yelena looks at the Keeb and for a few moments that is all it is, just a look.  No emotion.  Then she smiles.  "Yelena thank Marco.  Yelena rather never sniff Bliss again.  But is Yelena weakness.  Knowing can make useful.  Can get close Bella to get starlight drug.  Yelena believe find drug find Feathers.  Find others.  And Marco maybe not think sex as tool.  As weapon.  But is tool and weapon Yelena can use."

She pauses to flip another cigar from the case on the table and light it.  "Yelena think Marco wrong about cameras.  Not open to notice, but hide.  And club almost certainly does have at tub.  Yelena sure club men have looked Yelena and tub party many times for checking.  Yelena see man stand in shadows near tree.  He watch party but not join.  Think watch Bella."  She laughs.  "Watch Yelena too.  But mostly Bella.  Think club man.  Watch who close to.  Who friends are.  Maybe offer starlight drug to Bella good friends.  Yelena try be Bella friend.  Yelena carry Arc drone and plant on Bella clothes and drone go where Bella go so Arc see and hear.  Arc drone like insect so not seen."

Yelena smokes a bit, looking around the table.  "Yelena not sure about gun.  Drone good idea, but Arc not have big drone.  But spirit bring.  Club has magic defense and spirit maybe seen, but can use explosion diversion to come club and put gun on roof.  Is bushes near towel place.  Hide gun there.  Crusader good.  Is Ares.  Yelena like Predator more.  Yelena and Arc get party to roof.  Then big explosion.  Yelena get gun."

As she finishes her second cigar, she tips the ash and strips the butt, almost as a reflex action.  Looking at Sam, she adds, "Marco send demon spirit to look club.  Demon talk about bound slaves and a prison.  Could be bound spirits to protect or might be prisoners.  Maybe drug and prisoners in same place.  Use explosion to get Howlers and Merlin to attack club.  Yelena think club men come get Bella.  Not want her tell of drug so take.  Arc use drone I put on Bella clothes to see where go.  We follow.  Find drug.  Find Feathers.  Kill drug men."

She looks around again.  "Is Yelena plan.  Barrens people protect Barrens.  Plan good or bad?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-29-15/1250:35>
@ Ambrose  Frank's reply back is prompt, and unexpectedly bad. >>Food inspectors shut the restaurant down. Something about rats. I can get you your order. It's just going to have to come from a restaurant out of town and so it'll take a little longer, and they don't have the chimichangas. But their chilies rellenos are even better in my opinion. And cheaper, but their kinda on the small side so you'll need probably half again as many in order to feel full. But if they don't let you know they're there it's 'cause you're already dead. Let me know if that's ok or if you want to change your order.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-29-15/1400:18>
@ Arc, Yelena & Marco  Sam looks at the three of you. "So far I'm liking the ideas. It seems as though you're individual abilities are far more complimentary than I had imagined." He pauses then, looking stern. "But, I think right now it's very important that we not tip our hand. The club needs to only think of you as Barrens street rats made good. And suddenly flush with cash & fame looking to party hard after your close brush with death. If Feathers and the others aren't down there we'll need people, and especially staff, to see you as friends so that they share info with you. After all, there's a trail there somewhere. We just need to find it." He looks at you Marco, "And that was good thinking sending the spirit for recon. It got you very good intell, and a very good use of inferential logic all of you. But, don't get glued to any idea yet. Keep an open mind, and more importantly an open commlink." He smiles then, trying to make light of a simple and important safety tip. "And now to our next subject. I need you to tell me about this guy. He was at your table last night and spoke to Feathers." He calls up an image then, and you all recognize the reporter from that witchy magazine Feathers was talking to.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-29-15/1450:43>
To Yelena: "You obviously been doing this kind of work longer than me... 
I trust your judgement... Sam is going through plenty of logistics to send us into the basement - we need you clear headed and dressed at that moment..."

Just the thought of Yelena doing more bliss and sleeping around in another tub orgy makes Marco a bit protective. He knows this feeling is out of place and with his day job he really is in no place to critique...  He is well aware that she can get much with her sexuality - but some things  are the refuge of the desperate. He knows about himself that he would not sleep around for a mission unless the options to get the job done pants on were inferior.

He tries to keep poker face about his emotions as apparently Arc is the only one he did not sleep with in that room and he does not want an emotional drama.

To Sam:
"Yes... I remember this guy. He kept talking to Feathers as if he was interviewing him. I had to offer that guy a steak so that Feathers can have some quiet time and enjoy the club.

... I do not think he is a reporter though the hour was very odd for an interview, and his questions were obviously improvised. There was an Asian guy that was looking at him... It did not seem sexual it made me uneasy."

He thinks for a second and continues...

"Actually, that uneasy feeling made me go dancing a little earlier than I planned... What goes afterwards you already know - if you watched the feed from Arc’s eyes... I bet our dance made you a bit dizzy as me and Arc did some serious spinning over there. "
He smiles at Arc when he say that.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-29-15/2027:24>
Arc's expression notably soured as the idea of bringing the Howlers into the plan was brought up, the human sipping her coffee while her memories fumed.  Particularly since Merlin was brought prominently into the idea, whom was one of the list the human had for those trogs who treated her especially rough while she was part of the gang.  Thankfully, she didn't have to protest it, as Sam beat her to the punch, reminding them that their objective at this point was to identify, not eradicate just yet.  It's like a chess game...cept we just the fragging pieces and Sam's the player.  Drek  Sighing, she gave a shrug and shook her head, lifting her cyberarm to Yelena.

"I ain't set up to smuggle no piece in this baby, omae.  Besides, doubtful I could find a spot to fit a compartment without it lookin' all bulky and obvious.  Y'all right about the drone smuggling part.  I'd need a bigger one, and we don't got the time nor cred to make it happen.  Top of that hoopla, dropping a piece onto a populated roof ain't gonna go unnoticed anyhow.  Best if we find another option or just don't slip one in at all, ya hear me?"

Nodding her head, she turned back to Sam in regards to the next question, head tilted quizzically as she scanned the picture while Marco said his piece.  "hrm...I dunno...I admit I was already out on the floor when that dude showed up.  Older dude by the look of it, and I"d rule him out of any gang affiliation too...cut of his suit tells me he ain't Barrens-born...likely from cross town or outside Seattle?  Other than that, I really dunno...sorry"

After a little while, the human piped up a small query.  "So, y'all prolly know more of this drek than I do, but uh...after we get this invite, we supposed to get new shiny outfits again?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <04-29-15/2114:30>
@ Ambrose  Frank's reply back is prompt, and unexpectedly bad. >>Food inspectors shut the restaurant down. Something about rats. I can get you your order. It's just going to have to come from a restaurant out of town and so it'll take a little longer, and they don't have the chimichangas. But their chilies rellenos are even better in my opinion. And cheaper, but their kinda on the small side so you'll need probably half again as many in order to feel full. But if they don't let you know they're there it's 'cause you're already dead. Let me know if that's ok or if you want to change your order.<<

<<How about the unlimited chorioz, with two howling ninies, and three red screamers? And an extra large bucket of Greasy's gravy fries. Two bags of gummieworms, and one teddy?>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-29-15/2357:18>
@ Ambrose  >>Can do omae. Everything 'cept the teddy, you want that you need to talk to your girl and hope it comes in AR so's it's no impediment to the deed wiz. I can have it all for you Monday early, say 11:00. This way you've got it in time for lunch. It'll be a little extra for the travel time but shouldn't be much more than 5%. Meet me at that soup kitchen near the glass house.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-30-15/0012:38>
Yelena listens to Sam and smiles.  "Yelena understand.  Party and show money.  Make friends staff and clients.  Is Isabella important to make friend?"  She nods as Arc explains about the arm.  "Was thought only.  Have to think for later."

She looks closely at the picture but shakes her head.  "Yelena barely see man.  He take Feathers?"

After Arc asks her question, Yelena laughs.  "Is good question.  Not good wear same dress twice.  Need buy another to show money.  How much Sam give for new clothes.  And maybe torture salon?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-30-15/1114:35>
@ Yelena, Arc & Marco  Sam's lips quirk as he raises an eyebrow at Marco, "Torture salon? I see you've been making friends and influencing people into the good life Marco." he laughs then. "But I personally have never understood how that much pain can be considered a day of 'pampering yourself'." He studies you then. "I'll have dresses sent over to you both. I have a source where I can get them quite a bit cheaper. And I'll authorize another thousand into each of your accounts. But, no more. If we can't find out what they're really after with these drugs I think it might pay you to be seen as having gone through your cred. An easy truth, he paused, "and be willing to be corrupted for your next job. I'm hoping your fame gets you noticed by whoever's in charge of this and that they approach you hoping you'll be above suspicion as their mules. pausing again, he measured his next words, And I need you all to remember that the hostages are not our primary mission. We're after the head of the snake. Because whatever they're after, you can guarantee there'll be more disappearances. And if all we do is rescue Feathers and a few others, we'll just tip our hand and who ever' is behind this will just kill us and move their operations. So yes Yelena, make friends with Bella, and yes, sex is a tool and a weapon. Something my young idealist," he nods at Marco, "chooses not to recognize. So use every tool you are good with."

Arc, you get a comm, >>And Arc, I very much appreciate you sending me the entire feed. That took a commitment to the truth even above your own pride. And I can understand that it probably embarrassed the hell out of you. But now, we use it as a another tool in our hand.<<

He pauses then, "On second thought, no to the 1000 in your account Arc. I'm sure someone in that club knows you spent the night with a grifter. And if they can wipe Feathers comm, you can bet they'll check your cred, and for our purposes, you dead flat busted is far, far, better. So now lets gets to the meat and bones of this plan. Any questions?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-30-15/1241:21>
“That demon... Everything makes perfect sense... lay low, sleep with Bella take drugs... don’t rescue Feathers... Yet everything is so wrong - get hooked even more on Bliss, let Feathers die to preserve cover... risked being kidnapped yourself to preserve cover”

Who is Sam working for? What hidden interest his words serve.

He address Sam: “You seem eager to look down the basement otherwise you wouldn't go into all that trouble of blowing out a building in the middle of the party.”

He adds: “I can cast a high force spell on a minor spirit and have it take down all the wards in that club almost simultaneously... Spirits travel very fast in the astral, and on impact with a ward the spell is likely to win.  It will take them some time to put all the wards in place, their mage will know the wards were taken down,  but it will be difficult to connect that to me."

"Now what will happen when the ward is down?... they will need to move stuff around and do so quickly... The sensitive stuff will need to leave this basement before anything sees it.

We already know they do not function well under pressure.  They may make more mistakes. Arc will look like the perfect candidate for some work- addicted to living it big but with an empty wallet maybe even an outstanding bill in the club of couple of hundreds dollars a bill she cannot pay. She is local, she is famous and she won't be searched. Additionally she has some money problems that can be exploited.

She has a chance to be *invited* to the basement... After all they will need to move fast - and the perfect mark is just sitting there in the bar trying to keep ordering expensive drinks.

If she does get in the basement she can leave a small part of her behind... a micro drone for later usage... maybe turned offline to be activated automatically in the morning after

Now the thing is - if you just blow up a building next to them... *and* take down their wards at the same time... it will be a viewed as a threat. Not a rescue operation.  They have enemies - they'll think it is one of their enemies. They are likely to view it is an aggressive message to show them how vulnerable they are.
 ”

... He finally adds:
"It may also help Feathers reach us from the Astral if he is there... You need to understand that I might be in bad shape after casting like this, it will take a while before I regain my health..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-30-15/1854:51>
The reply to Sam's comm came from Arc just as quickly as she received it, the mental keyboard typing up in a flurry and sending.

<<@Sam: Thanks for understanding.  Figured with my mental state at the time, better to send everything in case I can't remember seeing something.  That being said, realizing I may have to do that again.  Hope there's no regrets, eh? :)>>

She sent that just in time to listen to Marco's idea to change the plan, causing Arc to give pause.  With each word, her mind raced as she tried to connect the dots.  Now why target the adjoining building...it's not part of the club at all..  Pulling up the city map, she traced a few lines based on stuff she knew: gang turfs.  There, there was the pattern.  Arc gave a little grin at the subtlety of it all, clearing her throat before Marco would continue.

"That might be a good plan, but it does raise some serious fraggin' risk.  One, if what you say is true, that will effectively remove your role in the operation once drek hits the fan.  Two, Being a man down the the rest of us likely slotted up in certain ways to keep appearances, you can bet your hoop investigation will be hard to pull off.  Three, taking down the wards will look like a direct attack and connecting the explosion.  Sam, correct me if I'm wrong, but that wasn't the intent."

"The way I sees it, this bada-boom is meant to look like an outside co-incidence to draw attention AWAY from the Starlight.  Howler's used to do stunts like this about a decade ago against the Trapangs.  Sam, gotta hand it to you, you gotta set of Huz to be pissing off the Halloweeners with this.  Either way, mine and Yelena's job is gonna be, in our positive buzz of energy we will got goings on by the time, to opportunisitcally hype up the accident and basically cause a fraggin' scene.  That's when you go in with my drones...in case I can't help, I'll show you how to work them: point and click, fraggin' easy....and take a peek."

"Sam is right: as drek as it is to say.  We won't stop them by busting out anyone locked down, Feathers or no.  We'll rouse a party, cause a scene, and work their interest to hiring us on for somesuch."
  Arc took a breath, nodding about the cred.  "It fits.  Looks like my part's gonna be the slot who, like all young slitches who got quick money, burned through it all quick but ain't ready to go back?  If my rep is as big as y'all say it is, it shouldn't be hard to find a few hoops to buy me drek and party on.  Get the cred flowing, which will draw any attention from them I'd frag.  I'll put on the show, no sweat"  She took a few more breaths, settling in and sipping her coffee.  "That's my piece.  What's the plan, bossman?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-30-15/2329:41>
"Oh well we can sneak into the basement...
To do that I'll need pictures of as many employees as possible, audio will also be helpful.
If we find someone of my general body structure I may be able to impersonate him without any fancy mojo. I can change my facial features and a dash of cosmetics, a wig maybe and different cloths and I'll be good to go. I'll go to the toilet as one person and exist as another.
Then I'll do the same to revert back to myself. Overall the time spent in there will be reasonable and will not raise too much suspicion. "

After a short pause he say:
 
"Mojo is dangerous and addictive... I do not like using it. I only suggested the other plan because if our ruse is caught - I'll be lucky to exist unhurt - and I am not sure any of us can go back to that club again.

The other one indeed leave me bleeding, but it can be done long before we
enter the club. So that any trace of mojo is long gone from my aura. So both plans have their risks... I understand that."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-30-15/2355:16>
Yelena sat back in the chair and listened to the conversations.  She nods in agreement to Sam's concept, waiting for the others to say their peace.  "Yelena think Sam and Arc right.  Go see.  Go hear.  Work Bella for friend.  Is Yelena broke?  Or just Arc?  Can go for double try.  Arc desperate for money.  Yelena desperate for friend.  Treat explosion as part of party.  Have fun.  Maybe drug.  Probably sex."  She finally hears what Sam was saying and looks at her friend, saying in a very serious tone,  "Man hurt Arc?  Yelena need kill man?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-01-15/0251:58>
@ Arc, Yelena, & Marco  Sam looks at you all. "I think it's much smarter to have three different motivations. That way at least one of you gets noticed and possibly hired."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-01-15/1021:18>
To Marco, Arc gave a few nods in understanding to his reasoning for an alternative.  "I read ya, chummer.  I ain't saying the risk ain't there, but the original plan is drawing attention away from where you gon' be.  A direct hit on their drek will just as likely spook them into closing up shop, and we don't need that.  Besides, with my bug helping ya, should be null sweat.  As for the pics...". She paused, glancing to Sam.  "Between the two of us, we should be able to compile a list to select from eh?"

Finishing her coffee, she set it down and straightened up when Helena made the query about her getting hurt.  Neh?  Hoi, girly, ain't no one hurting me.  A grifter is some hoop who flatters and pleases other people to get them to spend money.  Likely a contract hire for the club, and I know that by morning my feedstock was cleaned out.  Just as likely he won't be bothering me again, but from the sound of it, I'll be for plenty of hoops to buy me drinks and stuff.". Arc gave a little pause, thinking about what Sam said to Helena about what tools could be used to gain the influence they needed, reddening a little.  "  ...might have to spend a night with one of em too, I dunno."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-01-15/1335:05>
Marco nodded at Arc. “Okay... I’ll stick to the script. You can send me a file and I’ll do the required preparation before the party.” ...
He address Arc: “please, at least you... keep your dress on that night. Trust me I can be very seductive when I want to be...”
He makes a short pause and smiles at Arc flirtatiously. Then he returns to his serious face.
“it is power I agree...  a weapon, the ability to ignite lust in someone, to play them like that grifter played you is good to have...
But just because you have a power does not mean you have to use it all the time. If Yelena is going with Bella, I consider her down for that day, no matter what happens to you or me at that night all we got is each other. ”


To Yelena: Marco sends you a concerned look and say:  “Bella will give you more Bliss and you will have a wonderful time with her... in a private room or again in that hot tub. Your judgement will be compromised and you’ll need us to make sure you do not get into too many troubles.”

To Sam: “We are a team, we can’t just have everyone doing her own thing. This club is a dangerous place and somebody need to keep cool and provide some backup if things go up too far.
We do not know why they took Feathers we have just speculations and guessing games..."

To all of them:
"We did not mention the possibility that they interrogated him and that he told them exactly what we are doing in that club...

They obviously have access to magic - and some mages can steal memories from people minds, so Feathers might have been compromised even without telling them anything.  This is an extreme situation - we cannot continue with our plan as if nothing happened.

But if they know what we are doing in there... I wouldn't play the redundancy card. We need to extract Feathers as soon as possible. Find out what he told them and re-evaluate our situation."

He pauses and, then looks at Arc and Sam:
" I agree on no heroics as we have no extraction plan, we know too little to do one. I think that having some of us compromised before we know just how much they know may be reckless... ”  
After a short pause:
 “You taught me patience Sam... I suggest we follow your own advice... At least we should  test the water a little bit before we jump all in.”
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-01-15/1658:51>
@ Arc, Marco & Yelena  Sam looks at you and says, "I'm going to send the file with all the employess and a few facts on each of them from what we've been able to learn from all the surveillance footage. Barrens SINless don't exactly advertise. You should be able to pick several possible candidates Marco as the club employs several elves in various positions. And you're right Marco. We do need to act as though they know everything you know. And I'm going to be moving immediately after this meeting. I'll send a little bird to tell you where the next meeting is. And my new comm code is on these comm's. There's one for each of you." He hands Marco a gold cross on a chain with an opal at it's center and Yelena a torc style necklace with an amethyst dangle. "Arc, yours is the most useful as it can also be used to upload up to 16G of data. And it can send out a single burst of noise that'll interrupt a single for up to 3 seconds, but that really eats the battery so use it very sparingly. It fits in one of your drone slots." He hands Arc a bullet shaped object that just barely fits in the slot. ""Make sure you use your regular comms for ordinary communications and these for anything you need private or sent to me as they'll automatically send a copy of everything you say or send to me.  I've already programmed each of your numbers into them. And Arc, your body is your own. Don't do anything that you're not comfortable with with someone you don't actually want. Yelena is comfortable using her body that way. Marco makes that decision for himself all the time. And you contribute everything you need to contribute in your cool head and ability to work the problem. Now if that's all the questions I'll let you all go."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-02-15/0731:24>
Marco nods to Sam, and says his farewell to Arc and Yelena. “I have some previous commitments for now.” On the way out he texts lady
 <<Properites now... I got a great tip from Arc... can you meet me in a couple of hours?... we can do Vatican as you asked.  >>

Sundays were a difficult day to Marco, it was the day he had to write to his parents. His library was funded by the Vatican and used as discreet manner to transfer messages. Despite all the advancement in encryption and the progress of technology the Vatican does not trust technological means. Delicate messages like those from agents in the field are always hand written. In a world with a brain machine interface there is not much use of real paper, many people are not skilled with writing. The code is not very complex, it is based on the fact that the vatican has a virtual matrix room with exact copy of every one of their operatives library.

When Marco writes the letter he picks the letters from the different books in the library, and write the coordinates in the library instead of the letter. Even spaces has their coordinates, the code is then inserted to a book and Marco picks a book from the library and ship the note with the book. The reply from the Vatican reach him encoded in the same manner during the next sunday. The letters are delivered by a delivery roto-drone, that is small enough to land in his balcony.

Marco have already written a confession letter detailing his life and career decisions since he left the Vatican. Every week he wants to send that letter but instead writes a totally bogus letter. This sunday is no different.

Mom, Dad and “little” Carla.

The good news is that I am still alive.
I cannot share much of what I am doing but I am seeing the world and enjoying my work very much.
I discovered a new bowling club that I also really like something very fancy, and I take my friends there a lot. I believe they have some unusual way to bring the ball back to you after you drop the pins... perhaps they managed to do so magically. I met there an unusual girl that I like a lot and I hope that it become serious between us.

How are you? I wish I could see you and I miss you terribly... Especially you Carla.
 It is a shame that I couldn't grow up closer to you.

Marco.

Gabriel:
Please send me the book “Seven deadly sins” an original if you can get it approved.
Thank you very much...
P.S: I can’t say that I am a good catholic, but I am not as bad as you remember me.

Another week, another lie and another sin. Thought Marco as he placed the book on the small rotodrone. He picked the book on the drone and placed it in his library.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-02-15/0735:52>
Yelena nods and picks up her cigar case from the table.  "Yelena thank Sam for money and dress.  Have comm code for Bella from tub.  Should Yelena use to call Bella on own and set up meet for maybe lunch?  Might get to know better.  Otherwise go home Arc and wait dress."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-02-15/0949:10>
Seeing as he wasn't going to get the teddy like he needed to, he decided to put in a rush order to the vermont teddy bear company to pick up one of their bears. Placing it on rush delivery, he gets it the next day. This here.. This was the piece of resistance he was going to use.

It wasn't going to be that hard to set up, upon getting it, he replaced the cloth nose with a tougher resin one, and began working his detonator into it. Thats right, He's always had a bit of flare when it came to one of his many job titles, hence why he does have a legal license to put on pyrotechnic shows, though the explosives there are often very well tracked and sometimes quite difficult to find some punk rock group who wants an old man like him to put on their show.

The Operation of the detona-bear was rather easy. First pull out the nose, then turning it to the side would arm it. Pushing the nose back in would detonate the bomb it was ready to do.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-02-15/1437:17>
"Works for me.  I'll wait for the drek to arrive and to get that invite then.  Thanks bosslady"bosslady". With a nod and a wry smile, Arc stood up, pocketing the commlink bullet and waiting for Helena and Marco before departing.  When the male keeb declared he had plans, she gave a nod.  "Null sweat, don't let us keep you.""

In the car, Arc grew a bit quiet as the Russian joined her.  It was a while before she spoke.  "...am I the only one getting a feeling that we gon' be getting into some heavy drek in the next few days?". She shrugged, shaking her head a few times as they rounded a corner.  "In with you though.  Pizza and a night in sound pretty dragging good at this point.  Say...didn't Sam promise us SINs in the event these hoops be asking us to do some work?  Can't remember...ah well."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-02-15/1445:31>
@ Marco  She responds back in under 15 min's.>>I can meet you at 6:15. But, not at the Vatican, at Jacob's Ladder.<< The ladder she's speaking of is an old fire escape ladder that's on the side of an abandoned and mostly decimated apartment building on the upper east side. The last three stories are completely gone, and the ladder is a skeleton leaning into the sky. When you get there she is waiting. Dainty and elegant at first glance. But the confidence of her movements and the set of her jaw tell even the casual observer of the steel in her frame. Once she gets to you she kisses you on both cheeks and hands you a woven paper tube. "It's a Chines Puzzle." she says. "You put the forefinger of each hand in it and pull." as you follow instructions it tightens on your fingers, but, when you try and pull out, it tightens even more. It only takes a moment to figure out that the weave is made so that the more you pull the tighter it gets, and so to escape you have to relax." She smiles as you figure out the toy and says, "So tell me about the properties of the properties you have found. The next few hours go by quickly as you show her the different properties.
 
@ Yelena  Sam looks at you and says, "Yes, I think that's an angle worth pursuing." and  nods, satisfied.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-02-15/1522:00>
Yelena nods and reaches over to pick up the commlink, noticing how pretty it is.  She smiles at Sam, "Yelena thank Sam.  Amethyst good color match hair."  She carefully uses the edge of her tee shirt to wipe the back of the chair, the door knob, and anything else she had touched before leaving the room.  Once in the car she shakes her head at her friend's comment.  "No.  Arc right.  Yelena feel it too.  Feel odd not work with guns.  New experience."  She pauses and thinks for a minute then says, "Yelena call Bella.  She maybe not take call, but try." 

Yelena mentally thumbs her commlink on and searches for the comm code she had stored there at the tub party.  Finding it, she sends a text.  <Bella.  Yelena.  We meet at club hot tub.  Yelena enjoy Bella very much.  Would you want to meet for lunch?  You pick place and time.>

After she sent the message she looked across the seat at her human friend.  "Yelena say things to Arc?  Yelena feel Arc is friend.  Something say best friend even for know for short time.  Yelena talk friend Arc even if not want hear.  Sam right about sex.  Is choice of Arc, not of other person.  Never do if not want.  Sex part of Yelena life long time.  Use for fun, for relax, and for work.  For Yelena is tool.  Arc not Yelena.  Sex can hurt.  Yelena not want Arc hurt.  Yelena not want Tessa hurt.  Understand?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-02-15/1558:22>
Arc remained silent for a few moments after the elf said her piece, her jaw set and cheeks red a little bit.  Eventually. She gave a nod of agreement.  "...yeah, I get ya.  Don't worry. I won't do nothin' that I don't wanna do.  I'll play the hooked on the high life bit tomorrow like planned.  No worries.  Yelena, I feel it too, we definite chummers by this point". The human paused a but as her real name was uttered...something she had grown accustomed to never hearing.  "Yeah, call her if you need to.  Borrow the car if you want.  Might make us look like a high roller even more, heh.  Don't worry bout me, ill stay in and be good ". She winked as they pulled up to her garage, the human expertlyparking the car and unplugging herself.

Thinking about it, and the potential that she will be spending the day by herself, surprisingly left Arc a little sad.  Frowning. She tried to think of how to pass the time, settling on sending a comm to that Latino therapist Jaime who taught her how to use her rig.

<<@Jaime{Arc}>>
<<Hoi, how you been?  Hey, I've been having some trouble sending commands through my rig to my console.  Seems a bit buggy, and I know you the expert. Heh.  Wanna meet up at my place?  Address is attached, lemme know>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-02-15/2056:33>
Marco climbed to the top level of the leader, despite controlling the levitate spell. It was a long climb but the view was definitely worth it, and indeed it was an interesting but rather unusual place for a meeting. The climbing made the view better... as if you earned it.

“It is always pleasant with you Lady. You look good.” He embraces her warmly. Her presence was a joyful breeze in his somewhat horrible day.
“I brought some wine I like and some good cheese to compliment it... I know we’re on business mode but if we’re meeting in such a romantic place we should at least have a glass of wine... it is a casual wine but I kind of like it.”  It was a bottle of Rossi di Bianchi from his family winery. 
Marco was surprised as his fingers were caught in the tube... “You could have just said you were hungry” he laughed. It took him some time struggling to solve the puzzle and finish his glass of wine.   “Nice puzzle... “  he said.   “Made me think about my troubles a bit... thank you” .
“Properties of the properties...” He grinned... He highlighted a dot on her AR map. “There is this place over there... the one that Arc recommended... a place where the Smiley mage was killed recently. A toxic mage, perhaps as it is fresh it may be a bargain.  I am not sure about background count in there... I admit I barely understand the concept... I just feel it.”
The rest of the evening went nicely despite the horrible decor.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-02-15/2127:05>
@ Arc  Jaime responds  >>If you can promise a few cold beers to go with that console I can promise to be over. Is 18:30 ok?<<

@ Marco  The Lady looks at each of the properties via satellite and street map view and settles on three of them to look at physically. In the end a property that was an old prison is what she settles on saying. "The background count is high. But, everything that mage Feathers and his group has done to bring people together, and having a monument to the fallen is also making it a place of hope, and in the end, the evil isn't ancient and continuous enough to win here." She's says things like that sometimes. Things that make you wonder at her life. But, she shares what she shares and not one droplet more. Later, when you get home and put away your clothes you find the Chinese Puzzle again and it makes you smile. She rarely gives you gifts. But, when she does they are like this, small paper toys made for children.

@ Yelena  Bella answers, >>I'm booked solid for the next three days. But perhaps we can meet for more Thurs, which does not mean I don't intend to meet you at the party. Looking forward to showing you a few more of my talents and seeing a few more of yours.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-02-15/2244:23>
Arc received the reply from Jaime just as she was locking the car up, the flash of text across her vision eliciting a notable smirk.  She was surprised by the accepted offer: after all, it was a blatantly drek excuse to invite someone over, and anyone who's known Arc for just a little bit would know tech doesn't just "get buggy" with her.  Shutting the garage, the human fired off a reply.

<<@Jaime{Arc}>>
<<Null sweat, man.  I'll have a couple sixers chillin' for us.  Pizza too.  See ya soon>>

Turning to Yelena, the girl shrugged off her jacket and threw it over the couch, slumping as she took a seat.  "Ah, man...go ahead and throw on whatever you want, omae.  Oh, that rigger dude Jaime from the hospital is coming by tonight.  I invited him.  Is that cool with you?  If not, I don't think it'd be sweat to cancel on em."". She eyed Yelena abit, gauging her response and wondering if she had made plans with Bella already...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-03-15/0319:36>
Yelena laughs.  "Yelena fine with Jaime come by.  Bella busy so Yelena not going her.  Is third wheel?  Yelena can leave if want private.  Otherwise all watch trids and eat pizza.  But Yelena go ride bike if want me leave you with handsome rigger man."  She swings her gun case from beneath the bed and heads to the door to the garage.  "Yelena lonely for guns.  Go clean."  Smiling, she adds, Yelena leave clothes on.  Come join while wait for rigger.  Arc and Yelena talk and tell jokes."

Yelena goes into the garage and begins the laborious process of cleaning her beloved guns.  If Arc comes out she will trade jokes and stories with her friend.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-03-15/0728:58>
Marco enters his home and goes straight to shower. He is pleased to find the toy as he strips.
It is a long kind of shower full of thoughts... About that horrible meeting with Sam, about Yelena and Bella... He was worried for her... or was a bit jealous... maybe a bit of both. She seemed eager to continue from where she left.  Arc may also lose it that night, he might be completely alone in that club. At least he’ll have a small commlink cross with him. It felt weird to carry a cross he had not carried one since he moved to UCAS.

Somehow the lover of every vice is the one to keep his pants on. Who would have believed it? These nights of passion, the Jazz club the Metal music before that, and Lady that just bought an abandoned prison... it was functional as it already had a dining room and a kitchen... it was much bigger than what a soup kitchen needed to be...  while most of the prison was destroyed in a prison riot in the 50's. It still had more than a few cells intact and several other halls including the old armory building, that had thick walls and a large and massive metal door. Perhaps also an homeless shelter? or did she have some secondary usage for the spot.

Sam... Who is Sam? he/she... what was the deal with that. While Marco could also change his form and even had an alter ego as the human girl Marta.  Some of his clients liked her better, she was sexual, loud and always said exactly what she thought. Her best perk was that she did not have to exist the morning after. Despite that, she was just a fun skin to wear - a mask. Marco spent 90% of the time in his own skin. He met clients as himself and everything was open, no matter how odd their fantasy person was Marco could do it with a combination of mundane and magical methods.

But he knew where he ended and the masks begin. Sam was different... what is his true skin? Was anything he shared with that elder German lady a lie said to gain his trust? Have Shilla Schmidt ever existed? Does Sam exist outside their meetings?
Who is this person? He toyed with the idea of sending a spirit to assense him. He wasn't like that. It sounded creepy to him. Something Sam would have done if it is within his power... to gain leverage. But such a radical transformation has to be magical.

Is Sam my future? Walking the shadows my own skin will become too dangerous to wear and I’ll have to invent mask after mask after mask until nobody knows who I truly am? How can I get out of this terrible fate. There were simply not enough hot water in the entire building to finish this line of thoughts so Marco gave up and left the shower after 40 minutes.

He felt like flying... roaming over the  city free as a bird. Might be nice to share... he thought.  He messaged Yelena: <<... Hey Y, want to see the city from a bird view? M>> He settled in his living room with a bottle of wine and some soft Jazz.  He scheduled clients for Tuesday, and Thursday. Notifying Sam his schedule. He also asked him:<< Sam... is there any news on the royal keeb background check?>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-03-15/1213:17>
@ Ambrose  The afternoon almost gone if Ambrose is going to study the warehouse where he'll need to lay the bombs in the last of the daylight he'll need to get a move on.

@ Marco  You receive a file from the daemoness on Cinan Mistishsa, in it is a short biography of Cinan detailing his education, hobbies, friends and favorite haunts. You find that you and Cinan have much in common. reprimands for several acts are almost identical wording to your reprimands in places, and it allows you to read between some of the lines and guess many of his early sins. Still, where he differs is that he was also an exceptionally gifted and exceptionally competitive student and as likely earned a spot at his university, even if money and influence did play a part in keeping him in. Even university have their sticking points.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-03-15/1257:19>
Arc redeemed a bit at the offering of Yelena to leave, but she did give pause.  In the back of her head, she wasn't sure if that would even happen.  I mean, yeah, I think I'd be okay with it, but was that why I called?  I dunno.... Lifting her head, she sat up straight.  "Hah...I think you'll have to be the judge of that drek, omae.  Haven't a fraggin clue". Winking up to her, the human placed an order for pizza on the Trix--local stuff, fairly decent quality--before joining with the elf in the garage.

"Man, you gonna wear the parts down, how much you clean those pieces, girly.". She teased, poking her arm before grabbing some tools and setting up beside the Scorpion.  "But hey, who am I to judge, eh?". The story swapping and jokes were a pleasant way to pass the time as the human tuned up the Scorpion'a engine, addressing afew rattles and arrhythmatic rotations of the pistons.  It was actually quite surprising, how welcome it was to just spend an afternoon shooting drek after the past few days of chaos and vice.

Before they knew it, the late afternoon was rolling in, the time flying by for the two ladies, the early evening sun filtering in through the garage windows.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-03-15/1532:31>
Yelena smiles and nods.  "Yeah, Arc is one to talk.  So,Yelena play by ear.  If Arc want alone time with rigger man tell Yelena about bad sound in bike and Yelena go ride to check it out."  The afternoon is indeed pleasant.  The two girls talk and work while telling stories and swapping music and before long it is nearly time for Jaime to show up.  She has not just had a day to do nearly nothing in a long time and the sensation is surprisingly nice.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-03-15/1701:53>
Arc gave a small smirk at the tease, nodding at the plan to see how things played out.  The afternoon seemed to play out a little slower for the human then the elf, likely, as Arc often caught herself checking the time more often than usual.  Finally though, 18:30 rolled around, the pizza was ready, hot, and sitting on the counter, and on cue Jaime came ringing up on the door.  Much to Yelena's amusement, likely, the ring caused the little human to slip on a wrench, twist, causing a cry and a clattering of the tool falling to the floor.  Grumbling, she picked herself up and hastily put the tools away, dusting off and removing her goggles, darting to the door.  "Jaime, was about ready to call a fraggin' search party.  Come on in, take a load off, eh?  Dinner first, then I'll bust my rig out and see what can be done, aight?"  All smiles, Arc ushered him in, beckoning him to a seat on the couch while she grabbed a beer, popping the top off with a deft thwack from her cyberhand before handing it to him and sitting down.

"Sounds good to me, Arc.  After all, this is your home, and I am but a guest.  Thank you for the beer.  Yelena, nice to see you recovered so well also.  You are joining us then, yes?"

It was strange, but Arc felt a bit at ease with his cheery demeanor, eliciting laughter as dinner was served.  The trio shot drek, laughed, shared stories (one in particular of a time Jaime caught a student using a micro-skimmer to peer in on other people unnoticed.  Tsk tsk).  Before too long, the pizza was gone, at least half the beers were drank, and the topic of the rigger console issue was nigh inevitable.  Clearing her throat after a heavy laugh, Arc piped up.  "ah, that just reminded me...Yelena, did that engine noise ever die down on your Scorp?  I haven't taken it out on a test yet, thought you mighta checked it out..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-03-15/2243:54>
Yelena enjoys the company of the rigger and he was good company through the laughter, pizza, and beer.  Yelena's taste does not run to beer so she nurses just the one.  She notices Arc's little bits of confusion and uncertainty, smiling to herself and doing her best to make her good friend comfortable with the handsome rigger.  When Arc gives the agreed-on cue, Yelena stands and shakes her head seriously.  "Frag.  Yelena forget.  Sorry, Arc.  Go do it now, OK?"  "She turns to the rigger and says, "Sorry Jaime.  Yelena should really test bike." 

Yelena goes off to the bedroom and changes into clothes more suited for riding the bike.  She tucks the Preditor at her back, grabs up her helmet, and returns to the pair of humans to say goodnight.  "Yelena take for long drive on highway to test noise.  Be back late.  Arc not wait up.  Maybe find motel on road and stay night.  Yelena send message."

As she opens the door and begins to roll the bike out she looks over her shoulder at the rigger.  "Nice see Jaime again.  Come by other time again."

Yelena rolls the bike out of the garage and fires it up.  Gods she loves the sound.  Contrary to the ruse, the bike purred to life with the deep roar associated with the perfect operation of the superb road machine.  Arc took very good care of the Scorp and it showed.  Giving a last look at the closing garage door and the couple inside she hoped that Arc would find happiness in the arms of the handsome man.  In her opinion, no one deserved it more.  Mounting the bike, she cruised into the street and through the twisting avenues of the Barrens, heading to the highway leading away from the sprawl.  Once on the highway she gunned the powerful engine and pushed the bike into a high speed.  She stayed legal as she was not interested in attracting any trouble, but only barely legal. 

The drive gives Yelena the opportunity to examine her values and what she is doing.  For the first time in several days it is just her and her thoughts.  She is surprised that she is still in Seattle.  Not since the five years spent in Oslo so may years ago has she stayed in one place this long.  The Ancient's contract had been as interesting and challenging as any she had taken in years, but that is all it had been.  Then Sam shows up to change her life.  She had not thought of Tsina Molovna in a long, long time and seeing her in the vid brought back memories long buried.  The very offer to let Yelena know where Tsina is was enough to get her on board to assassinate the Keeb mage.  But Yelena had been completely unprepared for Arc, for Tessa.  Not since the sax man, no, to be honest, never in her life had Yelena met someone that she was more attracted to.  Arc was nearly the sheer opposite of what Yelena was in just about every aspect, so why the fragging surge in her emotions whenever the short human was near her?  Arc had asked why Yelena was always cleaning the guns and her answer had been only partially true.  Yes, the guns needed care, but the bigger reason was that Yelena needed to keep her hands and mind occupied or she would be tempted to do something with Arc.  The human had never hinted at any desire to share a sexual relationship with the Keeb who had come to realize she loved her friend.  The last thing Yelena wanted was to say or do something inappropriate with her friend and lose that friendship.  So for now it had to stay in the shadows, but she wonders how long that can last before she does something stupid.  She ponders the wisdom of staying and considers just staying on the road and going anywhere but back to a situation that could erupt in her face at any misstep or wrong word or misunderstood touch.  The call to keep moving is strong and hard to resist.  After all, moving on is so much easier than trying to make sense of her fragging emotions when it comes to her human friend.

Then there is Marco.  Marco is exciting; more exciting than anyone she had met in, well, ever.  He causes Yelena's sexual emotions to run at a peak.  She has never before experienced the highs she has with him.  She could see losing herself in the experience almost as if it had as strong a pull as Bliss or Kamikaze.  It is certainly possible that something more than sexual attraction could develop there.  That last time in his bed had been pure sensual pleasure, fueled by need and desire, and if that was any indicator, then she was heading to something deeper with him.  The difference in the relationships is that she was allowed to embroil the one partner in a sexual release but the other was stifled.

Yelena has time to ponder her relationship to the Barrens and the people living there.  Never before had she been so tempted to remain in one place on her own.  There was no "home" in her life.  There had been Oslo, but that had been illusory.  It had eventually been revealed as a false home, the man she had loved had betrayed that love by dying with his thoughts on another woman.  The dreams she had allowed herself to accumulate about love, marriage, and family had been shattered in moment of time, leaving her to wonder if she could ever love again or call anywhere home.  And now this broken and discarded place called to her.  She has seen people band together and prove stronger than any of them could possibly be individually.  Something buried so deep in Yelena's psyche that she had never thought it existed in her was now trying to emerge.  Sure, Arc was a huge part of that feeling, but all of the other people added to it, giving it a strength she is not sure that she wants to try to resist.  Home.  The very word is almost foreign to the Russian assassin, but it has a meaning now that it never did before.  But again, moving on is incredibly tempting as the easy path.

Yelena drives for an almost interminable time, going nowhere but getting there fast.  It is past eleven when she notices bright neon lights and pulls into a roadside bar between somewhere and nowhere.  The original sign had said "Barny's End Of The World Bar and Grill and Inn"  but a number of the lights had burned out and never been replaced.  After all, in a place like this what was the point?  The locals already know the place and it was not the sort of roadside stop to attract the normal family cruising the highway.  Two dozen hogs were parked in the lot already and she glides into a slot near them.  She stretches her muscles and saunters to the entrance as she removes her helmet and shakes out her wintry mane.  Two large men wearing biker jackets and many tattoos on exposed arms as big as small trees nod to her as she comes up.  Both are smoking and one offers Yelena a light as she pulls one of her cigars from her silver case.  She smiles as she accepts the flame, complimenting the bikes and accepting one in return.  Both men run their eyes down her frame, taking in the curves barely concealed by the now unzipped jacket.  Hearing loud rock music through the open door she nods to the men and enters the bar.

The inside was no better or worse than expected.  Loud rock music blared from huge speakers standing in the corners of the large room.  Several tables took up space on the wooden floor and a large pool table stood off to the left.  A pool table by the gods!  Yelena had not seen a real one in years, the new ones were all machinery and electronics and one had to find the rare dive like Barny's to even see one, much less find one being used.  Perhaps fifteen people were scattered between the tables, with another eight at the bar and three playing pool.  The go-gangers were a mix of humans, Keebs, and Orks.  Two of the five women were Orks and the others were human.  The tallest man Yelena had ever seen stood behind the bar and two women swerved through the patrons with drink and food orders, although it did seem that most of it was drinks at this time of night.  Yelena's entrance caused a momentary pause in the talk but had no effect on the music.  She could feel eyes on her as she stepped up to the bar.  Looking past the bar tender, she scanned the bottles behind the bar, a bit surprised at the selection of mid-tier alcohol.  She removed her jacket and slung it across the back of the bar stool, exposing the various tattoos on her arms and the Predator at her belt, before taking a seat. 

She asks the bartender to set her up with a ten vodka string, neat.  The near-giant's eyes widened a bit but he simply nodded and proceeded to pour out ten shots of the fiery drink and set them up in a row in front of her as she slots a cred stick into his reader.  She quickly downs the first five almost without pause, slamming the empties back on the bar upside down.  Slipping off the stool she asks for the drinks to be replaced and moves over to the area where she can watch the pool game in progress.  After watching a bit Yelena is invited to play and one of the men nods his head to the rack holding the unused cue sticks.  Walking over, she selects one and twirls it in her hand before shaking her head and replacing it.  Repeating the process two more time, she finally finds a stick that has a decent balance.  The other players watched in silence but two of the men nodded their heads in approval.  Stepping up to the group, Yelena says, "Name Yelena.  Have play before so no scam.  Friend or money game?"  One of the men laughs and says, "No reason it can't be both.  Name is Ding."  A per point wager is agreed upon and the game begins, with Yelena winning the toss for break.  The night gets off to a good start as Yelena is soundly beaten by Ding, who demonstrates a skill with the thin stick that had to be picked up somewhere else.  Yelena sends a quick note to her friend.  <Arc.  Yelena find place stay night.  Home tomorrow afternoon.  Arc no worry.  Hope Arc have fun with rigger man..> 

The game leads to others and soon Yelena is about as accepted as any of the regulars.  Between games she takes shots of the vodka and mingles with the others.  She demonstrates her Russian heritage by handling the drinks without appearing to get too drunk.  At some point in the early morning hours she gets involved in a conversation centered on tattoos and ends up removing her shirt to show her collection.  Her skimpy bra does not conceal her breasts much, but the men around her are more interested in the ink than the flesh.  She shares tales of her prison tats and is regaled by those of the gangers.  Finally, at about 3AM, she tosses back her last shot, pays the tab, and asks for one of the rooms out back.  After getting a key she turn to the hardy few that are still conscious and says, "Yelena tired drink and pool.  Any think they can tame Russian tiger welcome to try."  Twirling the room key on a finger, she picks up her shirt and jacket and moves off to the room.  Various hoots and hollers trail after her before the men realize what she had just said and there is a sound of a number of chairs being pushed back from tables as several of the gangers follow her to the room.  Entering the crappy room, Yelena is not surprised at the stale smell of cheap alcohol, sweat, and sex that lingers in the room.  She is surprised that the sheets seem to be clean, a situation that does not last long.  The early morning is consumed by a Russian Keeb assassin pleasing and being pleased by a variable number of go-gangers.  Ding and others take more that one turn at the woman who outlasts them all.  She snarls and cries out in her mother tongue, shouts out in ecstasy and releasing all of her pent up emotions in a completely neutral environment.

Yelena finally takes rest amid a pile of other exhausted bodies.  The bed is a shambles but no one had seemed to mind that most of the action had taken place on the floor or against the wall.  She wakes up at 10AM in the same pile and carefully gathers her clothes to get dressed.  Ding rouses and reaches for her but she moves his arm away.  "Yelena maybe come back some day.  Now I go home.  Thank for time."  She blows him a kiss as she leaves the room and goes out to the bar.  The same giant is still behind the counter and accepts her credstick payment to cover damages to the room.  She picks up a packet of real matches and pockets it before saying, "Bar like out of place and time. Yelena back if find it again."  The man simply nods and smiles as Yelena heads outside to her bike and mounts it for the ride home to the Barrens and Arc and Marco.  Her mind is clear; there will be no running away.

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-04-15/0612:47>
@ Arc. The garage door isn't even halfway down before Jaime puts his arm around Arc and drops a kiss on the tip of her nose when she looks up at him. "That's a good friend." he tells her and then steps away. "But I should look atthat console before I get to distracted." He smiles then and says, "i'll need a much smaller set of tools then I are out here."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-04-15/1049:32>
 Marco did not dress up after the shower..He needed no clothes where he was going. He left a message for a cheap hotel across the Salish border. Room and clothes for the night. He paid and left. It took only a second before magic transformed him into a night bird. Within moments he was already flying above the city. Seattle looked amazing from a bird view. The lights glittering made even the bad places appear nice from the sky.

From downtown he proceeded over bellview crossing washington lake into the barrens. Unlike most of the city the barrens were not impressive at night. Many places did not even have electricity... once a world sized computer hub degraded into squats and corruption after the matrix crush.
But he was not about history... he was about fun... the wind, the speed, sharp senses.... it was an experience unlike any other.
He felt the adrenaline surges as the cold night wind flowed through his feathers. He dived trying to catch a mouse. He missed... it is not as easy as it looked.
He passed the border into Salish territory and landed in a small village that appeared as if it was taken out of ancient times.
His room was a small tepee tent. He got dressed and left a message to Sam with his new comlink frequency. He spent a pleasant time with the villagers around a large fire dancing and singing their traditional songs. Sleep came easily and he woke up early with the sun.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-04-15/1052:21>
Arc visibly redeemed at the gesture, her body instinctually stiffening at that touch but relaxing after the kiss on her nose.  Scrunching her face, she gave a smirk and opened her mouth to respond, but paused.  " Ah, right...here, come on in...". Grabbing a box of smaller tools and her console, she led the way inside to the living room, clearing the coffee table and sitting down next to him, expertly flipping the console over to the access panel.  "I'd almost forgotten I had these tools...been getting used to my new upgrades, hehe...". Holding her cyberhand up, she tapped two fingers together, one opening up at the tip to produce a small screwdriver, which she deftly used to open up the panel.

After a bit of Jaime examining the hardware, Arc bit her lip a bit.  Her ruse was doomed and she knew it.  " Ah...frag it, I should come clean.  Y'all can see I don't got drek going wrong.  Pathetic excuse to call you, right?" She smirked sheepishly.  "So I'm gonna level with ya, hundred percent.  I asked you over because I wanted to see ya.  And without going into deets, this might be the last fragging time I can get to do so.  Work related, but I might be unavailable for quite a while.  So I figured hey, if I'm going to spend my last night as a free slitch, better make it count, right?"

It was clear she was babbling, the little mechanic out of her comfort zone, hard shell removed for the time as she tried to handle the situation best she could...right up until she was cut off by a slow, gentle kiss, her eyes fluttering shut...

The moment seemed to freeze in place before finally Arc broke away, letting out her breath in a little involuntary sigh before opening her eyes and looking up at him.  "...You...figured this all out already, didn't ya..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-04-15/1248:02>
@ Arc  Jaime smiles down at you and drops several slow gentle kisses down the curve of your neck. "Well, I was glad that the attraction between us wasn't just all wishful thinking on my part. But, even if it had been I was fully prepared to let you take plenty of advantage of my skills to win you over to me one way or another." He laughs and turns to pat the console. And then pauses, frowning. "The hell?" Leaning forward and looking into the guts Arc had exposed he says, "I need a M17N95 Interrogator." When you deny owning one he jury rigs your J26 to interrogate the tiny device sitting behind the lens for the receiver. And when he does he's frowning. "You've been bugged. Someone been using this to spy on you. No telling for how long. No wonder it's 'been buggy' with the fly spy in here you'd have to be much closer and at the right angle to get it to work. How long's it been acting up?" As you furiously think back you realize you didn't even know the console had been buggy, but, it had been working fine even the day you, Feathers, Johnny, Raven and Yelena had been in here eating pizza and wondering if it was you last day on the planet. You'd been to busy to use it since then and it had been parked on a lower shelf in the garage until Yelena had needed to move it. . . . . . . Except, her friend had very little tendency to 'play house' and nothing else had been moved by her. She'd simply accepted whatever space Arc had made for her. And why would anyone bug her garage? They really couldn't even see very much of it besides the one bench and a little of the door where it'd been sitting. All it really had a good view of was, Helena! Oh no! Just then Jaime interrupts her thoughts to say, "We need to sweep the rest of the place. Although it's ridiculously easy for someone to hide these little guys." There's an angrily determined look on his face when he says that and then his eyes go unfocused as he says, "Sail, it's Blue. I need a solid. Someone's bugged my girlfriends place and I need a full sweep. . . . .  No, tonight . . . . .  Hell yes we'll sleep at my place tonight. But that doesn't mean it can wait until morning. . . . . . No . . . . . . . . NO . . . . . . . . Yes, I rigged her J26 to get a positive ID on the one I found. . . . . . . . . Don't be an ass. She's a mechanic. . . . . . . I saw her first. And the day you and that ugly mug 'o yours can steal my girl I'll fix your engine with my teeth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . You'll meet her tonight when you get your sorry hoop outta bed and over here with a B12 scanner. And hell no you're not watching the footage. Hack your own porn. I'll have a Long Haul for you when you get here." He grins at you when he's done. "Sail's on old friend from my army days. Best damn comm troop I ever worked with and third best decker. And just in case there's a camera on us right now, lets make sure he's got something to watch." He pulls you to him then and kisses you very thoroughly his body hard against yours, although truth to tell it's not his entire body that you're focused on. But, he pulls away slightly and whispers in your ear, "We'll save the best for last when we get to my place."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-04-15/1944:22>
Ambrose getting together a few things goes to the warehouse to scope out the place, grumbling something about his employers and the contacts he had to get these jobs done never made it easy, expecting him to do all the legwork alone by himself. Bond never had to all the leg work himself, often that was done by other agents on the field, Miss Money Penny or a  slew of other ways of him getting the Intel he needed.

But Ambrose was in a situation where he had to go one time before to actually get a read on the floor plan layout and later on to get the bombs planted. And so go he went, taking cares to not dress in his normal business attire this time. Rather, what he had hoped to be the uniform the employees where wearing. He made sure to stick out for a little while to see a few of the employees from the distance, and if he was passable would then go into the building. It was going to be a rather quick inspection of the area, with his clipboard.

It was a rather great psychological trick, clipboards that is. They always made you look important, but not too important. Rather the kind of important where people try to avoid you, for fear that you might be some sort of evolutionist, seeing who was to get fired. The other thing of course was to always look like you're suppose to be there. Even if you're in a clown suit in the middle of a church. If you radiate the presence of suppose to be there, you  often don't get bothered by the others.

[spoiler]Disguise (http://orokos.com/roll/284007): 10d6t5 2[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-04-15/2103:32>
It was funny to Arc how Jaime had expressed relief for not having to show off his talents to win her over, only to follow that up with blowing her away with his resourcefulness, solution-oriented thinking, and keen eye to detail.  It almost stymied the shock and dread that resulted from the high-shattering revelation that was just brought to light: she was being spied on.  And then it hit her, eyes going wide at the realization.  The color drained from her cheeks, romance momentarily forgotten as she tried to remember the answers to his questions.  To be true, she hadn't been using that diagnostic console much since the last repair job she did before taking down the blood mage...it could have happened at any point since then, really.  While she was in the hospital, any of the meetings with Sam, while spending time at the club.  "Frag..."  Holding her head in her hands, she shook a little until Jaime snapped her out of it, explaining what needed to happen and then proceeded with his call.

Somehow, that moment of confidence and action was all the human needed as she closed her mouth, giving a firm nod and letting him speak before rebooting her public commlink, mentally accessing the private one currently squirreled away in her arm, broadcasting a message to the group.

@Y,M,S, Encoded channel decrypt 1038501892-090 {A}>>
<<May be compromised.  Surveillance device found in home.  Blind third party performing sweep tonight.  A is safe, will be out for the night.  Y, A has your gear, do not return home.

...Awaiting instruction>>

...Honestly, she was surprised that she typed that message out so clean, without the usual street jargon, but the discovery of this bug made one thing clear to her: this job was very much one of espionage and intrigue.  Like the trids of that British hoop that gets the funky tech and gets the girl.  Frag me   The private message was sent out just in time to see Jaime finish his, her cheeks flushing at his use of words, assumedly in reference to her.  She was about to respond when he embraced her, the red in her cheeks returning as she reached up to steady herself, arms wrapping about his shoulders as she instinctively pressed against him.  Her breath caught, shivering as he whispered, the girl only nodding slightly as she lingered for a moment.  "can't fraggin' wait..."  She said with a chuckled, pulling away slightly and looking him over.  "Either way.."  She leaned up to whisper back, not wanting whoever was listening to catch all of it.  "Might need to pack a couple bags for the trip...didn't take you for a militype though, but I guess it makes sense."  She smirked, winking at him.  "This sail sounds like a drekking class act to...think he might be able to pull a trace?"  As she backed away, she blinked a couple times, looking at him.  '...girlfriend, huh?"  She smiled, admiring his confidence further.  "I'll accept the term Vruken as well."


By the time Sail--a rather lanky gent wearing street clothes, a backpack, ballcap and glasses-- arrived, Arc's car was already loaded with everything she might need.  All her drones, bombs, guns, supplies, her RCC, and clothes rested in the trunk of her car, whilst a separate bag carried as much of Yelena's gear as she could find.  Until things were figured out, she didn't want to chance being at home until this blew over.  All the while, Jaime would interject with a caress or kiss, threatening to break her concentration, but Arc's mind was already set on the solution, matching his direct thinking in an effort to impress.  "Hoi...this the guy?  Guess that means we don't gotta be here no more or we stickin' around for the results, huh?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-05-15/0219:06>
@ Ambrose  The warehouse isn't particularly busy and you don't see any managerial types around. The coveralls you brought aren't to far off what the workers are wearing and you're hopeful that you won't be questioned. And it seems to work, at least at first. But, you're garnering more looks than you're comfortable with and you overhear, "..never here on weekends," and a short, stocky orc begins walking towards you.

@ Arc  Jaime lets out a short bark of laughter and says, "Vruken huh, I hadn't thought about a few tiny orcs running around us, but Henry keeps telling me I'm not getting any younger." his Or'zet is nearly perfect, at least for a human, and he uses the slang word that implies impotent that's only used between family members when they're reminding you of your familial duties. He grins down at you and pulls you close, and it's not long before you don't care that there may be more camera's. Sail comes just in time to keep the last of your clothes on and Jaime says, "Damn" Pulling back from you he says, "I'm afraid we do need to stay for the sweep. Aside from the fact that Sail needs the help, the guy's about the damn nosiest person I've ever met. An hour at your place alone and I'll know things about you that you don't even know." He goes and answers the door then and despite his words from a moment earlier he hugs Sail when he sees him. "Thanks for coming man. Like I said, I owe you." Sail takes his glasses off and steps toward you smiling. And the shock of the deepest blue eyes and one incredibly gorgeous human hits you. And you can tell he knows it. "Well, I'm pleased to meet you; After all, any girl of Jaime's is absolutely the girl for me." And then he suddenly hugs you, twirls you and bends you backwards like in one of those damn old trids of ballgowns? ballrooms? ball something or another anyway, oh drek! His face is coming towards you and his lips are puckered. Is he gonna kiss you!?!?!? But then he laughs, stands you upright and pulling back offers you his hand. "Just kidding, I couldn't help wanting to razz Jaime a bit. Pleased to meet you. I'm Tom." Smiling he holds his hand out and shakes yours firmly. It's not long before the two of them are neck deep in technical discussions. Sail has equipment with him and Jaime helps him set it all up. A few hours later the place is swept. There were no other bugs except the one on Yelena. Sail takes his leave. And Jaime takes up where you left off.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-05-15/0448:27>
The sun... so bright and the birds singing... It took him a minute to understand where he was. His face were colored his head ached.. heck he was still in traditional outfit. How much did he drink he does not remember... but he is alone in the tent. At least that he thinks... his Salish name given that night translate to naked bird man... appropriate he thought. But he liked their attitude to magic... it was accepted... celebrated even... their shaman used illusion magic all night just for the experience of it. Marco hardly used magic in public... he felt that it was dangerous in Seatle.

He was a bit paranoid this was the initial motivation... but he also felt accepted. It was a good location to recharge his energies. He quickly returned to his apartment same way as he left. Not before saying his goodbyes to some of the people that danced with him at night.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-05-15/1220:55>
Arc gave a little grin, pleasantly surprised at his use of Or'Zet.  "Haa... nice.  Product of my growing up, I guess. Hmmhmm". She blinked after the moments of passion when they were interrupted by the door knocking.  Eyes flaring wide, she made a hasty effort to redress herself before Sail waltzed in and in a literal sense swept the human off her feetm. She stared open mouthed at the suave Decker for a moment before recollecting herself, reminding her that there was a job to do.  Shaking his hand with her own chrome one, she let them work, peering curiously over their shoulders.

They were professionals; of that much she was certain.  It blew her mind the technical jargon they were using and their systematic sweep of her place.  The whole time she admired their combined skill and took mental notes of the procedure, because surely in this profession she was getting into she would need to know how to do this drek herself.She breathed a sigh of relief as the sweep finished, concluding that Helena was the only one in scrutiny.  But why.... Mentally, she sent a message out to the same group.

@Sam, Marco, Yelena decrypt 10382047-0183>>
Arc here.  Home has been fumigated.  See you all soon

Sending that out, she thanked Sail for his help, offering her repair services in the future anytime she was available.  Upon shutting the door, a grin crept to her lips as she turned to Jaime.  "Now, where were we..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The morning light crept over Arc's face, her nose crinkling as she slowly stirred awake.  The night had been an instant and an eternity of passion all at once for the little lady, her stirring reminding herself of her aches and the warm glow she felt inside.  She couldn't remember if they had stayed at her place, or if they moved to Jaime's, but the smile she was wearing as she basked was any indication she had enjoyed the night.  Time will tell if her decision to take a vrukan now would be one to regret later, and certainly she didn't know when she would be free to see him again, but for the moment she didn't care.  All that mattered was that night, one last bit of normalcy before the coming storm.

All good dreams must be awoken eventually though, and the blip of Yelena's message from the night before was the start of that.  Groaning as she shifted her hips under the sheet, she fired off a message...on her public link, to keep appearances.

@Yelena{Arc}>>
<<glad you were able to find a place to stay.  Wanna meet up for coffee somewhere before we get ready for this shindig?

With that, the human brought her hand up to rub her eyes, brushing her bedhead from her face as she sniffed the air, slowly opening her eyes to see where she was, and if she was alone...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-05-15/1456:30>
@ Arc  Feeling Arc stir beside him Jaime's arm tightens around her pulling her tighter to him. But the gesture is instinctive as she realizes when she cranes her head over to look at him. His face is completely slack, still asleep. It's the absolute perfect time of the day, when content and sated and very well rested Arc can just relax and just enjoy being. But, nothing lasts forever and soon she's aware that she's really got to pee. But, any little movement on her part just causes him to tighten his grip around her, once even shifting so that his leg covered her also. More movement from her would wake him and so she just layed there grinning. As she was enjoying her memories of the night and early morning she heard a hard loud knock at the door. "Jaime, Jamie, you're job called. You're late. Jaime." Beside you he stirs and at the mention of the word job, he sits bolt upright, "DREK! It's ok Mrs. C, I'm ok, my comm musta glitched, ummmh, sorry they called you." She answers through the door. "No problem honey." Jaime is dashing around the apartment rushing through his morning routine and the first thing that Arc notices is that he is meticulously neat and very well organized. Everything is in the order that he needs it, and he shuts each drawer afterwards. Even in his haste with no prep from the night before nothing is strewn about and nothing is hunted for. And as he's getting ready he says, "I'm sorry honey, this is a helluva rude wake up call. I'll make it up to you tonight." he grins at that thought. "I'm usually off at 17:00, but, I'll have to work a bit later tonight to make-up for being late. I'll call you and let you know what time." He stops and kisses you, and then kisses you again and then grins mischievously, "I've been kinda thinking this place could use a mechanics touch. Not nearly enough gears and rotors around here to really call it home." and grinning happily he heads out. "I'll program the door for you as soon as I get home." are his last words to her as he heads out.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-05-15/2351:45>
Yelena opens her commlink to check messages and sees that she missed a few.  Panning through them she sends replies out.

<Arc.  Yelena.  Nice hear all good at home.  Sorry missed call.  Back home maybe noon.  Lunch?>

<Marco.  Yelena.  Sorry missed message.  Love to fly sometime.  Maybe next.  Yelena back home maybe noon.  Call.>

Those out of the way, she focused on the ride.  Her internal conflicts would sort themselves out in time.  She smiled at the still vibrant memory of the previous night and early morning.  She had lost count of the number of bikers she had been with, and some of them had used her more than once.  But it had cleared her mind and given her new focus.  Complete sexual abandon could be fun once in a while; more so when the only intent was to get laid and have fun.

It is just on noon when she pulls the powerful bike to a stop at the garage and presses the button to open the door.  Pushing the Scorp into the bay, she looks around and calls out, "Arc.  Yelena home."  The warmth that gives her is an incredible feeling.  Home.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-06-15/0034:24>
"Wha...who...um... oh..okay then.  See ya.". Arc was barely Abe to get a word in edgewise as Jaime scrambled to get around in a way that screamed efficiency and routine.  She marvelled at the neatness in sharp contrast to the controlled chaos she had grown accustomed to since adolescence.  It was until two minutes after he had left, shutting the door and leaving her sitting up in his bed under a bedsheet, that the full weight of what he said hit her likea ton of bricks.  "...oh frag me..."". Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the complicated bundle that her life was becoming when a burning urge reminded her of more pressing needs, sending the girl darting off to the bathroom.

Relieved, Arc took her time getting dressed, her hair strewn about her head wildly as she took in Jaime's abode, wondering idly what he did for a living and how he got such a nice looking pad.  Shrugging, she slipped on her shoes and jacket, repositioned her Predator at her back, and slowly pushed the door open, trying to slink out of the building unnoticed.  Once out, the girl stopped at her car and put a hand on the hood, leaning forward and clutching her head with her other hand as she gave a groan.  Taking a breath, she fished out a smoke, placing it deftly onto her lips and lighting it, taking several pulls as she sorted out her thoughts.

Hokay... should have expected this.  Seen enough from the Howlers that this should be normal right?  No.  What are the fraggin odds I pick a man to be my vrukan who ACTUALLY understands trog life like I do?  Ahhh man, he forgot what I said about work stuff possibly taking me away for some time too.  Not to mention Yelena... I can't leave her after she just moved in.  Alright, gonna think gotta think...I can't stay with him tonight we got that thing...maybe I take him with?  No. Stupid. Bad idea.  I'm supposed to play the part of broke and desperate.  A date will be a problem with that.  Okay...maybe I split my time.  Tell him I gotta keep my place and stay there some times to keep my work up...he don't have to know I'm shadowrunning.  Probably straight and narrow, don't need that drek...

Her thoughts are distracted by the ping of Yelena's message, reminding her that she needed to head home to beat herthere.  "Aight...". Tossing the spent cigarette on the ground, she stomped out the cinders and got in her car, heading home and making it just a few minutes before the elf did.  When Yelena did arrive, the Americas was in the bay, trunk open showing both of their equipment in bags still, the human sitting on a workbench, feet dangling as she waved her over.  "Good, I could use some calming down..". The human hadn't bothered showering yet, and even if she did, if Yelena was half as good as Arc thought she could probably deduce what she had been up to.  With a short pause, Arc proceeded to share her account of what had happened in the previous night.  That a big was found that seemed to be meant for the Russian.  That Arc had taken Jaime as a vrukan, with an explanation of of it meaning a sort of bond of attraction and the main form of relationship in ork cultures.  And that now the man wanted the human girl moving in with him and how she didn't want to do that or involve him with their work.

"...and on top of that, I haven't heard from Marco since yesterday, same with Sam, our dresses ain't here, and my mind is fragging swirling.  Talk me down, Y.  What should I do?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-06-15/0045:15>
Ambrose attempts to pay them no attention as they approach, turning off towards a different direction. He was suppose to be there, and that is what he was attempting to do. He'd find it utterly amazing that a business was running during any length of time with absolutely no managerial individuals.

What he was noticing was that these factory workers were far more curious than cats with a box. This trip to rush and collect the information that he needed in such a short time was clearly going to bite him in the ass.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-06-15/0148:56>
Checking out his commlinks was the first thing Marco did. Actually the second as the first thing was coffee.

His first reply was to Arc in the secret commlink:

“Dear Arc,

I got a bit paranoid last night so I spent the night in my happy place... I’ll forward you happy place commlink next time I go... I have some issues with trust... long story... can you check my apartment as well ?  I wouldn't even know where to begin myself.

Yours truly,
Marco. “

He then replied to Yelena:
“Dear Yelena,

No problem... I am not sure about flying in the noon... but we can meet for lunch if you like.

Marco”

He then switched to the regular comlink and sent a message:

“Dear Yelena and Arc,

If you want some help with dresses or any other logistics before the party...  give me a buzz. By the way “torture Saloon” won’t be that painful now because it will just be maintenance. The first time is the most difficult.

Lunch can also be appropriate... my favorite restaurant is out of budget for today though. We can do Joy... it is a lot more modest but the food is reasonable.

Yours Truly,
Marco.

That finished he showered, got dressed and packed a bag of necessities, cloths to the party a gun and some breaking and entering gear.
He went to Joy. The place only opens at noon, but they do a lot of the preparations in the mornings. Since Marco was a regular they let him in anyhow, and offered him some soyKaf that he accepted with a sigh - “My miraculous coffee machine... I miss you already.”  He spent the next couple of hours carefully examining the file and online shopping for clothes and accessories that might be appropriate. With current drone technology - it was just a couple of hours for delivery... or so the site promised.
He wasn't worried about keeping appearances as with his line of work he buys many different cloths and accessories. He also goes to Joy quite a lot even outside working hours as he is friends with the owners.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-06-15/0159:52>
Yelena parks the bike and goes to sit near her friend.  It was obvious to the Keep that Arc was in a state, to put it mildly.  She pulls out her silver cigar case, opens it, offering Arc one of the thin smokes before taking one for herself and lighting it up.  The bug bothers her more than she wants to say, but she will need additional information before she can do anything about it.  It seems from the description and the location that she was the person of interest and that someone had to know where she usually stood when at the bench.  That took some prior observation and intent and Yelena is not sure what to make of it yet.  Also of interest is Arc's revelation of her night in the bed of the handsome rigger.  She smiles when Arc describes the role of vrukan.  In better than passing Or'Zet she says, "Yelena know what vrukan is.  Live Trog gang several years after break from relocation camp.  Yelena happy Arc.  You deserve best, but be careful.  Vrukan not take light." 

Yelena switches back to her accented and stilted English, "Yelena warn Arc not hide life from rigger man.  Jaime maybe not like, but shadows is Arc life.  Part of Arc.  He find out sometime and be hurt.  Angry at lies.  Yelena know what feels to learn lie after years.  Better he not like now than hate later.  Maybe Jaime like Arc anyway.  Arc like if rigger keep secrets?"

"Yelena have message from Marco last night.  Marco go fly.  He be back to do his part.  But sad about dresses.  Maybe soon or have to go in what wear."  She tosses the ash of her burnt down cigar and strips the butt before standing.  She holds out a hand to the human.  "Now Yelena and Arc need shower.  Arc first.  Yelena need think."

She watches her short human friend move away to the shower.  She finally lets the regret she feels show on her face.  Now she cannot tell her friend what she feels for her.  Doing so would only be confusing and Arc needs better than that.  Arc deserves this chance at happiness.  Cursing in her mother tongue she goes outside the building, stepping away from the prying eyes of any additional bugs.  Tapping the necklace she sends a message to Sam.  Speaking softly in Russian she says,  "Sam.  Yelena has been found.  Arc's rigger friend found a bug in the garage.  The bug seems to have been set to only observe me.  Who besides you has been looking for me?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-06-15/0246:56>
@ Ambrose  A human woman in a white coverall approaches you. "What's QC doing here on a Sunday?" she asks you.

@ Yelena  Sam answers you. >>I know of a few groups that might be looking for and I'm already making enquires. I'll get back to you when I know more,<<

@ Arc & Yelena  The dresses arrive, sleek and sophisticated with an elegant AR pattern.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-06-15/0804:48>
Arc listened to the Russian with intent, readily taking one of the cigars and sharing a smoke with her, letting the smokebwaft through the air as Yelena said her piece.  Once the line about the shower hit, they received the messages from Marco.  "Heh.. guess we were all on the same page, huh?   Aight, I'll be quick.  Thanks". Smiling gently, she offered a hug to the elf before darting off into the bathroom, the sound of the shower breaking the following silence.  Luckily, the request for a two-person water ration went through, giving each of them some time.

Biting her lip as the water ran over her skin, the human found herself in thought.  how am I gonna work this...she's right, I gotta come clean to him.  Not tonight though.  Too much riding on tonight to complicate things.... The alarm she set for her share of the water came sooner than expected, the girl hastily shutting the water and toweling off before emerging to get dressed...just in time to see the two parcels that had arrived. Seeing the contents, she whistled low.  "hoo boy...you think Marco would appreciate seeing us in these for lunch or is we waitin, hm?'
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-06-15/0951:31>
Yelena goes inside after getting the message from Sam.  She forces the bug question away for now.  Smarter people than her are involved and she will let them work it out.  Yelena had learned decades ago that it does not pay to focus on what there is no answer for.  She answers the door to take receipt of the dresses.  Looking at the boxes it is easy to see which is hers and she mentally compliments Sam on his/her choices.  She takes the boxes into the bedroom and undresses, waiting her turn at the shower.  Her heart races a bit as her body reacts in subtle ways to see Arc emerge from the shower.  Her eyes follow the human and she bites her lip a bit she nods at her friend's comment.  "Yelena think wear regular clothes eat with Marco.  Not want get dress dirty."  She stands and takes her turn in the shower, successfully washing away the reminders of the previous night and not being quite so successful at trying to wash away her thoughts of Arc.

Once dressed, the pair head over to meet Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-06-15/1145:19>
Nodding in agreement, she glanced back at Yelena as the elf disappeared into the shower, the human taking a few seconds to try to fix her hair into some presentable shape before donning her clothes.  Examining the dresses, she pursed her lips a bit in scrutiny.  She had for some time come to accept that dresses were never going to be flattering on her figure, but the cut of this one did seem promising.  Either way, Arc made up her mind about what to do, and composed a message to Jaime while waiting for Yelena.

@Jaime{Arc}>>
<<So, don't hate me, but as much as I'd love to be with you again tonight, in not sure if it'll be possible.  As I mentioned before drek hit the turbofan last night, I've got some stuff going on that I need to focus on.  I wish I could give you deets now, but that is something I'd rather do in person.  Promise I'll make it up to you ;) but don't wait up for me, k?

With that, Yelena was out, dried, and ready to leave.  On the way, Arc couldn't help but notice the elf being a bit...distant.  maybe it was the job, but still it piqued the human's curiosity...She will have to ask after the job, because right now, a smiling Marco was waving them to a table.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-06-15/1259:50>
Marco warmly greets Arc and Yelena as they arrive at Joy.  There is a line at the entrance but Yelena and Arc are skipped to the end of the line as Marco quickly points them out.  It is a simple restaurant that only serves two dishes for lunch. Lasagna bolognese  or Spaghetti with cream and mushrooms. There are only 12 tables and all of them full. The place is a bit warm, and crowded but the vibe is happy. As people talk about their troubles is a mix of English Italian and some other languages.

Their table is a rear one near the storage room, and they are enclosed from 3 directions by barrels of wine and kegs of beer. Their spot is clearly improvised. The location however is attractive as it is in a cooler part of the restaurant and is relatively quiet. “So to answer your questions... no I do not eat gourmet meals every time... This is where I eat at least once a week. They do not have much variety but what they make they make well, and most of their ingredients are authentic... But it mainly depends on the season.”

Their waiter is an old Orc named Joy, he is also the owner of that small joint... “Welcome, I am Joy...  what dish are you having today?” He say with a heavy Or'zet accent. When Joy leave to fetch their orders Marco tells them that the place is called Joy because when Joy arrived in Seattle "Joy" was the only word he knew in English ... it became his name due to a misunderstanding at the immigration office. He is actually named "Joy" with no first name.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-06-15/2043:29>
"I'll have whatever puts fire in the heart, if you please.  Water to drink", Arc rattled off in her best Or'Zet to Joy, smiling politely at the look of surprise on the old Ork's face.  After the orders were made, the human leaned back in her seat, hands behind her head as she gave a low whistle at the surrounds.  Now that they were settled, it was noted that by Arc's appearance, it would seem as if she was /trying/ to undo the work the salon had done: not quite a rat's nest, but definitely befitting her socioeconomic status.  "Not a bad place...hella close to White Chapel turf, that may be a prob later on...ah well..."  Taking a glance around, she made sure no one was prying before leaning forward again, bringing her voice a little low.  "So we got our threads for the hoopla tonight.  Unless S decides to throw a curveball our way, I think we are still on to go to this party, ya heard?"  She gave a nod at Yelena, silently letting the elf know she knew her little part in this.  "Here's my plan: once we pass in through the sec hoopla...I'll carry a piece for them to take, it's null sweat...I'll pass out my toys to you two."  Turning to Marco, she handed him a small datastick.  "User manual on what to use.  Literally, just point and click.  Just in case some drek distracts me.  Objections?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-06-15/2127:14>
"I'm not QC. I'm Frank, from the holiday cheer administration group. Have you noticed a distinct lack of Consumer Cheer within the area? Well worry not. We'll be bringing some in for you all." 


Well, he did make a number of devices after all that were disguised as various sorts of holiday based decorations. Now just to get this woman off his back so he could get back to work. But that wasn't likely to happen. Not in the slightest. He Never was much of the talker of his groups, rather he was always suppose to play more of a backrole to the others, but today he had to step up.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-07-15/0104:57>
Yelena nods when the waiter asks about the food.  She avoids using Or'Zet as she says, "Yelena want lasagna, please.  Marco say best ever.  Joy have vodka?  If not then wine."  She sits back and listens to her friend.  "Arc good plan.  Will work.  Just remember look not fight."

Yelena quietly eats the dinner when it arrives.  She is not a wine expert, but the Ork had produced a decent bottle to go with dinner.  She finds the food as excellent as Marco had said and tells Joy that when he comes to check on them.  Beyond that, she pretty much eats in silence.  She goes over her part in the night's events, working out her approach to Bella.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-07-15/0154:16>
Joy smiles at Arc and replies in Or’zet “Don’t worry... I have just the thing for you.” He skillfully takes the orders and disappears.  Apparently they do not have vodka, but he returns with a decent quality wine in a jar for the three of them.

In the meanwhile, Marco notice Arc, she seems happy, glowing even despite the fact that her hair is a mess.
“Don’t do it like that..." he say and stands behind her. Without notice he starts playing with her hair. He pulls a small comb and try to comb it a little bit. While doing so he whispers softly:
“... there is also the possibility that it was S who put the bug. S does not play by the rules. She knows awfully much on our lives and we  know awfully little about hers. Maybe need a bit more leverage on Y. “
After a short while he is done.. he say (out loud) “ if you do not comb it everyday it becomes painful. I have a feeling you might thank me in the coming days”.

I like your plan Arc... I think it will work. “They let you bring your own wine in the club - if it is something really rare. I think we should be able to hide a couple of flying eyes inside the wine bottle... while it would be a crime to waste a good wine for such a mundane need I do have some empty bottle I drunk with one of my customers...
 I sort of kept it as a souvenir but we should be able to refill it with a similar wine... something with the same texture and color...  and make sure the eyes are clean because we might end up drinking it... if they don't fit from the top we can have someone cut the bottom of the bottle."


He adds: “I've spent a couple of hours learning what I can about the employees I can impersonate without too much mojo... just as a backup... I will have a demon summoned waiting in the astral several kilometers from the club. Too far to be linked to us, but close enough to interfere within a few seconds. They move really fast in the astral world... I’ll just have to wait for sunset before I do.“

When the dishes arrive Arc gets a little of both, the food on her plate is presented artistically. Yelena’s lasagna arrives and it is delicious, some of the meat in there is even real, but after she had steaks she can’t help but notice that it was blended with replacements to cut costs down. Marco orders the same lasagna as well and seems to be enjoying  himself and his company. He thinks about chatting Yelena up but she seems distant and not very cooperative, instead he focuses most of his attention on Arc.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-07-15/0526:01>
@ Ambrose She looks at you in disgust. "We're working with an extruder that's 20 years out of date and a boxer that breaks down every other week and management thinks we need holiday cheer. Of allthe  damn fool nonsense ." She stomps off and calls back over her shoulder. "Don't get in our way. And don't block the fire doors!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-07-15/0648:01>
Ambrose lets out a small sigh at that. Too close for his tastes on a simple job as this. Well, if he knows one thing about business, its how bad management is at figuring out what was needed and what wasn't. In either case, he was old and tired. He should have enough information now to bring in the holiday bombs, now that he knew more of what he needed, glad he was already working on them when he gets back home to sleep
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-07-15/1014:37>
Arc blinked and remained silent, her eyes glancing to Yelena as Marco messed with her hair, as if silently expressing "the drag is this guy doing huh?".  The human listened to his insight on the surveillance bug, her mind shocked at that possible revelation.  Guess this is what it's like working in the shadows eh?. She thought to herself before Marco finished and returned to his seat.  " Ah...thanks, I guess.  Means I'll have to go and buy a comb huh?"

The food arrived, Arc thanking Joy in his mother tongue again before digging in, eating the food with gusto, getting her fill.  The male elf was right: despite the recent stress and anxiety for the coming job, Arc definitely seem to he in a better mood.  "Marco, you don't need to go out of your way with bringing wine.  Really, I got it.  Drek, man.". She smirked, tapping her cyberarm briefly to prove her point.  Turning to Yelena, she nodded about her role

"Right, and by the sound of it, you'll be the most likely pick to be slotted up for the job.  I'll keep an eyes on us to make sure you get back in one piece eh?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-07-15/1029:11>
Yelena finally shakes herself back into the present company as Arc talks to her.  "Sorry.  Yelena thinking of party.  How get Bell friend.  Then maybe use Arc drone.  Yelena thank Arc.  Know friend always has back.  Yes, is good chance Yelena take Bliss and get slotted."  She shrugs, "Is part of job.  Yelena stay sober long as can."

She turns to Marco, "Should see dresses from Sam.  Very nice.  Can get to salon for fix hair after eat?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-07-15/1051:00>
Marco replies: “It is up to you about a comb... you can take mine if you actually want to use it... I got many of them I never leave my apartment without one. Especially if I am not sure when I’ll be back.”
During lunch.
“I keep forgetting about the wonderful stuff you can do with your hands.” He giggled.
"Sometimes I just over complicate it, silly me..."

Shortly after he returns to his serious voice.
“But we really should have done nothing about the bug... someone we know nothing about with an interest in Yelena knows that we have found the bug. Removing the bug will have a reaction... a reaction that we cannot anticipate...
I think we should put our own places under surveillance... don’t tell anyone though.  next time someone install a new bug in there... we will outsmart them. ”

He thinks: ... I am becoming paranoid... but they may really be after us... I bet that what a paranoid person would say.  Stop thinking about it already.

To Arc:
“Yes... I’d be really happy if you keep an eye on me. I am good with masks... but some mistakes you only get to do once.” ...He look at Yelena and say with a sigh.  “I’ll also try to keep an eye on you gals, as much as I can. I think I will be free after basement gig that will only take a few minutes.”

Marco seems miserable when Yelena talks about Bella and Bliss... but he shakes it off rather quickly and his eyes light up when Yelena suggest Salon. “I can’t wait he said... i took the liberty of scheduling an appointment... I hoped you’ll say yes.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-07-15/1219:37>
Yelena shakes her head after Marco talks about the bugs.  "Yelena not see how matter.  Who put in place already knew we find.  If friend of rigger can trace to owner we do something.  If not we wait.  Cannot get upset or cannot think."  She looks at Marco.  "Never bugged before?  Happen Yelena.  Part of life working for gangs.  Most so afraid Yelena talk but never do.  Job talk is off limits.  Yelena reputation is never talk."

Yelena smiles ruefully at the mention of the salon.  "Yes, we go torture place.  Need magic with hair after last night.  Much mess."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-07-15/1359:19>
Mon. Dec 8
@ Ambrose  After yesterday Ambrose knows exactly what kinds and numbers of bombs to place. Now if only the harpy from yesterday was off.

@ Arc, Yelena & Marco  You're greeted at the salon like old and dear friends. And Marco is right, it doesn't take nearly as long this time. But that just means the pain is over with quicker. It's still torture no matter which way you slice it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-07-15/1451:57>
Arc could see the points both of them made a out how to deal with the bug, the human simply shrugging and takingn a drink.  "uah... I can ask again after all this, but I dint think we could trace.  Either way, if it is our marks, we supposed to think they know what we know they know...we know..they...ugh..."". Holding her head, she shrugged and moved on, the rest of their lunch spent in banter before they drove together to a place from Arc's nightmares: the salon

The little human was sure that the beautician nearly died of a heart attack upon seeing the two ladies enter with the few days of damage undoing much of the previous work.  Still, they were treated well, if not roughly so, and despite their best efforts, the group was done up and ready for another go with the high life.  Arc glanced at herself in a mirror, barely recognizing herself.  She was wearing a full set of makeup, covering her little scars and scuffs from work, lips a pouty red.  Her hair was clean and curled lightly, done up in a fancy up do which exposed her nickel-plated access port.  Giving quiet thanks, she glanced over at Yelena and Marco, laughing.  "Better take a picture...this be the last night you see somethin' like this..."

Before too long, the two ladies (and maybe Marco,) were at Arc's place, changing into their respective dresses.  Arc's was long and flowy, hugging her hip curves and cutting low in the back.  If not for a slip up one leg, this would have been WAY restrictive... Heaving a sigh, she took a few awkward steps.  "...welp.... no going back now..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-07-15/1609:42>
Yelena shares Arc's somewhat obvious dislike of the salon.  Not that it is a horrible place, but it takes her and turns her into someone she really is not.  She has lived her life as a ganger assassin and that has rarely required her to dress up at all, and never like they have to for this drug club.  Still, it is necessary and so she puts up with it; a small part of her actually thinks that she could grow used to it if she did it more often.  The reality is that she will probably never have the money  necessary to support this lifestyle.

She shares laughs with Arc as they dress for the night.  Her own gown does not even reach to the knees, giving everyone a good look at her long legs.  She notes that she will have to be careful bending over or others will see much more than her legs.  At least the frilly sleeves of the top are long enough to cover the prison tattoos on her upper arms.  There is a good deal of cleavage exposed, though.

When Arc says to take a picture, Yelena complies and then has her friend take one of her.  In answer to Arc's exclamation, she nods in agreement.  "Yes.  No go back now.  Arc look very nice.  Very desirable."  The last bit was said with a bit of emphasis.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-07-15/1937:52>
Marco sighs... "nope never happened to me... seems scary". In the Salon Marco sort of enjoys it, it is physically painful indeed but in his line of work everything has to be perfect, and even to elves, perfect requires work. He is all packed for the night, but returns to his apartment.  The summoning fails and he remains with a bit of scars from the drain. "He must be very busy" he thinks.

He has just in time to get dressed and go to the club. Here goes nothing he thinks as he exist the Taxi. Arc looks great, but Yelena... she is totally stunning. He thinks as he compliment them for their appearance. "Great dresses... you both look very attractive" He say when they meet near the club.

 
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-07-15/2032:11>
The laughter as they took pictures of each other, and finally the both of them together, helped put Arc at ease, right up until Yelena's comment on how Arc looked "desirable".  She paused a bit, smile barely fading as she caught it again.  Something sits funny...  she thought to herself as she tried to brush it away, a little color on her blush-stroked cheeks as she nudged the elf.  "Ya think so?  I think all eyes gon' be on you tonight anyhow.  I mean, dayum, I know some hoops what would start a turf war for a piece like ya."  She winked, obviously teasing as they departed from their place, hopping in the sleek black Americar and heading to the rendesvous point.

Upon arrival, Arc hopped out and waved over Marco, giving a little whistle at his tux.  "Glad to see you ain't relaxin'...here"  Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a little sticker-like thing, bringing it in her hand up and moving as if to fix his collar, sticking it behind his neck to the fabric.  "Stealth tag.  Keep it with you, my toys will know where you be, eh?"  Smirking, she nodded to the other two and took a breath.  "Okay...think it's about showtime...I made sure no one gonna be missing me tonight, so I won't be distracted.  Before we get into this, anything else we need to bring up?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-07-15/2049:09>
Now that it was monday, Ambrose still had some shopping to do. That was the thing about making bombs and other such things as this. You never can just stop buying stuff. You always need more and more and more and more. And in this case, he needed more things that he could safely hide the bombs in.

IF the harpy was still working, of course you'd have to bet that he'd need to finish his cover story. He began working on forging a few papers through the night, It was a barrens place after all, and hopefully there wasn't some one who would just up and ask him what he was doing, and if there was, they wouldn't see through the ruse. He needed to hirelings for the day.. In the old days, the group of runners would work together for this, but he didn't have time. He just needed a few people who were smart enough to follow instructions, but dumb enough not to ask questions. He wasn't going to hide the bombs. No that was going to be too hard. He was going to put them right in pain sight, of course with his suppliers, hopefully he could easily get the work done he needed to make them look like other things, like glass bulbs, snow men and the like.

Speaking of snowmen, he remember seeing a department store one that could blow faux snow. Getting one of those things, and he could easily mix in some more flammable materials.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-07-15/2342:02>
because she is tuned to her friend, Yelena notes the very slight change in facial expression when she mentioned how desirable she is.  The Keeb mentally kicks herself.  *Frag.  Yelena going to ruin friendship.  Quit doing stupid.*  She brushes past the moment as if she did not notice.  "Fragging right, Arc.  Yelena right.  As long as all look at us is good.  Both look good."

Yelena enjoys the ride with Arc.  When they arrive at the club she waves at Marco, sizing him up.  "Marco look good.  Very handsome."  She looks at her human friend and says.  "Yelena say all remember no fight tonight.  Just look and follow plan to join."

Yelena pauses then gives Arc a hug, whispering in her ear in Or'Zet, "Arc stay safe.  Only look and convince you need money.  Yelena not explain to rigger man if something goes wrong."

She breaks the hug and nods to the others as they head into the club.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-08-15/0023:40>
Marco smiles at Arc, “Thank you so much” he say. His adrenaline was racing. He went with a fire elemental look. The white suit seemed to be on fire, with a delicate play of reds under the fabric.  “I’ll keep an eye for you too...”  A night out with the girls... was it? It didn’t feel like it.
And again, Yelena seemed distant, “perhaps she got cold feet?” He hugged her warmly, whispering: “You are stunning and I desire you very much... It will be okay.”
It felt like a run this time rather than a night out. Despite all the pretending... he felt at work. He did not like it one bit... and he resented the Demoness more than usual. He’d say he was over her, but these strong negative feelings kept haunting him, and he knew where there are negatives... there are positive.

 His thoughts raced to Yelena... a relationship a shadowrunner that uses sex as a weapon? could he contain it? He stopped that line of thoughts thinking.”Focus Marco!... There will always be reasons to doubt... don’t rationalize it. Your thoughts serves your desires not the other way around. ” these were almost the exact words of his ex mentor.
That thought filled Marco with purpose, his mind was clean - he knew how to behave. All the rationality faded... like his previous mentor taught him... thinking makes you weak - it is feeling that makes you strong. With all the might of his demonic tongue, a supernatural amount of self confidence he greeted everyone in their way, happily. He could not sit down... not right now the only way he could be this cheerful is if he narrowed his entire existence to a single moment... and if he may not make it out of that basement there is one thing that he needs to have no regrets...

Smiling and already shaking his body to the music he asked the girls... “Are you coming to dance?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-08-15/0054:35>
Yelena snaps her head to Marco as he whispers to her.  He has said the perfect thing.  She gives him a smile that would light a dark room and takes one of his proffered arms as Arc takes the other.  They are apparently expected as there is no difficulty at the entrance.  Yelena stops at the doorman, smiles at him, and says, "Yelena Petrovna for Isabella party.  Where is, please?"

Once inside, she looks around the main room. trying to settle the exits in her mind.  When Marco asks for a dance, she tosses her snow white tresses and laughs, exuding sex appeal and confidence.  "Yes.  Yelena do one dance then find party."  She goes to the dance floor where many people are already gyrating to something very Latin.  She throws herself into the dance, wriggling her hips with ease and moving to the beat.  At times she moves close to Marko, clinging to him, feeling his body close to hers.  She becomes the beat of the music, but remains in control of it.

After the dance, she breaks from Marko's hold and looks at him closely.  "Yelena desire Marco, too."

Yelena then leaves the male Keeb on the dance floor and moves calmly to where the party is.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-08-15/0147:53>
"Don't worry, sis.  I'll keep my head.  For both of us". Arc whispered back to Yelena just as quickly as they hugged, the shorter human squeezing a bit as she worked out the last of her nerves.  Clearing her throat after the two elves were embracing for a time, she brushed a lock of hair from her face and locked arms with their "escort", easily passing through the line straight to the main entrance.

Showtime...

After being checked in, Arc watched the two head to the dance floor, seeing their chemistry dancing together, the fire and passion surely making them the center of the stage.  Meanwhile, the human had to sit back a bit whilst security checked through the clutch purse she brought with.  No weapons, thankfully, but inside did contain some makeup, her commlink, and a number of credsticks, which all needed checked for false or counterfeit code.  This was where Arc wanted then to look, as each one came up in the reader showing a balance of a big fat 0 on each.  Chuckling enbarrassedly, she flashed the bouncer an endearing smile as her stuff was handed to her.  "Thanks, hehe.  Now where did my friends go...".

She made it to the dance floor just in time for Yelena to depart from Marco, Arc taking the opportunity to join her as she gave a wink.  "Haven't lost a beat with your age, I see...wonder how many of those young pups want a piece of you after that show..". Locking arms with her, she walked with the Russian to look for the party, using the commotion through a crowded section to release one of her Fly-Spys into the air, commanding it to slink stealthily up to the top of the dance floor above Marco.  It took a second for the command to set in as it relayed from her private link to the RCC nestled in her car outside and back to the drone, but without a hitch it zoomed off.

[Spoiler]okay, so here is my tech setup so that there's no confusion on what is and isn't visible:

Private commlink is running silent, being used to handle drone commands (messages with decrypt in the title are private)
All drone commands are being relayed through the RCC (which is running Stealth and Clearsight Autosofts, also running silent), and then back to the drones.  The way I understand the stealth software is that once a drone is given a move command, it will plot its course with stealth in mind.

Other than that, that should be it![/spoiler]

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-08-15/2033:10>
@ Ambrose  Frank calls you, >>Ambrose, I've had some trouble on the road and had to have a flat fixed. It shouldn't be to much longer. I've got your food order in an insulated bag so that it doesn't get cold on you. If you need me to meet you at the party to drop off this order just let me know.<< Damn, what else could go wrong with this job! The schedule is tight as it is and now his supplies are being held up by a security sweep. No telling how long it'll be before Frank can come out of hiding and get to him. Well, there's no help for it. He's got some stuff, he'll just have to work with what he's got and hope Frank is right about it not taking long and that the 'insulated bag' stays safely hidden. Well, he can at least hire a few guys. There's always a few guys at one of the soup kitchens trying to look good for the parole officers and earn a little cred from gainful employment.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-09-15/0931:54>
Ambrose pinches the bridge of his nose. Without the supplies getting to him, there was no time to do the work needed to make sure the detonator he designed was connected to them. There was no time to make sure everything didn't look like explosives. What he had amounted to nothing more than a few glassbulbs with cameras in them, and one improvised explosive in a pear tree. This was why he needed the guy giving him to bloody job to get the bloody explosives, so he could get everything set up in bloody time. But the rotter avoided that, left him with only his contact he knew wouldn't be able to do a rush order job like this, and the drek hit the air filtration device.

And so he was here, it didn't matter why he attempted to do next. Everything was going to turn up south from this point on. Pulling a cigarette from one of the packs he bought, he placed the thing in his mouth and lit it. He never smoked really, in fact he didn't even attempt to inhale and smoke this one. He just let it sit there in his mouth, wafting its sickly scent through the air.


Whelp, time to fiddle through the phone book and call up someone then to supply him with the explosives he needed to for the illegal  demoltion of the civilian factor in the middle of the town. Sending an Email to Bob's Demolitions as he drove to the soup kitchen for people who want to look good for their parole officer by being employed by the demolitionist,


<< To Bob
Hello there, and I do hope that this message finds you well. I'm in a bit of a tiff and needed a rather decent amount of explosives with radio triggers in order to perform a few jobs I've picked up around town. Perhaps we can parley a bit of cooperation between our like causes of blowing stuff up and you can supply me with explosives I need for just such a task?

Thanks,
Pheonix>>


Then he remembered the mafia, and decided that they could possibly be able to help him collect finish the job he took on the side.

<<Hey Kato, I took a job from this guy named John, and everything has gone south. It of course wasn't something that was going to interfere with the job you've given me, but could have actually helped. He wants a certain factory across the street of the club to blow up real nice tonight. While it would be going off, I was going to use the time to get in to the more hidden locations of the club for that drug you want. I people to help with the arming and prepping of explosives>>

He didn't like to tip his hat to them, and show that he was without explosives. Which was the whole reason for him using one of his own contacts he could trust with getting the explosives. All of this could have been avoided if that damnedable fartface would have made the purchases of explosives, someone who's contacts weren't all dead, dried up or in prison.


Finally getting to the soup kitchen, he takes a few steps in and announces "Who here is good with fireworks?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-09-15/1707:25>
Yelena and Marco shared an amazing dance... it was personal and passionate... sad and optimistic in a way... at least that's how Marco felt and for a moment everything felt right, but then the girls walked away and he was left with nothing but a small flying eye to keep him company. It was necessary - yet a bit creepy at the same time. He was fascinated how these little drones sort of lived inside Arc’s hand and that her mind could just send them free.

Being awakened from birth, he had no piece of technology in his body and growing in a non technological environment he struggled with technology. Using the comlink as a phone he knew how to do... but other stuff? that seemed way over his head... point and click Arc said... but click where ? point at what... he was not sure at all that he could do it.

But these worries seemed so distant as Marco gave in to the music. It was music that taught him to shape mana. Without music mana was an abstract concept...  His mentors tried to make him ‘see’ the mana... but it never worked for him no matter how hard they insisted... "how can you see something that has no physical form?" he knew that mages can see the astral offcourse but he just did not comprehend it. Then came his hero, father Gabriel with Haydn, Mozart and the almighty Beethoven. With the help of their music he could hear the mana... it grew restless... it 'danced' with the music. Putting it back into harmonic forms, was how he casted spells. Each spell had a melody... force was like volume and the nature of the melody determined the spell. Every spell he knew was a part of some symphony.

Who can use music to kill? He refused to even imagine chords so unpleasant that they hurt people. Unfortunately, his education was focused about combat spells... it was a big deal to them.  The sound of a manaball was horrific, it was unbearable... He begged them to leave the room but they forced him to witness. Hoping that he will learn something.

He could not bring himself to compose such horrible music...  it seemed corrupt... it was evil. Instead he composed pleasant music...  They practiced on bunnies and instead of killing his bunny with a manabolt, the bunny seemed happier...more energetic and full of live. It was the first spell Marco discovered, an illusion spell that causes a strong sexual rush. Like a potent drug...  It was that incident that started his sexual exploits... the other students were fascinated by his new ability... Their curiosity quickly led him to abuse the spell. 

His former mentor Agrat was also about music... He met her while listening to Beethoven and she taught him how to merge with the music to become part of it. To mages magic was an external force... something they shape. To adepts it was something different entirely, they were part of their magic. It was impossible to determine where natural ability ended and magic started.

 To him it was like living inside a symphony... He constantly felt the pleasant music of his demonic tongue.  But hearing an internal music is one thing, and when the music was real it felt differently... His demonic tongue wanted to dance to the music...It wanted to be used. Every bit of mana danced restlessly inside his body. The odd thing about this particular night was that Marco did not fear that desire. He did not try to hold it back, he embraced it.

He was spectacular even alone and he wasn't alone for long. He danced as if it was the only thing that mattered. He merged with the party with the crowd and with his inner magic. He did not drink, he did not take any drug but he was just as intoxicated... his very essence wanted to dance. Dancing was the best of all vices to Marco... So far nobody understood just how deep his connection to music really was.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-09-15/2248:19>
@ Ambrose  >>I'm not sure who this is, but I sell only legally obtained fireworks. It sounds to me like you're making prank calls.<< Just then Ambrose gets two comm messages almost simultaneously. The first one is from Frank. >>I'm back on the road, food will be 2 hrs late but I will be there.<< Two hours! He was supposed to deliver the detonator at 17:00. This will push it back to 19:00. He sees the second comm is from Sam, Great. >>Ambrose, I've been in an auto accident. I can't make our meeting but I'll send someone to pick up my package. They won't be able to pick it up any earlier than 19:30 and they'll have to meet you outside on the west side of the club. They'll be sipping a pink martini. I will add 500 nuyen to your payment for the added inconvenience.<< Wow, what are the odds, looks like he'll be able to do the job and get paid a little extra. Things are looking up. Kato messages you back. >>I will have SpittingCobra meet you at the factory. You'll recognize him, He watched you the other night at the club.<< At the soup kitchen only one woman stood up. "I'm good with fireworks. Real good. I can give a Holiday Special in any style you choose."Her tats identify her as ex-Army, the engineering corp.

@ Arc, Yelena & Marco  >>I've been in an auto accident. I can't make my meeting to pick up the detonator. I need one of you to send someone to pick it up. You'll recognize him, he's the reporter with Feathers the other night. Be careful, I've no idea if he's friend or foe.  I've messaged him to meet you at 19:30 outside on the west side of the club. You'll need to be sipping a pink martini so that he knows you. Good Luck, remember, looking only!<<

The bouncer smiles and tells you. "The party is on the second level. The entire second level."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-09-15/2257:56>
"Great We're going to go make quite the show!" he announces. Surely this ex military person would be a great asset to Ambroses plans. "Come with me and get in the car."

And with that he heads off, hopefully with the military bomber in toe. It was going to dip in quite a bit of his funds, as apposed to his original plan, which was to hire a small group of less insightful individuals to hang a bunch of decorations up, but with how things are progressing, he was going to have to give this bomber and the explosive dealer funds.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-09-15/2310:01>
Yelena looks at Arc before mentally thumbing her link.  <Marco please go meet man.  Arc and Yelena are heading up to party.  Can you do?>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-09-15/2328:24>
Arc happened to glance back at the right moment, her lips curling into a little grin as she was about to give a nod of volunteer, but then stopped as soon as she saw the look on the Russian's face.  Marco was the most available, as the least amount of eyes would be on him.  Crestfallen for the briefest of moments (it isn't often one gets to meet a fellow enjoyer of blowing drek up), the human shakes it off and beams happily, locking arms with the elf as they ascended to the second floor, Arc lifting her free arm up to a wave whilst booming out a shout.

"Alright, now who's buying these slitches some drinks, huh?!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-10-15/0118:03>
Yelena laughs at Arc's comment.  She steps away from her friend, letting her words carry a bit.  "Yes.  Yelena give money Arc yesterday.  All gone so soon?"  She holds out a hand with a credstick in it.  "Arc try make last.  Need learn manage money." 

Leaving Arc, she looks around the room for Bella. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-10-15/0141:23>
Snatched from a middle of dream Marco take a short break and responds from his encrypted commlink:

<<Oh Demoness... 
What happened? Are you hurt?
You can’t be too far from here... do you need a hand?
>>

To Yelena and Arc: << Have fun at the party...  I’ll pick the order it better be something fun... >> ... He thinks: So reporter guy is in the twist as well... he is one of Demoness’s suppliers and she can’t trust him herself - it might be a trap... or he may be coming in hot. Maybe I should wear a different skin?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-10-15/0850:50>
@ Ambrose  When you arrive at the factory SpittingCobra is already there. He's definitely not one to waste words, or maybe he just doesn't know that many, he takes in the sight of you, and checks out Delilah's, (the engineer), tats in one glance, and greets you with a simple, "Where do you want the bombs?" It's not going to be quite that simple of course. The factory workers are still there and you still have a couple of hours before quitting time. Still, if you're going to get this done on time you'll need every minute from now until 7:00.

@ Marco  There is no answer from the daemoness, she's never failed to answer him immediately when he was on one of her jobs. But, without knowing more details Marco can't go to her aid. Looking up to take one last look at Yelena he spots Cinan. Looks like he was invited to the party too.

@ Arc & Yelena  You see Bella heading towards you. She hears the last part of your sentence to Arc and frowns just a tiny bit, but she covers it smoothly. "Ah here are our heroes! The two that killed the Smiley Face, the Barrens monster that threatened so many! She claps her hands and the other guests follow suite with applaujse. Then she turns to Yelena and kisses both her cheeks and then her lips." she has her back turned to Arc and smiling at Yelena she says, "I have a few people I'd like you to meet." and wrapping her arm around Yelena's she takes her away. As Arc goes to the bar a young orc greets her, "You're a Howler?", he says looking at one of the tats partially exposed by her dress. "Wow, I knew they were involved, but no one ever really talks about the guys that led the fight. No wonder they were involved. The pack hunts together. Here, let me buy you a drink. I'm Gredaleh." he smiles and signals the bartender who serves you both a Centari Sunrise.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-10-15/0950:22>
Marco’s heart began racing... "She is not answering immediately... something bad happened... could Demoness' dedication meant that her message was the last thing she did before passing out?... what if it wasn't an accident? who can help... who can help..."

He texted Arc on encrypted comm:

<<Arc (cc: Yelena): Dear Arc... I am worried about Sam he is not responsive... We know he’s not far and that he had a car accident... can you locate Sam with that kind of information?  Perhaps search for nearby accidents or something in that matrix. I have a bad feeling that he may be in danger... I am useless with technology ... all the solutions with my skill-set that find Sam involves major mojo...>>

The next option was Cinan, according to Sam’s report he was brilliant...  Marco approached the keeb and greeted him happily. “So happy that you came!... should be one heck of a party...!” after a few pleasantries he asks... “is there somewhere private we could talk?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-10-15/1054:17>
Yelena embraces Bella, returning her kiss in a manner that the other woman should know there is a promise of more if she is interested.  She casts a worried glance at Arc as she goes off with the hostess.  "Yelena thank Bella for party.  Yes, like to meet others.  Many people are here.  Bella dress very nice on you.  Yelena jealous of how you look."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-10-15/2225:14>
Arc let her smile falter as she gave a giggle at Yelena, picking up the credstick as if to avoid drawing attention to it (poorly) and depositing it in her clutch before Bella showed up, the eccentric woman immediately focusing her attention on Yelena and sorta casually brushing Arc off to the side.  Shrugging, she nodded to the Russian elf before meandering off to the bar.

She was sorting through Marco's texts of concern and panic as the young ork Gredalah approached her.  Blinking up, she gave a smile and nodded to him, forgetting about the blood moon tattoo on her left shoulder.  She mentally vomited with what she said next.  " In the end, the pack comes through.  Even when the one starting the hunt is some drek breeder they let go a couple years back.  Arc.  Thanks for the drink.  Take it you deal with Howlers on the ref?". Picking up the glass, she brought it to her lips before pausing, getting an idea.  "A lotta people got geeked  in that fight.  Some didn't even recover and gave ahella lot.  Hoi, barkeep! A round for the party.  A toast to the fallen!"

@Marco decrypt 130927591-0389{Arc}>>
<<Focus, man.  Don't be prey.  Sam didn't get into this kinda biz by not being able to handle a scrap, I'd figure.  Be cool, do the job, and we can worry after.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-10-15/2338:40>
Ambrose had simple plans for a simple job. He didn't bother changing them, sending the two with him the positions of the bombs, of course documents were set up basically for keeping the bombs all a secret from the workers. But with having to pull in people, and snakebite's annoucement of non-firework based explosives that ship has sailed and burned in the Blackwater under a sea of dragonfire.

"Just follow the documents. Though we've got to get rid of the workers, or wait for them to leave. Since things have been pushed back, we should be able to get in without much of them there."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-11-15/0043:48>
Arc's respond was so hostile, Marco did not even reply.
He thought to himself  " a car accident?... in a world where cars are all driven by autopilots and are linked to the matrix? how can that be...? maybe under some extreme weather conditions but there was nothing extreme here. Sam could write delayed... but he did not he wrote accident... these do not happen on themselves.

Still there is little I can do now... mojo will totally flag me and that detonator indeed need to be picked.  The mission was never important for Marco,  he does not care about strategy about big ideology. Every evil goal can have good excuses... and can even be reasoned about as good.  This is how cooperations got our trust, they promised stuff good stuff... economy growth and then overtime no economy and no growth... when you try to turn the clock back they use fear... and when fear fail you discover that they already have too much power.  This is how Sam betrayed me... but who cares about her silly missions... if she may be in trouble she needs an ally not an employee. "

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-11-15/1628:40>
@ Marco  Cinan smiles and says, "I plan on enjoying everything at this party. Especially it's party favors. But let's dance first." and he leads you onto the dance floor.

@ Yelena  Bella laughs, "As good as I look in this dress." she slides her arm around Yelena and strokes the hollow of her hip suggestively, "I will look better out of it. And As good as you are out of your dress." and she smiles and draws Yelena close for a long and suggestive kiss, her hand slowly and sensuously stroking up Yelena's back until she's cupping Yelena's head, stroking her neck, kissing and being kissed and stroked in return, until she pulls back smiling and says, "I've taken the liberty of making a few extra party plans, and inviting a few friends that are talented at enjoying all of life's many pleasures." she introduces you around to a few tables and it's not long before Yelena is knocking back drinks. And when the waitress comes around one of the men, Yelena thinks his name is Giacomo, stops the waitress and says, "Here Yelena, I know you'll enjoy it. It's one of the Stardust's special admixtures, 'Hoyden'. You apply the cream to your neck and wrists, then the pill under your tongue and just let it dissolve, and when it's finished dissolving you pop the rocket and inhale." he smiles then and says, "And then you and I will dance."

@ Arc  Gredalah smiles approvingly at you and raises his glass in toast, "To the fallen!" and then, "Second rounds on me. To Arc and Yelena. Heroes!" And after he's raised his second glass to you he smiles and says. "I don't really have that much to do with the Howlers. But my dad is a judge and so I've learned a lot about the gangs and the culture through him. He wanted me to be educated on all of orc culture and to respect real strength, both on and off the streets." Behind you you hear, "So you're Arc." when you turn around you see what has got to be the most gorgeous man on the planet smiling down at you. "My brother's told me all about you. How you were there on your bike running down that witch with everything blowing up all around you. I'll second that toast. Drinks on me! To Arc!" soon you're surrounded by admirers. But, you also notice that the barkeeper will occasionally catch your eye and look at one or the other of them and makes a subtle sniffing motion, in it's more exaggerated form it's used quite often among the Howlers, but also adopted by many other Barrens folk to indicate something smells bad.

@ Ambrose  Standing in the parking lot with you SpittingCobra nods and then walks away into a shadow. And then he just disappears. Delilalah standing next to you nods. "Nice. One thing I really miss and couldn't manage to knick from my Army days. Oh well, I still know a few tricks." She studies the material you give her. "Holiday decorations huh, nice, make my job easier. You should have brought one of those elf hats or summat." she grins and walks away and then yelling flags down a few workers, "Oi! Oi! Any 'o you know where this drek goes? I got orders to set this stuff up and not one hoop I've talked to knows drek. I'm about ready to dump it 'cause they're not paying me any overtime for this." You watch as they stop and shake their heads and point towards the building.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-11-15/1716:43>
Marco follows Cinan to the dance floor and dances for several minutes with him. He prosperously look a little bit worried, but just a little bit. He uses years of training to show just that amount of worried that may serve his cause rather than the one he really feels. After about 10 minutes he say...
“As much as I love to dance with you...” Marco sigh... “There is something I need to get off my chest before I can let go...” He is silent... and shortly after he adds... “...But you came here to dance and have fun... not to help me.”. Marco turns and walks to the Bar.

He is waiting for his little commlink to buzz and every minute that passes causes his intuition that something is very wrong to be a bit more real... He hopes that Cinan will be intrigued. After all you cannot be a brilliant student without at least some computer skills... He thinks... “who read real books other than me?”. He address the bartender and orders a pink Martini... if he is going to go out with it to take the detonator he might as well have a couple of shots.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-11-15/1747:42>
Yelena does indeed return the kisses and strokes from Bella.  Her body is already reacting to the other woman's not-so-implied promises and she can tell that Bella is as aroused as she is.  She leans in for a whisper, "Yelena already want Bella out of dress.  Want to finish what was interrupted last time."  She has already determined that she needs to go all in for this as she lets Bella tow her from table to table and acknowledges each introduction.  She knows that she looks fragging hot in the dress and loves the way it emphasizes her natural looks.  She moves with a seductive grace that is designed to get her noticed and instill lust in those watching. When finally seated, she calls for vodka shots and quickly downs three in succession, slamming the empties upside down on the table in a row before joining the conversations at the table.

Before taking the crème and pills from the man, Yelena looks over to Bella.  "Is Ok Yelena take man for spin?  Not want if Bella claim first."  If Bella has no objection, Yelena will do as instructed with the crème and pills.  She expects some sort of drug-induced pleasure.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-11-15/2058:10>
Arc was thankful now mostly for Yelena's guidance and tips on how to avoid getting drunk, using those skills to look like she was downing them with the rest of the gathering party of (mostly) men seeking the human's attention, when really they were but sips as she would casually slide the glass away from her at the bar.  She caught the sniff from the bartender, her green eyes making contact with his for a brief moment, a forced exhalation from her nostrils signifying she caught his warning as she lifted for the second toast.

Arc was all smiles during the affair, nodding and smiling through the whole of it.  She noted the handsome man approaching her, holding out her hand to shake as she leaned back in her seat, crossing her legs (ech, uncomfortable...) and gingerly holding a glass in her hand, an elbow on the bar counter behind her.  Mentally, she reminded herself to keep her head, that none of these people were actually legitimately interested in her, and most importantly, she had a vrukan, and someone that mattered.  "I gotta say something though.  You say things were all wiz and cool and drek like that.  But really, my part was a small one.  That keeb right there?  If not for her, it woulda all gone to drek, I ain't gonna lie.  Yelena!  Get your pointy-eared hoop over here, these guys want to toast to your skill, girl!"  Taking another sip, she was giving the impression of loosening up, encouraging people to party hard, how everyone's got a right to do so after so many put their lives on the line to save this hood.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-11-15/2311:31>
Ambrose shrugs as the other two begin already moving the luggage. He was actually a bit surprised that things were working out properly, and the yaks didn't burn down his house.. yet. He was sure they would if they start to feel he's deviating too far from them.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-12-15/0034:46>
@ Ambrose  You get busy as well, the order from Frank has to be put together and then disguised for it to all to work and it takes all of Ambrose's concentration and skill. At least he'd been able to order mostly complete components with Sam's money. There! Finally done and the last bomb placed! Ambrose looks at the clock again. it's 19:15. Past the time he'd set for himself, but still a little wiggle room before the actual meet to transfer the detonator. Gods he wished he'd gone with his first instinct and just set this up as a comm from Sam's phone. Except, now that Sam wasn't going to even be there to personally set it off when he needed it, it was a good thing he'd opted for the artistic touch. He checked his watch again. 19:16. He needed to get out of here. Just then Delilah taps on the glass. "Oi, I've got a date tonight. I'll take my cred now, they're taking me to the bar from here." Ambrose made the transfer. Well, that was one gone. But, where was snakebite? Ambrose hadn't seen him since he'd told him to place the last bomb over 20 min's ago. Damn! Well hopefully he was already in the club watching for him and not in some shadow watching for him. 19:22! If he's going to make the meet he'd better hurry. After all he needs enough time to drive away, turn around and come back looking casual. Or maybe he'd just better go there now and hope that since it was behind the club he wouldn't be noticed.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-12-15/1640:04>
The hour is 7:30, it all arrived so quickly Marco grabs a pink Martini and go out for the pickup. He messaged Arc and Yelena in the encrypted channel: "If you still have your cloths on... here goes."
His eyes are looking for ambrose... the reporter that is not a very good reporter.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-12-15/2144:42>
Ambrose didn't like the fact that Snakebite was missing, but he had to do what he had to do. Getting back into his car, he ponders for a moment about the ex-army and the fact that only now she started to bring up that she was having a date. Shaking his head slowly he checked the car for explosives.. After all, he was just working with a yak who might have thought that it was his time to go, after a quick sweep, the amount he cared about being blowed up dropped dramatically, with the increase of effort needed on his part to make sure they yak didn't do something.

He started the car and began to drive off towards the club. In hind sight, he oatta had set things up a bit differently, based on interactions with people, he could have gotten this John fella in comflict with the yaks, while he disappeared in the sea of flames. Perhaps another time.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-12-15/2158:34>
@ Ambrose  Well, the car didn't blow up when he started it. And driving back down the road to the club he was still alive. Definitely a plus, maybe he will live long enough to collect the cred for this job. Hmmm, still parking spots relatively close, 19:27, he's got time to park a bit further in the shadows away from the lights and look like he's just come in.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-13-15/0151:10>
It was dark, not the parking lot that was lit by the neon lights but it seemed dark inside. The parking lot that was half empty at this hour as most of the guests have not yet arrived. It was early, Marco wondered if he is going to be the one blowing the warehouse and if looking in the basement was really all that important as to blow an entire building and taking peoples livelihood away... he hoped that at this time there are no people inside but perhaps there is some security or anything. Was this another trick to get more leverage? will blowing up that place hunt them like a skeleton in the closet for years to come? To be exposed when any of them tries to leave?

It is not like Sam to just improvise on a key aspect of his mysterious plan. Sam was a person of preparations, of carefully studying the problem - he was a chess player not a ping pong player. He could totally come up with some plan that involves getting more leverage for the future on his runners. Marco could not even think of pulling the detonator. He had to check it first.

 That reporter guy was a little of both... although he seemed more able to plan. He had  a good view of the entire parking lot and he could see a car entering it, perhaps it was mr. Reporter dude.  He happily walked towards the car, carrying his drink.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-13-15/0835:57>
Ambrose gets out of the car, picking up the teddy bear detonator. Mr Waffles was the bear's name according to the Vermont teddy bear company, A plush waffle sat on its head covered in a material that looked like syrup some sort of brown bubbly clear plastic. Hooking the bear up to AR you'd see a large number of recipes for waffles, pancakes and crepes. But today, today Mr Waffles was going to help someone make an omelet.

Ambrose approached Marco, raising a brow as he noticed the person drinking a pink something or other was the person from last night that ordered him a steak. Well,  that's probably why he was chosen at least. "Another monster to slay?" he asks as he approaches holding out the bear.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-13-15/0912:04>
"Monsters?" Asked Marco surprised. "Just the package... is okay... Mr. reporter...  I heard tomorrow's headlines are going to be a blast. Don't you think? "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-13-15/1932:20>
@ Yelena  Bella smiles and leaves you to your pleasures and you apply the drug with some enjoyable aid from Gregor and as you inhale the last component of the drug the world slows and then becomes brighter, more intense and your body is suffused with an energy makes you feel like your molten, not hot, but, more like all of you is made of light and energy, and everyone around you is part of that light and energy. You feel connected to all of them, and to everything, as if it were all part of you and it was all yours to enjoy. Gregor leads you onto the dance floor, the beat now somehow a living thing, and the music was alive, each note part of the energy you are made of, and you share it with him. You dance, sheer joy in every moment. All of life is yours to enjoy and pleasure and be pleasured by and you seize it.

@ Arc  "Looks like your friend is dancing." A young human murmers right next you. "We should join them. I'm Russ." He reaches out for your hand to invite you onto the floor.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-13-15/2029:22>
"Monsters?" Asked Marco surprised. "Just the package... is okay... Mr. reporter...  I heard tomorrow's headlines are going to be a blast. Don't you think? "

"Wasn't it what you guys did? Kill monsters?" he asks, before shrugging. "Twist the nose, and then push it, get a surprise for your cutie. And yes.. Its going to be some hot press." He holds the bear up for the other guy, then begins to start walking into the club.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-13-15/2034:58>
Arc gave a bit of a pout as Yelena seemed too focused to hear the human's invite, but was quickly dashed away by the young Russ and his own invitation to dance.  She bit her lip for a moment, looking him over as she set her drink aside, taking his hand with a smile and hopping up, letting him lead her to the floor.  "Ah, frag it.  It's a party after all.  Come on, peeps, let's not waste the tunes!"

The collection of the (seemingly primarily male) entourage gathering around Arc soon merged with the partying group focused on Yelena, turning into one large throng of swaying, dancing bodies, the lights shimmering and the bass pounding in their ears.  Arc had her arms up, moving her hips as fluidly as she could manage, focusing on no one person in particular, instead making sure everyone was focused on the fiesta and having a good time.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-13-15/2337:44>
"M... yes the Smilie killer this is what the party is about... I am just a party person. Thanks for the Teddy. "
 He took the Teddy... and said "Enjoy the party!" . Marco did not go back to the party instead he took a trip around the warehouse, trying to gauge its nature.  "So what do I do with you little guy?" he thought as he looked at the teddy. The chill night air cleared his head... are we doing insurance fraud? is this building somehow related to the club?

He had to know"... he first tried to verify from outside the building trying to see if it is indeed empty. Saying his goodbye's to the building...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-13-15/2338:27>
Yelena falls into whatever euphoria the drug mixture leads her to.  She is now committed to this course of action and is part of the living music and the molten flow of energy and light.  The joy and pleasure is akin to what Bliss provides, yet stronger.  The thought flies from one part of her mind to another that she may have to break another addiction, but she just does not care right now.  She is living purely in the moment and thriving there.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-14-15/0806:53>
@ Ambrose. Ambrose is walking through the parking lot heading into the club to finish his job for the Yaks. Or at least try, he still doesn't know what drug he's looking for. But before he can get close to the door and be seen by all the party goers. The three guys he's about to pass give themselves away. All of his years in a gang taught him a thing or two, and a tell-tale movement when he got close enough to them gave their intentions away. They should have just tranked him from a distance. Ambrose has a moment to act before the second one can bring his cosh around.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-14-15/0849:10>
Once Marco was far enough from the club, he felt safe enough for his plan.
He concentrated for a moment and a demon of fire came to his aid, he was more modest this time - summoning a lower force demon.
"Do not materialize friend he said to the fire demon ... he could sense its volatile nature - I got a treat for you today... he thought. Have you ever seen a building explode? "

Marco could feel the excitement of the demon- fire demons wanted to burn... to destroy some aspect of the world to make room for for something better.
 Blow up?... How remarkable...  said the demon, gracefully refusing to mention what he has or has not seen before.
"You owe me 3 services... Your first service is to scan this warehouse - let me know if there is anything alive or magical in there... Providing the warehouse is indeed empty from magical or living people... your second service will be to continue monitor it until it explodes. If all goes well I'll do my best to release you after the second service... But it is not a promise... I know you are eager to go back to someplace.  I will do my best to be brief. "
[spoiler]
Summon spirit of fire (force 4) (http://orokos.com/roll/288568): 12d6t5 3
spirit defense (http://orokos.com/roll/288569): 4d6t5 0

3 services gained - the demon did not resist so no drain. (fire demons like to burn - lol)
I also rolled the astral sensing of the demon he got 5 intuition + 4 assensing skill.
Fire spirit assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/288570): 9d6t5 5
[/spoiler]

The spirit said nothing more, but Marco could feel it scouting the large building...  He thought to himself - "lets see what Sam really tries to blow up".
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-14-15/1921:34>
@ Marco  The demon has a bit of a sardonic look on his face when he returns. "It doesn't take much to excite you. Humanity, so easily pleased by such lesser powers. There are two of your kind in the building. They are in a small room on the far side of the building. I will watch, as you say it is my service, but there are better demonstrations by the lesser of my kind."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-15-15/0145:10>
To the demon: ‘Do not underestimate the task you received... Life are important and you just scanned a building full of explosives with no danger to yourself. Be proud that you help save life... Life are so important that I would have not trusted a lesser demon for the task at hand...

Thanks you for your service... but I will not let you manipulate me into a more aggressive course of action by mockery... so if you want you can help me come up with a plan that involves getting these people outside unharmed. That way you can go home earlier.  Or you can continue to play watcher until I come up with a plan... you owe me services not advice I know that, but now you have to wait until I figure out how to get these people out and what’s your role in that mission.‘

Marco text Arc and Yelena on encrypted comm:

‘First of all... I am not prey... we cannot follow a plan with blind trust when all the circumstances indicates that something has gone terribly wrong. If Sam was indeed compromised... how long do you think it will take them to get us? There are too many dangerous elements in this mission to blindly follow Sam’s overly optimistic tasks.

As for another example of why you should not blindly trust Sam, the building is not clean. I went to check that warehouse - guess what? there are people inside... There is no way in hell I am allowing two innocent people die as collateral damage just to look in a basement.

On the other hand there is no way we DONT blow that building as people may be hurt coming to work in the morning and all these explosives came from somewhere and this somewhere has our fingerprints on it...

I want you two outside of the club with me and I want you armed and clearheaded... we need to get these people out of the building before it goes down... We need them to exit calmly without touching anything and any moment of delay furthers the risk involved.
We may need to handle them as they go out  - I think they may be security and me alone with a detonator is not a good match for two pissed up security guards... That detonator should be secured and risks should be minimized our line of work is dangerous enough as it is. ‘

Okay... think Marco.. “how can we take these people out calmly without touching anything? Letting them see the demon will get them out alright - but they will run and may stumble on something... perhaps if I push the fire alarm?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-15-15/0703:03>
Yelena's comm pings with the message from Marco.  Fortunately, the commlink is smarter than Yelena right now and decrypts the message, spooling it into her consciousness.  Yelena smiles as she reads the note and manages to send one back to him.  <Marco.  Yelena already too far to leave.  Know my limits and no help to you.  Must continue plan.  Marco save lives before blow up building.  Change shape something scary and men run.  Marco good man.  Deserve better than Yelena.  See later.>

Yelena sends the message and looks up at her dance partner.  Smiling, she molds her body to his and says, "Yelena like dance.  Yelena like sex.  Do you?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-15-15/0859:04>
Marco was angry... he felt betrayed the plan was all going to fall apart... she should only do all these things AFTER they blow up the warehouse! not BEFORE!!!  it is freaking 19:30 we just got here...
... I guess it is part of her charm - but Yelena became a liability.
... He walks peacefully despite being angry, years of practice made him in complete control of the expression of his emotions but he is boiling inside. He is headed towards Arc's car to fetch atleast his pistol and leather jacket.  Not very stylish but will have to do just in case.

These girls won't notice that something is wrong until it bites them in the ass... they are sure that their brave Sam is invincible and always comes up with the best course of action... Everybody makes mistakes - and nobody gets to live forever in this business. This is why I want out while I am still alive dammit.

Looking into the basement never seemed so far as in that moment... "so I need to blow up the place from inside the club while sneaking to have a look at the basement... I'll be very stealthy holding a freaking teddy bear... why can't it be a freaking comlink! - or a file I can transmit to trigger it... why a freaking teddy bear?! ... is everything a joke? I am trying not to die in here.

... if I am discovered,  Arc and Yelena are going to be retaliated just as hard as me - because they know we are together... So while escaping I should also grab her gorgeous but totally defenseless body... I hope at least ARC is sober. Maybe she can fetch Yelena while I have a look...  Am I the only one that feels the danger? ... Is Yelena really that careless and light headed despite her paranoid appearance? is it really 'sex as a weapon... ? because she feels like a junkie looking to get fixed... Or maybe they think that I am some kind of Houdini ... no one have ever told me that I am that good... "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-15-15/1224:08>
Arc was dancing and swaying when Marco's message blipped in front of her vision, the human girl's step faltering for the slightest of moments as the news of it hit her.  Mentally, she frowned and sighed, keeping up her appearance and glancing over at Yelena, seeing her in her euphoric, drug-induced state.  Frag it all.  Told him to keep it cool  Thinking quick, she commanded the Fly-Spy up to the second floor and to lock onto Yelena's private commlink, keeping an eye on her as she kept appearances, winking at a gentleman dancing with her as she sent a message back.

@Marco decrypt 1034890-1029 {Arc}  [cc: Yelena]>>
<<Y'all ain't lecturing me.  Yelena's already in her role deep.  If we both kip out full, they WILL know drek is up.  I can't be there for you physical-like.  Just hang tight, I'll send eyes to the warehouse with ya.  Now will you just fragging calm down?

Satisfied with her response, Arc glanced over to her dancing partner, standing up straight and putting her cyberhand on his chest.  "Hoi, just wait right there, aight?  Need a quick smoke break, wiz?"  As she pushed through the throng, she brushed by Yelena, hugging her lightly and muttering "Smoke break" before heading out to a balcony with a view of the street.  Fishing into her clutch, she pulled out her lighter and a cigarette, placing it on her lips and lighting it.  Using that action, she turned her right side away from the door, launching her other Fly-Spy into the air, locking it in with Marco's signal.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-15-15/1310:15>
Marco replied - <<even if we follow our own plan... that is obviously null an void...  she is in her *role* way too soon. Remember... being loud? drawing attention... toss to heroes stuff like that... This is the rock and roll part... sex and drugs are to happen later in the night when we know we do not need to make a quick getaway... At least make sure she is with you until it is over... she will die if the basement gig does not go well and she is doing her thing. >>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-15-15/1509:46>
@ Yelena  Gregor smiles at you, "I like it more than a few ways and with talented partners, it's not enough for me to just have a partner that's willing. So tell me, what do your talents run to?" As he says that he does a ball chain step and then takes command of Yelena's body to swing her into a low dip with a half-turn.

@ Arc  The fly-spy's lock onto their signals without ant difficulty and Arc can rest easy knowing that at least that part of the plan is going smoothly. There are certainly worse things than having a cyberarm. Arc thinks as she smokes to keep up the ruse. And now that she's here she realizes she needs it for her nerves as well. She takes a deep drag and looks out over the balcony. The moon is full tonight, a hunters moon, at least a according to the Howlers. It's throwing a beautiful silver on the trees in the distance. The club is close enough to the Salish Shidhe border that she can see them. Trees don't really grow in the Barrens, the weak, scraggly few don't grow well in the pollution and soil. And Arc is amazed that these are so tall she can see them at this distance. But, she doesn't have long to admire them. A voice behind her says, "How about I buy you something a little stronger and we can dance. Afterall, I met never get to see the, 'famous celebrity' Arc, again." The voice is familiar, and when you turn it only takes you a few seconds to recognize NineLives. Wow he's gotten tall, and a little heavier than his championship hopscotch days when you last saw him, but it's him all right. One of the few humans that you know that made it out of the Barrens.

@ Marco  The demon awaits your orders but says, "Scaring humans is a job for ghosts and poltergeists. My kind terrifies and subjugates the weak. The two in the building are not weak, both have seen war, and they will be difficult to scare."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-15-15/1521:34>
Marco replies to the demon (just by thought) - "I said that I want them out - I did not say they have to be afraid. I am going to get my gun just in case they will be very angry... But once I do we can try and fool the fire alarm. what do you think? can you generate smoke without burning anything or triggering explosives so that the alarm will go off?" 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-15-15/1534:18>
@ Marco  "I can generate the smell easily. But, machines do not have senses that I can fool. You will need real smoke or fire in order to set off the alarms."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-15-15/1544:38>
Marco replies: Sadly I have no technical skills and I am afraid to send your full firey glory to a warehouse full of explosives... It does not take a genius to understand it is a bad move... Let's try somthing else...

Marco searches the phone number of the warehouse in his comlink... "I can probobly be convincing enough calling them... I could also get rid of that damn cross on my neck... it is bad memories."


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-15-15/1621:31>
@ Marco  Marco doesn't have many technical skills, but fortunately this sort of search doesn't need any and it doesn't take more than a minute of inputting the search parameters for him to have the number.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-15-15/1632:45>
Marco calls the warehouse with his encrypted comlink:
if someone picks up he say "I have planted bombs in the building and it is going to explode- I thogught it is empty but then I spoted you two in there...  I kindly ask you to evacuate the building... it is wired up to explode soon and you deserve better than being colleteral damage on a fude you know nothing about. Try not to touch anything or you might exadently trigger the explosives. "
[spoiler]
I rolled con to see how convincing Marco is.
Con (how convincing Marco is) (http://orokos.com/roll/289149): 18d6t5 7[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-15-15/1700:25>
@ Marco A few long minutes pass and the demon tells you. They have exited.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-15-15/1710:34>
Marco asks the demon... "Do you want to pull the trigger?" if the demon goes for it Marco will explain how... otherwise he'll do so himself. Before like any sensible person he makes sure he is far enough and have some cover.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-15-15/1752:13>
Marco replied - <<even if we follow our own plan... that is obviously null an void...  she is in her *role* way too soon. Remember... being loud? drawing attention... toss to heroes stuff like that... This is the rock and roll part... sex and drugs are to happen later in the night when we know we do not need to make a quick getaway... At least make sure she is with you until it is over... she will die if the basement gig does not go well and she is doing her thing. >>
<<We can fraggin' argue about shouldashoulda all night, but it ain't doin' nothin' for us.  I got eyes on your girl, don't worry about it.  Eyes on you too.  Attached: vidfeedM.aro  Something goes down, we won't be drek caught>>

She was just able to send that, taking that long pull of the calming smoke before she was approached on the balcony, her dress accentuating her hips as she leaned forward a bit and to one side, elbows rested on the railing.

@ Arc  The fly-spy's lock onto their signals without ant difficulty and Arc can rest easy knowing that at least that part of the plan is going smoothly. There are certainly worse things than having a cyberarm. Arc thinks as she smokes to keep up the ruse. And now that she's here she realizes she needs it for her nerves as well. She takes a deep drag and looks out over the balcony. The moon is full tonight, a hunters moon, at least a according to the Howlers. It's throwing a beautiful silver on the trees in the distance. The club is close enough to the Salish Shidhe border that she can see them. Trees don't really grow in the Barrens, the weak, scraggly few don't grow well in the pollution and soil. And Arc is amazed that these are so tall she can see them at this distance. But, she doesn't have long to admire them. A voice behind her says, "How about I buy you something a little stronger and we can dance. Afterall, I met never get to see the, 'famous celebrity' Arc, again." The voice is familiar, and when you turn it only takes you a few seconds to recognize NineLives. Wow he's gotten tall, and a little heavier than his championship hopscotch days when you last saw him, but it's him all right. One of the few humans that you know that made it out of the Barrens.

Turning and straightening up, her green eyes scanned the man briefly, going a little wide at the recognition.  "Well frag me sideways, if it ain't NineLives.  Drek, seems like Seattle proper life be good to ya.  Too good, haha.  What, getting bored of the gentrification and decided to mingle with us peons, eh?  Frag man, come over here!"  Gingerly balancing her cigarette between two fingers, the human reached up to give him a hug.  Growing up with the Howlers, she didn't have many people she would consider a friend, and fewer still that weren't trogs, but NineLives was certainly one of them until he moved out in her early teens.  "Frag man, did not expect to find your hoop in here.  Come on, I think I'm good for now."  Stuffing the spent smoke after one last drag into an ashtray, Arc joined the man in returning to the party proper, pulling up both the feed on Yelena's drone (FeedY.aro) and Marco's drone (FeedM.aro) and placing them on her peripherals as she conversed.

"What kinda drink you have in mind eh?  And cut that celebrity drek.  Just because I almost get my hoop geeked and realize I needa finna live my life to the full, I'm suddenly famous?  Pfft.  And never see me again?  Maan, you know I ain't goin' nowhere.  You ain't planning on geeking this slitch, right?"  She elbowed him, obviously joking whilst at the same time looking him over.  It was kinda freaking running into an old face like that, and she wasn't leaving it to coincidence just yet...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-15-15/1930:51>
Ambrose didn't miss a beat, as his pheonix sense tingles from the three starting to move into circle him. Fools, the whole lot of them, of course he didn't have very many grenades himself, but he had some of the best ones. Particularly a small cylinder shaped one that falls to his feet as he begins to walk away, before breaking into a brisk walk, and with a snap of his fingers, it is detonated in the parking lot...

Ambrose stands in the center of the three men, sighing to himself. Reaching into his coat he pulls out a smoke grenade, flipping the switch to be able to throw it at his feet...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-16-15/0010:58>
The moment Ambrose pulls out his grenade the three rush him..
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-16-15/1601:38>
<<We can fraggin' argue about shouldashoulda all night, but it ain't doin' nothin' for us.  I got eyes on your girl, don't worry about it.  Eyes on you too.  Attached: vidfeedM.aro  Something goes down, we won't be drek caught>>

Marco replies: To Arc and Yelena.
<<
Dearest Arc: 
First of all thanks ... it means a lot to me.
I am terribly concerned for the two of you.
Do you really think that the warehouse is nothing but a distraction to look in basement?
It worth more than what we are making in a year  and owned by powerful people. Trust me I know how much realestates costs... I just browsed propeties in terrible shape and they still were out of my price range.

Something does not smells right... we’ll talk about it if we get to see daylight again. 
I am disappearing in a few hours. You can join if you like... I do not suggest going home or staying in the club. We need a safehouse... Sam is unresponsive - and thats means that we should assume that our cover is compremised. I  am planning to disappear and maybe try to understand where we are, whose warehouse we blew up and what happend to Sam.

Please be safe if you choose to stay in the club - You are right I am not going to tell you what to do... and I can't say we are a team just because I took you gals partying a couple of times... but for what my opinion is worth...  I strongly suggest to bail out. We do not even understand whose fingers we are stepping on.

Good luck,
be safe and I will pray for you!

Marco.
P.S I am going to ditch this encrypted comlink in an hour or two so don't send me any message after 20:30. I used it to call the warehouse to get people out.

>>

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-16-15/1741:21>
@ Ambrose  The first thug and second thugs are hot on your heels. The third thug jumps and slides across a car hood trying to get in front of Ambrose. It doesn't quite work out the way he plans and his boot catches on the edge of the car. The action ends up slowing him down, but, he's still fast enough to end up in front of him and he grins victoriously and looks at Ambrose. "Well, that was most unfriendly. We just wanted a bit of a chat."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-16-15/2252:37>
Ambrose grumbles as the fates have taken his usual plan of dropping a grenade down on the ground after undoing his clippings on the inside of his coat. It was a simple plan, but he finds himself completely incapable of pulling out a grenade from inside his coat, and loses it. Plan two then, For this one he presses and holds down a button on his commlink built into his wrist armor. "Fuck it."

"Then sit." he replies. "All three of in front of me. Now. I've activated my deadman's switch, and by heaven and earth, I will take you fuckers with me. You don't get the call the shots here."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-17-15/0016:29>
Yelena laughs at Gregor's statement.  "Yelena just like.  Try many positions, different partners.  Men and women.  Yelena is tigress in bed.  Very energetic.  Gregor know Bella?  She is Yelena friend and like sex, too.  Want try both of us?  Probably get if want."  When he dips her, she will grab his face and raise her lips to his and shift her body a bit to better mold to him.  She chuckles, "Yelena tell that Gregor interested in Yelena.  Party place too public and Yelena not drugged enough to not care who sees sex.  And Yelena should stay near friend Bella for a bit.  but later for certain if Gregor still want Yelena."

She will return to Bella and her table after the dance, grab her evening bag and pull the cigar case and lighter from it.  She motions to the open balcony and says, "Yelena need smoke.  Go balcony for air."  She passes Arc returning to the room and stops to embrace her before going outside to get some air and smoke one of her cigars.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-17-15/0843:51>
@ Ambrose. "Nice bluff mate. But you don't look like the kind of crazy fragger what has a death wish eh. So how's about you come wit us nice and easy and have a nice simple chit chat wit the boss. And afterwards I buy youa drink. Show of good will."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-17-15/1227:27>
@ Marco  The evening is still early for party-goers and the parking lot is only about half full. Marco catches a little of the music spilling out of the front door, but on the west side of the building where he's at it's muffled and mostly just the bass. The demon remains there, waiting, and a few moments later you hear. They leave now. He says speaking of the warehouse workers.

@ Arc  NineLives smiles and says, "Nope, I'm a working man, here on biz. I may have gotten picked up by an athletic team looking for new blood. But eventually you get to old and the hoopla dies down and ya still gotta eat. But this your party, and I aint talking shop when the slitch is celebrating making good. So, drinks on me an this way you maybe don't notice your toes when we dance." Jokes about your toes aside NineLives is a superb dancer, the agility and athleticism translating well into grace on the dance floor. He's an even better dancer than Marco and soon teaches Arc a few simple steps that have feeling like she's getting this dancing drek down.

@ Yelena  "I've been invited to the after-party. We'll have all the time, and pleasures to explore there. And in the meantime, we can enjoy all the pleasures here." He twirls you and expertly places you between two women who are dancing and in a moment your body is molded to theirs and one of then opens another rocket. But it's a different color and shape from the one you just used. Her hands stroke your body intimately, rubbing in the cream as she places the second part to your lips and you drink an elixir whose icy coldness instantly chills Yelena, and then she pops the third part and breathes it in, and then kissing Yelena she blows it into her mouth, sharing it with her. The explosion is instantaneous, and Yelena's body convulses with the pleasure, molding with the other two. It's so intense she's almost limp afterwards, and definitely wants more.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-17-15/1252:40>
Ambrose sighed internally. It was like everything from the fates was all conspiring against him to force him down the path of being taken in by this crooks. His grenades failed from his hand, even his attempts to intimidate  these street thugs flew on by with out even so much a flinch from them.

<<SpittingCobra - Where the hell are you? Clearly you've noticed I'm not at the club by now, There is trouble in the parking lot.>>

Where the hell was the explosion? There was suppose to be an earth shattering kaboom by now. And yet, the person who was suppose to detonate the bear hadn't. If He could just get that distraction going, he might be able to escape from these guys. Calculating out the distance he could run, and where is car was currently parked, He got ready to give it a signal.

Then he remembered the lighter that he gave SpittingCobra before, and tried to mentally use his trodes to listen in on it..

"You're right. I don't have a death wish.. Hence why I'm not coming with you. Perhaps you don't know just who the hell I am you miserable piles of wasted puke. I'm The Pheonix. Do you know how many places I've burned down? Even if I kill myself today, I will come back from the fires and flame and the ashes of it all. Now, do you feel like really taking the gamble with an oldman who's already lived too long? "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-17-15/1322:51>
Yelena had done her best to remain apart from the drugs and the temptations, but her best was clearly not good enough.  Even after trying to clear her head by smoking on the balcony, she was brought right back into the mix and felt herself slipping further and further into the abyss.  The dead of her nightmares applauded as she fell, helping to drag her further into the mire of drugs that was offered.  Gregor had been waiting for her as she returned to the room and again swept her away onto the dance floor. 

What little resolve she still maintained told her that Marco would hate her for this and that she might even lose Arc.  *Already lose Arc to rigger man.  Could not tell her feelings for her.  She better off without Yelena.  Marco better off.  Yelena only pretend kick drugs.  Still addicted and now more.  Yelena hate self that much?*  When Gregor twirls her into the embrace of the other two women, Yelena allows her body to merge with theirs, becoming almost one form of roaming hands and lips, touching their bodies in an intimate and suggestive manner.  When she is exposed to the new drug she completely gives in to the moment.  Her body exults in the pleasures of being with these women, and she shares her emotion, giving as good as she gets from them.  If this was a bit more private, she would already be in a sea of naked bodies, lost in the pleasures of taking and receiving.  As it is, there is a last fragile bit of reason left to her and she knows that Arc's little toy is watching her and recording all for later review.  She cannot remember if the tiny drone is on her clothes or in her hair, or flying above her, but it may perhaps give the others a clue as to what is happening.  She looks up at the woman and says, "Yelena get more of that?  What called?" 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-17-15/1405:10>
As Arc was dancing, she allowed herself a brief moment to relax, to enjoy reminiscing with an old friend, sharing the drink and doing the dance.  Reality, however, snapped her back quickly as she read the rather resigned message from Marco, followed by noticing what was happening with Yelena.  Her heart skipped a beat as she nearly choked on her breath, Arc realizing that things were gonna spiral, and fast.   She herself was already starting to feel the slightest bit of a buzz from the alcohol she's already consumed.  As the song beat shifted, the human girl straightened up and looked up to Ninelives.

"Huu, haven't lost a fraggin step huh?  Man, haven't danced that hard in a longhoop time.  Give me a bit. Need to catch my breath, heh.". Hugging him once more, Arc made her way back to the bar to have a sit, hastily composing a message to Marco.

@Marco decrypt 0375902-0830 {Arc}>>
<<If that's how you feel you do what you fragging want.  You gonna kip out and not see this feel through, fine and frag you to the hells.  But job or no, we could use that distraction.  If you still give ANY drek about your girl, you will set that building off or I dint be able to save her.  Can you at least wrap your hoop around that!?

With that in mind, Arc gave a little sigh, visibly frowning as she looked onto the dance floor, tilting her head towards NineLives.  "...think she is in trouble?  She was closer to death than I was...might be taking my philosiphising a little hard eh?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-17-15/1647:09>
Marco messaged Arc: <<That B must go down... I wrote it already it is linked to us. The D is not something that I can bring to the club without attracting attention. Someone got a little over the top with creativity.

I really like you and Y - don’t get me wrong. In your own blind and brilliant way I sort of admire your  deep connection that I can never begin to understand. I also do not know what to do about Y... I took her by force from that club the other day and I justified it to myself because when she was herself she was afraid of drugs and did not want to even be in the same room as the devil pills. This is not the case today... from her text I understand that getting hammered was about the first thing she did after our dance... She is not thinking clear... She once knew how to fake getting drunk, how to avoid drugs - she was overly catious I mocked her a little bit - now she dive into the danger heads on... she is blind - she does not see the red signes - she is addicted and will do rationalize with any excuse to get more. 

...
That B job already backfired - if S was compromised it was because of her destination. We are not safe... it is clear to me now. There are more and more subtle signs for that.  I am going to do what I said - and I hope you gals are ready to bail out afterwards...  Getting hammered in a club and waking up with a stranger is one thing if your cover is solid... but when they are really after you... and the rope is closing in on your neck...  it is handing yourself to the big bad wolf without a fight.

The circumstances have changed we are beaten in our own game... If we really lost San Fransisco... there is no way that our cover is still solid.
>>

He then thought:
Okay... I need a safe house, I need to find Sam and I need someone that can help me understand who pays our bill and for what sinister goal. We have angered people way above our pay grade and none of us even knows what it is all about... It is not Sthal that got his head too deep in the rabbit hole... it is us.  Apparently my job makes me more resistant to temptations. As I am probobly the only one still sober.

That building has to go down now, and I hope that me in a leather jacket with the face of one of the elf employees making a quick push at the basement will have to do now... I will Probably play the ‘Just got here... getting dressed card’ . He went to the car and packed his clothes...

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-18-15/0455:50>
Okay... Marco’s heart slowed down, he was in Arc’s car measuring his clothes... somehow her car felt comforting. He was in the zone.
<<Arc: Got stressed - I have it all figured out... I am new at this and my whole emotional world is rocking up side down... Your car is amazing something about it makes me feel safer already. It feels that despite your neighborhood there is no graffiti on it... not a single scratch. It inspire me. I wish I knew how to drive...>>
He felt like a soldier dressing up for a mission.  He packed his disguise clothes under one hand... he gave up the Crusader and left it in the trunk... I shoot really good but I have never actually shot a real person... a club full of people is out of my confidence level... let’s not try to be someone that you are not.

You are good company he said to the Demon...  I am a bit upset... but you saved the day.

We are mentally linked...  and that means that I can just order you to trigger the detonator without any external sign... I do not have to detonate it now... when I feel the time is ready and the place is crowded enough you detonate it.
Your job will be to trigger it it goes like that... (he mentally explain him how to do so)... afterwards just put it in the barrel over there and burn this teddy so badly that nothing will remain.  So this is the plan my demonic friend... and tonight you play the world of my missing friend Sam... So keep watching the building and the detonator and wait for my order.

 If you ever answer my call again I’d introduce you Sam is remarkable... I hope he is okay. He is my inspiration in many ways. 


<<Arc, Y - I got everything figured out... don't worry about me - your back is covered!>>

He entered the clubs with the clothes under his hand... he looked for one of the clubs employees... Private room! now move it!  he said.  He then tried to pick the first willing clubber - and sex him in that private room... someone fun... he thought...  then we go stright to the private room... no forplay.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-18-15/1320:19>
<<SpittingCobra - Where the hell are you? Clearly you've noticed I'm not at the club by now, There is trouble in the parking lot.>>

"You're right. I don't have a death wish.. Hence why I'm not coming with you. Perhaps you don't know just who the hell I am you miserable piles of wasted puke. I'm The Pheonix. Do you know how many places I've burned down? Even if I kill myself today, I will come back from the fires and flame and the ashes of it all. Now, do you feel like really taking the gamble with an oldman who's already lived too long? "

@ Ambrose  As Ambrose listens into the lighter he hears a most unusual conversation he's been privy to in awhile. There is the sound of glasses and metal and voices calling for foods and then clear as day. >>The zebra has landed and spits at the world. Yes . . . . . . .  . . . The pkgs ship tonight and will arrive in two days. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .It went better than we hoped. . . . . . . Daisies eat pigs five by five.<<Clearly there is no help there.
Behind you you hear, "FRAG!" and the clear sounds of one of them running away. In front of you the thug swallows and holds up his hands says, "Oi mate, take it easy. No need to do something rash. I clearly was wrong about you not being the kind of crazy fragger what blows himself up. No need to make this unfriendly, we know when we're out matched." Behind you, you feel the shots hit the back of your head.                                                                                                             
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-18-15/2244:22>
Arc was about ready and itching to send her virtual boot up Marco's virtual hoop when his second message came blipping up into her vision, giving the human girl pause and a bit of relief.  Okay, he's still in this.  Good

<<@Marco decrypt 0901283-0290 {Arc}>>
<<We get out of this, I'll teach you myself.  We're ready to draw attention on your go, my eyes are with you.  Please hurry though.  I don't want either of us too far gone, aight?

With that, without waiting for NineLives to give his answer, the human turned to him, putting on a bright almost silly smile of a girl who may be more than a little buzzed...after watching her own footage, it was rather easy to emulate. "Looks like they're having a fraggin' good time.  Come on, let's join them!"  Grabbing his arm, she brought him back onto the floor, working through the party to get to Yelena.  "Hoi, girly, don't be hoggin' all the party, ya heard?  Arc be needin' some celebratin' too yknow!"  Winking, she swayed with the beat, keeping an eye on the drones' views whilst swaying with the beat, trying to take stock of her elven friend's state.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-18-15/2330:06>
Ambrose blinks as a round goes right past his head, just barely ripping apart as a few drops of its toxic payload splatter on him. "You shouldn't have done that.." is the last thing he says as he crumples to the ground. Meanwhile, under his coat a eery song begins to play (https://youtu.be/sXRTqVv94_I?t=216)....

He didn't have much time himself as he began to fall, but still, even as his consciousness faded it was easy enough to rig the flashbang to explode in exactly 23.4 seconds from now, and activate his Partridge in a pear tree. Sadly it didn't have explosives in it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-19-15/0056:39>
Yelena is sharing an extreme experience with the two women, but still retains enough control to notice Arc approaching.  She reaches out an arm to her friend and says, Arc.  Yelena have great time.  Arc should try."  She looks over at the man her friend has in tow, "Yow!  Arc has dreamy man.  Yelena get after Arc use?"

Suddenly, Yelena frowns and lets her body sag for a second.  She puts a worried look on her face and says, "Wow.  Yelena not feel well.  Maybe bad reaction drug.  Yelena need sit down."  Yelena kisses both women she is with then moves off to sit at a table, motioning for Arc to join her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-19-15/0118:34>
@ Ambrose  Distantly you hear, "Frag!" and the one in front of you leaps to grab your hand and keep you from releasing the dead man's trigger."The hells, you do that for! Are you crazy! Killing him!" his hand closed tight on yours as he turns your hand up, only to see it empty. A higher pitched voice replies, "I didn't kill him! I didn't! I only put him to sleep, he can't set it off if he ain't dead!" And finding your hand empty he drops it. "It goes off if anything makes him lose his grip idiot! An your lucky he was bluffing or we'd be dead. Next time think! Now help me drag him in before we're spo. . . . . . . . . . . ." He never gets to finish that sentence.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-19-15/0124:20>
The Partridge in a pear tree was an additional bluff. There wasn't any explosives tied to it. Eventually there was intended to be.. but he'd figured that about 13 seconds after that had finished, they'd come back to him, as there is a loud concussive blast that hits all three of them.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-19-15/0242:55>
Dancing enjoying and looking for the perfect parthner Marco thinks... if I could get a sample to this drug to the balcony... I could have someone to look at it before we escape... But I cannot leave them here... I knew that I will follow Yelena to hell... but I thought we will have more time before realitiy strike us.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-19-15/1015:46>
Arc's cheeks flashed at Yelena's suggestive comment, glancing up briefly at NineLives before catching Yelena's drop in energy, instinctively reaching out to steady the Russian.  "Hoi, think you partying a bit hard.  Come on, take a breather". Helping her to a seat, she sat down right next to her, snapping her fingers to get some service and ordering a couple glasses of water.  She noted the flushed euphoric look on the Rove's face, the eyes glazed over, the sheen of exertion.  The frag did she take...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-19-15/1335:40>
The blast rouses Ambrose momentarily with the pain as it tears a small chunk from his leg and then he passes out again from it and the drug induced sleep claims him more deeply  Ambrose never sees the other club bouncers rush over, and he and the other two are grabbed. He's taken to the basement and he doesn't hear them exclaiming over his wound. "Get the med-kit! The GOOD one!" The wound is washed and dressed and then. "You can tell the boss we got him. "I think he's gonna make it, he should anyway. Tie him down just in case." It sin't long before the boss comes and listens to the whole story of how Ambrose came to be this way. "We'll let him sleep it off for now. The party upstairs is keeping things hopping and not giving me time to question him anyway. I need you guys back in your places. He's not going anywhere. And close that up. If he wakes I don't want him seeing anything."

@ Marco Marco hears the blast, but on his side of the building it's very muffled, and concentrating on the summoning spell the way he is it's unnoticed.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-19-15/2040:58>
@ Arc  NineLives looks at you and frowns, "Those particular drugs will still leave her in charge of herself. No ones trying to make her do anything she isn't already into. Is she your Vruk? Nice looking, and knows how to party and really enjoy herself." he turns to you and smiles, "Relax, and enjoy yourself. Word is you can afford all this now. You made good slitch. Enjoy it!"

@ Yelena  She smiles at you and says, "It's Venus Launch Code. It's way fun!" She smiles and kisses you and then moves to dance with others when Arc comes to you and pulls you out.

@ Marco  The hostess smiles at you and says, "Of course. We still have Centaurii Sunrise available. You're lucky, it's the last room left. The party has taken up most of our private rooms." She leads you to an alien jungle themed room with an AR display overlay of a nebula and a red sun rising. It isn't hard for Marco to spot someone very willing to enjoy themselves in a private room and he's got his pick of who he wants to spend an enjoyable evening with.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-20-15/0104:43>
Yelena looks at Arc and smiles.  "Yelena thank Arc.  Needed catch breath."  She looks up at the man with her friend.  "No.  Not Arc Vruk.  Arc not do women."  Yelena turns her head away for a moment and wipes a tear from her eye then straightens back.  She opens her mouth to say something, but is interrupted by the massive explosion across the street as the warehouse goes up.  Yelena thinks, *Good Marco.  Still on plan.*  She rises and throws her arms above her head, yelling, "Fireworks.  Look, Arc, fireworks.  Bella make fireworks for party." 

Yelena moves through the crowd of people who are focused on the explosion and fire, looking for Bella.  If she finds her, she will embrace her.  "Yelena thank Bella for fireworks.  Big noise.  Very good party."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-20-15/0112:50>
The question from the tall man was met with a bark of laughter from Arc, her lips grinning widely at the thought.  "Vruken?  Man, that what people be sayin?  I got a Vruk, but it ain't her.  Don't think a keeb like that be solid with that way, ya know?  'Sides that...". She got quiet for a second before joining Yelena.  "we spat at the gates of hell together.  Man, she's blood to me"

Immediately, though, her face brightened up.  "Tch, you'd 've surprised.  Seems like a blood mojo bounty runs out pretty quickly.  But hey, I ain't caring about that tonight.  Come on, sit with us, wanna know what work was deemed worthy of the great NineLives, haha". And with that, Arc joined Yelena at the table, nudging elbows with the Russian with a wink.  She missed the other's tears, but was at more ease knowing that the drugs she was on wouldn't addle her senses...though it was curious how NineLives knew that.

And then the explosion went off.  Arc's eyes went wide as she looked out the window, seeing the conflagration light up the outside environs.  "Well frag me three times and call me an easy slitch.  Now this is a party!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-20-15/0138:03>
Marco smiles at the hostess and replies... “thank you sweetie for attending my ever growing desire for vices... I will think of you when I pass out with a smile on my face.  Make sure we have everything fun in there... alcohol, party uppers downers to relax for afterwards... I really want to make the ‘wow’ level tonight. “

He then texted Arc and Yelena an encrypted message << Gals... I need a phone call in half an hour to my public comlink... it will be hilarious if it is emotional and dramatic. >>
The perfect target for this night was already drunk, and a bit off due to drugs and Marco’s party senses spotted him shortly...  It was a  guy wearing the ancient flag of great Britain and speaking with a fake British accent... To top it all he was dancing in the classical music room to music from the 60’s ... of the previous centauri 60's... he seemed like the perfect partner for tonight... maybe it was his unexplained sex appeal... because eh wasn't good looking or anything.

*He is a bit out... would be the perfect cover for me... * After a couple of dances he said *Hey sugh... want to continue someplace more private?...* grabbed his hand and took him for the room, finally placing neatly the role of street cloths on an internal part of the room.

Before they enter he makes sure that the place is packed with alch
* So.. Mr. AP... you sit and relax and let Marco here take care of the magic... I am a pleaser you see... * 
What’s your poison? he asked... besides me - he giggled as he showed him the variety of party drugs on the table... Shortly after he picked his poison Marco started stripping and gave him a private dance... He said as he gave that man a private dance...  he  then pleased him with various of different methods.

If that Phone call ever arrive - Marco rush to the phone and saying...
you are  WHAT?! in an angry voice...
...
then continues after a short while... with a softer voice

tell me what happened... really what happened ?

Are you okay?

Okay I’ll be right there... but make it brief... I am in the middle of something.

Marco quickly dresses... this time with his street cloths. I’ll be right there with ya sugah’s Marco say as he dresses with the clothes he picked for his infiltration... It will only take a short while he say.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-20-15/0148:09>
Even partially lost in the moment and the drugs she is taking, Yelena is able to make the call to Marco as requested.  She pings him with her internal link and sends a frantic message, not even really sure why.  But Marco did ask, and so far it seems that all is still on track.  After the call, she turns her attention completely back to her new friends.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-20-15/0445:32>
Even when he knew it was a ruse, Marco was upset hearing Yelena all stressed out in the phone. He felt as if it made his work a lot easier.
[spoiler]lie to AP (http://orokos.com/roll/291501): 18d6t5 9[/spoiler]

Marco’s face quickly reformed and became the face of someone else, it was not just the disguise... he walked and talked like someone else. For the time being he was the new bartender Joe the and Joe was going to get curious about the basement. If Marco is not disturbed he’ll head down the basement walking into there as if he belongs there... when he get close he’ll trigger the detonator by signalling his fiery demonic friend.
[spoiler]
Disguise + facial sculpt (http://orokos.com/roll/291493): 7d6t5 2
Enhance Disguise with impersonation (http://orokos.com/roll/291494): 15d6t5 5
7 successes overall
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-20-15/0458:18>
The explosion Sam bought and paid for goes off exactly as he wanted. A lot of flash & bang complete with gang colors on an outside wall facing the club. Ambrose genius allows the supposed fire to burn for almost ten minutes and the gang colors are prominent displayed throughout the burn. The gangers whose members were on security detailthat night are there to witness the way their rivals are spitting in their faces. War is clearly justified.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-20-15/0850:58>
While Marco could not see the explosion it was spectacular he knew. Almost anyone in the club rushed to the windows and balconies fascinated by the colors and the sight. Fireworks were not a common sight in the Barrens after all and that’s what people were convinced it was... for a short while at least. Disguised as Joe the new bartender he took advantage of the confusion and sneak his way to the basement. “Thanks for everything my fiery friend"  he thought...  as he went down.
[spoiler]
He is sneaking... activating his agility boost.
attribute boost agility (http://orokos.com/roll/291528): 7d6t5 1
drain resistance (vs 1) (http://orokos.com/roll/291653): 6d6t5 3

not very impressive, but 1 more agility is always nice, no drain.
sneaking (http://orokos.com/roll/291529): 8d6t5 4
The sneak roll turned out great - Joe cannot hope for a better chance to keep his new job...
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-20-15/1140:54>
Noting the expressions of some of the gang associated employees, Arc allowed herself a confirming grin: whoever Sam hired for the job knew how to pull it off.  Gonna have to ask Brock if he knows anyone that can do this.  Always appreciate a fellow boom banger!. Clapping her hands together, she drew attention to the lasting flames and blasts while her mind went to work, sending Marco's drone on a follow pattern and locating him.  Luckily he kept his stealth tag on, or he would have been hard to spot!  Confirming the stealth autosoft was running, she sent it to follow closely behind Joe-Marco down into the basement, keeping an eye ahead and behind.

@Marco decrypt 104729479-0390 commcall {Arc}>>
<<Lookin wiz, barkeep.  With you.  Use my eyes to check ahead as needed.  Remember, just pointing to a spot in AR will send it there, in case I can't do it for you.  Good luck!

[Spoiler]drone stealth (-1 noise)(-2 to opposed perception) (http://orokos.com/roll/291614): 7d6t5 3[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-20-15/1410:47>
@ Arc & Yelena  Many of the patrons were fascinated by the fireworks and toasts and laughter rang out to it all. But, enough of the guests were familiar with the gangs of the area to catch the significance of the colors and soon the club was abuzz with gossip about the who and why's and expected responses to come.

@ Marco  Most of the club was catching the display outside and Marco had an easy time getting to the basement. Only one person waved at him, "Hey Junior! You should catch the show outside. You won't see this again that's for sure! Maybe we should have the boss have some fireworks! It would totally be in theme. Hurry ya hoop!" Marco is only seven steps into the basement when he hears something drop behind him, "Oh no! They're onto me!" But when he turns to look it's one of Arc's tiny little fly spies. As he goes further in it's exactly what he expected to find. A basement. It's got lots of shelving and supplies with a few dedicated rooms and a couple of coolers for alcohol and perishables. It's in one of these rooms that Marco gets a shock. The reporter bomber guy! His coloring isn't great and most of the left side of his pants is burned off. But it's bandaged neatly enough anyway. Marco is under no illusions as to the care he's received though. The straps holding him down to the table tell the tale as clearly as if Ambrose had spoken.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-20-15/1448:04>
 Marco nods slightly in response to Arc's message, he is way too tense to text back but he understood.
when to his coworker he causally answer: 
"I’ll be right out, thanks for the tip... I love fireworks... "  as he enters the basement. He feels strangely good, he is tense, sharp all his senses are tingling he feels alive... 

He is surprised to see Mr. Reporter in there... this wasn’t supposed to be a rescue mission but Marco cannot... he just cannot leave him there thinking what is going to happen when he wakes up... also if he talks to the club people Marco will be exposed. "But how can I get him out of here without anyone noticing?" He thinks about a healing spell... but a close inspection shows that the damage to the body is not what keeping him unconscious, "besides he was stabilized already and is expected to wake up on his own... otherwise why restrain him..." a heal spell will shorten his recovery but he will still be a prisoner.   Marco has a different solution... it is risky but it might work.

He texts Arc and Yelena
<< This is Mr. Reporter dude the one that gave me the detonator... I am taking him out with me and disappearing. If they interrogated him they already know about me and maybe also you gals.  He may be kept here after an interrogation... we must find out what he had told them.

I am begging you... please please please leave this place now,  too many things have gone wrong. We’ll think about some other method to achieve our goals. Besides I am using mojo so for me... there is no other option now... I must go away... Yelena... if I won’t see you again I wanted to say that I want you more than I ever wanted a thing in my life... I am crazy about you, please be safe.  >>


 Without any ceremony Marco uses his magic and turn the demolition expert into a small hamster. A moment later, an unconscious hamster lies comfortably within the now oversized clothes of the reporter. He picks the hamster and put him in his pocket.  “There is no going back now... I used magic and I need to get out fast... my cover is worth nothing now... "  he quickly made his way back into the club and exit the basement “"Going to see the fireworks!” he say to his coworker as he heads towards the exit.


[spoiler]
Shape Change Force 6 (http://orokos.com/roll/291733): 12d6t5 5
drain resistance vs 3:
drain resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/291736): 11d6t5 2
Marco takes 1 stun damage.

PS any reference to baldur's gate is intentional... Go for the eyes Boo, Go for the eyes!
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-20-15/2032:11>
@ Marco  Your commlink isn't responding at all, but your magic works and Mr Reporter/Bomber is safely tucked away in your pocket. Once you re-enter the club the comm works without any problems or even a hint as to what was wrong. It hadn't even said "No Signal" it just hadn't worked at all.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-20-15/2154:16>
Arc's drone flitted and buzzed about behind Marco, the cameras and sensors taking in a wealth of info as Arc herself gave the command to run a sweep of everywhere immediately available, recording the footage to the storage space on her private 'link for safekeeping.  The command to follow Marco back out of the basement and stay with him lay ready to go as Arc mingled with the guests watching the blaze of the warehouse building sporting the White Chapel colors, joining in the speculation as befitting her known rep of being in the know on turf.

Smirking and crossing her arms under her bust, she leaned on one hip and leaned a bit towards Yelena, head tilted as Marco remained silent.  Her feed even was interrupted for a bit, though likely it was merely some lag and the footage would still be squared away for later use.  That way at least we don't have to worry about the dude missing drek  It was several moments before the comm went through, her drone confirming that he was bailing out.  Turning to Yelena slightly, her green eyes made contact with the elf's, nonverbals showing she was ready to move when they could...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-21-15/0035:32>
Yelena makes her way to Arc's side and leans over to whisper.  "Marco do basement?"  On her friend's nod, Yelena smiles and looks her in the eyes, saying, "And now our turn.  Next phase of plan.  If Yelena go away with friends, Arc not worry.  Arc be safe."

With that, she drops her smile and steps back from Arc as if hurt.  She shakes her head and says in a slightly louder than necessary voice, "No, Arc.  Yelena not give more money tonight.  Find other person to leach off.  Maybe tomorrow.  Tonight Yelena want have fun, not think of your money problems.  Yelena sure gang man not hurt Arc if not pay right away."  She twirls away onto the dance floor, looking for her new friends.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-21-15/1137:23>
Arc gave a nod to Yelena on their plan, reaching out to hug the elf briefly, letting her chrome hand trail down the other's arm for a moment.  "You be safe too. I'm just a call away. Here"Here". As she broke away, the elf would feel a small object in her hand: Arc's last drone, the kanmushi bug.  With that, the human watched Yelena depart for the floor with that hurt expression.

Arc herself flushed red in the cheeks, eyes going a bit wide as if in incredulation.  " You drekkin  with me now?  Sight, I get it.  I didn't need ya jing anyway, slitch.  Go hang with yo friends, whatever...". Pouring a bit in mock anger, she crossed her arms under her chest and turned on her heel,  facing the window once again with a look of mild worry on her face

@Marco decrypt 92749294-0180 {Arc}>>
<<Good job down there, omae.  I'll do my best to keep your girl safe, don't worry on that.  let us know how the dude is?   Stay safe, keep in touch.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-21-15/1257:49>
“Wow... I can’t believe it actually worked... I just walked out of the club without anyone stopping me carrying Mr. Reporter dude...” Thought Marco, he toyed for a short while with the possibility of taking Arc’s car but decided against it... it is their ride and they might be in more danger than they realize but both of them were heroes and clearly had a lot of confidence in their abilities ... they accomplished so much more than him.  “ Maybe I am just not cut from the shadow running material... I can’t even follow Sam’s orders... I keep thinking everyone are there to get me..." ... Even self awareness could not calm Marco... "but Sam is surprisingly unresponsive, Mr. Reporter guy was clearly captured shortly after talking to me... If they got to him already they are clearly not far from the rest... How can they stay so calm..."

He texted Arc and Yelena <<Good luck in there... I will try to help from distance if I can... I am worried sick...
This time it was different, he cared if they make it out or not... the thought that most runners eventually die a violent death... was not comforting in this case. He needed to think about himself, they will discover the missing reporter sooner or later... and when they do they will look for the guy that took him... Joe clearly could not do it... unless he is actually an awakened but what is the chance of that...Then who knows they may trace it to Marco.

Marco took his bag from Arc’s car. Wore his leather jacket and leather hat, he concealed his Crusader under the jacket. 
"I am walking... not running not flying... just walking like Joe would."  His naturally high agility made him a fast walker and his feet carried him towards the soon to be soup kitchen... it is just an hour walk.

“I think it is the perfect place to hide... the background count will hide my awakened nature and nobody in the club would look for the missing reporter so close”

He bought a couple of warm blankets and some street clothes on his way ... The soup kitchen was an abandoned prison... basically a fort. He could hear the background count as horrifying whispers of terror... Marco felt sick. Being awakened since birth... he felt connected to everything living... mana was life itself for him and in places where life suffered... he suffered as well. The inner voices were so loud... he could not even consider shaping a stronger melody the volume would be above his comfort zone... "What kind of awakened willingly choose to hide where he is most vulnerable? where magic does not work and even homeless people do not squat?"
He sighed
"Am I losing my mind?..."  he thought... But he had a reason... his magical powers were limited other mages may be more powerful...  "Lucky for me... other mages depend on their magic more - they use it to hurt people as a weapon... My magic does not work this way... I fire a gun for self defense.."

He settled in one of the half destroyed guard towers. He had a good view of people that may approach the place... it was the nest of a sniper... one that took many lives... Marco could feel the evil that twisted the mana of this place. He stopped concentrating and Ambrose turned into a man again... naked. He could not use the heal spell but he had the medikit should he need further medical assistant. He quickly covered him with blankets and nervously watched his surroundings... that place was so quiet that you could hear every rat moving along the debris...    The broken wall where the prisoners escaped, the exploded buildings... they told a story of the place. It was such an horrific place he wondered if people in need would be desperate enough to even approach it...  the land itself was tainted by the excessive violence. Even mundanes felt this place was no good.  It will take a lot of work to get them to come. His glasses and smartlink were active, showing him thermal and low light vision, he had a good easy to defend location, and an unconscious demolition expert to take care of...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-22-15/0056:55>
@ Marco  As Marco is walking through darkness in the grim reality that is the Barrens he's suddenly aware that the shadows to the left of him have come alive. Marco is very quickly surrounded by three thugs dressed in black and with white skeletons painted on their faces"Well, we be having a fine gentleman come to spend time with us tonight, I think he be wanting to spend his jing wit us an show us a good time. Or maybe he want to be showing us how well he can bleed?" Marco is treated to the sight of a wicked looking knife with a skeleton bone handle.

@ Arc  NineLives looks at you and says, "Nevermind her. You got enough peeps here wanting to buy you a drink, or whatever else tonight. And everything changes. Maybe tomorrow you'll have a few more prospects. You weren't kidding about it spending fast were you. But, the way your friend parties, she maybe the one needing jing fast, and soon."

@ Yelena  It isn't more than a moment before the hard partying crowd sweeps you up and into it. And you get offers for plenty of other pleasures. After almost an hour Bela comes to you and enjoys an AtomBang with you and the group your with. When you can both speak again she says. "Forget your friend. She's way to uptight. I've got an after-party planned that's going to be very much your style, and a few pleasures I'm sure you haven't tried yet. You can ride with me in my limo."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-22-15/0219:56>
Marco followed Arc's advice... do not act like prey and they'll leave you alone... they are probobly just looking for some easy money he thought...

With a serious face full of confidence Marco looks their leader straight in his eyes. He say nothing, but takes another step towards him... the short dramatic pause created expectation, and he can see the three thugs focused on him... waiting to see what he has to say.

Marco is in no hurry to speak he feels that time is in his favor, he grins... enjoy the moment and after a short while that seems forever in the tense atmosphere... He say... "I think you guys are playing way over your league... "
" I am too busy to handle you right now so I will give you choice..."


"First option.. you forget ever meeting me...

Second option..." he pauses...

"You'd *wish* you could forget ever meeting me... "

[spoiler]Intimidation Himself (http://orokos.com/roll/292395): 15d6t5 6[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-22-15/0236:59>
@ Marco  The three thugs know they're outmatched and the first one says, ""We meant no harm father. We jes be playin wit you. See, no harm." they back away and melt back into the shadows. Marco is alone again.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-22-15/0407:46>
His face are still smiling but Marco knows that three armed thugs are probably above his skill level at such a close range. It could have been a bloody night but his demonic tongue pulled for the rescue. He was lucky... and what was that thing about their excessive use of makeup... 
maybe these were Halloweeners? the name seemed appropriate but Marco never actually handled with thugs or gangs before.  He’ll ask Arc about them... in the meanwhile he had to disappear.

The intoxicating feeling of power filled his veins... it was a new shape for his demonic tongue... Marco knew it was an illusion... he was nothing but a pawn played by greater powers... He rents his talent to the highest bidder either in the shadows or to the rich. People that wield real power can just buy people like Marco... despite the rush of potency Marco was disillusioned enough to know that this power is nothing but an illusion. It did not made the feeling any less addicting however...

He bought a couple of warm blankets and some street clothes for the reporter and himself. It was going to be a cold night and he could not risk starting a fire. The soon to be soup kitchen was an abandoned prison... a walled fort.

The background count was indeed high and he could hear it as terrifying whispers...  cries of terror... with all the astral noise he felt that forming any form of melody in this place is well above his comfort zone. Awakened since birth, Marco experienced the gift of mana as a deep connection with everything living. He believed that mana is life itself... and where the living suffered... Marco suffered. In this world, he felt such a connection is indeed a terrible gift.

... What kind of awakened willingly choose to hide where he is most vulnerable? Where magic does not work and even homeless people do not squat?... a desperate one it was. Indeed, Marco felt desperate... he could not handle a real skilled mage he had no illusions about it. If they took Feathers from the reasons he assumed...  Marco practiced magic right under their nose... they can come after him too. Sam warned him about a rescue mission, saying that it will get them killed... but Sam was unresponsive and he just couldn't leave the reporter in there.

The background count would not only disable Marco’s magic... it will take their magic as well...
unlike other mages Marco trusted his mundane skills for self preservation... he used a gun - while other mages used magic as a weapon... in a way it made sense for him.  He settled in one of the half destroyed guard towers. He had a good view of people that may approach the place... it was the nest of a sniper... one that took many lives... Marco felt the evil that twisted the mana of this place.

He turned Ambrose a man again... naked it was the limitation of the shape change spell. He could not use the heal spell in this place but he had the medikit just in case. He covered him with Warmed blankets and dressed him as much as he could. When the reporter was wrapped up good enough, Marco nervously watched his surroundings... that place was so quiet that you could hear a rat moving along the abandoned prison.

The broken wall where the prisoners escaped, the remains of explosions that took down entire buildings... they told a story of the place. A story of struggle, desperation and excessive violence... a story of despair - but with a dash of hope. It was buried deep down... but there was also hope in that place.  He wondered if the needy would in need would be desperate enough to even approach the prison... it will take a lot of work to get them to come...

His glasses and smartlink were active, showing him termal and low light vision, he had a good easy to defend location and an unconscious demolition expert to babysit.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-22-15/0447:11>
Yelena puts the micro drone into her long snowy tresses for the time being then moves to the dance floor, getting in deeper with the hard-partying crowd.

The Russian assassin smiles at Bella, "Yelena live long time.  Do many things.  But always willing to try new.  Yelena go after-party with Bella.  Like ride fancy car."  She will lean in and give Bella a kiss that promises much as she strokes the other woman's body. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-22-15/1855:14>
Arc let out a bit of a snort at what NineLives said, lifting her arms and letting them fall as if shoving some invisible thing in front of her.  "Yeah, that's what she does.  She's blood, but crazy blood yaknow?  You're right, Nine.". She gave a nod and a grin, moving with him back to the bar.  She stretched her left arm a bit and cracked her neck.

"It's funny drek yknow, being some slitch hero or whateva.  Coulda died and been forgotten.  Now I'm here, famous, and peeps be demanding the party hard life.  Can't blame em, I like it, but if I'm gon a level with you?  I'm in deep omae.". She paused, ordering a Titan's Hammer drink at the bar, a mild look of feigned worry on her face.  "Cred from the mojo drek's gone.  Beyond that even.  You think this hardware was a fraggin' charity case?". She lifted her arm up to make her point, the chrome reflecting the dancing lights around them.

"...eh forget it.  We here to party and have a good time.  Am I right, chummers?!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-22-15/2313:35>
Yelena places the micro drone in her hair so that it can use its sensors to see and hear what is going on around her.  She is confident that Arc will be able to use the data it collects even if Yelena becomes unable to make sense of her surroundings.  She flits about in the group of hard partyers, working them.  She knows that sex and desire are weapons in her arsenal and she brings out the big guns.  Her walk and her talk are designed to attract.  Yelena is probably not the most beautiful woman in the room, but she knows that she does not have to be.  She relies on emphasizing her assets, displaying enough and concealing enough to get those near her interested.  She is sensuous and vivacious; her sexuality hinting at her availability to both men and women.  Yelena has a rare talent for listening, preferring to let others talk while she nods and makes understanding but generally noncommittal responses.  In short, Yelena lets others do the talking.  She touches a man's arm in a familiar manner, strokes the side of a woman while dancing, and gazes deeply into eyes with her own violet ones.

However, it is one thing to take drinks and put them down after sipping at them, always appearing to have one in her hand, but consuming very little, but it is so much a different thing to do the same with the drugs she is exposed to.  She can feel the exhilaration and euphoria building and knows that she will eventually succumb to the desires they promise.  She does not have to fake her enjoyment as she falls deeper and deeper into the embrace of the drugs and she knows that there are more and better ones awaiting her this night.  She has lived a life of chance and death and this is just one more adventure in the shadows for her.  Holding back would be obvious and would perhaps raise questions so she goes ahead as if this was her element.  And perhaps it is.

Her goal is twofold; first, to become one with the party, accepted as if she belongs with this group, and second, she hopes to find the one or two people that are only pretending to mingle.  She believes that there must be controllers in the crowd, those who have a responsibility to watch over various "special" people.  She expects to find them unless they are better than she is at passing drinks.  They will be the ones on the fringe of the action, always watchful, ever maneuvering to keep their charges in view.  She goes near these people so that the drone can pick up their images for later review, always doing so with one or more of her new friends and never looking directly at or talking to these minders.

She tries to keep returning to the fold; to the group of people surrounding Bella.  When possible she closes in, molding herself to the woman and kissing her with such passion that there is no doubt that she expects to end up in a bed with her before the night is through.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-23-15/0204:32>
@ Yelena  The party is just like old times for her. Prison with the Vory had anything and everything. Only difference was that there Yelena had had to be careful who she slept with, and often hadn't had a choice as to who she was given to. She'd learned to enjoy what she could. And had come to enjoy quite a lot, the drugs had certainly helped, removing inhibitions, and outright forcing her sometimes. But, that was better than what would happen if she hadn't cooperated. And now, everything was her choice. The partners she'd enjoyed on the balcony with Vodka and Solar Flare had certainly shared her lack of inhibitions, and one of them had certainly had some talent for her pleasures. But, Yelena still retained enough of herself to remember what she was there for. The minders were very difficult to spot. Two of them were hostesses. It was their job to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves and had everything they needed. But eventually she realized that certain people got just a bit more attention that wasn't tied to money. And Gregor, Yelena almost didn't realize he was one of the minders, as he was already Bella's friend. But after witnessing him buy drugs and assist certain people with their application, as well as help them with their enjoyment of them, Yelena came to realize that he never actually took a drug himself, and had never actually left the party for the balcony or a private room as far as Yelena was aware. When Yelena is invited to a private room it's an alien palace and she's so far gone by then she doesn't care about anything other than the moment.

@ Arc  NineLives tells her, "I know what that's like. After the Worlds Competition when I didn't win the money dried up. Went to the next up and coming star. I tried to get a few things going, tried to coach, even opened my own gym. But, without the education in business and math and drek knows what else, everything got taken from me, only I was left with all the bills and expenses. I owed money everywhere. But, I knew people. People just like me, Barrens born and bred. And say what you want about us, we're survivors. I started doing a bit of work for a guy. And now I've worked my way up to quarter-ownership of this club. And as a part of it I know I could get work for you, if you want it. Your "in" with the Howlers and other peeps in this hood can't be bought by an outsider, an your smart enough to maybe help open up other lines of communication. Even your friend might help, if you can trust her to do her part and not use during work time. You can think about it. I'm not pressuring you. But I could use you and your connections if your smart." he stops there and signals the bartender for another drink.

@ Marco & Ambrose  It's a long night. But eventually Ambrose's breathing changes. Now, he's just asleep, not doped unconscious.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-23-15/0727:11>
Somehow... Marco finds peace of mind that night he was beyond fear... he had some rare moments of clarity...    “I am definitely not cut up for this lifestyle... I am no hero like Yelena and Arc ... I am not professional... I am just improvising... following my urges... I control any external manifestation of my emotions... but I cannot control these urges... how was I supposed to leave that person in there...? how could I get him out without magic?... I cannot be that cold... that strategic about things...”

Several moments later a new line of thoughts come along:

“I want to live... I am life itself... but I don’t live... I am constantly afraid... I am nothing but a  terrified person... scared of my own power... I am  all alone in the world... I should just tell my family the truth about my life... stick it to anyone that used me as tool
... but why do I even want to go back?... my parents were the first to betray me!... they used me when I needed them the most... I was just a helpless child.”  He feels free to cry, without a living soul to notice the tears why surpress them... but after a short while terrible guilt overwhelms him... “I am sorry... little Carla... I left you with these terrible people... I was only thinking about myself... what have they done to you over the years? did you really have a normal live? could you? can they just give one child to the church kicking and screaming and raise the other as if nothing happened?”

I do not  even know my parents... I only know a mentor spirit that took me as a terrified child... betrayed and unloved...

"she showed me how I can manipulate the world around me. How I can affect people's emotions... To use them like my parents used me... and I was happy for a while I had not a care in the world... Agrat was the only one that was always there for me. She even kept watching my life after *I* left her... maybe the immortals do have patience that mortals just cannot understand. Maybe the world does not deserves my love."

His face were red, he never lets go... but with Sam's silent and Yelena in the lions mouth he just cannot surpress it any longer.
“I have nothing... if I mess up there is noone there to save me... one wrong turn and I am history... My life are fucked up... maybe Agrat was right all along... maybe I just cannot bare the weight of consequences... maybe there is no other option for me than being a moment... and not care about anything but my own satisfaction.”

...
“After all... while I have the charm to make friends with anyone in the world... I can just approach people and get them to like me and after a short while they’ll feel like we are good friends... people dream of being as charming as me their entire life...  But that’s all I have... charm... I trust noone... there is not a single person in this world that I find worthy of my trust.

"People like me as long as I am fun and cheerful... when I start being a person... they are repulsed... just like Cinan... he wanted me for a party in the middle of a night full of vices... but to just have a normal chat over a glass of bear...
That was out of the question..."

He sighed... "like Arc that enjoyed dancing with me but when I get nervous she loses her paitience for me, and even Yelena that I desire so much... she was too high to care too much what’s going on with me. If I just handed them the detonator there were two innocent victims in there... they both were focused on the mission... on following orders...  Arc could have scanned the warehouse also with her drones... it didn’t take a spirit to do so... the spirit was right to be upset... I summon an intelligent being for a job that could have been accomplished by a cheap drone.

Even now they are deep in their role ... and Jesus I wish they’ll be safe... why do I like people if I can trust noone?!... but I don’t like *people*... the entire world can vanish in flames and I wouldn’t care... I care once they have faces... I could live knowing that the reporter is in the basement without feeling the urge to save him... there is so much I can do... but being there... looking him in the eye all powerless... I could not ignore it. “

Then came the fear for Yelena and Arc and the Fear for the reporter’s life. Marco spent the rest of the hours praying for their safety,madly whispering lines from the holy bible. With his kind of education he knows it by heart by now... the bible was his book for many years... it was not until he discovered that anything he summons was considered evil by the church that he stopped reading the bible.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-23-15/1152:46>
@ Arc  NineLives tells her, "I know what that's like. After the Worlds Competition when I didn't win the money dried up. Went to the next up and coming star. I tried to get a few things going, tried to coach, even opened my own gym. But, without the education in business and math and drek knows what else, everything got taken from me, only I was left with all the bills and expenses. I owed money everywhere. But, I knew people. People just like me, Barrens born and bred. And say what you want about us, we're survivors. I started doing a bit of work for a guy. And now I've worked my way up to quarter-ownership of this club. And as a part of it I know I could get work for you, if you want it. Your "in" with the Howlers and other peeps in this hood can't be bought by an outsider, an your smart enough to maybe help open up other lines of communication. Even your friend might help, if you can trust her to do her part and not use during work time. You can think about it. I'm not pressuring you. But I could use you and your connections if your smart." he stops there and signals the bartender for another drink.

Arc gave pause mid-drink at this revelation, her eye giving the slightest of twitches.  Now THIS is a fraggin' coincidence.  Someone I knew owning a piece of this action?  Maybe a big enough piece of drek to be involved, I'm gonna have to watch my toes...other than that, I think I just fraggin' did the mission.  Frag me  She let her lips curl into a smile as she brought the cool drink to her lips, the Titan's Hammer living up to its name with a fiery kick at the end.  She waited a bit respond, turning her green eyes to face him.

"Well drop me out the fraggin' window.  You DID do good for yself; all I be hearing about for happenin' places points to this joint.  Drek."   Pausing, she looked him over once more.  "...you're serious..."  she paused again, closing her eyes and turning back towards the bar, showing vulnerability.  "...You must see something in me I don't.  Remember what Lupo said: I'm just some ugly ass breeder wit' a wrench.  I'm a mechanic and a driver mostly, but you're right: I'm a Barrens girl, and I know some drek.  I may take you up on that offer, eh?  As for my friend...she's hella useful and probably could use the jing, hehe.  You got my word she'll be clean...I'll chain her to a chair and shock her clean if I gotta, ya catch my drift?"  She lifted her glass up to tap it with his.  "Give me a couple days to figure my hoop out and I'll give ya an answer.  How can a slitch like me reach ya, hmm Nine?"  Grinning, she took the opportunity to rework her drones, sending them both back to the car when Marco was bailing, depositing and deactivating them safely inside.  Checking on yelena, Arc was relieved that the elf set the bug up to view everything, the human storing the footage on her private link.

@Yelena decrypt 098302198-0290 {Arc}>>
<<Omae, I fraggin' did it.  I got an in.  For both of us.  I'm feeling the vibe to bail pretty soon, need to know if you're coming with me.  If not, I want you to promise me something.  You fraggin' stay safe and alive, aight?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-23-15/1307:11>
Yelena identifies the minders and moves on without focusing on them any longer than she does any other person.  Gregor was almost a surprise, but his actions were revealing to someone looking for just those actions.  He was very smooth, an extremely good pusher.  So far he was all talk and promise and Yelena wonders if he will even actually participate in the after-party event or continue as he is. After all, it is reasonable to believe that anyone who goes to this next party will be so drugged or drunk, or both, that they would never even realize that he had not really jumped in.

Yelena spots a young couple near the edge of the smallish crowd and watches them.  They do not seem to really be enjoying themselves, even though they have drinks in their hands and smile at those near them when they talk.  Their nervousness stands out and marks them as new to this sort of life.  Yelena watches as they turn down at least three opportunities for drugs  She goes to them and introduces herself.  They both look a bit nervous, but the man cannot resist looking at Yelena as she moves close to them.  "Good evening.  Am Yelena Petrovna.  I love dress you wearing."

The young woman smiles and the man says, "Yelena?  You are the reason for the party.  We just moved to Seattle, but have already heard about what went on down here.  I am not sure that I could have done what you did.  Um, sorry.  We are the Broadbents.  I am Jim and this is my wife Nancy.  It is a pleasure to meet you."

Yelena notices that the man cannot help himself as he looks at the exposed part of her cleavage.  She can almost hear him wondering what the rest of her body looks like.  His wife seems to notice where his eyes are focused as well and opens her mouth to say something when Yelena moves closer and leans over to kiss her.  Not just a kiss on the cheek; this kiss is full of promise and wonder.  Nancy's eye fly wide open in surprise and shock and she cannot seem to decide to move away or stay.  Yelena breaks the kiss and smiles at her as she takes her hand and leads her onto the dance floor.  The other woman hesitates then follows, clearly unsure of what she is feeling and experiencing.  Yelena sweeps some of those inhibitions away as she embraces the woman and begins to dance.  Nancy is clearly unused to this sort of experience and is a bit stiff at first, but thaws as Yelena touches her here and kisses her there.  She gasps when the Keeb suggestively touches her breasts the first time and Yelena knows she has her when she tentatively returns a kiss.  By the end of the fourth dance Nancy is clinging to Yelena's curves.  The pair are approached by one of the waitresses, but Yelena motions her off before looking back into Nancy's eyes.  "Nancy not need drugs to enjoy life.  Yelena show."

Yelena works the other woman, using all of her tools to relax her.  Before long, Nancy finds herself aroused in spite of herself, losing herself in the deep violet eyes of the Keeb dancing with her.  She finds an attraction between them that surprises her and she does not resist at all when Yelena takes her hand and leads her from the dance floor.  They pass by her husband and Yelena touches his arm and motions for him to follow them.  Yelena leads them to one of the private rooms and takes the woman into her arms once inside.  Nancy gives only token resistance, finally relaxing and letting Yelena introduce her to this sort of passion, opening her eyes to a new experience.  Before long the two women are naked and Yelena is guiding Nancy through an introduction to female seduction and play.  The surprise on Nancy's face and the moans that erupt from her throat when Yelena brings her to release are priceless.  Yelena gives her a chance to recover a bit and looks over at Jim, who has been watching this with a look of amazement.  She motions to him and says, "Why have clothes on.  Jim need invite to slot Yelena?"

The man fumbles getting his clothes off and his wife and Yelena rise to assist him.  His arousal is very evident and Yelena takes charge of helping him with that.  Before long the three of them are tangled in a pile on the floor, eventually sorting themselves out as Jim finds release inside Yelena while his wife lets the Russian see to her newly expanded needs.  The three take a break on the floor, panting, before getting dressed again.  Yelena notes a small tear in the other woman's very expensive dress.  "Oh, Yelena sorry for rip."

"I'm not," replied the woman. "It was worth whatever it will cost me to have it fixed."  She looks at her husband before going back to Yelena.  "I would like to do this again with you.  Here is my comm code.  Give me a ring some time.  Please."

Yelena takes the code and adds it to her internal list.  She kisses the woman and then her husband, "Yelena like very much.  Will call."

After getting her clothes back on and straightened as much as possible , Yelena leaves the pair and returns to the party floor.  She notes the message from her friend and sends one back.  <Arc.  Yelena drunk and drugged so will stay and play out my part of plan.  Am going party after party.  Will be safe.  Yelena want Arc stay safe so watch man you with.  Yelena got bad vibe from him earlier.  Saw him talk with Gregor.  Gregor is club minder and maybe not nice man.>  Yelena realizes that she is drugged and that she may be heading alone into danger and does not have the comfort of her guns at her side and decides to add a small codicil to her note.  <Just in case.  Listen, if drek happens and Yelena not get home, want Arc know.  Want Arc know Yelena happy she find rigger man.  But sad Arc not find Yelena.  Yelena in love Arc, but still happy you find man you deserve.  Yelena only trouble for Arc.  But wanted Arc know.  Ciao.>

After sending the message she looks for Bella and goes to her.  "Good.  Yelena find Bella.  Have been wanting you all night and almost ready to take you here on floor with people all around.  Think club mind?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-23-15/1735:45>
@ Marco  Everything you've done since you left me has been teaching you about your power. Teaching you a little of just how good it can be when you allow yourself to fully embrace what you are. You should not hold back when you pleasure people. Make them pleasure you, make them pant to fulfill your every desire. They will burn for you and you will exult and they will want you all the more. You learned a false god and a false set of rules. There is only now, only the pleasures that we can give to each other. Can you with all your false teachings say that people giving and receiving pleasure is wrong. That to enjoy every single sensation is wrong? To stop someone from hurting you simply with words is wrong. No, never. It is wrong to impose a system of beliefs that shame and degrade for any reason that doesn't cause unwanted harm. I gifted you with the power to explore and be everything you want to be. And that power gives pleasure, not pain, and yet you spat in my face and called it wrong because of a degrading and shameful set of teachings. Stop being a fool and embrace everything you are and experience every pleasure and the power of everything you can be. Agrat's form changed throughout her speech, becoming every sensual senuous sensation Marco had ever experienced as she slid around his every sense. And then she became more, and showed him power he hadn't even dared to imagine as she filled him with her essence.

@ Yelena  Bella smiles at you and says, "No, they don't. But let's make this a private party" and she and about ten of the hardest partiers in the group head out. It's only a few minutes ride. And when you get out there's a sub-orbital craft waiting for you all. Bella reaches out to you and says. "Yelena, I'd like you to meet my husband." He reaches for you and kisses you deeply while molding your body to his and then looks down at his wife. "Everything is ready. We can launch and enjoy the real party." The drinking and drugs continue even as you're launching and even before the green light to unbuckle is given people are far to far gone to care, and as Yelena is shared by Bella, her husband and another keeb she finds that the additional gravity of the launch combined with his powerful thrust and the SuperNova is like nothing she's ever had before. She's screaming and moaning and fighting for more, and they give it to her as she gives everything. Yelena is shuddering again and again lost in the pleasure, and she is definitely not in control anymore. The night goes on, pleasure and pain and pleasure and an incredible array of sensations from weightlessness and the drugs and then re-entry and thrust after powerful drug intensified thrust as she was shared by three men. You barely hear Bella say, "My Stardust.", and you only know it's a drug you want, but when you turn you can't find her, locked in the embrace of so many, and then Yelena's body peaks again and again and again, taken once more by the embrace of SuperNova and the men she's with and she's lost in it all.

@ Arc   NineLives smiles at you and says, "No worries slitch. You think about it and let me know. My comm is ST27387TA44118. And since I'm here to party and enjoy the fact that a Barrens slitch made good I think I'm going to have a little LaunchCode, and I see one of my favorite girls over there. I'll catch you later. Don't be shy about calling for lunch or summat. I still know where The Skeleton is." With that he leaves and Arc is invited to dance and is plied with drinks and a few other offers.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-23-15/2301:34>
Arc nodded and grinned as she copied down the commcode and logged it away.  "Uh-huh, I know how it is.  You take it easy, Nine.". Waving him off, the human's smile faded as she watched him go, still a little surprised that one of her old friends might be wrapped up in this drek.  The frown increased as Yelena's message hit her with the full gravity of its contents, her cheeks growing red at the revelation.  Distracting herself with a quick pull of her drink she fired off one hasty and final reply for the night.

@Yelena, you ARE coming home alive and in one piece after this, and I'm accepting nothing less.  You owe me a chat at LEAST.  Be safe and send me a pub comm when you're free.  I'll make sure you got a ride.

Satisfied with that, the little human returned her attention to the party, giving off the effect she was having a good time.  She brushed the feed of her bug on Yelena to the far peripherals...that much activity shouldn't have unwanted observation...the night wore on, and by 23:00, Arc had lost count of how many dances, toasts, and retellings of the "glorious battle" had occurred, but by then her bug had sent her an out of range notification, indicating Yelena had departed for her after party with Bella..and it was time for her to depart.

"Aight slitches, it's been real.  Y'all don't stop being awesome.  PEACE!". Blowing a kiss and a finger to the crowd, Arc departed from the Stardust with a bit of a buzz going, hoopping into her car and letting the autopilot take the wheel.  During the drive, though, all the mirth and joy faded, the human a whirl of emotions and concerns as she processed everything that happened, what is going to happen, and what of her life is affected by it...which is a good deal.  Marco is drek knows where now with that demoguy reporter whatever, and who knows if he will be seen again on this job chain.  Yelena is way in the deep end with the drugs and stuff, but Arc knows she is a survivor like her, and that it would take a fragging ton to off her.  Plus what she told me.... And then there was her life, her home, business, and...

It was uncertain if she intended for it or not, but when the car pulled to a stop Arc found Herself not at her garage, but rather at the apartment complex where Jaime lived.  ...yeah.  this needs to go down.. It was late...past 11, almost midnight even, but she hoped he would be home and awake.  Vruk's share a bond sacred to the orks... steadying her breath, Arc steeled herself as she stepped out of the car in her nice dress and makeup, grabbing one of her bags from the trunk and making her way to his door.  She couldn't remember if he had a datajack on him, but it was a safe bet.  No commlinks, no bugs...a direct connection and she could tell him what he needed to know about Arc...what she got into, what it means.

" No secrets..." she whispered as she got to his door, her right cyberarm lifting up and gently knocking twice...

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-24-15/0108:04>
Agrat was spectacular... she touched him like no mortal ever did. The sensual feeling was unique unlike anything he had ever experienced. She was never as generous with her essence, the desires and emotions were so pure that they could not easily be captured by words. They were a gentle music, a soft embrace, a sweet taste, an happy thought, sexual excitement, love, a sense of achievement of climax... his body and mind... his emotions and logical thought have all cried her name...  yearning and longing her presence...

It was overwhelming and even terrifying but he wanted more... and she gave him more and more...  he was screaming and his mind was screaming... This kind of pleasure could not easily be contained or restrained... it could not be bounded or shaped... there was no taming this beast.  She made love to him... at least this was Marco’s best metaphor...he was enjoying her... for the first time not as a blind follower but as a friend,  a partner or maybe even a lover.

United with her essence he saw more of Agrats true form than he ever did... She was ancient... as old as creation... way older than the church... She had many names...There was indeed no evil in her existence... She filled the entire world with lust and without her... Life could not continue... Somehow, despite being all these things, she was also a person, a lover... someone he could hold, touch, talk to... she could be scorned, offended hurt... and she was by most people... but Marco knew that he hurt her a lot more being so close to begin with.

... Everybody used him... could she be different? the one loyal to his nature? 
Her presence was too much... his body and mind could not bare it any longer, so good that everything else went pale.  He was exhausted and was sinking quickly into the best sleep he ever had... Marco is awed by the show of force... as the environment was uncomfortable to say the least. He could barely think but he tried to convey his message before totally losing himself to sleep.
“I love you! It was not  the lies of the church... I wasn’t brainwashed... I left because there is something more to pleasure...  Eventually I can teach you something new about it... about your own nature...
You know everything about every kind of pleasure, but you only see the details and miss the big picture... Your grace motivates humanity... you are offended that many religions consider you evil... I hurt you... I am sorry... I never understood that you could be hurt... That a force of nature is also a person that can love and hate... Between all the details there is something you miss... Something about your own nature that is hidden from you. I stopped following you because you do not need me as a follower... you need a partner... and I will share it when I understand what it is.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-24-15/0238:43>
Yelena gives in to the urges of the drugs and her companions and she becomes a willing partner in the orgy in the sky.  She is an accomplished lover of men and women and uses all of her skill and the experience gained from forty-seven years of sex to please and be pleased.  And it appears that she is not alone in her search for pleasure here; all of the partiers and the new man, Bella's husband are involved in the sensuous mingling of flesh and bodily fluids.  There is no lack of partners for those that want more.  When Bella moves off to others, Yelena focuses as much as possible on the woman's husband.  She may not be in complete control of her body any longer, but there is some instinctual reasoning that she needs to be close to this couple and the husband may be her way in.  She offers him every part of herself to use.  The number of partners she satisfies is lost in the pleasure of the night.  Quantity does not matter, only the quality of the sex, and she is giving the best she knows how to anyone that shows an interest.  She will ask if the flight crew are off limits and will show the pretty stewardess her appreciation if allowed.

All parties must end at some point, and so does this one.  Yelena remembers nothing of the actual descent except that the sex seems to be better as the group re-enters the atmosphere, and the almost frenzied last couplings as the pilot announces the imminent landing of the craft.  Once on the ground, she thanks her host and his wife and waits to see if she will be given a ride or will have to call for one.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-24-15/1323:10>
@ Arc  Jaime answers the door before Arc has a chance to knock twice. "Hi honey I didn't know your . . . . . .' His jaw drops at seeing Arc in her finery. "Wow." He pulls her inside and she finds herself up against the door as he kisses her lips, her jaw, her throat, his hands working her dress up as his pants drop to the ground. "If you can't tell I'm glad you're home." he says as he kisses her ear. And he cups her ass in his hands and lifts her up against him molding her into his body as he shows her just how glad he is that she's home. It doesn't take more than one kiss before Arc is meeting him with a fire she didn't even know she had in her. But the stress and fear and adrenaline she's been keeping in check all night explode out in a passion that has her taking every inch of him for herself, riding him even as she's the one suspended by his hips against the door. A tiny part of her tells her that she needs to talk to him first, that this will just make it harder. But that tiny voice can just be damned. He was her Vruk, and she was going to have him, all of him, and now. The next few hours bear proof of that determination on more than a few surfaces and Arc finds out she was paying a bit more attention to Yelena's party thn she thought when she introduces a few more positions. Hours later when her passion is spent and the throbbing between her legs has her fairly certain she isn't going to be able to walk for awhile Jaime picks her up and carries her back to the bed and kisses the top of her head as he molds her into his body once again. But this time it's gentle, intimate and loving and he says, "You were definitely worth waiting up for sweetheart." He cuddles her up against his chest and strokes her back and soon begins the even breathing that signals sleep.

@ Yelena  As you're leaving the vessel Gregor turns to you and says, "I've got the limo for the ride back to the club if you'd like a ride."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-24-15/1350:40>
As everyone leaves the plane, Yelena turns to Bella and her husband.  "Was very good party.  Thank for asking; Yelena enjoy both of you very much.  Can do again sometime?  Call Yelena if want and I come meet you."  She gives both a very suggestive kiss.  As Bella turns to see to another guest, Yelena whispers to the husband as she strokes his side.  "You feel very good inside Yelena.  Call for me any time if want some more."

Yelena looks at Gregor and nods, noting that she is the only other person that does not have transportation.  "Yelena thank for ride.  Still feel drugs.  Was all so empowering.  Like can conquer world.  Almost like Kamikaze, but not have such bad time coming down."  She looks down at her dress and grimaces, holding up one arm where the fancy stitching has been torn.  "Yelena look mess."

She lets Gregor help her into the limo and sits back against the plushness.  She pulls a cigar from her purse and offers him one. Lighting up, she takes the opportunity to examine the man.  He seems so.............normal..........for a pusher and a minder, but Yelena is convinced that is an act performed by a gifted man.  Yelena is pretty sure that he was along at the after-party for club business, probably to keep tabs on Bella and her husband.  Bella has spoken several times of the special club drug and Gregor would be just the person at the club to be providing her with an occasional fix.  That he was also able to worm his way into the mix of people at the party would make him an exceptionally talented and perhaps dangerous man.  "So, Gregor know Yelena is Hero of Barrens.  But Yelena know nothing about Gregor.  Can tell Yelena anything about self?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-24-15/1737:45>
Marco wakes up with the sun, he looks at Ambrose that begins to move... "Good morning mr. reporter... Ï am Marco... how do you call yourself?

... Do you know where you are?" Marco explains him, the events from his point of view including the hamster part.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-24-15/1936:15>
The next morning's rays filtering into the bedroom were what eventually caused the sleeping Arc to stir, the little human groaning as she rolled over to deflect the offending light.  Her body aches, slightly stiff after the night, but still she managed to give a little smirk with her eyes closed as she recalled the previous night.  Frag it man, I did not expect things to go down that way...huu. Stretching her body, she eventually tossed the sheets aside as her eyes opened, taking in the surroundings. Catching herself in a mirror, she let out a cringing laugh at the sight: her hair completely undone and haphazardly laying on her head, half covering her face, makeup smeared and messy, some left on the pillow even.  Calling it a lost cause, she left it all as was as she turned to find Jaime...Only he seemed to have already awoken.

hmm.... Sitting up slowly, Arc groaned again as her body responded to the aching and the fatigue she had accumulated.  Taking her time, she sniffed at the air and caught a whiff of something outside the door: food.  Smirking, the little stout human slowly stepped up off the bed and strode our into the kitchen, brushing her hair from her face as she saw a breakfast laid out on the table.  "Ahh, ya shouldn't of..heh.."". Blushing a tad, Arc took a seat in front of the food, flaming around to look for her vrukan whilst her thoughts sorted out her business..

Marco is off the hook I know.  If he wants to contact us fine.  Yelena will message me once she is free I know that.  And Sam...if Sam is okay, he she whatever will likely find us first.  So really, I'm off the hook with that.. Just leaves Mr one thing...

Lifting her head up, the human sat back casually when Jaime did show himself, the human smirking a bit on instinct as she sighted him.  The smile eventually faded though as her guilt and apprehension took hold in the end.  "Hoi, dude...I gotta tell you something...I gotta be real, and I know there's a shot you may not like it, but I may be into some drek, and I cant leave ya in the dark on it..'. She took a deep breath, and over the meal proceeded to divulge everything that had happened.  She started with the battle that hospitalized her, and how she got to have all the new hardware she had picked up, and how that led to employment to square that debt.  She continued onto the deal with the Stardust, and what she's had to do for this job, assuring that it was by no means her legit desires anything g that went down there.  "...and right now?  I don't know what.  Next steps seem a little fuzzy ya know?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-24-15/2348:26>
There was children playing in the park throwing water-balloons while parents laughed in the background. It was a joyful day, the sun was shining, birds chirping, all in all a rather pleasant day. It was a special day for Timothy, who turned seven this day, playing with his friends Jessica and Adam. He'd sent an invite to Jacob, a friend of his who had just lost their pet cat, though Jacob didn't show up. In fact Jacob was always a bit distant ever since Jessica was around Timothy, shying away often, even canceling plans they had together. But The kids never thought anything of it..

K̶̡̛̛̬̼͙͉͙̙͚̖̥̟͓̬͙̤̯̞̻͖͚̽̈́ͯ͒̐̐̒ͬ͆̑ͣ̋͌ͪ̈́͂ͫͫ̉į̵̷̰͈͎̘͕̱̣̻̗̜͚̞̫͎͔̱̼͒̉ͬ̋̂ͮ͗̍͆ͭ͞l̋̓ͯͦ͢͏̟͚̪̯̦̙̬̤̤̼͎̘͈̭̥ͅļ̵̠̳̮̞̆ͦ̀͂̃̑ͮ͂̂ͬͣ̌͢͝ ͎͓̮̎ͪ̀ͮ̎́̂̐̆̋̑̕͡h̶̡̙̝̻̝̱͖̘̘̖͔̠͐̂͌̓͑ͤ̓̎̃̋ͨͥ̃ͦ̕͘͢ͅe͑ͨͥͯ̀͂͊̕҉̜̪͈̼͓̘̞r̷̷͚̝͇̜͚̈́̅̄͗̾̌̅ͩ̒ͮ̋ͩ͡.̶̸̷̯͚͇͉̻͓̪͍͇̟̝͚̤̘̽͂ͩ͌̉̂̓͗͂̇̈̓͌ͭ̆͐́́̚.̸̮͖͇̼̦͙̙̹̘͔̟̝͖͈͚͉̬͙ͭ̅ͧ͌͗́͝͡.̴͛ͭ̏̄̅̂ͯ̿̌̑̀̆̋̓ͮ͏͈̪͕̳̘̣̜̱̫̺̀ ̡̒͋͛̔͋̄̾͛̇̿͟͡͏̟̖̟̘̳͕̹̭̝̥͇͕̰̟̱͝ȃ̌̊ͪ̌ͮ͂͒͡͞҉̘̘͚̞̹̭͉̪̪̤̟̗͈n̴̴͕̣̟͕͓̝͎̱̯̞̗̭̲͎̟̬̪̠̾̾̇ͩ͊̓̆ͩ̏ͪͮ͌͂̀ͩ͋ͥ̀͜͜ͅd̷̶̩̟͍̼͈̝̻̫̙̠̰̣͍ͯ͆́ͥ͐̾̑̔̔ͬ ̨͕̝̟̖͓̜̥̈ͨͪͬ̊̂ͭ͋̃̄́̚͞͠hͤ͂ͪͫ̄ͨ̂̏ͩ̓̈ͫ͒̍ͭͣ̎̇͜͞͏̮̟̳̱̬͔ͅe̵̴̢͈͖̪̬͍̞̣͚̩̤̻̾̃ͬͩ̂ͥ̃̆͑̾ͫ̏ͧ̀̀͠ ̸̛̥̳̻̮̟͖̩̲͔̜̊ͧ̔̀͐ͧ͞͡w͍̠̪̦͚̒ͬͣͩ͌ͣ̎ͣ̎̌ͫͪ̎̚̚̕͜ͅi̢̛̗͓͚͓̫̟̦͙̖͐͂̐̃̋̂ͪ̅ͣ̒ͨ́͘ͅl̴̸͇͇̫̠̦̞̤̰̝̓ͨ͊̅̈̕͘l̵̘͕̰̣̦̼̬̺̩̩͇̹̭̪͈͎͚ͦ̇ͪͤ̀͒̃̔͂͡ ̨̛͉̹͖̘̜̒̒ͯͯͫ͋̐͒̂͜n̴̍̓͋̃̆ͨ͋͊ͤͥͧ͞͏̛͔͙͔̹̺̪̻̰̖͇̱̫̜͡o̴͇͉͎̲̭̺͕̮͕͍ͥ̌͐͑͗́͜͢ͅͅţ̥̬̞̝̳̞̥͈͇͇̬̳̙̣̘̑̓͗̒ͥͮ̈́͗͘͘͢i̘̠͍͍̗̹̪̟̪̩̲͕̠͔̖̤̹͉ͬ̈͗̂̚͟c̶͔̖͖͈̆ͦ̒̉̓̃̄ͩ̂ͦ͛ͩ̈́̽͑̑̈͢͜ę̧̘̝̝͎̃͆͊ͬͤ͛̔̓̍̎̏̆̄̈̓ͤ̽͑̚̕͘ ͍͖͍̣̈̀ͮͮ̓̌ͭ̈͛ͦ̍͗̒͑ͫ̓́̃̃̀͡y̦̲̝̦̻̼̘̼̮͚̜ͤ͒ͬͨ͆ͥ͋ͫ̇͑ͪͣ̓ͨ͡o͐ͬ̏̈̎́̌ͦͯ̂̆ͪ̍ͨ̽̚҉̴̡̱͎͚̖͉͠ų̩̭̬̹̣̩͖̮̭̱͈͔̱̭̤͓̥ͫ͑͒̋̋̾ͬ̏͢ ̡̟͓͚̤͍̤͇̝̳̪͍̳̠͉̉ͥ͂̾͑͌͌̓͒ͫͣ̈̉ͣ͑͌ͅȃ̷̧̨͈͍̻̣̯̞͇̟̹̘͍̱̦̞̙͎̖̫ͯͯ͑̌̒̉ͨg̉͛ͯ̓ͬ͐̈́̊ͪ͌ͥ̓̈́͐̈́͡͏̯͕͈̜͙̰͎͔͕̤̙̹͉̫̯̬̜̕a̶̧̛͈̭͓͚̝̻̥̱̬̮̭͇̟͚̖̫̰͍ͧͣ̾̏̓̃͛̍ͬ̓͆̉̽̋̆̌͆ͥͧ͟͡i̷̸̹̹̞̲͖̻͍͕̮̲̤̾̽͊̔ͪ̎̆ͯ̽̀͠͝n̸̢̺̮͓͖̭̙̗̎̈́̄͗͊̒̉ͨ́͜.̏̍̃ͦͪ͂͆ͥ̋̊̈̅͛̀҉̶̵̳̜̞͙̲͙̻̭̮̣̺̟͇̰͝.̧̆͛ͨ̈ͦ̈́ͨͤͨ̍̂ͯ̂ͮͤ́̋҉̷̬̗͉͙.̢͉̹̠̙͎̝̥̪͙̘̱͔̤ͤ̓̽ͤͨͬ͐ͥ̀ ͖̗͙̤͖͔͇͇̣̮̠̜͆̐ͩ̓͆ͤͬ̃͋ͫ͐̆͑ͣͧ͘͞ͅ

...Jessica laid in the ground with bloodstained pipe running through her.. blood pooling.. Screaming. He did noticed... but why.. why.. those eyes.. we are friends.. Why do you look at me.. with hate?

Jacob sharpened a length of pvc pipe.. He'll make him see.. but he didn't.. the bitch! she's still cursed him..

Screaming.. More screaming.. Timothy choking on his on blood.. blood pouring like a beautiful water fall..

They all betrayed me. All of them..

W̸͙̲̠̙̞͗͒̐̀͒ͮ̏̂ͫͣ̍͂̀̎̓̿̐͛̏͟͝͝h̨̞̹̠̜̗̲̝̟̹͍̰̺͍͕̳͉̉͌̊͛͑́͢͢ͅy̴̧̧̯̼̟̱̙͎̣̳̙͎͍̯͎ͣ̌͊͂̆͂̈́͋̓̂͞͞ ̬̼̲̲̳͉͈̻̘̠̩̼̣̝̹ͥͬ̽̓́̽̉̊̃̑̓̎ͩ̇̀̎͗͟n̷̅͂̌ͪͦ́ͮͪ͐̌҉̸͇̫̜̬̘̠͕͚͇͈̰̳̗̗̣̦͇̝͘o̽̏͊̊͆̓͐̓̎͒̋ͮͤͬ͗ͮ҉̸͇͈̯̬͓͍͢t̸ͤ̽ͤ̓̄̄҉̷͕̥̩̜̣̫͙͓̙͕͔̥̦̜̥͍͉͟ͅ ̴̛̥̻̱̰̹͉̳̼͙͓̮̘͙̥̫̰̖͛ͩͨͫ̇̿ͮ̃́ͤ̏̌̔͂͑ͤ͘͝͡k͑̑̑͑̽ͫ̒͐̔̌̊̐̈͒ͮ̚҉̷̘̮̪͙͕͉͍̳̺͓̮͍͟ị̶̛̖͎͚̘̲̭͉̋̀͋ͯ̑̂͛̄̒̃ͨ̎̚̕͘͜ͅͅl̴̸͈͎̩̞͔̱̣͈̑̔̅͑͊ͪ͢l̎̈̽́̅̿̐̃͂̈́҉̶̨̤͖͍̙̙͡ ̴̨͓̼͉͎̳̳̯̲̰͉̣̤̾͊̉́̉̔ͬ̀̀ͥ͋́̊̈̋ͩͥͭ͠͞tͮ̀͂҉̰͉͔̼͎̼̻͍̙͓̼̻͖̩͕͈͡h̭̘̺̙͙̫͈̖̻̰̱̳͇̞̫̮͙̋̇̐͐̇̐͐̉̌̀̓̆͊͑̀̕͟͜͠e̴ͮͫͪ͛̎͒ͥ͗̒͌ͧͩͬ̓͠͝͞҉̼̫̜̤͖͉͔̦͙͉m̸̨̞̱̰͔̣͕̲̪̹̳ͫ͂ͨ̅ͨ̾͆͒̄ͬ̍͒́̕͢͡ ̵̱͚̭̠̜͓̯̝̊̅̉̃ͦͪ̓͌ͩ̀a̸̡ͬ̿̊͆̄͋̎̂ͤͩͤ̏̓̊̈ͩ͜͏̣̰̘̪̪̤̲̦͈͈ͅļ̧̛̬̦̤̰͔̗̬̙̦̻͙ͪ̌ͫ̓̒ͮͧ̚͠l̛̘͔̦̖̮̮̬͓̥ͧ̓̒ͥ͐̏̓ͭ̉ͫ͊̿̊͗ͫ̇ͭ̐̕̕͢.̢̯̱̰̖̼̝̞̲̤̳͓͕̠̪̦̉̊̍ͮ͐͗ͭ̏̎͑ͧ̍̇̈́ͪ̂ͦ.̱̤̹̣̻̫͍̯̰̳̤̹͚̩̪̍̍̒̈́̓̇̀͜ͅ ̵̲̠͇͎̦̮̱̱̞͔͍̪̹̟̗̓͋ͥ͂͝i̶̴͉̯̘͔̮̦̬̙̣͉̗͔͕̜͔̘͐̾̉ͧ̌̓͒͘͜f̷̼̠̺̤̩͖̠̘̟͓̠̬̰̗̜̹̱ͫͣ͒ͧ̿͌̎ͥ̾͗͘͝ ̷̴̛̙͈̙̖͚͙̬̜̠̙̘̺̜͍͇̣̥͍̓͌̏͆̋ͮ̀̋ͮ̾̉̍̂ͪ̊ͬ̓͒ͫ͝t̶̷̶̷̜̦̳̝̜͚̟̟̞͓̤̲̺̱̦̖͉͚̝ͮͣ̒ͪ͐ͯͫͭ̍̄ḧ̡̨̰͈͈̪̱̟͔́̑̓͊̐͌̇̉̅̐͘̕ê̞͓̠̪̝̦̬̣̪̯̫̜̩̯͔͕̟͊̉ͨͭ̂ͣ̍́̚̕ͅy̷̯͈̳̠̝͕̣̞̤̠̥̱͕͕̮͂̃̄̆̓̓̿ͯ̄̿̋̓̓͑ͩͫ̀̌͘ ̲̻̠̠̭̹̪͚̻̻̭͕̥͇͙̮͙̹̌ͪ̃̓̓͂ͣ̉̈̇̐̀ͨ͟b̛̻̮̱̖̼̱͈͍̣͐͆ͯͤ̂̈́͌̂̈̀͑ͣ̐͢͞e̦̫̳͍̫̦̟͉̘̮͖͍͙͚̳ͦͤͭ́̒̈́͐ͨ̂͢͝ͅţ̷̛̞̠̺͎͕̥͕̤̝̜͔̟̳ͬͬͤ͐̐̓͋͐̾ͨ̍͌̋̌͘͡ṛ̛̲̜̰̖̉̾̒̅ͨͤͪͪ̃͒̄́͠ͅā̡̦͇̝͕̣ͧ͒̅̽̔̓ͫͭ͊͐̿ͯ̓̑ͩ̿̚͘͟͢y̰̲̪͎̻̣̲͓͚̘̰ͮ̓͒̒ͭ̑͛̄ͫ͢͞͡ ̶̸̴̫̻͇̺̯͊͛ͫͣ̂̎͆̈́̔͢y̸͓͔͔͓͈̰͙̘̯͇̦ͬ̐̐ͪ͝o̧̼̫̱̠̪̗̥̭͕̮̘̫͖̠̥̱ͩ̎ͮ̆ͫ̒́̚͜͡uͨ̅́͌̄ͨ̄͐ͥͯͧ͌̒͌̊̋͏̸̗̙͖͈̞̪̥͔̪ͅ.̡̺̪̤̱̯̰̖̳̘̘̥̩̭͈̘̣͂̃̿̇́́ͅ.̨̛̖͕̘̙̫ͬ́̏͂̊́̚͘ ̷̨̡̢̪̳̘͈̬̤͔̫̖͚̗͎̪͙̪ͭ̅̀̀̉̋ͯͤͮ͌ͮ̓ͯ̃ͪͥ̇̚͟t̷̵̗̤̫̯̪͔͚̲̱͕̃ͧͬͯͨ̃ͥ͂̾͐ͩͬͨͬ̑̚͢͢ͅh͓͙̖̹͕̰̣̠̘͌ͤ̄̓ͨ͊̚̚͘͠e̷͒̓ͨ͑̃̽̈́҉̪̟ͅy̛̛̺̳̲̼̻̣̺͇̼̞̼͇̙͍̼ͨͫ̿̃ͩͦ̎ͤ̑̇̓͆ͣ̚͟ ̭͙͚̭̟͚ͤ̾͂̏̍ͩ͛ͯ͒̿́͘͠͝d̢̓̉̈ͪͮ͑̃ͮ҉̯͍̙͓̹͎̰̻̪̦̖͙̻̙̲͓̬̺͘ǫ̗̯̩͔͙̌̇̽̄ͨ͛̾̀ͤ͠ͅn̵̨͓͇̩̜̹̄ͮͫ̍ͧ̓͊̇̄͑̏ͯ̀ͮ̃ͩͨ'̴͗̏͒̔͑̓̈ͯ͗ͨͣͮ̆͑̚͏̧̻̻͕̘͈̫̮͔̺̀ͅẗͤͣͭ͑ͦ̆͋̌ͮ̃̂͏̟̬̬̬͉̟̖͚̳̭̖͖͎͕̗͙̣ ̡̱̦̺̞͖̩̭̮̓̃͛̒͑̐ͤ̋̅̒ͮ͌̈̉̆̉̇͜͞h̵̢͖͍͎̖͙͙̪̺̫̏ͩ̔̚͠a̡͈̳͔̰̙͇ͯͤ͆͗̔́́͞͡v̲̹̝̼̖͎̰͖̫̙̙̲̍ͯͣ̀͝è̬͎̘͈͉͎̤͔̻̝̩͇̣ͪ͊̑̌́̄̈́ͧ̓̄ͬ̋̆͒̊ͮ̀ͅ ̧̛̙̳͔̝̭̾͑̔̇ͪͤͧ̊ͪ̉͊ͯ̀ͭ͂̿̐̔͋͡ţͤ̾͌̐҉҉̨͉̟͍͖̜͖̠̟̱͖̥̬͈̬̪̰̦͈͢h̷̵̶̼̺̥̭͓̗̬̳͉̥͖͙͌ͤ͊̀̍̐͋̆͛ͪͧͩ̊̎̐ͫ́̂̚͘͞ͅe̶̸͓͖̻͚̯̥̱̖͇̘͍͚̩͇̪͔̗͕͒̉̇͂̂̐̕̕ ͎̝͇̠̻͔̪̹̰̰̣̩̰̪̹̲͐͑̀̃ͤ͊̂͐̈́ͤ́͟͝ͅr̴̛̛̬̼̼̰̮̩̳̘̯̜͍͆ͨ̅ͧͣ́ͣ͐̆̆̅ͤ̊͒͋̊̇̀̚͝i̴̛̩̫̰̝̼̯͙ͭͥͭ͒ͩ͜͜͡g̷̵͇̙̦͙̬̼̥͓̠̳͖̬̥̪̖ͩ̀͂ͤ̇͒̔̎̃̍̉͆̚͢͜͠h̶̵͚̻͓̙̹̱͖̜ͭ̈ͬͥ̒͜͜͠t̨̟̞̪̫̭̘͙͇͍̮̠̤ͪ̓͗ͭ̏̇ͪ́͂ͣ̍̋͛͌̑̾̅̀͞ ̧͓̩̬̹̬͉͎̱̅͐̓̾͊ͭ͂ͫ͑̐̊̆̓̆ͧ͒ͨ́̚t͇͇͕͍͐ͮͯ̀̀̌̃͑̋̅̌̀̚͡o̾̆̋̎҉̢̳̗̙̫̮̠͇̱̭͕͇͠ͅͅ ̴̨̫̮͍̦̰ͬ͊ͯ̇ͨͪ̿̓̍́l̵̨̡͖͖̰̰ͬ̇ͭ̆̀͐ͧ̏ͤ͂̌͒͂͐̄͐ͦ͊͞ị̵̟̙̱̱̻͕̈͗̄͒̌͑͐̅͋̈̎̆ͣ̐̆̎́ṽ̈̇̒͏̺̤̖̭̪͓̟̼̣̩̗̜̞̤͎̣͡e̡ͫ̾̈͛̊́̂ͥ̐̚͡҉͏̮̪͍̱̬̘.̡̘̥̯̱̗̪̬̻̣̙͎͙̗̙̩͚͙͉̾̉ͤ̀͛ͩ̌̔͐͌̉̍̄ͭ̇͗̚͠͞.̧̢̪͍̱̺͔̘̮̱̪͇͉̲̫̞̬̜̺̏̀͛ͩ̅̃́̀̈́̄ͣ̕͟͞

A co-worker laid in her bed late one night, her flesh tinged blue and slightly bloated from the drugs I had given her.. She deserved it.. she dared to reject me.. and instead went with Robert. Robert! He'll have his next.

I couldn't get to him.. not yet.. not yet.. these bars.. they won't hold me.. they can't hold me.. I'll show them.. the world.. The world betrayed me.. No one has the right to live...

This is but one of the many voices Ambrose could hear in the ruined out prisons he found himself now in. The Unconscious old man, bombarded by the raw negativity emotions in the place, his own dark feeling welling up within him... images of Kato... That rotten piece of drek.. Spittingcobra leaving him there to get attacked by the three laughing goons... John giving him that mission.. Only one thought continued to well up within his mind, of all those who betrayed him, or fell through, or assaulted him...

B͇͚̙ͣ̆u̗͙͇ͯ͊ͯͫͬ̉ͥ͢r̢̳̩͓̻͙̽ñ̩̠̮̭̗̠ͦͣͤͬͣ͊ ̻̝̹̮̞̫ͭ̀̍ͤ͢ẗ̫̩ͭ̈́̐̍̀h̰̫̣͚̼̝ͤ̽ͭ͂̃͛̑e҉̝̝̬̩͔m̲̥̏͡ ̘̲͙͇̝̾̓ͤ̿a̻͚̝̝̞̥̘ͩ͘l̮̱̫̟̔̈͆ͦͭl̛̲͔̭̝̓ͯ͆


Ambrose slowly awakens, chuckling at first.. then giggling then full blown laughing loudly though the halls. "Burn them.. Burn them all.. Everyone gets coal.."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-25-15/0443:17>
"Easy there cowboy..." Said Marco in asoft voice. "You had a rough night... Do you remember what happened to you?" He handles him a bottle of water.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-25-15/0448:53>
Ambrose sits with his hand on his face, slowly looking over to Marco without turning his head. "Why of course I know John. All I did was detonate a little explosive on myself.. And was struck by something in the back of my head. Why would a few little.. were is my coat? Who's cloths are these! Where is my bloody coat?!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-25-15/0454:29>
Marco patiently answers: “I found you unconscious in the basement of the club... right after I blew up the warehouse... I could not bring the coat with me... it was too big to carry unnoticed... these are random street clothes I picked at some vending machine. I think that your coat is still at that basement. was there anything of value in that coat?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-25-15/0500:26>
"Is there anything valuable in there? Of course there was something valuable in there! Additional bombs, glow sticks, tool kits, nitro glycerian, couple of sticks of tnt.. No wait. Those last two weren't there. My commlink! I'm going to go get it back.."

He says swinging around to his feet, stumbling slightly as his leg wound shocks him for a moment, but still he's back onto his feet stumbling around. Mumbling.. "Bottles.. bottles.. I need bottles, gasoline, canvas and Styrofoam. That'll burn them."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-25-15/0510:21>
Marco is surprised: "You barely made it out alive and now you want to go back in there?... this is the vengence speaking... You will be killed if they spot you in there again... Especially after that warehouse blew up... the chatter in the club was gang war or somthing... I think they can trace it to you... Sam is also missing... Do you recognize me?...
He sighes....

 Perheaps you should sit down a little bit more... you were out for several hours. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-25-15/1258:25>
@ Arc  Jaime listens first in admiration, then surprise, then shock and finally anger. But he sits still and listens all the way to the end and once she's finally finished he lights into her in perfect Or'zet, (funny, his accent got way better the moment he got angry.). "That had better be the last lie you ever tell me. You are my Vrukhan. That means something. And it had better mean whatever it is we're in, we're in it together. And if I can't trust you to be straight with me and know, know, that I have your back, and that you have mine, we're done. I don't ever, ever, want to have to lie to our children about their mommy coming home soon because I don't know where their mommy is or even if she's coming home because I don't know jack about where their mommy actually is or what she's doing. Understood

@ Yelena  Bella's husband kisses her back as he lifts her skirt to stroke her between her thighs. "I'm sure we will have other opportunities." and then he bites her neck before he turns to his wife and puts his arm around her. She smiles at him and then grabs the hand he was stroking Yelena with and sucks his finger while he laughs down at her. They leave then and the last of Bella's clothing is off before the car door closes.

Gregor smiles at Yelena as they enter the car and he lazily kisses Yelena down the side of her neck as his thumb circles her nipple and he accepts one of the acrid cigarettes, "Russian." he says as he lights it, "An unusual choice, there are so many better ones out there, especially for what you must pay to get these." He leans back his hand still lazily exploring Yelena, but the touch is casual, almost soothing for all it's intimacy with her body. After a moment he says, "I'm a lawyer by trade, but I like to think my true profession is enjoying myself." He turns to you and looks into your eyes, smiling, "I think we have that in common." He leans back for another long lazy drag of the cigarette, "But all I really know about you is that you were in the right place at the right time to get off a lucky shot. So what do you really do?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-25-15/1414:35>
Yelena rather enjoys the way Gregor's thumb and finger are stimulating her nipple and lets him know with a smile.  She sits back and lets his hands idly explore her.  *He must have something on his mind as he has already explored this body pretty fully.*  When he asks about the cigar, she laughs and shrugs.  "Is vice of Yelena to like smoke of home.  Yes, cost is much, but for Yelena is worth it.  Is strange that Gregor knows is Russian.  Not many people do.  Most just turn up nose at bad smell and laugh at Yelena for smoke them.  Some try but most hack and throw away.  But Gregor not do so.  Yelena impressed."

After a couple minutes of the casual intimacy, she looks at him and says, "Yelena enjoy this much.  Think Gregor is better lover than pretend to be.  Want take Yelena home for love and talk?  Not need drug to have Yelena."

Yelena listens to him, shakes her head as she smiles, then says.  "No.  Yelena not think what Gregor want her to think.  Yelena might believe that Gregor is lawyer trained, but he is not lawyer for trade.  Not real trade.  Yelena see too many people like Gregor in long life to believe that.  No, Gregor something else as well.  Yelena not sure yet what, but is something else hidden.  So Yelena tell something and maybe Gregor tell something; she is not lucky person in right place for lucky shot at Keeb mage.  Shot was not luck.  Yelena not need luck for shot.  You ask what Yelena really do and Yelena tells that she kills people because paid to.  I very good at my work."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-25-15/1523:37>
@ Yelena  Gregor's head snaps around at that, looking at her first in shock and then his eyes narrow slightly sizing her up. Abruptly he says, "Driver, Salish-Sidhe Oath's First Step." the car turns to his command. "Mind if I test that statement out?" he says. Yelena doesn't have to search her memory for the reference, it's an elven shooting range, very tough course, with a variety of targets under some very difficult conditions. It's supposedly made more for bow and arrow. But Yelena happens to know that the elves aren't nearly as glued to the ancient weapon as they would have others believe and it's got a course tough enough to graduate crack shots even while moving on difficult terrain. He pulls you to him then. "Funnily enough I'm finding the thought of you as an assassin is a turn on." he smiles and says as his lips begin a sensuous dance across your breasts, "And I think I need to redeem myself as a lover in your eyes if you really think I'm better than I pretend."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-25-15/1620:05>
Marco descreetly texts Arc in the encrypted comlink... somehow he did not quite got rid of it yet. It does not look like a commlink so it seems suitable.

Dear Arc...
They did somthing to Mr. reporter dude... He is okay... he made it through the night... but he became insane...   I am not sure I can contain him without violence... He does not even seem to recodnize me or notice my pressense.  You stil have my RFID tag so you know where we are. Are you free with the car? We need to hide him until he regain his sainity...  if he keep shouting like a madman... our current location is not descreet enough.
if he returns to the club like he plans they will definately kill him...

Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-25-15/1733:03>
Yelena nods when Gregor gives the driver the new destination.  "And like that Yelena prove right.  Gregor command club limousine and have access to special Keeb shooting range without long waiting time.  See?  Gregor much more than lawyer by trade.  But OK.  Yelena take challenge.  Yelena much good, so will do well even after night of drug and sex.  But Yelena do better when sober."

Yelena smiles to herself as Gregor begins kissing her and pulls his head to her breasts.  His hands pull her nearly ruined gown above her hips and she gasps as he penetrates her and she begins moving in response to his thrusts, matching his every move.  "Yes.  Gregor should redeem as lover.  No more pretend sex.  Yelena give Gregor real sex and expect same back."  She approaches the animalistic in her lovemaking, raking his back with her hands and biting at his neck.  She rolls him over so she can assume a position of control for a bit before yielding once again to him and allowing him to be in control if he wants.  She screams out in passion as she explodes and expects that he will do the same as he releases into her.  Anything less would be.........less........and disappointing.

A panting Yelena gathers her mess of a dress about her as the limousine pulls into the parking lot of the shooting range.  Exiting the car, she is all business.  After Gregor introduces her to the staff on duty she requests and gets a set of clothes appropriate for the range then goes to the armory.  She runs her hands along the weapons and is not even tempted by a super rare and costly Barrett Arms 122 and she disdains the Ranger Arms SM-5, before stopping on the Ares Desert Strike.  Taking it from the rack, Yelena takes it over to the table and turns to the pistol racks, quickly identifying and selecting the Ares Predator V.  She quickly strips both weapons, taking the time to get the feel for the various parts, even smelling them, before reassembling the guns.  Yelena personally looks at and touches every round that she slides into the stack of magazines she has selected for both weapons, then belts on the holster for the Predator and takes up the Desert Strike, adding the spare magazines to the various clips on the utility belt.  Her violet eyes are bright in anticipation and she looks up at Gregor,  "Yelena ready.  When start?"

The Keeb in charge of the range briefs Yelena on what is to happen and makes sure that she knows the safety considerations and the signals for cease fire.  When he is sure that she understands, The Range Master indicates that she is clear to begin the course.  Yelena goes to where Gregor is standing, gives him a kiss and says, "Now we see, yes?  Yelena do good then Gregor buy Yelena breakfast and talk."

Yelena steps onto the range and signals the Range Master that she is ready.  Holding what she considers to be the best sniper rifle ever made, she steps onto the course and begins hunting her targets.  The first part of the course is easiest, with fixed firing positions and relatively stationary targets that pop into view.  She settles her breathing and calls on the talents that have stood her in good stead since that day when they all broke out of Camp 14 and she killed her first man.  She had been ten and the rifle was longer than she was tall, but Nikko had let her keep it and she had used it several times that day and many more times in the years that followed.  She had learned to become one with the weapon and today is no different; the Keeb with this rifle in her hands is no longer Yelena Pretrovna, she IS the rifle.  In this place, in this form of her life, no ghosts from the past can threaten her, no drug can control her, no man or woman is her master.  She has moved to a different level of consciousness, sending little messengers of death at her targets.  With an instinct born of years of experience, the rifle knows as each round leaves the barrel if it will be a good shot or not and sends a second messenger if the first will not do the job.  The rifle moves from target to target through the course, engaging the moving targets with the same intensity as the still ones, becoming the pistol on occasion as range and conditions demand.  It, too, is an extension of the being others know as Yelena Petrovna. and is as effective at sending its messengers of death as its larger cousin. 

[spoiler]Shooting at targets:  Target Shooting (http://orokos.com/roll/293615): 17d6t5 9
  Perception test:  7d6  = Perception Test (http://orokos.com/roll/293683): 7d6t5 3
  Gymnastics test:  6d6+2d6 for drugs = 8d6  =  Gymnastics (http://orokos.com/roll/293684): 8d6t5 4
  Shooting Test:  17d6 - 2d6 for drugs = 15d6  =  Shooting at -2d6 (http://orokos.com/roll/293685): 15d6t5 8
  Shooting Test:  17d6  =  Shooting Test (http://orokos.com/roll/293686): 17d6t5 6[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-25-15/2232:33>
During the tirade, Arc's jaw was set hard, her gaze lowered slightly as her hands clenched into fists.  He was completely right...She should have told him from the beginning.  Regardless of how much it would have out him at risk, she had no right to keep that from him.  Her feeling of fear had returned, her instincts and history telling her to dodge what was being inflicted on her.  But, she held firm.  She knew he was right: she should not have waited, that was dumb.  But she couldn't change what had happened. And she'll be damned if she loses her first Vrukan this way, so when he barked out the last word her right hand came thumping down on the table.

"...You have the truth.  Fear ruled my actions and brought my shadowed words.  Not fear of what you think, but fear of risking you.  You have your life together, and not many Barrens hoops can day that..."". She stood up and stepped over to him, cradling her left hand firmly around the back of the man's head and bringing her forehead to his, a sign of earnest.  "I have you now.  I am your Vruken, as you are mine.  From here on out, you have the full me.  If you cannot handle that, say it now"

She paused, her chest rising and falling from the flurry of released emotion, already feeling the weight in the pit of her stomach lifting...he seemed hurt that he wasn't trusted, but relieved she had confessed.  He knows he's bonded with a fresh shadowrunner...tch, can't say that everyday...". Standing there in her vulnerable state she looked up at him, letting her hand fall ever so slowly as she allowed her smirk.  "already thinking on kids huh?  Man, you fast for a breeder". She trailed off, clearly teasing in attempting to lighten the mood, momentarily distracted by Marco's text.

@Marco {Arc}>>
<<I'd be shouting too if I found out I got turned into a hamster and lost my stuff.  Heh.  Here, take my keys, and get yourself someplace safe.  If you can't think of something, take him to my garage and tie him to an engine block or something

work is never done...

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-25-15/2249:45>
"Of course I know who you are, John. Though you've changed your face a few times apparently. Or you're just a lacky. Do not take me for a fool. I'm not the fool who left my commlink behind there. Do you have any idea at all? No Doubtful. Absolutely doubtful. So the whole warehouse blew? All the more reason to burn them all.. That would be the failures of the yaks, Particularly Spitting cobra. I'd show you so you can hire some other lacky, but some idiot left my commlink behind! Fool of a Took!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-25-15/2303:50>
@ Arc  Jaime stands up and takes her into his arms and leans forward his forehead touching hers, "Ride or die girl. You're my Vrukhan." he kisses her then and says, "I never make the same mistake twice. I called off work today." he grins at her. "You up for a little morning sex?" It's sweeter this morning than it was last night. Last night was an explosion, this morning, well this morning is lovemaking and Arc realizes just how sharp that distinction is. Afterwards as she's laying there in his arms he says, "Oh! I called Henry to tell him we'll be by tonight. You ready to meet my brother and sister?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-25-15/2316:49>
@ Yelena  Gregor is impressed, and obviously in great shape, he kept up with you the entire run and isn't even winded. When your done he says "Wow." he frowns and looks you up and down thoughtfully. "I'm not prone to pillow confessions. I need to talk to someone. But, I may have a job for you. Give me your comm and I'll contact you if I do. And no, I'm not giving you mine. If I have a job, I'll contact you, that's the only deal I'm prepared to offer right now."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-26-15/0013:15>
Yelena nods.  "Am impressed.  Gregor keep up.  Much too good for lawyer man, but Yelena call you that.  For now.  Yelena good, yes?"  She gives him her com code.  "Yelena can live with that.  Know how system work.  Am worker, not boss."  She lifts the rifle and points to the range armory.  "Yelena clean.  Might take while so Gregor can leave in fancy car.  Yelena get ride back on own and Gregor off hook for breakfast this time.  Maybe see again and can buy then."

She will close in and give Gregor a brief kiss then turn to go into the armory without looking back.  Inside, she spends a long time working on her weapons, which gives her time to think.  After turning in her weapons and changing back into her nearly ruined dress, she will go to see the Range Master.  "Thank for letting Yelena Petrovna use weapons and range.  Very nice here.  Can get member so come back to practice?  Or is closed?"

After finishing her business with the Range Master, Yelena goes to sit out front and think.  Her internal clock tells her that it is nearly 1100.  She considers her options at this point.  *The last message from Marco was that he was tossing his com.  Arc may have gone home with one of any contacts she made at the club.  I will wait until noon and give her a call to see if she can pick me up.  I can hope that she is not still angry with me for my message.*    She sits on the front stoop of the range building and meditates, setting her clock for noon in case she falls asleep.  When the chime goes off, she mentally thumbs her com on and sends Arc a message.  <Arc.  Is Yelena.  If not too mad, can come to Salish-Sidhe Oath's First Step to get Yelena?  Address on link.  If Arc too mad or too busy, Yelena get home different way.  Yelena hope Arc safe.  We need talk.>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-26-15/0124:03>
If there was any apprehension left, the events of the morning following the confession were sure to dash it away from Arc's mind.  As she lay there, a hand on the man's chest, she listed lazily next to him as he proposed the question of meeting his family.  "...You sure that's a good idea?  Last I checked, most breeders be not too keen on trig relation styles.  Still, I wouldn't mind.  Never had actual sibs m'self.."". She trailed off, letting out a happy sigh.  Actual good in her life, that was odd, but a good odd.

And then her shadows reached outward reminding her of reality as Yelena's message popped up in her vision.  As she read it, she shifted against the man, a little frown on her face as she tried to work out how to balance this...besides that, the we need to talk was important.

"Vruk... before we get into all this, I gotta deal with somethin.  You remember Yelena?  Well she was working the club too, from a different angle.  Got strung up on drek knows what and spent time with a lotta sketch peeps.  I just got word she is free and needs pickup.  That's not all though.  She confessed to me last night she desires me.". Her next words were followed quickly after.

"Before you get ideas, don't.  Funky as it is, I don't swing that way, and you and me are solid tight.  I'd just toss it aside, but she is my sruiken kal, my blood sister, and the first person I could really call family.  I need to deal with this.  Other than this though my job is pretty much done for now.  I'd love to meet your sibs... do you mind coming along to pick this keeb up?"

Yelena.  Sit tight, I'm trying to work something out.  Glad you're ok>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-26-15/0142:20>
Marco splashes the water bottle at Ambrose... "Shut up about the stupid comlink already... you were hurt... you were bonded... you were freaking tossed in a basement for future torture... There is no way they just left your comlink on you in case you needed anything... I saved your freaking life... I will certainly not let you do  a suicide mission for a fashon accessory and  a comlink... certianly not for the other terrible things you just carry on yourself...  and about your coat... I will definately not risk my life for a freaking fashon item.

You are alive... insane but alive and anything that you had there can be replaed... You obviously like stuff... that's good because I bet you should get paid for the Boom -  but alas there is a problem... our mutual employer is missing... Do you remember me?... you gave me the detonator... you disguised as a reporter and I gave you a steak a day before... my name is Marco, not Johan... You were captured shortly after you made that drop... we were exposed.  I do not recall  any cobra... a hamster maybe... do you remember anything about a little hamster?
"


He stands towards him and consider how to restrain him, Marco is amazed that the crazy person next to him is actually some sort of shadowrunner... but he figures that the ability to briliantly blow up stuff makes up for a lot of shortcoming...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-26-15/0156:40>
"Wait.. you're not my employer? Well it doesn't matter. Do you have an idea what is in that commlink, you blasted fool. I'll give you a hint. Your face for one! What we talked about.. Information!"

He shook his head, "They should burn.. All of them burn. Like they did here.. The club, the yaks, the more... I need bottles. Bottles and cloth.. something to burn."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-26-15/0200:05>
Yelena nods as Arc's response comes in and sends out a quick note that she will be waiting at the range building.  *At least she does not sound like she wants to kill me......yet.*  She sits on the stoop, picking at the ruined dress.  She notes that the amount of cleavage exposed is a bit more than the dress designers had in mind and pulls some of the torn cloth together to try to be a bit more modest.  After the third arrival stares at her for longer than she likes, Yelena stands and walks to the concealment of a large tree near the parking lot.  The circumstances are rather humorous and she laughs a bit at herself.  She goes quiet and starts thinking of all that transpired at the club and afterwards.  She lifts her head and closes her eyes to bring things into focus, slowing everything down to a slow motion as she considers all the angles.  After a few minutes, she sends another message off to her best, and maybe only, friend. 

<Arc.  Is Yelena again.  Can Arc download data from drone or have already done?  Need check time at range.  Look at man Yelena with.  Yelena think this is dangerous man.  Very dangerous.  Tell why when Arc get here.  Maybe Arc start look for man in matrix.  Look for ID and location?  Might be important.>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-26-15/0216:51>
"Okay... we're getting somewhere... your comlink can be everywhere by now... and we'll have to live with them knowing 'stuff''... I am not sure either of us should set foot inn that club... not without some serious ruse or massive force... not without some coheirant plan. You will get yourself killed if you try it at your state... and what do you plan to do? go to their lost and founds?

They know quite a lot aleady with our mutual employer being unresponsive... he reported an accident very close to the drop... on the way to meet you and then you are grabbed right after the drop... I am lucky I did not return to the club or I too would have ended up in that basement. They *KNOW* okay... I wouldn't set foot into that place... I thought about trying to find some nerd in the University of Seattle that can help us try and scan the news, police reports and social media hoping we learn anything about a nearby accident.  ...lets pick up some burmer links on the way.

Don't go to the club... they WILL kill you on sight... they are all looking for you by now trying to figure out how you disappeared from that basement without anyone noticing... right trhough the party.... "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-26-15/0226:55>
"Wait a second! "Say Marco with excitment "I know someone!"

He calls Dr. Kawagishi... a mid level docWagon manager... he does not text but actually call... if the doctor will pick up Marco will try to convince him to see if there was a car accident yesterday that matches the time of Sam's message... working at DocWagon he might have access to that information... Marco will promess him some 'good time' in return.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-26-15/0230:30>
"Who ever said I'd set foot inside the club? I told you... they will burn. Sink them down.. Sink them." He begins stumbling through the door again, trying to find a way out of this negative emotion background counted prison thing place they were in.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-26-15/0232:43>
Marco say: "Come... let me buy you some breakfest... this place makes me sick. " as he packs his bag adding... you'll feel better once you had somthing to eat.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-26-15/1021:33>
@ Marco & Ambrose  The early morning cold has your breath fogging the air around you. And the weak sunlight cutting through the smog showing the obscenities and desperations of the graffitied walls make Marco sad. And remind him that he is in gang territory almost unarmed and trying to keep a crazy person safe. But, the thought of breakfast has his stomach grumbling, it's been far to long since he's eaten, and even crazy people need to eat. Right? Ambrose's stops ranting from his wound for a moment and stares at Marco, his mention of something so mundane and trivial as breakfast shocks him for a moment. And once it does the pain from his wound makes itself clear, the throbbing pain is so bad he's forced to sit down. When he does he sees the ligature marks on his wrists and remembers Marco's words, 'bonded' not bonded, bound! And waiting to be tortured, of that he was certain, it's why he'd taken the nearly fatal risk of setting off the flashbang in the first place. He needs to plan, to organize, to regroup! And then his stomach grumbles loudly. Well, maybe breakfast wouldn't be such a bad idea.

@ Marco  Dr Kawagishi answers Marco's call, "Marco, a pleasure to hear your voice. I was going to call you. I have a very boring dinner in a week that I need to attend. I was thinking that it would be more bearable if I could count on your company afterwards. And in exchange for a favor I'd say the price was right, so let me look into the matter and I'll get back to you later today."

@ Arc  Jaime lets out a short bark of laughter, "Ha! My brother Henry is an orc! He and my sister became vruks about 5 years ago. Which I guess technically makes him my brother-in-law. But, growing up I spent way more time at Henry's than I did at my own. My folks struggled, both worked two jobs just to keep me & my sister in a house outside of the Barrens. But Henry's folks were different. His dad's an engineer and Henry's mom was able to stay home with them. And Henry's brilliant, an engineer like his dad, but he's worked himself up to a mid-level manager position with a firm that designs prosthetics. I met him when I was walking home from school one day and saw a bunch of kids picking on this little bitty orc runt. They were starting to punch him and kick him and the kid was roaring and trying hard to fight back but they had him pinned. I charged in an bloodied a few noses and it broke up. I took him home and we started talking. Turned out they were beating him up because he'd shown them up in calculus that afternoon. I didn't believe him and when I got him home, and his mom'd made sure he was ok I challenged him to do my geometry homework. The kid just looked at me like I was about stupid, popped open my PAd and had 32 problems done in 11 minutes 13 seconds. I started walking him home everyday and he started helping me with my homework. And Henry's mom would make sure I ate. Eventually he and I just became brothers. So yeah, if you're sruiken kal needs picked up at any time of the day or night, we go get her." He gets up and starts getting dressed as he explains the last part and he throws you a t-shirt of his. "You might wanna wear this instead. With the dress you had on last night I don't blame her for desiring you." He grins at you when you put it on, "Henry's right. Nothings sexier than seeing your woman in your shirt."

@ Yelena  The range master looks at you and pauses his lips pursed to the side studying you. He finally says, "It's a private club. But for someone who's never been formally trained you have a tremendous amount of talent. I'm going to give you a 3 month temporary membership. I'd be interested in seeing you here and seeing what else you can do."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-26-15/1450:16>
Arc listened with her jaw almost dropping at the story, surprised to find someone with such a...positive experience to gain the influences in style so similar to her own.  "well with all that everything just makes sense. Heh...prosthetics Huh?  Good to know, means I can have a few conversation starters ahah".  The human lifted her cyberarm up to prove her point, laughing merrily as she caught his shirt. Holding it up, she smelled at the dark red fabric before dressing herself, using the clothes in the go bag she brought in to supplement the outfit.  The shirt was huge lengthwise, reaching halfway down her thighs, but her stout physique filled it out pleasantly as she tried to make some sense of her hair, eventually settling on tying it back into some wild ponytail

"It's comfy and soft...I might just steal it". She stuck her tongue out before turning and grabbing her stuff.  "...Thanks.  for all this.  It means a lot to me". She smiled again, softly embracing the man before heading out.

Luckily, it had been a few hours since she handed the virtual keys to Marco for his use, as now the black Americar sat right where she remembered it.  At least we will be able to give Yelena a change of clothes. Letting Jaime in, Arc hopped into the driver's seat and started the engine, just then getting the elf's message.  "...hmm..seems she wants a background check on some hoop she thinks be sketch.  Guess her job went well eh?"

Yelena, you're out of range for me to get a clear download.  I'll pick it up when I see ya.  Heading to you now

The drive to the firing range in the Salish region was fairly uneventful as far as Arc was concerned, the human enjoying the ride with Jaime to converse and to also show off her car and her skill with it, throwing some speed and flair into the turns.  Before they knew it, they were pulling up to the shooting range, and Arc gave a ping to Yelena's commlink to alert her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-26-15/1515:40>
"Thanks Sweetie!... it is so sexy that you know this kind of things... I was completely lost without you." answer Marco, "I’ll be delighted to see you again..." The good doctor was memorable... it was not common that one of his clients leave in the middle of date... but he had access to DocWagon feeds, police alerts and who knows what else. It might have been important.  He definitely needed the good doctor on a more personal basis and taking the relationship to a more favor based atmosphere was definitely a positive development.

Sometimes, people say that things look better in the morning... Well they obviously never visited the prison. The merciless beams of light  fill the prison and the surrounding neighborhood exposing them in their real ugliness. There were blood stains on the walls and the entire prison was depressing... it is going to need a lot of renovation to become livable, but Marco could imagine him establishing a safe house in one of the buildings. Some place low profile but well equipped with the necessities he need to disappear from the grid. A commlink, some dried food blankets and clothes.  He never completely understood that shadow running are more than an harmless trip on the wrong side of the law... Trying to keep discreet deep into gang territory with a mad middle aged man that was about to be tortured and killed were kind of a wakeup call for Marco. He knew this much about himself... he will be more careful in the future... if he make it out alive.

Existing the prison there were prostitutes already high on whatever it is they could afford... drug dealers and homeless people... he looked terrible... still in Joe’s cloths, his hair was a mess he would not dare to be seen like this in public in regular circumstances.  However he was properly dressed to the place.  He pretended he belonged there... why not really... he was a fighter a survivor, he lived years without trusting a living soul... and even prospered on his own.
That neighborhood indeed seemed dangerous and Marco questioned his judgement for choosing to embrace it. Eventually, they found a small diner, the owner was armed with a shotgun on his back and had no noticeable gang tatoos or physicial marks.  Security seemed tight as the waitress was also armored and armed with a pistol. Marco felt silly with his concealed machine pistol. They seemed to care very little about gun regulations, licences and appearances... if any they tried to appear armed, dangerous and menacing.

 "I’ll have the pancakes..." he ordered and looked at Ambrose hinting that he’ll order as well, "and a coffee. "By now Marco was disillusioned, he knew that his pancakes were almost identical in composition to his coffee... as of all things that came out of a food processor with an autocook... He did not care much about it right now.  The people Marco thought were poor were a lot richer than the people that lived in the Barrens.

His mind wondered as he waited for his food in silence.
Agrat... that was new... he could still feel her inside him.  He felt embarrassed about their love scene in the middle of the night... But the reporter was probably unconsciousness.  If he did hear him whispering words of passion into the night... He did not say much about it. There are many theories about Mentor spirits, some say they are part of you... inner voices ideals... To Marco Agrat was real, realer than people he met.

The book he ordered from the Vatican should give him some of the christian perception of her son, Asmedeus. It finally hit him... she was his magical patron, like it or not he could do the extraordinary things that he did because of his supernatural connection with the demonic world. This is why father Gabriel taught him in a different way than the rest of his class. This is why he could not share anything about his magical experience. But if Gabriel understood his real nature why wasn’t he kicked from the Vatican long ago... why wasn’t he killed. Tolerating such heresy was uncharacteristic to say the least... their teachings said that the spawn of Satan must be purged from the earth. "How come I am still alive? My classmates were all taught to exterminate mages like me."

Marco sat in silence looking at the reporter... after a short while he said... "do I get a name, a street name or an handle for saving your life?..." He sighed " I can keep referring to you Boo or mister reporter dude... I guess it can work as well if you do not want to tell me anything about yourself. "

"I can also do somthing about this terrible wound on your leg... but we'll have to do so someplace descreet.'
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-26-15/2221:06>
Ambrose isn't sure how he got roped into getting breakfast with this stooge of Johns, It took a while, but he began to realize where he was, He still wasn't going to let it go. He didn't have a commlink. Which meant he didn't have access to his money, home, car, gadgets, nothing. All the work he went through with the turks down the drain because the fates seemed to conspire against him, forcing him now in a situation where he was the only bum who didn't have on even an armored clothing. He was dressed in brownish beige, and pond scum.

And it wasn't like he could even attempt to get out of the place where he was most likely to get shot, as he didn't have a sin to broadcast anymore. Not like this. This fool of a took thinks he had saved Ambrose's life, when in reality, a simple fact that Ambrose knew too well, he just delayed the inevitable. If the club didn't burn, there was no way he could ever go home in peace.

Now he was here, in breakfast place. He needed a knife or fork or some other tool. Preferably something metal. Something plastic could help. And he needed a bloody commlink, and something decent to wear. Fashion accessory his foot. That coat was more than a fashion accesssory. A black hat is a fashion accessory. A long coat is a tool, a weapon, a home. There was lots more he could do with the coat.. and whats more was both the coat and his cloths were tailored specifically for his profession. Of course the Took wouldn't ever understand that, the need to keep things hidden. Look at him there, looking so smug right now. I know he's good at hiding it, he's that kind of person after all.

First off the, every bomb needed fuel, Sugar used to be a good fuel. Not the best for making the biggest boom, but it does have its uses for some light weight explosives. Calories where important, even if it was something in food. Mixed with a bit of alcohol or gasoline. Well Gasoline and Styrofoam for anti-personal explosives. Sinking the building was going to be harder without some good plastics but for now..

"Coffee, and Lots of sugar." he hoped it was real sugar, then at least he'd have that starting to go for him. "What is in a name? As of currently, I don't have anything to it, but whatever. Phoenix. Your employer should have told you that much at least before he hired you to take his fall. Though I admit that Spittingcobra and the army wrench probably screwed with something on my plans. And if you can fix my leg, fine. There is more important things than my leg though. I need equipment, and as far as I'm concerned you work for your employer, and your employer owes me."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-27-15/0027:49>
Yelena is sitting with her back to a large tree on the perimeter of the parking lot, smoking one of her cigars when she notices the familiar Americar and gets the comm ping from Arc.  Standing, she finishes her cigar and field strips the butt as she waves to the car and steps onto the pavement.  Her eyes take in that there is a passenger in the front seat and wonders if Marco is with her friend before recognizing Jamie.  Yelena looks a bit more used than a cheap whore as she walks to the car; her fine evening gown is tattered and in disarray.  Her left sleeve had torn at the shoulder so she had ripped both arms off; the front gaped, exposing more than a significant amount of her cleavage; the hem was torn and frayed, with strips hanging down.  Her snowy tresses were a mess, too.  All in all, the effect was almost laughable.

Arc pops the trunk of the car as Yelena approaches and the Keeb roots in her go-bag for some jeans and a tee shirt.  Shutting the trunk, she goes to the car and slides into the rear seat, where she slides her ruined dress over her head.  "Yelena thank Arc for come get.  Hello Jamie.  How is rigger man life?  Thank for come."  Yelena is a bit too tired to care if Jamie looks over the seat as she strips in the car and wriggles into her jeans before slipping the tee over her head.  She pulls the micro drone from its location on her head and hands it over the seat to her friend.  "Here, Arc.  Drone took much pictures of party.  Then later party.  Then this morning.  Yelena still coming down from drugs and vodka.  Much drugs.  And need shower.  Smell of sex and sweat and smoke."  Yelena chuckles and smiles before adding,  "Much of all three."

Yelena leans over the center console of the car.  "OK.  Yelena is large gorilla in room so talk first.  Arc best friend Yelena ever have.  Yelena look for love and hope to find, but does not in years of try.  Then meet Arc and all change.  Yelena love Arc and would have been Vruk for all life if was good for Arc.  But Arc not love Yelena same way, but does love Jamie.  Arc has rigger man as Vruk and Arc is happy.  So Yelena happy too.  Is true.  Yelena happy for Arc.  And for rigger man.  Yelena not.......Yelena not........Oh frag it.  Yelena tired."  She sits back in the rear seat and shuts her eyes, trying to keep the tears from escaping. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-27-15/0240:41>
"Besides. I didn't set the place to explode. You must be mistaken, I never make mistakes like that." Ambrose says to Marco after having sip of coffee stuff. "A little fire, but mostly contained to the yard. Thank you for saving my life."  sip. He looks out the window. "Nevermind about the whole bit about me chasing your employer through you and what not, I'll get my own way through." Amazing what a little cup of joe could do for a tired beated, battered, scared man, but alas, he could go somewhere else and start again. That would be easier than attempting to take out the Club before they torch his home to the ground. From this day forward, Ambrose was dead.. And someone new would take his place. Perhaps Steve. Ambrose did like the name a bit.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-27-15/1208:47>
Marco devoured his pancakes as if they were a gorme meal. The coffee was a little more difficult to go down but he did an effort to extend his hand and drink a little bit.
 

"Coffee, and Lots of sugar." he hoped it was real sugar, then at least he'd have that starting to go for him. "What is in a name? As of currently, I don't have anything to it, but whatever. Phoenix. Your employer should have told you that much at least before he hired you to take his fall. Though I admit that Spittingcobra and the army wrench probably screwed with something on my plans. And if you can fix my leg, fine. There is more important things than my leg though. I need equipment, and as far as I'm concerned you work for your employer, and your employer owes me."

Marco smiles to Ambrose.. “You are correct...Since a rose by any other name would still smell sweet... my analogue is be... what do you smell like mr. Phoenix.... or in other words... what can you do.” He laugh.

"There is no need to involve Sam in the jynx, I’d be happy to help you with what I can. I have an unfinished business with these people... they took Feathers that mage you were interviewing... they took him shortly after you disappeared... I was actually looking for him when I went to the basement... I want them to pay as much as you do... trust me on this one. "

"Besides. I didn't set the place to explode. You must be mistaken, I never make mistakes like that." Ambrose says to Marco after having sip of coffee stuff. "A little fire, but mostly contained to the yard. Thank you for saving my life."  sip. He looks out the window. "Nevermind about the whole bit about me chasing your employer through you and what not, I'll get my own way through." Amazing what a little cup of joe could do for a tired beated, battered, scared man, but alas, he could go somewhere else and start again. That would be easier than attempting to take out the Club before they torch his home to the ground. From this day forward, Ambrose was dead.. And someone new would take his place. Perhaps Steve. Ambrose did like the name a bit.

"I am actually very much interested in chasing him... I have reasons to believe that he was already compromised when he texted me to meet you.  My only clue is that he said car accident... who has car accidents these days? I haven’t heard from him ever since. Since you were jumped shortly after the delivery and the Johnson disappeared shortly before the delivery I think that somebody got to him... even before the delivery... I am trying to follow the breadcrumbs right now... figuring out where he might be... but I do not have many leads he is a very discreet person, changes his skin every time... I don’t even know what his real skin looks like.”


"You definately need new stuff... I tell you what... Arc’s car is already waiting for us outside she lives not far from here... Let's give my friend Jimmy things a visit... I think I can get you a cheap comlink a credstick and some basic equipment... perhaps even a new jacket. Pay me back when we get paid how about it? My friends should be back soon perhaps we can come up with a plan together... I’d assure you that once I find my missing colleagues I’d be more than happy to wipe that terrible place from the face of the earth.”

"I’ll fix your leg in the car it will only take a second... I just don’t like to do so in public...”

Marco finished his coffee... paid and left for the car. “Thanks for the service" he said to the waitress as he tipped her nicely.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-27-15/1748:22>
“That would be good. Some new gear would be great. And I don’t need to make them pay.. I need them off my back. I’ll help you get your employer back if you come up with a plan.” Ambrose remarks to marco as he walks after him. Even with that leg wound, he doesn’t seem to be particularly bothered by it, while a normal person would no doubt be limping along after the man. Adepts where great like that. And soon the events of the prison were not even a distant memory, but something completely forgotten by the old man, who’s mind was focused on the newest issue. Was that coffee? The packets of sugar were left on the table as well.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-27-15/1809:21>
As soon as they enter the car Marco set his hands on Ambrose leg... he is hamming just a little bit as the wound begins to close... "Not perfect... but alas... this is what I can do for you ...  what's left of the wound can only heal naturally over time. "


Now to the fun stuff... I can probably spare about 1k dollars for some equipment... IHe drives them to Jimmy's pizza shop... as they enter he asks seriously... "I'd like to buy a jaguar cage" . A middle aged Italian man say... "Well come behind the desk..." ... under a small carpet there is trap door, with a ladder... as they descend they reach a large basement packed with shelves on shelves of both legal and llegal goods... in one of the corrners sits an old italian man and paints.

Marco whispers... “that person over there is Jimmy... he has many items... he is also a good forger... although he prefers the word artist. He keep saying that any fool can be lucky to paint the Mona Lisa once... but a good artist can paint her every day... oh and do not raise your voice... if there is one thing that freaks him out it is loud speakers... I do not know exactly what you need but help yourself... “   

[spoiler]
Heal Ambrose (http://orokos.com/roll/294451): 12d6t5 2

Marco has 1100 nuyen - (or dollars) along with the 1k Sam gave him for the night minus what he spant in his very brief stay at the club... So I need Smiles GM call on how much Money Marco has left... he is willing to keep 200 nuyen for some pocket money and give the rest to Ambrose so he can have some baisc equipment. 
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-27-15/2208:37>
Yelena is sitting with her back to a large tree on the perimeter of the parking lot, smoking one of her cigars when she notices the familiar Americar and gets the comm ping from Arc.  Standing, she finishes her cigar and field strips the butt as she waves to the car and steps onto the pavement.  Her eyes take in that there is a passenger in the front seat and wonders if Marco is with her friend before recognizing Jamie.  Yelena looks a bit more used than a cheap whore as she walks to the car; her fine evening gown is tattered and in disarray.  Her left sleeve had torn at the shoulder so she had ripped both arms off; the front gaped, exposing more than a significant amount of her cleavage; the hem was torn and frayed, with strips hanging down.  Her snowy tresses were a mess, too.  All in all, the effect was almost laughable.

Arc pops the trunk of the car as Yelena approaches and the Keeb roots in her go-bag for some jeans and a tee shirt.  Shutting the trunk, she goes to the car and slides into the rear seat, where she slides her ruined dress over her head.  "Yelena thank Arc for come get.  Hello Jamie.  How is rigger man life?  Thank for come."  Yelena is a bit too tired to care if Jamie looks over the seat as she strips in the car and wriggles into her jeans before slipping the tee over her head.  She pulls the micro drone from its location on her head and hands it over the seat to her friend.  "Here, Arc.  Drone took much pictures of party.  Then later party.  Then this morning.  Yelena still coming down from drugs and vodka.  Much drugs.  And need shower.  Smell of sex and sweat and smoke."  Yelena chuckles and smiles before adding,  "Much of all three."

Yelena leans over the center console of the car.  "OK.  Yelena is large gorilla in room so talk first.  Arc best friend Yelena ever have.  Yelena look for love and hope to find, but does not in years of try.  Then meet Arc and all change.  Yelena love Arc and would have been Vruk for all life if was good for Arc.  But Arc not love Yelena same way, but does love Jamie.  Arc has rigger man as Vruk and Arc is happy.  So Yelena happy too.  Is true.  Yelena happy for Arc.  And for rigger man.  Yelena not.......Yelena not........Oh frag it.  Yelena tired."  She sits back in the rear seat and shuts her eyes, trying to keep the tears from escaping.

Arc would be bold-faced lying if she said her eyes didn't go wide upon seeing the battered keeb's appearance as she pulled up to a stop, jaw hanging open slightly in surprise as she popped the trunk to give her access to her things.  Glancing back briefly, she nodded to the thanks with a soft smile before turning back forward, letting her change as she pulled out of the parking lot and back on the road, heading back for the Barrens.  Grabbing the bug with her cyberhand, she nodded again as the bug activated, crawling up her arm and into its home compartment.  The stream in information, photos, and video flashed across her vision as she transferred it to the private commlink's storage, choosing not to review the footage now...not the best time.

Then Yelena spoke up about her confession, and how she felt.  In the rear view mirror, Arc could see the look of pain and distress in the elf's tired eyes, how she was holding back her reactions, not wanting to offend anyone or anything like that.  The human frowned, giving her a moment of pause whilst she herself thought quicklky, trying to work out how to respond to the elf.  Turning her head to Jaime, she locked eyes with him for a moment, and that seemed to be all that she needed for inspiration, a little smirk on her face as she softly spoke out in Or'Zet.  "Ride or die, eh?"  What happened next would likely cause alarm to anyone not familiar with modern automobile technology...

Mentally flipping the Americar into autopilot, the click of Arc's seatbelt could be heard as she sprang into action, bringing her feet close to the seat as she kicked her right leg up.  Planting the foot at the corner of the seat, her left kicked out as she twisted, right cyberhand grabbing the back of the seat and pulling herself up and forward.  She squeezed between the two seats before coming to a rest in front of Yelena, forehead to forehead, her jean-clad hoop sticking up in the air with a knee on the center console, her left hand holding the Russian by the shirt collar.   Her words were direct and bold, practically carrying an Or'Zet accent if that were even possible.

"Recognize what you're feeling!  You try to hide that drek, you're gonna tear yourself to frag all, and I never knew you to be that selfish.  So I don't wanna get in a slitch's panties, what of it?  When you say love, you mean legit heart-energy love, or did you just want me to be some main frag squeeze?  If it's the second, then yeah you'll be disappointed.  But I know it ain't.  What you call love is a one hundred percent legit BOND we have, Y!  You are loved, and you just refuse to let yourself see what you got, girl!  We rode into battle together, we spat in the faces of death together, we SAVED OUR HOME together!"  She gritted her teeth, eyes seeming alight with some hidden fire as her voice calmed.

"You are my sruiken kal, Yelena.  You know what that means.  It maybe ain't what you were expecting, but it's still what we share, and I'll be damned if I lose the first legit family I've had since losing my ma and pa in that fire.  So when I say don't hold back, I mean it.  Now, what have you to say about that?"  She lingered there for a moment, the car still zooming down the highway road as she stood there between the seats.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-28-15/0031:34>
Yelena sits and absorbs the words from her friend.  Unable to stop the tears, she lets them flow down her face in tiny streams, making no effort to curb them or wipe them away.  She nods, keeping her forehead pressed to Arc's.  "Yes.  Arc and Yelena did those.  Yelena is ass.  Feel sorry for self and jealous of rigger man.  Yelena hurt inside.  Angry at self for not good enough for Arc.  But Arc right.  Belong with Vruk rigger man, not Yelena.  But Arc know what means sruiken kal?  Bond stronger than Vruk.  Vruk can leave when want but blood sister forever.  Think hard before say.  Mean what say as no going back.  Not take light." 

"So rigger man move in and Yelena move out?  Garage not big enough for three."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-28-15/0157:01>
Arc stayed there as Yelena spoke and shed her tears, the human relieved that she was getting somewhere.  Lifting her head up slowly, she turned and glanced over to Jaime, gauging his reactions before speaking further.  " It was never a question of you being good enough, omae.  You just locked your hoop in another spot in my heart.  You forget what I told you about me.". Arc realized some of this info would be news to Jaime...best he learn about it as well.

"Remember what happened after I lost my fam and eyes to the fire?  Howlers took me in.  It was drek, ibeas treated like drek, but they were tuskers to the bone and I was raised by them.  one of the few if not only breeders to be in the pack.  I may be human, but by style and manner I click more like a trog than anything else.  that's a part of me I embrrace, even now that I'm out of their leash.  That's why I took a Vrukhan, and I know exactly what I mean when I call you sruiken kal, and of everyone I've known in my short fragging existence, you've more than earned that place in my life.  You can't get rid of me that easy."

She gave a grin, nodding in affirmation before finally letting go of the elf, skipping back into her seat and taking a breath.  "Just Remember to feel what you feel and take no shame in it.". Flipping the autopilot off, Arc then took the wheel.  "As for living sitch... I haven't figured that out yet.  I fo sho need that garage, but I cannot kick you out.  Let's not worry about it..Let's get you cleaned up and fed, how's that,?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-28-15/0238:32>
Yelena nods as Arc returns to her seat.  *Sruiken kal is doable.  Not the love I was looking for, but a stronger bond does not exist.  I have something now that I have never had before.*  She moves closer to the center console and nods.  "Food good.  Then Yelena shower.  Then we look drone data.  Sam missing.  Yelena think club men have.  Same as Feathers.  We need find."

"Yelena sad Marco run.  Maybe not runner after all.  Yelena miss."

Yelena sits back in the seat and drifts off as Arc drives.  She feels safe knowing that Arc has her back and she can afford to finally rest.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-28-15/0303:02>
Ambrose didn't know anything about the emotional angst the others who'd eventually be joining him and marco are feeling. He didn't care either. "Right then, well lets make this easy. I just need a basic commlink to start off with, after that I can get to my stuff again." It was a rather easy thing to do after all. Buying a 100 nuyen commlink from the guy gave him the ability to broadcast again. The ability to access things again. After all, this was the year 2075 where everyone's life was pretty much on these little devices.

"There, now that I have this, lets get out of the barrens. I need to acquire a better commlink, and some clothing." he takes a moment to get a 100 nuyen cred stick and pass it back to Marco. Again, this was life in the 7050s. As long as you could get to your bank account, purchasing things was easy enough. He makes a note that next time to set something up with his devices to detonate when someone attempts to hack into them.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-28-15/0409:06>
Marco grins... “mr. reporter please... we did not come here just for a burner comlink...
just get what you need and I’ll try to fetch you a good price. They have lot of stuff on shelves and can also try and get for you the hard to find stuff. “ We’re already here... let’s do some shopping.
"

[spoiler]
Once Ambrose makes up his mind about what he wants Marco will help him get a good price. Marco will buy a couple of burnerers for himself.
Negotiation - for shopping with Ambrose (http://orokos.com/roll/294630): 15d6t5 5
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-28-15/0441:05>
Marco watches Jimmy paints fascinated... it seems like some painting of Van Gogh as Ambrose compiles his equipment list.

“It is good" he say... better than the original.”

“Oh... Marco you are too kind... this is just practicing... I’ll make 10 more before I am confident enough of using it... “


(http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20219.0;attach=3516;image)
When Ambrose is done Marco grins at Jimmy... “comon... I brought you a new customer and placed a big order... give us a fair price”.

When they leave Marco takes the car back to Arc’s. The car automatically enters a garage. Filled with multiple workbenches and tools Marco has no idea what they are for... a strong smell of engine grease is present.

"Hello? Arc... I brought the car back..." He say... he is surpised that nobody seem to be at home.
Marco thinks to himself... “So this is where the magic happens...” In addition to the car there is now also a bike that Marco eximines with curiosity... “seems dangerous... and exciting.” he thinks, it seems to be well designed... a big bike with a lot of pressense. The bike is decorated with silver chromes, mettalic red and black parts. On the sides there is a big logo, a black scorpion.  Marco gently touches it with aww... trying to imagine Arc riding it. It is clean and is obviously been treated with care.

He finds a relatively clean spot on the floor and place a blanket on it.
Texting Arc and Yelena... <<I brought the reporter to Arc’s garage for now... I think some coffee did good to him.  when can you meet? Is it okay to crush there for a short while we both had a long night...>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-28-15/1025:39>
Yelena is drowsing.  She pulls up the text from Marco and reads it again with a slight smile.  She whispers more to herself than anyone else.  "So Marco maybe not run after all.  Is good."   Yelena closes her eyes again and tries to figure out why her heart had skipped a slight beat when she got Marco's text.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-28-15/1144:29>
~~Earlier that Day~~

As Arc was getting dressed, Marco's text came up on her AR vision.  Hmm.... Seeing as how most of Yelena's and her own valuables and expensive gear were in the trunk of the car, it didn't seem like a big risk.  Besides that, Marco didn't seem like the sketch type.  The "reporter" he was a with maybe will notice a few bits and tools on the workbenches consistent with a demolitions kit, but Arc was not thinking of that at the time.  Mentally pulling out a message, she sent it out before pulling her jeans up over her hips.

@Marco {Arc}>>
<<yeah go ahead.  Please send the car here.  My Vruk and I need it to pick up your girl.  Meet up at my place soonish

~~Back to the Present~~

Nodding, Arc rounded a corner and turned off the highway, turning her head towards Jaime.  "Guess you get to meet the whole team today.  Last chance to back out". She winked, finding a place to grab a bite.  Looks like chinichangas were the consensus for what sounded good today...nothing like the fineries they got to experience earlier, but hot and filling grub nonetheless.  After that, it was a simple drive back to her garage, her black Americar gliding effortlessly into park.  Hopping out, the human stretched her arms, chuckling as how the sleeves of the man's shirt flopped around loosely.  "Now where did they get off to..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-28-15/1326:51>
@ Marco & Ambrose  Jimmy keeps a loose eye on you as you choose things. "That suit you got right there is a used. Pockets on it are a bit smaller and you can see where it's already been taken in at the hem. As tall as you are it's gonna be a bit short at the hem and sleeves. I got a new one that's a darker color that'll fit you better I think once it's hemmed for you." He continues in that vein throughout your shopping trip. "If you buy that by the case I can offer you a bit of a discount." and "Mitsuhama came out with a much better version of that about a 5 months ago, Do you want that instead?" Once Marco starts negotiating the price the old man really warms up to his subject. You can tell he loves the game. Finally, once the price is agreed on he says, "I don't think anyone would give you this good a price on everything Marco, and who else would have everything you need like this. You owe Jimmy for the kind of price I give you on all this I think. I give everyone prices like these I be outta business." He continues in this vein until you're safely out the door.

@ Arc & Yelena  The chimichangas were spicy enough to have you sweating and the cola was a bit to sweet but with the beans and the menudo you are soon full, and feeling better, The drive back is friendly Jaime turning back to Yelena and saying, "I can't fault your taste in my girl." he grins at Arc and the rest of the drive continues to make small talk, but as you near the garage he says, "Garage is a good place to raise kids. But, I was thinking of having you to myself a bit, at least at first, and having you move in with me." he looks at Arc, his expression a mix of love, hope, determination and uncertainty. And when you look at him you realize one thing for sure, you may be new to this whole relationship thing, but Jaime's got one lousy poker face.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-28-15/1415:13>
Marco loved bartering with an expert. Jimmy did that all day and made him feel as if he got a great price... but he could twist it in a way that made it a favor. Marco did not mind it one bit, but he admired the skill. It was nice to negotiate with a pro and favors built stable professional relationships... Marco definitely need more contacts - he got a reminder just how limited his contact list really is when he tried to find Sam and the only one he could call was a client he barely knew... he’d never ask a favor this early in the relationship it was a gamble, but it seemed to have work and the need was great.

.... Present at Arcs:

Marco has a knack for new languages he picked up Or’zet a couple of days ago. He knows just a little bit... it was a strange language and he clearly did not have the vocal capacity for accurate pronunciation of its words. The language seemed to require tusks, he was amazed how Arc could do it so well.  He could picture a couple of trogs mentioning the word and it was a big deal. Vurk... short for Vurkart? a boyfriend, but when did she pick a Vurk? That girl did not waste any time... A few days ago she seemed insecured... a bit scared of what might happen in exposure to the vices of the club - and in the meanwhile she took a commitment... she is not dating - she has a Vurk... Maybe the way to truely understand Arc was to think about her as a trog despite her human shape... he grinned.  Marco was fascinated by Trogs and their culture... They live fast, waste no time on bullshit and are never alone... you can never have a problem just with one trog... eth was the word he thought but he wasn’t sure how to pronounce it.


He texted back:
<<Arc, Yelena- I am so happy for you... don’t worry we won’t touch a thing... it is your ereth after all... I am so happy you both are okay... I prayed for you. Sending the car now. Thanks again for hospitality>>

He placed some blankets on the floor and said: “Please be respectful Phoenix, my friend will arrive soon... I think we both need some rest.” He said as he lay on the floor and enveloped himself in the blanket. There was this dream he had that was bothering him... Agrats essence gave him clarity there was some repressed memory that struggle to come out. Marco could feel that... There was something familiar in the prison - he was someplace with a similar background count before... this was why he felt safe in there. But how could that be? When did he have a chance to expirinece background counts?
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-29-15/0013:08>
Ambrose shrugged. "Right then. I'll be. When do they get here anyways?" he asked simply, working on adjusting his new coat and making sure it was set to fit him properly, as well as the mirror weave being intact. That was one of the most important thing for a demolitionist, making sure you could have your bombs at the ready, but enough protection around them that no hacker could possibly dream of  hacking it.

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-29-15/0042:51>
Arc couldn't help but smirk widely at Jaime's earnest antics, his look not unlike one would expect from a puppy wanting a treat or some loving.  "Pfft, beg a little more, why dontcha...". Chuckling, the girl glanced back at Yelena, who seemed to be sitting contentedly after their meal, chatting calmly.  "I get what you mean, so unless my Sruiken has any arguments, I ain't gonna be getting rid of the garage.  I spent too much time and blood building it up just so it gets redone by the next hoop.  I'll keep my payments on it.  Yelena, consider it your home still.  I'll still be by for work reasons...maybe a girl's night or some drek...but it ain't going nowhere."

A careful look would note a slight tinge of pink on the girl's face at the mention of raising kids, but it was quickly dashed as they arrived.  Seeing the garage occupied, Arc deftly brought the car to a stop at the curb just outside, killing the engine before hopping out, seeing a tall and lanky fellow pacing about in a longcoat.  Eyebrow raised, she led the trio over the threshold, her green cybereyes visibly sizing up.  "Figuring you must be the boombadda our boss hired to put on that light show.  Piece of fraggin' art, by the way.  My compliments.  Name's Arc, this is my place"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-29-15/0115:03>
@ Marco  You receive a call from Dr Kamagishiri, >>Hello Marco, I checked into that accident for you. It seems there was an accident yesterday around 16:40 on the Salish-Sidhe border. A commercial vehicle hit a deer and caused something of a pile-up. Seven vehicles altogether. Nine people treated at the scene. Three hospitalized, two already downgraded and one in ICU. One fatality but KE hasn't released the name yet. There was only one other accident reported during the time frame you requested and that was a single vehicle who's autopilot malfunctioned and missed a turn, car skidded and slid down an embankment. Safety protocols stopped it and the passenger was released after being checked out. Hope this helps. And I'm looking forward to seeing you again.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-29-15/0214:15>
Yelena remains mostly quiet during the ride home.  The stop at the food joint was welcome indeed and she thoroughly enjoyed the chimis, although the soda was less appetizing.  From her seat in the rear of the car, she could see Arc and Jamie sneaking looks at each other and realized that, for now at least, they had what she had never had in her life.  The last remnants of jealousy and bitterness melted away and she settled down in the seat, calm and relaxed at last. 

As the car reaches the garage, Yelena leans forward and taps her friend.  "Arc can open trunk when stop?  Yelena get bag."  She slips out the door as the car stops and goes to the trunk, taking her go bag and weapons case.  Walking into the garage, Yelena sees the tall man who must be the reporter.  She spares a look at the man as she walks past him, her eyes looking about for Marco, who she finds emerging from a pile of blankets on the floor.  She pauses for a moment and shakes her head at Marco, saying, "Silly Keeb.  Could have used bed for sleep.  Yelena need shower and bet Marco does too.  Want share? Yelena need talk Keeb to Keeb."

Yelena goes into the living area, depositing her case and bag on her bed before stripping out of her clothes and moving to the shower.  She is hoping that Marco is still interested enough to want to talk to her and perhaps he will follow her into the shower.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-29-15/0235:06>
Torn from a dream Marco see the girls entering the garage. There’s Arc and her Vurk and Yelena... He smiles... "she looks terrible... but she is alive" That's all that is important right now. It was not obvious after last night - someone got awfully close to their cover. "A bed?" He thinks... "in what world is that appropriate." he was a bit rude to crush there to begin with but he was so tired. “Sure could use a shower... got a full day ahead of us...” He follows Yelena to the shower. Just to passionately kiss her once they are alone. “I was so worried ...” He say.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-29-15/0253:50>
Yelena returns Marco's kiss then turns on the hot water and waits for Marco to get undressed.  As the water finally gets warm she points to a meter on the wall.  "Hot water rationed here.  Only this amount for Yelena, so not waste time in shower."  Once in the shower, Yelena will get wet and move aside to lather up and let Marco get under the water.  She laughs and says, "Not like Marco place." 

After she has soaped up she reaches down and fondles Marco's growing erection.  "So Marco still happy see Yelena?  Yelena happy see Marco, too.  I put this down for now and Yelena talk Marco.  Important talk.  First have question.  What kind relation Marco want with Yelena?  Just sex?  More than sex?  What?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-29-15/0311:05>
Marco strips and enters the shower... “a time limited shower” he thinks... “thats new... I guess everything moves faster in here” He let some water wash him before he talks to Yelena “Don’t confuse me with definitions... I want you. I want you for sex, I want you for romance, I want your friendship and I want to share my life with you.”
He sighs:
"I don’t want anybody in this world just for sex...  Sex is  a manifestation of my emotions. Emotions take many shapes and forms... they spin our world... they can even be music." 
After a short pause he embraces her and whispers:
  “What is the matter... is something bothering you?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-29-15/0330:04>
Yelena lets her body mold to Marco's for a few moments.  "Yes.  Yelena bothered.  Mostly by Yelena.  And Marco, too.  Yelena look for love for very long time.  Think find once but was lie.  Yelena not even sure how know if love.  Almost lose friend.  Maybe lose Marco.  Yelena much confused."

"And Yelena think different about sex than Marco.  To Yelena is tool.  Is weapon.  And is also way to relax and have fun.  Yelena want sex with Marco.  Want it a lot.  But want more than sex.  Want share, but Yelena afraid scare Marco away.  Yelena very bad Keeb.  Much blood behind me, much innocent blood.  Yelena fight, curse, drink, smoke, and gamble.  Like sex with sometimes more than one person.  Yelena frightened of nightmares that make wake up with screams.  Yelena kill people for money.  All are reasons Marco should leave shower, dress, and leave Yelena.  Marco want leave?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-29-15/0345:23>
"You hurt people and kill them... so you see everything in life as a weapon or as a tool... and you are right... everything can be used as a weapon as a tool. Do not fool yourself, not everything should be used that way. There is a price to be paid every time you kill someone and every time you distance yourself from your emotions to use sex as a mean for an end.

Some things in life are not to be used as tools, or at least not as first option tool. I paid a great price for using sex like you do. I wanted to relax, I wanted to be satisfied I had this hunger inside me I did not care about the consequences. I slept with with many of my classmates people that I shared my life with for 13 years... they all enjoyed me... a lot more than they like to admit - none of them remained my friend - I was rock bottom for them, a failure. So much sex and nothing real... not a single friend. Perhaps it is the same for you... you use people with sex, you let them use you... there is no meeting there it can be anyone. You just distance yourself from what you are until your emotions are numb and the physical pleasures are all that is left.

And all you can do by talking to me is to convince me that I am not a wise man and that there are more sensible desires than you. I do not love from my brain... I am not wise my thoughts are enslaved for my desires and my desires need no justification. I want you and that’s it.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-29-15/0409:24>
Yelena's eyes go a bit wide at Marco's words.  She nods, "Yes.  Yelena see many things as tools and weapons.  And Yelena live that way.  No friends, no love, just jobs and short time lovers.  No ties and no home.  Yele........................"

She is interrupted by the chime of the timer and gives a yelp as the water turns almost immediately into shards of ice.  She quickly pulls Marco from the shower, laughing as she leads him back into the living area after grabbing towels.  Drying off, she watches Marco and considers what he has said.  "So Marco give Yelena chance?  Yelena want chance with Marco."

But now Yelena tired.  Much tired.  Need nap then maybe talk.  Get decent with clothes or climb in bed  Marco choice."  Yelena send a message to her human friend.  <Arc.  Is Yelena.  Much need nap so going bed.  Too much drugs and drink and sex.  Shower is yours if need.  Yelena under covers in few seconds, so can even bring rigger man to share shower if want.  Tell reporter man to sleep and we talk when wake up.  Yelena know from trying that old couch is much comfortable so reporter man can sleep there for now.  What think?>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-29-15/0621:06>
Marco is surprised when the ice cold shower arrive, he loses his breath it is so cold that his skin hurts and he is clearly not used to that kind of treatment... they didn't even reach soap or shampoo parts. A shower for Marco is 20-40 minutes depending on the number of thoughts... when Yelena said a quick shower he thought 10 minutes maybe 15... two minutes was... well refreshing. Despite everything his face remain smiling... in a way he find it amusing.

"Yes, I will give *us* a chance... but you have to promise me one thing".  He say with a grave serious voice... "next time we discuss our relationship in the shower... we do so in my apartment. "

He laughes.

"It is okay... I understand that you need the sleep, but I cannot sleep now... I need to find my missing friend before his tracks grow cold. Sam haven’t responded to my text for 12 hours now. I need to understand what happened yesterday. Just waiting for orders does not work for me... Sam is an open wound in my soul but he is still my friend... I loved him... I must know what happened. "

He get dressed and joins the rest: “That was awfully short for a shower but very refreshing. I am a new man... Let me comb my hair a little bit and I can even be seen in public again.” He pulls a small comb from his pocket and talk as he tries to make something from his hair.

"A friend of mine checked accident reports and indeed there was an accident that suits Sam’s message and general area. An autopilot malfunction, a single person hospitalized and released by now. I think it may be Sam... and if he had his liberty he probably went underground. "
After a short pause:

"I have two ideas of what to do... I know a place where he might be, and we can also try visiting the hospital and sweet talking them into letting us look at the examination reports." He was thinking about the apartment of Shilla Shmidt he knew that appartment very well and the place seemed like a lot more than a safehouse. It was expensive, well maintained and fully equipped... if the lanky male sam needed to hide... why not disguise himself as a rich middle aged German woman? Then he felt again the pain of betrayal.... after all this time and not even a real name or a real face... he gave him everything.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-29-15/0947:56>
Yelena nods to Marco and climbs into her bed, pulling the cover up to her chin.  She watches Marco get dressed and part of her really wishes that he were crawling in next to her.  The narrow bed would have meant sleeping close.  She murmurs to him as he prepares to leave.  "Sam give all special commlink just for him.  Maybe use to see if answers?"  She is asleep by the time he leaves the room, and will stay that way for several hours unless awakened sooner.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-29-15/1112:59>
Marco smiles... "It is not that simple... go to sleep we'll talk in the evening".
He thinks:
"I sent the last message and Sam is always 100% responsive during runs. I never waited for more than 5 minutes for a reply no matter how trivial or unimportant my question was. There was  no way he could miss a question on a dedicated comlink.   By not reponding Sam told me a lot. Somthing is wrong - but if I keep sending messages I'll just tip whomever has that comlink now that I am actively looking for Sam.

Also, taking the detonator was a trap - club people knew something about it as they jumped Phoenix right after making the drop. So these are two evidence that tell me that somthing is very wrong.  In the worst case? I acted foolish and Sam played some cruel practical joke on me... and the attack on Phoenix was totally random... This won't be the first time that I am called an idiot by Sam. But idiot or not... either Sam contacts us in a few hours and I shouldn't message him again - or I find some concrete evidence that something is wrong."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-29-15/1900:09>
Whilst the two elves departed from the garage to clean up the grime from the previous night, and with the reporter/demolitionist seeming hesitant to respond, Arc busied herself by being a bit of  a proper host.  Nodding in a way of excusing herself, she grabbed her go-bags and set them down on one of the workbenches, coincidentally close to her sprawled out demolitions kit, before darting off to her kitchen.  She returned a short moment later, a six-pack of beer in her hand as she lifted it up, tossing one to Jaime and offering one to the older gentleman.  "Make y'self at home.  Don't worry, place has been swept, no bugs.  And I ain't gonna lie...you look like you been to hell and back, chummer.  I know the feel.  Cop a squat, we'll wait for the others, and figure sumsomethin' out, eh?"

Grinning, the short human must have looked a sight, her hair messy and thrown back in a sloppy ponytail and wearing a crimson men's t-shirt with a scuffed pair of jeans.  Still, she seemed to be fairly at ease, grabbing a beer for herself and popping off the top with a flick of her cyberhand whilst hopping up onto a bench.  When Marco did arrive, she waved him over.

"Oh come on, omae, you look fine.  Hey, don't think you've met this hoop.  This be my Vruk, Jaime.  He's cool with what we're saying, so be chill.  Anything you say to me can be said to him.  That being said, we should get a plan together...we'll fill Yelena in after she's had rest, drek knows the keeb needs it."

Arc listened to Marco's musings and suggestions, frowning a bit as she scratched her head, sipping on her drink while she thought it out.  "hmm...we fo sho certain Sam was in that identity at the time of the accident?  Dunno about you, but I've seen our boss in two different shapes, so no telling how many there are....unless we ran into him...her, whatever...directly, any digging we finna do at a hospital might be dead.  But...you think you know a place?  How far will it be?   Might be our best bet to poke around..."

As she trailed off, she remembered what Yelena asked her to do, pulling up a picture of Gregor that her bug had taken, starting her commlink's search engines ticking to find any info on the dude.

[spoiler]Searching on this Gregor lawyer fella.  Computer (Matrix Search) (http://orokos.com/roll/295267): 7d6t5 4[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-29-15/2122:57>
"Well then you might be interested to know this.. I had a rather sizable number of bugs I had in my coat. If they pulled any of them out, then we'll start getting some pictures or audio. If you know the matrix.. here you go." he says opening up links in AR to gather the information his different things were giving him. Heck, there was even a minicamera in his coat itself. Not to mention the car's sensors that were available too.

"If I move my car.. they'll follow it most likely. So the my plan is to find a warehouse we can rig up with gas grenades and some sort of toxin."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-29-15/2152:04>
@ Arc  A search for Gregor gives a long bio, Graduated Summa Cum Laude Ohio State University, Graduated Law School Magna Cum Laude Widener University. Partner at Webster, Webster, Otiluk and Cohan. Specialized in criminal defense. Retired five years ago currently living in Seattle. The bio goes on to list several major cases that Gregor headed the defense for.

@ Ambrose  The feeds for your bugs are interesting. Most of them show a room in what is probably still the club, and one man's face keeps popping up, he seems to be giving orders.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-29-15/2156:10>
Arc perked up at the piping up of the currently unnamed older gentleman, noting the funny accent.  A Brit, if I remember.  Frag, this little group got the whole world tour drek goin', don't it..  Smirking and giving a knowing glance to Jaime, the human turned to the Brit and activated the links mentally, using the multifeed program she had previously used going against the blood spirit and mage duo to pull up all the screens at once and passing them onto a trid projector in the garage for public view.  "Right up my alley, omae.  Expect some noise and lag, but this'll do in a pinch."

She frowned a bit at his idea for what to do next...it sounded like a trap setup for the people who have his stuff.  Maybe lethal.  "...I'm still nervous that a fraggin' revenge job be making these hoops close up.  Then we'll never know where those kidnappers gon' go with the missing peeps and their mojo-inducing drug drek.  Toxins aren't easy to find in this hood, mister...you wanting to knock them out or geek these hoops?  Cuz if it's the latter, some bleach and fertilizer could do your job in a pinch...you sure that's what you wanna do?"  Her head gears were turning with an ease not unlike her vehicle engines, the human girl finding herself leaning a bit against Jaime as she concentrated and multitasked.  With the feed up and the search results in, she gave a nod and pursed her lips. 

"Well, Yelena's lead is clean...like, very clean.  This guy knows how to keep his drek dark...like some consiglihoozy drek.  We'll take a look...and hello...who might this be..."  Freezing one of the camera feeds, she snapped an image of the order-giving face, cross referencing it with pictures her drones took from the night before...looking for a match.

...might take some time...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-29-15/2221:14>
He wasn't looking for revenge, and honestly would be rather disappointed with people narrowmindedness won the whole subject. He wanted his car back, that much was certain, hence why he was using gas grenades, but they had another purpose.

"Gas them. If I wanted to kill them, I'd use bottles filled with gasoline and Styrofoam. Perhaps we should just leave it there, pack up and go somewhere else. I hear china is great this time of year."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-29-15/2232:01>
The stereotype of dry British humor and sarcasm must have been more than just a joke, at least that's what Arc was now led to believe.  Rolling her eyes a bit, she had half her attention on the man, but more than enough to give a response.  "Gas and styrofoam?  One hell of a bbq...dirty, but it gets the job done.  I woulda snagged up some fertilizer with salt and lemon juice, laced with plenty of wood nails in a pipe myself.  But hey, what can a slitch do, right?"['/b]  Smirking, she shook her head a bit at the china comment.

"Nuh-uh.  I ain't running away from my home.  You want your ride back?  Fine.  But like I said, you gon' have a time finding nades in this short notice unless you got some connection, mista.  You got some knockout cocktail in mind?  If not, give me a sec...gotta think..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-29-15/2251:55>
"Its simple.. If they don't follow the car, there's nothing to worry about. If they do.. then we gas them." he shrugs before waving a hand. "Nevermind, probably isn't worth the effort."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-29-15/2307:26>
With a breath, Arc paused her image searching long enough to pinch her brow.  Is he senile?  Misunderstandings, oh boy...  Sipping her beer, the short stout girl cleared her throat before speaking, making sure her words were calm, level, and deliberate...at least, for her.

"Hoi.  I'll ask again, because I totally get your plan, omae.  The question isn't whether or not to gas in the opportunity...the question is what kind of gas?"  Arc's familiar grin returned as she realized his plan a bit more.  "Of course...that's assuming they can even catch the car...if one were to hand me the keys..."

To emphasize her point, she turned her head to the side and lifted up her ponytail, showing the chromeplated datajack embedded at the base of her skull, the circuitry spreading from it denoting a control rig.  "Cars and bike are...kinda my thing, yanno?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-29-15/2313:51>
Marco say to Arc.
“It is okay I trust your judgment.”  He shakes the hand of Jamie and say “Nice to meet you, Jamie I am Marco. “
He grabs a beer and say “ I am sorry, we do not meet under happier circumstances, should definitely go out sometime and celebrate you guys.”

To Arc:
“I know almost for sure that Sam won’t be in the hospital, and I may be skilled enough to give enough details without describing him. I think that Sam should appear in the same identity that he met Phoenix. He obviously wields magical capabilities and should know better than doing such transformation in public. But some details can be helpful for us:

How did he leave the hospital? using what vechile? did someone came to pick him up? who?
If we get to see a face or the car we may have further clues to persue. His medical file may also have important stuff for ID. Was he sepoused to check out or did he do it against the doctors judgements... how bad was it.  So I like the hospital because we know that a wounded from an autopilot malfunction accident that matches our timeline was hospitalized for a short time and released already... so it is a place where Sam probably was”

"The apartment is not very far... it is in the better part of town tough. Better than my neighborhood also." He marks the location on the map.

"I think we should definitely do both leads. "

He adress Phoenix, “right now they know you disappeared but they do not know that you are alive... if you move that car expect them looking for you a lot more aggressively... I get how you feel tough...”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-29-15/2318:12>
Marco ads: "If you are going to move the car... you should do it when cars leave the parking lot... late at night when people finish their party and go home... but I wouldn't follow your car just place some tracking device on it."

Marco is a bit terrified from the aggressive tactics suggested... He hope that they stir down from the whole gassing people plan. He wish to distant himself as far from the club as possible now.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-29-15/2337:07>
Ambrose shrugs. "like I said.. too much effort. No doubt if we find this Sam it'll be the same thing since they're involved with the club as well. I think taking a trip to anyplace but here is probally the better way to go. Cut losses and cut out."  He'd have a lot more colorful plans, but he just didn't feel up to it anymore. He could see the fear and terror in Marcos's eyes every time the club is mentioned.. and really even when any action is taken, that would be anywhere within 100km of the place.

One could just sit under the sword of domiciles for the rest of their life. Or perhaps, one could man up a bit and take the bloody thing down, or just leave.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-30-15/0154:37>
Marco say: "We should do the hospital... The apartment can be scanned with one of Arc's drones. If the drone fail we can use demons...
Let's try to take the car late at night when people are leaving the club. If we are lucky enough and we get actual people that follow it we should subdo them somehow. There is much they can tell me..."

He sits down... drinking a bit from his beer.  He feels like crying... so much have happend, but he cannot be weak no yet. He takes a deep breath... then another one trying to relex. After a short while he say: "Do you still have a reporter card Phoenix? "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-30-15/0945:46>
"Nope. That was in my coat." he replies with a matter afactly manner. "And we didn't get any kits for forgeries or disguises. I can work with somethings, but its typically best to have a proper kit."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-30-15/1145:02>
Arc grumbled a little. Whats this hoop's deal?  I'm offering genuine interest in health and he's already trying to convince giving up.  Ugh.  He must be hard of hearing..or not listening...whatever. Listening to Marco, she resumed her image scan before piping in her feedback.

"It's probably a good idea to wait on...Phoenix, was it?...Phoenix's car until the evening anyhow.  Odds are better that way.  Getting a Fly-Spy out to that apartment won't be an issue...how far we talking?  I'd rather set myself up within ten kilos if I can.  Still think the hospital's a bust...but if you think you can get drek out, Marco, I'll back you up.  Least I could do after ya stuck through last night"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-30-15/1221:58>
Ambrose wasn't really attempting to convince them to just give up, rather he sees a particular double standard here. Him getting his car back was a fool hardy mission that would get the club all mad. But somehow, finding their stuff, this sam and the like, no that was perfectly fine. His methods were designed to cut away at the big beast, find chinks in their armor, poke and prod away.

If he was really all about revenge, he'd go after the yaks first. Oh right the yaks. "It may interest you that the yakuza has some interest in this." he remarks, playing the the data from his recordings for them all. "And I think you mean in the morning. Its a night club. They're typically partying at night.. And if they've got a tracker, thats why we take it to some place away from where you eat. Don't shit were you eat. By the way... We probably should leave here. Who knows how much they know.. and if you've been using this place for a while, they probably already know."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-30-15/1246:39>
@ Arc  The feeds from Ambrose's drones download and begin to replay their info, They're busy going through his coat and pulling out the cigarettes, lighters and the grenades. And while the position of the hidden cam is generally lousy for any kind of good image, it does manage to pick up some unfamiliar tat's and the conversation around it. >>The reporter almost blew his leg off trying to get away from us boss. We got him in the first basement. We patched him up and tied him down. But he'll be out cold for at least 6hrs. Skinny here had an itchy trigger finger and tranq'd 'im. Although if I'd known how much hardware he was packing I'dve done it as soon as we spotted him. Jeez mutha, we're lucky he didn't pop any of these.<<

Suddenly the air was split with Yelena's screams.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-30-15/1255:27>
Yelena sleeps.  The drugs and alcohol she had poured into her body needed to be given the time to work their way out of her system.  She would later have to deal with any long-term effects of the drugs and try to wean herself away from them, but for now it was enough to simply let them finish coursing through her body.  So Yelena sleeps.  At some point the dreams come.  Most simply flit through her mind and are gone before they can be imprinted on her memory, but one stays. 

A field of green grass, manicured and well tended.  Yelena is sitting on the grass.  Looking about, she notices that the grass is a quiet, open glen amid a sea of trees that surrounds it.  The sun is shining and a cool breeze ruffles her dress and hair.  She is comfortable here and, as is often the way with dreams, does not even really wonder how she came to be here.  It just is.  Movement.  She is aware of movement in the trees at the edge of the glen and then a young human girl steps onto her small spot of grass.  The girl is picking some of the flowers that have appeared and is looking at the ground as if seeking a special type of flower.  The girl stops suddenly and looks up at Yelena, smiling.  She speaks in the somewhat peculiar Russian dialect common to the myriad of small villages and towns that dot the Siberian landscape.  "I am first today, but not last."  As she turns to fully face Yelena, the girl exposes the entirety of her face and Yelena sees the disfiguring mark high on the left temple that is a bullet entry wound.  "I have been six years old for fifty-two years.  Since you sent one of your bullets into my head and killed me.  I was playing with my brother in our yard.  He should be coming along shortly.  Ah, here is he."  A small boy of perhaps four or five steps out of the trees.  His chest is marred by a huge rending of flesh that indicates an exit wound.  The entry point for the bullet would have been the boy's back.  There is additional movement in the trees as more people step into the glen and move toward Yelena. 

Soon there is a circle of dead and mangled bodies standing about her as the bodies of those she has slain stream from the forest.  All are speaking at once of how their lives were cut short by the Keeb in the middle of the circle.  And, even though they were all talking at once, Yelena could make out each voice as it challenged, judged, and condemned her.  The first little girl will break the circle and step forward, lifting her arms and saying, "You are remembered and unforgiven.  You will never be free of us, never be at peace.  You are doomed to destroy.  You will bring about the deaths of those you care about as you step through your life.  You cannot do otherwise."

There is movement in the throng surrounding Yelena and she sees the crowd parting, the bodies moving apart as if to avoid touching whatever is making its way toward her.  The edge of the circle twists and a young Keeb girl steps into the glen, moving to stand near the first girl.  Yelena sees the neat entry wounds in the Elven girl's chest over where her heart would have been.  Although she never really got a good look at her at the time, Yelena knows this to be the shade of the mage she had killed in the Barrens.  The girl says, "No.  There is redemption.  This assassin took my life and in doing so spared others from the predatory thing I had become.  For that she has earned relief from some of you."  The Keeb moves and touches several of the gathered shades, and each one she touches takes on the look of someone released from a chore.  Their faces grow calm and the hate fades from their eyes and suddenly they are gone.  The vacancies are quickly filled from the ranks of those behind them and the small girl in the center of the circle with  Yelena snarls.  "Never!!!  She will never be free and you are not welcome here."

The girl will focus an outpouring of hatred at the young Keeb who motions with her hand, saying.  "I am still a mage, powerful even into death.  By yourself you have no power to defeat me.  I say this woman has the ability to heal herself and it is so.  You have simply been hiding that from her because of your hatred."  Looking at Yelena, she adds, "I cannot remain her long.  The fury of those who hate you for their untimely end at your hand is too great even for me.  You can clear the field of death if you want, but the trip will be arduous and long, for there are many deaths to atone for.  Or you can live your extremely long life in torment, always afraid to sleep, lost in the taking of innocent lives."

The first girl channels pure hatred into a ball-like energy mass and hurls it at the Keeb, and others begin to follow her lead, slinging bolts of hatred and fury at the girl.  Most bounce harmlessly off whatever shield the girl has constructed about herself, but the sheer amount of hate directed at her eventually takes its toll on even that strength.  The girl smiles at Yelena one more time.  She mouths a silent "thank you" and vanishes.  The first girl turns to Yelena, "You will never be able to be free of us.  Never.  Now, what was I going to do?  Oh yes, I remember."  The girl smiles cruelly and reaches out a hand to touch Yelena.  The touch releases pain and horror onto Yelena and as more from the circle reach out to touch her, she can no longer hold back the screams of primal anguish that escape her lips.

She wakes, screaming at the horrors she has created.  She is sitting up in her narrow bed in the room she shares with her friend.  The sheet is gathered about her waist, exposing her upper body, but she does not notice.  The shades of her victims laugh as they torture her.  One scream leads to another as Yelena tries to force them away, knowing that they will fade if she can but fully rouse from her sleep.


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-30-15/1259:13>
Marco rushes to Yelena’s bed, with his gun out loaded with stick and shots. His heart is racing... he was about to tell Arc that he’ll never bail on a friend... that despite not caring one bit about the big picture... he’ll never bail on her or Yelena. The scream signaled that the time of talking was over and the time for running and shooting arrived.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-30-15/1303:15>
Yelena is sitting in the bed, sheet at her waist and her hands over her eyes.  Her screams fade as she wakes fully, but she knows from experience that the images of the shades will remain for a few minutes longer.  She is shaking in the aftermath of the terrors she has unleashed on herself and tears stream from her eyes.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-30-15/1317:02>
A bit puzzled his emotions already pushed to their limits... The lover, the killer laying naked in bed terrified... At her level of sleepiness it could not have been another attack... an assassin would not scar this woman... if any death offer some sort of a release.  Marco, embraces her, still holding his pistol. "We’ll figure it out", he whispers... "you will not be in pain forever".
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-30-15/1327:50>
Arc gave a little nod in recognition, but replied to the British man flatly.  "I can stay someplace. But not till I know the rest of y'all is safe.  I'm trying to make this all work.  Bad news? They've picked through your drek.  Good news? They don't seem to know you're gone yet.  Might be a bit more helpful that w..."

The screamed from the bedroom interrupted the human, her eyes going wide as she darted, following closely behind Marco to see the half-nude Russian sobbing there.  She hesitated, for just a moment, before approaching, gently pushing Marco's gun out of the way, drawing the sheets to cover the vulnerable elf.  "It's over, Y...we got ya"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-30-15/1345:37>
Ambrose jumps with a start as he hears the blood curdling screams of a banshee.. Or the woman in the next room. Never could tell. "Bloody Cheese and Rice!"

He might have been feeling crazy before, but that has faded, and likely wouldn't ever be touched upon again. But these people where were a different brand of crazy. First off was the missing feathers. None of them seemed overly concerned about him. Just this Sam. One of them was afraid of the club and visably shaken every time its brought up. A Coward perhaps. A coward that saved his life, sure, but still is a coward. Another person who apparently screams at the top of her lungs for no real apparent reason. At best it was a one off nightmare or maybe she stubbed her toe, still quite the over reaction. At worse however, and most likely.. A crazy sodding bastard. The last one seemed about the only one who'd have  themselves straight.

In all honesty, there was not a single reason he should really stay and help them out with anything. Especially if he wasn't going to get anything more out of it. He'd already given them things, information.  Everything from the lighter and cigarette box feeds, his old coat's feed (This would also include all the times he's talked to people like John and Kato), the maps of the club, the previous packets of data, even information on SpittingCobra, the Army Wench, Blackhat, and Kato that he knows.

He's even given them a way to reduce the number of enemies, and get his car back. All that was left to do was fashion up a new coat, something he was taking the time to do at this moment, sewing data cables into the lining, so that all his grenades, and devices in the coat could be hardwired into his trodes. Made things easier and simpler even, and most importantly allowed him to directly activate the grenades under his coat, as the mirrorweave would make it pretty dang difficult for even a hardened hacker to hack his nades.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-30-15/1433:32>
"Well that was enough drama for the morning... we still have the noon and very late at night" said Marco, "lets go to the hospital."

[spoiler]
I do not know the distance from Shilla Shmidt's apartment to the hospital. (Smiles? )
[/spoiler]
On the way out Marco asks Ambrose, "Say... you were the last one to speak to the Mage Feathers before he was taken... any chance you tell me what was it you discussed that made them take him out of us all...?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-30-15/1508:02>
"The drugs they serve there are alchemical creations with a powerful spell caster behind them. And its about time one of you spoke up about him, Ever since I've been here, its been Sam this, and sam that.  I was beginning to wonder about you lot. And well, I'm grateful you've helped get me set up and out of there, but don't expect me to go running in to help you lot out if you get into trouble." He lets the comment sit there for a moment, so he could watch how they take that news. "I don't mean that of course in a cold heartless way. Quite the opposite actually.. My skills are not for front line support. I can rig stuff up to blow, but I do that in the background. Doing too much in the foreground, and well, I get captured. My skills are more suited to draw them out.. and take them out enmass."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-30-15/1552:37>
"The drugs they serve there are alchemical creations with a powerful spell caster behind them. And its about time one of you spoke up about him, Ever since I've been here, its been Sam this, and sam that.  I was beginning to wonder about you lot. And well, I'm grateful you've helped get me set up and out of there, but don't expect me to go running in to help you lot out if you get into trouble." He lets the comment sit there for a moment, so he could watch how they take that news. "I don't mean that of course in a cold heartless way. Quite the opposite actually.. My skills are not for front line support. I can rig stuff up to blow, but I do that in the background. Doing too much in the foreground, and well, I get captured. My skills are more suited to draw them out.. and take them out enmass."

"That actually makes a lot of sense... it explain how the club preserves their secrets... by the time drug samples reach examination the alchemical properties are gone.
The thing is, Sam was the brain behind this operation. He was the one looking into Feathers disappearance and this whole gig is his own chess game.

The game does not seem to go out very well, first Feathers, than Sam, than you get jumped... too many indicators that we are not as stealthy as we think, and to answer your question I have a very good reason to fear the club... especially after what you just told me.

Feathers exposed his magical nature by examining the drugs and within a very short while he was taken. How do you think I got your hoop out of that basement?  I guessed that Feathers did something magical in the club, and so did I... He was a skilled mage, a capable shadowrunner and they got him... I am new to both shadowrunning and magic - so if they managed to take him they can just as well take me. I tried to keep everything mundane, the disguise the tools I used.. . but then I saw you in there and I just could not leave knowing that you are there...  "

He then adds:

"It's okay man...  everybody has different skills. Lets hope we won't need any muscle for the next hours, because our muscle is sleeping in her bed right now".
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-30-15/1921:32>
"With proper planning my skills can be.. well, quite useful. I told the other person who was here, but she didn't seem really all that intrested in the fact the Yaks are, last I heard, up against the group. I'd be careful about trusting people who wake up screaming with guns. . I've watched enough triods to know that its a bad idea. Someone gets shot. Oh and don't jumpscare jumpy people who have guns either."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-30-15/1933:12>
@ Yelena  Arc and Marco manage to wake her up in moments. And as soon as she realizes that she's had a nightmare and they'd come rushing she was ashamed of such weakness. She'd warned them, but still she was ashamed. Until she managed to look up in order to reassure them, to laugh it off, to do something other than sit there shaking and sobbing. And then she saw their faces. Faces filled with love, with understanding, with concern, faces without judgement. And as Arc held her, murmering, "It's ok Y, we got 'ya." Yelena clung to her, Sruiken Kal, blood sister, no closer bond than first blood to an orc, and that's what Arc had named her. And Marco, Marco who was already so much more than just another lover it had scared her, Marco was kneeling down and enfolding them both. And then Yelena felt another cover gently lifted and used to cover her back where Jaime had knelt down on the bed and covered her and encircled them as well. And Yelena began crying again. Crying much harder, her whole body racked with sobs so hard she shook them all. Only these were different. These were tears her heart could not contain, as a little more of it opened, and was healed. Tears of love because finally, finally, it had found a home.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-30-15/1954:47>
@ Arc, Marco & Ambrose  Once Yelena is back to sleep Arc and Marco breathe a sigh of relief. Arc gets back to work downloading the feeds as she has quite a lot to go through from the last 18hrs worth of data from them all. The crosscheck on the boss-man in the vids shows that it's an accountant employed by the club. Only, this particular accountant seems way under-employed once she cross-checks him. He's got a Masters in Business Administration from Washington State, a little legal trouble in his past, cleared up by Webster, Webster, Otiluk & Cohen just a little over 5 yrs ago. Then Bob, one of the club managers comes into view. "Crosscheck on the reporter shows that he wasn't ever employed by the mage mag or any other magazine or news service. So whatever he was it wasn't a reporter. So far trying to cross-check him is coming up empty. So I'm guessing he's a cop. Record scrubbed off the grid. If you've got his comm that may be our best bet in finding out who he's connected to and if he's told anyone what he knows about the drugs. Anyone know how he got here?" unintelligible responses. "Well check the security cams, they work outside at least, see if we can find his vehicle. This is the second time he's been here so see if you can find the footage from the first time if you can't find it from this one. But find it. We need to know who he's working with and get to them first." They keep going through your things until every pocket is emptied, then, "Take this stuff down to the third basement. I want it secured. No way I want this guy getting to his stuff. That'll stop him even if he's got it wireless." The feeds go wonky as everything is gathered and wrapped. You hear the noise and music from the club's main dance floor. Marco recognizes one of the tunes he danced to last night. And then everything goes quiet, and then dead.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-30-15/2011:06>
"And well, there you have it. They've got a faraday cage on the third basement. Which means that is the place they want to protect most. Honestly.. that is just too many basements." he shakes his head, pulling up the blue prints again on the building, with the modifications he's made on setting up explosions, and begins working on an idea of where the basements were through what he saw in the feed, and his own knowledge of building plans.


[spoiler]Building Plans knowledge (http://orokos.com/roll/295713): 8d6t5 1[/spoiler]
But alas, he needs more input on it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-30-15/2031:45>
Once Arc was certain that Yelena was settled, she stood up and slowly ushered everyone out, leaving her to her rest.  Once in the garage, she explained why.  "Mine and her jobs besides distraction for Marco were to play the roles of local heroes and celebs, and hopefully getting an in with the club.  The idea was that doing so would get us closer enough to figure out where they were taking those hoops what disappeared and why they using mojo-inducing drug drek.  I was checking the feed...to play her part, that keeb over one night downed their full Apollo program, at least 3 hits of their aphrodisiac cream, and one hit of some drug their hostess called Stardust or some fragging stuff like that.  Among other things, I think that would lay anyone out."  Nodding in affirmation, she turned to Phoenix and held out her hand.

"Respect to your profession.  Once this drek is over, remind me to talk shop with ya.  I've been known to make a baddaboom myself every now and then..."  And with that, she turned to her information dredging, sifting through for good stuff.  "Hello..."  She focused in on the feed of Bob, bringing it up on the projector.

"So they think you're a cop.  They got your comm...and are looking for your car.  How far is it?  If you pass me the key-mark, I can get it out of there fast...no risk...they won't catch me"  Nodding her head, she turned to the basement as the feed went dead.  "Drek...three basements...how..."  Recalling the layout of the building and the the relative shape, she tried to visualize where such a basement would be placed....

[spoiler]Knowledge: Architecture (http://orokos.com/roll/295722): 7d6t5 4[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-30-15/2140:02>
"Well, its basically right in their parking lot. Next time, I should put a car bomb in it." he muses, and then shakes his head. "Some hacker probably would detonate it. Meanwhile keep an eye on the feed that Spitting Cobra has.. He's one of the yaks, but its all audio. I could make more of those devices easily enough.. And we could send in a bunch of junkies carrying them to be none the wiser as well.. I'm sure a few lighters will get left behind."

"Check the time stamp on when they were looking for my car, because its been a while since tehy said that."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-30-15/2305:03>
Marco nods when Arc speaks, he feels no need for explanation, so he goes for a joke to lighten the move: "In our line of work we trust in god" , he makes a money counting gesture and laughs.

In response to the feeds
he say:
"Okay that's reassuring... so our cover should be solid for now and it does not seems as Sam sold us out... I am a paranoid brat... They are still edgy because of the Feathers visit.

They knew nothing about the explosion they were concerned with your previous visit. They think you are a cop... perhaps we can play that card... a missing copper is a big deal. They'd expect some heat for taking you... and now that you disappeared from their basement well things get complex. 

I wouldn't trust the Yaks, but if you are already in bed with them they might be able to anticipate an authentic police behaviour if we want them to believe that you are a copper and it may involve knocking on doors of employees and question them.
... Maybe we can even get some real cop pressure... It is the barrens so I am not sure, but the club seems to attract a lot of attention also for out side the barrens  -  and while it justifies an higher prices - a recorded confession of them grabbing someone and putting him into the basement may be enough of excuse for the cops to pressure them. Especially if they are already suspicious. The club people are clearly concerned about that kind of attention."

He sighs:
"But alas lets go to the hospital see if there is some way to follow that lead. I have some initial lies playing in my head, but I'd love some ideas about stuff we can say that will get us the information."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <05-31-15/1100:40>
"Nope. Don't want anything to do with the yaks. More than likely they had sold me out before, especially since it was suppose to be my last mission for them. Its better they think I'm captured by enemy out there. Just if we listen in on them, we might be able to use them without their knowledge. Or we might not be."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-31-15/1207:08>
Yelena had fallen asleep again, but could not remain in that state for long.  Her mind is awhirl with the new realization that she actually has people that really care about her.  Even the rigger man had seemed willing to include her in his embrace of Arc as his Vruk.  Perhaps she really had found home after all the lonely years of looking.  And if so, what was she doing in bed when the others were working?

She gets up and dresses; selecting a pair of form-fitting tight jeans and a cropped shirt she ties off below her unsupported breasts, leaving a couple of the upper buttons undone.  She admires the image in the mirror as she runs a brush through her hair and sets her snowy tresses in a ponytail.  The talisman that Sam had given her is added as an afterthought.  After all, it might be needed.  She goes to her weapons case and removes the Predator from its resting place.  Taking up the utility belt from the case, she straps it on and adds four spare clips.  She caresses the heavy pistol almost as a lover and holsters it. 

She smiles as she steps into the garage to join the rest, taking in the others with her eyes.  She goes first to Arc and embraces her, then Jamie.  She reserves a special embrace for Marco and whispers, "Yelena has been fool to not see Marco in front of eyes.  Hope Marco forgive." 

Turning to the older man, she says, "Hello.  Am Yelena.  You must be reporter man.  What is name and are helping us?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-31-15/1254:49>
Arc mentally chastised herself for not checking the time on the feeds, shaking her head in mild frustration.  "oop.  So focused on the stop lights, didn't see the sign.  Fair nuff...here, let's see this SpittingCobra hoop..."  As she fished through for that line, she gave a bit of a shrug.  "The yak biz is yo biz, but it seems like they are shooting for similar bent.  Guessing they like a gang and don't play fair, so I guess it just means we get what we need first, eh?"

Grinning, she paused as Yelena returned, returning the embrace slowly before looking at Marco, then bit her lip as she looked at Jaime, her voice dropping low.  "I made a promise to see your kin today. I don't wanna break that.   Think we got time for a hosp run?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-31-15/1340:35>
Arc is no decker. But she does know how to download the feeds and replay them. Ambrose recognizes Kato's voice. "We have a vested interest is keeping him alive for now, rescue him, but make it seems as though you are a bystander happening by and accidentally mixed up in their business." that is followed by the sound of crunching on gravel for over 30 min's. Eventually SpittingCobra must report his failure and is chastised by Kato and told to report back in. His skill set is ill suited for trying to imitate Ambrose in this job. Ambrose later hears Kaori Ueda's voice. She seems to be giving a team the same instructions Ambrose originally had, and this time Spitting Cobra is given very clear orders to run interference and protection. The rest of SpittingCobra's device is personal and in Japanese.

@ Arc  Jaime hugs you and says, "Henry would never approve of my vruk involved in gang wars. And while I trust that you're doing what you're doing to help people, I think we'd better hold off on you meeting them." he pulls you in and kisses your temple. "And right now I think I need to go run a few errands. Just remember Sail & I had to sweep the place for bugs 2 nights ago. So somebody knows about you and this place and you need to remember that and be careful."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-31-15/1348:00>
Marco texts Dr Kamagishiri, <<Dear Dr. Kamagishiri - can you get the name of the passenger, and the location of the autopilot accident? I am looking forward to seeing you too! >>

He is surprised when Yelena decides not to sleep but he is happy to see her and gives her a warm hug.

As they are on the way he say:
"What I have so far is this: Phoenix, you sort of look already like a detective. Sam is a crooked guy from the wrong side of the law, we are not sure it was him - but if he was it is a very dangerous criminal with many faces and many names. You are afraid that he is responsible to a recent bombing. don’t give any detail as to what bombing. I can be your partner and do the heavy talking. Yelena and Arc already know the hospital so perhaps they can hear some gossip about what happened during his stay in the hospital - autopilot malfunction is a rare event it does not happen everyday and may involve curiosity and chatter.

We may need a bit more shopping for this ruse - anyone got a better idea?" 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-31-15/1909:52>
Yelena overhears Jamie and looks at him.  "Yelena tell Arc not hide secrets from rigger man.  Yelena now say Arc should go meet rigger man family.  Not in gang war.  Arc is helping people.  She find all who go club and not come back.  Besides, is good time take off for relax."  She shrugs.  "But Yelena never have family to be relax with so what know?  Just think important Arc meet Jamie family."

She looks over at Marco and nods.  "Yelena and Arc can go see nurses for visit.  Say hello and ask if busy with other accidents.  Maybe they tell us something."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-01-15/0126:37>
Arc smiled and relaxed in their moment with closed eyes, giving Jaime one last hug after his words of warning.  She did give a nod at Yelena's assurance.  "She's right.  This ain't no gang drek.  But I get ya.  I know I ain't exactly doing legit work.  If I have time tonight after, maybe...or if not, after this drek is done"done". On another final hug, she whispered.  "this ain't the only work I do at least.  Don't worry, I'll be safe.  Too much good in my life now to lose it all.  You watch yourself, I'll see you tonight" She saw him to the door and watched him leave for a bit before returning to the group and nodding her head.  "We ready, lets do this drek.  We can plan in getting your car back on the way, mista Phoenix"

Driving the group heading to the hospital, Arc gave a nod as she listened to Marco's plan, grinning a little as she thought of an idea to help.  "Works.  Anytime along this, I can send that drone out to deal with checking the safe house out.  As for reason Y and I need to go to the hospital...". She reached up at a stoplight with her left hand to fiddle with some circuitry at her shoulder.  with a click, her right cyberarm fell limp at her side, unresponsive...just a connection made loose, nothing someone of her expertise could reverse.  With a complete deadpan voice, she added.  "Oh no.  My arm stopped working.  What ever will I do.  I should find the nurses and have them take a look.".

With a smirk, she glanced at the others, driving with her left hand to their destination, using the transition time to sort out and enjoy  her distracting thoughts of her home life...so that she may focus when the time is right...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-01-15/0237:36>
Yelena stares at the limp arm for a moment then busts out in the first real laugh she has had in a while.  After a few seconds she splutters out.  "Arc.  That is so fragging funny it hurts.  Is good idea, but Yelena hope Arc can fix in case nurse out sick."  Yelena falls silent but shakes her head and chuckles for a while longer.  Then she remembers something.  "Arc.  Yelena ask if can find out anything about man Yelena with.  Said was lawyer, but Yelena think more to it.  He was too important to just be lawyer.  Arc find anything yet?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-01-15/0831:54>
"I have been told I sometimes look like an older Sherlock Holmes. For a detective job however, we'd need a few fake sins, licenses, and a bit of a matrix site to work from. Stuff so that a person giving us the most casual of glances over wouldn't really see anything too glaringly out of place."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-01-15/2055:00>
Yelena stares at the limp arm for a moment then busts out in the first real laugh she has had in a while.  After a few seconds she splutters out.  "Arc.  That is so fragging funny it hurts.  Is good idea, but Yelena hope Arc can fix in case nurse out sick."  Yelena falls silent but shakes her head and chuckles for a while longer.  Then she remembers something.  "Arc.  Yelena ask if can find out anything about man Yelena with.  Said was lawyer, but Yelena think more to it.  He was too important to just be lawyer.  Arc find anything yet?"

Arc winked knowingly at the Russian, gesturing to her arm.  "Just a loose connection.  They don't have to know I can fix it easy~" She paused at the request, rounding a corner and nodding with a breath, her thoughts distracted as her action had reminded her that she was a marred person...that her arm isn't really there, or even that a piece of her was just machine.  Shivering once, she cleared her throat.

"Did my best to check that hoop out.  Matrix diggin' ain't exactly my thing, but I'm trying.  Cool part is if that hoop doesn't follow through with work for you, girly, I got an in, too.  Remember that shady guy I knew back in the days?  Part-owner.  Offered us work if we want it.  Something to think about.  Anyhow, best I could come up with about Gregor was that he was a lawyer but he retired about 5 years back.  Was a part of some firm called Webster, Webster, Otiluk and Cohan or some drek.  Funny, cuz the bossman from Phoenix's feed was a club accountant, and he had some legal drek that those hoops defended for, so there is connection."

She gave paused, her sentence reverberating in her head as she held a beat, before her green cybereyes flared open.  "Webster...that's gotta be one funny coincidence...hold that thought..."  Instantly, she mentally pulled up the Matrix, trying to pull up anything she could on Webster, Webster, Otiluk and Cohan...namely, pictures of staff, lawyers, etc.

[spoiler]Matrix Search (Webster, Webster, Otiluk and Cohan) (http://orokos.com/roll/296616): 7d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-01-15/2226:40>
Yelena will start.  "Webster is coincidence.  Was how Sam introduced self to Yelena.  He said name was Sam Webster.  But that Sam Webster was buyer and seller of junk.  Even had ARO and address."  She shrugs.  "But Yelena thought that was ruse, especially when Sam turned out to be big shot man." 

"Sam is more than we know.  He look hard to find Yelena and know who I am.  Even know Yelena do almost anything to get information he offer as pay for killing Keeb mage.  And he talked of having the power demolish barrens if we do not stop Smiley Face monster.  And he saved Yelena in hospital.  Overhear doctors tell that Yelena broken too much and should let die.  But Sam say no, make live.  So Yelena owe all life to Sam.  Not know who Sam is, but is not junk dealer and not lawyer man.  Sam much more."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-01-15/2256:52>
Arc couldn't help but give pause at Yelena's explanation, her curiosity forestalled by that grim and real reminder about their employer.  She didn't stop her searching...that connection between two figures in the Stardust warranted a peek...but she did respond to the elf.

"You're right.  I didn't meet this dude...chick, whatever...before we was recovering in the hospital.  I woulda been bled out and a corpse if we weren't saved...or at best, a blind and one-armed burned cripple, which as you get is a death sentence here."  She gritted her teeth at the idea, her left hand gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles.  "Regardless of what drek this Sam was into or not, here in the Barrens, life debt is life debt.  Let's figure this drek out.  Arguments?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-01-15/2333:15>
Yelena nods.  "Yelena give no argument to that.  Owe debt of life to Sam, just as owe same debt to Arc.  Life debt cannot be dropped or forgotten.  One thing to remember; Sam can change face and form.  Might not look like Sam."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-02-15/0017:17>
@ Marco  Dr Kamagashiri finally reply's, >>The accident was off 4th Ave near Seattle Blvd. A dwarf by the name of Cain Lee-Dana. They checked him out and released him a few hours later.<<

Arc's search through the matrix turns up a whole lot of the useless drek you get anytime you do a search. Even filtering isn't much help. Howlers don't need the matrix much, so nothing in her past gave her the tools for this kinda engine. Checking out the law firm gives the useless drek advertising. Only thing that search was useful for was to tell her they specialized in criminal defense and they were outta her price range if she ever needed bailed outta doing time. Searching Gregor's name in the firm gave a shiny little bio and a list of prominent cases he'd defended. Made him sound like all kinda brilliant, 'cept all of them hoops in the firm had the same kinda drek about them posted. Last case they listed was a little over 5 yrs ago though so it looked like the retirement part was straight anyway. Crosschecking the club and the firm together though finally brought up something interesting. Webster, Webster Otiluk & Cohan had handled all the legalities of buying the club, and that the owner was listed as an internet firm that dealt with online generic pharmaceuticals based out of Brazil. But then they were finally at the hospital and it was time to play this role.



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-02-15/0031:33>
Yelena gets out of the car after Arc parks it in the lot and takes her friend's left hand.  She gives it a reassuring squeeze as they approach the entrance.  She gives the guard a huge smile and forks over her Predator without being asked, taking and pocketing the pick up tag.  She and her friend go up to the information desk and Yelena asks, "Hello.  Friend was here to get arm put on a short while ago.  Now it has gone dead.  Can go to ward and get nurse to fix?"  She will give a nervous glance at Arc and add, "Friend is a bit in shock.  Can do soon?"

The person at the information desk directs Arc and Yelena to the emergency room.  Entering the ER, they see perhaps twenty or more people waiting to be seen.  Yelena laughs softly and says, "Arc.  This could take a while.  Yelena stay here to ask about accident man and you go to ward to see nurses and ask."

Yelena sits in the ER for a bit, looking about for the security and any cameras.  She also observes the nurses in action.  She eventually sidles up to one of the harried women and tries to strike up a conversation about how busy they are tonight.  Yelena has a sympathetic voice and ear and is a very good listener.  She tries to turn the talk to odd accidents, hoping that the nurse will talk about the Dwarf that was brought in the evening before.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-02-15/0104:46>
Ambrose shrugged. "All I can tell you about them is that they weren't involved in what I was directly working with. In my line of work it pays to be more legal than legal." he remarks. "But here is what I think.. This sam person can shapeshift into whatever they want to be right? That means any wanker could be him. He could be sitting in this car laughing at the not hims right now."

[spoiler]Civic Law (http://orokos.com/roll/296693): 10d6t5 1[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-02-15/0321:39>
"Okay... Pheonix.. if you do not want to play a copper we won’t do it... I’ll just improvise something... I am an impulsive man it will likely work".

Not only Sam can change his skin. Smiles Marco suggestively. He reforms his face to look like someone else. The result is not as convincing as Joe but it will have to do. Besides, worst case he’ll look like a somewhat human looking elf.  Marco’s face distinctive features are blurred, and after a few minutes his face appear more human. There is nothing noticeable about them.  His body is still an elven one, but the suit obscure it a little bit.  It was made for humans.

[spoiler]
Disguise + facial sculpt (http://orokos.com/roll/296707): 7d6t5 2
Improve disguise with impersonation (http://orokos.com/roll/296708): 15d6t5 1
[/spoiler]

He walks into the ER and say to the receptionist nurse “I am here to pick up a friend of mine... A dwarf named Cain Lee-Dana. He had a car accident yesterday it took me a while but I finally got here...”

If Marco is told that his friend have already left, his face will be worried, he will let his real concern for Sam surface on his face and say: “Oh dear these are terrible news... do you remember if someone picked him up or he left alone...” He’ll then whisper... “Recently he is hanging with some Shady characters... please I have to know who picked him up he may be in trouble.”
[spoiler]
Con + please help me find him... (http://orokos.com/roll/296713): 18d6t5 5
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-02-15/0952:27>
Arc pocketed the information as she pulled up to the hospital, parking the Americas and nodding to the two gentleman.  "Keep in touch, good luck". Nodding to Yelena, the human gave a confident smirk as they entered into the hospital, mimicking the dog's expression of worry and holding her inactive cyberarm in place with her left hand.  "Yeah, this thing totally went unresponsive.  I dunno what to do.."" she elaborated to the nurse as they were directed to the ER.  Upon check-in, Arc nodded to Yelena and split off, waiting for her turn before going into the back.

The process was very routine...SIN confirming (Lauren Summers seems legit...), height check, weight check, quick vitals check, but then Arc was left near some of the nurses waiting for a tech to look at her arm.  A couple even recognized her...seems like the elf and the human ladies were a notable case in recent events.  Smiling, Arc struck up some conversation, working to steer it to some rumors she had heard of weird auto accidents occurring...reputation of a mechanic, so it would make sense that Arc would be interested.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-02-15/1107:53>
@ Arc & Yelena Once word gets around that they're famous for taking down the Smiley Face killer it's easy to talk to people. Arc is asked what happened and as soon as people find out that she lost her arm and her cyberarm isn't even working right she gets immediate sympathy, (as well as a few cyber horror stories about my brother who knew a guy whose cousin's arm tried to choke him etc, etc), but since these people are just waiting to be seen none of them can really be much help aside from one that had heard about the accident. He told Arc that the car was a much older model and that the autopilot on it had been glitchy but that the guy was waiting to fix it till next month.

@ Marco  The ER attendant looks at you and says, "I'm surprised you didn't try reaching them before you came, and I'm not really supposed to give out any info but I don't think it could be the same guy. His ex-girlfriend picked him up. Really you should give your friend a call, he wasn't hurt and there's no need to worry."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-02-15/1525:28>
“Exgirlfriend?! that dog...” Marco’s face became red and his eyes wet. “...I really do hope it is a mistaken identity... Because if my boyfriend just left hospital with his ex girlfriend my life are over.” He taps into his emotions for Sam, the love he felt, the passion the betrayal the fear. “I knew something was wrong but I never believed he will cross that line... his last message to me was that he had an accident... he haven’t responded to any of my messages ever since... I feared for his life... Please..." he grabs her hand, by this time Marco is genuinely upset... Sam is an open wound and letting his feelings surface brings Marco to tears. “... please show me his contact details... I *must* know if it is the same guy.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-02-15/1526:50>
The tinge of pink on Arc's cheeks were only partly faked from the sympathies and the attention she was receiving, but she smiled through it and carried the conversation along, covering her mouth at the horror stories and nodding knowingly at the cause of the accident.

"It's a shame really.  Drek like this can be avoided with a little tee ell cee, if you catch me.  Can't blame em, though, most shops are corp and gouge to frag  all.  That ain't wiz.". A particularly observant patient waiting noted that her eyes were also cyberware, to which the human gave a nod.  " Yeah, these are a new set, though.  Lost my own long dragging time ago, and my old set burnt out in the fight.  What can I say, we got lucky". Trailing off, she waited her turn.  She recalled reports if a pile up wreck next district over, but honestly doubted they would know of it, the human content to wait with her limp arm at her side.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-02-15/1549:45>
@ Marco. The attendant gives you a funny look. "I can't give you that info. But, you should call your friend, because if that's your boyfriend you've got more troubles than an ex-girlfriend."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-02-15/1557:00>
Marco say: "He is unresponsive... since yesterday... last message was I had an accident pick up something for me. Nothing ever sense... Why do I have bigger problems than an ex girlfriend?"

Regardless of what she say Marco will say... "Can you call him yourself?... at least do that for me... "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-03-15/0025:18>
@ Marco  The attendant looks at you and says, "I'm working, and we're not supposed to access patient info for patients we're not directly caring for. I can get fired for that drek. But the guy that you're talking about left very much under his own steam yesterday, so if he's not answering you it's cause he doesn't want to talk to you. Much as I sympathize with your worry I have a few ex's that I don't return phone calls from. It happens. I'm sure you've got ex's you don't talk to either. So, since you're obviously sexually active go get tested for STD's cause that's just generally good advice and cut your losses."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-03-15/0057:41>
@ Ambrose  The funny thing about being older is that you learn a few things along the way. What to watch for, and how the world really works. And Ambrose had always been very perceptive. It had helped him pick just the right pockets, notice just the right details. And right now what he was noticing was that the kid Marco was talking to had on a designer tee under his hospital jacket and expensive designer AR lenses. But his jeans and shoes were very old and just barely still acceptable for work wear. So, the kid had expensive taste, probably living a bit above his means. But, there was a supervisory type keeping more than a bit of an eye on him, from a distance true, but a definite eye, so he'd overstepped boundaries before, and would probably do so again with the right incentive and no one looking. Now, what could he do to hurry that combination of events? After all, he wasn't getting any younger and Marco seemed determined to play this out on a jilted lover track which was clearly not getting him any sympathy from this fragger. But Ambrose had a few skills of his own that he could possibly use that didn't rely on sympathy. Which one did he want to use? Hmmm, decisions, decisions . . . . . . .
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-03-15/0117:29>
Marco catches his breath... take a deep breath and say. “Please, You ask me to get tested for STD, you give me relationship advice, you suggest that I had many lovers. Play with my emotions speaking about an ex girlfriend... my insecurity. At the same time... you yourself say that you are not sure that we are talking about the same person. Just write down his number and let me call him you won’t lose your job.

If you want to risk your job...I can just write a complaint form. I am used to people being prejudice about me... he is my first boyfriend if you have to know and he always responds to my texts. This is why I am afraid... but I will not move on unless this issue is clarified. If he is a cheating bastard “ he sighs “ That’s better than dead or wounded...but I need to know witch one it is. I cannot leave here before I know what happened to him.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-05-15/0907:34>
Ambrose, in his fancy outfit would look like he had money most likely. Leaning in. "Look, I see you like things.. and well, if you give him what he wants, I will give you something you'll really like."

In the background of the matrix, his camera in the new suit is recording this conversation. He wasn't about to just give some punk snot nose kid money. Especially since the group didn't really have any to begin with in the first place, and they  didn't know how much money they'd need to do what they were going to do.

Even his ruse failed, he was sure the fancy guy Marco could cover for him, making it just a joke or follow through the negoations. Ambrose was a bit too gruff old man to do much int he way of negoitating, but he did know how to keep things discreet.

[spoiler]Fast talk to pass off that the thing will be money, but in reality he was just going to give the kid the datachip with the recording on it. (http://orokos.com/roll/297846): 6d6t5 2[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-05-15/0936:08>
Ambrose help was like a fresh breeze, "I get it... you don't like me and yo do not care about my problems. You prefer some sort of compensation... well of course all you needed to do is ask... You do something for me... I do something for you."  Unlike Ambrose Marco felt that given the nature of the service and the short duration the amount of money will not be that great. He writes the number 50 on a small piece of paper... does this amount of dollars... buy me a tiny peek in the file?

[spoiler]
It is a real negotiation - because Marco does not know what Ambrose plans.
Negotiation (http://orokos.com/roll/297850): 15d6t5 6
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-05-15/1341:58>
@ Ambrose & Marco The kid tries to hide a smirk and says, "No sir, I'm afraid I really can't help you. That information is guarded by patient privacy laws." and his fingers tap somewhat impatiently on the countertop in front of him. But when you look down at his hand you see a comm code shimmering on the air in front of it. GH54692DL11283X.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-05-15/1541:59>
"This is totally heartless and cold... but I understand you... there are rules and regulations. "Marco said as he authorized 50 dollar transaction to the SIN of  the man.

Lets see what this comcode is worth thought Marco as he typed an old poem he liked. It sort of suited - and by all people Marco’s passion for poetry was well known by Sam. They shared many poems together and that one seemed to be appropriate. A random person receiving a poem will think it is a SPAM and erase it. But Sam - he would know exactly who it was from, or so Marco hoped. Being a man of words, poems were among the most beautiful things in Marco’s eyes and Shilla and Marco have spent many hours reading them, and even going to poetry clubs. Poems that were given new meanings with exactly the same words... just like Marco was going to load this specific poem with a new meaning to describe his feelings. The act was so personal, so identifying after two years with him Shilla/Sam whom ever confused Marco so much - will know that they got this far.

<<
“FEELINGS WITHOUT A NAME


That night we lay on the dark brown carpet
and you told me that expected thing
I closed my eyes and tried to do
the soft and mutable equation
of what we do and what we promise to do
and I just couldn't think for the sound
of strange doors opening and old ones closing.
You know I'm not good with figures
even when the world is still and calm.
But now I will answer you as best I can:
and the feeling was without a name
like the true colour of light
before it is fractured and labelled
containing simply everything
in the known and unknown spectra
of my life.
Lekshmy Sujathan       Kerala, India      2002

>>

He left to the car, signaling Yelena and Arc to discreetly follow. "Thanks, Phoenix... you totally saved the day... I was stuck in a dead end with that one. Now it is to either wait for a replay or go to see the apartment... "

In the car he asks Arc - " We can check the apartment now... but it may be worth it to see what the matrix have in store for Mr. Cain Lee-Dana - may also give a bread crumb to follow."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-05-15/2036:37>
It seemed like the crowd didn't know much about the other pile-up that happened the night prior, and it also seemed like the other patients waiting were more interested in talking about the cyber-armed human who saved the Barrens anyways.  Should have figured that...  Eventually, her name was called and she was brought back to get the arm checked out...after the routine physical check of weight, blood pressure, etc.  After a small eternity, the consulting nurse met with the short girl, examined the arm, and with a quick reconnection, the replacement appendage was brought back to life.  Feigning surprise and mild awe, Arc smiled broadly and made a motion to hug the nurse, but restrained herself.  "It's much appreciated, thank you.  I'll try to be more careful with it."[/color]  After signing a couple papers and working a quick payment for the visit, Arc rejoined Yelena, followed by Marco and Ambrose outside.  One look on the elf's face told the human she met a dead end as well.

"Aight, Marco...lead me there.  We can check out that name afterwards...I want to focus for the moment...believe it or not, this Matrix drek ain't easy for me"  She laughed, blushing a bit at that realization...she only started self-teaching how to use it after the Smiley Face killer, after all.  Hopping into the car, she readed a Fly-Spy from her arm, bringing it out and setting it on the center console before heading off, following the male elf's direction towards the specified apartment.  Once there, she would then launch the Fly-Spy from a few blocks down, pulling up the camera feed in AR and directing it to the location...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-06-15/0338:28>
“Alright..." Said Marco I got the commlink number of the dwarf from the accident. I texted to see what happens. Did it from my new burner... I bought. So it is not immediately linked to us. The next place is an apartment in the better part of town he marks it on the map. It belongs to Shilla Schmidt a German woman in late forties... We were close”, Marco sighs as if he is missing the bliss of ignorance - of just living life not understanding what lies ahead.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-06-15/0655:44>
Yelena, having had no better luck than Arc, walks with her friend to the hospital exit, where she retrieves her pistol.  She climbs into the rear of the auto so that Marco can give directions .  She is used to little setbacks in the search for information, knowing full well that it sometimes takes time to develop the patterns that allow for the stalking and the kill, although in this case it is just the stalking and finding.  She takes the opportunity to disassemble the Predator.  After all, one should never just assume that someone has not messed with the operating parts while they had the weapon in their hands.  Satisfied that all is well, she reassembles the pistol and sits back for the ride.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-06-15/1525:56>
"I didn't do anything.." Ambrose admits. "He didn't take the bait, I was going to blackmail his little punk ass with the footage of him accepting the bribe and give him the data chip."

He sits back down in car, sliding in as he watches out the window, imaging a little man running down the street and jumping off things, like an old 2d side scroller. Those were the days.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-06-15/1607:56>
“In that case I am glad that he did not bait. Everyone wants something... and that guy took bribe so quickly and without hesitation that it was not his first time. He has access to sensitive medical data and now so do we. It may be useful in the future. Blackmail should only be done with important contacts that you cannot do without... and only be exposed once they refuse to help you.”  Oh my god, thought Marco this is exactly what Shilla did to me. Shadowrunning brings out the darkest aspects of my soul.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-07-15/0117:37>
"I'd think those would be the ones you wouldn't want to black mail. Blackmailing the kid might make him realize that he shouldn't do what he did even if he did give us the information. Which I assume we're still waiting on right now?"

He pauses for a moment, "Besides, I'd not expose him in the slightest. He'd get a data chip with the video. I still have it of course, perhaps one of you could edit the info so we don't appear in it and our voices are modulated. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-07-15/0212:46>
The traffic is heavy at this time of day. But the interface between the vehicle and it's driver is so effortless that it's a pleasure far removed from the troubles and machinations of this increasingly more dangerous job. Or, maybe the dangers had always been there, but Sam's disappearance had just rammed it home.

@ Marco  The answer to your comm message comes before you've left the parking lot. >>Kid, I don't know how you got my number but I don't have money and I don't have time for games and if you call me again I'll just block you, and if you hack me, well I have a number I can report to KE.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-07-15/0309:30>
Probably another dead end, thought Marco - yet the dwarf seemed paranoid clearly had money problems. It wasn’t Sam - or perhaps Marco thought to highly about their relationship. Who else would send a 70  years old poem.   “<<Look man... I am not after your money.  I am not here to play games... I require some information and you seem to be having some financial problems - lets help each other.>> “

Shilla’s apartment was an expensive looking building in a gated community. The building was 60 stories high and was highly maintained there. The community was nothing more than three skyscrapers surrounded by a wall Shilla’s apartment was on 50th floor of the eastern tower. The towers shared a green garden with actual grass and trees. The only downside was the air quality that was not ideal... as natural wind directions do not distinguish between the rich and the poor,  other than that it seemed like a little bit of paradise in a polluted city.  “Welcome to the Vault... where the rich and famous feel safe to live. They have almost everything on site so some of them actually never leave this place. Most of them are relatively high up in the smaller corporations. The big ones have their own complexes - but the smaller ones rent places like the Vault. One last piece of trivia, there should be an underground missile base from the 1950’s under this complex - it is said to be deep enough to survive just about anything for cases of emergencies. I have a mark so they should let us in... I am registered as a well ‘supplier’. “
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-07-15/0954:33>
Yelena nods and follows Marco into the building.  The luxury of the place surpasses that of where Marco lives.  If they have to pass through security, she will use her physical attributes to try to have the guard notice her breasts swaying under the shirt and the way her tight jeans emphasize the curves of her butt and legs.  There is a chance that the guard will be too distracted to notice her gun.  She will not resist if the guard is unimpressed, but will smile sweetly as she hands over the Predator.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-08-15/0238:09>
@ Marco  The dwarf answers in less than 30 min's, >>You're either an insurance adjuster looking to blame me to get out of paying, or an ambulance chasing lawyer. So, if you can send me the info that proves you're the latter we'll talk.<<

@ Yelena  The guard admires the assets and makes sure you handover all weapons.  bis                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-08-15/0649:03>
Yelena hands her weapon over with a bright smile, complimenting him on his dedication to duty.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-08-15/0959:35>
Shilla’s apartment was constantly tidy she had two drones for the house choirs both with british personality autosoft. James was her butler and his autosoft included a mild OCD. He had to have everything cleaned as soon as it got dirty.  Jermy was an auto cook, but a really good one - and used just the best of ingredients. It was a five room apartment with a a very good view of the city.
 
"Arc we can try knocking... but you better send one of your drones... Shilla locks everything... but a flying eye should be able to peek a little bit.  We'll also try knocking on the door cannot hurt I guess. "

To the text Marco responds: He aims for a combination of fear and greed  >> Look man - I sent you a poem from a comlink that is registered to no one. Don’t insult my intelligence - I am not a lawyer nor an insurance salesman we both know it. If I already have your comlink then I clearly have some connections and with a little extra effort I can get a lot closer. Let’s make it pleasant and profitable for both parties involved. Meet me for coffee?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-08-15/1137:46>
As they pulled up to the massive complex, Arc couldn't help but give a low whistle.  "Dayyyum...take a blood mage bounty a month to get this kinda crib...wow.". As she parked a block down the road, the human nodded as she released her Fly-Spy into the air, the bug zooming off and up.  As they entered, she unceremoniously turned in her own Predator, finding the men's shirt to make hiding it a bit easier due to its bulk.

As they ascended in the elevator, Arc was merely half listening to Marco as she directed the drone up to the fiftieth floor, finding the window.  Opening the camera feed to the others, she went to take a peek inside to see what they were about to approach...  "Taking a look now...I think I see a drone of some kind, but otherwise..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-09-15/0207:58>
@ Marco  >>Then this had better be worth my while. I just got out of the hosp. Meet me at the Krill & Chill on 7th in an hour.<<

The flyspy had a much better vantage than Marco could have hoped for. James, the butler drone, had evidently taken issue with the cleanliness of the curtains, and was mostly done with taking them down and the lighting was perfect for a peek in despite a glaze on the glass. Marco was looking for any sign that Shilla was there safe and sound and paranoid. Hmmmm, she changed the photos. Photos, those weren't her photos. Those were . . . . . the one person Sam was certain Shilla was not aside from himself. Cesar Lawrence-Chavez de Baker. He'd had a merger of his company almost 2 yrs ago. Shilla had used his face and facial expressions to begin training Marco in how to spot lying and interpreting subtle body postures. But, more than that, he and she had seen it on the trid in real time while Chavez de Baker had been announcing an important merger and layoff.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-09-15/0341:12>
Marco is amused at Arc's comments... he already understands that no matter how rich you are there is always someone richer and no matter how powerful and well connected you think you are... there are always bigger fish in the ocean. There are places a lot fancier than the Vault.
Not that it matters... it is all vanity... Human interaction is the only real thing in the world and interesting people can be found many places.

Seeing the drone feeds Marco is a bit shocked... He thinks: "This person is so many people... it will be very difficult to find out what's going on with him/her/they. I am not sure anymore that there is a real face underneath. How much time is there left to be yourself with so much pretending, if we got that far we might as well try to peek inside tough... but how do we open that window? Magic seemed to always be the first answer... but every time Marco had to use magic to solve a problem - he felt like a personal failure... Magic was for pleasure for experiencing the world in different angles not to *get* stuff...   This is how mages think - they depend on magic too much and people hate and fear that... Think like a mundane Marco!  It will keep you alive! Is there anything that does not involve mojo that opens that window? " His eyes lit, he had an answer, at least he hoped that it would work.

“Arc!  I got an idea!..."  He said with excitement  ...that butler drone James - he has a charming English accent and a mild OCD - never buy a drone with ‘Real human personality’ humans are messed up...

"Just get to the point Marco... " he thinks.

" I got carried away sorry... Anyhow - James cannot tolerate *anything* dirty - I bet if you make that window slightly dirty he’ll just HAVE to open it and clean it.”

A few minutes later... Marco receives the text message. He quickly say: “Guys we must leave soon to meet that dwarf dude from the accident... he want to meet us at the Krill & Chill in an hour.” Providing Marco can get to that address in an hour he’ll agree otherwise he’ll suggest doing it slightly later so they won’t be late.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-09-15/0718:15>
Yelena says, "Could leave Yelena here to wait to see if Sam returns while go talk Dwarf."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-09-15/1136:39>
Arc gave a nod at Yelena's suggestion.  " Probably for the best that way.  If said halfer is just a red herring hoop, best not to have more than one or two at the meet...no need to spook him. Either way, as for the window...". The fly-spy was small...no bigger than the Palm of her hand...so carrying any dirt up fifty stories wasn't happening.  Thinking quickly, Arc decided to go with a different approach.

Bringing the drone close to the window, she extended one of its legs to touch the glass with some pressure before commanding it to ascend.  The sound of the scraping was audible, as well as the telltale scratch trail it left behind before darting out of the cleaning drone's sight. Waiting for an opportunity to slip inside.  "Well that oughta do it..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-09-15/1606:14>
Marco gives Yelena a disappointed look, he wants her by his side not waiting to Sam - if Sam can he would contact them. When he speaks he say: “It may be a red herring indeed... but it may also be a trap... for what we know the bad guys might have caused Sam to crush the car kidnapped him and put that dwarf guy in his place to wait for the ambulance. The guy we are about to meet just happened to have an accident exactly at the same time Sam had an accident. The doctor said that there were no other accidents that match the time frame of Sam message...  He may be affiliated with either Sam or with some unknown force we know nothing about. Heck he may even be a shadowrunner...  There is no point waiting here, we can place a small drone to look for apartment, i am not saying we all should go to meet him - but should this meeting turn up to be a kidnapping or a murder attempt lets be prepared for the worst. We did not even do a background check that guy could be anyone.”

Again Marco feels himself a bit terrified where his mates seem to be in complete tranquility. Sam is a dangerous criminal, well connected and with many resources... also a gentle lover but still a dangerous person with a lot to hide. He clearly has access to explosive experts like phoenix and even Arc has some experience with blowing up things.  Marco also wasn’t sure how wise it may be to enter Shilla’s apartment uninvited... who knows the whole place may be set to explode in such an event. Marco understood well that maintaining so many identities costs a lot of money... The fake SINs, the lifestyle choices - maintaining an apartment at the Vault with a single identity was impressive - maintaining such an expensive apartment just as a cover? Sam was definitely making a lot more Money than Marco.... Mad money goes a long way when it comes to physical security... the guard took their guns... even a standard armed drone could finish them off before they manage to reach some sort of weapon. Yelena, seemed have already made peace with the thought of dying a violent death... Arc - she grew up in danger she was used to the idea of imminent death...
But Marco? he should have been ready to the concept...  he was trained to be the invisible hand of the church. He should have travelled the world doing unspeakable things - assassinating enemies of the faith.  Agrat saved him from that fate... his rampage out of control sex drive sort of saved his soul. Having never taken the program seriously however, Marco was not ready to die. Nobody knows just how long keebs can live and Marco wants to find out. Dying is terrifying to him - life... any life are the most precious thing in the world.  “I seem to go out of my way to be brave... but I am still a cowered compared to these guys... they do not even understand why I am experiencing so much fear” he thought.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-09-15/2330:30>
Yelena looks at her Keeb friend.  "Marco seem nervous go meet Dwarf with Arc.  Why?  Arc can look over Marco and keep safe.  And Marco have much magic to deal with problems."  She turns to Ambrose.  "And Phoenix know thing or two.  All be safe.  Yelena wait here for either Sam come back or hear from Arc that all OK or not with Dwarf.  This not first dance at the ball for any of us."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-10-15/0004:39>
"I know nothing." Pheonix is quick to interject. "I'm just an old man you've all got roped in on some sort of crazy while face shaping person goose chase."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-10-15/0006:16>
Arc was paying enough attention to the others to know what was going on, still maintaining control of her little bug and waiting for entry.  Once the elves said their respective pieces, the short human looked up at the Russian and gave a little nod.  "She ain't fulla drek.  I can watch ya back, Marco.  It wouldn't be the first time I've played the part of some hoop's driver"  Ya still owe me for that one, Duck.  Word.  Straightening up, she pulled up an ARO visualized to look like some remote control pad with a few virtual buttons and a display...a virtual console to direct the drone, as it were.  Making two copies, she handed the respective MARKS over to Yelena and Phoenix.

"Using these shouldn't require much skill.  Just tell it where to go and it will get there.  It's already on sneaky mode, so it will path for that.  Lemme know what you find?"  Embracing Yelena for a brief moment, she nodded to Phoenix respectfully, then turned to Marco.  "Lessgo"  Upon returning to the ground floor, Arc quietly retrieved her Predator, depositing it discreetly into its holster at the small of her back before going outside and returning to the car, ready to go to the next place of meeting.  Arc wasn't gonna lie...she was nervous about the sitch.  But she was trained to suppress such feelings: they were those of prey, and fear was the mind killer.  She'd spent years as a beat-stick pet of a gang of orks and trolls..what worse could these mysterious forces do?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-10-15/0302:36>
@ Yelena  It isn't long before the cleaning drone comes to inspect and clean the windows and Yelena directs the fly-spy in. The apartment seems like the sort of upscale apartment one would expect of a manager of a small local corp. The pictures of a man and his wife and dau. on the mantelpiece rotate through many pictures and are essentially no help to Yelena. She sends the fly-spy around the apartment with no luck on finding out anything about him. Until she gets to the baby's room. Brightly lit and full of toys Yelena's lived this life long enough to know that you don't ever let the breadcrumbs lead someone to your home.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-10-15/0305:57>
"Okay guys" he say to Yelena and Phoenix, "if you wish to wait here I trust your judgement. Me and Lady Arc... the dancing driver, have an important dwarf to meet. " he smiles at Arc without a shred of fear or doubt in his face - as if everything washed away.

He walks to the car and sit in the passenger sit, taking out his cosmetics kit and starts working... his hair should be just right, and the skin color and facial expressions... he is slowly but surely turning himself into Sam Webster, he is tall and lanky like an elf, he wears a mediocre suit and already has all the background information covered... if they matrix search him he is a real person.  Marco met this mask not for long, but there were similarities to Shilla, no matter what face that person wears, they are all paranoid for example.

While working on his act and training in saying stuff correctly and trying to get that perfect Sam facial expressions his mind wonders...
 “I am too open with these guys, they do not take my doubts and fear very well... Fear is what keeps me alive, they wouldn’t understand... In most rooms that I enter I am the most dangerous person... this is not arrogance, this is a fact of life...  But I am no longer drunk of my own power, this is all an illusion... the more powerful you are the more attention you attract.  Being happy and optimistic got me entangled with Shilla, I was naive and trusting, the warning signs were there but I trusted her... I trusted her completely until she revealed her true face  and I still miss what we had, despite 9 months of acting like a jerk forcing my hand into doing her bidding.

I am not paranoid, I use my own skin and show my true feelings to my colleagues. It take a lot of confidence to show fear, to show doubt... It took a lot of bravery to oppose massive social pressure to use my magic as a weapon...  Hide your emotions, burry your nature is the cowered thing to do.  I have trained my whole life of hiding what I really am. Of being somebody else, of approaching people twice my size with supernatural confidence and having them fear me.
 
Every time I suggest that things might be a lot more dangerous than they appear to be, there is this hostile or a patronizing response. I never take my love back, if I love someone it is forever and unconditionally, this is what Agrat taught me. Emotions are the only real thing in the world, this is why I’ll never give up on Shilla, on my parents and even on Yelena. Despite everything... but there is no point in being real with people that do not respect it. Perhaps in time, if I decide to stick along they will appreciate having me around for more than parties and dancing and sex.“

When he is ready he say: “Okay fearless driver... how do I look for someone that just had an accident?... Tell me anything you know about this Sam Webster guy so I won’t embarrass myself. If that dwarf knows anything about Sam - his eyes will tell us all we need to know. I am almost certain that Sam was wearing this skin when he was on his way to meet Phoenix. “

[spoiler]
Disguise + facial sculpt (as Sam Webster) (http://orokos.com/roll/299395): 7d6t5 2
Impersonation (http://orokos.com/roll/299396): 15d6t5 6
With... a total of 8 hits, I think that we got our self another Sam Webster.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-10-15/1034:17>
Arc took a glance over at Marco after he finished his disguising touches, remarking amusedly to herskef about how he's likely far better at makeup than she will ever be.  Raising a brow, she gave a low whistle.  "Frag man.  You would fool me, that is for sure.  As for Sam...". She paused, frowning a bit.  "...Yelena would know more than I, as I've met this form only like once before...I'd describe him as professional and focused, drek like that.  He seems motivated to get what he's after, but always aloof on the big picture.  He takes care of his people, though, especially when they're helping him...how do you think I got a decent set of eyes and this arm, huh?". That seemed to finalize her description as the human went quiet, frowning for several moments for speaking up.

"Wanna say sommat  to ya, and you tell anyone I say this and I'll deck ya, wiz?  I know you don't like this sitch.  You're nervous, and don't wanna get slotted big time.  I get that.  And the fact you came through last night means a lot.  Major respect.  I just want you to know you ain't the only nervous one.  I gotndrek in my life worth sticking around for now, and I don't wanna lose it.  If I seem harsh, it's because that's how I handle the drek, aight?  We cool?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-10-15/1531:06>
Tues Dec 8th 13:50

@ Arc & Marco  The Krill & Chill was a Stuffer Shack wannabe. When they'd first opened they'd tried to make themselves seem a bit more upscale, as "Food without the Fake-Out". But, krill was krill and the cheap decorations and neighborhood had meant it had never really taken off. Still, as a meeting place it worked for a lot of people because they'd always had a wide open concept for the entire place and even the paranoid types felt like they had a good vantage point. When Marco & Arc arrive it's a little after lunch-time. There's a couple of people in the line at the counter and about another half-dozen scattered at various tables. No one in line is a dwarf, and of the three dwarves in the room it's easy to eliminate the female.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-10-15/1535:34>
Marco answers... “I wouldn’t dream to embarrass you, fearless driver. Besides... getting the lady behind the wheel angry is never a good idea. “ he laugh.
“Seriously though... I think that admitting fear is a sign of bravery being what you are. Brave people are these that overcome fear - these that do not feel fear are just stupid.  I know you do not share that feeling. That you think that I am prey... Fear is an important force of life - it can keep you alive. It is what prevented me from becoming a brainless blind follower of the church. Part of the invisible hand of god, an assassin.”
He sighs.
“My hands haven’t spilled any blood because I resisted with any little bit of personality. I was terrified at the kind of man I would become if I would suppress my nature... I refused to learn combat spells,  I...”

He sighs. “I slotted most of the other students in my class. I lied, cheated, drunk a lot of alcohol. Practically i did my best to violate every single vow I ever took. My nature knew better than me. I did not understand why I did all these things, I did not control myself it was all instinct self preservation. It was terror of what happen if I give up... I was unfair to many people and I am not proud of what I did.

The fear of becoming a killer saved my soul, I was born to be a murderer.  Brainwashed from childhood with education whose sole purpose was to teach me blind trust in religious authority... It wasn’t easy, they called me cowered, they called me incompetent an idiot, a Satan worshiper. I was subjected to both verbal abuse, mental manipulation, social pressure, magical torture... any thing they could imagine. You might think that I went a little crazy in there... but I believe that a deep force of creation protected me. A demoness that Christianity sees as pure evil, gave me the strength to endure it all to make myself useless to their goal.

I never considered bailing on you gals, I thought and I still think that the right thing to do is to disappear and quietly search for Sam if it is within our power. If Feathers is gone, Phoenix is grabbed and Sam is either hiding or gone - we shouldn’t just sit and wait for evil to come to us. Sam knows too much about us - and if someone take this knowledge from him than we are in grave danger. You gals were right, your hoop was safe I was just paranoid.  It takes a lot more than calling me prey to shake my friendship...  No hard feelings... but Sam is acting jerk with me for 9 month and here we are trying to save his hoop.

Thinking about it again, you were right. I am prey - I dance to Sam’s whims because I am too afraid to fly to Italy and let my parents actually see what kind of person I am. The same people that gave an helpless child to the mercy of priests to use as a tool to fulfill their dark desires.  So you could say that I am attached to people that abused me, that betrayed me.

So, yes I am trusting, I am naive - I love the wrong people and I definitely have a terrible taste you can torment me all day and I’ll still be loyal to you because I gave my word.  I will not remain prey for long tough... If I am brave enough this gig will be the last time that I take this crap from Sam. If he wants my loyalty he’ll have to be real with me...  he freaking faked our entire relationship - he obviously does not deserve my loyalty. To be completely honest - if you think that I am naive now... imagine how helpless I was when Sam found me. I still owe him for making sure I survived outside of the monastery. Seattle is different than everything I ever knew.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-10-15/1555:29>
When they arrive at the Krill and Chill, Marco is a bit confused.
He softly say: "Guessing... would just tip our hand that we have no idea what he look like... lets stand in line and see what dwarf seems to be looking for someone that's our guy. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-10-15/2025:36>
Arc listened to Marco's tale, staying silent and not interrupting.  She knew better than to...it didn't take a genius to figure out he was opening his life up to her, a state of vulnerability that, while experiencing it recently with Yelena, was a state the stout girl was not accustomed to.  After a short while of silence after the elf man shared his tale, she finally spoke up, clearing her throat a bit.

"When I said you was prey, I wasn't trying to call you weak.  I've seen enough of you to know you got the ability to be whatever the drek you fraggin' wanna be at any time.  I ain't saying don't be afraid.  I get afraid.  But fear gets you killed in the Sprawl, omae.  When I say don't be prey, it means don't let the hoops we finna go after see that fear, nawsayin'?  They see it, they know they won."

"Growing up under the Howler heel, I was afraid.  Like, all the fragging time.  New cybereyes that hurt like drek, just lost my entire world, and getting beaten around by trogs at 9 years old will put fear in ya.  It wasn't until I started to think like the pack, and find my talents, that I began to push past it.  I turn that fear into focus, chummer: focus, passion, and determination.  So if I come across as some harsh troggy slitch, that's why: cuz I am one."
  She grinned, winking as they pulled up to the place.

"I know how you feel about Sam, too.  Demand what you want, but I'm seeing at least this part through: i owe him that for my life and my new arm and eyes.  After?  We can finna figure that out then.  Shadows...I may stick to em, freelance yknow?  I dunno why...these jobs challenge me in a way broken car drek couldn't, and that's exciting...but only if I can keep what's mine mine, wiz?  Aight, let's do this..."

Upon entering, Arc gave a low whistle as she looked around.  With her hair in a messy ponytail and dressed in a man's shirt and jeans, the human looked right at home in a place like this.  In fact, she felt more at home than any place she had recently.   Low-quality, cheap grub...bread and butter growing up, heh She mused to herself as she chuckled, nodding to Marco and getting in line, whispering lightly to him.  "I'm taking a peek, but we ain't tipping the hand.  Just play cool, we get a bite and a table as needed.  If you recognized, let them make a move.  If not, we have time to wait.  Either way, I got ya back, ya heard?"  Pulling away, Arc gave a little chuckle, as if Marco...who looked very much like Sam, had just made a joke.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-11-15/0014:22>
The surrounding was not his style, and the lanky elf was a little over dressed... but just a little as you’d expect a small time lawyer or a salesman. Marco felt comfortable talking to people was his life passion. Shilla taught him well - people are open books, you just need to learn how to read them...

"One of these dwarfs is looking for someone, either he recognized Sam or his eyes are wandering. The other just came here to eat... now I just need to understand the right one... and not get us all killed with a wild goose chase but that concern is better left for after this drek is over... someplace nice with a lot of alcohol, sex and magical vices... but someplace safe. "

While standing in line, Marco focus his senses he trusts his intuition and gut feeling to tell him who is the person he is looking for.
[spoiler]
Judge intentions (http://orokos.com/roll/299747): 11d6t5 6
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-11-15/0055:16>
With his heightened awareness it's easy for Marco to spot his mark. The dwarf has a drink and only a drink in front of him. He's very poorly dressed and his hair is matted. His hands have the tremor of a chronic user and his skin the faint yellow of a long-time alcoholic. But his eyes aren't just traveling out of curiosity, they're lighting on each person in turn. And with that awareness comes another certain bit of knowledge. The female dwarf is with him. She's dressed even more poorly than he is and is trying to sip her drink even more slowly. Marco can tell she can't afford another. She's trying not to look at your mark, but she can't help herself, every so often her eyes will dart to him, and then to a plate of food.

@ Arc  Getting the commcodes is easy. Arc is a little surprised at how easily she's taking to the shadowrunning life. And the Howler habits she'd always hated are standing her in good stead in it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-11-15/0112:32>
Ambrose took a nice long break to hang out in the local park. Wasn't much of one. But there was a bench. And.. some birds.That holographic tree was a nice touch too. He was so not going to stick the crazy lady, all day while the others were off busy searching for sam.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-11-15/0248:54>
"We want four meals." Said Marco..." yes sure supersize it. "Marco already knew enough, that dwarf had no idea who Sam was - or at least not that skin. He seemed genuinely poor an ideal contact perhaps - desperate enough to watch a location for days in exchange for some food and drinks, poor enough to fill in for you if you had an accident?

Marco softly say, “it’s that dwarf over there... I am certain of it.” He takes two of the meals, letting Arc carry the other two and sits next to the dwarf. “Pleased to meet you, my name is Sam Webster... this is my friend Arc. He say and pushes the meal next to him. Please be my guest - your girl can also join us it is okay. It will be more pleasent with her company.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-11-15/0910:58>
@ Ambrose  It's chilly outside. But the soft sunshine warms his face. Ambrose considers his options. The Yak had given him a job and hadn't seen a return. Sam had hired him, and the cred and items he'd gotten from Marco had been maybe a quarter of what he'd been due for the latter half of his payment. He could cut his losses and just walk away. But, these characters seemed determined to find Sam, said it was his chess game, which meant two things. He was the brains of the operation, and he had some serious money. The human, Ace? Ann? Arc? yes Arc, had said that Sam had paid for her body mods, so definitely he was the money. And if he stuck around and helped he'd get paid. He'd already given them the comms from the lighters and cigarettes. So they were using his tech. He'd proven how valuable he could be. He just needed to decide if they were valuable to him. The two elves, one dressed very nice, which only confirmed that Sam paid very well, the other was ganger born of that Ambrose was certain, despite the fact that he recognized none of her tats and she was obviously a foreigner. But, they'd also said she was the muscle. So, they obviously didn't rely on muscle, but did jobs with the precision of a scalpel, not blunt force. And scalpels meant you stayed alive to collect payment. They also worked very well together. They split up jobs with practicality and without any ego. And if this morning was anything to go by, with a lot of love for each other, and that was something you couldn't buy.

@ Marco & Arc  The dwarf looks shocked, but he says, "She can stay over there where she can see you. Besides, she's an ex-girlfriend so I don't need her in any of my business. You said that there was money involved. It's why I'm here."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-11-15/1030:57>
“She still seems to care about you very much man. But as you wish...” He say to Arc, “Be a doll and bring her something to eat, her drink is nearly over and we bought four super chill packs anyhow."  Marco feels awkward talking to Arc like that, but he also hopes that being treated so poorly, the dwarf lady can be their key to figuring it out.  He hopes that Arc understands it rather than get angry. The language serves his purpose though as he aims to be perceived as the one in charge, the big fish the boss.

Once they are alone, Marco say:
:”Are you hungry? Because I still haven’t had lunch... I haven’t had Krill in a long while... Next time tough I'll pick the restaurant. I hope you like meat" He laughs,  “...So nostalgic, come enjoy lunch with me”

After a couple of bites that considering his last night are actually an improvement of his day. Marco say. “Indeed, knowing me can be very profitable... How do you think my friend over there could afford a new cyberarm and a fancy set of eyes? These things cost more than what the average Joe makes in a year.”
He pauses for a little while trying to control the phase of the talk.
“*If* you can make yourself useful- your life will change for the better... “
Having set the trap with an illusion of power and money it was time to see what they were up against. Marco is still not 100% sure they are what they seem to be.

“About the accident... I do not believe that you plan on collecting any insurance money... If you were going for insurance money you would have stayed in the hospital until released, but you didn’t you checked yourself out, probably signed a release form doing so...”

Probing his reaction and trying to place some extra pressure on the dwarf he adds: 
“The question is, my good man... why did you leave the hospital so early? why not complaining about back pains trying to get some health damage accounted for the insurance... Instead you were nervous, you had to get out of there... you are not a very good liar - your bluff was a different one - you weren’t present in that accident, were you?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-11-15/1138:07>
Arc blinked a bit, surprised by the very classic mid-twenthieth century wordology Marco used on her, and impressed by how quickly he adopted a more dominant, predatorial demeanor.  Told him, didn't I... She smirked inwardly as she gave a quiet nod.  " Of course" was all the human girl said in return, nodding to the male dwarf before turning and going up to retrieve a tray with two lunches.

Without hesitance, Arc approached the dwarfette, adopting a soft and warm smile as she took a seat across from her, placing the tray between them. "Hey.  Want some?  Compliments of my boss over there, so please eat up.  If not, I'm gonna have to, and I'd rather my beau not complain about how fat I'm gettin, ya hear me omae?". Her tone was pleasant and nonthreatening as the human could muster, and Arc did amusedly note this is one of the few times she could say she was with someone (somewhat) shorter than her.  "Name's Arc, by the way."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-11-15/1226:59>
@ Arc  The dwarf looks at you and says, "Well, since you don't want it. I was gonna eat later, not sure about eatin' in this place, but, ya know, shame for it ta go ta waste." She tucks into it quickly enough after that. When she's done she looks over at Marco and says, "So, your boss, is he ok?" and she looks questioningly towards Marco.

@ Marco  He looks at you, "I was there. But, I wasn't the only one there. At the hospital they ask a bunch of nosy questions, and if they'd kept me then he would have made away with our stash and sold it without giving me anything. He got out and ran. I was trapped and was trying to get out after him, and that's when the police and ambulance came, when I'd finally managed to slide out after him and was in the drivers seat when the cops and ambulance came and thought I was the driver."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-11-15/1228:37>
Yelena looks at the feed from the drone as it moves from room to room.  Nothing she sees would indicate that either a Sam or Shilla ever lived here.  She sits outside the apartment door, trying to think of how to determine if Sam had been here and hits on an idea.  She first sends the drone back to closely examine the pictures of the family and then to the master bathroom.  Yelena guides the drone to the sink first and sends it down the drain.  Being no larger than an insect, it should fit between the holes and can go down into the plumbing.  She is looking for hair that does not match that of the people in the pictures.  After having the drone take photos of the hairs it finds she will do the same to the shower drain.  If this had indeed been the apartment of Shilla for the past nine months, there should be some evidence of her hair in the drains.

Once finished, she will stand and knock at the door.  She expects the butler/cleaning droid to answer and tell her that she has the wrong address when she asks for Sam Webster, but it will give Arc's recon drone a way out of the apartment.

Yelena notes the apartment number and returns to the lobby to retrieve her pistol.  As she slides it into her holster, she turns her body to give the guard the beast opportunity to look down her shirt.  Striking quickly while the guard might still be under the influence of her assets, she asks, "So.  Residents of 5013 on holiday?  Maybe long time?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-11-15/1256:07>
@ Yelena  The hair down the drain is all dark at first, but further down are fine tawny-blond hairs, down both the sink and the bathtub drain. And every member of this little family has black hair from the holo-cubes. Once she questions the guard he says, "No, they were gone for almost six months but they've been back for awhile now."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-11-15/1310:54>
Carefully examining him Marco remains silent, as if considering for a short while if to continue the conversation He likes to keep the dwarf in anticipation to what he is saying... “So there is another guy... That's interesting... that other guy... who is he? was he wearing a red shirt? what can you tell me about him."  Marco knows that at this moment - if the dwarf tries to lie, it takes an effort, imagination. There is always a tell, he is focused on the dwarfs eyes and body language  trying to figure out the truthfulness of what he is about to say .
[spoiler]Judge intentions (http://orokos.com/roll/299876): 11d6t5 7[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-11-15/1347:02>
Yelena thanks the guard and leaves the Vault.  She stretches languorously outside the doors and walks to where a street ARO is advertising real coffee.  The place was busy and it took Yelena ten minutes to place her order and find a table.  Sitting, she went over the information she had just picked up and compared it to what she had learned from Marco.  She would have to ask him if he had actually been in the apartment in the last three months.  She had come to be a firm believer in Occam's Razor; that the simplest and most obvious solution was the best one.  Sometimes not, but in the decades that Yelena had been hunting people, she had learned that human nature was pretty simplistic.  Sometimes her targets strayed from that, but not often.  How they did it was not the same, of course, but the basics were almost always similar. 

To Yelena, the easiest answer was that Sam assumed the identities of real people, to the point of living their daily lives and occupying their homes.  He also had serious contacts and influence.  It would have been simple for him to find out about, hmmmm or even arrange for, a family in a secure building who were going on a long holiday.  He could have had the apartment hacked to accept his presence and lived there.  That would require deliveries of foodstuffs, wines, laundry services and the like.  Perhaps someone with skill at searching the matrix would be able to track such things and see if these services had been coming to the apartment during the six months the family was away.  She sends a text to Arc, knowing that she is off with Marco.  <Arc.  Is Yelena.  Hair in drains not match family who live in apartment.  They were on holiday six months.  Maybe Sam moved in when they left.  Arc know matrix man?  Maybe Jamie know good matrix man?  Can check to see if apartment was getting food deliveries and other services during holiday time?>

The different hair in the drains could indicate that Sam/Shilla had been using the apartment until the time the family returned and had then moved to another location.  It could be hard indeed to find that location as Sam is very skilled at hiding and can be anyone he wants to be.  Still, a plan begins to form in Yelena's mind.  She lets it germinate there for a bit as she decides on a course of action.  Finishing her drink, she leaves the café and hails a cab.  She runs a scan of her internal message storage for the address of the scrap metal shop that Sam Webster had given her the first time they met.  Yelena gives that address to the cab and sits back, then sends a another text.  <Bella.  Is Yelena.  Not to bother you, but just say thanks for party.  Was much fun.  Hope to meet soon.>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-11-15/1439:17>
@ Arc  The dwarf looks at you and says, "Well, since you don't want it. I was gonna eat later, not sure about eatin' in this place, but, ya know, shame for it ta go ta waste." She tucks into it quickly enough after that. When she's done she looks over at Marco and says, "So, your boss, is he ok?" and she looks questioningly towards Marco.

Arc tilted her head a bit at the question, but understood her unease; people that don't look like they're from the Barrens are easy to distrust.  She nodded as she finished off her chilli as well, suppressing. Small burp with her fist.  "Scuze  me. He's legit if that's what you mean.  Ain't gonna lie, he's a bit goofy, but he means well.  Had a rough week...both of us kinda have, heh.". Scratching the back of her head, the human sized the dwarfette up.  " You think he's sketch?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-11-15/2010:49>
@ Marco  The dwarf looks at you and says, "I ain't rolling on him if that's what you're getting at." Marco knows he's lying there, the flick of the eyes downward tells him that, but the ]determination with which it's said says that it would take quite a bit to get him to tell him about him.[color=red "He and I been working the streets. I got the contacts and he got the muscle. Young hot head, but strong, people think twice about stiffing us when he's there."[/color] Marco can tell that's the truth as the dwarf continues, "He don't know enough yet to strike out on his own. He'll have problems selling the stuff without me. But if he tries to stiff me outta my share he's gotta another think commin' to 'im. I know people. I'll find him." That part is a slight exaggeration as he wants to seem more impressive to you, but you can tell he's a little worried. "But you said there was money in it for me for meeting you, and I ain't heard a bit of jing yet." He looks you hard in the eyes then.

@ Arc  The dwarfette looks at you and says, "Guys like that don't have much legal uses for peeps like us. And like as not when the job means we wind up dead, the only question they ask is, "Where's my money?". But Benny, he can't quit. He's tried, been in and out of rehab, and now he's on the hook for his latest stash and Jonah ain't answering his comm." She pauses and points to the tat on your upper left arm. "You a Howler? Jonah's an orc. Maybe they'd know where he is?" she looks at you hopefully.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-11-15/2050:51>
Arc tilted her head a bit at the idea of it, smiling a little at her observation.  "Ex-Howler.  Barely run with them anymore.  Can ya blame a breeder?" She winked, clearly used to having to explain that.  She could see the look in the dwarfette's eyes: she was just wanting this resolved, which is a fair desire when everyone is in the struggle of survival in the Barrens.  "I don't got many Howlers what hate my guts, but lemme see if I can pull a solid for ya?  In the meantime..."  She dropped her voice low, moving forward a bit to keep prying ears none the wiser.  "What kinda drek did he get in?  Someone we're trying to locate might be a part of it.  If you don't know, it's null sweat."  Mentally pulling up her link, she saw Yelena's message before making a few of her own.

@Yelena{Arc}>>
<<I know Jaime's got at least one on his list.  I'll ask him.  Hoping we can break from this long enough for me to meet his fam, but he understands if I gotta rain check that.  I'll let you know.  Sending Scorp your way just in case this meet takes too long, aight?>>

@Jaime{Arc}>>
<<I never thought I'd be missing someone's face without a full day passing, but here I am.  Doing what I can to still make tonight work, vrukart.  In the meantime, your buddy Sail do contract work?  Finding myself needing to do some net digging, and can't get much past the search engine, haha.  If not, null sweat.  See you soon, I hope~>>

@Merlin{Arc}>>
<<I dunno if you changed this number.  I know what you think of me, but forget that now.  I need a favor from you.  Trog named Jonas is AWOL to a couple friends of mine finna save him from doing some stupid drek.  It's a longshot, but if you pass some info along to me I like, maybe I fix up that scrapped Growler you been eyeballing.  Wiz?>>

Finished with that, she nodded her head to the dwarf.  "Welp, that's what I can do.  Hoping we both get what we after, ya know?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-11-15/2132:11>
Yelena smiles at Arc's message and sends a reply.  <Arc.  Is Yelena saying thanks.  Send bike to address Yelena uploading to you.  And really, good luck to you and your man.  Yelena hopes all is greatest.>

Upon arriving at the address for the scrap metal business, she pays off the cab and waits for the Scorpion to arrive.  Not for the first time does she shake her head in amazement at what her friend is able to do with the things she is connected to.  Yelena still has the micro drone and sends it into the shop ahead of her as she secures the bike and walks into the store showroom.  She can hear the noise of a large saw cutting pieces of scrap metal into whatever it is they sell.  Her mind leaps to all manner of uses for such a shop, to include black-market parts for vehicle chop shops.  Yelena walks about the front room and waits for someone to come out to help her.  She sends the drone out to look for pictures of the employees and the owner, perhaps they keep some sort of board with photos of the owner and his employees of the month, or something like that.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-12-15/0104:33>
Marco smiles at the dwarf... “Getting impatient aren’t we?... you have to give to receive” He says, he does not plan to even mention money until he gets what he want. Marco’s perception of rich people are these that money is so far down their list that it becomes a non issue for them. This is an illusion of course as they are very careful with their money - but they are not obsessed by it. The more he thinks at money the more vulnerable he'll become to its temptation.

With a comforting smile Marco say: “I haven’t heard enough to justify more than a meal yet, but we’ll get there if you want to be cooperative.”  He gives him a look sizing him for a short while and then decides.
“I am looking for some... *colleage* I know that guy had an accident and I am certain he was on the car with you.  He is not answering his link and It does not seem as if he escaped to sell something... If any he pre-paid a great deal for some service that he did not get to enjoy... a very expensive service, I am looking for him because I owe a favor. If you relax just a little bit you’ll see that our interests are not at all conflicting...” Marco say with a low and dead serious voice: “ I do not know about your friend... “ He gets closer and almost whisper “The person that was with you in the car when you had the accident has no friends. He uses friendship and trust as a weapon, no one knows toward what end he plays...  “

With a smile, that seems to wash away the seriousness of his previous words Marco say: “However, since up until now I seem to be the one giving the information... if you don’t make that leap of faith and tell me what really happened, and what you really know - it is me who is expecting to get paid for this meeting”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-12-15/0114:50>
@ Yelena  Calling it a shop was dignifying it. Arc's garage in the Barrens was nicer by a lot, and cleaner. The guys in the shop stopped what they were doing though and one of them walked towards her. A big troll that had been holding half a ton of truck up for welding. As he walked towards Yelena he pulled a rag out of his back pocket and wiped the sweat off his face. When he reaches her he says politely enough, "May I help you?"

@ Arc  Jaime responds immediately, >>I'll check. I know he does, but right now they're in the middle of some big project at work. If not I'll ask around and see who I can find for you.<<           
Merlin's response isn't far behind Jaime's. >>Word, some peeps just can not give drek up. I haven't had anything against you since we were kids and you got my bike trashed trying to fix the brakes. Yeah I was mad at the time, so what. I been finna call you 'bout Feathers, he be training me an was supposed ta be at his place this afternoon. But it be locked up tight and summin' 'bout it don' smell right. He ain't answerin' his comm neither. Have you heard from him? An 'bout that trog, they been a Jonah tryin' to find a buyer fer his stash in the Gardens, but it be Trainin' Day and he ain't having much luck so far. Hoop jus' be TSTL ya know what I'm saying. Anyway, lemme know 'bout Feathers. I be worried.<<

@ Marco  The dwarf looks at you worried and confused, but then he turns aggressive, "You promised me cred. If you want me to say that the guy you want was in the car I will. You need to pin the blame him on him for summat I got no problem with that as long as you're paying enough." Marco knows he's telling the truth. The dwarf is willing to say whatever Marco wants him to for cred.

[spoiler]The Gardens is a large trash dump towards Snohomish. TSTL=To Stupid To Live. Training Day is the day before payday, and is the day your training to be hungry.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-12-15/0932:45>
“I see you do not understand me... I am like that at times, lets keep it simple. You look for your friend you do not need my money to motivate you into doing that. When you find him, show him the poem I sent you ask him what he thinks. This favor you do for me, I will help you find him if you need my help.

That said, while I did not say that I would just give you money, I *am* a profitable person to know. When you find your missing partner.  I will help you guys get a good price on your stash... trust me, when you see the price you can get for your shady stash you’ll feel a lot better... You think about it, you have my link code.”

He stood up and walked to the door... Thinking: "What am I missing here... this chat was so weird I did not understand it myself - it is a coincidence that there was another person in that car, but could Sam drive as a shady orc to a meeting where the skin he has to wear in the meeting is totally different?"  This does not adds up, it is too complicated.

When Arc drives the car, Marco lets go. He starts laughing... first a shy laugh but then a rolling one... “He does has a friend that was in the car... What a coincidence, total guess work... but he is a freaking orc!... I think I found a new contact for Sam... Perhaps even a new business opportunity... Maybe I'll ask him to lend me this skin... "

Once he relax he explains:
"Sam can pass as both male and female he can probably be an hamster. So can I... but changing skin in a phone booth like superman is just unthinkable. I know I know... there are no phone booths anymore... I am just into history... He won't do it in a public restroom it is the same. Sam is not careless he would never do something that exposes his nature like that.

He take a deep breath, trying to relax his sudden laughter.

"There was another accident... a terrible one... some people even died. I was really hoping we'll find Sam in this one...  " He sighs " I really loved her" ..

Accepting that something terrible may have happened to the most influential person in his recent years,  Marco says a silent prayer to Shilla Schmidt who ever she is.  "No more fear, Arc " he say. "We go figure out that terrible accident and discover what we do... I should have told you about that other accident but I wanted it to be this one so badly. "

Phoenix seemed to be a man of many talents, perhaps he can help us... he owe's me one for being alive...
>> Phoenix, Marco - I think we went after the wrong accident.  We need to get an hospital worker card. Sam is in the hospital but not the one we thought maybe he left already - but I can’t just keep bribing that nurse...
Eventually we’ll both go to jail. I do not think I’ll like the inside of a jail cell - I am more of a creature of good wines and music.  What do you think about faking a key card and then swapping it with one legit employee card so we can access their terminal? jimmy can do so for us, but you said something about being a forger yourself ? wasn't it?

I can look like everyone just place a card in my hand and we find our guy I am certain... I just wasted an hour with some crazy ass dwarf... don’t ask, he was even more annoying than you before you had some coffee.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-12-15/0949:05>
Yelena smiles at the Troll towering over her.  She greets him in Or'Zet then continues in her broken English.  "Am Yelena Petrovna.  Play saxophone.  Was working fair couple weeks back when man named Sam Webster heard me.  He offered help Yelena find job in club he knows about.  Gave card and address.  Yelena finish current gig and looking for work.  Is Sam Webster here so Yelena can ask about club?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-12-15/1155:19>
@ Arc  Jaime responds immediately, >>I'll check. I know he does, but right now they're in the middle of some big project at work. If not I'll ask around and see who I can find for you.<<           
Merlin's response isn't far behind Jaime's. >>Word, some peeps just can not give drek up. I haven't had anything against you since we were kids and you got my bike trashed trying to fix the brakes. Yeah I was mad at the time, so what. I been finna call you 'bout Feathers, he be training me an was supposed ta be at his place this afternoon. But it be locked up tight and summin' 'bout it don' smell right. He ain't answerin' his comm neither. Have you heard from him? An 'bout that trog, they been a Jonah tryin' to find a buyer fer his stash in the Gardens, but it be Trainin' Day and he ain't having much luck so far. Hoop jus' be TSTL ya know what I'm saying. Anyway, lemme know 'bout Feathers. I be worried.<<

<Arc.  Is Yelena saying thanks.  Send bike to address Yelena uploading to you.  And really, good luck to you and your man.  Yelena hopes all is greatest.>

Two of the three responses made Arc smile just a little bit as she sent the bike to the place requested.  She marveled at Yelena's positive energies (despite the intense dramatics that occurred recently) and at Jaime's unquestionable promise to help, even going so far as to look for alternatives to her requested solution.  This is family...what it's like...  The third response, however, was what brought her back to reality, as she felt her heart catch in her throat.

That fragger managed to land himself as apprentice to Feathers?  ...My head's telling me this is bad...but I'm starting to get that I'm good at what I'm doing using Howler habits.  Maybe I'm the one being proud and hoopheaded.  Either way, if her finds out about the drek going down it could be bad.  Gulping down her apprehension, she sent the replies she needed to.

@Yelena{Arc}>>
<<Yeesh, girl, you talking like I'm gonna disappear and never come back.  You can't get rid of me that easy, Srui.  Catch ya later ;)>>

@Jaime{Arc}>>
<<You're awesome.  Thanks <3 >>

@Merlin{Arc}>>
<<Thanks for the info.  Could be really helpful.  As for Feathers, you might have trouble reaching him for a beat.  The pack was hunting, and one strayed from the path and got lost.  The rest are working the tracks, but those on the hunt may be hunted.  A deadly game, no?  Keep an ear to the moon, I'll howl when the hunt is on.  In the meantime, hunt well, silent predator!>>

Arc hoped that her codespeak wasn't too rusty after her couple of years out of the Howlers, but the meaning was simple enough: Feathers is missing, her people are on the case, it's a tricky situation, be careful.  With that, she was about to text Marco about how she got the info these halfers were looking for when he stood up.  Looks like the meet's over...  Nodding her head, she stood up and smiled, offering her hand to the dwarfette.  "Looks like that's my queue.  I've got my peeps working on the missing trog.  I'll get word when i find out about it.  In the meantime, here's my comm.  Come look me up whenever you need something fixed, aight?"  Shaking her hand, she turned and left with Marco, listening to him in the car.

"...another wreck?  Great...that being said, if you wanna check on Jonah, I know where he is: a trash dump near Snohomish.  We can be there in a half hour.  Your call man, you good at this talking drek."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-12-15/1511:51>
“You are amazing Arc!” Marco said with excitement, “quite the talker and connections in the Barrens I did not think we’ll find him so quickly...  no hard feelings about the prehistoric alpha male stuff... heh? That dwarf despite not leading us to Sam is going to become a very important contact... an invisible soldier someone that will do anything without asking questions, someone that people are used to ignoring. It is this kind of contact that can take a guy like Sam down .”

On the way Marco thinks to himself, I made an oath to Sam and it seems like the gods have given me the means to complete it. If I manage to capture the loyalty of that dwarf, I have a feeling that he could lock down on one of Sam’s faces and discover his secrets. Nobody will notice a poor dwarf in the bad side of town... he’ll be able to sit on his tail for months undetected..” If there was one thing that Shilla challenged Marco it was to get even. Cain could prove to be just the right person for the job - while he does not seem to have any conventional talent - it is this plainness that will make him not perceived as a threat - who would believe that a powerful criminal like Marco has this poor person as a contact.  A criminal, thought Marco... is that what I am now? He felt alive for the first time, the thought that he finally met a man that could help bringing Sam down... and that the answer was under his nose. "But why do I want to be a criminal?" It wasn’t clear to him, he tried to shake this desire but he felt ecstatic for the opportunity to gain the loyalty of the dwarf.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-12-15/1801:00>
@ Arc & Marco  Traffic is much heavier than usual at this time of day. So it takes Arc 32 minutes to get to the trash dump.

@ Yelena  The troll looks at you puzzled and says, "I'm Sam Webster. I own this shop. And while I do like jazz I'm fairly certain I've never seen you play."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-12-15/1921:20>
“You are amazing Arc!” Marco said with excitement, “quite the talker and connections in the Barrens I did not think we’ll find him so quickly...  no hard feelings about the prehistoric alpha male stuff... heh? That dwarf despite not leading us to Sam is going to become a very important contact... an invisible soldier someone that will do anything without asking questions, someone that people are used to ignoring. It is this kind of contact that can take a guy like Sam down .”

Arc smirked as she rounded a corner, the car gliding effortlessly through the traffic, though it clearly came to a halt as the lunch rush slowed them up.  "Tch, it's null sweat on the alpha drek, omae.  You trusting me with my drek, so I'm doing the same.  You much better at talking to hoops, that's for fragging sure.  What I'm doing?  Tch, I'm being myself.  Barrens folk take care of their own, ain't no way around it."

"As for taking someone like Sam down..what you about, huh?  Don't forget we just need to find this hoop.  Or at least put enough work in until he/she/whatever finds us.  Eh, whatever...we clear one lead at a time, best we can do.  This trog hoop Jonah finna off some stash he picked up, but because of conditions today, no one's picking up.  Shouldn't be hard to find him if he looking for a buyer, maybe?"


As they pulled up, Arc stepped out of the car, shivering a bit in the chill sunny winter air.  Hugging herself a bit, she glanced over at Marco.  "Following your lead, chummer."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-12-15/2101:24>
Amborse pulled up the message as he was still in the park feeding the birds. <<Well, that would be easier said than done. I need a kit to do that sort of work. There is one at my home if you can get it. Unless one of you have a few things I can use. Namely the card itself, its not something that could just be carved out of wood. Whats the address of the hospital?>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-13-15/0048:40>
Marco does not fully understand why he is so happy suddenly, his emotional rollercoaster take him from despair to fear to happiness. The emotions are strong and intense, so many opportunities, so many doubts fears. He tells Arc: “You got some good information from that dwarfete. My thing was more of a long term. Like you say I am a foreigner here... actually everywhere in the world. Belonging indeed makes talking a lot easier... in the meanwhile I am having Phoniex take care of some legwork... this time we’ll do the hospital info a lot faster with disguise and swift hands. Repeating the same trick twice the same day is how you get busted”

He shows her the messages from Phoenix and text him: “<< There is a stash, a cache of tools of your trade... Shilla used it but she does not seem to exist anymore and she said I can use it. Most of the stuff in there is useless for me because I get distracted too easily and lack the discipline required by technical stuff. I am extending you a mark it is an old yacht in the Marina, go below deck you’ll see that it is actually not a bad place to work. It has everything, as well as many blank cards. For inspiration you can use your blackmail material or just matrix search it I bet it is doable but I am just an amateur with technology.

Looking forward to meeting you!
Attached: Location of boat.
Attached: Mark for boat.
Attached: Location of hospital.
>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-13-15/0128:56>
Now it is Yelena's turn to look puzzled.  "But Yelena have card with name and address.  And Yelena has never seen you, Sam Webster."  She shrugs her shoulders.  "Maybe man just want in Yelena's pants.  Anyway, Yelena sorry for use time, Sam Webster.  Thank for being nice."  In Or'Zet, Yelena wishes the Troll a nice day and leaves the shop, summoning the drone back to her.  Walking to where the bike is parked, she takes her seat on the rig and ponders her next move carefully, or as carefully as she is in the habit of doing.  She goes through two cigars while thinking, then nods her head, having made up her mind.

Yelena mentally thumbs open her list of comm codes and dials one.  <Blindside.  Is Wanderer.  Have information maybe is important.  Can meet?>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-13-15/0153:15>
@ Yelena  >>Wanderer, password Athelas. Meet is at the last place you saw me..<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-13-15/0220:33>
Yelena nods to herself and breaks the connection.  Starting her rig, she eases into traffic and sends the bike to the fair.  Parking it where she had the last time, she makes her way to the gate.  If any Ancients are on guard there she uses "Athelas" to get past them if challenged.  She walks confidently to the meeting place, but her eyes are open to what is around her.  She is not prey.  She is one of the hunters and knows it.  She has been a hunter since she was ten years old and well knows the difference.  Her hands are loose and she is relaxed as she walks.  She sends the drone up above her, sending it to a perch on the wall overlooking the meet.  As she gets closer, she opens a text channel.  <Arc.  Is Yelena.  Am meeting old friend where Arc first see Yelena.  Have drone on wall to watch.  Arc come get drone if Yelena not return.  See what happen, maybe.  But Yelena plan to return so Arc not worry.  Take care, Srui..>

Yelena moves to the tent area, looking for Blindside or one of his lieutenants to appear.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-13-15/0348:58>
@ Yelena  Blindside is doing business when she approaches. He looks like he's sitting having a smoke with the keeb razorgirl bodyguard Yelena recognizes as more than a ganger by her stance and eyes, still, it's none of her business. But Yelena knows the difference between the boss and his minions, and this particular spider has definitely been plucking his strings. He sees you approach, but doesn't seem to care as he continues conducting business as usual with one of his lieutenants.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-13-15/0516:50>
Yelena stops a respectful distance from the Keeb ganger in the chair.  She has been in the company of enough gang bosses and underbosses to know when to be still.  She does not quite ignore Blindside and his lieutenant, but she lets them conduct their business.  This is Yelena's world and she knows that she is being tested and that interrupting Blindside now would show great disrespect.  She also knows that as yet she is less than an employee and has no right to demand time from him but, somewhat surprisingly, she is being afforded something special because they have not required her to surrender her weapon, even knowing that she is an assassin and no longer employed by them.  Her skill at her job got her this far and she will have to prove that she has something of value for him. 

Yelena spares only a glance at the places where Ancient soldiers are conspicuously on guard and also on the places she is sure that less conspicuous guards are hidden, knowing that her eye and head motions are being closely observed.  She then concentrates her attention on the razorgirl, looking her in the eyes before allowing her gaze to travel down the Keeb's body.  She lets her eye linger at the other girl's breasts and waist before returning to her face.  Licking her lips suggestively, Yelena smiles, almost but not quite pursing her lips.  She knows that her own clothing and posture leave little to wonder about and is sure that several of the Keebs present are looking at her with at least some bit of lust, perhaps even a great deal of lust, but her interest is the razorgirl.  She feels in her gut that the woman is much more than she seems and wonders again why the Ancients underboss keeps her near him.  He either has a great deal of trust in her or has no clue that she is quite dangerous. 

Yelena has never completely taken her attention from Blindside and some mannerism in his movement causes her to stand more erect and focused on him.  She feels that the testing time is nearly concluded and is ready when he signals that he is willing to speak to her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-13-15/0934:52>
Hesitant, not sure he should say it... and Marco adds eventually. "Arc, despite everything I can't continue running because someone is twisting my hand behind my back... This is no way to live...  I tried disappearing changing comlinks, apartments but I am an easy man to find, I have a day job and I cannot just go off grid and forget about it.

Even a confession is not a good solution because it may put me at great physical danger. It is very important to the church that I keep quite about what really happened in there...I am not even sure why they kept me alive, I think that the good bishop pulled a lot of weight to just let me go to exile... out of all the priests there he really was a man of god... a rare thing.

 But if I start thinking about going home and confess they may not be as kind... they struggled a lot to include magic into their faith and accept it as a weapon.

That is even if I was ready to face my parents that I know very little about... and have no idea if they'll want to continue even the very minimal form of communication that we now have. If you want to hear the funny part, Shilla herself told me that I am hers until I can get some leverage to keep my dirty secret to myself."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-13-15/1223:18>
Arc had a brow raised, and she wasn't hiding the unease she felt from his..passionate distraction.  Sighing a little, she did not hesitate to cuff him on the arm lightly.  "Focus, omae.  We can worry about that drek later, but right now we got a trog to find and confirm, do we not?"  Hugging her arms, the human stepped into the trash dump, wrinkling her nose.

The smell was strong and a bit putrid, that was for certain.  But it could have been worse...the trash could have been cooking in summer heat.  As they walked, Arc glanced around, making the two of them look conspicuous...shouldn't be hard, Marco looks like he has money, so someone looking to sell drek should just come to them...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-13-15/1345:35>
Ambrose replies back.

<<Right.. It'll take a bit for me to get there and get the things you need.>>

And with that he was off towards the hospital to scope it out. He needed a few faces of the workers there as well as basic information from them. It was going to be hard, trying to complete the swipe for a real card, for a fake one, so it would likely be something done in two parts.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-13-15/1454:54>
 "Indeed we do" Said Marco. It was unlikely that that trog was Sam because Sam will not hide in some junkyard and just forget to call them. Would he? that seemed unlikely to Marco, Sam would not just swap skins around like a teenage mage excited by his power. Yes, Marco was referring to himself.He was so naive when he arrived so Seattle that he could have ended a lot worse than Sam. Part of Marco hoped that Sam is never found, and that he will have his freedom. That other part wanted to find him so badly, and was terrified by the thought of losing him. Out of all the significant people in Marco's life, Sam's betrayal was the least painful, Shilla was the only person that established a meaningful relationship with Marco, without her he is completely alone in the world - as he felt since she revealed her true face and started giving him a colder more professional treatment.

Marco knew that he is still too trusting... He knows little about the world and what little he knows about magic is considered a lot in the streets. His reference group was a hand picked set of mages that dedicated their entire life to magic, under extensive training. Clearly, Marco could pass as a reasonable mage in the streets. Shadowrunning was not 100% bad, he had to admit it. Marco was eager to establish a network of connections. One that would allow him to deal with Sam as equal - to be influential enough that he knows what the end game is and whose interests they are really serving. He was not happy being played like a pawn - he wanted to be the one calling the shots. That kind of less on the field job Marco could see himself doing.
The money was good and he could get some serious charities going if he gets good enough.  Charities buy influence - both in high social cycles and within the unfortunates. Enough influence and he'll be able to bargain for his freedom. What Sam did not know... or did he ? was that he did not threat him with embarrassment only... like Marco tried to make him believe. He threatened him with death... death by the hand of assassins that trained their entire life to kill on a whim, whose magical capabilities scared the crap out of Marco.
Marco hoped he was skilled enough to hide just how strong Sam leverage really was. He had a beginning of a plan... it started by confessing to Gabriel that Sam was blackmailing him, and continuing by Marco killing Sam under Gabriel's guidance.  He could not bring himself to resolve this issue like this, his emotional connection to Sam was too strong. Marco understood that the Vatican had the strongest interest for silencing Sam. That secret was not just his own... it belonged to the church...  within the right hands it could shut down the entire program as it was already controversial... This is what Gabriel told him two years ago.

Being less naive, Marco suddenly understood. "With about 20 very skilled assassins already active, elite mages that lived to kill. Can you really shut down a program just by politics? can such a beast be controlled? These people will kill everyone that tries to shut down their little program, their numbers will increase over the years and whomever is in control of the program will become the true power in the Vatican. But I am on exile... and I need the connections and influence... One look from the trog and I'll know if it is Sam.
If it is not Sam, I'll just chat him up to buy the loyalty of Mr. Lee dana. Used correctly, he can be the one to bring Sam down... but only when he is loyal enough" The mere thought of being free from Sam without resorting to killing seemed like a miracle to Marco. If there was one thing he knew that could not be anticipated is what would happen after that call to Gabriel, and how much blood will be spilled. There was also another good reason not to do the call - they could decide to kill Marco afterwards to prevent it from ever happening again.

He texted Phoenix  <<Roger that friend,  hopefully we are ready when you are ready. Let me know if you need any assistance.>> 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-13-15/1624:24>
@ Yelena  The razorgirl guard doesn't even change expressions as you deliberately try to test her but her nose goes a millimeter in the air higher to indicate her disdain and every inch of her body posture is ready to spring into action if you move wrong. It's a contest, and she's a professional. The guards on duty hidden and otherwise aren't quite as professional, but they at least have the self discipline to keep quiet, keep to their posts and keep watch. And eventually Blindside is done conducting business and his gaze focuses on you. "Wanderer, I hadn't expected to see you again. Word was that you were nearly geeked by the blood mage a month back. I'd have expected you to leave after that job was done. Bad luck to stay." his eyes watch you as he says that, the eyes of a predator on the hunt. "What brings you back to this neck of the Barrens?"

@ Arc & Marco  Nothing is more certain than a new dealer rtying to unload his stash. And Marco's appearance draws out their target like a bee to honey. He's cleaner than Cain, and big, but Bonehead and Lupo were bigger, and he doesn't have the smarts to wait and observe them a little first. He approaches Marco with a bit of bravado and says, "I got what you need. High quality. Twenty cred a unit, as much as you want." He watches Marco expectantly, waiting for him to take the unit.

@ Ambrose  The mark is good and Ambrose spots the yacht immediately. It's one of the least expensive in the marina and right now it's locked up tight. But Marco's passwords are still good and Ambrose gets in no problems. A little snooping around reveals a top-notch forgery kit. It's even better than the one he lost. And the kaf in the galley is a good blend. And there's enough basic supplies and foodstuffs to make a more than decent meal if he's so inclined.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-13-15/1955:47>
Yelena smiles at the razorgirl, nodding one professional to another, before focusing her attention on Blindside.  She acknowledges his statement and replies.  "Thank for see Wanderer.  Geeking was overstatement.  Wanderer kill target.  End of story."  She shrugs.  "But is not end.  Wanderer rest after kill blood mage.  Rest and think and then go check.  Wanderer remember man who come see her at fair on day of meet with Duckdown Ork.  Man say name Sam Webster.  Own scrap shop.  Wanderer not sure of man and ask if Keeb source could check.  Wanderer told was ok so let man go.  But think while rest and more not sure of man so go check.  Sam Webster at fair was human, but Sam Webster of scrap shop is very large Troll.  Not same Sam Webster." 

Yelena spares a glance at the razorgirl then looks back at Blindside.  "Not good intel.  Sloppy.  So Sam human was snooping at meet.  Wanderer do some checking.  Duckdown Ork playing drums somewhere and not important.  Howler Arc Human with him that day is auto mechanic and now hero of Barrens for help kill monster.  Wanderer get close Arc Human and she only mechanic and in right place.  She not know Sam Human, so not important.  But Wanderer think Sam was watching Keeb gang underboss.  Maybe work with whoever gave cover story and say he OK."  At this point, Yelena has one eye clearly on the other woman as she continues, watching for any tell-tale that the razorgirl is going to do anything.

"Wanderer think gang underboss might want know.  Now Sam Human has disappeared and Wanderer think maybe Keeb gang help find and maybe hire Wanderer."  With that she finishes and waits for a response.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-13-15/2213:59>
@ Yelena  The look on Blindsides' face would do a Vory boss proud. Coldly murderous would about describe it. And just like those very few bosses that Yelena had known that did not fly into rages threatening everyone that had ever lived who might have crossed them, Blindsides first reaction was to jut his chin out slightly and start thinking. It was the same reaction that the razorgirl next to him had. Finally he looked at you, the gaze of a cobra. "If he is watching me he's very good. But I'm not so sure he's watching me. You said he contacted you, perhaps it was you he was after?", he pauses then his face still. "But, I don't like the fact that he approached you while you were under contract with me. I'm going to send you to a PI by the name of Jedediah Early. He's got contacts in a lot of places. And the network to use them. If he's on my dime he'll report everything he finds back to me. But, I see no reason to put you back on the payroll until I know whether or not he needs your special services." He flicks his gaze towards his razorgirl and she answers with a lowering of hers. And then your comm beeps with the info on one Jedediah Early, PI.

Yelena knows when she's dismissed and she takes her leave still careful not to make any moves that could be seen as threatening. But the little bit of tension doesn't leave the back of her neck until she's out of sight, and then the adrenalin rush comes of having successful negotiated that and she's suddenly in great spirits. She should celebrate! A little bit of Venus and the right partner, or maybe Launchpad and a few partners. Yelena can feel the need growing as soon as she thinks of it and the stirring between her legs starts growing insistent. And her comm chirps again. Gregor, Yes Gregor, a good partner with access to everything I need. is her first thought as she answers. >>Yelena, I've spoken to a friend and we would like to hire you for your special talent. Come to the club and we'll discuss it.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-13-15/2315:06>
Jed dropped into his office chair with a sigh and a groan.  That left leg was really hurting now.  He'd actually had to use his cane to walk that last few blocks.  Caressing the hawk's head handle, he shifted sideways in his chair.   He had just gotten used to having his own wheels again.  Taking that bus and the walking the 8 blocks didn’t always wear on him like this.  “You’re getting soft old man” he said aloud to himself.  Then his snarky inner voice whispered “No, you’re just getting old, man.”  He’d spent his 65th birthday in rehab.  Talk about getting soft.  2 weeks of lying around that room, having his soycaf and myco scramble brought to him in bed every morning, having that kind young man (Jaime was it?) walking him around until he was back on his feet, and having a nurse come around with pain meds every 6 hours was really going to ruin him.  His pain was an 8 out of 10 now.  “Suck it up Buttercup”.   The thought of the prescription that they called in tempted him, but there was a problem he didn’t need.  He popped a handful of over the counter stuff and drank down a glass of water. 
Scrolling through his mail he made note of the things that needed immediate attention.  Bills from his trip to the hospital and rehab were already coming in.  Notice from his car insurance.  Of course they didn’t cover damage from spirits.  “Mr. Early.  Upon review of your policy, it appears you did not have coverage for business use of your vehicle.  As we note that your profession is listed as “Private Investigator” and your residence is not listed as a Redmond address, our ruling is that you were using your vehicle for business use, and the damage done by a toxic spirit is not covered”.  That figures.  Drek.  What the Frag was he supposed to do now.  He checked his account.  Rent was deducted a week ago, so he had a little time for that.  Honestly, if these medical bills got any higher, he may just have to burn this SIN and get another one.  But that would mean losing this office, and finding another one.
Damn.  Who would have thought he would have gotten attached to a place so fast.  “20 years of living with nothing, and the first place you land, you get attached”.  Maybe he should just go back to being invisible.  “And what when you die?  Who will know?  Who will care?  What would have been the point of your time here?  What will you tell Bunny in the life after this?  That you never got over your fear of living?  You rejoined the human race to do honor to her memory and her ideals of helping others.  What will your life amount to if you go back to being invisible now?”  His inner voice was pissing him off.  “Frag you Erickson and your generativity vs stagnation!”  He snarled.  Or was he in intimacy vs isolation.  Probably had a foot in both.  “Frag this”.
He stepped outside the back and looked around.  Nobody watching.  He focused his will and mind as his form shimmered and disappeared.  Then focusing again he felt his weight fall away.  Up and up, over the buildings.  Like a hawk.  It felt good to leave the ground.  Too bad he couldn’t move much faster than he could walk.  The wind felt good.  Up and over all the smog.  He just floated.  He found himself over the barrens.  “I wonder what happened to my little rooftop garden?” He mused.  Let’s see, where was it?  Over there.  He landed lightly.  The little tomato plant was still alive.  “Someone must have found their way up here.”  Well, he planted it, so he didn’t feel too guilty when he picked two of the three tomatoes, pulled a few basil leaves, and dug up a couple of the small potatoes.  I’ll leave them something, he decided. 
Enough.  Back to reality.  Back to the ground.  By the time he returned to the office, it was dark.  Reentering the door he realized that he had left the door unlocked.  “Drek for brains”.  Well, that was what he paid the Valentine Street Boys for, little extra security.  He put the potatoes in a little pot of water on his hot plate.  As he ate his little meal of real food, he contemplated his next move.  Nuyen makes the world go round.  He better find a way to get some, and quick.  Work wasn’t flooding his inbox right now. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-13-15/2328:14>
Yelena makes it back out to the bike stand and leans against her rig before actually looking at the comm code for Jedediah Early.  She mentally thumbs open her 'link as she takes a cigar out of the case.  As she lights up she opens a link to the code that the razorgirl had given her.  <Jedediah Early.  Is Wanderer.  Keeb name of Blindside gave me code.  He tells Wamderer that you can help find man.  Can meet for talk?  I have ride and can come you.  Please send reply?>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-13-15/2334:53>
Full of confidence trying to establish his dominance Marco fearlessly approaches the Orc.

“No no no... this is NOT how it is done. You my friend are a very bad salesman. If I am to invest in your little venture you’d definitely need to change your attitude.
The name is Sam Webster, I am your new strategic consultant. I already talked to your short friend and now I am talking to you. It took 5 minutes to find you... So if you were trying to hide it was not working very well for you...   you guys are not using your resources right - you are fighting over crumbs instead of having a big pie... Comon man,  selling it in this pathetic place for 20 apiece?! you could easily get 40 selling it in a more upscale place. Will only cost you guys 10 percent consultant fee... I am actually doing you a favor, because I am new in town...  But before we start you give that partner of yours a comm call saying that you two are cool because he is a little paranoid and it is  very bad for business.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-13-15/2351:41>
Still smoking, Yelena next opens a link to her friends.  <Arc and Marco.  Is Yelena.  Have news.  Went Blindside and he give name of PI to help find Sam.  Name is Jedediah Early.  Yelena sent message for meet.  Other news.  Lawyer man Gregor call Yelena.  Want talk at club.  Yelena going.  Sending comm code for PI so you can call if Yelena tied up at club.  Yelena take drone.>

Yelena finishes the cigar as she summons the micro drone back to her and mounts the Scorp, firing it into action.  She smiles at the roar of the hog's mighty engine and cruises out of the parking lot.  She turns onto the street and heads for the club while she opens a channel back to Gregor.  <Gregor.  Is Yelena.  Can come now, but not dressed for club.  Yelena come back door or need change?>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-14-15/0005:26>
@ Yelena >>You can come through the back. I wasn't expecting you to be dressed to party.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-14-15/0019:30>
@ Marco  The orc just looks at you dumbfounded an confused. You can tell he has no clue what to do next.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-14-15/0043:15>
Yelena smiles.  Of course the entire call from Gregor could be a set up, but there is always danger in the shadows.  Always.  But it was that very danger that ran through the veins of the true runner and made life worth living.  Marco might never see or feel that, but Yelena would try to get him there.......if he wanted to try.

She takes the bike to the parking area and makes her way to the back door, entering if it is unlocked.  If the door is secured, she will knock.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-14-15/0111:21>
@Yelena:  Wanderer, my office location is 1264 Valentine Ave, Auburn.  Please initiate a trid call to make the appointment.  I find that it is important to know who I am looking for when someone comes to call.  My hours are flexible.  Please call for the appointment at least an hour prior to the time you would like to meet.

"I wonder if she will be calling tonight, or tomorrow?"  "I had better wash up and put on a clean suit."

Jed levered himself up with his cane and limped back into the workroom of his office that he used for a bedroom.  Grabbing his only spare suit, he made his way into the small bathroom and turned on the water at the sink.  "When I finally get ahead, maybe I'll get a hotel room and take a real shower with hot water."  Fingering the stubble on his face, he decided that with the late hour, he shouldn't be expected to look too presentable.  Not smelling bad should be enough.  "Snotty Keebs.  I'll be damned if I kiss their asses."  He felt a moment of shame as Bunny's face flashed through his mind.  There was a day that he would have taken issue with someone using that word around him.  Why was she so persistently pressing on his thoughts today?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-14-15/0127:11>
@ Yelena  The person who looks through the back door looks away for a moment and then opens the door and tells you, "Follow me." He takes you through the side stairway up to a room. It's an office and Gregor is standing with the man from Ambroses's comms that they'd ID'd as a boss. "Yelena, this is Hank. I've told him about your skills." He looks over at Hank. Hank immediately starts speaking, "You've made yourself very well known to several people in a very short time frame. And we can use that. An assoc. of ours has been stealing. We want him dead and his passcodes so that we can recover what he's taken. He's far to paranoid to have it anywhere other than his home where he can keep an eye on it. So, your job is to get in and kill him and then to let our computer specialist in to retrieve our item."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-14-15/0142:49>
Yelena catches the call from the PI just as she gets ready to enter the club with the guide.  She holds up a finger, "One minute please.  Need tell friend might be late dinner."  Yelena stops to send a reply to the PI.  <Jedediah.  Is Wanderer.  Can do that.  Going other meeting now.  Call when done.>  She quickly follows that with a second message to Arc and Marco.  <Arc and Marco.  Is Yelena.  At club to meet Gregor.  Going back door.  Had call from PI man.  He want trid call before meet, but seems to available any time.  Address is attached.  If club is trap, call instead of Yelena and have PI man start looking for Sam.>

She shakes her snowy locks and smiles as she closes the links.  Trap or not, she is a predator of the shadows, a survivor.  Her nerves are calm and her will is steel.  Not for the first time does she realize that the call for the drugs that she had been feeling has been muted by the possibility of danger.  She follows the guard to the room and nods to Gregor and Hank, listening to them both.  She remains quiet for a moment then pulls out her case.  She holds it up in a silent question and will take a cigar from it if the men do not object.  Lighting it she draws a couple of times before responding.  "Yelena interested.  Usually kill from distance now, but can do up close.  Yelena has questions.  Who is target?  Where is target?  Is time must be done or can Yelena have time prepare?  Have exit plan or must Yelena devise?  How much want pay Yelena?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-14-15/0232:40>

Marco is a little amused: thinking “he has no idea what to do, so it should be me that tells him what to do... this is the most vulnerable state a person can be. Once he starts cooperating he’ll feel in too deep to change his mind. “

He confidently say as if he is running the show already:
“Don’t just stand there... show me exactly what you have, my time is expensive kido.. you want to sell it all quickly don’t you?... I should be doing some legwork rather than just watching you age.”

“Definitely not Sam...”, but Marco had a beginning of a plan that included these two clowns and the parking lot of the club. Someone sending a couple of drug dealers to sell their goods outside the club will draw a lot of attention, and if they give the right business card Marco may be able to schedule a business meeting with the club boss. There is a gang war and everything - everybody will be extra edgy. Nobody will think that some clown that suddenly dares to step in and take some business from the club is just a clown. They will have to see who they are up against... or so Marco was hoping.

When Marco has some spare moment, he text back.
Marco then texts Yelena <<Dear Yelena, I am crazy about you and miss you already.  - if there is any way you can meet him someplace open to the outside air I can have your back... but I need your pretty face to be visible from outside the cub.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-14-15/1224:11>
@ Yelena  Hank nods his ok for the cigarette and then begins answering your questions. "Joshua Snowden. President of Williamson & Peppard pharmaceuticals. He's a bachelor, and been almost a hermit since his last divorce. His ex-husband took almost everything and Snowden's pretty much locked himself away, does most things by computer. I'd like the job done as soon as possible so that we can get what we need. But no later than 56 hrs from now. Exit plan is all yours, but it should be easy once Snowden is dead. And as to pay, I believe the usual fee for a company prez is $10k."

@ Marco  The orc, Joshua looks at you and nods his head and then rushes to get his product out for inspection. He looks up at you, "Like this?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-14-15/1243:25>
Arc was standing behind and off to the side of Marco during the exchange, arms crossed in an combined effort to stay warm and look tough.  Since the male elf seemed to be (very easily) in complete control of the situation, the human girl took the time to read and respond to Yelena's texts.

<<@Yelena {Arc}>>
<<Thanks for heads up.  Your turn to make good results, Srui, haha :).  Job offer?  We talk later, but if you need help we can spot yeh.  I'll give you an hour before I get worried, then we can group trid call this hoop.  Word>>

Glancing back over, she focused just in time to see the ork Jonah opening his stash.  She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as she tried to identify the goods...assessing that any major gang in the area would likely mark this TSTL tusker as el primo prey.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-14-15/1308:04>
Ambrose did not go to the yacht first. As each hospital was likely to have different keycards, and ID structures as well as icons and other things, he absolutely needed to scope the place out first.  And so he did. It was a rather simple walk around the place looking around for the clinic of the hospital, his little camera recording everything it could, including the employees and what their cards look like.

"I've had a bit of a headache." he says to the front counter of the clinic. A rather common problem with people of advanced years, He could make a few common illnesses. Nothing grand, simple here was key.  No one could disprove his own pain he felt, they could only prove he didn't have some crazy disease. He waited in the waiting room for the moment, watching people come and go, and just who was working.

The check came and went, the nurse informing him he was a tad dehydrated and to drink more fluids, as his headache went away mysteriously after being given a glass of water. With the film in hand, the last thing was to see if he could get someone's card, a rather tricky little aspect to be sure, as he wasn't as spry as he used to be. Minimizing the amount of people around came first, the old man moving to the smoking zone. He needed to get someone going off duty if he was going to do this, and so he waited.

Finally if an employee would come out, and go to the bus stop, that was when he'd move to take his target. Getting on the same bus as them, real nonchalant like, watching them to see where they put their card. He'd only have a moment to do this. Moving through the bus past the employee he'd quickly attempt to get the card. The real thing was always better than a fake after all.


Finally going to the yacht the old man sits down with the card. He'd have to work quickly with it, otherwise if the person noticed their card was missing eventually they'd be able to trace back to here. His coat blocked out most signals fairly well, scrambling them in the noise, but that would all change when he began to work on the card. The first thing was to make a fake that looked exactly like this, even had the access codes, only wasn't able to be traced by the person he stole it from.

[spoiler]
Filming the undercover video (http://orokos.com/roll/300894): 11d6t5 4
Slight of hand to take card (http://orokos.com/roll/300898): 9d6t5 5  Anyone trying to see him steal the card takes a -6 to their perception checks.
Forgery (http://orokos.com/roll/300892): 14d6t5 5
Bonus Dice for Forgery (http://orokos.com/roll/301023): 4d6t5 2

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-14-15/1331:10>
Yelena looks from one man to the other as she finishes her cigar.  After tapping off the long ash, she strips the butt and places the remains in her pocket before responding.  "Is start.  But must think club men have used amateurs in past.  Yelena price this sort of job much higher."  She smiles and shrugs.  "But Yelena willing to go lower for first time.  May be other times, yes?  So Yelena start negotiations at 20K.  Time factor add 10K.  Yelena has references.  Check with Virtual Goddess.  Can give link if do not have.  And Yelena never work for all at end.  Must be some up front."

"Yelena need plans of house and security setup.  Man uses computers so might have good security.  Yelena know good matrix man to take security down, but will cost more to pay man.  Also need personal data on target.  You tell Yelena that he has ex-husband, so he likes men?  Give Yelena all personal data.  Man dead in time you want."

Yelena looks back and forth between the two men.  "Yelena can wait while Hank and Gregor talk things out.  Yelena is professional of high quality.  Not punk on street with gun.  No trail of breadcrumbs back to club men.  Want man dead or take chance on amateur?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-14-15/1337:59>
Marco makes a serious face, then a disappointed face: “No brand... just generic stuff... this won’t fly under my watch. We need a brand! Something catchy... New formula! 100% natural ingredients... it is not going to be 20 a piece that’s too low! people are suspicious when you sell them cheap drugs... they question what’s inside... they need to pay a lot to appreciate it man. Deluxe drugs! that’s it! With a name like that we are talking at least 50 a piece."
Marco then uses his authoritative tone.
"Now hurry up... load these babies to the car. We are not getting any younger, there is so much work to do! We need to repack with a big logo and a brand. Otherwise they won’t sell for 50 apiece.  We’ll contact you soon when we are ready to market. You guys are going to be *Sooo* rich!" He gives the orc a serious look. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-14-15/1807:51>
Tues Dec. 9th 15:30

@ Arc  Jaime calls you, >>Hey sweetie, Sail says how soon do you need it, cause depending on when it is depends on whether or not he can do it. Otherwise he can maybe recommend someone. And Henry says is 18:45 ok for dinner. Maya has soccer practice today and they won't be home until 18:30.<<

@ Ambrose  As Ambrose is riding back on the bus he smiles to himself. It had been almost childs play to accomplish this. He'd made his mistakes when he was younger. Trying to look like a visitor. Taking a badge off someone who was still working. Getting the badge traced back to him. Being to impatient. But, he hadn't survived this long by not learning from his mistakes and now he had the skills and the experience to back it up. The badge said the guy he'd taken it from was a RT. And not the type to pay attention to much Ambrose thought from watching him on the bus. He'll never know he's missing it until he actually needs it Ambrose thought. Once he got onto the yacht he made himself a pot of coffee and a sandwich. Dried, packaged, safety sealed food like this tended to taste a bit like stale cardboard, but these obviously hadn't been packed to long ago because they weren't to bad, and at least the coffee was good. The it was time to get to work. It was always a pleasure working with top notch tools and the cabin was actually set up for work and with no distractions Ambrose was able to do a quality job.

@ Marco  The orc moves to pack everything into the car and is almost done when a thought finally penetrates his thick skull. "Wait, you aint paid me." he stands there glowering at you. "If you don't pay me you can't have the drugs." he crosses his arms across his chest and gets a mulish expression on his face.

@ Yelena  Hank and Gregor exchange glances and Gregor makes a quarter-turn away from you. In a few minutes Gregor looks at Hank and says, "She checks out. Codename Wanderer, A hundred and thirty-seven confirmed kills. No jail time since working with Virtual Godess, and we now have a 5% fee for using her asset." He looks at you, "Ten k up front and Fifteen when you finish the job. We've already got a guy to handle the security. You'll work with him."

@ Jedediah  Even cold the water is gone to quick, but it feels good to clean up. He hasn't been able to take a real bath since rehab. And all of those early baths had been out of the sink as well. He remembers his first full shower and how good that had felt. Well, maybe this job will let him pay for some hot water. But rent and food had to come first. Still, it was hard not to be a little optimistic at his first chance at work since the accident. But, his leg was starting to throb again, he'd better take something, he couldn't afford to look like he couldn't handle whatever the job threw at him.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-14-15/1849:30>
Tues Dec. 9th 15:30

@ Arc  Jaime calls you, >>Hey sweetie, Sail says how soon do you need it, cause depending on when it is depends on whether or not he can do it. Otherwise he can maybe recommend someone. And Henry says is 18:45 ok for dinner. Maya has soccer practice today and they won't be home until 18:30.<<


Arc tried to suppress the flushing on her cheeks as her heart fluttered from the message, stifling her embarrassed smile as she turned to the side, keeping an eye on Jonah.  Seeing the confused expression, the human sniffed at the air, feeling some heat happen, the human instinctively brushing at the small of her back, where her Predator was tucked away, just in case.  Checking the time, she gave a nod 3 hours...should be enough time to regroup with Yelena, and possibly even meet up with that Jed Early PI dude before I need to get there.  Wiz, but I can cut out of the latter if needed.  Nodding to herself, she sent out the comms mentally.

<<@Jaime {Arc}>>
<<Not knowing ain't putting me in danger, just possibly delaying a paycheck, so I ain't finna pressure Sail.  Sruiken got a name for a PI, but still may be good for some Trix backup.  If I can't afford his charge, I'll work something out; you know there's always something to fix in the Barrens, amirite?  As for dinner, I'll make it work, you got my heart word on that, hon.  Maya?  First time you mentioned her, now my curiousity for your fam is hungry.  Meet at your place?  Either way see you soon>>

<<@Marco{Arc}>>
<<Hoi, think we can wrap this up?  I wanna be ready to meet with Yelena as soon as we can, nawsayn?  Call me crazy, but this hoop don't look like our mark>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-14-15/1904:54>
Without a hint of apology, Maro confidently say. "You’ll get them back don’t worry... I obviously won’t sell that stuff myself. Talk to the dwarf he went into a lot of effort to get me interested in your operation. It will only take a few hours - you can’t sell it looking like this... aesthetics are what matters.  I tell you what... I am in a hurry and do not have time to argue - I give you this credstick as collateral, there are 10k if I do not return your stuff nicely packed and give you a nice location to sell it it the money is yours... now lets finish loading and don't worry so much! "

Marco does his best to make the orc load the crates quickly so he and Arc can leave. Being in the middle of social interaction he will only be able to respond to Arc once inside the car. (He does not have a DNI - and is polite enough not to text while talking to someone).

[spoiler]
If Marco has any other number in mind as to how much these drugs worth - I'll edit. The credstick is no more than Illusion magic Marco don't have that kind of money.

trid phantasem F5 (http://orokos.com/roll/301016): 12d6t5 1
aww... that won't do it, lets use some edge to reroll.
reroll (http://orokos.com/roll/301017): 11d6t5 3
Edge dice (http://orokos.com/roll/301019): 4d6t5 1
total of 5 hits
drain vs 5 (http://orokos.com/roll/301018): 11d6t5 2
Marco takes 3 stun damage...
Orc needs 5 success to call off the bluff - I was wondering if Marco should have just lied but I never used illusion magic before. So I thought I'd give it a go.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-14-15/1914:07>
To Marco

<<Your Card is ready. I'll also need you to return the real one I took. You've got less then a day to get in and get what you need before the person I copied comes back to work. Here is your video data.>>

And with that he sends Marco the film taken with Ambrose's camera skills. Sitting back and slipping both cards into his pockets, letting his coat shield them again from attempts of tracing the official card. Just incase they came back.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-14-15/1955:38>
@ Marco  The orc's eyes grow big and he about trips over himself trying to grab the credstick and load the last of the drugs in the car. Not that it's a really large amount physically. But it's tucked into various places and pockets on his body. He's done quickly and says, "So's I kin have the credstick now youse got the drugs." and then leaves as quickly as he can.

[spoiler] Jonah buys Marco's bluff it hook line & sinker. (https://rolz.org/embed?X2144765) (https://rolz.org/info?X2144765)[/spoiler]

@ Arc  >>The only thing I'm hungry for is you. But my sister's spaghetti isn't bad either. I'll let Sail know so's he can give me a date he's available.<<

@ Jedediah  You get a call from Mike. >>Hey, heard they sprung you out. Might have a line on some security work if you need to take it easy for a week or two. Call me and I'll buy you a drink .<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-14-15/2000:39>
Tues Dec 8th 18:00
@ Ambrose  Ambrose stretches, feeling his back creak and groan after so many hours bent over. But, the card is done and it's early evening. He could go out for drinks if he wanted. With his comm code burned he needs to get in touch with his friends and contacts to let 'em know his new number. And that gives him another thought. Who do I really want to know my info?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-14-15/2013:27>
Yelena nods.  "Amount is good for first time.  Have address and house plans for Yelena target?  And need comm code for matrix man for security.  And still not answer question about personal data for target.  Yelena like to have with up-front money.  Please."  She goes quiet but looks expectantly at both men.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-14-15/2032:35>
@ Yelena Hank nods and Gregor sends you the data. The size of the file is large enough that it reassures her that it should be fairly complete. They won't have given her everything, no one ever does but there should be enough data in there for her to work with. And then comes the comm code for her decker DA56113FR77516, "Name's DataDancer, you can call 'em after 18:00 to set things up."

Once Yelena's alone and can look over the info they've included the name, a very short personal bio, the last marriage was his third but the only one without a pre-nup and when it went south after 3 years he almost lost the company. Since then he almost never leaves his home and has even attended a few board meetings virtually. There is a board meeting scheduled for the day after tomorrow and since there's a major PR push that's supposed to happen afterwards he's scheduled to attend in person. Data includes house plans as well as known security cams.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-14-15/2143:37>
Yelena will make sure the credit transfer is good then turn to Gregor.  "Is DataDancer the man to let in to secure the codes and data?  Yelena expect balance after kill confirmed."

If neither man indicates they have anything else to say, Yelena will leave the club and make her way back to the Scorpion.  She was sorely tempted to leave the drone to try to see if it could pick anything up after she left, but she knows so little about them that she does not know if it will work that way without someone being nearby.  She climbs on the bike and rides it a few blocks away.  Stopping at a small park. she parks the bike and goes to sit on a bench to think.  The target may be guilty of nothing but bad choices in life partners and a poor choice of friends.  If that is the case, he does not deserve to die.  Yelena will need additional information, and quickly.  She sends a note to her friends.  <Arc and Marco.  Is Yelena.  Meeting done.  Is complicated.  Need meet.  Maybe with PI man.  Can do now or busy?  Arc know if Jaime friend available for research now?  Yelena wait for answers, but have need to do all quickly.>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-14-15/2149:38>
@ Yelena  "Yes, although Dancer is a woman. Young dwarf, but very talented." You can tell he's done with the interview and you have what you need for the job. The same employee is waiting to escort you out and doesn't seem to be the chatty type.

@ Jedediah  You receive a call from Knife, head bodyguard of Blindside, the new Ancients third. >>We wish to employ your services to investigate a person who may be watching Blindside. All your usual fees will be covered as well as a $500 bonus if you can confirm or deny this person is watching him.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-14-15/2300:39>
<Arc and Marco.  Is Yelena.  Meeting done.  Is complicated.  Need meet.  Maybe with PI man.  Can do now or busy?  Arc know if Jaime friend available for research now?  Yelena wait for answers, but have need to do all quickly.>

Arc blinked as she was heading to the car, surprised at how Marco was able to acquire said goods, and hoping to spirits they did not get pulled over.  Looking at the bag/case they were in, she glanced at the elf.  "KE pulls us over, I'm claiming no knowledge of your drek, ya heard?"  Winking, she read the message and nodded to Marco, responding so they both see.

@Yelena[cc:Marco]{Arc}>>
<<the tech guy Jaime knows will do the digging for us, but needs time, especially for the deal I'll probably be getting.  As for PI man, set it up, cuz I gotta date tonight in 3 hours... 18:45 to be exact.  Doing this all quickly works for me.  Where we meet you at eh?>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-14-15/2307:48>
Yelena responds to Arc's message.  <Arc and Marco.  Sending address.  Meet there if can, but PI man wants hour notice so maybe Arc not be there?  Arc go home and get ready date.  Yelena do solo and tell later.  Marco, Yelena call later to talk much personal.  Will be available?>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-14-15/2326:30>
[/color]@ Jedediah  You get a call from Mike. >>Hey, heard they sprung you out. Might have a line on some security work if you need to take it easy for a week or two. Call me and I'll buy you a drink .<<

@Mike:  Beer sounds great. I certainly could use the work.  Had a call about an appointment, but nothing set yet.

@Knife:  Knife, I am available right now and accept.  Please provide all the relevant info and I'll begin immediately.

Jed could use all the work he could get.  Maybe he should pick up some more stims, if he was going to try to double time it. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-14-15/2331:20>
Frowning, Marco could see Arc shake her head.  It wasn't like her to want to exclude herself from a work matter, particularly if it is for something personal

<<Yelena and Marco, it's Arc.  Null sweat on the appointment.  That hour wait time will get us there with time to spare.  Given half hour minimum for meet, that still gives me plenty of time for my thing.  Make the call, we will see you there Srui>>

Smiling, she turned to Marco as they got on the road.  "She's got her bike with her, so if you two want personal time I won't be stranding you.  The stuff stays with you though.  Don't want my vruk thinking I'm a hustla, eh?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-15-15/0133:27>
Yelena pulls out one of her Meta commlinks and dials up the PI, setting things up for a trid chat.  <Jedediah.  Is Yelena Petrovna.  Calling for trid setup as requested.  Can meet?  Have work if you interested.  Yelena come with two more.  Short human girl name Arc.  Keeb male name Marco.  Can be your address in hour.  Or meet other place you name.  Can meet?>

If Jed answers, he sees a pretty Elven girl of perhaps 25.  She is apparently holding the 'link at arm's reach so that he can get as much of her as possible.  She is sitting on a park bench.  She is wearing jeans and a shirt tied off just below her breasts.  Her long white hair hangs down her back and her eyes are violet in color.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-15-15/0139:15>
“Wow... I can’t believe it actually worked...” Out of all the things he could become with experience “drug lord”” was not on his bucket list. Then again, Shadowrunning was not on the list either. But Marco was the kind to seize an opportunity when it presented itself. They are not the brightest pair but they will make fine contacts. If they don’t get themselves killed that is. But risks were everywhere.. it was part of the game.  Marco felt that he deserves a cut in the profits... oh the opportunities.

A stash of drugs... what do we do now? Marco had some initial ideas how a stash of drugs is going to help them in their quest... He was too green on the streets to determine if any of these ideas pass the “Won't get you killed” sanity check. Death is bad for business.  He needed some advice from people with more life experience.

“I fucking got a stash of drugs for free!” He thought... then he repeated the thought numerous times. It wasn’t the rational planning kind of thought but an excited kind. He did not plan to buy drugs... he saw an opportunity and seized it. Now he has to figure out what to do with it.

“Well we haven’t found Sam - but we sort of saved that Orc’s life... being so stupid it was just a matter of time until some greedy ganger kill him for his stash... he was waiting alone in a place that already looked like an ideal crime scene. I have no street wiz but that got to be bad... isn’t it? I did him a favor really”

Marco’s plan was not quite finished yet, he needed that credstick to disappear and he needed it to be when the Orc is not carefully examining it, sometime where it is in his pocket or anything. That way Marco gets to get mad at the orc for losing his credstick. That way, he will owe him.

“Arc, that credstick I tossed him was just an illusion... but I want to further twist it for our benefit... I want him to think he lost the credstick, rather than call my bluff and I can not sustain a spell forever. Can you discreetly send one of your drones to spy on him, and let me know once he is not looking at the credstick. If it is in his pocket ideal - I just don’t want it to vanish to thin air right in front of his eyes... letting people know you do mojo stuff is bad for your health...”

He then reply to her comment “Totally did not plan it... sort of went with the conversation... I have little idea what to do with these drugs now... and of course you do not know Sam Webster. he is a mysterious guy. Nobody knows why Sam Webster suddenly purchase so many drugs... Marco clearly has no idea. He only met the guy few days ago.“

Marco grins, and then laugh - an honest releasing laugh - the world did not seem to be such a scary place at the moment - he felt potency. The orc was definitely not Sam and Marco have led the team in the wrong direction. He should not let his personal feelings cloud his judgement like that anymore. If any, Marco think that people should fear him. The Vatican are far away and if they wanted him dead they would have done so already. Maybe he is overly paranoid.

He responds to Arc suggesting some personal time with Yeleana:
“Don’t feel bad about having stuff to do Arc, I totally get it he finally said... like you saw we handled ourselves okay without Yelena on this gig. I should probably let go a little bit... you do not have to organize a date with Yelena to go do something personal.Vurk is real - these gigs? just marks over water. I totally get it... just go have fun! “

He texts Yelena back <<I need to go to the hospital, but other than that I can meet. Hospital gig won’t take very long... I hope to finish within 30 minutes.  Maybe we can do it together... Arc said she’s busy>>

He then say to Arc.
“About the stuff... we should be able to drop it in one of Shilla's safehouses... I know a few around the city. There is one not very far from here... I think it will be safe in there at least until I come up with some concrete plan. We should probably do so now as I am not sure I want Yelena to have access to so many drugs in her condition.”

He texts Phoenix
<< Thanks man! - On my way to get the cards. You can leave them in Yacht if you do not want to visit hospital again.>> 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-15-15/0141:51>
Its a pleasure to meet you Ms. Petrovna.  Ty Russkiy? (Your are Russian?)  I am at my office now, and free.  Please arrive as soon as you are ready.  Your associates are welcome. 

Jed forces down the flood of memories brought back by that elfish face.  No time for that drek chummer.  Pull it together.  There's work to do.  Jed pops more ibuprofen and slaps a stim patch on.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-15-15/0147:16>
Yelena smiles at the commlink.  <Да.  Я русский.  Вам говорят по-русски, Мистер Jedediah?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-15-15/0150:32>
<<I'm going to remain here until you come and get them. If someone is searching for the card, its better I keep them in my coat before I give them to you. And why would someone who was just treated, go back to the hospital?>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-15-15/0151:25>
@ Yelena:  Я говорю это красивый язык достаточно хорошо.  I speak this beautiful language quite well. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-15-15/0157:50>
"And so you do.  Jedediah speak Russian much more than Yelena speak English.  So do not need wait hour?  Yelena come now and tell friends.>

Hanging up, Yelena opens a channel on her primary 'link.  <Arc and Marco.  Is Yelena.  PI man says free now, so come when can.  Yelena wait there for you.>

Yelena mounts the rig and puts the PI man's address into her grid guide and lets it navigate to Auburn.  The office is in a small warehouse district but there is a some neat lettering on one door that advertises Jedediah and his PI business.  She parks and secures the Scorpion and makes her way to the office.  Yelena knocks and opens the door, not sure what to expect.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-15-15/0234:15>
Upon hearing the knock at the door, Jed looks through the peephole to see the attractive elf woman. Jed had this peephole specially installed.  It is an old style optical peephole, with a wide angle view.   Unlocking the door, he lets her in and offers her a seat.  Ms. Petrovna, please have a seat.  Jed returns to his place behind the small desk.  I am certain that you are a busy woman.  Let's get down to business.  Vremya - den'gi as they say.  Time is money. What can I do for you?  
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-15-15/0315:54>
Yelena smiles at the older human as she enters the small office.  She takes the chair offered and sits primly.  She brings a small silver case from her pocket and opens it to reveal some cigars and offers the case to the PI.  "Jedediah mind if Yelena smoke?"  If he disagrees, she will replace the case in her pocket.  If he allows her, she offers him one and takes her own, lighting it.  "Thank for see Yelena and friends.  Yelena is busy, yes, but wait until friends here to talk main business.  But have questions for now.  Who own Jedediah Early while work?  Yelena, who pay or Keeb gang underboss name Blindside?  Yelena not want all secrets go to Blindside.  PI man work for Yelena.  Other question is how much charge for work?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-15-15/0331:24>
Please feel free to have a smoke  Ms. Petrovna.  No thank you, I'll decline for now.  My normal rate is 200 a day plus expenses, but if I am to have to opportunity to brush up on my Russian with such a beautiful tutor, I think 150 a day plus expenses should suffice.  In regard to your other question however, if you are hiring and paying me, how does Blindside factor in to this equation? 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-15-15/0344:58>
Yelena lets the acrid smoke from the cigar drift up to the ceiling in the small office as she takes a couple of pulls.  She smiles at the PI when he compliments her.  "Yelena thank Jedediah for kind words and accepts costs.  Jedediah must present expenses report for payment.  Blindside is Keeb who give Yelena name and number here.  Ancients like to keep fingers in soup if they think they own.  Yelena just ask if Jedediah report to Ancients.  Not angry if you do.  Yelena used to that in shadows, but look elsewhere for PI man if you belong to Ancients."

Yelena sits back in the chair as she talks.  "So we talk while wait.  Why PI?  How long?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-15-15/0607:00>
@ Ambrose  Looking around Ambrose realizes that the yacht is a fairly comfortable place to hole up. He's seen worse that's for certain. And hell, Sam owes him the other half of his payment. Might as well stay here awhile. After all, no one would ever think to look for him here, in a yacht owned by a guy who was clearly MIA.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-15-15/0804:10>
Arc couldn't help but give a grim nod at Marco's musings.  "Yeah.  That hoop was prey, no doubt about it.  We'll see if your new choices in friends works out for ya, eh?"  She smirked, blinking and glancing back at the trash yard.   "Drone...too late now omae.  If I know prey like that, he's long gone.  Gonna have to go on luck, but my guess would be to do it soon.  He'll likely keep it tucked away until he can get home and safe, wherever that be.  It won't be visible, nawsayin?"  It was just then she got the comm from Yelena.  "Frag...okay, we'lll have to stash your stuff after this...maybe swap vehicles so you two can ride around comfylike.  We'll see, but we don't want to keep her waiting, eh?"

Without a word, Arc weaved through the traffic to the location that Yelena provided, the human taking extra care to follow the traffic laws.  "Just say the case is some personal drek or something.  Never has to know"  She mentioned in regard to their Russian elf.  Eventually, and hopefully without much delay, the pair pulled up right behind the Scorpion, the human girl hopping out and doing her best to fix up her hair before approaching the door and giving a knock.

What the occupant on the other side would see is a remarkably short and stout human girl, looking to be about early twenties (the 'young adult' stage at least) with chestnut hair messily done back in a ponytail, a pair of almost unnaturally green eyes staring at the door.  Her arms were crossed, wearing a crimson shirt that seemed fit more for a man, a pair of distressed jeans, and well-worn shoes, but the most remarkable feature on her was her right arm, which was completely metal in composition.  Upon the door opening, she would adopt a polite smile and extend her left hand.  "Name's Lauren Summers, but I go by Arc.  I believe my friend Yelena is here?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-15-15/0910:31>
On the way Marco tells Arc:
“... if I take all this stuff for myself I have to risk selling it myself, and their hoops may be gone as who knows what financial problems they have - someone might literally kill them for owing them money or somthing like that... I never been that poor I have no idea whats its like. I’ll return them the stash, collect 10% for my effort, have that Orc owe me one hell of a favor to make up for losing that 10k credstick. At the end of the day I get to be the good guy... so what if I’m only making 1k or so. They’ll both owe me... The dwarf for making sure he gets part of the action, the orc for me letting him live...  everybody wins. Every person can be put to good use under the right circumstances, don't belittle these guys. Besides, If Sam is really gone now - we'll have to find our own expenses money. That club ain't cheap... We were burning money in there like hot shots.  When a business opportunity shows itself why not take it.“

After a short while Marco will quit his concentration, hoping that it did not expose his magic. He’ll text the Mr. Lee Dana from his burner << I met your friend, nice fella took stuff with me for some testing. Will return your stuff don’t worry... and will help with some consultant for marketing I get 10% of the top. I left your friend a credstick with 10K as collateral I’ll be expecting it back when I deliver stuff. I am sure that he’ll take your calls now.  I’ll contact you soon, Sam Webster>>  Marco thinks to himself - "he'll be impressed now".

Before they enter Marco text Yelena << I look like Sam - I'll be a bit cold to preserve cover - still crazy about you!  So far my plan is to be seen as Sam in as many places in town hoping to flash out some of his friends or enemies>>
Marco politely introduces himself, “Ralph Webster... nice to meet ya.”  Marco extands his hand to Jed and gives a cold nod to Yelena as if he knows her just a little bit. He does it because he still appears as Sam Webster his plan is to be seen in as many places as possible in this skin... maybe it will float some clues about Sam.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-15-15/1748:24>
Part of the chatting Yelena would have with Jed would include mention of the second bit of work.  "Jedediah. Yelena has a second task from what friends know just yet.  I need information on Joshua Snowden.  Man is President of Williamson & Peppard Pharmaceuticals.  Yelena paid kill Snowden, but not like men who paid.  Yelena want access to man so can talk.  Man is hermit.  Uploading data Yelena has.  Keep this job quiet from others until Yelena includes them.  Ancients not involved this job so Jedediah not need tell Blindside.  Yes?"

Yelena smiles as her friends arrive, then frowns at who comes through the door with Arc.  Looking to her, she says a bit coldly.  "And just why HE with you?  Arc supposed bring Marco. Arc know how bad Ralph and Yelena get along.  After all, he Sam's brother, and is likely person that got Sam disappeared."  Yelena turns to Marco, "Ralph.  How absolutely unpleasant meet you here.  Yelena hope you remember what said would happen if you really are to blame for whatever happened Sam."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-15-15/2139:11>
To say that Arc was blindsided by Yelena's sudden outburst of reamstrained hostility towards "Ralph" was a mild understatement, her eyes going wide as she leaned back abit as if the words were actual blows aimed at her.  The human's headgears clicked for a second before she caught onto what was happening, widening her stance as she steadied herself, baring her teeth a bit as she growled out in decent Or'Zet.  "La'kath mor'a ul qual'lz, al'sruiken. (Clear your head of muck, big sister). We both know blood be best source of back info.  Besides, he insisted.  Marco had a thing happening, but said he may be by soon.  You want Ralph gone, take it with him, but I just finna trying to help, wiz?"

Flushed a bit, she tilted her head down towards their host.  "Ah...my bad.  Needless to say, this ditch has us on edge, heh.". As she spoke a hasty message was popped over to Yelena.

<<Yelena, Tessa.  That was close eh?  Wasn't expecting that...also, its fragging December.  Ain't yo middle freezing?!
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-15-15/2225:12>
@Yelena prior to everyone's arrival.  I accept. You can message me all the details and I'll work on it concurrently with our other more mutual business.


Welcome all of you to Early Bird Investigations.  I understand you have some information for me in regard to a missing person that I'm being asked to locate.  I need details to start working with. What can you tell me.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-15-15/2241:10>
Yelena tears her eyes from Ralph to look back at the  PI.  "Yelena thank Jedediah.  We need find man name Sam Webster.  Last comm he said was in accident.  Cannot find report of accident with Sam Webster.  Think maybe he taken."  She idly waver a hand at Ralph.  "This Sam brother.  Look just like.  Maybe know more than Yelena."  The look she flashes Ralph implies she doubts that is possible, but she sits back to let the others talk.

She sends a quick response to Arc.  <Yelena laughing.  Is fragging cold when on Scorpion and wind blowing.  Yelena not think much in morning.>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-15-15/2256:12>
Arc gave a nod in confirmation as they went straight down to business, the human sizing up the older man cooly.  "Righto.  We did a little looking around...one accident matching the timeframe was ruled out today, and a known residence has turned up nil."  She took a breath, looking between the two others before adding the next part.

"There is some challenge to this.  We believe Sam Webster is able to take on multiple and very diverse identities over a short period of time.  How that is?  Well ya got me, beyond my understanding, heh."  She smirked, stuffing her hands in her pockets as she took on a more relaxed stance, leaning a little on one hip.  "We was working closely with Sam, and having him kip out on us ain't exactly good for closure, ya heard?"

<@Yelena.  Yeesh, I'll say.  Still, you ain't lyin', you don't look bad for being probably older than this dude.  If you and Marco want some time after this, wanna take the car and I take the bike to my Vruk?>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-15-15/2309:54>
@ Marco  You hear from Cain, >>Are you nuts! 10k!! For a stash worth $1700 tops! Josh is stupid but he ain't that stupid. He'll take your cred, resell if to a decker and run with his share. You'll never see him again. Sheesh but you are one dumb fragger!<<

@ Yelena  You receive a call from Bella right after Arc finishes speaking in Or'zet, >>Hello Yelena, I know you enjoyed the party as much as I did. So much better than a hot tub. Perhaps you can join us at the club again this Friday? My husband is entertaining visitors and I don't want to be bored.<<

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-16-15/0027:34>
Yelena focuses on the PI as she replies to Arc.  Arc.  Thanks.  Yelena wear better clothes tomorrow.>

The comm from Bella is a bit surprising.  <Bella.  Is Yelena.  Will be at club Friday.  Where Bella be and what time?>

Beyond that, she is listening to what the others say.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-16-15/0049:41>
Marco texts Cain << oh... I appreciate your concern for my business ventures. If you must know it took me 5 minutes to find him.  You have to be smart about whom to steal from... Pick your marks carefully...but enough about that - aren’t you happy to get you stuff back? If that Orc is giving you that bamfing sound... just remind him how quickly I found him.>>

Marco gives Yelena an hostile look... saying “Coming from you... a person whose job is to make people disappear... that means...  *absolutely nothing* to me.  Indeed we are sort of rivals... but I am in the dark like you... having him missing is... aham... bad for business”.

Reading the faces of everybody in the room, and learning that that person is to investigate Sam’s disappearance Marco feels it is a bit out of place to carry on the show.

“You girls are terrible liars... I should teach you sometimes“ - he smiles, without dropping the body language and texture of voice he say. “I’ll re introduce myself... I am Marco, but I disguised myself as Sam hoping to fish a little bit. Not much luck at the moment. This is why we are here.”
To Marco this was a great opportunity to practice his skills - he clearly enjoyed himself.

[spoiler]
I rolled con,
con roll (if I need one) (http://orokos.com/roll/301332): 18d6t5 7
but as Marco came clean I do not think it is necessary.  Hiring some guy as PI and then throwing him in the wrong direction does not seems very promising.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-16-15/0217:30>
Jed is taken aback momentarily.  He considers himself to have a pretty good bulldrek meter.  He was quite convinced by Marco's performance.  He knew something was wrong with the girls, but he wrote it off to them not being comfortable with this Marco/Ralph fellow.  Yelena certainly was acting uncomfortable.  Mind racing as he tried to grasp the reasoning for trying to misrepresent himself in the first place, Jed decides that this Marco bears some watching. 

[spoiler]I can't figure out how to link the dice rolls. If he is using judge intentions to read them,  He got 5 success vs Marco, and 3 success vs each of the girls[/spoiler]

Jed sits thoughtfully for a moment as he looks at each of them in turn.  The girls look embarrassed, Marco looks amused.  Unsure of what game was being played, as he looks back and forth between each of them he decides that he better have a closet look at "who" these people are.  As he opens his other "eye" to take in just who he is dealing, he says So you aren't Ralph, but Marco.  Are you still Arc?  Are you still Yelena?

[spoiler]Assensing Rolls:  While assensing Marco: 3 hits, vs Arc 0 Hits (I hate digital dice rollers) and vs Yelena 4.  Primary purpose is to know the aura for future reference and any other hijinx with disguises.  Jed looks at Marco the longest.  [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-16-15/0237:32>
Ambrose continued to sit in the boat, laying down on the bed, looking up to the ceiling. Here he had access to this Yacht. Not bad, though he's not sure he'd work explosives in here. Forgeries however, he could create a couple more. What kind would he want to put together? That was always a tricky bit.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-16-15/1214:23>
Yelena reddens, then laughs.  "Is true.  Yelena terrible liar.  Reason why not do much.  Yelena not try lie again."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-16-15/1323:46>
Marco thought to himself, many dead... and can't tell a descent lie. Maybe the secret for being a good assassin is don't be a smart-ass. Shoot well enough and the victim does not move. He's fellow classmates were also similarly in-competent in the social department - perhaps this kind of life take you apart from society.

"Perhaps I should do the laying... sugar coating the truth comes so naturally for me. I was born to talk."
 He smiles at Yelena.

To Jed: "we also have a lead that Sam was in an accident, at about 17:00 yesterday. There were two accidents at that time, we already checked one with a single person involved - that was unrelated to Sam. I am on my way to check the other accident . In fact, from here I plan to go to the hospital. A friend of us was kind enough to provide us with an employee keycard and some visual information, and you already see that I am good with disguises. I suggest that you come with me to the hospital to investigate this lead. Maybe with your experience you'll know what the right questions to ask.  I honestly have never looked for someone before... a paranoid person, hiding under multiple identities that tries not to be found is aiming a bit too high for a first timer. "

When Marco is talking, the chat seems to get a mind of its own, just saying the words out loud seems to form all sort of intuitive connections between events and ideas... maybe he is right and maybe not... It is hard for Marco to focus clear enough to see the thought through all the way, but his intuition usually does not fail him.

"Have anyone seen Sam's car? it is worth to try and trace its icon - there got to be some car registered to his SIN or something like that... Sam was my contact man for background checks so I don't know anyone with such skills but a professional man scanning the matrix and locating his car can give us a place to start ... that car is the last place that we are certain that he was. "


Marco takes off the little cross that he wares and hands it to Jed.

“This commlink is custom made - not the kind you buy on the store... Sam gave us comlinks like that just a short while ago. First there is a link frequency of a similar comlink that Sam was wearing. Second - if you know how to trace its origin it can lead us to one of Sam’s trusted contacts. It takes a certain level of trust to purchase a comlink like that from someone... as it is used for delicate messages. “

Walking around the room, thinking and getting excited as he talk Marco continues.


"It is important to know that Sam arriving to the hospital is a speculation... we know that he had an accident - but we do not know that he went to the hospital... he could have been kidnapped... Like Feathers... First Feathers was kidnapped, then Phoenix was kidnapped and then Sam disappears...  I am beginning to see a pattern... we last heard from Sam at 19:00 and 5 minutes later he was already gone."


Finally Marco seems to have lost his clearity he is a bit confused so he sits down. Saying to Jed:

“So many thoughts... I am already confused with all the things that I just said... is any of that useful to you ? your job seems very confusing. We honestly don’t know much about Sam.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-16-15/1517:21>
Jed takes a deep breath as he tries to assess the situation and assimilate this new information. 

So you were already looking for this Sam fellow, who is your employer currently.  Now I've been hired by the Ancients to determine if he has been surveiling one of their bosses? How long have you know this fellow Marco?  If he is using many different identities, obviously this makes him harder to find, as this persona may effectively no longer exist.  This face you are wearing now, is this what he looked like when you interacted with him?  Have you interacted with him while using any other personas? 

I do have a Matrix guy, as well as a contact in the PD.  If I can get enough info, maybe I can find other aliases that we could be looking for.  I'm not sure.  You say this was your guy for doing background checks?  Maybe he had a business built and this Sam is his primary life. 

I would say maybe my matrix guy to run facial recognition, but if you've been about town disguised as him, it's likely to generate some false positives.  This special commlink seems to be the most concrete lead we have. 

I can certainly accompany you to the hospital.  I assume there is a urgent need to follow this lead now? 

Please keep in mind that my primary job here is to determine if Sam has been watching the Ancients.  To do that, I obviously need to find him first, so our purposes run parallel for now.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-16-15/1525:02>
Pardon me a moment while I start some balls rolling.

@ Blindside:  I have met with the group you sent to give me information on this Sam fellow.  Please elaborate on why you are suspicious that he was watching you.  It might give me some more information to work with.  My initial expenses are going to involve my normal Matrix support and some research expenses.  I'm about to be out hitting the pavement now.  If this guy is watching you, I'll find out.  Don't worry.  You know how thorough I am.

@ Escher: Escher, I am working on a missing persons case right now.  I'm going to need your help doing some matrix digging.  Additionally I have a special commlink that may require your special services.  Let me know and I'll give you access to it.

@ Mike:  I have a missing persons job right now, that involves the Ancients.  $500 bonus plus my normal daily.  I'll send over all the info I have.  If you have any ideas that help me crack this that bonus is all yours Boss.  I'll get back with you to let you know if that beer is still a go
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-16-15/1607:33>
“I totally get it, Sam can handle the ancients on his tail, he have been through worse... thanks for being honest about it.”

“Yes, Sam was the one to do the background checks but I do not think he did them himself, either because he is too busy and these take attention for a long while. Or because he does not know how... you are looking at a charismatic person with many contacts. He seem to be in the business for a long while at least for a rookie like me.”

“About facial recognition... you can try I’ll eliminate false positives if you find something just show me the pictures I’ll know myself and what I did. About the hospital... I think we should hurry up before his trial gets cold. If he was there - someone may have seen him, may remember him. He may be released by now, but the more we wait the slimmer the chance to encounter someone that remembers him is. People don’t stay hospitalized forever ya know, and with the patient's change, stuff will not remember old patients forever. “

Marco thinks: That's a bold move Yelena... lets see if it pays off... Using a potential enemy of Sam to find him - people that kill. Fascinating thinks Marco... wait a minute fascinating?! that's insane... insane enough so it might work. We need to gather some money. If we plan to keep on plan without Sam this mission is expensive.   

On the way out Marco say with his most friendly voice "One last thing, we are going to meet a forger now. The one that stole the key... I am working on fumes of money and personal favors... I clearly do not have the resources to finance a hunt for such a man.   Any chance you can write the forger as an expense? After all his key card would give us access to confidential patient data, and finding Sam is what you get paid to do.  If you do me this solid... I'll introduce you to this contact  he is very talented. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-16-15/1912:24>
@ Jedediah  You get a quick reply from Escher, >>Hey, glad to hear you're out of the hosp. and back in biz. No prob. with taking the job. I just finished up some work for Mike and am free. Shoot me the info and I should have something for you by tonight.<<

Mike's response takes a little longer. >>The Ancients, walk carefully with that gang. Long lives means long memories and longer grudges. Shoot me the info and I'll take a look.<<

Just then you look up at Arc & Yelena and it clicks, Frag! Those are two of the ones that killed the blood mage! Right here in your office and lived to tell about it, something you almost didn't and that was just a toxic shaman. Frag! Getting old man if it took you this long.

@ Ambrose  Marco seems determined to go back to the club. Ambrose had enough footage to make him a few ID's of emplopyees, and even one of one of the heavy rollers, a keeb by the name of Cinan Mistishsa. He was a bit heavier and taller than Marco but that was easy enough to fake. And definitely a few new ID's for himself. A top-notch kit like this shouldn't be wasted.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-16-15/2023:37>
Arc was a bit flushed in the face as well, but her grin didn't seize as she gave a shrug.  "Hey, I just tried to go with the flow.  Like this was some test or drek like that.  Either way...Mr. Early, was it?  I'm Arc, have been, will be, ask any local with a ride in the Barrens...chances are good I've fixed em up at least once."  Nodding her head in affirmation, she let Marco take the lead on the explanation...he knew their Sam the best.  After a while, she crossed her arms under her bust and jumped in.

"The links have a bonus feature that may have been missed...all messages between them have a copy sent to Sam's no matter what.  I don't know much about the Trix, but I imagine that can be traced.  Wiz that you got a Trix guy...if backup is needed, a buddy of my Vrukart (Or'Zet, boyfriend) offered to help in the next coupla days.  Either way, sounds like we came to the right place."  She smiled, looking at the others before adding.

"I'm getting a vibe that you're a decent dude, Mr. Early.  Yelena can shoot me for saying this, but it is important.  We working on digging into this club called the Stardust.  Got a lotta people going missing, real sketch.  Sam put us to the job.  After these new eyes and the arm, couldn't exactly refuse, eh?"  She held up her right cyberhand as a point.  "Our mage dude Feathers was with us for it...he went dark a few days in, and Sam was digging around.  Now we got drek."

"As for payment, I think I can help out.  I gotta thing after this, so I won't be available unless by emergency until tomorrow, and then I'll be looking into getting some jing.  I got a line up on a job or two that might be worth sumsomethin', null sweat."


<<Yelena:  You ain't the only one with a line on working for the club, amirite?  I won't ask what you're doing, but I'll work my angle, ask for help if needed.  If we having to fund ourselves for this op, better we do it with their cred, yeah?  Besides, it's what we were aiming for anyway>>

[Spoiler]@Jed: of course this assensing yields no results, but further digging would show her not to be Awakened, and subject To a notable degree of essence loss, for obvious reasons.  Not sure what more would/could be learned[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-17-15/0028:53>
Ambrose was finally back in his element. Yes, bombing was a big gig for him, but he was so much more than just a guy who made bombs. He was a guy who made.. Things. Bombs, Cards, Documents, Licensees, and more. Deciding to give Marco a few cards to the club, he began work on that next. If he could just have some more nuyen himself, he could begin outfitting these punks in some of his specially designed pieces of gear.

Deciding that even he was getting a bit hungry, he began checking around the yacht to see what supplies it had as far as cooking went. It wasn't going to be a fancy meal by any means, but one of the better ones out there.

[spoiler]Cooking (http://orokos.com/roll/301645): 11d6t5 3[/spoiler]

And while he let it sit in the stove it was time to begin working on another master license. This ID card was going to be for that keebler. Screw him and his cookies, Ambros was baking in town. Perhaps he should get a nice RV? While making the card he began looking at what he could do to improve the similarities between Marco and the elf.

[spoiler]
Forge the Keeb - Blow the bloody limits! (http://orokos.com/roll/301647): 21d6h5 12

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-17-15/0052:39>
@Jed: At first glance there seems to be nothing out of the ordinary about Marco's aura. All the emotions are balanced, he is not feeling any sort of distress or embarrassment. A deeper look revels a an awakened, with a magic score of 6, there are no active spells in his aura.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-17-15/0446:54>
"So lets go to meet the forger then ? " said Marco. Trying to figure out driving arrangements. "Arc can you give us a lift to that place?  we'll be okay afterwards... we have some... *goods* to unload" 

He text Phoenix <<We are on our way to meet ya now! >>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-17-15/0936:31>
Yelena perks up.  "Yelena drive you in car.  Arc take bike for date.  When leave?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-17-15/0947:02>
Marco's thoughts race... "Excuse me for a moment he say, I got to contact someone": he go to the side and texts Yelena to be discreet. << Car is full of drugs... I'll kill you if you touch!  You had enough of this shit - don't even look to the back sits.  I sort of got them for free and they worth quite a bit... will help finance the rest of the mission if we don't find Sam so quickly. >>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-17-15/0955:18>
The thought of drugs so close and accessible sends Yelena's heart pounding a bit faster.  She can feel the desires building again, and while they are not quite uncontrollable, they are certainly strong.  She tries to keep the excitement and need from her voice as she replies.  <Oh?  And what sort drugs.  From club?>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-17-15/0959:36>
He texts <<No idea... lifted it from some wannabe Orc... I never touch these... in my profession you have to be in control all the time or you are getting fucked in all the wrong ways. I was going to let Phoenix have a look - he seems to be a man of many talents. Then there is this dwarf we came to visit - he is a dealer and these were originally his drugs so he'll probobly agree to sell them leaving us a nice finders fee. ... got some big twisted scheme, but basically just improvising tyring to keep the show running. >>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-17-15/1003:22>
"The links have a bonus feature that may have been missed...all messages between them have a copy sent to Sam's no matter what.  I don't know much about the Trix, but I imagine that can be traced.  Wiz that you got a Trix guy...if backup is needed, a buddy of my Vrukart (Or'Zet, boyfriend) offered to help in the next coupla days.  Either way, sounds like we came to the right place."  She smiled, looking at the others before adding.

"I'm getting a vibe that you're a decent dude, Mr. Early.  Yelena can shoot me for saying this, but it is important.  We working on digging into this club called the Stardust.  Got a lotta people going missing, real sketch.  Sam put us to the job.  After these new eyes and the arm, couldn't exactly refuse, eh?"  She held up her right cyberhand as a point.  "Our mage dude Feathers was with us for it...he went dark a few days in, and Sam was digging around.  Now we got drek."

Wait, this Sam isn't just an employer then?  From what you say, he almost sounds like a friend.  This bit about the club may be critical.  My initial impression was that he was skipping out on you, but there is a chance that he may have been snatched...

Thank you for the details about this comm.  I'm sending this info to my matrix guy right away.  I'll contact him while we are in the car. 

This is embarrassing, but can I catch a ride with one of you?  I found myself going head to head with a toxic mage a couple of weeks ago.  He trashed my car and put me in the hospital for a couple of weeks. 

Let's get that out there right now, best they know what they are getting with me.  I'll show them I can keep up. 

While in the car: 

@ Escher:  Here is the access info for the commlink I talked about.  Girl says that all messages sent also send a copy to the master comm.  Figure that is important.  Do you think you can get location data (wifi, cell towers etc) and isolate where the comm was most often located when it got messages?  Might lead us to the missing persons house.  One last thing.  In your Matrix digging, can you check up on a club for me.  Stardust.  I'd like to know who really owns it, could be a major crime family, so walk carefully here.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-17-15/1036:42>
Yelena's hands tremble just a little as she swaps keys with Arc and goes to the car.  She never tells lies because she is horrible at it and always gets caught.  And in her line of work it is better to be known for never lying.  Especially to an employer.  She must be more affected by the drugs than she had thought.  She will trust Marco to keep her away from his stash while she drives the car.  No.  She is not sure that she can trust herself.  She turns to Jed., holding out the keys.  "Yelena not sleep in many hours.  Not trust drive.  Here keys.  Do not hurt Arc's baby or she get very angry.  Yelena take cab to home and sleep.  Yelena see later and can tell what find out.  You have data packet uploaded now.  Call at comm code given later and let Yelena know if can do."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-17-15/1055:42>
Jed takes the keys and wishes Yelena good rest. spokoynoy nochi.

He looks over his should and asks Marco Want to drive?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-17-15/1109:51>
Marco gives Yelena a warm hug... "It will get better he say... it is actually better for you not knowing where I put these." He enters the car and Say to Jed:
"I do not know how to drive... but there is autopilot."

The way to the Marina is event less, some traffic but nothing unexpected at this hour.  Marco tries to brake the silence with a short chat, asking Jed how long he's been a PI and trying to get him to talk about that encounter with the toxic mage few weeks ago. Namely, figuring out if there is a toxic mage hanging around anywhere near here.

"So... you said you had an encounter with a toxic mage... ? " he asks.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-17-15/1141:46>
Arc raised a brow at the PI's revelation of recent events, smirking a little and nodding.  "I hear ya man.  Yelena and I were in there for a beat as well, heh.  All good.  As for employer versus friend, yeah that's kinda true.  But hey, far as we're concerned, we were doing this for a good cause, ya hear me?" As she swapped keys with Yelena, she saw the haunted look in the Owen's eyes, the realization of the situation dawning on her.  she knows what's in the car.  Oh drek.. "Oh, mister. Here's my commcode if you need me for anything.  Yelena, I gotta stop by home anyway.  Save your money, come with me". Smiling, she nodded and shook hands with Marco and Jed before departing on the Scorpion and zooming off.

The ride wasn't terribly long or arduous...they beat the post work traffic at least...but Arc remained pretty quiet through the deal.  She felt the Russian clinging to her to stave off the chill...and likely other struggles, but the human would let her bring it up.  It wasn't her place, and Arc wanted to be supportive.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-17-15/1548:03>
@ Jedediah. Esher messages you. >>I'll need to interrogate the device directly if it sent linked messages. That's the only way I'll get a bead on the second message without knowing exactly where its gone. I'll start the searches on the known data regarding the comm as well as look into the club while I'm waiting for you.««
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-18-15/0021:20>
@ Yelena  You finally hear back from Bella, >>We'll be there around 8 or 9. And wear something I can enjoy taking you out of.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-18-15/0031:21>
Yelena clings to her friend like a lifesaver.  Arc.  Yelena need help.  Too much drugs.  In too deep and going deeper.  Yelena meet Bella at club on Friday.  Probably more drug to get in good.  Yelena will need help to get out of hell when done mission.  Too much remember drug time and how good it was.  Only small part remember how bad drug was.  Will be mean.  Say bad things.  Try hurt self and others.  Yelena really fragged up this time."

"Also, talk Yelena tomorrow about job.  Need kill someone but maybe not do it.  Have small plan, but need help making it big plan.  But Yelena so tired and cold now.  Drugs so close Yelena could feel them."

Yelena does smile when she gets the message from Bella.  She quickly sends one back.  <Bella.  Is Yelena.  Yelena be there.>

Yelena taps Arc on the back.  "Was Bella.  Meet at 8 on Friday."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-18-15/0049:54>
During the way Marco was busy, unpacking is shadow running bag, and stuffing the drugs inside. His equipment was a mess and he obviously needed a new beg, he should have just taken that Orc coat... but nobody else could wear such a long coat.
“I am sorry for the unusual cargo we are carrying... “ Said Marco smiling. “I have a beginning of  a plan that involve these and if it does not make the *wont get you killed* critique... like I said, without Sam we need to get creative on how we continue with the club... expenses are extreme...”

Marco types his codes and enters the Yacht, not before shooting a small message to Phoenix just in case he is the paranoid kind . Marco still wasn’t sure what to make of that morning but perhaps he was drugged by something to knock him out... he really had no experience with these kind of techniques.  “Phoenix... this is Jed a PI we sort of hired to help us find Sam... and *this* is a bag full of drugs that I got for free from someone way too naive to be selling them without adult supervision. I was wondering if you could have a look... perhaps with your life experience you could tell me what we are looking at here.”

That day was getting stranger as it progressed and there was nothing more than Marco wanted than to just let go of everything and forget himself into some wild vice. It was difficult him to suppress his nature for such a long time.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-18-15/0114:00>
Ambrose looked to the drugs, passing the credentials of the keeb he had finished making not moments earlier. "Here is this one.. I've got the other cards still in my jacket, until its time for you to head out... as for the drugs.."



[spoiler]
BlackMarkets (http://orokos.com/roll/302049): 9d6t5 3
Chemistry (http://orokos.com/roll/302050): 8d6t5 1
Criminals (http://orokos.com/roll/302053): 8d6t5 5
USAC Politics (http://orokos.com/roll/302055): 6d6t5 3


[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-18-15/0351:20>
Mearco say: “Jed - this conversation is none of the ancients concern if you want to stay and help fine - I am sure we could work out some fair financial arrangement as we need your skills for this gig... remember though that you are only obligated to the ancients for finding out something about Sam not for causing damage to our little venture.  So pick a place, in the car or here.“
He waits to see Jed’s decision and then Tells Phoenix.

“My plan is like that... as far as I know the stardust are terrified that someone will discover how they are making their innovative drugs, let alone duplicate or improve them.  Yelena is involved deep with a high roller from the club. She cannot lie, but if she believe what I say is truth we will be alright.

In case these are legit, I want you to reshape them into something that reminds the level of sophistication of stardust drugs. I’ll need two samples quickly, one placebo for Yelena, and the real deal with some  bliss or other passion drug for her hedonistic friend. Yelena will introduce that drug to her friend and I will use my magic to augment the drug potency and give them tremendous pleasure when they try the drug. If the combined effect is strong enough - Yelena’s friend will be convinced that indeed Yelena have acquired some innovative piece of drug - she’ll want to get more at the Stardust. She'll talk about it and start a rumor. The supplier... They'll be especially receptive to such a rumor because their security around that drug is so tight... The drug supplier is going to be me... 

In the meanwhile, with the drugs looking that good, rumors about new innovative drugs out on the market... we'll be able to sell these babies for 10 times their street worth. I have the contacts to drop the goods once it is ready. If all go well we can pay you for your services and at least finish what Sam started. If we find out that the club took him... Having them think that I hold something super valuable can be a good thing... especially if we need to negotiate some sort of deal with them... they may have Feathers and Sam. We can make a trade... If they see through my deception and find my real identity it will make sense to them because I am a man of pleasures in my regular job as well.

I am new with these gigs, but I am good with deception,  I hope this seems like a reasonable plan. ”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-18-15/0922:30>
The way to the Marina is event less, some traffic but nothing unexpected at this hour.  Marco tries to brake the silence with a short chat, asking Jed how long he's been a PI and trying to get him to talk about that encounter with the toxic mage few weeks ago. Namely, figuring out if there is a toxic mage hanging around anywhere near here.
"So... you said you had an encounter with a toxic mage... ? " he asks.

Well you see, I took a paranormal investigations job from a street gang.  They were having some of their guys disappear and they knew it wasn't a rival gang.  I never intended to go up against a toxic mage alone, as I haven't had the scratch to bind any powerful spirits.  I just had one spirit summoned.  I was in the {Smiles can decide what part of the Barrens}, and I could tell I was getting close to the source of the problem.  He caught me totally off guard.  I managed to sling some mojo his way as I made it back to my car, and I tried to run him down as I raced away.  That was the mistake... 
Jed proceeds to fill Marco in on all the details. 

@ Escher:  Just let me know how to get it to you and I'll have it there as quick as I can.

Mearco say: “Jed - this conversation is none of the ancients concern if you want to stay and help fine - I am sure we could work out some fair financial arrangement as we need your skills for this gig... remember though that you are only obligated to the ancients for finding out something about Sam not for causing damage to our little venture.  So pick a place, in the car or here.“

I'm in with you guys on this club job.  Just don't know anything about it yet, or where I fit in.  I've got my guy digging around trying to find the real entity behind it.  It would be good to know if this is a front for the Yaks, or Vor or somebody.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-18-15/0948:12>
Yelena clings to her friend like a lifesaver.  Arc.  Yelena need help.  Too much drugs.  In too deep and going deeper.  Yelena meet Bella at club on Friday.  Probably more drug to get in good.  Yelena will need help to get out of hell when done mission.  Too much remember drug time and how good it was.  Only small part remember how bad drug was.  Will be mean.  Say bad things.  Try hurt self and others.  Yelena really fragged up this time."

"Also, talk Yelena tomorrow about job.  Need kill someone but maybe not do it.  Have small plan, but need help making it big plan.  But Yelena so tired and cold now.  Drugs so close Yelena could feel them."

Yelena does smile when she gets the message from Bella.  She quickly sends one back.  <Bella.  Is Yelena.  Yelena be there.>

Yelena taps Arc on the back.  "Was Bella.  Meet at 8 on Friday."
Arc remained silent through the exchange, focusing on the road, but a glance past the human's hair would note how furrowed her brow was and the way her jaw was set.  She was concerned, and rightfully so.  It wasn't until they arrived at the garage and they were walking inside that Arc said anything, stopping abruptly and turning on her heels, a hand reaching up to grab the other's arm.

" You ain't alone in this fight Srui.  I've seen what chems do to peeps.  It's normal in gangs, omae.  That's how I know you need me to get clean.  Like I said, I will chain you to a chair and shock the drek outta you if I have to, but I'll be there.  You giving a lot for this op, it's the least I could do.  At least we got a few days till Friday...". Arc's features softened as she pulled Yelena in for a hug, muttering.  "Jaime is taking me to his family.  I admit I'm a bit nervous...I'm gonna go clean up.  Grab a bite and get some rest, holla if us need me?". Pulling. Away with a smile, the human reentered her abode, darting for the shower, running the water as she undressed.

Her mind was a whirlwind, processing everything going on at the moment.  Her personal life and the joys and anxiety going with it.  The worry of newfound family in small crisis.  their mission, proceeding as planned without the guidance of their missing employer.  The need to survive by income in any means.  She let her mind sort through these things as she showered, the cool water chilly on her skin as she sent a message to Jaime.

<<Jaime, it's Arc.  Good news, I managed to get all my drek done.  If I don't show, it's cause something bad happened to me.  Heh.  Joking, nothing gonna stop me now.  See you soon>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-18-15/1009:01>
Yelena smiles at her friend.  "Yelena know Arc help.  Is Srui.  Stronger than blood.  Last forever.  Yelena sleep now.  Arc have good time family of rigger man.  Not be nervous.  Jaime family love you.  Talk other job when see Arc again.  Limited time to do.  Less than 56 hours now."

Yelena strips and climbs into bed.  She is asleep before she finishes getting the covers all the way up.  She sleeps like the dead and even the ghosts cannot disturb her rest this time as she is too exhausted to listen to even them.  Knowing this, the ghosts remain silent, biding their time.  She is completely oblivious to Arc getting ready to go out or leaving.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-18-15/1031:12>
“Thanks for the cards Phoenix - it will make it easier than dealing with that dick receptionist again.. We are Return the original and use fake to get data. I get it. We can talk further about the plan later. We are on the clock now.”
 
He texted the doc:
<<Hi Doc, that accident wasn’t the one I needed... wishful thinking I guess... did they publish more details on that big accident? Kisses!>>

Marco entered the car and they were ready to leave to Marco’s apartment. Marco needed his hospital robe and having many disguises for many fantasies he had just the right nurse outfit to wear... he just never thought he’ll be wearing it inside an hospital.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-18-15/1105:52>
Jed climbed in the car opposite Marco.  Off to the hospital to look for leads on Sam.

Marco, do you think we can take this commlink to a dead drop?  My matrix guy needs the actual comm to try to trace Sam's comm, maybe even use some location data to see where it received messages at, perhaps we can narrow down where Sam was or is staying.  By the way, is there any further details you can give me about Sam that may help us find him?

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-18-15/1349:29>
“Sure no problem... it is yours. I am two comlinks ahead of that one. I am a bit paranoid right now.” said Marco. "Lets do so... " they drop the comlink at the agreed point and then to Marco’s apartment. “I’ll be right down... just need to get dressed.” Said Marco.

He quickly went to the apartment to get dressed . With the pictures and video that Phoniex sent him, he used makeup and his facial sculpt power to make his face look just right. Shortly, training for the appropriate body language and behavior he was ready to be someone else. In this case “Nurse Harry Miller”.  "Lets hope it goes well" thought Marco has he took the elevator down from the apartment dressed as Harry Miller. "Lets go to the hospital ... " Said Marco.

[spoiler]
Disguise + facial sculpt (http://orokos.com/roll/302186): 7d6t5 2
Improve disguise with impersonation (http://orokos.com/roll/302187): 15d6t5 5
7 hits total... he is quite good with disguises I am begging to love this quality abut Marco.

Smiles - if you can take from the entrance of the hospital Marco will enter with confidence, and try to spot some terminal he can query the system for accident wounded, trying to see if there is a Sam Webster or someone that look like him.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-18-15/1510:49>
This trip to the hospital was starting to make Jed nervous.  It was happening too fast, no time to plan.  He started looking on the Matrix for a visitor's brochure for the hospital or something.  Needed to know his way around a bit.  He usually has Escher do stuff like this, but this is last minute and he doesn't need that much info.  Maybe he'll get lucky... 

[spoiler]smilinirish:4D6E5 → 1( (5, 4, 1, 4→ 1 success against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X2221757)     1 hit on matrix search [/spoiler]

Jed is very impressed with Marco as he sees the extent of the changes that are possible.  He takes a moment to see if it changes his aura at all...

[spoiler]smilinirish:12D6E5 → 5( (5, 2, 2, 3, 2, 2, 6, 5, 4, 6, 4, 6→ 5 successes against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X2221925)   5 hits, but I presume it doesn't change[/spoiler]

Wow Marco, if I didn't know your aura, I wouldn't have recognized you. 

As they start driving, Jed starts running some ideas by Marco...
Marco, listen, we need to be prepared for monkey wrenches.  How much do you know about hospital and patient care?  Can you talk the talk?  What are you going to do if there is an emergency and you are expected to help?  I think we need to have me acting as a patient's family member asking questions, while you are looking at records in the computer.  Maybe people will be less likely to interrupt you and ask you to do something.  Just some thoughts I'm having.  Can't be too prepared, you know?

Jed is quiet only for a minute before his brain starts firing with more questions, more worries...
What are you going to look for in the computer?  We need to get in and get out.  Maybe instead of looking for Sam, you need to look for hospital admissions from a car accident for that day and time.  Find who was admitted, then we can go check them out.  What if Sam was in a car accident with someone else?  Maybe he got snatched, and they got brought in.  We may need to question the person who was brought in, even though they aren't Sam. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-18-15/1537:24>
"I actually haven't thought about that part yet... The aura - nothing to do about it at my skill level... I have the healing spell so nobody is gong to die on my watch... I hope but I don't know anything about medicine or first aid... might be worth trying to learn some lingo or atleadt download a basic schema to my comlink so I won't be completely lost in there..." Marco download a first aid schema with audio instructions to his comlink atleast he can try to follow them for basic CPR. While he really use the heal spell but it will look as if he's doing CPR...

"Yes... I'll do the heal spell to be responsible... but I'll pretend that I am doing CPR. I don't want a random guy dying just because I tried to use mundane healing techniques that I do not know."


When jed mention what to look at Marco answers..
" I like the family member idea gives me a reason to browse the terminals... but what to look ? I have no idea... was kind of hoping to see Sam's face are in there or to improvise something... admissions  look good all the wounded from that accident will be admited within a small time frame after the accident. I'll get the list. Then we can question them about Sam. Some of them will be at the hospital... the rest, already at home but we'll have their details. I wanted to have a plan... but  I got distracted thinking what to do with the drugs...  thanks for keeping me focused"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-18-15/2006:18>
Ambrose moved to sit down, shaking his head slightly. He'd give them the information they needed, but if him getting back his stuff was suicidal, This was even more so. At least when he planned to do it earlier, he was being influenced by dark feeling and rage.. But just what was this marco fellow being influenced by?  If not influenced, then at least form a plan of some kind. He at least handled something from the club earlier, and knew a bit about their logos.

Well, he'd need to go do a bit of shopping, and if he could score a few bucks that would help too. After resting for a bit, he went out to neariest hobby lobby to pick up a few model rockets, their engines, a wood burning kit, as well as a few wooden tubes and foil. 

He'd swing back around and pick up a 'Boating for Dummies' training app for his commlink as well, so that if drek hits the fan, he could safely escape.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-19-15/0039:50>
Marco texts Phoenix from the way... <<Phoenix, what do you feel like sending your car to a road trip ? take it to the best parts of town where the security is tough and it is difficult to tail it. Then have it parked at some top hotel something expensive but a lot less expensive than the car.  A couple of hobo thugs simply cannot go to such places. I’ll pick your car from there if we actually put it... it only cost us an expensive hotel room reservation. Perhaps Yelena and her friend can use that room. >>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-19-15/0116:47>
<<If thats what you think. The moment it moves, they'll know I'm alive and kickin and didn't surcumb to my wounds if they didn't already know.>>


Ambrose shrugged a little as he went back to the boat, downloading a current up to date map from google, to look down at the club. It wasn't going to be easy, but he needed to figure out a way to deliever payloads to the club when he wanted, and just needed to find a building close enough.

Soon after, he began looking through weather to see the current predictions. He wasn't a rocket scientist, but someday soon, he was going to try to be one.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-19-15/0120:39>
<< Well I don't know what they think so far... it might be worth a while to chat that guy Joe to see what happened to him after that gig>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-19-15/0121:46>
<< Joe? >> Ambrose responds. He has no idea what he was on about.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-19-15/0132:58>
Yelena smiles at her friend.  "Yelena know Arc help.  Is Srui.  Stronger than blood.  Last forever.  Yelena sleep now.  Arc have good time family of rigger man.  Not be nervous.  Jaime family love you.  Talk other job when see Arc again.  Limited time to do.  Less than 56 hours now."

Yelena strips and climbs into bed.  She is asleep before she finishes getting the covers all the way up.  She sleeps like the dead and even the ghosts cannot disturb her rest this time as she is too exhausted to listen to even them.  Knowing this, the ghosts remain silent, biding their time.  She is completely oblivious to Arc getting ready to go out or leaving.

56 hours...frag that isn't a lot of time...especially given what she Likely got hired for..huu.... Taking a deep breath, Arc stood up straight as the cool shower water poured over her body, washing away her distractions and giving her mind a moment to regroup.  Cleaning her hair as thoroughly as possible, the human ended her shower with a pause, the bathroom'a silence only broken by the slow drip of water from her body as she looked at herself in the mirror, hugging the towel to her as she assessed the situation.

We are on our own, turned loose with gears in motion to take on a fragging club what be snatching people up, likely one or two of our own.  Our direction on what to do next is gone, So we gotta go with what we knew of the general plan: work our way into the Stardust machine, poke holes until we figure out what they're after, where they actually operating from, and if Sam is really gone, then put a stop to it.   It's crazy...frag, it is.  But I think we can pull it off...we have people now...

That PI dude...Jed, was it?...he seems super legit.  We hired him to track down Sam, yeah, but I barely mention our interest in the Stardust and bam, he is on board.  Respect, and again for tangoing with some drekking toxic mage.  Sure, he had hospital time, but hey so did I, and I had help.  I don't doubt that whatever we need he can find out.

Ambrose...Dude seems to not pay attention to me at all...whatever to that, but what he does do, he does well. Fake drek for access, precise explosives, and class?  Man, I can make drek to make things work, but his drek is way more useful..frag, am I jealous?

Marco...he's really coming through in spite of himself and his fears.  I worry that he might be going in over his head, but he's finding his niche quick and it's almost scary.  The fact that he can slip in places as anyone...a mini Sam I guess...combined with our Intel and gear is almost perfect for this job.

The just leaves us two Sruiken Kal..blood sisters.  Neither of us have much in the way of helping in the Intel department (besIdes my bugs in some cases)...or in the prep at the moment.  No, most likely our talents will come into play when we make our move.  Until then, we got our role to fill...make money to fund the others by working for the club, and in turn form an in...work it from that angle to keep eyes off the others.  Yelena seems to be working with their pusher to do work...and taking the role of hard partyer with the head hostess to gain trust.  It's working...but the drugs and lifestyle are eating at her, I can see it.  She can't keep this up at this pace for any major length...

And then me.  What can I do?  I'm no charmer, I know...I'm decent with providing transport and remote eyes as needed, but is that really it?  No...my in is the local Barrens girl with money troubles looking for a Way to make some decent cred.  NineLives is a part owner, and sympathetic to drek like what I look like I'm in.  My job is to build trust, and if we are suspect, being forthright in appearance and having a fairly normal life will do well to throw them off.  Heh...maybe taking a Vrukart works in my favor that way...not that I did it for that reason...hmhmhm..
.

When Arc opened her eyes again in the mirror, she caught herself smiling.  "Enough of that.  Tonight ain't about that.  Tomorrow we deal with that.". Nodding and shivering a little, the short girl toweled off and dried her hair, stepping quietly back into the bedroom.  Grabbing a clean pair of jeans and Jaime's shirt, she slipped them on over her undergarments, noting how passed out Yelena was.  "...Sleep now, you earned it..". Typing up a note for the elf, she left it on a datastick by Yelena's cot, explaining that she aimed to he back home by morning and to call if needed.  Slipping some shoes on and donning a jacket, she played with her hair for a bit, finally settling on keeping it down and pulled back behind her ears to frame her face.  Nodding in affirmation, she tiptoed out of her apartment, grabbed and slipped on her gun, hopped on the Scorpion. And took off to the road.

Distraction gone, Arc was able to focus on enjoying the ride for the first time since they took on this job, and it felt good.  The thrum of the engine beneath her, the smell of the road, the pull of the motion with each turn and curve...she made surprisingly good time, and was waiting. for Jaime st their arranged meeting place with a few minutes to spare, the human grinning from ear to ear as she leaned against the bike with hands in her pockets.  " Bout time you rolled around..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-19-15/2244:01>
Yelena sleeps well for three hours before waking with a renewed sense of purpose.  She sees the note from her Srui and smiles.  Getting dressed, she takes her gun case from under the bed and the Predator from where it had dropped when she had stripped and goes out into the garage.  Working on her weapons has always helped her think and she needs to think now.  She opens the case and pulls everything out.  She goes through the exacting motions of cleaning and reassembling all three of her weapons and reloading all of her magazines.  Her thoughts are heavy on the mission she has taken from the club.  Yelena balances the pros and cons of the hit and realizes that she has been at risk of straying from her self.  She is what she is, an assassin.  She has taken money and agreed to kill a man and doing other than that would be........wrong. 

For just about the only time since she began working for gangers, she does not fully trust her employers.  Some of the gang lords she has known have been almost pure evil, but they have all treated Yelena as an asset they could trust to get the job done without having to worry about cleaning up after her.  There had always been a shared mutual respect between her and her bosses.  Some of that was missing here and she could not quite put her finger on why.

The bottom line was the bottom line.  Without Sam and his support, she and the others still had to survive and this was a chance to contribute to the common pot.

Decision made.

After Yelena puts the rifle and smaller pistol back in the case, she straps on the Predator and goes outside the garage to smoke.  She brings one of the garage chairs with her and sits with her back to the front wall as she watches life in the Barrens go by.  She nods to various people that she has come to recognize, sparing a word or two in passing with several.  At the same time, she calls up the plans of the house and the dossier on the man she is going to kill.  Once she has a rough idea of the layout she pulls up the commcode of the club matrix girl and sends her a message.  <Data Dancer.  Is Wanderer.  Hank and Gregor say you help Yelena with special job.  Yelena looking at data now.  When can Data Dancer talk about plans?>

After sending the message, Yelena finishes her smoke and goes back inside the garage.  She moves into the small living area she shares with Arc and nods.  It is more like home every time she looks at it.  And to think that a few weeks ago, home was not a word in her vocabulary.  She sits on her bed and calls up the data packet again, going over the details of the house and what was provided about the man.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-20-15/0001:48>
With the hospital map ARU, Marco begins his visit with the hospital by returning the original card. Phoenix had a card copier in his kit, so the fake should be able to do exactly what the original does. It just fitted him a lot better.,. If he pulls this gig correctly, he'll have an hospital key card to use when he needs direct access to medical information. "Not bad... Marco not bad..."  he thought.   He replaces his nurse costume with a real one... while not being a ‘sexy nurse’ costume it wasn’t exactly the kind they wore in this hospital.  The best customer is always the real deal. He quickly get dressed, and done the name tag, and key card.

While looking at himself in the mirror... he seems different but it is not the disguise. He did what he is terrified of doing... it was too much pressure to stick to his principles. Not only Marco is a shadowrunner - he actively seeks for ways to achieve his goal. He does not just follows a script dictated from above. He knew that he will make an excellent shadowrunner, but with his burning desire for power and influence, can he stop before it is too late? He wasn’t very good at stopping his desires... They were strong and difficult to control. The only way to fight them effectively was with boundaries, lines not to be crossed. He managed to stick to his script with Cinan but he really did not introduce himself in a very attractive manner, but with Sam disappearing Marco felt like he just had to embrace his inner shadowrunner to find him.

What will happen next? Intuitively he begun to understand that there is no going back, his window of opportunity for backing out and fleeing this terrible destiny was quickly closing. Soon he’ll have expenses that he could not satisfy with a legitimate job. He’ll need new identities, fake SINs, new safehouses to cool inside. Stashes of equipment scattered around waiting for that terrible day where he has to disappear forever. He wanted to be a real person... Living his entire life in a place that formally does not exists, have left him with a deep desire of existing... not a master of many masks. But since yesterday he barely was himself, and he was not working even.  “I hope you’ll appreciate how far I have gone for you... you terrible nameless faceless person... ” He thought, with just a tiny bit of anger. For a second he had the passion to find Sam just to make sure that he is gone forever. It made no sense, how can he both love and hate at the same time. One thing was clear... at this rate there will be very little to confess about the past... his previous crimes  will be nothing compared to how dirty he is going to get down the road.



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-20-15/0104:21>
While Marco was changing in some real scrubs, Jed decided to do a little scouting.  He walked into a mostly empty waiting area and took a seat in corner away from the few people who were waiting.  Leaning his head back against the wall he puts his fedora down over his face. He relaxes back as if taking a nap. Drawing the mana around him like a cloak, he shapes it into the form he needs.  He floats forward, or at least his vision does.  He cast his awareness outward looking for a good terminal for Marco to access. He finds something a little out of the way on a unit on the second floor.  Hopefully their idea of playing family member asking questions will work and they won't be interrupted.  He swiftly returns to himself, opening his eyes. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-20-15/0147:28>
After spending some time reviewing the data she has, she decides to contact Jed to see if he is available.  She thumbs through her contact list and sends a note to the PI.  <Jedediah.  Is Yelena.  Please contact when have time.  Yelena need talk about second mission.  Need help with know about man and house.>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-20-15/0307:02>
@ Jededaih  Knife responds, >>We had this person brought to our attention by Wanderer as a person of potential interest and are making sure we know all the dandelions in our garden.<<

@ Marco  >>I did the checking into the first accident that you asked about. I can't find any info on the fatality in that accident. Original report had KE keeping the ID under wraps until the family was notified. But, no ID has been released as of yet. Still, it's only been a day, so maybe they'll release it soon.<< Dr Kawagishiri finally answered. >>You can pick me up at 18:15 Friday. And see if you can get some of that LaunchCode and PayLoad from the club you took me to. I enjoyed that explosion.<<

@ Yelena  Data Dancer answers, >>I can drop a little of the security. But only one layer at a time, and not for long. The algorithms rotate every 5 seconds. Once you've killed him and we're in I can do more from inside, especially since we won't have to worry about him calling KE or private security anymore after that.<<

@ Ambrose  Shopping at the Hobby Lobby was relaxing. Just poking around and looking gave him so many ideas for new devices. A new Maria Mercurial doll out . . . . pricey, but the AR components in it could be very useful. And that model of train could easily hide a number of useful items . . . . . Still, he was here for model rockets. But, it couldn't hurt to look around. You never knew what you might need in the future.

@ Arc  Jaime smiles when he sses you and whistles at you, a low teasing wolf whistle with a look in his eye that makes you blush. And then he does a turn around the bike and grinning mischievously says, "Wow, that is one beautiful bike."






Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-20-15/0317:52>
Yelena smiles to herself and sends a reply to the matrix girl.  <Wanderer just love target who is careful.  Do you see any weakness Wanderer can use?  Time is moving.  Wanderer think tomorrow is good.  Data Dancer be ready at 2300?  Information say man has no living guards, only computer.  Is what Data Dancer sees?>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-20-15/0323:29>
Marco texts Tammie in response of the doc’s message.
>> Dear Tammie,
How are you doing? must be a bit rough in that club every night.  I myself am going through some rough patches in life right now. Not a moment for myself always have to work.

I could use a little solid. That doctor guy that bailed on me when you just made me a VIP asked for some special drinks that can be taken out for a private date.  Any chance for helping me out a little bit? He is currently my highest roller.

Yours truly,
Marco
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-20-15/1129:10>
Through the blush, Arc managed a returned grin as she stood up, embracing him for a bruef moment before letting him survey the Scorpion, tilting her head a little.  "Thank yeh.  It's on loan tonight.. it's Yelena's, but it's a piece of art now because of yours truly, heh". One could tell the pride in her voice at the last bit. Nodding to him, she brushed a stray hair from her face before swinging a leg over the seat and grabbing the handlebars.  " Wanna see it in action?  Hop on, you can tell me how to get to your fam's place"

As she plugged in to the Scorpion, the engine roared into life, and it didn't take an expert to realize that this machine was beyond top shape, kept in care with love and almost obsessive dedication.  And the human piloting it showed her true talents once they were on the road, taking each turn with an expert's touch with a smile on her face.  She blushed a little as she felt the man cling to her a little tighter as she weaved through traffic, which only encouraged her to drive more, getting to their destination a little faster than intended...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-20-15/1143:51>
Somehow Jed just knew where to go... As if he downloaded a map of the hospital and browsed it while Marco was dressing... that was a sensible thing to do... Marco will remember that for later. Focusing on what little he could comprehend from the first aid... his mind wondered to picturing Yelena and her friend under the combined influence of drugs and magic...  The images were very vivid, and it took Marco some dedication to suppress them and keep his mind focused.  "they are going to have so much fun!!!" was his last thought on that matter.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-20-15/1305:55>
Ambrose continued to look around the hobby lobby. While trains and dolls could be useful for something, it was important to act on more logical and less whimsical methods. Hide a detonator in a teddy bear, as no one would think to see one in there. Hide explosives in plastic reindeer because again, no one would think to look in there. And with Consumer day fast approaching they wouldn't look out of place at all.

This month it was a particularly cold day, though the old man hardly ever noticed with his heavy coat and clothing on. The heat of the electronics in his coat helped things as well.

What he needed more was practical things. Rockets would allow the transport of payloads, or in a pinch the engines could be used as explosives. Exacto knives, woodburners, and the more to really make those things look professional drugs. Like something even more highclass than Stardust's.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-20-15/1914:03>
Tues Dec 8, 15;40
@ Ambrose  If people had any idea just how easy it was to make and hide explosives they'd never sleep at night. he thinks to himself as he shops carefully at the Hobby Lobby. It's easy to shop for the more common things he needs for the explosives here. ID'ing those drugs for Marco had been a far more tedious and time consuming task. If he only knew just how fast things went in and out of the fads, and most things were just knock-offs of earlier things. It's rare that a new drug came out that was really new. The ones that Marco had brought him had been a mix of things, most of it had been To the Moon, a cheaper and less effective version of Bliss. About a fourth had been BangBabay, Babay for short. It was an effective male enhancement drug, at least while it lasted Ambrose thought to himself with a snort. Only problem was it made you sweat badly and was known to give a guy some serious problems pee'ing for a few days after. And a very small portion had been Slut. It was supposed to make a girl so crazy for sex she'd rip the clothes off of you and take you right then and there if she had to. Only problem was it smelled so strong and tasted so foul that it was hard to believe any guy could sneak it into anything a girl was eating or drinking without her consent. And if she was consenting, well, how much could you believe the stories? And Ambrose wanted to rebrand it and sell it huh, well, gotta give him entrepreneurial credit for the thought. Ambrose stood in line patiently to pay for his items. Trick with getting away with almost anything is to look like you're bored and just running errands. Although the woman with the kid two baskets behind needed a DNI. Nobody should have to listen to every detail of Jasmina's last three break-ups with her baby daddy's and how she should put a restraining order on the ef'er that was beating her this time.

@ Yelena  DataDancer replies, >>I'm thinking the weakness is that the security is so tight. It makes people relax and not check things. I can't do 23:00 but I'm green for o1:00. And I don't know who said that about no bedroom. Place is a fraggin' mansion. There are three bedroom suites and a separate gaming room off one of them. But I'm betting he's in the one that's the largest. It's at the back and overlooks the pool and topiary rose garden.<<

Tues Dec 8, 18;20
@ Marco  Tammy replies as you're getting out of the car to go to the hosp. >>Maybe, depends on what they are. The owners are proprietary about a few of the drinks. Let me know which ones and I'll be able to tell you yes or no,<<

Tues Dec 8, 18:30
@ Jedediah  Escher comms you to let you know he got the drop and that the searches for the info you requested are underway and he's sorting the drek from the data.

The casting felt good, tiring but good. He'd been up for awhile and as weak as he'd been, and still was really, he'd had to husband his strength. But the second story alcove should be good for what they wanted. It was a rehab unit by the looks of it, and he still remembered some of the family members and the way they harassed the nurses for info when a phone call ahead of time to family would have told them their Aunt Sally or Grandpa Joe wasn't there anymore. Now he'd get to put that to good use.

Tues Dec 8, 18:39
@ Arc  A young stocky orc girl of about eight rushes out the door and barrels down on you even before you've fully stopped, "Uncle Jaime!" she screams and does a flying tackle. Jaime jumps off leans hard and low towards her in an attempt to brace against the tackle but the girls got enough moment and mass that he stumbles backwards into the bike and the three of you almost go over, "Angelina! Stop!" You hear to late in the bull roar of a male orc. Not that it seems anyone is paying attention as a second body flies into, "Uncle Jaime!" Only this time Jaime does go down and lands in the street, your bike thankfully stopping them from going further into it. You hear, "HAH! I'll get you two hellions for this!" And you see Jaime's hands darting to tickle the girls who are soon tickling back and the front yard is a mass of rolling bodies and giggling for several minutes. The male orc looks down at the roiling mass and shakes his head then reaching down in a quick darting motion hauls up, Angelina? and says, "Momentum and mass young lady. Learn yours! That'll be extra trigonometry homework for you tonight. I want to see ten problems on the mass and momentum it would take to take down a target weighing 76 kilos upright and what positions said target can assume that would resist that force and what force would be necessary to overcome it." She pouts and says, "That's 32 angles daddy!". "Yes it is, so that maybe next time you think twice about getting my youngest dau and my brother killed in the street." "And Maya, the same for you but add the G-forces on Mercury, Uranus and Io." you hear, "But I've got a GalaxyForce Competition tonight! You know my guild is in the finals!!!" he growls at her, "And so you should have known your added force would take your uncle down and adjusted your trajectory 7 more degrees." Both girls open their mouths to argue and then you hear a stern feminine voice say, "Girls, you can stand hear arguing with your daddy while dinner gets stone cold or you can go spend 20 minutes doing as he says and turn it in for extra credit when you need it in math class to get out of an assignment. But dinner is getting colder every minute we stand out here so make a decision." You see a young, attractive human woman with a baby balanced against a hip come to stand next to Henry.  He's still got his milk tusks so he can only be a few months old, and she's still got a bit of baby flab on her, and enough tats to rival Yelena. Arc recognizes a few from the Devil's Advocates, and when she smiles Arc sees the teeth. No horns, or scars where they should have been, so she'd never made it into inner ranks, but she'd been in deep enough, Arc thought to herself.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-20-15/2147:54>
Rehab... was indeed an ironic twist, and Marco walked with confidence - he was born to act and felt like fish in the water...“Okay... so we made it to the terminal.”     “Name please?” ask Marco with a tired voice. It’s been a long shift and the last thing that nurse needed was to check for a missing addict. He obviously seemed to have done so previously, and could not care less if this niece of Jed was alive or not. In the background however he looked at admissions... admissions that seemed related to the accident.  He wen’t over them briefly showing them, not even reading them. He did not have to.... his expensive comlink had a camera built in so it was enough to just show the required screen for a short while and he could move on.  After no more than two minutes he said:  “Can I have some ID sir...?... Are you sure that lady is your niece? Whats her birth date?” He hoped that the genuinely confused look on Jeds face will be enough to preserve their cover.
“Okay okay... you don’t have to be this sarcastic.,I was just doing my job... my shift is over now... find some other victim to harass”  
Marco texted Jed the video file of the search for future browsing and went back to get dressed, he felt as if he belonged there. For a minute he could actually imagine what it was like working in this place and his job was just so much cooler.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-20-15/2233:38>
Yelena considers the hacker's words and sends a response.  >>OK.  So DataDancer can hold security as Wanderer goes into yard to house.  Can open lock on door?  Then Wanderer goes through house as DataDancer drops security in front and lets it back up behind.  Can talk by 'link to coordinate.  Deal with target then let DataDancer in.  So time of meet is 0100 on Thursday, 10 December.  Wanderer send meet place now.  DataDancer think of other idea contact Wanderer.  Personal Question for DataDancer.  Are club property or freelance?  Wanderer freelance.<<

Yelena sits back against the head of the small bed and closes the data files for the hit.  She has learned from long experience that one can look too long at the data and that it is better to take a break and go back to it with a fresh look.  She thinks for a few minutes then sends a note to Bella.  >>Bella.  Is Yelena.  Bella know casino in Seattle?  Yelena like to gamble but not have time find good place and not like cheap bookies.  Maybe Stardust have special casino place for guests?<<

After sending the text to Bella, Yelena flips on the trid and surfs the available channels until she finds "Hard Seven", a serial about a freelance assassin that is popular at the moment.  She enjoys the continuing saga of the totally unbelievably handsome UCAS agent that gets into and out of every tight situation thinkable.  The plots are laughable and the agent relies on too much gadgetry to be real, but the acting is decent and the hero always gets the most beautiful foreign agents to work with and sleep with every week.  Yelena has been following the adventures ever since she came to the UCAS several years ago.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-20-15/2320:48>
Arc barely had enough time to unplug herself from the Scorpion, the data cable retracting with a small sound to the base of her skull and ending with a click, to see the hurtling ball of force that seemed to be a miniature orkette collide with the dismounted Jaime not unlike some sumo-style engagement.  The human girl instinctively lifted her leg up, bracing it against Jaime's back to keep him from going over.  Then the booming voice barked out, her green eyes darting up to see the smaller mass joining the fray, and she knew she had to react quickly.  Turning the bike's front wheel towards them, she swung out behind the bike and planted her feet, flesh hand on the steering column, cyberhand on the side of the seat, just in time for the three of them's momentum to come into a halt.  Good thing too...a couple cars passed by just moments later, and they didn't need anymore risk tonight.

As Jaime and his nieces wrestled, she stood up and leaned her elbows onto the bike seat, looking them over.  The older one...Angelina...and the younger one...Maya?...seemed so overjoyed that their uncle had come over.  She allowed herself to get lost in thought...

Daddy, Daddy, look what Mommy helped me make!
Aww, sweetheart, that's wonderful!  I'll save it and plant it right here on the wall
yeah!  Hey, come on, I wanna play
Oh, can you give me a moment, dear?  I just got home, I need a moment..
Aww, that's what mommy said too..
..Oh, alright, let me put my things down...

Arc snapped back into reality hella quick after that flashback, her eyes widened a bit as her breath caught in her throat.  Angelina was around the age Arc was before...well...everything happened that made her the young woman she was now.  Catching herself, she looked up to see the father...Henry...joined by what she could assume was Jaime's sister.  Arc's smile returned a bit as she saw the little tusker baby on the woman's hip, looking her over as well, eyeing the tattoos and the sharpened canine teeth with a raised eyebrow.  Devil's Advocates...rough gang, big on self-perpetuated protection rackets...torture and violence are their initiations...strong woman, no doubt Henry picked her for that aspect  She eyed the two of them together, seeing the mutual love in their unspoken body language.    Wonder if I'll ever get that feeling, hehe.  Girl can dream huh?  Three kids too..dayum...not looking too bad after this one either..least she got an excuse, I don't got that hehehe  Smirking a little at her own joke, she listened to Henry drill the dau's on what seemed to be high level trig for those tykes while helping Jaime up, and for a brief moment Arc felt a pang of envy...once the Howlers took her in, school really didn't work for her.  Everything she knew came from tech manuals and whatever others would teach her.  As the girls nodded halfheartedly and darted back into the house, Arc patted Jaime's back as they approached.  "Energetic bunch...like em already"  She muttered with a smile as she felt a bit warm from seeing the family like that.

When they got to the steps, Arc felt a pang of nervousness as she looked up at the both of them, green cybereyes blinking little as she brushed a hair from her eyes with her right cyberhand.  The young lady broke the ice first though, and mustered up her best Or'Zet to give a respectful greeting.  "Al'eth narukah jun varay et ereth" (Ancestor's blessings to yourself and your family)  Maybe they should have factored in the 350 or so extra kilos braced right behind him, eh?  I mean the bike."[/b]  She elbowed Jaime in the ribs before he could make the expected retort.  Bowing her head a little bit, she gave a warm smile.  "Thank you for letting me in your place.  Name's A..."  She paused, trailing off a bit.   I've known myself as Arc for so long..it's a tough name, a street name...I don't feel street here..well, I'll have to apologize to Jaime later for not setting him up for this one...  "...Tessa.  My name is Tessa.  Heard good things about you peeps...like how you all put up with Jaime's hoopla and stuff like that.  So, I heard you got the best grub this side of Seattle, hm?"  She turned to the mother, not yet catching her name but giving a nod of the head with a flick of her jaw to one side...a street sign of respect that any Advocate would recognize...the intent wasn't menacing or trying to dig up drek, but simply that of respect and recognition.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-21-15/0201:01>
Maybe I missed something... thought Marco and went  to the toilet instead.  << Jed is there interesting in there? I am waiting to get an all clear to change>>   He sat on the toilet and browsed the medical data on his glasses trying to see anything that catches his eyes. It was relatively discreet because he had glasses with image link, some technology Marco liked. He used it to help him remember clients special request and facts he should know about them while on the go.

Marco then texts Tammie - staying focused on just one thing is nearly impossible to him.

>> Dear Tammie, I believe the good doctor is referring to these space drinks where you set them on fire and drink after countdown... Apollo or something like these?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-21-15/1108:24>
Marco, I see the one that could be Sam.  I need you to access the station one more time. We should haver the address and  check and see if or when they were discharged.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-21-15/1140:34>
<< Okay coming>> texted Marco thinking that he has to find a more natural form of communication.  Complaining a little bit about his work, he goes back to the post. “What now? do you her SYN number? I can't just search for 'Demi Moor' there are thousands of them.” He asks. At the same time he loads the details of the person Jed suspect to be Sam. He check up the treatment he received and when he was released.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-21-15/1337:56>
Having chased dead ends till morning Marco toyed with the idea that Sam is not to be found. So I am finally free... it was a dangerous feeling. Someone have managed to put their hand on that bastard, I waited for this particular day for nine months. I don’t even feel happy... I feel empty. Perhaps I should just take a step back and move on with my life.  Evil will still be there tomorrow.

Jed, I am not sure what to do now about Sam, but let me do a different wager. If the club took him he might be in there they have these basements. Do you have people that can fetch the building plan? 

>> Yelena, Arc: Hospital was a dead end... it does not seem that Sam was there. We are both okay and did not go to jail. Arc I wish you a magical night. Youre Vurk is quite a cath.
Marco.

He texts a couple of messages:

>> Yelena, Hi... got any plans for the evening? I came up with a plan that involves drugs, vices and club work... or we can just snuggle... Can we talk over dinner?

>> Phoenix, Any luck with the drugs? Are they good enough for baiting the heavy spender or should we get something... of higher quality? I think I’ll try to fetch something of good quality. The drugs we fence later does not have to be on good quality we’ll just use appearances to score good prices. Those that will test them on the spot will receive the augmented version. But the heavy hitter thing we should not miss.

>> Tammie... I think I’ll be at club tonight so perhaps we can talk in person... There is something else my client wanted that I cannot text about. 

A night full of vices here we come...  Thought Marco. Arc is with her Vurk Yelena may join and if not I’ll just spoil myself a little bit... I deserve it.  Maybe I get to chat up that Tammie is. To see how aware is she the true nature of her employers. Maybe I can even see what happened to Joe.  If I am lucky I can try doing the basement again... if I find out a different one... but that will qualifies as work.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-21-15/1424:49>
@ Marco & Jed  It had been easier to check the hospital database than they'd expected. The other people involved in the accident had all been a family. Bodies went to the county morgue. And checking for a person who'd been injured and had come in that evening under their own power, just in case Sam had hidden/escaped/gotten worse after the accident was well over had been a dead end as well. It had been a slow night except for that accident and all of them were either still hospitalized with things like pancreatitis, ETOH abuse, 3 drug OD's and a woman in labor, or were released under their own recognizance and would have been easily able to get a message out. Sam clearly wasn't here.

@ Arc  Bettina gives you the same nod of recognition. But Henry speaks first, "How do you do. We've been looking forward to meeting you ever since Jay told us he finally had a Vruk. My brother has certainly not been holding up the family honor. Come in, come in, no need to freeze out here." He ushers everyone into a spacious home, very graciously appointed, the neighborhood nice enough to be note worthy. "Yes, pleased to meet you. I'm Bettinas, Jaime's sister. And this is Little J." she smiles, "Dinner is ready, but it'll keep until the girls get done with their homework. Would you like a drink?" She hands the baby to Henry and moves off to get your drink orders. Saying as she goes, "Jaime tells us that you're a mechanic. Which makes me laugh because it A.) makes just so much sense, and B.) Means I've just lost my Vruk and children to a garage. They're never happy unless their tinkering around mocking up my Vruk's latest device." He laughs, "I would never be so crass as to deny my woman's words. But, there is one other time that I'm happy." he says as he winks at her and she grins back at him and gives him a kiss as she hands him his drink passing him. Henry looks at you, "I see that you have a Mitsuhama arm Tessa. Did you know that I believe it's possible to make a minor upgrade to the wiring and armature to give you both greater speed and responsiveness?" Jaime looks at him and takes the baby, "Yeah, but if you do that you're going to sacrifice some of the joint strength, or make the elbow bulkier to accommodate an increase in plating." Henry looks at him, "Not if you upgrade the metal in the elbow with a synthetic." he responds. "Yeah, but at a significant increase in cost, and once you start doing that than what's to say you don't go ahead and upgrade the shoulder joint." Jaime replies. Bettinas laughs and says, "Stop you two. Wait to experiment on your poor victim until after dinner. It's just polite to feed a person first before you make them a guinea pig."

@ Yelena  DataDancer replies, >>I work for the club. Nobody owns ne. But if you're thinking of splitting the money and then splitting without doing the job there is no where you can go that I can't find you. So you can either do the job or start looking over your shoulder for the guy they hire to kill you.<<

Wed Dec 9th 01:00
@ Jedediah  A few hours later Escher contacts you. >>I think I have something that may interest you. That name you gave me, Sam Webster, doesn't match the face of any known Sam Webster within 5 states. However, once you do a facial recognition I damn near had to burn my links to get out of that program fast enough. Whoever he is he's dragon fire, which usually means very, very bad news for anyone connected to them. Very doubtful he's here for the Ancients. Way to small time. But I'll keep checking other sources.<<


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-21-15/1431:42>
Jed instantly copies Escher's last text to the group in a text message. 

@Escher thanks Escher.  Watch your tail.  Any info on the owners of the club?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-21-15/1525:26>
[spoiler]
This is probobly in the future because the call is at 1:00 am but for continuity and to get a chat going, I'll just assume that Marco can text when he received the message.
[/spoiler]
Marco texts:  >> I am not sure that the club people are powerful enough to take Sam.
If you Decker is afraid of him... Either the club are a lot more powerful then we think or that Sam's disappearance has something to do with the kind of person he is and the sort of enemies you make being so powerful.  I find this message very reassuring.  However, Ralph might enjoy a trip to the club, what do you think? If they actually took Sam there will be discomfort seeing his twin spends money in their little joint.  How subtle can they be about it?

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-21-15/1605:14>
Yelena laughs out loud at the matrix girl's message.  *She has herself way too wound up.*  She sends a note back.  >>Whoa.  What the frag Wanderer say to get that answer?  Wanderer only want know if DataDancer is freelance.  Was thinking might have work if freelance.  DataDancer not know Wanderer so forgive insult this time, but never say again.  Wanderer never consider take money then run.  Wanderer is professional.  Now for meet.  Today is Tuesday.  Meet 0100 on Thursday.<<

Yelena then sends a response to Marco.  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  Staying far from vices until after job.  Yelena remain home tonight and plan.  Need talk tomorrow about disguises.  Please call after breakfast.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-21-15/1709:06>
@Yelena Yelena, hospital lead for Sam was a dead end.  You mentioned something about needing help.   Want me to meet you somewhere?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-21-15/1716:51>
Marco Texts Yelena:  >>, I am happy that you got your focus back. Kind of missed scary cautious lady.  Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, disguises are indeed an odd conversation starter... perhaps better to do privately? Can you meet me at my place at 10:30 ? I’ll get your favorite coffee.
 He gets home showers and go to the club on his own. Finally free to party without worrying about anything.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-21-15/1836:00>
Yelena sends her replies.  >>Jedediah.  Is Yelena.  Sending ARO for garage address.  Yelena here waiting.<<

>>Marco.  Is Yelena.  Yelena get information from PI man.  Yelena be your place 1030.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-21-15/1842:58>
@knife Knife, early impression is that Sam is not watching you.  Haven't been able to locate him yet; but our leads seem to be in different circles than you roll in.  I have no definitive proof yet.  Please find attached the invoice for our expenses to date: forger was for employee cards to access hospital information.  Invoice for Matrix work is initial. This is our strongest leads so far.  Will have additional invoices for matrix work next time I report.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-21-15/1859:32>
@Marco

<< They're no good honestly. Nothing more than a few little blue pills crushed up in powdered tiger dongs, bathed in oxen seman. They might get someone a little high, but beyond that, its more to get someone horny, with cheap stuff. I can make it look pricey, but your magic will have to be something to make it feel pricey.>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-21-15/1948:13>
Tues Dec 8, 20:41
@ Arc  You get a message from the network that you have Phoenix's cigarettes and lighters connected into. You'd forgotten that you'd left them connected once they went dark. >>Memory full<<

@ Yelena  >>I'll be there.<< DataDancer

@ Marco  The atmosphere at the club is jubilant. It always is, the music is hot, the ARO's are creative and constantly changing and the drinks and drugs are flowing freely adding to the fun and pleasure. At first Marco is able to relax and just enjoy himself. He spots Tammy early working the floor making sure everyone is having a good time and things are going smoothly. She spots him and lets him know that it's ok to talk.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-21-15/2005:09>
When Marco drops Jed off at the garage, he realizes that Marco is taking the car and Arc has the bike. Looks like Yelena and I will be taking a cab if we need to go anywhere. 

Jed is surprised to find that he is nervous.  He knows he is too old to interest Yelena, but the thought of having the attention of a beautiful woman all to himself is something he is looking forward to. Focus on business. That's what went wrong last time.

Jed takes a deep breath, collects himself, and knocks on the door.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-21-15/2009:46>
Arc was all smiles as they were ushered in, graciously accepting a beer to drink as she looked around the spacious abode, eyes wide in amazement.  These guys made it...not the high class drek, but this is real...man.. Shaking her head, she took a seat next to Jaime as they talked about her, blushing a bit and laughing when appropriate.  With the banter, the short girl couldn't get a word in edgewise until near the end, but it was fine by her.

"Well, contraptions have a habit of going bad now and then, so if it's gon' happen, might as well be someplace that can take it eh?  Hate to see a wiz place like this go up and stuff". Shrugging off her jacket, the corner of the Howler tat on her arm exposed itself to the air, the jacket rest I g behind her as she held out her arm for examination.

"Faster, huh....better cables and improved plating would work through it, but what of the servos in the joints?  I thought about increasing tensile strength but couldn't figure out howta compensate the strain factor.  Besides...". She smirked as she flipped a bottlecap into the air, waiting till the last possible moment to catch it.  "Heh...got lucky with some high tensile cabling for speed and precision...ah...". As Bettina cut her off with the discussion, Arc was distracted by the bundle of life Jaime placed on her lap, drink set aside as she reached her hands to steady little J. Her lunch th was parted as her eyes watched him unblinking, head tilted as the mini tusker babbled and wriggled on her lap.  " Heh...feisty little punk ain't he..."

It wasn't long before the girls had finished their extra credit assignments and were bounding down the stairs, signalling dinner was to be ready.  Arc smiled and nodded towards them, startlingly a little shy and overwhelmed by the surroundings of family.  She took her place at the table next to Jaime and turned to him, winking before the food was served to show she was having a good time.

The text came in from Marco and was read, but Arc didn't bother to give a response to it just now...no emergency yet, so no reply was needed.  As for the memory full indicator...She downloaded all the info to the private link in her arm, freeing up space just in case...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-21-15/2109:32>
Yelena puts the trid on pause and gets off the bed to go answer the door.  She is dressed in some pajama shorts and a loose tank top.........and bunny slippers.  She checks the monitor that Arc has installed and recognizes Jed.  Opening the door, she ushers him into the garage.  "Jedediah come in.  Yelena was resting.  Want drink?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-21-15/2202:41>
@ Jedediah  >>If the subject was hospitalized then he can not possibly be a threat to the Ancients. Is Wanderer using Ancients cred to find a lover or potential target of her own?<< Knife responds.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-21-15/2308:54>
Ambrose gets through the line and takes his supplies back to the boat. He hummed softly, looking about. This place wouldn't do, they needed to get some place off the grid or somewhere where the house wouldn't sink

@Marco
<< I suggest attempting to sell off those drek drugs. Perhaps breaking into a local highschool to pick up some supplies from their chemistry lab. I need carbon, hyrdogen and Nitrogen. This boat is a nice place to work on gear you need, but as they say.. Don't shit where you eat. I need an off site, then I can work on making a better drug for you.>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-21-15/2322:57>
Dear Yelena, I am happy that you got your focus back. Kind of missed scary cautious lady.  Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, disguises are indeed an odd conversation starter... perhaps better to do privately? Can you meet me at my place at 10:30 ? I’ll get your favorite coffee.


Marco texts Ambrose    before entering the club << This is the plan, at least when customers check it for themselves. They’ll be disappointed but nobody expect dealers to be very honest and we need to get creative. Besides don’t underestimate the placebo effects... branded medicine actually works better than unbranded. If it look fancy enough they’ll enjoy it more.

I know some other places you can work on, let me get back to you on this one... can you find me a place that has the things you need? I’ll get them for you...

Marco sits down with Tammy in some relatively private corner of the club. He came early so she should not be super busy quite yet. He greets her warmly, and keep it friendly for a short while.  Talking about how happy he is of finally having some time for himself without entertaining people.  He hopes that she can relate to the feeling.

When they talk business he say: “I am sure that my client would love to try something more powerful than these fancy drinks.  However, he cannot be seen in public doing that. His job is on the line....

I am not touching these things myself having to keep in control for my job. So honestly, I wouldn’t even know what to ask you. What I do know is that he is the kind that tried it all already... I had to use all my charm to keep him from getting bored the previous time we were here.  He frequently visit higher social cycles so for him it was a casual date despite the drinks, private room and everything we did for him.“
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-21-15/2342:16>
Jed walks in the door.  A drink?  Better not. 

Hi Yelena, zdravstvuyte.  You don't happen to have coffee do you?  I don't drink liquor much.  It got the best of me once, and took me some time to beat it down.  I just got a message from Knife, with the Ancients.  He asked why is Sam a concern for them, and asked if you were trying to have them bankroll your own interests.

Jed shows her the message. 

Obviously the answer needs to be no, but I am unclear where everyone falls in this.  I gather that he started you looking into this club, then disappeared.  Where do the Ancients fit in?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-22-15/0036:44>
Yelena looks at the older man a bit before answering.  "Seems Jedediah has Yelena at barrel.  Yelena not sure Sam not watching Ancients.  Not sure was.  Think might help find Sam to find out.  Ancients send to Jedediah.  What Yelena tell Blindside might still be truth.  Jedediah tell Knife Yelena concerned for former client.  And Yelena is concerned."

Yelena has cheap soykaf somewhere.  Come to kitchen and talk while make."

Yelena walks to the small kitchenette and has the machine pour out two cups of soykaf.  She looks at the PI over the cup as she drinks.  "Yelena has second job.  Sent Jedediah file on Snowden.  Yelena like some information not in file.  Need fast; by tomorrow afternoon.  Will pay for time even if cannot get information.  Yelena want know who man is and what does or did."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-22-15/1034:11>
Yelena considers her options, then says.  "Yelena not make Jedediah life hard.  Not fair to PI man.  Yelena send message to Blindside.  See if make sense to you then I hit send."  She accesses the comm code for the Keeb gang underboss and prepares a text, including Jedediah.  >>Blindside and Jedediah.  Is Wanderer.  PI man Jedediah give Wanderer basic report from first day.  Nothing in report say fake Sam Webster have interest in Ancients.  Perhaps only interest in Wanderer.  Can pay all costs for PI man plus give to Ancients for waste time.  Send message to say what owe.  Please take Wanderer apology.  Wanderer include PI man Jedediah in message so know.  Perhaps fake Sam Webster not interest in Wanderer or Ancients, but is just coincidence.  Wanderer let Blindside know if any change in information.<<  Yelena shows Jed the message before sending it.  "Yelena not want Jedediah in trouble for me.  Is good to send?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-22-15/1609:51>
Oh no milaya delete that at once.  I'll handle Knife.  I don't see this as a problem.  Either they'll pay me or they'll fire me, but if you act like you did something wrong you may have problems that are unnecessary.   Now, is it correct that you were hired by Sam while you were currently under contract to Ancients?  It seems like you told me that.  Let me just set the Ancients straight.  You have to show respect but no fear.  How does Arc put it?  Ah yes, don't be prey.  Very good analogy. 

"Knife, I understand that Wanderer was looking for this Sam Webster, when she realized he made contact with her while she was on a job for Blindside, and made contact knowing quite a bit more about her than was obvious.  She did Blindside the courtesy of advising him of the possible connection.  Blindside felt the need to hire me to hunt down this Sam Webster to determine if he is likely to be inconvenient to him.  I use whatever tools are at hand to do my job, and as this Wanderer is looking for him too, she's a handy tool.  I used a forged hospital ID card to follow a possible lead that Sam Webster or someone who knew of him may have gone through the ER.  The lead was a dead end.  But I incurred a cost getting that ID.  I also have incurred a cost having Matrix work done.  Please let me know if Blindside no longer wishes to retain my services, or remit payment on my expenses.  As things stand now, it is looking like this Sam is a big player.  My decker caught a scent but things got hot.  I'll keep you updated on what we are finding. 

There you are milaya, we've set him straight.  Let me set a couple more balls in motion and I want you to tell me about this new job. 

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-22-15/2232:32>
Yelena, I have a friend I was supposed to meet for a beer, my mentor as a PI.  He is who I learned my Russian from.  I'd love it if you'd meet him with me.  He may even be able to help with your new job.  He's the only true friend I have.
@ MikeMike, hows it looking for those beers?  I have a new associate I'd like you to meet.

@ Escher Just checking in on you omae.  You haven't had your noodle fried have you?  Did you have a chance to look into the club Stardust yet?  Something fishy there, and I'm wanting to check ownership and backing on that place.  I need to dig around a little, and I don't want to dig in the wrong places and attract the wrong kind of attention. 

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-22-15/2247:21>
Yelena laughs.  "Jedediah is good with words.  But never think Yelena prey.  Not for more than 50 years has Yelena been prey.  Yelena not fear Ancients, but give respect by telling maybe made mistake and wanting to square it."

She nods.  "Yelena go meet friend.  Try not drink too much vodka."  Yelena sends a message to Marco.  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  PI man stop by discuss second case.  Take Yelena meet friend at bar.  Yelena try not drink much.  Yelena call Marco when home safe.<<

Turning to Jed, she adds, "OK.  Yelena go.  Must dress.  Is casual place or something else?"  She moves to her part of the closet, pulling her pajamas off as she walks.  Naked, she looks over to Jed with a question on her face and waits for him to tell her what sort of place they are going to.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-22-15/2326:39>
Jed is completely thunderstruck.  Never in his life has he been at such a complete loss for words.  It's Yelena's body in front of him, but all he can see is Bunny's face. All he can smell is Bunny's perfume.  All he can hear is Bunny's laugh.  All he can feel is an ache, an emptiness that clenches around his heart.  Memories flood, flashing past him.  Meeting her, wanting her, chasing her...catching her.  Those months, those precious sweet months.  Neither of them willing to acknowledge the truth that they suspected.  The future that was hinted at.  He would grow old, as he was now. She would never grow old. She never did grow old, but not for the reasons that they refused to think about...no.  For the wrong reason. 

Jed blinked.  The smirk on Yelena's face was faded.  His  voice, distant in his own ears saying "casual...we meet at an Irish pub.  Suddenly he was embarrassed to be staring.  He turned quickly away.  He blurted out Just wear something comfortable. It's not a fancy place at all.  You'll like Mike. He's got that fatalistic Russian sense of humor.   He started chattering on about Mike, trying to shake the awkwardness. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-22-15/2347:17>
Yelena smiles and pulls pair of jeans on and grabs a men's shirt from the closet.  She moves over to where Jed is standing as she slips the shirt on, then touches his arm.  "Jedediah alright?  Is Ok to look.  Yelena not nervous with body.  Yelena not do again if bothers Jedediah. 

She moves to her bed and takes the gun case from under it and placing it on the bed.  Undoing the locks, she opens the case and removes the utility belt for the Predator and three magazines.  She fastens the belt around her slender waist and slips the heavy pistol into the holster and the spare magazines into their pouch.  She turns to Jed again.  "All ready.  Need call cab."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-22-15/2355:47>
Why on earth would that bother me?  You have a lovely figure milaya  Jed struggles to make his body language match his words.  Bunny used to wear his shirts.  That was a long time ago, chummer, pull yourself together.

Jed pulled up the Johnny Cab service on his comm.  Not the best, not the worst, at least it wouldn't smell like vomit.  Best to watch the budget. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-23-15/0007:42>
While they wait for the cab, Yelena puts the gun case away and walks with Jed to the front of the garage.  She pulls her cigar case from her pocket and offers it to Jed before selecting one of the acrid things and lighting up.  She nods at Jed's leg.  "Is new injury?  Not walk like so used to it to be old hurt.  Can tell Yelena story?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-23-15/0011:21>
Jed looks down at his leg.  Its actually an old injury.  Took a couple of hits from a wizard in the astral, made it back to my body, and crawled off to hide because I knew I was outclassed and they would be coming for me.  Healed it myself, but I was barely hanging on, so didn't do a great job.  Not sure if you know, but with Magic, you only get the one shot.  What you heal, you heal.  What you don't has to heal on its own.  Managed to heal it enough that it was still useable, but when I'm tired, or hurt, it gives me trouble. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-23-15/0013:31>
@ Arc  Dinner is friendly, homey and Liitle J seems fascinated by your cybernetic arm as he starts teething on it. But, his mom takes him back when he starts trying to nurse, laughing, "Pump your brakes boy. It's not like you didn't eat an hour ago!" The girls chatter on about school and soccer and do you really own a garage and can we ride your bike and daddy says we can't get an enhancement until we're older, what age did you get your first enhancement and Marseille at school already has several enhancements but mommy won't let us ask because it's rude but he can play basketball only they won't let him play track 'cause it would be an unfair advantage, and is that really a control rig in your head, Ava at school say that when you have a control rig in your head the corp's can take over your mind and make you like a zombie like in Not Quite Dead Yet only way scarier 'cause you can't do anything about it and they can make you do anything they want and mommy says we can have cake for dessert tonight 'cause you're company and that's why I'm glad you're here and if you don't want your cake that's ok 'cause we still get cake and if you don't want your cake can I have it? Occasionally their parents interject a question about your garage and if you have any other family but more time is spent heading off some of the girls nosier questions and Arc finds herself a bit overwhelmed trying to follow their conversations. Once dessert is done the kids are shoo'd upstairs by their mom so that they can get their baths done and Henry hands you another beer as he says, "It's occurred to me that we don't have to go with a complete upgrade of your elbow & shoulder and just start with the servo's. What do you think?" The evening passes comfortably with a rather technical discussion of cybernetics and their development. And when you get back home you find you're exhausted and Jaime cuddles you and rubs his hand over your belly possessively kissing your temple.

@ Marco  Tammy looks at you shaking her head no and says, "No, those drugs are club exclusives. Not only would that be my job that would be my rep and everything I own. We all sign agreements to that effect when we're hired. You'd figure they'd make way more selling them on the street than in one club only but the management is absolutely not playing when they say No on this."

@ Jedediah  Mike answers, >>I'm already here. I'll get us a bigger table.<<

Escher sends, >>I'm fine thx for inquiry. The club is owned by 17 shell companies. I'm tracking them down now.  To see where the real money is.<<                                                                                   

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-23-15/0019:53>
Yelena smiles.  "And was long ago?  Yelena 64 if wonder.  How old Jedediah?"

She snaps her fingers.  "Irish like sax?  Yelena like play and can bring instrument if OK?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-23-15/0031:45>
I was born in 2010, just before all hell broke loose.  I Awakened in 2022.  Sax?  Sure, I guess so.  The pub doesn't really have live music though. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-23-15/0046:59>
Yelena laughs, "And Yelena was part of All Hell breaking loose.  First group UGE.  Maybe chat about life then some time.  Wait if cab come.  Yelena get sax.  Live music tonight unless bar throw Yelena out."

Yelena moves back into the garage and into the living area, where she picks up her sax case and her armored jacket.  She remembers how chilly it can get in the evenings here in Seattle in December and she does not have the drugs flowing through her system to let her mind think that she is warm.  She hesitates a moment then goes to the small bathroom sink she shares with Arc and reaches for the small bottle of her favorite scent.  *Not too much.  Not want PI man get wrong idea.*  A couple of drops later there is a faint scent of gardenias in her wake as she moves back out to the street with her sax case in one hand and the jacket over her other arm.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-23-15/0107:56>
"In that case he'll settle for the drinks. No worry about it.. probobly better for him in the long run."  Marco laughs.
Casually adding: " Although you could use some time off... someplace more quite than this joint. Don't you think?... "

He never fully understood why he went to the club again, but he sort of knew it as he was talking to Tammie, they need someone helping them... Tammie was a good candidate.  First she was unconfident, afraid to make mistakes... definitely new and very green. Second she was ambitious, very ambitious and it was possible that she was not aware to the true nature of her employers. In time, if she discovers it, and there is a good person underneath She will be ready to betray them. If Marco forms a friendly bond with her, he may be able to approach and recruit her as a double agent.

They have already established initial trust, he was not a random guy... not anymore - Marco was a regular client - an escort that brings many high rollers to the club. Tammie’s decision to trust him has already paid her off. They spent a lot of money in the club within a short period of time and the future seemed promising. She already benefitted from her trust in him, he could be her ace in the pocket if she takes care of his clients well enough.  It is within her best interest to help him. Marco tried to capitalize on this trust in order to make her a friend.  Marco also wanted her to see for herself who her employers really are. It is a delicate move that may be difficult to pull out, but he is going to lead her to the truth. If the club has Feathers and Tammie is not aware of it... mentioning him might cause her to get curious and getting curious she will see things for what they really are especially as the head hostess in the club.

Marco suggests that the club entertainers messed up with Feathers, a client not very different than the good Doctor. Both were elderly humans with deep pockets, people that the club definitely wants them to come along. He’ll casually mention Feathers as another unhappy customer and suggest that the club has a problem with this type of people... probably some of the entertainers are not giving them their best.

“It is a shame really... if that Feathers guy had fun in here -  he’d contact me again... clients have fun when I entertain them, a cold shoulder silence treatment is very unusual for me... I mean these are two clients that apparently did not receive the optimal treatment. It could just be me - but I also suggest checking it out... Don’t worry about me and you, we are super cool. I like it here very much. I even came on my free day. I am only mentioning it because if it is a real problem... you want to know about it.“
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-23-15/0820:50>


The dinner and the company to share with it, to put it in a word, was very pleasant for Arc.  The home-cooked meal was out of this world for her, easily and eagerly having a second helping when offered.  The questions and the energetic probings of the two daughters, on the other hand, left the human girl a bit flustered, if the tinge of pink on her cheeks was Amy indication.  Even her mind, as capable of sorting through stuff as it was and multitasking all the while, was having difficulty keeping up with Angelina and Maya along with the questions from Henry and Bettina.  She tried to answer them all as best she could...

"Ah..yes, I own a garage, it's my home and business, built it up m'self, heh...enhancements?  Ah, you mean these.  Um...around eight or nine, but not by choice." She tapped her eyes, the little scars of her earlier implants faded but present.  "Had a bad accident and lost a lot, that's why you gotta be careful, ya hear me?... Yeah, it's a control rig, and totally.  Shiawase is using my butt as a spy and y'all gon' be swooped up in yo beds tonight, feel me?" 

The questions droned on and on from dinner all the way to dessert, and Tessa certainly helped herself to some cake when offered, the dessert itself homecooked which blew her mind as it exploded on her tastebuds.  After it all she had to suppress a belch as she shifted with her overfull stomach.  Overall it seemed she had left a good impression on the kids, the girls enamored with her style and sense of humor, and lil J just because she was shiny.  With the conversations, the parents could deduce that Jaime's Vruk, despite not having any formal education beyond primary school, had a bright mind and a technician's problem-solving mentality.  She had dodged most all questions about her fam, but it wasn't hard to deduce the conclusion that she had none now, save for those she had just acquired this very night.

Popping open the beer bottle with her cyberhand, Tessa smirked at Henry's remarks on her arm and gave a nod.  "Seems like a wise choice if we want to do it piece by piece.  Risk of a cascade failure in function is minimal that way.  I was thinking of laying in a splice joint right alongside it, but that would only add to the bulk, but maybe if we were to..."  The enthusiasm kicked in all the way into the technical parts, even as it shifted from experiments on her arm to offerings to fix up anything they might need.  "Eth et Eth, a nara (family is family, after all).  I've got some work coming up for the next few days, but other than that, I'm free for all of this whenever, really."  As their visit wound down, Arc stood and said her goodbyes and thank yous to the wonderful couple, downright surprised and letting out a sound as Henry scooped her up in a bear hug.  Yeah...they like her.

Upon arriving home at Jaime's place, Tessa gave a groan as the full realization of just how much she ate hit her, the girl haphazardly throwing off her clothes and flopping onto the bed, feeling the man's presence behind her as she felt her energy wash away into exhaustion.  "oof...your family...is a very good family, vrukart...thank you for letting me be a part of it"  She trailed off into a happy sigh, feeling him cuddle up next to her and rubbing her tummy and kissing her head as she rolled onto her back.  She raised a brow, chuckling.  "Ehehe...making a wish, huh?"

~~~~~~The next morning, 7:00~~~~~~

It wasn't often that Arc slept soundly through the night, and this was certainly one of those nights.  A nice, pleasantly dreaming sleep that left her feeling happy and refreshed when she woke up.   As she stirred on her side, she felt the weight of Jaime's arm around her waist, holding her there as she lazily opened one eye, lips curling into a smile as she let out a little cooing sigh.  Today was a new day, and after a moment of content reverie, her green eyes snapped open.  Break time was over, and today she would have to help her friends out, no excuses.  As she lay there, she linked up with her commlink, sending out a message to Yelena and Marco.

<<Yelena, it's Arc.  Good morning!  We still on for coffee, Srui?  I think I can be by around 9 or so and we can talk.  Catch ya soon

<<Marco. It's Arc.  Thanks for the well wishes, it was a very nice time I had.  I won't let it get in my way of the work I need to do though, I promise.  I'll be in touch

Content with her messages, the human girl closed her eyes again, snuggling closer as she waited for a few blissful moments for the man to wake up and they start their day...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-23-15/1643:45>
After the chat with Tammie, Marco hopes that she was placed in the right direction, being such a perfectionist - she’ll try to figure out what happened to Feathers... Why didn't he have fun despite the VIP room, the good food and everything.  He had no idea if it was going to work.. he never considered trying to recruit agents and he did not know Tammie well enough to understand how she will react if she does find out what happened to Feathers... She had a lot more tools to do that - if Feathers was taken by the club. However, there was time to think about it and Marco came to have fun.

The rest of the night Marco planned to be dancing on the dance floor. Got to keep in good physical shape and many hours of dancing were a lot more enjoyable than a workout at the gym. He could feel the combined emotions, the passion and happiness of the place and he was happy. “Too bad Arc is not here... she is so fun to dance with... I Just need to stop thinking... it is not like I am any good at it... If I had the life experience to find a guy like Sam based on a single word he texted... he’d be the one working for me... I’ll let the PI- guy do his job... Hello beautiful stranger!” Marco’s train of thoughts was cut by an attractive clubber that offered him a drink. A darked haired guy, with a rigid look. Facial hair always sort of fascinated Marco. There was little that could cause him to think about work during that night. There was something liberating in acceptance, he was going to try an ambitious plan... he is living on the wrong side of the law. That was not going to change anytime soon.  "Got to make the best out of the time I have."  He thought as he approached the dark haired guy and danced closely with him.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-23-15/2044:54>
....Several moments later, Arc realized that Jaime was not going to be awake for some time...and she had to pee, like, yesterday.  Snickering silently to herself, she gingerly slid out from the man's grasp, slipping out of the sheets and getting up, stretching her limbs briefly before heading to the bathroom to take care of business.  Sighing contentedly, her mind shifted back into its work gear, reminding her that she had her role to fill and, unlike her Sruiken, had not yet acted upon it.  Flushing and washing up, the human girl looked back at herself in the bathroom mirror, posing and taking in her own appearance out of curiosity as she simultaneously composed a Matrix message to send to the quarter-owner of the Stardust she knew..

<<NineLives, Arc here.  Wassup?  Last time we spoke, you said you might have work for a slitch like me.  As luck would have it, a job I had lined up fell through, leaving a hell of a hole in my cred flow, ya hear me?  Hit me up, we'll talk biz>>

Short, sweet, sounds like me, and not really a lie.  Perfect  Smirking, she sent the message off and let the dice fall where they may, the girl tiptoeing back into bed best she could whilst she waited for morning to progress.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-23-15/2116:20>
@Marco - Sometime later through the night

<<Chem-U-Cool might have some basic science kits. Nothing too much, we only need a bit of the stuff and a few other chemicals to make something older and a bit more refine. If not, I think if I could get a bunch of bananas and salt, I could fashion up some potassium nitrate.>>

Ambrose took his hall into the boat to start working on a new label for their soon to be drug company, It was a process, a hard one of slowly burning the wooden cylinders, to eventually create the symbol they'd use. A Cheshire cat. This was one of those times you could be whimsical, and what better way then use one of the most heavily believed stories that was influenced by potential drug intake?

Through the Looking Glass. The best thing about this, is that all they needed to do wasn't nessecarrly sell the drugs, but make it look like they did. A few empties of this design strewn about the stardust, and they would be golden.

@Marco

<< Another idea to increase the rumor, how do you feel infiltrating into a flew cliches? With your skills you might be able to convince people who haven't even tried to to say that they did, because it is the cool thing to do.>>


[spoiler]
Crafting the case (http://orokos.com/roll/303522): 11d6t5 6
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-23-15/2254:49>
Jed emotions and memories were so powerful, he could smell Bunny during the entire cab ride.  I didn't expect to feel this way after so long. 

Jed chattered about his childhood a bit to pass the time.

I was born in 2010, right before all the shit went down.  My parents and I were visiting Seattle and got stuck here.  I lost them in the first wave of Vitas and was raised by a friends family.  I was on a boyscout camp out when I awakened.   I think I was about 12?  A friend of mine was being attacked by some dogs, and I was trying to beat them off.  That's when it happened.  Life's never been the same.  Sometimes I wished that I had taken the easy corp life.  I just can't stand the thought of being owned by a soulless corp. 


Great here was the club.  Offering Yelena his arm, he led her inside, keeping an eye out for Mike. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-23-15/2335:21>
@ Marco  Tammie looks at you and says, "I really can't help you with those particular drinks either. But, what I can do is give you a private alcove for free and the first round on the house. That way you'll know if it's the club, or if you need to step up your game. I'll also check with the wait staff on that night and see if they remember any discontent. I'm trying to make sure the wait staff for the VIP rooms and tables are well trained to pick up any sign of discontentment on the part of our high rollers. And knowing that, the staff on the floor are stepping up their game as well, learning some of the signs so that they can start getting assigned to those tables." Tammie frowns, "I tried to keep an eye out, but with the VIP rooms regularly selling out I'm having trouble having enough specially trained staff. Bob helps, and I don't know how I'd manage without him pointing out problems and smoothing things over with free drinks. But, I'm still the one responsible for it all. So I'll check." She gets distracted by the sound of a crash and breaking glass and hurries off calling back, "I'll let you know, thanks for the info."

@ Yelena and Jedediah  The club is relatively quiet and Jed spots Mike immediately. It's more of a neighborhood bar and most of the people there are regulars. Including Mike who's sitting in his favorite spot. He looks Yelena up and down, taking in the tats, and you can tell by his frown that he's familiar with at least some of them and the trouble they spell. He looks Yelena In the eye as Jed introduces her and says, "I'm reserving judgment until after I've heard your song and dance. but неприятности могут купить свой собственный напиток."

@ Arc  It was a very pleasant start to her morning, but now it really is time to get work Arc thinks as she goes to the garage. And sees the blinking light of the storage device recording the data from Phoenix's cigarettes and lighters. When she goes to check she finds that the device is querying her, "Delete areas of silence and only retain, sound? voice? both?" She's also got a message from NineLives, >>I'm as good as my word slitch. Stop by the club tonight and I'll buy you a drink an we can talk.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-24-15/0204:58>
Marco looks at Tammie with empathy... “”I know, every start is difficult... Don’t feel bad about it, I am also new at what I am doing... nothing comes easily unless you are born right.” He smiles.
“I’ll definitely bring him again, I hope he will have better time - thanks for the freebies. I am sure he’ll appreciate it.” The rest of the night was fun and Marco had a lot to drink, danced with beautiful people and shared his love for music, dancing and beautiful people. whomever was confident enough to approach him.

Somewhere late at night after he had way too much to drink Marco receives a text from Ambrose.
<<Chem-U-Cool might have some basic science kits. Nothing too much, we only need a bit of the stuff and a few other chemicals to make something older and a bit more refine. If not, I think if I could get a bunch of bananas and salt, I could fashion up some potassium nitrate.>>

Marco thinks:
"Oh... I might be busy tomorrow - I better do it tonight. It will be more difficult to remove these items in day time. "
<< On my way>> he texted.

“I am sorry beautiful people... I have to go enjoy the party!” He said as he took his leave. He thinks: 
"What sort of disguise should I use today? I am already a bit drunk... so what about a drunk teenager that lost a bet? Yes this is about right. " Marco went to his apartment to take his bag, and then continued to meet Ambrose. There were disguises there and he wanted to understand exactly what was needed of him. On the way he browsed the yearbook and picked one of the students that seemed similar to Marco in skin color and could be a bit of a trouble maker. ‘Basically instead of being a drunk young adult... I need to be a teen ager... piece of cake... no wait nobody say that... null sweat... I watch way too many historic movies in 2D. “

When he enters the boat he opens a hidden cache under one of the seats, “there are also disguises in here. I figured out this boat is for disappearing... Help me get dressed.. I am going to be a drunk teenage boy tonight” He laughed.

[spoiler]Disguise with Ambrose (he got 2 hits)
Impersonation (http://orokos.com/roll/303570): 15d6t5 2
4 hits - so let’s hope they are sufficient for the camera’s
[/spoiler]
When Marco arrives for the school in the middle of the night it is expectedly very dark and quite, a mechanical lock on the door, Marco pulls out his auto picker and let it do its job.
[spoiler]Auto Picker (http://orokos.com/roll/303575): 12d6t5 3
[/spoiler]
A few tense moments later the machine have opened the main entrance.  Marco bravely voyage inside, looking in AR on the building plans trying to reach the chemistry labs. There may be some camera’s so he is trying to sneak passed them. 
[spoiler]Agility Boost (http://orokos.com/roll/303574): 7d6t5 1

Sneaking to the chimestry lab (http://orokos.com/roll/303576): 8d6t5 2
[/spoiler]
He had no idea if he was good enough.. this clearly wasn’t ‘mission impossible’ but his adrenaline surged as if it was some top secret spy mission, with armed sharks with lasers just waiting to get him. “Sharks with lasers? I must be way more drunk then I think”

He gets to the the chemistry lab... “Aha... so this is where they keep the art.” He opens closets and gently put many chemical components according to Phoenix instructions in his beg. When he is done, he gets playful - he also takes off a poster of ‘Safety instructions in chemistry lab’ from the wall and rolls it and places it in his hand  “Okay... we stole the art... now get out.”.  He wear a white lab robe... “The invisibility cloak! that’s it... it will hide me from the eyes of my enemy... So funny! I look like a lab technician...  “ Marco looks at the window -" I wonder how high it is?"... he starts climbing out but stops himself. “Lets just walk outside... I am really not taking it seriously enough... but it is so funny! I freaking stole their safety poster! and teachers robe!... let's also take these cool goggles!”

Marco sneaks backwards the same way that he entered.  The only difference is that now he wears, safety googles and a white lab robe. Once outside he texts Ambrose “>>Mother Goose, this is Eagle... I stole the picture and even found an invisibility robe and googles of true sight!... I am going back to you!...” Marco runs a couple of blocks, where Arc’s car awaits... he enter the car and instruct the car to return to the boat. Texting: “>>I am now riding the mechanical horse you’ll have your piece of art in no time!”. As he sobers up a little bit during the way, Marco realizes that breaking and entering is so much more exciting than dancing. "I should be doing that again."

He reaches the boat and pulls out the safety instructions poster and hangs it on one of the walls.
"take a look Phoenix... it will keep you safe!"  You can also use this white lab robe and safety googles... he laughs. "It was so funny!  I wish I had gone to regular high school! I felt like a teenage over again".
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-24-15/0224:13>
@ Marco

<<I have no idea what you are talking about. But I take it went well.>>

Ambrose texted back,

When the Kid arrives, Ambrose is taken back by this sudden, enthusiasm. The old man frowns slightly, realizing something. The things said were from an old book long ago, back during the age of paper being made of trees instead of microchips. pulling out a tag eraser from one of the back corners of the the boat, he handed the cylnder shaped device to Macro. "Here is your wand. There are hexes in your coat and goggles, use the wand to remove them." he says in all seriousness.

Perhaps Marco was more drunk than Ambrose thought. Not that it mattered as long as the drek storm of cops didn't come down on them.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-24-15/0226:19>
Yelena enjoys the cab ride but senses that Jed is a bit uncomfortable around her.  She puts that down to the recent issue with the Ancients.  Perhaps the PI man is not as sure about the resolution as he has said.  She listens to the cliff notes version of  his life then says, "Sound like Jedediah had rough life.  Yelena short version is born in 2011.  Sent to Russian Gulag camp for being UGE.  Was 10 when Goblinization hit and trogs broke all out of camp.  Kill much with trog gang then caught.  Sentence to state prison for life.  Join gang and another gang and another until find Vory.  Worst gang.  Yelena have sex and kill to survive.  Much sex.  Much kill.  Now here.  Long story much interesting.  Jedediah ask Yelena tell some time."  She holds onto her sax case and lets the jacket drape across her shoulders as they exit the cab.  Being a bit quicker, Yelena reaches the cabbie before Jed and slips him the fare plus a nice tip.  Then, careful not to get too close to the older man, she accompanies him into the bar.

Yelena has to let her eyes adjust to the dim light, but nods approval at the closeness and the smell of cigarettes combined with sweat and alcohol.  Jed leads her over to a table where a trog is sitting.  The man looks her up and down without leering so Yelena knows the Ork is trying to get a feel for her.  She notices the nostrils flare a bit and the man's eyes harden as he looks over her exposed lower arms and the tats there.  She looks him in the eye and nods at his words.  "Fair enough.  But just so crowd not think have convened Vory meeting, we talk English?  Yelena save Russian for later." 

Yelena places the case against the wall and takes a seat.  She leans forward a bit and extends a hand to the man.  "Is Yelena Petrovna.  Nice to meet.  Jedediah quiet, but Yelena tell he much respect you."  She pauses as a waitress comes by.  Yelena moves her hand in a circular motion, saying.  "Yelena has round.  Vodka, any type for me, and whatever friends have."  She pulls her small silver cigar case out and opens it, extending it to the other two before taking one and lighting it with a silver lighter.  She takes a couple of pulls while the men are placing their drink order then smiles. 

"OK.  Yelena start.  Both have commlinks so can make check.  Yelena has street name Wanderer.  Send message Virtual Goddess and can find who is Yelena.  Then we talk about what Yelena need and what cost to get."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-24-15/0252:24>
@ Marco  The lock on the door is an old-fashioned manual lock. The principal had gotten tired of the geniuses hacking into the school and had installed a manual lock. But, he hadn't gotten tired of silent alarms and hidden camera's, and Marco trips an alarm on his way in. Running silent, 2 squad cars approach the school and it's officers fan out to search for the culprit. On his way out of the school Marco spots the squad cars and laughs to himself, feeling more alive than he ever had.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-24-15/0758:59>
Having given her kisses goodbye as Jaime needed to ready himself for his work, Arc took one last look back from the seat of the Scorpion before she took off, the corner of her lips curled up in a smirk as she kicked the engine into life.  Enjoying the ride to her garage, the human allowed herself a few moments of peace, just her and the road.  Now, it was time to work, time to contribute.  Picking up some decent soycaf and food (Ugh, surprised I can even think of food again!) on the way for Yelena and herself, Arc arrived just a little before 9:00, wheeling into the garage and killing the engine.

Cracking her neck and setting the food aside, she pulled up the reply from NineLives, giving a nod.  Gives me all day to help Yelena as needed, and throws off the appearance that we're legit working together and leapfrogging jobs.  Careful, Tessa, you might start thinking you smart or somethin'.  Chuckling to herself, she took a sip of soycaf and knelt down next to the bike, deciding to tune it up a little to break in the tools she had installed into her arm.  She noted the Americar very much absent from the garage.  Marco better be taking care of it...man...  Idly, she wondered if Yelena was home and simply sleeping or still out from last night, but she figured she'd find out soon, as the noise the human was making would likely wake some light-sleeping assassin...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-24-15/1010:50>
Yelena sits back and looks at the new PI through the haze of acrid smoke from her cigar as the men send their inquiries to her fixer.  She smiles at the waitress when she brings the drinks and slots her cred stick to pay for the round.  When the men have their information, she nods and says, "OK.  Now PI men know what Yelena does.  Have job and want information.  Man is Joshua Snowden.  Yelena told he lives alone in big house with computers.  Want know who and what man is.  Short time job.  Need data by tomorrow night.  Yelena pay extra for fast service.  Jedediah has data dump and can share."

Yelena sits back again as she finishes.  Almost without thinking, she dumps the ash from her cigar into the ashtray on the table and pours a bit of her vodka onto it before stirring it all up.   Stripping the butt, she puts the wrapper in her pocket before drinking from her glass and lighting a second cigar.  She looks directly at Mike.  "Yelena see you know ink.  Was Vory.  Was.  But many years ago.  Now just Yelena."  She smiles and broadens her gaze to include Jed.  "So.  Can PI men help Yelena?  Or not want involved?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-24-15/1238:42>
Jed is taken aback by Mike's reaction to Yelena.  She is obviously capable, but he's talking like she's atomic or something.   

Mike, what gives, I brought her because I thought you'd enjoy meeting her, thought you may have something in common...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-24-15/1524:45>
@ Jedediah & Yelena  Mike keeps his eyes focused on Yelena, giving her that hard unblinking look she's seen on a thousand faces. And with his right hand underneath the table she knows damn good and well that she's not going to be allowed to twitch in the wrong direction,"Take a damn good look at her. That's hell on wheel, not some damsel in distress". HIs chin gives a quick thrust in her direction, his eyes never moving, as he says in a hard voice, "You want that kinda trouble you need the devil himself on your side, and he's probably on hers. You need to stop thinking like some damn boy scout saving the girl and start thinking like a man who makes damn sure he stays one step ahead of trouble." He continues looking at Yelena, his eyes laser focused on her, "You say you were Vor, but not any longer. But I happen to know the only way you get out is on a slab. And the people that wear the kinda info you're sporting take their allegiance down into the hells with 'em." His gaze challenges you to deny his words.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-24-15/1548:56>
Jed held his breath.  Of course she's not a damsel in distress, she's an assassin...well, maybe his feeling for Bunny were being transposed onto Yelena somewhat...but it's not like I  was hiring her to babysit kids. He grimaced as that last thought came out as a murmur.  Too long living alone and talking to himself.  He'd have to watch that.  Jed just froze.  Yelena had to deal with this herself, if Mike was going to ease up.

Please don't let this come to shooting..he thought. Thought?  Yes, I didn't talk out loud that time.

Jed knew better than to move. He froze, like a rabbit watching a snake and a mongoose staring each other down...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-24-15/2318:51>
Yelena would have to be blind to miss the implied threat and the hand below the table, and Yelena is not blind.  A normal person, or even a low level Vory member, would be intimidated, but Yelena is not normal and her position in the Vory was once quite high.  She is not intimidated.  But she does not want a gunfight in this bar and keeps her hands in view out of respect for the unknown skills of the man opposite her.  She speaks softly, but loud enough for both men to hear her.  "Yelena is daughter of devil.  Have sent more people to hell than live in small town.  Yelena not in distress.  Not need save.  Yelena simply is Yelena." 

Yelena slowly unbuttons her shirt and opens it a bit, exposing her unbound chest.  Anyone else in the bar might think that she is showing off her wares as an advertisement for an evening of fun, if they even notice at all.  But the two men in front of her can see the exposed art, as well as the rest of what was concealed under the shirt.  Her chest is covered in prison tats, but two stand out more than the others.  The first is the symbol showing how many years she was in the prison system, the second has a separate decoration for every person she killed on behalf of a gang while in prison.  There are other tats that indicate personal killings and other accomplishments.  Vory tats figure prominently, but there are others as well.  Besides the tats, her chest is a map of scars from any number of wounds.  She takes a finger and touches the three puckered scars that are in a close pattern near her heart.  "Yelena left Vory on slab.  Woman betray entire bratva for jealous of Yelena.  All killed.  Woman shoot Yelena here and here and here then dump body in icy river.  PI man ever go swim in river in Moscow in winter?  Was cold.  So Yelena die.  Only not die."  She shrugs as she buttons her shirt.  "Yelena still has tie to Vory, but as freelance.  Work for bratvas just like work for non-Vory gangs like Howlers and Ancients."

She looks at Mike and smiles.  "So, PI man.  We done beating chests and drink as friends?  Or Yelena leave?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-24-15/2351:44>
@ Yelena & Jedediah  Mike keeps his eyes locked on you and says in a low voice, "I never beat my chest. And I only drink with friends. The boyscout here brought you as a client of his. And if what you say is true, then we can keep this as a business meeting, and we'll both keep our weapons stowed. But mostly because no one currently in this bar is worth the kinda money I'm sure you charge." He raises his voice and says loudly "Millie, I'll have a tea, Earl Grey, hot." And then, "Whoever you're after, I'm willing to listen. But that doesn't mean I'm willing to help. But I've never known the boyscout here to take a case that didn't have some merit, even if he is still a little green."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-25-15/0002:59>
The tension in Jed's chest eased up a little.  He let out a breath.  Fuck it, he needed a beer.  Millie, a stout for me, whiskey back 

He looks at Mike I just need one.  Then coffee

Everybody ok now?  I'm on a job for the Ancients,  Mike, missing person.  They sent Yelena here over with the info.  She runs with a crew, they seem to be ok with her.  She was already looking for him.  During the course of that, she has a job, and wants more details about the target first.

Millie set the beer down, and Jed drains half of it in one pull.  He eyes both of them, waiting to see if either one is starting to ease off.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-25-15/0018:15>
Yelena listens to the by-play between the two men and files it away.  *So, Jedediah has drinking problem.*  She lets her face show a moue of amusement at the thought of the trog ordering tea.  "Merit of job is money.  And get in closer to employer.  Something wrong there.  Yelena not sure what, but man might know where missing people are.  Club man have fall out with partner.  Hire Yelena remove partner.  Target is Joshua Snowden.  Something happening so Yelena hire to remove in short time.  Yelena want information about man and need soon.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-25-15/0031:58>
Marco smiles... he passes the tag eraser over the equipment just in case...
Saying: “a magic wand that’s incredible... " Marco is waving the tag eraser around the chemistry set and robe and goggles as if enchanting them while mumbling Latin words.  It is a legitimate but odd use of the eraser to remove tags from the equipment.
“I have infiltrated the fortress of darkness and brough back the goods you requested... Great chemistry lord... But before that let’s put the protective wards.” He hangs the safety instruction poster on the wall.

Then Marco takes off the goggles and robe, bows down and presenting them to Ambrose as an offering. “These are yours chemistry lord... They will keep you safe from these unseen molecules.” Still bowing Marco continues.
“With this equipment - we can finally harvest the Spice!... He who controls the Spice controls the universe!..."

He pauses for a little bit and ads:
" Now please Chemistry master... show me your work.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-25-15/0037:02>
@ Yelena & Jedediah  Mike calls out loudly, "Millie, we're taking this to a private room. The lady is showing the boyscout here her version of a good time. You can put the Do Not Disturb sign on the door, we'll be awhile." With that he gets up and with an exaggerated courtesy does a slight bow and makes a sweeping motion with his hand, "Devil's daughters first."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-25-15/0108:30>
"Right then. Lets get cooking." Ambrose says to Marco, moving to start setting up things within the boat. "The goggles however do nothing. We do need to go and pick up some other things before we start."

One quick trip to the Smog-me-not shop to pick up two rating three rebreathers, and Ambrose would start begining mixing his potions. Ther ewas no silly wand waving, no incantations. He was going to bottle luck, brew forturne and do a rather large amount of things to amke a small, perfect batch. That was the key to this operation, making something so unbelievable good, that it went beyond the realms of mortal men.

There was a flurry of beakers and flasks, and machines that went bing, things spinning and churning and a moment of making coffee can ice cream. Basically a whole lot of science went down in here.

[spoiler]Lets get Cooking Jamie (http://orokos.com/roll/303849): 13d6h5! 2[/spoiler]

However...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-25-15/0118:28>
Yelena nods and stands.  She takes the sax case in one arm and flings the jacket over her shoulder before stepping up to Jed and taking his arm.  She giggles and says, "Cmon, Boyscout.  Let Yelena show good time.  Have moves other girls only dream of and men lust for.  Then maybe do friend as bonus."  Since she does not know which room to go to, Yelena lets Jed escort her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-25-15/0147:43>
Standing with anticipation trying to help as much as he can Marco watches Ambrose work. Making drugs is not easy and it may take a while before they get it right. In the meanwhile they can drop the mediocre ones to the streets.  He looks fascinated at all the science stuff... "This is so awesome chemistry lord! ... Are you sure about not using the magic wand?" Marco says as he suggests the tag eraser to Ambrose.   
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-25-15/1001:00>
About an hour later, Marco is a bit sobered up. He say:
 
“Phoenix, we are starting a pilot tomorrow. Let’s use what we have now and I'll organize the pilot. I’ll have my contact squat a building and we’ll start from there. Just 10, doses for the first night I need to learn the limit of how much drain I can take. It may take some time to uncover a recipe for a truly remarkable drug... I will ask Arc to help you, she is brilliant! I am sure you’ll get along. But do not despair, chemistry master... once we get it right with your unique super natural precision - you will be able to replicate the success many times again.

Until we have a really good product, we’ll depend on my magic for incredible user experience. But, I have a feeling that we’ll have our Spice not long from now.  Can you make me 10 doses, nicely packed and ready for market by tomorrow afternoon? We need a fancy logo and everything.”
 
"Yes, of course. You should look at the cases I made for the drug over there. We don't even have to sell all them with drugs, just making it seem like they used to have something in them, and that they shtart showing up all over the place is enough." he says waving to a pile of cigar tubes that he'd designed to be rather fancy looking. "After I get some rest, I'll work on another batch of something. If it was making things that could blow up, I'd to better, but then again those wouldn't have the effect we're looking for."

Marco: Replies," that's great idea... I'll  also take some empty cases to put in the squat where we run our pilot, and then drop them in many places in town. Then we'll start dropping them in allies and squats and gradually place these in more and more upscale places. I like the logo... isn't that the smiling cat from Alice in wonderland? That book is like the bible of all drugs. "


He then texts Cain:
>> Dear Cain,
i have a job for you.  Meet me at the Duckling, tomorrow at 13:00. Bring Orc if he is still around

Shortly after Marco returns home ask the car to wait for Arc at her garage.
In the morning he'll text Arc.
>>Dear Arc, don't worry about it... I too have time limitations... when you have some time me and Phoenix are working on a new big thing that may bring your friend back eventually. I know you are brilliant and working together you too can really make something incredible. He is not so bad... just don't talk to him before he has some coffee. I'll explain everything in person.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-25-15/1621:46>
When Marco finally arrive home he does not go to sleep. In his Balcony there is a book waiting. 7 deadly sins he takes that one to bad with him:  “Interesting... lets see how bad am I doing... I bet I got some of the things right in my life."  He thinks as he browse the very old copy.

A proud look:   "The sin of pride... I definitely have that. I was an arrogant bastard. I still am a little bit arrogant. I'll give you that one J, J 1, Marco 0"
A lying tongue: "common J ... you are not giving me much hope in here. that tongue of mine lies so good it can turn light to darkness and vise verse.  J 2, Marco 0 "
That doesn't look very promising  for Marco.

Hands that shed innocent blood: "That one I managed not to do!   J 2, Marco 1. "
 A heart that devises wicked plots: " Damn... I did just that today... didn't I? The world do not need more drugs! J 3: Marco 1... I don’t like my chances here."
Feet that are swift to run into mischief: ..."Oh now that is debatable... I give decency an honest try... I got to get this one.  J 3: Marco 2. "
A deceitful witness that uttereth lies: ..."J ... I may be a liar but I am no lawyer. False witnesses... that one I didn’t do! J 3 Marco 3. "
Him that soweth discord among brethren - "Oh... that one I do not understand and I am too drunk to do so now. lets call it a tie for tonight J."  Marco closed the book. It was old and dusty and crumbling... kind of like the church. In a world were pagans had magic... the church was late to adopt.

Marco felt that religious books were a better read while drunk...  He summarized.. "not pure evil, not yet. Definitely going to hell... no redemption for me... but at least I didn’t kill anyone... I got that and it is nice."  He laugh at his cross... after talking to a demonic mentor spirit Marco has no problem talking to thin air, is is no longer a shame. He is a Mage... people assume it is normal that he talk to himself.

He envelops himself in the soft blanket, trying to get the sleep to come... he feels lonely, the bed is empty. He thinks of Yelena..." I have a crush on a killer... both strong and evil, but at nights she cries like a little girl."
He turns over:
"I hope her killing days are over... Her entire life are shaped by her guilt. She may not believe in god, but in her way she believes... she believes she deserve nothing but suffering and pain. Please. J, just give her a fighting chance. Either kill her now, or give her some of her soul back so she can live again. "
Back to his original position, finding a comfortable place to rest is difficult when his head is full of thoughts.
"Let her be a real person... with love and friends and family... Do not keep her this way...  like a terrified shadow of a person that roams the world, killing and escaping into sex, into drinking into drugs and I am sure that I missed some possible escape routes... anything but to be in tranquility... anything but being alone in the dark... "
At this point Marco gives up, he feels that he has to make it a prayer, so get out of bed, kneel before his cross and whisper:
" I am begging you... just give her back enough of her soul so she can reclaim the rest... I know you never give up on anyone. This is why I still talk to you J"

"One last thing...  Sorry J, I don’t like humanity my motives are totally selfish. Humanity has done nothing for me... As far as I can the entire world can burn... just give her a little hope... a ray of light. This is all I am asking J. "
He sighs " I know I know... I must be going to some extra hot oven once I die for calling you J, I just can’t say  your full name... the memories are too painful. Forgive me for this one... you are not a joke to me, but so much evil was done in your name... I dare not even say it myself. "

Sleeps comes quickly to Marco once he let it all out. He sleeps peacefully until morning.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-25-15/2023:51>
"Yes, of course. You should look at the cases I made for the drug over there. We don't even have to sell all them with drugs, just making it seem like they used to have something in them, and that they shtart showing up all over the place is enough." he says waving to a pile of cigar tubes that he'd designed to be rather fancy looking. "After I get some rest, I'll work on another batch of something. If it was making things that could blow up, I'd to better, but then again those wouldn't have the effect we're looking for."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-26-15/0036:26>
Yelena goes with the two men to the private room, entering when Jed holds the door for her.  After all are seated, she looks between the two of them and says, "OK  Yelena here.  Can talk now?  Will help or not and what Yelena have to pay?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-26-15/0038:57>
Jed is intuitive to know when not to preempt Mike.  He's already shown her that he is willing to help (what else has he got going on).  He is keeps his mouth shut as he watches Mike.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-26-15/0056:09>
Yelena smiles and looks back and forth.  It is evident that Jed is deferring to Mike in some fashion.  Something close to father and son, perhaps?  She kicks the chair back so as to lean against the wall and puts the sax case on her lap, opening it.  She carefully pulls the exquisite instrument from its felt cradle and attaches the lip piece.  She returns the case to the floor, puts the sax to her lips and begins to play softly.  She watches the men as she plays a medley of tunes, trying to let them sort out whatever it is between them.  Mike seems to be a bit uncertain of her motives, which is understandable giver her background and that he knows drek all about her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-26-15/0057:16>
@ Marco & Ambrose  It's a tough process. If it was easy anybody could do it. But, Ambrose hasn't been around the streets this long without hearing a few things. And while the chemistry for bombs is very different, it's at least taught him how to use the equipment and what not to do. But his first few attempts tell him loud and clear, this may take awhile. Science after all isn't magic.

@ Jed & Yelena  Mike looks at her steadily, "First I'll need to hear the whole story."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-26-15/0113:08>
Yelena finishes the tune she is playing and lowers the beautiful instrument.  She carefully sits up straight and returns the chair to sitting evenly on the floor.  She keeps her hands on the sax as she says, "OK.  Yelena tell story.  Yelena and others hired by man name Sam to look at club where new drugs were used and people were going missing.  Just few, but enough for Sam to hear about.  Was four, Yelena and three friends.  Then one friend go missing after night at club.  Was mage.  Maybe saw something.  Go back club.  Get invite to party.  Much fun.  Then Sam go missing just before meeting.  Last instructions from Sam to get to know club people and find out what happens in club.  Yelena meet lawyer man name Gregor.  Gregor too..........something.  Yelena alarm go off but get close.  Gregor and club man name Hank hire Yelena to kill associate.  Must do quick.  Club man give matrix girl to Yelena to help break in.  Yelena want know more about man she kills.  Want hire Jedediah.  Jedediah brings to Mike.  Is enough story?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-26-15/0123:50>
The Ancients hired me to find this Sam, which is how I met Yelena.  So far I have Escher looking into the disappearance of this Sam, as well as trying to figure out who is backing the club.  I don't think I can throw anything  else on him right now. I'm willing to do some old fashioned leg work, but I don't have an angle yet.  Maybe I just need to go and do an astral scout. But that doesn't help Yelena figure out why the club wants this guy dead. Yelena, I'm not a known associate of yours.  Think I should make contact with the guy?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-26-15/0957:27>
Yelena shrugs.  "Target man likes men.  Last marriage end in big divorce.  Man lose much to spouse.  Maybe look court records to find details of divorce and settlement.  Might be information Yelena use.  Man now live alone.  Not go work.  Not leave house.  Jedediah look at data from Yelena.  Maybe see what Yelena miss."

Yelena glances over to Mike, wondering if the Ork is going to chime in with any advice.  Mentally shrugging, she turns back to Jed.  Yelena has seen Mike's type many times.  He is justifiably suspicious and wary.  If he has had any connections to the Russian Mafia in the past, he would be naturally leery of associating with a known Vory assassin.  Yelena can understand and respect his reticence.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-26-15/2215:57>
Ambrose takes the night off to rest. It had only been a few days since he blew himself up. With Marcos gone, he moves to the bed and spends the rest of the night sleeping. There wasn't much more for him this night. Tomarrow he'd have plans of getting some fireworks, They might not be the most destructive explosives, but one thing he learned about sparklers and duck tape..
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-26-15/2358:41>
Jed ponders that a moment.  He likes men huh?  Sounds like if we make contact with him Marco is who you need.  I wish you had more time for this job.  My Matrix guy is pretty tied up at the moment.

Divorce huh?  I've got someone in the PD who works in the crime lab.  Not sure if she has access to court records, but I can ask.

Jed contemplates this for a minute.  He wishes he had the talent for matrix digging himself.

The only other thing I can bring to the table is that I can do an Astral scout of the place. I can appear in front of him. Tell him there is a hit, and try to persuade him to tell me why they want him dead and see if he can give me a good reason to spare him. Sounds crazy, but we don't have any time. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-27-15/0011:01>
@ Yelena & Jedediah  Mike studies Yelena, "So you're going to kill a man to get an in with a very dangerous group. But before youbkill him you're going to find out everything you can about the man they want dead because who and why they want him dead is some of the truest intel. you'll get in a very short amount of time. It's as revealing as a man's bank account, his hidden bank account." Mike is silent for a moment. "This club you're investigating. It wouldn't happen to be the Stardust would it?" And upon receiving your affirmative he looks at Jed. "My paternal grandmother would have said, 'The Lord works in mysterious ways.' I tend to believe like attracts like. And there's a few things about that club that interest me. Chief among them is, Who is their supplier? Because from what I've been able to find, those drugs have some very unusual properties. They're like nothing currently on the streets, which says a new player in town. But more than that it feels like a whole new game. And I can tell you a bit about Snowden. His company is on the verge of a very influential merger, and that merger's paperwork is set to happen in 3 days. Without him, the delay in paperwork alone will take months to sort. If it even happens at all. Because Snowden has much more than business acumen, he's got a keen mind that is his companies chief asset." He looks over at Jed, "I think an astral scouting of the place is called for. But I think you need to stop thinking small scale and start searching a wider field of interest."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-27-15/0632:59>
Yelena nods.  "Yelena agree about knowledge.  The more Yelena know the better chance of success and walk away."  She nods at Jed.  "Yelena also wish have more time.  But charge extra."

Looking at Mike, she adds, "Yes.  Drug different.  Some standard stuff, but some club only drug.  Can use magic to enhance drug?  Maybe do that and maybe why friend disappear.  Feathers is good mage.  Maybe he see something about magic in drugs and they took him.  And now Sam, too.  Yelena need to get in with club men to find drugs, Feathers, Sam, and others.  Others try different way to get close to club men.  One might get in and break open for others."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-27-15/1410:51>
Marco wakes up with a terrible headache Thinking ... “ what time is it? 9:45... I overslept... I planned to go to the gym. Never mind... where am I? at home. who am I wish ? alone. Thanks J.
... Where did I take these goggles from? I vaguely remember breaking into a high school... praying reading a religious book... the memories are there but... It feels like a different person did all that. Why would I take these goggles? This club has some fancy alcohol. I'll give them that... "

A moment later Marco remembers something... 
''Oh, that's terrible with all the mess last night I haven’t replied the Doc. "
>> We’re on for the date. I could not get you drinks out of the club - but they offered a private booth and first round of drinks on the house. So my negotiation skills were not a total failure...  If you ever want to go back there, we could totally do that.  For Friday I'll bring some good bottle any preferences? is wine okay? can also bring something stronger like whiskey or vodka if you prefer.

“Oh... dear the house is a mess.  Not much time... Paracetamol for the headache, real coffee before that... something quick for breakfast... some salad and a sunny side up. Gosh i love this kitchen.” He quickly makes a small breakfast, and then makes a quick swift of the house organizing as much as he can. "Now... shower just 5 minutes... but I don't want Yelena to meet me smelling like chemistry and alcohol and smog... and that perfume of the dark hair guy... he was something special. " Marco enters the shower and take a quick wash... definitely not the kind that require thinking about life.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-27-15/1550:08>
Jed listens to Mike carefully, and knows that Mike is leaving some detail for him to make the leap himself.  That's what mentors do...

I'm trying to see the bigger picture here Mike, that's why I haven't utilized Takaneshi yet.  He'd be a great source of info for this corp guy Snowden, but I'm trying to make sure this isn't a Yak operation first.  I've got Escher digging into things trying to trace their backing, but he said there are 17 Shell companies that he has to sort through.  What's the name of Snowden's?  Maybe that will help him narrow it down.

Jed ties a breath and tries to collect his thoughts

I think that they are backed by one of the big crime syndicates.  I bet the guys running the place are just hired, they wouldn't be the real owners.  Mike, does magically enhanced drugs sound more likely to be one than the other? 

Jed thinks back over his time on the streets, and all that he saw...Tongs, Vor, Yaks, Mafia...

Mike, you already have these guys on your radar.  Why?  Is this the security job you mentioned?,

Jed looks at Yelena. I'm curious to know if you are considering not fulfilling your contract. You'd burn your rep with Virtual Goddess.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-27-15/1850:33>
Shortly into her morning busy work, Arc paused after replacing the holding bolts around the Scorpion's engine, the human turning her head back and tuning her ears.  The blip of the storing device she set up went off again, reminding her that Phoenix's devices needed defragged and organized.  "Oh drek all...be easier if I had more time in the day, ugh..."  Getting up, the human girl dusted herself off as she stepped across the shop to the device, pulling up its ARO and hitting a few buttons.

<<c://Access: audio feeds
----
---
<<delete/breaks in detection
----
<<organize://segments--->chronological timestamp (display as time)
----
<<set-tags: "audio" (audio only), "voice" (voice patterns recognized)
---
<<Organization_query completed.
<<Would you like to review your files?
___|_|


Arc paused, groaned a little as she stowed the wrench protruding from her finger, rubbing her temples as she saw the myriad of files that were there...and with Sam out of the picture, it was up to her to look over them.  Stepping inside, she made a beeline for the kitchen, making herself some soycaf, oblivious to her surroundings as her stomach gurgled.  "Ugh...damn it, Jaime musta known there'd be so much food.  Some prank that is.."  Grimacing and smirking wryly, the human took a sip of the cheap soy drink, hopped onto her couch, brushing aside a stray sock, and started to listen to each file in order, taking footnotes with each one as needed until she was interrupted..
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-28-15/0116:48>
Yelena frowns at Jed.  "Yelena is professional.  But Yelena not stooge for anyone.  Contract smell bad and Yelena want answers.  Need plan for if find man is innocent.  Yelena has personal code.  Not take contracts on innocent people.  Virtual Goddess know this.  Yelena kill gangers for gang lords, not kill innocent people to cover gang deeds.  Man dead if is club ganger, but might live if not.  That why Yelena want information on man fast.  Need plan.  PI men know matrix girl name DataDancer?  Is club matrix girl.  Yelena supposed to let her into house after kill man.  DataDancer supposed to clean files.  Yelena think also maybe clean up Yelena.  For first time in career Yelena not trust bosses."  She shrugs.  "Maybe Yelena just get old."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-28-15/0211:33>
This merger, Mike... What two companies does it involve
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-28-15/0218:27>
Yelena adds in, "Snowden is president of Williamson and Peppard Pharmaceuticals.  Could be link to club drugs."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-28-15/0251:33>
Mike looks at Jed and says, "The other company is Couatl Pharmaceuticals. They're one of the few, companies based out of Amazonia that's not under AzCorps thumb. They specialize in reagents and some very rare and difficult to find herbs and ingredients. And with the current flooding in Brazil they will be the only supplier of several varieties of plants and insects in the world currently. Varieties that will only be available to Williamson and Peppard Pharmaceuticals, themselves cutting edge researchers and producers of homeopathic remedies that work. Snowden's mother was a witch, taught alchemy at MIT&T. And Snowden is said to be among her most gifted pupils. But more than that, he's got a business acumen that understands how to market these remedies to the general populace." He pauses then as Jed's comm lights up.

@ Jedediah  When Jed checks his comm it's Escher, >>I've got some of the info you requested. Once you go through all the shell companies that club is owned by people with known Triad affiliations. But more interestingly, each of them is purportedly in the hospital, and have been in there for the past year for, 'a rare form of cancer', except none of them are in any kind of cancer treatment center." he continues, "That guy Snowden you asked me to look into is a president of a pharmaceutical company. And lucky in business, unlucky in love. He'd been married three times, but, he likes them way brainy. Each of his past husbands has been a top researcher at different pharmaceutical companies.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-28-15/0300:41>
Yelena nods.  "So Yelena maybe right about smell of contract.  Need know if man is legit angel or is bad man pretending.  Maybe club want dead to stall merger and gain control of drugs.  Hope to get information before tomorrow night or man is dead.  Yelena need more than belief if have to defend to Virtual Goddess.  If do not kill just because of suspicion, Yelena is finished."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-28-15/1200:58>
Within the next day, Ambrose was going to try to make something again. Explosives was his main forte, this chemical drug stuff, not at all. But it was just simply mixing things together to get a desired result. He had a particular design in mind, an old tv show that came out before he was born. He had to be careful though, one slip up, and everything would go up again.

Honestly, he found it amazing how many slack jawed yolkals used to make this stuff in their mad science labs. Sure a lot of them would blow up, but then again, they could make it.

He took his time carefully messuring out things, now that he was better rested. The first batch would go in for something, low quality drugs for their pharmaceutical company they were starting.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-28-15/1352:51>
@ Ambrose  Once Ambrose decides to go with an old mixture pulling up recipes is easy. The hard part is sifting through them to separate the drek from the cred. But since this particular recipe was well known for it's explosive properties, as a demolitions expert Ambrose has more than a leg up on deciphering the recipes. Hmmm, it's a relatively cheap recipe. And maybe if he takes a page from the club's books he can do something to enhance the effect by adding a second drug, not to the recipe itself, but something that's used either before or after. This compound is unstable enough during it's processing and manufacturing to make additions very problematic, but, a second compound should be far more do-able. And we could beat them at their own game. Ambrose thinks to himself.

@ Jedediah & Yelena  Mike looks at Yelena, "Snowden's far from an angel. But then again so am I, and I think I'd have a problem with someone trying to kill me."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-28-15/1403:42>
Jed grabs the information from his link and throws it out to Mike and Yelena as an ARO.

And so the plot thickens.  Looks like our man Snowden is providing real medical treatments that work.   But he got to where he is by systematically  marrying researchers for their data.  Doesn't scream angel, does it?  Doesn't mean he's a bad man though. Question is, if the Triads are using this drug to kidnap people, and they want him dead to secure a deal with this other company, can we afford to help them accomplish that.

Jed ponders that a moment as he crushes the ARO in his hand.

Something else to consider, even if you can salvage your rep with VG Yelena, the triads are likely to send someone after you.  If you wait till last minute, they won't have time to put another hitter in place. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-28-15/1421:33>
Yelena carefully puts the sax into its cradle and closes the case.  She looks at both men and nods.  "Yelena must be crazy talk like this.  Yelena never question gang about target.  Yelena not involved in gang politics.  Yelena take money and kill and move to next gang.  Yelena has reputation for success and discretion.  Man no angel.  Maybe not deserve to die.  But Yelena take money.  Yelena will complete contract then deal with gang if tricked." 

She looks at the men.  "So time for PI men to leave if not want involved.  Yelena want help to figure out man.  May give insight to how get in house and kill.  Yelena also like any information on DataDancer.  Can PI men help or want leave?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-28-15/1630:23>
Jed carefully considers the situation. He is not an assassin.  Killing is so permanent. He feels somewhat better that Yelena professes not to kill innocents.  Jed is a mage. His love is for mana, the astral. It isn't a question of morality.  Jed doesn't believe in dieties and the afterlife.  Dieties are just powerful spirits, who have taken some interest in this plane of existence. The thing that concerns him is that this Snowden may be awakened, and quite prominent in his field.  His company is creating something beneficial.  What knowledge and skill may be lost if this man is killed?  This knowledge is desired by the Triads, so maybe it won't be lost. Interesting thought. Jed is more concerned about knowledge of Magic being lost than he is about the death of this individual.

Well Wanderer, I'm not an assassin.  I've been hired to determine if Sam is a threat to the Ancients. You and your friends are my only source of leads to Sam. His disappearance seems tied to this club. Another point to consider her is that you've been hired to kill this man, but they haven't told you that he is likely an accomplished mage.  It is a strong possibility that your attempt is a distraction while they steal the data. At the very least I need to scout this place, even if I don't participate in the hit itself.   

Jed wonders if he can obtain some of this knowledge himself. Not that he has any ability for alchemy, but it would be a shame to see the Triads being the sole possessers.

Mike, I've told you about my attorney, Ito Takeneshi. Do you think it's a good idea to see what he might know about this club?  Oh, you still didn't tell me about the security job. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-28-15/1837:41>
@ Jedediah  Mike levels a look at you, "It's hard enough dealing with one syndicate on the field. Get Takeneshi involved and you'll have a turf war as they jockey for power and possession. Right now all the other gangs know is that they're selling new drugs at an old place. They'll assume that the fad will fade and business as usual. Give them reason to think that that's not the case and they'll move to protect their business interests."

@ Yelena  He looks over at Yelena, "I'm in."

@ Jedediah  Mike looks at you and says, "Sic Escher on DataDancer, if she's any good she'll already be friend or enemy, either way he'll know her MO. You also need to find out what Williamson & Peppard have been working on that's under wraps right now. What specifically do they want that they're getting in bed with Coatyl. Snowden's ex took everything in the divorce is the word on the street. But, what did Snowden keep that made that deal worth it to him. He had an iron-clad pre-nup. He could have kept everything and probably made Angel pay him if he'd wanted. Instead Angel takes 'everything' and Snowden keeps locked away. So what is he working on? And do the triads want what he has? Or do they want to stop the merger more? And if that's the case why?" He looks you straight in the eye, "You've got a lot of questions to answer kid, and not a lot of time to get the answers. So we can talk about the security job later."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-28-15/1941:15>
Yelena thinks for a minute.  "Maybe divorce settlement was "payment" for giving secrets to Snowden.  DataDancer to give Yelena access to house.  Yelena let matrix girl in to download information.  Yelena just have feeling about contract.  Can Jedediah friend find out if DataDancer double as shooter in past?  Could be club way to clean up after hit."

The Keeb assassin stands and puts a hand out to Mike.  "Yelena glad meet PI man Mike.  Maybe get together some day and Mike tell how know Vory art.  Drink much vodka and sing dirty songs of mother country.  But now Yelena should go.  PI men talk much about plans.  Yelena need information by tomorrow night.  Meeting DataDancer at 0100 on Thursday."  She turns to Jed.  "Jedediah let Yelena know if want piece of action by being astral for security and watch Yelena back.  Pay Jedediah 5K for help.  Call on comm by evening if interested and we talk."

She picks up the sax case, nods to the men and leaves, putting a definite wiggle in her step as she walks away.  Opening the door, she calls for a cab as she walks through the main room of the pub and out to the street.  She checks her comm and finds that it is still early enough to drop by the club.  She needs some jazz tonight.  The cab lets her off at Josie's and she walks in.  Henri welcomes her like a long lost daughter and takes her to her normal small booth, which just happens to be open.  It is almost as if Henri had known she was coming by tonight.  The jazz is already in good swing and several couples were on the small dance floor.  The waiter brings a vodka, neat, to the table without being asked and Yelena settles in to listen to the music.  The soft jazz beat does something to her, something she cannot really explain.  Even after the betrayal of the jazz man, she found that what little remains of her soul is tied to the music.  Josie himself stops by for a few minutes, chatting about the weather and the music.  He seems to know more about her than she has ever told him.  Perhaps that is part of the magic of the place.

The huge troll invites her to join him onstage for his set and refuses to take no for an answer.  After Josie leaves, Yelena continues to live in the music until Henri comes to tell her that she is wanted on the stage.  Yelena smiles and takes her sax through the beaded opening that leads to the dressing rooms.  She removes the sax from its case and stores the fancy, hermetically sealed box in an empty locker before heading out to the stage.  She joins Josie and his drummer and Josie's regular sax man.  She has worked with Suiza before and they complement each other's style.  She gices a familiar nod to the Ork drummer and follows Josie's lead.  The set lasts over two hours as the crowd asks for several encores.  Yelena loses herself in the beat of the music, playing several beats and numerous songs.

As usual, the club's patrons span various economic and cultural backgrounds.  Ancients and Howlers, Yaks and Mafia, all sit in the same room; albeit not close together.  Denizens of the Barrens as well as those from more affluent neighborhoods mix without rancor.  It is almost as if Josie's is a neutral ground that is inviolable, and everyone seems content to let it remain that way.  There are old rumors of a couple of gangers that had pulled guns on each other in the early days and lots of stories about what Josie did to the pair, to include arms being ripped off, but no one seems to remember for sure.  However, all are in agreement that no one wants to see it happen again, whatever it was.

Yelena plays the long set and accepts the applause from the crowd, along with the rest of the group.  It seemed that few people had gone home; in fact the number of patrons seems to have increased while they played.  Yelena spends a bit of time with the other players before calling a cab for the ride back to the garage.  She pours herself into bed and sleeps without dreaming.  A horrid racket wakes her in the morning.  Recognizing that Arc must be working on one of the cars or the bike, she pulls the covers over her ears and goes back to sleep.....sort of.  The noise eventually stops and she can hear her friend moving about in the kitchen.  The aroma of the cheap soykaf the human drinks finally rouses Yelena enough.  That and the dreadful need to pee, which has become almost unavoidable.  She bounces out to the bathroom calling out to her friend.  "Hey, Srui, pour me some of that drek and Yelena be right out."

Dressing in comfortable clothes, Yelena goes out to the kitchen and grabs her cup of soykaf before going out to the garage and joining her friend on the couch.  She sits back, enjoying the stretch and the company.  She looks over at the short human and says, "So rigger man family nice?  Yelena saw Arc not home early.  Is rigger man the one?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-28-15/2022:33>
He looks at Yelena as he contemplates working with her.  Mike has warned him how dangerous she is.  While Jed doesn't feel in danger from her, he imagines that the daughter of the devil has danger follow her.  I'm in.  I'll scout his place for you, and provide astral overwatch while you are on the job.  I'll pay for the info I've obtained out of my share.

Jed nods as Mike speaks.   I've been hesitating to involve him so far, and I guess you put a voice to what my gut was telling me.  I guess the next thing is for me to do an astral scout of Snowden's place.  I'll get myself ready.

@Escher That was some meaty Intel bud, thanks. Let me know when you find anything regarding that commlink I gave you.  I need you to bill me separately for the work on the link and club, vs this work on Snowden.  Add this request to the queue on the Snowden job:  I need any rumors about their current R&D projects, and any rumors regarding a pending merger with Coatyl Pharm.  Also, if you could provide any info on a decker called Data Dancer. An associate of mine has been set up on a job with her, and it smells funny. Does she have a history of being used to tie up loose ends?  Sorry to say I need this Snowden info by tomorrow, late afternoon. I know you charge extra for a deadline.   
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-28-15/2049:32>
@ Jedediah  Escher responds, >>Charge more for a deadline? Damn straight. This drek you have me wading through has my hoop riding streams like surfer through a tsunami buddy. I've got a couple of very stealthy programs looking through tertiary sources for that guy you nearly got me IC'd for, trying not to get me and my system fried tyvm. Getting info on that club is like playing a shell game with a master and this comm is a work of sheer genius. If she's a woman I'm marrying her, hell if he's a man I'm marrying him. The encoding is triple layered and rotating, which shouldn't be possible in this small of a device, not to mention the power source is the incredibly weak electrical field of the humanoid body, it then hacks whatever device is around it like a virus and uses it to get it's message routed. It's made it hell trying to track it, and once I did my previous attempts had alerted the system and I got slammed into it's detection and protection program. YOU are no longer talking to Escher but the security program triangulating your signal. You are now surrounded! jk, but it is going to take me a bit longer to hack this because I really did alert their security, and you're paying me double for this drek. And yeah, DataDancer is clean up for a whole lot of things. Not the best hacker I've ever seen, but she can double as a whole lot of things. And now that I've had my third LongHaul while I was talking to you guys I need to go put it to work. Peace.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-28-15/2059:29>
@Escher : You're worth every ¥. I may be eating soy paste for a month, but thems the breaks. 

@Yelena:  Data Dancer isn't the greatest hacker, because she's got a pretty broad skill set...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-29-15/0009:54>
Jed considers the scouting of Snowden's place. He wanted to lay physical eyes on the place before trying to reach it astrally.  He opted for a cab to cruise past first, then he would return to his lodge for the second part of his plan.  Bidding Mike goodnight, he took a cab ride through the neighborhood.  As they drove past the house, he "parted the veil" and took a good look at the house. Warded. That figures. 

...

Paying the cab driver, Jed let himself in the door of his "office". Locking it behind him, he walked though the office area, and into his bedroom.  He was tired, but no too tired.  Besides, crossing over had always been the easiest way to remember what it was like to feel young and strong again.  This body was wearing out, but in the astral, his body was a product of his mind and will.  If I have the luck to know when the end is near, I'll just abandon this shell and float here until it's over.   That was his favorite fantasy.  True freedom. 

Jed changed into something more comfortable, drank some water and relieved himself.  Having seen to the needs if his shell, he walked through the bedroom into his workroom.  He walked through the curtained off area into his lodge. Glancing over the circle laid out on the concrete he took time to make sure all was well.  Who would have thought that high end women's make-up would have so many of the components that he needed to draw his circle.  All those botanicals and minerals.  Not that it would work for every mage.  Chaos Magic was an amalgam of traditions.  It's why he liked it.  Not because it was unorganized and unpredictable.  That was a myth from the trids.  No, it was an alloy of the truths and pieces from other traditions.  Not so structured and locked down as a hermetic's Magic, not so "cult of personality as a shaman.  Much more pragmatic.  It drew the best from all.  There was truth in all traditions.  Chaos just took what was true and collected it.  This is the way Magic should be done.  This was the right way. 

Jed laid a pile of blankets on the floor in his circle.  Until he had the money to purchase the formula for a warding ritual, the Magic of his circle was the only astral barrier he could get.  Jed lay down and pulled his true self free from his shell.  Lifted out and up.  He paused existed above his office for a moment.  "Moment"?  Time flowed differently here.. Jed set his destination in his mind and moved there.  Spending a moment to take in the ward, he examined it.  Concentrating, he sorted out the threads of "color".  Powerful.  More powerful than me. he thought. He circled the home at a slight distance, keeping a close eye for "tripwires". best I stick to the perimeter.  Once he was certain he had learned all (what little) he could, he returned to his waiting shell. 

@Yelena House was warded. Couldn't get close enough to see anything. Might be interesting if we could pull him out so I can assense him.  How do you feel about accessing the brain trust and seeing if Marco and Arc have any ideas?

Best make sure Yelena wants everyone involved before he starts blabbing her business about. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-29-15/0124:57>
Quote from: Mercy Merchant link=topic=20Hes.msg381198#msg381198 date=1435534875
A horrid racket wakes her in the morning.  Recognizing that Arc must be working on one of the cars or the bike, she pulls the covers over her ears and goes back to sleep.....sort of.  The noise eventually stops and she can hear her friend moving about in the kitchen.  The aroma of the cheap soykaf the human drinks finally rouses Yelena enough.  That and the dreadful need to pee, which has become almost unavoidable.  She bounces out to the bathroom calling out to her friend.  "Hey, Srui, pour me some of that drek and Yelena be right out."

Dressing in comfortable clothes, Yelena goes out to the kitchen and grabs her cup of soykaf before going out to the garage and joining her friend on the couch.  She sits back, enjoying the stretch and the company.  She looks over at the short human and says, "So rigger man family nice?  Yelena saw Arc not home early.  Is rigger man the one?"

Arc practically jumped out of her skin as she heard the familiar accented voice of Yelena call out from the bedroom, her right hand instinctively darting for the Predator at her back.  Taking a breath to relax herself, she smirked and fanned her face a little.  "Null sweat, Srui." she said before pouring and fixing up the soycaf the way she remembered the keen liked it.  For herself, the human opted for plenty of creamer and sweetener today, killing as much bitter as possible as she sorted through the audio files. 

Sitting down, she was back to wearing jeans and a tank this morning, comfortable and familiar.  Glancing over as Yelena Jones her, Arc handed the soycaf over before taking a sip to ward the chill.  "Haa...hmm?  His fam...drek, Srui, they were super wiz.  Like, fed me till I burst, were really nice, loved me and interested in me...they might be by here in the future, but Jaime knows we like to keep our work private.  Null sweat...". The human got quiet, pausing her review after only a few files, holding her cup with both hands.

"It's insane really...month ago it was just me.  Now I have a sister, a vruk, and a whole family to accept me.  It's uh...a little overwhelming, in a good way...". She paused, shivering a bit as she smiled.  " is he my one?  Drek, trogs don't think drek like that ad you know it. But...I like this one, I really do.  Hes nice, respects what I do, hell supports it even...you can guess why I wasn't home last night ehe..".  She would elbow Yelena lightly if she gave Arc any reaction.  "I think I'll keep him for a while, see where things go from her, and us never know what tomorrow has yknow..."

After a moment of reflection and enjoying their time, Arc gave a little sigh and an affirming nod.  "Phoenix's listening ears been picking stuff up this whole time.  Trying to sort through it myself to see if I can learn drek.  Beyond that, I gotta meeting tonight with NineLives for a job to get us some jing as well.  How'd things go with that Jed cat?".  After that Arc remembered that Marco had messaged her, and quickly gave a reply.

<<Marco, it's Arc.  Thanks for sending the car back.  Thanks for cleaning out the back for me.  Be safe.>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-29-15/0140:31>
Yelena sits next to her Srui and sips at her soykaf as her sister works on whatever she is doing.  She smiles as she reads the notes from Marco and Jed.  She fires off a couple of answers.

[/>>Marco.  Is Yelena.  Yelena be there for tea.  Much to talk about.  Kisses<<

>>Jedediah.  Is Yelena.  DataDancer is cleanup girl as expected.  Maybe she just make sure Yelena do job but Yelena is suspicious.  Club men should use matrix girl of great skill and trust Yelena for hit.  Only one day to get information.  Is possible for Jedediah matrix man to give back up for Yelena?  Pay well for make sure Yelena get in house.  Marco maybe bring spirit to help against wards.  Yelena tell friends so they decide to stay or go.  Yelena call later.  Thank Jedediah for help so far.  And thank for meet Mike.  He like you like father so listen him.<<

After sending the messages, Yelena sits back on the ragged couch and smokes a cigar while waiting for Arc to finish.  She nods as Arc describes Jaime's family, genuinely happy that her Srui has found someone.  "Yelena happy for Arc.  We need code to let Yelena when stay away."  She looks at her friend and goes serious.  "Arc.  Yelena need talk.  Take job get close to club men.  Job is kill man.  Good pay.  Yelena think contract smell bad and club men might try kill Yelena after hit to clean loose ends.  That mean all Yelena's friends in danger.  Yelena tell Arc so can decide leave or stay.  If stay, whoever behind club might find Arc Vrukart and family.  Yelena want Arc think careful and long before help Yelena.  Also, Arc remember trog club owner name Josie?  Yelena want promise that Arc take sax to Josie at his club if Yelena die."

She sits back and waits for everything to sink in.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-29-15/0754:13>
Upon mention of wanting to be able to access the garage, Arc raised a brow with a smirk, surprised that detail was overlooked, but quickly fixed with a few mental commands sent to her commlink.  "Done.  You got full access, Srui...ah..."  She trailed off, her smile fading as the elf shared what was going down.  The human listened unblinkingly, hands holding the cheap soycaf as she felt the full weight of the words.  Drek...that means whatever meet I got tonight's a risk too...nah.  Drek or no, NineLives wouldn't screw another Barrens hoop out the gate like that, right?  After a few moments of silent gazing blankly ahead of her, the human looked up and locked eyes with the keeb, voice not hesitating.

"We blood now, Y.  You think I'm finna hide out while m'blood might be gettin' geeked, y'all got another think coming, ya heard?  Like I said, I'm meeting these hoops separately for work as well.  I'm just as much in this as you, and you know it.  I know the risks I'm doing, and I will be thrice damned to the hells if I let them touch any of mine.  I'm in, and you can tell Josie yourself when you give him that sax after you hit a ripe old age of a hundred-fifty or whatever."  She gave a nod, taking a few heated breaths to calm herself.

"If you're that worried about me though, I can still help you without looking like I'm part of it.  Remember that I got ways of being there without being there.."  She tapped the exposed part of her control rig as emphasis, her grin returning.  "It ain't much, but it can't hurt.  Might do good to give you some last minute meatspace recon, no?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-29-15/0835:29>
Yelena smiles at her Srui.  "Arc misunderstand.  Yelena poor choice of words.  Yelena already have code for garage.  Mean need some signal so Yelena know not come in if Jaime here for privacy."

Yelena takes Arc's next words in stride and her heart gladdens a bit.  She puts a hand on her Srui's arm and says, "Yelena know are blood.  Bond stronger than anything Yelena feel before.  But can worry about Arc and her new family.  Yelena thank Arc.  Arc going to club for job, yes?  PI man Jedediah find out some Triad seems to be backing club.  Still trying get more information.  Triads not some go-gang like Howlers so Arc be careful."

"And recon with drone good idea.  All must be done today.  Here is address of target.  Yelena meet club matrix girl tomorrow at 0100 and do this.  Leave in few minutes go see Marco.  Will ask for disguise and spirit help.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-29-15/1011:08>
Arc paused at the information, processing that and her timeline to help out Yelena with this job for a moment before speaking up.  "...makes sense now that Yams were interested in it, if what Phoenix said is anything to go by.  I'll be careful, Srui.  I'll take a peek before my meet tonight, and try not to get caught...cuz if I do, I think you're job gonna get harder, ya heard?  If you need to go, don't let me keep you." . Smiling and nodding, she took another drink of her soycaf, adjusting her position on the couch to get more comfortable.

"Before you go...take one of my bugs.  You ever get in trouble just turn it on and I'll see what you see and know what you know.  If I can, I'll give you extra eyes tonight as well. Until then, I'll be in touch.  And as for signal...guess you'll just have to follow instincts for now, eh?". Winking, she nudged the elf again before settling back, warding off the chill for now with the good company.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-29-15/1032:26>
Yelena sits quietly with her Srui for a few minutes.  Comfortable.  Comfortable.  Almost never in her life had she ever been comfortable just sitting.  not working on her guns.  Not plotting some hit.  Not seducing someone.  Just.  Doing.  Nothing.  And it was comfortable.  She looks around at the garage that mirrored Arc's personality and sees several little things that were Yelena as well.  Her mind stretches to the cramped living space the pair shared and sees the same thing; Arc's space is also her space.  She realizes that she has what she has been looking for ever since she was old enough to know that she was missing something.

After a few minutes, Yelena shakes her head and touches her friend's arm before rising.  She quietly moves back into the living area and dresses warmly, as she will be riding the bike and according to the weather man, the morning is chilly.  Returning to the garage, she waves to Arc as she rolls the bike out and sets off for Marco's apartment.  As she hits the street, she sends a message to the young Keeb.  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  On way over to see you.  Please tell man at door to let Yelena in.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-29-15/1045:03>
Marco rushes out of the shower naked, leaving wet footprints on the wooden floor.  He is half way dressed when he see’s Yelena’s message and he grant her access using the security interface. The task is made easy as Yelena already visited him...  “oh the memory... no no no... focus damnit! “ he say to himself. ... “now my shirt is wet... must always use a head towel...  No I must have another coffee... I just made more mess than I just cleaned out. Being in a hurry makes me work twice... this is no way to keep a house“ When Yelena arrives he rushes to the door, his hair still wet and he wears uncharacteristic street fashion clothes.  He hugs and kisses her warmly and say “Be careful with the floor I woke up late and made a mess...”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-29-15/1055:41>
Yelena parks the bike in one of the available visitor spots and goes inside.  She smiles at the doorman and presents her ID for access to the elevators.  Arriving at Marco's floor, she walks on the soft carpet to his door and rings the bell.  Something tingles inside Yelena when the door opens and she sees Marco.  She returns the embrace and kiss as she steps inside the apartment.  Yelena allows herself a quick thought.  *Could this Keeb be MY one.*  Pushing that thought back into her mind, she looks around the room.  "Marco right.  Is bit of mess.  Look like Yelena live here.  Marco have girl in bedroom?  Can come by later?

Yelena chuckles at the expression on Marco's face.  "Marco say coffee.  Yelena not smell yet.  We go kitchen and make coffee and breakfast.  Yelena much hungry.  Talk while cook."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-29-15/1126:21>
His head was still aching from that night of drinking, but somehow seeing Yelena alive and well.. and should he dare to say with a new sense of purpose made Marco happy.
“No... there is no girl don’t be silly. “ Marco smiles...

Marco had already eaten a small breakfast but, he did not want to make Yelena uncomfortable. He said: “Breakfast works... I’ll be happy to spoil you a little bit... I don’t have much but I do have some vegetables, carrots, tomatoes cucumbers, zucchini, onions and red peppers should make a good salad. There are these new kitchen knifes that I am all excited about. “ Within a short time Marco skillfully cut the vegetables with his new kitchen knifes, make a few toasts and fry a nice omelette. Along with two cups of coffee they are good to go. There was still the wet floor that bothered him,  but he’ll take care of it after they talk.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-29-15/1246:14>
The messages from Ambroses ingenious little devices begin to play. There were the usual ones from people who were obviously party-goers at the club, different century, same drek. But, then, "He got the delivery. The Ayahuasca's already been treated. The Tupinambis hearts didn't come, and the planthopper hair is less than half of what they promised us. They're reneging on their deals, say that they're having shortages. But, Coatyl is pulling all of it's strings to get this stuff off the market and into their hands. Once Snowden is dead we'll have more bargaining room. But I think they need a reminder in how not to make enemies." And later, We're still having to many deaths from the Stardust, I think we need to make sure the users get a few more boosts while they're using. When she heard, We've got his car marked. I don't know he got away without turning into a little bird and flying out. But when he comes for his stuff we've got him. She knew Phoenix would want to know that. As rude as he'd been, he still had given them access to all his stuff, And who knows, after the night he'd had maybe I'd be a grumpy old man too. That thought made her giggle. Hmmmm, that chef sounds just like BabyFace, but there was just no way it could be him, his tusks made it impossible for him to speak English that clearly, although the cussing is dead on as he swore another blue streak at the sous chef, the waiter, the salad and the oysters. Then two by two, hands of blue. Everything is set, The little lamb will be out in the field to graze in a little over 24hrs. We should have what we need in 30. Two by two, *crash* The rest of the recordings had been a waste of time. Although she did find the some of the pick-up lines funny, and she couldn't believe that that position had actually been possible when he'd described it, but the proof had been in the screams later, and had made her glad she didn't have a visual, some things she just didn't need to know.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-29-15/1512:22>
Arc gave a smile and wordless wave as the Russian dressed herself for the weather and biked out, giving herself a moment of reverie before resuming her work, her expression going blank as she focused purely on what she was hearing.  Saving and separating the files of the stuff she thought was important, her eyes widened a bit at what she learned...what she could make sense of at least.  If that were Babyface...man is a pig of an ork in multiple ways.  Lecherous, fat, grubby, and frankly borderline pedophilic, Arc had no good thoughts of that one.  Great....oh drag, I spent two hours on that?  Man, almost noon...okay, let's get the word out... Calling up her persona...a version of her dressed not unlike some raiders from a certain post-apocalypse movie series..she recorded messages to be sent out.

<<Mr. Jedidiah Early, this is Arc.  We met briefly.  Heard you were helping out a friend of mine.  Attached is some recordings I picked up that might be pertinent to your stuff.  I am also intending to put some feelers out for our location with tiny eyes.  Lemme know if I should look for anything specific?>>

<<Phoenix, Arc here.  Your friends know your safe, think it's a miracle.  Retrieving your ride not recommended as its rim job is a HOT topic in the gossip circles.  Here's proof of that.  Thought you should know>>

<<Yelena, Sruiken here.  Have I shown you the skate park a few miles from home?  After your lunch date we should meet up there.  Warmest place in the Barrens around now.  See you there>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-29-15/1652:34>
<<Right. My trap isn't set up, so i have no desire to touch it.>> he texts back. <<Your friend is needing me to get back to Cooking. I think unicorn blood and philospher stones are needed for this. >>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-29-15/1747:29>
Jed sends a "thank you" response to Arc.  Interesting.  He then sends out a group message:

@Yelena, Marco, Arc Had hoped for an opportunity to assense the mark before Yelena does her job.  Its sounding like we are all on board here.  Just wondering if anyone had any ideas on pulling the rabbit out of the hole long enough for me to see the color of its fur.   House is warded, so I couldn't see anything last night.  Let me know if you have any ideas.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-29-15/2045:52>
Ambrose had a job to do before they could spring the trap. He was working on a strategy in his head, one he had been working on ever since he had escaped. He knew what they were going to do, and they did it. They marked the car, now was for them to take the bait and bring them to a little roach motel. What he needed was a warehouse, or something where he could work in it, to set the trap.

They had powerful deckers, he would have to assume, that if they were trying to, would hunt him down quickly and efficiently, sending in a kick in the door group. Common tactics after all. But Deckers had a small problem, and that was old fashioned tech that wasn't connected to the Matrix. So that meant he needed to make something that was all directly connected to what he wanted to work with. A few hundred feet of cord, spliced together to a control center away from the trap.

He did need to make sure he didn't run into any mages, they would certainly put a damper on the plan, other than that though.. Close the door, gas the goons. Interrogate them then kill them off in a way that makes it look like professional hit men. Follow the same idea as the drugs. Make them bigger, grander, and more mysterious than could possibly possible.

Speaking of the drugs, he began working on the batch of them today. The first was unicorn's blood, a thick paste drug.. tasted a bit like cherries and mint. Then there was the philsopher stone, a rather.. odd compound of crystals that would react to the Methanol in the Unicorn blood drug.

[spoiler]
Drugs take 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/304774): 10d6t5 4
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-29-15/2120:37>
@ Jedediah  Escher contacts you, >>Found it! the signal goes to a national network used by several government agencies. The Mage Licensing Division, the Center for Research into Paranormal Infestations, Fiends and Foul Magics Division and the National Database of Hauntings and Recoverable Assests. Not sure what you're doing with any of those guys, but whatever it is stop it. Give a guy more trouble than a Trojan Horse and no downloadable assets to show for it..<<

@ Ambrose  This batch seemed to go well as far as he could tell. Or at least everything in a 3m radius is still here.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-29-15/2146:17>
<<Right. My trap isn't set up, so i have no desire to touch it.>> he texts back. <<Your friend is needing me to get back to Cooking. I think unicorn blood and philospher stones are needed for this. >>

Jed sends a "thank you" response to Arc.  Interesting.  He then sends out a group message:

@Yelena, Marco, Arc Had hoped for an opportunity to assense the mark before Yelena does her job.  Its sounding like we are all on board here.  Just wondering if anyone had any ideas on pulling the rabbit out of the hole long enough for me to see the color of its fur.   House is warded, so I couldn't see anything last night.  Let me know if you have any ideas.

"Well that was fast" Arc muttered to herself as she viewed the replies, stepping back inside to Dred herself a little better for the cold Seattle day.  Slipping on her armovest, she clipped it together and threw a simple hoodie over it, completely concealing her armor.  Finally, a black synthleather jacket donned her frame.  After the hospital trip, she had to pick it up with the new clothes...she liked the look, the feel, and the presence it gives her.  Smirking and clipping on a few extra clips, the human worked up replies to her messages, simply giving an affirmation to Phoenix.

<<Phoenix: you do what you do then.  That drek outta my circle, but if you in a bind to find stuff, lemme drop a name.  Hrock.  Not a guarantee, but tell him I sent ya and the trogll at least try.  Peace>>

<<Jed (cc Marco, Yelena): ima be straight up with you omae.  Mojo is outside my know zone.  But as I recall, wards don't stop bugs.  Finna check the place out from skies, maybe get a map outside and hoping in without getting caught.  No promises, cuz I'm playing safe.  Later on, can give extra eyes if I'm free.  Yelena knows how I be.  For pulling the rabbit...Marco, you know how people is.  Ideas?>>

Hopping in the Americar, Arc closed up shop behind her and joined the throng of vehicles on their lunch hour, dreary wageslaves looking to nourish themselves for another day of the same.  And her she was, living so much more than that...it took some time, but eventually she came within a kilometer of her destination, having grabbed a soda from a Stuffer Shack en route.  Slurping through the straw, she parked the car in a public parking garage, nice and tucked away without much foot traffic.  Locking up, she slipped into the back seat and pulled out a Fly-Spy and her RCC, booting both up to Run silently.  Rebooting her link for good measure, the human released the drone into the air, linking it to the console as she plugged herself in, tubing her baring to the command prompts and sending the bug into the air and zooming to the destination, keeping a fair distance and scanning the perimeter, looking for access points and security measures...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-29-15/2336:15>
@ Arc  It's a ritzy neighborhood, KE patrols passed her walking, and they didn't even have sirens on. Each of the houses were set far away from each other and far back from the streets with lawns that were neater and more cared for than a fashion diva's weave and ARO feed. But, she had to see that with her eyes since every time the drone got close to the oh so lovely fencing around each property it was overloaded with static. Evidently magical wards weren't the only things in place on this side of town. Frag, wish this was Yelena's show, he never has this kinda drek happen when he be scoping a place out.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-29-15/2341:10>
Yelena laughs as Marco describes the meal he is making.  "Yelena eat much of that and deserve Keeb rep for sprouts.  Is Ok.  maybe meat in eggs next time."  She watches as Marco does all of the preparation and is impressed.  "Marco good cook.  Yelena not cook at all."

Yelena eats the food and lets Marco know how much she appreciates the food and the effort that went into making it.  After eating, she will help Marco clean up then take a cup of the coffee to the table and sit, motioning to the other chair.  "Marco please sit.  Yelena has story tell.  Club lawyer man name Gregor and other club man name Hank hire Yelena to kill a man.  Yelena take money and club pay good.  Must do tonight.  Meet club matrix girl at 0100 tomorrow morning.  Yelena need warn Marco that contract smells and might be bad.  If club kill Yelena they might come after friends.  So Marco need decide help or go away.  If help, can Marco give disguise so others not see Yelena?  PI man say house warded.  Marco can help with wards and use spirit to help Yelena?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-29-15/2355:07>
"Oh frag it all..."

Frustrated, she commanded the bug to return to her car and jumped back into her flesh body, sitting up slowly and rubbing her temples, as if the sheer static of the Noise was enough to give the girl a headache.  While she waited for the bug, she quickly sent off another message to the formed group message chain.

<<@Jed, Yelena, Marco:  Arc here.  Drone recon a bust.  Got jammers up in there tighter than a cherry slot and can't get close.  Best I can do is send you in with something and HOPE drek can work at that point.  Nyrrk.  Arc out>>

She hoped that Yelena got her message about the skate park, because that's where she was going next.  Depositing the returned drone, she took one last glance towards the neighborhood, chuckling to herself.  Too clean...doesn't feel like a home place...give me a house and fam like what Henry and Bettina got over this drek anyday if ya ask me..  Smirking, she hopped back into the front seat, dusted off her soda, and left the parking garage to return to her familiar Barrens.

The skate park was not like the early 21st century concrete holes in the ground; rather, a patched up amalgamation of scrap metal and torn down building components were built atop each other and woven into a merely slightly dangerous playground for more adventurous youth and adolescents could play.  Taking up a full block, Arc could not help but feel a little nostalgic as she rolled up to a parking space and hopped out, hugging the fitting jacket around herself against the chill as she watched the youth ride and trick about.  Here, this is where she honed her reflexes and nimbleness from movements, and her sturdiness from the bumps and scrapes of failed jumps.  But this was a part of her, and a perfect place to meet that wasn't home.  Fishing into her pocket, the short girly idly withdrew a smoke, placing it on her lips before lighting it, taking in the nic-stick casually slowly while she passed the time waiting.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-30-15/0008:11>
“Next time... you tell me you are coming to breakfast and I’ll make you a feast. “

Marco’s feeling when Yelena talks about killing for money is somewhat of disgust, rage he is not sure weather he is angry at J or at Yelena tough, the whole situation seems Ironic to him. You don’t just take murder job from people... especially people you do not trust... This is bad, Marco thinks that if Yelena does not kill they kill Yelena. Heck - if they really took Feathers it might be a trap... What happen after man dies?... no no no... cannot die.

“Thats a wonderful start for your new book... Great job. These things are better not thought at... lets just cuddle a little bit I haven't seen you in a while... come the air is great and the view is breathtaking.”   He grabs her hand and lead her to the Sofa where he hugs her and gently stroke her back. The physical contact, allows Marco to activate his mind link spell.

[spoiler]mindlink (http://orokos.com/roll/304816): 12d6t5 2
drain (http://orokos.com/roll/304817): 11d6t5 4
Marco takes no drain. [/spoiler]

He thinks at Yelena:
“I have no idea how technology works and who is listening... the only relative privacy is inside our heads... and even that privacy can be invaded in some extreme cases.

Of Course club smells bad - they may have Feathers and Sam and know why we are really in there. They may also just kill you afterwards because they are rolling in mad money and they are killing people regularly... this is why we're hired for this gig... I assume they also offered a very generous contract...

You are not working for a simple gang... no these guys are as powerful as a cooperation... and the things Sam claimed them to be doing... experiments in people with drugs... this is way above what a gang usually do.
Never mind that...  I am just a little bit upset - you know all that already...

who is this person and why do they want him dead?
 “
Marco also shares with her a concern for her well being, and a blur of emotions  that despite years of practice are difficult to fully suppress he shares just a little bit but he is not comfortable with her killing.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-30-15/0024:05>
The shock of the mind link is not as great this time, but it is still a bit disconcerting.  Yelena senses that Marco is not pleased with her and mentally shrugs.  No relationship is perfect.  She thinks her responses.  "Yelena is what Yelena is.  Killing people is business and Yelena good at it.  Not sure what Yelena is without.  Has been life since Yelena was ten years old.  Not even Marco can ask Yelena change quick from life.  Yelena always careful.  Be much careful this time.  Just need know id Marco help.  House has mojo wards and probably matrix wards as well.  Yelena plan on shutting off all wireless to guns to prevent matrix girl or target from bricking.  But can Marco give disguise that wards not drop?  Can summon demon to protect and help Yelena?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-30-15/0042:49>
Still stroking her back, trying to get her to calm. Everybody need to relax sometime and Marco is not sure that they’ll have the time to be together. “Your are too stressed out let go...” He say as he massages her shoulders and neck.

He thinks:
“Magical wards are not impossible to cross, you won’t feel them at all. I will not only summon a Demon but fly over that house to help you myself. I’ll become something with good eyes. Anywhere accessible from the sky will be my area of influence.

Can’t we just burn his house or anything so he has to come out?... fool the anti fire sensors... if his security is really all that good he’ll also have spirits of his own protecting him, and I am not sure you can handle multiple spirits. I know I can't.

 You can’t sneak past spirits. They simply see your aura.  Your only chance is to hide within other living things like vegetation. Don’t even consider going there without a serious astral scout. Some charismatic fella’s can have a small army of spirits bound to them. Especially if they are rich.  You do not go brute force into super intense security. You can open more doors with please than with a key card. Got to trick him out.

About the killing... this is not the time to discuss it... I do not expect you to change overnight... lets just survive this gig... talk later. But be aware that each time you kill here you put us all at risk. If you are going to stick around in Seattle you'll have to change your ways... you are not wandering the world and leaving consequences behind you... “
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-30-15/0115:22>
Yelena shakes her head and thinks back at Marco.  "Mot think that work.  Club need matrix girl to go in house and get data.  Yelena have to go in.  Matrix girl supposed to drop alarms and security so Yelena get in.  Club not betray Yelena until kill target.  Maybe try after.  Jedediah be near for astral looking and Marco.  Yelena have drone from Arc.  Maybe work inside barriers.  Yelena have much help and outthink man and wards.  Then see what club do."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-30-15/0128:04>
Marco say "Sweetie... why with the head... don't you like my massage ? you seem a bit distant"

He thinks:
"You give a tell... watch your body language my scary lady. You are a beautiful keep with her new boyfriend. The nice kind the one that makes good food,  enjoys your physical contact and do not ask many questions about how you spend your hours when you are not with him... Don't shake your head... embrace your feeling... lie to yourself a little bit... believe in some level to your own ruse.  This is how you lie to people. A skilled observer would notice that your body language is not appropriate for the situation we are in. I'll teach you in time, don't worry. "

"They have all the cards... Don't follow their plan - you have to make your own plan that keep the club off balance. You can't use their hacker - let them know exactly what you are going to do playing their script.   Send the hacker in the wrong direction. Make her trip and stumble after she lets you in... make her your distraction... her downfall to be your mask.  Use her before she use you.  We want to know what that guy knows. We need a distraction, their matrix girl  need to pass out of biofeedback or have her deck explode due to that massive security. It  will give us some precious time to do a little research of our own. In the meanwhile you'd need a jammer, so you can disappear after the job and not be imminently killed.

I have a contact for that. Called Jimmy things - get the best jammer he has and keep it working at the scene of the crime. Go completely wifi dark afterwards including comlink in head. Just in case matrix girl will try to clean up after you.  Don't go to any of your usual place go someplace you do not know... Go to Joy. Open comlink just if there are problems.  Remember you get paid to kill - matrix girl get paid to get data. If she failed her task it is none of your business. If she was any good she could get data without killing him first.

If a decker we trust knows that there is useful data to take from there - his pay can simply be access to that data. Deckers love inforamtion! 

If you came for a spirit and recon... you got it. The rest of my advice are from a guy that never killed a soul - but if you give me some alone time with the mark - I may be able to hack into his mind . Take some of his secrets with me. What ever he has on hardware he also has in his brain.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-30-15/0324:01>
Yelena smiles as she settle back into Marco and thinks at him.  "No.  Yelena not walk in blind.  Has plan.  Use club matrix girl because told to.  Not in deep enough to club to make demands.  But ask PI man Jedediah to ask matrix friend to help.  And have Arc drone and Marco spirit.  Maybe Marco is mouse in pocket?  Or fly in like bird?  And maybe Marco forget.  Not Yelena first time.  Not young and only two or three kills.  Have much years and much kills.  Yelena survivor.  Walk shadow like daughter of devil.  Take lives like avenger from hell.  Someday Yelena not survive, and Yelena accept that.  But not happen tonight.  Target man die.  Matrix girl die if look wrong.  Take data back to club to get in deeper.  Gang like that always have need for death and Yelena can be best enforcer club has.  Then find answers and kill all club men if have to."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-30-15/0339:41>
Marco tickles Yelena a little as he thinks:
“You’d like it wouldn’t you... to carry a little Marco in your pocket. To use in time of need... it can work but it is difficult to pass a ward with active magical spell and I won’t fit in that pocket without it... A naked keeb appearing in the middle of everything in there would be hilarious...A good distraction even.. I am not sure if very helpful. Maybe if Jed can help us find a wardless path to walk. Don't need to be big... just small enough for a cat, or a small gun to sneak.

 I know it is not your first time... but this time it is different. This time you do double agent job. How many times have you betrayed your employer? kill him after job? Look how you are thinking...  since when do you kill just for sport? killing club men is not on the menu. Not matrix girl not anyone else.  We barely know who these guys are and already lost two important people to the mission.

Club man may be evil but they got a lot of power - if we start direct offensive they’ll have us all killed... If we betray them they must never discover it, it must be subtle... like someone else making a move before you do. Some other hacker knocks matrix girl and steal the data without us knowing about it.

 I have a beginning of a life in here... don’t make me hide in some safe house or start over in another city. I have connections, clients... I have already went on exile once and it kills me a little bit every day... don’t give me a second exile scary lady. But I will come with you... ”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-30-15/0358:04>
Yelena grimaces inside before sending a thought.  "We all survive as can.  Yelena also have place here.  And Arc.  But job from Sam is find out what happens in club.  Without direction from him after we need make own choice.  Yelena never kill for spot now.  That old Yelena.  When hunt humans because were human.  Yelena not hunt that way since prison.  Yelena only say ready if matrix girl try betray.  Marco need get Jedediah and talk mojo.  Beyond Yelena."

"Now must go meet Arc.  Srui need talk alone.  Call Yelena if find anything.  Yelena meet matrix girl at 0100 at this location Yelena give now.  Be near if can help."

With that, Yelena stretches and turns to give Marco a deep kiss that promises much.  "Yelena thank Marco.  Massage was much needed.  Yelena back for more later.  Give Marco much to remember Yelena.  Now must go."

After reluctantly leaving Marco's embrace, Yelena returns to the lobby and passes out to where she parked her Scorpion.  Hopping on, she fires up the powerful engine and roars out to the skate park.  She spots the Americar and parks near it, going into the park to seek her friend and blood sister.  Yelena spots Arc from a distance and waves, climbing the apparatus to sit next to the human woman, balancing on the beam next to her and sharing the experience of watching the young people do their thing.  For a minute or so she puffs her breath to watch it escape as a fog in the cold air.  The weather man had been right for once and it was fragging cold.  Eventually, she takes out a cigar and lights it after offering one to Arc and waits for her friend to talk.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-30-15/0450:42>
“Be safe... and if there is some configuration where you let me look at that matrix girl eyes when she talks to you. I may have some heads up if she’s planning you some funny biz. A camera feed will do good, a pet cat if you feel dramatic. Or have me in the next table disguised. You decide how you like that. ”
Marco thinks privately at last:
 "Fuck... she really is going to kill that guy Marco thought with horror as Yelena disconnected the mindlink. This is terrible... terrible - we need jammers many of them - we need to block any possible signal from the outside world to that house. I need to make sure some other decker decks her."

Once Marco is alone (either changing or Yelena leave) he makes some texts.
>>”Jimmy... your lucky day!... I am on my way for some additional equipment. You see I bring customers extend the business Marco is good for the biz. “
>> Cain - this is Sam Webster - next time I text you you reply fast or no job got it? We need to meet. You want this break.
>> Arc...  That's actually very interesting... care to do some shopping? We need to make some surprises. For Y, tell her nothing.
>> Phoenix -->  I'll be dropping by soon.
>> Jed... I need to talk to you in 4 eyes... no need to show in person, you can also come to the astral and manifest if you are that kind of wiz. Or I come to you... I don't know much about astral... just know it's there.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-30-15/0533:10>
@ Arc, Yelena, Marco My Matrix guy just pulled a 36 hour shift tracing the signal on that link y'all got from "Sam".  The signal comes from a government network.  It seems Sam may be a government agent with Fiends and Foul Magic Division.  So big brother may be watching, and a sucessful hit on a high profile pharm researcher may give us trouble from a different direction.  Our shadows may not be as dim as we think.  This would explain why using facial recognition on Sam nearly got my guy fried.  It looks like our options may be turn down the job and openly defy the Triad, Fake the job and try to pull one over on them, or do the job, end up on their kill list anyway, and have problems with a government agency.  Not backing out, just putting the details out there as I see them. 

@ Escher:Spirts man!  your rep just went through the roof.  Big Brother huh?  I have a friend who is in need of matrix cover on a shadow job she is working.  This is the situation involving Data Dancer.  We aren't trusting Dancer and want our own guy around.  Here is her contact info.  I'll let her tell you the details and make the offer.  All the various threads I've had you following may be connected.

@ Marco:  Tell me when and where and I can be there.  Yes, I can manifest and we can "talk".  More secure that way anyhow
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-30-15/0543:13>
>> Jed Here is my address...  I won't be able to offer you coffee if you just manifest tough.
>> Arc is Marco about rabbits... everybody get laid... if the temptation is big enough men become stupid. Me included.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-30-15/0950:01>
Yelena chuckles at the message from Jed.  >>Acr.  Marco.  Jedediah.  Is Yelena.  Is good know where Sam from.  Matrix friend is good.  Would matrix man help Yelena tonight?  Want team of own in case need help.  Am thinking club is wanting person like Yelena for other work.  Pass test and in better.  Get closer to secrets.  But Yelena not born yesterday and want prepared in case all goes drek.  Yelena go home soon for sleep and think.<<  After she sends the message, Yelena simply sits with her Srui and puts her arm around her to hold the human
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-30-15/1005:13>
Smiling faintly, Arc scooched herself over on the makeshift bench she was using upon Yelena's arrival, wirelessly turning down the offer of a cigar.  "I like this place.  Only people who care about it are already here...no bugs or drek like that". Nodding affirmingly, the human girl leaned forward, elbows on knees with her hands together as she took a breath.  "I picked up some voice drek from the Stardust.  I don't know what it mean, but it make me nervous as frag...listen.."

Then two by two, hands of blue. Everything is set, The little lamb will be out in the field to graze in a little over 24hrs. We should have what we need in 30. Two by two, *crash*

Arc waits a moment before speaking again.  " This job you got.  It's your gig, so you're leading.  I'll follow you in, and throw in more: getaway.  I won't be on-site, but I can at least make sure you got a fast way to get your sixty year old hoop outta there, ya heard?". She paused at the messages from Jed, laughing sardonically.  " Heh...figures that part of Sam was legit...this is some drek we in, huh Srui?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-30-15/1017:17>
Yelena listens to the recorded messages and nods.  Smiling she says, "Well.  Yelena hear that club men are think big.  Yelena can be asset for them.  Get close.  Get more information.  Arc job will be dangerous, too.  Old friend now club man.  Arc remember as Barrens man and might be.  But he also club man now."

Yelena waves her hand at the open air park.  "Arc.  This real world.  Yelena not sure Arc and Yelena can go there.  Have seen too much of shadows.  But can protect if want.  Barrens not alone with Arc here.  And Yelena stay Arc if want."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-30-15/1444:35>
Wed Dec 9th 14:42
@ Arc  You get a call from Merlin, >>I been searching for the prof in 'ta  astral. He be nowhere. I got word out I be lookin' fer 'im an he maybe in drek he cain't get out of. Prof's got a lotta respect around here. Howlers be on the hunt.<<

Wed Dec 9th 15:59
@ Marco  >>Marco sweetie it's Sophie. I'm in need of a little R&R and thought your little club and some quality time afterwards would be perfect. Think you can meet me this evening?<<
Sophie is a bit more controlling and self-centered than some of Marco's clients. But, her sheer physicality can make the time with her more fun than many, if not most of his other clients.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-30-15/1515:29>
@ Marco  >> I'll be there. And if you want to me to reply to your comm instantly you can buy me a comm. Some of us don't have fancy gadgets and clothes. I'll be there, but you're buying the drinks,<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-30-15/1739:41>
So... she is actually going to kill a person tonight. I should stop her but I can’t. I want to help but I can’t... I’ll just get her killed by overthinking it. She have done it so many times before... she thinks it is okay. Devil is not here to kill people, even devil has a role in the world. There is just one god and killing is wrong. I am a sinner for helping her do this atrocity. I am a blind, not just to the astral but to life itself. Just being with Yelena is against what I am.

That sound of death... it is terrible it tears apart the mana . Every time she kills she destroys a small part of our world. Opening it to dangerous spirits, and creatures we have no idea what they are and how dangerous they are. I should strike her down... mentally manipulate her. Trick her into being a cat and keep her like this for a day or two until I really have to sleep. But no... I did nothing of these things... I wished her luck, and said I'll summon a spirit.

Oh crap... I guess I’ll be okay as long as I never die. Tought Marco... now that’s going to be easy with these life. I’ll just burn it is inevitable even my ‘good’ is greyish full of moral compromises. Not one man is without sin what is the point really... no matter what I do I come to that inevitable violent death and judgement after. At least have some fun in the process.

He drives to Phoenix’s boat. It was Sam’s but the old guy seemed to have made it his lab and home. Sam did not seem to mind much... not right now. Beside he is a government agent that is as worse as it get... it means he can just jail Marco or something. Especially when they are walking around making drugs... 

“Hey Phoenix... I am here to take just a bit of the stuff. I am going to meet that contact of mine for lunch.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <06-30-15/1959:24>
"Very well.." he says. Sometime between when he finished making the stuff and now, perhaps earlier, inspired by the actions of Marco from the night before, he went out and got small glass bottles from the hobbiest store. With that, some tinsle and a waxed cork, he was able to finish the small potions of unicorn blood, even wrote out the instructions in on a bit of an electronic paper. The entire thing was very upper crust looking. "These shouldn't sell for less than five hundred to a thousand nuyen each, so you know. I think that is around some of the street drugs out there, and more importantly, its less about the drug and more of the prestige. People should feel like they are getting something that only those living in fancy mansions ever get... even if the chemical compounds are a bit weaker for the effects. I'll research more."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-30-15/2036:09>
In what would likely be a surprise for the keeb, Arc seemed to have a wistful look as she waited a moment to answer, taking in their surroundings at Yelena's warnings of their work not mixing well with society.  "Like I said, you ain't gon' get rid of me that easy, Srui.  I got no choice though.  I'm gonna have to make both worlds work.  I know NineLives is club dude.  Null sweat, omae, we weren't that close as kids.  Danger we can handle too, we kinda proved that, heh?"  She grinned, easing back on the bench.  "All I'm saying is I'm behind you, girly.  Even if I'm not physically there, I'm behind ya....huh?"

[color]>> Arc...  That's actually very interesting... care to do some shopping? We need to make some surprises. For Y, tell her nothing. [/color]
>> Arc is Marco about rabbits... everybody get laid... if the temptation is big enough men become stupid. Me included.
Wed Dec 9th 14:42
@ Arc  You get a call from Merlin, >>I been searching for the prof in 'ta  astral. He be nowhere. I got word out I be lookin' fer 'im an he maybe in drek he cain't get out of. Prof's got a lotta respect around here. Howlers be on the hunt.<<

Musta been a lag spike...fraaag...  Chuckling and leaning forward, Arc ran her hands through her hair as she calmed and steadied herself, processing everything one at a time.  "...frag it, I need more hours in a day, heh...remember that mojo trog Merlin what got Feathers as a teach? Guess he got tired of waiting on my word and is putting the word out to find him.  Could be a disaster...or a good distraction to take eyes off of us.  Howler I was, but anyone who's anyone knows I ain't got no love ties no more.  Here, I'mma give him a warning."  Hastily pulling up her raideress persona, the human fired back replies.

<<Marco, Arc.  Shopping?  Huh?  I got, like, 1-2 hours tops before my thing, and then prepping for that other thing tonight.  Likely can't pick you up, but maybe meet somewhere?  Iunno.>>

<<Merlin, Arc.  Howlers be on the hunt, but pad lightly.  Yadunno who the real pred is, omae.  This could be bigger than what pack could 'ken, ya heard?  I get a lead you can jump on, I howl for ya, wiz?>>

"Third time in two months I've talked with Howlers...something's weird in the verse, dig?"  She chuckled, nudging Yelena before checking the time.  "Thanks for comin'.  Wanted to clear that out face to face without the cold words of Trix to read through.  You'll be fine, Srui, we got ya, wiz?  Go get ready, I gotta run out in the general direction of my meetup.  You don't hear from me by 21:00, get worried, aight?"  With a stand and a hug, Arc nodded up to the elf before walking back to her car, hopping into the driver's seat and pulling out into the road, waiting for responses and using the time to clear her head, namely the revelations of the kind of life she was setting herself up for...vruken and mechanic by day, runner by night....
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-01-15/0114:48>
Marco replied: "They look amazing... but remember we are only doing a pilot... I have no dealer than can sell drugs for upscale customers just yet, but once Yelena is with her contact I am sure we can have some fun, and start one nasty rumor. I can also try and crush one of the after parties.”

>>Arc - just give me a location of where you are I'll be with you very shortly.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-01-15/0148:13>
Yelena lets Arc go with a smile and a nod.  She remains on the bench for a while, observing the young people doing their boarding and just growing up.  Even in a place like the Barrens there was a place for people to do things like this, even if they had to take advantage of broken homes and rubble.  But the fact was that they did take advantage of what they had and made something useful out of it.  Yelena let a few tears course down her cheeks as she considered her own youth.  Her very earliest memories were vague and she is not sure that she has not made them up.  What she does remember is the years in Camp 14 and watching people die around her just because they were different.  UGE different.  Those experiences started her on the life she has led ever since.  An almost impossibly strong will to survive and the skills she developed to do that allowed her to survive and even flourish in the shadows.  She really doubts that Marco will ever truly understand what the shadows are, what they mean to those that live in them; that do more than survive in them. 

Her reveries are interrupted when she notices two young men first looking at her then walking in her direction.  Her senses quickly focus on the boys, and her automatic scan lets her know that they are not obviously armed with anything more than their skateboards.  They both appear to be in their early to mid teens; one is fair and the other darker.  Neither is well dressed for the weather but they do not seem to notice.  One of the boys is carrying two boards.  Yelena wipes her face and smiles as the pair come up.  "Good afternoon.  Am Yelena.  What do for you?"

The boys look at each other then back to the Keeb before one of them says while pointing at the other, "I am Z and this is Spurt.  We saw ya sittin here all alone and thought ya might be wantin to do some boardin.  Got a extra one.  If ya like."

Yelena looks at the boys and is about to tell them to push off when something clicked inside her.  "Yelena like but never done before.  Z and Spurt can show?"

The boys laugh and reply.  "That's what I been sayin.  Come on; we show basics and try no to get you hurt.  Too much."

Yelena laughs a very girlish laugh.  It is so surprising that she registers that she has probably never laughed quite like that before.  She slips off the bench and lets the boys lead her into the park.  They quickly introduce her to various street urchins.  Some with boards and others taking turns and sharing one.  Yelena melds almost seamlessly into the group as they teach her the basics of the sport.  Almost seamlessly.......she seems to spend more time picking herself off the ground than even the youngest of the small group of kids with names like Blunt and Kiss and Terabyte.  None of them have anything remotely approaching good equipment and safety gear is only a passing thought, yet they are all having fun.  And Yelena has fun.  More fun than she would have thought she would have. 

Yelena notes a small truck pull up near one of the entrances of the skate park.  It has large letters on the outside that proclaim in rainbow hues that the truck is the home of "Quick Burger - The Best Original Soy In The World".  The truck is quickly mobbed by several other kids and does a thriving business for a few minutes.  Several of the kids with her look longingly at the truck and some turn to look at Z, who is the obvious leader here.  The boy puts his hands in his pockets and pulls out lint.  "Sorry guys.  No can do today." 

Yelena looks at the group and moves closer to Z.  She barely nods her chin in the direction of the truck.  "So Z not talk about fee for board lessons.  What Yelena owe?"

Z might only be about fifteen, but his mind is sharp.  He shrugs as he replies.  "Don't know for sure.  Maybe we could stick ya with dinner.  At the truck."

Yelena and her group move to the truck and wait in line with the other kids.  There is a good bit of jeering and playful taunting between the groups, but nothing more than words and laughter and jeering.  Yelena looks through the open window of the truck and sees a middle-aged human woman taking the orders and passing them back to a younger version of herself who appears to be the cook.  The aroma of the warm food is enticing on this cold day, even though it is clearly soy.  Yelena notes the prices on the small board over the open window and is surprised to see that everything is priced quite low.  Eventually, she and Z get to the window and the woman looks at Z with knowing eyes.  "Sorry, Z, got no extras to pass out today.  Maybe tomorrow."

Z looks at Yelena, who nods slightly, then back at the woman.  "Null sweat, Gilds.  Been givin lessons to this Keeb and she gonna pay."

The woman looks closely at Yelena and says, "That true?"  Yelena nods and pulls a cred stick from her pocket.  The kids around her gape in wonder and even the woman's eyes get a bit wider.  Apparently cred sticks are not too common here.  Yelena offers the stick to the woman, who dusts off an old reader and slots the stick.  Her eyes widen just a bit as she turns to Z and nods.  "Place your orders, Z, but be careful."  Z and the others crowd around and start ordering wildly until Z gets control and puts them in line.  he manages to keep the orders to a minimal level but Yelena notes that the woman adds a bit of something extra to each plate as she passes them out the window.  Soon, all of the kids have plates of food and wander off to a set of tables to eat.  Z is the last and he nods his thanks to Yelena and Gilds as he joins his friends.  Yelena gets a plate of food and the woman looks at her as she deducts the amount owed from the stick.  Yelena holds up a hand.  "Yelena see what woman do with food.  And see other sign with much more prices.  Charge others and pay for food to give here?" 

The woman smiles and nods.  "Guilty as charged.  Smart Keeb.  You don't let the dandelions grow on you much, do you?  Some days are better than others.  Not make too much today.  It hurts to see them kids go hungry, but Gilds cannot feed all of em, you hear? 

Yelena nods and hands the cred stick back to the woman.  "Woman keep.  Buy food.  Feed kids."

The woman in the truck hesitates then takes the stick.  "Why are you doing this?  Kids ain't got nothing to give for it."

Yelena smiles and says, "Kids have life to give.  Maybe warm food does good for them.  maybe Yelena sad she not do more, like truck woman does."

The human grips Yelena's hand and thanks her.  Suddenly, her face goes hard and she nods in the direction of the road.  "Bad news coming, dearie.  Best just take kids and leave.  Gilds has stayed too long."  She calls to the man at the oven to start packing up as Yelena turns to see what the woman was talking about.  She sees a fancy car with a sleek design pull into the parking lot.  It moves to where it blocks the way out, trapping the truck.  Three men climb out.  Two are obviously muscle, and the third is the boss.  He is dressed in a nice black suit of expensive material and carrying a smart briefcase.  He moves to one of the tables with his guards and sets the case down on it.  He tips his sunglasses back on his forehead as he opens the case.  Looking around, his eyes scan the people in the area, skimming past Yelena but focusing on the truck.  He nods his head at one of the goons, who walks toward the truck while placing a hand inside his jacket. 

Yelena classes the goons as low-grade thugs as she watches them move The second goon does not even take up his partner's spot in covering his boss.  The fancy-man calls out to the kids, "OK.  Brother is here with the goods.  Who wants some.  I feel kind today and the prices are as cheap as they will ever be.  Step up and pick what you want and we can make a deal."  He looks back at Yelena and adds, "C'mon sister.  For you I can make all kinds of deals.  What'll you have?"

Yelena hears Z muttering.  "Don't fragging listen him.  His junk is tapped and cut.  Treats his girls bad, too.  Stay away from him, hear me?"

Yelena smiles at Z and says, "Sorry.  Yelena do what she needs."  She smiles at the fancy man and walks toward him, swaying her hips as she goes.  She knows that his eyes are on her as she approaches him.  The thug to his right instinctively knows something is out of place but his reaction is far too slow.  Yelena snakes her hand into his open jacket and takes his pistol from the holster under his arm.  Before he can blink twice, she pistol whips him hard enough to crumple him to the ground.  Her hand moves quickly and the fancy man is laying on the ground next to his goon before he can even utter a word.  The second goon hears the bodies fall and turns, his hand reaching for his gun.  He freezes as he sees Yelena standing over his boss and the first thug, the pistol in her hand aimed directly at him.  Calculating his chances of beating Yelena to be worse than zero, he carefully removes his hand from his jacket and holds both arms in the air.

Yelena motions him to approach and the man obeys, perhaps realizing that the woman with the gun knows what she is doing.  And perhaps he is just a coward..  The result is the same.  The man obeys Yelena's unspoken instructions to carefully remove his gun and hand it to her.  He sits on the ground when she motions for him to do so.  Yelena looks at Z and says.  "Z listen careful.  Take keys to car and open back.  Bring all cases here that find."

Z looks at Yelena but obeys.  He finds four more fancy briefcases in the trunk of the car and brings them to the table near Yelena.  She has the boy open the cases and looks inside.  Packets of powder and capsules fill the cases.  Yelena talks to Z without taking her eyes off the men on the ground.  "Z.  Go truck.  Ask if have fluid for fires and match."

Z nods and runs to the truck where Gilds and the cook have emerged to watch.  After a brief discussion, the cook gets something from the truck and hands it to the boy, who brings the items to Yelena.  She nods and instructs him to pour the lighter fluid on the cases and then light it.  The resultant fire sends clouds of flaming drugs into the air, but the wind quickly disperses the fumes.  The groups of kids all gather around and watch what is happening.  The fancy man struggles awake and screams at Yelena when he realizes that his stash is going up in flames.

"You fragging bitch!  You do not know what drek you are in now!  You do not know who you are messing with, do you?!  You will pay.  I will gut you like a fish and slot you when you are dead..........."

The blast from the gun in Yelena's hand drowns out the man's yells, which quickly turn into screams of agony as he realizes that he has just been shot in the leg.  For a second he manages to stand then reality and shock set in and he crumples to the ground, his arms wrapped about his shattered knee.  Yelena shifts her aim to the thugs, but they seem to have no desire to be stupid in the face of a woman who seems to know her way around the business end of a gun.  She motions for them to stand up, saying, "First choice.  Can take boss to healing place and have to admit are incompetent.  Boss's boss not like that.  Maybe blame guards.  Guards might survive torture then be killed anyway."  The two goons look at each other and Yelena can tell that she has hit the mark.  They turn pale and one licks his lips, but is interrupted before he can say anything.  "Second choice.  Put boss in car and drive to remote place.  Kill fancy man and leave body.  Take fancy car and man's cred sticks and go somewhere.  Go anywhere."  She pauses long enough for that concept to sink in.  "Third choice.  Stay here and Yelena kill"  Yelena shrugs.  "Choice seems easy to Yelena."

Yelena lifts the barrel of the gun a bit and that seems to galvanize the thugs.  They grab the still screaming would-be drug dealer and throw him unceremoniously into the trunk.  One reaches down into the trunk with his meaty hands and the screaming dies off quickly.  The other gives a cry if triumph and holds up a couple of cred sticks.  They doo not bother to look back at Yelena as they speed out of the lot.

Yelena picks up the second gun and quickly dismantles both of them, putting the various parts in her pockets.  She realizes that the kids as well as the truck woman and cook are watching her.  She stands and turns to Z.  "Yelena thank Z for lesson.  Be back again for more someday.  Z remember?"  As the boy nods in awe, Yelena turns to the truck woman and smiles.  She leaves without saying another word.  When she is almost out of the skate park, she hears steps behind her.  Turning, she spots Z running up.  The boy smiles and holds out his hand.  "Name is Carl.  Is yours really Yelena?"  When Yelena nods, he adds, Carl and Z never forget Yelena.  Thank you.  That was fragging drek back there.  Come back any time, ya hear me."

With that he turns and runs back towards the group still standing around the table that bears the remains of the drugs.  Several of the others wave to Yelena, who waves back before turning and heading for the parking lot and her bike.  She smiles all the way home and when she crawls into bed, even the ghosts do not disturb her sleep.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-01-15/0324:26>
Jed contemplates his meeting with Marco.  They all seemed to want to help keep Yelena alive.  He lies down in his circle, meditates for a moment, and then once again separates his true self from his shell.  He takes his time on the way to Marcos, enjoying the time existing here.  As he arrives at Marco's place, and approaches, he considers Marco's reputation and hopes that Marco will be alone.  As he presses forward into the living room, he doesn't see Marco.  Well, I'm not going into the bedroom.   He takes a moment to view the room.  At least, as well as he can from this side of the veil.  Hopefully, Marco will come in soon...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-01-15/0333:23>
11:30 - Marco's apartment
Jed catches Marco as he get dressed, with his Sam outfit.  He leaves the bedroom and heads for the living room... waiting for a little bit knowing that texting won't do him any good. He seems a bit in a hurry but he waits patiently. 

In the meantime Marco listens to some soft Jazz music as the terror of the feat Yelena is planning to pull out begins to take its effect on his emotions. The beautiful and full of emotions soft music calm is mind and seems to be combating the effect.

Marco uses a low level illusion magic for entertainment, making his room appears like a farm house, with two children playing with dolls. " I must remember... what happens next?" he thinks.
[spoiler]
I took Marco outside so let's assume that this conversation happened before Marco left for Ambrose.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-01-15/0336:19>
Jed manifests himself near the door. Marco...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-01-15/0347:37>
“Oh... ! Come in... “ Say Marco and stand up as a sign of politeness he has no idea if there is any etiquette for astral visitors as he does not know many other mages.  "This is my humble abode." He say as he breaks concentration the the illusion disappears.

"I wanted to speak with you about Yelena "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-01-15/0356:26>
You look like your are headed somewhere, so I won't keep you too long.  How can we best help Yelena?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-01-15/0359:26>
"Unlike Yelena we are no killers... let's not pretend we are. That house is her own problem... getting in doing the kill. Succeed or fail should not be our concern... Our attention should be outside of the house to make sure that she get away safely. If she get herself killed doing the deed - it was her call... she made peace with that way of life long ago."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-01-15/0410:14>
Jed considers Marcos point for a moment.  Astral overwatch is what he signed up for.  To him, that meant watching her.  Watching her target.  Making sure that there were no astral surprises from him. He pauses, trying to articulate his reluctance to accept Marco's method.  I told her I would be on overwatch.  I'd rather be close by...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-01-15/0414:15>
"Our eyes should be on interference outside of the house... Data dancer, or anyone else sent to finish the job... and on getting her out afterwards...
The one thing that can help us a lot is if we can come up with some deep-weed before the mission. if that guy is dual natured - I know how to hack into his brain without being there. If that guy has any slim hope of surviving it is because of what he knows be precious enough for Yelena to give up the kill."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-01-15/0417:15>
I should be able to get some deepweed, but I'm low on cash.  I've got enough for one dose.  Do we need more than that?  It's usually about ¥400 a dose.

Jed still can't let go of his worry that Yelena is going in alone.  This job seemed stacked against her.  How could they even the odds from outside?  His hesitation shows... But I'm worried that he will be a magical threat to her
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-01-15/0423:27>
"Look at my aura... I am not saying it from lack of affection. Magical threat or not, if she arrvies in his house with assassination in her mind... she should be prepared to handle anything from inside the house. The house is well warded and he is a powerful man... I am not sure how much involved we can be. Triggering the wards might alert the mage that did them. Endangering Yelena even more. I thought about it already it seems to put her in more danger than she is without our help. If I was in the warding biz, I had a small army of spirits for the special cases when someone is foolish enough to trigger my wards. Expect nothing less from this guy"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-01-15/0426:38>
ok.  I can see your point.  Jed feels his chest tighten.  This is too much like before. Watching from the Astral, as someone else faces the danger.   He is feeling anxious, but Marco seems so confident. 

He also stl can't shake his concern that the are carrying out a gang hit while they may be under surveillance by a government agency.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-01-15/0431:22>
"We give Yelena the deep-weed and explain how to administer it. The astral is great for spotting living things... if anything unusual happens outside the house we should have powerful spirits to interfere and a getaway car for Yelena. These are the best conditions we could get for her."


Hovering over the house of a magically active person like a bird is not a safe play and will put Yelena in danger. Her being mundane is her defense, she will draw less attention to herself.  Intervention should be powerful but subtle. Marco is willing to give Yelena a fair fighting chance but - inside that house she is alone with J and her mark.

"Oh and one last thing... I think Yelena might have already asked you... but just in case their plan is to double cross her, if your matrix guy can still open his eyes. The opportunity for touching the data in that place might be more exciting for him than any amount of money we can pay him. He might also improves our odds. Imagine... data that gets you killed - data that powerful entities desires...
Not all treasure is silver and gold...  he may want to hop on board with matrix overwatch for his own interests.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-01-15/1104:34>
He did a 36 hour run tracing Sams link for us.  I don't know if he wants to or not.  I sent the request and gave him Yelena's contact info. 

I'm going home to rest, and prepre myself for tonight. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-01-15/1111:22>
11:37 Marco's apartment
"Well... person should know the limits. If she gave some heads up we could have been better prepared. I really appreciate your help on this one.  Don't forget to meet her beforehand with the deep-weed"

12:41 Sam's boat
Marco loads some of the unicorn blood into a briefcase. Dresses out like Sam with Ambrose's help.
and heads out to the duckling to meet his contact. He is on a tight schedule and arrives 6 minutes late. Luckily, Fiesta is not part of the local traditions so in the noon traffic is very light, especially out of the center of town.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-01-15/1138:52>
Arc checked where she was on her map before sending a response to Marco.

<<Marco, Arc here.  Meet at the Mall, I guess?  After school rush hit, so it'll take some time.  Meet up around 16:00 or somethin?  Ill have an hour tops.

In truth, Arc was there as early as 15:00, but more often lately she was finding the paused to mentally refresh quite agreeable to her.  At least Jaime knows I'll likely be out next few days with work.  Don't want his hoop worrying over me, she thought idly with a smirk before pulling into a parking lot, killing the engine and just taking a puss with her eyes closed in the silence.

[Spoiler]short post due to short time.  More coming later, promise :)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-01-15/1152:40>
>> Arc... I'll be there.   
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-01-15/1615:03>
@ Yelena  it had angered her to see the dealer there with his thugs. It had infuriated her to see a woman who's only crime was helping feed a few kids be threatened. And when he'd pulled out the drugs she hadn't needs much of an excuse to kill him. She just hoped sending his goons off with the cred threw the trail of of her. She had enough problems right now. And burning the drugs had felt good too. But the smell and the nearness. She needed a hit. Frag did she ever need a hit.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-01-15/1751:28>
The Duckling, 13:06

The Duckling, established in 2001, was a restaurant dedicated to dishes with ducks. Unfortunately these became extremely rare over the years. Initially  there were good replacements. In 2015 they moved from ducks to bio engineered ducks however by  2030 the economy was so bad that they moved to soy. In the meanwhile as obesity became a disease and the human lifespan begun to shorten for the first time in over 100 years at 2036, they decided to move to virtual food.

Today at 2075, the duckling is offers empty rooms. Each participant receives a virtual reality helmet and engages in highly illegal but never enforced hot sim meal.  It is middle aged themed. Other than the participants there are 20 knights and a king. In The simulation it is always tuesday, july 1st 1515. Today is duck day.  The drinks are virtual the food is virtual but it is a lot better than actual food. It is not quite as good as BTL chips, but a lot of people that are already overweight prefer to eat at the duckling. The waitress, a ginger chubby orc girl, could be know to some as 'Linda Brown' a famous weather report girl from channel 7, that is known for her outrageous outfits that made her a world wide sensation.  Apparently she shot this awful duck trid before finding her true calling in life.

When Maroc arrives Cain (and Jhona the orc? ) is already there and he hook himself up and appears in the long table.

“We do not have much time... so here is the deal” Say Marco.
“I need you to squat a location close to this address...
There is a club over there I want a pair of eyes all the time... every car that enter not at party hours noted, car, also noted when leave . I need to know who their suppliers are and what people travel there. Just squat a building with a good view. No digital pictures or anything but remember the faces and the SINS they display, write down like with a real pen and paper. I also broguht you a notebook and a pen. I will pay for your lifestyle expenses and if you do a good job you’ll also get 500 nuyen extra. But the extra you only get once I get useful info. Got it?

About free drinks, feel free to drink, eat do whatever. We do not have much time - in 25 minutes there is a bar fight, and the fighting is real you can get hurt so we have to leave before that. Next time I’ll get you real drinks - but today I need to keep clear headed.
 
 I am leaving you two samples of unicorn blood. It is the kind of drugs cooperate managers use to relax. I am talking premium quality multi vector drug, there is inhale along with a pill and a creme. That stuff activates parts of your senses you never knew you had.

Show them to people to show that you are serious but do not use it yet, find me 5 horny couples for tomorrow that can pay at least 100 dollars per couple. It is not much, in cooperation managers pay 1k per one, but I want to create reputation and I doubt you know the crowd that pay 1k a shot.   Tomorrow is pilot - your share is 20 a piece. I also brought you a comlink, I want immediate reply when I text don't use for anything else. Don't mention job in comlink.”

Marco orders a drink and say “Cheers! Welcome to the big league, Cain.”
He spend drinking with them the next 20 minutes and verify that they are all out before the food fight begin... getting smashed by these virtual chairs really destroy the atmosphere of the place.

Once they are out he let Cain get the samples, one of his burner comlinks and a notebook and a pen.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-01-15/2152:10>
Wed, Dec 9th, 15:24

The Mall.  It's funny how, in a world where everything is available to you at the press of a virtual button via the 'Trix, a decrepit concept such as a shopping mall would not only survive, but more than thrive.  This conglomeration of shops, stalls, rest areas, parking structures, restaraunts, et cetera et cetera, collectively referred to as The Mall, originally was a simple large structure built up in the 2010's, lasting until a freak storm shook the entire fragging thing down to the foundation.  The businesses, not wanting to close up shop, simply built up from what remained, starting as a few tarp-covered shacks until the tradition took root and expanded.  Thanks to the population explosion of the Sixth World and the forming of the great sprawl known now as the Barrens, The Mall grew as well, now spanning well over six city blocks of built-from-scratch buildings, stalls and promenades.  Nowadays, it looks nothing like a rubble-strewn heap like when it was founded, the help of AR enhancement and corporate influence (The Big 10 all see a hub like this as good money) turning it into probably one of the nicest tourist traps the Barrens has to offer.

Oh, that's why a place like this be so popular...peeps still wanna talk to people, I guess  Arc couldn't help but muse as she locked up her Americar and strode along the walkway into the throng of the Mall, hands in her pockets as the hoodie-jacket combo staved off the chill.  A full hour, not really a whole lot I need right now, so I guess just some exercise...when's the last time i did that? huh...until Marco gets his hoop here   Whistling idly to herself, she felt relieved that at this hour the place wasn't a packed mob of chaos.  The school kids would be arriving soon, teens looking for cheep buys, trending fashion, and dates looking to potentially save a buck.  After that, the post-work rush would hit, the wageslaves getting their errands done before returning home to end the day and start the cycle all over again.  But for now, just those unemployeds or college students looking to pass the time, night workers, and nonworking parents toting their little ones around.  Just enough people to feel safe, but not enough to feel confined.

Arc glanced around, noting how perfect of a place this could be for a private meet-up, just walking through the promenades.  Everyone could be noticed and potential threats identified without much issue, and the potential for being listened in on was minimal.  Plus, with so many witnesses around, it would be difficult to make a clean hit if someone was out to get you.  She chuckled.  Frag, is this what goes through Yelena's head every time she goes somewhere?  Must be rubbing off on me..  Lost in thought, she perused through the various shops, ideas forming in her head of things to make, things to get.  At a tech store, she was fiddling with a catalog when an entry caught her eye.  Sleep regulator...those things exist?  Drek, if i hade one of those, running this day and night style thing might actually work, heh..  Pocketing a copy of the catalog entry, she stepped outside when a noise caught her ears, forcing the young woman to pause and turn her head to one side.

"M-mommy..."

Eyes flaring open, it didn't take too long to find the source: a little elf girl, likely no older than 3 or 4, tucked away between two buildings, sobbing uncontrollably.  Arc frowned, her eyebrows raised as her expression softened, adopting a less rigid stance as she looked around.  Noone was answering the little one's cries for help, content to push on with their own lives.   A few months ago, Arc might have done the same: when she was growing up and in tough spots, no one was there for her rescue, the girl having to fend for herself.  But this time...the short human felt she had to do something.  Stepping slowly, she approached the young keeb with her hands up, palms forward to show peaceful intent.  "Hoi hoi, , easy now...need to find your mommy?  Maybe I can help.  My name is Arc, what's yours?"  Adopting a smile, she pulled up her right jacket sleeve to expose her cyberarm.  The girl whimpered, backing away a little in fright as Arc put a finger to her lips.  "Shh, it's all good...just some help to find your mommy.  What does she look like?"

"...uhm...I'm Taleen...mommy is blond like me, short hair, got a green coat...please, how can we find mommy..ah!!"

Just then, Arc had flexed her cyberarm and loosed two of her Fly-Spys into the air, the little bug drones flitting through the air around them briefly before zooming up and away, the woman smiling reassuringly before offering her left hand.  "Come on...they're my friends.  They'll find your ma in no time."  Wordlessly, the tiny keeb nodded and grabbed hold, the human bringing her to her feet before rejoining the main promenade.  It may have been an odd sight--a short human lady leading a young elf girl by the hand--but Arc wasn't thinking of that, keeping Taleen calm with encouraging words while she focused on the camera feeds, scanning each person visible in the Mall as fast as she could.  After about five minutes or so, she found her mark: a taller elf woman with a frantic look on her face asking anyone who would listen for help...which sadly was very few others.  "Bingo.  This way.....hey, miss!  miss!  This what you're looking for?"  The keeb's eyes flared open as she saw her daughter, sprinting like the wind to her and sweeping her up in a tight embrace, sobbing with relief.

"Oh Taleen, I was looking everywhere for you!  Th-thank you, miss, you are so kind...hey...I know you.  You were part of that group that handled the Smiley killer, right?  Thank you for that too...my husband was one of the earlier victims of that thing.  A wagemage that got curious, thought he could handle it..."  One look from Arc could see that, by the harried look the keeb carried herself with and the slightly gaunt features, this family was indeed struggling.  "Thanks to that fund the one guy set up...Feathers was it?...we've been doing okay.  The Barrens is in your debt for that."

The human girl smiled, drones returning to their resting places in her arm before she pulled her sleeve back down.  "Someone had to do it.  As for bringing your dau back to you, it was nothing.  She was hella brave, like her pa it seems.  How about some ice cream to go with it huh?  My treat"  The mother was in awe, but wordlessly smiled and graciously accepted the offer, letting the human take them to an ice cream stand for a cone each.  They didn't stay long after, the mother and daughter needing to finish their errands and return home before it got too late.

Arc felt a bit of a glow of pride in her cheeks as she walked onward through the Mall with some swagger to her hips.  Good deeds...maybe I'm fragged in this world of day or night, but I made two people's days better.  Makes up for this drek I'm gonna be doing so what the hell...  Checking her time again, she saw it was nearing 16:00.  Now where the hell is Marco...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-01-15/2312:18>
@ Ambrose  You hear an automated voice say, >>Blake is here.<< And an orc steps onto the vessel a few moments later.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-01-15/2333:49>
Ambrose was clearly not expecting anyone to suddenly show up and com aboard. His wet nudity was quite proof of that. The old man had a towel around his shoulders as he hears the announcement of someone coming aboard.

various scars dot parts of his body, places where he didn't quite get away from the explosions he used, though not a spec of cyberware, most of his wounds were healed through magic, or not soul destroying methods.

He wasn't going to just hide from this guy coming down, as slipping in the closet of someone who's a jumpy CIA agent is more likely to get you shot than being an old naked man. Instead, he threw a towel over the cases of drugs, being a rather good bomb maker, he usuallly cleans up.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-01-15/2342:01>
Blake's wearing the same "look" he has whenever he comes to one of Sam's haunts. Per Sam's request of course. Something about making it easier to recognize the orc. Blake just shrugged and did as he was asked. Might as well make the boss happy. For now he's a middle-aged orc dressed in a pair of jeans and a polo covered with a light jacket. Nothing that would really look out of place at the Marina. He wore his hair in a long ponytail of black hair that went just past his collar.  He wore a pair of shades that matched the latest craze from the Kombatmage series. Kinda looks like a wageslave, middle management douche really.

He steps onto the boat and says with a raised voice, not screaming but enough that anyone inside the yacht could here him. "Hey man, where you hiding?"

He walks onto the boat like he's been there before at least once.  He raises his left hand. The jingle of bottles fills the air "I brought the beer."

He passes through the door only to come face to face with a naked old man in a towel. With a surprised look on his face and a hand starting to move inside the jacket toward the back waistbacd of his jeans the orc at the man,

"And just who the hell are you?"
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-01-15/2354:26>
"Getting the beer I assume?" says the old man. "Phoenix is my name. And now, lets not be hasty here. Did Mr. M send you? Come, I can cook you something."

He turns slightly moving towards the kitchen. "Its been a while since I drank."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-02-15/0002:55>
Blake nods and hands over the beer. Acting like this was nothing strange and he knew exactly what was going on. He thought he might as well figure out what was going on before he finally found Stewart at least. This old geezer may be an associate, or he may just be a squatter. He'd play along and figure it out quickly enough.

"Yeah he sent me to check up on you, see how things were going. Figured I'd bring the beer and enjoy the day on the yacht while I was at it."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-02-15/0012:27>
"Well then, that was good at least. Things are currently progressing." He keeps things rather vague as he attempts to figure out whas was going on with this Ork. He didn't have anything on that he could use to message Marco. He was caught with his pants down.. err.. Not on. Moving into the kitchen he takes the beer and begins rifling through some of the food he could use for a meal for the two.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-02-15/0026:06>
Blake follows along. While Phoenix is busy looking through the fridge and the cabinets gathering things for a meal, Blake slips off his jacket and tosses it across a stool. He then takes a stool himself putting the kitchen island between the too.

"So Pheonix, you wouldn't get put up in this place unless you had something to offer. What do you bring to the table?"  

Blake figured he might as well not play too long, he had to get back to the job at hand. He just had to find Stewart so he could drop off the information. But to do that he had to figure out what was going on here.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-02-15/0045:28>
"I'm the one who cooks." is his simple response. The knives and tools he pulls out to prepare the food, he never brandishes as weapon, or even appears like has even the slightest bit of skill handling like one. It wouldn't be too long until a simple, quick dish is offered to the island for the two to eat.

[spoiler]
Cooking (http://orokos.com/roll/305507): 11d6t5 4

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-02-15/0106:15>
Blake just sits and enjoys the meal. It's actually quite good. The whole time his mind is trying to solve the puzzle that he's been confronted with. Stewart's gone and the only lead Blake has is some naked old guy in a towel in the kitchen of Stewart's yacht.

The Raven, Blake's mentor spirit, perches on the unopened beers that sit on the island between the two. "Ornery old coot ain't he. How you gonna handle this?" The raven ruffles his feathers.

Blake just keeps his eyes on the old man and waits. Something will present itself. Blake thinks as a response to the bird. All the while he just sits and eats staying quiet.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-02-15/0121:07>
From the boat Marco moves on to Jimmy's, he buys a couple of things he deems helpful for the gig. From there he rushes to the mall.
“I totally could use some new clothes and a new set of shoes... and Yelena is going to kill someone... yeah that...  seems like everything I do today I can not shake that thought”

>>Arc it’s Marco - this place is huge mind giving me a hand how to find you?

He looks a bit embarrassed at the massive number of shops and people. Way too many to judge their intentions so many of them, most seem to be going places doing stuff... but there was this guy.

A dark haird guy... Marco remembered him from the club. Marco wanted to wave at him and go introduce himself but no... he was dressed as Sam Webster and could not just step out of character hoping to get laid. This lifestyle of masks had its limitations... Marco could feel the hunger growing inside of him. He did not know how to contain his concern and really hoped it would all just be over... being serious and responsible for such a long time... he really need to release some of that tension. Maybe after the meetup with Arc he’ll look for some date.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-02-15/0622:15>
@ Blake  >>Search of the comms ShadowClaw had issued has been negative. They made a few comms that night and then went silent. One was used to trace back to source. Decker was able to hide trail, still searching, if he uses it again we'll have him. I've only got one more known location for him after you check the yacht. Although I still believe that if he was at one of his safe houses he'd have checked in. Report in when your done.<< Stewart had only just introduced ShadowSong to you when you'd started this job. Said he'd needed you to know someone you could talk to at all times on this one. Which was a first. It told you that he was trusting you with a more dangerous job than he'd ever given you. But he'd also said that he'd have to be off comm and completely incommunicado sometimes for this job. Which told Blake that Stewarts job was also more dangerous on this one. ShadowSong had been with Stewart a long while. Blake knew that because each of them did and said things that included how the other one would think and then act in things. And when Stewart, ShadowClaw had disappeared, ShadowSong knew it, and had started sending Blake to known haunts to be thorough. Just in case he'd been able to get to a safe house, but had been to injured to do more. And now here was this old geezer, who might be Stewart putting him on, he'd done that before. But . . . . . . . . . something about him just didn't feel like him.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-02-15/1012:27>
Wed, Dec 9th, 16:01

Arc straightened up a bit and paused as Marco's message flashed in front of her vision, her lips curling into a smirk.  Of all the connections and the well-to-dos, surprised Marco isn't well-acquainted with this place.  Guess ya learn something every day huh?  Chuckling silently to herself, she fired a message back to him

<<Marco, Arc.  I'm on the east end.  Meet me outside the Here Thar Be Giants...that clothing store catering to trolls.  It's across from a pizza parlor>>

Upon sending that message, the human waited outside on a bench, hands in her jacket pockets as she passed the time with humming quietly.   When Marco arrived, she would stand up and give a nod to him, head tilted a bit.   "So, what's the deal?  You said you wanted to shop for Yelena or somethin'?  What are we looking for?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-02-15/1235:49>
Jed left Marco's place and took his time headed home.  Time.  He had more of it here.  Studies had been made into the difference in the flow of time from the Astral World and our Physical World.  Consequently it was a great place to be when you had to think something through. 

He had committed to Yelena that he would help.  He hated the idea that he may be participating in something that might stifle man's understanding of anything related to magic.  Maybe he should research Snowden's company.  Maybe Snowden was just creating things for rich people.  Maybe Jed could do something to get that information into the hands of someone a little more sharing.

His motivation for agreeing was to keep Yelena safe.  He couldn't undo the past, but maybe he could atone for it, and find a way to forgive himself.  He wasn't sure about Marco's plan, but he didn't have one of his own, so better to cooperate with someone else.  If only he had a way to assense Snowden's aura, to know if the wards were his or not.  Sigh.  Time to get back to work.

Jed returned home and pulled up the Seattle Times on his link.  Flipping to the classifieds, he began looking for the Keegan's add.  He knew they dealt in many things, including drugs.  He just wasn't sure they dealt in something niche like Deepweed.  He looked through the classifieds twice before seeing the add.  He must be getting tired.  There it was.  "Irish Setters for sale, no papers.  Call for more info."  It was the "Irish" tag that was the clue, although they usually were more subtle. Jed made the call.  After the voice on the other end greeted him, he said I saw your add for the setters, but I was curious if you had any shillelaghs for sale?  That was the code to let them know he was a customer.  After getting the Keegan's location he decided to travel there astrally.  He hadn't done that before.  He'd need to handle it right. 

Jed manifested near the street, making sure to manifest for Quinn, Connor, and all his crew.  He approached Quinn first, as was protocol.  Quinn always made sure clients weren't wearing wires or anything.  Quinn scowled as he approached.  Jed noted a couple of Quinn's tough guys stepping forward and noted from their aura's that they were adepts.  Ah,  that made sense.  His respect for Quinn and his level of preparedness went up a notch. 

G'day Quinn. I need to check to see if you have what I need.  I'm getting too old to waddle down here if I'm not sure you have what I'm looking for. 

Quinn scowled.  There wasn't any reason that this shouldn't be ok.  Jed had a feeling that mages usually talked to Quinn first before visiting like this.  Quinn looked over to one of his adepts.  Jed saw the man scrutinizing him a moment, then he nodded. Jed realized that the adept was assensing to make sure of his identity, then watched as he scanned the surrounding area, likely checking for spirits.  The two adepts walked over and flanked Jed.  The first adept addressed Jed:  "We usually discuss protocol with a mage before allowing a meeting like this."  Interesting, there were other mages who chose to meet this way.  The adept continued "So lets just say if you make a move that upsets me, your gonna wish you hadn't."  Fair enough.

Jed approached Connor, flanked by the two adepts.  Jed noted that they were carrying clubs, and seeing the aura around them, he realized they were foci.  Connor motioned him forward.  "Top of the morning to you Jed, how do ye fare this foine day?"

I'm well Connor, how are you?  I need something unusual, and I don't know if you have it.  A friend of mine is wanting some deepweed.  If you don't have it, can you direct me to someone who does? 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-02-15/1330:15>
Blake was just finishing up the meal when the comm rang. He wasn't wearing his trodes or anything so he just reached in his pocket and read form the comm's screen. He kept his moves casual but he did try to keep the screen at an angle that Phoenix couldn't read it. He types back.

<<@shadowsong: From Blake. Yacht has a guest. Check the last 4 days security of this place. May have a lead to Shadowclaw. How should I proceed. Is the man a hostile or known associate?>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-02-15/1355:46>
With a bit of a struggle and a bit of a big boy in the city feel Marco finally finds Arc and greets her warmly. (he is still in the Sam Webster look) but Arc had already seen that look: He say:... “Arc, this is so good to see you...  I planned on getting new shoes but an hour will not be enough for that,I bet you could also use a few things. Maybe some other time when we’re more free.

Thanks for meeting me tough... How do you feel about some coffee ?, I knew we’ll be short on time so I bought a some equipment. Will you be around when the deed is done? “

They walk a little bit in the mall until they find a nice place to sit in, Marco will let Arc pick up the place as she is local.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-02-15/1409:07>
A brief eyebrow raised at Marco's look, Arc couldn't help but chuckled a little, shifting her synthleather jacket a bit on her shoulders.  "Tch...if I didn't know better, I'd say you wanted to take this hoop's place, amiright?"  Smirking, she gave a little wink and nodded at the plan, wordlessly turning and leading them down a few rows to a local soycaf shop.  Nothing special, but the ARO advertised the whole "made from scratch" bull's drek, and it wasn't badly priced.  Ordering a couple for the two of them, she paid and handed the steaming cup to Marco.

"Equipment huh?  Yeah, that works for me.  After this drek is over we will have to see.  I need to pull my weight more a bit, but you know that, so I's gon' be meeting up for a job tonight before the drek goes down.  We'll see how free I am after, ya heard?"

She tiled her head a bit as she looked at him.  "Yo...you more distracted than usual...whassup?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-02-15/1431:20>
“That guy... well we started heavy flirting in the club yesterday and then I had something pops out. Ï looked completely different though... so I can’t approach him. Check up that unshaven look... grrr...never-mind... “

He smiles at Arc with a naughty look.
Marco then sighs.
“Oh... I see so it seems like we’re all super busy... me and phoenix also got our hands full as you know.  I’ll try to keep an eye for you, just buzz me if you need anything... be safe over there. I will pray for you. “

For most people, praying is a joke - but being awakened and talking to demons Marco actually take praying very seriously and genuinely believes that it affects the world.

“I got some micro cameras and microphones, and stealth tags.  I’ll have a few silent Icons mysteriously appear... maybe keep the appearance that we have a decker on site and make sure that double D girl behaves. I am not sure that we got our own decker for this gig, but I feel that we should be looking outside the house, so we can give Yelena an heads up if someone is trying to double cross her after the job. If we can’t look inside the house - so can’t anyone else this is why it is perfect.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-02-15/1812:34>
[spoiler]Cooperative posting brought to you by SgtBoomCloud and gilga[/spoiler]

Arc raised a bit of a brow at the man's comment on Yelena's suspicious Decker and the odd choice of nomenclature, smirking a little.  "How do you know she got double..oh right.  Forget it, heh". Sighing, the human girl sipped at her coffee and nodded her head.

"That plan is pretty sound.  Even better when you throw in what I got.  Between the car and my three Fly-Spys, ain't no one getting within half a kilo of the place without me knowing.  I just can't get close and I'm thinking your tricks won't be either.  They got summers ok that thing tighter than a slot fresh outta high school ya feel me?"

She smirked a bit, glancing at the man Marco was referencing, tilting her head a bit.  "Not bad.  You could do worse if you swing that way, hehe."

Marco laugh - “You already know I have terrible taste with people... I am dating an assassin and am associating myself with dangerous criminals... You are not so bad though... never understood how you got into this kind of shadowy work yourself. As you have a honest job and everything.”

Arc gave a laugh as well, sipping her coffee, the shorter human glancing up at the elf. "It's the Barrens buddy. Can't go three blocks without passing by someone that's done drek.  You do what you gotta to survive, that's a fact.  I became the person you know today, the garage, everything, because I had to do pots of drek to by my freedom.  I won't tell ya, but I gotta feeling that your girl..my blood sister..isn't bad.  You know that already though..."

She smirked a little as she walked down the promenade, just strolling.  "It ain't much, but this place is my home.  The shadows are part of it, and I don't mind.  Hell, can you imagine me like some high class socialite, thin and high fashion, working for some Corp and gossiping to all frag hell?  Well, if things didn't go the way they did and land me in the Howlers, that's what woulda happened...and I wouldn't know any of y'all for it". She took a breath, blushing a bit as to how much she talked about herself.


Well... corporate life are not so bad. Some of my clients work for them and they get to enjoy me.” Marco laughs trying to make Arc feels more comfortable in his company.  Something about Arc makes the horror of the deed a bit less threatening the way she casually describe how the barrens are and how it is normal to be dirty. Yelena is almost... normal in the Barrens.... almost though.
 “I never saw you as the risk taking - adrenaline junkie. Then again, all this drek seems normal to you so I do not know. Yes I can imagine you learning more and more and over the years becoming one of the best mechanics the corp has to offer. You are brilliant and it shows. A corp with many fancy mechanical toys, new engines... m stuff you know. You won't get all gossipy... Suits are just as dirty as Barren people. Their crimes are just called business - and when you are taught from day 1 how to increase the bottom line, you become quite a shark. They are as mean and tough as Barrens people don’t fool yourself. ”
He sighs.
“... and about your blood sister.  I like her... like really like her, but do not lie to yourself. She is evil - human life are a cheap commodity to her. They pay she kills - she escape from her emotions, from her life... she reduced herself into being nothing more than a tool of evil people.   She seems to be in a process tough... something good. I think that her connection with you changed something in her.  I got this odd vibe between you gals since I met you. You have something special. I think you might be her first friend in a long long time. That confuses her. I think she deserve to really be alive before she kick it. She deserve to be loved.”


Arc was about to open her mouth to protest, but held her tongue until the man could say his piece.  She paused, until a slow smirk crept on her features.  "I was about to say, I thought your kind were all about that redemption drek.  You're right.  Y has a lot of drek to answer for but I don't think she had a choice.  Way I learned it, early Sixth world was different drek, and keebs like you were not treated good.  Likely all she is now was done to live.  I respect that. But nearly dying with someone helps you learn a thing.  Give her time, she may surprise ya"

She sighed and stretched her arms, her swagger in her hips still present from her good deed. "As for being a Corp mechanic...nice but I think I'd get bored.  Lately I've realized why I do my drek.  Passion is with fixing drek.  Prolly why I am fine in the shadows now since the Smiley Killer.  Bigger problems, better challenge.  Pushing my limits gives me a rush.  And I'll be damned if I let anything take what's mine away, ya heard?"

She nudged Marco on the side with her elbow lightly, glancing down at her drink.  "...you did good breaking out Phoenix.  I don't know if I said that, but I remember I was a real slitch to ya.  My bad"


“I still cannot believe that I am still alive y’know...” Marco sighs.  “I took him out in my little pocket... walked out and no one came after me. It was a real rush...  so I get what you mean. I have never tried anything this crazy before.  I may be able to do mojo - but this magic stuff is crazy... I am completely unable to perceive the astral and not knowing what is in there was exciting... I keep seeing mojo as something I do not understand. I am completely unaware to some important stuff in there. Got lucky - could have also died - was super exciting. ”

He sighs.
“Redemption is a strong word, and J offers a very difficult path to it... I seem to drift away for it every day, instead of getting closer. Maybe I am evil by nature, this is what most of the people around me believed. They didn’t say so - but they really only liked humans... the rest were less...
“Enough about that, tough... “ Marco feels a bit embarrassed and do not want to break character as these are painful memories.  He thinks to himself “what kind of christian I am if I cannot even explicitly say the name of the lord.” Trying to change conversation topic he say: “ I’ll place the stealth tags about 100 meters from the house, and put some camera’s in nearby streets not too close to not trigger anything but who know might be lucky. Your drones seems a lot more professional. We also did some fancy mojo plan just in case we need muscle in there. So, if anyone attacks Y outside of house she will be protected. I think we are giving her the best chance of success... what is her get away car? the ford?”


Arc gave a nod of understanding.  "Right.  Still, you can use it, it is out of this slitch's reach, heh.   Nice tricks though, and you lived through it.  You got ability, Marco, don't forget it.  I did think of something though..I see ya work and talk and you do seem to out on masks or some drek...roles like in some trid.  Ever consider making a shadowrunnin role for yself?  Just a thought..."

She took a couple glanced around, bright green eyes scanning the promenade for a moment.  "Yeah, the Ford.  Least conspicuous, and will protect her more than her Scorp.  Dont worry about speed, I'll get her and whoever else needed outta there." She grinned...this wasn't boasting, merely confidence.

"For real though, sounds like anyone finna geek our girl gon be in for a rude surprise.  That's good.  Plus it will get us some much needed jing to do what we do.  That's what she and I be doing for you guys at least.  You can tell a slitch like me ain't built for the slinky slinky drek." She was never usually this jovial or friendly, so she must be in a helps good mood, as she gestured towards her form to make her point.

“A shadow role?...  I can probably talk to people. Once I understand the culture of the Barrens might also do so successfully. I am not sure if I want to be in that world. It is fun and exciting - and the jing is better than my night job... does it really worth having to hide all the time?
I adore you for having a vurk. I find that since I started running - connecting to people became difficult - there was this huge part of my life that I never talked about. Their stories stopped being interesting I had to fake it a lot more.

Then I met you and Y and it was liberating to just be able to be myself. With all this acting... I just miss being me. I’d love to just take you dancing or go drinking or stuff without trying to infiltrate some secret organization. These masks are scary... they make me feel powerful - they make me do stuff I would have never done in my own skin.”
Marco sighs.
 “If I do not learn how to assess my risks I won’t survive for long in this route. Or worse, I will survive - but I won’t be able to drop the act... like never. Kind of like Sam ... I learned more about him by sending a hacker to sit on his tail than I did from having a year long relationship.
I don’t want to become a sociopath like him. Living all my multiple lives never being real even for a moment. .”

With a suddenly serious look Marco say “Don’t encourage her... I can’t explain it - but she need to stop killing for the highest bidder. It worked when she did not stick in one place for long. If she continues either she leave the barrens or she get killed herself. I just have a strong intuition that staying in one place is going to have consequences.” With some hope, he manages to smile.
“I agree that tonight is not a good night to get her . Me and Phoenix are also doing stuff to get Jing... I think we might also be able to get F back, though I have no idea if it will really work. I am too green in this to say if our idea is more than a joke.“
Marco imitates Arc a little bit... “not build for Slinky you say?” he smiles.
“ Slinky ?!  really...  no Slinky for you Arc!” He laughs. “That word is so funny...  You are built for slinky alright... you are just not comfortable with your body to use it for the shadows., don’t change... keep that thing for people you really like. This lifestyle of mine is no good, all my emotions go wild all the time.  Don’t be like that. “

Arc blinked, cheeks flushing red for a bit as she gave a laugh before striking a pose.  “Ya think so?  Tch, I misspoke, but that’s funny as hell.  Well, blame the corps as usual, but I ain’t gonna be no twiggy keeb model that’s for damn sure.  Naw omae, I meant sneaky sneaky.  I’ve done it, but slipping through places was never a strength of mine, ya heard?”  She nudged him with a chuckle before resuming their walk.

“We all working, and that’s what’s important.  Doing what we do to make the drek we wanna happen happen.”  She grinned, finishing her soycaf and tossing the cup into a trash bin.  “You’re acting like a Barrens man already: using what you got and making what you need out of it.  That’s all we can ask to do.”  Trailing off, she glanced up at the cold, wintry sky before letting out her breath.  “Huu...let’s get this drek sorted out with the SD, find F and SW, then we can focus on our own and getting our stuff sorted out.  I got a feeling...by the end of this, we’ll have more than just one issue that will need to be worked through..call it a hunch”

She smiled a bit, glancing off to the side.  “You like that I took a Vruk for my own?  Funny, I’d imagine most shadowers would say it’s dumb to tie myself to norms.  But I think I can do it.  I’m careful, and so far my rep is pretty clean.  What’s the worst to happen, eh?”

Marco smiles... “Oh silly me... yes we are all sneaky sneaky this time. Even you... It is amazing that you took a vurk. You are not dumb, the norms are what will keep you safe. If you want me to be shadowy about it - it makes you look like less of a runner and more of a person - and that's important to keep you alive.
... But, this is not why I admire you... passion, love and real human connection are the most important things in the world, the rest is just an illusion including the jing that Y bring that will vanish as quickly as it appears.  You’ll see...  I don’t know how, but somehow I have a hunch it is not going to a retirement fund.  Besides... If you do not enjoy a new Vurk, you are already dead... You just don’t know it yet.”

Marco is amused when Arc calls him Barran man. “In that case I’ll actually drink this soy coffee abomination.” He takes a first taste from the coffee since the beginning of the conversation. “Let’s just say it is an acquired taste”. He makes an affort to smile. After another sip he say:  “Seriously... it is not that bad... I just wouldn’t call it coffee.” He laughed.


She shrugged, grinning and patting his back. “We make do with what we got, yknow?  Most these people here ain’t gonna be affording no real coffee or food.  But if it keeps us alive and alert, we’ll take it, heh.  As for the money..I know it ain’t gonna be for retirement, but if I understand it right, a cut of it’s going to you guys with your project, yknow?  If it helps, let me worry about Y.  I won’t let her get in over her head, you got that?”

Smiling, she rubbed her hands to stave off the cold as she checked the time.  16:30.  With enough time, she could make her meeting, head back home, and perhaps get a little rest before the night operation was underway.  “Thanks for being supportive and drek, Marco.  Your heart’s good, when your heads ain’t gettin’ in the way, ya feel me?” she winked, cracking her neck.  “I have to make the meet at the SD before it gets too late and crowded.  Y’alright getting to where you need to go on your own, or should I drive ya?”

Rubbing his hands... Marco say “About ride I will be alright... I am paying monthly for the taxi service so it is no big deal... they make very good biz out of me as each client wants a different car and stuff... I can’t exactly own a fleet of expensive cars.  
He then say: “Be safe, Arc we are talking about Y all the time... but your task won’t be very legit on its own... If you are in danger let me know... I will do what I can to help. Sometimes can help even if not there... you have seen that rude business suit dude, that had lunch with us.  I haven’t had a minute for myself all day... it is not going to change in the evening. Thanks for the chat... I really enjoyed it. I think I also sort of needed it.”
He say as he leaves back to the boat.

"Yup. Peace"  She offered a single wave of her hand before shoving it back into her jacket pocket, turning and heading back to her car.  The talk was nice...gave her a chance to level her head at the very least.  Smirking to herself, she allowed herself a minute before starting the car back up, meshing into the growing post-work Wednesday traffic as she wound her way north and east, each minute drawing her closer to the Stardust.

Upon arrival, Arc parked herself less than a block away, curbside: open enough to make a getaway if needed, and close enough that it wouldn't require too much foot traffic.  Locking up, the short human girl checked her Predator at the small of her back securing it well before she strode confidently over to the main entrance of the club.  Upon entry, Arc would take one look at the bouncer before holding up her right cyberhand up to stall him from checking her for weapons.  "Name's Arc, and I'm here to speak with NineLives, and that's it.  That gonna be a problem?  If so, take it up with him"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-03-15/0524:08>
The conversation with Arc felt good. Marco returns to the boat with joy in his face. He receives the message from Sophie and happily reply.
>> Dear Sophie,
I missed you so much! It will be great to see you again.
We have a VIP in that club so we will be well treated.

When should I pick you up?

Yours truly,
Marco.

He then calls Tammie and ask her for a VIP booth for the night. Perhaps Marco can impress his client with his hard earned status at the club. Keeping an eye over Tammie may also be a good idea, as well as Arc may be in that club so it is a good place as any.

When he approaches the boat, the security feeds give him notice.  He enters and say: "Phoenix... I brought some toys over from Jimmy's I thought you'd be happy to play with me." He then see the unexpected dinner party. Is that dinner? is it lunch? what do you call the concept of eating at 17:15... it is not coffee time...  That entire thing seems a bit off to Marco. He spots the beers and relax a little bit, garbing a beer and opening it out. Phoenix did not seem like the kind that brings friends to work... He seemed more interested in playing dead and dead people are terrible hosts.

The orc guy, he seemed to have come for a boat trip... took an early leave for work then? Marco was not sure what's going on, but there was not much time to spend. He had some errands to do and hoped he could summon a demon at sundown and get some rest before his big date.

Marco thinks:
"What are these two... ? Strangers - but they are having a *meal* pretending to be friendly... friends? common, lovers perhaps?  even odder these two guys just don't belong in that social situation. That orc looked like he knew a thing or two about boating. Maybe he came for a boat trip... He could be someone that knows Sam. That's the most logical situation of showing up in one of his safe houses."

Marco waited for a moment to try and figure out if that person knows Sam Webster (the disguise he was wearing). If he does not see a sign of nonrecognition, he'll change back to his own clothes and introduce himself.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-03-15/0922:39>
@ Marco, Phoenix, Blake  When Marco comes on the boat Blake relaxes for a split second, Stewart! Finally! But then the rush of concern and the trouble he's had over the past 3 days going from to place to place to see if he'd made it to a safe house becomes outrage that here he is hearty & hale with access to a wealth of equipment and he can't be bothered to pick up a bugs-fragged comm and make a bugs-fragged call!

@ Arc  The troll bouncer looks at you and his left eyebrow raises sardonically, "You wound a bit tight. NineLives aint be here yet. He be having a room at the back and you need to be asking Tammie fer what you need." When you find Tammie she smiles, and you can tell she's curious about you. "Arc, Mr Jones said to take you to his private room and I'm to make sure you have anything you want. He said to tell you he's been held up a bit but should be here by 17:15." The room is beautiful. The one you'd gone to the first time with the joyboy had been really nice, the ARO's had carried out the space theme. But this room was decorated to carry out a simple and elegant garden park with a lakeshore in the backdrop. A rabbit was feeding on the grass and a squirrel was getting chattered at by a very irritated bird.

@ Jed  "You know me mate. Everything for a price. And your in luck, I happen to have 2 doses of the stuff." and he grins at you, anticipating the bargaining.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-03-15/1122:50>
Nodding to the troll, Arc shifted her jacket on her shoulders before walking past him into the club.  It wasn't hard to find Tammie....someone like that who's always looking to please the clientelle is pretty easy to find...and when she did the short human girl nodded her head towards her.  "Hoi.  You the one I talk to about meeting with NineLives? ...ah, aight.  Maybe some water?  Had a long day, but too early for me to hit the drek, yknow?"  Upon hearing the response, Arc gave a nod and checked her time... 17:06.  Well, ten minutes ain't bad..

The room took Arc for a loop.  As someone who's pretty much lived her entire life in the Barrens and a couple of the nearby districts, the distinctly nature-y scene before her was a little surprising.  She gingerly stepped around, observing the virtual wildlife before deciding to settle on a park bench overlooking the lakeshore.  A simulated breeze shifted the grasses and rippled the waters around her, giving her a firm reminder that this all wasn't real...she couldn't feel the wind and her hair didn't move from it.  Read somewhere that there are links that can make ya feel it...drek ain't legal though  She chuckled at herself for that thought...since when has her life dealt with purely legal things?

The time passed by slowly, but calmly, the girl checking the door and her surroundings every now and then, just to make sure she was still safe...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-03-15/1347:32>
Blake smiles as he sees his friend. The last three days looking for him have been a real pain in the ass.  He stands to turn toward Marco/Sam/Stewart. As he turns, Ambrose finally gets a glimpse at what Blake had been reaching for earlier. Tucked into a Inside-the-waistband holster was a Predator V. The friendly smile fades to a look of annoyance.

"I know you said I may not reach you every day, but 4 days and you can't answer a simple comm-call to confirm. Come on Stewart. What the hell, man? I've been using 4 days of sick-leave to track you down. That's gonna start raising suspicions back at the firm."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-03-15/1353:56>
Ambrose blinks as Marco comes back, and Blake seems to recognize this disguise. Behind the orc the naked old man points to the Orc's back, then makes a trigger motion before going back to cleaning the kitchen. The problem with stealing guns, is often fraggers had a little implant telling them to condition of their gun at all times.

"Well then, I'd like to get dressed now. If that is alright with you two gentlemen."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-03-15/1635:01>
Marco thinks: "Four days? seems a bit right. he is legit... but what will be the right way to gain his trust."

He say "Four days you say... We'd better sit. You must be a bit angry"  He grabs a bear and takes a sit. This is why he was walking around town with this silly outfit ... Marco understood that SW was not men't to be very noticed, but he sort of missed the attention he was getting as a handsome young elf.

"Things are not always as they seem, you came here because you are looking for something. ... Some things are difficult to find. Phoenix here is one of the most difficult people to find. Yet here he is, cooking naked and drinking beer with you."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-03-15/2029:53>
Blake chuckles, "Yeah, that something I've been looking for is you. I know you run more than one operation but this deal you have me on. I miss anymore time and we're back at square one." 

Blake left it vague just cause Phoenix was there. He knew Stewart didn't like to spread info if it didn't need to be.

"So what's so important you drop all your other jobs?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-03-15/2309:41>
Taking the moment, he slips back to where his cloths are and carefully begins redressing himself. Hopefully he'll get armored back up before this guy starts blowing holes in everyone.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-03-15/2312:21>
Jed takes a deep breath.  He never was the best at haggling.  He thought he knew the ballpark for deepweed, but he wasn't sure.  After his bout with alcohol, he decided that other things weren't worth it.  Of course, money had always been an issue as well.

[spoiler]Smilinirish:8D6E5 → 1( (1, 3, 5, 3, 4, 2, 2, 4→ 1 success against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X2545439)[/spoiler]

Well Keegan, if you can sell them for ¥200, I'll take both doses.

Jed tried to hide his nervousness.  He was better at discussing agreements than haggling prices.  Things should just cost what they cost.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-03-15/2321:45>
Marco sits and grab a beer. He looks at the surrounding, trying to thread carefully.
"Stewart!?, this is going to be interesting." Marco felt like a wife that within a few days discovered that her husband had lived a double life... Actually it was not double life but triple life. He assumed that there will be more identities but being forced to face the truth was difficult to endure.

Marco signals the orc to sit down and grabs a beer, with grave seriousness he say:

"*I* was kidnapped... Actually we do not even *know* that much. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-03-15/2329:36>
@ Jedediah. He looks at you and snorts,  "Sure an you could buy a nice box ta hold it in fer that. Especially as the quality of mine tis special. Better than that muck ya get dealin' with the likes o ' Crybaby or Deeper.  So I'm thinking more along the lines of 800."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-04-15/0013:20>
The orc sits back down on the stool when Marco motions him to sit.

"What do you mean kidnapped? When did you get away and why didn't you contact anyone else? Who's this we cause I no you don't mean the royal version?"

He grabs his comm off the counter as he sits back down. Why he is talking to Marco the hand with the comm is down at his side but he types out a message to Shadowsong.

<<@SHadowsong; From Blake. Found Stewart. >>

[spoiler]
 [ roll 15d6e5 = 6  ones:2 6s:1 ] # Palming roll to type unnoticed
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-04-15/0124:04>
Being careful not to offend the man and trying to gauge his reaction Marco continues on his delicate path of figuring out whats going on in there. Avoiding telling blunt lies.
 
"Stewart is under the radar, either kidnapped or is hiding from someone.  The person keeps his cards close to his chest and is clearly doing some dangerous stuff, don't you think?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-04-15/0133:50>
Jed feels crestfallen.  He is pretty sure that the price is too high, and doesn't want to be taken for a chump.  Problem is, he isn't sure how overpriced that is.  The other problem is that he can't even afford that. 

Special in what way?   Nevermind.  I can't even afford a dose if that is what it costs.  Now I'm really glad I didn't come down here in person.  Thanks for your time Keegan.

Using the only other trick he knows when negotiating prices, Jed starts to "walk" away.  He'll just have to tell Marco that he wasn't able to acquire the deepweed.  Maybe he should talk to Arc about it first, maybe she knows someone.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-04-15/0229:59>
Blake is already kicking himself for not having a disguise that included his trodes. He thinks, Something doesn't make sense. I know Stewart has pulled stuff like this in the past for training but they were in the middle of an operation. Something just didn't seem right. Maybe it was time to test the waters himself.

Blake smiles and nods, "Sure man sure, Stewart is incognito cause of dangerous shit. This like the thing with KillJoy. Does you pretty partner know about it?"

He doesn't wait for Shadowsong's reply. He types out another message <<@Shadwsong; Blake, Feeds NOW.>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-04-15/0508:18>
Marco sighs... “My pretty partner?!... I’d never pick a partner prettier than myself... always be the good looking one! might get you killed but at least you get the girl." He laughs trying to break the ice a little bit, Marco is not even sure that removing the disguise will help now. As if this man is looking for the same guy as them, then he *knows* that Stewart can look like anyone in the world.

He cuts the laugh with an ice cold split and his face are grave serious again.
"We are drifting... We are talking about Stewart...  He just vanished without a trace... disappeared in the middle of a text message few days ago. Stewart is not an easy one to find... We tried a lot of things. 

You can stick to your Stewart does not return my calls version and you found him in one piece just relaxing in a Yacht with an old man.  This is an happy version, full of love, passion and hope... I really like it, somehow I wish it to be the case rather the alternative.  Did you really expect to just randomly hop into him? to hear some bogus excuse as to why he was unresponsive for four days? I can give you the   'Sorry dude I forgot... I have a lot of stuff going on... many changes... ' speech if that's what you really want.  If you want you can tell whomever it is you are texting that Stewart have gone AWOL with a man named Phoenix. 

Marco takes a short pause and give the man a serious look
"Deep down you know... this is not how the person you are looking for would behave.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-04-15/0746:08>
Blake nods, "So at least someone comes clean. Now I'd like some straight answers. Not many people know Stewart's hideouts unless he wants them to. How do you know him? And what do you know about him disappearing?"

Blake adjusts on the stool.

"Prove to me that you're not involved in his disappearance, just to get access to his work." He smiles as he raises his arm to show the texting.

"I'm talking to other associates of his so there's no point in thinking of getting rid of me."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-04-15/0827:05>
Marco laugh “So now I am not Stewart? you could have just asked you know. I never said I was. But would you believe me if I said I wasn't ? "
He pauses.

"How do you find a person like Stewart?..." He let the question echo a little bit in the air, and then continues.
"He made into great effort to be able to disappear. Take this boat for example... all you need for a fresh start in life, is to pick a port to dock. Preferably someplace where no questions will be asked. It has all the basics and supplies for a few weeks of joyful Yacht ride. "

"So I'll ask again, how do you find a person like Stewart?...
You become him - you walk around town to see what other people he knows. You hang around in his safe houses to see who comes to visit. "

" I am happy to meet you.
You look for him too, the disappearance dates match and my skin is obviously familiar to you. The person worked on many things, and shared only the minimum necessary.
So the only way to find Stewart is to collaborate - and undo what he has done, to assemble a complete picture from many individual pieces of information, each contact of him bring us closer to the truth.  There is no other way, the guy is a professional 'no one'. "


When Blake asks for a proof that Marco did not make Stewart disappear, Marco continue with a casual and a friendly voice as if they are discussing the weather, his words are totally unsuitable for that body language . 

"If you think of threatening me...
you’ll quickly notice that I do not respond well to this approach.
You cannot pressure me and you cannot scare me... That said, you are wasting your passion on the wrong target. I did not hurt your Stewart..."
With a dramatic gesture Marco say.

"We had a relationship...  he taught me to lie and to read subtle body language. Stewie is a terrible person - but he is a good teacher. You’ll find it very difficult to bullshit me because of his training. But I will give you this much, if he really went AWOL with some old guy and ditched all his commitments behind. If he was really that much of an ass as of risking our lives for some personal pleasure...  In that case I may hurt him. I will make it my personal quest to make sure that he suffers for what he did. But never the less - we need to find him first, and I currently believe that he was compromised.  I do not think that you can find him on your own.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-04-15/0958:40>
Ambrose finally was back in his cloths, carefully applying his trodes and cables with a slight of hand. He was actually pretty good at making it all seem rather natural. But for now, he lets the two talk it out. Talking was good, and this crusty codgers didn't need to interrupt the springtime of youth.

[spoiler]

Putting trodes on with no one looking (http://orokos.com/roll/306022): 8d6t5 3
Nible fingers bonus that I forgot (http://orokos.com/roll/306023): 1d6t5 0
Attempts to see this suffer a -6 to the check just form ambrose himself. 

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-04-15/1619:26>
@ Blake  The feeds come online and you see, >>TInyMouse, I've got no one to send you. Tell Stewart, "The children are grown and have moved away." then let me know exactly what he says.<<

@ Jedediah  "Sure an yer walking away, an it tells me ya' nay the jing fer this. But everythin in life is negotiable I sez. If ye've a mind to do a bit of talkin'. So, ye don' have the jing. I could come down a might bit on the cred oif ye've got somthin' else ta offer ta sweeten the pot o' bit."

@ Arc  NineLives comes in, "Hey slitch, good ta see ya. And better still ta see you've thought about my offer." he comes forward and offers you the second cup he's got in his hand. "Tammie tells me you've only had water. And that tells me you've come to talk business with a clear head. Good. This is a tea that's made from a plant that's native to this area. He says pointing to the scene in front of you. This is the view from the B&B they put us up in right before my first big championship. And when I saw this I knew I was going to do whatever it took to win. I was going to do whatever it took to make sure I was always put up in places like this. And I did win, and kept winning for a few years. And this is the same place they told me to come in third. To much money to be made if I came in third to pass it up. I was no fool, I did as I was told, and kept doing it for a few years, sometimes told first, sometimes second, sometimes third. But, you can't control everything, and the day I couldn't, and came in first despite my instructions they took it all away. Not all at once, they couldn't be that obvious, but in two years I'd lost it all. Spent five years bouncing around, no one would talk to me, couldn't even get a job as a trainer. Me, World Champion, broke & homeless with no friends and no one to turn to. Except I'd been broke & homeless before. And they couldn't break me with that. So I did what hoops like us do. I used what I had, took jobs no one else had the skill to carry off. Made different friends, and fought to make sure no one could ever take anything from me again. I'm figuring you're in a bit of the same boat. Made good, but it goes way to fast, and you had a little help with the going I'm told. And that's ok, it teaches you what not to do next time. So now, learn, use what ya got slitch, an that's a talent with your hands, make friends in a few new places." He pauses then to study you, watching your reaction before he continues, "I've got a job where the peeps are being a bit stupid. Think they can steal our stuff and open up shop and be competition. I'd like for you to arrange for them to have a bit of an education. I'd like you to get into their facility, and fix their equipment so that it explodes the next time they need to make a batch." He holds up a hand to forstall your response. "I know ya can't do that alone slitch. It's what I'm countin' on. We need a few friends in the Barrens who'll keep an ear to the wind fer drek like this an' let us know. And nuthin makes friends like jing and the knowledge of a job, ya feel me. So, I'm offerin' you 5,000 cred. And another 5,000 to spread out ta the peeps ya hire ta do this witcha. Don't get greedy, hire enough peeps fer the job, it'll pay in the long run. An I ain't tellin' ya how ta do this. I need ta know if ya got the smarts ta carry this off. So this is in the way of a test o' ya skills as well as a job. Carry it off an there'll be more jobs, better jobs wit better pay. So, ya in slitch? Which I'm thinking is kinda a rhetorical question from the look on yer face. But I need ta hear it from yer mouth. Ya in?" and he spits on the ground beside your foot.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-04-15/1627:47>
Well, you know the kind of work I do.  Finding people, handling problems with Spirits.  I can give you ¥200 now for a single dose, and you've got my services for a day.  When you need the service, I've got 48 hours to provide it. Anything within my capabilities to provide, and just in case you don't know me as well as I think, no wetwork.  I'm a detective, not a an assassin.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-04-15/1736:42>
@ Jed  Finnan looks at you, "An sure that's a solid offer. But, in my kinda work, I don't need those services to often. I like ta deal with the reliable sort. But, tell ya' what. I like ya' Jed, Yer the salt o' the earth in my book. An if ya kin see yer way ta making it 350 I'll sell ya ta dose an keep the offer in my back pocket so's ta speak. Just in case someone ain't as honest and honorable as I think they are. After all, you know me, always thinkin' the best of folk. An' not all folks deserve that sort of courtesy sad ta say. My mum always used ta say, "A sly rogue is often in good dress."  he looks at you smiling. And you know the last day he always thought the best of others he was on his mam's knee. And you're not particularly willing to swear to that.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-04-15/1817:04>
Arc remained seated on the bench as the tall man NineLives approached, her "Mr. Johnson" as her delvings into the shadow networking would call him, nodding her head in recognition as she took the cup, gingerly sniffing it with some level of suspicion as he sat down, not unlike a chance meeting of two long-forgotten acquaintances.  Funny, that's kinda what it be on the surface, ain't it, She mused to herself as the explanation was given to her.  Showing some level of trust (or foolishness), Arc would take a drink with him, taking in the natural, herby aroma as he told his tale.  It was definitely one to evoke sympathy...many a story of folks from the Barrens that tried to get out ended up that way...and Arc could tell there was some legitness to them.  That being said, she was under the knowledge that he was working for some bad people...so either he is making the best of his opportunity, or he's bad news now.  Either way, ain't no way I'm gonna be prey.  Play the role, girly

When he brought up her first time at the Stardust with the grifter, her cheeks flashed red instinctively...likely the reaction he was looking for.  The understanding and the support was a surprise, though, and it caught her off guard for that, just in time for him to offer the job.  When he gave the call for her to commit to it, she locked gazes with him.  It was like some standoff, each gauging the other.  Makes me wish I was better at haggling.  5K seems like a lowball for this op, and another 5 to give to who I wish?  It's to blow some drek up, which might need more than what I got...hmm..

Finally, Arc made her move, a small smirk on her face forming as she glanced at the point of impact for the spit, raising her foot and bringing the shoe sole down on it: challenge accepted.  "This slitch be in, omae.  I got a couple peeps in mind for this job, but that'll be between them and me, I imagine."  Nodding her head in agreement, she took another drink of the tea and stood up slowly.  "I'm gonna need some deets.  The who's and what's and where's that you can give me.  This op too...gonna take a bit of prep more than likely.  Any chance you can spot a slitch for a K 'fore we outta here?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-04-15/2048:39>
@ Arc  NineLives grins at you. "Barrens girl born & bred. We know how ta work the hand we dealt." He tells you approvingly. "It's a squat on the NE Davis Loop, close to where it meets 30th. Gang by the name of GreenGoblins. Don't let the squat fool you. They've beefed it up where it counts. But the products we sell here are difficult to make, and several ingredients are fairly volatile during the creation process. It shouldn't be to hard to manipulate things in order to make sure they kill themselves for their stupidity." he tells you, finishing his tea as he does so. "And as for the cred, I can tell you haven't had any practice at this. It'll take 2,250. Some for the equipment, and some as a small advance on the job. And make sure they know who's paying, and that they have a very vested interest in keeping their ears to the wind for our sake. After all, I'm not just paying for this job. I'm paying to make sure I know who's tryin' ta hunt in my territory."

@ Marco  You get a comm from Cain >>I been selling the stuff like you said. The hit is solid. I got repeat customers and I need more stash.<<

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-04-15/2302:03>
Well, how about ¥300 plus the the service owed?  It's more than I wanted to pay, less than you wanted. If both of us walk away feeling we didn't get the deal we wanted, it must have been a fair deal, right?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-05-15/0001:11>
@ Jed. He shakes his head at you, "Tis a hard bargain yer driven. An me not sure I'll ever be able ta collect on that favor.  Still as me da used ta say, 'A promise owed is a debt." An yer a man ta honor yer debts if I ever have the need. So we'll shake on it, though I'm sure if word got out they'll think I'm soft." He holds his hand out to shake 'yours'.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-05-15/0008:26>
Jed shakes hands with Keegan feeling certain that the favor alone will end up costing him more than the price of the deepweed alone.  Still, he has acquired it as Marco asked.  Hopefully the plans that Marco has for it will be effective. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-05-15/0052:53>
Arc blinked at the catch of her inexperience, pursing her lips a bit as she recovered from the catch.  "tch.  I won't argue with more then.  You remember how the Howlers was with their breeder slitch of a pet: I get what I get, I do the job.  Thanks for the jing". Her smirk was wry as her mind raced, thinking of what she would need to do.  chemical accident leads to boom...classic.  could be messy.. Brushing some hair from her face, the human girl finished her teas as well, stretching her back a little with an arch.

"Location is sound, and I'll be sure to get the word out.  I'll make sure we're the one who knocks, eh?  Volatile huh...". Arc turned her head, looking him dead in the eye.  "Don't suppose it's too much to ask what parts are volatile?  I use the wrong drek, the hoops looking into the drek Will know the drek was set up.  If this is my test run, I wanna do it right.  Maybe a sample or some drek to take home?  Promise I won't use it, you should know how I is, eh Nine?". She crossed her arms, turning to face him while leaning on one hip.  "other than that, I'd just need your timeline you want.  After that, I think I got what I need."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-05-15/1357:44>
Blake holds up his hands "No threat, just insuring my safety." He looks at Marco.

Stewart helped to train me as well. Seems like we would have met before then."  He holds up his comm.

I've got some of Stewarts contacts on the comm. Maybe we can figure this out.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-05-15/1558:38>
Marco say: "I'll make a leap of faith and share with you the knowledge that Stewart can appear as anything he like and the skill to properly disguise his real nature. I knew him as a middle aged German woman named Shilla Schmidt. She showed me this place along with several others around the city... We were lovers or so I thought. I carry this skin around because this is the last mask he was active in. A person called Sam Webster that according to background check does not really exist."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-05-15/1817:00>
2070, 13th June, secret Vatican monastery outside Rome.

The summer days were terrible... the Monastery had no modern heating or cooling and just functioning was a struggle. Each of the students had a pet dog, they raised it for the last 10 years. Today was a special day, the old dogs were all tied up, almost crucified.  One by one, his classmates took their automatic weapons, said their prayer and shot. No questions asked. Killing the same dog they raised and loved. Some of them struggled, some cried but everybody shot their beloved dog in the end. A leap of faith, murdering the dog made no sense - but they were told to do so and did without asking questions.  An assassin has no mercy, an assassin will take his own life if he is commanded to do so. He is nothing more than a tool.

Marco raised his gun, his natural agility made him the best shooter in the class. Marco liked shooting and practiced more than required. He aimed at the helpless dog but could not press the trigger. He was aiming for three hours already.. His head was spinning, the heat was terrible, he was dehydrated. His eyes were wet, defying an order was not an option - their orders were the will of god. They are nothing but tools - the knife does not refuse the butcher. It made no sense - Marco was nothing but a knife - he did not question the validity of the order. Yet he could not even say his prayer, he remained silent. That morning was the last morning that Marco said J’s full name. Since that moment it was just J.

“Common Marco, this is your divine order shoot the beast... we ain’t got all day” Yelled Father Thomas.

“I can’t” Said Marco.

Father Thomas begun to lose his patience - “Shoot him or you’ll regret it”  he said, showing first signs of anger. Three hours he was attentive and understanding - but the heat it got to him too.

“I won’t shoot an innocent creature, please there is so much death and blood... lets just spare this one. ” His eyes were wet, it was the day when things started to fall apart, when the torture begun.

“This is killed or be killed”, Said father Thomas as he released the Canine.
“ If you will not kill it, it will kill you”.

Father Thomas must have done something to the dog because the dog approached Marco in a threatening manner, her eyes were blank she roared at him. Marco tried to calm the beast, but she was not herself.  Thomas was puppeting the dog with his magic. Unable to shoot Marco decided to run. With amusement Thomas had the dog quickly run after Marco.
He run and run around the yard with the dog was running after him easily gaining on him, but not jumping him yet. .
“Kill it already! Or I’ll have the dog charge you” Said Thomas.

“Please stop it... in the name of Je...” He could not bring himself to finish. “Just stop it, it is wrong.” 

“Marco, if you do not shot this gun you will die today...” Said Father Thomas, “I am allowed to kill you.” Somehow Marco knew he was lying. Not that it mattered, Marco was exhausted, dehydrated and on the verge of passing out. When the dog jumped him, he did not resist. What could he do... he could not hurt her, dying seemed like a good idea at the moment.
“Shoot that DAMN dog, demon” Demanded Tomas, he was clearly enjoying himself.

The dog was over him biting his hands, Marco could barely keep the dog away from his neck. The warm blood, Marco could see his blood flowing out in little but persistent stream,  covering the mouth of the dog. He was in terrible pain, he had to shoot, he wasn’t going to die in there.

There was a gunfire, single bullet Marco did not need anything more. The surprised priest did not even try to doge. He crushed on the floor screaming in pain, holding his knee, cursing. The dog, terrified from having all its pack murdered and it's mind invaded became mad with rage. She stormed Thomas whose concentration was broken. “No!!! “ screamed Marco, “please stop”  but dogs do not respond to requests, she was too angry, too terrified. It was some primal rage.

Somehow Marco found the power to stand up, it was almost supernatural. He ignored the fatigue, the blood. It was just his strong personality. “Calm down, Blacky” he said without raising his voice, as if nothing has happened. Marco was amazed, unaware of the power of his own voice. The enraged dog just stood there and looked at Thomas. She was almost embarrassed by her behaviour, she started  licking his wounds as if to apologize for her behavior.
Bam Bam Bam - Marco will never forget these three shots. It took Thomas just a second or two to reach for his gun and execute Marco's beloved dog. Not for self defense, for revenge.

"You killed her!" yelled Marco and embraced the dog. He was crying, he did not care anymore if Thomas will kill him. If only he understood the healing spell he could have saved her, but he could not understand magic. Not a single spell and the dog just bleed to death in his hands. They weren’t alone in the yard, this is what saved Marco’s life. Father Gabriel was there and Thomas could not just execute Marco, although he clearly wanted to.

“Let him be Thomas.” He said, “Let's fix your wounds.”  He added in a comforting voice. Death was not reversible but almost any wound was. Magic was miraculous in Marco's eyes. Father Gabirel placed his hand on Thomas, said a silent prayer and a glowing light enveloped Thomas eliminating any sign of the gunshot wound or the canine attack.
“No healing for you Marco.” He said and bandaged Marco's wounds with an old medi kit. “You refused... and pain is your punishment, it will get a lot worse if you follow that pass”. Indeed, it got a lot worse. The good father was not lying.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-05-15/1841:38>
@ Arc  NineLives looks at you, "I don't know most of the ingredients myself. But, I'm reliably told that if things aren't kept to strict performance guidelines in the equipment that it'll get volatile and could explode. I need you to fix things so that those performance guidelines are drek, and fix the readouts so that they don't know it. Then a few additional explosions, maybe light up something else and that whole building goes up, with the GreenGoblins inside." He looks at you, "We all know word on the street is faster than any trid broadcast. All the gangs in the area will know we don't play."

@ Ambrose You get your gear and equipment in place while Marco and the orc are busy talking. At least he doesn't think you're Sam/Stewart/Shilla/SuzyQ. This could be a bad trid opera if it wasn't for the fact that you could still get shot.

@ Jed  Finnan looks at you. "So where do you want me to send the stuff since you're not technically here to pick it up? Or do you want to actually get your body back on and come for it yourself?"

Wed Dec 10th  21:52
@ Yelena  She's sleeping peacefully, dreamlessly for once. But, something's wrong? Banging? Banging! She wakes suddenly as everything that she's been yelling rushes into her consciousness. "Razrgrl! Razrgrl! Wake UP!! Wake UP!!! Thez gwn kill 'im Razrgrl! Thez gwn kill 'im!! Wake UP!!! Yelena rushes to the door, and then realizes that the banging was coming from the small window, the only window in her 'room'. As she rushes back she sees a small face. A little eleven girl, "Yuv go to cum Razrgrl! Yuv got to!! Thez killin him cuz of you! Z won't rat on you. An thez mkin him an 'sample! Plz Razrgrl! PLZ!!!!." The little girl is wide eyed and desperate. And not so little Yelena see's once she gets a good look at her. Just way underfed. Yelena knows the signs of maturing even without enough food, and this girl is closer to 15-16 despite her small size.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-05-15/1949:28>
Jed replies to Keegan I'll either come pick it up, or I'll send a representative to pick up my "shillelagh".

Jed took his time returning to his shell.  His bus pass should get him to within a few miles of where the Keegans were set up.  He needed to find some more transportation for himself soon.  He couldn't afford to be taking taxis. 

So Marco wanted to wait outside to watch for interference while Yelena did her job.  He wanted to have Yelena force the man to take deepweed, so a spirit probe his thoughts from the astral.  Marco had been so convincing, but the more Jed thought about it, the more he worried about it working.  It hinged on the ability of the spirit to get past the wards.  Those wards were powerful, and the more Jed thought about them, the more he was certain that there would be spirits on patrol within the ward.  Maybe they would only have been tasked with watching out for astral threats, but maybe they would also have been instructed to interfere with any elf who came calling uninvited.  Yelena had asked for him to handle the astral side of this job for her.  Cruising by and deciding that there were powerful wards just wasn't upholding his end of the bargain.  Jed needed to get past those wards.  He had to see what Yelena would be up against.  Her employers had not provided her with astral support.  The more Jed thought about it, the more he thought that Yelena was just a distraction while Data Dancer did the job they really wanted.   The fact that they were spending that kind of money on an assassin, while not even checking the astral threat themselves suggested that Yelena wasn't expected to survive.  Jed needed proof that Yelena could take back and throw in their faces.  He needed to give her a legitimate reason to turn this job back in their laps.  If he could show her that they hired her for a suicide mission, maybe she wouldn't need to kill this Snowden fellow.  Just maybe he could continue to advance his work and contribution to knowledge. 

Jed arrived "home".  He got up from the pallet of blankets in his circle.  He took a moment to see to the needs of his material self.  His mind was made up.  He had been asked to do a job, and so far, he had delivered very little.  He took a moment to transfer money to Keegan.  He grabbed his link.  He set a time delay message to Marco.  Marco, I negotiated the purchase of the botanicals with a friend. It has been paid for.  I intend to pick it up, but just in case I am unable, here is the address.  Ask for my Shillelagh.  JED   With that out of the way, Jed prepared himself again.  He considered his cane for a moment.  If he needed to combat spirits, he would want it, but that wasn't his purpose.  He reluctantly chose not to active his focus before he left.  No, he was going for subtle.  Reclining back on his pallet, he left his shell once more.  The trip to Snowden's place was quick.  He took a moment to study the wards around the compounds walls.  Yep, still powerful.  He "crept", trying to stay against hedges and bushes, and other living things with an aura. 

There were two ways to cross a ward.  Smash it, or finesse it.  If you smash it, anything can follow you through.  But the one who created it would know you were coming.  Jed wasn't leading an assault, he was scouting, gathering intel.  On the other hand, if you finesse it, you could be in and out with no one the wiser, but you were in by yourself.  A ward was like a net in a way.  If you knew where to look, you could see the mana tied in little knots.  If you wanted to smash, you hit a knot.  If you wanted to finesse your way through, you looked for the spaces between the knots.  Jed approach one such space.  Focusing his sense of self, he pressed into this space.  Slowly gently he pushed.  Spirits this ward was tight.  Gently, gently, gently.  The ward slowly flexed.  It became apparent however that it wasn't going to flex enough.  Jed tried several more spaces to no avail.  One last try.  Jed calmed his mind, narrowing his focus like a laser, pressing, gently, yet ever more forcefully.  Jed could feel himself stretching the ward to the edge of its limit.  Just as he thought it would split, he felt himself slip through. 

Quickly dropping himself against some hedges, Jed quickly scanned the area of patrolling spirits.  What he found before his "eyes" stunned him.  Never had he seen or conceived a construct such as this.




Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-05-15/2008:01>
@ Jedediah  As Jed slowly pushes through the mana barrier so as not to break it and alert any potential guardians he's greeted with an unexpected sight. A Japanese tea garden. It's beautiful, and peaceful. This was a labor of love. The mana involved in this had to have been considerable, not just to erect it, but to sustain it. Oh Drek is he in trouble.

[spoiler]https://www.dropbox.com/s/0ewwv2zln2r6y0v/japanese%20Garden%20pano.swf?dl=0  Hold down left click and then slowly move your mouse to pan around for a 360 view.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-05-15/2010:43>
Jed slowly scans the wonder before him.  This is so far beyond what is necessary to create or maintain a mana ward.  This is a labor of love.  One doesn't possess a thing of such beauty unless one has power, wealth, and skill.  Or access to skill.  Jed focuses on the aura of the ward, and begins to trace its connection to its maker.  The trail leads outside the ward.  Either Snowden isn't present currently, or the ward was created by another.  Well, that is a lead that can be followed at another time.  Jed scans the house with trepidation.  He needs more information.  He must not be seen.  It is unlikely that he will ever leave this place if he is.  He heads for the attic.  The patch of ivy growing up the wall is the best chance for remaining unseen.  If Jed can make it to the attic, he can "peak" down into the rooms to get a feel for the layout, and perhaps scout out Snowden's defenses.  He can't help but feel that Snowden's death is a mistake. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-05-15/2021:33>
Wed, Dec. 9th. 17:30

Arc gave a slow nod, processing the information from what NineLives was saying to her.  And not saying.  lying or straight up not knowing, I'm gonna hafta dig this up myself.  Maybe even be able to use what I find later..  She turned her head back to face him, a confident smirk on her face.  "Wiz.  Think I got what I need to make this work.  Unless you got anymore to say to me, I'll Get on it.  Give me a week or so, and I'll let you know the job is done.  Peace.". With a wave of her hand, the human girl saw herself out after confirming receipt of her advance.

After the meet, Arc slumped back in the seat of her car, letting out her breath.  She was torn...She couldn't believe that NineLives was genuinely selling himself to the Triads, but at the same time she was warned by every person near her to view him the same way: a threat.  No sense stressing now...gotta focus.  I gave myself time to do the job, so tonight I can focus on helping Yelena.  I'll think on getting a team together for this job later.

Getting back on the road, the rush hour greeted her with much delaying, causing some frustration whole she simply kicked the autopilot into gear.  Grabbing a burger for a quick dinner, the human girl decided to use the time to prepare herself.  Recharging her drones, she fitted the flying bugs into her arm, remembering that Yelena still had one of her Kanmushi bugs.  Checking her Predator, she made sure everything was in working and in order, her spare mags fitted to her belt securely.  She had plenty of time too...thanks to construction and a few auto collisions, it wasn't until after 21:00 that Arc was remotely near the Barrens.

<<Yelena, it's Arc.  Finished my meet.  Traffic is drek, I'll be home soon.  Ready to work on that rig tonight as promised. :) >>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-05-15/2032:00>
@ Arc  NineLives tells you, "You've got till Sun." and then watches you leave.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-05-15/2057:15>
Yelena, now fully awake, nods to the Keeb girl and tells her to come round to the front.  She slips her jacket on and grabs both of her pistols, holstering them before assembling the rifle and slinging it across her back.  Going to the door, she checks the monitors to be sure that she is not walking into an ambush.  If all is clear, Yelena leaves the garage and meets the girl.  "Lead to men hurting Z.  No one hurt anyone Yelena gang without punishment."  On the way, she asks the girl.  "Where is happen?  Inside or in lot?"

When the girl tells her, Yelena sends a message to her human sister.  >>Arc.  Is Yelena.  Young friend of Yelena getting hurt by thugs.  Yelena go help.  Send Arc directions.  If can come meet Yelena there."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-05-15/2112:48>
Four blocks from home, Arc received the message from Yelena, and her eyes flared wide.  Trouble, and of the street kind.  Yelena has friends now huh?  Marco is not gonna believe this..  Kicking off the autopilot, she pulled up a map ARO and linked it to the location the elf forwarded to her as she hit the gas.


<<Yelena, I'm on my way.  Transceiver is going up.  Talk to you on that channel.>>

Fishing into her pocket, Arc fit the microtransceiver in her ear and on her throat, actuating it as she choked down the adrenaline she was feeling.  "Relax girly..three years since the gang war you was in...ain't nothin different, we got this...". Two things could happen: either the two keebs will find Arc's car outside the location with the &waiting inside, or she would spot the pair as she sped by and would come to a screeching halt.

Sizing up the malnourished elf teen, Arc let out a breath.  "...hold up, that you Crystal?  Dayum girl, haven't seen us since you was two feet shorter learnin' to skate...who's in trouble?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-05-15/2151:59>
Yelena is very glad to see Arc as the Ford screeches to a halt near her.  She has not lived in the Barrens long enough to know what sort of terrain she might be going into.  As she ushers the Keeb teen into the car, she gives the short version to Arc.  Yelena stay park after Arc leave.  Make friends skate board.  Yelena learn fall. Need practice.  Leader of group name Z.  Good on board.  Man in fancy come with two thugs.  Try sell drugs to kids.  Yelena stop and burn drugs.  Drug man threaten so Yelena shoot in leg.  Yelena tell thugs best way out is kill boss and dump body then leave in fast car with cred sticks.  Thugs do."  She shrugs and adds, Thugs must be stupid and make mistake.  Now drug man friends or boss come find Yelena.  Have Z and beat to get tell.  Z not telling.  Crystal take so Yelena deal with drug men.  No one hurt Yelena friends without punishment."

Yelena stops and looks over the seat at her sister.  "Is Yelena thing.  Arc maybe know where is location?  Maybe tell Yelena best way get in.  Maybe people die.  Z and others could be Yelena gang and Yelena take care of gang.  Need show drug men not hurt Yelena friends."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-05-15/2304:08>
@ Arc & Yelena. The young keeb shakes her head no. "I'm Rabbit. Z is at the Gardens rzrgrl! They ambushed him! Five men one Z!  Rabbit's momma raised sneaky bunnies. I ran fer rzrgrl help. I gots one comm left." She raises a battered comm. >>Bootstrap, Z needs distraction in Gardens! His life!<< The comm goes dead as she's talking. No telling if the message got out.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-05-15/2326:44>
Arc glanced a bit incredulously at Yelena's explanation, and about how her less than subtle statements made her friends and enemies.  Turning to Rabbit, she nodded her head.  "My bad then.  Hope in, buckle up.". Screeching off, the wheelgirl trigger plugged herself in and remained in AR for the moment.  "I know the place.  Don't let the name fool you: it ain't no high class keeb greenery.  Best the Gardens can do, with a few small buildings in tow scattered about.  Hate to say it but without knowing who these hoops are, best bet is like the wind and through the door.  Lucky you ain't alone, huh?"

Arc gave a little grin, speaking up before the Russian could protest.  " My Srui be in trouble, need help saving a chummer. I ain't gonna let you walk in there.  Ride or die.  5 against 2 or 3 better than against 1.". She glanced back to Rabbit.  "Thanks for the tip, maybe we get this drek done clean and quick...You wanna piece?". She gestured to her glove box, where her Ingram lay in wait.  They had no more than 5 minutes to destination.  "Yelena you used to this kinda work, since I'm used. to more numbers.  How you wanna do this?'
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-05-15/2343:16>
Yelena is glad that Arc is coming.  She hands a spare Meta 'link to Rabbit; one of her burners.  "Use this, Rabbit.  Keep if like.  Yelena has more.  Tell others distract but not get too close.  Yelena need know enemy.  Not want shoot friend."

Yelena turns back to Arc.  "Srui let Yelena out and wait short time.  Yelena go in find others.  Try talk.  Maybe.  Arc and Rabbit come in behind.  Try sneak to give cover and surprise.  Arc have drones to see.  Yelena still have one in hair.  Can use to help see all and know where are."  Yelena nods when Rabbit takes the gun from the glove box, noting that the young girl does not shirk from its touch and how she moves the slide.  "Yelena not teach Rabbit how suck egg.  Try not get hurt or killed.  Not shoot until Yelena says on comm or if someone shoot at you." 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-06-15/0550:09>
@ Arc& Yelena  Rabbit tells you, "I'm a sneaky bunny, I can shoot, never shoot person. But fer Z I can." She's still fiddling with Yelena's comm as you drive up. She's unused to the much higher technical device. She resends the message as you're getting there, >>Bootstrap, Z needs help in the Gardens. Distraction only! I have the rzrgrl!<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-06-15/0802:34>
Arc's expression but grim, but she certainly gave a nod of appreciation and understanding the the skinny keeb in the back.  "I know the feel, girly.  Protect your own, and in this case it calls to maybe geek some drekker.  Don't hate y'self if you can't, but either way, she's right.  Be the sneaky bunny: keep behind something and don't risk anything, just quick clean bursts, wiz?"  The human girl gave a nod and looked over to Yelena, and idea crossing her mind.  "I'ma try to get some mojo support coming in behind us.  Just letting you know, Doc don't tend to come out to these parts..."

<<Merlin, Arc here.  Street trouble going down at the Gardens.  Drug-pushing thugs think they can beat up pups not fully grown yet inseada who they really beefin' with.  Now I ain't asking for a pack to come out, I'm on it with a couple others, but we might needa patchup after.  Call it a favor, wiz?>>

As they pulled up to the place, Arc would kill the lights and park a block away, giving a nod as she hopped out, rolling up her sleeve.  "We right behind ya, Y.."  She tapped at her microtransceiver as she released one of the Fly-Spys into the air, directing it to give an overhead view of the Gardens, trying to identify movement.  Meanwhile, Arc split off from Yelena, staying close behind with Rabbit and ducking behind the walls by the sidewalk, using them as cover to keep a fair tail on the Russian.  A bonus to the Gardens: lots of low-hanging walls around walkways for an "aesthetic appeal".  Tch.

[spoiler]For when it applies:
Drone Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/306482): 8d6t5 2

Sneaking (http://orokos.com/roll/306483): 7d6t5 4[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-06-15/1018:27>
Yelena gets out of the car when Arc parks it.  Taking the rifle in her hands, she holds it ready at her side.  She lovingly caresses the fine wood of the stock and chambers a round.  Ares makes the finest weapons in the world and this one is no exception.  She nods to Arc and Rabbit and sets off to find Z and his tormentors.  It should not take much to locate them by following the noise of five men beating up one boy.  She turns the drone on and lets its feeds provide additional information back to its mother, hoping that the other ones that Arc puts out will help guide her in.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-06-15/1756:04>
Marco added:

"Listen Blake, we hired a PI to look for Stewart. I'll fill you up on all the details tomorrow morning, are you free at 10:30? Me and My colleague are continuing the work we had with Stewart before he disappeared. I'd really love to chat more but I am a bit in the middle of something. "

If Blake agrees to a meeting Marco will continue with his logistics, it is a big night for Marco. He is still planning to deploy the stealth tags and cameras, protect Yelena with a spirit, steal thoughts from a poor soul, party hard - and have sex with a beautiful woman... It is going to be a crazy night - but Marco is oddly eager to it.

He texted Cain >> I am glad you are eager to sell, we are starting slow. I am returning your upgraded stuff tomorrow. My part is 10%, 50% if that Orc really bamfed with the credstick. These are the same but they appear fancier so the placebo effect will also make people enjoy them more, just price them a bit higher they look really nice.  Tomorrow night we do the big stuff - I hope you find some high rollers to do it. I need to be there for the first few days.

Marco said to Phoniex, "I hope we weren't too trusting... have you noticed all the names of Sam begin with an S?  coincidence?

Can you make my micro camera's better hidden, also i have some stealth tags. I am going to place a few of them in a place where Yelena has some work to do, just to give her some heads up in case of intervention. The stealth tags will be a poors man replacement of a Decker. Can you do this time delay or command activation? There is this decker backup to Yelena and I am not sure she's legit. I'd like to create the feeling as if there was somebody else on site. So I want the stealth tags to appear for a short while give her a chance to discover them and then have them go offline.... any ideas?
"
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-06-15/2244:28>
@ Arc & Yelena  The near darkness coupled with all the trash and wreckage in the Gardens makes finding Z and his assailants more difficult than Arc had first anticipated. But, find them she did, and the look of the figure that was between them didn't give her much hope. She'd seen beatings before, when the Howlers or another gang had been serious about teaching a 'lesson'. If Z wasn't already dead, he was close to it. And getting to them was unnoticed was going to be tough. No real paths and enough trash to either trip them up or give away their position. Rabbit was sticking like glue to Arc. She could tell that despite her words and seeming familiarity with the weapon, Rabbit hadn't seen any real action. She probably lived up to her name and scampered off at the first sign of trouble.

@ Arc  Merlin replies, >>Word. I get Harrowed. We be der.<<

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-06-15/2251:36>
"...drek all..."

Arc certainly didn't feel hopeful to all this, fishing through her jacket pocket and pulling out her goggles, flipping them on over her head and fitting them over her eyes.  Turning to Rabbit, she eyed the girl and saw the look.  She had that look...first gang fight.  12 years old.  Reaching out, she put her cyberhand firmly on the girl's shoulder in encouragement.  "Stay with me and keep yo head down.  This'll be fine."  She kept her voice low, activating her transceiver to whisper in Yelena's ear.

<<"Yelena, it's bad.  Your boy barely on there.  If you wanna talk em down, I won't stop you, but he ain't got time and need help.  I'm switching to thermo, got your back...">>

With that, she gave a nod and tried to work her way closer, each step carefully measured...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-06-15/2318:28>
Yelena nods at Arc's words.  She cannot allow herself to feel for Z at this time as emotions can be a distraction.  She realizes the obstacles in her way will likely alert the others that she is coming, but she knows that Arc has eyes on the foes.  Yelena slips her monocle from the pocket of her jacket and slips it onto her head, feeling the familiar soft buzz as the vision and smart links come online, sharing the information she sees with her support team.  She calls out.  "Hey, drug man!  Is Yelena Petrovna.  Come see.  Why not just ask and Yelena come.  No need beat up boy.  Where are you and Yelena come to see you?"  She sends a note to Arc.  >>Arc.  Is Yelena.  Have Rabbit safe?  Watch men with drone and tell Yelena if they go hide and wait, and where go.<<

After that, Yelena begins walking in the direction Arc's drones have indicated the group is.  She thinks of a second message.  >>Arc.  Can call Howler for medic for Z?  They maybe get here before can get to hospital.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-07-15/0036:32>
Arc winced as she paused to hear the Russian yell out, instinctively gripping and drawing her Predator, the smartlink booting up in her vision as she waited a second before creeping a little closer.  Like wind, her replies to Yelena came quickly.

[[PLACEHOLDER for reply to Merlin]]

<<Yelena, Rabbit with me, don't count on support from h er.  Think it'll be just us two in the fight.  I already got hold of Merlin to come by with some med mojos.  They're comin'>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-07-15/0545:29>
@ Arc & Yelena. Just then a few small fireworks go off overhead, "Bootstrap!" squeaks Rabbit.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-07-15/1010:01>
Yelena moves forward as rapidly as she can in the near darkness, the fireworks and her low-light vision letting her see a bit better.  If Yelena can get to where she can see the men through her scope she will bring the rifle to her shoulder and take a shot at one of the gunmen.  She wants to leave the leader alive if possible so she can talk to him, but also wants to make a demonstration.  The silencer on the rifle should help mask her real location and the scope, along with Arc's drones, will allow her to follow where the men scatter to and she can hopefully remove a couple of the drug goons to make the odds a bit more even.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-07-15/1139:47>
As the fireworks went off, Arc didn't have to check to see Yelena bounding into action.  Nodding her head, she silently used her DNI to ping each form her drone could spot, marking them and feeding the info to Yelena as assistance.  Predator first, Arc lifted herself up to line up with a target should one come near.  "Stay down, Rabbit.". She gritted her teeth, breathing even to relax herself.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-07-15/1950:13>
Blake nods and passes Marco the commcode to one of his burner comms. He rises from the stool. 10:30 tomorrow morning, easy enough." He heads to the out to the dock and leaves Marco and Ambrose to talk. 

Once out of sight down the dock Blake pulls the small set of trodes he carried in his pocket and fires up a channel to Shadowsong. The whole walk away from the boat the Raven flies overhead laughing and causing a ruckus. "Someone else is in the hen house."

Blake simply ignored the spirit. He sends the message.

<<@Shadowsong: From Blake. Things have gone sideways. Need to meet face to face. Comms may be under scrutiny.>>

Blake then pulls up a map to the nearest clothing thrift shop. It was time for him to ditch this look and get to work finding out what was going on. First thing that he grabbed was an old beat up backpack. He then started stuffing various outfits into it so he could change looks throughout the night.

Once he grabbed the clothes and paid, he was an entirely different person. The look he had on now wwsa that of an old man. A bum really that was what anyone would see anyway. It was then back to the docks to watch Stewart's boat from afar and get an idea of what these men were up to.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-07-15/2032:02>
Ambrose wipes a bit of sweat from his brow once blake leaves. "I had a john." was his response. "And I'm glad that you came in.. seriously was thinking that guy was going to have me stand around naked for hours. I'd be careful with him. Anycase.. you needed more. As long as there isn't any more surprises, I could continue to keep crafting some here. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-08-15/0102:12>
Marco laughed... "With a possible government agent or something equally messed up... I am really glad that is contact his out of here before we are all under arrest or anything."
He take out some micro camera's and stealth tags. "Yelena has some side job she need to do. I figured placing a few camera's on the nearby street can give some heads up. The stealth tags - will give some kind of distraction in the matrix.  Perhaps they can buy us some time if the decker makes problems."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-08-15/0110:04>
@ Arc & Yelena  Arc's drones make targeting  the thugs child's play for Yelena. At least for the two that aren't being given cover by a bus.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-08-15/0140:20>
"I'm not sure placing the cameras on garbage cans from here, is entirely feasible. There are some RIFD chips out there that do have some sensor abilities."  he says mulling over it. "Now.. hiding the cameras in garbage,that is more easily doable."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-08-15/0224:26>
Yelena takes up a firing position behind a rock that gives her a bit of protection while providing a stable platform to shoot from.  She commands her jacket to take on the coloring of the nearby rocks.  It is not a true chameleon effect, but it should make it a bit tougher to see her.  Arc's drones are her secret weapon in this fight and she definitely appreciates the advantage they give her.  Yelena notes that Z is visible, but prone and likely hurt badly.  Two of the thugs are standing near him, but one is a few feet farther from the bus than the other one.  The drones indicate that the other three men are currently concealed by a bus that is acting as some sort of derelict planter.  One of these three is moving his arms about as if giving quiet commands, and Yelena tags him as the boss.  She quietly places her rifle where she can sight in on the men standing near her young friend.

Once settled in she re-checks the displays indicating where the targets are, then undergoes an almost magical transformation that few can experience and even fewer master.  Decades of practice and experience allow Yelena to become the rifle.  Her mind and her body are honed to interface with the best sniper rifle in the world; her external senses enhancing those of the scope and the targeting displays.  She slows her breathing to almost nothing as she sights in on one of the two thugs that she can see.  Selecting the one nearest to the bus, she lovingly caresses the trigger, sending three little messengers of death outward to the target.  Even as the rounds leave the barrel, Yelena is shifting to the next thug, trying to reduce the odds against her.  There is a good chance that the first man will never know what hit him and the second will be so surprised that he will remain rooted in place, even if he has the presence of mind to try to spot her.  All she needs is the three seconds that it will take to re-sight her weapon and there is a chance that both men will be down.  Her coloring and the silenced barrel should make it difficult for the men to spot her, even if the others were not temporarily concealed by the bus.  The rock and the small form she presents should also help.

[spoiler]Shooting at Thug (http://orokos.com/roll/306890): 19d6t5 5  Hmm.  5 hits and no glitches is not too bad.  The target is -2 to his dodge and the damage is 14 + net hits.  He soaks at -5 to his armor.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-08-15/0950:27>
@ Arc & Yelena  You see the goon in your sights jerk as the bullets hit him.

[spoiler]ismilealot:2D5 → 10(5 +5)#which thugs are visible (https://rolz.org/info?X2649060)
ismilealot:1D5 → 3(3)#which thug is visible (https://rolz.org/info?X2649068)
ismilealot:5D6E5 → 2( (6, 3, 6, 3, 1→ 2 successes against 5) )#thug 3 dodge (https://rolz.org/info?X2649080)
ismilealot:3D6E5 → 1( (4, 2, 5→ 1 success against 5) )#thug 5 defense (https://rolz.org/info?X2649096)
armor is 12 on thugs 2 & 3, and 6 on thugs 4 & 5. The boss is # 1 and his armor is 18.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-08-15/2035:03>
Arc blinked as she watched the thermal image of one of the thugs jerk three times as he was struck down by what the human could assume was Yelena's rifle shots.  Shuddering, she was taken aback by a brief moment, instantly steeling herself as she saw their opponents...the bad guys...start to take cover.  Muttering to Rabbit, the human tensed herself.  "When y'can, slip in and get Z.  Get him outta there, but don't risk ya hoop.  Sneaky"  Rearing up for a brief moment, the human girl raised her Predator in her cyberhand, lining up one of the other thugs visible...the other one clearly on the ground... and squeezed the trigger, immediately popping back behind cover upon doing so.

[spoiler]Simple action: aim (+1 dice)
Simple action: shoot
(https://rolz.org/embed?X2660924) (https://rolz.org/info?X2660924)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-08-15/2132:18>
@ Arc & Yelena you hear, "The hell? Beans get eyes on that shooter! The shot had to have come from the southwest!" And through the magic of Arc's drones you receive an image of one of them taking up a defensive position against a tire. He's no fool, he's got cover or partial cover from 3 directions there. Another one jumps up, laying himself on the mangled hood of the bus trying to find Yelena and get a shot off. The one closest to the crumpled body of Yelena's target dives towards the wheelwell of the bus,, trying to put as much distance and objects between him and the shooter as possible.

[spoiler]Assault Rifle, Acc 5(7), DV 10P, AP –2, The roll is at an overall situational modifier of -2 after accounting for conditions, the minus's for the burst and his pluses for his smartlink and goggles.  (https://rolz.org/embed?X2661552) (https://rolz.org/info?X2661552)
 [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-08-15/2331:20>
Yelena grimaces as the bullet from the thug on the hood of the bus finds her.  Obviously not surprised, the man had acted quicker than Yelena had hoped he would.  She feels warm blood flow from the wound at her side, but does not let it distract her as she brings the scope to her next target.  The part of her that she has dedicated to maintaining a watch over the various displays provided by her scope and Arc's drones guide her to the man on the hood.  Controlling her breathing, she again begins to caress the trigger of the weapon that is Yelena.  The small part of her that is still Yelena sends a short message to her friend.  >>Arc.  Yelena hurt.  Is not bad.  Will slow some.<<

Yelena considers a bit, then sends a second message.  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  Am hurt and bleeding.  Gunfight in Barrens Gardens.  Sending ARO for location.  Helping young friend.  Yelena want Marco know he is good man.  Not living in shadows yet.  Maybe never will.  Yelena live life as Yelena want and Yelena die that way if must.  Want Marco know he.......special.  Yelena not want die, but might.  Not want die without say goodbye.  So maybe goodbye.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-08-15/2349:38>
Marco looks at "Phoenix so do you want to come for a ride? I can also go alone, no problem there" . Either alone or accompanied by Phoniex Marco leaves to place some cameras in well hidden places. As well as a couple of stealth tags. Doing so makes it all most real that Yelena willingly puts herself in danger. He say a silent prayer, for her well being and then as he sees that the sun have already set he summons a demon. Maybe it was luck, or maybe the prayer but the demon did not resist at all. It was like he waited to be summoned.

The demon did not materialize, he was hanging in the astral close to Marco.

“3 services, blind mage.” Said the demon. He was powerful and even in thought that he made Marco shiver a little bit. Demons were a bit scary, dark but usually friendly nevertheless.

“I have a feeling that we are going to have a long night. I am ashamed to think what I have in store for you, for the meanwhile we wait until the right time. There is this woman I like... she is about to do something despicable. Yet, every bit of me wants her safe. We will see how the night progresses. “ Thought Marco

Marco texts Yelena >> Y, you may indeed be daughter of the devil as you have one powerful demon waiting to help you. Meet me before you go. Kisses, Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-09-15/0414:22>
After their camera planting trip, Marco returned home to take a shower. He did not have much time. What would Sophie like? he thought as he prepared himself. He remembered her introductory meeting where they shared thoughts. She shared a lot about herself who she was and what attracts her. Listening, this is what made Marco a good escort. He quickly adopted the tone of voice, and appearance that she desired. Getting ready, his mind cleared. He spent a complete hour of thinking about Sophie before their date.

What did he know about her, she was a lawyer. Well almost a lawyer, a legal assistant in a firm that did contracts for businesses. She had a demanding boss, slightly abusive even she hated the guy. Terry Colt that was the name a real scumbag and the owner of Colt and associates. (there were no associates - the name was just to give the legal assistants hopes).

Sophie is brilliant and well traveled. She spend two years in Japan and over five years travelling asia.  Her family held shares in some big shipping company, their boats shipped goods all over the world.  She was born to the privileged few that did not have to work a day in their life but she chose to work harder than most people. 

Sophie had no true friends, her colleagues did not believe her grades were real, every achievement in her life was attributed to her parents having money.  She wasn’t rich herself, but whatever support she had paid for a very nice apartment downtown.  Asking her about her family, would make her immediately hostile and cynical. Marco definitely did not want to do that. Instead, she would probably complain about her boss, perhaps tell him a little bit on a brilliant contract she crafted or how she discovered a legal loophole in some contracts she had to handle.

She demanded to be treated with respect, she wanted no comments about her looks or about her wits. In a deeper level she wanted to feel loved, desired and appreciated. However, trusting people was difficult for her - and when people complimented her she imminently assumed that they were going to ask some favor afterwards. Marco definitely wanted compliment her - he felt that it was the right time. He understood that everybody needs their positive reassurances.  To do so he has to be subtle and she better be a bit tipsy.

Marco worked hard to establish some intimacy with her. She never had it with anyone else, he felt that this was what she needed. She liked talking, lawyers were people that liked to hear their own voices. He kept encouraging her with genuine attention to all the tiny details in her stories.  She seems to take little interest in Marco. Just to use him as a tool for pleasure - an expensive toy. He knew that it was not completely true. Marco felt that it was less awkward to her to have their relationship well defined like in a contract. She did not like to leave things fuzzy.

But Marco was not a man of definitions.  his relationships were fluid, they evolved. They crossed boundaries. She found that scary - the danger in actually liking him - of things stepping out of their pattern.  Marco did not made it any easy for her. After all, she did not pay him to do what she wants. She paid him to be the person she desires,  to be her dream.

Unlike anyone else in her life, Marco had no problem taking her to a club in the Barrens, he took her to Joy to meet his drinking buddies. Yet, he could also blend in high society. She was terrified of her colleagues learning the true nature of their relationship.
He prepared his mind and soul to her, pushed everything aside. Tonight he was her lover.

He picked her up at 21:00 and they went to a nice restaurant, Marco impressed her with his knowledge of wines. He managed to pick an exquisite bottle for them to share. The food itself was very good and diverse. A unique fusion of European and Japanese cuisine. The restaurant had a few dishes from almost every country in the world. Despite the diversity however, the dishes were meticulously done, their chef clearly was well traveled. The atmosphere today was Japanese and a soft traditional piano music was played in the background by an eastern looking orc lady.
[spoiler]
Restaurant piano music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ9tPp1Lwmc
[/spoiler]
They sat on the floor and enjoyed the good meal. The conversation was smooth as Marco listened with genuine curiosity to Sophie's day. The alcohol and the music begun to kick in and after the second dish both were more relaxed. Marco embraced Sophie and gently kissed her. They seemed like a couple in love - so said the waitress that gave them a complimentary dessert. The young couple left the restaurant joining hands and walking peacefully to the limousine that waited nearby. There was no driver, either it was auto piloted or remotely operated and the company manager assured Marco that there are no sensors inside for maximum customer privacy. “I missed you so much, Sophie.” Said Marco as they entered the limousine. “You genuinely look stunning, shell we go to the club? we got VIP rooms booked already.” On the way to the club Marco’s peace of mind was disturbed by Yelena’s text.

Yelena considers a bit, then sends a second message.  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  Am hurt and bleeding.  Gunfight in Barrens Gardens.  Sending ARO for location.  Helping young friend.  Yelena want Marco know he is good man.  Not living in shadows yet.  Maybe never will.  Yelena live life as Yelena want and Yelena die that way if must.  Want Marco know he.......special.  Yelena not want die, but might.  Not want die without say goodbye.  So maybe goodbye.<<[/color]

His well trained emotioned struggled to stay calm. This night was Sophie’s, she paid for it and deserved his full attention, but he could not ignore Yelena’s call for help. If she is wounded there is not much time... he was lucky to give his spirit the healing spell. Demons could travel faster than airplanes. If anyone can reach these gardens in time it was the demon.

“Demon... I know it is a remote service and you will go free afterwards - but you are the only one I can turn to that can help in this situation.  There is a white haired elf, in this location. She is in trouble, I need you to make sure that she stays alive. This is not an order but a request, I want nobody to die in there.” His thoughts struggled he feared it would happen, but repressed the option of Yelena getting hurt.

Marco asks for a moment of privacy and send a message to Jed.
>> Jed, Yelena is hurt in this location - please send a spirit to help. There is no time - she is in a middle of a gun fight.
The second message is for Yelena. >>Help is coming, don’t die.

Despite his efforts, a single tear reaches Marco’s right eye.

“What is it?” Asked Sophie.

“A friend of mine... she was hurt... “


“Just a friend ?” Asked Sophie.

“More than a friend...” Confessed Marco. “But magic is a powerful ally, I have sent help her way.”

“Don’t be silly... we should go and see her.” That was awfully uncharacteristic of Sophie, to show interest in Marco’s life. Maybe in her own way she was reaching out for him. Despite doing almost all of the talking that evening.  Marco struggled, he wasn’t sure what to answer. Yelena in a middle or after a gunfight bleeding to death wasn’t exactly part of their romantic evening.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-09-15/0931:54>
Blake sat patiently watching the boat. Something was going on here and he was determined to find out what it was. The group at the boat was the only lead that he had to find Stewart.

Every couple of hours he'd become a different person and would change up his routine.He watched for a while as a bum. That was fine until he started getting harrassed by a couple of street punks. After he got sore sitting for a while he changed his look for another. He got some exercise as a jogger. That gave him a chance to move and stretch. The bum came back to sit on the pier for a while after he he took a few minutes to relieve himself. He even dug an old fishing pole out of a nearby dumpster and used it for a bit. 

He watched as the Stewart impostor left. Part of Blake wanted to follow but decided it would probably be better to keep an eye on the boat for the moment. He did have the meeting tomorrow morning with the guy. 

The entire time his mind was churning. Stewart had been kidnapped. Or so this Marco character had said. That would explain the lack of communication for the last several days.

The Raven perched on a rail next to Blakes lookout spot.

"What are you going to get out of watching a boat in a harbor? "

He was waiting for confirmation from Shadowsong that she had received his  message. Once he got the meet set up he would have to leave his surveilance.

Blake pulled out one of his clean burner comms. He checked the virtual dropbox that would contain the when and where to meet with Shadowsong. He sent that the comms may have been compromised. He had no reason to trust this Marco character. And how had he gained access to the boat? He really needed to speak with Shadowsong to find out what she knew. She seemed to know Stewart better than anyone else Blake knew.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-09-15/1008:07>
"Oh drek that.  You are not dying on me, girl!". Arc gritted her teeth as she saw the goons take their positions, the one on the bus the most obvious threat at the moment...and the most exposed.  "Rabbit, if ya still there, I need that Ingram..need to lay down some suppression drek.."

Shifting a few feet, the human popped her head up again, taking aim at the prone figure on the bus and letting loose a single shot from her Predator, barely feeling the recoil against her cyberarm before she got back behind cover.

Cmon, Merlin, where is your sorry hoop...

[Spoiler]2nd pass: simple action: aim for +1 die
Simple action: shoot at prone goon on bus

Pistol attack (http://orokos.com/roll/307212): 10d6t5 5
Damage code 8P, -1 AC[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-09-15/1715:58>
Marco’s emotions run wild, Yelena was shot and bleeding. Marco wanted to go but he could not put Sophie in danger. It would just be wrong. He kissed her passionately and suggestively, trying to take her mind off that idea. 
“I can’t take you... it is dangerous.”

Sophie kissed him back, and for a moment she seemed to give in to temptation, but then she said. “Don’t sex me up into submission... I am paying the bills so I make the rules.”

“Don’t pull rank on me, you can be hurt she is in a gunfight - and what if... “ He felt weak, Sophie Embraced him and gently stroke his back “So you are a person inside... I wondered about it.”

“Excuse me?!”, said Marco.

“I gave you access to my mind and dreams and there you became my dream person, saying all the right things to me... Making me feel things, but it is a dream, a wonderful dream - but it is not real. You claim you can be anyone in the world. So I thought to myself - are you someone, or once you take away all the disguises there is nothing”

Sophie was way smarter than Marco anticipated - and seemed to think about him. He was surprised he underestimated her. Sharp like a razor, she was both seduced by his methods and saw through them - she let herself be entangled.

“I am a person... but tonight I am your dream. That was a moment of weakness. Let me do that for you.”

Sophie slapped him, Was it something he said?
“I am a consenting adult, you don’t get to use my safety as an excuse... I want us to go meet your special friend that makes you cry. If you do not want to do so - don’t give me excuses, just say that you do not want to share your personal life with me. I’ll understand... it’s not like I am introducing you to my family or anything.”

Marco looked at Sophie, she was clearly upset. He did not want their night to go that way, he planned a charming dream something to keep happy and dreamy for a week or so.

“I don’t just play you Sophie, do you think that I am that good of player? I enjoy being with you, I like making you happy. I only know that girl for a few days.”  He said not taking his eyes off her.

“Still she makes you cry, you never cry. You control your emotions... you are a terrifying person to be with I can never tell if you are honest or not. I see through most people, with you I can’t. Trust me on this case. You want to go there and I want to come with you.”

A spoiled silver spooned rich lady in the middle of a Barrens after a gunfight? How was that going to work. Yet, despite not asking him questions - despite talking only about herself all the time. Despite giving him the feeling he was just a toy. She did took interest, she had a sharp mind and she analyzed his personality.

Marco said with a naughty voice. “ I will pull over in some dark side road. We will take off our clothes and...” He got close to her and whispered to her ear “and I will make us birds and we get to see the scene from the sky.”

Sophie was a bit shocked, she was used to physical intimacy with Marco but becoming a bird?! “how does it work?” she whispers as she unbuttons her shirt. Marco could feel his urges... she was so sexy stripping like that. It was extremely sexy that she wanted to go with him, in what might as well be, discovering Yelena dead. It was difficult for him to take his eyes off her, he adored her at that moment.

“Honestly I do not know, you will be a bird you will have sharp animal senses and your body will feel unlike anything you can feel in your own skin. You will know how to fly... and I have no idea why or how does it works.”

Sophie's shirt was unbuttoned already and she was already taking her skirt off. 
“Shouldn’t you be stripping too, lover boy?” she giggled, as she saw that dreamy lusting look Marco gave her.   
Marco passionately kissed her: “Thank you so much... I owe you.”  he whispered.

They stripped and Marco used his magic to make them birds. He also activated a mindlink to allow them telepathic communication. The concentration was really difficult - within his ability but difficult. Some people, freak out when turning into animals for the first time. It is a unique experience and clearly is not for everybody - bird body feels strange, it feels vulnerable as it is a lot smaller than a human. The speed of flight - the height it is a lot to handle. However, the most difficult feeling tough is not being able to talk. This was what the mind link spell was for - being an animal without it is terrifying.  Sophie seemed awkward in that new skin, she was fascinated by her new senses and Marco could feel how she try to rationalize what just happened to them.  Marco never saw her as excited as in that moment. He wasn’t sure if it was crossing to personal boundaries, becoming a bird - or the danger of visiting a place where there was recently a gun fight. Maybe it was a combination of the three.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-09-15/2349:56>
@ Arc & Yelena  Rabbit nodded at Arc, clearly scared. But she ducked down and wormed her way into a space Arc had only thought of as a shadow, and then Arc heard 3 shots in quick succession and saw a puff of trash kick up near the action and knew she was at least doing as she'd been told. The moon peeked behind the clouds giving a bit more light on a scene that was desperate and dangerous in a landscape made alien by it's cold light. Above, another small spate of fireworks pops off. Bootstrap still trying to render what aid he can. Even with the quickness of Arc's duck back under cover, she still spotted the jerking of the thug aiming at Yelena. "Yes! I hit! Take that fragger!"

[spoiler]ismilealot:4D6E5 → 1( (5, 3, 3, 2→ 1 success against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X2685638)
ismilealot:16D6E5 → 6( (6, 4, 3, 2, 3, 6, 2, 4, 3, 1, 6, 4, 6, 6, 5, 1→ 6 successes against 5) )#soak (https://rolz.org/info?X2685660)[/spoiler]

@ Marco  Sophie spends most of the time concentrating on flying. Marco feels her effort and frustration. It was so easy for him. But she tends to overthink it and struggles along beside him at first. And then is terrified and fascinated with the ground below her. A birds vision is so different from a humans that you can tell through the link that she was unprepared for it. But, flying over the scene the fireworks go off around you, and the emotion becomes pure panic. She flies away as fast as she is able. The terror lending speed, and the fear keeps her from overthinking the action of flying itself. And when she finally is able to calm down to land she is full of mockery and disdain for Marco, and his caring for Yelena. "My, my, my poor dear Marco. Do you care for her because she is able to really feel something? Or because despite all your little airs and pretensions and love of la dolce vida you're really Barrens trash and the best you can hope for is being a jumped up hooker?" she sneers. And you remember more of your original assessment of Sophie. Things that you'd pushed to the back of your mind because you like to like your clients. Things like that that razor-sharp mind came with a pretentious and almost cruel attitude, and more than a bit of social snobbery. And terror had pushed that cruelty out to the fore as she struck back and out at the only target she could. Marco.She continues, "You needn't bother making tonight up to me. I think I can do better than you." she sneers.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-10-15/0013:09>
In the split second that Arc was coming up to take her shot, she heard the muffled rapport of her silenced Ingram.  It was lucky that it had the built-in silencer too...Arc wouldn't know what to do if people got killed under her word.  Don't die, girl.  You'll be okay  Affirmed by this, she took her shot, taking only the quickest of intances to confirm her hit before retreating behind the piles of trash.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-10-15/0128:56>
Yelena slides behind her rock so as to present no target to the drug man and his thugs.  Her biggest advantage over the enemy is her ability to see them thanks to Arc's drone.  The man she had shot was not moving so is dead or unconscious and the man that Arc had shot is injured, but she cannot tell how badly.  She takes a moment to gather her thoughts and loudly calls out.  "Drug boss.  Is Yelena Petrovna.  You wanted talk but hurt boy.  Now Yelena hurt drug man thugs.  Barrens people called and coming.  Barrens not want drug man or thugs.  Soon drug man surrounded and no where to go.  Put weapons down and walk out.  Yelena not kill.  Yelena friends not kill.  Drug man and thugs want die or want talk?  Yelena give thugs and drug boss one minute to decide.  Thugs can live if leave drug boss.  Last chance.  Time start now."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-10-15/0202:37>
When the fireworks go above them Marco thinks... “shh it is just fireworks try to relax, these can’t hurt you.” Obviously he sees that she does not relax, she panics and fly off to some abandoned roof nearby.

Marco softly thinks at her... “Its okay... we are safe. have you felt how sensitive we are for movement?  that mouse in there just made my entire body react to it’s present.”

@ Marco  Sophie spends most of the time concentrating on flying. Marco feels her effort and frustration. It was so easy for him. But she tends to overthink it and struggles along beside him at first. And then is terrified and fascinated with the ground below her. A birds vision is so different from a humans that you can tell through the link that she was unprepared for it. But, flying over the scene the fireworks go off around you, and the emotion becomes pure panic. She flies away as fast as she is able. The terror lending speed, and the fear keeps her from overthinking the action of flying itself. And when she finally is able to calm down to land she is full of mockery and disdain for Marco, and his caring for Yelena. "My, my, my poor dear Marco. Do you care for her because she is able to really feel something? Or because despite all your little airs and pretensions and love of la dolce vida you're really Barrens trash and the best you can hope for is being a jumped up hooker?"
.She continues, "You needn't bother making tonight up to me. I think I can do better than you." she sneers.
He shakes his wings and try to embrace her.
“This is *our* night, an exciting night with fireworks and gunfights and a sleazy club in the Barrens. Don’t be scared - no matter what comes out of that pretty beak of yours... I’ll be true to you. ”


"There are scums in the Barrens and there are scums in high society... like that boss of yours.  Colt and associates with no associates. He may be rich but if you weren’t so diplomatic about your emotions you’d admit that you hate the guy.

and don’t try to fool me with scorn bird of feather, I *know* you like me. You wanted to visit a club in the Barrens and Demanded to go to a crime scene in the Barrens. You are some twisted up thrill seeker aren’t you?”


He did some odd gesture with his beak.
“Besides... you will have to do much better than that if you want me to leave you naked in the middle of the Barrens... chill out a little bit, Sophie it is your night. Shall I take you out for a bird eye view of the city?”  Birds do not laugh, but Marco tried to laugh never the less.   

Marco thought that Sophie must have been extremely terrified. He tried his best to calm her mind. Her heart was in the right place but she clearly was not ready for what was to come. After all, this was her night and Marco was right about not having anything to do in a gun fight, naked and unarmed. He sent a demon  to interfere, he could really not do more than that. Besides... any other date can take her clubbing... Marco was that exciting friend of her. If she ever wants to see him again after all that excitement.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-10-15/1757:56>
Arc gave pause as she steeled herself behind her cover, eyes glancing over in Yelena's direction as the elf barked out her ultimatum.  The human raised a brow at this, surprised.  Looking for less bloody options...drek man, Marco would barely believe it if he saw. Smirking a little, the short lady shifted her weight a bit, pausing as she felt a little clink against her foot.  Looking down, she saw a discarded black metal can...Bango! soda as it were...that had come loose from the trash.  She blinked twice, her smile widening almost deviousky as she grabbed the can, waiting with eyes on her monitors to see how the thugs reacted...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-10-15/2334:58>
@ Arc & Yelena There is a few seconds pause before you hear a deep voice call out in an ugly threatening tone, "You wanna waltz in here and pretend to know what these people want. Like some little princess high in her tower who looks down on the people far below her and decides what's best for them? I know these people and what they want, because I am one of them. I live here. I work here. And the people I hire are third and fourth and fifth generation Barrens SINless. And they buy from me because I can give them something that lets them forget about their pain and have pleasure. While you sit in your fancy little house and your fancy little car and pretend their pain don't exist. To hell with you and your chances. We make our own." Through the feed that Arc's drones sent out you saw him signal the two that were left to circle around quietly. You watched them creeping spider-like towards Yelena's position, each taking circuitous paths that would catch Yelena in a pincer of crossfire if they succeeded.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-10-15/2347:35>
@ Marco  Sophie was still angry. The spell allowed her to feel Marco's sincerity, but it didn't seem to make a difference. "Some twisted thrill seeker?! You cast a spell and think you know me?! Take me home. Now."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-11-15/0056:37>
Yelena cannot spare the time or mental capacity to give the words from the drug boss any real attention so she files them away, focusing instead on the displays that show the thugs moving to get flanking fire on her.  It appears that the boss has remained in the safety of the bus, but Yelena recognizes that does not make him harmless and keeps his position marked.  She looks about for a slightly better position that will give her better cover from one of the advancing thugs, finally settling on what that is not perfect, but better.  She carefully moves the few feet to the new position, picking up a rock along the way.  Once in place she contacts her friend.  >>Arc.  Yelena mark man with red line.  Have rock.  Will throw to side to try to distract then shoot.  Can Arc throw rock behind other man so he distracted?<<

Yelena waits for Arc's response and keeps track of the exact positions of the thugs approaching as well as the two still at the bus.  She needs to act before the men get into their optimum firing positions.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-11-15/0112:39>
Oh, frag this!

Arc gripped the can, seeing the men start to disperse as the big guy said his piece.  She swiftly assessed the situation: with the night dark and the fireworks, the lighting was perfect for her idea.  She grinned, sending a message back at the speed of thought.

<<Yelena, ill do you one better.  Use this op, it'll only work once>>

Taking a deep breath, the human belted out from her cover to the thug boss.  "All fine and dandy, drekhead, but these pups deserve the chance you takin' from them.  You pushed, now we push back. FRAG OUT, MOTHERSLOTTER!!"

Pulling off the pop tab with an audible click, Arc threw the black can toward the dead center of the group before they could spread too wide.  It was dark and variable lighting, hard to adjust.  The thugs had one down, one wounded, so adrenaline was in place.  There was no way they could tell the smoldering black object could be anything but what the voice had suggested...but with any device like that, they would only have a few seconds to decide...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-11-15/0142:10>
Yelena's smile would chill hot water as she listens to her friend.  She kneels behind the rock giving her cover, bringing the rifle to her shoulder and sighting in on one of the thugs.  Milliseconds after gently squeezing off her three-round shot she is back down behind cover.  She observes the effect of the shot in the display provided by the drone, not needing to remain visible.  With luck, her short move and the limited amount of time she is visible will help keep her from taking another bullet.

[spoiler]Shoot at a thug (http://orokos.com/roll/307676): 18d6t5 6[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-11-15/0149:06>
Marco is reluctant to take her home because this is how bad memories form. In her home alone and terrified this night will become an horrible experience. She taunted him in a situation where he has complete control.  That required trust, in some deep level she felt free enough to insult him knowing that he will keep his temper. Marco could build on that.

“It was a compliment my lovely Sophie, I can excite you in ways completely unimaginable. I copied your thoughts to become that boyfriend you always wanted... but you really wanted something else, perhaps a gun fight in the Barrens is too much for the first night... but standing on a skyscraper and diving down to see how much your birdy body can take? What are the limits? To visit a club, definitely run by some spooky gang and feel the danger and temptation? people?.... We can go to places where no one can recognize you, how do you feel to be a nobody for a night?“

He looks into her eyes and softly say “Remember your initial excitement...how relentless you were,
the passion. i looked at you with awe... I adored your existence”

After a slight pause to let her remember he continues.
 “Magic lied to us... it is not the perfect boyfriend that you really want... I never got that passion from you as a boyfriend. I took you to restaurants, I took you partying I took great interest in everything that you said. We finished in bed, with a very passionate sex. You enjoyed it, I enjoyed it too, very much - I like making you happy Sophie.

With a slight pause he continues.
 
That look in your eyes for the possibility to visit a crime scene? I have never seen such passion in you -  It was something real, do not belittle it”

He sighs trying to make her relaxed and more adventures he says:

“There is something else in you... a sense of adventure.  You are a fast learner, your body knows what to do. When you flown back you did it so well, it was hard to keep up.  I’ve been flying for many years for you this is your first night. Give yourself some slack, it is okay to stumble a little bit. I was terrified my first time in the air.   When you met me tonight at the restaurant you had no idea how the world looks from a little bird’s eyes. How beautiful fireworks that people like, are biblically scary for a little bird.  I felt it too... the bright lights that blinds you... while flying... they are disorienting. The way too loud explosive sounds... The air flows caused by the explosions that makes it a bumpy ride. All my birdy instincts screamed run away. You will never look at fireworks in quite the same manner again after experiencing them from this perspective.”

He relates to his own words when he speaks about masks, Marco loves playing the part he lives to it.

“Trust me, sometimes you are tired of being yourself all the time... sometimes you it is more exciting to be somebody else if only for a little while. It is liberating, lets put your boss and your job, your rich parents and family history a side. Let me take you to a sleazy club where nobody knows who you are. For one day, feel the authentic behaviors of people that approach you. Unfiltered and uncensored even if you display your SIN in there, nobody will believe it is real.  I will be there to keep you safe, if I can interfere in a gunfight on other side of town... I *can* keep you safe. Just let go and enjoy.

What are you saying my dearest Sophie?... want to give me another chance for the evening? Absolutely no problem of taking you home as well. ”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-11-15/2301:19>
Ambrose was doing as the plan prescribed. Cooking.

It wasn't something he could just do a little bit and be done with it. Producing a good product at high quaility required quite a bit of work, so he couldn't go out on flights or have some exercise in the park. Not that he really wanted to anyways. His job in a runner group wasn't front line, and it wasn't leg work. It was back end support, logistics and the like. Sure he was good with explosives and sometimes picking pockets, but really, he wasn't someone you could expect to handle the front lines that well by himself.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-12-15/0111:32>
@ Arc & Yelena  With the view given to you via the flyspies you see them dive for cover.
 And Yelena's target is in no shape to get up again as the bullets find their way home.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-12-15/0254:23>
Yelena smiles grimly as she sees the effect of her shot on the display.  Having a partner with drones is really proving itself.  She remains below the rock and shouts out again.  "Hey!  Soldier of drug boss.  Minute not up.  Can still surrender.  Look at companion on ground.  You lucky was not you.  Now only you left so next shot for you.  Gun man like odds?  Think why drug boss hiding at bus and send soldiers to die.  Is now Yelena plus three here.  More come soon.  Make smart choice or be next dead man."

After Yelena finishes talking, she crawls several feet to a third firing position.  She is trying to keep her exact position a secret until she pops up for her next shot.  She keeps tabs on the remaining thugs, including the boss and wounded man still at the bus.  The last unhurt goon is her next target.  She sends a quick message to her friend.  >>Srui.  Was brilliant idea with can.  Yelena think another thug down.  Got more good plan?<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-12-15/0946:23>
Behind cover again, Arc listened to the elf speak her piece again after dropping another thug, grimly smirking at how their threat was now at half strength.  "Yelena, in a second they'll know I was fulla drek.  Don't think I can trick more, but I'm liking the odds, yeah?"

[Spoiler]Holding roll for later post!

Pistol attack (http://orokos.com/roll/307913): 10d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-12-15/1104:10>
@ Arc & Yelena  The drug boss and his goons scramble to get out of the way of the grenade Screaming "I'll slot you in hell bitch!" the goon that had been trying to sneak up on Yelena stands up and runs trying to get in a better position to fire on her. His anger makes him sloppy, and he rushes the shot. The boss man, knowing he doesn't have many choices right now takes a vicious shot at Z and begins running away from the situation that had so quickly spiraled out of his control.

[spoiler]ismilealot:9D6E5 → 4( (1, 5, 5, 1, 1, 6, 5, 3, 4→ 4 successes against 5) )#thug 1 firing at Yelena includes -2 for partial cover & -2 demoralization (https://rolz.org/info?X2738370)
ismilealot:9D6E5 → 3( (6, 5, 3, 3, 6, 4, 1, 3, 3→ 3 successes against 5) )#boss shot at Z (https://rolz.org/info?X2738438)
ismilealot:6D6E5 → 2( (5, 3, 4, 3, 4, 5→ 2 successes against 5) )#Z's soak (https://rolz.org/info?X2738457)[/spoiler]

The spirit hovers above the scene taking it all in for a moment. It has been charged to act, and it's enslavement in this plane will not end until it fulfills its bond and shatters it. Desire roils in its being. Desire to experience the pain and despair and fear that is it's birthright. And below it is a scene that it can feed upon. It hovers for another moment. Delaying for an exquisite moment, allowing the emotions to swirl around him, enjoying the tantalizing pain. The white haired elf is in no immediate danger, and the others, mmmmmmmh, the others will be so very exquisite. He dives down in a quick motion and passes through each of the wounded. Taking in their suffering and augmenting it, so that they each experience more agony, more suffering. Oh yes! They will each suffer in his grasp. His true payment for the bond he has been made to endure. Fully erect he spasms in ecstasy with the intensity of the pain of the one. Ughhh! the bond will not allow him to experience the full release. It cuts him off. Still, this is better than being forced into a healing with only one paltry souls pain. He will heal the one as he has been ordered, and then, free of the bond he will be able to experience every pain these ones have to offer.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-12-15/1122:07>
Arc snapped into action as the retort of gunfire went down, the Hunan girl springing up from her cover.  Seeing the boss man shoot at where Z lay and run, her eyes went wide as she thought quickly.  He fragging didn't.... "Y, get the big guy.  I'll deal with these hoops". Bringing the rush I g goon into her sights, she leveled her Predator and squeezed off the trigger with a bang.  hope this gives Rabbit an opening to grab Z...if he's still here.. frag it, Merlin, hope you're running...

[Spoiler]previous roll goes here.  3 hits[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-12-15/1148:46>
Yelena barely notes the thug's shot at her as the rounds spray harmlessly into her earlier firing position.  She hears Arc's words, but is not truly interested in the drug boss.  Rabbit is still out there trying to get to Z and the thug on the hood of the bus is a danger to the young woman.  She pops up and sights on the man, letting her body guide the gentle pull of the trigger.

[spoiler]Shoot at thug on bus (http://orokos.com/roll/307937): 18d6t5 9[/spoiler]

Again, after taking the shot she ducks back into cover, but she is pretty certain that this was a good shot.  She calls out, "Soldier men.  Boss running away.  Leave soldiers here to die.  Surrender now or die."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-12-15/1449:06>
@ Arc  Arc shoots the goon on the ground trying to get away from the grenade.
[spoiler]ismilealot:3D6E5 → 1( (5, 1, 3→ 1 success against 5) )#thug 4 dodge (https://rolz.org/info?X2743609)
ismilealot:9D6E5 → 2( (2, 2, 2, 4, 3, 2, 1, 6, 6→ 2 successes against 5) )#thug 4 soak (https://rolz.org/info?X2743832)[/spoiler]
@ Yelena  The goon that had been trying to sneak up on Yelena had had enough. When he saw the boss running he cut his losses and started scrambling to get out of the area. In a moment it went from a firefight to a dead zone with two bodies on the ground and one on the hood. The spirit strokes Yelena, feeding off of her wounds.  Yelena feels the sharpness of the bullet wound travel through her entire body suddenly now that the adrenaline of the moment has passed. She shudders, and a spasm of pain shoots through her body. The bullet wound is pulsing, hurting more than any of her previous wounds have as a burning sensation travels through her and for a moment the pain is so intense she can't breathe. The demon shudders as he rides wave after wave of pain, absorbing it feeling the bonds weakening. Ah, close, so close! It bites down onto her wound, sucking it dry, and the spasm of pain it elicits as the wound closes and the bond breaks! It shudders in the release, the fullness of the ecstasy his! And it's chain to this realm broken it is free to experience the pain of the others!

@ Marco  As Marco's words weave a spell around her and his desire for her feeding the adrenaline, and fear becomes an intense sexual desire. Marco feels the change. And feels something else as well. Always before Sophie has needed to be in control of their sex together. Right now at an unconscious level she wants to be overwhelmed with the passion, overtaken by an intensity that she can't possibly contain. Right now, in this moment, she is very vulnerable to Marco's brand of magic.

@ Ambrose  The experiment with the drugs is going well. Ambrose could have a new career in front of him. Not many have the knowledge and the exacting attention to detail that this drug requires. Much less the knowledge of explosives that allows him to change the recipe subtly to allow Marcos' magic to work just a little better. Nothing to it really. Just a matter of adding a reagent that was very similar chemically to one of the ingredients. Marco should have the recipients of this little batch begging him for the favor of an addiction. When he's done Ambrose is exhausted. but at least his pants are on. And he's starved. His last meal was awhile ago. Well this tub is well stocked with food at least. I wonder what else I can make? Rummaging around in Sam's cupboard to take better stock of the inventory Ambroses long skill as a bomb maker hiding his little devices in various things stands him in very good stead. The weight on this can is wrong. Not by much, but it's wrong. !Hmmmm, he examines it closely. Ah ha! This was very well done. The join is almost perfect. He can admire the skill with which this has been done. But what is it hiding?

@ Jed  The tea garden is beautiful. The peaceful strains of music begin to drift towards him, drawing his eyes back towards the gazebo thing on the left. And he sees a lovely young woman playing the music. Dressed very traditionally in a kimono, she is the image of peace and tranquility. A beautiful golden carp dances gracefully in the air around her.
[spoiler](http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk193/smiles7367/japanesegirl%20-%20Copy_zpszmnwsb88.jpg) (http://s280.photobucket.com/user/smiles7367/media/japanesegirl%20-%20Copy_zpszmnwsb88.jpg.html)[/spoiler]

@ Blake  The dropbox folder finally has a message in it from ShadowSong. It's only taken her an hour! Blake thinks with irritation. >>TinyMouse, the project ShadowClaw had you working on is to important to continue this delay in searching for him. And if the person you encountered who you believed to be him, and well, hasn't contacted me, then it's because he is still missing and completely unable to. But, It's possible that the search has not been without benefit. ShadowClaw had a second group working on the angle of the drug itself for this job. And that group has a runner that he's been working with very gently to develop his talent. A runner who's burgeoning ability to imitate others appearances may make him useful for the next phase of this project. I would like you to contact them again and feel them out about continuing with this operation under your direction.<<

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-12-15/1509:36>
In the heat of the moment, Arc was about to try to pick off the fleeing goon, but stopped herself.  These hoops are cowards...either they'll be back or they'll realize this gang ain't worth pushing...Okay... Starting to shake from riding off the adrenaline, the short girl snapped to action upon realizing they were clear.  Hokstering her weapon, she bounded through the trash.  "Rabbit, need your help!"

At that moment, she was assured Yelena was not dead, so her full attention drive her straight to the side of Z, testing her goggles off as she looked him over.  "Come on, kid, you clear now...you still with us?  Drag it dude, you ain't dying here!". Her expression was intense as she shouted at him, noting the extent of the beatings, trying to make sure...and hoping desperately...that this teen hadn't bit the lead biscuit yet...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-12-15/1622:50>
@ Arc  Rabbit rushes to Z and helps Arc turn him. "Carl, Car! CARL! Wake up! CARL, so help me if you don't wake up. . . . ." The last few words are barely choked out as she's fighting hard to keep from crying as she sees him. Z's face is unrecognizable. The swelling, cuts and bruises are so bad he could have been any young black human. The way his arm flops when she rolls him it's broken, and judging from the swelling so are both of his hands and probably his kneecaps as well from the angle his feet are flopped at. Arc is trying to feel for a pulse and can't find one. And he's not screaming from the pain of being turned either. . . .
>>Arc, I got Blue. We be there in 5-7. You be on the slide side or the swings?<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-12-15/1815:21>
“Okay... lets get back to the car and go to the club?” Said Sophie.
“No... not yet... there are few more things that you have to feel”. Answered Marco
It was difficult to contain her passion, Marco’s initial plan was to talk her into staying into making this night memorable. He liked to believe that he is an empty shell a mask. However, Marco’s affection to Sophie, the mental link between them and Sophie’s sexual desire, her adrenaline and fear all combined and overwhelmed Marco. He fought the feeling, so he can remain in control of the spells and he was experienced enough to do so.

He took Sophie to a trip in the city. It was wild ride, focused at testing limits. They pushed their little feathery bodies to the limit, and Marco could feel Sophie’s desire grows with the fear. Their mental link served as an amplifier of these emotions because Marco too was fascinated and lustful towards her. Usually, Marco does not have that much fun with his clients. However, the thrill of speed, the fear of diving to the ground -  felt again for the first time through Sophie's mind. It was powerful and terrifying.

The city lights at night are beautiful and romantic, from a bird view the city seems peaceful. Unlike previous times with clients, this time they paid no attention to the view.  They were looking into their temporary animistic nature, into the thrill of the hunt.  While they did not hunt yet, the practice made the little bird body come to live, all the senses operating at once at their highest capacity. The feeling is amazing, and Marco was grateful for the opportunity to re-experience this feeling for the first time.   Marco knew that it was perfectly safe - but Sophie did not and the fear and anticipation amplified their emotions. He wasn’t easy on her, but he knew howto push her in a way that build her confidence rather than break it.

When they finally returned to the limo, Marco ended the shape change spells and turned them into humans again. Both of them were breathless. Sophie’s naked body shivered with excitement and her cheeks were blushed. Marco watched her with lusting eyes, he adored her figure. Previously, Sophie could let go and enjoy the ride. Marco could not - he had to keep them in the air. With the spell sustaining gone Marco found it difficult to remain in control. He wanted Sophie and desired her, the time spent linked together made him especially longing for her intimacy.  Her beautiful body, soft skin and heavy breathing did not make it any easier.

Marco gave Sophie a long warm and passionate kiss. His lips were still tingling with her taste as he whispered: “You are so amazing!”.  His hands began exploring her body, pulling her closer to him. “I want you, right here, right now”  he said softly, as his kisses moved toward her neck.

Sex in a car was out of character for Sophie. She needed to control the environment. Marco could barely imagine having sex with her in a private room at the club. Every previous time was in her own apartment, on her bed - under her conditions. She had a very rigid and well defined script when it came to what she wanted from Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-12-15/1946:13>
@ Marco  But not this time. This time Sophie was not in control. And Marcos touch turned passion into an inferno as everything that had happened combined and ignited. At Marco's touch Sophie came alive. She couldn't get enough of him, pushing him to take him right then. But, even as she climaxed it wasn't enough. She wanted him again, needed him again. And this time she was willing to do whatever she had to do to have him. Giving him every pleasure she could imagine. Wanting everything she'd ever seen and had never allowed herself to lose control enough to try. She was alive, and offered every part of herself to him. Needing everything he had to give, and pushing him to give her more, harder, deeper. Every part of him experienced her as she offered herself to him fully.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-12-15/2032:41>
After Blake checked his comm for the dropbox message he sighed. Now he had another team on his hands. He wasn't one to deal with other teammates well after he'd lost so many in the past. Blake stood up from the bench on the pier that had given him such an excellent view of the boat. As he walked away he let the disguise of the old bum fade away. As he casually walked he pealed out of the Bum's coat. He walked next to a dumpster and chucked the coat away.

He used the trodes and the comm to put another message in the dropbox.

<<Shadowsong... Run a full check of the all of my comms. If they are clean then send me a message through the normal channels. If not I'll check the dropbox for further instructions. I think I met your up and coming runner. And I have a meeting with him tomorrow at 10:30am. I'll be back at the offices by noon if all goes to plan.>>

He sent the message and headed back to his crappy little apartment that he had been using for the job.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-12-15/2052:32>
@ Blake  Seven minutes later. >>All your comm's are clean except for the one you listed for the law firm. You're every movement is being tracked by Gracie O'Malley. Who, as the personnel assistant to Mr G. Otaluck and a member of the state bar, she really should know better. Don't worry, I've been feeding it false signals and a few fake phone calls since she started having you tracked. By now she should know your taste in beer & pizza as well as your obsession with an elven pleasure provider that has you deeply in debt and struggling to keep up appearances.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-12-15/2154:04>
Yelena shrugs through the intense pain, knowing that it is a measure of luck that she is able to feel anything at all right now.  Before leaving her spot she removes the nearly empty clip from the rifle and inserts a second one into the slot.  The appearance and demeanor of the demon that Marco had sent was a surprise.  For a moment, she could sense its pleasure at the pain it was feeding off of and felt an affinity of sorts for the spirit.  When the spirit has finished and the wound is just another scar on her already well-marked torso, Yelena slings the rifle over her shoulder and draws her Predator as she begins the long walk to where Z is laying in the dirt.  She makes sure that each of the three men on the ground are indeed dead, as she does not want any of them to miraculously jump up and start shooting her.  If one is not dead, she will secure him and remove his weapons. 

Yelena goes to where Z is and gasps.  She is momentarily transported back to Camp 14.  Four years into her time there.  She had been put on an impromptu burial detail, something that was becoming more and more common.  She was looking at people she had probably known, but did not recognize anymore.  Beatings, amputations, and other experiments had disfigured these young children beyond anyone recognizing them.  Then she saw the right arm with the odd birthmark.  The young girl had been only five years old and had been turned in to the authorities by her parents.  Vestia had been her name, and she had been a bubbly girl despite what was happening here.  Now Yelena was tossing what was left of her body into a shallow ditch outside the camp fence, where it would offer not even the barest protection from the scavenger wolves that roamed the area.  She wonders how many of the other twenty bodies were children she had known.  She would not know until they failed to show up for morning roll call or punishment duty.

Yelena shakes her head and looks at the young man on the ground.  For someone who is such a friend to death, she has to start twice to be able to get the words out.  "Is he dead?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-12-15/2338:20>
By the time Yelena had said those three simple, powerful words, Arc had already been fishing in her pockets for a couple things she had usually kept when she was out in the hood.  The first she was attaching to Z's limp form where she could, a small device with a display on it: a biomonitor.  As it was booting up and trying to get a read on his vitals, her hands were already fishing out her trauma patch, shaking it out.

Arc practically was choking on her words as it took her a few tries to get the answer out.  "I..I..I..I don't know man...no pulse, no moving...come on, tell us you piece of drek!. Of those present only Yelena would maybe understand the reason behind why Arc had become so unnerved with someone she maybe didn't know.  The reason was simple: she knew this kid came from her turf, same roots, wanting to make the drek of their home better for those.  He did not deserve to die, not for them.  In her mind, they were responsible for this kid's survival...and losing one of her own was something she could not bear.

<<Merlin, swing side.  Near the bus.  Hurry, I'm checking but the kid might've flatlined...

Tears were streaming openly from her face as she held the patch ready, waiting on the biomonitor's results.  If there was any chance of him pulling through, that patch of adrenaline, clotting agents, stabilizers, and painkillers was going straight onto that boy's body...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-12-15/2352:50>
Blake just shakes his head and chuckles...

<<@Shadowsong: From Blake. Nice cover... But really elven pleasure provider? You gotta make me look that desperate? I know the Taylor cover is a real douche but come on... I still gotta play the part. >>

Blake pulled up on his Mirage to the complex that made up his cover identity, and his current living arrangements for the job. The place was a dump but he was lucky enough to have a first floor apartment so that he could pull his bike right into the studio apartment he had. It wouldn't be safe any other way.

He stretched out on the over-sized troll couch that  made up his bed. He wasn't sleeping yet. He just had to decide what his next step was going to be.

The Raven perched on the seat of his Mirage. What are you gonna do wiith another team?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-13-15/0000:01>
Yelena kneels next to her Srui, sharing tears she did not know she had inside her.  She pulls a "Medimagic III" medkit from a pocket of her jacket and holds it out.  "Will this help?  It is only a class three but it might save his life."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-13-15/0012:10>
@ Arc & Yelena  The biomonitor takes 33 seconds to boot up. It's readout stopping and starting and going back to "loading internal test parameters" three different times. Finally you hear, "Vital signs, heart rate 12, respiratory rate 1, blood pressure 51/17.  Vital signs inconsistent with human parameters, please input metahuman type to ensure device accuracy."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-13-15/0019:05>
@ Blake  Shadowsong messages you, >> :-*<< She gives it a few moments and then says, >>ShadowClaw said this group had an edge in this thing. Lets hope we can figure out what it is in time to be able to use it. I'm not a fan of the body count so far. We could use an edge right about now.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-13-15/0024:23>
Arc blinked.  She was no expert at medical drek, but she was no dim bulb in the chandelier.  She recalled the numbers she had when she was recovering at the hospital...heart rate 64 bpm, respiratory 18, blood pressure 138/93.  Drek.... Turning to her Srui, she gave a nod, patch left next to her just in case.  " He's bad but still here.  Do it, tell me if I need to use this Guardian Angel..". She was referring to the patch she had out as she punched in Human, Male, Adolescent.  " Come on, man, you a Barrens kid...pull through"

<<Merlin, this kid is hanging on.  We trying give him mundo care, but please hurry>|

The tears were openly streaming down Arc's face as she shook, pulling away to give Yelena room to work, tugging Rabbit along with her.  "Y'all did good, girly.  Very brave..". She took the Ingram from the kreb's shaking hands, locking the safety and  stuffing it through her pants waist.  "You're a very sneaky bunny.  A girl like you could do a lot in this hood with that gift..". The talking was certainly helping her calm down...or distract her, as it were.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-13-15/0030:07>
Yelena's hands are steady as she moves closer to the boy.  She stills the tears and looks him over as she breaks open the kit.  She hesitates and glances at her friend.  "Arc.  Yelena has some skill.  Also know if use kit then mojo healing cannot be done.  How close is mojo help?  If not close, Yelena use kit.  Can stabilize without using meds and maybe that be enough to hold him until help here."

Two of the tell-tales on the biomonitor start flashing red and Yelena makes a decision.  She rapidly pulls out the components of the medkit and gets to work.  Hols on Z.  Yelena not want you die for her."  As she finishes the last bit, she spares some words for Arc.  "Arc.  Maybe friends find drug men that ran?  Barrens not kind to punks think can walk in beat up Barrens kids."

She pushes the button that sets everything in motion.  [spoiler]First Aid (http://orokos.com/roll/308118): 13d6t5 5[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-13-15/0046:40>
@ Ambrose  The experiment with the drugs is going well. Ambrose could have a new career in front of him. Not many have the knowledge and the exacting attention to detail that this drug requires. Much less the knowledge of explosives that allows him to change the recipe subtly to allow Marcos' magic to work just a little better. Nothing to it really. Just a matter of adding a reagent that was very similar chemically to one of the ingredients. Marco should have the recipients of this little batch begging him for the favor of an addiction. When he's done Ambrose is exhausted. but at least his pants are on. And he's starved. His last meal was awhile ago. Well this tub is well stocked with food at least. I wonder what else I can make? Rummaging around in Sam's cupboard to take better stock of the inventory Ambroses long skill as a bomb maker hiding his little devices in various things stands him in very good stead. The weight on this can is wrong. Not by much, but it's wrong. !Hmmmm, he examines it closely. Ah ha! This was very well done. The join is almost perfect. He can admire the skill with which this has been done. But what is it hiding?


Ambrose was actually fairly good at just living off mana, and magic, A useful trait to be sure, and of course it didn't substitute all the time for real food, he still needed to eat something real every once in a while. Still, Bordum sets in and he continues riffling through the stuff on the boat to find that can of soup. Again, he could actually pretty easily figure out how much something weighed just by picking it up. A little scan through ultrasound didn't tell him too much about that can either.

Taking out his tools he began to fiddle with the can to figure out just what its secrets where
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-13-15/0049:28>
@ Arc & Yelena  You see the machine reset as it calibrates for the input data. And then you hear, "VS Heart rate 3, no respiratory rate detected, blood pressue 32/0. Immediate medical attention required. Input DocWagon contract number."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-13-15/0108:19>
Yelena realizes that the first bit of help was not enough and pushes the kit to get the most out of it.

[spoiler]Edge for misses on First Aid (http://orokos.com/roll/308130): 8d6t5 4[/spoiler]

She can do no more and hopes it is enough.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-13-15/0126:26>
Arc shook her head, glancing at the time...barely any has passed.  "Merlin's five minutes out, but they should be able to help...god frag it, sons of slitches gotta pay..once they get here, I'll tell em the story...we get them going huntin". Her expression was grim and set, but her Srui could probably no better...there was a storm underneath the expression, and Arc was already working to pull pictures of the remaining thugs from the drones for identification...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-13-15/0135:13>
Yelena nods, "Drug man boss say from Barrens.  Arc know him?  Yelena think man maybe born here but left.  Still like say from Barrens to give special attention.  Man not care for Barrens."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-13-15/0142:37>
Blake sends back a message, <<I've got an edge they don't have. I have you. Now they don't know about you and they think I am some young wageslave douhebag, I havent told them anything I didn't thin we could afford to loose. Any suggestions on ho we handle tomorrow?
 
What the hell is going on? Stewart is missing,,,Stewart,had another team as part of the projects that seemed to be doing some high end chemistry "cooking" He just had to figure out how their drug woud affect people
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-13-15/0159:32>
@ Arc & Yelena  It takes long moments for the drugs to take effect. Moments where the boy is far more dead than alive. But finally you hear. "Vital signs: heart rate 21, respiratory rate 7, blood pressure 52/21.  Vital signs inconsistent with human parameters, Immediate medical attention required. Input DocWagon contract number."

@ Ambrose  It takes some work but finally the bottom of the can is off. Inside wrapped in a waterproof bag is a keycard. It's to a small place across town.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-13-15/0208:36>
Yelena smiles as Z seems to be improving a small bit.  "Arc.  Look.  Is improved.  Z is strong.  Might survive."  She looks over at Rabbit and takes her hand.  Rabbit strong.  Rabbit brave. See?  Device say Z small bit better.  Rabbit know Z has family?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-13-15/0212:09>
Ambrose sat with the card in hand for a little while, before shrugging a little. He wasn't getting any younger here, he stands up and dusts off his coat. Makes a check around the boat to make sure everything is off and begins to walk to the boat's entrance, before wondering if he turned everything off,and goes through the boat to make sure everything is off, this time also hiding everything he could in various places around the boat.

Slipping a few kitchen knives into his sleeves, he begins walking out, leaving a note for Marco behind [found card, went ot -place-]. There wasn't any reason to bug the guy now right now to satisfy an old mans curiosity.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-13-15/0504:30>
As Marco stopped pretending, he wore the most liberating mask of them all his own face. In the back of his mind he remembered that she was a client but her sincerity and the volume of her emotions overwhelmed him. Marco knew that few people are lucky enough to feel this kind of burning desire.

Their first time was quick, dirty and intense. They climaxed together shivering and heavily breathing. Marco was proud of Sophie as she was brave enough to explore her limits and share her desires with him. The desires that became their desires.  “You are amazing” he whispered to her, still struggling with his breath. Marco embraced her and gently stroked her dark hair and face, he felt connected to her and his mind entered a state of a blissful tranquility. For Sophie however, it was too early. She wanted more, her entire body responded to his hand. Sophie started kissing Marco and he could feel how her desire energized him again - how it become their desire.

He felt as if she was begging for his affection and Marco was a demanding lover. He pushed her, challenged her body and mind. He could feel how Sophie became attentive to his needs. How she gave him everything she had. She did everything within her power to please him, and Marco celebrated her body as well as her mind and emotions. She was addictive, and Marco felt as if he got a bit of his own medicine. As if their roles were reversed and she was seducing him, taking him deeper and deeper into her passions. Marco was excited,  Sophie was irresistible and her body offered many temptations that she happily shared with him. She was liberated from her fears and self image and did everything within her power to please him.  Marco returned her passion with his own, demanding more and more until both of them could barely move.  Marco was not sure how many times they climaxed, but when they finally relaxed they could barely move. They looked at each other with excitement, both of them seemed charmed and smiling.

Marco held Sophie's hand and softly kissed her. This time it was not the passionate kind but a slow, long kiss full of affection and emotion.  He tried to reassure her - that no matter what happened between them,  he is still true to her. That he likes her, respects her and does not think any less of her or take her for granted. “You are special Sophie, one of a kind, you are brave to explore your who you really are and I am grateful to share it with you.”He said.

In a way Sophie was a lot more attractive dressed up. Her hair was a mess, but she smelled differently, her face were glowing and her skin seemed healthier. She seemed happy, a feeling that Marco shared. It was a simple and careless happiness.  “You look stunning” Marco said softly. “Do you still want to dance with me tonight?... There is nothing I desire more than a dance with my amazing Sophie.” He added.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-13-15/1134:47>
@ Marco  Sophie smiles and stretches langorously, "It's 4:30 am and you'll probably have to carry me up to my apartment. After all that I'm not going to be able to move for at least a day." She smiles again her hand gently caressing your inner thigh. Her eyes close with a content and sated smile on her face. In a few moments she stills and her breathing becomes that of sleep.

@ Ambrose  The problem with these keycards is that back in the day they were used everywhere. They were reasonably secure and places that needed somewhere safe for transients to store their things had used them. But, everything changes, and now they were only used by a few places. And without any identifying marking on the passcode itself Ambrose was going to have to try all of them and hope he got lucky. A few hours later he was walking into his third bus hub. The first two had been a bust and only one more bus hub to check before he moved onto trains and a few old private airports.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-13-15/1209:48>
Arc was tense during the long moments before any results were apparent, the human constantly checking the time sndnkeeping an eye out for Merlin. The seconds seemed to crawl as she. Visibly roiled in emotional distress over the situation, undeniably unnerved.  Finally, she hears Yelena's reaction as she checked the displays...vitals were rising. 

For the first time since the fight was over, she smiled if only slightly.  "Barrens kid.  We don't go down easy, you know that. Frag it though, we ain't outta the drek yet..." . Pinching her brow, she let herself fall on her butt, leaning against a piece of trash.  "In trying to get an ID on the guy now...if I don't know him, someone will, I'd bet my hoop on it.". She was still shaking a little, but starting to calm.  This feeling she had...The last time she lost her cool this much was when she saw that ork girl's body butchered in the alleys...loss...of decent people that didn't deserve it.  Arc felt shaken, vulnerable...but not out of the fight yet, fortunately, as her expression resolidified...The night wasn't done yet.

[Spoiler]Not sure if a check would be appropriate to isolate an Inge of the boss or ID him, so I guess Perception if a roll is needed at all.

Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/308310): 7d6t5 2[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-13-15/1831:16>
Marco gently hugged Sophie and fell asleep shortly afterwards. He was more tired than he thought. He carried her to her place once the car arrived. He kissed her one last time and returned to his place.  Marco felt proud of himself he had a great time and had a satisfied client. He managed to use his demonic powers for good. (or was it good?)

Thinking about Yelena and her message, got him philosophical about life. He knew that she survived and he hated himself for liking her, a gun fight? But she too was a creature of passion - could she be so evil, and yet have such a large soul and passion? It made no sense. "Maybe I am evil too... Maybe an assassin like her is my future"

He just hopped that nobody was killed - then again his demons never really showed any good will, despite Marco's constant attempts to bond with them. He need to learn to become a lawyer in order to handle them properly as  demons seemed to do what he say rather than what he meant - they were bright enough to completely understand what he wanted - they just chose to act dumb.

Summoning was his first magical skill and Marco never understood how it worked.  He prayed and they came to his aid. Marco and his friends were taught that their powers are divine in nature, that these came with a responsibility to do the will of the church. Christians are notorious about not knowing how to handle spirits well. Marco could understand it because their spirits were beautiful angles that seemed happy to do their job - and did not take their orders very literally.

Marco's demons behaved differently, they often tried to do as little as possible. They are considered evil. When he first summoned his demon - his friends had their spirits attack the poor demon. Marco could barely release him in time to prevent his pain.  Further attempts to summon yielded similar results. These strengthened the theory that Marco’s talent was not a divine gift but some false demonic power. 

All his summoned demons all claimed to be Asmodeus the king of demons. Marco never understood it. There was no way Marco could command a greater demon, maybe the greatest of them all.  Were they Asmodeus servants? Where they participating in some massive practical joke? Marco never understood it. 

There was a big debate about Marco and his nature. Was his magic in fact  demonic powers given to him to seduce the righteous into sin?  Was he to be exterminated? His rampage sexual behaviour did not help to counter his demonic nature theory. His status was constantly debated, and many teachers believed him to be a silver tongued devil.

One of his only supporters was father Gabriel. He claimed that there is no hard evidence that spirits are angles. They take many forms and many magical traditions see them as different things. These words were almost heresy, but they managed to seed enough doubt to keep Marco alive. After all, demons did not have to be red horned human like beings, they could appear in any physical form, they could even take the form of angles.

Marco believed himself that his powers were in fact  demonic. He just refused to believe that Demons were all evil. After all, if they really had no purpose in the world, why were they allowed to exist?  Marco already understood - that without sexual passion humanity could not survive. “Evil” had a place in the world. Agrat, his first mentor spirit reinforced this belief. She was a creature of passion of music, she hurt a lot of people. Few can contain her without giving in to every possible temptation, burning their life.  She is considered an evil demon - a bad influence. However, Marco believed that she filled the entire world with passion, without her - there was no meta humanity. It got to give her some positive credit - even if following her was destructive.

Marco did not understand that like any human he had limited attention, when his classmates were studying how to channel magic outwards Marco learned how to subtly influence people. Agrat did not stop him from learning magic, he dedicated his entire life to learn magic. He just never understood what he did was actually magic. To him his flirty and passionate nature kept him from studying, amplified by his mentor.  The big picture was  - his flirty nature, his passion were the manifestation of his magic - his sexual scandals was how he mastered his magic.  Eventually, he managed to pick up spellcasting as well. Marco was young, and he already knew quite a bit about magic.  Life could be long and with time and guidance he can learn.

Marco did not knew if he was *really* a demon - he was pretty sure that he was an elf.
How could he possibly be a demon?  It made no sense but there were some disturbing similarities... like demons Marco could take any form he wanted. He seduced people like demons, followed a demonic mentor spirit and was only able to summon other demons.  Finally, he referred to Jesus as J. He could not bring himself to say more than J.

“I think my demon helped Yelena  and I made Sophie really happy, I wasn’t that bad today...” Marco was aware that the church would not approve about any of his deeds especially his long and passionate night with Sophie. “I think they are wrong” thought Marco. “Everything that I was taught is wrong... Assassins and their handlers - they all speak in the name of J, me? I can’t even say that name. At least I am not fooling myself...Thanks Agrat that I am not one of them.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-13-15/1952:34>
@ Jedediah  The music Is peaceful and beautiful. And the carp changes colors lazily as it dances to the music. You feel the atmosphere drawing you in. The song ends and the young lady looks up at you, "It is not often I have visitors. Would you like some tea?"

@ Arc  The biomonitor gives you updates every minute. And asks you for a DocWagon contract number every minute. And then you hear, "Ugggh, Buunda! Dayum, next time you be havin' this much fun girl I think I'm gonna wear my formal attire." Merlin & Blue arrive moving quickly. And Blue's breaths sucks in at the beating and he shakes his head when he hears the vital signs. He's already got blood root laid out against Z's chest, he hesitates and then adds comfrey and a cayenne pepper and then licks his lips and begins the spell, rocking and chanting and the reagents slowly dissipate, taken up by the spell. The spell goes on, Blues chanting soft, intense his hands moving in time with the words signing the arcane symbols above Z's body. Minute after minute goes by the biomonitor chiming it's warning each time. But each time it states the vital signs they're a little better. Thirty minutes later Blue is covered in sweat, his voice a little hoarse from the difficult pronunciations the spell is complete. "That's all I can do." he says sagging and reaching for a water bottle in his pack. He takes a long drink and then says, "Next time I'll tell 'em to turn that fraggin' machine on mute. I know he's bad off, it's why I'm working and having it ask for a DocWagon contract did not help my concentration." without missing a beat the biomonitor states Vital signs: heart rate 52, respiratory rate 11, blood pressure 94/47. Please continue to monitor patient. Merlin high fives Blue who smiles tiredly and returns it. Z's eyes open a crack and he moans.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-13-15/2028:15>
Jedediah mentally shakes himself at her invitation.  He been so enraptured by the music and the beauty of this place that for a moment, he allowed himself to forget where he was.  That could be a deadly lapse, let's stay focused  he thinks to himself.

Pulling together everything he can remember about the nuances of Japanese social interaction, Jed approaches the young woman, but maintains what he hopes is a respectful distance. 

Domo arigato.  It isn't often that I'm offered tea when I wander in somewhere uninvited.  So sorry, but my knowledge of formal tea ceremonies is only basic.  I have not been afforded the opportunity to learn them in person, but have only read about them.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-13-15/2144:33>
@ Jed  She smiles gently and gracefully gestures to a tea set that appears at her knees. "Then I have both the pleasure of your company and the honor of showing you the ceremony." She gracefully gestures, the one hand lightly holding the kimono sleeve so that it does not brush against any of the objects on the tea table and a cushion appears opposite her on your side of the table.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-13-15/2209:56>
Jed considers the scenario playing out before him.  This is almost certainly a ploy to give this individual time to figure out who he is. In fact, if this were Jeds ploy, a spirit would be tracking his astral signature back to his physical location while they spoke. He needed to be conscious of the time it took for someone to travel from here to there in meatspace.  Jed was accustomed to spending time in the astral, but he was not accustomed to keeping track of real time.  He wanted information.  This was now his only method.  Break and run? No.  Time to go to work. 

Jed approached the cushion and took his seat.  Your music was ichibon.  Best I've ever heard.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-13-15/2226:06>
@ Jedediah  She looks down modestly at your praise, "Arigatou gozaimasu, I'm glad my playing has pleased you. Though my skill with a flute is less than I would wish. Do you play an instrument as well?" As she asks the question her hands move to prepare the tea things. Moving the cups in the prescribed manner. Pouring the hot water over the cups to warm them. Measuring exact amounts of the leaves. Each movement is unhurried as she watches you. Her eyes are very large and the pupils are a well of darkness. But when she smiles she seems genuinely amused by your company.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-13-15/2306:44>
Jed looks at her looking back at him. Jed smiles back and genuinely tries to learn something of this tea ceremony.  Jed has studied mana enough to know that with special training, one can change your Astral face like Marco changes his meat face.  When I was young, I was fascinated by Classical and Spanish guitar, particularly Segovia in the case of classical, and a 20th century group named "the Gypsy Kings". I started to learn, but I didn't stick with it.  Carefully examining the aura in front of him, he tries to determine if this person before him is as she seems. 

[spoiler]Smilinirish:12D6E5 → 5( (1, 5, 3, 3, 6, 1, 6, 3, 1, 6, 5, 3→ 5 successes against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X2779056)[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-13-15/2345:22>
Arc was quick enough to note when Merlin and Blue arrived, hailing them over with a shout before pulling Yelena and Rabbit clear so the mages could do their work.  She remembered witnessing Blue's rituals before a few years back...he didn't like to be crowded.  The short girl.remained stock still, sitting on her knees by some rubble with the others, hands clenched into tight fists while eyes stared unblinking at Z's beat up form, clinging to the hope that this time, this one time, someone could be saved.

At the end of it, Arc could feel the breath escape her lips in relief, her head and shoulders slumping as the tension was released all at once.  She ignored the shaman's complaints about the medkit's voice...he's dealt with worse, in her mind.  Letting Yelena tend to Z, Arc approached Merlin, shaking hands in traditionalHowler style: a firm grasping of right wrists, followed by a shove shoulder against shoulder, followed by a thumping of the backs of their left fists.  "That was solid, Skraa'Cha.  Thanks.  So here's the deal..these guys were pushing drek to kids at the skate park.  They got checked on it and got kissed, so picked this kid out to teach a lesson.  I don't have to tell us just how many Howler codes that broke, so ima give you this...here's our slitch" .Just in time, her two drones came down and lighted on her shoulder as she shared a picture of the lead thug with the ork.  "Think you can work with that?"

After the conversation, Arc would turn to Rabbit, glancing dead even at the keeb, the human's short stature putting her levke with the younger, thinner teen.  "That was some slick work knowing where to get...rzrgirl, right?  And that sneaky bunny stunt too.  I think Rzrgirl would want .you to keep that link...but if you're wantin', I can work some cred your way.  A place not terribly far from here...need it scoped out quiet.  I can score you a hundred fitty...atwice That if you get it to me.by tomorrow night.  What do you think?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-13-15/2348:03>
With the keycard being utterly generic to a small place down town, he really didn't have anything to go on for it, other than going around from place to place to test it out where he could, And so Ambrose does just that before heading back to the boat with a quick stop at the stuffer sack for some food.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-14-15/0009:21>
@ Jedediah  What he see's throws Jed's mind into shock.
[spoiler](http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk193/smiles7367/dragon10_zpsuhb02ysv.jpg) (http://s280.photobucket.com/user/smiles7367/media/dragon10_zpsuhb02ysv.jpg.html)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-14-15/0015:03>
@ Ambrose  This bus station is far busier than the others. It serves as a hub for a few bedroom communities. But Ambrose has had plenty of practice at blending in. AHHHHH. The  passkey slides in and the door slides open easily. The locker is seemingly empty. But Ambrose has hidden to many things to take that for granted. And no one goes to the trouble this Sam has to hide absolutely nothing. Ambrose takes out one of the kitchen knives and begins gently feeling around the edges of the interior.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-14-15/0024:22>
Ambrose looked around the box for a little while, slipping his kitchen knife back into his coat. He reached in to see how far is hand would into the locker, unless sam had lots of time to set things up, any thing in there would be relatively simple, he thought. Most like scenario is a false wall in the back of the locker or a very thin one at the top of the locker, possibly to hide a  key card or data chip,
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-14-15/0031:38>
Jed sees his aura flicker through shock, fear, excitement, and back to shock.  Although he is certain that this entity that appears to be a dragon noticed the play of color, Jed decides to play out the charade.  Focusing on the ceremony, Jed begins to wonder if this is the individual posing as Snowden, or if Snowden is really employing a dragon as his security. 

You have such a beautiful garden. I never imagined that one could do this here.  I had a small rooftop garden at one point.  Could one learn to create something of beauty like this?  Perhaps even as a simple a bonsai tree?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-14-15/0035:20>
Yelena goes to the side with Arc and Rabbit.  Her face is impassive as she watches the ganger mojo man do his stuff.  She nods to Merlin, who she remembers from the fight with the Smiley Face Monster.  Her concentration is mostly focused on Z.  The boy had shown bravery.  He had also shown an incredible loyalty to someone he had just met that afternoon, something odd in this place.  But was it?  Yelena realizes that she knows very little about this place she has started to call home.  She knows some of the area and some of the people, but she does not KNOW much at all.  She resolves to do just that after she completes this mission for Sam.  Maybe she will take a month or several off to try to really get to know this place and its people.

When Blue is finished, Yelena goes to him and Merlin.  She speaks a passable Or'Zet.  "Yelena thank Howler mojo men for help Z.  Will go thank Howler boss later.  Yelena owe debt of life for saving Z."  Yelena makes a hand motion of gratitude before turning back to Arc and Rabbit.  She looks the girl up and down.  "Rabbit smart.  Rabbit brave.  Yelena owe Debt for help save Z.  Rabbit come see when want debt paid.  For now, can pick up weapons and take Arc garage?  Gang need weapons if fight."

"Arc, Yelena need go meet matrix girl.  Yelena keep hair drone so Arc can see."  She motions to the area.  "Arc handle this?  Let Yelena know where Z go so can visit.  Srui save Yelena life tonight.  Again.  Yelena lucky.  Yelena come home when done."

Yelena picks up the rifle that she had leaned against a rock and walks to the exit and into the night.  Once outside she sends a text to Marco.  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  Thank for Demon.  Help heal Yelena.  Yelena see Marco at meeting with matrix girl?  0100  On way now.<<

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-14-15/0035:39>
Blake was running through streets. He slid over the hood of a car parked next to an old video shop. He cleared the corner in a slide and  pressed off the fire hydrant to get upright again. It was a quick sprint and jump and he made the bottom rung of the fire escape railing and began to climb like a monkey up the outside. The creature that was following him was part human/ part termite. It was horrifying to watch as it came around the corner at a speed that made  Blake's look like a walk through the park.

Blake didn't even worry about looking back as he climbed from railing to railing. At times with just the tips of his fingers grabbing the next rail.  He could feel the breath of the creature on his heels just as he cleared the edge of the rooftop. He passed over the roof by sliding, jumping and running over around and even through a couple obstacles. The scaffolding ahead was Blake's target but he had to make it there before he became a snack for the bug.

Once last jump across the alley and he'd be on the scaffolding. The weight of the creature behind him would just collapse the structure, if only he could make it across before that happened. BLake jumped followed by the creature and he came up short and was falling. Falling into darkness. Falling into a void.

He sprang up off the couch and was crouched before he even realized it. The nightmares were getting worse and Blake's pulse was racing.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-14-15/1008:33>
Arc sized up the Russian elf for a brief moment before responding, tugging at her side to get a look at where she got shot, brow furrowing at the signs of healing.  "Huh...y'all don't look too bad.  Aight, you gon' get ready for that biz, I'll wrap things up here.  When it goes down, your ride will be no more than two blocks out, so you give the word and you're good to kip out"

Before Yelena could leave, Arc would grab her by the arm.  "You ain't allowed to die, so don't, you hear me?  You got this, I'll be there to support ya.  I gotta take care of something first, but I won't be late.  Promise". She smirked a little to break the seriousness before letting go, turning back to the Howler mages, Rabbit, and Z.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-14-15/1404:35>
@ Ambrose  Careful exploration finally yielded it's rewards and the panel slid back to drop the data chip into Ambroses hand. "Hey buddy, can you spare a little cred? I left my pass at work and I don't get paid till tomorrow. If you come through here tomorrow I can pay you back." Ambrose hears the gravelly voice just past his left elbow. The locker door had hidden the approach of an older human woman who didn't look like she'd seen work in years.

@ Arc  Merlin looks at you and says, "Yeah, I'll take a look, pass it around. But you know The Gardens be neutral territory. Likely why he hit the kid here. But, I know this kids rep. Keeps his nose clean, looks out for ta'younglings. I think we kin stretch it ta' a bit o tit fer tat since he be disrespecting the code. If not then I'm sure a couple o' private citizens would be taken a deep offense at this beating. " he looks back at Z & Blue and nods. Z is moaning softly a lot of the swelling gone and bones mending. Blue looks at Z. "You're gonna need splints and carried outta here. Only so much I kin do, but you still be alive and that be better than I found you." Rabbit looks at Z her relief palpable. She'd spent the time that Blue was working with Z moving all around the area. Arc couldn't even count how many hidey holes the girl had explored and come out the other side of. But, when everything was done she'd come back to Z's side and had told him, "You be idjut. Told ya na two ways same." her voice catches and she begins to shake but straightens up and goes to Arc side. Arc knows the look on her face, human, keeb, orc, the look is the same. The look of someone trying hard not to cry. And when Arc tells her about the comm and the job her shoulders straighten, "Wrd I be sneaky, you be payin fer best! You need more? I knowz who best Hopscotch, Ping-Pong, Slide-Glide!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-14-15/1414:08>
@ Blake  The 'frig kicked off just then. The silence welcome. He got a water out of the frig, tempting to get a beer, but he needed a clean head in the morning. And then corrected himself as he looked at the clock. He needed a clean head in five hours. It was only an hour until he had to wake up anyway, maybe he should hit the gym. And then he saw the flashing light signaling a dropbox comm from Shadowsong. >>G. Webster just got invited to the Reindeer Games by a new client. And he's taking his wife & son, this is going to give us our best opening. If you can get the new team on board I'm going to step-up the timetable. This will probably be our best shot.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-14-15/1422:37>
@ Jed  The girl looks at you, and once again you're mesmerized by the enormous eyes. "Anything is possible for one with the will to achieve it. Do you believe that as well?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-14-15/1711:20>
Jed considers her words.  Dealing with dragons was dangerous, and to be avoided at all costs.  But when you realize that you fell out of a tree and landed on the back of the tiger, you rode that tiger, you didn't run away from it. 

And without the will, nothing is possible, even to those of great skill.

Let's see which way this tiger will spin.

Jed needed to get out of this alive, but he fully intended to accomplish something today.  Something to help Yelena.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-14-15/1725:11>
@ Jed She delicately lifts her tea cup and sips it. "History is full of the accomplishments of both. Those whose will combined with their talents to accomplish something great. And those whose will over road their sense and good advice to their detriment." She smiles at you. And with a gently arched brow challenges you. But all she says is, "The tea is sipped thusly to allow the full body of the aroma to have it's effect." Once again lifting her cup and demonstrating.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-14-15/1736:13>
Jed focuses a moment on her demonstration of form.  Imitating her movements, he sips his tea.  He studies her posture, adjusting his body to match her relaxed pose. 

Perhaps some of those who combined talent and will initially found that their will had over ridden their good sense.  Perhaps their will combined with their intent eventually placed them in camp of the former. 

Jed carefully sips the tea again. Are the posture and gestures the same for men and women?  Are there variances between gender and station that one who desires to show proper form should know about?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-14-15/1840:28>
@ Jed  "There are many small steps and subtle gestures. But, for a gaijin I think that it is far more important to master the simpler courtesy's first. I can think of many simple courtesy's among being of enlightenment. But, perhaps you are more intent on focusing on your will." she replies, and corrects the placement of your fingers upon the cup.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-14-15/1914:40>
Jedediah considers the amused smile that she showed before. Perhaps it is best if she stays amused does not become confrontational for now.

Jedediah nods his head deferentially towards the woman.  There is wisdom in seeing to the smaller courtesies before all else. A student doesn't tell the teacher what is going to be taught.

Jedediah focuses on his body posture, the position of his arm,  the tilt of his head as he takes another sip.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-14-15/2028:36>
To Merlin, Arc gave a nod as she crossed her arms under her chest, her expression set and grim.  "That should do it, yeah.  This hoop ain't gon' get a lot of sympathy if you throw in this detail: he fragging put a bullet in the kid as a parting shot to kip the frag out.  That's low, even for a drekhead like that.  Let's get the word out, he'll be on the streets in no time.  As for thanks, take what you want from these hoops, I ain't got use for em..."  Pinching her brow, the human sighed a bit, turning as she saw Blue standing over Z and hearing the kid groan.

Nodding at the shaman's suggestion, it didn't take long for Arc to spot a few pieces of this and that around she could whip together to splint Z up, grabbing them and bringing them with her gently to the teen's side.  "Hoi, chill wiz, bizniz.  You gon' be alright.  Name's Arc, and I came here with your chummer keeb y'all taught skating today.  Good on that, I remember that park's a good place for that.  Anyhow, you one brave motherslotter, and your omae ain't gonna forget it, aight?  Let's get you set up, and we'll see about getting out outta here, wiz?  Got anyone missing ya right now, anywhere to go?"  She frowned as she got to work lashing the assorted objects to him as she listened, doing the best she can to keep his limbs still and move him little.  He's gonna need care or he'll be out for days like this..drek..  Suddenly, an idea popped into her head, and she pulled up a comm message to send off.

<<Jaime, it's Tessa.  Hey babe, hope this finds you well.  You off shift in an hour or so?  For now, I need a solid.  You happen to know any clinics that run charity relatively close?  I found a kid at the Gardens what got beat to all hell.   Stable, but hurtin'.  Thanks~>>

Satisfied with the splint, Arc wiped her brow and took a step back, turning to Rabbit as she got excited about the job.  The human gave a small smirk at the expression shift...She's like me...stress is best handled when that drek is given some direction, some goal..   Raising a brow at the boasting of getting a team, she could only imagine what the elf teen was talking about with that super street slang.  "Heh.  Perhaps that'll be needed, yeah, and more cred to come if that be the case.  For now though, I just need a joint and it's hoops cased, word?  here, gimme yo link for a sec..."  Grabbing the offered commlink, Arc pulled up a city map, searching for a moment before finding the location she was told was the place to go, pinning it before giving it back to Rabbit.

"Ever heard of the Green Goblins?  They squatting in that building somewhere, cooking up and selling drek what don't belong to em.  You get me enough for a trid project of their works by tomorrow, bonus is yours.  You get me a sched of the who's doing what's and when's, or even drek about their plans, I may throw in s'more, ya heard?"  She smirked, seeing the eagerness swell within the small elf girl.  "If you need more than just you, get the help.  This will be your job, so your call on how it goes down..and who gets the cred after, wiz?"  Arc straightened up, coughing a bit.  "One last thing...if they spot you, run.  if they ask who put y'all up to it, it was Stardust, righto?"

[Spoiler] might be relevant.  Jury Rig some splints (default LOG +2) (http://orokos.com/roll/308694): 7d6t5 3 [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-14-15/2244:50>
@ Arc  Rabbit nods, "Sneaky bunny, Nobody spots me Arc gurl! I'll get you everything!" Jaime comms you back, >>Yea babe, The 2nd street clinic should be able to take him. They'll take payments and they keep costs down. If he needs more than basic care then you'll have to take him to a major hosp.<<

@ Jedediah  "Many would consider trespassing to be most discourteous." Her eyes absorb you and you are caught like a rabbit in the gaze of great serpent. At her words the rainbow carp flashes and gently swims in a lazy circle around you.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-14-15/2327:42>
 Ambrose deftly palms the chip into his coat, before turning to the woman. "No." is his reply, in the same moment, he passes over one hundred  nuyen to her. "You won't see me again, because you never saw me... Enjoy the ride."  and with that he begins the long trip back home closing the locker. and keeping the key card. You never know when a locker might be useful..
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-14-15/2338:17>
@ Ambrose  "Ok, ok, you don't have to be so rude. I was just asking." As you hand her the cred she palms it and slides a data chip into your hand. It's so deftly done that her hand doesn't even touch yours, and the motion caught on security cams is of an older woman holder her hand up and out in defense or apology. She's moving away even as you register that there's something in your palm.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-14-15/2348:34>
Ambrose rude? He frowns slightly, after all he just said she wouldn't have to pay him back. Well that is just what happens when he tries to be clever and coy about giving someone a free ride. He blinks as he realizes something is in his hand. The heck? Was this broad just sitting here all this time waiting for someone to come up and open this locker?

<<Marco, I believe this old woman might be a friend of your friend.>> he quickly texts out the message, sending a picture from his suit's camera and coords for his location to the love struck mage.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-14-15/2358:25>
Arc smiled at Rabbit's confidence, nodding her head and placing her left hand on the elf's shoulder approvingly, her right cyberhand fishing out a small datachip, which she passed off to the teen.  "I'm counting on it.  You can put it all in here to give back to me.  I share the space you found Rzrgirl, so you can take it there or comm me.  Your call"  That seemed to be all of it as Arc saluted Rabbit onto the mission, smirking a little as to how serendipity worked out for her on that end.  Knowing her, she'll pull out all the stops to make that bonus...leaving me two full days.  One to prep, one to execute...it's perfect  Pinching her brow, she read the message, brightening up a little.

<<You're a lifesaver, Vrukart.  No joke.  I'm taking him there now.  Will you be home?  I'm nowhere near done for the night, but...drek, I dunno, I'm feeling like seeing you, ya know?>>

Blushing a little, Arc was surprised she caught herself sending something like that.   Granted, it was true, but unlike her.  That being said, after the drama that just happened hitting a little close to home with her might have had something to do about it.  Shaking it off, she let out a whistle to Merlin and Blue as she remotely brought the Americar as close as possible to them.  "Hoi, eth-arts, I gots a place to bring this kid to, and it's only a few minutes from here.  Mind helping a slitch move him?"  Once in the car, she shook hands with the two orks in gratitude, confirming with Merlin that she would get updates on that dealer later, and bid them good night as she took off, keeping the ride gentle with a trussed up Z in the backseat.

It seemed to take longer because of the deceptively tranquil tension, but Arc had made it to the 2nd Street clinic in about ten minutes or so (evening time 22:45), leaving the car running just out the front door as she bounded in, holding up an AR picture feed of the patient as proof.  Bounding to the front counter, her breath was coming in a bit heavy as she held up the picture.  "I need some help.  Found this kid jumped, beat, and shot by some lowlifes what like to pick on kids.  Got him outta the red, but can't do much more from here...he's right outside, can you take him in?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-15-15/0006:13>
Jed was completely thrown by the abrupt change.  He had begun to believe that she was amused teaching him the tea ceremony.  He had been thoroughly engaged in the learning of it.  His stomach turned over and he felt panic begin to overwhelm him. As he felt the bile rise in the back of his throat, he realized that there could be worse ways to go.  His life was mana.  And before him was a magnificent creature, who knew more of mana than just about anything alive. He forced down the rising panic and and smiled sadly. 

[spoiler]Smilinirish:9D6E5 → 5( (5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 5, 1, 1→ 5 successes against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X2805589) Composure roll [/spoiler]

Yes, many do. And I see it's a mistake that I may not live to regret. May I finish learning the ceremony?   I didn't imagine that I would find it so beautiful.

Jed drank in the beauty of the creature before him, and focused his attention on his movements. Breathing in the aroma of the tea, feeling the flow of mana around him.  What was the analogy in Japanese literature?  Ah yes, a cherry blossom.  Jed took a hopeful sip of the tea, amazed that his hand wasn't shaking.  It was out of his control now. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-15-15/0129:28>
@ Jed  She raises a delicate eyebrow, "The tea is enjoyed thoroughly, and a compliment given as to the nature of the cup that it is in." she places the cup down gently and gestures towards it. "This cup is made from a flow of mana that has inspired art and artists for millennia. The unlearned consider mana to be a substance that they can manipulate. It is raw power, much like electricity to them. But, that is it's crudest use and form." she pauses for another slow sip, and then continues.  "Mana to the shaman is life force, and all living things have it. And that is also true. But, if that alone were true, than why does your little planet have mana. Why mana in the rocks and seas and indeed the very dirt that nourishes your plants? Again the unlearned would say that it is the tiny microbes that are a part of your planets life cycle that forms the mana. And it is true that they also have mana. But their life would have never formed without the abundant mana in rocks and seas and sand as well." She raises her left hand, her right gracefully catching the long sleeve of the kimono so that it does not brush against the tea table. The gesture of her hand is slight, a simple circle in the air. And three runefilled circlets fill the air, each rotating and spinning within the other. You recognize the known runes of power that symbolize the different types of magic in each circle, but there are far more runes than that filling the circlets. "Mana is many, many things. It is an artists painting, a fishermans cast, a stonecutters chisel, a warriors strike." she pauses then to glance at you with that mesmerizing gaze and you feel the need to tell the truth. "And an honest man's good intentions. So tell me, why does an honest man trespass?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-15-15/2033:22>
Jed carefully sips his tea again, focusing all his attention on the tea.  He takes in the aroma, feels the tea roll across his tongue.  He notes the tea's temperature.  Only after swallowing, he regards the cup.  It is, of course, an astral construct.  It's simple existence here is a wonder.  Jed takes in its shape, the color, feels the texture of the cup.  As he looks at the design created in the mana he realizes that as he looks closely, the design is made up of intricate patterns.  As he looks even closer, he sees even smaller patterns within.  Of course.  This isn't a  cup that is painted.  The entire thing is woven from mana.  The cup itself is built from intricate weave upon weave to create the form in his hand.  I've never seen an object half so beautiful. Thank you for sharing it's beauty with me. 

An honest man trespasses to preserve Magic.  I am aware of a group who seeks to interfere with Edward Snowden.  I am aware of it because someone I have some regard for was tasked with recovering something stolen from them by an employee.  She accepted an initial payment for the task.  She asked me to uncover the details. I discovered that the object of her task is not who they claim him to be. The information I have been able to uncover suggests that I don't want Snowden interfered with. Having accepted payment, she is obligated. I believe that if I can show her he is a good and innocent man, I can absolve her of her obligation.  Of course now, it seems her interference may have no effect on Snowden anyway, and I am only seeking the information to save her. 

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-15-15/2109:58>
@ Arc  Every bump, pothole and turn in the road causes Z to moan. A moan he quickly tries to stifle. And in between he tells you, "Thanks fa' tha save. I live in the Gardens. Me an a couple others what don't got nowhere else. It ain't to bad. I getta little work now an then an we eats. Rabbit she always be telling me I gotta be more careful. Guess she were right." Z tells you in the ride to the clinic. The attendant at the counter looks at you and says, "Is this gang related?" And upon your negative she indicates to the two security guards that they can put him in a room close to the front. She looks at you, "We don't refuse gangers, but if this is gang related you need to tell me upfront because there are extra precautions we need to take. I'll also need info for next of kin if he's a minor so that someone can sign the paperwork." They come in with Z on a stretcher. And he hears her last comment. "Don't got none. I been here b'fore, my cred is good. Carl 43579G842." She has him repeat his numbers and then nods. "Ok, yeah, you're in the system. Nurse'll see to you soon." He looks at you and waves, his face greyish from the pain and exhertion. "Thx, ta' all o' you. I owe ya' wiz." She looks at you. "Are you staying?" At your negative she looks down to continue her paperwork.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-15-15/2130:49>
@ Jedediah  "Metahumans and their concepts of good and evil, of right and wrong have always interested me." She pauses to pour a second cup of tea for you both. "Why is it that you do not wish Snowden interfered with? And why is it that you consider him a good and innocent man?" she pauses, "And why does that end obligation?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-15-15/2225:56>
Arc's face was serious and grim as she answered the questions while the nurses brought the teen in, getting him out of her roughly-thrown together makeshifts splints in lieu of some more reliable support.  Just as he wasa about to be wheeled away, the human girl stopped, putting a hand on the stretcher next to his shoulder.  "It's null sheen, omae.  Get better..."  Shaking her head at the question of her staying, Arc gave a little smile of relief as she nodded to the nurse at the front.  "You are kind.  Thank ye a ton.  If something comes up, I can be reached here... 2A41S5M0T-H3R6U3K5R.  Consider me next of kin, wiz?"  With that, Arc left the clinic with a sigh, rubbing her temples as she received a response from Jaime.

Quote from: Jaime
<<Rough day at the office, babe?  I just wrapped up a bit ago, come on over :)>>

The human could feel her cheeks tinge a bit at the affirmation, a smile on her lips as she hopped in the car, fishing out a cigarette and lighting it on her lips.  I'm gonna be one tired slitch tomorrow...okay, I can do this...  Firing up the Americar, she zipped away from the clinic and joined the midweek evening traffic...some cars yes, but not heavy to cause any undue delay.

Jaime's place, Wed. Dec 9th, 23:00 PM

After parking and killing the engine, Arc almost went full run into the apartment complex, tapping her feet agitatedly as he went up the elevator to the man's floor.  Her feelings that she had buried under the adrenaline and the stress were starting to surface again, her left hand shaking a bit as she left the elevator and keyed in her code to the abode.  "Oh hey babe, I was wondering if you were gonna come, I didn't get a c--"  He didn't get the opportunity to finish his sentence as Arc was all over him, arms around his neck and shoulders in an almost tackle as she embraced him, shaking, planting a kiss that belied her unrestrained state of emotion.  "...no words..." was all the short girl uttered before pushing him back towards his room...their room now, actually...growling almost ferally in a low tone as she let out all her tension in a heat of passion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A good hour later, the short human girl's AR clock chirped out that it was midnight, a fact she brushed away with a mental swipe of her virtual hand.  Groaning softly, she began to stir from where she lay on her side, finding herself pinned down with some surprise.  She glanced down to see Jaime's arm wrapping around her waist, hand over her stomach in a loving embrace.  She caught herself before trying to speak, letting her breath out in a content sigh as she placed her hand over his, brushing it until he stirred.  "Hoi..."  She cooed out softly, giggling a bit as he moved his arm against her skin.  She realized that he had full view of her multitude of beating scars on her back...and she was okay with it.  Huh  "I gotta get up...Srui needs me at the ready.  Things go right, I'll be back in a few hours..."  She paused, looking down for a bit, letting her head flop against the pillow.  "...Jaime...I'm uh...I'm glad to have you as my Vruk...really.  there's so much I've lost...drek, how much...to have something I call mine...it's strange...but i like it..."

She sniffed a bit, hastily wiping the tears that threatened to emerge.  "Frag it...here I am growing soft...my rep'll be ruined at this rate, heh..."  She smirked, shifting her hips and giving him a little nudge.  "Hoi, you ain't sleeping, are ya?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-15-15/2240:33>
@ Arc  He hauls you back sleepily with kiss, "You're rep, your figure, your sleep schedule. I mean to ruin all of you." he says as he snugs you against him. And then kisses your back and lets you go. "Be careful babe." those words aren't sleepy at all. And Arc leaves knowing that he's worried, he's just not trying to stop her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-15-15/2252:21>
The information that I've been able to find says that Snowden makes homeopathic remedies for the general populace.  I'm sure he gets rich doing it, but his works benefits many.  But more importantly to me, his mother was an accomplished researcher and teacher. He seems to be following in her footsteps by increasing knowledge of mana. Maybe because of her he is using his knowledge in a way that benefits others.  I don't want to see that stop.

Jed takes a sip of the tea, savoring  it as he gathers his thoughts. 

I don't know enough to consider him good or innocent. I know enough to suspect he is good in some sense. I also believe he is innocent in the sense that matters. I don't think he has any interaction with this group. In my eyes that makes him innocent in this matter. I was wanting to find information that would cause my friend to believe so as well.  

Jed slowly takes another sip, and admires the cup for a moment. Tracing the larger pattern with his finger.

As for obligation, it's a matter of Face.  There is no doubt that they retained her services under false pretenses.  But she accepted payment.  She won't forego the deed because it's too hard, or too dangerous, or because she is likely to fail.  She has to decide that the act violates her code of honor. It doesn't matter if they agree.  It is for herself. I wanted her to forego the deed to preserve Snowden's work.  But in light of the current circumstances I am just hoping to find cause for her to forego the deed to preserve herself. Of course, I can't tell her that. She would lose face.  I need to convince her that this violates her honor.   

Jed looks intently at his cup.  Snowden is likely to be fine.  Jed no longer  thinks Yelena can't touch him. He is no longer here to serve magic.  He should be trying to talk his way out the door.  He has only known Yelena for a day. Mike even warned him that she was bad news.  But Jed had opened himself up and formed a connection. If he walked away from that now, he might as well crawl back into a hole and spend his days in the Astral again. He wanted purpose didn't he?  Well, he accepted responsibility to watch her astral butt.  He couldn't leave her to face this. He sensed that what he said was true. She wouldn't quit even if he were to tell her that Snowden was guarded by a dragon.  Not that he intended to.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-15-15/2255:16>
Arc gave a little pause at his comments in curiosity, smirking a little as he let her go, shivering a bit at the kiss as she got up, turning her waist to glance back at him for a moment with a reassuring smile, her eyes locking with his at the note of worry.  "I will be.  Chip truth.  Won't be no rep, figure, or sleep to ruin if I don't come back, eh?"  She gave a wink, trying to impart a bit of confidence as she got dressed, taking a bit of time to shake the wooziness from her head as she rebooted her link and geared up, stepping back for one last kiss before she left, whispering.  "Get some rest, your slitch'll be there for you in the morning, word?"  And with that, she left, pulling up her comm in the elevator as she fitted the microtransceiver to her person.

<<@Yelena, Marco, Jed: Arc here.  I'll be ready for our dance lesson on time.  Hope to see you all there.  Channel-com epsilon if y'all wanna chat.  Out>>

<<Yelena, I couldn't remmeber if you wanted to borrow the car.  Let me know and i'll send it to you?  Out>>

Stepping back into her car, the girl slumped back against the seat as she let out a breath, feeling guilty to have her Vruk worried about her like that...  At least I won't physically be there....I'll help the best I can, they know that, but Yelena didn't want me there to be implicated.  That's fine..  Blinking as she drove off towards the relative neighborhood of their target location, she pulled up a map and punched in her mapsoft to locate public business shops in the area... [bingo]

Barely half a kilo away from Snowden's abode sat a diner-style, 24-Hour Stuffer Shack.  Arc remembered one of those; as long as you were drinking soycaf or eating food and it wasn't crowded, no questions were asked about leaving.  And past midnight on a wednesday night...thursday morning? Frag....it wasn't gonna be busy.  Pulling up, the human girl stuffed her hand in her pockets as she pulled out her three Fly-Spys, discreetly sending them into the air as she sent the car away mentally, her command console in the trunk.  Entering the place, she nodded to the dwarf waitress and took a seat at a table, flipping through the AR menu whilst humming passively, ordering a soycaf for starters...it's gonna be a looong night...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-16-15/0021:17>
@ Jed  She looks intently at him again, and Jed drowns in her eyes. "His work may benefit others. He may be guilty or innocent. These are not my concern. My concern lies with honor and obligation. What does your concern lie with?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-16-15/0050:21>
Jed's eyes slide out of focus, as his memories flood to the front of his mind.  Perhaps it's foolish, but I'd have to confess that my concern appears to be love.  Love for magic and love for a memory.

Some part of his mind sighs.  This conversation feels like it is slipping out of his control.  He doesn't feel that it is taking him closer to his goal.  But his heart answered that question faster than his mind could plan the answer.  He loved magic.  Loved it more than life.  It was his constant companion. And his memories of Bunny were likely the reason he felt a connection to Yelena.  Against Mikes advice.  He should be trying leverage his knowledge to make a deal with this creature.  But instead he was risking himself to cover Yelena, trying to get information not to further personal goals, but to prevent her from undertaking a suicide mission.  He couldn't give up.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-16-15/0207:34>
Yelena makes the walk back to the garage in silence after sending the message to Marco.  She had been happy for the aid of the demon, but would have liked it to stick around and help Z.  Her hand runs down her side where she had been hit, feeling the hole in her jacket and touching the new scar.  She had been lucky this time.  More than anyone, she realized how much luck played into this game.  She could have died but did not.  Three goons could have lived but did not.  Such are the vagaries of life and death in the shadows.

Yelena had begun to realize that she walked where Marco would probably never set foot.  The deepest shadows were her real home and she had lived there since she was ten.  Marco had never trod here and she was wrong to try to bring him into her life.  The young Keeb had dreams and plans and deserved his chance at them, and trying to live Yelena’s life would not make those dreams come true.  And taking Yelena from the same shadows would be her death, spiritually as well as literally.  She had no skills beyond those that she had learned here, and no life beyond what she practiced here.  Each shadow was a friend and an enemy.  It could hide one, but it could just as easily hide an opponent.  The shadows were fickle that way; they were friend and foe, lover and greatest enemy all at the same time.  And Yelena knew that about the shadows and loved them anyway.  They had succored her and almost killed her and fed her for her entire adult life.  Removing the shadows from Yelena’s life would be, well, killing her.

She is left alone on her solitary walk; the shadows reaching out and keeping her safe; the shadows and Death.  She had spoken the truth to the PI man; she is the devil’s daughter and Death walks at her side.  One day, Death will take its due from Yelena and the Keeb assassin will be allowed to sink into the oblivion that awaits her.  But that day was not yet here and she is still alive to work the shadows for the devil and for Death.

When she gets to the garage, Yelena carefully reloads the clip she had nearly expended and places it in the small sack at her hip that holds the rounds for the rifle.  She also checks both pistols before holstering them.  Satisfied, she places the sax case on her bed and leaves a short note for Arc.  “Tessa.  Yelena so proud know Srui.  Arc amazing woman.  Arc have made something of life from nothing.  Yelena tell Arc remain true to what bring you from there to here.  Yelena tell Arc truth about life.  All past brings to present.  Arc not same if not with Howlers.  Arc not same if not meet Yelena.  Arc not meet rigger man and have chance at happy if not……..  Well, Yelena sure Arc get point.  Yelena love Arc more than Srui.  But still sister to end of days and beyond.  Yelena Petrovna.”  She leaves the note on the case where Arc is sure to see it if Yelena does not come back.

She places a second note next to the first, this one addressed to Marco.  “Marco.  Yelena could love Marco.  But that bad for Marco.  Yelena tried lead Marco into shadows and was wrong.  Marco deserve life in sky as bird and mysterious lover.  Marco should forget Yelena.  Was happy moment.  Exciting moment.  But not real.  Love was beyond shadows and Yelena belong to shadows.  Yelena Petrovna”

All the preparations done here, she packs the weapons case on the bike, rolls the Scorpion out, and fires it up, feeling the power of the expertly tuned machine between her legs.  She makes a last check of her comms but nothing yet from anyone.  Not Jed, not Marco, not Mike, not Jed’s matrix man friend.  She shrugs and kicks the large bike into gear and heads off to the early rendezvous site.  She arrives at just around 2400 and waits to see if anyone else shows.  Yelena receives the message from Arc and switches her cybered ‘link to channel epsilon.  >>Hey Srui, glad hear from.  Z OK?  Where at so Yelena go visit when finish here?  Yelena send ARO for car.  Have bike, but might need car.  Yelena thank Srui again for help.  No word from Marco or Jed.  Wait 20 minutes then go to meet with DD.  Turn hair drone on then.  Yelena out<<  Yelena smiles.  Arc is with her and Yelena is not alone.  So this night she walks with the Devil, Death, and Arc at her side and hell is coming with her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-16-15/1234:23>
Arc perked up slightly as her transceiver's channel crackled into life, followed by the thickly accented voice of Yelena.  She gave a smile as her sruiken kal said her piece, filling the human in on the plan.  Bringing the soycaf, she subvocalized into the mic, speaking into the active channel back to the elf.]

"Z's gonna be fine.  He's recup-ing at the 2nd Street Clinic.  As for the bike, I'd think the car could protect your hoop better...frag it, keep it around, I'll link up to it when we ready to go.  I ain't heard from our boys either, but it may be possible Marco got tied up.  Saw him today, mentioned something about a SD client.  Iunno.  We do what we need to eh?  Out"

Finally taking her drink, she felt the soycaf warm her as it descended down into her stomach, eyes closed as she let her mind wander.  Sruiken kal...blood sister.  For most of her life she had noone she considered to be family.  After the fire, the Howlers was all she had...and while the human did have the mentality of the tuskers and trogs, she didn't feel like any of them could be called kin.  Even before, what little she chose to remember of her pre-Howler life recalled being an only child...no siblings to speak of at all.  This caused her to smile as she realized that between Jaime and Yelena, she had more or less made the beginnings of a family for herself.  Wonder if she knows how much that means..heh..  Thinking about it, Arc realized that she felt more at peace with her situation than ever before.

Then the reminder that she was about to help her blood sister as she pulls of a hit returned to the forefront of her mind as her expression hardened.  One step at a time...let's meet this challenge head on  As the meetup time approached, Arc ordered a simple meal for herself along with a refill on her soycaf while she directed her drones over Snowsden's house at a more than decent altitude.  Having them run a number of sweeps and passes, she got a feel for the interference in the area, mostly to see how close she could get before their interfaces and feeds became too noisy.  The time passed for her...slowly, but it passed.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-16-15/2319:41>
@ Jedediah  She pauses then, her head slightly cocked, and though she is still looking in his direction he knows that she is not looking at him. Having been the subject of her intense scrutiny he now knows the difference, it is like a respite not having that gaze upon him. A respite that is over in an instant, and his breath is almost taken from him at the intensity of that gaze. "You have lied for so long. Hidden for so long. Do you now then seek redemption in this act? Is it for you a selfless act of love? Or an act of such selfishness that you would rather die in this act, than live knowing you failed again?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-16-15/2329:44>
Jed smiles at her very shrewd statement.  It is exactly as you say.  As I said, love of a memory.  I truly don't want her to die, but by walking away I will condemn myself to some kind of living death.  Love of magic brought me here.  Love for a memory is what keeps me pointed at my goal.  I seek to prove to her that killing Snowden would violate her honor.  Otherwise, she will die. Once before others died because of my failure.  I described her before as someone for whom I have regard.  I'm old enough to know better than to call it love.   
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-16-15/2340:40>
@ Jedediah  She gazes at you, and the intent behind her gaze shifts, it is now the sword poised at your throat. So real is that feeling that you are almost surprised that there is no dagger. "And what if you find that her honor can only be served in killing Snowden?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-16-15/2348:17>
And there lies the question that Jed has been avoiding all night.  What if he can't gain the evidence he needs to get Yelena to forego the job?  He doesn't know the answer.  He told her he would be there to watch her back.  He certainly wasn't going to back out on that.  If he couldn't get her to quit...he would join her.  I told her I would watch out for her when this all started.  As futile as it will be, I will be there to try to save her. She will fail, but maybe I can prevent her death. Or maybe I'll die beside her. 

Jed knew this was the wrong answer.  But it was truth. 

I had been conflicted.  My love for magic conflicting with my commitment to help her.  Now I have no worry that she will succeed, I can't stand by and watch her die.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-17-15/0102:39>
@ Jedediah  "You have spent so many years so willing to die. So afraid tangling your fate in that of others that you have not lived. BabyJ is walking that path. He has stopped living. I promised his mother that I would look after him, keep him safe. And now I find that those two promises are at odds with each other. It has been difficult to choose which to honor. But seeing the shadow that seeks to walk as a man has helped me to choose." she studies you carefuly. "I will allow your friend to kill him tonight. At least she will believe that. As will all the world. And in exchange you will become his keeper. You will cut him off from all his resources, all his allies, all the things he hides behind. And we will see if the man can emerge." she studies you intently then. "You will keep him safe or your life is forfeit. And in exchange for granting you your life tonight you will give me your body to use for a time."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-17-15/1948:08>
"And in exchange for granting your life tonight".  Jed was going to survive this.  And he had her words that Yelena was would allowed to "kill" Snowden.  Relief flooded him.  He had been so afraid that he was going to fail. 

Jed took his last sip of the tea.  Savoring it.  He admired the cup again.  I assume there are protocols at the end of a tea ceremony.  I don't know what they are.  Jed sat his cup down reluctantly, then reach out and traced the design one last time, admiring it. 

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-17-15/2212:05>
Blake read the message from Shadowsong. He was to handle the job. And he had to bring in a team that Stewart had already set up for another job. Blake shook his head. The last time he had run a job he'd been double-crossed by one teammate and lost the other because Blake had gotten greedy and tried to complete the job with security breathing down their necks.

Blake went over to the washbasin that he used as a bathroom sink and washed his face. He looked himself in the eyes when he looked in the mirror. He looked at his true face. One he didn't show in public much anymore. He was haggard and scarred and not getting any younger. The chipped tusk, the scars across his chest, the salt and pepper in what he had left of his hair. He'd spent to long in Chicago just trying to do what it took to get out.

He actually chuckled when he looked down at the basin that was his sink. He'd tried for years to get away from the squalid conditions the was the CZ and here he was in the Barrens of Seattle in another squalid apartment that barely had the necessities to survive. Let alone to enjoy life.

He stood from the sink and went over to the chest that held most of his clothes. He needed to get out. Get some fresh air. He dressed in his form-fitting body armor. He wasn't stupid enough to be without armor in the Barrens in the middle of the night. On top of that was a simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt, followed by a hoody. He tucked his gear into the normal spots and headed out for a run.

He headed for the park, taking the back alleys and side streets he knew to be safe. At least "safer" at this time of night. He started out at an easy pace but the longer he ran the quicker the pace became. He sprinted past, around and over obstacle that got in his way as his mind raced about what the meeting tommorow meant.

While he ran he composed a message to Shadowsong.

 <<@ Shadowsong, If I am going to run this job in his absence I need to know exactly what is going on. No more of this compartmentalized, spycraft BS. I need to whole story if I have to put together a plan. This metalink isn't exactly a secure mode of comm. We need a face-to-face if this is to happen.>>

Blake sent the message and just kept running. The Raven flew overhead as Blake cleared the hood of an old derelict car.

"You can't aways run from your problems. Sometimes you have to turn and face them."

Blake just ignored the bird and kept up his pace.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-18-15/0047:41>
@ Jedediah  "It usually ends with thanking the host for their courtesy." She delicately holds the cup in both hands. "But, thankfulness for courtesy is part of the behaviors that your species would call civilized behaviours."

@ Blake  >>f2f in 1hr 37mins. I can give you 21 minutes then. And I know that's not enough, but I just moved three jobs and my sleep sched. to give you that. Meet me at the Stuffer Shack on 12th.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-18-15/0058:26>
Jed shifts from a cross legged posture to sitting on his knees, palms down on his knees, with his head declined respectfully.  He decides it is better to focus his attention on the tea set.

Thank you for the tea, and for sharing this ceremony with me.

I don't presume to think that I am bargaining with you, but I have questions.  Am I to imprison him?  Or is he likely to stay in my care willingly?  If I am to loan my body out like someone loans a car, will I be with you when you use it, or do I have to wonder what it was used for?  You say for a time.  May I know when and for how long?  I am at your mercy, but I would like to understand what is happening.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-18-15/0124:26>
She regards you serenely, "I do not wish BabyJ imprisoned. I think perhaps that for him it will be to comfortable. He has imprisoned himself in his work and in his home. A cage of your making will simply absolve him of any pretense of trying to make a life for himself." She pauses, "I think perhaps you must force him to work harder to reach out to others, by making it absolutely essential that he do so." "And as to the loan of your body, we will share it for a time. But, your will and your way will be entirely mine to command. There will also be a time where I will remove you from your body and occupy it solely. When that happens you will remember that every day of your life past this one was at my sufferance. And when I summon you to serve me in this manner I may need your body for up to a month, but no longer."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-18-15/0325:12>
Redmonds Barrens - 00:50 Fri Dec 12th

@ShadowSong, << should be enough time. I need to know the intel and assets I'll get, that he had. And I got to know the PLAN. Last time we got this deep he took one to the chest>>

Blake kept at his run while he thought of the path to the meet. He passed through the local outdoor stalls of those looking to sell to the tourists. Now was the time that the locals were being joined by the tourists. Not all the tourists were there to shop. The were several that were there to hang out and cause trouble. A couple of uptown-street-punk-wanabes were trying to work over a small old dwarf that sold out of a shopping cart.

Normally this was just something that Blake would ignore. It wasn't until the kid shoved the old dwarf and broke the cart's basket, so that much of the dwarf's merchandise was spread across the ground. Blake couldn't stand to see those be bullied just cause the bullies could get away with it. So Blake strode over to pick up a cigar that had fallen out. He bit the tip off. The mini-welder he had in his pocket lit the cigar quite nicely. Blake took a big drag of the cigar and let the smoke float away. The mini-welder dissapeared from Blake's hand in a snap. A real magic trick.

Only after taking his time to go through those motions did he offer a hand to the dwarf vendor who simply looked stunned at what was happening.

Blake took another puff on the cigar and blew it towards the two punks. "You know people live around here. These little markets are a large part of their income and they supply the necessities to survive in the Barrens. Now there are some unsavory elements in the mix. There are also safeguards in place. Now it looks like you are just a couple of random thugs that are out to cause trouble." 

Blake holds his hands together in front of him almost like a prayer "That simply won't do. Because well I don't believe you two belong to an organization that provides protection to such a neighborhood. They get paid by everyone here to keep the peace... But you two... He points to each of them "You aren't keeping the peace. You are harrassing an old man."


Blake takes another drag of the cigar. And he actually smiles an honest smile. The cigar wasn't bad.

"Now am I not seeing you're affiliated with the crew that provides protection to the area? I didn't think they would have a reason to waste time harassing an old man. OR are you just a couple of street punks out to terrorize a neighborhood?"

Blake takes another drag of the cigar as he stares down the punks. Obviously he is waiting for an answer from them.

[spoiler] 
 9d6e5 = 5  ones:2 6s:1 ] # Know the area between current location and location of the meet and to plan a safe route.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-18-15/0907:45>
@ Blake  Once he'd planned the route he'd take he knew he had plenty of time. Definitely time enough to have a bit fun with these punks. Who at first hadn't known what to do when he'd come over, and then had laughed when he'd taken a cigar and they'd taken drinks and lit cigarettes also. But then when he'd spoken the expressions on their faces had turned ugly and the shorter one had said, "Mind yer own damn business trog or I'll shove that cigar so far up yer hoop you'll be smokin' it in yer brain."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-18-15/1131:18>
Jed was taken aback.  He was going to riding along with her comtrolling him for a period, and she would borrow his shell for up to a month where he would have no idea what was done to it?  Nothing to be done about it. 

Will I have any warning when you intend to use my shell for a time?  I only ask because I'm concerned for my own obligations.  As you pointed out, I'm trying to tangle my fate with others.  Knowing that I may be snatched away for a month will make it difficult not to retreat back into seclusion. 

Jed's attention fades for a moment as he contemplates the repercussions of the situation.  He still didn't understand in what manner he was going to responsible for Snowden.  BabyJ?  Was he moving in?  Was she sticking him in Jed's body?  Is that what she meant?  He absently picks up his cup again for a sip of tea before remembering it is empty.

What happens now?

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-18-15/1253:27>
Something wasn’t right... as Marco left Sophie's apartment it did not feel like 5:00 AM. He opened his comlink and there were many messages popping out, he did not give them much attention. Instead he was amazed when he looked at the hour: "1:30, how could that be?!Poor Sophie must have been overworked. Was she a bit Jet legged?"   Marco remembered her saying something about travelling for work. Perhaps she did not have time to set the clock, but he could not argue with her - when you want to sleep you want to sleep. “She missed me... going to see me while so worked up, so stressed up.” he thought to himself as he took the stairs down. Marco have not trained for a couple of days now and felt that the stairs will do him good.  At least she will have a pleasant surprise when she wake up in the late morning rather than late noon.

He was happy, all sexed up and wearing a silly smile on his face. When reality slapped him in the face: "1:30 ? dammit... today is the horrible day!" He thought, that sex must have been so amazing that Marco completely lost track of time.  I better answer these messages if it is not too late.


>>Marco.  Is Yelena.  Thank for Demon.  Help heal Yelena.  Yelena see Marco at meeting with matrix girl?  0100  On way now.<<

He replied: >> I am so glad you are alive... but why are you going to meet Matrix girl...  Aren’t you finished for tonight?

He was confused, she was hurt he sent her a demon the location made no sense - but maybe she had a hot escape. Now she is going in that house again... something did not add up.   Could Yelena find herself in another completely unrelated gun fight ? That scenario also did not make sense. He texted a more sensible message:
>> Yelena, I’ll missed the meet with DD. My work caught up to me... is there still time to talk?


Second message was from Ambrose:
<<Marco, I believe this old woman might be a friend of your friend.>>  with an attached image.
Marco texted back:
>> Thanks Phoenix I’ll go find her and chat her out tomorrow. Great work.

When we find that Sam I’ll have to kill him myself...  He thinks.

And there was a 3rd message, at this point Marco was embarrassed for losing track of time in such an important night.
<<@Yelena, Marco, Jed: Arc here.  I'll be ready for our dance lesson on time.  Hope to see you all there.  Channel-com epsilon if y'all wanna chat.  Out>>

Marco post at the chat room:
>> Hi guys... got caught up at work... what did I miss?


He quickly made his way to the area in town where the deed is to be done. If there is time to talk, he should be close to the action. He was already very late and had no idea if he was going to make it or not.

J could have Yelena killed, but he didn’t... some people call it luck, but in Yelena's case it was divine protection - there was no other explanation how she spent so many years, how she cheated death... How she died and... yet re lived again. Why would J protect an assassin?  Marco had no doubt, Yelena is loved - she is getting her chance to live again. No other person get so many opportunities to correct her way.  Perhaps there is still hope for her soul, she must have the choice of death and choose life.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-18-15/1440:15>
Blake held his hands out in a peaceful manner and shook his head. "You boys misunderstand me. I'm trying to help  you out here." He nods toward the vendors. "They've already made an investment in security, you see. Not to me, of course. I'm not that type of guy. No... those guys are big and burly and carry lots of guns on them."

Blake takes another puff on his cigar. "No the type of guys these humble merchants pay their protection money to are part of an organization. Organizations like that don't often take kindly to those that interfere with their cash flow. I mean why would they. I wouldn't want to cheat an organization like that out of a single dime."

Another puff on the cigar. "An organization like that wouldn't exactly take kindly to a couple of young newcomers walking into their territory." Another puff.

These kids are either going to think about what I said OR they are going to be complete morons and not realize I'm trying to help them and try to start some violence.  Blake thinks to himself.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-19-15/0157:59>
@ Blake  The taller one seemed to be thinking of Blakes words. But the shorter one said, "We can handle our own business trog. This halfer be pay'in' us so's he kin sell his sorry ass drek." He swings then, and in a flash you've caught it.

@ @ Jed  "For right now just watch over BabyJ and when I need your body I will give you 2 of your weeks to arrange things to your satisfaction."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-19-15/0218:48>
It's just a simple flick of the wrist and the shorter wannabe-punk is hit with a body numbing jolt of electricity from Blake's shock gloves. Blake let's the guy he just hit with a few thousand volts go as he looks at the two street punks.

"So you two are with the local protection?" He shrugs, "I thought you were just a couple of uptown punk wannabe's looking to have a little thrill at the Barrener's expense. Let me speak a little closer to your level. The gangs around here don't like people encroaching on their turf." He stands as casually as possible while still remaining ready for anything these two throw at him.

He then take another puff of the cigar.

[spoiler] [ 1d6+8 = 12  ] Initiative for Blake[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-19-15/0938:02>
Well, at least that was something.  Yelena was going to make the hit tonight.  Jed still needed to make sure that Data Dancer didn't pull a fast one.

So my associate will execute her plan as normal.  She will believe she succeeded.  I assume you will deliver BabyJ to me?  In what form?  I need to return soon, if I am to be permitted.   
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-19-15/1343:35>
After your friends task is complete I call you to retrieve him. He will be unconscious so be prepared.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-19-15/1353:43>
@ Yelena. Data dancer see forward. She's early.  She nods to you. We'll need to be side by side  as I'll only be able to release a layer at a time. Just step when I step. Don't get fidgety and don't hesitate and everything should be ok. Are you ready for this?

@ Arc. A few of the night shift crew off a localwarehouse come in while your waiting. Your treated to a graphic descriptions of Benny's ex-wife's mothers stomach problems while you yet and drink yourcoffee. Maybe you just wait on food a little longer. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-19-15/1355:46>
@ Blake. That kind of jolt is enough to convincethem it's time to move on. But not without a parting shot about watching your back.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-19-15/1415:31>
Yelena is already in her groove when the matrix girl arrives early and her face betrays little.  She nods to the woman, "Wanderer never fidget.  Always ready.  Give clue when step forward so can move with.  Can tell Yelena what danger is?"

Yelena pulls the monocle down and takes the Predator from its holster, holding the fine weapon at the ready in her hand.  The familiar feel of the large gun triggers Yelena's abiloity to merge with the weapon and become an extension of its capabilities.  She loves this gun just fractionally less than the rifle.  The Lightfire still concealed in her jacket is a close third.  All are Ares brands and represent the pinnacle of weapons manufacture in their specific uses.

Turning the hair drone on, Yelena directs its focus to be the woman next to her.  She will keep part of her consciousness on the display of the matrix expert as she accompanies DataDancer.  "Matrix girl tell Wanderer what want do."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-19-15/1537:54>
"M... lets see what did I miss" thinks Marco. He clicks the icons of the micro cameras and watch in fast forward the last couple of hours, pausing if he sees anything of interest.  He is a bit embarrassed, and decide to summon a demon nevertheless, although the initial mind probe drone is screwed and he could not give Yelena the deepweed.

One last prayer, and some meditation. Marco brings his mind to absolute peace. Mind and body are both ready for action. "J I do not deserve it, i am nothing but a sinner and even when I do good I do it from my own selfish desires. Still I ask you to keep Yelena safe tonight. Agrat, you can make a second as meaningful as an entire life. If J does not spare her, please do not let her die alone. Make her last seconds as blissful and passionate as possible. With her sad story, she deserve at least a few seconds of real happiness. I love everything about you, and as misguided as she is you would love that keeb girl."

A combined prayer to god and a demon? that is new, the challenge of keeping classical belief with a god that never answers and a succubus that never shut up. Both are equally real, must it be one or the other?  Marco should be burned on the stake just for even trying it. 

They are indeed an  odd couple to follow - are they god and evil? order and chaos? light and darkness?  Is it even possible? Possible... it was a funny word. Magic was rare and Marco had it. Being able to master all forms of magic - was extremely rare. He had it, non of his other classmates could do physical magic. They channeled their magic outwards, but for Marco it was part of his body and soul.  Not a spell or an outside spirit. Magic could also be a soft whisper or a smile. It was beyond good or evil, some sort of spiritual sensitivity to people and their desires. It can be used to dominate people intimidate them, motivate them inspire or seduce them. 
 
He needed Agrat to help him explore this strange world, he loved her because there was truth to her teachings. But he also needed god to show him right from wrong, no matter how much power he learns how to channel, Agrat will never teach him morality. Morality works very differently for someone that sees infinity in a moment. In her eyes you can achieve all you ever wanted in one blissful moment. That the next moment does not matter - there are no consequences. 

Marco's mind was clear. He felt empowered there is no fear when you have real passion. There is no fear to the righteous. None of his mentors wanted him to be afraid. He felt a strange tranquility, if Yelena dies it is because she need to die. If Agrat grant his desire it is because she already wanted to do so. He has no power over god, nor does he have over Agrat.  "I should just accept life for what they are. Like I should accept Yelena for what she is if she ends her life tonight. I will be in pain - but the cause and effect that brought her to this night started their working long ago. I cannot be angry, I had the time to experience her and feel real emotion. There is an infinity in a single moment - and she gave me a single moment."

He said another silent prayer: "J, it was extremely rude from me to ask you to save Yelena, I know what she deserve - you are wiser and greater. I am nothing compared to you. I am in no position to ask for favors. I completely accept your judgement. My prayer is only to express my desire to see her again, to feel her passion once more. I dream that she can be different, that it is worth waiting for her. "

He then thinks about Sophie, he find inspiration in her night... in their night.
Sophie was afraid and she overcame it, I should also overcome my doubts and discover who I really am. Who Yelena really is His last prayer was to Yelena. Yes, praying at some keeb. There was no magic to convoy his thoughts toward her. It made no sense - but he wanted to do it anyhow.  "I am summoning your demon Yelena. This demon is my most powerful ally, my strongest way to effect this world. If you are in some sort of trouble it can reach you and heal you. You know that, just tell me where you are. I do not care if you are a sinner or a saint.  I desire you with every little bit of my soul and I want you safe. "


[spoiler]
Summon spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/309738): 12d6t5 3
spirit defense (http://orokos.com/roll/309739): 6d6t5 2
drain (http://orokos.com/roll/309740): 11d6t5 5
1 service gained, no drain for Marco, spirit of man F6 with mind probe and a healing spell as optional powers.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-19-15/1835:53>
Blake chuckles as the two thugs make their threats and leave. The two punk kids didn't know what real trouble they could have been in if the local gang that protected the market had shown up instead of Blake.

A couple of other older merchants came over and started to help the dwarf repair his cart they only had zip ties so Blake produced the miniwelder from t's hiding spot again and tossed it over to them.

"This will work better than zip ties.'

The old dwarf smiled as he began to slowly move across the ground gathering his spilled merchandise. Once he got to the box of cigars that Blake had sampled from, the old dwarf stoof up and handed another cigar to Blake. The vendor smiled as he spoke, "You just saved me from a beating. This is the least I can do for you."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-20-15/0003:20>
@ Blake  You're on time to meet Shadowsong and the car pulls up to meet you. Inside is just about the smallest dwarf you've ever seen. "Hello TinyMouse." she says without smiling. "We don't have much time. So the skinny is, a club's been selling a new designer drug, several in fact. Regular users each start displaying the same traits, and once they do they disappear." she looks at you. "Your job in this has been to get as much info on the law company they use so that we can infiltrate it. But, we didn't want to risk discovery by spyware. ShadowClaw's had a second team working the club angle. A team I think you've discovered. So we need to find out if it's them, and what they've discovered so far. Questions? Tick-Tock." she says. The raven flaps on her head, And they pay her to tell you the obvious. Some people get strictly cush jobs.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-20-15/0024:47>
@ Jed  She pours you another cup and then says, "You may return to your body or you may watch what happens here."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-20-15/0045:31>
Jed nods gratefully and sips his tea again.  I promised to watch out for her.  I need to make sure someone else doesn't interfere with her.  I'd like to leave and return with her. Also, may we continue these lessons periodically when I report on BabyJ?

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-20-15/0151:30>
Arc merely gave a little raise of her brow at the worker's graphic biologiical tales, crinkling her nose as she felt her stomach lurch from the colorful descriptors.  Ugh, guess it takes all kinds...Oh hello  The human spotted the ARO video feed of her bug in Yelena's hair activating, immediately shifting it to her display set and quickly confirming it was running on silent.  Last thing this spider needs is to see someone spying on her...heh. During a rather loud moment of conversation, Arc took the opportunity to subvocakize into the channel.

"Eyes working great, Y...don't respond to me, I gotcha.  Skies are in position, ready to go, over."

Making a few mental commands, she positioned her trio of flying bugsabove the perimeter of the target house, wherethe interference was minimal.  Keeping one on normal cam, she switched one to view the house and surrounds with thermal imaging...and the other with ultrasonic.  The last one she had just learned about...with two others, she figured it'd be a good time to try it.  Pulling up her map ARO, she synched in her car's location, bringing it around to within a couple blocks of the target location, parking it curbside as inconspicuously as possible.  Showtime...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-20-15/1217:13>
@ Jed  She looks at you, and once again you are drowning in her eyes, it becomes almost impossible to breathe under the intensity of that scrutiny. She sips her tea and finally answers. "We will see."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-20-15/1231:03>
@ Arc You see the different feeds giving you all the different angles and images. The thermographic and ultrasonic are just fragging weird, and all the images are getting some distortion from the security systems. It's a Catch 22. If you're close enough for what would be a decent image it's badly distorted. Far enough away for no distortion it's to small for details. Sheesh, the guys in all those trid spy shows have it easy. Then Yelena comes online and you get your first good look at DataDancer. A look that's lost after a few seconds as the tall slender keeb goes to walk beside the dwarf. Just then Benny farts. Dayum! And the guy complains about his ex-mother in law. Gods that could be weaponized!

@ Yelena  DataDancer says, "Ok, let's get to the starting point. There's a place on the southwest side of the fence where the physical access and the surveillance make it our best starting point."
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-20-15/1419:10>
Jed feels hopeful a moment.  Who else can say that they get tea ceremony lessons from a dragon.  He is already tangled up with her.  He can never believe the illusion that there are no strings on him.  In for a penny in for a pound.  He remembered his mother saying that.  So long ago. 

Jed sips his tea.  It occurs to him that he doesn't know her name.  Here I've sat drinking tea with you, and I don't even know your name.  My name is Jedediah.  What is your name?    She just stares at him with her deep eyes.  After a moment Jed becomes uncomfortable and breaks eye contact.  A flash of inspiration...Unless you object, I'll call you Otohime-sama for the goddess who turned into a dragon and disappeared.    He smiles at her, but she just looks at him still, her expression unfathomable.

Jed sips his tea, forcing himself to be calm and still.  He finishes his tea in silence.  I can't stare the dragon down, but I can show her that I am a civilized gaijin.  Jed meditates, readying his mind for the night ahead.  When his tea is finished, he stands, bowing low.  Domo Arigato Otohime-sama.  Thank you for sharing this wonderful tea with me.  This gaijin has never partaken of a ceremony in vessels so beautiful.  I am sure that I will never comprehend how perfectly the ceremony was carried out.  With your leave, I will return to my home and return with your next group of uninvited guests. 

Jed is careful to keep his posture respectful, and while that last comment was playful, he made sure not to sound arrogant.  Jed exits the ward at the gate.  Returning to his shell, he reenters it.  He checks the clock.  He has a few hours to rest. 

He sent the message to Marco about the Deepweed earlier.  He drops a quick message to Yelena that he will meet her in the Astral outside the house.  Focusing his will, he calls forth a spirit.  His specialty is a type of spirit that most closely imitates humans.   He finds that he relates to them best.  When he found that he could have interesting conversations with them, he began calling them almost exclusively.  Understanding an earth spirit or fire spirit was so difficult.  He found that communication was too easily misunderstood.  Spirits of Man followed directions better, probably because they understood Jed's intent better.   

Jed calls to the spirits, calling so that the spirits know exactly what he is looking for.  He calls and a spirit answers.  Jed begins to draw the spirit from the astral, his will and application of mana bringing the spirit forth.  Like he's done so many times before.  Just as it begins to form, Jed feels it slipping back.  What!  Jed doesn't have trouble calling this size of spirit.  Never!  Jed pulls but the spirits slides further back into the astral.  You came when I called.  I fed you mana!  No!    Jed feels his will become taught, like an overstretched muscle.  Suddenly the spirit slides forth from the astral.  His offering with this one did not yield the harvest that he is accustomed to.  He can sense that this one will not help much before it is released from their agreement.  Jed's head began to throb as he continued with the spirit.

Sharing the auras of Marco, Yelena, and Arc with the spirit, Jed tells the spirit that these are his friends.  I've called you to go with me and assist these people in any way possible.  I called you because you can use healing mana.  He focuses on Yelena's aura.  This individual will be in the most danger.  I want you to focus on her.  Use your power to make her move faster if she is escaping, conceal her if she is hiding, whatever is needed.  Do not materialize unless it is necessary. There are others with her, and I want you to be the ace up her sleeve.  For now, I'm going to rest, then you can accompany me to the location of my friends.   

Otohime said that he would receive Snowden unconscious.  He had better arrange for some transportation. Can't let Arc and Yelena in on the situation yet.  She needed to finish dealing with the club thinking that she did the job.   Placing a call to the Keegans, he requests a car to pick him up at his place.  4 hour use.  No, this is not an extraction under fire.  I just need transportation.  Yes, $100 an hour is agreed. Yes, that is the correct pickup time.  Thanks. 

Jed sets an alarm.  That calling took something out of him.  He needed a quick nap.  Carefully setting the alarm on his comm, he placed it out of reach.  He laid down for a short rest....

Did he set the alarm wrong, why was it going off, he hadn't even been to sleep yet...drek he was getting old.  Jed didn't feel any less tired, but his headache had abated somewhat.  It was time to go.  Slapping on a stim patch, Jed relieved himself and laid down on the floor of his circle.  Cradling his cane in his arms, he touched it with mana just so.  Time to make the donuts.

Rising up from his shell, he looked at the astral imprint of the cane in his hands.  Now he felt better.  This was his turf.  This was where he was strong.  Time to meet Yelena.  Two quick skips he was at the manor house again.  Circling the house, he sees Yelena's aura.  He scans but doesn't see Arc anywhere.  Somehow, he knew she was, but he couldn't see her.  She wouldn't let Y be here alone.    He barely knew these people, but that much was obvious.  There was another aura he wasn't familiar with.  Taking a moment he studies it carefully.  This must be data dancer. 

[spoiler]irish:12D6E5 → 4( (1, 2, 2, 5, 4, 6, 2, 3, 6, 2, 4, 5→ 4 successes against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X2946345)
Assensing on Data Dancer.  Particularly interested if she is awakened, plus anything else I can determine

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-20-15/1642:24>
@ Jedediah  As you assense DataDancer it's easy to see that she isn't awakened. More than just a little bit machine. She's got a deck, cybereys, augmentations on her throat, wired reflexes and a pain regulator. Not exactly your standard kit for a hacker.  Her aura is dark. But it is nothing compared to the darkness that is Yelena. Mike was right. This woman wasn't trouble, she was a killer. To have this much darkness in her aura meant she'd killed hundreds. Jed couldn't even believe his eyes.

@ Yelena  >>Now<< flashes on your comm and beside you DataDancer takes a step forward.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-20-15/1657:38>
Jed gazed at Yelena's aura a bit.  He'd seen it before, but he'd been largely focused on Marco.  He contemplated the undeniable truth before him as he thought about Yelena, how she had acted, and the connections she was showing with people around her.  Maybe he should consider never telling her about this little ruse.  How would she react?  Snowden's death would mean his own...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-20-15/1710:51>
Marco wanted to swear... he had some nasty word to say. It started with F, she is already inside. This is really bad. He watched the drone feeds in the chat room. Just a little to late to brief her about the mind probe. He will have to figure something - where was their deepweed?   Everything to complex,

>> Arc, Yelena, Jed - The eagle have landed.

He tried to spot Arc before he use the shape change spell that could extend his visibility hopefully to large parts of the house.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-20-15/1722:05>
Jed approached Yelena and Manifested slightly ahead and to the side of her.  Yelena, I am here.  Only you can see me or hear me.  If you don't let Data Dancer know I am here, I will be an ace up your sleeve.  I can't directly affect the material world, but I have a spirit I can send if needed.  I've scouted part of this out and think I've neutralized any astral threat.  Concentrate on your job.  I've got your back. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-20-15/2025:39>
Perhaps it was Arc's proximity to other metahumans that made her difficult to spot.  Perhaps it was due to her having cybernetic augmentations that made her aura..whatever it was...diminished from view.  Most likely though, Jed was having difficulty locating Arc because she was not physically with Yelena, the human girl being a good half a kilo away.  His assessment was likely right though..between her car and her four drones in the air and in the elf's hair, Arc was all over the place...

Arc wrinkled her nose again as she heard the explosive flatulence from the few tables over, eyes narrowed as she tried her best to imagine that she wasn't there at the moment.  Ech...guess I shouldn't be surprised..still, hehehe...  She couldn't help but snigger...at 21, fart jokes were still a little funny.  She had just given up on the ultrasonic imaging and switched it back to normal...keeping the thermographic bug in that mode for aid in the darkness of the surrounds... when her commlink blipped a message into her vision, followed by the crackle of text to speech as Marco joined their channel.  There's the fragger...

Lifting her head up, the human girl sent a quick text to Marco.

<<Glad you could make it, dude.  Mission already is a go.  My meatsuit's outta the way and safe, but I got eyes in skies and on ground.  You do what you need do, I'll make sure no surprises come in from outside, ya heard?>>

She had just sent that off when the smell hit.  A putrid, sulfuric wave of odor seemed to wash over Arc, her eyes going wide as she caught a full whiff of the bomb that was just laid moments before.  Her stomach turned as she felt bile rise in her throat, starting to taste her soycaf for a second time.  ..I ain't got time for this...  Steeling herself, her body tensed as she arched her back a little bit, gripping her cup as the smell disappated, the girl able to keep her figurative lunch..this time.  Hate the taste of vomit...drek's nasty.  If I can go my life without chucking, I'll die happy 

Focusing/distracting herself on the feeds, she made sure to snap a still of the halfer called DataDancer, posting it to the channel for confirmation.  Never know when a positive IDing photo can come in handy...

[spoiler]composure for the smell...
(https://rolz.org/embed?X2955077) (https://rolz.org/info?X2955077)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-20-15/2150:40>
>> Arc i need a solid. My car is parked *Here* (location attached) I need you to go there and  take my clothes and comlink so I can return it. I'll just go back straight home when this is finished.give me some visual queue if you want to chat, a blinking light or anything.

He took off his clothes, and neatly placed them on the back sit trying not to mess up his suit. He laied on the bottom of the car and cast the shape change spell.

[spoiler]
Shape Change Force 6 (http://orokos.com/roll/310153): 12d6t5 7
drain (http://orokos.com/roll/310154): 11d6t5 5
No drain, physical 6 attributes to add (only relevant if Marco enters combat).
[/spoiler]

A little bird left the car, it was a dirty trick he should not do it again, but leaving his stuff at Sophie was a bad move and there was no time to go home. Marco enjoyed the flight and for a short while just circled the neighborhood. From the bird eye he could see Yelena and Arc. The house the neighborhood and trees, he felt happy and free.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-20-15/2200:09>
...the frag?  Huuu, Marco....y'all ow me

<<You lucky I'm in a hella good mood at the moment, omae.  Find me after this drek for your drek>>

Grumbling, Arc got up and graciously paid for her coffee, part of her relieved to be away from the gastrointestinal marvel known henceforth as Benny.  Rubbing her temples, she reached out with her tech to locate Yelena's Scorpion where she had left it, calling it to her.  Stepping outside, she whipped out a smoke and lit it, puffing on it idly while keeping an eye on the cams for her ride.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-20-15/2217:18>
By the time Ambrose finally got Marco's call, he went back to the boat. It was a long day, Plugging the data chips into his good commlink, he sent the data feeds to Arc. <<Marco might want you to look at these.>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-20-15/2327:54>
Yelena does not miss a step as Marco and Jed let her know that she is not alone.  At this point these people are welcome assets to help make her contract go smoother.  She nods to the halfer standing at her side and steps off next to her.  She will match the girl's movement step for step.  Her expertise in matrix and mojo is limited, which is why she seeks out experts.  It would have been nice to have the PI man's matrix friend to overwatch what DataDancer was doing, but Yelena will play the hand she has.  Already she has three aces that the matrix girl might not be aware of.  Arc, Marco, and Jed.  And Jed has a spirit as well. 

But Yelena is in the moment now, a killer on the hunt for her prey.  Anything else is secondary to completing the mission.  Even survival.  She is sure that Marco would never really understand that, Jed might already know, and Arc is on the fringe.  The shadows are life.  And the shadows are death.  But above all, the shadows just are.  To truly walk and live in the shadows was to live in a different realm than most people could even dream of.  Yelena has lived in this life for decades, far longer than anyone could reasonably expect to live there, but she has done more than just survive, she has thrived.  The shadows feed her and keep her going.  To what end she does not know, does not really care to guess.  She really only knows that she is at home in the shadow lands.

Yelena is at this moment not even Yelena any longer, but an extension of the large Predator V handgun.  Her senses are the aiming and firing points, her blood is the explosion of the powder in the cartridges, her muscles are the recoil.  The messengers of death are the bits of herself that are sent forward to end someone's life.  The part of her senses that focuses on the feed from the drone in her hair realizes that the angle is not best to keep the matrix girl under observation and she sends the drone crawling further to the side of her head to allow Arc to keep an eye on the halfer.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-20-15/2342:24>
Jed scans ahead for any sign that Otohime is present.  Looks for any sign that there are other threats.  She said that she would allow Yelena to "kill" Snowden. She didn't promise that there wasn't any other astral security.  Jed is on high alert. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-21-15/1518:11>
Blake is clearly frustrated. "Well, lets start with what symptoms they are showing. Maybe what you are looking for at the law firm.  And how the hell am I suppose to convince another team I'm legit?"

He points at Shadowsong, "Last time Stewart pulled me into a job like this he ended up shot. He throws up his hands. 'I told him after he recovered that this cloak-and-dagger compartmentalized BS was going to get him killed. 

Blake sits back in the seat rubbing his face. "Listen I don't mean to take it out on you. But he had to let you in on something about the plan. I need to know what that plan is. Or at least enough of the information that you have so that I can create my own plan."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-21-15/2140:52>
As the bike came rolling around the corner (Helps being close to the meetup without being there, I guess..) two things popped up on Arc's complex UI of ARO feeds and displays: the Kanmushi's camera getting a solid view of the tiny halfer decker, and Ambrose's message with the datachip contents attached.

<<Phoenix, Arc here.  Wiz.  I'll look through that and see what's what.  We'll be in touch soon, as I maybe needin' some cooking help for some spicey meatballs too, aight? Word>>

Sending that message off, Arc flicked the nic-stick onto the ground and stomped it out, hopping onto the Scorpion and letting the autopilot do the work this time, the human girl keeping her focus where it was supposed to be: looking for anomalous drek in the cameras.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-21-15/2302:02>
@ Blake  Shadowsong looks at you, "Symptoms, they get stronger and have more energy, a lot more energy, feel invincible, skin become kinda glassy looking, and in the late stage they start disrupting electronics around them." he pauses to make sure you're following him. "The high dollar type hide a part of their trail with their lawyers. We'll be able to figure out a few things by what they've bought and what law-suits they're currently embroiled in. But, that means we need to be able to get access to the drek that only partners are privy to. And that means someone needs the skinny on all of their quirks, not just the guy whose place they'll be taking, because they can't be surprised by anything 'their long-time partner' does." And then she looks at you, "And as for the plan? The plan was to work every angle that could be worked to find out what the hell that drug was and what the hell they were going to do with it by any means possible." She pauses then, "Stewart was a master at that. I swear that guy had more webs than City of Lies." she says referencing an old trid that had featured webs prominently in many of it's scenes. "But as to how to convince them you're the real deal I'd say you were halfway there. You already got onto one of his hideouts, recognized one of his faces and know about one of the angles of the job. If they're looking for Stew, then they're the other team he had working the club. And if he was wearing Stewies' face than he's the guy Stew's been bringing along for over a year, not nearly as good at changing yet. But, probably good enough that with your intel and help he can work the law firm angle. So go, be firm, be knowledgeable, be their only link to Stew and get this done. Because bottom line, this is more than a drug problem, and we need to know how much more."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-21-15/2337:34>
Blake nodded as Shadowsong relates some actual information about the job. "Ok, I get it. Bad things are happening and Stewart's using his local talent to solve the problem." Blake shakes his head and chuckles. "He also had a knack for dragging everyone into the deep end of the pool."

Blake gets out of the car and leans down to look at the dwarf. "I'll hit you up with what happens tomorrow after the meet with the others." He looks down for a moment, as if he's deciding whether to ask a last something, By the way, did Stewart leave you any access to the fund for this op? I'm not exactly floating in cash at the moment. Blake laughs, Not with all of the hookers I am suppose to be using to keep my cover.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-21-15/2355:33>
@ Jed  The wards allow you in easily, and once you pass through them you can feel her. It's a bit like the lingering scent of a woman's perfume. And now that you can identify her territory, perhaps some of the different places you've been have had a slightly different 'feel' because they were the territory of a powerful entity. Hmmmm. . . .

@ Arc  The feeds identify some of the security, they show up as warmer or colder spots in the thermographic and Yelena and DD's progress seems agonizingly slow. Just then a scene from a war trid pops into your field, blindfolded prisoners of war being shot. Gods they had to be CGI they were so scrawny and so many torture wounds on them. Wait, whuuut? Why am I getting signal override now? Is someone hacking my feeds!  As Arc checks her channels she realizes something. This isn't a trid, this is from Ambrose. Some of Sam's stuff? Oh gods, could this be real? Could human beings really do that to one another? But, she's heard Yelena's stories, yes, they can.

@ Marco  Marco had a perfect view of the environment, unhampered by electronic distortion and allowed to pass through the wards he felt like he could be whatever Yelena needed him to be. His demon's were powerful on her behalf, and he'd just shown Sophie what so small a form was capable of! He felt wholly alive in that moment. And then remembered that Yelena's job was about to deprive someone else of life.

@ Yelena  Step by step you and DataDancer move forward. She's showing the strain. But, Yelena's part in this is yet to come. And she is moving forward with the predatory grace of a panther stalking it's prey.

@ Ambrose  Ambrose arrives back at the yacht. It's been a long night, and a successful one. I wonder what else this Sam has hidden? And if he's hidden that here, he's bound to have hidden other things at other locations. Ambrose gets ready for bed and lies down for some much deserved sleep. And as he's drifting off, suddenly the connection between the bus station and the can of mixed vegetables becomes obvious. OFC! No one can count on remembering everything. There's going to be a connection between the hiding place and the object it's hidden in so as to jog the memory. I won't have to waste nearly as much time next time! He thinks about getting up and searching for more clues.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-21-15/2359:39>
@ Blake  "I can access some cred. And in all likely hood there's some hidden at his safe houses. It's a matter of finding it. You know what a sneaky bastard he was. But, I'll see about getting you some funds." Shadowsong nods then and the car moves away smoothly.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-22-15/0012:54>

@ Marco  Marco had a perfect view of the environment, unhampered by electronic distortion and allowed to pass through the wards he felt like he could be whatever Yelena needed him to be. His demon's were powerful on her behalf, and he'd just shown Sophie what so small a form was capable of! He felt wholly alive in that moment. And then remembered that Yelena's job was about to deprive someone else of life.

Marco had already decided, he will help Yelena with magical threats, or if her partner in crime betrays her. He was not going to make it any easier for her. People that brake into a house seeking to kill the owner do not deserve his protection. He may help her escape or not die in there, but if she want to commit an artocity she is in many ways on her own.

If he somehow finds his way through these wards it will be impossible not to try some desperate rescue operation. Similar to the one he did for Ambrose. It is nothing rational, Marco just cannot let a man suffer when he has the power to stop it. He tried to scan the house, taking the subtle hints as to where Snowden is  and if there are more people in the house. His keen eyes were especially keen to movement. In this predatory body, even the slightest movement on the ground is enough to excite him.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-22-15/0101:40>
Yelena matches the steps of the halfer next to her as they move through the matrix security systems one ward at a time.  The matrix girl may not be specialized but she seems to know her job and Yelena is content to let the girl work without interrupting her.  If this comes off well, she may have an opportunity to work with DataDancer again.  Liking the matrix girl is not required, but respecting her is and a good job here would generate some respect.  The Keeb assassin is.....................content.......................at this moment.  She is in her element and allows herself a half smile; *Frag, this is what life is meant to be.*

Even the hundreds of ghosts within her are quiet.  They wait in anticipation, knowing that their number will increase by one tonight.  They know from the years of waiting that it is likely to be the prey, but perhaps the hunter will finally fall and join them in oblivion.  Certainly many of the assembled dead wish for that as they would then have the pleasure of savaging her ghost until the end of days, bringing eternal punishment to the woman who had murdered them in cold blood.

As they begin the stealthy approach to the house, Yelena brings up her ballistic mask to conceal her facial features.  She lets the halfer manage the matrix threats while she concentrates on any meat threats.  It was said that Snowden has no guards, but Yelena has learned from experience that contract intel is not always correct and she would like to avoid that sort of surprise.  She is prepared.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-22-15/1705:53>
Blake watches the car pull away. He waits until it is out of site then starts the easy jog back to his place. He passes back through the market and picks up a bottle water fromthe dwarf merchant who again refuse to let him pay.

The dwarf looks up at Blake, They were late to the party, but the gang that we pay for protection showed up. They want to meet with you.  The dwarf looks down at his feet. "Not sure if they want to thank you or punish you for stickin'  your nose into their business." The dwarf starts rearranging things in his cart. He nods over his shoulder, "The lieutenant that runs these few blocks calls the old gas station about three blocks south of here his headquarters. May not be a bad idea to introduce your self before they find you in some back alley."

Blake just nodded "Thanks for the warning." He started to walk down the direction the dwarf had indicated. No need to postpone the inevitable.

He saw the first of the sentries on the rooftop about half-a block away from the old gas station. They weren't exactly trying to hide their presence. Blake pulled the hood down to show them his face. They just waved him on. The closer he got the more it felt like Blake was entering a lion's den. The people of the neighborhood still awake at that hour looked through windows from behind curtains.

The old gas station the dwarf was talking about was setting by itself among the derelict buildings. It looked to be more than just a gas station. More like a mechanic's shop with a handful of bays. The whole thing was surrounded by a razor wire fence. As Blake got closer the gates opened and five of the meanest trolls you could've seen rolled out on motorcycles and gunned their engines as they passed by Blake onto whoever knew where.

The pit of Blake's stomach dropped when he saw them roll out. Great, just what I need a trog go-gang.

The Raven perched above Blake on the top run of razor wire that surrounded the place. "So which one do you think will take your boots?"


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-22-15/2256:25>
@ Yelena  At first DD's steps were firm, confident. But the security is proving a match for her and each layer is it's own challenge. The time between the steps forward and the wait to bypass the security is getting longer. Until, "Drek, move! I've alerted something!" She runs then, straight to the door that is your destination and makes a desperate move, a lockpicker! They get the job done alright, but, they're better when you have time for them to work, not when security's been alerted. She looks at you and says, "Open this door the moment it clicks. I'm going to try and send a false reading through the security net!" her eyes go unfocused then as her mind fights to keep you hidden. But, fortune seems to favor the bold and in a few minutes you see the lock cycle green and hear a tiny whirr. But, it's not quite soon enough as the metallic sheen of a security droid flashes in the moonlight headed straight for your throat.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-22-15/2335:46>
Yelena uses one hand to open the door, saying, "Get in and fix this."  Even as she is talking the pistol she is an extension of lifts and fires at the small flying drone approaching them.  She fires a semiautomatic silenced burst, sending little messengers of death at the drone. 

[spoiler]Firing at drone (http://orokos.com/roll/310879): 18d6t5 8  Limit is 7 so only 7 hits count.  Dodge is -2 due to SA burst.  Damage is 8 + net hits at -2 to armor.[/spoiler]

Yelena notes with a bit of interest that the drone's bank of red and green lights seems to flicker a bit and the drone momentarily slipped a foot sideways as it approached.  She chuckles as her shots go home, a solid shot.  "Wanderer thank DataDancer for aid."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-23-15/0003:23>
@ Blake  The gang seems peaceful as you walk in. Several are playing cards. a couple are playing HALO Tri-Scendant. Seems to be a grudge match against a rival guild by the talk. No one really seems to be paying attention to you as you walk in. And as you look around and take in the scenery you see that they've put some effort into this place. Weapons racks, tool racks, a bit of fortification and a couple of cots. And for an abandoned gas station it sure seems to be doing a lot of business. Looking around it's easy to spot the guy in charge. He's the one sitting and watching you without a frown on his face. As you approach him he says, "I can't decide if you're the bravest or stupidest trog I've ever met. Care to try and convince me why it's the former rather than the latter." Wow, the speech patterns are unmistakably obvious, and not from around here.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-23-15/0056:00>
Blake was so caught up in the heat of the moment with the two thugs and the merchant that he'd forgotten to disguise himself. So here he was in the lion's den "Au natural." Blake admonished himself, Getting sloppy in your old age.  

Blake shrugs as he looks straight at the gang leader, "Never been called brave, and I may not be the smartest trog out there." Blake takes a long look around the place, "I just heard you were looking for me because of a little incident I was involved in tonight." Blake shrugs, trying to remain as nonchalant as possible. "I'm not stupid enough to think that I'm some bad-ass that can take on a whole gang. So here I am."

He motions toward a chair across from the leader. It was only polite to ask. Although Blake didn't give the man much of a chance to say yes or no before he takes a seat in the chair.

"I figure a neighborhood gang that has enough control of the neighborhood for a place like this..." Blake's hand waves around to indicate the small fortress in the Barren's. "Well they could probably find me easy enough. And like I said, I am not some bad-ass. I got to sleep sometime."  Blake exhales slowly as he looks around. "Of course, I figured I'd tell you I wasn't trying to hoard in on your turf or anything. I don't want there to be any misunderstandings. I just saw a couple of thugs beating up on an old man for what looked like sport. It got my goat a little, so I had to step in."

Blake points toward one of the gangs jackets that is hanging on the back of a chair. "The two weren't flying your colors, or well, any colors for that matter. They just looked like a couple of upper-class punk wannabe's out for a good time harassing an old man. "  Blake leans back in the chair slightly enough to give the leader room without looking like he is frightened of the man. he holds up his hands.

"Of course, if they were yours. Then I'm also here to apologize for interfering in your business. If they were only a couple of street toughs then I did my small part to help your bottom line by keeping the trash out of a market where tourists come to indulge in the darker side."

Blake nods his head slightly toward the leader, "Either way, I came onto your radar. And I'm here to keep your efforts to find me at a minimum so that I don't interfere in your business any longer."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-23-15/0410:56>
Marco became alert, as a small Bulldog drone emerged from an hidden parking lot underground and rushed toward Yelena and DD.  It was bad news, these drones are always armed, dangerous and fast.  Marco was not sure what to do, everything happened so quickly and he could sense that the drone is about to fire.  Before he could react, Yelena was in position holding her Predator with both hands, and adjusting her body to soak the recoil  with fascinating grace.  Marco's entire body was shaken by the explosive sounds of the 3 bullets she sent toward the racing drone.

The bullets priced its mechanical body, from Yelena's perspective they were nothing but 3 small holes in a perfectly aligned cluster almost at the same point. Barely visible in the heat of a battle. The drone kept going toward them with alarming speed - however it was momentum only. The extent of the damage was only visible in the back of the drones. The little bullets  priced its electronics and engine in multiple locations, its rear armor plate was completely shattered.  By the time the drone have crushed near them it was completely destroyed, smoke and a strong sent of engine oil feel the air.

"Wow, she is very good... perhaps this is why she is still alive"  thought Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-23-15/1035:34>
Yelena registers that the drone is no longer a threat before it crashes to the ground.  Her physical link to her weapon tells her that the shot grouping was nearly perfect and that the internal damage to the drone is massive and her attention has already moved to checking for other threats.  She steps into the house with DataDancer and looks at the halfer.  "Matrix girl can do this.  Stop alert.  Get Wanderer to target.  Stay calm and focus job."

Yelena looks at her display to see if the drone feeds are still available now that she is in the building.  She half expects to be cut off from Arc at this point, but should still be getting data from the hair drone, which she maneuvers to keep the halfer  in its view.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-23-15/1400:45>
Arc blinked, fortunate that she had the bike on autopilot, as the sudden distraction of the unbidden playback of the xchips' files threw her off guard.  Catching her breath, she dismissed and filed them away, not wanting to be distracted just this moment.  As Marco's limo came into view, the human did her best to shake off the macabre images she had just seen.  It wasn't a new sight to her...the Howlers were not unknown for their acts of brutality...but she didn't have to enjoy such themes, as evident by her slight shudder as she hopped off the Scorpion, punched in the access code for the limo, and opened the door.

Luckily for her, what assaulted her nostrils in a wave from the limo was a good enough distraction.  Thanks to her recent exploits, she was able to identify the lurid scent that had overtaken the back seat.  "Daayum son..." said Arc as she recoiled from the smell, cheeks flushing red in reaction.  Holding her breath, the human girl went back in the limo, fishing out the suit and commlink requested, quickly slamming the door behind her and locking up.

As she was stuffing the contents into one of the Scorpion's saddlebags, she heard the gunshots ring out in her drone feeds.  the Frag!. It took one moment to realize that the bug feed was more static than image now, but the flying drones witnessed the incident, telling the human that the op just got hot...and all she could do was watch.  ...well drek...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-23-15/1942:38>
Jed moves quickly forward to scout the way ahead to make sure Yelena isn't ambushed. His mind partially registers that Yelena is engaging an opponent...nonliving.  Must be a drone. 

Jed moves forward through the door.  It only occurs to him as he moves forward that he left Data Dancer standing behind Yelena. No one had Yelena's back. .  Looking back at the door, he realized he couldn't  see them now.  To proceed, or go back...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-23-15/2104:48>
Ambrose wasn't about to go anywhere tonight. He had good work ethics, but he wasn't a work aholic, especially when it wasn't for an actual job. Tehre was no light at the end of this rabbit hole, rather, he needed to rest and wait for the others to move around. Too many bodies in the swimming pool, and you're bound to get a drek in there. So he layed on the boat's bed, door locked up.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-23-15/2339:18>
@ Blake  The troll boss looks at you and nonchalantly says, "Well, not the stupidest. But you might be in the bottom 10 or 20." He looks at you levelly. "You seem to have enough knowledge about how some things work in a small community like this, without having a firm grasp of the political infrastructure. So, let me explain it and help you understand the principles involved." He pauses to make sure you're following him. "As you surmised the small businessmen that serve this community need, and pay, for protection from petty thugs such as the two idiots you found harassing Samson. And rest assured they will be subjected to the discipline that that they've earned in that regard. However, when private citizens intercede, two things have the potential of happening. One, the local business owners feel that they can't rely on the timeliness or quality of a response and aren't receiving fair value for their monies. And two, said private citizen starts thinking that they're more qualified for the duties involved and begin approaching business owners to contract with them instead at a reduced rate. As you can see, both scenarios are exceedingly bad for my business." He pauses then to see if you're still following him
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-24-15/0002:54>
@ Marco  As you near the mansion you're buffeted by a strong wind that lierally throws you away from the home.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-24-15/0015:57>
Blake shrugs his shoulders"Like I said I have no intention of hoarding in on your business in any way."  He looks the troll straight in the eyes. "As to the timeliness of your subordinates... well there isn't much I can do about that. They weren't at the market three blocks from your own headquarters. That does make you look bad. But I am sure if you make an example of those two street punks, then you will prove that the good merchants are getting their monies worth."

Blake looks around. "Although if you take out the good Samaritan that just happened to be on scene when your own men weren't then that makes it look like you want to deal with every little issue that comes up and that the merchants and neighborhood shouldn't come to your aid for even the simplest of tasks."  

He smiles, "You don't want to have to be responsible for wiping everyone's nose just to keep the neighborhood safe do you?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-24-15/0845:08>
@ Blake  He smiles, "Wiping noses, no. However, not being from a rainbows and smiley faces culture has made me more than a bit of a pragmatist. I don't believe in Good Samaritans, but, I do believe in watching my bottom line. And a stranger wandering through here who easily beats up a few punks four blocks away while the men who were on patrol were dealing with a problem on the other side of the market looks rather suspicious to me. To me it looks like the activities were timed to allow just such interference. And since the residents of this community stopped believing in Good Samaritans when they stopped believing in the Tooth Fairy, I'm sure they'll think the same thing that I'm thinking. So, I'm going to have my men teach you that interferring in my bottome line is very bad for your health. And since this is just in the nature of a warning. Take your lesson and stay down is my advice."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-24-15/0903:36>
Once Marco recover his flight he approaches the mansion, keeping safe distance. Being very sensitive to living things he tries to clear his mind and just sense who is inside the house. With a bit of luck he can be aware of Yelena DD and maybe even the mark without direct line of sight.
[spoiler]
Marco casts detect life spell: (F5, 2 drain)
Detect life (http://orokos.com/roll/311188): 10d6t5 3
drain (http://orokos.com/roll/311190): 11d6t5 2
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-24-15/0924:26>
@ Marco  Marco's bond with Yelena helps him to find her easily. And by association the life form next to her must be DataDancer. But, he can't find Snowden. Or rather, he has no way of knowing which of the two life forms in the house are Snowden.

@ Jed  As you enter the house ahead of Yelena you see that the interior is simple, you're obviously in some sort of mudroom. The shelves and shoes and umbrellas are almost anti-climactic after the attack by the drone.

@ Yelena  As Yelena enters what is some sort of large coat room and registers the boxes and other everyday objects she doesn't see an immediate threat and spares a glance at DataDancer. The dwarf looks at her and says, "I'm already working to re-route the alert to another entrance and send an all-clear, false alarm message to the security company. But, we'd better make this fast. Snowden's hopefully asleep since he's got a big day tomorrow so lets head there double quick!" The dwarf doesn't appear rattled by the shots, more galvanized into urgency. Hopefully it helps her keep them hidden from any further security counter-measures.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-24-15/1011:04>
Yelena takes a quick look around the entry room, taking note of the two raincoats, the two pairs of boots, and the two umbrellas.  Either the man likes choices when he goes out or the stories of him being alone are a bit exaggerated.  Of course, some of the things could have been left behind by the ex.  A couple of boxes of ice melt are near the door and other innocuous items lean against the walls or sit on shelves.  Yelena looks over to the halfer, pleased to note that the matrix girl has not lost her composure.

She nods as DataDancer speaks, "Yes.  Matrix girl get Wanderer to target.  Tell when step."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-24-15/1703:32>
While still maintaining the spells Marco establishes eyesight with Arc and use the mindlink spell to contact her. He hopes he won't freak her up. "Arc... it's Marco.  I am sorry to surprise you like that... Thanks again for picking out my stuff, you can release the limo. -  I can sense two other people in the mansion but cannot approach it.  They might be broadcasting SIN's like normal people do, care to look where I can't look?"

He then circle the house trying to find an open window, or a line of sight to the people he sense in the house.
[spoiler]
Mindlink (http://orokos.com/roll/311288): 8d6t5 2
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/311289): 11d6t5 5
No drain for Marco, he will sustain the detect life spell to continue be aware of life forms in the house, but due to his limited skill he will finish with the mindlink spell after a few back and forth with Arc.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-24-15/1757:27>
Fri Dec 12th 01:33
@ Ambrose  It has been a truly exhausting few days, and all the walking to find the lock that fit that key has made the pain in his leg flare up. He'd almost lost that leg in the explosion. Once he'd seen just how much damage he'd suffered he'd known how close he'd come to either dying or being an amputee. Marco's healing spell had done a good job of patching him back together. But, he'd hurt off and on for awhile. And tonight was on of those whiles. Maybe I should get up and see if Sam has something in his medicine cabinet. He thought as he lay in bed stiff and hurting. But, he was asleep to fast to do anything about it. The yacht gently bobbed on the water, oblivious to Ambroses' pain.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-24-15/1811:01>
Blake chuckles, "Never was to good at lessons in school." He flips the table between them over onto the troll, rolls backward out of his chair,  and grabs the leather jacket he had been pointing at earlier. Then he begins his sprint for the door.

[spoiler]
Init 1d6+8 = 13
Sprinting ravensoracle:9D6E5 → 2( (3, 5, 4, 4, 2, 6, 4, 1, 3→ 2 successes against 5) )#running away (https://rolz.org/info?X3063582) = 36 meter movement for the turn
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-24-15/1908:23>
As Arc shut the door to the limo and confirmed that she was done with the vehicle, she turned her attention to the drones.  Seeing as any view of the interior of the house was impossible, even with thermographics, she redirected her eyes in the sky to turn their gaze outward to the areas surrounding the location, checking for movement that might suggest a response team would be approaching the place.  Best I can fragging do...drek, do I need to upgrade to make this slitch better...  Shaking her head, she was about to ride away in the Scorpion to find a new place to hole up when she heard Marco's voice in her head.

Birds must have pretty fragging good eyesight, as Arc located herself a good few blocks away from the premises, but there he was.  In her head.  Without warning.

"Arc... it's Marco.  I am sorry to surpr-"

"THE FRAGGING HELL?!"  Cyberhand darting up to her head, she grabbed at the side of her skull as a brief moment of panic and surprise overtook her.  A few seconds later, though, she calmed down as she remembered the male keeb mentioning having that kind of ability.  Shaking her head, she took a breath before listening to the rest of what the keeb had to say.

" I am sorry to surprise you like that... Thanks again for picking out my stuff, you can release the limo. -  I can sense two other people in the mansion but cannot approach it.  They might be broadcasting SIN's like normal people do, care to look where I can't look?"

Sighing, Arc focused herself as she simply thought her response...hoping that's how it worked.  "Limo's good to go, omae.  Two people that ain't ours?  Frag...Seeing as how I can't get my bugs close without the noise going to drek, I don't think I can fragging look through the Trix.  I ain't no decker.  However...hold up, I'll try to relay the message"  An idea hit the human girl as she remembered that she was close enough for her microtransceiver to reach Yelena without Matrix access.  Let's hope this works...

"Arc here.  Yelena, one of your guardian angels picked up two peeps in that house that ain't you and the DDs.  Assuming one's your guy, we got a bogey.  Over"

The seconds ticked by like minutes to the human as she hoped desperately that would get through...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-24-15/1915:15>
Fri Dec 12th 01:33

@ Arc  As you're driving back to take up your 'post' you pass a KE patrol car. The two officers inside it don't seem to be paying any attention to you, but it still sets you on edge. KE is a very rare sight in the Barrens and never at night, it takes a few seconds to remember that in a neighborhood like this patrols would be commonplace. After all, the rich make sure they keep their wealth.

@ Yelena  DataDancer nods, her eyes go unfocused again as she searches the very air around you for the invisible strings of your targets defenses. In a few moments she begins to move, hurrying this time, "I'm in, I'm rerouting the security alarms so that it looks like we're coming from a different direction. If they head to check out the alarm we should come up behind them and get the drop on them. Hurry!", she begins hurrying out of the room towards what Yelena knows to be a short hallway that branches off to a small greenhouse/sunroom and the kitchen.

@ Jed  In a moment the decision is taken away from Jed as he hears DD tell Yelena that they're trying to get the drop on Snowden and move past him.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-24-15/1930:40>
Ambrose grumbled, his body must be really old, if a simple flash bang was enough to nearly remove his leg. Closing his eyes, he focused  on the sounds and waves of the boat, listening in to the form and shape of the boat. For those less magically inclined, this was basically the same effects of an ultrasound sensor, something he used often while planting bombs to accurately judge thickness of walls, as well as secret passages.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-24-15/2011:44>
@ Blake  The troll leader said, "Head him off. NOW." And he leapt over the table like it was a child's toy and grabbed for him.
[spoiler]ismilealot:9D6E5 → 4( (4, 6, 6, 3, 3, 1, 5, 6, 2→ 4 successes against 5) )#Leo grabs for Blake. (https://rolz.org/info?X3066647)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-24-15/2025:48>
Blake's roll back saves his hoop as the troll's grip is left empty.

[spoiler]
ravensoracle:14D6E5 → 6( (5, 3, 4, 2, 5, 4, 5, 4, 3, 5, 6, 5, 3, 4→ 6 successes against 5) )#-5 to init to Dodge (https://rolz.org/info?X3066793)
Blake dodges but Init is dropped to 8
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-24-15/2048:59>
@ Blake As Leo's hand grabs the air where you were just a moment before he bellows "Got . .cha. Drekker!" Get 'im.!" Two of the guys playing Halo just a moment before drop their controllers and try and head him off. But they're slow, way to slow, their movements clumsy and obvious. Two more dive for Blake from the pool table, "Just don't break the sticks, drop 'em don't hit 'im with 'um!" you hear one yell to the other. Those two have had some training. They're leaps over the pool table and couch are actually graceful, a tough feat to achieve when you're troll sized.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-24-15/2119:15>
The last troll got his fingers on Blake but the old Orc had outrun things that were a lot scarier than a couple of gangers. Blake slipped free of the huge hands and hit the door running.

It was just a quick vault of a couple of crates and he was at the razor wire at the back of the compound. In one fluid motion Blake jumps into the air, throws the jacket over the razor wire to protect himself as he flips over the top.

Blake doesn't even slow down as he hits the alleyway to look for pursuers.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-25-15/0711:18>
Yelena nods then reaches over and takes one of the umbrellas from where it stands near the outer door.  She removes the strap so that she can open it with a press of a thumb on the release, then leaves the entry room, following in the footsteps of DataDancer.  The loss of the viewpoints from the aerial drones means that she has lost Arc and her drone support except for the hair crawler that seems to still be able to feed her data of as much of her surroundings that it can see. She still has it directed to cover the halfer if possible.

They walk into the hall and Yelena takes her cue from the matrix girl as to where to go next.  She smiles briefly at the short note from her Srui.  She distortion makes the reception poor and she doubts that she can get a response out so opts not to try, focusing instead on what is around her.  She is not truly surprised to hear that the target may have company and lets it register to the part of her that is the pistol to be ready for an intrusion.  She does wonder if the life form is either Marco or Jed, but will not make that assumption at this time.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-25-15/1206:32>
@ Marco  The air is cold and clear and Marco is the only thing in the sky besides Arc's tiny drones. As a human he wouldn't even be able to see them, but as a bird his eyes were so much sharper. So lets put them to work. He began flying around and around and finally spotted a shadow through one of the windows. The shadow moved, and then Marco spotted him through another window. Marco landed on a bush and followed the shadow moving from window. Marco had to fly around to the other side of the building to track it. The shadow never turned on a light as it moved through the rooms. And finally it emerged. The shadow became a man, a man who moved carefully and quietly around the building. A man holding a pistol like Yelena holds it. As Marco flew from bush to bush tracking him he saw the shadow man find the drone Yelena had shot.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-25-15/1247:52>
Jed makes himself evident to Yelena again.

  You tell me which door and I'll scout ahead for you. 


Jed readies himself preparing to scout for Yelena
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-25-15/1416:24>
Yelena smiles to herself and looks at the halfer.  "Which door at end of hall?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-25-15/1439:19>
Marco had all kind of dark ideas how to defuse the situation, from illusions of combat drones, to levitate the guy outside of pistol range and keep him hanging in the sky until this is all over.. he thought about dropping rocks on the poor guy.
Truth be told he did not come here to hurt anyone. The right amount of violence was always no violence. The better you speak, the less you actually need to do. Marco understood that the stronger powers are never obvious. Any stunt he perform may expose his limits as a mage - these are to be kept as last resort.  Talking to the guy however this show confidence and strength... unknown power always appear more than it really is.

He prepared himself, relaxed his body and mind he looked at the armed man and thought at him: As the man looked at the drone Marco thought at him 

“Look suspicious isn’t it?”

If there was anything Marco was confident about, it was his ability to talk. Telepathy was already powerful and terrifying. An invisible mage in your head? Who knows what else is he capable off. 

[spoiler]
Marco use the mindlink spell to talk to the man.
Mindlink (http://orokos.com/roll/311520): 10d6t5 4
drain (http://orokos.com/roll/311521): 11d6t5 2
Marco takes no drain. 
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-25-15/1534:00>
@ Yelena & Jed  DD says "Left, across the foyer, and then wait in the music room. I'll hack into the cameras and track them and then we can come up from behind. but it only works if we get there first."

@ Jed  The moment Jed knows a direction he's through. At these distances the thought is as good as there. He see's a man pass through the doorway, his back to Jed. "Yes, they'll get the drop on him just like DataDEancer planned."

@ Marco  The shock to the man when he 'hears' Marco's is obvious. His entire body jerks and Marco hear, "The Hell! Get out of my head!" He feels the resistance that he's trying to put up but the spell holds.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-25-15/1601:08>
@ Blake  Seeing the orc that is their target charging through the door two of the gangers pull guns running after him. The first one gets clear enough to take the shot at Blakes vaulting form but the second one is two slow and hits the door jamb as he's running trying to avoid his partner. The last two, new to the gang and unused to trying to coordinate with them are running out the door to chase after him but are slowed down by the others. They make it through the troll blockade and in long legged bounds try to vault it as Blake had done. The first one almost trips on a bike just barely swerving in time to avoid it. The second one sees the dumpster right ahead of him and uses it as a giant stepping stool and easily clears the fence. His long arms grab for Blake, "Gotcha mother fragger!"

[spoiler]ismilealot:9D6E5 → 1( (2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 4, 6, 3, 2→ 1 success against 5) )#soldiers 1 taking the shot (https://rolz.org/info?X3082178)
ismilealot:9D6E5 → 0( (4, 3, 4, 4, 2, 2, 4, 1, 4→ 0 successes against 5) )#soldiers 1 taking the shot (https://rolz.org/info?X3082181)
ismilealot:7D6E5 → 1( (3, 4, 2, 3, 4, 3, 5→ 1 success against 5) )#newbs running and vaulting the fence (https://rolz.org/info?X3082212)
ismilealot:7D6E5 → 5( (5, 5, 2, 6, 3, 6, 5→ 5 successes against 5) )#newbs running and vaulting the fence (https://rolz.org/info?X3082218)
ismilealot:8D6E5 → 4( (5, 5, 3, 2, 5, 3, 5, 3→ 4 successes against 5) )#Gotcha mother fragger! (https://rolz.org/info?X3082538)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-25-15/1621:43>
Arc felt the hairs rising in the back of her neck as the patrol car passed by, the gold knight's crest emblazoned on the side door staring her in the face all the while.  Frag it...rich people and their fragging sec contracts.  Maybe drek like this why I never leave the Barrens, eh?  Breath held, the human released it once she realized that the car was gone, and better still that it wasn't heading in the direction that Yelena and her team were operating.

No sense in worrying further...  Opting against alerting Yelena on useless info, and seeing as she didn't hear Marco in her head anymore, Arc zoomed off, heading for that parking garage she was at not too long ago...about a third of a kilo away, it shouldn't cause much issue.  She doublechecked the drone configurations, having the FlySpys activate an alert if they catch significant movement.  "Frag, do I feel useless..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-25-15/1746:08>
Blake stutter steps for a moment when the bullet grazes his shoulder. That's just enough to give the big troll a chance to get a decent hold on him

[spoiler]
ravensoracle:5D6E5 → 1( (2, 3, 1, 6, 3→ 1 success against 5) )#Dodge - 5 previous attacks (https://rolz.org/info?X3084465)

ravensoracle:4D6E5 → 0( (2, 2, 4, 2→ 0 successes against 5) )#dodging grab - 6 previous attacks (https://rolz.org/info?X3085055)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-25-15/2159:10>
@ Blake  Leo, the troll go-ganger boss gets out of the building and to the fence and see's Blake in Crater's grasp. He smiles and says, "Good job Crater. Now let's teach him a lesson in keeping his hoop in his own backyard and his nose in his own business."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-25-15/2203:13>
Marco continues with his little ambush, he say:
“get out?! ... Look at that drone, thats real skill. Can you imagine your fate instead? That drone did not get to shot a single bullet before it was so skillfully taken out. I’d hate to see your wet parts all over the floor like this.  This is more than you signed up for...The drone was not fast enough...  are you faster? Do you think I will even let you pull the trigger when you need it the most?... Staying here leads to your inevitable death. I am doing you a favor- go someplace nice, get yourself a drink and forget my terrible voice in your head. ”


Evidence of firearms and obvious magic - with your own mind already compromised. That's got to be one scary thing. Thinks Marco.
[spoiler]
Intimididate man (http://orokos.com/roll/311583): 15d6t5 10
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-25-15/2233:01>
@ Marco  As the clear threat in Marco's voice fills his mind with images of the inescapable and irrefutable logic of his death and his own powerlessness against this foe the security guards' 15 years of experience tells him he's no match for a foe that can control his mind and place three bullets in him faster than a drone can move. He's rooted to his spot in fear, and anyone standing within a few feet can smell it as he wets himself.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-25-15/2302:42>
@ Blake  Leo pulls out a cigarette and lights it. He's the picture of confidence at that moment standing near the fence watching Blake in the massive hand of Crater. The two soldiers that had fired at Blake moved out of the building and holstered their weapons. They laughed, a mean, ugly laugh that promised pain and moved to the dumpster to use it to hop over the fence. The first one made it over, but snagged his arm on the post and ended up with a nasty scratch on his arm that immediately started bleeding. But the weight of a troll can't be stopped by a snagged jacket and the jacket arm ripped in response to the pressure. He stopped, blood welling up and spreading large drops on the ground under him, "The HELL! That was NEW!" he looks at Blake, "I'm fraggin' going to kill you." The second, following in his partners footsteps jumped up on top of the dumpster, who now having had the weight of two trolls on it finally protested the abuse by breaking under his weight. His arms flailing about in a moment he went from on top of the dumpster to inside it. "DAMN IT!" he yelled
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-26-15/0022:00>
Blake struggles to get loose but it is a wasted attempt. Once it's clear he isn't slipping free, he relaxes a bit. He looks at Leo and chuckles, "I had to give it a try at least." He stands straight  with his chin up.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-26-15/0106:12>
@ Blake  The gang charges out of the gate and goes to Blake, The grins on their faces are almost feral. They crowd around him to rain blow after blow.
[spoiler]
ismilealot:10D6E5 → 3( (2, 2, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 2, 5, 4→ 3 successes against 5) )#soldiers 2 (https://rolz.org/info?X3094547)
ismilealot:10D6E5 → 2( (6, 3, 3, 4, 1, 3, 5, 3, 3, 1→ 2 successes against 5) )#soldiers 2 (https://rolz.org/info?X3094551)
ismilealot:8D6E5 → 1( (5, 2, 1, 3, 2, 3, 1, 4→ 1 success against 5) )#newbs (https://rolz.org/info?X3094682)
ismilealot:8D6E5 → 0( (4, 2, 4, 4, 3, 2, 4, 1→ 0 successes against 5) )#newbs (https://rolz.org/info?X3094688)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-26-15/0139:43>
Yelena and DataDancer move into the music room ad the Keeb assassin takes a look around as the halfer accesses the security camera system.  She sees musical instruments hanging on the walls and in glass cases around the room.  A large piano stands in one corner, but Yelena can tell from her position that it is coated with dust and so must receive little attention.  She looks mo0re closely at the rest of the instruments and it strikes her that this man is more interested in owning fine musical instruments than in playing them.  Perhaps it is the same with his other things.

Yelena continues to watch for signs of an interruption from either of the other persons that she was warned about.  She leaves the drone to watch the matrix girl and monitors her display to keep track of her actions.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-26-15/0332:50>
Marco saw the guard terrified, he felt a little bad for him, but his words were true. He could not even begin to imagine how many people Yelena just killed over the years. Not her assassination victims, but regular people just doing their job. Somehow he felt that gel rounds or stick and shots were not on the agenda for tonight. The life of the security guard were no lesser than these of the mark and he felt like he could spare at least the poor guard.
 
“You must go now! ... you are standing on the path of death.
Imagine what is going to happen when death returns...
you will be in the way holding a gun, bad idea!
Leave your gun and comlink- they make you a target and can show your location. Turn off anything wireless and lock yourself in the toilet, that way you get to live another day.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-26-15/1554:03>
@ Marco. Overwhelmed with fear the guard bolts, all ability to think rationally gone. March watches as he heads down the street at a dead run screaming like a little girl.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-26-15/1907:24>
Marco did not try to stop the guard it is better if he is outside of the building.  Marco hated himself for doing that to a person. It was disrespectful, he did that twice today at least Arc sort of knew who he is and what he can do. Intimidating people was not why Marco practiced magic, it was better than the alternative but no matter how he thought about it killing was wrong. He could live with being a jerk, with manipulating and intimidating people, he could live with killing out of self defense or even as a preventive strike. Just going to some guy’s place and shooting him because someone put some money on the table was too much.

But what could he do? the place was warded and he could barely sense the astral. He was skilled in some magical arts, but without some guidance there is so much he could do. He was a powerful individual, subconsciously he tried to miss the opportunity. He did not want to mess with Yelena's job.
He knew Yelena will be in a lot of troubles if he does.  But he was already here - and being in the mansion,  he felt responsible, the feeling grew stronger after he scared away the person that was meant to protect Snowden - he had nothing standing  between himself and Yelena now.

If only Marco could get to the mark before Yelena and explain what is going on - he can convince him to escape.  His natural charm along with some truthful words.  There was a single service and summoning was unpredictable, he may or may not get to summon a demon again afterwards, but can he pass a ward without some guidance?  If his bird body could cry, it would. Marco felt bad, something so terrible is going to happen and in a way he pulled his weight to help this atrocity.

No! I cannot allow it, I am sorry Yelena I just cannot have some innocent killed because you got a fat offer. I just cannot do it, I am so sorry... I wish I never learned about it. But what can he do I am here now and I may have the power to stop you.   If he confront them DD may kill him, maybe even Yelena who knows how determined she is.  Dare he stand in deaths way?

Marco made his way as close as he could to the place where he last sensed the other lifeforms. He hoped he can at least get a clear view. He wanted to cry, he was terrified of magic and mages and he was terrified to just let a person die. There will be a moment when I have to pass that ward, and may need the demons help, but If he use the demon he may fail to protect Yelena.

What will it be? Love or morality? "Did I just think love? but it cannot be. It was like everything seemed twisted, the demoness that was supposed to be evil could not hurt a living soul. But she did cause damage without intending. The church tried to make him an assassin in the name of god. J did not seem like the kind to take life, but his so called followers? they had no problems doing so. "

But what else could it be? He is in a crime scene, where a murder is about to happen and he is in the wrong side. All his attention is to the safety of the assassin. Marco was never deeper in the shadows, this was one of the experiences that will make it really difficult to really be part of society again.  Why does he always wish the impossible? 

Marco tries to approach the other person he sensed. Carefully testing how far he is allowed to go. He is still not sure if he is brave enough to confront Yelena, fully armed when he is wearing nothing but his smile - and is unable to harm her in any way. Perhaps if he is quick enough, he can just run away with the mark. Will Yelena shoot at two birds to complete a job knowing that he is one of them and her mark is the other bird? He was afraid to learn the answer but he had to at least try.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-27-15/0036:21>
@ Blake  They advance toward you, and you hear Leo say, "Yeah, a man's gotta try. But, you wanna start you're own operation on my turf and I've gotta put my best fist forward." he exhales then and a long line of smoke flows out of his lips as he watches his gang beat you. Four of them come in almost all at once. The older gangers leading the way. This isn't their first beat-down and they know which areas of the body to target for maximum pain and effect. The new gang members are immediately identifiable by their youth. They're a bit more hesitant, not wanting to interfere with the older gangers action. But, when the fist in question is a trolls, the pain is still excruciating

@ Marco  He knows where the spell said the other life form is. But, the house is dark. And this time there is no shadow for sharp birds eyes to detect.. And once again when Marco gets to close he's thrown back by a sudden powerful gust of wind.

@ Arc  As you take up position once more you see a guy running for dear life, a ragged, high-pitched scream coming from his lips.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-27-15/0138:12>
Sometimes more magic is just not the answer, going naked inside a highly secure mansion was suicide. Instead Marco started picking up Arc's drones and tried placing them in formation. So that one drone is close to where he is, and the rest are a relay for its communication, hopefully outside the static zone.
 He read somewhere that the little buggers can communicate in mesh or peer to peer mode but he was not sure it was true, or if he could actually catch a flying spy drone midair. The size was about right tough they might fit in his claws.   Still, desperate times call for desperate measures and it may be helpful to give Arc eyes inside.

Helpful to what? you are not making sense Marco, he thought at himself in third person trying to distance his self from the situation. He couldn't sit idle he had to act to clear up the demons in his mind.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-27-15/0846:29>
Shortly after killing the Scorpion's engine, Arc looked up to catch the strangest sight....a full grown man screaming like a babe in fear running through the streets!  Her jaw dropped a little at the sight, a brow raised in not so subtle bewilderment.  Then it hit her...KE patrol these streets.  It was only a matter of time before that screaming would wake one of these rich hoops and bring a patrol in, and then they'd know somethings up.  Not good

More news still, she noticed one of her drones moving closer to the house without her command, as notes by the increase in static on the feed.  oh frag no, not good. She may be a newb to the whole trigger thing, but she knew that if she lost full connection she'd lose control of the bug.  Pulling up the virtual control ARO, she tried to direct the sky spy back into formation above the house while speaking into her transceiver.

"heads up, Srui.  Got a head case running around here drawing attention.  Only matter of time before KE be gettin involved.  I'll let ya know when I see the sirens.  Out"

best I can do.. was what the short lady thought as she returned her attention to the rogue drone, attentpibg to wrestle control back to herself
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-27-15/0852:20>
Dammit Arc... why do you have to be so difficult... thought Marco as he chased the little bugger trying to re-place it in a way that it can see the mark and somehow convoy communication to the other drones. But every time he left a drone it seems to go head back to its original spot.
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-27-15/1041:17>
Yelena frowns at the garbled message from Arc.  Only about one word in four or five comes through; something about running, KE and sirens.  She turns to the halfer and says, "Yelena has eye on building.  Message is garbled but something about KE.  Maybe matrix girl not stop alarm fast enough.  Yelena advise get finish before patrol arrive and have bigger fight.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-27-15/1046:47>
Eventually he gave up, technology was not his element. He just focused on Yelena and DD and try to watch helplessly the horror that was unfolding. No... not inside he thought. Outside like I originally wanted. i shouldn't have looked at the house to begin with he thought. He just glided around the house. Feeling awful about himself - but most people he knew just die when you shot at them. Not everyone keep cheating death, he was in no shape to sneak into the house he was not that good and he knew it. He barely managed to sneak in a school and he probobly tripped an alarm there as well.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-27-15/2312:09>
After Jed identified the guard in the next room he had been turning to advise Yelena of his presence when...What the frag!   The guard's aura suddenly shifted.  Most peoples aura's were a mix of "color".  Most people had warring emotions at all times, causing their aura to shift and flicker.  The guards aura shifted to fear, then flared to...terror!?!.  He watched as the aura fled from sight.  Otohime must be nearby and caused him to run.  Jed had never seen someone flare quite that brightly and purely.  For someone to flare that bright was unusual.  An individual who was singularly focused could show a pure color though.  Someone like Yelena. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-28-15/0049:58>
@ Yelena  DataDancer gleefully says, "Got 'im!" she turns to you. "He's downstairs working. I've hacked the security cams so that we can see him but all he'll see is a loop of the house nice and clean & quiet." She begins moving through the house. Yelena knows she's heading for the back staircase from her studies of the floorplan. As she moves through the house she the clean, almost stark interior strikes her. This is a man of few possessions, and those possessions are very simple.


@ Jed  As Jed floats through the house the beauty and power of many of the magically active objects strikes him. This is a man of power whose focus is on the world of mana and separating myth from magic.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-28-15/0107:51>
Yelena nods to DataDancer.  "Wanderer follow."  On a very surface level, Yelena can appreciate the starkness of the house.  Too many possessions meant being tied down to something, to someplace, perhaps to someone.  Perhaps the man does not want to be tied to anything.  She follows the halfer to the stairs and down to the target's level of the house.  She is still reliant on the matrix girl to get her into the work area, which is quite likely to be well secured electronically.  Yelena has not done an up close and personal assassination in over a year and that target had nothing like this sort of security.  Yelena reins in the flicker of anticipation in her mind as they close in on the target.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-28-15/0121:21>
@ Yelena  When they get downstairs Yelena see that the floor plan for this level is wrong. That floor plan showed a room roughly half the size of the house labeled Green Room". But this, this massive expanse is far, far larger. It's at least 15m tall and must encompass all of the grounds. And in it is a maze of hydroponics. The air is hot and humid to her and is in sharp contrast to the cold night outside. But the darkness isn't. The space is being lit by small blue lights that give only the barest illumination in order to mimic the day / night cycle for the plants.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-28-15/0142:05>
Yelena's low-light vision comes in handy in this vast room.  Even she is momentarily stunned by the unexpected vista of row after row of plants being grown hydroponically.  Perhaps these are some of what he uses in his pharmaceuticals company.  The disparity of the room to the blue prints does not faze her as much as it points out the fact that intel is rarely accurate.  She whispers to the halfer, "Room not as diagram say.  What else different?"  Of course, it is not lost on her that the garden will mean that she will have to be very close indeed to the target to make sure of her shot.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-28-15/0657:23>
@ Yelena  DataDancer is non-plussed for a moment at the sight of the room. She looks at you and whispers, "I dunno. The house security says he's here. But, the cams on him don't look like this." she looks at a loss for a moment. "Well, they kinda look like this. There are plants. But, there's a little library."

@ Blake  The beating is excruciating, and quick. Once Blake falls unconscious they let him fall the ground and walk away. Leo says, "Ballsy coming in here like that. Kinda liked him. But like can't interfere with business. Put him in the dumpster." of course Blake hears none of that on the cold hard ground.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-28-15/0806:30>
The single exposed bulb flickers as Blake opens his right eye. His left seems to be swollen shut. Even the poor lighting in the room is enough to make the pain in his head worse. There was a taste of blood in his mouth. When he inhaled a breath the pain made him curl up into an almost sitting position. He probably had a couple of bruised, if not broken, ribs.

"They musta liked ya if ya wakin' up after that."

The strange voice caused Blake to immediately sit up and look around, a bit startled. He immediately regretted it as the nausea and pain forced him back down on his back. His eyes closed to try to stop the room from spinning so violently.

The strange voiced just laughed. "Gettin' up not be the best idea, huh?"

Blake took it a lot slower the second time. As he looked around he realized he wasn't at the ganger's gas station anymore. He was inside some sort of rusted old shipping container. At least what he could see told him that. The lighting was poor and his good eye still watered.

Blake had to spit out a glob of blood before he could croak out "Where am I?"

[spoiler]
ravensoracle:7D6E5 → 4( (5, 6, 4, 5, 1, 6, 4→ 4 successes against 5) )#Stun Healing test (https://rolz.org/info?X3154061) Healed 4 Stun after 1 hour
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-28-15/1010:22>
Yelena looks around to see if there is any source of light that might indicate a room located somewhere in the garden.  She has not seen Jed for a while, either, and wonders if he can help lead them through this.  She whispers back to DD, "Maybe room hidden in garden.  Wanderer know DataDancer can find."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <07-28-15/2044:58>
Ambrose continued his search of the boat. He was bored and no one seem to be messaging him recently. "Just where the hell are they?" he wondered out loud. He was certain they would have said something back to him by now. Unless they were dead. They were probably dead. Perhaps it was time to get out of here then?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-28-15/2347:22>
[Friday, Dec. 9, 2075, Parking Garage near Snowden's Residence, Seattle]

Nothing.  Nothing.  And more nothing.  Once the strange and unidentifiable disturbance to her drones was gone, Arc was easily able to resume her sweeping pattern, extending her drones' eyes outward to spot any incoming traffic...particularly of the sirens and flashing lights kind.  The human had long since concluded that looking to the house was useless; there was so much noise that nothing could be learned from her being outside.  An ear trained on her transceiver, the girl heaved a sigh at the staticy silence that she was greeted with.  Well, she's on her own now...unless the mojo boys got in.  Hope they did

Arc frowned, thinking about the chip video that she stumbled on before...the grisly one with the war crimes and drek.  ...hmm...wonder if that old hoop is still up  Pulling up her comm, she fired a message to Ambrose, for whenever he gets it.

<<Phoenix, Arc here.  Got a taste of the stuff you sent me, and I gotta say: What.  The.  Drek.  This is some adults-only drek ya see outta some war horror trid yo.  Where'd you get this bootleg, huh?  Will update when I get more, gotta keep the lights on for now.   Word>>

Satisfied, she glanced out over the divider into the streets, leaning against the bike as she watched...and waited...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-29-15/0019:01>
@ Blake  Raven flapped his wings and settled on his chest. Getting your hoop saved by others seems to be your thing. he says. You can't see him, mostly because it hurts to much to open your eyes, and partly because you can hear him laughing at you, seeing him laughing at you would just be insult to injury. Blake hears a croupy cough, "Well, if I were a smart-ass I'd say you're right here. But the truth is that you're right here." she laughs at her own joke, a rasping wheeze that ends with more coughing. When she catches her breathe again she follows up with. "You're in our home, mine & John's. He & I fished you out of the dumpster Leo's gang tossed you in, and I been watchin' yer hoop. John sez you helped him in a bit o' a pinch and so's now we even."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-29-15/0057:54>
@ Yelena  DD's eyes go unfocused again as she works her own brand of magic, her brow furroughs and it's a long minute until she answers. "Got it! There's an area down here that's got way more connections and a firewall. I'm betting anything he's there!" she whispers excitedly. She begins heading cautiously towards the area she knows is there. But it's one thing to know where an area is. It's another to navigate the maze of hydroponics and plants. Finally you spot it, a library on three sides and a comfortable one at that.

@ Arc  So far no KE, and the drekker that's running and screaming is still running and screaming. It's just a matter of time.    

@ Ambrose   Finally! Ambrose thinks to himself as he spots a cache of what has to be pills.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <07-29-15/0142:33>
Blake slowly rolls on his side to look at where the voice was coming from. The nausea and pain were starting to subside, but still slowly enough that he felt like he'd been tossed under the dumpster.

He coughs again, "I better get out of here then. Don't want the gangers finding me here and thinking we're working against them."  He starts to rise, staggers a bit about halfway up, then finishes rising to his unsteady feet.

Once he gets his bearings he's already headed for the door. "Debt's paid... from now on you don't know me... safer for all of us that way."

He stumbles slightly out the door. It's doubtful that the merchant lives far from the square so Blake looks around for anything that may give him a clue to where he ended up.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-29-15/0144:56>
Yelena nods and follows the matrix girl through the maze of plants to the library room.  She stops when DataDancer does.  The living weapon that is Yelena and the Predator scans the area for the target, barely registering the furnishings or the books arrayed on the shelves free-standing on three sides of the small sanctuary hidden among the massive hydroponics farm.  "Is security down?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-29-15/0148:47>
Jed pauses to look at the items he sees.  He is saddened to think that this research is going to be interrupted.  Hopefully nothing is lost.  Slowly moving past each item he wonders at the man he is going to meet.  He seems that they may have something in common, as far as their love for mana.  He's probably a spoiled little ass though.  Jed loses himself a moment as he ponders the aura of the item before him. It appears to be a statue of a lion of some sort.  Seems like he remembers seeing these in relation to Chinese temples.  Next to it is a bowl with waves on the rim.  After that a small dagger.  Oh, that had an ugly aura. 

Oh DREK!  which way did Yelena go!   Nothing better happen to her.  Jed told her he was watching. frantically searching, popping his face in and out of walls Jed searched for Yelena.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-29-15/1213:09>
@ Jed  Suddenly you feel her. Her presence is so strong it's like a campfire on a cold night. She's got to be on the other side of that door. Jed goes through the door and comes up behind and above Yelena and DataDancer. DD is concentrating on something, and then he completely misses what she says as he's caught by the beauty of the scene before him. Row after row after row of an incredible array of plants. Each one carefully, lovingly tended, and they each display a slightly higher 'presence' for lack of a better word than any plants he's ever seen. I carefully tend my garden. After all if it dies I don't eat. But this, this, I don't even know how to explain this. It's like each on has just a little tiny extra bit of mana. Jed begins wandering, studying each plant, each treasure.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-29-15/1235:19>
@ Yelena The target is just standing from a stooped position. He's got a beaker in his hand and is saying, "Sample 225183 through sample 225224 have been contaminated. All specimens are displaying an orange yellow streptococyl mold."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-30-15/0115:22>
Without conscious thought, the Predator lifts.  A few heartbeats spent refining the aim and three messengers of death spit from the silenced weapon toward the target.

[spoiler]  Shoot at Snowden (http://orokos.com/roll/312716): 19d6t5 3  Use edge to reroll misses  Rerolling misses (http://orokos.com/roll/312717): 16d6t5 7  Accuracy is 7 so 7 hits.  Dodge is -2.  Damage is 8 plus net hits and AP-2.[/spoiler]

Yelena knows that the shot is good before the rounds make impact.  Part of her is still watching the halfer, but her main focus is the target.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-30-15/0202:44>
@ Blake  It was everything he had to make it to the door. He pitched forward as he went through it. "Whoah, Ummmmph!" Samson grunts as you try to collapse on top of him. "Jeezuz yer heavier 'en you look." he puts you in a fireman's carry, and the raven says Next time try staying upright, works a bit better. while Samson is saying, "And I'm gettin' a mite old for this." The feeling of his shoulder into your gut and the bouncing along is to much combined with your broken ribs, the pain is so bad you end up vomiting right then and there. "Hh Jeez! Wilma! I thought you said you'd look after 'im!"  you hear Wilma rasp, "I did! He's still alive ain't 'ee!" Samson rolls you back onto the bed. "Stay down." He says, funnily enough, that's just what the ganger boss had said. it'd be funny if it didn't hurt so badly.

@ Jed  For a moment you see her human form, and then a gout of the dragons' breath is loosed from it's nostrils and pure mana envelopes the three. Almost in slow motion the bullets are transformed, and Yelena and DataDancer are enveloped in illusory magic. In the next instant Snowden is hit by another spell. You see his eyes go wide as he tries to fight it, hand in slow motion reaching for what must be his foci. He never makes it, and slowly he rocks backwards and falls. A moment later an illusion makes it seem as though there are bullet wounds on his forhead.

@ Yelena  You watch the bullets strike Snowden in a perfect pattern. And then comes the shocked expression on his face as he falls backwards and dies. DataDancer has a smile of satisfaction on her face as she rushes to the computer on the desk of his workstation.

@ Arc & Marco  For a moment all is well. But, then you spot KE coming you're way.

@ Ambrose  Is it really worth it to  get up?                                                                                                    
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-30-15/0206:25>
Noticing the KE from far, Marco uses the invisibility spell on the Ford. It may creep the heck out of Arc but she is brilliant and will understand that she is invisible.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-30-15/0247:59>
Yelena steps to the body of the fallen man while the halfer is busy at the computer, careful to not step in any of the dark red blood pooling from Snowden's corpse.  The man on his back on the floor of the fancy library looks like countless other dead bodies Yelena has seen up close.  Powerful men and women look very much like the poor and weak in this state.  She kneels at Snowden's head and verifies by facial recognition that this is indeed the target.  She uses her off hand to feel about the neck to be sure that some sort of mask is not being used, and while she is no expert, she is pretty sure that death would dispel a magical disguise such as what Sam and Marco use.  A clinical part of her notices the near perfect pattern of the entry wounds and is satisfied.  The mess the bullets made while exiting the back of the skull is fairly dramatic, with blood and brain matter spattered in the direction the bullets had taken.

Down to nine bullets in the clip, Yelena carefully removes it from the Predator, replacing it with a full one from the sack at her hip.  She carefully returns to where she took the shots and retrieves her casings, placing them in a pocket, then moves to where the bullets have buried themselves in books on the wall opposite the body and uses a gloved hand to get them out and into the pocket.  She will stop at the dead drone and do the same there on the way out of the house.

Yelena never places herself in front of the matrix girl and uses the hair drone to keep an eye on her, and never puts the Predator down..

Yelena nods at the girl and says, "DataDancer do good work.  Can now take down all security?  Maybe send false alarm message to KE.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <07-30-15/0727:49>
While Arc was standing at the garage overlook spot, she was about to consider silencing the panicked guard, about to shift back onto the bike to meet up with him and try to calm him down.  Then she froze, hearing the thing she didn't want to hear: sirens.  Eyes going wide, the human confirmed her fears with a quick drone scan: a pack of KE patrol cars heading their way, likely no more than a mile out, and enough to spell trouble. 

Turning her attention to the car, she focused just in time to see it disappear from one of the drine's sensors, leaving her a split second of bewilderment before realizing she still had her control ARO and it worked.  ...Marco.  Definitely Marco keeping the engine cool, she opted against turning the engine on, waiting until she knew they needed to bug out.  No need to panic...yet...

"Y, KE KE KE KE incoming incoming INCOMING.  Move your hoop girly, we aint got time to waste! Go GO GO GO GO!"

Gritting her teeth, the human girl glanced around, directing one of her fly-spy's to her position to keep an eye on her body as she nestled against the garage wall, taking a seat and getting comfortable, ready to jump in once her passengers were aboard.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-30-15/0958:48>
Yelena perks up when she gets the broken message from Arc.  Even though she cannot make out all the words, there is no mistaking the urgency in her Srui's voice.  She moves closer to the halfer.  "Eye on house say KE coming.  Must hurry or get caught.  Matrix girl send all clear command or leave now."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <07-30-15/1656:03>
Jed has found it so difficult to focus on Yelena and Data Dancer throughout all of this.  Too many years alone.  Ignoring people.  Every little aura, every little glow of mana has pulled at his attention here.  Oh, to be this Snowden fellow, and have access to all of this.  To be free from the entanglements of relationships to just focus on the only thing that really matters, the only thing that is eternal...Mana.  Jed is enraptured by the special little glow of the plants.  How does he do it?  How is this possible, to tie in mana to these plants.    Jed leans forward, Is that basil?
He tries to sort out the threads he sees entwined with the life of this basil plant.

Some part of his mind is screaming at him.  Wasn't there something else he was doing?  Yelena.  You are here with Yelena.  Jed looks up in time to see a man standing up from a corner of the room.  He sees Yelena as her aura goes still, pure.  One solid "color'.  Such focus.  Then Jed realizes, the aura of the man in front of him is still, just as focused.  Until suddenly it flashes and flickers like a psychedelic rainbow.  Surprise, Anger, Fear, Shock, Sadness, Loss. 

Jed's awareness expands to include his surroundings.  He is stunned into motionlessness as the scene before him unfolds.  Otohime.  So beautiful.  He watches Yelena as she checks Snowden, believes him to be dead.  He hears her urgently tell the decker that it is time to go.

Jed manifests before her.  your way out is clear from astral threats.  I'll message you when I get back to my shell.  I'll send my spirit friend with you.  He can help you keep from getting caught.   Jed looks at his spirit.   Hide her, speed her way.  If she is hurt, heal her.    Jed allows his form to fade.  He needs Yelena to think that he is going back. 

And now he waits.  The car should be waiting for him when he returns.  He hopes that Otohime has some further information for him. 


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-31-15/2200:38>
@ Marco  Marco's invisibility spell takes hold and the vehicle disappears. That lets him turn his attention on the oncoming KE vehicles. They've turned off their sirens and are running silent, only the lurid flash from their lights alerting passers bye. As he watches he sees a stunningly beautiful oriental woman in a beautifully elegant Japanese kimono float gently above the house. She fades in a sparkle of light. And when he can take his eyes away from the spot where she was at he almost misses the KE vehicles. They've turned off all of their lights. There will be no notice of their presence in the dark.

@ Jed  There is no sign of life in Snowden's body. No bright glow of mana. No faint trace of an aura. Did the spell fail? Is he really dead? And suddenly the powerful presence that is Otohime's is beside him. You will take BabyJ's body as soon as they leave. To separate him from his mana in this manner is dangerous. He must be restored as quickly as possible. Jed thinks, Take him as soon as possible! It's going to be hours while the police do their thing! And if he takes him before they can examine him the office report, and the news, will be missing, not dead.

@ Yelena  DD moves towards the computer even as Snowden is falling. And is jacked in before the pool of blood under his head has had a chance to spread to far, She doesn't even spare a glance at Yelena, "Just make sure you secure the area. And let me worry about my job." She almost ignores Yelena's announcement that KE is incoming, saying only, "Without the data this job is for nothing. We stay." It's long minutes before she finally announces. "Done! Let's move!" without even a backwards glance at Yelena she rushes through the maze and charges up the stairs.

@ Arc Before Arc spots the KE vehicles the static from the security very suddenly increases, and one drone is completely knocked out of the sky. She tries to get it back up and running and in the distraction of trying to get it up and running Arc misses the change as the KE vehicles go dark.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-31-15/2307:42>
Yelena follows after the matrix girl, moving in her wake as she speeds through the garden and up the stairs.  She hopes that the spirit that Jed set to help her escape is up to the task, but she will not rely only on some mysterious mojo-summoned being.  She keeps her eyes and other senses open to the possibility of KE security already closing in on her position.  As she nears the outer door she sends a message.  >>  Arc.  Marco.  Is Yelena.  Job done.  Nearing door.  Where KE?  Guide Yelena out.<<  All she gets is static and she assumes that Arc is getting the same.  Yelena puts her hand on the arm of the halfer in front of her and motions for her to wait.  She makes sure that the lights in the entry area are off then carefully opens the door, crouching in the darkness and using the door jamb as cover.    She hopes that the open door will allow her to get full contact with Arc and her drones but the massive static burst ends that thought almost before she completes it.  She pulls the hidden retractable cord from her neck and connects it directly to her pistol, reestablishing the smartlink by DNI.  She allows herself a small smile as the heavy Predator spins back up, giving her control over the gun once more. 

Yelena is now completely focused on getting out of the situation she now finds herself in.  With the pistol back up, she once again allows herself to merge with it, forming one being of destructive power.  She looks over to the halfer and whispers, "Cannot stay here.  Must move.  Use deck to help?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-01-15/0234:11>
Marco eagarly waits to see Yelena out of the house so he can contact her... His mindlink spell requires a sense, vision in this case. He definately heard a gunshot. But the minutes pass and the house remains silent. He is then distracted by the beutiful woman, thinking that some people like their magic obvious. He tries to avoid the women, but having her floating around over the house is actually a good distraction for Yelena. Marco feels vunerable, he is nothing but an infant in the world of magic. His best chance is to avoid eye contact and hope that she is not seeing his spell on the astral. From the brief time that he dares to look at her he confirms that she is indeed very attractive.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-01-15/1122:06>
“There she is!” Marco’s entire body reacts when he sees Yelena and DD outside of that house he uses the mindlink spell to contact Yelena.

Yelena, the car is invisible, I am giving you a bird's eye view of it so you can know where it is. I suggest you put your cloths and weapons there, get undressed as Arc is driving the car. As soon as possible I will change you into a dog or cat or something so you can go in a different way....

 Are you a dog or cat person?”

The last thought sort of reached unintended - Marco’s thinking about the situation got it transferred to Yelena as well. He is maintaining multiple spells and for him he is stretching his magical skills as far as he can.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-01-15/1153:13>
Yelena takes time at the door to look around, her innate low-light vision allowing her to see fairly well in the near darkness.  The distinctive odor of urine rises above that of the hydraulic fluid from the destroyed drone laying near the door, almost as if someone had taken a piss in the area.  But that was not the only oddity as she also sees a pistol on the ground near the drone.  Yelena leaves the pistol where it is as she considers her options. 

Marco's words do catch her by surprise as she was not aware he could do the mind link thing without touching her.  Still, his words comforted her as they meant that she was not alone here.  She thinks back to him, "Yelena is cat person.  But must get matrix girl away as well."

Yelena has studied the layout of the house and grounds and so far everything except the size of the underground room had been accurate.  She knows that there is a small privacy gate in the rear section of the security wall surrounding the house.  She thinks to Marco,"Is gate at rear of wall around house.  Yelena and DD go there.  Can Marco make spell pretend running different direction?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-01-15/1159:22>
Marco passes Yelena a mental image of the back of the house.

"Notice that I cannot easily contact Arc while looking at you. I can do an illusion but I am at the limits of my skill - I maintain a spell to fly, a spell to make the car invisible and a spell to talk to you, I am not sure this illusion would fool anyone."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-01-15/1226:34>
Yelena frowns and replies.  "Then drop link.  Yelena start something.  Marco help if can.  If not, you can pray to your God."  Yelena places her pistol on the ground at her feet and removes four small thermo grenades from a pouch on her belt.  She looks at the halfer and says, "Wanderer use grenade to give cover.  We run gate at back wall.  Will be locked.  DataDancer open gate and we leave.  There is car waiting near." 

Yelena arms the grenades and rolls one out a few feet from the door to give concealment as they leave then tosses the other three a bit farther out.  The thermo smoke begins to fill the air as she picks up her pistol and touches the girl next to her.  "Go now.  Stay close."  With the matrix girl in tow, Yelena breaks from the doorway and begins to sneak towards the security gate at the rear of the grounds, away from the road and any KE cars.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-01-15/1240:54>
"Roger that Y, I'll enchant DD as well - prepare her for the concept when the time is right. I am leaving the link for now to focus on the illusion."


His trid phantasm has a limitation, area, within the area he could do what ever he wanted. The illusion is a story, composed of his emotions and fears. A love story with a tragic ending.
Two people with somewhat similar appearance to DD and Yelena are running out of the main door. A loud gunshot is fired by a drone drone behind them. The elf stumbles and fall to the ground, with a large wound in her chest losing a lot of Blood. The dwarf badassingly shots the drone, 3 shots and take it down about where Yelena previously shot the drone.

Then the dwarf looks at her partner her lover, she is whispering "You are going to make it!" as she applies medical treatment with an high tech medical kit. Some precious minutes pass and alas she cannot save the elven girl.

  The dwarf is holding her hand crying... " I love you Bonnie!... Don't leave me." She is with her for few more precious minutes, just sitting there crying. The elf answers... "but I love you too Maya. It was a good ride... Save yourself I want you to live."
"I can never leave you Bonnie, I am nothing without you."
"No, I insist  I want you to live" Then the dwarf passionately kisses the elf.
"You are going to make it out Bonnie"
She say as she tries to carry the wounded elf to cover. She stumbles, the elf is too heavy for her and a there is another gunfire. Apparently, stumbling she triggered her own gun,
The dwarf is crying, holding her lover's hand. "I am coming Bonnie" She whispers as she dies - but before that she takes out a little grenade and say: " This is for you Bonnie, we go down with a bang!" as she triggers it. It creates a fire  that's burning their bodies, and spreads to the vegetation near them. Many more minor explosions are sound as their weapons and ammo catches fire and random bullets randomly trigger just like popcorn - making the fire appears very dangerous to approach. [spoiler]
Force 5 spell - drain (4) trid phantasm.
trid phantasem (http://orokos.com/roll/313322): 8d6t5 7
drain (http://orokos.com/roll/313324): 11d6t5 6
Wow that actually worked - just 5 of the (7?!) hits are kept and Marco is able to dodge drain for this one.

[/spoiler]

I need to get away from here myself - think Marco. He contacts his Demon -

your moment have come noble demon - your service is as following: use your concealment power to conceal the car, Yelena and DD. 
He sends him a mental image of Yelena and DD - to make that concept well accurate. You have to maintain the concealment until I tell you to stop. After that as you already know you are free to go back to where you came from. Thank you for your service.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-02-15/1348:27>
Drek drek double drek what the drek! .Arc was furiously attempting to snatch back her flying drone thatgot caught in a static burst, totally missing the KE cars going dark.  By the time she got the drone to respond and up to noiseless safety, the human realized the situation...andYelenaa's message.  Clearing her head, she gave a little nod as she worked out the best options.

"Glad to hear us srui.  KE cars went dark likely trying to getadrop on your hoops.  Hope your mono buddies got us, but I'm still here.  Ah...cut around back other side of block.  Car will be there, hope Marco can pull you to it."

And with that, Arc slumped against the dividing wall as she jumped into her Americar, her conscious thought fusing with the piece of automotive machinery.  Turning the car on, she scasualky moved the car forward, making the one block trek to behind the house, thankful that hybrids came as standard cars and she could keep the engine off for a little bit.  From there...it was merely a matter of waiting to go into action.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-02-15/2310:50>
The cars pull up on this dramatic scene and order Bonnie & Maya to surrender. When they see the grenade they open fire in an attempt to keep Bonnie from throwing it. Bullets thud through the images as the illusion of the flash-bang goes off and blinds lookers on. As Arc jumps in the smooth, powerful thrum of the engine responds to her thoughts and girl & machine are one.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-02-15/2351:39>
Yelena feels the cutting of the connection with Marco with a surprising sense of disappointment.  She and the halfer sneak through the darkness to where Yelena knows the rear gate is.  She keeps her hand on the arm of the matrix girl so that they do not get separated.  The sound of a number of people firing weapons from behind causes her to go to ground, dragging the girl with her.  The bullets are chewing up the ground in a completely different direction and Yelena smiles.  *Marco must be doing something.*  She pulls the halfer to her feet and continues moving towards the gate. 

Reaching the gate, Yelena points out the lock and allows DataDancer to work her magic on it.  Once unlocked, the pair quickly move through the opening.  Yelena leads her companion to where the car is supposed to be waiting.  >>Arc.  Is Yelena.  Near car.  Open doors so get in.<<

When the doors pop open, Yelena and the halfer jump in and quickly shut the doors, instantly invisible, or hopefully so.  Yelena turns to the halfer and says, "Mission done.  Where DataDancer want go?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-03-15/0024:13>
Arc could feel her heart froze as her lingering drones viewed the full effect of Marco's illusion...which the human was not aware of at all.  It wasn't until she heard the obviously false names that something was up, and the confirmation message from Yelena telling her to get the car open.  From her fused consciousness, it was as simple as a flexing of her arm muscles to open the car doors as she sent a map ping to the Russian.

"No idea how relieved I am srui.  Get in, we ain't outta the woods yet."

Once her cargo was inside her (Frag, that feels odd...) Arc coasted out from the block, keeping a low profile for a few blocks before allowing herself to rev up a bit to get away from the site, instructing her bugs to fly up and away, eventually meeting up back with her meat body, the one bug keeping an eye on it already.

no sign of pursuit...that's a fragging relief...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-03-15/0220:01>
Yelena spends a second to marvel at riding in a car with no driver.  The hair drone pops on, providing her with a close up view of the ceiling fabric of Arc's baby.  She carefully sets it back to watching the matrix girl.  The primary mission is complete, but Yelena cannot afford to relax yet.  She leaves the DNI connection to the Predator, mentally switching off the wireless link.  It would not do to have the gun bricked on her when she might need it.  She looks over at her companion.  "Eye on building take us away.  Can drop DataDancer off somewhere.  Matrix girl did good work.  Wanderer like work again sometime."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-03-15/0306:24>
Marco's entire buddy shakes when he hears real gunfire. Mages are usually unaffected by their own illusions, so he did not respond like that to his script. "Aw... That  was a close one"  Thinks Marco as he struggles to maintain the illusion. He watches Yelena out of the house, she somehow managed to get into the invisible car. With a the demon helps in hiding that care she must have received some help from Arc.

The fire of the grenade kept his show running and Marco hoped that it would delay the police further. But there was no time, he had to get away from there himself. The end of his illusion was approaching something dramatic that would finish it with a bang, the oriental woman he saw floating earlier dramatically materialize. She said "This place is under my protection and you do not get to burn it. " She fearlessly approach the fire and sings a song in Japanese, a song about the loss of loved ones. Marco heard this song with one of his clients and it felt appropriate for the moment.

In a way it was Marco's way to express his own sadness about the loss of life. That lonely man in that house deserved at least a beautiful song and someone to cry for him. He did not get to confess before he died, he had no closure - his life were just brutally ended by a trained assassin. It was the least Marco could do for him. If only he understood magic better perhaps he could have saved him.

As the oriental woman was crying,  a bright ball of light enveloped her covering the fire and bodies, it was as big as Marco could do it. The ball felt warm and solid, like a wall. It would only fade out with the rest of the illusion when the song is gone, leaving the oriental woman crying and fading away.
[spoiler]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KowJb0s1TIE
[/spoiler]

"It is time for me to go" Thought Marco with great sadness as he left the scene, trying to maintain his line of sight with Yelena, and hoping they would actually make it out alive. After some shorts moments he felt confident enough to contact Yelena, but alas he could not do so. These spells were already stretching his ability to the maximum. He would only contact her once his illusion ends. Sustain these spells was the most he could do for them.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-03-15/1034:03>
As the invisible car carries them away to safety, Yelena turns to the matrix girl.  "DataDancer good enough hack KE comms?  Find out what doing to find?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-03-15/1601:20>
Jed looks at Otohime incredulously.  Forgive me for contradicting you Otohime-sama.  You did not say that you were separating his body from his mana, and I am not preparted to take possession of it immediately.  I don't have my body here.  It seems the police are on the way, and by the time I get here, they will be here.  Perhaps you could use illusion to convince them that they see the body?  If those who sent someone after him don't believe he is dead, they will keep looking for him.  I will go get my body, but it is some distance away.  I will return as quickly as is possible.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-03-15/2108:10>
@ Yelena, Marco, Arc  In front of the house where the illusion is being cast and shot at you hear, "Stop, it isn't real you idiotsFrom out of nowhere a KE vehicle appears, and suddenly a lightening bolt splits the air with a loud concussive boom and the vehicle Yelena and DD are in is hit with the incredible force of a lightning bolt.

ismilealot:15D6E5 → 5( (5, 1, 1, 4, 6, 4, 2, 2, 5, 5, 3, 6, 2, 4, 4→ 5 successes against 5) )#lightning bolt vehicle (https://rolz.org/info?X3325588)
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-03-15/2133:47>
Arc was getting herself calm and relaxed.  They were actually getting away, and everything was going to work.  And then she saw the car whip out in her rear view, the emblazoned shield of the Knight's Errant catching in a street lamp's light.  In the interior of the car, the radio display popped up an ARO as words flashed on it.

oh DREK!

The human girl could feel the gears shifting as the engine roared, the sensation of her abs and buttocks clenching as she made a quick swerved across the street, the blue flash and crackling thunder that followed bouncing off the side door and onward in front of her.  Frag frag frag FRAG THEY ON US SLITCHES  The display seemed to be echoing Arc's thoughts as she hit the gas, realizing that a chase was in order.

A split second.  That was all Arc needed to refocus herself as she remembered her first job as a wheelgirl, five years back...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hoi, meat!  You alive over there, or you just gonna stare at that wheel all day huh?"
"...Naw, Lugnut, I ain't.  No point looking, ain't my job, remember?"
"Eh, you watch yo skinnyhoop ugly as drek breeder mouth, ya heard?  When they get out, they gon' be hot, just get em out.  Any of em get geeked, it's yo' slot on the line, got it meat?"
"...I got it..."


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sensation of her eyes flaring open, the feel of her virtual grip tightening on the wheel.  An AR image of Arc's persona formed in the driver's seat: a buzzcut-headed post-apocalyptic raider chick with spiked leather armor, war paint, and a mechanical left arm.  And one wicked grin as she gestured toward the car as she sped into the night.

"Witness."

[spoiler] Defense (push the limit) (http://orokos.com/roll/313912): 12d6h5 5.  0 net hits.  Graze, so null effect?  Otherwise, I'll edit to factor damage

Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/313922): 7+3d6 20[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-03-15/2318:46>
Yelena sits back in the seat while Yelena navigates and drives.  The lightning strike out of nowhere is unexpected, but does not break the calm that Yelena is feeling.  Even though the primary target is dead, the job is not complete until she and the matrix girl get away.  Yelena is still in the moment and her personality is still merged with the heavy Predator pistol.  When the halfer jumps at the lightning, Yelena puts a hand on the girl's leg.  "Remain calm.  Eye on house get us out.  Stay focused.  Can brick car following us?"

As focused as Yelena is, she cannot help but smile at her Srui's AR avatar at the wheel.  The mechanical arm flipping off the KE in the trail car is just too perfect.  Shifting sideways, she pulls the rear cushion aside to reach into the trunk for her weapons case.  She reasons that she might need a bit more firepower that what the pistol can do.  After replacing the cushion, she opens the case and expertly twists the components of the rifle together, giving an almost wolfish grin.  Yelena disconnects the DNI cable from the pistol and plugs into the rifle, spinning up the components of the finest sniper weapon ever made.  She holsters the pistol, leaving it wireless for now in case she needs it.  "Arc.  Window down for shot.  Make turn so see tire.  Yelena try slow KE down."  Yelena motions the halfer to lean back in the seat as she braces herself inside the car.  She focuses on the aim and waits for the car to turn broadside to the KE car at a corner.  "Now, Arc.  Please."  She sights in on the rear tire of pursuing car and prepares to squeeze off a burst if necessary

[spoiler]Initiative  Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/314006): 10+1d6 13[/spoiler]. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-04-15/0415:45>
This wasn't looking good - the cops must have a mage with them that can see the car. Luckily that mage is probobly in his own body as he just shot a lighting bolt on the car. Marco is terrified of mages, he got to think quickly he uses his levitate spell in order to create obsticles on the road after the ford passes tossing garbage cans, motorcycles and basically anything that he finds on the side of the road to slow down the KE.  He flies high as high as he can and still easily see the car, hoping he will go unnoticed.
[spoiler]
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/314032): 10+1d6 14
Levitate (http://orokos.com/roll/314031): 8d6t5 2
F4 -  Marco can levitate items of up to 400 kg.
drain (http://orokos.com/roll/314028): 11d6t5 5
And takes no drain.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-04-15/0723:36>
@ Marco   Marco searches for whatever he can find that'll move. Curse these ritzy. Hi-dollar neighborhoods. There'snot nearly enough stuff to really slow the squad car down,  although at least he's forcing them to swerve around them. They can't get a good shot off at Yelena while he's in command of hislevitate spell!
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-04-15/0728:16>
@ Jed.  Ootohime replies, "I can not move his body. And if you fail to save him that he may  learn to ? live you will have occurred my wrath for all time.:
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-04-15/0733:05>
@Blake. Samson hands you a drink and a bag. "Here" he says. "I got you a breakfast burrito and some roasted grasshoppers. Never met a orc yet who doesn't love them"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-04-15/1732:43>
Blake rises up slowly and takes the offered food. The dizziness and nausea are slowly starting to ease up.

After a small bite "I appreciate the help. But aren't you worried about retribution?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-04-15/2027:13>
Arc's avatar gives a curt nod and a grin as her focus glanced back at the pursuing patrol vehicle, the human girl blinking a bit at the random pieces and objects flipping onto the road between them as she rolled the windows down...much like one unzipping a jacket.  Must be our help again...wiz  Pulling up a simple map ARO to aid her decisions, the rigger felt truly in her element.  While Yelena felt herself at one with her weapons on a psychological level, Arc for all intents and purposes was the car at this moment. 

"Broadsiding at this point's risky, Srui.  Lotta turns comin' up, take the shots when you want em"  Resies all over...not a lot of tight cover to work with...better fix that..ooh!

Seeing her opportunity, Arc felt the sensation of pressure against her arms, shins and feet as she shifted gears and turned, driifting briskly onto a sidestreet, and then again onto the matching parallel street, seeing that one leading them towards an area of concrete jungle more familiar to her.  At least one of those turns was good for a shot...

[spoiler]Action: Drive Test (Break Away) (http://orokos.com/roll/314188): 11d6t5 4  At limit!
Net hits above threshold equals number of range categories gained, limit 2 (Acceleration).  Note that Arc's control rig lowers Threshold by one :D[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-04-15/2333:29>
Yelena nods at Arc's words and waits.  Taking a bad shot is worse than waiting for a good one, especially if there is a chance that a miss or ricochet might fly off into a house and hit someone inside.  No, she will wait for the right time.  She remains braced in the car with her back to the offside door, the rifle aimed at the KE car.  The barrel of the weapon does not break the plane of the window, giving their pursuers little chance to see that they might be in danger.  >>Arc do well.  Yelena take shot when Arc say.  Not in houses area.  Can lead away then turn hard to surprise?  Tell Yelena when almost ready.<<

Without taking her eyes off the pursuing car, Yelena speaks softly to the halfer, ""DataDancer do good.  Staying calm is good.  We live and hunt again.  You in good hands of Wanderer and rigger friend.  DataDancer can help?  What was matrix girl escape plan?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-05-15/0117:29>
@ Blake  Samson reaches into another bag and pulls out more roasted grasshoppers and begins munching on them and then says, "Nah, Leo's very pragmatic. But then most trolls are. They're big enough peeps don't cross 'em twice. And I pay my protection on time." He offers the bag to his mate who says, "You know I don't like the chili kind." he says, "Oh, sorry. I forgot." He turns back to you and says, "I think that if you leave by the southwest entrance with me you'll be alright."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-05-15/0149:37>
@ Marco, Yelena & Arc  The quiet of the night is broken by the crackle of the lightning and the squeal of tires break the silence of the night, and then the dissonant blare of sirens shatters all pretense of stillness. Up and down the street a light here and there goes on in the mansions that line this street. And well manicured lawns bear witness to the chase.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-05-15/0155:53>
Yelena listens to the sirens and realizes that more cars are probably following the first one.  >>Arc.  Yelena know you not like Howlers.  But can help if get to Barrens.  For favor owed.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-05-15/0210:54>
Jed feels a stab of fear at her words.  Crazy bitch.  She let this guy get killed and is going to blame him for it.  He was trying to find a reason for Y not to kill him, and she said she would make everyone think he was dead. No time to whine about it.  Move your sorry ass.   He should have been dead earlier anyway.

Jed fled the manor and raced back to his shell.  Popping back into his body, he jumped up.  Damnit!!  The car wouldn't be here for another ten minutes.  I need Marco. Arc would be with Yelena.  Marco might, but if he guessed correctly, the man would be glad Snowden wasn't dead and would be able to help. 

Marco, I need help from you.  It is a matter of life and death, but very private.  Please let me know as soon as you get this message.

Hopefully Marco responds soon.  Where was that car!!!  Shit!  Shit!  Shit!   If he wasn't so sure that the dragon could track him somehow, he would just bug out of Seattle.  After what seemed like a lifetime, the car arrived.  You're late!  Nevermind.  Take me to this address.  Quickly.
Jed gives him an address several blocks from the manor house.  Jed checks his comm for the hundredth time.  No response from Marco.  Damn.  He was on his own.  Should he call Mike?  No.  He owed Mike too much to drag him into this suicide mission.  He really was on his own.  After what seemed like both forever and the blink of an eye the driver pulled up to the curb.

 We are here.

Jed looks around.  He'd better cast normal vision out and scout around.  Jed sent his vision away, out of the car.  Looking around the manor trying desperately to think of what to do.  He was alone.  He couldn't even call a spirit, since he sent the one from earlier with Yelena. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-05-15/0738:27>
Arc could feel the bile instinctively rising in her throat at the idea of seeking aid from the Howlers, but she did her best to suppress it.  After all, the revelation of two additional cars in pursuit made good to distract her from her personal feelings.  Taking a split second, she turned her attention skyward to the clear winter sky.  New moon tonight...time of focus and resolve.  Frag, it might work...  Rounding a corner on this winding residential street, the rigger turned her attention and direction towards the Barrens.

"...Yeah, aight, that's wiz.  You make the call then.  Last thing I want is to add calling while driving to their list, ya heard?"

...Well, at least she seemed to be in good humor about it as she made her turns, attempting to gain some distance from the forming Knight's pack.  At this moment, Marco's commlink decided to make a buzz in the passenger seat, which Arc recognized as an AR blip at the corner of her vision.  Uh oh...guess Marco is missing some biz .At the moment the human was focused on driving, and a text was low priority until she gained some ground...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-05-15/1032:25>
Yelena nods in response to Arc.  She is about to call the only Howler contact she knows when the commlink beeps from the front seat.  Reaching over she pulls up the flashing emergency message and reads it.  *Frag it.  What sort of drek is PI man in?  Marco never get this message.*  Yelena pauses to collect her thoughts then sends a note off.  >>Jedediah.  Is Yelena.  Marco leave commlink with clothes in car.  Not get message.  PI man want Yelena call Mike to come help?<<

Yelena knows that Arc hates the thought of calling on the Howlers and decides to wait a bit to see if they can shake the KE cars.  >>Arc.  Try lose KE on own.  If not, Yelena call Howlers for help.  Give me shot and we see can slow down.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-05-15/2043:23>
Blake rises. This time he is a lot more stable on his feet. "I appreciate your help. But just point the way. I don't want them to see us together any more than necessary..."  He raises his hands to any protests. "I've got my ways of slipping out unseen. I'd prefer to simply walk away at this point. No need to bring anymore attention to you."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-05-15/2305:16>
@ Blake Samson says, "You wanna be stubborn & stupid I'll draw you a map out. But, you're more likely to make it if we walk with you." he looks you straight in the eye. "I don't know if that scene was planned or not. But, I do know I don't want your next beating on my conscious." he pauses then. "Unless you're in the habit of being stupid in which case nevermind." Despite his words he's pulling little things out of boxes and using them to make the three of you look subtly and not so subtly different. And she loads the weapons with a quickness and economy of motions that spell trouble for anybody she's actually aiming that weapon at. Raven flaps his wings and flies down to sit on the barrel. If I were a betting crow I think I'd be hard pressed to not place bets on stupid.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-05-15/2333:37>
@ Yelena, Arc & Marco  Suddenly Arc and Yelena feel the car rise straight up as the mage levitates the vehicle their riding in. DataDancer screams like a girl.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-06-15/1050:44>
The car in the air was a clear feat of skill, Marco was not nearly as skilled. "Fuck! what can I do right now..."  The situation seemed hopeless and Marco was terrified of the KE mage. His skills are inferior but he had an idea. "I can just add to the weight of the car by levitating it back toward the ground."  Thinks Marco.
"I may not be able to levitate cars, but can  that mage still lift that car when I am actively making it heavier?" 

Marco focused his mind and added the full force of his spell to levitate the car back down, it will take a legendary mage to bring that car to the sky and if that mage is skilled enough to do so than they should consider extreme measures like hurting him.

[spoiler]
Levitate spell gives 200 killogram per net hit. A ford should weight about a ton, or slightly more so let's say: 5 or 6 hits? 
Yelena and DD, and their equipment should be another 200kg. So we are talking at 6-7 hits that mage needed to accomplish this feat. 
Marco's levitate spell has 2 net hits so the mage has to overcome both. That means that he actually need 8 or 9 hits to levitate the car and overcome Marco's levitation power at the same time.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-06-15/2201:17>
Blake eats another. He then takes the things and starts working to disguise himself. He also helps the couple with any deficiencies that they have in their own disguises.

"Ok, so I'll let you show me the way outta the neighborhood."

[spoiler]
ravensoracle:9D6E5 → 4( (4, 2, 5, 5, 6, 6, 3, 2, 3→ 4 successes against 5) )#Disguise skill 6 + Intuition 4 + Facial Sculpt 1 - 2 Wounds, Disguising Blakes overall appearance (https://rolz.org/info?X3373895)

ravensoracle:9D6E5 → 2( (6, 3, 2, 4, 2, 4, 1, 3, 5→ 2 successes against 5) )#Disguise for Samson (https://rolz.org/info?X3395822)

ravensoracle:9D6E5 → 2( (3, 4, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 4, 5→ 2 successes against 5) )#Disguise for Samson's Mate (https://rolz.org/info?X3395833)
[/spoiler]


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-06-15/2326:26>
Yelena whispers to the halfer.  "DataDancer calm down.  Not time for scream.  Is time for acting.  Think of way to help.  Maybe brick car engine.  Theirs not ours."

Yelena smiles at the irony of the situation.  The KE mage has immobilized Arc's car, but in a strange twist, that makes it easier for Yelena to make the shot at the tire of the following car in an attempt to slow it down.  She carefully lines up the shot and breathes slowly as she squeezes the trigger and sends her messengers out to touch the other car. 

[spoiler]Fire at car tire (http://orokos.com/roll/314869): 14d6t5 6  Defense is -2 and damage is 13 + any net hits to the tire.[/spoiler]

She smiles as the bullets streak out, knowing in advance that this was a good hit.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-06-15/2359:28>
@ Blake  It isn't long before Samson is telling you about the different shops as he leads you through the mall. He stops at one place that looks like a fortune telling booth with iconography from a dozen different religions saying, "Madame Esmerelda here is absolutely the worst fortune teller to ever disgrace the name. And that's saying something!" A slender human comes out from under a pile of potions cure-alls and says, "I see all! And I see that you are no mere dwarf but the scion of an ancient house whose destiny is written in the stars above! I can reveal all if you cross my palm with true cred!" he laughs and says, "Go ahead, sit down, this should be amusing. I'll even pay." He pushes you down into a seat and leans back saying, "Yeah, this I gotta hear, oh noble one of ancient lineage." he says somewhat mockingly. Madame Esmerelda proceeds to spin a truly fantastical tale of glorious destiny for you. complete with waving smudge stick and crystals, and when she's done a new R2 ID is waiting in front of you. Samson loudly and mockingly says, "If they gave cred for bald-faced lies you'd have a sight more cred to your name. Come on your nobleness, I'm outta here." He stops at a few more places along the way and introduces you. And each illegal enterprise is a front for something even worse.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-07-15/0007:19>
As the bullets thude into the tire the driver fights to control his vehicle and the vehicle Arc has lavished so much time and effort on goes crashing down. The mage has no hope of fighting the effects of Marc's levitate and Yelena's mastery with a weapon.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-07-15/0349:40>
Marco does his best to break the cars fall. He cannot lift it but can slow it down a little bit so the damage is smaller. He thinks "Just drive to safety Arc." The rest of time Marco will try to block the way of anyone that tries to follow the Ford.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-07-15/1818:44>
The moment she felt her engine accelerate rapidly, like a pulse racing all of a sudden, Arc knew something was off.  The Frag...OH COME ON!.  The raider persona could 've seen slamming her hand against the dash in frustration as the car lifted up, propelling forward by momentum alone, and slowing.  She heard the suppressed fire of Yelena's rifle, and the distinctive and now welcome pull of gravity as the spell seemed to break.

"Nice one girly!" came.through the display as Arc wasted no time, the tires squealing as she hit the gas just as she returned to the pavement.  The thud was audible, and Arc felt it too not unlike faceplanting on the pavement.  Shaken, but not disoriented, she winced a little at the revelation that her baby would be damaged and need fixing before refocusing.  "Let's see if they can catch this"

Taking off, the rigger girl tore off down the road, rounding a corner and cutting into another side street, seeing if she can shake off the mage-infested patrol car...

[Spoiler]Okay, so in fairness, I'm slapping a -1 to handling limits due to unknown but definitely present fall damage.  Can adjust as needed, but current limit is at 6.

Driving test (Break Away) (http://orokos.com/roll/315017): 11d6t5 4
Note that if Arc pulls beyond the extreme range category, the KE car needs to make enough on its gain ground test to match Extreme or better or lose the car :)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-08-15/0215:49>
@ Yelena, Arc, & Marco  The second car comes careening around the house, it's late to the party and it's driver is playing catch up. DataDancer nods at Yelena, "I can do better than bricking their car!" The look on her face is one of desperate determination. She slumps, only the expression on her face reflecting the battle within. And from the expression on her face it is not going well. And then suddenly tires squeal and the crash of fiberglass bodies being crunched is heard as car 2 goes careening into car 3. DD snaps up with a sudden whoop of joy. "Yeah fraggers!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-08-15/0620:04>
Yelena nods at the halfer and smiles.  "Well done DataDancer.  Well done.  Now maybe friend get us out."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-08-15/1313:22>
"Wow... how did that just happened" thought Marco as he watched the two KE cars crush into one another.  He tried to understand if Yelena was in the clear already. He felt alive, the adrenaline levels were high. Apart from the killing stuff this night was amazing.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-08-15/1314:30>
The persona couldn't conceal her relief and glee at the sight of two of the cars crashing into each other, fist pumping into the air.  "HAH!   Gotcha, fraggers.  Suck on my tailsmoke!"  A quick shift of gears, and the Americar zoomed off, rounding a couple corners before coming up to the district interchange, the environs quickly shifting from serene high-class residentials to more familiar urban jungle sprawls...

"Yelena, quick check.  They still on us?  I gotta make a quick call so we ain't screwed later"  And she did just that, dialing up Hrock's comm, using code to express needing a new license plate and willing to pay.

<<Hrock, it's Arc.  Yeah yeah, it's late, so no pressure if you don't get this right away.  Anyhow, i got a hot potato that needs a new dinner plate, think you can help a slitch out?  I'll bring the beer, no worries about that.  Word>>

That out of the way, the rigger focused on her driving, feeling the rush of escape closing in.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-08-15/1334:02>
Yelena smiles.  "Cannot see.  Too many corners.  They are not right behind.  Matrix girl slowed them down."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-08-15/1547:03>
The KE vehicles spend precious seconds righting themselves and resuming the chase. The first  car's driver obviously has some skills as they follow the Americar, it's driver weaving around obstacles like he's bringing home gold at a slolam competition And that's the vehicle with the mage that can somehow see them.

@ Arc.  >>Always ready for a beer Cricket. I'm with TriggerT atm so if your with company you might want ta make it a case.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-08-15/1616:57>
Yelena frowns a bit at the sudden appearance of the KE car.  "Arc.  KE car still with us.  Yelena try for other wheel."  As she brings the rifle to bear she decides she needs to make the shot count.  She also spares a few words for the matrix girl.  "DataDancer need do more matrix mojo.  KE car back."

She carefully takes aim and squeezed off another set of rounds toward the other tire on the same side of the other car as the first hit. 

[spoiler]Shot at other tire, use edge for rerolls and limit (http://orokos.com/roll/315386): 17d6t5 6  Reroll for 6s and misses.  Reroll misses and 6s (http://orokos.com/roll/315387): 13d6t5 3  Total of nine hits to dodge with -2 modifier.  Not sure of damage to other tire effects this.  Damage is 13 + net hits and is -4 to soak.  I hope this shreds the tire.[/spoiler]

Again, Yelena is happy at the shot.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-08-15/1810:57>
AS SMILE'S ASST:  A mini plot for Ambrose

@Phoenix.    Phoenix is wakened by the drumming of someone knocking on the door of the boat.  The noise refuses to go away and he thinks he can hear a woman's voice.  "Open up.  It's fragging cold out here."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-08-15/2037:42>
@ Yelena, Arc & Marco  For a moment the KE vehicle is out of control as it's tire is shredded by Yelena's burst. It's driver regains control of the vehicle in time from crashing into the low decorative wall surrounding one estate. But that's all he can do as his vehicle is clearly out of the chase. Once again Yelena feels that weightless shift as the KE mage attempts to levitate the vehicle to prevent them from getting away. But they're holding all the cards right now and they speed away, not even their taillights are visible thanks to Marco's quick thinking and undeniable abilities.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-08-15/2055:55>
Yelena smiles.  "Arc.  Car gone.  Drive away."  She looks back to the halfer.  "Yelena thank DataDancer for help."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-08-15/2114:39>
Blake listens to the fortune teller and nonchalantly slips the ID into a pocket and follows Samson on through the mall. He looks over the various wares that are on display and looks for the telltale signs of the illegitimate wares that are not on display. He walks among the stalls with the dwarf. The dwarf introduces him to a couple others that may be of service. Even to a old evlish hippie that grew fresh vegetables. Not really of use to Blake for runs but it did make life in the sprawl a little more bearable.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-08-15/2129:50>
@ Yelena, Marco & Arc  As they speed away Marco sees the lights from oncoming KE vehicles. But with the invisibility spell in place slipping away is almost child's play.

@ Blake  Working to spot the vendors who offer invisible wares keeps Blakes mind focused enough to almost forget the pain, Almost. Samson and Delilah deliver him past the edge of the mall less than a mile to where he's staying at right now. But, without that distraction it's one long damn mile.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-09-15/0009:39>
Arc could barely hide her relief and pride that they were able to sluff off the KE patrol as well as they did, as evidenced by her cry of victory and her persona thumping on the wheel enthusiastically.  But just as quickly, her professional problem-solving mode kicked in, reminding her that her vehicle was likely pretty hot by this point, and thanks to Marco's mojo, on astral space as well.  Repairs, a new coat of paint, and a new license plate are all in order, plus a few days out of the way to clean the mono out (she figured).


"Aight.  Wanderer, thanks for the assist.  If your friend is able, please lemme know where I can drop her off.  We're in Barrens proper now, so they probably ain't gon' be out in full force."

Once DataDancer was safely rpdoff and they were some blocks away, Arc turned to her blood sister.  "Okay, girly.  I'm gonna let you drive now.  I gotta pick up a few beers and meet you at This location.. Once that is done, and it need doing trust me, we can go home, wiz?"

<<@Hrock:  Arc here.  Wiz, I'll bring them by the last place you helped me out.  You the best, uncle. :) be there in twenty>>

Upon the completion of her talks, Arc and her persona gave a virtual salute before the trigger jumped back out, returning to her meat body.  Cgiving a sigh, she flexed her muscles and stood up, back and legs feeling a bit stiff from the concrete she was on.  Without a word, she hopped on the Scorpion and drove off, making her way to a Stuffer Shack for some beer, a cred stick, and then heading to the last place she traded with TTriggerT, a few miles down the road...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-09-15/0046:45>
Yelena nods at the odd image of her Srui then turns to DataDancer. "Wanderer drop matrix girl off.  Can get ride to home?  Wanderer think DataDancer good at job.  Maybe work again.  Wanderer have date tonight.  Go see club men tomorrow for pay.  DataDancer want Wanderer call to go at same time?"

After dropping the halfer off and getting the directions, Yelena disassembles the rifle, putting the components back into their padded slots in the case.  After that, she climbs into the front seat and drives the car to the address Arc had indicated.  While enroute, she sends a note out to Jed.  >>Jedediah.  Is Yelena.  Sorry not answer right away.  Yelena had KE trouble and left in hurry.  Jedediah want Yelena call PI man Mike?<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-09-15/0138:07>
Marco use the mind link spell to "Call" Yelena.  He has not much to say, his emotions are racing, he is excited, confused, all of them are playing their pieces. "I am glad we made it out. I'll stop soon to take my clothes and link, I prefer that DD will not see me."

It was too close for comfort and he is not used to maintain so many spells, having his emotions so jacked up in such an intensive way.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-09-15/0156:05>
Yelena smiles as she gets the note from Marco and thinks back a response.  "Marco was big help.  Talk later.  Go back to house.  PI man Jed is in trouble.  He call Marco comm, but Marco is bird.  Go see if can help.  Yelena and Arc OK."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-09-15/0222:46>
"Problems seems to follow us this night. I am leaving now, but be advised I can only contact you if I am able to sense you. I have no doubt that you will handle... but still it is difficult to leave you out of my sight. I'll go be with PI man tell him I am coming and to look at birds in the astral so that he can identify me."
He sends Yelena some lusty emotions and then fly back to the house thinking "It seems like we really poke lady luck tonight.".

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-09-15/0228:53>
Something inside Yelena cracks a bit at Marco's words.  She shakes her head.  *No.  No.  Yelena not get involved.  Sex is good.  Love is bad.  Not exist.  Only lead to betrayal and hurt.*  She picks up Marco's commlink and sends another note off to Jed.  >>Jed.  Is Yelena.  Marco say come see you.  Fly like bird so look in astral for bird.  Yelena have no idea what that means.  Help on way.<<

After she sends the message, Yelena puts the 'link down and concentrates on the driving.  Almost.  Marco...............
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-09-15/0305:37>
@ Yelena DataDancer gives you a cold look, "I'm not about to let you just drop me off in the Barrens. " She pauses for a moment thinking. "You can either drop me off at the club or at the Stuffer Shack in North Issaquah. And you were efficient at your job." She doesn't say much for the rest of the drive. But what little she does say helps Yelena realize that DD has as much personality as a dishpan and no sense of humor.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-09-15/0337:32>
Yelena nods at the girl.  "Yes.  Wanderer very good at job.  Much efficient.  DataDancer good, too.  Wanderer drop off at Stuffer Shack then take car for fix."  She gives the halfer an odd look then adds, "And what wrong Barrens?  Matrix girl not like?  Barrens is shadows.  Wanderer thrive in shadows many years.  Anyway, Wanderer go club Saturday.  Talk club men.  Get paid.  See DataDancer there?"

Yelena drives to the location the girl has mentioned and lets her out of the car with a smile and a polite farewell, then she drives off to the address Arc had provided to get the car fixed.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-09-15/1100:45>
@ Arc  >>I'll see you when you get here Cricket. And are you bringing those beers in hot or cold?<<

@ Yelena  DD replies, "The Barrens are full of people who'll kill you for your organs and the stuff you're carrying is just a bonus. I'm armed, but their in gangs. Going in there alone is just stupid. And I don't do stupid."

@ Marco  The sky above is full of stars, and the smog is light enough tonight that you can see them. And one of the advantages of bird form is the lack of smell. Marco flew, below him the people of the Barrens were out conducting business, oblivious to the tiny bird out of place in the night sky and above him the skies continued the cold vigil they'd kept since before time began.

@ Jed  There is a moment, a single tiny moment of awareness as you bond with your body that something is different. The feeling is gone almost immediately as more pressing concerns rush through your brain. Less than a mile before he reaches the house the driver pulls says, "You're lucky, just before you called there was some kinda disturbance here that I heard about on news. I been wondering what happened, you don't normally see cops in this neighborhood. But everything is quiet here now" But it won't stay that way long. you think as you slot your credstick to pay for the cab. Just then you get a call from Escher. >>Hey mate, just got your comm. I crashed hard after all that and just woke up. If you give me 10, 30 is better, I can be up & running.<< Oh sure, NOW he calls.

@ Blake  When you get back to your place the security is still intact. And the bed looks like a really good idea. You've still got almost 2 hrs before the meet with Marco. Maybe a nap wouldn't be a bad idea.

@ Ambrose  It was a good nights sleep once he'd actually slept. He could definitely get used to that bed.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-09-15/1135:04>
"Aha... the stars the actual stars... this is why I do magic. To see the world in different eyes, to reach out to people to explore.  "
 Thinks Marco, he enjoys flying and with the smog so light the night sky are especially tempting. Marco spent a lot of time as a bird that night and he begins to feel at home with this strange body.

It allowed him to help Yelena, as there was no way he could see himself actually sitting in that car with her. He is still a bit conflicted about what he just did. It was exciting, erotic even but the entire thing was wrong. Bad people killing bad people for bad people. Sinners on both sides but still, everybody deserves some closure and nobody is righteous enough to deliver a death sentence to someone else.

That killing was no self defense, it could not even be justified by the common good - it only was to gain money and to infiltrate the club. He was terrified of Yelena, the horror knowing that she can just go back to her life as if nothing happened. There was passion with that horror. She is a creature of a moment, she is what she is. She fears nothing but her own internal demons, but can Marco actually reach out into the mind of a killer? Of a person that just drop a bomb - saying "I am killing tonight send a spirit to help".

Help?... Without some magical help she would probobly be in some police basement, never to be seen again.  If that KE mage was smart enough to hide after levitating the car and call for backup. "I am a freaking criminal... a dangerous one, this wasn't pushing the line it was bluntly crossing it. I helped an assassin escape." Thought Marco. But the stars, they were what they were undisturbed by the sins of men. They were amazing and few people got to really observe how beautiful they are from the sky.

The flight was too short for this kind of thinking, Marco could spot the scene of the crime. It was quite, but for how long? What could Jed possibly want to to do there?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <08-09-15/1135:38>
Ambrose grumbles as he moves to the door after spending the night on those pain medications. At least this time he was dressed. He was begining to think that this secret hidaway wasn't nearly all that secret at all, unless the one banging on the door was that woman he sent the data to get it processed. He hadn't heard anything from the people who he was providing backyard support for, perhaps they were dead. Making sure to have his gernades at the read as well as a knife tucked up one of his sleaves he opens the door. "Do you have girl scout cookies, cause I could really go for a box of thin mints right now."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-09-15/1214:26>
Yelena chuckles at the halfer's response.  "Yes.  Some people in Barrens like that."  She is about to say more but closes her mouth, unable to quite put into words what she feels about the shadows and places like the Barrens and the people who live in them.

After dropping the girl off, Yelena returns to the Barrens, heading to the address Arc had given her.  As she drives, she looks around at the streets and people that are still out at this time of the early morning and considers the words that she had said to the matrix girl.   By her very words, DataDancer had revealed that she lived only on the fringe of the shadows and not in the shadows.  People like that would never understand how alive the shadows make one feel.  Sure there is danger, but the halfer was wrong in fearing to walk the streets alone and because of that fear she was absolutely right.  Places like the Barrens, where the shadows were strong, could sense fear, could smell it, and would pounce on it.  The girl's disdain could not mask that fear and she would indeed have been in danger.

Yelena sighs.  Marco is that way, too.  For now.  The Keeb assassin wonders, not for the first time, if trying to get Marco to walk in the shadows is not wrong.  To Yelena, the mists and tendrils of the shadows are blood and air, necessary for life.  To Marco, they are death and despair, much like for the matrix girl.  Is it fair to bring the man into the shadows, into her way of life? 

She has come to no clear decision by the time she pulls into the garage at TTriggerT's address.  She sees Arc waiting for her and her heart lifts a bit.  Climbing out of the car, Yelena carefully gathers Marco's clothes and commlink as well as her weapons case.  She places the things on a counter and goes to embrace her Srui.  Words do not have to be spoken as they hug,
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-09-15/1225:33>
Arc blinked at the message and mentally sent out her reply as she rode the Scorpion onward, the low thrum pleasant white noise to her ears as she rounded a turn.

<<@Hrock: No worries uncle.  I made sure to put this potato on the windowsill first.  Fresh, but not toasty.  Be there soon>>

True to her word, the human pulled up to the curbside of the location agreed upon, seeing Hrock and TriggerT conversing idly and turning to spot the short girl.  Grinning, she hopped off the bike and withdrew the case of beer, slipping her credstick into her commlink's slot in preparation to make the payment.  Carrying the case in both hands, she plopped it onto a small table between them.  "Late night, chummers, but I see y'all doing well.  Potato's meeting us here, should only be a few minutes...ah"

As if on cue, she could hear the Americar's engine pulling up, the girl wincing as she could hear the damage to the undercarriage.  Arc turned as Yelena withdrew, looking none the worse for wear save a little shakeup.  Embracing her, relieved, she let go after a moment.  "Wiz, man. Aight, girly, see this trog here?  That's my uncle Hrock, grew up knowing him, and his chummer TriggerT.  Uncle, this is Wanderer, my roomie and sruiken kal.  Now, how about this potato, hm?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-09-15/1230:41>
@Phoenix  As you open the door, the young human woman standing in front of you has her hand raised to knock again.  In the overhead light from the marina dock, she appears to be in her mid-to-late twenties.  From this angle, the shadows hide most of her face, but you notice that her light brown hair hangs in a braid to just above her waist and that she is clearly not dressed for December in the Seattle sprawl.  She looks at you, then back over her shoulder, then back to you.  Her movement focuses your attention on the flashing red and blue lights a few mooring spaces down from the Sam's spot. 

The young woman drops her hand and her eyes move up and down your body, clearly assessing something.  She licks her lips, smiles, and says, "Sorry.  No cookies on me. Sold the last box only yesterday."  She pauses then adds.  "Look, my crash space seems to be...............somewhat unavailable.  It is fragging cold out here.  May I come in to warm up a bit?  Please?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-09-15/1254:19>
@ Yelena & Arc  Hrock is the grizzled veteran of many an operation. He shakes Yelena's hand, his massive dwarven one burying hers. But, he's no stranger to light keeb bones and the handshake is gentle and friendly. "Good ta meet'cha." he turns then and he envelopes Arc in a bear hug, "Good ta see ya Cricket. Sorry it's under these circumstances. I was proud ya made it out and running a biz not likely ta get ya killed. But, I got yer back slitch no matter what. So, what kind plate you looking fer and how hot is this potato?" He looks over at the Americar and notes the damage to Arc's once pristine baby.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-09-15/1258:27>
Yelena breaks from Arc's hug and smiles at the other two in the room.  She nods at Hrock's welcome and is not too surprised at the obvious concern the large halfer (would he really fall into such a category) has for her Srui, Am Wanderer.  Nice meet friends of Srui.  If Hrock bring Arc up, Hrock did good job."  Looking around, Yelena sees exactly what she had expected.  She moves to the small table and takes one of the beers before sitting down in a creaky, patched-together chair.  Part of her mind finally allows herself to relax.  She clinks her can against the others and takes a deep drink.  Not vodka, but not bad.  She sits and listens as the others go over the car.  Yelena has a bit of knowledge about repairing cars, but is more than willing to leave this to those who are obviously experts.

After finishing the beer, Yelena rises and picks up her weapons case.  "Is place on counter for Wanderer look at weapons?"  The trog known as Hrock vaguely waves to a section of counter space and Yelena goes where directed.  She cleans some space on the counter and opens the case, carefully removing the rifle parts and the cleaning equipment from where they nestle in their foam-cushioned beds.  With loving care, Yelena begins the process of disassembling all the component parts of the rifle and cleaning them, looking carefully for any signs of wear or damage.  After the fine weapon is cleaned and reassembled, she turns to the Predator at her hip, giving it the same attention.  Once the heavy pistol is clean and snugged back in its holster, she goes through the process of removing, cleaning, and replacing every round of ammunition in the various clips she has in the pouches.  She removes some spare rounds from the ammo compartment and makes sure that all the clips are full before putting them in their places in the case.  Yelena takes note of the ammo supply and sets a reminder on her commlink to see about getting a restock.  She leaves out two clips for the predator, placing them in the holster slots before closing the case.  Light music drifts from somewhere and the aroma from old auto parts, oil, and stale smoke waft to her and she smiles. 

*Matrix girl not know truth about Barrens at all.  Only see with fear.  This is life.*  She leaves the case on the counter and walks to where the others are working.  Seamlessly, she inserts herself into the conversation and the work, already accepted because her Srui accepts her and because, on some indescribable level, these people can sense that she belongs.  Her skills are not the same as those of Arc or the others, but she knows her way around a car repair and is able to assist them.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-09-15/1809:02>
Arc felt warmth in her heart as the closest thing she had to a father figure growing up embraced her tightly, the short girl returning the gesture before looking up to him, all smiles before dropping a little to a serious tone.  "That biz still going on a bit, Uncle, but you know I wouldn't step out into drek unless I had a good reason, chip truth."  She pointed to the plating at the base of her skull that signified her new control rig, and then to her completely replaced cybernetic arm. 

"I know you got my back.  It ain't unappreciated, omae.  Aight, as for a plate, I'm looking to get a clean one that matches the set, word?  As for how hot, well.."  This was the time that the Russian elf had asked to clean her weaponry, at which point the human gave a shrug.  "Not going into details, but I'm willing to bet the morning cook shows'll be all over it.  A few chivalrous types had to be shaken off--and they were--but no photos were taken.  Besides the plate, I'ma maybe need to swap the red potato for a white one, word?  Other than that, I can handle the fix, and find a place to let the mojo cool off."

Just from the way she was talking, and even with her stance, one thing about Arc could be made very clear to Hrock now: this was not the same little Cricket struggling to survive, young and helpless.  No...this Arc was grown up now, mature and professional, youthful enthusiasm tempered with experience.  Arms crossed under her chest, the little lady gave a nod of affirmation.  "That should be about it, I'd think.  What's the damage, omae?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-09-15/1842:42>
Jed feels relief wash over him as he receives Yelena's message regarding Marco.  Happy to not be alone?  That's new.  He is equally happy to get Escher's message.  Escher, better late than never.  The main thing has already gone down.  I need Matrix support to get in somewhere without camera's seeing me.  No physical security on site.  KE possibly inbound, so I need in and out fast, so 10 is better than 30. 

Jed scans the Astral for Marco.  After about 5 mintes he sees Marco's aura coming front the south.  How someone can cast spells but not sense the astral, Jed will never understand.  Jed flashes a light from his comm up towards the bird and watches as it glides down an perches nearby.  He feels the touch of Marco's mindlink.  Still not comfortable with it, he tries to push that aside.  No time for that conversation.  Jed quickly explains.

Marco, I'll try to give you the brief version of this.  I scouted the house, and apparently this guy has a dragon as a family friend. I told her someone was out to get Snowden and that an associate of mine was tasked with handling him.  I convinced her that I was there to get information to get my associate to abandon the job.  She decided that should would let Yelena think she killed Snowden, and she is making me take him and accomplish something to get him to not be withdrawn from society.  I don't really understand.  But my choices were to fight her, or take her offer.  I am not sure if she let Yelena shoot him, or if she made an illusion, but said that she separated his mana from his body and I have to get him out quick before he dies.  I have a remote decker coming online in 5 minutes.  We need to get in and get the body out.  Unsure if KE is coming back, but hopefully this dragon can handle that part. 

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-09-15/1931:35>
Marco spots Jed, he will recognize him in any way, there is this secret world where the music Marco imagines in his head is actually real. He knows that, he spoke to people from that world but to see it directly, that was out of his reach. One of the reasons Marco fears mages is that they see through all his magic. Luckily, the majority of people do not just idly look at the sky trying to asensse birds - this is why the shape change gives him relative stealth. People look at stuff close to the ground, unless they have a good reason not to do so, but you have to win with what you have and Marco is still a beginner in the world of magic.

Marco is confused when Jed starts talking, Dragons? Jed is speaking to a freaking female dragon that is a 'family friend' ? He thinks he can actually convince Yelena to give up anything she is, her entire reputation and abandon the job... by talking to the dragon... something is missing - was he caught with his hand in the cookie jar? Still Jed continues and he seems excited.

The Dragon that just happened to be there, decide to not protect her family friend from a freaking murder?! What's wrong with dragons?!  Marco does not know if to be upset, or happy. Marco heard the shot, Yelena is a professional she must have verified that he was really dead before leaving. Did she? If Marco was to kill someone he'd triple check that someone is really dead.
 
His first words are "She separated what from what? Wait we have MANA in our bodies?  How does removing that mana prevent us from dying... never mind, do not give me a magical theory course I find these things difficult to understand as I can only believe in them but cannot see. "

He let Jed continue. "You just told me a completely insane story... there is this mighty Dragon, she can bring people back from the dead, but she cannot take a body outside of a house. 
and for some odd reason her 'bring back to life' magic only works outside of the house? Let's say we did sneak in, and took the body out - what next? we just drop it on the lawn? "

He then adds "If there is a way that that Dragon is not manipulating us into taking a blame for a murder she allowed out of her own selfish interests, and we can actually bring a dead person back to life I am in. I do not think that Yelena should have killed this Snowden either, it is a terrible sin and she will burn for being the tool of evil men."

I tried to go inside that house, but I could not there is this ward. Now I cannot do anything about it if I cannot sense it, and going inside naked is a bit dangerous for me. I will do if there is no choice, but I prefer to just keep my spell, if you can help me do somthing about the ward...
I have a great way to remove a body from the house, I can make it a little mouse. I know it make no sense, but if I can be a bird - technically dead but not really dead Snowden can be a mouse. I can carry it in my beak to wherever the dragon want it to be.
I had no idea I am going to be sneaking unconscious people using this spell but this is going to be the second time this week... I am a body snatcher, this is getting a habit.  I usually use this spell to open my mind and feel the world from interesting perspectives."'
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-09-15/2018:40>
@ Yelena. TriggerT watches as Yelena cleans her weapons and hands her a pristine cloth when she switches to the Predator. When she's done putting ammo in the clips he says. If you want a restock I can get you everything you got. Ouryou can upgrade with almost anything you could really use.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-09-15/2038:03>
Yelena accepts the clean cloth with gratitude.  When she has finished she all is put away, she looks at the halfer.  "Wanderer thank.  Used all APDS on job before come to Seattle.  Not find supply yet.  TriggerT can get?  Maybe explosive rounds?  If have, Wanderer buy."  Something triggers at the back of her mind.  "Maybe even stick-shock?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-09-15/2321:24>
@ Yelena. TriggerT looks over at Hrock, "We'll be back before you mIss us." He leads Yelena to a well hidden trapdoor and into a basement filed with winecaskets. He opens one and indicates Yelena should crawl through. And she can smell the ammo and weapons on the other side. And when she crawls through the lights turn on to a pristine vault with enough ammo and weapons to stock a large gang. Everything she asked for is there, and plenty more. All beautifully organized by weapon type and manufacturer.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <08-10-15/0048:44>
Ambrose groan, grabbing the girl and dragging her inside the boat. "If they come here, looking for you, I'm not going to lie for you." he remarks in his plain, gruff manner. Of course if she's any bit smart, she'd notice the hole he left open for her. The last few people weren't so smart and typically got offended when he just flat out told them what he was going to do. Well, he didn't need to sleep anyways.


@Marco - Strange girl here. Police looking around.  was his simple text message. It was probally time to start moving the boat somewhere else soon.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-10-15/0053:28>
Yelena looks for the expected box of plastic gloves and takes a pair.  This is more a church than a weapons shop and touching the guns with bare hands would be a sacrilege and insulting to TriggerT.  With the gloves on, Yelena walks among the racked weapons, reverently touching some.  More than once, she looks up at the halfer and he is sure to see the heightened excitement in her eyes.  She breathes deeply of the aroma of the guns, gun oil, and ammunition.  As at the range, she admires all of the weapons, but her attention is riveted by anything made by Ares.  She stops at a cabinet displaying cleaning supplies and another that holds ammunition clips for a number of weapons.  Yelena feels the weapons stored in the vault reach out to her, whispering their seductive siren calls.  In many ways, the weapons are a stronger addiction than the drugs she craves.  Her life is entirely incomplete without one of her beloved weapons near her.  The recent stint in the hospital had done nothing to lessen the need for the weapons.

Turning to TriggerT, Yelena smiles broadly.  "Wanderer could live here.  Have need for some cleaning supplies.  Also one clip for Predator V.  60 APDS for Predator V.  60 APDS for Desert Strike.  30 Stick-shock for Predator.  5 Thermo-smoke grenades.  Also, can get Ares Alpha with gas Vent 3, personal Grip, Foregrip, Improved Range Finder, Sling, extra clips, 120 rounds normal and 40 rounds APDS?  Can get all?  What cost Wanderer?"  She cocks her head a bit and asks, "Wanderer hear Ares make shotgun.  Never see yet.  Know if true or not?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-10-15/0117:41>
@ Ambrose   The young woman yelps just a bit as she is pulled through the door into the narrow hall.  Ambrose feels her breasts press against his chest for the bare moment that the woman is off-balance, but she recovers very quickly, squeezing past him as he closes the entry door.  She walks down the hall to the larger kitchen area where she stops and waits for Ambrose to catch up.  In the slightly better light, he sees that her features are slightly Asian and her eyes are an almost impossible shade of green.  Her body is well formed and quite attractive, filling out her blouse without overdoing it.  Her long legs appear from under a short skirt and are well-toned.  Her voice has a softly foreign lilt as she says.  "You're not John.  Perhaps his father?  John was always nice, having a good word whenever I saw him.  I was away on..........business for the past couple of days and return home to some fragging KE thugs ravaging the boat and hauling Sebastian and Claudia away.  Sebastian is drek and deserves whatever he gets, but poor Claudia is a cute kid and it is sad that she was dragged into this.  Anyway, I remembered that John had once said I was welcome to crash here if I needed space and so here I am.  I am sorry to bust in like this, but with the boat full of KE I need a place for a bit.  Maybe just the night?  Please?"

The pretty woman holds out a hand.  "Call me Ginny, please.  And you are?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-10-15/1034:38>
@ Yelena. Hrock nods his head at the list. In the way of a merchant making a mental list and tally. But when Yelena mentions the shotgun he grins. He walks over to a case. He pulls out the shotgun. "I've got a range over here." He walks to the side of the case holding grenade launchers and pushes another button. It swings out to reveal a space with a variety of target types at different ranges. "Go ahead and try 'er out." He says handing you the weapon and the ammo.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-10-15/1127:36>
Yelena looks for and finds a set of padded ear protectors and puts them on as TriggerT does the same.  She carefully loads the weapon, running her hands along the stock and barrel to get a feel for it; to get it into her senses.  Once she gets the feel of the gun she clicks off the safety and brings the weapon up to her shoulder, aiming at the target a bit down range.  The loud blast of the gun as it fires would be deafening in the confined space if not for the excellent ear protection.  Her first shots are not dead center on the target so she brings the weapon down and makes some minute changes to the sights.  Her next shots take out the head then the heart of the silhouette.  She feels the pleasure of the kill on the paper target and smiles back at TriggerT.  "Wanderer like.  Can get with personal grip and range finder?  Wander wait for special weapon order with additions.  TriggerT has nice place.  Wanderer come back on own or need Arc for escort?"

While talking, Yelena moves to the table set up for cleaning the weapons used on the range.  She works at breaking the shotgun down and realizes that she will need a lot of practice at doing this.  After cleaning the weapon, she returns it to the rack and looks at TriggerT.  "Gun man set prices and try to find what Wanderer wants.  Wanderer take what have here and wait for rest.  Leave design for personal grips so can order.  Wanderer pay."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-10-15/1352:28>
Jed has to remind himself that not all practitioners feel the need to understand the minute details of how everything works like he does, but to tell the truth, he isn't sure he understands it himself. 

[spoiler]Knowledge check to see if Jed understands the theory behind what Otohime did.  irish:8D6E5 → 3( (5, 4, 1, 2, 6, 2, 4, 5→ 3 successes against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X3485056)[/spoiler]

I'm not sure I completely understand it myself.  She either made an illusion to seem like he was really shot, or more likely she did some kind of spell to feign his death.  I've never heard of pulling someone's mana out of their body, but maybe it is some kind of magical suspended animation.  I do know that he isn't dead.  Magic can't raise the dead, of that I'm sure.  Plus, she says if I let him die, it's my ass, so...he isn't dead yet. 

The entire time Jed is checking comms for Escher.  Jed barely made it throught the barrier the first time.  He isn't sure he can make it again, plus bringing Marco.

I just barely made it through the first time, not sure if I can get me and you through.  You may have to change back to get through the barrier.  We can get you some clothes once we get in there.  My Matrix support should be able to keep us off camera.  I'm going to scout around the house real quick while we are waiting on Escher. 

As Jed settles his mind preparing to cast his awareness out, he is struck by exhaustion so heavily that it feels like a wave.  It actually feels like he is standing waist deep in water at the beach and a wave just struck, and is pulling him down.  Oh gods, the stim patch wore off.  Jed realizes that he is on the ground, and his hands and knees.  Fumbling around in his jacket pocket, he feels for another patch.  Where is it?  Where is it!  As the panic floods him, he suddenly feels another patch.  Last one.  Need to put more in the pocket.  Slapping on the patch, he feels relief.  He doesn't look at Marco as he stands up and straightens his jacket.  He felt better, but the exhaustion was there.  Right at the back of his head, and behind his eyes.  Waiting.  It was patient.

Casting his awareness out, he looks at the house.

[spoiler]casting clairvoyance: irish:12D6E5 → 4( (3, 4, 4, 2, 4, 6, 1, 4, 6, 5, 6, 1→ 4 successes against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X3485315)

Resisting drain:  irish:11D6E5 → 4( (5, 3, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 6, 5, 3, 5→ 4 successes against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X3485550).  No Drain. 

Perception:  irish:12D6E5 → 5( (6, 6, 1, 1, 2, 5, 5, 2, 2, 5, 3, 4→ 5 successes against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X3485559)  Limited to 4 hits by clairvoyance spell  [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-10-15/1402:05>
"Clothes are not necessary, I'll change back if I can't cross" said Marco. "Lets see if I can still sense him... I am not sure what to expect but I usually sense living things... worst case I can direct us to where I last sensed him."

[spoiler]
Detect Life (http://orokos.com/roll/315828): 10d6t5 2
drain (http://orokos.com/roll/315829): 11d6t5 6
does anything of that story makes sense to Marco?
Magical Theory (http://orokos.com/roll/315831): 5d6t5 2
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-10-15/1743:27>
@ Jed  As he casts the spell Jed sees the house and all it's environ;s through it. He see's the body, and KE officers knocking on the front door. He sses a guy in a t-shirt, armored vest, slacks and gun returning to the house with a shamefaced expression. He sees person bending over Snowden's body checking for a pulse. He sees someone accessing his computer and downloading something onto a drive that they then hid.  All the images fly by in a rush, as if the night itself is aware of his need for speed. And even during it he hears Escher's voice distantly saying, >>Ok, I'm locked & loaded and ready to crash this party.<<
        When he turns to Marco and says, "Ready." He's as alert as he can be given the lack of sleep and the artificial juice of the stim patch. And passing through the mana barrier he thinks, Mana surrounds everything living. But Otohime implied that it part of everything living and non-living. What if it's part of the space between everything? Like the atom and the elctron are the building blocks to everything. The possibilities that that opened were so staggering he just couldn't comprehend it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-11-15/0130:16>
Jed conveys the scene to Marco.  KE is already there, not sure what we are going to do.  I think I may need to go astral for a minute and find Otohime and clarify what she is expecting exactly.  It's not like I can just walk in and steal the body.

Jed finds a more concealed position and sits up against the fence.  Stepping out of this shell, he looks for Otohime.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-11-15/0148:18>
Well said Marco... It is a crazy idea but it might work. I can make you somthing small... we go in steal the body by making it a small animal and replace it. Either by one of us or an illusion the question is...what kind of eyes do we need to fool and how closely did they eximined the body. If i replace the body with myself I can escape on the way to hospital... I hope.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-11-15/0630:24>
@ Jed. Her presence is like a perfume in the astral. And this time Jed has notrouble getting through the wards.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-11-15/0940:19>
Okay Marco has an idea. Jed and his spirit in the astral watching for mages. Marco and his spirit are sneaking the house towards Snowden. Marco change Snowden to a mouse and pick him up in his beak. The spirit materialize and use physical mask to replace Snowden's lifeless body. If anyone looks at this 'swap' in the astral where illusions do not work Jed will be there to make sure they do not tell anyone until it is too late. Once Jed is back, Marco will explain his plan to Jed.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-11-15/2008:06>
Blake let himself fall slowly onto the couch. He lets himself rest for about an hour just to get the ringing out of his head.

[spoiler] ravensoracle:7D6E5 → 2( (3, 2, 4, 6, 1, 6, 2→ 2 successes against 5) )#Body + Wil to heal Stun damage (1 hour interval) (https://rolz.org/info?X3514991)

All Stun Damage healed, 4 boxes of Physical left. [/spoiler]

Once he has a chance to clear the cobwebs form his head he changes his clothes and heads out again. Riding the bike isn't exactly the most comfortable thing in his condition. But he manages to make it to one of Sam's safe houses. The apartment complex was on the edges of Redmond. It still was in the Barrens but it was in a nicer area. A place with the security that Blake knew Sam looked for. He'd already been here earlier in his search for the man, but now he wasn't looking for the man. Blake was looking for information and supplies. He began to go through the apartment meticulously as he could.  If he could find a medkit he'd be grateful just to ave some pain relief. His main goal though was to find Sam's emergency stash of cred and gear.

Cred would go a long way to get the getting this job done.

[spoiler]ravensoracle:12D6E5 → 5( (6, 6, 2, 2, 1, 5, 2, 2, 3, 3, 5, 6→ 5 successes against 5) )#Intuition 4 +perception 6 + actively looking 3 - 1 wounds (Searching the apartment) (https://rolz.org/info?X3515301)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-11-15/2128:19>
As Arc was conversing with her old friend the smuggler, her mind began to wander, recalling the first time she met the gentle tusker.  She had to have been around thirteen years old at the time, or as the girl likes to put it, the 'time they started realizing I had talent' age.  While waiting for Hrock to total the costs that she had requested, she remembered their first encounter with each other....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The summer was hot...add the insulating layer of smog over the Barrens, and you've got a surprising warm spot of Seattle to get baked alive in.  The short scrawny girl in oversized street clothes...little better than rags...despite feeling faint half the time enjoyed this season, as the heat would draw out the smells familiar with engines; a happy association for her, given that when she was fixing stuff for the Howlers, they weren't beating her.  Except this time she was a little distracted...Sarge's Warhawk needed a new cylinder pin, and her attempts to cobble one together herself were unsuccessful.  Licking her lips, the young teen eyed the open trunk of a fairly fit trog, likely in his twenties, having spotted the contents.  Jackpot..  It was full of various parts and brick a brack, but the human could tell a few gun parts were in the mix.

Waiting for her moment, the little Arc itched at the metal implants dotting her cybereyes, hoping they don't start burning again and making her have to shut them off for a bit.  Seeing the trog step away for a smoke, she sprang into action, darting from her cover behind a trash can to behind a bench, then to the trunk.  Acting fast, her little hands rifled through the selection, searching with no small amount of desperation for her part until she was interrupted by a cough and a large,firm hand on her shoulder whipping her around.

"Y'know I tend to hurt those who steal from me.  So, little lady, give me one good reason why I should make an exception, and while you're at it, tell me why a little thing as you wants drek like this, hm?"

By this point the girl was already shaking and flinching, expecting a tirade and some blows, but his voice came in calm and stable...not what she was expecting at all.  Eventually her cybereyes glanced up at him from heavily soiled and unkempt hair, her voice small and quiet.  "...p-please...I need a p-p-pin...S-S-Sarge'll make me sleep outs-s-ide without food again if I d-don't fix his piece...I-I can't pay..."

The ork seemed to soften his gaze as he kept his hand on her shoulder, instead taking a knee to see eye level with the short girl.  "One sec, little lady. You fixing something for Sarge, huh?  I know that name, that's a Howlers name...so they put you to work without the parts and then punish you for failing huh?"   The girl only slowly nodded, still trembling all the while, but the ork visibly softened his expression.  She's stealing to survive.  Gutsy, or desperate, but this one's a survivor.  "...I don't give my goods away for free...but take the part you need.  Come by here this time every week, I may have need of a helper for a while, and we call that payment, yeah?"

Arc didn't know how to respond to that, her eyes going wide.  Being a 'pet' for five years or so now, the idea of being talked to not as an inferior was a shock.  After a moment of pause, she slowly gave a nod, smiling and darting up once she was released, hands darting into the trunk and picking out the cylinder pin she needed.  The ork stood right behind her, stopping her before she could dart away again.  "Another thing...I'm here every few days.  Next time you get one of these "projects" what need fixing and need parts, you find me, you hear?  None of this stealing stuff, and this way you only got your Howlers to worry about, aight?"

Cheeks flashing red, Arc could only stare up at him with her mouth parted slightly in shock.  She did give one nod, her lips curling into a smile as tears threatened to emerge.  "I..I will!  Pak Alunat"  She spouted her thank you in a very crude Or'Zet before darting off and out of sight, renewed vigor in her step...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arc couldn't help but give herself a little chuckle at that memory, shaking her head slightly with a grin.  Just think if I hadn't met this trog, I may not have learned my driving skills...or some of my tech talents.  I owe a lot to this hoop..
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <08-11-15/2343:16>
"Phoenix." he repiles, at least giving her a shake of the hand before moving back to sit in one of the chairs of the boat. "Well, like I said you can relax here, but I'm neither going to assist you or the KE. I'm just an old man after all, trying to relax on his boat." He was a simple man, and luckily had put away all the things he was using for the drugs he needed ot make for Marco's plan after running into Blake.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-12-15/0047:27>
@Ambrose    The pretty young woman smiles as she says, "Nice to meet you, Phoenix.  So, John is your son, then?  He seems nice, but then we've never really spoken more than a few words at one time."  She looks around the kitchen before adding, "About the KE assholes?  I doubt they are looking for me.  Probably after that fragging drek of a human being calling himself Sebastian.  I told him not to get messed up with Yak drek, but I am just the hired help so what do I know?  Well, here I am, getting warm and he is cuffed and on his way to the lock-up.  From what I was able to see, he was hopping about in his skivvies trying to stay warm.  I hope they keep him a while."  She sniffs and smiles.  "Say, is that coffee I smell?  Would you mind if I made a cup?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-12-15/0207:22>
Crazy plan, but isn't that why you asked for his help?  You're just the snoop.Marco, it sounds good.

  Escher, can you cover us on the cameras?

Jed likes the idea of covering astral, since that is what he is accustomed to anyway.  Plus, he gets to see Otohime this way.  Jed had felt his other spirit slip away when it was finished helping Yelena.  Time for another one.


[spoiler]summoning spirit.  Irish:14D6E5 → 3( (1, 3, 5, 3, 2, 1, 4, 1, 4, 5, 2, 2, 1, 6→ 3 successes against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X3522292)[/spoiler]

Jed proceeds finds a secluded spot to hide his shell, motions to Marco, and starts following her scent.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-12-15/0559:25>
Marco's hear races as Jed agrees with the plan. "We are actually going to do THAT?"  Marco could imagine a trid where this kind of stuff is being executed but actually going for it? this is insane they can get captured or killed.  Marco cannot understand, how come everyone around him is so brave - when he can barely force himself into functioning.
Marco is a bird and very socially skilled so little about his inner struggle can be shown. Most of it in his aura, but the fear he feels is real and constant. Marco tries to cope with his fear with a short prayer. "J please give me the bravery to save this person, despite being such a cowered. Please make sure this day is not the end of my story."  The rest are more formal prayers that help him cope with fear. "The goal is just - I must be strong" he thinks.

Marco tries to summon a demon, He thinks "Asmodeus, I desire your help"
"Busy!" is the reply he receives and it echos so loud in his mind, he feels physical pain. "Asmodeus! Come! it is important!"  He thinks, still struggling to maintain his spell and contain the pain from the first reply. The second time goes a better. Marco feels how mana is drawn from the metaplanes and forms a powerful demon next to him. "Okay, Okay I am here... now what, got another wounded kitten I need to heal?"
Marco answers "Actually, tonight you are going to trick meta humanity to think you are a dead person... I'll give the formal service soon when the time is right. Thanks for coming", he thinks at the demon. Ignoring the insult, the mental picture of Yelena as a little kitten and the pain he suffered from the demons previous voice.

He tries to nod to Jed, but have no idea how to do so in his bird form, instead he thinks at Jed "Okay... I am ready, the demon is ready lets go steal a body can you take us to the location?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-12-15/1100:45>
Fri. Dec 12th 10:33 am
@ Blake  The search is slow, methodical and above all thorough. After all, Blake knew just exactly how paranoid a bastard Stewart really was. And he'd have hidden it against just this type of search. So the brick with a loose edge in the wall really was just a brick. And the window casing was just a window casing. And the vent was just a vent. And the table really was just a table. But the loose bolt holding one of the chairs together was an old fashioned key. And the old fashioned keyhole was found when he unscrewed the light bulb from it's socket above the table. When he turned it, the entire ceiling swung down. Jackpot! Damn it was heavy! Hmmm, makes sense he thought as he looked at the layers. Insulated and shielded against prying on both sides it was actually amazing that it was so thin. Must have cost a mint to install it.  And when he looked at everything the false ceiling had hidden, And God bless Stewie and his paranoia. There were weapons, surveillance equip. toxins, several different toolkits including a lockpicking one, SIN's, and five different cred sticks. Two of the SIN's were tied to images that Blake had seen Stew. use. Likely the other ones were too. Yep, this was the face that Marco guy had had on when he met him. And if Marco is even half as good a lying SOB as Stewart was this job still had a chance. I just have to get him on board with doing the job, instead of looking for Stew. he shakes his head, Damn, when did I turn into this? Blake is filling his pockets and strapping weaponry quickly and efficiently in concealed areas of his body while he's thinking. Finished even as the last thought runs through his brain. And as he double checks the time to the meet with Marco, he realizes he's just packed his entire body the way Stewart had taught him, and in the one min. 12 seconds that Stewart had made him drill for for over 3 hrs. sigh Yeah.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-12-15/1111:04>
Fri. Dec 12th 01:42am.
@ Jed  Escher responds, >>Here<< a brief pause, then, >>Ok, I've looped the feeds so you won't be seen. And I've been able to create a window into the security grid for you. I've placed a passcode into his security for you so that everywhere you go the system will think you're an authorized maintenance user. Passcode is 19734862. You can tell me how awesome I am after you get out of there.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-12-15/1234:48>
@ Arc  "So hand me that beer Cricket and then the laser torch. After all, a man's always gotta keep his priorities straight." He grins at you, already rolling a toolbox large enough to bury a troll next to the car. Your Uncle Hrock is relaxed and in his element when he's handling tools, it's one of the things you have in common. And seeing him there brings a sense of security after all the crazy that this night had brought.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-12-15/1950:05>
@ Jed  Passing through the wards is as easy as passing through a cool light mist. And her 'scent' is jasmine and honeysuckle and pepper and mana. Mana has a scent? I never noticed that before. But, this is distinctly mana that I'm smelling.. It's leading him up. Until once again he's in the garden. This time she's seated at a table. It looks like she's working on a small bonsai. She looks up when she see's him and frowns. You are late. More and more of his mana is being cut off from him. She says pointing to the small tree. You can see that it's dying, little patches of brown on many of the tips.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-12-15/2116:21>
@ Arc  "So hand me that beer Cricket and then the laser torch. After all, a man's always gotta keep his priorities straight." He grins at you, already rolling a toolbox large enough to bury a troll next to the car. Your Uncle Hrock is relaxed and in his element when he's handling tools, it's one of the things you have in common. And seeing him there brings a sense of security after all the crazy that this night had brought.

Arc gave a little grin as she made note of Yelena darting out of the garage with TriggerT.  Must have something she's interested in.  Aight  Shrugging it off, the short human handed her mentor a beer before opening up the toolbox, pulling out the various parts they would need to fix the body.  At that moment, it struck her.  Marco had the car invisible and the only reason we could be spotted was because their mojo cop used his mojo vision.  Which means they don't know the color, they don't know the plates.  Just some kinda sedan that got a bit of lower body damage.  Wiz  "Think we can hold off on the ID plates and the paint for now, but if the money's good, I may wanna later, wiz?"  Smirking, the girl lifted her right cyberhand up after removing her jacket, activating her attached arc welding tool in her arm while handing Hrock the laser torch.  "Let's go to work..."

Damage to the undercarriage, while certainly not expected to happen with normal use of cars, was thankfully handled well.  The tires took most of the weight, passing it through the suspension and dissipating most of the force, what's left is spread amongst the relatively flat covering plate that runs the car's bottom.  Once the car was lifted, one glance at the undercarriage confirmed this for the stout human.  "We gonna need that can of spray-on plasteel as well.  Whaddya say, you cut the bent bits, I'll fuse what pieces I can, go from there?"
She felt relieved to be having help to get this job fixed and get the worry of being identified out of her hair...with two people, she wouldn't have to stay out all night.

Which reminded her...  "Uncle...man, we gotta keep in touch more often.  Find an evening to hang and catch up, you know?  I'll have to introduce you to my Vrukart then...comes from a tech family, great dude.  You'd like him.  Hey, easy on that torch, I can use that piece!"

[spoiler]Automotive Mechanic (http://orokos.com/roll/316654): 9d6t5 5
Extended test or no, team test or no, at 1 box of damage repaired per hit,  that's a lovely roll :D[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-12-15/2211:16>
@ Arc  Hrock jerks up so fast he bangs his head on the rear view mirror, "VRU-OWWW!" Holding his head he takes a quick look to assess the damage out of sheer habit. He's staring at you with his jaw open. When he finally closes it he says, "Well, you're not showing yet. But humans generally don't show till late with the first. So, well, congratulations. I guess it's about time. A techie huh, froma family of 'em. Well good on you Cricket! Like I said, 'bout time!"  He stares at you a moment longer and then grins grabbing the torch again. He says, "So, hold that bit with the pipe wrench and push when I say so. So what's 'is name?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-12-15/2234:34>
Arc blinked and busted out laughing as Hrock nursed his head injury, sitting back and shaking her head.  She paused at his comments, tilting her head and blushing a little bit before giving him a shove with her arm.  Grabbing the wrench, she held the piece in place as she snorted at him.

"Torusk Kan'tet Parulas?  Bich, vut ayya!  I've only been with him a week or so, man.  No way in hell that's going down already!"  her face turned quite the shade of red through her grin as she helped him with that particular piece.  In truth, with all the drama and goings on with the others, the human had been entirely focused on her work, not much thought afforded to anything else.  ...nah, no way.  No way in hell that'd go down so quickly...   

"His name's Jaime.  Think he used to do some mili stuff, but now he does some tech.  Part time's at a hospital to help peeps work new cyberware, which is how I met him"  She nodded to her arm and control rig plate as her example.  "Totally down with the trog way, too...his sis married his tusker best friend who's a legit engineer, and they got three kids.  The daughters are downright wizheads, I'm telling you."  It didn't take a genious to see the smile on her face was genuine...rare, but genuine.  "He is aware of the drek I do and got no beef with that, long as I'm honest about it.  I can tell he worries though..but you know me, Uncle.  Once I got something I want mine, ain't nothing getting in my way...here, hnn..."   

She pushed on the wrench, effectively flattening out the bent piece of plasteel they were working on, quickly welding the pieces together, a quick coat of spray-on smoothing it out..road dirt would cover up the rest.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-12-15/2358:45>
@ Yelena, TriggerT nods his head and pulls out a tablet. A few taps later he hands it to her. "There, that lists everything including exact amounts of ammo and what kinds. I can tell you right now my ammo is fresh. None of that been in a mil. factory for so long it's been forgotten and they're just hoping it gets stolen fer the excitement an so that they can replace it with new drek. And I've got a guy that kin do the custom work fer yer stock and sights. I kin already tell with the way you hold it you'll need it rebalanced just a bit to compensate fer yer roll. And you like Ares 'cause with that slightly shorter index finger it fits yer hand an trigger finger better. I kin get a guy make the adjustments so that any weapon kin be made to suit your hand an style. Give you more options. Especially when you start talking larger weapons. It'll cost a little more. But you'll be much happier with the end results, an get it quicker too. My guy'll want you on site ta try it out fer the last adjustments though. An when yer done it'll fit yer hand an style like a wedding dress fits a bride." When Yelena looks at the price she knows why the hard sell. The markup on the custom work is 25% over standard. But the ammo is at 10% discount and the gun itself is list. And considering that she might be coming back here . . . . . . Maybe she can negotiate that price down a bit. After all, a place like this, with TriggerT's obvious expertise is valuable. And a happy repeat customer is always good for business.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-13-15/0015:20>
Yelena looks at the list carefully then pulls a cred stick from a pocket and slots it, transferring the amount requested.  She removes the stick and hands the pad back.  "Wanderer not wiggle over cost.  Just leave if not like.  Quality is quality and Wanderer like."  She holds out her hand to shake his.  "In all years no other notice short finger.  Not even sax man.  TriggerT notice things.  Wanderer like that.  Where meet man and when pick up guns?"

Yelena moves to the exit and goes through, waiting on the other side for TriggerT to emerge. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-13-15/0048:11>
@ Yelena  TriggerT's eyebrow raises a bit when she just slots the cred stick without haggling. But he nods, "It's a fair price, and I can appreciate you knowing it. And the reason no one else notices is one, because the difference in what it is and what it should be is less than 2 mils. Just enough to make the Ares more comfortable. Two, because all they want is to sell you something. And three 'cause they're paying more attention to yer other assets rather than paying attention to their job." He tucks the tablet back into it's pocket.  "I'll get on the comm to my guy first thing in the morning. And I'll have a date fer you to go see 'im a'fore the days out. Depending on the work ee's already got lined up it could take a week maybe two. But, you 'kin go out there and work with 'im an the weapon fer a month if you wanna. Till yer satisified with the end product. Now a month'll cost you more. Yer price was fer up ta three days out there. But, 'ee takes pride in 'is work. An if it takes a month, an yer willin ta pay fer it. You ken."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-13-15/0057:05>
Yelena nods.  "Wanderer come by later.  Pick up ammo and small things.  May need adapt case for new ammo.  TriggerT recommend who can?  Wanderer professional.  Want best.  Best mean live.  Drek mean die.  Work with man as long as can.  Wanderer thank TriggerT. 

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-13-15/0959:38>
"Jed... Jed... are you there buddy? " It takes Marco a short while to understand that Jed is far gone. Probably dreaming his astral dream already. "So this is why he took a sit."  Thinks Marco.
Having some time to burn until Jed returns he circles the place trying to plan an access route to where he last sensed who he thinks was Snowden.
[spoiler]
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/316785): 6d6t5 2
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-13-15/1028:46>
As Yelena and TriggerT return to the others, she laughs and says, "So TriggerT more interest in Wanderer finger than other assets?  Pleased and sad same time."

When they get back to Arc and Hrock, the repair party is in full swing.  Yelena walks to where some coveralls are hanging on a wall, selects a set near her size, and slips them on.  She moves to where Arc is and bends over to help.  "Sorry took so long.  Wanderer get lost with new guns."  Yelena pitches in as she can.  She knows her way around a tool kit, but her skills are nothing compared to those of the other two.  By the time the initial work is done her face is smudged with grease and a knuckle on her left hand is slightly bruised after an encounter with a wrench.

During the short break, Yelena takes the opportunity to send a message.  >>Virtual Goddess.  Is Wanderer.  Contract complete.  Wanderer wait for payment from employer.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-13-15/1517:54>
Jed approaches the dragon respectfully and bows low.  Good evening Otohime-sama.  This is as fast as I could get here, as my shell was on the other side of the city.  If it were possible to bring my shell into the astral to get it here faster I would have, but of course, this is not possible.  I brought some help with me.  Our plan is for him to physically bring the body out, while having a spirit disguise itself as Snowden's body it place of his real body.  How do I return his mana to his body?  I did not expect what you have done because I was not aware it was possible.  I anticipated a powerful illusion  to fool the intruders, while you put him to sleep.  What you've done is outside of common understanding, possibly even all human understanding.

Jed pauses, trying to make her understand things that she so obviously doesn't, without sounding as though he is accusing.  If this goes sideways, defeating her is not possible.  Convincing her that he would be of some use would be his only chance. 

Forgive me Otohime-sama, but my trouble is not lack of motivation.  You've made clear the penalty for failure.  I am at the limits of my capability.  I did not have a life that lent itself to magical research.  I need you to instruct me on how to proceed once I have obtained his body. My associate is awaiting my instructions.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-13-15/1931:18>
@ Yelena  "If you want a stock box I've got several styles over here." TriggerT walks you over to the section of accessories. "I've got them with and without shielding. I've even got several that do a more than passable job of looking like other things. Those are generally the smaller ones. But, if you want a full on custom job I've got a young lady goes by the name of SwirlyGirly does good work. Could make your own eyes think what she wants even though you know damn well it's your ammo case. She'll do cases for your pieces also. But she prefers more latitude there. Hates to do the same thing twice and hates making it look mundane. Makes it a bit of a liability. But she once made a 'case' for a gatling gun that looked like a full on alien motorcycle custom job. It even ran. Nearly got impounded, so l always caution new prospects 'bout that." He tells you as he's showing you the accessories. Once the halfer warms up to his subject he's downright chatty and it's a bit before he & Yelena get back to the others. By then they're in full swing and more than half the job is done.

@ Arc  Hrock nods, "Ummph, pull that out a bit more." he concentrates for a moment on the piece, "You bring 'im by sometime. I be happy ta meet 'im." another frown. "Drek, this things to far gone. We're gonna have ta replace the whole thing." he straightens up and goes and gets a new part. "You know, we might want ta replace the muffler and give you an oil pan that 'kin stand up ta a little abuse while we're workin'."

@ Marco  Marco can feel the life forces in the house, but only dimly, and if Snowden's life signs are masked, it's almost certainly not him. But, it's almost certainly where the biggest concentration of life forces are. And that's below ground to the north by northwest, less than 150m away.

@ Jed  She looks at you frowning, You have so many limits in that shell. It makes true understanding difficult, and sometimes impossible. I separated him as it is as close to true death as he can become. I wanted him to understand the second chance he will be given so that he may embrace it. BabyJ has hidden from himself so long he does not know where he is. And I do not seek for him to learn that path. I wish him to forge a new one. Thus the reason for my choice. The dreaming he will do will be true. The insights gained will be his own. You will guide him in forging a path because you will lead him down roads you have been to afraid to take. Once you have him in a true circle I will come and return his mana to him. But you must hurry as the wind, every moment is precious. Even now he begins dying in truth, She says pointing once again to the bonsai. And you hear and see her chanting and signing, silvering the tree with magic. But, her efforts are only partially successful.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <08-13-15/1954:44>
@Ambrose    The pretty young woman smiles as she says, "Nice to meet you, Phoenix.  So, John is your son, then?  He seems nice, but then we've never really spoken more than a few words at one time."  She looks around the kitchen before adding, "About the KE assholes?  I doubt they are looking for me.  Probably after that fragging drek of a human being calling himself Sebastian.  I told him not to get messed up with Yak drek, but I am just the hired help so what do I know?  Well, here I am, getting warm and he is cuffed and on his way to the lock-up.  From what I was able to see, he was hopping about in his skivvies trying to stay warm.  I hope they keep him a while."  She sniffs and smiles.  "Say, is that coffee I smell?  Would you mind if I made a cup?"


"Coffee?" he asks, watching her move about the boat. "If there is any, its in that cupboard over there." his hand waves towards the kitchen. He didn't want to make a scene earlier, and he's trying to do his best to avoid making one now. Most likely this girl is a poisoner and is looking to poison the food supply, if she is from the Yak.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-13-15/2030:28>
@ Arc  Hrock nods, "Ummph, pull that out a bit more." he concentrates for a moment on the piece, "You bring 'im by sometime. I be happy ta meet 'im." another frown. "Drek, this things to far gone. We're gonna have ta replace the whole thing." he straightens up and goes and gets a new part. "You know, we might want ta replace the muffler and give you an oil pan that 'kin stand up ta a little abuse while we're workin'."

Arc followed the direction effortlessly, using the provided tools and showing off the ones that she installed in her arm as appropriate.  She agreed on the one part being gone, tossing it aside grimly and taking the replacement from the Ork before installing it herself, tightening a few bolts.  "Yeah, Uncle.  I think you'd like him.  Super chill"  She hmmed a bit, giving a nod.  "I see your point omae.  To be honest, I wasn't expecting to deal with a full four point lift and drop...I don't think the car was either, to tell ya the truth.  Yeah, let's do that, and I'll spot ya back when i can, amirite?"  She laughed and shrugged, her focus back on the car and her blush finally fading.

It was around that point that Yelena and TriggerT had rejoined them, the elf pitching in with some labor and help.  Wiz.  This be what friends and family be, huh..  Smiling happily, she handed the Russian a socket wrench and pointed at a bolt that needed tightening.  "Gun stuff, huh?  Maybe gon' needa have a talk after I get my current job done.  Talking shop, drek like that.."  The short human knew the man could hear her, and she turned and gave an appreciative, happy nod to the halfer.

The time ticked on, and the work seemed to happen lightning fast, with two and a half trained experts fixing the car up.  Arc coughed a bit as she covered her mouth with one hand as she sprayed the last bit of plasteel over the undercarriage, effectively sealing it up into a full unit.  "I...think that's about it, huh..."  Checking the time, she went a little wide as her ARO clock blinked up showing a distinct 3:08 AM Fri. Dec. 09 right in front of her.  The realization of the time must have killed any adrenaline the breeder had in her system, because Arc suddenly felt, and probably looked, tired as drek.  Stifling a yawn, she leaned up against the back wall, almost looking listless as she rubbed her eyes.  "Hell of a night, Srui...remind me to think before jumping into one of your shindigs, eh?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-13-15/2314:26>
Yelena nods and replies, Wanderer like custom job.  TriggerT give girl Wanderer link code.  Have custom case now, but new ammo make too small.  Wanderer thank gun man."

Yelena smiles as she works on the car.  "Srui notice scarred paint?  Must be mojo bolt hit.  Hrock got paint?  Wanderer fix."  After putting a coat of matching paint on the car in the place the lightning bolt had nicked, Yelena stepped back and gave a satisfied nod at her work.  She went back to being the primary wrench holder for the other two and was happy to be a part of this.  All of them exchanged small barbs as they worked and Yelena was surprised at how much she enjoyed that.

When they were done, Yelena caught Arc's look and chuckled.  "Yes.  Wanderer need sleep.  Time go home?  Or Srui go rigger man?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-13-15/2321:33>
@Ambrose  Ginny nods and walks to the indicated cupboard before turning around and saying.  "You know, I do hate to just use someone's stuff.  There is an all-nite dive just off the wharf that serves good food.  My treat."  She moves over to Phoenix and holds out a hand.  "Look.  I would feel more comfortable and maybe you would, too.  Get a chance to see if I am the type to poison your food or coffee.  What do you say?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-14-15/0210:49>
Marco tries to make his way toward that spot where life is strongest.  If only just to have a look, Jed is probobly in the astral not far from there and can see him. Or can he? Marco is not sure - but decides to try and understand whats going on in there.

He figures that he really does not know how the astral works, but Jed must have been gone for a very long time as they had no deepweed. Who knows how long he'll stay in the astral, more information may help Marco understand exactly how the two can use their resources.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-14-15/0316:47>
@ Marco  Marco slides through the wards as easily as walking through a light mist. And when he hops over to where the life forms are the strongest it's easy for him to tell that they are centered on something in the middle of them.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-14-15/0743:54>
oh, DREK  Arc had completely missed the scarring from the lightning bolt that ricocheted off her car at the beginning of the getaway, much to her embarrassment.  Nodding to the keeb, the human and the ork both pointed her in the right direction for some paint, the former giving an appreciative nod and smile.  "Thanks, girly.  Might needa shake the can a bit.  Motion you ain't unfamiliar with, eh?"  It was a harmless jest, and elicited a bout of laughter between the group as the project came to a satisfying conclusion.

Glancing up at her blood sister, Arc gave herself a little shrug, smiling a bit more.  "I know my vruk must be worried as frag all about me.  I should probably go to him.  You can take whichever ride you want, and I'll meet up with you tomorrow?  I thoughta heard Marco say he wanted to regroup, but iunno..."  Grunting, Arc yawned again as she hopped over to Hrock, giving him a happy hug.  "I owe ya big for this, Uncle, you hear me?  Anytime in my power, you name it aight?"

Turning to the Russian Yelena, the human gave a nod and a hug as well.  "We lived for another day.  I'm liking our streak.  Shall we go?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-14-15/1013:41>
Yelena laughs out loud at the suggestion.  "Srui right.  Wanderer shake many cans in life.  Many, many cans."

When all is done, Yelena takes the bike and lets Arc have the car.  "Arc take car.  Go rigger man.  Wanderer meet later.  Too early go Z so go home for sleep."  With that she shakes hands with both Hrock and TriggerT, then hugs her Srui.  Oh, Wait.  Wanderer forget.  Here hair drone.  Not want lose."  She stores her weapons case and Marco's things on the bike and climbs on the Scorpion.  Engaging the motor, she feels the heavy thrum of the powerful machine and heads away from the garage into the early morning.  The streets are still mostly deserted as this is the time of day when even most of the gangers and prostitutes have finished their business and gone home.  She cruises through the Barrens, feeling very much at home here.  The shadows that are life itself to her reach out and let her know that she is safe for now.  Arriving at home she wheels the bike into the garage and carries her weapons case and Marcos stuff into the room she shares with Arc.  After stowing the weapons, Yelena then strips and showers before climbing into bed. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-14-15/1139:33>
Arc gave a nod of agreement to the elf as they said their thank yous and goodbyes, the pair hopping into their respective rides and departing from the garage into the late night.  For a rare occurrence in her life, the little human left the autopilot working, too wiped by the night's events to trust herself at the wheel.  She sniffed the interior air...no sign of gunfire or even of a conflict to be detected. Just the fitting, familiar scent that denotes the work of a mechanic.  The familiar scent relaxed Arc immensely by the time she arrived at her vrukart's home. 

Making an alarm to wake herself up, she also made a reminder to try to contact Yelena and Marco in the morning.  And to check out those video feeds for Ambrose.  Arc made her best attempt to be quiet and nondisturbing as she could as she made her way to the apartment, letting herself in and shifting the door behind her.  Stripping at the door, the human tossed the clothes over to the laundry area to shake off the grime and subtle smell she had picked up before trying to reach the bedroom.  Googling to the bed, the girl slid herself between the sheets and silently curled up next to the man's sleeping form, hugging him as her mind swirled over all she learned today before succumbing to the tender and welcome embrace of sleep...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-14-15/1154:15>
Marco is itching to proceed, he feels that time is running out and that body is not going to stay there for long but in bird form without connection to anyone else there is so much he can expect. He decide to go back to see if Jed woke up from his astral dream, he'll defiantly want Jed to go in with him. The obstacles he might encounter like closed doors may prove challenging to a bird and a struggling with the door handle is not a very characteristic behavior for his body. He better discreetly follow Jed and wait for his all clear signal before spraying the place with mojo.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-14-15/1444:22>
Well, time truly was of the essence.  Bowing low, Jed leaves the dragon to tend to the Snowden bonsai tree.  Popping back into his shell, He nods at Marco.   We need to go in together.  I may need to cast spells on someone and I can't do that from the astral. 

Escher, I need you to use the security cameras to guide me to a room with an underground greenhouse.  I need to retrieve someone there. 

Back door is best.  Hopefully, he would be able to slip in and out unnoticed.  Holding out his wrist for Marco, he heads for the house.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-14-15/1458:02>
Marco joins Jed on his hand and tries not to wound him with his claws. He feels like an ally spirit, or the wizards apprentice...Marco thinks at him "Lead away, I have a general understanding that there is a gathering of many people north east from here about 150 meters. It may be where we are going" 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-14-15/1811:56>
@ Jed  You hear Escher's voice saying, >>You are green omae. Just use the passcode.<<

@ Marco  As much as he needs Jed for doors and so much, his size is a liability. Marco's bird form can sneak easily. But there's no telling who's watching them in the dark.

@ Arc  As soon as Arc climbs into bed she's hauled against Jaime's body. In a moment she can't even move he's snugged her so tight against him with one leg thrown over her possessively and his body tilts to cover 3/4ths of hers. She cranes her head and neck around to kiss him hello. But, the light from the street shows her a slack jaw and his breathing is steady and even. He's sound asleep, and if she moves she could wake him.

@ Yelena  As Yelena drove she finally received a message from Virtual Goddess, >>Initial payment was confirmed. I'll notify you when the balance is paid. This isn't your usual job. And while I've never discouraged side jobs I will remind you that when dealing with high dollar clients the resources and research I bring to bear keep you safer. But, if you're going to loosen your scruples like this I can get you even more jobs. Let me know.<< Yelena rides the rest of the way in peace, exhausted now that everything is done.
Well, bath and bed was the plan. But there's someone in Arc's garage. And her Srui was religious about the security on that place.

@ Ambrose  He's been on the streets a long time, more than enough time to learn a few things. And this girl moves like a thief. Hell, when he was her age he'd have palmed that burner comm too. Only she'd put it back as quickly as she'd taken it. And now she wants him out of there. So she was after something more valuable to her than just a few goods.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-14-15/2003:02>
Arc's breath caught in her throat as she stifled her own yelp of surprise as she felt his limbs envelope her body, pinning her in place, arms at her side.  Eyes blinking, she glanced over at her sleeping Vrukart, noting that he did this all in his sleep.  Must have passed out worried...drek, gonna have to make this up to him...and figure out how to get him to stop...hmm..  Stifling another yawn, the short human's lips curled into a little smirk as she moved slowly, shifting so that his weight would not press down uncomfortably on herself and bringing her hands up, fingers curling around his arms as she drifted off into well awaited slumber...

[align]Peace, Loss, Pain...
Despair, Freedom, Fate...
Fear, Resolve, Hope...
Joy, Love, Strain...
Curiosity, Panic, Pressure...
Ensnaring, Stifling, Renewal...
[/align]

Unlike the vivid dreams of before, Arc only seemed to dream in sensations, the rest of her subconscious mind leaving all other details formless to her as she was woken.  8:00 AM....her Vruk is starting to stir, effectively waking the short human girl.  "Nnnh...."  She quietly groaned as she shifted a bit, eyes blinking as she blearily opened them to take in the morning light.  "Nrr...tell the sun to come back later...is not time yet..."  She muttered out lazily, speech a little slurred out as she closed her eyes again, squirming a little as she lay.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-14-15/2230:42>
Yelena walks into the garage carrying her case in one hand and Marco's things in the other.  The hidden form in the garage is a possible threat, but if it was going to shoot her she would already know it.  She walks through the garage into the shared bedroom and puts her things on the bed before returning to the garage.  She hesitates there for just a bit then heads off to the kitchen, saying, "Someone want soycaf?  Is mostly drek, but can drink.  Can make for two." 

As Yelena enters the kitchen she turns on the light and goes to the counter to begin the process of making some of the soycaf drek that Arc keeps in the house.  "Want talk?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-14-15/2336:54>
Feeling a bit awkward Marco takes a hidden place in the room and fix the distance every once in a while. Looking a bit ahead as much as the physical topology of the house permits. Jed is so clumsy compared to Marcos body that he seem to walk in slow motion. Marco suddenly appreciate the classical birds of prey/nobleman relationship in a completely different light. An elegant creature capable of flight, with instincts and senses above regular humans, pairs up with a clumsy human. How can the two form a relationship? What does the man bring into the table? strategy perhaps, one of them has the suppirior tactics and the other one is able to figure out cause and effect, to feed the bird when prey is scarce.

But  there was no time for that now, Marco tried to focus his senses sharp and he tried to make sure nobody was following there and to give Jed some heads up in case someone approaches them. After all, there was no telling who else was in that building.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-15-15/0108:47>
@ Yelena  She can smell the vodka before she hits the kitchen. And just as she enters a cigarette is lit. And she see's the face. Nicolai Fyodor Aleksandrov, a man with more sins to his name than the devils in hell. And as the acrid smoke of his cigarette, her cigarettes, curls up to the ceiling, his voice, low and guttural, addresses her. "Елена Солоха Talinovski вы пошли далеко от вашей семьи. Но время и расстояние не умаляют семейных обязательств.
 Серебристый "Скорпион" должны выполнить ее семейных обязанностей. Или вы забыли узы крови?"
 As he's speaking he walks towards her. In no particular hurry, his long legs cover the kitchen in two strides. And part of Yelena notes that he is still completely silent in his movements. His name had been Ghost. Almost innocuous considering his specialty. Then he's up against her. His body touching hers at every point as she's pushed hard against the cabinets and counter his gaze that of the basilisco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-15-15/0609:07>
@ Marco & Jed  Several times Marco thinks that they will be discovered as his keen eyes pick out a form sweeping the grounds for clues and his tiny bird heart threatens to beat out of his chest. But each time as he and Jed take what cover they can until the patroller passes, no alarm is raised. Slowly, carefully they make their way. And just before they can come within 3m of the back door someone comes out of it suddenly, rushing along the path to the vehicle on the road. And right by them. They are evidently leading a charmed life on this quest for Snowden's body.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-15-15/0753:57>
"Jed there is no way he missed us, quickly before the door closes..." Marco flies quickly to the other side of the door. The man that just rushed out is  is a real opportunity for stealth especially being so close to the scene of the action.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-15-15/1401:28>
Yelena and Yelena's body remembers this man.  Her mind flashes back through thirty-nine years. 

The Russian state courts had tossed her into the infamous Karibor prison.  The facility had a well-deserved reputation for being the most violent and crime-ridden prison in the state penal system.  The warden and guards were there more or less as a formality as they left the real operation of the prison to the gangs inside.  The judge had taken an hour to tell her what awaited her, almost gleeful in his description of the horrors she would endure inside.  He calmly predicted that she would be raped and dead soon after entering the prison; a just sentence for someone who had killed so indiscriminately as she had.  He told her that he would make sure that the prisoners knew what her crimes were and that her miserable existence would be ended by the very humans she hated so much.  Yelena spit at the judge, calmly telling him that she would walk on his grave.

The judge was only partially right.  Yelena was raped several times within hours of entering the prison, the first time by the guard sergeant at the main gate house.  But the judge was also partially wrong.  The inmates of Karibor could care less that she had wantonly killed humans for over a decade.  They could care less about her at all.  She survived the first weeks in prison by having sex with anyone that even looked like they wanted her.  It did not take long to realize that survival meant providing what some powerful person wanted, and then finding out what the powerful person above him wanted.  The currency in the prison was sex, drugs, and death and Yelena Petrovna did what she could to make sure that she had what people wanted. 

Yelena did not have a formal education but she was smart in the ways that mattered in the terror that was Karibor.  She quickly realized that gangs ruled the prison, not the guards.  Crossing one of the gangs usually meant death unless you had a more violent protector.  There were many gangs in Karibor, all of them violent.  Some handled drugs, some weapons, some were even able to arrange for prostitutes or wives from outside to visit.  But the common factor to all the gangs was violence.  Given the number of prisoners that died at the hands of other prisoners, one might think that the prison population was shrinking, but that would be false.  The Russian state had lots of people that they wanted rid of and many found their way to Karibor.

Eight months into her life sentence, Yelena had worked her way up a series of ladders through the use of her body and her willoingness to do "chores" for the gangs.  That she had survived this long was a testament to her desire to live.  She had proven reliable as a drug and weapons mule, delivering goods to various gang members.  During this time she was introduced to Madam Bliss and quickly fell under its spell.  She craved the rush it gave her and every down period was considered just the time it took her to earn enough credits in the gang system to get another hit.  She had slept her way through several tiers of gang soldiers, always looking out for the next more powerful man that she could make want her enough to protect her.  The more powerful the man, the better her chance of survival, although this was not a given.  She was very aware that it was just as easy to fall out of favor as it was to become the favorite.  With that in mind she did everything she needed to do to please the men before enticing the next one to take her.

She first saw Nikolai Fyodorovich Aleksandrov during one of her drug deliveries.  He was twenty-five but looked younger and he was an underboss in the Kaspan bratva, a gang with direct ties to the Vory.  The Vory is a confederation of gangs that practically ruled the prison and stretched throughout the nation, usually simply referred to as the Russian mob.  Sahil Kaspan ruled his gang with ruthless efficiency and Nikolai Fyodorovich was his main enforcer.  He was one of the most powerful men in the prison and Yelena set her sights on him as her next protector.  The gang boss she was currently sleeping with had begun to show signs that he might be tired of her and she had seen him sneaking glances at another of the female inmates, Lasha Velenkov.  It was clearly time to move on and Yelena would need a powerful protector to avoid being killed by her current lover.  Nikolai Aleksandrov could be that person.  The man was attracted to her and seducing him was child’s play.  He was not overly imaginative in bed, but Yelena needed protection not bedroom antics. 

Nikolai saw something in Yelena that he wanted, but it was not her bed skills.  Those were nice, but he wanted something more.  He recognized a soul as dark as his, a kindred spirit used to killing.  He was aware of why she had been sent here and talked to her about her true potential.  When he spoke of killing, Yelena listened.  The darkness inside her welcomed his words and she realized what her real purpose was to be.  Her first test was to kill her former lover.  He had angered Sahil Kaspan by speaking out against him and an example must be made.  After all, it would not do to let other gang leaders see him get away with his words.  Yelena was given a pistol, an early Predator model, and was told that things would get better for her if she returned.  She returned.  Four soldiers, the gang boss, and Lasha Valenkov lay in pools of blood in the cell that had been the gang headquarters.  The soldiers had tried to stop her and had to die.  Lasha died just because she was there.

And Yelena had a new calling and a new purpose.  Nikolai became her mentor, training her and giving her a reason to survive.  Only a semi-talented lover, he was the most violent man Yelena had ever met.  He was coldly efficient and brutally capable, a kindred spirit.  He had earned his position in the bratva and he took Yelena as his assistant.  In her turn, Yelena taught him more about sex that he had ever known and she killed for him.  And she reveled in the killing, finding that she enjoyed planning the deaths as much as she did the actual killing.  It was truly a very symbiotic relationship.

These thoughts and others flashed into her consciousness as the man pressed against her.  She had thought him dead long ago.  Even now he must be in his early sixties, even though he looked in his forties.  He must be every bit as deadly as he had been when younger to have survived this long, but her mind is not on that.  Her body responds to his touch and she willingly allows him to press against and grope at her.  Without anger, Yelena responds, saying the words she had lived by for almost eleven years in Karibor and three outside in Moscow.  "Я воры.  Я всегда буду воры.  Воры-это моя семья, моя жизнь и моя смерть.  Все я или будет предназначен для воры."  She pauses then adds, "Где вы были, Николай Фёдорович?  Вы исчезли, когда мы избежали Karibor.  Я отправился в Москву и проникли братва Gaspov как вы поручили и ждал вас.  Вы не пришли ко мне.  Где была семья, когда Даша Molovna убил меня?  Где была семья, когда мое тело было брошено в реку?  И теперь вы приходите ко мне говоря о семье?  Я никогда не забуду семьи и что значит быть воры, но воры дайте мне умереть и бросили меня.  Что ты хочешь от меня, Николай Фёдорович и почему сейчас?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-15-15/1604:27>
@ Yelena  The knife is out and it's razor sharp edge slices off the button and zipper to her pants and then glides through the delicate fabric of her panties in one smooth motion with a skill that does not even touch her delicate flesh. Nilolai never harms what he does not intend to harm. And then he draws the blade like a lovers caress across her left breast just above her heart. She doesn't even feel it, it is so fine a blade, no, the sting will come later she knows. She feels a drop of her blood trickle down between her breasts, as Nikolai brings the blade to his mouth and licks her blood off of it. And then one hand cups her ass as he impales her. And with a smooth motion the knife is drawn across his skin, again above his left breast drawing blood. And he places it against Yelena's lips, even as he's hammering her hips so hard against the counter she'll have bruises in the morning. His head dips down as he breathes against her ear, "Я был пытать и убивать всех теневых легион. Когда все погибли я вернулся. В Gaspov погибли, хорошо, но слишком быстро. И серебро Скорпион бежали. И вы спросите меня, что я хочу? Это вопрос? Каждый человек в Братва, которые помогли Tsina должен умереть." But first I think we take what is of value here, in the club that you have made friends in no?"  His hips are still hammering hers, now his left hand is on her breast his thumb circling her nipple, and his right slowly, gently drawing the blade across her neck as his lips follow it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-15-15/1728:17>
@ Jed & Marco  When they rush in they find themselves in a mud room. The lights are on and they're completely exposed. Beyond a hallway branches off to a kitchen and a music conservatory. You hear a deep male voice explaining that he was investigating an alert outside when he was accosted by a demonic spirit and forced to run. "They obviously had a powerful mage with them to summon that kinda thing. It was like something outta a nightmare or a trid. Huge, fangs, claws, but more than that it really made me feel it's presence. That's how I know it was a spirit an not just an illusion. That was some powerful mojo drek I'm telling you!" The voice is around the corner in the kitchen, and you hear a younger voice saying, "And approximately what time was this?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-15-15/1736:33>
"Jed, Where to ? have you been here before? - you might want to do invisibility I am not sure if the dragon actually made us hidden from eyes - or we were lucky but if she is anything like my demons then it works amazing with the invisibility spell -  I can cast the spell for you if you do not know it." Thinks Marco -  as he scouts a little bit ahead, trying to warn Jed if someone approaches. Marco can sense that Jed likes or fear the spirit he calls Dragon, Marco does not entirely trusts a being that sends them to risk their life - or risks her own friend life  - in what can best be described as naive, or even reckless behaviour. But if she did hide them from sight - then he'll have to figure out how to thank her.

When Marco hears the conversation he mentally laugh  "So I am a big and scary mage? I did not hurt anyone - and saved his life - Yelena would totally shoot him if she encountered him. Drek - I can't really go home now, I'll have to figure out where to hide tonight to see just how close they are to figuring me out... I am not sure they know much because I wasn't seen as a human in there - but still I am not going to my apartment tonight."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-15-15/1858:48>
Nikolai slices through her clothes with a consummate skill that has not dulled one bit through the passage of the years since she had last seen him. He had been legendary then, a ghost that could move through walls and kill with a brutal efficiency.  The two had been as close to soul mates as possible, sharing and embracing the darkness of the shadows.  He was the teacher and Yelena had been the student.  In her, the human killer had found something so close to himself that he felt like a twin.  And in Nikolai, Yelena had found someone she could relate to, even trust.  Or as close to trust as she possibly could.  He taught her about the shadows, showing her how to move and live among them.  The shadows became life, and lover, and protector.  But the shadows do not give without a price; they demand a life for a life, promising to one day take what they protect.  Yelena embraced the shadows and has no fear.  She moves through them as some people move in the light. 

Yelena welcomes the faint touch of the knife across her chest and the sensation of the slight trickle of blood between her breasts excites her.  She remembers how he loves to share blood while making love, savoring the taste of his women.  For years she had been his only woman, although he had sent her out to seduce and kill dozens of men and some women in Karibor.  She welcomes his first thrust, her body anticipating his desire as if they had last made love only yesterday instead of thirty years ago.  She slams her hips against him; matching stroke for stroke, caring not what bruises will be left in the aftermath.  The feel of the knife edge along her throat and his lips and tongue drinking in the drops of blood only increases her passion.  When he mentions killing the Hated One, Yelena smiles, "Даша Molovna умрет.  Я хочу, чтобы меня видеть и знать, что она не, что Елена Петровна живет она.  She screams in ecstasy as she climaxes and feels the immediacy of another orgasm coming on.  The look in her eyes challenges Nikolay Fyodorovich to keep up if he can and she doubles her efforts.

When he finally lets go it is like a dam bursts and they share a sound more animal than from the throats of people.  Yelena and Nikolai hang onto each other, each keeping the other from falling to the floor.  Yelena takes a finger and dabs at the blood still trickling from her chest and mixes it with his before putting the finger in her mouth and repeating the motion to put the finger in his mouth.  She murmurs, "Возьмите меня к кровати и напоминают мне о том, что вы способны, а затем скажите вашего плана, чтобы убить Даша."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-15-15/2023:18>
@ Yelena  He takes her to bed then. Bed being a loose term for every surface flat enough and stable enough to slam into her. Some of which were not quite up to his strength and her enthusiasm. Inside a few hours Yelena has bruises on her back, thighs and the backs of her arms. Nikolai's skills have definitely improved even beyond what she had taught him. But, his was the enthusiasm of the animal, primitive, demanding ownership of every part of her, and that she couldn't teach, and had never encountered another lover with that same primal energy. Every part of her takes him into herself and enjoys him. His use of the blade is subtle, the pleasure incredible and when they are done he says. "Братва из Tsina работает от Праги. Они контролируют рабов, наркотики, оружие, все. Мы будем принимать препарат клуб здесь. И мы будем использовать его принять все от них. Мы будет владеть все из них. Они будут знать, боль поражения. А потом я убью ее медленно для вас, пока вы смотрите. И она будет знать, что это ваша рука, которая убивает ее." He smiles then, thrusting harder and climaxing again at the description of Tsina's slow torture and death. "Это то, что значит быть семья."

[spoiler]The Fellowship of Tsina works from Prague. They control the slaves, drugs, weapons, everything. We will take the drug club here. And we will use it to take all of them. We will own all of them. They will know the pain of defeat. And then I'll kill her slowly for you while you watch. And she would know that it is your hand that kills her. . . . .  . . . This is what it means to be a family. [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-15-15/2156:58>
Jed sighs.  This place is going to be filthy with their astral signatures.  And this guard is telling the police demons were here.  They'll have a paranormal forensics team here for sure.  With some time, Jed could cleanse his signature.  But he can't clean Marco's.  He's not even sure if Marco can clean his own.  Even more reason to have come in the astral only.  Jed knows the way.  Confident that their approach is covered between Otohime on the astral and Escher on the physical, Jed boldly leads the way down to the greenhouse. 

Marco, you may want to lose any sustained spells.  Pretty sure KE is going to be getting an astral forensics team down here.  I can try to clean up any messes I make, but you don't want them tracing back to you. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-16-15/0001:21>
"Wont help... the astral signatures will stay for a few hours even when cleaned up. There is nothing we can do against it, not even you. Even if you try to clean them up they are not erased.  Don't lie to yourself -  professionals know that we are here. We are extremely lucky tough -  that guy is describing a powerful mage and extraordinary spirit he describe things that I simply cannot do.

Looking into the astral and seeing a real dragon layer - do you really think that our puny spells are going to draw any attention? There is so much activity in the astral around us - we might simply be ignored due  lack of interest and too many distractions. If I am caught, I'll just claim to be entertainment and lie our way out of here. I have every possible pleasure related excuse for being here and using the spells I used - every one of them is used legitimately during my line of work.  But we are an ant - on an elephants body... who is going to even notice us inside an actual dragon layer? a gold coin in the street attracts attention, but a gold coin in a heap of gold coins is invisible. "

To himself he thinks, I might just claim to be a paid escort... I arrived as a bird - discreetly - but completely invited. Every spell I casted can be justified this way- I am a magical escort after all - I know how to make people happy, I dedicated my life to find creative ways to do so. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-16-15/0035:01>
You might be right about the dragons aura washing ours out.  I can make mine disappear, and usually do.  But we can talk magical theory some other time.  Lets get downstairs.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-16-15/0043:59>
"Yes lets do it when I am myself again please... if you want to do that aura thing do it." thinks Marco, he is buffed on adrenaline but he knows he is tired.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-16-15/0049:36>
@ Jed & Marco  Jed's been this way before. And the amazing collection of magical artifacts is still there to tempt him. But, that's how he almost got in trouble the first time. And while it looks like they may be being hidden by the dragon. He can't help but being as quiet and as stealthy as possible. Every instinct screams that he's going to be exposed at any minute, and when he gets to the door to the basement he pauses to listen. And hears footsteps coming up the stairs.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-16-15/0104:37>
Jed moves quickly to step behind one of the larger magical artifacts.  Hard to hide your aura from someone who is looking, but if you are going to have a chance, you've got to try to lose it in another bright aura.  Lets hope this person can't perceive aura's.  Jed shifts his perception, preparing to read the aura of the individual coming up the stairs
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-16-15/0127:29>
Marco takes position on top of a library closet, filled with magical scrolls, spell formulas and similar stuff... The steps are like drums to his sensitive ears and he feels as if he just want to get it over with, he is with his bird body for long, his perspective changes a little bit - he does not want to be contained in a building but to fly into the night.  He position himself on top of the bookshelf hoping that he is placed to high to be noticed without specifically looking for a book. People do not tend to look at the ceiling when they walk, at least that's what Marco thinks.


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-16-15/0138:11>
@ Jed & Marco  The person coming through the door is small, almost child sized, and stocky and as she begins traversing the space to the kitchen she slows, frowning. She begins walking very slowly, a puzzled look on her face. And she starts looking around her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <08-16-15/0139:45>
"You're already wanting to go back out there? You've hardly given them any time to clear out."  he sighs, shaking his head. He wasn't about to just let someone betray him again like this, and this woman was shifty, and that really made him feel rather on edge. Especially how she seemed to be able to read his mind, if anything that put him more on edge.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-16-15/0142:04>
Jed focuses on her aura.  His gut already tells him she is Awakened.  No other reason for her to start looking around.

[spoiler]Irish:12D6E5 → 2( (3, 5, 3, 5, 1, 2, 3, 3, 2, 4, 3, 4→ 2 successes against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X3617906)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-16-15/0144:08>
And as Jed looks, he see's the tell-tale signs of a mage. A dwarven mage, and still fairly young.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-16-15/0147:37>
Marco's first instinct is to freeze. Then slowly, very slowly he waits for an opportunity to dash into the basement. He feels his entire body tense for the action. All he can picture are the exact moves it will take him to get passed the childlike figure.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-16-15/0150:05>
Yelena spares little thought for where they are making love, reveling in the almost pure heat of doing it.  Nikolai’s skills as a lover may have greatly improved, but so have Yelena’s.  She gives as much as she gets, mixing the afterglow of a successful mission with raw desire for the man.  She uses every bit of skill garnered over decades to please him and to be pleased by him.  He uses the monofilament edge of his knife and she uses her fingernails on his back to elicit cries of excitement and wonder.  Yelena gladly accepts every drop of himself that he wants to spill into her, treating every climax as new and unique and leaving her desiring more. 

It is more than just pure attraction and the need for release.  There is something else, something different; an aroma that is not her and not him wafts to her senses.  Yelena finally identifies it; shadow.  Both of them carry about them the raw essence that is the shadows.  It allows them to exist as a force apart from normal people; to be accepted by the shadows and all who exist there, even the enemies that walk the shadows.  Both of them know that someday the shadow will take what is left of them and consume them, adding their strength to itself.  But that time is not now. 

Yelena hears Nikolai’s words about Tsina Molovna and smiles.  She takes his last burst and waits for the aftershocks to subside.  She turns to face him when he is out of her, saying.  "Николай Федорович, я бродил в одиночестве уже в течение многих десятилетий. Я не знаю, к кому обратиться. Мой братва был разрушен другой воры. Вы исчезли. Я искал и спросил в течение трех лет, и ничего. Ни один из членов семьи не будет ничего говорить о вас. Тогда воры позволили мне и остальная часть Братва, чтобы быть убитым. А для чего? Что наша преступление?"

[spoiler]“Nikolai Fyodorovich, I have wandered alone for decades.  I did not know who to turn to.  My bratva was destroyed  by other Vory.  You had disappeared.  I searched and asked for three years and nothing.  No one of the family would say anything about you.  Then the Vory allowed me and the rest of the bratva to be killed.  And for what?  What was our crime?"[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-16-15/0200:54>
Jed sees Marco flap his way down the stairs, and decides he better follow suit, and quickly. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-16-15/0203:08>
@Ambrose     Ginny looks over at Phoenix.  She opens and closes her mouth once, then says, "That is a very good point.  They are not likely to have left and I would not want to just...uh, just.....try to walk past them.  That fragging Sebastian is likely to try have me taken in as well.  Bastard is always willing to share blame and misery."  She turns back to the stove.  "So soycaf it is.  You will just have to take my word that I am not trying to poison you."

The young woman does things on the stove with the soycaf then goes to sit down.  "Right.  Lets give that a chance to boil up a bit.  So, I have to say that this place looks more comfy than Sebastian's.  But then that drek never went in for anything special except for himself.  Say, have I thanked you yet for allowing me in out of the cold?  If not, then thanks.  I will try not to disturb you too much."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <08-16-15/0233:10>
"Yes yes.. you've done enough thanking. I know another person who does a lot of thanking. Benny was his name, Benny the Coward. Actually his fullname was Benjamin Baily, but we called him Benny for short. Or if we were referring to him by his street name we'd call him Benny the Coward. Now the thing about Benny is he was always polite and would try to weasel his way into cliche of mafia, such as constantly thanking them for any sort of deed they performed. He'd ask for small little favors, said it was a psychology trick to get people to like him more. Looking back, I don't think anyone really liked Benny, but for some reason we still let him around. He was good for a laugh, and an early warning too. Run after Benny we'd always say, because he was a coward. Hence why we called him Benny the Coward, because he was very good at spotting danger, and avoiding it. So we learned to watch him more, like this one time were in a meeting with a small group of thugs, and Benny here noticed that one of the thugs, Meatstick was his name, on account that he always had some sort of meat stick in his mouth that he was chewing on. The guy had a case of them in his pack, and would go through them like a chain smoker would go through cigars. He never did like any of the slimjims however, he was very particular about that as he'd only go for the Jack Links. Feeding his inner sasquatch or something like that..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-16-15/0325:03>
@Ambrose     The young woman sits at the table with her mouth partially open, as if surprised at this amount of information.  She closes her mouth and listens politely, nodding as Phoenix makes a point, or perhaps where she thinks he is making a point.  When he is finished, or appears to be, she smiles brightly and says, somewhat seriously, "I think we all know someone like your friend Benny.  My personal example is a girl I went to school with.  You know, Saint Bernadine's.  Church schools might not be as popular now as they used to be, but some parents still force their daughters to wear fragging drek for clothes masquerading as school uniforms.  Learn this and that and pretend that God is real and still cares about us.  It is almost like we are some sort of failed experiment and all the ones that are going to be saved have already left the planet and rest of us are just fragged, and deep into Satan's drek.  You know what I mean?"

"Anyway there was this girl in school.  Must have been seventh grade.  Her name was Tabitha Ormond.  She was always called Tabby O because her mouth would always make this large O shape when she was surprised, or angry, or laughing, or........I guess just about all the time.  One can learn a bit about people just by watching them around others.  Just like you learned about people by watching Benny.  And the Meatstick thing is pretty funny.  Just goes to show how people get their little nick names, right?"

A noise from the stove gets her attention and she stands and moves to where she was preparing the soycaf.  "Water is hot.  Now, what do you put in yours?  Sugarsub, Creamlike, or something else?  Or just black and horrid?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <08-16-15/0336:48>
"I don't drink coffee, Horrid substance. I prefer earl grey, with a nice battenberg, perhaps a few scones. Where was I? Oh right, as I was saying Meatstick was particular about his meat sticks, and a this time he wasn't there, because he was at the store getting his meat sticks, as the day before we were meating with the thugs they only had slim jims, and as I said he would not eat slimjims. They were all the same to me, but not to him, he was very particular about them. He could tell when something wasn't a jacklinks meat stick, to the point it was a bit of a game we played sometimes. And well, Benny had noticed that Meatstick wasn't there. And so he asked where was Meastick and they told us he was at the store getting his meatsticks, because he was running out of them and they only had slim jims before and today they'd be getting the shipment of jacklinks. And so we had to shuffle off until the next time we'd meet, which that time we'd be meeting with Meatstick, who would have a new supply of the jack link meatsticks..

Ambrose rambled on a bit more, not seeming phased by her interruption into his story.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-16-15/0947:45>
@ Ambrose  Ginny makes the soycaf as Ambrose rambles. And she goes through drawers ostensibly looking for the Sugarsub and Creamlike, pretending not to see them the first time so that she can glance into all of the drawers in the kitchenette. "Oh there they are! I guess I'm to tired. Really need this soycaf." She moves then. And walks to the banquette to sit down with her caf. She is careful to look only At Ambrose while she's sipping. Seeming to hang on his every word. And then you smell it. Smoke. A particularly noxious smoke. And she jumps up and rushes to the stove. "Oh no! I must have put the caf onto boil! I'm so sorry! Drek who knew it could smell this bad! I'm so sorry!" She quickly turns off the stove and puts the pot in the sink rinsing it out. Then turning to Ambrose she says, "We could go out onto the deck a bit. Just to give this a chance to air out."She walks to her caf and picks it up, walking to the door to head out to the deck and looks back at you expectantly. "This really just needs a minute to air out. So sorry."

@ Yelena  Niko pulls out another cigarette and lights it. The acrid smoke wafting to the ceiling. He takes a drag and then places it in her lips, and then lights a second for himself. "Они не могли. Какое-то время я должен был быть изгоем. Если они допущены к зная, где я был. Они должны были бы убить меня." He pauses, "Политика." he spits. "Но ничего не делается без них." He continues, "Tsina выступил с небольшой фракции ищет власти и убедил их быть смелыми. Я убил их всех для вас. Только Tsina сбежал. А теперь Tsina имеет власть снова. И мы будем принимать его. И она будет знать, что в очередной раз все, что она имеет, это твое." He finishes smoking his cigarette, relaxed, certain.

[spoiler]"They could not. For a while, I had to be an outcast. If they admitted to knowing where I was. They would have to kill me. Politics. . . . .But nothing is done without them. . . . . . Tsina made a small faction seeking power and urged them to be courageous. I killed all of them for you. Only Tsina escaped. Now Tsina has power again. And we'll take it. And she will know that once again all that she has, it's yours."[/spoiler]







1
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-16-15/0951:38>
@ Jed & Marco You hurry down the stairs, and are greeted by the lush warm greenness of the hydroponics garden. You can hear the low murmur of the KE staff as they continue with their investigations.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <08-16-15/1010:00>
Ambrose rubs the bridge of his brow. This woman did that on purpose. This is the second time she's been trying to get him to go outside since she's been here, clearly it was a trap. But he wasn't going to be able to get rid of her. Why does trouble always seem to follow him around now? She managed to resist falling asleep with his rambling of about absolutely nothing important. Paranoid, he slowly stands up, patting himself down before looking back at the spot he was at, and then walks to follow her, before patting himself down again, and walking back to the table. Then to the kitchen to make sure the blasted stove was off this time. Then finally moves to follow her. "So you want to walk right into KE hands don't you? Or you've got a trap."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-16-15/1117:47>
"Money time is approaching" thinks Marco. This terrain was ideal for stealth and he tried to mask himself among the vegitation. It was also the only way to hide in the astral, within other living things. Marco tries to place himself in positions where he will blend with the vegetation as much as possible. His mind is completely cleared, years of training taught him that keeping his peace of mind now mind save his life. There is nothing, he is just the moment a wish a desire. He is here to save life and Marco avoids strong feelings emotions thoughts all is moved to the back, Soffie Yelena, Arc the chase it is all a distant memory now. A peaceful jazz music is all that fills Marco's head.  This is his best chance to avoid being detected by mages, his aura must be as calm as possible.  Marco tries to provide Jed with some over-watch, but right now blending in is the priority. Marco feels that the danger is near.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-16-15/1230:22>
Yelena sucks the acrid smoke in and blows it out.  So many memories have come back from where she had stuffed them, all because of two men.  First Sam, with his certain knowledge of just who she was and how to pull at her with information about Tsina Molovna.  And now Nikolai Fyodorovich arrives, bringing back memories of Karibor and her life there.  The drugs, the sex, and the killing were so much what she was then, and now to have it all coming back.  She had tried to put those memories away, to forget what had happened.  But some things cannot be forgotten, and she had taken vows and given blood......she would be Vory until the day she finally died for good and the shadows claimed what was left of her.  Yelena wonders if she can explain to Marco what this means to her.  He might not understand what being Vory meant to her.......what it still means to her.

Николай Федорович, у меня есть друзья здесь. Люди, которые важны для меня, как семья. Они не Воры и, возможно, не понимают, что это значит, но они являются особенными для меня. Такие люди, как Сэм, который держал меня здесь, когда я был готов снова выйти. Он обещал информации о Tsina Molovna в обмен на контракт. Он знает о ней и где она находится. Человек по имени Марко, который очень хороший, но немного противоречии о тени и что я делаю. Человек по имени Джедедия, который является ПИ и имеет глаза и уши во многих местах. И, прежде всего, мой Srui, моя сестра в крови и жизни. Она кого-то, я бы умереть. Мы вместе пытаемся выяснить об этом клубе и людей, которые его запуска. И мы также ищем Сэма, потому что он исчез.

A few pulls on the cigarette later she adds, "А вы говорите, что Tsina участвует в этом клубе? Тогда я, конечно, хочу, чтобы принять его от нее и видеть ее боль. Что вы можете рассказать мне о этом клубе?"




[spoiler]"Nikolai Fyodorovich, I have friends here.  People that matter to me, like family.  They are not Vory and might not understand what that means, but they are special to me.  Men like Sam, who kept me here when I was ready to leave again.  He promised information about Tsina Molovna in exchange for a contract.  He knows about her and where she is.  A man named Marco, who is very nice but a bit conflicted about the shadows and what I do.  A man named Jedediah, who is a PI and has eyes and ears in many places.  And most of all, my Srui, my sister in blood and life.  She is someone I would die for.  We are together trying to find out about this club and the people that run it.  And we are also looking for Sam, because he has disappeared.

and  "And you say that Tsina is involved in this club?  Then I certainly want to take it away from her and see her pain.  What can you tell me about this club?"



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-16-15/1318:17>
@Ambrose     Ginny does not seem to hear Phoenix's comments as she grabs a coat from a peg near the cabin door and shrugs into it as she steps out onto the deck.  Her breath catches a bit as she sucks in the cold morning air and she shivers, despite the coat.  She moves far enough out on the deck to give Phoenix a place to stand while they let the cabin air out, keeping her hands wrapped about the mug of hot soycaf.  There are still flashing red and blue lights from the marina slip a couple of spaces down, but only from one car.  Ginny points in the direction of the other boat where a couple of men can be seen walking on the deck and says, "See?  Like I said, they are not interested in me.  Sebastian had enough drugs and guns on that floating pile of drek to keep the fragging KE busy for a while."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-16-15/1940:53>
@ Yelena  Niko shifts, and then gets up, goes into the kitchen comes back with 2 Vodka's and the bottle. He shoots the first shot before lying down, and then pours himself another and refills her glass. And stretching out beside her once again he turns to her and says, "Аутсайдеры не может не понять. Клуб принадлежит Триады. Яд Кинжал хочет препарат у них есть. Это особый. Разные. Мы смотрим. Ждем. А потом я вижу, вы играете музыку. И я знаю, ваша рука должна быть убийцами. Так что я вас найти. И я скажу вам, вы будете иметь свой Месть. И мы будем принимать то, что они хотят от них. И мы будем принимать то, что они хотят от них."


[spoiler]"Outsiders can not understand. The club belongs to the Triad. Poison Dagger wants drug they have. It is special. Different. We are looking. We are waiting. And then I see you play music. And I know your hand to be killers.So I find you. And I tell you, you will have your revenge. And we will take what they want from them."[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-16-15/2322:24>
Jed takes in the expanse of the room in real life this time.  It's hard not to get lost again looking at each of the carefully tended plants.  You've got a job to do.  Stay focused.  He takes a moment to note the presence of each individual.  The mage is upstairs, but there is no reason for her to be the only one.  He shifts his perception to the astral, but its very difficult to make out individual auras in here.  Choosing the most direct route, he heads for where he last saw Snowden's body.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-16-15/2334:56>
@ Jed  He smells it then, her 'perfume'. The scent is far more powerful than he's ever experienced it. It's almost dizzying in it's heady, powerful aroma. And it's coming from the last place he saw Snowden. And then suddenly a giant golden carp flashes into the air in front of him and swims in a dazzling circle around him and Marco. And then suddenly it opens it's mouth and swallows Marco whole!

@ Marco  The wonders of the hydroponics garden are not lost on Marco. They satisfy his inner need for peace, and beauty and natural growth. And it satisfies the bird who sees a thousand hiding spots and potential food. And then suddenly Marco has the oddest sensation. It's as if suddenly his naked human form has raw warm silk glided across it, and Marco feels flush, and dizzy, and ecstatic, and powerful, and vulnerable all at the same time.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-17-15/0041:08>
God damn dragon!  What is she playing at?  "Hurry up and save my baby, but wait, I'm going to fuck with you while you do it!"   Jed pauses looking at the carp a moment.  Desperately hoping that Marco is ok, Jed keeps one eye on the carp and moves steadily toward Snowden's body.  Jed can levitate the body out of here, but he can't create an illusion of a body remaining behind.  Hopefully that thrice damned carp will spit Marco out in a moment.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-17-15/0051:14>
@ Jed & Marco  Jed completely losses sight of Marco, The carp dives into the floor with Marco inside it. Marco feels his body transported, everything around him mana for a moment. And then he sees it. The body. And he's moving in a lazy circle above it. Only he's not flying.And he still feels that glorious sensation of warm silk gliding across every part of him at once.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-17-15/0124:46>
"But what... how where am I? " Thinks Marco "Have I just died or anything? This is nothing like I expected... but no there is a body here and it is not mine. "'
He calms his mind thinking. "It must be Snowdens... if I can see it I can effect it" he say. "Lets see if i can use my magic."

For some odd reason Marco feels more curious than afraid at the moment, he honestly has no clue, where he is or what just happened to him.  He is alone, unarmed and cannot see the astral - if something is killing him - at least he is in no pain. The magic that protected him was so skillfully undone Marco knows that fighting with further magic seems hopeless- especially when all his spells are for pleasure... "At least I may still save Snowden" he thinks as he tries to focus on the body and think about little mice.


[spoiler]
If Marco cannot do it himself he'll ask the spirit to do so.
shape change the body into a little mouse (http://orokos.com/roll/317524): 12d6t5 3
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-17-15/0140:09>
Shiny with mixed sweat and blood, Yelena watches the man leave her bed and feels a familiar tingle between her legs as he moves away.  Clearly he has been able to keep in shape and his stamina is every bit as good as she remembers from the old days.  The man provokes an undeniable animal attraction in her.  Still.  It had been the same when she first saw him some thirty-nine years earlier.  Something about him was just.............  Yes, just that.  Indescribable but nevertheless strong enough that both felt it.  He had pushed her against the wall of his cell after she had reported back from her first test and taken her there.  The sex had been rough, but she was used to that, and it had opened her eyes to something different and she reveled in it and gave back rather than shrink away.  He had seemed to enjoy her response very much.  They were lovers for almost ten years and the sex had almost always been rough and sometimes it had been brutal, but was always full of passion.  In a different time and place they might have killed each other, or married and then killed each other, but in the horror that was Karibor, they both found something they needed.  Love never entered the minds of either of them, or certainly not Yelena and she was pretty sure that Nikolai Fyodorovich had not felt that emotion.  At least he had never let that word cross his lips when he was with her.  It is quite likely that neither of them could really understand the concept of love, and if he had loved Yelena, he still sent her on missions that could easily have ended in her death.

Yelena smiles at him when he returns with the vodka and glasses.  Uncovered by any sheet, she sits up in the bed and moves slightly to give him room to join her.  She downs her first shot and holds out the glass for more.  She nods at his words.  "Сэм рассказал нам о специальном лекарственного препарата, используемого в клубе. Он сказал нам, что это было очень мощным, и что он думал, что это был вовлечен в несколько исчезновений. Мы по-прежнему глядя в это. Я был нанят в клубе, чтобы убить человека по имени Сноуден. Это способ попасть в с менеджерами клуба. Другое из нас делать другие вещи, чтобы попытаться получить принято в клуб, чтобы узнать больше. У меня также есть строка с клубной клиента, который может быть либо подставное лицо для них или на следующий исчезновение. Она прожорливая в ее сексуальный аппетит и у меня свидание с ее завтра вечером. Что еще вы можете сказать мне
?

[spoiler]Sam told us of a special drug that was being used at the club.  He told us that it was very powerful and that he thought it was involved in several disappearances.  We are still looking into that.  I was hired by the club to kill a man named Snowden.  It is a way to get in with the club managers.  Others of us are doing other things to try to get accepted within the club to find out more.  I also have a line with a club customer who might be either a shill for them or the next disappearance.  She is voracious in her sexual appetite and I have a date with her tomorrow night. What more can you tell me? [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-17-15/0659:42>
@ Marco  All around him he feels the mana gather, focus, and then well up and he knows that he will cast the spell and see the transformation take effect. It's a boost to his abilities that he has felt few times. But each time he has, the magic has been extremely successful.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-17-15/0738:57>
 Marco he is confused, but the sense of potency gives him confidence. He cannot see anything off this world but he assumes that some spirit aids him in his goal. "Not everyone get a second chance friend - but evil is not going to win today. "  Marco thinks at Snowden.  Marco is not oblivious to this sensation, every time he felt it before it was some spirit. "I cannot see you but thanks for your help" He thinks.

He looks around trying to spot dangers. "I am going to make his body into a little mouse. It will allow Jed to take him out in his pocket." He takes a deep breath - everything is clear for him, and continues half to himself half to this entity that he thinks is with him "I will create an illusion of the body before I change it.  My demon will then materialize and change itself into a human. Then the demon disguises that human as Snowden.  On the world that I can sense even touching the body, medically examining it or moving it will not imminently expose the ruse... but it is not easy to hide this kind of manipulation in your world."
He waits a little while and then thinks. 
"I'll just need a bit of help with what I can't see... tell me when, or hide my magic. I'll perform my plan when the time is right - I am ready, there is nothing else in the world other than saving his life right now."


Marco looks around him trying to 'see' if the time is right to make the swap, he do not want Jed to get in trouble when the mojo start flying, he searches for him or for other people around, waiting for a sign that the time is right - a sign that he originally thought Jed should give. 

[spoiler]
Marco's plan:
1. illusion (trid phantasm) - a duplicate of the body at exactly the same place and position of the body.
1.A demon materialize (laying down behind the body).
 
2. change Snowdens body into a mouse.
2.A demon change itself into a human (shape change if it is allowed - a monkey or something roughly human otherwise)

3. Marco/Jed pick the mouse  (snowden)
3A. Demon use physical mask to look like Snowden. (Marco remove trid phantasm spell. )

4. Marco and Jed escape with Snowden body.
4A. Demon stays there and Marco hopes it is not sensitive to tickling, and that it won't be assensed. 
Demon keep playing dead for a while until Snowden is secure and Jed and Marco are safe.  (until Marco say to stop)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-18-15/0036:41>
Seeing through the fish is a bit hazy, Marco tries to locate Jed. It is a bit difficult but he is quite certain that that blob over there is Jed - Yes it is what Marco's eyes are uncertain off the restablished mind link spell is. Marco thinks at him "Jed, are you ready?  - I want to do the plan your friend is not very reflective but quite helpful i am now the 'big bad mage'. Just give me the 'Go' and I execute our little plan.  I am completely blind to the astral. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-18-15/0327:06>
Relief washes over Jed as he gets the message from Marco.  I hear you loud and clear Marco.  The body is this way.  Jed leads the way to the body.  As they approach, Jed sees that there is an investigator examining the body, and taking photographs.  Damn.  Hang on Marco, they''ve got eyes on the target.    Shit!  What to do.  Jed shifts uncomfortably as he realizes that he should have had the driver pull over at a Stuffer Shack close by.  God he had to pee.  Damn shell was such a pain in the ass. 

Inspiration struck as Jed realized what he needed to do.  Focusing his will, he took that feeling, and planted it as a suggestion in the investigators mind.  Ever so delicately, using the bare minimum of mana, so as not to arouse suspicion.  Jed reached into a pocket and drain some power from a trinket there.  Planting the idea in the man's subconcious.  Pee.  You've got to pee.  Better not wait.  Saw a bathroom upstairs didn't you? 

Nothing.  Jed takes a few seconds to clean the astral of his "fingerprints".  Try again.  Pee.  You've got to pee.  Now...

Suddenly the man jumps up, and makes a direct line for the stairs.  Now Marco.  Jed cleans the astral again.  Dragon aura or not, he wasn't leaving an astral trace around here for them to follow.  Jed cleans after Marco as they go as well.  This was his job.  If they get traced, it's all on him. 

[spoiler]Casting Influence at Force 1, using reagents to set the limit at 5.  Anyone nearby would have to get 5 hits on perception test to sense the magic as it is cast.

irish:12D6E5 → 5( (2, 4, 2, 1, 2, 5, 6, 5, 5, 3, 2, 5→ 5 successes against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X3664779)

Resisted drain: irish:11D6E5 → 4( (3, 5, 3, 2, 5, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 2→ 4 successes against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X3664711) [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-18-15/0408:32>
Feeling the potency in Marco acts quickly, he start with the most invisible trid phantsm ever, nothing changes, he just enveloped the body with an illusion that is indistinguishable from the body.
[spoiler]
1. illusion (trid phantasm) - a duplicate of the body at exactly the same place and position of the body.
1. Trid Phantasm (http://orokos.com/roll/317774): 18d6t5 7
[/spoiler]
There is no way to say if the illusion is good or not because it is essentially very subtle.
The next step in his plan is to change the body into a little mouse, he focuses on the body and thinks about little mouse "this is getting a habit... Lets make it a hamster, I like them." thinks Marco
At the same time Marco command the demon that is a bit intrigued by the unusual task he received and willingly collaborate. Marco's illusion also envelop the demon and make it invisible as long as it does not move. Marco has complete control over the visual appearance, sound and textures inside a ball of 6 meters surrounding the body. Marco have never created such a detailed illusion-  he even duplicated some dirt and wet footsteps on the floor. Too many people trespassed into this place and they did not wipe their feet before entering. "Some people just have no respect to private property" thinks Marco.
[spoiler]
2. change Snowdens body into a mouse.
Shape Change (http://orokos.com/roll/317775): 16d6t5 8
-2 because sustaining previous spell
[/spoiler]

The third and last step is to make the demon appear more like snowden and to pick up the little hamster. Marco orders the demon to do so, "Okay I can cancel the trid - non of the sustained spells that remained behind are my own, and the demon can disappear in a split second"

He contacts Jed:
"Jed can you clear the signature of my illusions spells the demons spells are fine they are sustained you cannot clear them.
When Jed seems ready, Marco say:
"Lets go back, I am not sure I can come with you before the Carp need to release me, but start making your way out with the hamster, I will catch up I'll try to communicate with the carp with my mind-link spell - I'll be alright."

[spoiler]
Physical Mask (http://orokos.com/roll/317777): 12d6t5 1 - that wont do it, expend edge to reroll faliures.
Physical Mask(edge reroll) (http://orokos.com/roll/317780): 15d6t5 4
5 hits on the physical mask
[/spoiler]

[spoiler]
I assumed that the spirit is F7 ( like the ward), can Marco communicate with the spirt.
[/spoiler]

Marco uses the mindlink spell to contact the Carp "Hello... Thank you. You can tell your boss that Snowden is ready for transfer and that both me and Jed should now leave this place with him - it is important that we go undetected. The people in here will take us to prison if they find us - and i think it will also mean the death of Snowden."  Marco knows that spirits are bright, smarter then humans - but they are a bit naive  unaware of the social etiquette of this world - they are interested in different things and their true motivations remain difficult to understand. He thinks that pointing out whats obvious for him - might help the dragon understand the situation and the consequences of getting caught. After all, this entire gig is completely insane a meta human would not have planned it like that. The body snatching should have been done half a hour earlier and it would feel a lot less heroic to do.


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-18-15/0418:57>
Jed slips the hamster into his shirt pocket. He realizes that he knows where Otohime will be.  After cleaning up after Marco as best he can, he leads them up and out of the basement and heads for the garden.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-18-15/1359:18>
@ Marco. You feel amusement and the voice in your head is ancient and playful. Well spelled little mortal!  I think fireworks would be fun too. You see the world around you flash with color and feel a slight lurch as the carp leaps and swims around the hydroponics garden. I could cast fireworks that would dance the creation of magic, or the birth of rainbows, or the hatching of the first dragon. So many things are possible if you can dare to dream. The voice is filled with fun, daring you and tempting you and inviting you to join in the fun.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-18-15/1450:38>
Marco answers. "I am indeed very young even by mortal standards. Still, I am an adult and am here on my own virtue... What was it about fireworks?" For some reason, Marco cannot place it exactly - he feels very strongly about the words 'little mortal'. These words seem to touch something very deep inside his soul. "I never really got to be a child." He suddenly understands and that epiphany brings great sadness with it.  It is not depression, but awareness of his loss. His childhood ended at the age of five, since then there was no sympathy, no love, just purpose - servitude and blind acceptance of authority. 

Faith was the only thing that kept him going, faith that good is possible, that love is possible.  That somehow his parents loved him despite what they did, that he is worthy of their love. Everytime Marco heard that Jesus love him - he pictured his parents.  He had this faith even before he learned about J, about god or about the saints.  It was something more fundamental, some cosmic tranquility. Anger was very rare with Marco, in fact all negative feelings were rare.

It is difficult to be angry, it is difficult to be sad or to hate when you feel connected to everything living. As if the entire world is essentially the same thing, could his parents betray him if they are just part of some bigger whole?  Since Marco remembers himself this is how he felt. Sometimes he wish he wasn’t awaken.  That way he could alienate himself from this connection to humanity. So that he can feel the rage of a betrayed five years old that accuse his parents - “You left me!”.  He cannot do that, he cannot just stop feeling this deep spiritual connection to people, it is his nature. Somehow, no specific human is trustworthy - but they are all capable of good and should never be harmed. It makes no sense - no sense at all. The world does not work that way but this is how Marco feels - he cannot un feel it. 


[spoiler]
Is Marco free to go? Can he walk/move or is he trapped inside the carp.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-18-15/1727:40>
Marco thinks at the carp, his entire mind is thrilled he really wants to see fireworks, but his rational mind screams get the fuck out of there and Jed seems unwilling to leave him alone inside a flying fish.

"Listen... What is your name by the way? I am Marco! ...
I can't just pop down to the astral and think myself to some meta plane... this place is crawling with police and our ruse... Thank you again for empowering me.   it will not fool everyone - some people can look at the astral and they'll see the spirit and spells and snowden's  body in Jeds pocket. They won't find it amusing - they'll become violent. They think like meta humans and they will be very angry that we take Snowden's body from here. They might shot me or Jed. "
But Marco is touched by the suggestion to show him fireworks.

That said, fireworks are awesome! I love them they are pretty, and they give me hope and I do need something to cheer me up!  Nobody have ever made me fireworks before!  I really want to see them, but my rational mind tells me that I also want to celebrate my 21 birthday as a free man.

So lets settle on doing fireworks... but watch them while getting as far from here as possible.  I am very different from you, I can't just vanish into the astral and then think myself into the metaplanes.  I am completely naked and vulnerable, if we stay here and the police shoot at me  - I will just die. I have nothing that I can protect myself with, I do not use magic for violence. So please be compassionate with your little human friend and get me to safety."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-18-15/1800:34>
@ Marco and Jed  Jed sees the carp begin to swim around the room, and then it heads for the door and swims up it. As Jed goes up it behind the fish and walks down the hallway. He hears a voice, "Look, I can't do this right now. I felt something earlier, and even though it's gone now I need to lie down somewhere and check it out. And you can stop giving me fragging drek about it. It's in my contract and it's even more my job than going upstairs and checking out his bedroom. I can do that later, but every minute you stand here arguing with me the signature may be growing to faint to see."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-18-15/2128:18>
Time to get the hell out of dodge.  Takes just a moment to manifest for Marco Let's put it in overdrive.  That dwarf mage is going down there to do an astral scout.  I don't think that we are going to have long at all to get out of here. They are going to figure out pretty quick that the body is fake.  We need to get both of us behind an astral wall to throw off tracking.  I think you need to stay at my place tonight.  As quickly as he can, but taking time to utilize the work done by Escher, Jed leads his little menagerie out of the house. 

Jed hurriedly makes for the garden.  His mind brushes across the idea of doing some surveillance on this detective after this.  Could be a useful person to know.  If he could make the connection safely.  As he heads for the location that he expects to find Otohime, he thinks about the last few minutes.  Going over the steps in his mind, he reviews where the were, what they did, and what their vulnerabilities are.  Did they mess up anywhere?  Did they leave any trace?

[spoiler]Forensics knowledge roll to see if I can see any gap in my clean up.  irish:8D6E5 → 3( (1, 1, 6, 5, 3, 5, 2, 4→ 3 successes against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X3676814)[/spoiler]

Jed swoops through the darkness with Marco and the Koi in tow.  Following the scent of Otohime's power, Jed rushes forward.  As he approaches her, he doesn't slow, but is posture becomes noticeably deferential.  Otohime-sama, I have BabyJ here.  Our ruse will not last long.  Can you follow with us and do what you need to do on the move?  Because the longer we stay here, the less likely we'll make it out clean.  We have to get our physical shells away from here.  Once they realize that something is wrong, they may block the streets off. 

Jed turns to his spirit.   I need you to conceal me, and I need you to speed my progress.   Jed waits as the spirit performs his tasks.  He hurriedly cleans up after the job is done.  Can be no trace left.  None at all. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-18-15/2346:21>
@ Marco & Jed  Otohime looks at the carp and says, Nagatsuo continues to conceal you. And I will return BabyJ's mana to him when he is away from here. But, this blocking the streets? What is a street? And why does it keep you from your word?
       Marco hears, I will create the fireworks. The Great Dance of the Sea Nymphs Wedding!
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-19-15/0103:01>
Marco thinks "This is so amazing! thank you... do you have a name kind spirit? and you are dropping me off somewhere far from the house right?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <08-19-15/0851:42>
@Ambrose     Ginny does not seem to hear Phoenix's comments as she grabs a coat from a peg near the cabin door and shrugs into it as she steps out onto the deck.  Her breath catches a bit as she sucks in the cold morning air and she shivers, despite the coat.  She moves far enough out on the deck to give Phoenix a place to stand while they let the cabin air out, keeping her hands wrapped about the mug of hot soycaf.  There are still flashing red and blue lights from the marina slip a couple of spaces down, but only from one car.  Ginny points in the direction of the other boat where a couple of men can be seen walking on the deck and says, "See?  Like I said, they are not interested in me.  Sebastian had enough drugs and guns on that floating pile of drek to keep the fragging KE busy for a while."

Ambrose gave a small sigh shaking his head, This didn't make much sense to him. Why out of all the boats here, did she come to his? Why was she now acting like the KE were no longer a threat to her. He didn't like when things didn't make sense. Not. one. Bit. Usualaly when things made no sense to him, it was because a trap was being laid, and after his tangle with the drug den, he knew this to be more sure truth than ever.

Why did they need him there, specifically, if they were going to send one of their own to watch over him? Why did the one who was sent to him not come to his aid? How did the thugs know he'd be right there, right then? Now he was here, on this boat, with some woman that didn't make sense to him. Why was he even on the boat in the first place? Marco said he had saved him and for that he was grateful enough to do a bit of work for the guy. but now the guy hasn't responded to much of his messages, and he's been sitting here on this boat.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-19-15/0946:55>
@ Marco  You hear, I am called Nagatsuo. And I can take you from here, but then you will not see the fireworks. You hear his deep amusement and you feel the mana begin to gather all around you.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-19-15/0954:16>
Marco eagerly awaits the fireworks, he understands by now that Nagatsuo has no intention of taking him anywhere before the fireworks. He just hope that his aura is well hidden inside the spirit. Hope is the right word because Marco has no idea at all how responsible or sensible this whole thing is.
"and I was afraid that Cinan will use me and then toss me away... This is a whole new level of incompetence" Thinks Marco as he hopes that Nagatsuo will keep his end of the deal.  "That's an interesting name Nagatsuo, does it have a meaning?"  Thinks Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-19-15/1009:13>
@Ambrose   Ginny sips at the soycaf as she watches the activity on the other boat.  She shakes her head and says, "I am glad to be rid of him, although it means I need to find something else to do and another place to live.  I should feel grateful to the slime ball, but he really is fragging drek.  He is some relation to my mother, some sort of third cousin, I think.  When I came up from Los Angeles, the idea was that he would give me a place to crash until I was on my feet and got to know people here.  It did not take long to realize that he was pushing drugs and guns for some gangers.  Sort of a lower middle man-type.  Anyway, he promised  Nuyen and a better life if I made deliveries for him, and he said that I owed him, so I went to work for him.  I have now met a bunch of people even sleazier than he is."  She shrugs in the borrowed coat.  "But he was only partially lying about the money; it was sort of OK.  I have to admit that he paid enough that I was able to save some.  I was planning on moving out when the kitty was big enough, but this is a bit early.  At least I have the money in cred sticks, but all my clothes are on that boat over there and KE is stomping all over it.  And I do not really know any decent people in this sprawl.  I had said hello and good morning to John a few times, but that was about it.  Most of the rest of the people I met were definitely in the not-so-nice category."  She turns to look at Phoenix.  "And that is why I came here when I got back to the marina and saw the lights and all the KE.  I was hoping that John would give me a place to crash for the night.  And here I am.  You wouldn't know of anyone that could help me out?  I have degrees in chemistry and biology but so far that and some Nuyen will get me a cup of soycaf at the local Stuffer Shack.  I can't go to the Corps and no one seems to be looking for my skill set."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-19-15/1428:56>
Jed bows deeply to Otohime.  Just like the Astral world has pathways to move between metaplanes, this world has pathways to move our shells around.  The watchers at the gate of this world are in the house right now.  There are more of them traveling the pathways.  If something is strange here and they think that we might be around, it could make it impossible for us to travel the pathways without interference. We must leave immediately. 

Jed starts walking for the back gate headed to the car. Marco, we need to go and get you behind a barrier so they don't track that spirit back to you.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-19-15/1608:48>
"Nagatsuo said something about fireworks before we left..."  To Nagatsuo " Nagatsuo - how will I see the fireworks if I am inside you? it is all blurry in here. I think we are really in a hurry there are these streets that are like pathways... what ever Jed said basically.

On a different note... these fireworks of you - they are not dangerous right? "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-19-15/2145:06>
@ Marco & Jed.  Nagatsuo flips and jumps and suddenly Marco is free as a bird. The tiny body once again aloft Marco feels the lift as his wings flap with his surprise.
     Otohime looks at Jed and nods.  Then you shall travel the pathways in perfect peace. Her hand raises and her flute appears in it. As she raises it to play, her beauty in that moment is that of music itself . The melody that comes out is so softly, hauntingly, subtle Jed wants to strain to hear it. But the carp, pushes you to the path.  You hear, It is better to watch the sea nymphs wedding from further away. As you both move away, your steps are quickened. And then it begins. A dozen chrysanthemum fireworks suddenly explode in the air above and behind you. And then the tiny sparkling lights 're-coalesce into the gorgeous panoply of a royal wedding. The merfolk swimming in a dance of joy all over the grounds.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-19-15/2305:36>
Marco looks at the fireworks and is moved by the gesture. It seems not to serve any practical purpose, it is just plain beautiful. The distance is enough that he can enjoy it as a bird. Growing up as he did, where every action had to serve some practical purpose and especially magic. Marco feels that he finally met someone that gets it. Nagatsuo did not have to create this spectacle, he wanted too it is something very dear to him. Finally someone else that can feel the urge for recreational use of magic. 
"Thank you very much Nagatsuo, it is beautiful... I enjoyed it very much, and you, you were very kind to me."  Marco thinks at him.

To Jed:  There was another spirit in there wasn’t there... I feel so left out not being able to sense a darn thing. What happens now? is Snowden still with you?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-20-15/1127:02>
Jed moves quickly down the path and further away from the house.  He can see the silhouette of the car up ahead.  His mind is racing.  He barely hears Marco's question, but replies Yes, it was the dragon.  So strange that we never saw a physical form...

...Travel in perfect peace...watch from further away... Jed gets the inkling of a bad feeling.  She wouldn't.  Surely she wouldn't...so unnecessary...

Hurry Marco, get in the car.  Jed holds his arm out.  How much time?  Hurry.  Hurry.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-20-15/1152:51>
Marco fly's  in the car still in bird form. "Where are we going now? is Snowden still with you?"


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-21-15/0013:43>
@ Jed & Marco  The royal panoply continues, glorious and full of wonder. You reach the car and begin driving away and suddenly the explosions are happening crowded upon each other and the brilliance of the display turns night in to day. As Jed looks in the rearview mirror,full of shock and horror at what has just happened, he sees the merfolk form a wall of guards around the perimeter.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-21-15/0146:15>
Marco thinks at Jed "Sooo beautiful too bad that we do not have a good view... Why am I in the car tough? where are we going? is Snowden still with you? I really do not understand anything that just happened. Except that the fireworks were spectacular.  "
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-22-15/0025:37>
@ Jed & Marco  Behind you the roar and brilliant explosion of a fireball fills your senses as the KE mage fights back. You don't get more than two kilometers away before you hear the scream of sirens rushing to the scene. Jed pulls right and parks the vehicle waiting for them to pass. Its easily some of the most nerve racking few moments of his life. But all of his training tells him that the guilty run. And if he runs right now they'll be on him like hounds to the scent. But, if they know the make and model of the car, he's just lost all hope of escape. But, as one KE vehicle after another flashes past them, Jed knows his gamble paid off. And as they pull away and the adrenaline rush fades along with the stim patch Jed crumples against the door. in his pocket the mouse begins to stir.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/0057:56>
Marco thinks at Jed "You have some serious guts Jed... totally missed us these KE's.  Can you call Arc and ask her where my clothes and link are? I'll need to pick them up and I can't wait to get out of this shape."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-22-15/1112:54>
@ Marco for Jed  Jed thinks back to Marco, It was     a risk, and if they'd been       thinking they'd have     stopped    anything still moving in this      area. Be      next       response.  need    go    now. He's struggling to put the thoughts together. And falls asleep before he can tell the autodrone to drive.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-22-15/1309:18>
@ Arc Jaime looks down at you and grins. Five minutes later he returns with a fragrant hot tea and kisses you on the top of your head. "I've got eggs and bacon almost ready and if you don't want me eating your share you'll get up and guard your plate against the deprivations of a hungry man." You can hear him grinning at you. But more than that, you can smell the bacon.

@ Blake  Traffic is already starting to get heavy. He'll have to hustle if he doesn't want to be late. Just as he's heading out he gets a message from ShadowDancer, >>File in your Dropbox.<< When you access the file you see the data on a theft at a gov. research facility, and prominently featured are three of the kidnapped victims from the club. It seems they blew past every bit of the high tech security and got away clean. There's also surveillance footage at the club of one Nikolai Fyodor Andreovich, code named Ghost. Professional torturer and hitman, he, was said to have been on the outs with the Vory but seems to be back in the devils embrace. Last is a long range surveillance photo and info on a contract demolitionist code name, Phoenix. Currently, employed by the Yak. And may be an attempt by them to either infiltrate or destroy the competition . He works for the highest bidder and could be another way in.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/1316:12>
Marco waits for Jed to finish his thought, it takes him a moment to understand that Jed is sleeping. “Dammit Jed you are freaking driving... you will get us all killed.” thinks Marco. He has no idea what to do now, he does not want to do obvious magic after committing a crime, but he also does not want to die.  He does not think about it, things just happen for him and his mojo lets him finish things just a little quicker than they would have otherwise.

Marco storms at Jeds pocket, grabs the mouse and tosses him to the back sit.  His mind is levitating Jed to the passenger seat, while he himself still in birds form takes pace at the driver seat.  It all happens fast and at the same time, and Marco has no idea how bad that magical musical chairs game really looks. He simply has no time for that.
When he loses his concentration, he and snowden appear naked in the middle of the car.  The situation gives Marco the uncomfortable mental picture of giving Jed heads while he is driving. "I am a dirty dirty man" He thinks. "...but I did just raise in my naked glory from the floor of the car... slutty is better then criminal mage."

Nasty sexual thoughts aside, Marco finds himself in the driver seat of a car for the first time. In what he would later describe as a 'first driving lesson from hell'. The car is going really fast - at least in Marco’s inexperienced eyes. Other drivers, find the cars current speed annoyingly slow, and they express their protests by flashing their lights at Marco and beeping a lot. 

There are two pedals - "the brakes must be one of them..." thinks Marco, he is surprisingly cool about the entire situation, he is not afraid... if anything he feels a little aroused by the tension of the moment.  Agrat taught him well... too well perhaps, little fear seems appropriate.  The first paddle he picks dramatically speeds the car and the engine is making funny voices.  Marco quickly figures out that that paddle is not the right one for him.  Even after finding the brakes on his second try,  Marco quickly discovers that he pressed them way too hard.  He nearly crushes to the windshield.   He can hear snowden falling down to the floor of the car and perhaps even moan with surprise, terror or pain.
 
Getting his act together Marco thinks. “Okay... now the same movement but slower... like squeezing a trigger. “ The gun metaphor seems to work and Marco manages to slow the car even more while keeping it on course. A smile of achievement crawl into his face... "I am driving!" he thinks.

His smiles flatten as he hears a big :BEEEEEEEEEEEEEP, the sudden noise makes Marco’s naked body jump and he struggles to stay in control of the car.  An angry trucker completely unaware to his struggle passes him while giving him some nasty looks and saying some very bad words in Or’zet. Marco have never heard these specific words, but they sounded so juicy and dirty he had no illusions about them.  Marco has no idea if the trucker was hostile because of their little gay orgy or because of Marco's terrible driving skills. At this point, Marco has no time to even think about it.

Marco accept the next beeps, nasty looks and bad words as part of driving naked very slowly on the open road.  He is a terrible driver and has little idea what he is doing but he does manage to get the car to stop at a safe location.
[spoiler]
Levitate jed to passenger seat (http://orokos.com/roll/318867): 7d6t5 2
drain (http://orokos.com/roll/318868): 11d6t5 4
control car (http://orokos.com/roll/318865): 3d6t5 1
[/spoiler]

When the car finally stops Marco’s first concern is Snowden. Marco exist the car, enjoying the feel of  cold aspalt on his bare feet, and the near freazing air of Seattle.  He goes to the back seat to check on Snowden. “Are you back from the dead yet?... because we nearly killed you again. It is a shame to miss it. ” He laughs softly trying to make Snowden feel safe. Marco also visually examine Snowdens naked body, formally for bruises and to see if he is stable and alive... Marco has no idea what Jed planned to do with him. Despite his good intentions, as a 20 years old bisexual man that just had one of the most exciting and sensual nights in his life. Marco cannot honestly say that his interest is strictly professional, he can lie about it quite well tough.
 
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-22-15/1342:09>
@ Arc Jaime looks down at you and grins. Five minutes later he returns with a fragrant hot tea and kisses you on the top of your head. "I've got eggs and bacon almost ready and if you don't want me eating your share you'll get up and guard your plate against the deprivations of a hungry man." You can hear him grinning at you. But more than that, you can smell the bacon.

As the man got up to leave, Arc remained sprawled out on the bed, shoving a pillow over her head to stave off the light that was prodding her into wakefulness, groaning at her own fatigue.  When he came back with the tea, expertly slipping the pillow out from her clutches, did Arc open her eyes again, nose sniffing at the fragrance of the beverage, crinkling at the kiss.  "mm..."  Shoving the sheets from her prostrate form, the short girl sat herself up crosslegged and took the tea, sipping on it and letting the complex array of tastes warm her.  At the mention of breakfast, her stomach gave a growl, eliciting a small blush from her as she took another sip and tossed a pillow at him.  "You're awesome.  I don't deserve it, but y'all aint gettin' my food"

Winking, the girl took a few more sips before finally getting up, stretching out her body briefly and giving a yawn as she tried to shake off the grogginess.  Yeah, today's gonna suck.  fraaaaag....  Brushing away what she could of her veritable nest of hair, Arc followed Jaime out to their awaiting meal.  The smells were almost heavenly and intoxicating as she sat down, holding her tea with both hands close to her as her Vrukart served their hearty and filling breakfast.  "...ah drek...what is it with your fam and food, I'thokan?  It's fragging wiz"  Digging in with gusto, it wasn't long before the repast of eggs and bacon (that actually TASTED like it!) was gone, Arc handling the dishes before retreating to a couch with her tea, Jaime following closely behind.

Full, warm, and happy, the fog was finally starting to lift from Arc's head as she idly thought about her day's plans, that job coming to the forefront.  Rabbit should be getting back to me by tonight with the intel, so no rush there.  Yelena will hit me up if she needs me.  I could contact Phoenix about advice on the job...oh drek, the vid files.  Huu...When Jaime leaves for work, I'll look at them.  If the preview I got's any indication, it would likely just upset him...hm?  Her thoughts were distracted by Jaime sitting down next to her, poking at her side playfully while doing so...to which she responded with a gentle shove with the elbow as she steadied her tea, setting it down on a table before reaching over to embrace him.  "For reals though, you're awesome. I needed a pick me up"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <08-22-15/1402:44>
Ambrose thought about it, rubbing his chin with a hand. He wasn't particularly compelled to help this woman out, besides how could he? Oh well, you had problems with doing deliveries for your sleezy boyfriend? Why don't you come work for us to make drugs and blow up factories? Yeah, that would go over well. Especially with the Knight Errant over there. While the fear of getting arrested might persuade her from immediately ratting him out, if push comes to shove, she could rat him out to get a lesser sentence. Beyond that, she might actually be part of the KE unit over there. Sure, she walks and talks like she hates them, but actors are very convincing as well on the triod stations.

"You can spend the night, so long as there is no trouble." he says simply. Anything else was going to take time.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/1454:58>
@ Ambrose    Ginny nods at you as she stands looking at the flashing lights for a bit, drinking her soycaf in silence.  After a few minutes, Ambrose can see her shaking in the coat.  Suddenly, she turns to face him, smiling and softly chuckling.  "You were razzing me with that story about the meatsticks, right?  Not possible that drek really happened.  You sure spun that one up quickly, though.  I am impressed."  Still laughing to herself, she turns back to watch the other boat.  "I wonder when I will be able to get my clothes.  Otherwise I am in these for a while."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-22-15/1548:50>
@ Arc  Jaime grins lasciviously at her and a says, "I've been up since  I first saw you." And bending down to kiss her he begins to nibble on her neck and his hand reaches under her t-shirt and starts playing with her nipple. "I just wanted to feed you first so you'd feel far to kindly towards me to resist."

@ Marco  Snowden is still in good shape as far as Marco can tell. Damn he's got a really great ass. And those thighs. Oh yeah. Marco feels himself responding to Snowden. But, right now neither Snowden or Jed are in any real shape to respond or object. And Marco enjoys his partners enjoyment of him. Shame, that really would be the perfect alibi. "Really officers he hired me for something really fun and different. Said to surprise him. He really needed the stress relief." Grinning to himself he began fantasizing the scene of a high speed chase while they were having really great sex in the car. It was definitely a turn on. BWAAAAAAAP The horn blaring so close brought him back to reality and the cold and Marco quickly climbed back in the vehicle.

@ Ambrose  Ginny grins at him in relief. "Thanks, I'll be the perfect yacht guest." In the morning Ambrose is awakened to fairly perfect Or'zet in Ginny's voice. She's cussing a blue streak. And when Ambrose goes to check it seems that the intrepid young woman has activated some sort of trap. But, not before she'd found a few more of John's hidey holes. Trying to recover when she sees you she says, "This, isn't what it looks like. I  just needed a feminine product. And since John's nice looking thought maybe he might have stored a few things out of the way for one just in case."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-22-15/1606:00>
Maybe it was the still-sleepy haze, or perhaps simply the fact that they had just eaten and were getting comfortable, but the forward actions of her Vruk caught Arc off guard, her eyes widening as her cheeks flashed red, her body responding to his moves as expected.   "nnnh...good tactic, though you're buying my clothes if I change sizes from that tactic..heh.."  Smirking at her own joke, the human shifted to laying down on the couch, arms around the man's neck as they enjoyed their morning together, in a low key and sensitive fashion.

Not too long after found Arc resting languidly on the same couch, a warm glow radiating from within her as she lazily relaxed, a grin on her face as she cuddled next to the taller man she called hers.  She wished that moment could linger...it was easy, it was nice.  But alas, eventually it had to end as Jaime checked the time and realized he had to work his shift.  A long embrace and several kisses afterwards, he eventually did get up to get around and ready, almost making himself late again because of her.  "heh...you'd think they'd be more down with that, knowing it ain't your fault, eh?"  Several grins and laughs later, Arc was left on her own, sprawled naked on the couch and left with her afterglow of thoughts...and then self-reminders of her to-dos.

Shifting to a sitting stance, the rigger girl grunted a bit, a hand pressing on her stomach in response to the dull soreness of her muscles as she booted up her AR display, searching through her index of files before pulling up the video files.  Grabbing her now-cooled down tea, she sat back and got comfortable as she played the files, taking a sip every few minutes.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/1730:17>
"I am so going to get arrested for disturbing the peace" Thinks Marco, the thought of some sexy KE guys arresting him never seemed so erotic. If any, his only hope is to get home very quickly but to do that he needs to get the car running. He is in no condition to drive and he begins to feel the temperature taking its toll. He can only imagine how Snowden must feel. He places both Snowden and Jed on the beck seat, at least they'll keep each other warm. As for himself, Marco will have to suffer for a little while longer.
"I obviously can't drive..." he thinks and for a minute or so he just stare at the empty air unable to solve his problem. Eventually he press the panic bottom.

"Y300 car rental how can I help you?" Says a secretary in a bored voice. "I know it sounds stupid... but my boyfriend likes driving manually and I have no idea how to switch to autopilot... can you help me?"
After 40 minutes, where Marco developed hate for the entire female gender, for the entire metahumanity in general actually.  He finally understood what AR overlay he should click in order to activate the autopilot.  "NO I don't have a comlink" was the sentence he said the most. Followed by... "I can't do it I have no comlink" as a close second, one of his last sentences was "It does not matter how come I have no comlink, I am freezing... and I am going to cry if I cannot get home" was the a sentence that he said to the lady that finally managed to solve his problem. Her name was Jenny and she actually gave him her personal number. How Marco managed to both helplessly cry and get a number is a mystery to Marco and challenges anything that he knows about the art of seduction. Maybe she just felt sorry for him and it was a fake number - or perhaps she felt playful as he did not have a comlink to call her. Anyhow, Marco will always remember Jenny as the girl that got him from a freezing car, to his warm bed. If he is ever going to meet her he will be extremely grateful.

Apparently, it was possible to operate a car without a comlink but nobody did it in over 10 years.  The idea of someone walking around without a comlink was unthinkable to the cooperate world.   Marco did think about using Jed's link but it was password protected and Marco had no idea how to guess his password. He just did not know the guy.

Marco typed to the car the only address he could think about at his emotional state... his own home.  He turned both Jed and Snowden into little mice and wore Jeds clothes as he entered the elevator. The shame, Marco prayed that non of his neighbors will see him with these terrible cloths. Jed was nice, but Marco and he just did not see eye to eye when it came to fashion.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-22-15/2256:50>
@ Marco The door man must have been on break because as Marco was walking through the lobby he came out of the side office. He almost did a double take despite his training as he recognized the normally fastidious Marco. And Marco was sure he watched him until the elevator doors closed. But, finally Marco was home. He lay Jed and Snowden down on the couch and a floor palette and once they were transformed back into men, both oblivious to the outside world, Marco could crash into his own bed. He'd never been so grateful for the ultra soft down comforter as he was in that moment and all to soon the alarm he'd set to meet Blake was blaring at him.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/2303:49>
Before falling a sleep Marco texts Yelena from his metalink  >> Scary lady, I am finally getting some sleep. I really wanted to hop by, but I am just too darn tired.  I need you to come and meet me at Joy at 10:00 today. I am meeting with this guy about Sam and I cannot even contact him without my link.

Marco then get some blankets and tries to make Jed and Snowden comfortable. He does not give up on a shower. But sleep comes very quickly when he enters his bed. Getting it was totally worth only eating soy products for a month.
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-23-15/0007:38>
Yelena feels the warm glow provided by the great sex and good vodka.  Waiting for Nikolai to figure out how much he wants to tell her, she notices the pinging of Marco's commlink from where it had fallen from the bed.  She swears and fumbles through the clothes to get to it and shut the fragging thing off.  As she does, she notices that the message is from Marco himself and reads it.  She gets back up on the bed after tossing the 'link back to the pile of clothes on the floor.  She takes another shot of the soothing vodka and says, "побед. Это был Марко. конфликтующего человека. Что с кем-то о Sam в первой половине дня однако ему его вещи. Я должен быть в радость клуб в менее чем за четыре часа. Обязанность и семьи до развлечений, Николай Федорович. В то время как вы попробуйте определить, какую вы хотите рассказать мне и сколько вы от меня, я немного поспать. Если бы я знал вас жил я бы с интересом ожидает для вас."

Yelena curls up next to the man she had thought long dead, sets her internal alarm for 0830, and goes to sleep.  Her last thought before she slipped under was whether Nikolai would be there when she woke up.  She smiles as she bets not.

[spoiler]Frag.  That was Marco.  The conflicted man.  He has a meeting with someone about Sam in the morning but he needs his things.  I have to be at the Joy Club in less than four hours.  Duty and family before fun, Nikolai Fyodorovich.  While you try to decide how much you want to tell me and how much you are keeping from me I will get some sleep.  If I had known you lived I would have looked for you.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <08-23-15/0303:57>
@ Ambrose    Ginny nods at you as she stands looking at the flashing lights for a bit, drinking her soycaf in silence.  After a few minutes, Ambrose can see her shaking in the coat.  Suddenly, she turns to face him, smiling and softly chuckling.  "You were razzing me with that story about the meatsticks, right?  Not possible that drek really happened.  You sure spun that one up quickly, though.  I am impressed."  Still laughing to herself, she turns back to watch the other boat.  "I wonder when I will be able to get my clothes.  Otherwise I am in these for a while."

Ambrose glanced to her with a bit of confusion in his face. "Meatsticks?" he asks, "Are you alright? I don't remember doing anything with raisins, and I'm pretty sure I'd remember rasining you. As for clothing, there are vending machines down the way. All you need to do is get some plastic bottles around here, stick them into the machine and out pops clothing. Maybe not the prettiest clothing, but clothing all the same."  
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-23-15/1036:51>
Marco wakes up at 9, still exhausted from his last night. After another cold shower he is ready to go. He makes a quick breakfast with some real vegetables and cheese and leave it along with a small note in his kitchen.


"Jed and Snowden, you sort of can't leave but call me when you wake up and I'll come rescue you. Enjoy breakfast - there is more food in the fridge make yourself at home. "

He places a couple of fresh towels for them in the living room as well as some casual clothes for the pair. Marco is about 10 minutes late when he enters Joy.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-23-15/1131:41>
Yelena snaps awake when the internal alarm goes off.  She does not have to look around to know that she is alone in the bed.  As expected her visitor of the early morning is gone.  She rises and walks into the small bathroom to look at the damage to her body in the mirror.  She strokes where the monofilament of Nikolai's knife had left minute cuts at her breasts and neck and looks at the new bruises she managed to pick up.  Shaking her head, she climbs into the shower and uses the entire morning's hot water ration to wash herself clean.  As she is toweling off after the shower, she ruefully looks over the damaged furniture from her sexual escapade.  While dressing she sends a text off to Arc.  >>Srui.  Is Yelena.  Man from past find Yelena.  Room looks like fight but was sex.  Yelena give money for broken furniture.  Am going meeting with Marco.  Yelena call later.<<

After dressing, Yelena finds a colorful scarf to put around her neck to hide the narrow cut there and straps on her Predator.  Gathering all of Marco's clothes she could find in the mess, as well as his fragging 'link, she puts them in a pile and carries them into the garage, where she puts all of it into one of the cargo boxes on the Scorpion.  Moving to her work space, she carefully disassembles and cleans the pistol.  After all, there had been someone else in the house that had access to the gun while she slept.  Nikolai was Nikolai, but she had learned to be careful in her line of work.  Satisfied that the powerful gun had not been tampered with, she reassembles it and slips it into its resting place at her hip.  Done with her preparatio0ns, Yelena walks the bike out of the garage and motors off to the meeting at Joy, arriving ten minutes early.

Yelena takes Marco's things with her and walks inside the club to ask if Marco has shown up yet.  She is disappointed to be told that he has not and asks for a table where she can wait for him.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-23-15/1722:56>
The timing couldn't have been more coincidental on Yelena's sake.  As the video files that Arc had commanded were loading and buffering, a message blipped up into her field of view, from Yelena.  Rubbing her eyes, the human girl read over the message..and read it again, nearly spitting out her tea.  Man from past...slept with him...frag, man, I thought trog life was fast, but this is something else  Groaning, she didn't want to imagine how much damage the Russian elf had done to her garage home, rubbing her temples.  After a moment to process things, the girl gave a response.

<<Hey Srui, Tessa.  I know you good on it.  There be trouble I got your back.  meeting with Marco?  Aight.  I'm beat and a bit sore myself (slept little, played much), but if you need me around, it won't take me long.  Have fun>>

Yawning again and setting the tea down, Arc figured she might as well get herself dressed, shifting to get onto her feet...and immediately regretting the decision, her hip and stomach muscles protesting.  After a moment of recovery, she was able to stand, fishing around for a fresh change of clothes, grabbing them and hopping into the shower...more as an afterthought.  The dirt, sweat, and overall remnants of the night's and morning's activities washed away with the cleansing water, helping to refresh the girl as she washed her hair...twice in fact.

Clean and dressed, Arc went back to see if the vids had loaded, ready to spend a little time reviewing it for her British acquaintance..
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-23-15/1836:10>
Yelena takes the opportunity to look around.  Marco had said that he was going to meet someone here.  She signals one of the wandering waiters to order a vodka and slips him an extra 50 nuyen.  "Keep eye on table.  Come with more vodka when glass empty.  Anyone else look for Mr. Marco?"

The small club is not too crowded at this time of the day.  Yelena sees four people at one table and two pairs of men at other tables.  There are a few singles at the bar, but Marco's man could be any of them.  Marco is late.  Marco might not get here and the contact could leave.  She does not want this opportunity to find out something about Sam to slip away.  She stands and says, "Hey.  Anyone see Marco?  Told me wait him here.  Said was with friend."  Sitting back down, she hopes that Marco's contact might come over to her table.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-23-15/2151:36>
Blake comes into the place with the same look he "wore" when he met Marco and Ambrose on the boat. No need to confuse the man anymore than necessary. He takes a seat at the bar and waits for the familiar face of  "Sam" to show up. Or maybe Marco would approach with a different face this time. He'd have to wait for whatever was to happen.

He almost cringes when the russian stands and calls out for Marco. He never liked drawing attention to himself. He's not sure if that is Marco in disguise or maybe it's whoever is after Sam and is trying to draw Marco out. He simply waits as he looks for clues as to what is going on. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-23-15/2203:44>
Yelena waits a few moments and stands back up with her drink in her hand.  "Yelena look for Marco.  Anyone see?"  Sitting back down, she waves at the waiter for a refill.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/0020:54>
Marco arrives late and does not seem to be in any rush for the meeting, social connections need maintenance and he practically knows anyone in that club. He would probobly spot his guest there very quickly no matter what face he wore, there is nothing spectacular about Joy, this is not the kind of place that people just go to. There are probobly better looking joints even at spitting distance from there. After his social round is over he pick up Blake and say, "Marco, nice to meet you." he escorts them to his regular table where they sat Yelena and when he sees her he gives her the most warm of hugs along with kisses on both cheeks. Despite his emotions, he reminds himself that he really do not know the scary lady all that well.

Marco would not talk business at all.  Instead he'll just treat them to some branch and drinks. Whenever Blake brings up Sebastian, Sam or anything of that sort Marco will skillfully switch the topic of the conversation, to wine, music, sports or anything mundane.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-24-15/0030:45>
@ Arc. As Arc watches, the atrocities are detailed with precision in clear, crisp, high-definition. The starvation, the torture, starving prisoners pushed into cages with one weapon and one scrap of food killing each other, and then left there until the 'winner' ate the decomposing bodies of the losers and died anyway. She lost her breakfast, and then last night's dinner. And when she thought it couldn't get any worse the trids began detailing the experiments. And as Arcs eyes desperately sought something that wasn't those atrocities she found the details. The details that told how these weren't old war crime trids. These were all within the last eighteen months! And all in Eastern Europe.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-24-15/0138:51>
Yelena feels a bit stupid for making a scene of herself for no apparent benefit and is considering leaving.  *Frag Marco.  Frag meeting.  Frag Sam.  Yelena not wait more.*  She stands to leave, intending to take Marco's things to the bar and telling them to give the drek to him when he finally shows up.  Before she can do more than gather everything under an arm, Marco walks through the door.  Exasperated, she blows a puff of air at the man as he makes his way through almost everyone in the place except her.  Marco stops at one of the men she had noticed earlier; an older, somewhat distinguished man, somewhat unremarkable in feature.  In other words, someone just like 90% of the other customers in the club.  Instead of moving on, Marco shakes his hand and the two begin to walk over to the table.  This man must be who Marco was to meet with and Yelena.............................Yelena is immediately on full alert.  The man looks like he is normal, but Yelena can see that he is not. 

She places the bundle of clothes back on the seat next to her and smiles as the two men approach, but her right hand has not returned to the table.  Yelena uses the distraction to unholster her pistol and place it on the seat beside her, ready for instant use.  Something in the eyes of the new man betrays that he has sensed her action, something that surprises yet does not surprise her.  *Here is man of shadow.  He knows death.  He will see death in Yelena.*  Smiling and picking up her drink in her left hand, she says, "So.  Marco finally come.  Yelena have clothes.  Nice perfume.  Much cost.  Yelena like meet girl."  She looks at the newcomer after Marco hugs her.  "You handsome man.  Yelena like know.  Sit and talk?"  Yelena keeps her Predator loosely aimed at the chair occupied by the newcomer, fairly confident that he has divined that and has considered how to avoid getting shot.  She mentally goes through several tactical points and counterpoints and comes to the conclusion that both Yelena and the stranger will likely die if something happens and she is fairly certain that he has come to the same conclusion and that a shootout in the Joy Club will not be necessary.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/0158:49>
Marco smiles at Yelena, blissfully. He haven't felt that for a while but he is genuinely happy. "It is nice that you take interests in my job. You are quite a catch scary lady", he places his hand on her thigh and gives her his 'it's okay' look referring to the gun. Killing them is not that difficult and being at the Joy is not particular opportunity. If Blake wanted him dead he could have just done so without any witnesses in the boat. Joy had way too many witnesses. In addition, Yelena and Blake were the only non regulars in the place. They would be remembered and the police will get involved. Perhaps even the Mafia will, but Marco is to green to really be aware to the subtle influence of organized crime. He seldom think about this stuff.



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-24-15/0209:37>
Yelena smiles at Marco but keeps her eyes on the new man.  "Yes.  Yelena catch.  Perfume woman better catch.  Much money.  Yelena no money.  Marco might be signaling the all clear, but Yelena can smell death on the man and one does not get that smell with only a few casual killings.  No, the man is a professional of some sort.  Just what sort Yelena does not yet know.  She relaxes perceptibly but does not yet re-holster the gun.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-24-15/0217:41>
Before Arc could realize it, the girl had found herself at the toilet, the off white enamel of the porcelain throne quickly marred by the colorfully putrid spout of acid and food chunks expelling from her wretching stomach.  It vomited forth uncontrollably as the video played on, the rigger's dedication and commitment forcing her to watch every detail, eyes wide in horror as she couldn't bring herself to look away from the macabre horrors she had to bear witness to.  Several minutes later and gasping for breath, she felt herself settle, gripping the sides of the commode as she steadied herself.  Satisfied she was okay now, she reached up to flush away the bile and half-digested meal, just in time for the experiments to be displayed in every minute, sordid detail.

oh, Frag this.... A second bout of rejected sustenance projected from her maw, splashing against the bowl and spilling over into the floor, hand and cyberhand gripping herself steady.  It was too much.  She had seen murder, she had been beaten, she had thought she saw the worst atrocities the streets could throw at anyone.  This put it all to shame.  Finally done, the girl was shaking as the videos still played, the details found.  Frantic, Arc threw herself from the John, wanting the horror to end, desperate to be spared, and in her desperation, found the one surefire solace: she turned off her eyes.

There she Kay for several minutes, blind and gasping for air, her stomach in a tight knot from the exertion.  Hesitantly, the human reactivated her vision, relieved to not be greeted by the images that she is sure will haunt her.  Flushing, she did what she could to clean up after herself...but with the level of detail her Vruk had, it would likely be noticed.  Exiting the bathroom, Arc could only do one thing at this point: action.

 <<Phoenix, come in.  This is Arc.  Saw your home trid.  we need to talk, pronto.  Where can I find you???>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-24-15/1548:42>
Blake takes Marco's offered hand, "Nice to meet you, name's Blake."

He follows Marco to the table and quickly takes in Yelena's actions. With Marco changing the subject anytime Blake brings up anything related to Sam or the job. Finally, Blake lets a little of his frustration show through.

He nods his head to the door. "Do we need a change of venue to discuss business?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/1756:45>
Marco whispers softly to Blake."Blake, what I am about to do will be a little scary. Do not reflect it." Marco then activates his mindlink spell and speaks to Blacke and Yelena, directly with his thoughts. "We are going to talk like that... Just *Think* at me what you want to say, I do not know any technological or magical method of listening to our conversation like that. We can even continue talking about casual stuff to not look wired.  Blake I just shared with you the most personal thing about myself, I am a mystic adept. Be real with me or you'll never see me again. "

Marco notice how far he'd gone in just a few days, from just shouting proudly about his magical talent. To only think it in the discreet settings of a mindlink spell, but yesterday he did some fucked up stuff - and the paranoia is kicking in.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-24-15/2242:03>
@ Jed. You wake up stiff. And everything in you protests that event. But you're notbeing given a choice. Something keeps shoving you. "Hey, hey. Who are you? And what are you doing in my house? is this my house? It must be my house.  He opens bloodshot eyes to see Snowdon kneeling beside him , tentatively poking him and looking lost, confused and very scared. Somehow it makes him look younger.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-24-15/2332:06>
Yelena does not respond at first then thinks, "Blake.  Is Yelena.  Know Sam?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-24-15/2338:27>
Blake nods and continues on the outside conversation as if nothing was happening. His movements are casual but Yelena can detect an almost catlike grace. He also makes a very subtle shift that Yelena would instantly recognize as an adjustment to a concealed holster. He winks at her reassuringly while he makes the move. Just something to let her know he's played the game before.

"Well I'll be very up front with both of you and to the point then. Sam, as you knew him, was my employer. I now have access to some of his intel and resources. Nothing as close to what he normally had access, merely table scraps. I've also gotten handed the job of completing his latest endeavor. Hopefully I can find him while I try to do what he did. I don't know much about any of your team. Really only that it exists. But I wanting to use you to help complete the task."

Blake laughs at a joke Marco tells to the table. Making it all appear like old friends meeting up.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <08-24-15/2352:07>
@Arc - Still at the boat.  He replies back, with a quick mental check.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/2356:49>
Marco thinks "Who do you work for?" He knows by now that Sam is somehow connected to law enforcement, but he wants to see how much Bake will be honest with him.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-25-15/0005:29>
Blake looks back at Marco, "I work for Sam..." He's up front and honest.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-25-15/0010:54>
Yelena looks at both men and carefully holsters her pistol, bringing her right hand to the table top.  She slams the shot back and raises the glass in the air for the waiter to see.  "Part of team here.  Want meet all?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0016:04>
Marco thinks "There is no Sam, you did not even use that name... the person is nothing more than a fake.  He does not exist, you clearly are working for someone else now, or there is some bigger organization where you and Sam work."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-25-15/0021:44>
"Your right. Sam is the name you knew the man by. I was trying to use the name you were familiar with. I knew the man by so many different identities that I can give you a list of names. But he is the one I've worked for... and still work for until I can find him."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-25-15/0022:54>
Yelena looks at Marco, actually a little surprised that he would be so forceful, keeping quiet to see what Blake would do.  She smiles at the waiter as he brings her fresh shot to the table.  Pulling out her silver cigar case she takes one then offers the case to both Marco and Blake.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0028:43>
Marco thinks "Go on... give me that list of names then, give me mental images as well."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-25-15/0033:14>
Blake shakes his head, "I will not betray the man by giving away all his secrets. You may be recognized by the boats' security. Which, by the way, so was I. But that doesn't mean he trusted you with everything. If you knew him, you knew his style."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0036:15>
If you do not start sharing we will never find him. He could be dead by now, we have no indication that there is anyone to betray. If you do not share everything you know about him with me, I am out of the loop. I have no motivation to risk my life working with other people that manipulate and lie to me.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-25-15/0036:36>
Yelena thinks.  "Marco quit.  Is new boss until find Sam.  Is like all bosses.  Boss tell what think important.  Let man talk."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0046:50>
Marco thinks just at Yelena "No Yelena, I finally see clear for the first time in my life. I am no longer a puppet to be be played with. I am no longer pray,  I nearly died yesterday... more than once I risked everything that I built, betrayed anything that I am. Only because I care for you - and cannot let any harm come to your way. What is on the line is my entire life - everything that I built over these years - this is not some fake SIN, this is who I am. "

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-25-15/0053:01>
Yelena laughs softly.  "Marco not see.  Truth is not puppet if see string.  Always structure.  Boss and soldiers.  Man know more so is boss.  Marco and Yelena know less so are soldiers.  Not puppets.  Life in shadows is risk life every day.  Risk less and not know live.  Marco need risk all to live.  Man is boss until Marco know more than man.  Listen to man."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0056:07>
Marco thinks at Yelena "Why do you want the job so much... you made a pile of money yesterday, why not quit while you are ahead? Feathers is gone, nobody is even looking for him now, Sam is gone, Phoenix was almost gone this is not going on very well for us. Is club all that is important for you?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-25-15/0105:54>
Yelena pauses to get her thoughts in order.  "Marco not understand.  Yelena not good at words.  Life in shadow is only life.  Money good for drink, drugs, sex, gamble, and buy things.  Money not goal.  Money never goal.  Shadow is goal.  Yelena cannot live without.  Yelena cannot stop.  And NEVER say no one look Feathers.  Yelena look Feathers.  Arc look Feathers.  Not stop until find man or body.  Yelena and Arc look Sam until find man or body.  Marco want look with Yelena and Arc?  Club not important.  Mission from boss IS important.  Is contract.  Yelena never give up contract."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0115:46>
Marco thinks back at her. "You weren't always like that... you left the shadows once for sax man, perhaps you can leave them again for me in the future. If we are careful enough you will never have to watch me die."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-25-15/0131:45>
Blake sits back taking in as much info he can glean from the two sitting with him at the table.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0331:25>
Marco will wait for information on Sam, if Blake does not provide this information after a short while he will think "Look Blake, I showed you my real face, showed you my magic and took you to a place that is very important to me. I've did anything in my power to get your trust.

I was only doing this insane stuff because Sam had some serious leverage on me, and because we were emotionally connected. We were lovers - if you are not going to trust me that's fine I can't force you, you shadow people are so paranoid. I'll just go back to my life and forget the entire thing. I couldn't care less about the stardust and if anyone should figure it out it is the freaking police not me.  I can also make money on my own. So the price for my services is information on Sam, there is nothing else that you can offer me."
As he is very socially skilled it will be difficult to figure out how he really feels, but Marco is not laying right now. He honestly care very little about money and think that the Stardust is the problem of the police.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-25-15/0410:43>
Yelena almost explodes.  It takes a great deal of willpower to maintain her self control, but she manages.  "Is not fair talk sax man.  Sax man betray Yelena.  False love.  False life.  Shadows are real.  Shadows never lie.  Yelena not leave shadows again."  After a short pause she continues.  "Yelena not leave shadows again."

Yelena stands up and leans on the table, looking  from Blake to Marco.  She switches from thought to a low voice.  "Yelena good soldier.  Yelena find Feathers.  Yelena find Sam.  Yelena kill all in way.  Yelena promise.  Work out who boss then call Yelena for meet.  All must work together to find Sam and others.  People need help.  No one else give frag for them so we have to.  Maybe Blake and Marco both be boss.  Trust each other.  Tell secrets.  Otherwise lose Blake.  Lose Marco.  Yelena and Arc need both to help.  Please work it out."  She turn directly to Marco.  "Yelena not angry Marco.  Marco not understand about sax man.  No one hurt Yelena more than sax man.  More than torture Yelena.  More than kill Yelena.  Sax man betray Yelena.  No.  Shadow always better.  Call when want talk Yelena."

She returns to a standing position and tosses some nuyen to the table.  "  For drinks.  Marco give Blake Yelena comm code.  Call if want talk Yelena.  Yelena not mad.  Yelena must see hurt boy.  Yelena walks from the bar, waving to the waiter.  Once outside she makes it to her bike before going to her knees.  Putting her head to the powerful engine she goes back twenty-two years.  Yelena had just completed a contract in Oslo, Norway, for a branch of the Great Eight, a British gang.   She was on her R&R between missions and had stopped at an outdoor café for a meal when she heard it......a lively yet haunting sound that she would find out was jazz. 

Following the sound, she entered a club and saw him.  She had no idea who the man with the instrument was, but his sax had caught what was left of her soul and sang to it.  She sat and listened to him play for hours.  A tip to the waiter had giver her a name, Brent Leans.  He was jamming solo at the beginning of the afternoon, but he proved equally comfortable with other jazz musicians.  Over the next two days, Yelena cultivated the friendship of one of the other musicians and found out that Brent was famous for his sax.  The man did not know for sure why Leans had ended up in Oslo, but he suspected a woman and Yelena agreed.  A woman could do that to a man.  Something in the jazz music played to Yelena, tempting her away from the shadows that had been her life for decades.  After two days, the man came to her table between sets and told her that he had noticed her.  He returned after each set and they closed the club down that night, before he walked her to his small flat where they made love for the first time.

He asked her how long she was in the city and she told him a few days.  He asked her to stay a couple of weeks.  She called her fixer, an entity she only knew as Virtual Goddess, and told her that she was taking a long holiday.  She made that call several times as a couple of weeks became a couple of months then five years.  She called him the sax man and he taught her about jazz, about the sax, about love.  He taught her to begin to forgive herself and to heal.  And she loved him as much as she could love.  And she loved his jazz and his sax.  She found out that the sax man had a family in the UCAS; a wife and three children.  He had loved the woman and adored his kids, but the life of a travelling jazz man was too much for the man and his wife.  There were women at every sold out concert and every small jazz club he played that wanted nothing more than a night in bed with Brent Leans.  And Brent was too human to resist.  A number of his affairs became fodder for various news trid feeds and smut mags.  His wife stayed with him through all but the last one; he had seduced her sister and got her pregnant.  Perhaps he could have saved his marriage and family if he had been sincerely contrite, but he had tried that too many times already and the sincerity had worn too thin. 

The wife had divorced him and taken everything he had, even threatening to take his beloved sax.  He fought for nothing except the sax and the wife had relented.  Penniless and in public disgrace, Leans had gone to Europe, eventually ending up in Oslo for a gig that he managed to keep extending.  And Brent loved Yelena; or told her that he did.  He may even have meant it, but perhaps it was in his nature to love more than one woman  Yelena caught him with another woman several times, but always took him back, firmly believing that he just lusted after the others while he loved her.  She gave up the shadows and tried to live a normal life, keeping house for them and even learning to cook a bit.  She allowed herself to dream of marriage and a home and children.  Brent encouraged her to dream big, promising to settle down and be with only her.  Yelena stored her weapons in a closet, pulling them out only to clean them and keep them ready, just in case. 

And then he died.  She had been out shopping for groceries in the market, leaving him home in bed after a long night at the club.  She half expected to return home to the gentle strains of jazz on the trid and his sax.  She was met with silence.  After putting her purchases away, she went up to the small bedroom on the second floor and found him.  He had apparently awakened and had gone to sit in the chair near the window.  Something in the way he was sitting let Yelena know immediately that he was dead.  When she approached the chair she saw that he had died with a picture of his ex-wife in his hands and two piles of letters that he had pulled from the locked drawer of the desk.  Shocked at the picture, Yelena was even more shocked at the letters.  One pile was letters from his ex-wife where she kept him informed of what was happening in her life.  She had written many times that she still loved him and would take him back if he came home.  Through tears, Yelena read the other pile, expecting the same, but these were letters that Brent had written to his ex-wife but had not sent.  He had professed many times his love for her and had promised that he was clean and had gotten over the lusts for other women.  The last one was dated that day and was unfinished where the pen trailed off when the heart attack took him.  In in he had told her that he was going to return within the week and had already purchased the tickets that would take him home to the woman he truly loved.

Yelena's pleasant world crumbled to ash around her.  Not only had he lied with every breath, he had died with a picture of his ex-wife in his hands and writing a love letter to her.  Yelena packed a bag with some clothes and took her weapons case from the closet, where it had sat nearly untouched for five years.  In a last gesture, she packed Brent's sax into its case and walked out the door and back into the shadows.  She had been savagely betrayed, but she was back where she belonged.  Virtual Goddess welcomed her back with open arms and contracts.  And Yelena Petrovna resolved to never leave the shadows again.

The memories faded and Yelena collected herself.  She climbed onto her rig, fired it up, and took it out of the lot headed for the clinic Arc had told her she had taken Z to.  Yelena shakes her head.  Some people just do not understand.  Yelena does not fully understand, but she KNOWS.  She is shadow and will always be shadow until the day he shadow calls in all its markers and takes what is left of her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0600:29>
Marco think at Yelena "Shadows are not real, only love is real.  If fake love was so painful and yet wonderful can you even imagine real love? - I love you silly - there is no other way to explain why I helped you get away with what you did yesterday." Darn it, why do I have to do it with another abusive Sam duplicate in the table. He is not sure that she got that because she seemed all gone. He may have to find a more romantic moment to confess his love for her.
 

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-25-15/1029:24>
It isn't until she is half way to the clinic that she really lets her mind get around what Marco had said as she left the club.  She wonders if she really wants to hear those words again.  Those words of sadness and betrayal.  Can she allow herself to be so open to the risk of such feelings again?  Yelena sets the bike on autopilot and sends a message to Marco.  >>Yelena not know love.  Yelena armored against love.  Yelena know shadows.  Yelena know love is more than sex.  Marco and Yelena need talk.  Yelena call later.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-25-15/1210:34>
@ Jed. You wake up stiff. And everything in you protests that event. But you're notbeing given a choice. Something keeps shoving you. "Hey, hey. Who are you? And what are you doing in my house? is this my house? It must be my house.  He opens bloodshot eyes to see Snowdon kneeling beside him , tentatively poking him and looking lost, confused and very scared. Somehow it makes him look younger.

Jed sits up and rubs his eyes.  The poking continues, and he grabs the wrist of the man, gently (attempting to be gentle at least) pushing the hand back to the lap of the person doing the poking.  Ugh.  The patch must have worn off too soon.  Need to make sure I'm carrying enough next time.  That last one shouldn't have been enough to push him over the edge.  Maybe he grabbed one of the stronger ones by accident.  Looking around, Jed realizes that they are in Marcos apartment.  Marco must have realized that with Jed unconscious, trying to get into Jed's place would have been risky. 

Jed looks at him, checking his forehead for any sign of the bullet wound.  Who knew how long this babysitting job would take.  Best to be straight up. My name is Jed.  Someone is hiring people to kill you, and I saved you.  We are going to lie low here for today, then probably head to my place.  Which isn't this nice.  Sometimes all the money doesn't keep you safe and you need friends to do that for you.  Lets get some breakfast. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-25-15/1816:16>
Blake looks at Marco, "I'm respecting Sam in knowing that he wasn't one to share his information. I can tell you that he was a man. I've seen him so weak he lost his concentration on his ID's. I know that Sam works for someone but I'll have to think about how much of that I want to share. We do this job and that may be the price of your work. I'm just not prepared to share just yet. I've got some of his cred and a few of his ID's. I'm sure we could possibly use them to get the job done. We can probably find more at the boat or Sam's other I just want to meet your team and give them the chance to chose if they want to continue with the job."  
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-25-15/2019:57>
@Arc - Still at the boat.  He replies back, with a quick mental check.

Arc stood up, holding her stomach as she rinsed out her mouth, wanting nothing more at this moment than to rid herself of the bile taste she was feeling right then.  As she shut off the water, she saw the reply from Phoenix was awaiting her.  Boat, boat...oh yeah, Marco had mentioned he was working from a boat.  Still got the coords too, wiz.

<<@Phoenix{Arc}:  Wizbang, chummer.  Be there shortly>>

Freshening herself up hastily, the human girl grabbed her vest and coat...less so for the protection, more so for the warmth because frag this was a cold December... and pulled them on over her body.  Her Predator nestled in concealed at the small of her back like always as she grabbed the datachip the Brit had given her, locking up the apartment on her way out to her car.  Hopping in, she composed a quick message to Marco and Yelena to let them know her plans.

<<@Yelena, Marco {Arc}:  Hoi.  Hope everyone's morning is going wiz.  Meeting up with our feathered friend to relate a bit of info was asked to check on.  You'll know where to find me>>

It didn't take too long to get to the docks, surprisingly.  Mid morning on a weekday, even a Friday, was usually not busy as it was after the morning rush and before the lunch hour.  Stomach rumbling in protest of its denied sustenance, Arc grimaced a bit as she rubbed her eyes, awake but not enjoying it as she stepped out into the air, gasping a bit at the chill before finding the boat and approaching.  After knocking and being let in, the human girl looked up at the man before handing the chip over and speaking.

"So...y'all found some sick next-level fraggin' evil drek.  And if I"m readin' the times right, we looking at this happening spring of '74.  Way past when this was anywhere close to okay.  So I'm gonna ask...where the frag did you get this drek and what's it for???"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-25-15/2355:17>
@Marco, Yelena & Blake. Marco is a regular, and a good tipper and so the waiter is quick to bring refills. And their better vodka. Despite the fact that most ofthe crowd is regulars, and Yelena and Blake stand out like shore thumbs they are mostly ignored. Joys clientele are experts at minding their own business.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-26-15/0034:16>
@Marco thinks at Blake "Blake, look at where we are. Look at me, I am not armored I am not armed. These are my real life, the people here are my friends. It is not you I am having problems with. I am thinking to myself, why I am even doing this gig now that Sam is gone. I am no shadowrunner.  I am risking my entire life, for this gig. Money and SINs are not going to change that. Since I am sort of twisted up in some moves I will cooperate short term with you. I'll introduce you the team and we'll work with you. You seem like a good guy and you bring SINS and money with you and some knowledge as to what was it we were hired to do. It is for the best. As for myself... I am on my way out of this gig, unless you can help me understand more about Sam and let me know exactly who am I working for.  I can sense that this is a long term gig and I will not work for some hidden one with hidden money for long. So wellcome... and think for yourself if you want my cooperation for the longer peroid, you will have to trust me."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-26-15/0220:39>
Yelena rides in autopilot mode to the clinic.  When the bike pulls up to the front she finds a place to park and secure it.  From the outside the clinic looked rather unprepossessing, much like every street clinic Yelena had ever had cause to use.  She actually hesitates at the entrance, almost as if nervous about going in.  While standing at the curb she sees a young man assisting a much older one toward the door.  The older man was clearly in need and the young man was having trouble helping him maneuver.  Yelena moves to take the old man's free arm and helps the two into the clinic.  The man looks his thanks and nods but the boy just looks surly. 

A pretty but obviously frazzled nurse is at the counter.  Despite her weariness, she manages a smile for Yelena and greets the others by name.  "Hello, Alexei.  Same trouble again?"

The man nods and opens his mouth to say something, but the boy jumps in before he can say a word.  "Yeah.  You fraggers should be ashamed letting him back on the street.  He needs to be put away where he cannot hurt himself or anyone else.  Can't you see how useless he is?  Cannot eat without spilling all over himself and needs help doing drek all.  Don't you have a place to just put him where he don't do no harm to himself?"

Yelena stands quietly off to the side watching the old man, who seems to be accepting the rejection but his eyes are shedding silent tears.  The nurse is clearly used to this sort of treatment by the healthy for the elderly and ill.  She carefully avoids the old man's eyes as she says.  "Alex, you know the answer to that question.  Your grandfather needs help, yes, but he needs more than we can give him here.  We have limited assets and can only take care of patients on a short term basis."

"Fine for you to say.  You do not have to see him like this every day or live with him puking or crapping allover himself then cleaning it up."

"Your mother........."

Now angry, he interrupts the nurse.  "She is no better than he is.  Either drugged up or in bed with who knows who.  I have had it.  I am leaving and you can just keep him."

The young man just swears and races out of the waiting area.  The old man has stood as straight as he can through the entire ordeal, the only sign of his sorrow being the tracks of tears on his cheeks.  The nurse comes forward to him and takes his arm.  "Come on Alexei, let's get you settled.  I have already signed you in.  I will take your coat and then we will go back to get Doc to see you."  She looks at Yelena with an apologetic smile.  "I will be right with you, miss.  Please be patient."  The nurse carefully removes the old man's greatcoat, exposing a thin frame enclosed in old rags.  Yelena's eyes idly wander over the many-times patched and threadbare trousers then up to the old jacket covering the ragged shirt.  She notices the badly frayed embroidered patch with the number 14 on it.  Instantly Yelena feels as if kicked by a mule.  Her mind reels with a hundred, a thousand emotions all at once. 

When the nurse leaves the room with the man, Yelena slips behind the counter and looks at the tablet registration.  The man has been logged in as Alexei Gaspodin.  The effect on Yelena in seeing the name is immediate and brutal.  She manages to stumble out to the door and stand there, gasping for breath and sucking in air like a drowning woman.  The man had been there  She knows the name.  She can still feel his hands on her body, touching her, violating her.  Smiling all the while he was raping her.  And not just once, and not just her.  The man had been a member of the Russian State Security Service and had been a guard at Relocation Camp 14.  Raping the young prisoners had been a perk of his job.  She had thought he had died during the breakout, along with the rest of the security guards.  She was only ten at the end but had killed thirteen guards and scientists that day with a rifle that was way too big for her.  Yelena's current world swirls around her until she feels a light hand on her shoulder and a concerned voice.  "Are you alright, miss?  Please come inside and let me look at you."

Yelena shakes herself to clear her head and stands to let the nurse take her back into the waiting room.  Once inside, she says, "Am Yelena.  Not here for sick.  Here see boy Z.  Came in yesterday.  Shot and beat."  She nods at the screen where the nurse had taken the old man.  "Man ok?"

"Old Alexei?  Probably not.  You saw how the grandson treats him.  Not much love in that house.  Poor man.  Came over here with nothing and made something of himself.  I can remember from when I was a kid.  He always looked out for the kids in the neighborhood, even standing up to the gangers.  Now he is sick and no one to take care of him.  Not sure what we can do here.  Not enough money, not enough nurses.  Just not enough,"  She sighs.  "It will be up to the Doc to decide what happens to him.  Ah.  Yes, here he is.  Let me take you back to see Z."

Yelena follows the nurse through the screen, passing a small cot that the old man was sitting on, a bowl of some sort of soy drek at a small table near him.  The nurse continues past several beds and stops at one that held the small frame of Z.  She holds up a hand and whispers, "Now please do not disturb him while he is asleep.  But you can talk to his friends just over there.  And before you ask, he will be fine with some rest and the right medicine.  Are you a relative?"  Yelena shakes her head as she looks over to where the nurse pointed.  She notices three of the other boarders from the park.  "No.  Yelena not relative.  Just friend."

"That is too bad.  Some of the medicine is quite expensive.  It could mean a longer stay or going home without the proper meds.  Well, please let me know when you leave."  With that the nurse leaves.  Yelena stares at the other boarders for a minute then goes to them.  The three try to put on a tough face, but first one then the rest crack and come to her.  Yelena and the three spend an hour together talking and learning about each other.  Yelena is entirely surprised that none of the kids hold her responsible for what happened to Z.  If anything her stock with them has risen dramatically because she had gone to save him.  After the hour, Yelena leaves after agreeing to see them again and getting a promise that none of the boarders would try to hide where she was if some ganger, any ganger, came looking.

On the way out, Yelena's slight sense of happiness is again shattered as she walks past the old man.  He is still sitting on the cot as if he did not know what to do, the bowl of now cold soy-drek sitting untouched on the table.  Almost without thinking Yelena's hand drops to the Predator at her hip.  Here was a chance to clean part of the slate.  She has spent years cursing the guards, scientists, and others who continued to torture and murder young kids just because they were different.  She draws the pistol but decides that the man needs to see her face.  Moving to stand in front of him, she kneels to look him eye to eye.  The old man looks at his killer and focuses on her face.  Suddenly his eyes widen and he tries to mouth something, failing.  Trying again, he wets his lips and whispers, "You are one of them, aren't you?  One of those kids."  He lifts a trembling hand to reach out to her, almost touching her then falling back.  "I remember the hair.  I remember........."  He falls silent.  Tears begin to roll from his eyes.  "I was so wrong.  We all were so wrong.  What we did to you was against God and all creatures.  Are you here to kill me?" 

At that moment part of Yelena changed.  Her hand tightens on the butt of her pistol, ready to end the miserable existence of one of her tormentors.  Instead she holsters the pistol and catches the attention of a passing nurse.  "Please get man warm food."  The nurse is going to object but the look in Yelena's eyes stopps her cold.  Nodding, she takes the bowl and leaves.  When the nurse returns with the new bowl, Yelena sits and feeds the old man until the food is gone.  Neither says a word.  When the old man finishes, Yelena gently lays him down on the cot and stands.  When she turns she see an older woman near, watching.  She approaches and says. "I am Doctor Yavin, but people around here just call me Doc.  I understand that you know Z and Alexei?" 

"Not really.  Yelena know boy little.  Know man not at all.  Will live?" 

"The boy, certainly.  Alexei, certainly not.  He has little time left.  When he dies a good light will go out of the Barrens.  Wait, you are Yelena?  One of the heroes?  The Barrens needs heroes.  And the Barrens needs more men like Alexei.  He always hinted of some great evil in his past, but all I ever saw was good.  I suppose he was trying to atone for something.  He never talked about it."  She shakes her head, "It is too bad that he does not have good family that can take him for his last days.  Daughter used all his money and grandson only wants to be a gang lord.  And Z has similar problems.  No money and no family means nowhere to go to get the medicine he needs.  And before you ask, no, I do not have it here.  It costs way too much for our tiny budget.  Most of what we get from the people that come here is in-kind services, not real cash money.  And in-kind services do not buy expensive drugs."

Yelena reaches out to take the doctor's commlink from her pocket.  Before the doctor can react, Yelena slots a cred stick and transfers 5000 nuyen to the clinic account.  "Buy drugs, buy blankets, buy clothes and food.  Care for old man.  Care for Z.  Care for others.  Find Yelena when need more.  Yelena check back."  Yelena replaces the woman's 'link and walks out before the startled doctor can do more than stammer out a thanks.  Outside, Yelena climbs on the bike, and motors away, surprisingly.........happy.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-26-15/2215:39>
@ Yelena. As Yelena is riding back to Arcs a group of go-gangers rides hard to catch up and in a moment she is completely boxed in by the gang.  Their jackets identify them as the Bone Knives, and they're a mix of orcs, humans and dwarves.  And as the first one pulls alongside they toss something into her lap. And when she looks down she sees a scalp with red and yellow hair. Each one pulls up and tosses one or two scalps into her lap and veers off to let another take it's place always keeping her boxed in until thirteen scalps are in her lap. The leader looks her in the eye and gives a nod of respect and then they all pull away.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-26-15/2225:31>
@ Arc. You get a comm from Merlin, >>I did some asking around. Z has a cousin what's a lieutenant in the Bone Knives. I let her know what went down. She said she'd handle it. I also been doing some checking in the astral fer Feathers. An there be some seriously fragged drek be going on. Darkness in two areas be getting worse. Almost physical. You find him he needs to know.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-26-15/2233:10>
As she rides away, Yelena  is considering the events at the clinic and is wrestling with her emotions.  She should have killed that man.  He had been one of the guards that had raped her numerous times.  And yet................it had just not been necessary.  When the other bikers begin to show up, she  is a bit concerned about them, but they do not make any hostile moves.  She is surprised when the first scalp plops into her lap, but as more and more show up, she begins to think that the drug gang will not be bothering her or the skate park kids again.  She returns the nod of respect as the gang leader pulls up to her.  Solidarity in the Barrens.  Outsiders will not understand or believe it.  Yelena will remember the Bone Knives and will repay this debt to them in some fashion.  An unspoken pact has been made and both Yelena and the gangers know it.  The gesture relieves her of one of her chores for the day.

Yelena motors to Arc's garage and parks the bike inside.  Not sure of the exact protocols for the scalps, she places them on one of the work benches to dry.  Yelena shakes her head and begins to clean up after the early morning bedroom antics.  She smiles as she remembers how the furniture was broken as she stacks the remains to be tossed out.  Even with the money given to the clinic, she should have enough to replace the furniture, perhaps with sturdier things.  And that does not include the balance of her contract money.

After cleaning the debris up, Yelena strips and climbs into bed for some rest.  She sets the 'link to wake her at 1700 and sends two messages.  >>Srui.  Is Yelena.  Arc not worry about scalps.  Need dry.  Yelena cleaned debris.  Go Arc buy more.  Need sturdy things.<<  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  We need talk.  Yelena sleep now.  Go clinic later.  Maybe call and meet?<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-27-15/0700:53>
While waiting for Blake reply Marco thinks to himself. "Do not just be selfish, Blake is great for everyone else. These shadow people they somehow know how to live this life, while trusting no one. Your new friends are not bad... despite that shadow running gig of them. " He texts Ambrose >> Hey buddy you wouldn't believe the crazy night I had. Are you alright? tonight is our big day do you want to touch ground later I see that you have a lot to update me.

He texts Arc >> Nice driving I hope that you made it home okay.  And then Yelena  >> Y. We need to talk, but seriously just the two of us don't run off like that, I really need you.   Then he texts Jed  >> Are you guys alright? I've made breakfast, just a salad tough real vegetables. Make yourself at home I'll be there in a second... oh and you are the worst driving instructor I've ever met - keep your day job!
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-27-15/0743:32>
The sleep deprivation and ashen weariness must have been readily apparent in Arc's appearance, at least to Ambrose as he took a moment before answering, stepping away for a moment wordlessly to fix them up some caffeinated beverage as a quick easy remedy.  During that moment, the timing seemed to be perfect as a trio of texts materialized in her view.  Opening all of them, the human girl gave a look.

@ Arc. You get a comm from Merlin, >>I did some asking around. Z has a cousin what's a lieutenant in the Bone Knives. I let her know what went down. She said she'd handle it. I also been doing some checking in the astral fer Feathers. An there be some seriously fragged drek be going on. Darkness in two areas be getting worse. Almost physical. You find him he needs to know.<<
  >>Srui.  Is Yelena.  Arc not worry about scalps.  Need dry.  Yelena cleaned debris.  Go Arc buy more.  Need sturdy things.<<
He texts Arc >> Nice driving I hope that you made it home okay.

Scratching her head, she fought off another nauseous wave as the boat rocked just a bit as she composed a response, having a seat in a chair to steady herself.

<<@Merlin{Arc}: Bone Knives, huh?  Guess those hoops picked the wrong kid to pick on.  Drek.  Okay.  What two areas?  I'm still hunting for him, but this drek is taking time and effort beyond what Ol' Smiley required.  I'm doing what I can, omae>>

<<@Yelena{Arc}: ...Scalps.  That's just what the Bone Knives would do, eh?  That's symbolic, you really only wanna hold on to the first one you got for a little while.  Sure, we can meet up to get more furniture.  I almost hesitate to ask just how much...ehe.  Hit me up later, Srui>>

<<@Marco{Arc}:  Thanks, chummer.  Got home null sweat.  Feel like a devil rat tied tailfirst to a ceiling fan, but otherwise good.  With our fiery feathered friend now looking at some freaky drek.  Hit me up>>

Satisfied with all that, she leaned back in the seat, closing her eyes and trying to stifle a yawn.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-27-15/1028:18>
Yelena wakes at 1700 to the incessant urgings of her internal alarm.  Getting up, she dresses while looking at the text from Marco and Arc and sends one back to the young Keeb.  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  Am going clinic.  Yelena call after.  Was not run.  Yelena had place to be.<<  She chuckles at Arc's note while moving into the kitchen, where she grabbed the bottle of vodka and a couple of chipped mugs.  On the way out she looked at the scalps on the work bench and shrugged.  She is not sure which was first, but cannot imagine that it really makes a difference.  Yelena wraps the bottle and mugs and slips them into one of the storage bins on the bike, while slinging the sax case across her back.

Rolling the bike out of the garage, she closes the large door and drives into the early evening of a December in Seattle.  She carefully drives to the clinic and secures the bike before going inside.  She walks to the front counter and introduces herself to the nurse on duty, telling her that she is here to visit with Alexei Gaspodin and the boy Z.  After signing in, she walks past the curtain and finds the old man laying on his cot.  The nurse clucks and whispers, "Poor man.  I am not sure that he has moved since I came on shift a couple of hours ago."  The woman shakes her head and walks away after making sure that Yelena knows where Z's bed is. 

Yelena walks to stand near the man's cot and looks down at him.  The lines of age are clearly worn into the face and skinny arms of the former camp guard.  Looking at this shell of what the man had been, Yelena examines her feelings and finds that she does not hate him.  It would seem that he has paid some sort of price for his early life.  She nudges the cot and the man's eye flicker open and focus on his visitor.  Yelena sees confusion and something else there, maybe guilt and shame.  She kneels near him and helps him sit then stand, giving him support.  She says, "Come Alexei Ivanovich Gaspodin.  Walk into the lobby.  Yelena has thing for you.  Yelena helps the old man past the curtain and to a chair in the empty waiting room.  Once he is sitting, she pulls the vodka and mugs out of their sack and opens the bottle to pour two shots of the fiery nectar.  Placing a mug in the man's trembling hands, she offers a quick clink of mugs before swallowing hers.  The man takes longer, but gets it down and looks to Yelena for a refill.  She obliges, but says, "Not too much Alexei Ivanovich.  Must pace."  The man nods as he takes the second shot, his hands a bit steadier.  Yelena takes the mug from him and opens her cigar case to take two of the pungent things out.  She lights them and offers one to Alexei, who gratefully takes it and pulls the smoke into his body and releases it.

Yelena opens up the sax case and removes the precious instrument.  The old man's eyes widen as she runs through a warm up and he nods in time to the music as she begins to play a medley of jazz songs.  The nurse returns to the counter with the doctor to see what the noise is and starts to say something about drinking and smoking in the clinic when the doctor puts a hand on her arm.  Both stand and watch as Yelena plays and Alexei sways to the sound.  The music attracts a few visitors from the street as well as a few of the ambulatory patients.  After several songs, both Yelena and Alexei have tears in their eyes.  She is playing to him and barely registers that she has an audience.  After a while, she stops to applause and a smile from the old man and the rest of the listeners.  Yelena puts her head close to the ear of the man and whispers, ""Yelena forgive Alexei Ivanovich.  Yelena forgive."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-27-15/1120:23>
<<@Marco{Arc}:  Thanks, chummer.  Got home null sweat.  Feel like a devil rat tied tailfirst to a ceiling fan, but otherwise good.  With our fiery feathered friend now looking at some freaky drek.  Hit me up>>[/color]
>>Sure, no problem. I have some things to do now, but I'll be free later, ping me when you are free.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-28-15/0155:15>
Yelena packs the sax away and stands up after putting the bottle and mugs away in the sack.  Turning to the old man, she reaches out a hand to help him stand.  "Come Alexei Ivanovich.  Yelena show boy.  Name Z.  Alexei like."  She slings the sax case across her back and slowly walks the man back through the curtain and to Z's bed.  Two boarders are next to the bed, trading jokes with Z when Yelena approaches.  All three of them eye the old man with confusion on their faces.  Yelena comes to the side of the bed and looks at the other kids, then Z.  "Z brave.  Z prove is man.  Protect Yelena."  She puts a hand on Z's shoulder and gently squeezes it.  "Z act like in gang.  Gang stick together.  Gang protect each other.  Maybe Z and Yelena make gang.  Z want?  Z think on."

Yelena turns to indicate the man next to her.  "Man is Alexei Ivanovich Gospodin, but call just Alexei Ivanovich.  Z might know.  Man help kids.  Man know much.  Alexei family leave him here to die.  Now man have Yelena.  Have Z.  Have small gang.  Reason to live.  Man is sick but has knowledge to tell.  Z and others listen man's stories.  Get wise like man."  Yelena signals a passing nurse for a couple of chairs and helps the man into one.  Uncertain of exactly what is going on, the two visiting boarders pull their chairs closer.  Alexei talk.  Talk about life after move here.  Teach boys."  Alexei begins to speak, his voice soft and barely audible at the start, but it gains in volume as he talks.  He sips from a mug of water that a nurse brings by.  The boys have to concentrate to hear the man speak and that helps them remember.  Yelena notices that he begins to weaken a bit after a few stories and puts her hand on his shoulder.  "Is enough tonight Alexei Ivanovich.  More stories later.  When rest.  Maybe boys bring friends tomorrow."  She nods to the two visitors, who nod vigorously.  "Now boys take Alexei Ivanovich back to bed.  Yelena talk Z." 

The two boarders jump up and carefully walk the old man back to his cot.  Yelena turns to Z.  "Z took walk in shadows.  If like, Yelena can show Z what shadow is.  Not just dark, but is life.  Most people never know shadow.  Never see shadow.  Yelena show Z if want.  And think of gang.  Not take from other gangs.  Protect kids like Z's friends.  Now Z get better.  Listen to Alexei for stories.  Yelena go but be back.  Talk Z then."

Yelena squeezes the boy's shoulder again and moves down the aisle between rows of cots.  The doctor is waiting for her when she returns to the waiting area.  "That was well done with Alexei, but please do not smoke in the clinic.  There are people here that can hurt.  If you want to smoke, go outside."  She pauses.  "You know that Alexei is going to die soon, right?"

"Yes.  Alexei Ivanovich die soon.  Yelena know.  But maybe die with smile.  Die with friends.  With new family that wants him.  Is better way die?"

The doctor smiles and shakes her head.  "No, there is no better way to die.  Thank you for coming back."

Yelena nods and walks out of the clinic into the cold evening air.  She smiles and pulls air into her lungs and moves down the street a bit, leaving the bike behind for a little while.  Without conscious thought she moves back into the shadow and into a world that she had escaped for a few minutes.  But this world felt comfortable.  Yelena belongs here in this world.  The other, although attractive on some level, is not real.  It is not life.  It is a phantasm, calling out to the unwary, the frightened, and those not prepared.  The shadow does not call or entice or make any claims.  It just is. But it is real and to those that live in it, that embrace it, it is the source of life.  Yelena embraced the shadow decades ago and to her anything else is illusion and fleeting.  Eventually returning to the clinic front, Yelena climbs on her powerful Scorpion and drives away, headed back to the garage.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-28-15/0530:28>
Love, when was the first time Marco felt it before... Marco confessed without even thinking it is a big deal. He feels and he shares - there is no censorship, no filter - who needs these things when you speak magical words.

His first love was a false one he loved a boy named Jack, but their love slowly disappeared as the two continued their training. Marco felt that Jack was programmed to care for nothing but his faith. Marco could sense how their heart to heart conversations became less and less about what they wanted from life. About how they felt - instead these conversation became about power, magic and  ways to kill people. Jack wanted to kill -  he was still innocent but was fundamentally changed.  Jack could not wait for his first blood - and Marco was terrified of his first Blood.   While still physically attracted to the boy, Marco quickly understood they had nothing in common. He was now completely alone.

It was only after Marco shot his teacher that, he received what was the cruelest punishment so far - to be tortured by Jack. The group was already skilled with spellcasting and could cast their first offensive spell - the manabolt.  Marco on the other hand,  could not understand anything. Their instructions were all based on the capability to sense the astral world, to see the mana.  It took Marco a while to understand that the astral was not some metaphorical world. To everyone else that world was as real as the physical world. Marco, however, felt as if he was expected to do real magic after watching Harry potter or some other fictional movie.  None of these things made any sense for him.
 
That bastard teacher had him paired with Jack. It was on purpose to permanently kill what little they had left. The lesson was simple they were to strike each other with mana bolts. The offender practice spellcasting and the defender practice counterspelling. But how... how can Marco do any of these things - when all the teachings assumed that he can see the astral world? 

It was plain torture, the manabolt spell strikes the aura and does not directly damage the body. Instead it damages your soul, the emotional pain is so severe that it manifests as physical damage. It was a good tool for torture. To Marco’s horror, being near death was not a release, not at all -  that cursed instructor kept healing Marco’s body - so that his soul can take more and more torture.

Marco watched helplessly as Jack was happy to dish him the manabolt spell time after time. All Marco could do was to roll on the floor in pain. He was crying and screaming, it was unlike anything Marco sensed before.  He felt as if every single memory was polluted by this spell. Every happy moment turned painful and evil.  The emotional pain was so great that Marco had to hide some of his emotions away, lock them someplace deep that the spell could not touch them.  He was in such pain that he wasn’t thankful for the healing- he wished that Jack would somehow cast that manabolt so powerful that it will just kill Marco.

Marco met Agrat for the first time, only after many hours of torture. He was not alone in his mind, there was someone else with him. He felt her as  a burning passion. Agrat turned off his pain as if Marco was nothing that a trid. Only with the pain gone, Marco could see clearly.  She was a succubus. Marco imagined her before, but now she felt so real as if she was hugging him. To Marco Agrat felt like both a lover and a mother. She had mercy for him, and blazing passion.  Before that moment Agrat was nothing more then a naughty thought in Marco's mind. Now, Marco could actually touch her, and Agrat hugged and passionately kissed Marco. She looked into his eyes and softly said  “You can make him stop and even undo some of the damage to his soul.  I taught you how - just do it.”

Marco knew who the demon was, her name was Agrat - a gift, or a reward. Daughter of dancing. Agrat was considered the mother of all demons. Christianity saw her as the incarnation of evil - a burning passion that blinds the eyes of the righteous. Agrat was the one that can lead even the most righteous into the sins of the flesh. She corrupted souls of righteous believers since ancient times.   Marco was completely aware to that - but he kissed her back.  After all, she took his pain away. Jesus was silent, silent despite Marco's constant prayers.  Agrat came uninvited - she saw he was in pain and wanted to help.  She made Marco sexually aroused - more aroused than Marco even knew possible.  He knew what she wanted him to do. “I will do it, Agrat bat Mhalat.” He said.  The succubus never told him her name, but Marco felt who she really was.

In some metaphorical world Marco begun to sing.  It was a sad melody of love, loss and passion. He could feel how Agrat was singing with him empowering his song. Marco did not understand, how he did it but these mental patterns allowed him to channel mana without seeing it. Agrat taught him how to overcome his limitation.  Marco could now manipulate the astral world by visioning it as music. Like her name suggests, Agrat gave Marco a gift.  When he had no one, she was with him. Despite being the queen of demons -  she had all the time in the world to be with him.  Either he was very important for her.  Or perhaps powerful entities can be in multiple places at the same time.

When Marco opened his eyes, he looked at Jack and said just three words “I loved you”.  Marco could not anticipate the effect of these words.  Jack was overwhelmed with passion, he was so sexually charged up that he just had to release this tension. He jumped Marco covering him with kisses and undressing him. Marco was so surprised, and he still could feel Agrat touching his body exciting him with her lips.   Marco could see that the Teacher despite having some more self control felt no different than Jack.

Jack was dominant and manly. He had Marco in multiple manners and Marco felt in heaven. They did it right in front of the teacher and were so crazed that nothing mattered. Marco was sure that he is in some odd erotic fantasy, it was only when he finally climaxed that things changed. Being unskilled with magic, the sensation that overwhelmed Marco, Jack’s and Agrat sharing him and exciting him. It was too much - Marco could not maintain that melody. As soon as Marco climaxed the melody ended. In that moment, Jack's passion became shame and rage. Jack and the teacher both were beating Marco like crazed animals, accusing him for what they just did and how they felt - he dammed their souls.  They did not stop until Marco blacked out.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-28-15/1035:35>
@Ambrose & Arc   As Arc relaxes in the chair a noise coming from the aft of the boat.  The door into the kitchen area opens and a young woman comes into the room.  She is probably in her early twenties, average looking except for her eyes.  She is naked except for the towel she has wrapped around her.  "Hey, Phoenix.  You got........"  Seeing Arc, she stops.  "Oh, you got company.  Never mind."  She waves at Arc and disappears back through the doorway.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-28-15/1615:44>
Blake actually smiles. "I'm putting trust in you just by asking you to help me with the job. I'm just respecting Sam until I get to know you. How about this for your payment. I'll tell you the full scoop of what I know when I meet everyone. I always had a problem myself with Sam's compartmentalized drek.

Blake stands from the table and using his trodes sends Marco an ARO with the comm he was using. One of the nicer pieces of equipment he picked up from Sam's apartment.

"Let me know when you want to set up the meet. It needs to happen soon."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-28-15/1621:46>
"Alright... I'll try to figure up a time where you can meet the rest of the team... If you excuse me, I left two frightened naked dudes in my apartment... I really need to check on them." Said Marco paid, tipped well and left the building, heading to his apartment.  He said as he paid the bill and headed back to his apartment hoping that Jed and Snowden are finally awake.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-28-15/1907:21>
Arc heaved a sigh as the British man she knew as Phoenix seemed to be taking his time with the soycaf, not answering her questions and testing her patience.  She was about to ask him a repeat when the door from aft opened into the small kitchen, the short girl's cyberarm instinctively darting back to where her Predator rested.  A quick sizeup from her cybereyes registered that the towel-clad lady of similar age to her (just taller...no surprise) was not a threat, and actually was caught off guard by her presence.  Relaxing and sighing, Arc scratched at the back of her head.

"All good, girly.  Null sweat here..."  Seeing she had retreated, Arc looked intently at Ambrose with a brow raised.  "...really now...dayum, that young huh?  That some Bond drek if I ever seen.  Wow.  Aight, i needa smoke.  Hang tight, ya better have my answer when I get back."

Stepping out onto the prow of the boat, Arc dug through her jacket pocket and pulled out a smoke, lighting it with the minitorch attachment she had installed in her middle finger of her cyberhand.  Breathing in, she let the ashen air warm her lungs before exhaling in a deep puff of smoke.  Closing her eyes, she let her mind refresh for a moment before reopening, enjoying her nic stick as she looked around the docks.  It was...rather quiet, actually.  Middle of a workday, was to be expected, but the line of boats on the dock belied that this was definitely belonging to members of the upper middle class...the boats were big enough for the higher profile corp execs, and there were a bunch of them around.  A couple of early weekenders were found preparing their aquatic vessels for some excursion...fishing in the polluted bay, viewing the smog-ridden cityscape, or just boating for the sake of boating, she wasn't sure...nor was she much concerned.  Shrugging, she finished off her smoke before flicking the butt into the water...not like that would tarnish the liquid any further anyway...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-28-15/2225:36>
@ Ambrose & Arc  After a couple of minutes, Ginny emerges from the back with her clothes on.  Looking around, she says, "Hey, Phoenix.  I did not know you had company.  Sorry.  I will clear out so you can have privacy.  I will try to find something for tonight, but.........."  She grabs her handbag and goes outside.  Seeing Arc, she stops, then goes to the railing and fishes a smoke from her bag.  Lighting up, she puffs a few times then says to Arc, "Hey.  Did not mean to interrupt or anything.  You know, there isn't anything going on between me and Phoenix.  He is just being nice enough to give me a place to crash for a day or so.  Up until last night I have been crashing with my mother's cousin, Sebastian, just over there, where you can see the fragging KE."

She points to a boat a couple of slips down.  Arc can see at least one person in a KE uniform moving on the deck and some yellow tape stretching across the stern entry way.  "Sebastian is....was, I guess now....some sort of so so smuggler.  Did some drugs and guns from his boat.  Had me come up here with promises of a good job, but that turned into making deliveries for him.  He got some nice stuff from God only knows where and the money was OK, even if I was paying him 5-star rates for the fragging small space he let me squat in.  Anyway, long story short, I got home last night from one of the deliveries to find the fragging KE all over the boat.  Still got their jackboots on the boat and all my clothes and things are over there.  If they have not been taken for evidence.  Now that is one depressing thought; to have strangers pawing all over my laces and such."  She chuckles.  Now that is one picture I might not get out of my mind for a while."

"So I was stuck with nowhere to crash and knowing almost no one in the sprawl except for people I would never ask favors of.  I remembered that I had seen John, the guy who owns this much nicer boat, here a few times and he had always been nice enough to at least say hello, which is much better than most guys give out.  So I thought he might be nice enough to let me crash here a day or so, just until I can get my stuff and look for another place to stay.  I did not find John, but his dad, Phoenix let me stay the night.  End of story." 

The young woman turns to you and smiles as she puts out her hand.  "I don't know you from anyone else, but at least you listened to me prattle on.  Thanks, and the name's Ginny, Ginny Waters.  I actually know stuff and have a couple of nicely framed university degrees in chemistry and biology from down home in L.A.  Know anyone who is hiring people with those educational skills?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-29-15/1340:06>
Arc remained quiet, a green cybereye watching the girl as she took a smoke with her, this time dressed a bit more appropriately for the chill December weather.  Listening to the story gave the rigger one distinct impression, before all else.  This girl doesn't get out much, likes to talk and share her story because of it.  Oh boy  Shrugging, she flicked her cigarette butt into the water before turning to her with a small smile.

"Ain't nothin' but a thing, wasn't judging.  Just razzin on the old dude, ya heard?  I go by Arc, nice to meetcha Ginny."  Her right cyberhand went out to shake the girl's, one firm squeeze and motion.  Giving a low whistle, the stout girl shook her head.  "Girly, around the parts where I live, y'all don't really see degrees like that.  Barrens, I'm telling you...best place those little achievements will work you is inside the system I'd bet, and that is not where I am.  You probably would figure right if you guessed I never finished high school, huh?"

Smirking, she shrugged and turned to lean against the prow, propping up on her elbows for balance. a stiff wind picking up and blowing her hair behind her.  "You probably did good coming here if that place hit trouble though.  Phoenix is a stiff old fragger, but I take him for a decent one.  I'd offer a crash point, but you wouldn't like it, ya heard?  Ain't nothing like these nice boats'n'drek."  Coughing slightly, the salt in the air plus the breeze after the smoke was helping her stomach calm itself down, a cautionary prod from her hand to her midsection confirming that. 

"Just one question...your friend in that boat...what was he slinging what the KE's swooped in on, if ya don't mind me askin'?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-29-15/1413:52>
@ Blake  You get a message from ShadowDancer, >>Surveillance says seven people did not come out of the club last night. Prior counts have never had more than two in one night, and the average has been 3.4/week. This could represent a change in strategy and a push for a planned event. Additional surveillance places two of the kidnapped victims at the scene of a AzCorp Research facility break-in. Again, every piece of tech designed to protect the place was completely knocked out. Again, a clean get-away. Forensics indicates a team of more than a dozen. Seven bodies of the kidnapped victims have also been discovered and ID'd so far at what seems to have been a dump site. KE all over it, I'm unable to lock it down and prevent an info leak to set-up surveillance and see who comes back.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-29-15/1418:06>
@ Jed  Snowden looks at you and says, "Well, I am hungry. Did you kidnap me? I'm a kid?" He seems so confused, and lost, not at all like the CEO of a prominent pharmaceutical corp. He looks around the apartment and says. "I don't think my furniture should be so mathematically incorrect."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-29-15/1425:23>
@ Marco  As you reach the apartment you receive a comm, >>I been squattin' here like you said. I got peeps all ready fer ya', but these drek heads won't wait fer evah.<<

@ Arc  You get a comm, >>Arc, I need ta drop off a my bike. I popped some hopscotch drek with it on a job an now it be bent in a few more places ya heard. But, I need it by tonight, an I'll pay double fer tha job. The mods ya made ta it so's I can work are gonna be needed fer this job, so's no way I kin jus' borrow another one. You fix it up fer me an the peeps I be hanging with see what I kin really do an I'm tellin' ya they'll be by ta have their bikes modded fer some tricks too.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-29-15/1433:05>
@ Ambrose  As you make the soycaf and contemplate eating you burn your thumb. Great, all the work I did with those highly volatile drugs and not one injury. Soycaf and I burn my thumb. Sam's medicine cabinet has basic supplies, and you find some cream to take away the sting. But, when you squeeze it onto the burn you realize the error of your ways. It's black, and the sudden cold and then red-hot poker feel of it lets you know it was never intended for flesh.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-29-15/1450:41>
@ Yelena  Z looks at you calmly, "It ain't that I ain't grateful an drek. An I know gangs look out fer each other. But, they also be doing drek what I don't want fer my life. I got a cousins in gangs. My brother an sister both died in prison from their jobs in the gangs. Their peeps did be 'venging them, but, they still be dead. I think peeps should be taking care of each other 'cause we all be peeps. An I think being someone who looks out fer others 'cause it's the right thing ta do be like better than the angels what they teach about in them churches. Them angels they don' be helpin' nothin'. But, I seen people helping people an I think that who I wanna be. An I know you be thinkin' that I be brave 'cause I don' be tellin' 'em where you be. But, chip truth is I didn't know. Don't know how Rabbit did. 'cept she be real smart. She always be payin' attention ta drek. Don't think I don' be knowin' what ya' did fer me. I do, an it be stupid ta say no ta someone what can be protectin' peeps like you do. What be a hero. An, I don't be sayin' no. I be sayin' more like I wanna be a hero, not a ganger."

@ Arc  You get a comm from Rabbit, >>We watch. They be shippin' drek today metalgrl. Getting it loaded now. Hurrying to much for mule ta be coming late.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-29-15/1505:17>
Marco wanted to return home, he really did but he also had work to do, so he decided to go catch up with Ambrose. He arrives at the boat and say, saying "Phoenix I am home" in an happy melodic voice. Marco is surprised to see Arc, and another young lady talking on the upper deck. He joins them and say  "Arc? what are you doing here? who is your friend? Are we going for a boat ride?"

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-29-15/1527:55>
As Yelena arrives back at the garage, she thinks over the last words she had with Z.  "Z right.  Heroes need gang too.  Stick together.  Help each other.  Watch for others.  Yelena and Z talk.  Old man might know things.  Sleep and think."  Perhaps there is room in the shadows for a gang that helps people instead of preying on them.  Z has something.

Opening the garage door, she wheels the bike inside and looks around to see if she has any visitors this evening.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-29-15/1544:01>
@Arc  Looking at her, you see nothing remarkable about her face other than a pair of impossibly green eyes.  Ginny shrugs and says, "Don't get along with the suit types.  Have some history there, if you know what I mean.  Worked my fragging ass off to get the grades and degrees for the corp and then all went to fragging drek.  All that hard work really got me is nothing but working on a fragging drug boat.  And that drek of a human being is not a friend,  He is my mother's cousin, or at least that is what they told me when this gig was set up.  Was starting to think that was a lie, too.  Anyway, it was supposed to be a gateway to something big.  Turned out to be nothing like that.  Cousin Sebastian runs.....er, ran....... drugs and guns.  He had been bragging about some big score going down while I was out on my last delivery, but it looks like the KE scored him instead.  Lucky I was out or I could be sharing a cell with who knows who."   She visibly shivers.  "I hate to think what sort of sexual positions I might be learning." 

Ginny laughs and you notice it is a nice laugh.  Then, as the girl flicks her own butt into the harbor, she nudges Arc and says, "You know that Keeb coming up the marina walkway?  He is waving at either you or me, and I don't know him from anyone.  Hmmm, might like to, though.  He dresses well."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-29-15/1553:09>
@Marco, Arc   The girl on the deck is rather normal in appearance, but Marco notices her very very green eyes and slightly upturned nose.  She extends a hand to Marco, "I am Ginny Waters and I was crashing here last night due to my own place completely under the jackboots of KE thugs.  John's father was very nice to let me stay.  And it looks like this is a meeting I was not invited to so I will be pushing off.  It was nice to meet you."  She turns to Arc and adds, It was nice to meet you, too, Arc.  Let me give you my comm code, just in case you hear of anyone who need a chemist or biologist.  I could be desperate enough to do something nefarious.  Anyway, see you later."

The girl nods to Marco and starts to walk to the gangway off the boat.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-29-15/1605:22>
Marco smiles his charming smile at Ginny. He say... " Why are you leaving so soon?... You seem to be in the bed with the KE - and I am not sure you should go back home so soon. You crushed here last night with someone you mistakenly call John father. It means that your options are kind of limited right now aren't they?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-29-15/1626:13>
@Marco, Arc   Ginny grins back.  "You said it.  My options are very limited.  But, no,  I am not in bed with the KE.  Fragging bastards can all go to hell, and probably will.  So they are not my option."  She pauses and tilts her head a bit as she continues, "Wait.  Did you say that Phoenix is not John's father?  Then who is he and what is he doing on John's boat?"  She backs away a step and looks between both of you.  She holds up her hands.  "Wait.  I am not sure that I want to know what is going on."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-29-15/1634:49>
Marco thinks to himself, no more lies... they seem to be the problem not the solution. He say "I have no idea who Jhon is, but this boat was introduced to me by a former lover of mine, a German lady named Shilla Shmidt. I later discovered that she was just a fake identiiy and that she is also a guy named Sam, then we discovered that the same guy is also known by name Sebastian and well the more we dig, the more identities we find. He seems to be a government agent of some sort - or a very dangerous criminal, we really have no clue.   He looks at Jenny and apologizes, " I am sorry for sharing with you the truth - but the thing is not knowing whats going on may get you killed. I have a feeling that this Jhon you refer to might also be one of the indemnities of this man - and he seems to be in some very serious shit- I afraid that everything related to him is compromised."
Marco looks at Ginny, that seems a bit upset from what she heard.   "Have a seat... it is a lot to digest... Now I pretty sure I owe you a drink... "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-29-15/1918:11>
@ Marco  You get a comm from the Lady >>The new soup kitchen is having some problems with codes and licenses. I've talked to several people in different agencies, but a plea for a soup kitchen in the Barrens does not move hearts or obtain license permissions. It looks like it'll be nine months to a year before I'm done with all the red tape and can begin demolition and construction for the updates it needs before it can be considered safe.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-29-15/1925:35>
@Marco texts lady and he is in a bit of poetic good mood.  >> My love, your humble servant posses a unique set of skills that can expedite the wheels of bureaucracy... do not look at the formal procedure - things never really work with formalities. You need to identify the person that can get your forms approved overnight... I will give that person what he or she desires.   Yes love, I like you that much.   
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/0041:40>
@Arc, Marco, Ambrose   Ginny sits on the offered seat.  "I.....I do not understand.  I am a bit confused.  Shilla, Sam, Sebastian."  Here she looks over her shoulder at the other boat and shakes her head.  "No, that has to be a coincidence.  My cousin is a piece of drek, but I have seen him at the same time as I saw John.  So it must be a different Sebastian.  But I am still not sure what you are saying.  I saw a man on this boat several times and he would wave and say hello if I was out when he walked by.  He stopped one time and introduced himself as John and said that he lived on this boat.  He seemed very nice."  She pauses, her slightly pale skin emphasizing her deep green eyes.  "I think I could use that drink, thank you very much."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-30-15/0142:10>
Marco goes to the lower deck and brings an ice cold six-pack with him. He offers Ginny and Arc a beer and open the beers and serve it to them. He cheers and after a few sips from the beer,
he asks Ginny with his devious smile, and a meaningful look straight to her big green eyes. To establish trust he browses his comlink for a short video of Shilla, In the video, the two are seating on the top deck of this boat. Apparently it is her birthday and Marco cleared his entire day just to be with her, after a short conversation Marco starts rubbing Shilla’s back, the video ends shortly after when Shilla say“turn that off silly... before it gets too hot.” and smiles a naughty smile to the camera.

Marco sighs and say “The bitch broke my heart, we’ve been together for a year and she clearly had complete access to this boat. Would you believe that for me it was the most meaningful relationship I ever had, but for her just a ruse.  Not long ago, she confessed about being also this dude named Sam. Can you imagine how I feel after spending a year with her and I don't even know her true gender? the real look of her face?  It was all nothing but an illusion and I loved her.“
This confession does not come easy on Marco, he seems a bit blushed and embarrassed, he looks at Ginny and takes another sip of his beer. Marco tries to encourages Ginny to speak about her cousin and Jhon but will not directly ask. He wants to establish some trust and sympathy before.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/0215:59>
@Marco, Arc, Ambrose    Ginny nods at the beer, but her hands are shaking a little bit as she takes the can and raises it to her lips.  The act of doing such a mundane task seems to calm her nerves a bit.  She sits and watches the video, looking closely at it as it plays out.  When it is over and Marco finishes his spiel, she looks up at him, focusing on his face.  "I am sorry.  You must have loved her very much.  Or him, I suppose.  Are you sure that the Sam person is the real one?  It seems that someone with that sort of mojo could be anyone they want to be."  She shakes her head with a rueful look on her rather plain face.  "She is quite pretty in that video.  Me, most people tend to forget me as soon as I leave.  Now, do not get me wrong, that does have its advantages, especially when I was making the drug and gun deliveries for Sebastian."  She shudders.  "Most of his fragging clients are definitely not the type I would want to remember me.  But my personal life is pretty empty, too.  The pretty girls get the guys and people like me get forgotten.  When I was in school I was too busy studying to be interested in the university parties.  Now I wonder what I have missed."

"I came up here for a new start.  All I got so far is fragging drek and all of my work is in the crapper."  She goes quiet and seems to pull herself together.  "But I should not be bothering you with al this.  I guess I just react to stress by talking, sometimes about nothing at all.  I do not really understand what you mean.  I know some people have mojo and can do amazing things, but I have never seen it.  My life is science and chemistry and biology.  Facts, not magic.  Give me a computer and I can tear it apart and put it back together in the dark.  Give me part of a chemical code and I will give you the rest.  But mojo?  Not a chance."  She stops and gives one of her rather nice laughs.  "See?  Just rattling on.  And you two just letting me go.  I must appear crazy to you."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-30-15/0306:56>
Marco thinks,  "Blake was here recently, he looked for Sebastian and was fooled by the Sam costume... Can they both mention Sebastian in the context of shadow work and come to the same place by  accident?"


Marco looks at Ginny smiling "This Sebastian person seems like very bed news, I think I know him. If it is the same Sebastian, he is a real douche. My Sebastian is a lanky guy almost keeb thin...  Marco completes a detailed description of Sam. "Could it be the same Sebastian I know?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/0317:01>
Yelena removes the sax case from her back and walks around the garage and living space, looking for any signs that someone has been in or might still be in Arc's home.  She immediately notices the smell of worked metal and realizes that Arc has been at work.  At least she hopes it is Arc.  Yelena walks into the living space and hears the shower running.  She looks around but does not see the rigger man's clothes on the bed.  She smiles and sighs.  Going to the kitchen she puts a huge pot of soycaf on and gets out some packages of cookies that she had squirreled away from Arc.  While the soycaf is cooking up she has time to think about things.  So much is happening right now.  By all rights she should have left the sprawl after the Ancients' job and been somewhere else.  Instead she had been embroiled in things she does not begin to understand and for the first time in many years she finds that she wants to understand.  And that in itself is surprising.  She never questions the contract.  She never stays.  She never makes emotional connections.  These are the rules of her life that she adopted after the sax man's betrayal.  Now there is Arc.  And Marco.  And Sam.  And Feathers.  And Z.  And...........  And the list just goes on.  Too many people are now too close to her.  Yelena has to face the truth that she might not be able to leave; that the Barrens is where she shadow will claim her when it is done with her.

She goes to the sax case and opens it, removing the precious instrument.  Stroking it like a lover, Yelena tests every key and pull.  Putting the sax on the counter, she takes a chair and small table and goes outside the building.  The weather is cold, but not unbearable just now, and she places the chair and table on the sidewalk near the large burn barrel outside the garage.  Returning to the kitchen, she finds Arc sipping a cup of the soycaf and giving her one of those patented "Arc wants to know what the frag is going on" looks.  "Yelena glad see Arc, too.  Will play sax outside.  Think others come listen.  Soycaf is good for cold."  She also notices the open package of cookies and blushes.  "Was going tell Arc about cookies.  Arc like too much.  Eat all one night."  Laughing, she grabs the large pot, the remaining cookies, and some chipped mugs and goes outside to place them on the table before bringing the sax out.  She fires up the burn barrel before sitting on the chair and begins to play.  She plays what comes to her fingers, not having any specific playlist in mind.  The tones from the sax lift up into the early evening, stirring souls all along the street.  Some passers-by stop to listen to a refrain and stay for a song or set of songs.  The hot soycaf and burn barrel keep the people near and few complain about sharing the few mugs on the table.  People come from shops and humble dwellings to listen to the music.  It does not take long before an enterprising young man pulls out a mouth harp and tries to follow Yelena's lead.  His skill is clearly not equal to hers, but the small crowd does not seem to care.  Carl Grimes from the Snack Bin across the street slips a second pot of soycaf onto the table.  Willa Cathers, a struggling mother of three adds a loaf of bread.  When Henry Walker from the Blade's End tavern from down the street steps outside to see where some of his regulars are, he sees the crowd and brings a second table and some of the sweets from the bar.  A man turns over a trash bin and begins playing it as a drum.  Yelena is reminded of the Ork she had met briefly......Duckdown had been his name and he could really play the drums.  This man was not as good, but he was here and the other man had left the Barrens for parts unknown. 

Without any planning, Yelena and Arc have a small block party going on.  Someone rolled another burn barrel over and Yelena had someone bring Arc's large light stands out from the garage.  Some people were dancing in the street to the tunes and the three-person impromptu band was a hit.  Who knew that a sax, mouth harp, and trash can could help bring people together in this little part of the Barrens.  People that had never acknowledged each other were introducing themselves and talking, singing, and generally having fun.  A bit of tension was introduced when a pair of KE patrol officers pulled up in a heavily armored cruiser.  Some of the small crowd melted into the darkness as one of the KE men got out of the car and made his way through the crowd.  After surveying the activity he motioned to his partner, who emerged from the patrol cruiser and took two large bags from the rear storage compartment.  He brought the bags to his partner, who took them and began removing food and soycaf containers, placing them on the tables.  A rather pretty girl that Yelena knew was a prostitute by the name of Tori went up to one of the policemen and took his arm, leading him to the area where others had been dancing.  Yelena and the others started playing again and the surprised KE man joined the girl for a dance before going back to his partner and getting back in the car.  He waved to the crowd as they drove away.

Yelena had the thought that Z was definitely right.  The shadows had room for kindness and heroes as well as villains and gangs.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/0329:48>
@Marco, Arc, Ambrose  Ginny is drinking from the beer can when Marco describes Sebastian and snorts so hard that she sprays some beer.  "Oh, God, I am so sorry about that.  No, they have to be different people.  My cousin is hardly a dangerous man.  If he were he might have had a better place to live.  This boat is waaaaaaay better than his piece of drek.  I am actually surprised that it is still afloat.  The Sebastian I know is about 5'6" and quite heavy.  The last I saw him, he was in restraints, dressed in his skivvies and dancing about to stay warm while the KE thugs were ripping his boat apart.  It would be quite funny if the rest of my clothes and anything I do not have in my purse were not still on the boat or in KE hands." 

She pauses then adds, "You know, the man you describe as Sebastian sounds just like John.  Yeah, I would say that you have him to a tee.  But he told me that his name is John.  Well, that is certainly not the first time a man has lied to a girl.  Still, it is a strange coincidence that he was using the name Sebastian to you."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-30-15/0529:22>
Marco thinks "So there is a Sebastian her cousin, that has her delivering drugs and guns. Bad person that was arrested very recently. In the same Marina (?!) she meets the most dangerous person I know. Lets call Shilla/Sam/Sebastian/Jhon -  Mr. X... I already suspect that X is a government agent. He did not just happen to be so close to a drug dealing criminal... he was tracking him fishing for evidence... X got her cousin arrested..."

Marco laugh "That would indeed be funny He then flirtatiously ask “I must admit, that normally I would try to separate a pretty woman from her clothes... not unite one with them." He laughs softly and then adds  "Perhaps you can be my exception, Ginny” Marco looks at her with his most empathetic look, and say  "if someone took all my wonderful clothes it will feel terrible... some people will never understand"  Marco wondered if Phoenix could understand how she must have felt. Phoenix resented Marco just for leaving a single coat behind. He said that a coat can even be a home. Ginny has just lost all her cloths, and her actual home, she must feel terrible.   

He say ”Care to if I take a second look on that boat to see if we can still salvage some of your stuff? I can be very discreet, just show me where the boat is.”  Marco figures that the things Ginny describe really do not make her such a big bust. There are so many mules, the KE can't just go after all of them.  Her cousin seems to me a much bigger criminal worthy of their time. Perhaps the KE left and already got everything they wanted. If Ginny shows him where the boat is, Marco can scan it as a bird to see if the boat is still being watched or carefully monitored.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/1158:58>
@Marco, Arc, Ambrose   Ginny blushes when Marco mentions separating a girl from her clothes, but does not turn away.  "Well, I have never been one for nice things, but I would like to at least have more than one set to live in.  Do you really have some pull with the KE and can get on the boat?  That would be great."  She stands and moves to the railing, where she points at a boat three slips down and on the other side of the walkway.  "See there?  Three boats down.  There is some yellow evidence tape across the back and I think one of the KE thugs is still on board, although I cannot see him just now.  He was on the deck a bit ago, right, Arc?"  She will describe some of her things to you.  By what she says, nothing is more than label knock offs of some of the things you might have for knock-around.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-30-15/1213:31>
Marco tells Ginny
"Ginny, I need to know - do you want me to take you shopping and get some high quality clothes for you. I'll pay don't worry. Or do you have something over there that is worth risking an unpleasant encounter with the KE. It is fine either way"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-30-15/1217:18>
Arc was about to respond to Ginny's comments when the waving Marco was pointed out to her, interrupting her focus as she raised an eyebrow.  Hands crossed under her chest, she tilted her head a bit and gave a smirk, muttering to the girl about her comments on interest.  "Careful with that...he's a bit of a lush with that sorta thing"  Returning the embrace of the young keeb, Arc took a step back and remained pretty quiet.  The timing on such was appropriate too, as that moment in time saw fit to send her a couple important comm messages....

>>Arc, I need ta drop off a my bike. I popped some hopscotch drek with it on a job an now it be bent in a few more places ya heard. But, I need it by tonight, an I'll pay double fer tha job. The mods ya made ta it so's I can work are gonna be needed fer this ojb, so's no way I kin jus' borrow another one. You fix it up fer me an the peeps I be hanging with see what I kin really do an I'm tellin' ya they'll be by ta have their bikes modded fer some tricks too.<<
@ Arc  You get a comm from Rabbit, >>We watch. They be shippin' drek today metalgrl. Getting it loaded now. Hurrying to much for mule ta be coming late.<<

Two jobs, two lives, both alike in urgent drek all.  Frag me  Arc barely registered that Marco was spilling the beans, and in a less sleep deprived state, she may have shut him up, but instead she leaned on the railing.  This girl was no friend of the cops, and that meant she wasn't going to spill anything on them.  But still, a little context may have been needed.  Standing up straight, the short human girl cleared her throat.

"Maybe y'all need a reference, eh?  Remember all that buzztalk about that Smiley-face Killer drek on the trid news?  Ever wonder how that drek got stopped?"  The girl lifted her cybernetic arm up, tapping her skull briefly.  "Ya lookin' at part of it.  Yo boy John or whatever had a part too.  Now we looking into something else, some hero fraggin' drek, and yo' boy likely in trouble.  If ya'll want out I wont blame ya.  But here.."  Flipping open her comm, she sent over a brief message to the girl's link.  "My code.  I run a garage and fix-it place in the Barrens, girly.  You need anything fixed up, you let me know, aight?"

Turning to Marco, she gave a nod.  "I got some drek to take care of.  Yo girl told me you met someone this morning.  Tell me how that went in a comm? Ah..."  At that moment, a message from Marco popped up wtih a number on it.  Wiz  "You got it...wiz.  Anyhow, I'll leave you birdies to it.  Ginny, it's been real"  With a wave, Arc ducked down into the boat for a beat, hands moving quickly as she pulled out a datachip, loading a copy of the video files and her notes about them onto it and leaving it for Ambrose to find before retreating outside and away from the boat.  Her synthleather jacket warded off the chill well as she strode briskly to her car, hopping in and making her replies.

<<@Reply{Arc}: Be there in 30.  Bring the bike and payment, and send me a trid photo of it right now.  If time be of the essence, I wanna know what I'm fixin' before i get there, wiz?  Meet ya there>>

<<@Rabbit{Metalgrrl}: Shipping today, huh?  If it's just product, that's fine.  I'm interested in the setup.  If they moving that, I need to know where.  Meet 2nite?>>

<<@Blake{Arc}:  Hoi.  You don't know me, I get that.  But you know Marco and Yelena, who I be working with.  Heard you might wanna meet up.  I got a garage local I run, discrete.Meet up tonight, say around 19-20:00?>>

Satisfied, Arc took the car and drove away from the Harbor, making her way back to the Barrens, the growling in her stomach the only interruption she had, as now that she was settled, she was reminded that she basically had no food in her system.  A quick stop at a Stuffer Shack fixed that, a few snacks sating her as her automotive client sent over the trid specs of his bike.  Dayum...looks like he tore through out of control through a steelcrete hallway.  three spots of bent frame, and that fuel tank's gonna rattle too...suspension will need recoiling too.  Not impossible.  As she arrived, the go-ganger, a lanky troll by the name of Slim (how appropriate) was already waiting, his dinged up Scorpion leaning up against the garage wall.  Opening up, the human noticed how Yelena's bike wasn't there.  Must be out.  Oh right, Z...  Looking up at the trog, she gave a nod and had him bring the bike in.  "Ya got lucky there, Slim.  Been booked up for the past week or so solid.  And before that I was in the hospital losin' the arm.  First open day in a while, omae.  C'mon, I found your issues, I'ma get to work."

And work she did.  Slipping into her coveralls, shield mask going over her face, Arc got to work on the bike.  The frame was physically difficult, but technically simple....remove the delicate components, heat each of the bent joints, and apply force to on side while bracing the other, not unlike hammering out a sword in a forge.  The rattling involved a reseating of the tank, a few arc-welds locking it into place.  As for the suspension, a resealing of the hydraulics took some heat and effort before and after, the meat of the fix involving a big wrench and a lot of elbow grease.  By the end of it, several hours had passed, and Arc was leaning against the back wall, surveying her handiwork, covering in muck and sweat, panting heavily.  "Hoi...bike's good, tell me what you think.."

[spoiler]Automotive Mechanic (Push the Limit) (http://orokos.com/roll/321422): 13d6h5 8[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/1225:47>
@Marco, Arc, Ambrose     Ginny turns to Marco and you can see that she is blushing again.  You can almost see her carefully consider what you have just said.  "I have nothing over there I need.  I just do not want to be known as the girl who never changes her clothes.  But why would you buy me clothes, nice or plain?  And what would I have to do for it?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-30-15/1311:16>
Marco tells Ginny "Because you are new in town and need my help. I was completely lost when when I arrived to Seattle two years ago. I couldn't stand on my own legs without receiving a lot of help. Other than that, you are a brilliant person you just have to find your place to shine. You will be quite successful when you do... don't forget me."   He smiles at her and say "I might even do more than buying you some clothes. You need a new place to crush - you shouldn't hang here so close to your uncle's boat.  I'll find you a safe place to stay until you sort your things."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/1404:40>
@ Marco  Ginny looks the handsome Keeb up and down then seems to come to a decision.  "Alright.  Sold.  Not like I have many options here right now, anyway.  You have to understand that I will pay you back, but it might take a while as I have no job and it seems that my skills are not in great demand."  She glances over at the boat.  "No.  I don't expect that I should.  That fragging cousin of mine might just rat on me and have the KE knee-breakers on me.  Thank you for the offer."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-30-15/1531:29>
Marco tells Ginny, "Alright, wait for me here and I'll be back in a sec. " Marco gets down and pick up two samples of Phoenix wondrous drug and stashes them in his Jacket.  He touch base with Arc and Ambrose as he softly tells them "Phoenix we have a lot to catch up, I missed quite a few messages please fill me in.

Arc, this Blake guy seems like a good person. He seems to know quite a bit. I think he came from the same place as our mystery man... I'll now go to get Ginny comfortably settled, so that Phoniex get his privacy back... I can see how having a young woman with only one set of clothes can be a bit distracting"  He winks at Phoenix.

He gets off the Yacht and offers Ginny his hand just as his taxi picked them up. “I’ll get you wonderful clothes... better than the ones you lost.”
During the ride Marco asks her "So you said you wen't to university? how was it? what did you study... tell me all about it." He  is genuinely very interested.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/1640:01>
@ Marco   After you leave the boat Ginny will walk at your side but makes sure that you are between her and the other boat as you go by.  There is a strip of yellow tape stretching across the transom of the Piglet, which would be an apt name as from what you can see the boat was a dump before the KE came and it is even worse now.  You see ripped up cushions scattered about and gear mixed with trash is piled everywhere.  Ginny sneaks a look past you and says, "Hmmm.  Not much different from normal.  Frag."  She ducks back to your side as you see a man in the distinctive uniform of the KE come up from below decks.  He comes to the deck railing and looks over, waving to you as you pass by. 

The two of you walk to the end of the walkway and to your taxi.  You can assist Ginny in and climb in after her before giving directions to the driver.  Once on the way, she looks to you.  "School?  Well, I guess it is fair to say that university is the only place I really felt alive.  I took a double major in chemistry and biology and a minor in computers.  I guess I am a true science geek.  Anyway, my life there was books and labs, so not too much to tell.  No social life and no boyfriends.  No real friends at all.  I had a couple of cutie lab partners, but they were more into using the classes to get laid than in learning the magic of science.  And they were not into me in the first place."  She shrugs.  "I know I am just a plain Jane so it does not bother me."  At this she turns to the window and looks out at the city as it passes by.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Ravensoracle on <08-30-15/1811:39>
<<<@Arc      Give me the location of the garage and I'll be happy to meet with you.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-30-15/1858:53>
Marco tells Ginny "No you are no plain, you just market yourself like that... I will show you what you can be."
When Marco takes Ginny shopping, she discovers that Marco is quite a talented shopper even for women clothing. After all, Marco has some experience buying this kind of clothing but he does not explain how or why. He knows that most people will think that he is some sort of freak because he sometimes likes to hang around in female shape, but for Marco after experiencing with bird shape, dog shape and even dolphin shape - being a woman is not such a radical transformation. He takes Ginny to many shops and the result is nothing less than a complete makeover. Marco buys Ginny clothes from the latest fashion, these are a little more lively, a little more sexy than the a-sexual stuff Ginny would normally wear.

They buy everything from casual dresses to sexy langerie. Marco makes sure that Ginny can be properly dressed for any social situation he can imagine her getting into int he next couple of weeks. Ginny quickly discovers that Marco is quite knowledgeable about fashion and that his bargaining skills makes the entire experience easier to finance.   Marco seem to have endless patience for her, and constantly encourages her to dress in a more fashionable manner. Marco makes an effort to boost Ginny’s self image. To make her feel attractive rather than plain. He encourages her to dress in a bit more sexual manner so that she'll enjoy some male attention.
It does seem to work, when Marco dresses Ginny she is not so plain anymore. She is a handsome young lady.  The way Marco sees the world -  everyone can feel attractive with the right encouragement, positive feedback and emotional support. 

“I think I’ll take you to my home,  I have a spare room I am not using”. He say, as the two are finished shopping and are carrying a large amount of shopping bags.  I had so much fun, we should totally do that again once we have more money
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/1952:45>
@ Marco   In the beginning Ginny seems quite nervous about the entire experience.  She remains quiet and very self-conscious for the first hour then seems to open up a bit, actually.  She models the clothes to get your approval on the correct style and what looks good on her.  By the time you get to the lingerie store she is used to it and even models some of that for you, although it is easy to see that she is blushing at some of it.  She has a decent figure although her bust is a bit on the small side but her legs and butt are quite attractive.  She does not appear to have any excess body fat and is in very good condition for an academic.  At some point in the trip she asks to go into a sporting goods shop and selects some running gear and shoes, explaining, "Just about the only thing I do outside of study is run.  I found out that it lets my mind focus on the problems I have encountered.  I am afraid that I am getting way out of shape up here as there are so many places I am afraid to run in.  I found a park I can use, but all of my running clothes, like everything else, is still on that boat." 

As you predicted, she does begin to think more of herself and this helps her self esteem.  You can almost see the transformation happen before your eyes.  The face is still plain, except for the eyes and slightly upturned nose, but the overall presentation improves greatly, actually making her seem more attractive.  At some point you hear her stomach growling and she gives an embarrassed laugh.  "Sorry about that.  I guess I have not eaten in a bit."

While eating, she seems comfortable enough to sit next to instead of across from you.  She stays away from any alcohol, saying that it gives her a headache.  After letting you order for her, she asks, "So, I would not expect a man to be so knowledgeable on women's style and fashion.  I just have to ask what you do for a living?  You do not have to say, but I am sure it is interesting.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-30-15/2010:14>
Marco is a bit nervous where Ginny mention the job issue, this is the part that many people find difficult to accept.  “Well you can say that my services are always in demand, in any known human society. I am offering a magical escort service. I entertain rich people.  I become whomever they desire. I can even be a woman, tough it is always a bit odd. I have the ability to change my shape to almost anything and a burning desire to discover new methods to see the world.” Marco seems completely relaxed but he is just a little tense right now, a lot of people would consider him some sort of freak. Then again, Ginny could just background check him, Marco is a very visible person. To break the awkward silence he tells Ginny "You'd like my neighborhood, you can run wherever you like the streets are safe."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/2033:13>
@ Marco   Ginny's hand freezes in the motion of bringing food to her mouth.  She carefully puts the fork down at her plate and stares at Marco.  There is complete silence for a minute as she compiles the information she has just been given.  Her scientific brain completes all the necessary connections, and she nods.  "So.  You fragging sling mojo?  Well, I.........I.......I guess........."  She goes quiet again, then squares her shoulders.  "OK.  At least you do not seem the baby-eating type and can walk in the sunlight.  You are actually quite nice.  Maybe the stereotype is not right.  Wait, did you say that you can change your shape?  How does that feel?  I mean, when you are a woman, are you really a woman with all........well, with all the right parts?  And as an escort, does that mean you make love to both men and women?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-30-15/2043:26>
Marco smiles at Ginny, trying to defuse the tension. " I know a little about magic, not as much as I wanted. I'll sleep someplace else tonight so you will feel comfortable. I know it is difficult to get over it... and I want you to get a good night rest." He sighs and 
"Yes, I get all the right parts, and I am attracted to both men and women, I've did sex both as a woman and as a men with both women and men. Each body feels different, and it effect your perception of reality in some deep manner. Woman's body feels stuff differently, but some bodies are even more strange than that. Imagine a little bird flying or a dolphin swimming in the ocean... These offer a completely different way to experience life."

Marco then adds.
"You know... this ability does not effect only me, I can also change others, if they let me."
 
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/2139:17>
@ Marco  Ginny looks at Marco in silence, then reaches a hand out tentatively to touch him, her fingers light on his arm.  "No.  No, I would not hear of that.  It would be churlish to make you stay somewhere else when you have been so kind.  You said it was a spare room, right.  Then I have nothing to fear.  Besides, I find that I am uncharacteristically interested in something besides science.  I would like to hear more of this shape changing mojo."  She visiblly shivers a bit, and since it is not cold, it is likely to be excitement, perhaps the first you have really seen on her face yet.  She is looking at you with wide eyes which are much like pools of liquid emeralds.  "Are you willing to talk to me about it?

She gasps when you talk about changing others.  "Do you mean just other awakened, or even mundanes like........like me?  I wonder what that would feel like?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Triskavanski on <08-31-15/0017:27>
Ambrose had been mostly ignoring most of everyone as of recently. Why in the bloody blue blazes did he even decide to make soycafe? SOYCAFE?! Curse this American beverage of pure evil.

Gathering up the extra bits of the subtance, and thourghly cleaning his hands of whatever the heck was that black paste, he went back up deck to see if Ke was still around, regardless, he'd soon dump the stuff overboard, before heading back down to make himself a nice cup of earl grey. Opening the cupboard, he'd discover another can that he missed. The brit narrowing his eyes at the cursed substance.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-31-15/0025:25>
After dealing with the business about Slim and his bike, Arc waved the lanky trog a good evening before retreating into her home.  There she finally surveyed the damage that her keeb Srui had mentioned there would be.  A brow raised, she couldn't help but shake her head with a bit of a snigger, picking and brushing away a few pieces before she spotted something amiss: a bit of red.  Sniffing the air, she grew briefly concerned...but she remembered with tinged cheeks how ..rough the Russian's technique could be.  Giving up on cleaning, the human shrugged her way out of her clothes and hopped in the shower, responding to Blake's message and sending some others out.

. <<@Blake{Arc}: Wiz bang.  My location is right here (Attached:map.aro). Meet around 20:00?  I'll get who else I can.>>

<<@Yelena, Marco, Jed, Phoenix:  hey guys, Arc here.  Thinking we need to regroup and catch up.  Meet up at my place by 20:00 if possible?  Thanks peeps>>

Stepping in the shower, Arc washed the grime and sweat from her body, the water refreshing her and reminding her just how hard she has been pushing herself.  Closing her eyes, she breathed slowly a few times to gather her energy, promising herself a night of rest and relaxation if possible before this blowup job.  As she stepped out, she knew something was off.  Her soycaf pot was gone, and a table....and are those cookies?  By the time Yelena had walked in on her, about a quarter of the cookies were gone with the human girl in the middle of a mouthful.  "...mmph ..not a word, Srui..." . She laughed, hugging the older elf.  " Glad you're alive."

A brief exchange with Yelena and some time later, a full blown block party was going on.  Something Arc had never expected to see in this neighborhood.  She felt on edge for a good part of it, but eventually she relaxed, smiling and enjoying the company of their neighbors.  Thinking, she sighed a bit and pulled up another comm.

 <<@Jaime: hey, it's your Srui here.  Turns out, block parties happen in the Barrens.  Wanna drop by?>> 

Sending that, the human sighed and listened to the keen blood sister play her piece, seeingn a sense of community and enjoyment that should never have happened in winter...but here it did.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <08-31-15/0150:58>
@ Jed  Snowden looks at you and says, "Well, I am hungry. Did you kidnap me? I'm a kid?" He seems so confused, and lost, not at all like the CEO of a prominent pharmaceutical corp. He looks around the apartment and says. "I don't think my furniture should be so mathematically incorrect."


Jed does a double take at Snowden.  Taking a moment to concentrate, Jed carefully assenses him.  First, he looks at his health, trying to make sure that there is no insanity here.  Jed tries to glean all that he can from the aura.  He has been given some vague instructions on what is expected with this guy.  Subtley?  Nope, lets stick with bluntness. 

Hang on, lets sort some information out.  I promise I didn't kidnap you, I rescued you.  We aren't at your place, we are at the home of a friend of mine.  I'm worried that you took a hit on the head.  Can you tell me your name?  How old you are?  What year is this?  I know it sounds silly, but just bear with me.  Tell me what was the last thing you remember before you went to sleep? 

[spoiler]Irish:12D6E5 → 4( (6, 5, 4, 1, 6, 2, 3, 3, 1, 4, 6, 3→ 4 successes against 5) ) (https://rolz.org/info?X3952660)
4 hits assenssing Snowden.  Health, Magic, then anything else)
[/spoiler]

God I hope this guy doesn't freak out.  He seems so logical, but this may be too much of a strain.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-31-15/0523:15>
@ Jed. As you assense Snowdon his aura shows damage. His energy levels are markedly less than before. And that 'shine' that signifies awakened isn't nearly as bright. He looks at you, "My name is. My name is. My name is..

. What's my name? Why don't I know my name. He's visibly upset. He looks at you and says, You say you rescued me Why don't I know my name? He starts trembling and then he grabs you and starts shaking you And shouting, "What's My name. Tell me my name."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-31-15/0529:14>
@ Arc. You receive a comm from Blake, >>I'll be there.<<

For Blake. The meet with Marco and The keeb Hadn't taken long fortunately. Blake decided to go Into the office. He took a cab back to his place and changed quickly, changing his appearance to that of the much younger clerk he was portraying, after all it was his job to gather the Intel. And now Marco was going to need every bit of it If Blake had a prayer of him carrying off Stewarts job.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-31-15/0547:47>
@ Marco. You get a comm from the Lady,  >>Thank You Marco, I Will get you the names of the persons I need to give these permissions. But I think that list will be many. I will get them all for you.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-31-15/0643:47>
Marco is fascinated how Ginny becomes interested in something he does. While Marco cannot explain why or how shape change works he can try to explain how it feels. He say, “Yes I can change you, Ginny”
Marco skillfully pauses to let Ginny digest it, and when he feels that her excitement grows, he continues.  Marco understands that if he plant this desire in her mind, her anticipation would grow and when he finally change her - it will be the most amazing thing she ever experienced. Effecting Ginny in such a manner may help him trust her.

“It is difficult to describe how it feels. “ He finally say. “I can tell you that this particular spell has fundamentally changed me “ He sighs. “It is one thing to look at the birds and desire their freedom of movement but a completely different thing to actually be a bird." He pauses and ideally look at some pigeons that are walking by at the park. They seem a lot more fascinating now that they can potentially fly with them. 
When Marco gets Ginny's attention back he adds:
"It changes your emotions, your physical needs and desires - the way you perceive the world and yourself."

He pauses, to give Ginny a little bit to think about it and then adds.
"I always discover new things, even about places I thought I was familiar with.  The same environment, that I know very well from one perspective, can be an exciting and uncharted territory when viewed from different eyes.” Marco sighs
“I think it made me a better person, it gave me tools to experience things in ways that I could never imagine. I recently discovered that fireworks that I like a lot, and get excited like a little kid when they are displayed... They are horrifying when my body only weighs a few grams and is covered in feathers.  But this is not just fear that I discovered... "
Marco gently strokes Ginny's hand as he softly say "I also experienced pleasure in ways that I could never anticipate in advance, and with senses I never knew I can have.”

Marco anticipates that Ginny's desire to change her shape will grow with each passing day. He is experienced enough to know that she should be ready for it and that it is probably a good idea to let her digest the full meaning of changing her shape. Perhaps being able to effect Ginny's desires so deeply will give Marco the ability to trust her. After all, to let him change her - Ginny must place herself completely at Marco's mercy.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-31-15/1025:36>
Ginny seems to be digesting what you are telling her and putting things in order.  She does not move her hand when you begin stroking it, but does give you an odd look.  "All of this is so much to take in at once.  I......I feel on one level that what you are telling me is exciting and new, but my scientific side is saying this is not possible.  You are offering such a new experience, and on top of everything else you have done for me.  I really do not know what to say.  By all rights I should just get up and leave, but I find that I do not want to."

"Is there anything else you think I need, clothing wise?  I have........you have spent a lot of money on me already."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-31-15/1248:01>
Marco tells Ginny,
“I know that science is based on observations. Therefore, if you say about something that is real - and you know that it is -  that it cannot be true because it does not make sense - you are not being scientific -  you are being superstitious. "

He let that sink for a while and then say.

"There are many things that have no good explanation. Heck we are living in the city state of Seattle. Our country was created in the treaty of Denver, where most powerful country of the time. Surrendered to a coalition of native american tribes without access to modern technology.

I am an elf and my kind didn’t exist 70 years ago, and on the way here we saw orcs whose kind is even newer. It may make no sense to you, but these things happened they are real.

I can change you, but it will take time.  You’ll need to trust me completely with your body. It is a very intimate thing to share -  perhaps even more intimate than sex. Causing your body to undergo such a radical transformation - requires a certain degree of trust. If we do it too soon,  you won’t find it very fun, not at all. Shape change is  on the table if we’ll stay friends, but it will take a while.”

Marco looks at their bags and at Ginny and say “I think we spent enough for today, there are many more things I can imagine you can wear - but as my own resources are limited -  if you are lacking, I’ll land you some of my own clothes.”

The two enter a taxi and head toward Marco’s apartment. “I have guests... so be nice to them Ginny I do not think they will stick for the night.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-31-15/1345:43>
@ Marco. You get a comm from the Lady,  >>Thank You Marco, I Will get you the names of the persons I need to give these permissions. But I think that list will be many. I will get them all for you.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-31-15/1539:30>
@ Yelena. The Block Party is definitely a success and as Yelena looks around everyone is having fun. Five Howlers show up on their bikes And a couple of white serenity members give them room. It's still a party at first. And Tori is able to snag a customer. But, when she comes back she catches one of the White Serenity members chatting up Willa and sees her as a threat to her business. She immediately goes over and punches her with a solid roundhouse to her left eye. "This be my corner. You wanna trick you need ta find your own."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-31-15/1758:30>
@ Arc  Jaime picks that moment to come strolling around the corner after parking his bike. He frowns and takes a hard look at all the players. And then he steps closer to you, no, between you and trouble, with a ready stance. His fists aren't up, but the frown and the hard gaze as his head sweeps side to side scanning for trouble says that they will be. Gotta hand it to your vruk, he ain't provoking, but no doubt about him being ready for a fight. He just won't last long if bullets start flying.

And with the timing born of pure bad mojo that's when BloodMoney shows up with his new crew for his bike. He's not the problem, if he had been you'd have never done work for him. But, now he's running with the WhollyHell, a lot of their members have Humanis sympathizers, and Splat, Lupo's latest took a beating from one of them recently. It hadn't been bad, but, right now that fact wasn't particularly pertinent.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-31-15/1817:57>
Thurs Dec. 11th 17:23
@ Marco  As your arriving at your apartment you get a comm from the doctor, >>Marco, sweetie. I know this is short notice but I just got handed the job of entertaining a visiting dignitary from the CAS looking to help us implement a new system. But, I overheard him telling the hospital administrator that he would need to cut his visit a bit short as he's interviewing for a new medical director. I was hoping you'd help me show him a very good time tonight. I've been watching him, and while he's got a tight handle on his face his body language seems to favor small  female, elven types with postdoc's. He lightens up with the brainy types. I'm hoping your intuition and special skills can really help him loosen up and be my in. I'm taking him out to dinner tonight at 20:00.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-31-15/2035:36>
Arc was all smiles and content as the community listened to the music, all drama of the Barrens seemingly forgotten as the sense of community that the human imagined should be present was starting to actually look like a reality.  She sighed a little wistfully as she took a sip from the soycaf, nodding to Yelena with a small thumbs up in approval of her idea, turning around at the sound of a bike to notice her tall, dark-skinned Vruk approaching her.

And then, as if on the fragging queue, reality started to rear its ugly head again.

The pro's fighting was nothing new...they were always hypersensitive about their turf.  The human glanced over to her Russian Sruiken'kal, exchanging a silent nod that a brief intercession may be in order.  Their bond must have run deeper than they thought, as without a word, the older elf and the younger human split their attention, Yelena going to settle the pro's while Arc turned to the forming standoff between the Whollyhells and the Howlers.

Arc blinked as her two strides were halted by the figure of her man standing in front of her, side facing her as he scanned the scene with a protective nature.  She blushed a bit, almost unsure how to respond to that action.  ...he cares, that for much is a fact...but he's in over his head if he thinks he can take them all on.  Oh, Jaime...  Silently chuckling and shaking her head, the short girl brushed her hair from her eyes, stepping up and putting her right cyberhand gently on the center of his back.  As he turned his head to glance at her, he would meet her green cybernetic eyes staring intently up at him, the glow from her lamplights revealing the look of assurance and determination.  She stepped forward again, letting her hand drift to wrap around his waist with a light embrace as she stepped over his leg, pressing her forehead to his before taking the lead, adopting a wide stance, her back straightening as she stood between the two factions.  Clearing her throat, she spoke evenly at just enough volume to be heard.

"This don't gotta be this way.  Y'all got beef, take it elsewhere, cuz this here is neutral turf.  Everyone who's ever had work done by me or rolls with someone of the same knows this. Splat..."  She shot a look at the squat-face, tubby ork on the Howler end.  "Lupo and I had this arrangement from the beginning, and you and I both know y'all ain't gonna be wanting to piss him off.  BloodMoney.."  She turned her head, activating the bike and rolling it out, good as new.  "Your work is done as ya wanted it.  Better have the payment ready, wiz?"

Sighing, the girl lifted her hands up to either side.  "Right now, we all are looking to enjoy some music and good company with chummers, wiz?  If you want in, nova.  If not, and ya think to violate the neutral agreement, then I close up to you and yours.   Which would not be wiz.  Where else you gon' get your hardware fixed without worry of a corp check or price tag, hm?  I thought so..."  Clapping her hands together, she eyed either side cooly, wondering how they'd react.  "It don't gotta be this way."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-31-15/2306:02>
Yelena puts the sax down in a safe corner and goes over to where Tori and Willa are squaring off, stepping between them.  "Hey.  Is party.  All know is Tori corner.  Willa talking.  Not poaching.  Be nice and dance.  Tori, is Spooner over there.  Go to regular client."  The two women look at each other for a minute then break off.  Tori heads over to see Spooner, who wraps his arm around her, consoling her as they walk over to the walk up Tori does business out of.  Willa smiles at Yelena and returns to talking to the White Serenity guy.  Yelena advises them to take it indoors and the both nod and move off.

That done, Yelena looks to see if her Srui needs backup.  That stand-off is not completely resolved yet, but it looks like Arc and Jamie are working it.  She checks her internal clock and sees that it is almost 2000 and the various members of the team should be arriving soon.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-31-15/2326:00>
Ginny nods as she finishes her meal, then rises and gathers her bags.  She is quiet during the ride to Marco's apartment.  She smiles at him in the elevator, "I will be nice."  She pauses a bit.  "So can I ask a personal question?  This escort thing you do, it seems to pay well.  Are you the boss or just an employee?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-01-15/0207:44>
@Marco size Ginny up and and then say:  “I am both the boss and employee, and it pays really good. The richer they are the better they pays. I actually have the opportunity of a lifetime tonight. My most important client just texted.  He said that he wants me to show some good time to some dignitary for the CAS. They are both doctors and his guest seems to be attracted to females with postdocs. Now I can do female very easily but a postdoc in just a few hours can be a bit difficult.
 
Any chance you’d like to accompany me tonight and just be yourself? You don’t have to sleep with the guy - just chat him up and enjoy yourself. I’ll come with you wearing my feminine shape and I will make all three of you very comfortable and well entertained. I’ll even pay you half of what I make tonight.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-01-15/0237:33>
Ginny actually looks stunned when you make the offer.  Her mouth open and closes several times without a sound coming out.  She lowers her head, then shrugs her shoulders and looks back up at Marco."What do you want me to say?  I have very, very limited experience in any sort of social circle that does not involve science or computers."  She laughs softly.  "And even less experience with men in any sort of circle.  My entire adult life has been in a university.  Two doctorates and a masters leave little time for anything else.  And are you sure that there is no sex involved?  I am not a virgin, but you could hardly say I am experienced.  I might blow it for you if it comes to that."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-01-15/0329:12>
Marco said “I offered to sleep someplace else so that you will feel comfortable - I won’t change my skin and pressure you into sleeping with a guy you never met.  Some things cannot be entirely faked.  That said, I do believe that you will genuinely enjoy their company.  They are very smart and knowledgeable in fields close to your own. Perhaps one of them is even influential enough to get you a job interview. A real job that can challenge and excite you... not escort nonsense. 

I’ll make you very comfortable - break the ice and get the conversation going. Don’t do anything you are not comfortable with. Be yourself and if you do end up sleeping with him. Do it because you want to do it, you do not have to do it. If it does happen, it will feel real for both of you. The real thing is better than anything money can buy”

Marco looks in Ginny’s eyes and say “Just be yourself and have fun... when was the last time you allowed yourself to have fun?.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-01-15/1002:57>
Ginny seems lost in thought, her scientific brain weighing the options.  Then she squares her shoulders and says, "Alright.  I an use the money to begin to pay you back what you spent on me.  And if it leads to a job, even better."  She picks up the bags she had set down.  "You think something in here will be right for tonight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <09-01-15/1018:25>
@ Jed. As you assense Snowdon his aura shows damage. His energy levels are markedly less than before. And that 'shine' that signifies awakened isn't nearly as bright. He looks at you, "My name is. My name is. My name is..

. What's my name? Why don't I know my name. He's visibly upset. He looks at you and says, You say you rescued me Why don't I know my name? He starts trembling and then he grabs you and starts shaking you And shouting, "What's My name. Tell me my name."

Spirits.  Give me a break.  Hysterical girl..  Jed can't physically restrain him.  Placing his palms on Snowden's shoulders, Jed pressed as gently and firmly as he could.

Your name is Josh.  Josh Snow.  Things will start coming back to you, but right now, you need to calm yourself down.  Sit down, close your eyes and try to think about who you are.  What is your favorite food, what music do you like.  What kind of things rub you the wrong way when someone does them.  Don't focus on what you remember right now.  Just think about who you are, what you like.  The other stuff will come back when it's time.  You've been through something traumatic.  You were vulnerable because you were alone.  Now you aren't alone.  With some time, you'll be even less alone.  Go sit down while I make breakfast.  Eggs or Pancakes? 

Jed starts rummaging around in Marco's pantry.  Coffee.  That's what we need first.  Coffee.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-01-15/1038:07>
Marco grins at Ginny and say “perhaps that sexy black dress we just bought, you look really classy in that one, and wear that sexy lingerie underneath... the one with the black lace.  it will make you feel desired and will keep your options open. But lets get in the apartment yet.”

Marco’s heart skipped a bit when he entered the apartment it was too messy for his taste, not exactly the impression he wanted to do on Ginny. “I am sorry about that” he mumbled as he looked at his living room. Having two men sleeping in - and by the look of it waking up not long ago made it disorganized.

“Jed... are you guys alright?” He said out loud, he was going to say Snowden but he figured that as his name should be in the news he did not want Ginny to think that Marco and Jed have just kidnapped Snowden.

Marco texted the doc >> Sure thing doc, it is your lucky day I am bringing a hot brainyac with me. She is quite a looker and actually has a Phd in both chemistry and biology - exactly your friend's type.  She agreed to help me but is not a professional so go easy on her. She genuinely comes to have some fun and stay away for her books. It is a huge favor I asked her for you, I hope I won't regret it. 

We'll be two sexy ladies on night out in that restaurant - you guys can make your move and it'll all look natural, not like you fixed your friend or anything like that. Can also go different plan, let me know.
P.s. I'll text you a picture so you can recognize us.
Can't wait to meet you, M.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-01-15/1046:31>
Ginny nods and follows Marco into the apartment.  She stops at the door and looks around in amazement.  She barely registers the few things on the floor as she takes in the opulence and the sheer size of the place.  "Frag, Marco.  This place is huge.  I could get two of the dorm rooms I have been living in for the past ten years in this living room.  And there are bedrooms besides?  Frag."

She does notice the man in the kitchen and another sitting at the small dinette beyond and nods to them.  Turning to Marco, she asks.  "Are they employees, too?  And where should I put these things?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-01-15/1100:56>
Marco grins, "It was difficult to get this place but I really like it. They are friends, we returned late yesterday after a night out and they sort of crushed in here... I have no employees, not yet anyhow." Marco takes Ginny to his spare room, he is lucky that he cleaned it few days ago. 

That room is his old magical lodge, he and Agrat trashed it place in a huge fight few months ago. Marco broke up with her and she did not take it very well... Technically Marco was the one trashing this place but when a powerful demon like Agrat feels angry she knows just what strings to pull. Trashing his magical lodge was her revenge. Marco cleaned that room not long ago thinking that Yelena might want a place to crush. Before he met Yelena, the memories from that room were so painful that he just locked the door and forgot about it. 

The room has a nice sofa used for reading, and a single bed. There is also a closet full of canned food. Some magical studies require the mage to stay inside his magical lodge for a long while.  Marco's was equipped to allow just that. The is also a bookshelf  filled with Christian mystic texts and small saint pictures. Their mana is now all drained out, but to the mundane eye they look exactly the same.  "I afraid that my spare room is a bit of a catholic shrine and my pray area... I hope you will feel comfortable in there. I can move anything that bothers you to the storage unit, we can only do so tomorrow as we are in a bit of a hurry. Are you christian Ginny?"
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-01-15/2237:18>
@ Marco. "No, I'm Buddhist." Ginny answers looking around wide eyed. "But it's ok. You don't have to move anything for me." She swallows. "I'm starting to think I majored in the wrong fields." She gives a small  self conscious laugh and shakes her head. She looks at you. And you can tell she's afraid. "I. Well I.    I." She looks down at her feet and then back up again. "The thing is. I've never really done anything like this before. I know girls are supposed to have feminine wiles and drek all knows what. But I don't. I've been plain all my life. I mean sure I've hadda few dates. Even boyfriend for a few weeks here and there. But flirting and how to act and signals and......frag it. I just can't do it." She looks down at her feet again, clearly embarrassed at the confession.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-01-15/2316:27>
@ Jed  Snowden looks confused. "I don't like that." He answers as he's looking around. He reaches over and grabs an apple from the dish And hunts in the drawers untill he finds a knife. He rinses and cuts the apple. Then he looks at you and says, "I need some hazelnut butter. Where do you keep it?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <09-01-15/2331:24>
Its not my house Josh, I don't know if there is any hazelnut butter. But the fact that you're  asking for it tells you that you come from a privileged background. Normal people don't get to eat hazelnut butter.  Soy paste flavored with synthetic nut extract.

Was that the beginning of a headache?  Yep. It sure was.  Be patient with him you cranky bastard. 

Thats nice though. My favorite lunch when I was young was sliced apples with peanut butter and a tall cold glass of milk.

Jed watched as Snowden retreated to the table, turning the apple in his hands thoughtfully.  Let me see if I can find some. Hey, I found some almond butter!  How about that?

At that moment Marco walked through the door with company and waved as they walked past the kitchen. Jed gave him a look that said "oh boy, thus is rough". 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-01-15/2338:18>
@ Arc & Yelena. BloodMoney is in a hurry to complete the credit transaction And he says loudly, "Yeah we have a job and we need to go." But one of the thugs on the bike looks over at the Howlers and says, "You didn't tell me you did business with Howler trash. Word is she slotted every ork in that gang just to get in. And they kicked her out cuz she was even stupider than she was ugly." Jamie moves forward around you, but he's beaten to the head of that line by Blue. "Stupid is being on the turf of the pack when you smell so bad we could hunt you with our eyes closed. Arc said this was neutral turf. Now ride away, 'cause the turf surrounding it ain't. The pack keeps trouble from this door. It always has. And if you're looking to start it now. We will end it." The Howlers have been moving forward. And there is now  a wall of them between you and Jaime and the WhollyHells.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-01-15/2355:43>
@ Marco    Ginny looks up and says, "Do you think I can learn?  Can you teach me?"  She waves at the two men ion the kitchen and goes into the bedroom. To her, this is just about the largest bedroom she has ever seen, and this is the spare room.  It makes her wonder for a moment just how big the master bedroom is.  She puts the bags down and starts removing things.  The closet is full of cans but she moves some aside so that she can hang some of the new clothes.  A small bureau allows her to put the rest of her things away.  Ginny goes into the bathroom to put her new toiletries away and stares open-mouthed at the size of the place.  And it comes with a shower. 

She looks around then quickly takes her clothes off and takes a hot shower, letting the water run over her for only a short time as she is unsure of the hot water ration Marco has and does not wish to use it all.  After finishing, she steps out and dries off before wrapping the towel around herself.  She goes to stand in front of the bed, trying to figure out what she should be wearing for the evening.  She really is completely clueless about this.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-02-15/0211:55>
Marco feels for Ginny when she confesses he is bit surprised that she is a Buddhist and that she feel all that stress, for an action so casual and mundane for Marco. If any, Marco need to make an effort not to be seductive and flirty. It was a moment of truth and Marco would not give her any grief about it nor will he pressure her to do it. Eventually, Marco feels that he need to be true to the people he choose to care about.

Marco look at her, he is selfless and understanding. Despite the fact that the doc is his most connected client so far. Convincing people in a way that empower them is about putting their needs above your own and Marco is determined to learn how to do it. He does not have much to go on, but Marco sense that Ginny in some deep manner would benefit by joining this date. She desperately need the opportunity - being in her late twenties a brilliant woman that never reached any serious intimacy with a man. This is a cross she carries and perhaps a cross that Marco can free her from.

In a perfect world, Marco himself should have been a Buddhist. Some of the very emotions that define him can easily be interpreted as Buddhist. Marco feel connected to anyone in this world, he feels that everything living is essentially the same. Agrat taught him to let go of his self importance, to make his self image completely disappear and just live the moment - be part of the experience. Even now Marco still has his own fears to overcome, before he can be truly happy. He instinctively know that that fear is something that is holding him back.

Marco smiles at Ginny, “Being happy requires overcoming fear. In Christianity we say that it requires a leap of faith. In Buddhism I think that it means that fear, is an obstacle toward achieving Nirvana. I can help you connect with people and learn how to trust them. I think it will make you closer to what you aspire to become “

Marco said and then paused a little bit.
“I will not however try to convince you into coming with me. I have many good reasons, why I want you to come with me. However, I try to put your needs above my own.
I think that you have a good opportunity to meet influential people tonight and have fun.

It is my job and life long passion to make people comfortable and help them let go of their doubts and fears and be true to their desires. I believe that this is where happiness happens, only after we overcome fear.“

It is only when Ginny aks Marco if he can teach her that Marco finally say:
“If you want to overcome this social stress I can help you if you come with me tonight.
It is not ideal circumstances, but I assure you that I will do everything that I can so that you will feel comfortable and I will personally make sure that you are not being pressured into doing things that you are not comfortable with. I can even establish a telepathic link between us so that all you need to do is think at me if you feel that things took you so far. “

When Ginny goes to shower, Marco is introducing himself to Snowden “I am Marco, I hope you like my home. Whats your name? “Marco figures up that he really don’t know Snowden’s first name. He say to Jed “Is there anything I can do for you? are you hungry? I must be the worst host ever to just leave you there and go do my stuff.“

Seeing that the two are still undressed, Marco offers them some of his clothes. Jed seems to be a bit short of cash, so Marco also offer him 100$ for some expenses.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-02-15/0302:32>
Ginny removes the towel and carefully hangs it on the small rack in the bathroom.  Marco had said something about the black lingerie and black dress so she gets them out and places them on the bed.  Naked, she sits on the bed next to the underwear and idly runs her fingers across the lacy things.  Not only has she never worn such things, but now she is supposed to wear them to get a man to look at her.  She has attracted few men in her thirty years and is not really sure how to do that.  Maybe the man will see past the clothes to her mind and.................Yeah, right.  When has that happened?

She slips the panties and brassier on, enjoying the feel of the fine cloth against her skin.  Looking in the mirror she notices that the push-up style of the bra has an illusory effect on the size of her chest, making her appear to be at least a cup size larger that normal.  The particular style also separates her breasts a bit, emphasizing her cleavage.  The dress is next and she slides it over her head,  When it nestles down she again looks in the mirror.  The knee length of the dress sets off her long and toned legs.  The cut in the front shows a bit of her new cleavage.  Not enough?  Too much?  Frag, how is she supposed to know?  Never one for much make-up, Ginny does not begin to know what to apply or how much.  In the end she goes for a bit of gloss on the lips and leaves the rest natural, expecting that Marco might make recommendations.

Speaking of Marco, what about him?  He is a strange man, but to her all men are strange and unknown creatures.  Without knowing anything about her, he spent money on clothes for her and is putting her up in this very nice apartment.  Warning bells are going off at every level.  But what does it say about her?  Without knowing anything about him, she accepted the clothes and room.  She expects that this will end in him demanding some sort of bedroom requirement in payment.  She shrugs, it would not be her first time in a man's bed, but this would be the first time a man gave her expensive gifts, either before or after sex.  Of course, the number of lovers she has had can be counted on one hand, and it is just as likely that this Marco will find her completely useless in the sack and toss her out on her butt.  But she might get the clothes and the room is far better than what she was getting from cousin Sebastian on that fragging boat of his.

Finished at the mirror, Ginny smooths the dress down and walks out into the living room.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-02-15/0525:50>
Marco sticks a little bit to chat with Jed, but he is in a hurry. When Ginny is out of the shower Marco quickly grabs a towel and enters the shower. The hot water are not rationed and he takes the relatively long shower to calm his mind. This night will challenge him, especially with three different people that need to be satisfied.

But there was also another thing to look for his transformation. Changing shapes to birds dogs or cats was psychologically easy.  It was just an explorative game. Marco was not tempted to stick in this shapes long term, despite the wonderful vices he could experience in these bodies.
A feminine body? It felt less odd but it was mindblowing. The experience  always raised questions about his self image.  Masculinity and femininity, what aspect was Marco more attached to? Changing into a woman challenged Marco’s very flexible sexuality like nothing else could, it challenge his entire perception of himself.

The feminine body was not exactly uncharted land to Marco. During the last two years, he slept with many women and with many men shaped like a woman. At first it felt like a disguise - but there was a lot more than that. Marco enjoyed being a woman, a lot more than he cared to admit . He enjoyed it so much but somehow was relieved when he could finally change back - he liked it but could not bare it for long.

Marco prepares the technical magic details of his transformation as the water keep running over his naked body. He shivers with anticipation as he orders his spirit to change him. Having the spirit change him will allow Marco to use all his attention to the vices of the night and to really enjoy himself. His last thoughts in his own male form are “If I was just born feminine my entire life could have been fundamentally changed. If only because that awful assassin nonsense was a male only society. “ Marco’s new body feels good and alive, Marco could feel his excitement growing as he appreciated the the results in the mirror. “I am gorgeous” He thought. Marco missed this body. He haven't changed into it in quite some time now.

His initial feeling was extreme arousal, the kind that Marco could not easily contain. There was no need to - there was still some time.  He had this gorgeous and flawless body to explore, a body that Marco have not touched in a while.  “I missed you so much Marta”  He thought. He wanted to stick with his own male self image just a bit longer, he knew that it will be  more exciting. Marco’s hands explored his new body and skillfully excited it. It did not take long before Marco could feel that he can no longer contain this excitement. His body became receptive and when Marco placed the shower head between his legs it was not long before he climaxed and experienced his body shivering with pleasure for the first time that night. It was also the moment where Marco was ready to let go.

He now pictured himself as a woman named Marta. The young human lady picked up a fresh towel and made her way to her bedroom. Marta's  bedroom was equipped for all sort of bodies and Marta could easily pick the clothes she desired. First thing, she wanted to feel the touch of red lace lingerie on her body. She liked the way they sat on her, and just wearing them made her feel more sexy.  Appreciating herself in the mirror, Marta knew just what she wanted to ware for the evening.  A red dress that was full on the left side, and yet exposed her leg on the right side. Marta felt that it was classy, but appropriate for her hard to contain sexuality. It emphasized her beautiful long legs and at the same time had a very nice cleavage.

Satisfied Marta looked in the mirror and thought:  “a proper display of my best assets. I am going to be a very naughty girl tonight”. On the back of his mind Marco was beginning to doubt his ability to stay true to his very sensitive words to Ginny as being Marta took him off balance - and he could feel that her desires could not easily be contained. Being a sexy woman that never has to endure consequences and can just stop existing for a while the next day was a difficult thing to contain.

Finally dressed and with some skillful use of cosmetics to make her  big brown eyes appear bigger and her eyelashes appear longer. Some red lipstick to draw attention to her lips and she was ready to go. Marta's skin was so perfect that she really did not need a lot of work to look stunning.
When she was finally done, Marta went looking for Ginny in the living room. "You look stunning Ginny... I am almost sorry that we have to go out... Do you like how I look? Please call me Marta or Martie, Marco is a very odd name for a girl... don't you think? "

Looking at Jed and Snowden - Marta asks "What do you guys think, we are stunning aren't we?" She say as she hugs Ginny. "Could you please take our picture ?" She asks Jed - and handד him her commlink.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-02-15/0746:56>
@ Arc & Yelena. BloodMoney is in a hurry to complete the credit transaction And he says loudly, "Yeah we have a job and we need to go." But one of the thugs on the bike looks over at the Howlers and says, "You didn't tell me you did business with Howler trash. Word is she slotted every ork in that gang just to get in. And they kicked her out cuz she was even stupider than she was ugly." Jamie moves forward around you, but he's beaten to the head of that line by Blue. "Stupid is being on the turf of the pack when you smell so bad we could hunt you with our eyes closed. Arc said this was neutral turf. Now ride away, 'cause the turf surrounding it ain't. The pack keeps trouble from this door. It always has. And if you're looking to start it now. We will end it." The Howlers have been moving forward. And there is now  a wall of them between you and Jaime and the WhollyHells.

Arc's cheeks had flushed red at the comment and obviously false jab at the nature of how she became a Howler, barely noticed under the street lights as the human held her ground.  Her hands clenched into little balls as she shook a little, her mind's eye glancing back towards Jaime, hoping with some amount of desperation that he did not believe the bulldrek the offending ganger was saying about her.  As she noticed her Vruk coming to her defense, she stopped herself from retorting, hand reaching up to stop him, but thankfully for her, the ork Blue took care of that for her.

The next part stunned the mechanic more than the insults ever did, and shook her predetermined beliefs to the door.  Yeah, what the Howler said was true: Lupo had agreed to keep Arc's place a neutral spot in exchange for regular work provided, and to this day Arc always viewed Lupo and his Howlers as the diabolical shadow of her childhood she needed to escape from.  But here... they were defending one of their own, and the wall that had formed protecting the girl and her vrukart, and the fact that she had cast aside the colors made no difference.  What has changed...  She thought in some bewilderment as she stared ahead with wide open eyes, seeing the Whollyhells start to back off...

Emboldened by the support of the pack, Arc stood her ground, stance solid as she reached up slowly with a hand, grabbing Jaime's very slowly and giving a light squeeze.  A quick glance down at her showed a hard expression, one that gave the impression of strength and resolve, and would be believable too if not for the tiniest bit of a tear trailing down her cheek.  "..it's all bulldrek.  You know I don't do none of that fragging drek."  She muttered out under her breath, glancing off to the side to see Yelena, giving a small nod as the situation seemed to slowly defuse itself.

As the bikers realized that any aggressive action would not have ended well for them, they sneered and cautiously backed away, leaving the neighborhood in peace, the curtain of dread slowly lifting from the air as the denizens began to relax in palpable relief.  Arc let herself shake a little, eyes glancing up to Blue and giving a nod of appreciation.  "Thanks.  We solid on this one, omae.  "N''uut Pa'krayn kalat vut ayya'"  She hugged at her man before turning to Yelena, who had approached after the tension settled.  "Well, that coulda gone worse...buzzkill to yo thang though, sucks for that...think peeps be worth salvaging some wizbang times?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-02-15/1023:27>
Yelena moves to the side when the Howlers formed their line, her hand instinctively going to the holstered pistol at her thigh and drawing it.  In the half darkness, she keeps the gun in the shadows; ready to use but not threatening anyone.  She just wants to be prepared in case something happened.  Her senses are attuned to her environment and so she sees that a number of the street revelers have found something to put in their hands, metal bars being the most popular.  Somewhere it must be written that there are always metal bars laying about in the street just when a gang fight is about to take place.  She notes that only two people seem to be glaring at the Howlers, while the rest are, like her, moving to give support to Arc and her neutrality.

The Wholly Hellers are apparently not so dim that they do not see this.  Realizing that the odds are stacked against them, they huff and puff a bit then leave.  Lots of parting words are said by both gangs and then the threat is gone.  Yelena replaces her gun in the holster and nods to her Srui when their eyes meet.  Sadly, the confrontation has broken some of the mood and people start drifting away, back to their own lives.  After all, the Barrens is the Barrens and cannot abide too much frivolity at one time.  At least not yet.  The impromptu party does show that the people here are willing to forget some of their problems to share with others.  And that is the first step to forming a real community, even in the shadows and even in a place as bleak as the Barrens.

Yelena walks around and exchanges handshakes and thank yous as the crowd dissipates.  Her little experiment receives approval from others, who say that such a thing is long overdue and should be repeated soon.  She begins to clean up, and is a bit surprised when others join in to help with the detritus of the evening.  Soon it is just her, Arc, and Jamie standing in the evening darkness and cold.  Yelena gives her Srui and the rigger man some space, taking the last of the things inside.  After the kitchen things are put away, Yelena returns to the garage to clean the sax, waiting for the rest of the team to arrive.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-02-15/1032:19>
Ginny is standing in the living room, a bit lost and wondering what to do next when a beautiful woman walks into the room from the bedroom.  It takes a bit for her scientific mind to close the links and realize that this is Marco.  So this is what mojo can do.  She is intrigued despite herself and actually a bit speechless when the woman comes over to her.  Marta, not Marco.  She will have to remember that.  If she can.  This has been the strangest day of her life so far, and it promises to get even stranger.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-02-15/1311:29>
@ Marco  Dr. Kawagishi texts you as you're on your way. >>I've booked a table for you under your professional name. I want to keep up the illusion of the chase. I'm looking forward to seeing all of your skills tonight. And if this goes well and I get the position I can promise you that we'll enjoy many positions together. And I will also recommend you to a few of my more open-minded colleagues who are capable of enjoying everything you can be.<<  When you get to the restaurant its elegant and understated decor says money. And the ARO's accentuate that theme while they enhance the privacy of each table. The theme is Renaissance Versailles, and the wait staff are all dressed in an elegant courtly manner without the heaviness of the wigs and makeup. Beside you Ginny stiffens in shock as soon as she see's the place. The maitre de looks you up and down with just a flick of his eyes and understands your profession, and only the brief and tiniest frown shows that he is puzzled by Ginny. When he checks your reservation, you can tell he also checked who it was placed by. There is not a trace of hesitation or unctuousness as he says, "This way mademoiselles.  Your waiter will be Henri. He will see to your every need." As you move forward in an elegant sensual sway you enjoy the attention of several men and women in the room. But, it doesn't take more than a few moments before you notice that Ginny does not go with you. As you glance back she swallows, and rushes to catch up, her heel catching on her own foot she nearly stumbles but rights herself in time. She turns beet red and when she catches up to you she can't meet your eye. She follows you and pulls out her own seat in a hurry to sit down, and then becomes even more embarrassed as she see's Henri pulling out your chair to seat you. As you sit with a slightly exaggerated swing to your hips you smile at her in encouragement and notice that she is near tears. Henri, with the practice born of long attention seems not to notice the tears and says, "Good evening mam'selles. I know that you will enjoy your evening with us to it's fullest. Our chef, Jean-Louis deSardi has out done himself in the magnificence of tonight's offering. May I bring you a wine, or perhaps some champagne. Two such beautiful women deserve to be celebrated." Ginny looks like she's about to bolt, and just past her you see Dr. Kawagishi enter the restaurant with a man who, if he ever had any sex appeal, it's long been gone. He's short, even shorter than the doctor, and at least 200 kilos he's nearly as wide as he is tall, much older and balding, his very expensive tailored suit is the only thing about him anyone would notice.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-02-15/1358:14>
@ Arc & Yelena  Blue looks at you. "The pack see's to it's own." He's obviously overheard what you said to Jaime and he gives you a hard look and says, "A woman has the right to sleep where she wills. Just as a man does." He does not like to see you displaying weakness in front of your Vruk. But, before you can answer, Jaime does, in his damn near perfect Or'Zet. "A woman has the right to sleep where she wills. But if a man believes the words of one who is not pack he is a fool who deserves not the one he sleeps beside." He looks at Blue and says, "I am BlueDog. I have never hunted with the pack. But my woman has, and any who would harm her I would hunt and bleed beside." Blue looks at him and nods, "I am BlueSparrow, apprentice shaman for the Howlers." He slaps Jaime then, hard. Jaime staggers under the blow and when he straightens he looks straight at Blue, "Shpita is a test for children. I am no child." Blue nods then and looks up and howls. It's the howl to signify the pack gather and leave and it's answered by more than the group who showed up for the party. Arc counts the distinctive howls of at least five more. He looks at you and says, "I'll let Sarge know what went down. I'm sure he'll place an extra watch for the next few nights in case those drek-heads are looking to come back and start trouble." Almost everyone is helping to put away things by then, leaving the pack to it's own business.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-02-15/1409:13>
@ Jed  when Marco entered with Ginny it reminded Jed of just how little he and Snowden were wearing. He'd been more concerned with Snowden's health than with modesty and Marco bringing in a young woman who tried not to stare brought him up short. Snowden answered him just then. But, with Jed's attention on the problem of clothing, or rather the lack thereof, Jed had to ask him to repeat it, "Um, sorry. I didn't catch that. What did you say?" Snowden looks at him, again almost child-like, "I'm allergic to almonds. Well, actually I'm allergic to the skin of the almonds, but, it amounts to the same thing in processed foods." he pauses and then adds, "I'm not allergic to peanut butter." He's looking at you hopefully.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-02-15/1416:22>
For Blake  & Ambrose  Blake arrives a few minutes before 8:00. And you can tell he's familiar with the dress code, he's packing at least one marginally concealed piece and the clothing is dark. He looks around and then at you and says, "I'm Blake. Arc gave me this address." he continues looking around, trying to ID Arc from the stragglers still hanging around. Ambrose is only a few minutes later. His limp is almost gone. And he moves with the grace of someone long used to blending into his environment, something his clothing facilitates and you almost lose him when he stands still in a shadow taking in the scene.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-02-15/1526:57>
On the way Marco text Yelena >> Y, I have some big date tonight so I can’t come. Check out how sexy we are. (Attached is a selfie of Marta and Ginny)

Marta sees Ginny struggling and sends her a look full of empathy. She touches her hand suggestively and asks her questions about her dissertation, about her adviser and their relationship. Marta does her best to keep Ginny continuously talking about things she like. Her goal is to get Ginny more and more excited by appealing to science - her true passion in this life. That way Marta hopes that Ginny will forget all about the awkwardness of her situation, and would feel at ease.

Marta figures that just slightly manipulating Ginny so that she only talk about the things within her comfort zone will work better than actually explaining Ginny what the plan is.  It is like that Sophie could fly a lot better when she was occupied by something else. To Ginny that something else is her science. Marta's plan is to just keep Ginny talking geek to her.  Marta will subtly seduce Ginny to keep going, by displaying great interest in everything she say and mimicking her facial expressions so that Ginny feels more interesting. She would also slightly flirt with Ginny but that was not part of the plan... Marta just find it difficult not to behave like that.

Marta completely ignores the doctor and his obis suited friend. These, will have to crush their geeky conversation somehow. Otherwise, it will be obviously a set up. Besides, they better work hard to get the attention of two sexy brainiacs. She will let the odd couple figure for themselves exactly how to attract their attention.  After all if Marta makes any sign of recondition she'll just get Ginny stressed after she worked so hard to just get Ginny distracted.

No... Marta intends to fool Ginny for a short while, by the time Ginny understands that she is entertaining the client - she will already be in the middle of a passionate discussion about her science.  After all, if Ginny was indeed so successful in academia - she has to know how to talk about her science quite passionately.

Marta has the most optimistic thought  Perhaps it is a good thing that his friend is so fat... That way Ginny won't be anxious, after all she is totally out of his league.  
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-02-15/2201:47>
Arc watched with open and alert eyes as the Whollyhells dispersed, followed quickly by the exchange between Jaime and Blue.  To be honest, the little human had dreaded the thought of her Vruk encountering a Howler up to this point, getting the feeling that the gangers would treat him much like she remembered being treated growing up.  But here he was, holding his ground with the confidence of an Alpha, even slinging out a street handle and rebuking against the declared Sh'pita.  Afterwards, Arc gave an assuring nod to Blue about the reporting to Sarge and the potential increased watch.

"Ya do what ya feel needa do, Skraa'cha.  Appreciated."  She withheld from howling with the others: while definitely her roots, it was clear that Arc didn't consider herself a true Howler anymore, instead nodding in salute before helping with the cleaning.  One thing's for certain, if Howlers didn't know I had a Vrukart before, they sure hella do now.  She exchanged a few words with her neighbors in thanks and encouragement, a good distraction, but maybe her Sruiken'kal and definitely her Vruk could see she was still a bit shaken up by the ordeal.

"And they kicked her out cuz she was even stupider than she was ugly."

Those two words echoed in her brain, taking her back to her adolescent days under the Howlers' boots.  As she carried the lamps in and stepping back out, she was almost shaking.  As the gathering had finally departed, leaving the three the sole occupants of the sidewalk before Yelena left, Jaime made a move, pulling the short girl in with hands holding her at the waist, forehead touching forehead.  Sharing a silent moment, Arc could feel his concern and worry as if they were mindlinked, and eventually spoke up, her voice uncharacteristically quiet.

"I...there's some drek ya needa know about me.  I grew up under those guys after lost m'fam, the Howlers.  All-trog gang took me in, making me pretty much the only breeder to be one of them, even if I was just some beating post to them.  Most of the time before I got out, and even a bit after, they fixed ta callin' me the ugliest, stupidest runt of the litter what dinna deserve the chance to hunt or eat.  It...kinda sticks in the noggin, yknow?  It's been a while since I've heard those...thought I was stronger, shoulda been stronger..."

A lone tear trailed down her cheek, which she quickly wiped up before looking at him, her smile slowly returning.  "Gotta be strong.  Protect my awesome man with the cool name I wanna hear about, protect my turf, protect what's mine.  I gotta meetup tonight with a crew.  Night job stuff, but if you wanna stick around, I don't see why we can't ride off into the night together?"

She blushed a bit, realizing she was unusually wordy and soft than her reputation gave off, part of her kinda relieved that noone close to her besides Jaime witnessed it (unless Yelena is the voyeur type...y'never know).  At that moment, she heard a clearing of someone's throat, breaking away from Jaime to turn and see a lean, older ork man in dark clothes.

"I'm Blake. Arc gave me this address."

Brushing a stray lock of hair from her eyes, the short human girl stood up straight, giving a nod.  "Ya talking to her, omae.  Nice t'put a name to a face.  Head on into the garage, we meeting up in there."  Soon after, she waved over the wandering and meandering Ambrose, directing him to the same place and joining them shortly after, with or without her Vruk in tow as the group finally got together face to face.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-02-15/2305:08>
Yelena is putting the finishing touches on the sax when Arc sends Blake in.  She nods to the man in dark clothes as she puts the sax in its case and secures it.  She motions to the garage, where some mismatched and worn chairs are scattered about.  "Hey there.  Find seat.  Others here soon.  Yelena take sax to room."  She watches him long enough to try to get a feel for how the man moves, but not so long as it could be called staring.  Turning, she takes the sax into the bedroom and places the case on the far wall next to her bed.  While there, she gets the message from Marco.  *Who the frag is Marta?  Who is Ginny?*

She returns to the garage in time to see Arc and another man enter the garage.  Arc.  Marco call.  Not coming.  Has date with Ginny.  Who the frag is Ginny?  Still missing Jed?"  Yelena goes to the small kitchen and grabs the soycaf pot and the mugs and takes them out to where the rest are.  She puts the pot and mugs on a counter.  "Soycaf hot.  Come get if want."  Looking around, she is reminded of another team meeting in this very garage just a few weeks ago.  She smiles at the memory.  "Hey Arc.  Should have got pizza."

Yelena moves to sit on the battered loveseat.  An idea comes to her and she scrolls through her internal address book.  Finding what she is looking for, she sends out a text.  >>Mike.  Is Yelena.  Mike know Vory.  Yelena visited by Vory name Nikolai Fyodorovich Alexandrov.  Know Yelena in past.  Yelena think dead.  Yelena pay Mike to find out anything about him.<<  Sitting back, she waits for Jed to show up to complete the team.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-02-15/2329:58>
Ginny has never felt more embarrassed or more out of place than right now.  This sort of restaurant only exists in the dreams of people like her.  She may be dressed to fit, but she does not fit.  And stumbling over her own feet is hardly a good omen.  She is about to bolt when Marc.......Marta reaches over and touches her hand and begins asking questions about her orals and her dissertations.  Ginny understands full well what Marta is trying to do and, strangely enough, it works.  She calms down when talking about her studies and other things that fit into her neatly packaged personality.  Even if most of the things she talks about are far over the other woman's head, Marta does not let on, nodding at all the right places.  Her read on people and body language must be amazing and Ginny feels for the first time tonight that they might pull this off.

Ginny has been so nervous that she has forgotten that she is fairly conversant in French, having studied abroad in that country for two years.  When Henri returns with their wine and to take their orders, she flashes him a smile and in her best French asks his opinion on what is good this evening.  Henri's training allows him to mask his surprise as he bends over her menu to point out the specials.  Ginny has only heard of some of the dishes from her time in Paris, but she accepts that the waiter knows his job and orders accordingly.  Once Henri leaves the table with both orders, Ginny leans a bit forward and whispers, "Marta.  Thank you for helping me.  I am sorry I almost went to pieces.  This is all so......so.....so strange to me.  I do not even really know what some of the food I just ordered is.  Well, I do know, but I have never tasted it.  Never even dreamed of being in a place like this and eating food like this.  Or wearing clothes like this.  I think that if I can keep the subject on science I might just be able to keep it together."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-03-15/0138:54>
Ginny leans a bit forward and whispers, "Marta.  Thank you for helping me.  I am sorry I almost went to pieces.  This is all so......so.....so strange to me.  I do not even really know what some of the food I just ordered is.  Well, I do know, but I have never tasted it.  Never even dreamed of being in a place like this and eating food like this.  Or wearing clothes like this.  I think that if I can keep the subject on science I might just be able to keep it together."

Marta answers, "You do just that... worry about science and I'll do all the heavy lifting. There are more to life than these shady things you were doing for your uncle. You'll get to the right track, and this lifestyle will be something natural. No reason why not - but for the meanwhile. I am actually surprised, but I find you fascinating, I never had a conversation quite like this before.  I never knew that science can be soo...  interesting and so... hot"  Marta said as she stroked Ginny's hand and continued with the conversation. She was Charmed and excited by Ginny and by her subtle conversation skills that could keep her sort of comfortable. Marta was surprised - that some of the things she did understand were very interesting.  Perhaps, many things are fascinating if you only find the right teacher. Nobody has ever tried to explain anything to Marta before. Not like this, with such an attention to details and patience.
" So these crystals you discovered in your third year...  What makes them unique? Are there any interesting applications? "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-03-15/0249:17>
Ginny give Marta a tentative smile.  She blushes a bit but does not move her hand away as somehow the touch comforts her a bit and she finds it oddly enjoyable.  She nods, "Science, yes.  I can try to keep rattling on about science.  But what do I do if he changes the subject?"

"The crystals?  How nice of you.  I did not realize that you were actually paying attention to everything I said.  There is a very interesting thing about the crystals.  It is a long story if you want to hear it.  Three colleagues and I were working on related-theory orals for our masters in Chemistry.  We noticed some odd crystal latticework in some of our experiments.  It appeared that we had found a new type of crystal.  It was interesting but not related to our joint research.  One colleague, Brian Morrison, thought that there was more to the crystals and asked if we could consider adding them to our project.  The other two did not wish to dilute our studies with something that was apparently so far out of our interest area for the orals.  Brian approached me outside of the others and asked if would be interested in helping him research the crystals away from the others.  I was flattered that he would ask me and agreed."

"I was nearly in heaven for several months, or as close to it as I could imagine.  Brian and I continued the work on the new crystals as well as our combined research with our two companions.  Research like ours was expensive, but Brian's family had a lot of money and they paid the bills."  Ginny blushes a bit at this point.  "He made me feel that my brain was important, really important.  We grew closer together as our studies advanced, and experimented with sex.  I was only slightly less intimidated and nervous than he was.  And our research was making progress; real progress.  There were signs that someone else was interested in what we were doing.  Little things like stuff disappearing, notes not being where we had left them.  Brian decided it was best to keep everything in one place and under as much security as possible, but even that proved to not be enough.  We had just solved a large problem and things looked promising, when all of our research was stolen.  I came into the lab one morning to find Brian on the floor with a nasty cut to the head and the special safe open.  He told me that someone had held him at gunpoint and forced him to open the safe before hitting knocking him unconscious.  Everything was gone.  And it turned out that really everything was gone.  I was in favor of going back to the beginning and starting all over but Brian said that the blow to his head was like an epiphany; a wake up call.  He told me that he had lost interest and did not wish to continue the research.  I had to drop the project.  After all, I could not afford the costs and his family pulled the funding.  Not only that, but Brian dropped me as well.  It seemed that I was not as interesting when we were not working closely together.  He left the research group after the Masters program and I thought that I would never see him again."

She takes a sip of wine and holds up a finger, "But that is not the end of it.  A couple of years later I was completing my doctoral dissertation when Brian contacted me out of the blue.  He wanted to meet me and I agreed.  Neither of us were much into small talk so he jumped right to the point.  He said that he had been flailing about when some Horizon Corp suit had approached him, saying that he had seen something of his work on the crystals.  The suit had offered Brian a huge salary and free rein in a new lab to do the research.  He laughed when he told me that it was the money that was offered that finally convinced him that he could go back to the beginning and start over.  He had thought of me for his assistant, and being fresh out of school, I jumped at the chance to continue this fascinating line of research.  For a while I was the second researcher on the team and Brian's assistant and things went exceptionally well.  Brian proved to be more than a researcher; he was a gifted administrator.  He managed to get the staff to perform far above the average.  I was given the latitude to be as creative as I wanted, and it seemed that money was no object.  I lived in he lab, ate in the lab, slept in the lab, when I slept at all that is, and my hard work paid off.  I discovered that the crystals have amazing bonding properties when correctly produced and following that line of thought led to my big breakthrough; I found that the crystals could bond to certain drugs and medicines, making them stronger and more able to defeat illnesses that were growing resistant to common drugs.  Brian was very pleased when I showed him my work and conclusions.  He took me to see the suit and explain it all to him.  I pointed out that the applications were many.  Certainly the crystals could bond with synthetic drugs to make medicines more potent.  In effect, we had found something special."

"Then the suit came to me.  He said that Horizon wanted to know if the crystals could be used to create drugs that would make soldiers nearly unstoppable.  Or make enemy populations sick.  In short he wanted to weaponize the crystals.  He promised me a raise and a lab of my own, staffed by people of my choosing, with Brian as lab administrator.  Stupidly, I refused, telling the suit that such use was far off and that I would not help them do such a thing.  The troubles started almost immediately.  Some doubts about the veracity of my doctoral research were hinted at and leaked to professional circles.  There was not enough proof for the university to withdraw my degrees but the damage had been done.  I was fired and disgraced.  I tried contacting Brian, but he would not speak to me.  No one would speak to me and I was blackballed from every major lab and corporation.  And, et voila, here I am, or was.  I was forced to leave LA to get away from Horizon and Sebastian offered me a place to live, for a price.  So I can say that the crystals were both my greatest achievement and my downfall.  Perhaps I should have agreed to do what they wanted."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-03-15/1114:11>
Marta listens carefully to Ginny as she talks, she shows great interest in the story and slowly but surely try to establish some physical intimacy. After all the two ladies should be lovers. With the way both are dressed and price range of that restaurant, anything less than lovers would make no sense.

Marta however, suspects that Ginny is straight, so she is playing a delicate game. Trying to translate some of Ginny's passionate stories into physical intimacy with her.  When Ginny says that Brain lost interest Marta say “Poor guy... he had no idea what he was missing.” She looks in Ginny’s eyes with her big brown eyes and softly say “You can do better... You are quite a catch.”  She said and stroked her hand suggestively.  Marta knows that Ginny is probably straight and sexually clueless and therefore will not do more than playing with Ginny's hand. But Ginny quickly discovers that even this innocent touch can feel very erotic - when done correctly. Marta however, makes an effort not to make Ginny too uncomfortable it is a delicate game she is playing. 

Marta suspects that this Brain stole all of Ginny's research and sold it to horizon for a corporate job. Rich families don’t just get ‘robbed’ they always know how to protect their assets.  The bastards probably used Ginny and did not want to share the wealth with her.  She is surprised that Ginny did not ask questions once that Brian clearly made a lot of money from the stolen research.  and instead just went to work for him. She suspects that Ginny was the real talent among the two. Marta is happy that Ginny did not want to weaponize her precious crystals. She is a good person, brilliant in some aspects and completely unaware to other things.

When Ginny is Done Marta tells her “This is a shame that a scientist so brilliant and sexy like you has to live like a poor squatter. You are obviously skilled like few people in the world. I am so thankful that you spend time with me. I have never known someone quite like you before.”
Henri comes with their orders. Oddly enough he also served them a bottle of Dom Pérignon.  A champagne so expensive that only very rich people can afford it. “It is from the two gentlemen over there.” He said as he poured the champagne.

Marta had to admit, she did not expect it but she was turned on by the gesture. She knew just how expensive that champagne really was and she only tasted it in her fantasies before.
Her body responded to the temptation of the drink. It was an aggressive and powerful move and she liked it. She looked forward to what other vices the night could offer them.
True, the physical attributes of the client were a buzz kill, but Marta tried to take her mind off these attributes and just focus on Ginny.   “I am such a slut for being turned on by this”  she thought to herself.  Marta of course did not share her knowledge about the champagne with Ginny. Instead, she just allowed her partner to enjoy it. For Marta that drink was the most amazing drink she ever had. 

Marta closed her eyes, and tried to pleasure herself with every drop of the elite drink. She felt the sweet drops as the made their way down her throat into her body and they gave her a warm feeling. The excitement and the drink were like little butterflies inside.  She could feel that the area between her legs became slick and her body was receptive and charged up. If she manage to not think about the obis client , she can keep her buzz and enjoy. Instead, Marta prepares her body for the night to come by fantasizing about Ginny, she feels that Ginny becomes more attractive with every additional science story. Perhaps Marta was turned on by power and influence or was it Ginny the brilliant scientist she just picked up at random.

After a couple of glasses Marta and Ginny were more relaxed and more intimate. The combination of the divine drink, the illusion of power and her attractive female friend sparked Marta's passions. Ginny was also a bit more relaxed by the influence of the alcoholic drink. The conversation between the two became a bit more intimate . "Bloody straight" Marta thought to herself in frustration. Remanding to herself just how unlikely she is to sleep with Ginny tonight... no instead there is a very ugly fat client. Marta knew that - but as Ginny was right in front of her eyes and Marta needed to make sure that her body is ready when the time come. She used Ginny as a blissful dream. Ginny continued talking about science, and Marta continued fantasizing - both of them were a bit louder and more relaxed due to the drink.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <09-03-15/1221:38>
[spoiler]
@ Jed  when Marco entered with Ginny it reminded Jed of just how little he and Snowden were wearing. He'd been more concerned with Snowden's health than with modesty and Marco bringing in a young woman who tried not to stare brought him up short. Snowden answered him just then. But, with Jed's attention on the problem of clothing, or rather the lack thereof, Jed had to ask him to repeat it, "Um, sorry. I didn't catch that. What did you say?" Snowden looks at him, again almost child-like, "I'm allergic to almonds. Well, actually I'm allergic to the skin of the almonds, but, it amounts to the same thing in processed foods." he pauses and then adds, "I'm not allergic to peanut butter." He's looking at you hopefully.
[/spoiler]

Jed finds himself uncomfortable being mostly naked in front of a strange woman.  With one last glance at the pantry, he moves to the couch, out of view of the doorway.  He murmurs to Joshua as he walks past Nope, just almond butter.  Looks like a trip to the store is in order

Hopefully Yelena gets paid soon.  He needed to bill the Ancients too.  He was going to have to be careful with his cash.  He hated borrowing from Marco, but he needed to call a cab and get out of Marco's hair.  Babysitting was going to make it hard to work.  He needed to get in touch with Mike.  Needed to let him know what was going on. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-03-15/1658:17>
@ Yelena. Mike answers you, >>My fee is750¥ /day plus expenses. Unless you need it yesterday in which case it's 1250¥.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-03-15/1711:42>
@ Marco. Henri comes over and leans down confidentially,  "The gentlemen at that table over there  have asked if they may have the pleasure of joining you ladies for dinner. And have asked me to deliver a second bottle of our best champagne." He smiles, " Of course, if you wish not to be disturbed . . . " The offer Is purely for form. You can tell he clearly does not expect you to decline. Ginny straightens up immediately, once again nervous as the object of your dinnerr once again becomes obvious.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-03-15/1722:06>
@Marta Giggles... "well of course..."  she pets Ginny's hand and whisper "it'll be alright. We are smoking hot way above their league. "
She asks Ginny, "these crystals of yours... do you think they can augment important medicines? Did you ever get to test them for augmenting drugs? " It is a long shot but Marta figures that if she talks about medicine perhaps one of these doctors will be impressed.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-03-15/2033:38>
As Arc began to lead the pair back into the garage, Jaime stopped him, a gentle hand firmly holding onto her around the arm and causing her to turn around to him, a curious expression on her face met with a gentle, delicate kiss.  "You're stronger than you know, amor.  And prettier, and that's not just me.  We'll talk on it later.  I won't stop you from doing what you do, but I think the less I know about the details, the safer we will be, you know?"  The girl paused, blushing a bit before giving a gentle nod and one last embrace.  "Then I'll see you at home.  I shouldn't be too late~"  she trailed off, giving a wink before parting ways, the man hopping back on his bike while the girl watched him go before heading inside.

As Yelena related about Marco's preoccupation and the question about Ginny, Arc could only raise a brow.  "Ginny....ah, some chick what spent the night at the place Ambrose been holeing up at.  Nothing serious, but a date?  Huh....as for Jed, haven't spoken to him since last night....maybe he's coming?  I sent an invite..."  As they settled in with warm soycaf in hands, Yelena made the comment on the pizza, Arc returning with a grin and a shrug.

"You sure you want pizza?  Either you're buying or we pick a different place with better prices.  Last time we got pizza here, it cost me an arm..."

A moment later, Arc cleared her throat and hit the ARO command to shut the garage up...if Jed wasn't there yet, it wouldn't be hard to let him in, but at least now they would have some privacy.  Turning to the older ork, the short human gave a nod of her head.  "Most of us have met already, some worked together, but from what it sounds like, mista Blake, you been workin the same job as us, hired possibly by Sam.  The difference is you been workin' a different angle, and now with our employer outta the picture, it might be better wiz to pool our drek together and come up with a plan.  So my guess at a question is...whaddya wanna know?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-03-15/2133:38>
Allah (all praise goes unto Him!) willed it such that this comm is my bitch, I thought to myself with a mix of smugness and frustration.  The ease with which I had placed all three of my marks on the unsuspecting device had surprised even me.  I had been so certain the Prophet’s Blessings were upon me.  Clearly everything would go smoothly, right? 

I had downloaded everything off the little Renraku Sensei – contacts, recordings, call records, calendar…everything.  Not a single byte was left unreplicated.  There were certainly incriminating items in that haul, but no smoking gun.  It was all circumstantial.  But one text from that morning suggested something was about to happen.  If I could just hang tight and wait I’d have the bastard and strike my REAL pay data - the fat bonus for incontrovertible evidence that I so desperately needed.

So I waited.

And waited.

And…

…waited.

A check of my little Erika’s baby monitor program told me what my internal time sense was already screaming. 

GOD is coming.

You know, the مجدفا who devised that cute little acronym shall burn in Hell but the blasphemous term really does get the point across.  Having tempted the wrath of the Grid Overwatch Division and its scions the demi-GODs more times than even my photographic memory could count, I must admit some sympathy for the كافر. Perhaps my own soul shall be condemned for the fact that I myself use the term, but then again most Imams would maintain I was already ملعون simply for being a girl who dared to walk my own path.

Just a little longer…

And still the minutes dragged on.

Just when I was about to admit defeat, however, Allah rewarded her devoted daughter.

“Jimmy?” a voice said in a whisper transmitted as data across the grid…and it just so happened into my Erika’s data storage, “the transport’s tonight.”  The anxious voice went on compromise an entire Yakuza operation scheduled barely six hour hence.  This “Jimmy” would know all that was necessary to wipe out the couriers, swipe the goods, and likely never be identified.

Assuming the Yak weren’t forewarned of the compromise and exactly what parts were no longer secure.  There was no way I could leave while this guy sang to his contact.  Already I had all the data there was to be had on the device at the other end of the line.  It was a throw-away comm – no SIN or anything else I could easily trace.  With some effort, though…

I prayed to almighty Allah that this idiot would finish soon or else He may see his daughter much sooner than said daughter would like.

And once more His blessings were upon me.  The moment the call ended I bailed from VR with the speed of a gazelle being pursued by a hungry cheetah. 

A VERY hungry cheetah.

I swear I could feel the hot breath of GOD on my neck as I jumped from VR to AR.  The sensation was quickly replaced by a symphony of Taiko drums pounding my ears.  I may as well have just run Marathon Singapore.  As I came to myself more, I could feel cold rivulets of sweat running down my back in the chilly room.

Thurrayya, I told myself, you have GOT to stop cutting it so close!

“Firefly, do you, like, get off cutting things that close?”

The jaunty soprano of my roommate competed in my eardrums with the slowly ebbing throbbing.  I opened my meat eyes to look up at the tallish brown-haired human girl standing over me with a steaming mug and a look at once of relief and annoyance.

“I swear, Jenna, I do not do it on purpose!” I defended with a scratchy voice.

The brown-eyed girl scowled, but that didn’t stop her from leaning down to place the mug in my hands.  The fragrance was nothing like what I had taken for granted back home in Singapore, but the pungent aroma still served to bring my meat senses alive again.  My throat was dry with a thirst that demanded to be slaked.  Who was I to deny my body after it had stayed with me long enough to score some desperately needed nuyen?

“So, did you get what you were after?” she asked as she straightened back up, her extra-large soy-fiber t-shirt flipping back down to cover her otherwise bare derriere.  Without waiting for a response, the eighteen year old script kiddie turned back to her own working corner of the studio apartment we shared.  It wasn’t much; a room in an old pre-Awakening motel converted to apartments.  Not even a kitchen, although creative use of hot plates made that only an inconvenience.  At least we had our own bathroom which occasionally even had hot water!  We had a place - shelter from the frigid December Seattle rain.  It was home.

“Yeah,” I said as I gently stroked my deck.  “Yeah, I do believe I got what I need.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-03-15/2339:46>
Yelena nods as her friend breaks the ice.  While waiting for Jed to show up, she tries to figure out how much she can afford to pay Mike.  >>Mike.  Is Yelena.  Can give two days.  Then tell Yelena if need more.  How much in front?<<

She walks among those present with the soycaf pot in her hand, giving refills as requested.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-03-15/2348:36>
@ Yelena. >>500<< is Mike's terse reply.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-04-15/0001:20>
Ginny has actually forgotten the reason for being here.  Despite herself, she was enjoying the night.......at least after the initial fubar.  The gentle touch of Marta's hand evokes sensations that she is not really used to and not a little confusion.  She feels that her body might betray her at any time and let her do something stupid.  She concentrates and allows a small press of her fingers into Marta's hand, then goes back to what she familiar with; science.  Then the champaign shows up and she is sent for a loop again.  Remembering the role, Ginny lifts the slim flute of bubbly and nods to the men.  She has no idea what the drink must cost, but it is probably a lot.  The bubbles tickle her nose a bit and she thinks that this must be an aqui9red taste, but she also notes that Marta seems to enjoy it  a lot.

Ginny was even mostly ready when Henri comes back to tell them that the gentlemen would like them to come to the other table.  So far everything was going the way Marta had said it would.  Now it was time to pay the bills and give something back to the ma....person who had helper out.  She nods to Henri after Marta does, and picks up her little evening clutch.  This time she waits for Henri to unseat Marta first, then her.  She steps close to Marta and whispers, "Which is my date?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-04-15/0004:12>
@ Subaru. Jenna says, "That's gotta count for something I know. But you're taking too many chances. If you end up bricked, or burned. . . . . Her voice trails off. She looks at you and sighs and then sips from her mug. Just then your comm buzzes. Your head's pounding so badly it sounds like a race engine revving right in your ear. When you check it it's Lexi. >>Hey FaithfulGrl, I've got job. Need one more. Not hard, just sneaky.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-04-15/0005:34>
Yelena nods to herself and replies.  >>Mike.  Send account.  Yelena pay in front.  Rest later.<<  She calmly slots her credstick and transfers 500 nuyen to the account Mike provides her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-04-15/0021:18>
As the pair walk to the table, Marts returns Ginny's whisper and lets her know that the very round man is hers.  Ginny actually smiles and hopes that her nervousness does not come through..  *This may not be as hard as I had feared.  After all, even if it goes to sex, it's not like I'm a virgin and never faked it before.*  She nods as the men rise and moves to an open chair next to the heavier man.  She holds out a slender hand and says, "Ginny Waters.  Thank you so much for the champaign and the invite."  Ginny withdraws her hand from the man's as Henri pulls out her chair and turns to the waiter.  "Je vous remercie beaucoup, Henri. Vous êtes une aubaine." 

When Henri leaves to bring their drinks over, Ginny looks at the two men, but concentrates on her date.  She carefully words her question, hoping that it is not the wrong one.  "Are you from Seattle or travelling?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-04-15/0102:47>
Marta feels a bit exposed, pimped even when she sees her favorite doctor with his client. "This is not why I signed up for this gig" She thinks. Despite her image, Marta picks her own clients. She does not provide service to everyone that can pay. Instead on the first date she tries to sense a client and see if she can connect with him. She will refuse people that repulse her, or cannot do an interesting conversation.  After all, it is much easier to pull a long term commitment if they are physically and mentally stimulating. What is about to happen tonight is a bit unusual for her, and it makes her a bit uncomfortable. A client that degraded his body to this extreme point was no one she'd normally consider. He does not have to be pretty but atleast should be groomed to a point that show physical image awareness. Yet she tried to physically prepare her body, for what was about to come. She hoped that she can keep that sexual stimuli long enough so she does not suffer.

When the two men become 'real', Marta finds herself just a tad nervous. Having the doctor sees her as a woman is also a bit odd for her, she does not even know if he is attracted to women.  She extends her hand and say "Marta Balck, a pleasure to meet you both." She smiles her devious smile and say "Ginny and I were discussing her most incredible discoveries in the field of chemistry, she new in town and a brilliant researcher are you familiar with the field?" She is pretending that it is a test to see if the two are worthy of conversation. Admitting to be science geeks and very educated, would be a turnoff to most guys just looking for a pretty piece of ass.  However her briefing from the doc indicates that the client will happily accept the challenge. If any - science them into submission and and a sensual night - will make his sense of achievement quite real.  Marta is just a tad flirty with them, but still keeps her flirt with Ginny. She will let the two men, make an effort to seduce them - otherwise it wont feel real to the men.


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-04-15/0116:16>
Ginny is so nervous that she can feel her legs quiver a bit.  She thinks it best to let Marta make the lead-in to the conversation and is glad that she did.  She actually blushes; it has been a long time since anyone had said something like that about her and she is naturally a bit shy about her own accomplishments.  She bows her head then looks up, her cheeks still a bit red.  "Not all that incredible, Marta.  And maybe not that interesting to others."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-04-15/0125:52>
Marta smiles softly and say to Ginny "You are so modest sweetie... this is one of things I admire about you " and then looks at the men "She really is a brilliant scientist, the brightest mind I ever met. " She strokes gently, Ginny's hand, both as a display of affection targeted at the two men and also to reassure Ginny that she is doing great and help her feel more relaxed.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-04-15/0131:58>
Ginny bites at her lip then realizes that this is probably not too sexy and raises the flute to sip at the drink.  *Not too much, Ginny girl.  Enough but not too much.*  She is desperately hoping that Marta's date takes the hint and starts some sort of conversation to get the other man involved.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-04-15/0330:05>
>>Hey FaithfulGrl, I've got job. Need one more. Not hard, just sneaky.<<

The text from my best friend in Seattle is just the tonic I need.  Knowing that time is of the essence for the data I'd just scored, though, I focus first on packaging my haul from the comm and sending it off with a "highest priority" tag to one of George's lieutenants.  I make damned sure to summarize my findings right up front in very clear, short language - both in our shared native Japanese as well as again in English - so there should be no missing the critical, time-sensitive nature of the news. 

Toshi hired me to spy on another mid-level boss in the Yak who George suspected of collusion with one of the Mafia Families.  He couldn’t use a Yak hacker for such a gig, hence why he reached out to me for plausible deniability if I fragged up.  Neither Toshi nor George had suggested the douche bag would stoop so low as to betray major Yak ops, but my data was air tight and verifiable proof that he truly was خائن or betrayer.  Allah willing, there should be a serious bonus in it for me to have collected such an airtight case.  I need it if I’m to stay on top of my debt payments to the Yak. 

I’m not dim.  I realize my relationship with the Yak is essentially indentured servitude.  As long as I work just for them, they'll carefully pay me barely enough to make my interest payments, eat, and keep my shared apartment.  As much as father's old friend George is my mentor, he’s a businessman first.  Keeping me working perpetually for his team is in his best interests.  It looks like Lexi has figured out the same thing- bless that little قنفذ الشارع.

In a much better frame of mind, I shoot a quick response to the street urchin.  >>I’m in.  Just tell me when and where and I’ll meet you there.  Who should come to the party, Renge or Firefly?<<  Lexi would know what that last meant – just another young set of meat eyes or the wiz decker Firefly.  To the mundane world, even to my roomie, I’m Renge Miyauchi.  That’s the SIN the Yak provided me when I got off the boat.  Only George and Lexi know my real identity, the one that died back home in Singapore.  It’s critical things stay that way.  How my 後輩 managed to weasel my old name out of me, I still can’t figure out.  That girl could make a stone sing.

Taking another long sip of the stuff that passes for green tea in Redmond, at least at my price point, I settle in again with my freshly rebooted Erika while I wait for Lexi's reply.  This time entering the matrix with firewall and data retrieval as my primary attributes, I wander the grid innocently like any generic vice-drenched member of the masses.  It’s nice to sometimes just wander the grid without fear of the gendarme.  The shining hosts above, surrounded by glittering icons, and me just some nondescript icon window shopping as it were.  It’s almost like a holiday compared to the events just half an hour ago.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <09-04-15/0334:44>
As Jed is digging around trying to make Snowden lunch, he sees an ARO on Marco's fridge about grocery delivery.  Quickly conferring with Snowden, he orders up some groceries, including some hazelnut butter.  Drek.  That took most of the 100 nuyen he just borrowed from Marco.  Oh Drek, the group was supposed to meet at Arc's place to discuss Sam.  No time or money to get there.  He'd have to project.  Hopefully that wouldn't freak anyone out.  But first he need to submit his invoices to the Ancients. 

Please find attached the invoices for expenses incurred up to this point.  Also invoiced is two days worth of work.  Final report for now is that I could find no trace of this Sam or his whereabouts.  I have no evidence that he was scouting you, it seems a coincidence that he tried to recruit Yelena while she was working for you.  I uncovered info that he may work for the government, likely in the Fiends and Foul Magic division.  I'm at a dead end.  As a courtesy to you, I'll contact you if I find any further info about him, but I'm off the clock now for you guys.  This invoice will square us up. 

Jed lets Snowden know that he is going to lie down.  I'm going to lie down.  I'm a pretty heavy sleeper so you probably won't be able to wake me up.  Please don't leave the apartment. 

Marco, I'm going to project myself into the garage.  Give everyone a heads up won't you?   Jed cruises the Astral over to Arc's garage.  Popping in he says to the group  Sorry I'm late folks.  Last night took a toll on me.  What's the scoop today?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-04-15/1005:54>
Yelena looks around at the gathering team as she wanders with the soycaf pot.  When Jed appears, she nods to herself.  Everyone is here except for Marco, who is not coming.  She listens to her Srui's comment and waits for Blake to say his piece.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-04-15/1845:53>
Maybe Jenna's right, I said to myself as I dodged the tar baby mark the IC following me tried to tag me with.  Maybe I do get off cutting it close.

However you described my affliction, Allah knows I can never leave things well enough alone.  Give me too long on the Matrix with nothing better to do, and I will find some way to create trouble for myself if no one else sees fit to do it for me.

This "Jimmy" and his throw away comm was an enigma, and the Heavens know I do not like unsolved mysteries.  Why not take this time waiting for Lexi's response following up on that, I asked myself.  I thought I'd trace the comm grid provider, hack the data base, and snoop on how the thing had been paid for.

What could possibly go wrong?

Ouch!

Okay, that hurt.  Time to fight the dog and then make good my escape while it reforms.

I quickly reset my my deck to emphasize attack and submitted my best effort to crash the cursed thing.  Attack never has been my best attribute.  Ever since I was five I've been kinda sleazy.

How many girls do you meet who are happy to be called that?  Are they Muslim?  PLEASE, give me their comm address!

The Prophet once again smiled on me as the icon in my sights dissolved into bits.  I didn't waste any time in fleeing the host and making a bee line for home.

You know, I think a few quiet hours curled up on my futon with a good book sounds in order just about now...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-04-15/2310:54>
@ Subaru. >>Renge. Meet Btstrp trips spot Faithfulgrl.  Watcher spot in Bkyrd.<< Lexi's cant could be hard to understand in text. Between coded words,  and abbreviations designed to carefully husband every bit of data and battery life you'd missed her meaning more than once. She must be getting paid in real cred for this job to post such a lengthy message.   Best you can make out she wanted you to meet with Bootstrap at the spot she'd tripped and fallen at the day you'd meet her. She knew you weren't familiar with the Barrens and GPS was notoriously inaccurate there.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-05-15/0047:20>
@ Marco.  The good doctor smiles at Ginny a look in his eyes that says 'fresh meat'. But he has enough self discipline to watch his charge to make sure he's not attracted to her also. For his part your date tonight seems very taken by you and says, "I've seen promising work of this kind before. You're right it's fascinating. But we would be boors if we sat at a table with two truly incredible women and spoke only of work. Perhaps of we discuss more pleasant topics we can convince you to stay for dessert afterwards.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-05-15/0140:00>
For Blake. As he looks at the group assembled in the garage his first thought is, 'Show time.'. But then he thinks, 'No, that's Stewart's thinking. But Stewart was a master manipulator. Bastard enjoyed having everyone dancing to his secret tune. But he wasn't Stewart. And they need the truth if they were going to have a prayer of coming up with a plan to discover the truth and come out of this alive. He took a deep breath, it was show and tell time, as he showed them everything that was in his hand. "Ok, well first off you should know that Stewart worked for a government agency. But, I do not.  he paused. I work for Stewart.he looked around the room at the group to see if anyone understood what he meant. And as much as he was a manipulative SOB I can honestly say his team's generally made it out alive, and collateral damage and casualties were always far, far smaller than you'd expect given the type of assignments he handled. Time to admit the truth. And while I don't know all the angles of this job, I do know that he was trying to find out who was the puppet master for a new drug that not only had people dancing to their tune, but changed them somehow into very powerful puppets." He paused then looking around at the group. "But, I still don't know anything about the drug and so far haven't found anything like a note saying what he thought it did". 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-05-15/0154:57>
With a semi accidental light touch on the heap, and the almost random gesture of taking a last sip from her champagne glass in a manner that attracts attention to her lips, Marta looks at her date. With a pleasant voice that that has just a tiny bit of promise but no more she tells the client. "You are quite an ambitious man, mr. Anderson.  Bold even... what would you have us talk about?"  Her body language is challenging the client, her look indicates that she knows exactly what kind of desert he is talking about, yet she is somewhat intrigued. As to how, he is going to seduce two gorgeous woman. She challenge him!   In the meanwhile her attention is also split to Ginny and if Ginny seems uncomfortable to the point of breaking up Marta will skillfully change the subject. In a way the challenge is real, if the client is skillful enough in conversation arts, to keep Ginny comfortable with his more 'pleasent' topic Marta will let him establish some more intimacy with her. Otherwise, the conversation would somehow pop back to science.

[spoiler]
I wasn't sure what his name... so I invented a name.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-05-15/0313:34>
I'd rebooted my little Erika after my most recent unproductive run-in with the grid attack dogs.  This time when I re-entered the Matrix I went straight for the stacks at the University of Constantinople library host.  Nothing else could ensure that I stay out of trouble, potentially for hours.  I could lose myself for an entire day in this place, forgetting even to eat or drink.  Back during my real-life visit to that storied City two years ago, grandfather had asked a friend of his in the college's IT to work with me to set up a back door for use whenever I had time to study.  I'd made sure to be discreet using it both to protect that friend as well as to keep Renraku from knowing just how important my faith had become to me since that trip.  My insistence on performing Salāt, or daily prayer, had complicated my life enough already.  If they knew I spent so much time studying Islamic mystical texts that could have been spent improving the skills the corp wanted me to sharpen, well it would not have been pretty.

None of that mattered now, though.  To Renraku, I was a charred corpse.  An investment they'd written off the moment they'd thrown my parents under the bus.

>>Renge. Meet Btstrp trips spot Faithfulgrl.  Watcher spot in Bkyrd.<<

The text was a welcome interruption from the combination of rage and pity fest that came whenever I thought about the events of autumn when my life had been turned upside down by betrayal.  The past was past.  I had responsibilities now if I was ever to exact my revenge.

And I WOULD have my revenge.

The message from Lexi didn't indicate a time, so I had to assume she meant pretty much right now.  I logged off carefully from the host on the other side of the world and jacked out following all the legal protocols of the 'trix.  Nothing unusual to see here, GOD.  Just another wage-slave adding to a corp bottom line.  Don't mind me.

Yeah, right.

I stretched my meat body as I came again to myself.  This job of Lexi's was a good thing in more ways than one.  Not only did I owe the little urchin the favor, but I really needed to get out and moving.  One of the more useful things my teachers back home had drilled into my head is that strength of the mind follows strength of the body.  My mind could not fully flourish and achieve its maximum potential if I permitted my physical body to atrophy.  It was hard to get exercise given the Seattle winter rain, my unfamiliarity with the sprawl, and the fact that I was practically defenseless in meatspace, not to mention my need to make nuyen every way that I could.  That last required me to be on grid most of my waking hours.  Bless Lexi for giving me so many reasons to get out regularly.

I looked over at Jenna to let her know I was heading out.  I had to smirk at the adorable sight.  Her tent-like t-shirt had hiked itself up on her body, displaying for the world what God had given her from the belly button down.  I swear the girl has no modesty to speak of.  Her nearly naked body was curled up on her own futon, looking peacefully asleep, arms around an old stuffed bear she'd gotten from her dad when she was, like, three.  I could see the jack and knew better.  She was VR'd in at the moment.  I picked up my deck from my own sleeping space and shot her a quick ARO to let her know that she wouldn't see me when she jacked out and that it was okay.  I didn't share any details - she didn't either under the same circumstances.  Despite sharing the same room, we weren't all that close.  The apartment was a business arrangement and for the most part we stayed to ourselves.

Looking around I spotted where I'd folded my outside clothes.  I grabbed by trusty jumpsuit and my hijab and abaya and headed for the bathroom.  I didn't spend much time looking at myself in the mirror.  I knew I was a mess.  One of the advantages and drawbacks to always covering your hair in public is that you can get lazy about hair care.  Add to that being destitute and skimping on product and my dark locks were frizzing up a storm.  I would never have been able to live like this three months ago, and yet now it was just another day in the life. 

I ran my widest-tooth brush across my scalp enough passes to at least be able to go the length of my hair all the way around my head without hitting any tangles.  It would have to do.  Moments later I had donned my jumpsuit and abaya and was arraying my hijab around my face and over my shoulders.  With the flowing second-hand dark-charcoal fabric covering my high-tech armored jumpsuit and the "well -loved" grey hijab framing my face, I looked like one of the house girls I'd seen running chores for their families in the slums of Constantinople's old city.  It was a look Lexi was helping me master, and honestly I loved it.  I felt closer to God in the traditional clothes of my faith, and from a practical perspective the abaya covered up the pitch black jumpsuit which, while it might stop a bullet, screamed NUYEN to all who saw it.  I didn't need that kind of attention. 

Standing looking at myself in the mirror I saw a young girl who belonged in the Barrens.  It was quite a come down from the heights of luxury I'd been in three months ago, but that was literally another life.  Subaru was dead.  I'm Renge now.  Or Firefly.  Or Thurrayya.  As schizophrenic as it sounded, three identities wasn't bad.  I'd identified half a dozen of Lexi's and I doubted that scratched the surface of all the faces the girl showed the world.

Leaving the bathroom I looked back at my futon where my now powered down and locked deck sat on my pillow.  Should I still take it?  No, Lexi said she needed Renge not Firefly.  The jumpsuit is just common sense.  Taking my deck when I didn't need it was just begging to lose it if I was overpowered by someone.  If someone took my jumpsuit and left me alive, I'd mange.  If they did the same with the Erika they signed my death warrant even if they didn't flick the knife across my throat.  Without that deck, I was nothing but spare parts and ghoul chow at the end of the month.  Although we weren't close, Jenna was a budding decker herself.  We respected each other's equipment even if we were cool with each other.  And I was now her best teacher and meal-ticket for something better.  No, my deck was safer here than with me in the Barrens doing the Prophet knew what.

With only a twinge of regret, I grabbed my cheap little Metalink so that I could at least do basic texting and turned toward the door.  I quietly slipped out, locking the portal behind me.  Back home in Singapore I often mused about all the excitement I was missing living ensconced in Renraku security wherever I went.  I'd always wondered what life was like in the "real world".  Well, now I knew how foolishly romantic I had been back then, but it was too late.  This was my life now, Renge's life, and with Lexi's help I'd adapt.

It helps that I have a few tricks up my sleeve, I smiled as I dove down the street and to the meeting point.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-05-15/1228:50>
Arc paused and listened, soycaf in hand being drunk slowly and absently as she took in the words the ork was relating.  Government agency....makes sense.... Shrugging to herself, the little human looked around to the others, seeing if any were going to respond...when no one did, she let out a little sigh and sat up straight.

"What ya sayin checks out, omae.  Our digging said the same drek about our boss.  So, I guess ya wanna know where we stand, eh?  On the drug, we been determining that the drug has some kinda mojo laced into it to produce the effect, which means mages and those that ping mojo space soil them easy...". She paused a bit, looking hard at her soycaf as she grit her teeth.  "...one of our own went missing after learning that."

"Beyond that drek, we know a couple things. One, it's like wicked addictive drek, and two, late users show signs like glassy skin and naturally producing Trix noise.  Think I saw one of those as a glitch in their AR view.  Any more info is beyond me, but I guess if we really wanted to know, we have a live tester don't we?" 
.The human took a long look at Yelena, queuing her up to speak before continuing.

"As far as what I'm doing on this fight, I'm digging myself into the club's trusted circle, like Yelena here, but on a different angle.  One of the owners grew up in the same streets as me, and combined with the rep that I blow through money like a drunken trig at a huurlg bar, I'm doing jobs for him.  I'm hopping that these jobs will give me an op to see what drek is going on, and score some cred to keep going, amirite?  Anyhow, I haven't gone into deets with everyone yet. but I gotta job needs run and done by Sunday.  A street competitor been stealing the drug formula the club pinned and been cooking and selling it for themselves.  They want me to make it blow up.  Lab accident, easy to go wrong. Aye?  I've got some local talent reconnin the place.  Real hopscotch stuff, but they gettin paid By my cred so it's null sweat.  I should hear back from her tonight, and move from there.  Wiz?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-05-15/1450:54>
Yelena nods.  "Yes.  Yelena have two ways in.  Made friend Bella.  She big into drugs and sex.  She bring Yelena along.  Have next date tomorrow night.  Also contact man Gregor.  Fancy suit lawyer.  With club and law firm for club.  Hire Yelena kill man.  Man dead so Grego will like.  Maybe more work and find out things."  With that, Yelena looks around at the others. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-05-15/1506:01>
Ginny looks from one of the men to the other.  Not having to fake her shyness, she laughs, "And we were doing pretty much the same thing.  Our conversation was about artificial Valcin crystals and some of the uses for them."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-05-15/1539:46>
@ Marco Dr. Anderson looks at you and says, "The new applications for Valcien crystals have given us ways to use medications that were previously un-deliverable given previous methods." he pauses. "But, current theory on their lattice structures is making possible a whole new line of research." he sips his drink. "My minor back in my university days was particle theory. I've always had a love for the different structures of particulate matter." he pauses to look at Ginny. "So, this is something that's excited me. One of my best friends has been with a crew that's exploring the possible applications in thaumaturgy and he's been almost babbling with excitement." he laughs. And then he smiles at both Marta and Ginny and says, "And while it's not at all theoretical, I can highly recommend the effect an excellent dinner provides." his eyebrow arches at Marta. "I've already enjoyed the effect your lovely smile has had on me."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-05-15/1555:22>
For Blake He watches Arc carefully as she tells him what they know about the drug. "Trix interference? From a drug! Are you sure?" He's never heard of anything that could do that anywhere you can tell.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-05-15/1614:17>
@ Subaru  It's nearly dark when you get to the trip spot. And this neighborhood isn't exactly friendly in the daytime. Hopefully you've interpreted Lexi correctly or this could get real interesting real fast. But, before you can start to worry you spot a bit of movement out of the corner of your eye. When you turn to look, it's a small brown rabbit standing on it's hind legs looking at you. A rabbit???? Here??? As soon as you spot it it turns and hops down the alley away from you.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-05-15/1615:46>
Marta said - “Well if you keep this sexy science talk, you may see more than my smile. As you can imagine from my date choice for this night -" She looks at Ginny "I am attracted to super intelligent people - I find them irresistible."  And then back at Mr. Anderson - "I must admit that since you joined us, the lively discussion you had with Ginny was mind blowing and I found it erotic... " She pauses and then ads "I have this weakness for brilliant scientists and I could never imagine that I'll have two of them at the same table with me. "  She smiles at him seductively. Her hand is still stroking Ginny's suggestively.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-05-15/1624:28>
I'd been in Seattle a month and in that time I'd seen insects, pigeons, crows, rats and domestic pets.

A rabbit?

It would be a strange coincidence for something so out of the ordinary to happen at the meeting spot and time.  It was also unlikely but not impossible that a rabbit would be used as bait to draw in an unsuspecting young girl out when and where she oughtn't be.  Readying myself to flee...or fight...if this was a trap I pull up to the corner of the alley entry and peek around.  If I don't see a human threat, I'll cautiously creep in.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-05-15/1629:20>
@ Subaru  Bootstrap steps out from behind a trash can grinning at you. He whispers, " 'Sup faithfulgurl!" Almost 14 the young human's already been a mage almost 3 years. "Rabbit's waiting!" he turns and begins darting from shadow to shadow.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-05-15/1629:52>
Ginny gasps in spite of herself and without thinking reaches a hand out to touch the man's arm.  "Are you serious?  I have been studying Valcien crystals for years.  My first exposure was while working on my Masters in Chemistry in LA.  Funding ran out and I my project was shelved, but then recently I had the opportunity to get back into the field after I finished my Doctorate.  I find the crystals to be completely exciting and could probably bore you to death with the research applications I think are possible.  And I am fascinated by particle theory.  Almost minored in it myself, but I was already too deep into biology and computers so my physics background is a bit weak and solely based on the required core courses I had to take.  My god I loved the academic life, but I needed a real job after my second Doctorate."

The entire tone of her conversation has changed.  Suddenly she is not nervous or shy, but clearly interested.  She looks at Dr. Anderson in a completely different light, looking past the physical and to the mental and she is impressed.  As an academic, she is completely not boasting, just laying her pedigree on the table as a sort of CV.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-05-15/1642:45>
I'd only met Bootstrap a couple of times.  As a self-taught shaman, he had come an amazingly long way.  It's a shame the world is such that he can't be availed of all the resources I had been given.  He has so much potential.

But as I had learned over the past three months, life isn't fair.

I just have to survive long enough to teach that lessons to the bastard who framed my mother.

Bootstrap was already running off and I did my best to keep up with the boy while also being some semblance of stealthy.  I'm sure everyone who actually belonged here for a kilometer around could hear and/or see me.  I have no clue how the native kids here manage to dance through the shadows like they do.  I'm a lot better at it now than I was a month ago, but I have a LONG way to go before I actually fit in around here.  Hopefully kids like Bootstrap and Lexi won't give up on me before I figure it out.  Still, you learn by doing and so I watched my friend's movements and did my best to mimic him with my slightly larger frame.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <09-05-15/1648:27>
Jed felt a little uncomfortable at Yelenas last statement. Hopefully by the time she found out, it wouldn'tatter any more that he wasn't really dead. 

Don't forget I had some digging done and the place is backed by the Triads
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-05-15/1752:32>
@ Arc. You get a comm from Rabbit. >>They ship goods two hours ago. More trucks now. Offload.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-06-15/1247:45>
Ginny feels a bit embarrassed and removes her hand from Dr. Anderson's sleeve.  Blushing, she averts her eyes.  "I.....I am sorry.  Sometimes I get carried away when the conversation turns a bit scientific.  It is almost as Marta was warming me up and then you know something about Valcien crystals and.........and I guess I said too much.  I am very sorry and......and........"  Her sentence trails off as she sits back in her chair, the shyness returning.  *Idiot.....idiot......idiot.  What possessed you to do that?  Now he is going to walk away and Marta will be disappointed.  Oh frag it all to drek.*
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-06-15/1257:50>
Arc was solid and resolute when she spoke in response to Blake, every indicator relating that she wasn't lying to the trog.  "That's what I be sayin'.  Believe I saw it too.  The club has a nice AR overlay over the dance floors.  When we was therez I saw a patch start to glitch out. Makes me think localized noise, ya heard?  Anyhow, I see that, then the hostess makes a move to put someone in one of the back rooms.  I'm tellin ya, the two he related amirite?  I can't explain it, just share the drek I know sight?"

It was at this moment that Rabbit and her comm message chirped in, and Arc used the break in her speaking to give a response.

<<Remember your job, Rabbit.  I need a look into their setup.  Photos, diagrams, drek like that.  The product?  I'd be interested in a sample, but don't do it if too risky aight?>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-06-15/1309:24>
Yelena watches the bi-play between her Srui and the newcomer.  There is no doubt in her mind how she would jump if things went south, although she doubts that this will go that far.  Still, she marks the man as a potential target.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-06-15/1632:40>
@ Subaru. Bootstrap moves quickly. But he checks back on you freq. And he's alert to when you become winded and when you get nervous about some of the jumps. He pauses and holds his hand up for you to stop, quietly swiveling his head from side to side checking the surroundings. But, he keeps checking you out of the corner of his eye. And when you finally catch your breath he says. "I don't be good at Hopscotch. So's we better take a little easier road." He smiles at you shyly, and then ducks his head a little embarrassed. The route you take after that is a little easier and a little slower. But you finally get to a warehouse and Lexi steps out of a shadow and hugs you. Bootstrap whispers, "Heya Rabbit! I brung" he pauses and swallows taking a quick look back at you, "brought her, just like you said." Rabbit smiles and says, "You be solid Bootstrap." Looking at you she says, "Is good job! Real cred! Just be sneaky and watch Mtlgrl say. Only she needs warehouse insides. Rabbit only one sneaky enough for inside, but can't tell Mtlgrl. But you be talent. Maybe." She's looking at you hopefully as she whispers all this, pulling you all back into the shadows.   
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-06-15/1643:46>
@ Marco. Dr Anderson smiles at Ginny and says, "Any man who minds your hand on his arm, or your excitement" he pauses and takes a sip of his drink, smiling at her while he holds eye contact, "is obviously being paid to pretend to mind." Henri and another server bring your first course, along with a truly excellent white wine whose labelMarco recognizes. He smiles at Marta and reaches over to gently trail his fingertips across her neck, gently moving a lock of hair back. "I took the liberty of ordering the wine in your honor. Although I'm afraid that it still falls short of your taste."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-06-15/1652:28>
@ Yelena &  Arc. Blake says, "If they've got a drug that can do that it makes them the most dangerous group on the planet. I'm seriously hoping your wrong. But some Intel ShadowSong gave me makes me afraid you're right." He pulls out a data chip. "Where can I slot this. You'll want to see this. Cause I'm not Stewart. Anything that won't actually get you killed just fot knowing I'll tell you". Uh-oh. That might be overshare, these guys aren't pros. They didn't sign for ride or die drek.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-06-15/1654:23>
It takes me a moment to parse what Lexi is saying.  I know that one of her names is Rabbit, but making sense of the rest of her clipped words takes some effort.  My English is really quite good, and I've been using it on the 'trix for my whole life, but this Barrens street dialect is something totally different.  Still, I think I get what she's saying.

"You did real good," I first assured Bootstrap.  The brown-haired boy turned that shy smile on me and it warmed my heart.  "You really knew when I needed help but you still kept me safe and got me to Rabbit.  Thanks!"  Then I looked into Lexi's gray eyes.  "I have an idea.  You know I have mojo sorta like Bootstrap?"  I waited for Lexi's knowing nod before continuing.  "Let me check something."

I peek my head back out so that I can see the warehouse and quickly assense to see if there are any astral signatures that scream magic (http://orokos.com/roll/323444) coming from the place.

[spoiler]Assense: 6d6t5: 3 [6d6t5=5, 5, 2, 4, 3, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/323444)[/spoiler]

As soon as I do my scan of the building I drop astral sight.   The less I use magic the better, my Wuxing Master taught me about stealth and magic.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-06-15/1749:58>
Yelena brings the trid player from the bedroom and sets it up on a counter.  "Blake can use this?  And not worry.  Team can handle knowing.  Is better than not know.  Bosses keep secrets."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-06-15/1833:58>
@ Subaru. As you cast your senses out the world changed into that shadowed grey reaching out for you that was the Barrens. So much of it lifeless it sent  a chill through you. As you identified the warehouse and cast your senses toward it there was none of that brightness that identified the Awakened. But, some of the metahumans had that darkness that meant they were cybered.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-06-15/1853:59>
@Arc & Yelena. When Blake transfers the data you watch a long range security camera show a group of people come into a facility and then everything goes dark.  What follows after that is obviously enhanced data. The images of the group are captured, magnified and enhanced. A voice details the names and known bio's. The damage to the facility is shown as well as the bodies of the security and personnel. But, the worst is when the voice identifies some of the group as being reported missing, and each one of them has that glassy skinned appearance.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-06-15/1854:09>
I quickly slip back beside Rabbit and Bootstrap as soon as I complete the scan.  "Okay, there's no mag...mojo I can see in there.  That's good."  I consider just going in astrally, but there is always the possibility I missed something and I'm almost as vulnerable away from my body, magically at least, as I am in it.  Only on the Matrix can I really hold my own.  Okay, I kick ass on the 'trix, but that's neither here nor there.  And anyway, we need to find out about objects and I can't make out squat astrally about things that aren't alive.  Still...

I look back at my best friend.  The younger girl is looking expectantly at me with those huge and expressive gray eyes of hers.  Her hair is dark and greasy, but I know she can clean up nice and when she does she has the most beautiful sandy-brown locks.  I really hope that someday things turn out for her.  If I can ever slip out of the Yak noose, maybe she and I could team up.  For now, though, I better keep her at a little distance in case I end up with a bad case of dead.

"There are people with cybergear in there, Lexi," I explain.  "I can't tell with what, but be careful.  There is some serious nuyen going on in there."  Before the girl can respond I add, "If you want, I have some mojo that can make you really hard to see.  Hard for cameras and people - even cyber stuff.  Would you like that before you sneak in?"

[spoiler]Assuming Lexi agrees to the spell:

Improved Invisibility (force 4): 11d6t5: 4 [11d6t5=4, 2, 3, 5, 2, 3, 6, 4, 6, 6, 3] (http://orokos.com/roll/323467)
Resist Drain (Force -1 = 3): 11d6t5: 2 [11d6t5=2, 2, 2, 1, 3, 3, 6, 6, 3, 1, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/323468)

Subaru successfully casts the spell but take 3 stun due to unsuccessfully avoiding drain.  OUCH!  Since I'm not sure if I cast it or not, I'll let the GM decide what just happened.

You have all been witness to my first spell cast in SR5e.  After a twenty year hiatus, I'm baaaaaack![/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-06-15/2055:01>
@ Subaru. Lexi's eyes go wide at the word 'invisible' and Bootstraps' breath sucks in in awe. Lexi quickly nods her head yes. But then her head cocks to the side, her mouth moues side to side and it twitches her nose and for a moment her thin face really does remind you of a rabbit. But it only lasts a moment. And then she says, "Thinking sneaky bunny sneak. Invisible Bootstrap. Bootstrap quick think. Good mojo. Invisible make great sneaky.' Bootstraps; eyes widen at the thought and he high fives Lexi and says, "We be world's sneakiest bunnies Rabbit!" He looks at you excited to be given the opportunity to become invisible.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-06-15/2102:47>
@ Marco. Dr Anderson smiles at Ginny and says, "Any man who minds your hand on his arm, or your excitement" he pauses and takes a sip of his drink, smiling at her while he holds eye contact, "is obviously being paid to pretend to mind." Henri and another server bring your first course, along with a truly excellent white wine whose label Marco recognizes. He smiles at Marta and reaches over to gently trail his fingertips across her neck, gently moving a lock of hair back. "I took the liberty of ordering the wine in your honor. Although I'm afraid that it still falls short of your taste."
As Ginny takes her hand off Marta softly whispers... "It is alright sweetie... We both are charged up by now. " and her hand is lightly stroking Ginny's. When Mr. Anderson touches her neck Marta knows that she got his sexual attention, he tries to establish intimacy, but if she appears too eager it will be obvious. Instead, she seems a bit surprised, and a bit uncomfortable. Marta however, does not move his hand.  Instead, her eyes move to Ginny as if looking for her approval. As if to make it up for her, Marta brushes Ginny's hand quite sensually with her fingers.

When Mr. Anderson say that the wine is in Marta's honor, she smiles half a smile at Ginny, and give her the "You touched him first look". She then looks at Mr. Anderson and smiles seductively. "That is so thoughtful of you... 2049 was a very good year"   She is pretending that she tries to get Ginny jealous.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-06-15/2112:39>
Ginny blushes, but looks up at the doctor with a smile.  "Thank you for understanding.  It is just that I can really get into science and sometimes I forget that others are not all that into the same thing.  I can talk about my theories about melding Valcien crystals to pharmaceuticals all day, and most people think I am from Mars.  It is so refreshing to find someone who not only knows what they are, but can appreciate what they can be used for.  I have to confess that I was so very nervous about coming to join you at your table, but now I am quite glad that we did."  She focuses the limpid emerald pools of her eyes on the man, while her hand reaches out to touch his arm again.  Ginny is strangely influenced by the combination of Marta stroking her hand in a way no one ever has before and the man who knows science, finding the unfamiliar combination extremely erotic.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-06-15/2128:02>
Yelena looks closely at the vid.  "People names match missing?  And Blake think drug do that?  Must stop drug and club men.  Any word from Sam group?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-06-15/2135:41>
Once again, I had to really think through the words the kids spoke to make sure I got the meaning right.

"So, cast the spell on Bootstrap and you'll then both go in?"  When Lexi nodded, I shrugged.  Lexi knew how to sneak and far be it from me to second guess her.  In this area, the younger girl was the master.

Since we were in no huge rush, I decided it was best to take my time to cast right.  I pulled out a thin shawl I kept as a prayer surface when on the go.  Placing it on the ground with the longer edge facing east/west, I stood behind it facing the direction of the rising sun and recited the first chapter of the Holy Quran.  I'm sure my two friends watched me curiously as I spent the next few minutes alternately sitting and kneeling on the shawl, giving praises to Almighty Allah in a language they didn't know.  I wouldn't know for sure what they were doing, though, since my mind and soul were fully invested in supplicating myself to the One God.

When I was done, I immediately turned to Bootstrap and proceeded to recite my well-practiced formula for improved invisibility.  It was a spell I had learned from my Wuxing Master in Singapore, making it a little alien to my tradition.  Still, Wuxing and Islam have much in common, and my Master had worked with me to bridge the gap once we determined why pure Wuxing wasn't working for me.  I was pretty sure we'd worked all the kinks out, although I'd taken several hard knocks getting it right.

Then again, maybe not.

For an instant I felt the gratification that came from casting a successful spell.  Bootstrap began to fade from view when...

BAM!

Although I was kneeling, the blow of the mana backwash still knocked me off balance and I dropped on my butt.  Only the use of one hand kept me from collapsing to the ground.  The sensation was not unlike being whacked upside the head with a bamboo staff, something I experienced many times from my first Master, a Shinto mage-priest, who was certain my struggles under his tutelage were due to laziness on my part and not a total disconnect between Shinto and Islam.  How the heck was I supposed to follow a tradition of ancestor and royalty worship, with icons to boot?

Lexi was with me almost instantly and with her help I collected my wits and sat back up.  In response to her concerned look, I assured her, "I'm alright.  This happens sometimes.  You two get going and I'll watch you from here.  I need to so that the spell on Bootstrap will keep working."

As the two of them left, concerned looks on their faces, I settled myself where I could keep watch on the warehouse using astral sight.  I should have no problem keep both of them, although particularly Bootstrap in sight as long as necessary.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-07-15/0032:33>
Arc nodded her thanks go Yelena for.grabbing the grid projector, hopping onto the tattered couch she had set up in the garage as Blake slotted the datachip.  The little human's eyes were practically unblinking as she surveyed the footage,taking in the details.

To her, everything that she had learned was confirmed...the glassy appearance and the interference were connected, and those hoops at the Stardust were behind it.  Drek.  Taking a breath, the human closed her eyes, meat hand clasping with metal hand as she formed her words.

" Frag it all.  Yelena is right.  Forget the reason why Sam roped us up into this drek.  This goes beyond debt for the drek he set us up with after that blood mage.  Frag it, this sitch is the same deal.  Some hoops are roping in and takin peeps what don't deserve it, good hardworkin peeps just trying to get by.  Soo naht Q'Yak.. Ride or die, I'm in.  Whaddya need from me, Blake?". There was no sign of hesitation in her voice that accompanied the slamming her of cybered fist into the couch arm, her expression firm and unyielding.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-07-15/0042:01>
Yelena takes in the effect that the vid had on her friend and nods.  "Yes.  Yelena in.  Yelena go meet Bella tomorrow night.  Go club tomorrow in day talk Gregor and Hank for money and next job.  Might get information."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-07-15/0708:29>
@  Subaru  As they leave Subaru notes Rabbits' and Bootstraps movements. Rabbit is as quiet as smoke drifting in the night air, and going from shadow to shadow the way she does its easy to believe shes the worlds sneakiest bunny. A few feet away Bootstrap is almost as good, its rare for a board to creak under him. They're gone almost an hour and when they return Rabbit is excited. "They gots lots stuff, jack stuff!" she says tapping her neck. "Maybe work Firefly!" she says grinning at you.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-07-15/0718:08>
For Blake  "Thank you." Blake says simply and nods at Arc and Yelena, grateful that they understand and are in. Now that he knows what the drug is for he understands why Stewart pulled a team together. But, what did his work at Webster, Webster, Otiluk and Cohen have to do with it?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-07-15/0729:56>
@ Marco Dr. Kawagishiri says, "It's always a pleasure to share a table with a beautiful woman. But, when they can excite you on an intellectual level the pleasure is magnified a hundred-fold." he raises his glass. "Here's to a beautiful mind." and smiling he says. "I believe that some treatments could even be combined using the crystals."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-07-15/1016:51>
Marta looks at Dr. Kawagishiri and raised her glass. "To a beautiful mind" She said, aiming at him.  She tries to quickly survey body language to feel if he is satisfied of the progress the two women are doing. For the first time tonight, Marta enables Ginny to talk alone with the client. Something in her body language, and her seemingly growing interest toward Mr. Anderson gives her the confidence to do so. "So doctor she said, how do you like the food in here?" She asks as she enjoys whats left of her steak. Marta knows that the food is exquisite, she enjoys it very much. Yet, there are different ways to describe it and from the way the doctor choose she will try to deduce if he is happy with their progress or not. She is after all only following her intuition tonight, to appear as if she is slowly caught in the charm of Mr. Anderson.

For Ginny it actually appear to be truth, and Marco knows that if Ginny does sleep with Mr. Anderson it will be some dark point in his soul. A story of how Marco had the purest of motives and nothing but good intentions - and yet he brought Ginny into prostitution. It only took him several hours. That effect that Marco can have on people scares him. It was the kind of prostitution that Marco himself feels uncomfortable with and would never do unless Dr. Kawagishiri was so important to his career.

Marta can feel how her fantasy took life of its own and spiraled out of control. It was no more a tool to excite her body and prepare it to an uncomfortable experience.  She genuinely desire Ginny. Perhaps it is the alcohol, perhaps it is the guilt or perhaps one should be very careful with her fantasies with such a powerful libido. She desires her, maybe just for the night, maybe with Mr. Anderson in the background. 
 
Marta is troubles, she is uncharted land to Marco filled with new temptations. She is difficult to control and Marco can never place the finger of just why.  Her body works differently, it desires different things. She react to alcohol, to food and to physical touch differently. The hands of Mr. Anderson on her neck sent a sensation across her back causing her to arch it a little bit in discomfort, it felt nice.

Marta lacks the defensive mechanisms that real woman takes a life time to develop.  Everything feels nice to her - her body is like that of a teenage girl that just discovered her sexuality. Everything is still new and very exciting and these physical desires are difficult to control. Just wearing Marta for a few hours once in a while is not nearly enough to understand her body and gain some mastery over her urges.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-07-15/1120:01>
I watch in amazement as the two younger kids make their nearly ethereal way to the building.  How they do it amazes me, but then again I am (barely?) starting to get the hang of some of it.  I know I'll never be as good as they are, but hopefully before too long I'll at least not scream my presence for a kilometer around.

As I kept the two precious auras in sight and maintain the spell on Bootstrap, my mind wanders just a bit.  If for no other reason than to distract me from the intense headache I still feel after the mana backwash.  What did I do wrong during my casting, my thoughts obsess.

I could swear I did everything the way I did back home.  True, I haven't cast a spell since I was on the boat, but something as rote as the second spell I ever mastered shouldn't have mattered. Maybe...

Guilt and not a little shame sweep over me, although again it doesn't keep me from maintaining my vigil on the two auras slipping here and there in the building.  I've been performing salat when it suits me and not when Allah commands.  It's obvious, yet hard to admit.  Living in the matrix as I am, real-world things drop in importance.  I can forget all day to eat and I have to keep a bottle of water next to me to sip in those moments I reset my deck before diving back in.  When I'm staking out a comm, moments count.  Even five minutes to pray is five minutes where a call could be made and the contents lost.

Still, Allah blessed me with perfect time - a gift that helps make me the wiz I am on the 'trix.  I have no excuse.  Allah made certain I would always know when to perform prayers.  I've been neglecting God so of course He chides me when I remember to pray now only when it suits me.  Or worse, when I have demand of His Blessing. 

I must do better.

For the next hour I split my thoughts between penitent prayer and maintaining the spell on Bootstrap. By the time I see the two auras approach again and slip my vision back into meatspace, the headache has faded to a tolerable throbbing.  Allah be praised for his infinite mercy!

Once again, I listen carefully to Rabbit's words, and this time my eyes widen.

Jack stuff?!?

Hungry greed creeps into my heart as I imagine replacing my little Erika with a deck worthy of my abilities. Oh how I have missed my Renraku tech!  Still, my role right now is to watch.  Anyway, stealing is a sin.  Until I could be sure these were thieves themselves, I certainly couldn't further stain my soul with theft from honest people, kufar they might be.

"Maybe," I allow to my friends, trying hard not resonate with Lexi's excitement.  At least not too much.  "Maybe not.  It all depends on what your friend Metalgirl says."  I pull out my little Metalink and jack into the device.  "So, tell me everything you saw and I'll relay it to Metalgirl."

I proceed to communicate everything Rabbit tells me to the comm ID she'd provided me, a device which ID'd itself as 'Arc'.  I preamble with, "My name is Firefly and I'm a friend of Rabbit.  She just did reconnaissance of the warehouse as you requested and here's what she saw..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-07-15/1220:49>
Although Ginny is mostly paying attention to Dr. Anderson, her mind catches the words from the other man and her head swivels to look at him.  She gives him a huge smile and nods before turning back to the other man.  As Ginny and Dr. Anderson chatter about Valcien crystals and other scientific issues it is obvious that both of them have things in common and are getting along well.  She finds out that he is published and she takes out her commlink to jot down the information so she can look it up later.  They even have several professors in common, although Dr. Anderson got his degrees in Denver and hers from LA.  They exchange stories of college life and the horrors and peccadillos of certain professors.  She is so into the conversation that she barely remembers to eat the food, letting most of it go cold and untasted on the plate.  If asked, she would have little opinion of the quality.

And all the time there is Marta's hand on Ginny and it feels..............wonderful.  Her body tingles in unfamiliar ways.  She has experienced sex before, but never a desire like this.  All of her other sexual encounters have been initiated by the man and have resulted in unfulfilling disappointment.  Her partners have called her wooden and unresponsive and rolled off of her as soon as they were satisfied.  Brian had been the only repeat lover and at the end had confessed that he had only slept with her to keep her on the project.  So yes, the things she is feeling right now are new and different and a bit exciting.  She is also very confused by these feelings.  On the one hand, the charming and very knowledgeable Dr. Anderson could probably sweep her away to his bed with more talk of crystals and particle theory and she would willingly participate.  What had been explained as a favor for the other doctor had become something far different.  Conversation like this was apparently enough to give her thoughts of shedding her panties.  It could not be the alcohol because she had barely consumed any, sipping at the champagne and barely touching any of the wine.  No, it was very definitely the conversation.

But on the other hand was the absolutely wonderful sensation she was getting from the light touch of Marta's hand.  At even just a touch, Marta was giving Ginny disturbing thoughts.  Disturbing and exciting at the same time.  She had never considered sex with other women, but no other woman had made her feel this way.  And Marta is not even a real woman.  But she IS real in that body.  That exciting, sexy body.  Ginny is torn between her attraction to the brainy doctor and the beautiful woman and on some level feels that her body will explode with these unfamiliar feelings if something is not sated soon.  She realizes with chagrin that she has no experience in knowing when or how to get to the next level of the evening and takes her cues from Marta.  She just hopes that it happens soon, at least before she becomes so sexually charged that she does something stupid and ruins the evening.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-07-15/1313:51>
After a bit of a pause, Arc looked up and glanced over at Ambrose, who seemed to be pretty silent for the whole deal.  Deciding to simply take charge of the information sharing part, the human stood up, cracking her neck before stepping over to the trid projector, pausing only when another comm message came in...from an unknown number.  Odd...  Listening and reading it out, Arc blinked and recognized that this was for Rabbit's job...Firefly.  So she did pull in help, good on her.  Fishing out the datachip Ambrose had given her, she glanced over to Yelena, Jed, and Blake.

"Phoenix handed this to me yesterday, said it might be pertinent.  You're gonna have to tell me if it is, but I can't watch it again.  From what I pulled, this happened Spring of '74 in Eastern Europe or some drek like that.  Here, my recon contact's getting back to me, I'll be right back..."  Stepping out of the room, Arc took a breath and refocused herself before sending off a reply.

<<"Thank you, Firefly.  While much of the details were of things I was not expecting, what I needed is here.  I am not ready to move on with my part of the job tonight, but if your team is willing to meet with me tonight or tomorrow morning, we can form a real plan together.  Of course, more involvement will mean more pay, but that's between Rabbit and myself to work out, wiz?  Rabbit knows where I am, just need to know a when.">>

Satisfied, Arc sent that out and dismissed the ARO, hesitantly returning to the group and hoping that the footage was over.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-07-15/1421:55>
Yelena watches the new vid with interest and not a little bit of horror.  Despite herself, her eyes glaze a bit and she is thrust back into the body of a young Keeb stuck in Camp 14.  Every day was another round of experiments and tortures.  She and other Elves and Dwarves were strapped onto tables in sterile white rooms.  Doctors and scientists were always present, taking blood and tissue samples, sticking needles everywhere, and measuring the subjects' reactions to various "stimuli".  The stimuli varied, but were almost always some form of physical or mental torture.  Experiments in how much pain the strange bodies could take were the most common, followed by how fast the bodies recovered.  They were tested in cold and hot environments; many subjects losing limbs to frostbite or third degree burns.  Young bodies were pumped full of drugs to test how they resisted poisons and various pathogens.

Many of the young Elves and Dwarves died under the experimentation regimen, but even more were shipped into the camp as the Russian state continued the roundup of the UGE children.  Yelena managed to survive, but she could not say how.  Something talked to her from the shadows.  When she mentioned it to her companions they just laughed at her so she stopped.  It seemed that whatever was in the shadows was talking only to her and she listened, giving herself to some imaginary entity.  This hidden friend gave her strength and purpose, and at night small tendrils of shadow would flow and touch her wounds, providing comfort and healing.  The shadows required nothing of her but acceptance.  And they gave her everything.  Yelena's mind became locked in a special place that allowed her to survive the mental drains of the tortures she experienced daily.  She grew less and less affected by what she saw and felt, but her hatred for humans grew daily, feeding her desire to see all of them in a hell of her personal making.  She should have died many times on the table or in some experiment chamber, but the shadows kept her coming back from death, confounding the doctors and scientists, who became convinced that the youmg Elf had some special ability to resist what was happening to her.  They re-doubled their efforts to see just how far she could be pushed, adding more torture to an already much abused young body.

Despite the high death rate among the prisoners, Camp 14 quickly became overcrowded with the influx of new children.  The population was crowded into dorms far too small to house everyone and many children slept without beds or fought for the few that were available.  Only the hardest and most dangerous few were able to secure one of the beds.  Yelena slept well.  Food was also an issue as the overcrowding meant less food for everyone.  It was not uncommon for the inmates to fight over scraps that the prison staff found too foul to be fed to the local pigs.  One of the experiments conducted by the prison scientists was to lock a dorm with several of the UGE inside with no food delivery to see how far they could stress the kids.  Cannibalism was rampant in these experiments as the weak died and the stronger fed on the bodies to stay alive.  Yelena stayed alive.

Has it been mentioned before just how much Yelena hated humans back then?  Her experiences and the shadows fueled her hatred and desire for vengeance on all humankind. 

She forces her way back to the present and the vid feed in front of her.  Something about the scene is just too reminiscent of her experiences of over 50 years ago.  Then something catches her eye as one man turns.  Yelena starts in surprise then moves closer to the screen.  She holds up a hand.  "Wait.  Can stop and go back?  Go slow."  She holds her hand up again when the man's body comes into view.  "Stop.  Can make bigger?  Yelena wants look at man's tattoos."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-07-15/1509:29>
Marta was happy, Ginny seemed to be enjoying herself. The pace of her conversation with Mr. Anderson the burning passion in her eyes. It all picked up - some things cannot be faked, genuine interest like that and a real connection. The doctor confirmed in his delicate and tactful manner that the food is exquisite. Marta knew that this night was going well and what left to do is happy ending. She and Doctor Kawagishiri had a pleasant conversation about more mundane topics, like music, wine heap places to visit.

After desserts, she said “I am sorry, but we’ll have to go soon, I’ll call a taxi thank you for your wonderful company guys.” Marta gave a lustful look to Ginny, as if to delay just one bit. Enough to Mr. Anderson to say “Don’t be silly, Taxi is not needed I’ll take you home. This is the least I can do for you after this wonderful dinner” . Docor Kawagishiri apologized, “I have an early meeting tomorrow” he said. After a they said their goodbye, the two women and Dr. Anderson left for one car, and Dr. Kawagishiri to his own car. The trio did not even reach Dr. Anderson’s car when Marta passionately kissed Ginny and whispered, just loud enough for Mr. Anderson to hear. “You are so hot, I could barely restrain myself all evening”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-07-15/1554:11>
Ginny blushes a bit when the doctor offers to take them home in his car.  She looks at Marta as if for a decision and is actually glad when she accepts for them.  She almost pushes her chair back when the doctor rises and helps her.  Ginny thanks him and takes his offered arm and allows him to escort her to the cloak room where she presents the ticket for her shawl.  He takes the shimmering piece of fabric and places it on her shoulders, allowing his fingers to caress her arms.  The gesture and touch arouse subtle erotic sensations in her that just serve to heighten the experience.  On a more personal note, she realizes that she walked the entire distance without tripping on the lush carpet.

Ginny is taken completely by surprise when Marta kisses her while waiting for the valet to return with the car.  She is lucky to have Dr. Anderson's arm to brace against or she would melt completely to the ground.  While not an expert, she feels that the kiss is genuine, certainly more real than anything she has experienced in the past.  Her mind is completely blown by the feelings this kiss brings out and she returns it with a passion she does not realize is in her.  After the kiss, Ginny pants to catch her breath.  The entire experience is heightened even more when the doctor wraps his arm around her waist and pulls her close before turning her head and kissing her.  If the earlier experience had not already set her off, this would have done it.  Never before has she been wanted, and these two people seem genuinely to want her.   She sighs as he breaks the kiss to hand first Marta then her into the car that has somehow appeared by magic while she was not looking. 

Sitting between Marta and the doctor, Gunny was surrounded by emotions and stimuli that she had never been exposed to before.  She lets the two take charge of her body, responding with kisses and touches.  She is so inexperienced that she is reacting by instinct and if she is doing poorly, neither of the others mentions it.  Her attention is so focused on what is happening to her body that she does not pay any attention to the chauffeured ride.


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-07-15/2049:53>
@ Arc  Rabbit sends you back, >>Meet, you say, Mtlgrl. Firefly, deck. Can, get all.<< And as she returns to the garage she see's her srui with her nose in the trid.

@ Subaru  Lexi looks at you and nods, "Mtlgurl say, we get everything, is more pay. Can Firefly deck all?" Lexi is looking at you expectantly, hopefully. But, she can't have any idea of what she's asking, and at this point you're not sure of what she's really expecting you to do. But, evidently confusion is a universal language because after taking one look at your face she says. "Firefly decks. Hacks. Steal all info for Metlgurl. Maybe important. More pay if good."

@ Yelena  As Blake moves to magnify the image Yelena's suspicions are confirmed. Those tats are Vory. But, there's to much damage to the body to tell more than that. As brutal as the Vory could be, his torturer had obviously enjoyed his work. And once Blake blew up the image she was able to spot others. An arm that said ten years and fourteen kills. A shoulder that said lieutant, a leg that said enforcer. And wait, "Blake, is blow up this. This." Yelena looks back at Blake pointing to the spot she needs expanded. And when he does she see's what she feared. Arrabella. She'd been a prison prostitute. Low level, not bright enough or talented enough to be or do more. But, she'd been sentenced for life after Yelena was shot and escaped. It had been a fairly high profile case as the government had been using the few recaptured to show that they had the prison escape well in hand. And her sentence had been extremely punitive as a result. By the system she should have still been in prison for another 400yrs.

@ Marco  The doctors body is even more repulsive out of clothes than Marco had imagined, his fat rolls cover a full third of his lap and when he leans back to pull Ginny against him while he smoothes her dress off of her breast his cock is buried in so much fat that there is no way he's using it to please either of them. But he says, "I'll have to thank Stan for introducing me to you two. I can't think of when I've been more excited, or more pleased by a ride home." His hand strokes down Ginny's body, continuing to ease her dress down and his fingers tease her thighs apart. Ginny's response excites Marta even more, as the lovely lushness of her now nearly nude body is exposed. Dr Anderson smiles at Marta and says, "You are even lovelier than a man could possibly imagine. And if we're all going to enjoy ourselves I think that less clothing is definitely called for." He reaches over to unclasp Marta's bra.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-07-15/2207:33>
To say I feel a little overwhelmed at the expectant trust Lexi has for me would be a gross understatement.  After all, I'm just here to help repay some of Lexi's kindness and to maybe learn more about how things work in the shadows.  I'd always fantasized about working the shadows.  Shadowrunners are all the rage among kids my age, you know.  Especially on the 'trix, they're like comic book heroes from some vids I've seen from before the Awakening.  Heck, they make trids about them nowadays.  Now that I LIVE in the shadows, well, the glamour starts to wear off really fast.

On the 'trix, I'm one of the best.  I can hold my own and I have the power to control my fate.  Out here in meatspace I'm just another scrawny kid.  Worse than that, I'm a scrawny girl who's never been slotted with barely any survival instincts.  Yeah, I may have magic.  But alone a mage is just one big fat target.  And once knocked senseless, magic won't mean squat to some punk who wants to find out what it feels like to screw a mage.

But somehow Lexi survives in this environment.  No, she THRIVES.  She's master of her fate here in ways I never was, even in the lap of luxury back in Singapore.  My fate was owned by Renraku even if I didn't mind since for the most part my goals and Renraku's were the same. Now...well I still have a lot to learn.  I just hope I live long enough to master it all.

"IF I have my deck," I say to remind Lexi that decking isn't quite like magic, "and IF I know what I'm looking for or trying to make happen, and yes, assuming the pay is good for all three of us," I look in turn at both Lexi and Bootstrap...my team such as it is, "then yes, if it's out there I can get it.  I'll come with you to meet MetalGirl and we can find out what she's planning.  We all," again I make sure to include Bootstrap as well, "can then decide if the pay is worth the risk."  I allow myself to smile conspiratorially at my best friend now that I've made clear the challenges.  "But yeah, Lexi, count me in.  You've got a team."

After discussing it with Lexi, I send a message to "Arc" suggesting a time a few hours from now.  Lexi, Bootstrap, and I disappear into the night to go fetch my little Erika and then make our way to rendezvous with what I am coming to realize is a team of real-life big-time Shadowrunners.  Professional adults who make a living at it.  I'm honestly not sure what I should do when I meet them.  Ask for their autograph or run for cover.

Maybe I can manage both at the same time?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-08-15/0106:39>
"I'll have to thank Stan for introducing me to you two. I can't think of when I've been more excited, or more pleased by a ride home."

Marta grins, “Somehow it felt right... not all the rides home are so exciting and stimulating.” She said as her hands begun exciting Ginny's now naked body, she felt the excitement of a vixen that caught a very sexy bunny.

"You are even lovelier than a man could possibly imagine. And if we're all going to enjoy ourselves I think that less clothing is definitely called for."

Marta smiles at Dr. Anderson - she was so aroused that she could barely control herself.
As he reached to ease her bra, Marta catches his hands and place them on her still covered boobs. "Excite me" She demand as she slips of her red dress. Exposing her sexy red under clothes. She gasps for hair as his hands obediently start exploring her body.
Marta allows him to touch her and is expertly shivering as he does, she even moan softly when it is nice, guiding the man into what feels good to her. It is easier for her, if he is not completely clueless about her body.  She allows him to completely undress her and while he does that, she whispers at Ginny “Come here sexy”.

Marta embraces and kiss her softly and passionately, even romantically. She constantly look into her green eyes, as if to dive in their beauty and she is hyper aware to any minute facial expression her partner is doing.  The Two are so close that Anderson can embrace both and as he does Marta and Ginny are tightly pressed together.

The stimuli is exciting, either the doctor is skilled with his hands or more likely the arousal from their almost intimate moment is overwhelming. The two girls become louder and louder and Marta can feel that Ginny is about to burst. Marta has to admit that somehow, despite everything she is not very far from it herself.  For a moment as the two climax, Marta can forget everything. Just for a moment there is nothing but bliss. Their body shivers as they moan and gasp for air.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-08-15/0230:13>
Yelena studies frame after frame, asking Blake for the closest view he can get that still shows details.  She shakes her head several times; what she is really looking for she does not see, but she feels it.  The images of the torture are ignored for the details.  She closes her eyes for a moment when Arrabella's picture was brought into close view.  She speaks to herself in a voice loud enough to be heard by the others.  "Oh, Arrabella Dulchevna.  What get into?  Did Tsina Molovna turn you?  Never smart enough to know Tsina was enemy of Arrabella."  She shakes her head again and motions for the images to proceed.  Finally, she nods and turns to face the team.

She sees Arc's horrified eyes on the screen, unable to look away and repulsed by it.  Yelena looks to Blake and motions for him to turn the vid off.  Clearing her throat she says, "Yelena hide nothing.  Yelena in prison for kill much people.  Many years ago.  Yelena meet Vory in prison.  Is Russian mob family.  Very violent.  Much death.  Yelena kill for Vory in prison.  Kill much.  Yelena boss Nikolai Fyodorovich Alexandrov.  Was much........"  She searches for the words.  "much like kill.  Like Yelena.  Yelena lover to Nikolai.  Nikolai give order and Yelena kill for him.  Then prison riot free Yelena.  Yelena think Nikolai dead in riot.  Yelena go Moskva.  Join Vory gang there.  Yelena kill much for Vory.  Tsina Molovna lover of boss.  Boss like Yelena more and Yelena replace Tsina.  Tsina betray Vory with rival Vory gang.  Kill Yelena."  Yelena points three times to her chest at her heart.  "Tsina Molovna shoot here, here, here.  Throw Yelena body river.  Was December.  River cold.  But Yelena not die."

"Now jump time.  Yesterday Yelena kill man for club lawyer man.  Come home find Nikolai Fyodorovich in garage.  Say was look for Yelena.  Say find Vory rivals help Tsina.  Say torture and kill rivals.  Now come for Tsina."  She shrugs.  Nikolai Fyordorovich tell part truth.  Torture and kill Vory rivals probably true.  Yelena not believe reason.  Not kill much for Yelena.  Kill much for Vory.  Or maybe kill for self.  Easy say kill for Yelena.  Man have tell in eye corner.  Cannot control during sex.  Yelena see tell and know Nikolai lie.  Yelena not know how much lie.  Maybe part true.  But Nikolai is Vory more than Yelena is Vory.  Not anything do without Vory say."  Yelena motions to the dark trid player.  "Much dead in pictures.  Much dead Vory.  Much Vory tattoos.  Yelena think dead are Vory rivals that help Tsina Molvna.  Yelena think Nikolai Fyodorovich kill all.  Nikolai love torture.  Love torture much.  Live in shadows like Yelena live in shadows.  Nikolai say club belong Triad.  Say Tsina is Poison Dagger gang and want drug from club.  Yelena think Nikolai contact again.  Is all." 

When finished, Yelena quickly goes to Arc and embraces her; holding the short human tight.  "Srui close eyes now.  Yelena sorry Arc see pictures.  Hard forget.  Yelena live torture like that when child.  Yelena live seven years like that.  Torture every day.  Every day.  Arc only see.  Yelena never forget but Srui forget in time.  Shadows protect Yelena.  Save Yelena.  Shadows make Arc forget in time.  Arc think rigger man.  Arc think only Jamie.  Oooh Arc."  Yelena has tears in her eyes while trying to console her friend.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <09-08-15/0237:25>
Jed watches then rewatches the footage. 

I think the drug is allowing people to be controlled.  Its either mind control sorcery or possession. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-08-15/0314:08>
Ginny is excited almost beyond control in the car during the ride to Dr. Anderson's hotel.  The combination of both Marta and the man touching her sensuously was such a turn on.  But something changed in the hotel room, something subtle yet telling.  It was not the man undressing her, or even the physical form of the man, but it seemed that the evening had suddenly turned to be only about sex.  She could not even really pick the moment that it happened.  Both companions were touching her in the right places, stimulating her perfectly, and her body wanted to respond with the complete abandon she had felt earlier.  At dinner, she had been a willing participant, hanging on every word said and exhilarating in every touch.  With little additional prompting she would have gladly allowed the man to take her to a private room at the restaurant, strip her panties off, and take her.

Now there was something different.  The entire atmosphere had changed.  The scene she was participating in now seemed so much like a step back into the sort of sexual relationship she was used to, but with an added twist that she was being paid.  *I am a fragging prostitute.  A whore.  What have I done and how did I get here?*  Shaking her head a bit, she mouths a "No"., but she cannot pull back as the fat man has his arms around both her and Marta, holding them close together.  His breath blows across her naked breasts but she feels no passion from it, no attraction. 

The complication is that the experience with Marta is very different.  The other woman's touch is so intoxicating that she loses herself in the feeling.  Ginny has faked attraction and orgasms in the past and is able to say the right things to Dr. Anderson to keep his interest, but her real focus is Marta.  She is still surprised when the orgasm hits her.  She has never in her life had a real orgasm and the feeling sets her off vocally, yelling things she does not even remember.  She shudders and the only thing keeping her upright is the arm around her.  Her mind is whirling.  *My god!  That was so good.  Now I know I am a lesbian.*  The physical release and the sure knowledge of her orientation allows her a sense of freedom she has never had before.  The sex with Marta was real because it was not paid for, while the sex with the man was not real because it was paid for.  But she owed Marta and had come this far, too far not to see this through.  She smiles at Marta and turns to face the man, still smiling, then leans to him and kisses him as passionately as if she was kissing Marta.  After that she waits to take Marta's lead. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-08-15/0546:01>
At his poor physical condition, there was so much Mr. Anderson could physically enjoy sex. He was so fat, and his cardio was poor, his cock was buried under layers on layers of fat. Yet, sex is not only physical, it is also a mental connection and the stimuli from having two sexy woman with real attraction and passion at least toward each other climaxing together shivering and moaning while pressed on his huge naked body. It was as good as close to the real thing as he could enjoy.  Afterwards, the two begun to focus only on him. exciting and pleasuring him covering his body with kisses and pressing their body onto his own. It was not long before Mr. Anderson felt overwhelmed and Marta's knew that he was climaxing. From what she could tell, the length  and intensity of that orgasm, along with the soft barely suppressible "oh god oh god", moans left no doubt that it was a good one. Mr. Anderson seemed so excited, Marta felt that it was the best one he had in a while.

If there was any perk, in sleeping in a man like Mr. Anderson is that his body could just not take much more of this kind of pleasure. Mr Anderson was exhausted and Marta could tell that he will soon fall asleep. To make it more comfortable for him, she snuggled with him and softly stroked his hair. Ginny intuitively snuggled with Anderson as well and just watched Marta. It only took several minutes before Anderson descended into a blissful and very calm sleep. 

 Marta felt that it was just enough excitement for that person, any more stimuli that night could definitely kill him from a heart attack. She hoped to continue with Ginny in a more private atmosphere, after all - this night was a first for her. She never shared before, and while Ginny made it a pleasant experience. Marta, would rather be focused on just one person. Orgies were not her thing, she was never attracted to them and there was something less authentic in them. As if the third person, makes the entire act a show or a competition.

Marta quietly dressed and signaled Ginny to do the same. The two quietly closed the door behind them and went down to the lobby. Marco's regular limo service already waited for them. That trusted limo was now going to take them to the apartment - perhaps for some awkward chat - but also it may be for even more vices. Marta could not anticipate how Ginny would feel and she felt dirty for drugging her into a night that Marta herself was uncomfortable with.

She never did anything quite like that night, she typically chose clients where where the chemistry is real and there is no need to fake physical attraction.  She cursed herself for being so ambitious, for crossing her own line and dragging an innocent with her. Sleeping with a man that was unaware - that her body was nothing but a spell - a spell that will be no more at sunrise.

That knowledge could make Anderson react very strongly, and Marta felt that it was unethical. She hoped that Mr. Anderson would never find out, afterall emotionally in some basic level she felt connected even to him. Hurting his feelings was the last thing she wanted, despite not being sexually attracted to him.

Other than that, Marco had is share of beatings from people overwhelmed by what he taught them about their very own sexuality. He would not normally seduce a person in female form, not if that person is unaware that it is just a costume. That was definitely a red line that was crossed.
Tossed away for the opportunity to move up in the world, away from the shadow and gain access to more influential people and the life style connecting with them could afford.
 
She opened the door for Ginny and took a spot next to her. Softly hugging her, and should Ginny be interested also kissing her.  She then said: “Are you feeling okay?... I did not plan for it to be like that. I planned to go alone with him, I really did but the temptation, it was too big. I am attracted to you so much.“
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-08-15/0941:13>
By the time Yelena had recognized that Arc had. returned to the garage, the. human was standing perfectly still, frozen with eyes unblinking at the images she had to bear witness to once again.  The graphic and macabre detail at which the enhanced images burned into her mind was almost unbearable...it was fortunate that the older elf shook her out of it with a hug and soothing words.  Following her instruction, the rigger girl brought her mind's eye to the people she cared about, her friends, family, mate...shaking her head out of it, she gave a sigh and let go of the Russian

"This is the drek you dealt with...?  Frag it, Srui, I couldn't imagine that even on the peeps I hate the most.  There seems no point to it..." Arc trailed off before rejoining the group, listening to the astral Jed's remarks.  "...control?  Now there's a thought...heh.  drek.  If that be the case, then the Noise and the change in look would be some kinda indicator...side effect that just so happens to be a giveaway, huh?"

Arc gave a pause as the confirming message from Rabbit coming in and announcing that she and her new "team" would be showing up arround 23:00.  Perfect.  " My recon help just told me they done checking out the place I need to blow up.  If she did it right, I'll have pictures and enough info to construct a layout of their setup.  I pull this off, I may be trusted with bigger jobs and better ops to get inside, drek like that.  Wiz?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-08-15/1102:36>
Yelena nods at her friend's words.  "Yes Srui.  Is no point.  Tortured man say what want hear.  Most always is not true.  Man do this for fun.  Yelena never do that.  Yelena kill straight.  Kill clean.  No play first."  She hopes her friend never finds out about the people, the children, she left to die in the frozen winters after burning their homes.  Some of those images are burned into her mind and will never go away.  In those days she was so full of anger, so full of hate towards humankind.  She had transferred everything done to her and the other UGE children to all humans and killed without remorse, without mercy.  Men, women, children......it mattered not at the time.  But it does matter.  Those are the souls that drag at her and torture her sleep; the souls that will not go away and refuse to let her die because they have not finished punishing her.  Mentally shaking these thoughts from her mind, she adds, "Yes.  Yelena see much like this.  Yelena live through when child.  See same done other children.  Just because UGE.  Done for science.  Much evil in world."

Yelena lets her friend go, but watches her.  Satisfied for the moment that Arc is not going to lose it here, she listens to the overall conversation.  When Arc mentions her recon team, Yelena asks, "Arc want backup?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-08-15/1136:00>
Ginny's emotions are so raw that she can barely think.  The fat man is no longer the assured, educated scientist she had been talking to at dinner.  Now he was just a fat voyeur looking for sexual release.  She watches Marta and tries to follow her lead; touching and kissing and moaning as the other woman does.  She is relieved when it is apparent that the fat man has climaxed and even more so when he falls asleep.  She has been afraid that he would want to see more and right now she is not sure that there is more.  She feels a bit dirty.  No, she feels a lot dirty.  She wonders if this is how a prostitute feels after her first paying time.  Ginny has sunk pretty low and admits it.  Her life is pure drek right now.  Because of Horizon, she is blacklisted at every corp or university lab.  Frag, most hospitals would never touch her.  Without Marco/Marta she would have no food, no clothes, and no place to stay.  She owes her everything.  And looking at Marta watching her excites her in a way nothing ever has before.

Ginny is silent in the elevator.  Nothing has prepared her for this.  Sure, she has had crushes before, but love?  Never.  And she is in love with Marta.   Even now the only thing she wants is for Marta to take her right here in the elevator.  She leans over and begins kissing her to show her how she feels.  In a flash the passion between them explodes.  Ginny can barely pull away from her when the elevator door opens, and when they walk to the limo, she looks at Marta and says,  "I have never felt so alive, so desired, or so needed than when you were touching and kissing me.  I want more of that.  God, I need more of that.  Whatever I have to do to stay near you I will do..........."  Her voice trails off and she just looks at Marta.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-08-15/1340:42>
"I have never felt so alive, so desired, or so needed than when you were touching and kissing me.  I want more of that.  God, I need more of that.  Whatever I have to do to stay near you I will do..........."

No alarm bells were raised as Marta was in the heat of the moment. She kissed Ginny and took her to her home. To share a shower, she enjoyed Ginny in the shower and then in her bed.
In fact the two girls enjoyed each other again and again until they were too exhausted to even move. A wonderful night that took Marta's body to the extreme and really tested how much pleasure it could take. A blissful exploration of uncharted land. Despite the awful start, the night turned up to be quite enjoyable. When she begun descending into sleep, her last thoughts were about waking up as Marco and how odd it will feel for Ginny to wake up so intimate with a naked body she knows nothing about, but that concern was for the morning and Marta fell a sleep snuggling Ginny, imagining that she was a real girl.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-08-15/2009:38>
I feel so fragging inept.

Lexi doesn't mean it, I know, but around her I feel like I'm a baby just learning to walk.  Not surprisingly with her in the lead, we make it back to my place uneventfully.  Still, I thought I at least knew the area immediately around the decrepit old (and misnamed)  "Comfort Inn" like the back of my hand.

Wrong.

Ah well. Everyone has their strengths, I suppose.

I ask my two friends, no teammates, to hang outside while I dive in and grab my deck.  Jenna is a good person, mind you, but she's a bit particular about her space.  After Lexi spent a particularly rainy and miserable night in our place, despite cleaning up and sleeping in my futon, Jenna had made it clear that the room was big enough for two people - no more.  On top of that, we split the rent 50/50 and that wouldn't be fair if I had people over.  Given I can't afford any more nuyen of expenses, that logic was pretty solid.  In the interests of a peaceful home, it was best the kids stay outside.

I needn't have worried.  The only indication that my script kiddie roomie had jacked out at all during my absence was the level of water in the bottle next to her pillow.  As usual for both of us, she was jacked in far more than out.  Given the grim reality of our meat world situation, who wouldn't rather be on the glitzy net?  I'm certainly am not about to point any fingers.

But for better or worse, I now had a friend.  No, make that two friends.  They'd stuck their necks out for me over the past month.  Not only do I owe them, but honestly, do I want to spend the rest of my life rotting away, slaving for the Yak with no prospects for anything more?  No life?

No revenge?

No, I WILL get revenge.

More than I had imagined a few hours ago, Lexi is offering me the potential for something George and his Yak friends aren't expecting.  Another source of income.  Something that might finally put a dent in the principle of that acursed loan.  Once I can get out of that noose, I can live for myself again.

Make that live for myself for the first time in my life.

And to meet REAL shadowrunners.  In Seattle.  Like in all the books I read to kill time here or there back home.  There are benefits to being a speed reader! 

I've always known in my head that the reality must certainly not be anything like the authors make it out.  But it's always seemed so cool anyway.  To live according to your own rules and code of honor.  To stick it in the eye of corrupt governments and do the work the Corp needs doing but wants done quietly.  To right all the injustices along the way.  People like Dodger and and Sally.

Far more exciting than the reality of being a highly secured resource of Renraku carefully protected deep inside the arcology.  Those stories and the larger than life characters gave me a glimpse of the world outside the arcology.  A world I wanted to see for myself.

Well, I'm seeing it myself now and have learned it isn't what I imagined.  Now I'm about to meet REAL shadowrunners.  I wonder what they'll be like?

Leaving Jenna snuggled with her bear and deck, I slip out again and lock the door before following Lexi and Bootstrap again into the deepening night.  We go in a different direction than before and I quickly become turned around.  I wouldn't be able to get back if my life depended on it.  Hmmm, maybe not the best imagery...

After forty seven minutes of scampering from shadow to shadow we arrive at what Lexi claims is the destination.  Looking at it from across the street, it doesn't look like much.  A two-bay mechanic's garage with an adjoining single-bed, single-bath apartment on a side street.  Redmond Barrens through and through, although luxurious compared to my place.  Still, this is the home of some high roller runner called Arc.  Someone who according to the story Lexi extolled as we skittered through the Barrens killed a Master Blood Mage and his entire brood of spirits.  And I'm just some two-bit kid who managed to have her parents killed out from under her when she wasn't paying attention.  Subaru no baka!  Baka, baka, baka!

Totally at a loss for something to say for perhaps the first time in my life, I follow meekly behind Lexi and Bootstrap, wondering just what I'll see when that door opens...


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-08-15/2119:34>
Arc blinked, looking over at Yelena and giving a slow nod after some pause, her small smile returning as she responded, stifling a yawn as she did so.  "Wouldn't have it any other way.  It's Rabbit and whatever crew she picked up to do what I asked her to.  Took to calling me Metlgrl, believe it or not.  Frag, thought I was street...anyhow, we got a couple hours, so..."  Turning to Blake, the rigger crossed her arms under her chest and eyed the ork quizzically.

"So there you go.  That's mostly what we are doing to work our way inside now, scraping what we can off their jobs to get by.  Y'all seem to have another piece of the puzzle, so what do we need to do atop this?  Info we need that we can get workin?  I'm listening..."  and Arc did so, listening to the ork share his info and taking note of his suggestions, resuming her seat and not breaking eye contact.  The time seemed to slip by for her, and before she knew it, Blake, Jed, and Ambrose had departed the garage, leaving Yelena and Arc alone with a pot of soycaf...which the human promptly served a cup of for herself.  "Frag me, this the only thing keeping me up right now..."

[spoiler]A note...the meetup scene can continue, and future posts by me will have a header indicating which portions are pertinent to that meet![/spoiler]

[Around 23:00, Thurs. Dec. 09, 2075, Arc's Garage, Redmond, Seattle]

The silence of the garage was disturbed by the rather abrupt tap tapping against the garage door, snapping Arc to quick alertness, a hand instinctively darting to the Ares Predator aligned at the small of her back.  After the reaction, the girl's awareness recognized the tapping pattern, sounding not unlike a small animal scurring against the sheeted metal door.  "Rabbit..."  She said simply to Yelena, signalling that it was safe.  "Stay here or be lookout, your call Srui, but I think we cool."  Stepping up, the rigger reached out and unlatched the door, hitting the ARO to undo the electronic lock, and then with a grunt and a pull, lifted the door, the clanging against the railings breaking the silence as the light from the garage illuminated the surrounds and revealed the persons on either side to each other.

Whatever image the teen known as Firefly had for runners burned into her head, what stood before her was likely not what she was expecting.  Under the door stood a young human woman, the shape of her face and the way she carried herself denoting someone who was likely fresh into their early twenties.  But that was the only indicator of age as she let go of the door after ushering them in, letting it clang back shut, the light of the lamps now properly showing her form and visage.   The first likely thing of note, besides being human (obviously), was that this "high-roller runner" was a full inch shorter than the young decker, with a stout, fuller body that by any estimate likely outweighed her by a good 14 kilos.  This Arc was dressed rather plainly, wearing a pair of work boots, jeans that showed signs of wear and tattering, and a stained tanktop to keep herself decent.  Her hair was, in the most polite terms, very unkempt, bordering the line of being a total mess of brown locks reaching just past her shoulders.  After the initial look, the next parts of her became obvious: her eyes were a very vibrant iridescent green, almost too much to be natural, indicative of cybernetic eyes.  The base of her skull showed signs of implantation as well, a close look showing too much circuitwork to be a mere jack...a rig, more like it.  But most obvious was her right arm...from the collar joint on, her entire arm was replaced with a cybernetic graft, the sleek chromelike metal moving with a fluid grace much like a real arm, the parts articulating with each movement as she brought them to the seating that was set up, a space heater keeping the chill off along with the pot of soycaf.

Arc took a moment to take in the trio that had arrived.  Rabbit she knew...scrawny, mousey, young, but full of zeal and eagerness to do her thing.  She had no qualms against helping herself to a cup of the hot liquid.  Bootstrap was new, but the rigger could recall mention of him.  He seemed very polite, reserved, almost a total opposite of Rabbit in that respect.  And then Firefly, the oldest seeming of the three, hard to tell with the obscuring clothes, but definitely still scrawny.  A trio of street kids like I was.  Man....hope this is the smart call getting them into this...  Sitting back on the couch, the human girl scratched her head and gave a little smirk.  "Aight...wiz bang on doing this op, Rabbit, ya'll know I'd have a fraggin' null time tryna do my drek widdout some hopscotch lookpeek.  Lemme see what you got, maybe we can work sumthin up, wiz?"  Arc realized that she had slipped into her old street slang without thinking about it, blinking twice.  Must be getting responsible now...talking like a real person more...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-09-15/0034:19>
Yelena responds to the knocking by standing and moving behind a counter.  When Arc opens the door to reveal the street teens, Yelena relaxes.  A bit.  She recognizes Rabbit, but the other two are strangers.  However, she intuitively feels that if Rabbit brought them they are alright.  Yelena moves around the work bench to meet the trio, acknowledging Rabbit and nodding at the others.  Her broken English is very heavily accented with something foreign.  Ukranian or Russian maybe?  "Hello.  Am Rzrgrl.  Who are?"

The kids see a female Elf of 5'9" and about 170#.  Her eyes are a bright violet and the nearly waist length snow white hair is caught up in a long braid hanging down her front from over the left shoulder.  She is wearing jeans of a dark hue and a sleeveless shirt with several buttons undone.  Her bare arms and what they can see of her chest have a lot of ink.  Most of the tats are unfamiliar, or should be, to the teens, but who knows these days?  A thin cigar/cigarette with a long ash is between her lips and is likely the source of the acrid odor that is able to overcome the smell of oil and grease in this part of the working garage.  A large pistol is holstered at her right hip.  All in all, she might have the stereotypical shadowrunner look down pat.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-09-15/1013:43>
@ Arc & Yelena Blake answers, "I don't know all of Stewart's plan. What I do know is that he's had me at the law offices of a firm called Webster, Webster, Otiluk and Cohen. He's been having me observe every detail of their behaviors and interactions and report them to him. He's planning on impersonating one of the partners so that he can get in there and find evidence of something, that something probably being ties to the club. But, there's bound to be more. With Stewart there was always more. I think if we can get the evidence of the club's involvement and use it to either shut it down or blackmail them into helping us shut the club down, I'll be satisfied. " He looks around at the group for any questions and says. "I don't see the guy that was doing the Stewart impersonation. Are you here as someone else I hope?" he pauses, "Because that was his job. To go in and as one of the partners and get access into everything." Looking around earnestly at each of them he continues, "And quite fankly if you're here and I can't recognize you, then I've got some hope we can still pull this off."

When Rabbits trio show up it's immediately enough to remind Arc how much she's grown and see just how far she's come. Rabbits and Bootstraps? first involuntary look is towards the 'caf. But there second is a quick darting look at their surroundings and looking to see who's there. The third one is dressed to hide, but, that long, thin cloak could easily trip her up when she ran, or get caught by pursuers and used to drag her back. She was definitely better fed than the other two. So she definitely had a home. Arc did a small movement with her head and eyes to let them know that drinking the caf was fine. More than that by Barrens etiquette would establish her as such a sucker she'd be a Squid. Rabbit got the first cup. So definitely the one in charge. Bootstrap got the second and then took it to a corner and faced where he could see everyone with one hand holding the 'caf and the other in his pocket. The third was looking around with an expression on her face like she'd never seen a garage before. Then Rabbit spoke up. "Warehouse big Mtlgurl. First floor, half floor, trap door." Her hands mime the layout as she speaks. "Cookpot,  half floor. Load and hoopspot first floor. Got computers, rigs maybe, half floor. Safe, trap door." Her pride in being able to get all this info is very much in evidence and she waits expectantly for your comments and questions.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-09-15/1411:24>
(Prior to Subaru leaving for her apartment with Rabbit & Bootstrap.)

@ Subaru  When you left the warehouse Lexi engaged in the strangest ritual you'd ever seen. She slipped from shadow to shadow until she got to a spot about a quarter way around the warehouse and she bent down mimed goggles and then hopped into the shadow and was still. After three seconds she stepped out and continued that circuitous route to the next face of the warehouse and did it again, and then the next face. Only then she went deeper into the shadow and following her you hear a barely whispered, "Momma raised sneaky bunnies. Be sneakiest, stillest bunny ever!" You heard the crackle of a wrapper followed by. "Shhhh, shhhh, sneaky never heard!" and then she steps out and proceeds to take you to the Comfort Inn by no road at all whatsoever. But, not before you'd seen a scared little face peak out from behind a drain pipe at Lexi's retreating back.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-09-15/1435:24>
With Blake:

Arc frowned a bit, the name of the firm sounding familiar.  "That drek checks out a least.  I believe a few of their mid level peeps got ties to that place..One a client, the other a former lawman or some drek.  Not gonna lie, details are fuzzy but there.  Hm...". In response to his question about the impersonator, Arc did not have to guess who he meant.  "Marco.  He wishes his hoop was here, but apparently his personal job or some drek like that came up. Wanna be the one that passes the info on, be my guest." .She crosses her arms again, looking off to the side.  Might need some convincing though.  So far we don't have any noted results, just losses, and on more than one time he's shown signs of wanting to bolt.  Good luck."

Later that Evening, with Rabbit and Co...

Signalling the ok to Yelena, Arc listened to the sneaky girl's explanation of the warehouse. instinctively activating the grid projector and pulling up a map she started to draw up based on the descriptions given.  Visual confirmation to ensure no confusion at least.  The human girl couldn't help but give a smirk...they did the job in the time she needed it, and likely enough to make this work.  so young...I ain't corrutpting them am I? Ehe.... Sighing, she brushed a stray lock from her eyes before speaking.

"So what I getting at there's three levels...The ground floor be where all the labor is, entry and exit.  Their works and their tech on the floor above it overlooking.  stop that, they got a safe where they important drek be.  Wiz.  Anything else you observing?  What kinda hoops we looking running this place?"

After a pause, Arc eyed the girl with the concealing clothes...seemed to be the most out of place of the trio.  "yas can sit down, yknow.  You part of this too."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-09-15/1437:39>
For Ambrose  As Ambrose thinks about the meeting and about the ambitious plans to topple this gang he wonders, What the frag am I doing here? I've already been nearly killed in the parking lot. And if that Marco is to be believed they captured me and had me tied down ready for interrogation. The images of all those people that had been tortured were fresh in his minds eye. And they're about to step in without pay and try and themselves captured and tortured and killed just for an ideal!  Because they really think they can help? Idealist were the absolute worst possible teammates in Ambroses opinion. So sure they were going to come out ahead because they were on the side of right and didn't even make sure of payment just in case they got lucky. No way he was sticking around for this. He'd made Marco his drugs. If worst came to worst he still had the recipe and could cook his own and sell them. But, he was definitely out of here tonight, before their brand of stupid rubbed off on him. Ambrose hunted through the yacht with a fine toothed comb and found a few more stashes of the former Sam/John/Stewart. All told the cred was 50k. That plus the kits he'd used would set him up nicely somewhere else. Maybe Rio, he'd heard it was a place to make cred if you knew what you were about and weren't to fussy about the way you made it. Yeah, maybe Rio. He walked with the step of one moving quickly enough to cover ground without calling attention to himself. On second thought, he'd made the drugs, they did work, and he'd need more cred. He knew a few guys who'd give him a good price for them. Waste not, want not. He went back for the drugs and then left the yacht for good.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-09-15/1445:38>
@ Marco  As you leave Dr. Anderson murmurs sleepy and sated, "You can leave your card. I'll recommend you to a few friends that come here regularly. Definitely worth the cred."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-09-15/1852:30>
@ Arc. Blake answers, "I don't know all of Stewart's plan. What I do know is that he's had me at the law offices of a firm called Webster, Webster, Otiluk and Cohen. He's been having me observe every detail of their behaviors and interactions and report them to him. He's planning on impersonating one of the partners so that he can get in there and find evidence of something, that something probably being ties to the club. But, there's bound to be more. But, I'm saying that because with Stewart there was always more. I think if we can get the evidence of the club's involvement and use it to either shut it down or blackmail them into helping us shut the club down, I'll be satisfied. "

When Rabbits trio show up it's immediately enough to remind Arc how much she's grown and see just how far she's come. Rabbits and Bootstraps? first involuntary look is towards the 'caf. But there second is a quick darting look at their surroundings and looking to see who's there. The third one is dressed to hide, but, that long, thin cloak could easily trip her up when she ran, or get caught by pursuers and used to drag her back. She was definitely better fed than the other two. So she definitely had a home. Arc did a small movement with her head and eyes to let them know that drinking the caf was fine. More than that by Barrens etiquette would establish her as such a sucker she'd be a squid. Rabbit got the first cup. So definitely the one in charge. Bootstrap got the second and then took it to a corner and faced where he could see everyone with one hand doing the caf andthe other in his pocket. The third was looking around with an expression on her face like she'd never seen agarage before. Then Rabbit spoke up. "Warehouse big Mtlgurl. First floor, half floor, trap door." Her hands mime the layout as she speaks. "Cookpot,  half floor. Load and hoopspot first floor. Got computers, rigs maybe, half floor. Safe, trap door." Her pride in being able to get all this info is very much in evidence and she waits expectantly for your comments and questions.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-09-15/1939:51>
So these are Shadowrunners, I think as I hang furtively behind my teammates.  Lexi seems in her element and this time I couldn't have been more relieved.  I know.  Me.  At a loss for words and terrified to make a peep.  The one who always knew she was the smartest person in the room wherever she went and made damned well sure everyone else knew it.  If my teachers could just see me now. 

Oh how far I have fallen.

Thanks to Lexi's sudden presence (who knew she could be so big in the light!), I was able to just hang back and watch.  I hadn't known what to expect, so it wasn't exactly that I was surprised or anything.  The leader, at least based on her manner of speaking, reminds me a lot of a female version of one of my grandfather's best friends in Constantinople, even down to the cyber arm.  Ahmd is a tinkerer.  Like grandfather, he's a professor- but of engineering instead of magic.  Ahmd's house is like a museum of tech - filled with gadgets and circuits stretching back over one hundred years.  To a geek like myself, it was a playground and Ahmd and I spent an entire day exploring and experimenting with any old piece of the collection that came to my attention

For all the similarities, though, this place was different.  Ahmd's house was filled with artifacts.  It had the same smell of oil and grease and ozone, but Ahmd wasn't terribly interested in practical applications.  He was looking back into the past.

This Metalgirl of Lexi's, Arc, clearly has her eyes forward.  For all the clutter, there is an order to it.  And not the order of the curator, but of the technician.  Everything here has a purpose.  I may not be sure what that purpose is, but maybe due to experience with tech I can just tell it does.  Although with some of it, I know very well what it's for.  Like her RCC rig.  From the looks of it and the drones I can see, all well loved.

I've never spent much thought to the real-world applications of a neural interface, but looking around I can imagine this Arc woman could teach me a thing or two.  Maybe she's in the market for an apprentice?

And what of the aloof elf woman standing off in her own space, I wonder.  I take care not to rest my eyes on her for any amount of time, but I feel like she knows exactly when i started pondering her and what is going through my mind.  It's unreal and more than a little creepy.  Thrilling, too.  Even more so when I slip for the barest fraction of a second into magesight.  Her aura is...harsh...dangerous.  Sharp as monofilament.

Now THIS is a Shadowrunner from the books, I muse.  She looks so cool standing over there.  I wonder how she became a runner?  What kind of life led her here?

"Yas can sit down, yknow.  You part of this too."

I jump at Arc's words as I realize all eyes are on me.  Subaru no baka! I intone inwardly for the infinite time.  I'd been off wool gathering and somehow the conversation had turned to me.  One again I thanks Allah for my perfect memory.  It takes me just a moment to review consciously everything that had been spoken since we arrived.  I look for a nearby surface and plant myself on it.

Lexi has already mentioned my 'mojo', I realize.  The fact that Bootstrap was invisible and able to peek inside some crates Lexi hadn't felt comfortable looking in.  I hadn't told her not to, so I can't be upset.  With my cat out of the bag, I may as well contribute to the conversation.

"Um," my nervous voice squeaks, sounding ditzy and stupid in my ears, "the place is null magic.  No Awakened presence or spells, but there are several large, cybered up people in there."

I then shut my mouth and look around for any signal that I'd already burned my bridges and should take my ignorant little ass out the door and into the night to wait for Lexi to get done.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-09-15/2342:52>
Yelena is interested in the young girl in the loose clothes.  She knows when the girl is watching her and studies her back.  She is interesting and clearly out of her element here.  There is no trace of shadow on her, which means that she is inexperienced and perhaps in over her head.  Still, Rabbit trusts her and looks to be trying to bring her along, and that is enough for Yelena for now.  Yelena's attention swivels back to the girl when Rabbit lets slip that she is awakened.  *So, she might have uses if she survives long enough.  There is probably a story there.*  Yelena is impressed when the girl says her piece and shuts up.  Nervous or smart, she had done the right thing.

When the mage sits down, Yelena walks over to her while digging out her silver cigar case and lighter.  Her movement is graceful but purposeful.  Opening the case and holding it out to her, Yelena offers the girl one of her thin cigars.  Taking one herself, she lights up and pulls twice to get a good burn going before looking closely at the girl.  From this distance, the tats on the arms and chest are clearer.  "So.  Rzrgrl not catch name.  Who are?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-10-15/0920:48>
Arc blinked twice and raised a brow at the answer the older teen gave, a little surprised that she confirmed herself as being Awakened.   Having a few examples of experience to go by, she didn't seem the type.  Still, the digger was not about to argu with a good skill set, and therefore her trademark grin appeared on her face as she gave a nod.  "That's good to know, thank yeh.  Less factors we have, the easier the next part will be.  Speaking of...". The human's voice trailed off as she grew serious for a moment, leaning forward and looking intently at each of them in turn.

"In gonna be real with all y'all.  My job is to shut that place down.  Explosively.  This drek may be trouble, but by not getting spotted during your stuff tonight is making it easier.  I aim to set the place up to blow like some bad lab accident, anda s a bonus, maybe score a sample of their product or some stuff from their safe.  Now, Rabbit...I'm not gonna lie, I wouldn't mind some help getting me in there and lending dorm support, especially since this gotta happen in the next two days...". Arc eyed Yelena warily, watching her drift over to where the new girl Firefly was seated.  "The amount Rabbit and I agreed upon for you guys was up to this point.  I'm willing to pay it, but if y'all want in on the rest of this op, I'm willing to pay more.  But it's gotta be your decision.  If y'all are in, I can do fifteen hundred.  Each.  And if this goes well, I could he seeing more work and more opportunities to share."

The digger leaned back in her seat, judging their reactions and giving them a moment to mull it over.  "Call's yours, but I need to know who's in and who's out, aight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-10-15/1457:26>
I didn’t realize I had been holding my breath but the dizziness I felt as I relaxed reminded me to breathe.  The response from Arc to my first words to this group was as good as could have been expected.

At least I’m still alive and no one has eaten me raw yet…

Then the rigger got down to the bottom line, making it clear what my team and I might be in for.

Wow…this is, like, real stuff.  A shadowrun.  I’m bring invited on a shadowrun.

I’m not sure whether to be excited, terrified, or both.  But she seems to be honest and fair.  A look at Lexi and Bootstrap tell me all I needed to know about where they stood – they were in even before the pay was discussed.

Fifteen hundred!  And by the sound of it, nuyen and not debased UCAS dollars.  Fifteen hundred for a night’s work?  By the Prophet, with money like that maybe escaping the Yak noose isn’t a pipe dream!  If I can keep this alternate income secret from George until I have amassed a serious payment on the loan, I may finally have a way out of this trap.

For the second time this evening, greed overtakes my heart. 

If I play my cards right here, I might get a better deck AND start buying myself out of indentured servitude.

And if I played my cards wrong, I’d be dead.

It was a gamble.  But would there be any better chance?  If I don’t take this opportunity, will Allah give me any other that would be better?

I already know the answer.  I’d pledged myself to Lexi and our team.  We’d agreed if the price was right that we’d run this all the way.  Fifteen hundred sounded right.  I couldn’t imagine anyone negotiating any more given our youth and (lack of) experience, and if someone could, that would be Lexi.  I catch the younger girl’s eye and give the signal she’d shown me to indicate “I understand.”  The next step with Arc was in her hands.

And anyway, I now have my hands full.  For whatever reason, the imposing elf woman had made her way to stand over me.  It takes me a moment to process that she is offering me a cigar.

Now I’m no stickler for vices, mind you.  If something floats your boat, by all means do whatever you want as long as you don’t bother me.  Smoking, sex, drugs, alcohol, BTLs – I know they exist.  Knock yourself out.  But for myself, I had never partaken in any of it.  I wasn’t really that interested.  Most of it is a sin, and I made a choice to follow the Prophet’s teachings.  Still, smoking tobacco wasn’t prohibited.  Discouraged, yes, at least for women.  But when I visited Constantinople, there were people smoking everywhere.  Some of the smells seemed more pleasant than others, but I never felt drawn to partake beyond second hand.

Now I have a real live shadowrunner standing over me offering me a smoke.  The scariest person I think I’ve ever seen in person.

How can I say no?

I reach out, trying hard to keep from trembling in my nervousness, and pick out one of the rolled cylinders from the box.  Despite my best efforts it takes me two tries to successfully pick one up.  Watching the woman carefully, I mimic her actions as I hold the cigar and permit her to light it for me.

“My…name is Firefly,” I answer her richly accented question in the most clearly enunciated English I can manage.  Slavic, no doubt.  Russian perhaps.  Continuing to mimic the elf I take the end of the little rod to my lips, close my mouth, and breathe in.

And proceed to cough to the point of gagging.  I manage to keep the cigar in my fingers…barely.  The pungent smoke burns in my throat and mouth.  My lungs protest, and I cannot stop my coughing fit despite my best efforts.  Even my perfect time sense loses track as I attempt to reclaim my breath…
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-10-15/2110:46>
The moment had been serious.  Somber, even.  The gravity of just the kind of job Arc was offering these kids, and the comparatively lucrative pay to come with it, seemed to hang in the air like some heavy cloud as Yelena drifted over to be social to the heavily garbed girl hanging in the back.  What transpired next, however, broke that ice like some great hammer, the fit of coughs and sputterings coming from Firefly catching the older rigger off guard.  Her brow raised and lips parted, the mechanic tilted her head slightly before a wide smile broke on her face, opening into a bout of laughter.

"Bahahaha, ohh man.  Take it easy, oma-e, don't die on me.  First time?  Just puff it, don't breathe it.  Frag it, Rzrgirl, what you tryna do, huh, kill off my new crew?  Yeesh.."  The stout girl's demeanor  had shifted, even if only for the moment, taking on a jovial tone as she thumped her cyberhand against the couch in her bemused state.  Shaking her head, she pinched at her brow before waving to Firefly.

"Here, take some caf, Firefly, ya will feel better."  Grabbing a cup, she offered it up after sitting up and leaning forward.  "Now, back to business, if y'all are in, I wanna hear what you guys think of how to get in for this job.  I can handle the boom part, null sweat on that, and the transportation and extra eyes drek as well.  What about you guys?  What would you wanna add to the table?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-10-15/2243:43>
@ Jed. When you return to Marcos place after the meeting it's to find that Snowdon has rearranged the apartment furniture and removed some things. When you ask him about it he says. "It was mathematically imprecise before. I fixed the ratios and spatial inconsistencies." He has that childhood look on his face again.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-10-15/2246:54>
@ Marco. Send during the night your bank account receives a much needed 1500¥ from Sophie and 4500¥ from the doctor. And Ginny sleeps like a windmill in a storm. She's in constant motion and can't keep her covers on even though she's quite clearly cold and keeps coming to Marta for warmth.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-10-15/2311:00>
@ Arc & Yelena. Rabbit looks at you and says, "Team is six Mtlgurl. Three still watch. We see, you see. Two good hopscotch. One distract.  One messenger. I sneak. Firefly hack. They know. You know Mtlgurl. Team can sneak. Bomb not sneak Mtlgurl. But all else. Can play tag. Can mojo hide. You want. We do" She looks at you earnestly. Trying  to impress you with their abilities.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-10-15/2335:26>
Yelena is hardly surprised by the girl's near immediate reaction.  Firefly had seemed hesitant but too willing to try to appear older and ready.  Perhaps this will keep her off the things and maybe even think before just doing something to look cool.  Yelena carefully removes the cigar from Firefly's fingers before she drops it somewhere and starts a fire.  Tapping out the smoldering end, Yelena replaces the cigar in her case.  She watches as Arc brings some caf over then says, "Rzrgrl sorry.  Very strong.  Firefly stay away from but let Rzrgrl know if want more."  Yelena straightens and gives Arc a wink before moving over to one of the work benches and ducking down to pick something up, using the moment to laugh to herself.  *Maybe girl stay off smoke.* 

When she stands up she goes to the living are for her case and brings it out to the garage.  Opening it, she removes the parts of the sniper rifle and lays them on the bench.  As she starts to dissemble the pieces to clean them, she asks, "So.  When do place?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-11-15/0512:00>
@Marta is half a sleep, in some lucid state. As the night progresses she becomes more aware to the night. Perhaps it is the alcohol that fades out and the massive amounts of sex that cleared her system.

"That... 'stranger' is sleeping in my bed." If there is one thing Marta was not used to it was sharing a bed, her own bed. It happened with Yelena and now with Ginny. Twice in one week, never before, but while Yelena offers a temptation difficult to contain. Ginny was a sexy distraction from a really repulsive client, the kind that even generous payment will not comfort that feeling of filth. Sure they had their fun, and it felt amazing, what Ginny lacked in skills she made up for it in eagerness to please. So they fucked like bunnies - it is fun. They fucked like bunnies in her apartment - rare but acceptable. "I just shared my apartment with a complete stranger and took her to bed... I am a a mess. She thinks clearly for the first this night. "I picked a girl at the boat, replaced her dirty street clothes with nice clothes, washed the filth away from her. Then I got her to prostitute herself for me and if that wasn't enough she still wanted to pleasure me. We fucked like bunnies all night long and she was so greatfull and eager to please.

This is what I did to her in just few hours. A genius, that lives like a squatter and is completely lost without her benefactor that clearly took advantage of her to Mule his drugs. Yet, she has no friends and had I ignored her she would probobly end up in the streets who knows how long she can survive there.

She is a sick person that replaced one extreme dependency toward Sebastian with another extreme dependency toward me. Socially crippled, this is the real reason why she cannot find a job, clearly horizon cannot be that powerful and cooperate steal scientists from each other all the time. There are 9 other mega cooperations and thousands of smaller ones - Horizon is just an excuse.  She is now extremely dependent on me... poor woman, so much wasted potential."

Marta was not sure if she feel aroused by the potency of playing Ginny like that or terrified from that same potency. She will have to figure out how to behave in the morning.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-11-15/0745:27>
Arc quieted up real quick as Rabbit started talking about details that were missed, her expression stiffening a little as she watched the scrawny teen while she talked.  First important detail was the team size...which was double what Arc had thought, and well over what available cred she promised.  Well, if I drop price now, they likely won't do it.  I mean, we're blowing up a fragging lab here...  Pinching her brow, she looked back up and glanced over at Yelena as she had returned, seeing her clean...her sniper rifle case?   In front of kids?!  Smirking to herself, she closed her eyes for a moment, using it to mentally send off a message to her Sruiken.

<<@Yelena: Hey girly.  You tryna impress big on them with that gun, huh?  Team is six instead of three, and can't pay em all the 1.5K each.  Think I can take out a small loan?>>

This job was shaping up to not be a profitable one out the gate...but if NineLives was right, future jobs will likely pay more, which means things should work out fine.  Consider this drek a lesson in fixin', then...huh  Chuckling, her attention turned to the second detail: the makeup of the team. a brow raised as he deciphered it.  So two good parkourists.  A good distractor...must be Bootstrap, he did the fireworks last night huh?  A communicator, that wouldn't suck to avoid Matrix use...Rabbit sneaks...and wait what?  Firefly DECKS?!  But she mojos as well?  Frag...Rabbit is sitting on a gold mine and don't know it

When the human's attention brought her back to the forefront, she realized that her gaze had fallen on the now revealed Decker, which she snapped back to the table between the group.   While the Russian cleaned...and then asked the question of when, the human cracked her neck, her smile returning.

"Well...wiz.  Offer still stands, you did good leaving some to watch.  You're right, the bomb ain't sneaky.  Nor am I too much, but that stands to reason, ehe.  Now..."  Brushing a stray hair from her face, Arc pulled up the drawn map again, using her cyberhand to make a show of interacting with it while her mind did all the manipulations.  "This does make things interesting...Yelena, guessing you want in on this too?  Aight, we are gonna plan for all this to go down Saturday...but if conditions are right--there's a point where fragging no one is at this place--we gon' go in sooner, aight?  Wiz."

"Just an easy plan at this point, but I think we got what it takes.  Our distraction will draw attention for these Green Goblin hoops while we get to making our move.  If we can, we wanna get in on the half floor, and with help from our hopscotch buddies, that might be aight.  Any help to get me in unnoticed is wiz, trust me.  Keeping an eye on them is necessary too...a lookout, but with their chrome, should be easy.  Now, I'll likely need a moment to rig up my drek to blow, but the real challenge will be the bonus deal: If we have the time to, I wanna get in the safe.  Rabbit, this is important...did you see what kind of safe it was, or at least the type of lock?  I'm no lockjack, but..."
  Lifting her cybernetic hand up, she held out the index finger, which opened up to an adjustable socket wrench for a moment.  "I'm good with hardware drek if it calls for it.  If not, we may be needing our decker to crack it..."

"Either way, after that's done, it's just a matter of kipping outta there, setting the things off, and getting away.  Simple, we go home, I'll have the money Sunday.  Questions, suggestions?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-11-15/1013:51>
Yelena is cleaning the rifle and listening at the same time as the activity with the weapon is more to give her hands something to do.  She nods at Arc and responds to her question.  >>Is good.  Anything Yelena has also belong Srui.  Can help pay team advance if want.<<

Her eyes flicker to the mojo slinger when Rabbit says she is a decker as well.  That is sufficiently rare as to cause Yelena to take another look at the girl.  She seems young to have such skills, but Yelena herself had special skills at that age and can accept them in another.  There is probably a story there.  Still, the nervousness is not faked, implying that she has no real experience on the street.  She could be a liability and would need to be watched.  Arc cannot afford liabilities at this point so the girl will be watched.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <09-11-15/1918:45>
With Blake:
"Marco.  He wishes his hoop was here, but apparently his personal job or some drek like that came up. Wanna be the one that passes the info on, be my guest." .She crosses her arms again, looking off to the side.  Might need some convincing though.  So far we don't have any noted results, just losses, and on more than one time he's shown signs of wanting to bolt.  Good luck."

Marco is motivated by his personal relationships, not so much money.  Have you seen his place?  He's got money.  Highlight the likelyhood that he'll find out more about Sam, and you might keep his attention.  He might just do it to back up his friends.  I'm in.  I can't stand to see magic misused this way.  That's my motivation.  Of course, can't work without money.  So that is there too. 

Jed looks at Blake.  I'm Jed.  I'm a relatively talented mage, but I'm old as shit.  Finding information is my schtick.  I like to scout places, do some surveillance, but I'm not much good for an assault.  I'm pretty knowledgeable about spirits, and about magical theory.  You give me a sample of that drug, and I think I can figure something out with it.  I might even be able to lead us to the place they're made if they are fresh enough. 

Jed looks at Yelena  Milaya, I need to talk to you about something tomorrow.  Let me know when you have a free minute. I've got an unexpected visitor crashing at my office, so I'll meet you like this.

Jed waves farewell to the group and returns to Marco's apartment.


@ Jed. When you return to Marcos place after the meeting it's to find that Snowdon has rearranged the apartment furniture and removed some things. When you ask him about it he says. "It was mathematically imprecise before. I fixed the ratios and spatial inconsistencies." He has that childhood look on his face again.

 Well, I'm sure its better now, but this isn't your house.  Please be considerate of other people's things.    About that time the grocery delivery arrived.  Jed realizes as the delivery guy stands there that he is waiting for a tip.  Oops.  Trying to hide his embarrasment, he opts for a charade instead.  Putting on his best grouchy old man face and voice,  I already paid for the food when I ordered it.  Don't stand there like I'm going to pay for it a second time!  Maybe I'll tell my son to find a different store if you are going to play these kind of games   Jed quickly shuts the door.  Now that Marco's furniture is messed up and his delivery guy is pissed off, Jed isn't likely to be welcome here again.  He fires off a short message to Marco with a heads up.  He sees that it is read but not responded to.  He's probably busy right now. 

Joshua, where is the rest of the furniture? Jed cringed.  He had a feeling he wasn't going to like the answer. 

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-12-15/0130:44>
Breathe.

It sounds so easy, but when you can't nothing else really matters.  I suspect I hacked and gagged for maybe thirty seconds before I could focus on anything else.  It's unusual for me to be unsure.  I open my tearing eyes and see I've made quite the center of attention.  Bootstrap looks a mixture of worried and awed at my treatment by the elf woman.  Rabbit is equally awed, but also amused.  I get the feeling she'll be teasing me about this when we're old and gray.

Assuming Allah wills that we live that long.

My pride takes yet another dive when I discover the extent of the amusement I've given the adults.  I guess I'll just have to accept being "the kid".  Still, they don't seem disappointed.  If this was the initiation, I don't think I failed.  I still can't fathom what Razorgirl is thinking, though.  Her eyes are unfathomable and her aura...I hope someday to find out what can lead to an aura like that.

Someday, I think as she gives me a look which seems to peek into my soul and I have to look away.

Not today.

I listen carefully to the conversation unfolding around me.  No more woolgathering, Thurrayya!  It really isn't hard, though.  So much about the conversation draws my attention.

It really does seem that Arc is the leader.  She seems smart, but also wise.  I'm placing my life in her hands, I know.  Someone I just met.  But Lexi trusts her and I've never known anyone with a better survival instinct than my best friend.  If Lexi trusts Arc, so will I.  And again, if this goes well, maybe the rigger will be able to teach me how a techie can survive the streets.

And Razorgirl?  Let's just say I have no doubt that if she wants me alive, I'll stay alive.  If she wants me dead, I'm dead.  The cigar aside, I'm pretty sure she wants me alive.  I'll do my best to keep it that way.  It's thrilling to be around her.  She's so confident.  Even without magesight, her presence is so powerful.  I want to learn from Arc; I want to be like Razorgirl.

I think.

But the aura...

Since I've made a point to focus on the conversation I know I've been called out.  A lock?  Well, if it's electronic and I can jack into it, I don't see why not.  Breaking security algorithms was my bread and butter back home.  Still, if I had a better deck...

"You...you mentioned...getting some samples of the tech before we destroy the rest," I say into the silence after Arc is finished speaking.  "If there are decks...in there, I wouldn't mind a better one."  I pat my thigh where my little Erika is stored in a pocket of my jumpsuit underneath my abaya.  "I had to leave my deck behind several months back and my current deck is a bit limited.  I...uh...wouldn't mind trading up."

Wow, I managed to say it!  And only stumbled a few times.  I know it will be Arc who speaks, and as a techie I have to believe she'll understand.  For some reason my eyes dart over to see how Razorgirl reacts.  I hope this little girl who can't handle a smoke asking such a thing right after joining their group doesn't disappoint her.  I really want her to like me...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-12-15/0509:21>
Yelena's hands are racing through the disassembly of the long rifle.  She checks parts for minute specks of dirt of fuzz; anything that will affect the accuracy of the weapon.  She catches the new kid, Firefly, watching her a couple of times.  She realizes that the girl is new to this, but she has been quiet and mostly smart.  Taking the cigar was a failed test, but one Yelena is sure Firefly will not forget, and that makes the failure worth it.  Other than that, she said her piece and knew when to shut up and not say too much.  And piping up about needing a new deck took some guts in this situation.  So the next time the girl looks at Yelena, she give her a slight smile and a nod of the head. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-12-15/0940:45>
“Such a sweet piece of ass”... It was morning and and Marco was blissfully looking at naked Ginny that was laying on his bed right next to him. “Time to go home...”  It took Marco a moment, the night was a bit fuzzy and he was not himself in more than one manner. “But I am home... oh deer what have I done, I need a shower!” He got up carefully not to wake Ginny, it has been a while since Ginny had a really good night sleep. Marco had a growing suspicion... “I was robbed!” He cried, "but how?!"  His apartment was a mess the bar chairs were nowhere to be found... no the bar itself was nowhere to be found. The kitchen table had just 3 chairs placed at accurate 90 degrees angles. The lamp he replaced after Yelena's sexy butt pushed it off the bar, that one was gone too.  “Why do my decorative lamps keep go missing? My home, my fortress it was violated.” 

It could not have been Ginny although Marco already regretted his kindness. She was not alone in his flat for a single moment.  It had to be Jed and Snowden, there was no other explanation he left them unattended in his apartment and they robbed him.
He texts Jed angrily “JED!!!! WHERE IS MY FREAKING BAR!?!"  was what he wanted to write. This is how he really felt, how ever being socially skilled - he decided that the caps were too much. He therefore texted >> Dear Jed, where is my freaking bar?!?!, love Marco.
Perhaps the Dear and the Love would make it sound less like a death threat and more like a question. If Marco ever seriously considered to start killing people it was now. “Jed and Snowden they will be my first victims.” He thought, and picture how he could toss them off his balcony, it was a blissful moment of joy.

The balcony... going to the balcony to get some air. That Balcony told a disturbing story. On the grass outside the building was his bar.. tossed from the 11th floor. “I’ll have some big problems with the neighbors now... this is not acceptable”  The thought that Marco might lose the contract were difficult to bare and Marco felt like his entire world is collapsing. “This can’t be happening to me why did these psychos took my beautiful bar and threw it away of the balcony, what are they rock stars?! Hotel Marco is closed for renovations”
Marco wanted to cry, instead he put some soft and sad Jazz music at a low volume not to wake up Ginny - even at this emotional state he was considerate of others.  He then texted Yelena.

>>Yelena, can you meet? I need someone to talk to.

He couldn’t explain, why the badass runner that genuinely scared him was the one to call to at this desperate hour.  Marco was not even sure that Yelena is a good listener, if she can actually understand why he is upset. His eyes were red when he entered he shower. The hot water comforted him and for a little while he could imagine that his appartment is decorated just like he wants it to. That he has no stranger flatmate and that Humanity is more then a bunch of worthless scums that waste oxygen.

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-12-15/1047:13>
Arc was silent, eyes darting over directly towards Firefly after her comment and declaration of interest.  Head tilted slightly, it did not take a moment of magesight to determine that she was curious, cybernetic eyes scanning the girl curiously.  Asking for ownership of a certain very expensive piece of tech right out the gate?  She's either confident or crazy.  Both are good  For a moment, the tension seemed to rise as the rigger seemed to mull it over, until she broke out into a wide grin and gave a shrug.

"Think there was some translation lost, omae, but we find a good deck in that place, it's yours.  IF we find one.  Bear in mind this place is supposed to be a street gang's kitchen for cooking up a certain drug.  THAT was the sample I was aiming at, ya feel me?  But you said they had tech, so by that, chances would be pretty high, eh?"

Shrugging again, the girl leaned back in the seat, head falling back to rest against the back of the seat as she closed her eyes for a moment, suppressing a low yawn and trying not to betray just how tired she felt.  "Man..."  "Aight.  I will be asking for something from you directly though in exchange for that, eh?  Think in the next day or so you can dig up some info on these Green Goblins?  I can check my sources as well, we'll put heads together, see what pieces fall out, amirite?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-12-15/1134:49>
At Arc's response I nod enthusiastically.  Finding information is what I do for the Yak.  Adding whatever Arc wants to the shopping list shouldn't a problem at all.  I've heard enough about these Green Goblins in the conversation that I have enough to start with.  It's my first chance to impress these people with my real skills and by Allah I will come through!

Although maybe after some sleep.

Arcs yawn is infectious and I find myself with my mouth wide open even as I settle back down after expressing my assent.  I've been up eighteen hours and I'm still dealing with the mana backwash from my lesson earlier.  Hopefully it won't be too much longer before Arc calls it a night, but i certainly won't be the first one to suggest it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-12-15/1237:53>
Yelena notes that several of those present are either yawning or trying to avoid it.  She finishes putting the rifle back together into its main parts and carefully places them in the case.  Shutting and locking it, she moves to Arc.  "Srui.  All tired from long day.  Yelena need sleep.  Arc need sleep.  Arc go home rigger man.  Say words of love and get rest.  Work with new gang later."  Yelena nods to the others, giving Firefly a bit of a longer look, then goes off to the bedroom for a well-deserved sleep.  All in all it was not a bad day.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-12-15/1253:11>
I decide that despite Lexi being our leader, as the oldest I was in my right to direct the youngsters off to bed.  Anyway, there were even younger kids on our team than I had realized when i signed up.  If Lexi wanted to arrange shifts, that was fine.  But we needed to get moving to ensure everyone got at least a modicum of rest.  One advantage of the proximity of the winter solstice was that at last the nights were long.  It might be cold and wet, but if a cozy and dry space could be sound there would be darkness.

Not wanting us to outstay our welcome with the adults, I coax Bootstrap and Lexi out into the night.  I note the long look I get from the elf and wonder just what is passing through her mind.  I don't get the sense that I messed up more than should be expected of a kid, but who knows what someone like that thinks.  I certainly don't.  Someday I'd like to know...but again that day is not today.

I wonder if I'll end up back home tonight or not?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-12-15/1313:37>
Arc blinked twice, looking up briefly at Yelena at her suggestion of sleep, cheeks flushing a bit at the suggestion of sleep.  Shaking it off, she gave a little nod, hand darting up to catch the Russian by the arm before she left.  "...thanks, Srui'ken.  For everything.  Get in touch with me tomorrow?". Her voice was quiet, but the human let go of her arm and gave a nod, running her left hand through her hair before leaning forward and addressing her team.

"She's right. It's late and after last night I'm pretty best myself.  Thank y'all for being in on this drek.  Here's my comm if ya need to contact me.  Rabbit, you did good.  Here's what i promised ya for what you and yours did to this point... ." standing up, the mechanic stretched her back a little before slotting a feedstock, loading it with an even 600 nuyen before helping the others out, swinging the garage door open.  " Need a lift?  I'm heading elsewhere anyway...". She then pointed to the car parked on the side of the street, a sleek looking black Americar with four doors.

for the ride, Arc was mostly silent, but ready to answer any questions, and dropped them off a few blocks away.  "Best they dint see the car, just in case.  Less suspicion that way n drek.".  Regardless of whether or not they were dropped off there or elsewhere, Arc's final destination was the same: Jaime's place, her home away from home.  And this time, at a more reasonable hour, the girl finding her Vrukart in bed, but not quite asleep yet.  Her emotions of the standoff earlier let loose, she practically pinched on the man, forestalling her waking time for several precious and memorable moments before finally succumbing to a blissful, resting sleep in the other's arms, not yet worrying about the days to come...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-12-15/1453:39>
@ Marco. The Lady comms you, >>Marco, I have the list. But, it is nine people in seven agencies and a computer. I feel that this method will be to slow despite your considerable skills and generosity. I'm working on a politician of my acquaintance to try and bypass all this. But, they are very accustomed to seduction of all types. Far easier to get a theif to steal the permissions than to get a politician to be a benefactor in a non-election year. Still, I'm new to this country. I know a politician and seek to work within the system.  So, I try this and perhaps there will be a way you can help. I will hope. <<                                                                                    
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-12-15/1508:29>
@ Jed  Snowden looks at you frowning, puzzled. "It was mathematically imprecise!" He begins getting slightly agitated at your disapproval. You recall the spartan surroundings of his home. And the geometrical prescion. Hoo-Boy. I would have put it in the hall. But the door was locked. But, the balcony wasn't locked." He says pointing. "But, I only put the bar and the second bed there. And the two chairs in Jacobian style. Jacobian always has dust. And the painting with the Gothic Renaissance theme. The ratios in the background were incorrect and the frame had dust." He looks at you and straightens up, "I fixed it! Now everything is placed exactly in Fibinacci ratios." He's looking at you desperately seeking approval.

Closing your eyes and pinching your nose you access your bank account knowing the jobs aren't going to pay to replace all of this. And you are relieved to find that your cred is at least positive. The 13,125 from the Ancients will allow you to pay Escher and Ambrose  and still have 1,107. With that you can afford a cab to get Snowden out of here double quick time before he does any more damage.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-12-15/1526:57>
@ Yelena  You get into bed to find something cold and hard in there. It's a dagger. Nicolai. You lost the equipment to decode it long ago. And dead to the Vory as you thought you were. You had not sought to replace it. But, the equipment is not hard to replace, nor expensive. It's a matter of does it need done tonight?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-12-15/1539:49>
Yelena locks up and goes to bed, hoping for a nice sleep.  Sadly, such is not to be the case as she finds the dagger in the sheets.  *Nikolai Fyodorovich.  What did you leave me?  I cannot read this thing any more.  Frag.**  She calls Mike again.  >>Mike.  Is Yelena.  Need more help.  Have coded dagger.  Not know code.  Yelena need contact with Vory to get.  PI man can make happen?<<  There is nothing she can do about it tonight so she crawls into bed and goes to sleep.

She awakens and feels refreshed, looking forward to the day.  Her comm has a message and she plays it during her short shower.  Marco sounds like he needs to talk.  As she dresses, she sends a response.  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  Meet for breakfast?  Say where and when.<<  She hopes Mike calls back soon as she is sure that the dagger means something. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-12-15/1548:47>
@ Marco for Blake  >>Marco, Arc tells me you weren't able to attend the meeting because of work. I can respect that. But, I can tell you honestly that in order to continue working, Stewart, your Sam's plan, I can't do it without you. I'm not going to lie. This world is dangerous. But, it's not less dangerous by quitting. It's just hiding until the danger overtakes you. And these people will absolutely overtake you. I can tell you that your part in this job was Sam's part. And it's the job that actually poses the least danger as we could never afford to lose him. And we are still looking for him. Both through official channels and far more effective unofficial channels. The best decker on the planet is also Sam's oldest friend. The best Ghost you will ever meet has officially taken a leave of absense in order to look for him. We will find him. And we will complete this job for him. And when we do it'll be because of everything he taught all of us and the resouces he put into place. And one of those resources is you. ShadowSong tells me that he's been grooming you to replace him for over a year. That you are the best and brightest he's ever seen. And whether you believe it or not, I know he's never tried to groom a replacement. So, you can quit now. Or, you can do one job. One job to see if his faith in you was correct. And, while I know that if you do it it'll be to find out for yourself if you can become even more. I can also say that as this job calls for you to be a filthy rich lawyer. I can offer you the clothes and at least enough cred to look and act the part. Sam was a cheap bastard. But, in order to do this job I can't afford to be.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-12-15/1549:53>
@ Yelena  Mike's comm is swift and welcome, >>Yes. Tell me where to pick it up or where you want to drop it off.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-12-15/1618:44>
@ Subaru  The ride from Arc is short. Lexi pipes up and says, "Here Mtlgurl." Arc nods and pulls over. Dropping y'all off near a raucous bar on one side and a Stuffer Shack on the other. Lexi goes to the Stuffer shack and buys enough food for three people with the cred Arc gave her for the job. Then she and Bootstrap lead you through the streets for another 20 minutes until they return to the warehouse. Once she's there she goes to the positions of each of the remaining watchers whispering, "Pay!" She splits the food six ways so that you each get some and the others devour theirs quickly and happily. Then she says, "All need sleep and watch. Hotspot on caf bar. Firefly and HoppyBunny first. NoShow and Bootstrap. Rabbit and FlyingSquirrel." All of them nod as she gives the instructions to each. Then you find that the small face you saw peaking out at Rabbit's back is connected to the thin body of a girl who looks to be about nine. She leads you almost silently to the top of a nearby 24hr caf bar. Although the steady business done in the alley behind the bar shows the real reason why it's still open in this neighborhood. Still, it has a couple of vents in the roof to get rid of the heat from the kitchen. And the roof is weak. It keeps bowing under you, you have a feeling that's why there's no one else there. Because it really wouldn't take the weight of someone heavier than 35-40k. You hear a pop under your foot when you step. Hopefully take the weight. But, the small girl pulls out a small dirty blanket and curls up near the vent to sleep. Her even breathing telling you she's out almost immediately.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-12-15/1620:54>
Ginny wakes up and stretches languorously.  She feels..............more.  More of everything.  More alive, more desired, more.  Mainly more alive.  Her body hums with the remnants of the sexual energy expended the night before.  Is this what love is?  Perhaps.  Maybe.  If so, it is great and she looks back at her life and regrets all the missed opportunities of her university days.  All those nights in the sorority house when she blew off the advances of her roommates and their friends.  On one level, the sexual explosion last night had been so real, but on the other she knows that it was really Marco she was making love to, not Marta.  The shell he used was real enough, but it did not change the fundamental fact that she had been making love to a man and had thoroughly enjoyed it.  Enjoyed it?  Frag, it had been the best, most exciting night of her life.  Her arm pats the bed where Marta should be and finds empty space.

Hearing the shower running, she slips out of the bed and pads over to the bathroom.  God, she had never, ever, done anything like this.  Or even wanted to.  Even just imagining slipping into a shower with a man is sending small shockwave of tingles through her body.  Unable to even consider not doing it, Ginny opens the shower door and steps in, wrapping her arms around the naked man.  "God, Marco.  You are so much more than I could have ever expected.  You have opened my eyes to so much in only one day.  I love what you have done to me.  My body is so alive.  I feel sexy and sensuous.  In some way, you have healed me and I was not even aware that I was sick.  I want to experience sex with you, I want to experience life with you.  I don't care what the future is anymore because I am not afraid.  Somehow I just know that you will help make things alright."  Ginny rubs her chest against Marco's back and loves the sensation of him against her hardening nipples.  She wraps her arms around him and pulls him close to her, reveling in the feel of his skin against her.  Dropping a hand, she begins stroking him and is amazed that she can have this kind of effect on a man.  The hardness of his arousal excites more than she had thought possible and she moves around him, dropping to her knees.  She looks up at his face.  "Let me do this."  She takes him into her mouth and enjoys the sensation.  Her body quivers in excitement as she realizes that such an act would have been completely foreign to her just yesterday.  She moves off him and says, "Tell me if I am doing this right.  I want to please you.  I need to please you."  She goes back down on him and the sensation of his hardness in her mouth is almost overwhelming.  The excitement she is bringing to him is transferring to her and suddenly the need to please him becomes as strong a need to please herself.  She had been coerced into oral sex twice before but it had been very unsatisfactory and her partners had just ended it and fucked her, telling her she was wasting their time.  But now.....but now it is different.  She can tell by the way Marco moans that she is doing it right.  His hand reaches for her head and pushes her onto him, making sure that she does not stop.  As if she had any intention of doing so.   His explosive climax is presaged by a large moan from him.  The taste of it is almost sublime and she tries to swallow all of it, but some gets lost in the shower water, a waste.  Still, the experience is so..........perfect.  His explosive release set up a similar volcanic reaction in her.  Her climax would have sent her to her knees if she were not already there.  Her core is rocked.  It is some moments before she stands and embraces Marco.  "Thank you.  Just, thank you.  Can you take me back to bed and teach me more how to be a woman.  With you, I feel that I can do anything.  And I want to do everything.  My body is thrumming in anticipation and I need you."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-12-15/1643:35>
If I don't keep busy, there's no way I'll stay awake.

From the looks of it, I'm watching solo this shift. 

Looking at the peaceful little girl asleep on her threadbare blanket, huddling close to the vent for warmth in the cold Seattle night, I can't begrudge her the rest.  Given what she's living on, keeping vigil in this vile weather must be an incredible strain.  What for me just now was a snack must for her have been a feast fit for a queen.  It's no wonder she's out like a light.

I sidle close to the edge of the roof, both in the hopes the structural support will be better there and also to keep watch over the warehouse.  I find a position comfortable enough that I can maintain it but not so pleasant that I will doze off.  I realize that in many ways I'm the perfect lookout right now.  As long as I'm stationary, I won't make noise.  And from here I can keep watch in meatspace by the glare of the handful of streetlights in the area, in astral space, and in AR.  I do a quick visual and astral survey.  Nothing at all with my eyes.  Astral shows for the most part they're asleep too.  A few watchers are hanging around entrances, but nothing that's a threat to us tonight.  I make a note of their watch pattern so that I can share with Arc tomorrow.

I then switch to AR.  I scan the warehouse and the surroundings just in case I see anything unexpected in virtual space.  Nothing as I suspected.  I keep to AR so that I can watch the warehouse in meatspace, but off to the side I start moving myself to do searches.  These Green Goblins.  I wonder what I can find about the Green Goblins of the Redmond Barrens.  My initial search brings up a bunch of drek about some villain in a 20th Century comic book called Spider Man.  Once I sort out that chaff, I find some interesting leads.  It'll take a while to examine each of them in AR, but I have plenty of time...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-12-15/1651:34>
Yelena nods when Mike's massage comes across.  >>Quick work.  Yelena thank.  Will call when free.<<  She calls up a new number and sends a text.  >>Firefly.  Is Razrgrl.  Have test for you.  Dagger with code.  Firefly want try crack code?  Say where when meet.<<

She finishes dressing and holsters the pistol before hauling the Scorpion out of the garage and firing up the engine to go meet Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-12-15/1712:04>
Marco is surprised how quickly Ginny gained confidence and learned the sexual game, he does not want to but his young body betrays him and he find her before he understands it exciting him. "So good... when did she learn to do these things?" He couldn't resist her. Not before he climaxed, but his mind was somewhere else and he felt as if his entire life are collapsing in front of his very eyes.  He wanted to be alone, he wanted to disappear.

Marco answers “I am sorry Ginny... I am just not in the mood,  these bastards they demolished my apartment. I am in a lot of trouble now and should start cleaning the yard from the stuff these animals threw out of the balcony. I pray that nobody called the police.”
Marco said as he left, cold precise and sharp. He got dressed and took the elevator down. He spent an hour trying to erase every trace to that tragedy,  he did not bother to answer Blake, what was the point, his mind was elsewhere he got a wake up call, this shadow-running backfired into his own home his own fortress, he felt alone, lost.

He texted the doc  >> I am sorry doc, I'll have to cancel for tonight. Some "friends" demolished my apartment and I am really not in the mood for partying. There is massive damage, and I am trying to minimize side effects.  I should know better who my friends really are. So sorry for bailing out last minute.

His last thought was "But what can I do with Ginny? She somehow become sexual, if I don't end it soon I may not be able to later." He took a big breath, "I am not going back home... I am going to the beach, alone."

>>Yelena I am at the beach, near the light house.  For a few hours... GPS attached.  

It was an odd day for the beach, cold and windy and somehow this atmosphere reflected how Marco was feeling. He could imagine his illusion of safety as a small life boat, that is carried by the massive waves. He sat by that lighthouse alone and wished he could just disappear, wished that Sam is never found again. "I am way too trusting to be a runner. I am barely even a person, nothing in my life is real. I cannot even respect my own red lines."  He sat there his eyes were wet. He built a sand castle and just watched as the tide claimed it, returning the beach to what it was before. "Sand castles... everything in my life is a freaking sand castle."

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-12-15/1738:42>
Yelena receives the message from Marco and sets the GPS coordinates into the bike's pilot.  Odd place for a meeting.  She wonders why the change of venue as the beach is likely to be a bit bleak at this time of year.  And she is right.  The beach is horribly bleak this time of year.  No hot dog vendors in sight, although there is a Stuffer Shack not too far down the way that seems to have a couple of cars in front.  Parking the bike, she walks down to the beach.  Locating Marco is not hard as he is the only other person on this stretch of the rocky Seattle waterfront.  Yelena idly wonders if the old light house is still working.  She frowns a bit when Marco does not react to the noise she makes while approaching and calls out, "Marco.  Is Yelena.  Marco talk Yelena."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-12-15/1849:36>
Ginny puts a smile on her disappointment.  Her body is so amped right now that it almost feels like she is betraying her body to not bring her to a more satisfied state.  She has never before wanted to climax so badly.  But she also realizes that to push Marco further right now would be a mistake.  The thought runs through her mind, *Maybe he does not love me.  Maybe he is ashamed of me.  Of my lack of experience.  Oh frag.  Did I screw up the date last night?  Will he forgive me?  I could not bear it if he threw me out now that I have just started to come alive.*   

She is still trying to figure this out as she dresses.  She cannot keep her eyes off his body and would certainly go back to bed with him in a second if he hinted he wanted her.  But he does not.  And he might be like all the other men in her life.  *Stop that!  You know he is not like that.  He is very good for you.  Look at what he has done for you.*  Following him out of the bedroom, she stops in amazement.  "What the frag happened here?  Where is all your nice stuff.  Were you robbed?"

Ginny listens to Marco sort of explain what happened.  "Those men did that?  But I thought they were your friends?  Some drek.  I am so sorry, Marco."  She is distressed that he does not seem to hear her.  Does not seem to even acknowledge that she spoke to him.  His movements are more mechanical than real and she realizes that he is truly distressed.  Her heart goes out to him but he does not seem to realize that his hurt is also hers.  *Frag!  He just does not understand.  Not at all.*  She feels a real pain when he throws up his hands and rushes out of the apartment to go out to clean up.  She was in the process of offering to help but he just races past and out the door, obviously wanting to be alone.  Ginny stands in the room in tears.  So close to him and yet so far.  If there was only some way to help.  *Wait.  There may be something.  Yes, why did you not think of this earlier.?*  She rotates around, looking at the room.  Never happier for her photographic memory, she imposes the pictures in her mind of what the rooms had been like before.  Walking from living room to kitchen/dining room, to the extra bedroom, she sets in her mind the way things had been.  She grabs a jacket from the closet and runs from the apartment, making sure that the door is not locked behind her. 

Ginny grabs a taxi to the marina and saunters up the walkway to John's boat slip, passing the one with Sebastian's boat on the way.  The yellow tape was still on the transom, but the KE thug seems to have left.  She goes to the door of John's boat and finds it open.  Entering, she looks around.  The place is a bit messy.  No, a lot messy.  She calls out for Phoenix, but he does not respond.  Fearing that the old man had been hurt, she looks around, not finding him on board, but notices cupboards open and drawers pulled out.  Stuff is just tossed all over the place.  *Frag!  What happened here?  And where is Phoenix?  First, John disappears and now the old man.  Marco will not be pleased.* 

Shaking her head, Ginny leaves the boat and makes her way to Sebastian's.  She calls out to see if the KE guy is below deck but getting no answer, she decides to risk it.  Her heart in her mouth, she steps aboard the creaking vessel, again amazed at the difference between this floating wreck and John's nice boat.  The KE searchers had pretty much tossed the boat, leaving everything a mess.  Granted, Sebastian had never really been a neat guy in the first place, but this is way beyond even how he normally lived.  Sebastian had once been so drunk that he had inadvertently shown her where he hid his stash of funds and she went straight for the safe, hoping that the KE might have missed the secret behind the secret.  True to form, the KE jackboots had found the safe and rifled its contents.  She had no doubt that her cousin would never see that money again, even if he got out of jail.  She pressed the hidden access button to expose the real safe within the safe, hoping that because it was still closed that they had not found it.  She smiles as she sees the pile of credsticks and a small tablet inside.  Ginny feels a bit guilty for robbing her cousin, but then Marco needs it more.  And, after all, what had Sebastian ever done for her that Marco had not done more of?  Ginny takes the tablet and the credsticks before closing and securing the hidden section of the safe and leaving the boat.

She slots the credsticks one at a time and actually whistles.  *Cousin Sebastian was actually doing much better than I had thought.  Lots better.*  Smiling, she leaves the marina and gets in a cab, giving the directions to Marco's apartment.  Fortunately, the doorman remembers her from earlier as Marco's guest and allows her entry to the building.  She takes the elevator to the eleventh floor and reenters the apartment through the door she had left unlocked.  She whistles to herself and smiles.  *Now to work.  I hope he is gone long enough.* 

Ginny calls up multiple catalogs on the commlink, for the first time happy that so many things can be found online and that there are so many people willing to help her spend her newfound wealth.  She calls up the pieces of furniture and various decorative accents that she had memorized from just looking at them.  She organizes the list and works room by room, looking for what she wants and ordering it, paying a hefty bonus for quick delivery and setup.  She was not even finished when the first things started arriving.  Her scientifically regimented and segmented mind allows her to keep shopping while she directs the delivery people in setting things up.  She tips every delivery man and thanks everyone profusely. Three men are setting up the new bar when she hears the sound she has been dreading; the lock of the door.  Marco rushes in and stops, looking about in amazement, then rushes off to the bedroom, flinging words about that Gunny cannot quite make out.  She does see his smile, though, and her heart lifts.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-12-15/2104:29>
Marco toss a rock to the water and say "Pizza... I ordered Pizza. I hoped you come because it is a lot of Pizza for one person. I had to prepay because they did not believe the drop off location I requested."  He sighs and look at Yelena. "How does it feel? To just walk away from everything? I got a remainder today, just how fragile my life really are. The shadows, they will consume everything. Every time I promise myself that this was the last time, every time I lie. The shadows they are going to claim everything."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-13-15/0201:18>
Yelena sits down next to Marco.  "Pizza?  Yelena love pizza.  Hand piece, please."  She takes the slice he offers her and munches for a bit in silence, considering what he has said.  Shaking her head, she replies, "Hard to explain.  Yelena see shadows different from Marco.  Shadows exist.  Yelena lives in shadows.  No, Yelena thrives.  Shadows bring life.  Bring purpose.  Once Yelena like Marco.  Was three when shadows called.  Whisper in dark.  Keep Yelena alive.  Heal.  Give meaning to live.  Now, Yelena IS shadow.  Not look back.  Shadow good for Yelena.  Good for Marco if try.  Shadows call Marco, too, but Marco not hear small whisper.  Not hear shadow.  But shadow calling to Marco."  She takes a couple more bites.  "Yelena can show Marco shadow.  If want.  Marco not be same, though.  Live in shadow is hard.  And is easy walk away everything if never have anything.  Yelena not have more than carry for many years.  No house.  No furniture.  No closet of clothes.  But why ask.  What happen?  Yelena make Marco sad?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-13-15/0246:01>
“In a way” said Marco. He took a slice of Pizza and figured just how much he can share with Yelena, she is after all a professional and will finish the job if he tells her that Snowden is alive.  “Yesterday was the hardest night of my life, I am thankful for the ward so I did not have watch you shot that person.” He is careful not to say kill, Marco does not want to lie. He takes a deep breath “You damaged everyone who loved him. Family and friends. People are all linked to each other... Even you.” He adds “There is Arc and me and may be more people, as long as you stay here. Any assassination takes us closer to being like you. To packing everything in a single beg, to somehow discover that 'everything' is guns and shadow stuff and disappear. Only to resurface as somebody else at some other place where nobody knows us. Leaving behind everyone we love. You can say that I got a reminder yesterday. A remainder just  how close that moment really is.”

He closes his eyes and listen to the waves. "I am not sure that I can stop it by now. I am already a criminal, a dangerous one and may have attracted the attention of some dark forces. I am not sure that there is an easy way back."  
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-13-15/0306:36>
Yelena reaches out a hand to touch Marco's arm.  Leaving it there she softly says, "Yelena not know answer you want hear.  Marco is different from Yelena.  So is Arc and others.  Live edge of shadow but not cross line.  Yelena not ready leave.  More here to do.  Maybe home.  Yelena meet boy who want help others from shadows.  Yelena want help too.  Marco not understand.  Shadow is not good.  Is not evil.  Shadow is mix.  Place where good and evil meet and mix.  Yelena so far into shadow that close to darkness.  Yelena is evil much times.  Now try some good to mix.  Yelena not sure strong enough.  Is hard."

She is quiet for a moment then looks him in the eye and adds, "Yes.  Yelena in dark part of shadow.  Probably never come out.  Is Yelena home now.  Yelena do much bad in life and dark is where belong.  People Yelena know might get hurt or worse.  Does Marco really want Yelena leave?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-13-15/0423:34>
“It is complicated, but I care about you too much, too much to watch you kill people. I love you, this is why  I helped you. I can not bare the thought of anything bad happening to you and this is why I sent the demon to heal you. What was that all about?”
He sighs “That text you sent me. It had a tremendous effect on my emotional state. My eyes became wet and I could not continue my date. Things worked out eventually as you could probably guess, I am good at what I do.  Still that date was like no other and I took Sophie as a bird to scout a crime scene. I feared the worse. I do not know the context, when and what exactly was it that my demon did.  I do not normally interfere in gunfights on the other side of town.” He tosses another stone to the water “Can you accept that we are connected? That seeing you both so strong and so weak, touching and loving you have changed me?" He  looks into her eyes and ask "Do you feel it too?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-13-15/0533:53>
Yelena has to run part of the conversation back.  "Wait.  Marco say love Yelena?  Why love Yelena?  Yelena kill for money.  Yelena is dark and will take you to dark.  Marco want that?  Marco give up light and chance for good for Yelena?  Why?  Connect yes.  But Love?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-13-15/0711:08>
“Some things need no reason, they follow no logic they just are” He adds. “It has something to do with what I am, and something to do with what you are” He sighs “I feel connected to anyone in this world, anyone alive. I can share their pain, happiness and fears. This is my greatest power and my greatest weakness it is just who I am, a link in a chain. My magic is what link me to other people and it is just as part of me as my hands and legs.” When I touched you and loved you I looked into your soul, and a killer was not all I saw in there.  What I saw in there was worth loving and caring for.  “You live in the shadows, you do some dark stuff, you did even darker things in the past, but time itself - it is nothing but an illusion. We only have a moment and in a moment there is no past, no future, no pain and no suffering, just pleasure.” He looks into Yelena’s eyes and say. “Search your feelings, your actual feelings not years of defensive mechanisms, you were born in the shadows, you died in the shadows but you were only truly alive in the light. Your entire life story revolves around a memory of false love, outside of the shadows...” He holds her hands and whispers “And I can give you the real deal, love so pure so beautiful that it will forever change you.  I want to share this emotion with you, if you let me."
Marco will perhaps kiss Yelena, perhaps just touch her gently and say:
"I am not an easy person to love, I sleep around but it is more than that. I have a meaningful relationships with many people. You are not easy yourself, but I want it to happen and I want it to work. I want to live with you in the shadows and show you what I really am, and I want you to leave the shadows with me one day and show me the person that you can become. That sweet and passionate lady that plays the sax and loves like nobody else in this world”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-13-15/1127:12>
"Welcome back," I offer my now bright-eyed young teammate.  After a 47 minutes nap, HoppyBunny was true to her name and bounced back up to assume her spot on the edge of the CafBar with me.  The rail-thin girl smiles shyly and places a finger to her mouth, miming a "Shhh" sound but not making a peep herself.  I take the mild rebuke in good grace rather than point out to her that my greeting had been in a whisper and we were two stories up.  She's probably right that I should make good habits reflexive.

Still, despite knowing half a dozen languages, I was am struggling to grasp all the hand signs these kids had developed or adapted.  I'm sure they could carry on full conversations without making a sound, but I'm not there yet.  Yet one more thing I have to learn about my new life.

Best to focus on what I'm good at.  And dayum, I am alongside the best there is on the 'trix. 

With another teammember now sharing watch in meatspace, I decide I can allow myself to slip into full VR for a while to continue my search on this Green Goblin group.  Not surprisingly most of what I find at first is rumor and hearsay.  Still, aliases or bits of names are mentioned here and there and I am able to cross reference the posts for trends and consistency.  It's not long before I find some aliases that brag about accomplishments that match some of the rumors.  A datum here and a datum there increases the match.  Eventually I have collected a list of aliases, many with names and even SINs associated.  Most I am sure are fake, but they're certainly something to work with.  The recent ones are likely still in use.  For these with SINs I have collected transaction records, comm call logs, and even video from security cameras where an AI managed to link facial recognition with a SIN.  Not bad for an hour's work.  And only a few times, mostly for the KE camera image data warehouse, did I even invoke GOD and require a reboot of my lovely little Erika.  It's amazing what information you can find that is insufficiently secure.

Knowing my time on watch is coming to an end soon, I jack out for good and close down my deck to converse the battery.  I don't know when I next will be able to charge it up.  I look around and see HoppyBunny looking at me with awe.  More than that, there's curiosity in those eyes which linger more on the deck than on me.  If I didn't know better, I'd call it hunger

Once I take a good look down at the warehouse to make sure the situation hasn't changed, I scoot myself next to her and, without a word, let her feel my jack port and examine the deck.  I let her hold it, although I keep my own hands around the device as well to make sure no unfortunate accidents happen.  Minimal as it is, the deck is my life.  Still, if this kid is half as bright as her sister, maybe there's a way to get her an AR access to the 'trix.  When, a few minutes later, Bootstrap and NoShow come to relieve us, I am sure HoppyBunny is interested. 

Brown eyes keep darting from me to the deck as she sneakily guides me by memory to a little cubby beneath a nearby building that is sheltered from the rain.  A worn mattress which would fit the both of us fills the space and within moments the child is asleep again.  The stench here is almost unbearable and the Prophet only knows what creepy crawlies also call the mattress home, but given the little time we have before morning and the fact Lexi is still asleep somewhere else, I have little choice.  I have to get some sleep.

As much as I love Lexi, I can't imagine I will always be part of her team.  I may have to pay off the Yak piece by piece.  Or if I pay them off, I still have revenge.  More likely than not, I'll go down with the bastards.  I'm fine with that.  And if by Allah's profoundest blessing I managed to take those who framed my mother down and live, I would return to Renraku to resume my rightful place in the corp.  It's entirely possible I might never see Seattle again.

No, if Lexi is to have a decker she can rely on for years to come, I'll need to groom someone.  She deserves that at least.

And who better to train the next generation than the best the previous generation ever saw?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-13-15/1157:19>
Yelena realizes that Marco is offering himself up and does not know what to say, so she listens to Marco in silence, a slice of pizza halfway to her mouth.  When he is done, she lowers the slice back to the box and takes Marco's hands.  "Yelena believe love is the illusion.  Is nothing.  Does nothing.  Only bring pain, hurt, betrayal.  Marco want that chance?  Marco want follow Yelena into shadows?"  She shakes her head.  "Marco not understand shadows.  Most people never go shadows.  Live on edge and think shadows.  Shadows bring life but shadows take life.  Hard live shadow.  Harder leave shadow.  Once there, might not want leave.  Marco right that shadows take all.  They will someday take what is left of Yelena and add to the power there.  But if want, Yelena show you shadows and take you home there.  Marco willing that risk to love Yelena?" 

Still holding his hands, the Keeb assassin adds, "Yelena not promise love.  Yelena much like Marco.  Yelena not believe love exist so not promise love.  Yelena let Marco show love then might see.  Best offer for now.  Is good enough?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-13-15/1231:54>
May Allah curse the flea to the depths of Hell!

Four hours of "sleep" later I have very little to show for it but bug bites atop bug bites.  I itch in places I didn't even know COULD itch!  I'd once had a yeast infection and that's about the only time I can remember being this miserable.  I'd give my life for a shower and without one soon I'm not sure I'll have life left in me.

Ugh!

At 0733 Lexi peeks her head past the old sheet that serves as the 'door'  to our underground bedroom.  She crawls in to join us, followed quickly by Bootstrap, and heavenly smells come with them.  Cinnamon rolls?  Yes indeed the little urchin splurged this morning for her team.  Looking at the confection there's not a raisin in it, and the cinnamon is almost certainly synthetic, but at the moment I'm in no mood to be snobbish about anything.  They're steaming and smell delicious.  My greedy fingers are only a bit slower than HoppyBunny's at tearing into the gooey delicacy.

As usual, Lexi's barrens cant is barely decipherable and I'm not even going to try replicating it.  Still, she's caught on to how tough the night was for me as I hug her when she says our other mage will take me back to my place for part of the day.  We're sorting out the details when I get a text from RazorGirl. 

>>Firefly.  Is Razrgrl.  Have test for you.  Dagger with code.  Firefly want try crack code?  Say where when meet.<<

A test?  My face must have been a mirror to my confusion since Lexi and her sister were looking at me funny.  I assure them as I text back, >> Back at the garage in an hour? <<  I start getting myself together to move again when the elf texts back, >>Will need be later.  Something come up. <<  I suggest sundown again at the garage and the response is a simple, >>Will try<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-13-15/1251:34>
[Fri. Dec. 10, morning]

For a big change this morning, Arc was actually the first one to wake, the slight dust agitated by the morning rays tickling her nose into consciousness.  Squirming, she blinked a few times and booted up her eyes, taking the world into focus as she noticed the most obvious thing about her: she wasn't tired.  A full night's sleep was had with her Vruk, and not disturbed by surprisingly vivid and strange dreams to boot.

Her lips curling into a smile, the mechanic became aware of the arms her partner had wrapped around her, providing her a sense of warmth and security through the night.  Maybe that was it... She thought to herself a moment before deciding that she couldn't sleep anymore. Cautiously slipping out from Jaime's embrace, the human grabbed some undergarments and tiptoes out of the room, stopping by the bathroom to slip the clothes on and take care of business.  On the way out, she caught herself in the mirror, pausing for a moment to look at her reflection.  What stared back seemed to invoke contentment...peace...confidence.  I guess a lot can happen in one month.... She remarked to herself with a shrug before departing to the kitchen.

Once here, it was a few minutes for Arc to find anything she might want, but her mind was set: she was going to cook breakfast this morning.  Who cares if she's never handled decent quality food before today, how hard could it be?  Finding a pan and some eggs, the rigger set herself up on the stovetop, turning the heat on and setting a spatula aside.  Cracking the eggs, she plopped a few on the pan after a beat, met with the affirming sizzle of the eggs hitting heat.

Sighing a little and grabbing another pan, she set up down bacon cooking as well, poking at the (so called) meat gingerly as it sizzled, her mind going over the previous night.  With Blake in the picture, they might just stand a chance...he knows how to get supplies, how to handle objectives...on top of that, he knows more of the big picture than us, and we need that.

Jed is dead set in.  He shares my view in this: these hoops are not doing good things, and need stopped.  I know he was hired on, but I think he is in this for the long haul now.  Yelena too.  I didn't take her to be the type that would do this, but ever since I met her, she's showing signs of...well, lack of a better term, good.  She cares about things.  Wonder what part of here set that aspect if her life in motion...

Marco...Frag it, I don't know what to think about him.  He is good, I know that.  He cares about those he knows.  But his heart...I worry his heart isn't committed to this effort.  I hope Blake can reach him like he shad he could, because in think any more stress and he will bolt.  Same with Ambrose...I can't read that guy, but I honestly think he doesn't care for us.  Not enough to listen anyhow.

And now I'm about to blow up a lab for someone undercutting the club so I can get inside.  And I brought kids into it.  Hi hope I'm right to do this.  Rabbit is a smart girl.  Give a few years, she could be managing jobs better than me.  Her crew is solid too.  And with the cred I promised, I know they'll be committed.

Firefly is the oddity though.  She's older, by my bet, and likely has a roof over her head and a few more meals a week.  And a Decker to boot.  She's carrying over 50k in tech at least and on the streets.  Man.  Being a Decker is expensive too, I heard Jed mentioning that before the Snowden job...after this, I'm gonna have to consider bringing her in on this full.  She's curious and eager...might be easier than I thought.

But now to me.  I gotta think today on how to set up a place to blow like it was an accident...I'll contact Hrock, maybe he'll have an idea...ah!


Her musings were cut short as the distinct smell of burning overtook her senses, reminding her that food had been cooking this whole time.  Or in this case, burning.  Black smoke was coming up from both pans, sending the human into a mild panic as she shut the heat off, taking the pans up and surveying the blackened mess she left.  Her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment at her failed attempt, forcing her to sigh and set the offending dishes aside, the girl rubbing her cheeks as she figured out what to do.

well, think I need to learn to cook.  Marco's good at it, maybe he will teach me.  Man, listen to me.  By night, I'm a semi criminal rigger and driver, doing spirits knows what.  and here I am by day being an inept vruken and part time mechanic.  What will happen next I wonder?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-13-15/1455:27>
@ Marco & Yelena  It's a chily overcast morning on the beach. But, as the day wears on the sun comes out and plays on the water, the small waves rolling onto the beach sparkling and dancing like champagne freshly uncorked. And with the sun, a few more people slowly migrate onto the beach. Most are content to wander silently. But, one young couple run past, laughing and teasing each other, jokingly trying to push each other into the waves and squealing when they're splashed by the cold spray. They're full of life and enjoying flirting with each other, and in a moment, they're past Yelena and Marco. In sharp contrast a few minutes later an old couple follows. Both appear to be in their eighties. And their pace is slow, but they are enjoying each others company no less than the young couple before them. They are leaning on each other and the man is breathing hard. The woman says something to him and in a moment she's got two small stools set out on the beach about 20m away. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-13-15/1505:27>
@ Arc The smell of burning brings Jaime hurrying from the bedroom just in time to see Arc pulling the pans from the stove. He looks at her reddened cheeks and says,  "Dayum woman. If I'd known you could charcoal I would have invited you over sooner." He grins at you and hugs you. Then, kissing the top of your head he snags a piece of burned bacon and eats it in 2 bites. "You 'n Sail should swap recipes. Man can't stand anything not blackened." He laughs, "Or at least that's what he always said after he'd burned dinner, lunch, breakfast, soybars." he laughs again and snags another piece of bacon and it quickly follows the first. "I'm off today. Henri & I planned to strip a T75M89133P-A and see if we can adapt it to a M9-microdrone. Wanna come?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-13-15/1533:31>
@ Subaru  You spend part of your 'sleep time' arranging the data you'd discovered about the Green Goblins. It almost helped distract you from the thrice-cursed fleas. All of the members had jail time dating back from their tweens. Most notably three had been jailed for aggravated assault and battery associated with deaths. They'd only done minimal time though because in each case there'd been no one to prove that it hadn't been self-defense as they'd claimed. Their current leader was UpTown, a human who'd helped grow the gang from nine to twenty-three members and had moved them into players in the drug industry.

     Boot strap says, "I'll take." he says with a motion of his head indicating you. "Need old money cred thing in stash." he spreads his hands and shrugs his shoulders."Like to like in magic." he ducks his head a bit trying not to look at you when he says it. Rabbit nods her head and says, "Caf 'n feed all." She hands him the cred stick and he nods again. Then he looks at you quickly and says, "No hopscotch." He takes you by safer routes that are still more rooftop than street. The young mage has little protection against the thugs on the street. But, he hasn't survived this long by being stupid. And more than once whispers instructions on how to cross quietly and safely. And once when a crossing forced a walk close to a loitering gang he gave you a quick hand sign to stop, and you see him concentrate and cast. A moment later a figure pops out and runs past the gang disappearing around a house, the gang members yell and give chase. Bootstrap watches and as soon as they're halfway down the street he signals you and darts across, leaping up to a small drain pipe and shimmying up it to the second story ledge. There's enough between the ledge and the handholds to make crossing safe for kids and soon he has you your place. Once you arrive he smiles at you shyly, and then immediately looks down.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-13-15/1611:06>
"Thank you, Bootstrap," I tell my fellow mage approvingly.  "You're are good guide.  It's easier to follow you than Lexi," I add with a conspiratorial grin.

I then get a little serious.  Despite my desperation to get in the shower, I want to mention something that's been on my mind since last night.  "When things calm down a bit, maybe the two of us can spend some time talking magic?  You're really good for someone self taught, but maybe I can teach you a trick or two?  And I'd love to learn how you cast illusions!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-13-15/1716:48>
Yelena holds Marco's hand as the young couple race by.  They seem thoroughly enamored with each other and taking life as fun. As they race off away from where Marco and Yelena are sitting, the older couple comes by and sits.  Yelena muffles a slight gasp, stiffens, and stands.  She walks to the lea of the lighthouse and lights up one of her small cigars, this action made more difficult due to the slight trembling in her hands.  She leans against the stone structure and lets the acrid smoke soothe her then drift away in the slight bit of wind that flows past her as she calms herself.  Here, sheltered a bit from the sun and the wind, she finds solace in the shadows at the base of the tower.  She feels the slight tendrils reaching out to her, questioning, pulsing with life, healing.  She turns to face the lighthouse, placing her forehead against the cold stone, allowing the shadowy tendrils to comfort her.

Yelena wonders how she can ever make Marco see the shadows, to see how important they are.  Others would see the two couple that she and Marco had observed as testaments to love.  But Yelena sees the truths.  The young couple is yet to experience the difficulties that will rend at them and tear them apart.  Money, lust, and neglect are still in their future.  They have little chance of living through these crises as a couple.  And the older couple; some would see their happiness and longevity as a good thing.  Yelena sees the betrayal.  The old man's body is betraying him and failing.  And the man is betraying the woman, who has lived her life to be with him, only to lose him before she is ready.  Love is doomed to fail and suffer a betrayal of some kind. 

The shadow is the only thing that is constant; that is real and permanent.  She shadow survives and allows survival.  It heals and gives succor, it comforts and provides a place to hide and live.  And it will eventually take everything.  But those who dwell in the shadows, who are of the shadows, already know this and accept the cost.  Yelena knows all of this but cannot put her deepest feelings into words.  Perhaps that is another part of the nature of the shadow; that one has to accept and live it to understand the shadow.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-13-15/1758:58>
Marco hugs Yelena, he whispers softly, “You are obsessed, obsessed with the idea of betrayal with the idea that the way things end effect their nature, and obsessed with the idea of time.” He say to her “Look at this young couple, even if they will not make it, they have this moment.  For that old couple, sure they’d probably be dead in a few years, but they lived their life and had their moments of happiness. A story can be beautiful, full of love and passion even if it ends poorly. We never know how much time we have - I could have never anticipate that I will be allowed to just leave. That my life will be spared and even if I am dead tomorrow I had two years of freedom and I lived in these two years."

"What make one moment of betrayal so much more important than another moment of true love? Even if our love never makes it, if one of us die or lose interest. Does it changes the fact that I love you and desire you now? That I loved you enough to restrain myself so that our first time is not just bliss, so that it is real. I did it for you because I wanted to build something real not just to exploit an opportunity to enjoy your body, while you are too far gone."

 "Even if we do fail as lovers, fail as friends will it change the moments that we already had? moments of pure motives, genuine desire and the initial spark of love?  These are our moments, and they are real, every new moment is a gift and no future can ever change that.”

He sighs. “Yes, I will come to the shadows with you. I will do it for you, but I want to meet you in the middle. Where justice meet mercy and good encounters evil. I will remain true to you as long as you make your efforts to move toward the light. If you have to assassinate people, I will accept it. I will not like it and I will pray that you will reconsider, but I will accept what you are.

However, if you want to keep what we have, you will only kill when you must. Those that are not marks to be assassinated should  be subdued. They have families, they have loved ones their story should not end. If you respect life and take as little of them as you can, then I can be your friend, then I can love you.“

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-13-15/1819:23>
The blushing red on Arc's face took some time to fade as she set the pans aside on nonheating portions of the stove to accept her Vrukart's embrace, pressing herself against him while he kissed her and sampled her 'cooking', his warmth providing good protection from the chill brushing against the underwear-clad girl.  "Mm.  Y'dont say.  Help yourself then, cooking that way is easy as drek"  Beaming a little with the reassurance, she stepped back, plating up the food as best as she could...some of the eggs were sticking quite badly, after all. 

At his offering to go with him to do some tech tinkering, her eyes lit up at the opportunity: her inner nerd was definitely piqued, and it showed in her posture and gaze.  "Really, you think that'll work?  I'd figure the logic interfaces from the T75 would have trouble translating into the M9's I/O processor, causing an overload of the EPS circuit systems.  You and Henri figure out a way to compensate?"  Thoroughly excited, the rigger practically wolfed down her breakfast with her man (Did I eat dinner last night?), an eager look on her face as she took the initiative to clean up after, yelping a bit as she felt her bum lightly smacked by Jaime.  Shooting him a playful glare, she sauntered away to get dressed, fixing up her hair as she squeezed herself into her jeans, stealing one of his shirts and slipping it over her shorter frame.  While she did so, she decided to send a message of to her Uncle, just to get stuff rolling for her night job.

<<@Hrock:  Hey Uncle, it's Arc here.  I think in the next day I'm going to be having to go watch a shooting star, without finding a meteor shower.  Do you know where I can find some meteor dust for then?  Love ya, hope you're good>>

Satisfied with that and pulling her jacket onto her body, she joined her Vrukart in heading out, offering to drive them over to Henri's to work on their project.  She was excited...she really like Jaime's fam, and was looking forward to running into them again...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-13-15/1941:22>
@ Subaru. Bootstraps face lights up at the suggestion. "Yes!" He says eagerly. "I think you're amazing Renge!" As soon as the words tumble from his mouth he turns bright red and he stops and swallows. "Uh, that'd be wiz." He's barely able to get out the words and seems to find a fascination with his feet as he's saying them. "Uhh c'ya." He says as he darts off.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-13-15/1949:57>
@ Arc Jaime grabs a couple slices of bread and scoops up the eggs with them pouring hot sauce liberally on them and says, "Henri thinks that of we add more EPS units ganged in parallel and add a tertiary B17D to attenuate the signal that well get more functionality with far less heat and we'll be able to program the unit  to allow far greater flexibility  with the logic by improving the processor and still keep cost containment."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-13-15/2008:58>
Yelena just stands there.  How can she make him understand.  Her limited command of the English limits her ability to communicate effectively.  This has never really been a problem in the past, but now it provides a barrier that is hard to get past.  If he really comes with her, he will learn about the shadows as he goes, surviving or not.  She stands up straight and looks at him then moves to face him, locking her eyes to his.  Yelena places her hands to the sides of his face and kisses him.  Long, slow, passionate.  When they break, she places her head on his chest and wraps her arms around him.  In almost a whisper, she says, "OK.  Yelena try.  Shadows both light and dark.  Mix of both.  Yelena try go more light.  But Yelena already so dark.  Will be hard.  Too much light and Yelena not Yelena.  Is someone else.  Marco understand?  But try meet Marco in shadows.  Now, hold Yelena."

After a few moments that almost make it seem that what Marco wants is possible, Yelena bring herself back to the real world.  Still close to him, she looks up and says, Yelena need work today.  Go club.  See club man for money.  Not deposit yet and Yelena go find out why.  Marco want come?  Can be mouse Yelena pocket.  Use mojo help if needed.  Then Yelena meet decker girl for code work on dagger.  Yelena meet last night.  Marco was working.  Young girl Firefly.  Smart but young.  Yelena guess just on streets.  Maybe Corp or family isolation.  Might be runaway.  Might need help survive on street.  But sound smart.  Marco can meet.  Then both get ready date.  Yelena meet Bella 8PM.  So want come Yelena?"

At this point, Yelena thinks to send a quick confirmation note to Bella for the date.  >>Bella.  Is Yelena.  Hard to wait for date.  Just confirming place and time.  I have 8PM at club.  Is right?  Love.  Yelena.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-14-15/0221:55>
Marco say "I cancelled my date, I need some time to be myself. With all this pretending I seem to forget who I am." He sighs "I will come with you to the club, it will give me a justification for taking my Crusader with me.

I am not sure that we want to involve magic, I think that coming in with active magic is the equivalent of coming in with a gun pointed. If they find out about it, and they may because they do have magic security, they will be sure that we came to do troubles. How likely are they to try and off you? "

Talking this business is new to Marco, there are also Blake Ginny and Phoenix  to talk to, and Marco plans to have Phoenix takes a more active role in the drug gig. Because Marco is simply too busy to juggle it all by himself.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-14-15/0230:43>
Yelena shrugs.  "OK.  Yelena do as Marco say.  No mojo.  Could still come.  Or stay bike when Yelena go in.  Can bring gun.  Yelena not think they kill.  Just want know about pay.  No one cheat Virtual Goddess.  Never get service again."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-14-15/0237:08>
Marco say "I can come as someone else, want to leave right now?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-14-15/0252:26>
Yelena nods and bends over to pick up the detritus of the pizza lunch.  She takes Marco by the hand as they walk to the parking lot to retrieve the Scorpion, stopping at a litter container to drop off the trash.  Yelena climbs onto the large bike and Marco climbs aboard, putting his arms around the form of the Keeb.  Yelena fires up the powerful engine and smiles as she moves away from the beach.  The drive to the club in uneventful, except for the squeezes from her passenger.  These are not totally unpleasant and she has to wonder if they are intentional.  She cruises the roads and avenues to the club, staying within the speed limits and enjoying the presence of the Keeb behind her.  During the ride she sends a message off to her fixer.  >>Virtual Goddess.  Is Wanderer.  Checking to see if final payment made for completing contract.<<

All to soon, Yelena arrives at the club parking lot.  Securing the bike, she walks to the rear entrance she had used before, expecting a similar welcome. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-14-15/0445:40>
Riding a bike was a bit of a surprise, the speed and adrenaline seems exciting and yet just a bit scary. Marco has never tried that before. On the way he thinks about the mission and about Phoenix and Cain and the drugs. They need a discreet way to push drugs to cain, perhaps a rotodrone that will make daily shipments from the lab to Cain. That way Cain never actually meets anyone of them. That could work, and Marco can even disguise that rotodrone by magic so that nobody sees it.

They'll have a lab, and the lab will load a rotodrone, that will move disguised by magic to meet the dealer. Pehaps there is a way that the dealer does not even see the rotodrone. That way Cain knows nothing, he just miraculously receives drugs that he knows nothing about them.

They will make sure that the security is tight, and the fact that dealers know nothing about the operation will mean that they'll be able to recruit new dealers easier as the risk of betrayal is minimal.

They'll need good firewalls, a good decker. The drone will be scanned by a decker to make sure it was not compromised. Non of the other drug dealing gangs seems that sophisticated. Why shouldn't we take our fate on our own hands and do it. Such a sophisticated method of distribution will definitely give Marco an in to the club. To any gang imaginable, if it is shadows - than Marco can run a massive shadow operation that will finance many safe houses around the city, drones for Arc, expensive augmentations for Yelena... and bikes! bikes are exciting!

Planning a future together with a woman have never seem so dark as it does now. But if Marco wants to enter the shadows, he wants to run the operation rather than dance to the flute of others. Perhaps his scheme will actually work,  most gangs do not have access to this kind of sophistication. To magic, to technology and to non violent people that can actually think clearly.

Why spend life working for gangs, when we can be just as talented. Why pleasing gang lords when we can become the powerful people of the shadows.
If we manage to topple the stardust who will dare to even move against us? we will be legendary and filthy rich. But for that to happen Marco will have to dive deep into the shadows. Perhaps tossing his minibar down the balcony was just the push he needed to be a Shadowrunner. Perhaps the love and loyalty of a shadow legend. Of a legendary assassin that can teach him the ropes.

Nobody should know a thing and the gang can get rich, heck if we can actually topple the Stardust we can form a mean ass and smart gang. Selling amazing drugs and staying alive to do so. Money, fame and fortune - stop being a pawn and start running the show, how exciting is that?

Marco felt like he was gaining confidence, he felt like he had a new goal in life. If he enters the shadows he will do so with style, in his own unique way that is non violent and depends on massive social skills and connections. On being many different people.

As he gained confidence he grabbed Yelena tightly. "Perhaps I was dark all along, I just suppressed it so badly. I am not suppressing anymore, it is go big or go home for me."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-14-15/0616:08>
@ Marco. Dr. Kawashigiri contacts you, >Breaking an appointment is extremely unprofessional. If you can't make it send Ginny.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-14-15/0622:50>
"I hate my job... no idea how I can do all the things that I want. Now with Ginny in the loop. I wanted to talk to her, by the time I get home I'll have to leave for a date. Cain must be getting restless and Phoniex does not seem to be the kind to lift a finger to resolve problems. Perhaps if I explicitly ask him too.

There are just too many things that I try to do, and I have no idea how all of them can fit in my schedule... honestly perhaps I have no time for shadow running. Nothing as committing as this club thing " Thinks Marco. >> Fine, I'll be there. Any news about the position? Should we be celebrating? Would you like me to look like Ginny?

>>Phoniex, Marco can you please contact me? I need you to take some more active role in this science project of us. I just cannot do it myself, schedule is too busy.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-14-15/0746:58>
@ Arc Jaime grabs a couple slices of bread and scoops up the eggs with them pouring hot sauce liberally on them and says, "Henri thinks that of we add more EPS units ganged in parallel and add a tertiary B17D to attenuate the signal that well get more functionality with far less heat and we'll be able to program the unit  to allow far greater flexibility  with the logic by improving the processor and still keep cost containment."

As they departed from his place with the remainder of their breakfasts in hand, Arc raised an eyebrow at the ideas that Henri had related to make the upgrade to the drone without blowing it out.  "Huh...if that works, then you're looking at a drone that could stretch it's range to bypass certain noise filters.  And that would mean being able to direct it all the way over to the other end of Seattle.  Frag, or even farther than that.  Guess we'll have to see if it works, eh?"

Driving, Arc got to show off the ease of her skill at the wheel, augmented by the data cable connecting her skull to the center console denoting her rigged in status.  It was not terribly long before they were pulling up to the familiar front of Henri's home, only this time with no little ork girls rushing out to greet them.  Oh right...they're probably in school, huh...  She idly pondered her past, and how despite her knack with tech and everything else, formal education was a bit beyond her.  Such a thought was quickly dashed away as a quick embrace by Jaime from behind brought her back to reality.

Giving a smile, Arc followed the man inside, finding Henri with his wife and youngest waiting for them.  Giving a nod, the mechanic gave a grin as she listened to Jaime relate that she was interested in giving a hand.   Which was only partly true...thoroughly interested would have been more accurate!
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-14-15/1021:26>
Marco texts Blake >> I am a bit  busy can you meet me at 4:00?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-14-15/1045:44>
I watch Bootstrap dart off, glad to see that my fellow mage and I might be able to form some kind of professional relationship.  Just as I want to groom at least a script kiddie if not a decker out of HoppyBunny, if she really does have aptitude, I would like to help this boy on the path to being as strong a magic user as he can be.  I know already that his path is radically different from my own, more shaman than magician.  After my own disastrous time trying to force myself into a Shinto shamanistic mode, I'm not going to try and strong arm Bootstrap into a hermetic tradition.  I'll do my best to give him the tools to find his own way, but at least with some basic structure and understanding of fundamental concepts.  I remember enough of my Shinto tradition training to at least give him a start.  Given enough time, maybe I can even find a compatible master to help teach him better, once we identify his path. 

Yeah, if I live long enough, I'll definitely do that.

And I definitely want to learn illusion.  Illusion is a core strength of Islamic tradition.  I didn't have enough time with my grandfather to start learning, and our time in astral space is too short to start now.  Wuxing isn't an illusion-centered tradition.  Hence, currently I have nothing.  Maybe Bootstrap can get me started and in return I can at least figure out how to teach him invisibility.  The fact I learned that spell under my Shinto mater bodes well for that.

In any case, I am standing outside my door letting the fleas continue to dine on my brown flesh rather than drown them and myself in a nice shower.  I slip inside, making sure to lock the door again.  Jenna appears to be really asleep this time.  If she was true to form, she stayed up most of the night and only recently dozed off. 

Like I've said, our apartment is really an old pre-Awakening motel room.  We're on the top floor, the third, and all our units open to the outside.  The door opens to the main room and the bathroom and dressing area is on the opposite side.  I move quietly to keep from waking my roomie, but quickly to keep from dropping any more critters than I must.  Once to the other side I strip.  My jumpsuit is totally synthetic and unlikely to harbor fleas once no longer next to my skin.  I shake the garment out thoroughly over the tub and run water to wash away anything that falls out.  For good measure, I then dunk the thing in water and leave it there for a few minutes to drown whatever is left.  Hanging it up, outside the bathroom, I know the artificial fibers will dry almost miraculously quickly.

My hijab and abaya are more problematic.  The natural fibers will retain moisture and it is unlikely in the damp cold Seattle air that they'll dry thoroughly in six hours.  The hijab is small enough that it might be tolerable, but the abaya not so much.  Ah well, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.  Taking both garments I dunk them in the tub water and wash them carefully, both to ensure any critters are well and truly gone but also to ensure that I do not damage them any further than the second-hand apparel already are.  When I'm satisfied I hang them up beside my jumpsuit.

Now it's my turn.  Turned all the way up, the water is just passably lukewarm.  Oh how I miss long, hot showers.  Or even better, a luxurious, scented bath!  But like with a decent bed and fresh fruit and vegetables, that isn't my life any more.  I scrub myself, taking particular care around the bug bites.  My hair gets special attention. to ensure I don't carry any blood suckers to bed with me.  Once I'm satisfied that I'm clean, I step out and consider myself.  Honestly, for a night on the streets, I'm not as bad off as I thought.  Maybe half a dozen welts, mostly on my feet and arms, show angrily on my skin.  The jumpsuit seems to protect just as well from fleas as from bullets - perhaps the demonic vermin do not like the unnatural fabric.  If so, thank Allah for giving mankind the wisdom to create such wondrous things!

I think tonight I will go out sans the abaya.  Not only will it still be too wet, but it's a magnet for bugs.  The hijab is an absolute - my hair must be covered - but the jumpsuit by itself should suffice to protect my modesty as well as my life.  At least given I'll be in the shadows, literally and figuratively, and less likely to be seen by menfolk.

Passing back through the main room, I grab my ankle-length nightgown from the edge of my futon and don it.  I check on my Erika briefly just to make sure it is in working order and set it to charge.  Now for some serious sleep.  I set my internal body clock to wake me at 2:30pm.  That will give me five hours of real sleep and hopefully cure the incessant headache I've harbored ever since my semi-successful spell.  It will have to do.

I slip into a dreamless sleep as soon as my face hits my pillow.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-15-15/0046:06>
@ Marco. The doctor comms you. >>Just a night out. Come as Tina.<< Tina was Marcos male transvestite. Far more life of the party than Marco. He has to be carefully he doesn't get to wrapped up in the moment whem
he plays him.

Phoenix doesn't answer.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-15-15/0050:34>
@ Yelena You finally get a comm,from Bella. >>Gambling is definitely part of the evening fun<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-15-15/0255:17>
Yelena smiles after getting Bella's note.  The evening was already looking up.  Just thinking of it sent tremors through her body.  The drugs were calling to her; she had held the craving at bay for too long, the few days have seemed like weeks.  She could feel the need growing, demanding to be fed.  And thinking of Bella's naked body entwined in hers is enough to set off other emotions, other needs.  Needs that Nikolai Fyodorovich knew so well.  Bella brings out the fun and excitement, while Niki is pure animal passion.  She should introduce Bella to Niki, she could share............

Yelena shakes her head to get herself back to the now.  There will be enough time tonight for the drugs and Bella.  And perhaps for Niki if he deigned to come around again.  But not now.  Now was the time to see why she had not been paid for her work.  She looks over at Marco, who is standing near the bike.  "Marco come Yelena?"  With that, she turns and walks to the rear entrance and knocks on the door.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-15-15/0605:40>
@ Arc. When Arc steps into the garage she enters a world of parts and tools she's never been able to afford and all of it stored with a neatness and precision that does it's owners mind.  The next three hours are spent in the garage stripping down hardware. Piecing things together and putting it back together in ways it's makers hadn't intended.  And when testing it's range had slagged the h2a7 resulting in a fireworks show that had all but destroyed the armatures Henri is so crestfallen it's funny. But evidently James sister had perfect timing because food and drinks came at that moment.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-15-15/0607:52>
@ Yelena. The 'doorman' doesn't even call up this time. Just lets you in and points up the stairs. But, not before checking you for weapons.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-15-15/0609:45>
Marco walks with Yelena down the club. "First time from the rear in this club I wonder if I'll spot anything of interest." He thinks as he keeps his senses sharp and try to spot a familiar face or some thing of interest.   "Perhaps one of these three basements they should have." He is also alert to his comlink partly because of that odd phenomena in that basement, and also because he is still waiting for an answer from Blake and Phoniex.

[spoiler]
Visual perception (http://orokos.com/roll/325532): 9d6t5 2
[/spoiler]


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-15-15/1020:45>
Yelena hands her obvious piece over to the doorman and allows him to run his hands over her for anything hidden.  The man is thorough and does not waste time trying to cop a cheap feel.  Just business.  She waits while Marco goes through the same treatment then goes up the stairs to the suite of offices she had been taken to when she met Hank and Gregor.  Knocking on the door, she waits for an invite.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-15-15/1033:08>
Marco tries to be sensitive to the delicate etiquette of people he knows are criminals. His attention is to Yelena, and he mimics the way she behaves hoping not to be considered disrespectful. It is the ambitious dreamers that succeeds and perhaps one day, Marco will own a club like this and will enjoy the illusion of power and fame that come with it. In the meanwhile, he hopes not to get killed although he has to admit that getting killed today is going to save him quite a few awkward moments.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-15-15/1100:30>
Huh, it looks like Jenna's off somewhere.

I wake up at 2:30pm sharp.  It isn't as easy as usual - under other circumstances I'd just pop up out of bed.  Today, however, I find myself reluctant to leave my covers.  The past day was so full and my mind had so much to absorb.  I know I dreamed, but I cannot remember what about.  I'm left with a gnawing anxiety and nothing specific I can ascribe it to.  After two months of fatalism, I'm not sure how to take the change.

Anyway, I don't have much time.  Lexi, or whoever is sent to retrieve me, will be here any time.  I manage to crawl up off of my futon and stumble to the back of the apartment.  As I expected, the abaya is still very damp.  I leave it aside and instead grab my trusty jumpsuit and don the dry article.  Once snug in the protective garment I slip my tolerably damp hijab from its hanger and move to the mirror to fit my hair securely inside.  I look at myself in the old, cracked reflective surface and see an unfamiliar young girl looking back at me, her hazel eyes framed by grey fabric and her face forming lines of worry that hadn't been there two months ago.

I wonder what my friends back in Singapore, Mumbai, or Rio would say if they saw me now?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <09-15-15/1343:42>
[spoiler]
@ Jed  Snowden looks at you frowning, puzzled. "It was mathematically imprecise!" He begins getting slightly agitated at your disapproval. You recall the spartan surroundings of his home. And the geometrical prescion. Hoo-Boy. I would have put it in the hall. But the door was locked. But, the balcony wasn't locked." He says pointing. "But, I only put the bar and the second bed there. And the two chairs in Jacobian style. Jacobian always has dust. And the painting with the Gothic Renaissance theme. The ratios in the background were incorrect and the frame had dust." He looks at you and straightens up, "I fixed it! Now everything is placed exactly in Fibinacci ratios." He's looking at you desperately seeking approval.[/spoiler]

Ok, I can see how important Fibinacci ratios are to you.  Later, you can teach me about them. And I will listen to you.  Right now I need you to listen to me and understand some things about social interaction and relationships.  This is not my house, and this is not your house.  This house belongs to my friend.  Those are his belongings on the ground outside the balcony.  I don't know if he knows what Fininacci ratios are, but he is going to be angry with me about his belongings being thrown out the window.  The result of this is, that I don't believe he will ever let me stay in his house again. So the result of the actions is that there is damage to my relationship with him.   I don't have anywhere near the money to replace the things that are broken.  Right now, I don't know how I am going to repair that relationship.  Right now, because of this, we need to leave his house, and go stay at my house.  Which isn't nice, and is very dusty.  So you and I have the beginning of a relationship.  It also has suffered some damage. The life you are left with right now appears to be very different than the life you don't remember.  Please understand that this relationship is the only thing you have right now.  The relationship between you and me is the only way you have right now to get the other life back once you remember it.  So please be very careful about the actions you take, because they affect people around you and your relationship with them.   Time to go before he does any more damage.  Jed checks the bathroom and finds a filter mask.   Looking around for a hoodie, he hands them to Joshua  Put this on.  It will keep cameras from recognizing you. Jed rounds up the groceries and hands some to Joshua.Here, we've got to go catch a cab.

Jed leads Snowden downstairs.  Once in the cab Jed checks his messages.  Looks like the payment from Knife and the Ancients cleared his account.  Sending off payments to Escher and the account on the invoice from the team leaves Jed with about $1,000.  Saddled with Snowden, he isn't sure how he is going to make rent in 3 weeks.  Besides, he can't stand to see someone use magic like this.  This club needs to come down.  Maybe Snowden is somehow a key in that, since they wanted him dead.  Maybe not.  But the cost of failure with Snowden was clear.  Only that single horse hair holds the Sword of Damocles off his neck.  Keep him alive and teach him how it is important to be a part of the world.  Relationships is something he obviously has no experience with. 

Mike.  I need to talk to Mike.  Mike, let me know when you are free.  I need to talk.  Gonna need to do an astral meeting, I have a new room mate.  That's what I need to talk about.

Marco.  What does he say to Marco.  Marco, thank you for letting us stay.  There is nothing I can do at this point except say I'm sorry for what he did while you were out on the date.  I travelled astrally to meet with the team.  He had rearranged the furniture when I returned.  I tried to leave without waking you.  It's like I have a 6 year old all of a sudden.  I can't even imagine what the cost of the stuff he threw out the window is, and don't imagine that I'll be in a position to replace it any time soon.  I am in your debt, but I don't know how to make it up.  Regards.  Jed

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-15-15/1620:52>
Marco texts Jed >> There is serious financial damage, not to mention the time and effort it will take to replace, and my neighbors that my think that I have completely lost it - I may lose the apartment because of shit like this. I saved your life yesterday when you fell vast a sleep on the wheel and I trusted you to be a respectful house guest.  I don't know this Snowden dude, I am not rich like him I actually worked very hard so that I have a nice place to live in.  You should have either miss the appointment or do so with a phone call, and you definitely seem to be piling up the favors in this relationship

"No good deed goes unpunished" Thinks Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-15-15/2044:29>
[spoiler]
@ Arc. When Arc steps into the garage she enters a world of parts and tools she's never been able to afford and all of it stored with a neatness and precision that does it's owners mind.  The next three hours are spent in the garage stripping down hardware. Piecing things together and putting it back together in ways it's makers hadn't intended.  And when testing it's range had slagged the h2a7 resulting in a fireworks show that had all but destroyed the armatures Henri is so crestfallen it's funny. But evidently James sister had perfect timing because food and drinks came at that moment.
[/spoiler]

Arc couldn't begin to describe how she felt to be in such a place.  Amazed, for one: much of the parts and tools found in this garage she had only heard of from tech manuals, each regarded highly in them.  Enthused for sure: she had been invited to join her Vrukart and his Ork brother-in-law to play with them.  And most definitely humbled: the owner of all this was definitely a master of his craft, to a level that Arc could only dream to be.  And on top of that he was legit: not a runner like her.

But what I'm doing is going to save some people.  And it's a challenge to face.  Can't forget that, girly  She chided to herself as she felt her man embrace her from behind, Henri giving a welcoming hug as well before they got to work.  Much laughter was to be had as they all tinkered, bouncing their ideas off of each other, pointing out details each had missed, and for a few hours, Arc had completely forgotten that this was only one side of her life.  Here, she was Tessa, Vruken to Jaime and welcomed into this new family, all sharing a love for tech and bonding over it.  Tessa wouldn't trade any of it for the world, and for her work time fixes vehicles in the Barrens under the SIN "Lauren Summers", which is perfectly acceptable in Barrens society to have a false name for the records.

When the night fell, though, she was Arc, an underground mechanic with gang history and a shadowrunner.  She fixed vehicles under the table, along with any manner of armor, weapons, and other tech.  And she committed to jobs that put her at risk to better others or to bring money home.  The jobs were challenges, and the inner problem-solving drive Arc possessed loved it.  Both sides are her...she loves them both, and for now will keep both.  She had mentioned to Jaime about maybe wanting sleep regulator just the other day...after the long nights she has had recently, it wouldn't hurt.  Maybe if I can get enough spare cred, I'll pull for one.  It's for me, so I should be paying for it 

Bringing herself back into focus, she glanced over at Henri and spouted off some Or'Zet as she fired up the welder iron in her arm.  "BIch karryat ia vut pra'karaka?"  As he handed over the housing she was looking to install her circuit board in, the h2a7 that was the center of their current focus went up, making a high pitched whine before erupting in a shower of sparks.  Jaime was the first to react, grabbing the nearby extinguisher and dousing the device before more damage was done.  Taking a step back, Henri's look was absolutely priceless as the mechanic woman gave a low whistle.  "...induction coils musta made contact with the capacitance manifold, shorted out the resistors, overloaded the circuits...whoops"  Jaime, with the timing of a jovial deity, came back with the extinguisher in one hand, giving the ork a pat on the back with the other.  "Don't lie and say you didn't anticipate this.  Weren't you telling me just last week on spacing of components, Sruikart?  Come on, let's see if you have a spare..." 

Henri looked, to say the very least to Tessa, dumbfounded and struck with what seemed like genuine grief and frustration at such a botching, but luckily for them, Bettina came to the rescue, the motherly-looking human bearing a tray of loaded up sandwhiches and some sodas for each of them in one arm, her other holding up a squirming Little J perched upon her hip.  "Ookay, break time is in order I think.  Huu, Henri, what are you cooking in here?  Come on in, get outta that smoke huh?"  No arguments to be found the trio filed into the dining room, Arc once again bewildered by the quality and quantity of food that was offered, popping off the bottletops with her cybernetic hand for everyone's sodas as a way of helping.  Having been so focused on the work with the two guys, the mechanic had forgotten how hungry she was after her own pathetic attempt at breakfast, and dug in with gusto.

Much of the lunch was spent eating, the occasional interjection of ideas of how to circumvent their most recent botch breaking their repast, and it wasn't long before the four of them were faced with empty plates, quite full and content as they dusted off their sodas.  Suppressing a small burp, Arc covered her mouth as everyone else got up, the boys heading back to the garage whilst Bettina started working to clean up the table whilst holding the mini-ork.  "Ah...need some help?  I can clean up or..." 

Without a word, the short girl found herself seated again, a squirming and happy Little J on her lap and in her arms, the baby seemingly remembering the rigger...or at least the shiny metal arm she sported, his mouth opening as he attempted to set his tusks on the cybernetic limb.  Cheeks flushing, she waved her arm to dodge the forming teeth, playing with the infant whilst the older woman cleaned the dishes.  There was silence for a few minutes before Arc said anything, glancing over to the garage.  "...your Vruk loves his work, doesn't he.  I can tell.  And you as well.  Three kids and I dunno how many years, and he never took eyes off ya for the lunch.  Thanks for that, by the way...I'm a bit of a drek cook, haha~"  She looked up at the older woman, remembering that they shared a common trait: history in a gang, both free from that part of their life.  She looks happy.  Wonder how hard it was to break free...  Thinking, she sat back and closed her eyes, keeping her arms out to prevent Little J from sneaking out of her lap.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-16-15/0019:43>
@ Marco& Yelena. It's not more than two minutes before you're in Hacks office. "Snowdens body is gone. Is this you're doing?'
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-16-15/0052:07>
To Marco that question was anticipated and his wheels are going Banana's. He has the perfect reason. Forensic science, with so much police attention, Yelena and data dancer would be in troubles if the police finds a body. Perhaps Yelena touched it to verify death, perhaps they can trace the gun. Only J knows what science can do for the rich. Killing Snowden is not like killing a ganger, or even an arch criminal for that manner. Snowden is a rich man in the light -protecting him serve the KE interests. Marco is not sure that he is allowed to talk, so he stays silent using his super natural calmness he is giving away no particular emotion.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-16-15/0136:42>
Yelena looks as surprised as she is.  "Body missing?  Wanderer and DataDancer not do.  Body in blood pool when leave."  She points to her forehead.  "Three shots here.  Wanderer have photo.  DataDancer say same.  Leave together.  Body not in pocket."  She shrugs.  "Maybe KE have.  Not matter where body is.  Man is dead.  Wanderer come for balance of fee." 

Any sort of body language skill would tell Hank that Yelena is telling the truth.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-16-15/0557:50>
@ Subaru  Subaru:wasn't quite ready when Bootstraps call came and it was a simple, >>Here<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-16-15/0623:19>
@ Yelena. "The balance will be transferred. You'll have it in the hour. But you can understand that we need to ask." Hank tells you. "We've got a few more jobs for you. But, they aren't the same king of high profile  job and do the cred won't be as much." Hank tells you.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-16-15/0656:40>
"Even more killings... Death seems to always have a market." Thought Marco and wished that Hank will kick a the corner with his bare feet. Right with little finger - the painful kind. Perhaps in the middle of the night.  This was the worst Marco could wish the guy.
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-16-15/0956:13>
Yelena nods her head.  "Wanderer understand.  Am confused too.  Maybe KE take body crime lab.  Wanderer than for fee.  Hank call Virtual Goddess if have job for Wanderer  Hank remember Wanderer not amateur.  Pay for professional."  Her business concluded, Yelena nods to Marco and leaves the office.  They collect their weapons from the man at the door and leave.

At the bike, Yelena sends a message off a couple of messages.  >>Arc.  Is Yelena.  Have meet with Firefly.  Garage at 1600.  Maybe Marco and Blake too.  Srui can come?<<  >>Jed.  Is Yelena.  Doing meeting garage 1600.  Can come?<<

Turning to Marco she says, "Where want go?  Have meet garage 1600.  Want go for ride on bike?  Go nowhere special.  Just ride."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-16-15/1125:08>
Quote
@ Marco  >>I did the checking into the first accident that you asked about. I can't find any info on the fatality in that accident. Original report had KE keeping the ID under wraps until the family was notified. But, no ID has been released as of yet. Still, it's only been a day, so maybe they'll release it soon.<< Dr Kawagishiri finally answered. >>You can pick me up at 18:15 Friday. And see if you can get some of that LaunchCode and PayLoad from the club you took me to. I enjoyed that explosion.<<

Marco say "I am also working tonight so I cannot come to garage at 16:00, I need to prepare... So we have some time, but can you leave me at the apartment.  With the kind of outfit I need it will take a while. "

On the way out Marco is looking for Tammie or some familiar faces perhaps he can negotiate/bribe a fancy drink out of that joint.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-16-15/1346:17>
Bzzzzzzzzzzz!

My cheap Metalink announces itself as I mull over the image in the mirror.  A quick glance tells me Bootstrap's a bit early.  I still need to check some things out on the 'trix and do a full diagnostics on my little Erika to make sure I'm ready for prime time tonight.

Well, I'm covered already.  No sense making the poor boy chill outside when we have at least some heat in here and Jenna's gone.

I open the door and my eyes scan in vain for the boy.  I would never have seen him if he didn't slip from behind some cover so that I could make him out in the shadows of a stairwell nearby.

"Bootstrap," I call my new friend.  "I need more time but if you'd like you can wait inside.  You might even have time for a quick shower if you'd like."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-16-15/2044:26>
The sound of washing dishes kept the silence at bay while Arc remained quiet after saying her piece just a moment before, figuring that Bettina might just be focusing on her dishes now that she's been allowed a moment free from Little J.  Giving a little smile, Arc made little faces at the child to amuse him, only pausing slightly as her AR vision activated, bringing forth the message from her Russian blood sister.

>>Arc.  Is Yelena.  Have meet with Firefly.  Garage at 1600.  Maybe Marco and Blake too.  Srui can come?<<

The rigger couldn't help but raise a nod at the seemingly impromptu remeet was with most of the group.  And Yelena was meeting with Firefly, someone working under her?  Odd indeed...Yelena must have an issue that the youngster can deal with...it's not mojo, she would hook up with Marco for that...heh...no, it must be a decking issue.  Can't think of nothing else  Bouncing the little tyke on her knee, Arc pulled up her messenger widget, mentally belting out a couple messages of her own, deciding to send it as text and voice optional, using her virtual raider persona.

<<Yelena, Arc here.  16:00?  I shouldn't have any issue to make it, null sweat.  I'll tell vrukart I'm needed.  See ya there>>

<<Firefly, this is Arc.  Just got invited to meet up with you and Yelena later today.  Maybe then we can swing a chip chat over what we was looking into?  Wiz stuff either way, see ya there.>>

Taking a glance over at Bettina, Arc bit her lip for a moment before picking Little J up, cradling the head with her hand before bringing him up to carry him, his head on her shoulder as she stepped to the garage door, the boys still surveying their wreckage.  "Hoi, Tarana'kah, just got a call.  I'm needed back at the garage at 16:00 for likely a little bit.  Hoping that don't mess with your plans for today?"  She eyed him with a slight embarrassed look on her face, the Tessa part of her feeling a bit guilty about the potential interruption.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-16-15/2333:31>
Yelena nods and climbs on the bike, waiting for Marco to climb on behind her.  When he is seated and his arms wrapped around her, Yelena drives off.  She is headed nowhere in particular, just enjoying the feel of the wind on her face and the arms around her waist.  Some part of her thinks how easy it would be to just keep driving and go to another city and another gang and another contract.

Yelena drops Marco off at his apartment in time to jet off to the garage by 1530.  She rolls the bike inside and goes into the living area.  While getting her sax out, she sends a short message to her fixer.  >>Virtual Goddess.  Is Wanderer.  Club men say pay fee today.  Wanderer wait for confirm.<<  Once that is out of the way, she goes out to the garage and sits on the couch, playing her sax.  The jazz tunes float softly through the garage and out into the afternoon air.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-17-15/0132:07>
Just doing not thinking people do not honk so hard when Yelena is driving and the motorcycle just cruise the traffic. Perhaps Seattle is the wrong city and Marco just wants to disappear. If only as a mind game. “Heck, it is not a question wanting to be a runner or not... I am just too busy to run and still have some time to breathe. Perhaps I am feeling like that for trying to both work and run at the same time. If I have to choose now, clearly without anyone forcing my hand what would that be? Must I entertain people all day... can’t I be something else something darker and powerful?”


He arrives to the apartment and it is a construction site... Ginny is orchestrating some major renovations. Why or how can she afford it Marco has no idea. He is too overwhelmed to talk.  He gives her a warm excited smile and rush to the shower to think "Talk later...! I am in a bit of a hurry.". He puts on Beethoven's 5th’s and lets as the wonderful sound fills any corner of his house. Beethoven is Marco’s favorite, not because of his music but because his lack of hearing. He composed his 9th while barely able to hear. He gave inspiration to Marco to manipulate a world that he cannot perceive.
 
But these thoughts were for some other time and at the moment fate was knocking at the door, or was it the opening notes.  No it was fate!, Marco felt like everything is about to change. That morning just showed Marco how attached he his to his material possessions.  “Attachments, they are all bad and I took an oath of poverty yet, I live in such a nice apartment. Perhaps the 5th is a goodbye?  Perhaps I can learn how to mask my nature and live in the Barrens like the common ganger?”

Marco allowed the water and steam envelop his body, wash his sins and memories away to make room for new. Such a long shower was not Possible at Yelena’s and Marco could never understand water rations... “Technology does so many wonders like augmenting people with superhuman capabilities, helicopters spaceships and even a mars colony... Yet, unlimited hot water remains a luxury,  science fiction for most people in the city -but how complicated is it to heat water?”  The ways of science are a complete mystery to Marco but he’ll ask some brainiac how can that be.  In the meanwhile he need to prepare his mind for the night to come.

[spoiler]
I listened to the 5th while writing this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z4KK7RWjmk
[/spoiler]

"What is Ginny doing with the apartment... she couldn't but she had no money - why would she waste so much, she owes me nothing... If any I owe her for that awful date"

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-17-15/0205:02>
Ginny follows Marco to the bedroom door and watches him as he undresses.  Her eyes linger on his body as he moves to put some music on and disappears into the shower.  She is tempted to join him, but just then one of the men asks if the bar is positioned correctly.  She sighs and turns back to her task, comparing the location in her mind with what she sees.  Something is slightly off and she has the men fix it before giving a nod of approval and sending them on their way with a large tip.  The men smile at her and leave, just in time for another man to show up with one of the lamps she has ordered.  The table it goes on has not been delivered yet so Ginny puts the lamp on the floor where it will go, thanks the deliveryman, and shows him out the door.

Ginny's body is singing to her to strip her clothes off and join Marco, and her hand brushes against her hardening nipples, but there is still too much to do.  It would not be good to have deliverymen stacked up in the hall while she was having sex with the man of the house.  She makes do with fantasizing about it, resolving to get the real thing later.  She does go to the bedroom door and stands in it, waiting for Marco to emerge from the bathroom.  From here she can watch him as he dresses and listen for the next delivery.  The music interests her and is obviously something Marco likes.  She makes a mental note to learn what it is.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-17-15/0317:18>
Marco leaves the shower and looks at Ginny. He say "That's quite an impressive renovation you are doing in here... whats the plan?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-17-15/0939:32>
Ginny is so into admiring Marco's body as he steps out of the bathroom that she almost misses his question.  Her body is tingling just looking at him.  She takes a half step towards him then pulls herself back; there will be time to fully explore his male body later.  "You seem in a much better mood.  I hope that you are feeling better."  She idly waves her hand at the living room behind her.  "That?  I am seeing that everything your friends tossed or moved is put back the way it was.  I remembered that Sebastian kept a secret stash of money on the boat and went out there to see if the KE might have missed it.  They had, so I took it.  I think it is enough to replace everything that was broken.  There is a lamp I have not been ale to find a replacement for yet, but almost everything else will be exactly what you had here and in the right place."  She looks at him closely to see how he is taking it.  She finds that his approval is incredibly important to her."I did the right thing, didn't I?"

"Oh, and speaking of the boat; I think someone got to your friend.  That old man; Phoenix?  John's boat is a mess.  Drawers and cupboards pulled out and everything tossed in piles on the floors.  Even the medicine cabinet.  Looks like a real struggle there.  And the old man is gone.  Maybe whoever got Sam came back and found Phoenix there.  I do hope that he is alright."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-17-15/1112:29>
Marco say "This is... actually quite amazing Ginny. I did not see you like the risk taking kind. Do you like this apartment? I have to work tonight so I afraid you will be on your own. I should still have some time to talk now. I am still a mess, these last days are not easy on me, many changes and some big life changing decisions. "  Marco hugs her, and sniff her just a little bit. "It's okay", he whispers as he activates the mind link spell.  Their conversation now progress very quickly at the speed of mere thought as Marco embraces Ginny and strokes her back.

"Just think at me" Marco think to her, "It is not advised to talk about illegal activities so openly. What you are saying is disturbing, Phoenix was making party drugs in that boat and there is a dealer that might be in danger if we do not deliver him the next shipment.  It is a very new initiative, this is why he was so cagey and uncomfortable having you there."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-17-15/2227:41>
@ Subaru. Bootstrap looks down and shuffles his feet, clearly embarrassed. "Uh, I don't. Um, I um. I kinda don't . . " heturns red.  "I. . . " squeaks our. And he swallows and turns  even redder. He opens his mouth but can't force anything out and finally just shakes his head no and scoots back down the hall to his shadow.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-17-15/2244:38>
@ Yelena VirtualGoddess responds, >>Payment cleared. Your fee should post within 10. I've been vetting the job list they sent. All should be do-able. But one is out of town. File will be sent when details and annotations complete.<< There are definitely benefits to working with a professional fixer.
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-17-15/2253:39>
@ Marco. When you tell her you're going out Ginny smiles bravely trying hard to mask her disappointment and says, "Well, I've already been on one job with you. And since it certainly must pay well I can certainly go on another." Ginny is certainly dressed to go out. And the dress is on the classy side of sexy. Seeing the look on your face she rushes into say, "I want, . . NEED, to go Marco. I've never felt so alive as when I'm with you. Help me to learn what it means to really live, to really be a sexy, desirable woman." The look on her face is pleading. You know it's important to her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-17-15/2302:22>
@ Arc. Jaime looks up at you confused for a moment. Then as he processes what you just said he's obviously  disappointed.  Then he puts down the micro-solder and comes and kisses you. "Be safe." He says as he takes BabyJ from you. Henry says, 'Mmmmmgm, hmmmm. Sorry you've got to go. Jaime, can you get me the flux while you're up?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-17-15/2305:03>
@ Jed. Snowden nods and says, "I promise."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-17-15/2326:21>
Yelena receives the message from Virtual Goddess and smiles.  Taking a moment from playing, she sends a quick note back acknowledging receipt of the message then returns to her soft jazz.  The pace of the music relaxes her and allows her to riff a bit and play around with the tunes.  She is content to sit like this and wait for the others to arrive.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-17-15/2356:01>
Marco is very confused from Ginny's response.  She seemed to completely ignore what he was telling her about Ambrose and Cain, and the fact that he used the mindlink spell - most people do not stay indifferent for the first time. Perhaps the spell did not work?  Marco believes that there is no way that Ginny would feel comfortable in such a date. She barely coped just yesterday where the entire effort was to make her feel comfortable. It makes much more sense that she'll stay at home for the night.

"You are not listening to me, that date is the last place I want you to be.  There is no way that you will feel comfortable in there."  He smiles at her suggestively and say  "and I am not sharing you again." He say trying to sweeten his refusal. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-18-15/0758:06>
@ Arc. Jaime looks up at you confused for a moment. Then as he processes what you just said he's obviously  disappointed.  Then he puts down the micro-solder and comes and kisses you. "Be safe." He says as he takes BabyJ from you. Henry says, 'Mmmmmgm, hmmmm. Sorry you've got to go. Jaime, can you get me the flux while you're up?"

As Jaime is approaching to take the little one from her arms, Arc's eyes lock unblinkingly on him, her brows raised a bit and her cheeks flushed as her guilt welled up.  He was really wanting a day with me...and here i am, married to my work.  We're gonna have to talk...the main effort of what I'm doing, besides getting cred on the table, is to try to help people.  This is just a meet though...do I really need to take my hoop there...wait a minute...   As Jaime stood in front of her and kissed her, the short mechanic gave a little pout, but blocked him from taking the babe

Her words came out low, for his ears only as he locked foreheads.  "You had plans...maybe I need to change, I'm used to doing my thing, yknow?  Frag it then..."  She gave a little pause, her lips flickering into a little smile as she gave a wink, putting her idea into motion by sending out a message to Yelena.

<<Yelena, it's Arc.  Family shtuff, cannot physically make it to the meet up.  Will be comming in via the 'Trix, so put up AR by meet time?>>

Satisfied that sent out, she turned her attention back to Jaime, barely feeling Little J grabbing and pulling a little at her hair.  "It's just a consult, and I got out of having to leave.  Just give me a spot to go cyberspace for a bit?"  She was cut short as the mini-ork in her arms gave a yank, her focus broken by the feeling of her scalp being pulled. 

"Haaa....strong little dude, ain't he..."  She gave a smirk, her blush remaining as she locked eyes with Jaime, her eyes conveying that she was trying.  "half an hour, then I'm yours all night, and you know what that means..."  Smirking, the girl leaned up, doing her best to not smother Little J between them as she kissed him and grabbed a tube of flux with her spare hand, tossing it to Henri deftly.  She could tell by Jaime's eyes that her compromise was accepted.

"Change of plans, Srui'kart vru'ta,  The customer just wants a consult, so I'm gonna call it in.  We get the issue with the induction contact sorted out?"

[spoiler]Smiles, if you wanted to add anything else to this particular scene, go ahead, but for story's sake, I'll include a cut later for the meet[/spoiler]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Fri. Dec. 10, 2075.  15:57]

Taking another break from working on their latest contraption, Arc got up and excused herself from the trio, already heading to the living space that Henri suggested she go if she's intending to jack in to the 'Trix.  Taking a seat on the couch, the stout girl settled in with a little sigh as she got comfortable.  There just isn't enough time...need to do what I can  Rubbing her temples, she activated her sim module, her eyes closing as she leaned back into the seat and went limp, like someone taking a nap after a long day.

In the virtual world, the form of Arc's default persona appeared: what looked like some old-time warrioress version of herself with much longer hair, garbed in pieces of metal and leather armor, save for a bare midriff.  Getting her bearings, she linked herself to Yelena's commcode, sending herself to the location with a thought.  In the Russian's image link, her persona would seem to materialize in the room she was in, Arc taking a glance around to see Yelena's persona icon inhabiting the space with her.

"There you are, Srui.  Anyone else here?  Since you got your date with mind control and possible death, figured this wouldn't take long.  Jaime had plans for me, and i don't wanna blow him off, eh?"  It didn't take a genius to see that she wasn't happy with the idea of Yelena drugging herself to get in.  "What's the plan?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-18-15/0959:39>
Yelena smiles at her Srui.  "Hey Arc.  Nice.  What wrong blow rigger man?  Might like.  Just getting ready start."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-18-15/1140:40>
Arc'apersonas's eyes went a little wide at the statement and how casually it was delivered caught her off guard.  Her lips cracked into a smile as she gave out a laugh, holding her head and shaking it.  "Haa...you would say that, wouldn't ya?  Man, srui...he might like, but what about me, hm?  Vruken might want some fun too.." .The girl so Jed before tailing off, approaching the elf as her expression grew serious.

"...seriously though...I wanna know that you won't overdo it tonight.  Can you promise me that you'll come back and be alive tomorrow without being overloaded with chems and drek?  I need that promise, srui.". Arc trailed off, sure that the Russian will give a simple assurance but not promise anything.  Either way, she was right...people were due to arrive any moment.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-18-15/1210:12>
15:53
(Marco is talking to Ginny.)

16:01
Marco calls Yelena, Arc >> Hey ladies may I join you on a simple voice chat? I can dedicate half an hour or so for the meet before I have to work.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-18-15/1503:51>
Fri 14:02
@ Yelena. >> Yelena, can you meet us at the Belagio at 20:00? My husband s business partner is staying there and wethought we'd meet for drinks and a little gambling before the night got started.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-18-15/2112:58>
Was it something I said?

Bootstrap's reaction to my offer for the use of the shower baffles me.  I would have thought he'd love the rare chance to get clean, but then again what do I know about this boy?  He couldn't have been embarrassed, could he?  It's not like he's Muslim.  And most of the kafir I know have no modestly.  Anyway, he's a child elsewise I would never have offered.

So much puzzles me about these Americans, especially those on the street.  Their ways are so strange.  I don't know if I will ever understand them.

As I muse over the continuing culture shock I live with, I check to make sure my little Erika is ship-shape and ready for anything.  All the data I collected about the Green Goblins is there, ready for Arc's inspection tonight.  So far, no response from George regarding my comm link spying yesterday.  Hopefully he made good use of the data I provided on the turncoat and I'll get that bonus.  If I can keep collecting income from different places, I really can pull off this damn noose.

With my Erika golden and my Metalink ready to go too, I make sure everything is turned off in the apartment and lock the door behind me for the night.  I have no idea when Jenna...or I...will be back so best not to take chances.

The trip back to the garage is awkward with Bootstrap seeming to look at me when I'm not watching, but looking anywhere but at me when I am facing his way.  I check my hijab self-conciously, certain that my hair must be showing.  No, everything is fine.  Maybe he's disappointed in me for eschewing my abaya.  My jumpsuit does follow the contours of my body, showing curves that are unseemly even if they are well covered.  Still, I never thought this street urchin American boy would be so concerned for me.  Perhaps in addition to magic we might discuss other things.  He might be open to Allah if he's already aware of proper modesty.

I put aside such thoughts for the moment when we reach the garage.  Not only will I have to face these fascinating adults, but before the meeting even starts I'll have to ask for use of a space to pray.  I pray that Allah will let them understand how important this is and not reject me outright.  I'm not sure how I'll handle being tested if these kafir push back.  Please Allah don't make me choose right now.

My worries are interrupted as we approach the door and the sound of music resonates from the place - a brass instrument.  Saxophone, and well played.  Jazz - improv Jazz.  I initially assume it's a recording, but I as I stand and listen I hear a slight error here and a creative flourish there that makes me suspect otherwise.

Someone is playing a saxophone in there.  Who, I wonder?  I look at Bootstrap and he just shrugs.

Now even more eager to learn more about these incredible and exciting shadowrunners, I knock on the door...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-18-15/2214:55>
Hmmmmmm.  Belagio.  Normally a bit out of her league, but Yelena has heard of the place.  It is supposed to be trying to give some of the other large casinos a run for their money.  The short Cheongsam that she picked up should do well.  Not enough time for the fancy makeup but that should not be a real issue.

Bang on time someone knocks on the door and she stands to go see who it is.  Looking at the security monitor she sees that Firefly has arrived first, except for Arc, who is partly there.  As she opens the door, Marco rings in as if this were a fragging conference call.  "Hey, Marco.  Welcome.  Almost start."  Oh well, better than not showing up.  She lets Firefly in and looks at the boy with her, Bootstrap.  "Come in from cold.  Not all here, so can talk about knife code first."  Yelena motions to a counter where they can toss their coats and then to where the caf pot is plugged in.  She carefully places the sax in the case and pulls the knife out to show Firefly. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-18-15/2225:56>
The mysterious elf woman opens the door and ushers Bootstrap and I in.  At first it seems she's alone but then I recognise Arc being projected by holo.  I hear another voice that is unfamiliar to me on speaker, someone the elf calls "Marco."

So it is Razorgirl who was playing the sax.  Wow!

"Uh," I start as Yelena lovingly puts away the instrument, "I heard you playing when I was at the door.  You...you're really good.  And that sax...is it a Conn?"

Part of me realizes I was supposed to ask for a place to pray first, but how can I miss this opportunity to bond with this incredible woman?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-18-15/2236:31>
Arc's persona gave a heavy sigh as the topic was shifted away from her concerns for her blood sister without any response or recognition, the image of the armored human crossing her arms under her chest as the door was answered.  Letting Yelena take the door, Arc responded to Marco, immediately linking him to the trid projector...or at least his audio.

"Marco, it's Arc.  Reading you loud and clear, everyone here will hear you.  Yelena's getting the door, still waiting on peeps...ah.."[/color]  She paused as she stood there in her persona form, seeing Yelena come back in with Firefly and Bootstrap.  Smiling, she offered a wave.  Seeing Yelena was taking a moment to respond, wholly absorbed in the task of stowing her beloved instrument, the mechanic seized the moment to talk.

"Nice to see yas again, Firefly, Bootstrap.  Sorry I couldn't be makin' it in person.  My Vrukart...uhh, guess you might say husband?  Nah, too formal, but you get the drift...wanted me for the day, so this is the best I can do to see you while keeping him happy.  Heh.  Either way, by the look of it, you're all set to do our thing tomorrow?"[/color]

The human's out-of-time appearance shifted and paced a bit before gesturing for them to have a seat, virtually planting herself across from them as she listened to them.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-18-15/2249:53>
Returning the sax to its case seems to be almost a religious experience for the elf, and so Subaru isn't too perturbed when her attention is pulled to the holo.

Vrukart?  Husband?  Too formal?  I thought I knew English as well as a native, and I can throw leetspeak around with the best of them on the 'trix, but apparently street slang in Seattle is a whole 'nother animal.  Then again, I'm native Japanese and would I necessarily be able to make sense of the dialect on the streets of Chiba?

Likely not.

Well, it seems like a committed relationship at least.  If so, my respect for Arc will increase.  Fidelity in this world is a precious thing, to be celebrated wherever it is found.

I nod to Arc's fanciful image.  "It is no trouble, Metalgirl," I assure the holo.  "Marriage...or whatever you call such pairings here...are sacred.  I'm glad you were able to find a win-win."  I smile hoping nothing I said was too presumptive.

"I did look into the Green Goblins last night," I add to avoid any awkward silence.  I shoot all the data I was able to collect to the human tinkerer as I speak.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-18-15/2303:28>
Another smirk with a small shake of the head met Firefly's comments, the image taking a breath as she tried to explain it.  "Heh...not quite so formal or big.  Y'all never been among orks much, huh?  They don't got time to fret about with details like this.  Ah..bondmate. there we got, that's what I got.  Either way, thanks"[/color]  Trailing off, she gave a nod as she accepted the data packets, opening them up as AROs around her as she flipped through them with her hands, reading up on the info and viewing what pictures she had acquired.

After a few moments, her smile cracked again.  "Well....drek.  This is really good.  Uptown formed a little band, made a gang, got some big time, made a deal with the Stardust, and then tried to get some Hez and go back on that deal for profit.  No wonder they want me to off it, they small time and ambitious.  Friefly, this is wizbang stuff"

"Nice to know that these all thugs will be finna mess us up if we get caught.  I've still got some connections with the Howlers, i'll put some feelers out to see what kinda drek they capable of.  In the meantime though, I think we got a pretty good setup.  We know the layout, how they operate, and where to hit their lab and their stash.  Unless you think we should do more, this about covers it.  More than earned your pay"
  The rigger's smile was genuine as she nodded, folding up the AROs and storing them in her side belt pouch for later.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-18-15/2307:23>
Bootstrap takes several steps forward. caf seemingly forgotten in his fascination with the holoprojection. "That's wiz!" He says in awe He'"Just like the trid!" He's lost for words the moment he realizes that now the attention is directed towards himself.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-18-15/2321:37>
Having been a native on the 'trix since I was three, the idea of seeing it fresh amuses me.  Although Bootstrap runs astral, which I've discovered is just as cool in its own way, I suppose the 'trix would be fascinating to the uninitiated.

Feeling a little impish, I jack into my Erika but keep to AR since it looks like Razorgirl is about to say something and I wouldn't want to miss a better understanding of the intriguing elf.  Keeping entirely local so as not to incite GOD, I hack into the holo projecter and bring up my own anthropomorphic Firefly avatar next to the barbarian tinkerer.

"It is wiz, isn't it Bootstrap!" my life-size avvy agree with a grin on her insectish face.

[spoiler]
The avatar looks something like this...
(http://orig10.deviantart.net/9aab/f/2013/075/9/3/audrey_the_firefly__by_painted_bees-d5y85qb.jpg)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-19-15/0136:43>
Marco looks at Ginny, "We made quite a lot yesterday with some other money I made before it is enough to get you started in some apartment. Tomorrow I want you to start finding an apartment of your own. I could do a house guest, but now that we are emotionally involved this is too much and too soon and I need my privacy.  You have all the skills in the world to find a legitimate job, this is what I'd do if I were you. You are not cut up for my night job.  I'll transfer 6k nuyen to your account and we are even. If you are interested in a job I can also do something for you but it will not be prostitution."

=====

In the meeting he say "Alright tomorrow night, do we have any plans? are we brute forcing our way in or do we impersonate one of them? "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/0459:42>
Yelena stops as her hand is opening the hand-crafted case for the sax.  She is so surprised that she remains in that position for a few moments before standing back up and looking with great interest at the young woman.  "Firefly know Conn?  Yes.  Sax is very old.  Still sound good.  Yelena careful."  She tentatively holds the instrument out.  "Firefly want touch?  Play music?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-19-15/1036:09>
I position myself to keep Bootstrap and the avatars in view while also being able to give Razorgirl my rapt attention.  The Firefly avatar's movements mostly use an algorithm I'd developed to make the image look lifelike in a mixed insectile/human manner without constant concentration on my part.  Other than providing words, the thing should keep Bootstrap occupied for at least a minute or two while I attend to what appears to be my best chance to get closer to this intimidating mature shadowrunner who already has sparked my imagination so.  I imagine there is so much she can teach me and I want so much to be her student!

I nod at her question about knowing of Conn brass.  "My...father played the tenor sax.  His was a Conn and so I recognised the imprint.  He was so proud of it.  I have no idea where it is now..."  My voice trails off and I try to surreptitiously wipe away the tears that the memory elicited.  By holding out her precious saxophone to me, my thoughts are distracted. 

Me?  Touch?

"Um...are you sure?" My hand tentatively reaches out to caress the smooth curve of the bow, but I am hesitant to actually take it in hand.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/1046:29>
Yelena notes the sadness in the girl's voice.  "Firefly father still play?  He teach you?"  When the girl hesitates, Yelena nods and moves the sax closer to the decker.  "Here  Play if want.  Yelena go get knife while Firefly play.  Then show code knife."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-19-15/1054:56>
Arc blinked and raised a brow as the anthropomorphic insect materialized next to her, seeing the eyes of Bootstrap's light up with wonder.  "Heh...tell ya what, Bootstrap.  You wanna be able to do something like this? We get outta this mess, I'm gonna make you a list of the tech you'll need to do it. It ain't much, so null sweat, aight?"

As Firefly went over to interact with Yelena's sax and Yelena stepped out, her tone grew a little serious as she answered Marco's question, crossing her arms once again and closing her eyes.  "Brute force ain't gonna be an option, omae.  Instructions were specific that they wanna make the job look like an accident, and more than a few bodies will raise questions, amirite?  Here's what I'm thinking..."

"We start with a distraction...maybe get a guy inside to fuel it, Marco?  Once their attention is away, we'll get a few of us inside.  I'll have to be there to set the lab to blow, that's the primary thing to do and must happen.  As bonus, we gon' try to crack that safe and make off with whatever we need as a bonus.  They won't be needing it"
   She flashed a wicked grin, and gave a little shrug.  "That's all bonus though.  If we get made and needa kip out, that idea we can scrap.  Anything you wanna suggest?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-19-15/1058:38>
Marco say, "If you have pictures and know their routine we can arrive like 10 minutes early to replace the guards while we ourselves are disguised as the next shift.  It will give us like 10 minutes to set things up before we need to stall and no violence... how about it? 10 minutes early is nice deed but not suspiciously too kind"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-19-15/1110:30>
I don't know what to say, and my mouth is so dry that I don't know if I could do any more than croak anyway.  Looking into the elf's inhuman violet eyes for confirmation of her words, I nod and move my hands carefully under the bow and along the body so that I can support the weight of the precious object.  As she transfers the instrument into my hands I cease paying any attention to my avvy and let it just stand in resting mode, letting my Erika handle all the necessary processing for natural movement.

"I've only played an alto sax a little bit," I admit shyly.  "I'm a little better at the tenor, but my best instruments are violin and the piano."  Still, with Razorgirl's encouragement I tentatively place the reed to my lips and make a C note to check tuning.  It's been a lifetime since I played anything, and even longer since I touched an alto sax, but I've performed enough times that I have the "show must go on" attitude.  I have an audience and by Allah I will do my best!  Once I have the feel of the keys, I start in on my best rendition of "I Got Rhythm" by Gershwin.

[spoiler]Performance- classical instrument: 8d6t5: 2 [8d6t5=4, 5, 3, 2, 4, 3, 4, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/326925)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/1123:25>
Yelena gives Firefly an encouraging nod and smile before turning away to go into the living area.  When she returns she has a long dagger in her hand.  Moving to the girl, she waits for her to finish her piece.  "Was nice.  Need practice, but Yelena tell Firefly know instrument."  She takes the sax back and holds out the dagger hilt first.  "Know Vory?  Russian mob.  Knife give to Yelena by Vory man.  Is code.  Not easy.  Want try?  Yelena not good enough, but can work Firefly to break?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-19-15/1126:08>
The human Arc paused, mulling over Marco's idea, tapping her forehead as she thought through the variables, seeing the outcomes.  "...aight, we can give that a try, but we will need to do something about the guards that need replacing.  Something that won't point fingers to us.  If you think you can work that out, Marco, I leave it to you to come up with that.  Work with Bootstrap, he specializes with distractions, and as a bonus he's here right now."

Arc was about to say more before she was cut off, the clear notes of a saxophone being played distracting her from her thoughts. She turned to see that it was Firefly, not Yelena, who was playing this time, and this gave her pause.  Well...can see that those two will be getting along that's fo sho  She thought idly as she gave a little chuckle and shook her head.

The knife was news to her, though....Vory?  The fragging Vory got in contact with Yelena?  Tch...concern showed on the rigger's persona as she stared directly into Yelena's face until the Russian made eye contact.  All nonverbals and body language gave the impression of "what the frag are you up to, Yelena?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-19-15/1129:03>
To Bootstrap "Bootstrap? Are you there buddy?... You are awfully quiet.

I was thinking a physical mask augmented by mundane impersonation, and perhaps some mundane disguises. The most subtle the better in my opinion... what do you think?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/1133:24>
Yelena catches the look from her Srui and nods her head.  The non-verbal words are clear.  She has had no chance to adequately explain Niki and is still unsure how to do that.  More importantly, she has no idea how to explain the Vory to someone who has never been there.  Arc could come close because of her ties to the Howlers, but Yelena knows that association was pretty much involuntary and painful for the short human.  Her own experiences with the Vory were so much different.  She had gone to them, worked her way into the group and loved her place there.  The Vory was her family and she had sworn oaths that she cannot forget, even after years of separation.  At some point Yelena will have to explain what has happened, but right now she does not even know enough to say much.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-19-15/1144:01>
I can feel my face heat up at the praise Razorgirl is giving me.  I the sun is setting as we speak and I need to perform my duty to Allah, but things are going so well right now.  Would Allah bless me with this opportunity and expect me to pass it up?  Is this a test?

Pushing aside my apprehension I hand off the sax and take the knife from the elf's hands.  I turn it this way and that in my hands, noting the jack access.  "So, you think there's data on it?  Is that what you're after?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/1157:45>
Yelena nods.  Yes.  Is what think.  Yelena ask Vory man for information on club.  He leave this.  Once could decode, but lost equipment long ago.  Firefly can do?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-19-15/1229:16>
Vory.  I've dealt with organized crime before.  A lot.  Obviously now since I'm in bed with the Yak, but when I worked for Renraku I was often called upon to deal with tech from the Triad, Yak, Mafia, and yes, even the Vory.  The Vory and Triad could be particularly nasty with their defenses, second only to Aztlan and their corporate masters.  Objects were known to have cerebral bombs set up to detonate immediately upon access.  I would have to be careful.

First I sit myself down on a nearby couch since I expect to be going limp very soon.  Just to be sure, I connect into my Metalink comm and try jacking into the dagger that way first.  If there was an access trap, I'd trip it that way and lose nothing more than a cheap throw away comm.  No fried tech, but as expected I immediately encounter security blocks.  Rather than risk setting off the device to auto wipe its contents, I back out.

Next I take the hair-thin cable from my right wrist and jack into my little Erika.  Booting up the device and setting firewall as my top attribute to start, I connect the device by wire to the dagger.  Taking every precaution to ensure the way was safe for me to go from AR to VR, I drop into the connection myself, leaving my meat body behind.

[spoiler]Computer (making sure the dagger is safe for VR): 12d6t5: 5 [12d6t5=3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 2, 3, 3, 1, 5, 2] (http://orokos.com/roll/326934)[/spoiler]

With the way safe, I make sleaze my highest attribute and firewall my second and weave my way through the security algorithms to get my marks on the device.

[spoiler]Hacking (Mark #1): 12d6t5: 3 [12d6t5=4, 5, 1, 6, 3, 4, 2, 1, 4, 2, 3, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/326937)
Hacking (Mark #2): 12d6t5: 2 [12d6t5=4, 5, 2, 4, 4, 2, 6, 2, 2, 1, 4, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/326938)
Hacking (Mark #3): 12d6t5: 4 [12d6t5=3, 2, 5, 2, 4, 2, 1, 5, 6, 1, 5, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/326939)
Hacking (re-attempt if needed): 12d6t5: 6 [12d6t5=2, 6, 3, 6, 3, 6, 3, 6, 3, 1, 6, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/326941)

No glitches.  Since I'm not on the Matrix, I have no fear of GOD.  I can keep trying if any of these failed.  I rolled one re-attempt just in case to show I didn't glitch.  best roll of the bunch. :-)[/spoiler]

Now that the device is mine I deactivate all security and encryption, leaving the dagger's data open to Yelena's inspection. 

[spoiler]Hacking: Crack file: 12d6t5: 3 [12d6t5=2, 4, 6, 1, 2, 6, 3, 3, 3, 2, 4, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/326942)[/spoiler]

Just to be sure the data isn't lost later, I make a copy of the contents and save it in my Erika's memory.  With everything looking good, I jack out and start to rouse my body again.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/1307:54>
Yelena watches the girl.  She has seen enough to know that the slack body means that she is deep into the trix universe.  The entire process of what she is doing is just too strange for her to contemplate, but she is interested enough to watch another professional at work.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-19-15/1324:52>
I awaken to a face framed in white watching me with apparent interest.  Unsure how to interpret the expression from the tall woman's bright eyes, I straighten myself up.  After disconnecting myself from the dagger my now free right hand self-consciously checks to be sure my hijab is settled right.

"Um," I stumble again over my words, you should be able to get whatever you want off this now."  I lift up my left hand to Razorgirl to hand back the dagger.  "I cleared off all encryption and security.  I didn't open the files, but the checksums all add up.  The data seems uncorrupted and complete."  As she takes the dagger from my hand, I try to look professional by placing both my hands in my lap.  "If you want to use it, I can set you up as the owner like it was new."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/1345:55>
Yelena looks at the girl with curiosity.  She had just completed a complex operation in a very short time.  She smiles and says, "Yes.  Yelena like.  Please."  She offers the haft of the dagger to the decker.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-19-15/1355:17>
I'd left root access open to my icon when I had finished with the dagger, so returning to the base settings was no effort.  First I confirm my exact ghost of the device remains intact on my Erika.  That ensured, using my deck  just in AR mode I secure the data files on the dagger in a separate partition and perform a factory refresh on the rest of the device.  I comb the device to ensure there is nothing there that doesn't belong on a factory fresh system other than the data files.  I then bring the data back into the primary partition and remove the temporary one.  With everything look right, I disconnect again from the blade and hand it back.

"It should be good as new except for the extra data files.  You should be able to configure it for yourself now just as if you got it fresh from Ares."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/1358:47>
"And Yelena can read data easy?  Yelena thank Firefly."  Yelena takes the dagger and sits on the couch next to Firefly and starts looking at what Niki had left her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-19-15/1403:26>
With the lull before the the meeting, I finally can give Allah His due.  It's right around sunset, so I'm still good.  Seeing that Razorgirl is preoccupied with examining the dagger, I rise from the sofa and join Bootstrap looking at the two holos.  "Um, Metalgirl?"  Once again my face is on fire with embarrassment.  "Is there somewhere...er...private where I can spend ten minutes before we get started?"  My left hand fingers my hijab in nervous emphasis.  "I have some personal business I must attend to right now."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-19-15/1548:23>
@ Marco  When Marco tells Ginny she's leaving for a job she's stunned. He hadn't so much as looked at her. And now he's mindlinked with her to tell her he doesn't want her there. He'll pay for an apartment for her. The shock is overwhelming, and one fact keeps ringing over and over in her mind. He doesn't want her. With him she'd felt beautiful, sensual, desired and alive for the first time in her life. She wanted him. Needed him. But he doesn't want her. All of Brians taunts came crashing back at her. Replayed in absolutely perfect quality thanks to her perfect recall. She almost begs him to take her, but he doesn't want her. Think of the rats. Yes, the rats. She'd been a toddler, and her babysitters son had loved putting his pet rats on her when no one was looking. Loved seeing her scream. Loved her tears. And she'd known it, understood it even at that young age. And she'd fought hard to control her face. Control her fears. And now, anytime she needed to control herself she remembered the rats. It's what had gotten her through her times with Sven. She'd been 15. He'd been 55. And he'd promised her a research project worthy of a fellowship. And he'd delivered. And she'd had to deliver. The alcohol he snuck her had helped too. But, mostly it was the rats. She'd remember them when he'd cursed her because he was limp just seconds after her mouth had come off of him. Remembered them when he was finally between her legs and she was hoping he'd stay hard long enough to finally be done. Remembered them when he'd fondle her while teaching her the algorithms and codes she needed. The ones that formed the basis of the work she'd explored and brought to fruition with Brian. Remember the rats.  She smiles at Marco, not trusting the mindlink to not reveal to much and tells him. "No, it's ok Marco. I understand. You've spent to much already. I'll call my father. Tell him about Sebastian and ask him for enough money to come home. I know he'll take me on as a research assistant. I'll be fine." She turns and almost runs to the room Marco had given her and closes the door. The pain is so intense she's almost doubled over. And once the door is firmly shut she cries, deeply and silently. Mustn't wake daddy. daddy would be mad if he got woken up because Ginny was screaming. Daddy would punish her if Ginny was screaming and crying. She'd always been thankful no one ever knew when she cried. Thanks to the rats and daddy. And over and over and over one fact kept ringing through her mind. He doesn't want me.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-19-15/1550:40>
@ Marco  Bootstrap straightens up, "I can make good distractions! Sight 'n sound! I do it all the time!" He looks at Arc, grateful that she's noticed him and recommeneded him. And then he looks at Marco and grins. "You tell me what you want 'n I kin make it!"

@ Subaru  The knife gives up it's secrets begrudgingly, every new piece of info coded differently. But finally it's all yours. And once it's yours you give it to Yelena who reads the info and can translate it. >>Black sheep jump fences. Sheer their own wool. Mate with pigs. Keep secrets. Now it is time for another's sheers.<<  And then the info begins to show maps. And pictures of faces, and schedules. Info she will need for an assassination. Correction assassinations. She watches. Most of the faces are unknown to her unknown except forTsina's. Wait! She hurries to pause the data. That one! That one she recognizes! That one set fire to the bodies of five of the Vory during the raid that had destroyed her life and her family. They'd been shot, but were still alive. He'd opened several lethal little cocktails to pour them on their bodies and then had lit the match. That one she remembered, no matter the years and the expensive suit.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-19-15/1615:10>
He tells bootstrap send me pictures of their guards and try to understand their schedule. I have some thing I need to fix right now.  I'll go over the pictures, the videos the background checks anything you have on as many of these gangers I need to know as much so I can impersonate them reliably. The rest will be simple just to look the part. I have something to take care of feel free to text me what you need.


Marco opens the door and enter Ginny’s room. “It is alright” He embraces her. “Let it all out” He say. “I want to do that for you, I do not want you like this, desperate weak and using your sexuality as an asset to be sold. I want to know the brilliant lady with poor life choices that I met yesterday.  The idealist that did not want to make weapons.”

He sighs  “I did not mean to whore you or to sleep with you. You were weak and I took advantage of you and I am sorry. You need a lot of help, allow me to help you. I am sure you will get on your feet as you are brilliant. I couldn’t build a life for myself without people helping me  That German lady I showed you. Without her I had nothing - but she took advantage of me. I do not want to do the same to you.
   
It will get better and you will find your place in Seattle and will not need me. I am not sure if you will still be interested in me. As I am not educated and you’ll probably prefer someone more intellectually stimulating. But if you do want me once you are independent, I will give it a chance. Before that, I afraid we cannot be more than friends. I will not be that person - but I do want your friendship, and friends help each other. Is my friendship worth nothing unless we sleep together? Am I nothing but a good fuck for you?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-19-15/1626:02>
As Arc nodded to the exchange between Bootstrap and Marco, she made a point to indicate to the kid that she would be sure to get the commcode to him...since the mechanic was sure that the only commlinks in the crew she had assembled belonged to Firefly and Rabbit.  Ah well.  Her attention drifted to Firefly and her curious request, noticing her unease with a raised brow.

"What biz you lookin' for, omae?  Sure, you can hop in my place.  Living room's a bit cluttered, don't mind it.  You keep pumping out this good work, you can redecorate for all I care.  You do you, ya hear me, girly?"

The smile on the shorter, older girl's face towards the teen was definitely genuine as she sighed and gave a stretch of her arms.  "I will say one thing.  I dunno what Rabbit's plan is, but with you two especially, I want y'all in full condition tomorrow, because things will go a lot smoother if we can pull this off.  You can tell me after yo thing, Firefly, but I wanna know how you feel about this op.  Please."  With that, Arc backed away, sticking around for either Firefly to return from her thing or for Yelena or Bootstrap to say something to her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-19-15/1716:32>
Someone who offed a blood mage and a gaggle of spirits wants to know what I think?  A foolish teen girl she just met?

No pressure.

A few moments clearing my mind in submission to Allah never was so appealing.  I gulp and nod, turning to go in the direction the avatar indicated.  Behind me, my firefly avvy dissolves as I jack out of my Erika.

Behind the portal I find the kind of room I'd expect of the tinkerer.  Parts and gadgets, and drawings of parts and gadgets, cover several surfaces.  One bed is unmade and unslept in, the other neat and made.  There isn't a lot of floor space but I manage to find a spot where I can face east and have enough room to move around for prayers.  I lay down my rug/shawl and give my devotion to the One God.

Seven minutes later I feel much calmer.  These Shadowrunners may be powerful and intimidating, but they still don't compare to the greatness of God.  With God beside me, I can handle whatever might come.  I must remember to remain faithful.

I leave Metalgirl's bedroom as I found it and make my way back to the living room almost exactly ten minutes after I left it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-19-15/1958:50>
The ten minutes of waiting passed by for Arc a lot longer than she had anticipated.  Bootstrap was deep into communicating a plan with Marco, only to resolve it by reverting back to his normal introverted self.  Meanwhile, Yelena had become absorbed with the deciphered contents of the knife, leaving the persona of the rigger to pace back and forth, continually checking the time.  Another ten minutes, and I'll be moving past the time I told Jaime I'd be...ah..  At that point, the younger thinner teen opted to return from Arc's single bedroom apartment, looking a bit refreshed and calm.

Just needed a moment?  She don't look the drugs type...must be some thinker or some drek..meditation they call it?  Eh..to each their own..  Smiling and nodding, Arc resumed her seat across from Firefly's former spot, gesturing her to sit.  "Well, ya looking more ready, wiz work.  Now cop a squat, and tell Arc here what you thinking about us blowing a lab, huh?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-19-15/2011:37>
What I think?

I think I'm in over my head.  But at least I've had time to adjust to it.  And honestly, this exactly what I've been trained to support, just with more people and a bigger budget.  These people are professionals in their own way, though.  Like me, they're very good at what they do but they're lacking a bit in the resource department.  Maybe I might fit in better than I think.

Still, to blow up a building, maybe with people in it...


I find a place to set myself near where the holo is seated and dive into a conversation that I still fear is out of my league.

"I know you've been hired to blow up this place and destroy the merchandise.  These Green Goblins certainly don't seem like honorable characters, so I'm not feeling too bad about doing this.  And there's a chance I might get some tech out of it too.  But do you know that your employers are any better?  The Green Goblins are two bit.  Are we furthering the aims of someone more dangerous?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-19-15/2148:09>
The holo image of the Mechanic stood still for a few moments, and Firefly may have started to wonder if the projection had frozen up.  But, Arc did speak, slowly and flatly without any sign of misdirection.

"...I ain't gonna lie to you, ken.  I don't wonder if the hoops paying me out for this job be dangerous.  I know they are.  Lemme level with you, because I think you can handle this drek.  This place hiring me, the Stardust?  They bad news.  Dealing and hollering on the surface, but they up to some hard drek beneath, ya heard?  Peeps going missing, including a couple I know personally from the blood mage incident.  They much more dangerous, word..."

She paused again, giving a moment to let her process the info before giving a small smile of reassurance.  "I know what you thinking.  But let me tell you that I'm working for them for a reason.  It's my way in.  They my real goal.  I do this, they let me in to bigger drek and more opportunity to find those they took.  The lab blowup?  that's their goal.  the sample?  That's for me and mine working on it.  The safe and the tech?  Bonus money, sight?  They won't screw me too...They think I desperate for some cred, and the part owner working with me knows me from before that's why.  I'm telling you this because I feeli  can trust you, eh girly?  You got talent, and if this job goes right and you're up to some hero drek and bigger cred, guess who 'll have a place, aight?"


She paused, remembering the dossiers and Marco's plan. Pulling up and copying the files of the green Goblin members, she attached them to a comm message to Marco.

@Marco:  arc here.  Think you're gonna want what's attached.  Word up.

With that, Arc returned her attention to Firefly, sizing up her reaction, wondering if she said too much and sscared her off...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-20-15/0246:16>
Yelena is focusing on the information provided to her in the knife.  Dates, names, places; so much is here.  It is if she has been provided with dossiers on targets.  She looks carefully, but does not see anything relating to a time table, but feels sure that if there is one, it will be communicated to her.  Many of these must be new members of Tsina Molovna's new gang as she does not recognize them, except for two faces:  Tsina Molovna and Viktor Jelkovich.  These she knew well and just seeing the faces sends her mind back.

That she did not recognize the other faces is not surprising as life in the Vory is anything but safe and most of the people she is looking at are young.  Fortunately for organizations like the Vory, there is no shortage of willing recruits.  Young men and women who are already put down by the state will do almost anything to get out of whatever sprawl they are living in, and the Vory gives most of them something they have never had before - family.  There are poser groups calling themselves Vory, but the real Bratvas are true families, with the leadership filling the roles of parents and uncles, and the soldiers all brothers and sisters to each other.  For many, this is the only family they will ever know and it breeds a type of loyalty that other organized crime groups could only wish they had.  The Vory codes are tattooed on Yelena's upper arms, scrolling around them and spelling out just what it means to be true Vory.  The right arm bears words that translate to "Honor and duty will guide and lead me in every aspect of my life", while the one on the left arm reads, "The Vory is my family and will feed, clothe, and succor me in all my trials.  The Vory is everything I have or am."  Yelena had believed that with all her heart.  All of it.  And despite herself, she finds that she still does.  Obeying the commands of the Vory had taken her to a very dark part of the shadows, but it only added to the things she had done, the many people she had slaughtered just for being human.  Her already dark soul had yearned for what the Vory offered and had leapt at the chance to become part of a family.

And Yelena had been part of two Vory families.  Her first was the Bratva in the hell that was Karibor Prison.  Officially designated as Gulag 27, the prison was infamous for being the repository of "undesirables", a term that loosely translated to anyone dangerous enough to keep locked up but for whom the Russian state did not want to waste a bullet.  And for the most part, the prison did the work for them, culling out the weak and unprepared.  Yelena Petrovna had already killed many times, far more than what had been listed in her charging documents, and resolved early on that she would survive.  And survive she had, sleeping and killing her way to the most brutal gang in the prison.  She had thrived there for ten long and brutal years before a prison riot brought everything to an end.  Most of her Vory family had been killed or dispersed in the riot and mass escape.  She had made her way to Moscow, and had been allowed to enter one of the five Bratvas that managed crime in the capital city of the Russian state.  She had passed the rituals and tests and had been accepted.  She can still remember her first day after being fully accepted.  A tall woman had approached her, asking if she had time for a drink.  Yelena knew that this woman was Tsina Molovna, the mistress of the Bratva boss and arguably the most influential person in the small family.  She knew that the smallest desire of this woman must be obeyed or risk the anger of the boss.

Over the course of several shots of good vodka, Tsina had made it clear that no upstart Keeb was going to advance in her family without towing the line.  In this case, one facet of towing the line meant pleasing Tsina Molovna sexually.  Tsina proved to be a very twisted woman, and her sexual mores and appetite were very much on the kinky side.  She was a sadist in every meaning of the word and drug Yelena through every crazed fantasy she could think of.  And Yelena was good to her and made an impression on the woman, leading to a huge error in judgment.  Once Tsina was satisfied that Yelena knew her way around the bedroom, she invited her to participate in group sex with Boris Yavolovich Vestek, her lover and the Bratva boss.  The two used Yelena in every way possible, working out their crazed desires on her body.  Yelena, being a survivor over all other considerations, made the best of things.  After all, the Vory was still family.  Unfortunately for Tsina, Yelena did too good a job.  After three years of this life, Boris replaced Tsina with Yelena, explaining that he wanted someone who was not getting older.  Tsina had appeared to accept the demotion, especially as her presence was still demanded for group sex sessions.

But the woman harbored a deep hatred for Boris, but even more for Yelena Petrovna.  She secretly conspired with rogue criminal elements, some of them Vory, to toss over Boris and create a new Bratva with Tsina as boss.  She provided security codes and gave access and weapons to these traitors and staged her coup when a successful mission afforded her the opportunity she was looking for.  Boris had declared a huge bonus to be divided up among the Bratva members, even providing an ocean of vodka, a veritable pharmacy of drugs, and several prostitutes for a party.  When the festivities were in full swing, Tsina signaled her men and they entered the Bratva safe house.  The slaughter was predictable.  The family had no real chance with the loyal security drunk or drugged and Tsina moved through the house like an avenging demon.  The men of the Bratva that she had coopted were spared, but no one else lived.  Yelena, roused from a stupor by some instinct, had managed to arm herself, killing three attackers before being subdued.  Tsina had walked up to Boris Yavolovich and injected him with some sort of paralytic drug before slicing him open and leaving him to look at his organs spilling onto the floor as he died.  She had Yelena savagely beaten before being dragged to every room of the house, showing her the bodies of her dead family while yelling at her, telling her this was all her fault.  That none of this would have happened if Yelena had obeyed the rules and stayed away from Boris.  Then Tsina led her to a special room where Yelena saw five of the members of her Bratva badly wounded yet alive.  Tsina motioned to a man Yelena recognized as Viktor Jelenkovich Masurovski, one of the Bratva that had been loyal to Boris, but had secretly been seduced by Tsina.  She called him traitor and spit at him, but all she got for her efforts was another beating.  Helplessly, she watched as Viktor poured fuel oil on the five men before turning to Tsina, who grinned wolfishly as she nodded.  Viktor grinned back and tossed a lit cigarette on the men.  Yelena would carry that image with her for the rest of her life.  To their credit, not one of the doomed men begged for mercy, instead cursing the traitors until the flames forced screams from their mouths. 

Yelena expected to be tossed onto the living pyre, but Tsina had a more personal fate planned for her.  She had Yelena dragged outside the now burning house and tossed into the trunk of a car.  She was taken to the banks of the near frozen Moskva, where Tsina had her men hold the Keeb assassin up as she aimed and shot Yelena three times.  Each shot penetrated Yelena's chest in the vicinity of the heart and any one of them should have killed her.  Tsina blithely waved a hand and her men dropped Yelena into the river.  End of story as Yelena died from the wounds to her heart and the freezing temperature of the water.  Yelena should have died , but she did not die.  Call it what you will, but something saved her.  Yelena is convinced that it was the shadows that reached out to her, healing her and keeping her alive even as she floated under the ice.  She surfaced and came to rest on a section of deserted river front, where she was found and taken to a place of safety where she was allowed to heal and rest.  Her saviors would never tell her who they were nor would they let her tell them who she was.  They seemed to know she was of the shadows and that was enough for them.  Dead to the Vory and everyone else, Yelena left Moscow and traveled to Eastern Greater Europe to begin a new life.

Yelena shakes herself back to the present and looks carefully at the two faces she recognizes.  There is no punishment great or sadistic enough for these two traitors.  They had abandoned every Vory ideal.  That they have apparently both survived this long is a testament to their skill, something that should not be discounted as Yelena hunts them.  Especially if the likes of Nkiolai Fyodorovich had not caught up to them.  But the information is enough to whet her appetite for more.  She pores over the what the knife has given up before setting it aside for a moment.  She looks up at her Srui, wondering if her blood sister would forgive her past if she knew, or would forgive her for what she was going to do to the people on the list she had been given.  Arc deserves the truth and Yelena resolves to provide that to her, but not here and not to a hologram.

She gives Arc an appraising look,, but cannot bring herself to speak just yet.  She listens as Arc tells the new kid what is going on.  She nods her support of that; after all, these people will be risking their lives and should know what the stakes are.  Her right hand is clenched on the haft of the dagger, pressing so hard that her knuckles are white, but she uses her left to give Arc a thumbs up acceptance of her statements to Firefly and Bootstrap.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-20-15/0528:08>
Two rabbits are playing in the fields racing each other. A white rabbit called Lady and a black one called Blackie. There are two very young siblings running with them. No more than three or four years old. This is Marco’s earliest memory. The rabbits are dolls and Melania plays with the black rabbit called Blackie and Marco with a white female rabbit called Lady.  Even at such a young age, Marco was somewhat feminine. It was a perfect day, in a vineyard with his sister. Nothing to anticipate that their parents are going betray him very soon.

"How could I forget that? and what triggered that memory right now?" thought Marco.  It was Ginny, sitting in the corner of the room, hugging her legs and crying as if desperately trying to just vanish. The image is familiar, Marco could remember himself sitting barefeet on the cold medieval stones and crying, he did so every night for a few months until he adjusted. He was completely disconnected from his family, his old life were no more. Vanished in some dark deal. Despite his refusal to accept that new situation, even many years after, as time progressed his old life became nothing more than a fantasy. Marco was afraid to admit it, but he would not recognize his own parents. He did not remember their faces, and would probobly not recognize his own sister Melania.   

Marco still writes his family, one letter every week. However, this communication is one sided and Marco never received any reply, not once in 15 years. It is blind irrational faith that keeps him going.  Even now,  every week where he send his super secret communication and receives no reply he is still disappointed. “Why couldn’t they love me? How could they just give up? Have they ever moved on?” Marco have spent many waking hours trying to answer these questions, usually as he was curled up in some dark corner of the monastery wishing he could just cease to be.

Marco often wondered if there is any place for him in this world. He was a gentle soul, incapable of harming another even to save his own life. Was there any place for him in a world full of cruelty, torture and violence? Can anyone even believe him that he is like that? That seeing Ginny in such pain is almost unbearable for him?

At this particular moment Marco is the cruel one.  He is pushing Ginny away for him  and cannot even fully understand why.  In a way Yelena is easier as she is impossible and therefore less threatening. She’s been through a lot and perhaps nothing can really corrupt her. Marco can just be what he is not worrying about destroying her. Her evil is greater and if any she is the one that can destroy him.   

Ginny seemed different, she was quick to form attachments, and did so forcefully like a drowning man to a lifeboat. It was intimidating, as Marco have seen how true passion can quickly become anger and violence. His priest friends were common to feel that way after they climaxed.  Marco was always full of good intentions. It did not prevent them to beat him senselessly and Marco just froze and was unable to defend himself.

Perhaps Christianity was right to call Agrat evil, she did cause people to lose anything in the temptation of the moment she took anything from them for a moment of passion, of true happiness. But if Agrat was evil, Marco was exactly the same kind of evil. A temptation that corrupts the righteous and make them forget god and everything good in their life. Just for the passion, for the excitement and satisfaction it could grant them. Sure, Marco was not nearly as powerful, but the similarities shocked him. Perhaps he was a demon and like all demons he was doomed to do evil.

Ginny did not love him, she thought she did. But she needed him for her own satisfaction, because Marco could make her scream in passion. She desired him like an addict desires his next dose. Like a bliss-head, she was Marco-head and her extreme emotional response to what should have been good news, just reassured Marco.  In less than 24 hours he had a money for a month or perhaps two months of rent. He bought Ginny time that could give her the opportunity to lift her head above water and search for a real job. Rather than illegal shadow bullshit. Ginny could do something good and inspiring with her life but Instead she wanted to whore herself for money. 

She already risked her life for a new bar and a lamp.  A bar Marco really liked and losing it was very difficult. Still it was a bar and not worth going into a crime scene to replace.  Ginny was out of control already, first prostitution then burglary, she did not steal that money to eat or to have a place of her own. Not even to return home to her dad like she suggested. She stole for Marco and it broke his heart as he understood that he has already corrupted her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-20-15/1044:31>
Wow...  This is some deep stuff.

But what Arc is telling me makes sense.  In Renraku terms, you have to spend nuyen to make nuyen.  We're investing up front to get dividends later.

And there I go saying "we" already.

Still, what if people get hurt as we work our way in?  These Green Goblins will be no loss to the world, but the next job may be different.  Just because they'll almost certainly be kafir doesn't mean I should be helping to kill those who don't deserve it.  But if the Stardust are as evil as Arc says, and I believe she believes so, then the price to take them down might find the Prophet's Blessing.

And wasn't I prepared to kill if ordered by my corporate leaders at Renraku?  Haven't I killed, or at least endangered, based on nothing more than an order?

It was so much easier when ethics and morality was left in the hands of my supervisors. 

Daddy, why didn't we talk about this stuff before you gored yourself?  I miss you so...

"I'm not really worried about the Green Goblins.  Everything I have learned about them tells me they're no loss to the world."  I can feel myself trembling in unease as I press on.  "But what about the next job?  Maybe it won't be so clear cut then.  You really think the Stardust are so bad that it justifies killing innocents along the way to take them down?"

There, I said it.  Will I lose her respect now?  But if I said nothing, I would not have Allah's.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-20-15/1144:46>
Yelena listens to the young girl's question then stands to go to her and speaks almost without thinking.  "Wake up decker girl.  Look where are.  Not fancy life.  Not fancy school.  Is Barrens.  Is street.  Is shadows.  Unless decker girl lie she is part of Barrens now.  Club men evil.  Make drugs.  Give and sell drugs to children.  Use addicts for crimes.  Kidnap people and kill people.  Need stop club men.  Yes people die.  Some innocent.  But more innocent die if not stop."

Yelena reaches out to take the Firefly's hands in her own and turns them over.  "Not Barrens hands.  Soft hands.  If run away from home for excitement of street life then go back home.  Street and shadow eat alive.  Only strong and desperate survive in shadows.  Decker girl has good skill.  But will die on streets if not hard.  Decker girl cannot save all people.  But can help save many.  Help Arc.  Help Yelena.  We teach life in shadows. You teach deck.  You teach mojo slinging.  Young people on street need chance live.  Can help or can go home.  Decker girl make choice.  All in or fold."

She drops the girl's hands and waits to see if she has judged the decker wrong.  She hopes that the girl will bristle and fight back, but is prepared to see her run from the room and never come back.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-20-15/1330:37>
Arc's expression was, again, unwavering as she sized up the girl.  Her reaction was a good one...it fit someone her age, and someone with a decent heart, yeah.  And if Yelena's observations are right....she's in a whole different world.   The rigger's mind drifted back to her own youth, fresh in the Howlers, everything she knew in life changing to fit a cruel and unforgiving world.  She couldn't help but relate, but Yelena was right.  She was harsh, but she was right.

Looking up, the human projection spotted the shaking and signs of an emotional response, the teen looking almost ready to burst.  Had she been there physically, she would have a show of trust to give..unfortunately that idea cannot happen.  Sighing a little, she held up a hand to keep Yelena at bay before leaning forward, staring directly at the little Firefly.

"Look, I know this ain't no black and white operation, oma-e.  But this be the hand we been dealt.  Razorgirl is right: these hoops are committing an evil that needs to stop, and I'll be damned if I sit by and let that happen, ya heard?  When I commit to something..."  At this point the projection held out her right arm forward, the mechanical cybernetics still present in the image.  "You can bet your skinny hoop I commit to it."

"I know this ain't your fight.  Don't think I'm tryna force anythin' on you, Firefly.  What I'm sayin' is that after this op, we may need your help again.  This time not to off some two-bits, but to stop someone from playing with lives that ain't theirs to play with, ya feelin' me?"


Giving another pause, the girl rubbed at her temples.  "There's another thing, another detail that might be of interest...tch....and somethin ain't none of us can figure out the how's of.  This drug that they making..the Stardust, and likely the Goblins...it's mojo-infused for a time, we know that much.  But here's the catch...caught someone when I visited the club a while back, and wouldn't ya know that a hoop who was usin' started to generate Trix noise.  On top of that, they seem to cause skin to go glass like or some drek, and some control drek goes in there too.  That's why I want that sample tomorrow...you feeling me?"

She pulled away a bit, giving pause to let all the stuff digest.  At that age, Arc would have needed that moment anyway, but this definitely felt like the make-it or break-it moment.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-20-15/1355:22>
He tells bootstrap send me pictures of their guards and try to understand their schedule. I have some thing I need to fix right now.  I'll go over the pictures, the videos the background checks anything.


Marco opens the door and enter Ginnys room . . . .Is my friendship worth nothing unless we sleep together? Am I nothing but a good fuck for you?

@ Marco. Bootstrap brightens and says. "I can make them for you!" "Not just a pic! Them! I can illusion them and show you how they walk and talk and kiss 'n everything!" And then realizing what he'd just said he turns beet red and tries hard not to look at Subaru.

@Marco Marcos words shock Ginny to her core.  FRIENDSHIP! FRIENDSHIP! After everything he wants to be FRIENDS! And now he's accusing her of just wanting him for A FUCK! DAMN HIM! She's so mad she can't even think she just acts, jumping up and springing forward him her arm in motion of its own volition. She swings and slaps him so hard he's knocked sideways. "DAMN YOU!" She screams. DAMN YOU TO HELL!" She grabs her purse and runs out the door, noteven remembering her shoes in her wish to get away.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-20-15/1359:36>
Yelena steps back and lets the Arc image talk.  The decker girl is going to be helping in some hard things and Yelena wants her to at least be aware that things here are not black and white.  She hopes the girl stays, but if she runs back to her rich mommy and daddy?  Well, Yelena can take that as well.  The streets are no place for the timid and fun-seeking type and it is better to get that into the open now than have the girl run at a critical point.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-20-15/1517:12>
I feel completely hurt when Ginny slaps me, another person that thinks that she can own my sexuality. I have gone out of my way to help her, but she does not want my help, she wants me. Well - she can't have me.

I am not some token to be given out of pitty. Nor am I a prize to be won. My sexuality is my own and I will sleep with whoever I want. If any I only did good to her yesterday and she was screaming approval. I do not deserve this kind of treatment.  Living with a woman you are involved with is a step of relationship and commitment, a step out of love not a comfortable living arrangement not when we have the money. She should have seen that one coming once she slept with me, I will not be bribed with sex. Not even with amazing blowjob in the shower, I am not wired that way. If she want me she have to find the way to connect with me other than sex.

Yet, she seems very upset and who knows what kind of troubles she might be in. Perhaps even the KE will be after her now that she broke into a crime scene. How rude was that to GO TO MY HOUSE after doing it. Didn't she think about my own safety?  Nevermind that, the only thing important is to keep her safe, this is why I bounded with her to help.

I summon a demon and my aggressive will shape the demon this time I am a demon myself. "Go after Ginny and protect her  Make your self known to her and try to comfort her if she freaks out. Tell her that the keys are at the neighbors and she is still welcome to sleep here."

Okay that will have to do it, I should have rented her an hotel room and never sleep with her. Damn me and my sex drive. I always mess up - why did I even do it, she is not that stunning or seductive. I was horny and wanted satisfaction perhaps I am evil.

I ask the delivery men to arrive tomorrow and enter the shower again as they leave. Cooling my head, clearing it. I cannot afford to think about Ginny now, I got a job to do and there are no excuses - it is bad enough that I tried to reschedule so I can talk to her and set our expectations right. You shouldn't be hitting people no matter what happened last night... out of all the people in the world I had to pick the one that would turn violent and obsessive.

Not thinking about her... Thinking about Tina, becoming Tina. Dressing the part and thinking the part, Tina is exciting a party animal she loves singing and dancing.  At 17:30 I am ready,  my limo is waiting at the parking lot. I leave my keys at the next door neighbors - they know about me and approve. Well they think I am a lost soul but they like me - this is as close to approval as I'll ever get.

Nobody can accept what I am, I am not going to live with a woman after one good night of passion. She had no right to expect any different from me, I was a lot kinder than any other man she could possibly meet. If only Ginny had realistic expectations out of life.  Thinking about her again dammit... Now I really have to stop I have a full night of partying and there is a spirit after her I just wish she will be safe.  On the way out I text Arc >> Can you schedule me a meeting with this bootstrap fellow? he seems helpful. Tomorrow morning I will come where ever he wants.


 [spoiler]
Summon F5 Spirit of man (http://orokos.com/roll/327197): 12d6t5 5
spirit defense (http://orokos.com/roll/327198): 5d6t5 1
drain resistance
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/327199): 11d6t5 2
No drain and 4 services.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-20-15/2002:55>
Fancy life?  Fancy school?  Go home?

To where?

Yelena's accusations would have knocked me down had I been standing. The passion with which the elf makes her point terrifies me. I can barely hold myself from running. Tears streak down from the corner of my eyes and my shame deepens.

Am I just a thrill seeker?  Running after childish phantoms of excitement?  Have I been just dreaming of my books?

Just what has she been through?  Am I up to it living like her?  Can I learn to be hard?  Is she right?

But how dare she!

I feel my fists ball. In this moment I don't know if I want to flee or deck that tall bitch.

Strangely enough it is the look in Bootstrap's eyes more than Arc's words that tip the scale.  I can see the boy at war with himself. Wanting to come to my defense yet terrified to defy this pointy eared angel of death. 

If I let her bully me, where does that leave my team? If I break, will this woman ever show a child respect? Are Lexi's dreams hanging on my response?

Briefly I close my eyes. There is no God but Allah and Mohamed is His prophet.  I am a Believer. A child of the one true God. Blessed with His mercy and the gift of of His might.

Whatever this woman has done. However much I can learn from her. She has no power over me.

Allah is all.

I open my eyes and lock my stare on the violet orbs menacing me.

"Wherever I have come from, the barrens are my home now. My life is worth no more than my organs if I don't have four thousand nuyen to pay the Yak every month. Yes I went to a fancy school and know many, many things. But that don't mean drek if I can't pay interest.

"You're right, Razorgirl. I don't fit in here. I wasn't born to the shadows and three months ago never imagined I'd be here. But that was before I died. Yes 紫目悪魔, I'm already dead. I have nothing else to lose."

I'm scared to stand up but even more scared to back down. I steel myself and rise before the intimidating visage with indecipherable eyes. I stand before her with all the courage I can muster in my 160 centimeters...every centimeter desperately trying not to wet itself.

"I'm ready to learn if you'll teach me. I'm soft. I know that. I am your humble student. Make me hard, sensei."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-20-15/2114:05>
Yelena listens to the young girl and looks at her closely, her eyes unwavering in the face of the decker's defiance.  She notes the balled fists and the jut of the chin as well as the fire in the eyes.  She shakes her head and says softly.  "Decker girl wrong.  Firefly fit in if want.  Am Yelena Petrovna.  Yelena believe in shadow.  Shadows will protect and heal if accept.  Decker girl make sure want.  Not for everyone.  Many die chasing shadow.  If live, shadow change people.  Will change you.  Yelena teach if decker girl want."

She steps back and looks at Arc's image.  "Decker girl work out fine.  If live." 

She winks at her Srui where the girl cannot see and goes back to her seat to look at the documents.  She sends a note of to her fixer.  >>Virtual Goddess.  Is Wanderer.  Was give data for possible contracts.  No talk of pay yet.  Is personal.  Wanderer tag two on file.  These betray and kill Wanderer long ago.  Wanderer not know others.  No contract offer yet.  Wanderer contact man give file.  See if contract.  Virtual Goddess look file.  Wanderer wait.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-20-15/2359:53>
Arc took a step towards the pair, almost forgetting her virtual status as she moved as if to interject herself between the two ladies, anticipating an altercation of sort.  But, after a single step, the barbarian mechanic stopped herself, the younger decker mage rising up to the challenge, staring up at the taller Russian with that look.  That right there is what interested Arc the most.

...that's fear.  Suppressed fear.  That's me.  A couple years younger, but frag all if that was me  Shaking her head and crossing her arms back under her bust, the rigger adopted a small grin as she placed a virtual hand on the young girl's shoulder, nodding to the keeb.   "She'll live.  You see it as well as I do, Srui.  She's not one to just lay down and let life take her by the slot"  A little vulgar, but it got the point across as Arc glanced at the girl, her confident smirk giving reassurance.

"Few ever are born in the shadows, girly.  The rest of us that get thrown with it got two choices: get chewed up by that which goes in the dark, or rise up and make your place in em.  You got the heart, I can see that.  You stick with us, and I give you my word as a Howler, as a human and as a decent being, that taking part with us will keep you above that 4K line ya need, and keep you in a way to do that, ya heard?"

After a pause, she glanced up at Yelena, wondering if she had any more to cover tonight...it was likely clear that Arc's time was close to wrapping up.  Glancing back at Firefly, she made a gesture to where she spotted her deck.  "I'ma get in touch with you and Rabbit about when we're going down with this deal.  Think you can swing by in the afternoon an hour or so before dark and we'll see about tuning that baby up a beat?"  She gave a wink and a thumbs up, waiting for her and/or Yelena to respond.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-21-15/0005:04>
Yelena looks at Firefly.  "So decker girl in?  Take lives. Save more lives.  Learn to live shadows?"

Yelena waits for the answer, then continues.  "Arc leave soon for rigger man.  Yelena want help dressing.  Decker girl stay to help?  Or have other thing to do?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-21-15/1239:01>
@ Yelena Virtual Goddess responds a fewminutes later, >>Revenge is a very poor contract. People get sloppy and then they get dead. I will check the data for you because I'm a professional. I expect the same from you. I can tell you right now the woman has a 100k¥ price tag. More if you can provide proof of suffering.<<

When Yelena goes to her room later after the meet is done the smell of cigarettes and vodka tells her that Nicolai is already there. He's lounging on the bed. He's relaxed for him. Meaning hrs cleaning his weapons. They take up most of the bed, custom pieces all, he'd taught her more about weapons than anyone. Before Nicolai she'd been talented with a gun. After Nicolai she'd been a assassin. He looks up and says, "Мы уезжаем в конце месяца, чтобы убить их."

[spoiler]"We leave in the end of month to kill them."[/spoiler]

@ Arc  When you wake up and move something falls off your forehead. When you look around it's the burned out EPS. And Henri & Jaime are smirking. And then they both burst out laughing at the look on your face. The rest of the afternoon every time they look at you they both smirk. And the first time you catch site of yourself you know why. The fraggers hadn't been content to just put it on your forehead and leave it at that. No, they'd obviously painted it wit summat as your forehead had a fancy little Z Z Z z  on it.

@ Marco  When you meet the doctor he smiles at you and says, "Ahhh, Marco sweetie, Gina would have been acceptable. but, I'm glad it's you." He's already had a few drinks and at least one party favor.

@ Subaru  Lexi contacts you, >>Shut tight, need Renge & Bootstrap.<<

@ Blake  It's a long day at the office. You can tell you did not earn pixie points for all the days you called off to look for Stewart.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-21-15/1831:49>
It worked!

In my relief that I wasn't thrown out on my hoop, or worse, I forgot my knees were jelly and barely managed to drop with some dignity into the sofa behind me.

"I do hear, Met...'I mean Arc," I assure the rigger before looking back and forth to both women.  "And yes, I will definitely be here tomorrow afternoon to make sure I'm ready to help however i can in whatever goes down tomorrow."

I'm still connected to my Erika and note Lexi's request to give her a hand, but at the same time my newest teacher is asking me...to help her dress?!?  In a quandary I reason that dressing Yelena can't take more than half an hour.  Whatever Lexi has going down a little delay can't possibly cause any harm.  This opportunity to learn more about the Russian enigma simply cannot be passed up.  And anyway, despite my Islamic faith, I am Japanese.  The duty of a student to teacher is sacred to my people.

"I need to check in with Lexi...I mean Rabbit...in a bit, but I can hang around long enough to help you get ready.  It'll be nice to touch nice clothes again.  It's been...a while..." I share wistfully.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-22-15/0101:36>
Yelena smiles at the carefully worded warning and replies.  >>Virtual Goddess.  Is Wanderer.  Wanderer said personal, not revenge.  Is different.  Wanderer professional, not early amateur.  Send data for research.  Wanderer look for contract.  Let Virtual Goddess know.<<

She nods at Firefly and heads to the living area with her.  She is already pulling her shirt over her head when she stops at the door.  From behind, the decker can see a very large tattoo of a tree on Yelena's back.  The twisted trunk starts at the small of her back and reaches up to her neck, with the top just poking into her hairline.  There are many branches extending from the trunk, some of the lower and larger ones reaching to her sides.  The detail of the artwork is phenomenal, but a close look will reveal that it is likely the work of several artists over time, although each new tattooist tried hard to meld their portion into the whole to make it appear seamless.  The tree would be beautiful if it were not dead and barren of any foliage.  Instead, small skulls drop from the branches on metal chains.  There is some variance in the length of the chains as some of them extend below the next branch down and some are short, and the skulls are of different sizes as well.  The overall effect is not entirely symmetrical and is rather eerie.  An observer would have to be dedicated in counting the hanging skulls as there are many, over four hundred in all.  Additionally, there is a large pile of skulls on the ground on each side of the tree trunk, and it appears that several have rolled away from the piles to litter the ground out to both sides.  A close observer will notice rats frolicking amid some of these separated skulls and a pair of serpents winding through a couple of those on the piles.  On close inspection, what appears to be shading in the background is actually a host of humanoid shapes just beyond the tree; some small and others large although it is impossible to make out any details except for one small girl, who stands near the center of the crowd.  The girl stands a bit forward of the other shadows and one can make out certain details, including her eyes.  The entire scene is the only tattoo on Yelena's back, but is an impressive work of art.

Yelena puts an arm behind her to stop the girl, then turns to face her.  Besides the obvious female attributes, Firefly sees another large tat and a number of smaller ones.  On her left breast is a sunburst with ten ornate rays reaching out from the central orb.  There are some Cyrillic letters and the number 27 above the lettering and 2034 below it on the orb and each ray has a four digit number.  The sequence would indicate that these are years, the earliest with the number 2035.  Other tats cover her chest, but nothing comes closer than perhaps two inches from the sunburst and there is enough empty skin directly below the sunburst to have inked in another of the same type and size.  Firefly would also be better able to see the arm tats.  Both upper arms have what appears to be scrollwork that circles the arm.  Cyrillic lettering fills the scrolls.  The right shoulder bears a very nice rendition of a Chinese dragon and the left a large black rose.  Mixed among the tats are various scars from bullet and knife wounds.  Prevalent among these are three large puckered scars on her chest near her heart.

Yelena's violet eyes take on a glint that might be a reflection of the light in the garage, but her voice definitely has a steely edge to it.  Firefly might notice that the Keeb's hand has dropped to the butt of her holstered pistol.  "Decker girl went room.  See man?  Man touch Firefly?  Man hurt Firefly?  Man dangerous.  Firefly understand?"  Yelena waits for the girl's responses.  "Good.  Plan change.  Yelena dress later.  Decker girl go Rabbit.  Yelena see tomorrow.  Sorry."

Yelena waits to see if the girl leaves before doing anything else.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-22-15/0130:35>
"Wiz bang, Firefly. I'll look forward to it, and to see what kinda tech you sporting in meatspace this time around.  Anyhow, sure my Vruk is pinin' away waitin' for me.  Yelena...you give me a buzz when ya home safe, got it Srui?  Good luck tonight.."   Shooting the both of them a salute, the projection gave a smirk and a wink before disappearing from view, the rigger's consciousness flying through the Matrix and back to her meat body.  ll the while, her thoughts were on her team, on the mission, on the new decker who may yet be a runner with their cause, and with her blood sister who was about to engage in every temptation Arc knew she was fighting, and then some.  Maybe for the best that it didn't take long to jack out...

@ Arc  When you wake up and move something falls off your forehead. When you look around it's the burned out EPS. And Henri & Jaime are smirking. And then they both burst out laughing at the look on your face. The rest of the afternoon every time they look at you they both smirk. And the first time you catch site of yourself you know why. The fraggers hadn't been content to just put it on your forehead and leave it at that. No, they'd obviously painted it wit summat as your forehead had a fancy little Z Z Z z  on it.

"Huhwa...huh..."  The clunk of something heavy and metallic against her stomach jolted her from her seemingly comatose state as Arc focused her cybereyes to see her Vrukart and Srui'kart lar smiling at her.  Deviously.  Scratching her head, she eyed the two of them as her cyberhand picked up the offending thing on her gut...the EPS that fried...the faint scent of ozone was obvious.  "The frag...?  The hell you two hoops doin', playing fraggin' Jenga on my noodle?"  Grinning, she set the thing down before giving each of them a light punch, joining innocently in their merriment and joshings as they returned to their work.

But they wouldn't stop laughing.  It wasn't that funny..  Confused, Arc tried to brush it off as the trio tried again to slap their experiment together, taking greater care to avoid the same mistakes they had made earlier.  Glancing over to Jaime, Arc was relieved that he did not seem upset that she had taken the time to make her meeting.  Maybe it was because I could have left in meatspace and ended our day together...heh.  Nah, this worked.   The man had caught Arc glancing at him, and burst out into guffaws much to the rigger's confusion, but she tried to shake it off, content with flicking a rubber band at the man in mild impudence.

It wasn't until Henri's daughters Angelica and Maya came home from school that Arc learned the deep hidden truth of the men's schemes, the two orkette children rushing in to say their hellos, excited that their uncle and aunt (Holy drek, AUNT?!) were over to visit and hitting each of them with a fullbody hug.  Babbling and chatting up a storm, they both took turns glancing at the mechanic with the cybernetic arm and busted out laughing, little Maya almost in tears from the ordeal.  "Wha, why are you..."  And then she saw it, reflecting off a piece of sheet metal...

Her reflection, with Zzz's painted all over her forehead.

"...oh, you're dead!"  A grin plastered on her face, Arc grabbed a grease pen next to her and practically tore the cap off, holding it in front of her as she advanced on the men, who amidst their riotous laughter had retreated behind their contraption.  Several minutes of chases, near accidents, and a few shrieks of excitement from the girls later, it was Bettina who called the truce, fists resting on her motherly hips as her stern expression caused the shenanigans to grind to a screeching halt.

"Dinner's on in a half hour, and I will be thrice darned if I'm going to let a bunch of yahoos that act younger than my children have cake if they keep this up.  Are you three about done with your project?  Because I think it's about time we call it a day, huh?  Girls, wash up, you can visit your Tary'kart and 'ken in a bit"  Some protests were made from all parties, but no one dared openly defy the matriarch of the household, the girls retreating to wash up, leaving the three tinkerers to wrap up their stuff.

As they surveyed their mostly finished work, Arc couldn't help but lean against Jaime, her head against his arm as she gave a little smile.  "...thanks for today.  It was...nice..."  a little tear started to fall down her cheek, the thought of having a (mostly) full day of doing something simple...something safe, light, and without worry...almost too overwhelming for her...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-22-15/0245:41>
That bitch that thinks I am hers after just one night... she could never handle this date. I hope she’s safe.  Tina smiles and says “Its Ginny, but it was a one time thing a favor for your guest.”  It may be a bit surprising at first but Marco does not excessively drink or do drugs while working. He is not improvising and take great care of every minute facial expression and every word that he say. He need to be in complete control if he wants to move up in this world. Control that he is not going to give up so easily even if it presumably for a good cause like taking down the Sturdust.

Yet, Marco is confident and loud and can do almost anything while still in control, from table dancing to karaoke singing or to saying the most outrageous things. In fact Marco likes to upset people a little bit, it makes the emotional movement more challenging and when he get their emotion to what he wants it seems more rewarding to them as well. With Ginny he actually spoke his mind and his real thoughts got her bolting barefoot out of the apartment. Nobody likes Marco, they all just like this image he builds around himself. They all like how Marco can make them feel. What Ginny described was exactly why his clients had him. He makes them feel alive. His presence do that to people. His real emotions? Nobody wants to hear about them, not even Yelena.

The night moved on greatly and Marco expertly did his job, not thinking about anything else in the world. It was almost morning when he got dressed and left the doctor's luxurious apartment. A divorcee, three children he has no real connection with. That piece of information was golden, perhaps there was more to his nature than first meets the eye.   Marco sighs. Ginny? She had her demon to look after her. He was a manifestation of Marco’s will to keep her safe but Marco doubted that she was going to slap a demon. He himself would never dare  He hoped that she is safe as he entered his elevator, exhausted and barely walking straight. That was one hell of a night. Just what Marco needed.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-22-15/0355:18>
Yelena sees the frown of uncertainty on the girl's face and is relieved when she nods and turns to move away.  Yelena sees Bootstrap from over Firefly's shoulder, noting his open-mouth stare.  He is standing in the garage, looking at Yelena and Firefly and he gets all red in the face when he realizes that he has been seen.  The deer-in-the-headlights look he gives as he tears his eyes from Yelena's naked chest is precious and almost enough to soften her gaze.  Almost.  She pins him to the wall with her icy stare then gives her head a slight movement as if telling him to leave.  At least that is the way he takes it and bolts for the door.  Yelena softens her glance and her voice as she looks back at the girl.  "Decker girl go friend.  Nice boy.  Not used to Yelena.  Yelena see Firefly tomorrow."

After she is sure that both of the kids have left the garage, she turns back to the door to the living area and enters.  Seeing Nikolai Fyodorovich lounging on the bed sends a wave of pleasure and desire through her body.  The way he baldly admires her bare chest sends tingles to that place between her legs.  His presence evokes vivid memories of yesterday morning's romp.  She smiles at him as she tosses her shirt onto Arc's bed and goes to stand over him, admiring his weapons almost as much as she admires his body, even clothed as it is right now.  But now is not the time to let her body control her.  Yelena has something she needs to say, even if Nikolai Fyodorovich takes it the wrong way.  She gathers her courage to her side, calling on the shadow to give her strength and looks him in the eyes.  "Благодарю вас за не соприкасается с девушкой. На что она носит я полагаю, что она - мусульмане и не молились. Я правильно? Известно, что я ее, и она находится под моей защиты. Она является частью моей семьи здесь. Вам не разрешено ее, или каких-либо других моих малых Bratva, без моего разрешения если они обманывают нас. Я всегда будет Vory. Ничто не может изменить этого. Но я больше не вашей шлюхой Assassin'S Creed. Я многому научился у лучших. От вас. Я от убийства, а не из мести. И не по приказу кого-либо, кто оставил жизнь более чем тридцать один год назад только здесь и сейчас. Вы отказались от меня. В Vory позвольте мне умереть. Я постоянно моей клятвы но Vory остановлен питанием и жильем меня и пусть предатели убить моей семьи. Но я, Елена Солоха, выжила. Я по-прежнему выжить. Я готов сделать это до Tsina и Виктор потому, что они должны знать, что никто не может обманывать Vory и живут. И показать другим, что не произойдет еще раз."

"Меня не будет убивать этих людей, но моя услуги более не бесплатные. Я - не политические интриги. Не просто готовы оружием, которое следует повернуть ослаб на эту жвачку, прогулки на "массу".  Нет, я не совсем уверен в professional и я приму решение, чтобы убить и если его цена. Так, Николай Федорович, скажите мне вашего плана и название цена Елена Солоха. Мы оба Vory и наша жизнь Vory, и по-прежнему есть люди, живущие, помните, что мы сделали в Karibor. Но мы также реалисты и переживших."  She pauses to gauge his reaction.  She has called on the nearly sacred Vory tradition of family and claimed the position of leading her own Bratva and does not know how the man on the bed will take that.

[spoiler]“Thank you for not touching the girl.  By what she wears I would think she is Muslim and was praying.  Am I correct?  Know that I claim her as mine and she is under my protection.  She is part of my family here.  You are not allowed to hurt her, or any of the others of my small Bratva,  without my permission unless they betray us.  I will always be Vory.  Nothing can change that.  But I am no longer your whore assassin.  I learned from the best.  From you.  I make a living from killing, not from vengeance.  And not on the orders of someone who left my life more than thirty-one years ago only to show up here and now.  You abandoned me.  The Vory let me die.  I kept my oaths but the Vory stopped feeding and housing me and let traitors kill my family.  But I, Yelena Petrovna, survived.  I still survive.  I am willing to do this thing to get to Tsina and Viktor because they need to know that no one can betray the Vory and live.  And to show others so it does not happen again.”

“I will kill these people, but my services are no longer free.  I am not a stooge.  Not just a willing weapon to be turned loose on this scum that walks the earth.  No, I am a professional and I decide who to kill and if the price is right.  So, Nikolai Fyodorovich, tell me of your plan and name a price for Yelena Petrovna.  We are both Vory and our lives are Vory, and there are still people living that remember what we did in Karibor.  But we are also realists and survivors.”
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-22-15/1254:36>
The sofa remained my friend throughout the rest of the meeting.  Razorgirl...no Yelena-sensei...sat back down beside me as the group settled the business at hand with the astral form of a mage called Jed and the holo form of the rigger Arc.  Apparently Marco, the mage on the phone (why I have no idea), had business and couldn't stay with us to the end.  He had a very sweet voice and I must admit to being curious what he looks like.  Maybe tomorrow I'll find out.

Bootstrap chose to remain standing against one wall.  He kept looking at me in a way that made me feel self-consciously for my hijab.  Yes, I would have to explain myself to the boy sometime - that I really am modest and not becoming a harlot just because I choose the company of kafir.  I will be sure to return to wearing my abaya like a good Muslim girl and perhaps regain some of his respect.

Once business is done and the astral and matrix presences have left for their meat bodies, Yelena and I proceed toward the room where just a little while earlier I performed prayers.  To my surprise, Yelena-sensei began disrobing even as we approached the door to the room she shares with Arc when the latter is at home.  I feel my face once again on fire in embarrassment, although it seems natural for the kafir elf.  THIS is one practice I will NOT be adopting from my teacher, I resolve.  Before I can think further on her actions, my eyes are drawn to the body art covering her torso.  Before I can focus too much on the intricate detail of the tattoos, she whirls on me, once again in 紫目悪魔 mode.  My eyes dance between her intense eyes and the new artwork now apparent on her ample chest.

Her questions come as a torrent, almost frenzied in her clear concern.  I stumble over my answers, uncertain what she's talking about.  "N..n...no!" I protest.  "I would never be alone with a man!" 

Just what does she think I am!  How can I explain to her there are differences between she and I without losing her respect?

Before I can try to explain, Yelena-sensei's agitation seems to cool, although her hand is on her weapon and doesn't seem to be moving.  I think she's more concerned for me than about me.  I didn't really search the room or anything.  Was there someone in there with me?  Only now do I realize the smell of tobacco smoke.  Yelena hasn't been smoking since my failed attempt to look mature.

Dear Allah, I was in a room alone with a man!

In my confusion and shame, I don't protest at being sent away by Yelena-sensei.  I think it's best she handle this, especially since she seems confident this man is dangerous.  As helpful as I would like to be, and as outraged as I am at this man, this is Yelena's issue to deal with.

I will be more careful in the future when I set up to pray.

I return to the garage where Bootstrap is waiting.  He seems disturbed too, his face nearly as red as mine must be.  He must have very good hearing and is embarrassed for me too.  As if it were possible, my face flushes even more at the thought of what my friend must now think of me.  We depart the garage, making sure to lock up.  The two of us make our way into the night in awkward silence.

[spoiler]紫目悪魔 or murasaki-me akuma means "violet eyed devil".  It's how Subaru now thinks of her new teacher.  And yes, she's called her that to her face once. :-)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-23-15/0115:42>
@ Jed  Mike contacts you, >>I'm on a job. So, no pool tonight. But, I wanted to remind you about Sammy's B-day party next weekend.<< It's more traditional to break the Friday night pool game than to make it. But, Mike loves pool way to much to not make it hen he can. Even if that's only once every other month or so.

@ Marco  When you return to the apartment Ginny isn't there and nothing's been touched

@ Yelena "Da" is Nico's reply.

@ Arc  The meal is once again generous and filled with the girls mile-a-minute chatter and Henri, Bettina and Jaime ask questions and laugh with the girls.



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-23-15/1036:26>
Yelena nods at the acceptance and motions with her hands to the weapons on the bed, then kneels to look at them closely.  She puts her hand on a knife and carefully picks it up.  Looking at Nikolai over the blade she dredges several names from her memory and softly calls them out before replacing the knife on the bed.  Yelena repeats this with two more knives and one of the three guns.  Her hand and eyes pass over the rest of the weaponry without comment, placing them to one side.  Standing, she looks down at the man and the weapons on the bed.    "У вас есть несколько новых игрушек, Николай Федорович. Но я помню некоторые из этих."

"Теперь, я за сегодня вечером. Я иду в душ и, возможно, вы можете помочь мне одеваться после".

Yelena slips her jeans off her hips and steps out of them, waiting.  The man does not disappoint, rising from the bed and removing his clothes, exposing his arousal.  He bends over to take up one of his special knives and approaches Yelena, grabbing her by the throat with one hand and pushing her to the wall.  Without a word he pushes into her then pauses, allowing both of them to relish the pleasure of him being inside her.  He removes the hand from Yelena's neck, but she leaves it stretched as Nikolai pulls the razor-sharp blade across her throat, making a thin cut.  He offers her a taste of her blood then licks the remainder from the blade before tossing the knife onto the bed behind him.  He leans forward and licks at her neck as he begins his thrusts, which are matched by her own.  The shared passion is wordless but not soundless.  Nikolai takes her arms in his hands and pins them to the wall above her head as Yelena's sparkling violet eyes meet his and their mouths lock in a passionate kiss.  The pair eventually explode in an animalistic frenzy, panting and leaning against the wall for support.

After a bit of time, the man leads Yelena to the shower where they make good use of the minimal hot water to clean up.  Afterwards, he shows a remarkable gentleness as he helps her step into her dress and fastens it up the side for her.  Then, after gathering up his weapons, he tells her that he will be in touch and leaves.  Yelena walks with him to the door then puts her forehead against it after he is gone.  *Ah, Nikolai Fyodorovich.  Know how show good time.*

Yelena returns to the living area and takes some time to get her hair brushed and apply a minimal amount of makeup.  She tucks the small silk flower into her hair and steps back to see the effect.  Pleased, Yelena nods and picks up her handbag, removing her credsticks and putting all of them in a drawer except for one.  She calls up her bank account and sends a command to transfer 5000 Nuyen to the stick she slots into the port on her arm.  That done, she then commands the account to freeze until noon tomorrow and places 200 Nuyen in cash in the bag.  Finally ready, she smiles at herself and leaves the garage.

[spoiler]“You have some new toys, Nikolai Fyodorovich.  But I do remember some of these.”

“Now, I have to get ready for tonight.  I am going to shower and perhaps you can help me get dressed after.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-23-15/1317:47>
As tired and happy as he was Marco decided to check on Ginny, "Where is she and how she is doing demon?" he mentally asked as he entered his apartment.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-24-15/0129:39>
Enchiladas pollo con chile verde y queso.  Arc had absolutely no fragging idea what all that meant, but all she could conclude is that it was fragging delicious as drek.  More often than not she had caught herself having been posed a question from either Bettina, Henri, or either of the two girls with a mouthful of the cheesy goodness stuffed in her maw, forcing her to either chew quickly or risk choking.  Luckily for her, Jaime was able to step in for a good solid number of the questions, answering for her with a matter of fact smile.

The questions...this family was sure creative with asking them, Tessa not catching any repeats from her first visit.  The whole family was very inquisitive about her...asking if her augmentations hurt, if her work sees any strange cases, what kind of schooling she had before getting a job, and so on and so forth.  The human was very happy to answer them...as much as she was willing to share, at least.

"Ahh....the eyes don't hurt that much at all anymore.  The arm and the rig still itch at the joining points, but Jaime says that's null sweat, and expected."

"Sometimes, yeah, actually.  Ever wondered what happens to a dwarf-sized Honda's roof when a troll tries to squeeze in?  Lemme tell ya, it ain't pretty..."

"Ah...most of my training was on the job.  Always surrounded by engines, so I just sorta picked it up, yknow?"


Arc had to be honest with herself for a lot of those questions, as she wanted to avoid the difficult answers.  Yes, while the eyes don't burn anymore since she was given these alphas, the arm definitely still has some pain to it, and the sensations of the neuroreceptors just aren't the same as real touch.  A lot of her jobs were for gang-related work, and fixing up after such a thing....Bettina may understand the abundance of such a need in the Barrens, but Tessa wouldn't dare bring that up in front of Henri if she had any say in it...and especially not with little ones that were staring at her with wonder and....adoration?

The schooling one hit home a bit...subconsciously she caught herself biting her lip with that answer, as it made her realize just how little education she probably got compared to Henri.  In truth, she didn't doubt that Angelina would surpass her in years of schooling in a couple years or so...a hard fact to swallow, but the mechanic reminded herself of one thing: even without the schooling, she found the skills to cement herself with a modest, legitimate living.

A living that I'm doing aside from running illegal drek for a good cause

She shook herself out of that mindset.  No.   Not here.  Here was Eth, here was family.  The job could wait till tomorrow, a point she reminded herself as she was served a second helping, the questions flurrying and her answers coming back almost as fast.  Angelina and Maya took the lead with questions this time, asking things like what games she used to play as a kid, if she watches any trid, if she is on the Matrix playing some games ("You gotta try the SpaceFighter Epsilon Squad beta with me sometime, it's super wiz!  I'm working on my flying skills, but I could use someone in my gunner seat you could totally do it!"), and things like that kids would ask.

Dinner passed, dessert came and went, and the kids retreated to get a head start on their homework for the weekend, leaving Tessa with her Vrukart, Henri and Bettina with Little J, full and content again, lounging in the living room.  The rigger was leaning up against Jaime almost lazily, head plopped on his shoulder as she gave a little, quiet sigh only he could hear, a gentle smile on her face.  Bettina, who seemed to be able to read Tessa like some book, gave some nod of recognition and understand to the younger girl as Little J rested on her lap, but it was Henri who eventually broke the silence, bringing back up the modification ideas for her arm.

"Been thinkin' about it some more, Tessa...that servos idea you had to increase the speed and motion might actually work, yeah.  But hear me out..what if in addition to putting in servo motivators, we boosted the response rate using some kinda magnetic system?  Like those hyper-trains all over Neo-Tokyo.  The concept would work with your Mitsuhama arm, I'd think...just lay in a track along the wiring, run some semiconduction current through it, and bam.  Electronic response speeds.  I can work out the schematics with you sometime?"

Suppressing a yawn, the girl gave a small nod, her grin returning as her curiosity got piqued.  "Uwah....that...that could actually work, but I'd imagine the tracks would need to be light...and then there's still the friction issue to deal with...as good as it sounds, I'm hoping we can work out a solution that doesn't involve carrying a can of oil for the arm every day, ya heard?"  Winking, she flexed her right arm a bit to make her point, mimicking creaking sounds which caused bouts of laughter, and this time not at the Zzz's printed to her head.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-24-15/0135:56>
Marco called a taxi and took himself to the last place he knew about Ginny. Not before he quickly changed to some more presentable (and bullet proof) clothes and doned his crusader along with some gel and regular clips under his leather jacket.

The cosmetic is going to take a while to take off so it will have to wait for some other time. Hopefully in the night it will not be so visible. Once there he summoned a demon and asked it to find Ginny. In the mean while, Marco  started looking around for himself, walking in the streets at night and crying her name. Browsing his surrounding for possible clues. The night was cold and dark and defiantly not a good night to spend out doors.  "She is like a teenager... how odd is it that she is a decade older than me." thought Marco but he had to find her.


[spoiler]
Perception + actively looking (http://orokos.com/roll/328372): 12d6t5 5

Summon F6 (http://orokos.com/roll/328366): 12d6t5 5
defense (http://orokos.com/roll/328367): 6d6t5 2
3 services gained, 2 drain.
Search extended test (http://orokos.com/roll/328373): 13d6t5 4
Search extended test (http://orokos.com/roll/328374): 12d6t5 4
Search extended test (http://orokos.com/roll/328375): 11d6t5 2
In 30 minutes the spirit get 10 success it should be enough to find Ginny in a 5 kilometers radius of her last known location.  We can continue the extended test, let me know if we need to.
(The search power is described on page 400 of the core rules)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-24-15/0140:30>
@ Yelena  When you enter the Belagio you're greeted by an older human who says, "Miss Petrovna, I'm George. I've been asked to greet you and escort you to the table." He smiles at you and you recognize the smile of an underling, even if you don't recognize the man. He takes you directly into the casino but then pauses at the bar and says, "What will you have to drink?" And when he hears you say Vodka he smiles and procures their best. Bella and her husband are both happy to see you and each of them kiss you on both cheeks and turning introduce you to Keshan Nwankiri-Eseme. His accent places him from northern Africa and his charm and relaxed manner says he has been far removed from the troubles of those nations. And then follows an evening of vice that would shock many a thrice jaded hedonist. But, they never experienced a Russian prison. And Keshans propensity for violence during the evenings activities is more painful than Nicolai's. But, far less than Tsina's.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-24-15/0313:23>
Yelena grabs her shawl and steps into the near darkness outside the garage where the sometime spotty overhead light gives a weak illumination to the area near the garage door.  She gathers the shadows about her as an armor and strides off down the street.  She walks like she belongs here and the other denizens of the night give her space; hardened gangers can sense the death on her and about her and leave her alone.  Some of the people she meets acknowledge her passing with a nod or a greeting, to which she always responds in kind.  She walks past deserted store fronts and hidden alleys that tempt the unwary into thinking they are safe havens when they are in fact dead ends that usually mean death.  Yelena stops at several burn barrels along her route, joining others still out in the December evening, even sharing some weak caf with one old man who winks at her and gives his name as Charlie Dawn.  At another location, an old man dressed in "Barrens Casual" rags is sitting on a box against a wall and playing a violin while two slightly younger men dance a jig to the music.  As Yelena passes, one of the men takes her arm and tips his cap before leading her in a small dance with them.  Laughing, she joins in and goes a couple of rounds, to the merriment of the men and a few people gathered at the barrel near by.  Three times she is mistaken for a hooker on the prowl, one slightly tipsy man even getting as far as pulling out a wad of scrip.  She takes the man by the arm and leads him to the closest barrel, where at least one other person seems to know him.  Yelena props the man up next to his friend and makes sure that his money is back in his pocket. 

Her route takes her several blocks from the garage and she is not threatened once, even though this is part of the Barrens.  Someone slumming down here would be eaten alive and the bones stuffed into one of the sewer grates, but she is part of this place now and the Barrens itself looks after such as her.  And ever the shadow protects her.  She finally makes out more lights ahead and rounds a corner to enter a different world.  Stores with brightly lit fronts and intact windows; people walking without their eyes closely focused on the ground; autos and bikes moving along the busy roadway.  All are very potent signs of a life that is just unimaginable a few short blocks away.  Yelena pauses for a few minutes to adjust to the difference then sticks her arm out to summon a passing cab, which swerves over to where she is standing.  The door of the auto-piloted vehicle pops open and she climbs in, giving the Belagio as her destination.  The almost human voice of the auto-cab gives her the rate and she sticks the credstick into the slot that appears in the armrest. 

Yelena sits back to enjoy the ride.  When the voice asks her if she would like some music, she orders soft jazz and a menu pops into view on the monitor set into the back of the driver's seat.  She is still amazed that even with all the technology of the auto-cab, the interior still gives the passengers the feeling of being in a real cab, to include having a robotic driver in the front.  She runs a finger down the song menu and is surprised to find a few songs in the category of "Local Talent" performed by one Josie Strings.  She smiles as she sets those up on the pick list and settles back to listen to Josie play.  The auto-cab pulls up at the Belagio and the door pops open to let her out into the cool evening air.  A slight breeze has come up and Yelena feels the cool touch of it up under her short Cheongsam and her nipples react predictably. 

There is a line waiting to get into the casino, but it is moving fairly quickly and Yelena takes the time to look at the building as she waits.  The casino is built in the fashion of some old Italian palace.  Having actually spent time in Italy a number of years ago, Yelena is not too sure how authentic it is, but who really gives a frag.  It is close enough in design to what most people would expect an Italian palace to look like, and most people are here to get drunk and gamble and be seen doing it.  Her eye does catch three pairs of men walking about the outside of the building and guesses that they are part of the meat security.  The other part is the two huge Trolls at the entrance.  One runs a scanner up and down her torso while the other does a perfunctory search of her small handbag.  These guys are more for show than security and the real thing is ahead once you enter the building.  The hostess at the front door looks at the tablet in her hand when Yelena gives Bella's name and smiles as she tells Yelena that the party is in private suite thirty and snaps her fingers to get the attention of a man who introduces himself as George.  Yelena thanks the extremely pretty girl and follows George to the room, passing through the large casino floor on the way.  Society people, as well as those that want to be thought of as society people throng the large room, playing various games of chance.  The bells and sirens are like a drug to Yelena and she has to fight the draw to just stop for a moment and have a slight flutter.  The only thing that prevents her from doing just that is the thought of Bella and her delicious husband waiting for her, and the high probability that there will be drugs available for her to use.  Already, her body anticipates the taste of the pills or the popping of the capsules and the release of the blessed potions into her blood and lungs.  Only a small part of her mind has the presence to warn her off, but the rest of it is already half crazed for a hit.

George stops at the rather orate central bar and asks her what she would like.  She orders vodka and is presented with a very top-grade quality brand in a large glass, which she sniffs and sips from.  Proceeding to the door to private suite thirty, George presents Yelena's name and a chip to the uniformed attendant, who checks her name against the list in his hands before turning to open the door.  Yelena thanks George and steps into the room, looking around for Bella or her husband, eager to share her body and their drugs.  She is a bit surprised to see only one other person beside her hosts, but what the frag, a lot can be done by four people.

And a lot begins with introductions.  The African, Keshan Nwankiri-Eseme, is charming and cultivated, and extremely jaded with normal entertainments.  He is looking for something, and someone different and wonders aloud if Yelena is that person.  Toasts follow introductions and Bella's husband leads the small group out of the room and onto the casino floor to a small reserved table.  The game is familiar to Yelena, but it would not matter if it were not.  It is the playing that feeds the monster, and Yelena plays.  She is in the moment, placing 100 Nuyen bets like she was made of money, seemingly heedless of her winning or losing.  And in fact, it is not the winning or losing that matters to someone so lost to the addiction.  She wins and she loses and she plays.  After playing for a bit, she is actually even for the night when Keshan moves closer to her and puts an arm around her to cup her breast.  She smiles at the man and scoots a bit closer so he has a better purchase for his hand and so she can place a hand on his thigh.  Soon after she starts rubbing him, the African stands up and takes Yelena by the arm, walking with her back to the private room where they are joined by Bella and her husband. 

It did not take long for the drugs to come out and the clothes to come off.  Keshan is amazed by Yelena's tattoos and traces them on her skin with a dark finger.  He is particularly interested in the dead tree, but does not ask any questions about it, just tracing the many small skulls.  Before long he tires of that and turns Yelena over the back of the long couch in the room and thrusts into her.  Bella moves in and whispers in Yelena's ear as she kisses her and fondles her breasts.  "I promised him a great time with you.  He is tired of whores and women who only pretend to be ready for anything.  I told him that you are the real thing.  I hope that you have fun."  Her husband feeds his arousal to Yelena's willing mouth and all four begin the real fun of the evening.  Both men have apparently taken performance enhancers and are not ready to stop after the first climax.  They change positions and Keshan brings out his "toys".  These are designed to bring pain without inflicting injury or leaving marks, and he is a talented user.  His twisted desires rival Nikolai Fyodorovich in sadism, and he takes the night to work on her.  And Yelena loves it all, participating with a flair and intensity that surprises Keshan and drives him to even greater excesses.  The drugs make it bearable, even pleasurable and Yelena loses count of the number of times she reaches an orgasm, or how many times the men climax in or on her body.  Eventually the men finally tire, having gone past the limit of the drug they had taken to extend their abilities.  They go sit in chairs and quickly fall asleep while Bella comes over to sit next to Yelena on the couch, where the two women make love several times more before curling up next to each other, completely drained and exhausted.  Both drift off to a drug-fueled sleep.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-24-15/1438:06>
It is not long before Marco’s spirit discover Ginny, she went to that fancy hotel from yesterday. The New Hilton at the top of the building there is a suite with some very fat patron and once Marco knew figured that out, it did not take a brainiac to figure out what she did in there dressed like she was dressed in such a late hour.

Marco met Ginny on her way out, she seemed a bit shaken, disturbed perhaps a bit ashamed of what she just did. But she needed to survive, and to survive she will do anything. Marco looked at her without a hint of judgement “Come home with me.” He asked and added “I am sorry this night turned out to be like that. I tried to cancel that date so we can stay together but it didn't work out. Then I tried to be real with you to show you my true feelings... That didn't work out either,  nobody cares about me, people just use me for parties and sex.” He took a deep breath, these words did not come easy for Marco. He reached for her and kissed her gently. “Come home with me, we really need to talk..”  He said.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-25-15/1004:00>
@ Marco. Ginny looks at Marco and bursts into tears. His gentleness is to much for her right now after the night she's had. "I just wanted to love you" she sobs. Her body begins to shake, "I just wanted to love you. I needed to show you how much I loved you. And you said all those awful things. I . . I. . can't do this. I can't hurt like this. I don't want to. . . I. . . just can't". She turns and runs away then. Running towards a side street she dodges the few passersby on the sidewalk this early.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-25-15/1123:59>
I am amazed at Ginny's reaction toward me, I cannot believe that it is actually happening. "Is she for real?"

I come looking for her flipping over half the city sending a demon after her... no two demons she had so many troubles tonight that the first demon just decided that his services are exhausted.

I shared all that I have with her, buying her clothes, offering her all the help I can possibly imagine to get her up on her feet.

I took her to my home, to my bed - and in return I get to deal someone that hit me and run away from me. Do adults really behave like this?  How would I know I haven't encountered many ladies until I was 18 perhaps women are all insane... I'll have to ask Arc about it.  I have no idea, no idea at all what Ginny is feeling. I mean I can tell she is upset and she feels something about me, but where is all that rage coming from.

Did I tell her to go ahead and destroy her soul?  NO, I told her that prostitution is the last thing I want her to do. Ever, I wish I could do something else something better. I told her that I will give everything so that she can have her dignity. A job that respect her, independence an apartment of her own...

Women... Go figure even understanding how their body is wired does little to understand these emotions and what is this love she is mentioning? Have she even spoke to me? Asked me how I am feeling?

When she felt alive for the first time. I had the worst night of my life,  I lost every shred of dignity and decency and she was right there besides me. That look that Henri gave me, as if I am nothing. No amount of amazing female orgasms are going to change that. Then Mr. Anderson said "leave a business card - I will tell my friends" and stripped me from any illusion or any lie I could possibly tell myself about that night. I hit rock bottom and I took Ginny with me... did she even talk to me about that?  Are my emotions part of her love or am I in the way of this pure and delicate love to some fantasy me.

I sigh, or perhaps take a deep breath to keep running.

What do I really know about women? except that delicious body, do they really behave like this? How do they survive? Thanks J that I have more responsibility and do not just run around and cry  in the streets.

Still that thought does not leave me alone, no matter how exclusive I am, a client say jump and I ask how high, then he just toss me at his friend to impress him as if I am some kind of toy. A toy! This is all I am... and when I try to be a person it all blows up in my face.

But there is still hope, J has made me a keeb and am more agile than most humans. I have my magic that is making me even faster.   I do not find it difficult to keep up with Ginny, I was created for jogging and my legs are just a little longer and compared to me Ginny is a bit clumsy. Keeping up with her is not much of an effort.

I just run next to her, my face are peaceful, I look at her with curiosity as she uses such a big words for someone that only talked to me sex talk and science talk. When Ginny shows signs of finally losing her breath I say:  "I am not going to give up ever. We can run all night but you will talk to me eventually."

I will keep up with Ginny and there is no scenario where I leave her alone and emotional in this late hour with nowhere to go.  I offered her friendship and I will be true to her. No matter how asshole she is going to be toward me. Heck most people are assholes, I hate myself for caring so much. Her behaviour is such a mystery to me that I have no idea what to do next. I am completely lost I have never encountered anyone who behaved like that. To be completely honest I came from a place where it was considered normal to give up any sort of autonomous moral judgement and to become a knife for a butcher - I am not the person to be asked about the norms of human behaviour.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-25-15/1536:06>
@ Marco  Ginny runs for a few more minutes, but she's slowing, and it's not just because she's out of breath. She's thinking about what you said. And finally she stops at a water fountain. She looks at you for a moment and then looks away and says flatly, "I took a job with Dr Anderson so that I can pay you back. It's a good offer for someone that has no real work experience. It'll take me out of this city for months at a time. You won't have to worry about me. I'll be fine." She's hugging herself closely as she says this, and she can't look you in the eye.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-25-15/1641:48>
“Ginny, you do not need to repay me, you did so much for me already and you need to learn to be independent. You can’t just fall and hope that somebody will be there to catch you. You found me and I like you and am thankful just for the opportunity to know you. But the place you were in yesterday -  that road does not end well, it ends in freezing to death in the streets, in being beaten and raped by thugs and J knows what else. You must never reach a point where you have nothing and noone to turn to. The streets will eat you alive.

I am truly sorry if you think that I am an asshole, I did everything that I could to take you away from that awful place but I have my limitations. My life are not perfect, they are difficult and nothing comes easily for me. I do some things that I am not proud of and I hope YOU  will never have to do this kind of things again.  A job is a good step, if I had your skills and expertise I would take another job. Escort service was not in my bucket list when I planned my life, believe it or not. Take that job but do so for yourself. You need a job, it will  give you stable and legitimate income. It will give you dignity and social status things that you need.  Do it so that you never reach that state where you have nothing again.


At this point I have a suspicion that the kind of job Ginny took is a bit... dirty dirtier than she can admit but I hope I am just a cynical bastard. I cannot manage her life they are hers to live and honestly, I just want to go to sleep as I had a long night.

I understand that things got too far yesterday and I was out of line. I was thinking on myself and my own needs and desires yesterday and I really enjoyed myself. Like you must have heard. I truly get it that you are attached to me but you were very vulnerable yesterday and you still are. I am not sure it is wise to entangle you with emotions and attachments right now. We will have to figure this out together sometime soon after we had a good night sleep. I will not make your life decisions for you.

That said, I do want to take it slower that emotional rollercoaster is not good for us. We can get to know each other, talk and do things together. I do want you to get a bit more independent and clear headed and I am a bit uncomfortable with the speed things progressed between us. As I feel that your interests are better served by a slower progression. There is quite a distance from almost in the streets to falling heads over feet, but I respect you and how you feel.  I myself do not attach so quickly as I have many defense mechanisms for that. I take more time.

But I do want to get to know you, and you really should come home with me tonight  if only out of mercy on me.  Look at my makeup and understand this:  When the sun comes up and the streets become busy,  I will be treated like a complete freak. Do you really want to witness that? Because if you are so angry and I am not leaving you alone. Just wait for the morning and you will be able to feast your eyes with looks and stares and scorn. Nobody will understand my excessive feminine makeup and some thugs may even try to beat me senselessly just for being what I am. Still I will stay with you, you get to leave for another city but you do not get to leave in anger, not again.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-26-15/1109:05>
@Marco. Ginny looks at you and after a very long pause says, "Alright. . . But I really need a drink." She's hugging herself tightly and she's crying silently.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-26-15/1145:01>
Marco orders a cab and takes Ginny home convincing her (lustfully) that he has a variety of very nice wines at home. Once they are finally in the apartment he seats next to her in the living room and pour both of them a glass of red wine that seems appropriate. He leaves the bottle on the table in case that night is going to require more than one glass.
"Ginny, why are you crying? Is it because what happened with mr. Anderson?"
He is willing to finish the entire bottle with her if she thinks she has the stomach for that.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-26-15/1411:10>
@ Subaru  Once you get close to the warehouse HoppyBunny rushes out of a shadow and tackles Bootstrap so hard he falls flat on his ass. "Youch!" Then he looks down at her. She's clinging to him for dear life and crying. "Hoppy! What's wrong?" Then he seems to remember where they are and whispers, "What's wrong? Where's Rabbit?" A tall, thin elven girl materializes next to him and whispers, "Thank the Great Ones you're here. Rabbit's trapped inside. We're fairly certain they haven't discovered her. But, she was doing some scouting inside when a big group of them came suddenly. We had no warning. They weren't wearing Green Goblin colors. But, as soon as they came the Goblins opened up and they doubled the guards outside. Hoppy's been going nuts! Only way I kept her here 'n QT was reminder her Rabbit would be ashamed if she be loud 'n caught."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-26-15/1430:32>
Saturday 06:30
@ Yelena  Keshan is the first to awaken, and so he's the first to find the fresh drinks and refreshments laid out by the staff while you were all sleeping. You awaken to his fingers lightly grazing the tattoo on your back, tracing the tree. "You were everything Bella promised." he tells you once you awaken. "Few have ever been able to take so much. And you enjoyed it with me. He begins tracing a pain stimulator along the outline of the tree. Bella tells me that there is a new club. One where we will have access to even greater pleasures. I would consider it an honor to have you as my guest there tonight.." He places another pain stimulator in your hand to use on him and then he rotates his hip towards your mouth as he begins slowly tracing the pain stimulator down your ass.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-26-15/1440:30>
Saturday 15:12
For Blake  You've spent the day working on your notes for Marco. If he agrees to take Stewarts place in this he'll need all of the intel you've gathered, and he'll need it in the shortest possible form so that he can be up and running fast. IF, jeez what a big damn word for two little letters. ShadowSong contacts you late in the afternoon. >>We've got him! Intel confirmed by satellite cam. Stewart is in hostile custody in Poland. ShadowDancer mobilizing to extract.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-26-15/1456:16>
Saturday 06:30
@ Marco  Ginny looks at the wind and says,  "Do you have something stronger?." and when you assent and bring her the Vodka she takes it and shoots it just like Yelena. Only Yelena doesn't make that face and shake her head afterwards. But, even so, she drinks a second and then a third glass back to back. Then, she takes a deep breath and says,  "I really do have a job. It's lead chemist for a research grant looking for new applications in psychoactive magic. It's the job Dr Kawashigiri wanted. He doesn't have near the qualifications. But, I do. I'll leave for it in three days.." She says all of this flatly, and she's still not looking at you. But, her body language says she's telling you the truth.  "Thank you for giving me a place to stay. Right now I really need a shower and some sleep. Then I'll call my father and get a loan to take me through the week. Since I have a job to show him he'll be ok with loaning me the money.." She looks up at you, and the pain reflected there deep.  "I really don't want to stay here Marco." She can't stand the pain of looking at you, and can't stand to look away.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-26-15/1511:30>
Things are moving quickly so I take a deep breath and say a silent prayer before I speak.

"You've done real good, Hoppy," I whisper to the little girl with a brief tussling of her hear.  "It sounds like your sis is safe right now as long as we don't give the Goblins something else to freak out about until we're ready."

I then address the young elf looking her in the eye.  "Rabbit never brought her team together for introductions, so we should start with that real fast."  I stick out my hand.  "My name's Firefly and I'm...well...the newbie.  I'm new to Seattle but I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve.  I've met Hoppy, Bootstrap, and Rabbit of course.  There's one more on the team?"  I then add, "And by opened up, you mean there was gunfire between the Goblins and the new group?  Can you describe everything you saw?  Down to what the new group looked like and was wearing?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-26-15/1530:03>
Yelena smiles up at the North African, her body already reacting to the sight of his naked form and the stimulator.  "Yelena get one.  Is new experience.  Yelena much like."  Yelena notices that Keshan is highly aroused as she takes the pain stimulator and turns it on.  She uses one hand to fondle him and guide him to her mouth as she uses the stimulator on his ass.  Her own body is highly excited as he uses the instrument on her and she can feel the early sensations of an orgasm building.  The pain seems to actually stimulate her sex drive and she loses herself in the sensations of the device combined with what is in her mouth.  Apparently Keshan is highly affected as well and it does not take long before he coats her mouth in a large climax.  He pulls out and it is apparent that he has taken another does of the performance enhancer as he shifts his position to enter her from behind while he continues his far from gentle ministrations with the pain stimulator.  Yelena cannot contain her passion and cries out as the man increases the tempo of his thrusts, eventually exploding in a shared orgasm.  The two again shift positions to be able to pleasure each other orally, which allows both of them to use the stimulators on each other and themselves.

After several minutes of this they become aware that the others have been awakened by Yelena's cries and want to join in.  Keshan sits back on the couch and lets Bella's husband penetrate Yelena while the woman sits on Yelena's chest, offering her inner self to the Russian.  Bella takes the stimulator from Yelena and uses it on Keshan's flanks as she takes him in hand and strokes him.  The activity continues for some time as Yelena is used by all three of the others time and again, until all four are completely exhausted.  Yelena staggers to her feet and makes her way to the table for something to drink before turning to the others.  "Yelena much enjoy.  Want more.  Keshan invite Stardust tonight.  All can come?  But Yelena busy until ten, so not club until midnight. Sooner if can.  Is OK?" 

Without waiting for a response, Yelena saunters back to Keshan and sits next to him.  She places a hand on his growing arousal and looks up at him, simply saying, "More?"  She willingly offers herself to him and his instrument of pain, providing as good as she gets until there is nothing left to give or take. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-26-15/1543:47>
@ Subaru  The girl looks at her outstretched hand slightly puzzled and then just sticks out her hand in imitation. "I'm OohRah. Eigth place Hopscotch this year. Next is SliderSeven. He was eleventh place two years ago." She drops her hand and then continues her explanation. "Opened up doors and let in. Six all. No warning. No gang colors. All black, even masks. Moved quick 'n quiet.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-26-15/1633:17>
Marco said, “Ginny you are amazing and I hoped that you had it in you. You moved so far in just a day. We should celebrate it and be happy. If I treated you nicely and told you what you wanted to hear, you me and Dr. Kwashgiri were having a threesome tonight. You wouldn’t like it. It would have taken part of your soul and destroy it forever. Especially since he would get the job you wanted the very next day. You’d have no dignity and no job, was that really what you wanted with your life?

Can’t you see that I really like you? Since we met, you are the only thing on my mind.  I do not want you desperate and dependent on me. I want you to be all that you can be. I want you to be happy. Maybe once you have a job you will not want me anymore. Maybe we discover that we have nothing in common and it will never work between us. But right here and right now, I really like you, you really like me and you only have three days in the city. Do you really want to separate right now?
Because I will be happier to enjoy what little time we have together.“
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-26-15/1636:59>
Realizing my error, I decide to show OohRah how to shake hands.  Reaching out a little more to take hers in a handshake I explain, "This is a way people meet new people outside the Barrens."  Once I'm done with the demonstration, I take my hand back and think a moment.  "I think we should check on a few things before we do anything.  They still don't seem to know Rabbit's in there, so until we have a plan the best thing to do is to lay low.  Let me see what Metalgirl says and I also want to see if I can find anything about who might be the Goblins' friends.  Trust me, everyone," I say looking particularly at Hoppy, "we're not leaving Rabbit in there any longer than we have to."

I jack into my Erika as I turn to Bootstrap.  "Take Hoppy and me back up to the rooftop we watched from last night.  I'm giving Metalgirl a call while we move and from the roof you and I can both see what is visible by magic."  Before we leave, I turn to Oohrah.  "You and SliderSeven make sure not to be seen no matter what.  if you see any more of these new goons, come up and let me know whatever you see.  No matter how little it might be."

As Bootstrap, Hoppy and I make our way topside I make a call to Arc through my Erika.  "Metalgirl, we have a problem..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-26-15/1731:49>
When Subaru reaches the roof and makes sure her body is protected and safe, she'll drop into astral and assense the warehouse looking for any sign of Rabbit's familiar signature as well as anything else different from last night when she last looked the place over.

[spoiler]Assense: 6d6t5: 0 [6d6t5=1, 4, 3, 4, 1, 2] (http://orokos.com/roll/329124)

No glitch, but still not good... :-([/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-26-15/2150:40>
The evening....was great.  Tessa got to reply enjoy herself to say the least.  If anything, her only worry was that she wouldn't be fitting into her jeans if she kept having dinner at this family's home, which is a surprisingly trivial thing given Arc's nature...almost silly.  Not long after the girls had gone up to do homework that Jaime and Tessa opted to say their goodbyes, Henri promising to work up his designs in the next couple of weeks.  Hopping in the car, Tessa drove on manual and autopilot through the streets across the district to Jaime's place, ready to finish today with a real bang...

And then Arc's commlink went off.  The ID of the call registered as Firefly.   Drek....Arc could literally feel her expression drop as she looked over at Jaime, her pout and guilty look on her face as readable as a Trix article...something was up.  After a moment, she heaved a sigh and grabbed his hand, squeezing it before responding to the call.

"Arc here...talk to me Firefly, there shouldn't be drek going down...". Again she took a glance at her vruk, genuine worry on her face...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-26-15/2237:44>
I cringe at Arc's tone of voice, imagining I'm inconveniencing her terribly.  But I know I'm right to do so and that she'd be far more vexed with me if I didn't bring her in on this.

But right now that doesn't make me feel any better.

"I wouldn't be calling you like this if it wasn't urgent, Arc-sensei," I begin with proper deference.  "About an hour ago six more goons arrived at the warehouse.  They weren't wearing Goblin colors and all wore masks.  They were let in and since then the guards have been doubled.  If it was just that, I'd have waited until tomorrow to let you know since it wasn't like we'd do anything about it tonight.  But Rabbit was in there when the new toughs showed up.  We don't think she's been caught, but she's overdue and may well be trapped in there."

By the time I'm done relaying this via mental text in AR, my body has arrived on the roof and I can get my first view of the warehouse from the bird's eye...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-27-15/0121:02>
@ Subaru. The warehouse and it's surrounding environs are in almost complete darkness. Working streetlights are almost unknown in the Barrens, and what little moonlight cuts through the smog doesn't illuminate much. Subaru is at a good vantage point to see two windows on the second floor that are illuminated. And judging by the shadows that sometimes move across them there are definitely people in there, but, that's all she can tell. But, once she calls her spirit to sense in the Astral things go from bad visibility to impossible. The mana that is indicative of life is suddenly dancing, spiraling, shooting off in a bold display. Everything is so intense and so intermixed Subaru can't even make out Rabbits unique signature. Beside her Hoppy is fighting hard not to fidget, a battle Bootstrap loses as he paces back and forth trying hard to get a better vantage point to see from.

@ Arc. Jaime looks at you questioning, "Something wrong babe?" When he hears your response he tries hard to hide his disappointment. "S'ok. I know you got drek what needs you sometimes." He glances away then
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-27-15/0247:46>
@ Marco. Ginny looks at you and she can't help herself. She flies into your arms. She wants all of you. And she wants it now. Her hands stroke, tease and caress and everywhere her hands go her lips and tongue follow. Your lightest touch sets her on fire and she begs you for more. She takes you right there on the couch removing just enough clothing to make it possible and then she says. "I want you on the balcony. I want to ride you with all the stars in your eyes. I want to remember how you look by moonlight every time I look at the night sky." Once she's pulled you out onto the balcony she's completely uninhibited, stripping despite the cold and possible voyeurs. Her nipples are already hard and the heat from her body everywhere it touches yours is a sharply sensual contrast from the cold. Once again she's on her knees before you, devouring you like she can't get enough. Her hands stroking and kneading every part she can possibly reach. She climaxes while she's riding you with her mouth. But it still isn't enough and she positions you against the balcony so that she can take you into her, sliding down to surround you with that part of her that demands the satisfaction only your thrusts in that hot, soft wetnes,s can give. Her head thrown back she makes no attempt to quiet her moans when she climaxes and she is radiant in that moment.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-27-15/0916:53>
Holy drek!

I'm not very good at assensing, I know.  Magic came to me late and my education only really took off last year with grandfather when I chose to submit to Allah.  Still, I wonder if even grandfather would be able to make any sense of this?

It appears Arc is pondering all that I have told her, but I remember her mentioning that this drug she's concerned about has both mana and matrix components.  Perhaps this is her drug?  While I wait for Arc's reply I slip into AR see see what is to be seen in the virtual world...

[spoiler]Viewing the warehouse in AR: 12d6t5: 2 [12d6t5=3, 5, 4, 4, 5, 1, 2, 4, 2, 3, 1, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/329364)

What gives with rolls these days?!?  Anyway, no glitch and I got some hits.  But I should have gotten four at least... >.<[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-27-15/1012:57>
@ Subaru  The digital world is certain and reliable. After the kaleidoscope of her astral sight the familiarity of AR is welcome. Thisis the world she knows. No this is the world she rules.[/¡] She sees the SIN's and the 'ware. But, no Lexi. But, Lexi is SIN'less. And can't even afford a poor fake. And by the count of the SIN's and 'ware some of these are as well because she only counts ten altogether. There are ten just with visitors and bodyguards so the warehousemost certainly had more of the Goblins in there.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-27-15/1037:48>
Dammit!  I need to go in there and figure out what the drek is happening.

"Arc-sensei," I add into the silence on the comm and explain what I just saw via magic and AR.  "Should I go astral and take a closer look at the warehouse?  Maybe find Rabbit and at least talk with her to find out where she stands?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-27-15/1137:52>
Arc's frown deepened at Jaime's reaction... he's so easy to read for her that she doesn't have to guess his feelings.  Sighing, she activated the Americar's autopilot and let go of the wheel, her body twisting and arms darting out to grab him by the back of the head and front of his shirt, pulling him over to her to lock him into a heavy kiss, her stress converting into the occasionally seen passion she has had before.  She held there for a moment, breath coming in light and quick as she let go before she held him there, pressing her forehead to his as she trembled.

"...I know ya worryin'.  I know we talked on this, but you gotta feel me, Jaime.  This night work I'm doing...I'm not doing it to avoid you, and to be honest, if I didn't feel I needed to do sumsomethin', I'd leave it all behind.  But I do feel I need to, because if I don't, then bad things will keep happening to people who don't deserve it."

At that moment, the explanation from Firefly showed up in her vision, her eyes flaring wide as she stared at Jaime's.  "oh drek..." she mouthed quietly before composing herself.  "...and this is somethin' I need to do, because someone else is doing something for me, and is in trouble now because of it.  Her blood's on my hands if things go south, Vrukart...listen.  Your Vruken will be fine.  She took on a blood mage and couldn't be killed, remember?"  She cracked a little smile, kissing him again before letting him go, taking a seat proper at the wheel.

Chuckling, she turned onto the street of his...no, their...place.  "Swear above, man, if you like this when we have our kids, you gon' go gray faster than a devil rat on garbage day..."  Hugging the man good night for a lingering moment, she promised to check in with him and be back that night if at all possible.  As he departed, Firefly's comm message came in, the human opening a link to the decker.

"Yeah, I'm here.  This ain't good.  Sorry, was with my Vruk, couldn't speak details and he's worried as drek, heh...as for that mojo stuff, if you think you can do it.  Y'all said you didn't see any mojo slingers last time, amirite?  Sit tight, send me the coords, I'll park up a couple blocks away and meet you there.  Keep this line open..."

With that, Arc was in the car and gone, the whimsical identity of Tessa put aside for the tough Arc exterior, the stout girl swinging into gear and taking off down the street.  Fishing through the front console, she found her microtransceiver and fitted it into place on her body, linking it to the commcall and disconnecting her link, rebooting it and flipping it to silent.

Twenty minutes.  That's how long it took her to get there.  By the time Firefly saw Arc, she was out of breath from running up to her location, the human girl regretting her dinner choice as she quieted down, slipping up by the girl, her armored vest and jacket on her body, Predator at her back and a bag of gear at her hip.  "..any changes?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-27-15/1155:11>
It takes all my efforts to keep Hoppy and Bootstrap from rushing the place by themselves.  just sitting here watching while we wait for Metalgirl isn't making me fans, but it's the right thing to do.  I can sympathize with them.  I itch to go astral and check on Lexi right this minute, but instead I wait for backup from Arc.  When she slips up beside us on the roof it's all I can do not to hug her.

"Nothing's changed since we last talked," I answer the woman.  "I'm ready to try checking the place out myself in astral, but I wanted to wait for you first.  Assuming Rabbit is still hiding, twenty minutes didn't make much difference."  I see Arc nod and understanding lights Bootstrap's if not Hoppy's eyes.  "My plan is to go in myself.  Bootstrap, you stay here and watch for me in mojo.  If something looks like it's gone bad, tell Metalgirl but do NOT come after me for anything, you hear!"  I do my best to emphasize the point while staying in a whisper.

"If I find Rabbit, I'll let her know to stay low and that all she needs to do is sit and hide.  We have things covered out here and WILL get her out.  We just need time."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-27-15/1202:24>
Arc let Firefly say her piece, nodding to each of the other younglings while the strangely dressed teen said her piece.  She gave a nod of approval, cracking a little smile as she was clearly impressed.  Her right cybernetic hand came to rest on her shoulder, squeezing it lightly before speaking up.

Barrens take care of our own, so damn straight we gettin' her out.  Do your thing, Firefly, and we'll work out our plan of action then.  I brought my bugs with me to keep eyes from above after if we need to hop in there to get her, ya heard?  Be safe, find her, and come back, aight?" taking a seat on the roof, she held out her arm for the decker.  "I'll take care of ya meatsuit, wiz Firefly?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-27-15/1214:34>
I nod to Arc's approval.  I slip my line to my Erika out of its jack (no sense risking a 'trix attack while I'm astral) and settle myself as best I can to keep my body from cramping up while I'm out.  I let go of my senses and find myself hovering above myself looking down on my sleeping body.  It's been weeks since I left my body in astral, and months since I went very far.  I'm not very good in astral space and the risk never seemed worth it.  Not since before Mom and dad died and I was safe in training.

The risk is worth it now.  Lexi has been the best thing that happened to me since that terrible day when they arrested mama.  I owe the little urchin everything and now's payback time.  I nod to Bootstrap who is visible to me as perceiving but not projecting astrally and then head off.

Lexi would never forgive me if I wasn't sneaky as a bunny, even in "mojo" as she calls it.  Rather than fly down to the warehouse in a straight line, I look for trees and bushes.  Even large weeds.  Anything alive that can obscure my signature.  I don't stray too far from the warehouse because I don't want to draw attention from some mage not even involved in all this, but I still keep some distance as I fly from living thing to living thing.  Before long I'm making myself as small as possible in a corner of the warehouse fairly far from the lit room.  There's a large shrub here and I merge myself into its signature as best I can.  From here I try assensing the warehouse again...

[spoiler]Assensing from ground level: 6d6t5: 0 [6d6t5=4, 1, 4, 1, 1, 2] (http://orokos.com/roll/329399)

Dear God what is it with Orokos!  Still not a glitch, but this makes zero assensing hits and five zeroes with twelve dice over two rolls.  Gah!!![/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-27-15/1307:29>
@ Subaru. As you slip into the Astral the world goes silent. The quiet sounds of the night disappear as your consciousness leaves your body and the world of magic and mana manifest themselves. To say that sight is different in this world is an understatement. Nothing is sharp and clear like the meatspace world.  Instead it glows. Mtlgurl is shadowed from her many pains. And her right arm is missing, her eyes dark lifeless sockets. But her heart glows, it's the strongest thing about her. Bootstraps aura is familiar to you. It's the beautiful dancing of the Northern Lights. Hoppy? The small figure next to Bootstrap almost certainly has to be her. But. . . .children are usually a more pure glow. She is shadowed. Not as much as Arc, but, certainly more than Lexi. The Barrens itself is very dark. It must place it's shadow on its children. Perhaps. Still she has a job to do. And floating here isn't getting it done. Subaru reorients herself to her surroundings and quickly floats to the warehouse passing through the walls as easily as the air. As she searches for Lexi she is also trying to get an accurate idea of just how many gangers there are. And in the astral that's easier. Two of them have so much metal they're almost invisible in the astral but one. One startles her. Here's is the bright glow of a mage. Right now her back is to you and the flow of mana around her man's that she is casting.

@ Arc. Jaime kisses you back, holding you against him molding your body to his as he drags you from your seat into his lap. "I ain't starting drek babe. You need ta go, you go. But, I wouldn't be your Vrukart if'fen I didn't worry. An I been thinking maybe we name our first Henri if it's a boy. An maybe his momma can teach him how 'ta chop his first tricycle." He smiles at you trying hard to make light of his worry. "She's just gotta makesure she lives through all this." He swallows and looks you in the eye. "You're always sayin' you survived a blood mage an 'nothin can kill ya. But, you lost an arm in that fight. People don't get  that lucky twice. I guesswhat I'm trying to say is be careful. Come home. I'm ok with it not being tonight. Just so long as you come home. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-27-15/1322:07>
Oh drek!  A mage!  When did she get here!

I retreat to the bush I'd been hiding in for cover in case she turns around my way and watch carefully for what happens next, doing my best to interpret the flowing mana to tell me what she's casting...

[spoiler]Assensing the mage: 6d6t5: 1 [6d6t5=6, 3, 2, 3, 4, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/329451)

Well, at least I got a hit.  Still one hit for 18 rolls...what is with this?!?  What are the odds?[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-27-15/1459:36>
@ Subaru. The mana flow from her is steady and it's energies arepositive of that much you are sure. But, youjust can't seem to tell more. Would that Allah had granted you the wisdom of your grandfather. But, that wish is presumptuous in one so lowly and newly come to the faith. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-27-15/1514:27>
Arc sat herself next to Firefly, making sure her lifeless form was settled and comfortable while she and the rest of the team waited in silence for the mage decker to do her thing.  She glanced at the others, noting their edge and tension from having their comrade trapped in a building.  She gave a little reassuring smile, giving the aura of calm and confidence.   They weren't done yet.   As they waited, her mind drifted back to when she was with Jaime...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@ Arc. Jaime kisses you back, holding you against him molding your body to his as he drags you from your seat into his lap. "I ain't starting drek babe. You need ta go, you go. But, I wouldn't be your Vrukart if'fen I didn't worry. An I been thinking maybe we name our first Henri if it's a boy. An maybe his momma can teach him how 'ta chop his first tricycle." He smiles at you trying hard to make light of his worry. "She's just gotta makesure she lives through all this." He swallows and looks you in the eye. "You're always sayin' you survived a blood mage an 'nothin can kill ya. But, you lost an arm in that fight. People don't get  that lucky twice. I guesswhat I'm trying to say is be careful. Come home. I'm ok with it not being tonight. Just so long as you come home.

Arc had given a little squeal of surprise at the pulling into his seat, curling up next to him and listening intently.  Her brows rose up as he explained himself, her mouth parting a little as he talked about how he felt, and how he continued the comments on their future children.  Whenever that happens  She smirked a little, biting her lip as she embraced him, head curled up under his chin, fighting back the little tears that were escaping her eyes.  "...i like that name.  It sounds nice.  I promise.  I'll come home.  There's too much good in my life now to not to.  Your vruken is too happy to throw it away, okay?  I know you'll worry, but you will see me again.  Stakara bich Arraya."  The tender moment seemed to linger until she was reminded of her duties to save her friend, the girl shaking her head and sighing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shaking herself out of it, Arc snapped herself back to reality and looked at the group around her, glancing over at Firefly and wondering when she'll return...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-27-15/1519:09>
I watch carefully for many moments, trying to discern just what this new potential threat is up to.  Her spellcasting continues, suggesting after 10 seconds of no change in the mana that she's performing either an involved summoning or a ritual.  No spell would take this long.  Also, the magic shows no taint of blood.  It seems alight with energies similar to what i use rather than that of someone who has committed or intends great evil.  Curious given what we've been told of the Goblins.  If this is one of the six newcomers Oohrah saw enter a couple of hours, ago, then why is she here?

Sadly, I don't have the luxury of asking her a polite question.  Sticking around long enough to talk to Lexi seems unlikely either.  I still haven't been able to make out her aura, but maybe that means neither has this newcomer.  Rabbit is good, and if she was smart enough to hide where there was some life, she likely could still hold out all night.  If only I could send her a message...

For now, though, my first responsibility is to make sure we don't create yet more of an alarm and warn them of our interest.  Also, Arc should know we're now up against a 'mana slinger' as she put it.  Cursing my impotence, I carefully retreat back to my body to warn Arc of what I have seen.  We need to change our plans.

When I awake in my body I see Arc looking with worry over me.  I smile to reassure her, then grimace when I remember my news.  "I didn't get very far, curse it," I say as I sit up.  "There's a mage in there now.  I guess one of the newcomers Oohrah saw.  It's a she is all I really know and she's doing something.  It's taking forever so I'm guess it's ritual magic or some serious summoning.  No blood taint to it, though.  And it doesn't have an evil taint either, at least nothing screaming evil.  Based on what I saw, she's better than me magic-wise."  I turn my eyes away and try not to let tears touch my eyes.  "I'm sorry I'm useless when it really matters."

I was trained in team operations.  "Never take risks unless no other option is available," was the mantra for special ops like me.  Always bring new information back to the team rather than push forward and possibly lose info that could help the rest of the team.  I've done what I was trained to do, so why do I feel so pathetic?  Probably because this isn't what cool, elite shadowrunners do.  I'm sure Arc will toss me out on my hoop the next chance she gets.  Who needs such an inept and cowardly kid, anyway?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <09-27-15/1835:13>
Ginny’s passion overwhelm me and I feel like I could explode. I do not recall feeling like that despite my exhausted state and the fact that I already spent my good hours partying and having passionate and quite active sex, her excitement catch me and I feel alive. I am happy, I cannot remember how many times we climaxed but I cannot forget how beautiful she was in that Balcony as she climaxed and her entire body shivered in release. As if all this sexual energy that was built over many years finally found its way out. I climaxed just from my excitement of that moment. I have no idea how we ended up in the bed and I can remember some very steamy scenes in the shower. That morning was the best one of my life I was proud of myself and perhaps for the first time in my life I felt as if I really did good.

I slept like an angel hugging and snuggling Ginny and I wanted her closeness so much that in a way I do not understand how I liked to sleep alone just until yesterday. When sleep finally got its grip over my body and mind.  I held her and dreamed about never letting go, I really could not get enough of her that night and I was a very attentive lover. If yesterday I was the one that took her to explore this strange new world. Today the depths of her emotion,  depths that I never thought were even possible and her assertive sexual approach that demanded that I satisfy her. These made me her student and I did everything that I could to please her and keep up with her sexual demands. I felt that I wanted to give myself fully to Ginny and that  perhaps she really does love me. As for myself... I can never be sure but I could not deny that I have never felt what I felt that morning.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-27-15/2323:02>
Arc did not mask her relief at seeing the form of Firefly stir, helping her up without a second thought as she went through her debriefing of the situation.  She could see the younger's dismay, and at her own dejection the trigger could only shake her head, giving a smile.  "Naw, girl, that makes kinda sense.  We kinda new this drug drek had some mono influence what fueled it.  Maybe they just gettin a recharge eh?  So we improvise."

Looking to the others, the mechanic steeled her expression as she pulled off her jacket on one side, her cyberarm exposed to the chill night air.  "okay, a bit o change of plans, but we may as well do this thing.  I'm gonna get some eyes going up in here, and we gonna get Rabbit out.  Bootstrap, you on diversion duty, we want the guard attentions away from our point . Hopscotchers, find us a way in.  Someplace we can slip in widdout making a scene sight?  Firefly, sounds like mono ain't a good idea this time, so focus on that deck of yours amirite?  I'll need all the support I can get."

At a command, a trio of Fly Spy drones shot out of ports in her upper arm, flying and buzzing into the air as they zoomed off, flying a perimeter spread around the building, the feeds that Arc shared with Firefly providing aerial views of the location.  Wiz.  As they all nodded and broke off to do their thing, Arc stopped the young hacker, looking her dead in the eye.  "You're doing wiz girly.  What that was set us up with what we know coming, and none of us woulda known the mage in there.  Thanks.  You got this."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-27-15/2349:25>
@ Arc & Subaru. OohRah nods and whispers "Got two ways in. One closer to cook pot. One closer ground. Not got no hopscotch way in." She looks at Subaru. "Which way fewer peeps?" Bootstrap looks at Arc and whispers, "Noisy distraction or sneaky?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-28-15/0748:11>
Arc closed her eyes for a moment, confirming the entrances as her drones got into position, hopefully giving her enough visual confirmation of how the building is set up and where guards and gangers were located.  In the event Firefly can't say which entrance is better, I can try as a backup  Shrugging a bit, she looked up, nodding.  "Two entrances good.  Means we good to flex up, chummer.  Ah..."  Turning to Bootstrap, she grinned a little at him and gave a wink.  "Y'all want some sneaky thing.  We don't need all of em alerted away.  Just those in our way, got it?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-28-15/1324:14>
Arc seems to be taking the change in plans better than I had feared she would.  Still, a real shadowrunner mage would have engaged the newcomer in astral combat and wiped her from the map, I'm sure.  I'm all Arc has right now and she's be nice to keep my spirits up.

"I had been thinking along the same lines," I tell the rigger in agreement as she suggests the reason the mage might be casting.  "Either "topping off" what they have or maybe making more?  That would fit with how long she seems to be casting.  It's got to be a ritual.  And the extra guards make sense - they're protecting their mage.  The other masked goons might be the mage's protection while moving.  Maybe the different colors mean the mage is hired?  Or maybe....maybe she's part of a group higher up on the pecking order of the people you're going for?" 

I pause for a moment taking the next step in my logic.  "Maybe it might be better to sit tight and see if she leaves in a bit, then try to capture her and her detail?  If I'm right, the guards might even relax when the mage is gone.  But that assumes Rabbit is safe inside for more waiting."  I look at Hoppy with guilty eyes for even suggesting more delay.

I wait to discover the woman's answer before suggesting ideas on how to approach either infiltration or ambush.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-28-15/2134:53>
Arc paused for a bit, eyeing the younger decker with an intent look in her eyes as she sized up her input.  Yeah...waiting might be the best option, the rigger thought, but without knowing Rabbit's positch, we drek deep in the turbofan now, ain't we?

"That's a thought.  If she wasn't caught, then waiting might be the best bet.  Likely this mage is outside help...they making this product outside of their former supplier, that make sense.  But you bring up what our real problem is: we don't know drek about how Rabbit's doing.  We take it easy, one step at a time..."  Arc noted the others as they got ready, herself holding her pack and tying it around her hips, snug and secure.

"I shared my feed with ya...got my toys going in right now.  If cyberspace and mojo space causing trouble, maybe a bug in meatspace will tell us where she is, amirite?"  If there was one thing that could be said, it was that the mechanic didn't accept defeat easy, bouncing back from these minor setbacks like she was on rubber feet.

Directing one of the drones to find an opening towards the upper levels of the warehouse, she engaged its stealth protocols, directing it inside, running a sweep of the facility, looking for their missing partner in crime...

[spoiler]Drone Stealth (-6 opposing from size) (http://orokos.com/roll/329795): 8d6t5 4
Drone Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/329799): 8d6t5 5

the following is transcribed by proxy for Shaman_Yuri.[/spoiler]

I slip between AR and astral, monitoring the drone's progress and then dropping to astral perception to focus on on where the drone is exploring.

[spoiler]Assensing where Arc's drone in wandering in the warehouse: 6d6t5: 0 [6d6t5=2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 2][/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-28-15/2357:45>
@ Arc & Subaru. When the drones pop out of Arcs arm and take to the skies all of the kids are in awe. And her confidence gives them hope. A hope that they need, but that she hopes isn't misplaced. Rabbit is in there because of her. If anything happens to her . . . . Still, she can't think of that now. She's got to focus on the job at hand. And that job needs Intel Arc thinks as she focuses herattention on the flyspies. The programming on the drones is easily able to take advantage of the many shadows and beams and boxes in the warehouse to avoid detection. And Subaru has no trouble with the equipment. But it seems that Allah has not deemed His servant worthy of the knowledge in the realm where He alone is supreme. It has gone from a riot of colors to a darkness in which Subaru can sense nothing.

OohRah moves off. The drones capture her movement and then trace her path and that of a slightly larger human male. Both of them jumping and moving and using impossible hand and foot holds as well as small grappling lines to do what should be impossible for metahumans to do. And in a few moments are in positions to take advantage of small openings in the warehouse walls.

Bootstrap puts his hand in his pocket and pulls out something hehides in his palm and he begins the task that is his alone. You see him whisper. The words themselves to soft to hear. He gestures, describing to the mana what he wants. Nothing happens. He licks his lips. And a bead of sweat forms on his upper lip and forehead. His head ducks down and he glances embarrassed back at Arc and Subaru. Then, he begins again. And once again nothing happens. He begins to look scared and he's swearing profusely now. He looks down at his open palm looking down at the object held in it and once again gathers himself. A third time he casts, desperate now his movements are more urgent. And this time a dog and cat appear, complete with furious barking as the dog chases the cat. It's what OohRah and Slider7 have been waiting for and both use the sound to slip into the warehouse.  Bootstrap is sagging with exhaustion and there's a small trickle of blood coming from his nose.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-29-15/0047:11>
The adrenaline of things actually going into motion, coming together, the commitment of the actions that the group...and their leader...had decided upon... Arc could feel all of this through her veins as her heartrate quickened palpably as she recovered her cybernetic arm, jacket synthleather covering the metal and chrome.  She organized the views  of each Flyspy drone for easy viewing, instructing them with minute course adjustments as needed but letting the programming plot its own pathing, keeping to the shadows.  Once one was inside, she set the sensor suites to scan, looking for signs of their mark while the others kept eyes on the rest of the team.

Arc noted Oorah and Slider7 playing their hopscotch, mouth parting to give a hushed, low whistle that Firefly could hear.  "...I'd fall on my hoop just thinking of tryin' that, I tell ya..."  The rigger glanced over, seeing a look of concern, frustration...and dejection?...on the younger's face, complete with the white knuckles against her thighs.  Reaching out with her left, hand, Arc took her by the shoulder with a firm grasp, bringing him to look at her after her eyes refocused.

"Take a breath.  You lose your head, you become prey.  Out here where we at, that ain't good girly.  Take your time, we ain't rushing this."  Her jaw was set a bit as she looked towards her drone feeds, the underlying hint of worry on her face.  It was easy to spot: this human was holding herself responsible for everything that was about to transpire in these next several, critical moments.  What was in the warehouse?  Who all was in there?  and more importantly...where was Rabbit?

At that point, Bootstrap's frustration came apparent, and Arc shot him a look, her green cybereyes a fierce contrast to the dark of the night as she projected her faith in his abilities to him without a word.  An exhale of breath through the nose was all that came out of the mechanic as the mage gulped, nodding slightly as his eyes narrowed, focused in on one last try...and it worked, the diversion set, the HopScotchers going in...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-29-15/0116:45>
The flyspies stealth programming takes stealth them the entire perimeter of the warehouse. No Rabbit. But, it does get a good view of the mage and several of the gangers. And itwas what they suspected. She was singing mojo while theguys cooked the drugs. And there were guard on the inside as well as the outside.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-29-15/0859:07>
What am I doing wrong!

I’ve never been much of a believer in luck, whether good or bad.  You make your own luck by being prepared, I’d always been told by mother as well as my teachers.  Father was perhaps more Japanese and would often look sheepish during such discussions.  He put a lot of weight on luck and mother looked down on him for it.  As I grew older, I would join her in the teasing.

Maybe there is such a thing as karma...

Or perhaps Allah is still displeased with me.  Perhaps later I will seek the reason why, but right now a life is on the line…no, now several lives.  I won’t let my friends down.

So Allah has chosen now to withdraw His blessing from me.  Or has He?  Maybe He’s trying to tell me something and I’m too foolish to listen.

What am I supposed to do?

Well, for one thing, magic right now is out for me.  Let’s stop even worrying about it.

I drop entirely out of astral space, even for perception, rather than risk my luck worsening and me being seen.  Given I’m blind in meat space and at the very least I have a fantastic feed from Arc’s drone, I decide to go totally VR.  I let me body once again go limp, but this time my conscience darts into my little Erika and out onto the ‘trix.  Given the feed Arc gave me, I can drop at will into experiencing what the little drone is sensing.  Between peeks at that feed I take a really good look around me…and see something I’d taken for granted before.

The warehouse is old, possibly pre-awakening.  If not, then pretty close.  Inside, the tech dates from before wireless, possible even before the Crash of ’29.  But leave it to a corp to ensure their money stream is secure.  In this case, the power company.

The power meter for the building is on line!

I ‘poke’ the icon just enough to taste its modernity and discover it is pretty old, although not nearly as old as the building.  Maybe 2050’s tech.  New enough for me to hack but old enough for the security to be pretty archaic.  If I’m right, given there’s no other on-line icons in the warehouse, I’d say the thing controls all the environmental settings too- heating, cooling and such.   With the skills Renraku taught me, taking control of this building should be child’s play for me.

Taking a deep virtual breath and giving a prayer to Allah for his guidance and mercy, I take on the security protocols of the device…and those of the power company that the old device can permit…using my best hacking skills.  I’ll have to work fast given I’ll invoke GOD this time, but I don’t have to jump grids, search for files, or anything else that would delay me.  I just have to get my marks, make the device mine, set it to connect locally to my Erika since I’m within range, and get the heck out.

[spoiler]Mark #1 on the warehouse power meter/transformer: 12d6t5: 5 [12d6t5=5, 4, 5, 4, 5, 6, 2, 3, 3, 5, 4, 3] (http://orokos.com/roll/329953)
Mark #2 on the warehouse power meter/transformer: 12d6t5: 2 [12d6t5=3, 2, 1, 3, 1, 6, 4, 5, 1, 2, 4, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/329954)
Mark #3 on the warehouse power meter/transformer: 12d6t5: 4 [12d6t5=6, 3, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 1, 5, 4, 3, 3] (http://orokos.com/roll/329956)
Spare mark roll on the warehouse power meter/transformer: 12d6t5: 2 [12d6t5=3, 1, 3, 6, 3, 5, 4, 4, 3, 2, 2, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/329957)
Spare mark roll #2 on the warehouse power meter/transformer: 12d6t5: 4 [12d6t5=1, 6, 4, 3, 2, 4, 6, 2, 5, 4, 6, 2] (http://orokos.com/roll/329958)

Hacking the meter for back door access and regular control: 12d6t5: 5 [12d6t5=6, 5, 6, 1, 4, 6, 3, 1, 1, 3, 2, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/329962)

Still some disappointing die rolls, but at least I got hits this time.  I should have averaged 4 hits a roll but instead got two 2's and one 5 to offset it.  Sigh...[/spoiler]

Now that I own the device, I back out of VR to reboot my Erika and get GOD off my tail.  With a grin I look over to Arc who is controlling her drone in AR.  “That warehouse is my bitch!” I whisper triumphantly with relieved satisfaction before I explain further what that means.  “I’ve taken over electricity and environmental control of the building.  I can cause a blackout, send power surges wherever we want, cook them, freeze them, or whatever else we can come up with.”

Only then do I note Bootstrap and the state he's in.  I give him a smile and thumbs up.

Seem's like I'm not the only one having mojo problems.  Something else we can share when we talk...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-29-15/1141:09>
After the moments of the younger human was spent in VR, Arc had finished her iniitial sweep of the building from the exterior, and was drawing up a rough ARO map of the layout and pinging the locations of the gangers she could see . Upon hearing the news, the digger raised a brow and gave a grin.  "That's hella wiz, omae.  Nice work.  We can use that to our advantage...maybe warm things up a bit to make en a little sluggish for now?  I'll let You use judgment on this one, you see what I do.  Hmmm..."

After a thought, she spoke up again.  "Guards are posted inside too.  Guessing the mage slitch ain't trusted by the Goblins and vice versa.  Maybe we use that to advantage eh?" . Go ing a thumbs up she kept two drones on the perimeter sweeping, directing one to follow the hopscotchers inside, while also looking for a way she herself could skip in to do her thing...should conditions favor it, one step at a time.

At this point, she kicked herself a bit for realizing that they really don't have much means to communicate.  Gonna hafta set these kids up with transceivers if there's a next time...make this hella easier...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-29-15/1513:48>
It occurs to me that I don't really want to make the occupants of the warehouse irritable, or even worse put them on guard.  Although the control I have could be helpful if things go south, for now I think it's best to just watch.  I keep tabs on all the drone feeds so that I can cut lights or cause a power surge to blow up light bulbs quickly if needed.  Otherwise I just watch, try to learn, and not think too much about how useless I still am...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-29-15/1810:23>
@ Arc & Subaru. The feeds show you OohRah and Slider7. But, they both know the price of getting caught and both come in small and quiet. But,  there are gangers in multiple places and at multiple angles. The big question is, are they stealthy enough?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-29-15/1923:40>
If our goal is to destroy the building anyway, what better distraction if things go really bad than to make it happen?  Taking over the warehouse meter had gotten my thinking.  I can already force 240v down 120v lines and likely cause a lot of fireworks with exploding bulbs and fried electronics.  But if 240v is good, what might 12,000v do?  Not too far away I trace the transformer that feeds power to the building itself.  Like all such devices these days, it's fully solid state and the feed to each customer meter can be controlled.  Taking over this device will likely result in more security and more attention from Seattle Power.  But if I can take it over, between the two devices I can shove one hundred times as much power as the wiring of the old building was designed for...emphasis on the "old".

If that doesn't cause fires at nearly every light fixture and outlet, then someone's fiddling with the laws of physics.

Having mapped out the grid and found my target, I sniff it every way I can without setting off security.  I then prepare to rush the thing and open the juice to the warehouse as soon as it might be helpful.  Starting a fire with my peeps in there might seem reckless, but I fully expect they'd take full advantage of the chaos to flee and the goons inside would be trying to figure things out and save their merch.  Maybe we might not have any samples, but it would still be mission accomplished and we'd all be alive.

I hope...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-29-15/2209:50>
The moments passed by as if they were hours, and it was all Arc could do to keep herself sitting there, eyes glued to the feed as she maintained her drones' flight patterns, the third going in staying close to Oorah with the intent of sharing the entry point.

A few moments later, her younger companion could see the mechanic's left flesh hand balled into a tight fist where she sat, a leg starting to shake anxiously as her jaw set.  A couple weird looks later, she let our her breath before finally speaking.

"This drek ain't right.  weren't supposed to go this way.  Now I'm out here on my hoop, only able to watch as I send two more into the fraggin' ghoul's den.  I got Rabbit into this drek, it should be me in there..."  She glanced at her right arm, thumping the roof lightly in frustration.   "..not good enough again, heh.  OoRah and Slider7 doing their thing better than even when I was small and doing that drek, huh...find her, chummers, then we'll figure this out..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-30-15/0050:16>
@ Arc & Subaru. Slider7 is able to take advantage of a natural shadow and he's quieter then a mouse through the hole.  And from the guards body language it doesn't seem as if he's noticed. But the drone feed for  OohRah shows her almost slipping when something slipped under her foot. She recovered fast. But, she must have made a sound because her hand darted over her mouth and she ducked behind a bed. But, two heads snapped in her direction and one had a gun out and ready.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-30-15/0203:43>
That's it!  Watching the gun out and the goon menacing Oorah is my queue. I cut power to the warehouse and everything goes dark in the December night. I watch the drobe feed like a hawk, ready to turn on the lights again or even flash them on and off as needed. All the while keeping the option open to pump up the voltage to 220 or even 12k.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-30-15/1441:18>
must be focused.  Then I should be too... Arc thought silently to herself when her comments were unanswered.  Her heart rate climbed and then seemed to freeze as she saw OoRah slipping and the guards alerting.  She was about to figure out a way to get the attention off her when alkthe lights went out, pure blackout.

One sidelong glance at the scarf-wearing girl next to her confirmed it wasn't accidental.  " Okay, let's do this..." .While unsure of what the pair of adepts could do, Arc knew her abilities, switching her drones to thernographic vision modes and negating the blackness.  The one inside took off like a fury, zooming into the warehouse and taking advantage of the impending disorientation, searching the back and hiding areas for their missing Rabbit...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-30-15/1744:01>
@ Arc & Subaru. "The hell! I think we got incoming! I thought I heard something." "Me too!" "Heads up! If it moves, spray it." You hear different voices shout. The thermographic feed shows the gangers each moving inward towards eachother, many of them with what must be weapons in their hands. Arc sees OohRah Sprint back out of the hole shejust came through. But, Slider7 doesn't have it so easy. He went in first, and is further from his exit.  The drones pick up his body diving deeper into the room towards a small stove and loses him in that heat signature. But, try as shemight she still can't pick up Rabbits small body. Frag! She ain't that small! Arc thinks.  Where can she possibly be hiding. We've searched everywhere for her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-30-15/2121:45>
Drek drek drek DREK DREK DREK  Arc's mind was racing as she felt herself losing control of the situation, fearing that she will now lose not one, but two kids to this thrice-damned job.  The rigger couldn't help but feel regret for bringing this crew together for this job...at least by herself, she had control of the situation and all the actions present.  This job...no means of communication, variables and troubles that aren't resolving despite best efforts, AND drek all going to hell...

Settles it.  If these peeps are doing drek with me again, I"m making damn sure we equipped for it.

OoRah made it out of there.  Good.  But they're on full alert now, two of their own inside (assumedly, where the frag is Rabbit?!), and this team was running out of options.  Arc made some deeper sweeps of the warehouse, pushing the drone's wings as she checked each floor under the cover of darkness one last time for their companion.  Either way, she had to trust that each of them would take what was happening as signals and signs to move when able, and she had to think fast...

"Bootstrap.  Got enough juice in you to create a diversion that won't pin us in mojo?"  Were the only words that she spoke, conveying a calm sense of urgency and need.  At the same time, she glanced at Firefly's cyberspaced form, pulling up a message at the speed of thought.

<<"Firefly, Arc.  This is bad.  Ideas on how to pull these goons away from our peeps??">>

[spoiler]Drone Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/330420): 8d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-30-15/2213:38>
Damn.  Why didn't Slider run for the exit when the lights went out?

But I'm not there.  He must have had a good reason.  We need another distraction.

The meter isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but it is modern enough to be a combined unit.  Environmental controls, meters, fuses - all there in solid state.  Just as has been for over a hundred years, power in a building is subdivided by separate circuits to keep an overload in one circuit from blowing an entire building off power.  It also means fuses can be sensitive enough to stop disaster while allowing the building as a whole to draw all the power it needs.

In this case, I select a circuit that the internal circuit maps displays as being near enough to hear but far enough to draw the goons away from Slider and his logical exit.  With any luck, it will also give Rabbit the opening...and the hint...to get the frag out of there.

Using my established control over the buildings circuitry, I send pure distribution voltage through wiring designed for half that.  Lights flash and then burst, fluorescent ballast catches fire, and whatever devices or appliances attached to the wall are slagged at least, and hopefully start smoking themselves and making loud noises.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <09-30-15/2330:10>
@ Arc & Subaru. OohRah climbs up next to you looking scared. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" She keeps saying over and over. She's trying hard not to cry. When drek his the air circulation device Slider7 doesn't need a written invitation and he runs and jumps for his exit. Leaping up and using a strut, and probably a wire the way he arcs and flies for his exit. Bootstrap, not knowing what's going on in the warehouse looks confused and says. "I can do fireworks. Uhh can put  any anywhere Just gotta see. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-30-15/2338:45>
Arc was the first person up upon spotting OoRah's presence climbing, offering her cyberarm out to help her up.  As the apologies sputtered, the human only clapped the teen girl on the shoulder, giving a nod.   "Null sheen now, omae, you tried.  Get y'breath, this might turn into a rescue real fast."  Turning to Bootstrap, she gave a nod, again keeping her voice level as she pointed.   "We want them to go away from here.  Think a fireworks show will pull them to the alleys opposite the building, wizbang?"  Her left fist was clenched tight as she checked her feeds again...  Slider7 was getting out in a fraggin' show of athleticism, but no sign of Rabbit, and the reactions of the gangers are too chaotic to discern.

"Where are you..OH FRAG ME 27 TIMES ALL TO HELL"

Her memory hit her, the playback of Rabbit's layout of the place dropping on her like a basilisk's load of droppings.  Clapping her hands to her head, she let out a low, animalistic growl of frustration.  The SAFE!   Without another word, she grabbed hold of the drone's virtual controls, directing it down to the safe that Rabbit laid out....in all this stress and drek, she must have forgotten!  Pushing the bug down, she scanned what she could, clearing this one last room...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-01-15/0008:46>
@ Arc & Subaru. The tiny drone can go where a person can not and slips in where a warped piece of wood has created an opening. And the thermographics do the rest. It sends Arc and Subaru an image of a small elven body wedged against the safe as far as possible from sight of the trapdoor.
Bootstrap shakes his head,  "Halloweeners. Blood." Those two simple words are two paragraphs of info for Arc. This boy had a hella good idea. Nobody pulls a gang out faster than their blood enemies. And, as an added bonus everything they've done will be blamed on the rivals.
Slider7 jumps up and over the ledge onto the roof gracefully sings looking at Arc whispers. "They close in. To many to.close to safe. Couldn't get to it."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-01-15/0104:13>
Arc's eyes went wide as the thermographic images of Rabbit came into her view, her fist pounding the air as she jumped in relief.  "ha-ha!  There's my homegirl, right there wiz."  A sense of relief washed over her, relaxing her a bit before she reminded herself that the situation wasn't done.  But the unknowns were eliminated, and now they could work.  Torching the place is out...too much risk, but if we can get them to clear...  She racked her brain, trying to make sense of a plan...

And then Bootstrap's gem of an idea hit.

The wheels could visibly be seen churning in her head, grinding in a high gear as she pieced what she saw happen inside...likely from the unresponsive Firefly...with the mention of Halloweeners.  Slowly, a grin filled her face as she helped Slider7 in, clapping him on the shoulder as well.  "you did aight, you got eyes in.  We have Rabbit, she's safe for now, but we needa clear that place out.  And Bootstrap, damn it all man.."  She pulled him over and embraced him in some manic rush of excitement, planting a kiss on the cheek.  "I got a plan, you set it up.  Here's what we do..."

<<Firefly, Arc again.  Listen up, plan coming together, but if you caused that light show, gonna need you to coordinate, wiz?>>

That message out, Arc set her link to record and transmit to Firefly's persona as she addressed the group.  "We gon' get the Halloweeners to challenge them, and they gon' take it.  Bootstrap, I need an illusion of a pack...squad's good too...of Halloweeners in black leathers and orange masks.  Chains, spikes, whatever you can.  They'll be hooting and hollering and likely some part of their drek is on fire, bonus if it's a green flag.  They won't say words, but scream and yell a lot.  Have them hit the front entrance and look like they chucking flaming drek.  Firefly...when that happens, make some booms, that'll rile them up, and then our Halloweeners drive off west.  Their turf is a kilometer in that way, and if they mobilize slow enough, they'll be out for blood and we'll be clear.  Slider7, OoRah, back to lookouts, let us know if we clear.  Arguments?"

She clapped her hands together, grinning as she felt the swing of luck turn in their favor.  Facing Bootstrap fully, she straightened up, still much shorter than the teen.  "You got this. If anyone could pull this off, it's you.  Do this for Rabbit, omae."  Grabbing his arms with her hands, she squeezed gently before letting go,  turning her attention back to the drone.  Moving it gently, she brought it down close to Rabbit before letting it land in front of her.  The little undernourished teen knew Arc's toys, and seeing it was Arc's message: she was not forgotten, and help was here.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-01-15/1808:09>
<<Acknowledged>>

Sounds like things are coming together out there.  Still, there's no way I'm going to leave the 'trix right now.  I keep my awareness focused on just a few things - messages from Arc, the feed from the drones, the warehouse meter, and three transformers I've targeted as options if we need fireworks.  One feeds the warehouse.  The others are nearby and I'm ready to make them explode to add to the ambiance if Bootstrap does his illusions.

Hmmm, I notice some vehicle icons nearby.  I wonder if any of them have alarms...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-01-15/2336:58>
@ Arc & Subaru. Bootstrap begins looking worried, "I 'kin only do  three or four. But, no sound if I cast that many. I think OohRah and Slider 'kin maybe do the screaming from the roof. If I make the gangers run off quick. They won't notice the sound is from the wrong direction." OohRah & Slider7 nod in agreement.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-02-15/0033:15>
Arc paused, looking at each of them as they found their voices, the plan amending to fit the skills and abilities of her Cree.  Smirking lightly, the Metalgurl gave a nod of approval and let go of Bootstrap.  "Then we do that.  Have em run off toward legit Halloweener turf and we're golden.  I'll confirm that they bail so you kin cut the mojo when outta sight, wiz?"

Once in position, Arc ducked out of the way, ready to lend her voice as well if needed, keeping a link of audio open to Firefly at all times.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-02-15/1126:03>
<<Do you want me to make a transformer or two go boom from the direction the illusions will run toward?  If I do that, it will be noticed by the power company and it'll kill power to whatever buildings are fed by those transformers.>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-02-15/1138:11>
Arc gave a second to mull it over, before sending a reply with a small nod.

<<"Do it.  Gangers will take the heat for it, and it'll make it look more convincing.  It is a bit messy, but we gotta do what we gotta do.  Good thinking.  Here, giving you a visual to coordinate">>

With that, the rigger redirected one of her perimeter drones away from its sweeping pattern, having it hold over the area they were staging for this stunt.  And now for implementing it...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-03-15/1203:22>
@ Arc & Subaru  OohRah and Slider7 moved off to get in position on the other roof and Bootstrap moved off to the far corner of the roof where he could get into position to see the road and warehouse entrance. Hoppy moved with him like a small shadow. He straightens up and takes a deep breath. He looks down at his left palm biting his lip. He begins gesturing his hands and body describing to the mana what he wants. He looks down at the street and his head jerks back, and his right hand waves in a disgusted, dismissive gesture. Once again his posture straightens and he begins, this time there is an angry edge to his movements and they are accompanied by a barely audible whisper. In a moment he looks like he's been punched in the gut and he's knocked onto his ass. But, his face is tight with concentration and his right arm is out, pointing to the street, his left held in a fist above it. And then you hear it. The cat-calls and screams from OohRah and Slider7. Hoppy is bouncing up and down beside Bootstrap, her hands clamped over her mouth to contain the squeals after the first one escaped. The drone recorded a quiet street. But, the actions of the guards more than made up for the lack of activity on the street. They shout and guns go up as they beginning firing at something headed toward Halloweener territory.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-03-15/1217:32>
The moment that Arc realized her drone was doing drek to help out, the mechanic moved herself, taking a position with cover where she could see the show.  Looking down, she smirked a bit at what she saw: a small gang of Halloweeners, male and female, augmenting by the hollering the two adepts were giving, holding aloft a burning green flag whilst waving what looked like Molotov cocktails in their free hands.  Getting a view of it, she opened up a channel with Firefly.

<<"They moving now, girly.  Start giving hell,  I'll direct you">>  Using the speed and alertness of her mind, Arc started to ping locations in the warehouse and the environs where their trick seemed to be influencing.  She grinned again when she saw the Goblins firing back, moving to intercept their gangers and fall into the plan...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-03-15/1242:39>
Whatever Bootstrap did, it seems to have done the trick!  The goons outside or with a view of the outside seem to be going wild, shooting at empty space.  Now to give them even more excitement.

I'd been hovering around two icons I'd identified as power pole transformers in the direction of Halloweener territory but not the one supplying the warehouse.  I have that one in my sights too, but my plans for that one are different.  First up the closest and most likely to be seen as well as heard.  I slip my way in with my Erika set to sleaze and firewall, place just enough marks to insert a command I'd already written up using the specs of the make/model of this exact solid state transformer, and let 'er rip...

[spoiler]Mark #1 on transformer #1 in direction of Halloweener territory: 12d6t5: 4 [12d6t5=2, 4, 6, 4, 6, 1, 4, 2, 6, 3, 5, 3] (http://orokos.com/roll/330872)
Mark #2 on transformer #1 in direction of Halloweener territory: 12d6t5: 3 [12d6t5=6, 2, 4, 5, 3, 4, 2, 5, 1, 1, 4, 3] (http://orokos.com/roll/330873)
Hacking transformer #1 to configure it to short: 12d6t5: 3 [12d6t5=3, 5, 1, 5, 4, 3, 1, 5, 1, 2, 4, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/330874)[/spoiler]

I get my first sense of the result from watching the feed from Arc's drones.  The old hardware didn't fully complete the short so the result was something like turning the utility pole into a massive sparkler.  Sparks and arcing electricity shine as the short gets worse.  After about 15 seconds of ever increasing sparkling, a pair of explosions result.  The sound reverberates off buildings even as fire and sparks shoot into the air.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHVh0KwG_0k

Yes!!!

I keep further celebration in check as I ready myself to move to the next transformer based on the reactions to the first.  If it looks like I'll have enough time to reboot my deck, I do so because I know I've already gotten GOD and perhaps even the power company IC sniffing around for me.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-03-15/1253:09>
The silence coming from Firefly was a brief moment of concern for Arc, but all such concerns were dashed away as the transformer went off, met with a loud explosion that could only have solidified the insane nature of their trick.  She grinned and connected a fist to open palm in excitement, ducking back as she spotted their marks mobilizing, shooting and chasing after the belligerent Halloweeners.

<<"Drek all, Firefly, remind me never to piss you off unless I want my power gone.  Frag! Ahahaha">>

Keeping the channel open, Arc looked up and gave a nod to Bootstrap, gesturing a thumbs up as she saw his state.  He was wearing out..that was obvious, and this trick likely was his last for a while.   She noted it, and made herself a promise that he could rest after this.  With her drones, she swept around the building again, waiting for the warehouse to clear, and preparing to move in once it was...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-03-15/1312:32>
<<Thank you!>>>  I then add to my reply.  <<I'll set off another transformer, then jack out to reset myself before getting ready to blow the warehouse when you give the word.  Oh, make sure Slider and Ooorah know not to try going in again!>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-03-15/1446:42>
@ Arc & Subaru  One of the gangers outside begins running after the Halloweeners and shooting. The other looks confused and starts saying, "What the hell?" looking around for the source of the noise. But, when the transformer blows he begins running after his buddy and seconds later they're joined by another who, seeing the Hallooweeners and his buddies running after them shouts, "We're under attack! Halloweeners damn them! They must be tying to burn us out!" the drone in the air in the warehouse catches sight of several of the gangers running out of the warehouse. But, not the ones in black. Their mage rushes over to one of them and they all group around her. In a moment they're leaving through a side window on the half-floor.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-03-15/1503:01>
It's working!  Seeing the plan come together is one of the most exciting moments of my life.  I'm helping!  I'm making a difference!

Okay, girlie, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves.  We've still got work to do.  We need to keep them busy for a while and with the illusions likely vanishing soon they need some more incentive.  On to transformer #2.  This one is further away.  Still visible but far enough to keep coaxing the Goblins on.

[spoiler]Mark #1 on transformer #2 in direction of Halloweener territory:  12d6t5: 3 [12d6t5=4, 3, 5, 1, 4, 1, 6, 4, 2, 4, 6, 3] (http://orokos.com/roll/330880)
Mark #2 on transformer #2 in direction of Halloweener territory:  12d6t5: 5 [12d6t5=6, 4, 4, 5, 3, 2, 6, 3, 3, 6, 3, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/330881)
Hacking transformer #2 to configure it to short:  12d6t5: 6 [12d6t5=5, 5, 3, 6, 4, 3, 6, 6, 1, 3, 6, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/330882)[/spoiler]

Again, I get my first sense of the result from watching the feed from Arc's drones.  And this time things don't take as long and the result is loud and spectacular!

http://m0.i.pbase.com/o4/90/458590/1/62410740.14ZxJgY0.kb9842.jpg

Booyah!!!

This I want to see!  Both to see it with my own eyes and to get the smell of GOD off my tail, I jack out and reboot my Erika.

I love the smell of toasted transformer in the night... :)
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-03-15/1519:47>
Once jacked out and rebooting I quickly stand up and look to see the explosion in the distance.  After a few moments of marveling at my handiwork I look back toward the warehouse to see if I can get any sense of what the mage is up to.  Hopefully she's leaving, but if not, I may have to change hats really fast if she engages any of my peeps.  I slip into astral perception and look over the situation.  It doesn't take long to note the glowing aura of the mage making her way down an alley below.  I have no interest in stopping her, but I do one last attempt to assense the woman's receding back.  I put every effort into this last effort as I can...

[spoiler]Assensing the fleeing mage (using edge): 8d6t5: 2 [8d6t5=6, 2, 6, 2, 1, 2, 3, 3] (http://orokos.com/roll/330886)
re-roll failures for assensing the fleeing mage: 6d6t5: 4 [6d6t5=2, 5, 2, 5, 6, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/330887)

Total of SIX hits on assensing!
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-03-15/1521:54>
@ Marco Ginny looks at you and says, "I'm going to have to go to Tokyo for this job. David is going to put me into a small apartment he's renting from a friend. He's going to come see me every night before he goes home." she makes a face of disgust. "At least he'll never stay. He doesn't want his wife to know so I'm never to even hint at the connection at work." She looks at you. "I can't lose you Marco. Not now. Once I get established I'll be making enough money to bring you down there. We'll have an entire city to get to know and have fun in. I want to make love to you on a few rooftops. I want that perfect body of yours bathed in moonlight. It'll make the job and my time with that slug bearable." her face is inches from yours her eyes huge in the moonlight. They're glistening with unshed tears and she's trying hard not to plead. She strokes your chest, "And I want to make love to Marta. I was so turned on by her. Nothing ever matched it." she looks at you again, "You're perfect. Everything about you is perfect. I can't get enough of you. And Tokyo has so many places. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-03-15/1617:09>
Arc could not help but grin wickedly as the transformers blew up, feeling a little shiver go down her spine as she admired the handiwork the younger decker wreaked upon the surroundings.  Didn't think she had THAT in her...ahhaha~  As the gangers bailed and her drones picked up the mage and her cronies leaving, Arc hopped back over to help Firefly up, seeing her reboot and return to her meatsuit.

"Hell of a job, hell of a boom.  C'mon, they bailing out."  After the initial explosion, Arc was counting the number of gangers leaving, and with the mage team gone, the numbers were dwindling.  She glanced over at Slider7 and OoRah, then back at Bootstrap, her hands checking the Predator at her low back while she fitted a pair of shock gloves over her hands.  Soon, Rabbit.  Soon.  "We get them down to less than a couple peeps inside, we can take em and get this job done.  You've earned your pay, Firefly.  You too, Bootstrap."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-03-15/1706:27>
@ Arc & Subaru  The drone shows three of the Green Goblins left in the warehouse. Two of them are busily packing the drugs up. while a third is sweeping the room back and forth keeping a lookout with his weapon in his hand. It looks like a light machine gun to Arc's experienced eye.

@ Subaru  The fleeing mage is like an open book to Subaru as she concentrates all of her sense out. And seeing her magical tradition is almost childs play to Subaru. Allah be praised for all of the different magical traditions I've been exposed to my teachings! The mage is from the bardic tradition, and her specialties are manipulation and health. And she's a more than decently powered practicionar." Subaru see's all of this in just a few moments of study. But, why is she making drugs with gangers? She's got more than enough ability to get a legal job in the healthcare professions? And it would most certainly not involve guys with guns.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-03-15/1710:20>
I am disappointed, angry even. But what is the point she is what she is and I cannot change that it is frustrating but in some deep manner she does not respect herself. A mistress ? Fine be pathetic if that’s what you like. If she is such a brilliant scientist she is terrible in negotiations. If she is better for the job her skills and expertise are enough if not for David than for some other employer.  It hit me, Ginny just has no dignity not at all. Than again, who am I to judge, I do a lot worse. I sleep with people for money, but I’d sleep around anyhow i am a very sexual creature and I need it, I cannot go without it. Every bit of mana inside me begs to be used to charm and influence people. Still I dream about power and influence but I refuse to manipulate people. Even someone as pathetic as Ginny that is practically begging for that.

She will come to that work in Japan as a candy for the boss, she will be brilliant but people will not respect her. Everybody will be sure that she slept her way to the job which she did but she needn’t how can you be so pathetic when J gave you the most brilliant mind. When you are a true genius. I cannot understand it, I never thought of myself as particularly smart. I have looks and charm and I use them, Ginny is probably one of the most employable people in the galaxy even with Horizon closing doors for her. She should not sell her body, her body is nice but she is not particularly pretty even. David just has no respect for her, he knows that she’ll give him all he asks for so he is bold to ask. He just uses her because she is socially defenseless.

Thanks J for the wonderful ability to lie and sugar coat reality, because when Ginny say that I understand that it is all in her head. I will never be interested in her as a partner or as a lover. Not like this... Than again, why not sleep with someone so willing and so committed to please. I may want her as a pet, as someone to sex me up when I am feeling sad and knowing that her alternative is so shitty it seems ever more tempting to try and manipulate her into staying with me. Her wonderful sexuality does not make it any easier for me. Did she have to tell me the truth to my face? Did I really had to sleep with her again knowing what it is going to do to my judgement?

“I am not sure about that... so you go all the way to Japan just to be a mistress? What about the chemistry and everything, must your own body be included in the deal because I am sure he did not plan to take the doc as a mistress.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-03-15/1803:48>
@ Yelena Bella smiles at you, reaching for one of the party drugs on the table. Her skin is so smooth, so shiny from the sweat coating her after the pleasures they all had shared. She smiles as she injects her tongue and you see her pupils blossom and contract with the effect and her body responds to the pleasure coursing through her. "Of course. We'd already planned it Keshan and I. I wanted to give him a party. But, Keshan said parties bore him, so many are there just to be seen, others just to pretend. He wants to have the time and the freedom to enjoy everything the club has to offer. I've invited another couple. They'll meet us there tonight. And I've already had the room programmed." She smiles at Keshan as she strokes a pain stimulator across her nipples and then his lips.."The drugs at the Stardust will let us enjoy each other far more." Her husband stretches and says, "Keshan and I have meetings all today. But, you ladies have made the business of pleasure very much worth spending the night with." He languorously gets up and walks over to Bella kissing her. "You are the queen of my nights my dear. We'll see you tonight." He and Keshan shrug into their clothing and leave, both of them taking a booster as they walk out.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-03-15/1926:50>
Arc's expression stiffened as she watched the drone feeds, noting the large gun in the guarding ganger's hands as she waited for the adepts to rejoin, the crew of kids looking at her expectantly.  Taking a breath, she focused herself.

"I ain't sugsrcoatin this drek, chummers.  Three left in there, all packing, one watchin' with a big gun.  I'm going in, this is the best shot we got of doing our thing.  I won't make any of y'all go in, you've earned your share already.  This is your choice, and I won't force it.  Bootstrap....you look like hell.  I want you up here watching for us with Hoppy, got it?  Firefly....see the LMG the one guy has?  Think you can shut it down?"

The human mechanic started descending to the street level, quietly approaching the warehouse with gloves in hand, moving slowly and lightly.  She stopped at the door, looking back up at her Decker companion, looking for confirmation before forming her plan of attack...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-03-15/1940:07>
Finally Allah smiles on me and I get a good look at the Awakened woman.  And what a look it is - I swear I can tell what color panties she's wearing!  Before I can tell Arc what I found out, the rigger is already laying out the next plan.  Since the mage is out of the picture now, I file away the knowledge for sharing later.  Now we have another job to do, and a lot will come down to me and my little Erika.

[spoiler]Per Smiles via chat:

@Subaru  The fleeing mage is like an open book to Subaru as she concentrates all of her sense out. And seeing her magical tradition is almost child's play to Subaru. Allah be praised for all of the different magical traditions I've been exposed to my teachings! The mage is from the bardic tradition, and her specialties are manipulation and health. And she's a more than decently powered practitioner." Subaru see's all of this in just a few moments of study. But, why is she making drugs with gangers? She's got more than enough ability to get a legal job in the healthcare professions? And it would most certainly not involve guys with guns.[/spoiler]

"The machine gun?" I parrot back as I jack back in and examine the gun's icon via AR.  "That's actually the kind of thing I trained for."  I smile as I move to follow the woman down to street level.  "I should be able to jam the thing, Allah willing.  How do you plan to take them out?  I will do best to time my digital attack with your physical one.  Once jammed, I can try and help with a fighting spell if you'd like."

As I talk I try to discern the type of machine gun to make sure it is of a type I can jam via software.  Based on the icon and my efforts to cross reference the make/model with info available to me on the 'trix, I determine I can cause the mechanism to jam if I can get myself into it's software guts.  My smile widens as I await a response from my mentor.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-03-15/1943:11>
@ Yelena  Another underling calls her a cab as she leaves the casino and on the ride back Yelena has time to ponder what Nicolai had said to her after she'd lay'd down her conditions. "Все они имеют цену на их глав. Вы могли стать богатыми на цене Тсины только. Сейф убивает от длинного расстояния, Вы разбогатели. Кормите тех mewling надоедливых детей, которых Вы называете семьей, потому что они к слабому, чтобы выдержать одну минуту самостоятельно. Но я сделаю каждое последнее дыхание, что тысяча лет боли для того, что они сделали к нашей семье. Для того, что они сделали к Вам. Вы говорите мне, что Вы не моя шлюха. Я сделал каждую часть из Вас оружием, чтобы использовать, обладать. Ваш выбор, больше нет только выбор для других. Теперь Вы требуете оплаты, чтобы убить врага крови. Вы стали мягкими и ленивыми. Как британцы. Вы смотрите только, чтобы получить прибыль. Моя оплата будет кричать, который они берут к черту. Пойти. Я не имею никакого желания к кому - то, кто думает о прибыли и не крови." He slams a kuckri down through your mattress then. And in less than a minute all of the weapons are hidden on his body.

[spoiler]"All of them have a price on their heads. You could get rich on price Tsiny only. Safe kills from a long distance, you get rich.Feed those annoying mewling children, whom you call family, because they are to weak to withstand a moment alone. But I'll make every last breath that a thousand years of pain for what they did to our family. For what they did to you. You tell me that you are not my whore. I made every part of you weapons to use, possess. Your choice, is no longer only choice for others. Now you require payment to kill an enemy of blood. You have become soft and lazy. As the British. You look just to make a profit. My payment will be screaming that they take to hell. Go. I have no desire to someone who is thinking about profits and not blood."[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-03-15/2229:01>
@ Marco  Ginny looks at you, "Your doctor never had a shot at that job. And I didn't either. All my qualifications are in academia. And they're all attributed to Hanson, not me. As far as anybody's concerned all I have is a couple of degrees and ideas. This job calls for someone who's got experience as a team leader for a crew of 12 and I'll be expected to produce results not ideas. Add to that that I can't pay for the plane ticket, the apartment, the food in the 'frig and I had to take the offer I was given. But, all I have to do is produce one good result and I'll be able to leverage this into a job with another company. Not to mention it's almost double the money that Hanson makes in a year at his job right now. I'll be able to wave my title and my money in the bastards face. And it'll pay for you to come over. It'll pay for things we can't even dream of right now Marco. People who will accept us fpr what we are. And since no one can know about me & David I'll never have to make a deal like this again. All I need is one money making`drug or delivery system and I'm set. I'll never have to make a deal with the devil again."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-03-15/2340:08>
Arc paused just outside the warehouse, her back brushing against the cold exterior just barely as she held her cyberhand up, indicating she should pause.  Turning back to her, she gave a little grin to the little decker as she glanced at her drone screens to confirm the locations of their marks.  With the lights off and set hella low, the gangers were definitely on edge as they tried to finish up their work and packing the contraband.

"Wiz bang, decker girly.  Here's the plan.  I'm gonna slip in and try to shock the fragger with the big gun, take him down before he can do any response.  Once he's down, use that same gun to get the others to run off."  Reaching down, she grabbed at some alley dirt, smearing it over her face.  "They won't recognize me, and with events might assume I be a Halloweener.  I won't argue, ehe.  Your help appreciated in any way."  Grabbing her single-pane visor style goggles, she fitted them over her eyes, turning on their thermographic feature and adjusting to it before giving a nod.  "There's a trog saying...Lataka na O'Haqarra.  Ride or die.  Ain't no use doing this drek halfway.  Let's do this."

Without another word, Arc moved in, slipping through the hanging door into the darkness of the warehouse.  From there, the stout rigger's ganger roots definitely shown through, her movements almost feral as she slipped along the floor, closing the distance.  Her hands made contact with the ground almost as much as her feet did, her torso almost horizontal as she got up behind the ganger with the machine gun, the shadows making her almost invisible to the naked eye, the thermographics of the drone feeds the only indication to Firefly that she was even there.

In position, the little rigger flexed her hands twice before pouncing, legs springing into motion as she reached out, one gloved hand reaching the guarding ganger's guard arm from behind, the other reaching up to the back of his neck, the shock activating and delivering a heavy payload of voltage into his body.  "Resist this, buddy..."

[spoiler]Sneaking (http://orokos.com/roll/330958): 6d6t5 5
Hoping to get surprise, here goes:
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/330967): 1d6+8 11
Unarmed (touch attack) (http://orokos.com/roll/330965): 10d6t5 4
Damage Code: 8S (electric) +net hits, AP -5

Short puns are fun[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-04-15/0000:03>
Using the drones via AR as my eyes, I follow Arc at a distance.  I don't enter the room with her.  Instead I remain outside, jacked in and ready to hack the gun via AR as soon as Arc starts to make her move.  If the gunner goes down, I'll watch for where the gun falls using the drones and set it to fire a very short burst on the ground assuming it's not aimed at Arc.  If the gunner doesn't go down or drop the gun, I'll hack the gun and jam it.  Either way, I'm hacking the gun.

[spoiler]Mark #1 on the LMG: 12d6t5: 5 [12d6t5=6, 4, 1, 3, 5, 6, 4, 6, 5, 2, 2, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/330972)
Mark #2 on the LMG: 12d6t5: 3 [12d6t5=6, 6, 3, 4, 1, 4, 2, 1, 5, 4, 2, 2] (http://orokos.com/roll/330973)
Hacking the LMG to either shoot a very short burst or set it to jam: 12d6t5: 5 [12d6t5=3, 5, 3, 5, 3, 2, 2, 5, 4, 6, 4, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/330974)[/spoiler]

Based on what happens with the goons after Arc makes her move and i make the LMG do my bidding, I prepare myself to peek into the doorway in the darkness and let loose a stunbolt.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-04-15/0132:24>
@ Arc & Subaru  The noise from the gangers packing the drugs hide the small noises Arc makes. And the drone watching him from the air lets Arc move when he's looking away. It's tricky, but, she's able to get quite close. And when she touches him the power coursing through his body drops him like a sack. His body and weapon clattering to the floor alert the other two gangers to their visitor.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-04-15/0146:31>
At the casino, Yelena turns to Bella after the men leave the suite and without saying a word she takes her friend back to the couch and spills her onto her back.  The next hour is spent in ecstasy as the two women make love to each other until the sweat drips from exhausted bodies.   After catching her breath, Yelena takes Bella by the hand and leads her to the full bath that is part of the luxury suite, where they help each other clean the evidence of the night away,  Both laugh at some of the places the men had left bodily fluids.  When done, the two dress and hug before leaving the suite.  Cabs are called for both and they separate, going each to their different destinations.

Yelena sits back in the car, reliving the night and idly listening to the news feeds.  She caught the end of a report about a fire in the Barrens that had been accompanied by some gunfire.  Gang violence was suspected.  The reminder of violence takes her mind back to the previous late afternoon.  Nikolai had been upset and angry, but Yelena had stood her ground at the door, raising her hand. 

"Вы не получите от меня таким образом, Николай Федорович. Елена Солоха, является как Vory как вы. Я приведен к присяге в том же клятвы и Я помню все. Однако семья оставил мне умереть; моя Bratva был убит в лицо за исключением предатели."  She points to the obvious bullet wound scars over her heart.  "Елена скончался ночью. Никто из них не явился для меня. Никто не нашел меня. Вы жили в семье, и я был оставлен умирать. Семьи у вас и HID вас, но я был на моей собственной в разных странах мира. Я для себя лично. Поэтому я принял то, что естественно, что вы обращаете, и сделал ее оплаты; сделал мне на жизнь."

"Да, я убивать ради прибыли. Я таким образом, что вы не обучать меня. Я более чем я был в Karibor. И меньше. У меня не было семьи. Я была одна. И тем не менее я выжил, и я буду продолжать выжить потому, что тень не сделать с меня еще не. В Vory не по поводу насилия без прибыли. Даже в Karibor мы были на Vory богатыми, сняв конкуренции в продаже наркотиков, оружия, и по признаку пола. Елена Солоха не так глупо, что я не видел. Вы, Николай Федорович, и я пользовался убийства. Вы научили меня, как пользоваться убийства. И вас научил меня, что мое тело - это инструмент и что секс может быть оружием. И я взял мои уроки и в жизни. Я уже опередили людей, с которыми я был убит в результате Karibor номер I были убиты после."

"и теперь у меня есть свой Bratva, моя собственная семья здесь. И задача босс для семьи. Да, я убью за деньги, так же как и любые другие Bratva босс. бессмысленного убийства не только в том, что бессмысленно. Но я знаю кровь, Николай. Я знаю крови. Я хотел бы убить Tsina Molovna тысячу раз и посмотреть ее страдают тысячи агонии каждый раз, но не для меня. Для тех членов моей семьи, которые она предала и убиты. Я не нужно денег, чтобы убить ее, а другие разные. Это бизнес."

Yelena holds his eyes with hers as she steps aside from the doorway.  "В настоящее время, вы можете взять свой гнев и go, если хотите, потому что мне не нужна гнева. Мне нужно видение и план. Расскажите мне, когда у вас с водяным охлаждением. Я поможет убить Tsina Molovna и другие, но не без плана. Вы мне, что я был, и я признателен, но я сделал мне больше, чем я. Я Елена Солоха и Я будет Vory моей смерти, но я не слепой".

[spoiler]“You do not get to talk to me that way, Nikolai Fyodorovich.  Yelena Petrovna is as much Vory as you.  I have sworn the same oaths and I remember everything.  But the Family left me to die; my Bratva was killed to the last person except for the traitors.”  She points to the obvious bullet wound scars over her heart.  “Yelena died that night.  No one came for me.  No one found me.  You lived within the Family and I was left to die.  The Family supported you and hid you, but I was on my own in a different world.  I had to support myself.  So I took what I had naturally, what you had honed, and made it pay; made it give me a living.”

“Yes, I kill for profit.  I have grown in ways that you did not train me.  I am more now than I was in Karibor.  And less.  I had no Family.  I was alone.  Yet I survived, and I will continue to survive because the Shadow is not done with me yet.  The Vory is not about violence without profit.  Even in Karibor we were making the Vory rich by removing the competition in the sales of drugs, weapons, and sex.  Yelena Petrovna was not so stupid that I did not see that.  You, Nikolai Fyodorovich, and I enjoyed the killing.  You taught me how to enjoy the killing.  And you taught me that my body is a tool and that sex can be a weapon.  And I have taken my lessons and made a life.  I have eclipsed the people I killed for you in Karibor by the number I have killed since.”

“And now I have my own Bratva, my own small Family here.  And it is the job of the boss to provide for the Family.  So yes, I kill for money, the same as any other Bratva boss does.  Senseless killing is just that, senseless.  But I know blood, Nikolai.  I know blood.  I would kill Tsina Molovna a thousand times and watch her suffer a thousand agonies each time, but not for me.  For those members of my Family that she betrayed and killed.  I do not need money to kill her, but the others are different.  That is business.”

Yelena holds his eyes with hers as she steps aside from the doorway.  “Now, you may take your anger and go if you want, because I do not need anger.  I need vision and a plan.  Talk to me when you have cooled off.  I will help you kill Tsina Molovna and the others, but not without a plan.  You made me what I was, and I am grateful, but I have made me more than I was.  I am Yelena Petrovna and I will be Vory to my death, but I am not blind.”
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-04-15/0159:38>
Bingo!

In all honesty, she hadn't expected her results to be so...effective.  As the gun dropped to the ground, the short human got low, looking up to see the remaining pair of gangers stopping their task to look towards where their gun-toting companion was.  Thinking fast, Arc took one glance towards the gun before it decided to respond for her, a short report of fire ringing out from the large piece, the bullets sent off in a safe direction and fully alerting the duo.  Eyes flaring open, Arc saw her opportunity, darting to the gun in a lunging stride and scooping it into her grasp with both hands.

The weight is what hit her first, her roughcut muscles and lack of any formal exercise regimen making the piece a heavy one to lift, taking a couple seconds to get to her feet as she held the gun with both hands, gripping the grip tightly with her right hand whilst the left was white-knuckled on the upper handle, pointed directly at the two of them.  Grinning, she growled her voice out, a resounding cackle of menace opening her shouting.

"Nyeahhahah, betcha didn't expect THIS, huh slitches?  Y--"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-04-15/0226:34>
That was all nice and dandy if there was a job. I think and in my estimation the job position will get filled by someone qualified and Ginny will be too poor to go home and too isolated to complain. I am the cynical bastard with no trust in humanity so I am connecting the dots, once she is in Tokyo she will be a lot weaker, she will be socially isolated and the conditions may change. Also why did she rush for this job, why not someone for a university graduate, why shortcutting things. “I made a devil deal once and it turned out to be a lot different than what I bargained for.  Make sure you sign a formal contract and everything as soon as possible because once in Tokyo you may be too poor to come back if things are not as peachy as they sound.

If you are indeed going to make double the money the doc is making, why does David need to rent an apartment for you? Rich people can rent any apartment they want, they do not need an apartment favor. Especially when his wife is a lot less likely to find out if you just rent your own place.  Something just does not add up Ginny. Be safe in there.”

I am now into career development? These are her life choices and I think that if something seems too good to be true it usually is. I hope that I am the cynical bastard and that Ginny will make it big, but the job may prove illusion and the apartment in Tokyo may prove real what will happen then?   What can I say, people are cynical bastards and I just expect the worst in people.

I then text Jed >> Jed can you background check David Anderson for me, he is some sort of senior in the medical industry and should have some lab in Tokyo.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <10-04-15/0237:26>
Snowden was quiet the rest of the way home.  Jed watched him a moment from the corner of his eye.  He seemed thoughtful, not sulky.  That was good at least.  Once they got to his place, he needed to give Snowden some space that he could control.  But not the lodge.  He might need to lock the garage altogether.  A message came back from Mike.  Too busy.  Ok, a man’s gotta work.  Birthday party.  Damn.  Forgot about that.

Once they got to Jed’s place Jed led Snowden through the office and back into the bedroom.  Snowden cocked his head to the side and studied the entire environment and then walked over to the coffee table and was about to pick up the antique cloisonne frog Jed had but stopped himself and looking at jed said, “Is it ok if I move it with the other foci?”

Jed looks at the frog.  It was a knick knack that he picked up from the thrift store.  But it wasn’t a focus.  At one time it had held a small amount of mana, which Jed had condensed out in the form of reagents.  Most of the time, when he was done with it, he returned and donated things back to the thrift store.  It was probably something given from a daughter to a mother, or something sentimental like that.  Jed found reagents of his tradition in cast off things that had once held some sentimental value.  Hermetics liked their crystals with their internal structure, or paranormal creature parts with their inherent magic.  Shamans like their bird feathers and tiger claws.  Chaos mages liked the random stuff that had been the object of some emotion.  A murder weapon could hold mana that way for a chaos mage, but that was some dark stuff.  It “tasted” funny. 

“You can move the frog.”  Jed looked at his bedroom.  He might as well let Snowden have the bedroom.  “You can do what you want with this room.  You can even rearrange my office out front if you really want to. Please, just stay out of the garage.  That’s my space.  I’m a different kind of mage than you.  We flow differently.  You can move anything else, just don’t touch the garage.”

Snowden stopped with his hand on the frog. “I’m a mage? I don’t think i’m a mage. I don’t remember being a mage.”  he looked down at the frog then and and walked over to a small teak box from Bangladesh and placed the frog next to it. He then moved the box a few centimeters over and counter-clockwise and placed the frog at a thirty degree angle from it. He walked over to a small picture then and adjusted it, leveling it. The difference was tiny. But, it was now level.

Jed surveyed the room.  It was dusty.Wonder when he’ll notice that?  Room will be empty after he’s done.  Jed looked around the small room.  He didn’t have a refrigerator.  He either ate from the soy machine or ate noodles around the corner.  Jed set down the groceries brought from Marco’s house.  Hopefully the guy eats like an ascetic.  Doesn’t look too plump I guess.
 
Snowden nodded to him.  “Thank you.”He walked back into the office and looked around.  “Ummmh, my mentor has had me sleep on the ground since she took over my training. Is it ok to sleep in a bed after that?” He’s looking rather worried as he asks.

Jed considered that a moment.  “Well Joshua, I don’t know why she had you sleeping on the ground, so I can’t really answer that.  If that is what you are used to, maybe you should sleep on the ground here.  You can pull the futon cushion off if you need to.  I’ll be sleeping in the garage for now, unless you need me sleeping in here?  Maybe you aren’t a mage, I may be making a wrong assumption.  But you said mentor.  What was she training you in?  What do you remember about her?”

 “Dancing Light taught me plants.”   He paused, thinking, struggling to remember. “She told me to sleep on the ground because all life is connected and sleeping on a bed artificially disconnected our true selves from the soul of all that is precious.”

“If you intend to continue to follow her directives, just let me know what you need and I’ll try to get it.  Dancing LIght.  That’s a pretty name.  Was she a kind mentor, or harsh?”

“She was, she was . . . “ He’s obviously struggling.  “She was everything I ever wanted. But . . . . .” He sits down and begins crying. “I can’t remember her . . . . “ “I loved her my whole life and now I can’t remember her.” You hear a voice saying, “It is best that he does not remember me. I have been with him his entire life. And it has stopped him from growing.” It is Otohime. His memory loss may thus serve some good though it was unintended. But, it is good that he is not to far separated from his mana.

Jed sits next to the young man before him.  He doesn’t hug him.  Doesn’t say anything.  He just sits close, pressing against his side.  Thinking of Bunny.  He knows loss.  An hour passes as Snowden cries himself out.  Jed has no words of assurance.  Apparently this isn’t going to come back to him.  Isn’t going to do any good to lie and tell him otherwise.  So he just sits.  Being a human.  He begins to understand.  Lessons about friendship, yada-yada.  Necessary.  But most of all, Joshua needs to be with another flesh and blood being. 

Snowden is finally done crying. And he falls asleep right there on the ground. His last action was to grab the pillow off the bed and tuck it under his head. “ It’s two centimeters to large for the bed. You should fix that.” he murmurs and then is out.

Jed sits quietly next to the man for a time as the shadows grow long across the floor.  Thinking.  Reflecting.  Eventually he picks up his comm.  He needed to get in touch with Rosalie Valdez.  He needs to know what is happening at Snowden’s place.

Sweet Rosalie.  She is a mid level technician in the crime lab.  She processes forensic evidence for Mike (and Jed) on the sly when they need it, which is great considering that she has access to the police criminal database.  Jed is hoping she can get him a copy of the police report for the call to Snowden’s house.  Jed wants to know the name of that dwarf. 

Jed pops open the “Second Life”™  app on his comm.  She is a drug king pin in this game.  Jed drops his message in the dead drop.  Time, date, location.  Hopefully this won’t cost him too much.  His current finances won’t last too long.  Next he drops a second message to the chemist that made the hospital badges for him and Marco. “Omae, give me your account info.  I have the payment for the takeout you delivered last week.”.  Next he cruises the matrix for news stories related to Snowden’s house.

There it is. The trid is full of references to Snowden’s disappearance and reported death. Stock prices have dropped but are expected to recover. His companies VP is being investigated for improper handling of funds and is a suspect. Prices for several plants that the company imports have skyrocketed as supplies are expected to dwindle and an ongoing investigation into KE’s response and subsequent mishandling with the words ‘cover-up’ being strongly hinted at by the news media. It seems they lean two way. That the VP killed him and worked with someone in KE to have his body stolen in order to hide the murder. And that the VP had him kidnapped in order to stop the acquisition and drive prices up. Hmmm, and the soccer team is doing really well. He just made a little money on that game, again thanks to Rosalie.





Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-04-15/1004:47>
So this is what a Shadowrunner is like?

She's amazing.  Keeping calm is the face of adversity.  Making a plan with just the right amount of insanity and then having the luck for it to actually work.  I...I could never be like her but maybe...just maybe...she will find me useful enough to keep around.  Please Allah, make it so.  This is an amazing break.

But first, we must find Lexi.  This is all happening because of my friend.  Good things are happening for both of us, now, and she'll be part of it.  I swear it!

Uh, wait!  Where are my two marks?  In fact, where is the LMG icon?

Even as Arc reaches for the gun, I realize the electronics were fried either from the fall to the floor or the electricity attack.  Either way...

<<Arc, don't trust the gun.  The electronics are fried!  It may not fire!!!>>

I get ready to start casting if the Goblins don't bolt like we want them too...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-04-15/1353:55>
@ Arc & Subaru  The Green Goblins drop the drugs and grabbing weapons turn and open fire at the only person in the room.

@ Subaru  As Subaru turns her attention back on the LMG she immediately knows something's wrong. Where's the weapon! The ARO is gome! The signal that had held her marks is nowhere to be found in the immediate area

  [spoiler]Roll Initiative  :)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-04-15/1358:54>
Frag!

As soon as the Goblins grab their guns I move to stand in the doorway and prepare to cast stunball at the two of them, using astral sight to see despite the mundane darkness...

[spoiler]Initiative: 7+1d6: 11 [1d6=4][/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-04-15/1422:11>
Oh FRAG ME

Upon seeing her move of bravado hastily interrupted as the gangers both went for weapons, Arc knew she had a moment to respond.  Dropping the useless hunk of metal that the firearm currently was, the short girl moved quickly, finding a couple crates only a couple meters away to duck behind.

As she crossed the distance, she twisted her body into a sliding spin, cyberarm reaching back to grab her Predator and withdraw it in one solid motion, the whirring of the electronic smartlink booting up in a split second as she extended her arm, leveling it on one of the gangers' thermal silhouette, firing off a parting shot before her form slid behind the crates and behind cover, safe from view in the darkness...

[spoiler]Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/331049): 1d6+8 14
Simple Action: Draw Predator
Simple Action: Pistol shot (smartlink) (http://orokos.com/roll/331054): 10d6t5 3
Damage Code: 8P + hits.  AP -1[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-04-15/1425:26>
@ Subaru  As Subaru turns her attention back on the LMG she immediately knows something's wrong. Where's the weapon! The ARO is gome! The signal that had held her marks is nowhere to be found in the immediate area.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-04-15/1511:29>
@ Arc & Subaru  As she moves through the air firing Arc see's one of the Goblins jerk as the bullet finds it's mark. Then she's behind the crates and safe for the moment.

[spoiler]ismilealot:7D6E5 → 1( (3, 3, 1, 2, 1, 5, 4→ 1 success against 5) )#GG2 defense (https://rolz.org/info?X4750717)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-04-15/1601:15>
Th...they're shooting!  At Arc!  You will not take down my friend!

Standing now in the doorway I stand firm in the darkness and draw my line in the sand.  Allah has withheld his blessing from me for magic all evening, perhaps to remind me not to depend on his blessing over my own resourcefulness.  But right now, there is nothing else left open to me.  If Arc dies, I'll follow shortly.  I cannot fight.  Not that I would deserve to live if I permitted my teammate to fall due to my uselessness.

No.

I fight right here, right now!


[spoiler]Cast Stunball on two Goblins (Force 7 using edge) (MAG 5 + Spellcasting 6 + EDG 2): 13d6t5: 5 [13d6t5=2, 5, 2, 3, 6, 2, 1, 3, 4, 6, 5, 6, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/331074)
Reroll misses from Stunball: 8d6t5: 2 [8d6t5=3, 4, 3, 3, 1, 1, 5, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/331075)
resist force 7 drain (LOG 6 + WIL 5): 11d6t5: 4 [11d6t5=1, 5, 6, 6, 4, 3, 4, 4, 5, 2, 3] (http://orokos.com/roll/331076)[/spoiler]

Oh...my...

My gut feels like it's on fire!  I stagger to one side and use the open doorway for support.  I fight back dry heaves, and what bile comes up has a salty taste to it...of blood.  It's all I can do to keep from vomiting, and in fact if I had eaten recently I know I would have lost it.  The worst cramping I've ever felt doesn't compare.  But by force of will I remain standing...and from the look of the feed it appears the goons got the worst of it.  I try to pull myself back together and prepare again to cast, although this time perhaps a stunbolt instead targeted at the worst threat to Arc...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-04-15/1620:08>
@ Arc & Subaru  The stunbolt hits like a brick slamming into the gangers as the magic manifests in this plane and one of them drops to his knees vomiting helplessly from the agony. The other Goblin screams and staggers, he aims at the only target he's seen in the warehouse, shooting into the boxes. Both shots thud into the boxes impotently spent.

[spoiler]ismilealot:3D6E5 → 1( (1, 5, 3→ 1 success against 5) )#Perception for GG1 to spot Subaru (https://rolz.org/info?X4753504)
ismilealot:7D6E5 → 2( (5, 1, 3, 2, 6, 4, 4→ 2 successes against 5) )#GG1 firing at boxes in front of Arc (https://rolz.org/info?X4753656)
ismilealot:7D6E5 → 2( (4, 5, 3, 1, 5, 4, 2→ 2 successes against 5) )#GG1 firing at boxes in front of Arc (https://rolz.org/info?X4753664)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-04-15/1626:29>
Gritting her teeth against the boxes, she heard the gurgling and the vomiting coming from where the gangers were, but Arc needed that split second to steel herself.  As the pair of shots thudded against the wooden crates behind her, the mechanic saw her opportunity. Springing up with her legs, she spun on one heel to bring herself up to a stance just above the cover she had given herself.  Leveling the pistol, she saw one of them crouched, with the other standing.

Gritting her teeth, the short human fanned her trigger finger, timing a close burst of three shots at the offending ganger before dropping back down, not wishing to spend any more time than she had to in the open.

[spoiler]Pistol shot, semi-auto attack (smartlink) (http://orokos.com/roll/331089): 10d6t5 6
Enemy gets -2 to defense.  Damage code 8P + hits, AP -1[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-04-15/1716:30>
@ Arc & Subaru  The Goblin jerks like a broken 'bot  as the shots thud into his body and he falls backward. Blood coats the ground under him in an ever spreading pool. The second Goblin seeing his buddy dead on the ground begins crawling and running towards the exit after his other teammates and screaming for help. "We're under attack damn you! We're under attack in here!" His voice growing stronger as he crawls away.

[spoiler]ismilealot:6D6E5 → 4( (4, 5, 5, 6, 1, 5→ 4 successes against 5) )#GG1 defense (https://rolz.org/info?X4755391)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-04-15/1742:10>
Seeing the situation now with only one groggy goon left, I have no doubt Arc will be fine.  Although I'm not exactly at my best either, I suck it up and start moving as quickly as I can for the trapdoor and to make sure Lexi knows the coast is clear and is bugging out.

<<I'm getting Rabbit.  Get what you need and tell me when you're clear.  I'm going to flash this place with high voltage as soon as we're both clear.  If you see anything to set on fire as you leave, it couldn't hurt.>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-04-15/1748:44>
The fight over, Arc took two seconds to steady her breath, holding the gun in front of her as she heard the ganger crawling away screaming.  She could barely feel the heat coming off of the predator, the smoke wafting from the end of the barrel as she slowly got up.  Her breath was even and level, working through the adrenaline coursing through her veins as she visually confirmed what she knew: one dead, the knocked out, the other fleeing.  Nodding to that, she holstered her pistol and pulled up her comms, speaking directly to Firefly.

<<Nice job, and you got it.  See if you can't crack that safe while you're there.  I"m getting the drug sample, then we're out.  You've got a minute>>

Moving and running quickly, the short girl gave a nod to the younger decker before heading to the cooking vats, grabbing a few containers from a counter and carefully filling them with the various contents to be had.    Her hands were shaking just a little bit, but the girl steadied herself, jaw set.  Just a few minutes and we're out  Taking a glance, she spotted a hot plate next to the main cooking vat, electrically active too.  Waiting a few seconds and confirming her samples, Arc waited a little until checking with Firefly again.

<<Done, can help carry drek out, but we needa go.  wiz?>>

After that, she chucked the hot plate into the vat, the sparks of the wiring shorting out and starting to combust its response as she started running to the others, ready to finish this job.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-04-15/1822:45>
@ Yelena  Nicolai looks at you, "Вы говорите, что Вы выросли. Вы говорите, что Вы находитесь в команде Bratva. Теперь - время, чтобы доказать то, что Вы говорите, что Вы стали. Вы спрашиваете, я имею план? Я имею маленький bratva в юго-западной Польше. И bratva солдату Тсинай, паролям, картам, диаграммам, маршруты для всего bratva Тсинай и лидеров. каждый лейтенант. Мы будем использовать это, чтобы бомбить, убить их через три недели. Мы убьем каждых из них. Тогда, мы требуем, чтобы право крови поместило в Vory, и мы будем иметь это, bratva Tsiny и 12 миллиардов nuyen предприятий. Скажите мне теперь Хелено Петровну Талиновскаогоуу, что Вы выросли. " The look he gives you is hard, demanding and unyielding.


[spoiler]You say you grew up. You say that you are in command of a Bratva. Now - time to prove what you say that you have become. You ask, I have a plan? I have a small bratva in south-western Poland. And to bratva soldier Tsiny, passwords, maps, charts, routes for all bratva Tsiny and leaders. every lieutenant. We will use it to bomb, kill them in three weeks. We'll kill every one of them. Then, we demand that the right of blood place to Vory, and we will have it, bratva Tsiny and 12 billion nuyen enterprises. Tell me now Heleno Petrovna Talinovskaogou that you grew up.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-04-15/1850:41>
Yelena looks at Nikolai for a moment then nods.  "Затем я закончить что делаю в менее чем за две недели, с тем чтобы дать для поездок и других механизмов. Некоторые из моих Bratva может пожелать с мне помочь. Они обладают навыками. Мне нужно будет транспорт для людей и оружия, и мы должны будем паспорта. Можно ли использовать Vory? Я для моего народа и есть список для вас. Связаться со мной в течение двух дней".

[spoiler]“Then I will have to finish what I am doing in less than two weeks to allow for travel and other arrangements.  Some of my Bratva may wish to come with me to help.  They have skills to offer.  I will need transportation for people and weapons and we will need passports.  Can you use the Vory to get them?  I will talk to my people and have a list for you.  Contact me in two days.” [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-04-15/1858:20>
@ Subaru  You will only have a minutes to clear this place before the Green Goblins come back. Looking around in the near darkness for the trapdoor Subaru needs the thermographic vision of the drones. It all looks different in thermos. But, she quickly orients herself and spots where it has to be. Rushing over it's not locked, but it is heavy. Really, really heavy. Suddenly OohRah and Slider7 materialize next to her and with their help she's finally able to lift the door. Slider7 looks at OohRah and says, "O, get up top and keep watch. We need a lookout and you're faster." She nods at him and darts off. "He calls out, "Sneakybunnies all come out." Lexi is moving out of the hole in a flash and saying, "Hoppysafe? All safe?" Slider7 reassures her, "All safe" But there's no time for family reunions. As you climb down the ladder into the safe room it's a contrast in tech. The room is archaic, as is it's wooden door, but the safe is very high tech, and big enough to hide a dwarf.

@ Arc  Only about a third of the drugs are packaged. The rest are loose and giving off a heavenly smell vanilla and hibiscus like some of the fancy soaps at the salon Marco took them to.. Arc spots the bag the Goblins were packing as she looks around for anything else combustible. Her job was to make sure the equipment was eliminated, and she can see why. This is a far more elaborate set-up and some of this looks very high-tech and very new. If this job is going to be called a success she'll need to make sure they can't dig it out and use it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-04-15/1905:36>
@ Yelena  Nicolai looks at you and says, "Da" and then he is gone. Silently and swiftly. It is only a few moments later that she feels the warm trickle, and when she checks there is another 'ray' on the tattoo that tells of her years in prison.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-04-15/1928:54>
The reunion with Lexi is short but very sweet, with the four of us hugging before I have to break away to attend to the safe.  I'm exhausted, but I know if I can pull this off, I'll be able to lean on my team to help me get out.  I could then be able to call this a job well done.  I face the massive lockbox big enough to hold me if I'm snug and bring my best efforts, and that of my little Erika, to bear.

[spoiler]Mark #1 on safe: 12d6t5: 6 [12d6t5=6, 2, 6, 4, 5, 2, 5, 5, 2, 1, 3, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/331149)
Mark #2 on safe: 12d6t5: 5 [12d6t5=6, 4, 6, 1, 6, 4, 2, 2, 4, 1, 6, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/331150)
Mark #3 on safe:12d6t5: 3 [12d6t5=4, 2, 2, 6, 6, 1, 3, 6, 1, 4, 4, 2] (http://orokos.com/roll/331152)
Hacking safe to crack it: 12d6t5: 2 [12d6t5=2, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5, 3, 4, 1, 4, 1, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/331153)
Hacking safe to crack it (attempt 2): 12d6t5: 5 [12d6t5=2, 4, 5, 2, 6, 5, 4, 6, 6, 1, 3, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/331155)[/spoiler]

It must be my exhaustion, but after a brief hiccup the safe gives a satisfying *click* and I nod to Slider who pulls the handle revealing the contents.  We have no time to be picky so we collect everything that looks like it might be of use for later inspection and fill the arms of three children with it all.  We then flee as fast as we can with our loot, and beat feet back out of the south entrance.  Assuming Arc will be there to meet us, I'll follow her away.  Then, once safe and away, there will be just one more task.  Smoking the warehouse with 12,000 volts of unstepped distribution power...assuming Arc didn't find a more direct and assured method with the drug manufacturing equipment and chemicals.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-04-15/1942:25>
@ Marco  Ginny looks at you and says, "I'm to sign the contract today. David is leaving tonight. He's going to advance me the money for the plane ticket, the Visa, the work permit, the language sof's, the new clothes since I'll need more than what you bought me and the sexy stuff won't do for work. I have nothing Marco. And if we put all of this in the contract as an advance it needs to go through more people for approval and then someone questions why I got the job. If I show up looking like I've been doing this for years no one asks questions. I may be naïve. But, I know half the battle is in PR and appearances. And I know I can do this. I've always had more ideas. Ideas I never shared with anyone. But, I never had the money or the lab or the personnel. This is everything I've ever dreamed of. And if I have to sleep with that slug for a year to get it than I will." Her face becomes hard with determination. "I'm done being a victim of circumstances and boyfriends and closed doors. I've always known how to use my mind. You taught me how to use my body. The streets taught me to do whatever I needed to do to survive. And now I'm going to use this slug to give me what I want. And I want that lab and that job and the percentage for a commercially successful formula. In three months with that lab I'll have the kinks worked out of a formula I've written. In a year I'll be rich and in ten I'll have a company of my own. And you can have that with me Marco. I can show you the world. We can take everything life has to offer! We can experience pleasures we've never even dreamed of! You've shown me what my body can do. The pleasures it's capable of, and I want more. More of you, more of everything! And I can give you more of everything." The intensity of her desire is plain, and she's offering you the world right now.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-04-15/2002:10>
Yelena leans back against the wall, closing her eyes and letting the blood trickle down her chest.  She has to go.  She will go.  But how can she ask others to go help her?  They may do it out of friendship, maybe loyalty, but they will be going far away and killing people will definitely be involved.  Does she even have the right to ask?  The answer comes to her: she does not have the right to not ask.  She just has to make it happen and she has two days to do it.  She shakes her head and moves to the shower to get ready for the night.

Yelena remembers all of this as she sits in the cab that returns her to the nearest intersection to the Barrens.  She shivers a bit in excitement despite herself.  Tsina Molovna is finally in reach.  It has been almost twenty-eight years to the day that the Vory traitor killed her and tossed her still warm body into the near-frozen Moskva River.  For most of those years, Yelena has all but pushed thoughts of justice for her murdered family to the rear of her mind.  To the rear but never quite forgotten. 

Her reverie is disturbed when the cab stops and the door auto opens.  The android driver turns its head and wishes her a nice day as she gets out.  On the street, Yelena looks about, feasting her eyes on the humanity and metahumanity crowding the sidewalks on a cold Saturday morning.  She stretches her senses and feels the second world forming around her.  So many going about their lives with no idea of the shadow world all around them.  Even standing here, Yelena feels the grey tendrils as they reach out for her, calming her, soothing her, protecting her.  Certainly, the desolate areas of the sprawl have the greater share of those living in the real shadows, but even here there are others out this morning that have lives in both worlds.  A huge Troll saunters by on the far side of the street, two human women strolling past arm in arm, and others that acknowledge Yelena's existence and her link to the shadows with a knowing nod of the head. 

Smiling to herself, Yelena slips from the wide, bright streets to the narrow and darker ones of the Barrens.  Here there are many more people with their existence in both worlds and Yelena moves comfortably among them as she heads back to her home. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-04-15/2057:37>
@ Arc  Arc is busy studying the equipment in front of her when a message comes through her comm. it's Uncle Hrock, one of the few people she has set to come through her comm at any time. But, dayum, that was before all this drek got started. The message came through crystal clear, obeying her preset instructions. >>Hoi Cricket, I just got out of an auction an I picked up a few things you're gonna want. Got 'em at a good price. And you're not gonna believe this but I picked up a bike engine for a troll. An I mean a racing engine! Damn thing hasn't been modded to add the parts either. It was made that way from the get-go. It's suffered more than a little bit of damage and'll have to have the heads rebuilt an a whole new set'a pistons. But, you get it running and I know more than a few buyers. Promised to give a certain one first crack at this sorta thing. But, she'll still hafta meet the price an I know Lupo'll pay real good for it if'n you can get a whole bike put together.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-04-15/2254:05>
Arc paused for a minute at the lab setup, surveying the various hi-tech tools, containers, and other pieces of equipment arrayed about the vat.  Seeing the sparks and flames from around, the mechanic's mind raced as she stood there, bag of drug samples at her hip, the other bigger bag of drugs next to her.  Her mind clicked as she started to grin, grabbing the bigger bag in both hands as she started to push what pieces she could towards the same proximity of each other.

The smell of vanilla and hibiscus flooded her senses, almost overwhelmingly pungent as it filled her nostrils, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment before she snapped herself back into focus.  Drek, am I getting high off this stuff?  Better not..  With all the stuff as close as she could, she took the bag and started swinging it down on the tables and machinery, breaking the bottles and letting the chems pour and soak over them.

Drek's flammable, that's for hella sure.  They ain't getting this back.  Reaching into her bag, Arc pulled out of her hip bag one of her special toys..a four kilo pipe of prime grade boom boom, to which she tossed expertly right in the middle.  As she ran to Firefly, she gave a nod to the crew that had formed, seeing their arms loaded with stuff to take inventory of.  Nodding, she took the rear guard as they ran out of the warehouse, turning to the decker and opening her mouth for two words once they were several meters away.

"Do it--"  As she hit the ARO activating the blasting cap of her own bomb...

[spoiler]Demolitions (http://orokos.com/roll/331179): 10d6t5 4
Damage: 18P, -1/m[/spoiler]

The air stood silent for a bit, as if the world itself hung expectantly of the impending action, hanging for a small eternity before the explosion hit, a loud blast of smoke, flame, and sound emanating from the warehouse center, to be joined by Firefly's antics with the transformer circuits.  Grinning, she pumped her fist as they retreated quickly, heading to the direction of Arc's car a few blocks away.

Whilst en route, Arc's comm chirped in Hrock's message, the human girl raising her brow.   Slowing a bit, she read the message quickly before barking out a light laugh, slapping her head as she rejoined the others, mentally belting out a message.

<<Hoi Uncle, you got hella timing you know that?  A TROLL performance engine?  like, built that way?  Dayum, you know how to get my engine oil flowing.  And that's just the centerpiece?  Hell yeah, I'm good for this kinda stuff, be good to take my mind off my night drek.  Run it by my place in the morning and I'll meet you there?  Tonight's gone up in smoke, I'm afraid.  Love ya Unc. see ya tomorrow>>

Arc was able to send that off just as they got to the car, expertly catching a heaving Firefly as she clutched her stomach and covered her mouth.  "Easy there, girly...Rabbit, give me a hand..." Nodding respectfully to their rescued charge, everyone piled into the Americar, Firefly taking shotgun whilst the five others piled into the back...it was cramped, but with Hoppy on Bootstrap's lap, it wasn't impossible.  Hopping in the driver's seat, Arc took off her gloves and goggles, setting them on the floor as she sped the car away, rejoining it in the late evening traffic of the Barrens and safe.

"Hoo...a slitch would think I've done that drek before..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-04-15/2348:45>
@ Arc & Subaru  The ride to the garage is quick, and uneventful. That is if you can count five kids regaling each other with. "I could died when I made a noise. I thought I'd blown the op." and, "I was trying to reach you Rabbit but they were to close to the safe, had to bug out." and, "Man, those Halloweeners were perfect Boot, ya got the flag n everything!" and, "Nothin' was working for me. I had to cast two n' three times for everything!" and, "Doesn't matter, you pulled it out. It cost ya' but ya' came through!" The happy chatter back there is even sweeter because all of them are back there. Plenty of times with the Howlers when things hadn't gone quite so smoothly. Arc almost misses the sight of Rabbit opening her arms and Hoppy flying into them. Rabbit hugs her tightly and Hoppy clings to her, the family resemblance is easy to spot in that moment. Once they get to the garage old habits reassert themselves as soon as the kids get out of the car. each of them stop the chatter as soon as the door opens and as they get out they check their surroundings. Once in the garage they fan out, taking positions where they can see windows and doors and each other. But, their still grinning like loons, the high from their success still with them. Rabbit, as soon as she places all of the stuff she's carrying down onto the mechanics table looks up at Arc and says, "I need pee." She's looking around a bit desperately trying to find where to go. It's an icebreaker as the others start to laugh. She makes a beeline for the door Arc points out and as soon as she's gone the others put their loot onto the table one at a time. Subaru starts looking through the items and identifies several credsticks including a platinum. Some skilsofs and data storage devices. Not large so it can't be much. But, there's also some SIN's in there! Well, probably fake because this is the Barrens. But, even fake SIN's could be used here in the Barrens where the need for ID made checking it's legality cursory at best. And now that everything had calmed down Arc's stomach was telling her that she hadn't eaten since Bettina's feast.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-05-15/0006:02>
Arc was quiet on the ride, though her eyes were far from inactive, checking on the exhausted Firefly next to her and the gaggle of ecstatic kids behind her every few moments to make sure they were all okay.  She allowed herself a little smile: the job worked, noone died, and they even got a bonus that they were all carrying.  She herself was amazed...so many Howler ops with professionals went much worse...to her memory, she's seen four Howler's die in front of her.  Her smile fading, she focused on the driving as they left the scene behind them, a smoking, smoldering ruin.

At the garage, Arc was quick to point the way to the bathroom for Rabbit, chuckling a little at her delayed reaction to the whole deal.  "Null sheen, girly...alright, let's see what we got here..."  As she started to dig through their earnings, Arc decided to send another message to Hrock.

<<Hoi, omae.  Turns out I'm actually here tonight.  If it's easier to drop the shtuff off now, come on over.  I've got company, but they chill.>>

Sending that away, Arc glanced at Firefly and decided to help her with the loot checking, pulling out her commlink, a Renraku Sensei, and grabbed a couple of the pieces, noting the younger's tired state.  "Null up, chummer.  Here, I'm no tech, but I can work a link.  Let's see what these are"   Her eyes opened up wider as she slotted a few of the sticks to check the contents, sharing an ARO with the decker to total everything up and itemize it.  She glanced through the storage devices to see the contents, and even checked the SINs to see the details pertaining to them...names, etc.  Afterwards, she wiped her brow and took a breath.  "This was hella wiz, peeps.  You all did awesome, and I couldn't a done this drek without all y'all.  You wanna crash here, you got it...uh..."

Her little speech was cut off as her stomach gave a gurgle of protest, demanding nourishment.  She blinked, covering her stomach with a hand as her cheeks flushed, the mechanic a bit surprised. I just ate, like, four hours ago...musta worked harder than I thought  Shrugging, she smirked and tapped her forehead.  "Don't got much food, but soybars and caf on me tonight."  Winking, the short woman disappeared into the kitchen, returning with a plate of the said bars and a fresh pot of 'caf.

<<Jaime, it's Tessa.  I'm okay.  Really.  I will be home tomorrow, I"m taking care of some young ones tonight.  After all this though, I'm totally jumping on that when I see you.  Prepare y'self. <3

"Thanks, guys.  You'll get your cred soon.  And links.  I just made a decision: y'all are getting links, and I'll rig up charging stations for all of you.  How's that sound, huh?"  She smiled, a little proud of herself for being able to do all this...these street kids are getting true opportunity here...  Hope it doesn't backfire on them...  She thought to herself as she tore into a soybar, chewing and swallowing between sips of soycaf.  But a good night...I'll hit up NineLives in the morning, best avoid implications if I'm being watched...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-05-15/0307:04>
I look at Ginny with astonishment “You seem to have it all figured out and it is about time you start using what you have to get ahead in life. “ I say but I cannot forget that this is the same woman that slapped me and took off. The entire time both of us were focused entirely on her needs and her desires.  She knows nothing about me about my past and my limitations. Nor she is the kind to stay and hear things that are not pleasant. She goes from despair to euphoria and hopefully not back to despair.

Being rich by itself is not the goal, there many less gorgeous than myself that married into money. I can totally be an eye candy for someone but was this really what I came to this world to do? To spend my potentially very long life chasing money and vices? I have problems, emotional problems my compassion is mixed up with passion. Heck all my emotions are mixed up with passion. Afterall why are we even having this talk? Did I ever plan to sleep with Ginny? To start a romance? I only wanted to keep her of the streets but I cannot keep it in  my pants or panties for that matter.

I am broken man, I understand it finally. No matter how much I lie to myself I have serious issues with my parents, with a feeling of security and even with being loved.  Each time I look at Ginny all charged up I understand that even without my history and even if Ginny was someone I’d want to be given the world by. Am I even capable of happiness? Does the shadows offer me anything? Yelena is still broken even after so many years. Arc is a real person and Phoenix is definitely broken. It does not feel that the shadows heal or brake.  Perhaps Arc can live full and fulfilling life despite of the shadows.

There is also the allure of accepting Christ into my heart, of opening myself to the love of God, the only pure love. Redemption is impossible, I understand that but must I throw it all and close my heart just because of my eventual demise and eternal torture? Can’t I just make the most of these life and fill them with good and honest deeds? Must there be some metaphysical reward for me? Should I be afraid to stay on the good path?  Every euphoric look by Ginny just make me more certain of it all. This image is so wrong in many levels and if this is her new life than I will pray for her success every night. As lovely and lusting as she is, she has no idea who I am.

I look deep into her eyes and understand that I chase all the wrong things in life. I am drowning inside my endless passion. Struggling to satisfy a thirst that cannot be satisfied no matter how hard I try. I am broken and confused and humbled. I need to pray, I need to be good I need to be forgiven and loved. I desire it, I want it and even without the close influence of Agrat I am nothing but passion. When I finally speak, I just say “Look Ginny, it has been a wild night and we really should get going, my head is pounding like a hammer and my body is drained and is longing for the warm embrace of sleep. Let's just sleep together and we can talk about the future tomorrow.”

I enter my bed, followed by the lusting Ginny that embraces me, but my mind is searching for the succubus that loves me. Perhaps she can introduce me to some mentor. Someone that can teach me to accept and forgive rather than to forget and escape. She may not like my request, but I am coming to her true and clean and my love for her is true and undeniable. I accept and forgive her and admire her for getting me so far in my life. Agrat was always true to me. She saved my life and protected me, I was not even alive without her and she is not evil. Yet, she cannot make me happy, can she understand? Is she modest enough to guide me toward some mentor that can teach me what she herself cannot do? Either way, she needs to know that I recognize and accept her and that I am thankful for everything that she gave me. She deserve nothing less.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-05-15/1010:53>
When Yelena enters the garage she is surprised to see a jumble of bodies asleep on or near the old couch.  She recognizes the new girl, Firefly, and Rabbit and Bootstrap, but the rest she is not sure of.  Arc must have gathered them together early for the op at the warehouse tonight.  She checks her messages but does not see anything from Arc about a planning meeting.  She shrugs, all will be explained later.  After some sleep.  Yelena moves quietly so as not to wake the sleepers and moves into the living area, actually surprised to find Arc in her bed.   She double checks her messages and still sees nothing,  Too tired and exhausted to really care right now, she strips and climbs into her own bed, falling asleep almost immediately.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-05-15/1114:17>
@ Marco When you wake up Ginny is gone and a message is blinking in your comm. It's from the Lady. >>Marco, I just found out that I need to go to the Tir to see someone about this project. Someone who has experience with cutting through this kind of red tape. But, I will be gone a few days. Would you be able to stop by there twice a day to make sure that the workers are clearing away all of the debris? And to help anyone that is trying to live there. They will not want to move away while we are fixing it. But, if we don't get them moved and fix it we will never get the permissions. I understand if you have plans. Please let me know.<<

@ Yelena  You get a comm message from Virtual Goddess, >>Bounties ranging from 100,000 to 2,000 annotated next to each name as well as last known whereabouts and known associates. These are mostly political bounties and the money will take far longer to be paid out. File sent<<

@ Arc  The last message from Uncle Hrock was that he'd see you in the morning. And bright and early you hear banging on the door. "Yo! Cricket! Last time I checked you didn't have a chimney so let a body bearing junk in the door will ya!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-05-15/1444:32>
[Saturday, Dec. 11, 2075, Arc's garage, Morning]

After the kids had all drifted off to sleep, fed and tired from the ordeals of the evening's operation, Arc had double-checked that all her doors were locked up before shutting out the lights, letting the young ones sleep with a space heater to keep them warm.  Yawning and scratching her side, Arc barely made it to her room before her own exhaustion overcame her, the adrenaline of the event bottoming out in her veins.  Stripping off her armor and clothing down to her undies, the human girl flopped onto her bed and passed out, the bedsheet haphazardly draping her sprawled out form.

Her sleep was deep and uneventful, no vivid dreams plaguing her this time, just floating, drifting...

"Wha?!"  Jerking awake, the knocks and familiar calls of her uncle brought her to life, practically falling out of the bed as she scrambled to her feet.  Pausing and breathing lightly, she spotted the form of Yelena sleeping across the room.  Oh good, she didn't die...bet she's wiped...  Relaxing a bit, she allowed herself a little smile as she hastily and quietly got dressed, letting her sleep as she hustled her way to the front door, opening it for the older ork.

"Chill out, Uncle, I"m here.  Man, think of the children, got a buncha sleepers in here.  C'mon, let's see whatcha got..."  Dressed in a simple snug pair of sweats with a tattered t-shirt, the girl let the ork in with his stuff.  "We'll have to be quiet up in here, Tary'kart, they had a big night...:"  Taking a few moments, Arc set up some water and a couple bowls of what passed for cinnamon oatmeal, passing one to Hrock whilst using the other to quiet her growling stomach.  As they carried the stuff to the garage, Arc spotted Firefly stirring amongst the pile, Oorah's head on her thigh with Slider7 beside, the decker's own head on Bootstrap's shoulder, with Rabbit and Hoppybunny curled up against each other on his other side.  Nodding quietly, she gave an all-clear sign to the younger one as they set the stuff down, pulling up the AROs giving the details and specifications.

"Hell of a night, lemme tell you.  On a random note, probably the best idea to leave the 'Weeners alone, ya hear me? Now, whatchu got for me..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-05-15/1707:57>
     “Well?”  Tuskaloosa asked the wiry troll as she strove to keep up.
     “You know better 'n dat,” he reproached.  “Az I always say: dere be time enough fer countin' when da dealin's done.”
     He also always said 'know when to walk away and know when to run'.  Based on the pace he was setting, she was guessing that while the hand wasn't fully dealt yet, it was smelling pretty sweet.
     She wished she could say the same for herself—she'd done enough garbage truck 'piggy back rides' with Arr-Arr-Arr to know how ripe she was.  It was why her helmet—and its gas mask--was a treasured piece of equipment.  Maybe not as vital as the “loot” filled metal trash can she was wearing as a makeshift back pack, but treasured nonetheless.
   Still...”I'm not convinced , Arr.”
   “...'Bout?”
   “That this wicker basket  makes me look anything like a Street Samurai.”  Arr-Arr-Arr had not been too keen on the helmet; he muttered something about being 'memorable'. Tuskaloosa understood, but she didn't come across Troll-sized goods every day: when she was on wheels again the helmet was essential.
   The compromise had been  to disguise the helmet.  “Nah, Nah Street Sam--Brawla.  Do straw 'n wicker alla time—smart ones got da noggin box unnerneath like dat too.  Big ol' staff an' getas, an' you got da wanderin' monk chic.”
   She had to take his word for it.  She concentrated instead on her surroundings:  her mental map of Seattle in general and the Redmond Barrens in particular got clearer every trip she took.  Less 'Here there be Red Hot Nukes” and more this side street and that alley. They were far enough out from Arr-Arr-Arr's home that the path was fresh, but she knew enough: if they were separated she could still get back.
     Suddenly, the recicladore stopped.  “Ah drek.”
   
     Before she could even ask, she saw it: yellowish-orange sparks bursting in the false dawn.  Arr-Arr-Arr had likely seen the bottle-rocket's ascent.  Quickly he turned heel and headed for a side street.  She followed.  “The sitch?”
   “Weeners.”
   “For us?”  She thought Halloweener territory was near, but she didn't think they were close to it yet...
   “Nah.  Ta war.”
   “Sugartank.”  She needed no reminder to keep up.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-05-15/1723:53>
What what?

Why is someone beating taiko drums this early in the morning?

I try opening my eyes and immediately regret it.  My head feels like someone used it for a punching bag.

Is this what it feels like to have a hangover?

If so, another reason never to drink, praise Allah!

Thinking of God elicits another groan and I work my eyes open more forcefully.  It's already daytime and I should be praying.  I was blessed last night, we all survived, I must show God my gratitude for his bounty.

Moving is agony, especially in my midsection.  Taking a blender to my entrails could not have been more painful.  Still, I have urges and if I do not wish to wet the sofa, I must attend to them.  The idea of praying with all the kneeling and bowing involved makes me cringe.

And that's before I realize where my head is.

Oh my...

Bootstrap!

I jump up to lift my head, fortunately still draped in my hijab, from the boy's shoulder.  I feel an arm slip from my shoulder as I peel myself away from the pile of bodies, including Oorah's head on my thigh.  Dear God how did I end up in such a compromising position?

I remember evaluating the hardware, sorting aside anything with encryption to address the next day when I was better rested.  I remember Arc joining me to total up the value of the credsticks.  I remember turning down any food because the mere thought of swallowing something made me want to run for the bathroom.  But I don't remember ending up on the sofa or falling asleep.

Then the pain from crawling out of the sleeping pile hits me and I see stars.

But it was worth it.  Despite the pain, it was worth it.  No one was hurt.  We're all here.  And I made a difference.  I'll remember the sight of that burning warehouse to my dying day.  We did it together and I was a part of it.

I watch as Arc permits a strange dwarf male into the garage and I make myself scarce.  I quickly attend to biology and then slip into the sleeping room shared by Arc and Yelena.  I see the elf is still sound asleep, so I stay as quiet as I can as I perform my morning prayers.  I barely whisper the passages from the Koran, but the occasional moans from the pain of movement are louder.  I can just hope I don't wake her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-05-15/1834:27>
The perfect fling... gone in the morning just like Marta and I got the apartment to myself. I am filled with purpose and make myself a breakfast worthy of a king. With a big salad and an omelette just like I like it. It is already noon and finally some time I pray.  Praying helps, it calms my mind I pray for Ginny and for Yelena for myself and for Lady. I just thought about her and here she texts me >>  sure I can babysit a construction site it is for a good cause, but when you are back I want you to teach me a little bit about artificising.

I pick up my gun and go to the shooting range, I shoot very good by now. I am wearing Barrens clothes and my leather Jacket and I like having the Crusader with me. Shooting is fun as long as nobody get hurt. How idiotic was it to shoot at demoness, I was such a child just a week ago, blaming her for my own troubles. No, I am not running anymore nobody is going to blackmail me, as if anything in this world can ever be as bad as what awaits me.

I leave my home and familiarize myself with the constructor the residents and anyone in that sight. I also texted Blake just for closure. I will never again be the tool of evil men!

Why is Shilla doing these things? what motivates her? (or him?) is it the money? she is obviously very rich already why continue... she lives in fear multiple identities probably not much of a personal life with so many activities why does she do that? A goal - she believes! There are no other explanations that I can understand. With safe houses all over the city she could have retired by now. She did not and being so careful I do not think it is the thrill or the rush, perhaps a cause. 

This is time to do what I really want, I am done being afraid. I text blake just to make sure we see eye to eye. I do not want to miss lead him.

>> Blake - look I do not dig these things you wrote me. I couldn’t care less if someone I know nothing about and used and manipulated me is actually grooming me to replace him doing whatever it is that he is doing with his top secret spy friends. This is just emotional manipulation. These things are morally ambiguous and I do not want to spend my life fighting one evil for another evil.  If I am risking my life it is for a goal worthy of my sacrifice. 

Bottom line is I am not going to do what you want, not with the information I have now. I will pray and hope that you are successful.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-05-15/1946:19>
@ Tuskaloosa  Arr looks at her and says, "Be ta war most da nigh. Mean we take da long way home." The boom coming from the Halloweeners turf is enough to make that a good idea. And the pace Arr sets as he takes this new detour is punishing. And the straps on the can on her back were already digging in. And as they round a corner a small group of orks and trolls on bikes spot them. One of them guffaws, "Hey baby, when that papoose 'kin walk on his own come back 'ta me an make a little cred." he smacks his lips making kissing sounds and then the group starts laughing. Arr takes a sidelong look at you an says, "Be no neva mind. Da be no good hearted woman fah dem." he continues walking swiftly, and his stride eats the ground. They finally make it to their meeting place. A back alley behind a restaurant where Arr says, "You be der, an stan' tuf n' tall like. I be doing da biz." A human steps out of the restaurant after a few minutes and Arr shows him the contents of the can, digging around in it a bit and then pointing to her. The human seems satisfied and hands over a credstick which Arr swiftly pockets and signals you to put your can down next to his. Once the business is completed a couple of toughs hustle the cans away. But Arr is already moving down the alley, anxious to get away.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-05-15/2049:52>
@ Arc, Subaru & Yelena  Hrock laid his findings on the table and said, "I was able ta get ya a few parts fer engines don't look to rough he says as he lays them down. But," he turns and begins walking back out to the door. "the real beauty is right here. Ugggghh! " He hauls up a bike engine that's twice normal size and by his grunt has the weight to prove it. "But, more 'n that Cricket, it looks totally prototype. See, these parts were machined that way." He says pointing to several different spots. "This ain't just a bigger engine. This is a racing engine made with more 'n one mod ta give it an edge fer a troll!" he turns and grins at you. "You think you can get this running again?" It's in really rough condition, but Hrock is right about it being new tech.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-05-15/2111:05>
     Tuskaloosa wastes no time  following in Arr-Arr-Arr's wake.  The whole thing is a little odd, but if the old codger thought they had hit paydirt easy enough to fence, who was she to argue?
   Not a part-time bodyguard/ pack mule anyway...

   Being a 32 gallon backpack lighter is an immediate relief.  It raises her spirits a little.  She won't be fully content until she has shed her 'dumpster diving suit', cleaned off and back in her usual gear but at least the end was in sight.

   Only after that, will she worry about her share; she trusts Arr-Arr-Arr.  Besides: cred doesn't go far if one is too stinky to meet with a buyer.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-05-15/2123:00>
As Hrock disappeared to grab the engine, Arc was surveying the parts with her AR diagnostics, nodding and sifting through them as her hands sorted them out in a way that made sense to her.  Won't need to do special orders for a while, huh...oh DREK  Her eyes flared wide as the tusker dragged in a massive engine block, it and his form barely fitting through the door.  Arc darted up, at his side in a few bounds as she tried to steady him, though if he were to drop it she would likely be a goner.  Clearing space off, she let him bring the engine down with a loud THUD, possibly waking a few of the younglings.

Her mouth was parted in shock at the sheer size of the block, scanning along with the ork as he went over the various facets, and her judgments confirmed his claims: this was a legit original piece, every part.  She was silent, stunned at the purpose of such a beastly thing.  She almost looked like she was going to collapse with her breakfast in hand from getting weak in the knees, and one could swear she was drooling over the engine.

"I...all this horsepower, the heat dissipation, carb-loaded, you don't even SEE that drek anyore.  The gyroscopic counterbalances, hair trigger choke, nitrous filtration system..ouhhuhuhoohh.....Uncle, the oils are flowin', baby."  Her face was grinning as she clapped her hands together, clearing space as she gave the engine the lion's share of the table, grabbing her tools after she hastily wolfed down her food.  "RRp....if I don't fix this drek, I'm hanging my tools up for good.  Man, a legit troll engine...many a trog in these parts would pay hella much cred for drek like this....when do you need this done, huh?"

Arc was practically bouncing at the thought of working on this, hoping she has quite a bit of timeframe to work with this beauty.  For true love as this...man, take it slow, needta be gentle...  Grinning to herself, she looked up at her uncle, eyes blinking as her head tilted.  "How in the drek did you get a hold of this?  There ain't some big trog dude gon' be coming after my hoop later, right?"

<<@NineLives{Arc}: Hoi.  Think it's time I take you up on that drink offer.  What time this afternoon should I be droppin' by?>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-05-15/2131:04>
@ Tusk  It takes a good twenty minutes even with the ground covering stride of a troll to get to a safer spot and then Ar looks at her and slows down a fraction, relaxing. "Old buyer, reliable. But. . ." he shakes his head and shrugs, he turns and walks quickly on until you get to the fork that leads home for you and then he turns to you and says, "Cred transfer 'll be three hunnert." It's not much, not really, but, it was less than four hours worth of work, even if it's going to take an hour's worth of water before she feels clean. But, more importantly it'll let her pay for her comm, and hopefully that has a few messages with jobs.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-05-15/2153:48>
@ Arc  The kids all wake up at Hrock's knock but stay quiet. Out of the corner of her eye Arc see's Rabbit give a nod and a jerk of her head towards the bathroom and they all take turns and studiously trying to mind their own business. But, when Hrock brings the engine through the door they can't help watching, eyes big in shock at the massive size. Even given the number of trolls and bikes in the Barrens this engine is huge. And as Arc goes over the engine Hrock grins at her, "Thought ya might be up fer this. Hella lotta cred right here you get it running. Ten times as much if'n you 'ken getta a bike built what ken really use this power. An see here?" he points to the steering shaft. "I'm not even tryin' ta guess what these extra gears were for." He grins at you, "You sell it an I'll want 25% iff'n it's just the engine, 10% if ya get a whole bike built. Rest of these parts I ken let you have for 2,100."

NineLives replies, >>I've seen the news and confirmed the damage. Good job. Meet me for drinks at the Stardust this evening. I have a booth where we can still enjoy the floor show and music and talk with absolute privacy. Cred transfer for the job has already been made. Including a small bonus for having it blamed on the Halloweeners.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-05-15/2305:25>
Arc acknowledged the reply that came from NineLives, pulling up her account transactions to confirm the cred coming in on her peripherals and mentally giving a whistle at the amount.  On the other side of her view, she added the total to the running tally from the credsticks, letting the calculator punch in the total as she held a hand over the steering gears, her left flesh fingers running delicately over the teeth with a gentle, loving touch.  "Man..." she muttered breathlessly, listening to the ork's offer on his cut for the job, the numbers crunching in her head.

"This is why I always like dealin' with ya, Hrock.  Laying it out there.  I'll start easy with ya and say deal on the parts, the money's fair for that and I can use em"  She beamed a bit as she glanced over and saw the younglings hesitantly looking onward at the engine.  Grinning, Arc lifted a hand and waved them over, stepping aside with Hrock as she went off on a tangent, eyes fixed on the younger, curious Barrens urchins.

"Need a request from you.  What're the odds I can get five Sony Emperor 'links with a full suite of AR/VR access?  The money's good on that, I'm not looking for a discount, just a supply.  These kids all earned it, think you can hook me up?"

Returning to the topic at hand, Arc tapped a finger to her cheek, leaning on one hip as she surveyed the rough-edged work of art and beauty.  "...you know drek as hell that I'm gonna build a thing for this wizbang, omae.  The question is just a matter of timing, and I know you invested in this.  I don't wanna keep you waiting.  So, how's about this: why don't I just buy it off you, huh?  How does 7K work for ya?  More than your cut for the full bike sale I'd wager, and you aren't out on your hoop with a loss if I frag this up.  How's that sound huh?"  She had a confident smile on her face, and one look in her cybereyes showed that she was ready to pay right up front.  "And a promise that there ain't some trog gon' come after my hoop for ownin' this piece, ya heard?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-05-15/2327:56>
Yelena flips awake without knowing why.  Keeping her eyes closed, she lets her senses feel for her and determines that there is some loud noises coming from the garage and some low murmuring and moaning from the floor at the side of the bed.  The garage noises are identified as normal, but the moans are not.  Yelena quietly slides her hand under her pillow, grasping the Predator before sitting up and swinging the handgun in the direction of the noise.  The sight of Firefly kneeling on the floor almost caused her to curse out loud, but she resisted the urge and lowered the pistol back to the bed.  Yelena has seen Muslims pray before and has expected that the girl was one; the style of dress and the way she tried very hard to keep her hair covered was indicative of the women of her faith.

Yelena watches for a few moments then decides that she needs to heed the call of nature.  Quietly getting out of bed, she slides into a pair of jeans and a tank top that exposes her back before heading out to the bathroom.  From there she goes to the kitchen and pours a bit of soycaf into one of Arc's chipped mugs and, sipping the stuff, walks into the garage to see what is going on.  She stops at the entrance to survey the garage and sees several kids, Hrock, and Arc gathered around what is the largest motorcycle engine she has ever seen.  Smiling, Yelena walks over to the group and nods to Arc and Hrock.  She knows her way around a bike engine and several things about this one catch her eye.  She puts her mug down carefully and bends her head to look closely at the engine.  Her slender fingers reverently reach out to touch parts and brush across leads.  Yelena lets out a low whistle and lifts her head to look at Arc, excitement clearly marking her face and the others in the room momentarily forgotten.  "Arc, choke so light Yelena trigger with breath.  Nitrous filters could mean racing bike.  Troll racer around here?  Hmm.  One gyro almost worn but other still good.  Was nice bike once."  She looks over to Hrock.  "Where rest of bike?"

Yelena moves closer to Arc, ignoring the stares from the kids as they spy the eerie diorama inked on her back.  "Yelena need talk Srui.  Much important."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-06-15/0015:49>
@ Arc  Hrock raises his eyebrows and gives a low whistle, "You already know that's more than fair Cricket. And I'll still get you the links at a discount. Never burn cred no matter how much the job pays. But, I will say if you're getting 'em fer the kids I'll have 'em put in summat what don't look suspicious and the software to hide em and that'll be extra. When yer getting yourself into drek Cricket. Make sure to hide your trail is what I always say."- He turns and looks at the engine and then turns back to you. "And as for the engine there is a troll who might be looking for these parts. She got into a bit of trouble awhile back and her stuff was sold to pay her debts. Must be a little more to it than that 'cause I can't imagine anyone choppinh this fer cred. Not when the bike 'uld be worth ten times as much. Still, told her she'd have first crack at buying it. Once you get it fixed you can contact her and give her her shot."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-06-15/0029:55>
Arc could feel her cheeks flush a bit at the advice the older ork imparted onto her, nodding a little and closing her mouth, getting a little serious.  "Lookin' out for me as always, Uncle.  Thanks, appreciate it.  The extra care will offset the discount, I'd bet, which works fine."   She glanced over at the kids as she shook Hrock's hand, sealing their deal as she set up the cred for a stick transfer...no paper trails that way.  "I will promise you get to look at the finished product before I sell it, omae.  I owe ya that much at least..."

She paused as she saw the group back away, retreating as the form of the Russian elf Yelena emerged into the garage, her back mostly bare to reveal that macabre tree of skulls etched onto it.  As the older keeb examined the bike, Arc turned to Hrock and gave a warm, pressing hug.  "You're awesome.  I still need to take you to grub with me'n'my Vruk.  You'd like him, and he'd like you I think.  You can chill if you want, I won't make ya leave, word?"  Joining Yelena, she heard her comments and gave a beam at the interest.  "Hell yeah...and check the drive shafts...I've never seen a nine-gear loadup like this, so it's one hundred percent custom from scratch.  This is all I got, I'm building this baby up from here."

The elf's last comment got her to pause though, the note of seriousness ringing an alarm bell in her head as she looked back at her, then at Hrock.  "Gimme a sec, Uncle."  Smiling reassuredly, Arc led the two of them out of the garage and into the living room, giving them some privacy while letting the kids have free reign of looking around her workshop.  Turning to the elf, Arc wiped her hands on her sweats at the hips, brushing some hair from her face as she looked up, giving her a hug.

"Glad you're safe and looking on the level.  I didn't contact you cause you were busy, but uh...stuff happened, and because of it, I ended up blowing the place last night...job's done."  She blushed a bit embarrassedly, tilting her head to the side.  "Sorry...that was what you wanted to talk about, right Srui'ken?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-06-15/0116:02>
Yelena walks with Arc and looks at her for a few moments before shaking her head and laughing softly.  "Arc do without Yelena?  Good job, Arc.  But no.  Yelena need talk of other thing.  Owe to Srui."  She pauses to lick her lips, just about the only time Arc has seen her nervous.  "Yelena try tell short story.  Yelena in prison long ago.  For very bad people.  Yelena very bad person.  Join gang.  Very bad gang.  Make Yaks and Triads look like church choir."  She touches the banners that circle each upper arm.  "Yelena swear oaths of life and blood.  Yelena is Vory until death.  Ten years in prison.  Then Yelena escape.  Go Moscow with Vory gang.  Yelena stay three years then woman in gang betray all.  Name is Tsina Molovna.  She kill all."  Yelena points to her chest and the bullet wounds there.  Woman shoot Yelena here three times.  Kill Yelena and toss in frozen river.  But Yelena live.  Shadows keep alive.  All people dead.  Yelena leave Russia.  Go Europe, go many places.  Come here."

She waves her hand at the door to the living area.  "Then man come.  Much sex, much rough.  Break small table and chair.  But man is from prison.  From gang.  Find Yelena.  Tell Yelena he find Tsina and other traitors.  Tell Yelena woman is in gang in Poland.  In Eastern Europe.  Man call on Vory oaths.  Yelena must go.  Is personal and is Vory.  Dead Vory need justice.  Dead friends need justice.  So Yelena must go.  Leave two weeks."

By now, Yelena feels the tracks of tears as they roll down her face.  "Yelena tell because Srui deserve know.  Yelena not ask Arc come.  Know Arc have rigger man.  Arc not know Yelena long.  Will be dangerous.  Might not come home to rigger man.  Arc still Srui if not come.  Cannot stop that.  Yelena need tell Vory man tomorrow if others want come.  Not much time."

Yelena looks at Arc and softly murmurs, "Yelena must go.  Yel..........."  Her voice trails off and she stands still, looking at Arc.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-06-15/0318:48>
The building constructor is a nice Irish fella named Aideen, shorted to Deen by his fellow workers. Marco has brought a peace offering some fine Italian coffee in a thermal jar. Marco step right to the constructor fully confident and smiling "I am Marco,  Melania's partner. I am keeping an eye over here while she is away on business. Care to have a short coffee brake?"

Offered a short brake by the boss Deen seats and Marco pours both of them some coffee and say "The real deal, not soyKaf. I hope you like." He then say "Is everything going smoothly? it is very important to finish renovations quickly so that we can get the appropriate approvals for this spot. Nobody managed to do anything with this piece of real-estate for 50 years... but we are going to be the ones that do it.

Soup kitchen and a cheap residency around it, the prison walls will keep it safe and we already have guard towers. A small community can live here in relative safety, all based around a kitchen. A charity with a businesses entrepreneurship combined. But to make it happen it is important that anything goes according to schedule, if you have a problem let me know there is a lot of money invested in this place."
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-06-15/0748:15>
"...Yelena..."

Arc was dumbfounded by the news, to say the very least.  The tale of this aspect of her life brought to the service was a bit of a blindside for the little rigger, her mouth parted a little as she stood there in front of the keeb, seeing her committing an act thought impossible for the Russian: crying.  The story prompted Arc to take a good look at Yelena's body art in full detail this time, following the scrollwork along the arms, and then to the bullet wounds next to the etched sun.  Beatiful...and tragic, in its own right.

The implied request Yelena was asking by not asking set a deep weight in Arc's chest, the initial choke of fear.  Europe?...  She actually had to pull up an ARO search to show a place halfway across the world, her eyes going wide at the idea.  To someone like Arc, the mere thought of going to the other side of Seattle was considered far, and Tacoma one hell of a stretch.  But Eastern Europe?  Arc could see the torment in Yelena's face, the fear...fear that Arc now shared at this point, for her blood sister..

As Yelena trailed off, Arc pulled the taller Russian close, a hand gripping her by the back of the head and pulling it down to her own, exuding a feeling of assurance and support.  "One time you asked me if I wanted the Howlers dead, and that if I ever wanted to take em on, you'd be fraggin' right there with me.  You ain't got beef with em either.  So what kind of Srui'ken kal would I be if I didn't make the same promise, huh?"  She gave pause, her eyes closing as she bit her lip.  "You're right though...my Vrukart needs to be considered...he'd get torn up if I didn't talk with him first...we may be joined as trogs, but we still breeders in blood, eh?"

She gave it some thought before giving a slow nod, letting go of Yelena's head to give another hug, squeezing her slightly.  "I'll talk with him.  Soon as I can.  But i'm gonna make it so I can go, if you'll have me.  You say your Vory whatevers view themselves as family?  Well, in these parts, we take care of our own, and you are my own now, just like Jaime, Hrock, Henri, Bettina and their kids. Eth a'korrunda la.  You say you need to know tomorrow?  I'll do what I can to get an answer to you by then.."  She paused and bit her lip again, looking to the side.  "If I'm of use...I need to be better if I'm asked to travel across the world...heh...also means we'll need to put this club thing on hold or finish it off..."

She gave a little smile, shaking her head and blushing a bit.  "I uh...I've never left Seattle...I admit I'm a bit afraid..."  She let go, backing away a little and looking up to match Yelena's stare.  "Not everyone travels the world like you do. Maybe this will work.  Plus, you know we coming back.  That's what's going to get me through it, aight?  I'll talk with him, and if he lets me, I'll do it..."  And hope this hoop she's talking about will accept someone of my skills coming along...hm  She paused there, waiting for Yelena to soak her response in.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-06-15/1007:54>
Yelena's heart lightens a bit at her Srui'ken Kal's words.  She looks at the short human through the film of tears and nods.  "Yelena ask others?  Who should ask?  Should be Marco?  Maybe Arc's crew?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-06-15/1614:19>
Europe?

When I completed my prayers I had been surprised to find Yelena's bed empty.  Somehow the elf had managed to slip out without tipping me off.  Now admittedly I hurt like hell and am not at my best, but I was trying to pay attention to my surroundings this time.  Once again, I found myself wondering if I was in over my head.

Brooding thoughts were on my mind as I peeked back into the garage area and saw the strange older ork whose entrance had earlier sent me scurrying examining what looked like a car engine with Slider peering from behind him.  The two 'men' were in some earnest discussion that I couldn't make out.  The rest of Lexi's team had also risen at all the noise.  Lexi was managing the soycaf like a foreman with Oorah grabbing a cup from the boss.  Hoppy was still snuggled on the sofa with her head using Bootstrap's lap as a pillow.  The boy looked precious, obviously torn between his own interest in what the ork and Slider were discussing and his duty to the youngest of the bunch.  Half of me wanted to go over and tease my fellow human but the other...

Yelena's face was turned away from everyone else but Arc...and from where I stood away from the others...me.  I tried not to look like I was looking, but those were tears on her face.

Tears.  Yelena.  The two words went together like politician and integrity.

And Europe?  There, again, this time Arc said it. 

Vory...

Now that brings back memories, and not good ones.  Vory are dangerous.  I'd rather take on Aztlan deckers than Vory.  No quarter.  No fellow nerd code of honor/sense of humor that all but the most corp-drenched hackers share. 

Just death.

The closest I've ever come to dying in the matrix...or at all...was a Vory counterop.

No wonder her aura's so dark. 

Just what has Yelena been through?

What has she done?


"Yelena ask others?  Who should ask?  Should be Marco?  Maybe Arc's crew?"

Before I have time to think, I speak.  Later I'm sure I'll wonder where the heck the impulse came from and ponder whether a lobotomy might be in order to excise it, but right now I don't feel the urge to question it.  I creep up to low speaking distance to keep it private.  "I...if you need a decker, I...I'll go.  I...I may not look it, but I've fought Vory before.  On the 'trix."

I don't even try to put on a fake brave face.  Yes I have the experience, but the experience just serves to terrify me.  I can't hide that.  But I'm earnest and I put every bit of my determination into my posture as I reiterate with my eyes on Yelena, "I've beat them, too."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-06-15/1634:46>
[@ Marco  Deen sips the 'caf and his eyebrows raise slightly. "Yes sir,"  he says smiling at you. "Nice to know you're really prepared to do what it takes to fix this place up. Soup kitchen huh. You won't have any shortage of peeps in line that's certain. Might need the guard towers to keep fights from breaking out over the food. But, with guards actually posted it shouldn't be to bad. I do have a couple of peeps squatting on the south side. Hopefully you don't have to much trouble getting them to move along. I won't need them gone until Wed. or Thurs. So, no rush." The construction workers who've been using their machinery to begin clearing all the trash and debris away have been going about their business steadily with only a few glances your way. And Deen turns to you and says. "If you don't have anymore questions I'll get the work started on the alley way." he looks at you expectantly.

When Marco gets home a message is waiting for him. It's one of the coded messages from the Vatican. And once Marco gets out the book, a set of nursery rhymes from Italy it reads, Marco, we need a small favor. One of the people you associate with, Mariela Adams, is known to the church as someone who promotes the use of magic for illegal purposes. Purposes which countermand the will of God and pollute the natural order of things. We wish to have a record of all of your communications and dealings with her. We are not asking much in this Marco. If she is innocent in her dealings with you then that will show and you have nothing to fear for her. I'm sure you will see the reasonableness of our request and send all communications and personal dealings with her to me tonight or by tomorrow morning. There is a link in the message, and when Marco opens it, it is a picture of Marta and Ginny in the elevator after they left Dr. Anderson.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-06-15/1818:24>
Tuskaloosa finished her clean-up with a last bucketful of clean, room-temperature water, and stood.  She dried her arm off with a flick of her forearm--mindful to keep the spray in the tub's territory—and closed the lid to the plastic water drum.  She set the bucket on top of it, then reached for the towels.
   
     The 'rain barrel' made it difficult to get around in the bathroom, but she could live with it, since it provided cleaning at any time the need arose.  It had taken only one wait for her water ration period to convince her that she needed the round-the-clock solution.
   
     While it did provide water it didn't supply heat, so she wasted no time drying off.
   Maybe a battery-charged heater that was water tight?
   She made a mental note to research such a luxury.  For now however, she had more immediate demands.
   
     Once she had shrugged into clean clothes, Tuskaloosa walked to the kitchenette and slapped together a meal.  She could have heated it—she had a trickle-charge battery—but that power she needed for something else.
   The Rigger Control Console on the counter was a nightmarish Frankenstein of parts that had seen better years—much less better days-- in a housing kept closed with old belts.  It was the product of countless hours of collecting, testing, trying, modifying and kit-bashing.
   
     And it worked...mostly.
   
     She plugged in and made a quick check of the recordings of the front door; the Kanmushi she had coaxed a local spider into webbing up had done it's job perfectly.  She made another mental note to remove it; the web was getting big, so her drone ran the risk of being wrecked  by an annoyed cleaner or arachnophobic passerby.  It was time for a check-up anyway, and it kept the drone from being too constant to register to a casual onlooker.
   Satisfied that her door had remained untested in her absence,   she turned her attention to the comm.  She waded through the glut of messages urging her to buy the sun, moon and stars, searching for job offers.
   She found one, but it had been labeled ASAP; there was no response to her reply.
   
     Perhaps if she'd known about it sooner...while still on the way home.  Stinky or not, it might not have mattered.  If the situation had been to clear a room or some-such, stench might have even been an asset.
   She fingered the survival knife on her belt.  The thing could take comm calls, but a dedicated commlink would be better...
   
     One thing for sure: a Meta Link was out.  For the cost, she could buy a second survival knife; the knife probably had as much power and would certainly be more handy.
   She scanned a few electronics adds and grimaced; the step up above disposable still wasn't what she could consider cheap.  She doubted she was going to easily find a used or pawned one however; any troll who bothered to get one knew how to use it and how useful it was.  No...any good commlink she found that way was likely pried from some poor pavement-kisser's cold fingers.
   
     Of course they were small...likely to get past customs easily...
   She composed a quick message to an orc smuggler she knew.

<<Hrock, I'm in the market for a commlink with no baggage.  How far can 1,300 get me?>>
   
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-06-15/1834:50>
“It’s alright you can go back to work. I’ll go talk to the squatters. See how they feel about clearing your way.”


The next several minutes Marco goes and talk to the squatters in the building. Marco just approaches them in his usual self confidence and charm. “Come drink some coffee it the real deal” He said, and despite the suspicious looks Linda signaled them to seat with him. “You want something!” She stated. “Well, everybody wants something. Ya know. We are building here something good, a soup kitchen a big one using the remainders of the prison kitchen. It will make life a lot easier in the hood. We’ll also renovate the buildings here and make them residentials, I have absolutely no problem with you staying here but the place must be flawless otherwise the city will not give us a go.”

“And where do you expect us to go wiseguy?”

Despite the hostility Marco keeps his cool and smile “Don’t guilt me into solving your problems. , You survived so far in a this neighborhood environment I am sure you can find somewhere to go. The constructor said that he need this building at wednesday. So tuesday night you are leaving... but not to be unreasonable I’ll get you a nice dinner pizza, something to drink. I’ll come myself and eat with you, what do you say?  It is for a good cause.”

“So you are going to buy us pizza and you expect us to just leave?”

“Well... Let's not play the what if game. I expect you to leave period. If you do not leave than we have a problem... and well you guys have enough to handle without angering powerful and otherwise friendly people.”
Perhaps Marco does not choose the right words, but it is not what he say it is how he say it and the coffee really helps. Once Linda tries it she soften up, “You are not so bad for a suit. Make it something more... interesting than Pizza and you got yourself a deal. We’ll give you no troubles. ”

“ I am Linda I usually do the talking in our family,  Jon is our muscle and Megabyte, he fixes stuff. We’re always looking for some Yeltz if you need.

A suit ? I am wearing a leather Jacket and my most plain of clothes, and I am a suit. Marco shakes hands.  “I’ll make you some wonderful pasta, not very practical but you have your entire life to be practical... Tuesday night will be enjoyable, and if I have something for you I’ll definitely contact you.“

“So Marco, are you the owner of this place?” Asks Megabyte

“Oh I wish I had that kind of money, I am just keeping eye for the property making sure things progressing fluently. Not everyday someone actually creates something in the Barrens. I am happy to help.”

Jon asks “So you are the muscle of this place? really a skinny keeb?”

“Don’t change your mind now, instead of hiring some thugs.  I am making you some nice pasta we agreed on that.” Marco laughs.

Jon seems serious but after a  moment he joins and the rest too.
“ You are alright Marco, other people would start with dogs and thugs it is nice to be asked nicely for a change. We kind of saw this one coming when the construction started.”

After a short while I am back, “nice people these squatters, family they are not but they have each other, probably getting by by minor burglary, scavenging and whatever they can. “  I think, no sign of serious gangs yet, but no place is empty, there is some gang in there every garbage pile has some ganger that calls it its own. We’ll have to deal with these types later. For now things seems to be going smoothly.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-06-15/2045:18>
Arc gave a nod at Yelena's question.  It was definitely a serious one.  Yelena is doing something big, and she's going to need people that are committed to her and willing enough to go this distance.  It won't be easy..  She was about to open her mouth when she heard a small voice pipe in behind her, whipping her head around to see Firefly walking over...tenderly by the looks of it. 

Poor 'ken needs some rest, barely recovered from last night  Arc could tell by the girl's posture and the way her words were almost strained out of her throat, the youngest of the three speaking up and offering herself to Yelena's task.  The mechanic girl opened her mouth to respond, but gave some pause, simply letting her breath exhale as she lowered her gaze to the ground, smiling as she crossed her arms under her chest, leaning to one side.

"Heh...I don't wanna speak for Yelena, but the choice has gotta be yours, girly.  This won't be like the GGs, but I think you already know that..."  Tilting her head at Firefly briefly, her smile broadened as she turned to the elf.  "Tch...hell, of my crew, Firefly's the only one I woulda picked to be capable of doing this.  The others are too young for me to take em out there in good conscience.  She's proven herself, I would be dead in an alley or worse if it wasn't for her."

Taking a pause from that, she pinched her brow and shook her head.  "As for others...I don't know what's going on between you and him, and if you can convince him, more power to you Srui.  Last time he wasn't keen on your work, and I recall him panicking and being as much hindrance as help.  But...his help came through in a good pinch, there's that to consider..."

"...Ambrose probably is a no.  He isn't that engaged in us anyhow.  Jed may help, but again, this is high risk work and he might not want a part.  Blake is unknown too..but he will wanna know if he's helping orchestrate the Stardust deal that this is going on.  When it boils down to it.."
  She sighed, shaking her head.  "You probabably not going to get more help on bonds and ties alone, Srui.  I'm going to assume these are bounty ops?  There might be sharing involved, but cred's a wiz motivator to say the least.  You pick the team, it's your show, aight?"

Turning back to Firefly, she still spoke to Yelena.  "That being said, I think we've found a decker to help us with the Stardust.  Firefly...remember how I was talking about how I was hired by a more dangerous club to ice that warehouse?  Well, doing that getting me closer to them, and the idea is to shut em down.  They're doing weird wizbang with some control chemicals that short out tech and drek.  How d'you feel about taking em down, hm?"

Arc smiled at her, gauging her as she mulled over her answer, the rigger multitasking as she worked through her AR overlay.   She remembered the commcode that Hrock had given her for the original owner.  Pulling up an ARO, she mentally jotted down a message and sent it off, quickly composing another message for her Vruk and then for Yelena.

<<@Tuskaloosa:  Hoi.  Name is Arc.  You don't know me, but you know my chummer Hrock.  Letting you know that there's a certain engine what has changed hands, namely mine.  I know about the deal he gave you about it, and am willing to honor it as well.  I know it's a custom piece, which means most factory designs won't fit it, and I wanna rebuild this bad boy to full justice.  I'm willing to work out a deal if you, say, come by my place {ARO ATTACHED} before this evening to talk specs?  Three knocks on the garage door, holla>>

<<Jaime, it's Tessa.  I need to talk to you tonight, important.  Don't wanna worry you, so I promise I'm okay.  Your Vruk still has all her limbs...that she had when you saw her last, anyway.  Heh.  Miss you>>

<<Yelena, Arc.  At least for now, money won't be a terrible issue and we can save up.  I"m splurging a bit on these kids, but I netted in 275K once we sell off some paydata and SINs.  I'm still freaking out!>>

Distractions aside, Arc redirected her attention to the other two, awaiting their responses with a calm demeanor despite her turbulent thoughts inside of going to mother-fragging Europe...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-06-15/2255:57>
@ Tusk  Hrock's answer comes about an hour later, >Yo Tusk, gotta guy builds comms who swears they're as good as an Emporoer fer four fifty. But, they're about twice as big. The ones I've sold haven't come back. So, at least their reliable. Or, I kin get you one without any baggage attached fer five fifty. Case has a crack in it though so I wouldn't recommend getting it near water. That's all I've got fer now but I could keep an eye out fer ya. I do sometimes get lucky. Also I came across an engine what fits yer specs. But, it looks like it's been through a blender. I passed it onto a friend o' mine what ken fix 'er up mebbe. I let 'er know about our agreement and she'll give ya first crack at it once it's fixed. Gave 'er yer code so's she ken keep ya in the know about it.<<.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-07-15/0000:25>
Spit-takes are a funny thing; you see them in Trid comedies all the time.  To Tuskaloosa however, they always seemed staged:  the surprise that causes the drinker to sputter just happens to arrive exactly when the drinker is in the act.  That soykaf may have been sitting there for fifteen minutes and the 'gotcha' waits until exactly as Mr. Jones is in the process of taking his first, deep swig before unloading?  Real life was nowhere near as plotted.
   
     It was only fitting then that she was halfway though her mug of water when the message hit her box.  She paused, then saw the first part and continued drinking...until she reached the last half.

   She jacked out, still dripping and floundered for a dryish towel.
   One dryer face—and Rigger Control Console—later, she jacked back in.

   Her emotions rolled and pounced on each other like a pair of tiger cubs.  One side hoped the bike that had been “through a blender” was a different, unloved troll-sized custom build.  She was flexible: if it could be resuscitated she could give it a caring rider.
   The other side hoped against hope that it was really hers.  If she returned to Detroit on a bike with all but its heart rebuilt, Poppa would understand.
   A bike with absolutely no connection to home at all would take some explaining...

   Tuskaloosa wisely set the mug down when the second message arrived.  She read it, then checked the chronometer and began plotting a course to Arc's “place”.

That done, she drafted and sent two messages.

<<@Hrock:  Twice as big still sounds pretty small to me.  Need to hold on it though--can I get back to you later tonight?>>

and

<<@Arc:  You have my attention.  Won't know for certain if the engine you have is mine until I see it, but I'm willing to adopt a stray too.  I'll meet and deal: I'm not anticipating nuyen to flow tonight.>>

A couple of positive responses later, she jacked out and grabbed her coat and helmet.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-07-15/0052:29>
Soon after moving into the garage, Yelena had taken the opportunity to place car mirrors , shiny hubcaps, and other reflective surfaces in various innocuous places around the garage.  A replacement side-view mirror for a '67 Honda Spirit had been placed in a convenient box of spare parts and was on the counter behind Arc, providing Yelena with a good view of the garage to her side and rear.  She has observed the young human decker mage approaching, wondering if she was going to be bold enough to try to overhear the conversation she was having with her Srui'ken.  Smiling inside but not giving anything away, Yelena turns at Firefly's words, staring at her with deep violet eyes.  She nods and replies, lowering her voice.  "Yelena talk too loud.  Decker girl hear much.  Arc say Firefly do good.  Yelena pleased." 

Yelena moves a bit, putting herself between the decker and the rest of the room, but now able to use a hubcap she had hung on a wall to observe the room behind her.  She lowers her voice still more, so that only Arc and Firefly can hear.  "Firefly is Muslim, yes?.  Maybe not time for pray.  Can decker girl take life?  Yelena go where death waits.  Kill Vory traitors.  Firefly want that?  Live with self?   No game.  No Green Goblins.  No Halloweeners.  Death and shadows.  Firefly go all in or fold."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-07-15/0148:18>
Lobotomy plans aside, Yelena's question was not unexpected.  While I had already considered how to respond to it, I still pause to give it deep through once again.  Her stare compels such reflection.

"Allah is merciful and understands when the hand He deals us requires us to be...flexible," I answer slowly, never wavering from the elf's gaze despite her unreal violet eyes occasionally flicking away from me. 

I surprise myself by never stuttering once as I continue, "Those of my faith would not be the warriors they are known for being if we did not have that dispensation.  My grandfather has told me much of my heritage and I chose to walk the path of my grandfather's grandfathers the moment I was spirited away from Singapore to live even as my parents spilled their entrails in disdain to those whose lies had sealed their fate." 

I pause again just a beat, feeling for the right words...words that were from my heart and not just the right ones to impact Yelena.  "The shadows chose me, Yelena-sensei.  The moment I left the Arcology, I died and became shadow.  I'm all in."

There's one thing I don't add.  A piece of information which might impress her, on the off chance she believed it and didn't ascribe the boast to foolish youthful bravado.  Or it might cause her to kill me on the spot.

I'm not as innocent as she thinks I am.  I've killed.

Once.

That Vory counter op?  The decker who damn near killed me?

He never decked again.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-07-15/0217:57>
Yelena looks at the young human for a moment, trying to divine some sort of lie or hesitation in the words.  Finally, she nods.  "Firefly have words and courage and skill.  Yelena teach to survive.  Firefly might not like what become.  Shadow gives all.  Demands much.  Firefly want?"  She straightens back up and waits for the girl to say something.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-07-15/0231:00>
I just nod in response to Yelena's last question, not trusting my voice not to stumble over more spoken words.  I then look away before edging back in the direction of the bathroom once Yelena is again focused on Arc, only fleeing into it when it wouldn't be noticeable to those in the garage.  The stress of the conversation and the realization of what lies ahead merge with the very real injuries in my gut and I heave over the sink.  Not having eaten in nearly a day, only bile and a bit of blood result.  When it's show time, I'll be all business.  I've always been that way.  I was trained that way and the result is that I am damned good when the drek hits the fan.  Last night shows I am still that way and it gives me confidence and hope. 

But afterwards, when all is done and I have too much time to think...that's the hard part.  Or before, when the gravity of what's to come really hits. 

Like now.

Grandfathers of my grandfather, am I worthy of you?  Will your granddaughter be up to the task?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-07-15/0341:55>
Yelena watches the girl leave then turns to Arc.  "Decker girl afraid.  Arc should be afraid.  Have rigger man.  Think hard on choice."  Yelena gets Arc's message as she turns.  Looking back at her Srui, her eyes widen a bit as she nods. 

Yelena walks to the living area and softly closes the door behind her before going to the small bathroom.  The young decker is heaving into the sink when Yelena enters the small room.  She makes little noise, but it is pretty obvious that the girl is not paying attention to much more than what is coming up through her system.  Yelena quietly takes a small hand towel from a rack near the shower and moves to stand next to the mage.  She reaches over to turn the cold water on and dips the towel with one hand as she moves the girl's hair aside with the other, exposing her neck.  Placing the wet towel on Firefly's neck, Yelena says, "Coolness help.  And use toilet next time.  Sink harder to clean.  Yelena know." 

Yelena holds the towel in place until the girl finishes heaving, noting the blood mixed with the bile.  The girl must be worse off than she admits.  Much more and Yelena would get her to the nearby clinic, but it seems to be lessening.  When the heaving stops Yelena helps the girl clean up the sink then takes Firefly by the arm to lead her into the bedroom.  She points to Arc's bed as she kicks a small trash can over.  "Firefly sit.  Listen.  Use can if need.  Now Yelena talk.  Yelena not lie.  Want scare decker girl.  Girl say ready but Yelena know better.  Not say bad about Firefly.  No one ready at beginning.  So Firefly sit and listen.  Decker girl maybe 15?  Maybe 16?"  The slight nod tells Yelena that she is close.  "Firefly let man touch?  Or woman?  Kiss?  Make love?  Firefly been raped yet?"  Again, the girl's body language says more than enough.  "Yelena think not.  Yelena want story, so tell story first.  Then Firefly tell story.  Yelena cannot teach without knowing."

"But Firefly listen first.  Yelena born in 2010.  Was UGE.  Parents not want.  Go other village.  Toss Yelena in garbage near church.  Priest man find and save Yelena.  Keep three years.  Then Russian State Security find Yelena.  Kill priest.  Take Yelena camp 14.  Much UGE there.  All children.  More come every day.  Scientist men experiment on children.  Cut, burn, amputate, make sick, torture for pain.  Every day much pain.  Much death.  Seven years.  Yelena hear voice in night.  Yelena listen to shadow talk.  Give self to shadow and live when others die.  Then Goblinization.  Trolls break from camp.  Take Yelena.  Yelena start killing humans.  Any humans.  All humans.  Yelena kill for vengeance.  For anger." 

Yelena twists sideways so that the girl can see her back.  "Art not just art.  One skull one kill.  Large skulls tree and ground for adults.  Small skulls for children.  Yelena bring much death.  Much evil.  Several years in gang to kill humans.  Then security trap and capture.  Send Yelena Karibor prison.  Join gang after gang to survive.  Much sex.  Much drugs and vodka.  And much killing.  End up Vory gang.  Worst gang.  But family to members.  Vory not care Yelena is Keeb.  Vory care Yelena say oath and do what told.  Yelena swear oaths.  Was Vory.  No, Yelena is still Vory.  Always be Vory.  Yelena kill much in prison.  Yelena enjoyed killing.  Yelena taken deep into shadows dark shadows.  Yelena survive.  Do what need to survive.  Yelena still listened to shadows.  And to Vory.  Then Yelena escape prison.  Go Moscow with Vory gang.  Three years in Moscow.  Three years kill more for Vory."

"Then woman betray Vory.  Betray family.  Kill all gang."  Here, Yelena pulls her tank down a bit to expose the three scars over her heart.  "Here.  Woman shoot Yelena Three times then toss body river.  Yelena dead.  But not dead.  Shadow keep promise save Yelena.  Then Yelena roam places.  Kill people for money.  Kill for sex and drugs and vodka.  Tree very heavy from skulls.  Much death.  Is what Firefly really want?  Shadow protect.  Give life.  But demand all.  Weak perish.  Strong survive.  Firefly must have much strength.  Strong in mind and heart.  Firefly cannot truly walk shadow without kill, without sex, without chance to fail drugs.  All part of shadow.  Shadow walkers survive and grow.  Or die horrible ways."

"Many live edge of shadow.  Like Rabbit.  Like Bootstrap.  Maybe come to full shadow some day.  Maybe die first.  Firefly can stay them.  Learn from them.  Live near shadow.  Edge of shadow.  Come Yelena if want live in shadow.  Firefly say all in.  But not know.  Shadow is place of horror and much death.  But shadow also place for life.  Yelena try leave shadow once.  Never again.  Shadow is life.  Will kill Yelena some day.  But not until finish with Yelena.  So think careful.  Think until tomorrow if want.  The tell Yelena if want come.  If want shadow."

Yelena sits back on her bed.  "Yelena know Firefly have story.  Hands too soft for Barrens life for long.  And have said things about parents.  Kill selves?  Maybe Yaks?  How Muslim girl be Yak?  Yelena listen if want talk."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-07-15/0430:31>
When I get home I am in for a surprise a message from the Vatican. I decode it joyfully, perhaps finally they will let me talk to my family. Alas I go through the books and offsets and I am skilled by now and decoding only take a few minutes but alas my terror grows deeper with every sentence.  Do the Vatican consider my training completed? They never once asked for a favor the whole time we were here. I make myself a cup of green tea puts Hayden’s  45th. It makes me clear. The music has its own sense of urgency, anticipation that builds up tension. The Farewell symphony, and the name could never be so appropriate.  If Sam sees this potential me, than so does the Vatican and they have deebs on my soul. They OWN me, the only reason that I am still alive is that it took so many years to build me.

They want my correspondence with Melenia and they know about my day job and grew bold enough to flash it to my face. They understand that “honest to god” is not going to cut it, and the text also implies that they expect me to struggle with the request. This apologetic writing makes me suspicious.  If they know about my day job,  can they identify what they see? Can they really think that I am capable of pulling out this level of illusion. One that holds even in the bedroom or under physical investigation?  When I left the Vatican I could barely cast spells. I could cast the pleasure spell and the mind probe spell. Can they even recognise me now? Levitating things, shape changing into birds, into Marta. Into fish in the sea dogs and cats. It is not all, I can also do invisibility, physical mask and mindlink for private communication. I take my time but I am not as hopeless as they feel. Is it my success that sparked their interests? Did they see the potential abuse of my wonderful flexibility to be anything imaginable? Then it strikes me.

I AM READY... it took me two extra years but I am more diverse and more stealthy than anyone of my righteous priest friends. I am the perfect assassin, charming, trustworthy seductive 
with flexible physical appearance. I quickly pick up languages without even trying and even  my demons do not appear christian. My faith itself is disguised into demonic worship pagan belief. I fit the Vatican needs like a glove. I am that assassin that can never be traced back to them. Despite all their evil words I am a success story!  This picture with Ginny is not blackmail. It is admission of my powers, they saw this picture and decided that I am ready.  If only I wasn’t so spiritual about life and their meaning, and if only I did not take Christ so seriously. If only I was a tool with no personal judgement - but despite this skill, my mind is not that of an assassin. Gabriel wants his pawn back and he has a good timing, he is asking for his pawn after it reached the end of the board and crowned itself queen.

Get a drop of power and skill and suddenly the big fish are attracted to you like sharks to a wounded man. I clear my mind, humble - I have no power of my own. I can only serve powerful people, true power is not about throwing fireballs or shooting with a gun. It is about having someone else doing these things for you while you hear classical music. I am the hot new toy, and both Sam and the Vatican wants to put their hands on that skill for their own desires.  A tool that does not want to be a tool... The hammer that grew conscious and self aware. A pacifist knife. J plays a cruel joke on me, or is it the succubus - maybe it is just who I really am. I am good, I am life itself. It is evil and powerful men that try to twist and manipulate me into being their executioner. People that believe that  God is so weak that it needs us to kill for him. They do not believe in God - they are using God for their own political agenda.

I feel my lungs with air, I am sharp creative and paranoid. I am going to develop a new secretive technique of communication. Something that cannot be hacked or eavesdropped because my enemies are numerous and powerful. I summon a minor spirit of man, with the mindlink spell. I send this spirit to Yelena and the spirit establish the mind link spell. I am linked to the spirit and the spirit is linked to Yelena, and I can have a direct magical call with Yelena.

“Scary lady... my past has backfired I was born to be an assassin and with my recent progression into magic, I am going to be activated soon. I need you to relay the following message to this frequency number. It is important this woman may be in trouble.

“ Lady,  the Vatican are after you in some serious suspicions and I feel that they want you killed.They asked for all our correspondence and I am going to give it to them, but the people that asked are not exactly nice, they are killing enemies of the faith. Look I do not care what you did to piss them off so that they want you dead on the other side of the world. Be safe and take precautions you do not contact me from now on. You contact that number and it will reach me in directly, I have no idea what these guys are capable of and how sophisticated they might be. Marco “
...

Did you get it all? good. Now here is the thing, I need to die. Not death ‘death’ but my identity need to be killed. I need fresh SIN and fresh life out of reach of the Vatican and hopefully later out of reach for Sam. Tell Blake that I changed my mind and I’d like to score a deal with him.  Life as I know them have just ended for me, just like that sand castle from yesterday. If I want to keep anything from my soul I need to be no more. “
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-07-15/0917:31>
Talk, she says.  How do I top what she just shared?  Or is that the point?

Until two months ago, my life was storybook.  But do you have to live a life of abuse to be called to the shadows?  Or can't a single life-changing event extinguish the light and place you in darkness?  Make you call darkness home?  What more life changing event can there be than dying?

And what of Yelena?  Is she as hard as she claims now?  Would Arc really call what Yelena describes 'friend'?  Would Arc follow her to Europe, as she seems ready to do?


"Soft hands? I can't argue.  My parents?  I suppose that's as good a place to start as any.  Until two months ago, my father was the regional director for Renraku coporate operations in Southeast Asia.  In another decade or two, he could well have been the CEO of the whole corporation. He certainly had the pedegree.  Marrying a non-Yamato woman and actually sireing a child with her was not exactly career-enhancing, but mother was one of the smartest people in the company and the two of them were almost unstoppable.  Almost...

"You don't get that high in a company without making enemies.  Father knew that, but he wasn't inclined to doubt the loyalties of his friends.  Mother was normally the one to watch his back, but it never occured to her someone would use her to get at him.  They framed her for embezzlement on a scale you couldn't even imagine.  Given time, we could have discovered the flaws in the setup, but it happened at a sensitive time in relations between Renraku and Singapore.  It was expedient to hand over my mother to Singaporan justice and instruct father to commit suppuku...ritual suicide in the Japanese style.  Rather than be dishonored by the stain of being handed over to gaijin, mother joined father in releasing her disdain in the boardroom.

"Naive they were in the end, but not entirely foolish, mother and father.  For years they had made plans in the event catastrophe happened.  They had an arrangement through the Yakuza to get me out of the arcology and have my room burned with a clone in place.  As my parents were eviserating themselves and my bedroom was an inferno of clothes and stuffed animals...and my Renraku deck, I was boarding a container ship which left that night for Seattle.  As best I and the Yak can tell, the ruse worked and I am well and truly dead to everyone who ever knew me."

Not entirely true, I realize as I'm speaking, but I choose not to mention grandmother and grandfather.  They have no role to play in any of this.  They managed to ride out mother's scandal, the last thing I want to do is involve them somehow in my own battles.  I continue by shifting the discussion to myself.

"As far as me, I'm about the best decker of my generation in Renraku or Japan.  I'm not boasting.  I've participated in corporate ops since I was twelve and counterops since I was fourteen.  Perhaps my meat hands aren't callused, but my digital hands are quite rough.  I've battled the best and won far more often than I ran," I glance down and grimace ruefully at my Erika, "although with better equipment."

I look back up and once again meet the elf's alien eyes.  "I owe the Yak a debt, but I am not Yak.  They own my organs, but not my spirit.  I've said it before, the girl who once inhabited this shell died two months ago.  The girl who I am now is someone different."  I hold up my hand.  "These hands soft belong to someone else.  They don't show who I am now.  I helped kill two men last night and I don't feel an iota of guilt about it now."  I place my hands on my belly, not even trying to hide my continued discomfort.  "I put my soul into my spellcasting last night to make sure my people lived and their people didn't, and have no regrets.  I'd do it again...will do it again.

"I am Japanese and I am Arab.  My ancestors are killers and I am their daughter.  Fate has decided that the route of wealth and power will not be mine.  Instead, the path of the warrior, maybe even the assassin, calls me.  Yes, I am Muslim.  My faith can claim some of the most tenacious fighters ever to draw blood.  I swear to them that I will not dishonor them.

"I offer you all this.  My skills, my dedication, my willingness to learn...if necessary my life.  Yelena-sensei, will you teach me?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-07-15/1029:59>
Yelena listens to Firefly's story in silence, knowing what it must take to let another know.  But Yelena is pleased that the decker feels enough trust to open up.  The story Yelena had told is true, but she has made the shadows seem worse than they are.  Certainly, there is death and all of the other things Yelena has told of, but not everyone in the shadows is like Yelena, although enough are that the girl needs to be warned of the risks.

Yelena sits quietly, listening to the decker girl tell her story.  She has certainly had a rough time of it, but that has not left her beaten down.  When Firefly is finished, Yelena looks into the defiant face of the young human and nods at her.  "Firefly might do in shadows.  Time will tell.  No one just drop into shadows.  Just living this life only puts one on fringe."  She shrugs.  "Most called shadow runners live fringe.  No shame they not know real shadows.  True shadow call out.  Invite.  Firefly know when shadow call.  Yelena help Decker girl find shadow if really want.  Listen.  Watch. Learn."

Yelena looks the girl over, having noted the slight grimaces.  "Firefly hurt?  Not shot.  Sling mojo hurt?  Try too much, maybe?  Go bathroom and clean up.  Tell Yelena if need clinic."

Yelena remains in the bedroom for a bit after the girl goes into the bathroom to clean up.  The spirit that materializes in front of her is a definite surprise.  Yelena has her pistol in hand and is bringing it up as the creature reaches for her.  The touch is not expected and she barely resists firing at the spirit, not that that reaction would have done much good.  She realizes that Marco has found a way to communicate with her and listens to the message.  **Marco troubled.  Need Yelena help.  Yelena send message to friend.  Come talk Yelena.  Find way Marco die.  Then go shadows together.  Share life until Marco tire of Yelena.  Yelena go Europe.  Find Vory traitors.  Kill them.  Marco come help.**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-07-15/1453:57>
Arc stayed silent for the exchange between Firefly and Yelena, blinking a bit as the youngest of the three seemed to find some of her courage.  This only caused the mechanic to smile, her gaze averting as she felt herself swell a little with pride.  I musta picked right..  She thought to herself as Yelena turned her gaze back to Arc, just in time for the little decker to excuse herself.

Yelena's words echoed in her mind as she thought over her response, her expression fading as she closed her eyes, giving a nod.  "I...I am afraid.  Difference is I'm used to being afraid, and I can work under that.  It's what courage is, Srui...strength in fear.  I asked Jaime to talk tonight.  You'll have my response in time, null sheen on that."  Hearing a little noise coming from the bathroom, the human looked up at Yelena with her eyes a little wide, nodding and turning, but grabbing the elf's arm to pause her.  "Gently...she took that pain to save me"

Leaving the two of them to talk, Arc heaved a little sigh as she returned to the garage, grabbing a cup of soycaf and sipping it slowly as she watched the scene before her: Slider7 keenly observing the beast of an engine with Hrock.  Rabbit and Oorah fiddling with a couple other pieces whilst sipping the caf.  Hoppybunny sound asleep snuggled against a squirming Bootstrap.  It all made Arc smile a little, knowing that this was likely the first good night they've all had in a long time.  They deserve it...  As she entered, she let Hrock do the examining whilst she worked on the table with the spoils, fishing out a set of basic credsticks and her commlink, getting to work on payments to her crew. 

Slotting the sticks up, she loaded an even 1,500 onto each of them in five full sets, keeping them in hand as she wordlessly stepped over to each in turn.  Starting with Rabbit and Oorah, she handed each of them, one, seeing their eyes go wide as they shakily took them from the grownup.  Turning to Rabbit, Arc spoke softly.  "Stay in touch next few days, aight?  I got s'moh for all y'all but I finna set it up first, aight?"  Smiling, she turned and slid up behind Bootstrap and Hoppybunny, wordless handing the blushing mage his pay whilst slipping the youngest one's into her little fingers, taking great care not to wake her.  Finally, stepping up next to Hrock, Slider7 got his, his own eyes going a bit wide at the gesture.  With all that taken care of , she turned to her "uncle".

"Got in touch with your troll friend and think she's coming here.  I don't know you relationship with her, so this be a chance to kip out, amirite?  Thanks, Tary'kart.  For everythin'"  She smiled as she ran her hands over the workmanship, starting to visualize how it will all be built...

<<@Tuskaloosa{Arc}: All null sheen by me, oma-e.  I'll be here>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-07-15/1643:09>
What is it about Europe thinks Marco, “Yellena that was like a million years ago... Your old enemies could have died many deaths by now. Humans and orcs do not live that long - but you may be able to kill some keebs and dwarfs if they did not took too many drugs or got shot by some random act of violence. There are so many ways they could have die by now. 

You waited like 20 years, whats the sudden interest? Do not get me wrong, I am totally in for a bloody eurotrip with you. Where do you want to meet?  Can you bring good tech person?  I need some data extracted from my comlink and chipped. I am embarrassed to say that I have no idea how to give the Vatican people what they want. If I do not get them the data they need they will be suspicious and I Will not make it to Europe. “  


Marco then take Blake >>> Blake, I changed my mind. I will do what it take but I need some physical compensation. We'll talk when you can meet. 

So one way or another I am going to be a killer, it is not like I haven't spent all my life preparing. I sigh and think about all the things that are going to end, that innocence.   I just wanted to live my life and be happy... I killing some Vory geezers is an odd foreplay but what the hell. The heart wants what the heart wants.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-07-15/2241:33>
@ Arc, Subaru & Yelena  The kids give you the small chin raise that is the Barrens acknowledgement and thanks. and they each take a minute to carefully hide the credstick. Rabbit takes Hoppy's out of her hand and hides it and then wakes her sister. "Hey Hoppy, we paid. We pay breakfast and blankets. But, sneaky all stuff Hoppy. Someone steal. We did good. Arc say maybe more work, more meals. But, no tell, sneaky all or Darren stops." Hoppy is nodding her head seriously, listening carefully to her sister. But, at the mention of Darren she looks scared and her mouth zips tight. She nods her head yes. It's her only answer to her sister who hugs her hard. Rabbit turns and cocks her head signaling to the rest that it's time to leave. They go then, quickly and quietly, but with their backs a little straighter than thye were before. At that Hrock turns to you and says, "I gotta be going to Cricket. I'll get ya the comms in a day, but not more than two."

@ Arc Jaime answers you, >>It'll have to be late babe. Work called and their short tonight. Guy called in sick so I'm pulling a double. Love ya and I'll see ya later.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-07-15/2247:27>
@ Marco  >>Marco, glad you changed your mind. At least until I hear the price tag anyway. But, I'm sure I can get an ok for anything reasonable. I'm working a half-day today to catch up on the time I missed so I'm free after one. When and where do you want to meet.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-07-15/2306:02>
Yelena responds to Marco via the spirit link.  **It was twenty-eight years ago in week.  Yelena count every day.  Yelena think all dead or old.  Yelena wrong.  Woman is alive.  Traitor main henchman alive.  Vory contact find.  Live in Poland.  Vory want woman dead.  Vory call Yelena to go.  Yelena is Vory.  Must go.  Marco come garage.  We talk.  Firefly here.  Decker girl fix Marco commlink.  Come soon.  Yelena has date Bella tonight.**

While waiting for Marco to respond, Yelena sends notes off to Jed and Mike.  >>Jedediah.  Is Yelena.  Need talk.  Have money for pay.  Tell Yelena expenses.  Come garage today?  Come soon if can.  Yelena need talk PI man about trip to Europe.  Might have skills Yelena need there.  Send note Yelena if interested.<<    >>Mike.  Is Yelena.  Yelena have money for pay.  Can tell Yelena what find.  Tell expenses.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-08-15/0010:41>
The trip could have been much shorter if Tuskaloosa had transportation of her own.  The ride could have been shorter and more comfortable if she had the spare funds to rent transportation or take a taxi.  Without any of those options, she took the simplest way:  public transportation.
   
     She was certain if there was an afterlife she was going to the nicer place; she was already paying her Karma.
   
     ...Not to say the buses of Seattle were inherently bad.  Barring the unpredictable, they were close to schedule.  In addition, most fellow riders simply wanted—as she did--to get from point A to point B with as little hassle as possible; everyone was in the same 'boat' and simple civility all that was necessary to keep the going smooth.  No, what ground her gears was the lack of control:  Wait at this place for the bus' pace, to be taken where the bus wanted to go at the bus' rate.  Stop at every place to let someone in or let someone go.
   
     If this meeting wasn't so important, wasn't so out of range and wasn't in unfamiliar territory she would have walked.  It would have given her an outlet for the energy that was building, if nothing else.
   
     It would also have let her keep her helmet on at least.  The tinting on the visor made it impossible to see her face, which was a quick way to make other riders nervous—not something she wanted.  It also seemed somehow pretentious to wear on a bus; that was the last place where high speed injury protection was warranted.
   That said, she would have preferred the anonymity that it provided.  Having it at all felt like a scarlet letter: here stands a cyclist—possibly just a wannabe even—who has no bike. The thought alone made her cheeks hot with shame.
   
Bear with it she thought, then took a deep breath and let it out slowly through her nose.  She lowered her head and leaned slightly into the rail she was holding, ready to close her eyes and give herself over to the rhythm of the bus.
   
     Out of the corner of her eye she caught something bright and colorful drop.  As she blinked and raised her head, the object stopped falling and gained altitude with a hum.   It paused long enough for her to identify it as a minidrone—a Shiwase Gintonbo—before it sped away.
   Tuskaloosa wouldn't have ever bothered with a Gintonbo.  Shiwase's answer to the MCT Fly-Spy, the 'Silver Dragonfly' was too big and noisy to miss.  Therefore, Shiwase didn't even try; with electric blue wings, color-strobing eyes and metallic finish the drones were marketed as toys.  She had personally seen someone at a street festival performing aerial acrobatics with a couple of them, but that was as sophisticated as it got.
   And it was where...my horn? She gave a rueful snort.  That'll teach me not to pay attention...

   As she watched, it circled around in the front a couple of times—near a seated boy—before zig-zagging back.  It landed on the helmet in her other hand, and began walking around.  She held the helmet up in the air in front of her, slowly rotating it—first one way, then the other.  The faux insect for its part crawled constantly to keep up with her and stay on top.
   
     She was lost in the game until a hiss brought her focus back; the older woman sitting next to the boy clearly angry.  The Gintonbo flew back.
   Overhead, Tuskaloosa heard the name of her connecting stop.
   
     There was no time to go forward and explain.  She understood both sides: the playfulness of a drone rigger-in-training as well as the responsible concern of annoying a stranger—and a troll at that. But his antics had also taken her mind off her trip; he deserved a little slack for that at least.
   As the bus ground to a stop, she walked a couple of steps up the isle and leaned forward.  “Young man.”  When she got no response, she repeated herself louder.
   The whole bus seemed to stiffen. Her 'pilot' spun in the seat.
   “Fly well.  And Politely.”
   With that, she slipped out the back doors without looking back.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-08-15/0126:06>
Arc gave a smiling nod to Rabbit as they thanked her for the cred and recognized the promise to stay in touch.  She couldn't help but eavesdrop on Rabbit and Hoppybunny as they talked and hugged, seeing the fear in their eyes and hearing it in their voice and it gave her pause.  She recognized that fear, it was unmistakable for her, a Barrens kid who spent ten years drifting under care of various Howlers of differing levels of hostility.

That's abuse fear...  She lowered her gaze, biting her lip a bit as they filtered out to leave.  Her mind visualized the numerous scars and permanent welts on her back, recalling each painful beating she got for spilling something, not responding to an order, or for simply being in the way.  She focused so much on staying on the streets whenever she could just to be away from all that when she was younger, and on her technical training and ways she could be useful once she was old enough to handle Howler jobs.  Because when you did stuff other people liked, they left you alone...mostly.

It was Hrock's gentle hand on her shoulder that snapped Arc back to reality, the girl shifting her gaze when she felt the touch.  He must have realized what she was thinking as well, because he held his hand there for a moment before pulling away, his gaze softening as he spoke his piece.  Nodding her head, she embraced her big ork uncle before letting him go.  "That works wiz, you know how to reach me.  Ride well"  She followed him to the door, shutting it behind her before leaning against the door with a sigh.

Past is rough..gotta focus on the present.  Present is better...huh?  In serendipitous timing, the message from Jaime came into her view, confirming his availability.  The last few words made Arc's eyes pop wide as she read them..and reread them, and she felt her heart stop in her chest.  ...love...  There was no direct Or'Zet translation for that emotion, and with the culture flying by their passions in every aspect of their lives, including mates and bonds, it only made sense.  Therefore, love in and of itself was a thoroughly human trait, connoting something deeper and more concrete than a Vruk binding.  Arc could feel her mouth dry as her face grew flushed red, a smile fluttering onto her face as she gave some thought, giggling a little to herself as she punched in her reply.

<<"That's perfectly fine, Jaime.  I don't expect to be out tonight.  I will see you tonight....love you too">>

Sending that, she felt herself freak out a little before calming herself, deciding that she needed a distraction to pass the time until her expected guest arrived.  Darting back to the garage, she reorganized the loot by credsticks, paydata, and SINs to be looked through later, turning instead to her Matrix browser.  We have a lot of money now...I've been thinking about doing this, so why not...  Gulping to herself, she pulled up from her history the ARO catalog of the sleep regulator implant.  From there, she spent some time sifting through Redmond directories, putting inquiries out, seeing if a clinic in the area would be able to procure and perform such a procedure.

It was by that time that the other two occupying her place emerged, Subaru followed closely behind by Yelena.  By the look of how the younger girl was favoring her midsection, she must have been still feeling a bit rough, and upon seeing that, Arc sprung into action, helping the girl over to the couch and sitting her down.  "Take it easy.  You can help out by sorting through this junk.  The data and SINs likely will be wanted by someone, so selling that drek off should be wiz, aye?"  Letting her at it, and keeping the physical objects to be examined within reach, Arc handed her some water and let her be, instead turning to the engine, likely with Yelena.  She didn't do much with the physical parts of it, instead just grunting a bit as she aligned it to be upright, instead using the trid projector to work on some body designs to fit the engine...though without a point of reference, it wasn't hard for her to see where flaws were found as she went.

Thinking about Europe, Arc glanced over at Yelena, then back at Firefly.  "Eh..just thought of some drek...now I ain't left Seattle, I know, but Hrock mentioned some drek about borders and customs, and needing licensing for frag all and that.  I got some license drek to my SIN for carrying a piece and some other stuff, but will that work?  Like, Firefly, you're licensed to have decking equips and software?  We might have some trouble otherwise...plus my drones might get some drek...huu"  She held her head in her cyberhand, feeling the cool metal against her scalp.

"Oh, right...other than that, I gotta person coming by here soon, interested in the engine bike rebuild.  She's a troll, and that's all I know, so just wanna give y'all a heads up, eh?  Should be cool though"  Smiling a little, she looked at the time, her growling stomach reminding her that she only ate in the early morning, and now it was early afternoon.  Punching in her ARO, she ordered a couple pizzas to be delivered...meat specials with a vegetarian in case Subaru didn't want meat...  all now was a matter of waiting and time...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-08-15/0257:12>
Marco released the demon, there was some time for that. The experiment seemed successful and it will help Marco overcome his limitations, to talk to distant people. He packed his things and went to see Yelena at the garage. Surprisingly, despite being completely shaken by the request from the Vatican he is cool, relaxed and focused.

On the way he texts Blake >> can you meet me at Arc's ?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-08-15/0501:32>
@ Yelena  Yelena this is Mike. I've got the info you requested. Nicolai Fyodor Andreovich code names Nick the Knife, Ghost, and Silent Scourge. Former Vory enforcer with almost 60 known kills, suspected kills number over 300. He is currently the de-facto leader of a small bratva in south western Poland based out of Grodziec Castle. His bratva controls the black market in Ziotoryja, Legnica, Karpacz, and Wroclaw with fingers in a large percentage of legitimate businesses as well. Said to have a strained relationship with his main competition in southern Poland, another Vory group led by Victor Malkovich Sumakowski. Rumor has it that the current Vory leadership has ordered him to make nice with Victor's group or he will be removed as de facto leader. No reliable DNA or assensing on file but he is suspected of being an elf and  well cybered based on reports of injuries throughout the years.

I'm sending you an invoice for my time of 500, plus expenses of 3,300.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-08-15/0842:24>
{Placeholder}

TL;DR - At the mention of SIN, Firefly will wince a bit from her position on the couch working on sorting tech.  Her real identity and corp SIN is dead and she cannot use it or it will tip off Renraku, or specifically the people who did her parents in, that she's still around.  It also would cause issues at the border at her use of a 'dead' SIN.  Renraku will be after her for going AWOL and the bastards will be after her as a threat, and would be able to use corp resources to do it due to the former.  She has a fake SIN for "Renge Miyauchi" which matches her somewhat but might not work well over a national border.  It does not license her as an awakened person or for her deck.

On the plus side, she'll mention that she's been to Europe before - Turkey, Greece, Italy, Central Europe, Germany, and France.  Not Poland or Russia, though.  Travel won;t be alien for her, nor will dealing with various cultures and their different authorities.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-08-15/1012:43>
The demon dematerializes and the conversation with Marco ends.  Yelena thinks the Keeb is coming over but is not certain.  She may have chased the man away, which would probably be better for him, but his words leave her a bit unsettled.  She resolves to go see him on Sunday if he does not come by today.  The water stops running in the bathroom and Firefly emerges.  Her face is cleaner, but there are spots on her clothes.  Yelena points to the small closet she shares with Arc.  "Yelena clothes on left.  Firefly find shirt and pants fit.  Scarf on door for head."

Yelena goes to use the bathroom in order to give the girl some privacy if she wants to change her clothes.  After all is completed, she motions for the girl to proceed her back into the garage, where Arc sets the decker mage down on the sofa to sort through the loot from the previous evening.  The large bike engine draws Yelena like a magnet.  When Arc joins her, she is already hands on and playing with it.  She helps Arc right the engine.  "What think?  Not look right for Scorp.  Maybe Mirage?  And Yelena not know what this is."

She watches as Arc sets up the trid viewer and begins to run through some holographic views of what she thinks the bike will look like.  She nods, "Yes.  Mirage bike.  Much custom work.  Arc rebuild for Troll?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-08-15/1022:21>
Marco enters Arc's garage smiling and cheerful. "Well hello there!... You got a really nice engine Arc!" He say when referring to Arc's new toy. At least he thinks it is a one big engine.  When he spots Yelena he hugs and kisses her warmly  "Thanks for not shooting my demon... I am trying to learn some methods of communication that are secure." He say.  Spotting Subaru Marco said "I do not believe we met, I am Marco." Seeing what Subaru is wearing Marco will not be the first to extend a hand. 
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-08-15/1354:28>
So this is the mysterious Marco I heard on the comm yesterday...

I have been hard at work examining the electronics, especially anything other than credsticks that contain data, that we hauled from the safe.  I'm being very careful to open data carefully with my Ericka, both to avoid being caught by surprise by security measures or to permit the data to be corrupted.  I know better than anyone that the right data, to the right person, could be worth far more than the big engine that was so exciting everyone else.  I want to make sure we know everything that we caught in this haul, and my gift of speed reading  and photographic memory is being put to good use as I absorb the contents of each file not just in my Erika but in my mind.

Then my concentration went out the window.  It was bad enough when this man had just walked in and started speaking to his friends and colleagues, but then he had to turn his attention to me despite my efforts, short of casting a spell, to be invisible.

If Allah has set His mind to creating the perfect man's form, this apparition now acknowledging me wouldn't be far off.  I don't believe I've seen anyone so beautiful in my life...and he's talking to me.  I thank Allah that I had decided not to avail myself of one of Yelena's scarves and therefore still wore my usual charcoal hijab rather than something less substantial.  Without my trusty hijab to armor my dignity...and my confidence, I am sure I would have have fled already.  If only I hadn't left my abaya at home and instead am left wearing the borrowed pair of purple sweats emblazoned with the emblem of the local university.  Baggy they may be, but they still show more of my form than I would wish right now.

"I...I...um...am Sub...uh...I mean Firefly."

I turn my attention back to whatever piece of tech happens to be in my hand now - I have no idea anymore what it is.  So much for looking mature to Yelena-sensei...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-08-15/1443:10>
"I...I...um...am Sub...uh...I mean Firefly."

“It is nice to meet you Firefly, I am Marco” When I notice that the young lady can barely look at me I add, in an attempt to break the ice, “So you are into electronics?” I finally say trying to figure out what is so enticing about these parts that she is holding. I would never know all this technology is miraculous in my eyes. “Perhaps she can help me”, I think to myself but am not sure if to bring it up. I have no idea how to send the Vatican all my correspondence with Lady without sending the comlink itself, and somehow I do not see the comlink fitting inside a book.
 “... you wouldn’t possibly know how to query a comlink for a specific number would you?” i finally say. Ignorant as I am my former master expect their requests answered, even if these are phrased as requests. The last thing I need is to get their attention to me.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-08-15/1449:57>
Arc listened to Firefly intnrtly as she said her piece, and that answered her questions to satisfaction enough for her to turn to Yelena.  "Ysee, we are gonna needa figure drek out to get our equip over there.  I know your guns ain't fitting that Bill either, Srui..". Leaving the Decker to sift through the data on her own and otherwise stay relaxed, Arc turned her attentions with Yelena to the bike engine.

"Yeah, I get what you mean.  There's a drek ton of power going through this baby, but the distribution doesn't fit the Scorpion style..Mirage maybe, but again, I'm thinking a custom design.  Look how the air intake comes through the sides and not above..Likely it was modified to adjust to a groom's bulk without sacrificing aerodynamics...hmm"

She was interrupted by the melodious calls of their keen friend in arms Marco, the mechanic waving back almost absently.   "Hoi, thanks Marco.  Just picked it up, looking to rebuild.  Hope you're hungry, pizza's comin"

She paused as the man went over to Subaru, noting the look of what almost looked like fear and pain in her reaction.  Clearing her throat, the rigger piped up.  "Easy on Firefly there, Marco.  She helped me with some work last night, needing some chilling and recov.  Chill up sight?" .She grinned and nodded to him, turning back to the engine and still attempting to project a design, finding frustration as each one seems to contradict the engine makeup in some new way...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-08-15/1607:39>
Quote
"Hoi, thanks Marco.  Just picked it up, looking to rebuild.  Hope you're hungry, pizza's comin"

"Everybody likes pizza! If it was healthy I'd eat a pizza every day."


Quote
Easy on Firefly there, Marco.  She helped me with some work last night, needing some chilling and recov.  Chill up sight?"

Marco tells Arc  "Oh I don't bite..." He pauses "unless she is asking very nicely." He grins  Wait...  You work nights now too? You never cease to amaze me. I guess a big engine does that to a girl."  It seems like Arc is talking about shadow work, but does she really want to do something shady the night before her big breaking and entering?  I subtly remind Arc that she asked for my help tonight... and I really should start practicing and memorizing Goblin faces. I do not know how much I can talk around firefly, so I try to be a bit subtle.   "What about that Bootstrap man? He promised to show me some cool stuff but you never got back to me on when do we meet. Practice makes perfect you know...  If I am to pass as a goblin I need some practice."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-08-15/1627:54>
@ Tuskaloosa  Most of the time a troll, even a relatively small one like herself, doesn't get bothered when they're walking the streets. But, most of the time she's not in the Barrens where the percentage of ork's and trolls are much higher than average. She isn't off the bus for more than a hundred paces when a group of five orks spread out to block the sidewalk she's walking on They eye her up and down and Tusk is suddenly very conscious that her clothes are a much nicer quality and her heavy jacket does a much better job of keeping out the cold than anything they're wearing. One of them, a fairly tall beefy specimen for an ork, meaning to say he's still more than a head shorter than her steps forward and says. "You're not from around here. So, you don't know there's a toll for walking these sidewalks. Toll is fifty. It helps us keep the riff-raff out and keep these streets safe. Pay it nice and friendly and you'll walk the next ten blocks no problem. Or, you don't walk at all." His voice is very matter of fact when he delivers his ultimatum. It doesn't seem to matter to him at all which one she chooses.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-08-15/1711:59>
Tuskaloosa was always aware that something like this could happen.
   It was hard to believe that her mismatched sneakers and patched jeans could be considered better than what they wore, but she knew the coat's freshness could draw attention.
   She shook her helmeted head.  “Go quickie.  No got fiddy.”
  Then she cracked her knuckles.  “Got sammich doe.  Got lots ta give.  No want?  Go way so I go quickie.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-08-15/1840:49>
“... you wouldn’t possibly know how to query a comlink for a specific number would you?” the new elf asked, but was then distracted by Arc.  I was glad for the brief respite, and used the moment to get a grip on my foolish hormones.  As beautiful as he is, he's a man and obviously kafir.  His sensuous movement was more than even normal for an elf, which suggested he did it for effect.  Something to think about...

"Um...if the data is on the comm, I can get it and do whatever you could possibly want done with it," I say into the first silence that presents itself.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-08-15/1900:05>
"The data is all there, I know this much but can it be placed on this book. I carefully take out a book from my bag La Vita Nuova. A good book to read while dreaming of love, but the name is symbolic to my situation. One day, one day I will find my Beatrice and write her that which has never been written of any woman. At least, not for many years now. Until then... I had my time with Dante and Beatrice and it feels like the time to say goodbye.

The book has a small AR cheap on it that contains its catalog number and can potentially contain just a little extra data. "Careful it is quite old despite being a printed copy. About 100 years old. Can you read Italian?"  The pages themselves are already yellow and worn out with use. Written in 1295 the story was old and the language was old and oddly enough Marco thought it is a good thing. Archaic things always took his interest, as if the world was richer once and the language had more words and more emotions. "I wonder if books have auras like people." Thoguht Marco, when he handed Firefly the book. "In m comlink there is this number "Lady", i need to move all correspondence to her to the book, or more percisely the small catalog chip inside the book, do you think it can be done? "

wikipedia about the book, quite cool I think (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Vita_Nuova)
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-08-15/1953:25>
@ Tuskaloosa  The orks spread out and start moving to surround you and the first one looks at you and imitating your accent says, "Dayum girl. Dat be be most uptown accent I done heard all week. You no got fiddy. I take da coat. Sammich I got plenty." He looks at his group and they all grin.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-08-15/1959:04>
@ Arc, Yelena, Subaru & Marco  Just then there's a banging on the door and when Arc checks the surveillance cam there's two boxes of pizza's in the screen with a few fresh snowflakes on them that melt even as she spots them. When she opens the door it's the young dwarf from a lifetime ago. Was it really just a few weeks ago that she ordered pizza for her, Yelena, Feathers, Johnny and Raven?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-08-15/2024:26>
Arc blinked twice, the realization of Marco's offer to help in the warehouse operation coming back to the front of her memory.  For the umpteenth time in as many hours, the words Oh drek popped into her mind as her cheeks flushed a bit, the girl standing up straight as she looked square at the male keeb, her smile breaking into a bit of a nervous laugh.

"Ehe...yeah, about that...there was some trouble last night with some Rabbits, and we had to improvise.  So, in short, what was meant for tonight ended up going down last night, and it went up in smoke, we could say"  she chuckled again, laughing off her embarrassment as she nodded to Yelena, walking over to Marco.

"No need for codewords, omae.  Firefly here was with me for the whole op.  Did a bangup job, too.  Without her, we probably woulda gotten a lot more her than her mojo swingback..."  She trailed off, glancing over at Firefly's reaction of being outed as a mage, to which she lifted a hand to steady her.  "Easy, this guy's chill.  Firefly, Marco is a mojo slinger of a kind, and working with us on the Stardust.  He's gotten us outta binds too"  She grinned, about to speak up more when the buzzer for the door rang.

Alerting up, she pulled up the camera to see the pizza boxes...and the snowflakes.  "...huh....guess it is winter now, huh..."  She muttered before excusing herself, her sweats swishing just a bit as she darted to the door to open up.  As she picked up the pizzas, she recognized the young dwarf as the one who delivered last time, the recognition mutual as her eyes were met with a look of open-mouthed surprise, then a stare at her cybernetic arm.

Needless to say, Arc was still getting used to the idea of being recognized as a local hero.

Propping up the pizzas on her shoulder, Arc gave a grin as she slotted a credstick for the pizzas with her free hand, making a note to tip the halfer as they wordlessly made the exchange, the girl shutting the door and bringing the steaming goodness that was their grub into the garage.  "Eat up, chummers.  They got my review on the prices and dropped it to a hand instead of an arm, haha~"  Beaming, she idly thought to the realization that the troll who was interested in the bike motor should be arriving soon..and if it's snowing...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-08-15/2104:36>
I can feel my blush deepen, as if that were possible, as my hand brushed Marco's when he transfered the book into my hands.  I had held old books in my hands before, in Constantinople when my grandfather began educating me in the way of the Islamic tradition.  This had a different feel to it, though.  Both darker and lighter...less professional I guess.  On a whim I slipped momentarily to the astral and confirmed the book had a definite 'taste' to it.  A bit of a personality, if you will.  Although there was a power to that taste that felt...alien...disquieting...

I couldn't put my finger on it at first.  I just marked it up to my general unease right now and slipped back out of astral and into AR.  It was then that my disquiet was explained.

Rome?  The registration of the chip was the Papal States!  I nearly dropped the book in surprise, but my respect for the antiquity overrode my distrust of its home.  How did such a thing come here?

I was only vaguely aware of Marco's continued words as I examined the device more closely.  Yes, I could do as he asked.  There was plenty of room for any likely amount of text messages and email.  Heck, even a fair amount of voice recording.  Should I be caring what it's all about?

Who is this guy?

I drop AR and start to watch the man in real space as he converses with Arc-sensei.  The woman seems totally at ease with the elf, and Yelena-sensei shows no sign of newfound wariness.  They have fought together, and in fact it sounds like he'll be joining us to Europe.  My focus on assessing Marco is so intense, in fact, that I almost miss the gravity of what arc just shared.

Wait what?  I thought Arc-sensei had caught on that my being a mage wasn't something I share!  Before I could protest, though, my fellow human placed a hand on my shoulder to calm me and I relaxed again with some effort.  If I don't trust her judgement, what business do I have going to Europe with her and Yelena-sensei?

And Marco's a mage too?  Interesting...

The buzzer draws Arc-sensei away leaving Marco and I again facing each other - me still seated and him standing over me.  This time, I meet his eyes and don't look away.  My curiosity and skepticism more than overriding my body's continued reaction to his pretty face.

"I can do everything you ask without difficulty, Marco-san" I assure than man.  "The chip has plenty of space.  I'm curious, though.  How did you come by a book owned by the Papal States?"  I gently pat the book in my lap, a book which I have yet to open, as I ask the question.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-08-15/2338:04>
Tuskaloosa cursed her luck.
   Mamma had said before: If you speak softly, don't forget your big stick.  So of course she would be fresh out of big sticks on this jaunt...
   
     Not a readily apparent one anyway.  The gun arm slide practically burned her forearm; the Svalette Guardian it carried as heavy as a slab of granite.  She was perfectly willing to draw, but not to bluff; if the Guardian came to hand someone was catching bullets.
   
     She assigned the ringleader with his wide, arrogant stance, cromed eyes and metallic hand as Catcher #1.
   He grinned and pulled back his threadbare jacket, the Colt America L36 tucked in his waistband.  She made him Catcher #2 as well.
   She heard a click from her right and saw an extended baton.  His partner beyond lifted up and shouldered an axe handle.
   To her left, the other two drew knives.
   
     Right then.  ”Guys, it's starting to snow out here and I'm keeping someone waiting.  But if you insist...”  She unbuttoned the coat and let her hands fall.
   The Guardian slipped into her hand.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-09-15/0011:36>
Yelena remains at the engine for a bit then goes over to her Scorp sitting off to one side of the garage.  Bending over, she looks carefully at the engine, measuring pieces with her hands and nodding her head.  She stands up and moves back to the large engine.  She laughs a bit.  "Wow, Arc.  Engine big."  She looks up as Marco comes in, waving and smiling at him.  She warmly returns the hug and kiss, releasing him to go introduce himself to Firefly.  Yelena notes the discomfort the young girl exudes as Marco comes up and extends a hand.  She shrugs, the decker girl will have to get used to men around her or she will have to stay.  It is obvious that she is trying, despite her ingrained social mores and that is a plus, but she does not have much time to figure it out.

Yelena turns to the engine and silently chuckles as Arc explains that the op had gone down last night.  She listens to the byplay between Firefly and Marco.  Apparently the decker gets more comfortable if she is talking about electronics.  Satisfied that things are going well enough between the two mages, Yelena goes to the living area and grabs a sweater from the closet.  She puts it on as she goes for a cup of caf and returns to the garage, walking through and out into the snow.  Yelena lights up a cigar and leans against the wall, enjoying the afternoon sun, or what little bit of it that gets through the overcast sky.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-09-15/0148:01>
@ Tusk  Just then a car horn honks and you hear a familiar voice say, "Damn Tusk, no idea you were into group things." Hrocks' rough, deep voice had never sounded so sweet as at that moment. "Angel, the ladies a customer. Specifically one 'o Arcs customers. And a very talented driver if she's to be believed. Now, play nice with the other kids 'cause the other kid is armed to play rough." Hrock continues. The mood among the gangers changes the minute Hrock names you. And weapons are already starting to be lowered before he even starts talking to Angel. Angel laughs and says, "If you can call that armed. Girl needs an escort if'n she be walking 'round here Hrock, that's for damned certain." Hrock nods and replies, "Damn sure does." He waves bye and begins to  drive off then and the gang are now gathered around putting their weapons away. And now that they're putting them away Tusk spots more weapons, or at least their outlines in multiple places. Well, she'd already known that if it came to a fight she was probably dead. Nice to know she hadn't been wrong. Yeah, nice. Angel laughs again and in a mock courtly gesture sweeps his arm out and bows. "At your service mi'lady." He calls back to Hrock. "No worries. We make sure she get's ta' Arc's." Hrock nods and replies, "Tell yer Vruk I got her that piece she wanted, good price too."  His voice trailing off as he drove away anything he said after that is lost as he's to far away.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-09-15/0151:22>
Somehow mojo define us as if it is some big deal, but it is a big deal and I should learn how to hide this better. When Arc ‘out’ little Firefly I am surprised. She does not seem the type. Most mages I met had their life revolving around magic and that girl seems very tech savvy. Then again, most mages I met were assassins, it is not like I ever got a balanced sample. I smile gently and I keep my emotions very balanced. That aura of mine that I was never able to see is showing emotions and by having complete control over my mental state, I become more difficult to read. I do not like being visible on a world that I only sense as a mental metaphor.

I am waiting for the day when I manage to access the astral space.  I was waiting all my life and magic it is what it is, not what we make out of it. Being a mystic adept means that I have to figure things on my own, I understand that by now I have the rarest and most versatile form of magic, but it comes without a user manual. It is also difficult to find mages that do not see this adept thing as a flaw, as if Magic was meant to be ‘slinged’ rather than reside inside my body like a lifeforce or another organ. Slinging magic is painful, but keeping it inside is warm and pleasant. More subtle and less powerful, after all any word I ever spoke had a bit of magic. Any reaction of any person that met me, was subtly influenced by magic.

Yet I am a mojo slinger, even though my truly unique ability is with words. Whatever language I speak, I do it like an expert. Even with very rudimentary knowledge about the language and a very limited vocabulary.   No mage can do that, yet I am the inferior one. I cut my train of thoughts and examine my situation.
 
I am speaking to some awakened that digs into electronics and this is more interesting than my emotional issues regarding magic. My general sense of doubt about my actual abilities can wait for some other time. After all, I am constantly developing at my own, slower pace and this is what is important.

Quote
"I can do everything you ask without difficulty, Marco-san" I assure than man.  "The chip has plenty of space.  I'm curious, though.  How did you come by a book owned by the Papal States?"  I gently pat the book in my lap, a book which I have yet to open, as I ask the question.

I smile gently as if it is the most intuitive and obvious thing. “With an odd passion toward archaic love stories and a library card.  I have a library and I enjoy reading, I grew up around books but there was not much sophisticated technology. There is this number tagged 'Lady', just place all correspondence to that number on this book. I am actually returning this book now. 

... It is a nice book, a romantic gesture from ancient times Dante wrote it to his lover, to Beatrice he intended it as a unique gift. Something that was given to no woman before his time. He never got to share his gift with her because she died before he completed his work. This book remains unfinished or incomplete for almost 800 years. It is a difficult farewell with this book as it touched me, but perhaps my next book will be even more inspiring.” I grin with some hope.

Somehow, since the Vatican contacted me I never felt so alive and focused and I know exactly what must be done.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-09-15/0854:38>
"Libraries don't loan centuries old books to patrons," I say to the man as our gazes remain locked.  The combination of his delicious allure combined with the unease I can't help but feel in his presence sets my heart racing. 

Renewed pain from my stomach suggests the tension isn't helping me heal.  I instead lower my gaze to the comm still in the man's hands and take a peek at it in AR.  Not surprising given his admitted naivete with tech, there is relatively little security for me at least and accessing all files is child's play. Rather than play with the files on the comm, as is my practice I create a ghost image of the device and place it in my Erika for easier manipulation.  My deck contains such images for every device I have ever worked with since I got the thing.  Scouring the image to ensure it is clean, I then extract the requested files and copy them to the book's tracking chip...which I again note is NOT from any common public library.  Just for curiosity sake, I ghost the book's chip contents to my Erika as well for future inspection.

"I've done as you requested, Marco-san.  Anyone who thinks to look at the chip will note an additional folder marked 'Lady and the Tramp' with the identified texts."  I smirk as I talk, wondering if he...are anyone else present for that matter...will get the literal or figurative reference...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-09-15/0945:15>
I say "This library do, but although the book is centuries this copy is just the oldest they had. I love the feeling of the old and crumbling pages as I delicately browse the book. The shape makes the content more appealing and mysterious."  When she is done I say.  "Thank you Firefly... How appropriate to encapsulate the two love stories together." I grin and say "Do you gals want to join me for a Spaghetti dinner, this Tuesday night? I managed to replace violence with Spaghetti this morning. Most friendly squatter eviction I ever had."
I then go and grab myself a slice of pizza. In comparison to other fake food I had recently, the pizza is actually quite good. I smile.

When I have some time I text Blake again >>You haven't answered me about meeting at Arc's soon. Just suggest some alternate time if you cannot do so.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <10-09-15/1028:58>
I then text Jed >> Jed can you background check David Anderson for me, he is some sort of senior in the medical industry and should have some lab in Tokyo.


Jed wakes up and checks his comm.  Looks like he missed a message from Marco.  Damn.  Marco, give me 24 hours and I’ll have something for you. After we see what I can find, you can tell me if its worth paying Escher to dig a little deeper. I’m a little handicapped right now and feeling useless.   Let me know if you need anything else like this.
Maybe he could start to balance the scales…
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-09-15/1030:20>
Yelena notices several people out and about and waves at them.  She lights up the cigar and pulls the acrid smoke into her lungs, letting it soothe her for a moment before letting it out into the crisp air.  She stays leaning against the wall, allowing the tendrils of shadow to enwrap her.  She has tried on two occasions now to describe the shadow to others.  First to Marco and just now to Firefly.  To Yelena, the shadow is so very real and yet she has a hard time putting how she feels into words.  She had been six years old when the shadow first called to her, promising life and protection if she gave herself over.  Desperate to survive the young Keeb had made the pact and from that day on had been part of the shadows, living and surviving when most of the other kids she knew died.  To Yelena, the shadow WAS life.  It had shielded her and kept her alive in Camp 14, in Karibor, in Moscow, and countless other times.

Yet she cannot effectively explain it to others.  Yelena smokes her cigar and lights a second one.  Perhaps her inability to describe it is normal.  She has never really tried it since being laughed at by the other UGE kids in her barracks.  She had watched them die one by one and still no one had come to her to ask about the shadow.  They were dead and she was alive, and had come back from several deaths.  Maybe the shadow has to be experienced, not explained.  She nods her head; that must be it.  Yelena stops thinking about it and just lets the shadow wrap her in its warmth as she watches life go by on this small street in the Barrens.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-09-15/1031:32>
Mentally, Tuskaloosa kicked herself.  With a turf war underway every gang in the Barrens was likely to be on the watch...and as a stranger she stood out even more so.
   Quietly she returned the Guardian to the slide and re-buttoned her coat.
   
     As grateful as she was to see the situation resolve itself peacefully, Hrock's timely intervention—and this Angel fellow's jab at her armament—left a bitter aftertaste: she was used to being the Cavalry, not the other way around.  She knew she was a wounded bear and would continue to be harassed by wolves—and razorbacks—until she healed.
   
     It's not like I want to be hamstrung.
   
     She pulled her helmet off to be polite, but now it was her turn to snort disdainfully. Downtown indeed.  “Thou art mistaken—the only 'Mi'lady' I know is my Mother.”
   “Seriously though”  She continued as waved them to lead on.  “If I'd known I needed a passport, I'd have stopped at the check point.”


*     *     *
   

   Although it was not cold enough to accumulate—yet--the snow was coming down briskly by the time her 'escort' deposited her at the head of a side street: “Just down the block.  Can't miss it.”

   Tuskaloosa hadn't been in the Redmond Barrens long, but she could still recognize a nice place when she saw it.
   
     For starters, the street was clear of junked car corpses.  A side street in the Barrens was a prime spot to ditch a vehicle, knowing vultures would strip it clean of lingering evidence as well as parts.  The longer a neighborhood ignored them, the more 'presents' they could expect.
   As a matter of fact, she saw no cars as she approached the unimpressive building.  A small lot tucked away somewhere, she mused. Behind the building perhaps?  That it wasn't easily visible spoke volumes about this 'Arc': Nothing to see—move along.
   And she'd bet her tusks that 'Arc' had plenty of incentives to discourage loitering.
   
     Still...it was a run-down light industrial building in a side street full of run-down light industrial and residential buildings: one more mushroom in a fungus bloom.  Tuskaloosa re-checked her AR display to be sure.  She wasn't off; this was apparently the “place”.
   
 As she approached, more of the building came into view.  A smaller building—office space she guessed--extended off the back corner of the larger garage itself.  The closest door to the office area was a troll-friendly one, attached to the garage side of the triangle the two buildings made.  Hanging on a pole beside the door was an open-ended wrench as long as her forearm; twin links welded to it for hanging.
   
A white-haired woman was leaning against the garage wall, smoking a cigar.
     
     Based on her clothing, Tuskaloosa figured this was only temporary—she had stepped out to smoke and would return inside when she finished.
   The smoker was slim; she was slouching as well.

     Not a problem to Tuskaloosa; she'd met plenty of wiry little mechanics in her time.  As she approached, she noted the pointed ear—elf or elf-friend.
     
     Then she met the woman's gaze.  An itch sprang up between her shoulder blades.
     
     Tuskaloosa was tall; lots of people had to look up at her—whether they wanted to or not.   In her time however, she'd come across people that made her feel that she was the one being looked down upon.

     This woman was one of those people.  It was not a haughty, chin-lifted look, but a calculating measurement that she felt in those violet eyes.
   
     Sugartank.  Hrock, what did I do to get on your bad side?
   
   “...Arc?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-09-15/1034:15>
Marco texts Jed "He is Ginny's new employer... Since she is going to Japan for hi for some job I'd love some online checking to see that everything checks up. I do not want anything illegal just use some common sense from known sources and tell me if he checks up. It needs to be in the next 36 hours before she leaves to Tokyo. Apparently she has quite a talent for sciences, brilliant brilliant lady I am just a bit afraid that she is  being played that's all."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <10-09-15/1045:43>

While waiting for Marco to respond, Yelena sends notes off to Jed and Mike.  >>Jedediah.  Is Yelena.  Need talk.  Have money for pay.  Tell Yelena expenses.  Come garage today?  Come soon if can.  Yelena need talk PI man about trip to Europe.  Might have skills Yelena need there.  Send note Yelena if interested.<<

Drek, missed a message from Yelena too.  Milaya, my heart goes with you when you leave, but I'm tied up here at the moment on sort of a bodyguard job (don't laugh, its not nice ;)  ).  My expenses on our last collaboration were nominal.  I believe I agreed to do it for $5,000.  Account info is attached.  I can meet you in VR if need be, but not very mobile at the moment.  Something you might not realize, if we can arrange a meeting location there, I can travel via astral almost instantaneously.  My actions are limited to the astral, but if what you need again is astral overwatch, and realize my limitations, perhaps I can be of service.   Have you seen the news?  They are saying some evidence disappeared during a recent high profile case.  How does that affect certain things?  Does it leave key people involved, or are they free and clear with their obligations met?  I'm awake now my dear.  Hopefully won't miss your next message. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-09-15/1114:07>
For Blake  >>Damn, forgot to hit send letting you know I can make it. I'm almost there now.<< As proof of that a few minutes later he's at the door. He's in his work clothes. ie, nice shirt, slacks and a leather jacket now with his sunglasses on.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-09-15/1200:43>
Arc turned and left Firefly and Marco alone...it seems like the male keeb was asking the decker for a favor, and a personal one at that.  Not one to meddle more than seems fitting at the time, Arc instead returned to the monstrosity of an engine she acquired, expecting Yelena to be there . Grabbing a slice of meaty pizza, the mechanic took a bit and paused, her eyes not picking up the older keeb where she expected.  In fact, it seems she left the garage entirely.

"Huh...oh" Her nostrils picked up the familiar acrid scent of Yelena's cigars, solving that mystery by itself rather quickly.  Grabbing a paper towel and setting her slice on it, the human stepped over and out the door, her sweats warding the chill off her thighs quite well, though her t-shirt left something to be desired for warmth as the snow started to fall..

" Hoi, Srui, thought you wanted some pizza.  It's getting co...". She trailed off as timing saw fit to have Arc step out just as she saw the, albeit smaller than she is used to, hulking figure approaching the garage. Taking a moment, the two of them made eye contact, Arc's cybernetic greens meeting the troll's own.  Recognition seemed to be exchanged, and Arc gave a nod to the tall woman.  "Lemme guess, Tuskaloosa right?  You at the right place, c'mon in.  I got pizza, plenty to share too"

If any preconceived image of what Hrock's wiz mechanic looked like had formed in the troll's mind, it was likely not what was before her eyes now.  Standing in the doorway, the human woman barely crested five feet in height, a stout and well fed frame dressed simply in very casual clothing, sweats and a t-shirt..  Her brown head of hair was quite unkempt, likely just past shoulder length if it ever fell straight, the current getup conveniently exposing the circuit plates at the base of her skull...a control rig, too much for a simple Jack.  Besides that.the biggest feature was her right arm, a full replacement of chrome and cybernetics grafted at the choulder and collar, arms currently crossed under her chest to ward off the cold.

She gave a small smile as she brought herself out of the way, ushering her inside and nodding to Yelena, letting her smoke.  "Gotta admit, this thing you're interested in is a fraggin marvel.  I've never seen an engine of this size built from scratch before...and the design...this wasn't no traditional bike for someone this size so I'm having trouble with the design.."

Upon entering 're garage, they were met with an interesting mix of purpose in the place.  In the center were two bays for vehicles to be serviced, one currently hosting a clean black Americar, while off to the side a normal sized Scorpion motorcycle rested.  Around most of the sides, a number of shelves and workstations held a wide variety of parts and tools, each showing signs .if much love and use.  One workstation currently supported a number if pizza boxes, still fresh and hot by the looks of it.  On the side nearest the door, a couple used couches surrounded a space heater, where Marco and Firefly were currently in discussion.

The vital point in the room, though, was ok the opposite wall, where the custom built engine rested upright, a grid projector next to it overlaying Arc's rough body design.  St the moment, it looked like a Mirage in shape, but the front was bulked a bit heavier, the back sporting wing stabilizers of some kind with a six-pipe exhaust.

"It ain't perfect.  But whaddya think?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-09-15/1241:41>
Marco introduce himself to the (not so) big troll, that was still quite big for a (not so) big keeb, he watched Arc as she was getting her game. He that that Tuskaloosa was a buyer, but the way Arc spoke about that engine he was not sure that she was going to sell. When Blake showed up he allowed him to get some pizza and just right after Blake took a bite, Marco interrupted his cheese rush with the mind link spell. He thinks “Don’t be alarmed it is me, Marco. This is how I talk about illegal stuff right now. A guy can never be too careful. I was wondering if you can explain a little better what was it exactly that you wanted me to do and when is it going. Don’t worry you can think freely, I only hear what you want to share I am not reading your mind or anything.”  While ‘thinking’ Marco is skilled enough to casually talk and eat. The people that said not to talk with your mouth full have clearly never heard about the mindlink spell. Marco’s passion for words cannot be silenced by mundane things like chewing.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-09-15/1440:31>
     Although she could not 'read' the cyber eyes of human woman framed in the doorway  her other senses could tell that this was Arc, Hrock's mechanic: the oil smears—past and present—on her t-shirt.  The friendly cadence of her words matched the meeting invitation's style.  The confidence of a grease monkey in her natural habitat.
     No, this was Arc.  While the elf smoking against the wall felt like she belonged, this person had the confidence that came with ownership.

     “Yeah.  I don't know what Hrock has told you, but I'm Tuskaloosa.”
   
     She let herself be ushered inside, with an “excuse me” at the door.

     For a moment it felt like home.  It was nothing like Munoz Motors & Rotors of course, save the tools.  Perhaps it was the openness that a garage has.  Or maybe it was stepping out of the cold and into a warm, bright space.  The scent of warm pizza didn't hurt either.
   All she knew was that she felt a familiar and not unpleasant vibe.
   
     A male elf materialized at her side and introduced himself as “Marco”.
   She accepted his handshake, a little confused.  She was seeing a mechanic about a motorcycle—this Marco was too clean to belong in a pit.  “Uh, yeah.  Charmed, I'm sure.”
   
     "Gotta admit,” her host continued “this thing you're interested in is a fraggin marvel.  I've never seen an engine of this size built from scratch before...and the design..”
   Her words were lost as Tuskaloosa caught sight of the block.
   
     Quickly she scrubbed a paw across her eye. I promised myself I wouldn't cry...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-09-15/1503:11>
A quick look from Arc to Marco spoke volumes about the sacred bond between owner and client and how interruptions had.  After they shook hands and went back to their own thing, Arc muttered up to the much taller woman.  "Got some friends meeting up, like to use my space for it.  It's all null sheen, no worries." .Grinning up,  She focused on on the main engine, pulling up the design she was working on.

"Anyhow like I was sayin', this thing is definitely not set up for any factory design, and any body built for it had to go through some serious mods.  I mean, who the Frag thinks to design the air intake on the sides to increase flow in turning?  Inspired...and a nine gear shift system...shirt of rigging this thing up, the rider would battalion know this baby like the back of her hand.  I mean, it..."

She paused, turning to the side to see that Tusjaloosa was not examining it as closely with her, straightening up her back and turning around, seeing the woman wiping her face.  The mechanic was confused...for a moment, until a theory graced her thoughts.  A custom built troll engine meant for racing... .Sure enough, cradled in one of the lady's hands was a racing helmet, and it hit her, eyes going wide.

"...you know this engine from somewhere huh...grab some pizzaBumuch as you like.   Lets talk.". Ckrsrinng off another worktable.Arc grabbed her pizza and took a bite, waving to Blake as she waited for the trolless to sit with her.

" That engine had heart out in it.  You're in some trouble aincha."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-09-15/1533:29>
If I am already here I was going to help Arc get a good price, but one look is enough to say.  The short mechanic wants to pitch her engine herself. A shame because I can probobly get a very good price if I set my mind to it. Then again, I have Blake in my thoughts, so I just watch the two as I eat and talk to Blake.  Arc is on the right track identifying emotional connection between buyer and engine.  I am optimistic, but then she assumes that her client is in some sort of trouble? Soon we are going to start solving her problems. 

A troll that have seen better days comes to see an engine without a bike, (without a bike YET, I correct myself as Arc can probobly do anything in the world.) Why is the engine even on the market so soon. Perhaps she is not exactly a buyer, perhaps... can it be her engine? But if there is an engine without a bike attached... that troll lady is lucky to even be alive. Despite the grim thought, everything seems happier with a slice of pizza. Screw calories, I will just have to walk home to make up for my culinary sins.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-09-15/1624:29>
     Aw drek...she noticed.  Tuskaloosa tried to grin and shrug it off as nothing, but the human before her would have none  of it.
     
     With a sweep of her arm the tech cleared a swath of workbench, sat down and took a bite of pizza like she meant it.
     
     With and inward sigh Tuskaloosa slowly ambled over to the open boxes.  She selected the smallest slice of meat pizza she could find, clumsily rolled it up and popped it into her mouth like a dors d'oeuvre.  She crossed the garage to the workspace, licking her fingers clean as she went.  There--you're now off the hook as hostess.
   
     The stool across the cleared bench was large enough and looked solid.
   
     “That engine had heart in it.”  It was a statement of fact.  “You're in some trouble aincha.”
     “Trouble is a strong word, but...that engine didn't have heart.  It was a heart.”
     “The heart of somethin' special, by the look of it.”
   She nodded.  “The last bike built for me—after I stopped growing.  My adult bike.”  A thought came to her.  “Can I use the grid projector?”
     “Sure, if you want...”
   
     She quickly scanned through the pictures she had stored in her primary datatjack.  She found one without references to home or family.   A second...This should be useful.  “This is what it looked like whole” she said as she plugged into the projector and displayed the first image.
   
     “I also have a picture it in pieces.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-09-15/1746:39>
When Arc-sensei missed Marco-san's quip about spaghetti dinner I chose to ignore it.  It didn't matter, anyway.  Apparently my somewhat quarrelous and admittedly frumpy self didn't hold the stunning elf's interest as much as the pizza did.  Normally I would have been just as interested in food right now, especially since I heard Arc-sensei mention some of it was vegetarian, but my stomach still felt like it would rebel at anything more than water.  Or maybe some crackers or such.  Instead of think about food, I refocus on the tech.

Methodically I take each device with a chip, now even including the credsticks, and scour them for data.  I ghost each in turn to my Erika, always taking care to examine the data for malware or any other unexpected surprises.  Once safely in my possession where I control it, I scan over the contents and commit the general sense of the material to memory.  I then repeat the process with the next device.  Each time I use both my deck and my mind to look for trends, repeated topics or phrases, and the like. 

Data or knowledge, properly leveraged and to the right buyer, is worth far more than that engine fascinating everyone else.

Up until this point, I've been a contractor.  I was hired for 1500 nuyen to get the job done.  For a couple day's work and some recovery time, I'm grateful for it.  But if I can use my keen memory and phenomenal reading ability, not to mention my talents with a deck, to catch on to an unexpected opportunity for profit, maybe these shadowrunners might see fit to give me a bonus.  The more I can pay down my debt with the Yak before I leave for Europe, the less drek I'll be facing when I get back.

If I get back...

And anyway, the more useful I make myself, maybe the less murasaki-me akuma will try and reason I'm in over my head. 

Even if I am.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-09-15/1832:54>
Arc listened intently to the troll as she Saud her piece, not once looking away until she was fiddling with the projector,  the mechanic's eyes drifting over to where Marco and Firefly were sitting.  Girl's Got some stuff to her, but we gotta make sure she sticks around and aint held back...hmm. one at a time... Refocusing herself, the human hopped off the table as the first image came on display.

"I can understand what you mean...these things aren't machines.  They our blood" .While she didn't need her hands to interact with the images, it helped her fine tune and focus her efforts as she pulled the image to the engine, stripping away the unnecessary background and imposing the design over the engine, adjusting the size until it lined up to scale.  With the second image, at a different angle, Arc's magic came to life, introducing a trid model of the bike right. over the engine.

The mechanic wasn't too far off: a custom model reminiscent of a Suzuki Mirage, sized up to fit the trolless' size and balancing the weight by upsizing the forward fender, intake vents on either side of the headlights.  Double layered reactive suspension held up the tires, with the exhaust a four tube system running close to the rear wheel.  Overall, it was sleek, powerful, and in Arc's eyes a work of art.
.by this time her mouth was hanging open as she nodded for the picture of the pieces, using those to visualize each part, pulling each image and tagging it to its place in the finished product.   "I recognize some of these...Hrock sold me some of these parts too.  That will make it easy.  Hell yeah, I'm building this thing...". Grinning, Arc looked up to the troll, seeing her concerned face, her own eyes narrowing as she lowered her voice.

" It will take some time...and there is a good chance I'll be out if town in a few weeks too...a friend of mine is in trouble and may need my help.  Now, call me crazy, but I don't wanna sell this to anyone but the hoop it's designed to seat, ya feel me?  I also can't give it away though, and a job like this is nowhere near cheap...you willing to work somethin' out with me, omae?" she grew quiet, wanting to gauge the other's response.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-09-15/2105:23>
Several hours, and a brief break for prayers and the ladies' room later, I have managed to commit all the devices to my Erika and much of the contents to my own memory.  Rather than obsess over the material, long experience has taught me to let my mind simmer on what I've absorbed.  My subconscious will often bring things to the fore of my mind later that my conscious was oblivious too.  There are also the programs I have now running to compare phrases and names in the data to whatever can be found on a search of the 'trix.  If there is anything that is useful in any way such as blackmail or the like, or with a little effort can be made useful, I'll find it.

[spoiler]
Memory to commit the material I read to my meat brain: 13d6t5: 5 [13d6t5=1, 5, 4, 3, 6, 3, 4, 6, 5, 2, 3, 1, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/332370)

Assuming an extended test for speed reading to find anything in the material {logic(6)+intuition(5)[Mental (8 )]hard(18),average(1 hour))}
With photographic memory this can happen in my own head after the fact
First hour: 11d6t5: 1 [11d6t5=2, 4, 3, 1, 6, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 3] (http://orokos.com/roll/332373)
Second hour: 10d6t5: 3 [10d6t5=3, 6, 2, 1, 5, 5, 2, 2, 4, 2] (http://orokos.com/roll/332376)
Total so far of FOUR hits after two tests
[/spoiler]

I carefully rise again to note how crowded the large room has again become.  Although my younger friends and the old ork long since departed, we now have the damnably gorgeous elf, a troll woman, and the human mage I saw three nights ago manifested astrally in this very room now present in the flesh.  Except for the troll, they all seem to know each other and have an ease that I envy.  And ease is an understatement between Marco and Yelena.  The unabashed intimacy the two continue to demonstrate causes my gut to wrench and I feel the need to be elsewhere.  I'm self aware to enough know I'm feeling jealous, but whether of Yelena or Marco I'm not sure.  Either way, it's easier to just be somewhere else.  I'm sure I'll do better at reviewing the data in my head without all the ruckus anyway.

Without Lexi or Bootstrap to show me home, I'm stuck here.  Still, I think I've been given freedom to pray as needed in the bedroom.  While it's not exactly time for mid-afternoon prayers, it's close enough that I will trust Allah not to mind.  With everyone else busy being social, I slip quietly to grab a crust of pizza, all I believe I can handle as yet, and slip back to the bedroom.  With the crust in my still uncertain tummy, I settle down to perform my prayers after which I will lie down quietly atop Arc's little-used bed and continue to review the material in my mind and in my Erika in solitude.

[spoiler]
Third hour: 9d6t5: 7 [9d6t5=6, 6, 4, 5, 4, 5, 6, 6, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/332382)
Fourth hour: 8d6t5: 4 [8d6t5=1, 6, 5, 1, 3, 5, 2, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/332384)
Total so far of FIFTEEN hits after four tests
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-09-15/2206:03>
     The shrewd mechanic was at her side quickly—adjusting the image and stripping the extraneous before putting it over the physical engine.
   
      They matched with fingerprint accuracy.
     
     At the rate Arc's cyber eyes scanned over the construct,  the troll wondered if they were danger of rolling out of their sockets.  She saw a nod.
     “Gimmie the other one too.”
   
     Tuskaloosa uploaded the giant jigsaw puzzle she'd found in the Mangler's pit.  She watched quietly.
   
     The human meanwhile dropped into her own little tank of pistons and nitrous injectors, periodically reaching out to touch this gear or that clutch while muttering quietly to herself.   " ...That will make it easy.  Hell yeah,”  her voice rose with anticipation, and she looked up.  “I'm building this thing--”
   Then she frowned and became serious again.
   
     It dawned on Tuskaloosa that she too had been frowning. I must look like a panicked parent: Tell me Doc...will she pull through?
   
     Arc was now the  professional:  “It will take some time...and there is a good chance I'll be out if town in a few weeks too...a friend of mine is in trouble and may need my help. ”

     Tuskaloosa relaxed a little—it was no longer a matter of if, but of when.
   
     “Now, call me crazy,”  the mechanic continued,  “but I don't wanna sell this to anyone but the hoop it's designed to seat, ya feel me? I also can't give it away though..."

     The racer thought she'd prepared herself for this better.  It made perfect business sense.  Surely there were a dozen or two trolls—orcs too—with the immediate cred to purchase.   Unless Arc was planning to putter away at it for years, there was no way she could repay a rebuild in a timely manner.  The shop back home would be the same way...
   
     “You willing to work with me on this, omae?"

     Tuskaloosa tasted air as her jaw dropped.  “Huh?!”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-10-15/0130:40>
@ Subaru. The most immediate thing to grab Sundays attention from the data is the recipe for the stuff they were cocking. It was exactingly detailed. And with ingredients listed on the trix as rare, though none endangered. It wasa no lessthan thirty two step process and used some very sophisticated equipment. The second thing was that they'dbeen very lucky with their timing. Time and date stamps indicated that the gang had just received a payment. The SIN's were clean. No records of any felonies and listed education's and professions that were squeaky clean. To clean, Coachella didn'tmatch info to actual jobs. And the faces were for people she recognized as gang members. And then, paydirt. Bribery records for week they'd paid for those rare botanicals as well as recorded conversations. A little crocheting was all it took to find out that one of them headed the botanical garden. Another was ministerofagriculturefor the Tir.
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-10-15/0141:49>
For Blake. Blake's surprise at Marcos message is obvious but he recovers quickly. He has nowhere near Marcos skill level at carrying on a mundane conversation. But, he uses the pizza to cover much ofthat. "Simply put. I need you to impersonate one of the forms partners while he's away and get into their confidential records. As a partner you'll be able to bring in any tech you want. And that'll let a Decker in to hack their system."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/0208:14>
I contact Blake and my thoughts are calm, ice cold and razor sharp. No confusion, I know already that I will shake Blake for as much money as my negotiation ability is able to provide as well as a fresh identity. So, when duty calls I can die and be reborn as someone else. Someplace else, I'll require a high quality identity with a back story and lifestyle and anything, and it will not be cheap to maintain it as a believable identity, but first I need to understand the job before I can even negotiated a price.

 " When is this impersonation going to happen? and who exactly is the person of impersonation? How long is this impersonation? If I take someone physical look I want to know everything there is to know about that person.  What he had to breakfast, what news paper he read, favorite sports team, important dates. Whose birthday he just forgot? Lovers, colleagues dirty secrets the more knowledge the less at risk I am.

Serious work with physical risk requires taking manners rather seriously, mundane things like ordering the wrong wine or saying the wrong word can hint people of the ruse and I plan to stay alive. If I do something I do it right, with at most seriousness.

The second issue is 'on vacation', What is our window of opportunity here? How likely he is to form contact with people from work while on vacation? How likely are they to contact him?... it all boils down to how likely I am to end up in the trunk of a car being fed to ghouls?

Do you have all these things figured out already? Or do you just tell Steward, Do X and he just does all the legwork on his own. I have never done that before and I'd much rather err on the side of too cautious. Because the result of not doing it right may be catastrophic.   How much of the legwork am I expected to do on my own?



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/0225:19>
Yelena is leaning against the wall when the Troll appears out of the falling snow.  Yelena looks at the woman, evaluating her.  She seems a bit short for a Troll, but still well above her own height.  She walks with a different sort of stride, as if she is uncertain but determined to not let the Barrens get her.  Yelena notices that the woman is not armored by the shadow and that surprises her a bit.  For a moment it appears that Yelena is mistaken for Arc, but before she can say anything, the real Arc appears at the door.  Some words are exchanged and Arc and the Troll both return to the warmth of the garage, leaving Yelena alone again.

But not for too long, it seems.  Blake is the next arrival, dressed way to nice for this neighborhood, but he, too, is under the protection of the shadow.  Yelena reads him for someone used to working in the shadows but living on the fringe as his shadow being is barely visible.  She nods at the human as he walks past her into the building.  Yelena finishes her third cigar and follows Blake inside.  She sees Marco sweet-talking Firefly and the pair of them hunched over some tech drek.  And a book.  Yelena shakes her head; why did Marco bring a book down here?  The Troll and Arc are looking at the engine, huddled around a trid projection of what is probably Arc's design idea. 

Yelena removes her sweater as she enters the warmer room, tossing it over a stool.  Her back exposed, she walks to get another mug of caf, actually surprised that someone has made a fresh pot.  Sipping at the hot liquid, she feels the warmth spreading through her as she looks around the room.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-10-15/0230:34>
The shock of surprise from the troll was a surprise for Arc as well, the human girl admitting that she wasn't quite sure where she was going with that.  Truth, many of the parts for this bike would take some heavy lifting to maneuver and work with, much more than what the small girl could offer.  Kri'tch Tina'ka Korryut  She inwardly shook her head, letting out a little sigh.

"Eh....thinking about that m'self...I could use some help around the garage, yeah.  But even then, that wouldn't be enough, would it...hmm"  Reaching up to the trid projection of the bike design, she collapsed the image and saved it for later use, shutting the projector down for the moment.  Looking over, she saw Yelena finally coming back in from her smoke outside and going for some hot soycaf.  Her thoughts turned to the jobs to come, and just how dangerous the kind of job they will likely be going into.

"Tell me something, omae.  This bike was yours...for this level of workmanship and care, you musta been hella good on it.  Combat biking, derby running, some drek like that, right?"  She gave a little smile, glancing over at Yelena and giving a nod of her head, a small idea forming in her head.  "That kinda power under your hoop, that many gears...without a rig interface in the design to boot.  That's mad skills."

As the older keeb came over, Arc's smile grew a little wider as a rather sick idea came to her head.  "Tuskaloosa, this is Yelena, my roomie and coworker on the side.  Hoi Srui'ken, you said you might be coming on some long term work down the pipe, eh?  Think you might be interested in a novahot wheelgirl coming along?"

Turning back to the trolless, Arc's smile started to fade a little as she slouched a bit, gaze lowering.  "Choice is yours though....I'm not gonna lie to you.  This is gonna be dangerous stuff.  But, you do this, the bike's yours and then some, you got my word on that.  But again, choice goes with you.  Yelena, what do you think?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/0240:28>
Still with Blake on his mind, but only a single look is required for the connection. I see that dreadful tree again. Ocean of moral failures masterfully surmised in the keeb's skin, "Anything new?" I ask to Yelena as my empathy embraces her. I refer to the tattoos of course, these that I were too afraid ask previously. I am not going to Ginny someone, if I like someone I want to know the ugly truth.

The rush of being able to so casually socialize with people and discuss business in my mind is intriguing and in time I will learn how to mask my aura and spells.If I live long enough, I can become a very sneaky man. I will have to as in a world of evil it is the good men that are hiding not the villains. Everything in this world is upside down.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/0248:41>
Standing with her back to one of the work benches, Yelena notices Arc's head nod and walks over to her, nodding to Marco as she passes him and he asks her the question.  "Much new.  We speak later.  Arc need."  She gets to Arc in time to hear the last bit of the conversation between her and the Troll.  It seems that the idea has gone beyond the woman buying the engine to coming with them to Europe.  She looks the newcomer up and down and asks in her heavily accented and broken English, "Am Yelena Petrovna.  Can drive good?  Yelena not need only driver.  Driver girl can take care of self in fight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-10-15/0352:45>
Interesting...

Director of the Seattle Botanical Garden all the way up to a Minister of the Tir!  Just how high does this thing go, anyway?

I know it's impossible to prove a negative, but I can't help but wonder if there's more here.  I keep looking until I have scanned through every scrap of data with my own noodle as well as the 'trix data searching.  Before I take this to Yelena and Arc, I want to be sure I have *everything* there is to see here.  And anyway, from the sound of it, everyone is still busy doing their thing out in the garage.  The engine holds nothing compared to what I have here and the last thing I need to see is more of Marco and Yelena kissing...

[spoiler]
Fifth hour: 7d6t5: 2  [7d6t5=3, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/332482)
Sixth hour: 6d6t5: 3 [6d6t5=1, 1, 6, 6, 6, 2] (http://orokos.com/roll/332483)
Total of TWENTY hits after six tests.  That meets the "hard" threshold for an extended test! :-)
[/spoiler]

After a few more hours, some in IR, some in AR, and much of it just laying there with my eyes closed as memorized words pored through my mind, I feel I've sqeezed everything I'll be able to get out of this data.  I've applied all the skills I'd learned in a lifetime of rigorous mental training as a Renraku scion.  With the primitive equipment and limited data access available to me right now, this is as far as I get.  Still, what I've found could be worth hundreds of thousands of nuyen...

...or a nice little room six feet underground.

That's where someone like Yelena comes in.  Or Marco?

The elf man is intriguing.  He looks like Adonis but he's casually carrying a book that is worth as much as that engine out there in the right hands and belongs to the Papal States' government at least, if not the Vatican itself.  Who is this "Marco"?

It then strikes me that I have all I need to figure that out.  Everything on his comm is stored on my Erika.  As a general rule, while I am a total data whore I don't personally scour other peoples' info on a whim even if I archive it for easy access later if something comes up.  I'd been trained right by Renraku.  Store and deliver - only look if that's what's been ordered.

But I'm not Renraku anymore.  And it looks like I may be working closely, maybe very closely, with this man.  This man who has links to the Vatican?  I need to know more about him.

Since it's evening now, I first clear my mind with prayer.  Once I've demonstrated my submission to the God of All, I turn my attention again to worldly matters.  Lying once more atop Arc's bed, I begin scouring the contents of Marco's comm and the book registration chip, leaving no material unturned, and apply the same methods with what I glean as I did to the data from the safe - both 'trix and meat brain.  Since there's less of it to examine, it takes me a lot less time.

[spoiler]
Memory to commit the material I glean from Marco's comm to my meat brain: 13d6t5: 3 [13d6t5=4, 6, 3, 2, 2, 3, 2, 1, 6, 5, 4, 1, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/332487)
Note that there's a lot less material to memorize than with the safe haul, so my number of hits to successfully do it should be less.

Assuming an extended test for speed reading to find anything in the material {logic(6)+intuition(5)[Mental (8 )]hard(18),average(15 minutes))}
With photographic memory this can happen in my own head after the fact, although in this case I have the data on my Erika for reference when needed...
First quarter-hour: 11d6t5: 11d6t5: 4 [11d6t5=5, 6, 1, 6, 5, 1, 2, 3, 3, 1, 2] (http://orokos.com/roll/332488)
Second quarter-hour: 10d6t5: 3 [10d6t5=3, 2, 5, 4, 3, 1, 6, 2, 5, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/332491)
Third quarter-hour: 9d6t5: 1 [9d6t5=4, 3, 2, 5, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2] (http://orokos.com/roll/332492)
Fourth quarter-hour: 8d6t5: 4 [8d6t5=1, 4, 1, 6, 5, 2, 5, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/332494)
Fifth quarter-hour: 7d6t5: 4 [7d6t5=4, 6, 5, 1, 1, 5, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/332495)
Sixth quarter-hour: 6d6t5: 3 [6d6t5=5, 3, 5, 4, 4, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/332496)
Total of NINETEEN hits after six tests.  Again, that meets the "hard" threshold for an extended test! :-)
[/spoiler]

Let's see what this pretty boy is really about...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/0451:39>
@Firefly  - There is  a lot of correspondence on Marco's comm but it is all relatively new. Apparently,  Marco is switching devices every few weeks, trying to shake off somebody he refers to as Daemoness. That someone keeps asking for favors  and Marco always agree without arguing.  You also notice several lovers? (or customers?!) scheduling 'dates'.  There is one reference to the Vatican.  A meeting with Lady that was scheduled at the Vatican. The two seemed to be in the process of establishing a soup kitchen, and Lady have bought some old prison. What does background count have to do with soup kitchens you have no idea. The prison was bought and the two are now in the middle of the bureaucratic process of getting it approved.  There is a single picture on the device a selfie of two beautiful and sinfully dressed women. There is also a short video, of Marco passionately kissing some middle aged Blond woman.

(Smiles feel free to add more if you like).
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-10-15/0636:11>
     “Let me see if I get this straight,” Tuskaloosa said slowly, determined to take what she was hearing in by repeating it.  She looked down at Arc.  “You  can't work on the repairs right away because you're helping your friend.”  She turned to the elf.  “And just to make sure...you are the friend.”

     The violet-eyed elf—Yelena Petrovna—nodded.

     She turned back to Arc.  “And  the 'help' is risky...dangerous stuff.  But something a  good driver who can fight could help with.”  The human nodded, about to speak.  She continued.  “And if I help...and give you a hand in the garage, I get my bike back in working order.”

     “You have my word,” the mechanic repeated solemnly.

     “Then I'd ask when do we start, but there's a problem.”

     It was the the human's turn to be shocked. “When...wait, what?”

     “What problem?” the elf asked over her still-sputtering friend.

     Tuskaloosa spread her hands out.  “What you see is what I've got.  As wiz as I am, I have no gear.  If you're looking for a driver with wheels already...”  She shook her head.

     “Yelena make arrangements,”  the elf replied.
     “Weapons too?”
     “Yes.”
     “When do we start?”
   
     “Take it down a notch omae” the mechanic snapped.  “This ain't a joke here.”
     
     “Who's joking?”  The troll looked back at her, then flashed a wide grin.  “If it's as dangerous as you say, you could wind up geeked  before you rebuild my ride.  No way I'm letting you off the hook that easily.”

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/0643:29>
Wait what? what just happen here ? Did Arc ever wanted to sell the engine? is it a bait... a runner with no equipment? that troll is a RIGGER? but she is as big as a car. Okay so the troll is a rigger and she is going to help doing something shady with Yelena and Arc something I am probobly going to hear about.

But what is going on in there?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/1031:06>
Yelena looks closely at the Troll, looking for the telltale ports or jacks.  Given that she cannot see all the way up the woman's body, something could be visible and she not see it.  "Driver girl just driver or rigger girl?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-10-15/1057:08>
To be honest, Arc had expected her forward thinking and leaping on a whimsical opportunity to make a deal to backfire on her hoop, the troll either balking at the idea or getting angry in the event that she would see all this as playing hardball.  That's why Arc was adamant that Tuskaloosa knew that she had the choice on these terms, and the mechanic was more than ready to renegotiate matters to make things work..

So imagine her surprise when the big lady throws her hat in without hesitation.  "When...wait, sayWha?!"  Her eyes stared up at the taller one's with a tilted head, curiously examining her as she explained the issue to them, Yelena answering without hesitation to equip her with what she'll need for the trip.  And still no hesitation.  "Hold up, there.  This ain't a joke, omae.  You really all in on this?"  Her response made more sense to the rigger girl, and she slowly gave a little grin up at her.

Then Yelena made the question of whether she was a driver or a rigger, but Arc had made an educated guess on that answer.  The bike design had no interface in it, and unless this troll was hella flowing in jing at some point, she did not possess some super-alpha rig that didn't show as much as hers did.  Not a rigger...but the way she was eyeing my RCC over there tells me she's familiar with it.  And at the very least, if Jaime forbids me from going, Yelena will have someone with at least some of my skills now.  Hmm...

Letting her answer, Arc gave a nod to Tuskaloosa as she pulled up her AR display, jotting down a couple of things and sharing it with the troll.  "My commcode, in case I forget later.  Yeah, we can hook you up with a kit for this deal, make it part of the trade, huh?  You do much else besides ride bikes around, Tuska?  Don't wanna get you drek you can't use, ya feel me~"

The human's mood was actually very chipper about all this as they chatted, ate pizza (Arc had about two or three, offered more to the troll), and got the details put together, the afternoon passing without much thought.  Arc noted that Subaru got up, the mechanic excusing herself to check on the girl, only to find her on her own bed, resting.  She paused, not wanting to interrupt and simply left her be, returning to the garage to continue the conversation.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-10-15/1233:32>
     “Driver girl just driver or rigger girl?”
     
     Even Tuskaloosa could admit: it was a fair question.  More than fair.  It was also a question that came up every time she sought a job.  “Driver—for now.  If size permits, I'm in the seat.  Remote if I can't be,” she said as she unplugged from the graph projector.  “But I was was rigged once.  And will be again.”
     She realized that last sounded rather belligerent.  “Not in time for this 'help' that I'm in for, anyway...”
     
     Her new employer seem to think that was enough.  Next thing she knew Arc was sharing an AR with her:  "My commcode, in case I forget later.”
     
     She accepted it gratefully.  The elf might not be convinced—or might be, she couldn't really tell—but at least her fellow rigger was taking her seriously.
   
     That selfsame rigger was on the move, on a course for the pizza boxes.  “Yeah, we can hook you up with a kit for this deal, make it part of the trade, huh?”
   
     Tuskaloosa followed after she ran a hand over her datajacks to ensure she wasn't still plugged in somehow: this was a BTL fantasy.  The lady was indicating the stakes were high, to be sure.  But equipment?  And a job?  That let her use her skills?  There was no question.
     
     “You do much else besides ride bikes around, Tuska?”  the woman added.  “Don't wanna get you drek you can't use, ya feel me~"
   
     “Don't worry about that boss—if it drives, dives or flies, I can use it.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/1248:30>
Marco listens to the back and forth,  another one on board, unbelievable. At this rate Yelena is going to conquer a small country. I am going to offer Lichtenstein but I will settle on Luxembourg if we do not have enough woman power.  Firefly disappeared, probobly went to do something technical, I guess she did not like the conversation very much. Marco-san... is she Japanese? but that does not add up very well.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/1302:28>
Yelena pauses to digest the answer then nods without speaking.  She walks over to where Arc is and says, "Yelena get ready.  Have date at club.  Need change clothes."  She looks around, about to ask Marco if he is interested in helping her dress, but notices that Firefly has disappeared.  She mentally kicks herself for not seeing her leave the garage area, but knows that the young human did not go outside, so must have gone to the bedroom.  She smiles a promise at Marco as she shakes her head and walks into the living area. 

Yelena sees Firefly on Arc's bed.  As she begins to strip, she says, "Yelena change for date.  Want help?"  After removing her clothes, Yelena goes to the closet and takes her long white cheongsam from the hanger.  Eschewing underwear, she steps into the beautiful gown.  The fastening buttons are on the side and hard to get to.  Yelena looks to Firefly for assistance.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-10-15/1347:42>
Darkness had been falling as witnessed by the fading light from the small window.  I'd completed evening prayers and returned to my resting/thinking spot atop Arc's bed when I heard noise at the door.  Yelena seems to have intentionally made a slight racket this time since I know she's never that noticeable unless she wants to be.  Setting aside my research on Marco for the moment, I watch with interest as the lithe woman strips.  Once again I can witness the macabre artwork on her back, and this time I know exactly what each skull represents.

Especially the small ones.

"Yelena change for date.  Want help?"

I turn my head as my quite naked newest mentor glides with inhuman grace to the small closest where earlier I had borrowed the sweats I currently wore.  I hum a Japanese assent and rise carefully from the bed, continuing to take care not to jar my tender midsection unnecessarily.  I make my far less elegant way to the closet by which time the elf is well on her way to pouring her unclad lean form into the tiny white garment.  I'm not sure where I come in until she's reaches the point where the fasteners need to be clasped.  I immediately catch on to where I can be useful. 

At the best of times, I'm not terribly dexterous.  Add in my current nervousness, and I'm downright clumsy.  Still, I manage the clips.  As I work my fingers, my mouth moves faster than my brain and before I realize what I'm saying, I hear my voice ask, "So, how did you meet Marco-san?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/1409:47>
Yelena casts a questioning look at the decker.  "Marco?  Firefly interested Marco?  Hmmmm.  Yelena meet Marco only several days ago.  At meeting for club job.  Sam introduce.  Marco nice.  Yelena think too nice for shadows.  Marco say want change.  Yelena see if mean it.  Why Firefly interested?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-10-15/1417:23>
The blood that ran to my face at the audacity of my unchoreographed question is now joined by the embarrassment of having the question turned back on me.  I stop myself from answering reflexively both because I am sure I'll stumble over my words and also because it will make me look young and foolish.  Again!  Instead, I focus on completing the fasteners before answering.

"He's hiding something," I settle on answering.  "I'm sure you don't need me of all people to tell you that, but I'm not sure how to feel around him."

Damn, I meant to say "how to feel about him'.  Hopefully Yelena won't catch such a subtle slip given her English challenges.  I might easily miss something like that in Mandarin or Arabic.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-10-15/1429:05>
Arc gave a nod as she tore into the slice of pizza, chewing deliberately as she approved the determined enthusiasm of the troll.  "Mmph, wiz bang on that, omae.  We can get you set up, null sweat.  I got some chummers with the Howlers, still...all trog gang, and they might have a couple equips or such I can pass off."  She let that pause a bit, the little bit of the crescent moon tat peeking out on her left shoulder confirming that.  A human, a short one to boot, that was part of an all troll and ork gang...probably a little confusing.

Either way, her train of thought was cut as her elven blood sister spoke about a date tonight, and Arc's expression seemed to visibly solidify, her jaw setting a bit as her eyes stared straight forward.  Her lip was chewed a little as she mulled over the realization, given the previous night's activities the elf had, and before Yelena could retreat to the room, Arc's cyberhand grabbed her by the arm, darting out and the metal digging in a little.  "...don't forget why we doing this, Srui...Still need to recover, don't push it.   Or you may not be able to do what ya wanna do..."  She dug in a little, looking up to meet the violet-eyed gaze before she sighed, letting go.  "Firefly's in there.  Don't scare her, aight?"

Looking around, she noted that Marco and Blake had since forgotten, having had their fill of pizza and discussed what they needed to.  Blake must still be working out deets on what to do next...okay.  We'll be in touch  Left alone with Tuskaloosa, Arc had checked her chronometer, seeing that it was getting pretty dark, and with the snow falling it was getting pretty cold.  Turning to the trolless, the mechanic gave a little smile, feeling a bit excited for this opportunity as she spent a moment to reorganize the parts with the engine.  "I'll be in touch with you often on this bike, omae, don't worry about that.  I got to head to a meetup with a guy about some other work tonight.  I didn't see you drive here, so you're probably walking, ah..."  She glanced over at the Americar, then back at the taller lady.  "I could maybe fit ya for a quick lift on the way?  Other than that, I can hook you up with a taxi.  Whichever sounds good to you, omae.  Sit tight."

Leaving the troll to her thoughts, Arc finished off her pizza with a small burp, heading over to her adjoining apartment.  What the troll thought was office space could be seen through the doorway for a couple seconds while the door was open, and it was apparent that instead of an office, it was rather an apartment.  Arc's apartment, specifically.  As the human went inside, she could hear talking from within, peeking her head in tentatively at the others, seeing Firefly helping Yelena into her skin-tight cheongsam.

"Don't mind me.  I gotta meetup with Ninelives tonight, maybe some more work this week.  Subaru, do you need a lift home?  My car's got room.."  Shrugging out of her casual clothes into her undies, the stout girl slipped into a clean pair of jeans and a tanktop, the multitude of scars on her back exposed for a few seconds before she pulled a synthleather jacket over her form, running a quick comb through her hair to right it before turning to them, smirking.  "I ain't looking forward to it, unlike you Srui.  Just don't OD somewhere, aight?"

Darting back out, the human looked a bit more upscale than her casual appearance the troll had first witnessed.  The jacket definitely fit the look of a wheelgirl more than a mechanic, and with the Predator concealed at the small of her back, the human felt a bit more secure.  "Thought of your answer, Tuska?  I don't mean to kick you out already, my bad, but I  got stuff to do, and a Vrukart to get back to tonight.  We good?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/1444:35>
Yelena laughs.  "Yelena think most people hide something.  Firefly want be around Marco?  Firefly bed with boy yet?  Want try Marco?  Yelena not mind."

Yelena acknowledges Arc as she comes into the small room to change.  "Yelena all in, Srui.  Target know if hold back.  Yelena do best to be safe.  Got rest so that help."  She turns to face the others and smooths her dress to her form.  "What think.  Yelena look nice?"

She gets a thoughtful look on her face.  "Arc.  Maybe new rigger girl not live nice place.  Offer place in garage to sleep.  We fix bedding tonight.  Get better at shopping tomorrow.  Help watch place.  Closer."  She turns to Firefly.  "Maybe decker girl too?  Want live Yelena and Arc?  Arc mostly with Vruk at night.  What think?"  Yelena nods at her idea. 

She walks out right behind Arc and looks at the Troll.  "Rigger girl want stay garage?  Much room in corner.  Not good bed, but blankets.  Can buy big bed tomorrow if want live here.  Closer to us.  Not need walk or drive.  Work bike spare time.  All good ideas.  Yes?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/1538:01>
After the pizza and Blake I am back to my home. I send the chip to the Vatican and adds a personal message.
 “Dear Gabriel,
at the memory card of that book there is all my correspondence between me and the lady you asked about. If one of us is a sinner it is me, I got the complete opposite impression about her. She is my northern light showing me the path in dark nights. As you can read she got me involved in a soup kitchen to the needy, and if she actually get her innovation approved in my book she is two  miracles away from sainthood.

Yours truly, Marco”

And just like that that little drone in my balcony carried the message god knows where, was sent much earlier than requested.  I have a purpose now and I know what to do. I strip my clothes shower and leave the apartment as a little bird. It is all so natural to me by now and my path is clear. My next stop is the Salish Shidhe Council, or to be exact a little Shidhe village called Bleeding Mountain. I go there a lot, birds know no boundaries, and it does not take long before I am there. My plan is to study about spirits from Dancing Bear their Shaman. Nobody calls him like that, in the spirit of the era the names are still traditional but they are shorten to initials and Dancing Bear becomes DB.  I sometime wonder if he ever heard about databases.

Studying from a pagan Shaman is frowned upon but DB was trying to teach me, and my heart was not open. Every time I reached Bleeding Mountain was because I was running away from something. While I was constantly invited to visit the small village, I never did. It will be my first time in there during day daytime.  When I arrive the village is almost empty, it is still day and most of the people are at their daily labor. Some do agriculture and hunting but modern life have caught with most and despite their pseudo primitive living conditions, the vast majority of the inhabitants work in modern jobs. I land at the village center, right by their in and change back to human. Crying Wolf an elderly woman greet me at my local name “Crazy Bird”. I am unexpected, but not unwelcome and within a few moments my room is ready and I am wearing fresh and traditional clothes.

When I am out CW asks me: “You are not hiding so you must need something. “
I smile and completely comfortable with the directness of CW

 “I came to listen and learn, and I plan to stay for a while until the great spirit shares its wisdom with me. ”

“A spirit quest? I always thought you are after Angelo's way of life. The fingernails... they never lie and your hair always smells Anglo. Even now”
She is referring to my wonderful new shampoo, I am very proud of that selection it smells amazing. However, telling CW that I really like this shampoo will not be the best conversation move.
 
“When I just come to hide I am welcome, but when I come to open my heart and learn.  I am suddenly an Anglo?”


“CB, You are welcome as a guest, but the knowledge you seek is not for foreigners. It is for the children of this land.”

“But I am orphan, I have no land. I know you do not want to know about the past, but since I feel no connection to any land. Perhaps the great spirit will make an exception in my case. Perhaps the land can adopt me like a family adopts a child.”


“CB it was never done before, for an Anglo to become native.”


“Still I want to learn, and DB offered his guidence multiple times in the past. I am asking out of respect to your ways. I am not much of a warrior, but I am good with bargaining, perhaps I can help you trade.”


“We have plenty of traders, CB and what good is trading if you are barely around. You do not have roots, it is not your fault it is the way you were raised, but you hop from one place to another like a butterfly.”


“DB taught me more than you think. There is the story of your independence, of the great ghost dance. The people from many tribes working together and the land and its spirits gave their blessing. So if I serve your needs while being from a different tribe the spirit may still share its wisdom with me and perhaps in time, when I can grow roots the land can adopt me.”


“You are speaking about a service of blood, will you risk your life for our people?”


“I will do whatever it takes CW. You have been very kind to me in the past and never asked questions as why I come. You are a leader of honor, just name your task and I will do what I can do.”

By this time I already understand that there is something she wants. She is playing hard to get, because she wants to see my commitment or because... Well they are different.

“I did not think to ask a foreigner for help but I do not know what to do. DB was captured by bird tribe and they are going to sell him for a cooperation. It happened last night and they are probably hiding in one of the valleys nearby. If you bring DB back to us I will allow him to share his guidance with you.”


My heart is racing, the mage that I want to learn from is kidnapped and I need to save the day? Perhaps being so public about magic is a dangerous after all despite the dancing and the illusions and the dream quests. But if he dances and cast spells with his friends I have a website, who am I to say how one should behave with talent.

“CW, I would have done so without needing anything. You could have called and I’d come to help.”

CW say “ I know you would, but we cannot rely on Anglos to solve our problems. Even when things seems hopeless. Now you are suggesting a fair trade, you need something and I need something in return, This I can do.

I wish for her to stop calling me Anglo as I am if any an Italian. She gave me a native name. I know it was intended as a joke, but the name stuck and everybody is calling like that. How can I be both CB and Anglo.  “Show me where your scouts last spotted them and I’ll be there quick as a bird and stealthy as a mouse. “

CW guides me, and I prepare my mind. I pray for Jesus to be able to resolve it without violence there is always a way. It does not take much time before I can spot the scouts, lying in the grass
my sharp senses pick them from a kilometer away. They are static and well disguised, I use my mind link spell and think at them “This is Crazy Bird and I came to help.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-10-15/1759:39>
"Yelena think most people hide something.  Firefly want be around Marco?  Firefly bed with boy yet?  Want try Marco?  Yelena not mind."

WHAT?!?

I can feel my eyes get wide and I thank Allah that my focus is on her dress and Yelena is turned away from me as she says this.  My face face must be about to explode like an override tomato!

Fortunately, Arc comes in and saves me from an answer to the offhanded (for her) awkward suggestion.  I look away from both of them as the start talking, working to catch my wits and calm my heart.  By the time the elf asks another question of me, I hope I'm presentable.

"What think.  Yelena look nice?"

"Very nice," I say appreciatively.  And I mean it.  If you ignored the body art, the hardness of her eyes, and imagined just a touch less lean on her, Yelena-sensei would fit on a billboard selling something.  Or as the front page of a fashion site.  She's that gorgeous.  Fortunately Arc's presence helps me maintain at least a little of my self-esteem around the older woman.  Not that Arc isn't pretty in her own right - she is and in more the manner I am- but set beside Yelena the two of us humans aren't going to catch many eyes.  Not even dressed as Arc is now in a jacket and jeans which makes her look rather badass.  I'm lost in my thoughts when the word 'decker' from Yelena's full lips lifts me out of my soulful reverie.

"Maybe decker girl too?  Want live Yelena and Arc?  Arc mostly with Vruk at night.  What think?"

Live here?!?  I don't get a chance to say anything before Yelena nods at her own idea and moves out to the garage to address the troll who had arrived earlier.  Hmmm...okay...she's asking her too.  Then maybe it's not...

But Yelena's suggesting I sleep in the same room with her. 

It makes rational sense, now that I think about it.  I rested on the rigger's bed because it's less used.  If I'm to apprentice to Yelena-sensei, it would make sense to live close to her.  And the closer I am, not only might I learn more but I can be more helpful to her.  That's my duty now - she teaches and I do whatever chores I can do to make her life easier while I learn.

And the troll is a girl too, so it shouldn't be immodest.  Maybe this can work.  Although it will leave my roomie in a lurch.  But then again, George can certainly find someone else to room with her.

So yeah, if Yelena-sensei wants me closer to her, it fits with what my goals are.

"I'm game," I pipe up as I walk back into the garage area after Yelena and Arc.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/1950:00>
Yelena looks over at the younger human and smiles.  "Firefly yes?  Is good.  Have things go get?"  She slips her white shawl across her shoulders so that it covers the top of her arms.  The violet heron and flowers on the front of the elegant cheongsam set off her eyes and the overall effect is demure sensuality.  She turns back to the Troll.  "So, is good idea?  If like stay here.  Yelena make keys tomorrow."

"Now Yelena off.  Gone all night."

Smiling at the others, Yelena walks to the door and leaves, walking the few blocks to where she can get a cab.  On the way she kicks in her 'link and sends a message to Bella.  >> Bella.  Is Yelena.  Other thing done.  Yelena can make start time.  See at club.<<  Yelena makes good time, stopping and chatting with the people she meets.  Her mind is partially on the party tonight.  Another couple will make it more fun, but she has to admit to herself that the pain inducer was different and is actually pretty exciting.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-10-15/2008:40>
"You look gorgeous," I rave in answer my sensei's question.  It's an honest appraisal - I've had women as comely as her in my presence, but they never had the mixture of raw power mixed with sensuality Yelena exudes.  It's intoxicating just being around her.  If I can learn to be half the woman she is...

Then I might just manage to achieve my goal.

I accompany Yelena-sensei to the door, standing in the open portal and watching the elf recede into the night.  I'm cold in only the borrowed sweats, but the tableau of white hair cascading down a glistening white dress with the shawl shimmering in the streetlights, with snow falling lightly all around, is captivating.  I'm not much of an artist, but I remain transfixed, memorizing the scene in the hope that someday I might be able to rightly commit it to canvas.

I'm sure she'd be flattered.

After Yelena's form has receded to nothing into the wintry darkness, I turn back into the shop and close the door against the night chill.  Arc and the troll seem to be eyeing each other as the latter considers her own answer to Yelena-sensei's bold proposal.  It occurs to me that I don't even know the massive woman's name.  I'm sure I'll learn it soon enough, though, so I leave them to their discussion and return to the bedroom to retrieve my jumpsuit and make one more trip to the lady's room.  Once I've settled myself for a drive, I return out to the garage proper to see where things now stand with the two riggers.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-10-15/2055:08>
     A thought occurred to Tuskaloosa as Arc outlined her idea of hitting a local gang for some hand-me-downs.  “One of those 'chummers' of yours wouldn't be a realllly big orc...chromed right hand, shiny eyes?  Goes by the name Angel?”
      “You bet.  You know him?”
     She gave a weak smile.   “We met.  Hrock signed my hall pass.”  Then she brightened.  “If you see him, tell him this is his chance to arm a lady properly.  He'll know what that means.”

   
     

     With the elf's announcement that she was going to prepare for a date—and her friend's concerned warning—Tuskaloosa checked her own chronometer.  Cripes! It's that late?  She would have excused herself from the garage, but Arc explained that she, too had a previous meeting.
   
      "I could maybe fit ya for a quick lift on the way?  Other than that, I can hook you up with a taxi.  Whichever sounds good to you, omae. Sit tight." Her host walked into the room the elf had gone, leaving her to collect her helmet.
   
     Getting a lift didn't sound bad—other than the potential for being out of Arc's way. I wouldn't want to make her late for something scheduled. I can always give her my home spot and let her decide.  Even just a drop-off in her own home turf would be plenty.
   
     Absentmindedly she rotated the helmet in her hands as she waited.  She stopped it, her thumb coming to rest on the now empty air canister inside. The thing was a literal lifesaver—whether in the bowels of a garbage truck, or in the field—and while replacement canisters were fairly cheap, they added up. I wonder if Arc has the stuff to refill one...
   
     Suddenly Arc and Yelena both returned; the elf clearly at home in a party dress, her partner no where near as fancy, but groomed better than earlier.  "Rigger girl want stay garage?” the elf asked.  “Much room in corner.  Not good bed, but blankets.  Can buy big bed tomorrow if want live here.  Closer to us.  Not need walk or drive.  Work bike spare time.  All good ideas.  Yes?"
   
     “Me?  Stay here?”  They both nodded.
   
    Yelena continued, turning to a cloaked figure behind them.  "Firefly yes?  Is good.  Have things go get?"
   
    Now that she thought about it there had been someone bundled on one of the couches when she arrived...
   
     But the elf was speaking again to her again.  "So, is good idea? If like stay here.  Yelena make keys tomorrow.  Now Yelena off.  Gone all night."
   
     With a smile, she disappeared through the door.

   The offer was certainly tempting, no denying that.  Everything they were saying made sense, especially the lack of transit time and being able to start the rebuild when time permit.  Still, it looked like they were adding a new body as it was.
   She had also done her time of communal living during Boot Camp; she enjoyed the freedom to spread out.

   “It's very generous, but I'll have to pass.  Got a snore that wakes the dead,” she lied.  “Looking for a place a little closer would make a lot of sense though.  And if it's not out of your way, I'll  take you up on the ride offer...”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-10-15/2112:51>
I come back out to the garage after twisting my jumpsuit a little to make it fit better around my bust.  It might not be obvious, but my jumpsuit is telling me I've grown since the armor was fitted to me half a year ago.  Back then I would have cheered to expand a little more in that department, but now it is just damned inconvenient because I don't have the luxury of replacing the thing any time soon.  Ah well, it wouldn't be the first time a woman wore something a size too small.  At least it isn't tight around my midsection where it would have been a lot more problematic right now.

“It's very generous, but I'll have to pass.  Got a snore that wakes the dead.  Looking for a place a little closer would make a lot of sense though...and if it's not out of your way, I'll  take you up on the ride offer...”

Hmmm, the troll seems to have decided she wants her own space.  I hadn't been sure how that would have worked out anyway, so honestly I'm relieved.  I've worked with trolls before, they've often been part of my protective detail and are reassuring to have around you when the drek flies, but I can't say that living with one was making my bunny jump too high.  Still, this one does seem a bit smarter than the average.  And Arc seems to be impressed with her.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Arc nods at the troll's answer and starts to close up shop in preparation for heading out.  Like Yelena said, I do have a few things to retrieve from my place.  It'll make sense to end up back at the Comfort Inn tonight to explain to my roomie the change and to collect what little I own.  It will fill a small bag, but it's mine nonetheless.  I'll coordinate with Arc to bring me back for good sometime tomorrow, whenever it's convenient for her. 

It'll give me time to finish researching Marco and the mage from last night, as well as catch up on any tasks assigned to me by the Yak.  For the time being, at least, I want to keep the Yak thinking I'm still dependent on them.  No sense tipping off my hand until I'm ready to play it.

With Arc busy getting ready to leave, the troll appears to be at a loss for what to do.  She's standing near the Americar, fiddling with her helmet and seeming to me to be trying to stay out of Arc's way.

"Um, I'm Firefly.  I didn't catch your name, Miss..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-10-15/2331:11>
     Tuskaloosa still marveled at Arc: once set in motion, the little lady moved quickly.  Doors were secured, followed by a stop at a nearby rigger control console.

     Politely Tuskaloosa did what she thought best:  hang out patiently near the Americar.  Remembering the air canister in her helmet, she started to unhook it from its crevice.  Best to have it in hand when I ask,  rather than waste her time while I pull it out later...
   
     “Um, I'm Firefly.”
   
     She looked up from her work.  The woman in front of her was bigger than Arc, but smaller than Yelena.  She also noted the large, brown eyes and skin a shade or so lighter than her own.
   The gray hood-and-scarf covered anything else of detail.
   
     She was also sporting black, form-fitting body armor and from what the troll could tell was unarmed.
   Given how well the rigger had noticed Angel's armory earlier, that didn't mean much.  She was also well aware of the many, many ways an unarmed combatant could hand her hoop to her.
   
     Nevertheless, she didn't get the sense of danger that Yelena evoked, nor of the command that Arc had.

   “I didn't catch your name, Miss...”
   
      Polite.  “Tuskaloosa,”  She said, extending her hand.  “Tuskaloosa will do.  Pleased to meet you!”
   
     The hand that was extended was slow, the grip weak.
   
     It was something she was used to.

     With impeccable timing  Arc stepped up.  “All set?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-10-15/2351:24>
She seems nice enough.

Tuskaloosa.  Hmmm.  Not only is her language a bit better, but she seems to be...cheerier?...more cheerful than I am used to seeing in trolls.  She extends her hand and I accept the motion, returning the shake as best I can given the sheer size of her fingers. 

Using my still neuro-attached deck safely nestled in its pouch under my armor over my tummy, I record audio and video of our brief introduction.  I also scan over the engine again to document its appearance.  Once I'm done looking into Marco, this new troll needs to be better understood.  Arc-sensei and, surprisingly, Yelena-sensei are amazingly trusting with someone who just walked in off the street.  I realize I owe their generosity for my current hopeful situation, but I know I'm devoted to them.  That silver-tongued statue-made-real Greek god Marco and especially this "Tuskaloosa", not so much.

"All set?"

I give my usual Japanese hum in response.  I know Arc has a lot planned and I want to make sure we don't hold her up any longer than necessary.  I watch the troll get into the back, laying across the seats to fit.  I climb in the passenger side and belt in.

As we get moving, a name Arc-sensei mentioned comes to my mind and it seems the right time to ask.  "Arc-sensei, who or what is Ninelives?"  I have other questions, high among them what is it that Yelena is doing these past two nights that has her so busy and Arc so anxious, but they can wait until we have less of an audience.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/2353:25>
Once she leaves the Barrens proper, Yelena slips into an auto cab and gives the Stardust as her destination before slotting a credstick to cover the cost.  The ride is uneventful; she barely notices the streets the cab uses as she thinks over the events of the day.  She is a bit concerned that Marco had left without saying anything.  They had been supposed to talk about his idea for a new life, but events had conspired to keep them from chatting.  Yelena sends him and Jed a quick text.  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  We not talk today.  Yelena sorry.  Can try tomorrow?<<  >>Jed.  Is Yelena.  Snowden dead.  Money paid.  Body missing, but DataDancer and cam show proof dead.  Yelena like hear more about helping by mojo.  Yelena talk PI man soon?<<

She disembarks at the club and goes inside after undergoing the usual visual and magscans.  By the time Yelena makes it up the broad sweeping stairway to the main lobby, the smiling hostess has been passed her name from the security station and greets her, complimenting the Keeb on her gown.  Having already put Yelena's name into her tablet, the beautiful girl sets an ARO to lead her to the private room reserved by Bella and her husband.  Yelena graciously thanks the hostess and walks into the club proper.  From here, she can see the large dance floor, which is already crowded with revelers wishing to see and be seen by whoever is here.  The music is pure synth and the pulsing beat catches Yelena's attention, stalling her forward progress and guiding her like the pied piper of yore to the entrance of the dance floor.

While she is standing and swaying to the music, two young Elves come up to her.  One offers her a cigarette from a nice case, which she politely declines in favor of one of her own.  Both of the Keebs shake their heads when she offers hers around.  She smiles as one of them coughs and politely moves away after Yelena lights up.  The other man laughs and introduces himself, asking Yelena if she wants to dance.  Yelena checks the ARO she was provided and sees that it is blinking yellow, meaning that she only has 15 minutes and sighs.  As much as she would love to be moving her body to the beat of the music, she explains that she is due at a private party in a few minutes and regretfully leaves the young Elf looking after her as she continues on to the room.  Yelena gives her name to the club man standing at the door and is passed inside. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-11-15/0126:18>
The reply I get from the men is surprising, “you can land, we got stuff for you. The problem is that he does not want to be rescued.”

I land out of sight and get dressed. I find myself in a pit of a tight spot.
“What do you mean do not want to be rescued?”



“Talk to him yourself he is right here, projecting or what ever it is.”


“DB... are you there?” I ask softly although I cannot see him.

 shortly after  I hear the Shaman's voice in my mind.
“I am glad to hear from you Marco.”


And now I am Marco, these people are hot and cold with me all the time, how can I possibly understand them. But perhaps it is not about me,  perhaps he does not want to be rescued by a bunch of angry warriors. Perhaps he refers to me by my name as a sign to what he really wants.

“I am not going to take you unwilling but why won't you be rescued?”


“This is what's wrong with this nation, every tribe with its own justice. One stealing from the other, then come the vengeance and the cycle never ends. Someone has to give up and it is better done before years of hostility.”


“But they kidnapped you, they have no honor do you really want to be sold to a cooperation and be a wage mage? What about all the spiritual stuff you kept mentioning”


“I am an old man Marco there is nothing to fight over and it is not like I have much left. Every action has a counter action and not all fights are worth fighting. Hurt these people and you will start a dispute that will claim the life of the many.”


“Let's see if we can talk some sense to these people. I have a way with words.”  I say.

Strategically speaking the kidnappers are not defenseless at all, they are outnumbered and surrounded.  The people I met,  were unhidden on purpose, perhaps DB told them I was coming.  RW  shows me silently the location of his warriors an ambush.

“Apparently I am Marco now.”  I sigh “and DB is the spiritual and wise Shaman even when his own life are on the line. With you blessing I can try and negotiate. Will you be willing to grant them safe package and compensate them for risking their life?”

RW answers “We closed in on them and got them covered, DB is the only one that is keeping them alive”
I understand that the easiest way will be to give these people some way out with their dignity. Bargaining is about both sides being happy. “You cannot use this force, and DB say that even if you win this specific battle there is a long war that follows, isn’t financial loss a good bargain to avoid a war.”

“What about our reputation? Our pride? What will other tribes do when they find us weak?”

I sigh “Put yourself in their place, why did bird tribe steal DB from you?”

RW say “They have some problems of their own, the factory in their land was closed, EVO are transferring it to some place with less eco friendly regulations. Probably to the UCAS. It is the same story in many places.”

I add “So they have no jobs and no way to feed their families, perhaps you can help them survive the winter and they can return your Shaman. Do not do it as a surrender, do it out of solidarity.”


RW say “First he has to be returned, only then we can help, and we cannot feed them there is so much we can do.”

“I understand that, now with your blessing let's see what the bird people have to say”

I approach their hiding spot, a natural cave I am unarmed and alone and am terrified. I have never braved this far into this land and I have no idea what to expect. I lift my hands above my head to show that I am unarmed. Two men are pointing hunting guns at me and they seem to be aiming for  a long while.

Their hideout is a small cave and I am thankful for my low light vision to show me what's inside.

“We are not giving him back, and  your Shaman would not let you take him back. Just leave there is nothing here for you.”


“I came all the way from Seattle to talk to you, I am unarmed. Aren’t you at least going to listen?”

“From Seattle?! I thought that you came from Bleeding mountain. What DO you want?”


I cannot negotiate in the middle of a wasteland with my hands around my head. The situation does not promotes discussion and does not show the trust necessary

“Some good hospitality would be nice... do you have anything to drink?”

“Where do you think you are? You tell us what you want.”

I confidently move and seat near the cave.
“You can shoot me if you like, but you could  shoot me for a long while and if you do, you will never hear my suggestion and in that case I think that there will be a Bloodshed. “

“We are not giving him back.”


“Can we start with a cup of water?” I laugh softly, they are still suspicious but one of the men seats next to me and pours me some water. I know that at least I’ll be able to talk. If only his friend would stop pointing that hunting gun at my head it will be great.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-11-15/0547:50>
“Thank you for the water I say and sip” The entire situation is stressful but I behave as if it is casual to be around two nervous people with hunting rifles, and as if I do not care that one of them pointed at me. “They said that they will let you go unharmed if you give them the Shaman.”

“We are not giving him up!” Said one and the other one seemed pissed of and almost clicked the trigger.

 “ How much do you think you can get for him?” I say with confidence.

The one not pointing the gun at me say “50k believe it or not.”

I gently laugh “50k ? for that geezer? you are lucky if he even survives the trip. How many years do you think he has left... 50k is for someone young.”

“Listen asshole, why don’t I put a bullet in your head and we’ll find out.”


Why won’t you put a bullet in my head...Perhaps because once you fire the scouts will assume the worst. I think to myself.

“So you are going to start a war for 20k maximum”
 I say, with genuine interest.

“20k?! you miserable piece of shit I said 50k”


“50k for a young and promising mage with thirty or maybe forty years of work. This one has ten years at best. So 20k is actually a very generous offer.  They may just refuse to take him as he may just kick the bucket next year or require high medical expenses. Have you ever worked with corporations before? They will pull a calculator right to your faces calculate the total revenue and expenses and you bring them an inferior brand. They will laugh in your faces and you started a war for nothing. “


Thinking to myself I must admit that they should take me, if only they knew I was a mage myself. But luckily for me they do not seem to know that. I see their response in slow motion, one of them becomes red, the wrong one - the one with the gun pointed at me.

“You miserable piece of shit... you got us all twisted up for nothing?” He say to his friend. 
“He is just playing you, they will pay 50k... I am sure of that. Relax Max”


Max? what kind of name is that? one tribe has animal and flower names and the other one latin origin names. Something does not ring a bell.
“No the kid has a point!  What do you offer youngster?" he say and the gun is now pointed at his friend

“Look, the Bleeding mountain people do not know his market value. They are willing to pay for him because he is their Shaman. They are worried for appearances tough and do not want to make kidnappings common.  If you return him unharmed now they will summon your leaders to a meeting and will aid your village out of solidarity.”

“Shut up you too devil talker, who say that they will even do it? You just offer that we give away our shaman for nothing.”
I smile confident of my answer, I know exactly what to tell them.

“Do you really think that Dancing Bear will play along in deception? He saved your life forcing his own tribe not to harm you. He already showed you that he is a man of honor.  Moreover, I offer you everything that you want. You get aided, you have no risk of transferring the Shaman to your buyer and you start no blood feud.”

They look at each other, the one pointing a gun at me asks “How is the shaman? still out?”  “Still out...” . “Wake him up.” With a few slaps and some pokes eventually the shaman is woken up.

“The youngster here say that we should release you and that your tribe will aid us and that there will be no dispute. Will you respect such offer?”


“I am glad you came to your senses and I will respect, we do not have much but what we can spare we will share and do not expect us to solve all your problems.”

The bastard I think to myself, promise them the world, they are about to release you. But no, Dancing Bear has to be realistic. To be quite honest I have never sold a mage to a corp and I am just speaking so confident about it as if I know what I am talking about, but apparently the kidnappers are no more knowledgable than me.

“You are free to go dancing bear, but we are keeping the youngster as collateral non negotiable. If you do not hold your part of the deal we will kill him.”


Holy crap, that did not go out very well for me, I am lucky they do not know that I am a mage.  DB sighs “If you insist... It shall be done.”

I watch in disbelief as Dancing Bear leaves the cave and I am left unarmed with two men in leather armor and hunting rifles. We remain all alone in the wilderness and the sun begins to set. I have no idea what to do next, but I sure need to come up with something otherwise who knows how long I am going to stay in that cave. In the meanwhile, I nurse another glass of water perhaps some good idea will pop out.




Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-11-15/0953:18>
@ Marco  The gun toting men are almost gleeful. "You're worth ten times the old man. And it was far easier to take you."

@ Arc  NineLives  Looks at you and says, "The job is an extraction. There's a mage who's been working on cracking our wards. She's also the girlfriend of the Triad boss for this area. She's normally locked up tight. But, this week she's going to be traveling. She's be in an armed and armored truck with a full compliment of guards to escort her, so, count on at least two extra vehicles besides the main one. It'll be our best shot at getting her and finding out what she knows, as well as making damn sure they're not breaking our wards anytime soon. I know you know go-gangers who can handle this drek." he says grinning at you.

@ Yelena  Bella's skin is smooth and almost glowing. The little bit of sweat creating a sheen on her skin.







Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-11-15/1111:38>
As Arc closed up shop and grabbed her control rig, she couldn't help but noticed the decker getting friendly with their new troll teammate.  Potential, girly.  She's untested yet, which I'll have to fix in a bit.  Also let Yelena know what kinda stuff we'll probably be wanting to ship over with us to Poland...if I go...  Boxing up the console and carrying it to the back of the car, letting it rest in the trunk.

<<@Yelena: Srui, it's a nix on our large friend moving in, but she thanks us for the offer.  Be safe>>

With that out of the way, she opened up the doors for the other two ladies to hop in, smirking a little up at the troll.  "Angel, huh...I'll be sure to pass that message along.  If he was botherin' ya, I know just what to say to him.."  Chuckling deviously, the mechanic zipped up her jacket just up to the bust before slipping into the driver's seat, opening the garage door and firing up the engine.  As she did so, she reached up to the base of her head, where the plating was, and pulled out a data cable, extending it to the interface seated between Arc and Firefly and plugging it in.

Remaining in AR to interact with the others, Arc pulled out seamlessly onto the street, the garage closing up and locking behind her.  The freshly fallen snow was a new touch, so she took a little extra care to get on the road, using Gridguide and her own map ARO to gauge the street boundaries as she spoke up to the others.

"Null sweat on making me late, chummers.  It's flex...I just gotta show up sometime tonight is all.  Tuska, you're closest, so I'm taking ya home first, then Firefly, wiz?"  With that in mind, Arc brought them onto the main road, the movements of the machine quite effortless to the untrained eye as she integrated with traffic.  Being a Saturday night, the social scene was out to play, but thankfully it was mitigated by the current inclement weather conditions.

Along the way, Firefly's question reached Arc's ears, the human's eyes darting over to the decker before she gave a little smirk.  "Sensei, huh?  That's a good question.  I knew NineLives from way back growing up on these streets.  Hailed as a Hopscotch champion...same kinda stuff Oorah and Slider7 do, yknow.  At least, until after he went big time and got screwed over, then nobody saw his hoop again.  At least till now.  He's a bit chunkier, but he's the same dude, and somehow he's now a quarter owner of the club Stardust."

She paused a bit, glancing back at Tuskaloosa, but got the impression that she wasn't one to spill drek.  "Since he knew me, he's providing me some work for cred.  Under the impression I got cred happy after the blood spirit deal and is broke.  He's my angle in to find out drek and get close, ya feel me?"  As they drove, the near Tuska's indicated drop off point, the human glancing back at the tall woman.  "You stay in touch and I'll do the same, aight?  Was a pleasure."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-11-15/1132:28>
I can feel the car sigh and rise a bit as the weight of the troll is relieved from its suspension.  I sit in silence as the two riggers say their farewells and this "Tuskaloosa" fades into the snowy night looking more like a bison than the gazelle Yelena portrayed not long ago in a similar image.  Only when the Americar is moving safely in traffic do I break the stillness.

"You seem to have taken to this Tuskaloosa very quickly," I begin, trying to keep my tone casual.  "What makes you so certain about her?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-11-15/1140:42>
As they watched to make sure that Tuskaloosa would be fine, Arc glanced over at Firefly for a few seconds.  Satisfied, she kicked the car back into gear and slowly began to pull away.  The question was mulled over in the shorter mechanic's mind before she came up with a response.

"Hard to explain.  Instinct, think it's the best word.  I've had to develop a sense of whether someone will be a decent person or if they will be drek to me.  Helped me survive."  She trailed off, thinking while she rounded a corner.

"She gives off a good vibe.  Someone who commits to something, and loves that bike.  She couldn't pay me for it, so something that wasn't cred would have had to do.  When something is yours, truly yours, you don't wanna lose it, ya feel me?  but I have some practical drek in this noggin too.  I'm gonna spend a day or two here soon to feel her out, test her stuff.  If she don't measure up, I'll be straight and figure somethin' else out, eh?"

She chuckled a little bit.  "heh...took to you pretty quick too, didn't I?  Just a few days, and you now moving in to my solo bed is what I"m hearin?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-11-15/1149:00>
I nod at the answer, including the acknowledgment of my own quick acceptance into the group.  "I'm honored and more than a little shocked at Yelena-sensei's faith in me, I must admit.  You've seen what I'll risk for those on my team, but your "srui" is it?"  I pause a moment for Arc to confirm I have the term right.  "She wasn't there and yet she's taken me as her student and invited me to sleep in the same room with her.  It's...a little unnerving considering how distrustful she seems about other things.  She herself has admitted that she's been the victim of terrible betrayal.  That's the basis of why we're going to Poland."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-11-15/1156:20>
Arc gave a little nod, smiling at her use of the foreign term.  "hai hai.  Full term is Srui'ken kal.  It's Or'Zet, means sister of blood.  She and I nearly died together recently, fighting for this place.  Hella bond to make."  She instinctively touched at her right arm, brushing against the cybernetics before continuing.  "Yelena, she's...I think she has some instinct like that too.   And your drive and will ain't that hard to spot, omae, but that ain't a bad thing.  Either way, I don't think that sixty-something keeb is as dark as she says.  She's making a home here, so that's somethin'."

She trailed off, looking ahead with a hardened expression of worry.  "It's why I'm starting to hate this Stardust job.  Y'know how I'm working that angle with Ninelives?  She's working it with their hostess or some other drek.  Partying, gambling, hard drugs...a lot of drek she left behind before she knew me she's falling into.  Thinking half the job will be knocking that back outta her before Poland, yknow?"

Sighing, she rested her head back as she glanced over at the young decker.  "Seems we all got our little troubles, you mentioned the same if I remember right, huh?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-11-15/1217:14>
I listen intently to what Arc is telling me.  Her sense that Yelena isn't as dark as she says fits with my own assessment, and it appears I was spot on to be a little skeptical of the elf's hard description of what I would need to become.  If Arc can remain who she is and stay close to and useful for Yelena, then so can I.  The rigger and I bring different things to our relationships with the murasaki-me akuma.  Perhaps between the two of us, we can help Yelena finally place roots that nurture and last.

I just need to figure out where Marco fits into that.  Is he a good influence, or will he destroy all Arc-sensei's and my best efforts.  I need to find out...and soon...

Very soon.

"Yelena-sensei isn't the only one haunted by a past, that is true.  Unlike you or Yelena-sensei, I was corporate until just two months ago.  Renraku through and through.  My father is a third generation scion of the founding family and was on track for the top C-suite at least...until he and my mother were betrayed by some they considered friends.  They both committed seppuku in disgrace.  I was spirited away from Singapore just before the assassins came for me.  My clone was burned in my bedroom along with everything I owned except this jumpsuit, my deck included.  The Yak set me up here in Seattle as their last service to my father.  Since then, I've been on my own paying for everything through debt or service."  I pat my tummy where my Erika is safely nestled between my skin and the jumpsuit.  "My deck here barely deserves being called that and getting it took a big loan with my organs as collateral."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-11-15/1238:28>
Arc listened, closing her mouth and making extra sure not to interrupt.  It didn't take a genius to spot personal stuff being shared.  As she went through her tale, the mechanic's suspicions proved true.  She is fresh...still, she ain't gonna die that easy  Sighing a little, she gave a nod as she eased back into her seat.

"Think my own parents were corp...my real ones, that is.  Too young to remember, not important now.  So a novahot decker, huh?  Makes sense on how you handled the GGs...even with tools of the quality you claim, you did more than I could have, and i have experience blowing drek up"  She gave a grin, glancing over at her before her face grew serious.

"It may not seem like it now, but you're lucky to land in the Barrens how you did.  You're on your feet, and running, which is a hella lot more than most can say.  I was nine when I had my old world taken from me, and it took me ten years under the heel of the Night Howlers, being their skinny little pet and slave pretty much, before I could crawl to my feet and establish myself.  No one deserves that..."

When the topic came up of her debt and the risk for it, Arc's eyes snapped right back to the decker, noting how her equipment was right at her midsection where Firefly indicated.  Her eyes narrowed a bit, and when she spoke up, Arc's voice was level and matter of fact, less indicating curious and more indicating assessment.  "...how much?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-11-15/1254:50>
Hmmm, she talks almost affectionately about the "Howlers" yet they treated her like she describes.  Strange.  Then again, my training put me through hell at times, even risking my life and sanity.  And I adore my teachers for preparing me for the real world despite the hazing and emotional torment.  Perhaps it's the same.

"...No one deserves that..."

Then again, perhaps not.  I shiver, doing my best to hide the action.  Then again, perhaps unsuccessfully as the rigger's eyes snap to me and I freeze.

"...how much?"

So Yelena-sensei didn't share with Arc what I told her?  I can feel cold sweat on my back at the unexpected gaze.  Unexpected given her nonchalance about nuyen with the troll.

"Forty five thousand, Arc sensei," I answer straight out.  No sense hiding it - I owe it and I'll need to deal with it if I'm to have the freedom to go to Poland and have any kind of life afterwards...assuming I lived through the experience.  "Ten percent interest a month."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-11-15/1321:51>
A low whistle echoed out of the mechanic's lips as Arc made another turn, double checking her map ARO to confirm she was going in the right direction.  "...well that won't do.."  So far so good, and for a few tense moments, there was silence.  Any look at Arc's face could read that the wheels were turning, her mind processing something.  In her head, Arc could understand how debt like that could hold a person down...Lupo had made sure to remind her every day of her time as a Howler just how much she owed them for her rescue, and her first set of cybereyes.

Before Subaru and Arc could realize it, they were at the drop off point for Subaru's home, the repurposed motel with the dilapidated paint.  But instead of opening the door, the locks kicked in, and Arc turned to the other, speaking with the barest hint of a grin.

"So how you want to handle this, girly?  Do I just give you the cred to handle these yaks yourself, or am I gon be finna buying your loan off of em?  What's it gonna be?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-11-15/1350:06>
Wait what!  Paying?  Buying?

Huh?

I'm sure my face must be a potpourri of comedy right now as I process. She's offering to pay me off or buy me out!

"Um...that...are you sure?"  The woman nods with a grin. "I...I pay my debts, Arc-sensei. I'm good for it."  the human's unreal eyes just bore into me. "Okay, but I'll pay you back, sensei. I'm already working to wring more out of our pay data. Think evidence the Minister of Agriculture of the Tir was on the take for bribes by the Goblins would be valuable to someone?"

This time I return the woman's grin.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-11-15/1408:28>
Arc simply watched the girl as she processed this revelation and turn of events, but grew attentive when the Goblins Intel came to light.  She waited until the end, but gave a nod.  "I'm sure the ones on the take would pay good cred to keep that in the dark huh.  But that might help us too.  Think you can forward me all that drek?  That big guy you saw with Marco is handling our Intel.  Worth passing along."

She smiled wide as she nodded again affirming her decision  to help with the debt issue.  "It's null sheen, I know you good for it.  Here in the Barrens, you take care of ya own, that's how you thrive.  Be a lot easier for all of us without that yak cred noose, huh?  Just lemme know when and how you want that to go down, aight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-11-15/1434:24>
Hmmm.  The older human with Marco. Blake is the name. I don't know anything about him. He was very quiet and left early along with Marco. Someone else to understand better. Still, there's Marco again.

"How did you come to know Marco-san and what do you think of him?  Not everyone walks around with a 'library book' from the Papal States, Arc-sensei."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-11-15/1503:55>
Arc gave a nod at her question, searching through her memories of the strange young keeb male.  "...Marco was set up with us by the man..woman, I dunno.  The person who set us up for doing this job on the Stardust in the first place, and the person who footed the hospital bills for Yelena and I after the blood mage.  And my new eyes. And my arm"  She sighed, taking a moment to let that process before getting back on track.

"Marco's first job was to pretty up Yelena and I for the first run into the club.  He's...I think the word he used was escort?  Hard to read him.  He's worn a few faces, good at disguises.  Decent mage, but an oddball as hell.  Very much absolute in whatever he believes in.  Biggest challenge is keeping him focused, otherwise he freaks and wants to bolt."  She let out her breath in an exhale.  "Think he and Yelena are an item...dunno.  That's about all I know about him.  Been too focused to dig more."

"Why, you think he's dirty, Firefly?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-11-15/1519:08>
"I...I don't know.  He's hiding something, but Yelena-sense just says we all are. And I suppose she's right. Still, he makes me nervous. But I don't have anything I can put my finger on.  Back in Renraku they taught me to never trust anything that seems too perfect."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-11-15/1555:04>
Something does not add up, the CW calling me Anglo any second word, DB leaving me as collateral without blinking and the rest of the scouts just abandoning and the two men suddenly accepting the deal so eagerly... what if THEY KNOW? Did I just made the best pitch as to why I should be sold as a wage mage?

The most idiotic idea ever, the megas did not take me when I was offering myself. Than again that was a long time ago and I learned a trick or two... am I okay with that plan? I mean I do not think that I am in immediate danger. I am certain that DB won’t just abandon me with these too, I mean the guy like me. Or does he? Just to be on the safe side I summon a demon if they can see the astral they can see the demon, If not then a little backup won’t hurt for safety I ask him to keep his distance until I need him. 

Once the men from Bleeding mountain are gone the two men let a wild laugh out, they are ecstatic. “So we can now sell YOU in his place and you are alone and unarmed, not only we are going to make 50k they will pay more for you because keebs live forever. How does forever in cooperation sound to you? “

“Bold move” I say and my face are not letting out any fear or doubt.  “I always wanted to be a wage mage, the security and safety of a cooperation without people trying to geek me all the time. ” Technically I do not lie, but I never imagined being carried to the doorstep of some office at gun point.

They laugh “Well you got what you wanted and we are going to be filthy rich. Like you said everybody wins.”

Everybody wins heh ? but what if it is not a mega they want to sell me to, what if it these are the Yakuza or someone nasty like that. I cannot let them take me but how? If they spotted my demon so far they haven’t said anything.

Shortly after and the moments feel like forever at gun points opportunity presents itself. 
Nature calls and Max answers.  For just a brief second Jerry is looking at Max instead of me, but that brief second is enough for me to attempt an escape. I change myself into a snake and dash towards the tall grass, if anything can hide me in the astral it is this tall grass. Asmodeus, my demon, materializes and I can sense that he is after a kill. I restrain him, my will is strong and he works for me afterall.  I only want him to scare them, but he is some dark demon - he scares me without even trying. I want him to keep them occupied long enough until I am far enough and out of reach for their hunting rifles.  Spotting a snake in the bush with a massive fire demon to distract you shows great skill and I am in big troubles if they spot me.

Asmodeus charges toward Jerry and roar and if Jerry spin his head toward Asmodeus than he missed me turning into a snake.  His cry is petrifying and his fiery eyes are difficult to behold and I hope I never have to witness this demon again, in hell without the bounds of magic to save me.    I pray to J that my ruse will get me off the hook. I am unarmed and unarmored and a single  bullet can be a death sentence to me.
[spoiler]
Asmodeus will use his fear power  - and Marco will expend edge because he really cannot afford to come unarmed to a gunfight.
Fear + Edge (http://orokos.com/roll/332846): 16d6t5 5
Fear + Edge (http://orokos.com/roll/332847): 11d6t5 7
12 hits OMG!

This power gives a critter the power to fill its victims
with overwhelming terror. The victim flees in panic and
doesn’t stop until he is safely away and out of the critter’s sight. The critter makes an Opposed Test using its Willpower + Magic against the target’s Willpower + Logic. The terror lasts for 1 Combat Turn per net hit scored by the critter. Even once the fear fades, the target must
succeed in a Willpower + Logic (critter’s net hits) Test to gather the nerve to face the critter again
[/spoiler]

Reptilians are a unique experience and they are a lot more focused on survival instincts than mammals. My only tell sign is a small movement in the tall grass, a movement that can also be the wind howling and I advance surprisingly fast. My heart is pounding like crazy and I feel alive.
I figure that with a scary fiery demon that came from my darkest nightmares, nobody is going to notice a snake braving the bush.

[spoiler]
Shape Change into mouse (http://orokos.com/roll/332840): 10d6t5 2
Shape Change Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/332855): 11d6t5 3
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-11-15/1942:46>
Arc couldn't help but give a smirk, nodding her head at her observations.  "Sounds about right.  And I think that is what he's skilled at doing...looking perfect.  That's how he gets in with stuff.  He's into the social and drek like that, so makes sense that he makes drek like that happen everywhere he goes.  It ain't perfect though...he ain't my type"  she gave a little wink at the younger one before sighing.

"I'll keep an eye on him for your sake as well, if you wanna.  For all the drek he's done that makes our lives rough, he's come through for us just as much if not more.  I think he may come through...but he may not.  I dunno."  She gave a little shrug, looking forward a moment before changing topics.

"...I hope I'm able to help Yelena.  I want to, and know that with some training I could not be a hindrance.  It's my Vrukart...he's gonna worry, ya know?  I doubt he gon' say no, but he won't like it, and if he needs me to stay, I'll stay.  End of story"  She thought about it for a moment before shrugging it off.

"That ain't drek you needa deal with though, sorry about that Firefly.  It's my mess.  All more I can say about Marco is I've never seen him want to harm anyone.  Intentionally, at least."  Another moment.  "You're gonna be running with us for a beat at least, and you haven't really met all of us.  What else you wanna know?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-11-15/2021:48>
I listen intently to the sharing, wondering what it must be like to have found someone you'd sacrifice like that for. I definitely trust Arc's judgement. I've staked my life on it and will live or die accordingly. She may be kafir, but she's loyal and faithful. I hope she'll be coming with us, but I will support her reasons if she cannot.

Her sense of Marco-san is helpful. She's not absolutely sure either, but she has reasons for her general trust that his intentions are good.  Reasons that don't appear to be driven by inconvenient and obstinate hormones. I'll keep my guard up with and around him, but until proven otherwise will give him the benefit of the doubt.

Where had I heard it before?  Trust but verify?

"I've seen little of Blake and only heard of a Jeb.  They were involved in your fight with the blood mage?  So many capable people you have fought with. I hope I can live up to such a standard."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-11-15/2120:18>
Arc gave a little smile, chuckling and shaking her head.  "Nah, we didn't meet them until after we started doing the Stardust job.  Sam..the one who set us up..went missing early in, so Jed was hired on to look into it, and then to help us.  Mojo man as well, and decent when dealing with the astral and stuff like that as I've noticed.  Good heart, but pretty old to be doing drek like we're doing.  Blake...apparently worked with Sam before, but I saw him before as an Ork.  Thinking another disguiser, but he knows and organizes much.  Right now, we're letting him compile everything and work out a plan..."

She trailed off, closing her eyes and resting back in her seat, resting her head on her left hand, elbow propped up on the door as her right arm rested in her lap.  "The blood mage...and her spirit, Old Smiley as the streets called it.  Rampant serial geeker.  Killed about thirty people 'fore anyone could do anything about it, which is good because the law woulda just iced the whole 'hood.  Yelena and I were the only ones on this team that were part of that..."   She paused again, her eyes looking blankly ahead as she looked through her memories.

"No...not just us.  Feathers started the club job with us too, but he's missing as well.  Really good mage as well.  And then so many more that I lost touch of before that...Raven, Lash, Duckdown, Arachnid, Red, Khali.  We had a whole team of peeps to take this down...lotta people died.   Miya, Trala, Mermaid, Lance, James, Penny, Lugnut, Witless....just to name a few.  But we did something, and people can live safe now for it..."

She remained silent, pulling herself out of her reverie with a flushing of her cheeks, and checking her eyes.  "Sorry...normally don't think on drek like that.  Musta been somethin' in that pizza, eh?  Gettin' all emotional"  She laughed, letting her head fall against the headrest as she glanced over at the decker.  "You're deck...covering your front is the safest spot for it, then?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-11-15/2137:25>
The pain of the memories I unintentionally dredged up in the just slightly older woman is obvious even to me who has known her for so short a time, and despite her artificaial eyes which makes 'reading' her harder unless I slip into astral which I don't want to do at times like these.  Right now I wouldn't need to.

I've been on missions.  I've seen men and women on my team die.  A few of them died protecting me.  I won't get that kind of protection now.  If someone takes a shot at me, there's nothing taking the bullet except me.  The realization is sobering.  But it's what I signed up for, and if I can't handle it I will never take down the bastards who destroyed my family and my honor.

Still, so many names...

I wouldn't have known how to start again, but the woman mercifully provided me the opening.

"Yeah," I agree, patting my tummy again.  "When we designed the jumpsuit and the others like it at Renraku for my counter ops team, it was determined to be the most protected yet also practical place."  I smile thinking back to simpler times.  "We reasoned people might aim for heart shots and so we didn't want to place it there in case we got hit with a non-lethal blow but the impact broke the deck.  The tummy could be covered by arms or even a helmet or shield.  We spent so many countless hours coming up with ways to make sure we, meaning the young deckers who hadn't yet gotten our adult implants, were survivable.  Both decks and noodles."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-11-15/2147:49>
Arc was grateful for the change in topics, her mood brightening a bit as the talk went to technical stuff, like the design of slipping a deck three times as expensive as the car they were in into someone's armor for ease of you.  "Ah, it makes more sense when you put it that way.  I had figured against the back would be more protected, but then again access would be harder...and you're less likely to fall flat on your gut than on your back, heh.."  She took a glance at herself, noting the physical differences between the two of them.

"..thinking that doesn't work for everyone's figure, huh?  Heh, tool kits got a similar setup to keep drek in mind.  When I was doing legit work for the Howlers...fourteen I think...they had to have me lug around all my own tools.  I'm no trog, so setting up where it was ready to use and not in my way was needed.  Backpack for the heavy stuff, and for the quick stuff I had designed a couple hip pouches.  I had one yesterday.."  She smiled a bit, her mood cheering up.  "And while I don't recommend losing an arm, there are some perks...don't have to carry as many tools"  She lifted her right arm up, activating a few of the tools she had installed to show off.  "Never hurts to be prepared~"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-11-15/2210:56>
It had never occured to me that Arc's arm was anything more than a replacement arm.  The clever addition of usuful tools of her trade made perfect sense, though.  It was a high price to pay, but she'd made the best of the bum hand she'd been dealt.

"I had been scheduled for my adult deck, an implant that wouldn't have needed to be carried, for the new year.  If the drek with my parents had waited just another couple months, I wouldn't have had to hock my organs for the weakest deck on the market.  Then again, if it had happened while I was recovering from the surgery, I'd likely be dead already.  Or enslaved with neural hardware to enforce it.  I guess I should count myself lucky.  My mother said life is what happened when you are making other plans.

"And speaking of plans, if I hold you up much longer, your mate will likely send out searching parties and I my first time meeting him might be less ideal than I'd like.  I should let you go enjoy your evening, Arc-sensei.  You deserve it."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-11-15/2302:11>
As Firefly related her tale of what could have happened, Arc couldn't help but admire the girl's ability to get through this situation she's in...without the prior school of hard knock's that Arc had to prepare herself for the world.  Could be stronger than me one-a these days.  heh.  I like her  At her last comment about letting her go, she audibly snorted at the prospect.  "hahah, nah.  Jaime is chill, he's aware of the drek I get into in my night life.  He worries every night, so I try to be with him when I can."

She sighed.  "I'll enjoy my evening when I'm with him again.  This whole meetup with Ninelives is makin' me want a smoke already and it ain't even over yet"  She had a grin that looked like some expression of pain, obviously this girl was a bit stressed over keeping this cover up.  Nodding again, Arc unlocked the car and let the passenger door pop open, the chill of the wintry evening breezing lightly into the car.  "But thanks anyway, Firefly.  Stay warm, let me know when and how to handle the Yaks.  I'm just a comm away."

Giving a casual salute, the mechanic watched the teen depart the car, walking along the path briskly towards the converted hotel, only occasionally stopping to turn back to glance at Arc, who stayed to make sure she made it inside.  Once the decker's jumpsuit-clad form was gone from view, Arc took a deep breath, letting out a sigh before withdrawing the pack of cigarettes from the center compartment and placing one of its contents on her lips.  Her right middle fingertip opened up into a lighter as she lit the smoke, taking a deep draw from the cig and letting it fill her lungs before letting it out with a sigh.

Much better...  Idly puffing from the smoke as she drove off, Arc did her best to prepare for the meet.  Compartmentalizing all her stresses to keep her calm, all her loving thoughts to keep her focused, all her pain to keep her strong, and all her drive to keep her fitting the part.  All that was left was Arc, the cred-starved street mechanic who's found a sympathetic Johnson who is willing to let her keep her lifestyle up...barely.  The time passed, and before she knew it, her cigarette was nothing but a stub and the Stardust was staring her in the face.

Arc paused as she hopped out of the car, checking her appearance in her window, she adjusted the jacket zipper to right under her bust, giving her just enough femininity to garner Ninelives' approval while still exuding a tougher personage.  Checking her Predator at her back, the mechanic locked up and strode confidently through the front door into the Stardust, approaching the front security without a word.  Lifting her arms to either side, she let them conduct the search, surrendering her pistol without much of a fuss before approaching the hostess..Tammy, was it the name Marco used?

"here to see Ninelives.  Said he'd have a table for me.."  "Certainly, miss.  You are expected.  Please come with me.."  Arc went through the club floor behind the professionally dressed woman, wordlessly striding straight into the VIP section and to a boothed table in a corner, nice and private.  "I'll go let him know you are here, so please wait here for him.  Can I interest you in a drink?"  "Ah...just water for now, thanks.  Maybe a good drink later"  Smiling politely, Arc sat herself in the booth, her expression hardening a bit as she waited for the quarter-owner of the club to arrive and say what he wanted to...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-11-15/2328:38>
In my mind, I can watch the two men flee in terror, running away like maniacs in complete hysteria as my fiery demon hover above and laugh sadistically. For a minute I feel safe, but then comes a sharp pain, a claw of some sort and I am being picked up. It is an eagle and a large one.

I hear a voice in my mind “Enough of this nonsense.” I think that it is the eagle, so they have spirits too? Why don’t the eagle just toss me to the ground or break me in two I do not know, but there I am flying in the sky as a snake and I feel my body wrapping itself around the eagle desiring to bite it with my venomous bite this is apparently the only route of survival and I have to use all my composure not to bite the eagle.

“Are you the one outing me Eagle?”


“Indeed, how else can two mundanes overcome a mage but you show no respect.”


Show respect? he is carrying me helplessly in the sky and I am the one to show respect?  What is my crime? I am protecting myself from being sold to slavery. I did not try to kill them, why does he say that to me.

“What part of my behavior do you find distasteful Eagle?”


“Your spirit, it does not belong here - can’t you shape him like an angry buffalo or a large cat?”


If I could do these things my life were a lot easier. Theoretically it is possible, spirits manifest differently for different traditions but can I change my entire mentality just to shape the physical form of a spirit? This makes little sense to me.

“Forgive me Eagle, but I cannot do that. I know very little about spirits and have no idea how to shape them differently, perhaps it is me who is out of place.”


“You are young and foolish to be here. Why do you interfere with the affairs of this land?”


“I came to learn Eagle, and your followers they took my teacher. I do not know if you are aware of mundane politics but I worked out a deal that can be beneficial for both sides. When you outed me as awaken they got greedy. They wanted both the compromise and their initial conspiracy, all at my own expense. “

I explain Eagle the misbehavior of his followers perhaps like that Eagle will spare me.

“and what was it you wanted to learn?”


“I wanted to learn about spirits, I desired to understand them better and to accept what I am.”


“and what are you exactly ?”


“Are you going to kill me eagle? Because I need to pray if you do.”


“I do not talk to my prey”


“I think that I am a pacifist Eagle, I am not sure that I am even capable of violence. Even in snake body I do not struggle not even to save my own life.”


“Consider this a free lesson, you are not a part of nature. Any animal does anything it can to protect itself. You restrict yourself even when your own life are on the line. You disgust me. ”

Just like that Eagle tosses me like a rug doll, the moment that I admitted what I am he lost interest. My shapechange is broken and my demon is too far away to command further. It is a long way to the ground so I turn myself into a bird. I do have some survival instincts mind you Eagle. 

Why did Eagle helped these men doing this atrocity? Perhaps because they do it to survive, Eagle respect surviving. What disgusts him is that I think that violence is wrong, that his existence is wrong. I see things in right and wrong and these are foreign concepts to Eagle.

Not trying to bite him, made me pathetic and unworthy of hunting. Admitting to being a pacifist was met with disgust.  I have never met a great spirit that interfered so closely with mundane affairs and it seemed that anything I said was wrong.  Eagle did not mind if I killed his followers out of survival. In fact, he preferred it like that but what angered him was seeing my daemon. A Daemon that is taken from a different world of right and wrong. A world alien to the natural world of survival and he did not want my influence in his domain.

On one side he helped them so closely, but on the other side he did not mind at all that his help could lead to their death. Great spirits can sure backfire even when they try to help. I already know that the Bear spirit is not exactly my soul mate. A waste of time perhaps? What that Eagle said is so clear and briefly echos in my mind.  If I can’t kill then I am not part of nature and if I am not part of nature I have no place in this land.

Deep inside I feel something different, a dark side. I know that I am capable of violence, but I am more afraid of what will happen when I do violence than I am afraid to die. I am part of nature, I was born in nature. I chose to suppress that part of me in order to be something else. In order to do what is right. The sight of the natural wonders underneath is incredible, perhaps it was meant to be seen as a bird. My senses are sharp and I if birds could cry I would have as I feel completely lost. I have no room in all this majestic beauty as I am not a part of it. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-12-15/0941:14>
@ Marco Deen calls, >>Marco, there's been some equipment problems at the sight. A few things broken and some graffiti. I've already made a few calls to get it fixed and it's going to add a couple of days. But, my bet is that one of the local gangs is looking for protection money and it'll just get worse until they're paid. It's very small time stuff now but, if I'm right it'll get much worse.<<


@ Subaru. Jenna is with company when you get there. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-12-15/1121:09>
Yelena enters the spacious room to be met by Bella, her husband, and Keshan.  She and Bella exchange cheek busses and Yelena is told that the other couple is in the club and will be here shortly.  Yelena goes to each of the men, giving them a passionate kiss.  Tossing her shawl onto the coat rack, she wanders over to the bar, where Keshan pours her out a shot of top-shelf Vodka.  Yelena tosses the drink back as she walks to the "party table", where she notes an array of the club's recreational drugs are displayed as well as six rows of already-poured drinks in fancy glasses.  Her senses are already on fire from the proximity to the drugs as Keshan comes up behind her, pulling her close and running his hands seductively down her dress.  He nuzzles her ear and whispers that he appreciates very much the gown, but it hides her true beauty from the world.  His hands find the catches on the side of the cheongsam and slowly begin undoing them.  As he does he explains the rows of drinks.

"I have been told of this drink called the Apollo.  Apparently it is a set of drinks, a different one for each of the early Apollo space missions.  The trick is to try to get through the entire series.  The beautiful Bella tells me there is a variation called the Apollo Orgasm.  In this, one must experience an orgasm between each drink."  He has half the clasps undone when Bella approaches, several capsules in her hand.  While Keshan continues to work on the dress, Bella says, "And we start it off with a Venetian Bottle Rocket.  This will send you into orbit, love."  Bella places two of the capsules in her mouth and pulls Yelena's head down to kiss her, using her tongue to pass one capsule into Yelena's mouth, where it dissolves into a liquid.  The sweet nectar of the drug flows down Yelena's throat, releasing its seductive power as it begins to react with her blood.  The effect is indeed very much a stimulant and Yelena's eyes fly open at the effect.  She pushes her mouth hard against Bella's and her hands freely roam over the other woman's torso.  Both women moan in excitement as the drug's effects combine to accentuate an already heightened arousal. 

Yelena feels her dress peel away from her into a pool on the floor.  Turning, she assists Keshan out of his clothes as Bella reaches down to pick up the first glasses in two of the rows.  "We each have our own row.  These will be yours and dear Keshan's.  Ours are here."  She hands Yelena and Keshan their drinks as the door announces the arrival of the other couple.  Keshan reaches into his pocket and pulls out his small toy.  Flicking it on, he says, "And this is to get the mood just right."  He runs the pain inducer across Yelena's breasts, eliciting a low moan of ecstasy and pleasure.  Both toss back the first round of drinks in the series and get busy at the first shared orgasm.

Already high from the combination of the Venetian drug and the drink, the pain and sexual gratification serve to take Yelena into another world; a world of excitement and exhilaration and sexual release.  She nods at the introduction of the other couple, barely registering their names but noting that they are very good looking.  Additional drugs are used between drinks and her body reacts as expected when she finds the Bliss and takes it.  Her drug of choice speeds into her system, increasing the euphoria of the evening.  The new couple is told the mission of the evening and both jump into the party.  Yelena's body reacts as she visually devours both the man and woman as they undress.  Several drinks into the series and several orgasms brought on by different partners later, Yelena is sipping at her next drink and watching the others when she notices some of the AROs in Bella's vicinity start wavering.  At first, she is sure that the combination of the drinks and drugs are causing her to see this and she giggles.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-12-15/1843:27>
"Thank you again, Arc-sensei," I speak back toward the human as I stand at the door of the car.  "And likewise, send me a message when you're heading back to the garage.  I don't have much and will be ready to bring it back with me tomorrow when it's convenient for you.  By then I should also have a better idea of how we can tactfully clear my slate with the Yak.  I'm sure my sudden largesse will come as a surprise to them.  It would be a good idea for both of us to explain it to them gently."

Arc nods back and I turn to get myself inside.  It's cold and I am not used to such weather having spent much of my life in places like Mumbai, Rio, Daar es Salaam, and Singapore where snow was unheard of.  Yes, Berlin, Sydney, Kyoto, and Constantinople had snow, but all those places had been when I had been very young, or during the summer, and not for very long in any case.

Memories of the places I had been pass through my mind as I walk up the two flight of chipped concrete stairs to the third floor of the old motel.  I'd always had my perfect memory, so I can remember Berlin like it was yesterday despite having been only three at the time.  Still, for some reason, while I can remember things like making a snowman, I can't remember the cold with anywhere near as much detail.  It's always been like that.  Sights and sounds never leave me.  Smells and tastes almost as much.  But touch or temperature?  Not very well.  Weird.

The cold of the doorknob assaults my left hand as I fiddle with my right for my key, but I quickly discover the door is unlocked.  That's strange. Jenna's usually really good about that. 

Huh...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-12-15/2317:53>
"Sure thing, Firefly.  I'll let you know tomorrow what's up..."

For some reason, Arc was thinking back to the parting words with the young decker that was going to be moving into her bachelorette bed.  Weird to think about, but it did make sense...especially if she was referring to herself as a student.  Ah, I liked the couch better anyhow...long as she don't start tryna wear my clothes, we're solid...heh.  Her reverie was broken as the familiar...and quite unnerving by now...voice of Ninelives snapped her to reality.

"Hoi, earth to slitch, you in there?  Thanks for comin'.  Drink?"

"Nah, I'm good, but thanks.  Hope your board'o'suits appreciated the disruption of competition, nawsayn?"

"Indeed.  You did good on that, slitch, better than anticipated.  That's why you're here now.  I got something for ya, a little different but just as important.  Got a mojo man that needs to be picked up.."

"I see.  Anyone I know?"

"Funny!  But doubt it.  Here's the challenge, though: your mark is being held by a go-gang, pushed by the triads.  We want this one, and we'll be willing to pay good for the extraction, you feel me?"

"....yeah, I feel you.  How much we talking here?  The last paycheck took care of some drek, but it won't keep me forever, yknow."

Arc was sporting a subtle grin through all this, but underneath the still service she felt a little sickened by the facade.  Rescue a mage..when they're making mojo drugs, that must mean this hoop's an asset.  which means I could learn a lot of drek in this job. Good.  Leaning back in the seat, the girl swung one leg over the other as she rested her hands on her lap as she eyed the club partner cooly.

"I'ma need to know some obvious deets, omae.  What kinda mage am I looking for, who all's holding him/her and where, and when you want this hoop back in your care, know what I'm sayin'?"

"Sure thing, slitch.  I'm going to assume you're all in on this one then.  Hope you are, I don't think you've got much choice, eh slitch?  Thought so.  Alright, here's the skinny..."

"Your mark is gonna be moved from one safehouse to another close to the harbor, where the next stop is Triad central in China.  This is your only shot at this.  The mage will be in an updated RV, so expect armor and on board firepower...nothin' you can't handle right slitch?  The go-gang they're using is local, and you should expect an escort of no less than four.  They're moving tomorrow night, and the best bet is out in the open, so make it count.  Got all that?"

Arc eyed him cooly, saving the map she drew up with the information she was given.  "...got it.  Ain't nothin' but a thang..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It wasn't terribly later that the short mechanic was finished with the meeting, finally convinced by the older former street kid to share a quick drink with him...dark whiskey, smooth as silk, likely worth a small fortune for a full bottle, but it sealed the deal nicely.  Taking a deep breath, Arc said her farewells to Ninelives before getting up and being escorted out of the club, all confiscated possessions returned to her.  She seemed calm, but her mind was already into processing mode, taking the intel she had been given and forming a plan...research, find the problems, figure out solutions, execute.  As she crossed the parking lot, her boots forming dark footprints in the thin blanket of snow, her lips started to curl into a little smirk as a plan had started to form.

Hopping in the car, she let her safeguards retract, her emotions flooding back into her mind as she gave a shudder, her hand shakily grabbing another smoke for the night, lighting it and breathing in the nicotine, calming herself.  "huu....we need to be taking this drek down soon...."  She muttered to herself as she sat there, recollecting herself before she rechecked the time, nodding that Jaime would likely be getting off work within the hour.  Firing up the Americar's engine, she pulled out of the club's parking lot and heading to her Vruk's home....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was late for the rehab technician, and Jaime was certainly feeling it as he arrived home, his shoulders slumped and eyes half closed as he entered his apartment.  Given the previous night, and several nights before, he only honestly expected his workaholic mate had yet to come home for several hours still, which meant he would likely be dead passed out as a corpse to be found on the bed.  He admits he kinda knew going into their (un)official bonding (think she'd go more official?) that she was very much an independent young woman, and given her locally famous standing as a killer of blood spirits and therefore a hero, it was not unheard of to think she might be taking on shadow work.  He respected that, and inside himself he kinda knew that she wouldn't take on work that she thought wouldn't help people she felt deserved it.  Hell, in some weird way he found the idea of her doing such exotic jobs alluring, adding to his attraction to her.  La guerrera pequeña de acero...  Still, she was his Vruken, and her work did carry with it no small amount of risk, and even with her word that there was nothing that could keep her from returning home to him, and he couldn't help but worry for her safety.  But how am i gonna tell her that I'm pretty much married to work for the next..

"...hey, Tarana'kah..."

Jaime's jaw visibly dropped at the sight in the bedroom that he walked right into.  The lamps by the bed had been dimmed and set to give off a soft, yellow glow to illuminate the room, some effort put into tidying the place up and the bed made..save for its current occupant.  Kept decent by a single sheet, Arc was laying on the bed, propped up a bit by a couple pillows so she could face him without craning her neck.  "Well, you just gonna stand there like some hoop waiting in line at a 'caf shack, or you gon' settle in for the night?"

Needless to say, Jaime did not need further encouragement...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, the room WAS tidied a bit...

Some time later, Arc was sprawled on her back, listless and completely reluctant to move, Jaime laying right next to him, his head propped up on her torso, all thoughts of cold and stress forgotten.  As they lay there, basking, Jaime was the first to stir, his confession the first to come to light.

"Babe...I hate to say this, but something happened at work.  Another rehab tech just went into labor...over a month early, it isn't good...and she's being put to bedrest, can't work.  Guess your ethic musta rubbed off on me, querida, because I kinda stepped up for most of her shifts.  That means I'll be doing doubles...for a couple months, which means you likely won't be seeing much of me...Henri asked if we would be coming by again tomorrow, and I had to tell him the same thing...I'm sorry.."

The way he looked up at her, eyes pooled not unlike a puppy's, was almost too much for Tessa, and she looked down at him, letting out a little sigh as she reached up with her left hand, running her fingers through his hair.  "...I understand you, hon.  I should be the one apologizing though...I-uh...you know my Sruiken kal.  She's asked me for help with something important to her...very important.  I wanted to say yes, right away....if Henri asked for your help, would you have said no?...but it will take me out of town for some time...way out of town."

"I know with my work that you don't expect me home every night...which may even be true this next week...and I thank you for understanding that..but I know how you worry about me, and going away for what could be a few weeks I could not commit to without you knowing first.  I..."
  She paused a bit, her heartbeat racing in her chest as she found the words.  "..I love you, Jaime, and could not do anything you couldn't forgive me for.  Yelena understands if I cannot as well...do I...do I have your blessing?"

It was a long moment of silence before Jaime dared to stir, shifting a bit where he lay, his head resting gently on her stomach and looking up at her.  "...I would be lying if I said I was in love with the idea of you being gone for so long.  If I could, I'd have you all to myself every night.  You're right though.  Family is family, eth is eth.  Isn't nothing I wouldn't do for my sister Bettina, Henri, their kids, or even my blood brother Sail.  If your family and friends need you, and you chose to stay, then what kind of Vrukart would I be to not let you hold to that same belief?  It wouldn't make you the rosa carretera I fell for.  Tell your Srui that she has your help..."  He gave a pause, closing his eyes and kissing her torso gently where he lay.  "And if she doesn't come back with you, tell her I'm coming for her personally.."

After a little bit of the exchange, Arc pulled her Vrukart up to cuddle with him, holding him close with eyes closed.  "...it sounds like you're working tomorrow, right?  If you want, I can try to make a point to be there if for a bit...too long there, I may end up rolling home, the way your sister cooks, hehe.."  She joked, trailing off into a sigh as she looked down, seeing him straight passed out against her.  Sighing a little, she mulled over his response, eyes closed as she had some thoughts drill through her mind on her other things, setting out her agenda for tomorrow.

<<@Blake: Arc here.  Got some product samples and should be getting some interesting articles for review.  Shoulda handed off the former yesterday, sorry about that.  How can I get these to you?>>

<<@Tuskaloosa: Hoi, it's Arc.  Got some drek you might be interested in for your talents.  What's your sched looking like in the next number of days?>>

<<@TriggerT{Arc}: I don't know if you remember me, but i'm a friend of Hrock's and Wanderer's.  You don't happen to deal in drone sales, do you?>>

Satisfied with those messages sent out, Arc let herself drift off into a gentle, blissful sleep with her mate in her arms, keeping each other warm through the night...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-12-15/2345:53>
     Tuskaloosa had learned many things in life.  Among them: you could tell a lot about a person by the way they drove.     Folded up as she was in the back seat of Arc's car, she liked what she saw.
   
     This was not the first time—and she knew it wouldn't be the last—that she was forced to take a seat not intended for troll-sized folk.  On an occasion or two, the driver had been especially vindictive: using the most circuitous or traffic-plagued route to get to her destination, blatant or not.  Others went just the opposite: roaring through turns and slamming on brakes at the slightest provocation to bounce her into the doors and seats.  It put the driver's own life and permit on the line and thrashed rear suspensions, but to those people there seemed to be an award system going: bonus points if the troll hit the ceiling.
   
     They were rare, but they had happened.
   
     Aside from the comfort and care of their passengers, there was also the manner of control.  Some drivers took full control at all times, even when the situation could use an assist.  Some riggers jumped in every chance they got—even if it was just down the street for groceries.  It was hard to call anyone who simply put the dog brain in charge a “driver”, but she knew riggers who drove professionally that used the autopilot during transit time just to get a change of pace or multi-task; others were too good to drive a vehicle beneath their often self-proclaimed skills.
   
     Arc was plugged into the car, carrying on a conversation with Firefly.  The local seemed to have given the car's dog brain a long leash—it was Barrens traffic on a snowy Saturday night after all—and took back control before they approached situations the automatic pilot would falter on.
   
     Tuskaloosa knew better.  She couldn't feel the slight gear changes that came from back-and-forth switches from automatic to remote, and the handling didn't have the crisp perfection of remote control;  her 'chauffeur' was manual.
   
     Probably plugged in for the map and sensory package, she guessed.  Maybe as a just-in-case.  Not a bad way to drive.
   
     
     At a corner, two orcs and a troll leaned against a nearby wall.  Arc lowered her window briefly enough for an exchange of friendly greetings, before moving on.

     Tuskaloosa remembered her earlier conversation with Arc about gear, the locals and Angel, and hoped she had cleared up the confusion; she wanted there to be no friction between 'neighbors' because of a misunderstanding she caused.
   
      “If he was botherin' ya, I know just what to say to him.."
   
     “No more than I deserved,” she had quickly amended.  “And no harm no foul.  He just stung my pride a bit by snubbing my loadout—or lack of it.  If he thinks he knows the best protection for a lady--and can supply it—I'm more than willing to use what he offers.”  Five-to-one odds or not, “girl” or not, she was still a troll.
   
     “Unless,” she had added, “any of it is pink, 'feminine' drek.   I'll run him over if I see him again.  And if it includes a condom, I'll run him over twice.”
   
     "Ya know your bike won't be ready any time soon, aright?"

     "Who said I'd use a bike?"

     Arc had laughed at that.

   
     
     Tuskaloosa concentrated her attention on the windows, taking in as much of the route as sight permitted to further refine her own personal map.  The conversation started with names she did not know; if they wanted her in the discussion they would have included her.  She kept her ear out for her own name in case something was directed at her, but otherwise left the two in the front to their own business.
   
     She noted the overlaps in the places she already knew; based on her knowledge they were on the shortest sensible course for home.  Not a surprise.
   
     It was still a relief when they arrived and Arc popped the door.  Tuskaloosa wriggled her way free and grabbed her helmet.
   
     "You stay in touch and I'll do the same, aright?  Was a pleasure."
   
     “Likewise.”  She gave the door a flick of her finger--just enough energy to close it without slamming—and strode off in the direction of the front door to U-Live Here, shrugging to re-align her bunched-up coat as she went.
   
     All in all, today had been a very good day.  For the first time in a long while, she looked forward to what tomorrow would bring.
   
     Something caught her eye as out of place however, as she passed the gate through the flimsy cyclone fence that served as boundary to the scruffy lot:  medium-sized cylinders alternated sides of the decrepit web every 10 meters or so.  Curious, she approached the nearest.  There had been too little snow for them to be piles, and she was certain they had not been there when she left...
   
     Wait.  Is that...concrete?

     Sure enough:  someone had been very busy  making concrete roadblocks with a garbage can for a mold.  She doubted it would stop an irate mongrel, much less provide any stopping power against a determined Meta.
   
     If anything it was likely to attract more than deter: the Parkour crowd was going to see it as a new piece of playground equipment.  For as long as it lasted anyway:  it looked like the slap-dash construction it was.
   
     Curiosity satisfied, Tuskaloosa headed for the main door.  She fished a hairpin from her pocket, tapped her code onto the tiny keypad—take that, fat fingers!--and entered the lobby.
   
     "Wipe your feet,”  the desk clerk muttered without looking up.
   
    I would if there was a mat...
   
     She ambled for the main hallway, passing the tired notice board.  There was a new page beside the restaurant coupons and Matrix addresses for get-rich-quick schemes:

Attention
Due to the increased gang activity
New temporary countermeasures have been installed
 until more permanent solutions are in place.

   I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for anything permanent...
   The notice contiued:

In order to fund these unexpected costs,
All tennants should anticipate an increase
In overall monthly fees.

 
   Yep, she thought to herself, It's time to move out.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-13-15/0010:10>
Yelena watches the wavering AROs with interest.  Her mind struggles with trying to remember something........something..........nothing.  Fragging mind!  She turns back to Keshan with a smile, joining him and the new man on the couch and reveling in how the senses are magnified by the drugs she is slapping into her mouth.  She chuckles as she remembers that the quantity of alcohol is probably helping as well.  On the couch, she bends over Keshan's waist, taking his arousal into her mouth as she allows her other partner ready access to her from behind.  Keshan maneuvers his pain inducer along the branches of the tree that covers Yelena's back, eliciting small cries of pleasure.  Moans from the side indicate that Bella's husband and the new woman are clearly doing their best to get to the next round of drinks.

Keshan cries out as he coats Yelena's devouring mouth, then moves away to allow Bella to take his place.  Yelena lowers her head to the other woman's lap in an attempt to give as much pleasure as she is being given.  When all three have exploded in a shared orgasm, they lay in a group at the base of the couch, unable to move for several minutes.  Yelena and Bella crawl onto the couch, panting in near exhaustion.  The new woman brings them their next round of drinks and Yelena can tell that she well over halfway through the row.  She laughs to herself as she sips from the glass and sits back for a bit.  When she catches her breath, Yelena notes that the AROs near Bella are still wavering.  She does not have much time to wonder about it when the door announces the arrival of three of the club men.  The leader spends a couple of minutes talking with Bella's husband while the other two men leer at the three beautiful naked women sitting together on the couch.  Yelena waves at the men and motions with her hand to invite them over.  The men laugh and shake their heads, speaking softly to each other and laughing again.  Bella's husband goes to pick up her dress and hands it to the lead man from the club.  A few more words are spoken and the three depart, carrying the dress away with them.

Bella's husband comes over to the couch and says, "The club sensors picked up an anomaly in the room and they think it might be Bella's dress.  They have taken it away to look at its synth programming and will bring it or a temporary replacement back before we leave."  He shrugs his shoulders and Bella laughs.  "Not like I need the thing now, do I?"  Everyone laughs with her and quickly go back to pleasuring each other with shared drugs, alcohol, and sex.  Yelena is bothered anew by something she knows that she should remember.  She just cannot seem to lock the thought down. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-13-15/0033:09>
When I return to the village it is evening and I can watch one last majestic sunset. Their Shaman is back and I hope that things are back to normal. I change back just to say goodbyes, CW is very happy for the spoilers I provide her about the returning Shaman, but she already knows... modern communication, the kind that I do not have.

“He will teach you” she said bluntly and I replied “I am already wiser and my roots are in Seattle. I will come to learn when I have time but not today. I think I was also hiding today, I am just not sure why.”

“I am glad you came and thank you for your help ”

 “Don’t mention it, I am happy to help where I can.”

The evening winds takes me back to my apartment where I find Ginny listening very carefully to the classical music I listened to earlier. She spots me arriving and her sharp mind immediately understand that it is me. There is no reason to be shy after all this  “I believe that I owe you a dinner and a party... “ I say wearing nothing but my smile.  What happens next I left out, it was mine and Ginny’s but it was smoking hot and I enjoyed it very much, the sense of urgency sure can take passion into new heights.

I think it was a few hours later when I finally suggested “I really want to make you dinner, I want to do that for you. ”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-13-15/0340:35>
**What is it?  What is it?  What is it?  What is it?  WHAT.  IS.  IT?**  Yelena's fragmented mind shouts at her in her drug induced stupor, partially breaking through to her consciousness.  She is collapsed in a chair with the new woman kneeling on the floor in front of her, head buried between Yelena's thighs while the three men are taking turns at Bella.  She feels the pulsing that foreshadows an immense orgasm and goes with it, pushing the errant thoughts back into the shadows of her mind until she explodes in ecstasy.  She lifts the woman up and kisses her deeply and both go to the table to pick up their round of drinks.  Yelena notes that she is farther along the Apollo course than any of the others and smiles, thinking that is as it should be.  She sips her drink as the four on the couch begin to experience their own releases.

**Danger!  Danger!  Danger!  Danger!  DANGER!**  Yelena staggers at the mental assault and finds a chair to sit in.  She can feel shadow tendrils warring with her drugged brain and the pain is sheer agony.  She manages to put the drink on the table before doubling over in pain.  Her companions see her difficulty as relating to the drugs, which of course it is in a way, but not as they perceive it.  They laughingly tell her to go to the bathroom if she is going to be sick.  Yelena catches herself on the edge of the table as she goes to her knees in pain, almost retching from the effort.  Through eyes blurred by drugs, alcohol, and now pain, she catches sight of Keshan's second toy; the one that she had used on him several times tonight already.  It lies ready for use and she grabs for it, needing three tries to get it in her hand.  Turning it on and upping the charge to maximum, she places the tip to her chest over the three bullet wound scars.  The explosion of pain sends her flying backwards, crashing through the chair behind her and onto the floor.  Writhing in pain, she holds onto the inducer with a death grip.

**Danger!  Danger!  Danger!  DANGER!**  Again the part of her brain that is still sober tries to make itself known, fighting against the rest of her mind.  She can sense that the shadow is giving strength to her hidden self as nothing else could have penetrated even this far against what she has done to herself tonight.  And if the shadow is involved, something is very wrong indeed.  Yelena gasps for air and screams in pain as she exhales.  Still the others look at her as if she is simply having a reaction to the inducer.  She jams the device into her chest three more times, screaming each time.  At this, even the more jaded of her companions is aware that something is wrong with the Keeb.  Keshan rises to come to her side, but she waves him off with the pain inducer held like a weapon.  She screams at him, not even realizing that she has slipped into Russian.  "Держитесь подальше! Пребывание в побед! Что-то не так и мы самыми отвратительными действиями наши посиделки ослы. Не может она не? Что-то не так. Мне нужно подумать. Просто держаться подальше".  He might or might not know the language, but Yelena's intent is clear and Keshan holds his hands up as he backs off to join the others in watching what is evidently a bad reaction to the drugs play out. 

A tremendous surge of pain causes Yelena to double up.  She starts to scream again but her voice is drowned out as a torrent of whatever had been in her stomach leaves her throat and spews onto the carpeted floor.  She heaves a number of times as her system tries to begin the cleansing process.  Drugs, alcohol, the pizza from lunch, all came up.  Her throat burns at the sensation and she feels like she is being kicked repeatedly.  She feels the boots of her three tormentors as they land blow after blow to her midsection.  They had orders to kill the troublemaking Elven girl.  Even at only eight years old, she had survived what had killed many others and the scientists wanted to see how much it would take to kill her.  They could hear bones break as they stomped on her little fingers and kicked her undernourished legs and arms.  One man shifted his boot to her head and she eventually lost consciousness.  The beatings had continued after that, but she no longer felt the abuse to her small body.  The men killed her and tossed her body at the door to her barracks.  But she lived.  The shadow came to her and wrapped her in its embrace, protecting a tiny spark of life in the horribly mangled body.  She lived through such pain as no one should ever have to live through.  She had lain outside the barracks all night, her blood staining the snow red.  None of the other children had dared to go to her after the guards left; they all knew that someone was watching and that they would be next if they did.  The guards left her body at the door of the barracks all night and all the next day.  The others were forced to step around or on her to leave or enter the building.  She did not stir in response to anyone stepping on her, nor to the brave, or merely desperate, child who stopped to quickly remove her cracked and worn shoes.  But the shadow nurtured her and kept her alive through the night and day.  She woke up after the dinner meal and went inside the barracks.  The other children were terrified of her and she had no problem getting her shoes back.  Truth be told, the guards were terrified as well.  The three men began spreading rumors that the girl was a spirit and could not be killed.  All were executed for being soft on Yelena.

**Danger!  Danger!  Danger!  DANGER!**  Just as so long ago, Yelena is sheathed by the shadow and survives the torture that her body is going through.  After spewing everything inside of her, she collapses to the floor in continued agony.  Her shadow guardian is warring against the drugs and alcohol, trying to get her to think.  Think.  Think.  Her face contorted and her eyes glazed, she rises to her hands and knees, still gripping the pain inducer.  She looks at Bella's husband and tries to shout.  All that comes out is a chocked whisper and she tries again, to better effect.  "Получить ее от! Получить ее от! Не могли бы вы см. Она находится в опасности? Они будут принимать ее и использовать ее и убить ее. По контролю над наркотиками, посиделки в области контроля над наркотиками. Stardust. Получить ее если вы любите ее! ".  Realizing somehow that she is speaking in Russian, Yelena pauses and repeats herself.  “Get her away!  Get her away!  Can’t see she in danger?  They take her.  Use her.  Kill her.  Is drug.  Fragging Stardust.  Get her away if love her!  Dress her my clothes.  Any clothes.  No clothes.  Just take.  Save her.  Club men come for her.  Kill her.”  Tears flow from her eyes and roll down her cheeks as she realizes how stupid she sounds.  She crawls to the table and fumbles through the box that holds the pills and capsules that have been fueling the night.  Keshan makes another attempt to approach her, but Yelena again waves him off with the inducer.  More than the others, he knows what the device can do at the charge she has set it at and decides that avoidance is a wise choice.  He warns the others, who also decide to back away to a safe distance.  Bella's husband has been rooted in place since Yelena's outburst, but the third man goes toward the wall comm unit, saying that he is going to call security.  Yelena flings a glass of something at the wall in front of him and he wisely backs off.

After a minute of scrabbling, Yelena gives a cry of success and takes one of the capsules into her hand before tipping the table and sending drugs and drinks to the floor.  Still grimacing from the massive pain she is absorbing, Yelena crawls to sit near the door; pain inducer in one hand and the Kamikaze capsule in the other.  She waits for the club men to come for Bella.  The warring within her body is intense, bringing on a pain that is excruciating.  Yelena's entire body hurts and she passes from near blackout to near conscious.  The shadow is telling her to let go, that she will be protected from the pain and will recover from this.  She shakes her head in an attempt to keep it clear, to keep conscious.  Rational thought is all but impossible as the drugs try to re-establish control of her mind, increasing the pain she is undergoing.  The others in the room are nearly as strung out on drugs as Yelena is, and they simply resume the party now that Yelena is sitting at the door and not screaming unintelligibly at them.  If there is a conscious thought among the five it is that Yelena is taking a bad trip.  They may have lost the table and the drinks, but the drugs flowing through their systems are in control and they do not seem to care about one raving Keeb.  For a moment, she had almost gotten through to Bella's husband, but that did not stick.  Some part of Yelena realizes that she is losing the battle with the drugs and is not even sure anymore what she had said or why.  Her brain is trying to shut down and she passes from a semi-conscious state to drifting off into the past, to the days when her body was subjected to this sort of treatment nearly every day at Camp 14 as the scientists probed to find out what was different about the UGE kids.  She jumps from horrific flashback to the horrific present and back from moment to moment. 

Yelena cries.  Tears of anguish roll down her face.  Anguish over her lost innocence; over the scores of innocent people she has killed, over the betrayal by Tsina Molovna that resulted in the loss of her gang family; over the terrible betrayal by the sax man; over what she has allowed herself to become.  The shadow does what it can to shield her mind from descending into madness, but it is fighting against powerful enemies.  The battle is not a sure thing.  The shadow had helped Yelena overcome physical and mental abuse, keeping her alive when she should have died more than once.  But now it is fighting her own body.  Even now, Yelena craves the drugs she has spilled on the floor of the room.  Even now her body needs the release that only more Bliss, more Venutian Rocket, more of any of them can give her.  Part of her mind and the shadow trying to protect her know that she is in real danger of dying here in the fragging room in this drek of a club, among people that could care less.  She laughs, the sound seeming unharmonious.  If Gregor could only see her now.  He could have her working for him for life by waving drugs in her face.

[spoiler]“Stay away!  Stay the frag away!  Something is wrong and we are drugging our fragging asses off.  Cannot you feel it?  Something is wrong.  I need to think.  Just stay away.”[/spoiler]

[spoiler]“Get her away!  Get her away!  Can’t you see she is in danger?  They will take her and use her and kill her.  It is the drug, the fragging drug.  Stardust.  Get her away if you love her!”[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-13-15/2301:58>
     The troll sat in the dark corner of the laundry room with her RCC on her lap, the washer beside her churning rhythmically.  It was after hours (of course) and during power and water blackout as well.  No one on the first floor had trouble bypassing the lock—Tuskaloosa included—and she had brought her own water and battery.  She still had to slot the machine to get it to work and had to make two trips to bring water—one for the wash and one for the rinse cycle—but it meant not having to fight for a machine during ration hours.
   
     And it was on the premises.
   
     She added a washer to the things on her high priority list; a clothes line still an acceptable alternative to a drier. Arr-Arr-Arr might know where to find one.  He found the pixie fridge after all.

     Some might call her fussy, but Tuskaloosa preferred  (a) her meals to be made of unspoiled food and (b) to not smell like she'd rolled around in a garbage dump, whether she had or not.  Cleaning herself simply required soap and water; cleaning her clothes was a labor that demanded a labor-saving device.
   
     Still, it was a device that could be done without temporarily; the highest priority on her list was finding a  new home in the first place.  She had been examining a local map; after locating Arc's place she had looked at the area roughly four blocks in each direction.  Her next criteria had been size; she didn't want to move again if she had to.  While she didn't have much now, she wanted the room to accommodate later additions—any smart rigger would.  In the light industrial area that Arc's neighborhood had been in its heyday, small factories and/or distribution hub-level warehouses were actually plentiful.
   
     The problem was that size was a bonus to a lot of other people too: smugglers, thieves, fences,  sweat shops, chop shops.  A street doc with a vat farm.  The local gang for their HQ.  There was no way to know if a place was already occupied, or by whom.  Plus, she was certainly not going to convince an existing tenant of a good place to move on.
   
     A bad place had its own issues to consider.  Squatters could be encouraged to go elsewhere easier than a chop shop crew, but the property itself would require more work to flip back into service.  Work that was money--and possibly time, given Arc's 'help' thing--that she currently didn't have.
   
    She set her house hunting aside, to send a message to Hroc.

<<@Hroc:  Green light on the comm.  I'll send the four fifty to the usual. Thanks again for your help reuniting me with my better half—you're a lifesaver in more ways than one.

Come to think if it, he was well-known in Arc's neighborhood...

I'm looking to relocate to give your friend an assist.  Think you can point me in the direction of the local real estate agent?  I'd ask her, but she's done plenty for me as it is.>>

   Her message sent, she turned her attention to adding the water for the rinse cycle.  The  load of clothes were those from the morning—her garbage truck diving suit.  Even if she didn't have water to spare she would have cleaned them;  the next door neighbors would have thrown a fit at the smell if she'd let them go any longer.  As it was, she had no problems; she needed to empty the rain barrel for the move.

    Maybe I'll do them a second time.  With luck she'd never have to wear them again.  They were still good; she had bartered to get them from Arr-Arr-Arr and knew they would be useful to barter with for something else.
   
     With the machine going again, she returned to her corner and jacked back in.  To her surprise, there was a message waiting for her.  That was fast...
   
     It was not from Hrock however.  It was from Arc.

<<@Tuskaloosa: Hoi, it's Arc.  Got some drek you might be interested in for your talents.  What's your sched looking like in the next number of days?>>

Well that didn't take long...

<<@Arc:  I'm flexible.  I need to meet up with Hrock to pick something up, unless it's OK for him to drop it off at your place.  Other than that, I'm good.>>

She checked the time then jacked out.  Mentally, she started packing what she owned in the rain-barrel.  Even if she didn't vacate the place until after Arc's job, she wanted to be ready to go.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-14-15/1657:35>
Sorry but it's another placeholder. Mercy, I'll need two addiction tests. And an endurance check to stay conscious. Arc wakes up Jaime find for a double shift. TriggerT has weapons drones only. Tusk gets an unexpected bath from the washer breaking down. Subaru gets a job hacking the security ofa building,  cameras only tonight for the yak. Ginny tells Marco she's got to catch a plane. Blake sends the info on. Gives you back some Intel on mages suspected of working with the Triads who are capable of this. It's a very short list.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-14-15/2316:46>
Even from the wall near the door, Yelena feels the siren call of the drugs.  Fortunately, the one in her hand is not one calling to her.  She has not used Kamikaze in years and her body does not recognize it yet.  The bliss on the floor is a different matter.  Her mind and body crave the sweet release it promises.  The protection given to her by her shadow is fighting a losing battle right now; the power of the drugs in her body is proving too much.  The whisper to give up consciousness grows more insistent.  The shadow knows it can help her more in that state, but Yelena is not ready to give in just yet.  She does, however, realize that the shadow needs her help and she bends her will to the task, calling on what reserves she has left.  She feebly whispers over and over, "Srui'ken Kai, Marco, Srui'ken Kai, Marco", The names and the faces they evoke give her strength that she can use in the struggle as she focuses on pushing against the power of the drugs. 

[spoiler]First addiction test:  9d6t5  Edged addiction roll (http://orokos.com/roll/333605): 9d6t5 4  reroll misses:  Reroll misses (http://orokos.com/roll/333607): 5d6t5 2  6 hits

Second addiction test:  Second edged addiction test (http://orokos.com/roll/333608): 10d6t5 5  reroll misses:  reroll misses (http://orokos.com/roll/333609): 5d6t5 3  8 hits

Pretty good addiction rolls.[/spoiler]

Beating back the drugs is a temporary victory, but a victory nevertheless.  The effort is draining, sapping Yelena's strength and endurance.  The shadow is still calling for her to let it take over and heal her. 

[spoiler]Resist stun damage (http://orokos.com/roll/333619): 6d6t5 2  Only 2 hits so some stun.[/spoiler]

The strain of fighting the drugs in her system is almost too much for Yelena.  She blacks out for a few moments as a wave of pain and nausea hammers at her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-15-15/0032:54>
[Sunday, Dec 12, 2075, 08:00, Jaime's Place]

The morning sun greeted Arc with its gentle yet persistent glow, tickling her nose as she stirred into wakefulness.  Groaning a little, the short human girl shifted her stout form a little under the sheets, lips curling into a faint smile as she turned with her hips, arm reaching back to caress her Vrukart laying behind her...only to pause a bit, her fingers only finding empty bedspace.  Her eyes opened, the cybernetics booting up as her vision came on as she fully rolled over in the bed, her eyes confirming what she had felt: she was alone.  Jaime must have taken great care into making sure he didn't wake her, making her frown even more as she discovered an ARO left for her.

"Hey babe, My double started early today, and you looked so peaceful I couldn't bear to wake you.  I won't be home until late again.  Be safe.  Love you"

Arc found herself reading the note several times as she slowly sat herself up on the bed, her little smirk growing as she felt tears welling in her eyes.  It was sweet that he would do that, but she felt a pang of guilt, given how they both admitted to being pulled away from each other by their respective works.  She mulled over it, and their responses to each other's confessions for a little time as she sat at the edge of the bed, her legs dangling over the sides as she woke herself up fully.  Straightening up, she grimaced a bit as parts of her body felt a bit sore.  must be from the warehouse...slow reaction or something, drek...

After a few more moments of reverie, the mechanic stood up fully, yawning a little as she stretched what she could of the soreness out.  Scratching her head, she tried for a few moments to straighten out her hair, leaving it a light but managed mess on her head and shoulders as she strode to the bathroom, taking care of her business before jumping in the shower.  As the water flowed down her bare form, the human looked through the message replies that came in during the night, notably from TriggerT, Blake, and Tuskaloosa.  Using her man's soap, she washed herself up as she mentally pulled up and constructed a few replies that she felt needed to be higher priority...

<<@Tuskaloosa{Arc}: Morning, just got your message.  Hrock and I are tight, he's got a key to my place if you need to meet up before I can get you.  Or he can drop it off, and you can tell him I gave the okay.  I'll be there in a couple to pick you up.  Have your gear ready, aight?>>

<<@Blake{Arc}: Thanks omae.  I think I can really use this.  Will let you know>>

<<@TriggerT{Arc}: Then I think you and I are in the market to do some business, chummer.  What time is good to meet up and talk shop?  If you got something long range and quiet in the skies, I can see some cred flowin', you feel me?>>

<<@Angel{Arc}: Hoi, look who's still kickin', huh?  Heard you had a run in with a client of mine, omae.  Expect to see her around more often, you feel me?  That being said, I heard about the deets, and wanna give you an opportunity.  You think you have the hez to properly equip a lady for these parts, man?  Lemme know, holla, and soon>>

<<@Firefly{Arc}: Morning.  I'll be by in a couple hours or so to head to the garage.  Think you'll be ready for a ride by then? Also, got some info you might consider cross checking.  Lemme know>>

<<@Yelena{Arc}: Hope you're alive Srui.  I'm in.  It isn't pretty but I'm in.  I'll be home in a few hours.  We talk then?>>

Satisfied with those, Arc made a note to wait for replies from a few of those while going about her day, most notably because Subaru and Tuskaloosa both noted that they'd be flexible...sales meetings usually aren't.  And that extraction of the mage was still very much needed to happen this evening.  Still, she had a couple, and as she turned off the water and grabbed a towel to dry off, Arc started to get ideas of how to fill it.

Most of us are guaranteed to be going to Europe in a few weeks...we'll all need to be at our best.  Some of us are unproven, the others are.  We're gonna need to ramp up our hardware...  As she stepped out of the shower, she padded over to the sink, tilting her head a bit as she set the towel on the counter.  Standing up straight, the human looked at herself in the mirror, taking in her appearance, even turning and posing her arms in a couple different ways.  She marveled a bit at how her cybernetics, things she originally thought were marring of her appearance, were integrating into a seamless flow with her body, almost giving its own exotic appeal.  In more general of a view, she looked to herself to be a lot...healthier in her appearance would be her words.  It was true: she was carrying herself with a bit of confidence, a tad of swagger, and a note of positivity.

Smiling a little, she strode back out of the bathroom, slipping into a clean pair of undies and a bra before padding to the kitchen, rooting around for something to eat and quiet her growling stomach.  Not wishing to brave the daunting task of cooking a breakfast for herself after what happened last time, a bowl of cereal with some soymilk seemed to be quite suitable to her.  Dancing a little as she set out her meal, she settled in at the table, the silence depressing her just a bit as she ate.  Weird...I'm used to being alone all the fraggin' time...now it...it fraggin' sucks...okay, I need a fragging distraction or I'm gonna go insane before these hoops get back to me...

It didn't take long for her to figure something out and she put herself to a bit of work.  Chewing on a bite of cereal, Arc started to pull up multiple browser AROs, connecting herself to several different catalogs, sites, forums, even the Shadownet ones she learned about from Hrock and from her hospital stay.  From there, she started to form some ideas of things she wanted to find, and until she got some replies back to her, that's pretty much how she spent her morning...in her underwear seated at a table, munching cereal, looking for goods to spend her cred on...

[spoiler]Okay, let's sum this up a bit...
@Smiles: through contacts or self-searching (Availability tests as needed, your call), Arc will be attempting to locate and purchase a number of goods that for dramatic reasons I don't wish to disclose.  This does not include goods specifically mentioned, like with Hrock, TriggerT, and Angel.  Please let me know when and how you would like to work through that :) [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-15-15/0140:15>
@ Yelena Security comes and disarms her and apologizes for not coming sooner. They tell Bella, "Many of the drugs she took were shared more often with you. Perhaps we can head off any potential problems by having our shaman make sure everything is ok." Bella's husband says, "That's wise my dear. I will order more drinks for when you return."

@ Arc. TriggerT answers, >>You can come by the shop this morning. I've got the spicyest breakfast sausage in town."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-15-15/0737:54>
After about an hour of her perusing, Arc's cereal finished and the empty bowl in the sink, an ARO interrupted the girl's work indicating a reply was sent from TriggerT.  Looking it over, she smiriked a little, shaking her head.  Well, that cereal wasn't much to begin with..I could go for some breakfast sausage..better not be a double intent or whatever they call it though.  Chuckling, the mechanic stood up, collapsing her work and saving for later whilst sending out her reply.

<<@TriggerT{Arc}:  Wiz bang, omae.  Be there in a bit>>

Checking her clock, she gave a little nod.  Almost an hour had passed...plenty of time to head out, make this stop, then pick up her human and troll companions in the time frame she promised.  Retreating to the bedroom, the girl pulled on a clean, dark pair of jeans over her legs, one of Jaime's shirts over her torso, her pistol returning to its home at her back.  Pulling her jacket over her arms and shoulders, the girl checked her look again before closing up the apartment for the day, making sure she cleaned up her mess before doing so.  Hopping in her car, the mechanic made good time in the Sunday traffic as she looked out at the slightly overcast day, the previous day's snowfall painting a pretty picture on the sides of the roads.

Pulling up to TriggerT's shop, Arc parked and locked up her car before heading inside, seeing the Dwarf expecting her.  Holding her arms to her sides, she tilted her head and cocked a grin. "Wa-hey, someone said something about spicey breakfast sausage eh?  Lemme tell ya, my Vruk and his fam love their spicy, so it better be hot~  Whaddya got for me huh?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-15-15/0854:20>
Yelena, wracked by pain and fading in and out, is nearly doubled over when the security team arrives.  She really only notices them when a man steps in front of her and reaches down to help her stand up.  Her brain filters that he is dressed so can't be one of the partiers and her body reacts.  Even drugged and in pain, Yelena is far from harmless.  Her right hand sweeps up with the charged pain inducer and strikes the man on his bare arm.  His shriek of pain is gratifying and the man steps away, clutching his arm in agony.  Sensing someone behind her, Yelena slams her head back but misses, hitting the wall instead and allowing the man to grab her arm.  A third man steps in and wrests the pain inducer away from Yelena.  She yowls as the first man steps back in, stun baton now at the ready.   "Fragging bitch!  I get to stun this fragger."  He looms over Yelena and she recognizes the young leader of the security team that had come to the room earlier as he strikes her across the midsection.  It takes two strokes to subdue Yelena and the young man is swearing at the Russian Keeb as she finally passes out.  He is angry that a naked woman has embarrassed him in front of his men, angry that his arm hurts like hell, and angry that this fragging job does not pay enough for this kind of drek. 

The team leader nods to his men to secure the woman and goes to talk to the rest of the party members, still cradling his injured arm.  Such is the effect of the drugs these people have taken that no one really seems disturbed by what has just happened.  It is like Yelena's attack and her subsequent stunning have gone unnoticed.  In fact Keshan is still banging away at the third woman while her husband watches in dazed fascination.  Only Bella's husband seems to be partially cognizant and the team leader addresses him.  "I am sorry that we had to resort to using force on your companion.  It would not have been necessary if the woman had not gone crazy and attacked us.  The drugs provided by the club have been tested and are normally relatively harmless, but some people metabolize them poorly and, while very rare, it is possible for someone to have an extremely bad reaction to them.  I am going to take her to see the club doctor and have her treated.  I am sure that she will be alright after sobering up.  However, the environmental monitors have detected certain anomalies in your wife that indicate that she is at risk of a similar reaction.  I would like to take her with us to be examined.  I will have someone come and clean up the room and you will be comped for the full cost of this evening as a gesture from the club for this unfortunate situation." 

Bella's husband looks a bit confused at first; after all, his mental faculties are not operating at their best.  He smiles at the mention of the night being free and tells his wife that she should go with the security man.  Bella nods and looks around for something to put on, as her dress had been taken away earlier.  The security man notices her look and smiles.  "Do not worry.  We brought your dress back.  It has been reprogrammed and you should have no further difficulty with it.  Let me get it for you."  He goes to the door and returns with a bag that had been dropped in the scuffle with Yelena and brings it to Bella.  He removes her dress from the bag and hands it to the woman, who puts it on.  A blanket is tossed over Yelena and she is taken from the room and loaded onto a small cart, where she is joined by Bella and the security team.

Yelena regains consciousness slowly and painfully.  Her internal chronometer tells her that it is just after 2:00AM and the day is Sunday, December 12th.  She looks around, noting that she is on a bed in a small room.  Someone had dressed her in loose pants and a short sleeved top.  There is a bucket in one corner and she immediately feels the urge to use it.  Relieving herself, she takes stock of her situation.  Her body feels like a truck has rolled on top of her and she recalls the fight with the security team.  Or at least part of it.  Lifting the shirt, she sees several new bruises and believes that there are others she cannot see.  Her head swims from the effort she has made and she quickly returns to the bed, laying down to avoid blacking out again.  From where she is, the door appears solid, with a small window and a slot near the bottom.  Except for the lack of bars, she is reminded of the jail cells in Karibor Prison.  She does not have the strength to test the door, but is sure it is locked. 

Yelena smiles in spite of her situation.  Phase one is complete.  She seems to have been taken into the cells by the club men.  She feels only a mild regret at not telling Arc about this first, but her Srui would certainly have tried to stop her if she had known.  With good luck Yelena will find out what happened to Feathers and the others.  With bad luck she will be killed.  She will have to trust in the shadow to keep her alive long enough to find out what is going on and to help from the inside when the inevitable rescue comes.  Putting her head on the small pillow, Yelena closes her eyes to rest, realizing that she needs to be as free from the effects of the drugs and alcohol as possible when the drek begins to happen. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-15-15/1457:25>
Dammit, “fine go to the airport I’ll book you a taxi.” I say and watch with astonishment how Ginny lies to avoid me. Some people are just... so and so. I shower again, put on my best clothes and go to the Banshee, it is not the Stardust, but with the amounts of money that I am putting there I simply cannot afford it without a paying client. With the girl that drove me crazy for a couple of days lies about an early flight just to avoid me I really just want to drink and forget about it. I should have spent the night in Bleeding mountains.

I pick up my messages “>>Yelena, don’t mention it. We’ll talk when you can tomorrow is great. “  She felt that I run away quickly but I came to talk to her and she seemed so focused on other things it was disturbing.

I quickly find some drinking buddies and the bartender keeps me well drunk and I dance and have fun, when I spot my favorite hostess drinking whiskey.  “Tammie how are you tonight ? can I join you? “  She nods and I seat next to her, with my beer. Saying “I do not hang out when I work...  and I hadn’t had a day off in a long time. I have never seen you alone before... and why coming here with your VIP at the Stardust”  I laugh “That... well I met this crazy girl and she decided that she is my girlfriend and dumped me in the same day... Gosh I hate women right now... Besides, with the level of service you got me used to, I can no longer afford the Stardust without a paying client. Tonight I am just a pumpkin...”  I laugh.
“Whats up with that... Why do you do this kind of work?” I grin, “Still not drunk enough” and I order two shots of vodka. We take the shot and I say “I don’t know really... I am good at this and I need to make a living somehow... How is your job do you like it?” I actually hate my job, really hate it and see it as a personal failure. More so after the night with Mr. Anderson, but I am not that drunk to share.  She shrugs, “Hate it... everybody look at me as an eye candy, I have a real job in there keeping the operation running is a lot of work, still the patrons get all handsy once they are far gone... You didn’t touch anything in there did you?”
 
I tell the waiter “Another shot please!”  and we both take another shot of vodka. “It is more rich people thing... once I get hooked I’ll be in the streets in no time. Some people can just money their way out of anything... “  She laughs “That's good some of the stuff in there is dangerous... So heavy roller Marco is just a poor guy from the Barrens? “  I laugh, “The Barrens... no not for me I live downtown in a nice apartment. I probably couldn’t make rent any other way. “ I say... and think to myself except Shadowrunning. She sighs “So I got my answer... I barely make rent myself and I work like all the time. “  I laugh “From now on, the next one to complain takes a shot I really finally have a day off I do not want to think about the Stardust, I practically work there now. “ We laugh and continue with a pleasant evening, as I find out that Tammie is single and about my age and a flying enthusiastic, “You actually own a plane?!” I ask surprised... “It is a glider, electric quiet and does not cost more than a car... but flying makes me feel free.” I want to say that I know what she means but I am not sure if to say anything. “That sounds... exciting I have a feeling I’ll like it.”  Tammie grins at me with a devious look, “we can take my girl for a spin if you like there is nothing to go as Seattle is tiny but the city view at night is incredible.” 

“Are you flirting with me Tammie? “  She giggles .... “It is definatly not a good idea... I cannot afford you” One down the belt, indeed. “Well, I might give you a discount if you take me flying.  “ I say and laugh. 

We pay and go straight to a small airfield at the outskirts of the city. Tammie seems also quite wiz on the bike and I am surprised I actually used the word ‘wiz’ in my mind describing it. Arc must really be growing on me, not just her the Barrens perhaps. “It will be a bit crowded but I am sure you are not a shy one.” We both crumb up to the tiny plane and takeoff.  I am fascinated by this technological marvel that puts us up in the sky, I have taken a flight only once before to get here from Rome, but I could not look at the view and Bird eyes are different that than humans. The view is spectacular and Tammie is quite a surprise who would have throughout that she owns a glider. Then I become anxious “Do you think it is wise to fly while drunk?” Tammie giggles “nope, this is why we are on autopilot... I thought you knew that.”  “I... I acutally had no idea, I was going to comment on your piloting skills.” 
“Silly Keeb, just shut-up and kiss me.” She say and turns her head backward toward me.   "Are we sure it is a good idea?"   " It is a terrible idea... " She said.
 " Than whats the matter...?"
"Can't a girl just get laid?... You should have been all over me by now. I can tell that you want to." 
"She can... and well you are very close to me and very attractive, but you never showed the slightest interest and now this... did something happen?"
"Please... no questions... just kiss me.  Her body language is telling me that something did happen but her lips are just there, I softly kiss her.
"You are not getting off that easily... Tammie laugh and I figure out what I said. "Whats the bullshit Tammie"
"My boyfriend is a lying cheat... I hate him."  
 " So there is a boyfriend..."
"Ex boyfriend...
 " Than a kiss is all you are getting tonight, you will thank me in the morning..."
"I hate you right now..."
"Oh I know how you feel trust me... It is not right to hurt someone like that."
"A bloody nice guy... out of all the people in that pub I picked the one guy that is not going to sleep with me."
"It will get better, let it out - You don't seem to like me that much when you are sober.
"I am working most of the time... what did you expect."
"Now you just being seductive, just close your eyes and imagine for a little bit. Imagine the day after when I ask you for a private room with someone you never met before... "
"Yes this is why it is a terrible idea..."
 "Then lets not... I am really sorry to disappoint you

Tammie then tells me all about Ralph and how she now hates him. I honestly have no idea why should one go cheating when he is dating such a pretty elf with a freaking airplane, but people do things... and I am not exactly the man to teach self restrain. Somehow the talk goes into the night and we just lie there looking at the stars.

I am home at about 2:00 maybe 3:00 am and the missing book the one I liked returns me to life. I did good I really do not want to sleep with anyone after that unstable psycho not when I do not have to due to my job.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-15-15/1527:17>
"素敵なあなたは最終的に私達を結合するため"

Oh no...

In my effort to slip in without troubling my roommate, not to mention maintain whatever warmth we have in the ill-heated apartment, I had opened the door just enough to move through the portal and closed it behind me, facing away from the rest of the room.  To be honest, though, I didn't really need to turn around to know who was talking.

"So nice to see you too, Matsuuri," I answer the sarcastic welcome.  I paste my best fake smile on my lips as I turn around to face my unexpected tormenter.  The pure Yamato girl...okay, woman - she is nearly a decade older than me...was reclined, one leg straight and the other with knee bent up just a bit, relaxing on my futon.  Her back was propped up with my pillows which were in turn up against the wall.  Jenna was sitting, clearly uncomfortable, in her best seiza.  My agonized roomie likely had been in that position for far longer than any gaijin, she was after all only about 1/4 Japanese, should ever be expected to endure.  I wished I could express my sympathy to the poor girl, but now wasn't the time.

Jenna’s sorry state of consciousness and the remains of tea and what snacks we had to provide a guest suggests Matsuuri has been here for a while.   She couldn’t have come here just to torture poor Jenna.  No, this is her way of making a point to me through someone whose treatment won’t be noticed or worried about.  Damn…another reason for me to get out of this as soon as possible.  Jenna…or her poor legs…may not survive many more months of this.

Saying none of this, I glide with trained, impeccable grace to take the space opposite Jenna beside my occupied futon.  I drop down to seiza, ignoring the protests of my midsection at such a position.  Through it all, my face is a mask of clearly plastered pleasantness.

“So, Sato-san,” I respond formally this time so as not to give her reason to cause Jenna any more hardship, “to what do my roommate and I owe your interest in our humble selves?”

Matsuuri Sato, the eldest daughter of the third in command of the Seattle Yak, leaned forward with a predatory grin.  “Why you, of course, Renge!”  Her voice was a purr.  I tamped down a shiver.  “Although you must tell me first where you have been all this time?  I’ve been waiting hours for you to return, and Jenna here tells me you weren’t home last night.”

In the corner of my eye I could see Jenna’s pained expression wince further at the admission she’d shared information with Matsuuri.  I didn’t blame her.  One of the reasons I’m so private is I don’t want Jenna placed in the position of keeping my secrets.  It wouldn’t be fair.  I’ll remind her again that she can freely share whatever she knows about me to whoever within the Yak asks.  It’s not worth her pain.

“My schedule is none of your concern, Sato-san,” I retort with firmness.  “But,” I continue before she can probe again, “if you must know, I was assisting someone in need.  Charity is one of the Pillars of Islam, after all.  If you’d like to understand more, I would be happy to take you to mosque sometime.”

I give a silent prayer of apology to Allah for using Him once again as a way to sidestep Matsuuri’s games.  She’d keep picking apart anything I said, possibly even putting others at risk, to get at me indirectly.  Bringing Islam into the conversation generally ended her fun since she considered it all nonsense and wanted no part of hearing about it.  Anything else she could do would mean taking me on directly, which she cannot do with George protecting me.

Matsuuri’s grin widens, almost feral now, and suddenly I’m not so sure.

“Funny you should mention that silly gaijin religion of yours, Renge-san.  We have a task for you, tonight.  Straight from Ishikawa-sama himself, actually.  We need to see inside a place.  My assignment tonight is to take you there and for you to hack the cameras.”

My eyebrow rises in surprise.  It was unusual for the Yak to send someone like Matsuuri to give me an assignment.  There was more to it, but I’d have to be patient.  Clearly there was a punchline to this joke, and the Yak division leader was going to savor the process of spilling it.

“Sounds simple enough,” I respond amicably, my expression never changing save for the transient acknowledgement of surprise.  Okay, I’ll bite.  “Why come here to tell me yourself?”

“Funny you should ask.”  From the corner of my eye I can see her hand shift to pick up a bag beside her, but I keep my focus on her wide, brown eyes.  “The target has good security.  Too good even for you to hack remotely, or so Saito told George.  So we have to go there ourselves.  It’s an undercover assignment.”  Matuuri’s hand disappears in the bag and lifts out an evening gown.  White and blue, I cannot tell the appearance details but it’s certainly long and flowing.  Perhaps even floor length.   

“Although perhaps less cover than you’re used to,” she muses before adding with a wide grin, “you’re my date to Club Stardust tonight!”

I can feel my face go slack.  I never had a chance.

WTF?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-15-15/2113:05>
"So princess, how does it feel to be my slitch?"

I ignored the jibe about my status as the pet of the Yak captain, spoken in Japanese for my ears only as we approached the redeveloped old theater building in the commercial district on the border of Redmond and Belleview.  Anything I said would at best get back to George and at worst break our cover in a situation which soon might get both our hoops killed.

Like hell if I'm going to let the Yak kill me just before I get my freedom!  Least of all giving Matsuuri the satisfaction of taking me down!

If I had been able to find any way out of the trap, I would have.  Not only was this mission dangerous and totally unnecessary now that I didn't need the money, but it was degrading.  On top of wearing a sleek dress that showed not only my hair but far too much skin, I was going along as Matsuuri's doped up bitch whore.  The goal was to keep all the attention on her while I did my decker thing under the cover of being drugged half out of my mind on bliss.

The frustrating thing is that the plan actually makes sense.  It's risky and a bit of a stretch, but if they want access to the camera feed here this is the way to do it.  Oh well, I can still make this a win-win.  If I make one feed, there's no harm in making two is there?  I doubt Arc will turn her nose up at a back door into the security net of the same Stardust she's sniffing around.

Assuming I live long enough to give her the keys to it...

Enough woolgathering, Subaru!  It's showtime!

I'd never been to a club with a tux-wearing troll bouncer before.  Back in Singapore I was a protected commodity - I walked around with bouncers whose job was to protect just me.  And anyway, I was a minor and everyone around me knew it.  Sure I went clubbing, albeit at venues that catered to a mixed-age clientele.  Back then I was as trendy as any Japanese corp teen.  Here on the other hand, dressed and made up like some whore as I am now, I look legal.

"Hey Jesse!  How's your beau!"  Matsuuri apparently knows some people here since she strikes up conversation with one of the door agents as if they're best friends.

"Michael's cool, Suri," the orange haired young man responds.  "He's helping with some special clients this evening so you may or may not see him.  So, who's the new arm candy?"

"This?  This is Renge.  I picked her up over drinks at Yoshida's place earlier.  I supplied her a couple hits and brought her here for a good time."  I look around wide eyed at the flashing lights and buzzing crowd.  I don't have to try and fake the spacey, dilated look of a bliss user - my amazement at the new sights achieve the purpose with only a little help from eye drops Matsuuri had applied just before we left her car.  As much as I don't want to credit her, my hick amazement was likely Matsuuri's plan all along too.  She's not a Yak lieutenant of her level at 26 years old due only to her dad's connection and pure Yamato lineage.  She's cruel, but she's also very, very good at what she does.

"Bliss?" Jesse asks and Matsuuri nods.  "If you see Michael, tell him I mentioned to give your date a hit of our house special blend.  I bet she'll love it and maybe we might see her again.  Always helps to have pretty new lady regulars ya know?"  The man winks and Matsuuri laughs. 

"Be careful, Jess.  She might steal Michael from you!"  The two giggle at what must be an inside joke.  I then feel myself pulled into the foyer and up a sweeping stairway to a lobby where the main dance floor and social areas can be seen.  Matsuuri waves and speaks briefly to people as we pass, but I just continue to absorb the place allowing my wonder to rule me more than I usually would.  My efforts seem to work since everyone who sees me just smirks knowingly...if they themselves aren't already snowed on something.

"So Renge?  Can you dance?"

The condescending smirk from the stuck up Yak tells me she's sure I'll try to welch out of the challenge.  She's enjoying rubbing my nose in my faith. 

Not this time, bitch.

"Sure!" I chirp with a wicked grin of my own.  I hold up my handbag with my arms and wiggle my body to emphasize the point that I know how to move.  I've only been a hijabi for a month.  Three months ago I was dancing 'till dawn with my team every Friday night when we weren't otherwise assigned missions.  Time to prove to her that I'm not as naive as she thinks I am.  I reach out a hand to grab the surprised older girl's arm and drag her out to the dance floor to writhe to the techno beat.

For the next half an hour I can almost pretend the past two months never happened.  Music and motion are seductive and I'd lost myself in the moment.  I didn't need bliss for the dopamine in my brain to do what it did naturally.  Mosh pits and crowded dance floors exist for a reason - they are pleasurable

[spoiler]The following was superseded by Smiles' subsequent post:

Then life intervenes.

Music and motion are seductive and I'd lost myself in the moment.  I didn't need bliss for the dopamine in my brain to do what it did naturally.  Mosh pits and crowded dance floors exist for a reason - they are pleasurable.  The feel of a rough hand on my arm jars me out of my trance though and as my body is smoothly but roughly dragged in one direction I can see several staff member moving with urgent purpose in another.  I look up at Matsuuri and her eyes are determined in contrast to the pleasant, even relaxed smile still adorning her young face.

My best guess is that the experienced Yak lieutenant is taking advantage of some disruption, maybe one she arranged, to take me where I can best do my thing.  I attempt to predict her movements but still move at odds more than occasionally.  At one point we're questioned by a staff member but my "date" smoothly explains I'm coming down and she's taking me somewhere private to dose me again and make out during the initial high spike.  It works and before long we navigate past some restrooms where she gets more stealthy...as stealthy as she can be dragging dead weight like me.  Ninety seven seconds later we're at a door where Matsuuri makes short work of a lock.  I get dragged inside where she finally lets me go.

"So, princess, this is where you prove you're as good as George and Saito seem to think you are."

This time she's not smiling...[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-15-15/2355:29>
Yelena remains on the bed for a few minutes then takes a deep breath before trying the matrix.  She kicks her ware on and tries to send a message.  >>Arc.  Is Yelena.  Am prisoner Stardust.  Had fight.  Took less drug than others think.  Yelena try talk club man.  Maybe need help.  Yelena call later.  Arc tell Marco.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-16-15/0512:51>
     Water soaking into her pants were the first indicator something was wrong with the blasted washing machine.

      Tuskaloosa leaped to her feet and set her homebrew RCC on a nearby washer then stopped the rinse/spin cycle on her own.  The flow of water that had been expanding outward from the base of the machine eased.  An inspection of the inner rim found it dry; so  the water isn't sloshing over then.  How...?
   
     Moving the fully-laden machine over to the drain near the center of the room had not been a problem.  Wrangling it quietly enough to go unnoticed, on the other hand, had taken a bit of skill.
   
     Finally, she resumed the cycle.  Cheek to the cold floor, she shined the light from her survival knife to confirm what she already suspected: water continued to leak.
   
     She returned to her door and retrieved the kanmushi from its web-covered location.
   
     The cycle was complete by the time she had finished relieving the microdrone of its webbing.  She placed it on the outside of the drain hose and jacked into the RCC.
   
     It took no time at all to find the crack, beads of water still clinging below it.  As she feared, it was not a small rupture, with more signs of stress in other places along the hose as well.  Fortunately, the part stamp was not one of them; she had no trouble reading the code.  She guided the tiny bug drone farther along the rubbery tube and checked the clamp that attached it to the rest of the drain system. It still looked serviceable.  Satisfied, she had the kanmushi retrace it's steps.
   
     Tuskaloosa returned to her apartment-- drone and RCC in one hand, bucket of wet-but-not-sopping clothes in the other, battery under her arm.  She set her things down carefully,  grabbed a beat-up piece of electronic paper and sealed up.
   
     Moving the now-emptied washer was much easier.  She had been tempted to feng shui the leaky one into the spot nearest to the drain, but decided against it; for all she knew, the machine already in that place was worse off.  She hooked it back up, attached the e-paper with the hastily scrawled note Cracked Hose/ I Leak to the lid, and locked up for good.
   
     There had not been much to the load: hanging it on the line over the tub was a quickly accomplished task.  Her own pants were still damp, but not enough to warrant the line.  She left that pair draped over the closed rain-barrel. 
   
     She shrugged out of her shirt and jumped into her polar fleece pajamas.  A quick jack into the RCC yielded no replies yet.  She wasn't worried; Hrock and Arc were both busy people.

<<@Arr-Arr-Arr: Keep feelers out for a working washing machine for me.  Nothing set in stone yet—just a FYI.  What is ASAP though is a drain hose replacement for a '56 Kenndomore commercial top loader.  If that's too needle though, a bigger piece of haystack to wrap around and some glue will work.   We'll talk trade when you've got it.>>

Might as well get that old bloodhound on the trail, she thought.

     Message sent, she jacked out and stretched out on her hammock for some sleep.
     The sandman came quick.

_   _   _


   Although she was free to sleep in longer, her body clock was still set to rise before the start of garbage pick-up during the rest of the week; she was wide awake by six.

     She found a reply from Hrock, time stamped around the yesterday side of midnight.

<<Got yer cred.  I should have the comm in hand by tomorrow.  It sounds like you'll be in touch a lot with Arc, so I'll leave it with her next time I stop by the shop.  Dunno about who knows the 'hood best, but you will need to see a chummer fer sure:  name's Blue.    If he says yer fine, I'm sure he'll know who ta see.  Don't worry bout Blue either, he won't bite.  When is a good time fer you?>>

     The troll wanted to make the introduction as soon as possible, but...

<<@ Hrock:  Much as I'd love to say ASAP to meeting Blue, Arc asked me to help her out with a project.  As soon as my sched is clear, I'll holler.>>


     Satisfied, she jacked out and busied herself with breakfast:  an omelet filled with whatever perishables she had in the small refrigerator that were appropriate.  She saw no sense in lugging a full fridge halfway across the Barrens.

     And it was delicious to boot.

     After she cleaned up, she began setting things aside in two piles: one for essentials and one for “barterables.”

     The kitchenette was sorted and she had the laundry in the bathroom down and stowed before she checked her RCC again.

<<@Tuskaloosa{Arc}: Morning, just got your message. Hrock and I are tight, he's got a key to my place if you need to meet up before I can get you. Or he can drop it off, and you can tell him I gave the okay. I'll be there in a couple to pick you up. Have your gear ready, aright?>>

She grinned.

<<@Arc:  Sounds like you and he are tight--he already made plans to drop off my purchase at your place.  Hopefully, it will keep me in the loop better.  I'll be ready and waiting where you dropped me off.  As for gear, I'll have what I had last night...anything else I should think to include? >>
   
     While she waited for a response, Tuskaloosa took a rinse bath and changed into her other set of street clothes.  Fed, washed and clean...three for three.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-16-15/0922:05>
@ Yelena The second time she awakened it was to the noise of the door opening. A man dressed in slacks, a shirt and a beaded leather jacket stepped into the room and said, "I'm Shaman Flying Squirrel Tatuma. Glad to see you're awake. How do you feel?"

@ Arc  It had been a good morning. After researching brands, makes, models and comparison shopping price and function Arc not only had a list of things she needed she'd found a few things that she hadn't known she'd needed until she'd seen them. Now armed with a list she'd be able to talk to Hrock and TriggerT and see what they had and for how much.

@ Tusk  Ar-Ar-Ar answered saying, >>Washer be makin' yer brown eyes blue? I be on the lookout fer ya. Thinkin' maybe da hose fer da Sony H179A swamp cooler be fittin' it wid a little work an some clamps. You wanna try it I kin get it in a coupla hours. Have it to ya this afternoon.<<

@ Gilga Tammie had ended the night with a kiss. A kiss on the cheek. And she'd said, "Thanks Marco. Thanks for listening." Grinning then she'd added, "And thanks for not sleeping with me. I went into that bar to get back at Ralph. And would have hated how much I let him get to me to make me do that in the morning." She pauses then on the way towards her bike looking the almost empty parking lot and then at you with a slight frown. "Do you need a ride?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-16-15/0954:15>
@ Subaru  Matsuuri covered her shock at Subaru's answer and dancing skills in less time than an eye blink. If Subaru hadn't been watching for it she'd have missed it. And then she'd proceeded to dance with a skill and sultry sexiness to the technovibe that had others eyeing her and stepping in to dance with her as she turned syncopated to the rhythm. For her part Subaru noted that Matsuuri used the music and the moves to study the place and the layout and once even caught Subaru's eye and used a swaying head jerk to point out a Martian colony display that was very well placed for surveillance and security feeds. Soon after that Matsuuri had taken her arm and had led her off the dance floor past what almost had to be house security guard despite the few dance moves and drink in her hand saying, "I promised you a good time tonight and this place is well known for it's party favors." She'd led them to a private table then and ordered for the both of them and when their order had come had drunk hers and leaning into Subaru ear and making a show of stroking her breast while barely skimming it had whispered. "Drink. It is alcoholic, but only mildly so. I need you clear headed. Then take the Alien Explosion into your mouth and pretend to swallow it with your drink. Do not get it wet. It dissolves fairly quickly. Pass it to me when I kiss you and then wrap your arms around me and run your hands over my body and pretend to respond to the drug. I'll activate the privacy screens after a few minutes and you can go to work." Subaru knew that Matsuuri was bisexual. But, she was being surprisingly light handed in her stroking and touching more of her arms, back and thigh.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-16-15/1031:56>
Yelena gets the tingle that says her text was not delivered.  She frowns a bit then shrugs her shoulders.  They all know where she went, and this would not be the first time in her life she was alone.

She sits up when the door opens and the stranger enters her room.  "Yelena getting better.  Too much drink.  Too much drug.  Something bad in mix."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-16-15/1212:30>
@ Yelena  The Shaman looks at you and nods his head agreeably. "I would say that that is definitely a true statement for you. I've done as much as I can do here. But, you really didn't need much, more just to sleep it off. I would like to do one more check and then I can either release you or send you on to a medical facility for further assessment and evaluation. It's my understanding that your party has left the club. But, the room was theirs for the entire night if you want to return there although I wouldn't recommend it."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-16-15/1435:15>
“Yes please... It  will be nice, and don’t worry about that, some things are easier to tear down than to build. It is me who need to thank you for showing me the city, I have never seen the night sky quite like that before.” Tammie then drop me off downtown near my apartment and disappears into the night.   As I enter my house I seat in the balcony pondering how different the night could go. If only I was more of myself, Tammie was probably enjoyable but no more than a conquest. I am not sure how long I’ll even be named Marco so a healthy relationship is not something that can possibly grow there. Not from her side too. So it is best left like that. Besides that, sexing my way into another emotional nightmare is the last thing I want... in fact girls like Ginny can sure get me to follow my vows again.

At the end of the day, I kind of like having the house to myself It was violated by too many people and I am not sure how long I can actually keep it now that I made up my mind to disappear from my masters. They may control the gateways to haven and there may be a scientific proof that heaven and hell actually exist. Mages been there and the ancient lore proved useful for interacting with angles and demons alike. Yet, giving up my own judgement and my own sense of right and wrong just for a get out of hell free card? This just do not make sense to me - if nothing we do matters than what is the point of even trying.

It is a shame that Yelena is not around more often... Despite all the sweet words I feel relieved that Ginny found some hotel to stay in.  Tonight, sleeping alone in my bed is the most rewarding ending, but before I can collect my reward, I finish with a short prayer for the well being of the people know and love.  The last prayer is a personal one for myself, I wish that either Gabriel will finally show mercy and pass my letters to my family, or that my family will have some mercy on me and form connection. The knowledge that they are alive and well, yet do nothing to even contact me, talk to me ask me about my life, love me. Sometimes I wish they were all dead, god-forbid it would make accepting it a lot easier. Why are they ignoring me all these years? Perhaps I should come to visit it will be dangerous but at-least I’ll have some closure one way or the other.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-16-15/2010:49>
@ Arc  It had been a good morning. After researching brands, makes, models and comparison shopping price and function Arc not only had a list of things she needed she'd found a few things that she hadn't known she'd needed until she'd seen them. Now armed with a list she'd be able to talk to Hrock and TriggerT and see what they had and for how much.

Arc couldn't help but give a grin as she filtered and compiled the information she had put together during her morning searching, sorting it into a compact ARO listing to use and share as she had needed.  As she walked into TriggerT's establishment, the smell of his cooking was the first thing to assault her senses, causing her to pause a bit as she sniffed the air.  Hooo, he wasn't joking  She gave a little laugh to herself as she stepped in fully, multitasking through her list as she waved down TriggerT.  "Hoi, you get me a bit o' that to go, I can guarantee we get some cred goin', you feel me?"

"I read ya, lass.  Come on back, let's see what we can get ya..."

Following the dwarf back through his hidey-hole, the short girl's jaw almost dropped at the array and arsenal of goods, guns, armor, you name it that greeted her upon her arrival.  "Drek..business be boomin' yo..."  She muttered to herself as she glanced around, quickly taking in all the stuff, her eyes finally falling on a rack of armored jackets as her first interest, freshly made with sizes labeled.  Fishing through with her hands, she plucked one that was fitted to her stout frame quite nicely, a dusky black synthfabric with a high collar.  "Hey, that's my size...no marks on it either, wiz.  You holding onto this one, omae?"

"Naw, lass, that one can be yours if the cred's good."  The dwarf smirked back, giving a lift of the head to indicate the go ahead.

Nodding in recognition, the mechanic was grinning as she pulled the item off the rack, setting it on the dwarf's center worktable before speaking up again, pulling up her list.  "I know we came here for drones, but think you can get me any of this drek?  Would save me a trip"  Sharing the ARO, she watched as the dwarf perused it, fingers scratching at his face idly until he emitted a low whistle.

"Whew, you're looking at  packing away some firepower there, ain't ya.  Naw, this kinda tech is outside my field, you better off checking with yo uncle.  You were here for some firepower in a drone package, though, right?  Give me a sec, I'll show you what I got on hand..."  Pulling his goggles up onto his forehead, TriggerT retreated to a back room, leaving Arc a moment to peruse the array of weapons and sort through her thoughts.  She idly ran her hands over a pair of gold-plated Colt America's, admiring the seamless integration of the extended barrels and counterweights, and..was that a laser sight built into the grip?  Impressive..this guy knows his stuff... 

Her thoughts were interrupted as her AR vision popped up with a message...a reply from Tuskaloosa...

<<@Arc:  Sounds like you and he are tight--he already made plans to drop off my purchase at your place.  Hopefully, it will keep me in the loop better.  I'll be ready and waiting where you dropped me off.  As for gear, I'll have what I had last night...anything else I should think to include? >>

Smiling a bit, Arc took a moment to compose herself before firing up her messenger app, starting to make some rapidfire messages.  Knowing Hrock was not one for dealing in bioware, she considered a moment before figuring out who she could contact.

<<@Tuskaloosa: Wiz.  I'm making an errand now, you're next on my list.  Bring anything you'd need for a wild night.  You watch combat biking much?  Might be a factor, hehe.  See ya in a beat>>

<<@Hrock: Hey Uncle.  Thanks again for hooking me up with the engine.  Gonna be a hell of a project.  Anyhow, I know you working on the 'links for me, thanks for that.  I am now looking for some nova tech, and need some help finding it.  Think you can score me any of These{Attachment Enclosed}  Lemme know, omae, you're doing me a solid>>

<<@Jaime: Good morning hon.  Loved your note.  Hope your day is going wizbiz.  Hey, you think i should get some tusks put in, so you and your Sruiken can both say you've bonded with an ork? :P  hahahaha.  Really though, favor?  Know any buddies or clinics that deal in 'ware?  Loves~>>

<<@Sarge: Arc here.  Heard the Howlers have been doing good after the blood incident on 53rd.  Just a heads up, I think I'm gonna be ruining a go-daddy crew's night, should be fun.  Finding myself needing a loan for a troll-suiting set of wheels.  I'm offering three tech fixes by my hands, no questions asked, for one or two nights.  Think we can deal?>>

Satisfied with her messages, the rigger sent all of them out to their respective destinations, sighing a little as she went over the guns again, admiring the workmanship and the various add-ons and customizations to be found.  It was several minutes before TriggerT came back out, pushing a cart covered with a tarp.  "Get a load of these..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-16-15/2131:15>
Maybe I've sold her short...

I'll be honest, I'm familiar with people who are different on the job than off it.  I thought I fit that description back at the arcology.  But Matsuuri takes it to an art.  Now in her element, with her honor on the line, she's totally professional.

Even as she shakes her hoop off and smiles like a fool at everyone around her.

Dancing with her, it's so easy to forget where I am.  To imagine I'm with my girlfriends back at the Avalon or the Attica.  To pretend that my detail would take me safely home where I'd sleep until noon and have lunch with mother.

But there's no armed escort waiting.  No fluffy queen bed and down pillows.  No lunch with servants and my mother to chat about our latest exploits on the 'trix.

No, there's just me, Matsuuri, and a club full of staff who would likely kill me if they knew what I planned.  A mission which if I flub up will result in my 'date' and I tossed out cold with tomorrow's garbage.

Matsuuri is all that stands between me and the cold beyond.  And she knows it too.  And takes it seriously.

Maybe things haven't changed so much after all.

Focus on the mission, special teams.  Do your job and your people will keep you alive.

When Matsuuri finally made the dash for a table, I was ready.  Ever since I figured out what she was up to, I'd been attentive to every gesture knowing it might mean something.  Knowing that now it might be what kept us both alive through this.  By now I even understood her intimate touching was part of the cover, and that she could have taken advantage of it a lot more if she'd wanted to, but wasn't.

"I promised you a good time tonight and this place is well known for it's party favors."

Once again, she's a different person on the job.  I watch her schmooze the staff, making sure to make it look like we we're both drinking but instead managing to drink for both of us for the most part.  True, I can't avoid imbibing entirely tonight, but then again I'm not totally naive either.  I've had drinks before despite my age.  Not many, but more than a few.  I'm not very good at holding my liquor, but with Matsurri's help the amount I've had won't affect my decking.

The capsule in my hand is another matter...

After downing my drink I let my mouth clear.  My anxiety helps to dry my mouth.  I quickly pop the capsule as instructed and pretend to swallow, immediately leaning my head back like I'm entering a trip.  My eyes are closed and I feel Matsuuri's arms surround me and her lips take me.  She's not the first girl I've kissed, but she's definitely the most experienced.  Still, I get the sense she's holding back as our tongues effect the hand-off of the rapidly dissolving capsule.  Our lips close although the contact lingers.  Moments later we kiss some more for effect, but the drug is gone.

I can feel the girl holding me become warm.  Her hands become just slightly more frenzied, but despite the drug the Yak lieutenant manages to hold herself in check.  My own fumbling efforts to make a show for the camera likely helps bank her passions - I have no clue how to pleasure someone even if I wanted to.  Still, the idea that I was desired, even as a result of a drug, was intoxicating in it's own way.  I am ashamed to say I feel disappointment when the privacy field draws down on us and Matsuuri pulls herself away from me.

"Dammit girl!  I thought you were cold meat.  What the hell kinda act is that raghead shit?  If I knew you were this hot..."  her voice trails off and she takes a deep breath.  "Get to work, princess, before I rip that fragging dress off and take you right here."  The threat isn't even veiled.  Her eyes are menacing and her lips are red with desire rather than gloss.

Rather than argue, I dip my hand into my handbag and pull out my trusty little Erika.  I know I'm presumptuous to say a brief prayer when I'm dressed as I am, with a woman who I just kissed and who wants to jump me where I stand, and with alcohol still in my veins, but I do this for a higher cause and I can just hope Allah understands.  In any case, I will need His blessing if I'm to pull off what I'm about to do with only an Erika.

It helps that I'm in the club.  No dealing with GOD or shifting grids.  I'm right here in the host.  But the club must have planned for clever deckers working from the inside.  I'm better than most, but I'm gimped by my low tech.  Still, no use worrying about what I cannot change now.  I slip the cable into the back of my neck and allow myself to first bring up AR and scan my surroundings.

The privacy screen works both ways, so I cannot see out any more than someone on the outside could see in.  It seems likely they thought of someone using the screen to mask nefarious activities.  They minimized the risk of problems by making the inside of the bubble its own little world.  But the screen itself is tech.  I focus on the screen generator which by necessity exists both within and outside the field.

And beyond that, it must be connected to the host.

[spoiler]Place a mark on the privacy field generator: 12d6t5: 3 [12d6t5=1, 1, 5, 1, 3, 6, 4, 1, 1, 6, 2, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/334238)[/spoiler]

I'm in!  The privacy screen isn't a very smart device, but it doesn't have to be.  I just need it as a conduit to keep working my way into the system.  It's like a beachhead for the Imperial Marines.  From here, I enter the Stardust host as if I am a device that belongs here.  Nothing interesting here, Mr IC.  Just a dumb ol' privacy screen doing some data checks.  Routine stuff.  Not worth your attention.

Hopefully the security system will be as tolerant of my ruse...

[spoiler]Mark #1 on Stardust security server: 12d6t5: 4 [12d6t5=3, 5, 5, 2, 4, 1, 6, 5, 2, 1, 3, 1]
[url=http://orokos.com/roll/334257]Mark #2 on Stardust security server: 12d6t5: 6 [12d6t5=4, 2, 4, 5, 5, 5, 2, 3, 1, 5, 5, 5]
[url=http://orokos.com/roll/334262]Mark #3 on Stardust security server: 12d6t5: 4 [12d6t5=2, 5, 1, 1, 3, 6, 2, 4, 3, 5, 5, 3][/spoiler]

With my marks on the system, I proceed to download an image of the server's contents.  This will take a bit of time given the size of the files, but no one should be bothering the two of us since we're supposed to be in the midst of a phenomenal make out session.  With any luck, I won't jack out to find that Matsuuri lost her battle with the drugs and is making love to my limp body in meatspace.

One of the occupational hazards of being a decker...and a mage...

Okay, now for something I can actually do something about.  The back door.  I'm sure Arc will appreciate this as much as the Yak will...

[spoiler][url=http://orokos.com/roll/334267]Computer + logic to set up a back door: 12d6t5: 4 [12d6t5=1, 4, 2, 3, 5, 4, 6, 4, 4, 6, 3, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/334256)[/spoiler]

And while I wait for the files to copy down, I may as well take a peek for myself to see what is happening around the place...

[spoiler]Snoop to catch camera feed: 11d6t5: 2 [11d6t5=1, 3, 4, 6, 1, 4, 1, 5, 2, 3, 3] (http://orokos.com/roll/334270)

Not a very good die roll, but I only needed one mark and have three.  I will ask for GM's grace here...

I will limit myself to just video and no audio as a result of the low roll.  It'll create more tension that way. :-)[/spoiler]

I have some trouble getting the system to cooperate with me, but with some effort I manage to navigate through the live feeds around the club.  As Matsuuri indicated, the Martian display is a camera.  Heck, there are cameras covering just about everywhere in the club.  Even the bathrooms.  Private rooms...uhhh...wow, I didn't know that fit there...

The down side of a photographic memory is that once you see something, you can never unsee it.

On to the kitchen, hallways, holding cells, outsi...wait!

Back...holding cell...oh

...drek...

...no...

Yelena-sensei!
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-17-15/0346:46>
Despite the term "holding cell" that the security system uses to describe the unadorned, nondescript room, the Russian elf seems to be comfortable.  She has a bed and is not bound or confined.  I can see her sitting up speaking to a rather pleasant-looking man dressed in slacks, shirt, and a beaded leather jacket.  Despite my best efforts, I cannot get audio.  The system is catching audio, I just can't access it.  I wish I could hear what they're saying, but at least Yelena doesn't seem agitated.  Just...well, it's pretty obvious she's drugged.  The billion nuyen question is whether she was drugged intentionally to make her compliant or whether she's coming off a high she took on herself. 

I watch the feed helplessly even as my Erika continues to devour the massive data feed from the security system.  Maybe the answer will lie there?  If only I had a wired connection so that I didn't have to wait so long...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-17-15/0637:51>
Yelena nods in agreement as she tries to think.  The drugs are still flowing through her system and she does not feel all that well.  "Yelena live where cab not go.  Must walk some.  Yelena stay here on bed to rest?  Leave after feel better?  Maybe have water to drink then do last check?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-17-15/1748:52>
@ Yelena  Shamen Tatuma nods and says, "I think that's wise. I'll have one of the waitresses bring you a glass of water and a little food. Don't force yourself to eat what you don't want. But, I think something solid in your system would do you good." He points to the camera in the north upper corner of the room and says, "The room is fairly spartan to keep people from hurting themselves. But, you're perfectly safe. I've been monitoring you the whole time. And when you finally feel ready to leave just wave at me every minute or so until I come or have one of the security guards come and take you out of here back into the club. You're currently underneath the club proper and I don't want you to get lost.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-17-15/1802:08>
The previous day:

Blake was right with m trying to hide his astonishment I use the fast intelink to his mind to test the water. “First let's speak money, both money on the work this gig costs me, both for looking back to the job done and for looking forward. How does 30k for the job done so far, divided equally with the surviving members of the team. Me Arc and Yelena sounds? This is on the past, we risked our lifes to infiltrate this club and our efforts should not go unrewarded, Feathers did not make it and I rescued a guy from their basement they are the torture kind. If we risked our necks we get paid for the past, this is what creates a base for the future.

Second is the future, at the end of this gig I need a legit SIN tailored especially for me. I have some shit hunting my past and I want to try and shake these assholes. This and more money regarding the length of the mission, every week that I am entangled in this shit We want 10k each. This is deep cover, the risks are staggering  and two of our team are gone, three if you include the one I rescued from that basement. Are we on the same page so far? Can we start talking about our end game? “

****
(A flashback for a chat with Yelena if Mercy is up for it).

Finally after a while Yelena had time for me, just a bit I joined her as she was smoking and ask her. “Do you like assassinating people? “
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-17-15/1838:23>
@ Arc  Jaime answers you,  >>Hey babe. Funnily enough I was just talking to Henri about almost the exact same thing and he recommended a guy by the name of Samuel Brotherton. Said he was a bit of an odd duck but solid where it counts and what you pay for is what you actually get. Number is AJ55243HG17942. My boss said the last patient today has cancelled and since I've picked up most of the overtime. Anyway I need to hurry and get to my next patient. Love ya.<<
 In a moment he's gone and you just missed what TriggerT's was saying. "I've got everything on your list as far as weapons. Including that drone you wanted, although that isn't in stock here, I can have it to you by the end of the day.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-17-15/1855:21>
Yelena smiles at the shaman.  "Yelena thank.  Club men bring Yelena dress?"



-------------

[Flashback]  Yelena looks Marco while she sucks some smoke in and blows it out into the cold afternoon air.  "Yes.  Yelena like.  Is expression of ability.  Besides, almost only thing Yelena know.  Yelena good at kill others.  Why Marco ask?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-17-15/1859:31>
@ Marco  Blake had looked at you and said,  I understand the risks you all took and I respect that you're still here. What i can tell you is that I'm going to make sure every single one of your requests are met. I personally think that for the level of risk that they're reasonable.  He'd paused thinking and then had looked you in the eye.I don't know this team. Don't know what they're capable of. I know that I'm just going on faith here. Faith in Stewarts judgement and plan. But, for right now that's all I've got. But, if we're going to make this work I can't keep going on faith. I'm going to need to know what each of you are capable of and what you each bring to the mission. I don't have Stewarts gift for using people. What I do have is my word that I will not risk your lives without there being a damn good reason whose benefits outweigh the risks. And I will ask you to take that risk knowing what's at stake every step of the way. You will never go into a situation blind. I will give you every bit of intel I have and that's a promise. He'd reached into a small pocket on his boots near a buckle and had pulled out a credstick. Thirty for the work already done. He pulls out four more credsticks from small pockets on different parts of his body. Marco had to admit they were well hidden. Until Blake reached a finger into each pocket they looked seamless. Ten each for this week in advance and ten for a full suit and shoes and comm so that you can pull off the look of one very pricey lawyer.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-17-15/1921:39>
Arc could actually feel her cheeks flush a bit at Jaime's response, minimizing the ARO with a bit of fluster as she looked back at the dwarf, smirking a bit.  "That'll do wiz by me.  I'll be by either tonight or tomorrow to swing it, depending on how I can get my drek to line up, ya heard?  I'll take a few mods for it as well, and some ammo if you can spare it.  Here..."  She fished out a credstick from her pocket, slotting it with the dwarf to cover the jacket as she picked it up off the table.  "I'll need this tonight for sure.  Thanks omae.  Send me a comm when the stuff's available, ya heard?"  The dwarf gave a grinning nod in response, the two shaking hands as Arc departed, a bag of the sausage and a new armor jacket in hand.

As she returned to her Americar, Arc pulled up her messenger app again, smiling a little as she reviewed Jaime's reply.  Seeing as she was still waiting on replies from Yelena, Subaru, Hrock, Angel, and Sarge, the girl took a second to work up a couple more messages out.

<<@Jaime: Really?  Talking to Henri about that for you or me? Hahahah.  Either way, thanks for the commcode.  What time are you home tonight?  I've got a thing tonight, but if you're off early enough, we can have dinner?  Have fun, love ya too>>

<<@Samuel: Hello Mr. Brotherton, I was recommended your name as someone who works well with 'ware of the bio and cyber grade.  I'm in the market for a sleeping regulator for my line of work.  I can pay with a credstick.  Think we can deal?>>

<<@Marco{Arc}:  Hey omae.  I got a job tonight taking a bone from some dogs.  Might need some mojo support.  I'll swing you a cut if you want in?>>

Satisfied with her messages, Arc sent them out with a grin as she felt her stuff come together finally.  Firing up the car's engine, the short girl sped off to join the sunday traffic, taking it easy with some hard rock music on the radio as she made her way to the meetup point for Tuskaloosa.  She was actually quite surprised that she got there a bit earlier than she intended, pulling up and parking within sight of the location and easing back into her seat, shifting her hips a bit and getting comfy while she pinged Tuska's comm, letting the time pass by while she waited for the multiple balls she was juggling fall back into her court...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-17-15/2110:37>
@ Subaru  Yelena wasn't anywhere that Subaru could find. There were more than enough security cam's covering the floor space for Subaru to be able to account for the entire layout. But, she had to be here. Jacked into the system the way she was she couldn't be receiving this feed from anywhere else. But where? Ok, where ever Yelena was wasn't covered by the club's regular security cams. So, somwhere where they'd cared enough about privacy to put it on a completely different system. But, they still had to have something in common. Something that Subaru could use to find out where Yelena was. But what? What systems do they have to have in common?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-17-15/2219:22>
Where is she?

Based just on cameras I've discovered that it can be very difficult at times to find frames of reference.  Still, many if not most of the angles I can place.  Those places I can fit into my incomplete understanding of the building, I cross off my list.  I focus only on those camera angles that I can't explain.  Monitoring those, I wait for the man currently talking with Yelena-sensei to leave.  My hope is that he will provide me the frame of reference I need as he walks somewhere else.  As he moves, I should be able to connect camera shots until I can reference someplace I can recognise.  Then the whole thing should piece together like a jigsaw puzzle with a picture you recognise.

As I wait for the man to move, and for the files to keep downloading, I also search the security server for schematics of the building, possibly with camera placement.  I have three marks on the damn thing, I should be able to get it to cough up its secrets.

[spoiler]Search the security server for building schematics: 12d6t5: 4 [12d6t5=2, 5, 4, 2, 1, 3, 6, 6, 2, 5, 2, 3] (http://orokos.com/roll/334632)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-17-15/2237:27>
@ Yelena  He smiles at you and says. I'll have it brought when they bring you the food and water. And so far your vital signs are  stable. I've made a list of the drugs and alcohol you've taken tonight and have it. I'll transfer to your comm so that you can look it over and see if there's anything new that could have caused this as soon as you give me your number."
Not long after he leaves a waitress comes with food and drink and her dress. She smiles politely, her tusks accenting her smile and says, ""There you go. On the house." she leaves quickly obviously needing to get back to workan never

@ Subaru  The man  never emerges. Damnit! What's taking him so long? She finds the buildings safety plan and fire escape routes. Hmmm, not even club security can keep a fire escape route secret. The powers that be, and more importantly license, would frown on that sort of behavior. And looking through it Subaru finds, a basement! Of course! And wait, now there's a woman with Yelena-sensei, a waitress by the looks of it. She spends several minutes helping Yelena dress. Subaru loses her the minute she leaves the room. She keeps scanning all the feeds searching for her. Surely they can't both just disappear. The club would have no staff if that was the case. And yes! She's coming out of a small door in the back near the kitchen. The way the shadows fall it blends in perfectly to not be see it in this light.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-18-15/0115:46>
Yelena smiles at the shaman and gives him her comm code.  "Thank for interest in Yelena.  Can take message club boss?  Say Yelena sorry.  Tell Yelena can pay for damages.  Yelena think remember hit man who help.  Want say sorry."

She is grateful when the waitress comes with the food and her dress.  "Food smell nice.  Yelena thank.  Can please stay minute to help Yelena dress?  Cannot reach fasteners."  Yelena removes the clothes she is in and slips into the cheongsam, which since it was not on her for long, is still in very good condition.  She thanks the waitress for helping her and waits for her to leave before eating a bit of the food.  Taking the shaman's advice, she does not force herself to eat, but swigs through the water.  After eating what she can, Yelena sits on the small bed and rests with her back to the wall.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-18-15/0232:45>
So they have Yelena in a locked room in the basement and, but the man talking with her seems pleasant enough and they're bringing her what looks like water and a snack.  She's drugged, but was it by choice or did they drug her to get information from her?  Without audio, I just can't tell.

She's cooperating, though.  Eating, drinking.  Would Yelena-sensei give in to an interrogation like this, even drugged?  Maybe if the drugs cade her think she was with Arc-sensei?  I can't use magic through a camera so I can't tell if they're using illusion.  Not that I know anything about illusions myself.

Wait, isn't Marco-san an illusion master?

Whatever I may think of him, Yelena-sensei trusts him.  And he's part of their team.  Until I know for sure Yelena-sensei is in danger, I shouldn't bug Arc.  Not when she's with her mate.  But Marco-san?

The video records are still downloading and all looks unchanged in the holding cell, so I pull up Marco-san's comm info from the ghost image I have for safekeeping and send him an urgent message.

>>Marco-san, this is Firefly.  Right to the point, I am inside the security camera feed at the Stardust and I can see Yelena in custody in what seems like some kind of holding cell in a basement that isn't supposed to exist according to the building schematics.  I can't get audio.  She's talking with a man who might be a shaman based on his outfit, but I can't assense through a camera.  He may be using illusion to trick her and I wouldn't know.  Yelena looks comfortable sitting on a bed, but she's clearly drugged.  I don't know whether by choice or not.  They're giving her what looks like a light snack and water.  She seems to be talking a lot to the man, so it may be an interrogation...I just can't be sure.  I can't stay connected to the cameras for much longer or I may be in danger.  I can explain that part later.  Advice ASAP re: Yelena would be appreciated. ~FF<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-18-15/0242:57>
Yesterday at arcs.

Marco sighs and say “Because this is the fate that I was born and groomed for. Justice, fast, loud dramatic and public, very public.  They call themselves Biblical Justice, and you can only imagine the things they had in mind with this kind of name.  I am not exactly the kind of man to deliver the judgement of allegedly god to people. I am a person and a sinner and who am I to judge others for their sins? If I am to judge anyone I should start with myself not with complete strangers.

You can imagine that this kind of life philosophy that I am not exactly a good match for Biblical justice. At the age of 18 when the program was over, I was sent here providing I never talk to anyone of my former life or my family again. I was promised safety if I keep my mouth shut. I was certain that BJ are going to kill me, so I made what I could out of life. Live intense and full of emotion, but this kind of life got me to develop my skills and my mojo.

It reached a point that I feel that they allowed me to live to see if the the outside world can cure my apparent impotence and lack of understanding of their teachings. Would they really let me go after spending so many years trying to shape and manipulate me?  Why didn’t they just kill me? I am nothing but a loose end.  I thought about these questions all the time, but as time passed I left them in my life and got accustomed to the blissful life.

But all good dreams end, and recently they asked for a favor. It was nothing big - just a bunch of text messages without anything that is of interest to them. I have done much worse with other people, and the person they asked about is a very good person. Even by their own standards. The book I brought has that information they seek thanks to Firefly.  They sent me this picture: 

I say and show Yelena the picture of Marta and Ginny leaving the hotel. “The right one is me.” I say bluntly. “At first I thought that they are after me because my life is one big abomination in their eyes. If anyone deserves some BJ it is me. However, paranoia aside, that was also the case when I left for Seattle two years ago. I was openly gay and having difficulty controlling my sexuality, they allowed me undisturbed life then, what changed now?

Looking at that picture now, I think that that picture is an admission of talent. If I am correct there are going to be more favors down the road. You see, I can look like everyone, sweet talk my way into places I may not be a good much for public displays of “Justice” but I can be the perfect assassin. The kind that strikes from the dark and infiltrate places. I think that this may be why they are still interested in me. They own me and my day job is a beacon of skill at becoming different people.  “

 I take a deep breath and ask.
“I need your help, murder is almost the greatest of sins... but there must be some special fate reserved for those that abuse the Lord to justify their murder. I waited two years and now time is of the essence, I need to become a shadow, an illusion to vanish from their reach. Only by embracing the shadows there is future for me and some fragments of my soul.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-18-15/1101:38>
FLASHBACK:....

Yelena smokes and listens to Marco.  This was the most he had ever said to her, maybe to anyone, of his past.  When he seems finished she responds, "Marco say much.  Yelena not sure to answer right.  Marco trained to be church assassin but not like kill?  Marco think sent Seattle no reason?  Yelena think Marco naïve.  Church have Marco string.  Now time pull string.  Soon church ask more and more.  Church like Vory.  Control people by fear.  Fear of hell and damnation.  When that not work, church kill.  Marco tell Yelena what is difference.  Yelena wish have Marco mojo skill.  Make very good assassin.  Marco and Yelena pair better than other assassins if work together.  Marco conflicted because believe in God.  If God exists, not just God.  Explain Yelena and others.  Yelena kill much for anger.  Much innocent death.  Men, women even children.  Just God kill Yelena long ago.  Yelena still live.  No just God."

"YYelena help Marco if ask.  Marco willing change life?  Live shadows?  Give fancy place away?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-18-15/1342:51>
Marco sigh, “About BJ I totally agree, they want to push my buttons and use me for their own needs. This is why I want to disappear. But I do not want to disappear just so I can kill people for some other cause. I’ll give up the apartment in time and all the comforts that came with it. I slept most my life on a wooden bed and lived the most modest conditions. This is why I appreciate comforts so much, because I do not take them for granted.

If you had my mojo... I doubt you’d like your job. My package comes with deep emotions toward other people and with endless empathy to the point of being able to share pain and desires. Do you really want to feel the suffering you cause?

About the Lord? I come from a religion that say that the best a man can ever be, the son of god. Died on the cross for sins that were not his own. The world does not behave in a way that you understand. The Lord is not some Vory boss that strikes the sinners. Faith gives you the notion of right and wrong and the ability to choose between them and without it life are random and have no meaning at all. At the base of these notions there is the Lord,and the freedom to make our own choices and our own mistakes.

BJ thinks that they are showing you mercy by killing you.  After all, you made all the wrong choices in life and by ending your life early they save you from your future sins and future consequences.  I think that it is not for us to decide how many opportunities one receives. The fact that you are still alive is a beacon of the free choice that we are given.  The choice to make the wrong decisions in your case. To make it more ironic, you describe the shadows as a guardian angel. You cheated death numerous times, survived things that no one else does. You received supernatural help and you even believe so yourself. Yet you choose not to believe, if you must open that Pandora's box I think that it makes you fascinating.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-18-15/1427:15>
FLASHBACK

Yelena shakes her head and puts a hand to her ears, her forehead, and her heart.  "Yelena hear shadow.  Yelena know shadow.  Yelena feel shadow.  Yelena not smart.  Not say right.  Yelena know shadow supernatural.  But shadow not just.  Shadow not evil.  Shadow simply is.  Most people not know real shadow.  Yelena take Marco so shadow place, but Marco need hear shadow on own."  She shrugs and takes another cigar from her case, offering one to Marco.  After lighting up, she says, "Yelena go Europe soon.  Yelena ask Marco if come.  Leave maybe two weeks.  Go finish something started long ago.  Tsina Molovna betray Yelena.  Betray Vory and Vory family.  Long story but Yelena know where Tsina is.  Yelena go finish story.  Tsina die or Yelena die.  Maybe both die.  Yelena die someday and go back to shadow.  Maybe now, after kill betrayer."  She shrugs her shoulders again.  "Something here strange for Yelena.  Yelena meet Arc.  Meet Marco.  Live Barrens.  Yelena want stay.  Want home.  Want........something.  But will be Yelena if stay?  Yelena think no.  So maybe stay Europe when go.  Go places been before.  Try forget Barrens.  Be Yelena.  Marco come Yelena?  Cannot promise love.  Yelena not know what love is.  But Yelena promise show Marco life.  Show shadow.  Show world."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-18-15/1501:53>
Quote
"Yelena hear shadow.  Yelena know shadow.  Yelena feel shadow.  Yelena not smart.  Not say right.  Yelena know shadow supernatural.  But shadow not just.  Shadow not evil.  Shadow simply is.  Most people not know real shadow.  Yelena take Marco so shadow place, but Marco need hear shadow on own."

All the angles and all the daemons are like that Yelena, every creation has a reason. Shadow is about survival, about enduring and Agrat is about passion about the will to live. None of them is good or evil, they are facts of life forces of nature if you wish, but I believe that every creation serves its goal, even Shadow. You do not have to agree with me, it is not like I got this truth, my life are filled with doubts and with seeking my way trying to do what I think is right. 

Quote
"Yelena go Europe soon.  Yelena ask Marco if come.  Leave maybe two weeks.  Go finish something started long ago.  Tsina Molovna betray Yelena.  Betray Vory and Vory family.  Long story but Yelena know where is.  Yelena go finish story.  Tsina die or Yelena die.  Maybe both die.  Yelena go someday back to shadow.  Maybe now."

My answer would be yes even if you wanted to take me to Hades and in a way you do. Like you stated yourself, Vory are thugs that manipulate you and control you for their own reasons.But search your heart to forgive Tsina for what happened all these years ago. You were betrayed by her, she was betrayed by her lover. Everybody betrayed everybody and in the place where we are all right there is nothing left...  But if you cannot find that mercy in your heart and if you have to face her after all these years then you must be the same person that was tossed to that frozen river and I will not try to deny your right for retribution. If one of you must die, then it is better her than you.

Quote
"Something here strange for Yelena.  Yelena meet Arc.  Meet Marco.  Live Barrens.  Yelena want stay.  Want home.  Want........something.  But will be Yelena if stay?  Yelena think no.  So maybe stay Europe when go.  Go places been before.  Try forget Barrens.  Be Yelena.  Marco come Yelena?"

You know what they say, you can never be tossed into the same river twice. The river seems the same but all the water have already moved on. The second time you enter the river, it is a different river. We are like rivers, Yelena every day that pass we are changed. Like the river, we look the same but inside  we are different people. I need to hide and Europe is as good place as any. As long as you desire my companionship I’d love to stick with you.


==============
Present time:
Marco text Arc >> If you need help then you get it. I hope the night turns out well for us.

==============
Blake chat.

 
"This is very generous of you, now what do we need to know? I am good with words and still making my first steps in the world of magic. Arc is a mechanic and turns rigger. But she is more than that she has way with people and she is good as an adult to balance us. I am too green and Yelena, she is volatile on her own but one of the best assassins in the shadows. She is also a lot more than that, I wish I had her self confidence bravery and determination. What I fake with social skills she genuinely have.  We might be growing to add a Decker on board, again Arc is sort of our unofficial leader she makes these things happen.

About that lawyer, it is not just buying a suit and a comlink although I appreciate the cash. I need data and a lot of it. I can look like him, but can I BE him? Think about how difficult it was to fool you about Sam. You asked me a question and I had no idea what Sam would answer. I need to know everything about him and everything about his profession to a point where I can make lawyer jokes about cases in his field of expertise. Know exactly how he behaves. If he is handsy with his secretary and I am suddenly a gentleman it raises suspicion. The more you give me the safer I am. Either deliver information, or we'll require funds for someone that can do this kind of legwork for us. I can use my networking to do it but I'll have to pay external people to get this kind of detailed information I need to stay alive.

and we still need to talk about the end game."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-18-15/1553:22>
@ Marco. Blake smiles at you and says. "Actually, that was my job. To get every bit of that information. The kind you can't get from the trix or the bios. I've been there two months collectting just that kind of data. You'll have everything you need in an hour."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-18-15/1632:20>
Blake flashback
=============
"When do I need to be ready?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-18-15/2107:52>
FLASHBACK........

Yelena looks at Marco and chuckles.  "Careful what say."  She points to the scrolls on her visible upper arms and softly adds.  "Yelena said oaths.  Yelena believe oaths.  Yelena is Vory, Marco.  Always Vory.  Live and die Vory.  Vory is family and place.  Are criminals, yes.  Thugs, yes.  But Yelena belong.  Never quit."  She shakes her head.  "Marco not understand.  Kill Tsina not revenge.  Is justice.  Is honor.  Tsina did only thing never forgive for.  She betray Vory.  Kill own Vory family.  No, forgiveness not possible."

Yelena looks at Marco through the smoke and falling snow and smiles.  "Marco now philosopher?  Yelena like.  Good analogy.  But Yelena like Yelena.  Not want change.  And need be ready soon.  Yelena tell Nikolai Fyodorovich tomorrow who come with.  Arrangements be made.  Leave maybe two weeks. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-18-15/2150:08>
Marco answer “Lived and died Vory. In the past, you died Vory at least once.
They used you, just like church use me. Vory is family? is that really so?!" Marco is very upset when he say these lines.

"You cannot betray family, not ever!, whatever they do to you they remain your family. Flesh of your own. My parents are still my parents even after they gave me up to the church.  Not a day passes without me thinking about them, about what kind of people they are and about my twin sister and what kind of person she grew up to be. Family is family is family, you do not get to leave family, you cannot be kicked out of a family not even if you betray them.

Can you really say that Tsina is your sister? Is she your sister?!  After 28 years of not seeing your sister, you are going to spill her blood. No mercy just justice! You are right, she deserves to die, but so do you. Justice is an ugly word used by monsters to explain their atrocities. If the world was all about justice then we'd all be burning in righteous fire.  Our world is just as much about mercy as it is about justice. Vory is only your family when they need something from you, but they are no longer family when you betray them. Their family is a method of control, nothing more.

A method that still works for you after all these years. So go ahead and kill your sister you are right - it is your justice and you deserve it, but do not give me this family crap. ”

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-19-15/0002:34>
"Marco wrong.  Vory use talent.  Employ Yelena for skill.  Church abused Marco.  Try make Marco what he not want.  And can betray family.  Most betrayal possible.  Vory family more than flesh family.  More than life.  But Tsina betray family.  Kill many.  No forgiveness."  She nods grimly, without a smile.  "Yes, Yelena deserve die.  But not for betray Vory family.  For kill innocents.  Someday Yelena die for that.  Then add remaining strength to shadow. "  She shrugs and sighs.  "Marco still not understand.  Justice not for Yelena.  Justice for Vory family.  For honor.  Marco not have to come.  Marco not Vory.  But Yelena tell Nikolai Marco, Arc, others are Yelena Vory family.  Bratva is small Vory family.  Yelena say Bratva boss so Nikolai leave alone.  So, still want come Yelena?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-19-15/0258:50>
Marco say "I told you already, I will come with you no matter what. If you want to kill Tsina than do it. These are your life and I know better than to stand between the butcher and the pig. I am not here to understand or to judge you, I will walk your way.

Let’s talk about this family of yours, about this Bratva. The leader, tossed his spouse/girlfriend aside like an old toy once he found a  more exotic woman, you. He was so bad at leading that his little Bratva had a coup against him. Led by the same woman that he tossed away like yesterday's news. Vory is organization, and family is metaphors, the social relations of your family were all fractured and dysfunctional long before Tsina led her coup and they were like that due to bad leadership.

Vory is an ORGANIZATION, not a family and thous that seen it as a family were tossed away like yesterday's news. They were blind to intrigue, to discontent and to the obvious fact that violent criminals are dangerous bed partners. You go in, get your revenge but do not lie to yourself again, it is all about money and power. It always have been. Family, honor - they are just methods to keep the members inline, to keep them loyal to the cause.

I am also sure of one other thing, Nikolai did not just 'find' Tsina after so many years.  If he really spent all these years searching for her his own Bratva would have tossed him aside long ago. Nobody has this kind of patience. If Tsina manage to stay hidden for 28 years she did not just ‘pop out’. More likely is that she was in the way... in the way of big money and power. If Nikolai could he’d do it himself, but he cannot she is too smart or too powerful for him or he grew more careful over the years. So Nikolai find you and tell you the 'willing butcher’ about your mortal enemy and family and honor and it still works after all these years.

There is no honor in murder but there is honor in mercy. No honor in going out of your way to get money, but honor in charity and in helping people in need.  Your way has justice in it Tsina deserves her fate because she wronged you. As for Vory? her only crime was to break what was already a broken and dysfunctional Vory Bratva. Tsina was the leader of the coup,  but a coup cannot happen on its own, it requires many discontent people to begin with.  That leader just bad at leading, so bad that he got himself removed from office and his followers all killed. Illusions and Lack of realism make you weak. Maybe he believed Vory to be family, perhaps this is why he he did not see it coming, perhaps this is why he is dead and Tsina is alive.

We go to Poland and I will help you with everything you need to finish your business. Do know this, Nikolai wants something, something a lot less abstract than revenge or honor. Something that worth a lot of money. This is why he showed up in your doorstep after 28 years.  Let's go kill Tsina I hope it brings you some closure. Killing her will not bring back your dead comrades nor will it make Vory about honor and family. Vory is and always was about power and money.  It will still remain a place of power-play and politics and crime and murder. Honor? Family? These are the methods use to keep a bunch of butchers working together, instead of killing each other. I'd do it the same way if I was to lead a gang."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-19-15/0517:10>
Present time - (no flashback) in response to Subaru:
========================================
>>Firefly, first of all relax, Yelena must have had too much of a good thing. She had a date tonight at the club and intended to take many drugs and from what I know about her, sex with more than one partner was also on her menu. If these people wanted her dead she would be dead already. She is drugged, unarmed and unarmored in a place with good security and even magical security. What keeps her alive is that nobody wants her dead right now, let’s not change that.  Reckless or overly protective behavior can place both of you at risk. You did not strike me as the party girl, but enjoy the party and do not worry. I know that first impressions are deceiving. Finish what you came there to do and go home. Try to get some sleep as there is nothing that can be done tonight. 

If Yelena will not show up by tomorrow morning we will come looking for her at the club. I’d love it if you accompany me in that case.  Just as backup in case talking is not going to be enough.  We will raise no suspicion tomorrow as many people fall asleep in these private rooms after indulging a bit too much. All night partying and sex can be exhausting believe it or not, this is why they let you stay in the room until morning. I am guessing that we will not be the only people that are looking for a friend who had too much fun the night before and that the employees there are used to these inqueries.

This is our best chance to get Yelena out of there. Also, if you can be kind and text me once you are home safely I’d appreciate it a lot.  In the meanwhile I will pray for both of you to get home safely. When the prayer is honest it helps a lot.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-19-15/1039:30>
Yelena looks at Marco without replying.  It is clear that he does not share her feelings, and perhaps never will.  He may even be partially right, especially about the power and the money.  But to Yelena there is much more.  She actually believes in the words inked in the scrolls on her arms, and there were many others who did as well.  These oaths gave people something to believe in, people that had nothing to believe in before.  Her eyes are hard as she says,  "Marco may be right.  Much money involved.  Yelena know Nikolai Fyodorovich not tell full truth.  Marco have much argument.  Make much sense.  But Yelena believe in words.  In oaths.  To Yelena it matters.  Honor and Family are everything.  Marco never change Yelena mind on this.  Other things we agree disagree."

"Yelena Bratva different.  Give family.  Give purpose.  Help others."  She smiles and shrugs.  "If Yelena come back.  Yelena draw here like nowhere else.  Oslo felt home only for sax man.  Barrens feel home much reasons.  Might need come back."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-19-15/1051:36>
Marco simply say "Wherever you go I am there for you and whatever I can do to get you out alive I will do so. I do not care about good or evil, I just want you safe and while I prefer forgiveness over retribution I respect your wishes.

We can talk of what to do next once the deed is behind us."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-19-15/1126:51>
FLASHBACK.....

Nodding, Yelena smiles and leans back against the wall to finish her cigar.

NOW......

Yelena wakes from a sound sleep.  Gathering her wits, she waves her hand at the camera.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-19-15/1405:08>
The response from Marco wasn't exactly what I was expecting.  Maybe Yelena-sensei isn't in immediate danger, but it only takes a moment to die.  I know that all too well.  And in any case they could find out everything about our team just by talking nice if she's drugged up enough.

Damn that man...

Should I call Arc-sensei?  I watch the feed.  Yelena's alone now.  Maybe Marco is right.

And he's certainly right that I'd better focus on my own hoop or else I might be the one needing rescuing.  The download is done and I've been in just over 15 minutes.  If I don't jack out soon, my chances of getting caught in here go through the roof.  And anyway, no telling what Matsuuri is doing out there with nothing to do but wait.

Oh Allah, that image...

Taking the keys to the back door of the security system and all the files I've copied from the security servers, I jack out to see just what had become of me in meatspace during my absence...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-19-15/1651:21>
@ Marco  Blake answers you. "You'll need to be ready Tues. morning early. He gets on a plane with his wife and son at ten am for the Reindeer Games held in Toronto this year. You'll say you needed to drop by the office for your case notes. You forgot to upload the addnedums before you left. It'll give you ten-ish minutes to be in and out and give our decker the time he needs to hack into the system." He watches you trying to gauge your understanding and willingness to absorb the data. He's not handsy with his secretary or any of the other staff. He keeps a lover out of town. He's probably the most self-disciplined of the partners. But, he has been a little forgetful lately. Rumor mill has it that there are some health problems with his lover. ShadowSong has been able to confirm that. He's been seeing a cancer specialist where he lives and has a medullary neuroblastoma. I have a file of trid video's with his trademark moves. Speechs he's made so that you can copy voice patterns. A layout of his house and a few pics of the insides from a Christmas party and Easter party this past year. He hates parties but his wife is very active in several charities and the guest list is a who's who of chairpeople and major donors. And that's really just the beginning of the info that I have for you." He says watching you for your reactions. "You'll be spending all your free time studying until then, it's so much info."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-19-15/1702:41>
@ Subaru  As she comes to Maatsuri isn't even in the booth. But, she re-enters just a moment later. Smiling she says, "I talked to the waitress and got her to bring us something special to take you back to my apartment and enjoy a few more things together." Sliding back into the booth she takes you into her arms and kisses you and very lightly strokes you. And then moving her lips to your ear barely whispers. "If you're back in meatspace princess I'm assuming you've got everything we need. Rub my back up and down for yes. Side to side for no." And feeling that light rub up and down she breaks off and sliding across the booth says. "I have more than a few toys back at my place to pleasure the both of us. Let's go." She reaches a hand to help you out and slides an arm possessively around you as you both walk out. But, something is bothering Subaru about the data. Something small. Something that's inconsistent with what she would have expected.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-19-15/1729:41>
@ Yelena  Shaman Flying Squirrel appears at the door a few moments later and smiles at you. "I'm glad to see you're doing better. I'll escort you back up to the club. The little bit of space I have here is under the club proper so as not to take up any of the club floorspace. But, the door is close so that you're not inconvenienced to much." He leads you to the right and you see the doorway and a set of stairs leading up. As you look around you, you see that this is storage and supplies and some boxes stacked next to what looks like a set of cooler doors are clearly labeled with foodstuffs.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-19-15/2113:45>
I have so much to go through.  There is more to that basement than meets the eye.  Hopefully some time examining the feeds and schematics will help me get to the bottom of it.

Matsuuri is such a good actor I can't tell just how much she's saying is real and how much is code for something else.  As I put back on my best "floaty" look and let her guide me back through the club, I ponder what I'll do if she really does presume to 'try out some toys' with me.  I've never been good at reading a con man/woman and Matsuuri is one of the better ones.  I'll just have to take it as it comes.

Fortunately she is good at it since I'd have been lost getting us out of her past all the people insisting on talking to us.  I just have to smile and occasionally gush about how wonderful I feel and look up with doe eyes at my date.  It seems to work since we make it out okay.

We keep up the act all the way to the car.  Matsuuri opens the passenger door for me and I settle into my seat.  Moments later the Yak lieutenant slips into her side and the doors close and lock.

"Did that go as well as I think it went?" I ask into the silence as my 'date' activates the car.

As I talk, I jack back into my Erika and start editing the material via AR so that what I hand the Yak will seamlessly NOT include footage from the room where Yelena was held for the trap door to the basement.  I also will not be sharing the meta data like schematics with the Yak.  The full, unedited stuff will go to Arc in the morning.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-19-15/2153:23>
@ Subaru Matsuuri leaves the parking lot swiftly and smoothly. Subaru notices that the car is under her control and not an auto-drones. She doesn't even look at Subaru as she answers, "We're out alive and the car's security system hasn't been activated which is a good sign." And then giving you a hard look adds, "But as to whether or not that went well is completely up to the data you've got in that little deck of yours princess. You've been acting high and mighty since you got here. Telling everyone who'd listen you're the best of the best and can make good on 50,000 worth of deck and more debt than your organs are worth. But, whether you are, or whether you're just the pampered little rich girl everyone petted and praised remains to be seen. So, you tell me princess. Did that go well?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-19-15/2207:02>
Okay, that answers it.  She's still a bitch.

Matsuuri's mention of a 110,000 debt causes my pulse to quicken and my gut to wrench, a totally unpleasant experience considering I still feel like someone ran a blender in there, but I refuse to take the bait.  Either she's misinformed or she's trying to yank my chain now that we're out of danger.  Either way, I'll ignore it.  George is the only one who will matter when I hand over the instrument of my freedom, hopefully in the next few days.

Not soon enough...

"Yeah, I have more than you likely hoped for.  A month of footage throughout the facility and a back door into the surveillance server for whenever you want to peek inside again.  I'm summarizing it all for Saito now so he'll know how to use it without being noticed.  I take no responsibility if someone else gets themselves caught with their fingers in the cookie jar and kills the feed."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-19-15/2243:33>
Yelena nods and follows the shaman out of the room and up the stairs.  As he escorts me out I turn to him.  "Yelena still want make up club cost for damage.  And say sorry to guard man.  Please let others know.

Once outside, Yelena leans against the wall of the club and lights up a cigar.  Getting her thoughts in order she sends a group message to her team then one to Bella and her husband.  >>Arc.  Marco.  Firefly.  Is Yelena.  Am safe.  Still working off much drugs.  Is 0830.  Walking a bit.  Snow and cold help.  Yelena get home and sleep.  Let others know when home.<<

>>Bella.  Is Yelena.  Yelena sorry about party.  Had bad drug mix.  Yelena lose control.  Very embarrassed.  Please accept Yelena sorry.  Call Yelena.  Please?<<

After sending the messages, Yelena begins walking away from the club, very angry at herself for failing to remain in control of herself.  **Fragging drugs.  Fragging weakness.  All drek now.**  After a few blocks, Yelena hails a cab and takes it as far as she can before walking the rest of the way to the garage.  Her internal chrono tells her that it is nearly 1030 in the morning as she carefully enters the building and looks about to make sure that no one is about.  Yelena half expects Nikolai at some point, but hopes that she will get some additional sleep.  She heads to the living area and her bed.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-19-15/2338:55>
@ Yelena Shaman Flying Squirrel smiles and says, "I'll tell him. I'm sure he'll appreciate it, but really there's no need to apologize. It was a bad reaction, no more. And as far as damages there were none as far as I know. And believe me the cost of those private rooms for the night covers for a little bit of damage." He shows you through the door. And you note that it's a physical lock, and heavy duty at that. The door is also very heavy. It couldn't stop a bomb, but is more than adequate to greatly slow an angry troll.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-20-15/0009:24>
@ Subaru  Matsuuri drives Subaru home to her motel apartment in silence after that, not even bothering to wait for her to take more than a step away from the car before she drives off. When she gets up to her apartment after having been good-naturedly propositioned by two guys and very persistently propositioned by one older woman Subaru finds Jenna wrapped around her bear only her jack and half a bottle of water indicating her activity.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <10-20-15/0207:50>
Jed glanced back and forth from his main AR view and a small window to the side in which he was taking notes.  Adding the last bit of info that he gleaned from various sources, he finally had the info Marco had asked for.  Pulling up a window to message Marco, he forwards the notes.  Marco, your friend's new employer seems legit.  After scouring through social media, Chummerbook, his JakdIn work profile and connections, it looks like he only hires legit people with skills.  It seems that he only hires attractive ones, but from what I can tell from comments made by people who had short careers with him, if they don't live up to his expectations, he boots them.  It looks like his turnover is about 50%.  The majority of his hires are female, but some are male also.  Hope this helps.  To get any more than that is going to require a hacker.  I'm good at searching out info available from public sources, but I can't dig up anything on the other side of a password.  I have the source for that if you need it, but there will be a cost associated. 

The last few days had been mentally and emotionally draining.  Fulfilling, but draining.  Jed wasn't accustomed to interacting with another person 24/7.  Since their talk, Joshua had shown a will be be considerate.  Due to the trauma of what happened however, his emotions were like raw open wounds.  Sometimes he seemed to look to Jed for everything, and other times he seemed to lash out a bit as if he resented someone seeing him so vulnerable.  Jed had been patient.  He imagined that this must be what having a teenager was like.  All in all however, there was a relationship growing.  He couldn't help but feel in his gut that when it came time to take the club down, Joshua would be a key to sealing the deal when the dust started to settle.  Not to mention the little caveat that his continued existence depended on this.  Thinking about how this "bodyguard job" had been so demanding, he was starting to have second thoughts about even providing astral support to Y while she was in Europe. @ Yelena  Milaya, I've had an exhausting couple of days.  I'm having second thoughts about trying to cover you on the astral while you are in Europe.  This new job is more demanding than I expected.   Its making me remember when I promised another individual that I could handle whatever we needed without being physically present.  I'd rather have you make other plans than fail you like I did her.  Be safe.  My gut says that I need to keep careful watch over the club.  I'll be pulling surveillance there as often as I can spare the time.  I'd like to tell you about this protection job I'm on, but it can wait till you get back, or maybe even wait until we pull down the club.  Be safe.  Please don't think that this has anything to do with Mike's warnings about you.  I can see you with eyes than most can't see through, and I know what I see.  We all have our own darkness.  When you get back we'll have some vodka and jazz together.  Do svidanya

Dropping a group message Jed tries to be brief  I'm pretty tied up with a protection job, don't feel that I'm reliable enough to be counted on.  You can't afford that.  I'm going to keep tabs on the club. I'm still good for digging up information.  Let me know if you need anything along those lines.  Stay safe. 

Time to spend some more time with Joshua on the garden.  He had already doubled the size.  And everything was so green...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-20-15/0956:27>
She didn't even give me a goodnight kiss...

I wasn't sure whether to feel disappointed or relieved at how quickly Matsuuri dumped me off.  And the confusion did not help my mood.

I hurt like hell...

It's around 4am.  Adrenaline had done a lot to help me push aside the pain from my stomach, but now that it is all over the gnawing discomfort grows to near agony levels.  I'm as polite as I can be with the gentlemen who hit me up as I walk the steps to the third floor, but I end up snapping at the damned insistent woman from downstairs.  "I need sleep, not sex!" I growl.

I'm a mess by the time I make it to the door, fumbling the freezing cold lock with my key.  I slip inside, locking behind me and take in the room.  I'm kinda glad Jenna is jacked in since that means I'm off the hook for now with the apologies for Matsuuri's behavior.  I also don't need to face yet what it will mean for Jenna if I really do move out.  Guilt joins pain and exhaustion and I barely manage to crawl onto my futon, pull out the jack from my head, and crash atop my pillows still pushed up against the wall from Matsuuri's time here earlier.  I'm out within seconds, dress, makeup, and all...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-20-15/1358:41>
Flashback
===========
Marco tells Blake “okay tuesday morning I get it, where is the deed going to happen? I take it a hot shot lawyer does not work at a sleazy club. Probably an office somewhere? How do I get there, a care reasonable for him? a Taxi? Some fancy car? What about security in that place can I get away with magic or just mundane disguises ? What happens if I am caught what level of security are we talking about?”

Morning.
=======
I wake up early in the morning and cook myself a wonderful breakfast. Life are incredible, I was not sold to slavery and I met Eagle. The message from Yelena is really good news.
  “Dear Yelena, I am glad you are okay, you had us worried. ”
Then I text Subaru “Good morning Firefly, did you enjoy the party last night?” Figuring that if she was captured she will just not text back, not the most sophisticated kind but should not raise much suspicion.  Then I text Arc and Yelena “I have some gifts from uncle B, do you mind meeting me for lunch? There were so many guests yesterday, you seemed busy.”

Then Arc >> Dear Arc, I was wondering if you can give me a hand. What gang would be the one harassing me in that location (attached). They seem to want some protection money. Also what would you suggest fight or flight in this case? Do you mind sending a drone or two for some surveillance. Me and Lady are trying to establish a soup kitchen and this gang nonsense is getting in the way. We are trying for a legit establishment with authorizations and everything.
 

Then Lady (from his burner) >> Hi, I hope you are safe I got that message from Deen, forwarding the message. I’ll look into it more, I have placed some astral and possibly drone surveillance to see who is fucking with us. I am checking this comlink twice a day, call me here if you need me.

I then summon a daemon and order it, “watch the construction site until sunset and if anyone sabotage the equipment in there follow him to see who it is and where he lives.”

[spoiler]
Summon F5 Spirit of water (http://orokos.com/roll/335609): 12d6t5 4
resist summon (http://orokos.com/roll/335610): 5d6t5 1
drain (http://orokos.com/roll/335611): 11d6t5 4
[/spoiler]
Then Jed >> This is enough friend, was a favor for Ginny just to see that there is a research lab waiting for her before she pay with money she does not have on a one way flight to Tokyo. 

I then make a brief checkup at the construction site evaluating the damage done, and casually talking to Deen and the workers and the rest of my morning is consumed by studying the material Blake provided for me. I take great effort and practice a lot and study like I never did when the material was arcana. Impersonating people is something that I really love in a way it is part of my life goal because to really be able to impersonate someone you need to see the world from that someone's eyes and it is a challenge.



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-20-15/1822:17>
Did my comm just beep?  My brain is muddled and honestly I can't tell for sure.  What I do know is I'm still exhausted.  I move one pillow over my head against both noise and the daytime light and go back to sleep.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-20-15/2217:31>
Still waiting near the rendezvous point for Tuskaloosa to arrive, Arc was tapping on the wheel of her Americar, idly trying to pass the time as her thoughts sorted out, drifting to the mission she's got on hand for this very night.  An armored and armed truck or van of some kind with at least two likely Jade Dragons vehicles escorting it, both likely armed.  Our subject is a target of the Stardust, so they won't want to get caught...weird, I thought the Stardust was backed by the Triads...they must just be an influencing group, and getting suspicious of some drek.  Either way, this mage won't like us, but if I can be careful, he or she may prove useful..this is gonna be tight..."

Groaning, she held her head as she slammed it back into her seat, trying to form a plan until her thoughts were distracted by her comm messages coming into view.  Surprisingly enough, none of them were the contacts she was expecting to hear back from...instead from Yelena and Marco.  Reading through them, she gave a little sigh of relief and a small smile.

Good.  Yelena survived the night.  And Marco has got news from Blake and wants to meet?  And now he wants some help with some gangs.  hmm...  Mulling over everything for a few moments, Arc pulled up her messenger app again and started a few replies.

<<@Yelena:  Arc here.  Happy to hear you're okay.  Get some rest, I'm picking up Tuskaloosa and Firefly and bringing them over.  Sounds like Marco wants lunch to.  If you're up to it, you can hitch a ride with me when it's time.  It'll be good to have us all talking with Poland happening.  Rest up, Srui>>

<<@Marco: Hey, it's Arc.  Thanks for committing to helping me out, I know it prolly ain't easy, even if it's to help me get in with deeper in the Stardust's good grace.  Still, I think this job will be good for us.  I think I can swing lunch, nothing else is coming up, and I'll try to bring Yelena along.  ...I will have our two recruits, Firefly and Tuskaloosa, with me.  You mind if I bring them along too?  Might be a good thing.  Lemme know>>

Satisfied with that, Arc mentally thumbed through her notes, getting little ideas and thinking them over, for the extraction, for the club, for Poland, and so on...just a matter of killing time now...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-21-15/0104:50>
      Tuskaloosa read the message again, to be sure.

<<@Tuskaloosa: Wiz.  I'm making an errand now, you're next on my list.  Bring anything you'd need for a wild night.  You watch combat biking much?  Might be a factor, hehe.  See ya in a beat>>

     Did I watch combat biking much?  Only clips of my technique drills, over and over.  And the tactical preview sessions of our next opponents.
...And performance clips from some of the bigger names in the sport, for inspiration...


     No, the question was not if she had watched combat biking in her time, but what “combat biking” had to do with a “wild night” tonight:  since there were no referees for fans, watching a match from the stands could be more harrowing than participating in the match itself.

     Still, a quick check confirmed that the Hogs had an away game and the Timberwolves were off tonight.    Arc's night might still include the spectator sport of watching the Hogs game from a local bar, but that being what put the “wild” in wild night was looking less likely.

     Arc's earlier message had referred to tonight's business as something her talents would be useful for, and the mechanic had pegged her as a sport racer of one form or another from the looks of her Better Half. A street-level, for-keeps match?  A stronger possibility.  Although she hadn't got the sense that the woman was a bookie, Arc was definitely a gambler.

So, what do I do about that?  Stay casual or...
     
     Her thoughts brought her gaze to the large canvas bag in the corner.  She couldn't honestly call what was in it a set of biker armor: the boots fit, but they were of two different styles--let alone colors.  The armor was a size too big and none of its electronic suite worked.  She was still looking for a left glove.  If pressed, it would work.
     Then again, it might not.

<<@Arc:  I'll bring what I have, but a shopping trip may be in order before tonight.  I hope there is time--I believe in the old saying: dress for success.>>
 
     As her message went out, she found a reply from Arr-Arr-Arr:

>>Washer be makin' yer brown eyes blue? I be on the lookout fer ya. Thinkin' maybe da hose fer da Sony H179A swamp cooler be fittin' it wid a little work an some clamps. You wanna try it I kin get it in a coupla hours. Have it to ya this afternoon.<<


     She brought up the schematics on the device; from what she could see the scrounger extraordinaire was absolutely right.

<<@ Arr-Arr-Arr: I like how you think.  I won't be home today though, so no rush.>>

     Finally, Tuskaloosa jacked out.  She slipped her control console into the top of the bag, tossed in a couple of empty spare clips for the Guardian for good measure, and shouldered it. The Kanmushi went into a padded ring box and then into her coat pocket.  She grabbed her helmet, locked up and strode down the hall to the lobby.
   
     As she thought, the manager of the U-Live Here was not in his office and there was no indicator of when he would return.
   
     The troll knew where in the complex he lived.   After a couple of polite taps yielded nothing, she hit the kick plate of the door every other second.

     The count was thirty when the door flew open.  “Are you brain damaged--”
   
       “It's Sunday.”

     She was certain the man had no headware; if he had, the top of his skull would have surely popped off.  “What's that got to do with kicking my drekking door down--”

      You don't get off that easily, omae.  “My notice for One-thirty-one.  You'll get the keys on Saturday.”

     For the first time she'd met him, the man was speechless.  It didn't last long.  “I...I need it in writing.”

     He flinched when she put her foot in the doorway.  She set her burdens down, fished out a piece of e-paper and scribbled the date, her apartment number, the words I'm outta here and Saturday's date.  The signature she doodled could have been interpreted as just about anything.

     “In writing,” she grunted as she handed him the scrip and stood back.
     
     “You'll still have to pay the new rate for this week,” he said.

     She picked up her things, turned and walked away.
   
      “And if that room isn't spotless you can kiss your deposit,” he added, some of his temper returning.

    I never expected to see it anyway.

     Tuskaloosa let herself out of the lobby door with a lighter heart, however.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-21-15/0111:57>
Finding no one at home when she got there, Yelena made a beeline to the living area and a shower.  After toweling off, she put her comm on "Hold Calls" mode and fell into the bed.  She was asleep in seconds.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-21-15/0428:33>
<<@Marco: Hey, it's Arc.  Thanks for committing to helping me out, I know it prolly ain't easy, even if it's to help me get in with deeper in the Stardust's good grace.  Still, I think this job will be good for us.  I think I can swing lunch, nothing else is coming up, and I'll try to bring Yelena along.  ...I will have our two recruits, Firefly and Tuskaloosa, with me.  You mind if I bring them along too?  Might be a good thing.  Lemme know>>

>> Dearest Arc, I just wish I knew they are with us when I negotiated with uncle B, I trust your judgement and can always make more.  About our wild night out? You had me at hello,  easy or not we'll pull it off one way or the other. Food will be ready at 14:00... now I really need to make it happen.
 

Keep it cool Marco, we have a party of five and one of them is a big troll, do not embarrass yourself, how much is it in human portions? six? perhaps even seven? I have to admit that I have no idea just how much trolls eat. My social cycles have very few of them.

I calm myself down, and decide to cook as if we are seven as it is better to be safe than sorry.  I'll need  something tasty and quick. Something that I can just scale up the portions without problem... My initial plan is not going to fly, I simply do not have enough Salmon for the sandwiches I planned. It may be stereotypical, but when things are tough I place my trust in pasta. After all, what other food can scale up to more than double the portions with only minor modifications? 

This lunch we are having  linguine with clam sauce... (http://www.food.com/recipe/old-fashioned-linguine-with-white-clam-sauce-17722) 20 minutes and I am done.

As I cook I listen to a mixed playlist from my past, It was made by no other than my Shilla, back when she was an incredible girlfriend and before she demolished our relationship.  It  is my favorite classical music, Earth Wind & Fire and I usually cry when I hear them but not today.  How can I deny my body of dancing with their wonderful beat and innocent voices? The world was in a better place hundred years ago and life were simpler.

When the sweet angles of Disco begin singing about their wonderful wonderland, I only wish that I could Boogie my problems away. I imagine a dance off with my childhood friends. The thought makes me smile, it is completely ridiculous. I can imagine them publicly executing some lost soul but dancing? Really dancing? it is too passionate... too sinful. How did we get life so wrong?

“Shilla was such a good lover before she messed it up... but that was all a lie, a sweet lie, the sweetest one.”

I continue to sing, and cheerfully move my body as I cook and meticulously keep my work area spotless.  Shortly after the food is ready and neatly placed on the table in my best set of plates and two bottles of the most appropriate wine I could think of. I am trying to pull a  perfect lunch and I hope they are hungry. 

I am  done and can finally place myself at the mercy of the disco angles. I am happy, passionate and completely moved by the music. I close my eyes and dance as I submerge into my own world. Completely in sync with the rhythm. In a way my life are perfect and I got the greatest gift of them all, the gift of music and emotion and love, I am a lucky man.  Even with my eyes closed I can see the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She is dancing with me and moving her delicate and blissful body close to mine. Agrat is touching me and gently embracing me, I can feel that even her most casual touch burns me down to my soul.

I think at her
“You are the only one that is always true for me, I love you deeply and I need you in my soul you are music and love and lust.”

The lady strokes my back and her touch is intoxicating, I can barely breath she is both inside and outside and I feel protected and I suddenly understand.  Eternity is not about time as there is enough time in a single moment for a full and complete life. I know this, If I am going to die at this very moment I would die happy as I am embraced by my immortal lover.

“This is what you give your lovers before they die, isn’t it?”  I do not need to ask and she does not need to answer. My senses are going insane and I cannot explain what is happening to me. Agrat is a lover and a friend. She is also the closest thing I have to a parent. She is everything to me, how could I ever leave her.

 “I need a new mentor spirit, this uncontrollable passion burn me I need a template to channel it to build something pretty out of it, otherwise I will just wither and die.”

My lady just keep dancing with me, and is teaching me new disco moves. Moves that were previously unknown to humanity, or at least were unknown to me. But why would a powerful succubus teach me new dance moves?  I ask her to introduce me to a new mentor and her response is to teach me how to Boogie?!  It does not make any sense, although I enjoy our dance very much and my body and soul are moved in ways that they never were before. I am in complete sync with the music and with life and I feel that me and Agrat move like one. 

“You are awfully quiet love, did I hurt your feelings?”

I get no answer still, but I continue to enjoy the best dance partner I ever had.  Agrat moves with the precision of a ballerina and with the sensuality of an exotic dancer. I feel that my mortal moves cannot possibly compare to hers. Yet, she dances with me and seems to enjoy me.

“You never danced with me, love what changed?”

Agrat remains silent and I know what changed. It is me who changed. What else? She is a force of nature, as ancient as the world itself. She is what she was when we met and she is giving me what I asked her for.  A template to channel my passion so that my emotions do not become numb.   Dancing! She introduced dancing to the world.

What is dancing if not a socially acceptable and non destructive method of showing passion. She enabled etiquette and complex social structures and I only saw her as an uncontrollable passion but passion could be controlled. It could be channeled to dancing and music and to art. It can be an explosive orgasm or a delicate flower. I dance with Agrat and lose myself into her I am seeing her in a completely new light. Only when the song is over, she talk to me and her voice is the sweetest one. She is not offended and is not mocking me. Her words echo directly into my soul.

“Try and see me for what I really am... I am so much more than you understand.”

I open my eyes and Agrat is fully clothed, dressed like a disco diva and holding a red rose, she  kisses me a long, soft and delicate kiss, full of love and emotion. I can barely contain her kiss, and eventually I need to catch my breath. When I disengage,  Agrat hands me her flower. “Take it, love” She say and then disappears. The red rose is all that is left from our dance. I place the rose in a small ertl on the table and continue dancing alone until my guests arrive. I can feel the heat but it is not Agrat. These are my own cheeks and I am blushed like a teenager who just had his first kiss.

I thought that I was going to teach her about passion?! My new discoveries are all obvious to her. Yet, she contained my anger and my arrogance. My anger was on my own social limitations.  I was wrong to direct it at her.  She was open enough to let me make my own mistakes even if I treated her badly. She is immortal and has patience that I do not. Could Agrat be the mentor I need to be happy? Is it me that is incapable of understanding her?

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-21-15/0832:06>
@ Arc  Sarge replies, >>You don't ask fer much do ya slitch. But, I got yer back. I got a guy who just broke an arm a leg and 5 hand bones and needs to lay low fer a bit. But his bike's mostly good. Little bit of body work an it'll be driveable, an it don' count towards the three, ya feel me. He'll appreciate the fix an I'll appreciate a little hopscotch drek done on my grand-dau's bike. She's showing talent an I want her kitt'd out. I'll bring both by this morning. An stay out'ta Green Goblins territory fer the next few. Drek going down there.<<

@ Yelena when you wake up the trid has articles about a local band getting their first big break on a larger stage as their latest song has gone viral. The Timberwolves second biker has been hospitalized, the club is saying it's just a precaution but rumors have been flying that she's pregnant and this has invited speculation about complications. Gang violence has increased in the Barrens. A local gang having been found dead and publically displayed in their own territory. Calls for the mayor to create a task force targeting the gangs have increased. Local business man Joshua Snowden is still missing after having been declared DOA. The CEO was found murdered in his home just hours away from signing a merger that would have made his company a major player on an international scale. The Nippon has taken a dip as the market responds to rumors that the Emperor is ill and looking to place his grandson on the throne. The palace has denied all such rumors but can not deny that the Emperor has cancelled all public appearances in the last month and there are no plans for an apprearance being announced.

@ Tusk  Ar-Ar-Ar responds, >>I'm a man o' means by no means. But I'm king of the road. You let me know when you be wanting it an I'll be on the road to ya.<<

@ Subaru  Jen is gone when you wake up. An AR message says. >>I've got a job out of town. Gone for the next three days. Make sure you lock everything up and no eating my brownies.<<

@ Marco  You get a call from 'her'. >>Thank you dearest Marco for keeping me safe. I leave everything in your capable hands. I should be back in less than a week.<<

@ Marco  Blake answers you, "It'll have to be at his office. You'll come in about an hour before his plane is due to leave. It'll explain the rush and why you can't stop and talk to anyone. We've got an exact replica of his car down to the plates and registration and garage pass. Security is going to scan you. It'll do a full body scan and you'll have to match his specs exactly. It's why we need someone with your particular talents. Only a flesh-changer can be that exact under scan. If somehow you're caught try to talk your way out, but above all stall. I will be in the building. Use the codephrase. "You're not my date tonight." and I will get you out. You'll have the buildings exits and security codes as part of your package. But, that's one of the things that's been my primary responsibility. To know all of that and have passcodes for every exit and mousehole in the place. The level of security is high. Lockdown will happen in under a minute. But, it's not maximum security prison high. There are still ways out. But, I prefer a non-violent solution of possible. That's why I've got the data I've got. It's to give you every opportunity to bluff your way through this and get out without anyone the wiser."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-21-15/1027:06>
Yelena stretches lazily and turns mentally turns her comm on to retrieve messages and look at local news feeds.  Checking the time she notes it is just after noon, gets out of bed, and goes to the bathroom to use the toilet and brush her teeth and hair.  Returning to the bedroom, Yelena places her dress of the evening before in the pile of clothes to be washed and dresses in jeans and shirt before going out to the garage.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-21-15/1355:02>
@ Arc  Hrock replies, >>Sorry fer the delay in answerin' ya Cricket, but I was waitin' ta hear back from a guy about two of those items. He told me he could get 'em fer me today prolly and I wanted ta give ya a definite. Turns out prolly means ta' morrow. But, I got everything else. Kids comms look like a safety pin, a hairbrush, a lip gloss, an inhaler, an a belt buckle. I'll bring what I got by so's ya ken check it an compare the models 'en drek this afternoon.<<

@ Arc Angel replies, >>I always be knowing how'ta treat a lady. Know what kinda toys ta bring 'em too. Cost ya a little extra fer the delivery service.<<

@ Arc  TriggerT says, >>Ta spicey sausage with a side o' hot sauce ya ordered fer the holidays be ready. I ken have it delivered or you ken pick it up.<<

@ Arc  Samuel Brotherton replies, >>I'll need to verify your referral as I deal with very few outsiders. Once you give me the information and I've verified it we can make an appointment to discuss your needs.<<

@ Arc  Jaime calls you back, >>Hey hon, I'm booked solid until eight which means I'll be out by around eight-thiry, no later than nine. Hopefully that's early enough for dinner, and if not then I'm at least hoping it's early enough for something else.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-21-15/1450:12>
And, just like that, the messages came in.  Like a flood, the windows of messages Arc had set to pop up immediately practically covered her AR view as she snapped up, awake and alert.  She couldn't help but chuckle at the various code used and the practically died laughing from the words of warning given by Sarge.  I did get away with it.  Drek, man, that is too much!  Nodding to herself as the information filtered through her mind and was compartmentalized, the mechanic started to work on the replies she needed.

<<@Sarge:  I don't ask often, so I gotta keep the balance eh?  Haha, thanks for the heads up, I'll keep clear.  I'd be happy to fix up the bike you're loanin' and your grandau's as well.  Send me the specs for both, and I should be at my place in an hour or two.  Word>>

<<@Angel: You throw in some sturdy apparel to match I'll throw in twenty percent for nova service.  I know how your eyes work, skraacha, so I know you got her sizes figured out.  How soon can you get that drek?>>

<<@Hrock: Null sheen, Uncle.  When should we meet up for the stuff?  Cred's good to go whenever, but whatever I can get by tonight will be wiz.  Thanks :) >>

<<@SamuelBrotherton: Sure thing.  My mate was given your name by his brother-in-law Henri Pearson, an engineer who lives locally.  I hope that will work for reference>>

<<@Jaime: Hehe, time permitting, we may have to multitask~.  Either way, that should not interfere, my thing isn't until a few hours after.  I will make it work, you can bet your hoop on it>>

<<@TriggerT: well that was quick.  I'll be right on by>>

As she sat back, she looked over to see a familiar tall figuring lumbering to the meetup point.  Nodding, Arc fired up the engine and pulled around, driving right up next and unlocking the doors, popping the trunk for the bag over the other's shoulder.  "Hoi.."  she said with a little smile on her face, letting Tuskaloosa hop in before driving off and rejoining the roads, heading back to TriggerT's for her pickup. 

"So, new surprise, we got lunch in a few hours, Marco's treat...that keeb boy you saw at my place last.  Supposed to pick up Firefly, but that might be later, she ain't answering comms.  I gotta quick stop for a pickup, then it's back to the place and we figure some stuff out, eh?"

She gave a nod, sighing a bit as she rounded a turn..gently for her passenger.  "If y'all didn't pick up on it, our job tonight's gonna be straight outta some action trid by the looks...I'm getting a loaner bike for tonight you can use.  Think you're up to it?"

It didn't take long for the two of them to pull up to the unassuming little sprawl shack that TriggerT had set up shop in, Arc leaving the engine running as she glanced back to the troll.  "Be just a tick..."  As she hopped inside, she exchanged handshakes with the gruff-looking dwarf before picking up the parcel that he was promising her.  It was taped up, rather unassuming...but quite impressive in size.  Carrying the package to her car, she stuck it in the trunk before waving off to the dwarf, hopping back in.  "Dude's great for stocking up on ammo 'n' drek.  He'll be your backup if Angel falls through.  which he won't.  Just waiting on a reply and we'll see what he had in mind eh?"

Checking her time again, Arc decided to send a second message to Firefly.  She doesn't seem the type to ignore texts...

<<@Firefly: Hoi, don't tell me you got up and kipped out on us, girly.  Everything alright???>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-21-15/2026:45>
Exhaustion warred with the urge to relieve my bladder all morning with exhausting winning.  But the balance slowly shifted as time went by, and when the tide turned, as it were, it was like a dam bursting.

Dayum I have to pee!

The realization came to me quickly as I realized the difference between bio and bedwetting was measured in seconds.  I bounced up from my futon and rushed to void, sighing in relief as the urgency passed despite the protest of my gut at the rapid movement.  I remained long moments there just enjoying the sensation of emptiness when I heard a beep come from back in the main room.

My comm.  Wait, wasn't it going off earlier?

I may have a perfect memory usually, but the morning is more than a little fuzzy.  I finish my business and make my way back to my futon.

Oh right, Marco-san did ask me to tell him when I got home.  Then again, I don't really even remember getting home!

Yelena contacted me too - oh good, she's safe.  And Arc, twice.  Damn, I worried her!

>>{12:45pm} Sorry Arc-sensei. Up late last night working for Yak.  Will explain later.  Came home exhausted and slept through a lot of messages, including yours.  Am up now.  I can be ready fast if you need me to be.  Please advise.  ~FF<<

The message sent, I look around and note the message from Jenna.  I hope she's okay.  But there's not much I can do except wait to see what happens with her.  Still, I had hoped to talk with her before I paid off the Yak.  Blast.

While I wait for Arc to reply, I drag myself and my Erika into the bathroom to peel myself out of the dress Matsuuri gave me for last night and clear off the makeup that had stayed with me all night long. 

I look like Hell.

That thought just serves to remind me that I am long overdue for prayers.  I quickly clean myself up and don my abaya and hijab again so that I can properly perform my duty to God.  Only then will I consider responding to the other messages and prepare myself for another busy day.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-21-15/2120:59>
The drive back to Arc's garage was mostly uneventful, thankfully.  And thankfully by then most of the snow-shoveling autodrones had finished their work on all the main roads, making the conditions much safer for driving.  The chatting between the two had been mostly idle, but pleasant.  A quick stop for a round of soycaf for themselves and another for Yelena if she wanted it, and the cold was well staved off by the time the two pulled into Arc's garage.  Setting the parcel down on a workbench in the corner, Arc gestured to the area.

"Think the white-haired one is sleeping off the night, so make yourself at home.  Got a little time to kill before we need to be anywhere.."  It wasn't long after that that the sounds of a truck's motor pulling up signaled they had company, the mechanic hopping to get the door open and greet the visitor...who turned out to be the old troll known as Sarge, the Howler tattoo on his leathery arm confirmation of that.  Giving a two-finger salute, Arc grinned a bit as she saw the contents of the truck's flatbed: a troll-sized Harley-Davidson, the troll-suited King Scorpion model printed on the gas tank in gold lettering, looking pretty sturdy and only needing some body work and realignment, and a smaller-ish bike...likely his grandau's.  And a Yamaha Rapier at that...Sarge's family started em /young/, didn't they...

"Whoo...ain't these a coupla beauts.  Wiz bang, Sarge, this is a real solid." As she helped the old trog wheel the pair into the space in her garage, the big troll rumbled out a small warning.  "This set o'wheels gets pulled into drek and traced to us, you know it'll be hell to pay with th'boss, right?"  Arc could only give a grin, nodding. "It's null sheen, omae.  I'll get this fixed up and tune'n'trick your grandau's bike for hopscotch, she'll love it.  Don't let me keep ya, I'll hit you up when I get this thing good to return, aight?"  "...Yup.  Hunt well under the moon, little Arcwelder."  Letting out a deep bark from his throat, the big guy got back into the truck and pulled away, leaving the young she-troll and the mechanic alone.

Immediately, Arc got to work, diagnosing the King Scorp in a matter of minutes before pulling the tools she needed...namely some heat to rebend the body, tools to work the axles, and run some basic diagnostics.  At most, the job would take a couple hours, and easily done before it was needed.  "So, Tuska, whaddya think?  I know it ain't your baby, but it'll take ya...here, hand me that 3/4" allen wrench...."

Some time later, Arc barely heard the shower running inside, figuring Yelena had woken up, followed closely by another comm message...this time from Firefly.  ..overslept.  Ahh, okay.  I forget...most people don't get beaten for oversleeping around that age, hehe...  Sighing a little, she set down her wrench and sat up on a workbench, grabbing a rag to wipe off the grease in her hands.

<<@Firefly{12:47}: It's all null sweat, girly, you're good.  Thanks for the heads up.  Marco is making lunch for us at 2PM, so I'll pick you up then with Yelena and Tuskaloosa.  Thinking.... 1:30 will work for ya?>>

Sending that off, Arc looked up at the ceiling, losing herself in thought as her head swirled a little bit, all the wheels turning as she bounced from one to the next.  What a day...need a fraggin' holiday...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-21-15/2146:43>
A quick shower and clean underwear, combined with a night's sleep, makes me feel like a new woman.  At least Arc seems cool with the delay in my response.  And it looks like I'll soon get to thank Marco for being right, even if I'm still not sure I like how cavalier he was about Yelena-sensei's situation.  I guess it shows I still have a lot to learn.

With the time left after i get myself ready, I work with my Erika to continue packaging up the data for the Yak.  I want to make sure that close examination won't show evidence that I snipped footage from the room where Yelena-sensei was kept, or the passageway from the kitchen to the basement.  Everything else they can have.  Once I have it good, I copy it all to a data stick for delivery to George as soon as I can find a way to get it to him.  I message my Yak benefactor that the data is ready and also include the 'keys' to the security system back door.  From now on they can look at all the camera feeds to their heart's content.  That was what I was hired for and I delivered.

For Arc, though, I'll give her the benefit of my data collating and detailed examination skills.  Between the two of us, we should be be able to glean as much as anyone could about this place, and keep looking for more as long as the back door remains.

At 1:25pm I wrap up and get myself down to street level.  I'm back to wearing my abaya and hijab over my jumpsuit, ready for whatever action might come my way.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-21-15/2242:30>
@ Arc Angel replies, >>Dayum straight my eyes work slitch. An I knows how to dress a lady in some dayum fine evening wear. I be by in an hour.<<

@ Arc Hrock answers you, >>I've got a turkey sandwich and some roasted grasshoppers ta deliver this afternoon so's I ken swing by sometime early evening, say around six.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-21-15/2248:08>
Around 11:00 AM

Arc blinked as her comm went off after Sarge left with his truck, checking the messages to see they were from Angel and Hrock.  Smirking, she tilted her head up at Tuska.  "Yo, your boy's gonna be by with his picks for ya before we outta here.  Wiz bang.  We'll see what he's got eh?  and we'll just gotta be back by sundown for my uncle Hrock too.  Man, busy drek all day..."

<<@Angel: Works for me.  Don't be late, or you'll find an empty place, ya feel me?>>

<<@Hrock: I can handle that.  Thanks Uncle <3>>

Now that's out of the way, let's see what this bike has to offer us...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-22-15/0240:22>
     Tuskaloosa hadn't reached the drop off before Arc's Americar sidled up to the curb, with the familiar click of the trunk latch disengaging.  She wedged the rucksack into the back to keep it from shifting too much before closing the lid and worming her way into the open back seat.
   
     “Hoi”

     “Hoi yourself!”

     The spry lady seemed in as good a mood as she'd been in the night before.  She also seemed as busy, if not more, given the early afternoon itinerary she rattled off as they moved into the groomed main streets and arterials.
     
     She was itching to ask about the upcoming evening but Arc had insinuated that would be a topic for back at the shop.

     All the mechanic gave her was, "If y'all didn't pick up on it, our job tonight's gonna be straight outta some action trid by the looks...I'm getting a loaner bike for tonight you can use.  Think you're up to it?"
   
     “I can't say one way or the other until I see the loaner.  If you're asking me if I'm up to Bike-fu with an off-the-street Hyundai Hopper, I'm going to have to disappoint you...”
   
     Arc roared.  “The Laser's Edge, huh?  Null sheen--nobody but Bond could pull off that drek.”

     “I thought somebody tried.  A couple of seasons back.”

     “You thinkin' of that cliffhanger on Sherlock?  That was a Papoose, tricked out for Watson...”

_     _     _


     One package pick-up and drive-thru soycaf raid later, Arc slid the car into the open bay of the garage.  "Think the white-haired one is sleeping off the night, so make yourself at home.  Got a little time to kill before we need to be anywhere.”
   
     Tuskaloosa nodded.  She dropped her bag off beside one of the couches, stripped off her duster and draped it and her helmet on the pile.  One of the couches looked big enough, and after a careful test she sank into it to concentrate on polishing off her eggnog soycaf.
   
     She was about to ask where the empty cup went when the growl of a truck motor heralded a visitor.  Before she knew it the bay door was up and Arc making a beeline for the troll-sized behemoth's bed.  Arc was clearly well-known; Tuskaloosa had planned to stay in the garage and leave the mechanic and visitor some privacy...
   
     "Whoo...ain't these a coupla beauts. Wiz bang, Sarge, this is a real solid."
   
     Curiosity beat Politeness off with a stick.
   
     As she walked up, a weathered troll pushed a massive King Scorpion past her and into the garage.  Arc was a step behind with the Rapier in tow.
   
     "This set o'wheels gets pulled into drek and traced to us,”  he growled,  “you know it'll be hell to pay with th'boss, right?"
   
     She noted the tattoo on his bicep: a wolf head howling to a crescent moon.  It was not new to her; she had seen such inks on Angel and his posse.  Even Arc wore one.
   
     That was where comparison ended however.  The scarred tusker's tat was far more embellished: the moon his wolf howled to boasted a silvery net of craters...and the darker set of pole-to-pole paw prints.  Several gem-socketed stars littered the space beyond.
   
     Probably has a LED tattoo underneath, to make the moon glow like that—and he has a 'boss'.

     She couldn't even imagine what that person's ink looked like.

     "It's null sheen, omae,”  Arc replied as they returned to his truck.  “I'll get this fixed up and tune'n'trick your grandau's bike for hopscotch, she'll love it.  Don't let me keep ya, I'll hit you up when I get this thing good to return, aight?"
   
     His eyes skipped up over Arc's head for a moment and met hers.  It was just for a moment, but his look said it all: your leash is in Arc's hands, Pup.  "...Yup. Hunt well under the moon, little Arcwelder."
   
     Before the truck's motor had snarled to life, Tuskaloosa had returned to the recess of the garage to take her own look at the loaner.  She concurred with Arc's assessment: a couple of hours worth of elbow grease would have the slab of motor muscle good as new.
   
     "So, Tuska, whaddya think?”  Arc finished.  “I know it ain't your baby, but it'll take ya...”
   
     The rider nodded.  “I think the sooner it's ready, the sooner I can whisper it.”
   
     Arc was already on the floor however, an open hand outstretched.  “Here, hand me that 3/4" allen wrench...."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-22-15/0301:31>
Yelena walks out to the garage and sees Arc and the Troll, Tuskaloosa, at work on a huge King Scorpion, the kind built for a Troll.  For a moment her still-fogged brain wonders how Arc put the bike together so fast, then she sees the engine sitting off on its own and surmises that this must be something she is working on, probably for the Howlers.  She waves a silent greeting that the others don't even notice and sees a cup of caf on the counter.  Not sure if it is hers, Yelena leaves it be and goes to sit on the couch, too tired to even go see the bike the others are working on or move the stack of gear on one end.  The ragged couch feels so fragging good that when she closes her eyes for a second she falls sound asleep.  No one can abuse a body like she has and not need time to recover.  The six or so hours of sleep at the club and two more here are just not enough.  Her body just gives up and slides to one side in a most unlady-like position, sprawled against the duffle, not that she really cares right now.  Yelena pulls the huge duster over her body and head to keep out the light and dim the noise a bit, then slips off to sleep.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-22-15/0711:50>
@ Arc & Tusks  Angel is as good as his word. Forty-five minutes later you hear the knock and it's his face on the security camera. When he steps in he says, "Weapon, evening dress, and jewelry. All suitable for a woman of ill-repute." He lays down a beautiful semi-automatic sized for a trolls hand as well as the holster and ammo and a high tensile steel blade with a slimline strap on holster. It was followed by an armored vest, leather breaches and boots and a supple pair of gloves. "Check it." he reaches over and picks up the holster for the blade. "The side what goes against your skin is soft so it don't chaff. But it aint slippy so it don' move. You need a blade when you need it. You don't wanna be huntin' fer it. An it's slimline so it can be hidden in a lot more places. It be the same one my momma uses."  He grins and looks at Tuskaloosa, "That be a slider holster an them be shock gloves cause I know what a lady likes to have right up against her skin yo."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-22-15/0943:53>

Arc wasted no time getting the door open as she let Angel in with the goods he had promised, leading him to a workstation with Tuskaloosa.  "I take it y'all already met, so let's cut to biz.  What cha got?". She trailed off, the mechanic noticing the couch having a form occupying it, covered by the troll's sister which had also moved.  Yelena.  And still passed.  Turning back to the others, she gave a tilt of her head as she tapped her ear, indicating to please refrain from shouting.

As he went over the goods, Arc was the first to pick up the pistol, finding all the parts in good order but widening her eyes a bit at the weight.  Tossing and twirling it in the air, she caught it by the barrel and passed it to the troll lady.  "it's legit.  Whaddya think?". The mechanic herself seemed to approve of the attire...the vest night need updating in some cases, but it was light on the body, and the King Scorpion could provide more protection anyways.

After the exchange was done, Arc gave a thump of her chest to seal the deal with the pretty boy ork, seeing him out and leaving Tuskaloosa to equip herself as she desired for now.  In the meantime, the human girl took a break from fixing the bike to check on her Srui, taking the soycaf up and setting it on the table next to her.  Reaching up, she tapped at the slumbering form.  " Hoi...you're not dying on me, are you?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-22-15/1006:08>
Yelena's sleep is broken by what seems like an earthquake as she is shaken severely in what has to be an attempt to twist her head off her shoulders.  The familiar aroma of warm soycaf penetrates her brain at the same time as the light stabs through one bleary eye and she sees Arc's face peering at her, a to-go cup in her hand.  "Ah, Srui.  Yelena bad night.  Time leave for Marco?  Arc take cup away.  Yelena too tired to want wake up.  Arc pour Yelena in car when go."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-22-15/1220:48>
@ Subaru  George calls you and says, >>Matsuuri says you handled yourself competently last night. And are smart enough not to object to the cover that's needed for the job. She also said that if we're going to continue to use you in these sorts of assignments that you would benefit from some acting lessons. So, while trix support is generally handled from a distance, it is unwise to refuse to lay a path for the future. I told her that I would discuss it with you and see if you believed yourself competent to handle assignments that would be far more physically dangerous and would thus justify the expense of the lessons and the addition to your debt. But, if you did well with the acting lessons and proved yourself able to handle more dangerous assignments the rewards would be far higher. You're pay for last nights job is fifty percent higher because of the danger involved. Even though that danger was minimal, only requiring you to wear a dress and dance a bit. Think about it and let me know.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-22-15/1611:07>
     Tuskaloosa was so focused on unscrewing the bolt at hand, she missed Arc's departure.  It wasn't until she caught Angel's jaunty call that she noticed.
   "Weapon, evening dress, and jewelry. All suitable for a woman of ill-repute."
   She stood up, caught the shop towel the mechanic pitched at her and closed the distance to the workplace Arc and Angel stood beside.
   The shop's proprietress grinned widely.  "I take it y'all already met, so let's cut to biz.  What cha got?" She also tapped her ear and gave a nod.
   The rider turned around: the direction of Arc's nod.  Funny, I don't remember throwing my coat around like that...
She spied a handful of white hair leaking from beneath it and got the hint.

     Angel was in full commissioned salesman mode when she turned around.
     She took in the pile of clothes: a pair of gloves on an armored vest, resting on black leather breaches.  An equally black pair of boots to one side topped it off.
     There was no guarantee the clothes would be appropriate enough for tonight's activities; as a scale-up from her current fare they were fabulous.
     She was especially pleased to see the armored vest; she hadn't worn hers to the staff introduction meeting—it was in a safe part of Seattle, right?--and had been without one for the last six months.  It was probably the longest stretch of time she hadn't worn one: just another piece of a lady's unmentionables.
   
    He was picking up a sheathed knife beside the pile however.  "Check it--the side what goes against your skin is soft so it don't chaff. But it aint slippy so it don' move. You need a blade when you need it. You don't wanna be huntin' fer it.”
   The troll nodded in agreement.  Truth be told, she was used to having a substantial blade; the survival knife was a Personal Carry for its tools, but it was always in addition to a fighting blade.  The sheath technology was new to her, but she could see the value in it.
   “An it's slimline so it can be hidden in a lot more places. It be the same one my momma uses."
   “Your mother is a wise woman.”  She reached out and tapped the drape of breaches. “This better not be spray-on tight though...no sheath is going to hide it in that case.”
   He wagged his eyebrows and winked.  “So?”
   “Make that cutter able to hide in 'a lot more places', then limit yourself?  Makes no sense chummer.”
   “Chip truth, that.  That's why the lacin' up the sides, right?  To make it loose or tight.  Tuck the flaps away an you can show leg--fer the stitched on look.”
   She had to give him that, although she was certain she knew which way the orc probably preferred.

     Beside her, Arc had been putting the gun through its paces.  With a snap of the wrist it was tossed, caught by the barrel and offered to her, stock first.  "it's legit.  Whaddya think?"
     Angel made a disapproving noise.  “Of course that's a legit Crusader II!  Ain't no way a Lady would go with a knock-off.”
     
     Growing up in Detroit, Tuskaloosa had seen her share of Ares armaments; the Crusader II machine pistol was no exception.  This particular specimen was in exceptionally nice condition.
     “This,” Angel said as he held up the silencer, “is for times when the lady wants to be discrete.  That,” he continued, pointing with the noise suppressor and grinning, “be a slider holster an them be shock gloves cause I know what a lady likes to have right up against her skin yo."
    I'll bet you think you do.  “And if one is good two is better?” she replied and tapped the groves on her right forearm; the place where her own hidden arm slider and gun would be, if she hadn't removed them to work on the bike.  It also left no doubt that he'd taken notice of the shock glove and Guardian when they last met.   “You do realize the Crusader is too big for even that slider, right?”
    “I'm sure with enough lube it'd do fine.”
   Inside she groaned at giving him the opening for that.
   “But the Crusader goes here,” he said, picking up a concealable quick draw holster from its place beside the box of ammunition on the workbench.
   Tuskaloosa blinked.  “Then what's the  slider for?”
   The orc grinned.  “Lady's choice.”
   I give up.  “I have to admit—you know your stuff.  You know how to arm a lady.  ...And if I ever meet one, I'll send her your way.  In the meantime,” she said, grinned right back and held her hand out for the holster, “I believe I can put all of this to good use.”

_   _   _


     While Arc finalized the deal with Angel (“let me handle him”), Tuskaloosa loaded the machine pistol's clip from the box of ammunition.  It gave her hands something to do as she brooded.  I still don't know what Arc has planned.  We may still need to go shopping.
     She finished the load, slipped the clip into place smoothly and received smartlink confirmation before returning the gun to the holster on the workbench.
   
      Arc was already back to the King Scorpion. “Tuska, think ya can hand me that 22-gauge pipe and that thermal rotary slicer?"
     “Which one is that one?” she asked, holding up two lengths of 22-gauge pipe.
     “...Yer left.”
     The piece in her right hand returned to where she found it.  The slicer took a little longer to spy among the various tools, but she found it and returned to Arc's side.

     Once Arc finished the triage of parts she placed them on the floor.  Starting with the ones that required the most work she rebuilt what could not be patched and patched what could not be replaced.
     Besides the occasional tool or part retrieval, Tuskaloosa bent or beat back into shape parts for the mechanic;  it wasn't much, but it was what she could contribute.
     With the more complex issues covered their pace increased.
   
     Arc handed her a shop towel; they concluded the project with a final polish.  The work was by no means seamless, but it was clean: there were signs of repair, but it took knowing where to look to find them.
     “Hope ya hungry, I sure hella am,”  Arc rumbled.
     Now that Tuskaloosa thought about it, breakfast had been some time ago...
     “Think you mind sharing the backspace with Sleepyhoop over there?”
     “No, but...you sure she's not dead?”  The work had not been done in silence; not once had Yelena stirred.
     The woman chuckled, then grabbed her holster and a jacket.  “The keeb's place is downtown, but shouldn't give us an issue.  Come on, let's get her in, and then we can go pick up Firefly...”
     “The room's empty, right?” the troll asked with a nod to the bedroom area.
   “Yeah.”
   “Give me just a tick then.” Hastily, she reached for her new things and grabbed the knife sheath, holstered machine pistol and the armored vest.  Once around the door, she dropped her bundle on the nearest bed and pulled her shirt off.  The vest was pretty straight forward; she shrugged the t-shirt back over it.  The Crusader came out and onto the bed long enough for her to get the holster in place under her left armpit.  The knife sheath went on her left arm; the hilt just past her wrist.
   
     By the time she returned to the garage proper, Arc had removed the duster/blanket from the still sleeping elf.  She took the offered coat and draped it over her shoulder, then strapped her old arm slide—and its gun—back on her right forearm.
     In the meantime, Arc had dragged the limp elf into a fireman's carry; they weren't getting very far.
     Tuskaloosa slipped under the elf's left arm, put her hand on the unconscious woman's waist and stood up.
     Arc nearly stumbled at the sudden loss of mass.  “I'll get the door,” she chuckled.
     Having Arc inside the car made the hand-off and belting in of their charge a much easier operation.
   
     At last, Tuskaloosa slipped on her coat and crawled into the back seat.
     Arc finished the close-up of the garage and slid into the driver's seat. “Thanks.  We can test the bad boy out when we get back, eh?  I think we got it in working order though, so that's wiz.”
     “It looked good to me,” the troll remarked, “but a test drive is definitely in order.  Still, I'm kind of concerned about what comes after.”
     “Gettin cold feet?”
   “No,”  the troll said firmly.  “But...I know you're waiting until everyone that is a part of this is together.  To synchronize and all that.  But I don't know what I'm going to be driving into, and I'm worried about making two mistakes.”
     “Two mistakes?”
   “Yeah.  Being improperly dressed and being under armored.”
     “I hear ya.  Tell ya what: hear me out first.  If you think those'll be a problem after you do, let me know and we fix it.  Sound fair?”
     “Sounds fair.  I just hope we don't get crunched for time, is all.”
     “I hear ya there, too.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-23-15/0303:10>
Flashback  (with Blake)
==================
@ Marco  Blake answers you, "It'll have to be at his office. You'll come in about an hour before his plane is due to leave. It'll explain the rush and why you can't stop and talk to anyone. We've got an exact replica of his car down to the plates and registration and garage pass. Security is going to scan you. It'll do a full body scan and you'll have to match his specs exactly. It's why we need someone with your particular talents. Only a flesh-changer can be that exact under scan. If somehow you're caught try to talk your way out, but above all stall. I will be in the building. Use the codephrase. "You're not my date tonight." and I will get you out. You'll have the buildings exits and security codes as part of your package. But, that's one of the things that's been my primary responsibility. To know all of that and have passcodes for every exit and mousehole in the place. The level of security is high. Lockdown will happen in under a minute. But, it's not maximum security prison high. There are still ways out. But, I prefer a non-violent solution of possible. That's why I've got the data I've got. It's to give you every opportunity to bluff your way through this and get out without anyone the wiser."

I take a moment to process my feelings in private. I feel an odd tranquility as if I was born to do these things, It is acceptance. What ever will be will be, and fear does not serve any goal in here. For a long time I tried to be something that I was not, but no amount of external pressure is going to make a warrior out of me, an assassin.  My way is the way of subterfuge and stealth. I belong to the shadows, and I lived inside the shadows all my life. I was just too afraid to admit it. I keep my positive attitude smile not a shred of concern to be visible on the outside.

 I need to grow and I need to do so fast if I am going to survive. I cannot sense the astral on my own and cannot mask my aura, these are my most obvious weaknesses, but there is so much I can do about it right now. It will take time but I learned to speak like a devil and I can learn other things, if I am careful enough I will grow. It is painful to admit that these last two years were a mirage as I was never a legitimate UCAS citizen. I am under a fake SIN issued to me by my overly zealous masters. I am infiltrating the UCAS and I take my cover so seriously that it is real in my eyes. I gullible and naive and my social magic is not backed up by real street wits. I have to learn and perhaps it is not even about masking and assensing. Perhaps I need to understand how the shadows work.

I am not a hammer, but Gabriel is wiser than the rest. He knew all these years that I will not be a hammer yet he kept me alive. Protected me from retribution and excessive irreversible physical damage. He sent me to the UCAS instead of killing me - tricking a naive boy into thinking he is doing him a favor. He was the first one to show me that soft tactics are more effective on me than threats. I owe Gabriel my life but I cannot be sure of his true motives, he probobly wanted to use me for something different. I was always a tool and I seem to be more successful in the shadows being sneaky, than in the light as an enforcer.

My way is clear, everybody need something and instead of futile power plays where I am simply too naive and inexperienced to win, I will focus on negotiation.  They will give me what I want and I will satisfy their dark desires. My life are going to be dirty, but freedom has a price and a rose cannot survive without thorns. If that Shilla is ever found alive, we are going to resolve this relationship. I deserve closure and her behaviour is not something I am going to tolerate anymore.

I think at Blake, calming my thoughts in mastery that I practiced years I am only transmitting what I want.

"Just so we are in complete understanding -  you are interested in the magical version of being him.  Has anyone checked the place for magical defenses? I can take care of it if not, but I need to know before I get in. If someone that knows him assenses me then I am probably exposed. I am not skilled enough to mislead mages and I cannot duplicate his aura, if someone that is familiar with his aura assense me I will look difference. No emotional and rush and stress they can make the aura different and I will have to capitalize on these - but astral security is our weak spot we need to verify what they have.  I cannot control my astral signature not yet, can barely see that world in my own eyes. "


Then I text Sophie >> Dear Sophie, do you want to go shopping soon? I need a new suit and could use your sensitivity to details, it is going to be a brilliant suit and it has to be flawless. Can you help me out? How about tomorrow? afternoon or Monday?

It is not good to buy clothes alone and Yelena or Arc are not exactly the kind to help me out in there. To them my apartment is an amazing joint filled with luxury, but it is actually a modest apartment for people with actual SIN and a regular job. It is, only fancy in the eyes of the poor SINless. Wage mages can definitely expect this kind of lifestyle.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-23-15/1851:36>
@ Marco. Sophie answers you. >>Marco, of course I'd love to go shopping with you. Youwould be so much fun to dress. And let's plan on getting a massage for couples afterwards.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-24-15/1606:17>
After Angel accepted the cred and said his goodbyes ("Ain't no sweat little Arcling.  You send me a pic of her in that getup and have her call me aight? ha-HA!"), Arc let Tuskaloosa alone to inspect and get acquainted with her new kit, idly wondering if the troll was looking for something a little, well, more.  Either way, the mechanic wasn't going to worry about it, and with Yelena confirming her need to rest, her focus redirected to the bike she was needing to fix up for tonight.

The mechanic started with checking through the framework of the bike.  It made sense: the frame was designed to distribute the weight of the bike, channeling the various levels of gee-forces that would be exerted when the bike was traveling and rounding turns.  If any part of the frame was off or not properly connected, that force would bind at a particular point, causing failure of the structure at the most inopportune moments.  Thankfully, with the current state of things she had to strip the bodywork off anyway, so no harm done.  A quick runover with her eyes and diagnostic software told Arc the good news: it was beat up, but not damaged.  The engine, gas lines, and the electrical were all good too, so that was a plus.  The exhaust on the other hand..

"Tuska, think ya can hand me that 22-gauge pipe and that thermal rotary slicer?"  Her eyes were roaming over one of the exhaust vents, the piping warped and pitted with all a manner of holes...a 22-gauge should replace it nicely if she could cut it to the right length.  Taking the pipe in one hand, she hooked up the cutter to her arm and pulled her goggles on over her eyes, making two careful measures before cutting the pipe, using the heat from the tool to shape the ends to match the actual exhaust.  A few minutes later, the old pipe was detached and discarded, the last one welding on with an electrical current and some spare steel.   Arc welding: severely out of date, but no less effective..

The alignment was next on the priority list: especially with a bike, any misalignment of the wheels is fatal in a critical situation, as the tread wouldn't catch the way it was meant to.  And by the look of things, this front axle was off by a good 17 degrees to the left...and with a long front axle the way a chopper was designed, that could only make the error that much more pronounced.  Detaching the safety catches of the frame to the front axle, it was a simple matter of wrenching the handles into the proper positioning...the troll was a definite boon to this, if only for her sheer strength alone.

And that brought up a point in Arc's mind as she directed this Tuskaloosa to assist in bringing tools and moving parts.  She didn't have to hold the troll's hand through the whole thing, and that helped.  This one's worked in a shop before...not quite enough to make a career about it, but she certainly was part of some work.  Didn't she say her bike was made for her?  Maybe she helped with that too...  She was smiling a bit as she worked through these thoughts, taking one last inspection before giving a nod to the taller woman, gesturing the to various parts of the body and armoring scattered about.

They weren't pristine..but with some heat and guided precision force, it wasn't too hard to get them to a shape that they were mostly intended for.  Piece by piece, each was refurbished and then placed back on the bike, soldered into place and bolted in everywhere else.  The work took time and was labor intensive, but it was pretty simple and as the time wore through the midday, the pair of young women could see the fruits of their labors with each piece, the bike restoring to more of its former self with every piece added.

Eventually, as the last bits of the bike were put together, Arc's inner chronometer displayed a flashing 13:00 in her peripherals, signalling that it was time to move towards the next thing of the day: lunch at Marco's.  Heaving a sigh as she wiped her brow, the human girl did a quick job of wiping the dirt and grease away as best as she could, handing the rag up to the she-troll to do the same.  "Hope ya hungry, I sure hella am.  Think you mind sharing the backspace with Sleepyhoop over there?"  she gestured to the unconscious Yelena, who hadn't really moved since Arc checked on her.  Grabbing her own Predator and holstering it at her back, the girl donned her synthleather jacket, sipping it up to her chest to give her an all around cleaner look.  "The keeb's place is downtown, but shouldn't give us an issue.  Come on, let's get her in, and then we can go pick up Firefly.."

Pulling the duster away gently, she handed the garment up to Tuskaloosa before reaching underneath Yelena's form.  The Russian was O U T out, completely unresponsive as the human grabbed her arm with her other hand, tugging and grunting a bit as she pulled her up over her shoulder.  Thankfully, the troll decided to assist, and between the two of them had managed to successfully "pour" the elf woman into the Americar, propping her up against the door and belting her in, making sure her head was not going to flail about.  Locking up the shop in a few minutes, Arc was ready to go, nodding to Tuska as they piled in.  "Thanks.  We can test the bad boy out when we get back, eh?  I think we got it in working order though, so that's wiz.."  Firing up the engine, she sped out into the streets.

This time Arc was kind enough to put some music on, but kept it low to respect her sleeping passenger and so conversation would continue.  Driving in full manual, the mechanic smiled a bit as she felt her stress levels start to fall: driving was very therapeutic for her.  Her day felt much less busy now that it was half done...after the lunch, it was just a drop off from Hrock, final touches to the plan, meeting with Jaime for dinner, and then hijack a mage.  Simple, right?

Her mind did flit back to the name she gave to Samuel Brotherton, and for a moment gave a little panic.  But then she recalled the last time she was with Henri and his fam with Jaime, and the discussion of her SIN name that was on display came up.  There was no bad blood...thanks to Bettina, Henri fully understood how Redmond operated, and even legitimately working residents often sported fake SINs to get by: it was common practice after Crash 2.0.  So, while she had entrusted her birth name, it was understood she would show up as a miss Lauren Summers.  Lucky break.

Sending a ping to Firefly confirming the pickup time, Arc was able to arrive there right on schedule, the girl seeing the younger human at the curbside.  She was dressed in the outfit she met Firefly in..that strange simple robelike thing with the full headscarf doodad.  Pursing her lips, Arc curiously wondered why a teen would wear that, especially someone with the nova skills of a decker.  Ah well, life's little mysteries...  Pulling up gently, the rigger opened up the front passenger door, letting the decker in and giving a simple quick gesture to the back to indicate Yelena's sleeping form.  "In one piece huh?  Good to see.  Got everything ya need? We bout to go downtown, but then we hittin' my place after, wiz?"

Once everyone was in, the drive downtown was fairly uneventful.  Well, as uneventful as it could get anyway.  The tall skyscrapers and busy streets of downtown Seattle, even on a Sunday, was a stark contrast to the sprawl of the Redmond Barrens, and it always staggered Arc.  It made her feel small...and not necessarily in the physical stature sense.  Arriving at their destination, she parked the car and took a few moments to rouse Yelena, who by now had a few more hours of rest under her belt.  "Hoi...Srui...we need to carry you up to ya boy's place too?"  She spoke gently, letting her decide on her own what her drug hangover-addled limits were at the moment.

Carrying her or not, Arc led the four of them into Marco's apartment complex, checking in and getting a reminder of where Marco's place was.  The doorman gave the group a fairly funny look...new faces and all that..but did not argue as the ascended the elevator.  The clock read 14:06 when the door to the male keeb's place was knocked three times by something metallic, signaling his guests' arrival at last...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-24-15/1657:53>
There was something odd about the rose, I could sense it, sense it... not smell it. Perhaps I am only imagining it all but I can sure that it echoed emotion. I concentrate keep my entire focus and then it is that sound again very weak and I can barely hear it.  KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK... wait this is not how passion sounds like. I cannot hear that passion with this lack of harmony and repeated sound. KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK there it was again. What can it possibly be? I open my eyes and look at my place the table is set and the pasta is getting cold. I’ve been dancing alone with myself for a while now. If I wasn’t a mage I’d belong in an insane asylum as I hear voices and listen to flowers. However, being magical does has some perks and I do not perceive myself as insane.  KNOCK KNOCK KNCOK it takes the third set of knocking to get me back to the real world. Listening to flowers? Dancing with Agrat... I better not mention these things to my friends.

I open the door with my best smile and say... “Sorry I was dancing... Do you like traditional disco? I look at the clips in the trids and the fabrics are so ridiculous. Fixed colors and without any tricks... and these are the guys that perform. Somethings are better heard but not seen... it ain’t pretty.”  I greet them inside, my place is spotless and the new bar is almost exactly like the previous bar. The only difference is that now it is an original rather than a cheap fake from one of Jimmy’s artist friends Raul the Mule - that was quite a bizzare name for a carpenter.  “I hope you like Linguine... I say as I lead my guests to seat... there is also wine if you’d like drinking. I am so glad you came I have some wonderful news.” To my new guests the most unusual thing about my apartment is the library a full wall of library with actual books and no obvious digital entertainment other than a cleverly disguised music system.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-24-15/1947:15>
At least the snow stopped...

As is often the case in Seattle, the snowfall last night is already fading into the gutters.  It doesn't feel much warmer given the wind had increased and there's a cold drizzle in the air, but the magical white that covered the ground will likely be gone by nightfall.  I wonder if we'll see more snow later in the winter?

I didn't have to wait long for my ride to arrive.  Arc-sensei had messages me just a few minutes ago telling me to stand where she'd dropped me off last night, and like clockwork here she is. 

Initially I expected to slip into the back somewhere, but instead the front passenger door beckons.  I shrug and slide into the open seat, belting in and closing the door behind me.  My human mentor smiles and jabs her thumb in a backward motion.  I look behind me and see a sleeping Yelena and very awake troll crowding what would normally be the voluminous rear portion of the Americar.

"In one piece huh?" Arc observes.  "Good to see.  Got everything ya need? We 'bout to go downtown, but then we hittin' my place after, wiz?"

"Sounds fine, Arc-sensei," I answer simply.  "I have what I need for a few days in my bag," I add, indicating the backpack now in my lap.  "My rent is through the month so I thought it would be fine to worry about things like my futon, pillow, and the like later.  I still have people I need to talk to before I want it to look like I'm moving out.  My roommate, especially, is out for a few days and she deserves to hear it from me before I bail on her."

I appreciate that Arc just nods at that as she moves the Americar back into traffic.  We make the rest of the journey in amicable silence.  My eyes widen a bit when we arrive at our destination.  I knew Marco-san was a fancy dresser, but apparently his means allow him to live like he dresses.  The building is nothing compared to a Renraku Arcology, of course.  My family were upper crust in one of the original AAA corporations.  Still, this would be the fanciest time I'd spent since...well...last night.  Hopefully the company would be better...

After several attempts at knocking by Arc-sensei, the elf man opened the door and beckoned us in.  The place was as fancy as I would expect from the silver tongued mage.  The smells are incredible and my mouth salivates for the first time since my last spell kicked me in the gut despite its success.  Uncomfortable with Marco himself, my eyes are drawn to the wall of books.  Despite the large, uninviting crucifix displayed prominently in the center, I make myself inconspicuous by sidling over to the peculiar library and examining the selection.  After the book I'd already handled, I wonder what other curious tomes this man might have on hand...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-25-15/0129:55>
Yelena struggles against the tide of consciousness but fails, finally opening one then the other eye.  Looking about, it takes a minute to realize where she is.  "Frag, Srui.  How the drek Yelena get in car?"  She looked at the Troll.  "Ah.  Yelena know now.  Hello Tuskaloosa.  And hello decker girl."

Yelena climbs out of the car on her own and stretches before following the others into the building.  She uses the elevator time to shake herself fully awake and is smiling as they approach Marco's door.  She frowns a bit when it takes three sets of knocks to get Marco to come open the door.  She pauses to sniff the air, aroused at the aroma wafting from the kitchen.  "Marco take long open door.  Have woman hiding?  Food smell wonderful.  Yelena off wine today.  What news?"

While talking to Marco, the Russian Keeb watches Firefly go to the books.  Something jars a bit and she smiles as she considers the slight irony of the Muslim girl and the Christian cross.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-25-15/0327:23>
Most of the book in Marco’s library are religious in nature but there is also representation to general philosophy, poetry, cooking and even magic. Subaru might recognize an early edition of “The Grimoire, A Manual of Practical Thaumaturgy” a must have book for mages that advance on their own. It is considered the most extensive and balanced book with background, notions and philosophy from the most popular magical traditions.  In contradiction the book next to it is notorious as the most useless of arcane books.  “De Forma Absolutionis”, is disguised as a Grimoire book, but it is actually a book about ethics and the proper use of magical arts. It’s suggestions are considered naive and impractical. The most notorious of them is not using magic to harm people in any way.  Your photographic memory quickly tells you that the book you saw the other day is not part of the current collection.
 
"Marco take long open door.  Have woman hiding?  Food smell wonderful.  Yelena off wine today.  What news?"

“Woman hiding... Don't be silly, if you want to be involved with a mage you will have to trust me. I have many options for getting a lover out of an awkward situation and what you might imagine a woman hiding in a closet or something like that is not one of them... The simplest thing is to make her a little bird and send her home. So you will just have to believe me when I say that there is no woman...  I was dancing and got a bit carried away into my own thoughts. "

Marco change the music to soft jazz. Just the jam no words seems ideal for eating and conversation. He thinks to himself.  "I have already set the table... Make yourself comfortable. I hope you came hungry.”  Marco sets the table and seats his guests, Tuskaloosa posed a logistical challenge and Marco had to put a small sofa instead of a chair that would be too small.

Marco gives Yelena and Arc each two credsticks. “Since Sam is gone we need a new arrangement for our work. I talked to Blake and we now get 10k a week as long as we are engaged with the club. The credsticks I gave you contain 10k for previous week and another 10k for this week. Expect a new one next Sunday.” He then looks at Firefly and Tuskaloosa apologetically and say “It seems like I will need to negotiate something for you too as well. I did not understand that you were on board the previous time I’ve seen you... Arc is a bit mysterious at times but I trust her judgement.”  He fills the glasses with red wine to these that are interested and with a soft drink to these that are not.

After a bit of dining he say “So Yelana how was your date last night? You had me and Firefly worried.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-25-15/0917:02>
I hang by the books while the "adults" have their big people talk.  Don't get me wrong - the conversation is interesting but doesn't really add to my knowledge of any of the actors.  The sharing of credsticks piques my interest slightly, not because I expected to be paid of course, but because I was curious where the income originated.  Still, I am learning far more by examining the collection than I am from any of the sociable words.

And what a curious collection it is.  What looks like a vintage copy of the classically profane Les Fleurs du Mal almost side by side with not quite vintage but still old copies of Shakespeare's Sonnets and even Virgil.  Keats, Cummings, Kipling...clearly the man knows his poetry.

Oh my!  Scheherazade!  Burton's English translation, admittedly, but what a strange inclusion.  This Marco is a peculiar man.

And that's not all.  On the Origin of the Species vies with several editions of the Bible.  And the Bible isn't the only holy book represented.  Next to Macdonell's The Sutras is a later reprint of Sale's original English translation of the Noble Koran.  The same version that graced Thomas Jefferson's library in Monticello. 

Although few of these old texts are actually from the era in which they were composed, the trend seems to be that they are the first of their kind.  Little here was written after the nineteenth century.  As much as I still don't trust the man's intentions, I must admit a keen interest in coming to better know his mind.  If he's actually read all these tomes, he may be the first person I've met since Grandfather who could keep up with me in a conversation.

The call to dinner interrupted my thoughts and if it hadn't been two days since I ate a solid meal I might have demurred, preferring instead to nourish my mind by reaching out and opening one of the books before me.  But alas I am hungry.  I join the others, keeping to myself in the conversation and preferring to listen to the others.

There is one hiccup as I quickly realize the pasta sauce contains clams.  Definitely haram.  Fortunately, the meal includes some delicious bread and butter (real!) to spread upon it.  I take some linguine and place a dollop of butter atop it.  I eagerly watch the rare delight melt and find the pasta to be perfect.  The absence of the sauce is no absence at all.  As it is, with my tummy still uncertain, buttered bread, pasta, and water really is just my speed.

I am allowing the taste of real butter to seduce my senses when Marco's latest question brings me to reality.  “So Yelana how was your date last night? You had me and Firefly worried.”  I gulp down my latest mouthful both to focus on the others' responses and to prepare to explain myself if Marco says more to make it clear where I was last night.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-25-15/1145:19>
Yelena's brain is still a bit fuzzy as she sits down.  Looking at the food, her mind flashes to a slight remembrance of everything she had eaten yesterday coming back up last night.  With a slight moue of distaste, she gingerly tries some of the pasta in front of her and finds it delicious.  She takes a few bites, enjoying the savory dish.  She is a half plate into the meal when she finally notices that Firefly has not tried any of the sauce; she is curious but does not say anything.  Yelena shrugs when Marco asks his question.  "Yelena date not good.  Drug mix bad.  Yelena react bad.  Said things,  Hit security man when come help.  Yelena taken small room basement to sleep off.  Club shaman come see.  Treat Yelena nice."  She takes a couple more bites then continues.  Yelena notice room door very secure.  Very thick.  Very heavy.  Big lock.  Keep angry Troll if needed.  Probably use room before for people like Yelena."

It is then that the import of the question hits her.  "Why Marco, Firefly worry?  Not worry last time Yelena party."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-25-15/1213:39>
I may as well come clean before Marco makes things even more awkward.

"Um..." I begin as my water glass suddenly takes on a whole new dimension of interest, "I was at the Stardust last night too..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-25-15/1217:03>
Yelena looks sharply at the girl, realizing that there is more to the story than that simple phrase.  She arches an eyebrow and says, "And?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-25-15/1219:25>
Marco enjoys his dinner and is a little disappointed that Firefly do not eat the sauce but he is sensitive enough to ignore it and not make her awkward by explaining herself. I must have missed some religious law or she may not like oysters.  When Yelena tells her piece Marco look silently at FireFly she is obviously struggling so he might get it over with quickly before she turns all red.

“Well Firefly had her own night out at the Stardust and while she was doing own thing either due to curiosity or due to having some risky job in there she hacked their security system and saw you in that cell.  All I know that we were debating if to assemble a rescue and without Firefly’s calm and to the point description we might have placed us and you in danger.”

Marco then pauses and adds “I was in their basement and there were no such things in there, it must be a different basement. I heard Tammie talking about one but I never figured out where it is. I think they have three different basement and we only accessed a single one of them.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-25-15/1228:14>
Thank you, Marco...

I just nod in agreement at Marco's description of events, letting the elf's honeyed words hopefully get me off the hook for going off on my own last night.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-25-15/1235:12>
Once again, Arc found herself a bit out of her element in the nicely furnished apartment.  Then again, she was one that was raised owning very little for herself, being bounced around by the various Howlers in their care.  The fact that she has a full place of her own, even if it is starting to feel small, is a huge achievement to her, and this makes it all look cheap.  Hands in her pockets, the mechanic girl shuffled a bit until lunch was called, gesturing over to Tuska who seemed to be more of a wallflower than she was to join them, shrugging off her jacket in the meanwhile.

The credstick was another surprise, the flash of silver on the handle the quickest visual indicator of the amount and confirming his totals.  A brow raised, she flipped it twice before pocketing it.  "I can use it, thanks.  Oh, hey, Marco.  I did some looking up on that question you brought to me, and I have an answer for ya."  As they were all sitting down, Arc had decided to get that order of business out of the way, her cyberhand picking up a fork and picking idly at the pasta as she formed her words.

"That place you're talking about setting up shop in, it's run by a branch off of the Night Howlers.  Happened a couple years before I was brought into their drek, when the current leader passed and there was a dispute between Lupo and this other hoop.  Night Howlers have most of the south Barrens for sure, but these Wild Howlers are in this hood here.  And for that spot specifically?  There maybe thugs all around, but if you want peeps in charge, you're callin' on the Pink Ladies.  All she-troll squad, you can't miss em.  Tryna bring that rockabilly trend back or whateva.  I wish ya luck...I'd talk to them, but the fact I'm Night Howler, a slitch, and a breeder, gives me three strikes against em, ya feel me?"

As she dug in, she blinked a few times, eyes widening at the complex mix of flavors.  She opted for a soft drink with her meal...wine was never really to her tastes, she remembered that from the last meal Marco had them on.  All the while she listened to the banter, pausing a bit as the conversation turned to Yelena's time at the club, and her remarks of them being worried, and..wait, FIREFLY was there too?  Her fork came down to rest on the plate as Arc looked between all of them, eyes darting over each one in turn before she let out a little sigh.  Her smirk returned a bit.  "Seems like we were all pretty busy last night, huh.."

"Yelena.  Srui.  You just tell us you had a fragged up mix of drugs and then wonder why we got our panties in a bunch?  Drek girl, you're going way in deep to get this job done, and at this point getting you back out of it might take just as long.  Frag yeah, we worried."


The human gave a little sigh, holding her head as she sorted through her thoughts...she needed to compartmentalize..be professional.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-25-15/1236:10>
Yelena looks between Marco, Firefly and Arc as they cover each other.  Given what was said, she is actually surprised that the Troll is not chiming in as well.  Looking one to the other of her friends, she says, "Yelena thank for worry.  Was very sick.  Embarrass self.  Maybe lose Bella and husband as friends.  They not return apology call.  Three basement make sense.  We know Ambrose kept someplace different.  "

She focuses back on Arc.  "Srui.  Yelena think need something for when alone no gun.  TriggerT  have mono whip?  Maybe know person put in finger?  Then train some."

Mentally cursing her still fried brain, Yelena goes back to trying to focus on what was important.  She spears Firefly with a stare then smiles, although the warmth does not really get past the lips.  "So what decker girl do club?  Bad place.  Much drink.  Much drugs.  Much sex.  Why go?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-25-15/1242:57>
     Tuskaloosa could almost hear the doorman's next bar conversation: a horns, a keeb and two humans—all of 'em slitches—walk into an apartment highrise downtown...

     Should have put on the boots.  Britches too, maybe.  She had taken her lead for clothing based on Arc, but felt very conscious of the oils from the morning's toil.  Even downtown, there were places where two different sneakers could be written off as a fashion statement.  This was not one of those places.
   
     With Yelena conscious and sobering up on the way to the door, Tuskaloosa lacked even the distraction of moving a body.

     It took some time before the door opened.  I will trust Arc to know which door is his.  I will trust Arc to know which door is his.  I will--
     When the door finally opened, Marco ushered them in with an apologetic  “Sorry I was dancing... Do you like traditional disco?”

     As she stepped through the entrance she could see why:  everything about the guest areas oozed with decadence. The wall of paper books whispered bibliophile and scholar of a bygone age.  The polished bar proudly announced gentleman.
   She doubted this was truly his home: a place of his making perhaps, but it was a place to wine and dine clients of an adult, cultured nature.  It was too perfect to be where he actually hung his hat.

     She left her Duster on the coat rack beside the door.  The troll suddenly felt over-conscious about the amount of weaponry she was displaying.  I'm supposed to be among friends here...Crusader in a holster—ok.  Guardian on a slider?  She removed the gun and slipped it into an inner pocket of the coat, but left the slider on: a good compromise.  The knife?  She took the sheath off and thought.  The whole point was eating, so sitting down: upper leg not a good place, and calf hard to get to.  She tried tucking it down her back, but discovered she'd left the vest too snug: something to experiment with later.  Quickly, she settled on her left bicep: out of the way, shirt covers it a little and still within reach.
     Marco returned.  “Is something wrong?”
     “I'm good.  I just got new gear and I can't do a thing with it.”
     He gave her a puzzled look, but said nothing as he led her to the dinner table.
   
     For once decadence had it's uses: the long dining table would have usually been over extravagant.  In her case, it meant not being sent to the Troll Table.    The sofa made sitting feel a bit odd, but she accepted it with the sincerity of the gesture.
     She also suspected that if she ever came again the oversight would be rectified.

     The food was as much in place as the rest of the atmosphere:  rich clam sauce—with real clams?--over linguine.  Playing the host, the dapper elf offered her the choice of wine or a soft drink.  “Not to be too demanding, but could I just have water and ice?”  She had driving to do later so the wine--although fragrant--was out.  She also didn't want to be overclocked from caffeine either—and she suspected the non-alcoholic fare more limited in quantity—so the soft drinks were also out.
     As she thought, even the water was blissfully tasty.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-25-15/1244:07>
"Um...I was instructed by the Yak to hack the club's security servers.  Pull previous footage and leave a back door."  I hesitate as I try to assess how much more I need to share.  I feel like less is more at the moment.  "I...uhhh...had to be there to have a chance.  Go in straight using the club's own host rather than jump from grid to host."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-25-15/1251:40>
Yelena gives a warmer smile as she shakes her head.  "Yelena not understand matrix mojo.  So Yaks interested club.  Maybe want replace Triads?  Vory interested as well.  Big gangs involved.  Much confusion.  Not sure what mean, but all seem want new drugs.  Yelena see Bella look odd last night.  Yelena think she be taken soon.  Used maybe killed.  Can help?  Yelena like save if can.  Silly woman.  Too much money.  But not deserve die like that."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-25-15/1256:32>
"I was planning on sharing everything I found with Arc-sensei.  I also haven't even started to examine the footage myself.  I'm not even sure what I am looking for...or for that matter what the Yak are looking for."  I look up at Yelena before adding, "although I have clipped you out of what I'll be handing the Yak.  They won't see you in the cell."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-25-15/1420:52>
Quote
"That place you're talking about setting up shop in, it's run by a branch off of the Night Howlers.  Happened a couple years before I was brought into their drek, when the current leader passed and there was a dispute between Lupo and this other hoop.  Night Howlers have most of the south Barrens for sure, but these Wild Howlers are in this hood here.  And for that spot specifically?  There maybe thugs all around, but if you want peeps in charge, you're callin' on the Pink Ladies.  All she-troll squad, you can't miss em.  Tryna bring that rockabilly trend back or whateva.  I wish ya luck...I'd talk to them, but the fact I'm Night Howler, a slitch, and a breeder, gives me three strikes against em, ya feel me?"
My thoughts are going wild... so now I am going to piss in the pool of some Howlers, I hope they are not too friendly with the ones that Arc lives among.

"I will do the the talking this is my domain tough I never really dealt with gang leaders before. I spoke to a couple of halloweeners that wanted me to fund their atrocities against makeup... I gave them quite a scare but I never spoke to anyone higher than a street thug. What kind of approach would you suggest? Can I just come and talk to them or should I flex some muscle before I do?  What do these pink ladies value the most? "


A monowhip ? is she for real... nobody ever managed to kill her so she is attempting suicide practicing a deadly weapon? For a brief moment a shiver passes through my spine this is appalling, horrifying and insanely hot. If I could just have Yelena on the that new bar right now I’d do it... I got to remember the etiquette. It will not be very polite... people are eating so I will have to restrain myself.

“Yelena... Before you turn yourself even more deadly... I have access to a power that can prevent you from losing a limb while practicing. I know that danger flows in your veins but some magical luck is never bad.

And about Bella perhaps we can impersonate her or something, if we follow her we get magic drug. She is the key... ”


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-25-15/1607:56>
The troll  listens to the conversation about Yelena's party night.  Notes Marco's comment about three basements in the Stardust.  Vaguely recalls Arc using that  name to Firefly on the drive home. Firefly comes clean about being at the Stardust on Yak business.

Tuskaloosa rubs her temples with a free hand.
"Just a question from the uninitiated, but does the Stardust have anything to do with tonight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-25-15/1618:47>
Yelena nods.  Yelena thank decker girl.  No need Yak see Yelena weakness.  How long to look at data?  Firefly make copy for us?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-25-15/1623:12>
"I have the data right here," I pat my stomach where my Erika lies safe beneath a layer of armor.  "Unfortunately, most of it is video.  And there's a lot of it.  Even at 10x speed, it'll take quite some time for me to assess it.  I also don't really know what I'm looking for - what would be interesting to you all.  I do have some other data, like the fire escape maps and other schematics of the place.  If Marco doesn't mind me taking over his trid display, I can start showing some of the most obviously interesting stuff off right now."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-25-15/1625:00>
Yelena smiles and looks at Marco.  "Yelena sure Marco willing risk trid for cause."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-25-15/1636:31>
Arc's attention was on Marco as she listened to his questions, her little smirk returning as she gave a shrug.  "With the Pink Ladies?  Y'all are gonna wanna be slick-n-smooth, stylish and masculine.  And plenty too..you ain't a trog, they'll think you're not enough man to handle em.  You think you pull that off, you got their respect.."  Nodding her head, she returned to her food as Firefly explained to them what her business at the Stardust was.

And followed by their newest member asking about the Stardust in particular.

"I'll take the data and look it over with ya after tonight.  I'll be busy likely, but I can spend some time on some of it.  Tuska, the Stardust is the club what's hiring me for tonight's job.  it ain't pretty, but the gist of the deal is I'm working to get inside.  That club is up to some shady drek that we're trying to bring down...they're making this strange mojo-fueled chem that does weird drek in its abusers, and I think the end goal is to shut it down.  Which since we all here, I might as well say it.."

"Guys, Ninelives gave me a job tonight that might give us some help with this drek.  A triad mage been caught snooping round their wards, and the Stardust wants me to take him or her in.  Way I sees it, we could learn some stuff from this one and decide whether or not to take the mojo in eh?  The challenge is that they's holed up in a safehouse and gonna be shipping out after tonight to Hong Kong or wherever.  They moving the mage between safehouses tonight.  The challenge?  being shipped in an armed'n'armored van with a go-gang escort, and the highway be the only good place to make the jump.   I could use all of y'all's help on this, and could even call in some go-gang muscle of my own if I need to.  So, if you want out, I needa know now.  Who in?"


After a moment, she blinked twice, turning to Yelena.  'You said your girl Bella be acting funny..like, what kinda funny?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-25-15/1714:11>
Arc's attention was on Marco as she listened to his questions, her little smirk returning as she gave a shrug.  "With the Pink Ladies?  Y'all are gonna wanna be slick-n-smooth, stylish and masculine.  And plenty too..you ain't a trog, they'll think you're not enough man to handle em.  You think you pull that off, you got their respect.."  Nodding her head, she returned to her food as Firefly explained to them what her business at the Stardust was.

I smile a devious smile...  and ask Arc... "Is my mind misleading me or did you just suggest getting intimate with a group of lusting female trogs in pink as a manner of getting their respect? Do you think that If I am man enough to *handle* them they will stop sabotaging our soup kitchen? I must admit that I am intrigued and surprised. You are not running a practical joke on me are you?!"

To Yelena and Firefly "The trid well alright... I barely use it but you cannot buy a descent sound system without some 3d. They seem to go together nowadays." To firefly "Feel welcome... you probobly know what to do better than me."  

When Arc explains about the mission I say "I have just one request Arc... I want to try and find out what he managed to learn about the Stardust before bringing him in. I might be able to do so just by looking at him... depending what kind of mage is he..."  Then it hit me... that guy we are extracting is a mage. If there is one thing that I am terrified of is mages. I can totally understand why my kind need to be geeked first.  Somehow being awakened only makes this fear of mages more real. I know exactly what magic can do... and some mages are so dangerous the best chance for killing them is old age. I smile and ask Arc "Let me get it straight Arc, there is a mage and we have no idea what he looks like.  We are to assense an armored car and if one of the passengers appears to be awakened kidnap him/her/they. It seems odd that Ninelives is interested in a mage but gives no  identifying signs. It can be done with astral sensing as we can just extract whomever is awakened in that car... but It seems a bit suspicious don't you think?  Are you certain that Ninelives even knows what mage he is actually buying?"

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-25-15/1802:54>
Yelena looks first at Arc.  "Yelena in if can use.  What need?  And Bella was gloss skin.  Affect matrix.  Like other you saw first time club."

Then she looks in some surprise at Marco.  "Marco want slot whole Troll gang?  Brave Keeb."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-25-15/1839:20>
With Marco's permission I use AR using my Erika to access the elf man's sound system.

Pshhh, I don't even need to ask him his password - it's still at default.  As I enter it I clean out a bunch of foreign marks from people who had been stealing his music library.  I then secure the thing so no one not at least as good as Jenna will be able to get in remotely.  Marco doesn't strike me as someone who will be annoyed at not being able to control his equipment without the handheld control.

That out of the way, I turn on the trid display and use it to first show a snippet of Yelena's cell with her talking to the shaman, then I show the back door to the basement from the kitchen, and finally end with the fire escape maps.

"This is all that I know so far," I finish.  "Thoughts?"

Something Yelena said while I set things off brings a question.  "Gloss skin?  Affecting matrix?"

==========

I listen to Marco's curiosity about the mage, and I can't help but mirror it.  Mages are dangerous!  And this is coming from someone trained to lead teams against them.

"I mirror Marco-san's disquiet about the mage," I say aloud.  "I certainly can imagine a snatch and grab with vehicles on the highway.  Howlers keeping the go-gang escorts busy.  Our troll on her bike with Yelena making the transfer.  Arc driving the Americar with me using my hacking skills to control the armored rig.  Marco-san doing whatever it is Marco-san can do with magic.  But if Marco-san is worried about the mage, then I'm doubly so.  I cannot deck and use magic at the same time, and even if I could I am not a combat mage."  I look around the group before tossing out my own idea.  "Is there any way we could find out how they plan to get the mage out of Seattle?  If it's a private or cargo plane, might we hijack it using stealth to sneak in and take out the guards one by one?  If we took it over, we could fly it to a place...say maybe Okinawa...where we could hand it over to the Yakuza in trade for something else.  We'd then have the mage AND perhaps even our own plane."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-25-15/1854:43>
Tuskaloosa listens intently to Arc's explanation.  She is equally intent as Arc outlines the mission for tonight.
It doesn't take too much imagination to see her potential role in this.  Definitely going to need more armor.
"I'm in like Quin."  So the Triad is backing the mage...who's the go-gang escort?  Home grown or imports? 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-25-15/1914:41>
Arc couldn't help but give a grin, dismissively lifting her hands up and giving a shrug.  "You asked me for intel, Marco, it's on you to take it how you take it.  Y'all think you can avoid geeked by dasnoosnoo, be my guest."  She gave a laugh, the mechanic leaving it at that while sitting back and eating from the fine cuisine, watching the trid view that Firefly was sharing with them.  The intel didn't show any damning evidence about the Stardust..but it didn't have to really.  But it was helpful.

"That drek will give us some direction too..if we can get through that big-hooped lock, we can do a full dig into that place.  Good work Firefly.  This will help

Arc nodded at the details on Bella and her symptoms..glowing is generally hard to forget, and the Matrix glitching is indicative of what they were looking for.  She feels like she has seen the glossy glowing somewhere before...the big question is where...

The others all chimed in their responses, all positively, and Arc was thankful for that...even as Marco and Firefly voiced concerns in the same breath.  "Wiz, omaes.  Hell yeah we'll be trying to learn what we can from this.  If the situation calls for it, I'll even bamf the job if it helps us shut the place down. But to get to this mage we need this opportunity.  I dunno anything about their plans to leave, but I dunno if we can guarantee the job's gonna go right that way if we try for the plane, assuming we know how to find it.  I can only work with the intel that I've been given, and I'm not getting any more.  Sorry about that."

She took a moment, breathing a little as she sorted her thoughts.  "Firefly had the right idea, and I figured we could take it a step further than that.  Most cars these days got some wireless, so hacking it shouldn't be an issue.  From there, what's to say we don't just pass the marks on to me and I just jump into it?  The escort won't stand a chance against the go-gangers, and our target will be untouched.  Tuska and Yelena could provide external support, while the Americar holds the meatbodies of the rest of us at work eh?  I can make a call too..I think the Whollyhells would lend a hand if I comped them some bike jobs.  That's the best case scenario.  Worst case, we do this the old fashioned way and do a transfer, and Firefly will work on disabling the weapons.  Works?"

At Tuska's line, Arc got a little quiet.  "They local to here, in a way.  Jade Dragons.  They're a Triad backed go-gang, and they don't drek around.  They don't beef over turf, and getting on their bad side could turn ugly.   It's why we won't get caught, you feel me?  Any questions on all this, or did I just confuse the drek outta everyone?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-25-15/1937:42>
I sigh in frustration at the limited information.  If only we knew more about how they were getting this mage out!  But we don't, and with what little I have to go on no amount of research will likely change that.

"I can certainly try to take over the rig and hand control over to you, Arc-sensei.  I've done exactly that before, but to again mirror Marco-san's concerns I had better...and more reliable...intel.  I also had a better deck."  I pause as I pat my tummy again.  "This little Erika has been remarkable good to me, I'll admit.  But there will come a time when she'll fail me.  I just hope we get to live through that experience.

"Are we absolutely certain we're not being set up?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-25-15/1944:16>
Arc listened intently, giving some nods at the work.  The resources this decker had were limited, but hell, she was using em nova.  The human was a little frightened to see what she could pull off with some better tech.  "Can never be certain, but it ain't likely.  I've given no reason to let Ninelives believe I'm up to drek, and for all he cares, I'm some money-funneling slitch cut off the same asphalt he grew up on.  I'm a charity case.  He even paid a bonus for that warehouse job cause we did it so well."  she gave a smile.  "And as far as he cares, Yelena and I just did a job together and that was it.  Her rep won't hurt me"

Nodding, she tapped her forehead.  "We'll do what we can, but I can't believe you'd fail at that, Firefly.  Even if it ain't rigged, RC will override their driver's drek, let alone a dogbrain.  Give me access and I'll tear em apart.  And like I said, we got plans even if that don't work.  But if y'all feel we need some extra bodies, say it now and I'll make the call to get the Whollyhells in on this"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-25-15/2010:16>
I find myself staring back into my glass, hoping perhaps that in the distorted light I might see some fleeting image of the future.  Sadly, all I see is the refracted light from the table behind the water.

"I will do my best, Arc-sensei.  That armored van will be yours.  As far as the go gangers, though," I glance up and toward the troll, "perhaps our driver has some experience and can suggest how best to handle that angle?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-25-15/2016:16>
"I'd still be flexible boss"  Tuskaloosa relies.  "If this mage is that important to the Triad, they'll take extra care during a transport.  Either their wireless protections will be hoop-scorching  nasty, or they'll make it unhackable by keeping things manual.  The arms on the other hand...their ride would definitely stand out if their offense was nothing but manned turrets.  Their outriders would never see a shot from their own tank.  Get gun control, and the Whollyhells are unnecessary."

When Arc praises Firefly and mentions digging in the Stardust after "that big-hooped lock" is cleared, Tuskaloosa will ask Firefly to enhance/ blow the image of the lock up: to see if she has the tools in hand already for it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-25-15/2019:28>
"So you're suggesting I focus on the gunnery rather than the van controls?" I ask even as I mentally arrange to bring up the image the troll requests.  "Is this what you're after?" I ask when the image is displayed.

[spoiler]Smiles, Grenades would like an assessment of what she can discern about the lock from the image display.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-25-15/2028:17>
The mechanic took a breath and gave a nod of her head.  "I'd say like Tuska said: we be flex.  Best case scenario we get full access to the van and give them hell.  If not, we go after the guns.  But that's the kicker isn't it?  We get control of the sitch.  Those guns could cause probs we don't need so we handle it.  Then the issue is the escort...and we handle those from both angles.  Once done, we take control of the van proper and get our prize.  We got this"

She smiled.  If nothing else, Arc was pretty good at remaining positive about situations, it seemed.  Even still, she knew there was some prepping to be had, and little time to do it.  "Let's lay some drek on the line then.  I got some tech coming in today that might help us.  I got Tuska some wheels to work with tonight.  Yelena, you can work in the Americar or on your Scorp, your call.  But, I'm sure some peeps might need some prep help.  What else will we all need hm?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-26-15/0052:29>
Marco laugh looking at Yelena "I am not sure about a whole gang... I am just intrigued that's all... I kind of like that gang already... probobly wont when I discover that they are mislead and violent but the image in my head right now is quite iconic."  

Looking at the video on the trid Marco packs his sequencer and auto picker and brings them. Trying to figure out... "The problem is that there is no wireless in there, making these a bit less effective, but I think that if anything can handle that lock is the auto picker. " Marco grins "Since I met Sam I developed this habit of being in places without being invited but I never actually acquired real skill in locks,  I just know how to place this stuff and follow the instructions."

After just a few moments with it, Firefly seems to know my entertainment system much better than me. She even removed the annoying watermark that said "Not  activated" when ever I projected something with it, that projector seems very wiz perhaps I will watch movies also now that it actually works. I look astonished as the muslim lady deep in her element. 

and to Arc he answers "Well... I am not exactly the expert on highway grabbing, but I think that I can try to scare or confuse them so that the rest of you get to do what ever it is that you do with just a little bit luck.
 
My most powerful ability in this context is summoning a daemon they are very powerful allies. Capable of maneuverability, muscle and stealth. Since, I do not want anyone harmed my daemon included so I am not sure I want it to just materialize in that van but they can do it. Projecting my skills on the problem I can probobly use their own alertness and stress to our favor and confuse them. There is the physical mask spell, how do you think they are going to react if one of them suddenly appears very different? They may become violent, they may become suspicious but I am certain of one thing - their eyes are not going to be focused on the outside but on the inside. It may give us that moment of surprise we need so we can do the deed. 

If the mage is knocked down or is a willing participant I can try and repack him into a shape that is easier to move. They might try to shoot at their own mage so that we cannot have it. Would they?   Perhaps a small forest animal will allow Tuskaloosa to steal it with her bike while the rest of us either pull of a ruse and make them pursuit the wrong car. I am just suggesting I can ofcourse also improvise on the field.

Last, this is always my last resort but I am also very passionate when it comes to automatic weapons, I can bring my AK-97 and Crusader. I must tell you that surpressive fire is very efficient when applied to vehicles.  Basically, if it comes down to that. The people in there do not have much room to dodge and their only option is to be lucky.  This is last resort kind of stuff I enjoy shooting AR mooks a lot more than people.

What I am saying is that I trust Arc and I am sure we can pull this up, one way or the other."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-26-15/1024:36>
"Standard Operation Procedure for a mage extraction is to render the primary unconscious or otherwise unable to mentate," I quote by rote from the Renraku field ops guide.  "This practice is necessary even with a willing primary to ensure they do not either change their mind mid-operation or inadvertently interfere with the operation due to anxiety, unfamiliarity with mission operatives, or simple ignorance of correct procedure."  I look around at the open-mouth stares of my new colleagues and shrink a little.  "Um...it always seemed to be a good practice when I helped lead ops in Singapore..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-26-15/1029:29>
A light snow begins to fall and the sun peaking through the clouds as they hustle across the sky means that the delicate flakes are highlighted and swirled in a mad dance that ends with partners only meeting when they land exhausted on the ground. This high up in Marcos apartment there is no view of the roads from the table, only the serene sight of high rise buildings and silver-grey clouds racing to each building as if they were poles marking the next leg of the journey  hurried along by the vagaries of winds suddenly anxious to finish the long trek to the next ocean
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-26-15/1036:00>
Yelena had been looking through the glass doors to the patio deck at the snow when Firefly had made her statement.  The comment gets her attention and she looks at Firefly, trying to keep the surprise off of her face.  "So decker girl more than seem.  Sound official quote.  Corp work in Singapore?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-26-15/1039:16>
My heart skips a bit when Firefly seem to know exactly what to do at the task. Well, as long as Arc picks the professionals I am happy. "So we really are going to knock the mage unconscious ? I am not sure there are other alternative in such a short notice."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-26-15/1244:21>
Arc was listening intently, but did little to hide her surprise when Firefly perked up, spouting off a degree of professionalism that strangely seemed to fit well with her demeanor...and the fact that she wore a deck.  The robed 'ken has surprises.  Wiz  Grinning and shaking her head, the mechanic suppressed a little laugh as she took in a breath.

"Ysee that's why I like you guys.  I can count on y'all for ideas and I don't need to tell you how t'be helpful.  Marco, I trust you to do what you do best, and how we handle this mage we may have to play by ear. The way Firefly puts it, there's a shot this mage'll already be out cold when we hit them.  If so, that's wiz, but if not...well, we got tasers n drek for that right?"

She looked down at her plate and cup, the both of them empty.  Shrugging, the rigger set down her utensils and stood up, stretching her back a little bit.  "Again, thank you for helping.  We'll be doing this tonight, so whatever we need to do to prepare, we'll make it happen."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-26-15/1729:16>
When Arc suggests Yelena work from the Americar or her own ride, the troll with tap the table lightly with a finger. " I don't know her skills, but given she's willing to go deep cover without a net, I have another suggestion:  have her ride with me.  The King's going to be more than enough, and it would allow her flexibility to do something like be a boarding party.  If the opportunity presented itself, she wouldn't want to ditch her own bike to take it."  Before Yelena can respond to the negative,  she will turn and say "we're leaving nothing behind so there's no tracing, right?  We don't get caught?"

Tuskaloosa listens to Firefly rattle off SOP lifted right out of someone's manual.  When she concludes with  "Um...it always seemed to be a good practice when I helped lead ops in Singapore..."  Tusk takes a long swig of water to rinse the bad taste in her mouth.  Back in the UCAS military anyone who "helped" to lead was a Baby-faced Lieutenant, regardless of age or rank.
And while the manual quotation was sound advice--as most good manual quotations are-- Tuskaloosa had experience with another manual quotation: no battle plan survives contact with the enemy.

"I'm less worried about the mage and more worried about the escort detail..because an armored van WILL have an escort detail.  The'll have the room for it.  No, I'm not worried about the mage, I'm worried about the mage's entourage...and if they have orders to destroy the ball if they start to lose at Keep Away.  Arc, do we have any idea where the safehouse is now?  we may not be able to do drek as they board, but if there's a chance they board outside a building, a little drone could give us a ton of info."

"We also haven't talked exit strategy either.  Best case scenario is you get wireless control, we act as fake Jade Dragons escort and take an early exit to Outta There.   Then what?  Do you have a good chop shop on voicemail, Arc?  Do we trade it to Hrock and let him expand his border crossing fleet?  And where does the mage go?
...And that's best case.  Not to borrow trouble, but worst case? Where do we meet?  Here?  Arc's garage?  A love motel?  We have the opportunity to think about these things now, without distractions like bullets and bloodhounds.  Call me a worrywart, but I'd like to have a Plan A and B, so I can have something to switch to.  They don't have to be fancy, just in place."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-26-15/1753:03>
Hearing Tuskaloosa Marco figures up that a medic kit is in need, lucky for him he has the best one money can buy. He goes to his room and brings a R6 medic kit neatly packed in a suitcase.
He hands it over to Arc "I hope we do not need it, but I think you better keep it in your ride, I have the heal spell so together we can compliment healing. First mundane and then magic if we are not in a hurry... This talk starts to remind me Rambo 302 - the one where Rambo is outed as an adept, but in real life bad guys can aim, Just in case.  This is the best Medic kit money can buy... My contact Jimmy opened a shadow supermarket... just don't ask where he gets his stuff.  Should probobly get such medic kit in every wheels we have."
To the rest he say:
"Shooting jumping into vehicles taking mages...  There is snow outside!  Come to the balcony!  Lets watch the snow... With all this military talk I feel that there might be no better chance."  Marco did not wait for approval he rushed the balcony and glanced upon the snow happily... Half to himself he say "I know this is so silly... but just once I want to dress as Santa clause and use magic to create a flying reindeer snow slide. I think it will make people happy."  The image in his head made him grin happily... it was so silly but the thought did not leave him alone " why not actually..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-26-15/1917:22>
Arc smiled gently to herself as she lowered her gaze, giving a little shake of her head.  These people all know their stuff...that's wiz.  Wonder how long till they realize I've been making all this drek up as i go...  Standing up to the full stature her short frame could offer, she straightened her back and looked to each of them.

"This is all wiz stuff, chummers.  Marco, we'll hold onto this, thanks.  As for Yelena here, if you can fit her it might work that way.  I'll let her detail what she can do, but she's capable in a fight.  I've also got some air support coming in that might be useful: a drone.  I still can't quite do drek with handling it, but I loaded up some autosofts and it might be worth a shot to plug a few holes, ya feel me?"

"The escort does seem like the biggest deal, both inside and outside.  That's why we'll want to gain control without notice as quick as possible, and then act fast.  While I don't got the specific safehouse locations, I can at least show you the route..."
  With a few subtle Matrix interactions, the trid projection shifted, showing a street map of Seattle with a big red line showing the escort's route.  "I've got some recon drones too that might be able to give us a peek...We'll start a bit early and work with it, how's that?"

"Exit strategy...From what I figured, there are ways to burn owner tags of things.  Best case, we got a new van to give away or work with.  Worst case, we dump it Dunkelzahn Tea Party style.  As for a dumpoff point, my garage is far enough away to be safe, and there's enough gang turf beef up around it that if we can shake em before, they won't want to look for us.  It's why I like it"
  She smiled, closing her eyes and opening them to see Marco disappearing for the balcony, and something he said came to her mind.  Nodding to the others, she stepped out slowly before joining the male keeb.

"You said you had a chummer with a shadow market?  What're the odds you can get in touch with him today about getting some weapons and gear?  The whip for Yelena, and some heavy armor for Yelena and Tuska here?  or any other stuff for this fight if we go hot...I've got tech coming in to help us today, but right now I'm tapped out on resources yo..not cred, don't worry about that.  I can pitch my twenty if it means we can be ready"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-26-15/2045:48>
"Sorry Arc, but that van will be radioactive.  No amount of tag-frying will fool a go-gang looking for their own wheels."  Tuskaloosa shakes her head.  "A new paint job and fresh tags are not going to cut it--best to get rid of it in pieces or use it as a down payment on something else.  Although now that you mention it, the Sound wouldn't be a bad place to park it either..."
Tuskaloosa will leave the table and stand in front of the route map.  If it takes the convoy to a place over or near water...
"Say Yelena, how do you feel about water landings?"

"Yelena not know water landings."

Gears however are spinning in the troll's head.  "Let's play what if for a moment.  What if Firefly got Arc control of the van.  Just for a few ticks.  And what if Arc did a hard turn here," pointing to a spot on the route where the freeway was on a bridge.   "If the communications were out, it might look like their rigger had a heart atttack, or something.  And what if we happened to be waiting in the water below?  Everyone--rigger, security and mage--are going to be keen on evacuation.  Unless they are very professional, an unconscious or unpowered mage is going to be second to survival.  If we can get to the mage before he drowns, we have the mage,  and nobody knows we have the mage."

Firefly frowns.  "If they don't send people as part of Rescue and Recovery, the authorities will.  It won't be long before they know the mage is missing."

"True.  But those take time--which gives us a head start.  Best case scenario, they consider the mage geeked and the body sucked out of the vehicle.  They'd have no choice but to call things off and wait for the body to resurface in a few days."

"What if the mage has a tracker on him?"

Tuskaloosa grins.  "I think that's a What Is, not a what If.  And the answer to that, is we find it and and fry it."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-26-15/2254:04>
Yelena shakes herself.  She has been lost in considering the information about Firefly.  A refugee from a corp, maybe Renraku or EVO.  She looks at the Troll.  "Sorry.  Yelena thinking.  Is good plan.  Yelena ask if kill soldiers."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-26-15/2302:11>
After briefly conversing with Marco, Arc returned with him from the balcony.  As nice as the snow was, the view from that high up was a little bit dizzying for the small human.  Shaking her head, she came in to listen to Tuska detail her plan with the what if game.

The mechanic seemed to pause, her eyes staring intently ahead as her brain detailed in all the possibilities and ideas, and the inspiration of how to get the mage out safely without risking half the group to turreted gunfire.

Then she smiled.  A grin, an almost wicked one that Firefly saw only a couple days before, when they were about to storm the warehouse.

"Well frag my hoop seven days to Sunday.  I think we just figured out our plan of approach.  The other plans will be backup then...we'll go with taking the van out, bypassing the Jade Dragons altogether, take care of whoever we need on the recovery, and boom we got a mage.  Nice goin'.  Except uh..."  She scratched her head, looking about.  "Anyone feel up to taking a swim in the Sound in December?  I uh...I uh...can't swim.."

She paused after that, opening up for more ideas, but the big issue was there: an underwater operation to recover the contents, with hostiles leaving the same location.  It was a good move, but still a hot one.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-26-15/2306:36>
Yelena looks at Marco.  "Maybe Marco change Yelena or other to Octopus.  Can swim and use arms."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-26-15/2314:50>
Yelena seems to surface from whatever dark thoughts she has sunk into, with a question:  "Yelena ask if kill soldiers".

"If they are the disciplined type or try to geek the mage just to be sure, and run for it?  You bet.  Otherwise, the more it looks like an unfortunate accident the better."

Arc is more than pleased.   "Nice goin'.  Except uh..."  She scratched her head, looking about.  "Anyone feel up to taking a swim in the Sound in December?  I uh...I uh...can't swim.."

Tuskaloosa looks from one blank face to another.  I can tread water...  "Um...What if we can borrow a minisub?"

Yelena shrugs.  "Maybe Marco change Yelena or other to Octopus.  Can swim and use arms."

Tuskaloosa looks from one elf to the other.  "...He can do that?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-26-15/2324:19>
Yelena shrugs.  "Of course Marco do.  Yelena not say if not true."  Yelena then looks from the Troll to the Keeb.  "Is secret?  Yelena sorry.  Good team not have secrets."

She rises from the table and goes outside onto the patio, where she walks over to the railing to look towards the invisible ground below.  She pulls her cigar case from a pocket, removes one of the thin things and lights it up.  She sighs as she draws the acrid smoke into her lungs and releases it into the frosty air, watching as the smoke mingles with the falling snowflakes.  Shivering, she draws the shadows from the edges of the patio to give her protection from the afternoon chill.  Her eyes are looking out and down but her mind races through the various compartments of her cybered commlink, at one time focusing on the crew in the room behind her, then to Bella and what is happening to her, then on to other things; searching...........searching...........there.  Suddenly, her shadow enhanced mind finds the image she is looking for; a picture of a beautiful woman walking on a street  An unidentified street, to be sure, but less mysterious now.  Before, her mind had been focused on the face, that younger-than-it-should-be face.  Now Yelena scanned the rest of the photo.  There, there, and there.  And finally......yes...there.  Four men in tow.  They were very good and hard to pick out, but there was at least a four-man detail with her.  And she recognizes the leader.  She chastises herself for thinking that he would be older.  After all, if Tsina Molovna could do it, why not do the same thing for her main collaborator. 

The shadow whispers to her, telling her that 38 years of waiting is almost over.  She had been given 38 years to train for this, to be ready.  The shadow had kept her alive that night, as it had done earlier and since.  Her life has a purpose.  The shadow has given her life and purpose and will one day take it all back, but that is the way of the shadow and Yelena fully embraces it.  Her voice is low as she says, "Я для вас, Tsina Molovna. Елена Солоха выходит добиваться справедливости для тех, кто вам предан. Тень будет направлять мне и вам будет падать".

The shadow prods Yelena, whispering to her that Tsina will be waiting in Poland, but there is other justice to mete out here.  Flashes of other pictures, other news items spin across her conscious, retrieved from the storage within her 'link.  The last is a still of Bella.  The shadow whispers that Bella and others are being used by killers at the club.  These men have betrayed people who trusted them, then used them, then killed them.  Bella may already be beyond hope, but others can be saved and justice provided for those.  Yelena shakes her head and flicks the ash of the burned up cigar into the snow.  She turns and goes back into the apartment, her eyes brighter and her mind clearer.  Moving to the table she looks at all of her companions.  "Yelena sorry.  Yelena lose control at club.  Much drugs and alcohol.  But Yelena friend Bella in danger.  Need plan destroy club after get mage.  Kill club men.  Destroy drug.  So what plan for take mage?"


[spoiler]"I am coming for you, Tsina Molovna.  Yelena Petrovna is coming to seek justice for those you betrayed.  The shadow will guide me and you will fall."[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-27-15/0010:10>
{Placeholder}

Firefly will support the aquatic idea.  Her only concern will be survivability of the mage underwater.  Hypothermia and or asphyxia.  It is a lower risk plan for us, but a higher risk of loss of the primary.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-27-15/0250:58>
How does Arc do that I have no idea, I consider my calmness supernatural yet everybody else is just as calm. How can they be when we are going to play action movies? Not package delivering, infiltrating or spying the real highway pursuit with fast car automatic fire and everything. The snow is beautiful and the view from the balcony is breathtaking. “Have you ever wanted to fly Arc?” I ask as I lean for a better look of the ground. Imagining diving into it as a little bird. Arc follows me and I watch with fascination how dizzy it  made her feel.  Yet, the snow is so beautiful and every snowflake is unique, a little world of its own. I am not ready to die, there is so much beauty in this world, even in simple things. 

When I speak I tell Arc "I think he should have a lot of the stuff, I am not sure about monowhips tough. Was never overly interested in the thing it scares the shit out of me."
I text Jimmy >> Caro Jimmy, Ho clienti importanti per oggi, possiamo venire presto? amore, Marco
(Dear Jimmy, I have important clients for today, can we come soon? love, Marco)

I go back with a childish smile and am grinning... I pick up the now finished dishes and place them in the sink. Everyone seem deep into planning and I think that Yelena said something about octopus?  God I love the octopussies they were totally rocking in the 20’s. I bring small cups and then place a bulk of ice cream in the table. “I have just one word for you, ICE-CREAM!” I say as I prepare some portions to everyone.



Marco look at Tuskaloosa and the rest and say “It is um... complicated. All of us are god creations and are therefore similar in some fundamental and non physical sense and this is why I think that it can be done. I know there are hundred of others explanations but this is what work for me.  The thing is - I cannot change anyone to anything, Tuskaloosa is probably too robust to become a little bird and I am too fragile  to become a great cat. I can try and make Yelena Octopus but I’d like to try before as failing to do so during the extraction may be dangerous.”

Marco sighs.

“Well if it was a trid, a cool way to resolve it would be to blow up the bridge and grab the mage underwater. Perhaps they will never learn that he actually was extracted. Than again I am not sure that blowing up bridges is not going to place us all in jail to begin with...
He pauses and then adds - I do not know how to dive, not with this body but I had success with being a dolphin and dolphins just know these things.” 

Marco say “If the mage is to get wet I can make him something that will not suffer hypothermia. We might need to help him out of his clothes but a dolphin? little fish? catfish perhaps ? It would help if I knew just how robust he is but I can improvise on the fly."

Marco looks deviously at Yelena “Do you want to try octopus? I can fill a tank with water and see what happens.” This lunch is getting weirder by the second.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-27-15/1010:31>
Yelena digs into the frozen treat, finishing it all too soon.  "Marco know how entertain.  Very good.  Yelena thank."  Yelena takes her empty bowl to the sink and notices the dishes stacked there.  She turns on the water and starts washing up.  The warm water feels very nice on her hands and the work keeps her busy but allows her to participate in the conversation.  She nods at Marco's question as she dries and stacks a couple of the plates.  "Sure.  Can try.  Practice be good.  Not panic later.  When do?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-27-15/1033:47>

Back at the balcony, the keeb's question rolled over in Arc's mind for a bit as she looked out ahead at the muted city skyline.  Eventually, she settled with a shrug.  "Never have.  All my flying has been done on the streets and I've never left Seattle, omae.  But hey, if you need to show off your talents, I'll try anything once, ya feel me?"

Her trademark grin returning, she came back inside, blinking a bit at the offering of ice cream...but she loved her sweets, so the mechanic argued little as she took a generous cup, turning to Yelena.

"Mm.  Plan so far is that we might try getting the mage away from the escort by sending the van into the river.  While I'd love to try blowing the bridge, it seems too risky and might fail.  So, we try to hack it and take the controls.  Once in the drink, we send some peeps to pick up our mark.  Simple, with plenty of options to back up on. Think we got this?"

In the back of her mind, Arc still considered the possibility that they might just have to fight it out in the end...worst case scenario.  Looking at the map, she pointed to a spot just under the bridge on shore.  " we can stick the retrieval team here.  Easy to get back on the road and away this way...ah...". Setting her empty ice cream bowl down, the mechanic shut up as a demonstration seemed to be setting up ...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-27-15/1047:36>
Back at the balcony, the keeb's question rolled over in Arc's mind for a bit as she looked out ahead at the muted city skyline.  Eventually, she settled with a shrug.  "Never have.  All my flying has been done on the streets and I've never left Seattle, omae.  But hey, if you need to show off your talents, I'll try anything once, ya feel me?"
I answer Arc, "I want to create a flying reindeer slide for Christmas, I was wondering if you'd like to help. We can tour around the city and spread joy or just enjoy the view.  You and Yelena already seen what I can do and I am not the show off kind. I'll need some help for the slide to hack together something stable enough that can be levitated with magic without falling apart. I know it silly but I think it can be fun. I can also just take you flying if you prefer, it can be fun. "

I then go back to the kitchen with Arc and listen to Yelena as she asks about being an octopus.
I smile at Yelena and say "this is going to make some mess let me organize the place a little bit" I then go to the spare room to seek some left over naylon sheets. I had these sheets from the time I renovated this place and I am lucky to be so organized.  I remove the carpet and anything on the floor and I place the naylon sheets on the floor.  "Octopuses can survive for perhaps 10-30 minutes outside of water so lets first see if it can be done. It is going to be a short one."  I size Yelena and then say "We should start with a mind link because once in octopus shape you will have no manner of communication with the outside world. "

I establish a mindlink and send some of my warm emotions to my scary lady. I do not even need to actually tell her to strip. I just think about it and she strips. I let her feel a bit about my passion, to make her feel comfortable with herself. Her clothes neatly placed on the sofas, I can feel how the entire thing turned into one big show but my spell casting is subtle. I focus my mind and begin imagining an octopus, the biggest one I can possibly imagine Yelena changing into. I close my eyes I need to let the mana flow inside me and envelope Yelena and so I do. When I open them Yelena is a big octopus, probobly 8 feet long.  I can sense her confusion and awkwardness and my first reaction is to get her wet, so I fill a pot and pour water on her body.
After all this is why I have naylons.

I think at Yelena "How do you feel dear?... do you want to practice some more at the lake? or is it too much?" I can never tell how people would react and I normally start with cats or dogs, animals that are more familiar than octopuses but Yelena is the braves woman I have ever met, so I hope I did not scar her.




Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-27-15/1258:31>
@ Marco  Jimmy answers soon, >>Buon giorno Marco, è sempre bello vederti amico mio. La mia porta è sempre aperta per voi.<< almost on his heels a second call comes in, >>I been squattin an watchin the club like you said. But, I can't wait forever an you promised ta pay. Not ta mention the buyers I lined up fer ya ain't waitin' forever. Been so long I'll prolly have ta line up new 'uns an they might not pay as much.<< You'd almost forgotten the plan to have him watch the club. But evidently the dwarf still smells cred.

[spoiler]Good day Marco, it is always good to see you my friend. My door is always open to you.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-27-15/1336:47>
I'm not ashamed to say that my senses perked up at mention of ice cream.  As skeptical as I may be of Marco, my affections can be briefly purchased for the price of this creamy western confection.  There are no complaints from me when Marco gives me a fairly large portion, although nothing even close to the mountain I suspect the troll will get.  My taste buds sing as the creamy goodness slides past my tongue.

My humor moderates as the discussion gets back to business, and especially as it moves to magic.  Specifically shapechange.  I'll admit, that spell is high on my list of interests, but Hell will freeze over before I permit another mage the control over me necessary for me to be the recipient of such a thing.  Still, if Yelena-sensei trusts this man enough to grant control of herself to him, who am I to quarrel.  Instead, I stand back over beside the books with my ice cream dish, continuing to savor the treat, but also slipping back and forth to astral space.  You can learn a LOT about a mage by watching him during casting, and I intend to pay very close attention during this experiment.  I haven't had such a learning experience since I left Singapore, and I intend to make the best of it.

[spoiler]Assensing during shapechange spell: 6d6t5: 2 [6d6t5=6, 1, 2, 6, 4, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/337501)
Arcana during shapechange spell: 12d6t5: 3 [12d6t5=2, 4, 4, 6, 4, 4, 6, 2, 3, 5, 1, 2] (http://orokos.com/roll/337502)[/spoiler]

For being not much older than I am, Marco is pretty good.  He's efficient and I miss several steps even early on despite my efforts.  His technique is very different from mine.  More shamanic, but even different from my time working under the Shinto tradition.  He almost seems to be making it up as he goes.  About mid-way I lose track completely - this spell should not be working, but as I move my sight back to the big picture, it clearly is.  Within moments, Yelena in no longer there.  In her place is a specimen that would make a Kobe fishmonger drool.

Something tells me mentioning calamari right now wouldn't be the sociable thing to do...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-27-15/1439:43>
I quickly text Cain >> Good to hear from you, we can meet tomorrow at the krill & chill, at 13:00  I then notify Arc about Jimmy's text "Jimmy said that he is free, we can drop by afterwards when Yelena is done being an octopus"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-27-15/1457:09>
Momma had drilled into Tuskaloosa: always treat others the way you want to be treated; they will do the same.  But be non-judgemental:  there are people out there that do want to be curb-stomped.  In those cases, be polite and don't hesitate to give them what they're asking for.

Between his flit to the balcony to watch snow fall, pulling her clever plan out of the jaws of ruin, derailing a war room briefing with a dessert  break and trying to give her a crash course in shape changing in one hundred words or less, Tuskaloosa was't sure what to make of Marco.


Eccentric seemed the closest appropriate term she could find.
(politely) declines the Ice Cream: that is for victory parties.

Yelena is copacetic about the plan in theory and agrees to do a dry(?) run.

Marco yanks out a tarp, Yelena gets naked and then there's a 5-meter gelatinous 8-fringed sock writhing on the floor.
He grabs a pot and douses her.

This is supposed to be his place...wouldn't a bathtub or shower stall have made more sense?  "Marco--how fast can you change her back?  Water is great and all, but the Sound is saltwater..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-27-15/1510:18>
Marco answers Tuskaloosa "Changing her back is the easy part, it is keeping her in this form that takes effort. I'll change her back when she asks me to."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-27-15/1547:43>
Tusk's comment actually makes a surprising amount of sense.  Out of curiosity I do a quick AR check on the 'trix about cephalopods like octopi and fresh water.  Hmmm...there's a REASON there are no fresh water cephalopods!  I can't imagine this is comfortable for Yelena-sensei based on what I'm reading...

"Um...Marco-san...I think our troll may be on to something..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-27-15/1614:14>
Marco say with confidence "Freshwater creatures have their interior more salty than the water. In order to prevent osmosis - that is the movement of water from the lake inside the fish, these critters constantly pump water out of their bodies.  They therefore get dehydrated when placed in salt water.

Humans and salt water critters do not have this mechanism. So when placed in fresh water their skin absorbs water and this is why your skin feels funny after a long time in a bath. An octopus body is a lot more receptive to water so it happens quicker. Yelena is not in pain because of the water I sprayed over her. The amount is very little for her massive body mass, just a couple of litters. It does however make her more comfortable as octopuses should not be dry. However, after absorbing a couple of litters in her body, our keeb will want to use the toilet once changed back"

Apperantly when you change into animals you take the effort to study about their physiology. After all your life may depend on it. However, if I am wrong Yelena is linked to me and all she has to do is ask to get back. Octopuses are amazingly flexible and can squeeze themselves into small openings as they have no bones. It must b a unique experience and I am fascinated by observing Yelena and enjoying what thoughts she sends my way.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-27-15/2036:25>
Arc....honestly didn't know what to make of what had just happened in front of her.  Sure, she knew that Marco could change people's forms...he's told enough stories about doing such, including the whole birds situation.  She had accepted that Yelena was comfortable baring herself in close company in this way too...Firefly and Tuskaloosa may have to adjust, but Arc simply shifted her central gaze a little to the side, keeping to the peripherals for watching the scene unfold.

But nothing had prepared her for seeing Yelena get replaced by some aquatic creature that the mechanic had only vaguely seen in a trid.

Her jaw dropping, Arc simply stared as the three others bantered over the octopus's condition and reliance on water, her cyberhand gripping the empty bowl as she took it all in.  It wasn't until Marco brought up the mention of being able to meet Jimmy that she was able to snap back into the conversation, visibly shaking her head of her shock before responding.

Wiz.  We'll see what he's got for us after this.  Long as I can be back at my place at 6 for a delivery, I'm free.  Maybe gives us just enough time to handle Jimmy and maybe a trip to the Sound?"  she sighed a little, rubbing her temples.  "Tuska, lucky thing we fixed up that King Scorp when we did, but we'll still be able to work a test drive tonight.  The streets around my place work good for that."

Setting the bowl down, she gave a soft chuckle and a shake of her head at the octopus seeming to be chilling on the floor, turning to Marco.  "As for your offer, let's get this biz behind us and we'll talk about it, aight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-28-15/0011:54>
Yelena strips down as directed by Marco and then finds herself completely changed.  Her new form is very foreign, but she enjoys moving the tentacles about and getting a feel for her new form.  For about 20 seconds.  Then her chest constricts from the lack of water pouring through her system  She uses the connection with Marco to let him know.  **Marco.  Yelena not breathe right.  Need water.  Bring back normal.**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-28-15/0224:58>
I thinks at Yelena “Alright... it was just to see if I can do it. The next time if you can handle it should be in water” Changing yelena back was very easy, all that needed to be done was to stop thinking about octopi and just like that Yelena is herself again. I help her up and offer her a towel. I brake the mindlink and think to myself “This indeed was one of the oddest things that happened in my house... Including that douchebag tossing away my bar out of the balcony... what a week”  I give Yelena a few moments to catch her breath and ask  "How was it? do you think that you can handle that body?"


I carefully pick up the nyloon sheets and pour the water to the drain in the balcony. Quite a fuss but it was priceless - who else had turned a girl into an octopus in his living room. Perhaps I should pursue a career as the magnificent Marco. I have the theatrics and performance skills and I can actually do magic without slight of hand.

It takes a short while to put my living room back to normal. I’d place her in the shower, but it could cause damages if she started moving her tentacles in tight quarters. The experience is spiritual. I feel humbled, in an abstract thought and a mere desire I radically changed her body. I think that spellcasting is similar to summoning. I tap into this living energy and shape it and like any other metahuman I cannot make something out of nothing. Mana itself is part of creation for us to use and study but only the lord can make something out of nothing.
 
Why exactly turning my ‘girlfriend’ for lack of a better word to an Octopus makes me feel Christian again I cannot explain but the entire scene makes me feel arrogant as if I was doing it as a party trick. There is nothing to be arrogant about, my capabilities are only part skill. Most of them are gifts that I was just born with. Perhaps there is something about my birth that I just happened to be 'awakened' and also sold in advance. Or perhaps the deal was only made after they knew what I was, there are so many questions. Perhaps the church was just lucky.

Magic in the Italian confederation is often willingly dedicated to the church.
Young people report themselves as awakened and most of them are not, they just wish they were. Thous that are assensed as awakened receive a special certificate that grants them free magical education at the Church and a higher social status as touched by the Lord.  A certificate binds them to Church institutions, brilliant really. Very few can actually do anything useful with their gift but these are already in the system and quickly find themselves in various state jobs.

Back at the old days, the papal states were nothing but the Vatican and perhaps some of the purity was lost when the papal states rose to power. Politics were always there, but it is the only state in the world that sees itself as the earthly representation of God and the same magic that they are so superstitious about is the source of their power. In that case, perhaps I am part of what appears to be the beginning of a spy organization like the CIA?  Perhaps the goal to restore faith to people has practical implications and it will increase their power somehow. As the papal states are already rich in magic, perhaps there is some connection between religious faith and magic. However, if magic really is the will of the Lord, then there would not be so many pagan shamanic mages out there. Some things are so confusing and I cannot possibly understand them.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-28-15/0735:46>
Yelena stays on the floor for a few moments, gasping for air.  The experience of being something else than Yelena had been electrifying and terrifying at the same time and she wants to put her thought is order before responding to any questions.  She accepts the towel and stands up to dry off, completely unconcerned about who was seeing her body.  As she finishes, she drapes the towel over the back of a chair and slips back into her clothes.  She turns to look at her companions and smiles.  "Yes.  Yelena like change body.  Sensation good.  Was strange.  Yelena think like Yelena but body different.  Yelena octopus not breathe well air.  Like try ocean.  Plan could work."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-28-15/2002:47>
It clearly took a few moments for little Arc to refocus herself after that experience.  Well that was...different...  Shaking her head, she crossed her arms under her chest and couldn't help but chuckle at the elf's apparent calmness to the whole bizarre event.  We'll have to make a quick stop before heading to the garage to give it a try, I guess.  at least before we do this run.  We closer to the Sound here than my place though, that's for drek sure.

She sighed, scooping up her bowl and placing it in the sink, wiping her hands on her pant legs before turning to the others.  Alrighty...from what it sounds like, we gots ourselves a plan together.  And I got a nova team to make it happen.  Thanks.  Unless there's other concerns to be made, perhaps we should make best use of the daylight we got?"  She hefted up the medkit Marco was loaning to the effort in her hand, testing the weight.  "It...might be a squeeze to fit all us in my car...but it could work...maybe?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-28-15/2038:26>
Subaru shrugs from her spot by the bookshelves, her eyes fixed on Yelena's extensive bodyart.  "All of us except Marco made it here in your car and he could make the return trip as a house cat if he wanted to.  Or maybe a carp in a glass?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-29-15/0309:41>
House cat ? carp in a glass ?! I have obviously made myself a joke. Was it something I said?  A taxi can work and perhaps I need to think about wheels of my own now that ‘uncle Blake’ paid us handsomely. I say... “Shapechange may be a nice idea to do if Arc is ever chased with an overloaded ford but if you are talking about getting to Jimmy... I can use taxi magic.“
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-29-15/0746:17>
Arc actually liked the idea of Marco shapechanging to have everyone fit into the car without a problem.  But, if her recent experience with Firefly, she learned that magic sometimes takes a toll on the body.  A fact that was going through her mind when Marco turned down the idea and came up with an alternative...he ride in a taxi separate from them.  Shrugging, the mechanic reached for her coat, slipping her arms into the sleeves as she tossed it over her shoulders.

"All goes wiz to me, chip truth dat.  Long as we can get there.  Marco, you give me a location, and we'll meet up there asap?"  Grinning, she glanced over at the rest of the team.  Yelena seemed to be readjusting back to having a metahuman body.  Firefly seemed ready for action, and Arc couldn't really tell she was hurting that much at this point.  Tuskaloosa was back in the corner trying to be unnoticed, it seems, and when the two made eye contact that human gave a confident nod of her head.  "Let's go while we still got daylight, eh?"

The trip down was not so different than the trip up the elevator, but the key difference this time, notably in Arc at least, was the confidence held.  Her back was a little straighter, head a little higher as she held her hands in her pockets, quietly humming what sounded like a metal riff to the tune of the ambient music the elevator offered.  Once in the car, she let the others pile in how they wished, and with Marco's direction, took off for Jimmy's.

With the light snowfall dropping this day, and with the recent snowfall still fresh in minds, it seemed the general public tried to avoid car use today, as the roads were markedly less full of traffic than usual.  This helped, and even with the conditions, the mechanic was able to make good time driving down to their destination, wherever it was.  As they arrived, Arc silently pondered what they'll be able to find that's of use...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-29-15/1016:42>
Yelena dresses and accompanies the others down to the car.  If she seems quiet and lost in thought, it is because she is.  Nikolai was to contact her today about her crew going to Poland and had not.  From the conversation she had judged that Hrock was to be at the garage in the early evening and she certainly did not need Nikolai doing any harm to the man just because.  And in her mind, Nikolai was very much now the do it just because sort of person she hoped not to become.

Yelena stops before getting in the car.  "Arc call Hrock?  Tell not go garage unless call first.  Yelena not want him meet Nikolai alone."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-29-15/1055:33>
... and just like that my guests are leaving. I ask James, the building owner, to call me a taxi. I prefer to ride alone so that I can continue studying on the way. The taxi offers a good opportunity for that. I barely notice the traffic or the outside world as my entire attention is given to the information provided to me by Blake. That is artfully projected on my glasses. After all, if I mess it up I die and any free moment is better spent practicing and studying.

Jimmy’s place is at the back of a pizza shop. A real pizza shop, his cover business actually ship quality pizza all over town. Rated 4.6/5 on trip assistant, but only for deliveries. When I arrive Arc and the rest are already waiting for me. I show them in the small Pizza place and it only take a minute facial expression to the the chef to get in the basement.  For a while I suspect that that chef is actually a body guard as his skills with knifes are fascinating to behold and if this is what he can to with vegetables I am afraid to ask what else he can do.

The secret entrance in the kitchen is located under a several crates of bread and as we descended downstairs we are greeted with the endless shelves that are somehow always populated. The place is significantly bigger than the tiny Pizza place and I suspect that there are more fronts to this business.   It is designed in a way that one client can be long gone before another arrives. I actually know very little at Jimmy and it took all my charm and a genuine plea for help at Joy to have him equip me for my first mission with Shilla.

Like usual, Jimmy was forging a masterpiece, Van Goch this time.  Either he has a con man that is going to sell a famous painting to some silly rich man or he is just practicing. He is painting “The Red Vineyards near Arles” and is fascinating to watch. The piece is the only one that Van Gogh was able to sell in his lifetime.  His assistant Damian seems all business and I let him talk to the girls to see what they would like buy while I seat a bit with Jimmy.
 
“Salve signiore Jimmy, ho portato i clienti.  Grazie ancora per i prezzi speciali ti ha dato il mio amico Phoenix.   Il vigneto rosso? Vostro è meglio dell'originale.  i colori sono più vivi. ”

[spoiler]Translate: Hello mister Jimmy (with respect). I brought clients. Thanks again for the special prices you gave my friend Phoenix. Tthe Red Vineyard? Yours is better than the original, the colors are more alive.
[/spoiler]

Jimmy grins and say without raising his head from the painting “Quando sono finito che sarà esattamente come l'originale, l'originale anche un aspetto migliore quando era nuovo”

[spoiler]Translation: “When I am done, it will be exactly like the original. The original likely looked better when it was new.”
[/spoiler]

It make sense actually, I assume that there are other methods of making drawings age faster. The colors should be the ones originally used and not the colors that seem apparent after many years. Time is a cruel master, and everything constantly changes. This is the first time that Jimmy gave me a real answer and I suddenly understand. It was not flattery telling him that his drawings looked better than the original. I was being perceptive and honest. To Jimmy I just noted that the paintings were not yet done, that's all. He knows that things look better when freshly painted.

I wonder just how much he taught me about art. It is a shame that someone of so much talent and artistic versatility spends his time copying the works of lesser talents. Perhaps getting famous is truly random, like with Van Goch that only sold the red vineyard and no other painting.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Red_vineyards.jpg/450px-Red_vineyards.jpg)
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-29-15/1140:53>
At the car, Arc gave a pause before looking back at the older elf woman, her green cyber eyes scanning her with a note of concern.  But, after a quick moment, she gave a nod with a nonspecific vocalizations denoting recognition and acknowledgement.

Inside, her head was a whir at this information.  If Molokai, or whoever he is, is so dangerous as to be a threat to uninvolved people then is he really a good one to work with?  She gave a shrug as she belted in, trusting her blood sister to not lead them into a death trap.  Pulling up her commlink, she mentally composed and sent a message to Hrock on the way.

<<Hey Uncle. Thanks again for picking those parts up and delivering em today.  Hey, just got wind of devil rats that could be slinking around in my basement.  Check with me and get the all clear before swinging by, aight?  Thanks again>>

She trusted that he would understand her doublespeak and get the underlying message.  Satisfied with that, she pulled up to park, awaiting Marco before descending into the shop.

She had to admit, she was a little impressed with the setup. Cleverly disguised and guarded, and the selection was decent too.  Not as specialized as TriggerT, but this Jimmy made up for it in breadth.  "Hookah, lets see what they got here, eh?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-29-15/1153:40>
Yelena follows the others into the pizza place, her mouth watering as much as anyone's at the aromas coming from the kitchen.  She is full from the pasta lunch, but marks the location on her 'link for later.  Marco is smooth, controlling the action with simple gestures or even a look and Yelena is impressed.  Once in the basement, Yelena stops to look at the painting, not recognizing it as anything spectacular.  She does recognize some of the spoken Italian from her several months in Italy, but not enough to even begin to understand what Marco and Jimmy are saying, but is not concerned since their gestures seem to indicate it is about the painting.  She shrugs and moves on to talk to Damian, who seems to be the man with the knowledge they have come to get. 

While waiting, Yelena peruses the shelves for some armor.  She looks over to Arc, "Srui.  Yelena remember Arc say get armor.  What recommend?  Yelena not normally use."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-29-15/1737:57>
Arc's attention was definitely on the various apparel pieces, which cinvengiently seemed to be arranged by size where applicable.  Since armor was the goal for at least half their group at this stop, the mechanic made sure to keep an eye out for something of note.  Thumbing through a few garments, she caught Yelena's question, giving a little nod, recalling the last major firefight Yelena was in. 

"Well, I'm no expert, Y, but in the event we have to be doing like we did in the playground, you'll want somethin. Here...". She found a stack of armored jackets lined up, fishing out a slender piece, the dusky fabric held in shape by the numerous plates sewn into the fabric.  "I just got one like this from Trigger T.  Can't hide what you wearing, but it's good cover.  Won't slow you down none either.  It probably ain't fancy or nothing..." .She glanced over at Firefly and Tuskaloosa, nodding for them to join in the conversation.

"But it'll get the job done.  They really do got a bit o everything in here.  Telling ya, I'll eat my coveralls if they just happened .to have a full set of stealth suits in our sizes.  Any buyers?" She grinned, the mechanic in good spirits while Marco discussed with Jimmy in some odd tongue..
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-29-15/1747:02>
Yelena nods as she goes to look at what Arc is holding up.  Taking it, she tries it on, flexing her body to test the fit then drops prone and splays her arms out as if holding her rifle, moving to several positions.  Rising, she repeats the process several times before looking at Arc and nodding.  "Yelena like.  Arc right.  Yelena still move.  Not hard get up and down.  Is good.  Yelena like."  She smiles as she continues, "Yelena have stealth suit once.  Yelena liked.  Much cost.  Much good.  Yelena lose as bet on cards when out of money once.  Would like one.  Can customize, but add to cost."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-29-15/1846:03>
Arc gave a nod at that, crossing her arms as she watched her try the fit out.  "From what Marco picked up offa Blake, we may be not worryin about cost too much if the drek is necessary, eh?". As the elf got up, the mechanic noticed how the others hadn't quite joined in yet, getting distracted by something or other.  Dropping her voice low, she turned to her.

"Srui, need to level with ya.  I took care of that warning you dropped on me, but I need to know.  This Milo guy what wrecked my place to drek with ya that sketch?  My fight is your fight, no question there, but if we are taking these others with us...". She held a sidelong glance at their three comrades in turn. "If they going into dangerous death drek, Srui, it's on us.  Can you trust this hoop to not slot us sideways?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-29-15/1915:47>
What is it with these people?

I can't figure them out.  Why wouldn't Yelena-sensei sit in front now that she's awake?  Instead she's sitting in back with the troll.  I'm just a hired hand...maybe an apprentice or squire.  But I'm about to owe them the value of this car...new!  Why do they keep treating me so nice?

And what to make of this new place?  I'd have felt more comfortable left in the car, honestly, but Yelena insists that I come "help her try on gear."  Okay, I'm game.  I should be helping her with stuff like that.  But when we finally navigate to the gear, she shoos me off to look at stuff on my own.  I can't afford anything here!  That's why I need the loan.

In an effort to avoid venting my frustration, I find an unobtrusive corner to stand in and via AR work on processing data.  I have far more data than time right now.  I'll take every quiet moment I can get.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-29-15/1926:05>
When I am done with Jimmy I go and look at the armors as well. I find myself a leather jacket that I feel handsome in, a fancy model with fire and electricity resistance, gel packs, electromagnetic color change and it can even glow in the dark. I will never need a flashlight. It seems very wiz for me, and I am so happy that I can finally afford such armor as my previous model was a plain armor with no upgrades.

However, unlike Yelena I must admit that most of my time is spent in front of the mirror. As I try different color combinations, to try and connect with my inner badass.  It is almost stylish and a lot nicer than my previous low end model. I add a matching ballistic mask and I feel powerful and well armored. If anyone is going to be shooting at me, I'd better be wearing my new armor. I then spot Firefly just standing in the corner and taking a deep and focused look into thin air.

I walk by her and wave a little bit, just to see that she is still conscious.  When I finally get her attention I ask "What do you think?" and spin so she can see how the armor seats. "Aren't you interested in armors? They have some,  wiz things." I then add. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-29-15/1932:21>
Tuskaloosa entered the pizza place last, taking the extra time to stretch surreptitiously after the car trip.  While she understood the value of an Americar and Arc was as sympathetic a driver as she could hope for, the the troll looked forward to being able to get around and not feel claustrophobic.  Even if it was on a temporary basis...

She followed the lead of the line.  They were ushered to the back and through the kitchen.  Must have some special dining area that requires going through the kitchen she thought as Marco slipped behind a stack of crates.  How else do you explain to the other customers?  As she waited her turn, she watched the head chef pound a ball of dough and throw it from one hand to another. Hand tossed?  Now that's a dead art...
"What'll ya have on your cover?"
"What...?", then understood.  "We just ate," she said apologetically.  "Do you make a dessert pizza?"
"Heathen," he muttered.   
Tuskaloosa wasn't fooled though.  She remembered in some trivia cache on the Matrix that she was probably more Italian than what most people in the UCAS considered "authentic" pizza.  "What's Italian for Omakase?"
He waved her away with a flour-coated arm.  "So ka, so ka."
She left him to surprise them and took her turn behind the crates.

The "basement" was huge--less a large cellar and more like a domesticated cavern.  I wonder if this attaches to the Orc Underground?
Marco stood chatting to a gentleman behind an easel, light engineered to be as natural as possible flooding the spot.
Arc and Yelena had made a beeline to an open crate brimming with armored jackets.  Arc gave her a nod and she threaded her way over.
"But it'll get the job done," the mechanic was saying.  They really do got a bit o everything in here.  Telling ya, I'll eat my coveralls if they just happened to have a full set of stealth suits in our sizes.  Any buyers?"
The troll shook her head.  "I'm about as stealthy as a powered lawn mower over a loose gravel road.  To hide this sequoia in the redwood , I'd settle for a set of go-gang regulation combat gear with electrochromics.  Some fireproofing and nonconductivity would be wiz, but nothing gets you a pass like being able to fly colors at will."

Yelena had been checking the fit of an armored jacket and talking about stealth armor, Tusk will add "don't forget to add Thermal Dampening to your must-haves, or you'll look like a warm ghost."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-29-15/1932:37>
I had developed a rhythm, finally making some progress, when a hand passes before my eyes and refocuses my attention from AR realspace.  I turn my neck slightly to face Marco. 

 "What do you think?" he says and twirls. "Aren't you interested in armor?"

I look away briefly, than down at my abaya-covered form which covers the rather tight fit underneath.  Only the legs of the currently black jumpsuit are apparent beneath the folds of traditional matching dark fabric.  "I have my jumpsuit which is armored.  I'm pretty good at ducking when shooting starts.  I...should be okay."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-29-15/1936:09>
Yelena looks at Arc in silence for at least two minutes.  She finally responds by calling for the others to come to where she and Arc are standing.  Once everyone is present, she looks each in the eye and says, "Yelena not lie to Srui.  Yelena not lie others.  Nikolai Fyodorovich very bad man.  Yelena think he man from film with dead bodies.  Soul dark like Yelena's.  And no.  Cannot trust man for after kill woman.  Nikolai want her dead, but more.  He want her place.  Her power.  Yelena only want woman dead for justice.  Not need base.  Not want her power.  But Nikolai might not believe Yelena.  Might think Yelena and others are competition.  Will need be careful.  Very careful.  Man kill for fun.  Yelena not want old friends or new friends hurt.  So Yelena ask again.  Still want come Yelena or stay.  Yelena not think less if stay.  Yelena think insane if come."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-29-15/1944:44>
I listen attentively as Yelena-sensei shares the danger we face.  I glance around me and see the others are similarly absorbing the elf woman's words.  I chime in first since for me it's easy.  "Yelena-sensei, I said it before.  I'm already dead and everything else now is bonus.  If I can't survive...if we can't survive this then any hope I have of claiming my own justice with the bastards who killed my parents is for nothing.  I'm in."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-29-15/1945:13>
A tough cookie, “What is the matter? You came all the way and not even look? perhaps something for stealth? I think I saw a Ghillie suit over there. It is modest and you seem to be the kind that can do her job without moving. Perfect if you want to disguise yourself as a bush or a rock. They are not expensive and may make dodging unnecessary. With all the army phrases octopuses and hacking... I bet you could use some smart disguise... Come I will show you.”
I say and try to sweet talk Subaru to try the Ghillie suit...”If you don’t move nobody is going to notice you, it is brilliant. Will keep you safe when you hack that van.”

I say to Yelena "We still have some dangerous stuff to do before our day trip... let's focus on the more urgent stuff. We can discuss your poor life choices and naive view of politics while commuting after we finish the current job.  You are planning on finishing the current one right? Because I sort of implied to Blake that we are all in, this is why we get the candies."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-29-15/2000:13>
Yelena listens to Firefly and Marco, nodding a thanks to the decker and laughing out loud to Marco's choice of words.  "Poor life choices?  Naïve politics?  Yelena not understand Marco.  But Yelena in for club.  But want give as much truth as have.  Yelena think Nikolai Fyodorovich contact today for list of people going.  And friends deserve make choice."

She looks over at Firefly.  "Decker girl not get armor yet.  Old stuff look small.  Get new that fit.  We outfit team.  What helps Firefly live helps team survive.  Corp book not say that?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-29-15/2007:33>
I was prepared to argue with whatever logic people threw at me, but having the book thrown at me was unexpected.  I open my mouth...and close it.  I then just nod.  "What should I get, then?" I ask looking straight at the white-haired woman.  "I've always had people outfit me so I'm not the best person to choose until I learn things more for myself."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-29-15/2020:24>
Yelena nods at Firefly.  "Decker girl smarter Yelena.  Yelena not know armor much.  Ask Arc.  She know more.  But get good.  Money left over not good if Firefly or others die when could have spent to help survive."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-29-15/2049:19>
Arc was silent through the whole telling of Yelena's deal, confirming her suspicions of her contact's nature.  It wasn't until Firefly, the youngest of all of them by the look of it, spoke up with a surprising amount of resolve, and then Marco chimed in as well with an almost chiding tone to it.  Hmm.  Cracking her neck, the girl stood up...which still left her shorter than everyone.  Taking a second to let Tuskaloosa say a piece if she wanted to.... She just got into this too...hoping it won't scare her off, Arc spoke up.

"You already know my answer, Srui.  Born blood or no, family take care of their own.  I'm in this with you to the end.  We take care of what we got here, and then we go....wait..."  The mention of the genocidic video, as hurting as it was to think of, jogged some memory.  Video related to club...maybe Nikolai there...Nikolai going to Poland for job...no way, cannot be that deep  Shaking it off, she let out her breath.  "Nevermind...now then..."  She turned to Tuskaloosa.

"You want what the bikers wear around here then, huh?  An armor jacket with the mods you want will do it.  Don't get the stuff labeled biker gear...that's just in the trids, most of the drekkers here stay practical.  Find something like that, take it aight?"  Winking, the human then turned to Firefly, sizing up the decker a bit, chuckling to herself at Yelena's eagle-eye comments.  Nothing misses her watch...

"Hmm...Yelena's right, y'know.  You rolling with us, we gonna make damn sure you ain't dying on us.  Nobody be gettin' geeked.  Don't worry about price, if it ain't no high-corp titanium suit, we can likely swing it.  Take a look around, they got some wiz drek here.  Somethin' outta scream you.  Hmm..."  She started to filter through a few crates and stacks, looking for options that would fit the younger girl...jackets, vests, a few suits of some sort or other...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-30-15/0022:11>
Tuskaloosa listens as Yelena says as much in less than a minute as she has heard the elf has say in the last day.
The weight of those words are not lost on her.
But...anyone who goes ya sure just because a friend wants to try out his Lovecraftian Magic trick, has no right to call me crazy.

"I believe I said it yesterday, but if you supply me the tools I need to help you, I'm in.  You're busy holding up your end of that right now, so if this Fourdoorwitch guy needs a head count, count me in."
" Fyodorovich."
" Gesundheit.  Yes, I'm making light of it," she said as the elf opened her mouth.  "It's what I do.  Humor me."
Yelena closed her mouth, then nodded slowly.
"I will agree with Marco here--we have tonight to get through.  So R.S.V.P. us for that shindig, but let's remember to focus on tonight's party arrangements."

Arc finished the group out: "You already know my answer, Srui.  Born blood or no, family take care of their own.  I'm in this with you to the end.  We take care of what we got here, and then we go....wait...Nevermind."

That seemed to satisfy Yelena, so Arc  turned her attention to their rawest recruit.  "Now then...You want what the bikers wear around here then, huh?  An armor jacket with the mods you want will do it.  Don't get the stuff labeled biker gear...that's just in the trids, most of the drekkers here stay practical.  Find something like that, take it aight?"

Tuskaloosa nodded.  Not all biker gangs were that practical: quite a few took their fashion sense from the trids.  But if Seattle had the corner market on the realists, who was she to argue?

She wandered among the nearby boxes glancing here and there.  Unfortunately, all the tech and magic in the Sixth World could not help the perfect garment rise to the top of a pile, wave its sleeves and shout here I am!  There's got to be a rhyme and reason to this stuff.  Might as well ask for help...  As she looked around for assistance she noticed she had wandered close to  weapons territory: boxes of ammunition and cases of toys to use them in, all within tantalizing reach.

A few more things to inquire about impishly came to mind...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-30-15/0304:23>
Yelena listens to Firefly and Marco, nodding a thanks to the decker and laughing out loud to Marco's choice of words.  "Poor life choices?  Naïve politics?  Yelena not understand Marco.  But Yelena in for club.  But want give as much truth as have.  Yelena think Nikolai Fyodorovich contact today for list of people going.  And friends deserve make choice."

I answer Yelena "But you asked me multiple times and I still think that it is a mistake going there. I am certain that it achieves nothing, your old Bratava is gone and there is nothing left for you in Polland despite how it must feel right now. I am spending my nights praying that you will finally see the light and embrace forgiveness into your heart. After all, out of all the people in the world - you could also benefit from forgiveness. What you are pursuing is not there. Your old comrades are long gone and killing Tsiana is not going to bring them from the dead. It will also not make your old comrade family again.

Justice just burns us all as there is not one person in this world that is without sin. Your justice only leads to a trail of dead bodies and more sins. Your new Bratava are the people loyal to you now. People that continuously approve that they will go to great distance to grant you the closure you need. I will come with you and will do my best that you return back - that we ALL get back.  Still, you will be a better person if you forgive Tsina and deny her the great effect that she still has on your life. I pray that you learn to forgive, let go and will tell mr. Fyodorovich that your strings are not so easily pulled and that none of us is ever going to Poland.  Not because Tsina does not deserve to die but because I want better for you. That said, if you have to make that mistake, count me in. I am no child and I can make my own life choices and follow them."


Quote
Yelena-sensei, I said it before.  I'm already dead and everything else now is bonus.  If I can't survive...if we can't survive this then any hope I have of claiming my own justice with the bastards who killed my parents is for nothing.  I'm in."


Dead? and that horrible word again, the same word Yelena used to justify killing Tsina. Justice... I wonder if Firefly's idea of justice also involves blood, death and destruction.  There is so much I do not know about her.

Her clothing appear very modest but in the context she is wearing them they reflect pride, they say 'I am not one of you and I am not part of your sins'. How important is modesty when the stuff we are going to do is so dark. When your future is filled   dead bodies? Just tonight, we are going to snatch an unwilling mage from some dangerous guys. We may kill people and is the Abaya really the proper dressing for that ?  ... and what does it say about me that I give this issue so much thought?!

I say:
"Firefly... how about a jumpsuit with gellpacks for extra safety some fire/electricity protection just in case. Electricity is very common in weapons. About Fire, you really do not want to handle burning pieces of equipment. Who knows... perhaps it will be useful. I think it is for the best, and buy something good that you can continue using. I am very good at shopping and fitting stuff... I can help you unless you feel more comfortable with Yelena.

I also have the chameleon suit that can help you being sneaky, the main usage is when you are wireless and it changes your image to fit the background. "

With a devious grin I add
"Very modest!...  and you seem the type to be able to handle wireless and remain stealthy. Do not worry about the cost, got to spend money to make money. I'll get us a nice price. You need to buy something good that will serve you for a long time. When you buy something that you really need, it is always worth it. It is only waste of money when you do not need it.  So don't worry about the money it is not THAT expensive, it is more important to maximize your chances and you can also take it to Poland. " 


I then help Arc to browse the shelves and find some very nice chameleon suit that is roughly Firefly size as much as I can tell from her height and legs, with that Abaya obscuring her features. I also pick a few urban explorer jumpsuits that I think are just comfortable and practical. When we approach Firefly we both are carrying several suits dresses and jackets and we take Firefly to some improvised messurement booth as if she is shopping in some high end mall and we are her personal stylers.  It is so much fun shopping when people help you pick.

...


When everyone are done with their shopping, I ask Jimmy about adjusting a suit specifically to my size on a tight schedule. Apparently, it takes a few hours of work and I will have to pay a rush fee but he knows a good tailor that can for the right fee just do it for me. 

I text the tailor
>> Dearest Cesara, Jimmy referred you to me, I am buying a fancy suit and I need it custom made to my own size in a few hours. I am deeply sorry for the late notice but do let me know if I can have the suit tailored for me on the spot  Monday night.


Once everybody have picked their things comes my favorite part, the part I live for, bargaining. I really enjoy bargaining with Jimmy. After all, practice makes perfect and I do deserve some cut in the price as I constantly bring new business.

[spoiler]
Negotiation (http://orokos.com/roll/338401): 15d6t5 7
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-30-15/2254:36>
Everyone's attention is so overwhelming.  Especially Marco.  Affection seems so natural for him, and he invades my personal space so smoothly it's like he belongs there.  I hate myself for finding it more than a little exciting to have him so near.  But he is a man, and I draw the line as he joins Arc in dragging me to be measured.

"Marco-san, I think Arc-sensei and I can take it from here," I insist before Marco can slip behind the curtain.

"Is he always so...insistent?" I ask Arc in a whisper when we're finally alone.  I slip out of my abaya as I speak, glad to have the extra layer off given how hot my flushing makes me feel.  Arc can see clearly the outline of my form beneath the armored jumpsuit I wear which is only moderately tight at the chest now and otherwise fits me like a glove.  "Shouldn't he be more focused on Yelena-sensei rather than me?  And why would Yelena-sensei encourage me to..."  My voice trails off as I realize I'm sharing something with Arc which she wasn't already privvy to.  My face somehow manages to get even more red...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-30-15/2308:27>
Yelena was following Firefly and Arc with her own suit and just caught the last part of the conversation.  She pulls the curtain closed and turns to Firefly as she begins to disrobe.  "Why Yelena encourage what?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-30-15/2329:13>
"N...n...nothing!" I stutter at the unexpected voice behind me.  I turn to make sure it's only Yelena, relaxing just a little when i note that the elf woman carefully slips in and closes the curtain behind her in a way that didn't permit any peeping toms. 

Or Marcos.

Then again, who knows what spells he might have...but I might never disrobe again if I worry about that.  As it is, why would Marco care about me when he has someone as drop dead gorgeous and powerful as Yelena in his life?

"Wh...what should I try on?" I ask, praying that Allah is merciful and that the topic will change.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-30-15/2338:47>
Yelena pauses in the act of stripping to look carefully at Firefly, then shrugs and finishes.  She starts to put on the suit she is interested in, but stops to say, "Yelena not born yesterday.  Know something wrong.  Yelena cannot help decker girl if not say something.  Yelena want help.  Was something Yelena say hurt Firefly?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-30-15/2349:37>
I find an intense interest in my feet at Yelena's relentless questioning.  Thankfully, she pauses as I gather my thoughts and Arc likewise allows me needed silence.  "In a lot of ways I was born yesterday, Yelena-sensei.  You haven't done anything wrong.  I...a lot has changed for me in the past two days and my head is just spinning, that's all.  Marco...Marco-san is...overwhelming.  He...reminds me of the world I once lived in...the person I used to be...or was on my way to becoming."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/0001:58>
Yelena zipped up her suit while listening to Firefly talk.  She then sat down next to the young woman, careful to leave some space between them.  She leaves a bit of silence between them as well then says, "Yes.  Marco much overwhelm if not ready.  Marco strange man.  Yelena believe Marco not know self.  Spend much time as woman then man then woman then man.  Much sex as both.  Yelena not understand Marco.  He nice man, but much in face and not even know.  Yelena not mind.  But Yelena know other men like that.  Firefly maybe not know much men. Decker girl want Yelena talk Marco?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-31-15/0008:59>
"I've known people like him too.  Well, maybe not exactly like him.  His...allure...is pretty unique.  It's just...back then...I was different.  I'm...not making sense."  I then do a double take and meet violet eyes as Yelena's words sink in.  "Woman?" I squeak with my eyes widening as I put two and two together and realize that not only is Marco's spellcasting for shape change nonsensical to my understanding, but it sounds like he's managed the impossible with it too.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/0015:04>
Yelena chuckles as she nods.  "Marco much allure.  Yelena feel.  Firefly feel.  Yelena much older.  More experience.  Marco has voice of convince others.  Marco seduce even when not try.  Hard to avoid.  Yelena think only experience protect decker girl.  But Yelena can tell Marco watch distance.  Marco not touch.  Will help?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-31-15/0025:26>
I am surprised but grateful that Yelena chose to ignore my surprised outburst.  The realization is complicated and I need to think on it a bit.  I want to learn about Marco's magic...but that means getting closer to the man and all he represents.  Damn human nature...

"Maybe a little," I answer.  "Still, we do have to work together.  And Marco and I should learn to coordinate our magic if we're all going to Poland together and help you handle your past and present demons.  I think this is more my problem than his.  He really hasn't done anything wrong for a westerner.  You people and your nonexistent personal space."  I smirk at Yelena as I shake my head in a show of humored exasperation.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/0031:07>
Yelena looks at the girl.  "Decker girl wise to know own weakness.  And Yelena honest when say Firefly in West.  Live West.  West now home.  Not need give up Muslim, but need adapt to West."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-31-15/0044:54>
"Muslim AND Japanese," I correct, my smirk never wavering.  "Twice damned in regards to personal space...and a desire for blood.  Still, I spent most of my life in the west or westernized places.  Berlin, Rio, Sydney, Dar es Salaam, Mumbai, Singapore.  As I showed last night at the Stardust, I can fit in when I need to."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/0100:29>
Yelena listens then softly replies.  "Yes.  Decker girl can fit in as role.  Decker need fit in out of role.  Yelena not expect all at once.  Firefly should not expect all at once.  This change take time.  Maybe much time.  Yelena give Firefly time need.  Tell Yelena what want.  What need. Yelena promise listen."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-31-15/1018:11>
Arc had to admit, Marco was certainly a better shopper than her by a long shot, the elf man handing the mechanic outfit after outfit for Firefly to try out.  It didn't take a genius or someone with eagle eyes to see the little decker feeling all of it, and she couldn't blame her...Marco was by his nature a very outgoing and forward person.  Great for brokering the deal and dealing with people sure, but to shy types it can certainly overwhelm.  So when the teen took charge and sealed off the changing stall from him, leaving the two of them alone at peace.  Arc visibly sighed a bit, shrugging out of her own jacket but leaving her clothes on otherwise while Firefly spoke to her.

"Is he always so...insistent?  Shouldn't he be more focused on Yelena-sensei rather than me?  And why would Yelena-sensei encourage me to..." 

She gave a chuckle.  "Thinking people from his cut are a lot more open about stuff.  Like I said, he do what he do to about anyone, think it's his nature.  As for encouraging, wha..."   Arc was interrupted as Yelena slid in behind her, the rustle of the fabric the rigger's indication of a presence.  They then engaged in conversation that, while Arc didn't quite fully understand, she knew was some deep stuff and kept her mouth shut.

Yelena chuckles as she nods.  "Marco much allure.  Yelena feel.  Firefly feel.  Yelena much older.  More experience.  Marco has voice of convince others.  Marco seduce even when not try.  Hard to avoid.  Yelena think only experience protect decker girl.  But Yelena can tell Marco watch distance.  Marco not touch.  Will help?"

At this point, she couldn't help but bark out a little bit of a chuckle, nodding.  "Yeah I believe it.  He's put the moves on me too on the dance floor before too.  I get he's got the allure of it, but with how I grew up, he just ain't my type hm?"  She gave a reassuring smile.  "He's all bark with that point until you let him in, so null sheen aight omae?"

The conversation continued, and with a homebody like Arc listening, the concept of foreign places was still a bit hazy..but she got the gist of it.  Firefly is needing to adjust..I can respect that.  A new change in life can be a bit stressful, ah...  Picking up one of the suits, she looked it over before giving some apparel comments.  "Wiz stuff.  Something to note...I don't know how your getup works with jackets over, but if we're not putting you in front it'll be fine.  A resized jumpsuit like that might work with what you got...I'll admit that if you go with a stealth suit, y'all gonna have some trouble keeping that bedsheet on ya..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-31-15/1031:50>
"Bedsheet!" I retort, slightly incensed before I break out in giggles.  "More like a pillowcase," I counter in a pouty voice but with a grin I hope takes and sting out of my response.  "I guess there aren't many outwardly practicing Muslims in the Barrens," I shrug as I explain, "so this outfit must be as strange to you as gang tattoos are to me.  Don't worry.  Allah is merciful and understands there are times when the needs of the moment require...flexibility."  I reach out for a particularly fetching armored gray and black jacket and slip in on over my jumpsuit, adjusting the jumpsuit's color to match.  I still maintain my charcoal-colored hijab, but settle the folds elegantly around the shoulders of the jacket.  "If we could get my jumpsuit adjusted a bit around the chest before we head off to Poland, would something like this work?"  I twirl around to show myself from all sides both to my audience and myself in a nearby mirror.  The jacket covers my bust and derriere as well as any abaya would and my legs are sheathed in the jumpsuit's fabric.  "Practical halal," I declare with satisfaction.  "My jumpsuit is rated against fire, cold, acid, and electricity.  What is this jacket rated against other than bullets and blades?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-31-15/1045:59>
Arc watched as the girl slipped into the jacket, noting how she carries the weight and integrates it into her attire.  Giving a smirk, she nodded as she leaned back up against the wall, arms crossed.  "Given I never heard the word Muslim before meeting with ya, that maybe a pretty safe bet, heh..ain't judgin' though"  A few days with Arc would denote that when she says stuff like the bedsheet comment, she isn't trying to insult: it's something she is unfamiliar with, rather, and throws out rough humor like that to make light of it.

As for the jacket, she gave a nod.  "Yeah, that might work.  We can keep it around for heavy situations, or you can ditch it when needed.  Works..."  Approaching after a moment, holding her hands up to indicate she was going to check the jacket, Arc waited for the okay before adjusting the fit on the shoulder, the plating shifting over her as she checked the tag as well.  "Hmm....looks like a flat mod rating to the deal with this one..but that's chill.  We can pick up mod kits later if we don't find any here and I'll slip em in for ya, how's that sound?  I've had to kit out a few Howlers back when I was still with them, it'll be null sweat.  Same with the jumpsuit."  She gave a smirk as she patted the girl's back.  "No need to have ya unable to breathe on us, eh?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-31-15/1158:08>
Did I use my invisibility spell without noticing? There is no way to tell, my illusions never work on me. It is clear that I am an outsider in this group now. I take my space and leave the girls to gossip on whatever it is they are gossiping on. There is this new dynamics and I am just not part of it. I felt it at Blake, and I feel it again now. When firefly says that she needs help shopping, she means Arc, Yelena anyone but me. She barely even look at me, despite of my best effort of figuring out what she wanted. There is my gig that is closing on me, and I was not even comfortable enough sharing that. Perhaps I am just alone for my destiny, surrounded by people that cannot possibly understand me.

After a short while I just leave the girls to browse their stuff and go find a corner to study my art, I need to become a different person in a few days and instead of studying I am entertaining and shopping.  It comes so naturally for me, but it is not what I should be doing right now. I do some breathing exercises calm my mind until it is all gone. Even my own emotions are magical and I mastered the art of placing them someplace else when I need the focus. When my mind is completely open , I flood my visuals with information about my mark. Videos history, job. Career highlights anything else that Blake prepared for me. He worked very hard and my silly games almost took this plan apart. Eventually, I know that they will make their mind and the invisible Marco can work his magic for getting a good price.  Perhaps it is a lesson I can learn from as good spies do not attract much attention to themselves, I just hope that I attract this kind of interest also Tuesday morning.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-31-15/1240:09>
I like the outfit I'm wearing now enough that I walk out of the changing area with the jacket on and my abaya over my arm.  Since Marco was the one who chose the jacket out, it just seems fair to get his opinion about how it looks on me.  I must admit, he has very good taste.  It flatters me without being ostentatious or showing skin.  Its muted colors make sense for the ops I'm likely to be carrying out in it.  Not a gillie suit, true, but more flexible in an urban environment.

It takes me a little bit to find Marco, and in the end I cheat and peek in astral space where Marco's aura stands out among the mundane objects filling the room.  I approach him to find him standing with his eyes closed.  Meditating?

"Marco-san, what do you think of your choice?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-31-15/1242:51>
Jimmy's has a variety of goods but to Arc an Yelena's experienced eyes TriggerT  has a much better variety of weapons, ammo and explosives. And for all the different armors mo stealth armors. But, Jimmy overhears Arc and Yelena lamenting the lack and says, "Bella mia! Such gloriously beautiful women should not hide from the world. I would pity to much all the men who would never have the opportunity to behold and woo such loveliness. But, if you would insist how can I say no to such beauties. I can get you such suits though it breaks my heart for the men who who will never see you. And I can have them for you in two days though I would have to add a 20% charge for the rush. Not for me understand. It is payment enough to serve you. But for the ones who must rush in my hurry to fulfill your every desire."

@ Marco Jimmy tells you, "Marco, it my pleasure to help an old friend, but, I would be remiss as a father if I allowed friendship to come before a roof over their heads.." Marco knows Jimmy's children are all grown and work with him and continues bargaining with Jimmy until he has a 15% discount for everything but the stealth suits.

@ Marco Cesara tells you, >>Jimmy is to kind to recommend me, and he knows I will move the heavens for him and any friend of his. I can alter the suit and have it by monday But you will have to spend a half an hour with me for the fittings and to discuss with me any changes and special features you would desire.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-31-15/1301:17>
When Firefly departed from the changing room, Arc followed suit, nodding a little in approval of the look.  She doesn't stand out nearly as much as before...that's a good thing  Closing her eyes for a moment, she blinked as she was stopped by Jimmy, who had interrupted her and Yelena's conversing whilst the decker went around to see Marco's opinion.

The colorful Italian man's vocalizations of his opinion on stealthware for such "lovely" women forced a quiet snirk from the mechanic as she leaned onto one hip, arms akimbo as she sized him up, giving a little wink at her rebuttal.   "Oh, my man would see me just fine, thanks much, oma-e.  We'll take an order for three..one for me, one for the snow-haired fury next to me, and another for the little one we was with.  We don't need the rush though, so we keep it fair, aight?"

Shaking hands with the man, Arc nodded and left Yelena to go over the details with Jimmy, the human shifting her attention to their troll companion, seeing the weapons and such she was eyeing.  Looking over the stuff, the short human picked up one of the odd-looking knives she was eyeing.  "Huh...this ain't steel, omae.  Wouldn't this drek snap off in a bad shot?"  She looked up at the taller one, gauging what she's trying to get...the jacket was enough for armor, so the rest was weaponry, and to Arc that made sense, given how the biker could potentially be getting into a mess at some point...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <10-31-15/1318:13>
"Marco-san, what do you think of your choice?"

Firefly is there hidden by the AR feeds, I wish I was fluent enough with them to just shut them off,  but everything stop automatically if I take off the glasses. "My name is Marco"  I say and add ... ... and I think it suits you very much.   I am careful with my words as I am not sure how the compliment is going to be accepted.  I add "I know that I am probobly the least experienced, but just be safe alright? You quote these rules, as if you did it many times before and Tuskaloosa with her military slang, Arc grew up in a gang and Yelena is Yelena.
... I just hope that the night does not turn into one big battle. To be on the safe side, I'd go against fashion and take a ballistic mask or some helmet just in case. "


To Yelena I then Say "Yelena, would you like to use my chameleon suit tonight? I mean it is not exactly the same size but I think that it not that far, might fit you "
I am then negotiating with Jimmy and feel in my element, one of the perks of shopping with me is that I also get the good prices, but honestly, it is all about the challenge I feel that Blake paid us very handsomely and I am a bit excited to get to spend an extra 10k on fancy clothes and comlink, it is harder to argue to a man in an expensive suit. Clothes shape how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. To some degree a very expensive suit can augment my natural abilities when it is socially appropriate to wear one. Then again it is an arms race because the people I am going to be talking with will also wear nice suits. Still, owning a very nice suit is a milestone and 5-6k buys some very high end clothes along with a new comlink there are perks for sticking my head for Blake.

I answer Cesara >> No problem and thank you very much!  I'll drop the suit tomorrow after I buy it and will stay as much as needed, and again sorry for the rush job. I'd give you more time had I known I'd need it myself.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/1320:58>
Yelena looks at Jimmy after Arc hustles off.  "Friend mean not need rush.  How long if no rush?"  She pauses; in her opinion TriggerT has a better selection of weapons and ordnance, but she is here, not there.  She then asks, "Jimmy.  Yelena look for Monowhip.  Have one or get one?"

From where she is standing with Jimmy, Yelena can see where Marco is sitting.  She is surprised to see Firefly walk up to him and model the clothes she selected.  The poses seem a bit provocative and Yelena shakes her head.  The young girl will eventually work out her feelings for the handsome Keeb.  Yelena just hopes no one gets hurt in the process.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <10-31-15/1700:31>
@ Yelena  Jimmy answers, "Ah cara mia, such a dangerous thing. I feel to much that the man who wins your heart will have a tigress in his heart and in his bed. I am so sorry that I am to old to woo you myself. Such a danger would be well worth the reward if I could but win you. But, I will have to settle for fulfilling your ever desire as a humble servant. I have a small selection of monowhips and this one is contained in this pen. See, you pull here," he pulls the nib off, "Et viola, you become the most dangerous woman in the room."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/1709:15>
Yelena's smiles at Jimmy.  "Age not mean dead, Jimmy.  Yelena know how make Jimmy young.  All need is desire and expert woman.  Yelena much expert."  Her eyes widen as he shows her the whip in the pen.  "Yelena want.  How much?  Come in Ares brand?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <10-31-15/1915:07>
Tuskaloosa felt every inch the kid in a candy store as she meandered around the crates; a jacket slung over her shoulder and her arms filled with boxes.  "A few things followed me home boss," she said as she finished threading the gauntlet and set her load at Arc's feet.  "Can we keep 'em?"
 The diminutive mechanic picked up a knife from the top of the pile  and pulled it partially from its sheeth.  "Huh...this ain't steel, omae.  Wouldn't this drek snap off in a bad shot?"
"Nope," she grinned triumphantly.  "That's ceramic.  Every bit as tough and sharp, but won't rust.  A diver's best friend."
"...I really don't see that many dives in our future. And the little knife I get, but the big one?"
"That's...for me," she mumbled.  Then she brightened.   "They also work well on land too--no metal means no metal detector flack."
"Really..."
The assistant slid up.  "Their lack of metal also makes them quite useful in demolitions work,"  he added.
Arc looked up at him, then at her.  "That true?"
She shrugged.  "Never touched the stuff myself, so I wouldn't know."
"Aright."  Arc turned back to their 'helpful'  salesman and grinned.  "Throw inna third one, an I think we can talk."
As he left their side Arc continued.  "These I get," patting a couple of crates of grenades and a shoebox that contained plasteel toed boots of the troll's size.  "But them?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-31-15/2254:19>
Arc had to admit: she learned something from the assistant.  A nonmetal knife good for working with boom boom drek?  At that price, it couldn't be beat or passed up.  Grinning, she placed the third knife in the box as she examined the crates and boxes.

At the question of the boots, she could see the troll's grin go wider, remarkably toothy.  "Foot knucks, boss.  Great for the hurt without pulling a piece.". With this, the mechanic got a bit skeptical, but was okay with the pricing.  The canisters made sense to after she explained what they were for, and the grenades were practical, yeah.  It was when she got to the last two items that she had to pause.  "Hoi...this is the weirdest fragging gun I've ever seen...and this thing too..."  She nudged the last box, the printed name "Surviva-Bubble" garishly visible on the side.

The troll looked a little taken aback, but gave a nod as she picked up the piece.  "'Tis a gyrojet pistol.  Rocket propelled rounds.  Odd mechanics, but a solid piece in air and insane in water.  Used one before, thought it'd be good to pick up.  And that thing..." she pointed to the box.  "Is cheap, and could give some options for that mage if plan A works.  Stick it upriver, we got a hiding place noone will look for.."

Arc had to admit...Tuskaloosa brought up some good points all around.  Arc couldn't argue, even with the prices as they were.  Pinching her brow, she gave a nod and waved the boxes over.  "Aight...but I think that taps us out until we get some more cred, aight?"  she looked around for one of the proprietors, indicating she was ready to pay.

"Aight, we can take all o this.  Jimmy, ring us up, lets see the damage...". Boxing up all the gear, the human did some numbering with her head organ, blinking in surprised as she wasok informed of the deal that their Marco had made.  "Well thank you Marco..." .Letting out a low whistle, the girl pulled out a feedstock and slotted the money, turningn to the others.  'C'mon omaes, we burning daylight.  Let's get this in the car and on our way.  We hittin' the Sound, right?"

Once inside, Arc noticed that a few of them had kept an item or two with them...playing with their toys more like.  She laughed a bit...but they were happy, or at the very least grateful, and it was the very least she could do to help them all be equipped.  Really.... Again, the drive was very unhindered as she navigated to the waterfront...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-31-15/2301:22>
Things quieted down around me after Marco started haggling.  I looked at myself in the jacket one more time and nodded in satisfaction.  It'd certainly do.  Much as Marco had done moments earlier, I settled myself near the entrance where we'd come in and started processing data.  When the others make to leave, I follow them quietly, my mind mostly on the sea of words I'm wading through.  I settle in the car wherever Arc indicates and run every diagnostic I can imagine on my little Erika.  A lot will be riding on her tonight...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/2313:30>
Yelena dumps the new jacket into the trunk and squishes into the front of Arc's car this time, leaving more room for Tuskaloosa.  She was curious about what was in the box the Troll had placed in the trunk, but not curious enough to peek.  Yelena is in the middle, with Firefly on the outside.  Marco, of course being Marco, had again taken a cab.  Yelena notices the young decker engrossed in thought and thinks to ask her about what she had seen at the shop with Marco, but thinks better of it.  At her age she had been raped many times and was well used to sex, but she feels that the Muslim girl is confused about sexuality and how to use it or how to avoid it.  Yelena has put the offer to talk out and will see if it is taken.

She nods in agreement when her Srui says they are going to the waterfront.  She cannot help but be a bit excited at what she is about to experience.  The short time she was changed in Marco's apartment had been exhilarating....................at least until she realized she could not breathe.  This time she would be in the proper element and would be able to experience so much more.  She is so lost in her thoughts on the matter that she does not realize they have arrived until the car stops and the others start piling out.  She walks to the shoreline and turns to Marco.  "OK.  Yelena remove clothes.  Then walk water.  Then Marco change.  Have mind link for talk?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/0221:03>
I smile and agree: “La famiglia è di sopra di tutti, ma i tuoi figli sono già adulti”. I am knowledgeable and pay attention to detail, and with that devious smile we start reaching an equilibrium.  Jimmy and I we use emotions as a tool, defuse tension and highlight the strength and weaknesses of our position. When I am done, I accept the nod of appreciation from Arc, it is nice to have your efforts noticed. I could probably score an even bigger discount for myself had I been selfish. Sort of a mediator fee, but this is not my way and the best deal is when everybody wins. 

When we leave I still get that appearance of transparency as nobody offers to ride with me. Perhaps it is this new shampoo? I thought that it smelled great but people usually enjoy my company. Not even Yelena? Oh well, perhaps she found a new lover. It is probably for the best considering my day job and the amount of people I sleep with. She’d probably get very jealous the way she keep referring to ‘other’ women every time she comes to my house.

 I get to the ocean and again Arc already beaten the autopilot. “Anyone else care to swim?” I ask and due to the weather nobody seems to even want to get out of the car.
Quote
"OK.  Yelena remove clothes.  Then walk water.  Then Marco change.  Have mind link for talk?"
I simile at Yelena and say "This time I am coming with you, tonight a daemon will come with you... it is a bit tricky and I do not want to overwhelm you with the details of exactly what I can and cannot do, but it took some improvisation to ensure that you can talk to the rest of us."

I take some distance between me and the girls, take my clothes and enter the water, keeping what I can from my decency. Tonight it will be a daemon but I would not dream of summoning one just for a dry run. These are sapient creatures and need to be treated with respect.  It only take a few seconds before me and Yelena dive and do not surface we are changed. The vision is different the tentacles. “Kind of strange to have so many limbs... “ I think at her.  It took a lot of discipline to get into the water at such a cold weather but once changed it is no longer cold. Off course maintaining 3 spells means that do not enjoy it as I could, but I am already used to being changed with a client and it is fun to explore. Diving is incredible although I never really did so in my own skin, kind of like flying with Tammie I suspect that it is unlike anything that I ever tried.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/0247:46>
It is fragging cold outside and Yelena's nipples react well before she strips.  She calls the shadow to her and wraps it about herself like a warm blanket as she steps into the water.  The icy water begins to penetrate even the shadow when she feels the sensation of changing.  The creature she becomes thrashes about in the air, helpless; body starving for oxygen.  Yelena forces her mind to give up and become the octopus, to think and react like the octopus.  She uses its tentacles to pull along the rocky beach, finding purchase as it..........as she....... instinctively seeks deeper water to survive.  The water closes over her head but she keeps going, using her magnificent arms to pull her farther, farther.  She is aware of a pounding in her head, a voice trying to communicate with her, but she ignores it for the time being.  Her only thought right now is to get farther into the water, deeper into safety.  The suckers on her arms grab at the rocks on the shore bed, pulling some up and managing to use others to assist her movement.  Soon, she is able to gain some mastery over her new limbs, to use them more effectively, eschewing gripping the rocks for gliding across them by moving the arms. 

Yelena has never felt so free as now.  She is a creature of the water, armed with superior agility and strength.  With a bit of practice, she is able to assume a certain grace of movement and maneuvers to a place of rest on the sea floor.  Only then does she acknowledge Marco's attempts at contacting her.  **Marco.  Is Yelena.  Is good.  Yelena octopus.**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/0527:47>
I sense some of the physical characteristics of an octopus as they blend with my mind. I am now a predator. I am myself and yet not myself and I try to grab a fish but I am a bit clumsy for a real octopus. We descend deep to the bottom of the ocean and my senses are especially keen to movement, to... is this intuition smell? I am not even sure exactly what senses I have but I instinctively know how to use them.  Why shadowrun when I can just explore the world like that? Who would believe that my empathy toward living critters will somehow extend to octopi. That my body can be stretched and manipulated to such a big size. I usually preferred to be a dolphin because they are mammals and their emotions are somewhat similar. Octopus is completely alien to me, predatory instincts cold blood and muscle flexibility. I am fascinated and although Yelena is not responding she seems alive and in her nature. In a way she is a predator also in keeb form, perhaps it is more natural for her than for me.
 
It takes a certain amount of composure to retain enough of your meta human nature the temptation to just be is big, especially in the first time. “I am right behind you” I respond, trying to do my best while maintaining these shapes. “Lets swim to the bridge” I say and try to navigate our way toward the bridge. I cheat a little bit as I summon a minor water daemon to show me the way. To my surprise he appears as a small fish that keeps swimming out of my reach. “Somewhere along here the car is going to drop...” I say and cast a trid phantasm to simulate a van dropping in the water with a man in it.” My magical powers are stretched to the maximum and it is not my most brilliant illusion. Clearly the van turns up sketchy and the men inside are a bit doll like,  but I hope that it prepares Yelena a bit toward just what she is going to see when Firefly and Arc do their thing and drop the van into the ocean. 

The funny thing about illusions is that I do not have to think about any tiny detail, not with my rational mind. My best illusions are completely intuitive to me.  I let my subconscious intent shape them and sometimes they can be used to bring things to my awareness. Perhaps this is why hermetics may find my technique odd. I’ll hold that thought... thinking is difficult right now but I let Yelena do her thing and try to dash toward one of the men that I marked differently to indicate that he is a mage.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-01-15/1033:44>
Once again, I try to make sense of Marco's spellcraft but lose track at pretty much the same place as last time. 

Damn these shamanic techniques!  Magic is a science, not an art!  Mathematics is the language of Allah, and magic uses that language to bend reality through Allah's blessing.  There is a method.  Formulas.  Equations.  The mathematicians of Baghdad, those who developed Algebra, would have been magicians today.  And who knows, perhaps they were back then.  Weak ones to be sure living deep within the 5th World, but there was still magic in those equations.

Marco just makes it up as he goes.  "Willing" the world to change, as my Shinto instructors used to say. 

How can a mere human will such a thing!  Only Allah can will something and it be done!  To say otherwise is heresy!

But Marco and those like him care nothing for such concerns.  I watch as both Yelena and Marco creep under the lapping ripples of this finger of water jutting from Puget Sound.  In the cloud-covered darkness, broken only by the glow of distant city lights, I find myself a concrete block to sit upon, pondering the universe, magic, mathematics, and God.

...and where I fit into it all...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1056:59>
As Yelena allows her octopus body to rest, she realizes that this creature is so very like her.  This is a true predator of the sea, using skills and natural abilities to lie in wait, subdue, and kill its opponents.  Instinctively she knows she is armed with a paralytic toxin and a very sharp beak.  Yelena flexes her arms and realizes that two are actually more like legs, whose primary purpose is to propel her across the sea bottom while the arms assist by moving through the water in a much more efficient manner than her human body uses its arms and legs. 

Yelena would cry in joy if this body could cry.  In tis form she is a true assassin of the deep, and in some fashion, feels that she fits into some greater scheme.  What is even more profound is that she is not alone here.  Somehow the shadow extends to her even under the water.  She feels its protective cocoon and realizes that she is being shown a window into something she never considered.  The shadow came to her when she was a child and promised everything if she gave everything and she willingly went.  But she had always looked at the shadow as more of a surface world presence.  But she feels it here as well. 

She follows the Marco-octopus to the area near the bridge, partially listening to him, but also getting the feel of her new body.  So much of what she can do is instinctive to this form, not trained, which does bother her.  After all, that would almost mean the she was at or near the pinnacle of this body's development.  With that realization comes another; that she would rather be Yelena-Keeb than Yelena-octopus.  This is an exercise in learning and this body will be useful for the task ahead of her, but she is still Yelena-Keeb inside. 

She is surprised when the truck falls into the ocean and begins to move toward it.  Something does not seem right and she realizes that everything is pretty much outlines and stick figures for people.  Marco must be doing an illusion of sorts, but it is very weak.  Concerned, she sends him a thought.  **Marco.  Is truck illusion?  Is weak.  Marco OK?**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1102:58>
I send Yelena my happy thoughts and thinks "Yes,  3 spells are difficult to maintain and casting a fourth one and maintaining it as well is taking my magical skills to their limit, but I think it is a good exercise never the less."  I am actually quite proud of myself even for this sketchy illusion.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1106:16>
**When should leave?  Others worry?***
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1109:10>
I think at Yelena, "Don't you want to feel what it feels like to catch a human underwater, they are about the right size although I did skimp on facial features. Do not worry too much, this it is worth practicing. Do you think that you can get the mage out of a closed van? how so? let's try to figure it out. How do you get in? how do you get out? That mage is soon going to die out of hypothermia if you do not act fast. "  
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1118:34>
Yelena goes to the van and swims around it then places her six arms at the window, allowing the suckers to attach to the illusory glass.  She gathers her strength and tries to pull the window from the frame.  If that does not yield an immediate result, she channels water through her siphon as if she were going to speed away, using the force of her departure to reinforce the grip on the window.  **Maybe can pull glass from window.  Then slide in.  Grab man.  Leave.  Maybe use arms open back or side door.  Perhaps other men already open door to escape.  Make easy.  Can grab then use jet speed escape with man.**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1122:00>
Marco allow the glass to brake flooding the space with small pieces of glass "you should also be able to squeeze easily... if your beak can fit through an opening."  Once Yelena inside the van Marco draws a sketchy demon inside and then one of the people becomes a fish."The Daemon with you will identify the mage and potentially make him a fish for you... now grab the fish and get out!" he thinks.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1127:14>
Yelena-octopus grabs the fish-mage and leaves the van.  **Now can move by jet with mage.  Go where Tuskaloosa wait.  Move faster other men.  They clothes.  They panic in water.  Yelena give mage Tuskaloosa then change.**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1133:25>
I think at Yelena "This is scenario one... well done... The problem begins if the mage is conscious in that case we cannot make him a fish and we should hurry." Marco reset again.
This time  the mage leaves the van and tries to gasp for air along with some other humans. When they see Octopus Yelena they start firing their AK-97's that in this simulation work under water (though Marco has no idea if the Russian gun really works underwater.)   "Any ideas? Yelena... I haven't figured that one out I am making it up as we go."



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1143:39>
Yelena-octopus laughs as well as an octopus can laugh.  **Yelena think man in freezing water after crash think other things than carry rifle.  Man in heavy gear and rifle sink.  Man should drop rifle and toss armor to escape.**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1146:28>
Marco thinks "Fair enough... I may have overdid it." Some of the man goes up some of them goes down and the daemon indicates one of them as the mage. When Yelena approaches the mage he tries to protect himself with a survival knife, desperately swinging it to all directions.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-01-15/1151:41>
Outside in the chill, Arc was glad to be wearing a coat as she watched Yelena and Marco disappearing as octopi into the dark water.  "...frag it if that ain't weird..."  she sighed a bit, spotting Firefly taking a stance by the concrete, watching intently.  Hmming to herself, the mechanic gave a nod and stood a number of feet away, whipping out a cigarette and lighting it with her finger.  Puffing a couple times, she let it rest on her lips as she took a breath.

"I'll never understand mojo, omae.  It don't make much sense.  Tech, machines?  Yeah, I know how they work.  They work like they're supposed to, and if they don't, there's a way to fix it.  Don't apply here, do it.."  Flicking off some ash, she made sure to keep her distance unless offered otherwise...after Firefly's cigar experience, Arc was not about to force her to breathe in more smoke without her saying so.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1158:49>
Yelena-octopus envelopes the knife-wielding mage with two arms, encircling the torso and arms.  A slight squeeze can render the man harmless.  She shoots a jet of ink into the area to cover her escape then forces water through the siphon to shoot away at a rapid speed.  She goes all the way back to where they entered the water, remaining at just below where the water conceals her.  **Marco change Yelena back.**  As the body changes back, Yelena rises from the water like Honey Ryder, albeit with less clothing on.  She walks to the open car door and climbs in to let the heater warm her up.  "Yelena thank Srui for heater."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-01-15/1159:29>
"You might be surprised, Arc-sensei," I answer into the night, my gaze remaining out on the water even as I verbally acknowledge my companion.  "For me, magic is little different from programming.  Instead of using mathematics to command a circuit, I use mathematics to command the aether.  My arcana and my programming harness the same techniques.  Electrons and mana have a lot in common."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-01-15/1207:50>
Arc raised a little brow at this revelation, pulling from her smoke before letting it out, her eyes turning to her.  "Really...so set rules, I pro'lly just don't understand drek all on em.  Hmm"  She shrugged, watching the dark murky waters before thinking on it more. 

"So basically the mana is the power...the flow of info and energy through the circuit...that must make you and Marco like hardware then.  The processors and northbridge to where the energy is flowed and directed...huh..."   She scratched her head, thinking really hard and remembering that now she has met at least four different styles of mages in the past few months.   "How you practice magic is the firmware then...that drek won't change, and it's your BIOS system...and the spells...software then?"

She paused as she watched the wet, cold, and very much naked Yelena emerge from the water, her white hair soaked and dripping as she held her arms for warmth.  Instinctively, Arc pulled up her Americar widget ARO and popped open the car and turned it on, cranking the heat and popping the trunk to give access to a blanket.  At the mention of thanks, Arc gave a nod, letting her warm up and redress before they would get back into the car...she wasn't sure how the decker would react to riding with a naked elf at her side.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1214:27>
Well this was about as much as I could keep it going. We swim back and I make Yelena a women again. As for myself I am  doing the same, screaming out of joy as I exist the water with nothing but a smile I rush to my clothes and put them on. The cold is still in my bones but it does not hurts anymore. I feel alive! I then rush like a crazy to Arc's car and say... "any chance to return with you? Too cold for waiting for taxi. "  ...  " Incredible animals these octopi you should have seen Yelena down there. She was born to do these things."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1218:03>
Yelena rubs her arms in the car, helping to restore the circulation in her near-frozen limbs.  The heat blasting from the car heater helps immensely.  Before long, Yelena is able to pull her pants and shirt back on, glad that they are dry.  She reminds herself that a towel will be a great asset for this mission, especially if something goes wrong and she is on the King Scorpion with Tuscaloosa instead of in the warm car.  Certainly this is part of the plan they need to discuss in greater detail.

She opens the door for Marco so he can climb in and share the heat.  She calls out to the others, "Yelena ride back with Tuskaloosa.  Stay warm.  Was much interesting.  Much fun.  Yelena think plan good.  Just need warm towel.  Maybe small heater ready?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-01-15/1238:12>
I was so lost in my thoughts that Yelena's departure from the water barely registered for me.  What really breaks my reverie is a sharp "woot!" which draws my attention to the sound just slightly left of where I had been staring.  My eyes focus in time to see the ghostly pale image of Marco rising from waist to thigh from the deep.  His face reminds me of a dog alight at the return of his master, but the expression draws my notice for only a second as my gaze drops to the appearance of...

Oh...

My!


My nose is no longer cold as I witness yet another sight my memory will never let me unsee.

Who said elves aren't well endowed...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-01-15/1247:24>
Arc gave a nod to Yelena as she warmed herself, hoping that Tuskaloosa wasn't freaking out about sharing the warmth of the car with a naked elf.  Or two..holy drek.. She had caught herself just in time to spot Marco jumping out of the water and streaking along to the warmth as well.  The human was glad she kept the trunk open..the blankets will keep her upholstery in the car dry.

Turning back to Firefly, the human threw down the remnants of her cigarette and stomped it out, catching her dumb stare at where Marco had emerged, seeing her cheeks flush red. Oh drek...here we go..  She chuckled and shook her head, stepping over and giving her a tap on the shoulder.  "When you ready.."  She said to the younger before heading back to the car, stretching her shoulders before observing the developing space issue she was starting to see.

"Glad the plan worked....gonna bit a tight fit, sorry Tuska...Marco, I'll take ya, but we're all gonna have to squeeze in..with Yelena and Tuska in the back, I could maybe fit two in the front.."  She glanced back at Firefly, remembering how she recoiled at Marco touching her.  "What do you think, you too stretched to maybe work a little mojo on this sitch?"  Hopping back in the car, she remotely closed up the trunk and let them warm up, again checking the time...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-01-15/1313:47>
"I...I can only imagine how drained Marco-san must be right now," I stumble over my words as I follow up in Arc's rear.  "More magic wouldn't be fair." 

I look around at the options.  Sit in a troll's lap or sit pressed up against Marco.

What did your poor child do, Allah, for such choices!

Allah is testing me, I know.  Trolls.  It's not that I'm prejudiced or anything, but...they smell.  And although this 'Tuskaloosa' seems to be less dim than the average, they're a pretty dull lot.  Now don't get me wrong, the trolls who have filled out my protection detail or provided muscle in my ops have been great assets.  I've stood up for and advocated for my troll team members when Renraku tended toward more Japanese 'excesses'.  But...well...they had their personal world and my human, elf, and dwarf friends had ours.  Even some of the more refined orks.  'Goblins' just don't have much in common with the rest of us.

Yet here I am with a choice.  A troll's lap or snuggled up with Marco-san.

Argh!

I hate myself but, "I'll sit up front with Marco.  I...it's not my first choice, b...but he's a team member and I can help keep him warm."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1354:00>
I was going to open my mouth to say something about turning into a cat or anything... but then the prude Muslim suggest the most outrageous plan ever. Help me keep warm but she barely look at me. In my mind snuggling with Yelena made more sense but at this point I am a bit dizzy. I move to the front and tell Arc “Looks like we need some bigger ride.” not that I mind snuggling with Firefly. Although it is a bit awkward providing she haven’t spoke to me more than a few words so far.

“So... m... Firefly, are you sure you would not be more comfortable if I am a house cat?”
 I say as I try to squeeze in the front.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-01-15/1400:11>
I can't help myself from rolling my eyes.  "How many spells were you keeping active down there?  Three?  Four?  Marco no baka!  Sit!"  I indicate the space next to me.  "I just recovered from drain myself. You won't be any good to anyone if you're not rested tonight.  This is business.  It's not like I'm any happier about this than you are."  I pull Marco close, settling myself to maximize his comfort and to confer whatever warmth I can.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1404:06>
Yelena observes the byplay in the front seat with amusement.  The decker girl is stretching her boundaries and exploring things, well exploring part of Marco at least. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1426:28>
“Four spells” I say with pride... “but the fourth one came out a bit weak. We... practiced atleast as much as I can imagine what is going to happen in there.”  I sigh... “Why did you call me Marco-san? You are not from around here are you?”  and I must admit that I feel comfortable snuggled  by Firefly, for a moment I forget that she can barely look straight at me. She seem to do her best to keep me warm, even if it means maximum contact and this get me a bit confused, but I do not think about it much I am just happy and still processing the underwater experience.


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-01-15/1437:56>
I smile as I interpret Marco's surprise at my lack of accent.  Japanese is my native language having been brought up in Renraku, but I've spent probably more time communicating in English than i have Nihongo.  On the other hand, my English has been spoken in places like Sydney, Singapore, and Mumbai.  I had wondered how I'd fair in Seattle.

"I've only been in Seattle for a month, Marco-san," I answer.  "Surprisingly enough, I'd been to every other continent except North America...well and Antarctica...before I came here.  You sound Italian, am I right?  Have you ever been to Berlin?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1443:40>
I am a bit surprised at what Firefly tells me, how could she travel to so many places. I only visited Rome once and the rest of the time the furthest I went were the vineyards. Travelling around with a bunch of awakened teenagers with raging hormones was not exactly on the menu of our instructors. To control us they had to keep us in one place. 
"Every continent... Wow it seems like you have an exciting life. I myself, never left Italy until two years ago then I came here. Heck, I barely traveled in Italy... Why Seattle out of all the places in the world? Any specific reason or just to fill up your bucket list?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-01-15/1451:46>
Fill up my bucket list? If only he knew...

"Something like that," I answer with a chuckle.  "Maybe I'll tell you about it to kill time on the way to Poland.  Rome, eh?  I wonder if we'll get to see our old haunts on this trip?  You must miss Italy.  I was pretty young when I lived in Berlin, but I have fond memories of winter there.  The Germans have some very warm yuletide traditions that managed to survive all the changes.  Not that I celebrate such things now, of course, but Christmas in Berlin could be fun...assuming we survive Yelena-sensei's mission."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1456:56>
Yelena sits back in the seat, trying to give Tuskaloosa as much room as possible.  She listens to Firefly talk to Marco and smiles.  Her own mind goes back to when she first visited Berlin.  It had been perhaps a year after leaving Moscow, so it is not a fresh memory, but some things just hang about in the mind.  She had just been taken on by Virtual Goddess as an asset, and this was her first assignment for the shadowy fixer group.  She is sure it is more than one person since they have been directing her for over thirty years.  Her employer was a neo-terrorist group that needed to silence one of their former leaders before she could testify to the German courts about the cell activities.

The job had been much easier than Yelena had hoped; the target practically refused all police protection and kept to an organized schedule.  The sniper round through the forehead from several buildings away while the target was jogging had definitely made headlines.  Yelena had been long gone before the police managed to identify where the shot had come from.  The public manner of the assassination had been just what the cell had ordered and they had been very pleased.  Yelena had returned several times in her early career for different assignments, and the large sprawl has remained one of her favorite European cites.  Yelena had enjoyed her time as a tourist there during the mission down times.  So much history, and such a different environment; the Germans had accepted their UGE and the later Goblinization with far greater ease than the Russians had.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1509:02>
The warmth from the car's heater and the closeness of the Troll were very relaxing and Yelena could feel herself falling asleep.  Then someone mentioned Rome.......what was it about Rome?   Rome.  Then Yelena opened her eyes, fully awake.  Frag!  She had never put it together, but it was so obvious. Several years ago she had been sent by Virtual Goddess to Rome to meet with a secretive organization.  Strangely, she never met more than three of the men, and they were far from open about what they needed until she told them she could not work in a vacuum.  One had sent the others from the room and set up a noise generator.

"What I am about to tell you can never leave this room.  Do you understand?"

Yelena had nodded.  "Wanderer is professional.  Man need quiet.  Man get quiet."

"I do not know you, Keeb.  I do not like your kind.  I was against using an outsider for this, but I was commanded to do so.  It is no secret that I hope you fail and disgrace yourself.  I represent a secret Vatican organization that deals with heretics.  Some are easy to convince to come back to doctrine, others are......more difficult.  And some require a more permanent sort of resolution.  Unfortunately, our charter prohibits us from taking the sort of final direct action required in this case because it is within the confines of the Vatican itself.  We need to provide discipline of a very definite sort and must use an outsider.  You come very highly recommended, but your failure would allow me to press for an expansion of our authority to include the Vatican."

The man had continued by giving Yelena the mission brief and setting difficult goals and requirements.  Yelena toyed with calling Virtual Goddess and declining the mission, but her pride would not let her do that.  The target was mobile but never left the Vatican and Yelena had to work out how to make the kill and get away.  In the end it had all worked out; target dead, client happy, Virtual Goddess impressed.  All in all a good ending.  But Yelena now puts that mission in context with what Marco had told her and wonders if she had done the job for the same people he had been trained by.  Perhaps she would talk to Marco some time.  He might know the man who had wanted so much for her to fail.  She thinks she remembers his name to have been Gabriel, or something similar to that.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1529:51>
Miss Italy? if only she knew the pain, the suffering that I’ve seen there. How my emotions were toyed with manipulated and my entire personality was struggling between Agrat and the church. Oh I do not miss Italy at all... it is my own personal hell. Good and evil and lust and I was seating in the classroom and learning nothing. Had nothing to offer but 'wasted potential' very powerful magic, on the top of edge of the scale but stupid and unable to learn.

In addition I was weak, vulnerable and everybody treated me like a softie that can never draw blood. Most of the years my only magic was so subtle that nobody noticed it. My own words, they are pure honey. Who could possibly notice that my strongest magic is a facial expression, a tone of voice and simply the way I say words that touches people and incite their emotions. It is not as if I can control it and sometimes I say all the wrong things and it still works out well. 

“Italy makes me feel stupid... " I finally say and sigh “I should be practicing Christian magic, I was taught all my life sponsored by the Catholic church, but it was all gibberish to me... years and years of nonsense. Perhaps it will be different now that I am an adult but I can’t imagine me ever going back, too many bad memories. Coming here was the best decision that I ever made. “

And too close to the most scary people I can possibly imagine. “Berlin you say? It sounds like a lovely city I always wanted to visit. So much history, so much to see I only ever read about Germany. How come you travel so much ? What did you do in all these places? ”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-01-15/1543:25>
"It sounds like you and I could share notes about our path to magic," I say with a sigh once I'm sure Marco is done talking.  He has the most alluring voice I've ever heard and it would never occur to me to cut him off unless lives depended on it.  "I tried for years to try and get the Shinto tradition through my thick skull, but "feeling" magic never made any sense.  Magic is mathematics to me.  Equations and formulas.  We should have traded teachers.

"I guess I'm lucky.  Until it all came crashing down, I had a good life.  Berlin is just the tip of the iceberg.  Some of it was with my parents, especially early on.  Later, it was for work.  I..."  my voice trails off as I realize how much I am sharing with a man I still don't quite trust.  Damn, why is it so easy to talk to him!  "Let's just say I'm here now and all that history is as dead as I am.  There's only Firefly, and I have no past."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1559:55>
“Magic is like mathematics? It is odd, but perhaps“ I laugh softly, “I bet you are a savvy person. These are all metaphors around somthing that is only partly within our understanding. For me it is music, I can imagine the music, I can shape it and doing that somehow shapes mana.  I really do not know much about it. Perhaps music and mathematics are linked somehow? Like there is some system that determines how melodies combine with one another?”  I sigh, I can barely do basic calculus, if magic was mathematics it explains why I know so little about it.

But I have read about so many traditions looking for my own way and eventually it sort of happened. Agrat taught me or I understood on my own I cannot explain it. “Oh the past is always dead until it is not dead... and you ask us to go to *Poland* and do some *justice*.” I say bitterly “but there is time for that do not worry... Everybody that does the fucked up things we do has some interesting story and every interesting story has the right time to share” I sigh and understand that I sort of chose life of crime. The realization makes me a bit sad, I never wanted to become a criminal. If any I only wanted to enjoy and experience the world with every sense I can possibly imagine.  I can sense that Firefly shared a bit too much and I gently manipulate the conversation away from that topic. At least I try to, I am not interrogating anyone just passing the time as we go.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-01-15/1607:53>
Arc blinked a bit as she watched Marco and Firefly next to her chatting it up, unable to help but smirk a little.  The very human concept of social norms with that stuff was not lost on the rigger, and she glanced back a little at Yelena and Tuska, relieved to see they had found some way to share the space. The conversation between the two seemed to be about the past, and it gave indications to Arc that they were both far-travelled.  It made her feel like quite a homeboy, knowing full well Yelena's originally country as well.  As she glanced at the cramped Americar's interior, she had to admit Marco was right...if they were gonna be working together, they would need a bigger ride.  Maybe a van…

Either way, now that they were settled, Arc took them back onto the road, keeping the heat cranked to let their two cold keebs stave off the freezing.  The sun had fallen, making the going a little slower, and even on a cold winter Sunday, the five o clock traffic had some impact.  Still, they made pretty good time, leaving the urban paradise that was the downtown of Seattle for the familiar sprawl that was the Barrens.

The return home was long welcome, the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of her garage warming the mechanic’s heart as she pulled in.  Letting everyone pile out, she turned to everyone and gave a nod, clearing her throat.  ”Aight, uh…so the run should be getting going around 1 tonight…We got plenty of time to get ready, which is good, cause uh…I have a date to catch in a few hours…I’ll meet you guys after, I promise”  Her cheeks flushed a bit as she averted her eyes, smiling sheepishly at this little revelation.  But, she wanted to be honest to this team…they deserved it.

It wasn’t long after Arc had pulled into the garage and had everyone pile out and get settled that her commlink went off, signaling to the mechanic that Hrock was ready to come by.  Pulling up her messenger, she gave a quick affirmation to him.

<<@Null sheen Uncle, lights are on, clear of critters.  Come on over>>

Moments later, Arc could be seen darting through the garage to slide the door open, the old ork’s vehicle pulling up just outside: a customary for the smuggler, who liked to position his ride for a quick getaway if needed, and pulled up in a garage bay would not do.  Arc had no issue with this as he held his arms out on the approach, the two embracing.  ”Omae, you have no idea how awesome ya are to get this drek together.”

The old ork grinned and shook his head.  ”Null sheen for you, little Cricket.  Not often I get to flex those kinda deals, but for the cred you’re throwing around, the pieces just seemed to fall together, to be honest with ya.  Even managed to score a special deal on a couple pieces…here, help me with this”

Nodding, Arc gave a wave to the others to let them know everything was cool and to get settled in with their stuff before stepping back outside to assist her adoptive Uncle with unloading his trunk.  In total, three crates were taken from his vehicle, a workbench cleared of space for them in a hasty rush.  As Arc started to work on looking through the crates and taking inventory, Hrock spotted the troll Tuskaloosa and excused himself, reaching into his coat and fishing out a small parcel.

”I hadn’t forgotten about ya, miss omae.  One special-fit ‘link just for your pretty hands…”  He offered a friendly wink and smile to the taller one, exchanging the cred with a casual sense of professionalism.  ”Threw in a self-charging induction system into the form factor too.  Nothing to worry your head about, right?  You find yourself in need of anything more, you let me know k?”  Shaking hands, he returned to Arc just as she was fishing out what looked like some spare parts.

”That drek there I managed to pick up for a real steal too.  Thought you might use it on that engine your building.  Least I could do for what you bought it for, Cricket.  The rest of the stuff is underneath too…hey listen, I gotta make a run out into the NAN tonight.  Looks like you got quite a team together...you be safe, okay?  I’ll clip my tusks if you got into trouble...”

Arc gave a nod, appreciating his worry and responding by giving him a reassuring grin.  ”Guess I get into trouble wherever I go, Uncle, but I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t have the skills I learned, especially from you.  I’ll drive fast, go hard, and you’ll see me for the rest of my drek tomorrow, aight?”  Fishing out the platinum credstick, she slotted it and transferred the amount they had agreed on, shaking hands one last time as the old ork pulled her in for another hug.  ”You still owe me a dinner with your Vruk.  I’ll let you know when my days are free for that, okay?”

”You got it, Uncle.  You be safe too”  And with that and a wave to the others, the smuggler departed, his car firing up as he took off to disappear down the road, leaving them alone as a group as Arc closed up the garage.  ”Wiz…”  Turning back to the pile, she started fishing through the stuff.

From the parts, Arc was able to produce a few interesting items.  Underneath the parts in one crate, the first thing to come out was what looked like one of her hip pouch belts, this one with a faded green plus sign printed on the fabric, about the size of one of those old lunchbox things from the twentieth century.  As she glanced over at Marco, the mechanic offered an innocent smirk.  ”Didn’t know you had one…this one’s a level 6 too, and it won’t get in my way this way.  We’ll still keep yours tonight…can never be too careful…”

Sighing gently, she grinned and set the medkit aside, promising herself that she would learn how to use it when she is able to as she delved into the crate again.  This time, she produced a few more items, what looked like some innocuous looking personal items, complete with sets of earbuds, eye pieces, gloves, and induction cradles.  Looking at Yelena and Subaru, she held up an inhaler and a tube of lipstick.  ”Comms, wouldn’t you believe it?  These are for our street crew.  I’ma get in touch with Rabbit tomorrow, get these to them.  This, however, is for me…” 

Pulling out a little box, she popped it and pulled out what looked like a small SIM card, blue with gold nanoconnections and a red symbol of a flame on it.  Pulling out her Renraku Sensei, she powered it down for a moment before tapping a piece of metal, centering her static levels before popping open the access panel to the link.  Taking the chip, she swapped it out with hers before placing the old chip in the packaging, setting it aside.  Reclosing the link, she rebooted it and let her system reconfigure the new SIM module to her settings, busying herself with the rest of the goods.

The first crate gone, Arc pulled out the parts of the second crate, finding a sealed carton with some printing on it.  Grinning a bit, she closed her eyes and held the box for a moment before giving a whistle.  ”Hoi Tuskaloosa, think fast”  Grinning, she held up a breadbox-sized box, hermetically sealed with some paperwork attached.  Once the attention was caught, the mechanic would wait till the troll approached, tossing it to her.  ”Consider this your promise to me you ain’t gonna kip out or die on me, ya feel me?  After tonight, you get your hoop to a clinic.”  Close examination of the parcel would reveal a bunch of Cyrillic text, but the DNA symbol with the letters E V O printed over it gave good indication of its origin.  On another panel, thankfully, the words were also printed with English, as well as the attached cyberclinic installation voucher.

Contents: (1) EVO Mk. 22-6A “Wired Giant” Control Rig

Arc gave the troll some time to process that, smiling warmly before returning to her crate.  Fishing inside, she grabbed a smaller package, followed by a significantly bigger one.  Keeping to herself, she popped out a screwdriver attachment in her hand before working on opening the smaller box, fishing out what looked like a little piece of tech…a square of material attached to a thin insulated wire terminating in a port connector, serving some kind of purpose.  Holding it in hand, she opened up the big box, pulling out its contents and seemed to slap together the smaller piece to the big one without much of a thought.  She was there for a few precious seconds before her voice came up.

”Firefly, check this out”

As the decker would come over again, Arc’s grin didn’t waver as she pulled out what she was working on, pulling aside the protective wrapping, revealing a screened, black device of a sleek nature.  The smaller tech was stuck to one corner, the ridging making it look like some kind of guard, the wire affixed to the side before it was attached.  The decker may have known what it was, but as the mechanic rotated the object in her hands, the words printed on the back made it clear.

MiAz 300

”Same deal, you ain't allowed to die on me.  Think this will work tonight?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-01-15/1644:11>
The busy happy chatter of people opening boxes and happily checking new equipment as if it was an early Christmas filled the garage, making it warm and homey. The new crew beginning to check the equipment to make sure it was functional, plugging in batteries and adjusting straps. And then a voice comes from out of nowhere. A voice with a thick Russian accent. "So this is your bratva. At least their choices for equipment is good." The voice is coming from the backwall, and then he steps forward. A tall slender middle-aged human by the look of him. He'd be moderately attractive if you just saw him in a trid. But, you're not seeing him in a trid, and in person this man wears death like other men wear cologne.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1716:37>
Control rig? Deck ? These things must cost a fortune. Did Arc just rob a bank? I am surprised but not as surprised as I see that man. It is not quite seeing him but I hear him. Just for a moment and I do not like what I hear, his melody is so disharmonious. So different than that of the rose. I grab my head in confusion and look at him instinctively making sure that my Crusader is out of hand. The man is a sure party pooper and it is not polite there is no sound in the room, no music. I must be losing my mind...

With the way that man sounded a moment ago, I feel that perhaps pacifism is over rated but that melody is gone and although a bit suspicious if he wanted us dead we’d be bleeding by now.  I wonder if Scary lady has an explanation as to why this ‘santa’ came all the way from the north pole to her garage. For any case I feel that now is as good time as any to summon my daemon for tonight and I do so so expertly when on the outside all I did was pick up my gun and load it with sticks and shots.

The Daemon is in the astral next to me and say “Three wishes blind mage...” 
“Wishes? you sure you are not a genie?” The Daemon laugh a cold laugh and say “You know who I am.” I think at him, there is some time so sit tight, unless mister death over there misbehaves. “Lets hope he misbehaves then said the daemon. It is obvious for me that daemons although always cooperative do not seem to enjoy my company very much. This was the closest thing to a  joke I ever received from a Daemon. Now they are sapient creatures, they have motivations and needs and wants that I do not understand.   I feel like I am treating them with respect, but  they somehow always make me feel dirty for using their help.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1830:53>
Yelena ponders her Italian issue for the rest of the ride home.  She is not sure what she can discuss with Marco, or if anything really needs to be said.  It is just coincidence that she was working for his former masters at about the same time he was there being trained.  Perhaps they had passed each other in the Vatican halls while he was there.  She shrugs, the conversation from the front is bringing back memories of her journey through Europe and the various places and people she had known.  Even most of the targets had become familiar to her due to the amount of research she had done to pick the place and means of their death.  Yes, her preferred weapon was the Ares Desert Strike sniper rifle, but she was skilled with many different weapons and had killed many times with something other than that rifle.

Once back at the garage, Yelena steps from the car and moves a bit further into the building.  There is no outward sign, but she is pretty sure that Nikolai Fyodorovich is here or nearby.  There is SOMETHING disturbing the shadow and Yelena is nearly certain it is he.  Still, she does not press farther, but returns to be nearer the rest of the group.  Yelena goes to stand behind one of the benches and watches as the rest mill about, discussing the purchases and the coming extraction.  She carefully removes her pistol from the hip holster and sets it on the bench where she can access it quicker. 

Then Hrock shows up, right on time, and he and Arc unload the crates from the back of his old vehicle.  Yelena watches with only part of her concentration, the rest is tuned to the rear of the garage, which is covered in darkness and shadows.  Thus, she is only partially aware when Arc tosses the boxes at Tuskaloosa and Firefly, although their reactions are immediate and loud.  From these, Yelena surmises that the purchases meet with the approval of the decker and rigger.  Hrock leaves and the rest begin going through the other crates when the darkness moves, then the voice.....his voice......comes from the rear of the garage.  Her hand closes on the pistol, not really certain how many of her companions would be dead or injured before she killed the man.  And if nothing else, she was confident that she could do it if she was forced to.  She had learned long ago.......frag, HE had taught her.......that no person is completely invulnerable.  Any person can be killed if you try hard enough.  Certainly, she might die with him, but she could take him down if it came to that.  But she hoped that it would not come to that......yet.

Yelena called out to her companions, "My friends.  Man is Nikolai Fyodorovich.  I tell of him.  He Vory.  He help Yelena find woman for justice."  She holsters the pistol and steps around the work bench to approach the man, saying.  "Yes Nikolai.  Is part Yelena Bratva.  Others not here.  These come with Yelena for Tsina Molovna.  Is very good crew.  Is very good Yelena Petrovna crew.  Much talent.  Much skill.  Much loyal.  Nikolai transport all to Greater Europe.  Yelena have questions about how get there.  What can take.  What Vory provide when get there.  Nikolai can answer?"

Yelena moves to within a few feet of the man and stops.  Anyone assensing right now might have trouble seeing which of the two has the darker soul.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-01-15/1911:50>
     Things were pretty much done by the time Tuskaloosa had returned the box with the rifle to where she'd picked it up.  The helpful clerk had produced a cart and was loading their purchases on it, along with a couple garments brought with them; it looked like Firefly was going to wear her new coat out.  “What did I miss?”
     “Seems they got a freight elevator,” Arc drawled, as she stowed her credstick.  “We can load up outta it in the back alley.”
     Makes sense. 
     “'C'mon omaes, we burning daylight,” the rigger called out, and headed for the stairs.  “Let's get this in the car and get on our way...”
     As before, she took her place in the back.  A stack of three large pizza boxes waited on the counter.
     “Don't forget to take your order,”  the chef recited blandly,  “and have a nice day.”
     She would have asked—or at least checked the boxes--but thought that would probably be rude; like looking a gift horse in the mouth.  They weren't light though, and toasty warm.  “See you next time.”
     “Come hungry next time,” he snapped.
     The troll didn't turn back, but did shift her load long enough for a thumbs up before she exited his domain.

_   _   _


     She was a little more prepared this time when Yelena stripped at the shore line and disappeared.  Marco also pulled back to some nearby brush after announcing that he was going as well.
     Arc stood smoking near Firefly; the two were in conversation.  Knowing the two were near the entry point and the car—in case their submariners came back sooner than anticipated—gave Tuskaloosa the confidence to do a little scouting of her own downriver.

     It was as good a site as they were going to get:  close to the bridge, without being the closest route down to the shore beneath it—the Jade Dragons and first response crews would be taking that. A simple access road threaded behind a stand of evergreens to the water, providing cover from onlookers.  There was a small marina on the far side; she actually considered it a plus: the water around rich people's little daycraft  was going to be the cleanest stuff in the river.
     Their entry point was about 250 meters upriver from where the van would plunge; if pressed to retrieve people she could relocate to a train crossing a mere 70 meters.  She was hoping it wouldn't be necessary: it would be a much more lit area even in the middle of the night, and be much closer to where she figured the escort would head.  Hope for the best, plan for the drek, and expect something in the middle.
     Satisfied that she had a rough map of the area, Tuskaloosa worked her way back the way she came.  She was in time to see Yelena detach herself from the bank, scoop up her clothes and sprint behind the stand—presumably to the car.
   Definitely will need towels, she thought. Enough for...three?  Should coordinate more with Arc on this part, so we can meet up quickly.  Our guest should be ok while we move out, but we'll want to give those three warmth a lot sooner than the garag--
   The troll almost jumped into the river at the sound of Marco's scream of delight behind her.  Bloody fraggin'--!   She was about to turn around and bite his head off  when she caught sight of Firefly's wide eyes and guessed where they were aimed.
     She instead took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, returned her Guardian back up her slider and continued back to the car.
   Children.

_   _   _


     Other than the fact that the person in the back seat with her was conscious and the conversation in the front seat livelier, the ride back to the garage for the troll was no different than the ride to lunch.  Her thoughts were already back at Arc's garage and the massive, untested and unfamiliar bike that awaited her there.
     A whole lot was literally riding on her and the scorpion tonight.  If Plan A works, we're going to want to get clear in a hurry...and if we have to switch to Plan B, Yelena and I will need to catch up to the convoy in a hurry.  It'll be a shorter introduction than I'd like.  She stifled a grin—I had best be on my best behavior and make a good first impression.
     Their driver interrupted her thoughts. “Uh…so the run should be getting going around 1 tonight…We got plenty of time to get ready, which is good, cause uh…I have a date to catch in a few hours…I’ll meet you guys after, I promise.”
     “So long as I get the time to acquaint myself with that King, go ahead and go crazy.”
     “Null sheen, omae...we're almost there.”

_   _   _


     Tuskaloosa had the trunk unpacked by the time Hrock arrived.  After a quick exchange of pleasantries, Arc gave a wave over.
     Three crates greeted her in the venerable orc's trunk.  She choose the biggest and lifted.  It resisted more than she thought but not more than she could handle.  “I got this one.”
     “Over here,” the shop's owner called, indicating a fresh patch of space on the workbench at hand.
     She set it down carefully with relief.
   
     Hrock pulled her aside as she came back for another load.  “I hadn’t forgotten about ya, miss omae,” he said as he handed her a small box.  “One special-fit ‘link just for your pretty hands...Threw in a self-charging induction system into the form factor too.  Nothing to worry your head about, right?” he added, as he handed back her credstick.  “You find yourself in need of anything more, you let me know, k?”
     She held up the box and smiled.  “Thanks to this, you'll hear from me as soon as I get my allowance.”
     They shook hands warmly and she tucked the box into her duster.

     She soon discovered the reason for the first crate's weight:  Arc was already elbow deep in motorcycle parts.  It took all her trollish willpower to keep from getting near the thing: Patience...the King takes priority.   Right—time to go for a ride.
     Tuskaloosa was crouched over, checking spark plug wires when Hrock clapped her on the shoulder.  “Try not to break that one too,” he said with a wink.
     She gave a mock growl.  “I didn't break mine in the first place.  Shoo.”
     He chuckled, waved to all and let himself out.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-02-15/0001:56>
Arc was grinning as her investments were revealed and distributed to their proper owners, leaving her with a warm feeling of accomplishment.  It felt nice.  This crew needs to be top form..this'll do the job for them...huh?  The sound of a footstep and a foreign male voice broke her concentration, and without a thought Arc reacted, the animalistic instincts ten years of Howler upbringing coming out.

Her right cyberhand snapped back, effortlessly gripping around the handle of the Ares Predator she held at the small of her back.  With a twist of her arm, the  gun slid free of its holster, the smartlink technology booting up and linking to her eyes in the split second it took for her to bring up the heavy pistol, the barrel leveling right on the man's center mass.   Her mouth was set shut, eyes coolly staring at the man, and she didn't need Yelena's assurance to identify him: this was the Nikolai she was referring to.

But it was Yelena that made the first real move to respond, it would seem.  It took several minutes after the Russian elf woman lowered her pistol that Arc could bring herself to do the same, letting her arm fall but never truly come to rest.  Still, she glanced over at Yelena, listening to her words as she stared the man down, a mixture of disdain and tension in her expression.  Her stance widened, adopting the ork-style aggressive posture that she had grown accustomed to.  Her mind stretched to Marco, Tuskaloosa, and Subaru....far as she could tell, this kind of tension was new to them, and she was prepared to protect them best she could....should he try something, she would snap to it as fast as she could.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-02-15/0122:51>
Yelena can sense the tension from her companions and she feels a need to diffuse some of it.  Her companions are skilled and effective and Nikolai does not know them as she does.  Yelena approaches the man and stands right in front of him, clearly within range of the deadly knife she knows he can bring to bear in an instant.  Yelena pauses to gather the strength of shadow about her, armoring herself with the only true power she has ever really felt a part of.  "Nikolai Fyodorovich Alexandrov.  This not Vory way."  She waves her hands about her.  "This Yelena home.  This Yelena Bratva house.  Nikolai not Vory boss of bosses.  Cannot come uninvited.  Nikolai old friend.  Old companion.  Old teacher.  Nikolai and Yelena share blood.  Share death and life.  Share passion.  Must be respect between Bratvas.  Respect between Yelena Petrovna and Nikolai Fyodorovich.  Man is Ghost.  Man can go anywhere.  Does not mean man should go anywhere.  Vory has way.  Has protocol.  Now Nikolai Fyodorovich say was wrong to come Yelena home like this.  Then share vodka.  When all are friends Nikolai will say plans.  Is Vory way.  Must be Vory way."  Yelena spreads her arms wide, hoping that the most dangerous man she has ever met will see reason and greet the most dangerous woman he has ever met as a comrade, embracing her rather than starting a bloodbath. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-02-15/0257:23>
My life has become a trid show...

The MiAz 300 was a surprise, for sure.  I had accepted the idea of my debt transferring to Arc, but I seemed destined to be close friends with my Erika for some time to come.  Now this.

How to respond?

Arc was keeping herself busy, so I was left to ponder that question.  Any chance to answer it was cut off when Yelena's old friend appeared.  Mr Creepy who apparently had stood in the shadows and watched me prostrate myself to God while I was blissfully unaware of the audience. 

Plenty of reason not to like the man already.

As if I needed anything else seeing how Yelena responds.  This is her battle, so I just stay still as a rabbit without cover as a hawk circles overhead.  Still, this rabbit has a sting.  It may not be enough to kill by itself, and it may kill me to use it, but if the hawk swoops for a kill I will use it.  And maybe the distraction will provide the more deadly members of my team the milliseconds they need to finish the job I start.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-02-15/0910:11>
Yelena is selfish, she does not understand it now but she is selfish. She Pursue her justice, endangering the rest of us. Putting our fate with a man that cannot be trusted. Probably a mass murderer. I am not afraid, I know a power play when I see one. If he wanted us dead he did not have to get chatty. No, he is not here for violence he is here for dominance to establish who is boss. Yelena and Nikolai are doing the Vory equivalent of a pissing contest and Nikolai want to establish himself as the leader of this Bratva. Afterall a professional killer should have the composure to kill without a small talk.


So I am Vory now?  I fail to realize what Yelena can possibly achieve by killing Tsina for a man that is clearly just as bad as Tsina. Why is she so eager to put us all in harm's way to avenge her old comrades. Were they so much better than us? While Yelena has the mystical ability to cheat death, I am not sure that the rest of us have it. Will we return from Poland? Is it worth it even if not all of us return? Yelena is some oddball and I make a silent prayer that she will see the light before we get ourself so twisted in Vory affairs that they will never leave us alone.  But my thoughts are not all dark right now, on the bright side... I have a feeling that I am going to enjoy some fine vodka tonight.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-02-15/1100:11>
Nicolai looks at Yelena. "Yes, Vory have ways. Ways which strengthen us and strengthen our bratvas. These are not Vory. They do not have the strength to embrace the darkness that is Vory. But, you Yelena Talinovsky Petrovna are Vory. And you have named them as your family. You have named this as your house. And they have agreed to go with you and help you. And perhaps they go as children thinking to have holiday. But, they go under you and have your protection. While they remain loyal to you and do not betray the Vory you will have my word that no harm shall come to them from me or from any in my bratva. We will drink. I will tell you of my plans. I will hear your questions. And then I leave tonight to go to Warsaw. And when you come to me, and then to my bratva you will enter freely as you will and they will embrace you as a sister and as a comrade." The gaze he gives you is his gaze. Cold, steady, as unblinking as a serpent poised to strike. It never leaves your eyes, and yet you know for a fact that if anything moved in a ten meter radius around him that he could kill it more quickly and efficiently than the serpent can strike.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-02-15/1224:49>
In my fantasy I take my Crusader and shoot some respect into the arrogant Russian that thinks he is immortal. A stick and shot will not kill him but I bet he'd respect me us more once subdued. Of course that I keep my cool, perhaps I could use some humility still I am no kid going into school trip. There is doubt echoing in my mind. Darkness that scares me out.  Is Yelena going back from Polland?  She kills for Vory now.  Not directly for Nikolai but for Vory honor. Perhaps Nikolai came here to get her back to the family.. aham Bratva?

... Why wouldn't she stick with them, they speak her languge, share her values and will admire her like a goddess... Why is she sticking with us?  Why not stick to Vory? I do not fear death in Poland, but I must admit that when Nikolai describe how Yelena will be treated and considering the alarming similarities between Yelena and Nikolai I am afraid of losing her.  Perhaps, Tsina is nothing but  the carrot to gain the friendship of the assassin keeb that cheats death. Then again, maybe sometimes a bloody revenge murder is just a bloody murder.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-02-15/1626:27>
     Tuskaloosa had been the neighborhood's reigning Hide and Seek champion:  it took a lot of planning to avoid leaving a heat signature she couldn't find.  But those had been childrens' street games and she was older and wiser:  between technology and magic there were ways of being sneaky that could slip past her senses.

     That didn't mean she liked it when someone did.
   
     It seemed Yelena was aware; she had a pistol in hand as she calmly introduced the Vory bogeyman as Nicolai Fyodorovich  and his job: to “transport” them to “Greater Europe”.
     ...She also chastised him for his entrance and encouraged him to apologize so they could belt back a couple of vodkas and get back to business as usual.
   
     Fat chance.  Out of the corner of her eye Arc had finally lowered her weapon to a ready position, her teeth bared in a snarl.
   
     The bristling mechanic is ignored.  “Yes, Vory have ways.” he says to his elven counterpart. “Ways which strengthen us and strengthen our bratvas. These are not Vory.”
   
     Quit hiding behind titles you Sonof an oppai squeezer—courtesy is courtesy.
   
     He was willing to give the rest of the onlookers the benefit of being Yelena's “family”, and so long as they “remained loyal” to her and didn't “betray the Vory” they would come to no harm from he and his bratva.
   
     Say that to me while I'm still logged into the King's AKs, coward.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-02-15/1950:23>
He's talking.

That simple act suddenly changes the situation.  Yes, this man is clearly dangerous.  But in a risk assessment, his likelihood of acting on his potential danger is now suddenly reduced.  Feeling confident that I can rely on "the book", I relax a bit and shift out of "mage" mode and back into "decker" mode.  We have an operation to perform tonight and my ability to stretch this little baby Azteca to its limits will mean the difference between a van in the drink or a van peeling off into the distance with us struggling to keep up and fighting a running battle with armed go-gangers. 

I keep an ear on the unfolding Russian drama to learn as much as i can from the interplay, but for the most part my attention is back on my new deck - making sure it doesn't have any unwanted surprises and configuring exactly as I want it.  Once I feel confident the MiAz is 100% mine and only mine, using AR I'll shift my data horde over and take a stab at some processing to get the feel of the new circuits.  All the while, staying tuned to the continuing performance of two alpha predators vying for dominance.

This beats nature trids any day...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-02-15/2301:32>
Yelena lets her hands fall back to her side as she keeps her eyes on Nikolai's.  His words feel sincere and she is glad that it appears no one will get hurt here tonight.  "These far more than children.  These know jobs.  Best, they are loyal.  No betrayal.  Now get Vodka then talk."

Yelena walks to the living area kitchen and retrieves a bottle of vodka, choosing an unopened one over the partial.  Grabbing several glasses and a larger mug, she returns to the garage and sets them on one of the work benches.  Yelena opens the bottle and pours a shot in each of the glasses then takes one to everyone, making sure that Tuskaloosa gets the mug.  When she gets to Firefly she softly says, "Decker girl not need drink.  Just toast when Yelena does.  Drink only if want."  Yelena spares an extra minute with Arc.  "Srui.  Man is Yelena guest now.  Is Yelena honor.  We listen then go mission tonight.  Srui be calm." 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-03-15/0028:28>
     "Sorry Yelena, but the drinks don't happen until he's said at least two words,"  the troll rumbles.
     As she expected she is ignored by the vory in their midst.  "What two words?"  Yelena finally asks.
     "My Bad.  A 'I'll use the door' wouldn't hurt either."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-03-15/0032:53>
Yelena looks at Tuskaloosa then back to Nikolai.  "See, Nikolai Fyodorovich?  Yelena Bratva is hard.  And right.  Nikolai wrong to just come.  Should apologize.  Bratva wait."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-03-15/0053:26>
Vory.  Arc knew very little of the Russian mafia, and really all she understood of them was from what Yelena's stories and behaviors told her.  But from seeing the power play of the entrance and the swaggering, almost ritualistic speech patterns, the mechanic came to a big conclusion: they may be bigger fish than her Howlers, but there weren't much in the way of differences.  He gave the acceptance--Not approval--of the rest of the team assembled here as her...Bratva?  The frag is that...oh wait, family or some drek  Giving a slight aversion of her gaze, the human gave a little snarling grin as she noted the threatening power he had coiled in him.

And that he couldn't use it because the rest of them were protected and useful.

As the rest of the conversation played out, Arc took up a stance near Tuskaloosa, the two of them exchanging a knowing glance that this dude had stepped over the fragging line: breaking into one's own place, particularly a mechanic's, is a sacred line, right up there with don't piss in the holy water.  Yelena disappeared for a moment, coming back out with some vodka and shot glasses, passing them around in turn.  When it came to her, she kept the Predator grasped gently in her right cyberhand whilst she lifted the glass in her left, holding it gingerly as she listened to her and Tuska banter around.

She set her jaw, her eyes glancing over to where he was standing, exhaling through her nose with a snort.  "Oh, I'll be calm, null sweat.  We handle this meetup with this Sen'o da quaalz, and get on our merry fragging way.  Say, while we're asking stuff, Srui, you wanna bring up that table my Uncle gave me once I got this place? Not urgent, but ya never know, might be worth it..."

Her words were definitely restrained, practically growled out.  And the way she curled around that Or'Zet, one could have sworn she was speaking with invisible tusks!  But with that said, drink in hand, she gave a nod to Yelena, the three of them (and assumedly the others), turning to look at Nikolai with baited breath.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-03-15/0225:08>
I nod silently at my ivory-haired mentor when she hands me my glass and whispers her supplemental advice.  I take the drink and hold it in silence as I continue to monitor the Dance for Dominance with the ever growing cast of characters.  The troll surprises me with her sudden backbone.  Not because she displays defiance - no, that's a trait of her race - but rather by the sophistication underlying her words.  Interesting...and definitely not in "the book".  My risk assessment no longer seems valid, but my deck won't be formatting itself.  My glass of vodka in one hand and my deck on my lap, a data link fiber slipped into my wrist jack of my other hand, I keep working to familiarize myself with my new BFF in AR while I absorb the increasingly interesting meatspace data around me.

Watching Nicolai reminds me of a previous "note to self" I had let slip my usually "steel trap" mind in my excitement to embrace my new friend.  It was a lesson learned during my previous run-in with the Vory - my closest "near death" experience on the 'trix.

"The Vory are crazy and unpredictable.  Given a choice between efficiency and blood, more then any other organization they will trend toward the latter.  They do not find concern with collateral damage and will take unnecessary lives for spite."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-03-15/0348:56>
I take the seconds to observe my environment in details. Assess the situation, Arc seems protective and so is Tuska, Nikolai is being disrespectful. He invaded Arc’s home and fortress. He knows the etiquette he overstep the line on purpose. A very odd choice of friends I think to myself.

”Tuska has a point, we are no Vory but we are in the justice business together and justice takes respect and a certain degree of trust. This is Arc’s home as well and she has not invited you in. Must you be so confrontational? We are aware that you are very good at what you do. But I am guessing that no self respecting Vory is ever going to drink with me unless I show some respect.

My glass stays empty tonight, senior Nikolai. When you respect Yelena and her Bratva enough to not spy on us, we can have a drink. If you continue playing this spy game, then you'd better stay invisible because I am not entirely sure what drinks will be on the menu if we spot you. “

Well, as it seems to appear they are going to have a drink with or without me, what can I say I think it is a mistake. You never show weakness to a bully, it only get them to crush you harder. I had to learn that lesson the hard way, but here in the real world Gabrielle is not here to protect me from my choices. In my own imagination, I walk the silver line of not being too confrontational but still respecting myself. I hope that I did not over did it. I am not sure exactly how I should speak to a person at his position.

One thing I am certain, if a guy like him can be so sneaky we should be a lot more paranoid a detect life spell before we get in, astral sight once we have it matrix scan. There are other senses that we did not use and Nikolai cannot be invisible to every possible sense, can he? One day he will not be chatty he will just kill us all.

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-03-15/0629:56>
"If there is a toast Marco,"  Tuskaloosa says levelly,  "drink it.  Or did you leave your manners at your place?  You were the Host at lunch--Yelena is the Host here.  Be polite."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-03-15/0724:47>
Nicolai's eyes flicked slightly, and pierced Tuskaloosa's. And those eyes were dead. You'd read the expression, 'soulless gaze'. But, Tuskaloosa wasn't superstitious. That was all a bunch of clap-trap meant to scare people with to much time on their hands and over-active imaginations. But, this, man? Right now Tuskaloosa couldn't even be sure he was human while that cold, dead, flatness pierced her soul and began sucking the life out of her. Saying something, wait, he was saying something. What had she heard? She grabbed onto his words like a lifeline pulling her away from that gaze. And heard. "My bad? Yes, I am bad. This is well known." His gaze switches to Arc, and suddenly Arc knows evil. She'd thought she'd known evil with the Howlers. With Howler beatings and Howler tempers. But, the Howlers had only struck her when she'd done something to anger them. And even then hadn't ever beaten her to break bones or render her unconscious, and she'd quickly learned the rules of their society. But, this man, this man didn't need to be angry, and nothing would stop him from exacting his will upon her flesh. "But, I did not come as bad man, as bratva boss. I came to one of last three members of old bratva, and among us hospitality is certain. She tell me this is her family.You do not ask to come in home of family. What one has, we all have. When one goes hungry, we all go hungry. Evidently this hospitality is unknown in the UCAS. I come. I wait patiently. I compliment choices of equipment. I tell you my door is open to you as well. I do not question that you have not been tested in blood, in fire, in death, and know only to mewl that I should knock because then you will not be afraid." He reaches out an arm, one finger extended and uses it to rap hard against the work bench three times. His voice changes, it is softer, gentler and slides across the mind like a knife across the throat. "So then, now you are not afraid."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-03-15/0736:45>
I look at Tuska, I was trying to take her side how did I err so much I do not know.  "Man knocked so I am no longer afraid" I say with a devious grin as I confidently reach for the glass... Na Zhtrovia is it? I seem to look for approval.
...
And shortly after I feel the warm kick from the vodka. I must admit that after bathing  icy water and drinking vodka I afraid that I am running short on Russian cliches I'll have to pick up more about the culture over time.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-03-15/1009:11>
Yelena looks carefully at Nikolai then turns to her friends.  "Is not time for anger.  Time for friends.  Nikolai help me.  Help us.  Time now for drink and welcome.  Please do toast."  She turns back to Nikolai and raises her glass.  "На Здоровие, to health."  Yelena tips the glass and drinks the nectar it holds.  Putting the glass back on the counter, she looks around, hoping that her friends will follow suit to support her. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-03-15/1039:19>
As one of the youngest active operatives in Renraku history, and perhaps the youngest team lead, I had been required to face my fears before.  I've encountered men, and at least one woman, who had the same dead eyes of this Nikolai...although maybe never quite so extreme.  My training in these circumstances has been to focus on my team, my deckers and mages, and my job...and the mission...and let my security team handle keeping our hoops in one piece through the process.  I will support my muscle detail with a well-placed spell or 'convenient' gun misfire, but they know their jobs and I know mine.  I cling to this training as I continue to try and stay objective through the dance that continues to play out.  As I would have with my security lead in times past, I follow Yelena-sensei's lead implicitly.  My life is in her hands, my focus is on what I can control.

When Yelena indicated I should, I raise my glass to my lips and allow the tip of my tongue to barely sense the burning fluid.  I know from previous experience that in no way can I tolerate liquor.  One glass of wine will make me loopy.  I don't need Allah's prohibition to tell me that this glass is poison for me insofar as my ability to perform tonight.  With just the barest taste I lower my glass, acknowledge Yelena and her colleague, and return to focusing on my job and what I can control.  I will watch, learn, and keep preparing for tonight.  My faith and my life are in Allah's...and Yelena-sensei's...capable hands.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-03-15/1117:20>
     When she first met Yelena, Tuskaloosa had felt looked down on despite the difference in height.
     And Yelena had named the man her "Old Teacher".  She had apparently learned from the Master.
     
     Of all the Ruskies in Seattle, the one I know has Vlad the Impaler on voicemail.  Yeesh.

     Her mouth was suddenly very dry.  "I will not butcher your language Yelena, so--to health."
     
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-03-15/1141:33>
Arc met the cold gaze of the dark man head on with her own cybernetic pupils, but inside she felt her insides freeze.   This was a bad hoop, and she knew some bad hoops.  The Howlers gave kinder vibes than this Nikolai, and Arc knew it.  Still, she was not about to prove to him that he was right in calling them "children."  Hell, the mechanic was 21, which was well into adulthood in orkish terms.

Still, she blinked and gave a little nod, turning her head to Yelena.  "Null sheen.  We here for biz, I respect that.  "Na'a A'rieha"--To health"  Feeling the tension still, the human knocked back the shot, masking her grimace as the liquid burned as it flowed down her throat.  Frag I need another cigarette after this...ugh..  Keeping her expression calm, she set the glass down along with her pistol, letting Yelena take the lead.  She trusted her Srui to know the information they were looking for, what they would need on this trip to Europe...and what to ask if her benefactor wasn't forthcoming.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-03-15/1421:29>
Nicolai lifts the shot and takes it back in one shot, slamming the glass down afterwards upside down on the workbench. He then looks at Yelena, "Now is time plan." He does not look around the room to see who is listening he merely takes out a Holocube and activates it. And a scene explodes into the air above it. Image after image loads as he speaks. "In eighteen days Tsina and her bratva will  move group of slaves across Poland and deliver them to government. This is major contact. Slaves are very valuable, very dangerous. Tsina and two if the top men will personally be in hand to guarantee the cargo. This will give opportunity. My bratva will enter and kill all. We will intercept Tsina's group here." He says pointing to an isolated spot. "We will immobilize them. Cut off their electrons. Kill their mages and destroy ability to bring heavy guns into play with EM pulse. This will draw out adepts. We must kill them quickly and efficiently. Long range is best. By time done killing they will have heavy guns on manual. We must be within fifteen meters of the transport by then or guns will bear on us. When close one by one we sweep through their  caravan and incapacitate them. And then we put them with the slaves. Every moment of their last days they will know torment. And then, they will know terror. They will suffer." He looks at the group. "Is understood? Or must explain again?" The dead flat soulless gaze does not change as he appears each of you with the question. It's easy to see how he regards a second explanation.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-03-15/1611:10>
It take my full composure to keep silent and listen to Nikolai and then it hit me. Some people deserve no mercy, Nikolai is one of the people that simply deserves to die. It is more than that, any decent man should put a bullet in his skull the first chance he gets. If I knew I’d be sent against people of his notoriety I'd agree that being an assassin is a noble calling. If I could actually take life and live with myself.  But why does Nikolai needs Yelena, no offense, I am sure that she can shoot the sniper rifle like a professional. He did not go all this way to find a good marksman, in a country so violent I am not sure they are that difficult to find. So he WANTS her, but does not NEED her, not for this kill.  I cannot continue with this thought because Nikolai continue describing how we are going to pile the body... kill this, kill that. There is so much killing in his words that it makes me numb.

The things he describes seems like science fiction for me, I am not afraid although technically he did mention geeking the mages and the adepts first... and providing the other side shares his tactical wisdom I am technically an adept and a mage.  I feel incompetent... what could I possibly contribute to this atrocity?  I know no combat spells, and I would never consider of just shooting and killing people.

I feel that J is playing a very cruel trick and I feel stupid for trying to escape the Church. I mean if a killer was in my blood they would have made me one by now. If I am still alive perhaps they have some other use for me. Then I remember that I did use the gun, I shot a teacher to avoid shooting a dog I loved. I shot him in the leg and I am not sure if I’d shoot to kill... Still... It was rewarding to know that I can pull the trigger. Even if, it only worked for me because nobody believed that I’d actually shot the dog... Shoot a person instead of the dog?! That would have been unthinkable.

I stand there and listen to Nikolai words feeling the most useless person on earth. Being so useless, I am not going to waste anyone time by speaking. Tuska has some  combat background or she seen to many military movies. Still she seem to know what she is speaking about.   Arc was in a gang and gangs fight. Yelena is a killer... Firefly well she quote cooperate blackops regulations I am sure she did her share of fucked up stuff... Yet here I am, and I do not know if I can even physically harm a living soul. Who can possibly understand.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-03-15/1618:20>
Tuskaloosa was not a mind reader.
...And even if she had that ability, she wasn't sure she wanted to read his.

But if Nicolai was going to tell them to jump, she was a fool not to inquire how high--much less in what direction, duration, how far, etc.
He'll consider me an "idiot"...but he already considers me a mewling coward, so what's one more insult?.  "You want to use long range to target mages and draw away adepts.  And you want to be within fifteen meters of the convoy, to keep the heavy guns silent.  Is this one very fast group, or one obvious long range group plus one stealthy group that waits until the adepts take the bait?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-03-15/1936:20>
Slavers.

That word piqued my distracted attention instantly.  As much as my current situation with the Yak and now Arc-sensei may be indentured servitude, and the world is filled with wage slaves and those bound by contract, in these cases a decision was made.  If one sells themselves into servitude, myself included, well that's just too bad.  But physical slavery that involved buying and selling - it goes against all my ethics.  I've been involved in supporting some nasty corporate business.  Lesser of evils and all that drek.  But slavery is a line my father even drew.

I look at my deck and grimace.  Aztecnology and I have a long and sordid history.  They're powerful in Seattle and if they knew a tenth of what I did to foul their plans as a Renraku operative they likely would do to me what these Polish slaves will do to their slavers when Nikolai hands them over for justice.  The difference is that Aztecnology and Aztlan are slavers and killers and I was a Renraku white hat.  The good guys.  Renraku may skirt morality at times, but we never dismiss it.  Honor is our code.  We're the good guys.  Aztecnology...well maybe some day I might use their own tech against them.

After I get my own justice and cleanse Renraku middle management of a virulent cancer.

So, the mission we're facing is ruining a bunch of slavers' day.  I like this mission better already.  Still, the decision is Yelena's and hers alone.  I will follow my sensei whatever she decides.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-03-15/2112:16>
Arc listened intently to the briefing of the plan, filtering through the Vory agent's thick accent and distilling down to just the facts.  From the sounds of things, the run, with all of its complexities and details, can be boiled down to a straightforward sequence of events.  A trap set up at an advantageous location locks them down and disables much of their hard-hitting gear, drawing out their nontechnical assets.  These will then be cut down by a long range offensive, likely sniper rifles or even some assault fire if appropriate.  While that happened, a fast-hitting squad would rush the caravan while it was still in chaos, likely with a vehicle.  They would deploy and sweep the area, taking care of the rest after long range handles the initial threats.  Whoever this hoop thinks he is, he's got a plan.  Just gotta see where we fit into it..

There was the matter of how to bring down the high targets, and how to treat them.  Arc didn't like the idea of slavery...every hoop should have the freedom to frag their life up, not have that decision made for them. And the torture and drawn out suffering of the targets?  Yeah, it felt excessive to the mechanic.

But this wasn't her operation, and it wasn't her score to settle.  That rested squarely on her Sruiken kal's elven shoulders.

Arc recalled Yelena mentioning that these targets had bounties on their heads...likely, personal score or no, Yelena would still draw on her assassin mentality and make the most of this job in any way.  Making opportunity out of opportunity.  Heh  That being said, there were several details left unanswered, and Arc was almost certain that if she opened her mouth, she would go unfiltered and likely piss this fragger off.  So instead, she did the next best thing: mentally send a message to Yelena's embedded commlink.

<<Srui.  Would like to know what part of plan we fit in.  Also how getting to Poland.  Will we be getting burner SINS to blend in, etc.

Much of our gear will be needed and won't get past customs.  Requesting for a way to get past this.  I'm with you Srui, to the end>>

The last part was very true.  It was one of the finer qualities that she was thankful the Howlers and living in orkish society taught her: you took care of your own and saw them through, period.  Turning her gaze back to Nikolai, she gave a small, curt nod of understanding.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-03-15/2332:35>
Yelena smiles when Nikolai is finished.  "Is good.  Can work with right people.  Yelena wait detail briefing in Poland.  But have general questions.  What part plan is Yelena Bratva?  How Yelena Bratva go Poland?  Take weapons with or Nikolai provide?  If Nikolai provide, Yelena Bratva need time and place fire and get used to.  Nikolai give burner SINs?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-04-15/1128:43>
Nicolai looks at Yelena and says, "Is your bratva. Is yours decide. They will be safe at long range. But, if lack skill, can be elsewhere. Their equipment, easy to smuggle. Fake SIN's also easy. Can have three days if give me prints and photos now."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-04-15/2213:31>
Yelena nods.  "Yelena give picture and prints before Nikolai Fyodorovich leave today.  Others too.  Nikolai give contact for smuggler and we get things to him."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-04-15/2301:46>
Arc listened to the answers with a lowered gaze, a little reassurance to be had from the positive responses the dark Russian man gave in his curt responses.  As Yelena gave the affirming responses, Arc momentarily wondered if anyone was against the idea of giving this information to Nikolai, her eyes darting to everyone in quick turns.  Her own mind answered her concern though: Yelena had asked for their commitment before this, and they had all agreed.

On the promise of pictures and prints, the mechanic shared a look with the older elf, Arc giving a nod of understanding as she made a small movement of her head.  Off to the side, one of her MCT Fly-Spys activated, giving a little twitch before taking flight off of its charging pad.  Mentally directing it with her mind, she brought it to Yelena's side, a few feet away while she waited for the Russian to face it.

A brief flash of light later, Yelena's picture was taken and Arc was confirming the picture's quality and logging it into an ARO, leaving entries for the print files as well as basic biometrics.  As she instructed the drone to repeat the pattern with the rest of the team, the bug flying around the room, Arc pondered a bit about the nature of these SINs and what they would contain.  Naturally, the biometrics would be fitting for who they were..they'd be drek SINs otherwise.  But often subtle details like occupation could be displayed--her fake SIN lists her as a contract mechanic, for instance--, and that would likely be up to Nikolai's interpretation for their Polish-friendly identities.  It could certainly be interesting...

As the pictures were added and the the information organized, a thought popped up in the little rigger's mind, specifically a bit of info that was missed.  "...Hoi..."  She piped up, making sure she had the man's attention as she hopped off the table she was sitting on, arms crossed in front of her.  "So this job be going down in about 18 days.  In Europe.  So what day are we getting shipped over there, hm?  Day of, day before?  Air, sea, spaceshot?"  She tilted her head, eyeing him coolly as she gave a little shrug.  "Yknow, little details like that so our hoops actually get where we gon' needa be..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-04-15/2336:05>
Nicolai answers Arc matter-of-factly, "Is boots on ground, that is the expression no?" he says flicking a glance at Tuskaloosa, " In fourteen days. Trnsport is by seaplane, then rail, then suborbital then car in twelve days. Is better if few days on ground before job"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-04-15/2351:39>
Yelena nods.  "We pack and ready to go in 12 days.  Give Yelena contact name and commcode to set up meet.  Yelena Bratva there."  She is a little surprised when the micro drone swings by and takes her pic, but turns to smile at Arc  She provides her prints as well.  Then she turns back to Nikolai and asks softly, "Nikolai Fyodorovich can say who other survivor is?  Yelena thought all dead."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-05-15/1155:47>
@ Arc  You get a comm, >>You're references check out. I'm available to discuss your needs Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm. You'll need to make an appt.<<

@ Yelena  Nicolai leans in and tells her, "BlackMagic. I thought all dead. Russian police claimed credit for kill. I kill all top lieutenants and commander who claim credit. Then saw bounty on Tsina. Large bounty appears twelve years after all dead, but more, they wish torture. I think they do not know she is dead already. I ignore. Bounty increases every year. Then, I do job for new bratva. It puts me in contact with boss. I work few contracts for them three years before I see her. Face changed, tats changed, but still I know. I find person who post so large bounty so many years later. And I learn truth. Now, it is time for her to die. There is no mercy for betrayer."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-05-15/1444:52>
Twelve days until this job begins.  That means telegraph days to finalize this work in the Stardust and to prepare.  Twelve days before the little rigger leaves the bounds of Seattle for the first time..

Mentally taking a great, Arc focused on the information and gave an acknowledging nod to Nikolai.  After this job with Ninelives, I'll pitch for a break, and maybe we move in after Marco's thing he said he's doing.  Should work. wWhile the drone flirted up to Marco and took his photo and prints, Arc was distracted momentarily by a message she received.  Nodding, she mentally composed a reply as Tuskaloosa's information was taken down.

<<Mr. Brotherton, thank you for getting back to me.  My schedule can fluctuate, but would 1:00 PM tomorre (Monday) work for you?  If something comes up on my end, i will let you know immediately>>

Sending that off, Arc rounded out the group information files by taking in Firefky's information, the mechanic organizing the lot of it in accordance to each person before compressing it into one clean file.  Slotting a datastick into her link, she loaded the files on before popping the stick out, held loosely in her hand as she approached the Russians, letting them finish their little talk...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-05-15/1521:53>
Marco sighs, so unprofessional to commit to one gig before the previous one is finished. Will we find what we need in 12 days? Can we tell that, but then again this bloody massacre seems to be a window of opportunity and somebody have to kill the mages and then the adepts... subdo the betrayals and sell them to slavery.  These atrocities are not going to perform itself and for some reason I could not possibly understand it is important to Yelena.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-05-15/1822:31>
Nicolai's off-hand comment and glance threw her for a loop,  How much does he know?  Or is he assuming that every troll has seen a firefight, so I  would  know the lingo?
He was still speaking however and she shifted her attention back.   There--in Poland--in fourteen days.  Seaplane, rail...Suborbital?  Twelve days from now?  and the ambush is eighteen days away.

And it sounds like BYOG--Bring Your Own Gear.

Poland in December...and me without my electric Long Johns.

Even in the vacuum of information it meant more shopping and planing.  Sure, why not?  With a hot date to extract a mage and what comes of that, a visit to the neighborhood association, a move and a skinny-dip in a vat for a Rigger upgrade, what's one  thing for my To-Do list?

Oh, yeah:  Ask Yelena about Vory policy regarding souvenirs.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-05-15/1850:15>
@ Arc  You get a reply, >>Mon at 1pm will be fine. Consult fee is $150/hr. I have another client at 14:30 so please be succinct and brief in your needs and expectations.<< Brotherton replies.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-05-15/2146:50>
Arc gave a little smirk as she read the quick reply back from Mr. Brotherton, deciding that a reply wasn't very much needed at this point.  Just that she had to figure out what she wanted to have done before heading to Poland.

Which, as the drone returned towards her, reminded the mechanic that she had forgotten her own info!

Chuckling, she settled her expression before letting the drone snap a picture of her, retrieving the photo and glancing at it briefly.  Hmm, not so messed up as I usually am, wiz.  Now for a final future touch...  Thinking and imagining in her head for a moment, she pulled up a little photo-editing app and added a few touches to her picture before filing it with her own info and updating the datastick with the file.

Now with a full set of information, Arc held out the datastick for the male Russian to take.  "Now that this biz be out of the way, any other info we should be knowing on?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-06-15/0013:02>
Yelena nods and closes her eyes then touches first one scroll tattoo then the other and whispers the words she had memorized a half century ago.  The words came from a place inside her that would never forget them.  Even in the shadow, even in her darkest moments, she was able to cling to those words.  She could remember the day she first said them as if it were yesterday; could still remember the day the prison ink artist added the scrolls to her arms, and the pride of........belonging.  Saying the oaths brought tears to her hardened eyes; tears for the fallen and for those still to fall.  Shadow gave her strength and life and protection, but the words gave meaning to her life.  Yelena opens her eyes and looks hard into those of her former mentor, "No.  For Tsina Molovna there is no mercy.  No mercy.  No pity.  No salvation.  No death too horrid.  No pain too much.  Yelena thank Nikolai Fyodorovich." 

Yelena looks at Arc as she comes up with the data stick and holds out a hand.  "Nikolai.  Is Arc.  Yelena sister in life.  Sister in blood.  Is good person.  Yelena trust with life."  She turns and includes the others in her arm sweep.  "Yelena Petrovna trust all with life."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-06-15/1223:51>
Nicolai takes moment to truly look at Yelena and in that look is agreement. His family had been betrayed. There was no mercy, no salvation, no hope for a betrayed to cling to. They were dead the moment the act was conceived, and now The Ghost was going to carry out their sentence. He then looks at Arc. "All info is on cube. Comm code and name of contact. Itinerary, maps, passwords, security codes, schedules, weaponry, skills, code names, biometrics, is all there. Is belonging to the Silver Scorpion. Is right."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-06-15/2046:52>
As she was introduced, Arc lifted her chin up with a hardened expression (one could almost hear the figurative "sup?" that normally comes with it) towards the Russian man.  As he shared the info on the cube, the mechanic took the liberty of picking it up, drawing back in the active AROs and closing it up.  Flipping it in her cyberhand once or twice, she gave a nod before moving to retreat.  "Wiz.  I'll keep an eye out for those SINs in three days then.  Now if you excuse me, I got a thing to be ready for."

Setting the cube aside with her kits, Arc started to head to her living space she shared with her Srui, grabbing her armorer's kit and making sure to make eye contact with Firefly.  With a flick of her head, she indicated for the Decker to join her, stopping when she reached the bedroom as she opened the kit.  Fishing through, she found a pair of cutters, some fibrous needling, and a polymer fusion welder.

"Adjusting your jumpsuit's gonna be nullsweat, maybe just a few minutes or so...I got some clothes over there if you wanna change into something else. Uh...I dunno, but there's what I got..."  Her attire existed in varying levels of cleanliness, but evidence of  set-in stains from her work were on several of the shirts.  Much of the jeans and pants had scuffs and holes as well, but the fabric was otherwise all sturdy and covering where it counted.

After she retrieved the garment, Arc cleared a space of her bed and set it out, getting to work on the adjustments, her hands moving with a quick and expert fashion and giving it the care such a suit deserved....it really wasn't that long before she seemed to be wrapping up, sealing the fibers up into a seamlessly inegrated piece...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-06-15/2225:43>
Arc really is amazing...

Dressed once again in Yelena's purple sweats, I watch the younger of my two new mentors finishing up her clever adjustment of my jumpsuit's bust and just shake my head.  I can make the 'trix or the aether sing, but I've never been one to make anything happen with my hands.  Even my firearms instructor game up on me after three sessions trying to teach me even basic accuracy with a handgun.  It's a miracle I ever learned effective calligraphy enough to make legible Kanji.  I am pretty good with electronics, but even there my superb hardware theory and design has more than once run into the brick wall of my ability...or more accurately inability...piece my designs together.  In the end, more often than not I was the one who drew up the plans and technicians or others on my team actually did the assembly.

"Do you really think Nicolai will let us live through this mission, Arc-sensei?  Or will he arrange for one or more unfortunate events to pry Yelena-sensei from those that stand between him and her vengeful spirit?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-07-15/1026:19>
Arc didn't look up from her work as she worked the fusion welder, bringing together a seam to make it look like no alterations had been made whatsoever, a light smell of the polymer fabrics cooking as she formed a bond wafting into the air as she adopted a neutral expression.  To be fair, she had to admit she mostly dealt with heavier armor pieces...this jumpsuit was more for the well-off hopscotchers and whatnot, but the concepts seemed to be the same.  Sealing off the device, she slowly pulled it away from the suit, revealing her handiwork.  A set of four triangular patches were put in place, two under each arm, adding to the circumference of the form-fitting suit around the bust, hopefully enough to suit the decker just fine.

"Here, give this a try.."  She handed the suit to the younger one, giving a little nod.  "I honestly don't know, omae.  One look at this hoop be telling me he's dark as drek and would be capable of offing us if he thought us a threat.  I won't be resting easy around him, that's for fragging sure.."  She adopted a hard expression before closing her eyes, turning around to let the girl change in case she was shy.

"But....I think this drek's personal for him too.  Which means there's a shot that if we're what it takes to ensure Yelena's and his revenge, then that's what it'll be."  After a moment, she turned back to the decker.  "Either way, we'll have to apply Barren's Law for this drek: keep an eye out and your hoop covered.  We'll deal with the sitch when we get back to it, aight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-07-15/1040:37>
Yelena looks at Nikolai and actually smiles.  "Nikolai Fyodorovich leave tonight?  Yelena see in Poland 14 days.  Yelena Bratva come."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-07-15/1041:35>
I listen and consider the older girl's words as I slip back on the jumpsuit.  The bodice is still warm from the work, but not uncomfortably so.  In fact, given the pervasive, cold dampness of Seattle in mid-December had penetrated even in here, it was kinda nice.  I had to marvel at the deft work and fully professional result. 

She's really good with her hands.  I suspect she'll be able to make happen whatever I might come up with...or just as likely we come up with together.

I nod both in satisfaction at my adjusted suit and also to Arc's final words.  "So stay flexible, watch each other's backs, and always keep an eye out for potential exits.  Straight out of The Book.  I guess the people who wrote the thing actually did know a thing or two."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-07-15/1043:31>
I smile and think to myself... Personal?  Can it be? Do this person even have emotions? He seems so far gone.  Killing us will alienate Yelena. If he actually care about anything it is about her. I calm my head and am relieved that Nikolai is gone. There are few smart things that I can say about that... Killing people is not that hard. Even Nikolai. Yelena has done so many times.

"There is this other job that may be conflicting to this one if we do not hurry.  I almost feel unprofessional for accepting. " I say. "I just commited to Blake that we finish what we started. There is also somthing that I need to do for him. Impersonate someone, but we should let him know. He just gave us like 60k as wages."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-07-15/1054:31>
The mechanic gave a grin as she agreed with what the decker was saying.  "I know nuthin' bout this book y'all referring to, but it may just be right, eh?  You might just be all right..."  She clapped the girl on the back a bit in a friendly gesture with her cyberarm before leading her back out to the garage.  "We've got a few hours to get ready, so rest up and do what you need to do.  Hope that deck works out for ya..."

As they returned to the garage, Arc first noticed that Nikolai had already departed, leaving the team alone to do their thing.  And Marco was bringing up a matter that needed to be dealt with.  "Impersonate?  Sounds like you'll be making forward progress on this doing that.  Wiz, then I'll let you do that once we're done here, no interruptions aight?" She chuckled, brushing some hair from her face, arms akimbo.  "Well, we'll just have to do this job done right soon, won't we?  Yeah, we'll let Blake know.  Shouldn't be an issue"

Swinging around, she caught Tuskaloosa off the the corner, making a few finishing touches on the King Scorpion bike they were borrowing.  Turning her head to Yelena, she gave a nod.  "Feel free to chill out, get some food, or what eva you need, Srui.  We got some time"  She held eye contact for a moment, the younger's intense stare telling more than her words: there was concern there, and she did genuinely want Yelena to take it easy after her hellish night.

That done, Arc turned back and strode towards the troll, clearing her throat.  "Ahem...you gonna play and tweak widdat all night, or should we put a few miles on it, huh?"  Fastening her jacket up, Arc headed to the jet-black Scorpion Yelena owned...since ownership was now shared, she was sure the elf wouldn't mind a quick borrow.  Opening the garage enough to clear both of them, she wheeled out the bike and tilted her head with a grin, fitting her goggles over her forehead.  "Let's see if you can keep up..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-07-15/1124:52>
Yelena nods at both Marco and Arc.  "Yes.  Tell Blake we still do club."  She pulls out the pen she had bought from Jimmy and calls out to Arc as the human is wheeling the shared Scorpion outside.  "Srui know anyone can put whip in finger?  Wait, Yelena call TriggerT.  Need call contact for gun anyway.  Go see for special fit." 

She searches her 'link for the commcode for the arms dealer.  >>TriggerT.  Is Yelena.  Have questions.  Yelena want buy monowhip.  TriggerT know where get?  Need training too.<<  Her next call is to the contact that TriggerT had sent the assault rifle to for the special modifications.  >>Is Yelena.  From TriggerT.  Send Ares Alpha for modifications.  Tell Yelena should contact you for special fit.  Can meet?<<

To Marco she asks, "Marco need help imitate job?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-07-15/1403:31>
I look at Yelena, remembering Nikolai and doze off for a second... "If all goes well I should be fine with Blake, but it is always nice to have the cavalry around in case I need a quick get away."
I then look at her and say:  "We have a few hours to burn...  Would you like to go somewhere? perhaps to that Jazz club? It's been a while." Sometimes Jazz is just Jazz but once meeting a man like Nikolai I feel the urge to remind Yelena of the good times of her  past, the love and passion. After all, she is the only one that keep us alive in there and as for myself I need to believe that Yelena and Nikolai are worlds apart. That man is a test to my faith, he challenges everything that I am.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-07-15/1409:24>
@ Yelena  TriggerT answers, >>Damn slitch, ya wanna take summat's arm and yer leg off dead certain. Ya can't set them damn things biometrics so's ya don' fragging kill yerself wid'dat. I kin get yer one mebbe'. But I only know two guys, one in India goes by Dr Jones and one in Cincinatti by the name 'o Mark Scarlotti what are good enough that mebbe you ain't hospitalized during 'training'. Hiring either is a dice roll an I don' have an in wid either.<<

>>Good to hear from you. Been looking forward to meeting you and training you in your weapon. It's a solid piece and TriggerT tells me you actually know how to use it and are a damn fine looking woman on top of it. I've got tues, wed, thurs avail in a week & a half if you want to take that or we can do this after the New Year if you want a full week.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-07-15/1500:15>
Yelena's eyes brightened at the mention of Josie's.  She nods and heads off to the living area.  She knocks on the door first and gently announces her name so that Frirefly will not be surprised.  Carefully opening the door, she walks in and looks at the decker.  "Hey, decker girl.  Arc and Tuskaloosa driving bikes for test.  Yelena and Marco go jazz club for relax and eat.  Firefly want come?  Nice music.  Good food.  Yelena play sax."  She walks over to the side of the bed and picks up the sax case before going to the door.  She looks over her shoulder.  "Decker girl come.  Have fun."

The responses come in as she waits at the door.  Smiling, she sends replies.  >>TriggerT.  Yelena not want take own leg.  That why ask for trainer.  Any others closer?<<

>>Yelena thank.  Can try for early your Tuesday Wednesday Thursday.  Be tight.  Yelena leave city for holiday.  Yelena call to make sure in a couple of days.  Thanks.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-07-15/1513:08>
When Yelena knocked, I'd finished praying and had just gotten settled into finishing up the AR work I'd do with the deck before trusting myself to IR with it.  All my files had been transferred and I was now just running checksums to make sure that everything was exactly as it had been with my Erika and not a byte more or less.  One of the first things a decker learns is to make damned sure new equipment doesn't come with "undocumented features".  It looks like this new MiAz, despite my general distrust of Aztechnology in general, was mint and the only extras on it were the usual crapware that could easily be identified and rooted out - something I'd already completed before doing anything else.

Aztechnology is a bunch of goons, but they make good products.  I think I can work with this...

Jazz.  The word settles into my mind like a seed in fertile soil. 

Yeah, that could be fun!

"Jazz club?" I chirp.  "And they let patrons play?  I think that could be cool!"  I slip my new deck into the protective deck pouch of my jumpsuit as I rise from the bed.  I grab my jacket and slide my Erika in a pocket.  I'll still take every free moment to use my Erika to get my new MiAz into ship shape.  "Think they might have a fiddle I could borrow?" I ask with a grin as I present myself to my elven mentor.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-07-15/1518:25>
Yelena nods, "Probably.  Glad to have you along."  She goes into the garage and heads for the car, talking to Marco as she walks.  "Marco come.  Firefly come, too.  Go Josie's"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-07-15/1906:16>
Right at least we can go listen to some music and clean our heads before all the fun begins. I say "That's great... It is a fun club and we are already in the Barrens so what the heck."... "So Yelena, do you happen to know a good place to get an Ares Alpha? I mean with all the amount of killing that your comrade described perhaps it is worth the risk of carrying one. It is slightly more hard hitting and handles the recoil in a more advanced manner than the AK-97. I cannot get a licence for the Alpha but I can also not get a licence to kill... can I? I lost track in the middle but many many people should lose their life so we have our justice." I sigh, and I obviously do not like how dirty the kill is going to be. "I'd prefer a sniper shot or poison or something a little more subtle than shock and awe tactics. He seem to have a small army this friend of yours."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-07-15/1947:48>
As Yelena and the others pile into Arc's car, she says, "Is funny Marco ask license.  Yelena get one for Marco.  Now, no business until after leave club.  Yelena go play sax.  Go relax."  Yelena leaves the garage, using the remote to close the large door behind her.  After setting the autopilot, Yelena looks over the front seat at Firefly.  "Firefly not go Josie's before?  Is nice club.. Josie is Troll.  Club neutral ground like Arc garage.  All gangs welcome but no fight..  Sit, eat, listen music,  Play music if can."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-07-15/1959:44>
I remain in my own little world as we ride to the club.  Marco seems pretty caught up in morality, and I feel for the man.  For me, I'm used to delegating my morality to a higher authority.  Renraku, Allah, and now Yelena have served as my moral barometer.  If the people we face are, indeed, kafir slavers, then Allah certainly does not restrict my actions.  Renraku has no obvious role here.  I would ethically still not act against the interests of what I still consider to be my 'country', but there is no conflict with Renraku.  And Yelena wants these people dead.  Who am I to judge?

I leave the two of them to their talk and continue working on the MiAz and Erika until I hear my name again.

"Firefly not go Josie's before?  Is nice club.. Josie is Troll.  Club neutral ground like Arc garage.  All gangs welcome but no fight..  Sit, eat, listen music,  Play music if can."

A troll?  Huh.  Seems like they're coming out of the woodwork in my life these days,  No matter.

"If they have a violin, I'll join in if they'll let me.  I'm pretty rusty and jazz isn't my strength as I've said already, but it would be great to have a bow in my hands again.  Maybe when we get back from Poland I might have enough nuyen to get a decent low-end violin so I can start practicing again."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-07-15/2042:07>
Yelena smiles and turns back around for the rest of the trip.  She disengages the auto pilot as the car approaches the club, looking for a place to park.  She finds one not too far from the entrance and locks the car.  Muted lamps line the parking lot, providing sufficient light for the three to walk to the smallish two-story block building.  A bright neon sign on the roof proclaims that this is indeed JOSIE'S.  The soft tones of a sax emanate from speakers over the doorway.  The door opens to reveal a small entryway and a second door giving access to the club proper.  The sounds of jazz are louder here as Yelena opens the inner door and motions for the others to precede her. 

The door opens into a largish room with a number of small tables on the main floor and booths lining two of the walls.  A wide stage against the far wall has a number of instruments on stands and a piano.  A trio of humans is on the stage, providing the music.  A bar runs the length of the left hand wall and several waitresses are ferrying food and drinks to the crowded room.  And it is crowded, with only a few scattered seats available.  A man in a tux is standing at a small podium just beyond the entry.  His face lights up as he sees Yelena and the others.  He comes forward and embraces the Russian.  "Yelena!  So nice to see you.  Josie will be so glad.  And you have brought your instrument?  How magnificent."  The man turns to Marco and busses his cheeks.  "And Monsieur Marco as well.  Welcome, welcome."  Turning to Subaru, he reaches for her hands then stops, simply bowing before speaking in Arabic.  "مساء الخير واهلا بكم جوسى. رجاء الاستمتاع فى المساء." 

Yelena turns to Firefly.  "Is Henri.  Here forever."  Turning back to Henri, she says, "Yes Henri.  Yelena and friends come for music.  Place to sit?"

Henri nods and leads them over to one of the booths.  "Please have a seat.  Jacques will be your server.  I will go let Josie know that you are here."  As Henri leaves, Yelena is already swaying to the soft beat of the jazz coming from the stage.  She turns to her companions, "See?  Is good place.  Like so far?  Nice music?"


[spoiler]  Translation:  Good evening and welcome to Josie's.  Please enjoy the evening.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-07-15/2100:04>
The soft music calms my mind and I feel that in some metaphysical level places like Josie's change the world, effect it and make it a better place. The music is intoxicating and more than I want to eat I want to dance. It is stronger than me, my legs carry me and I instinctively move to the beat. I look at the two girls and ask "Want to dance?"  Between dealing with troll gangers called the pink ladies, meet with Cain, kidnap a mage and impersonate a lawyer my life seems full... full of crime and some sweet money.  Money that I watch being spent on shadowy things. This is the vicious cycle, there is always something expensive that will make you more powerful and you rationalize wanting it saying that it increase your chances, but once you are better equipped you only get bolder. A vicious cycle to turn the runner into more and more, shadow runner and less and less person.

But these concerns are for some other time, there are pretty things in this world, things that are worth living for and dancing is one of them. I will think if I can give Tsina in a simpler cleaner manner later, although with my little experience killing people I do not hold my breath. After all what do I really know about life beside dancing, sex and sweet talking people into making good about themselves. The rest is just wigging it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-07-15/2140:35>
From the outside, this Josie's looks like a few of the understated club's my team and I frequented back in Singapore.  I'm sure there are places like this in every big city all over the world.  It's almost homey compared to the Stardust, and I'm already glad Yelena sensei invited me.  When the host recognizes my personal space, based on the hijab I assume, and then greets me in Arabic, I'm floored.  I haven't used my Arabic since...since...my last moments with mother.

But enough of that.  If I get teary every time I think of her, there's no way I'll be able to get through what I have to do in order to avenge her and save Renraku from the cancers that right this minute suck the life from my corporation.  Instead I thank the kind man and follow Yelena to our table.  I look at the instruments and eye a violin, but before i can ask Yelena about the protocol here Marco speaks about dancing.

How can I welch out of this, I wonder...

I hesitate and watch how Yelena-sensei will respond.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-07-15/2240:32>
Yelena looks searchingly at Firefly then turns to Marco with a nod and a smile.  "Yelena first dibs dancing.  Firefly must wait."  She slides gracefully from the booth and follows Marco to the floor, her body already tapping out an internal rhythm to the beat of the music.  She takes hold of Marco and moves against him, keeping both bodies to the seduction of the music.

A large Ork comes silently to the table, almost surprising Firefly with his seeming ability to appear out of thin air.  He places a tray with two large carafes, three goblets, and two small shot glasses on the table.  He pours a bit of the liquid from each carafe into the small glasses and looks at Subaru."Good evening, Miss.  My name is Jacques and I will be your waiter this evening.  I am afraid that the only juice beverages we have in the house tonight are pomegranate and a citrus blend of lemon and lime.  If you would care to sample them I will pour you some of which you like the best.  If you have not dined yet, I would recommend the roasted lamb.  It is cooked to a perfection and shaved off.  Otherwise, please peruse the menu and I will return to get your order."  He waits politely for you to either select one of the juices or to dismiss him then goes off to see to another table.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-08-15/0631:34>
"The pomegranate sounds divine," I answer with a smile, limiting eye contact to just a quick but appreciative glance before returning my eyes to the dancing pair.  "Thank you.  I suspect the lamb will be a hit, but I'll wait to order food when my friends come back."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-08-15/0932:24>
Once Arc had taken the cube Nicolai had left. He'd activated the suits camouflage and put the hood on. And even knowing where he was, it had taken watching him to detect him. It wasn't just the camouflage, his movements were as silent as smoke on the wind and he'd drifted lazily, taking a path that presented the suit with the least amount of challenge to it's programming and abilities. But it seemed that everyone in the room had wanted to be sure he was gone, because they'd watched him until he'd disappeared out the door. And once it had shut Arc activated the lock and security system with a feeling of relief. Even the air seemed glad to have him gone as the atmosphere in the room got lighter.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-08-15/1049:26>
Jacques pours pomegranate juice into one of the goblets for Subaru, nods and leaves.  If Firefly sips from the goblet, she finds that the flavor of the juice really is quite good.  She is watching Marco and Yelena on the floor and cannot help but notice the rather eclectic clientele.  A table of humans wearing some sort of gang colors is next to another table with two Orks sporting different gang garb.  Certainly they are not talking politely to each other, but they are allowing the close presence of each other.  Located next to both tables are a group of humans in tuxes and gowns and another with people in their best Barrens Casual.  Subaru is looking about at the strange juxtapositions in the room when a huge shadow falls across the table.  Looking up she eyes perhaps the largest Troll she has ever seen standing just to the side of the booth.  He bows low to her and says in a cultured voice, "الله جيدة. الله اكبر. مرحبا بك يا صديقى. You must be Yelena's guest, Firefly.  My name is Josie and I welcome you to my humble place of business.  I apologize in advance that my knowledge of Arabic is extremely limited.  I have just used almost all I know that is socially acceptable in the presence of a lady.  I hope that my presence does not offend you.  If it does I will remove myself immediately."

[spoiler]Translation:  Allah is good.  Allah is great.  Welcome, my friend.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-08-15/1113:53>
Two smarter than average trolls in one day, and this one sophisticated to boot.  I should by a Lotto ticket.

"Of course not, sir," I answer in English, slipping into my corporate socialite persona.  "I love the ambiance you've developed here.  Good food assuming it's all as good as this juice," I assess before taking another sip.  "A mixture of pro, semi-pro, and impromptu amateur music and an environment that draws mixed clientele without fear of hot tempers.  You've managed to thread a pretty fine needle for the Barrens.  I'm impressed!"  All true statements honestly felt.  "Any chance you'll have room for a little improv fiddle later tonight?  I'm pretty mean with a bow."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-08-15/1136:02>
Josie smiles and laughs, the sound coming from deep within the large man.  "I am certain that we can find something for you before the evening is out.  You are most welcome here and I am glad that you appreciate the work done to provide at least a small place of refuge from the outside storm."  Josie bows again and goes out to the floor to where Marco and Yelena are still dancing.

Marco is almost aware of the music, as it is transcends normal sound.  Something sings to his soul even if it is not the style he prefers.  The woman in his arms is lovely and vibrant, moving with a sensual energy to the beat of the sax and drum.  It is rare that Yelena can be something other than the broken and lost killer that she presents most of the time, but here she is indeed something else.......maybe a hint of what she could have become if only.  He is lost in his thought when Josie comes up.  Please pardon my interruption, Mr. Marco, Yelena, but I was hoping that I could talk this wonderful woman into accompanying me to the stage for a set or two?"

Yelena shakes her head as if to clear it from something then smiles.  "Yelena come.  Get sax."  Taking Marco by the hand, Yelena goes back to the table and smiles at Firefly.  "Decker girl like club?  Oh, Henri nice for juice.  Yelena not want vodka tonight.  Yelena go play.  Back soon.  Tell Jacques Yelena want regular order.  They know."  She smiles again and leaves to go to the stage.  Once on stage, the Russian Keeb opens her instrument case and removes the sax.  She goes off to one side of the stage so she does not disturb the trio that is finishing the current set and softly warms up the old instrument. 

The three men on stage wrap up and bow to a round of applause and Josie comes onto the stage to give them credit and to announce the next set.  An Ork and a human male enter the stage from a door to the right, greeting Yelena with a hug before the Ork takes his place at the drums and the man at the piano.  Josie himself takes a rather large sax from an instrument stand and puts the strap over his shoulders as Yelena moves to join him.  The set that follows is superlative, with each member getting a chance to solo and show off his or her skills, but it is Yelena that really shines.  She seems almost to be lost to the music, eyes closed and body swaying.  The group's repertoire spans soft to some rather faster and louder jazz.  All four play as if they have done this for years as a group and the crowd shows its appreciation when they are finished, refusing to let them leave the stage without playing a couple of extra tunes. 

Yelena and the others finally leave the stage for the next group of performers.  All exchange hugs at the side of the stage then Yelena leaves her sax on a stand and comes to the table to take her seat.  Her eyes are shining as she asks, Like Music?  Others play well tonight."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-08-15/1220:53>
I've heard Yelena-sensei play before, so the quality of her performance wasn't a total shock to me.  Still, placing her in a small ensemble where the skills of each performer plays off the strengths of the other made her gift that much more apparent.

Wow...

When the performance is over and the applause has died down, I am surprised to note that dinner was served while I was focused on the stage.  Marco seems no less impressed, although he's seen such things before and therefore had started nibbling at his dinner.  The spread is impressive.  The lamb looks cooked perfectly, perhaps as good as what I experienced back in Constantinople.  I haven't had real red meat other than some hors d'oeuvres at the Stardust that were either beef or the best approximation of it i'd ever tasted.  This, however, was a magnitude beyond that, comparable to some of the better meals I'd had in Singapore.  The food is certainly among the things I most miss from my previous lifestyle and short of risking tummy trouble tonight when I can't afford it, i plan to enjoy this meal to the fullest.

"Like Music?" Yelena asks as she returns to join us.  "Others play well tonight."

"Like it?" I say incredulously to the elf.  "It was lovely!  And yes, your colleagues played very well.  Have you ever thought of changing careers?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-08-15/1554:45>
The most confusing thing about Yelena is that suddenly she seems normal and I can imagine for a brief moment that we are nothing but lovers. The wonderful music that blends with my soul feeds that illusion and I am truly happy. I reluctantly separate from Yelena and go sit with Firefly, somehow I feel that she is not going to dance. Not tonight perhaps it is a shame really. “Do you enjoy the food... any recommendations?” I ask her before I order something for my own. The lamb Firefly recommends is indeed exquisite and I really like Yelena jamming but the remarkable ability of Firefly to just seat and listen to the music makes me miss Arc that danced with me like the wind. I danced with some really badass shadowrunners. The realization kicks in but how can I worry I am happy. If I can have just a single vice before I die, I’ll ask to dance to some fine music. I smile happily at Yelena and urge her to taste her food before it get cold, “You were remarkable, you all were, you clicked and created magic together. “  Shortly later Josie comes sitting with us for a bit and he kindly asks about the food, the drinks and similar to previous time tries to convince Yelena into performing regularly.

"The food is good, but the music is incredible" I say happily and warmly ask the well dressed troll. "How did you start this place? Did you experience gang problems at start?" I take interests and then say "I am trying to help a friend do a soup kitchen, I hope we can pull it out." I then add  I must say that I understand very little of the powerplays of Redmond I just like to dance." I confess.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-08-15/1616:11>
Josie smiles at the questions.  "There were indeed many challenges at first, Mr. Marco.  But I had help and once the gangs realized that I was serious about the neutrality issue, things began to come together.  Now things are going well and the position of the club is well recognized.  I understand there is a new soup kitchen being created out of the old prison.  I think that is a tremendous idea and would like to put my support behind it, but do not know whom to speak to.  The workmen also seem plagued by some small-time gangers.  My contacts might be able to help if the new owner is willing to live up to guaranteeing true neutrality." 

Josie looks over at Subaru.  "Miss Firefly.  I heard you ask earlier about a fiddle?  That is great.  We have not had a jazz violinist here for a long time.  I have an old instrument left behind by a customer a few years back.  I have tried to keep it in tune, but I am no expert.  Would you like to look at it and maybe jam a bit?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-08-15/1801:36>
"I would love to!"  I can feel my lips curl into one of the most enthusiastic and unfeigned smiles I've enjoyed since my world turned upside down.  Only once since that sorry day have I been truly happy, and that was yesterday when Yelena jammed alone with me in her room.  Without hesitation I leave my only partially eaten dinner behind and follow the troll owner to be introduced to this lonely fiddle.  My smile fades as I examine the stained wood and my mind takes charge from my heart.

Although the violin hasn't been stored in pristine condition, it's clearly been loved.  I'm quite satisfied to note it is not some mass produced design.  No, this violin was actually made by hand.  My best guess is maybe the turn of the millennium.  I note the signature mark - William Harris Lee, Model 150.  A standard design, apparently, but still crafted and not manufactured.  Perhaps not what I'm used to, but better than I could have hoped.  Josie looks at me hopefully and I nod as I take the precious instrument in my hands.  The bow is in worse shape than the violin, but still serviceable.  We can always get a new bow with a lot less trouble than a new violin.

It's pretty obvious Josie isn't a violinist.  I work carefully for about five minutes to get the feel of the instrument and tune it as close to perfection as the worn bow and dry rosin will allow.

"The D string will need to be replaced sooner than later," I finally say.  "Actually it could do with a total restringing at some point, but I can work with it.  A new bow and some fresh rosin is a must if you want this thing to sound anything worthy of playing with Yelena-sensei."  I grin again despite the criticism.  "But it's hand crafted and worthy of some love.  I can only do so much with a worn bow, but I'd love to give this old lady a moment in the spotlight again."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-08-15/2317:56>
Josie leads Firefly to the room off the stage that some of the performers use as a warm-up room.  Firefly sees a number of cupboards in the room as well as some hooks for coats.  Another door leads out to the main room.  Josie walks to one of the cupboards and opens the door to show where the violin is stored and pulls out an old violin case.  The case is battered leather perhaps even genuine.  The initials L. R. are embossed on the top, but otherwise there is nothing to indicate ownership.  Josie turns and hands you the case.  He shrugs and smiles.  "An old drifter used to pop in here a number of years ago.  Maybe six or eight times a year.  He was really good with this and treated it much better than he treated himself.  Of course, any real musician would do exactly the same.  Last time in, he was pretty frail.  He could not do as many sets as he used to.  I think he was sick.  I did not see him leave the last time, but he must have known he was going to die and left the violin here because he knew I would take care of it.  Been years and no one has been in for it and no one else has been here that can play it.  If you can play it and want it, you can have it.  I can even give you the name of a good string man who should be able to help you out in getting it up to the condition it should be in."  With that, Josie smiles and leaves the room and you can finish tuning the old violin.

When you go out to the main room to play, Yelena is standing near the door you walk through, her sax in her hand.  "Decker girl want jam?  Yelena play with?"  The two of you can play a bit and Yelena gives you plenty of time to go solo.  The Ork drummer wanders back onto the stage after a while and looks for your nod to join you.  His easy back beat gives you something else to play against and for a while you lose yourself in the music, forgetting your shyness and even your revenge.  The music can be everything, can fix anything.  You stretch the instrument to more than it was.  Not just you and not just the instrument but both combined.  But the instrument reaches the end of what it can do as you feel the D string begin to give and realize that the bow is reaching its limit.  You stop to a roar of appreciation from the crowd, and deservedly so. 

You turn to thank the drummer and see a Keeb with a guitar and a human at the piano as well.  All of them acknowledge your thanks and make to leave the stage.  Josie steps up and stops you, motioning for you to stand with him.  He calls out to the floor and announces your name, and you get even more applause.  After he lets you go, he calls to Yelena, who is packing her sax in its case.  Turning to the crowd, Josie says, "My good friend is packing her instrument for the night.  Now, many of you are familiar with her song and I am sure that no one wants to let her go without playing it for us."  The people at the tables begin standing and calling out to Yelena, who remains bowed over her instrument case for a minute before straightening with the sax in her hands.  The crowd goes silent, waiting as one as Yelena moves to the front center of the stage.

Putting her lips to the instrument, Yelena begins to play softly, running through a number of riffs and making herself part of the instrument.  And it is more than just music, it is MUSIC, full of heart and soul and she puts everything she is into the playing of it.  It had been His song, then Their song, and now it was Her song, and Yelena plays it better than he ever had, even better than they ever had during the years they were together.  Subaru can drag her attention from the song enough to see that everyone else in the room is standing, watching, listening.  Few eyes are dry as the music stirs emotions and feelings some of the people here have buried deep.  The crowd moves closer to the stage as if to hear better and ganger is standing shoulder to shoulder with rival gangers, hated enemies, and not noticing.  A large Troll up front raises a right fist in a show of the near-universal symbol of unity, followed by another and another until the room is filled with people making the gesture.  Yelena's eyes are closed and her face is as tear streaked as anyone's as she plays the final notes and lowers the sax.  She stands silent for a moment then raises her right fist into the air before walking back to place the instrument in its case.  Turning, she sees that the people have not moved and returns to the front of the stage.  She opens her mouth twice to say something, but nothing comes out.  Finally, she is able to softly give thanks and her words seem to break the spell. 

People begin to return to their seats and Yelena comes to the booth and sits.  She seems drained and washed out as she idly picks at the remains of her dinner.  Suddenly, she seems to recover and looks at the other two.  "Decker girl play well.  Yelena impressed.  Crowd like.  But maybe should leave.  Get ready mission.  What think?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-08-15/2337:17>
    Tuskaloosa never got a reply before their contact let himself out the door.  That the man had finally acknowledged Arc gave her some measure of hope; it had taken Yelena's declaration of sisterhood to do it, but the fact alone proved that the man did play by rules.  The trick was finding out if the rulebook was found anywhere else but inside his skull.

     She glanced at the cube beside the rest of Arc's things.  With luck, the answers to all their potential questions really was contained inside.

     In the meantime...She looked down at the box of cyberwear--all but forgotten in her left hand. This does me no good if I don't survive the night.  It went gently beside the growing pile of new gear she had amassed over the course of the day.
   Almost an afterthought, she picked up one of the fresh air bottles and grabbed her helmet before she returned to the King Scorpion.  Better do it now...before the next distraction.

_   _   _


   Your clutch tells me you don't see my kind of speed much.  Are you someone's High Horse?  Do you let your size and teeth do the talking?  I doubt you'll notice even my weight, then.
   How would you like to strike some real terror in their hearts and catch those smug rabbits--


     “Ahem...you gonna play and tweak widdat all night, or should we put a few miles on it, huh?”

     Tuskaloosa looked up.  The wily mechanic was already swaggering toward the other, normal Scorpion.  The air hummed with the motor to the garage door.

     The troll donned her duster and helmet as Arc pushed her ride out into the night air.  She's not serious...

     With a slight snap to her brow, Arc let her goggles go.  She tilted her head back and grinned a tuskless, feral orc grin.  “Let's see if you can keep up.”

     She's serious.

     The King Scorpion was every bit as heavy as Tuskaloosa expected, as she lifted its kickstand /fetter and pushed for the door.  She lowered her head as she passed beneath; she didn't need to.  “It's been a little bit, so 'sorry' in advance for being rusty.  Go easy on me,” she muttered softly.

     It was not the shop's owner she spoke to.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-09-15/0322:31>
Marco told Joise "I think it is a good goal tough I'll have to see how it can be approached. Thanks for the advice and I may take you on the offer to help if I come up with something."

...

To say that Marco was surprised by the joint performance is an understatement. Decker/mage/musician and probobly a mathematician as well. If she does magic and compares it to mathematical formulas - she must not mean it as a metaphore that describes Magic as a completely alien and misunderstood concept like high order partial differential equations. No, she meant to say that she understand the darn thing with her logic.

... But  with such a wonderful music Marco begin dancing and being and attractive keebs are seldom dancing alone.  Marco quickly finds himself dancing with a tough looking ganger lady. He does not recognize the tattoos but they are numerous and there is some stiffness in her movements. Yet she seems to be the alpha female and used to get what she wants, loaded with self confidence. Enjoying themselves and dancing sensually and Marco is embracing the music, the only thing that make sense for him in this world. Only Yelena's remainder about work snaps Marco out of the blissful trance of dancing into the harsh reality of life. He introduces himself to the tough looking lady, that names herself Nikki and apologize... "Got to part early but  we can continue some other time. "  He say.

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-09-15/1141:23>
Arc waited patiently for the troll to emerge with the King Scorpion, mentally checking that she had everything she needed packed in her Scorpion's saddlebags: namely, her weaponry, equipment kits, a change of clothes, her RCC, and other gear.  Given the time, the mechanic figured that she would not have time to come back to the garage before meeting up with her Vruk, and therefore she wanted to be prepared.  Nodding to the others to borrow the car and lock up, Arc turned to the troll and snapped the goggles over her face, letting the AR enhancement systems boot up for her driving UI.

"Leader picks the pace.  Long as we don't go north of the 28, we won't be bothered.  Now, let's see what this slitch can do.."

Stomping on the starter, Arc kicked the Scorpion to life, a roar of the finely tuned engine greeted by it's bigger cousin's as they both revved their engines before taking off into the dusk-lit streets.

After a few blocks, it was very apparent to the troll that Arc was a natural on the road.  Even if the knowledge of the lay of the streets was removed, every motion the human made was in perfect balance to the bike, each turn not sacrificing in speed as she led the pace for the first few blocks.  Her hair whipped behind her as she sat cooly, her arms raised to work the handles as her eyes scanned what was ahead and around.

Feels good to be driving...even without being plugged in  And this was true: she wasn't wired into the machine she was seated on, sticking purely to her pre-rig skills, the motor between her legs purring as they took off into the night...

[spoiler]Pilot Ground Test (AR assisted) (http://orokos.com/roll/341615): 11d6t5 3  Not for mechanics, but for fun reference to skill at the moment ^^[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-09-15/1854:00>
     Arc laid down the ground rules before she brought the beast beneath her to life: leader picks the pace. Stay south of 28.  With confidence born of a thousand rides, she drew away from the shop doors to the back alley and out into the street.
     At the corner she paused and glanced back.
     
     The troll biker was just shy of clownish.  She was practically moving at a crawl as she left the alley and turned onto the street, with all the grace of a blind, newborn puppy.  At first glance, Tuskaloosa looked like some brat with more confidence and guts than talent or intelligence, 'borrowing' an uncle's ride.
     Either that, or someone with a major inferiority complex...

     The mechanic's first though was mechanical trouble, until she noticed that for all the wobbly, drunken moves, the troll's boots remained firmly on the bike.  “Hoi!  Crouching Moron Hidden Badass don't earn you drek!  Ya ain't foolin' me, so ride like ya mean it already!”
     “Sorry if it doesn't look that way boss,” Tuskaloosa called back , “but I am.  It would be rude not to make a proper introduction.”
     “Huh.  Hope you don't do that with everything you drive,”  Arc said as the troll finally reached the corner.
     “Nope.  I know when to keep it to a working relationship.  So...leader picks pace?”

_   _   _


     That Arc could drive well was no surprise to Tuskaloosa; a gang mechanic that didn't drive a motorcycle was like a chef that cooked without tasting.  She moved with the confidence one acquired by knowing every millimeter of the hardware beneath her: what tolerances she could push and how far.
     
     From what she could tell, this was nowhere near Arc's break-a-sweat point.

     For her part, Tuskaloosa was almost overwhelmed.  Her senses were singing.  The desire to open the throttle as wide as it would go was a greased pit that was taking all her willpower to fight against.  She was in her element...like a phantom limb of hers had somehow rematerialized.  She felt whole.
     The bike chaffed under her control; whether it shared her need for speed or wanted to use that as an excuse to throw her, she couldn't say.  She continued to lag slightly behind Arc, as she slalomed around lane markers.  A puddle put her sliding a bit; she recovered but abandoned the exercise.
   
    You don't like this.  It isn't what you're used to, so it doesn't feel right.  You own the road; why should you own every curve?  I get it.  But if I don't ask, you can't tell me, and I'd rather ask now than make demands later.  Besides, I think you're much more nimble than you give yourself credit for—but that's up to you.
   
     A distance had opened between the two riders; Tuskaloosa gave the bike more power.  The King roared as they sprang to close the gap.

    I suppose I did offer you the opportunity to catch the rabbits.  I'm not going to cheat you out of it—I take my responsibility as balance very seriously, so this was for me.  But if you're so eager to show me your speed...
   
     She gradually gave the bike what they both wanted; they drew up on Arc's left.  Casually, she reached out and tapped the top of the human's hand.

     “Tag—you're It.”

     The King and rider took off like a shot.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-09-15/2206:59>
Oh HELL no she didn't...!

Arc was perfectly content to hold the pace, figuring that the troll biker would need a moment to get a feel for the King Scorpion...seeing as how the balance, motor drive, and the wheel axle system were all strikingly different from the custom design laying in her garage awaiting a rebuild.  Still, she wasn't about to go easy on Tuskaloosa, as the Jade Dragons for sure hella wouldn't.

The first stage of this test run was definitely a handling one.  With the number of turns and swerves that Arc initiated, it was a surprise that either of their bikes weren't squealing in the tires.  The weather was the big factor, a lesson Arc learned long ago: colder temperature, less tire pressure, more grip.  For about a half mile she kept the tight turns up before the pair opened up to a throughway, opening up for a nice straightaway to work on gearshifts and raw power.

And the tap on her hand, that she most certainly WASN'T expecting, was what she was waiting for.

"Oohhhh, you think you sumsum special slitch finna frag up this slitch up in heah, AIGHT.  HOOOO!"

Letting off a feral howl of challenge, Arc shifted a gear with a simple flick of her foot and sped off, keeping pace with the troll as they zoomed off.  A few hairpin turns and dead straights later and she was nearly caught up with the biker.  A few gangers in the area whooped as they flashed past them, eager to see a race and recognizing the local mechanic on sight and style.  As they cut through an alley onto a side street, the human was practically capable of tapping the troll's leg...

But a moment later, the troll would look back after hearing the screech of tires and see the mechanic stopped dead in the street, staring intently at some inconspicious piece of wall and curb.

Inside of her head, Arc was reeling a bit as she recognized the spot.  She hadn't realized it, but they were passing through the neighborhood where the Smiley Showdown went down...and that spot was where she ended up crashing Yelena's Scorpion.  The last memory the girl had was laying there by the curb, unable to move, nerves shut down as she stared into the sky, fading into unconsciousness..

She could be seen with a hard expression, fighting down what could be surmised as...pain?  Her leg was out to steady the humming bike beneath her as her hands let go of the handles.  Her left hand...the flesh one...was reaching up to her right shoulder, feeling where her flesh ended and her chrome began, feeling an aching sensation.   This was a place of memories...her crash course in the shadows.  Literally.

She sat there a moment before she heard a motor pull up next to her, Arc shifting with a start and looking up at the taller lady.  "Yeah, sorry..." She muttered out quietly, scratching her head and withdrawing her flesh hand away from her shoulder.  "Memories and drek like that, yknow...I'm good to go, it's null sweat."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-10-15/0221:22>
     You didn't think they'd stop just because we passed them...Yeah, I know a break would put 'em in your teeth, but that's not the point!  Your rump is in range of their teeth—now's the time for speed!  We get fancy later!

     Try as she might however, Tuskaloosa was fighting a losing battle with Arc.  No matter how beefy the King's engine was in comparison to her weight, the same was just as true of Arc and the smaller scorpion.  It was down to familiarity with the equipment and the terrain; Arc had the advantage in both.
     
     She grinned at the holler from a knot of curbside gangers: she's even got the bloody home field advantage!
   
     Tuskaloosa was down to hairpin turns and zig-zags through sidestreets and parking lots when she heard the squeal of tires behind her.  A quick check showed no overt reason for Arc's stop; she gave herself time to slow a bit before gunning into a 180 and rolling back the way she came.
   
    Regular eyes were hard enough for her to read; she had no clue what to look for in the human's cybereyes as she idled up.
     The grip the young woman had on her own shoulder spoke volumes however.  Before the troll could pull out a medkit though, she gave a full-body shiver and seemed to come back to herself.
     Arc was quietly apologetic, muttering about 'memories and dreck like that'.

     Tuskaloosa would have liked to have said she understood; she had no clue how bad the “dreck” had been at this innocuous little street, and wasn't going to claim she did.  She hoped Arc's 'date' had a frame of reference.
     If I were Marco, I'd suggest ice cream.  Wait...

     Quickly she fished the box from her pocket and opened it up.  The new commlink eagerly woke as she plugged into it.   First his address...and then...

   “...Tuska?”

   The quick response sealed the deal.  She jacked out, then held out the plug.  “Let's synch maps...unless your hot date is already on fire...”

   Arc fumbled quickly for her rig plug.

   “Here's the place,” the troll said as she placed an AR on the ex-ganger's map.  “Meet me there,”  she finished as she retracted her cord.  She placed a hand on Arc's shoulder.  “And Arc?”
   “What?”
   “You're still It.

_   _   _


     Arc seemed in slightly better spirits as they pulled to a stop.  “Can we call the game over?”
   
     “Since I'm 'It'?”  The troll pulled off her helmet with a lopsided grin.  “Sure.”
   
     “So, we're here,” Arc sighed as she pulled her goggles down around her neck.  “Where's 'here'?”
   
     “A friend's place,”  Tuskaloosa said as the door opened.  “Arc, meet Arr-Arr-Arr.”

     “You got here fast,” the giant packrat called brightly as he reached the porch rail.  Then he saw the King Scorpion.  “Dat better not be da reasn' yer here.”
   
     “Of course not.  Arc's a mechanic...she did some work on it and we're on the test drive.”
   
     “Ah.  ...A mechanic ya say?”
   
     “...Yeah.”  Arc could have sworn his eye gleamed as she shook his hand.
   
     “Den take 'em 'round back n' come in.”  He waved over at a wooden gate. “Too cold ta be standin' out here.”
   
     A short walk later—through one of the most eclectic assortments of lawn ornaments that the mechanic had ever seen—brought them through a sliding crystal-plas door and down into a spacious sunken living room.  The recicladore nodded proudly as Arc took it in.  “Place hadda basement, so was easy ta bring ta troll code.  Upstairs iz storage.”
   
     “Where's the box Arr,”  Tuskaloosa called from the hallway.  “Storage or the Spare Parts Room?”
   
     “Spare Part.”

     “Can I ask what this is about?”
   
     “You don't--?  She didn't--?  Tusk...”
   
     “It was a surprise,” the female troll called as she re-entered the room, a bulky box in her arms.  She set the box down, hopped down to the living room floor and took the box again.  “Your first challenge,” she said as she placed her load on the floor, “is to guess what this is.”
   
     “If you don't, how--”
   
     “Oh, we know what it is,” Tuskaloosa nodded conspiratorially at their host.  “I want to see if you do, too.”
   
     “You know I have a shop—I don't fix things for free.”
   
     “I know that boss...I'm not asking you to.  What I need is a second opinion on which parts are beyond hope, so this big guy can keep an eye out for the replacements he'll need to find.”
   
     “That so...aright.  I can't promise anything though.”  Arc gave a sigh and reached for the box's flaps.  “So what have we...wait.  Is that what I think it is?”
   
     “What do you think it is?”  On the outside, Tuskaloosa was as calm as she could keep herself.  On the inside, she was setting the hook and reeling the line in with glee.
   
     “...A Segway?!”
   
     “First generation.  We think there's one and a half in there—we're not sure.”
   
     If the mechanic had heard the answer however, she gave no sign as she shuffled parts around and muttered to herself.

     Distraction therapy accomplished.  Tuskaloosa stretched and leaned over to her friend.  “Can we get her a hot soykaf and a 30 minute wake-up call?” she murmured softly.  “She's got a hot date tonight.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-10-15/1142:25>

Arc had to admit to herself...she wasn't too sure about what to make of the place Tuskaloosa was taking her to.  But as the rather odd-looking troll emerged from the door, the smell and sight gave her a pretty good idea of what he did for a living.  Still, it was Tuska this time who was sharing a part of her life with the human , and Arc founding herself lifting her chin in greeting.

Ach'Valaa, skraa'cha, omae."  Was what she uttered throatily before she was led inside. The place was cluttered...that much was clear, even when they descended into this trog's living space.  When the large box was presented, Arc was more than a little surprised.  These fraggers were dust collectors LONG before i was born...frag, this is odd tech...  Nodding in agreement to the challenge, the mechanic grinned and flicked her goggles over her eyes, using the enhancers to scan over each part while the ladytroll coaxed the man out of some soycaf.

When they were alone for a few moments, Arc gave a little pause in her work, not daring to look up at her as she cleared her throat and focused her thoughts.  "I got into a scrap there."  She said flatly without looking up.  "You're wondering why I stopped in that spot.  About three weeka four ago, you mighta heard some drek on the trids about some serial killings or drek like that.  Blood mage with a bound spirit, really nasty...KE was gonna wait a couple months then glass this whole hood up.  So me, Yelena, and a few others rose up to deal with the issue ourselves.   It worked...some people got out, some didn't."  Her jacket off, she lifted up her right arm, the pale lighting of the room reflecting off the work of chrome.  "Heh...guess you could say I fall into a bit of both descriptions, eh..."

She sighed a little, picking up a gearbox and eyeing it cooly.  "I don't regret it though.  I did somethin', and it made a difference around here.  Not many people can say that.  Plus, I wouldn't a met my Vruk if I hadn't been shipped off to the hospital.  Funny how that works, no?"  The mechanic's smile returned as she lifted her soycaf up, taking a sip and putting the gearbox aside.

Turning to business, she glanced up at Tuskaloosa and Arr-Arr-Arr, gesturing to all the parts.  "Y'all was close about there being a Segway and a half up in here.  Problem is you just don't got a full one.  Plenty of dupli'ed parts and drek, but the hand sensor system is fried, and the gyroscopes are finna bust out if they actually get used.  Y'won't find all the parts either...not easily.  Naw, you're gonna wanna try to work in an updated system...won't be hard to do, the gyro's can at least be a straight swap.  Externally, you'll get the same drek, but a rewiring will get it to specs.  Nice find~"

Handing the empty cup back, she bowed her head again.  "Thanks for the look.  Was fun.."  Turning to the lady troll, Arc glanced at her chronometer and gave a nod.   "I'm probably finna get to my Vruk within the next hour...a little ride before we do that, hm?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-11-15/0027:44>
Yelena nods to her friends and smiles.  "Was good idea come.  Yelena thank decker girl.  Thank Marco.  Firefly play violin good.  Now we go home."  She is careful to take her sax case and makes sure that Firefly grabs the violin case before saying farewell to Josie and Henri, promising to come back soon.  Josie gives Subaru a special invite to return and reminds her to give the string man a call.  Yelena leads the way back out of the club to the car and drives them all back to the garage.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-11-15/0109:11>
@ Arc  As she was driving a message came up from Merlin, >>Yo, I been diggin' 'round, gettin' a few friends wid talent ta do some checkin' and one o' the bartenders at The Stardust heard 'bout it and came ta' see me. He told me he recognized Feathers at the club from all the trid when drek went down, and thinks he musta disappeared right after. An he says the clubs been making peeps disappear. Says they ain't near enough ta dead when they gets taken fer ta be checked out, but he ain't seen one come back up yet. An when I have peeps check da club in ta astral da' says it be like a black hole. Now, that kinda magic an power is do-able see, but, it ain't cheap. An nobody does it wid' out having summat ta hide. So's I been havin' em keep de' nose to tha' wind an that club ships out a truck once a week. Clubs get shipments of all kinds o' drek. But, they don' ship out. An LittlePaw an Blue, they went ta watch the shipment way the fuck early on Sunday. That truck be warded ten ways ta Sunday yo'. So's I go an talk to the bartender yo. An he tells me the club owners be gettin' ready ta' sell. One o da waitresses was messin wid a security guard in a private room what they wasn't supposed ta' be in, an they almost get busted see. But, they overhear the convo'. Now, dat club be makin' cred hand over fist, no reason ta' sell. But, everything's gonna be shipped out in a week an they're moving on. She say they say, "We got enough turned fer da job. More an they be discovery. The mage in particular be proving hard ta control. I've already killed ta damn fool what drugged him." So's I'm thinkin' maybe dey mean Feathers an he be still alive. But, we ain't got much time if they be sellin' an hot-footin' it outta here.<<

@ Yelena  You get a message from John, Bella's husband, >>Yelena, I very much enjoyed our time together the other night. I know you've been concerned about Bella so I just wanted to tell you that the reaction you had put a bit of a scare into her and she's decided to go into rehab. They told her it was best to cut all ties with everyone who she was using with and so she's given up her comm and gone before she could be talked back into that lifestyle by one of her friends. I know it's for the best, but of course I miss her. However this leaves Keshon and I alone for the evening and as you have made quite an impression on him, and me as well, I thought I'd invite you to the club for another private party. I've taken the liberty of buying you a dress and some jewelry for it as one so lovely as you should have clothing and jewels to set off that stunning perfection. I've also booked a spa day for you at Javiers. I've sent the things there. I'll have a car sent around for you there at eight. I look forward to seeing you again.<<

@ Marco  Sophie calls you and says, >>I'll be ready for our shopping trip at 1:00 on Mon. I've taken the rest of the day off so that we can enjoy ourselves. I'm really looking forward to dressing you.<<

@ Tusk  The ride back to the garage is uneventful. And a few of the orcs and trolls you pass along the way shout at you, "Who won?" Their laughter is a good sign. So is the fact that they already recognize you.

@ Subaru  There's still so much data to be processed from the last few days of activities. But,so far she's got more than enough blackmail, as well as an exact recipe for what seems to be a very difficult drug to make. And the accounts and passwords for all that cred they just got certainly came in handy. But, is that all? Subaru thinks it is. But, a very skilled, and very paranoid person might just hide something in an ultra secure layer, counting on someone to stop looking once they found the nuyen. Certainly cred was the most important thing and the thing most people put their heaviest protections on. But, what if it wasn't?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-11-15/0248:07>
     The recicladore's face fell as Arc delivered the news.

     “Told you.”  Tuskaloosa jerked a thumb at him.  “This codger was hoping to make a museum piece with pure parts.”
   
     “Still do,” he huffed.  “Jus needa keep lookin'.  Dere's no hurry.”
   
     “Good luck,” Arc offered sincerely as she returned the last of the parts to the cardboard container.  She handed their host the now-empty cup.  “Thanks for the look.”
   
     He set the vessel aside and held up a piece of e-paper full of serial numbers from parts she pronounced  beyond use.  “Danks fer da list.”
   
     “I'm probably finna get to my Vruk within the next hour...a little ride before we do that, hm?”

     Tuskaloosa shook her head.  “Treat yourself and your...vruk?...go get a hot shower in.”
   
     “Ah...ok.  What will you do?”
   
     She was tempted to return to the apartment, but squelched the idea—she didn't want to give the bike thieves in her neck of the woods a target.  “Go back to the shop—I think I'll grab a nap until you get back.”

     The answer satisfied Arc.  “We're going in the same direction part way, at least...ready to go?”
   
     Arr-Arr-Arr jumped up and shuffled off down the hall.  “If yer on da way out, lemmie grab da hose...”

     “Hose--? What's he talking about now?”
   
     Tuskaloosa unconsciously  rubbed the dermal knobs on her right temple.  “...Right.  Most scroungers like Arr-Arr-Arr don't take nuyen; they barter.  So, I figured to trade a little of your time and expertise for a rare sight, a cup of soykaf... and a hose for a Sony H179A swamp cooler.”
   
     “An a great deal, too,” the troll said proudly as he handed over the prize.
   
     “I'll bet...so what's the hose for, then?”
   
     The troll biker held up the coil of tubing and smiled.  “Either a going away present or a random act of kindness.  Maybe both.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-11-15/2211:34>
Huh, first trog I met that didn't speak the tusker tongue.  I learned something today  Arc gave a smirk as she walked out with the lady troll, fitting her jacket on her to ward off the cold as she looked up to her.  "Vru'kart.  Or'zet.  Mate boy.  I was brought up around trogs for most of my life, so the culture fits for me, despite being the breeder slitch I am, eh?"  Hopping onto the Scorpion, she gave a nod of agreement as she mentally punching in a message to the biker girl, the message showing up quickly.

"I just gave you access to my place.  The beds may be a bit small, but the couch will work for ya I hope.  Get some rest, I'll let you know when I'm heading by..."  Nodding with a grin to the troll, she fired up the bike and rode with her into the night streets.  As they passed the gangers again, Arc gave a street salute to them, the back of her mind enjoying the fact that she was being treated with respect..and she was letting herself view that as such.  Sooner than she would have liked, the point where she had to diverge from Tuskaloosa came, and she signaled for a stop, the engines thrumming as she looked up to the taller one with a nod.

"You a natural, omae.  We gon' do this tonight.."

And with that, she fired up her engines and took off, heading towards the neighborhood where her Vruk and her called home...herself a home away from home as it were.  About halfway, she saw a message blip into her AR view, instinctively switching the bike to autopilot before reading it.  Merlin...what the frag you up to...  What he said almost caused her heart to stop.  He had on his own managed to pick up more intel directly about this club than she herself could have hoped.  Two big things were clear: one, they had a set deadline to take on the Stardust before their shipment went off (and the use of the word "convert" made her shudder), and two, Feathers was alive.  Grinning, the mechanic quickly busted out a reply.

<<@Merlin: you son of a slitch, you just did me a real solid.  I'm working my way into that fragging place and have been for a bit.  You may have just given us direction and something to go on.  I owe ya a solid, and I know how to make good on it.  Keep your nose to the wind omae, and sit tight.  My crew and I gots a couple plays to run in the next couple of nights (there be Dragons of Jade involved, I ain't flyin' colors omae), but after that you can bet your mojo-filled hoop we hitting that place.  We gettin' Feathers back, and if you want in lemme know.  I'll find a way we can use your drek.>>

Satisfied with that, Arc closed her app and retook control from the bike, speeding the remaining distance to Jaime's apartment, only stopping to pick up a decent meal along the way for both of them.  By the time she arrived, Jaime wasn't due off for another half hour, giving the human plenty of time to get things ready.  Hastily trying to tidy the place up, she set the food on the table and set the lights to a calming ambience before she allowed herself to relax.  Shrugging out of her clothes, she hopped into the shower about five minutes before he was due home, washing away the dirt and grease from the day's exertions and letting the warm water relax her muscles.  Washing her hair, she closed her eyes and caught herself humming a low, rumbling rhythm of some song she heard, letting her stresses file away in her mind for the time being.  They would come later...now was her time...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-12-15/0055:38>
Yelena gets the message from John as she is driving home from Josie's with Firefly and Marco and sends one back.  >>John.  Is Yelena.  Thanks much tell about Bella.  Yelena scare self.  Can tell Yelena where Bella go?  Yelena might need rehab too soon.  But after party.  What day for spa and party?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-12-15/0354:22>
     As they returned to the scorpions, Arc tried to give Tuskaloosa a minute-a-day Or'zet lesson and a little bit of history: “I was brought up around trogs for most of my life, so the culture fits for me, despite being the breeder slitch I am, eh?”

     For her part, the troll simply shrugged.  “The only culture I know is the live-active kind in yogurt.  But as far as 'trogs' and 'breeders'...well, I was raised to call people folks and peeps. Folks are folks, no matter what size or shape.  You treat all folks with respect and dignity, and you'll find out who deserve them...and who don't. Peeps are the good ones—the folks you want to be around, and vice-versa.  You find your peeps, you surround yourself with them and you support them through flames, flood, famine and firearms—because they do the same for you.”

     “Huh.  Wazzat make the J.D.s?  What we're planning is less 'respect and dignity' and more push 'em over and take their stuff, ya know?”

     “I never said I was perfect.  Besides,” Tuskaloosa added, “You made it clear they wouldn't say 'ok' no matter how nicely we ask.  I might as well save my breath for running away after we take their stuff—right?”

     Arc laughed and nodded.  “Check yer comm--I just gave you access to my place.  The beds may be a bit small, but the couch will work for ya I hope.  Get some rest, I'll let you know when I'm heading by...”
   
     “I was thinking of the the couch already.”


_   _   _


     Tuskaloosa didn't mind the ride back—even with the triumphant howls every time she pointed at Arc when onlookers asked 'who won?'  Arc, you've got far more cred in this neighborhood than you give yourself credit for.
     ...Although she couldn't help herself and gave a good-natured “We'll get her in the re-match” to the third batch of gangers who asked.


    The two riders parted ways with a fist bump.

     Now then, the troll thought as she idled up to the garage doors and pulled out her commlink, for the access code...
     The door lifted smoothly--not a surprise.  What was a surprise however was the fact the access code didn't disappear.  It's not a one use...?
     She finally shook her head ruefully and rolled inside.  You are one trusting peep, boss.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-12-15/1030:22>
@ Yelena  John replies, >>Monday night. Keshon leaves Tues and we'll both need the company of a lovely woman after the negotiations we're working on are completed. I'm glad you're able to make it. But I'm afraid I can't give you the name of the rehab just yet. They advised against it as Bella's friends might contact her and at this stage she'd be far to likely to have them smuggle her something in. I'll see you tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to seeing you wearing Keshon and I.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-12-15/2211:10>
Things seem a bit peace full on the way back and I spend what time I can studying my Mark.  I am a bit excited and nervous being so well dressed and heavily armed. When we arrive I silently pass on my equipment I was not sure what was needed but the AK-97 and Sigma seemed appropriate for the task at hand. There is power in automatic fire and I should go practicing soon. The touch of the cold metal or sophisticated alloy who knows how they do these devil sticks brings me back to reality.

To prepare to the mission at hand I say a short prayer, that nobody will die tonight. Not from us, nor from our doing. My entire sense of self is challenged and I can barely recognize myself. I am well armed and operating a spirit. Prepared to perform a violent extraction tonight with a bunch of criminals. Yelena is probobly the most dangerous woman I ever met, yet I am fascinated by her when I should be running away. Arc in her way, is a dangerous criminal although I know she is a good person. It confuses me, dancing, almost shopping she seems very mundane but then we go into narrow escapes and tonight an extraction. How can she keep being so normal. She'll do what we do tonight and return to her boyfriend as if it was just another day at work.

Then there are the new ones Firefly that I struggle to understand, she seems to constantly challenge herself and the troll Tuska that seems... I am not sure how but if she got her bike demolished she was probobly up to no good. What happened to my friends? The blissful nights of drinking at Joy, dancing at the Italiano and goofing around town drunk and happy seem so distanced. I became numb... my job caused me to get numb discussing potential bed partners the thrill of conquest is there but I feel that I want something deeper.

My shadowrunning? How can I discuss the news, politics, sports or wines when I cannot mention that I broke into a high school, made drugs in an improvised lab and met with a person like Nikolai. These things seem to lose their color, they are reduced to mere tactical conversations that I do well. My magic preserves my sanity, I calm my body. I have complete control on the manifestation of my emotions and somehow if the outside is calm the inside is calm as well. Michael Chekhov is after all a genius and my acting is an awakened interpretation of his famous technique.  The physical aspect can control the mental one - this is how I am going to impersonate, this is how I am going to act like a professional tonight.


 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-12-15/2325:42>
Yelena sends a reply back to Bella's husband as she pulls up to the garage.  >>John.  Is Yelena.  Look forward see you and Keshon.<<  She pushes the button for the door and slides the car inside.  Leaving the car, she removes the sax case and goes to the living area to store it.  Once it is secure, Yelena heads back to the garage and announces that she is going outside for a smoke.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-13-15/0916:07>
All I have time for right now is to TL;DR

Subaru will use the time traveling back from Josie's to the garage jacked via IR into her MiAz starting to use the more powerful device to further process and collate the data from the Stardust, on Marco from his comm, and on Tuskaloosa from whatever sources she can find during a search.  When she returns to the garage, after placing her violin carefully in the bedroom area she'll bio and continue her work until it is time to move on to the mission.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-13-15/1032:47>
Once outside, Yelena lights up one of her thin cigars and leans against the outer wall of the garage, gathering the shadow to her for protection against the cold.  She looks around her at the people scurrying past and nods to those she knows.  Things are mostly quiet and she takes some time to think about her place here and her future.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-13-15/1044:59>
Marco leaves the room and joins Yelena outside... she seems to be smoking and not saying much. "That was some brilliant music" he finally say. It is cold but nothing like it was entering the water earlier. Perhaps everything in life is relative.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-13-15/1829:52>
While the adults are out satisfying their vices, Subaru is hard at work doing more research regarding the data I pulled from the safe.  After this, I will start working on the data from the cameras at the Stardust, including cross referencing the two sources.  Marco is a tertiary concern and Tusk quaternary.

[spoiler]http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=20219.msg405652#msg405652
http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=20219.msg405705#msg405705

Looking for lucrative data: Extended test: Roll #7 - 5d6t5: 3 [5d6t5=5, 5, 1, 4, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/343558)
Looking for lucrative data: Extended test: Roll #8 - 4d6t5: 1 [4d6t5=5, 2, 2, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/343559)

Total of TWENTY FOUR hits after eight tests.  That now meets the "VERY hard" threshold for an extended test (up from HARD before. :-)

Any more dirt?  Just call me Hoover! ;-)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-13-15/2316:32>
@ Subaru  As she slowly cross-checked and cross-checked and ran pattern recognition programs and back-traced and rebuilt deleted info Subaru found a web of lies and double-crosses and bribes that were worthy of any spy trid.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-14-15/0642:48>
Yelena looks at Marco and nods.  "Yes was good.  Yelena thank Marco.  And Marco dance much good."  She pauses to take a couple of puffs then looks up at the sky and adds, "Yelena thinking what is self.  Yelena know only killing, sax, sex.  Not much build future on.  Why Marco still near Yelena?  Should run.  Yelena broken.  Am bad news.  Maybe get Marco killed."  Yelena finishes the cigar and strips it before turning back to the Keeb.  "Marco want kiss Yelena?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-14-15/1200:08>
There is so much that I can tell Yelena but how can I capture it in words. She seems to deserve some normalicy as odd as that word sounds considering her lifestyle that rapidly becomes our lifestyle. "We can learn and adopt" I say as I passionately kiss Yelana. Embracing her into me. It is impossible to process my emotions at that moment. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-14-15/1239:02>
Wow, this goes deep.  I'm not even sure where to start with acting on all this...

There's so much to consider here and we're about to do a mission.  I collect my findings and store it both on MiAz as well as my little Erika and my cheap comm.  I'll leave the last here in the garage, hidden and turned off, in case something random happens to my electronics on the mission.  Never hurts to have multiple backups.

I decide to let this information stew until I have time to cross reference it with whatever I can find on the Stardust using the camera material, files I pulled, as well as cross referencing it all on the 'trix.  So much to examine and so little time to do it in.

In the meantime, I have more urgent matters - tonight...

=====

IF there is time before they go on the mission, Firefly wants to examine something else before she digs into the Stardust.

[spoiler]
Memory test to pull up everything detail I saw of the mage either when I tried slipping in the warehouse astrally or when she fled: 13d6t5: 5 [13d6t5=1, 5, 2, 1, 5, 6, 1, 1, 6, 1, 2, 5, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/332969)

Extended test for taking everything I gathered and searching thoroughly for anything at all on the 'trix that matches {logic(6)+computer(6)[Mental (8 )]hard(18),average(15 minutes))}
First quarter-hour: 12d6t5: 5 [12d6t5=5, 3, 4, 2, 1, 2, 5, 6, 5, 2, 5, 3]] (http://orokos.com/roll/332972)
Second quarter-hour: 11d6t5: 3 [11d6t5=2, 5, 2, 4, 1, 3, 6, 5, 2, 4, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/332973)
Third quarter-hour: 10d6t5: 2 [10d6t5=4, 6, 1, 2, 6, 1, 4, 1, 3, 3] (http://orokos.com/roll/332974)
Fourth quarter-hour: 9d6t5: 2 [9d6t5=3, 2, 2, 5, 4, 1, 6, 2, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/332976)
Fifth quarter-hour: 8d6t5: 4 [8d6t5=6, 2, 4, 5, 3, 5, 3, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/332977)
Sixth quarter-hour: 7d6t5: 4 [7d6t5=6, 1, 5, 6, 6, 4, 2] (http://orokos.com/roll/332978)
Seventh quarter-hour: 6d6t5: 5 [6d6t5=2, 6, 6, 5, 5, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/332979)
Eighth quarter-hour: 5d6t5: 0 [5d6t5=1, 2, 1, 4, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/343707)

Total of TWENTY FIVE hits after eight tests over two hours.  That meets the "very hard" threshold for an extended test. :-)
[/spoiler]

The fact that we're about to extract a mage has been nagging at Firefly's mind.  Let's see what this drug enchanter is really about...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-14-15/1326:58>
Yelena returns the kiss, but saying it like that does not do the kiss proper justice.  Yelena puts her heart into the kiss then breaks to put her hands on either side of Marco's head, looking so deeply into his eyes that he has to be sure she is staring into his soul.  Then she draws the young Keeb's head back down and kisses him again, pressing her body into his.  He is a professional lover, a man much practiced at kissing, and yet this kiss is one he ought to remember.  Yelena feels the shadow encircling both of them, wrapping them in semi darkness and giving them enough protection from the cold as necessary.  The moment goes on and Yelena can tell that he is aroused from the pressure against her thigh, perhaps despite himself, but certainly a reaction to her.  Her hands leave his face and drift to the fasteners of his pants, releasing them to fall to the hard ground.  Yelena uses one hand to cup him, warming him with soft strokes as the other releases her own pants.  Yelena guides Marco to enter her, knowing that by now the man needs little guidance but making sure he realizes that she wants him, that she needs him.  She audibly gasps at the moment then wraps her arms around his neck as her kisses grow more passionate.  The love-making lasts only a short time, but to Yelena it seems like forever.  She moves her body to take Marco's thrusts, completely losing herself for the first time in her life.  Right now.  This moment.  There is no Nikolai.  No Tsina.  No Vory.  Only now.  Only Marco and Yelena.  When the release comes, it shakes her entire body and she does not even try to hold in the primal noise that springs from her lips as she arcs her head back to let it out.

Her body quivers with after-shocks as she leans back and looks up into his eyes, her arms still clasped around his neck.  She does not want him to pull out, aching for the feel of him inside her.  She whispers, "Yelena never love like that.  Is Marco real or dream?  Someday go away with Yelena?  Far from killing.  Live in shadow.  Maybe Marco give Yelena baby?"  Yelena realizes she may have said too much and bites her lip while closing her eyes in anticipation of being rejected.  Suddenly she realizes that for the first time in her life that it matters if she is rejected.  The shadow that has been her friend, her protector, and her guide since she was a small child has opened a hole to the tiny piece that remains of her soul, laying it bare to this young Keeb she has known only for days.  It has cracked the armor surrounding her for a brief moment, laying bare what she is and what she wants to be, giving him a chance to see who she really is.  This is the shadow's way of giving him a chance to grab onto her if he wants to take it. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-14-15/1624:12>
Yelena comes as a storm, everything about her is all in. Fully committed, everything but Marco. Up to this kiss Marco was not even sure if they are together, he offered himself to her and felt rejected. Right now however, Yelena is smoking hot and Marco is not entirely sure exactly how they are having sex in this cold, right outside of the door. He is a bit hesitant at first, right there in the cold in the open? but Yelena is strong and dominant and perhaps despite himself Marco enters her embracing her and observing her in detail as his hesitant trusts become more and more bold until for a point he does not care. A moment, he is ecstatic, Yelena is ecstatic and they climax together panting. “How can this be? I am so weak around her.”
Quote
"Yelena never love like that.  Is Marco real or dream?  Someday go away with Yelena?  Far from killing.  Live in shadow.  Maybe Marco give Yelena baby?"

“It is real to me.” He whispers  “A baby? going away together...?” Marco’s emotions are running wild. He embraces her, feeling her both from inside and outside. He looks into her eyes and feels connected. No magic is necessary, but perhaps human connection is magic in itself. “Someday... after you made peace with your past, but before we do babies how about we try living together until Poland? It is just two weeks... I have a spare room but we can also share a bed.” Marco’s heart is racing he is excited and tense and eagerly thinks about every possible scenario. What changed since their first time? He is unsure uncertain, this entire relationship is wrong in so many levels, he has no idea why it feels so right so strong how can his life be so radically changed so quickly. How come he is okay with it? Ginny was so intimidating, yet he cannot seem to get enough of Yelena. Still, she is scary as hell, everything about her body art screams keep your distance. Yet, she is impossible for him and even a small conversation turned into lust, into love. Despite her years of experience and how casual sex is to Yelena, she mentions babies and life without killing. How  could that be? 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-14-15/1724:12>
[10:23 PM, Sunday Dec. 13, 2075, Jaime's apartment

The bedroom was dark as Arc lay there with her Vrukart, eyes open as she relaxed on her back, staring at the ceiling.  Her lips were curled into a near constant smile as she lay, body trembling a little in aftereffects of the eventful past couple of hours.  She caught herself biting her lip as she thought back to when she was in the shower, and how Jaime had snuck in to join her, wasting no time expressing their joy of reuniting after the long day.  Much of the time was spent in such a way, the only few breaks were to enjoy the dinner the mechanic had brought for them.  But now, they were both laying cuddled up against each other, and judging by his steady breaths, the girl figured he had fully fallen asleep.

Checking the time, Arc gave a little sigh as she longed to just go to sleep.  But she had a job to do.  Moving gently, she shifted away from his embrace, kissing his forearm in parting as she got up, fishing around for her clothes and slipping them on.  Shivering a bit, she crept out of the room and shutt the door behind her.  Looking ahead, she smirked as she cleaned the remnants of their dinner in a couple minutes.  Grabbing her armored jacket, the mechanic checked for all her carry gear before departing the apartment to the Scorpion.

As she mounted the bike, she pulled up her jacket sleeve, releasing her Fly Spy drones from her arm into the air and directing them away with her mental rig's interfacing.  She instructed them to go to locations along the intended escort path, most notably towards the origin point.  If they move, she wants to be the first to know.  Satisfied, she fitted her goggles over her eyes and fired up the engine, speeding down the street and making for her garage.

When she did arrive, she checked to see that both the King Scorpion and the Americar were home with her locator tags, meaning the team was all here.  Nodding her head in appreciation, the short human cut the engine and parked the bike, grabbing her stuff before heading inside.  she saw her team all pretty much in the garage to some degree, resting up for the job.  Tuskaloosa was spotted asleep under her coat, Yelena and Marco seemed to be enjoying each other's company, and Firefly looked zonked as well.  They had time, so she didn't wake them yet or disturb them with more than a nod of recognition, her grin still lingering from recent events.  Rather, she wordlessly got to work kitting herself up...weapons in her body, medkit and toolkit strapped to her hips... When the time comes, she will be ready.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-14-15/1852:30>
Yelena smiles at Marco as a weight lifts from her.  Marco wants her.  He has not rejected her.  Is this what she was missing with the sax man so long ago?  She leans forward into him and buries her head against his chest.  "Yelena like move in Marco.  Is nice."  She looks up into his face.  "But now Yelena butt cold.  We go in?"

She bends down to pull her pants back up, giving Marco's manhood a playful kiss before he bends over to pull his own pants up.  When both are ready, Yelena takes Marco by the hand and leads the way back into the garage to wait for Arc to arrive.  She moved to the couch but decided not to disturb Tuskaloosa who was sleeping there, instead opting for the comfy chair.   She pulled Marco along with her, sitting him in the chair before sliding onto his lap and snuggling with him.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-14-15/2133:07>
Yelena looks up when Arc walks into the garage and smiles at her Srui'kai.  Patting Marco on the knee, she stands and goes to talk to her.  "Yelena ready be octopus.  When go?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-15-15/1309:57>
Arc blinked as she was going through the medkit she had opened up before her, trying to commit a basic familiarization of the tools to memory.  Interacting with its AROs, she had linked it up to herself to run a full diagnostic on herself, to establish a baseline, by the time the Russian elf approached her.  Looking up, the girl gave a little smirk and a nod.

"Wheels be goin' up a beat before midnight, Srui.  Enough time to get ready and be there waitin'.  Be sure to pack clothes you can dress quickly in and some towels, eh?"  With a tilt of her head, the human got back to her prepping, examining the results of the diagnostic before getting to work on her other tools and such.

With a lowered voice, she spoke to Yelena.  "So you're back with him, are ya?  If that's what you want, cool, I'm all for it, but I wanna be sure my Srui is okay, ya feel me?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-15-15/1315:14>
Yelena looks over to where Marco is dozing in the chair then back to Arc.  She talks in a low voice so as not to wake him.  "Yelena not know what think.  Is love for Arc and rigger man, yes?  Srui tell what love feels like?  Yelena not know.  Maybe Marco is the one.  Is different.  But Yelena believe once and then betrayed.  How know?  Marco ask Yelena move his place.  Should go?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-15-15/1412:45>
Marco slides into the chair and blissfully strokes Yelena’s shoulders and arms until he falls into a blissful sleep. Her presence makes him peaceful and he only wakes  up when the time for work arrives.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-15-15/1439:42>
Arc paused, the diagnostic running as she looked to the side, matching gaze with the elf as she gave a little chuckle.  Aww, frag it Srui, I dunno if I'm the best to be talking about this drek.  But..."  She paused, looking inward as she was questioned about her and Jaime, giving a little smile.  "Yeah...yeah, it's love for us I think.  Frag, Srui, and i didn't even intend it, ya feel me?  I think that's the point...call me a crazy slitch, but i think love n drek like that don't come because you make it happen.  It just does."

"As for moving...that's on you.  But remember that you're having Firefly move here, and if you leave it'll leave her alone...it's your call.  But if it's what you think it is between you and that 'kart, he'll be cool with whatever decision you make.  It'll be null sweat.."
  A few moments more passed between them as she took a seat, sighing and rubbing her temples.  "We doing the right thing, right Srui?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-15-15/1508:53>
Yelena thinks of both Marco and Firefly.  "Yelena talk decker girl.  See what want then decide."

She looks at her Srui and puts a hand on her shoulder as she takes a seat on the stool next to Arc and shrugs, looking directly at the short human..  "Is way of shadow, Srui.  Maybe gangers die tonight.  Maybe have friends.  Family.  Maybe Yelena's friends hurt or die.  Maybe Yelena die and return to shadow.  Is gang running in shadows.  We also gang running in shadows.  Way of life.  Might be mistake.  Maybe kill for no gain, no reason.  We go because we gave promise Sam.  Sam live in shadow.  Yelena smell it on him.  See it around him.  Yelena remember hear doctor say let Yelena die.  Too much hurt.  Too much damage.  But Sam tell doctor no.  Must keep Keeb alive.  Give time for shadow fix body.  Yelena think Sam know Yelena in shadow because he in shadow.  Yelena go anywhere and do anything Sam ask.  Sam say club bad.  We know club bad.  Now Sam gone.  Maybe dead and back to shadow.  Maybe alive.  Maybe with Feathers somewhere.  Waiting for Yelena and Arc find.  Yelena never stop look.  Yelena owe Sam.  Yelena and Arc left to figure out what to do.  This is good plan.  Will work.  So, yes.  We do what is right.  We do for Sam and Feathers.  Frag club.  Kill all if have to."

Yelena pauses a bit.  "Arc.  Is just Yelena and Arc sit here.  Can talk, yes?  Arc has man.  Arc has love.  Srui important.  Arc go with Yelena because is Srui.  Yelena tell Arc that she does not need to.  Arc not use Srui as why must go.  Use head, not heart.  Arc can help Yelena, but need think clear on why go.  Rigger man important.  Best thing Arc life.  Why risk throw away when come Yelena?  Think on it.  Yelena want Arc come, but only if Arc want come, not because is Srui.  Srui work both ways and Yelena want Srui alive."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-15-15/1613:42>
Arc looked and listened intently to the elf's words, but when she finished she dropped her gaze and gave a smirk, a sharp exhalation of breath coming off as a short chuckle.  "Tch...you're right about one thing, Y.  Srui'ken kal does work both ways.  And I want you alive as well.  I've seen how you fight, so I know you're gonna need me to drag your hoop back here when the job's done."  She paused for a bit, her gaze growing serious as she tapped a finger to the corner of her mouth.

"I may not have the tusks for it, but I was raised as much in the trog way as anyone else in the Howlers.  And in that, the biggest bond in here is family.  So when I say I'm going to help my Srui, it's because I'm going to help my Srui, and I couldn't look at m'self in the mirror if I didn't when i coulda done something to help.  Jaime knows how I feel on this, and he just asks for your promise that I'll be coming back ."  She paused, thinking for a second to try to express her words.  "I have love with him, yeah.  But I have love here.  Family is love too, Srui.  Don't forget that."

She paused again as her eyes went wide, some of her earlier statements, most of which eased her feelings about this night, hit her memory banks like a load of proverbial bricks.  "Woah, hold the drek..."  She looked away, and then snapped back.  "Feathers is alive.  Merlin got back to me with some surprise intel, but suggests to me that old hoop is still fighting back within their hands.  And they gon' be shipping out in a week.  We gotta do our drek before then...frag me, had completely slipped my mind.  But one step..we do this drek, then we go from there"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-15-15/1942:25>
Yelena absorbs this knowledge then smiles.  "Is good news.  Where club men move to?  And Arc right.  Finish this then do other.  Marco has part on Tuesday.  Yelena got call from Bella husband.  Go another party Monday night.  Yelena leave drugs alone.  Maybe find information."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-15-15/2154:02>
Arc shook her head dismissively at the elf at her question, giving a little shrug of her shoulders.  "Nnh...sources didn't give me that drek.  Just our deadline.   And some mojo help to do this drek.  Them takin' Feathers got real personal to Merlin, and he's in for whatever i want him to do about it."  She nodded, looking off to the side as she tapped the table.  "We all got one last job to do to get our drek together before we make a move then.  Wiz.  Glad you don't plan on usin'.  Good luck on that...but for now..."

After a moment, she gave a slam on the table to call to attention.  Looking at Yelena, she gave one last comment.  "Family is love Srui.  Remember that"  As the others roused and started to filter in towards her workstation, Arc got to her feet and stood up in the middle of them...being the shortest, this was probably quite hilarious in most eyes.  "We all know our jobs...let's get this all done...Firefly and Tuska, I'm linking y'all to my drone feeds in the sky, that way we all know what's going on.  When they move, we'll know.  Any last questions, complaints?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-15-15/2203:10>
Yelena nods and grabs up her go-bag containing a couple of warm towels and some dry clothes, including underwear, deciding to not go commando after her swim.  Her weapons case is next to her feet.  It will be coming along just in case the octopus thing does not work as planned and they have to chase the mage down.  She looks to the others and says, "Is good plan.  All we need is do it"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-15-15/2231:55>
@ Arc  The program on the fly-spies sends Arc a simple image. In this lighting the matte black trailer truck looks completely innocuous even it's escort of two large vehicles and six people on bikes have no identifying markings or colors on them. But, the truck and it's escort are rolling out of the building Arc has had the fly-spies on for the last hour. Nevermind it's only 21:00.

@ Subaru  Searching for Marco reveals the most puzzling information. Marco himself has almost no history as anything but a professional escort. But, the same can not be said of the images of others. Subaru finds intel on eight different men wanted in connection with suspicious deaths. Several of the images of people captured with Marco show men in the garb of Catholic priests, and cross-referencing that reveals info that they have sometimes operated in the past disguised as priests.
Material on Tuskaloosa is easy to find, and easy to find out that she was framed for a murder and set-up to take the fall for a biking conglomerate looking to manipulate the stats on the betting leagues in order to take advantage of a dip in betting and scores of a biker named TexMex.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-16-15/0136:51>
Arc has provided access to the drone network to everyone and all are watching as the convoy starts rolling.  Yelena runs the scenario through her head and walks over to shake Firefly awake, saying, "Everyone see drone data.  Convoy leave early.  Can decker girl slow down by changing lights?  Just a little.  Too much is suspicious.  Some is accepted.  We leave now.  Still make water in time."  She nods to the others and goes to open the large outer door so the King Scorpion and Americar can leave, then moves to place her things in the extra large storage containers on the huge bike.  Looking at Tuskaloosa, she smiles.  "Time roll.  Mission is go."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-16-15/0159:24>
Marco silently packs his equipment, the sigma stashed under the jacket and the AK-97 hanged ready to use on his lap. It his evident from the way he carries the piece that he is alert and can draw rather quickly and his piece is non standard, smart link gas vent shock pads everything he needs to sustain the recoil of massive fire. The only thing that betray his tough guy look is the yellow mark of stick and shot ammo on the magazine. Marco adds a few extra clips of regular ammo 'just in case'.

Then poof, the AK-97 vanishes without a trace, while careful observation and the knowledge that the gun is there can show a 'tell' it is unlikely to spot the piece unless by thous especially trained for the deed. The one good thing about illusion magic is that it never works on yourself, so Marco can see the AK-97 and has no problem operating the invisible gun.

"I am ready... Lets do it."  Looking at Yelena he asks "We are going with the scorpion right?"


[spoiler]
To avoid drain Marco uses F3 invisibility, so only 3 hits are kept still seeing through the spell should take 4 hits so the gun should be very well hidden.
[spoiler]Invisiblity spell (http://orokos.com/roll/344070): 12d6t5 6[/spoiler]
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/344071): 11d6t5 2
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-16-15/0210:10>
"If the lights are controlled from a central server I should be able to..." I say as my body stumbles up from having been roused from my IR-induced sleep.  I bio as fast as I can and make a bee-line for the Americar.  Settling into the passenger front seat, I slip back into IR and get to work while the others move into position...

[spoiler]I'll roll later to achieve whatever I have to, unless someone else wants to do the honors.  I really can't afford to wake up enough right now to figure out all the rolls I'll need to do in order to pull this off.  Subaru has 12 dice to do just about anything in the 'trix, so a quick slip-in/slip-out should be do-able assuming there is a central server that helps control lights.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-16-15/0444:40>
A quick trip to the bathroom and a few minutes to re-adjust the armor vest?  Check.  Crusader II and silencer?  Tuskaloosa touched the holster.  Check.  Spare clips loaded?  Check.  Clips and Medkit in the Armor Jacket?  Check.  Oh yes, she thought as she picked up the sheathed ceramic knives and added them to the jacket as well: one for Yelena, and one for me.  Autopic?  Into the jacket.  Better safe than sorry, but only that...any more lock breaking tools would be extra weight.
   The FN-AAL?  Probably a bad idea, but if all went poorly, the mini-rocket gun could prove useful above or below the water's surface.  The loaded pistol went into the jacket, but without extra ammunition: If I need to shoot this more than ten times, things will have gone very, very wrong...
   The new gloves were draped over the seat, along with her helmet:  Check.  Survival bubble package?  She stowed in one of the saddlebags:  Check.
   Guardian?  Check.
   The other hidden arm slide?  She sifted through the grenades from their afternoon shopping spree.  The Flash-Pak would either be the most effective in the dark, or the lest effective if the Jade Dragons and Co. all brought along some sort of flare compensation.   It could still be used as a potential distraction however, and hand-delivered grenades had never been her thing: the little box of fun had the least chance of coming back to bite her if she used it wrong.  How's this thing work, any--

_   _   _

     
     She woke to the sensation of something tapping the sole of her shoe.  “Wha--?”
     “Convoy leave early,”  Yelena interrupted.  “Trailer truck, two truck sized, six riders.”

     The news brought the troll wide awake faster than a bucket of ice water.  “Can we catch them?”  she asked as she threw off the duster.
     “We can for Plan A.  Decker Girl try to slow them a little with red lights.”
     Tuskaloosa reached the bike and donned the jacket, careful not to disturb the Flash-pak on her left arm slide.  The effects of her earlier handling had cleared and it was currently set to trigger by wireless only; she still did not want a repeat.  Not now.
     “...We all know our jobs.  Let's make our move and call it a night, aight?”  Arc gave a nod to Firefly and they took off.
     Yelena stored a hard case on the King, then smiled.  “Time roll.  Mission is go.”
     “Cut your lights when we hit the gravel road, ok?  See you there.”  She didn't wait for a reply as she pulled on her helmet, the king's wheels already turning slowly, rolling for the exit.
   
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-16-15/0746:30>
As the drone feeds filter in the information, Arc's expression visibly hardens.  Early, and more of an escort than led on to believe.  Frag it, Ninelives, you tryna get me killed aincha...  Pinching her brow, the mechanic let her breath out in a little sigh as Yelena roused the others and got a plan together.  Nodding appreciatively, she grabbed her stuff and strapped the medkit to her hip across from her other gear pouch.  "Aight, looks like we partying a little sooner than intended.  Null sweat though, ain't the worst to happen.  We'll get into position in time."

Looking to everyone, the short give gave little pause as she thought of something to say.  "...We all know our jobs.  Let's make our move and call it a night, aight?"  Smirking, she gave a look at Firefly and tilted her head, darting over to the Americar, mentally firing up the engines as she opened the doors to let the two girls in.  Since the others were getting to the drop point on the pair of Scorpions, they should make good time, leaving the job of Arc to get the decker and herself to following the convoy.  She instructed the drones to work a pursuit pattern, leapfrogging along the skies to keep in time with the pathing, allowing them to track the truck without issue or danger of detection.  All other business done, the mechanic shifted gears and rolled the car out, closing up once the team was gone and driving the car off into the night....
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-17-15/0143:30>
Yelena nods to Marco and moves to her Scorpion, wheeling it out of the garage and shutting the large door behind them.  Climbing onto the large bike she fires up the powerful engine and waits for Marco to slide on behind her and grab her about the waist.  Once they are ready, she wastes no time getting moving, heading out to the ocean front.  Yelena is careful, mindful of the effect the second person has on the maneuverability of the bike and stays within the semi-legal speed limit.

Arriving at the beach, she lets Marco off and secures the rig before tapping into the team net.  Nodding to Tuskaloosa and Marco, she says, >>Team Y in place.  Still a go for Op Oc?<<  She has not used those codes before, but the rest are smart enough to figure them out.  If they get the go, she strips naked and heads to the water where Marco or his demon will turn her into the octopus and establish the mind link.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-17-15/1945:39>
Marco reaches the position with Yelena, and picks a relatively hidden spot. Instead of being down at the water, Marco picks a place where he can possibly open fire at the van, but he still has line of sight to Yelena. He positions himself on a nearby roof top where if needed.  He is ready to rain his fake ammo at any vehicle crossing the road.  Marco will wait for the all clear before having the spirit turn Yelena into an Octopus and cast the mindlink spell.

Once in position Marco texts >> FF - if you can ID the prize in astral it will help me a lot.
The reason Marco asks it, is that if Firefly can ID the mage to be extracted, Marco will have an additional service from the spirit to increase his chances of staying hidden.

[spoiler]
Marco will use his disguise skill to make himself hidden in the terrain.
Disguise (http://orokos.com/roll/344707): 7d6t5 3 to pick an hidden spot and assimilate with the background.

Marco has 3 services, the first one will be to identify the mage and send him and Yelena a mental picture. The second one to cast shape change at Yelena, and the third one will be to cast the mind link at Yelena. Altough the services will be up, the phrasing will state to sustain the spells until Marco gives the all clear (or the rules of summoning break the connection at sunrise).
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-18-15/0543:31>
The flyspies track the convoy down the road. They're moving in a loose formation, two bikes and a truck in the lead and the same formation in back with the other two bikes riding along the side and obviously checking side streets as the large RV passes them. The convoy goes less than two miles before one of the flyspies malfunctions dropping from the sky to shatter on the ground.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-18-15/0920:14>
With Firefly focusing her attention on the traffic lights, Arc found the lack of noise in her Americar to be a bit of a discomfort...thankfully one easily remedied by an activation of the vehicle's radio.  Classic metal riffs played through, namely a number from a 20th century group with the title Breaking the Law.  How appropriate... she thought dryly as Yelen's voice crackles in over the comms.

"Comm check, I read ya Wanderer.  Still a go for Op Alpha, getting into position now...looks like a cut n dry setup...wait, hold up..."

Arc paused as she saw one of the Fly Spys camera feeds start to spas out for a few moments before cutting out dead...and the swiftly approaching ground in the last few images were not promising.  Thumping her fist against the door, the mechanic cursed in the orkish tongue, a lounge string of guttural syllables.

"Well drek.  Scout 2 is down.  Repeat, I have a scout 2 down.  No reason for a glitch, so I might suspect foul play.  I'm about a kilo away, out of sight but if they suspectin I don't wanna make eye contact.  Firefly, this close enough to get a hold of the target?"

Her fingers were tight on the wheel as she drove on, merging with the highway a kilometer behind the convoy, being sure to sustain that distance...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-18-15/1006:17>
Yelena wades a short distance into the water then turns around, looking at Marco.  "Is mojo time."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-18-15/1124:00>
Marco thinks about the Daemon "First service is to find me the mage: Astrally scan the convoy and identify anything awakened or magical about it. I am interested in a specific person - a mage that should be with them I need him identified."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-18-15/1750:36>
The daemon says sardonically, "So paltry a task little mortal. One who is so blind that he can not see should bow down to me. Instead you fool yourself into thinking you can command me." He is gone only a few moments and when he comes back he says, "You are not worthy to lick the boots of the one in the van. Still, you seek her. It is because her light is as the sun to your paltry candle."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-19-15/0148:26>
The daemon knows exactly what buttons to push, perhaps it is our minds being connected. In previous days this comment will have me crying but now it is but a mere beacon to my inability, I cannot see the astral the closest I could project was to change into a bird and go asense he astral. Expert say that even if I somehow learn to sense the astral world, I could never project like  a mage. This is a bit frustrating, but I feel that I should focus on the things I do know how to do, I accept the mental picture from the daemon and ask “Is she alert? restrained in any way?”

I cast the shape change spell to transform Yelena into an Octopus, she is already in the water and is probably very cold. Scorn is a sign of weakness as it is evident that in some aspect of magic I am stronger or more senior than the daemon. I can command him, and he does serve me.

Summoning came very natural to me, only marginally more complex than walking, or talking.
I am a man of words, and summoning is a bit like bargaining. I am to convince a daemon that agreed once to serve me to stop whatever it is he is doing and come to my aid. It is not about power, there is little I can do to compel an intelligent and stronger than myself being into doing my bidding. It is like haggling, like motivating or negotiating.

 I practice summoning from a very young age, I do not even remember when I started. I think that my first imaginary friend was a minor daemon and my initial services were very mundane in nature. Paint with me, Play with me and sometimes even help me fall asleep. Our connection clearly is more about what I am than about what I can do, we are related somehow.

How did we grow so far apart?  Perhaps the Daemon does not like the kind of man I turned up to be? Daemons were very polite with me when I was young. How come our relationship degraded so much?

I mentally smile at the daemon, “ There is much that I owe our connection, Daemon.
I am an adult for meta humanity, but still a lost infant in the world of magic and there is much I cannot do. I hope to learn more in time. I respect and appreciate you as my strongest ally. It saddens me to sense this kind of bitterness from your side. I myself am very frustrated, with my actual skill in the realm of magic. I wanted to know so much more“

Partly to himself, partly to the Daemon Marco thinks “True power has to be invisible, if she was so good you could not sense anything out of the ordinary with her. Like a sun she is carrying a beacon in her aura. A beacon that places her in danger, Thanks for the heads up about her capabilities and I hope that you would like my way of doing things.

I focus my mind and issue the second service to the best of my ability: “Establish the mind link with Yelena and sustain it until I say otherwise and the third service is to relay to me anything that Yelena thinks toward you and to Yelena everything that I think toward her.”

That way, I can be linked to the happening - communicate with Yelena and relay her messages to the entire group.  Despite my lack of abilities I feel very proud and creative in my ability to work around the limitations of magic and orchestrate this thing.  Pride that I cannot share with many people as they are unaware of the limitations in the first place.
 
[spoiler]
mindlink (http://orokos.com/roll/345127): 12d6t5 4
drain (http://orokos.com/roll/345136): 12d6t5 4

Shape change (http://orokos.com/roll/345126): 12d6t5 5
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/345135): 11d6t5 5
[/spoiler]


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-19-15/2042:55>
I'm just finishing up work on the traffic lights when I hear from Arc via comm...

[spoiler]Boom suggested I only need one mark to do a quick file edit on the traffic system.

Place Mark on traffic light system: 12d6t5: 5 [12d6t5=6, 3, 3, 2, 2, 1, 6, 1, 3, 5, 5, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/345360)
File Edit to shorten green and lengthen red duration on all lights for route the convoy is taking: 12d6t5: 3 [12d6t5=3, 3, 3, 4, 3, 6, 5, 5, 1, 2, 1, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/345361)[/spoiler]

>>I think so, Arc-sensei.  The new deck is really helping!<<

[spoiler]Place Mark on van (computer): 12d6t5: 3 [12d6t5=3, 6, 2, 2, 1, 3, 5, 6, 3, 1, 4, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/345368)
Using edge to reroll mark on van (computer): 9d6t5: 4 [9d6t5=4, 1, 2, 6, 4, 5, 5, 4, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/345369)
Total of 7 hits

Spoof van to offer mark to Arc (hacking): 12d6t5: 3 [12d6t5=4, 3, 4, 4, 5, 1, 1, 1, 4, 3, 6, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/345370)
Using edge to reroll spoof command on van (hacking): 9d6t5: 5 [9d6t5=3, 4, 6, 4, 5, 6, 5, 6, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/345371)
Total of 8 hits

I used edge to be sure to overcome any active resistance.  That's all my edge. :( [/spoiler]

>>Here is the open connection!  The van is open and inviting you to mark it!<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-19-15/2057:22>
The quiet on the chat, broken up by the radio playing whilst Firefly's meatsuit lay slumbering next to her, had set Arc on a bit of an edgy focus.  Her hands were gripping the wheel of her Americar as she merged with the highway, a couple of kilometers back from where she knew the convoy was.  One of the drones is down..I'm just hoping that's a fluke, but when we hit, we're gonna have to hit...okay..

As they drove, she could hear a ping coming from Yelena, and then another from Tuskaloosa, confirming that everyone was in position and ready to go.

"Okay...hold tight, wait for the signal..."

she found herself smiling a little it at Firefly's enthusiasm and praise for the new deck, glad she was able to help her team the way she did.  No regrets there, and she was surprised when her AR display showed the invites to mark the target vehicle.  Nodding with a grin, she mentally punched the button, immediately spotting the three marks she was able to tag with.

"Wiz bang, girly.  Sit tight"

Switching the Americar to the dog-brain controls to hold steady on the highway, Arc eased back and let herself go full VR as well, taking a look at the vehicle's controls and options.  This time however, she opted to hot-sim it, and she found herself gasping a little at the sensation...but no time to be distracted as she turned her attention to the target.  If it was a simple vehicle, then it was all good...she would simply remotely operate the system, overriding the manual control in the process, and pitch the truck over.  If it had a rigger interface, well...it gets even better.  Either way, with the bridge approaching, she had little time, so she waited, and whichever option she had, as they were crossing the bridge, she made her move...

[spoiler]Pilot Ground (rigged, hotsim, VR, -2 for range) (http://orokos.com/roll/345387): 12d6t5 3
If the vehicle cannot be rigged, 1 dice would be removed, which does not affect the results.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-20-15/1123:09>
And as soon as she was in Arc met resistance. Damn straight the van had a rigger, and he had an attitude problem.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-20-15/1429:13>
I note the presence of a rigger when I wrested the mark from him or her and forced the van to instead offer control up to Arc.  I watch as Arc takes control and sends her commands.  In the meantime I do whatever i can to keep the rigger focused on me rather than Arc.

[spoiler]Place mark on van sound system: 12d6t5: 6 [12d6t5=3, 6, 6, 3, 3, 3, 2, 5, 1, 6, 6, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/345606)
Send Command to turn on and play the most acid, loudest local radio station available at full volume: 12d6t5: 4 [12d6t5=5, 2, 2, 2, 5, 1, 4, 6, 5, 2, 4, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/345607)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-20-15/2016:24>
In the virtual world, Arc seemed to fly in towards the truck, having adopted her warrioress persona, the armor clinking a little as she came to a halt atop the truck's icon.  Standing firm as it zoomed along the highway, she paused a bit as a strange semi-anthropomorphic bug alighted on her shoulder, holding out a bundle of icons...MARKS.  Grinning, she grabbed at them before slapping them on the truck, a trio of axes imprinting on the roof as she slid right in.

"Hoi"

Upon seeing that the truck had interfacing, it wasn't altogether unsurprising that the Jade Dragon doing the driving was a rigger as well.  And his persona, a man with the scales and head of a chinese dragon, confirmed it.  Points for originality much?  He looked pissed, and she only gave a grin as she took control, her persona giving him the finger as she punched in the team communications.

"Firefly, got a hoop at the wheel.   Wanna disrupt his drek?  A good slap from the meatspace systems'll do it, but do it fast!"

Regardless of results, Arc fought for control of the wheel as the bridge approached...it was going to be a tight few seconds...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-20-15/2148:21>
>>This should get the bastard's attention!<<

[spoiler]Place Mark on van collision safety system: 12d6t5: 6 [12d6t5=3, 1, 3, 2, 5, 4, 3, 5, 6, 5, 5, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/345696)
Change file to set airbags to deploy by telling the system a collision has happened: 12d6t5: 4 [12d6t5=5, 5, 2, 1, 4, 4, 1, 2, 6, 4, 1, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/345697)

I imagine this will be a distraction! ;-)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-21-15/0008:32>
Yelena feels the change coming on and slips beneath the water, flexing her arms.  After receiving the mindlink spell from the summoned demon, Yelena gives her best octopus grin as she heads over to her spot under the bridge.  **Who can hear me?**

Once again, Yelena feels the freedom and power of the new body as she uses her new arms and legs to get her into deeper water before turning up the coast and heading for the bridge.  She revels in her power and marvels at how efficient Mother Nature makes her creatures.  This is such a perfect form for her; she is strong and vibrant, a true predator, much like her Keeb self.  Yelena/Octopus sucks in water and propels it through the small valve, using it to jet forward at a great speed.  It takes almost no time to get in position and she sends a thought.  **Yelena in place and ready.**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-21-15/1332:27>
Inside the van the airbag goes off almost suffocating the slight young man at the wheel. He loses precious time trying to fight the offending bag off before attempting to regain control, and for a moment he disappears from Arc's view.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-21-15/1745:03>
And then suddenly the world goes crazy. All of the team watches as suddenly the remaining flyspies turn and bring their cameras to bear on the Americar. They watch it shoot forward and then spin in a tight donut in the street and go skidding hard into a concrete warehouse wall. The right side slams into a wall whose old and peeling paint declare it to have been the home of Funhouse Toys.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-21-15/1817:11>
The moment the dragonman disappeared from Arc's virtual world, the rigger knew she was in.  Grinning, she nodded to the bug on her shoulder as she took the helm of the truck.  And just in time too, as they sped their way onto the bridge.  "Got it.  Take this, fraggers, one package coming up!"  Pulling a hard right on the wheel, she could feel the truck's weight shift...which made sense, being connected to it, it was very much like her body.  Digging her heels in, she pulled the turn, sending the truck right into the railing and over the edge, the cold waters of the Sound waiting below...

"Okay, job's on you guys, keep us po--"

Any further speech was cut as her connection to the truck was severed as she was pulled forcefully back into the meatworld, her world becoming a screech and a bang as the car careened into the side of the wall.  She cried out, slamming into the side of the wall with her head and shoulder as she slumped back against the seat of the car, the engine cutting out as she killed the power.

Her world was in a daze...head swimming, she coughed as she felt a pain in her head and chest, disoriented as she tried to make out what had happened.  Turning her head, she tried to focus her eyes on her passenger.  "nnh....Firefly..."

[spoiler]Vehicle Test (http://orokos.com/roll/345882): 12d6t5 3
That is again to make the vehicle go over the bridge.  Since she has control still, that shouldn't be an issue...

Soak against crash (Body 5 + Armor 12 - 6AP) vs 11P (http://orokos.com/roll/345883): 11d6t5 4
Soaked 4, Arc now has Physical box 7/12.  Ouch
Crash Composure (Cha 3 + Will 3) (4) (http://orokos.com/roll/345884): 6d6t5 3
Arc will have a further -1 to all actions for 1 Combat Turn
Biofeedback from Dumpshock (Will 3 + Firewall 3) vs. 6P (http://orokos.com/roll/345889): 6d6t5 2
another 4P, making it 11/12.  holy drek.  also another -2 for a while, so -3 next CT[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-21-15/1936:46>
Arc focuses her eyes and discovers Firefly impaled by the twisted metal of what used to be her door...

[spoiler][6:28:21 PM] Cat: Subaru is dead :(
[6:28:43 PM] Cat: So the rest doesn't matter as far as I am concerned
[6:29:23 PM] Cat: http://orokos.com/roll/345897
[6:29:36 PM] Cat: Soak against vehicle crash damage (Body 2 + armor 12 - 6AP): 8d6t5: 1 [8d6t5=2, 3, 2, 6, 4, 1, 4, 4]
[6:29:44 PM] Cat: So I soaked 1
[6:29:53 PM] Cat: that's 11-1 = 10 physical damage
[6:29:57 PM] Cat: I have 9 boxes
[6:32:07 PM] Cat: I have no edge to use since I used it to make damn sure I took control of the van
[6:33:10 PM] Cat: I will burn a point of edge to pull off a miracle to keep her alive, but she'll be in no condition to do anything else and will need immediate life support.
[6:34:11 PM] Cat: She never even knew what hit her

EDIT: I have learned that I am not dead until I exceed my physical damage boxes plus my body.  That is 9 + 2, or 11.  Still, I lose another box for every two minutes until I get medical attention.  That means I will be truly dead in four minutes...or in my case I'll have to burn one of my two points of edge.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-21-15/2147:43>
Oh Sugartank!

"Marco, tell Yelena they know we're coming--it's not an accident!"

Tuskaloosa seethed.  They have the advantage of drones now.  "Give her all the backup you can down there and unless you can hide this place don't come back--they'll know about here the second I fire up the motor.  Take this": she unsheathes the ceramic knife and hands it to him.  "It won't give you away and you or Yelena may need it.  Good luck."

The troll grabs the handlebars and pushes the bike back down the gravel road.  she'll give the spot about a 20 meter buffer before she starts the motor and heads for the nearest on-ramp.



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-22-15/0136:52>
"Yelena... I can hear you loud and clear through the daemon you speak to him, he speaks to me."
... I am laying on the cold ground, cammufledged as part of the mountain controling my breathing when the van goes down. So far so good... now I need to make sure that nobody dies inside the van.

A loud crush sound disturbs my inner peace. I slowly shift my head not to blow my exact position and can see a car - the Ford being smucked down. This is not good, I daze out for a few seconds only  to discover the big troll handing me a knife and rolling her bike toward the road. "Not an accident..." was all I could parse at my emotional state. Arc and Subaru might be in trouble and Yelena might need some guidence here...  It all seem to happen so fast.

I watch with dred as Tuskaloosa fearlessly dashes toward danger, all I can do myself is pray for them.  "How did that knife get here?!" the knife snaps me back to the real world, I am praying and Yelena  needs to capture a mage right now. I focus my mind and contact her through our demonic mediator.
.
"Yelena, can you spot the mage? the Daemon have transfered a mental image to you."


I cannot beleive that THIS is actually happening... I wish it was all a bad dream or a simulation like we did before.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-22-15/1442:35>
If Arc wasn't being pumped full of adrenaline right now, she would swear she would feel like death.  It took a few precious seconds to fight through the fog in her brain until she could process the images her eyes were relaying to her brain, and when they did she almost wished they never were.  The sight of the human teen sitting back unconscious, the corner of the door wrapped and pinned into the right side of her chest, through the jacket, with blood seeping out over her front, was something she did not expect or think she would ever be ready for.

"..No..."

The mechanic tried to move, trying to undo the belt pinning her to her seat, but found the latch mangled and stuck, keeping her there.  Trying to force it, she cried out in pain as her head and chest felt like they were going to explode.  Part of her vision started to take on a red haze..  Blood?  This is bad...no...this is my fault.  Hell to the frag no, no one is dying because of me  She looked at her left arm, the movement causing her too much pain to use it properly, and then she looked at her right..the chrome was marred a bit, but she could still use it.  What once was a mark of what she lost was now about to turn into the gift that could salvage this situation.

Working as quickly as she could, she fumbled with her cybernetic hand to her hip pouch, pulling out the freshly bought medkit she had brought alone.  Her movements were unsteady and she knew it, so she knew she was less than capable of handling the job herself.  Instead, she pushed the big red button, hearing the automatic doctor VI boot up as she got to work.  Using only one hand was tedious, and fighting through her mental haze proved difficult, but she managed to pull the teen's jacket aside enough to slap the biomonitor on her neck, connecting it to the kit as she followed the instructions.

Grabbing the compressor cloth, she made a point to wrap it around the wound by the doc's instructions, pressing it to try to stop the bleeding as she then grabbed a syringe of a cocktail of adrenaline, clotters, and stabilizers.  From there, it was a simple matter to follow the instructions best she could, trying to get Firefly on an even keel as she called for help, rebooting her link and sending it out.

@Team: Two hens in the foxhouse, One dropped all eggs, other most.  Need carton...

Cryptic, but should get the point across.  Arc could not worry about this mission now...as far as she knew, she did her part.  Now it was all about survival, and the difference between the blood mage and now?

Now she could do something about it...

[spoiler]r6 medkit (self-use) Stabilize (http://orokos.com/roll/346104): 12d6t5 4
This stabilizes Firefly, effectively
If given time, she will spend time waiting for help to try to fix Firefly up best she can...
r6 medkit (self-use) First Aid (http://orokos.com/roll/346105): 12d6t5 5
This will cure 2P, due to her at armor, placing her at 1 HP...[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-23-15/1117:00>
Marco hears an amused. sardonic voice say, "They fear. But she is worthy." And in a moment that lasts an eternity, the RV slowly, inexorably, tips over the shattered bridge railing to begin it's inevitable slide into the waiting waters. An unseen force blows open the back door of the huge vehicle and then it plunges straight down into the sound, lost to sight almost immediately in the geyser that welcomes it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-23-15/1133:18>
Even though Yelena is waiting for it, the sudden arrival of the RV is a bit of a surprise.  She gathers herself and jets to the back door, using two of her long arms to cling to the side of the vehicle as it sinks into the water, once again reveling in the beauty and utility of this assassin of the sea.  Yelena expects that those inside that are capable of movement will be exiting shortly, shedding heavy armor and weapons in an attempt to reach the surface before the icy waters of the Sound claim their lives.  She knows the demon is supposed to alert her to the mage but she is not relying on that alone, but is looking at everyone who might fit the bill.  **Demon.  Which is the mage?**  The remaining tentacles of the large octopus are ready to grab the mojo slinger as she exits.  She may even be first through the door if she did not have anything heavy to take off.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-23-15/1139:29>
Marco observes the crush in great detail using his vision augmented glasses and his entire attention.
If anything managed to miraculesly escape this crush Marco tries to be aware of it.
[spoiler]
Observe the crush in detail + actively looking (http://orokos.com/roll/346502): 12d6t5 3
The dice lords do not like Marco very much let's hope it is enough.
[/spoiler]
He thinks at the Demon "Time to go fishing... and cheer up a little bit you get to swim next to a proffessional assasin. One that mystically cheated death for many long years. Nobody can remain indifferent! comon! "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-24-15/0134:13>
Tuskaloosa felt her heart re-start at the com-message.  It wasn't good news, but she was happy just to get news at all.
It also sound like something Arc would say; the troll only hoped her fellow rigger and the car were in shape to retreat.

Traffic in the opposite direction was only mildly affected: most dog-brained vehicles ignored the other bridge's mess completely.
The route of the convoy  was a different story as the autopilots of the innocent bystanders  struggled to move them into unaffected lanes.  The convoy's rapid stop had thrown the two lanes closest to the rail into a practical parking lot however.

Tuskaloosa had no such traffic obstacles, but she was on the wrong side of the road.  She urged the massive  bike in a desperate race to reach the crumpled Americar quickly.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-24-15/1210:33>
As the Jade Dragons converge on the scene trying to see into the waters below the first few of the gangers in the van begin exiting and Yelena hears, "There she is." Even without the daemons affirmation Yelena would have guessed that this was her target as even in the survival mode of thinking the gang had to be in the mage was being carried by one of the gang. Slung over his? her? shoulder as they struggled to swim in the maelstrom. As Yelena swam over a few of the bodies were beginning to float and then bob on the surface of the water face down.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-24-15/2344:21>
Yelena feels the adrenaline pump through her octopus body as she launches from the side of the van.  She surges against the ganger carrying the mage, using her jet speed and mass to bump him, reaching some tentacles out to wrap around the mage, using the suckers to hold on to her.  The other two tentacles push the ganger away.  IF this works, Yelena squirts ink into the area to cover her escape and jets away as fast as she can, using the ink cloud to obscure her direction.  Her speed is about 25mph with the jet.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-25-15/1845:32>
Tuskaloosa hurdled  the median and threaded her way across  traffic.
Savagely she halted the King in front of the car's front bumper.   The damage looked deceptively light, but she knew better: the worst of it was still facing the wall.
She slipped over to the driver's side, where the window was lowering.
It seemed to take forever.  She resisted to urge to force it.

Arc was trying heroically to follow the medkit's instructions one-handed.   She didn't turn back and her voice dripped with scorn.  "Well, I fragged this to high heaven.  How soon before we have company?"

"Not before you're gone--they have bigger fish to catch."
"Huh."
"How about you?  Think you can drive?"
"I have to."
Tuskaloosa pulled out her own medkit and toggled it on, then slipped it under the left side of Arc's coat. 

[spoiler] [ roll 13d6E5 = 1  ones:2 6s:1 ] #6 for Ranks in Groundcraft, 5 for Gearhead Imporved Handling, 2 for Gearhead.

[ roll 6de5 = 0  ones:6 ]  Medkit in Wireless mode, Operating itself.  Rating 3, Limit is 3.  Critical Glitch.
[/spoiler]
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-25-15/2034:30>
As she was administering some adrenaline and painkillers to the unconscious, impaled decker next to her, Arc was barely registering that someone was tapping at her window.  She was pissed..not at anyone in particular, but herself, and the situation she--in her mind--had let come to pass.  And now there was blood spilled from it.  She knew she was hurt: the fact that it hurt her to breathe too deeply and her skull throbbed was the biggest indication of that.  But, he didn't have a spike of metal through the right side of her chest and bleeding profusely.

At least THAT part I'm able to fix..  She says contemptedly to herself as she saw the blood flow slow to a stop, the compressor cloth and clotting agents doing there work.  The tapping again made her snap her head around, the girl wincing as she saw the lumbering figure outside: Tuskaloosa.  Hitting the window control, the piece of cracked glass descended and opened into the night air and the face of the concerned troll.  She was focused on finished her administrations to Firefly as she spat out a mouthful of blood on the floor.

"Well, I fragged this up to high heaven.  How soon before we have company?"  Her frustrations at herself were barely hidden, as well as her underlying fear...she was doing everything she could not to freak.

"Not before you're gone...they have bigger fish to catch.  How about you?  Think you can drive?"

The mechanic glanced at the recovering girl next to her, and then at her state.  At least I can focus now..   It would appear the dumpshock and the disorientation of the crash was being shaken off as she held up her cyberarm, gesturing to the wheel and then at her passenger.  "I have to."

Then she looked down as the troll was applying her little medkit to the human's chest, under the armored jacket.  She looked up at the biker, shaking her head.  "I'm fine, don't worry about me."  But the troll insisted, holding it to her flesh as the human continued to protest.  "Seriously, Firefly needs some help.  I've got her outta the red, but she needa get to a hospita-AAHAHHOSAHHAHAHA!!!"

A series of sparks arcing against the troll's hand was the only indicator of what happened.  In the jostling, or maybe even from Arc's resistance, the kit had inadvertently created a fault, shorting out before their eyes and arcing through the mechanic's chest.  Her body spasmed, muscles tightening despite her injuries as her head slammed back against her seat rest.  Her teeth clenched as the energy coursed through her before the troll could pull away, what part of her skin and shirt exposed showing black arcs where the electricity met flesh.

The girl's breath started getting drawn in ragged, uneven breaths as she tried to move, her arms twitching a bit as she gasped for air.  "Hnn...f-fraaaag.....wha....wasat...aaagh...."  If she was in a state to drive before, she sure as drek wasn't now, her eyes wide and darting around, the girl certainly looking like fear was about to supercede her resolve...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-25-15/2205:20>
Tuskaloosa toggled off the Medkit and scrambled to remove the offending device.

Wrong diagnosis dummy!  NO Paddles!  Bad Kit!  Bad!

Finally, she pulled it free.  Sensors twisted and wiggled like legs on a beetle tipped on its back, then stopped.



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-25-15/2214:35>
Screaming...

What...what?

I'd been in the 'trix playing games with the van's accessories when...something...

I blink my eyes and turn my blurry vision to see sparks flying from Arc and her screaming.  The troll is doing...something...

The world is a kaleidoscope and my head is spinning.  I try to turn myself but...something...

Why is it always something!?

Dancing lights are everywhere and the smell of scorched flesh assaults my nostrils.

The troll turned on us?  It's all my fault for not getting to my research on her!  And Arc is going to die because I failed!  Damn, damn, damn!

I ready a stunbolt but the attacker pulls away from the window before I can cast it.  It would kill me to cast it anyway, but maybe it might buy us time...

For what?  Marco and Yelena are taking a midnight swim right now.

Damn, damn, damn.  Think Subaru!

Arc is twitching and clearly is not doing well.  But between the two of us, she's the better in a fight.  Our survival...her survival...rests on my actions right now!

I reach out my hand to touch Arc's and do the only thing I can.  It's in her hands now.  Hopefully she'll survive my failure...

[spoiler]Heal Spell on Arc (accounting for -2 due to damage): 9d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/347229): 4 [9d6t5=2, 6, 2, 6, 6, 3, 2, 6, 2]
soak drain for casting heal on Arc: 11d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/347230): 6 [11d6t5=2, 6, 4, 6, 5, 1, 6, 5, 1, 6, 1][/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-25-15/2341:32>
To Arc, the ordeal of the electrical burns and the pain through her chest compounding with her (likely) cracked ribs was nothing short of a living hell.  Or dying, she wasn't sure how she would describe it later.  Either way, she could feel her heartbeat gaining a severely irregularity as she gasped for air, feeling herself unable to move.  This is is..this is how I"m going down..my own fragging carelessness.  Damn...screw it all, I ain't joinin' the ancestors with blood on my hands!

She could see her vision narrowing as if going into a tunnel before something pulled her back to reality.  She felt a warming sensation coming over her arm, as if some foreign energy was bouncing off of it before it connected with her flesh.  Her vision cleared and with a gasp, the mechanic's breathing steadied along with her heartbeat.  The rigger's eyes came into focus as she looked down at the hand of the decker touching her cyberarm, the energy coming from her.  And with a look down at herself, her left hand gingerly came up to touch at her ribs, feeling a few of them set as the scorch marks receded, leaving only a few burnt holes in her shirt fraying at the fabric.

"Wha...holy drek..." she said finally, taking a few heavy, but steady, breaths as she looked at the troll first.  "That was close...but like I said, I'm fine.  We need aid.  What's the status on our chummers?"  Turning back to Firefly, Arc's gaze softened for a bit, her thanks expressed as best as the short human's features could manage, but then she hardened a bit as she grabbed her hand gently, easing it to her side.  "Easy there, omae.  Just stay steady, we gonna get you some help."  She tried not to draw attention to the hunk of metal sticking into the girl's chest, but the presence of the myriad of drug entry points, the open medkit next to her, and the bound compressor cloth would speak for themselves.

Glancing back at Tuskaloosa, Arc grit her teeth as she wiped some blood from her head.  Yep, still hurting..  "I can't move us unless we do sumsomthin' fast.  If our chummers be busy, I gotta get her someplace quick.  I know a place that can help patch up, but we still gotta move for that, ya feel me?"

[spoiler]Thanks to Subaru's actions, Arc's condition bar is now at 9/12[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-26-15/0221:23>
I've killed her.  She was too ornery for a car crash, but my incompetence is plenty.
I've killed--

"Wha...holy drek.." Arc wheezed.

She's not dead?  ...How?
She caught sight of the decker's sickly pale hand on Arc's cybered forearm.
Nanotech? Not a chance.  Mojo of some sort then.

Not that the how mattered.  Arc was still kicking.

The troll sagged against the car in relief, then froze before carefully taking her weight back.  The pair were both conscious, but just barely...and Firefly was in no shape for bouncing shocks.

"That was close...but like I said, I'm fine."
Right--and I'm a midget Pygmy.
"We need aid," Arc continued.  "What's the status on our chummers?"

Tuskaloosa shook her helmeted head.  "Yelena was in place and I left Marco as her backup.  Without the Flyspies, your guess is as good as mine--I just know the van took a dive."

Arc muttered something quietly in her passenger's direction, then gritted her teeth as she turned back. "I can't move us unless we do sumsomthin' fast.  If our chummers be busy, I gotta get her someplace quick.  I know a place that can help patch up, but we still gotta move for that, ya feel me?"

"Roger that boss.  What's your medkit say?"
Arc grimmaced.  "Leave the 'foreign body' in the wound.  But we can't leave her attached to the drekkin door..."
"Then I cut the chunk free and secure it.  The door won't complain."
"Damn straight it won't.  I just popped the trunk--there's tools."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-26-15/1334:17>
The ganger carrying the mage wasn't about to give up his target without a fight anda heavily cybered arms reached out to grab Yelena and rip one of her tentacls off [spoiler](https://rolz.org/embed?X5901627) (https://rolz.org/info?X5901627)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-26-15/1401:03>
Yelena uses her superior ability in the water to push against the ganger.  His cybered grip is no real match for the slipperiness of the octopus tentacles. 

[spoiler]Dodge:  Dodge w/ Edge (http://orokos.com/roll/347396): 12d6t5 4  Use edge to reroll misses:  Edge reroll misses (http://orokos.com/roll/347397): 8d6t5 3  7 hits to dodge  [/spoiler]

Yelena smiles internally as she squirts her ink and jets away from the ganger who is obviously hindered by his human limitations. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-28-15/1506:28>
"It wasn't the troll, you idiot.  There was another decker eating your lunch while you were off playing with car toys..."

Huh?  Decker?

"Yes, decker.  Baka!  If you don't believe me, here!"

From out of nowhere, AR superimposed over my vision and the logs of the last moments of the Americar's intact life flashed before my eyes.  I quickly absorbed the evidence.

"The Jade Dragons have a decker!" I cried aloud as I gathered the import of what I was seeing.  The words were immediately followed by a hacking cough accompanied by sharp pain in my right ride.  Something drooled out of my mouth.  I couldn't seem to move my right hand up so with my left I wiped my lips.  My hand withdrew and I could see red froth on my fingers.

Blood?

"According to the car, the airbags deployed when we impacted and the structural integrity of the passenger side was compromised.  There's a wireless medkit trying to save your life right now and I'm streaming its data now.  I'd say you've been impaled by your door."

That explains the blood, pain, and why my right side won't work.

"Reasonable deduction."

Was there a head injury?

"Not according to the medkit, but it's focused on your torso so there's no telling for sure."

So either a head injury and/or blood loss explains the fact I'm having a conversation with my deck?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-29-15/1306:30>
@ Yelena  Tendrils of shadow beckon Yelena forward, deeper into the Sound and she feels the mage begin to struggle weakly, and then suddenly she struggles hard against Yelena's hold, clearly in a panic. Yelena feels her thigh grabbed and suddenly excruciating pain courses through her body from that point. Around her the water is suddenly bubbling in odd streams with an odd popping noise. And then it literally hits her, bullets aimed at her! This is what they look and sound like under water! Yelena feels the mage stop struggling in her arms and the water suddenly tastes funny. A bit like iron.

@ Marco  The new glasses are magnificent. The level of magnification is excellent. He has much better vision as a bird of course, but still, this is a good compromise. The gangers coming up from the van are all face down. And the Jade Dragons on bike and in vans are accounted for. They are far more worried about the accident than about any other threat. Suddenly, a ganger pops up from the water, arm raised in a furious wave. His lips move, but Marco can not tell what he's saying from this distance. Some of his teammates don't seem to have the same trouble as Marco sees guns suddenly brought to bear aimed at the water and Yelena!

[spoiler](https://rolz.org/embed?X5965751) (https://rolz.org/info?X5965751)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X5965797) (https://rolz.org/info?X5965797)
   Death Touch at 4 net hits. Resisted with Willpower.
(https://rolz.org/embed?X5965804) (https://rolz.org/info?X5965804)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X5966126) (https://rolz.org/info?X5966126)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X5966141) (https://rolz.org/info?X5966141)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X5966165) (https://rolz.org/info?X5966165)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X5966167) (https://rolz.org/info?X5966167)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X5966170) (https://rolz.org/info?X5966170)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X5966176) (https://rolz.org/info?X5966176)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X5966180) (https://rolz.org/info?X5966180)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X5966180) (https://rolz.org/info?X5966180)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X5966182) (https://rolz.org/info?X5966182)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X5966184) (https://rolz.org/info?X5966184)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X5966484) (https://rolz.org/info?X5966484)  [/spoiler]

@ Subaru & Arc & Tuskaloosa  "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" The words come out of nowhere.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-29-15/1404:09>
I watch the gangers amass on the bridge, their guns drawn and they seem to be watching the water. I know that they do not deserve my love but my love is the only thing that can provide some cover for Yelena. My love is infectious, distracting and difficult to resist. I channel all my emotions at the guards that stand on the bridge putting my whole heart into the task. Emotions and passion, I watch them  with curiosity - trying to understand exactly how they are going to react. These men are probobly super aroused right now, and pulling the trigger seems the last thing in their mind.

That kind of passion is difficult to manipulate and I can feel that it takes part of my health with it. I am definately slinging more than is healthy for me. I feel the pain but it is intoxicating. My nose begins to bleed and the sensation of blood only makes my passion stronger. If they weren't trying to kill us, I'd fuck all of them in a majestic orgy.

[spoiler]
Marco will cast at Force 8 (ouch!) and will use edge to reroll.
Oppium Den + edge (http://orokos.com/roll/347874): 16d6t5 5
Oppium Den + edge  (reroll faliures) (http://orokos.com/roll/347875): 11d6t5 2
Drain resistance:
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/347879): 11d6t5 5
The magnificant Marco pulls that off with two physical damage. 7 hits on oppium Den)

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-29-15/1428:28>
"Nothing ventured, Nothing gained..."

What is that supposed to mean? I ask my suddenly talkative deck.

"I have no idea.  It didn't come from me!"

Once again I try to make my eyes work, but the world is still blurry.  I look toward Arc and hope she's more in touch with the meat world than I am...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-30-15/1012:26>
As the two work out how to free the helpless decker from the confines of the car door, Arc only gave a bit of a wince and a nod to the troll.  "I've popped the trunk.  Go for it, be gentle..."

As the troll was grabbing a cutting tool from the Americar, Firefly made her exclamation, the sound reverberating on the mechanic's ears before she could process what she heard.  The head blow must look ugly as drek.  Well, been through worse...  "Ahhh, frag it, the figures...wasn't planning for that.  Drek all...they did us pretty good.  I'll keep low in case he finna work us again...oh drek, the drones.."

Using her focus, she tried to call the remaining fly spies to attention, trying to get a fix on their signal and take control, sending one back to her whIle the other went back to the bridge, flying high under the cover of night.  It was at this point that a foreign voice announced its presence, snapping her back to reality.

"Huh?  Whoozat?  Show yself, fragger!"  with gritted teeth against the pain, the girl pulled herself forward, just enough to reach her cyber hand behind her back to her pistol, ready to defend herself...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-30-15/1200:59>
@ Marco & Yelena  The mage struggles to free herself, trying to use the pain of her touch to get Yelena to let go. Above the water on the bridge the gangers are a mass of confusion as Marco's spell hits them. The intense passions of the moment as they see their comrades coming up from the depths and the intense passions of the spell combine in odd effects on the gangers below. Marco watches as some begin passionately having sex right there on the road. A few jump over the bridge railing, perhaps trying desperately and lovingly to save their comrades. A few fights break out between gangers as they fight over the same person. The very few who manage to resist the spell have their hands more than full trying to bring order back to the chaos that is their fellow teammates. One thing is certain, the trid is going to have one hell of a news story tonight.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-30-15/1214:38>
@ Arc, Tuskaloosa & Subaru  An odd giggle comes from the alleyway, "Showing yourself got you shown up." and then from behind the car, "Did your venture gain?" the giggle continues. The flyspies mercifully are far less cryptic responding to Arc's commands smoothly. Arc's vision is suddenly filled with the sight of her beloved Americar. Ouch! Fragged proper! I will certainly owe that decker one.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <11-30-15/1536:03>
Marco thinks at his Daemon and then toward Yelena, "Are you alright? can you subdue the mage? There is a nearby beach where the guards do not have line of sight to us, a little bit to the north... lets meet there."  With that he waits for a conformation before sneaking away from his post toward a the further point in the beach. Marco summons the bike to that point as well.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-30-15/1552:49>
More voices.  Just what I need, even more voices...

"Hey!"

I ignore the voice from the back of my head in favor of the one I think is coming from my ears.  I'm still disoriented enough that I can't tell for sure what is real and what isn't, but watching Arc respond to the latest voice contributes to my confidence that it is real and not my imagination.   I'm pretty useless right now with a door in my chest, but there's one thing I can do that none of the others can.

I leave my body behind and slip out of my carcass to have a look around me in astral space.  I'm still in poor shape like this due to my blood loss, but at least I don't feel the pain and I can move.  Maybe I might be able to see what the heck else wants to taunt me when I'm down...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <11-30-15/1744:35>
The sight of the car almost seemed to hurt Arc worse than the impact itself.  Inside she was torn...this was her first real possession among the Howlers, the first thing she could call rightfully hers.  She knew that if this team were to continue she would need a bigger ride, but there is the emotional bond between a car and driver to consider, right?

Either way, she can't think on that now, as she has more pressing matters to deal with.  The other drone was approaching the bridge, and the sight she got to bear witness to, no matter how strange it was, confirmed that the van went in the drink.  At least that went right...

"I don't know what ya here for, but if wanted to finish us off, ya would done so already.  So out with it, what you want with us?"  Arc could not see the owner of the voice, and could only hope that Tuskaloosa was looking.  "...venture was with gain.  At least I hope.  What's it to you?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <11-30-15/2103:15>
     Tuskaloosa reached the trunk in a heartbeat, and lifted the lid eager to find what she needed to sever Firefly's chunk of debris from the rest of the door.

     Her heart sank as she looked at the array of proper tools...all human sized.  They looked like a child's First Tool set.
     She grabbed a crowbar and reciprocating saw anyway, along with duct tape and a glue gun.

     The Americar had been reflected off the wall;  it wasn't much, but there was a gap wide enough for a small troll.  Firefly's window was still there, but only thanks to the safety glass; the window was a jigsaw wall.  Tuskaloosa carefully wedged her survival knife along the sides and top of the frame, then peeled it back.

     The decker was still conscious, but was yelling about the Jade Dragon decker.  The troll added head trauma to the list of the girl's injuries, but let the obvious (and late) discovery slide as she did her best to examine the tortured door's inner side.

     “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

     Quickly she looked up: she could see no one.  Just peachy...
     “Show yself, fragger!” Arc growled.
     At least I'm not the only one who heard that...
     “Showing yourself got you shown up.  Did your venture gain?”  The voice moved from alley to the rear  of the car, giggling.
     Still nothing.  Great, the troll thought, first Nicolai and now this.

    Like Nicolai, if their chatty observer wanted them, they'd be dead already.  She turned her focus back to  the task before her.
    Arc echoed her thoughts: “I don't know what ya here for, but if wanted to finish us off, ya would done so already.  So out with it, what you want with us?...venture was with gain.  At least I hope.  What's it to you?”
    No doubt about that, she thought to herself.  We gained quite the adventure.  Now if we could only lose the car door in Firefly's chest without killing her...

     The decker slumped.

     Was it worse than I thought?  “Fi--”
     Arc hissed at her, then shook her head slightly: no names.
     “But--”
     The human looked down at the quiet Medkit.
     Right—if she was flat-lining, the kit would be screaming about it.  So, she dimmed the lights...Heckofa time to leave home, though!
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <11-30-15/2140:29>
@ Arc, Tuskaloosa & Subaru A skinny halfer popped out of the alley. Dressed in a motley collection of rags he was practically cavorting around the Americar. "Know enough, know enough. Little tools aren't trolls stuff."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-30-15/2314:53>
Yelena feels the mage squirm and a jolt of pain courses through her body.  The shadow Yelena has wrapped around herself protects the octopus body from taking any damage. 

[spoiler]Resist Death Touch:  Resist Death Touch w/ edge (http://orokos.com/roll/348548): 6d6t5 4[/spoiler]

She squeezes with the four arms already wrapped around the other woman to try to dissuade her from repeating that sort of spell.  Even slowed by the weight of the mage, Yelena makes good speed, using the current to aid her escape.  Her immediate goal is to put as much distance between her and the bridge as possible in a few seconds.  The mage will die if left too long exposed to the water and not able to breathe.  Yelena almost feels sorry for the woman, who must be panicking.  She thinks a note to the demon and Marco.  **Marco.  Yelena have mage.  Not fragging know where north is.  Swim with current to leave bridge.  Yelena get near shore so surface.  Mage and Yelena need dry clothes.  Marco come find?**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-01-15/0134:04>
Marco thinks at Yelena "Just get up somewhere we are mentally connected and I have no problem in following. Not at the bridge as too many bad guys are there and I am not sure how long they'd stay under my spell or if all of them are actually under my spell." He passes Yelena a mental image of the orgy. Grinning to himself and sneaking toward the bike. It is not very difficult to sneak passed the gangers while they are so distracted but Marco makes his best effort to do so anyhow. Once on the bike he orders it to rendezvous with Yelena.
[spoiler]
Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/348410): 9d6t5 3
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <12-01-15/0609:57>
Terriffic Tuskaloosa thinks.  And when I left my waldo arms in my other pants, too. 
She will grumble:  "if it isn't "little tools", then what are trolls made of?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-01-15/1009:05>
@ Arc, Subaru & Tuskaloosa  A burst of mad giggles comes from the halfer who is spinning crazily in a mad wobble, looking for all the world like a top almost at the end of it's upright motion. "Horns and tusks and undeniable musk. Tempers that hamper and are party dampers. Large hands and large feet and dying crew on this street." That last painful reminder is followed with a laugh as the halfer jumps up high onto a street lamp. He hangs onto the post as his forward momentum brings him around until once again he's facing Tusk and now looking at her almost at eye level. The crazy glint in his eye becomes almost frenzied. "My crews not dying, my crews not dead. Fifteen hundred cred we keep your car and get you a bed."

@ Yelena & Marco  The body of the octopus is perfect for this mission, even towing the mage Yelena feels herself glide in powerful thrusts through the water. She gets as far as she can up onto the beach, her body only partially submerged with the waves and uses several of her arms to bring the mage up and roll her onto her back. Her vision is not made for sight in this medium so she can't see the mages color. But, she can see that their target isn't moving and is completely unresistant to any of Yelena's actions. There isn't any gasp for breath or cough or struggle to reach the beach as the icy waters continue to wash over her with each roll of the tide.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-01-15/1017:15>
Yelena may not be quite able to see as well, but she does know first aid.  She takes one of her tentacles and wraps it around the legs of the mage and another around an arm before using a third to begin to gently compress the woman's chest in an effort to get her to cough up the water and to start breathing.  **Marco.  Is Yelena.  On beach.  Woman not breathing.  Yelena trying first aid.  Hurry to me with clothes and healing mojo.**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-01-15/1100:27>
The mage was wet blue and unbreathing and Marco hurried to meet Yelena, he run toward her with warm blankets and the bike and immediately deployed the first aid kit and tried to stabilize the mage.  It only took a thought to release Yelena from her octopus body and kill the mind link and the daemon vanished as quickly as Marco allowed him too. Not commenting on their daring escape.

Marco was very happy that the medic kit instructions were clear and understandable, they made taking care of the unconscious mage a reasonable task. Still the sight and touch of a woman at the brink of death and the knowledge that other might have died in that car crush pains Marco and he can almost sense the mage weak aura as she cling in to life. Fortunately, the medic kit seems to be doing a good job and it does not take long before the mage is stabilized.
[spoiler]
Medic kit on automatic (http://orokos.com/roll/348649): 12d6t5 4

12d6t5: 4 [12d6t5=6, 1, 4, 5, 3, 1, 1, 5, 2, 5, 2, 4]


Taking 2 dice because the mage is awakened and two dice because of the conditions (gosh so complex) we still seem to be on the green because we only lose one success.

So the mage should be stabilized.
If it is needed Marco will also use healing:
Heal Spell (http://orokos.com/roll/348650): 10d6t5 3
Drain heal (http://orokos.com/roll/348660): 11d6t5 6
[/spoiler]

“Quick! help me strip her and search for other injuries” say Marco as he removes the wet clothes from the mage and cover her with blankets. If the two discover other injuries, Marco will use the medic kit again and the heal spell to mitigate their effects, but at the meanwhile having the unconscious and naked woman before them seems very appropriate. While the woman is fully encapsulated with clothes Marco uses the shape change in order to make her the cutest soggy cat he could imagine, he embraces the cat/mage and joins Yelena on the bike. He thinks to himself - "I made a lady disappear... just like in magic shows."
[spoiler]
Shape Change (http://orokos.com/roll/348654): 10d6t5 4[/b
Drain shape change (http://orokos.com/roll/348661): 11d6t5 2
]
[/spoiler]
Before moving along, Marco tells Yelena “Arc and Firefly had an accident we should see how they are doing... I'll let you do the texting because of that comlink in your head, lets see if they need us. You drive and I will snuggle with the cat."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-01-15/1142:32>
Arc got confused for a second.  My head must have gotten knocked worse than I thought...coulda sworn that was a girl's voice  Wincing a little, she eyed the halfer as he cavorted about, making his offer in that singsong voice of his.  Gritting her teeth, her right hand still gripped the pistol, but kept it lowered...the threat wasn't gone, but it wasn't in their faces either.

"nnh...wait, so you's wants a K'n'5 and my ride for refuge, that it?  Frag, what you take me for, huh? You gonna ice us if I refuse, that it?"  Arc glanced back at Firefly, who looked to be zoning out...probably for the best...and then to Tuskaloosa, who was about ready to cut their decker loose.  Biting her lip, she hoped that Marco and Yelena were handling things, and that they would get the message she was about to send.

@Team: Hoi, guys.  Car's beat up pretty bad, and I'm pretty sure I look fragged up too.  Firefly needs care, Tuska's finna cut her loose from the door in her chest.  Got a halfer willing to barter a safehole for the night.  What's your status?"

Turning back to the halfer, she narrowed her gaze.  "This ride's worth quite a beat even in this state, oma-e.  Nnh....make it 1K, get some care for my chummer next to me, and refuge for the three others we's gots coming, and we got a deal.  Take it or leave it, I know this ride like the back of my hand and could kip out anytime..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <12-01-15/1637:49>
     Tuskaloosa listened to Arc negoitate.  She understood sentimentality to a vehicle, but not to a assembly-line job like an Americar.

     She also couldn't understand what the dwarf and his unseen “crew” would want with the thing anyway...why negotiate for a dented can, when there were perfectly good...
   
     “Boss, boss,”  she soothed as an idea came to her.  “They want your car, right?”  She turns to the dwarf.  “What if she had more than one...like a repossessed Jade Dragon chase car?  Would you take that instead?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-01-15/2334:45>
Yelena's octopus eyes see the blurry form of Marco as he runs up to them but she keeps pressing and releasing on the woman's chest until he has the medkit attached and working.  Suddenly, her tentacles retract and her body convulses as she changes back to her Keeb form, falling on her side because her real arms are out of position to support her.  "Frag, Marco.  Warn Yelena next time."  She Moves over to the mage and pushes Marco out of the way.  "Marco all wrong.  Attach like that and fry mage.  Get mage clothes off." 

Yelena makes sure that the kit is working then takes a towel to dry off and get dressed before assisting Marco with the mage.  Besides some bumps and bruises, there does not seem to be any real damage, although she will probably wonder at the sucker marks that dot her exposed skin.  She  unplugs the medkit and watches as Marco changes the woman into a cat.  He puts it against his chest as they make their way to the bike.  She receives the short message from Arc as she kicks the engine on and sends a reply while waiting for Marco to climb on with the cat.  >>Arc.  Is Yelena.  Out of water.  Have mage woman.  She is hurt.  Stable.  We come Arc location?<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-02-15/0941:32>
Arc wasn't entirely sure how to respond to Tuska's suggestion, but any experience she has had on working in a team, one lesson struck clear in her mind, even now: never argue with your team when a deal is being made.  At least, not openly.  The idea of swapping a payment of their cred for an ill-gotten gain did seem mutually beneficial, and if it meant their safety, she would readily sacrifice her c as r for it, but there was one issue of that needing resolved.  Luckily for the rigger, there was a Fly Spy over the bridge ready to observe if one of the chase cars was indeed abandoned...

@Tuskaloosa: that's some serious he there omae.   Where we getting this car anyhow?

Thank the wonders of tech for allowing her to mentally communic as text with the troll as she eyed the halfway for his response.  Meanwhile, shortly afterward, Arc received Yelema'so message, relieved to hear they had been successful in the extraction.

@Yelena: bona wiz, Srui.  Sending my coords...I think.  Feel free to approach, but do so steady.  This half knows about three more peeps, but don't wanna spook em, ya feel me?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-02-15/0948:06>
Yelena nods to herself then looks over her shoulder to make sure that Marco is ready before moving off.  She drives slowly, using her Keeb vision instead of headlights until the bike is well away from the rocky beach.  >>Srui.  Yelena come.  Marco come.  Mage woman is cat for now.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-03-15/0938:59>
@ Marco & Yelena  The moons light is mostly enough for Yelena, and thank the great dragons for grid-guide and auto-pilot or she'd have been in trouble in a few spots. Still, it isn't a long stretch that they need to run silent on and then she can open 'er up and turn on the lights finally silencing that damn dinging from a safety monitor that keeps insisting that the lights be turned on. Emergency response crews zip by them as well as news trucks.

@ Arc, Subaru & Tuskaloosa  The halfer looks at Tuskaloosa and that maniacal giggle rings out. "In for a penny. In for a pound. A car that pricey I'll buy the first round." He jumps and lands in front of Tusks and his hand is in hers in an instant. He pumps her hand with his and says in a hard and serious voice. "Bargain struck." He whistles and suddenly out of seeming nowhere five bodies appear with tools Arc would have to be senile not to recognize, and she'd probably lose her own name before she lost her knowledge of tools. They're the tools of professional choppers. In under five minutes Subaru is gently and easily cut free from the door. The Americar is in parts and the locator is disabled. Another whistle and a Hoyer bed appears, the parts loaded onto it as smoothly as if they were still on a factory assembly line. In the meantime following Arc's command the flyspies zip off to the bridge and are there in a few minutes showing Arc the mayhem that Marco induced. Naked gangers in various positions of ?pleasure??? well, takes all kinds. and precious few others in the gang trying to bring order to the chaos. She spots Marco sneaking off, although given the activities on the bridge he could have strolled past playing a set of conga drums and still been unnoticed.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-03-15/1021:21>
Yelena slows for the emergency vehicles, not wishing to be noticed for breaking the law.  She follows the lights and sirens to the bridge, homing in on Arc's GPS signal.  >>Arc.  Is Yelena.  On road.  Many emergency cars headed your way.  Yelena try get to car, but maybe not allowed.  What happening at car?<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-03-15/1139:16>
Arc was actually very surprised at the speed and professionalism the team of choppers had in cutting up her car.  She still felt a twinge of loss from seeing her beloved car going to rest, but knows in the back of her head that it is for the best.  If the Dragons did get a lock on her car, then keeping it would endanger all of them and those around her...not good.

The mechanic barely realized that she had been helped out if the car, standing off to the side next to Tuskaloosa opposite Firefly, the troll seeming to take it upon herself to prop up the two crash victims.  She tried to move, wincing a bit and holding her head and sides in frustration from her hurts.  She let the halfers do their work, wondering if she knew their work...mechanics and choppers have a rather diametrically opposed relationship, but still, it's the same field.  Turning to the trolless,  she muttered out.  "Tall price to pay...how we getting that car to them, huh? Check the feeds, they ain't entirely abandoned, word...huh, Yelena'a on the horn..."  gritting her teeth, the human sent a reply quick.

@Yelena: Car's gone.  No trace.  Lock to my comm in case we move.  Choppers giving us refuge, they know you're coming, null sweat.  Tell Marco Firefly will need some mojo  for some trauma.  You'll see when you see us
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-03-15/1708:00>
Marco hugged the cat, with one hand and Yelena with the other. He feared what will happen when the mage wakes up, if she is as good as his daemon claimed then they should be delivering the package asap. Two spells sustained in his mind and watching the road took their toll. Nothing could prepare Marco to the sight Arc seemed beaten up, still a bit bleedy with multiple cuts and bruises and Firefly... she had a door stuck into her chest, freed from the car but completely unresponsive. Firefly was just laying there in the car, slowly bleeding to death. The sight was so  disturbing that Marco completely ignored the halfer mechanics that took the poor Ford apart. "Oh no..." Cried Marco, "We arrived too late." He added and rushed toward Firefly. He asked Tuska "Is she still breathing?... is there still hope? What happened here?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-03-15/1736:45>
A skinny halfer is rolling a bed up to Firefly within minutes of Marco & Yelena's arrival and looking at Tusks he says, "I'm Alyce. You can put 'er 'ere. Slot fer the R6 right 'ere. We got another bed iffn yer wants it."  he says looking at Arc.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <12-03-15/1742:25>
It all happened so fast.
One minute, she was giving Arc a suggestion, and the next she had a dwarf shaking her hand.
To say nothing of the minute that followed and the miniature termite brigade...

The good news was that the dwarf and his merry band were as good as his word: they extracted Firefly safely.

Arc reminded her of the bad news.
"Tall price to pay...how we getting that car to them, huh? Check the feeds, they ain't entirely abandoned, word.."

The troll let out a sigh.  Well, this is another fine mess I've gotten myself--no, make that us--into.

She checked the feeds as Arc instructed.  The bridge site was still chaotic, but it would not stay that way for much longer.

Tuskaloosa turned to the chopper's front man.  "Would a couple of your crew be willing to give me a hand with the wireless lockouts and tracking locators, or would that cost extra?"
Arc gave her a look.  "you've got a plan?"
"If walk up, forge drive rights, drive away one and order the other to follow me is a plan..."
"Wait, two cars now?  What happened to one?"
"They can't pursue with the other one if they don't have it,  right?  Besides",  she added, quietly serious, "I'm feeling greedy right about now."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-04-15/0226:12>
Yelena pulls up to where Arc is standing and parks the bike.  Going to her friend, she looks her over and then goes to Firefly.  She shakes her head.  "Medkits already used.  Maybe Marco can mojo some health?"  She looks over at Arc.  "Yelena expect long story later.  Need get inside.  Others looking for mage woman cat.  Choppers have place?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-04-15/0414:46>
Marco recieved no replay and was about to channel his mojo when he noticed that Firefly breathes. Careful observation showed signs of medkit and she appeared to be stable . "Lucky I did not heal her right now with all these spells focusing on my concentration". Allowing his mind to relax Marco overhears the conversation between Tuska and Arc.

Quote
Tuskaloosa turned to the chopper's front man. "Would a couple of your crew be willing to give me a hand with the wireless lockouts and tracking locators, or would that cost extra?"
Arc gave her a look.  "you've got a plan?"
"If walk up, forge drive rights, drive away one and order the other to follow me is a plan..."
"Wait, two cars now?  What happened to one?"
"They can't pursue with the other one if they don't have it,  right?  Besides",  she added, quietly serious, "I'm feeling greedy right about now."

He asked "Are you talking about stealing another car? Time is of the essence because I am supporting a lot of mojo and cannot properly heal Firefly like this. I can probobly still provide a bit of invisibility, or perhaps an illusion that the car is still there. Tough firefly is in such a bed shape that I wont even try ro heal her until I can drop my spells and completely focus on the task. There are no second chances - so she is best served if I can give her my full attention. "

Marco finds the idea fo stealing cars while Arc and Firefly are wounded a bit awkward but he already sees Tuska is a fearless shadowrunner, keeping her cool and speaking of profit at a time like that seems to make sense to her first impression. As for himself, Marco feels as if he needs all his composure to just keep it together. Things seem to be bad and have the potential to become a lot worse and Marco just wants to get it over with.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-04-15/0752:30>
Arc blinks a few times as everything goes down, the appearance of Alyce with the beds and the arrival of the rest of their team happening quickly for her.  She gave a thankful nod to the halfer,  placing the med kit in the mentioned slot as Tuakaloosa spoke.

But before thst, Marco and Yelena start talking.  She shakes her head a bit at the man's lamentations, and then nods at the other'a reminder of urgency.  "Yeah.  She is stable, Marco, null sweat there.  We need to get that piece outta her though, was hoping your mojo  was good for that.  These guys agreed to hole us up in safety in exchange for my car..and one of the Dragons' cars too, apparently"

She shot Tuska a look, a slight grin flitting on her features.  "Agree though, whatever we gonna do we gotta do fast.  And if we are stealin both, then it looks like I'm going with ya...nnnh, frag it all..."  Arc interrupted herself as she tried to move too quickly, a hand shooting to her side where a rib cracked, the girl coughing and spitting out some blood to the side.  She looked like hell.

"Either way, we got what we need.  I'll send for the exchange coords,  and we can make the switch when ready.  Less people with me on the switch the better, ya feel me?" trying to keep her focus, the mechanic pulled up her messenger and starting composing.

<<@NineLives: I have an order for a cheese pizza with extra sauce, hold the mayo.  Where you want it?>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-04-15/1005:46>
Yelena may not speak English very well, but she understands it just fine.  She looks back and forth between Tuskaloosa and Arc then says, "Need new car.  Maybe choppers change from Dragon to Arc?  Srui not going.  Dragon cars probably rigger control."  She glances to Firefly then adds. "Decker girl out.  Need direct jack for cars.  What want Yelena do?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-04-15/1050:56>
So it appears as if my brave comrads have decided to practice a grand theft auto.  However, after I pulled the orgy stunt on the triads - I honestly just want to find some rock and crawl under it until I cool off.  After all, they were not far from getting us killed.  If we are going to do so... we need some mojo on our side but I am booked with sustaining spells and Firefly is well - *half dead* I need some daemonic help to pull that off.

It only take a certain moment for my desires to search the astral or the underworld and find me a willing (but grumpy) daemonic servent. I could never explain why I have this kind of influence over daemons - but I have it even without understanding it.
[spoiler]
Marco is sustaining 2 spells so he is at -4 to all operations:
Summon Spirit of man (6) (http://orokos.com/roll/349430): 8d6t5 5
spirit defense (http://orokos.com/roll/349431): 6d6t5 1
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/349432): 11d6t5 4
4 services gained.
[/spoiler]

"First service my red friend is to heal Firefly" I tell the daemon and watch as it perform its work. When I made that order I put great intention to it and I can feel that my own essence is blended with that of the daemon as he efficiently but not very astetically returns colors to the mage.
[spoiler]
Marco channels his own edge into the healing process... to reroll faliures
Heal Spell (http://orokos.com/roll/349272): 16d6t5 4
Heal Spell reroll (http://orokos.com/roll/349273): 12d6t5 3
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-04-15/1247:42>
Alyce looks to your contact who dances gleefully at Arc's question. "Pea's porridge hot. Pea's porridge cold. Chesh fuck's the locks and we get the gold." He looks over at a third member of the crew who suddenly looks frightened. "Damn you Hatter, They better be good fer the front men on this or they ain't enough gold in all Dunklezahn's 'orde fer ter make up few what the Dragon's 'ill do ter us iffen they get word we 'ad any part in this." she pauses and the wire's all over her head that have replaced her hair shift and a hard look comes over her face, "Still, we owe 'em fer Mouse an it's 'igh time they started payin'. Yer know I'm in."

The daemon shifts over Firefly's form and the claws on it's fingers and toes elongate. It lightly grazes them over her skin and suddenly Firefly watches a shiver run through her body. Again the daemons claws caress her, this time more deeply and an edge of pain joins the others along her ribs.The deamon rakes her with his claws and the red tracings of pure fire blossom in the path of his claws. The mana flowing along the planes of her pain. Her body jerks suddenly alive with pain the momentary respite it had gained from the medkit and the bed gone, to be replaced by pure agony. She watches from the astral and opens her mouth to scream in rage, and the daemon's mouth covers her own, it's tongue sliding past hers and down her throat in an obscene abomination of a kiss. Her flaccid body is helpless, unable even to jerk away or, struggle, and the daemon spasms with joy at her pain. She can see it entering her through every burning nerve ending and her body involuntarily spasms against it. And it rejoices at her struggles, it's hands coming around her ribs to pull her even harder against it as it impales her through every fiery tracing and the sensation rockets through her body. Subaru watches it's ecstasy at her agony, a living thing. The daemon's teeth begin tasting and biting tender flesh as it seeks to rack her body, gleefully gorging itself on her suffering. It launches the car door spinning away from her body. It's metal presence is clearly interfering with it's feeding. Flesh knits back together it clearly wants her alive so that it can continue to inflict it's own agony on her body.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-04-15/1840:49>
@ Arc  >>Pizza can be delivered to the warehouse on two blocks away on the Sidhe side. I've got a few guys I owe a good meal to.<< NineLives responds.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-04-15/1936:24>
I'd slipped out of my body into astral space to get a look at the dwarves.  I'd had a hunch, since proven wrong, that they might be magical in nature.  Nope, they were mundane as Arc, including the occasional cyber enhancement.  Once out, I'd realized it was kinda nice to not feel the pain of my near mortal injuries.  Looking at my body and the bare embers of life emanating from it, I could fully grasp just how tenuous was my hold on this plane.  Still, there was nothing I could do about it right now and I may as well skip what I could.

Existing entirely on the astral plane, I had no idea what was being said.  I watched the troll shake hands with the first dwarf, which must be a good sign, right?  After that, a swarm of dwarves got to work and the shadow of the Americar vanished before my eyes.  I floated along with everyone, keeping an eye on things as we made our way to a hideout.  Again, little for me to do since my body was a) being treated well and b) still had part of a door in it.

Then I caught sight of Marco's aura side by side with Yelena and holding a cat which, from my astral standpoint, clearly was NOT just your normal housecat.

So they were successful.  At least we accomplished the mission, whatever else might come of this.

Then, just as I started to relax, things went from improving to weird to...

...to...

...to...

No!!!

[spoiler]I'll let others react to my body before I continue.  No one, not even Marco, can see why my body is reacting the way it is.  Before Marco can stop the daemon, though, I will do something first...[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-04-15/2117:21>
As the car was cut up and they were being led away, Arc refused to take a seat on the bed, still obviously in discomfort from her injuries as she elected to walk through it.  I got us into this mess, I don't deserve no fraggin' special treatment, she thought to herself as Yelena told her she was in no state to help.  Pouting, she was about to retort when the halfers gave their approval to help with the retrieval.  Short of a white rabbit, the gang seemed to have their names all together as the human coughed again, trying to keep up as they talked about the plan.

"Nnh...fine, but I'm sitting out under protest.  Work with these peeps, they know what they do, do what you do.  Tuska, think you can take a car on remote operation...maybe show Yelena how to work it if she can't be there physically...meanwhile, if you ain't letting me along, I'll at least do something.."  As if on queue, the reply from Ninelives came in, giving her a location. 

"Okay, so there's my plan.  I'll need to be present to give our mark to our peeps, at the very least.  Marco, if you're gonna do something clever to squeeze some drek outta her, do it now, because we're on the clock.  Huu....the less people with me when I make the drop, the better actually..."

If there was any more the human was going to say, it was interrupted by the sound of metal shooting past them and clattering on the ground, turning their attention to the convulsing Firefly on the gurney, her chest now showing a not bleeding but VERY open wound on the right side of her chest.  Arc's eyes went wide at this as she lurched forward, immediately regretting the decision as she doubled over, feeling a hand pull her back to her feet.

"What the frag...no way, no way in drek I'm losing her, let me go!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-05-15/0416:30>
I feel ashamed seeing what the Daemon is doing to Firefly, it is nonsense and I know it.That spell is about the soul of a person - it does nothing to nonliving organic tissues. If I can cast it by placing a hand over someone then so can the Daemon... I think - he should be more intelligent than me and more knowledgeable in the field of magic. On the other hand... what the daemon is doing seems to be working.
...

I should have asked for her permission... Perhaps she could forgive my own healing. My healing only require a gentle stroke and the emotion of love. However, such an intrusive technique that has a strong motive of physical abuse? I should not have inflicted it upon her with so little consideration. I wronged her terribly - I understand it by now. 

It may be too late to stop - It only takes a mental order but if the Daemon stops now no amount of magic or mundane healing can ever heal these wounds. She might need this health as we are not safe yet. I feel lost and I reach toward the only thing that gives me refuge from my evil magic. I am a creature of words - I should talk more. I should have asked for her permission before, but I have never actually seen the Daemon heals. If I am on site I usually do so myself.

It only take a look, to reach out to Firefly where ever she is.  I’d dare not touch her. Not now after what I have done - but a look is enough for the mindlink spell. If Firefly even agrees to talk to me. I think at her, hoping desperately for a reply, feeling desperate and ashamed and lost. Perhaps I am nothing but a tool of evil even with the purest of intentions.

“Firefly... can you hear me? It is me Marco - that terrible rite is the beast's way of healing. I am the only one to blame for this and I can make him stop in a heartbeat but I am not sure what to do... If I stop the beast then it is impossible to heal you. You seem to be in very bad shape...“


drain (http://orokos.com/roll/349658): 11d6t5 4
Mindlink (http://orokos.com/roll/349657): 8d6t5 4
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-05-15/0920:17>
"Get away from me, creature of Hell!" I scream from the depths of my soul and let loose all I have to get the foul creature's attention.

[spoiler]Force 5 Stunbolt: 11d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/349577): 3 [11d6t5=4, 2, 1, 1, 6, 5, 1, 5, 4, 3, 4]
Resist Drain from Force 5 Stunbolt (F-3): 12d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/349579): 6 [12d6t5=6, 3, 2, 6, 5, 1, 6, 2, 1, 2, 6, 6][/spoiler]

Astral combat is not my strength.  My teachers had just begun to broach the subject with me when...things went bad.  Not that it matters.  I'd rather die than permit myself to be touched by that...thing!

As I watch the creature react to my initial assault, I feel the other mage reach out to my mind.  “Firefly... can you hear me? It is me Marco - that terrible rite is the beast's way of healing. I am the only one to blame for this and I can make him stop in a heartbeat but I am not sure what to do... If I stop the beast then it is impossible to heal you. You seem to be in very bad shape..."

"Don't you dare deny me my revenge, you bastard!" I snarl back with feral passion.  "My eternal soul is at stake!  I will banish this monster myself or die trying!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-05-15/1032:42>
Quote

"Don't you dare deny me my revenge, you bastard!" I snarl back with feral passion.  "My eternal soul is at stake!  I will banish this monster myself or die trying!"

My head is spinning from all the spell and from FireFly is talking about fighting a Daemon? If I myself had to fight one of these beasts I'd use a beast of my own. At her state the Daemon can just demolish her.

I cannot sense Firefly's spells - not initially, only in directly through the Daemon. For a moment, I fear that he'll just kill her but then I remember how summoning work. He has to finish his service, even at the cost of personal safety. He cannot die on this place no matter what Firefly does.
"FINISH YOUR SERVICE! If you are smart you will keep physical tough to the minimum necessary."

I use all my common sense including the stuff I learned from the digital grimoire and try to talk some sense into Firefly. I address her logic "Daemon from hell?! He is an astral form, native to the astral world. Not to Jahanam or any other relligeous concept.

Spirits appear in many shapes and forms. These are more related to their summoner values and perception of reality. Their true form is an astral form they are not physical creatures. They are intelligent creatures that are somehow connected to humanity.

This particular creature is completely powerless to protect himself from your crusade, he is bound by magic to heal you. You are abusing an innocent. If anyone is to burn for your ethernal soul strike me. I am the one who summoned him, and I am the one treated as a Daemon and an abomination all my life. Atleast, give him the benefit of a doubt that it is my mind who shaped his physical form."

Well these thoughts were Gabriel, the least superstitious of the priests that tried to train me and I must beleive him. Afterall, if I really summon daemons from hell - On a whim, without an effort.  What exactly am I? Am I really flesh and blood keeb? or something else entirely... could I be a master Daemon?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-05-15/1239:22>
Yelena steps forward as Arc stumbles, catching her friend and helping her back to her seat.  "Srui hurt.  Stay chair.  Yelena go."  She turns back to the girl and walks toward her.  "Marco, what happening?  Mojo saving or killing decker girl?"

After hearing that the girl is fighting against the demon trying to heal her, Yelena bends over to hold the young woman in place and whispers softly in her ear.  "Decker girl.  Yelena not know if hear.  Try listen Yelena.  Think of Allah.  Would God let loyal servant die from monster?  Try not fight it.  Pain only worse if fight.  Reach out to shadow to help.  Shadow will protect and guide you.  Decker girl need is great.  Just ask and be willing believe." 

She lifts her head a couple of inches and looks into the woman/s eyes, willing her shadow to surround her young friend and cloak her pain from her.  Without turning her head, she talks to Marco, saying, "What Marco doing?  Is fragging way heal someone.  Can make demon be gentle?  Trauma seems worse than cure."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-06-15/0043:06>
The manabolt sends the daemon spinning away for a moment. But it launches itself back at her. It's claws going deep into her  And Marco hears, You are to weak, you have always been weak. You can never embrace everything that I am and yet you seek to command me?. Pain proves she lives and gives her the strength to fight for her own healing. You doubt, but only because you are to weak to fully embrace everything that it means to live.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-06-15/1045:52>
When I had launched my bolt of pure mana I had expected just about anything...

...except to be totally ignored.  How dare...

Until now I had been pure.  Despite all that had happened in my life...all the temptations of youth and now the tribulations of being an orphan had never defiled me.  But now, to find myself made impure by such a creature.  To just stand and simply watch such a thing happen? 

Never!

"Get away from me, damn you!" I cry as I launch myself at the thing which touches my body with such terrible intimacy.  "In Allah's name I command thee to LEAVE...ME...BE!"

Logic no longer plays a part in my actions.  Reason is a distant memory.  Forgotten is the knowledge I could attempt to banish the creature.  Instead I launch myself at it with my bare astral hands...

[spoiler]I'm not even going to bother to roll.  My astral combat is 1 and I have no edge to use.  This is all RP at this point.  I'm totally at the deamon's...and therefore Smile's...mercy. 

Or lack thereof...  ;) [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-06-15/1139:49>
Yelena realizes she is not getting through to the decker as the convulsions do not stop.  She covers the girl's body to keep her from doing harm to herself and looks over at Marco.  "Yelena not know what happening.  Is mojo fail?  Not see heal mojo react like this.  Can Marco fix?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-06-15/1330:37>
The wounds are closing as Subaru launches herself at the daemon. But when her hands close around it's throat it jerks back. Her wounds are still marginally open, the oozing barely stopped. It turns and snarls at her, it's arm goes up, muscles rippling in a ferocious backhand when bands of fire suddenly bind it. It's bound by command to heal her and can not swing, unable to harm her even in the astral. It grins then, razor sharp teeth having all the charm and friendly intention of a shark and says, You have the will to fight, it is a survivors trait. You were worthy of the healing.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-06-15/1438:51>
Marco says: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions... objectively this is some high quality mojo - but I still feel as if I wronged her more than aided.” with a great sigh and a terrible almost physical grief Marco seats down defeated and strokes the cat. He tells Yelena

 “If you can handle my dark side I can order the daemon to use concealment and invisibility to make sure nobody sees you sneaking to the car, I have services for Tuska as well.  Once the car is moving it will be visible but until that point I can keep you hidden from sight - if you dare and risk my evil magic. I cannot imagine how these services can go wrong as they do not even require physical touch but I also could not anticipate anything going wrong with the healing spell.”

He sighs and try to keep his composure in his mind he hears a voice from his childhood. “Evil Daemon, you and your keen.” He is unaware of the context, these things were said to him repeatedly in the past. Not always spoken, sometimes they were just a look, a thought or a delicate emotion that his teachers and classmates were not skilled enough to hide.  Or perhaps it was insanity... Most awakened people ended up in insane asylums with all sort of mental illnesses. Very few ever got to overcome this insanity and actually channel magic.  At moments like that it is so tempting to let go and stop fighting. These voices no longer needed a mouth to speak them. This time they were coming from deep within his soul.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-06-15/1559:27>
Yelena looks at Marco and reaches out to touch his shoulder.  "Marco.  Is Yelena, remember.  Yelena more evil than Marco.  More evil than all Marco's demons.  Demon cannot hurt Yelena more that Yelena handle.  Yelena have shadow to protect.  Use demon mojo and make invisible.  Keep Dragons screwing and not notice cars gone until too late.  Marco and Yelena can do this."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-06-15/1615:47>
Marco tells Yelena"Don't worry I am not stopping my concentration, In fact I cannot do much with so much mojo on my mind this is why I asked for some Daemonic help. I am not stopping my focus until we are far from there but nothing lasts forever. So hurry up."

Marco will also ask Tuska if she likes some invisibility and if so will use a daemon service for invisibility for Tuska. We have enough services for two invisibility + concealment so this is what we can do.

[spoiler]
I'll probably only wake up once you are sleeping so the Daemon services are:
1. Invisibility for Yelena.
Invisibility Yelena (http://orokos.com/roll/349926): 12d6t5 5
2. Invisibility for Tuska (if she wants to sneak to the cars)
Invisibility Tuska(?) (http://orokos.com/roll/349928): 10d6t5 3
3. Concealment for 6 human sized targets (lets say that troll is 2 humans?) so Tuska Yelena Arc Firefly and Marco. If we are harder to spot it is less likely we draw attention to ourselves and for whomever is going to steal a car the concealment actively helps.

concealment reduces the perception tests by 6 dice, but once somebody manages to perceive you concealment does not work on that person again.

Good luck with stealing cars. ;)

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-06-15/1724:52>
"You bet I'll fight!" I declare as I stand protectively over my body in astral space. "Touch me again, demon, and you'll discover just how far I'm willing to go!"  I remain defiant in astral, my aura on fire with passion, refusing to give an inch to the profane creature.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-07-15/0921:42>
To Arc, the situation could not have been more frustrating.  Firefly was in obvious need of help, and the short little human was too banged up to be of use.  All my fault.  Frag all, she kept repeating herself as Helena sat her down on one of the gurneys, her body too tired to resist.

So she could only watch as Marco and Yelena huddled around the writhing decker, the man clearly looking upset while the Russian hugged her, the invisible aura of shadow covering the young girl.

Holding her side, Arc turned to the only person that wasn't focused on the decker at the moment...Tuskaloosa.  Gritting her teeth, the human took a light breath before muttering up to her.  "...I'm sorry.  I really fragged thus up, and now it seems I'm no good to anyone right now.. how can a slitch help?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-07-15/1239:58>
@ Subaru  The daemon's mouth opens and it's impossibly long tongue slides out. In an instant it coils around Subaru's form, not touching her, but completely surrounding her in a quick spiraling motion. Subaru feels the mana pulse around her. In an instant its tongue is back in it's body. Your kind often deny the discipline of pain. Weak, pathetic things, mewling like babes to be coddled. My bonded service was to heal. And now you scream don't touch me. It's feral grin mocks you, Now perhaps now you will learn the discipline of pain in your body. And now I have your scent. It leaps then and is gone. And Marco hears, One service is done little pretender. Pray you don't anger me with your other requests.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-07-15/2111:02>
It's gone.

Suddenly I'm alone in astral space without a focus for my outrage.  I look around myself but there's nothing but the glow of normal life seeping in from the prime plane.

My knees buckle as my fury ebbs and I find myself collapsing to kneel within the once again potent glow of my mortal body.  I run my hands along the places where the vile creature touched me. 

I'd vomit if I could in this surreal existence.

What...what h...has that thing d...done to me...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <12-08-15/0333:01>
Too fast, too fast...
It had taken  Yelena to get Arc to sit, but it seemed the human's mind was still chasing her own tail. “...I'm sorry.  I really fragged this up, and now it seems I'm no good to anyone right now.. how can a slitch help?”

The troll shook her  head.  “Thanks to my deal, we're not done here...there's plenty of drek to go around.  But that's for later—ok?”

Tuskaloosa sank to her haunches to put herself and the human on the gurney at a more eye-to-eye level.  She didn't know if it would help, but...“You're still the one who has to make the handoff...and you have the authority to deal.  If I remember correctly, our prize may hold secrets—you have to make sure those secrets are got before you turn the prize in.  To do that, I think you'd best start would by getting patched up—so you look professional when you meet for the handoff.”  She cast a sidelong glance at Firefly's debris-free ...and unspasaming body.  “Don't ask me what the best way is to get presentable, though.”

“Now, if you'll excuse me Arc, I'm going to take this courageous young lady,”  she indicated the dwarf “Chesh” who had been volunteered for service, “and Yelena, and go add some insult to the Jade Dragon's tab.”

As she stood, she gave Arc's knee a pat, then turned to Marco.  “Invisibility for two isn't going to work when there's three.  Unless you can cover all three of us, focus on Yelena and 'Chesh' here.  I'll fly causal.”

“Chesh...er..how do you want to be addressed?  Help Yelena get into the one closest out, and get her full manual and no tags.  If I'm not in the one behind you ready to go, you be her navigator and get clear.  Carve that bird up the first chance you can.”

With stealth set up, she will head out towards the bridge.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-08-15/0347:15>
Before taking the invisibility, Yelena goes over to the Scorpion and removes the weapons case, taking the pistol, rifle, and several spare magazines for each out.  She holsters the pistol and assembles the rifle before turning to Marco and her three companion carjackers and announcing she is ready.  She mounts her bike and waits for the halfer to mount behind her then fires up the engine and carefully leaves the shop.  She heads to the bridge and the chaos there, not really knowing what they will find, but as prepared as she can be.  Yelena feels the shadow all around her and wraps part of it about herself for comfort and protection.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-08-15/0517:00>
Quote
As she stood, she gave Arc's knee a pat, then turned to Marco. “Invisibility for two isn't going to work when there's three.  Unless you can cover all three of us, focus on Yelena and 'Chesh' here.  I'll fly causal.”

At my level of concentration it is difficult to follow the situation, well I hope Arc can protect me,  despite the healing Firefly seemed distant in another world perhaps she did not feel it and perhaps she did not want to wake up. Marco could only imagine how she might feel. He looks at Tuska and say "Sure I can do another one, but actually sneak because I am really at the edge of my abilities."

When he was ready he thought at the Daemon  "I have two more services, first service invisibility for Yelena, sustain until I tell to stop. Second service invisibility for Tuska sustain until I say to stop, third service, concealment for Yelena, Tuska and Chesh. Again until I say stop." 
The third invisibility spell was going to take Marco's spellcasting to the limit all he needed was to silently think about a few lines from Psalms. These helped him focus his mana like a symbol. The third invisibility was up and appeared reasonable quality. From now on, Marco knew that was all he could do, sustaining these spells took more or less everything that he had.

Marco felt completely defenseless as most of his attention was dedicated inwards to sustain the spells, and to the cat. The cat was the most important thing, the rest was just poking fate around. But they were actual shadow-runners and knew their job. Marco approached Arc and said "Arc, keep an eye for me, I am completely occupied inside my mind. you could probably sneak on me while singing like Pavarotti and I would not notice."  Marco said and closed his eyes, relaxing his breathing in an effort to keep all the spells and contain his guilt. His entire concentration was given to the cat and the spells. 

[spoiler]Invisibility (at -4) (http://orokos.com/roll/350376): 8d6t5 3
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/350378): 11d6t5 2
So we have Yelena with 5 hits, Tuska and Chesh with 3 hits + concealment for -6.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-08-15/1028:05>
     Marco hears, You are paltry in your limits and paltrier still in your imagination. You summon me for spells a child could perform. You annoy me little mortal. Perhaps I shall extract the price from your flesh.
     
     Chesh looks up at Tusks and says, "Chesh is fine. Wot's yer 'andle?"

     Hatter cavorts to Tusks side, "Room fer one, room fer two. I want to see the Dragon's stew!" and starts to get on the bike behind Tusks.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <12-08-15/2339:48>
“Chesh is fine. Wot's yer 'andle?”

“Tuskaloosa...and I'll answer to Tusk.”

“Hoi Tuska,”Arc called out as the troll walked past the King Scorpion.  “How you getting there?” 
“Like I said—I'm flying casual.  Yelena has enough without my bulk and I can still make a pretty fast clip.”
“And have Yelena waiting for you?  'Sides, you run and you'll be a mess by the time you get there...stealth won't mean drek if they smell ya coming, ya feel me?”  Arc wasn't back to her usual self, but she was less tense.  “Get in close with the Scorps—I can at least pilot em back here.”

“You got it.”  As she mounted the King, the mouthpiece of the dwarf choppers giggled.
“Room fer one, room fer two. I want to see the Dragon's stew!”  He was behind her in an instant.
He lead a feral gang of dwarf choppers; she wasn't about to insult him by asking if he could give her control of her target.  Still... “I can get the door unlocked if you need it.”
Hatter rocked in peals of laughter.  “Peter Piper picked a peck of perfect padlocks.”

Fair enough.  “Yelena.  Chesh,” the troll called to the other bike, though it was hard to tell if she had their attention or not: the smaller Scorpion looked unoccupied, thanks to the invisibility spell.  “If things go bad, I have a distraction device.  Cover your eyes if you hear Olly olly oxen free.”

"Odd code.   But Yelena will look away."

Satisfied that she'd prepared as much she could, Tuskaloosa headed out.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-09-15/0115:09>
The troll's words of assurance met Arc with some surprise.  Tch...clear that she didn't grow up in the streets like me.  No tough love.  Still, she's right  Glancing away, she gave a slow nod as she sat there as they arrived closer to the dwarves' hideout, Tuskaloosa and Yelena gearing up the Scorpions.  I have to be there to hand off this mojo slinger...but from what I've learned of mojo and drek, I ain't getting patched up anymore right away.  Well, will do good with convincing NineLives I need some time anyhow, hehe...ow

As the troll went to what seemed to be park the bike, Arc tilted her head, a bit confused.  "Hoi Tuska...how you getting there?"  Her answer came by a bit strange, and prompted a bit of a sigh from the human.  At least having some way to contribute positively was helping her, but her smile had yet to return.  "An' what, have Yelena waitin'?  Sides, you run and y'all finna be a mess by the time you get there...stealth won't mean drek if they smell ya coming, ya feel me?"  Lifting her cyberarm, which hurt significantly less to move than her flesh arm, gesturing to her borrowed bike.  "Just get in close with the Scorps--I can at least pilot em back here"

With that, as her two team members hopped onto their respective rides, their passengers in place, Arc sat back, pulling up the drone feeds and making sure that they were linked to her teammates as well...those that were conscious at least.  Activating her transceiver, she spoke into it with a muted tone.

"I've got eyes on you, so I'll know when's to take the bikes back.  Just keep casual and low..they made the car, not the bikes, so long as you don't go crazy, y'all be fine.  Things go bad, get the drek outta there, you feel me?  Ja Sep'a, chummers"

With that, Arc gave a sigh as she sat there, Marco focusing his attention on the cat and absorbed with the feeds, concentrating on his magic.  The mechanic was about to open her mouth to speak to him, but noted the focusing and stopped with nothing more than a little noise.  Grunting, she forced herself up despite the protests of Alyce, waving him off as she held her side, stepping over to where Firefly lay.  The wounds looked..mostly healed, just a gash in the fabric of the suit where the door had pierced her.  She was breathing...but likely passed back out from the whole deal.  Don't blame her..

Remembering how the teen was with her dress, Arc shifted on her feet and took a sidelong glance before moving her arm, the cybernetic fingers deftly grabbing a fold of cloth from her head-scarf-thingy, draping it over her chest to cover the gash.  The mechanic knew little to nothing about mojo, or auras, or whatever, or even if her presence was felt from this state, but if she couldn't support the two ladies about to jack some serious wheels, then she could at least support those she put in direct peril...

After a short time, Arc noted how her team had pulled near the scene and had started to dismount from the pair of Scorpions.  Mentally giving a nod, she reached out into the 'Trix, pulling up the interface UI's for each of the vehicles and taking control, pulling them back to the hideout in a bit of a roundabout fashion, so as to throw off any would-be suspectors.  These halfers did good by them...no sense in taking unnecesary risks now.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-09-15/0137:30>
Yelena carefully rides the Scorp to near the edge of the crowd at the bridge.  It seems that the Dragons are still going at it, so Marco's mojo is still working.  She sees several of the gangers cavorting madly, naked and trying to couple with almost anyone who is near.  A couple of emergency vehicles are on the bridge and some medics are trying to make sense of the orgy.  Any bodies from the van are likely to have washed down river by now, but Yelena could see several flashlights pointing into the water from the bridge.

She takes her cue from the Troll and pulls up next to the larger bike before dismounting, making sure that Chesh was also off and standing near her.  She did not have to say a word and the halfer was right where she should be.  Her Srui revs up the bikes and they take off to return to the chopper shop.  Yelena takes a moment to survey the activity to determine the best route to the cars.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-09-15/1109:30>
When they get to the scene almost two thirds of the Jade dragons are incapacitated in one way or another. But, it's a very dangerous scene as fights have broken out among gangers over partners. The news anchors are stationed well away from the mayhem and the reporters are only just able to contain their glee at what's sure to be an international story, whatever that story happens to be as they're unsure whether to focus on the accident or the completely unforeseen consequence of an orgy in the streets as a possible result of it. However the two vans that are their target are on the far side of the mayhem nearer the bridge. Yelena and Tusks and the gang see that one of the Doc Wagon vans has parked almost next to it and it's partially hidden from most of the ganger viewpoint. The other van is partially .on the bridge, the nearest gangers more than three meters away.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-09-15/2243:45>
Yelena keeps her hand on Chesh's shoulder as they walk forward,  looking at the scene in amazement.  Marco is indeed a powerful mojo slinger to be able to incapacitate the gang with one spell.  Shaking her head she whispers to Tuskaloosa.  "Tusk take van near Doc Wagon?  Yelena get other.  Looks like drive straight to choppers out.  Drive in circle get back?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <12-10-15/0445:00>
     When Tuskaloosa had first passed in the opposite direction there had been chaos.  What she took in now was still chaotic, but where before the chaos had been more organic, the arrival of reporters and rescuers had made the scene more scripted: the mayhem hemmed to a region slightly larger than a recorder's field of view.

     It was still impressive.  She stiffled a wince at the sound of a bullwhip: fighting over each other or S&M, she couldn't tell from her distance.  Not that it really mattered...the place was a zoo:  all it needed was a couple of Snac-Safari drones in the air and an AR plaque with habitat-and-territory information.

     Yelena's disembodied voice nearby broke her out of her reverie.

     She listened then sighed.  “I'd rather take the one closest to the action... but if anyone does notice, you look more like a Jade Dragon than I do.  So yeah, I'll take the one near the DOC.  As for driving—I'm leaving the way up to Chesh and Hatter, so just go where your Shotgun tells you to go.  We'll meet up where we meet up, okay?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-10-15/1005:49>
Yelena acknowledges Tuskaloosa's remark and begins to move off to her target van.  Passing right behind the crowd, she is sometimes close enough to reach out and touch someone but resists the urge.  Reaching the van she is surprised to find the door unlocked.  On consideration, though, the driver would have just witnessed the RV going over the bridge and had likely just ran to see if he could help.  Not that locking the door would have made a difference, since the gangers inside had left the side door wide open as they piled out.

Entering through the open door, Yelena and Chesh climb into the van, making sure to leave the door as it is to avoid alerting anyone of the impending transfer of ownership.  Yelena moves to the driver's seat, checking for the keys but finding none.  She grins, one cannot get lucky all the time.  Pulling her DNI cable lead from its hidden location, she plugs it into the port receptacle of the van.  Now connected to the vehicle, her first action is to disconnect the wireless feature so that any rigger in the ganger group cannot mess with their escape.  Not bothering to look at the passenger seat, she whispers, "Where Yelena drive?  Not go back same way.  Chesh have route?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-10-15/1204:29>
@ Yelena & Tusks  Chesh whispers, "Fighting with the controls and locator beacon. Gimme a minute. It aint easy ya know!"  Chesh pops herself in the seat and all her concentration is absorbed between her hands. It takes a long moment, but then she looks up gleeful. "That's fucks 'em over proper. 'hey couldn't follow us now iffen we were glued to 'ere girlfriends arse!" Hatter is gleeful at the scene and has to be dragged to the van and once there he pulls out a small device and then gets to work, But, it's not easy, and with his concentration broken by the site of one or another of the Dragons going down he's having trouble. He's running out of time and knows it, Tusks hears, "Third times a charm." muttered intently. And it must have been as Hatters shoulders suddenly relax. Then, "Beacon, beacon, who's got the beacon." he's concentrating on the job now mercifully, as Marco's hold on the Jade Dragons won't last forever. Already more than a third are free of his influence. And bleary eyes are occasionally turned their way. But, their luck seems to be holding and Hatter announces, "I've got the beacon bitches!" A head turns towards Hatters voice and seems to see the little gnome.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-11-15/1905:50>
The few moments of waiting did little good for Arc, already feeling itchy.  Knowing that she had teammates...friends, family even...out there risking their necks for the opportunity before them and to pay their debts to these choppers while she sat nursing her wounds was not acceptable.  I'm hurt, not dead, frag it.  Impatiently, she stood up and gritted her teeth, visibly wincing as her cracked rib protested her movement.  Furrowing her brow, she looked down at herself, and then glanced to the halfer Alyce who remained with them.

"Cloth and Tape"

Three words, but the halfer seemed to get the message, and in seconds, a roll of cloth was pushed into Arc's hand.  Smiling a little in thanks, the human wasted no time in pulling off her jacket, placing it over Firefly for warmth.  She even gingerly pulled her burnt shirt up over her head, a bra keeping her decent while exposing her skin, including the multitude of scars on her back from her upbringing.  It was clear this wasn't the first injury of this type as she grabbed the roll of cloth, proceeding to wrap it around her torso, adding support to her ribs and stablizing them to prevent further aggravation.  Once she was down, a few strips of tape held the whole thing in place, the girl wrapping herself from her bust to her belly button.

This whole time, she kept an eye on the camera feeds and directed the bikes on their automated routes, having them pull up near the chopshop for safe keeping.  Since the team was invisible, there was not much for her to see on the bridge besides what all the reporters could see...still, it didn't hurt to look.  She may not be there, but she's got them on comms...if she sees anything, she'll be on it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-11-15/2120:26>
@ Arc. At least that was the plan. Halfway to their destination Arc began losing control of the bikes. She felt her bike self begin taking a tangential trail and then she lost her control of the bikes. Directing a flyspy to see what the frag was up she saw two orcs on the bikes directing them away from her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <12-12-15/0022:32>
     Some people have way too much money, Tuskaloosa thought as she stepped into the open Rover.  She released her “partner” onto the passenger seat—she practically had to scruff him like a kitten to keep him going in the right direction—then quietly adjusted the driver's seat and slid in.  Although not specifically designed to be troll-friendly, the lavish price tag left plenty of standard “optionals” that would leave any large-bodied individual happy...like positionable command chairs.  It was still a little on the small side, but at least her knees weren't under her chin.

     There was no point verbally haranguing Hatter—his hoop was just as much in the cross-hairs as hers if he didn't deliver—but she felt a trickle of sweat slide down her neck as he muttered “third times a charm”.
Stay calm...  She focused on the way ahead.  It would be a tight squeeze between the Citymaster and the bridge rail, and if anyone stepped around the other, equally massive van—Docwagon medic, snoopy reporter or buzzed Jade Dragon—she would have no choice but to run them over.
And she would.

     His shoulders finally relaxed.  “Beacon, beacon, who's got the beacon?”  he sang quietly to himself.
     The troll exhaled the breath she'd been holding.  Quickly she took stock of the controls, found the door locks and stared sealing up the automatic side door.  The windows were down—it was the shotgun's that mattered most to her though—but too many movements too quickly was bound to be noticed.

     And there were more eyes not elsewhere, with the number increasing with each passing minute.
     The door mercifully finished its trip and sealed with a click.  She pulled the passenger window toggle--

     “I've got the beacon bitches!”  the dwarf shouted triumphantly.
     The privacy-tinted window closed up, but not before a ganger's eyes widened.

     Tuskaloosa grabbed her door handle and threw her weight at her door.  The van trembled. She leaped out of her seat shoved at the opposite door.   “Get us some loud music and moans about bacon, or we're dead meat,” she hissed.

She was exhausted and sure her shoulders were black and blue by the time the ganger turned his attention elsewhere.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-12-15/0946:09>
@ Tusks  It took Hatter only a moment to divine Tusks plan and he started peeling in raucous laughter. He found a rock station  quickly and began crowing, "Bacon, bacon! Yeah baby, I'm covering your ass with bacon and eating it off of you!" Tusks had to admit his descriptions of where and how we was going to place and eat the bacon showed imagination and a very willing spirit.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-12-15/1134:08>
Yelena unholsters her pistol and places it on the console between the seat within easy reach and gives her rifle to her companion.  "Chesh hold rifle.  Chesh not drop.  Chesh not throw from window.  Chesh not chop.  Just hold.  Can shoot ganger if come."  She looks the dashboard over to familiarize herself with the various controls then puts the van in gear and slowly moves off, heading in the direction Chesh indicates.  As the van picks up a bit of speed she hits the button for the automatic door closer and the open side door of the van hisses shut.  Her DNI cable gives her the control she needs to get the vehicle moving away from the bridge.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-12-15/1140:31>
"The frag.."  A puzzled look had formed on Arc's face as she looked in the feeds to see her bikes...her responsibilities in this half-fragged operation now...in the process of getting jacked by a couple of orks looking for a free ride.  Of all the likelihood...figure..s  Slapping her head, the mechanic finished binding herself before finding a comfortable place to sit, laying down on the gurney she came in on as she let herself slip into cyberspace.

There, she felt less pain, but still felt a bit out of it as she loaded an orkish persona not unlike herself...just with pointed ears, tusks, and green skin, dressed roughishly as she deleted her warrior persona.  The process took all of a couple seconds as she found the bikes' icons in the 'Trix, jumping into the King Scorpion to take control.  No manual operation will affect this bike now, and now for the other...

How do you like this fragger...  Opening the throttle, Arc pealed off for a good few meters before coming to a hard stoppie, whipping around on the front wheel to face the other Scorpion, attached AKs emerging and leveling on the other guy.  Regardless of whether the one ork held on or not, she took off towards the other bike, playing a sadistic game of chicken, gauging that these punks will bail before anything drastic happens...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-12-15/1357:44>
Even with all the different emotions both magical and natural that are going through my mind I cannot but not see the two opportunists that jacked the bike. For the meanwhile Arc seem to be enjoying herself.  I doubt I could actually drive this thing with all that distractions and my lack of skills. I observe the feeds and wait to see if it works, if it does not seem to work, I'll ping Tuska to see if she is free to remote control her bike.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-13-15/1652:40>
@ Arc  The flyspy shows both Orcs fighting for control of the bikes. And the one on Yelena's bike is clearly trying to spike the rig that's allowing Arc control of the bike.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-14-15/0746:06>
The frag...okay, time for something clever...  Arc was feeling a bit frustrated trying to fight both of these guys off, and knew that she would have to answer if she lost any of them.  Still, this was proving to be quite difficult, so she had to be responsible and let the team know...

"Hoi, chummers, got some hoops what think they can make off with some bikes in transit.  i'm shaking em off, but they finna spike my rigging.  Do yo thang, lemme know if I get an assist, aight?"

And with that, Arc decided to take things up a level.  Before slipping out of the King Scorpion, she blared the horn, much akin to her letting out a yell, before opening up one of the AK's, firing a few warning rounds towards Yelena's bike.  Immediately after, she killed the engine and then switched her control, jumping into the smaller bike and opening the throttle, the front wheel lifting off the ground as she took off towards the big one.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-14-15/1101:17>
@ Arc  The orc on the smaller bike was scrambled unceremoniously to the ground when the shooting began. Unfortunately the wheelie Arc attempted to pop was beyond the simple gyroscope and program to accomplish, but, at least the orc was off. And the rounds combined with the dead engine had the orc on the King Scorp scrambling to get off. For a moment it looked like her bold maneuvers would work. But, then the flyspy caught the rest of the gang moving in with chains to try and coral the bikes.

@ Tusks  Judging by the renewed activities of that curious head her bluff had worked. Now to get us out of here. She used the mirrors to try and gauge a moment when eyes were otherwise occupied. And saw many of the gangers partnered up. But, the frenzy was slowing a bit. And the efforts of the gangers not under Marco's influence to get them to stop and concentrate on the job was bound to start working, especially once the cops show up which can't be to far off. Tuskaloosa thought. Ok, this is as good as it's going to get.

While Arc was busy on the bikes the Munchkins were busy getting hers and Firefly's bodies to safety.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-14-15/1130:32>
Yelena smiles as it looks like she is in the clear and she hopes that Tuskaloosa gets moving soon.  These gangers will not be at rest for long.  Even as she thinks that, Arc shares the feed from the drones and she sees that her bike is in trouble.  Unfortunately, there is little that she can do from here as she is tied into the van.  Cursing in Russian she sends a quick note to Arc.  >>Arc.  Is Yelena.  Try save bikes or destroy.  Gangers find us through IDs of bikes.  Bikes opposite end bridge from Yelena so cannot help.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-14-15/2039:31>
These are just thugs.  No reason to care about who the owners are.  Just wanted a free score..oh drek...

Spotting the rest of the smallish gang that was starting to advance on the bikes, Arc put a little speed into the smaller Scorpion, simultaneously commanding the King to fire its engines up.  Once there was some distance, Arc then shifted her focus, commanding the Russian's bike to travel at a clip towards the main roads and integrate into traffic...public view is now deemed the better option.  Satisfied she had gotten the smaller bike away, Arc then jumped back into the King, which was idling.  She could see through the drone feed and the bike camera that they were starting to surround the bike, tentatively with some distance.

Huh...gonna have to pull a jelly donut...

"Null sweat, I ain't letting anything slip out.  You do you, Srui, I got this"

Stepping her foot down, Arc deployed both of the mounted AKs and gunned the engine, but kept the front brake on tight.  The back tire squealed as she spun it, forming a bit of smoke as she tilted the bike into a turn.  As the bike donutted, she gave it some more gas as she increased the spin.  Before the gangers could close, she opened up on the guns, sending a hail of fire in all directions.

With any luck, she would have punched a hole in their line, and if so, she'll take the opportunity and punch through to safety...as far as her meat body goes, she's gonna have to trust Marco and the remaining Munchkins to deliver her to safety...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-14-15/2144:12>
Yelena smiles.  Arc has the bikes and does not need her to try to toss a couple of nuyen into the plan.  Her job is to get the van away from the bridge and into the hands of the choppers, one of whom has told her that the beacons are disabled and there is no chance to follow her once she gets lost in traffic.  And getting lost in traffic is what she is doing, taking the van into Downtown Seattle then following Chesh's directions.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <12-15-15/0600:18>
     Although he was practically biting himself to stay quiet, Tuskaloosa could still hear the stiffled giggles as she rolled the van clear of the nearby Citymaster and quielty merged into traffic. It was only after she closed the driver's window and turned off the music that she started to relax.
       “This little piggy cried slather me in barbecue...?”
     He winked.  “All the way home!”
     “...Right.  Speaking of home, you need to give me some directions.”

     However, he was back under a panel in the console.  The dreck--
     “One, two: getting for you” came his muffleled song.  “Three, four: goodies galore.”
     The mounted arsenal.  “Just disable the wireless and direct me to the jack for them—I happen to be able to run and gun.”

     A limb full of wiggling fingers emerged.  She extended her secondary datajack and handed it to him.
     “Who'll kill Cock Robin?" he crowed as he finally emerged.  "You, said the Sparrow--with your bow and your arrow--you'll kill Cock Robin."

     "Personally, I'd rather catch up to Van 1 and call it a night without a firefight...but it never hurts to be prepared," she said as he bounced back into the seat.
    He stood and gave her a deep bow.  "Then...to Market to Market to buy a fat pig!  Home again, home again, jiggidy jig!"
     
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-15-15/1415:39>
If the Jade Dragons realized that the vans were getting away they didn't respond in time to stop them. And both vans were headed away from the scene without a single shot fired at them. But, actually getting far enough away was it's own challenge as emergency vehicles were converging on the scene and the traffic that had been light was now choking the roads as drivers pulled over to make way for the first responders and then stayed for the show. Tuskaloosa made it away clean, it had helped being on the far side. But, Yelena was finding herself increasingly bogged down by the traffic, used as she was to the much smaller and more maneuverable bike she soon found herself stuck in traffic.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-16-15/0052:37>
Faced with the fully armed and operational Scorpion the gangers scattered giving Arc the opening she needed to get the bike away.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-16-15/0057:10>
Yelena laughs as she finds herself squeezed in between a monster dump truck on its rounds on Chesh's side and a stretch limo with tinted windows on the other.  At least the limo has the benefit of a topless girl sticking up through the open sun roof and waving a bottle of something at everyone.  She was getting lots of friendly honks from people admiring her chest and her attitude.  Yelena rolls her window down and adds her own honk and cheer, to which the girl smiles and waves back.  She seems a bit confused when she sees no one driving the van, but must come to the conclusion that someone is doing it on auto pilot and watching her, so she yells and waves anyway.  Yelena turns her head to look at the passenger seat where Chesh is sitting and says, "I think my view is much better than yours.  Looks like we may be here for a bit.  Got any side roads we can take to bypass all this drek?:
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-16-15/0104:10>
Arc virtually grinned as she saw the gangers scatter, pulling out of the spin and stowing the weapons as easily as if she were holstering her predator, driving away from the scene to catch up with Yelena's smaller Scorpion.  Letting out her breath with a sigh, she let herself relax a bit once the two bikes were in sync, and back on the roads.  It would only be a few minutes before she'd cut the trajectory and rejoin with the moving party of the Munchkins caring for herself and Firefly and her present task would be done.

"Hoi, all null sweat up in this slitch.  Hotshots wanted the little ladies, but they defended theyselves with great honor.  Bringing them home."

Satisfied with that, Arc kept one eye on the cam feeds and the other on the road, opting to remain jumped in the bigger bike while "escorting" the smaller along their path, remaining incognito with traffic until she arrived.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-16-15/0112:13>
Yelena watches the girl dancing in the sun roof for a bit, enjoying her expression of freedom.  Realizing that she may be stuck here for a bit, she sends a note out.  >>Team.  Is Yelena.  Stuck in traffic.  Nice view but not move much.  Can drop invisibility maybe?  Think got away.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-16-15/0145:11>
>> Va bene, thanks for letting me know. Texted Marco and removed the spells. Grinning as he finally had some peace of mind.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-16-15/1049:58>
The Munchkins load Arc and Fireflies bodies as neatly as if they were an engine block. Then a very young man approached Marco and said, "We're knocking' tha' chocks. You comin'?" At Marco's assent he points to the front seat of the truck they've got Arc and Firefly loaded in. The rest of the gang load up very quickly. They are clearly anxious to be gone. The sounds of sirens  screaming towards the bridge has clearly had them on edge for the past several minutes and Alyce, the driver of the vehicle Marco's in relaxes a bit as he gets underway. They're at their destination in less than ten minutes. A small garage advertising tires and inspections on a small faded sign. The shop purportedly belongs to Carroll & Sons and the garage at least is well lit and warmer than the outside.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-16-15/1210:51>
"We're knocking' tha' chocks. You comin'?"

"Certainly", said Marco, " thanks for telling me."  Marco seems oddly at peace with the siren sounds and the adrenaline. Perhaps it is his control over his emotions, because he is really nervous like the rest of them. One thought keeps echoing on his head during the drive... "We actually killed people... they were floating lifelessly in the river"
 Indeed, Marco was not the one to send the van into the water and perhaps he could not do that himself. Yet, the terrible metaphysical pain of loss of life. The severed connection, the pain, terror and suffering these men must have felt in their last moments. They were all fresh and real to Marco. He was quiet, distant and as the ride progressed so did his thoughts.  It became more evident to Marco that he himself is making some very poor life choices right there. "If you live by the sword  you also die by the sword"  thought Marco,  "but... at least you LIVE... these people were not exactly righteous... I am almost sure that they were going to shoot at Yelena risking their own mage.... Still - I am not the one to judge - they are now dead and they did not even get to confess before their demise.  Their only crime was being in that van. Was there another way? Could I have save them somehow?  Without getting shot at - that is. 

Perhaps we could do it in another way, but what other way? we were four people against an armed transport and some trigger happy gangers.  We are lucky to be alive.... Still it was MY mojo that enabled this murder.  Without the shape change we needed another plan.  Their blood is on my own hands. "  He thought.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-16-15/1440:45>
Arc found herself counting her blessings as she was able to catch the bikes up to the convoy, having them trail behind the truck transporting her meat suit (kept track of using her link) at a steady clip.  She wasn't fully relaxed, however, until they arrived at the munchkins' shop.  Pulling the bikes up to park them out of the way, she killed and locked the engines out of sight and returned to reality.

Groaning a little, the human pulled herself gingerly in a sitting postion, shivering a bit from the chill air on her scarred, bared skin, the rush of her securing the bikes after taping herself leaving her unable to redress yet.  Holding her side, she adjusted her eyes to the lighting and regained her bearings, identifying where Firefly lay and Marco stood, the.latter still holding the cat.

Nodding silently, Arc figured that Tuska and Yelena were still en route.  Sitting back, she groaned a little as she waited, trying to ignore all the hurt she was currently in.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-16-15/1517:19>
@ Marco  They were finally safe. Or, at least as safe as they were going to be for the moment, inside the garage. Arc was sitting up and the small halfers were scrambing to chop the Americar as quickly as they could. They were clearly experts, their chopping of the Americar in the street and they're finishwork here in the garage couldn't have taken more than 12-13 minutes. But, even as Marco is watching the work he gets a comm. >>Marco, please tell me that all of this cloak and dagger is you playing a game. A way for you to stimulate me and add fun into our relationship. Because I think I'm being followed. And I'm sure I'm just being silly. You put this all into my head. Please tell me I'm just being silly and that you are sorry and that no one is in my room when I am gone. Please.<< There is only one person he gave this method of communication. The Lady. There was no need to give it to anyone else.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-16-15/1611:26>
Once finally on the shop Marco can let go, if only for a second, his love spell is probably fully resisted by now, they are indoors so he can transform the mage.There is so much he could do for Tuska and Yelena. Performance wise Marco felt competent, a spiritual toddler taking his first independent steps in the world of mana but without noticing it Marco have assembled a diverse array of spells. Something that could be combined with some help to do THIS. Shilla was right all along - he could also do other things instead of entertaining people.  He thinks “My only motivation was to understand people, to understand the world to experience it and in a short time I learned many spells. If the church understood how much I progress on my own - and perhaps they did understand. This is why they sent me the pictures. Violence - they are all misguided and violent people.”

The mind probe spell was the most difficult one Marco could perform. It was mentally taxing and intrusive spell, when Marco got to cast it well enough to work it allowed him to understand exactly what his clients wanted, even if they were afraid to admit it. There was one big difference tough, these clients of his - they wanted they allowed him to read their minds so that he could be more seductive toward them. If they resisted they did so despite themselves, here there was this mage whom they are going to deliver to some very bad people and Marco he is powerless to help her.

But perhaps if Marco could understand how this mage fits in the puzzle, perhaps then he can argue on her behalf.  So much death today - Marco just have to find a connection how this Mage relates to the stardust. What are they likely to do with her?

He thinks:  "The dragons knew that there was a risk, they came ready for battle. Perhaps the stardust expected them to kill Arc and her friends? Maybe this was the dreaded suicide run?" Marco did not know. They are all violent people with blood on their hands, so numb to the suffering of humanity, their capability to just kill people and move on is only an indication of this numbness. "How could I  possibly understand these people?"  he thought.

Marco prepared some comfort place for the mage to lie down in, and placed her there. It only took a minute before she was a lady again. "A naked lady... Kind of sexy if I was into helpless people" he thoguht, but quickly covered her up to keep her decent. Marco stroked the mages soggy hair

This was all the touch he needed to keep her at peace as he enters her mind. He relaxed his mind and attempted to understand her, to know what she knows. “Invite me in”, he thought “Please there is not much time. I think that I saved your life once already but there is so little I understand. Help me save you again. These people that are about to receive you they are very bad people, the stardust.  I need to know what you learned about them - what are they planning to to do with you. Please do not resist me - I only have your safety in front of me. I am your only ally right now.  Help me understand what is it all about!”

Regardless of the mage’s mental reaction Marco’s mind was relentless he gave that reading his utmost attention and this indeed was his ability at its best. His desire to understand what did the mage learned about the stardust that led to this unfortunate chain of events guided him and he tried to understand from her mind anything that she knew about the club, the drugs the personal anything at all that will help Marco solve this mystery of what will the stardust do with this mage, or what are they doing in general.

Marco could feel the drain, the mana was painful it was much a lot more than his body could handle at this state, but Marco hoped that this burning sensation the feeling that energy burns him from the inside will finally grant him the miracle of reaching out to another person and truly understanding her.
[spoiler]
Mind Probe (http://orokos.com/roll/352658): 12d6t5 6
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/352659): 11d6t5 2
Marco takes 4 stun damage.  Defense is with logic + will power.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-16-15/1623:44>
@ Marco  They were finally safe. Or, at least as safe as they were going to be for the moment, inside the garage. Arc was sitting up and the small halfers were scrambing to chop the Americar as quickly as they could. They were clearly experts, their chopping of the Americar in the street and they're finishwork here in the garage couldn't have taken more than 12-13 minutes. But, even as Marco is watching the work he gets a comm. >>Marco, please tell me that all of this cloak and dagger is you playing a game. A way for you to stimulate me and add fun into our relationship. Because I think I'm being followed. And I'm sure I'm just being silly. You put this all into my head. Please tell me I'm just being silly and that you are sorry and that no one is in my room when I am gone. Please.<< There is only one person he gave this method of communication. The Lady. There was no need to give it to anyone else.

>> My Dearest Lady,  please believe me - this is no game.
You are in real danger and there is so much I can do.
There are things about my past that were hidden from you, things that may place you in danger.
Unfortunately, it is real - be safe and watch your back.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-17-15/1059:42>
The mages mind is open to Marco. So much has happened, and she's exhausted and at the end of her strength. And . . . . . . heartsick? . . . . . . . Yes, heartsick. As Marco opens her mind, he realizes that's she's been a pawn in an incredibly dangerous game. She's an alchemist who's always specialized in regenerative medicines. And two years ago she met a man, a powerful, charming, and earnest man who hired her to help him make a drug that would help people open up to the magic inside them. He told her that he believed that we all contained the gift of magic within us, and that it should be a source of strength, of joy, as we all became connected to the magic all living things surely had within them. Marco saw scene after scene of him teasing, cajoling, challenging her. And through his own understanding of people and seduction Marco understood that she was being flattered and seduced. And soon he saw the scenes of him as her lover, and then the true manipulation began. He got her to make a drug that opened the body to mana, and to make it addictive, but, opening it in this manner made it highly disruptive to the flow of tech and physical energies like electricity. At first he'd been angry, and she'd worked hard to fix the formula. Anything to please him, to regain his love. But, everything she'd done had back-fired. She'd accidentally made it extremely addictive, and the disruption of energy fields grew much, much stronger. And then, something changed, he'd suddenly began being more attentive to her again. It had been just like the old times and she'd been happy. Until he'd wanted the drug changed again. Marco saw the pattern of manipulation clearly. The highs and lows of emotion and sex used to manipulate her into doing whatever he wanted. And he'd wanted a lot. She'd been working on a way to allow mages to take the drug. He'd said it was so that those who had only minimal ability could realize their full potential. He'd only told her that it hadn't worked. Not the truth, they'd doctored the results. But, then she'd been sick. And she'd been trying so hard to hide it from him so that he wouldn't be upset with her that she was in a bathroom on the other side of the compound. A compound he'd had made just for her. Her dream lab, a hand picked staff, luxury everything just for her. And in the senior staff bathroom she'd overheard the truth. They were using the drug to disrupt operations at key facilities to steal tech. And every mage they'd used it on had either died or was driven bat-shit crazy and dangerously powerful. But, mostly they died. She would have rushed to confront him, but, couldn't. She didn't have the strength to resist him. And she decided to leave. And then learned the truth of her very gilded cage. She'd been trying ever since to hide her knowledge of the truth from him. It had helped that he'd had to leave on business and had been gone a lot. Before it had been her torment. Now, it was her salvation. And she'd been working to undo the effects of the drug. It had been hard. She'd needed to pretend to be making it better, while reversing it's ability to awaken the mind. She hadn't found the cure yet. And he, they, were beginning to suspect. Her hand-picked staff was incredibly bright, and completely loyal to him. And they were taking her to another facility where she could be questioned. They'd told her it was a well-earned vacation. But, their words and body language hadn't matched. She wouldn't have noticed before, focused as she was on him and her work, but now, now she knew. and she was deeply afraid. Brown eyes opened and met Marco's. Help me. Please help me.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-17-15/1836:13>
"Leave her alone, you bastard!"

The scream must come as quite a surprise to Arc and the gnomes as Firefly springs her young body from her cot to connect her right fist with Marco's temple at just the moment the mage's plea for help resonates in his mind.

[spoiler]Decking Marco: 1d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/352980): 1 [1d6t5=5][/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-17-15/2106:20>
Now that the clear and present danger of the mission had subsided, and no immediate threats were present, Arc could feel her coursing adrenaline in her veins start to subside.  Regretfully so, for the aching that followed it as she registered just how beat up the accident had left her slammed into her like a wave.  Groaning a bit, she held her head, this time thanking the chill on her skin as she fought through the sensations and pain.

Wait, is that...?

She barely registered Firefly spring into wakefulness, her eyes filled with distress and fear, fixated on Marco, who had his eyes closed and was concentrating on the mage, a hand on the lady's forehead in some mojo contact.  But she wasn't wrong...the young decker, looking much better for wear after that rather dramatic display of healing, was getting up, her little hand balled into a fist as she went for Marco.

As it dawned on Arc what was really happening, it was too late for her to say anything.  Her eyes widened as she opened her mouth, managing a "What the Drek?!" before fate ran its course..
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-18-15/0235:37>
Quote
Help me. Please help me.

Marco looks at these pretty eyes and softly smiles trying to calm the mage to keep her mind open to him. He thinks at her, “the answer is buried deep, you have to know it  - help me find a reason: What are the Stardust going to do with you? why did they extract you ? what is their relation to the Dragons? We need to figure out what you are headed down the road - it is only then we know how to help you.
 
Why did the Stardust want to extract you from the dragons? Focus, perhaps we can find the answer together  - this is important for your future! I do not want you to be hurt. We can figure it together  just open your mind and lead me to the right place. ”

Marco helps her concentrate and attempts to dig his way deeper into her mind trying to give interpretation to events offers his intuitive perception - the answer is somewhere in there and perhaps together they can find it. Sure they can try not to deliver her - but without understanding what is going on who knows what kind of complications they create. Shortly after a voice echoes into Marco’s awareness state, his entire focus is within the brown eyed mage, but that voice it comes from meatspace.

"Leave her alone, you bastard!"


Marco is incapable of harming Firefly, or even dodging her torment. He deserve it, it would be wrong to deny her the right to retribution. His first instinct is to smile and a wave of happiness envelops him. "She is alive and well!"
 Marco was beaten up before and he could rarely do anything to defend himself - it is difficult to strike people that you like. In fact, it is difficult to strike people at all - perhaps with a gun when there is some distance, but upfront when you can feel their pain? What is the point in that?! He can keep his concentration while his body is beaten up, he have done so before.

The big issue remains - he cannot deny a victim's right for retribution. This right is backed in righting all the way for the old testament - an eye for an eye. A christian should give up retribution, love even his enemies - but even Christianity does not deny the right for retribution. It is the foundation of every justice system.

“That’s okay “ Marco thinks at the mage... “I deserve it.” 

Embracing the blow and setting his mind to maintain the balance is all that Marco could do before more pain arrived. His only reaction to the assault were some very confused words:  “Please I will allow you to beat me senselessly later - I am not hurting her I am helping her understand - I have to figure out what the Stardust are planning to do to her. Please... she may be in danger”  
The pain on the left side of his face stings him. He probably has a black eye, but it is nothing like the magical energies that burn him from inside - to be a mage is to endure physical torment. This thing Marco's knows well enough. His body still have not recovered from the passion spell. The drain just piles up on him, he is exhausted but he HAS to know - a lot could be at stake.

Marco smiles  - he is just glad that she is feeling better - but he his entire attention is with the spell - why was she extracted - this he has to know.   He whispers solely for  himself  “ Thank you J for giving strength back. I was worried."  

Damage soak (http://orokos.com/roll/353119): 20d6t5 5
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-18-15/0615:16>
Yelena looks over at the nubile teenager standing through the limo sunroof and displaying herself for all to see and shakes her head.  Turning to Chesh, she says, "Girl nice tits.  Look like here while.  Maybe look in van.  See what gangers leave for us."

Suiting her words, Yelena leaves the plush commander's chair and moves back into the nicely apportioned interior.  Opening cabinets and drawers, she finds a good bit of normal stuff; the things you would expect to find in a van this luxurious.  Chesh hits the jackpot, almost squealing in delight after finding the catches that reveals several hidden compartments.  "Nothing can hide from Chesh.  NOTHING can hide from Chesh.  See what Chesh has sprung."

Yelena looks in the smuggling bins and Chesh has uncovered a treasure trove indeed. "Chesh much good job.  Could fight small gang now.  Put all back."  Smiling, she returns to her seat, a bit disappointed to see that the limo has moved several cars ahead while her lane is still jammed up.  Putting the naked girl out of her thoughts, Yelena sends a text.  >>Tuskaloosa.  Is Yelena.  Chesh look in van.  Find smuggling bins in floor.  In walls.  Find much things.  Weapons, bullets, other things.  Driver girl look other van.  Might find more.  Yelena van still stuck.  Waiting for traffic move.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-18-15/0902:44>
"I won't stand by and watch you violate another woman like you did me!  Leave...her...be!" the frantic girl cries as she does her level best to place herself between Marco and the mage and break the spell between them.  Anyone who can see her eyes will marvel at the amount of passion and rage in the usually reserved and conservative teenager.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-18-15/1208:17>
"Well this probing has ended... impossible to concentrate like this and I sort of got it all any how - at least anything that I could" Thinks Marco.

"I see that you regained your health back, I apologize I deeply do - You seemed to be hurt really bad - you were not conscious even and I had no idea an healing spell could go so wrong."  He said to Firefly.
In his mind Marco dropped the spell, and looked directly at her he made sure not to touch the brown eyed mage in an way, perhaps it will save him a second punch.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-18-15/1211:34>
Jed had walked out to a simple container garden turned more lush and vibrant even in the chill of December. Snowden was on his left knee at the far end and he was inspecting a small lemon basil plant and murmuring. As Jed got closer he could hear him say, "Your root system is infested. I'm going to have to take you and a good deal of the earth around you out and heat sanitize and then compost you. Don't worry. You'll live again." He's got a trowel in his hand and he uses it and his fingers to carefully dig the herb out without disturbing the rest. When he's done he carefully pats the earth down around the remaining plants, humming while he works. Snowden has a good voice, melodic and soothing. After the stress of the last few days Jed finds it soothing. He spends the rest of the day talking about the plants. Snowden is extremely knowledgeable on that subject, and he's calm and relaxed while he's on that subject. Any mention or reference to the rest of his life Jed tries to make encounters that same lost and confused aggression. Be a friend. He needs that more than anything, Jed reminds himself. And decides to take him to the Botanical Garden. Over the next couple of days Jed finds himself astounded. Snowden starts every morning in his container garden and the growth and health is remarkable. But, once he gets into the Botanical Garden every day Jed finds himself very much the awkward, backward pupil to the wealth of Snowden's knowledge. And then, when they were looking at a specimen of Yeti's Hair that was being treated for illness Snowden's hand reaches towards it and he begins singing. The garden is empty save for the two of you, and Jed thinks, What the hell, not illegal to sing. Might as well let him. Slowly, the plant stops drooping. And it straightens. And Jed assenses Snowden while he's casting. He's been meaning to, but there's been so many other things to do that he hasn't done it while he's working with plants. And now what he see's confirms what he already knew. Snowden is a mage. But, the way he's using mana and interacting with this plant goes beyond simply casting a healing spell. Snowden is binding mana into it, and the plant is sharing it's Essence with him! Jed suddenly has a thousand questions to ask him! But, he's got to calm down and ask them carefully. Pushing him to hard, even about plants could trigger his confusion again. Once he's done he says calmly, casually, "Good job. Are there plants that that song works best on, or will it work on any plant?" Snowden answers, "It works best on plants with a magical bloodline. It's only minimally effective on other plants. And, since those don't have the healing properties I'm looking for it's best to just cull those and replant." Jed has never heard of plants with magical bloodlines, but, Snowden is leaving clues that he'll need to pore over later, or, may even reveal if he can just keep him talking. Record! Quickly Jed triggers his recorder from his surveillance equipment and silently blesses Mike. "Are there other spe. . . Songs, that work on plants with magical bloodlines?" Snowden looks happy, seeming not to notice Jeds' near slip as he inspected a Mountain's Lightening plant. "Yes, quite a few actually. You can sing to them to enhance any of their particular properties. I've been working to enhance various effects for years. And I've found that they can be enhanced and used effectively. Unfortunately there are to many problems for it to be commercially viable yet." Jed raises an eyebrow, "Oh? Like what?" Please let him keep talking, let him not realize that the CEO is starting to emerge. "The two biggest problems is that the enhancement is short-lived, and not very many people seem able to learn this method of growth. Once the plant is harvested you've only got about 72 hours of effective enhancement. And only a few people in the South America acquisition have been found to be effective with this growing method. The third problem won't be a hurdle until sufficient quantities can be produced to make this commercially viable. And that is that counter-spelling completely eliminates the enhancements. So, once we're able to make this marketable we'll need agreements with other pharmaceuticals to end the threat of corporate espionage making a batch completely ineffective. Hmmmm. Do you think they'd mind if I slept here? My mentor always said it was best to live and sleep with a new species for it's effective lunar cycle of growth to learn it. But, even a day would be helpful." At the mention of his mentor BabyJ began to be agitated, looking lost. No, looking lovesick. Jed almost missed it in his excitement. Counter-spelling! They can nullify the Stardust with counter-spelling! He needed to pass this on to Yelena! Wait, Snowden. Ugh, I have got to get him a new mentor. That was clearly a critical relationship in his life and he'll need another mentor to help him grow in other directions again.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-18-15/1218:26>
@ Arc. Marco & Subaru  The mage looks clearly confused at Subarus' tirade. She sits up, and then notices that she's effectively nude without the blanket and moves to cover herself with it. "He didn't hurt me. Wait, I don't think he hurt me. Why am I naked." She turns to Marco, "What did you do to me? Why am I naked?" she looks around the garage. "Where am I?" She frowns then, a dangerous look in her eyes and her left hand goes up between her and the rest of the world. Marco recognizes that look, that gesture, he's seen it before on young men about to cast.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-18-15/1227:10>
@Marco say with a his most reassuring voice  "We took you from the water, transformed you into a cat for stealth and delivered you here. You were extracted by the Stardust. Do you remember driving the van? it crushed.  You ended up in freezing water, might have died if we did not get you in time.

I was now trying to question you about what is going on in here and what do the Stardust want to do with you because I was suspecting that they might hurt you."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-18-15/1302:49>
@ Arc. Marco & Subaru  The concentration is broken as she processes what Marco is telling her. "A cat! You changed me into a cat! I'm allergic to cats!" She sneezes suddenly and starts checking her arms as they start to turn red.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-18-15/1323:57>
Subaru positions herself between Marco and the mage, looking like there might be TWO casting women if he makes any move toward them.  At the woman's first words, she slips off her jacket and hijab and holds them up for the woman to take.  "I know the jacket is a bit small, but it's all I can offer at the moment.  You can tie the hijab fabric around your waist like a sarong until we find something better."  She briefly glares at Marco before turning softer eyes toward the quickly dressing woman.  "I think you're okay now.  He's outnumbered at least three to one now."  The teen's eyes look vacant for a moment, she then adds, "There's a pharmacy about five blocks away.  Maybe he can make himself useful and go fetch you an antihistamine and some sweats..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-18-15/1402:57>
"It can't be!" said Marco... "I made you into a Cheshire Cat, it could be that you are allergic to smiles but that magical cat is no cat at all... Just a floating smile."  Said Marco most seriously, he figured that if he could make a good joke in this hostile environment the mage might relax a little bit and perhaps Firefly won't fireball him as he turns his back to her.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-18-15/1431:23>
Everything felt like it happened at an instant.  The mage they put so much on the line for was awake, and very notably alarmed by the current situation.  Firefly had pushed Marco away and was now very much at odds...and she was pretty sure the keep was starting to make jokes.  If Arc were to think back on the coming moments, she would hardly believe herself.  But, as tensions were building, her voice boomed out.

"Enough!"

Pulling herself out of the gurney, the chrome-armed human stood up, shivering a little without her shirt as she stepped towards the scene, her flesh hand holding her head as the lighting reflected off of her.

"we can settle this drek after we handle the sitch at hand, aight?!  Firefly, you almost died, so sit yo skinny hoop down.  Marco, take two steps back, be ready to start talking about what we need a know."  making her way towards the girl, she got down on one knee and cracked a little smile.

"Easy, chummer.  My name's Arc.  Yall just got pulled outta the sound.  We put a Lotta energy into pulling ya out and keeping you outta Geeksville because someone wants to have you more than the JDs."

She saw no harm in laying it out there, and as she tensed up, causing the others to more than likely, she lifted a hand.  "I said easy.  This job may be for the Stardust, and they may know we was initially successful, we got time.  You can earn your freedom, since I think yous and we's working the same deal.  We wanna take em down.  The Stardust, their drugs, the kidnappings.  My employer NineLives says you was digging into their drek.  So here's the deal.  You help us, and we see about figuring out what ta really do with you, huh?"

She remained there, cyber eyes staring at the girls quietly, a hand holding at her sides to support her ribs while she awaited a response.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-18-15/1518:27>
Marco thinks: "Marco the molester, unsafe around women... how did things got so bad? None of the other mages I know have this particular problem. Could I be that bad? toxic mage bad? I don't feel that evil yet somehow it never comes out like I planned."

Looking at the mage to get  a non vocal queue Marco speaks. "Arc, this lady here she invented the drug. She is not happy by what this drug has become and was secretly sabotaging it. The Dragons were going to interrogate her and we intercepted them. This much I got from her telepathically so let's not play the denial and decipt game - It is still unclear for me why do the Stardust kidnap a mage whose fruits of labor they are clearly benefiting from.  I was thinking we can try and figure that part out together. I promise that I do not bite.... unless asked really nicely to do so, and I am in no physical shape to be casting much more - I did some high profile mojo and  I am lucky to still be conscious I was hoping to speed things out and try to figure out what exactly will the Stardust do with her - because I am many things but - but I know what these people are capable, torture, kidnappings, killing  and I cannot ever submit a person to such treatment... These people are clearly misguided and have lost their way."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-18-15/1920:39>
Arc's words appear to hit Firefly like a slap and she almost literally complies with the rigger's words, dropping to sit on her rear next to the now barely dressed and kneeling mage.  She manages to stay quiet as Marco tries to explain himself, but can't hold her tongue by the end.

"You say this after sending a demon to rape me and then mind fucking this woman?  Damn hypocrite..." she mutters but makes no effort to act on her words other than to remain protectively close to the older female mage.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-18-15/2046:23>
"My methods are not the issue right now, neither are my many sins. I cannot explain why that Spirit behaved in that manner, but you were unresponsive and seemed to be wounded pretty badly - that door in your belly...

I could not have done so myself at that moment - and I was not comfortable waiting, I was holding two spells and I could not imagine how different the healing spell is when coming from a daemon - it is the same astral construct. If I can do it with a gentle stroke, why did the Daemon had to do THAT, he should have been more knowledgeable about magic than I am....

I am tainted, I understand that, the church understands that and this is why I will never be spared. Eternal torment is my fate and I get no forgiveness no mercy and no hope. I have grown to accept that fate and perhaps it is for the best. My only salvation lies in the Digital Grimoire that claims that the kind of spirits that can be summoned are a specific kind and they are not Daemons from hell. That could be wrong... We know very little but this is what keeps me going.


About the interrogation? we  dropped a van into a river - people died and yet they were reaching for their guns when I showed them how blissful life can actually be. I think that the Dragons were more concerned about keeping their secrets and given the situation my interrogation methods are the most delicate ones known to humanity. I am afraid that the Stardust are going to be a lot less delicate than myself and I am sorry for that intrusion. There are angry people with guns after us! We should find a way to survive and to do the right thing. "

Marco seats down, broken drained and defeated. The pain of the passion spell, the pain of the mind probe and the punch. The atrocities they did that night. His life was so different than the life Marco wanted for himself. So alien and evil, it required his full composure of keeping his calm. This is what became with the 'little choirs' Shilla gave him. He thinks- "death, death and more death coated with violence. A dash of betrayal and plenty of greed and lust for power. It appears that the Devil always wins - I can be evil even with the healing spell - my purest form of compassion. How ironic is that?

Either the Grimoire is right and there is something emotionally broken in me, some twisted and evil inner world. Similar to that of toxic and blood mages but if I am such a twisted and perverted then my natural state is good. It were circumstances and life choices that made me what I am. Perhaps, I could be restored with psychological help, there is some hope!

If the priests were right and I am the son of Lilith, not even a human but a tainted Daemon in human skin. Then I am infested with evil blood and can never change. I deserve no salvation, my only comfort is that it is my nature. After all, if I am simply incapable of good it is unfair to demand that from me. It is not my fault! In that theory a large part of me, my Christianity is nothing but a ruse,  a disguise to mislead and corrupt the righteous.

One thing is certain, either I am a Daemon by blood or I am perverted by life circumstances. Either way I am toxic to people around me. Perhaps Yelena being so toxic herself would not be further corrupted by my presence. For the time being, I have to believe in the Grimiore - a sinner is better than a Daemon as a sinner can repent and accept his judgement. The alternative is so depressing that even considering it makes me want to cry.  Why would anyone teach a Daemon about Christ?! What kind of evil torment it that ? To show you God and the havens and then tell you that you have no part in these things. You can never have them as they were simply not meant for you. Your job is to make sure that nobody else can have them as well. This is the most painful of all torments, to give you hope and then take it away."


 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-19-15/1147:21>
@ Marco, Arc & Subaru  The mage looks back and forth between Marco & Subaru clearly confused. But as she processes what Marco is saying she finally speaks up. "Look, I don't know what's going on here. And clearly we don't have time to explain it all, either of us. But, if I'm understanding everything correctly you've extracted me from someone who wanted to question me for someone who may want to kill me. And now you're trying to get the only currency I have to barter my life with, and that's what I know. Seems to me that that does not make the enemy of my enemy my friend." She gives a hard look around her and her hand goes up again. "So you can either prove to me that you're my friends and I'm much better off with you than without you." She pauses then, "Or I can level this place. Because if I'm going to go down. I'm going down fighting." She looks at Subaru then, "And I'm not about to fall for a good cop, bad cop routine sister so you can just shove your happy little ass away from me and stand with the rest of them." She sneezes then and her arms are starting to show signs of a rash. "But, I really am allergic to cats and you can start with a sealed antihistamine pack."

@ Yelena  It takes awhile but eventually the onlookers begin to move. Especially when KE begins arresting people.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-19-15/1229:26>
Yelena notes that the traffic jam starts to move a bit and calls out.  "Chesh.  Cars moving.  Yelena need guide for chopper shop."  The halfer returns to the passenger seat and animatedly points out the route she is to take.  Although progress is slow at first, the van and its two occupants eventually break free into normal traffic flow.  Yelena takes the time to send a mental text.  >>Team.  Is Yelena.  Van moving/  On road and back to shop in thirty minutes.  Maybe.  Depends on Chesh route.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-19-15/1319:00>
Arc remained silent as the words passed over her, her mind fighting her hurts to process all the information.  The Jade Dragons were escorting this mage to the Triads for questioning...and the Stardust wanted her back to be silenced.  From what I got, the Triads were what was backing the Stardust, which would explain the Yak interest in the place.  So if the Triad was wanting to question, then the Stardust was not wanting them to know the details of this drek.  That means this project is personal.  Great.  This girl is responsible for the means of all this drek, but not what it's being used for.  She just had a near-death experience, I get it.  But she needs to trust us...

Seeing her hand go up, she lifted her owns up, her expression calm and resolute as she saw her, and then nodded to Firefly.  "Marco.  Clothes, food, water.  Go, I got this"  Getting up, the girl took steady steps, clearly in discomfort from her injuries as she grabbed the medkit from Firefly's gurney, fishing through for some antihistamines and rolling the bottle to her.

"If we were your enemy, we wouldn't be sitting her talkin' now would we.  Look, from what it sounds like you're wrapped in your drek.  We pulled you for a job for the Stardust, yeh.  But I'm not workin' towards their benefit.  I want them gone.  They're using their drug...your drug...and totally swooping peeps up.  So many are missing.  My friend is hooked on your drek right now, and if we don't shut this club down, she's gonna likely disappear too."  Her jaw was hardset as she approached, a hand hooking at the back of her pants.  "Which means I don't really want to turn you in to them.  Which means a world of trouble if I don't take em down quickly.  So work with me, and we can all go home with a less dismal ending, aight?  But if ya don't trust me..."

At this point, Arc was only a few feet from the woman, and from behind her back she drew her Predator, loaded and ready to go...but it wasn't held in an intimidating way.  Instead....the grip was facing the mage, the barrel pointed right back at the mechanic as she knelt down, holding it out to her with unblinking eyes.  "Then you got one shot to take ya own chances without our help."

"So What's it gonna be, omae?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-19-15/1500:50>
Marco told Arc, “With all the respect, I am staying here with the rest of you, this is the most sensible thing to do. I am not going anywhere before Yelena and Tuska arrive. For your own safety - After that - feel free to boss me around and send me on any errant you would like.”

 He then  said,  “Look Dana - hostility is not necessary and even if you fight us where will you go?  The one you call boyfriend, you love him but he is manipulative toward you and only cares about drugs. He is using you and they were going to interrogate you. You cannot go back,  even if you overpower us and I give you the credit for wanting to fight - we are your best option.

The Dragons were going to question you - if I found out that you were sabotaging the drugs then so will them, it is not just magic, there are more methods of investigation. truth drugs, torture, emotional manipulation, blackmail and I am sure that you can think about a few more. These are the kind of things that waited for you, have no illusions about that. Your mind have told me that directly.

You are alone, but inside you are a good person - you deserve better! You deserve to work for for goals you believe in and to be with people that appreciate you for what you are.  There is a connection, a reason why the Stardust wanted you and it is in your best interest to figure that one out. It is also in our best interest because these are the people that are going after us if we do not deliver you. But if we understand the dynamics we can come with a believable lie, a ruse or a plan to keep all of us safe.

Your knowledge of the drug is the asset you have, this is your ‘get out of jail card’ and even if you wanted to give that knowledge to us. None of us has the background to understand it, we cannot take it from you even if we tried. This knowledge can fix your life and make them good again.  It can give you a fresh SIN, a new start - new life with a good and legitimate job. Think about a place were your skills will be valued and you can work without having your creations perverted and twisted. Please do hold on to this knowledge and when you sell it, make sure that you get the best deal you could possibly get. I can help you negotiate that deal, I am skilled with words and you deserve a good deal.

I also have the connection who can make you such an offer -  but going on that route puts us in a lot of danger. Danger that will arrive within the coming hours, we have to survive tonight we have to lay low and both the Dragons and the Stardust are going to be looking for us. We are all going to risk our life trying to get you this deal you deserve.

Help us out over there, understanding the relation between the Dragons and the Stardust may be crucial to our survival. These are powerful enemies - you know it you just need to connect the dots. I am sure you are capable of doing it and since it is our mutual interest I am sure that no hostility is necessary. Like I said, with your agreement I will soon contact the people that you can negotiate with you for your knowledge. They are the good guys with government contacts, not criminals and gangs! You get to be on the right side of the law. This is the real deal, there will not be any better deal than that. Just help us survive long enough to get you there and we can all part ways happily. "

[spoiler]
If my text is not enough then Marco is a more skilled smooth talker than I am. - I rolled con to convince the mage to play along with us. Marco will be using his skills in order to gain her trust including eye contact, body language and the genuine fact that he really believes that what he offers is the best option for her.
Convincing 'Dana?' to play along (http://orokos.com/roll/353671): 18d6t5 8
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-19-15/1547:06>
"Pretty words from a man who unleashes rapist daemons on dying girls and mind fucks unconscious women. And for someone who wears a woman's form at time, you don't know shit about women. If you don't care about her basic decency, then by all means let the teenage girl you just molested venture off into the night to get this poor oneesan some clothes!"  Firefly dumps the jacket and hijab in the mage's lap and storms off down the street.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-19-15/1631:43>
"I said ENOUGH!"

Arc barked out her command as she knelt, keeping the gun held out handle first to the mage that no one else seemed to notice.  Glad to know they are concerned for my safety...

"you two can sort thus drew out later.  Firefly, you are staying put.  Marco I won't ask you again.  Yelena just said she and Tuska are on the way, so chill the frag out."  ending it with that, she turned her attention back to their charge, waiting for her response.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-19-15/1634:27>
@ Marco, Arc & Subaru   The mage looks from Arc to Marco to Subaru. And frowns at Subaru's words as she watches her storm off. Carefully considering it all. Then she takes a deep breathe making up her mind. And shakes her head no at Arc. "I don't know how to use a gun. And it would stop me from casting anyway." At Marco she say's, "Mind fucked hmmmm. It was efficient I'll give you that. But, don't do it again." Then she looks back and forth between the two of them. "My drug isn't supposed to be being used. It's still in the experimental stages. We're still testing it and it's got far to many side effects still. And, I don't know why it's addictive. I mean, I know it is. The test subjects response to it is very much that of an addicts. But, there are no narcotics. And it's NOT supposed to be in use. It would be unethical to use it at this point." She takes a deep breathe and then sags, looking down at her hands. "But, I can't say I'm surprised that it is. Darren's been far to happy every time I made any kind of breakthrough with an effect. Any one else would have been after me for commercial viability by now with the money I've spent. They'd be wanting to see a return on the investment." She takes the bottle of antihistamines and swallows two dry and then starts scratching her arms. "But, I really don't know what you're talking about with the Stardust. I've never heard of it." She looks at Marco then, "So, I am interested in making a deal for what I know with the feds. But, I'll need protection. Guys with the kind of money to spend that's been spent on me and my lab have very long arms."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-19-15/1756:13>
Yelena, guided by Chesh, closes in on the chop shop location.  The streets here are certainly less travelled, but not as bleak as the Barrens.  The few people out and about at this time of the morning cast curious looks at the nice van, but no one is curious enough to try and slow its progress.  Chesh rolls the window down three times to wave and natter on with someone seen on the street.  Then Yelena sees someone she knows and wonders what Firefly is doing on the street instead of in the building.  More, Yelena gets the distinct impression that the young woman is walking at a determined pace, barely caring about where she is going. 

Yelena pulls the van to a stop and calls out, but her words are ignored.  Somewhat alarmed, Yelena opens the door and climbs out of the driver's seat, turning to Chesh.  "Chesh take van shop."  Pointing to her rifle, she adds, "Yelena rifle.  Chesh friend no chop."

She waits until she gets a nod from the halfer then takes off at a pace to catch up to Firefly.  As she suspected, the girl does not even realize she is being followed.  Yelena comes up beside her new friend and touches her arm.  "Want Yelena walk with?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-19-15/2026:32>
Subaru jumps when the stealthy elf makes her presence apparent.  Yelena is surprised when the teen drops and rolls, ending up crouched on the ground and ready to cast her only serious defense- stunbolt. It appears to the warrior keeb to be a well trained reflex. Before the young mage can draw on the mana though she notices who it was who got her attention and stops.

"Yelena sensei!" the human girl exclaims, surprised. Then in a less surprised voice she adds, "You're back.  I...I needed some air," she continues, her brown eyes averting from Yelena's violet orbs.  "I'm going to fetch some clothes for the mage woman."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-20-15/0113:58>
Yelena looks at the young woman carefully then nods.  "Yelena come?  Yelena feel safer already."  She offers a hand to the decker to assist her to her feet but does not let the touch linger.  She notes the missing outer garb usually worn and realizes that something is bothering the girl.  Falling in beside her, Yelena walks silently and waits for the decker to talk.  She checks her pistol at her hip and drags some of the nearby shadow to her to provide some warmth and comfort.  She walks next to her student, feeling that she will talk when she is ready to and Yelena will not push it for now.  She sends a text to let Arc know what is happening.  >>Srui.  Is Yelena.  Yelena walk Firefly.  Back when done.  Arc save Yelena rifle from Chesh and choppers.<<

Ahead, three men step out onto the snowy sidewalk from an alley and stand in the path of the two women.  Yelena puts a hand on Firefly's arm and they come to a halt.  Yelena keeps a slight pressure on her companion's arm and just looks at the three young men.  The leader, appearing to be no older than twenty, is holding a metal pipe in one hand, tapping it against his boot. Yelena just looks at the man and something in her face or her stance or.............something..............makes him pause.  No one says a word for a few seconds then the three young men just disappear back into their alley.  Yelena removes her fingers from Firefly's arm and nods for them to proceed.  As the pair passes the alley, they can hear the men arguing, "Hey, Boykin, why'd we back down?  We could have taken those two slots easy."

"You think so?  You idiot.  The young slot, maybe yeah.  The other?  There was something about her."

His words were followed by a short laugh.  "Yeah.  She's a Keeb.  You ever slot a Keeb?  I hear they be right nice."

There is a slight smack and a grunt.  "You go ahead and try it, you fraggin' gobsmacker.  I tell you that Keeb is death walking the earth.  I never seen anything like it, but I just knew that she would kill us all if we tried anything.  Come on, we can go over to Cartwright Avenue and try our luck there."

The voices fade away as Yelena and Firefly move on and they can hear feet running away down the alley.  After a few feet, Yelena quietly says, "Shadow reached out to young man.  Saved life and friends' lives.  He might survive streets if listen shadow.  Shadow is life and death.  Shadow is armor and warmth.  Someday shadow take Yelena back to embrace.  Take all Yelena is and add to strength of shadow.  Decker mage has Allah.  Yelena has shadow."

"Yelena born many years ago.  Knows much about people.  Yelena know Firefly troubled in thoughts.  Yelena good at listen when decker mage ready talk."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-20-15/0328:40>
Marco texts Blake --> We have the inventor of the drug, tell your employer that she made preliminary agreement to enter a deal knowledge in exchange for safety. We'd also need some secure place to deliver her if your employer is interested because she is nova hot.

Arc seems to be a bad-ass - and normally Marco would have done what she asked - but a wounded mundane in a room with a mage we just met? who may be emotionally involved with the people we stole her from? who may be misleading us ? illusions, mind control, fireballs? she cannot be unarmed, she may be capable of astral travel who knows what she is capable of. Marco knows enough about magic to know that the fear is real.  " But HOW does Subaru already knows that I cross dress? It is no big secret but it is not something that comes out at first date. I just met her, emotionally unstable and skilled in both magic and technology - I should probably consider my living arrangements until she cool down.  I just hope that she is not going to toss my bar out of the balcony again. I'd better change the lock on the door and perhaps install some security system. Perhaps even find a new apartment.  I invited her into my home!... what did she do over there?!


He then says "You do not go out to dance much? The Stardust is the hottest club in the Barrens! They recently opened and are famous for their magical drugs. Especially one of these drugs creates a lot of matrix noise, and many people - some of them awakened are  missing.  They make bucket-loads of money and use massive force to protect their secrets. Their employee's are  signing forms as if they are working in an experimental lab rather than a club, and there are people missing, many people that did not return from their night out.  Enough people to draw the attention of the federal government as well as many powerful organizations in the Shadows. They all want to know what the F is going on in there.

These people are after you - they wanted you enough to bring us so far - and you must know some of them, it is impossible that they are all strangers. "


Marco turns to Arc, his face are giving out very little but his friendly voice despite the circumstances.
Arc, do you mind showing her some pictures? perhaps she can identify some of the people that run the show?"


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <12-20-15/1241:44>
     Tuskaloosa was grateful that her current partner-in-crime knew his territory well; she probably could have found an alley secure enough to park in on her own, but not as quickly or confidently as he did.
It helped make the time they waited for the second van—and its occupants—to crawl through traffic a little easier to endure.
It didn't stop the troll from being ready to go at a moment's notice or monitor her commlink for further news from Yelena.  Or Arc, for that matter.

She received a message from her fellow vanjacker:

>>Tuskaloosa.  Is Yelena.  Chesh look in van.  Find smuggling bins in floor.  In walls.  Find much things.  Weapons, bullets, other things.  Driver girl look other van.  Might find more.  Yelena van still stuck.  Waiting for traffic move.<<

Her shotgun—Hatter—sat in the passenger's seat, gleefully taking apart a small box he had unearthed from the dashboard.  Based on the warnings on it, she suspected it was the Black Box.  She didn't figure he was going to get much useful data out of it though; if he could get to it, so could whoever the Dragons called mechanic.  “Hey...Hatter?  You in contact with Chesh?”

He gave a noncommittal grunt.
...Then paused, and set his work aside slowly.  There was a gleam in his eye when he finally loooked up.  “So, Old Mother Hubbard sent Chesh to the cubbords and the spry gnome found grog.  But if I go back there, will our cubbords be bare?  Will the poor troll get none?”

“That would be the question,” she admitted as he hopped down from his cushony pearch and went into the back.  “Although if the guys in charge of this rig were clean freaks and we find nada, this 'poor troll' won't care.  It's not like there's nuyen riding on who stole more, or anything.”

Almost immediately however, he gave a cackle of glee.  “Little Jack Horner sat in a corner, eating his Christmas pie” his voice filtered back, growing.

She twisted around in her chair, curious to see what he found so fast.

“He put in his thumb,” the gnome teased as he came forward. “and pulled out a--”

A hand suddenly covered most of his torso and as he disengaged from the darkness.


She had the Guardian up to a spot in the darkness where she could hit chest, and was halfway through her trigger when her head finally overrid instinct.  She could only see heat from the Hatter; there was no human-sized heat signature beyond, and although it looked perfectly healthy, the hand had no heat.  The fingers also were lax: the gnome's hold was keeping it from falling off him, not trying to escape.

Sugartank!  Are you trying to brick me?!” she snapped as she put the gun away amid Hatter's squeals of laughter. “Give me that” she huffed as she relieved him of his prize: a synthetic, modular human-sized left hand.  Male, based on the size, short fingernails and slightly hairy fingers.

“Quite the plum, eh?  What a good boy am I!”

“Only if you're a cannibal, Little Jack Horner.”



Tuskaloosa put up with the myriad of hand puns for the rest of the vigil and the drive to Hatter's shop as penance for overreacting.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-20-15/1320:04>
Arc realized that her tensions were running a bit high, which may account for the throbbing in her head as she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.  Subaru was gone..but Yelena picked her up.  That's that much more worry that Arc does not have to deal with..and with Tuskaloosa en route, everyone is accounted for.  She listened to Marco... a little flashy on the details but it got the point across.

And by the time he asked Arc to offer pictures, she gave a firm nod, pulling out her commlink.  "I figurin' you ain't finna trusting me to share drek with a link, so take a look here..."  With steady steps, she approached the mage girl, keeping both meat hand and cyberhand visible, commlink in hand.  Pulling up her picture folder containing what she needed, she started to flip through names of import associated with the Stardust:  the pusher Gregor, the manager Hank, the partner NineLives, the dead person of interest Snowden, the leader of the Green Goblins, the mysterious mage lady found there, and anything else she may have missed.

"So, any of these hoops look familiar?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-20-15/2129:56>
I remain quiet as Yelena handles the brutes in her own way.  Although I might have been able to deal with them myself, with a stunblast, this certainly is better.

I wonder how many scrapes like this I've been spared my Lexi and her friends?

"I've never been without an escort in my life, Yelena-sensei," I muse into the silence as we start walking again.  "I've never had to give a thought about my personal safety outside the 'trix.  An entire team of muscle has always been no more than fifteen seconds away from a mere thought from me.  Since coming here, I knew I could die.  Given I'm already dead, it never really scared me.  I hadn't really given thought that there were worse things than dying."  I turn my face and look into Yelena's eyes with a tempestuous expression.  My voice rises as I continue more frenzied.  "And I damn well didn't expect to experience it from a damn Christian abomination!  How dare that...that...kafir sacrifice me as fodder to his depraved fiends!" 

Subaru's arms hug herself as she finishes her thought.  The look in the teen's eyes is haunted, as if she's seen or experienced something that makes her never want to sleep again.

Ever.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-20-15/2206:56>
Yelena listens to Firefly then says, "Yes.  Are worse things than dead.  Yelena know several.  Decker mage could have defeated thugs.  Yelena sensed beginnings of shadow in one.  Wanted spare to know grow in shadow." 

After listening to the rest of what Firefly had to say, Yelena looked around then motioned with her head.  "Firefly look.  Stuffer shack across street.  Yelena want bad soykaf.  Come share.  Firefly talk maybe.  Tell Yelena what happened."

At the young woman's nod, Yelena leads the way across the street and into the small stuffer shack, where they are the only customers.  If the attendant is surprised to see two woman alone in the shop at this time of the morning, he keeps it to himself.  He takes the orders and returns with two steaming cups of surprisingly good soykaf, disappearing back behind his counter after slotting Yelena's credstick for payment.  Yelena looks carefully at Firefly over the brim of her cup and waits for the decker to talk.  Until she does, it is just two women sharing a quiet time.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-21-15/1015:02>
@ Marco & Arc  Dana looks at the picture and points to Hank. "Him. I recognize him. That's Han Kang-Mao, he and Leonard had a bit of a pissing match at a party once. I overheard Leonard tell him, 'I've removed your dogs. Subtlety was never your strong suite. You should be more careful. The Five do not respect or reward incompetence." But, then I got closer and Leonard saw me and stopped talking." She studies the rest of the pictures and says. "Wait. It's a really bad pic but, I think that's Suri Mitsuhama. She's an assistant in my lab." She looks up. "What's she doing?"

@ Yelena & Subaru  A family came in from the cold and crowded around the counter. It was all women, but the resemblance was unmistakable, even if the youngest, a girl in her later teens by the look hadn't laughed and said, "I thought that zombie had you for sure grandma!" The oldest woman laughing and saying, "Yeah, good thing your mama's a good shot. I'm glad we were able to do this again this year." The other woman, now known as mom, laughed. "Yeah mom. But next year you're upgrading your weapon. You're eyesight is clearly going if you couldn't see that zombie Santa in time to shoot him." The women were laughing and ordering and went to sit at the other end of the diner cheerfully talking about their evening.

@ Tusks  Hatter was very thorough, and a damn good lock-pick Tusks had to admit. Every single surface had some method of being opened and contained something. Most of it was ammo & weapons. But, when she heard a low whistle and, "Damn Peter and his pickled peppers. I'll pick this anyday!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-21-15/1040:49>
the Five...who the frag is she talking about? But hey, now we are getting somewhere...  Arc seemed to relax a little as Dana give a response, nodding her head in understanding.

"There's someone on the way who's directly met with Hank...er, Han.  She may be able to confirm more, but st least you know we ain't fulla drek now."  with the mage, the mechanic got quiet as she exchanged glances with Marco.  A look in return told her Blake was being notified, which was fine.

"Your assistant huh?   That makes sense...yall know she slings mojo too yeah?  This was taken at a warehouse cooking the drugs for the stardust.  That same drek that causes tech noise and people to start glowing.  Your girl is using that formula for the Stardust...I guess we know why you weren't aware of it now."

She sighed, rubbing her temples as she fought off her headache.  "I shut that place down, but SurI got away.  One of ours got a good look at her, can confirm that soon...when she gets back at least."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-21-15/1747:41>
"Arc is so brave " thinks Marco. "She can trust the mage even if it is to be alone with her.  and Marco? He feels the danger, it fuel him with emotions and keeps him sharp and focused. It was a risk - a to take but looking into her mind and speaking beutiful words in ehr ears - these things reduced the risk.  She appeared to be cooperative but how can one trust someone who can summon Daemons? Someone like  - like Marco?

"Firefly completely ignored the most fundamental physical aspect - her youthful body was as good as new. She could punch me, storm out run and walk as if nothing happend - as if she and the grim ripper did not meet today. Not only did the two meet, oh now - Firefly was inviting him in for coffee - they were probably already discussing the wonders of the afterlife. Do muslims go to heaven? It would be unfair if they didn't - just because they do not accept Christ. The rules sometimes seemed so arbitrary.

She probably was going to haven - then came the Daemon and forced her back into this world - kissing and scratching her numb body. Mocking her - saying you got your health but the heavens? not going to happen not for you. There is no justification of kissing a numb body that cannot respond, of touching it in that sexual manner. Why did a Daemon found it exciting? who knows - forcing people seems unpleasent and unattractive completely odd. Still the outcome was very powerful
she run, punch hate with such a life force such passion that some people never feel. She seemed more alive and more confident than she has ever been. No more misses distant and shy - hello to my new vindictive, magically active and matrix skilled enemy.
Arc seemed terrible - in physical pain and she needed rest. Firefly was completely restored - as if the two weren't in the same car together. The only real damage was her clothes that did not take the accident very well. It got to count for somthing - she was in better shape than myself. Would she really prefer to be one foot in the grave again? At a time when someone armed could open fire at them any moment - a fire elemental could assult them or who knows what evil lurked around the corner. She needed her health."

Marco was quiet he had not much to add - "The passion spell was also top magic - and the mind probe ? if that mage was as brilliant as that Daemon thought- I managed to sneak into her head and learn enough about her personality to not knock her out the moment she woke up. I entered the mind of a professional mage!  I got an impression of her personality that could not be obtained in any other way - the reason I dared to talk to her. These were 3 very good spells - and that summon while holding 2 spells.  I have learned how to overcome my limitations  to milk anything possible from my skills. I am not such a terrible mage.

It is just that Christian priests were not exactly the teachers I needed. That monastery was an emotional dessert  -  The worst place for me to learn magic. I could not have a relationship, no casual lovers, no sex not even poetry into the night. Too much arcane, too little music and too little dancing. This is how I learn magic - it is human connection and emotions. I may have strong Christian roots but I do not practice Christian magic.  These priests were never my teachers. They tried to force me into a magical tradition that was not my own. I am the blind mage but they could not even see what was right in front of their eyes - that my magic was different. I do not need books to study magic, it is integrated so deep into what I am that every single word I speak is magical.

They wasted my time in an emotionally suppressed environment. Full of violence, I cannot see the astral but they could not feel the emotions of others. They could hurt people because they could not feel their pain. As of me? it is a blessing and a curse, what happened with the daemon despite that dry explanation it is a dark point in my soul. I damaged when I wanted to heal - I am a blind mage but not because I cannot look into the astral - but because I am too afraid to actually observe what I really am."








Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-21-15/1850:19>
I watch the strange family and their conversation which, taken out of context, sounds terrible.  I've played enough trid games to know they're almost certainly talking about the latest shooter phenomenon.  A decent comm plus a jack or trodes and it's like you're there blasting whatever strikes your fancy.  No muss, no fuss, no questionable ethics.

Life is a lot more messy.

Oh mother, I need you so much right now.

"Do you believe in an afterlife, Yelena-sensei?" I ask softly into the silence, staring into my cup as if the gently swirling brown liquid might hold answers to the unfathomable.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-21-15/2009:10>
Yelena mulls the question as she takes another sip of the soykaf.  "Afterlife?  Like after die?  Yes, Yelena believe.  But probably not like Firefly believe.  Yelena believe in shadow.  Everyone see shadow.  Many walk in shadow.  Very few know shadow.  Even less live in true shadow.  Yelena one of few.  Yelena know shadow and live shadow.  Shadow gives strength and warmth and armor.  Shadow save Yelena many times.  But shadow has price.  Someday Yelena die and all that was Yelena goes to shadow to increase power."

"Yelena looks concerned and reaches out to place three fingers gently on Firefly's right hand.  "Yelena not believe in god of good and justice.  How explain evil in world if just god?  How explain Yelena in world?  Yelena kill many innocent people.  Even children.  Yelena angry at humans.  Kill all could find just because human.  Why good god allow?  So no good god.  Shadow find Yelena.  Shadow not good or bad.  Just is shadow.  People good and bad.  But Yelena know others believe in good god.  Is personal.  Yelena not try change people.  Shadow come if person is ready, not before.  But why ask Yelena?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-21-15/2050:48>
"I...I dunno."  The swirls in the soykaf continue to fascinate me.  "You sound like my dad, to be honest," I add with a little snort.  "He was pure Shinto, unsullied by Buddhism and Christianity.  He swore he could see kami, and considering the extent of my talent he may well have.  My grandparents on his side never could understand what he saw in my mother and only grudgingly accepted me either.  Damn I miss her."  I somehow manage not to cry at the memory.  My burning rage and indignation at the demon vaporizing the tears before they can fall.  I look up now to meet Yelena's violet eyes.  "Your priest friend is a fool.  I want to hate him for what he did to me back there, but I really do believe him when he says he didn't mean it.  Which makes it even worse.  He's playing with fire...literally...and I got burned.  It knows my name, Yelena-sensei...my scent...my aura.  Someday, some moment when I'm weak, it'll come for me.  It'll take me and dine on my spirit until it eventually breaks me.  What it does with my shell after that, I don't want to imagine.  Whatever might be leftover after that will have no place in Allah's embrace.  That I know."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-21-15/2109:49>
Yelena looks inside her to see if there is anything left of her parents and finds nothing.  She nods and says, "Not sure who luckier.  Decker mage lost parents to betrayal and murder.  Yelena parents throw Yelena trash.  Only days old.  Priest man save.  Hide Yelena three years.  Men come.  Take Yelena.  Kill priest."

Yelena is surprised at Firefly's next words, not recognizing at first who she is talking about.  "Yelena priest friend?  Who?"  Realization dawns and she asks more sharply.  "Decker mage mean Marco?  Yelena not know what happen.  Tell me."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-21-15/2137:21>
"I'm not sure what he was thinking, but he sent a daemon to heal me. Islam discourages conjuring because spirits exact a price for their services - whether you know it or not. Your Marco traffics in some nasty types. They exact their price in pain and fear. It..." I search for the right word, "forced...itself on me.  I fought back which it decided was a challenge.  It...tasted...me.  Probed my soul despite my protests.  It means to put me on a plate and play with its food someday.  I know the thing may have saved my life but I'm not sure it was worth it."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-21-15/2211:05>
Yelena is careful to remain outwardly calm, but her already pale face goes white for a few seconds.  Almost the only sign of distress is a momentary increase of pressure on Firefly's hand from the fingers resting on it.  Gathering her thoughts, Yelena says, "Firefly listen Yelena.  Is demon nature hurt for service.  But caster should pay price.  Marco should pay.  Not Firefly.  Show Marco weak and demon strong.  Marco not control.  Is wrong.  But cannot take back.  Is done.  Demon have scent.  Demon know decker mage.  Demon try take soul when die.  Firefly can prevent.  Several ways.  First is be holy.  Much holy and demon cannot have.  Firefly must do good things and leave running.  Forget justice for parents.  Second is be evil.  Much evil and control demon when come for soul.  Third in middle.  Decker mage be ready.  Make strong to send demon away.  Demon feed off fear and anger.  Gives demon strength.  Firefly grow in strength.  In power.  Fight demon.  Show no fear.  No anger.  Much power.  Live life to win.  To grow.  Yelena not help first way.  Not know how to be holy.  Yelena think best way for Firefly is third.  Decker mage not evil.  Yelena know evil.  Know Firefly not evil yet.  But Yelena can help be strong.  Learn fight demon and win."

She pauses before continuing.  Yelena has shadow.  Firefly has Allah.  Maybe Allah need help from shadow.  Decker mage tell Yelena if interested shadow.  Yelena not want Firefly go shadow if not want.  Think on it."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-22-15/0917:11>
@ Marco. >>Copy that Marco. I just wanted to let you know I have woken the powers that be and I'm brokering a deal. I should have an answer and a full protection team in place in thirty minutes to arrange the transfer.<< It's from Blake.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-22-15/1230:21>
"I said some pretty strong things to the priest back there...stormed out on Arc-sensei.  I...would like to learn more, Yelena-sensei.  I think I need what you have to teach me.  But I'm not sure how interested Arc-sensei is now in having me around.  All they were doing back there was following the plan - it was me who went rogue.  And it will be a long time before I trust that priest any further than I can throw him."  I look down again into my cooling beverage.  "Why...why does life have to be so damned complicated?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-22-15/1829:19>
Marco reads Blake response and think 'here goes nothing let's hope Blake will catch the bait. That feels like big league now.' Marco forwards the message to Arc.  Marco finds it a bit odd that Arc did not ask for healing but after the treatment Firefly got out of his hands he cannot blame her. He then tries to keep Dana talking and  thinking he say:
 "So your lab assistant is cooking magical drugs for competing street gangs, but not for the Stardust  - where do the Stardust get their batches from then ? who could possibly cook for them?" Asks Marco.

[spoiler]Did I get that part right that the one she identified was the mage from Arc/Subaru/the children's run? [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-22-15/2037:43>
Arc shook her head, raising up a hand in recognition of the message Marco passed on to her.  "Could be...but then again, maybe she was third party, therefore unaware?  The gang I trashed that we saw her at used to cook for the Stardust, they just decided to take the cut for themselves..."  Holding her head, she worked through her thoughts as she went over the message.  "Likely they got other operations to cook their drek...maybe, I don't fragging know..."

<<Blake, Arc.  Note our interested party is expecting delivery.  Gonna need a bloody good excuse.  Think your powers that be can work something up so we in the clear?  thanks omae>>

<<@Team: Hoi, maybe got a way outta this mess we in, but there's big drew going down.  Try to get to the shop within twenty, aight?>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-22-15/2327:55>
Yelena takes a hand and gently places it under Firefly's chin, lifting it so she can look her in the eyes.  "Is true.  Decker mage not yet ready give justice to killers of parents.  Yelena can teach that.  Is not true that Arc not want Firefly.  Are part of team.  Need training.  Need experience.  Is also not true that Marco try hurt decker mage.  Yelena not know magic.  Not really trust magic.  But know too much magic is drain and make slinger weak.  Make careless.  Marco did much magic for team.  Made Yelena octopus.  Made mind speech with Yelena.  Made gangers slot each other.  Make Yelena and others invisible.  Yelena think much drain.  Then Marco try heal with demon.  Demon see Marco weak and take advantage.  Demon magic good if caster strong.  Bad if weak.  Demon inherently evil.  Marco should know.  Marco should not try healing from demon when weak.  Yelena talk quiet to Marco about that.  But Marco not evil.  Not want Firefly hurt.  Is mistake.  Firefly much hurt.  Yelena wish take hurt away.  Can teach decker mage to be strong to beat demon next time.  Yelena live in shadow.  Demon live in dark.  Shadow stronger than dark.  Demon afraid of Yelena and shadow.  Yelena can show Firefly how, but Firefly has to choose.  Yelena not know much about Allah, but shadow life maybe against teachings.  Can decker mage make choice?  Is hard for some.  Too hard.  Not for Yelena because never really believe in anything else.  Believed in love once, but no more.  Love is illusion.  Shadow is real."

Her talk is interrupted by Arc's message.  Yelena frowns and says.  "Firefly ready?  Can pick up things here and go back chop shop.  But Yelena serious.  Too many say they are shadow runners when they know frag-all about the real shadows.  Most runners piss selves when finally get chance to see real shadow.  Yelena can take.  Can show.  But decker mage has to choose.  Shadow is way of life, not profession.  Not job.  Not hobby.  Shadow simply is and most never ready to even see, much less enter.  Is life of danger.  Of solitude.  Of one with shadow.  So think.  Tell Yelena if want what she can really show or just learn to kill.  Yelena wait until decker mage ready."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-23-15/0858:00>
Firefly listens intently to Yelena, averting her eyes only once at the mention of Allah.  As Yelena finishes she simply nods and stands to go.  It really is amazing that the state of her jumpsuit isn't drawing more attention, or even more that the normally shy and modest Firefly isn't aghast at the bare flesh of one side of her torso showing to the cold world.  Her right nipple isn't...quite...showing, but the curve of that small but growing breast is unmistakable.  The angry wound is closed but still visible as an angry welt with purple bruising discoloring her brown skin.  It can't feel very good but the girl gives no apparent notice to it any more than she does to her modesty.  Her eyes seem determined but no longer angry or outraged...and very, very deep in thought.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-23-15/0934:15>
@ Marco  Dana looks at Marco and says, "The drug is still very much in it's experimental stages. It's not supposed to be in production at all, much less being sold at a club. The first I knew about that was when I heard it from you. But, then it made a few other things make sense. The scene with Han. Leonard not pushing me to get this in production form. My research assistants taken off the main project and told to try and make a few other of my experiments 'marketably viable' when I'd scrubbed them as to addictive despite effectiveness." she pauses. "They were supposed to be working on making it less addictive. What are the odds that actually happened?" she says bitterly. "If Suri was using her knowledge to make drugs for them than odds are Jaime is too. Jaime is Jai On-Yang Mao. Those two are thick as thieves. They joke about being brother and sister since they share the Mao surname. But, more than that they're both very, very friendly with the other staff. I've noticed that they have a way of schmoozing and gaining trust that's really unusual with the Chinese. Most of my staff is Chinese, and Suri and Jaime are the very few that have reached out to the non-Chinese members and do a little clubbing with them. I was glad at first, but, here lately I've noticed they both are in just a little to good. I've suspected some password compromise and now, knowing that the drug is being produced and sold it's fairly certain." She pauses thinking. "A few others among my staff have been suddenly fired by Leonard as well. But, in each case Leonard told me he fired them with a phone call. And someone else picked up their things and took them to them. They never showed back up at work. Leonard always said it was because he didn't want a security compromise as he already suspected them of it. So now, I'm guessing that they were how this Stardust club got their drugs."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-23-15/1014:51>
Yelena nods as Firefly stands.  The young woman's movement stretches the fabric of the jumpsuit and exposes the wound.  Yelena frowns at the sight of what will almost certainly be an ugly scar that will remind Firefly of what happened for the rest of her life.  Yelena reaches out to trace the scar with a finger.  Looking up at Firefly, she says, "This bad wound.  Firefly lucky be alive to have anger for Marco.  Important thing is decker mage is alive.  Always think that.  Alive means not dead.  Alive means another chance.  Alive means can get justice for parents.  Yelena show how beat demon.  How get justice.  But not if Firefly dead."

As Firefly turns, Yelena's eyes are drawn to the partially exposed breast.  The torn material stubbornly refuses to show her nipple, but not a lot is left to the imagination.  Yelena resists the surprisingly strong urge to finish the job the tear began, reminding herself that the girl is Muslim and young and has shown no interest in exploring that side of her sexuality.  Sighing to herself, she stands and helps Firefly get some food and a couple sets of clothes, one of which should fit the mage at the chop shop.

Finished shopping, the pair walk the short distance to the garage to see how things have progressed there.  Yelena enters behind Firefly, ready to step in if the woman's emotions get the better of her, but suspecting that she is under control of herself for now.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-24-15/2316:02>
Yelena and Firefly enter the garage to a cacophony of noise.  Several halfers are intently tearing apart one of the vans that the team had brought in.  It is hard to see how many of the little cutters there are doing the work, but she counts at least six.  Yelena reaches for two sets of hearing protectors that are hanging on hooks near the entrance and gives one to the decker mage next to her.  The noise is abated only a bit, but enough to make it painless.  Looking around, she does not see the others, but there is a side door that must lead to a back room and she assumes that is where Arc, Marco, Tuskaloosa, and the mage are.  Yelena hands off her bag to Firefly and nods her head at the door, sending the young woman off to find the others while she goes over to look at the van.  Seeing her approach, one of the halfers lowers a cutting torch and motions to where everything from inside the vans is neatly stacked.  Nodding, Yelena goes to the stack and finds her treasured rifle carefully placed to one side with a note attached to the trigger guard indicating "NOT FOR CHOPPING OR THE KEEB WILL GUT US ALL - AND THAT IS NO JOKE".  Yelena smiles as she picks up the rifle and looks at the halfer, saluting.

Walking to the door she notices that the other van is waiting for a decision to be made on its future.  Yelena would rather see it chopped as well and reap something from the parts as take a chance that it be identified by some wandering Jade Dragon ganger later.  Although, in her mind, the fate of the Jade Dragons was certainly up for discussion.  If they were in fact working for the Yaks, the gang is likely to be much smaller after failing in their mission.  Yelena pushes open the door and steps into relative quiet.  Firefly, Arc and the mage are not visible, but she can hear their voices from behind a large blanket that Tuskaloosa is holding up.  Nodding at the Troll, Yelena places her rifle against the wall near the ratty couch, noting that the halfers and Arc must have the same interior decorator.  She moves over to where Marco is sitting with his back to the activity.  Putting a hand out, she gives his shoulder a squeeze.  "Yelena say thanks for the mojo tonight.  Much help in getting mage and getting vans.  Much harder without you.  Yelena hear things.  Need smoke.  Marco come talk Yelena?"

Yelena reaches for her cigar case and heads for the rear door that opens into a narrow alley.  She removes a thin cigar from the case and lights it as she waits for Marco to join her.  By habit, she offers him one of the acrid things, knowing that he will probably refuse.  She pulls the shadow about her for warmth and takes a few pulls before saying, "So.  Yelena hear of demon healing.  What Marco side of story?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <12-25-15/1306:45>
“Damn Peter and his pickled peppers. I'll pick this anyday!”

After double-checking the locks, Tuskaloosa carefully picked her way back, curious to see what could make the Hatter so excited.
He was practically bouncing, his arms wraped around himself in a vain attempt at containment.
When she got a good look in the floor compartment she understood why.  First it's way too much money.  Now it's way too many connections.  “Lotsa luck, chummer,” she drawled.  “I'll be lucky just to pick that up.”

It took a bit of work to get the Ares Archon out of the floor and onto its tripod, but it was worth it.
She found the slots in the floor near the side door, clearly for when there was an opportunity for door-gunning.
The mobility and battery power of the Rover, coupled with the flexibility to still move it from the vehicle to the best firing position available.  All for a freeking laser.  The brilliance of the setup made her giddy.
At the same time, it also made her blood run cold:  Worst case: we could have been staring at the wrong end of this.
 I guess sometimes it really is better not to know the odds... “You said you'd pick this.  Do you even know how to use one?”
“Not I.  But I spy with my little eye a Cheshire Cat, and a cat that likes a laser pointer loves a pointy laser.”
 
____

“I'm sorry.  It's not you—It's me.  It's not your fault...so I apologize.
I'm sure you believed yourself indestructable: you'd be going strong long after the rest of us answer the Worm-feeder job app.  But maybe that was your problem:  you're too strong.  If you'd been a little weaker, a little more approachable, I wouldn't be saying adios.
...Actually, I take that back.  It's not your problem—you are who you are.  Like I said, it's me.  If  I weren't so paranoid—and gutless—it wouldn't have to come to this.
If it makes you feel any better, you aren't the only one who came up short tonight...and  your parts will mean other cars and trucks will get to live another day.  Or...who knows?  Maybe you'll be taken apart, cleansed of trace-ables and shipped to someplace new for reasembly.  You're all there, after all...it could happen...”
She pressed her knuckes to the window in a final fist bump.  “Adios.”

Hatter had given her some distance.  At a gesture from his boss an idle member of his crew passed her: likely to finish the unpacking of their loot.  The symphony of dissasembly continued unabated in the other bay of the cavernous garage.  It seemed unnecessary, but she made the request anyway: “When the time comes, don't torture—make it quick.”
He nodded sagely.  “Trolls have big hearts, 'tis true...but an Extra, Extra Large beats within you.”
She simply shrugged.  “Not like these Rovers got to choose who bought them.  Now, if you'll point me in the direction of wherever you've stashed my group...”

She quietly steeled herself.  Arc had not been happy at her for making the counter-offer during negotiations with Hatter and his munchkins, and she didn't blame the mechanic one bit.  If Fortune—and the aid from the choppers themselves—hadn't favored her and Yelena's bold actions, she could have turned a frying-pan situation into a flambe'.  I have some music to face.



In the end however, Arc had been too busy working on a way out of their current 'mess' with Marco and their prize—and staying upright—to say much.  “Back safe?  Good...see if you can get a sheet or something.”  When Firefly came in with a bag of clothes and groceries she said simply “make a wall” and exiled Marco to the other side of it.

The troll accepted the orders quietly, intending to speak only when spoken to.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-25-15/1730:27>
Marco thinks about the Mau’s something do not add up, if this was a secret drug and they took it off from the Yaks then how come their club was still intact? In the middle of the Barrens where all it take some violence,some shooting and people would not come. The Yaks were probably capable of burning that place in methods that I cannot even imagine. Were they so blind of the theft? They paid good money and the people that stole the technology did so openly in the middle of the Barrens with neon lights and fancy AR displays. If they are hiding they are not very successful.

“Who exactly were you working for? Indirectly I mean - a smart girl like you? Somebody put some serious money into research and development whose scale would be suitable to the corporate world - this was not some street chemists trying to cook the big street drug.  Somebody paid the bill - why would anyone pay so much ?

Then your colleagues 'steal' the drug and sell it to some business that openly sell it in the same city, in the public? With drugs that set up a new standard megitech and chemistry.  We are missing something I know that. "


Marco sighs, the girls have arrived.  He said "I'll wait outside the cold air will do me good. I know that I am a persona non grata around here."  and walked outside. The technical magic that was liquidating the van into scrap metal was inspiring. He avoided forming eye contact with Tuska or Firefly - he was ashamed.

He is happy when Yelena joins him and politely refuse the smoke. When she speaks he say. "You do not waste time do you?"   He sighs and then speak searching his soul for the words. “It is the tragic place where Firefly's superstition encounters my own negative emotions. Mages summon similar kind of spirits - these spirits have no physical form as they are not part of the physical world. The physical form they create is shaped by their  telepathic connection with their summoner.

Only physical creatures can summon - spirits despite being able to teach you about conjuring can never do so themselves. Some shapes of  magic simply requires you to be a physical form.  Therefore, spirits do not rape and even if they did such things they would not rape your physical body.”

Marco then sighs “It is not easy to be me, have you ever read these self aid books that claim that if you want something really bad you can ‘think’ it to happen to you? These are my life and it is not as fun as it first sounds.

My compassion heals people, I have no knowledge of medicine and yet I can place my hand on a person and take away some of their pain. My lust - well you saw what my lust can do to people as will the entire city. My curiosity ? This is what transformed you into an octopus and what linked our minds.“

“But if my positive emotions can do these wonderful things - what do you think happens when I express Fear, anger, rage or revenge? Can you imagine how dangerous these emotions are for me? Can you imagine how many of these emotions I hold inside?

My own parents gave me away ? How can this wound ever heal? The priests that raised me they were only interested in my mojo - I was a tool for them and nothing more. Then I met Shilla only to discover that her emotions are also nothing but manipulation - and she wanted me as a tooI. No person have ever loved me and if it wasn't for the love of Christ, and Agrat and spirits - I could not become who I am.  Ever since I understood how dangerous I am, I embraced Christ into my heart and vowed to only express positive emotions.  I dedicate my life to compassion, to curiosity and to lust but I really let go of my darkness?

Greed?
Anger?
Rage?
Revenge?

These emotions pave my path into toxic magic. Mages are not very emotionally stable, we are all bordering insanity. This is why I had to believe that even the Smiley killer could be restored. If she could then perhaps - so can I.   There is a child in me that is hurt, a part that thinks that humanity are all scum - and that the entire world should burn.  Some part of me will never forgive and never forget what was done to me. When that part looks at the adult I grew up to be it rebels - it is disgusted. It considers compassion to be weakness and only value strength, survival instinct and self defense. It is incapable of love and its only lust is to see everyone else suffer like him.

That part of me constantly scorns me - and the Daemons see both parts of me - this is why they are shaped like what they are. If my conscious half controls the Daemon than my other half shapes it. A Daemon that heals in the most absurd manner?! This is nothing but a symbol to the struggle inside my own personality. Daemons reflect what I really am - and that image is far from the person that I aspire to become.

It is very possible that my entire Christianity, my morality and positive emotions are all futile attempts to stop the tsunami of negative emotions  that have built up inside me over the years. I afraid to become like the Smiley killer -- killing people indiscriminately in a metaphysical attempt to avenge humanity for the wrong that was done to me. "

Marco is silent and then adds -

“Christianity struggles with summoning - they do not understand it. Church already said that spirits are not saints or angels or daemons.  They are no longer believed to have religious significance. Yet my spirits always challenged this formal believe - and were always banished on sight just in case. Please - do not let your eyes fool you they are not evil - I would have never survived without spirits. I was summoning since I was a little boy - it came as naturally as talking to me. My technique improved with practice and arcane training - but for minor spirits I could intuitively summon them when I was a little boy.


Spirits were reading me stories, helped me relax when I had a bad dream. I even summoned spirits to hug me. When my parents left me I had nobody else to comfort me I was so lonely and I needed someone - anyone- to reach out for me.

I had to secretly summon them but I kept doing so. In my first year at the monastery I'd sneak out of my bed to have a spirit sing lullaby for me. There was nobody else who could show me any form of affection. I used to close my eyes and imagine that I was loved and protected. These are the same spirits that did THAT to firefly, if they are evil than there is no hope for me. “

Marco's eyes are wet and the realization is now clear to him - "It is not the Church I should be afraid of - it is my own future. If I am not going to face my past and to dig deeper into what I really am - I will end up a toxic mage. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-25-15/2012:21>
When I enter the room with Arc and Marco the discomfort between the elf and I are palpable.  Fortunately Marco gets the hint with only a few words from me and the visible folded package of soy-based sweats under one of my arms.  As the troll uses a sheet to drape up a wall, I turn again to the mage hoping that this time she won't think of me as the 'good cop' anymore.  "Here," I say, tossing the package gently at the woman.  "It'll do more for your modesty than my hijab I bet.  Not to mention, it's warmer.  If you want to keep the jacket for now, feel free.  I still have my jumpsuit...or at least what's left of it."  While my battered torso is now covered by a sweat top, she's doubtless seen the shredded chest of my armor.  Best not to talk about it...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-25-15/2203:28>
Yelena listens to Marco talk while she smokes her cigar.  When he is finished, she strips the butt and lights another one, pulling on it before saying anything.  "Marco say much.  Yelena even understand some.  Much surprise.  But Marco wrong when say demon not physical rape.  Decker mage young woman.  Firefly much hurt.  Maybe die.  Marco send demon heal.  Demon channel Marco frustration, anger maybe weakness.  Demon say things Firefly.  Scare her.  Already emotional weak.  Demon make worse.  To her IS demon rape.  Mind tell rape so becomes rape.  Telling not real rape is wrong because was real to her.  Firefly now sure demon know her.  Has scent.  Wait for decker die and claim soul.  Nothing Marco say change that.  Nothing Yelena say change that.  Even Marco say not mean to does not help.  Yelena tell firefly she help teach be strong.  Beat demon.  Start small then maybe ask Marco help teach.  Girl need be much strong.  Will recover or die.  Yelena help as can.  Arc help as can.  Even Marco help.  Is maybe best not use demon magic on Firefly.  Use on Yelena.  Yelena much strong.  Stronger than demon.  But not use on Firefly.  She not trust demon.  Must learn trust Marco."

Yelena takes a couple more puffs then adds.  "Yelena go through hate period.  Was long ago.  Yelena true evil.  Kill babies.  Kill children.  Kill mothers and old people.  All for being human.  Much worse than Smiley Killer.  Many years of hate.  Much death.  Then hate self.  Long time.  Now not hate.  Yelena listen if Marco want talk.  Tell Yelena all.  Yelena hear then try help.  Marco not evil.  Yelena know evil and know Marco not evil.  Marco might become evil if Marco want.  Yelena help stop if ask.  Marco ask?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-26-15/0118:17>
Marco say " I do not say it was not real, I am saying that it was 100% me. I am a dangerous person and it is not the Daemon magic that is flawed, it is myself. Not only will I not stop, I'll dig into that magic deeper and ask my Daemons to stay longer - they will teach me about myself and about mojo and I will be able to look into my own soul.

I think that the fact that I cannot feel angry about my family is a defensive mechanism. It was like I locked all these emotions away and started building myself new life. The only way to move on and let go is forgiveness, but I cannot forgive something that I can feel no emotion from.

I cannot just dismiss it all on evil Daemon and decide never to summon again. My emotions will find some other way to surface and there is a deep part of me who scorns Firefly for being helpless, a part that does not approve of what I am and believes that self reliance and self preservation are the only qualities that are worth anything. That part scorns myself for choosing weakness over strength.

You are not very different from that part yourself but you expressed your darkness already and accepted it. At the end of the day, you trust yourself - this is how you handled life for many years. You expressed your darkness until it was all out and eventually you overcame it. I do not want to take your path, I want to overcome my emotions without ever expressing that anger. I was not born to judge others - Christ do not need me as an enforcer.  It take faith to decide to limit yourself, to embrace weakness as a mean of doing good.  I am weak as I limit my mojo to positive emotions and I ignore some of the darker aspects of it.

But I have wronged Firefly and she needs you and you want to help her. This is my cross to bear and I am not as cruel as to remind her of what I did every single day of her life. She should not have to face me,  there is no place for me here anymore. She does not have to be strong all the time."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-26-15/0149:45>
"Yelena not know enough about demons.  Yelena not say stop calling demons.  Just not use demon magic on Firefly until she ready."  Yelena shrugs.  "Maybe never.  Yelena not know.  Maybe demon wrong because of Marco.  Maybe not.  Marco should learn.  Study.  Find out why demon did bad thing.  Marco right about Yelena.  Yelena accept darkness in soul.  Yelena embrace shadow and learn to live.  Much time.  Many years to learn because Yelena was alone.  Marco not need to be alone.  Marco say silly thing when say no place here.  Here is exact place for Marco.  Marco has friends.  This Marco family now.  Real family.  And real family not quit when hard things happen.  Marco can go.  Maybe find answer.  But take much time.  Faster with friends.  With family."

Yelena strips her second butt and starts to remove a third cigar when she notes that she only has four left in the case.  Frowning, she puts the case back in her pocket and thumbs over her shoulder at the door behind her.  "Decker mage need help, too.  Need Marco help understand what is demon.  Girl not ready yet, but soon.  Will need Marco help be strong.  All family need Marco help."  She puts a hand on his chest and adds, "After Poland, maybe go Italy.  Get Marco answers.  Close wounds.  Meantime, no more talk of Marco leaving.  Deal?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-26-15/0242:38>
No deal, said Marco. "They may be your family but they are not mine - I gave you my word for Poland but I am not welcome with your family in a similar way that Nikolai is not welcome. We are trying to see if  Blake can get mage lady some government deal. She is the one who invented magic drug. This means that we did what we were hired to do. It does not bring back Feathers but it should give whomever hired us information about the drug.

Once the mage is transferred and you are safe, I am gone. The day after tomorrow I have some gig for Blake and I should be okay but it would be nice to have backup in case that they discover the ruse. After that I do not plan to be seen much I'll find myself a safe house to study in until we leave."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-26-15/0322:54>
Yelena looks at him closely then shrugs her shoulders and nods, but her eyes turn to a cold shade of death.  "Frag you, Marco.  Marco not listen Yelena.  Is Marco choice.  Yelena tell that Marco heart not in Poland.  So Yelena release Marco from promise.  Marco stay and learn about self.  Yelena not drag friends to help.  Poland dangerous.  Not want half-heart.  Get self or others killed if half-heart.  And now Marco is only half-heart."

"Marco wrong to turn away from friends.  From family.  Marco blind if not see family.  Yelena cannot make Marco see truth.  So Marco go try alone.  Not listen Yelena.  Not listen Arc.  Finish Stardust club then Marco go.  Yelena still friend.  Yelena never half-heart about anything.  But sometimes Yelena wrong.  And maybe Yelena wrong about strong Marco.  Runner life not for weak.  And shadow life even worse for weak.  Marco need get strong.  Better with friend help.  Faster.  But Marco want go alone.  Then good luck.  Always place with family if Marco change mind."

Yelena wraps the shadows about herself to conceal the hurt she feels.  Turning, she opens the door and starts to head in, stopping with one foot in the room.  She looks over her shoulder at Marco and whispers, "Yelena right all along.  Words of love are lies.  Love not exist.  Foolish Yelena to start believe again."  With that, she goes into the building, leaving the door open for Marco to follow her in or stay out.  Without looking at the others, she goes out into the main garage, barely even seeing the progress on the van before exiting through the front of the building to the street outside.  Once back in the cold air, she calls the shadows to her and cloaks herself to try to work past the pain.  And the shadows, her constant companion and ally since she was five years old, do not disappoint.  She is almost invisible in the shadow as she heads down the street, going nowhere, but allowing the shadow to comfort and heal her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-26-15/0330:28>
"Don't be silly - I come 100% I am not the kind to back down but I am not socially blind and I am not wanted within this crowed and I doubt I'll ever be. I will be there for you,  I... " Marco would have continued but Yelena stormed 'in' . Woman of steel is not so strong herself so it seems.

Marco just stood there in the cold happy for his new armor that protected him well. If anything bad or violent happens Marco has his emotions in tact. Right now they are on the clock and there may be some very dangerous people on their tail, this is no time for crying, for storming out or for heart to heart conversations. This is time for survival and professionalism. The rest can curse him all they want, yell at him to leave - but they are not safe yet and there is no time for these emotions.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-26-15/0611:25>
Yelena stops walking fifty meters from the door, still cloaked in shadow but seeing clearly for the first time in days.  She had brought herself to this point by allowing someone to get close to her, something no one had done since the sax man.  She chides herself for her weakness even as she hardens her heart, taking a bit of the shadow into herself to plug the holes left there by her own actions.  She resolves to not let such emotions to affect her again and returns to the building.

Again greeted by the noise of the gnomes chopping the van, she notices that they have made remarkable progress.  Parts of the first van are stacked neatly on the floor and one of the halfers is busy snapping photos and cataloguing them, presumably for some matrix site that deals in auto parts.  Yelena nods to the busy gnomes, but they do not even acknowledge that she is present, and after a brief pause Yelena proceeds on to the back room and the others.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-26-15/0823:45>
How do these people ever get anything done?  Firefly storms out, Arc raises her voice now Yelena provoke me and storms in. Is she really the one that analyzed every possible line of fire, the locations of every exit and finishing a bottle of Vodka in some club was a big NO, because she was on the clock? Aren't we on the clock now? Am I the only one who refuses to let the adrenaline go down?   Could a CEO get away with this kind of emotional stability ?
 A politician ?
A body guard?
A Soldier?
It seems that every job analogue I can think about requires the ability to control emotions.
She is slave to her own emotions - I have not given her a single reason to doubt me. I was true to her every step of the way - but perhaps she cannot contain myself. 

Family?! this is a very strong word with very little content behind it. I have no family my parents abandoned me. The only other type of family is aimed for control and manipulation. Fake families like Bratva’s.

This is the keeb I love. Perhaps she believes that this is her family and that she need to put them in harms way. In reality, the past is more important than the present and Nikolai can play my scary lady like a piano. He probably had years of practice in motivating her.  She is a slave to her own emotions. I told her YES 3 times already and she heard NO.

I like Arc, I love Yelena. The other two? I do not even know them - this is not family. Calling someone sister after knowing her for a few hours will not make it truth. Even sleeping with her will not create long lasting emotional commitment. You cannot just decide that people are your family because you need them to stick their necks for you.  Always black and  white - family or strangers - friend or foe. My world is all grey. Anyone that ever talked  black and white to me always wanted me to do something, and often something evil.

I have nobody to lean on. I showed her my true self to her and talked to her like I did with nobody else. I was real for her - but all that she hears is me doubting in her.

I have no idea why my desire to reflect upon my actions and submerge myself in books for a couple of weeks  threatens her. I was honestly hoping that when I come back they'll be able to endure me for more than a minute.  If I even get some time to reflect before the bloody flight. We are not done yet. Why is my desire to understand threatens her so much ? If I really am a Daemon ? - will she like me still?  
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-26-15/1119:32>
Arc's head was swimming as the conversation carried on.  When she was focused on her ribs, taped up and doing little to ward off the chill on her mostly bared torso, a hand was applying some pressure to the side of her skull, just above and to the side of her ear.  So much was going on...Tuskaloosa had returned, and was now providing some privacy for those less clothed than her.  Firefly had returned, bearing clothes for the both of them, as well as some food for nourishment.  And then Yelena had rejoined in, but promptly left with Marco?

Too much going on...was it Triads or Yaks that we stole from?  Who's interested in the club, who's backing it?  Ugh...frag it all, I can't do this...

She could hear Dana talking, and could only hope that she followed as her head started to droop, snapping back alert in a moment.  Before she could say anything though, she lifted a hand up, placing it firmly on Firefly's shoulder, only shaking a little as she muttered something out.  "..you aight....we talkin' later...now, job first..."  It was her hope that her message was conveyed before she looked back up at Dana.

"Firefly...you were with me when we busted that warehouse and got a look at that mage what cook it.  Nnh...apparently, she was a research assistor to this lady here, and maybe from what it sounds, her team was the source for the Dust's stuff.  You said you got a good look at her, as well as some info.  Got anything that might help us?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-26-15/1403:34>
"..you aight....we talkin' later...now, job first..."

I nod to Arc, briefly catching her eyes to let her know I expected as much and am willing to be open when the time comes.

"Firefly...you were with me when we busted that warehouse and got a look at that mage what cook it.  Nnh...apparently, she was a research assistant to this lady here, and maybe from what it sounds, her team was the source for the Dust's stuff.  You said you got a good look at her, as well as some info.  Got anything that might help us?"

I look at the older mage with a raised eyebrow.

"That mage was your assistant?" I remark with only a little surprise.  "Huh...I guess that makes some sense.  I actually have a lot on her, although not what Arc-sensei would expect.  I never really saw her in meatspace, but I got a perfect look at her in astral two different times.  Bardic tradition - strong in healing and manipulation mojo.  Pretty powerful magic wise but not terribly inventive.  I watched her making the drug like she was cooking dinner from a book.  I could too if I wanted.  It's not that tough.  I have the skills and know the recipe after all..."

Let's see how she reacts to THAT!

And while I wait for her response, I mentally reach into my deck and do a search on this mage.  Using facial recognition does she match any of the extensive records I scoured from the safe data, I wonder?

[spoiler]Smiles, feel free to have the deck respond to my inquiry with a cheeky personality appropriate for an arrogant genius teenage girl who is privileged and knows she's the smartest person in the room - any room.  Kinda like Subaru would have been 6 months ago.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-26-15/1743:58>
Returning to the room, Yelena sees that all are dressed, or at least as well as possible in the stuffer shack cheap-threads brand.  With a smile that actually makes it to her eyes, Yelena approaches Arc and embraces her gently.  "Srui, you back from brink of death."

She nods to Firefly and Tuskaloosa before looking at the mage.  "So, is mage target.  Marco outside.  Can bring back in for planning?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-26-15/2207:09>
Dana looks at Subaru and takes the proffered clothes, Dressing quickly and efficiently she doesn't even bother going behind the blanket Tusks is holding up as a privacy screen. She listens to Subaru's description of Jaime and nodded her head. "Yes, I had wanted as many as my research assistants as possible to be Awakened. Since we were working to enable mundanes to sense mana I found that it was easier to explain many of the properties I was looking to enhance to those who were themselves experienced in sensing magic. But, she never tested that strong so she must have hidden her abilities." She finishes dressing and looks around. "I could use some tea."

@ Subaru  It doesn't take the program long to find a match for Mackenzie Dana Wallace. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-26-15/2337:52>
Yelena goes to look at the caf pot and is mildly surprised to see that it is actually a sophisticated model and has one of those valves for hot water.  There is a small box with several brands of tea and she selects one and takes two packets, adding them to a couple of mugs and hot water to make some tea.  Yelena walks to the mage and hands her one of the mugs.  "Am Yelena.  Yelena not know mage name.  Hope tea good.  Not know what like." 

She smiles as the mage gratefully wraps her hands about the mug and smells the aroma.  Turning, Yelena goes to the cracked door and opens it enough to step through.  She holds the mug out to Marco.  "Is tea.  Yelena make so not know if good.  Yelena drink if Marco not like.  Marco come inside for warm and talk plans for mage.  Stand at back if want, but Yelena want Marco listen and give advice.  Yelena trust Marco.  Most of time."

The last was said with a smile as Yelena steps back and holds the door for Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-27-15/1059:07>
Marco enters the room and sends Yelena a warm smile. "I am here, but I admit that I am a bit confused, if someone was to Steal the project why market it in the same city - why not try to be super sneaky about it."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-27-15/1141:48>
Yelena nods and smiles as she hands over the cup of tea and makes way for Marco to enter.  "Yes.  Yelena not used thinking why gangers do things.  Yelena used to orders to kill then go kill.  New ground for Yelena."   She stands next to Marco at the wall, listening to the discussion by the others, but her mind does play over what Marco said.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-27-15/1154:00>
Tea sounds nice.  I never have gotten much of a taste for what seems to pass as the American national drink - soycaf.  Then again, what passes for tea around here is a far cry from what I'm used to.  Still, it's better than the alternative.  I slip out quietly after Marco enters to find my center and get something to warm my hands and throat.  It also gives me time to review everything I can dredge up on Dr MacKenzie Dana Wallace from both the safe data and the matrix.

[spoiler]Search the 'trix for data on the Dr Wallace: test #1: 12d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/355086): 7 [12d6t5=6, 5, 6, 5, 2, 5, 5, 6, 2, 2, 4, 3]

This is for my first time period of what may be an extended search on Dana.  Maybe 10 minutes perhaps.  Also keep in mind I did an extended test on the assistant mage and got over 20 hits.  Between the two tests I should be able to string a lot together between the two.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <12-27-15/1246:29>
It wasn't long after her thought processes that Arc's mind was distracted by the feeling of the older keeb wrapping her arms about the mechanic's shirtless form.  She couldn't help but Crack a little smirk at the comment, letting Firefly converse with their guest for now as she returned the embrace.

"Don't jinx it Srui.  Still feel like hell.   It dont matter though.  Job ain't done yet.  Marco hit up Blake.  Maybe get us a way out. Time will tell"

She coughed abruptly, but waved off any concern that may have caused.  With everyone changed and dressed...well, decent at least, Arc made a whistle over to Tuskaloosa.  "Hoi, Skraa'cha, join us.  Nice work on the vans."  she gave a little reassuring nod at that before turning her head back to Yelena.  "this lady says she knows your Hank from the club.  Personally.  You see anything funky with that hoop?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-27-15/1251:17>
@ Subaru. A litany of accolades, publications and innovations began scrolling across the screen. Dana had worked for several Corp's and held teaching positions as an adjunct professor at three different universities. It looked like she'd been able to command her own terms all across the globe with inventions estimated to be worth over five hundred million. But, something wasn't adding up. Subaru knew people like Dana were considered Corp assets. They had contracts that locked them up tight. But, not only had she worked for different corp's, she'd traveled extensively and taught abroad. Why?

Learn a lesson from your honorable ancestors. They made not talking about what everyone knew an art form. Smartest one in the room? More like a pampered and coddled little pet while no one talked about your mother. And you never wondered why she spoke about all her exploits to you so openly. Did she ever have lunch with any of the other wives? Other corp deckers? But, you didn't notice what was missing did you genius? And your not seeing what's missing here.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-27-15/1301:34>
Yelena thinks on her two meetings with Hank.  "Man nervous hiring outsider for assassination.  Ask Yelena questions when could go Virtual Goddess for answers.  Hank pay Yelena for killing Snowden then Yelena leave."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-29-15/1236:44>
@ Marco  Blake's comm comes through with a priority flag. >> >> Marco, I've got the permissions. Your package can expect priority delivery and once we confirm veracity of the contents payment will include every single protection we can afford the contents. << <<

@ Subaru  What's missing? How am I supposed to find what's missing? Her body still hurts. Her emotions are raw. And now some damned deck is taunting her to find what's missing. She will burn it to the Nine Hells once she's done with this job. But right now she needs it because her last failure, failing to see the other deckers interference, almost cost them the job. She's not going to let that happen again. But, how do I find what's missing? As her mind feverishly begins to focus on the problem, delving deeper into the trix, she begins comparing Dana's bio with that of other scientists at her level. Unfortunately there are hundreds of them. Eidetic memory can recall minutia. But, it can't automatically compare and contrast it. Finally she finds it, or rather deduces it. Mackenzie Dana Wallace is missing DNA information. There are others that are supposedly missing it. But, if you search hard enough you can find it, taken secretly in some cases. Or openly and guarantees that it remain secret in others. But, in her case there is none. There is evidence of where it's been taken in secret. But, in every case it was removed in less than 48hrs. Someone very powerful is hiding her parentage. And considering that that very public and legal parentage is lesser nobility, it means that not only is her real parentage not that nobility, her real parentage would have to be extremely damning, even in this day and age.

@ Marco  Dana looks at Marco and says, "Leonard paid for it. Or rather his company did. He's CEO for a company with divisions in pharmaceuticals, bioware, aerospace components, packaging, gene tech, optics, energy. He's Leonard Zhang-Xu. They're not mega-corp, but, Leonard thought that the profits from this venture would not only move them into that status, but, do so with a product that would put them on the map as major players in mana pharmacology. It's really an uncharted field of study and I was on cloud nine to be it's chief architect and innovator. A breakthrough would have put me in the history books permanently." She grimaces and looks down at her tea for a moment. "I guess I let that thought go to my head. I really drove that research despite the setbacks and evidence of addiction. I thought I could find a way around that, or at least counter it with another drug." she shakes her head. "Hubris to think I just needed more time. And that my drug wasn't already being used, as effective as it was, I should have known someone would be using it even without patents and sufficient testing."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-29-15/2239:29>
Yelena remains standing at the wall near the rear door while listening to the others talk.  It seems that something is not altogether right about the mage and it is disturbing the others.  Yelena carefully drops her hand to the pistol in its holster and loosens it......just in case.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-30-15/0656:27>
“Leonard, I sensed him “ Marco say and with his most sympathetic look he adds “It is nice to put a name to the emotion, You loved him, he spoke to you about mana and how if people can become aware of it they can feel connected to everything alive. I admire you for attempting something like that, do not feel bad, I seek the same thing ever since I came to my senses I wanted to please people, to make them happy - to make them feel what I feel. This connection to anything alive - I thought that if they could experience the world as I do they can understand that happiness is the true wealth.”

He sighs “... but unlike me, you can actually make it happen. You are brilliant and have the technical expertise. Yet, other people do not feel that way. It is frustrating that they don't.  ”

Marco eyes are bright and his voice is charming the fantasy of people understanding each other is filling him with life. “... but Leonard was not into spiritual advancement not into the joy of life, he had plenty of resources and still wanted more. He could not sense that connection and if he did he alienated himself to it. I do feel connected to all living things and it is not hubris to try to share this gift, this is my only passion in life - to see and understand the world... and to make others see the world as well.  I truly admire you for trying to achieve everything that I ever wanted in life but at a grander scale.

I can only use my own gift to help people sympathize with each other to bridge over their fears and prejudice and help them experience the world in ways that they never thought possible. I hope that with experience, compassion will grow. Having people feel these emotions at a global scale - this  is truly remarkable.”

Marco sighs “But we are not on a date and can not spend the entire night sharing the desire to change the world. Spirituality has its place and it is not tonight, I got excited." It takes Marco a moment, he closes his eyes as if trying to visualize the fantasy of people actually feeling connected to each other and unable to harm one another. The world would probably turn into one eternal  summer of love, with illusion magic replacing mind altering drugs - or actually with mind altering drug - who would possibly refuse the gift of magic.

Marco then adds "Something is missing in your story, you speak about patents and experimenting but we found you imprisoned by people from the other side of the law. People that only respect the IP of people that they can't just violently rob. How did you get to the wrong side of the law? You are a critter of light - a respected researcher in normal circumstances we'd been lucky to even be able to briefly speak with you.  

Why are we here? Leonard has a secret - a dark secret and you know it. Something you know is important enough to get you killed. Perhaps you know something that can destroy his company. Your body guards - they were pointing their guns at you, they were organized crime. Not the kind of people a person in your standing would ever willingly associate with. They were prepared to kill you to prevent escape -  think hard - why would Leonard murder a brilliant and famous researcher. What is he so afraid of? You know him better than all of us, you must know.“
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <12-31-15/0940:47>
Dana looks at Marco with an amused snort and says, "Wow, you are way over-dramatic about being lucky to talk to me. I'm a scientist, not Maria Mercurial. And as to the rest, well, give me a few minutes to think. Because I thought Leonard was on the up and up. He is the CEO of Soft Tech after all. And as to dark secrets, there hasn't been one I've worked for that didn't have them." She shrugs and sips her tea and sits back down, nodding thanks at Firefly. She thinks and says, "Looking back in light of my escort, I think Soft Tech may be a front for organized crime. Asian companies are very insular. So, I didn't question that my staff was mostly Chinese. But, this was different. Thinking back there was always a group within a group sort of thing that didn't quite make sense given their respective jobs. And that group had an obedience that bordered on feudal. Like you read about Orientals having way back in the day."

@ Tusks Chesh comes to you an says, "That spit in 'ere eye. We've been owing 'em fer awhile now, and with the mess we saw at 'at scene, 'ey'll be busy to busy with the cops ter notice the vans missing. 'atter says you did some fancy work getting yer out an kept a cool 'head." She nods her head in cheerful approval. "We got 'caf iffen yer wants a cuppa." She looks up at you expectantly, and for one so small, she is clearly not intimidated by your size.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <12-31-15/1143:03>
"Well she is Maria Mercurial for me..." thought Marco, "Scientists are are the light in the darkness" . Marco poured himself a glass of tea and nodded to Yelena. When he got her slightest attention he established the mindlink to share his emotions with her.  Some things are difficult to say -  they may be interpenetrated differently there is a culture and language gap a gap of values of faiths. Marco feels that this is the only way he can reassure Yelena about  his emotions. The communication is not entirely verbal - this is the uninterrupted flow of emotions and thoughts - but a reasonable translation is this. 

"My love, words cannot describe the emotion I have for you and some things never changed. I gave you everything that I can wholeheartedly and completely. I confessed my love, I invited you to move in with me and I said that I will follow you to the gates of hell not knowing if there will be a way back. There is nothing more than I can add and even the tiniest dose of manipulation and seduction will destroy it.

It is difficult to accept, I understand it but what I am asking is a chance to let you down. So far I was true to you every step of the way. My passion is real, my love is real and it is difficult for me to accept - the passion that flamed all these people on the bridge I could only channel it because they were reaching for their guns, because I wanted you safe.

I gave you my lust, my love and my loyalty I confessed my love, suggested that you move in with me and agreed to go to the gates of hell with you. This is everything that I have - even if it is just for a few days and I'll have to study a lot. 

My doubts are about myself and what might become of me if I fail to satisfy the daemons within and I feel a deep desire a desire that is new to me. I want to learn, I need to understand and I feel that my own soul is at risk. If I do not figure things out I might become someone that in unworthy of love - a monster and I do not want to ever be a monster. I think that you can relate, you were monster once and you managed to stop - but not all people are that powerful. I do not know if I am that powerful.

I cannot repent for what I did to firefly as I cannot gurantee that it will never happen again, I cannot commit to stop conjuring given our line of work - a situation might come that I have to do it. I cannot forget what I know, what I sort of always known. The only thing there is to do is to explore this relationship, to study all I can about the connection between a summoner and a spirit and to understand why my spirits are doing their best to ignore my intention despite the fact that I think that I treat them with the respect they deserve.

I even made Pasta, my favorite food to a Daemon - and he was not interested, I hoped that my passion toward good food will give it appeal even to spirits and I was wrong. My spirits become darker and darker over the years and I need to understand why . That thing that I did to Firefly - I do not want it to ever happen again and it may be a symptom to a much bigger problem I need to understand this is not about our connection, if any our connection is what makes me brave enough to stare evil right in the face and demand an explanation."

Marco drunk his tea and waited for the response, he hoped that now without the barriers of language and culture he could reach out for her and reassure her and bring his scary and somewhat doubtful lady some confidence about their connection. One thing Marco was certain about, he did not want to manipulate Yelena with magic, to say sweet things just because they'll make her feel better because once you go toward that path it is very difficult to keep it real. Every single relationship Marco has is some sort of an illusion where Marco plays one role and the other person plays another. Yelena, and Arc are the only ones that Marco do not try to constantly please that he tries to be himself even if his actual personality - once stripped of magical influences is a bit annoying and not particularly brave.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-31-15/2010:23>
Yelena looks about the room and notices that Firefly has not returned and the talk is getting important.  She walks to the garage and looks in to find Firefly at the soykaf machine.  "Psst.  Hey, decker mage.  Mage talking.  Should come back in room to listen.  Help make plans.  Come on"  After seeing that Firefly has heard her, Yelena walks back to her position against the wall of the back room, listening to the others talk.  Her hand is still in the vicinity of her pistol, but it does seem that the mage is not about to strike out at this time.  If she does, she might make the same mistake others have made before her by thinking the Keeb assassin is not the real danger.  Certainly there are better killers, and magic can do horrible things, but Yelena is a master of her craft and knows that bullets can stop spells and kill sorceresses.

She is interrupted by the unexpected sensation of the Mind Link spell.  She turns her head partially to look at Marco as he begins talking, yet not completely, keeping part of herself focused on the mage.  She does not interrupt Marco's thoughts, but waits for him to finish.  For a moment, her mind is almost numb from what he has said and she is troubled for a response.  Suddenly it comes to her that sometimes it is better to say nothing.  She walks slowly over to where he is standing and takes his face in her hands, interrupting anything else he is doing, and gives him a simple kiss that should say all she needs to say.  Afterwards, she just takes his hand in one of hers and stands silently next to him, allowing the shadows that have been waiting in the corners to creep forward and envelope both of them in an invisible blanket of armor.

She finally allows herself one thought back.  **Pasta?  Maybe it was the wrong sort of pasta for that demon.**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-31-15/2059:05>
Well that just happened...

Yelena's urging managed to coax me back into the room with the rest of the team.  While the priest's company wasn't exactly high on my lists of preferences at the moment, they were discussing the mage and data was going ungathered while I pondered just how much abuse one could subject hot water to.  If my current cup was any indication, these strange Americans never met a molecule of H2O they felt deserved any respect.  I crinkled my nose in disgust before bringing the undrinken beverage with me into the room with me.  At the very least, it warmed my hands and provided me something to focus my eyes on instead of that.

Yelena-sensei and the priest lip-locked isn't really something I wanted to see right now, so I avert my eyes and focus instead on our prize...and conundrum.  What to do with her?  I drop to seiza near the woman and meet her eyes once settled, trying to fathom what's behind those cagey orbs.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-01-16/0338:03>
Marco returns the kiss sometimes no words are needed, feelings are enough. Actions, and Marco feels that his apology or explanation were received. Seeing Firefly enters the room Marco cuts the physical display of affection short. He nods at Firefly and ask “Perhaps you could solve it, you are brilliant yourself - a company that is a front for organized crime, magic drugs for research ends up in a club in the same city with personal freely exchanging hands - I'd imagine the two working together - Dragons and Stardust - but then THIS happen and some shadowrunners intercept the transport and extract a key figure - are we witnessing some power play between rivals in the same organization? rival organizations? what is going on in here - we need to understand. Can you figure anything of that out? Perhaps do some data magic and connect the dots?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-01-16/1105:58>
Connect the dots, eh?

Well okay...

I sigh as I feel the weight of so many eyes on me.  I'd listened to much of the conversation as I stood on the other side of the sheet - I have pretty good hearing.  I missed some stuff, but I think I have a pretty good idea of what was shared.  Now to dig a little deeper.

"Dr Wallace," I start as I keep my gaze on the woman's face, "you've spoken a lot about the drug and your current mess, but the dots before are these events are missing and I can't see the picture yet.  Texas A&M&M alum.  Doctorate in investigational thaumaturgy from MIT&M.  More patents than I have socks.  You certainly didn't need the money.  History books?  No, it doesn't add up.  I haven't finished reading your dissertation yet, but even I can see you had several promising leads regarding novel reagents.  You had far safer ways to get a Nobel than this and are more than smart enough to have seen that."  I cock my head to one side to visually demonstrate my very real curiosity.  "MacKenzie-san, you are me twenty years from now and I know damn well I wouldn't have gotten caught up in all this.  What are you really trying to prove?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-01-16/1224:35>
As everyone started to chime in, Arc put a hand to her head and started to back off.  The details...so many details, and she should have been able to sort through it all.  She could tell she was having difficulty...and was thankful that she had a team to handle this info, and professionally too.  Backing off a bit, the mechanic started scanning the room for her shirt, having forgotten where she tossed it to to bandage her ribs.

As she backed up and looked, she almost bumped into the troll driver Tuskaloosa.  "Ah...frag it, sorry omae.."  She muttered before tottering by, stopping after two more steps to steady herself, propping against a wall.   Frag me, my body just wants to sleep..
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-01-16/1302:36>
"Far safer ways of getting a Nobel?" Dana cocks her head  at Subaru and says, "Maybe. But, nothing worth having comes without risk. And the world of academia is far more cut-throat than you can imagine. We start out pursuing knowledge for knowledge's sake. And every single line of inquiry always starts out with curiosity. But, then, you find it. The question that if you can answer it, will become the groundbreaking research on an entirely new school of thought. But, if you've discovered it, then five other people have as well. And if you can answer it, then they might answer it faster. And scientific inquiry mixes with pride, and a CEO offers you everything you need to find the answer and he's no worse than any of the other bastards you've worked for." She shakes her head, "And, I really didn't know. I know it seems impossible that I didn't know. But I didn't. I spent almost all of my time and energy on the project. I even slept on the premises. Leonard would have to drag me away for a vacation twice a year. Once, he even took me out to a." She pauses, a look of shock on her face and says, "By the great dragon! I know what Leonard was after!" There's a look of horror on her face. "There's a group of scientists working on a bomb that is bio-selective. They're working on a way to selective target things like ghouls and bugs. But, at the conference it became fairly clear that the work can potentially target any species, and could be used for bio-terrorism. But, the Chinese have never been terribly concerned with human rights." She shakes her head, reminding herself to stay on subject. "Well anyway, the lines of inquiry that I scrapped, and Leonard re-assigned, all selectively targeted certain genomes. I was trying to identify the things that could awaken each meta-type since I discovered fairly early that the different genomes had vastly different responses to the same drug. But, if you combine my research with theirs. You could mass target a sub-species!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-01-16/1323:31>
Yelena is only partially listening to what the mage says as most of it is completely beyond her capability to understand.  One facet is extremely interesting, but she shelves the thought when she sees Arc struggling.  She squeezes Marco's hand and drops it to go to Arc's side and hold her up.  "Yelena know Arc strong.  Yelena know Arc not need help.  Yelena know all that already.  So no need Arc say.  Yelena just ignore anyway."  A bit fearful of causing additional pain to her Srui, Yelena just offers an arm to support her.  She knows that Arc does not believe in her concept of the shadow, but she wills it to envelope both of them, to do what it can to help her friend.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-01-16/1327:10>
"The White Plague," I muse, thinking back on an old novel I once read about targeted viruses.  To my teammates I may seem detached, cold and calculating, but not only is that my nature when following a line of reasoning but honestly I have nothing to lose in the event of a world-ending event...well other than my soul to that damned demon but I'll deal with that when it comes.  I glare again at Marco a moment before returning my gaze to Dana.  "Who do you imagine he'd target?  And would it be for real or blackmail?  Is Leonard sapiens sapiens or another variant?  And while we're on the topic, which sub-species target would threaten you, Dr Wallace?  Your childhood is intriguing...namely because the record is rubbish.  A well crafted but imperfect fabrication.  Who...and what...are you really, Dr Wallace?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-01-16/1403:02>
" From the summer of love to the white plague" thinks Marco " He say bitterly "Think about Chekhov's gun principle, Atom bombs were used, biological and chemical weapons were used, the great ghost dance was used - history is full of weapons of mass destruction committing enormous atrocities"  Marco approaches Arc with Yelena and say after a short silence "I am sorry for your loss, I know you loved that Ford I could sense it when you drove it - You'll feel better in a few days and can use my share to replace it with another car you'll grow to love over the years. You orchestrated a brilliant job it could have been in the trids."


[spoiler]
Remove everything that has no relevance to the story. If you say in the first chapter that there is a rifle hanging on the wall, in the second or third chapter it absolutely must go off. If it's not going to be fired, it shouldn't be hanging there.
— Anton Chekhov
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-01-16/1833:24>
     Tuskaloosa propped up a section of wall beside the door: her most achievable task since folding the unnecessary privacy wall/blanket.  She felt a pang of guilt at watching Arc trying desperately fight injury and distraction to figure the riddle their target represented, but there was just too much she didn't know; so many names and connections that the other others on the team recognized that she was hearing for the first time.  It was one thing to bring in a fresh pair of eyes on a jigsaw puzzle, but this felt more like a repair job on a half-fragged drone armed with a box of random bits and pieces: she had no clue what the finished drone was supposed to do, so anything in the Bits Box might be important.  For all she knew even the junk box itself was a vital part that shouldn't be overlooked...possibly even the only usable part in a pile of red herrings.  She sighed.  There was just so much that she didn't know, she didn't even know where to start.

Arc had tried to wave her in closer: she had ansered with a shake of her head and a polite “I'm good.”  She had overstepped herself while Arc was negotiating with their hosts and was determined not to undercut the mechanic's authority again.

She did send the other rigger a message:
<This interrogation was in progress when I got here...I'd take a recap if you're up to it.  I think it would make us look disorganized if I asked and got it in front of her.>

The reply was quick:
<Disorganized?  Omae, we got that covered.>
The message contained an AR loving cup.  An arrow pointed to it: <Here's the Trophy for that goal...  >
<A recap huh?  Not a bad idea.  Makin' one for you might let me catch somethin' I overlooked.  Hang loose a sec.>
 
“That spit in 'ere eye,”  Yelena's diminuative shotgun beamed as she approached.  “We've been owing 'em fer awhile now,”  Chesh growled as she finished wiping her hands on a shop cloth, “and with the mess we saw at 'at scene, 'ey'll be busy to busy with the cops ter notice the vans missing. 'atter says you did some fancy work getting yer out an kept a cool 'ead.” She nodded approvingly.  "We got 'caf iffen yer wants a cuppa. ”

Normally she wouldn't go for soykaf so late: caffeine insomnia was a pain.  She instead nodded at her host: if the 'cup' offered was dwarf-sized it would be a drop in the bucket, and if troll-sized...well, she doubted her head was going to meet her pillow any time soon. “Sure.  Think there's a cup for Arc too?”

“Yer Iron Lady?”  The gnome shrugged. “Iffn you ask me, she needs more 'n a 'caf'll get er...but can do.  Be right back.”

“Thanks.”  She turned back to the rest of the room: to Marco's attempts to stroke Dana's pride and ego. To Firefly's current chess match: making argument and counterarguement with bits of data.
   To Yelena, who seemed to have taken on the role of goalie as she kicked Marco and Firefly back into play whenever they strayed from the room too long.

     To Arc's stubborn vigil. 

     When the mechanic began to step back, Tuskaloosa was relieved: everyone else had a chance to step out...and couple of minutes off her feet wasn't going to make her look bad.  That relief turned to worry as the human continued to pull back, looking around...and nearly tripped over her.
     Arc muttered an apology then took up the troll's wall-supporting task nearby.

<Soykaf is on the way, Arc.  And don't worry about the recap.>

The troll turned her attention to the interrogation.  For Arc's sake, get this over with already!

Dana was defending her current position, describing the rat race known as corporate research. Suddnely, she swore. “I know what Leonard was after!”

Tuskaloosa's blood ran cold as she listened.
 How easy?  How easy would it be for some Humanis lunatic to justify the extermination of all trolls?  They're only five percent of the population.
...A drain on society.  Dangerous.  Smelly.
Just too damn big.

And after that?
The next outlying group.  Haters will be haters...

There were no lack of fingers willing to pull the trigger on such a gun; that there were scientific circles talking about how to craft the parts made her sick to her stomach.

“Who do you imagine he'd target?”

Firefly's words brought Tuskaloosa out of her thoughts with whiplash speed.
“And would it be for real or blackmail,” she continued.  “Is Leonard sapiens sapiens or another variant?  And while we're on the topic, which sub-species target would threaten you, Dr Wallace? Your childhood is intriguing...namely because the record is rubbish. A well crafted but imperfect fabrication.  Who...and what...are you really, Dr Wallace?”

Firefly's last question made no sense.  What would the doctor have to hide?  She was Human, right?  Part of the largest group?
A group that could be broken down though:  if it was possible to target a particular meta group thanks to a Meta-unique gene, a group of humans that shared a gene unique to them could be targeted the same way:  like all lefties.
...And all red-headed lefties.
...And all red-headed lefties with green eyes...

Oh drek.

<Arc, if what Firefly says is true, sounds like our guest is full of drek.  There's no “could be used for bio-terrorism” if her record is a dummy: it's real enough to scare her.  Why?  Sounds like it's to keep someone from making a bio-bullet  rather than a bio-bomb:  a killer with just her name on it.>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-02-16/1134:03>
Chesh brought Tusks an Orc sized mug that she had on a platter, and sugar cookies! And behind her trailed a girl all of a half-meter tall with a second tray. Chesh hands you yours and then motions with her head to the girl to go to Arc. "Yer didn't say iffen yer took cream an sugar so I brought a bit just in case." Looking over at the girl she gives her an encouraging nod as she see's her offering the tray to Arc shyly. Looking up at Arc with big eyes she says, "Mum says this is for you." There's a human sized mug with a bright daisy happy face painted on it holding a cup of soycaf that smells like heaven. And the sugar cookies beside it are the icing on the cake.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-02-16/1138:55>
@ Marco  You get a comm from Blake. >>Marco, I need a bit of a private chat with you as soon as you can arrange it. Something that is just between you and I. Off the record.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-02-16/1406:07>
Dana looks at Subaru angrily, "My record is rubbish! My record is about as public as it can be and still give me privacy to pee. My mum is famous, my da equally so in the world of finance. And if your trying to intimidate me with hints that you know more than I do about my parentage little girl your chasing your tail. My mum told me when I came of age that my da wasn't my biological father. That he couldn't have children and they went to a sperm donor. And to not let anybody judge me by my DNA." She gives an arrogant toss of her head, "And I decided she was right. Who am I? I'm Makenzie Dana Wallace, proud daughter of proud parents." She gives a hard look at Subaru, clearly not impressed. "And I'm Sapiens Sapiens, as is Leonard. He's got the typical Chinese prejudices, that much I do know. And as for who he'd target, if he's part of organized crime, then it could be anybody." She shakes her head her lips pressed down bitterly. "Hell, if he's any number of CEO's it could be anybody." She sits down, her shoulders slumped. "Ugggh, I can't believe that the drug I made to help people Awaken and experience the beauty of the astral and the flow of mana is being used as a narcotic and is going to be a weapon. I wanted to be famous, instead I'm going to be infamous." she closes her eyes.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-02-16/1424:08>
"What you call intimidation I call gathering and validating data. You've backed yourself and perhaps millions of innocents into a corner. If you want out, you have to be honest with yourself and us."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-02-16/1650:23>
Dana opens her eyes and looks at her, "What you call intimidation I call a smart mouth on a little girl." She looks around the room. "And so far I haven't seen anything that even vaguely looks like help or a way out." She make a disparaging toss of her head, "In fact all I'm seeing so far is a few people in a garage and a promise to help me. I've been honest. But, I'm not giving you the only secrets that could be saving my life. More than that I'm not giving up anything that could be the key to actually making that bomb. Right now all I've done is make an addictive drug that gives people an experience that isn't seeing into the astral. But, remember those other scientists working on the same problem? They may very well have found that breakthrough. So, you can either give me some solid proof that you can actually help me. Or you can go frag yourself."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-02-16/1718:43>
The troll turns to the gnome.  "I'm sure your daughter has heard strong language, but you have ten seconds to get her clear anyway.   Then stick around...unless someone else represents you guys better."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-02-16/1726:45>
Marco forward the team the message from Blake (>> where to make the drop? here - somewhere else, what about Stardust how do we do it?) and ask for their comments in text. To Dana he said - "Don't worry Dana, you are safe and things will happen soon we are in no place to take the moral high ground, our focus is to understand what is going on, it is important for both of us. For us so you understand how to play your cards and to us the more we understand what is going on the more likely we are to understand the risks. My contact is interested, we'll discuss now how to do the delivery. Please, everyone try and keep positive."


To Blake Marco texts >> No problem on meeting, will have a meeting location in a few moments.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-02-16/1745:43>
Positive, huh?

I mentally review the list of people involved in this mess. I look around the room but stay silent. If Arc-sensei and especially Yelena-sensei agree with the butterflies and unicorns approach then I'll hold my tongue until I'm alone with them later. Whatever they may say, this is their team and I'll folloew their lead.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-02-16/1809:39>
Yelena steps forward into the silence.  She is not smiling as she looks at the mage.  "Shame on mage.  Shame on us.  All talking and getting angry.  Dana, Decker mage try help.  Have questions.  You in trouble.  We not mage enemies.  Mage have choices.  Stardust club hire us grab you.  Want you.  Willing to kill you.  UCAS also want you.  We take tonight to someone.  Your choice.  Club really bad men.  Government unknown if bad.  Club pay more.  Tell why should go government instead club.  Is not game tonight.  Is real.  Is deadly  Maybe say wrong words, but we try help you.  Easy?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-02-16/1913:17>
"She leaves this room over my dead body."

Tuskaloosa turned  to the researcher.  "I don't give a rats red rump about your pet mojo project, Einstein.  What will leave your name in what history this miserable world has left is that you gave killers the tool to turn bio-weapons of mutual destruction into weapons of mass destruction.  And spare me your Right to Privacy drek--you know damn well that a bio-bomb with gene-based targeting could be used to kill a single target if you have their DNA."

She paused to let that sink in, then continued, "The only reason you still live is because only your lab's backer has the tech--the competition will want a piece of the action...or a way to counter.  The second your employers get you back or you give your little toy to their competition your life isn't worth the gum on the bottom of my shoe."

She took a long swig of soykaf.  "You want solid proof that we can help you?  You're standing here.  Right now.  Alive.  You need us far more than we need you."

"But I don't speak for everyone--just myself.  And if you're on your way to the next lab to further perfect your gene-targeting--whether you want to or not--you're going over my cold corpse, because  I'd rather take a bullet than watch the inevitable."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-03-16/0243:43>
Yelena looks over at the Troll.  "Tuskaloosa, mage in trouble.  Mage need our help.  She can stop weapon if get to feds.  She can tell them about weapon and drugs.  Maybe contact use us stop weapon.  Kill her not solve problem.  Others already have data.  Need feds to examine data and tell us how stop.  Is better choice?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-03-16/0300:46>
Marco did not raise his voice but he spoke in  his most authoritative and forceful voice:
“Calm down everybody!. Dana here is our guest and our only task is to get her safely to the Feds. Everything else is now not relevant - everybody has secrets and we already agreed that Dana keeps her bargaining chips so do not coerce her to tell you more than she is comfortable sharing.

Attempting to salvage the situation and prevent things from escalating, Marco gave a brief synopsis and attempted to keep everyone focused on the challenge of this particular night.

The Feds and the Stardust are expecting delivery - we need to focus on the technical details, bio weapons? Missing genetic materials ? These indicate impressive analytical skills - but are not helping our goal here. Bring Dana safely to the Feds and try to avoid the Stardust!  Keep her alive tonight is our contribution - the rest of the nights it is up to Dana to figure out how to stay alive - and the Feds are a good gamble."
Marco then turns to Dana and hands her his comlink and show her the last few messages to Blake -  "I have nothing to hide - I did not want to break the conversation, but I respect your own interests he said.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-03-16/1244:48>
Dana's action when she hears Yelena's threat is fast. She's clearly thought this through before, her Right hand sweeps up and out and a huge fireball explodes out of the air ten feet away from her and goes flying out expanding and burning everything in it's sphere. Suddenly small fires ignite around the room as different objects burst into flame responding to the fires wrath. Dana's hands then act in concert, crossing as if to make a birds wings in a shadow dance and then just as quickly fan out and mana flares in her hands like a living thing and thought becomes difficult as the world around just suddenly doesn't seem right. Everything is jumbled and it's hard to think of what you're supposed to do in the sudden inferno. Dana dives for cover behind a toolbox as she tries desperately to get away.

[spoiler]Rolls include a -2 modifier for the injuries sustained during the van's crash. You will all suffer a -2 to resist the Mass Confusion, resist is with Willpower. Fireball is resisted with Body, dmg is net hits. Radius in meters for the Fireball is 5.
(https://rolz.org/embed?X6768484) (https://rolz.org/info?X6768484)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X6768497) (https://rolz.org/info?X6768497)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X6768944) (https://rolz.org/info?X6768944)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X6768977) (https://rolz.org/info?X6768977)
Mass Confusion :These spells produce a storm of conflicting sensations and images to confuse the senses. For each net hit on the Spellcasting Test, the target suffers a –1 dice pool modifier to all tests due to the distraction. Confusion affects a single target. Mass Confusion is an area spell. [/spoiler]

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-03-16/1343:04>
Arc found herself grateful that her team was able to handle the interrogation well, as she finally was admitting to herself that she was in no state to be involved in the info.  In fact, she barely registered that Tuskaloosa had texted her some info...the fact she spoke up herself was a boon, and Arc did give an appreciating nod, even as she picked up the mug of soycaf and the cookies.  when was the last time I'd eaten?  huh...  Biting into the cookie, the mechanic took a sip of soycaf as she nodded her thanks to the little halfer, turning her head to see how things were going...

And that's when she saw the mage lift her arms up and raise her voice.

Arc's reaction was a twitch..she didn't think before it happened.  The caf left her hands, doomed to shatter on the ground below her as she saw the red emitting from the mage's hand.  She's seen that type of magic before...One step, her ribs protesting the motion, and she hip-checked the youngest dwarf away, shoving her behind the mechanic as the blast manifest, Arc closing her eyes and lifting her arms up to block what she could.

When the blast ended, Arc was on the ground, her front burnt up, hair and clothes charred as she lay there, twitching.  She tried to move, but couldn't...her breathing was ragged, and she felt herself slipping away...a lone tear wet her face as she tried to fight what was coming for her...

Not like this...I have too much to lose.

[spoiler]
AP negates all soak dice.

not bothering with rolling against mass confusion.  Arc is out of the game anyways, at 4/5 overflow.  ten minutes to midnight on this cinderella story![/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-03-16/1602:10>
As the blast clears, the troll is on the move.

She charges the toolbox and keeps moving--to press her quarry to the wall.

[spoiler](https://rolz.org/embed?X6791593) (https://rolz.org/info?X6791593)
Only one success.  Not enough 1s for a glitch, but an easy attack to avoid apparently.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-03-16/1612:51>
"Thanks god for my new FIRE RESISTANT armor!" Thinks Marco as the ball of fire explodes, actually Marco does not think that so soon, first he instinctively moves to allow Tuska to dash toward the mage in a  survival instinct. After all it is unwise to  stand in her way.  Then Marco acts like a professional and well trained soldier - for several years Marco was trained with multiple automatic weapons and the small machine pistol was his favorite one. Within less than a second his beloved Crusader is in his hands and a single bullet is fired - with Tuska about to crush Dana's bones and Yelena with her lethal bullets, the stick and shot Marco is about to deliver is a display of mercy. If Dana is subdued quickly she may not be shot to death. That poor lady is scared, alone and desperate and still carries injuries from before.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-03-16/1703:37>
Fireball?!?

Her tradition is different from mine, shamanic rather than hermitic, but I can tell a fireball when I see it.  I feel a cold sweat when I realize there are vulnerable people in the room.  Chesh, her daughter and Arc!  Arc is barely a step from the grave right now!

I reach deep within myself to counter the explosion and...

NOTHING

[spoiler]Counterspell fireball (target Chesh, daughter, Yelena, Arc, myself): 6d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/356502): 0 [6d6t5=2, 4, 4, 3, 1, 1] Counterspell ineffective

Soak fireball damage: 12d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/356458): 3 [12d6t5=6, 3, 5, 1, 2, 3, 3, 6, 4, 4, 4, 2]  Take 3 damage

Armor save against fireball/catching fire (9 armor + 6 FR - 5 force = 10 dice): 10d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/356520): 4 [10d6t5=6, 2, 1, 5, 6, 3, 2, 1, 6, 4] Do NOT catch fire

Save against mass confusion: 11d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/356460): 3 [11d6t5=6, 3, 5, 3, 3, 1, 6, 1, 2, 2, 1]  Spell has no effect[/spoiler]

The ball of flame bursts into existence behind me, bowling me over and forcing my face into the ground.  Before I can gather my wits, the world spins a moment and then rights itself as a chaos spell intrudes and is immediately dismissed from my mind.  It makes little difference.

Nothing...nothing happened.  Allah...have...you abandoned me?

The implications are mind numbing, but fortunately I have things to do and I push them from my terrified mind.  I lift my head and see Yelena-sensei aiming where it appears Dana has fled for cover.  Arc, however...

I look back toward the entrance of the room to see a smoldering lump of clothes and flesh.

Sensei!

Wasting no time I reach for the medkit which had until recently been attached to my own body and move to engage it to save my teacher and friend.  If she's on fire, I'll extinguish her.  After that I can heal her...

...assuming I still can...

[spoiler]MedKit stabilization on Arc after fireball: 12d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/356832): 5 [12d6t5=2, 2, 2, 6, 1, 4, 3, 6, 2, 6, 5, 5]
MedKit first aid on Arc after fireball: 12d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/356809): 4 [12d6t5=4, 4, 4, 5, 2, 2, 6, 1, 6, 3, 3, 6]

[6:19:25 PM] Cat: So I douse Daily and Arc who are embraced and therefore I assume one joint action, then perform stabilization on Arc, then perform first aid on Arc
[6:19:43 PM] Cat: While the Medkit works on Arc, next round I will cast HEAL on Daisy[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-04-16/1125:03>
The high pitched terrified scream of a little girl pierces the air followed by, "Momma!" Facing Tusks and Arc as they were Chesh and Daisy never had a chance to avoid the fireball and Daisy's scream is filled with pain and terror as exposed flesh is burned. Chesh is better protected, a lifetime of boosting and being prepared means she's almost always dressed for the occaision. But Daisy isn't nearly so well armed and only Arc's quick action to block her from the flames saves her from far worse. Dana's hope to avoid most of the blast by ducking for cover does not prevent the flames kiss from finding her, although, with Tusks bearing down on her she might have wished otherwise.

[spoiler](https://rolz.org/embed?X6799149) (https://rolz.org/info?X6799149)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X6799149) (https://rolz.org/info?X6799149)
(https://rolz.org/embed?X6799184) (https://rolz.org/info?X6799184)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-04-16/1711:25>
Dana is acting on a survival instinct. doing her best to get out alive. But she gambles and loses. The troll powered tool cart shoves Dana and then tips over on top of her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-04-16/1924:24>
No more!  First time: shame on you.  Second time: shame on me!
Tuskaloosa was determined to make sure there was no second time--no further volley of spells.
Her normally long but easy gait was a ground eating run.  She squinted through a kaleidoscope fog as the  air rapidly dispersed its lingering heat.   Here and there, scorched spots stood out as angry scabs.
She ignored it all, save the yellow-greenish glow of the warm tool cart, alert for the tell-tale red-yellows of a live body: the woman had not gone past her hastily sought shelter.

The troll lowered her shoulder.
Her  elbows were practically scraping the floor as she slammed into the metal shelves, a dim part of her mind noting thankfully that they were all closed...

She anticipated the tool caddy would be heavy: it was.
She did not anticipate its wheels stopping.
...Or its bulk tipping...

Instinctively, she pushed up and sailed over the  unit, her feet barely clearing the far side.
Tuskaloosa threw a hand to the wall and spun herself around, ready to run over her quarry again.
She took a deep breath instead as she caught sight of Dana's soot-dusted arm, extending out from under the now greenish-blue caddy.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-05-16/0911:05>
"Is she out ?" asked Marco as he examined the mage, "quickly help me remove that thing from her before she dies." He said and helped Tuska remove the tool box  "misguided soul" , he said when he saw the unconscious mage - "This is too much for a single day." he thought.

(If the mage is heart Marco will tend to her wounds- stabilize her and pack her as a cat again.)

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-05-16/1027:33>
When Marco examines Dana she is badly injured. The fireball hit her hard and she's barely breathing, And when Marco examines her more closely it's evident from the quickly swelling goose egg on her right temple that something hit her head hard knocking her out, at least for now.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-05-16/1032:41>
Marco places his hand on Dana's head and chants softly - a yellow glow envelopes Dana and closes her wounds.
Hopefully she survives this drama and can repent her aggressive behavior.

[spoiler]
Healing Magic (http://orokos.com/roll/357030): 11d6t5 5
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-05-16/1621:31>
Dana's breathing becomes deeper, less ragged and the burns across her skin lose the raw appearance of open flesh to slowly become red patches. She stirs.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-05-16/1714:56>
Marco grabs a piece of cloth and quickly blindfold Dana, repeating the process multiple times to make sure that there is no way she is able to see. He is too compassionate to shot her and send her back to sleep. After all shes been through the accident, the fireball and the toolbox it really is a difficult day for poor Ms. Wallace. He cannot let her sling her mojo like that again tough, not anymore. "Tuska, do you have some restraints for her hands? not strictly needed but I don't want her to take off the eye cover - if she cannot see us she cannot target us with spells" Since waking up can come as quite a shock, and who knows how dangerous Dana is Marco attempts to make her as comfortable as he can despite the safety measures they are about to take. He whispers softly  "It is okay... you are safe...Nothing bad will happen to you." .  He is waiting for Tuska to restrain her hands, but is doing his best to keep her comfortable.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-05-16/2104:02>
     “Quickly,” Marco called from his place on the floor, “help me remove this thing before she dies.”

Wordlessly, the troll complied.  Metal gave a tortured shriek against concrete as she lifted the bulk and pushed it far enough to clear the crumpled body.
She caught the elf's quiet “misguided soul” before he dropped his voice into a lower mutter.

Tuskaloosa looked around the room, assessing the damage.

Where she had been heartbeats before Firefly, Yelena and Cheshire now knelt. The scorched backside of the decker and the Vory elf betrayed little movement except shifts and turns; all she knew was that they were fighting to save Arc.  She took it as a hopeful sign that they were fighting in the first place.
Near them...

 The troll's heart stopped.  Chesh was draped over a blanket-covered lump. 

The echoes of her own warning rang in her ears:
I'm sure your daughter has heard strong language, but you have ten seconds to get her clear anyway.
...you have ten seconds...
No...

She watched as the gnome lifted up and carefully pulled pack the drape.
“She's out,” carried through the hushed air.
Firefly's body was already shifting to the girl's direction.

 “Tuska, do you have some restraints for her hands? They're not strictly needed but I don't want her to take off the eye cover - if she cannot see us she cannot target us with spells.”

Restrain her hands...
She caught movement from the corner of her eye.  Alyce came through the door at a stumbling run, the bulk of a medkit clutched to his chest.
Hatter stood in the doorway: pale as plaster.

“Hatter.”
She got no response.
“Hatter!
He jumped at the sound of his name.  “Get me some spray adhesive,” she said softer but firmly.  “This is a shop—I know you have some.”
He nodded quickly, then disappeared.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-05-16/2120:15>
Frantically but with trained purpose I maneuver the medkit into place and set it in motion, following the directions first to stabilize and then to heal the rigger.  Best to trust technology with her for now, the troll's misadventure with another medkit notwithstanding. 

This one worked its technological wizardry on me.  Now please work just one more time.

As soon as I become superfluous with the older woman, I shift my attention to a so much smaller one.  The girl, Daisy, is not even two feet tall.  Such a tiny soul, and a mother who is still around to love her. 

Please, Allah, if not for me, smile on this girl who didn't choose this path.

I take a deep breath...and reach for the mana....

...and it answers!

[spoiler]Heal Daisy (Force 6 spell: 6 spellcasting + 5 magic - 2 gnome magic resist): 9d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/357243): 5 [9d6t5=5, 6, 5, 4, 5, 1, 4, 1, 5]
Resist drain for Daisy heal: 11d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/357244): 5 [11d6t5=1, 3, 5, 4, 6, 6, 2, 4, 1, 5, 5][/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-06-16/0029:57>
Chesh had grabbed the medkit quick as a blink from Alyce and had it on Daisy faster than Subaru could believe. Seemingly in one motions she opened it, turned it on, placed patches and turned on advanced options. Daisy was crying, her tiny body jerking with pain. Alyce knelt beside her, one hand slipping his finger into her tiny hand, the other stroking her hair. "There, there girl. Your mum's got you. You're going to be fine." while his eyes focused on the medkits readouts. Hatter came back in with a fire extinguisher and was leading a small brigade. "Smoke the toaster step in time. Never need a reason, never need a rhyme. Smoke the toaster step in time!" He leaps atop one of the tables and the extinguisher goes off putting out fires in time to his chanting. As soon as Tusks looks at him angrily thinking, Damn the man. He's forgotten the most important element of ending the threat! And see's a flash of blue, silver and white with the tri-mixer already affixed sail towards her. Whoa, he definitely brought the good stuff! Set-up time on this is less than 6 seconds. Tusks catches it deftly and turns, kneels and takes off the cap swiftly acting to end the threat of the mage by gluing her hands down. Hatters fire brigade spreads out in the meantime to put out the flames and has the situation swiftly under control.
Chesh is working on Daisy and says, "No major damage thank the small gods. So far it's just burns. It's ok sweetie. It's ok. I can give you some relief soon." She pauses shocked the moment Subaru begins her healing spell. But, as it works and Daisys' tears stop and her little body relaxs Chesh sags in relief. And once the spell is complete she gets up and makes an angry beeline to Dana. As soon as she gets to Marco she stops, pulls the gun out of his holster to shoot Dana.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-06-16/0040:06>
Yelena watches as the mage fails to dodge her own flames, followed by Tuskaloosa smashing the tool bin into and on top of her.  When the Troll and Marco manage to lift the bin from the body, Yelena raises her silenced pistol, aiming for the mages head.  Sending an APDS round to the prone and unconscious mage now will make it particularly hard for her to cast another fireball.  But even as her body tells the finger to tighten on the trigger, the large form of Tuskaloosa moves into her sight path to bend over the mage.  Yelna twitches her wrist and lifts the barrel of the gun, sending the deadly round into the ceiling.  The moment passes and Yelena lowers her gun, replacing it in its holster.  Turning away, she goes to where Firefly is kneeling near Arc and the gnomes, kneeling to see if she can be of assistance.  She checks the medkit connections and nods at Firefly, but not say anything when she sees the young woman and Chesh concentrating over the little Gnome girl.  The combination of medkit and magic seem to do the trick and the girl will live through this without even much of a physical reminder of what happened.

Yelena is busy re-checking on Arc and so barely notices Chesh as the Gnome gets up and goes to where Marco is.  Her first indication of anything wrong is a scuffle between Marco and Chesh over his gun.  Frowning, she rises and walks over to see what the matter is, only to belatedly realize what the woman's intent is and knowing that she will be too late to stop her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-06-16/0152:27>
As Marco sees Chesh pulling the gun out of her holster he grabs her hands and jumps on top of her for subdoal and he will shield Dana with his own body he tells her"You are no killer - don't become one now.".

[spoiler] Marco will attempt to stop her with unarmed combat to subdo her and prevent her from aiming the gun at the mage.
unarmed (http://orokos.com/roll/357332): 7d6t5 3 6d6t5: 3 [7d6t5=1, 4, 3, 6, 5, 5, 2]

removed the last dice due to not accouting for wound modifier - the result is the same 3 hits. Hopefully enough to restrain a little girl.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-06-16/0739:14>
Chesh struggles with Marco angrily for a moment. But, as his words sink in she pauses, and then sags. The moment, and the adrenaline is gone. She glares at Marco for a moment and then turns and spits on Dana. She gives Marco a look then and says, "Let me go." Her body is more relaxed, and her head is already turning back to her daughter. Marco complies, and knows that's he's saved two lives, no three, just in that moment. He may not ever be a shadowrunner. His compassion for others won't let him kill. But, just by being there, by being him, he saves lives. Shilla had once told him, "To save one life is to save the world entire." She'd sounded like she'd believed it. And he'd thought that she was like him. Someone of sympathy and compassion, until she started blackmailing him and using him on jobs. and he'd learned she was like everyone else. But still, that doesn't make the words any less true.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-06-16/1006:03>
Yelena watches the scene between Marco and Chesh unfold, oddly glad that Chesh is prevented from killing the mage.  First, her own shot was unintentionally blocked, and now this.  She watches Chesh walk past her and back to her daughter then turns to smile at Marco before returning to see to Arc's care.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-06-16/1752:21>
Okay I am leaving Marco said and took his gun back. He allowed Chesh her form of revenge, she was upset and had every right to be so. "She is not safe in her, and it is unfair to keep her for long she endangers us and is unstable, Yelena is terrifying she is death itself, I cannot even blame her for freaking out."

Marco deposited his gun in the holster and thought "Sloppy Marco - very sloppy" He then wiped off the spit from the now bound mage. The last thing he needs is her feeling threatened and freaking out. 

>>Dear Blake, we are in this address looking forward to seeing you.
He texted. With all the dark powers that wanted Dana it seems like the Feds were her best option.  They were also freedom for him, she knows quite a bit about the drug, and bioweapons, but that story was too big to contain or to even relate to.
 
 "Yelena almost killed her, why didn't she? our pact? second thought, there is no way to say still she did fire and the bullet hole is quite a statement. She is dark, darker than Chesh." 

Then it hit him Arc ! she is not well - the medikit is connected to her and she is unresponsive. "Firefly is both smart and magical she can heal Arc we do not need a miricle just to let things go the way they are". Marco quietly prayed for Arc, focusing with all his intend.
He came up with a short prayer and chanted it repeatedly over and over again. To Marco, prayers were the strongest kind of magic with the power to transform the very soul of a person.

"Dear Lord, You are the just judge, holy and true.  You give us life. You hold all power in your hands. You are the mighty one from God who carries the world, and is ruler over all the earth. In your mercy please spare Arc, for she is young and there are so many pure emotions  she is yet to experience. Please strengthen the healing hands of Firefly and grant her the capacity to tend to her every wound. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-06-16/1816:02>
The relieved look on Chesh's face as she saw her daughter's body returned to normal was thanks in itself.  I was taking a deep, relieved breath when suddenly the small woman's face became determined and she turned to approach the events around the mage.  I wasn't exactly surprised when she moved to take matters into her own hands, but I was kinda surprised to see how the priest dealt with it.  Well, I hadn't exactly felt he was malicious, just foolish.  Sometime soon we were going to have a talk about summoning and how reckless it could be.

But not now.

For now I had another patient.  I moved back to examine Arc and checked the indicator on the medkit.  The wondrous device was still finishing up, but indicated it had achieved most of what it could do.  Arc was still unconscious and the device advised immediate medical attention.

Or me.

I took another breath and implored Allah to continue to smile on his child.  I then cast heal on my mentor.

[spoiler]Heal Arc - Force 6 (Spellcraft 6 + Magic 5): 11d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/357516): 4 [11d6t5=6, 6, 1, 3, 3, 5, 1, 2, 5, 3, 4]
Soak drain for healing Arc: 11d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/35751711d6t5): 1 [11d6t5=2, 1, 5, 2, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 4, 4]

Arc is healed four boxes. Subaru takes a box of stun damage.  It appears Allah wanted to ensure I didn't take Him for granted.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-06-16/2024:33>
”Momma!”

The screams and cry of the child she was shielding was the last thing Arc heard as she felt the searing blast hit her, sending her onto the cold concrete of the garage floor.  The fires lapped at what little clothing she still had on, threatening to fry her to a crisp, until something intervened, sending her world dark.  The pain was still there, the breathing was still ragged as she felt her hold on staying awake slipping, but the sound of searing flesh had subsided.

Slipping in and out, the fires and the sounds of the cries brought her mind to a dark, long forgotten place…one fateful day that set her life in the direction that was her world…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

”We have to go, it’s spreading!”

“Forget our things, we’re gonna be trapped.”

”Honey, where’s Tessa?  I can’t find Tessa!”

“Tessa!  Tessa, come out, Tessa!”

It’s dark.  I see a door.  My closet, I hid from the smoke.  I’m choking from the bad air in my chest.  I can hear my parents calling for me, but I’m too afraid.  My legs refuse to move.

”Mommy…Daddy...”

My voice is weak, and even I can barely hear myself.  The air is growing hot and itchy, fast.  I’m holding my stuffed bear tight, wimpering.  Three loud bangs, a groan, a thud, a shriek.  My mother’s shriek.

“Noo!!  Get away!”

The sound of scrabbling getting closer, and I can hear crackling and things crashing.

“Tessa!!”

”Mommy!”

The sounds of footsteps become closer and quick, and then I hear a hiss as the door turns, going to open.  I see the panicked face of my mother through the gap for a brief moment.

And then all went bright, and I felt pain, and my world went dark.

All I knew was I was on the ground.  I hurt all over, I could not move.

”Mommy..?”

No voice greeted me, but I could hear the sound of something being dragged…heavy, scraping against the ground.

”Mommy..”

The sound grew fainter, a sickening scraping until I was alone…

Why can’t I move?

…why can’t I see?

”MOMMY!!!!!”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’m…not dead?

Arc slowly started to stir from where she lay, eyes rebooting, the subtle green irises activating to show she was regaining awareness.  Finally though, she stirred, her head shifting from side to side as one arm went to push herself up.  She moved slowly, tentatively testing her muscles out and wincing a little at the pain.  But, it wasn’t nearly what she expected.  Her attire definitely felt charred, her jeans sporting a few new spots and holes she didn’t remember, and the bra and tape keeping her pale dirt-scuffed torso decent was frayed and barely hanging onto her body.

Her eyes and head moved next, looking up to see the figures huddled around her, the firstmost noted being that of the teen Firefly right in front of her, followed by the violet gaze of her Srui'ken, Yelena.  In a snap of refocusing to the now, her eyes opened wide, and over the dirt scuffing her cheek the pair could see the tears flowing openly down her face.  She opened her mouth to speak, the mechanic’s voice crackling out forcibly.

”The…the littlun…she’s…?”

It only took a nod of the head from those near her for Arc to sate her need for information, seeing the little gnome child Daisy being cared for by her mother.  Relief washed over the human as her shoulders and head slumped where she sat, the waterworks seeming to increase.  ”Good…tell them…I’m sorry…I’m so sorry…”

In the course of a few seconds, however, the energy seemed to shift within the short rigger, her jaw hardening as her singed hair fell around her face.  Her hands started to ball into fists as she gave a pained grunt, sitting up straight, left hand supporting herself against the ground while her right cyberhand shot back, reaching for her Predator.  Her voice growled low as she uttered her next syllables.

”Where is she…Blake had better...nnh...give me a DAMN good reason...not to cap this slitch and..send her in a fraggin’ body bag…””

Even as her emotions burned with the passion of her entire being, she still wept.  It was clear she wanted up, but still was in no state to move so quickly, forcing her back to a sitting position.

[Spoiler]thanks to firefly, Arc has her overflow and 3 physical boxes cleared of damage, leaving her condition at 9/12 (3 wounds)
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-06-16/2220:58>
From a tabletop the sing-song voice of Hatter fills the air. "Bye baby bunting, Chesh has gone a hunting, to bring a human mages skin to pay for the pain she wrapped baby in." Chesh hugs Daisy and covers her ears. "That's enough Hatter." she says. And then she looks at Daisy, "C'mon sweetie. I think you need a some sugar cookies after all that." She stands up and turns to Firefly, her eyes fill with tears as she manages to get out a low, whispered, "Thank you." You can tell she wants to say more, but, the words won't make it past her throat. She nods, eyes bright with unshed tears and turns, taking Daisy's hand and leading her away. The fires put out, the Munchkins surround the group in a wide semi-circle. And Alyce speaks up, "I think we're owed some answers. This was a chop. Valuable vehicles, but a chop we paid for with a bio-bed and some cover. Instead you bring that in here. No word, no warning." He looks angry enough to take on an orc. "We survive by staying under the radar. NOT by having a gods all fraggin' FIREBALL go off. This is our home. This is our family. And you have worn out your welcome. Hatter's voice sings out again, "Arc and Yelena come to me. Raven, Johnny and Feathers now missing. Trouble always comes in three's. Bonny Smiling Killers." Alyce pauses and does a double take. Looking at Arc and Yelena hard. "Feathers? You're with him? You're the . . . . " The wind seems knocked out of him for a moment and then he straightens up. "Trouble attracts some people. Others attract trouble. As much as I respect what you've done. We're not hero's. We're just choppers. We put food on the table and try and stay out of trouble. For what you did I ain't saying don't come back. But, I gotta say, you attract trouble like a magnet. We don't have any way of dealing with it."
Hatter looks around at the group of Munchkins around the room and says, "They stay." As one the heads of all the tiny halflings in the room snap, staring at him. Hatter says nothing more, simply stands there waiting. Most shake their heads and leave the room, their body language clearly saying, "He's mad!" Alyce looks him straight in the eye. "You've always been completely nutters. The small gods alone know why we listen." Hatter looks at him calmly and says, "Because I'm right." Alyce keeps eye contact for another minute, each man taking the others measure and then Alyce sighs, "Alright then. They stay." He walks away, but, just as he gets to the garage door his head turns back and he says, "But, clean up for the mess comes out of the second chop."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-07-16/0019:47>
Yelena watches the exchange between the Gnomes with interest.  It is now apparent that the one named Hatter has a great deal of authority among them.  She nods as the rest of the Gnomes depart, leaving Hatter standing alone.  Yelena puts a hand on Arc's shoulder before standing and walking up to him and saying, "Hatter not mad.  Hatter know where Raven, Johnnie, Feathers are?  All disappear without word.  Maybe Hatter know where and why?" 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-07-16/1044:54>
For a moment Hatter's eyes focus on Yelena. But it is a moment only and then the strain of sanity takes it's toll. His eyes un-focus and a grin plasters his face, his head cocking sideways. "Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep! Lost her sheep! Lost her sheep!" Hatter dances madly, jumping from table to table. "Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep and doesn't know where to find them. Can't leave them alone or they won't come home, but no telling where he hides them." he cackles at that, swinging around and around a pole. Alyce comes back in and brings a cred stick. "You're share of the second chop, minus expenses." He looks over at Hatter and sighs, a look of regret on his face. "Ee'll be way worse than usual after that. 'atters always a bit off. Brilliant mind, really brilliant actually. Dead keen observer. But, off 'is 'at." He looks to you for understanding, "Ee's tried the meds. But, 'e's allergic to them. After them nearly killing 'im a few times trying to 'cure 'im', we decided it just wasn't worth it. Ee can get by well enough. And I look after 'im when it's bad. But, well, probably best if you wrap up your business." He sighs and hands Arc the credstick and then goes over to Hatter calling out, "Oy Baby Bunting come with daddy hunting, need to catch a rabbit skin." He begins to do a skipping hop side to side, leading Hatter in a circuitous route out of the room. Hatter begins his dance, following him chanting, "Wrap the baby bunting in! Wrap the baby bunting in! Wrap the baby bunting in! Going with daddy hunting to wrap the baby bunting in!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-07-16/1356:46>
     Tuskaloosa felt the sting in her eyes as she remained where she was: taking a knee beside their “prize”.  Their decker proved for the second and third time this night to be a mojo-slinger with lifesaving skill--literally.  Words could not express her relief.

     She had looked up from her glue job in time to watch Marco struggle with Chesh over his gun and talk her out of shooting a helpless prisoner.  As Chesh walked away, the troll sorted out her feelings:  shame for being flat-footed a second time in as many minutes?  Perhaps. But when the gnome's intent had been clear she'd made no attempt to stop her.  Why?  To allow justice?  To know when to stay out of a Mother Bear's way, no matter the size?
   
     Just as her own mother had done?
   
     No, she thought, this is a little different: Momma stepped in to save me.  We have the mage down; Chesh didn't need to fight to save her daughter.
   
     She watched the elf Samaritan holster his gun and clean off the mage.  You are no killer - don't become one now, huh?  Aren't you the presumptuous one...
   He might have waved her clear from a path of Hate, but to assume the gnome hadn't killed before?  That he knew her history and what motivated her?  Arrogance.
   
     Still, he had prevented the enraged mother from shooting out of hate: that was more than laudable.
     The troll settled then for shame that she'd been slow and guilt that she had allowed a fellow human to get that close to such blind anger.
   
     And self-loathing for letting compassionate attempts to gain trust override simple precautions...and bringing destruction into the lives of a shop full of gnomes.

     She leaned in to Dana's ear.  “If I had my way,” she growled, “we'd glue your mouth shut so you couldn't go bippity boppity boo, that way you could see the damage you've done.  But this works too...smell is a powerful memory trigger and you can't shut it out like you can with your eyes.  So go ahead: smell your handiwork, get that taste in the back of your mouth.  Get a whiff of burned flesh—yours and others.  Take in that ozone, that ash.  Remember that it came from your actions, and yours alone.
   
     Reflect on your reason why:  if you were trying to suicide bomb, you failed big time.  If you thought to escape, you underestimated the crew that extracted you in the first place.  If you thought the blast would get people's attention, congratulations...you have everyone's attention.
   
     I thought you could be reasoned with...that with a little time I could convince you to see the Genie in the bottle your little bottle-opener will release.  I know now, I was a fool to think you could see the havoc you will wreck.  I see I was wasting my breath, if you can fire-bomb a room because you don't think it can hurt you.
   
     But I want you to take the smell in with every breath you take, and remember.  Because this is the smell of your future legacy, Sunshine."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-07-16/1613:51>
Marco observes the drama with hatter and is left with more questions - mainly who exactly are their host and was it luck to encounter them ? them knowing about club and Feathers - why would choppers be into these things? - His mental capacity was off - but Arc was alive. We had that and it was nice - "I wish my mother would fight for me with that passion... not in that manner tough"   He thought and then approached Arc and the rest and said "Arc, I am glad you are alive! I called Blake and he'll be here soon hopefully we can get this night over with."

Then he spoke to Firefly, still a bit awkward to face her. "You heal very well - I never knew that healing could be so accurate. But so many high powered healing spells fireballs and chaos spells we cannot leave this place before we clean up. Can you do that? Sadly I myself cannot, I simply do not sense the astral world.  If you cannot I can call Jed - he is a mage that I was working with. He'll do that but I'd hate involve another one in our problems... One thing sure the marks of magic need to be wiped up from this place before we leave. " 

[spoiler]
Firefly can of course do it, any awakened that perceive the astral can manipulate spell signatures until they fade into the background count disappear that is.  It is a bit unusual that Marco cannot do that.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-07-16/1838:29>
I stay quiet while events between the gnomes and our leaders take place.  During that time, I work through astral perception to begin the healing of the area.  I'd started by the time Marco was able to mention it and I just nod to the man.  I'm impressed he thought of it if he's not able to sense astral.  I've worked with adepts before who didn't.

By the time I'd finished, things seemed to be calming down a bit.  I can tell Arc is still feeling a lot of emotion, so I decide it's Yelena-sense I will try and pull aside to share something I think should be considered as we determine how to dispose of the mage.

"Yelena-sensei," I whisper up to the woman in question while everyone else's attention is elsewhere, "can I talk to you a moment?  Away from that?" I add, indicating the bound mage and menacing troll standing over her.  I watch the taller elf nod and we move to a far corner of the room.  "Yelena-sensei, I know you're considering handing the mage off to the government as possibly the lessor of the evils.  I just wanted you to know that the data from the safe back at the warehouse tells me those involved in developing this drug includes high members of government in Seattle, America, and Tir Tairngire.  I'm still sifting the data, but I'd be more worried about governments than I would be about a gang who just wants to use it to make money."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-07-16/2056:32>
Arc groaned a bit as her head swam for a moment, but a quick shake of the noggin and a scan of the room revealed the situation enough for her to catch up.    Marco and Tuska have that mage slitch..Yelena is with us, and Firefly saved me...frag all, that's twice now...but everyone's back on the job.  Then that means I am too.  C'mon, Arc, pull your hoop together, this ain't a time to be soft..

She slowly managed to get herself back to her feet, a little shaky but nontheless present.  She stayed silent during Alyce's tirade, gave a glance to Hatter in surprise, and then focused her attention back on the leader.  Taking the credstick, she instinctively swiped it to check the contents, letting out her breath as she blinked a couple times.  Clearing her throat, she gave a nod.

"You're too kind, Alyce.  Can't excuse what happened here.  You know it was a frag up, I know it was a frag up, and you are generous in what you took in compensatin'.  We'll be outta here shortly, no more trouble."  She gave pause, glancing over at Tuska, who seemed preoccupied with Dana.  "..that being said, if Hatter knows me, he can confirm I ain't lying about this.  Not all the drek I do is trouble.  And I'm not lying when I say I could use a place to send all the drek I can't fix.  I could also use a good source for parts in a pinch, ya feel me?"  She offered a genuine, if not tired, smile as she lowered her head, hands working at her commlink.  "I...also want to come by again, under better circumstances.  To check on Chesh and her littleun, you feel me? I don't deserve it, but I still wanna if you let me"  She withdrew a datastick, loaded with her commcode and garage location, and offered it to him.  A gem of info with no trace-ability to either of them.  "Get you and yours safe, we'll handle our end from here"

With that finished, she watched Alyce depart with Hatter, then looked to Marco with his information, her eyes flaring open as her vigor seemed to kick in.  "Marco, No.  We can't disturb these halfers after all the drek they just put up.  That we fragging caused.  And you told them to come HERE?!  You're fraggin' kidding me right?  That's put them on the fraggin' map, omae!  This is a chop shop in east downtown.  You think chopping up cars is legit biz, omae?"  She let out her breath, holding her head.  "Ain't nothin ta be undone.  Call up Blake, we need some answers.  Like what is this slitch so special for that we need her alive?  I'd just as soon deliver a body bag out front and call it a night."  She held her head, wincing a bit as her stance listed momentarily to one side.

"nnnh...frag all...that was low drek.  Beyond forgiveness.  Call him.  Conference call.  We all gonna hear what this tusker's gotta say"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-07-16/2327:54>
Yelena considers what Firefly tells her.  Shaking her head she frowns and says, "Yelena not know, decker mage.  Governments and gangs mostly same.  We have mage.  Mage have knowledge.  So sell mage to club?  To gangers?  To government?  All bad choices.  But cannot keep with us.  See what mage do when scared?  She not safe on own.  Not safe with us or others.  But kill mage not good either.  Someone know same knowledge.  Others get some way.  And gangers not only interested money.  See to people who use it and have same problem.  Only hope sanity prevent use of weapon.  So we make best choice we can and hope is good choice.  So Yelena choose government as best bad choice."  She shrugs her shoulders.  "Is crapshoot.  Must make one choice or kill mage.  What is choice of decker mage?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-08-16/0324:39>
Marco's emotions boils when Arc suggests killing her and he retreat to the blind folded mage. That said Marco keeps his cool resolve and watches the surrounding in case anyone is planning murder tonight. He say calmly and bluntly
"They give us a buzz - we take Dana out and they leave. It is not like we are going to invite them in for tea and give them the house tour. There is no neon  "Chop shop" sign outside - it looks just like a building like many others in the Barrens.  --  Besides that, these people are not after stolen cars - we know enough about them to understand that.

About murder - I'll assume that it is just anger rather than a practical suggestion.

We made a deal, accepted payment we were hired to do something by someone that you and Yelena personally feel indebted to. When they took Feathers and I wanted to bolt, it was your determination that got me to stay.  You gave your word and you were going to do what needed to be done or die trying.  No amount of reasoning about the danger level ever got you to even consider bolting. It was a matter of principle for you. What have changed now? Now we completed that mission, a debit repaid we deliver a person that can tell them everything they ever wanted to know.

What do you think what is going to happen if you are going to chat up Blake and give him the 100 questions?

I will tell you exactly what is going to happen. You will tell Blake that you have not yet made up your mind about delivering the mage. Blake will tell that to his employer - the same one that has no commitment toward us and no sympathy toward us. The same employer that would not even meet me even when I had a pretty strong position. What will that employer do?

He can start convincing us about their motivations and explain that they are actually the 'good guys' or he can send an HTR team to take what we have by force?

There are sinners straddling both sides of the fence Arc, but we gave our word to a particular evil and we have to deliver. There is no backing off now - We are not saying anything to Blake that indicates doubt of the deal. I might have been to hasty to contact him but I do not feel safe in here and it is unfair to keep Dana in here any longer than we have to. She is emotionally unstable and when she is afraid or angry she can shoot fireballs. I'll try to keep her confidence up and make sure she that she behaves until the drop, she wants this deal too and believes it is in her best interest too. I do not see any other way"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-08-16/0754:07>
Arc's eyes widened a bit as she stared openly at Marco as he talked, and talked.  When she could get in a word edgewise, her hands were balled into fists as she lowered her gaze, her words growling out through a set jaw.

"So much talking, not sayin' a whole lot.  Marco, we brought this slitch here, and look what happened.  We almost destroyed a family.  I cannot-"  She chokes on her words a bit, fighting back the coming tears by averting her gaze for a moment before refocusing, glancing around at the others.

Her shoulders slumped as she let out her breath.  "I won't ask again Marco.  Tell him we're meeting outside at the end of the street in the next few minutes."  She bit her lip as she turned away for a moment, holding her head and hastily wiping at her eyes. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-08-16/0818:08>
Va Bene, That I can do.  said Marco
He then raised his voice "Yelena Firefly - we're bolting" 
He types and then shows it to Arc if she agrees with the message before sending.
>>We're meeting about 300 meters from the last address, it is a T junction cannot miss it. There is a small deli nearby.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-08-16/0840:27>
"The safest course for the world is to kill her," I respond immediately. "She's gifted and she knows this biological vector better than anyone.  She made it.  She's also proven to be more interested in her own safety than in anyone else that might be harmed.  Whoever has her can make her do whatever they want, morals and ethics be damned.  If this were my op, I'd want her dead rather than leave her in any hands but our own. But I agree, Yelena-sensei, this team can't handle her. And thinking only of this team, of all the options killing her puts us all in the most danger. I'd think following the original contract Arc agreed to would be the safest course for us.  I'll be honest, I have little skin in this game.  These factions have not been my business until now, and I honestly have no investment in the world beyond satisfying Electra.  If the world ends, then that is Allah's Will.  And I still get my justice."

Still incomplete, will add expressions and non-verbal things later
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-08-16/0918:43>
Arc looked over the message and relented, holding her head and giving it a bit of a shake.  "whatever, send it.  I'll call him myself"  sending out the option for the others to listen in as they wanted, Arc looked to the others as they joined her.

'we got one hell of a cockup going on.  We know geek in ain't a safe option as it pisses everyone off.  We hand to the feds, talk of bio warfare of whatever drew may happen.  And the Dust?  They ain't better."  she dug through her archives, pulling up a piece of footage dug up in relation to the club...the experiments in Eastern Europe, the explosions, all that.  "feds are a maybe on things going to drek, and the dust is a definite.  I need answers, or at least a damn good reason to risk my hoop on slotting NineLives..."  she punched in the number, setting up the call with Blake.

"Hoi.  I need a reason from you, omae.  I'm about to stick my hoop all out in the air for a pisses off NineLives slot stick on the idea of a maybe.  A maybe I can't risk.  If you can't give me assurance that this hot potato of loaded up drek is going into proper hands, then I'm gonna have no choice but to follow through.  You know me, Blake, and I've just about died twice for this slitch.  What's it gonna be?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-08-16/1016:33>
Yelena nods at Firefly.  "Decker mage getting understanding.  Not much we can do save world.  Just hope not blow up and all die.  Other than that, we live lives."

She also nods at Arc as they listen in to the call she makes to Blake. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-08-16/1131:47>
Dana is still. Tusks knows she's awake because of the slight turn of her head towards her voice when she started speaking, not that she could move much more than that underneath the trolls knee, but other than that almost imperceptible move away when Tusks mentions her legacy Dana gives no indication of having heard.

@ Arc  >>I have no idea what you've just been through, but I can guess. And the only reassurance I can give you is that I'm in this game to save lives. Every single one of Stewarts Op's have saved hundreds, and sometimes thousands of lives. Yes, he's a cheap, manipulative SOB. But he's a manipulative SOB who goes back after an Op and makes sure the people he saved have the tools to rebuild their lives. I told you once I don't work for the feds. I work for Stewart. And this is still one of his Op's, and that means that the people I'm handing your package to have the best chance of making good with it. That's all I got. If it's not good enough tell me now.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-08-16/1427:59>
Arc listened to Blake's statements about the situation, and who he was setting up to pick up this mage.  She may not have known the older Ork for very long, but she had developed a fair skill of reading people, which can be lifesaving in a district like the Redmond Barrens.  To her, Blake was legit.  He didn't mince words with her.

Still, during the talking, she muted her voice from the call for a moment, taking a few shaky steps to face Marco, green cyber eyes staring intently up at him.  "it doesn't matter water the outside looks like, these guys are now much more involved than they deserve to be omae.  That's on you.  We are stepping out to make the transfer and covering our tracks till it is done.  Something I know you can do."  she paused to let that sink in before continuing, speaking as evenly as she can.  "what you're gonna do now is head in there, find Alyce, and admit you tipped their location to potential feds.  You will tell them you are sorry, that we will cover best we can, and if they need it, I will personally help them relocate, which is total drek but may have to be because of these actions.  No arguments, aught omae?"

Turning back, she flipped her voice back on, thinking about her words.

"I hear ya, Blake.  If you wanted to screw us, you woulda done so a while.  I've made a decision, and we are sticking to this.  A couple things to add.  This location should never have been shared.  Honest working civvies are around and don't need to be involved.  Can I have your word that this place will be stricken from record?

"Also, the fact I'm blowing off the Dust in the not fin way leaves me on a stick or three.  I've got an idea for a cover, bit unknown if it will stick.  With all the evidence we have given, can we shut this place down soon?"

...also, we are finding stuff that there are glove fishes involved with this op.  Tread careful with what you got."


She paused and waited, exchanging looks with those present while the answer came back...

[Spoiler]glove fishes=code for government officials
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-08-16/1528:51>
Marco tells Arc they took an entire van just to give us a place to crush for an hour or so, "I'll tell her alright I have nothing to hide but nobody expects to make so much money in such a short time without complications... "

Marco approaches Alyce and notify him about the text he send Blake he shows her the exact phrasing and add "They might be feds, so sorry if it damages you. If I can make it up to you I would. I am kind of new in this. "
Luckily he did not share the exact address but rather the crossing of the two nearest streets not because he felt that it is sensitive but because of the way he thinks, street names and junctions rather than exact coordination. If Arc thinks that he is involving these guys too much than perhaps she knows what she is talking about. She grew up in here.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-08-16/1534:16>
@ Arc Blake answers back, >>No place you go without a few specimens of fish to be found. Tell Stewarts twin I'm still waiting for a very private word with him. He can relay everything we say afterwards. But, I still need to read him the riot act. And there is absolutely no record of the address. Memory only. And no worries about blowing the dust off. I'm a fan of fresh air.<<

@ Marco  Alyce looks at you and says, "Damn this mess gets more fragged by the second. I'll tell everyone to clear everything out. If we need relocated I'll hand you the bill. But, right now I don't trust you as far as I can throw you. I'm not about to let you know a new location."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-08-16/1632:43>
Marco smiles at Alyce  "Completely understandable, I sort of don't trust anyone, myself included."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-08-16/1657:17>
@ Marco Alyce gives you a hard look for a moment and then, "Hahaha!" The humor relaxes him and he just shakes his head with an amused grin at you and turns away. Calling out, "Time for Take-Out people. Think I'm in the mood for Bangers-n-Mash so lets hustle." Suddenly the shop is a hive of activity as gnomes prepare and pack everything to leave. Fortunately the last two chops are still on their beds but everything else needs rapidly packed. Chesh comes out of the kitchen quickly, "Take Out. Damn, just when I was getting used to home cooking." her head shakes as she rapidly joins a crew packing up what look to be parts of an Ares Roadster. "Can't say as I'm surprised with the way the day's gone though." They'll be at it for a bit. Even as efficient a crew as this needs time to pack all the tools and equipment the shop needs.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-08-16/1728:12>
@Marco tells Blake - "Any chance we get to see you tonight? will be fun to see a familiar face, if you cannot come to party with us send a geo-tagged selfie! "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-08-16/1919:28>
Arc hmmed as she heard the answers, her mind processing the coding to get the underlying message with a little time.  Finally, she let out her breath and gave a nod.

"Sounds about right, omae.  We will be a go from here.  Here's Marco with his answer..."

Letting the elf take the horn, she gave a nod to the others.   "Looks like we will be making the switch in about fifteen...enough time to load up what we picked up on the bikes and get there...excuse me, I gotta relay this drek to Alyce.."

Stepping out, Arc's steps were still a bit shaky, but she managed just fine.  Stepping through the door, she walked in to see the bevy of commotion, the gnome choppers all busying to pack up.  Eyes flared open for a moment as she got a bit disoriented, but after righting herself, she was able to spot out Alyce, who she pulled aside very quick.

Getting on a knee, she kept her voice low to speak only to him.  "Yo, so uh...I spoke with my contact.  While we dealing with feds, he ain't fed.  Given me his word your place is off record, not even a post it.  I take responsibility for the drek all put through you guys, but just know I am grateful for it, aight?"  She offered a faint smile, glancing back and briefly making eye contact with Chesh.  "Let me know how I can help with this, aight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-09-16/0037:09>
@ Marco  >>I'll be at the party. Was just hoping for your own personal brand of private word. I understand if it's a no can do. We'll go with another option.<< Blake.

@ Arc Alyce looks her dead in the eye and says, "I'm not starting drek all with blame and pointing fingers and getting all drama like a high elf mama. I'll wait it out an see how things go down. But, you know how this drek works. This place is made, your cred is mud. But for now we need to clear on out. Not much call with the feds for choppers."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-09-16/0215:10>
>>If it can wait for the party then it is easiest for me - otherwise I was not kidding about geotaged selfie.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-09-16/0336:47>
Yelena watches all of the activity and waits for Arc to indicate it is time to leave.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-09-16/1025:54>
Arc smirked a little and lowered her gaze, giving her head a nod.  "I get ya omae.  It's why i'm pissed that slipped in the first place.  But like I said, if my word mean anything, you'll be fine.  You hit me up if you be takin' that cred back, and when I can check on Chesh, aight?"  Leaving it to that, she stood up, taking a moment to reorient herself, and gave a nod to Marco before departing back to the rest of the group.

"Well, why we all standin' around like some kinda funeral, chummers?  Let's load the bikes up.  Y, I think TriggerT might like to buy off summadis drek that we don't want, what you think?"

Grabbing some stuff herself, she did the best she could to load it up, glancing to Firefly and giving a nod.  "Glad to see ya on your feet...and glad for yo skill.  I owe ya, 'ken."

Realizing that the rush to her head was from the exertion, Arc gave herself some pause, turning in place before settling her eyes on Tuskaloosa.  Over the mage who didn't seem to be responding at the moment.  Stepping over, she offered a hand to the troll.   "Thanks.  Would be a drek loss if not for ya.  Now how about we get outta here and finish this job, hm?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-09-16/1045:04>
I nod back to Arc-sensei.  I really don't feel she owes me drek after getting me this new deck, but we can sort that out later.  There's been enough ill thought words happening around here, and enough rash actions.  I'll keep my remaining counsel to myself for the moment and share when the moment is right.  Hopefully soon, though...

In the meantime, I move to assist Arc if she needs it and prepare to move back out into the winter night.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-09-16/1048:07>
Arc lifts her head up as she tries to pick up a box, finding some difficulty, only to have Firefly come up and lend her hands.  Giving a nod, she smirked and helped carry it out, setting it by the door.  "Thanks again, omae"  She muttered as she gave a shiver, a bit of a draft coming in through the  door.  She looked down at herself, blinked, and started to laugh.  Holding her head, she banged her cyberfist against the wall as she couldn't stop herself.

"Can someone tell me where the frag is my shirt and coat??"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-09-16/1131:31>
Yelena quietly picks up what is left of Arc's shirt and then her armored jacket and takes them to her.  "Only two bikes, Srui.  Yelena walk then catch taxi.  Okay?  We put things side boxes.  Yelena carry some."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-09-16/1137:54>
"I'll go with Yelena-sensei," I pipe up after the elf explains her plans.  "Marco-san is more experienced riding a bike than me, is stronger, and therefore better to hold onto Arc-sensei and keep her safely astride.  I'm fine walking."

Beyond my words, I am looking forward to having some one-on-one time with Yelena to start explaining all that I've uncovered.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-09-16/1156:17>
"Experienced riding a bike?... I nearly killed myself trying to ride a car I guess a bike is easier in that sense. I bet Arc is a better driver even with one foot in the grave, but sure holding up and not letting go, how difficult can that be. "

Marco smiles "Arc you will break the wall - I think we broke enough things for one day. That hand is tougher than you think. I have no idea where your coat is, but if you like you can have my new jacket fire and electricity resistance kept me without a scratch with this fireball."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-09-16/1259:06>
Arc was still chuckling as she retracted her hand from the wall, holding her sides as she tried to calm herself.  "Ahahah...aight, Marco...eh?"  Just as he was offering his jacket, Yelena slipped by, handing her her clothes..or what was left of them.  "Thanks, omaes.  Think I'm good right now..."  Setting down the boxes, she took a moment to slip on her clothes, starting with her shirt.  The purple fabric was ripped and slightly charred, a few new holes exposing her stomach, and a big rip from where she was burned electrically on her chest.   Slipping on the sturdy jacket, she looked much better equipped for outside as she turned to her group.

Her smile had faded a bit as they discussed the plans.  "Well, we only going a few blocks down.  Can walk the wheels that way.  Getting home's another matter entirely, as we will still have an extra hoop to sit..."  She bit her lip, shaking her head as she picked up a box.  "Nnh...we'll figure out how to get everyone home when we done here.  Frag...gonna need a team ride here soon, losing that car's makin' this hard..."  Turning to the others, she noted that the gnomes were leaving them alone, and she lowered her head.

"mission is finna be completed, but it fragged.  I shoulda done better.  Y'all deserved better."  A moment of silence, and then she lifted her head, a small smile returning.  "C'mon.  We'll make the meet just in time.  Tuska, everything aight over there?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-09-16/1303:03>
 "Tuska, everything aight over there?"

Tuskaloosa is torn.  "I understand seeing a job to the end and all, but...I'd like to stick around here and give these peeps a hand.
...If they want it, anyway."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-09-16/1304:58>
Yelena watches Arc put her shirt on and frowned.  "Arc.  Is electricity damage to shirt?  Yelena not remember lightning.  How happen?"

She shakes her head at Tuskaloosa's words.  "Anyone else drive King Scorpion?  Is Troll size.  Maybe need for ride to meet and home."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-09-16/1337:32>
Marco tells Arc "Every run you can walk home from is a good run, you are being to harsh of yourself we got the job done one way or the other and you are not the only one who messed up a little bit."
Marco approached Dana and told her "We are delivering you to the people you wanted, everything is going to be alright. I know that you had it rough - you can still see where you are going from the astral, but we'll guide you still, it is just down the street."
He nodded at Firefly "Firefly, can you clean this spell for me too, I actually learned it for costume parties when a client has no time to find something wiz to wear  or if someone else is wearing exactly the same thing. Avoid the awkwardness.   It seems like a good fit here.  You'll be looking really wiz Dana I'll send you a picture if you want." It took a dash of magic and Dana appeared different. A male, with purple cybereyes and a cyber arm. Muscular one and quite handsome.  "Better deliver her like this than carrying a restrained and blindfolded person in the street don't you think so?"


[spoiler]
Marco uses the physical mask spell - to make Dana more presentable at the delivery.
Physical mask (http://orokos.com/roll/358482): 12d6t5 3
12d6t5: 3 [12d6t5=4, 4, 6, 4, 1, 4, 5, 6, 3, 1, 4, 3] wounded took one dice off.
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/358488): 11d6t5 4
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-09-16/1338:31>
The troll couldn't argue with the Russian elf's logic: not only was she the only one big enough to ride the King, the bike itself was borrowed and needed to be returned to the shop with its adventures this night untraceable to the Howlers.
   There had also been the unspoken order from that Howler troll: protect Arc.
     Two things she wasn't able to do unless she was physically there.

Tuskaloosa lowered her head.  "Got it," she muttered bitterly.
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-09-16/1401:33>
Arc tilted her head, blinking a few times as she looked down, lifting her jacket to show the spot Yelena was referring to.  The lining of her bra and a patch of her chest was exposed, right over where her heart was.  "Ah...memory's a bit fuzzy, but think I had some metal there, crossed a medkit wire.  I'm alive now, so we good to go, aight?"

Sighing softly, she looked around as the rest of the stuff got loaded up. "Okay, we all set...dayum, better drop that once our man gets to the meet.  Or we ain't proving drek..but otherwise, let's go..Tuska, mind helping me?  I'll wheel the bikes by theyselves"

Once they were departing out the garage, she hung back with the troll, finding herself leaning a bit against her.  "We finish this and you wanna go back to help..do it.  I can get home just fine.  Just come by the garage and crash there when you done, aight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-09-16/1420:49>
@ Marco  You get a selfie of Blake standing inside a deserted restaurant. It doesn't come with a geotag. But, it's clear where he is, Josie's!

Dana is still while Marco transforms her. She's afraid, but more than that she's resigned to her fate. And after the transformation she looks down in more than a little surprise. The word, "Alive?" forms on her lips, but she doesn't utter it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-09-16/1444:55>
Tuskaloosa paused as the rigger leaned against her.  "Just give me a tick to ask, first.  They don't look like strangers to moving, and I'm sure they don't need troll power for one."

For all I know, they'll be gone before I get back.

"Mebbe so, but a shop's still a shop, with lots ta pack.  A little extra troll power'll get 'em gone that much faster, aight?  Go on, hurry up and ask then,"  Arc finished  with an exaggerated  elbow  to the troll's hip.  "We still have ground ta cover."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-09-16/1546:18>
Mages are free as birds, they can go wherever they want in the speed of thought. If I was a mage I could just go to meet Blake, for me things are more difficult and if Blake sends me the photo it means that what he is about to tell me is crucial to happen before the delivery. I obviously cannot be in two places at once, but I did that once today - a spiritual phone call.

I cannot leave my body - no adept can -  but I can send a proxy to mediate the link for me. Stretch my abilities to go around my shortcomings - and receive the message that is clearly of great importance to Blake.  It worked for me before but I have not heard of any documented communication like this - I guess it is because all these books are written by mages that think that all other awakened are inferior. Or it is because my kind of magic is too insignificant to write books about and I need to figure it out on my own.


>> Blake wait outside the building you are in, make sure you are visible from the air go out for a smoke or something.


I only use spirits to do what I cannot do myself - and go where I cannot go. If Blake has something important to happen before we deliver it has to happen like this.


Oh lord, please strengthen me in my dealing with spirits and make sure that I can do so correctly. I pray and then summon, hoping that this time the results will not be as catastrophic as before.

I summon a daemon - a strong one, capable of shape changing for discreteness and mindlinking. “Thank you for coming to help me, Blake has an urgent message to convey to myself, your services are to materialize high above Josie where you can see Blake, disguise yourself as a bird and then use the mindlink to communicate with him speak to him with my voice and convey his replies to me with our telepathic link,  You are doing a great service for me by enabling this conversation.


[spoiler]
Summoning (http://orokos.com/roll/358418): 11d6t5 4

resist summon (http://orokos.com/roll/358419): 5d6t5 1
need F6 so additional dice:
Additional dice (http://orokos.com/roll/358515): 1d6t5 0
Resist drain (http://orokos.com/roll/358420): 11d6t5 5
3 services gained - no drain.
[/spoiler]

I  could not see a thing - as it all happened in another world and another place. The mantra I keep memorizing the entire time I am waiting for the connection to be established -  Daemons are not evil ! I am evil! There is darkness in me that is suppressed by years of controlling my emotions and magically manipulating them. I search my soul and figure it out - even Eagle said that I can shape my own spirits. He was not impressed by the flames of hell and the theatrics - shape is something that spirits change all the time. It is not something they have, it is something they wear. They are not even physical beings.
 
[spoiler]
Just to make sure that the spirit itself can do the mojo successfully.
Shappe Change (http://orokos.com/roll/358516): 12d6t5 2
Mindlink (http://orokos.com/roll/358517): 10d6t5 2
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-09-16/1551:02>
The halfers are almost done packing up the essentials by the time Arc, Yelena, Marco, Firefly and Tuscaloosa are done talking and preparing. Several vehicles have already left, including the one with the fresh chops. The few gang members that look your way while their working look quickly away again, trying hard to ignore you. Hatter is seemingly everywhere sometimes helping pack, sometimes unpacking things and putting them back. None of the Munchkins argue with him or attempt to repack the items after him, Just shrugging and moving on in most instances although twice there's a frustrated groan.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-09-16/1607:56>
@ Marco  The daemon is scornful of Marco. You summon me for an errand that even one of new birth can perform. Such a blind little mage, so weak. Hahahaha. In a moment it is gone, it's binding and command forcing it's actions.. It's only a few minutes later when you hear Blakes voice in your mind, >>Good, I wasn't sure this was even possible. But, I wanted to pass a plan by you and your team. Because if you want it, it will change the pick-up plan. I've only got the troops for a limited amount of time. But, all they know is that the mission is a quick extraction, no details. So, it's possible I can use them for a bust on the club. The plan is to have you make the transfer at the club. Then, we'll bust the club within minutes of your arrival. You will all be arrested and taken to someplace safe. Or, I can shoot one or two of you with something that will simulate death. Very few ever suspect the dead guy, unless every single one of a specific group dies and no one else does. That's why if you want me to do it. You'll have to specify who. And I'll do it myself so that there's no mistake. It's risky, by a whole lot. I expect the other side to be shooting real bullets, and whoever wants shot from your group is going to have to draw and fire at me first to make it look legit. The rest should just duck and hide, don't run or you risk being shot by both sides. But, this is the option most likely to leave your cover, and your street cred, intact. But, I need an answer within the next couple of minutes. I've stalled long enough already.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-09-16/1735:00>
Marco thinks at Blake "Necessity is the mother of all inventions but aside from the magical skill and knowledge I am not the right person to talk about street cred and about risk management. I am green and inexperienced in these things and having me as a middle man is just a recipie for misunderstanding. This is why I am making this conversation a conference call - it will take a lot of effort from my side so I'll be silent but you should be able to hear all the others in your mind and we can come to a decision right now."

Marco cried "Arc, Yelena, Tuska Firefly - look at me for a second - I got Blake in my mind and there is somthing we need to decide right now - I can link you to me if you like."  
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-09-16/1801:25>
[spoiler]
Marco thinks at Blake "Necessity is the mother of all inventions but aside from the magical skill and knowledge I am not the right person to talk about street cred and about risk management. I am green and inexperienced in these things and having me as a middle man is just a recipie for misunderstanding. This is why I am making this conversation a conference call - it will take a lot of effort from my side so I'll be silent but you should be able to hear all the others in your mind and we can come to a decision right now."

Marco cried "Arc, Yelena, Tuska Firefly - look at me for a second"  and once he had their attention Marco attempted something truly remarkable  He linked their minds with his own. Each of the spells was successful and shortly after the rest of the group was linked to Marco and through him to Blake.



"Arc, Yelena, FireFly and Tuska - you are all linked to my mind and my mind is indirectly linked with Blake - I cannot explain how I did it and it does not matter Blake has a suggestion Marco replies Blakes words and then adds


I am not the one to make this decision - I have already proved that I know very little about street cred and I also share with you that I know nothing about extractions and the likes, I have never even been in a gunfight. I would never know what questions to ask Blake without you - and I cannot repeat this link easily. So be concise - think at me at turns not all at once and help us reach a decision.  I am sustaining five spells my entire concentration is dedicated to enable this communication - and I cannot repeat it - so we must decide right now at this very moment. "

He thought at them and as he did he was full of pride and confidence in his magical abilities and eager to learn more.

[spoiler]
Yes I actually rolled 4 successful mindlink spells.
Mindlink (http://orokos.com/roll/358530): 9d6t5 2
Mindlink (http://orokos.com/roll/358531): 7d6t5 5
Mindlink (http://orokos.com/roll/358532): 5d6t5 1
Mindlink (http://orokos.com/roll/358533): 3d6t5 2
drain (http://orokos.com/roll/358534): 4#11d6t5 6 5 2 5
[/spoiler]
[/spoiler]

"Arc, Yelena, Tuska Firefly - look at me for a second," I hear Marco call out.  No sooner did I respond by reflex did I feel mana start to flow...with me as a target!  Without a moment's hesitation, I countered.

[spoiler]Counterspell MindLink: 11d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/358547): 2 [11d6t5=4, 4, 1, 6, 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 3, 5]

I will assume the spells were cast in the order our names were called out.  That means I was fourth in line and there were two hits.  I counter the spell.
[/spoiler]

"How DARE you, you bastard!" I scream, storming up to the perfidious priest and slapped him as hard across the face as I could.

[spoiler]Slap Marco - again: 1d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/358550): 1 [1d6t5=5][/spoiler]

"DO...NOT...EVER cast a spell on me without my permission!  DO NOT EVER summon within sight of me!  Do you get that!"

I then turn around and storm off somewhere other than where Marco is.  I don't care where.  If the rest of the team is willing to let the man play with their heads and open their fates to his magic without question, that's their business.  I would have thought asking permission before casting a mind fuck spell was the sheer minimum of courtesy, but what do I know?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-09-16/1849:36>
The troll crossed her hands over her chest.
"No.  Not now, not ever."


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-09-16/2028:52>
Yelena watches the effect of the spell on Firefly and Tuskaloosa and shivers.  She accepts the mindlink and calls out, **Marco.  Drop spell to decker mage and driver Troll.  They not like.  Should have asked first.  Tell Blake we not ready discuss plan.  Maybe we meet and then Arc tell club man mage dead from fireball.  Team not make decision now.**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-10-16/1630:52>
Marco is shocked at Firefly's response. Until he remembers. Firefly just underwent a nasty, traumatic healing at the hands of his Daemon. And then unbidden into his mind comes the words, Geek the Mage first. It was why he was always so hesitant to reveal any of his abilities. But here, for a short while he'd let his guard down. He'd have to remember to be far more careful about revealing himself in Poland. Poland. Every time he thought about that he remembered what their mission was in Poland, to kill all the gang members of a woman who was their boss. People who'd had nothing to do with the original feud. People who'd not even been born. He knew that Nicolai deserved death, and probably Tsina, and maybe the gang members. But, if they died then there was no chance of redemption. And Marco knew that every soul was redeemable. Even Nicolai, even Tsina. But Yelena would not see that. Ever. He'd thought that if he went there would be a way to help at least some of them come to the knowledge of J, to be the voice of reason that saved some of them. But, he'd just watched Firefly and Yelena cold-bloodedly discussing killing Dana. He would follow Yelena into Hell. He loved her that much. But, if he did, would he love himself? Would there even be anything of him left? He didn't recognize himself already. He'd saved lives at the bridge and in this room. But, he'd still participated in the deaths of others. Who am I? I left the church because I didn't want to become an assassin? But now, instead of killing one, I help kill many. Where do I draw the line? And if I do this, who will be there to save me? And in that moment Marco knew he couldn't do it. Not because he loved Yelena less. Or even himself more. But because there would be no self left to save. He'd do this. They were counting on him. He'd do this one last thing. And then he'd tell them goodbye.
He turns and looks at Yelena and nods, I love you scary lady. He thinks to her sadly. The spell would have let everyone see, and trust, and truly communicate with each other. But, they would never trust him to cast it.
And he wouldn't tell them about Blakes' offer. It was way to dangerous. The chances of someone getting killed were to high. No, he'd make the transfer and that was it. It presented the least amount of risk, and Marco just did not have the heart to watch one of them die.

To Blake he says, No, we'll make the transfer at the crossroads I named. We're in far to bad a shape for anything else. Blakes' reply is swift, Copy, on my way. Then he turns to the team "It's ok, Blake was just finalizing the details for Dana's transfer. But, I can do it, no problems."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-10-16/1758:51>
Yelena looks over at Marco.  There was something about the way he has said it that bothers her, but she puts it down to the trauma of the past few hours and nods, returning the thought that she had years ago convinced herself she would never say again.  **I love you, too, Marco.  We have much together after this.**

She hears the response from Blake and then the spell is broken.  She looks to Arc and nods before going to her bike and levering the stand in an effort to roll it from the shop.  Looking at Firefly, she calls out, "Come, decker mage.  We walk to meeting."  With that, she pushed the bike out and into the street, waiting for the others to follow.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-10-16/1809:50>
Firefly had strode off out of hearing distance but not entirely out of sight.  The close call the last time she'd stormed off had not totally faded from her mind.  When Yelena-sense moved toward her with the bike, she turned and nodded.  Her senses were alert to more spell casting, but she'd pull her weight in the team come Hell or high water.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-10-16/1932:06>
man, I really need to recover from this.  So much going on at once

Arc was doing her best to keep up with the situation.  When Marco started making the mind links, she could feel the sensations that she felt...alien thoughts, emotions that weren't hers.  Eyes going wide, she held a hand to her head and tried to shut them out, growling a bit in her throat.

"Agh...can barely hold this together, omae.  Yall don't want my thoughts.."  but when Marco acknowledged such and simply communicated with Blake himself, she relented, gathering with the others, who seemed a bit perturbed.

When the relating of Blake's confirmation came in, Arc gave a nod and looked to the others.  "Let's put an end to this.  Think we all could use for calling it a night, eh?"  she gave a little smirk, grabbing a box and walking with the others, the bikes wheeling next to them as they progressed to the meet point.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-12-16/0855:31>
Marco looked around, everything seemed to be ready. He nodded his head at the others and then turned to Tuscaloosa, "I'm ready. I'll walk Dana to the meet point. I think if you follow behind us it will be ok. She can't target what she can't touch or see, and if she tries something you can be on her quick enough to stop her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-12-16/1109:55>
You can never be too cautious with a mage.  If I'd learned nothing else in my time involved with Renraku ops, and again just now with a fireball, it was that.  Issues with judgement Marco might have had recently aside. his reticence to give Dana any freedom had been spot on.  I walk along with the others with my eyes in astral, using Yelena as my landmark to keep with the group and hoping I don't trip on a crack in the sidewalk.  My attention is on the mage.  If she even hints at drawing up mana, she'll be the lucky recipient of a Force 6 stunbolt to break her concentration.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-12-16/1206:00>
Yelena takes the hint when Firefly offers her arm and takes it to stabilize the girl, who seems to have gone into some sort of light trance, so it must be mojo related.  Marco has hinted that the rest should be behind the girl and she is happy with that.  Before leaving the garage, she had taken her sniper rifle from the case and was carrying it in her free hand.  She walked silently, pushing any personal feelings and emotions down so as to remain alert to her surroundings.  This phase of the operation should be over shortly, but the shadow has a way of messing with plans and she does not want to be caught complacent and unaware.  After all, the shadow takes care of its own, but the opposition might have a shadow walker as well, and the shadow does not take foolishness lightly.

Looking over at Arc, she asks, "Arc check for other riggers or connections near?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-12-16/1450:40>
As they went, Arc gave her head a few shakes to clear up her thoughts, the back of her mind idly hoping that the collision she endured didn't mess with the cybernetics wired into her skull.  Exactly what I'd need now, heh...  Departing towards their location, the short mechanic nodded back to the Russian elf, tapping her head as she pulled up her AR windows.

"Read ya...having hard time focusin', but I'll see what's there..."  Pulling up a diagnostic map of the Matrix in the area, she initiated a ping program...kind of like a virtual sonar, highlighting any icons or persona running in the area, hoping to unearth some that may be skulking with ill intent.

While she waited for that, Arc helped herself to the one thing she knew might calm her down...fishing in her jacket pocket, she withdrew a smoke in her left hand, the thin paper cigarette placed delicately on her lips as she opened up the lighter on one of her cybernetic fingers.  The soft glow of the ember could be seen, followed by a puff of smoke as the human inhaled, eyes closing as he held it in for a few seconds.  Taking the smoke between her fingers, she kept walking, waiting for the results...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-12-16/1933:02>
Tuskaloosa gave a grunt at Marco's suggestion, and slowed her pace to take up a position a few meters behind the blindfolded mage and her elven escort.

The King Scorpion's solid weight as she pushed the bike along gave her comfort: a sense of familiarity.

The trigger to the bike's twin AK-97's a finger-curl away.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-12-16/2114:55>
As she smoked, Arc was having a bit of trouble reading through the ping...maybe her eyes need some diagnostics as well, as she can't read drek.  Still, she was gonna be honest about it, and she gave a bit of a guttural grunt in her frustration.  Flicking some ash off her cig, she waved up to Yelena.  "Hoi, nothing reading on the Trix..so either they good and we screwed or we in the clear.  Like to think we doing the latter, ya feel me?"

Smirking, she gave a sigh as she took another breath of smoke, trailing back until she was in line with Tuskaloosa and her beast of a bike.  For a few good moments she stayed quiet, taking a bit of care to puff the smoke off away from the troll just in case she was averted to the smell.  After a bit, though, the mechanic piped up, her voice a bit muted as she talked shop with the racer.

"So...was thinking about that bike for Sarge's grandau...ways to trick it out but keep her safe...you think some slanted plates, harnesswork, and tuned up tires may do the trick?  You the racer, you tell me what you thinkin'..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-12-16/2115:18>
It was a cold wait. The shadows silently waiting were silent and unwilling to clothe Yelena in warmth and everyone was cold by the time Blake and his team arrived. Blake looked at Marco and Arc and nodded towards Dana. "Is this our package?" Directing the team to spread out and cover them as he spoke.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-12-16/2150:00>
Her thought processes interrupted, Arc listened and registered Tuska's response, no matter the length it was, before lurching forward to meet Blake face to face.  Even after the copious amounts of healing she received, she still looked quite beat up under the street light illuminating the scene, bits of dried blood dotting her jacket and head.  Taking her smoke out of her mouth with her right hand, she gestured with it towards the form Marco was leading.

"Hello to you too chummer.  Yeah, this be it.  Y'all want it gift wrapped or some drek?"  Forcing a smirk, she put her left hand to her head before she drew closer to the older ork, bringing her voice low for his ears only.  "My employers was expecting her at a warehouse two blocks from our Dust problem...was thinking I'd ring them up, saying I just came to after my car blew up, and found her gone.  Car's gone, so that'll stick.  Whaddya think?"

Taking a glance to the others, she shivered for a moment in the December chill, shaking her head.  "I coulda milked seventeen kilos out with her, so hope she was worth it and we're taking this place down quick.  What else do you need before we can end this drek?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-13-16/1052:20>
@ Arc  Blake looks down at her and sticks his chin out in thoughtful understanding of what she's saying, his hand signaling the men to take Dana into custody. " He pauses and then continues, watching her response. "After I get the info from the firm I should have enough for us to bust everyone and their great-grandmothers. But cred for this job will be transferred after tomorrow. You will not have to wait for the busts to get paid." The men have Dana trussed up tighter than a turkey on Thanksgiving and have her in the van before Blake is even finished speaking. Blake signals the all in and continues, "I've also got a guy scrubbing all the signals and cams in this area so that it's all squeaky clean." He says turning slightly to look at someone hidden in shadows in the back of the van. A moment later from her comm Arc hears, >>Get an auto-soft if you want to ping anything. More skill, less hassle. Although it did let me have a little fun.<< Suddenly in her vision field the pings she'd noted grew brighter and then, Oh drek, put a damn smiley face right in front of me an I be thinking we in the clear 'cause ta pings don' be showing weapons an drek.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-13-16/1443:07>
As she looked to the figure in the back and got the message, Arc stifled a bark of a laugh as she shook her head, grinning.  "Tsin'ka tarish..."  without even hesitating, she made a quick reply to the figure.

<<hoi, tip is noted, omae.  Glad I could be of entertainment.  Least ya coulda done is buy me a drink, hah.  Do I get a name, or is there where you pull that old Batman drek?>>

Finished with that, she looked up and gave a nod to Blake, understanding the situation...or at least believing so.  "So what you're saying is that our part is pretty much done and yall people can take it from here?  Tell me if I'm wrong..I'm pinging the Dust here in just a sec, let's see what they think, but I think maybe yous in the clear.."

Taking her messenger, she pulled up NineLive's code after making a reboot of her systems, sending him a message.

<<@NineLives:  Arc here.  Situation is fragged to hell.  I just came too, I think that sitch woke up and blew up my car.  Just woke up on street hurting as hell.  In no shape to continue, car is slag.  Yall dont need to pay me, I know this slitch botched it.  I'm gonna make my way outta here and patch myself up in the next few days.  Out>>

Sending that off, she nodded up to the ork before turning her head, glancing at her companions.

"we clear, chummers.  Get over here.."  waiting for the group to join her, she gestured towards the ork.  "Blake, meet Firefly and Tuskaloosa.  They were instrumental in several of these ops, and I wouldn't be standin here without em.  Everyone here did a drek ton, actually.  What happens now?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-13-16/1834:08>
Blake looks at Arc and says, "As clear as I can make it for now anyway. All I need to do now is get the package gift-wrapped and delivered. Then the op at the firm and all the rest is for the man upstairs to handle. Good luck, you guys did a bang up job with what I'd say was minimal loss of life. And aerosolizing what ever drug you used to get that gang to go mass orgy was brilliant. Huge distraction and no body count. But, we can toast each other over beers another day. I gotta move."

Arc receives a comm, >>Names BadRobot.<< You get an AR of a butler bringing you a beer on a silver salver complete with spats and a superior look on his face. But, just as the butler reaches you and does a slight bow to offer you the drink a horned metal monstrositycomes in on wheels and snatches the drink away. You see, 'meep, meep' pasted as an old fashioned speech bubble in it's wake.

In a moment you get a comm from NineLives, >>I'm going to need an in person talk about this right now if you ever want to do business here again. Omae.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-13-16/1851:32>
Arc couldn't help but grin as they were congratulated for their work, crossing her arms and balancing the cigarette on her lips as she swelled with pride.  She acknowledged BadRobot'a introduction with a chuckle.

<<heheh, alright, omae.  Hit me up if you need some tech fixed.  Least I could do>>

Her smile faltered a bit as she looked at NineLives' response.  Even in the mute form of a text message, she could tell he was pissed.  The others would note a flicker of fear on her face.  They were close to ending this.

"Hoi Blake, hold up.." she pulled up the message and splayed it, frowning.  "he wants me over the now.  This could be bad. If I ignore him, he starts digging.  If I go, he may see I'm full of drek.  Recommended course of action?  I'm not about to die here omae..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-13-16/1926:21>
Blake looks at Arc with a worried frown. "I can't arrest him or come in with guns blazing without tipping our hand. And I need to button down the package right now. But, you're right, showing, or not showing is very liable to get you killed. I could call in a few favors to get a fight started in there. ShadowDancer tells me the system is unhackable from the outside so I can't give you any help that way. But, right now short of blowing something up that's all I've got. I'm going to express deliver the package. Let me which option you want so I make calls or get equipment asap."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-13-16/1952:23>
Arc grit her teeth as she mulled over the two options, exchanging glances with her team as she worked out the road and cons of each option.  It was seconds before she let out her brea the in a sharposition exhale through the nose, emitting a bit of smoke.

"it ain't a choice.  Ninelives knows me from the street.  So he knows that imma slitch of my word.  I'm going.  I'll get my hoop boutta mile or so from here and have them pick me up."  she had a thought.  "hoi, you got access to those encrypted links that Sam or Stewart or whoever hooked us up with?  If so, yall can listen in on me.  Iffen the sitch  goes to Qualz, them you do your thing and I get out.  We do that?"

Turning to the others, Arc's expression was grim, but very determined.  "Far as Ninelives cares, he's only been dealing with me.  So I gotta do this myself.  Ain't no need to be putting your hoops at risk for mine.  Dint worry though.  I'm gonna get home.  I got friends to get to know, family to be with.  It'll be aight. "  her right hand lifted into a thumbs up as she flashed a little grin before turning back to Blake.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-13-16/2046:21>
Blake nods at Arc and says, "Need a lift? We're going north but I can have a cab meet us at the overpass."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-14-16/0756:06>
To be true, Arc didn't even think of taking a cab...that would get her to the Stardust on her own terms...something else that NineLives would find fitting and appreciative.  However, her expression notably curdled at the thought of depending on people for rides...she was so used to being independent.

"Frag, I need a new seta wheels..."  She muttered to herself before looking up at him, giving a nod.  "Sounds like that might be alright.  I'll work my own way home...just give me a sec to talk to mah peeps here, aight?"

Turning to the others, it didn't take a genius to see she was putting on a brave front. Her cigarette spent, she tossed the butt on the ground and dug into it with her heel.  "I know we a team..but if this club be as crazy as they say it is, I wouldn't be able to rest knowing I put chummers like you at risk.  It's drek...I know that..."  She lowered her gaze and gave her head a scratch, thinking about the words.

"Ah...well, should the worst happen...Y'all get a fair split of the garage.  Tuska, I left my plans for the bike on a datastick, and got most of tha materials already.  If you can work it, it's yours, same with the drone.  Firefly, Hrock's dropping off a package at my place tomorrow.  It's yours, don't want you to forget it, aight?  Marco, I don't got much mojo stuff I would think useful for ya, but I got a pretty good trid library of tech stuff, if you wantin' it.  That and the dress I used for the club, you appreciated it better than I.  Yelena...Srui, I want you to hold onto this."  She reached back, pulling out her Ares Predator, complete with holster and extra clips and offering it to her.  "At best, you're holding it for me, aight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-14-16/1007:20>
Yelena looks closely at Arc for a moment then takes the gun and nods.  She looks at the others before saying, "Yelena keep for Srui.  Give back after club.  Yelena drive Arc club on bike.  Tuskaloosa drive Firefly.  Marco say take taxi. Arc not argue."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-14-16/1356:20>
So much happening so fast.  So much we should talk about, but no time.  I hate it when missions go like this...

"Yelena-sensei, are you planning for us to go in with Arc as a team, or to mix in with the crowd?  If the latter, we'll need to change.  And just so you know, I have full access to the security system for the club level of the Stardust, but I'm blind in the basement other than the drunk tank."  Even as I share this knowledge I register onto said system and start scanning through the cameras in AR.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-14-16/1700:27>
And as soon as she tries to log onto the Stardust Firefly hits a blank wall and remembers that the Stardust has a completely closed system, the only way it can be accessed is from inside. It's why Matsumura had to take her as a date to the club. To get her in without suspicion and have people give them the privacy she needed to work. Corps are to big for that kind of closed system to work. They just needed to much data back and forth from the rest of the world. But, a small place like the club, where usage is security and inventory and scheduling, they can lock down tighter than a vacuum sealed pressure airlock on a sub-orbital transport and make it stick.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-15-16/0001:53>
Yelena shakes her head.  "No.  Yelena not think team need go.  Club man mad, but not kill Arc.  Trids full of our success.  He know we got mage.  Mage smarter than thought.  Arc make mistake.  Club man not kill for mistake.  Chew out.  Not pay.  Maybe ask questions.  Arc have drone.  We watch.  Go if Arc need help."  She looks around.  "Better idea?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-15-16/0428:40>
"You know better than that Arc,"  Tuskaloosa growls, her helmet giving her words even more of a ring. "If you go in already thinking it's over, then you aren't coming out."  The troll softens her tone.  "You know the guy best, but what Yelena says sounds sensible.  Besides, from what you've said, this Stardust place is pretty fancy...No offense to you Arc, but you're a half-crispy piece of street gristle right now.  Would he even want you in the back door, much less through the front?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-15-16/0741:30>
Arc looked surprised, legitimately so as she took a step back from the strong reaction she got from her team.  It was far from their mess to clean up, but here they were wiling to pitch in.  She lowered her gaze, lips curling into a little smirk as she fought back a few tears.

Taking a breath, she looked up to Tuskaloosa's helmeted visage.  "Yall right about that.  Wouldn't do to have me seen in there.  I'll pitch him on the way to meet outside.  Safer that way, and leaves Yall in a position to cover outta sight.  Just don't get caught, cuz I'm claimin ignorance yo"

She nodded her head, their words ringing in her ears as she gained some confidence, straightening up.  Shifting her head back to Blake, she gave a nod.  "I think I'm good for a ride, omae.  Keep an eye on me, and we see what happens"

Back to her team, she wiped at her face once before clearing her throat.  "we good?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-15-16/0824:09>
Blake nods to Arc and then turns slightly to the side and says, >>Ok team rolling in one, all in.<< He looks back at Arc. "I'll have her buttoned down and be avail. in fifty minutes."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-15-16/1357:22>
Marco looks at Arc and say "We're good Omae". He then adds "You are a good person Arc, be safe ". He suddenly understands the risk that Arc faces for not delivering the mage.  Marco feels a bit selfish that he did not think about Arc's point of view before. "I should have used the chaos after the fireball, steal Dana and deliver her myself. Some invisibility and nobody had to know what really happened. That way, Arc would have been better off right now as she would not have to lie.  Oh, Agrat please give her the power to lie well enough to survive this ruse."

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-15-16/1724:05>
"Too bad we can't have a fake mage running loose for you Arc," Tuskaloosa sighed.  "at least that way you could keep some semblance of street cred."

Arc perked up, "Say again?"

"What I mean is...well, given what she tried to pull, it's not that big a stretch that she could frag your car and get free.  But if you could claim you got a tag on her before she took off, you could argue that you can still catch her...that even now your crew is on the hunt."  The troll shrugged.  "Instead of walking in with your tail between your legs, you could be the annoyed hunter, pulled off the hunt, you know?"

Yelena shook her head "No need for fake mage, Arc just lie."

"No, Tuska has a point," Arc argued.  "Ninelives'll want proof that I anin't blowin' smoke up his hoop.  A tracker ping would be solid proof."

"Problem is the wild goose for the chase," the troll continued.  "We know any number of players who'd want in on a piece of that action.  The longer the chase, the more time for the feds to get their acts together to raid the Dust.  But the longer the chase, the more players with deep pockets get wind the mage is still up for grabs and add to the pursuit.  A pretty dangerous position for the wild goose."

"A drone could do it."
All heads turned to Firefly.  She straightened up unconsciously under all the attention.  "Your wild goose just needs to move around, hide a lot and be trackable but not caught.  All things a drone could pull off."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-15-16/1803:13>
"A drone would not have fooled me " Said Marco - "I'd catch on that ruse in a few minutes, we need someone alive and preferably awakened."
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-15-16/1846:42>
Arc straightened up at the inputs as Blake's team pulled out, and she caught a glance with the orc, wondering if he caught any of these ideas they were doing.  Still, their objective was clear.  She shouldn't be showing up at the Stardust for the next hour...which is feasible for one injured and without transportation as was her current state.  Turning back to the others, she gave a nod as the queries and the ideas came in.

Firefly's right...a drone could swing it if the recharge points can be properly planned.  Marco may be right on the stuff...maybe...wait a second...

Arc piped up, scratching her head, a few pieces of burnt hair falling off as she did so.  "Would you?  Looking at a map of the ping, could program a path setting that looks legit...and why awakened?  Because of that aura or whatever?  You yourself said not everyone can finna see that, Marco."  She paused a bit, her short term memory kicking in.  "And others can wipe that same trail or whatever, like y'all had Firefly do..."

She gave a little shrug.  "Besides, maybe awakened is the best option.  But I don't feel like it's one we got.  Only peeps we have is Firefly and you...and no offense to ya, girly, but Marco's the more mobile one.  But, he's got that thing tomorrow and this game a Chase the Devil Rat might be finna take two, three, maybe four days, drek I dunno" 

She paused, looking ahead as her eyes unfocused a sec before coming back in.  Lifting up her right sleeve, she launched one of her FlySpys from its holding bay, letting it alight on her hand.  "But who's to say our little slitch didn't have the means to a drone herself, huh...relatively cheap, easy to use, no real tech experience needed...and wouldn't be on us.  Yeah...I set this thing to a programmed route for a week, wipe all connection, and it's just a random bug..."

She smirked a bit, shaking her head as she straightened up.  "And that's only if Ninelive's ain't finna letting this go easy.  Ace in the slot, as it were.  I'd say have it ready as backup.  I can do without one of these for a week..."

She shook her head a little bit, turning towards the road as she put her hands on her hips.  "Either way, we should get moving...we'll take our time, in a bit when we're on the road, I'll tell the hoop I'm making my way there and we meet.  If things start looking bad...we'll use a plan B...but let's not work ourselves up over a maybe, huh?  Let's get the bikes warmed up..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-15-16/2219:16>
Yelena nods and slings the rifle across her back while making room on the bike for Arc.  She looks over to Marco, "Yelena see Marco at club."  When all are ready, she puts the bike in gear and heads off to the club.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-15-16/2302:56>
"It's a shame we don't have Lexi and Bootstrap here. I bet they could play hopscotch with a tracker for days and leave Ninelives scratching his head the while time."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-15-16/2313:14>
Quote
Arc piped up, scratching her head, a few pieces of burnt hair falling off as she did so.  "Would you?  Looking at a map of the ping, could program a path setting that looks legit...and why awakened?  Because of that aura or whatever?  You yourself said not everyone can finna see that, Marco."  She paused a bit, her short term memory kicking in.  "And others can wipe that same trail or whatever, like y'all had Firefly do..."
"Aura yes - living things have it and mages have different aura's - ask Firefly I only studied about these things never seen an aura myself. There is also matrix aura - amm icon -  If you can trace the drone so can deckers. Once they look close enough a drone will not look like a person.
Can a drone operate without any connection to the matrix? In that case the drone is invisible in the matrix - just like a mage would be, and perhaps if you keep it in very public places it is impossible to assense everyone there and note that the tracking device is not linked to an actual person."
 
Quote
She gave a little shrug.  "Besides, maybe awakened is the best option.  But I don't feel like it's one we got.  Only peeps we have is Firefly and you...and no offense to ya, girly, but Marco's the more mobile one.  But, he's got that thing tomorrow and this game a Chase the Devil Rat might be finna take two, three, maybe four days, drek I dunno" 
Marco replied "It is more dangerous with a flesh and blood mage but Firefly can be just as mobile as myself. If she can trust me enough as anything that I can do can also be shared with others.

So a bird with a tracking device and a mage aura can also hopscotch... there is also the possibility to cross the border to Salish Shidhe - I have some smugglers there that kind of owe me a favor. They can perhaps host Firefly for a few days. The logistics alone to cross the border after her - should delay the extraction in a few days. "
He looks at Firefly "It is okay to rule it out, I do not deserve your trust, I acted in a despicable manner and I apologize for that."



He was a bit confused about transportation and said "I can walk home from here, perhaps call a taxi from home after I dress for club, I cannot show up there dressed like this, I look like a shadowrunner..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-16-16/0531:38>
Firefly's eyes narrow at Marco's words but she holds her tongue as he finishes.  So many questions, but first the technical. "Can you maintain a spell at such a distance without your abominations?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-16-16/0724:33>
"She did not turn violent or yell like a maniac or smack me... so far so good"  Thinks Marco and say "Distance is different for mana, sustaining the spell is not the problem as things are closer in the astral.
What you should be asking me is how are you going to interact with people... I use the mindlink spell to do so when I am shaped like an animal. That spell only works with objects that I can directly sense - the only method to go around this limitation require a combination of both conjuring and sorcery“  

“Yes!  I summoned while you weren’t looking youngster - that message from Blake was important and  this was better done telepathically half an hour ago.  Mojo was perfect and I created a unique way to use magic - something that I could perhaps write a ThD about one day and share with the world. 

It failed as I was so socially awkward that I failed. If it would have worked perhaps we could have had a better solution discussing everything openly and finding a compromise where the risk is minimal, my  failure tastes so bitter. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-16-16/0814:57>
"ホイ! 私はどうなの"

Hey! What about me?  The protest from my deck echoes through my mind.  The very fact that my Aztlan deck reminding me of its own volition in Japanese that this plan leaves it behind isn't the most disturbing thing about this whole affair is testament to just how whacked out my life has gotten in just a few days. 

Oh Allah, what are you hoping to prove through all this?  Help me understand!

Sadly, the only response is silence from On High and grumbling from on wire.

Urusai! I admonish my distressingly gabby tech.  I have to think. 

A troll coming up with a technically sound tactical plan that doesn't rely on brute force and a demon shepherd making sense.  What is this world coming to?

"Hell will freeze over before I permit one of your monsters anywhere near me, Priest," I spit is disgust.  I then continue with a glare.  "But I think we can compromise.  I won't need to interact with others if all I'm doing is playing the wild weasel.  Unlike Yelena-sensei, when I decide I don't want the spell anymore I can simply counter it."  I look toward the woman in question, then back to the male elf.  "No, the biggest issue is that I will have nothing with me.  I'll re-manifest naked and without any funds or my deck.  I really will be at the mercy of these people you call smugglers.  Arc-sensei, Yelena-sensei," I continue, looking in turn to each woman.  "You know Marco-san better than do I and trust him even though I do not.  I trust your judgement and am willing to try and make the troll's good idea work.  What say you?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-16-16/1011:13>
Arc blinked and tilted her head, giving a smirk as she knocked a hand to her skull.  "Hoi, I may be half dead, but I still remember all the drek bout the Trix, yo.  But thanks omae..."  She paused and listened to the discourse as Firefly's opening words rung in her head.  An awakened person with the ability to move and stay outta trouble....no way, that might be it if needed...still...they kids...

At the end of the exchange, Arc shook her head.  "Nah, Firefly's got a point.  By putting yourself in these shoes, y'all give up half your skills if you take the bird idea.  I would rather throw myself in front of Ninelives than let that happen.  No..neither of you two are the right person for this job.   But Marco's right, too..as easy as it would be to pass off that the drone ain't mine, suggestin' that our slitch might have duped us would be stretchnsketch.  Our options are slim, omae..."

She gave pause as they turned the bikes on, and turned to sit on the back of Yelena's Scorpion to face the others.  "I hate putting anybody at risk, chummers.  If I can help it, I ain't going to let this go so far as to need this plan.  Brilliant as it is, the loss of life if it goes to drek..."  She averted her gaze, expression going hard.  "Well, we just ain't gon' let that happen, will we?  So, we reach out.  We got two options...contact Lexi and Bootstrap, and get their crew in on it...or contact my tusker boy Merlin from the Howlers.  He's been itching to get back at the Dust for Feathers.  Both options give us an awakened body to put the tag to...either way, we got an hour, and I'm surprisingly hungry...greasy spoon?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-16-16/1152:31>
My stomach growled awkwardly at the reminder that food was a distant memory.  "Food sounds good," I verbalize. "I think Lexi might still be a good idea. Their 'hopscotch' is nothing short of miraculous. Is there time to bring then in on this?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-16-16/1227:33>
Yelena walks her bike to the stuffer shack just down the street, talking as she goes.  "Yelena ask why not both?  Send Rabbit out and use Merlin at club to help if need."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-16-16/1233:14>
Marco said "Arc - I am sure that you know all these trix things better than me. No disrespect there - if you keep your drone into densely populated areas it may work. Remember there is no hiding in astral space, just blending. We also have Dana's comlink and what is left of her original clothes. It felt wrong to leave evidence behind when I changed her."
He then said
"Just to give the complete picture, I visit these people often and I am trying to get their shaman to mentor me as their connection with the spirit world is a lot stronger than in my own magical tradition. Even mundanes sometimes feel the influence of spirits - I have not seen these things in Seattle.... I lose focus again sorry about it, I talk too much when I am nervous.

He pauses and then adds:

Their village is the place I go to when I want to feel safer. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-16-16/1311:49>
Arc stood silently for a bit, but nodded as everyone seemed content with the idea of grabbing a late night snack to take the edge off the evening.  As they walked, she spotted the Stuffer Shack, tilting her head.  "Hoi..ain't this the place with that tusker girl what wanted to name her kid on the way after Feathers?  Huh, small world.."

As they walked, Arc seemed to stagger for just a moment, but she kept her footing as she looked to Marco, raising a brow.  "Hold up..you still got her link?  That might change things...get it turned off for now if yall haven't, no need to have a trace run on us..."  she sighed, softening a bit.  "No disrespect taken...just need a solution to this sitch...and I'm hoping we don't need it, and that my word and Blake's help is all needed.."

Arc turned to Firefly and Yelena, giving a nod to that as well as they approached the establishment.  "Sounds about right...odds are at least one of them will help out..rrgh...we got an hour before I should head there safely.  I'm gonna hit up Nine in about twenty saying I'm en route.  Yeah, we got time to set this up.  Firefly, think you can hit up Lexi, and I'll hit up Merlin?"

Rebooting her link again, the mechanic punched up a quick message to the Howler mage.

<<@Merlin: Hoi chummer, Arc here.  In a bit of a sitch, maybe an opportunity for ya.  Off the colors, into some drek for your mentor.  Stuffer Shack on 34 if you feelin' it, you got 20 to be there>>

Turning to Tuska, she gave a little smile and held up her fist, tiny in comparison to the troll as she set it up for a fist bump.  "This could be the best plan we could have in this sitch, and knowing I can fall back on it helps.  I owe ya, omae"

Once inside, Arc would order herself a simple meal...soy processed to resemble a pair of beef and cheese chimichangas, with a soda to wash it down, sitting down at a table with the group to eat, trying to relax.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-16-16/1731:21>
@ Arc  Merlin is online in less than a minute.  >>I be 'dere.<< Turning over in bed to his Vruk he kisses her. "Yo Arc say she got summat about Feathers. I'm ta meet her at the Stuffer Shack on 34th. I call you iff'n I can't make it home fer the doctors." She nods and kisses him. He gets up and dresses quickly, stopping by his daughters crib to kiss her goodbye on the way out the door. He's out the door in less than five. But, it still takes driving well over the speed limit to get there in time. Fortunately, as late as it is he doesn't have much traffic to contend with. And Merlin knows enough byways to be able to stay off the radar of the cops. He's there in 21 minutes and strides through the door looking for Arc.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-16-16/1908:25>
Marco seats in the Stuffer shack feeling uncomfortable with the location and what he wears. "We look like a bunch of criminals..." He thinks - it is 1:00 am and Marco would never even consider eating right now. "I already had dinner - so nothing for me - just mineral water would be rude otherwise" he thinks - and this is exactly what he orders. He sizes the place up and then checks the recent news in his comlink and hands Firefly Dana's comlink saying "Firefly before I forget - you'll probably enjoy it a lot more than myself."



 
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-17-16/0135:45>
Yelena sits at the table next to Marco, just feeling a bit better because he is there.  She feels that her part in the plan is covered and lets her mind wander through the recent events.  She comes to the realization that she has been very mean to Marco.  He has told her that he loves her and she wants to feel love as well, but she is not sure what that feels like.  Certainly her body reacts differently in his presence than at any time since the sax man.  In fact, it is better than the sax man.  She moves a hand to cover one of his while he is talking to the decker mage and gives it a gentle squeeze.  Something about this feels.........right?  Is that the word?  Yes, that is the word.  He wants to save her, even though she feels there is too little left to save, but maybe she should give him a chance to show her what he can do.  He has already got her thinking of moving in with him and sharing his bed full time, both things that would have seemed quite foreign a few days ago.

She sits quietly for a bit, just enjoying being next to the man she...................................loves.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-17-16/0902:02>
The scrawny girl behind the counter looks a bit surprised at their ragged condition but doesn't call the cops or the hospital which Arc sees as a positive sign. And when she takes Arc's order she says, "We've got a special on taco's right now, you can add two of either beef flavor or chicken flavor for five more." But when Marco orders mineral water she gives him a  look that clearly says, 'Seriously? As if my night's not bad enough I gotta put up with this guy.' but all she says is, "We've got bottled water. No minerals."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-17-16/1000:12>
"Bottled water then" Said Marco and generously tipped the waitress thinking "She looks like she could use a break", he also smiled warmly at her as he grabbed his bottle and sat next to Yelena. Marco attempts to eat at regular hours and 1:00 AM was no time for dinner. These rules are healthy and reduce stress, the world is chaotic but lunch at 13:00 is a fact of life and Dinner at 19:00 unless going out brings some structure to his non regular days. The water were refreshing and cold and all that Marco wanted at that moment was to get back to bed. There was just too much to process for a single night. Looking at Yelena he thought "perhaps it is better if I do not get back to bed alone"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-17-16/1117:51>
"I'll take a beef taco," Firefly pipes up at the offer of the special.  "And a bottle of water...whatever you have," she adds with what she hopes is a supportive smile.  The girl doesn't appear much older than she is, yet the two couldn't be further apart.

What a strange world you have given us, Allah, I marvel for the umpteenth time

Things get stranger when Marco slips the comm to me.  I can't help but let me surprise show as my eyes widen just a bit.  I just nod as I accept the little device and slip it into a closeable pocket of my jumpsuit.  A pocket on the side that wasn't trashed by the crash.

Something else to dissect when I have time.

Once the order is made I slip to an available grey molded plastic table next to where Yelena and Marco appear to have slipped into their own world and send my message to Lexi and Cc Arc.

>>If you're available, we may have a job for you and Bootstrap.  Needs to involve a mojo slinger and involves some dangerous hopscotch.  Sneaky stuff way out of my league.  Needs to happen right now.  If you can't, that's okay.  If you do it, we'll have to find a way to get you here fast.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-17-16/1413:44>
Distracted by Yelena Marco holds tight to her hand, there is much he'd go but his magical words do not feel so magical recently. Afraid to just jinx it he remains silent while slowly nursing his large bottle of water. If any, the excitement and adrenaline it made him thirsty. Usually after a day like that he'd go to party and lose himself dancing waking up with whomever he feel like.

This time Marco is so busy that all he wants is to sleep early and figure out tomorrow, there are the plastics - sensual trolls or something like that. Then a meeting with Cain and shopping with Sophie and probably a date as well, all of that to prepare for the day after, impersonation alone without imidient backup in a highly secure facility. "Gosh - what did I get myself into..." thinks Marco and take a deep breath, breathing seems to help him ease the pressure.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-17-16/1501:04>
Yelena senses that Marco is anxious.  In a completely uncharacteristic move, she lays her head against the man's shoulder and returns the grip of his hand.  She allows a feeling of contentment to steal into her consciousness and sighs.  Closing her eyes she can imagine that only she and Marco are in the room.  Maybe she CAN give up this life, after all.  Time ticks by without her needing to say a word.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-17-16/1554:16>
Without a word, Marco adjusts to Yelena's breathing rhythm until they are breathing like one, and doing so gives him some confidence and strength. For a brief moment the external sounds disappear and behind the breathing pattern of Yelena there is another silent rhythm. It only lasted a moment and Marco's awareness quickly shifted to the physical world - a liquid going up in a straw ended that wonderful moment, but he could not complain as Firefly was very hungry.  "Was it real...?" thought Marco. Deep down he knew that it was, but that melody was so weak and so brief that his logical mind was not even sure that it really happened.
 
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-18-16/1945:57>
@ Subaru  Lexi's reply takes a few minutes and Subaru has already downed her taco. It was good, well, maybe, ok, she'd eaten it so fast she wasn't entirely sure that it was good. But, on the plus side, either she was getting used to the food or hunger made even the mass produced synthetics taste good. Her fingers were still messy when the text came into her AR display. >>Can. All in? With Z.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-19-16/0453:54>
The troll wished she had been able to offer a different venue, but given the mechanic's condition Arc didn't need to be dragged around part of lesser downtown Seattle just to hole up in a more troll-friendly spot.  It was also Arc's choice.

She could see the minute she saw the standard door what she was in for however.  The troll wasn't sure if the "tusker girl" Arc mentioned had been a patron or a waitress, but she was certain that orc hadn't been the owner.
I could always just wait outside and offer to watch the bikes...No, she decided.  I'd look like I'm loitering--or worse, a lookout for a cash grab or dine-and-dash.

So with a sigh she kept to her helmet Tuskaloosa  ducked in sideways to enter last.
...And stayed low, as she caught motion out of the corner of her eye:  ceiling fan.
The troll remained squat on the floor as she pulled her helmet off and took stock.
The ceiling was like an upside-down palm tree grove; the fronds of a scattered few lazily spinning about their tree tops.  They were nothing that could hurt a troll, but were still a bunch of chest-to-head level nuisances.
Nuisances that got costly if you broke them.

Because of course the troll broke them: a ceiling fan can't get out of the way.

Tuskaloosa lowered her gaze.  The floor arrangement of the tables was not much better.
Even on her haunches the troll still had height on the cashier.  Forget Reefer or Non-Reefer,  she longed to ask.  Can I get a table in the Non-Obstacle Course?

She somehow managed to thread her way along the divide between booths and freestanding tables to where the others sat. 

Arc held up her fist out for a fist bump.  "This could be the best plan we could have in this sitch, and knowing I can fall back on it helps.  I owe ya, omae."

For all the frustrations, Arc's grin was infectious.  Tuskaloosa responded with a lopsided grin of her own and lightly tapped the mechanic's knuckles.  "You owe me nothing you don't owe yourself: get through tonight in one piece.  But I hear you... if a Plan B  is what keeps that one piece of you roughly the size that you started tonight,  I'll keep offering."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-19-16/0748:46>
Arc flashed her simple grin as she turned back to Tuskaloosa, nodding her head in appreciation.  "Aye.  Think I can do that, omae.  Hungry?  It's on me tonight.."

As the employee rattled off the special, the haggard mechanic with her not so haggard friends gave a laugh and a shrug.  "eh, why not.  Throw a round of tacos into the mix. Beef for me as well, thank yeh kindly"  paying for the meals, she sat down and began eating hungrily.

As she ate, she noticed the crew's resident keebs snuggling up next to each other.  She caught eye contact with Yelena once, for which she offered a little smile, but she found her focus wandering off.  The image made her think of her Bruk, and how she longed to jut end this night and go to his arms.  But no...she would not let him see her like this, he worries enough already.  Her expression looked a tad pained as she idly ate her food.

And then she got the text from Merlin.  Snapping back, she gave a smirk and a nod of confirmation.  "hoi, my boy will be here on about twenty, so we got one good candidste..how's the street peeps coming along?  With this many people potentially pitching in, we gotta think of how to use em all...and Merlin's gonna want to hit this club hard to, or he may back down...we will see.."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-19-16/1053:59>
A small group of KE patrolmen walk through the doors. "Yeah, that bust will go down in the training manual. Be glad the cameras were at the wrong angle for you and that girl Martinez. But between you and me, I'd have let her finish." the others give a laugh and a small older woman is patted affectionately. She shoots back, "I did let her finish. It just don't take me as long as it takes you Smitty. It's why I get more dates." the group laughs and they move forward to the counter. "Hey Gloriana, We'll have five of the special, whatever that is tonight and a whole pot of 'caf. How are you doing tonight?" The girl takes the order while she answers, "I'm fine Joe. Another week till schools out and then me and my familys' going on vacation. So it'll be Ember. She's picking up my hours while I'm gone. She's trying to get all the hours she can before the baby." Joe answers, "Ah, so she hasn't had it yet. When's she due?" Gloriana turns and starts a fresh pot of 'caf answering. " 'Nother month yet. But her 'n her Vruk still don't have a crib." She turns back. " 'Caf will be done in two minutes. Want me to bring it to you?" The others patrollers have already snagged a table on the far side of the Shack and Joe nods, "Yeah, that'll be great Glo'. Thanks." He smiles as he turns to join the others.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-19-16/1102:23>
Yelena is not so far gone that she fails to notice the new arrivals.  She nudges Marco and takes his head to kiss him.  It is during this kiss that she has her epiphany; everything comes together in her mind in a rush.  Everything is clear, at least the important things.  Between kisses, she whispers to Marco, "I love you.........I love you........I love you."  After she breaks the kiss, she leans her forehead against his and adds, "Marco let Yelena love you?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-19-16/1605:04>
>>Can. All in? With Z.<<

I forward the message to Arc even as I start speaking.  "Lexi says they're ready to party," I provide to Arc and the troll as the former settled beside me and the latter across from me.  "Says they're ready whenever we are.  They're with Z?  Not sure who that is.  I don't think she's mentioned him or her to me.  Any ideas how we get the other group to the show in time?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-19-16/1616:49>
Marco is taken out of of his toughs as he begins to softly kiss Yelena back. "Did she feel that too?"  He is taken by surprise by this burst of emotion. "I will... I will"   He had no idea how to explain his emotions... words or even thoughts could not describe the monstrosity of Yelena's closure, an eye for an eye is biblical - Marco cannot deny it. It is not christian but victims have right for retribution.   But Nikolai's briefing included the verb 'killing' for many ajectives - adepts, mages heavy weapon guys... whomever did not recieve the verb 'killing' was to be sold to slavery. This is not the lone assassin - that gets her way without collateral damage.  What Nikolai had in mind was a bloody massacre, a massacre that did not even seem to be focused on killing Tasina. There is no excuse for that - Yelena is no longer a scared teenager that knows no better - she have seen good and turned her back to it, there are no excuses and no way to defend her.

"I love you scary lady and I treasure every single moment we have together." He say and he is terrified from the words that are coming out of his mouth.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-19-16/1917:04>
Despite sitting on a sawhorse with a varnished plank on top--marked TROLL SEAT--and sitting in front of food she could have knocked back in one gulp, Tuskaloosa was glad to be where she was when the KE showed up.

If I had been outside by the bikes I definitely would have caught their attention.
Attention we do not want.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-19-16/2139:55>
Arc gave some pause, already having devoured her third taco, wiping away a bit of sauce from her chin as she watched the off duty patrol coming in, clearly celebrating a recent bust.  And either I got hit hard in the head, or the thing they're talking about was our bust...well frag us  Still, her only outward reaction she had was a brief skipping of a heartbeat...thank Howlers for training her to be cool with the law nearby.  Beside, we're just a bunch of friends dressed for the streets having a meal.  Nothing wrong with that

However, it did occur to her that planning their little goose chase here wasn't the best of ideas now.  But, they weren't going to leave right away..she had one last taco to finish, enough time to make their departure look natural.  Slurping some soda, she glanced at the forwarded message that Firefly sent her, eyebrow lifting a bit.  "Woah-hey, he's back in town.  You'll like him, totally chill. Um..hm, yeah, we got a logistics issue, huh."  She scratched her chin, taco in her free hand as she tapped her cheek.  "Tell her to meet at the Park?  She'll know it, we can get there and figure it out then.."  Along with that, Arc typed up a quick message to Merlin, forwarding copies to her team to let them know the plan.

<<@Merlin {encrypt CC: team}:   Slight shift, started a chess game.  White knight to E5.  Black rook going D7, whitewashing colors.  Timer is still set>>

The street coding was a bit garbly, but the mechanic knew the Howler mage would get it: law presence in area, moving a few blocks down at the same meet time.  No gang affiliations should be seen.

Arc took another drink of soda as she saw Yelena and Marco off to the side of the booth, kissing and having their little moment.  Thankfully, they weren't attracting attention..being young-looking as a couple and clearly foreign probably helped.  Still, she grinned and gave a little chat as she finished her meal, and after about ten minutes or so, the mechanic stood, a hand fixing up her hair before she took care of the garbage.  Paying for the meal, she smiled at Gloriana before motioning to the others, hugging her jacket to herself before departing into the cold exterior of the Shack.

Once clear, she would speak up then.  "Two blocks south, one west.  Merlin will meet us there"  Walking or riding, they would show up to see Merlin waiting for him, the smooth-faced ork waving over to the short human.  Grinning, she bared her teeth before reaching up and bumping forearms.  "Nh...yeah, I know, I look like hell, long story..."  If they were clear, she began to relate the situation at hand, the opportunity to close the deal on this insidious club...and the situation that he was being called on for..
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-19-16/2241:54>
Merlins' jacket was inside out and necklace tucked in when she saw him. "Dayum, you look hell is right. But iffn' you standing it means the other guy aint, so good. Glad we finally doing summat what helps Feathers. So, whatchu got?""
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-19-16/2306:04>
Arc glanced to either side for the all clear before finishing the greeting, the much shorter mechanic looking up at the ork with a shared degree of respect and understanding.  It was different..for her at least...to talk with a Howler and being treated as if an equal, the bile not rising in her throat at the mere thought of it.  Instead, she gave a smile as she brushed her hair from her head, a few more burnt pieces breaking off.

"Tch, y'all know better than these here that it takes a bit ta bring this slitch down, heh.."  Glancing to the others, she motioned to the ork.  "To those that don't know, this be Merlin.  Knew me back in my Night Howler days, and he helped take down that smiley hoop killer that was in the Barrens a few weeks back."  she paused to let that sink in before turning to him, gesturing to the others.  "Y'all know Yelena.  That's Marco, Tuskaloosa, and Firefly.  We been working on the Stardust."  Taking a moment to right her thoughts, she started spilling it.

"I'll finna start with the good news.  Thanks to a job we did, we got enough evidence and leverage to bring the feds down on their heads.  Not if, when, and before they move out.  Problem is, the Dust knows the asset we just gave to the feds got away from my hoop, and they hired me to get it.  I'm finna go and answer for that, so they don't go sniffing, ya feel me?  Now we get to the fun part.."

"If NineLives don't buy in my failure, I gotta backup.  Tell his hoop we gotta tag on her, damaged from fire, and we tryna track her down.  We meeting up with some street urchins that will help too, but the point is, tag's gotta be on a mojo's noggin.  Chase the Devil Rat, but the devil rat's been tagged."
  she sighed grimly, looking up at him.  "I know you got fam, Merlin.  I ain't gonna make you do a suicide run.  These kids we meeting are the best hopscotchers I've ever seen, but they green.  If this deal's a go, they're gonna need someone who knows better what can keep em alive, you feel me?  Think you can manage a young team of mojo-fueleds?"

She looked back to the rest of the team, wondering if she missed something out.  "...Open to questions...I've got feds ready to help me out if things go ugly anyway in about 30..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-20-16/0112:53>
Yelena let Marco stand first and come to her side so the rifle was blocked form the KE when she stood up.  She maneuvered carefully to keep the rifle on the far side of the new arrivals, breathing a sigh of relief when they were out of the building and walking the three blocks to meet Merlin.  Once there she nodded at the Ork mage, and nodding again when he mentioned going after Feathers.  Beyond that, this was Arc's show and Yelena let her do the talking.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-20-16/0312:19>
Marco greets Merlin and tries to stay focused when Arc is chatting, he becomes a bit more alert when the KE enters but non of his weapons is strictly illegal. One thing he is certain, Scary lady must keep something illegal on her. He plays along and seats in a manner that obscures her gun.  If any, their couple in love behavior should be a lot more interesting to prying eyes than a gun, therefore Marco kisses  her as passionately as is socially acceptable given the circumstances, if things get messy the two of them will have a wonderful excuse to suddenly leave - "Get a room".

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-20-16/0634:13>
@ Arc  Merlin looks at Arc and says, "Best Hopscotchers? Tcha. You ain' been ta da trials in at least five years. An as far as a tag, you wanna keep those kids safe you needs a tag what keeps failin'. Now that ain' hard ta do. Just get a bit a code what stutters the signals at irregular intervals. Hrock gots some. An NineLives be smart. He be wantin' the signal. He be gettin' his own peeps out dere an he be making damn sure you tellin' the truth. You already be lookin' like twice chewed orc food. You cain't stand up ta dat. You wanna stay safe. Get yer self arrested. An not in front o' him neither. That straight up looks like a set-up. Get arrested an send him the message. He'll send someone to you in prison straight away. But, they be getting the info an passin' it along. He gets the comm code, see's it stutterin' an thinks you a damn fuck up. But, he won't find out you lyin' fer a few days. An by then maybe the feds come down. In the meantime I can get that tag far away, lose it. An come back." Merlin stops and looks at you, waiting.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-20-16/0959:47>
Arc blinked, processing the new idea in as much speed as her head will allow, head tilting as she took a glance back at the team, surveying their reactions.  Smirking a bit, she sighed and gave a laugh.

"You a real omae, you know that Merlin?  I'm a see about getting that tag...in the meantime though, I think this cuts down on our risk time..if everyone cool with me sitting on my heels in KE holding, I'll call Blake off on his back up."

Arc straightened her back, smirking as she took in a deep breath.  "I do need the KE's attention...luckily there be a pack of em at the Shack near here...but I need to be held overnight...use my one commcall to hit NineLives, the one of yall can come get me in the morning?  Now what can I do to puss em off just enough to hold for the night..."

Turning to them, she gestured towards the youngest human there.  "Firefly, think you can run the stuttering code he describes on a tag?  If not, I'll hit up Hrock..and then go get fiesty back at the Shack..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-20-16/1303:27>
"Firefly, think you can run the stuttering code he describes on a tag?  If not, I'll hit up Hrock..and then go get fiesty back at the Shack..."

Can I?  In my sleep...

"Easily, Arc-sensei," I answer dismissively.  "We just need the tag and it'll take me a few moments.  If I just have parts, maybe a bit longer depending on the parts."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-20-16/1425:40>
Marco softly said "Don't you need their love for a less... 'I got myself locked up because you might be violent' reason?"  Other than that he was fascinated by the technical chat about tracers and signals.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-20-16/1825:48>
Arc nodded to Firefly as she fished in her jacket pockets, eventually producing a small chip..an RFID tag.  "this'll do?"  she grinned, offering it to her with an outstretched cyberarm.  "if you need the tools for it, I'll let you access my arm.  Full kit built in"  as the mechanic looked to Marco.

"it ain't gonna look like that omae.  I just ran into some trouble on the way and got put in holding.  All truth, or finna be"  she winked, laughing before looking back to Merlin.  "once we got the tag, yall can be on your way.  If you need the help of the youngsters volunteering, we can pass you their code.  But for now I need a reason.."

Pausing, Arc found herself pacing as she came up with an idea.  "hoi...yelena and Marco were being close in the Shack.  What if I was part of that, but because of my accident, you cut me out...I get upset, someone runs in to bring them out to split it up.  You say you need me to cool off, then pick me up in the morning..legit?"

She was grinning, looking like hell but grinning as she started removing most of her equipment save her jacket, including the remaining drones in her arm.  "yall will need to hold onto these till I'm out...and my name is Lauren Summers by their records.  No need throwing my street handle out there eh?"

She paused again, gauging their reactions.  Tonight seemed to just get crazier and crazier...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-20-16/2349:35>
Yelena nods and goes to her Scorpion, removing the weapons case before dismantling the rifle and storing its major parts in the foam slots.  After making sure everything is good, she snaps the case closed and replaces it in the carry bin.  Turning to Arc, she says, "Arc want Yelena hit?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-21-16/0556:28>
Marco said with a serious voice "Lauren Summers... you worthless piece of drek... you drive like shit and your cyberarm smells of octane. You got us nearly killed and now you think we are cool and you can just snuggle like nothing happened? Perhaps buy us a few Taco's and we'll let it go? We are over slitch... These Keebs do not swing that way, find a rock to crawl under with the rest of the Barren's trash were you grew up, you don't belong in society and will never be more than an howler pet or their beat stick. You don't deserve love... you are toxic"

What Marco knew was that perhaps if he can actually make Arc's angry the entire scene can be more reliable with genuine rage. He had a way with words and with the actual offensive words and a dash of magic to deepen their emotional impact Marco did his best to get on her nerves and every evil word that he said pained him, perhaps more than it did for Arc.
[spoiler]
Performance(Make Arc Angry) (http://orokos.com/roll/363541): 14d6t5 5
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-21-16/0920:24>
After a brief moment of perusing, Arc retracted her cyber arm after receiving the assurance that Firefly would not need the tools it contained to do the job.  Nodding in affirmation, the short mechanic girl looked to Yelena and gave a nod.

"we want it believable...hits are gonna likely happen.  I'll keep it to my meat hand though..."  she turned around once again, seeing Merlin observe as she caught the gaze of their troll biker.  Eyes locked, Arc saw the look of concern on her face as she straightened up, looking at her.

"ain't the first time I've sat in the lockup for a night.  Merlin could tell ya a story or two. Long as someone comes to pick me up in the morning we cool."  Raising her fist up, she gave a street salute.  "you'll see me again.  And we both know what will go down if either of yall stick around, I'm not blind to it.  You can meet up with Firefly a few blocks down when all is said and done, aight?"

A brief exchange and a giving of tags later, Arc turns to the pair of keebs, rolling her head around her neck as she was about to go over how to do this.  And then Marco spoke.  The words rang like fire in her ears as she was put down, the feelings of worthlessness from her past boiling up from under her surface.  Her eyes went wide, and then her body tensed, jaw jutting forward as she shifted her stance, hands coming up.

"you dandelion eating son of a slitch...you think yall high and mighty just cause some punk street girl done fraggedup?  Say that again, knife ears, SAY THAT AGAIN"  shouting, she took two bounds before leaping at the man, her legs wrapping around his waist as they crashed to the ground.  Grabbing his collar with her right hand, she punched him in the chest with her left, her teeth bared as she attacked him...

[Spoiler]as it is fluff, I am forgoing rolls here..but any inflicted stuff would be Stun, and likely in small quantities given crrent armorings on the pair :)
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-21-16/0931:40>
Yelena watches all of the preparations and is ready when she hears Marco speak.  The invective he spews at her Srui has her reaching for her pistol in rage before her mind realizes what is happening.  Frightened at what she had almost done, Yelena steps back and calls out, "Yes!  Fight it out.  Whichever of you slitches wins will get the best night of your life.  The loser can start pounding the pavement for another place to live.  Go for it!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-21-16/0944:35>
Marco could sneak a few more nasty words before Arc was all over him. She seemed to have some experience fighting. As for Marco? He did the only thing he really knew how to do in this situation and accepted her torment in the most Christian manner imaginable. His only attention was to protect his face to not further complicate his impersonation job. It was not the first time he allowed someone to beat the senses out of himself and he never retaliated.  "What is the point of retaliation where I could almost feel her own pain. "   he thought.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-21-16/1021:22>
Yelena looks on and is confused by her reaction.  She would defend her Srui to the death, but she loves the man as well.  This scene would tear her apart if it was not staged.  She has tears in her eyes as she waits for Firefly to get back outside with the KE guys.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-22-16/1037:59>
Merlin looks at Arc and says, "I take the kids an play 'Who's yo Daddy'. Keep 'em safe. But, anyone gets to close I shut 'er down. Yer mage is gonna hafta trust me, cause I'm gonna hafta spell 'im ta disguise his sig. Otherwise once they spot 'om, won't matter what he looks like, they know 'I'm. Let 'I'm know dat." He looks at you hard, "But, when you get the 'prof you tell me. He be mentorin' me an I dun to damn much not ta know." He gets Lexi's comm code and the name of the clinic and takes off on his bike.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-22-16/1041:35>
When Subaru flies in and tells the officers what's happening they roll their eyes and an older man says, "Oh for love of . .  Did they put something in the damn water tonight?" The play a quick game of Rock, Paper, Lizard, Spock and then Martinez and Smitty head out to lock it down.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-22-16/1202:58>
When the KE officers arrive at the scene, they find an interesting sight.  The short, cyberarmed mechanic was still pinning the male elf to the ground with her legs, his arms up to protect his head as she went to town on him.  Her injuries made her look like hell, but the venom in her expression could not be mistaken...nor the rage.

"Fraggin' two-faced son of a slitch, you can't just cut me outta your lives like that!  What?  You say what?  Say what again, SAY WHAT AGAIN!"

The elf seemed capable of defending himself, blocking several strikes to the face, the majority of shots landing on his forearms and his chest, but it was clear she had the upper hand, the female white-haired elf standing nearby with tears in her eyes, a look of fear on her face.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-22-16/1251:39>
After getting the KE going, Firefly slips into the shadows and watches what transpires from a little distance.  She was fine playing her part, but the LAST thing she wants is to be held as a witness given her questionable SIN status...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-22-16/1355:07>
Marco cried "Please Lauren, you are no good for me... it is over...  please stop hitting me... I am begging you... My colleges are already asking questions."  
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-22-16/2217:53>
Yelena does not have to fake the tears in her eyes as she turns to the two KE officers.  "Can't you just stop her?  We just wanted it clean, you know.  She wasn't having any of it.  You can see how she is, but don't hurt her.  She really is so nice normally.  I don't know what came over here.  I thing work or.....or losing some money gambling.  She really is nice most of the time.  Can you please help us?  Please?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-23-16/1607:09>
Once they act they move quickly. Timing Arcs swing they step in using her own forward momentum against her she is swung around and face first on the ground.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-23-16/1627:27>
Yelena calls out, "Don't hurt her, please.  She is just angry.  She wouldn't hurt a fly, normally.  Please!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-23-16/2042:56>
So these are real shadowrunners in action, Firefly thinks to herself watching the spectacle in awe and not a little hesitation regarding just how much is real and how much feigned.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-24-16/0326:47>
Once Arc is subdued Marco tries to get up and seat, sobbing quietly.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-24-16/0850:36>
The taller one looks at Marco and Yelena, "I'm officer Martinez. This is officer Smith."  he said pointing to the officer holding Arc face down into the concrete. Smith leans down to tell Arc quietly, "Shut-up and stay down."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-24-16/0913:56>
Marco said "Thank you officers... you saved my life. Lauren has anger management issues but it was never this bad before.  It all started when she lost her arm few weeks ago - I think the trauma is still fresh. She has been extremely difficult to be around."   Marco is trying to evoke some sympathy from the officers both toward Arc and toward himself and Yelena. 
[spoiler]
If a roll is needed
Ettiquete (http://orokos.com/roll/365198): 14d6t5 6
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-24-16/1044:19>
Even Arc was surprised at how quick the response hit her...literally.  Last thing she knew, she was ready to deliver a left hook to Marco's jaw, and the next she was on the ground, her stomach, chest, and face all connecting at once.  She cried out, sobbing herself as she felt her arms pulled behind her, a knee digging into her back.  "Guh...please...nnh..."  Two seconds of struggling, followed by Smith's words, and then Arc stopped, fighting back the tears as she let her muscles relax.

The plan was set, no going back now...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-24-16/1307:23>
Yelena has to resist a strong urge to pull her pistol and shoot the officers, but this part of the plan and she has agreed to it.  More importantly, Arc agreed to it.  And it may save her life.  She gives the office a weak smile.  "Thank you Officer Martinez."  She waves a hand in Marco's direction.  "We were on our way to get a bus out of Seattle and start over when she found us.  Is it possible to just keep her for overnight or so and we will leave the city and she can't find us.?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-24-16/1723:03>
Officer Martines looks at Yelena and Marco and says, "I'm sorry, but for us to hold her you're going to have to press charges."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-24-16/1740:11>
Marco asks Officer Martines "How long do we have before we need to press charges? Can it wait for the morning? It prefer to get checked up and perhaps a few hours of sleep if I can, it is very late and I did receive quite a beating. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-24-16/1756:25>
Yelena takes Marco's hand.  "Poor baby.  Did she hurt you?"  She looks at Arc as if she wants to go to her, but then turns her back on the young human.  Looking at the officer, she says, "Yes.  Does it have to be tonight?  Can we come by in the morning and press charges?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-25-16/0152:36>
Officer Martinez looks at both Yelena and Marco with a look of irritation that clearly says, And for this I'm missing dinner. But all he says is,  "No, in order to hold her you'll need to press charges. We can call a doc wagon and take your statement while you're being taken care of. But, if your this ambiguous about pursuing charges maybeyou should just try and work it out."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-25-16/0159:41>
Yelena nods and pulls a small commlink from a pocket, activating it and shutting her cybered one down.  "I understand, officer.  I can press the charges.  My name is Marlena Bratov.  Here is my ID and address.  What do you need from me?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-25-16/0639:56>
Marco thinks "Marlena Bratov ? it seems that if Arc or even Yelena would go missing we'll have very hard time in finding them... as we cannot go to hospitals, or other records and look for 'Arc'... they all have their odd secret identities."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-25-16/0746:46>
Arc complied right up until Yelena agreed to pressing charges.  While she knew it would be temporary, as the plan was to get her out in the morning, the little bit of fear on the back of her mind still held on.  Instead of quelling it, though, see let it flare as she squirmed under the officer's grasp, weak in her injured state.

"Frag it, Marlena, you're going to press?  After all we've been through?  Was I really nothing to you, you two timing slitch?!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-25-16/0913:33>
The officers take statements from all involved. All in all it takes about 30 minutes to answer all of their questions and then Arc is unceremoniously pushed into the car and taken to jail.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-25-16/0928:39>
"Signora Marlena" said Marco "would you like to return home with me and Yelena?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-25-16/1009:29>
Yelena stays impassive as Arc is trussed into the car and taken away.  Her heart is breaking for no real reason.  She knows that Arc is for this plan and will be out in the morning, but still....................Arc is not a jail rat and lots of things can happen.  She will never forgive herself is something goes wrong.

She turns to Marco and nods then looks at where Firefly is standing before sending out a team message, to include Merlin and the hopscotchers.  >>Operation Jailhouse Rock is a go.  We should put the next part of the plan into operation.  Merlin, can you make contact with the hopscotchers and give them the tag?  Tuskaloosa, please take Firefly home and I will get Marco home.  I will leave this channel open so that everyone can keep me posted on progress or problems.  Any questions now?  If not, let's move on to Operation Tag, You're It.<<

She walks to Firefly and offers a hug.  "Arc-sensei will be fine.  Tuskaloosa will get you home.  You did great.  Do you want company, someone to talk to about what happened?  I am yours to have if you want to talk and can be home as soon as I drop Marco off.  Or would you rather be alone?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-25-16/1013:25>
As the other two are getting their statements taken (she couldn't hear them, but they must have been interesting tales), Arc takes her last moments of freedom for the night to send out a discreet message to her peeved off employer with an update.

<<@Ninelives{Arc}: I'd love to.  More than happy to.  If I wasn't being accosted by the Round Table I'd be there in the hour.  I'm working on a solution, to fix this sitch, but I need time.  You'll hear from me again, out>>

With that, Arc made a quick point to wipe her message history dealing with her team and NineLives, then shut the link off.  She tried to make just enough resistance to Smith's cuffing and shoving her in the car to make it real, but frag it if it didn't hurt a bit.  Sitting in the uncomfortable seat, she looked out the window to see her friends one last time for the bight...she hoped.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-25-16/1133:36>
Jail had the damn same posing and posturing it had had back when she'd been a bit more frequent visitor. But, this wasn't the tank with the more hard-core criminal element, so a bit of posturing and a few scrapped knuckles and black eye later Arc had established that she wasn't one to back down, but wasn't threatening Belladonna's status as the leader either and they left her alone and she was able to get some sleep.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-25-16/1210:03>
"I..." I hesitate as Yelena offers.  "If you'd rather spend time with Marco-san, I understand.  But if you wouldn't mind coming back, I do have a lot I'd like to talk about.  I...it's up to you."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-25-16/2224:02>
Yelena squeezes Firefly's hand and turns walk to where Marco is standing.  "Marco, dear,  Decker mage much trauma tonight.  Yelena need go with.  Need sleep anyway.  Marco shopping.  Yelena at spa.  Talk Marco after wake up.  Make plan.  Can take cab?"  She walks back over to her Scorpion and climbs on, motioning for Firefly to join her.  "Can hold on?"  Yelena go slow."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-26-16/0817:49>
Firefly nods and mounts the bike behind Yelena like someone who has plenty of experience in such a position. It's clear she's been a bike passenger if perhaps not a driver before.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-26-16/0909:59>
During the night Arc is awakened suddenly and very roughly by having her hair grabbed and yanked hard. When she screams out of pure shock and pain a gag is forced into her mouth. A blind punch at her a assailant gets her arm grabbed and handcuffed to the bed.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-26-16/0956:34>
After saying farewell to Marco and getting Firefly sorted, Yelena fires up the bike and drives off for home.  On the way, she sends a note to Marco.  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  Marco call Blake and tell change plans?  And Marco not think Yelena forget.  Much time between us yet to come.  Yelena love Marco.<<  Once the message is off, Yelena pushes the Scorpion to the speed limit and asks Firefly, "Decker mage live at garage yet.  Or elsewhere?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-26-16/0958:12>
The car ride....dark, modern tech removing even the crackling of a police radio in the KE patrol car.  Cuffed and stuck in the back, the firm plastic seat made the mechanic sore from the bumpy ride.  Ten minutes...no, fifteen passed before the car pulled in to a stop.  "Hoi, get out slow.  No funny business, missy"  Rolling her eyes, Arc had calmed herself down in the trip...even managed a few last sobs.  Adopting a wide-eyed look, she stepped out, ribs hurting a bit as she was pulled up roughly by the arm.  "Tch, easy omae.  We cool, i'm comin'"  Pulled along, she looked up to see the local patrol building, the golden shield of the Knight's Errant emblazoned boldly over the front door.

Once inside, Arc was pulled past the front, the entry desk occupied by a dark-haired ork lady in full uniform, scribbling on a report.  She barely looked up to give a nod of recognition to the two cops as she was led down a side hall.  "Lucky day for you...we don't book until tomorrow.   You get the communal cell tonight...doubt it, but you may be lucky if your friends change their weird-hoop minds.."  Sharing a guffaw between them, the short human was uncuffed and then immediately shoved through a cage door into the cell, occupied by about a half dozen other women.  Now these...these were of the cut of cloth that Arc was familiar with, from the streets like her.

Rubbing her wrist, she flexed her shoulders as she looked around, all eyes on her as she found an unoccupied cot to claim for her hoop.  As she approached, she was cut off by a rather lanky looking ork woman, her hair in long dreads as her mismatched tusks jutted from her lower lip.  "Well, lookit what finna move in likea she belong inna heah.  You lost, little 'ken?  Yo sugahdaddy leave y'all behind or summat?"  Arc's eyebrow twitched as she kept her gaze averted, her arms coming to her sides as she kept her eyes straight forward, jaw set.

This seemed to rile up the ork a bit as she put her arms akimbo, leaning to one side with an exaggerated swagger.  "Oh, she think she too good for talkin', huh?  Or are you deaf?  All that metal in ya, couldn't afford no ears?  Hell-ooo, this is ~Belladonna~ speakin' to you, and all these slitches here answer to me, your sweet little slot included, you got that 'ken? So why don't you scoot that fat little hoop of yours over in the corner, be with the trash that you worth in heah."

Arc froze, legs standing at shoulder width as she relaxed her stance, her singed hair draped to one side of her head as she slowly looked up, her green cybereyes glinting as she met hers, face to face, letting out a spit at the ork's heel as she pulled her shoulders back to push her chest forward, spitting out her best Or'Zet back at her.  "Para'kar E'thu, 'Ken', Eh tra'a curah Fi~rakara t'o Lun, a'eh na viro'ten li "slitches" a tiro'ken Drek.  Eh yorie hurl'gast, Ek'ko no buunda sehrik, na?"   Belladonna's eyes grew wide as this retort, straightening up as her face twisted into a hideous spat of malice.   "Ohhh, you think you all that then?  Well you finna want, you better finna take it...one shot, I bet you ain't got the HEZ for it.  Come on, slitch, wuzzit gon' be?"

The sound of metal colliding with flesh was the only, quick, answer to the challenge, the short human swinging out her right cyberarm in a heavy hook right into the ork's cheek.  The other women in the cell drew in a sharp breath as Belladonna recoiled, holding her jaw as she gave a toothy grin, returning the salvo with a punch of her own.  Arc stood up to it without flinching, taking the blow to her eye with little shift as she lifted her arms up, blocking the second incoming swing as she stared back up at her, her face not having enough time to bruise as she locked eyes, the look of the hunter she was raised to be in her expression as she held the other's fist.

"...Tch...dayum girl, aight you get it.  Take the cot, you earned it.  You finna stay here though, we see whatchu about...tch"  Nursing her jaw, the ork backed away to her own cot, licking her wounds in both a literal and figurative sense, the others leaving her alone as she hopped on, lying down with a groan as she lay on her back, arms held gently over her front, ready to respond to a threat...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arc slept uncomfortably, but at least for a while she was able to close her eyes, letting her body sort through the abuse it has received that evening.  The throbbing in her hear began to dissipate, and her ribs felt less like they were being stabbed.  For once this night, she seemed to be allowed to heal..


And then the feel of her scalp getting pulled tore her into reality.

"GAH!  MOTHER FU-MMPH!!!"  Twisting under the gag forced into her mouth, her green cyber eyes darted to look at her assailant, her cyber arm launching out at the figure.  But it was easily deflected, and before she knew it, the familiar click o cuffs held her to the bed.

Squirming, she pulled at the links as she turned, body tensed as she ascertained who was doing this to her.  What do you want, she wanted to ask, but all that came out was "MmMmMmph!  MMMPH MMMPH!"

Confusion and fear was all over her face as her survival instinct kicked...she was going to die without a fight.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-26-16/1719:39>
Marco texts Blake >> We are not going to party tonight, too tired - sorry for the last minute change of plan and catch you up soon.  and then bids Tuska and Merlin farewell saying "That was an interesting night... but this is where I go home before it becomes even stranger." Then he returned home, it was a nice jogging and Marco felt the desire to improve his physical state "I need this run"  he thought. There was nothing, just him the road and thoughts it was difficult to process it all.

The shape-change spell have proved very robust and shadowy... from kidnapping people to gaining tactical advantage underwater or even flying across the border. It had limitations but the possibilities - they were endless.  Surprisingly these utilities were never the reason to learn it, Marco recently learned it and was still fascinated by the options. The initial motivation was to expand his ability to care also about the animal kingdom... and to entertain clients. Pleasing people was also a strong motivation. “They seem so happy when they finally climax after experiencing some mind blowing experiences”  He thought to himself.

Strangely enough the skills required to be a magical escort and these required to be a professional assassin or shadowrunner seemed to overlap and it was scary to think how dark these capabilities can become.

“... and then I Daemon raped Firefly... Thanks Asmodeus that was a really dick way to behave. Made the scenario where I actually make her scream extremely unlikely... Tough it is not that bad as I seem to take people to bed even if I don’t intend to. I seduce myself with my own capabilities. Still you should not have done so, it is no way to behave - people have to willingly kiss you. ”

But there was more to that than a friend stepping out of line. Marco defined the service, he was in control he could have stopped at any time but was afraid to stop prematurely in case Firefly is attacked again that night - and she was - there is no saying what that fireball would have done to her had Marco stopped his Daemon prematurely. 
That behavior was odd - and Marco was sure that something was wrong with him.
“Perhaps this is why the church have never given up on me, perhaps they can see this darkness underneath and are waiting for it to get strong enough. They know me my entire life and understand me better than anyone. I was running away from negative feelings, terrified with their effect on people around me, but my fear makes them stronger than they really are.

Still - emotions for me actually manipulate the real world - there is no saying how terrible negative emotions can be, but ignoring them makes them louder and I am ignoring my emotions for 15 years. 

I... I... I am angry about my parents. They should have loved me and did not. “

The realization that it is anger that Marco feels was terrifying the only time he managed to be angry about something was when Agrat pushed all his buttons, but to be judgmental about his parents? He could not - until now.

Then came the thought about Ginny as he could turn her angry like he never thought possible, anger flowed so freely in her. She was comfortable with it, she did not fear it she felt it and then could be released with it - he showed her Passion.

Marco thinks "Darn... now I think about her like THAT... but she genuinely seemed to care for me. How wonderful is the world when I can just fall in love and drop everything and follow my heart. Without powerful masters and without commitments."

“My life are terrible, I am not free I am waiting in dread for the time I am activated... a time that is getting closer as my magical potential matures and tonight my mojo is all over the news if the church is paying attention they must know how powerful I became.


They had me almost my entire life, they know so much about me, perhaps they understand that this darkness in me is going to take over. Perhaps this is what they are waiting for, when I am consumed by anger and am willing to do anything to allow my anger of my parents to manifest. 

I must never go there, I need help but who can possibly help me? DB? The Lord? Agrat? Yelena? I feel so alone, struggling with emotions that can literally hurt people around me. “ 


Once home, Marco went directly to the shower.
He prayed for Arc’s safety and then to Lady’s safety, and then for Ginny’s success - that was what she wanted. Then he texted Lady Then came sleep filled with passionate dreams about the wonderful people he slept with this last week.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-27-16/0751:41>
@ Arc  Arc feels the pain as an electrical shock jolts the inside of her right thigh. And then, in her ear she hears, "Aight slitch. You finna tell us everything that went down tonight. An I mean everything." Pain courses thjrough you again as the shock is applied closer to your groin.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-27-16/1701:44>
Any attempts to cry out in alarm were cut off as the stunning discharge of the tazer to her leg shocked through her body.  Still gagged, she convulsed as she bit down on the vile tasting cloth, eyes shut as she tensed her musckes, trying to work through the pain .  She could not identify or see who her assailant was, but in the brief moments that followed the shock, as the words rang into her skull, she had an opportunity to think as her eyes widened.

Dirty cops.  Or club thugs.  Maybe both.  Frag all  breathing hard through the gag, she glanced towards the source of the voice as if to say that she would have a hwe'd tie to answer, but before she could try to communicate the second shock hit her, her body writhing.

"MMMMRRGGH.  MM-MMPH MM-MRR!"  she protested out before slumping back on the bed with labored breath, sweat on her brow as she lay, giving the impression that she ran out of energy. come on, girly, you got beat worse than this...think about what you fighting for.  All those peeps missing, for your team, your vruk, your srui...you can do this...

When the gag came off, Arc spat out the taste as she drew in air, trying to regain her breath as she looked up at the figure.  "who'a askin?  If you here, then u all got the statements.  Had an accident, got a little mad, end of story.  What, you want me to admit about my date with yo mamma?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-28-16/1855:12>
The taser gets closer to Arc's groin the bite taking her breath away with the pain. "Dayum my momma got bad taste." Then her hair is grabbed, her head jerked back hard, the taser now at her throat. She feel the body of one of her assailants up against hers. His head leans down close and he says softly into her ear. "You were hired to escort a VIP to a party. And now no VIP and you're sayin' 'Sorry no can do.' So, now I want all the facts, and how you intend to fix this."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <01-28-16/1858:55>
     As promised, the crew at Carroll & Sons let her back in and put Tuskaloosa to work.  Other than Hatter's capering, all conversation to her was kept strictly directional; whether because of her own somber mood or because of the orchestrated frenzy that was the chopper's rapid evacuation, she couldn't say.
     As she finished delivering her latest load, she heard Chesh call her name: “Tusk.”  The gnome jerked a thumb at a nearby empty section of garage.  “Take five.”
     The troll would have liked to argue against it.  She stepped over to the wall and slid down.
   
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-28-16/1927:37>
The reprieve isn't long. Once they'd sent the next load out, the big garage door no sooner closed than Alyce yells over, "Oye! Tusks! We need you ta move yer bike. It's blocking some equipment." The five minute reprieve had given her just enough time to be grateful for sitting. And let her know just how much objection she had to standing. It had been awhile since she'd been this busy and the roller-coaster ride of events had her exhausted both mentally and physically. But, move her bike she had. Even if she wasn't actually blocking anything. She'd grown up in a garage. She knew where to park her fraggin' bike! Except, she'd grown up in the garage of an honest man. Something these choppers were definitely not. Once she'd moved it, Alyce had activated a hidden switch and what had been smooth concrete one moment was a large opening with stairs going down the next. And even before it was fully open the gnome brigade got to work on the contents.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-28-16/2054:30>
As the pain jolts through her, muscles clenching as the electricity coursed through her, Arc's mind was racing as she was forced up, head pulled back hard, her throat raggedly shouting through the agony.  Okay, so two drekheads on my hoop...is that Ninelives?  Naw, he'd likely not mess with this drek when he a part owner...frag it, this hurts.  H'okay.  Ain't no way KE knows this drek without club info, so I'm screwed either way.  Okay..

"nnhh...hold up hold up, frag!  Gahh..."  She drew in a labored breath as she held herself tight, feeling the cold kiss of the taser's leads over her throat.  "Y'all don't need that. I-I'll spill, null sheen"  She gulped down a bit, trembling in a mix of fear and the aftereffects of the shocks in her upper legs as she took in a breath.  Here goes..

"T-the job went as planned.  Got the VIP, made 'er comfy, and stuck her boot-style in my ride to take her to the party.  Only I got a few miles down the road before all drek broke loose and my ride went up in flames and blew all to drek.  Slitch was a mojo slinger, aye?  Figured it was some fireball drek."  She squirmed a bit as the taser was pressed harder.  "Hoi hoi, we cool!  I know I know, I fragged up.  Shoulda made sure she stayed down.  Anyhow, I was barely outta the ride before I blacked out.  When I came to, my car was slag and she was gone.  No body, so ran off or som-somethin'."  She closed her eyes, an expression of pain on her face.

"That's why I commed in about the frag up.  To tell y'all I didn't kip out with the VIP.  But I got a way I can try to fix it.  I planted a tag on 'er clothes.  If my people don't hear from me, then they'll go huntin' for her.    So I's just need some time, omaes.  Let me work through this drek I'm in now, and I'll get to gettin' yo VIP.  Tell Nines he don't even need to pay.  Pride's at stake, and I'll see the job done"  She drew in her breath, keeping as still as possible as she tried to get a look at her attackers again..subtley..  Hope this works...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-29-16/1255:54>
@ Arc  Arc hears, "Planted a tag huh." and her head is jerked back again and the voice hisses in her ear. "Comm-code now. An we'd better be able ta verify or yo dumb-ass breeder life ain't worth yo parts."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-29-16/1500:41>
"I'm in both places, I guess," I admit in a glum voice to the elf.  "I slept one night in Arc's bed, but last night was still at my old place.  Most of my stuff is still there, but it isn't much.  I left Singapore with literally nothing more than this jumpsuit."  I gesture my hand along my body as I speak.  "For me, home is where my deck is."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-29-16/2149:59>
@ Subaru  >>"Home is where my deck is." Oh jeez, can you sound any more pathetic. I give you finite control over the infinite. And you are content to hack secrets and lies. Renraku's bitch even though they killed your parents. Stop thinking like a corp. slave an become something real.<< That voice again! The one that's coming from her deck. But, that's impossible! It can't be coming from it, it has to be coming through it. The programs for AI's, especially one as sophisticated as this one is, are far to large for this deck. It's even to large for her old state of the art deck. So, someone has hacked her deck and is using it against her. That's the only logical explanation!
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-30-16/0043:55>
Yelena hears the tone of Firefly's voice and is concerned.  "Yelena take decker mage garage.  Firefly want talk?"

Yelena carefully drives the Scorpion to the garage, opening the outer door and walking the bike in.  "Firefly make soycaf?  Yelena put bike and guns away.  Talk while work."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-30-16/1113:35>
Arc grunted as she felt her neck tense up once her hair was pulled back.   "Gaah, easy, omae.  Verifying is easy, but I told ya I got people on it.  Y'all want a peek just leave the crew out.  I'm the one pissed y'all off, aight?  Just let me recall it.."  She gave herself a moment to think it up, giving the impression she wasn't prepared to have to share the code.  As she felt the taser press to her neck, she lifted her free hand in a dismissing gesture.  "Hoi hoi, it's comin' aight?!"

Clearing her throat and drawing in some breath, she closed her eyes as she choked out the code.  "It's N93E...20R25...6U3K518S....aight, I've given you the code and updated the sitch, we good here?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-30-16/1252:32>
@ Arc  The head leaning close to her ear moves back and turns saying, "Check it." It's several long minutes and then a second voice, "It is to a tag. And it's moving. But, the signal's weak and cuts out every now and again. Looks like it may be damaged. It's enough to follow, but, we'll need to hurry. We'll need to pull in some muscle on that side of town if we want to make sure we can catch her before we lose the signal entirely." Arc is thrust so suddenly away by her captor she hits her head against the wall. "Aagh" escapes her lips and then she stifles the sound. Not like I ain't had worse. "Aight, yo got what yo came fer. Tell NineLives my peeps be on her. We bring her in no charge. Or you bring her in wid my tag. But, it's still mine." She looks back and forth between the four assailants she can see in outline. "We cool aight?" In answer the one who tasered her answers. "We catch her. We verify your story. Turns out you just a damn stupid slitch we cool, you live. This be a double cross. You leave this prison in a bag. An then we be cool, aight" the last sentence was delivered mockingly and then they turn and leave.
It's a few moments and then the rest of her cell-mates let out a collective breath. Belladonna comes over, "You aight?" She pauses a moment and Arc sees her smile, her tusks catching the light. "Hell, I've had worse from my pimp on a slow night. You be fine." Arc knows just how much pro's suffer from their pimps during bad spells and knows Belladonna is trying to cheer her up and answers, "Hell yeah I'm aight. Prolly used a taser cause he punches like a nine year old keeb an don' wanna hurt his hand." they both laugh at that and Belladonna hands her a drink of water. It's quiet after that and Arc finally gets some sleep.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-30-16/1325:56>
Sleep came fast, too fast perhaps. Marco could feel as if he sails to some strange and odd world where emotions were real and physical things were abstracts. In that world Marco felt as strong as a troll. In his Balcony where Snowden has thrown out his bar was a mystical bridge, it was invisible but somehow Marco knew it was there and examined it suspiciously.

Marco could sense Agrat saying “All you need is in your heart.” Marco looked at the apartment he liked it and it felt as if he left some of his essence in that apartment, but he desired to see where that bridge was leading him into. The bridge was long and Marco walked on it leaving everything behind, the apartment was long gone and Marco was in the middle of nothing, forward toward the bridge or backwards towards the apartment were his options.

At middle of the bridge he met a Daemon - a powerful one.

“Why did you come here?” Asked the Daemon

“I want to see the other side, let me pass! “ Said Marco

“Make me” Said the Daemon

No amount of persuasion, flattery or even strong talk could move the Daemon from his place and Marco spent hours trying to convince the Daemon to move.

Finally he asked -” At least tell what lies ahead after I pass you?”

“An even bigger Daemon “ Said the Daemon

and with these words in mind Marco woke up.
 

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-30-16/1429:21>
After the thugs left (Frag, they sent 4 to check on me?!) Arc groaned as she sat up on the bed, glad they were kind enough to at least uncuff her.  Rubbing her head where she hit the wall, she looked up to see Belladonna over her, cup of water in hand.  "Tch...thanks, omae.  You see anythin'?  Cuz last I checked that was some low drek for KE.  I'd have expected it from th'Star but not these hoops..."  Taking a drink, she drew in her breath as her adrenaline started to disappate, her body calming.   Merlin and his crew should be ready and moving by now.  Hope they know what they doing.  But nothing I can do now, my plan is done  As she drank, an idea sprung into her mind as she recalled the little "bullet" nestled in her arm circuitry.  The encrypted link.  I know Marco ditched his cross...feds know we're still on this op so no issue.  Yelena, don't fail me now..

<<@Yelena {Encrypt code 109239A03LM090}: Srui.  Club found me, has tag code, Devil rats will be pursued soon.  In cell with others, will see who gets me out.  Don't keep me waitn' forever, Srui.{End Encryption}>>

With that done, Arc finished the drink as she lay back, closing her eyes as she tried to sleep, Seeing Belladonna sitting nearby with a few others, but this time keeping near to the short human.  Seems like this drek got some of their respect...or pity.  At this point, I don't fraggin' care..  Silently entrusting them with her safety for the night, she drifted off into a light sleep to help rest her hurts..

What happens in the morning will happen, but her die has been cast.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-30-16/1500:25>
Yelena has barely taken the weapons case off the bike when Arc's call comes in and encrypted no less.  She reads the note and fires one back with the same encryption.  "Arc.  Is Yelena.  Srui Need Yelena bail from prison?  Tell where at.  Come get if want.  Yelena calling Merlin and Hopscotchers."

Yelena signals Firefly to come to her and tells her what Arc has said then calls Melin and Rabbit.  "Hopscotchers and Merlin.  Is Yelena.  Club men have code.  They looking for you.  Be safe.  Dump tag if need.  Answer bac so Yelena know get message."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <01-30-16/1520:30>
...Or at least so she thought.

Arc was not expecting a ready reply from her blood sister, figuring she would have shut down for the night.  She had also figured that the elf may have dumped the silver torc that housed her encrypted link.  But, here the reply was, the pinging of the message coming into her cybereyes' vision stirring her out of her light sleep.  "Nnh.."  she groaned softly as she shifted where she lay, moving to her back, hands over stomach as she worked a fast reply.

<<@Yelena {Encrypt code 030941IA013N43}: At the place those hoops dragged me to.  Think the station off 87th.  Thanks for spreading the word.  Your call on when to bail me out, but don't risk y'self for me, aight?  I'll be here, Srui {End Encryption}>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-30-16/1726:44>
@ Arc  Merlins response is also quick. >>Teachin' yo pack KE countdown. They learn quick. I be movin' the tag to the Garden. You can hide a mage in there easy iffn' they not used ta da scent. I leave the tag in 'dere.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <01-30-16/1731:53>
@ Yelena Subaru lays a hand on Yelena's arm. "Yelena-sensai. I need to tell you what I have found. The data I have gathered points to many people in high up positions who have accepted bribes for the ingredients of this drug. As well, there is data indicating that others have accepted bribes to ensure that those under it's influence have had the right conditions set for them to be able to steal sensitive info. Many others who are supposedly party goers at the club have been co-opted for it's use. Either to hide intel, or give intel. It takes awhile to process all the data, to make sense of it. But, since I have learned of this I have had no time to tell anyone of my findings."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <01-30-16/1943:34>
Marco wakes up to the day before the day where he places his life at risk. The morning hours are spent studying and practicing the part followed by a quick venture to try and schedule a meeting with the plastic sisters. A group of pink wearing orcs how hard can they be to find, for this day to work Marco packs two sets of clothes, one for the Barrens and the other for the better parts of town. The day starts at the Barrens at the place Arc referred him - somebody is sobotaging the construction site and it has to stop. Marco plans his time so that he will be in time to meet Cain and then Sophie.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-31-16/1031:42>
Finally, a chance to share with Yelena-sensei all I have learned from the safe and elsewhere.  I try and summarize it as best I can since things are going pear-shaped with Arc sensei and we have to make new plans, perhaps quickly.  Damn me for not having found a way to share this sooner.  Maybe Yelena and Arc might have then been able to predict the jail plan being such a terrible idea...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-31-16/2359:13>
Yelena nods at Firefly.  "Yelena not surprised.  Many top people in on drug.  Decker mage does good work.  Now, want help Arc?  Club men find in jail.  Get tag code.  Yelena go get Arc.  Decker mage come or stay for study and sleep?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <02-01-16/0807:23>
"I'll come with if you think I could he helpful. I'm not a very good actress, though," I add glumly.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-01-16/1019:05>
Yelena laughs, "Not ask for acting.  Ask for mojo slinging.  Might need help.  Yelena plan say drop charges.  If not work, Yelena pay bail.  We see if need decker mage."

Yelena wheels the bike back out the garage and shuts the door behinds her.  After Firefly mounts the bike behind her, Yelena checks grid guide for the precinct closest to where Arc was picked up and heads there.  Once she has the Scorpion parked, she asks Firefly if she wants to wait outside or go in with her.  Yelena heads into the building, where she asks to speak to the shift supervisor, to whom she gives the same name she gave the officers.  "Is Marlena Bratov.  Officers broke up fight between boyfriend and girlfriend earlier.  Marlena say press charges but change mind.  Can get girlfriend out of jail?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <02-01-16/1352:19>
I go in with Yelena, but hang back and look the shy teenager...an easy thing to achieve wearing a hijab over the loose sweats which now totally cover and obscure my tattered jumpsuit.  If push comes to shove, I'll claim Arc is my older stepsister.  At least we're both human.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-01-16/1412:54>
@ Arc, Yelena & Subaru  The duty officer looks at Yelena with an expression on his face that says, Of course you do. But all he says is, "You'll have some paperwork to fill out and if this happens frequently we will start fining you. Jail is no joke, and we're not here to teach your girlfriend a lesson." He slides a tablet over to Yelena. "Form 995A-2c. I'll need it filled out in full. "Now, what's the name of the perpetrator? I'll need to look her up and make sure there are no other charges."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-01-16/1519:56>
@ Marco  It was harder to find the Pink Ladies than Marco thought it would be. More than once his charm got him out of a tight spot. And, if he'd wanted drugs he could have had those easily. He now had a much better understanding of the pressure the dwarf had tried to place on him about keeping customers. But, eventually find them he did. And looking at them from across the street the color pink had never looked more dangerous.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-01-16/1602:39>
One of the difficulty of Marco’s career choice is guns - you simply cannot take them everywhere you go. It may be cool in the Barrens but you cannot go shopping with an assault rifle and even a machine pistol is a bit pushing it. Marco is unarmed, his fancier clothes are in a small bag and is actively looking for troubles. Arc told him approximately where to look but she did not say exactly what or even how to contact them.  Either nobody knew or nobody wanted to know any specifics but by the time Marco actually finds these women, he heard some stories and he knows that he is not exactly at his home ground. The thing is, Marco was so busy finding these ladies that he had no idea how to actually approach them. 

Instead of a plan he trusted instinct, charming manly and not intimidated was the thing to do. Arc said that weaknesses in the Barrens are always exploited but what about an unarmed elf is there power in inferior physical condition and no weapon to compensate for it? If anything is going to keep him alive for this meeting it is loads of self confidence. “Well well well... “ He said to get their attention “I have no idea how unique ladies like you can be so stealthy - but here I am you got my attention. My name is Marco and we need to talk” He said as he approached them carefully smiling and extending his hand.
[spoiler]
if it is needed - Ettiquete (http://orokos.com/roll/368627): 15d6t5 6
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-01-16/1646:40>
@ Marco. The Pink Ladies all turn to look straight at him when he addresses them. And then suddenly they bust out iin side-splitting laughter. Three of them swagger over to him. The first one, her head completely shaved and iridescent pink spikes running down her scalp like a Mohawk says, "Daaaay-um. Glad I polished my tusks an wore my best spikes. Worth it ta catch ta eye of summat so pretty. Ain't that right girls?" The second, her three nose rings connected on chains to her left ear and her hot pink sequined leather jacket matching her brassiere said, "Dayum right. If I'd a know'd he was comin' I'd a wore my best thong." This elicits howls of laughter from her team-mates as she circles Marco pretending to eye him up and down admiringly. Easily a head taller than the tall slender keeb she also out-massed him with an extremely impressive musculature, the open jacket showing off heavily muscled ab's and the large hands sporting heavy rings that would do justice to a pair of brass knuckles. The third licks her top lip slowly as she saunters over, "Oh honey, we can skip ta chit-chat. I'm sure yo' mouth has better uses." The whole gang is watching Marco's reaction. And no attempt is made to hide the more than ample weaponry they all sport.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-01-16/1852:04>
Oddly enough danger is scarier when you hide rather than actually embrace danger. Marco happily goes along with the display of affection and is expertly showing his goods and genuinely enjoy the feeling of being the center of attention, even offensive attention that is more aimed at the crowd than at Marco.

Quote
"Oh honey, we can skip ta chit-chat. I'm sure yo' mouth has better uses."

Once Marco feels as if the girls had enough fun at his expense his face hardens - no he is not afraid and he is confident enough to allow them some fun. His expression is serious and he say: “Skipping the chit-chat, there are damages to my real estate. Destroying is easy but there are better options. Do you have what it takes to actually discuss business over dinner?”  
He intentionally makes the offer a challenge - he aims to seperate the three from an armed gang and actually discuss things in an environment where they can make an exception for him without looking bad in front of their entire gang.
 
He looks at the second one and with say with a  subtle hint of a smile.  “You can bring that tongue of yours if you think that you are woman enough to handle me. One can never know how the night is going to turn.” He hands her his 'professional'  card.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-01-16/2120:24>
@ Marco  Their faces harden at Marcos challenge. The first one says, "You talkin' 'bout damages to yo property. But, I don't see nothin' what belong to yo 'round here. This be our territory. An you be trespassing." The second looks at your card and frowns. She studies it for long minutes looking up at Marco a few times then she looks at Marco saying, "He a 'ho." The other two stop talking and look at her confused. "What?" escapes from the third and she steps back from Marco looking him up and down. The first one looks at the second and says, "A HO!" She looks back at Marco and says, "What the hell are yo doin' here? We don't run ho's. An Jimmy B find out you tryin' ta move in on his territory you won't be livin' long." She says that last part with an emphatic emphasis.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-01-16/2149:21>
Marco takes advantage of their confusion - they did not expect it and are now off balance. Their regular defensive mechanisms may take a moment to adjust but a moment is all he needs to reach out to them and try to get through through layers of cynicism.  He say:  “A lot more than a ho’ - I make dreams come true. Some are sexual but others are different...

We are starting a soup kitchen a big one with a discounted housing project around it. A prison that turns into a place of charity and hope, a business that prospers in the most unlikely of places. If this dream come true others will follow and the entire neighborhood will benefit.  You should come and talk to me, explain your position and we'll reach some understanding that benefits all of us.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-01-16/2150:54>
Yelena meekly thanks the officer at the counter and takes the form to ta table where she can sit and fill out what is required.  She uses Marlena Bratov as the person who pressed the original charges and Lauren Summers as the girl in the jail cell.  She intentionally leaves three of the questions unanswered and takes the form back to the counter.  "Excuse me, officer.  Marlena have most done.  Have questions on three parts.  Please help Marlena."  She shows the questions to the officer and fills the answers in for the three questions with his help, thanking him for his aid.  Once she hands the completed forms back she returns to sit on the bench as directed and waits for Lauren.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <02-02-16/0841:52>
I watch silently as "Marlena" does her thing, having little trouble appearing the nervous teen "tag along" that I am.  When "Marlena" moves to settle on the bench, I sit myself beside her and lean myself against her with my head on her shoulder and close my eyes like I am sleeping.  In that apparent somnolent state I engage my deck and take a look around me in IR ready to slip around and into whatever icons I need to in order to find out the real status of Arc-sensei and why things appear to have gone horribly wrong...

>>Yelena-sensei<< I text my elven mentor, >>I'm off trying to find out how a queen becomes a pawn.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-02-16/0935:37>
@ Marco The first orc says, "We don't need no big fancy developer in here thinkin' he be movin' in on our turf." She moves in until her body is almost touching Marcos' and looks at him with narrowed eyes. "An we especially don't need no fancy jumped up 'ho telling us he be makin' things betta'. So you can turn yo' skinny keeb ass around and tell yo' fancy ass pimp what be thinkin' he gonna move in on our turf that we protect our own." The gang has shifted now, and their body language is clear to Marco, they're getting angry.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-02-16/0938:33>
@ Subaru  The system at the KE precinct is dual layered. The public one to allow forms like Yelena is filling out to be uploaded into the system, and the secured, encrypted one to prevent just what she was about to do.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-02-16/1019:48>
Yelena puts her arm around Firefly in a protective and supportive pose that she finds easy to assume.  Yelena sends a response back to the girl, >>Is Marlena.  Decker try not get caught.  Not need both you and sister in jail.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-02-16/1122:30>
Marco moves closely and look directly at the eccentric orc, and said:
"Like you mentioned I am only a ho'.  I use my hot ass to make a living, don't look down on me I do what I need to do to survive. Buying real estate is way above me - I am content to pay rent. Still I am here, unarmed and talking to beautiful orcs in pink that command enough firepower to raid a village. Why would I go out of my way to be here?

Wars are expensive, cooperation is beneficial. It is as simple as that. You can defend your turf, the question asked what are you defending it from? Do you really want to go to the path of security and raids and so forth? what is the point?  Meet, discuss the issues and reach an understanding where everybody are happy. You can always go to fight wars if you like. I'll take my nova hot ass to someplace where it is appreciated you have my card if you change your mind. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <02-02-16/1919:48>
Looking at the security I decide there's no point in challenging it until I need to. I plan my course of attack if needed and then slide back into the real world. I snuggle up closer to Yelena as we wait.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <02-02-16/2113:51>
     “Aright Tusk.  Finish that five.”
     Tuskaloosa blinked at Chesh's command.  “Uh, I'm good--”
     “Your five got interrupted: plant that hoop.”
     The troll winced.  Things had been tense enough earlier and the last thing she wanted was to cause more friction between high-ranking members of a gang, but she knew better than to ignore that tone in a mother's voice: no matter the metatype.  “Yes Ma'am,” she muttered weakly.
     Several of the gang spared her feelings by not snickering as she resumed her place.
     She was just getting settled when a pair of smaller—younger?--gnomes carefully walked up bearing a litter with a mixing bowl on it.  She caught the aroma of soycaf and peered down into the bowl's murky contents as they stopped next to her. 
     “And that,” the boy/young man in front said smugly, “is how to make a delivery without spilling a drop.”
     “Oh, seal it Fiddy-two,” the girl/ young woman snapped as the litter's legs touched the floor.  “We've still got the cups to bring out...cookies too.  A drone swarm would've finished the job by now and made it without a spill.”
     Chesh frowned.  “What are you talking about San-san?  This should have been a single trip.  You two just needed to bring Kaf 'n cookies to Tuskaloosa here, an I know the cookies aren't that heavy...”
     The two litter-bearers exchanged a quick look, then peered intently up at the troll's face.
     “It's copacetic,” Tuskaloosa said quickly.  “I'm sure your crew wouldn't say 'no' to Kaf...you can bring the plate-”
     “Then, you're not...I mean, you're....”  The girl—San...san?--glowed as she spun on her heel and tore back the way they had come.  “Haaaaaaaatter!”
     “Sorry Chesh.”  Fiddy-two—Fifty-two Pick-up, the troll hazarded—was only a shade less red than his partner.  “We assumed you wanted it all for the crew, since Hatter... convinced Sangatsu that it—she,” he amended quickly, “...she was a MCT K-K, modded to look like a troll.”
     “Sounds like San-san wasn't the only one who bought it,” a nearby ganger hooted.
     Fifty-two's embarrassed heat rose with the crew's laughter.
     “Actually,” another chimed in, “I can see that.  Kenchiku-Kikai's 're old school construction anthros, right?  Strong, slow, clumsy, a bit dim and need a babysitter.  A little hull modding to personalize...”  He threw out a thumbs up, “Sounds like something we could find under the Christmas tree this year!”
     “Yeah, yeah,” Chesh hollered over the whistles and cheers.  “Back to it, ya grease stains.”  She waved a hand in the direction of the bowl, her fiber-optic tresses shifting and settling into a new pattern.  “Sorry, but the mug was the biggest we had.”
     Tuskaloosa suddenly remembered the mug that she had been drinking from when the fireball went off.  It had become so many shards of broken pottery in the aftermath. “Null sheen.  It's actually not the first time,” she said as she picked up the bowl, briefly savoring the heat of its sides in her hands.   “Gives it kind of a tea ceremony feel, if that makes any sense.”
     “Wit a mixin bowl?  You're next shiver'll be from some master reincarnatin', jus' so he can come back an slap you silly. Still...I do see what ya mean.  Kinda on the poser side for Kaf though.”
     “I guess.  And if this was some gimmicky, sarariman-trap,” Tuskaloosa gestured to the garage's walls,  “I'd agree.  This is hospitality though, not ceremony...any drink is special that way.”  She lifted the bowl in salute and took a deep drink.
   The Soykaf was a chaotic brew that tasted exactly like the multiple pots of last-in-the-dispenser doses that it was.  It was the emptying-the-pantry drink of late nights, by people who were so deep in work to even bother with a drone-drop delivery from the store.   The only thing that would have made it more nostalgic was if it had been ignored for half a day and re-heated.
“Thanks,” she said with heartfelt feeling to the delivery boy.  “I haven't had something this home-y in a while.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-03-16/0200:35>
@ Marco  The surprise on the leaders face is evident and she looks at Marco carefully and then finally says, "Alright, we can talk. And your nova hot ass is buying fuh me an my crew. An whoevah's footin' yo bill can pay fuh summat nice." she stands back and watches you closely for signs of backing down or trying to wiggle out.

@ Yelena and Subaru  It takes half an hour, but finally Arc is led out into the lobby.

@ Tusks  Fiddy-Two beams widely and the crew relaxes around her when they hear her "Yes ma,am." to Chesh. The cookies come before she's done with the 'caf. Soon they're chattering with her as they work.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-03-16/0803:32>
During the half hour, Arc was, as best as she could, resting up after her ordeal.  She was finally awoken to the banging of a nightstick against the jail bars.  "Summers."  Barked out the voice of the unamused duty officer as she opened her eyes, wordlessly pulling herself up to a standing position, keeping herself from wincing as she faced the source of the voice.  "Lucky break, I guess.  Your girlfriend's bleedin' heart won out and dropped.  I don't wanna hear about you in trouble again, or it's hi-sec, got it?"

Arc didn't have to answer; she knew he didn't want one.  Cracking her neck, she cast a quick glance to make eye contact with Belladonna, wordlessly voicing her thanks...to do otherwise would have been a loss of cred for both of them.  Keeping her hands at her side, she went to the door as the officer buzzed it open, staying close to her as she was escorted to the lobby.

There, she saw the forms of Yelena and Firefly, waiting for her at this hour, and her features softened.  Maybe it was for show, maybe it was how tired she was, but she let little tears form at the corners of her eyes as she darted forward upon her release, embracing the both of them tightly.  "...thank you...can we go home now?"  She uttered quietly, wanting nothing more than to get some sleep after all this night has done.

Then she remembered...no car...they likely all used bikes.  "Ah...maybe I'll get a cab?  Euh...that sounds weird coming from me..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-03-16/0938:25>
Yelena embraces Arc and does not really want to break it off.  "I was worried.  I overreacted.  I am so sorry.  We go home.  But Marlena take cab.  Firefly take home.  I there soon."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-03-16/1014:06>
The morning dawns bright and clear and warmer than the past week.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-03-16/1036:13>
@Marco smiles "I'll be happy!  Dinner and drinks on me and we can schedule sometime for the coming days - I have some logistics in finding a place but I'll get back to you very soon. I will do my best to make the night memorable and I hope you will be satisfied. " Marco exchanges comlink information with the pink ladies and if they would share also their actual names or street handles, with a smile and heads on to his next meeting.

Before he is to meet Cain he enters a nearby suffer shack and enter the toilets to use his cosmetic kits - after all Cain expects him to look differently. Some cosmetics and a bit of muscle control and he looks like another keep. A new shirt, seals the deal - he now look like Sam Webster. Marco is still how far subtle face magic and mundane cosmetics can get him. He is a different man when he lives the toilet. He make some final touches in front of his mirror and then heads out to meet Cain for lunch. 

[spoiler]
Disguise (http://orokos.com/roll/369307): 7d6t5 3
Impersonation (http://orokos.com/roll/369308): 15d6t5 7
Marco should do Elvis with this kind of skill ;) 
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-03-16/1437:08>
Arc gave a pause, then slowly nodded.  "Ain't nothing being done now, but we work with it.  Let's get outta here"  slowly breaking away, the short human walked out of the precinct with the other two girls, departing into the night.  Once the elf had a cab, Arc hopped on the bike, wincing a little as Firefly held onto her for support.

"Ya did solid out there...and seriously, thanks for saving my life."  Arc would cut in as the pair rode through the streets to home, the autopilot doing most of the work.  "next time I try not to lead us into a drek pit of hell eh?  Eh...tomorrow is new, we rest up and figure this out..."  it was clear she had more words, but was either unsure how to express them...or smoky too fragging tired.

Once at the garage, the latter conclusion seemed likely as Arc made it as far as the living room coucj, be to remove her jacket before unceremoniously passing out draped across the cushions....

[Monday, Dec. 13th, 2075.  Morning, Arc's garage]

When Arc awoke, the pains of the previous night's events still held onto her...but at least she could move to a degree and think, which was a plus.  Groaning as some sunlight stirred the dust, the human pulled herself to a sitting position, brushing stray hair from her eyes.  She winced as she felt a few burnt hairs break off.  gotta fix that... she thought as she idly stood, pulling away her ruined shirt as she stretched her legs.  Finding a stray shirt that didn't look ruined, she decided to slip it on, adjusting the fit as she stepped outside.

huh...a most feels like spring...almost...  shivering a bit, she remained outside as her mind recalled the previous night, sorting them all out for another time of rememberjng, face serious as she took a few oaces...and nudged a small oarcel.  "what the..."  looking down she saw a small box no bigger than a common against her foot, with an AR note...

<<Hoi Cricket,
Here's what I couldn't get from your list.  Hope it keeps you outta trouble.  Stay safe.
~Uncle>>


Smiling softly the human flipped the box, knowing full well the contents: one multidimensional coprocessor, designed to fit a deck.  "well wiz"  package in hand, Arc returned inside, shutting the door as she sought out her friends and current saviors...making sure to place the box next to Firefly wherever she was.

"think I got some soymeal...and maybe a few cinnamon flavpacks...maybe that would do in a pinch, hmmm..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <02-03-16/1524:14>
When the women return to the garage, Firefly sends a quick text to Lexi.  >>Rabbit still leading Alice through Wonderland?<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-03-16/2340:13>
Yelena makes it to garage shortly after the other two after having to walk the last few blocks that the cab would not go.  She enters the garage to find Arc laid out on the couch, sound asleep and no sign of Firefly.  She walks into the bedroom and finds the girl sitting on the bed and staring off into space.  Yelena removes her jacket and places it across a chair before sitting down and folding Firefly into a hug.  "Decker mage want talk?  Yelena listen anything.  Firefly just say what want.  Yelena answer if decker mage ask."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <02-04-16/1201:39>
Jed wakes and stretches.  He and Snowden carry out their increasing normal morning routine.  He needs to find a way to get Snowden a new mentor, to fill the void.  As he doesn't have one of his own, he isn't quite sure how to start.  Although he is well versed in the theory, finding a mentor is very personal, and different for mages of various traditions.  I'll have to give that some thought.. 

As they arrived at the botanical garden for Snowden's daily "therapy", Jed takes the time to message Yelena, Arc, and Marco.  Been busy a couple of days, hope you guys are ok.  I have an interesting tidbit of info.  Since our drug is part chemical and part mana, I've come to the realization that the mana part of it can be neutralized by counter mana.  Do we have a sample I can test on?  My bodyguard job is going well, and I may have some times that I can slip away.  Not sure what you've all been up to the last several days.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-04-16/1207:55>
Marco thinks "Jed - off course ! he is knowledgeable and has a magical creature as a friend. " He texts Back >>Jed it is good to hear from you. I am a bit embarrassed about conjuring, my spirits seem to behave in the most outrageous manner. Can you please talk to me, I am a bit lost and don't know what to do.  I think we had samples of the party pooper- but I am not sure if we still have them or if Blake has them. You'll have to ask Arc."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-05-16/0125:15>
@ Gilga for Jed  Jed replies to Gilga's call. >>Spirits can be very tricky as there are so many things about a mages psyche that they respond to. It's why so few mages are really summoners. It's dangerous and you have to be either really emotionally stable, or really crazy. I'll be happy to talk about it and help you if I can.<<

@ Yelena for Subaru  Subaru tells Yelena everything. At first she was on the verge of tears. Her relief at finally being in a new home and having friends crashing down on her after all the events of the evening. But, just ordering and detailing the information was a huge help in calming and steadying herself. After-all, she didn't want to cry in front of Yelena-sensei, she'd be sure the she wasn't strong enough to avenge her parents.

@ Subaru  You get a call from Lexi, >>Rabbits run fast.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-05-16/0348:40>
@Marco replies
>>Well I am a little of both I could intuitively summon from a very young age and I owe spirits the person that I grew up to be, but problems started when I recieved formal education about magic - the Catholic mysticism version that is. My spirits begun to appear more and more like these creatures from the old books, like Daemons.  At first it was just their external shape and I disregarded it as nothing of importance, prejudice and nothing more.  Recently, I grew to believe that their behavior is dramatically changing as well and is drifting toward dark and unpredictable. Oddly enough, It seem to get worse as I gain confidence in my abilities and Spirits now usually taunt and mock me when I summon them.

Let's meet the day after tomorrow if you are free, I plan to take a deep dive into conjuring and learn how to bind minor spirits for longer periods of time as it will allow me to examine my connection to them and evaluate how my emotional state and other factors affect it. Perhaps I can learn to manipulate this connection consciously after enough practice, I had great success in manipulating my own emotional state before. I also plan to reduce my dependence of spirits - by constructing watchers. I do not know if you are familiar with this technique. 


[spoiler]
I am now waiting for the meeting with Cain. (from the post before I texted back to Jed).
[/spoiler]

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-05-16/0753:38>
As she is deliberating the food options, Arc almost jumped when the message from Jed.  Seeing as she could not find the other two girls at the moment, she pulled the message up to read it, eyes widening at the info.  "Uh-huh..."  hopping up to sit on the counter, she started working on a reply.

<<@Jed: Arc here.  That is some pretty wiz infonthere, omae.  I'd get ya a sample, but I planted all that stuff to our contact as soon as I could.  Didn't wanna get pinned holding that drek, you feel me?  Sorry about that.  We alive, barely, but looking like we did just about enough to shut this drek down.  There is a drek ton to go over, and aside from an appt I have at 13:00 I'm free.  You good to meet up?>>

<<@Blake:  Checking in omae.  Not dead, and looks like the dogs are chasing tails at the moment.  Status good?>>

<<@Tuskaloosa: Hoi, Arc here.  Got that chip with the Jing you pulled last night.  Wanna come by to take a peek at it?>>

Sending that and the check in text with Blake, Arc hopped ff the counter to work on making some soy meal...ooh, brown sugar flavpacks, those would work well too...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <02-05-16/0802:09>
     “Just when I thought I'd seen everything,” Alyce grunted as he walked up to the troll kaf break.  “Aren't philosophical trolls some sign of somebody's Doomsday?”
     “I hope not,” Tuskaloosa groaned.  “But I'm only one troll, so does that make it void?”
     “A hair-splitter to boot. Take your time,” he added when the troll started to belt back her drink.  “An extra minute or two won't make a difference.”
     “What he means is what you've done so far has put us ahead of schedule and if he can squeeze more outta ya with rest breaks, then ya get down time.”
     He responded to Chesh's dig with a shrug.  “We didn't force this lug nut to come back, you know.  If she wants to work until she drops, I'll at least make sure she doesn't drop until we're done here.  Remember--”
     “My help is with the load out only—you guys will unpack on your own.  I understand.  Only...what happens now?”
     Alyce's brow furrowed.  “What do you mean?”
     “To this place.  Will you ever return to it?”
     “Probably not.”
     Ouch.  “Sorry.”
     The diminutive gang leader crossed his arms over his chest.  “You're taking this worse than we are.  You can help or you can take your guilt trip elsewhere: pick one.”
     Guilt trip?  “Shouldn't I be sorry though?  I'm part of the reason you're abandoning this place.”
     “Don't remind me.  Still,” he shrugged  “It's part of the business: we've shifted operations before for lesser reasons.”
     “Then why--?”
     “I didn't say No to coming back,  I said Probably Not: Lord knows who—or what—will set up shop before we consider the coast clear.”  He shook his head.  “We've seen that happen too...it's a nice place, but that's not enough to lose limbs or crew for.”
     Tuskaloosa understood.  It was why she had talked to Hroc about meeting the with a representative of the Howlers...to relocate... “So, how long would it be before you'd consider this place safe again?”
     “Hmm?”  Alyce and Chesh exchanged glances.
     “If things stay quiet for bout a month or so,” Chesh offered.
     “So, if some squatter were to immediately move in...then randomly move on in, say, about a month or so from now...”
     “Sounds rather fishy,”  Alyce muttered.   “And what does the squatter get out of an arrangement like that, do you suppose?”
     “Well, a free place to squat comes to mind.  Piece of mind, knowing who the previous tenants were...no worries about boobie traps, for instance--”
     Alyce held up a hand, then turned to the silent garage.  “Get back to work,”  he roared, then turned his back on the laughing and renewed activity.  “Step into my office, or these idiots will never get done.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-05-16/0846:26>
@ Marco  Cain is late. And when he comes in he looks around, looking hard at all the men with dark hair.

@ Arc Blake responds, >>Package is safely delivered and glad to hear things went smoothly at your end. You should have your Christmas presents by this afternoon.<<

@ Tuskaloosa  Alyce heads into his office, a small room to the side that was all glass on the garage side. But, when they entered the silence was immediate. Alyce sits down at his desk, a small gnome sized affair that allowed three desks to be crammed into the small space. And from seeming nowhere Hatter comes from behind Tuskaloosa and hopping onto his desk lays across it. looking for all the worlds like he's having the time of his life. Alyce turns to Tusks and says, "I've a few conditions. One, no wild parties without us. Two, said wild parties have at least three kegs. Three, clean-up after said wild parties is all on you.". He looks you dead in the eye as he's saying this, the expression on his face the same deadpan your father had when he'd given you your bike after you'd broken your leg. Then Hatter pipes up, "First wild party must have hats! I've always wanted a party with hats! The wilder the better."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-05-16/1250:29>
Marco was Running again... all the way to the Krill and Chill. Running felt good - Marco was not good at it - not at all - but he was young and healthy.  Unlike in the monastery, in the city there were large spaces and he could just jog all he liked. It was fun and Marco felt a dash of freedom as there was nobody micro managing his time.  He thought "Why am I running? Sport ? Health? - no... I run because I can!." .

Despite his initial feelings, Marco was mildly turned on by the thought of three sexual and powerful ladies to entertain. It was not how they looked like - it was what they had - an illusion of power. Independent - perhaps it was the expirience Marco needed after Ginny. If for Marco's clients - a trip to the Barrens was sluming it - to Marco despite having no wealth it certainly felt like slumming it. The risk, the danger the feeling of potency for being able to approach these people and just speak his mind unarmed when they were sporting so many guns.  “ It seems like I am drawn to power - and love pleasing people.”  The fun thing about running is that after a few minutes Marco’s natural stamina was not enough to keep up this deep heavy thoughts and ten minutes in all he could think of was ‘breath in, breath out'...

Thirty minutes in was Marco's goal - the Krill and Chill and Marco felt like a victor when he entered. He pushed himself and ended the run. Despite being a cheap eatery - at least the food was not made out of soy.  To Marco, Soy food was a manifestation of everything evil in this world. "It is like Somebody took food stripped away every bit of passion from it until all that left was utility - all that left was processed soy..." Sure food processors saved time - but if Marco had more free time he'd simply cook more.  Krill and not soy, but it made little different as it was so heavily processed that the krill lost its own identity.

Marco ordered a drink and scouted the place for Cain,  when Cain was not found Marco took a table and enjoyed his drink.
Other people clearly thought that Krill was legitimate food they served there - but none of them seemed to actually treat the food. There was a family of five that did that at lunch - their conflicts and tensions were visible and the Krill seemed like their 'going out together' a choir to keep the family beast fed.  There was a nervous man - probably before some phone interview, he dined by himself and seemed to consume the food to get it over with. Then there was a teenager that was utterly and completely submerged in her com-link that she had no idea what it was that she was eating.  When Cain arrived Marco greeted him and said “I hope you are hungry, how do you feel ? Is everything alright?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-05-16/1330:40>
@ Marco  Cain looked relieved when Marco addressed him and slid into the booth. "Yeah, anytime I can get a good meal is a plus. I'll have the Ramen Road Kill with extra tofu and the extra spicy sauce." he says. "Glad you're finally meeting me. I've had a time keeping business going without product. You're lucky I know this business!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-05-16/1340:29>
@ Jed  Jed's comm rings with Mike's signal, and when he answers thankful that Snowden is busy repotting a Speckled Lizard Fern he finds Mike's got some good news for him. >>Hey, I've got some potentially good news for you. This last job I was on had me looking in a few places I don't normally visit. And there's a guy, names Enkidu, has a little place off of Fifty third by that old shoe warehouse. And he's a talismonger. Keeps the biz very much off the grid so he don't get trouble from nosy people. But, looks like a decent array of stuff. You know I don't know that side of the biz so you'd have to check it out. But, I know you been looking so I thought I'd let you know. Better than getting your wallet gouged out by the Keegans. Let me know when you want to drop by.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <02-05-16/1411:57>
Marco, I will definitely help you understand spirits more.  We come from different backgrounds, so it might be a little like a fish teaching a bird to swim, but I'd love to spend the time with you.  Besides, I owe you right now, maybe this will balance the scales.  I'm actually planning to bind a spirit soon, so you can join me and maybe it can help you figure things out.  .

As Jed was finishing the message to Marco, a message from Arc popped up in his feed.  No problem Arc, I'm confident that I can affect it, we just won't know how much.

[spoiler]Adding to this post later, some IC stuff for Jed.  Wanted to get response to group up.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-05-16/1540:51>
@Marco texted Jed ">>There is only one magical tradition - the real one and the rest is bits and pieces of truth obscured by a ages of no utility that made everything odd. Call me when you do that - and I'll come to see what I can figure out."  Marco thought with frustration - "And I'll see nothing at all - because I am blind. This frustration was his common feeling, it was with Marco for so long - that Marco could not remember himself not frustrated about his blindness. A flaw that made acquiring magical skills very difficult for him. Marco however knew how to calm his mind, and he took a deep breath - allowing the pain of frustration to overwhelm him and then as he released the air he allowed the pain to leave his body. Marco's next thought was crystal clear  Stay positive Marco, Bethoven could do wonderful music without hearing it. You can do magic without sensing it....  Marco have repeated this line like a mantra. This is how he acquired what little he knew and he got better at it, even without seeing. This time however, this old mantra made no sense at all.   Beethoven was not born deaf not at all - he gradually lost his hearing and was bitter from growing death, so bitter that he tried to end his own life. This is why he could do music, he had experience. 

Can I actually manipulate energies that I have never sensed? Does it make sense that I can shape a spell without looking at what I am doing? That I can reach out to the astral and find a spirit without being able to sense this world? Is it possible that I gradually lost my astral sight? My own stories makes little sense otherwise. I vividly remember Spirits telling me stories, comforting me when I was much younger - but I was not alone I had room mates. Is it possible that they ignored a supernatural entity? People find my spirits terrifying - how can that be? The only possible explanation was that the spirits did not manifest in the physical world, but how could I hear them if that was the case?  However, If I Could actually sense the astral -why did I lose my sight? "

A bit later with Cain Marco ordered a relatively minor abomination for himself. The name of the dish was 'a Dip from the Deep' and it was a rather tasty plate of finger food that felt apropriate to the conversation. Marco did not want anything that might get his clothes dirty.  Placing a bit of 'something' in an unidentified dip. Marco said "Thanks for not mentioning it, there were complication. I know nothing about cooking - and the cook took off I think he got paranoid. I am glad you know your trade, do you have any news about the other things ?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <02-05-16/1814:30>
Jed sees Marco's response and shakes his head.  Arrogant little prat.  No, young.  Just young.  Invincible, Infallible, and so very young.  He was going to have to open up his mind and adjust his view if he was going to fix his problem.  Jed had known a couple of Catholic Theurgists in his time, and their spirits usually manifested as angelic.  Marco calling them Daemons was unusual in Jed's experience.  Of course, he'd never known a Theurgist that grew up in a clandestine black ops training facility for the Vatican.  That should be enough to screw your view of the astral up all kinds of crazy. 


[spoiler]Gil, I think I know this.  Let me know if this is something I shouldn't know and I'll edit.  [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <02-05-16/1848:45>
     “Three-Keg minimum, two minute warning, first one has crazy hats.”  Tuskaloosa waited for a confirmation nod from Alyce before she continued.  “Who do I send party invites to?  Who might the local party crashers be?  Do kegs have to be different stuff, or would a Long-Island Tea Party be okay?”
     She turned to Hatter, but couldn't keep her own humor in check; she broke into a wide grin.  “And what would you consider a wild hat?  Is solid material a must, or would AR be enough?  BYOH, or do the hats need to be supplied?  And if supplied, who gets what hat?  Decided by lottery?  Crowd approval?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-05-16/2146:54>
As the messages came back, she couldn't help but laugh as she set the flavpacks down after reading the messages.  "Smooth my hoop....if that op was smooth, then I'm a knife-eared model.  Frag"  Turning to lean her back against the counter, she rubbed her temples as she shot a reply to Jed.

<<@Jed: Wiz bang, omae.  Stop by my place in the evening, I'll bring ya up to speed or something?  Should be free anytime after 16:00, will let you know.>>

Satisfied with that, she opted to hold off on messaging Blake again for a bit....and before she could resume her pallid breakfast, she was distracted by the crinkle of another strand of breaking hair.  Frag this..  Shoving her bowl down the counter, she ambled off to the bathroom.  Flicking the light on, she took a double take at her reflection.  "...Jaime would barely recognize me, frag...who's this ugly slitch.."  Her shiner had faded a bit but as very much there, and the right side of her head looked rather crispy from the fireball blast.  Her arms had some bruising and scrapes to them, and she felt sore at her ribs.  "...frag it"

Scrabbling through the drawers under her sink, the human pulled out what she was looking for: a simple electric hair cutter.  Checking the battery, she wiped off a clear portion of mirror before firing it up.  The sharp buzzing of the cutter echoed from the bathroom as she brought the tool to the right side of her head, where all the dead hairs were.  She winced a bit as the hair fell away, cutting the right side of her her head fairly short, leaving little earlocks and ending just over two inches above the ear.  Much of her control rig circuitry showed through the new cut, but she gave a little smirk.  "Not a bad look...I might keep it.."  Sighing, she cleaned up the sink, throwing the hair in the trash as she hopped in the shower, finally cleaning off the results of the previous night's events.

She exited about ten minutes later, toweling her head off as she went back to her breakfast...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-05-16/2344:40>
@ Cain  "I've watched like a hawk." Cain answers. "Mostly just party-goers. Almost no deals in the parking lot. Staff a bit more reliable than most clubs around here and they take fewer smoke breaks. Way more supply shipments than usual with a club so business must be really booming and tips have gotta be way better than average for staff to be so loyal. Cain shovels food in as fast as he can while he's talking, and almost chokes on a bite at the end. But, as soon as he's done he orders the Seaweed Soulfood platter, trying not to look at you as he does so, and as soon as he's done ordering he turns and begins speaking again. "But, they have guards at the basement entrance for every single shipment, so, almost no chance for a simple thief to get in and that's way unfriendly-like. Totally out of the spirit of the game." He says indignantly. "They've got at least three major players calling the shots over there. Just based on their vehicles. Do you want me to describe them for you." at Marco's assent Cain describes them, but, it's definitely not his talent. The second dish comes as he's finishes up the description and Cain tucks quickly into it. "Do you have any more questions? Anything else you want I should tell you?"

@ Arc  Jaime calls you, >>Babe, I ain't trying to ride caboose on you or anything, but, I haven't heard from you and thought I'd call and let my Vruk know I missed her.<< His voice sounds worried and tired.

@ Tuskaloosa  Alyce can't hide his grin any longer, "AZ179-88RT2-K7L58 is the comm code of our dead drop. You can leave the message there. And any kind of keg is a good keg so your pleasure as to the choice." Hatter crows, "Hats, hats, hats! Crowds should have hats!" Alyce looks at Hatter sadly and smiles, "Yeah Hatter, there'll be lots of hats." He looks at you, a tired expression suddenly on his face. "You heard the man. Lots of hats." He pauses then and the adds. "And if the garage is still here in a month or so I'll put a certain squatter to work again.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-06-16/0121:25>
Yelena sits on the bed with Firefly and lets her talk, adding nothing except for nods and faint noises to indicate that she was listening.  There is a lot to take in and Yelena knows she will need to hear it again, but now is for Firefly to talk.  And it seems that the process of ordering things and talking about them acts as a sort of catharsis, something that can help heal the young decker mage.  And if that means that Yelena stays silent, then so be it.

Eventually the girl just falls asleep and Yelena stays next to her, brushing her hair and looking at the sweet face.  Firefly was forced into this life at a very early age, but has demonstrated the guts and resolve to be here.  Yelena sits back against the wall and begins to think of a life with Marco.  She has already allowed herself to reconsider that love might be real and that she might actually feel it again.  And she has every expectation that this time it will work out.  Marco has issues, but then so does Yelena.  And he has offered to help her, to give her something more than what she has now.  She falls asleep dreaming of a life with Marco, something that will last............

Yelena is so exhausted that she sleeps through Arc coming in to shave her head and take a shower, not waking until Firefly stirs.  She pulls the girl's hair off her face and asks how she slept.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-06-16/0436:53>
Marco observes with astonishment as he is only half way through the dip and Cain already had seconds[color= blue]. "Poor thing is hungry... no other explanation." [/color] He thinks.
Then he say "tell me about the people the staff that takes 'smoke breaks' any of them nursing some darker habit?"  Marco intends to give Cain the chance to talk until he ordered enough. Another question that Marco has  is "and what about the suppliers? any pattern or familiar face there? "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-06-16/1223:27>
Arc toweled herself off as she exited the shower, her body feeling refreshed and (relatively) clean after everything that went down.  Checking herself in the mirror, she adjusted her hair to fit her new style, letting the locks flow to the one side of her head.  The circuitry of her rig accented well with her cybereyes, prompting her to give a little smirk as she wrapped the towel about herself.  Picking up her clothes, she crept into the bedroom and spotted her missing friends...fast asleep against each other.  She cracked a little smile as she made her moves quiet, stowing her dirty and or ruined clothes away and grabbing a clean shirt and pair of jeans to dress herself.

It was as she was leaving as the commcall came in, the image of a tired Jaime coming into her view.

@ Arc  Jaime calls you, >>Babe, I ain't trying to ride caboose on you or anything, but, I haven't heard from you and thought I'd call and let my Vruk know I missed her.<< His voice sounds worried and tired.

Her eyes widened a bit as her cheeks got a little flushed.  Answering, she brought up her image to him, allowing him to see her new hairstyle, able to conceal a bit of her shiner.  Flashing a little smile, she leaned back against the counter as she cleared her throat, forming her words quick before she responded.

"Hey, good morning babe.  Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't call you.  You know I was working late last night, and things just got kinda crazy.  Barely made it home before I crashed for the night.  I miss you too."  She paused a bit, looking to the side as she bit her lip.  "I'm fine though, your Vruk is fine.  Good news is that this job is just about done.  I've a meeting with Brotherton today, but I'll be over tonight?  Maybe I take care of dinner?"

She kept up this conversation as she finished prepping her breakfast, making a couple extra servings for the others, using up the remains of her cinnamon and sugar packs to sweeten the meal.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-06-16/1501:07>
@ Marco  Cain answers, "Yeah, all of them have habits. It's just kinda the way those clubs work ya' know." He says as he continues to quickly shovel food in his mouth. "You outta try this. They do it real good here." he tells you as he eats. Although how he can taste it as quickly as he's swallowing is a mystery. "Anyways, they work with all of the major restaurant food suppliers. But, they also have a company called 'OK Transports' that comes twice a week. That stuff is in large crates and goes in an out on a palette loader." He finishes his meal and says, "I can watch fer 'nother week fer ya iffn' ya want." He looks at you expectantly.

@ Arc  Jaime looks relieved, >>Hey, love the look babe. Glad your project is almost done. I'll see you tonight. Call me if you can't do dinner. I'll pick something up. And Henry said if we could come by tomorrow night it'd be great. He's got some new ideas he'd like to try out on your interface.<<

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-06-16/1519:08>
Arc smirked as she listened to him, visibly smiling as she touched her hair when it was commented on.  Throwing the soymeal into the microwave, she set the timer and let it cook as she responded to him.

"Why thanks.  Felt like a change or two, yknow?  Heh.  Yeah, I shouldn't have anything major until that job a couple weeks from now.  Will let you know if I can't pull dinner off..you saw what happened last time I cooked, haha.  I don't see why we can't go to Henry's, I'd love it.  See you tonight....love you"

She wasn't certain if her conversation was overheard, but she wasn't that worried about it as they hung up, her cheeks flushed as she looked off towards a section of wall.  That's going to take some getting used to, saying that...  She thought idly as she pulled the now hot bowls out of the microwave, mixing in the flavor packets as she hummed softly.

"...frag, I need to get some new wheels..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-06-16/1810:45>
Marco transfers 250 nuyen to Cain for expenses next week. At his current life style it should support him and his girl for a week with a little extra on the side.
He then said "You do that, it should pay for expenses. I'll verify your information and there will be more for you if it turns out useful. "  With that he is done and on his way to his next meeting, with Sophie.  To reach her Marco orders his limo service.

>>Sophie - on my way to pick you up kisses!

He then texted to Firefly >> Could you meet me right now? In spirit that is? GPS attached.
And then to Lady >> Dearest Lady, I want to make a meeting with some local factors that affect our renovation process -  When are you back in town? Inside the Limo Marco changes clothes to something more apropriate to down town - It feels good to wear some quality fabrics again.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-06-16/1827:12>
Firefly falls back asleep after stirring a bit.  Yelena brushes the hair from her face and traces the curve of her jaw with a finger and sighs.  Then, smelling soycaf and breakfast, she carefully gets out of bed and pads to the kitchen.  She comes up to Arc and hugs her.  "How Arc?  Oh.  Yelena like hair.  Very dramatic.  Think work for Yelena?  Yelena ask Marco later.  So, Yelena need know.  Think in love.  How know?  So different, but Marco say in love.  Yelena think in love, too."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-06-16/1843:57>
Arc turns herself around from the trio of bowls in front of her as she heard Yelena approaching.  Girl's sneaky even when she ain't trying to be.  Heh  Reaching, she wrapped her arms about the taller elf, wincing a bit at the embrace.  "Nnh, careful, still kinda sore.  You like it?  Good, cuz I ain't going back.  Didn't want burnt hair on me anymore, heh.  You?  Up to you, girly, been getting used to ya braid"  Grinning, she reached and grabbed one of the cups of soycaf, handing them to the Russian.

At the questions, the human paused, heading over to the couch and leaning against the back, chewing her lip in thought about how to answer it.  "Wow, just start the morning off with the heavy questions, don't ya?  Frag, Srui-ken...I don't even know if I'm the one to answer that..."  She thought about how she felt with Jaime, feeling her stomach do a little flip at the thought.  "Hrrm...you just...you just kinda know it when you are.  When even you're doing nothing, your thoughts drift to that person...you're missing them...it's like...ah, frag, this some poetic drek...but it's like your heart or some drek gave a piece of itself through an invisible jack.  And the only way you get it is if you with the one holding it...I unno...make sense?"

She was ignoring her caf as she said this, rolling the cup in her hands.  "...only thing I know for sure is that this slitch is out a ride, and gotta get up to south Snohomish by 13:00.  The things we do for the right thing eh?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-06-16/1858:02>
Yelena nods at the answer that is no answer as if it makes complete sense. After a few moments, she nods and says, "Yelena thank Srui-ken.  Arc use Scorpion for meeting.  Yelena use cab for spa.  Then Yelena go party with cab.  Yelena not good drive home after party."

"Maybe talk after club done.  Get other car.  Maybe nice van."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-06-16/2121:05>
The mechanic looked up at her friend, her blood sister, and gave a nod.  "ya don't need to thank me Srui.  Frag, the thought about being in love, it's kinda new to me too.  What a pair we make huh?"  she nodded at the plan, a hand checking her ribs and giving a nod.  "I think I can swing the bike.  Thanks for the offer."

She grew silent as the elf went over her plans...the human knew too well what she would be partaking in.  Looking uo, she sighed.  "Blake told me that our part with the Dust is pretty much done, and once Marco does his gig we will be fo sure.  We gonna get paid maybe today even.  So don't go crazy on me okay Srui?"  Arc's expression was serious as she finally took a drink of the cheap soycaf.  "this growing crew we got here needs you, and if we getting a van, I'm making Hella sure there's a spot for you.  Don't leAve it empty aight?"

She looked back towards the room, where the younger human girl still lay.  "she just went through hell with me.  Same as us with that mage.  But she's strong.  Think she will be aight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-06-16/2224:36>
Yelena nods.  "Srui not worry.  Yelena be here at end.  Yelena go Poland.  Decker mage be good, Srui.  Girl young but tough."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-06-16/2342:39>
@ Marco  Cain looks at him, eyes widening a bit and then he smiles, a greedy smile. "Yes, I'll get you everything." He leaves quickly.

Sophie is pleased to see him and slides easily into the limosine, "Marco! Sweetie! This is lovely! I've had so many fun ideas about dressing you." She kisses Marco and then spends the next half hour going over ideas with him and then the next three hours paying attention to every detail of his clothing making sure he looks immaculate.

The Lady sends a reply through the dead drop that Marco receives later that evening. >>I will be back at the end of the week. I'm glad all is safe now and I'm looking forward to seeing how the renovations are coming along.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-07-16/0540:57>
Marco is happy to meet Sophie. That was new, most of the time he was happy to meet her but it was never casual to Marco. He had to study every bit of her quirks and adjust his own personality to match what Sophie expected. She was a perfectionist and when they first met she gave Marco a list a very long list with the things she wanted. Following her lead, Marco managed to satisfy her - almost.  Then came Yelena and took Marco off balance by getting shot at in the middle of his date. Marco’s emotional control was briefly broken and Sophie caught a glimpse as to who Marco really was.

A shadowrunner? Atleast someone with friends that can get shot at the Barrens. Marco is enjoying himself with Sophie, he feels closer to her since the last time they met. It is just that once boundaries were crossed he is uncertain about the actual nature of their relationship. For example this afternoon is entirely focused at Marco and his needs - almost like an actual girlfriend would behave. Sophie and the clerks at the stores find Marco quite knowledgeable about Fashion and fabric a cuts. Marco is not aiming at his own taste - he tries to pick something that would also be a good match for his mark. Still, that afternoon was as close as Marco’s life get to ‘real’. Marco had so much fun that he actually spent more than the 10k Blake allocated to expenses, but it was fun.

The day got Marco to discover a thing about him, he liked expensive suits they made him feel better about himself. Stronger, with more confident and they made other people look at him differently. Getting your way seemed easier when you could afford a 5k nuyen suit and buy it in such a casual and natural manner as if money did not matter. As if, the only goal for such an expensive suit was to have some fun.

After the suit came a brand new and expensive comlink, a Transsys Avalon - improved firewall and data processing - whatever these things meant. It had very esthetic bottoms that felt good to the touch, supported AR gestures and could sync with his contact lists. This much Marco could understand. He was not happy to be such an idiot - a rich idiot by the appearance of it and he wanted to study a bit about computers.

There was a solution actually, tutorsofts and with his brand new comlink supported the best kind of tutorsofts, with a funky trid projector to display an actual interactive teacher.
Marco in an urge of shopping quickly purchased 6 tutorsofts of the most advanced kind: Sneaking, Gymnastics, Perception, Computers, Pilot aircraft and Cosmetics their price was: 14,400 nuyen and along with the comlink it was almost 20k nuyen purchase - just like that because Marco could having money felt so good - to bad it was just an illusion.

Marco negotiated on the price - still it was a very big purchase and tried to get a discount.
[spoiler] Negotiation (http://orokos.com/roll/370599): 15d6t5 5 [/spoiler]


When they were finally done Marco said to Sophie “Wow - it felt so much fun. I wish I could afford it all the time. I get to learn how to pilot airplanes, use makeup, notice things jump around, computers - they got tutorsofts for everything! So much fun, I never had the chance to actually study these things. Before we can go out, we need a tailor tough - there are some modifications I require.”

Luckily Marco’s measurements were similar to these of his mark and he used a dash of magic to make them a bit more similar in a manner that would not be immediately obvious.  Marco did not want to look exactly like his mark and therefore few adjustments were to be made, but it felt safer that way. In case anyone snoop around for a suit brought with the exact measurements of the mark. Cesare’s shop was nothing but a small one located in the parking lot of a mall, where rent was cheaper. There were few people in when Marco and Sophie arrive and Cesare is with them on the spot. Marco enters the changing chamber and changes his body with magic while inside to the exact measurements of the mark.


[spoiler]
How well - Marco knows what kind of things he should wear for the job.
Fashion knowledge skill (http://orokos.com/roll/370589): 7d6t5 4
to change his body to the mark and tailor the suit accordingly, make it fit well.
physical mask (http://orokos.com/roll/370603): 12d6t5 3
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/370602): 11d6t5 4

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-07-16/1214:18>
Yelena eats breakfast in companionable silence then helps clean up before returning to the bedroom.  The decker is still asleep and Yelena's heart goes out to her.  The girl has had a large shock and a horrible night.  Yelena showers quickly as she wants to leave a little water for Firefly.  For a few moments, her mind slips to Marco's suite and the limitless hot water ration he has.  When finished and getting dressed, she composes a text to send to Firefly.  >>Decker mage.  Is Yelena.  Firefly sleeping and Yelena needs to leave for day.  We talk when get home.  Yelena want tell decker mage she becoming true runner in shadows.  Firefly already know life not fair.  But shadow life less fair yet.  Most not survive.  Harsh life.  Harsh reality.  Quick death.  Evil people. Evil demons.  Life can be short here.  Decker mage must see runner life as is.  Not nice place.  Bad things happen.  Firefly is strong.  Must be stronger.  You can do this if want enough.  We talk later.<<

By the time she has finished the message she has already told arc goodbye and left the building to walk to the nearest cab stand.  She frets over the message during the walk, editing it a bit and completely unsure how to get her point across.  The girl needs confirmation, but she also does not need coddling.  Coddling brings a quick death in the shadows and will not help Firefly.  Still not certain that she has worded it correctly, she sends the message as a cab pulls up.  She gives the address to the spa and slots her credstick before sitting back to enjoy the ride and consider the evening ahead of her.  She files the events of the previous evening away for later and focuses on the pleasures to come, allowing her body to adjust to a party mode.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-07-16/1225:41>
@ Marco  It was a powerful, heady feeling having everyone listening to everything you wanted, giving you everything you wanted and eager to please you. And Sophie, aggressive, perfectionist Sophie was impressed. Marco could tell she saw him in a new light, not as an equal, perhaps never that, but, definitely more desirable. He could tell she was more attracted to him as a strong, confident man than she had ever been as a pleasure 'bot catering to her every need. She smiled at him as she looked him up and down on the way to Cesares' in the limousine. "I'm looking forward to our massage. As good as you look in those clothes, you look even better out of them." Cesare was quick, and very impressed with Marco's new suit. "This is beautiful fabric Marco. And looks good on you. But, I will make it look great. When I am done, everyone will think you had this hand made to your measurements." He works quickly. With what you're paying him for the rush job on this suit he's cleared his schedule to make sure he could meet your needs. And when you come out, no one could tell the difference between you and your mark.

@ Tuskaloosa  Chesh pokes her head into the office. "Oy, last load and I could use a bit of muscle." Alyce grins at Chesh and says, "And you talk about me abusing the girl!" Looking back at Tusks he says, "You ready for you're last job as a strong back and a weak mind?" At her assent they all head out and finish getting the last load off. Chesh gives her a brief hug and says, "Thanks, and thanks for being honest about the threat and not leaving us to hang. See you in a month, maybe."

@ Yelena  The torturous treatments that are known as 'a spa day' remind Yelena of the pain she will experience tonight, and the drugs that will make her more than pliant and willing to experience more, and her body trembles with need and desire.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-07-16/1244:41>
Yelena submits to the beauty treatments, putting herself in the hands of the personal masseuse that Bella's husband had arranged for her.  She finds some of the regimen to be quite nice and soothing while others seem to be a waste of time and others just downright painful.  Her compartmentalized mind is focused on the party and she allows her will to lapse and accept that drugs will be involved.  Precious, life-sustaining drugs that will help her get through the night.  Already her body is humming to the need and she soothes that need with promises to her body of getting high as soon as possible.  The thought of having sex with the men brings up the question of whether there will be other people there.  It certainly promises to be an extraordinary night.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-07-16/1254:17>
As Arc ate, she idly thought about how much better food she has had over the past week or so...especially from Henry and his family's place.  Still, it was some form of nourishment, so she wasn't going to complain.  Finishing up, she took the empty bowls and cups from her friend and hastily washed them up, taking her time to do so...no sense in overexerting her already taxed body.  As Yelena went to shower, Arc nodded and exchanged a look with her...while cybereyes made reading expressions difficult, it was clear that Arc was justifiably concerned for her Srui'ken, but wasn't going to say anything more on it.

Alone, Arc checked her time and figured she would have to take off.  I don't want to leave Firefly alone...but if she's gonna sleep I'll let her sleep.  Okay, I'll give her an hour if she wants to tag along, otherwise I'm gonna have to kip out  Slipping on her synthleather jacket, she plopped a seat on the couch and killed her time with some tridwork, letting Firefly sleep.

If she didn't wake and wanted to come with, Arc would leave this message.  <<Firefly, Arc here.  Had to go to an appt.  Should be back in a few hours, sit tight>> And would leave the note in a datastick beside the human girl.

Regardless if the decker woke or not, Arc would get on the Scorpion and take it easy, letting the autopilot guide her up to her destination in Snohomish.  The timing was good...post work rush, pre-lunch hour.  Plenty of good space and not a lot of traffic.  Arriving, Arc would not the pristine nature of the little clinic...at least on the interior.  Approaching the receptionist, the mechanic cleared her throat as she spoke up.  "Hi, I'm Lauren Summers, I believe I have an appointment here?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-07-16/1417:01>
Yelena is relaxing with her eyes closed in the spa's hot tub when the masseuse comes in and kneels down near her.  She puts her lips close to Yelena's ear and whispers, "Your dress has arrived.  It is very beautiful and you will look extraordinary in it.  Truly extraordinary.  It is waiting for when you are ready."

The pretty woman stands and leaves the room, leaving Yelena to luxuriate in the heated water as it pulses about her body.  Soon, though, Yelena rises from the pool and towels off.  Slipping into the soft robe provided her, she pads out of the room and down the hall to a private dressing room.  The dress is hung so as to catch her eyes as she enters.  It is not a cheongsam, but it is beautiful nevertheless and its color perfectly matches her hair and complexion.  She walks around it, noting how it hangs and flows almost as if it has no seams.  The masseuse knocks and enters the room, commenting on how gorgeous the dress is.  Yelena steps out of the robe and into the dress, eschewing any sort of underwear as superfluous and a distraction to the dress.  Once the dress is on, she turns about in front of the mirror.  She has never worn any dress as nice as this one.  It fits her perfectly, as if designed specifically for her, and she expects that Bella's husband, Frank, had somehow managed to get her measurements during one of their trysts.  The masseuse brushes Yelena's long hair and says, "Your friend must like you a great deal.  Are you close?"

Yelena considers her answer before saying, "Yes.  Is close.  Is friend's husband."

"Ah.  This is a nice gift from the husband of a friend."

Yelena chuckles a bit.  "Is because Yelena very good at sex  Friend husband like sex with Yelena very much."

"Then the more power to you.  You go, girl.  Get what you can while you can is my motto.  Although I wish I had a friend's husband that gave me presents like this."

Both women laugh and Yelena is led out of the dressing room to have her makeup done.  Soon after, she looks in the mirror in amazement.  The artist had applied just enough to emphasize Yelena's natural beauty and the dress.  Smiling, Yelena nods and thanks everyone.  She is told that a limousine is waiting to take her away and she leaves the spa, slipping into the large automobile through the door held open by the chauffeur.  The limo pulls smoothly away from the curb and onto the street, headed for the Stardust.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-07-16/2315:24>
Yelena allows the chauffeur to open her door and assist her out of the limousine.  She stands on the curb at the priority entrance for a few moments, realizing that this may be her last visit here.  Part of her is glad that the criminal element will be taken down, but she is strangely saddened that a lot of innocent people will lose jobs and hopes that other investors will be able to pick up the club and keep it going.  In some manner, she wishes that........shaking her head she sends an encrypted text to a man she barely knows.  >>Blake.  Is Yelena.  We barely know each other.  Yelena has question.  Yelena sad for jobs lost at club.  Can government own club?  Yelena need job after finish something private.  Maybe run club for you with friends?  Please think about.<<

Yelena walks confidently up the ramp to the secluded VIP entrance and presents her ID to the bouncers, who check her name against a list before running a scan across her and letting her into the club.  A short walk later and Yelena is standing in front of the hostess, who welcomes her.  "Welcome, Miss Yelena.  I trust you are doing well this evening?"

"Yelena well.  Thank for asking.  Yelena is expected."

"Indeed you are.  Walter here will escort you to your room.  Be careful, please."

Yelena nods at the thinly veiled reference to her last visit and follows Walter to the private room to find that Frank is already there, but no one else yet.  Yelena allows him to take her stole and asks about Bella.  Frank looks genuinely concerned as he says that Bella is doing as well as she can, but they will not allow him to visit her yet.  When he turns back to Yelena, she puts her arms around his neck and kisses him.  He is taken by surprise for a moment, but recovers nicely, returning her kiss and letting his hands roam across her torso, eliciting small moans of pleasure from her.  She turns in his arms to present her back to him.  "Zipper, please.  Yelena not want ruin dress."

Frank unzips the gorgeous dress and helps her step from it, admiring the view of the pretty and sensuous Keeb.  He hangs the gown on the rack and takes her in his arms again.  She holds tightly to him and whispers, "Yelena not need drugs or vodka for this.  Frank make love to Yelena?  Just you and Yelena this time."

Surprised by the request, Frank bends to kiss her then picks her up and carries her to the large settee in the room and makes love to the woman in his arms.  The sex is not fueled by drugs or alcohol and is as real as possible.  At some point he begins crying huge tears that fall onto her breasts.  She reaches up to wipe them away and tell him it is alright to cry and to feel pain, at which he stops his actions and looks at her before continuing.  The sex is passionate and tender and both orgasm in immense waves that last for several minutes.  Both cry out in the pleasure of true emotion and Frank collapses on top of Yelena.  Frank looks at Yelena with a strange light in his eyes.  "Who are you and where is Yelena?"

Yelena reaches a hand to his face and tenderly traces his firm jaw.  "Yelena here.  Is real Yelena.  Yelena feel call of drugs in room.  Body want drugs desperate.  Body need drugs.  But not real Yelena.  Want Frank see real Yelena before drug control body and mind.  Want Frank make love Yelena before drugs.  Yelena need help.  Drugs very strong, but not real Yelena.  Frank kiss and touch and love Yelena before drugs.  Please?"

The man lowers his face to Yelena's and begins kissing her entire body, spending much time tasting her and pleasing her before recovering and mounting her again in a sexually pleasing and passionate manner that produces even greater cries from her than the first time.  This time it is Yelena who starts crying first.  This is real and she knows it will soon end in a drug and alcohol fueled daze as she has sex with anyone who comes near her.  She weeps for her lost childhood, for the people she has killed, for the people she has loved, for everything that will soon mean nothing to her as she feeds the monster that is her addiction.  A thought passes through her mind that the drugs here can be taken in such quantities as to render her to the shadow one last time.  That thought is tempting; so very tempting.  All her troubles over.  The great evil in the world that is Yelena Petrovna gone in a near instant.  Not the painful death she deserves or has expected for decades, but a quiet end and a cheat to the demons who haunt what little is left of her soul.  Something deep inside her begs for this release from her life, from all she has done and will continue to do to others.  For the first time in sixty years she sees the face of Father Koraly.  The priest is sitting with her in the small hiding space that is her home in the church.  She is three years old and he is reading to her from the bible, his Russian thick with the accent of his native Ukraine.  She has not thought for many years of the man who took her in and gave her life and a home for the first three years of her life. Certainly she has never seen his face so clearly before as he reads to her of the sin of taking a life.  And she has sinned many, many times in just that fashion.  And other sins pile upon that one, more sins than any one person has a right to commit.  Her heart is near to exploding as she hears the words of the commandments.  She will never be worthy of any sort of forgiveness, even if she believed in any sort of a just God. 

And she is tired; so very tired.  Tired of a life of emptiness and without meaning.  She has killed hundreds of people and the tree on her back bears witness to that.  She has murdered, oh has she murdered.  Her thoughts go to Marco.  Dear, sweet Marco.  He is clearly not meant for the shadows yet, but would allow himself to be drug there for his love for a broken woman with no soul left.  Her death would release him of that choice and he could return to his life.  His much safer life.  He deserves so much more than Yelena the Murderer.  She would not bring him happiness, but only confrontation, sorrow, and misery as he tried to mold himself to what he thinks she needs.  And she would let him do that for her.  No, is it not time for this to end?  A few of the right pills mixed with the alcohol here would do it.  The resolution made, she cries more tears, this time for the knowledge that it will all be done.  Yelena opens her eyes to look into the face of a man she could love but does not and her thoughts go out to the man she does love.  To him she composes a quick text and times it to be sent to him in four hours, which should make it impossible for him to rush to her and try to save her should he intuitively divine what she means to do.  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  I love you......just in case.  Be you always.<<

Setting the text, Yelena smiles up into the face of the man in her arms and begs him to make love to her again.  She can already feel the siren call of the drugs and the vodka and wants one more time with her surrogate for the man she loves enough to not burden him with her evil.  The man obeys.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <02-08-16/1319:24>
Firefly awakes to an empty garage, but reviewing the messages left her it makes sense.  It isn't hard to find a small space-saver washer machine and she sets her jumpsuit, hijab, and abaya up to wash along with the sweats she'd picked up at the stuffer shack last night.  Picking out a nondescript pair of sweats and borrowing a clean par of Arc's underwear, she slips into the shower and enjoys a greatly appreciated luxurious rinse off.  Emerging with clean hair and skin, she quickly dresses and settles into a much delayed but heartfelt round of prayers.  Please forgive your wayward child, Allah, she prays in addition to the prescribed words.  My world is changing and I fear I will be asking such forgiveness more and more.

With her guilt only partially assuaged, she settles onto the bed she shares with Arc and resumes diving through the collected data stored in her deck.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-08-16/2357:58>
The day is seems as though it's a reprieve for everyone. A chance to catch their breathe after the events of the night before. And the night sees Yelena in a drug induced haze of every pleasure, pain and vice that could be inflicted on a metahuman body. And the drugs, so intense, so much better than anything she's ever had before. It's not just the high, but, every one of the custom made drugs the club specialized in seemed to leave her better, more energized, more ready to enjoy the next pleasure, or pain in a way nothing had ever done before.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-09-16/0003:21>
@ Arc  Samuel Brothertons office was very discrete. And she was the only one there. Talking to him he asked her more questions than a doctor, a priest and a bartender had any right to know. But, she answered them. His dry, clinical manner giving no indication of pleasure, or concern from some of the abuses her body had suffered. Finally done with the extensive and exhaustive history he said, "I specialize in adaptations specifically made for your body. And I can grow limbs and devices that would fool all but the most exacting scans. But, all of that comes with a price. What is it specifically that you want Miss Sommers?"
 
@ Yelena  At some point during the evening Blakes reply came through, but by then Yelena was enjoying, and being enjoyed far to thoroughly to make sense of anything that wasn't the next rush of pleasure. >>Yelena, I can run that idea by a guy in charge of this territory. But, I don't know if he'd be interested. But, I'm willing to bet that after the bust the club could be had for a song once all the red tape is cleared up. I'm betting you could leverage your pay from this job into a down payment and be the clubs new owner if that's what you'd like.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-09-16/0036:47>
Arc did her best to keep herself calm through the whole deal, but she could still feel the tinge of redness color her cheeks as she sat in the room while the doctor examined and questioned her.  She kept her answers simple and to the point...he seemed to prefer things that way even as he removed her shirt, letting him examine the point where her cyberarm connected to the rest of her body.  A polite smile remained on her features as she explained who she was.

A local to the Barrens.  A self-employed mechanic on her own.  Eyes were lost in a fire a long time ago.  Arm was lost fighting off the blood mage that was in the news.  The current injuries were pertaining to an accident on the job, but nothing was serious.  Yes, she is sexually active, with one partner (Why the frag does he need to KNOW that?!).

When the exam finally seemed done, Arc was partially curious as to how the eccentric doctor viewed his patient at this point, but listened intently to his terms and offers.  Taking a breath, she gave a nod as she tried to form the words in her mind.

"It seems like you offer much, and I can certainly think of a few ideas that I may wish to contact you about in the future.  But for now, there is a particular thing or two I am looking for."  She recalled her research she had performed some time ago as she worked up her answer.  "The first and foremost is for my work, and that is a sleep regulator.  My workload is not getting any lighter, and having more time in the day to handle things would go a long way.  I'm aware of the time it takes to set that up, and I'm willing to wait.  And I can afford the price, that is null sweat."  She offered a smile and a nod of affirmation before continuing.

"The second is...probably simpler and more personal.  Cosmetic, I think is the word.  I spent most of my teen and tween years raised around..well, not humans, and feel like I identify more with those I grew up around.  Would it be possible to outfit a small pair of tusk implants on me?  I have the nuyen in hand to have it done now, if possible...I know my partner would love it"  she trailed off with a tinge to her cheeks as she awaited the answer.

Doctors...rooms...first time I've been in some kinda fraggin' room like this since the hospital...and this is the second time I've chosen to put drek in me.  Heh.  It's my choice though.  That feels good.  In a spare moment, Arc went ahead and fired off a shared text message to her human and troll friends..knowing that Marco and Yelena were currently busy.

<<@Tuskaloosa, Firefly: Arc here.  I'm spending tonight with my Vruk, but I should be okay to get back to work tomorrow I think.  I'm making dinner for him too, but need some practice.  Feel like being guinea pigs in a few hours? :) >>

Sending that, she focused her attention to the matter of fact doctor, to see what his answers were....
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-09-16/1215:57>
@ Arc Dr Brotherton doesn't so much as a bat an eye at either of Arc's requests. "The sleep regulator is easy. But, I'll need to run a battery of tests to determine your bodies needs as well as identify any factors for rejection by your body. I'll need approximately two days with you. The first will be some simple lab work and scans and you may go home afterwards. The second will be to implant the device and then I will keep you and you will go through a series of activities that include sleep and wakefulness as we fine tune the device to your body and teach you how to use it. Those days can be scheduled apart. But, not more than a week apart is my preference and more than a month and I will repeat the lab work. The second request has two options. I can implant a set of porcelain tusks, or a set of tusks special grown for you. But, either one will take time as we will need to match your tooth color. We will pull two teeth on either side to make room for the tusks and you will be required to wear a prosthetic in order to maintain a healthy socket. The process will take one to two weeks depending on which option you choose." He looks at you waiting for your answer.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-09-16/1744:56>
Arc listened intently to the explanations of the procedures that she will have to go through, nodding in understanding to some of the commitments she would have to make.  When all was said and done, she paused for just a minute as she thought of the time line in the not too far future.  When she spoke up, she spoke with a clarity she had learned to develop when around the "civvies."

"The options and needs to make this happen sound reasonable.  I admit I would rather go for the special grown option if it is possible, Doctor.  That way it would feel pretty real, yknow?  Now for the time deal.  I'm going out of town on the 27th to help a friend move.  It's gonna be for a while, but from what you are saying, that should be far enough ahead to make all this work right?  I'm fine with all the tests too...so I would say if we can, let's get down to it, yeah?  Get the initial tests done, then i can come back later this week"

In a more sour mood, Arc may find herself regretting that decision.  For after she committed to both procedures, she next found herself dressed down into an examination gown and gotten straight into testing.   Every type of sample she could have given she did, though that was fine...she had been accustomed to the sight of blood.  Eyes blinking idly, she grimaced as she was poked and prodded, her organs and vitals scanned, weight measured, vitals checked, and other things she didn't even understand.

And that is where her curiosity kicked in.  She carefully paid attention during each test, asking questions about what each test meant and what the results meant about her own body and health.  Even if her questions were unanswered, still she asked.  The time ticked as she went through everything Brotherton had to go through with her, and by the time she came out of a head scanner, it was already well into the afternoon...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-09-16/1909:03>
@ Arc  The tech doing her tests did her best to answer Arc's questions. But, when it came to answering what the test meant in terms of her health she began deferring to Dr. Brotherton. Each time he came in to answer Arc's questions he answered them thoroughly and patiently, first using the technical term and then explaining what that meant. The terms were still technical to Arc. But, he had several good AR diagrams and downloaded a few files for her to review at home. His manner was dry and humorless. But towards the end of the session he told her. "I'm glad you're taking your health and these procedures seriously. No medical procedure is without risk. Not even supposedly cosmetic ones, and that tells me you're far more likely to listen to my instructions regarding your care afterwards and have a much better outcome." When the tests were finished the tech downloaded a few more files with instructions for her for the day before the procedure.And then looked at her and said. "Mostly what you have to know is, no 'caf, no alcohol, no smoking, no drugs for seventy-two hours before the procedure. And the night before the procedure no eating after midnight and only water until four hours before and then nothing. Make sure you drink plenty of water for the three days prior as well. For the tusks it's best if you get your teeth professionally cleaned a few days before the implant." Arc answered, "Frag! And I thought the hospital was bad!" She laughed then, feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and glad she could finally go home.

@ Subaru  It was a quiet day going through the info. The rest and steadying influence of dealing with pure data was a much needed respite. Subaru found herself falling asleep more than once and woke up hungry towards the late afternoon. Going into Arcs' kitchen she found it fairly bare, but, she could scrounge enough things to make a half a sandwich and a protein bar. But, it wouldn't exactly be halal. Her stomach growled and tightened, feeling for all the world like it was trying to eat her spine she was so hungry. Well, if it's not halal anyway, might as well order a pizza . . . .

@ Tuskaloosa  The garage was so quiet after The Munchkin Mashup left. And for a moment it felt odd. And then as she looked around, back in an empty garage again, it felt like home. The Mashup hadn't taken everything. Just the most valuable and essential tools, most of which were in rolling toolboxes anyway. But, the ceiling mounted pulley, the wall mounted torch, the floor lift was all still there. And the smell. The smell of a garage. It was one of the earliest scents of Tusks childhood. And the scent she looked forward to anytime she went back home. And they'd left a few tools scattered around. Tuskaloosa went about straightening things up. It was all hers for a month. Hmmmmm, with the things they left, and all this space, it'd be easy to pick up a few more tools and do the work on my bike here. Her stomach growled loudly then, reminding her that it had been far to many hours since she'd eaten.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-09-16/1949:51>
@ Marco  It was a powerful, heady feeling having everyone listening to everything you wanted, giving you everything you wanted and eager to please you. And Sophie, aggressive, perfectionist Sophie was impressed. Marco could tell she saw him in a new light, not as an equal, perhaps never that, but, definitely more desirable. He could tell she was more attracted to him as a strong, confident man than she had ever been as a pleasure 'bot catering to her every need. She smiled at him as she looked him up and down on the way to Cesares' in the limousine. "I'm looking forward to our massage. As good as you look in those clothes, you look even better out of them." Cesare was quick, and very impressed with Marco's new suit. "This is beautiful fabric Marco. And looks good on you. But, I will make it look great. When I am done, everyone will think you had this hand made to your measurements." He works quickly. With what you're paying him for the rush job on this suit he's cleared his schedule to make sure he could meet your needs. And when you come out, no one could tell the difference between you and your mark.
Marco answers to Sophie “Patience gorgeous, you are going to see plenty of me tonight I count on you to release every bit of tension I have.” He kiss her passionately and enters the tailor shop.

It was odd, but Sophie's reaction despite being against everything that Marco beleived in about people sort of made sense to Marco. Afterall, he himself would have been happier with a powerful woman like Yelena, like Sophie than with someone as weak as Ginny where he has to constantly consider what to say fearing she might blow up.

Still - until recently Marco believed that people knew what they wanted - they might be ashamed to admit it - but deep down they know. Sophie had no idea that this was what she wanted - as odd as that sound. “Did I ever understood people ? or did my charm just make up my complete lack of understanding of people and their motivations? How could I understand people when my life circumstances are so unusual?”  

Still this evening was unusual - as for the first time - it was not about Sophie it was about Marco - he wanted her to be the thoughtful and sensitive girlfriend and she was... As real as it could be considering - well considering Marco sort of had a girlfriend. “Will Yelena ever accept me? How I do not even understand my own sexuality - gay straight ? boy girl? it is all mixed up I seem to enjoy almost every sexual identity I can come up with. I have never encountered anyone with quite the same view toward sexuality as myself.”


Back in the limo - Marco could start enjoying himself, and Sophie and he enjoyed teasing her - slowly charging her up.  For Marco this entire day was one big foreplay and he would not let Sophie of the hook without enjoying some truly incredible sex at the evening. After their last date - he felt closer to her and it made her company so much more enjoyable.

Marco reassured himself that he had everything ready for tomorrow and the best he could do tonight is enjoy himself. He have never before even considered the possiblity that an evening with Sophie is going to be relaxing. She had an endless list of whims to memorize and Marco had to prepare for a long time before meeting her. However, Marco felt that despite everything he did.  Despite reading her mind and memorizing her preferences and her opinions, despite that, he was only beginning to know her. Magic, mind reading and telepathy were only obsticles in knowing her. Tough in a way he would not have met her had she been intrigued by his capabilities to begin with. Sophie did not know herself what she really wanted and no amount of mojo was going to change that.

Striping before the massage Marco gave Sophie a lasting look and then lost himself to the touch to the pleasure of having a professional working on his back. Being in the same room he enjoys Sophie's small moans and the masseuse had soft but small hands and subconsciously Marco wished for an orc or at least someone more muscular that could really fix him.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-09-16/2222:21>
@ Marco  With his new insight into Sophie Marco played the strong, confident, demanding lover. And watched a new facet of her personality open up to him. Judging from a few stray looks it came as a bit of a surprise to Sophie as well. And Marco withheld the mind-link spell, seeing how far he could push himself and her in this new direction. Sophie seemed not to want the spell either, preferring instead to just respond. It had been an enjoyable and exhausting evening. For all Sophie's perfectionism and demands she'd never been a very adventurous or imaginative client. Tonight Marco pushed her into meeting his demands, even putting cuffs on her to emphasis that he was in control. It made her very nervous, being so vulnerable, and Marco decided that a crop or anything further would have her shutting down again. Besides, it really wasn't him anyway. Anytime a client had wanted that it had taken a lot of self-control on Marco's part to actually carry through with it. But, tonight was about pushing Sophie, letting her see herself as a far more sexual and sensual creature than she'd ever been before. And it was about him as well, in pushing Sophie he was allowing himself to demand more, to make sure his own needs were met. Later, as he relaxed with Sophie wrapped around him, exhausted and languorous, he realized it was the first time he'd allowed himself to have needs since Shilla. She'd taught him that he had needs, and she'd met every one. She'd demanded that he think more of himself. And he'd opened himself up to her as he had to no one else. Only to be blackmailed and turned into her tool. He'd grown afraid of exposing himself after that. Afraid of what his own needs could drive him to do, and he'd pushed them away. He'd become more firmly the professional escort, seeing only to his clients needs, never his own. But, that was wrong. In doing that, he'd denied his core self.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-10-16/0126:50>
"Ah, frag, and here I thought the hospital was bad.."  Arc's honest and blunt reaction to the restrictions leading up to the procedure at the very least elicited a small smirk from the tech performing the tests.  But finally, it seemed like everything was done, Arc filing away the virtual files of her reading material as she redressed herself, taking a bit of care with her ribs as she did so.  Turning to the doctor, she gave a nod and a smile at his comments on her seriousness.  "Trust me, I have had enough done to me to respect it if I can help it.  Null sweat.  Let's say that we have everything put in place for Friday? I think I can get everything set up and done on my end by then.  Thank you, Doctor"  she offered out a hand to shake before following the tech to the front, filing away the information and paying for the appointment before leaving, hopping on the bike to rejoin the road.

Next stop, groceries.

As she let the autopilot guide her to a local place to buy foodstuffs, she went back over the test results she got to take home, pulling the file up to read it while the bike followed the traffic.

Test Results For
LANA SUMMERS
Height: 154 cm       Weight: 70 kg (Class: Overweight)
Heart condition: acceptable.  76 bpm at rest, regular.
Blood Pressure: 142/89.  Moderately high, indicators of high stress and/or poor diet.
Lungs: 18 breaths/m at rest.  82% efficiency.  Evidence of smoke inhalation damage apparent
Metabolic functions: 86% efficiency.  Consistent with moderate alcohol consumption
Brain Function: Nominal.  Implanted cybernetics and optics test negative for neural interference
Body Integrity: signs of stress apparent.  Attachment of cybernetic limb sound.

Overall result: acceptable for bio-implant procedure.  Advise review of lifestyle to improve health conditions.


Pfft....if they could see some of the hoops in my neck of the hood, they'd put this slitch on magazines for health.  Drek, man   Shaking her head, she stowed away the files, promising herself she would study them more in the coming days..along with how to use that medkit she got.  That could come in handy, and it didn't seem too difficult in her mind to figure out.  But now, her attention was on her next challenge: shopping for dinner.

....I'd rather take on a warehouse of gangers again..

Grabbing a small cart, she warily eyed the "civvies" as she went down the aisles, taking in the various stuffs.  She was sure a few glances went her way too, but she ignored it for the most part, focusing on the task at hand.  She wasn't fooled..most of the stuff she was seeing was still processed drek, meant to feed the masses.  The only difference was she had a feeling most of this drek actually tasted good.  Pulling up her search browser ARO, the short mechanic looked up a few simple meals she could try...  Huh...mac and cheese with some beef don't seem bad...  Using the ARO guides of the store aisles, she found what she was looking for without much effort...and some stuff she wasn't intending to get, like a box of red hair dye that made her grin a little at the thought of it.   Ringing up at the automated cashier, she bagged up her foodstuffs and loaded them up back onto the bike, headed for the garage.

When she came in, she pulled the bike into the empty bay, a pang of memory of losing her car recalling and stunning her for a moment. Shaking it off, she shut the garage door before heading in.  "Hoi, anybody home?  I'll have food up in about thirty!  ...I hope"  Setting the bags on the counter, she cleared off enough space to work, setting some water in a pot to boil, warming a pan next to it for the meat product... Well, here goes nothing...wonder where everyone is...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <02-11-16/0208:40>
As Jed sat watching Joshua working around the botanical garden, he realized that this attachment of Joshua to himself turned out to be a benefit rather than just an annoyance.    I was supposed to help him remember what it was to have human relationships, and its really done as much for me to have one.  Something about sharing living space with another person...stretches...you in ways that spending time with people outside of your home does not.  Tolerating the imposition on your personal space, but also having another living, breathing human nearby, sharing meals, talking.  He was helping, but also being helped. 

Maybe he could help Marco.  The young man seemed to have a grip on who he is and what he wants, but Jed couldn't understand him at all.  Although Jed had been Catholic as a child, at the time of the Awakening and SURGE the Catholic church had not been accepting of Magic.  They adapted, but there were still aspects of Magic that they didn't fully embrace.  Perhaps Jed could locate an awakened priest who could give Marco some insight as well. 

Jed leaned back, enjoying the fresh air and sun on his face.  Casting his vision around, he confirmed that there was no danger lurking nearby and began to relax.  His mind drifted back over the last few days with Joshua.  Since he had been unable to help Yelena and crew, he had attended to some personal business.   First off he had contacted the Keegans and picked up his Deepweed.  while he was there, he had browsed their meager spell selection.  Fortunately they had something he was looking for.  By entering Joshua's garden in astral form, he had exposed himself to danger.  Astrally projecting was like taking your true self and entering the astral.  If you wanted to see something, you "walked" over and looked at it.  If you got caught, it was the real you that was trapped.  Jed needed the ability to cast his astral vision out like he did his physical vision.   Detection spells were some of the most common and least restricted.  The Keegan's had just what he was looking for.  He had hoped to pick up a few other things, but they didn't specialize in this sort of thing.  He had a few reagents, but not enough for what Jed needed.  Time to go looking for himself. 

Reagents are items, physical items, that have somehow become a repository for mana.  Depending upon the manner in which you access mana, you may find regents but can't fully use them.  Somehow, the mana is there, you can pull it out, but not very efficiently.  Other items, depending upon your manner of accessing mana are more suited to you, and you can make full use of the mana within.  Jed's manner of accessing mana was a very eclectic one.  It was a system of belief about mana that varied even among adherents of the same belief system.  Some referred to Jed's method as chaos.  He didn't have a rigid view of mana, how it had to be touched, used, channeled.  Magic to Jed was very experiential.  As such, Jed had found that he found reagents in mundane items that had been part of someone else's experience.  He often found his magical reagents in thrift stores, antique stores and pawn shops.  They weren't often recognized by other mages as reagents.  It wasn't that they couldn't be seen, but that they usually weren't looking.  A shaman might find his in a bird's feather, some random shaped rock, or a plant harvested from a certain location at a certain phase of the moon.  A hermetic may find his in a piece of quartz, an organ of a certain creature which was then distilled and its essence condensed.  Jed would find them in a small stuffed animal that had been special to a child.  In a ring passed from a grandmother to granddaughter.  Or in a knife that had been used in some emotional fashion.    The cost of the item wasn't important, but the emotion and intent attached to the item.  Those impressions didn't last forever, but sometimes the most mana was found in items that had been significant on the part of the giver and the one to whom it was given.  That was why jewelry was often a repository.  It took significant intent on the part of the giver to acquire, and represented something strongly to the one to whom it was given. 

On this day, Jed wanted to use the reagents to seal an agreement between himself and a spirit, to have the spirit remain past the sunset for a agreed upon number of tasks.  The spirit Jed wanted to call was commonly referred to as a spirit of man.  Not a ghost of a dead meta, but a type of spirit that was closest to meta's in the way it "thought" and acted.  Jed had found these to follow his requests based on intent as much as the words that formed the intent.  Most importantly, Jed could call this type of spirit who would be able to cast a limited number of spells.  For this, Jed needed reagents aligned with illusion.  This was often the most difficult.  You often found health reagents in things of comfort, like that child's stuffed animal, or that ring of grandma's.  You found reagents related to war in things of war, old armored vests, knives, even guns.  Jed had found reagents of war in an old well used chess set.  Reagents for Detection were often in things like an old lensatic compass, an old deck of tarot cards, even those silly old magic 8 balls.  Jed once found detection aspected reagents in an old photograph.  Turns out the photo was from a missing person, and the man had carried the photo for years, asking people if they'd seen her.  Manipulation reagents were tricky.  Sometimes one found them in jewelry, perhaps given by a man to his mistress to keep her happy, but the really powerful ones were in odd things, like BDSM gear, or even an old religious text.  Illusion though, that was harder to pin down. 

Jed had arrived first at the antique store.  He wanted powerful reagents, and often those tended to be found in something valuable.  He browsed through the jewelry first.  Carefully looking through rings, bracelets and necklaces he concentrated on the items before him.  He was vaguely aware of Joshua getting bored and heading over to the furniture section.  Jed hurriedly finished scanning the jewelry, but no luck.  He followed the direction Joshua went.  Not finding him, Jed started to panic.  Oh no, what is he going to do now!  Jed rushed through several smaller rooms and found Joshua sitting at a small desk, made of wood slowly running his hands over the surface. 

Joshua, what's wrong?  Jed eyes take in the sight of silent tears slowly running down his face. 

Snowden's eyes stay focused in the distance.  The ratios are just right.  I used to sit at my desk to write in my journal.  But your table has all the wrong ratios. I can't write properly with the size of the desk all wrong.

Well, the man had lost everything.  There was nothing left of his former life.  Maybe helping him write in his journal could be cathartic. Pulling up the AR price tag on the desk (and chair, apparently it was a set) Jed cringed at the $1,000 price tag.  Maybe we can have someone build a desk this size Joshua, its....

What are you doing!!!]  A light built little man with spectacles (antique no doubt, not reproductions) glares red faced and huffing at Joshua  That chair has the original 20th century velvet still on it!  And look what you've done to the arms!!  Jed saw that Joshua had wiped the tears from his face and his now wet palms were resting on the velvet of the armrests.    The salt and skin oils have ruined the upholstery!!. 

Jed looked down at the arms now that Joshua had stuck his hands under his arms.  There wasn't a thing wrong with them. 

I'm calling Knight Errant, people like you can't come into a place like this and just vandalize things at will.

Sir, I'll purchase the desk and chair, there is no need to call the police.

No.  People like you need to be taught a lesson.  You should know your place.  The man pulled out his comm to begin dialing.  Fortunately he didn't have DNI or the police would already be on the way. 

Sir, you DON"T WANT TO CALL THE POLICE.  I'll buy the piece.  I was already planning on buying it.  Jed put a little mana it that command.  The man's face tensed up for a moment before relaxing. 

The price is $1,000 Nuyen.  Not a penny less!

Yes, I'll pay the $1,000, no need to come down off the price.  But I want you to throw in delivery for this afternoon, since I'm not haggling the amount.  The man hesitated briefly, glancing at Joshua, and running his eyes around the rest of the room.  That's right  Jed thought.  Just think about what else we might ruin.  And what if we were still here when some of your other customers came in.

Nervously the man accepted and hurriedly checked them out, rushing them out the door.  Jed gently took Joshua's arm and steered him towards the bus stop.  Come on my friend, we've got one more stop.

Jed and Joshua sat in silence on the bus, each absorbed in their own thoughts.  Jed patted Joshua's knee reassuringly.   The guy was an asshole.  you didn't do anything wrong.  They'll deliver the desk tonight, and now you'll have a place to write in your journal.  Joshua smiled a small half smile and seemed to relax. 

Arriving at the thrift store, Jed led Joshua inside.  His normal place to look for things here was either in children's toys or housewares.  Once he had found an old iron skillet that had contained a surprising amount of mana.  Jed thought of all the years that it must have cooked meals for a generations of a family.  Browsing slowly through the aisles Jed kept coming up dry.   Looks like I'm going home empty handed

Illusion...he wanders over to a small section of 20th century paperback novels.  Nothing here.  Joshua stays close to him this time, watching him as he examines several things.  As he prepares to leave, he hears a woman ask the cashier at the counter I'd like to see your jewelry please  Jed looked from the side as she browsed the small shadowbox of jewelry.    There it is    Jed watched patiently but anxiously for the woman to finish her selection.  Upon taking his turn, Jed tried not to snatch the ring up from the case as he went to check out. 


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-11-16/0600:13>
The rest of the night was very relaxing after the massage Marco and Sophie went dancing down town at the Latino Crush, a neo salsa dance club. This actually was neither of their styles but the sensual music and some confident steps had their marks and half way through the night Marco felt comfortable to lead the dance as if he was born to do it. Spiritually the different music have touched him and released something buried deep down.

The Yamaha Slider 76, was an interesting piece of musical instrument. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and based on old synthesizers it was able to visualize the music and create images that adjusted themselves to the tempo and rhythm of the music. While artists usually responded negatively to the tool that included a sophisticated AI that improvised with the musician, claiming that the slider required no real skill to play, when Marco experienced a band equipped with sliders performed it was spectacular. Little could Marco care if the music was generated by the AI or the musician what ever they did it worked and the experience was spectacular.

The entire club felt like a constantly changing Kaleidoscope where rainbow colors popped up and morphed changing the atmosphere. Unlike conventional parties - this one was more immersive as no AR glasses were needed to enjoy the scenery. The sliders directly manipulated the physical world with an extensive array of trid projectors. It was spectacular - as it gave both the illusion of privacy and the good vibe of a crowded and ecstatic party.   As the night progressed the party grew more sexual and more extreme until a point where the dance floor started to look more like a well paced orgy than an actual dance.

The band of course skillfully changed the music, however feeling themselves submerged into the experienced Marco asked Sophie “Shell we leave to your place?”
“I thought you’d never ask” - she smiled... “If we stay here I am going to have to share you with all these people.” As they retreat to the limo none of them could hold their composure and by the time they were approaching Sophie both of them were already panting heavily. Deep within the act, it was only when they dressed to get to the penthouse apartment that Marco noticed Yelena’s message.
>>Marco.  Is Yelena.  I love you......just in case.  Be you always.<<

If this was a cry for help - Marco had no idea in a way he was surprised that Yelena did not cancel date after well their job was over. She was once very cautious very in control lady. He did not respond as his attention that night was elsewhere - “She actually admitted it “ He thought as he youthfully sneak with Sophie to her apartment. " but what is the deal with 'Be you always?' she must be as high as a kite. " The thought of Yelena in a mindless orgy like the one Marco took her away from not long ago was a sad thought - but she was so much more experienced than himself that Marco could not even imagine her in need for help. Yelena was the most powerful person he knew - or so Marco thought.

Beside that night after hours of foreplay that so far only partially manifested in the car was the kind that Marco could not stop - not right now not even if he tried he has built this passion since the noon and it grew out of control, it grew into an immersive and exploratory orgasmic experience that none of them could stop even if they wanted to.



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-11-16/0836:41>
Soon, all too soon, the siren call of the drugs in the room proved too much for Yelena.  The role assigned her by Sam had been to get close to the club people by being part of the party scene and she has done that well, too well.  The drugs that had infused her mind and body since her early days in prison had been beaten down but the desire had always remained.  Once kept in check by a personality and will, they had been allowed to resurface at the club parties.  And her body and mind remembered them all to well.  The newer drugs had not even been invented when she had kicked the habit, but the effects were so similar that they were accepted as surrogates for the older ones.  By the time Frank's friend arrived Yelena was already high on a mix of the party drugs available.  Slamming a couple of vodkas back did nothing to lessen the effects.

Some part of Yelena remains sober enough to realize what is happening, but it cannot control the rest of her mind or her body.  The sex is magnificent and she lets her body experience sensual desires of many types.  Two young women are added to the mix and they were as hedonistic as Yelena, hired for their beauty and their willingness to accept what is to happen to them.  The small torture devices are brought out early and Yelena eagerly allows herself to be used and abused.  The naked limbs of the three women and two men mingle in a drug and alcohol fueled orgy that last for hours.  The men have taken their performance enhancing drugs and are able to maintain erections through several orgasms apiece in the space of a few hours and the three women muse themselves with the pain inducers when the men finally tire and cannot take the enhancers again yet.  At some point, Yelena remembers that she was supposed to do something.  Send a message to someone but she cannot remember who and then one of the young hotties comes on to her again and she completely forgets.

There is no repeat of the scene from her last time here.  No wild breakdown.  Just pleasure, pain, and lots of sex.  The party goes on for hours then is over.  Frank's friend is happy and leaves with a smile on his face and promises to see Frank's project fully funded.  Frank's face takes on an entirely different demeanor after the other man leaves the room.  He slaps the girls aware and sends them off with bonuses, for which they are happy.  Finally only he and Yelena are left in the room and he goes to a closet, pulling a bag from it.  He removes a worn dress from the bag and tosses it at Yelena before moving to the clothes rack to gather up the expensive dress and shawl to put into the case.  He then takes some of the party drugs and feeds them to Yelena, along with two more shots of vodka before putting her in the dress from the case.  "I am not sure why I am even talking to you, but maybe some of the words can get through to your drugged mind, although I really doubt there is much of a mind there.  You are just like Bella; lost in the pursuit of pleasure.  Not even like the whores I hired for tonight, who at least do it for money and can keep a head about themselves.  No, you and Bella did it just for the need to do it.  You disgust me.  She disgusts me.  But you did get my associate to provide the money to bail me from a sticky situation and for that I am grateful.  I hope that you understand that I cannot allow you to keep the dress I rented for the night.  Frag it, I don't really care if you understand or not." 

Frank finishes dressing her and then calls for assistance in getting Yelena down the stairs and into his car, telling the club staffer that he is going to take her home to sleep it off.  And maybe that had been his plan originally, but that changes somewhere along the drive and he takes a different route, deeper into the Barrens.  When he reaches the point where even he is a bit frightened by the people looking at his car like hungry sharks, he stops and dumps Yelena on what passes for a sidewalk.  He quickly scatters a bit of scrip on the ground about her and returns to his car, driving away to go home to the two whores he had sent there as part of his bonus to himself.  He shakes his head; neither of them could hold a candle sexually to the keeb he had just dumped, but neither of them was a friend of his wife, whom he hoped never to see outside of a rehab facility again.  He was done with that embarrassment and she was of little use any more now that most of her money had been spent on his failing business.  No, the influx of capital from his new partner would make things right in the weeks ahead.  And the whores waiting for him would make tings better tonight.

Yelena is barely conscious on the sidewalk when the first pair of gangers comes by.  They ransack her purse, taking everything from it as well as the scrip scattered about her.  At first they think she is dead, and are startled when she moans.  Sensing fun, the pair stand her up against the wall and lift her dress.  But Yelena is Yelena, and she spent years in a prison with drek heads much worse than this.  As one of the gangers is humping away inside her, the part of her that is so very dangerous strikes.  As the man reaches climax and his friend is cheering him on, she draws his pistol from his shoulder holster and shoos him with it.  As he stumbles backwards, clutching at his chest, she fires again, creating a small red hole in the front of his forehead and a large mess at the back of his head as his mushed brains spurt out the large exit would.  Without pausing, she turns the gun on the second ganger who is just staring stupidly at his friend's body.  He never hears the shot that ends his life.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <02-11-16/1149:13>
Jed was brought back from his reminiscing by sounds of conversation.  It appeared that one of the gardeners was talking to Joshua.  It looked like he was a little upset.  Jed started to jump to intervene, but hesitated.  Let’s see how he handles himself.  He needs to know that he can handle interacting with strangers.  He watched, without being able to hear, as Joshua answered the man, and began gesturing at some of the plants he was working with.  Uh oh, looks like he dug a couple of them up.  Jed waited tensely as Joshua picked up one of the dug up plants, and held the roots up for closer examination to the gardener.  They silently regarded the plants a moment.  The gardener moved to examine the hole from which the plant was taken, and suddenly held out his hand for a trowel.  He and Joshua busied themselves for a moment digging up some extra dirt, until they both seemed to agree that the task was complete. 

Jed watched as Joshua led the man to another plot, and pulled a few fruits from a bush, then put the mashed fruit in the empty hole.  As Joshua explained himself to the man, the man started nodding and smiling.  As they continued talking, Jed leaned back with his eyes closed, savoring the fresh air and sunshine. 

The gardener is going to let me sleep in the gardens a few nights a week, but only when he is here for this night shift.  Snowden’s words jolted Jed awake.  He must have dozed off.  He was up late last night studying his new spell.  He was worried that his study skills would be rusty as he hadn’t learned one in a while, but he had only taken two days (nights really). 
I told him that the roots were rotting on the Welwitschia mirabilis, which isn’t unusual since the plant itself is so alkaline.  The best thing you can do is pull the plant up, and put some fruit from a Dionaea muscipula, which will acidify the soil just enough to prevent the rot from spreading.  Truthfully, I’d add the fruit anytime I plant a Welwitschia mirabilis as a prophylactic measure.

Jed squinted at Joshua.  The sun behind his head looked like a halo, but shrouded his face in shadow.  It was a striking effect.  That’s great.  What’s his name?

Joshua’s face fell.  I didn’t ask.  He asked mine when he demanded to know what I was doing, but I forgot to ask his.

Jed patted him on the arm.  It’s ok Josh, just go ask him. He seems friendly enough.  I’ll walk with you.  We need to go.  I need to go to a different store today. Besides, I need to pick you up a commlink if you are going to be staying somewhere other than my place.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-11-16/1409:02>
Work will be work and before Marco goes to sleep he sets his alarm to early in the morning and orders a cab to the meetup with Blake. He will get to the office in a car and Marco plans to be on time - before time even. Sleep comes peacefully and at the morning Marco sneaks out of the bed showers and get dressed. Sophie is up not long after him - as she seem to work very hard. They have coffee and Marco is off to his day job. Shortly after he arrives to the meetup and once inside the replicated Car, Marco changes himself to be the mark.

[spoiler]
Can I assume that Marco recovered edge after enjoying himself and having a goodnight sleep?
The damage is gone for two days of sleep:
Recover physical damage (http://orokos.com/roll/372308): 2#6d6t5 2 2

Physical mask spell at Force 3 - limit broke with edge.
Physical mask with edge (http://orokos.com/roll/372309): 16d6t5 5
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/372311): 11d6t5 4
5 hits - augmented with impersonation:
Impersination (http://orokos.com/roll/372312): 16d6t5 3
I forgot to take -2 for the spell sustain -
Impersonation (-2 sustain) (http://orokos.com/roll/372314): 14d6t5 3 got same result tough ;)

A perception test to distinguish them need to beat 8 hits to succeed - a physical examination needs 5.  I do not think that impersonation works on physical.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-11-16/2204:02>
@ Marco  Blake meets him in the morning as they transfer to the replica of Cohen's car. And as Marco is driven to the firm and the vehicle parks in it's privileged spot it's time to steal the information that will put away the people truly responsible for the crimes committed, as well as those that they have hopefully prevented by capturing and turning over the mage. Not just the people who sold the drug.

@ Arc  Tusks and Firefly are happy to serve as guinea pigs for the mac & cheese and pronounce you a good cook. But, Firefly turns down the beef as it's not halal.


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-12-16/1645:44>
Yelena knows she needs to get away. More than that she needs to get into hiding. Even in the Barrens a shooting doesn't go unnoticed, even if it is expected. And shooting what were probably gangers, given the setting and the lateness of the hour, will call for reprisals. But, as drugged as she is, walking is almost impossible, and the third time she staggers, scraping knees and hands yet again, she decides to crawl. Her will to survive is nigh unconquerable. But, her bodies ability to stay awake isn't, and even as accustomed as she is to drugs, passing out is a safety mechanism. A safety mechanism Frank denied her by force feeding her more. She makes it to a couple of garbage cans. And tries to call the shadow to her to keep her warm and to hide her. But, the shadows are neither lover, nor friend. And they go only to those with the strength to take them. And that is not Yelena right now.
    They find her. It doesn't take long as the clock goes, though Yelena has no way of knowing that in her drug addled unconsciousness. They find her and they drag her out. And this time it is not rape that they want. This time it is her blood that they are after. A life for a life. Revenge is as old as man and they will exact that judgement upon her. Yelena is no docile victim, and this isn't the first beating she's ever had. It isn't even the first one while heavily under the influence of drugs and booze. And even in this state she is dangerous. She takes the opportunity of being slammed so hard her body is twisted and falling towards her next attacker to grab the pistol in it's boot holster to shoot them. A gun in her hand is more than a weapon, it's her heartbeat, her breath, her being. And she aims and shoots in a single fluid movement. . . . . And nothing. . . . . A fist is slammed into her head. "Yeah bitch. Keep trying that. Try that all day an all night with MY gun." Another fist slams into her gut. A boot kicks hard into her kidneys. Rough hands grab her and haul her up. Part of her knows what's coming next. She's done this dance before. But, the pain as fists pummel her slender body is no less excruciating. Eventually she passes out. But that does not abate their anger and they keep punching her, and then kicking her, until their anger is spent. They dump her body back behind the trash cans again and walk away.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-12-16/1933:10>
Marco was quiet that morning and as he approached Blake he took the little device that looked so mundane, a pen. “Just place it where there and it will do the trick, we’ll guide you.” said Blake
“I know where to go - only talk to me if you must. “  Looking at Blake and understanding that Marco has placed his fate with him and some shadowrunners he had never met.
“See you on the other side”  said Marco and thought “I just hoped the cure is better than the sickness” He entered the car. Submerging himself in Mr. Cohen and his personality as Marco understood it, he started by expressing not so mild discontent with the autopilot that peacefully and quietly and according to all the traffic laws took him to the office. Marco imagined that Mr. Cohen would do the same - after all he was really in a hurry.

Mr. Cohen was not going to be nice, while he was not the kind of evil manager that verbally abuse people - his back was to the correner a flight was to be caught and at these tense times he was expected to be mildly inappropriate. Especially if a delay meant he missed  his flight. That vacation was his last hope of salvaging his marriage after years of neglect and wrong priorities. Marco imagined Mr. Cohen to be a bit over the edge and when he approached the building he looked at the guards as part of the scenery - trying to yell at them was going to be just as effective as the autopilot and Marco sent them that look of "just get it over with..." expressing discontent in the fact that he had to follow procedure and could not just pop in.
He appeared to be trying to treat them with patience and respect despite being very late - that particular agent of evil was kind of a reasonable man. He did not appear to be all that evil.  “Good morning, do your work but do so quickly..." He said as he entered the building, trying hard to show a hint of a smile as if he was a not so nice person, just trying to be polite.





 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-13-16/0122:10>
@ Marco  It was easier than he expected. People seeing Mr. Cohen either scurried to do his bidding or scurried to look busy. And at each juncture that he needed a code to get in ShadowDancer was there. The hacker was in and out of each lock so quickly Marco didn't even have to pretend to fumble with the key or pretend annoyance that it hadn't worked the first time. So why do they need me? "John! What are you doing here? Doesn't your plane leave in an hour?" He turns at the voice and see Hadiza Otiluk, the clubs youngest Senior Partner heading towards him.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-13-16/1707:40>
okay, How Hard Can This be...  Pulling up a quick Matrix search in AR for the Mac n cheese recipe to use, Arc set herself to making the dinner, setting the noodles to a boil while searing the ground beef, the packet preseasoned for convenience.  It wasn't long before the smelled filled her gage apartment, and seemingly out of the woodwork, the human and troll ladies made their appearances.  Firefly's concerns about the meat were made, and the mechanic blinked in a moment for confusion, but nodded.  "I'll leave it out for ya, null sheen."

Honestly, she thought see was going to set fire to the deal, but after about 15 minutes, the meat was done, the noodles softened and strainee, and the cheese sauce stirred in.  Serving up appropriate portions, she let the other two taste expectantly.

...after the hit those were, Arc felt some confidence surge, letting them enjoy their meals while she packed away enough in containers to take with her, planning to eat in a few hours.  "I wish I could stay with you chummers.  We need to celebrate after pulling what we did.  But I have my Vruk who is missing me.  I owe him some time."  she flashed a smile.  "I'll get working on the bike this week.  Firefly, you lemme know if you need hell installing that coprocessor aight?  Feel free to stay as long as you wish, you both got keys.  Take it easy..."

Offering a gentle hug or handshake to the both of them, Arc loaded up the saddlebags with dinner before hopping on the Scorpion and taking off.  During the trip, she looked up local dentists, scheduling an appointment for herself on Wednesday or Thursday....as much as she dreaded it, it was necessary.  Eventually though, she did make the trip, and rolled into her Vrukart's place with time to spare.

enough time for a rinse...  setting the food on the table, Arc removed her jacket as she cleared her mind of worries...now she was Tessa, and things were in place.  The job was done, no one was in undue danger, and she could be herself.  Undressing in the bathroom, she picked up the bottle of red dye she bought.  Smiling, she spent some time in front of the mirror, putting on the provided gloves and applying it to her brown locks, letting it sit before showering the excess off.  When finihed, she smiled at the rich, dark hue her hair took on, appreciating how it blended well with her new style as she redressed.

By the time she was out, Jaime was home, and she stepped out to him plating her meal, layering the beef over the macaroni with a skilled touch.  He stopped as she appeared, his expression visibly brightening as he saw her.  "wow babe, that's quite a look.  What's the occasion, huh?"  he went over to embrace her, the girl inhaling from the embrace against her ribs.

It wasn't lost on the man, his face growing serious as he leaned back, a hand brushing away the hair concealing her shiner.  His brows furrowed with concern as he opened his moth to soeak, but her hand shot up to stay him.  "I'll be fine.  Babe, this is nothing comped to what I've had to endure.  Trust me.  This was worth it.  I saved lives on this job, Tarana'ka.  And nothing will take me away from you.  Nothing.  From here to my trip in a few weeks, you're getting every night I can spare...I love you"

It felt crazy to her to say it outright, but there she was, opening herself up, letting herself be vulnerable, embracing him into the night.  The dinner, the time, and their kove.  It all felt special...and she felt whole.  Family, bondmate, a place of belonging, a sense of purpose...it all felt complete...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-13-16/1738:26>
Marco answers "Hadi... Not my brightest day, how are you man?"
The words were friendly - as they were in public and the man in front of him was a parthner. Marco smiled and extanded the hand. Then he hissed quietly so he does not make a scene.

"I did not yet upload some important addiums to 'The' case. I planned to do so during the flight but I left my notes at the office.  We can catch up when I am back from Toronto, I can still make the flight if I hurry."   
[spoiler]
Con (http://orokos.com/roll/372938): 17d6t5 4 - I am not sure it will fly so Marco will use a point of edge.
Con(second chance) (http://orokos.com/roll/372939): 17d6t5 6
That's reach his social limit  4 + 6 = 10 - (Marco has 9 and gets +1 from the fancy suit...)

Smiles - did Marco refresh some edge since the extraction job?  Otherwise this was the last point.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-13-16/2306:19>
@ Marco  Hadiza looks at him and she frowns. "We need you on top of your game for that one John. And you've been so concerned over your friend in Canada you haven't been on top of your game. Maybe Conner or I should double you on this."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <02-14-16/0106:08>
Tuskaloosa gave  a start, as her commlink abruptly threw out an AR notice: she had a message from Arc.  She had set it to notify her the second she had a message from Arc--and Hrock too, just to be safe.

<<@Tuskaloosa, Firefly: Arc here.  I'm spending tonight with my Vruk, but I should be okay to get back to work tomorrow I think.  I'm making dinner for him too, but need some practice.  Feel like being guinea pigs in a few hours? :) >>

The drained troll sagged against a nearby wall and exhaled.  The plan had somehow worked; her mechanic friend not only free, but back to as close to business-as-usual as she could tell.

It was a positive sign that Arc was seeing her guy, but...

<<@Arc: Good to see you're up.  Depends on what the guinea pig is being fed Arc...I can't afford a  judge simchip for Chefs of the Croquembouche.>>

The reply was prompt:
<<@Tuskaloosa: and I can't afford the chef simchip, so we're even.  "Sides, I'm more a Survivor Chef or Grill-Masterz of Da Barrenz, myself.  Or Not Even a Trog can Botch a Grilled Cheese Sandwhich.>>

Tuskaloosa sighed.  The Not Even a Trog can Botch series was not one of her favorites:  viewing a program where five-star chefs--who just happened to be trolls and orcs--pit their culinary skills against Barren-dregs who couldn't boil water was a waste of time and attention to her.

Maybe it was presumptuous, but:
<<@Arc:  You can't be that bad a cook.  Besides, unless you've been feeding me lines, your dude would happily eat your three-course banquet of popcorn, pretzels and buttered toast and ask for seconds.  But so long as you're not having me test a Christmas feast dry-run or something, I can offer my (lack of) taste buds and iron stomach.  See you at your shop in a few.>>

<<@Arr-Arr-Arr:  Think I can swing by your place?  I need to borrow bungee and a box, though a trailer the Scorp I had yesterday can tow would be good too.  Starting today, I'm house-sitting and I want to make the move in one trip. >>

The troll was readjusting her jacket's color scheme when her recicladore responded:

<<@Tuskaloosa:  Hope it's congratz--not condolences.  I got betta'n box o' traila:  pic-up truck.  Friend's-friend's loana, but ken do da job in a trip.  How fast ya want?>>

<<@Arr-Arr-Arr:  How fast can you get it?>>


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-14-16/0341:39>
Marco looked at Hadiza and said "Interests Hadi, loyalties are a rare commodity."  and when Hadiza suggests to second him he smiles, a cold poisonous smile. It is a power play and Hadi does not expect a positive replay.  He is teasing, worming his way to a more senior position. "Smell blood already Hadi? I like your chutzpah , this is why I supported your partnership - but I am on the top of my game and do not need any more legal assistants. Conner has done enough to 'help' "

He rolls his eyes and shrugs - it is a known secret that Mr. Cohen is unhappy with his own assistant Ella. She is easy on the eye, but completely incompetent at her job. It remains a mystery why Conner hired her and Marco's interpretation is that was either a power play or an office joke of the worse kind.  Right now, Ella was the perfect excuse to change the subject and diffuse the tension. Marco's face soften and they are now friendly and empathetic "She is driving me crazy Hadi... "  he softly said with a low voice - almost a whisper. He then confidently continued to his office.

[spoiler]
 Leo Rosten in The Joys of Yiddish defines chutzpah as ``gall, brazen nerve, effrontery, incredible 'guts,' presumption plus arrogance such as no other word and no other language can do justice to.'' Wikipedia
[/spoiler]
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-14-16/0835:47>
@ Marco  Hadizah looks at him and an elegant eyebrow raises. "Then don't lose the O'Malley case or all of our interests are compromised and your net worth goes down to Barrens rat." she says. A cold smile appears on her lips. "And what would that do for those very expensive treatments in Vancouver?" A hard look comes into her dark eyes, "The DA is trying to get the hearing stepped up to three weeks from now on the case you just left notes at the office and still aren't prepared for. So, have fun on your vacation John. " She turns and saunters away, her stilettos tapping softly on the carpet.Jed had gotten directions from Mike, and was here hoping that the man was legit.


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-14-16/0850:04>
Marco smiles "I'll be ready." and with the way clear he continues to the office with a quick and confident step of a man in a hurry, but he does not run as that seems inappropriate in such an expensive suit.
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-14-16/1448:12>
@ Marco  Shadowdancers' voice in his ear guided Marco every step. And once he was in Websters' office all he had to do was place the device Blake had given him and let Shadowdancer clone the files. Marco knew that even in their private offices security was monitoring him and he made a show of studying the download and looking at his schedule impatiently via that very expensive watch. And in nine long minutes it was done. Now all he had to do was get out. He walked to the door hoping he didn't have another encounter like the last one. How many times could he bluff and refer to generalities and get away with it after all. But, Shadowdancers voice in his ear said, >>I've been saving a little something from the trids all morning. And his voice had a bit of malicious amusement in it. And as Marco reached the secretaries foyer he saw several people clustered watching the trid and different voices were murmering, "Oh my God!", "Damn, fucker should have known better than to get caught.", "Good thing he's not connected to the firm anymore.", "Huh, there'll still be a few payments made and a few arms twisted to make sure our name never appears in the news." Marco was more than halfway across the room when someone noticed him and said, "Mr Webster! Oh, check the trids Mr Webster. You need to know about Hank." Marco made a show of checking his watch and said, "I'll have to do it from the car." and quickened his step. The rest of his way out of the building was just as smooth as people  were caught up in the news from the trid. And once he was out Blake had him in the car and whisked away. Once they were well away Blake drove into a warehouse and said, "Shadowdancer tells me it went well. Congratulation on a successful Op. You've got the devils' own luck I'll tell you. I've never known an Op to go that smoothly. Congratulations again." He shakes Marco's hand and says. "So, if you'll give me the device your part in this will be officially over and your payment completed." He smiles as you hand him the device. And then he hands you a small package. "And here you are. A complete and legal SIN with records all the way back to your birth. Only child of a single mom she died a few years ago.Decent marks in school. A couple of drunk and disorderly citations in your teens. And now you make a respectable living as a salesman but your firm was bought out by a larger one and your branch cut. You got a very nice bonus out of it and are now looking about for your next job. The package includes some holo's of your new former family and friends as well as a lot more details of your life. There's also a way to contact me if you ever realize that Stewart was right and you were born to help more people then one spoiled, bored client at a time."  Blake smiles and shakes your hand. And then he points to a second vehicle that's waiting for you. "I can make whatever death you want to happen, happen. But, it'll only look real if everything in your apartment and your life looks like you left for business as usual and died as a surprise to everyone including yourself. And honestly, that's to hard for people to do. They always want to take away a few precious memories. Or secrets. So, for your own sake, don't go back. Be dead from this moment right now. Don't go back, don't ring old friends, don't get one last caf, kiss or kick from anyone from your old life. What do you say?." He looks at you expectantly waiting for your answer.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-14-16/1838:08>
Marco thought  “I actually did it... password small talking and it seems like I was born to do it. I was scared, terrified but I could keep my emotion in check and I did what needed to be done.”  

To Blake he said “I glad I could be of assistance. Thanks for giving me this opportunity.”

He then used the mindlink to talk privately and said “Blake, what you suggest will get my family murdered. I will likely fail if I try to disappear now, and such treason will have harsh consequences. You see Blake, I am not a man - I am a weapon a tool of evil. I did not grow up, I am the result of careful manipulation and every aspect of my life is carefully monitored studied and controlled.

I am here talking to you and working for Steward, I see no leash and no mechanism of control. I beleive that these chains are there - they have to be.  There are so many years of investment in me and my talent is so rare and valuable that it is naive to say that I am not monitored.

I got a reminder to that fact i am monitored as I saw pictures of myself when I was not myself. To take this kind of pictures requires some magical talent. There may be a spirit observing us right now and following my every move and I am blind to the astral and has no way to know. I may fail before I started - but I learn and develop - I feel as if my talent is maturing and I advance fast, it is not long before I will be ready.

I want Steward to take my place.  I am certain that he can do it, and that he is skilled enough to fool any mechanism of control that monitors me. He has years of experience impersonating people for long periods of time and has intimate knowlege of myself, what makes me tick and how I behave. He should be able to fool the people after me for at least several months.

In these months Steward will visit my clients and will continue working with himself under the identity of Marco Black. Gradually, he will become more and more Shadowrunner and less and less escort. Until few months from now Steward will quit my day job and turn Marco Black into a full time Shadowrunner. I think that this is the time where my employers will activate me. How rightous can I be if I give up my day job? To do the shadow drek?  They'll quickly discover that I am not Steward -  but that will be a long time from now and by that time my trail is already cold. I swapped multiple SINs and will be very difficult to find.

My employers already approve of my relationship with Steward. Thinking that Steward's guidance only increases my value.  Honestly speaking, I am slowly drifting in that direction and any run I complete brings me close to being ready. My runs are getting more and more dangerous and demanding and it is getting more and more difficult to continue working as escort.
 
You told me that Steward sees me as his prodigy, it will make it all more reliable. He will train himself as his own prodigy.  My bosses will look at the process and they will be very happy at the progress I make. So happy that they'll miss the fact that I escaped.

You need to get out of this drek too Blake, you cannot fight murder with murder and evil with evil.
Delivering Dana we killed people, people that had children, loved ones and friends. We may defeat the monsters of today but doing so we leave a trail of bodies and grief. Enough injustice and suffering to generate the monsters of tomorrow. You are not fighting the side of angels you are maintaining evil in an endless cycle of misery.

Can you really say that stopping the club justifies orphans and widows? That the people that died to bring you drug samples, to bring you Dana deserved that? I grew up without my parents and I do not wish that fate to anyone. This is how evil is born - with children that lose their parents, their security and their guidance. You are fighting an Hydra and every time you chop a head two other heads grow in his place.

The real way to fight evil is the way of the cross. Jesus allowed himself to be captured and crucified, he died on the cross. He could avoid that fate but he had a lesson to teach us - and by dying he completed delivering his message. Fighting evil is not about winning. It is about choosing not to play this game, turning the other cheek. Using compassion against violence and charity against robbery and sacrifice against murder. Angels do not kill people for just causes, you are daemons that hunt daemons and you are as misguided as the people you hunt.

Thanks Blake, I did not mean it to be a lecture - I am a sinner myself and now there is blood on my hands. Steward is the only one that can set me free, and if you ever get a sign of life from him I will help you get him back. Perhaps his own redemption will be to finally do something for the one and not for the many.  I am not sure that he will help me, but I will give him a chance to repent from the way he treated me."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-15-16/1111:45>
Yelena Petrovna is dying. She knows this even as the blows keep raining down on her, even as she fights back with everything she is. It does not escape her that her internal organs have been seriously damaged and she is bleeding profusely from a number of wounds. She reaches for the shadow and it does not respond. Bereft of any hope of survival, she dies.

Yelena has been dead several times since she was born. The first was when she was five years old and had been a resident of Camp 14 for just over two years. One too many smart remarks got her noticed by the wrong watch officer and he ordered an example to be made of her. Four guards went to her barracks and began beating her there in front of the rest of the kids. At five years old, she was completely unable to defend herself, but she tried like hell, striking out as well as she could. Perhaps that was not the wisest course of action, but Yelena had never really been accused of that trait. Crippled and battered, the guards then drug her out into the snow and finished the job by raining brutal kicks and punches to the small girl. And she died. By order of the watch officer, her body was left in the snow outside the barracks and all the other kids were told this was the price of disobedience.

The shadows of death that were so plentiful in that camp began wrapping themselves around her essence. And her indomitable will to live grabbed at them, and wrung enough strength from them to live. She had been strong and had struggled against tremendous odds, not giving up and the shadow kept a kernel of life going and gave her a small bit of healing and enough warmth to keep from freezing. The demands of the shadow were few, but they were absolute. The shadow is not a friend, a lover, or a compatriot. But to those who can grab hold and take it, it can give a dark strength. She had proven herself to the shadow and was accepted and her life was given back. After three days in the snow, she received company. The body of a small boy, whose transgression she later found out was vomiting when a guard had punched him in the stomach, was tossed out next to her. She had recovered enough to be able to crawl to him. The body was still warm. And the thin soft skin was easy to bite through so that she could drink the blood. It was her first meal in days. And it had filled her stomach and given her much needed sustenance. She'd passed out again, but when she woke she was stronger. She'd begun eating him. And in the dark others crawled out to help her finish the process. That was the first time she'd ever eaten one of their own, but in the conditions of that camp it would not be the last.
But you cannot wring sustenance from the shadows without them marking you. And Yelena's soul was tainted for the first time in her young life. It made the next life she took that much easier. And the next after that. Each life, each dark transgression further tainted her soul. And in the dark world she lived in, oddly kept her safe. For the soul of man recognizes evil even when his eye cannot, and those unwilling to kill left her alone. And those very willing to kill accepted her as one of their own. And she'd been safe, until she'd died again at Tsina's hands. Died, and been dumped. And once again she'd fought and the shadows that wrapped around her soul, her very essence. And once again she wrung strength and life from them. Fighting. Fighting with every bit of her iron will. Using the memory of Tsina and the others torturing and burning her family to give her strength to live until she took her revenge. And she'd won. Won and come crawling up out of the freezing river and had been found by accident and saved.

And this time she was older and recognized the strength the shadows could give to her if she would take it. For a Vory, prison is not the only place of evil where darkness dwells thick enough for its acolytes to use. And always her faith in the shadow had been unshaken. She knew the price and accepted it. Knew that one day the dark embrace would not loose it's hold. That it's kiss was only for the strong. And tonight she had not been strong. She had allowed the insecurities she felt about tainting Marco and Firefly to confuse her, to make her feel unworthy of their love and friendship, to wonder if they would not be truly better off without her. And not for the first time had wondered if they would not be better off without her to help place the dark taint on their souls. And this night she had partied to forget all of that. She had engaged in every single vice with every bit the hedonistic abandon she'd had in prison. And for the same reason; to forget. But there she had been useful, she had been one of them, and she had been relatively safe. Here, she'd been the loose end of a man who hadn't the courage to kill her himself. And so she lies in a bloody heap in the snow behind some cans of garbage on a narrow street in the Redmond Barrens.

But in the final minutes of her life, Yelena Petrovna had fought as before. There had been no thought of just taking the beating and no thought of just letting them get it over with. She had kicked and clawed and bit, never giving up. She had fought because she did not wish to die and was determined to do as much damage as she could. If she was going to die, she wanted the gangers to know that she had resisted and fought to the very last. The three gangers would carry deep scratches and bite marks as scars to remind them of the she devil they had beaten. Her will was indomitable. And when the shadow noticed, the collective spirit of whatever the shadow consists of allowed a small bit of itself to wrap around the last spark of life before it flickered out. Preserved it and protected it. The spark swore everlasting faith to the shadow, swearing to never again show weakness as it had this night. The spark was allowed to exist and the body was allowed to live, for now. But, her body still did not have the strength to crawl for help. And the numerous broken bones and punctured lung would not have allowed it if she had. And she lay there.

Yelena has been given a gift from the shadow; a peek at the darkness beyond the shadow.  Yelena has lived for decades believing she knows the shadow, firm in her life and sure of her way.  She has been wrong.  She had always known that there was a darkness in some people.  Nikolai Fyodorovich was such a person.  His is a soul filled with a darkness that Yelena had never understood and has mistakenly put down to something different from the shadow.  Now she knows that the darkness is simply the next step into the true shadow.  Her next step.  The glimpse she has just been given shows her the way if she is strong enough to grab and take it.  Everything in her past has led to this decision, even the horrible beating earlier.  It is true that the shadow is no friend and no lover, but the darkness can be both if one is strong enough.  The whisper in her mind reminds her of the danger of such a choice, and she realizes that she is at the point of no return.  And she takes the step to cross.  Her way will be filled with new dangers but also new possibilities.  It will take time to understand the dark and she may fail, but if she does it will not be because she does not fight her way closer to the answer.  She is ready to begin the next phase of her slide into darkness.

She does not hear the voice of the man when he discovers her. "Damn. I'm getting to old for this shit. Grazzt, we got a dumper. Call the cops." An hour or more goes by. She doesn't hear the explanation given by the man. Barely feels when he takes her hand for fingerprints. "Well at least she's in the system. The HELL! Jones!" In the shock of the information he's holding the officer stands up with Yelena's hand still on the ID'er and her body is jerked. She moans with the pain. It's a small sound. But it's enough. "The HELL!  SHE'S ALIVE! Get a DocWagon! NOW! NOW DAMNIT! And get the medkit outta the car! The GOOD one!" "Didn't you fraggers even check and see if she was alive?!?!?!?" and another voice says, "Hell no. I didn't touch 'er. You think I want some damn hair or fingerprint getting on her and getting me fingered fer this! And besides, look at 'er! You know they don't leave 'em alive. You didn't check 'er neither!" There is pain again, and she passes out. When Yelena wakes up again she knows she is warmer and she is strapped down and a voice is giving strange instructions about drugs to get her heartrate and blood pressure up and saying something about blood. Her eyes are forced open and a light shown in them and something about a reversal agent is said. And then suddenly her entire body is alight with the pain. It is like fire burning her entire body in an inferno. And she gladly passes out to escape it. The next few hours are a jumbled mish-mash of pain and lights and people speaking over her. She doesn't know it but she's wheeled to emergency surgery and worked on for nine hours. And when she wakes up it's to an oddly familiar ceiling and there's something down her throat and for a moment she's back to the night before, but, it's odd, no one is punching her or slamming at her head. Her arms are tied down, but they're beside her. She moves to test her bonds.

"Oh thank all the powers that be! You're awake. Damn you srui! You gonna shorten my life scaring me like this! Frag girl ain’t NOTHIN' worth this!" Yelena sees her srui's scared, worried, dear face come into view above her. A minute behind her Marco's relieved face pops into her field of vision. "Finally, she is awake!" He's pale. He's never been ill. Never been in a hospital. And seeing Yelena like this has shaken him to his core. Arc starts speaking again. "Marco. You spill the caf an you walkin' back down 'fer some more." He looks down then and twists to place something down. And Arc starts speaking to her again. "Some hoop by the name of ShadowDancer comms me this morning. Says you been found at a crime scene an he's authorized all measures magical and mundane to be taken to assist in your healing. Says Sam put a flag on all of us ta get us coded as top priority, classified assets. An since you were still officially on Sam's Op he's puttin it that you were injured in the line of duty. But hell Srui! He said nothing 'bout found near dead with massive internal injuries! An you weren't found anywhere near the 'Dust! What the hell happened?!?!?!" The tube down Yelena's throat keeps her from answering. And a calm voice comes from somewhere past Arc. "She won't be able to answer until the tube is out of her throat. But, she's responding well. And the fact that she's awake already is a good sign. With any luck we'll be able to wean her off the vent tomorrow and continue her recovery. She's a fighter this one. I'm sure she'll do well." The uniformed figure of the nurse comes into view. "I need to do an assessment again. But, I'll be done in just a few minutes if you want to take a quick break." Yelena has no intention of being here for weeks again. And now, now she grabs the shadows once again and forces them to give her strength.  Something has changed.  Everything has changed. Yelena had let herself slide, allowing herself to forget what the shadow is, what it means to be an acolyte of the darkness.  That would not happen again and the shadow knows and responds as she summons it.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-15-16/1126:17>
@ Marco  Blake shakes his hand, "I understand. And I know it's hard to have a mark on your head. Good Luck. And if you ever change your mind you've got my number." Marco gets in the car Blake had ready for him while Blake drives away.

In a small quiet place that could have been in the heart of a metropolis or a remote mountain cave a man gets a priority call. He listens and calls up the name given to him and see's the flag. His own. For Sidny. Yes! God damn mother-fucker finally did it! 'Bout damn time he got himself loose! In a flash his fingers are flying and he confirms that materials in one of the dead drops have been retrieved. He activates special protocols while he gives a different set of oral instructions to Alfred, his 'butler'. He activates facial recognition software for every camera in a two kilometer radius for an hour before and after the dead drop was accessed and runs it through a special program that is his own, and only his own. Because it's Sidny. And every single face Sidny has ever worn. Because he's going to need a little help getting out of there. Shadowdancer's help, and maybe help from Blake as well.

And this officially concludes DN gentlebeings. It has been a pleasure playing with you.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-16-16/1111:08>
Yelena is alone when she wakes again.  Her chrono tells her it is 2300 on Wednesday.  She can hear gentle beeping from some sort of machine just off to her right and stretches, noting that the restraints have been removed.  Apparently she is no longer in danger of accidentally pulling her tubes and IVs out.  The door to the private room is slightly ajar and light filters in from the hallway beyond.  She settles back in the hospital bed, feeling safe and warm.  She does not know the future for sure, but the present is not too bad; except for the dull ache from the bruising she has as a result of the beating.  But she is alive.  And she wants to be alive.  There had been a rough patch at the party when she considered just giving it all up and letting go.  But the shadow had shown her the error of her ways and she was back.  The shadow would always be her true home.  Even in this hospital, this place of light, she feels the shadow calling to her.  And that feels a bit........odd.  She is unused to feeling the presence of the shadow in places like this.  Its touch is weaker here, true, but she now realizes that is her weakness.  The shadow exists everywhere if one knows where to look and how to call it.  She can feel bits and pieces and knows there is more.

Even more, she also now knows there is something better, something more drawing, something darker.  She has been given a glimpse of what is beyond the shadow and wants more of it.  She wants to live there, drawing on the power of the dark.  She wants to cross over and make the dark her companion and her tool; no, her weapon.  She had felt a small sample of the power of the dark in just that one glimpse and knows there is more power there.  She summons what shadow she can from the room around her and forces it to wrap around her, to protect her, then slides into it to go looking for the dark.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-17-16/0131:32>
[Tuesday, Dec. 14th, 2075]

When Arc awoke in the morning, it was, thankfully, not to the feeling of her hair getting yanked by force followed by a handcuffing to the wall.  No, when she awoke it was to the male arm that wrapped around her, signaling that her Vrukart was very much with her…and oversleeping by the look of it.  ”Babe…hey..Jaime!”  The grumblings that greeted the mechanic made her chuckle as she bumped against him, jostling him awake.  ”We have to get up for work…no, today can’t be a lazy day, it seems..I know, you didn’t call in, and I gotta get up too”  The man blinked and grumbled, waking up with a furrowed brow.  ”I though you said the job was done?  You don’t mean..”  A pillow greeted him as she sat up, feeling a bit reinvigorated after the rest, some of her hurts gone.  ”Nah, I wasn’t lying to you. This is legit work, Tarana’ka.  Got a lady with a bike needs restorin’.  Total custom job too, gon’ be tight.  Been puttin’ it off with this job, so will be nice to have a wrench in mah hands…an ACTUAL wrench, Jaime”

Holding up a finger, she laughed as she dressed herself, taking it a bit easy as she fought off her hurts..and her Vruk, it seemed.  Getting ready, she ate breakfast with him before they parted ways with a warm embrace, the mechanic promising to be back that evening to spend with his fam.  Getting into her Scorpion, the newly-labeled redhead sped off back to her garage.  She didn’t know who would be there, but she had a full day to do work, and the time she spent she had already set aside…

When she arrived, it was quiet…Tuskaloosa knew that the human would be at the garage today, but maybe she was getting a later start..Arc admits that she was rather early in the morning for her to be arriving.  Still, a quick Matrix ping allowed the mechanic to check in with the troll, letting her know where she was.  A quick check of the living room showed a note left by Firefly as well… Seems like she needs to take care of a couple things, but will be in touch.  Especially to deal with the Yak.  Okay.  I’ll give her some space and check up on her soon.  What surprised Arc was the lack of signs that Yelena was there…perhaps her party ran late, or she found someone to spend the day with…the elf was no fool, and Arc reminded herself that and that she would know if something was up. For now, she needed to focus…

She knew that in two weeks from now, she would be joining her elven sister Yelena on a trip to Poland…a revenge trip, and coming along are the only people she knew capable of pulling off a job like that.  Arc set her jaw as she knew she was nowhere near at the level of runner that would be any good…the last extraction job was proof.  No.  Improvements were needed.  Thinking to the drone sitting in her garage, Arc resolved to pick up one or two more along with a new ride, and she would spend time training on how to use those guns.

And no better way to train in virtual remote mounted gun firing than Matrix Trid games.

Centauri Starfighter 20XX.  That was the game that little Melanie had recommended Arc give a try…the configuration was simple: two players (or one VI to assist) occupy a fighter..one pilots, the other operates the gun.  Arriving fairly early in the morning, Arc plotted out her day to split her time between playing this game..and working on the bike.  Her focus was not wavering as she realized she had a long way to go before she was a good gunner…thankfully for her, the bike was a great way to work out her frustrations from the former onto the latter in a productive manner.

The bike itself was proving to be quite a feat.  Half her time was spent machining the parts into the specifications she needed, and the other half was spent building the fragging thing.  She took it one step at a time, using the parts she had picked up…for the most part, all of the guts were here, they just needed to be made to fit.  Welds, solder joints, metalworking…with the trained expertise of a number of years of training experience, Arc guided and led the pieces as the time passed on..and when the evening sun filtered in through the garage did she decide that she had worked sufficiently for the day.  Cleaning up, she dressed herself back in her normal clothes and threw her coveralls in the laundry to be cleaned when she remembered to.  Locking up, she rolled out on the Scorpion, texting Jaime that she was on her way to Henry’s home.

When she arrived, Tessa was happily greeted by the familiar faces of the two ork girls at the door, now very much accepted by the family.  Jaime beat her there and was already knocking back a cold one with the ork engineer by the time she was ushered into the living room.  Saying her hellos, the short human allowed a moment for the girls to marvel over her new hair, assuring her that yes, it was real and not some cybernetic replacement.  Retreating to the kitchen, she found Bettina working on dinner with lil J babbling in his high chair.  Volunteering herself to help, she found herself chatting with the older woman, the conversation turning from work to a crash course in cooking…something that Tessa knew she sorely needed.

Dinner was served, and as always whenever Tessa has visited, it was plentiful and a hearty occasion.  The banter and chatter was almost overwhelming.  The talk shifted to Arc’s cybernetics, and Henry’s ideas for how to improve upon them…Tessa listened intently, lifting up her cyberarm as she studied it with a curious eye.  When it came to actually doing anything about it, she simply said she would have to check her funding and then get back to him about it.  Which was perfectly fine.  And Melanie was super-stoked Arc started playing Centauri Starfighter 20XX, and promised to play with her to help her level up and train.

As the evening wound down, Tessa would depart with her Vrukart, bearing a light heart and a full belly as she rode with Jaime back to his place, the bike tagging along via a closely monitored autopilot the whole while.  She felt at ease…no illicit operations to undergo, no full night ops of life-threatening caliber, and no stressing…Blake would be getting in touch with them soon with their payments and that would be that.  She made sure to hand Blake the commcode she has for Merlin…to pass along info of the missing Feathers should he be discovered in the bust.  But, none of that now, as that night was just about her and Jaime…

…and a good thing too, as the text she received from a Shadowsong in the morning shattered that illusion of normality.  ”…Frag, Srui…Jaime, I’m gon’ ride with you to the hospital.  Yelena is there, ICU.  It’s bad…”

<<@Marco, Firefly, Tuskaloosa:  Arc here.  Yelena’s in Redmond General’s ICU.  I’m going there now.  Frag all>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-17-16/1818:05>
Marco finished the job, left Blake and headed home he had a lot to study and not much time. A new SIN was incredible, a secret SIN that the church knows nothing about. "Finally I am not eating out of their hands... After all Gabriel provided me with Marco Black when I am actually Marco Bianchi - I did not even have to change the initials it was an easy SIN swap. My name is so common in Italy that keeping it was no problem really. Dead mages kill no heretics - faking my death was the way to go but right now was too soon. "

Marco texted DB - ">> Remember that I asked you to teach me about spirits I need you to come to me. I do not feel myself in the village."
DB texted ">> I will come tonight be ready for me with a place to bind." Ofcourse DB planned to project, visit with his mind only. A capability that modern science claims that Marco can never have as physical magic somehow binds the spirit to the body or some other pseudo scientific reason.

Marco did not believe in this limitation, after all he was a mystical adept and is own existence challenged a lot of the conventional understanding and classification of magical talents. Many scholars simply ignored mystical adepts for being statistical insignificant.

For Marco it meant that he had another difficulty that was deeper than magical traditions, Marco channeled magic in a different way, and imitating other mages always proved very difficult for him. The bit of skills Marco knew he learned from spirits. There was no lore on how mystical adepts work or how to explain magical knowlege to them. To science it was a miricale that they could actually learn magical skills and the arrogance of mages made Marco feel like a monkey being taught to use knife and fork. Adorable, but nobody expect him to actually be good at it.

Marco felt frustrated when he got reminded how easy it was for DB to visit him. He could do without leaving his bed while Marco had to strip, change into a bird and fly for over an hour. When the weather was bad the flight was difficult and it was always a big deal physically to fly tens of kilometers as a bird. It was hard for a bird and for a man that wears bird skin it was twice as hard.

Marco was learning disguise with his new virtual mentor when he received Arc's message. He cleaned his face from cosmetics and left for the hospital. Packing just a basic concealer and a comb with him. It was easy to find the ICU but seeing Yelena laying there either sleeping or unconscious was not a pretty sight. Marco felt weakness and he knew that he just allowed his face to turn super pale. Marco was aware of any single muscle in his face, but seeing Yelena like that etiquette and cool resolve were the last things he wanted to express.

Arc was already there "Is she okay?" Asked Marco.  He was releaved when Arc nodded-  "How did it happen? I thoguht she was going on a date. ".
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-18-16/0102:47>
Yelena roams a vast plain, flat and desolate and without any sort of ground cover that is not dead.  She wanders without a path, her feet crushing the lifeless vegetation into the arid soil.  The air is leaden and hot and even the slight breeze does nothing to lessen the effect.  There are no features rising from the flat plain to guide against and no sun to chart a course, so she might have been traveling in great circles, except for the trail of footprints she is leaving behind her.  The only noise she can hear is a sort of breathing from the slight breeze and her feet as they touch the ground; even her own breath is surprisingly silent.  Then there is a noise from beside her.  Looking down she sees a young Keeb girl walking next to her.  The child has large wounds in her chest and horrific exit wounds out her back.  She looks up at the assassin who had killed her and smiles, holding out a hand for Yelena to take. 

The old Elf and the young Elf walk together in a silence broken only by the sound of their steps and the breeze.  But the horizon has changed and Yelena can see The Tree.  The Tree has been a part of her life for over fifty years and she can still remember the first skulls that decorated the only object she has ever seen on this plain except for the shades she knows will be waiting for her arrival.  The grip of the girl beside her gets noticeably tighter in some form of support, but Yelena has no intent of swerving from her course to The Tree.  Soon, she can make out the skulls hanging on chains from dead branches.  Many skulls.  Each one represents an individual slain by Yelena.  Through a long and successful career, Yelena has added several hundred skulls.  Not all are hanging from The Tree; some are piled on the ground below it in heaps that stand taller than a man and others lay where they rolled from the piles, scattered about the ground.

Yelena sees a wall of grey surrounding The Tree and knows that the shade and ghosts of her dead are waiting for her.  the wall parts and the two Elves pass through to the center to stand at the trunk of The Tree.  Yelena turns to find another young girl standing before her, nearly at arm's length.  Her forehead is marred by a single bullet hole, but the shade is missing the back half of its head where the bullet had exited.  This was the first Human that Yelena had killed after escaping from Camp 14.  The skulls of the camp guards she had killed on the day she escaped hung on lower branches, but the shades were too weak to matter.  This one mattered.  Her hatred for Yelena had made her the principal in the campaign to terrorize the killer.  She is the leader of the shades here, and their voice.  But this time she is silent, as if waiting. 

Yelena pauses, afraid to speak.  It was usual for the shades to already be calling to her in hundreds of voices, all discordant in their universal condemnation of Yelena.  The Keeb girl that had been the slave of the Smiley Face Monster looks up at Yelena and squeezes her hand again.  Taking what strength she can from that, Yelena speaks.  "I, Yelena Petrovna, killed all of you, damning you to this place through my tie to the shadow.  As shades you have sought to torture my waking and sleeping hours, with differing measures of success.  And I thought I understood the shadow and stood against your power, drawing strength from what I thought I knew.  And in my naiveté I thought you to be strong one instant and weak the next.  But I was wrong about all of that.  All of it.  I am Yelena Petrovna and I have been shown more of the true shadow.  I knew nothing before and I know a bare sliver more than nothing now.  But I have seen the dark and I want more.  I demand more.  I have found more truth in an instant's glance than I had gathered in many years.  I am now beyond what you can terrorize.  I am ready to learn more and now realize that you are to be my guides on this journey.  Defy me at your peril, because I have a bit of the secret of the dark at my touch.  She stops talking and the shades begin talking at once, a gloriously horrible bedlam in the desolation.  Then the girl in front of her steps forward to her side and takes her free hand.  The sounds from the shades cease and the grey wall dissipates to nothing, leaving only Yelena and the two girls at the base of the tree.  Both look up at her and smile before leading her off onto the plain and away from The Tree.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-19-16/1006:27>
A brief embrace of support and a kiss later, Jaime left Arc to find her Sri at the hospital, needing to start his shift.  The human scratched her head as she found the ICU ward, though had some difficulty with the reception on getting to see the elf.  "Listen, I am the closest thing to family she has in this world.  I ain't accepting no, if she's gonna be with sone one when she wakes, it's gonna be me"  The honest passion and urgency behind her voice must have cut through, as seen was pointed towards the room where Yelena lay.

Seeing the sight of her, strapped up to monitors, IVs, and tubes, Arc quietly cursed as she felt her hands ball into fists.  Relaxing herself, she fished for her pack of smokes in her jacket...but stopped.  No, that won't help anything.  Instead, she looked over the ARO chart at her Srui's bed and paced about, the pale Visage of Marco showing up before long.

"Yeah, I thought she be on a date too.  Problem is, she weren't anywhere near the club...must have been hell of a date too..."  she referenced the notes as she approached the bed.  "Seven broken bones, a punctured lung, bruised liver, and a drekton of internal bleeding.  Frag.  Last time she was this bad, I was in the bed next to her losing an arm...ah?"  she caught the movement of Yelena stirring, and upon her waking said her piece to the elf...at least until thy were ushered out into the hall.

There, Arc resumed her pacing again, feeling helpless to the situation as she gripped a hand through her new red hairstyle.  "Grr...I shouldn't have let her go.  This is my fault she's like this, she didn't even need to go party anymore.  I'm assuming your job went well so we done.  Frag...I ain't gonna forgive my self for this..."  she turned on her heels to face Marco, seeing the look in his eyes.  "...Sorry.  didn't realize you might be shaken by this too...you care about her don't you "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-19-16/1025:04>
Yelena and the two girls have been walking for..................Yelena does not know for how long.  But long enough that The Tree has long disappeared behind them.  She knows where it is and knows that she can always find it, but it is a bit disconcerting to be walking the dead plain with two of her victims.  No one speaks as there does not seem to be anything to talk about.  The girls seem to know where they are going and Yelena can feel a gentle pull from somewhere off ahead.  The walking and the silence give the Keeb assassin time to think of her life and where it is going.  Without warning the girls stop and the Elf looks up at her, saying, "You need to go.  We will be waiting for your return.  Your path is long yet and you must still make other decisions."

The girls let go of her hands and sit on the prairie.  Yelena nods and wills herself back, opening her eyes to Arc's face.  She smiles the best she can with some fragging tube down her throat and squeezes the hand that is holding hers.  Marco's face comes into view as well.  Dear, patient Marco.  Yelena wonders if he will still love her or if that will dry up as it had the last time.  She listens to them talk but can do nothing more than nod or shake her head, and even that hurt a bit.  Eventually the nurse comes in to chase them away.  Yelena wonders what she has done to know such people.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-19-16/1135:10>
Doctors nurses, mysterious beeping from monitor so much pain and so much suffering how can they feel some calm, some of these people are clearly struggling. From the lack of medical attention Yelena was receiving right now she probably was stable. The ER room was a place of hope, it was the place where angels and Daemons.

As Arc was talking Marco zoned off, he could hear the emotion in her words, the passion.
“she saves people, Arc does not only fix bikes, she fix problems - she almost died twice, spent the night in prison and yet she is here blaming herself and could not be more alive and kicking despite still being in pain herself. ”

Quote
"...Sorry.  didn't realize you might be shaken by this too...you care about her don't you“
Arc's acknowledgement of Marco's present ended his deep thought. Marco felt as if he returned to reality as he spoke to Arc.  “We were about to move in together, I even made her a key. I told her I love her and she told me that she love me back. I thought we were going somewhere good.
I do not know why she went to that date - it was an orgy I am sure of it. I managed to snatch her out of there before. She excused it as part of the job but tonight she was off the clock. This is what she did to have fun... I did not stop her- I could not, with my own day job I have no right to play the jealous boyfriend. Still, it is difficult for me to imagine her in an orgy, drugged to the point where she is completely out of control.

In retrospective, I think she tried to kill herself. Look at the text message she sent me. I thought she was just high on Bliss, but I had no context.  It was sent around 4:30 am  so I think she was already wounded. This is what she wrote for me - instead of asking for help“
Quote
>>Marco.  Is Yelena.  I love you......just in case.  Be you always.<<
"She did call for help in the past, there was a gunfight and she was hurt and  I sent a Daemon from the other side of town to find and heal her. Yelena knew that although it is dangerous I could reach for her no matter where she is. If she wanted to be saved I could have at least tried. But she did not ask for help - just said her goodbye, knowing that I'll understand the message when we find her. "

Marco's voice was broken at the end and he could not stop the tears from falling, that escalated to crying. He let himself go and there was no point in trying to pull it together or to be strong.  He did not feel like a shadowrunner, like a criminal or a hero. He was terrified of these things and was back to being an emotional keeb.

As Arc leaned in to comfort him he said:  “It is over, Shadow dancer did all the hard work. I just casually talked to people. “  He sighed “How do you feel Arc? You almost died twice and spent a night in prison - and yet you comfort me. ”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-19-16/2141:24>
The information that the keeb laid upon her was almost overwhelming in its quantity and magnitude, the human looking as if she was taking physical blows with each new revelation.  Moving in...orgy...suicide...Frag it, Srui, what went through your head...  She shook her head, seeing him break down before her.  Leaning forward, she reached out to grab at his shoulder, a firm grip reaching up to steady him as the shorter girl stared up at him.  "Just let it out, omae.  Won't do you good to keep that drek down, trust me.  Lemme see that message.."  As she was supporting him, Arc's cybereyes were glancing through the message contents and details, and noted a unique aspect to the message.  "Huh...this was time delayed...she sent this hours before...weird.  And those wounds were not self-inflicted."  She looked back towards the door leading to Yelena's room, her expression a firm frown.  "Only she can tell us what's up..but I can't believe that my Srui would end things like that.  Just...frag..."   Her hands going up to her head, she growled a little in her own frustration.

The conversation turned to her, and she paused, looking at him.  Shrugging, she felt at her ribs a little.  "I'm recovering just fine.  I've dealt with worse drek, don't worry about me.  Even some thugs what found me in prison couldn't keep me down, heh."  She flashed a little grin, averting her gaze, her new hair glinting in the hospital light.  "I learned a lot..woulda handled that op a lot different with the stuff I know now.  Marco.."  She looked back up at him, cybernetic greens unblinking.  "If we're going to go with Srui to Poland, we need to be a team...practice together, work together, know each other...like a family of professionals or some drek like that.  I'm going to do what I can to get better, you have my word on that..uhrm..."

Arc was interrupted as the nurse that shooed them out approached them, her clipboard clacking a little against her as she cleared her throat.  "I'm just letting you know that your friend will be going into some minor surgery and will be out the rest of the day..the doctors are very optimistic, and if all is well, she should be awake and out of intensive care by tomorrow...I won't make you leave, but there's little sense staying around now.  It's up to you.."

The mechanic silently nodded her thanks, still a little shaken as the nurse exchanged a look with Marco and then departed, leaving the pair alone again.  "...I think that's a sign we shouldn't put us on hold...which means I should not cut my dentist appointment...nyeegh..."  The cringe was palpable as she scratched her head.  "Jaime said if I had to go he'll keep an eye on her when he can and let me know the changes...are you sticking here?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-20-16/0443:17>
@ Marco said with surprised "Delayed message ? This is even stranger but there is no reason to overthink it. It is out of our hands and she is recieving top notch medical care. What I do in situations like that is pray, I'll try to get other people to pray with me. After all if Yelena is moving in she is joining a large community like it or not."

He sighs so many emotions, so much metaphysical noise the place gave Marco a headache.
 "I think it is better if we return in a few hours, if you are not in a hurry we can grab some overpriced soykaf at the cafeteria. I'll be back when she finishes her surgery."

He then said with surprise
"Dentist appointment? Are you in pain?...  By all means go health comes first.

When she spoke about training together Marco felt a sting... "If they can ever trust me again. That is." He said  " Look Arc, after how badly a simple healing spell turned out to be I feel volatile, dangerous and not in a good way. I plan to get some help Jed and two other mages. I am a slow learner, but perhaps this time I can figure it out. I have to, otherwise how can you possibly trust me?

He then offered.
 If you want to train together, perhaps I can teach you how to lie better. Who knows, it might save your life. I need to learn how to not kill myself on the road.  I had an incident a couple of days ago, the driver fell asleep in the middle of the road and I had to take over the car. I managed to bring it to halt but I felt so helpless. I looked at the car, it looked at me back and I had no idea how to get the autopilot active again... took me an hour or so.  "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-20-16/1216:55>
Arc shook her head slowly at the moment he asked if she was in pain, shrugging a little as she averted her gaze.  "Tch, nothin' like that.  It's prep for a procedure or two I'm doing...something to help keep me useful.  I got a few others things I'm looking into as well...a couple new bots, and I'm gonna needa new set of wheels to get around..something to fit everyone I'm thinkin'.."  She trailed off, lifting her arms up as she paced about for a few moments, but Marco could tell that she was still listening to him.

She waited for him to finish, her eyes glancing toward him as she narrowed her gaze.  When she spoke, she spoke evenly.  "Marco, you're aware of that and you recognize it.  That's good, that's the first step to solving a problem.  There's more to it.  Not all of us are used to mojo, and I think you saw proof of that too.  Frag, I'll admit even I'm uneasy about it when it's doing with this hoop directly.  Hnn, that's why I say you needa spend time with the rest of us.  Let us know of each other...get used to your mojo so that when we are in the field, we don't have to worry.  You going out to figure you out is all good, but if y'all isolate your hoop from us, how can we build up the respect, hm?"  She gave a pause, pinching her brow.  "I wanna trust you Marco.  Let's work together to make it happen, aye?"

She turned away, cracking her neck as she thought over his offer.  "Driving lessons I can give you.  Tuska can give them as well, maybe we can work together on that.  Heh.  As for lying, I'm not sure if that's me...maybe if we find the time with drek I ain't learning already we can figure it out...but yeah, you know where I work and live, I'll help you."  She smiled, her mental DNI calling on the Scorpion to have it drive over to pick her up at the hospital.  Holding out her cyberhand, she offered to shake his hand.  "Thank you for all the help that y'all did do.  We gon' figure this out, aight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-20-16/1318:36>
Marco said "Wait Arc - I got an R6 tutor soft for pilot aircrafts... the salesman said they are the best that money can buy. I do not plan to become a pilot but I want to understand roughly how they work. I feel silly being so clueless about things.  Perhaps you'd like to share?"
If Arc approves, Marco extends her a mark of his tutorsoft.

"Arc you are too kind with me - you should not hang around me to 'get used to mojo'. I was an arrogant and overconfident jerk and I need to apologize. I will never again force my talent on you. Talk to me as the way you feel comfortable.  We do not have to think at each other. I will also not use spirits when they are unnecessary - they are more dangerous than I realized.  There is no essence in taking risks for nothing. "
Without pausing, Marco touched her hand and said:
"If you really want to hang around me it is to relax and have fun. You do not have to fix me Arc.  I made a mess and I should clean it up by apologizing for my behavior. I felt omnipotent after what I did at that bridge, I did not knew that I could get such an intense effect. I was overwhelmed by the experience and it made me weak, arrogant and over confident, that is all there is to it.

I actually need what little time we have to seek advice from more experience mages and I plan to meet with mages of three different traditions to figure things up.I need to find my inner peace again, otherwise I am not worthy of your respect and trust, I cannot just ignore my problems. Most of my time will be dedicated to Jed,  DB and Melenia.
 

Then Marco thinks "Perhaps the Daemon violated Firefly because I was so sexually charged from the passion spell? Perhaps it was me who wanted to get some action?"

He then say "We can still hang around, if you like I know many of the good restaurants in town and we should all be able to afford them. We can enjoy good food, good music and dancing. Then again we might need to lock Yelena in a room and watch her detox all the drek she put in her body. We make plans and god laughs. "  
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-21-16/1225:32>
Arc stood with hands on her hips, her side facing Marco as she tilted her head, looking at him with a curious expression at the offer.  "Tch, y'all always fulla surprises there.  Hell yeah I'll make use of it, throw it here.  Thanks omae"  She accepted the mark and resumed her pacing at Marco's words, listening and stopping to face him fully before she would respond.

"I respect ya respecting me and us, but you gotta understand that I do see the use of yo skills, omae.  It ain't much of a risk if we know what we get into.  That's why I want to have us all working together sometime these next coupla weeks.  I want...no, need...to have everyone on solid terms to depend on each other.  If that means going out, eating, dancing, then so be it."

She clapped Marco on the shoulder with her cyberarm with a smirk.  "Apology is accepted.  Just don't repeat it and we got no problems, aight?  I'll get in touch with Tuska, see if she would like to teach ya how to drive..I'm going in for a coupla surgeries in Friday to make me more useful, so we hang, then okay?"  Checking the time, she gave an understanding nod before looking up at the elf, then back at Yelena, her expression going serious.

"Maybe we needa do a bit of both..but you know I'll be there for her.  Count on it.  We'll figure that out when she wakes and is outta here.  You keep me updated, aight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-21-16/1456:16>
Yelena sinks back into the shadows in her mind and returns to the bleak landscape of the barren plain.  She knows that she is where she has never been before because she can see her foot prints behind her heading back in a line to The Tree.  She is alone but can feel a faint pulsing that she ascribes to the darkness calling to her.  Facing back around, she continues on her journey to find...................something.  She does not know what it is, but will know when she gets there.  Slight noises at her sides herald the arrival of her guides and she lets them take her by the hands.  She smiles and continues her march into the unknown, led by the shades of two of her victims.  The terrain seems to never vary, always dead grass on lifeless soil.  There is no sun; just a dim light that suffuses everything with an eerie sort of glow.  No words are exchanged and none need to be.  The seeker and her guides have a purpose that is not dependent on or helped by conversation.  It is enough to know that she is going somewhere important and necessary to her.  A next stage of her life.

There is still nothing on the horizon when she feels a tug back the other way.  Apparently the guides feel it as well and stop.  The small Keeb looks at her and says, "You must leave again.  We will wait."    Both guide let go of Yelena's hands and sit on the plain.  Yelena nods and forces the shadow to take her back to her other life.

Yelena wakes to fins two nurses and a doctor hovering about her.  She feels much better and realizes that the tube is gone from her throat.  The doctor notices that she is awake and turns to her, holding up a cautioning hand.  "Well, you are waking.  Right on time, too.  I have removed the tube from your throat, but be cautious; you will be sore there for a bit and should talk as little as possible for a while.  You have had visitors off and on through the night, but I sent them home to get some rest.  I expect they will be back in a while.  One especially anxious young man seemed particularly worried.  I told him that you would be well and recovered.  If all goes well, you can be discharged this afternoon, it you like.  I would recommend at least staying the night to make sure, but that is your call.  Any questions?"

Yelena opens her mouth to speak and realizes that the doctor has indeed spoken the truth about how sore her throat is and decides to simply shake her head.  The doctor and two of the nurses leave and the third one stays only a few minutes longer.  She shows Yelena where the water and ice are and how to ring the buzzer for help.  Yelena waits for her to leave then sets about sending some messages out.

>>Arc.  Srui.  Is Yelena.  Am healing.  Doctor man says might leave today.  Might stay one night.  Yelena thank for coming visit.  Srui take care decker mage until Yelena home.<<

>>Marco.  Is Yelena.  Am healing.  Come see.  Yelena need talk Marco.<<

>>Blake.  Is Yelena.  Can tell about club?  Yelena think Bella husband involved.  Man tried kill Yelena.  Yelena think man kill Bella or slave with club drugs.  Can find Bella?  She not deserve what happened.  Yelena need Blake help.  Still look Sam.  Yelena need things for body.  Make Yelena tougher, faster.  Harder to kill again.  Yelena have money.  Blake help?<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-21-16/1548:50>
Quote
I'll get in touch with Tuska, see if she would like to teach ya how to drive..I'm going in for a coupla surgeries in Friday to make me more useful, so we hang, then okay?"

"Never mind then, good luck with surgery. I'll pray that it all goes well. Yelena is not up yet, I want to see what is up with her. If it remains relevant I'll ask her myself."
After all, despite Arc's words Marco would not burden Tuska with favors. He barely knows her and is not in the position to start asking for things.  When Marco feels open to ask a favor he'll do so himself without mediators. It is a matter of honor for him, you need to look people in the eyes when you ask for their help.

With That Marco waited for Yelena to pass her surgery and then wake up. It was a long wait and her text caught him when he walked out to get a sandwich. He return to see her barely awake, sign of beatings on her face, so much torment such brutality - Marco finds it difficult to hide his concern. "She woke up...  it is a good sign."

He asks Yelena:
"Yelena... that is some magical comlink in your head, can you talk regularly or should we use the link?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-21-16/1734:20>
Yelena smiles to see Marco.  He must have just stepped out because he has some sort of sandwich in his hands.  He looks beat.  She points to her throat and shakes her head.  >>Throat sore from tube.  Mindlink good for thoughts.  Yelena not talk well unless in Russian.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-21-16/1743:50>
Marco casts the mindlink at low force, and then thinks at Yelena "Мы также можем думать России, я хотел, чтобы это был сюрприз Я узнал это за вас." Marco is new at Russian and has only learned few days ago, he is a bit clumsy but his intuition makes speaking reasonable. What he say translates to: "We can also think in Russian,  I wanted it to be a surprise, I learned it for you."

[spoiler]
Speak/Understand russian (http://orokos.com/roll/375983): 6d6t5 2 should be enough for a casual chat.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-21-16/1810:37>
Yelena's eyes open a bit wider as his thoughts come to her in Russian.  **Марко, если вы действительно хотите меня я за вами. Я будет сделано с оргии и диких пола если вы хотите. Я поможет вам с клиентами если вы хотите. Я могу найти Ты нужна мне. Вы еще комнате в вашем сердце для Меня даже если я сломан? Я не могу быть все, что вы хотите меня. Я слишком долго убийца. Но я не могу внести небольшие изменения могут привести к другим. Но моя душа - темный и я не думаю, я никогда не сможет выйти из тени позади. Если вы все еще хотите мне позволит вам нравится мне и я люблю Вас.**


[spoiler]Marco, if you really still want me I am yours.  I will be done with orgies and wild sex if you want.  I will help you with clients if you want.  I find I need you.  Do you still have room in your heart for me, even if I am broken?  I cannot be everything you want me to be.  I am too long a killer.  But I can make small changes that might lead to others.  But my soul is dark and I do not think I will ever be able to leave the shadow behind.  If you still want me I will allow you to love me and I will love you.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-21-16/1827:38>
Marco said: "Самый темный час перед восходом солнца. Я люблю тебя, и я хочу, чтобы вы в своей жизни. Я не хочу, чтобы продолжать быть сопровождающий долго, мне нужно изменить, чтобы узнать новые жизненные навыки. Я также хочу, чтобы вы изменить, я не хочу, чтобы вы просто убивать людей Даже злые люди есть иждивенцы и когда вы повредить их вы также пострадал невинных Подумайте о бесхозных уличных детей -.. многие из них плохие родители, возможно, их родители заслуживал смерти, но никто не заслуживает того, чтобы жить без любви и защита их родителей. Никто не заслуживает того, чтобы быть таким, как нарушаются при ... и меня ".

That translate to:
"The darkest hour is just before sunrise. I love you and I want you in my life. I do not want to continue being escort for long, I need to change to learn new life skills.  I also want you to change, I do not want you to just kill people. Even evil people have dependents and when you hurt them you also hurt innocents. Think about orphan street children - many of them had bad parents, perhaps their parents deserved to die but nobody deserves to live without the love and protection of their parents.  Nobody deserves to be as broken as you ... and me."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-21-16/1922:17>
Yelena nods carefully.  She has learned the hard way already that sudden movements bring a sharp pain.  **Марко, мы не живем в мире света. Я живут глубоко в тени и может не сможет оставить. Я не знаю, если я хочу оставить. Именно поэтому я нахожусь здесь в этом кровать. Я дал вверх и мысли о закончившейся вещи. Заканчивающийся все. Я отправил вам сообщение с задержками и таким образом, чтобы вы не могли гонки на меня и остановить меня. Несколько слишком много таблеток и я бы Gone обратно, но тени отвергли Меня и оставил мне в одиночку и незащищенные. Белла муж поехал меня к Barrens и сброшенные мне на стороне дороги для gangers найти. Они нашли меня и существует борьбе. Я убил двух и трех помечены, но они избили меня и оставил мне для мертвых. На мой окончательный борьбе я вновь проявил себя в тени и она спасла меня. Марко, я знаю это не так. И он показал мне следующий шаг. Я хочу посмотреть, где проходит. Но я не спешить. Я не готов и потребуется больше времени. Может быть мы сможем помочь друг другу в то время.**

[spoiler]Marco, we do not live in a world of light.  I live deep in the shadow and may not be able to leave.  I do not know if I want to leave.  That is why I am here in this bed.  I gave up and thought about ending things.  Ending everything.  I sent you a message and delayed it so you could not race to me and stop me.  A few too many pills and I would have gone back, but the shadow rejected me and left me alone and unprotected.  Bella's husband drove me to the Barrens and dumped me on the side of the road for gangers to find.  They found me and there was a fight.  I killed two and marked three but they beat me and left me for dead.  In my final fight I again proved myself to the shadow and it saved me.  Marco, I know it did.  And it showed me the next step.  I want to see where that goes.  But I do not have to rush there.  I am not ready and need more time.  Maybe we can help each other in that time.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-22-16/0231:48>
Marco said: ""О, Тень реально хорошо. Несмотря на годы вслед за ним и принимать все, что он может предложить вы слабы и вы слабы, потому что вы девальвировать жизнь и при этом вы девальвировать смерть. Вы убили более 100 человек и еще, если жизнь есть никакого смысла, то все, что вы сделали, не имеет смысла. Этот путь не будет в конечном итоге с вами быть как Николай рабом вашей собственной темноты. Когда вы отрицаете то, вы даете ему власть над вами.

Если дать смысл жизни и принять, что каждый из вопросов, то вы будете чувствовать себя в полной мере вашего темноте. Это страшно, страшно очень, но вы должны принять это. В противном случае вы будете служить этой темноте всю свою жизнь, пока вы не слишком слабы, чтобы убить, а затем он будет принимать свою душу. Master темноту, сделать его рабом - ваша сила. Вы чувствовали себя комфортно, где люди боятся идти, использовать его.

Сейчас вы пьете, чтобы забыть, вы ебать забыть, теперь делать наркотики, чтобы забыть. Вчера вы хотели бы умереть. Вы даже сказал своим прощания. Вы охватывают тень, но вы не цените жизнь. Даже не свой собственный, и именно поэтому ничего не имеет смысла. Вы должны изменить свои пути. Будучи мощным ничего, если вы не свободны.

Вы только еще жив из-за инстинкт выживания, это хорошо, но нужно больше, чем инстинкты. Необходимо намерение - планирование и ответственность. Если у вас это вам не нужно будет убить, они бы не напал на вас в первую очередь. Не быть рабом темноты, освоить его. "

That translate to:
"Oh, Shadow is real alright. Despite years of following him and accepting everything he has to offer you are weak and you are weak because you devalue life and in doing so you devalue death.  You killed over 100 people and yet, if life has no meaning then everything that you did has no meaning. This path will end up with you being like Nikolai a slave to your own darkness. When you deny something, you give it power over you.

If you give life meaning and accept that every single one matters then you will feel the the full extent of your darkness. It is scary, terrifying really but you have to accept it. Otherwise you will serve this darkness your entire life, until you are too weak to kill and then it will take your own soul.  Master the darkness, make it your slave - your power. You feel comfortable where people are afraid to go, use it.

Right now, you drink to forget, you fuck to forget, you now do drugs to forget. Yesterday you wanted to die. You even said your goodbyes. You embrace shadow but you do not value life. Not even your own, and this is why anything is meaningless. You need to change your ways. Being powerful is nothing if you are not free.

You are only still alive because of survival instinct, this is good but you need more than instincts. You need intention - planning and responsibility.  If you had these you would not need to kill, they would not have attacked you in the first place. Do not be a slave to darkness, master it. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-22-16/0937:45>
Yelena simply nods.  Her Marco does not understand.  In truth, Yelena is not sure that she understands as much as she had thought she did.  The new power she had been allowed to see altered much of what she had been sure of about the shadow.  It would take careful study to be able to know enough to master the dark.  He was right about one thing, though.  **Марко, вы правы о необходимости master этой тьмы внутри меня. Мне нужно время для излечения и получить прочность при необходимости. На это потребуется время, но я не его. Но вы не правы обо мне не оценивая жизнь. Я пришли к пониманию того, что большинство людей этот вопрос. Почему бы мне встать для Z и его друзья? Почему я должен заботиться о Сэм, перья, Белла, и на остальной части людей, которые исчезли в клуб никогда не выходит? Почему я должен остаться здесь сейчас, когда моя жизнь была всегда переходите после окончательной обработки задания? Я не care, но смотреть в другую сторону - это не ответ. Я не религиозных, но я прочитал Ваше Библии. Даже ваш Бог является причиной смерти многих людей в Ветхом Завете. Городах, наций, даже на весь мир после того, были убиты. Я не могу понять ваши чувства, когда я убью, особенно при смерти я вызвать теперь зла человек.**

Yelena holds up a hand.  **Я связался с Блейк, чтобы увидеть о получении некоторых новых имплантатов для меня. Я думаю, что я не может позволить себе несколько мне помочь выжить лучше. К сожалению, моей изучения каталогов скажите мне, что я не достаточно Nuyen для всех я хочу, чтобы у меня не будет соглашаться на что мне можно получить и сделать более позднее. Не думаете ли Вы, что вы можете поговорить с Блейка и возможно провести переговоры по хорошей цене для меня? Вы знаете как я с переговоров.**


[spoiler]Marco, you are right about needing to master this darkness inside of me.  I need time to heal and gain the strength necessary.  It will take time, but I will do it.  But you are wrong about me not valuing life.  I have come to realize that most lives matter.  Why else would I stand up for Z and his friends?  Why would I care about Sam, Feathers, Bella, and the rest of the people that have disappeared into the Club to never come out?  Why would I stay here now when my life has been to always move on after finishing a job?  I do care, but looking the other way is not the answer.  I am not religious but I have read your Bible.  Even your God was a killer of many people in the Old Testament.  Cities, nations, even the entire world once, were killed.  I do not understand your feelings when I kill, especially when the deaths I cause now are evil people.


I have contacted Blake to see about getting some new implants for me.  I think I can afford a couple of things to help me survive better.  Unfortunately, my perusal of the catalogues tell me that I do not enough Nuyen for all I want, so I will have to settle for what I can get and do more later.  Do you think that you can talk to Blake and perhaps negotiate a good price for me?  You know how I am with negotiation.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-22-16/1101:32>
Yelena watches Marco's face for any sign that he is lost to her.  While waiting for a response, she thinks of something else she needs and sends a message off to the one private eye she knows.  >>Jedediah.  Is Yelena.  Transferring 5K money owed you.  Have more work if want.  Friend named Bella.  Husband say Bella in drug rehab.  Yelena not believe.  Yelena thing Bella dead or drug slave to Stardust club.  Can Jedediah find Bella?  Sending all information have as attachment.  Call or come to hospital if want talk.  Yelena hurt.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <02-22-16/1108:32>
Holy shit, Y is in the hospital! Jed fires back a quick message Milaya, I'm not completely finished with my previous job, but I'll see what I can do.  I may be able to devote some time to looking over the next few days.  I'm on my way to see you

Jed fires a quick message off to Marco.  Marco, I just found out Y is in the hospital.   How bad is it?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-22-16/1118:58>
Yelena smiles.  Jedediah barely knows her and he is coming to the hospital to see her.  How odd.  How nice.  She sends a thought to Marco, **Вы помните PI man, кто помог нам? Его зовут Jedediah и я обратился к нему с просьбой оказать мне найти Белла. Она не заслуживает умереть или концом вверх с наркотиками slave и хотите узнать, что случилось с ее. Я хочу нанять Jedediah найти ее. Он здесь для меня. Возможно вам два можно говорить о mojo.**

[spoiler]Do you remember the PI man who helped us?  His name is Jedediah and I have asked him to help me find Bella.  She does not deserve to die or end up a drug slave and I want to know what happened to her.  I want to hire Jedediah to find her.  He is coming here to see me.  Maybe you two can talk mojo.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-22-16/1548:27>
Marco thought: "Елена, я ничего не знаю о Господе знать, будучи религиозным не означает, что я когда-либо получал ответы на мои сомнения и на мои вопросы. Я молился, и Господь молчал всегда молчит. Я вырос в Италии, где пробудил дети считаются дар Божий. Каждый хочет быть разбужен и если вы проснетесь Церковь заботится о всей вашей волшебной образования бесплатно.
Они считают, что магия является либо божественным или демоническим, либо вы тронуты бога или вы отродье демонов. Я не знаю много о моей семье, но ходят слухи, что они были злые язычники, и поэтому моя магия всегда считалось злом. Возможно, именно поэтому они попытались сделать убийцу из меня. Если бы Церковь понимал природу моей магии я уверен, что они выбрали бы другую работу для меня.
Тем не менее, я сам не знал о природе своей собственной магии до недавнего времени. Нетрудно видеть, что я маг. Я вызывать духов и использовать заклинания. Две школы магии, заставляет меня полный маг. Тем не менее, некоторые вещи действительно шел гладко и мне потребовалось очень много времени, чтобы узнать магические навыки. Я был самым медленным студент в моем классе, и я полагал, что я был глуп. Только тогда, когда я обнаружил, что я был также самоучка адепт, что я понял, что был не дурак.
Мой QI никогда не было видно, я говорю магические слова, которые мягко манипулировать людьми вокруг меня. То, что некоторые колонки сделать с многолетним опытом я с помощью магии. Когда я прибыл в Сиэтл все были добры ко мне. это был первый признак того, что что-то не естественно, но как бы я знать? Возможно, люди хорошие Я никогда не покидал Италию.
Несколько месяцев назад я использовал косметику отличаться чем я и, глядя в зеркало я мог изменить внешний вид моего лица манер, которые не могли быть объяснены без магии. Я разработал этот метод и сейчас я очень горжусь этим. Это был мой первый намек, что я могу получить доступ Ци магии. Я считаю, что мои социальные силы приходят из ссылки, что у меня с другими людьми. Будучи способным насилия требует видеть себя и другого человека как отдельных лиц, но я не вижу, как он. Я чувствую, как будто мы такие же и штамповки чужой чувствует себя штамповки себя, как бы странно это звучит. Это, как мир взгляд от моих собственных глазах, я считаю, что каждый связаны друг с другом, однако большинство из нас слишком онемели чувствовать эту связь. Если только другие люди чувствовали, как я не было никакого насилия в нашем мире ".

That translate to:

"Yelena, I do not know anything about the Lord, being religious does not mean that I ever got answers to my doubts and to my questions. I prayed and the Lord was silent always silent. I grew up in Italy where awakened children are considered gift of god. Everybody wants to be awakened and if you awaken the Church takes care of your entire magical education for free.

They believe that magic is either divine or daemonic, either you are touched by god or you are the spawn of daemons. I do not know much about my family, but rumor has it that they were evil pagans and therefore  my magic was always considered evil. Perhaps this is why they tried to make an assassin out of me. Had the Church understood the nature of my magic I am certain that they would have picked a different job for me.

However, I myself was not aware to the nature of my own magic until recently.  It is easy to see that I am a mage. I summon spirits and cast spells. Two schools of magic, makes me a full mage. However, some things did not go smoothly and it took me very long time to learn magical skills. I was the slowest student in my class and I believed that I was stupid. Recently I discovered that I am no fool but a self educated social adept.

My QI was never visible, I speak magical words that gently manipulate people around me. What some speakers do with years of experience I do with magic. When I arrived to Seattle everyone were nice to me. it was the first clue that something was not natural, but how would I know? Perhaps people here were just nice, I lived in a different country and culture. 

Few months ago I was using cosmetics to appear different than I am and looking at the mirror I could change the appearance of my face in manners that could not be explained without magic. I developed this method and now I am very proud of it. It was my first hint that I can access Qi magic. I believe that my social powers come from a link that I have to other people.

Being capable of violence requires seeing yourself and the other person as separate entities but I do not see it like that. I feel as if we are the same and punching someone else feels like punching myself, as odd as it sounds. This is how the world look from my own eyes, I believe that everyone are linked to each other however most of us are too numb to feel this connection. If only other people felt like I do there was no violence in our world."
 
When Yelena mentioned Jed Marco answered "Джед -.. Да я его знаю На самом деле я попросил его помочь мне понять, почему мои демоны ведут себя так, как они являются общим магических знаний мешает мне вызова духов, которые еще не очень близко к нашей metaplane и Демоны находятся слишком далеко для нам вызвать. Поэтому, я подозреваю, что есть что-то не так со мной. Я спросил Джед, чтобы помочь мне понять это.

Если мы найдем мужа Беллы я могу заставить его сказать мне, где Белла. Это не очень сложная, если вы думаете, что она находится в опасности, мы можем идти спасти ее "

Or in Einglish:
 "Jed - yes I know him. In fact I asked him to help me understand why my Daemons behave the way they are. The common magical lore prevents me from summoning spirits that are not already very close to our metaplane and Daemons are too far for us to summon. Therefore, I suspect that there is something wrong with me. I asked Jed to help me figure it up. If we find Bella's husband I can get him to tell me where Bella is. It is not very complex if you think she is in danger we can go save her."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-22-16/2312:13>
One of the machines near Yelena beeps three times and a nurse walks into the room.  "Young man.  It is time for her pain meds.  You can stay if you like, but she will be unconscious in less than a minute.  You might as well get something to eat and come back in a couple of hours."  The nurse bustles about and uploads something into Yelena's IV and the Keeb immediately feels the effects, barely able to smile at Marco and say.  "Yelena see Marco later.  Call Blake.  Jed coming.  Marco meet Jed.  Yelena lo..................."  And like that she is unconscious.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-23-16/0048:28>
The rest of Wednesday went by in equal parts of dedicated focus and unadulterated torture for Arc, the mechanic knowing that her Sruiken would not have been happy if she had put her life on hold just to be around while the elf was asleep recovering.  Departing from the hospital on the bike, the mechanic double-checked the time and headed for the dentist she had scheduled to get a cleaning for.

...and oh how she wished she could have just had another night in prison instead.

A very quick filling out of her medical history revealed, to little surprise except maybe the receptionist, that no, Arc did not have any previous dental work to speak of on record.  When you live job to job, it makes such trivial matters as tooth care a bit of a luxury that could not be afforded.  Still, this was for a very personal cause for Arc, and she grit her jaw and sat through the cleaning and examination, the wonders of Sixth world tech filling in any cavities on the spot.  About an hour or so later, the human girl was released from the torture with a small bag of supplies and a clean mouth..

..which was really weird. For the next day or so, she would habitually run her tongue over the teeth, the texture feeling quite foreign to her.  Once she was home, she got back to work on splitting her time...training herself on Centauri Starfighter 20XX and restoring Tuskaloosa's racing bike.  At least after this day it was starting to look like an actual bike, the framework completed with the engine sitting proudly in the center of it all.  Returning home to Jaime, she enjoyed the evening and night in his company, his soothing words and calming embrace staying any worry for Yelena...

Thursday

Waking up early with her Vruk, Arc would take a quick shower, relieved that the red hair dye she put on her head didn't run off and was there to stay.   Dressing in comfortable attire, the human girl would again take a ride over to the hospital, checking in as a visitor to see Yelena, though she was explained that the elf woman was just sedated to help recover.  Nodding her head, she rubbed her temples as she paced about in the lobby, blinking a few times as she turned to see a familiar face, eyebrow raised in mild surprise.

"...Hoi, Jed, is that you?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-23-16/0142:37>
>> Jed fires a quick message off to Marco.  Marco, I just found out Y is in the hospital.   How bad is it?

Marco replies to Jed  >> Pretty bad... I am there right now... too stubborn to leave the place. She is unconscious most of the time.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <02-23-16/1636:00>
Jed saw Marcos message.  Oh spirits, I wonder what happened?  Jed checked in on Joshua.  He was busying himself in the garden.   Jed didn't even recognize his own garden anymore.  He wasn't sure what he was going to do when Joshua left.  He kind of liked having him around now.    Joshua, a friend of mine is in the hospital.  I'm going to go see her for a couple of hours.  Do you want to go?  Without even looking up, Joshua shook his head no, and waved Jed off.  If you need me, call me.  Do you have the phone we got you, or is it inside?  Again without looking up, Joshua pulls the phone out and wiggles it, then puts it back into his pocket.   OK, I'll put the ladder out so you can get down.  Just remember to stick it back into the garage.  Jed went back inside, walking past the beat up motorcycle sitting in the garage.  He'd have to ask Arc if she could help him with that.  Jed called for a cab.  Giving the cabbie two addresses, they pulled away.  I've got just the thing for her.  One stop before the hospital

Walking into the lobby, Jed was greeted by Arc.  Hello Ms. Arc.  What the hell happened to her?  After listening intently to Arc's quick summary of events, Jed was furious.  That son of a bitch! We have to take this club down.  If that asshole doesn't go down, we may just have to take him down ourselves.  Yelena asked me to find Bella.  Is that his wife?  Jed sees Arc eyeing the man behind him.   Oh, this is Henry.  He plays the sax at 45th and N 80th and Redmond down by the park.  I hired him to play for Yelena for the day.  In fact, if you'll excuse me, I'll be right back  Leading Henry to Yelena's room, he set him up in the corner, and suggested that he play very softly, so as not to upset the staff.  She likes jazz.  Play something smooth and soothing  Returning to the lobby, he walks back over to Arc.  By the way Arc, I picked up a motorcycle cheap.  Body is beat to hell, and it isn't running.  Do you think we could get it over to your place and see if you can get it going?  I might need some help learning to ride it too.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-23-16/1648:25>
Marco greets Jed and is quite impressed by the Jazz musician... "How is your 'Fibonacci' loving friend? Is he better?" He asks. With Yelena unconscious Marco seats on one of the chairs and enjoys the jazz, it will be a few hours before she is up again. In the meanwhile he started texting contacts, trying to gain access to some cyber clinic that is both well equipped and does not keep much paper trail about its patients the kind that you could trust with some serious augmentation job. It would require more than just texting - but the initial steps could be done texting and Marco had some time to burn.  People knew other people and Marco was surprised how many friends of friends are actually in the shadows.


 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <02-23-16/2110:06>
@ Marco  He finally finds the clinic. In the Tir, they specialize in cyber for elves. And the record would be buried there. But, once he tells Arc his plans she looks at him and says, "Tcha omae. I coulda hooked yo up iffn' you'd said. Same guy I'm gettin' my stuff done at. Henri, my Vruk's brother knows him. An Henri works cyber so's he knows."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-23-16/2245:05>
Arc was relieved that despite her change in hair color and style, she was recognized by the older PI as he entered the hospital wing.  Crossing her arms, she tilted her head to the side as he greeted her, and she started going into detail what she knew about Yelena's incident...and watching his blood boil.  This surprised the short little mechanic as she leaned back a bit, cybereyes widening as she reviewed her stock of the man...  He cares about her...I thought he was an outside source, but maybe should consider him part of the team...  Bringing herself back, she answered his initial questions.

"Yeah, that's the best I gathered, but Srui is the best one to tell ya the solid on it.  But remember that fedo contact I said we was handling?  He's set to bust that place wide open here quick with all the dirt we cleared in.  And a list of peeps what went missin' we waiting on a word back about.  If we don't hear soon, I'll get on his hoop..."  She flicked a little smile at the mention of the sax guy, reaching up and touching a hand to Jed's arm.  "Think she'll like that...or it might sting...her story, long one, not mine to tell.  C'mon, I'll take you to her."

Leading the way down the ward, Arc paused as she saw Marco approaching, the man looking like he's eaten little and slept even less.  Flicking up a stray lock of hair, the human offered him a small hug.  "Y'all look like hell...you sure you ain't finna take a breather, man?"  As the jazz played, Arc stepped into the back, her hand playing with the pack of smokes in her pocket again, at least until Jed started talking to her about a certain derelict bike he had...

The talk of a fix-it job seemed to calm her, her body visibly relaxing as she looked up to him, flicking a little smile.  "Tchae...you shoulda opened with that, omae.  Yeah, you cover whatever parts I tell you I need, I'll get ya the labor...and some lessons i can do as well...or maybe my sorta assistant can if she feels like it.  How soon you needing this ride, man?  I'm going in for a procedure or two tomorrow, so won't be much free till the weekend...think that'll work for ya?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-24-16/0208:20>
Yelena recovers consciousness slowly, as if her body is telling her she needs the down time rest.  For a moment or two, she is taken back to Josie's as the lilt of soft jazz reaches her, bringing a smile to her face.  A good sax can do anything in the right hands, and whoever is burning this one knows what he is doing.  She finishes waking up and looks about, a bit disappointed to see that she is still in the hospital room.  The music is coming from a corner and she looks that way to see Smilin' Henry O standing there softly wailing away.  He notices her awake and stops playing to come over to her.  "Miz Yelena.  How do?  Was told ya be down here, wastin away without no music.  How is ya doin?"

Yelena smiles. "Smilin Henry O.  Yelena glad see you.  How are you?  How long play here?"  She motions for him to pull up a seat.

The large man takes a chair and brings it over near the bed.  "Oh, been doin fine enough, lately.  Better than you, to see it.  An been here a bit.  Man name of Jed come get me.  Din't know twas you I be playin for."

Yelena gives a small laugh.  "Happens now and then.  Jeddediah?  PI man?  How nice.  Is here?"

Henry nods.  "That man dowstairs in ta lobby.  He be chatting with some girl with red hair on half her head an a metal arm.  I think he be comin up soon."

Yelena carefully nods.  "Yelena thank for coming by.  You have nice hand with sax."

The man smiles.  "Why thankee, Miz Yelena.  I do try.  But not at your level yet.  Maybe some day.  Maybe we play t'gether down to Josie's when ya get outta here."

"Yelena have date with Smiling Henry when leave here.  Yes. Yelena like that."

Yelena yawns a bit and smiles as her eyes flutter closed again.  The large man quietly stands up and takes the chair back to the corner and begins to softly play again.  The tunes waft through the floor of the hospital, pleasing patient and staff alike, for despite his words, Smiling Henry O really could play the sax.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-24-16/0529:34>
Marco told Arc - "Oh ... I did not know that the clinic you go to can do high level combat stuff. The vibe I got from Yelena is that we are talking titanium bones, armored skin, enhanced reactions and some skillwires for the monowhip. Next time will want to beat her they'll better bring hammers hammers becasue anything softer would not even pierce her armor. Do you think your clinic can do all that it'll be incredible not having to organize the logistics to take Yelena to the Tir... She plans to become stronger - a lot stronger. "

Then when she commented about his physical state Marco returned the hug and said "I'll go home to sleep tonight but until then I should be here where my heart is. I was never actually worried for someone else - I am probably over doing it - but what can I do. There is nowhere else I'd like to be more than right here seating in that chair. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-26-16/0050:14>
Arc nodded slowly as she faced Marco, putting a hand on his arm as she stared up at him.  "It's null sheen omae.  When a close one is in need, ain't nothin be overdoing it.  You there for her, she see that."  she paused a bit, thinking about the kind of ware they were looking for for her Sruiken.   "heh...guess I ain't the only one looking for an upgrade.  Yeah, I think he can do it.  The dude'so a bit kooky, but professional.  Use my ID name from before, he only accepts word of mouth recommendations, but he may hook her up fine.  But ah...she's gonna have to be clean.  I'll make sure she knows that."

The human pauses as she hears the music playing softly from the hospital room, looking towards the door as she nods to the two gentlemen.  Smiling, she wordlessly slipped into the room, arms crossed as she watched Yelena wake and converse with the player by the door, waiting for a moment to approach...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-26-16/0124:16>
Yelena keeps her eyes closed as she listens to the music, using the fingers of her right hand to keep time with the sax.  It almost makes her forget the past few days.  Almost.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-26-16/0427:50>
Marco said "An upgrade... you speak of your body as if it is a comlink, is that really how you see it like a machine?"   He took a deep breath "These weren't the right words... Arc was extremely useful and augmentations were a serious decision a life altering process - once you cross that line you can never go back. These had some metaphisical price that nobody completely understood... They made people feel less human and more... something else. Perhaps Arc was so fascinated with the cyberarm - she simply called it an upgrade. Perhaps accepting it as more was too painful, or perhaps she just picked a bad word.  Marco tried to say it differently. "

"I mean to say that you were the most useful one... You got the samples and the cook, and kept this gig running even when things looked dark. You did not panic when we lost Feathers, when we lost Sam, you kept your cool when I felt like I had no more air. You did what you felt right - even if the result was a night at prison and possibly larger risk. You are the leader of this group - for good or for ill.  We would have never gotten so far without you."

"And people give her a lot more room to err than they give me..." Thought Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-27-16/1034:38>
Arc tilted her head and leaned back a bit, eyes narrowing at his expression.  "Do I think our bodies are machines?"  She laughed a little, holding her head.   "Well in some ways we are.  We take a fuel, we convert that drek into energy, and then we use it to move.  Is that not a machine?  But I getcha.  It is an upgrade though...we're putting things in our bodies to make us able to do more, better.  By this weekend, I'll have more time in the day to get my drek done, something I need...and one of the few times I choose what goes in my body.  Here, here's the number of the guy I'm going through.  Use my SIN name to know that you were recommended, aight?"  She trailed off after this, glancing at her cyberarm before she looked back to Marco, cheeks flushing at his comments following.

"....leader, huh?  Then all the more reason for this slitch to not frag things up.  Regardless of what I did, there's a lot I didn't do.  Because of me, people got into trouble, people got hurt, and even worse, people almost died.  I coulda prevented that, or at least been able to stop it from happening.  That kinda mistake when we head out could be the last one someone knows.  I can't accept that...I need to be better..."  Her expression looked more pained at the end, but by that point she broke away a bit, glancing back at him.  "I'm going to check on Yelena.  She might be awake now.."

Heading down the hall, Arc quietly opened the door to the hospital room, seeing Yelena laying back and listening to the music.  She looked better without all the tubes in her, but she still looked quite beat up.  This shook the little mechanic as she paused, taking a breath before stepping up.  "Hey Srui..."  She said quietly, looking up to see the elf begin to speak, hearing the pain in it.  Quickly, she raised a hand to stop the assassin, shushing her before tapping her head.  Reaching back with her cyberhand, she withdrew the universal cable from her rig's datajack, reaching forward to plug it into the elf's, establishing a secure Matrix channel.

"There, that's better.  If I didn't know any better, Sruiken, I'd say you were trying to leave me here.  Well you can't get rid of me that easy.  I...I'm sorry.  The job was done, I shouldn't have let you go to that party.  Or at least without some eyes on you.  This is my fault, and you paid the price.  But you're gonna get better, and then we can go back.  Make things better.  How's that sound?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-27-16/1050:03>
Yelena opens her eyes at Arc.s voice.  She smiles and starts to say something, but the short human stalls her with a hand and pulls out a cable to make a direct connection.  **Fragging right I am getting better.  I got careless.  Bella's husband tried to kill me.  Coward could have done it himself, but instead drugged me up real bad and drove me into the barrens and dumped me on the road.  I had been weak and................well, I got stronger.  I saw something, Srui.  Something I do not understand, yet.  I have asked Marco to help me locate some new ware to help me survive better.  I think Blake can help, but maybe you and Marco can come up with something.  It needs to be soon, though, as I would like it in before we go to Poland.**

**Hair looks nice on you.  What did your rigger man say about it?**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-27-16/1105:35>
Arc visibly smiled as she pulled up a small chair to sit on as the cable connected them, a virtual sigh escaping her lips as the sax played on.  "Aye, and I shouldn't have let you do that.  But we can't dwell on what coulda been.  We work in the now, you and me.  Marco told me you was getting some ware done, like me.  Hoop's a wreck, I don't think he's slept since he came here.  But I am helping.  Dropped the name of the guy who's doing my stuff.  He's good, very clean about it.  But you're gonna have to be clean for it.  Cold devil rat, yo.  I'll strap you to that bed if I gotta, ya feel me?"

"Ah, the hair...Jaime loved it.  Said it brought out my eyes, if that drek applies to me, heh.  He's glad that we finished the club job, so we have time together before Poland."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-27-16/1136:07>
Yelena nods.  **You should spend every moment with him that you can spare.  And make sure he knows how you feel.  Some men just do not get hints and need to be told.  Clean?  You mean drugs?  I think that I can avoid them if I do not go near them.  But I got myself all messed up and it will take longer than I have to get completely off of them.  So many fragging years spent getting all sober and then to slide back so quickly.  I guess I will never be completely over them.  You said Marco looks like drek?  Has he been sitting in a chair here the entire time?  Poor man.  I wonder if he still wants me to move in with him after this?  Not sure if he can trust me.  Frag, I do not know if I can trust me.  Not a good start.**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-27-16/1341:29>
Arc shook her head, sighing a little.  "I intend to make my time with Jaime special.  I cooked for him even, and didn't burn the place down, heh.  But yeah.  I gotcha Srui"  She paused, looking to the side towards the door, as if anticipating Marco and Jed to show.

"The keeb fraggin' loves you, Srui'ken, no doubt about that.  Every time we work, he got this air of being in control and above problems.  Here, he's a wreck.  If that ain't love, I don't know what be.  I get that you're going tough right now.  This job took a lot outta us.  I've seen some hoops struggle with the same drek, but you got one advantage Srui.  You got us.  Your Marco, me, even Firefly who's looking at us like teachers.   If you want strength, don't be alone.  We here for you, Srui"

The human sighed as she sat back, the cable flexing as it adjusted to the length change.  "He's out there with Jed right now, you know.  He ain't far.  He's letting me do the drek I need to do to be ready for Poland.  So drek like what happened to us don't happen again.  That I have to promise"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-27-16/1401:07>
Yelena sighs.  **I got that, Srui.  I think I love him, too.  I am just afraid to let that in again.  The last time was..............................rough.  And I think he wants me to change more than I can right now.  I have to be strong to face Tsina Molovna.  She.....she killed the family and betrayed everything we stood for.  We both took the same oaths, paid the same price in blood to belong, shared intimate moments.  Now that I know she is still alive, I cannot let that go unanswered.  It would mean that everything is valueless if I cannot make it right and I would be nothing to myself and nothing to the shadow.  Marco does not understand this justice.  He sees it as simple wanton killing.  For me, for Nikolai, for the rest of my dead Bratva, it is simply justice.  And those that helped her and those that support her deserve the same justice.  I would spare those that surrender and turn away from her, all but the others that helped her kill me, but I cannot just ignore it.**

**And I want the new ware to help me survive and to help you survive.  We will do this and then see what is next.  Perhaps I will go help Firefly.  She needs our help and our counsel.**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-27-16/1445:41>
Arc nodded slowly, dropping her head a little as the words of the Russian elf sunk into the mechanic's understanding.  It was a moment of pause before the human responded.  "He didn't grow up the way you and I did, Srui.  His concept of justice accounts for a world that is less dark than what you and I experienced.  At least that's how I think it is, I can always be wrong.  But, I know what you mean.  On the streets, under the belly of this grand world we live in, you gotta handle all your biz.  If someone wrongs you, it is up to you to make it right, and from everything I've heard, this slitch has wronged more than just you."

"I'm with you Srui, we'll make this happen.  You make it your job to exact this justice.  I'll make it mine to make sure there's enough of us to come home, aight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-27-16/1448:48>
Marco watches Arc and Yelena connected with a cable and thinks to himself. "Technological mindlink - I wonder how come they feel perfectly comfortable to mindlink, but when the same functionality is achieved using magic it becomes intimidating and awkward... People are very strange sometimes. "  He closed his eyes and enjoyed the Jazz music.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-27-16/1634:40>
Yelena sees Marco standing in the doorway and holds out a hand to him.  **Thank you, Srui.  I know that you will get us home again.  You always will.**
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-27-16/1859:13>
Marco holds Yelena's hand and say nothing, He closes his eyes and enjoys the warmth of her hand wondering how it will feel once her skin is replace with a synthetic bullet proof one. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-27-16/1926:29>
Yelena grips Marco's hand in silence, grateful for the chance to just hold onto him.  She takes her other hand and places it on top of his.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-28-16/1950:15>
Arc blinks and nods, a small smile forced onto her lips as the last words from the elf echoed in her brain.  No pressure...  She shook her head a little as she strengthened her resolve to make herself ready for this job in Europe.

She was about to speak up more when she saw Marco approach, the two elves holding hands and exchanging a silent gaze.  Arc raised a brow as she sat off to the side of this, a cable connecting her head to the Russian's as she cracked a chuckle.  "Ayy, uh...should I be giving you two a moment?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-28-16/1958:33>
Yelena smiles at Arc, **Marco and I will have a long time together, Srui.  I am still a bit tired and need some rest.  Do you recommend doing my upgrades here at the hospital or at the clinic?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <02-28-16/2043:52>
Arc shifted in her seat, then shrugged, speaking up, since she knew that Marco was in on this conversation as well.  "Aight then.  Ah...if my read on this guy is correct, he's gonna do all his drek on site.  He'll want to check you out first.  Especially for the degree that you're looking for...Marco, you got the commcode I passed to you, right?"  She flexed her cyberarm a little bit, going over the implants that Yelena was planning to get into her head.

"...when I get back from my own procedures, I'll get to work on your Scorpion's suspension systems...those bones are gonna add some weight, which will throw off the balance.  No sense to have you drive it if it don't fit you, eh Srui?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-28-16/2047:19>
Yelena smiles as she says to both of them, "So Arc say this make Yelena look Fat?  Marco still want fat Yelena?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <02-29-16/0311:56>
Marco is a bit surprised when the conversation moves to voice without previous warning he is distant for a moment and then say "Yes... I have it of course."
Marco said "I love you even in octopus shape silly."  He felt that the never ending obsession about body image became silly. After all, Marco could change his body to many possible shapes.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-29-16/1014:18>
Yelena looks up at Marco.  "Marco not get joke reference?  See, there is this..........  Her words are interrupted as she places a hand to her mouth to cover a yawn.  "Yelena too tired explain.  Maybe Arc explain.  Smiling Henry O say PI man here.  Where is?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <03-01-16/0842:23>
Hearing his name, Jed steps into the room from the hallway.  I'm here Milaya.  I wanted to give you some privacy.  Marco, its nice to see you.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-01-16/0924:54>
Yelena looks over at Jed as he enters the room.  "Yelena thank Jedediah for music.  Yelena not know PI man know Smiling Henry O.  Good man on sax.  Thank for come visit."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-01-16/2041:03>
For Jed, the day before yesterday.

Jed had gotten directions from Mike, and was here hoping that the man was legit.

The bus dropped Jed and Joshua off at a Safe-Mart in Snohomish. From there it was still nine blocks down some quiet streets until they finally came to a road that looked more like an alley. Still, his GPS was saying this was the place. And at least it looked quiet. When they got to the address Jed went into a shop that looked, and turned out to actually be, a tiny barbershop, but, they directed him to a small door on the side that led up a flight of stairs. And even before they reached the door Snowden had stopped and was sniffing the air confused. He looked at Jed puzzled and said, “I’ve smelled that before. But, I can’t remember it.” Jed smiled and
took a deep breath.  Dust, the cedar from the walls, smell of some herbs often kept by talismongers, the soap Joshua had chosen for himself the last time they went shopping..What does it smell like? Jed asked as he slowly opened the door.  He felt hopeful.  I need him to remember who he is before I can help him find another mentor. Joshua paused and thought hard before he said, “It smells like the memory recall potion. But, they’ve added too much dream dust. Unless they’re going to use it to make a lucid dreams potion or nightmares potion.” He looks at you. “But, they used silver ghost plant and that’s what makes me think it’s memory recall with too much dream dust. They’re probably trying to compensate for the lack of brain juice. It’s expensive and harder to come by than the herbs.” He looks at you expectantly.
What job did you do that you would know the smell of a memory recall potion? Jed asked nonchalantly, as he pushed through the door.  Joshua had a thoughtful look on his face as he followed Jed into the store. “My mentor taught me all kinds of uses for plants. My mother was a mage and she taught . . . . “ Joshua stops dead behind Jed, and when Jed turns there’s a strange look on his face. His eyes meet you and says, “My mother was a mage. And so was my father, and so is my mentor. But, not like them. They taught me all kinds of things. But, I don’t know what they are!” Joshua starts crying. Tears running silently down his face. He looks at you and says, “I don’t remember her. Or any of them. But, I know they were mages.” He stops outside the door and leans against the wall. “I, I, need a minute.” Jed nods recognizing Joshua’s need to be alone to process this new memory. He grips his elbow and gives him a quick, awkward hug. “I’ll be inside. I’m going to leave the door open so that I can see you ok?” Joshua nods, tears running down his face, and leans against the wall just outside the door. A small bell rung above the door as Jed walked in.  The counter appeared to be at the rear of the store.  Jed didn’t see anyone as he walked between rows of shelves and bins.  He spied a small section of minerals, an area of short pieces of various types of wood, some of surprisingly bright colors.  Over there, a section of vinyl records of all things, over here, shelves of religious objects.  Several shelves of actual paper books were lined along one wall.  An area of pots, copper, cast iron, other unknown alloys.  Several closed cabinets were lined along another wall.  Jed shifted his vision over to the astral.  Several spirits hovered near the ceiling in the astral.  A particularly stout one “nodded” at Jed.  Jed felt that he glimpsed an aura fading out of sight as he shifted his vision back to the physical. 

Jed was running his hands over the spines of several books as he heard footsteps behind him.

“Welcome to Sam’s Second Chance Knick-Knack’s. May I help you?” A low pleasant feminine voice says behind him. And when Jed turns he sees a petite dark skinned woman dressed in pants and a heavy sweater, her dark red curly hair swept up into a ponytail. Jed smiles and says, “I need a few knick-knacks to add a little life to my apartment. It’s pretty bare right now. Mind if I look around?” He’ll have to tread carefully. There is no license to sell reagents outside the door. So this place is illegal. Still, all of the good ones were. They almost had to be with the taxes on reagents being so high. And government paperwork on every item and customer was not only very time consuming, but it was also ridiculous given that reagents could be found in almost any second hand store depending on a mages tradition.
Jed smiles politely as he notices her eying Joshua through the door which had been left ajar.  “My friend recently suffered a loss, and emotions get the better of him at unexpected times.  The smell of silver ghost plant triggered some memory for him” Jed threw in casually.  “I’ve been looking for a knick knack store for my own use for a while now. I hate those corporate big box knick knack stores. Too much paperwork.” She eyes you carefully and says, “Yes, it’s far more satisfying to poke around old shops like this and just wander around. But, I never knock the big corporate stores. They have things I’m unable to afford in my tiny little shop.” She’s studying you carefully. After all, there is a reward for turning in her shop, and since the only ones who would be capable of really knowing what it was are mages, this is going to be a slow dance not a race. She looks at Joshua again, “I do have some tea on. Perhaps your friend would like a cup?” Jed has a momentary flashback to the last time he had tea with a lady.  “I’ve not had much experience with tea, coming from my area of town.  I’ve always been more of a whiskey and coffee type, but I’ll try some tea, thank you for offering.”  Jed glances back at Joshua.  Maybe he should have a few more moments alone, but Jed was unlikely to get her to relax and accept him if his buddy was peering inside through a partially opened door.  Jed pointedly glances up, then calls back to Joshua “Josh, this nice lady is offering us some tea.  Would you like a cup?”  Jed smiles reassuringly at Sam (antha?).   “It is always best to take a moment to get to know the people you want to do business with.  That’s another benefit you don’t get at those other places.”
      Joshua had already wiped the tears away and had been struggling to try and remember. And when you offer him tea he grabs at it like a lifeline grateful for the distraction. “Yes please.” he says. “I’ll have the Sprite’s Dance Oolong.” he says looking at the shopkeeper. Her eyebrow raises at his request. And then she looks at Jed and says, “And what would you like?”  Jed looks back and forth between the two, wondering what the meaning of that tea was.  “You know what, since I’m not a tea drinker, I’ll  have to trust the hostess to choose something for me, unless...”  looking at Joshua he adds “you have a recommendation Joshua, based off of Fiberachi ratios?”.  As soon as he says it, he realizes that he said it wrong. Joshua says, “Fibonacci.” Then he looks at you and says, “That would be Pineapple.” He looks at her and says, “Do you have Pineapple Tea?” She looks at him and says, “No.” and then she looks at you and says, “But, I do have coffee.” Joshua looks at you and says, “Pineapple tea isn’t as good as pineapple juice.” She turns to go make the tea,  and then looking back says to Joshua, “Do you want to come with me?” He quickly goes to her side and says, “Yes please.”
Jed’s first instinct is to go with them.  Although that is usually because he is afraid of what Joshua will say or do, but suddenly he realizes that it has turned into a protective instinct for Joshua.  Huh.  Didn’t expect that.  Half out of his chair, Jed hesitates, and forces himself to sit back down.  “Thank you for the coffee ma'am.  I take it black”.  Jed lets his eyes wander the room.  He is here for a couple of spells, and maybe a text on the theory of focus crafting. From the other room Jed can hear the sound of Joshua and Sam(?) talking. And the clatter that denotes the tea making. Soon he is lost in looking at the variety of things in the shop. The small space is extremely well organized. And it makes finding anything quick and painless. Or it would be except for the fact that Sam’s knick-knacks has the largest collection of really useful reagents Jed has ever seen. Everything is usable. Everything. And when he see’s a collection of well worn books Jed can’t help himself. He stops and starts looking at the titles, and as his hands run over them he can feel the love their owners had for them. Unless that’s his love. And when he spots a battered collection of the Martian Chronicles he can’t help himself. He opens his favorite and starts reading a few lines. And is suddenly pulled out of his reverie a few pages later by singing. Singing! Wait, there’s been singing, but, it was Joshua’s. Over the past few days Jed had grown accustomed to his voice singing to the plants. But, this was male and female! He hurries over to where Joshua disappeared and goes through the open door to encounter a bright kitchen with a lush green wall. Joshua and the shopkeeper are standing near it, turned three quarters of the way from him and they’re both singing. The shopkeeper is looking to Joshua and he is singing and she is repeating. And that vibrant hue Jed has learned to associate with Joshua’s enchanting is spreading outward on the wall of plants.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-01-16/2041:49>
It was that moment that Jed realized he had misjudged something about Joshua. He had assumed that with all his talk of Fibonnacci ratios that he was one of those damned University mages who believed that mana had to be constrained by formulas and that everything had to be standardized and quantified.  But watching him now, Jed realized that if he had lost his memory, and couldn't even admit to himself that he was a Mage, there was no way he could be doing what he was doing. This magic came from his heart, from his very soul. All this other talk may just be some kind of Feng Shui techniques passed on by his mentor. Jed stood there in open wonder, admiring the magic that poured from him and suffused the plants in front of him. For once, Jed opened himself up and allowed his soul to feel.
It was a moment of perfect peace. Both of them stood there and sang back and forth. Joshua teaching her the song. And the room was filled with life and then the shopkeeper turned and handed Joshua a cup of tea and still singing he turned to a blossoming white flower and gently tapping it’s stamen, he allowed the pollen to fall into the cup. He finished the song and then said, “You sing very well. The plants are very healthy. It shows how much you love them. But, adding more dream dust isn’t really going to compensate for the lack of brain juice. But, if you sing a bit of morel with ginseng and dried blue fish brain it’ll work without the expense.” The shopkeeper had tapped a bit of pollen into her own cup and had sipped it carefully listening to Joshua. She nodded and said, “I’ll try that with the next batch. I’ll have to get the mushroom. Is it the same song?” Joshua shook his head, “No, things that grow in the dark need the Moon’s Luster song. I can teach it to you.” The shopkeeper’s eyes had brightened when she tasted the tea. “Mmmmh, this is as good as in the Tir! Now I know how those damned elves did it. Harvested under a full winter moon my ass!” She laughs then and says, “I’d love to have you teach me. And in exchange I can teach you what I know since we share the same tradition.”
“Hey bud, that was beautiful. Are some of the pieces fitting back together?”  Jed wanted to ask him directly about being a Mage, but felt he was wise to be more discreet. He had not asked him directly since the first time he had denied it. Jed accepted the cup of coffee. Oh wow, it was from real beans. “Oh, wow that's good. I haven't had anything but the extract concentrate in so long. He held the cup to his face and inhaled. Not the sniffing smelling kind of inhale, but the same kind of inhale you did when a woman's head was on your shoulder and you just breathed in the essence of her. easy buddy, it's coffee.
Joshua looks over at Jed sipping his tea. “Pieces? Is something broken?”
Jed just smiles and shakes his head dismissively. “Just a poor attempt at wit”. He sips the coffee, savoring it. “My name is Jedediah Early. I would be honored if you called me Jed, as that's what my friends call me. This is my friend Joshua.”  Smiling, he sits back, holding the cup with both hands. The shopkeeper smiles and says, “I’m Samia Soleymaini. Joshua and I have already met.” she smiles at him. He smiles back at her and says, “Jed and I have to eat dinner later. Would you like to come with us?” Samia smiles back at him and says, “I think that would be nice. We could discuss the applications of plant essences in pharmacology and the adaptations of single, double and triple step distillation methods as they apply to end product applications.” Samia turns and looks at you and says, “Joshua tells me that you’ve been helping him and that you’ve been taking him to different gardens and that he’s been working on ways to make your garden more efficient to make room for more specimens. I’ve promised him some of my cuttings. Is that alright?” Joshua cuts in, “Yes, it’s alright. We’re going to come here lots. Jed likes it here.” Joshua gives you a bit of a pleading look over her head as she looks back and forth between the two of you.
A genuine heartfelt laugh bursts from Jed as he sees the anxious face pleading with him. “I do indeed like it here. In fact, I would venture to declare that I love it here. And as far as you adding cuttings to my garden, I wouldn't presume to tell you that you can't add anything you want to that garden. I had a box that was growing some basil and some weak little tomatoes. Now look what you've done with it. That garden ceased to be my garden when you started working on it and will forever be our garden, for as long as you like. I would be delighted for Samia to join us, although I'm not sure a bowl of noodles from Samurai Noodle is fitting fare for so boon a companion.” Jed blushes as he realizes how ridiculous he sounds.  “How long have you had your shop Samia?”
Samia smiles and says, “All my life. It was my fathers. He was Sam. I inherited it two years ago when he passed away. I spent my childhood in this shop learning history, sociology, mathematics, you name it.” She smiles and says, “My father was a frustrated college professor. He knew more about everything and anything than anyone I’ve ever known.” She laughs then, “Except for organizing. I was forever needing to put things in their proper order. Once he passed I was able to finally change the layout of the shop, install more shelving and a more efficient method of cataloguing and still install the aquaponics system for the herbs in the kitchen I’d always wanted. I did a few updates of that as well.” She looks up at Joshua and says, “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone as talented as you. I can believe it when Jed says he had one small plantar. I’m already looking forward to learning the methodology for increasing the yield of non-magical plants without stressing their root systems or destabilizing their essences with artificial methods of fertilization.” She looks at him. “And I’m really impressed at how much you were able to do without a focus. My minor was in artificing. I can help you make a focus if you’d like?” She looks at Joshua expectantly and then adds, “And I love noodles.”
“Well I guess if we’re ever going to eat dinner I should conclude my business portion of this visit. Samia, I'm not a typical Mage. I don't learn magic by formula. I feel it out. Casting for me is like drawing mana together and shaping it, creating with it. Consequently, I can't always find spell formulas that work for me. I need a spell to increase my awareness, and a ritual to create Watchers. Also, I'm hoping to pick up a primer on artificing. Can you help me?”
She frowns as she thinks about your request. “Well, maybe. I do have a spell called Ghost Vision. It’s not quite what it sounds like. It superimposes a sort of bubble like aura over your head and it sharpens the senses in that area, so, seeing, hearing, taste and touch are all heightened. But, it can be very difficult for your tradition to learn spells as you don’t parse the data in the same way. Even watching someone else cast it is often not helpful. As for the Watchers I have several spells. You can look at them and see which one makes sense to you. And the primer on artificing is easy. I still have my old college books. You can come here everyday and study it and I can help you by explaining what doesn’t make sense. I’ll charge you for every hour of the actual  tutoring and reduce it by every hour Joshua tutors me.” She smiles at Joshua openly and as he looks at her he smiles back. Joshua has a nice smile, it lights up his face. And seeing that Samia responds, her eyes light up as she looks at him and then she looks back at you. “So, let’s see about those scrolls.” She finishes her tea and takes the cup to the sink to rinse it and then turns to go to a small cupboard. Turning back she says, “If you’ll return to the shop I’ll meet you there.”
Jed and Joshua went back into the main shop. They didn't have long to wait. Samia came back into the shop carrying several scroll and a few books. She laid everything down on the counter and smiling said, “Take a look and see if you are able to use these. As I said your tradition makes spell use and learning new spells more difficult.” She unfurled one of the scrolls, “This is the only  spell I have that increases awareness. There are other spells that might help you, but I'd have to order them.” As Jed looks them over he notes that this spell use a very different type of notation and calls for reagents in the casting.
Jet begins to study the scrolls as he considers his needs versus what is available. He's never encountered a spell that requires reagents, and he realizes he intends to buy this spell even if it's not something he wants to put in the time to learn yet. “I've never seen a spell quite like this, this is interesting. Does this person regularly provide spells to you?”  One of the scrolls contains the Watcher ritual Jed was looking for, and he sets it aside as he continues to examine the awareness spell.  The spell is an arrangement of Kanji characters on a page of actual parchment.
“Yes, he does. If you count 3-4 spells a year regularly.” She smiles at Jed. “Given the rarity of material I do. And, his spells tend to be easier for some mages to cast is it gives them an additional focal point for the casting. And almost impossible for others given the notations system and lack of specific protocols from any one tradition.”  Nodding, Jed continues looking over the scroll. Samia looks at him with a bemused smile on her face. “You're looking at it wrong” she says softly. Glancing up at her, Jed turns the page 90 degrees, the 90 degrees again. He lets his eyes unfocus, he looks at it at a sharp angle with his eyes squinted, but he still doesn't see the spell. Samia shakes her head and returns to Joshua's side. Jed hears the two of them happy discussing horticulture. “So nice. He is beginning to heal.”  But how much. Jed shifts his vision to the astral, to evaluate Joshua's aura, and the gray, “static-y areas of his aura are lessening.
As Jed is looking away from Joshua he sees the page in front of him and actually jumps. There is a 3-D astral image projecting up from the page. It's a series of odd geometric shapes. Jed picks the page up. The sheets are static relative to the page and as he turns the page so turn the images. “Spirits!  It's a puzzle.” He isn't sure it's exactly what he's looking for, but it's too interesting to leave behind. Adding it to the Watcher ritual, he walks over to the text books that she had indicated. Looking at them, he quickly sees that they’ll do the trick.
He walks back to Samia “I would love to come here to study. But I'm not happy to trade Joshua’s time for yours. I think Joshua would be happy to tutor you, but I'd rather you give him the credit for his time. I’ll get by for now. I do have a friend however, that may be willing to purchase time tutoring with you.  His name is Marco.
She smiles, “I’ll take that as a compliment that you feel confident enough in me to recommend me as a tutor.” She smiles at Joshua, “And I’m really looking forward to learning from you. What do you say?” Joshua looks at her and then down, and then up again and looks at her intently. “I want to come here.” he says simply. Samia smiles at him and Joshua blushes and looks down. And Samia smiles even bigger.
Well, this was an interesting development. Jed had to think carefully about how to handle the knowledge that he possessed that Joshua had forgotten. He'd had the spells he needed, had arranged for access to pick up a new skill. Jed took a quick turn through the store, make a rough mental catalogue of what was available here, before returning to Samia and Joshua, who were still alternating between smiling and blushing. “Shall we head out for noodles?”
Samia hands Jed the balance of his items and smiles and says, “I think we should.” Once Jed slots his cred stick she picks up her keys and following them out the door locks up.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-02-16/0435:43>
It was a long day at the hospital and Marco kept busy with logistics there was something there and Marco could not finger out. Something drew him to that place it had a music, emotions hope, despair pain and mercy and they changed the ER somehow. Sometimes, Marco felt that if he focused he could sense something if the emotions were strong enough. At one point he fell asleep or dozed off for a moment on the chair. He was only aware to Yelena’s comforting hand and he embraced that feeling.

Yelena was not alone in her bed, there was something else with her, something that touched him now. It was a contrast to Yelena’s warmth it was cold and non comforting 

“You are some odd rebel...” 

“Yelena?”... no she did not talk or think about it. It was a different voice, there was no judgement in that voice. It did not even speak, it was more of a reflection than an actual voice.

 “I am Marco, who are you?”  He thought.

“You are not Marco... “ 

“I am not? what am I then?” Marco thought but got no reply
...that conversation was odd.

“You are Shadow... at least my interpretation of Shadow. You are strong around Scary lady - in a way you are what makes her scary.”

The voice remained silent, either it approved or it was silent and did not care.

“I am Odd rebel, this is what you call me, like I call Yelena Scary lady and she calls you Shadow. It is not about what we are called it is about what we are.”

Silence.

“What do you want?”

“Nothing”

“What are you?”

“Nothing”

How could Shadow want and be nothing. It was as if he was a black hole. Unchanging, non interacting and not nice. He was not like Eagle or Agrat that talked like people.  Unlike them, Shadow did not say much at all and Marco felt that even the little he said was his own interpretation of things.  Marco was not even sure if it actually was Shadow - perhaps that too was just his own interpretation.

Shadow was empty and offered no hope, no redemption and no salvation -  just power. Marco could feel that following him inevitably leads into emptiness. That was what frightened him. Marco did not want to become nothing, he wanted things to matter. Did it matter what he wanted? Perhaps life were just like Shadow... we are something and then we are no more. Perhaps embracing that truth had some comfort, some appeal and some strength in it.   Marco woke up terrified. -  “Did you feel that ?" he asked Yelena.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-02-16/0649:26>
Yelena had slept and woke several times as the day passed.  Arc eventually left to go about her business, as had Jed and Smiling Henry O.  Marco remained.  He would walk about but always came back.  During one of her awake periods she received a text from Blake telling her that all was set up for the surgery if she still wanted to go through with it.  Prices were provided and Yelena talked things over with Marco, trying to work out what she could afford and what her priorities should be.  The dear man was silent for a bit then told her to get everything and he would help cover the costs, bringing Yelena to tears.  At first she refused but he wore her down and ultimately she contacted Blake and transferred the credits and he made the arrangements.  All would be done tomorrow as long as the doctor gave his approval.

She went back to sleep, waking again as the nurses came in to check on her.  Even in the middle of the night, Marco was still there in the chair next to her, his hand wrapped in hers.  One of the nurses whispered to her how sweet it was that her man would stay with her.  It was something she did not see often.  Early in the morning, she woke up as he tugged at her hand and asked if she had heard anything.

"Hear what?  Yelena not hear."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-02-16/0717:34>
Marco answered "I am not sure... " He paused and then said "A voice, it might have been a dream, but perhaps Shadow - some reflection of him.  The voice was not very chatty but what it said left me terrified. I am probably losing my mind."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-02-16/0729:45>
Yelena considers her words carefully.  "Yelena not hear voice.  Shadow not for all, Marco.  Some want.  Others afraid.  Shadow not friend.  Not lover.  Shadow is power.  If strong enough to take.  Can use shadow.  But shadow will use back.  Take soul when dead.  Death add to shadow power for next person.  Marco not accept shadow if not ready."

"Yelena been sleeping much.  Did tell Marco Blake arrange for surgery today for implants? 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-02-16/0738:07>
Marco said. "I was just trying to look at him... observe but he said that he is nothing and that he wants nothing.  I am ready to follow another spirit, but I understand what you describe. Agrat left a hole in my heart, she had good intentions.

She saved my life in the past, making me filter out external pressure on  my personality. However, once the circumstances changed - the same behavior that got me here, now threatened to sink me. I was spiraling out of control in temptations and vices and I had to stop it before I ended up dead.  We change a lot faster than spirits - this is why it is a problem."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-02-16/0744:12>
Yelena nods.  "Marco stay away Shadow if not ready.  Shadow take and not give if not strong to grab.  To all others shadow is nothing.  Yelena surprised Marco see shadow.  Only take shadow when ready.  Yelena not want lose Marco after find him."

She pauses a bit then gives his hand a soft squeeze.  "Yelena love Marco.  Is alright love Marco and be in shadow?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-02-16/0805:45>
Marco sighed "I do not have all the answers Yelena, I am going with you to a place I know in my heart you should not go. I respect you and you are older than me. I have no answers. We did a good job, for a worthy goal but we got people killed.  Good intentions are not enough, as our victory was paved with blood. Dante also had a worthy goal but the way he accomplished it damned his soul. We are all the willing hands of the devil. I completely understand it, but this knowledge offers no comfort or no practical way to change it."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-02-16/1004:35>
Yelena responds, "Sometimes is best know what cannot change and accept it.  Struggle brings frustration.  Brings anger.  Brings sense defeat.  Marco must be strong for life.  In shadow.  Not in shadow.  Must be strong.  Not afraid.  Yelena stay Marco until Marco tired of her."  The last was said with droopy eyes and a yawn as Yelena fades back into sleep.  Soon after, a nurse and two orderlies come in.  She reads Yelena's chart and shoos Marco away from the bed.  "Off you go, now, dear.  This one is scheduled for several surgeries this morning.  Some rush job, I hear.  She won't be back in here for six, maybe seven, hours.  Why don't you go off to get some sleep.  You look like hell, and that's being polite.  But I have to admire you; most people here are lucky to get a visitor once during their stay, but you have been here all the time, from what I hear.  She must be very special to you.  Now, out of the way.  The doctors will take good care of her."

The two orderlies raise some rails from the side of the bed and release the wheel locks before rolling the bed out of the room behind the nurse.  Yelena wakes up when the doctor asks her some questions, nodding that she understands the risks of this type of surgery.  She signs several waivers and is anesthetized.  The surgeries are difficult but the specialist surgeon is very good and he manages to get everything in place.  Yelena is wheeled back to her room still sedated and is allowed to begin the recovery process.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-03-16/0201:25>
Marco leaves the hospital and goes home for a much needed sleep.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-05-16/2128:26>
Yelena wakes up and notices something wrong right away as she tries to move her arms.  She assumes that she has been restrained again, but sees that is not the case when she is able to focus.  Her arms and legs feel leaden and she wonders if the drugs have not worn off yet.  A man at the end of the bed replaces her chart on its hook and comes around to her.  "Having trouble moving?"  At Yelena's nod he continues, "You will need to get used to the new you.  I would recommend slow progress at first.  Your entire sense of balance will be thrown off kilter for a couple of days.  Your new implants are working perfectly, according to the instruments here, but you are not used to them.  The biggest obvious change will be from the titanium bone lacing.  You will need to go slowly for a bit to get used to the way you walk and run.  And there will be a bit of a weight difference.  After a bit of time to get used to the difference there should be no discomfort or awkwardness in movement.  The rest of your package is all present as well.  Please do not try to do any practice with that horrible weapon in your finger while you are in the hospital.  You can familiarize yourself with opening and closing the compartment, but I will have the whip removed if I hear that you are playing with it.  Understood?"

Yelena nods and the doctor smiles at her before leaving.  A nurse arrives a short time after to check on Yelena's vitals and tells her that Marco left to go get some sleep and Yelena is glad that he has gone to take care of himself.  She uses the alone time to try to get familiar with her body.  She knows that her skin has changed a bit, but it seems the same as always to the casual touch.  Her fingertip compartment is tricky and it takes a bit of practice to get it to open on command.  It is very strange to see part of her finger just pop up and open to revel its deadly secret.  The hardest part is trying to figure out the way her body moves.  Even sitting up in bed is a chore and she falls to the floor the first time she gets out of bed to use the bathroom and standing back up is an experience that brings out lots of cursing in Russian.  She remains out of bed, walking around her small room to get used to the new weights and how they affect her balance.  The doctor had been correct and she is making good progress by the time the nurse comes back to give her the dinner meal and some meds to help her sleep.  Yelena sits back in the bed after eating and sends a couple of notes off.

>>Srui.  Is Yelena.  New body strong.  Yelena getting used to new weight.  Yelena doing good.  Arc stay home with rigger man.  Tell Decker mage Yelena come talk to her soon.<<

>>Firefly.  Is Yelana.  Yelena sorry not there with decker mage.  Need talk soon.  Have much to say if Firefly still want learn.<<

>>Marco.  Is Yelena.  Yelena thank Marco for stay at hospital.  Yelena feeling better.  New body.  Maybe leave hospital tomorrow night.  Yelena go Marco place or garage?<<

After sending out the messages, Yelena sets her 'link to searching out high end tattoo establishments.  Finding one with a number of positive reviews, she dials it up, asking to speak with Jill K, who is apparently one of the featured skin artists, about some work she wants done on her back.  The artist seems very excited to do the ink and sends her some files containing examples from her portfolio.  Satisfied that the work looks excellent, Yelena sends Jill K some shots of her back that she has on file from the last time she had skulls added.  After a long silence, Jill K comes back and tells her that this is one fragging masterpiece and she would literally kill someone to be able to add to it.  Yelena laughs and tells her that killing is not necessary and makes a tentative date to have the work done.  She mentions that she has Ortho Skin and Jill K tells her that will add some to the cost as it means lots of extra care and some expensive inks.  Yelena smiles as she hangs up.  It is not good to wait too long to give everyone a place under the tree.  Satisfied for now, she takes the meds and falls into a deep, healing sleep.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-06-16/2210:56>
Yelena wakes hungry.  And in desperate need to use the restroom.  She carefully sits up and twists her body to swing her legs over the side of the bed before sliding off.  The practice she had done the day before makes it possible to not fall and embarrass herself again.  Still, the walk is slow and a bit ungainly, but also easier and faster than yesterday.  Yelena almost shouts with pride after successfully navigating the few feet to the restroom without falling.  When she comes out she sees a new nurse with a breakfast tray.  The woman helps her back in bed and sets the tray on her lap before telling her that she will be back in thirty minutes to take her down to the physical therapy room.  Yelena remembers her last time in PT here and frowns.

She eats in peace after checking her message log and seeing nothing.  Still, her friends are busy with their lives and she would not want them wasting time in this hospital when they should be out doing their own things to get ready.  A quiet knock at the door heralds Blake's entrance.  He spends a few minutes asking how she is doing with her new implants and she tells him.  At her unasked question, he tells her that he is not at liberty to divulge the full details of the raid on the Stardust yet, but perhaps soon.  She recognizes a quiet intransigence in him on this issue and does not push.  He leaves just as quietly as he arrived just before the nurse returns with an orderly and a wheelchair.

Yelena is wheeled down to the PT area and spends most of the day learning to adapt to the new titanium structure in her body.  Surprisingly, the nurse is quite gentle and very helpful.  She is wheeled to the cafeteria for lunch and then allowed to walk back to the PT area.  During the afternoon session, a doctor comes in to find her and runs a biomonitor scan of her, reporting that she is well enough to leave if she wishes to.  She does.

While walking back to her room, she sends a note to Marco telling him that she will be able to leave anytime after 1800 if he can pick her up.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-07-16/0812:18>


Arc spent a good few more hours in the hospital with Yelena, conversing with the other gentlemen visiting her, going over the plans and what they were all doing.  She promised Jed to have a quote for the restoration by Sunday, assuring that she would not charge for labor...for the help h gave to their work, it was the least she could do.  Extending a MARK to each of them for the garage, she offered them to come by anytime..any tech needing fixed she could take a crack at.

When Yelena awoke next, they shared a few moments, but after a time, the elf and human locked exoressions, and Arc knew what the Russian was saying.  She knew she had stuff to do, and one look from her Sri told her that she knew as well, and do not want the mechanic to put things on hold while the assassin recovers.  So, with a brief embrace, the human stood, turned to the mage and the PI, tipped her hear goodbye, and departed for the garage.

Until the evening, Arc resumed her course of trainibg, breaking every now and then to finish another task on the bike for Tuskaloosa.  The front axle went on, as well as the fenders and the suspension system by the time the day was done, more hours logged into Centauri Starfighter 20XX than she cared to admit.  Taking a picture of her progress, she attached it to a message.

<<@Tuskaloosa:  hoi, it's Arc here.  This is what I got on your bike done.  Needs a few core pieces, tires, display, electrical and paint, but beyond that it should be in working order soon.  I'm going in for some implants and will be out till Sat evening if you wanna come check it out.  Also if you wanna put any special mods in, this weekend is the time to tell me :)

Also, got a small project I'm thinking about once the bike is done.  Would like your input.  Hit me up!>>

Satisfied with her work today, Arc cleaned herself off and realized she had a couple hours before her Vruk was off work. Thinking about it, she shrugged and got her coat, hopping on the bike and speeding off towards Henri and Bettina'a place, wanting to visit...

Her arrival was noticed quickly as Bettina met her at the door, a welcoming smile in her face with Lil J on her hip.  Explaining that Henri was due back from a project, she let the short human in for some caf...well, tea, after Arc explained she couldn't have any for the next few days.  Sharing a cup, the two women chatted up, the mechanic learning a few recipes to try when she felt like burning the kitchen down cooking a meal for Jaime again, citing a few options as his particular favorite.  She was grateful...because even she would get tired of mac and cheese after a while...

The conversation was interrupted as the eldest dau, Angelina, came storming down, recognizing her Tary'ken's voice and started chattering excitedly.  Mostly she was geek in out because she saw Arc playing the game she recommended, and demanded that they pair up for a good rounds, boasting herself as a capable pilot.  With a nod to Bettina, Ac would smile and comply, joining foe a few games before Henri got home.

From there, Arc's focus transitioned from one kind of preparatory diversion to the other, as the talk shifted towards something the ork engineer had been wanting to take a Crack at: Arc's arm.  He explained how he had been working on a way to heighten the tensile strength of the servos while simultaneously reinforcing the joints.  The result?  Her arm operates as if it had been lifting weights for 4 months straight.  Needless to say, Arc was impressed by it..and with the price of materials, she may even be able to afford it.  But, priorities first, and she expressed how she had to save some cred for a new vehicle and a couple other things...but the modification will definitely be considered.

After a little more chatting, it was time to head home.  Saying her goodbyes, Arc departed to meet her Vruk at his...their place, picking up some food on the way.  There, she spent a pleasant evening with just the two, the man wishing her the best on her mystery procedure, anxiously awaiting the end result.  The mechanic assured him it was going to be fine, smiling as the night passed without worry.

And then Friday happened.  For some reason Arc was feeling a little apprehensive...the control rig might have been a voluntary choice to put in her body, but she was already on a hospital bed...this time she is willingly going back on the table to enhance her body.  Still, gulping it down, she got up and departed for the clinic, a kiss goodbye the boost she needed to undergo what came next...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After what seemed like a small eternity for the human, Arc was finally released from observation with a definite success.  Brotherton told her that the implant wasn't showing any negative reactions to her body, but she was to call him to come in should anything change or feel funny after the next few days.  Relieved, Arc flipped through her commlink after rebooting it, finding a get well soon message from her Vruk..and a confirming message from Yelena that everything was successful.

<<@Jaime: out from the slab, everything is chip fine.  You'll see me tonight :) >>

<<@Yelena: Srui.  Just got out of care m'self.  On my way>>

Checking through her messages again, the mechanic couldn't help but frown, a sensation made even weirder by the small pair of tusks she sported, poking out just over her lips. Shaking it off, she frowned as she saw no response from her other companions.  Just what are they up to...?  Shrugging, the human decided to sort it out soon as she hopped on the bike and headed towards the hospital, her jaw shifting as it adjusted to her new look.

When she finally arrived, she walked into the room to see the elf sitting at the edge of her bed, repeatedly lifting and dropping her foot off the ground with some look of discomfort.  "Tchae, you should shee the look on your facshe, Shrui'ken...."  Crossing her arms, she blinked as she heard her own voice, the tusks obviously taking some getting used to.  Wiping her mouth, she looked wide-eyed as the pair made eye contact before busting out laughing, holding her sides as she joined Yelena on the bed.  "Ah man...well you don't look worsh for wear..how ya feel?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-07-16/1023:01>
Yelena is making another trip to the restroom when Arc walks in.  Her appearance startles Yelena a bit, which is not a real good thing in her condition.  She slips to the floor, cursing in Russian, then pulls herself back up.  "Srui.  What do?  First hair.  Now face.  Yelena go pee then look closer."

After using the restroom, Yelena comes out to stand near Arc and gives her a hug.  She puts out a finger then pauses.  "Yelena touch?  Not want hurt Arc.  Rigger man see yet?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-07-16/1115:06>
Marco texts Yelena >> I have extended you a mark on the house, I am busy during the days doing some mojo stuff but I can spend the evenings with you. You are always welcome at *our* place.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-07-16/1127:48>
Yelena receives the message from Marco and smiles in spite of herself.  Maybe Marco in the one.  He talks like he wants to be the one and it seems that Yelena is the one holding out.  So maybe she will go all in one more time and take a chance.  Maybe it is time.  She sends a text back to him.  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  Yelena there Saturday.  Take cab to garage.  Get things then go apartment.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-07-16/2020:11>
Arc was uncontrollably laughing as she nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks as she got a grip on herself.  She was grateful that she didn't opt for a larger set of tusks...these little ones poking out caused a big enough reaction, a big set would likely have had the elf break something!  Regaining her composure, she nodded as the elf sat down, the bed creaking under the titanium enhanced weight.

"Yeah, yeah can toucsh.  Got them in yeshterday with the shleep regulator, so they're shet in jusht fine."  Grinning, the mechanic showed just how integrated the tusks went in, looking just as natural as if the human were an ork all along.

After the elf touches and inspects the work, Arc blushes a little.  "He and hish eth know I'm gettin shomethin done, but not shure what.  Gonna shurprishe him tonight, but I know he will jusht love it..."  she laughed at her own speech.  "itsh gonna take shome getting ushed to, heh.  How about with you?  How'sh it feel to have...ah, ten to fifteen exhtra kilosh?"

After a laugh and exhange, the mechanic sighs, shrugging.  "need to get in toucsh with the othrsh.  Firefly ishnt picking up my callsh, and Tushkaloosha I'm guesshing got her implant done and ish recovering too...but things are okay..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-07-16/2247:23>
Yelena laughs with Arc for a bit then gets serious when her Srui does.  "Yes.  Firefly not answer Yelena either.  Yelena hope are alright.  Must leave for Poland on time.  Arc talk Jed when here?  PI man came but left.  Yelena sleeping.  Hope find Bella."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-08-16/0756:24>
Arc tilted her head with a little shrug at the questions, feet kicking idly as they hung off the side of the bed.  "Yeh, Jed wash here.  Dude got really worried aboutcha, but didn't want to dishturb ya.  I think he be working with Marco on shome mojo shtuff for a beat.  He'sh got a little rat bike he wantsh me to reshtore, but that'sh about it."

Trailing off for a moment, Arc looked down at her hands as she formed words in her head, looking a little disoriented for a moment.  "Huu...Ain't nothing we can do about thish trouble now.  Tomorrow I'll shtart getting the word out.  With thish upgrade, I'll have the time, hehe.  We can shee what happensh from there..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-08-16/0819:33>
Yelena nods at Arc.  The pair settle into a short conversation, but are interrupted by the doctor making a last check and the nurse with the discharge papers to sign.  When she mentions taking a cab back to the garage for some things then going to see Marco, Arc offers Yelena a ride instead.  Yelena shakes her head.  "No Srui.  Yelena not sure enough yet.  Yelena balance bad.  Might fall of bike on turn.  Cause accident.  Yelena take cab.  Arc go rigger man.  Call later."

Yelena signs all the discharge forms and leaves the hospital, letting Arc push her to the main entrance in a wheelchair.  The two bid a very fond farewell and Arc takes off.  Yelena watches her go and smiles.  Real friends are irreplaceable.  The cab comes to pick her up and she takes it as far as possible, slowly walking the three blocks to the garage, where she checks to see if Firefly is in.  The young decker mage is not about so Yelena leaves a note for her, barely recognizing her own handwriting.  Tearing up the note, she leaves a text for her instead, telling Firefly to contact Yelena as soon as she could.  After packing some clothes and a few essentials, Yelena walks back to where she can catch a cab to Marco's apartment building.  She shows her ID to the doorman and the security guard in the lobby before being allowed on the elevator.

Once in the apartment, Yelena takes her clothes into the bedroom and puts them away in the closet and bureau, putting her shower essentials in the bathroom.  She returns to the living room and sits to wait for Marco after setting the sound system to play some soft sax music.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-09-16/1907:33>
That evening was a busy one, Marco went home and got into the shower. There was not much time to sleep, at sunset a new magical period begun and Jed wanted to bind a spirit. Marco could not afford to miss it. The opportunity to learn from an experienced mage was rare in Seattle.  Long time ago, Marco was a brilliant mage, he was only 12 and already got accepted to the most prestigious Church program. ‘Special Training’. In order to be accepted Marco demonstrated competence with two magical skills from two different magical schools. At the age of 12 Marco already knew how to summon spirits and showed clear potential toward spellcasting. He was the youngest mage ever to be admitted to Special Training -  7 years of magical education proved effective.

He had accepted the fact that his family has given him to the Church. Marco felt as if he could adopt to that idea and accept it over time. After all, he was a man of God in a religion of forgiveness. These were difficult life, with little love and emotional affection was proportional to the amount of potential you showed. His sacrifice was to learn how to use divine powers that can make the world a better place and Marco could find comfort in that.

Marco was very proud at his first day of ‘Special Training’.  “I am going to be like the saints! ” He thought ecstatically and took some deep breath to calm his anticipation as he waited to the program leader to have his speech. That speech was terrible and Marco will forever remember the first time he heard Gabriel use awful phrase:  “Sword of the Lord” to describe their destiny.  At that moment Marco grew pale and thought: “No kindness, no charity, no curing illness - just death...” Marco felt worse the more Gabriel continued talking. .  “To murder people is one thing, but to do so in the name of the Lord is the worst thing I can imagine”  He thought.

There was no way out, nothing to be done - what was learned could not be unlearned. Marco had to survive one of the most violent of the Church’s institutions. An education system aimed in taking him from a naive tween to a devoted assassin.  For a pacifist person such as Marco it was a nightmare, Magic suddenly became profane and Marco quickly fell out of grace.  In the six years to come, Marco have not acquired a single additional magical skill out of the holy eleven.

Surviving in this harsh education required a lot of mental strength, surviving it as a pacifist required supernatural mental stability. Magic became an anathema in his eyes and Marco was terrified to advance his knowledge of it. He felt as if he should keep all his magic inside so that he does not hurt people with it.

In one of the theology classes Marco asked a simple question  "Can Satan be redeemed?" -
"Off course not! he is ultimate evil" said the teacher dismissing the question. Marco thought: "But he was an angel and Christ died for him as well - if Satan embraces Christ,  why can't he be redeemed? Will the Lord keep someone who amended his ways in hell? "  Clearly common wisdom and Marco did not go so well together - but Marco felt as if he needed hope. "If Satan can be redeemed than so can all my friends... so can I... if he cannot than perhaps there is no hope at all." .

It was few days after that conversation that Marco met Agrat, knowing what she was the queen of Daemons.  More ancient than Satan himself. Instead of running away, praying or attempting to banish her Marco spoke to her like to a person "Can you help me? I am being compelled against my own nature to be an assassin.  I do not want to spill blood -  I thought about suicide, but spilling my own blood is still murder. Please - I need some help." . Just saying these things - and to a Daemoness, it made Marco feel deep sadness. He felt completely exposed and vulnerable, an evil Daemoness could end him with some evil words Marco lowered all his defenses, he was desperate.  Agrat looked at him, she appeared as a naked lady and she embraced him. She hugged and comforted Marco, allowed him some much needed emotional release. Marco cried that entire night, embraced by a Daemoness only he could see.  Christianity saw Agrat as evil but Marco saw her as a mother or a lover. She was all about love and passion, how could she be evil?

Agrat loved Marco and encouraged him to find his inner strength. She helped Marco develop techniques to shield his personality from external manipulation. Agrat had a sharp mind that identified every logical contradiction in Marco's education. She explained Marco the manipulation in his techniques and encouraged Marco to try similar techniques himself.

Instead of studying magic - Marco studied from the methodology of delivering it - how the priests manipulated him and the others into believing things. Marco spent the next years dedicating his entire attention to HOW things were said, instead of WHAT was said. This is how Marco managed not to study a single magical skill in so many years of formal education. Being aware of the manipulation made Marco more resistant to it.It was not perfect and Marco had his breaking points and emotional scars, but he survived and was still pacifist.

Ironically, Marco had unlimited access to magical education but he never paid attention. Now access was gone and Marco wanted to learn, he was no longer mentored by Agrat and Jed came just in time to help him.  Marco would not miss an opportunity to study with Jed for the world.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-12-16/1349:09>
Yelena walks about the apartment while waiting, the soft jazz following her from room to room.  She considers, not for the first time, the odd sort of couple she and Marco make.  Everything she owns can be packed on the back of her Scorpion while Marco owns a great many very nice things.  She has no roots anywhere while he seems to have a well grounded sense of place.  Perhaps most telling is the nearly opposite relationship with death and killing that they have.  To Marco, Yelena must be part and parcel of the Great Evil he has been trained from birth to despise, yet he has professed his love for her.  She is certain that he would like her to change and will do his best to help her, but she is not sure that she can or wants to change.  She shakes her head; such thoughts are fruitless for a conversation between only one person and the wall so she pushes them back to be brought out when Marco is available. 

She removes three of her stealth camera tags from her gear and places one in the kitchen where it can see the door to the patio; a second one goes up outside the bedroom door oriented to be able to see anyone approaching the bedroom from the living room; and the third she takes with her back out to the hallway outside the apartment, where she carefully affixes it to the wall where it can survey who approaches Marco's suite.

Back in the apartment, she takes her weapons case to the dining nook and opens it, running her fingers lovingly over the wood and metal of the tools of her trade.  The fancy auto Cafpot chimes and she brings a steaming mug of real coffee to the table and takes a seat.  Removing a couple of well used rags from the case, she sets them on the table and closes her eyes, letting her fingers draw the smaller pistol from its foam resting place.  She disassembles it in seconds and is running the cleaning swabs and patches across its components, lifting various parts to her nose to draw in memories.  Her sensitive skin feels for any sort of wear and she smiles when she finds none.  Once cleaned, the pistol is reassembled and replaced in the case.  The pistol at her hip is next.  She has worn the Predator V for so long that she feels almost naked when she does not have it on her.  It goes through the same loving cleaning as its smaller sister and is returned to its resting place at her side.  The heavily modified Desert Strike is next, coming out of the case in its three major component groups.  She spends more time on the rifle than on either pistol, relishing the memories brought to her when she touches it.  Certainly she has had several of these in her hands over the years, but it is as if the memories transfer from one rifle to the next.  If she focuses, she can remember her first kills to her last.  She gave up forgetting a long time ago.  She is Yelena Petrovna.  She kills people.  To forget any of those people would be to demean them and her and she does not want to do that.  Any thoughts of regret for what she has done have disappeared into the void of the shadow.  She knows what she is and she will need to have some serious discussions with Marco on that.  It is possible that he will still want her in his life; she will see.  But that too is a discussion for more than one person and so she sends those thoughts away.

Once done with the rifle, Yelena cleans and inspects every round of ammunition in the case.  Once satisfied that all is as it should be, she puts all away and seals the case shut before finally opening her eyes.  She puts the weapons case in the second bedroom and takes her sax out to the patio.  A light snow is falling outside, barely enough to dust the ground, but enough to cover things with a soft blanket of white.  Yelena slips into her jacket and moves a chair onto the patio and sits under the cover of the eave.  She runs through several scales before starting to play whatever comes to mind, losing herself in the playing.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-12-16/1522:28>
Yelena's playing is interrupted by the chime of the apartment door bell.  She leaves the patio, sliding the door closed as she does.  Taking her sax with her, she goes to the living room as she calls up the feed from the tag outside the door.  A somewhat pudgy older woman is standing at the door, a covered dish of some kind in her hands.  Yelena opens the door and the woman immediately launches into conversation.  "Hello, dear.  I am Mrs. Myers.  From 1011, just down the hall.  Please call me Julia.  I try to keep an eye on the apartments of my neighbors when they are out and I could not help but notice when you arrived with your cases.  I do hope that you do not mind, but I made a small coffee cake as a sort of a welcome to the building.  May I come in with it?"

Yelena steps aside to let the woman in.  Upon seeing the sax, Julia says, "So that was you playing.  You are very good.  Such a surprise to see a young woman like yourself with such a skill.  I know it is a bit nosy, but are you moving in for a bit or just a day or two?"

Yelena walks the woman to the dining nook, where she motions to a chair and then the coffee maker.  Julia smiles and nods thanks as she takes a seat.  "Well it would not be real coffee cake without the coffee.  Thank you.  Black, with a bit of sugar, please.  And here I am running on about everything and I have not given you a chance to introduce yourself."

Yelena chuckles and smiles.  "Is good.  Am Yelena Petrovna.  Yes.  Hope stay long time."  She fixes the coffee for Mrs. Myers and takes it to her as she has the device make her another cup of the Russian/Turkish blend she likes.  She had been surprised earlier to find that Marco had even had any of it, but that is Marco, so considerate.  She brings two small plates and a large knife over to the table while waiting on her coffee and watches while Julia cuts two large slices from the cake.  Yelena joins her at the table with her coffee and the two share a smile. 

"Now you must tell me if this suits you, dear.  It is a new recipe I took out of a catalogue the other day and just had to try.  I guess you could say we are the guinea pigs for this."  Yelena tries the cake and it is quite good and she tells the woman so.  "Good, good.  It did turn out quite well, didn't it.  Now I do hope that you do not think I am too nosy, but I have to say that you seem to be much better suited for poor Marco than any of his recent guests.  So much nicer, to by sure.  Those two men he had here for a few days?  Quite rude and very mean to him.  I did wonder if they had been on some sort of drugs.  Marco is always looking out to help people and he probably offered them a place to stay for a bit.  Anyway they were quite rude to me and then tossed a lot of his furniture off his patio.  Can you believe it?  Right off the patio.  From ten floors up!  I don't suppose I have to tell you the mess that made on the ground below?  Anyway, the super was livid.  Marco had to go and pick up all his shattered things and throw them away.  And that rather odd girl that came just about the time they left?  Flighty, if you ask me.  At my age, you tend to know the type.  She seemed quite clingy and much too rushed to be suitable.  And she was rude, too.  Completely refused to see me when I came by to welcome her.  Not at all nice, like you."

The woman finished her cup of coffee and looked at it almost longingly and Yelena asked if she could be persuaded to have another cup.  The smile on her face said everything, and Yelena got up to make another one for her.  When she brought it back, the woman gave her a nice smile.  "Now, just so you know, there are several of us on this floor and the next who look out for Marco.  Poor man lives quite the life.  He desperately needs someone to look after him.  You look the nurturing sort, dear, if I may say, and maybe you will be good for him.  He comes and goes at the oddest times, but it is only in the past couple of weeks that he has even brought anyone home with him.  And we do so hope that he finds the right sort of woman.  So, you have a nice little accent there.  Let me guess, is it Russian?"  Yelena nods and opens her mouth to say something, but Julia is off again.  "See?  I knew it.  I have an ear for languages.  Not so much with the Russian, but enough to know it when I heart it.  Are you visiting or moving from there?"

Yelena finally gets a chance to say something when Julia stops to cut another couple of slices of the small cake.  "Yelena is Russian.  Been away long time.  Much travel.  Yelena musician.  Play sax.  Go place to place and play clubs.  But like Seattle.  Yelena find club she like best.  Yelena find man she like, too.  Maybe stay for a while.  Until Marco ask Yelena leave."

The woman looks Yelena up and down then smiles.  "Well, if I am any judge of what young men like to see in a woman, you could be here a long time.  And look, you blush so nicely.  I may be old, but I can remember being young.  Oh, those were the days.  I could tell you some stories.  But look, I only wanted to stop by and have a bit of a chat and make sure that you were properly welcomed.  Now I can tell the others and you will probably have a few other old biddies drop by.  She stands up and Yelena joins her.  They walk to the door and Julia tells her that she will be by in a couple of days to pick up the cake pan.  She leaves the apartment with a smile and a wave, saying again how nice it is to have her in the area.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-13-16/1132:03>
@ Marco  Jed calls him, >>Marco, I've got everything set for tonight. I've also pulled some texts that mention something similar to your problem and everything I've got on spirits. But, I met a young woman who you might also want to talk to. She seems very knowledgeable, but, I didn't talk to her about your particular needs as I wasn't sure how much you were comfortable with. And, she may not be able to help anyway. Magical knowledge is fairly specialized after all. Ok, well, I've got everything ready and my lodge will be perfect for what we need to do tonight. I'm thinking you should come over at least three hours early so that you can get comfortable in the environment and we can go over the rituals together.<<

@ Arc  The morning after her surgery's Arc wakes up nauseous and with a dry mouth. But, they did warn her that the anesthesia would have a few side effects up to 24hrs later, and those might have been mentioned. Really, she hadn't paid much attention. And then Blake calls, >>Watch the trid tonight. Good show coming on.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-13-16/1551:14>
***Incessant beeping***

Frag it!  A girl needs to sleep, ya know...

Still, the ring tone is Arc-sensei with an "important" marker.  What could be happening that's so important this...what?...mid-morning?

Why can't the world leave a girl to sleep in!?!


Without removing my precious eye mask sealing my sight from the evils of the morning daylight, I reach over by feel to grab my old Erika deck.  Although I'd only had it for a little over a month, the admittedly limited but reliable little thing had returned to being my primary given the...quirkyness...of my snazzy new Aztechnology device.  I slipped out the universal cable from my right wrist jack and slipped it in so that I could find out what my human mentor considered so drekking important before Noon on a Monday.

<<@Firefly:  Arc here.  Yelena’s in Redmond General’s ICU.  I’m going there now.  Frag all>>

What, what?

I sit up in my surprise and remove the mask, bursting to wakefulness in an instant.

ICU? I think as I claw the cobwebs from my mind.  She was partying last night with the same people she'd partied with before.  I know they're not nice people but what changed to puy someone as badass as Yelena-sensei in an ICU?

I know how close Arc is to the Russian assassin, so I choose not to respond in case I might interrupt an important moment.  I also know I'm not very close to either of them so even IF I had transportation it's not like I belonged at the bedside or even hovering outside the hospital room door. 

No, my role right now is to stay out of the way.

Still...

I'm one of the best deckers in the metroplex.  No sense not taking advantage of that fact and taking a peek!


Deciding it would be stupid to fight even a community hospital's systems with one arm tied behind my back, I slipped my mind out of my little Erika and shifted cable and awareness into the more willful MiAz. For once the strange device didn't volunteer any introductory opinions and I thanked Allah for the tiny blessing.  A minute later, after patiently taking no chances slipping myself past the modest security placed on a non-celebrity's account, I was reading the chart details on one Yelena Petrovna Talinovsky.

I'm no expert, but I know a few things about medicine after all my education and training.  I can see she's beat up pretty bad but, in the words of the attending physician, "looks better than any human or Elf has any right to be after that much punishment."

I take a deep breath. 

She'll live and, as important, scans of her brain show no signs of trauma.  She'll survive and she'll still be herself.  Thank Allah for your blessings!

Deciding to take a slight additional risk, I slip myself into the video monitor system for the hospital and bring on the streams for Yelena-sensei's room.  What I see just seems to confirm what the chart says.  She's beat up and sleeping off abuse and drugs, but despite the presence of a lot of monitors and drip lines it's still nothing like what I've seen for others in my brief time as an operative for Renraku.

She'll be okay.

Barely has the self reassurance...and the deep breath that went with it...passed when Arc-sensei suddenly appears in the images.  The clearly distraught human makes a red-streaked bee-line for the bedside.  Rather than linger on the private moment, I pull my awareness out of the video system and leave the two friends to their precious moment.  I barely know either of them, really, and have no place in such a reunion.

Having assuaged my worry, I pull myself out of the hospital system leaving behind a program which will send me a copy of all stutus updates made to Yelena-sensei's chart.  I may know my place with my newest teacher, but that doesn't mean I don't care deeply about her and her progress.  If something goes south, I want to know ASAP.  Until then, though, I have to prepare with the assumption that Poland is still on in less than two weeks.

There is still so much to do between now and then...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-13-16/1558:10>
Marco replies >> I'd be happy to meet her, God helps those who help themselves.

Marco's morning was mainly spent on administrative, a visit to the construction site where at least for the meanwhile he was off the hook. Some magical equipment shopping at Lady's shop. It was odd to actually come there as she usually brought him everything he needed. She of course did not work t here alone, if she actually had time to actually work with the amount of business she seemed to be juggling in her life.
A visit at the hospital to help Yelena settle in his apartment and then at evening Marco went to visit Jed, notifying Yelena that he'll spend the night and they can have all morning to themselves.

Starting...

Marco arrived at the address Jed had given him.  Seriously?  This is the industrial district…”  Marco looked at the rows of steel entry doors in front of him.  Glancing over his shoulder he could see rows of overhead doors on the other building.  Apparently, these office warehouses had office in the front, garage in the back. 

As Marco knocked on the door he understood that Jed’s home is a lot more modest of his own. It made him feel bad for keeping Jed accountable for the bar table - “that table - costs like few months in this joint. How non christian of me to be angry about it.  
In Marco’s mind Mages were rich people as they had a profession that was high in demand.
“Hi Jed, thank you very much for having me...” He said as he entered the small apartment. Either Jed was undercover, or he managed to remain poor despite having access to actual magic.

“Hi Marco, please come in.  My lodge is in the back.  Jed led Marco through the front office, with its old desk and single bookshelf with (actual) books.  Passing through the “conference room” that served as a bedroom, Jed said “If you need the restroom, it’s through that door over there”.  He led Marco through the next door into the garage.  Half of the garage was mostly empty, save for an old beat up motorcycle, and some stacked boxes and a cot.  The other half was curtained off by plastic sheeting.  Jed led Marco through the curtain into his lodge.  Shelves of odd and end knick knacks lined some shelves.  A few  books lay piled on a small table.  Sidewalk chalk lay on the floor preparing for his binding of a spirit.  “It will be crowded.  Some of what we are planning has to be done in a lodge, and you end up sleeping in here.  Tonight, I am going to bind a spirit.  It takes about 6 hours, so we’ll eat an early dinner and get started.  Once a ritual, a binding or something starts, you can’t leave the lodge.  That bucket over there is a camping toilet.  It’s filled with disinfectant.  Unfortunately the lodge doesn’t encompass the bathroom, so when I’m in the middle of something, and nature calls, well, there you go.” He looks at Marco. “Snowden is with the mage I told you about. He’s been teaching her what he know about plants. So we have the place to ourselves tonight.”

Marco entered the garage and took a look around. He looked at the motorcycle and said  “I take it you do not travel the same way that I do, it does not look so wiz tough... are you using that?”   Glancing at the motorcycle Jed shook his head No, I just picked that up.  I’ve asked Arc if she can get it running.  I need to get it towed over to her place so she can check it out.

Behind the plastic curtain was an actual magical lodge. Marco would not have thought so, it looked nothing like his own magical lodge. Many small trinkets, some arcane drawings on the floor, Marco thought “I got to find a cleaner way to bind... If I start doing that to my floor I’ll never get all the chalk out of the carpet”. He looked around in astonishment and said “I cannot believe it is a magical lodge, you seem to have so many objects in here. My lodge was a Christian one, but it stopped working for me when I stopped following my mentor. What kind of tradition do you practice? ”

Jed considered how to reply to that.  “Most other mages describe those of my tradition as Chaos mages, but I don’t think that is an accurate description.  It conjures visions of crazy wizards casting uncontrollable spells to random effect.  Mages of my tradition learn and cast magic by feel.  We believe that mana is a medium and we create things from that medium.  We don’t try to pigeon hole everything about magic like a hermetic mage because there is always something that doesn’t fit those rigid rules they set.  We also don’t consider nature in every aspect of mana and how we use it like a shaman does.  Mana flows in and through nature, but it is independant of it.  It exists without nature, and nature existed during magic’s ebb.  The reason we probably get called Chaos mages is that we are so eclectic.  We take knowledge from wherever we find it useful.  We take little things from other traditions that we like.  It would be like eating a meal that has enchiladas as a main dish, with a side of pasta olio, some lamb curry, a little shrimp fried rice, with halva for dessert.  As you can see, I like to draw chalk circles for binding.  A hermetic mage has to have a summoning circle to bind.  I use it because it helps me focus correctly, but not all mages of my tradition use summoning circles.  So I guess you’d say I find magic to be experiential rather than cerebral like a hermetic.”  Taking a deep breath, Jed starts to explain tonight’s summoning and binding procedure.  ”My belief regarding spirits is that we are offering up mana for them, maybe like a job posting.  Some of us believe that the mana we use to summon them actually is absorbed by them, which is why they respond to our summons.  Once they accept, they are bound to a certain number of services as negotiated at the time of summoning.  When we bind them, we are offering reagents as a form of payment for an extended time period.  Once they agree they are bound.   Some tasks they find distasteful, others they find downright offensive.   I personally think they are attracted to magicians of similar auras as theirs.  Vicious mages tend to attract vicious spirits.  But if you are constantly using your spirits to harm innocents, or to fight until the spirit is disrupted, or things like that, you start having less spirits that are willing to let themselves be bound to you, and those that are willing tend to be aligned with those goals.  One last thing.  Some mages think that spirits are just constructs of mana or a piece of the mage made manifest.  This is not correct.  I have spent enough time with spirits over the last 20 years to know that they are individuals.  When I pulled away from people, and hid myself from the world for two decades, spirits were the only beings I talked to for weeks on end sometimes.  I’ve learned some of what I know from them.  I find Spirits of Man to be the easiest to work with.  They seem less alien to me.  Spirits of fire are so primal and emotion driven.  Spirits of earth are so silent, not very talkative.  Spirits of air are curious, but jump from topic to topic, like an ADD kid.  Spirits of water are mysterious and hard to pin down.  They tend to answer questions with questions.  The one thing about Spirits of Man is that the answer you get isn’t always what you think.  Sometimes you have to look for the words behind the words.  Anyway, I will be summoning a spirit of Man, and I want one who casts heal and a spell that increases my awareness. Then I will summon the second one, who will be able to heal and use psychokinesis.

Marco listened to the details about the ritual.  To his view on life, rituals were important as one can never be sure what parts are real and what are theatrics. “Perhaps the ritual is used to bring your mind to a specific emotion...”  he thought. He said “It is debated if Chaos is even a tradition as there seem to be nothing traditional in it. Experimental magic - like you put it. You do not need to worry about negative stigma.  I read the grimoire and I come from Italy where people dream about being awakened.”

Marco then said “Christians believe that magic is not about knowledge, it is about being a vessel of divine will. To be a good vessel you need to work on your morality, you need to learn modesty and practice charity, you need to sacrifice for other people. The ability to study is a blessing and the skills you acquire are actually gifts you were given.  Without the blessing, study is impossible and this is why mundanes cannot study magical arts even with an exceptional mind. Even awakened are limited in the type of magical skills they are allowed to learn, most mages can only learn a single magical school. Full mages are also limited as they only manipulate external sources of mana.

As for me? This approach does not work and while I am deeply influenced with Christian theurgy I do not actually practice it. To me magic is about emotions, and each magical activity has an emotion behind it. Shapechange is fed by curiosity and passion spells are fed by passion - it gets very confusing with Qi. The very manner that I control my emotions and my own words are magical. I seem to be able to project some of my emotions at other people simply by talking.
If I try to translate the ritual you taught me to the way I perceive mana -  and remember that I cannot actually sense this energy. I need to understand the significance of these spirits for you. Why do you bind them and how would they make you feel?”

Jed listened intently to Marco’s description of Christian Theurgy and how Marco understood it.   So you are saying that if a Christian Theurgist doesn’t behave according to the tenets of the church, magic won’t work right for them?  That is an interesting thought.  It’s kind of like a geas.  I guess that is smart on their part.  If you are going to teach people to do magic in the name of a deity, teach them a way that won’t work if they aren’t acting in accordance with that deities principles.  I would imagine that it is very dependant upon whether or not they believe they are acting in accordance with principles.

Marco replied ”It is very difficult to advance in Christian theurgy if you do not behave as you are expected to behave. When I read Christian texts they seem to be judging me every step of the way. Making me feel alien to that tradition and locking the actual lore away from me. So the simple answer is yes, if you do not follow the ethics it is very difficult to study that tradition. The more complex answer is that there is more than one way to spin a cat and you do not have to learn from Christian books. “


 I’ve never really related the magic I’m creating with how I feel, so I’m not sure how to answer that.  Why do I bind them?  I suppose I’ve bound them to learn from them, to receive their assistance, and to utilize their power on my behalf.  I’ve never thought about my feelings in regard to the binding.  As I said, a binding is like a negotiation.  You call for a type of spirit, hopefully one answers.  Then you negotiate for services.  You offer, they counter, and then you accept or decline.  Once summoned, I can choose to bind them here.  I don’t believe it is forced on them, because sometimes the deal falls through.  Trouble is, I make the offer and the cost is out there.  If the negotiation fails, I don’t get the power back from the reagents.  I’m not sure if they take it or it dissipates, but consequently I don’t approach the negotiating table lightly.  Sometimes the strain of negotiating is too high and I end up with a headache.  I hope all this is making sense.  I’ve never tried to teach anyone.  Most of my theory knowledge I learned in the 30’s taking early correspondence classes.  Sometimes I read online Theurgical journals to keep up on new ideas.  Most of the practical use I learned by doing, or by reading someone else’s way and just figuring it out.

Marco sighs  “I’ll have to pray for the gift of astral hearing again. I believe that at a certain point in time I actually lost my ability to hear the true music of things.  He sighs and thinks ”Another obstacle - reagents look just like mundane items... to use them for the ritual without having any method of sensing them is risky, how would I know if I used too many or too few. “

Frustrated, he looked at Jed and then asked? “You said something about having dinner before we start? “   Jed felt a moment of embarrassment.  I eat at a nearby noodle cart most of the time, or I eat nutrient bars.  I have a little stuff to make a salad, as my roommate is particular as you are.  Jed hesitated a moment before remembering that Marco was with him and helped him extract Joshua. [color] “Oh, that’s right, you were there.  Joshua is still staying with me.  The time he was down before resuscitating kinda messed up his memory.  It’s still coming back to him.  The noodle cart I go to is normal Japanese fare mostly, with Udon and Soba, but the proprietor is actually Vietnamese.  They have an excellent Pho soup.  Its rice vermicelli in beef broth, with fresh onion, basil, coriander,  and a little bit of real meat.  We can spare 30 minutes, as I don’t want to start summoning until dark.  Do you want to go get some noodles real quick?[/color]

”I am happy to hear about Joshua, that spirit sure had a very irrational plan. It was smart but it lacked common sense and  ignored mundane risks. I had a similar plan myself, I was there when Yelena shot him, I sensed it all but I could not enter the house. There was some ward that I could not get passed no matter how hard I tried. My own solution would have been to utilize illusion magic and prevent the person from getting shot in the first place. ”

He then adds
Noodles would be great, a nutrition bar is practical but completely defeats the purpose of food.”

Jed nodded.  Considering a moment, he said On second thought, let me get my summoning out of the way, that way if it tires me out, I’ll get a break while we go eat.  It shouldn’t take long, I never have trouble summoning, the difficult part is the binding.  I don’t know what to do to tell you, because you can’t see the magic as I draw it together.  I start by summoning the spirit I want, and if my negotiations go well and I secure a good amount of tasks promised by the spirit, I will then bind him.  If I do not get an acceptable amount of tasks, I will dismiss the spirit and try again.  Sometimes I will suffer some fatigue and take a break.   

Jed sets himself and draws mana together, sending it to the ether to draw the attention of spirits.  Jed feels a spirit moving through the astral and approaching the curtain.  He focuses his will as he negotiates for tasks.  Each pushes to better the other.  Wow, this one is strong...push...pull...and done.  Jed managed to negotiate two tasks.  Not good enough to go through the effort to bind.  Jed directs the spirit to manifest, allowing Marco to examine his spirit.  Then, dismissing him, he explains the problem to Marco.  ”This one was stronger than I, and I didn’t come out well in that bargain”.  I’ve dismissed him, and will try another.  Jed focuses his will once again, drawing a spirit to him.  Hardening his will, he presses for advantage in the exchange.  My mana for your work.  C’mon.Again Jed comes up short.  Only two services again.  What the hell?!  This was his thing.  Why was he having trouble.  Feeling embarrassed he dismissed this spirit again.   Third time's the charm.

Sorry Marco, I usually don’t have this much trouble.I’m usually more competent than this.  You’re slipping old man 

Jed spends a moment gathering himself.  Does a little mediation, a few breathing exercises.  One last time he sends mana into the ether.  Calling.  Drawing.  A spirit approaches the curtain again.  Jed steels himself and pulls.  Pulls hard.  He isn’t going to come out of the wrong side of this deal.  He feels himself strengthen.  The spirit is bending to his will.  And success.  5 tasks.  And in his moment of exultation, a sword slams into his temples.  His head splits open and pain suffuses his whole body.  His vision gains a white cast, blurring.  After steadying himself. He draws a long hissing breath through clenched teeth.  No sword.  But exhaustion invades his entire body as his head starts to throb.  His head, his eyes, the back of his skull.  A long moan escapes his pursed lips as he holds onto a shelf trying to avoid toppling over.  He has the spirit until sunrise, but he is in no condition to bind it.  He starts to dismiss the spirit, but reconsiders.  If I fall and crack my head, I’ll need him.  Directing the spirit to that effect, and asking him to guard against accidents, he turns to Marco.

Marco, I’m sorry but I think I’m done for the night.  I did well on this summoning, but it cost me too much.  I don’t even think I can manage dinner.  I’m sorry.  Come back in the morning, and we can do a binding early, then head to the talismonger I met and work on our artificing with her.

The summoning was done so quickly that before Marco could react two more spirits were summoned. Marco added “You know that I do summon spirits, I could help you doing it and perhaps you get slightly more services next time.  If I am here - you can use me...”
Jed slapped his forehead with his palm.  Damnit, I must be all out of sorts.  I was so focused on trying to figure out how to teach you that I forgot that you can assist me.  I’ve never collaborated before, but conjuring together may give us a feel for how it works.  Something else I just thought of.  I have that dose of Deepweed that we bought to use on Joshua.  If you use that before I try to teach you binding, you can actually see the flows, and might make it easier for you. 

”Deepweed? It can work... I guess we did not need it after all, but things did not exactly go as planned.   By the way, I actually have a very good talismonger contact if you need one. Though she keeps telling me that it is more satisfying to make your own magical tools. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow, how difficult it really is.”

I’d love to meet your Talismonger Marco. Good people to know. The one I just met will help us get started artificing tomorrow. It'll be a full day. Binding in the morning and artificing in the afternoon. I'm sorry, I've got to lay down. I'm barely on my feet. I'll see you in the morning.

Marco replied “It happens... I am the first to know that spirits do not always do what we want them to.”




Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-13-16/1702:49>
After Julia leaves, Yelena leans against the door and smiles.  She has never lived in a place where the neighbors really cared if you lived or died, much less came to welcome you when you moved in.  It is easy to place a sinister motive to the woman's kindness, but Yelena would prefer that it be nothing more than what it appears to be.  Still, she puts a note to herself to talk to Marco about it when he gets home.

She goes to the dining table and picks up the dishes, taking them to the sink and washing them by hand.  She dries everything and puts all away before taking another cup of the coffee with her to the patio, where she sits against the sliding door, drinking coffee and smoking one of her cigars as she watches the light snow come down.  The feel of the smoke in her lungs is a pleasure she had been denied while in the hospital and one she had missed a great deal.  The falling snow has reduced her visibility to less than fifty feet and there is a build-up of about a half inch on the patio railing.  The overhanging eave provides about two feet of space where the snow does not fall and the warmth from the partially open door behind her gives her a sense of being in a large and generally warm white cocoon. 

The afternoon stretches to early evening and she begins to think that Marco ought to be home soon, but he is off with the PI man learning something about his magic.  She realizes that he could easily lose track of time and might indeed be late.  Yelena finishes her fourth cigar and goes back inside the apartment.  The sound system has apparently run through all it has for soft jazz a while ago and has fallen quiet.  Yelena searches the device history and finds Marco's favorite playlists, setting them up on the machine.  She then turns the lights down a bit lower and sits on a chair that is offset from the door to wait for her lover to come home.  Just thinking of him in that way and using that word sends a small shiver down her back.  She is emotionally ready for this, right?  While waiting, she takes the time to peruse the news feeds, looking for anything at all about the Stardust. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-13-16/1834:10>
I spend the rest of the day continuing to process the data I've collected while occasionally checking in on the progress Yelena-sensei is making.  Her recovery is nothing short of miraculous, but for some reason that doesn't surprise me.  There's something otherworldly about her.  I've sensed it and this just helps prove that sense is not my imagination.

And speaking of data, when this all calms down, and before we go to Poland hopefully, we need to review all the stuff I have on the drugs. 

Still, nothing I can do about that now.


Things are quiet in the little apartment without my roomie.  I know it'll still be another day or two before she's back, but I hope she's doing well.  I hope she'll take my announcement that I'm moving out okay.  Hopefully she can keep the place on her own or find another roommate.  I'll have to ask George about that after I break the news to him of my new largesse.

And speaking of George, I look back on the message he sent me barely a day ago, although it feels like a week.

@ Subaru  George calls you and says, >>Matsuuri says you handled yourself competently last night. And are smart enough not to object to the cover that's needed for the job. She also said that if we're going to continue to use you in these sorts of assignments that you would benefit from some acting lessons. So, while trix support is generally handled from a distance, it is unwise to refuse to lay a path for the future. I told her that I would discuss it with you and see if you believed yourself competent to handle assignments that would be far more physically dangerous and would thus justify the expense of the lessons and the addition to your debt. But, if you did well with the acting lessons and proved yourself able to handle more dangerous assignments the rewards would be far higher. You're pay for last nights job is fifty percent higher because of the danger involved. Even though that danger was minimal, only requiring you to wear a dress and dance a bit. Think about it and let me know.<<

<<George, sounds interesting. How much are these lessons and when would you plan for me to start them?<<

Best to negotiate the lessons first, then tell him I have cash on the barrel.  That should make it clear that I plan to keep working for him as a free agent even after I'm no longer indentured to him.  I have to navigate this carefully if I want to keep my anonymity...not to mention my head...intact.  I need to stay more valuable to them as a tool to be used than as a commodity to be traded.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-14-16/0757:26>
[Saturday]

After a few moments of exchanging feature demos, Arc gets the look from Yelena.  The "I know you want to support me, but I know you're busy as drek and need the time" look.  It was weird how they were communicating without spoken word, no data cables, no mindlink spell.   Flashing a smile, Arc nodded her head as she got up, embracing the elf tightly before heading out.

At the lobby, the human had to pause as a wave of nausea swept over her, making her groan and lean against a chair as she shook it off.  Coughing, she fought down the feeling before departing, ignoring the few funny looks given to the newly-tusked girl as she departed the hospital.  Given her state, Arc made a judgment call: no bike work until tomorrow morning.  In her state, alone, that would be a liability.

And so, she rode her way to Jaime's place, taking it slow as she was in no rush.  Grabbing a bite, she had the food bag in hand as she stepped into the apartment, the message from Blake chiming in.

>>Watch the trid tonight. Good show coming on.<<

Smirking, she set the message aside and looked at her account, noting the transfer with slightly widened eyes.

<<@Blake{Arc}: Noted.  Thanks for the tip, omae>>

Smirking, she made a timer for herself to pull up the trids at the allotted time, killing the rest of her afternoon on training, and trying to ignore her annoying symptoms best she could.

By the time the trids were coming on, Jaime was due to be home within the hour, and Arc was surprised to find she wasn't tired at all.  Grinning, she got a glass of water to fight her dry mouth as she sat down, pulling up the trid.  It wasn't even two minutes in before she almost choked, eyes going wide at the contents as she instinctively pulled up her messenger.

<<@Yelena, Firefly, Tuskaloosa, Marco, Jed:  Arc here.  DUUUUDES, check out the trids!>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-14-16/0935:53>
Yelena was sitting quietly in Marco's apartment when the note from Arc came in.  She was already gathering in the news feeds and just turned to the correct station.  >>Arc.  Is Yelena.  Watching.  Thank for message.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-15-16/1106:41>
The smiling anchor came on and barely hiding the smirk in her eyes over the juicy tidbit they had tonight, she announced, "First up in the news tonight is the shocking arrest of the owners of Seattle's trendiest new night club the Stardust. Federal agents stormed the club alleging that the club sold far more than mild party drugs to it's clientele and that the supposed party drugs were far more sinister allowing the club owners to manipulate and control users into committing crimes. They claim the club was a front for organized crime and was involved in everything from high profile thefts to human trafficking, and that the chain of evidence goes up much higher revealing corruption in the highest government circles. Certainly this footage showing victims of the club being helped out of the basement they'd been kept in locked cages in would seem to bear out the human trafficking claims." The camera shows a long shot of people being helped out of the basement. But, before Arc can watch there's a loud insistent chiming at the door of her garage, and when she looks at the feed she still has set-up to alert her of anyone at her door she gets a shock. FEATHERS!!! She opens the door remotely, and then sees that he looks like hell. Correction, THEY look like hell. He's being helped by a much younger man who's gaunt form and hollowed out eyes tell Arc he hasn't eaten in far to long.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-15-16/1821:11>
For a moment, Arc feels like one of the masses, drinking in the news like it was candy.  But this time..no, it was more than that.  The realization that this place got taken down by her efforts...those and the crew she rolled with... made her heart swell with pride and satisfaction, confirmation of a job done.  And people were rescued!  Now just gotta see if I find...

BZZZZZZT

The frag?  Arc tilted her head at the buzzer...no indication that anyone was going to stop by at this time...and since Jaime knew Arc would be at his place for their evening, she wasn't thinking it would be him.  So wuzzup...!!!  One glance at the feed was all she needed as she bolted to the door, spotting Feathers with the younger man, looking quite worse for wear.

"Hoi, frag me sideways, do I know some peeps wanna see you.  Get on inside, I'll get some caf and some food goin'.  C'mon"  pulling them inside, the short human pulled them to the kitchen and sat them down, getting some food going.  Her mind was at work, sending out messages left and right as she got them comfortable.  "We was worried y'all got geeked when you vanished omae.  And then Sam went up and kipped out, ain't heard nothin' from him, but his peeps picked up the tab and we got that place shuttown.  Frag, I can't imagine the drek you were put through...go on, eat somethin', I don't gotta hear it right away.."

<<@Yelena, Firefly, Tuskaloosa, Marco: Our missing feathered friend is back.  My garage, get over here, we gotta celebrate!>>

<<@Merlin: Found him.  Garage>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-15-16/1940:56>
Marco arrives back home after some unlucky night with Jed. Apparently summoning and binding seemed chaotic. Or perhaps it was chaos tradition, after two summoning with too little services came a summon with such a strong resistance it completely gave Jed an headache and they had to call it a night. "Perhaps we should craft some tools to make the art easier." he thought. He was happy to meet Yelena getting settled at his apartment and warmly kissed her. "I've had noodles with Jed, but I can cook for you is there anything you need? Arc texted something about the news did I miss it?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-15-16/2221:15>
Merlin is there within twenty minutes with three other Howlers including Blue and Sarge. He looks at you with a grin on his face and says, "I stopped fa dis." And he holds up a small keg. Then he spots Fathers and making a beeline for him hugs him with the arm not holding the keg and says, "Yo prof. Damn ya look like hell." He looks at Arc, "Where's the cups? Prof be needin' a drink!"  Feathers hugs him back and says, "I feel like hell. And I won't turn down that drink." He looks over at Anders and motions him forward. "And pour one for Anders here. He's damn near as bad and kept me alive in there." He motions Anders forward, "Anders, meet my friends. Everyone, meet Anders."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-15-16/2244:40>
<<Yelena-sensei, if you're going to Arc's place can you pick me up on the way?>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-16-16/0137:20>
Yelena is watching the news when Marco comes home.  She stands to greet him, not letting him get away with no wimpy kiss.  No way.  Not this girl.  She locks him in a kiss that expresses all her worries and hopes in one lip-locking, pulse-pounding, tongue-penetrate-the-mouth, super-duper, economy sized kiss.  Then she gets serious with the kisses.  When they come up for air, she is sitting astride him and looking at his face.  "Yes.  Missing news of club.  Much arrests.  Much people found basement."  The ping to her 'link is initially ignored, but the tone indicates it is from her Srui and Yelena places one finger across Marco's lips and takes the call.  She says, "We be there." 

Yelena stands and offers a hand to Marco.  "Feathers show up garage.  We go meet.  Call cab.  Arc has bike.  Eat there."  Firefly's text comes in as Marco is calling a cab and she sends a response.  >>Firefly.  Is Yelena.  Yelena come get decker mage.  Where are?  Yelena with Marco.  Is OK?<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-16-16/1515:37>
Anders only wanted to make sure the guy got home safely before he called it a day.  Staying for a celebratory drink wasn't on the schedule per se.  To him it felt like he was intruding upon their get-together with no business being there except to serve as a crutch.  He raises an open hand and waves dismissively.  "He's exaggerating, I hardly did a thing.  I just happened to be at the right place at the right time."  The words spoken by the young nordman were fluent english but still retained a strong accented mixture, betraying that he wasn't an american native.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-16-16/1517:21>
Marco is uncertain what is the occasion but he is happy that Yelena feels so passionately about it, he was a bit frustrated when he entered the house but after seeing her it was all gone.

He is happy when Yelena mention the club - "I am glad we came out of that alive, it was not easy for me."Marco sighed "At least something good came out of it. Tough as usual it feels as if the real story is not in the news." Marco asks Yelena "Would you like to fly there?". 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-16-16/1812:20>
Arc nodded as she sat the two men down for them to eat, opening the door to let Merlin and the other Howlers in.  Grinning all the while, she idly wondered how he'd react to the short human's new tusks as she cleared some counterspace for the keg.  "Shtill working off some pain meds, so I'll pass"  She happily bounded back towards the group as she nodded excitedly.  "I let the othersh know we here, so we should exhpect them coming soon I think"

While the orks were gathered around Feathers, Arc focused her attention on the younger man that he came with.  Tilting her head at the accent, she offered a toothy smile as the short girl offered a hand.  "No need t-downplay y'shelf, omae.  Ya did a right thing bringin' him here.  Name's Arc...Anders, right?  Stick around a bit, it's null sheen, eh?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-16-16/1923:52>
More guests and visitors crowded inside the garage.  They warmly greeted each other like long time friends.  Another reminder that he was an unintended stranger.  Anders got as comfortable as possible sitting next to the older man with the orks starting to convene to the one called Feathers.  His hostess looked to be a mechanic of some degree, augmented too.  Not wanting to be rude to the freely offered hospitality, while not wanting to overstay his welcome, Anders accepts what he can and returns with a handshake.  "Thanks for having me Arc.  Aye, it's Anders.  You look packed as it is.  It's cool if you need me to leave.  Really I won't mind."  Grinning back at the girl with a closed mouth to show he wouldn't be offended if he needed to go.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-16-16/2059:52>
>>Firefly.  Is Yelena.  Yelena come get decker mage.  Where are?  Yelena with Marco.  Is OK?<<

>>I'm at my apartment.  That's right, you've never been here.  Location link attached.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-16-16/2303:55>
<<George, sounds interesting. How much are these lessons and when would you plan for me to start them?<<

@ Subaru  George answer comes after some delay. >>The cost of the lessons would be 5k. You'd get acting lessons three times a week for three months. It would cover basic facial and body expressions as well as make-up and quick change. Then depending on your aptitude and your usefulness on different jobs we would see if you would be worth the further investment in time and resources to cover more.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-16-16/2322:32>
Yelena smiles at Marco.  "Yelena love fly.  Not this time.  Pick up Firefly on way.  Yelena try not mess rooms up.  We talk about everything on way.  Not stay long.  Yelena still tired.  Want sleep Marco tonight."

On the way down to the lobby, Yelena explains what she has done at his place so far, to include the meeting with his neighbor.  Once in the cab and on the way to pick up Firefly she says, "Things Marco think about.  Tell Yelena.  One - sleep same bed?  Two - shower together?  Three - Yelena not much cook.  Four - Yelena need go out errands.  Is OK?  Probably more, but is start.  Now, how Marco day?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-17-16/1104:53>
Marco's reply to Yelena's question is an embrace and a soft kiss. He tells Yelena, "I just want you to feel comfortable - I'd enjoy sleeping with you and teaching you how to cook and occasionally showering together."

He then sighed " How was my day.... I was doing errands most of the day buying magical supplies and reading about binding spirits. Then I came from a demonstration with Jed but well things did not end up as planned this is why I got home early to you. Spirits are unpredictable, tough it seemed like a good evening to be early."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-17-16/1118:54>
Arc flashed a grin, dismissing the polite offer to leave with a wave of her cybernetic right hand, gesturing to the others.  "naw, it's null sheen.  Any chummer what helps a man like that don't need a be kicked out.  We just shpill into the garage, aight?"  making a nod with Merlin, the mechanic would lead the young human through a side door into her adjoined shop, hitting the lights and turning on a couple space heaters.

If space was a question, it wasn't any longer, as the two-bay garage seemed capable of holding at least a dozen already.  All a matter of parts and pieces littered the worktables here and there, but otherwise was kept neat, an old tattered couch against one wall.  In the middle, a pair of motorcycles sat: one elf-modified Scorpion chopper in pristine order, and what looks like a partially built troll-sized Suzuki Mirage.

"Shee?  I told ya, ain't nothing but a thang.  Have a drink, snack, whateva."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-17-16/1157:11>
@ Arc  Hearing Arc's speech Merlin turns to look at her and then goes over to her and gently tilting her head whistles at the tusks. "Frag girl, you goin' full on orc." He turns, "Yo, take a look at these baby tusks she be growin' ." He laughs, "Next you be havin' horns an a Vruk!" The others come look and laugh and the grins are friendly. Blue answers, "She be having the Vruk. I done met 'im. It be why she be needin' the tusks. No Parduk 'na chen mei wid dem flat human teeth." The others all laugh and jostle her and Merlin looks surprised and then laughs giving her an approving punch in the arm.  He then goes over to Merlin and Anders and pouring another round says, "Aight teach, tells us how you be survivin' what was some obvious drek. You look like you done lost 10 stones in a week an ain't slept in longer."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-17-16/2134:07>
The sudden attention given to Arc about her new tusks made her go a little red in the face, the conversation with Anders interrupted as she found herself jostled around by the gangers.  The familiarity of the movements, culminating in the playful punch from Merlin, brought brief flashbacks of her upbringing into her mind, her expression tightening at the momentary discomfort.  The beatings, the shovings, the hard love...but no ,this was different.  This was affectionate, friendly movements.  Ones of acceptance, camaraderie...

Grinning toothily with the others, she waved them off with closed eyes, the human girl looking like one of the shortest orks in the group for a moment as she spouted off in Or'Zet.  "Skraa, Tchae na'so quaalz kirae."  Ease up boys,  I ain't shlitch of the hour here."  Shaking her head, she waved them off before glancing to the curious look of Anders.  "Don't mind em.  Buncha shlugheads, but they part of what keeps this hood together.  Also helpsh keep the drek outta my business, ya feel me?"  She paused, realizing that Feathers was about to share his piece..and she was just as interested in the pair's story.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-17-16/2231:01>
The promise of a warm meal and strong drink was music to Anders' ears.  After not having anything to eat or drink in nearly a week made him lose roughly 15 pounds.  The painful growls in his stomach confirmed that he couldn't refuse the offer even if he wanted.  Anders greedily takes up a glass and downs it one gulp.  The bittersweet taste wetting his tongue and lips.  He exhales heavily and says to Arc.  "Well as long as you don't mind me being here.  Also i'm not downplaying anything.  Your friend here, Feathers, deserves more credit than me.  Anyway it went sorta like this..."

5 Days Ago...

Nothing ever goes as planned.  Even the simplest task, the most minute pleasure.  Anders had discovered through his own personal investigation, of a drug that would allow mundane folk a chance to glimpse the other side.  But there's more to it than that.  When an Awakened would imbibe this miracle drug, it would endow them with even greater magical power.  This piqued Anders' curiosity.  He set off to find the dealers of this new substance.  Coming across the right club took little to no time at all.  However, there was a complication, the dealers only sold to non-mages.  They feared what might happen if a magician might partake and promptly banned selling it to the Awakened.  Anders wasn't so easily discouraged.

Through clever wordplay and a bit of guile, Anders managed to convince one guards that he wasn't magical.  He dropped some nuyen, smiled real friendly like, and viola he had some Stardust in hand!  Taking the drug was a very bad idea.  It was difficult to say what effect it exactly had on him, but it wasn't good.  The Stardust didn't make him stronger, it just made him think he was stronger.  He became grandiose and delusional.  Believing himself to be one of Odin's chosen destined for Valhalla.  Anders went berserk in the middle of the club.  Firing off a few rounds from his Savalette Guardian at some random thugs that he thought looked funny.  Lucky for him he just had gel rounds loaded.

After a brief tumble with club guards and dealers, they subdued Anders and threw him inside the basement.  The only reason they didn't kill him was because they were interested what effect the drug had on mages.  So to make sure he stayed alive, he intentionally acted crazier and crazier.  Spouting nonsense at them in norwegian or babbling hocus-pocus mumbo-jumbo.  But this was only a temporary fix.  He wanted to escape but he hadn't the means to do so.  Instead he stayed there imprisoned at their mercy.  At any moment they could kill him.

Time was difficult to keep track of.  There was no clock, and only minimal provisions.  They kept him along with a few others they managed to round up down there.  Eventually an older man was brought down with the rest of them.  Seeing as he was too aged to survive the harsh treatment, Anders dropped some subtle clues on what to do and how to act.  The old man quickly picked up on what Anders meant and behaved the same as he did.  Intentionally starved in sub-human living conditions.  The dealers were determined to break their will and bring them to heel, or kill the two if that proved impossible.

It took a while, but the two mages managed to collaborate an escape plan.  Together they worked some mojo and promptly busted out.  Taking out a few of the slimeballs with them and recovering their confiscated gear.  As they were cutting loose, Feathers dropped a call to the police about some people being kept in cages underneath a club.  Which was smart of the old timer because it helped cover their escape.  Even though Anders had been locked up longer, Feathers was having a hard time standing up.  The young conjurer offered to help walk him home in exchange for a favor later in case he needed the help.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-17-16/2335:28>
Feathers nods listening to Anders, "The kid is smart. I was kidnapped out of my home after I told Sam I wanted out. Maybe I should have stayed in. That way someone would have known to look for me. But, when I woke up in that cell Anders was acting crazy, and the guards had some scientist taking notes. And he was screaming. And every so often he would look at me when he shouted a word. I figured out the look with the word signaled the message. Kinda like a skip code. Basically told me we lived if they thought they could study us. But the Stardust did way more for me. It really did make me more powerful. Opened my eyes to a different dimension of magic. I'm going to go to an old friend of mine who teaches so that he can help me explore this. And right now I want you all to look after Anders. His effect may be delayed. And while I doubt he remembers it, one time the crazy wasn't acting. I know I had a lot more episodes when mine wasn't, mostly because I'd wake up sometimes and he'd be looking at me funny. And the note-takers would be looking afraid, or excited or smug." Feathers holds up a hand to forestall any arguments. "I'm not talking baby-sitting. Like I said, kid is smart. He can put two and two together and come up with a plan. And he's tough. And he's going to need a friend. And he's to new to Seattle to have any." He turns to look at Anders, "And I'm not talking you as a charity case. These guys get into more trouble walking down the street than any ten people get into in their entire lives, they're going to need your help as much as you'll need theirs, more probably." He looks around, "But, right now that's enough speechifying. I'm hungry enough to eat burned soybars. How 'bout ordering a dozen pizza's. I still got a little cred and just getting out calls for a party."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-18-16/0059:17>
Yelena holds onto Marco's hand during the cab ride.  She gets out to pick up Firefly, making sure that she is sitting in the middle.  This will need to be worked out some time, but tonight is about Feathers, not about making peace or causing problems.  She looks at the young decker mage and says, "Firefly good?  Yelena worry when not answer texts.  Need Yelena help?"

Marco bribes the cabbie enough to get them to the garage instead of needing to walk the last three blocks in the snow.  Yelena gathers the shadow about her as she steps from the car and looks up at the sign over the large door.  To her, it does seem a bit like a home that she never had.  Pushing the door open, the three are bombarded by the noise of a party going on.  Several Howlers are present, mostly surrounding Feathers.  Yelena makes a bee line to the old man and stops in front of him.  "Yelena glad see Feathers.  Yelena never gave up hope.  Welcome back."

Yelena moves around and embraces Arc.  She looks around as she goes to get a bottle of the good stuff.  Pouring a shot, she taps it and slams it back and pours a second.  She takes a slice of pizza and goes up to Arc.  "So who new man, Srui?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-18-16/0129:47>
Realizing that she hardly had enough satisfying grub in the house to serve the present company...along with the impending company to come, Arc had taken the liberty of ordering pizza from the usual place that delivers here...they likely had the address on file already, making sure to order enough to go around.  At the end, the human gave a little smile and straightened up, offering a salute of her cyberhand.  "Null shweat, omae.  Already got that drek on the way, you can reimburshe me."  she paused, listening to his words about Anders...raising a brow at his call to bring the young man into the fold.

Looking between the two, she sighed, and lowered her head, smirking.  "Well, he's kinda right there.  This arm's lessh than two months old, and I've been cooked more timesh than I care to remember.  So yeah, we may get into drek.  But hey, we got our reashons, don't we Feathers?"  She scratched her head, sighing as she eased back against a workbench, arms crossed under her chest.  "Problem is, we ain't gonna be around for a bit startin' next week...job outta town, and Yelena's got the deets.  And the final shay on who comes along, as it's her contact setting us up."  Her expression became grim, and it was clear there were details she was leaving out, but she sighed.

"If he shtuck out with ya, I'll take your word..he seems decent enough, and just the right kinda loco to roll with us.  I'll let her decide...but in the meantime..."  Knocking at the door signaled the pizza had arrived, and the Howlers were more than happy to load it in while Arc paid.  An interlude to serve everyone followed, Arc messing with the music player to play something off her playlist...just happened to be Ensiferum at the time.  It wasn't long after that Yelena, Marco, and Firefly arrived.  Offering her hugs to those who wanted em, the mechanic flashed a toothy grin before answering the white-haired she-elf.

"Yelena, this is Anders.  Dude helped get Feathers outta the Dusht.  Apparently he's pretty good.  Here's the deal, though.  Feathers wantsh' us to take him in.  But we headin' out in a week or so.  I mentioned a bit about our job, but dunno if he should come along, ya know?  Whaddya think?  Think your boy will even be down with it?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-18-16/0522:18>
Marco was a bit at unease at the existence of an actual cabbie, but there was no other way to get a cab into the Barrens - the automated ones would not come and flesh and blood people could be negotiated with. He smiled at Firefly when she entered and greeted her. "You look, better, how do you feel?" he asked.  Once at Arc's Marco warmly hugs her and say "you look stunning" to a shape changer such as Marco permanent cosmetics seemed a bit odd - but he could relate for the apparent need to belong and these tusks seemed to be popular with that crowd.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-18-16/1721:21>
Despite wanting to interject throughout Feathers' regalement, Anders kept quiet as the older man talked.  Listening to each point being added onto with another of equal validation.  The wizened mage was right in many regards.  Anders spent more time learning the language and studying old runic magic than he did running the shadows.  Jobs and contracts weren't exactly lining up at his front door, he'd need all the help he could get.  Even if it came from the unlikeliest of allies.

Another pang of hunger reverberates inside of Anders' stomach once the old codger mentioned pizza.  He places a hand on his abdomen and rubs his empty belly in anticipation.  Anders looks up at Arc and the others in slight embarrassment at the sounds of his grumbling stomach.  Passively waiting for the food to get here as he waits in patient silence.  It wasn't long before the food got here, along with another guest.  This time a pale-haired elf woman enters the garage and hugs the short tusked mechanic.  They embrace each other like dear friends, making Anders a bit uncomfortable, like he was yet again invading their privacy.

The motley crew start chowing down together, with Anders eating half a box by himself.  Arc and the elf called Yelena start talking about what to do with Anders while he eats.  After chewing up and swallowing a few mouthfuls of pizza, he interrupts them.  "What exactly are you looking for?  Because whatever it is, i'm sure I can handle it."  Again his foreign heritage bleeds through the well spoken statements, making it difficult to mask that he isn't from around here.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-18-16/1954:20>
Earlier this week:

This will be my make or break moment, I think to myself outside the nondescript Redmond building where several of the Seattle Yakuza bosses have their offices.  Like is the case with other "upper class" crime rings, the Seattle Yak, like their counterparts in the home islands, have completely legitimate fronts.  These are businesmen who can hobnob with politicians and even Knight Errent executives.

I look down at myself to make sure my outfit hasn't been unsettled by my ride here on the bus and light rail line.  It had been an uneventful trip and, for once, I didn't get strange looks from some of my fellow passengers.  Likely this is because I am not wearing my usual abaya or even my hijab.  In an effort to fit in better and demonstrate my willingness to become more useful to my employer in the future, I decided that my "business face" needed to be more traditional Japanese.  In my crisp western pant suit I could be any mid-level Nipongin sarariwomen if you overlooked my slightly more prominant nose and wider eyes than were normal for a Yamato Japanese.  In my nervousness I smooth the grey fabric of my jacket, stand up straight, and make my way into the reception area of building.

Despite having an appointment, I am not surprised to be kept waiting past my scheduled time.  Even if George is wasting time with a video game, which I'm sure he isn't, he'll keep me waiting a little bit just to emphasize the value of his time over mine.  That's fine since I am the one who insisted on a face to fact meeting.  I respect his need to make sure I recognise who is the boss here.

After not terribly long a wait, George's personal assistant comes down to retrieve me.  She's older than me - close to my mother's age if she were still alive.  As expected, she was dressed very similarly to me in a slightly different color.  It had been her that I patterned my outfit on, after all.  The Korean woman's right eye raises just a smidge as she takes my current appearance in.  She doesn't exactly smile, but I can feel her approval in her gaze.  It doesn't last long, though, as she becomes all business and leads me to the office I have come to know well.

George is behind his desk.  He doesn't rise as I enter, simply nodding to me to approach.  I take it as a good sign that there is a chair before the desk clearly situated for a single visitor.  I make my way to the chair, bow to George as I had been taught since infancy, and settle into the chair sitting forward with my hands politely folded one atop the other in my lap.

"Thank you for making time in your busy schedule to see me, Ishikawa-sama.  I'll respect your time by getting right to the point.  You and my father knew each other for a long time and worked together many times.  He valued those experiences and in the short time we had after the betrayal and before I fled Singapore he impressed upon me the importance of developing a similar relationship with you when I arrived here.  I feel in order to build such a relationship with you, first I need to stand on my own feet.  Disposing of my debt to the agents you directed me to has been my top priority.  Only then could I begin my career here in Seattle in control of my own destiny - able to work for you of my own unfettered will."  I pull out a cred stick and lean forward to place it on the desk.  "On this credstick is 49,500 nuyen which covers my principle plus all interest through the end of this month.  That should settle my loan."  I then place another credstick on the desk.  "This contains 5,000 nuyen for the lessons we discussed.  5,000 is a small price to prepare for earning my own place in the organization.  I don't need a loan forcing my hand to know that this is where I belong for the foreseeable future.  That said, I need the lessons to start about six or eight weeks from now as I will be working a consulting job for someone who is totally unrelated to your associate's interests.  Once I get back, I am eager to discover ways that I can apply my skills to be ever more valuable."

Now I can only wait to see how he reacts to my words.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-18-16/2151:16>
Current time:

Firefly, dressed in a loose sweater and sweats likely over her jumpsuit and her hijab around her face, gets into the car next to Yelena.  "I've been settling my business before we leave," is all she says to Yelena's inquiry.  She doesn't seem disturbed by Marco's presence, rather she seems distant to both of them.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-19-16/0323:20>
Yelena looks the man over and likes what she sees.  She also recognizes the look of hunger in his face and his eyes.  "Name Anders?  Is Yelena.  Yelena Petrovna.  Are Scandinavian?  Perhaps Norwegian?  I have some skill in Norwegian if want talk that.  Do you know Greater Europe?  How much want work?  Yelena has much dangerous job.  Not sure what Anders man do?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-19-16/1051:16>
Listening to Yelena speak wasn't that much different to how he used to talk a few years ago.  Perhaps the conversation would go smoother if they tried another language.  Anders coughs lightly and clears his throat before saying.  "Hilsener Yelena, mitt navn er Anders Morstad.  Jeg har aldri vært hvor som helst utenfor Oslo, med unntak av de siste årene. Så nei, jeg vet ikke mye om de andre deler av Europa.  Jeg er ikke ventet mye penge .  Kanskje 5000 eller 6000 for å dekke et par måneders husleie.  Jeg er en anstendig Prowler og jeg er flink til å raskt å snakke meg ut av en dårlig situasjon.  Jeg er også en mage hvis det interesserer deg."

[spoiler]Greetings Yelena, my name is Anders Morstad.  I've never been anywhere outside of Oslo, except for the past few years.  So no, I don't know much about the other parts of Europe.  I'm not expecting a lot of money.  Maybe 5000 or 6000 to cover a couple months of rent.  I'm a decent prowler and i'm adept at fast talking my way out of a bad situation.  I'm also a mage if that interests you.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-19-16/1056:28>
@ Subaru  George's eyebrow raises and he says, "That much cred at one time says a very dangerous job. A very high profile job if one knows the right circles to ask the questions in. And while you say that it is for a job that has nothing to do with us, betrayal always pays very well. And a story of desiring to be more valuable and continue your employment with us sounds well. But, your pride means you first pay off your debt so that you do not betray your owner." He looks at you very coldly. "I am going to have you checked, very thoroughly checked. You may be a talented child, but, so was your mother and they still planted evidence under her very nose within her own files. If there is evidence of betrayal I will find it, and your life will be nothing. But, as of right now your contacts and your association with us is terminated. You are dead to us. It remains to be seen if your worthless life may continue."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-19-16/1135:05>
Yelena smiles at Anders and nods her head.  "Takk, Anders Morstad. Dette er mer behagelig for meg, ja. Jeg levde og elsket i Oslo for fem år. Det var flere år siden, så du kan Tilgi meg hvis jeg oversette noe dårlig. Jeg trenger ikke å gå inn i hele mitt liv, men jeg vil si at det har vært langt fra feilfri. Er det et godt ord.......uberørte? Det vil gjøre. Jeg var en del av en kriminell organisasjon basert på brotherhood og familie. Vi ble forrådt av en av våre egne. En rolle med å bryte de helligste av løfter. Jeg, meg selv ble drept og kastet den iskalde elva. Bare jeg ikke dø. Familien min ble ødelagt og jeg forsvant. En bekjent fra den tid har funnet meg og forteller meg om plasseringen av denne forræderen. Jeg går til Polen for å drepe henne og gjøre ting riktig for død familie. Mine venninner kommer til å hjelpe. Jeg kan love minst 10000 hvis du kommer, men forræder er smart og har en stor gruppe av underordnede og vil ikke vil dø. Det vil være farlig å drepe henne. Jeg drepe med skytevåpen, men vet at magi er ikke den samme for alle. Hva gjør du?

[spoiler]Thank you, Anders Morstad.  This is more comfortable for me, yes.  I lived and loved in Oslo for five years.  It was a number of years ago, so please forgive me if I translate something poorly.  I do not need to go into my entire life, but I will say that it has been far from pristine.   Is that a good word.......Pristine?  It will do.  I was part of a criminal organization based on brotherhood and family.  We were betrayed by one of our own.  A matter of breaking the most sacred of oaths.  I, myself, was killed and thrown to the icy river.  Only I did not die.  My family was destroyed and I disappeared.  An associate from that time has found me and tells me of the location of this traitor.  I go to Poland to kill her and make things right for dead family.  My companions are coming to help.  I can promise at least 10000 if you come, but traitor is smart and has large group of subordinates and will not want to die.  It will be dangerous to kill her.  I kill with guns, but know that magic is not the same for everyone.  What sort do you do?[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-19-16/1157:59>
Anders grins back somewhat abashed.  Running a few fingers through his hair to straighten it in place.  "Vel da, det er ganske interessant fortelling. Jeg beklager å høre om alt dette. Du er norsk er veldig bra for øvrig. Men glem det. Jeg vet ikke hvordan ting gjøres i gjenger eller brorskap, men det høres ut for meg at denne kvinnen krysset en grense hun ikke burde. Ti tusen Nuyen er rimelig for hva du spør. Jeg er flink med våpen også, pistoler for å være nøyaktig. Og jeg burde vært mer tydelig når jeg sier at jeg er en mage. Jeg er ikke en ekte trollmann, jeg er en aspected tryllekunstner. Jeg kan ikke slynge staver eller utføre store ritualer. Men jeg kan tilkalle og forvise ånder med relativ letthet."

[spoiler]Well then, that's quite the interesting tale.  I'm sorry to hear about all of that.  You're norwegian is very good by the way.  But nevermind that.  I don't know how things are done in gangs or brotherhoods, but it sounds to me that this woman crossed a line she shouldn't.  Ten thousand nuyen is reasonable for what you're asking.  I'm good with guns too, pistols to be exact.  And I should have been more clear when I said that i'm a mage.  I'm not a true mage, i'm an aspected conjurer.  I can't sling spells or perform big rituals.  But I can summon and banish spirits with relative ease.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-19-16/1239:15>
Yelena looks over to where Marco is standing then back to Anders.  "En summoner? Jeg kjenner en summoner av brennevin. Kan du forlate innen et par dager? Vi forlater snart og jeg vil sørge for at det finnes en plass for deg. Og andre vil må bli enige. Men du var en hjelp til fjær og som er en meget bra ting til meg. Deres til slutten av festen, og vi kan snakke mer."

[spoiler]A summoner?  I know a summoner of spirits.  Can you leave within a few days?  We are leaving soon and I would have to make sure there is a space for you.  And others would need to agree.  But you were a help to Feathers and that is a very good thing to me.  Stay to end of party and we can talk more.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-19-16/1252:09>
Marco texted Firefly ">>Think you can find out who this guy Yelena is talking really is - you did wonders with Dana without even reading her mind. I have a feeling he'll be joining us.'  Marco did not know Norwegian but from what little he heard from English and his astonishing capability to learn the basics of each language in just a few hours meant that he had a vogue idea what they were talking about. It was no time to get happy. With the amount of foreign agents interested in that club he could literally be anyone. To himself he thinks - "wonders with data but we totally misunderstood her motivations and psychological state, that one was on me - but gosh things got hard."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-19-16/1304:42>
The Ensiferum track was coming to end, similar to the conversation.  He grabs a few more slices of pizza from a nearby box and says.  "Min tradisjon har svært gamle røtter og er ikke allment praktisert. Men hvis Summoner venn er hermetisk, så vi kan komme sammen pent. Jeg skal være skikket til å forlate i tid, ikke bekymre deg. Å se hvor det er virksomheten din og løp, vil jeg la deg bestemme hva som er best. Du og din venn Feathers ikke skylder meg noe. Bare slik at du vet at du ikke er forpliktet til å ta meg sammen."

[spoiler]My tradition has very old roots and is not commonly practiced.  But if your summoner friend is hermetic, then we might get along nicely.  I'll be fit to leave in time, don't worry.  Seeing as how it's your business and your run, i'll let you decide what's best.  You and your friend Feathers don't owe me anything.  Just letting you know that you aren't obligated to bring me along.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-19-16/1342:04>
Yelena grabs a slice of pepperoni pizza from the box and bites into it before asking, "Så, hva slags pistol bruker du? Jeg er delvis til noe Ares gjør. Deres våpen er den fineste i verden, i min mening. Jeg har vært en lojal kunde for flere tiår."

[spoiler]So, what sort of pistol do you use?  I am partial to anything Ares makes.  Their guns are the finest in the world, in my opinion.  I have been a loyal customer for decades.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-19-16/1358:49>
>>Already on it<< I respond to the unusually rational priest.  I'd remained linked into my MiAz since leaving the apartment and had taken a curious interest to the apparent new person conversing to enthusiastically with Yelena-sensei.  I don't know a lick of Norwegian, but the matrix certainly does.  I'd been feeding the conversation directly into a translate app I'd come to trust previously and had at least as good a sense of the conversation as Marco likely did.  Taking the man's offered name, appearance, and whatever else I gather from the conversation I let my algorithms do their work.

[spoiler]Search the 'trix for data on Anders: test #1 (using edge): 17d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/384082): 6 [17d6t5=2, 6, 2, 6, 3, 1, 5, 2, 5, 1, 2, 2, 5, 3, 6, 3, 1]
Search the 'trix for data on Anders: test #1 (edge reroll): 11d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/384083): 6 [11d6t5=2, 6, 6, 4, 5, 3, 2, 6, 3, 5, 5]

Total of 12 hits. This is for my first time period of what may be an extended search on Anders.  Maybe 10 minutes perhaps.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-19-16/1443:24>
Anders nods in agreement.  "Ja jeg liker Ares også. De gjør anstendig ammunisjon, jeg har ikke blitt skuffet av dem ennå. Faktisk den første pistolen jeg plukket opp og brukt var en Predator. Jobbet med at tinn for en stund, og fant det å være ganske pålitelig. Men jeg holdt får irritert på mangelen på burst ild på den. Jeg ønsket en annen tung pistol som hadde stoppe strømmen av Predator, men kan fungere som en maskinpistol . Min venn anbefalte Savalette Guardian, så jeg solgte Predator og plukket den opp. Har du vært å bruke den for et par måneder, og jeg må si det er hyggelig. Alt de trenger å gjøre nå er å få en hånd kanon med full auto og jeg vil bli satt for livet. Hva med deg?"

[spoiler]Yeah I like Ares too.  They make decent munitions, I haven't been disappointed by them yet.  In fact the first gun I picked up and used was a Predator. Worked with that tin for a while and found it to be pretty reliable.  But I kept getting annoyed on the lack of burst fire on it.  I wanted another heavy pistol that had the stopping power of the Predator but could perform like a machine pistol.  My friend recommended the Savalette Guardian, so I sold the Predator and picked it up.  Been using it for a few months and I gotta say it's nice.  All they need to do now is make a hand cannon with full-auto and i'd be set for life.  What about you?[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-19-16/1516:26>
Yelena smiles.  She may have found a gun enthusiast, but he is apparently not a purist when it comes to brand loyalty.  She taps the Predator at her hip.  "Du kan ha et punkt om burst brann, men jeg vil ha følelsen av en Ares i min hånd. Jeg kjøpte bare en alfa som blir endret for meg. Jeg er å plukke det opp på tirsdag. Men min favoritt av langt er Desert Strike. Det er babyen min, og har vært siden shadow satte en i mine hender om femti-fem år siden."

[spoiler]You might have a point about the burst fire, but I want the feel of an Ares in my hand.  I just purchased an Alpha that is being modified for me.  I am to pick it up on Tuesday.  But my favorite by far is the Desert Strike.  That is my baby and has been ever since the shadow put one in my hands about fifty-five years ago.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-19-16/1542:05>
Anders draws in closer when the conversation becomes more stimulating.  Stopping for a brief second to make a mental note of the other guests who had arrived before he continued.  He had set aside his plate and empty glass to make room for the semi-auto he un-holstered.  The heavily chromed handgun felt weighty in his hands.  With his left hand on the grip he holds it up slightly, visually measuring and testing the difference between the two firearms.  Anders re-holsters the Guardian and says.  "Personlig finner jeg at den håndterer ganske lik den Predator om ikke bedre. Men jeg kan forstå ikke ønsker å bruke noe annet enn en Ares våpen."  His face lights up at the mention of military grade weapons.  "Å det er kult! Jeg har hørt det er en smerte i ræva for å finne en eks-militær typen villig til å selge disse rifler. Selvfølgelig er jeg gjør antagelsen om de ble kjøpt. Ikke at jeg er bedømme eller noe. Selv om de er ikke akkurat det beste våpen for å bli tatt med. Det er derfor jeg holder meg stort sett til semi biler og andre lette våpen."

[spoiler]Personally, I find that it handles pretty similar to the Predator if not better.  But I can understand not wanting to use anything but an Ares weapon.  Oh that's cool!  I've heard it's a pain in the ass to find an ex-military type willing to sell those rifles.  Of course i'm making the assumption they were bought.  Not that i'm judging or anything.  Although they aren't exactly the best weapons to be caught using.   It's why I stick mostly to semi-autos and other light arms.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-19-16/1549:48>
Yelena nods.  "Vil du se hva jeg har? Kanskje vi kan møtes på tirsdag og jeg kan føre min andre når jeg plukket opp av Alpha og gå til området. Jeg trenger noe trening med granatkaster og har kjøpt en drek belastning av praksis avrundes til bruk. Interessert?"

[spoiler]Would you like to see what I have?  Perhaps we can meet on Tuesday and I can bring my others when I pick up the Alpha and go to the range.  I need some practice with the grenade launcher and have purchased a drek load of practice rounds to use.  Interested?[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-19-16/1603:18>
Anders smiles happily.  "Klart jeg ville ikke tankene. Så lenge jeg er ikke målet dummy. Kommer til å advare deg nå og si at jeg ikke opplevd å bruke noe annet enn håndvåpen. Tror jeg skal la deg håndtere granater. Annet jeg kan komme til å gå glipp av og traff en svane eller en hund."

[spoiler]Sure I wouldn't mind.  As long as i'm not the target dummy.  Going to forewarn you now and say that i'm not experienced using anything but handguns.  Think i'll let you handle the grenades.  Else I might accidentally miss and hit a swan or a dog.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-19-16/1817:54>
Earlier in the week...

@ Subaru  George's eyebrow raises and he says, "That much cred at one time says a very dangerous job. A very high profile job if one knows the right circles to ask the questions in. And while you say that it is for a job that has nothing to do with us, betrayal always pays very well. And a story of desiring to be more valuable and continue your employment with us sounds well. But, your pride means you first pay off your debt so that you do not betray your owner." He looks at you very coldly. "I am going to have you checked, very thoroughly checked. You may be a talented child, but, so was your mother and they still planted evidence under her very nose within her own files. If there is evidence of betrayal I will find it, and your life will be nothing. But, as of right now your contacts and your association with us is terminated. You are dead to us. It remains to be seen if your worthless life may continue."

I try not to let my shock and horror at the unexpected reaction reach my face, but I have no doubt I'm epic-failing at it.  Still I manage...just barely...not to break into tears at George's decision.  If I can make it out of this building alive, and not in chains, it will be a miracle.

I stand before my chair, slowly, before I speak.  "I...I'm sorry for troubling you, Ishikawa-sama," I manage to get out with a minimum of stutter.  It becomes easier as I keep going, perhaps because my mind is so totally focused on carefully selecting each word.  "I welcome your investigation.  Hopefully the results will assure you of my fidelity toward the confidence you placed in me.  In the meantime, I pray you will remember the history you shared with my father, and the honor debt I carry for someone you honored as friend, when you decide how to handle my case.  If I may be excused, I won't waste any more of your valuable time."  I then bow deeply and remain in that position as I await dismissal.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-19-16/2328:39>
@ Subaru  George lets you remain in that position for long minutes as you feel his eyes boring into your bowed head. Finally he says, "Dismissed." You leave and at every major juncture of the building there is security. It's not necessary you know. They can follow you as easily and more efficiently with their surveillance system. But, men armed with unhackable katanas in the closed elevator are intimidating. And when you step out of the building into the bright light of a December morning the cold air is a relief..
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-20-16/0144:36>
Yelena nods.  "Bra. Jeg er for å møte selgeren på område 0900 på tirsdag. Har du transport eller kan jeg stoppe for deg et sted?"

[spoiler]Good.  I am to meet the seller at the range at 0900 on Tuesday.  Do you have transportation or can I stop for you somewhere?[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-20-16/1206:42>
Yelena sets up a time and location to meet Anders to take him to the range, letting him know that it will probably be by cab unless she can wring her Scorpion from Arc's hands.  She nods to him and thanks him again for helping with Feathers.  Going to Arc, she waves her hand around the room and smiles.  "Good have Feathers safe.  Srui get new car soon?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-20-16/1231:43>
As Yelena and Anders began to converse, Arc quickly realized that the conversation was going to be between the two of them, period.  The tongue sounded funny to her, and couldn't make heads or tails of it.  So, she had some pizza and sat back, seeing Marco and Firefly conversing off to the side with some suspicion..or at least that's what Arc guessed.  Drek, I'd be suspicious too.  But, got Feathers word on it, and this kid gives a good vibe...

A few slices in her belly, she straightened up when Yelena turn ed to her.  "Eh?  Ah, yeah, I'm gonna try Finn get one in the next coupla days.  Shomthin a bit roomier I think.  Go ahead and take the Scorp, I'll figure out the bus and cab system from here."  making a gesture, she hopped off the worktable and stepped over to the rest of the team present, a smile on her face.

"nice that most of us be here.  Hope that happens a bit more this next week.  We gon be working together, so perhaps we best prepare together to to a degreee, aye?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-20-16/1317:52>
Yelena nods.  "Yelena thank.  But need get Marco and Firefly home.  Will take cab tonight.  Maybe come get bike tomorrow.  Will be with rigger man?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-20-16/1437:29>
Arc slowly nodded, her toothy grin returning.  "Damn shtraight I'm a be witim.  But I'll leave the bike here, get there on may own, ya feel me?"   she sighed, embracing her blood sister for a moment before turning to Firefly, tilting her head.  "if yall still need help with that thing you need, just give me a buzz, aight?  I got a bit o free time now"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-20-16/1515:15>
Yelena walks over to where Firefly is standing a bit away from the others, apparently lost in thought.  She steps as close as she can without getting too much in the other woman's space.  "Decker mage alright?  Seem quiet.  Yelena go get tattoo tomorrow morning.  Pick Firefly up on bike and take with for talk?  Maybe lunch after inking.?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-20-16/1537:50>
Firefly blinks as she comes to focus on the elf before her.  "This Anders person seems to have come out of nowhere.  You understand what he's saying; I'm just following his meaning with a translation app.  What do you think of him?  Arc seems to like him but he's new to her too, right?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-20-16/1541:31>
Yelena tilts her head a bit and looks quizzically at Firefly.  "Yes.  Yelena speak Norwegian with him.  From time in Oslo.  He wants come Poland.  Is mage with spirits.  Decker mage handle that?  And why change subject?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-20-16/1543:47>
The girl's brow furrows in a worried expression.  "You trust him so quickly?  After what just happened...to you I mean?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-20-16/1546:59>
Yelena shrugs her shoulders.  "Is good question.  Man helped Feathers.  Makes good for Yelena until prove otherwise.  And Yelena try hard stay off drugs so not happen again.  And still change subject.  Want come ink place to watch tattoos then talk?  Decker mage need talk somebody or soon explode from too much inside.  Yelena can listen."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-20-16/1552:52>
Firefly is quiet for several moments. Her eyes seem distant, and not like they are when she's focused on the matrix or astral.  "You may not like what you hear, Yelena-sensei," she finally says with a frown.  "Any more than I will like saying it."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-20-16/1612:56>
Yelena looks at the young woman.  "Yelena is sixty-five years old.  Yelena hear many things not like.  Yelena know that bad things not get better by not hearing.  Yelena want hear what trouble decker mage.  Is important.  Pick up at 0800 tomorrow.  Go Ink Palace.  Get ink then talk.  Woman to woman.  Maybe decker mage sleep here tonight?  Yelena get bike back and take Marco home.  Stay there.  Come get Firefly in morning.  Good, yes?""
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-20-16/1644:41>
Firefly nods.  "I may have more information about this Anders fellow by then as well."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-20-16/1718:13>
Yelena nods.  "Yes.  Decker mage keep looking.  Tell Yelena if find anything.  He say from Oslo.  Maybe check records there.  Yelena pick you up here 0800.  And must stop changing subject.  Yelena not go school but not stupid.  Firefly need talk someone if not Yelena."

After getting a nod from the girl, Yelena goes to round up Marco.  "Time Yelena go home.  Marco come Yelena?"  She makes one last stop with Feathers, telling him she hopes he recovers well and fast.  Then turning to Merlin and the Howlers, she spends a few minutes talking to them in Or'Zet.  Finally done, she rolls the bike to the door, pushing it through when Arc opens it.  She climbs on the large bike and turns it on, feeling the rumble of the powerful engine between her legs.  After Marco climbs on and puts his arms around her she kicks the machine into gear and roars off down the street.

Once at the apartment building, she parks in Marco's assigned spot in the garage.  Taking his hand in hers she walks with him to the elevator and up to his (maybe theirs) apartment.  She follows him through the door, leaning against it as she shuts it.  She stays at the door, looking at him until he realizes that she is not with him and turns to her.  "Marco.  Is Yelena.  Is real Yelena.  Yelena ready to say in love.  Ready to give chance.  Is Marco?  Yelena can be tiger in bed, can roll over all furniture.  Be wild.  Be sexy.  But tonight Yelena want be Yelena.  Yelena want Marco talk love.  Want Marco make love Yelena.  Not just sex.  Frantic later.  Love now.  Yelena make sense?"

Marco is not too sure what makes sense when it comes to Yelena, but he comes back and takes her hand to lead her to the bedroom.  She has him stand still and watch her undress then undresses him slowly, allowing her fingers and lips to caress every part of his body.  Slowly and seductively.  When done, she stands and looks into his eyes with her violet ones and whispers.  "I love you, Marco."

With that, she takes him to bed and makes love to him.  Not frenetic, as it has been in the past.  Not with wild abandon as it has been in the past.  But strong and passionate.  She takes her time to taste him and feel him and let him do the same.  She allows him to fully explore her, using everything he has learned about sex in his time as a professional lover.  All she has is what she has learned, but it is decades of lovemaking.  The first explosion is over an hour into the experience, but neither were counting the minutes or even cared.  He took her to heights of pleasure she did not know she could reach and then he exploded inside her again.  She had been on top and now collapses on his chest, exhausted and emotionally drained.  She rolls off him and lies next to him, panting.  Turning her head, she looks into his eyes and says, "I love you, Marco."  With that, she begins to cry.  Huge tears with no sound roll down her cheeks to the bed.  She puts her face into his chest and cries for minutes, releasing years of emotions for a life derailed by betrayal and a fear of being alone that she had not known she had.  He silently comforts her, somehow knowing that no words needed to be said.  He strokes her snowy tresses until she falls asleep with her face still against his chest.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-20-16/1836:54>
Anders finishes up his talk with Yelena and agrees to meet her on Tuesday.  They arrange a meeting point in Touristville at one of the bars.  He waves the she-elf goodbye as she leaves with another elf, probably her boyfriend he thinks to himself.  Anders spends a few moments in reflection.  "Well this was unintended.  I just wanted to try out that new mystery drug.  Everything went to hell and now i'm paling around with these guys.  They seem like a cool bunch.  Arc looks pretty and has been nice so far.  Yelena however... i'm not sure.  I should keep my guard up around her.  Her accent sounded russian if I had to guess.  Yet she speaks norweigian.  She did say she lived in Oslo for 5 years.  I wonder how recently though.  I'm probably worrying about nothing.  I doubt anyone here knows anything."

He rests his head against a knuckled fist propped up on the counter as he thinks about Yelena's job offer.  "So I helped out their friend and now i'm going to Poland to kill some woman.  There's so many red flags popping up from this that maybe I should reconsider going.  Then again... i'm out of money and down to my last month of lease.  I haven't heard from Raymond in awhile either.  Might have no choice but to go.  If this goes south, I can always slip away again.  It's not like I owe them anything."  There Anders sits by himself in heavy thought.  Lost in the game of pros and cons that he was mentally playing.  Eventually he got bored and decided to lose himself in Arc's soundtrack instead.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-20-16/2250:01>
Yelena wakes up early in the morning.  The memories of the previous night are strong for her and she looks over at Marco, almost surprised that he is still with her.  His passion had blasted apart walls around her heart that had taken years to put up.  She knows that she is taking a chance, as a repeat of the betrayal in Oslo is something she does not want to contemplate, but she is willing to take the chance that Marco is not the Sax Man.  She slides out of bed and pads out to the kitchen to put the cafpot on.  When she returns, Marco is stirring and she goes to him, kissing him awake.  "Marco magnificent last night.  Yelena hope Marco not disappointed.  Yelena not feel this way ever.  Must be real.  Come, shower time then quick breakfast.  Yelena and Marco must go about day."

Yelena climbs back out of the shared bed and goes to the bathroom.  By the time the water is hot, Marco is there to share the shower.  She has showered with lovers in the past, but this time is different.  There is a different feel to the way he washes her body than anything she has experienced before.  He runs the shampoo into her long hair and allows her to wash him after she rinses off.  Yelena notices the rather strong and very obvious need he has and kneels before him under the hot water to bring him his release, swallowing everything he gives her then standing to finish washing him off.  Out of the shower, they towel each other off and finish the small bathroom chores of brushing teeth and combing hair. 

The coffee is ready by the time they dress and get to the kitchen.  Yelena notices with some degree of surprise that they have barely spoken since they got in the shower and yet it seems like they have spoken for hours.  She tells herself that this must be some sort of magic spell he is using, but she does not care.  As they leave, the apartment, Yelena turns to him and kisses him in the hallway.  "Yelena take Marco PI Man.  Then pick up Decker mage.  Yelena has appointment Ink Palace to add heads.  Then Yelena talk with Firefly.  Hope real talk.  Much woman to woman chat.  Marco tell Yelena when pick up at Jedadiah."

They get on the Scorpion and Yelena drives him to where he is to meet with the PI man.  She waves at Jedadiah as she pulls away and drives to meet Firefly.  She greets the young woman and says, "Ready for ink?  Pick out tattoo.  Yelena buy if decker mage find one like."  Yelena laughs at the expression on Firefly's face and she guns the bike away from the garage and on to the tattoo parlor.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-21-16/0006:39>
The day is colder than it has been and windy and the wind blasting past her has her frozen in minutes. But, not to frozen to not notice a junky blissed out at a corner and Yelena feels the pull. The siren call of drugs that can do for her what nothing else can.

Arc wakes up to a full day of activities Jaime already up and moving. He's making breakfast in the kitchen and the moment the smell hit her nostrils a wave of nausea hits her.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-21-16/0043:55>
Yelena senses more than sees the junkie passed out at the corner.  The Bliss calls to her, testing her will to ignore it.  She stops the bike and turns to look at the man.  The demons call out to her soul, promising strength and power and happiness forever.  Firefly punches Yelena in the arm, "No, Yelena-Sensei.  Drive on.  Just drive on."  Yelena still hesitates and the young decker mage hits her again.  "Time for that later.  They will not ink your heads if you are high."

Yelena stops to think on that and the shadow waits to see if she is strong enough to get past the craving.  Yelena growls into the icy wind.  "Drug not get Yelena this time."  She guns the accelerator and continues on to the Ink Palace.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-21-16/0813:46>
With the party winding down, Arc noted that the Howlers seemed to be itching to move on, as well as most of the crew present.  Firefly wasn't talking much, but Yelena seemed over that.  A brief look between herself and the Russian indicated that Arc wanted to know more, and to keep in touch on it, but she let them go do their thing.  Turning to Anders, she grabbed a datachip, slotting it to her jack and loading some info on it.  "If ya gon' be rolling with us, best you able to get in touch wit' ush, eh?  Here's m' commcode, along with the deets to get to thish place without shtepping on the local turf.  Y'all can stay here long as you need, jusht don't try to wreck the place.  Can't quite remember where I set the bombsh, don't want them going off, ahaha~"  With a wink, she turned back to Feathers, who just seemed content to eat and drink.  Clapping a hand to his arm, she hugged him.  "Glad you back omae...don't shcare us like that again, eh?"

When she called the cab, and her ganger friends realized it was so she could go see her Vrukart tonight, she was met with a series of whistles and teasing hollers, being jostled like before.  Grinning and shaking it off, she grabbed her coat as she stepped out into the snowy evening to meet the cab, groaning as she resolved to get a vehicle...tomorrow.  The cab was short, the music bad, but eventually she did make it home, dinner in hand and a Jaime to greet her.  Dropping the bag, she rushed to embrace him, going to kiss him...and accidentally poking his cheek with a tusk!  The look of shock and surprise on his face was something priceless to behold as she was held at arm's length, hand on her chin to hold her to the light to see better.  She had a toothy grin on as she lifted her hands.  "Whaddya think?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, that was a fun night...  Arc thought to herself as she awoke....not groggy this time, not weary, just awoke.  That was what hit her first....she wasn't tired.  At all. And that was even considering how late she stayed up.  Even after the lovely evening with Jaime, Arc just couldn't quite go to sleep.  Restless, and not wanting to disturb the sleeping form next to her, she simply spent a few hours on the Trix, gaming or what have you.  Eventually, she did sleep...only to wake up a few hours later, fully refreshed.

Smiling, she realized her Vrukart was awake...and making breakfast by the smell of it.  Smells like...sausage and eggs....oh FRAG   Her smile was quickly replaced as she went pale, feeling very green as her stomach felt like it rolled over on itself.  Getting up didn't help things either as she groaned, feeling dizzy for a moment as she stumbled to the bathroom to relieve her nausea.  He must have heard it too, for when she came up for air he was in the doorframe.  Panting, she had a weary look on her face as she held up a finger, retching again.  "Hnn...Brotherton shaid..huu...might be a shide effect...huu...of the regulator in my head...huu.."  Panting, she slowly stood up and washed her hands and face, blushing a bit as she fought down the sensation.  "Good morning otherwise~"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-21-16/0834:07>
Marco was quiet at the meet, he felt conflicted about this entire run and the awful people that placed people in cages. "How could they actually do that without anybody knowing?" He thought to himself. When Yelena was ready to go he said his goodbyes and rode with her. To his surprise she did not want some night out - but the couple went straight to the apartment to have sex like they never did before, to make love.
Quote

"Marco.  Is Yelena.  Is real Yelena.  Yelena ready to say in love.  Ready to give chance.  Is Marco?  Yelena can be tiger in bed, can roll over all furniture.  Be wild.  Be sexy.  But tonight Yelena want be Yelena.  Yelena want Marco talk love.  Want Marco make love Yelena.  Not just sex.  Frantic later.  Love now.  Yelena make sense?"

Marco looked at Yelena and said nothing, he did not need the mindlink spell, he looked at her and softly kissed her, tasting her lips as if they were some very expansive delicacy.  "I love you too, very much" He said when they took a pause.

In the morning Marco showed her the hidden chamber he used to store guns and other sensitive things, there was a big one in the closet behind a variety of clothes. As well smaller chamber under the bed where Marco kept his crusader. "Feel free to keep your stuff in there as well." He said.

When Yelena suggested leaving Marco made it perfectly clear: "Yelena, I love you but I am not leaving this place without a nutritious breakfast. Jed does not actually eats - he feeds himself. I need tomatoes, zucchini I need cheese and an actual coffee... I would love to make you a breakfast if you allow it." 

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-21-16/0947:41>
Yelena looks at Marco.  "Not time eat and take to PI Man.  Yelena pick decker mage up at 0800.  Go Ink Palace.  Can eat if Marco take cab."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-21-16/1000:58>
Marco said gingerly "I'll get there myself no worries."  and started cutting his beloved fresh vegetables. thinking to himself "I'll miss fresh food so much. I hope they'll have it in Poland"

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-21-16/1051:53>
Yelena removes her coat and moves to the kitchen.  She sits and watches him for a while, loving the way his hands move over the food.  "Marco open diner.  Cook good all day."

As he gets close to finishing, Yelena goes to the cabinets and sets the table for two before taking a seat and devouring the meal.  She is hungrier than she had thought she would be.  "Much good Marco.  Yelena thank."

She helps clean up before kissing him deeply and grabbing her coat in preparation for leaving.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <03-21-16/1058:59>
Jed wakes reluctantly.  The splitting headache is gone.  Still tired though.  No time for this.  Marco and I have a lot to do if we are going to learn crafting, or actually craft in time for Poland.  Am I going to Poland?  Work wasn't kicking his door down here.  He needed to find out more about what they were doing. 

Jed kicks a message off to Marco Good morning.  What time will you arrive today?.

Next he drops a quick message off to Joshua Josh, please let Samia know that I will be coming by the shop today to look at those Artificing texts.  I'll be bringing my friend Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-21-16/1213:56>
Marco finishes up and starts cleaning, he packs a sandwich to Jed. He texts him >> On my way!
 As he arrives to Jed he hands him the sandwich and greets him "Good morning Jed" says Marco with a slightly too big smile. Marco is happy, there is little he would like to conceal it. How can he not be after the wonderful knight and early morning he had with Yelena.

 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-21-16/1926:06>
@ Jed  >>I will tell Samia. She and I will be spending the day studying at the Botanical Garden. She needs to see the effect of singing different songs in plants with magical bloodlines and learn how to determine if the growing phase is right for the moons aspect to enhance it's properties. But, if you call ahead of time we will go to the shop and meet you there she says.<<

@ Arc  Jaime looks concerned but is relieved when he hears the doctor had already warned her about this. "Anesthesia has a lot of different effects on people. You're system probably just metabolizes it slowly. It can have a few lingering effects for up to a week. Do you want me to make you something lighter for breakfast?" Arc considers it and realizes that she's famished, but she really doesn't want the greasy sausage. But, eggs and toast sound good and she tells him so. It doesn't take more than a minute to serve her the simple fare and as soon as she eats she feels better. Jaime is getting ready to head out of the door for work when Arc gets a call, >>Arc, it's Sarge. Merlin tells me you're heading out in a week or so. I want to bring my grand-daughters bike by today. I want to have it for her before you leave. She wants to compete in the spring trials with it and will need all the practice time she can get.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-21-16/2140:31>
Other than to keep Yelena centered on the here and now as they encountered the doped out junkie, Subaru stays pretty quiet from the time she's picked up until they get to the tattoo parlor.  So much has happened the  week or so.  Failing her team and letting both Arc and then Yelena nearly die by not predicting events which she should have foreseen.  Almost losing her own life...and her anonymity...after flubbing her meeting with George.  And just what in Hell was Arc-sensei thinking disfiguring her face like that? 

Nothing makes sense anymore...

Subaru slips off the seat from behind Yelena and waits for her mentor to settle the bike.  She's never been to a tattooist before.  While not forbidden by company policy, tattoos were discouraged if you planned to move up the career chain at Renraku.  Given until three months ago Subaru had every expectation that she could rise near to if not to the top of the corporation she'd been a citizen of since birth, getting a tattoo had never entered her young mind.  Those on her team who did get one were more likely than not to be pitied rather than applauded for the decision.  She doesn't pity Yelena-sensei, though.  Oh, no.  Somehow the effect of the tattoo on her eldest mentor strengthens her credibility and presence rather than distracts from it.

Something else that makes no sense...

The strange place both repulses and excites her.  She's been to clubs and the like before, but she really has no idea what to expect from this foreign place.  She waits for the ivory-haired elf to lead her in.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-21-16/2214:15>
Y'know, this guy's not all bad, hehe.  Lifesaver....  Arc found herself smiling gratefully at her Vrukart as he served her the lighter breakfast, the eggs and browned toast proving good to satisfy her hunger and quell her nausea.  Devouring the meal, she ended it with a content sigh, relief on her tusked face as she hugged him softly.  Helping clean up, she dressed for the day in clean ware before washing her face, hoping by the spirits that she wouldn't have to deal with nausea for a full fragging week.

As they were heading out, Arc paused, getting the call from Sarge.  Kissing her Vruk goodbye, she  told him she'll be back that night before too late, and bid him farewell as she took the call.

>>"Hey Sarge, whaddup?  Yeah, Merlin be on the right, and I hadn't forgotten our deal either.  Yeah, I can get your grandau's bike fixed up null shweat.  I gotta stop t'make this morn, but I'll be at my place.  You bring the bike by and what ya want me to do to it, and I'll get it done well before I'm gone, ya feel me?  See ya soon"<<

Sending that off, she held her head a few times as she felt a little lightheaded for a moment, sitting down as she recollected herself.  Things are good...aight, things are good...now to fix this drek situation I'm in with getting around....  Pulling up the Trix, she browsed local areas for a little while for vehicles for sale, finding a lot of unsuitable drek and garbage for the most part...but then...  bingo!

Tagging the location of the dealer a kilometer away, Arc grabbed her coat and headed out into the Seattle winter morning, her heavy shoes crunching in the snow as she trekked along the busy roadside.  Along the way, her thoughts were filled with the recent events, looking ahead...  Seven of us now....myself, the fix-it and drone-y, Yelena the razored hitgirl, Firefly the mojo decker, Marco the mojo spy, Tuskaloosa the wheelgirl...and now Jed the mojo PI and Anders the spirit boy.  So much to worry about...and a few unknowns...  Shivering a bit in the wind, she fired off a message to their newest crewperson to be.

<<@Anders{Arc}: Hoi, morning.  So you gon' be rollin' with us by the sound of it.  I know you gotta meet with Yelena here soon, but if ya want, come by my garage in a few hours and bring your gear.  Wanna make sure your equips are good to go.  If not, I'll get to fixing it up, null sweat.  Your call, just lemme know aight?>>

She sent that off just as she arrived at the dealership, a smarmy cliche of a man with a combover shivering out to greet her.  The short mechanic greeted him with something he likely wasn't expecting: the tech savvy and no drek demeanor of a short girl who knew exactly what she was looking for, exactly what it was worth, and had the cred in hand to pay for it.  Dumbstruck, he submitted to her force of will, and in what likely would have been a record time for that establishment, she was rolling out in the vehicle of her choosing: a drab-looking GMC Universe, 8-seater with plenty of cargo space in the back.  A beast of a machine, but still fairly nimble and relatively unimposing.  Perfect

Now not devoid of a set of wheels, Arc felt whole again.  Grinning, she sat behind the wheel as she drove, idly sending out parts requests with her contacts and suppliers to trick out this lovely beauty of a machine in the time she still had to prepare it..as well as download the MultiPaintTM app to flex her creative mind.  But with vehicle in possession, she would make her way back to her garage, ready to accept Sarge's job she promised him and get to work..plenty of time now with her new gear.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-21-16/2249:54>
@ Arc  Late in the afternoon Arc gets a comm from BloodMoney, >>Yo, Arc. How much would it be to trick my bike out so it could make some longer jumps at lower speeds? Say, 30-40 klicks and go 10-15m?<<

@ Yelena & Cat  The Ink Palace is already busy. One older, heavily muscled human is having curved spikes added down his spine and discussing the patterning he wants around them with the artist. One girl who didn't look any older than thirteen was laying flat while two artists worked on a scene across her small breasts. Another artists was discussing adding more metal with a young man and telling him it would cover some of the work he'd already had done. When she comes in a young woman with her long hair ted up in a ponytail showing off the extensive modifications she'd had to her neck and jawline called to her from behind the counter. "Do you have an appointment?"

@ Anders  When he gets home that night it's to find that the heat is out. Again. And a call to the manager gets the usual excuse that he's got maintenance working on it. Anders already knows that means he'll call in the morning as he won't pop for the extra cost of having them out in the middle of the night. He's got some extra blankets, and a highly illegal heater. Management pays for the electricity as well and they don't like the extra cost of a heater. Fraggers might even shut off the heat deliberately just to save money. It's not them in the cold after all.

@ Marco & Jed  Nothing seems to be working for Jed. After all the planning and care and reagents and expense the spirits are simply not responding and Jed is beyond frustrated with his attempts.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-22-16/0013:55>
Yelena hands her Predator to Firefly as they walk into the shop.  She looks around at the activity and replies to the young woman's question.  "Yes.  Name Yelena Petrovna.  Have appointment Jill K.  0900 but am early."  One of the two artists working on the young girl's exposed chest looks up and lifts a pair of goggles from her eyes.  "Yeah, Arti, she's with me.  I will be done here in a few minutes.  Can't wait to see the ink."  The woman pulls the goggles back down and goes back to work.  The girl behind the counter motions to a small table with a cafpot and some water bottles on it, telling Yelena and Firefly to help themselves.  Yelena rubs her hands together and gets a cup of hot soycaf before sitting down on one of the padded couches in the warm anteroom.  She picks up one of the magazines on a coffee table and notes that it is a catalogue of the work done here.  She hands it to Firefly, saying, "Decker mage look.  See if find anything good."  Yelena sees one that is a showpiece for Jill K and opens it to see examples of the skill of the woman that is going to work on her back.

Yelena is impressed as she flips through the pages of the book and decides that the artist is more than good enough to do the work she wants.  She leans over to Firefly, showing her a picture of a rose and another of a firefly in such detail that it seems about to fly off the page.  "Decker mage get this right or left breast.  Very nice."  She chuckles at the look on the girl's face.  Yelena not kid.  Mark body show achievement or love or life.  No shame in ink.  Just remember once on hard to remove." 

The woman named Jill K finishes her part of the scene on the girl and stands up.  She comes forward and introduces herself, shaking hands with both women.  Yelena correctly interprets her look and says that Firefly is just thinking right now.  Jill K smiles and asks Yelena to show her the ink.  Yelena stands and removes her shirt, exposing her naked torso.  The artist's mouth opens a bit as she looks at Yelena's chest.  She reaches out a finger and traces some of the tats.  "Holy drek.  Stan come look at these."  The man talking to the spinal art guy excuses himself and comes over, followed by the heavily muscled client.  Stan pulls his own goggles over his eyes and bends over to look at the ink on Yelena's chest.  He reaches out and moves her breasts from side to side to look at the art around them.  He stands up and runs a finger across the scrollwork on both arms.  "Ten years, eh?  You must be one tough bitch.  And I am pretty sure these numbers on the sun rays are not for the number of fraggers you slept with."  He shakes his head, "Don't recognize all of them, but you are one bitch I would not want to meet in a dark alley."

Jill K has moved around to Yelena's back and is staring at the art with an open mouth.  ""Stan.  Oh my fragging God.  Stan."" 

The man walks around to see Yelena's back as the male customer looks at Yelena's chest and says, "Are those.........are those what.......what I think they are?" 

As Stan walks behind Yelena he absently says, "Rikov, if you are looking at her rather amazing tits, yes that is what they are.  If you are looking at the ink and have to ask, don't.  You are better off not knowing.  I will say without any sort of equivocation that you do not want to piss this woman off unless you want to be found in a dark alley somewhere.  Probably missing several parts of your body."  The man called Rikov gulps and takes a few steps back.  Stan whistles and reaches out to touch the tree and its collection of skulls.  He slips the goggles back down and looks at her back from less than an inch away, moving his eyes all over the artwork.  Standing back up he looks at the other artist.  "Fragging masterpiece.  I saw strokes from at least a couple dozen artists.  All meshed together like they were done by one person.  You got this Jill.  Yell if you need help.  I would recommend old school work, though, if I were you.  Leave the fancy machines out of this."  Stan collects Rikov and takes him back to his chair.  Jill K leads Yelena over to her work station and has her lay down on the bench there.  She sits at a chair and does her own examination of the back then she takes a set of calipers and starts measuring various places and making notes on a pad with a stylus.  She asks soft questions of Yelena and nods at the answers as she makes sketches free hand on paper.  She confers with Yelena on where she wants the new skulls and shades and nods as they come to an agreement. 

Jill K stands and pulls a tray of instruments over to the work station.  She opens a case and removes an old fashioned inker, flips her goggles down and goes to work on Yelena's back.  The work takes several hours to finish.  Stan and the other artist come by and stand behind Jill a couple of times, but say nothing and then leave her alone.  Firefly sees Stan nod his head as he walks back to his next client.  A man comes into the shop and says that he has an appointment with Jill K.  He is unhappy to be told that her earlier client is taking longer than normal and she will have to reschedule his appointment.  He starts to create a scene and Stan comes over to talk to him, offering him a significant discount if he will reschedule.  Somewhat appeased, the man leaves after scheduling an appointment for the following day.  Jill works through lunch, taking breaks only for water and to use the restroom.  When she is done, she scoots back and shakes her arms and wipes sweat away as if she had been hard at work.  She calls Stan over and he bends over to look at everything.  Finally standing, he nods and smiles.  "Fragging great work, Jill K.  Your best yet.  You got everything right and made it seamlessly mesh in with the rest."

The man moves a camera on a special rack over and takes several photos of the work so that Yelena can see the work on a screen placed before her.  She looks carefully at the photos then smiles.  "Is perfect.  Yelena very pleased."  She sits up and motions for Firefly to come look.  She can tell where the new skulls have been added to the hundreds of others only because the skin is reddened in those locations.  But she realizes that her untrained eye would not be able to tell if there was not the telltale discoloration.  Even the new ghostly figures in the background are perfectly matched to the ones already there.  Yelena turns to the girl "So Firefly choose one or wait?  This very good ink place."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-22-16/0756:54>
The party was fun, it was enjoyable.  But alas all things in life must end.  Anders said his goodbyes before leaving the garage and turning home.  Seattle winter was nothing compared to Norway's frost, a mild irritant to the Norseman.  Crisscrossing streets and alleys to find the way back.  Neon signs glow in the after-dark in words that he struggled to grasp and pronounce.  Sometimes he'd stop midway through and take in everything.  Half hoping that Seattle would dissolve into nothingness and he'd wake up in his bed in Oslo with the promises of a better future.  Of course, such hopes and dreams are better left to drunks and crazies.  His reality reinforces again and Anders returns on his pathway to some cheap-ass apartment complex.

The parking lot was filled with derelict cars and other forms of urban decay.  A sign that he was near his destination.  Anders walks up downtrodden stairs that spiraled several times over.  Eventually he stands at the door to squalid refuge.  He sighs exhaustively and opens it to let himself inside his residence.  The insides were barren, and bereft of even the simplest of leisure.  A few things made the stay bearable, but still nonetheless... unpleasant.  A barely stocked fridge that was probably made 40 years ago.  A microwave that flickered in and out of functionality.  The oven was oddly the only thing that worked right, but he never had the chance to use it, other than leaving the door to it open and turning it on in case the heat went out.  Home sweet home, at least it was rat and cockroach free.  Guess they had better places to be.

The night comes and goes.  Anders sleeps through frigid depression and awakens to the new day.  Arc and him exchanged codes before he left last night, as measure if they needed to contact one another.  He yawns unenergetically, checking and scrolling through his Renraku Sensei for anything to shock him out the drudgery of today just long enough until he makes it until tomorrow or the day after.  A glint of something shines in the corner of his eyes, a message was left for him.  Well, actually, was just left for him.  Anders grins a little before compiling the text.

@Arc - <<Okay, sounds cool.  I'm not doing anything right now so it shouldn't be a problem.  Give me some time to gather my things and i'll be there shortly.>>

There wasn't much gear for him to bring over for inspection.  A gun with some weapons mods, and a armored leather jacket with specialized protection.  Anders takes a quick bath before leaving.  He didn't want to arrive looking and smelling like yesterday's stink.  The water was cold and offered little to him in the ways of succor.  Sharply he throws on his new digs and heads out there door with a duffel bag assortment of gear and apparel. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-22-16/1300:17>
Subaru had watched with morbid fascination as Jill K had expanded upon the extensive work already covering the elf's smooth (other than the scars) back.  She'd never been squeamish about needles and watching the artist precisely place each tiny...pixel for lack of a better term...of pigment maintained her rapt attention such that when it was done she was amazed at how the time had flown.  Even more amazing was that Jill K's work never seemed to suffer from the nervousness she must feel at making semi-permanent changes to the body of such a dangerous person.  She learned as much from the artist about keeping cool under pressure as she did about the inking process.

The process did come to an end, though, and she concurred with everyone's approval.  It was superb work, if she was one to judge.  Given how in demand Jill K was, it caught her entirely flat footed when Yelena turned to her rather than start paying the woman.

"So Firefly choose one or wait?  This very good ink place."

She was sure that once again Yelena was being entertained by an expression Subaru would be horrified to see in a mirror.  "Um...uh...can I keep thinking about it?" 

I've given up so much already.  If I get inked, I'll be closing any real possibility of ever resuming my old life once I prove my parent's innocence.  If I learn...if I grow...if I can get revenge and be seen as excising a cancer from the body of Renraku, I might still rise in my father's footsteps.  I'm not ready to give up that dream.  Not yet.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-22-16/1642:49>
Home.  Work.  The two mixed together perfectly for Arc as she killed the engine to the Universend and hopped out.  Breathing in the familiar scents of motor oil and machine parts, the short human rubbed her hands together before stepping inside, donning a well loved pair of coveralls.  Time to go to work

It was not long into putting some time on Tuska's bike did Sarge come by.  Thanking for fixing up the King Scorpion, he dropped off the junior bike and explained what his grandau would be doing with it.  After some back and forth, Arc pitched her ideas, finding a balance between performance and cost effectiveness: tuning up the power train would give the speed needed while refitting the tires and suspension would compensate the handline.  Stripping down the escess bulk reduces weight...and with a troll, thats vital, fact of life...and then fitting a feather trigger clutch and throttle increased the control factor.  Simple, and Arc could do it without much issue.

Even with her current jobs at hand...and even with BloodMoney's call for a job!  Man, she was getting busy...but when she only needed 3 hours of sleep a night, she could afford to night train while working the day hours.

<<@Bloodmoney: trick out like that will require a nitro fit along with a streamline job.  I'll quote you 4K on it and four days if you can locate me a can of the nitrous.  Deal?>>

Not long after that did she hear the buzzer of someone at the door.  Flipping the garage open, she lifted her goggles and killed the butane torch she was working with.  The place smelled of her labors, and several dirt scuffs dotted her cheeks and outfit as she grinned, tusks gleaming a bit in the light as she waved him in, stepping away from the troll sized bike she was working in.  "Make yself at home, cafpot's by the door.  Lesshee whatcha got..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-22-16/2026:01>
Anders trudged the sloshing snow.  It was fortunate he didn't end up long lost to where no pathway went.  Trekking gangland was always fun in a deathly hazardous sort of way.  But it was day time, so the majority of the city's roughnecks were probably sleeping off whatever concussion or hangover they had.  Arc's place and machinist shop is found with relative ease.  She let's him inside after he buzzes a few times.

To be a good guest, he wipes off his booted feet before entering and unloads the duffel bag of questionable goods atop a clear counter space.  Anders unzips it and reveals the contents.  Showcasing two boxes of bullets, a modified heavy-chrome pistol, an outfitted jacket, plus a few other things that might prove useful.  He folds his arms and says.  "I know it's not much but it's all I have on me.  Don't let that fool you.  I won't need a whole lot for this trip.  Maybe a stim or trauma patch if you have one handy."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-22-16/2115:05>
Arc couldn't help but tilt her head at the young man's manners of kicking his boots off before stepping into the concrete two-bay garage...though now with the van occupying one of the bays, it did seem quite a bit less spacious.  Tilting her head towards one of the tables, the short girl hopped over to clear off some space from the nearest workbench, the clatter of scrap metal ringing against the walls as she made space for him to dump the contents.  Nodding, she crossed her arms under her chest.  "Aye, think that can be arranged.  We gon' have med shtuff available as well, though I'm hoping it ain't needed.  We'll hook you up...gettin' shome unhackable comms goin' down too, y'all need a microtransceiver?"

As she spoke, she cracked her neck, fixing her red hair as she started to go through the gear, offing her coveralls down to the waist.  The chrome of her right cyberarm glinted as she moved, hands working deftly as she flipped her goggles down over her cybereyes.  "Now what do we have heah..."  Picking up the pistol first, she gripped it in her cyberhand, checking it for bullets first before handling the piece.  Her hands never wavered as she moved, flipping from open to ready position, snapping into a position to check the sights, then twirling to inspect the frame.  "Hm.  Savalette Guardian, recent model even.  Looksh clean...gash vent system?  Hm, impressive..."  With a few clicks and a flurry of her fingers, the weapon seemed to come apart as she field stripped it, inspecting the barrel and the parts.  "It's clean....well cared.  Action could use some adjustment, but not hard..." Picking up the frame, her fingertip flipped into a little tool , sticking it into the parts of the frame and making a little click.  "20% less shot of jamming there...good."  Nodding her head, she reassembled the piece before setting it down.

The coat was coming next, Arc using her goggles to inspect the fibers, particularly at the joints and where the vitals would be covered by.  As she worked, she hummed a bit, the tune sounding reminiscent of Symphony X before she spoke up.  "Ya prolly got questionsh about this job...I would.  Ain't no shame in it, 'kart, so whaddya wanna know?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-22-16/2318:10>
Anders watched the tusked girl work her mechanical expertise quietly.  Leaning passively to the side as Arc picked apart his gun, almost like she built it herself.  He nods slowly in response to her first question.  "I'm not expecting to be shot either but it wouldn't hurt to be prepared.  And no I don't have a micro-transceiver.  I usually work alone.  There was never a point to pick one up."  A flurry of deft handiwork makes mincemeat out of his Savalette Guardian as he converses.  He stops his thick-accented reply to listen to her monologue about his weapon.  A few key notes of compliments makes him grin a little in sly shyness.  She reassembles his gun and begins inspecting the modified synth-leather armored jacket.

Many questions tossed and bustled in his head.  Anders pondered if there was even a point in asking or questioning anything.  It seemed like a pretty straight forward job.  Go to Poland and kill some evil woman and get paid once he gets back to Seattle.  But blind faith could spell his doom just as easy as a hangman's noose.  Brazenly he asks.  "You fellows seem pretty okay with a complete stranger coming on board your revenge mission.  How do I know that this isn't some con game of yours?  It's kinda... I don't know, convenient that you have this job lined up.  I know it's ummmmm... fearless or rude for me to ask this.  The whole thing sounds a little too good to be true."  The Norwegian stumbled on the proper vernaculars somewhat, but hopefully he got his point and question across.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-22-16/2351:30>
Yelena nods at Firefly then turns to the receptionist, handing over a credstick to cover the fee and a hefty tip.  She shrugs back into her shirt and says, "Yes Firefly.  Is OK wait.  Ink not for everyone."  She turns back to where Jill K is cleaning the tools of her trade.  "Yelena back soon.  Will need more work.  Jill K much good."  The inker looks up from her chores and smiles but her expression is a bit odd.  The Keeb is as much as telling her that she is going somewhere to kill someone to add more skulls to her back.  The thought of that is a bit scary. 

After leaving the Ink Palace, Yelena checks the ARO maps and finds a small restaurant nearby.  Once on the bike, it takes three minutes to get to the parking lot.  Yelena secures the bike and takes Firefly's arm.  Inside, she asks for a private booth out of the way.  The women scan the virtual menus and order a lunch.  Yelena just looks at the younger woman until the food arrives then says.  "Decker mage turn talk.  Yelena feel something bother Firefly.  Yelena listen then talk.  Please?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-23-16/0004:19>
Arc stayed silent for a moment, gritting her teeth as she seemed to be eyeing a patch of fabric closely.  In truth, she was trying to keep her stomach from turning over, but there wasn't need for him to know that.  Eventually though, she set the garment down, the shorter girl glancing up at him and raising her goggles.  "Chemseal and noncond, huh?  Smart.  Woulda stuck some flameproof on myself, but to each their own.  Definitely can tell it's seen some wear, but I've seen worse to fine.  You get trouble with it, lemme know.  And I'll get a microtransceiver for yas as well, null shweat..."  Her speech around her tusks seems to be a bit difficult as well, but still clear as she thinks about her answer.

Shrugging, she hopped up on the bench and sat down, elbows on her knees as she slouched.  "Feathers be vouching for ya, which is enough for me.  He wouldn't give his faith on shomeone that lightly.  This job be pretty tight, so I can shee how Yelena would want as many good hands on the job.  It ain't coincidence"  her expression grew hard as her green cybernetic eyes bore into him.  "Go around these hoods and start droppin' our names, you'll know I ain't fulla drek when I say this job is real.  The cred will be real, and the danger will be real."  As she went through each phrase, she picked up his gun again, racking the slide and pointing it at him.  Holding there for a second, she cracked a little smile before flipping the gun to have the handle towards him.

"Tchae....it's Yelena's job, but mine is to make sure we all go home.  And to do that, I need to know my team.  Will you know if this is a con?  You don't.  You just have what y'know and what y'don't.  Sho tell me, then.  You think I'm fulla drek?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-23-16/1027:07>
Anders didn't say anything in regards to her comments about the armor or micro-transceiver.  Instead he remained silent as Arc got more comfortable and re-positioned herself.  The explanation she gave felt more like a misdirection attempt.  But she looked serious and determined.  Perhaps she was telling the truth.  He didn't have any real reason to distrust her or Yelena.  Still, a cautious inquiry might prove prudent if they truly were planning on doing what they said they'd do.  "That's okay.  I'll take your word for it.  There's still more I need to know though.  Like for instance, how many of us will be ridin' along?  What kind of opposition will we be facing?  How are we going to get there?  You know, things like that."  Anders raised an eyebrow out of innocent curiosity.  He'll chew on the details tomorrow until he knew for certain about this retributive scheme if he had to.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-23-16/1817:06>
Ever since I fled Singapore something as simple as lunch has become an irony.  As a Renraku scion, I'd been able to get just about anything I wanted to eat back at the arcology but I hadn't been observant and routinely ate forbidden things.  On board the ship, though, I made my decision to follow Allah's strictures but had been given no choice in what was fed to me.  Eat what was offered or quite literally starve.  I asked Allah's forgiveness and ate. 

While one would expect Seattle to offer as many options as I'd had in Singapore, those options existed to people with means.  Not some unknown little girl scraping by from the leavings of the Yak.  Still, rice was plentiful.  Hydroponic lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots were freely available, although they could stretch my budget.  And soy - all the soy I could...or at least should...eat.  Soy technically was as halal as any other vegetable, grain, or fruit, but the devil was in the additives.  It had taken me weeks, even with my Erika, to find reliable food content sources for all the low-scale restaurants found in America.  The experience, though, polished my skills related to snooping around North America's networks.  As long as I'm connected to my deck, I can pretty confidently now eat halal (more or less) wherever I go...assuming the local staff don't take liberties with the franchise food preparation rules.  There is only so much I can do about such things, though, which is why I beg forgiveness from God five times a day.

At this particular restaurant, I'm safe ordering the beef-flavored soy teriyaki.  There isn't an animal cell to be found in it.

Yelena=-sensei and I make small talk about body art and what it represents in different places of the world.  I love that Yelena and I share some frames of reference.  True, I visited these places years after Yelena, but still we can discuss the light of the full moon flickering on the waters of the Rhine River or the glow of starlight on the first snow in Moscow having both seen such things with our own eyes.  It's easy to lose myself in the magic of selective memory.  But Yelena drops the hammer on the reminiscing once the server shows her backside to us after delivering our plates.

"Decker mage turn talk.  Yelena feel something bother Firefly.  Yelena listen then talk.  Please?"

I sigh as I spend long moments picking at my food, suddenly not very hungry.

"I messed up, Yelena-sensei," I admit to a sliver of carrot I push around the sea of brown sauce and rice with my chopsticks.  I look up into the elf's violet eyes as I continue.  "I tried to pay off my debt to the Yak and I messed it all up.  My father's friend who has been my contact with them jumped to the conclusion that I must have sold Yak secrets or some such nonsense to make that much nuyen.  They're going through my background since coming to Seattle with a fine-toothed comb.  I have to believe they'll find my visits to Arc's garage and that might lead to you both.  I don't think they'll find out about the warehouse or the operation at the Sound, but I can't be sure.  I don't know what resources they can pull.  If they make problems for you and Arc-sensei I don't know what I'll do.  I feel like a grade A idiot for not covering my real-world tracks.  I had people do that for me with Renraku.  All I had to do is be invisible on the Matrix."  There.  I got the words out.  Now for the axe to fall.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-23-16/2024:29>
Arc nodded during the questions, leaning back a little on the worktable as she relaxed up, setting his Savalette back on the table beside her before responding.  "Good questions.  Yelena was completely honest with ya: this job be personal to her, but still gonna be a job.  I won't mince the deets then.  The dude backing us and setting us up is an ice cold Vory hoop, and he the one getting us and our gear thwrestling and back.  From what it sounds, we gonna be part of the op what moves in on this slitch.  She was Vory too, and likely got a crew of er own of bad business to deal with.  I guess lucky that all this drew ain't here to backlash us eh?"

She sighed, thinking a couple things over before continuing.  "We'll know more once we're off the last transport into the place, but I know the crew.  With you, that's looking to be seven of us.  And each other one I can vouch is capable of doing this.  Infiltrating shady clubs, disabling gang ops, hijacking, coolness under pressure.  We got it in spades.  If I have my way, you'll be meetin' em all soon.  I don't want strangers by the time we get on the boat, yfeel me?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-24-16/0037:27>
Yelena listens to Firefly talk and has to remind herself that the girl is new and probably a bit scared.  "Decker mage think Yelena mad?  Think Arc mad?  Firefly wrong.  Yelena not care what Yaks find about Yelena.  Is good if Yak find out what Firefly do.  Is like CV for skills.  Why decker mage worry?  You do good work.  Very professional for so young.  Firefly surprise Yelena much times.  Be proud for success."  Yelena pauses for a few moments then reaches out to take the girl's chin in a hand and lifts it up to look her in the eye.  "So first Yelena lesson for Firefly.  Firefly learn or go home.  Decker mage too unsure of self.  Must change.  Running shadows not for weak or unsure.  Living shadows not for weak or unsure.  Must be strong.  Will make mistakes.  All do.  Living is hard, but is only alternative to death.  Strong live and die strong.  Face demons and death with grin.  Weak die alone.  Unwanted.  Firefly say want learn.  Want live shadows.  Firefly mean that?  Or just say?  Face others when wrong.  No hide head.  Take consequence and learn lesson.  Live.  Firefly young.  Need much training.  Need much experience.  Have good start, now need experience in shadows.  Decker mage might change."

Yelena lets that sink in for a few minutes while she eats.  She is wiping her plate with a slice of almost bread when she says.  "Decker mage have sex boy or girl yet?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-24-16/1958:18>
I listen to Yelena's words.  Really listen.  She makes it sound so easy.  I want to believe her.  As the silence lingers after her words I start to feel a little better, enough that I start actually raising the food to my lips.  It's while I'm lifting a chunk of brown soy with rice sticking to it that Yelena speaks again.

"Decker mage have sex boy or girl yet?"

What, what?!?

The food slips through my now akimbo chopsticks and falls back to my plate with a splat.

"Sex!  Me?" I stammer.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-24-16/2106:56>
Anders look at the girl with concern.  He slowly shakes his head, heaving a sigh all the while too.  "Hmmmmm... okay... that sounds uuhhhhh... "  The nordic mage was at a loss for words and just shrugs it off and blurts out the first thing that comes to mind.  "Well, let's cross the sea and remix the motherfucker!  I guess we'll figure out the details later, or never!"  Anders gives Arc a big goofy smile and waits to see how she responds before asking his next question.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-24-16/2125:24>
She blinked.  Twice.  Giving him a good long look as the thoughts and reactions went through her brain.  This dude's for real?  Man, I now crazy, but...Dayum!

Eventually, Arc did break the silence, busting out into a laugh as she held her stomach.  "Tchae, et koruo Skraa'cha, na'ae? Baha, with that attitude, how can we lose?  We'll get details, null sheen on that one.  We got shkills in this crew to cover shome bases, no worries."  She paused, her cyberhand thumping the table as she got her laughter under control, calming herself.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-24-16/2148:11>
Anders didn't know why she was laughing so hard but he grinned back with her all the same.  It probably had something to do with his poor choice of idioms.  Confidently he retorts.  "Good to see you laugh.  But i'm serious, we gonna master their asses.  I'm going to be rocking it over there so be on the look out!"  It dawns on him that he hasn't asked her his question yet.  Before he forgets, Anders inquires.  "Oh right, i'm a conjurer, in case I forgot to mention it.  You know einherjar and ancient wights?  Is that going to be a problem or should I not summon anything?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-24-16/2333:44>
Yelena looks at the girl and knows the answer to the question.  "Is alright decker mage still virgin.  Keep as long as want.  Yelena lose to rape when small girl.  Now like sex.  Lots.  But talk of other things.  Yelena point is that Firefly can live in shadows only if strong.  If weak, others eat alive.  Others respect strength.  Different world from what Firefly used to.  And must grow up fast.  Not time for learn slow.  Now Yelena talk mojp.  Yelena know mojo different for people.  Your mojo different from Marco's mojo.  Marco training with Jedadiah to learn more control of demons.  Can decker mage work with Marco?  Also, maybe new man in team.  Man at garage Yelena talk to.  Is mage with demons.  Must make sure boundary set for Marco and Anders with Firefly.  But remember, demons are creatures from shadows.  Strong.  Not like mage bring here.  Pervert mage desire if can.  Demon hurt Firefly to defy Marco.  Marco not try hurt Firefly.  Was mistake in control.  Firefly never have mistake in control of matrix?  Yelena make much mistakes.  All learn from mistakes.  Now Marco know need better control.  But Firefly must learn that Marco not try hurt you.  He very sorry but decker mage not let Marco say sorry.  Marco part of team.  Firefly part of team.  Must be together.  Learn trust.  Forgive mistakes.  What think?  Firefly do that?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-25-16/0045:17>
He ain't short on confidence, I'll give him that.  and open.  After all that drek in the Dust, I'm relieved to deal with some real peeps  She sighed, grinning toothily as she nodded, tilting her head at his mention of spirits.  "...yeah.  I recommend bringing that out in the open real quick if you run into the team full.  Dunno how long you been in these partsh, but we did just have a blood mage infestation.  Took care of that, but got some people nervous.  Atop that, we had some drek with spirits lately.  If you can prove what you got and don't hide it, I don't see a prob."  she paused, shrugging.  "But I'm just me.  The rest of the team got their feelings on it."

Trailing off, she took a glance over at the troll-sized bike she was working on, her mind processing an idea.  Hopping off, she stepped over, focused on the bike as she pointed towards the table.  "Hey, you mind passing me that Z-22 soldering wrench?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-25-16/1931:36>
I listen quietly as Yelena again shares her story and expresses her concerns.  It never ceases to amaze me...or intrigue me...just how Yelena-sensei managed to survive to make it where she is.  Not just Yelena, but Arc-sensei as well.  Both of them I would have have traded most anyone I've ever worked with to have had on my teams back at Renraku.

Marco on the other hand?

So far my impression of him is a child playing with fire who has no recognition of the dangers he's courting.  Not just naive, but willfully ignorant.  Then again, it may just be that I don't like spirits.  Allah and His tradition warn against the dangers of summoning.  Yes, there are some believer magicians who summon certain fire spirits, but they are either shunned or recognised for their moral purity and strength of will to rule over those spirits they put to Allah's purposes.  I've never met anyone of the latter variety who isn't both male and at least over 30 years old having apprenticed with a master summoner for a decade or more.

Like I said, we aren't the type to like spirits much.

But Marco - his gift is to be some kind of conduit for spirits.  Summoning is the lion's share of his power.  Power which comes naturally to him.  Like breathing.  And like breathing, it rules him ultimately and not the other way around.

Again, playing with fire.

Still...Yelena clearly believes what she's saying, and Allah knows she's lived through a lot to get to this moment of counseling a silly little girl.  If I live to be 65 years old, I should count myself lucky given what's happened to my parents.  Hell, if I live long enough to get my revenge, it will be only due to Allah's smile upon her wayward daughter.

I'm not in charge here.  More importantly, Daddy isn't around anymore.  I need to learn to channel this Shadow Yelena senses so strongly.  It's the only tool I may have to achieve my ends.  Ultimately, nothing else matters. 

Not even my better judgement.

"If Marco-san truly has accepted that he needs better control, and if he'll recognise I do not want his spirits directed at me, then I can do as you ask.  I don't hate him and, yes, I admit he means well.  But if he doesn't truly accept that he has much to learn, and approach his abilities more scientifically, then I fear he will at the very least get his own hoop crushed.  And maybe others if we're not lucky.  I don't know about you, but I don't like depending on luck."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-25-16/2154:12>
Anders nods in agreement with the shorter tusked mechanic.  In profound earnestness, he expresses his compatibility.  "Aye, okay, bonds are forged not imagined.  If I am to prove that then I must show what i'm capable of and not whimper and hold back.  Alright, i'll conjure forth an archaic one and i'll let you form your own decision if i'm worthy or not."  Before he performs the summoning, Anders looks for the wrench and hands it to Arc.  He walks a few steps away and starts singing quietly a prayer in his native tongue.  Norse spirits are proud and capricious, often violent too.  Summoning them without showing proper respect tends to end unfavorably for the summoner.  It's not uncommon to have some kind of offering of reverence for them as they are conjured, in this case, a short hymn.  Of course, runic magic is used and required as well.  A unique magical alphabet used by a Norse magician to cast spells or commune with spirits.  "Stillhet, gammel legende, språk av yore. Hevn og hat heter, misunnelig brann. På slagmarken, håper selv dør. Høy før portene til Hel, Garmurin hyler. Wind-alder, har ulve alder kommer. Beard-alder, sverd-alder snart er borte. Carry frem uniform, preget av mange kriger. Brynje med skinnende sverd og ri frem til feltet. Kom det som må komme, la alt gå. Lenge jeg har hatt denne dagen gjemt i mitt sinn."

[spoiler]Silence, old legend, language of yore. Vengeance and hatred named, envious fire.  On the battlefield, hope itself dies.  High before the gates of Hel, Garmurin howls.  Wind-age, wolf-age has come.  Beard-age, sword-age soon is gone.  Carry forth uniform, marked by many wars.  Coat of mail with shiny sword and ride forward to the field.  Come what must come, let everything go.  Long i've had this day hidden in my mind.[/spoiler]
[spoiler]Summoning Force 6 Guardian Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/385924): 12d6t5 6
Spirit Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/385925): 7d6t5 2
Drain Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/385926): 9d6t5 1
Force 7 Guardian Spirit Summoned with 5 services.  Sunder takes 3 Boxes of Stun.
Optional Powers - Concealment and Natural Weaponry.
He shall be named Tróndur í Gøtu[/spoiler]
[spoiler](https://twayneheeter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/spirit-of-warrior.jpg)[/spoiler]

The old viking einherjar hears the fabled words and is bound by magic to respond and shackle himself to Anders.  An astral command is given to his spirit.  Although, it's less of a command and more of a request.  "Tróndur, please appear before us.  I must show my new compatriots that i'm capable like them.  Together we shall convince them of our courage."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-26-16/0047:36>
Yelena nods.  Thank you for try.  Now Lesson two.  Shadow is mean.  Is gritty.  Is love and death.  Is not nice.  Decker mage must understand.  Old values must change.  Cannot live like in Renraku.  People are different.  Needs are different.  Easy to understand difference.  Hard to live difference.  But must be different person.  Firefly understand?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-26-16/1008:59>
I can feel my brow furrow unconsciously as I try and absorb this new lesson.  It's not easy.  I'm a methodical person.  She's saying I need to go from point A to point B with no data at all about what stands between them...or what Point b entails.  My stomach churns at what i think she's intimating and any appetite leaves me.  I place my chopsticks carefully on my plate and fold my hands before continuing.

"I...I understand that you say I need to change.  I get that.  But what exactly do I have to give up?  What exactly do I have to become?  Are you saying I must turn my back on Allah?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-26-16/1245:16>
Arc hung back during the process, gratefully taking the wrench ad working out her through process on the bike.  Meanwhile, the young man started speaking a strange tongue...sounded like the one she and Yelena were talking in yesterday.  There was drama and passion thrown into it...flipping her goggles up, the mechanic glanced up to look more intently at what he was doing.

Just in time to see a fragging viking ghost appear in her garage.

Instinctively her hand went to low back, where her Predator lay in wait for her defense.  But she stayed it in the holster, realizing that he had control over it...dominion, if you will.  Standing up slowly, the curious girl glanced between it and Anders.

"frag...it's looking like the Amon Amarth tour of '37 in here.  So you got full control aye?  Guessing by the look this thingie can help us in a jam?  Would his presence give away to any mojo  singers we may haveta fight?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-27-16/0117:17>
Yelena shakes her head.  "yes.  Firefly must change.  Decker mage too sure of straight line from place to place in life.  Yelena not know what Firefly change into.  Is your decision.  What Yelena say is that Firefly must change to something.  Something more and yet less than are now.  If keep same ideals, Firefly will certainly fall.  Real world not like what learn in book or class.  Only naïve thinks so.  People like Sariamen and other wage slaves.  Their real world exactly like books and school.  But that life not for runners.  Runners live differently.  And not know if give up Allah.  Gods are normally good.  Can conflict with life of runner.  Decker mage must decide.  Yelena gave up God long ago.  Find other things believe in.  Firefly must seek inside self for answer.  If cannot do what takes to live in shadow, then might think again on doing this life."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-27-16/1423:04>
"My people, BOTH my peoples, are warriors.  When backed into a corner or taken for granted, we're killers.  And above all, we're survivors.  You're right, Yelena, I'm going to fail as I am now.  I'll find a path that works for me.  A way to become what I need to become without totally compromising the core of what I am.  If I avenge my parents but in the process become something that they'd hold in contempt, I achieve nothing.  I must survive, no thrive, while remaining true to myself.  Does that mean I can't change?  Of course not!  I have a lot of growing to do if I'm to become powerful.  I'll be a different person a year from now...or I'll be dead.  I'm going to live, mark my words.  But I want the person I am now to be able to look that person I'll be a year from now in the eye and tell her, "Dayum girl, you done good!"  Is this so incompatible with the Shadow?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <03-27-16/1542:27>
Day 2 of ten day downtime:

Jed awoke and went through his morning routine. Marco would be arriving soon. Jed finished eating his morning meal and started preparations when there was a knock at the door. Peering through the peephole, he could see that it was indeed Marco.

Hi Marco, come in. I'm about ready to start. I've let the Talismonger who is going to let us use her artificing texts know we will be there about 2. 

When Marco arrived Jed was already preparing the binding ritual, and the binding circle was already drawn with its arcane symbols that Marco could not decypher. If summoning just ‘happened’ in a few seconds, binding was a certainly a ritual for many hours - six hours in this case.  If summoning was mainly about bringing the spirit into this world,  binding is about keeping it anchored here for an extended period of time. This comes with a risk to the spirit, as it has no certainty when the services are going to be over and therefore it may find itself in this world for longer than it anticipated. This made convincing spirits to agree to this process a tedious and difficult task that was measured in hours rather than seconds. There was also the technical part of actually forming the anchor that keeps the spirit in this world and that part required expensive reagents that were consumed regardless of success.

I have blended the deepweed into a vegetable juice if you would like to try it. I suggest a smaller amount since we aren't sure of the dosage. We can proceed without you taking it, but I think it will make a difference when it comes to seeing the binding.

Marco replies “Sure why not ”and starts nursing the vegetable juice. He was disappointed, it did not seem to work at all. His sight was still his own and the only change was a low pitched ring in his ears, that was loud enough to give Marco a headache.  “**Perhaps I did not drink enough” he thought as he drank a second glass, but that only made the headache worse.

Jed closed his eyes and did a small meditation technique he had learned from a Buddhist Mage he had once known. It was an exercise he had begun to do faster than thought but after yesterday, maybe he should start the intermediate level ritual for this. After cleansing his aura, Buddhist style, he reexamined his circle. After making a few minor tweaks he was ready to begin.

Marco said “Allow me to help you this time, I am here after all.”

Oh, yes, please.  After yesterday’s fumble I would appreciate the help. I've never collaborated a summoning before, only ritual magic.  

The noise grew extremely loud as Jed began his summoning and Marco felt as if his ears were going to burst. Intuitively, Marco hummed periodically to make Jed aware of his summoning, mimicking the sound that Jed made and trying to hear the rhythm behind the intensity.

Jed began his summons. He offered the gift, and made known his desire. A spirit of man to heal and move things psychokineticly.  He felt strangely buoyed by Marco’s assistance. It was strange, like having someone hold your elbows while lifting something. A spirit appeared at the astral curtain. Jed offered, and pressed his will to the spirit. The spirit seemed willing. The spirit appeared ready to accept his first offer. Jed decided to press his luck.  No, I want more. The spirits sharp gaze bored into him and he felt the counter offer come in low. His next move should be to drop his, but he pressed harder.  No. I sense you want to be on this side. 12 tasks. No less. Jed felt the deal slide home. Vindication!  With Marco's help he just secured a personal best.  12 tasks!  Now for the next step.


Jed showed the reagents to the spirit and gestured to the binding circle. He sensed the spirits reluctance. 12 tasks in one day was one thing, but bound to complete all 12 tasks at Jed’s leisure was another matter. Jed watched as the spirit stared hard at the ring that held the mana. It was a prize. He saw the spirit weighing Jed and sensed the decision being made. They each moved to the circle. This would take some time.  The offering was put forth. Should he accept the binding, spirit was entitled to the mana in the reagents. If negotiations failed, the mana in the reagents dissipated, both side lose. It was on Jed to create a binding to hold the spirit on this plane. Where the summoning was a negotiation, the binding was a setting of astral boundaries. As Jed constructed the binding, the spirit would push and test them. Allegorically this was a contract written by Jed that the spirit must sign. But if Jed left loopholes, the spirit could escape the contract. The reality was that Jed constructed a webbed done of mana around the spirit. If the web was strong enough, the spirit was bound. If the offering was not enough, and the web was not strong enough, the spirit walked, and the offering was lost. Both sides were motivated to agree once negotiations were begun.

Minutes blurred into hours as he slowly constructed the network of lines around the spirit. As he worked, the spirit poked and tested his construct evaluating it. Jed tried to stay focused as he built the dome higher and higher. The dome was closed now, and he started working his way back down, strengthening the enclosure. Now that the dome was closed, his opponent began to push and flex harder. As he did, Jed tried to spot the weak points, those areas stretching thinner.

As the hours passed by Marco, the initial stunning success turned into a contest, a clash of wills. The noise remained relatively constant with sharp spikes here and there, spikes that sent Marco holding his ears with pain. Yet there was some melody in this binding, a fear or concern voiced by the spirit. Fear that met with what seemed to be the wrong way to handle fear, deny it, try to block or contain it. This led to frustration and anger and the voices turned chaotic. The melody felt as if the individual notes were about to go rogue and be played completely out of sync.

Second layer now finished, the spirit began to press in earnest. First one place, then another. A moment of panic for Jed as he saw his dome stretch to its limit. On the verge of tearing, Jed saw defeat. He couldn't weave fast enough to reinforce that point. It was about to be over.

Intuitively Marco said “This does not sound right - he is too strong for that, too loud. Your stick is not big enough -  try a carrot”

Jed looked at Marco surprised, Marco did not know much about binding but he knew a lot about negotiations and about how spirits may misbehave. Marco said  “He owes you so many tasks and is terrified to be stuck with you for such a long time.  You cannot shape mana better than him, but if you convince him that you are a good person to hang around with he might allow you to finish.”  Marco was uncertain if his advice made any impact, he just wanted the sounds to become more harmonic - the way the Binding sounded at the moment was almost unbearable.

Jed hesitated for a microsecond.  Who is teaching whom here?  As a chaos Mage, he was used to taking pieces from other traditions. Perhaps he should listen. As the enclosure reached the breaking point he addressed the spirit I looked for you as I wanted someone who heals, and who can manipulate things. I didn't ask for fear. Assense me, see who I am. The binding will keep you past the sunset, but I will use your services. I won't hold you indefinitely, and I won't use you for atrocities.

A slow moment passed as the spirit regarded him closely, “ You speak sweet words but give no actual assurance. You seem extra stubborn,  why are my services important for you? ” Marco regarded the spirit and then Jed and said ”He is a being from another metaplane. I am not sure if you share a sense of morality or if you even agree on how long is ‘indefinitely’. This is a recipe for disaster.  Since you have so little experience in common we need to speak in accurate terms. ”

My companions often find themselves in danger. Sometimes I find that I can't reach them in time. I need to be able to send a spirit. I scout from the astral a lot. It could be useful to be able to affect the world. Even if by proxy. I have other needs of spirits that I would summon for one day. I need these other abilities in reserve. You will have my reagents. They represent a significant investment for me. Would you like to set a time limit on the binding?  You would have to trust me, as once you agree to be bound, it would be up to me to keep my word.  
The spirit frowned and said “One month mortal, no more!”

That's disingenuous. I won 12 tasks from you, I need 2 months.  The prize you take is worthy. A Mage could easily win 6 services and keep you for 6 months. 2 months or 12 tasks. Deal?

Marco thought  “**Seriously?! It should conclude on a year minimum! After all the spirit is not afraid for being held for two months, he is afraid of an extreme situation where he might be kept bound for years by a conjurer that only uses his services as a last resort.”  However, Jed seemed content with it and the spirit happily said “Two months mage, we have a deal.”[/color]

The spirit appeared satisfied with the deal.  Jed even more so as he would not
 waste expensive reagents for nothing. A time limit is better than no services at all- and apparently for the spirit whatever reward it gets for being bound is worth the risk if Jed commits to two months. Marco thought to himself “**Perhaps binding is not very different than negotiations after all, in that case I better try to sweeten the deal.”
Marco gazed at the spirit and said “You will have to give two more services if you want the promise.  You are over estimating your hand. The main reason to object to the binding is removed as you know exactly when you go free. It is only reasonable to ask for a few extra services in return. I am a mage myself, you can assense me, you will find it more difficult to resist both of us.  Refuse the deal and you might end up bound without any promise of duration. ”

The spirit frowned at the possibility of fighting Marco’s magical skills as well. Little did he knows that Marco has no actual binding skills. Marco is such a good liar that he appeared to be a master conjurer.  After a short and very tense silence the spirit replied:  “ Fine, 14 services consumed in the duration of two months and I am being generous here.”  The rest of the hours pass calmly as Jed finalized the technical details of the mana manipulation, this time unopposed by the spirit. 

Marco thought to himself “**Well - if he is going to stick around, he’ll find out that I bluffed, but he agreed and made a good deal even with two extra services.” The rest of the binding process goes unopposed by the spirit and Marco tried to memorize the melody of binding. As the hours pass he grew more accustomed to the astral music. He found the feeling intoxicating and Marco was equally fascinated by his ability to hear the spirit, the binding ritual and even Jed’s aura. Astral sensing was incredible and although deepweed was a shortcut, Marco desired that capability very much. If only for a few hours - it felt good not to be a blind mage.

The spirit, now content, stopped testing the bindings.  Instead, it examined them closely. But more in the way an artist examines a work by another artist. Critically, knowing and understanding what goes into the creation.  For Marco the pain inducing noise stopped, replaced by the hum of the energies bound into the barrier. The spirit looked at Jed, “It will not be comfortable to dwell here. But, I can bear it for two months. And if you in truth use my power for works of honor then I will be able to count the cost as worthy.”

 I will not ask you to kill. I will not allow you to be disrupted. While I'm not sure what things you find honorable or not, I will be thoughtful about what I ask of you. For now, please go rest in the astral.

Thank you, Marco, for your assistance.  It's time to go.  We need to meet the Talismonger. Time to learn to craft foci






 




Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-27-16/1743:34>
Yelena nods and smiles.  "Decker mage smart to know.  Yes, will fail and yes need find path.  Walking in shadow not mean need be like Nikolai.  Walking in shadow not mean need be like Yelena.  Walking in shadow mean be like Firefly, but a different Firefly.  Yelena help find way.  Maybe drag decker mage into shadow.  We work it out together.  Now, about these Yaks.  Firefly want go with Yelena and talk Yaks?  Explain that Firefly work Wanderer and Wanderer buy debt?  Firefly think would help or hurt?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-27-16/1754:48>
"I think we should leave it alone.  I don't think I've done anything wrong by them and I want to believe that is what they'll find.  If they really wanted me dead, they would have done it when I paid off my debt...or maybe in the four days since.  On the other hand, I think it might be a good idea for me to totally move into the garage like we'd planned.  If you guys still want me knowing that the Yak are watching me, we may as well just get it over with."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-27-16/1814:28>
Yelena shrugs.  "Up to Firefly about Yaks.  So, yes.  Move to garage.  Yelena take Firefly to pack.  Can carry things on bike or need van to move?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-27-16/1827:57>
"Unless I need my futon, the bike will be fine."  Subaru finally feels up to eating again and starts shoveling food into her mouth with her forgotten chopsticks.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-27-16/1835:20>
Yelena smiles.  "Can send for futon if need.  Firefly have bed alone for now.  Arc with rigger man and Yelena with Marco."  She notices the change in Firefly and sits back to watch the girl eat.  When she is finished, they go back to the bike and head off for Firefly's apartment, where Yelena waits outside.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-27-16/1856:33>
Her room-mate had come in carrying several heavy bags just as Subaru was making the last trip down to the bike with her stuff. Seeing her arms full and her side of the room empty she looked at her and frowned. "You're leaving? You didn't even try and tell me."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-27-16/1914:25>
Anders sees Arc reaching for her gun and he immediately places himself in front of Tróndur í Gøtu to discourage any violence.  His hands open and arms stretched out to block any shot made at the ethereal warrior.  Once things calmed down and Arc realizes that the spirit was with him, Anders verbally responds back to answer her questions.  "Control is more or less a give and take proposition.  I give a direction or a wordy command.  They follow how they see fit.  They aren't drones or robots.  Each one has their own personal thoughts and feelings, and their preferences on life.  Also, please don't call them things.  That makes then unhappy.  As to your last question, yes technically.  They are easily seen if nearby in the astral.  But only spirits and Awakened will be able to notice them.  There is a work around to it though.  They can wait far away in their home world and don't have to sit idly in the astral."  After his explanation, Anders turns his head to the spectral viking and speaks to him in norwegian.  "Si hei Tróndur í Gøtu."

[spoiler]Say hello Tróndur í Gøtu.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <03-27-16/2058:07>
"I'm sorry, Jenna," I tell my roomie as I collect what little I'll take with me into a couple of sacks.  "You left without giving me any idea of where and...well...a lot happened while you were out.  I am on Ishikawa-san's less favorable side right now, so it's probably best for you that I'm gone."  I fish out a standard cred stick and place it on the wash counter that serves as the "kitchen" of the old motel room.  "That covers six month of my half of the rent.  If you're still needing me to pay my half after that, let me know and if I'm still alive i'll give you another six months."  With that I slip over and give the Japanese-American a hug.  I can tell she's stressed by her grip on her bear, but I can't change what's happened.  I give the bear a scritch around an ear as a stand up straight again.  "You'll be fine, Jenna.  You've got a good head and have come a long way with your skills.  Once you scrape up a deck, you'll be hell on wheels in the Matrix.  Take care of yourself."  And with that, and a smile to the girl, I turn around and make my way out and into my new life.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-27-16/2111:48>
Yelena watches as Firefly comes out with a couple of sacks.  "Yelena see other girl go inside.  Firefly alright?"  She climbs back on the Scorpion and waits for the decker to stow her sacks in the side bins and climb on behind her.  Soon they are off and heading to the garage.  Once there, Yelena lets Firefly off and is about to trigger the button to open the garage bay door when she sees Z, Rabbit, and Hoppy coming up the walk to them.  She gives them a warm smile as they approach.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-28-16/0802:46>
Arc tilted her head, her mind a whirl as her green cybereyes peered curiously up at the spirit, sizing it up while trying to get a sense of all of it.  Magic...is not something she has been known to be very knowledgeable in, and her prior experience with spirits naturally put her on a wee bit of edge.  "Aight...good to know, ya know your drek.  Won't have to worry about covering for ya, and we can get thish job done.  Wiz..."  Looking at the spirit looming over them, she lifted her chin in one nodding motion.  "Wasshup"  Twirling a wrench in her hands, she hmmed, preparing herself for a 'brief' lesson on spirits and how he'll use them on the job.

[Spoiler] (this section of post removed, held here for later use)

The time flew by and before Arc knew it, it was the afternoon, and she blinked as her head snapped at the garage door opening, seeing a pair of familiar forms slipping by behind the van taking up a good portion of the garage.  "Well, looks like ya get to show your shtuff sooner rather than later.."  Her throat tightened a bit, having heard about the issue that Firefly had with spirits...and hoped that this discovery wouldn't trigger anything.  So, when Yelena did come out, Arc would stand to her full diminutive height, arms crossed as she nodded her head to the elf.  "Hoi Srui, glad you back.  Meet Anders' metal mosh pit specialisht...."[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-28-16/1029:21>
The Viking had looked at Arc and said, "Hilsener ridder. Lenge kan de synge om dine gjerninger i Valhalla." His gaze was steady and penetrating. And though he was well muscled and well armed with his stance fiercely erect, he did not seem to be making any threats. At least from what Arc could tell. Speaking in that funny language the way he did he could have been insulting her back nine generations and she wouldn't have known.

[spoiler]Greetings knight. Long may they sing your deeds in the Hall of Heroes.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-28-16/1048:04>
@ Subaru Jenna looked at her and sucked in her breath at that much cred. And then she looked at her again, processing what she'd just said, "You landed a job that dangerous huh." She looked down and then back square in the eye. "You always were to smart for your own good. And taking jobs so you can get back at them that killed your parents is stupid. They wanted you to live. It's why they did everything they did. To make sure you lived. Put you with folks so dangerous no one would ever think to look for you there and meanwhile you learn how to survive in a shark tank." Jenna was on a roll and her voice gained strength and intensity, "But, the shark tank isn't good enough for you. You gotta go out into the deep water where there isn't light to see the enemy moving in for the kill, and there's no shark nearby to make them go after easier prey. So go ahead. Take the job. And maybe die, this job, the next job, doesn't matter dead is dead. And I'll take the cred. And learn how to live in the shark tank. But I'll still be alive. And one of these days have a family. Someone to love me like your parents loved you. Only you're to stupid to see that the best gift you coulda given your parents isn't revenge, it's a happy life. And not one minute of your plotting and planning have you been happy." Her piece said Jenna takes the credstick in her hand and goes to her bed, turning her back on Subaru and jacking in. She lays down then, her arms fiercely around the bear, but in a few moments she's completely flaccid, gone into her world.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-28-16/1100:13>
As Yelena was getting off the bike she heard a young male voice say, "Hey, Y." When she turns it's Z. He still looks like hell. But most of the swelling is down and his dark skin hides some of the bruising. Rabbit, Bootstrap and Hoppy are with him. Rabbit with an uncharacteristic grin on her face and a little color in her cheeks and a heavier jacket. Hoppy is bouncing all around jumping from curb to street to rock to sidewalk in a frenzy of energy. She's wearing a heavy coat and boots but it doesn't seem to hamper her movements. All of them are grinning from ear to ear happy to see Yelena and Firefly. Rabbit goes to Firefly and hugs her and then looking at the bags with a few of Subaru's things hanging out of them says, "Deck girl trouble home?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-28-16/1113:21>
Yelena goes to Z and shakes his hand.  "Z look better.  Yelena hear help do hopscotch help hide mage.  Yelena say much thanks.  How feeling?"  Yelena looks over at Rabbit.  Yelena much thank Rabbit and Hoppy.  Firefly move here.  Is home now."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-29-16/0740:38>
A smile shreds across Anders' lips at Tróndur's approval.  Nordic spirits were hard to impress.  They tended to haughtily look down upon and condemn the mortal races for their lack of strength, bravery or discipline.  The fact that he's complimenting Arc speaks volumes about her.  Anders relaxes a bit and let's his sky-reaching arms fall to his sides and into his pockets.  Translating and paraphrasing on Tróndur's behalf, Anders clears his throat and speaks up.  "He says hello as well and that he's happy to see you."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-29-16/1109:02>
Z looks at Yelena and says, "I been thinking 'bout what you said. An looking out fer each other is what we always done. But, shootin', killin'. I ain't ready ta do that. I mean, someone be pointin' a gun at one of the kids yeah. I take 'em down if I can. But, I'd rather see 'em get outta this 'hood ya feel me? Live in a place where they don' be havin' ta hide every night. An the dopers don' be comin' round every day." He looks at Yelena, "There be like a soup kitchen opening up soon. Supposed ta be helpin' people with a meal an helpin' 'em get jobs. I be plannin' on getting a job there so's I kin have a place ta stay. Help the kids get a meal everyday. I think if I kin do 'dat I kin look at my life an say I be proud."

Rabbit looks at Y as he's speaking, pride and love evident in her face but all she does is grab a bag from the back of Yelena's Scorpion and nod to Hoppy to do the same and they take it into the garage. Bootstrap stands firmly at his friends side, chin raised, the shadow of the man already on the boy.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-29-16/1117:06>
Yelena looks at Z and smiles.  "Yelena like Z plan.  Yelena too much killing.  Too far in shadows.  Too late change.  Z nice person.  Z make difference.  Maybe Yelena come visit Z?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-29-16/1241:49>
Z reaches out and shakes Yelena's hand and says, "I'd like that."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-29-16/1521:38>
Arc'a head tilted from one side to the other as Anders relayed the warrior spirit's words to her, her tusked grin growing wider as she nodded in understanding.  "Happy huh?  Well there a good shign.  Last spirit I got this close to wanted my hoop for dinner, heh.."  she paused, feeling a twinge in her stomach as she averted her gaze for just a molent, but otherwise stayed standing.

"sho by the sounds of it these ...Inehairguard or sumthin...what you bring here, basically extra help should we get in a scrap..we may be needing that"  Nodding in affirmation, she gave him a thumbs up before she heard a noise against her garage door.

Her head whipping around, a brow raised as the mechanic straightened up.  Pulling up her security feed, she saw the figures gathered out front in the snow...identifying them as Ykenea, Firefly, and several of Rabbit's street crew.  Smiling, she nodded to the man with the spirit.  "They friendly.  Young uns been helping me out at times.  Be cool"  with a nimble leap and bound, she grabbed the parcel with the specialized commlinks and opened the door up, greeting the better for wear Rabbit and Hoppy with a hug.

"wiz bang, hows my peepsh doin?  Get all yall hoops in, it be hoop freezin outside!"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-29-16/1823:09>
It was already noon and Marco looked around uneasy, astral hearing was distracting and he could not turn it off. After six hours it was exhausting, but perhaps the drug will get out of his system soon. He said to Jed "I'd be delighted, I was always fascinated by the craft but did not have a chance to learn - as enchanting was considered unnecessary  for an assassin. "
He grabbed his new and trusty armor jacket and headed headed out - "What was the name of the talismonger again ?" He asked as the two made their way to her house or shop.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-30-16/0028:30>
@ Arc  Rabbit said, "Peeps all fine mech gurl." And then using her chin to point to the bags she and Hoppy were carrying she asked, "All down where?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <03-30-16/0041:04>
Arc grinned, clapping the small elf teen on the arm as she got out of the way, scratching her head as she saw the bags.  "Hoi, whose those be?  Ah...that table by the front o' tha van will do for now, don't work y'selvesh up over it"  Following suit, the short girl helped with the bags, passing off the parcel she had to her.  "Here, this is yours for you and your crew...comes with a public grid shcript and chargin' cradles, but your team is all here.."  She smiled, gauging her reaction to the cleverly disguised commlinks held within.

Stretching her arms, she saw Hoppy peeking shyly around the corner to spy on Anders, tapping her on the back of the shoulder.  "He be a friend, null sheen.  Is chill, aight?'  Standing back up, she turned to Rabbit and tilted up her chin to get her attention.  "Ya got the rest of tha crew here, or is it just you two?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-30-16/0046:17>
Yelena nods to Z to come inside where it is warm and wheels the Scorpion inside.  The van immediately catches her eye and she starts to walk around it after parking the bike, but she stops when she spies Anders and the large spirit.  She looks over to Firefly to see how the young decker mage was handling the apparition.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <03-30-16/0209:51>
Her name is Samia.  She runs a little unlicensed shop across town.  Split taxi fare with me?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-30-16/0840:19>
Rabbit skirts the perimeter of the shop taking the long way around when she sees the spirit. Hoppy almost clinging to her as she tries to stay close her eyes never leaving the Norse giant in the middle of the shop. She puts the bags down and opens the bag Arc hands her and once Arc shows her the hidden commlink within all thoughts are gone as she squeals with excitement. She quickly identifies the hidden triggers on the rest of the links and is wriggling with joy. She hugs Arc hard and looking up says, "Mech gurl! Thanks and thanks!" Z and Bootstrap enter the garage following Yelena. Bootstrap is immediately mesmerized by the Norseman and heads straight to it. "Wow! Cool illusion! Yours?" he asks Anders seeing him nearby.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <03-30-16/1058:26>
"Sure why not... " said Marco and called in a taxi. The taxi arrives shortly and Marco uses the time to sort his feelings, half way through he breaks the silence and say "Your spirits are very polite, I can't imagine actually agreeing on something with one of my own."  
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-30-16/1351:09>
Anders crosses his arms and nods cheerfully.  Pleased with Arc's acceptance and her optimistic words.  Several new faces show up and greet the mechanic.  Carrying bags that probably contained groceries as far as he could tell.  They looked younger than him, reminding Anders what it was like to be their age.  To have close-knit friends to do whatever with.  A pang of something strikes a chord within the Norseman.  Unsure as to what it was.  Perhaps an echo of nostalgia.

Arc beamed with joy as the duo crept in.  The short mechanic clasping and embracing one of the girls as a dear friend.  Her and another younger girl regarded Tróndur í Gøtu with suspicion and went out of their way to move around him.  Arc gave them some modified commlinks and their anxiety disappears, replaced with elation.  One of the youths, a teenage boy by the looks of him, becomes captivated by the the Norse spirit.  He rushes up and greets Anders fearlessly and enthusiastically.

Proudly and still smiling, Anders corrects the boy.  "Actually he's a spirit.  But yes, he's with me.  You can say hello to him if you want.  He'll understand you no problem."  To Arc he says across the garage.  "Nice pals you got.  They look like a cool bunch."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <03-31-16/1304:31>
@ Anders  Upon hearing that the Nordic spirit is real Bootstraps eyes grow big and he looks a little nervous. He looks back and forth from the spirit to Anders several times. "Real! Wow!" he breathes. He looks a little trepidatious and says, "You're a summoner. I know spirits can be dangerous. If I'd been able to summon a spirit when Z got attacked nothing could have hurt him. All I could do was fireworks to try and scare them and stall them until help arrived."
Z grabs him on the shoulder, behind his friend despite there being plenty of room beside him and says, "You use what you got. None of us be killers. But I don't know nobody what could think as fast as you to pull off the drek you do ta gets peeps outta trouble." Bootstrap looks at his friend and he straightens, pride at his friends compliment evident and then he places his hand over his friends hand on his shoulder and says, "No one does more than you Z, without magic or weapons you keep us all safe as you can." Then he looks at the Norseman and a little nervously says, "Hi." He looks like he wants to say more but can't seem to get more out than the one word.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-01-16/0007:30>
The reaction of the young elf teen to the new commlinks was just what Arc needed, her heart swelling with pride that she was able to do something nice for them.  Frag knows they deserve it...and more, for what they're willing to go through for each other.  They could use a break...hmm  Standing there, she crossed her arms under her chest as she overwent the particulars...and since there were enough for the whole crew, she knew that Rabbit would be sure to pass them around.  "Glad it works out, girly.  After what y'all pulled through to help me on mah thang, figured ya'd get a bonus for it, ya feel me?"  She grinned, glancing to the side as an idea crossed into her mind.

"Speaking of, I don't exactly got any work coming that may need the talents, ya know?  I'll be heading out of town for a beat, maybe for a while"   She paused, letting that little bit of info sink in before she continued.  "It ain't payment, and Howlers will likely keep drek away, but I wouldn't be against a little squattin' from a trusted hoop I know to mind the place.  Whaddya think?  A bit o' home away from home as it were till I get back..."

While that offer was being pondered, the mechanic stole a glance around the van to see Z and Bootstrap with Anders, and held a chuckle on her tongue, shaking her head.  She knew how fascinated Bootstrap was with mojo...and she didn't prepare Anders for a potential fan.  Sighing, she nodded at the conjurer's remarks, tipping her fingers to her head.  "More than ya know, chummer!  These kids be fearless yo, and know these streets better'n'I do"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-01-16/0122:14>
Yelena looks closely at Firefly and notices that the young woman is already registering the huge spirit in the room.  She shakes her head and watches Firefly's reaction, which seems to be contemplative rather than afraid or hostile.  Yelena has had enough of thinking for a bit and goes off to the kitchen for her bottle of vodka and several glasses.  Returning to the garage she walks over to Arc, opening the bottle and pouring a drink for herself and raises the bottle in an invitation to both Arc and Anders before nodding her head at the van.  "Who fix van for?"  She slams the shot back and pours another as she waits for the answer.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-01-16/0743:13>
Arc was so focused on her friends at hand that she hadn't realized that Yelena and Firefly were there as well.  It wasn't until they slipped by and both Rabbit and Hoppy jumped to with the decker's things did she notice her Sruiken was here.  She stayed quiet when she saw Firefly's demeanor, deciding to wait until the girl was ready to talk.

The mechanic didn't have to wait for the Russian long at least, seeing the pale haired elf come out with her vodka supply and glasses.  Grinning, she grabbed a glass and poured herself a bit of the clear liquid. Bringing it to her lips, she paused as she felt her stomach do a flip, realizing she may regret it later.

So, when Yelema sled her shot back, Arc simply passed hers over, smiling wider at the question.  "Tchae, funny you should ashk.  For a crew of runners in a need for shome wheels.   They about to head out on some dangerous as drew job, so they want some mods done to it, but I'm a make it purr before next week, null shweat..."  the mirthful grin on her face told it all as she ran a cyber hand over the side paneling, tapping the steel polymer plating with a small degree of affection.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <04-01-16/0932:37>
Jed considers this a moment before replying.  Well, I've spent a lot of time talking with mine.  Most of what I know about the astral I've learned from them.  I would spend time summoning, then trade the tasks for answers.  They seem to enjoy it as a game.  But I've heard you call your Daemons.  I've meant to ask why you consider yourself to be summoning demons.  I would have thought that a Christian Theurgist would be summoning angles to protect him.   Perhaps your intent, that it is a daemon you are calling, is why yours aren't so nice.  I'm not sure.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-01-16/1017:54>
Marco looked at Jed with envy and then said “My initial experiences with spirits were as you describe them. I was lonely, I needed someone to talk to - so I summoned. It appeared that people were afraid to get close to me and I had very few friends at my early years.”

Marco sighed and added after a short pause “Imagine my first public summoning done in order to be accepted to an elite program, I passed the test. Tough when my spirit appeared the committee's first response was fear. I looked at them astonished as they assaulted my spirit and sent it back to where it came from.

Until that point my spirits looked very normal to me as they always appeared as red horned creatures and I found nothing wrong about it. To the priests it was so obvious that they were Daemons that I never questioned it. In retrospective, I cannot blame them for thinking that knowing that people do draw Daemons in that manner.

Their disapproval of my summoning and inability to later teach me how to summon correctly eventually became a disapproval of me. Some even suggested that my own talent is unholy and that my parents have made a deal with the devil and I was an abomination.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-01-16/1221:28>
Anders inclines his head down to look at the energetic teen and his friend Z.  Shutting his eyes and laughing a little to himself at their camaraderie.  He lazily opens his eyes and shrugs, while speaking to the aspiring magician in his foreign norwegian manner of words.  "Like your friend Z says, don't worry about it.  Helping out a kinsman in need, well, that's one of the coolest things ever.  That, in my opinion, is stronger than magic and steel."  Anders gives Bootstrap an approving look and says endearingly to Z next to him.  "You got a great brother and friend.  I think he'll be a really brutal mage one day.  Anyway, I got to go talk to Yelena and Arc about some business.  Catch you guys later."

The Norse conjurer says a few things to Tróndur í Gøtu before moving onward.  "Kom Tróndur í Gøtu, vi får gå vise min arbeidsgiver at vi ikke er mewling unger."  The spectral einherjar nods ever so slightly in agreement and shadows Anders.  Nearly nine feet tall, the giant spirit shakes the ground under heavy forlorn boots.  The pair looked hilariously out of place in the mechanic's workshop garage.  Anders notices the elf Yelena sharing a drink with Arc.  He draws closer, but notices the two were already speaking beforehand.  He felt a little bad about intruding in on their conversation but realizes it can't be helped.

[spoiler]Come Tróndur í Gøtu, we better go show my employer that we aren't mewling whelps.[/spoiler]

A shot of vodka is offered to him as walks nearby.  Anders had frequented enough bars to know that the proffered drink was vodka.  Not wanting to turn down a free drink, he imbibes the caustic alcohol in a quick gesture.  The liquid burning his throat and bringing a few tears to his eyes.  Letting out a heavy and vaguely pained sigh, Anders greets the russian elf and says.  "Takk. Vært ønsker en sterk drink siden i går kveld."  He grabs a clean glass and pours another shot of vodka.  Instead of downing it himself, he hands it to Tróndur to drink.  Doing such a thing might be completely alien to the rest of them.  But it was the norm for Anders.  To Yelena he says again.  "Dette er Tróndur í Gøtu.  Han er en gammel kriger jeg innkalt fra Valhalla.  Han skal forlate tilbake til Odin snart.  Ønsket å gi ham en drink før han dro.  Du spurte hva jeg kunne gjøre da vi møttes for første gang.  Vel, dette er det.  Jeg kan trylle Valkyries, Einherjar, Wights, Brann kjemper, Storm kjemper, Dokkalfar dverger, Ljosalfar feer og alver.  Jeg kan gjøre dette og mer til å hjelpe i din misjon."

[spoiler]Thanks.  Been wanting a strong drink since last night.

This is Tróndur í Gøtu.  He's an old warrior I summoned from Valhalla.  He'll be leaving back to Odin soon.  Wanted to give him a drink before he left.  You asked what I could do when we first met.  Well, this is it.  I can conjure Valkyries, Einherjar, Wights, Fire giants, Storm giants, Dokkalfar dwarves, Ljosalfar fairies and elves.  I can do that and more to help in your mission.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <04-01-16/1811:16>
Jed listened intently to Marco's description of his early years.   Have you ever considered that you might not actually BE a Christian Theurgist?  You talk about having trouble learning from them.   The simplest explanation is that you are trying to learn from the wrong tradition.  To be perfectly honest my friend, you seem like a very nice, considerate Black Magic practitioner.  All the little goth kids who say they worship Satan and want to put hexes on people are not what black magic is really about.  Its about pleasure and control of others.  You seem to understand people, and know how to get them to do what you want.  Instead of completely exploiting that for your own gain, you actually spend more time finding out what they want to giving it to them, but, honestly you fit it with their practice more than anything I know of.  Black magic does tend to borrow symbols from other religions, so maybe that's how you learned anything at all using Christian practices.  You've even said you like to communicate by mental link because your voice alone manipulates people.  What do you think about that idea?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-02-16/1004:16>
I sense the spirit before I enter the garage.  A quick check in astral confirms it is a) not Marco's and b) well controlled.

This must be the other summoner Yelena-sensei mentioned...

Remaining wary I enter the main room and simply watch the thing for a few moments before my concentration is disrupted by a hug from my best friend.  Not sure how to answer the younger girl's question, I'm grateful when Yelena takes the duty from me.  A few more moments later and I'm totally forgotten as Rabbit moves on to more interesting things.  I watch as Bootstrap, a young mage I have more than a little proprietary interest in as a senpai, is drawn to the spirit and the summoner like a moth to flame.

A moth to flame.  I hope that metaphor doesn't end up being literal...

I scowl as Bootstrap is mesmerized and beguiled by the demonstration from this new mage.   By the look of him and his spirit, he's a Scandinavian.  Having lived in Berlin for a year, I got to know some of my father's associates from points north.  We once visited Copenhagen for a weekend.  I wasn't a mage back then and gave no thought to northern magic, but from what I saw in a museum up there this man must be some kinda Viking wannabe. 

Great...just great...

Still, it is what it is.  Lost puppies apparently are Arc's weakness and I'm in no position to complain having accepted my supper bowl and bed already.  If Arc and Yelena accept this man, I'll handle it.  And who knows, maybe this summoner's tradition will actually make rational sense!

I drop slip back into a corner and let the bags slip from my fingers to the floor before dropping more deeply into astral perception.  Let's see what this summoner and his minions are made of...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-02-16/1256:38>
Yelena smiles at Arc.  "Yelena like van.  Arc fix like van we steal?"  She hands Anders his drink when he comes up, pleased to see him drinking it the right way.  Vodka should not be sipped, but each shot should be enjoyed all at once.  She is confused when he offers the second glass to the Viking.  "Så, på humøret vil drikke med oss? Deretter vil jeg ristet brød med ham."  Yelena lifts her glass to the huge armored Viking and toasts.  "Velkommen Herren Tróndur í Gøtu. Jeg hyller de kriger i deg. Drikke i fred, fest i seier, og ser til krig for ære.

[spoiler]So, your spirits would drink with us?  Then I will toast with him.

Welcome lord Tróndur í Gøtu.  I salute the warrior in you.  Drink in peace, feast in victory, and look to war for glory.[/spoiler]

Yelena slams back her second shot and looks at Anders, nodding.  "Spirit fight for Anders?  Strong warrior.  Yelena like."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-02-16/1734:40>
Jed listened intently to Marco's description of his early years.   Have you ever considered that you might not actually BE a Christian Theurgist?  You talk about having trouble learning from them.   The simplest explanation is that you are trying to learn from the wrong tradition.  To be perfectly honest my friend, you seem like a very nice, considerate Black Magic practitioner.  All the little goth kids who say they worship Satan and want to put hexes on people are not what black magic is really about.  Its about pleasure and control of others.  You seem to understand people, and know how to get them to do what you want.  Instead of completely exploiting that for your own gain, you actually spend more time finding out what they want to giving it to them, but, honestly you fit it with their practice more than anything I know of.  Black magic does tend to borrow symbols from other religions, so maybe that's how you learned anything at all using Christian practices.  You've even said you like to communicate by mental link because your voice alone manipulates people.  What do you think about that idea?

There was wisdom in these words tough it was hard to accept a pagan tradition. Catholicism had serious issues with these. Marco replied "You convinced me to do some reading about that pagan tradition, Black magic seems interesting and in many ways describes me. I think that it is impossible to follow a tradition that I have not encountered before. I am not a stranger to the claim that I do not practice christian magic, I was called pagan before. 

The concrete evidence to me not being a christian mage is my spirits. I can summon spirits that are not part of Christian traditions. Non of my fellow mages can trigger spells through a spirit. Yet I can have a spirit cast a heal spell in the other side of town. I am here studying because a magical activity that cannot be done within christian tradition. I healed Firefly with a spirit that sort of molested her while healing. This is when I understood that there was something very wrong with me or with my talent."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-03-16/0241:48>
@Firefly - You shift perception and view the garage and it's inhabitants as it truly is, and as they truly are.  A stark contrast of warm vibrant auras set against cold gray metal and concrete.  Highly processed machinery, utterly devoid of life or mana are the tools and trade of Arc and her home.  But your attention is focused not on steel and scenery, but on the stranger freely talking to your fellow runners and friends.  His aura burns brighter and more powerful than yours.  Illuminating the astral around him like a lighthouse.  The mixture of colors and different hues paint the picture of his signature and current mood.  A glowing shine of wintry blues make up his soul.  Tasting contentment and smelling pride.  You can tell he's happy for the most part.

The spirit towering next to him is an oddity unto itself.  A tether links the two together and upon his aura marks him with his summoner's signature.  Shining not as bright but hotter than the stranger, it's evident that the spirit is more powerful than both him and you.  But how can such a thing be?  The rules of summoning is universal throughout every tradition and the laws immutable.  Only wise and capable mages can call forth spirits greater than themselves.  To do so otherwise would prove fatal to the conjurer.  Yet what you see is something breaking those rules and ignoring those laws.  Other than that, the viking seems to be enjoying himself and is non-hostile.

@Yelena and Arc - Anders grins at the russian elf's praise toward Tróndur and to himself.  No snarky comments and condemnation from either of them or anyone for that matter.  A minor demonstration of skill was all it took to break the ice and show he was unafraid and that he was prepared.  Quietly and without a word, Anders pours himself another shot and throws it back in one gulp.  Bringing a new set of pain and tears as the alcohol washes down his throat.  Once the burning sensation dissipated, Anders utters a reply to Yelena and Arc.  "I'm no warrior or battle-hardened killing machine.  And i'm not going to pretend to be either.  Most of my strength comes from the brave spirits who fight on my behalf.  But... i'll still help you however I can."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-03-16/0909:49>
Yelena looks from the towering Viking to Anders and back.  She smiles at the man's ability to drink vodka as it was meant to be drunk.  She grins at the man and says, "Yelena has question.  Ask in English so Yelena Srui and others hear.  Question why?  Why come?  Yelena know mage man help Feathers.  But Yelena take companions to fight and kill.  Why Anders want come?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-03-16/1323:25>
He knew this question was coming.  Sooner or later, he'd be asked the why of it all.  Anders rubs the bridge of his nose, pondering the best way to answer.  The truth behind his reasoning was sad but understandable.  Nothing overtly impressive or dramatic or even anything to be ashamed about.  Just a mere fact.  He was broke and had nothing else lined up.  Spent the last of what he had on this months rent.  Leaving practically nothing for next month.  To be out on the streets again, that's something he'd like to avoid if possible.  Even if it meant sailing to Poland on what could be best described as a suicide mission of revenge.

Contemplative thought is broken and Anders responds in a near cagey way.  "A paying job coupled with a fable of vengeance and betrayal.  I cross the ocean to unknown country on a task of bloodshed.  Some grand adventure straight out of a fairy tale.  I think my ancestors would be proud.  Is that not enough?  Need I a reason more than that?"  He looks up at the elf's violet eyes intently and yet simultaneously distant.  The ravages of frost and hunger give a deeper meaning than his evasiveness.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-03-16/1331:25>
Yelena looks at Anders, waiting to see if he will add to that, but he does not.  She shrugs.  "Is strange.  Not mage man fight.  Go Poland Kill people.  Not grand adventure.  Is justice for betrayal long ago.  Might not come back."  She sniffs deeply, as if trying smell something.  "Yelena see Viking.  Yelena hear mage man words.  Yelena not smell shadow on mage man.  Have killed before?  Is different from talk about it."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-03-16/1401:24>
Arc stepped back, glancing between the two as they conversed and remained fairly quiet.  She didn't see much that she could add to the conversation.  This was, after all, Yelena's mission, and she would have the final say on who comes along.  This kid's got heart.  He's throwing himself in, and from what it seems he's got some power.  I just hope it's enough..  Arc looked over Yelena and her probing questions, and couldn't help but give a little smile.  She cares...she doesn't want anyone going in that isn't committed.  That's awesome  Averting her gaze, she glanced over to see Firefly off to the side, looking a bit zoned out.  Tilting her head, the mechanic glanced a nod to Yelena and to Anders before stepping out.  The elf knew her evaluation, at the very least.

And so, cautiously Arc would approach the astrally viewing decker, the cold lifeless parts at her eyes, head, and arm a dark and stark contrast to the fire burning in her heart.  Slowly and gently, she would put an arm on the younger girl's shoulder, letting her know she was there.  "Ya feelin' aight, omae?  Was gettin' worried about yeh, specially knowing the drek you wash having to deal with.  What's on yo mind, girly?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-03-16/1446:22>
The coals of her inquiry scorch Anders' brain.  Endless reverbs of regret play back within mind and memory.  A regret that has no bearing or meaning to anyone but him.  A childish murderous mistake that haunts him four years to the day.  Depression starts to seep in and Anders become more stern the longer he talks.  "I've killed before.  Just never out of justice or money.  I know it's not my fight.  I know it's not my business.  Also, don't forget, you don't owe me anything.  Neither does Feathers for that matter.  I'm here because I choose to be here."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-03-16/1502:51>
Yelena pauses, as if considering something or someone Anders cannot quite see.  The woman is clearly not your normal Keeb weed eater, and there is an intensity to her that many find a put off.  She smiles, Yelena thinks you will do, mage man Anders.  You will do.  And Yelena already know Viking will do.  Can smell shadow on him.  Can smell death and savagery.  Is like Yelena."  She turns back to the huge Viking warrior.  "Leveres med Yelena og denne mage Anders. Vi vil synge sanger av kamp. Av seier og døden. Ære til de som slåss og kan Valhalla venter alle de modige. Yelena stor honnør du, kanskje kriger. I en annen alder jeg kunne ha blitt skjoldet maiden og vi kunne ha savaged kystene i Europa og Afrika og tatt thralls fra Russland og Persia. Reisen vår ville ha vært episke og modige menn og kvinner vil synge sanger om oss til slutten av dager og Ragnarok var over oss.


[spoiler]Come with Yelena and this mage Anders.  We will sing songs of battle.  Of victory and of death.  Glory to those who fight and may Valhalla await all the brave.  Yelena salutes you, mighty warrior.  In another age I could have been your shield maiden and we could have savaged the coasts of Europe and Africa and taken thralls from Russia and Persia.  Our journey would have been epic and brave men and women would sing songs about us until the end of days and the Ragnarok was upon us.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-03-16/1655:56>
"Ya feelin' aight, omae?  Was gettin' worried about yeh, specially knowing the drek you wash having to deal with.  What's on yo mind, girly?"

The sensation of being touched and the sound of Arc's voice registers vaguely into my astral concentration.  I'm in pretty deep trying to learn all I can about this new mage and his ally.  Still, it would be rude to keep my friend, teacher, and benefactor waiting.  I carefully slip out of trance, blink, and turn my face in the direction of the shoulder being touched...

...and find myself taking a step back.  Or I would it I wasn't up against a wall already.  The effect I suspect is to make me look plastered against the surface.

My eyes go wide and I don't even try to hide it or the look of horror that must be gracing my young features.

"Wha...ho...Arc-sensei, what happened to your face!?!" I screech in shock and dismay.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-03-16/1754:39>
The norseman regards Yelena grimly. "Jeg kjemper for ære og til ære. Valhalla er for de som har kamper bringe ære til sine haller." He says.

[spoiler]I fight for glory and for honor. Valhalla is for those whose battles bring honor to it's halls. [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-03-16/1826:14>
Yelena looks hard at the spirit for a moment then lowers her glass and pours the vodka on the floor without drinking it.  She nods at Anders and says, "Spirit guest insult Yelena.  Yelena leave.  Get mage man tomorrow for shooting.  Yelena go club."  She takes her bottle back into the living area and returns to the garage to get her bike.  Opening the bay door, she wheels it out and climbs on after setting it to close again.  Firing up the mechanical monster, she pulls away from the garage and into the night, headed for Josie's.  Upon arriving at the brightly lit club, she parks and goes inside to be greeted by Henri.  "Yelena want listen jazz.  Did not bring sax.  Bring vod..............no, bring coffee.  Strong Turkish coffee.  Yelena need stay sober."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-03-16/1936:04>
Anders cracks a smile at Yelena's approval and candor.  The smile fades as fast as it appears though.  Tróndur í Gøtu wasn't all that impressed by Yelena's words and coldly puts her down.  Sighing and shaking his head as she leaves insulted.  Apologetically he says right before she goes.  "Alright, see you tomorrow.  Take care."  Anders looks up at the ghostly einherjar and speaks to him dourly.  "Du trengte ikke å skjelle henne sånn.  Det er ikke hennes feil at hun ikke vet sannheten om vikingene eller Åsatru tro.  Når noen eller noen tenker på viking mennesker.  Alt de tror er at de var en kultur dedikert til raiding, plyndring og voldtekt. Litt mer enn en blodtørstig barbar rase.  Ingen vet eller bryr seg om å vite at de ikke var sånn i det hele tatt.  Så prøv å ikke være så hardt på dem.  Den alv var bare å være hyggelig i måten hun trodde det ville gjøre deg stolt."

[spoiler]You didn't have to scold her like that.  It's not her fault she doesn't know the truth of the Vikings or the Asatru faith.  When someone or anyone thinks of the Viking people.  All they think is that they were a culture dedicated to raiding, pillaging and rape.  Little more than a bloodthirsty barbarian race.  Nobody knows or cares to know that they weren't like that at all.  So try not to be so hard on them.  The elf was just being nice in the way she thought it would make you proud.  [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-03-16/2013:56>
The reaction was not one that Arc expected, the shorter girl tilting her head in confusion at the decker recoil in so from her presence.  The resulting words brought it all to light however, and forced the mechanic to Crack a grin, only further accentuating the little tusks sticking up just past her lip.

"tch. Ya  notice now, eh?  Null sheen, thish was something I wanted to do.  Suits me more, don't Ya think?"  she winked, squeezing the other'side shoulder assuringly before she looked at her.  "something on yo mind?"

As she was talking, a blur in her peripherals indicated that Yelena was leaving.  And rather quickly.  Puzzled, she glanced away from Firefly for but a moment, glancing towards Anders and the spirit.  now what's up with that...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-03-16/2031:28>
Yelena sits in a booth and listens to the soft jazz coming from the group on the stage, drinking strong coffee, and smoking her thin cigars.  She is alone and likes it that way.  Once again she is confused and that disturbs her.  She had been sure that she smelled the shadow on the spirit but then the Viking had begun talking of honor and refusing her tribute to him.  The shadow is strength, survival, and desire, and honor, too, of a sort.  But the tone of the creature had implied that Yelena has no honor and would not be an acceptable companion.  For some reason she could sense a kindred spirit but the thing refused to know its own type and was not able to recognize her.  This implied that the spirit existed only on the fringe of the shadow and was not able to clearly see what was in front of him.  Either that or it existed in denial of its place in the shadow and desired to be something else.  In either case, the huge spirit no longer merited her admiration or respect.  She could respect its power and strength, but not its existence.

The logic involved in reaching this conclusion is certainly circular in nature and would likely confuse an organized mind such as Marco and Firefly have, but it satisfies Yelena's somewhat less organized brain.  Smiling, she looks up and calls Henri over to see if there is perhaps a club sax that she may borrow for a set.  The man smiles at Yelena and goes to get Josie himself, who comes to the table and visits for a bit then invites her to play, saying that he has a nice sax for her for times such as this.  Yelena smiles and goes to practice with the instrument before taking the stage with Josie and performing a string of duets.  Such is the skill of the pair that the audience is in their hands from the first song.  She does not want to play Her song without her sax so closes out with a jam that includes several other people that come on stage to play. 

Feeling much better, Yelena thanks Josie and Henri and leaves the club to return to Marco's apartment and, hopefully, Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-03-16/2135:01>
@ Anders  Tróndur í Gøtu looks at him and says, "Hun stinker av mord. Av død og hat. Hun omfavner de mørkeste  delene av sin sjel som en elsker. og har en enda mørkere veien foran henne. Kanskje hun vil nærme seg den med ære. Kanskje hun ønsker å endre. Men, er hun ikke skjoldmø å gå inn i Valhalla."

[spoiler]She stinks of murder. Of death and hatred. She embraces the darkest recesses of his soul as a lover. and has an even darker road ahead of her. Maybe she will approach it with honor. Maybe she wants to change. However, she is not Skjoldmøen to enter Valhalla.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-03-16/2201:13>
"tch. Ya  notice now, eh?  Null sheen, thish was something I wanted to do.  Suits me more, don't Ya think?"[/b]  she winked, squeezing the other'side shoulder assuringly before she looked at her.  "something on yo mind?"

"Why?" I stammer in confusion as I remain pinned to the wall like a butterfly on display.  "You did...that...on purpose?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-03-16/2319:50>
Anders folds his arms across his chest, while doing a quick glance around before matching the spirit's gaze and saying.  "Det er lett å kaste en hard dom sånn og skrive dem ut.  Kanskje hun dreper for å leve, for å overleve.  Kanskje for å beskytte det lille hun har igjen. Du eller jeg har ingen måte å virkelig vite med mindre vi fysisk finne ut selv.  Odin mandater som vi søker visdom og hemmeligheter uansett hvilken vei vi reiser.  Og Tyr vil berømme henne for pliktoppfyllende flid til klanen og pårørende.  Selv om hun opptrer med hevn på deres vegne."

Anders stops to take a short breath before continuing on.  Easing and lightening up as well.  "Resten av brikkene vil falle på plass som vi setter seil for Polen.  Vi er bare å se et lite fragment av historien her.  Den alv hevder hennes venner ble drept av en annen av hennes kriminalitet gjengen.  En ond kvinne med enda mindre ære enn alv.  Så langt er jeg tilbøyelig til å tro henne.  Hvis det viser seg å være løgn, og hvis hjertet hennes er død og kald.  Deretter vil intet være igjen av Jelena men en navnløs grav.  En død er alltid fra ens egen gjør."

[spoiler]It's easy to cast a harsh judgement like that and write them off.  Perhaps she kills to live, to survive.  Maybe to protect what little she has left.  You nor I have no way of truly knowing unless we physically find out for ourselves.  Odin mandates that we seek wisdom and secrets no matter what path we travel.  And Tyr would commend her for the dutiful diligence to clan and kin.  Even if she is acting with vengeance on their behalf.

The rest of the pieces will fall into place as we set sail for Poland.  We are only seeing a small fragment of the story here.  The elf claims her friends were murdered by another of her crime gang.  An evil woman with even less honor than the elf.  So far, i'm inclined to believe her.  If it all turns out to be lies and if her heart is dead and cold.  Then naught will be left of Yelena but a nameless grave.  One's demise is always from one's own doing.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-03-16/2338:06>
Yelena almost makes it home.  On her way she passes one of the Barrens ubiquitous strip bars.  The lure of another shot of vodka is too much and she turns in.  After all, Marco might not be home yet.  She walks into the bar and the Ork bouncer does not even look twice at the Predator at her hip, but she sees a number of shotguns and rifles in a rack behind the bouncer with claim tags attached.  She surmises the place is a bit on the rough side and smiles.  Just her kind of place.  She walks into the crowded room and past the small stage where a naked human woman is dancing listlessly around a pole.  There is a small table off to the right that is being vacated as she walks up to it and she slides into the chair.  Two men had been approaching the table from another direction and seem upset that she had pipped it first, until she motions for them to take the vacant chairs.  She orders a vodka shot and they order beers.  Names are not exchanged, but it is not important or required in a place like this.  Her new companions try her cigars but quickly decide that they prefer their own.  A drink and several cigars later, the three are exchanging stories and laughing in the anonymous camaraderie of bars like this.

A pimply-faced kid of maybe eighteen wanders into the bar and starts making rounds of the tables.  Yelena sees small packets leave his hands and cash go into his pockets and her yearning spikes.  One hit would not be too much.  After all, she has worked hard and is still in some pain from the surgeries.  A bit of Bliss would help.  It would help a lot.  Yelena's palms begin to sweat as the kid gets closer, emphasizing the need for the drug.  She can already anticipate everything from the initial tug at her senses to the extended release of pleasure and serenity.  Her experience tells her that she will be in a different world soon and she looks forward to it.  Frag, she NEEDS it.  Yelena feels the call and raises her hand to get the attention of the pusher, who nods and smiles.  He will clear a large part of his load in the bar tonight, making his provider happy.  If he had gone straight to her, he might have made the sale, but he delays with another customer long enough for the shadow to draw back, leaving Yelena alone and unprotected.  The feeling shocks her and brings some degree of sense to her clouded mind.  She does not realize the cause at first, but the realization hits like a ton of bricks.  The drugs are a crutch for the weak, not a tool of the strong. 

The last time the shadow left her, she had already been high on drugs and did not recognize it.  This time she feels the shadow drain away and the loss is profound.  She reaches down into her strength and spreads her senses to grab at the shadow as it moves away, forcing it back to her and this time she succeeds in forcing the elusive tendrils to gather around her.  She steps back from the table and tosses some scrip down and walks away, leaving her companions and the pimply kid looking after her in surprise.  She steps out of the bar and turns to the right, making it to the corner before she doubles up in pain and throws up anything that was still in her system.  She kneels as the spasms keep coming, calling the shadow, which does not let her down this time.  This time.  Next time she might give in to the cravings, but not this time.  Throwing her head back, she lets out a primal scream that does not sound like it could come from any throat.  A hand touches her shoulder and she whips about, pistol in hand and pressed against the man's forehead before he can move.  The man stutters that he was only trying to see if she was alright.  Yelena lowers the pistol and replies.  "Yelena better now.  Thank you.  You are nice man.  Stay alive."

Yelena holsters the pistol and smiles at the man before stepping away.  She runs to her Scorpion and climbs aboard.  She forces the shadow to wrap around her and fires the bike up, heading back to the road and Marco's place. 

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-04-16/0740:49>
"Why?" I stammer in confusion as I remain pinned to the wall like a butterfly on display.  "You did...that...on purpose?"

The questions hit Arc a bit firmer than she anticipated, her eyes blinking a few times as the words processed through her brain, a sidelong glance telling her that Anders was conversing with his spirit in that funny tongue of his that Yelena knew about.  Nothing to worry much over, so when she brought her attention back to the teen, she only gave a little smile, closing her eyes.  "Ya damn right I did.  Sheveral reasons why, but it boils down to because I wanted to, ya feel me?"  She brushed a stray lock of hair from her face before continuing.

"Ya think it might be loco, seeing's how I'm beyond a doubt no tusker.  But who's to say I'm not?  Ever since I wash nine or so, that's all I grew up around.  Hell, I could probably strike up a conversation in Or'Zet better than I can English at thish point, heh."  She paused again, working out the words.  "The life may have been pretty drek, but I lived, and I realize that I wouldn't be the slitch I am if it weren't for all that.  That's why I did thish.  It's me accepting who I am, that make shense?"

She smiled wider, squeezing the other's shoulder before pulling her into a firm hug.  "I don't think I ever got to thank yeh for saving my hoop before.  I'm grateful.  To risk oneself for sumthin' like that, that makes you as good as family to me.  What you need, I'm here for ya girly.  So what's on yo mind?"['/b]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-04-16/1037:02>
@ Marco  >>Hey Marco, it's Blake. I just wanted to square up payments with everyone. I know I owe you and wanted to know how you wanted that payment. And how the team wants payment.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-04-16/2036:30>
@Marco texts Blake >> I think that anonymous credsticks are going to be fine.
(Perhaps move to Samia ? )
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-04-16/2048:41>
@ Marco  >>Where do you want them delivered?<<

@ Jed & Marco  When you get to Samia's you find the door locked and the guy in the barber shop says, "She's out on a date. Don't know when she'll be back." But, it's not a minute after that that a slender young woman in her late twenties rushed in saying, "Hi! Josh and I were held up by an over-zealous gardener asking his opinion on Black Rot fungus and it's uses in teas! But, we're here now. Is this the guy you mentioned? I didn't know you were bringing him today. But, it's ok! The books are upstairs. Just let me get the door open we can go in!" She's a whirlwind of energy and has a glow about her. Joshua behind her is smiling at her in a proud, proprietary fashion. He looks at Jed and says, "She's a good student. She picks up the songs really fast."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <04-04-16/2257:03>
Jed smiles genuinely at Joshua.  It helps when you really fancy your teacher.  It's nice to see you this happy  But we need to talk about your past, because I know some things you don't remember my friend.  She deserves at least a clue that you have another life that you may or may not slip back in to.   Although by the look on Josh's face, he may happily walk away from that other life.

Marco, are you still hearing the "music"?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-05-16/1132:33>
Marco looked at the situation, he was going to introduce himself but what appeared like a couple in love just stormed in and he felt as if he was not on the same energy level as these two. "Wait a minute... I know the guy... I just never saw him alert."  His train of thought is broken by Jed that asks about hearing.  Marco smiles at him ans say "the weed is gone by now thanks God, it gave me a headache.  I think that I might be able to sense the astral on my own but not on this intensity. I was trying to listen to a rose the other day."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-05-16/1459:09>
I allow myself to be drawn into the slightly larger woman's embrace more due to my flaccid muscles than any active decision on my part.

She...wanted this?  She disfigured herself because...huh?  She's human!  She's made herself a freak to everyone!  If I know Orks, a lot of them will hold her in contempt to for trying to pretend like she knows what it is to be an Ork.  And humans...they'll never accept her now.  Any chance she had to advance herself is gone.  And for what?  To be like an Ork?  It just makes no sense!

I feel myself being released as I become vaguely aware that she's still speaking to me.

"I don't think I ever got to thank yeh for saving my hoop before.  I'm grateful," she says with a smile, looking into my confused eyes.  "To risk oneself for sumthin' like that, that makes you as good as family to me.  What you need, I'm here for ya girly.  So what's on yo mind?"

I look down to avoid her sparkling eyes.  My mind is a jumble of thoughts and I'm sure if I say another word I will come to regret it.  Still, I have to get out of here at least a little gracefully.

"Um," I stammer again as I kneel down enough to pick up the bag handles and rise again.  "I...It's time for my prayers.  I really need to get to my room, Arc-san."  Before the inscrutable girls can answer, I slip past her and everyone else in the room and flee behind the curtain separating the sleeping space from the living space.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-05-16/2146:48>
Arc gave a little pause, her mouth opening to say something of inquiry before stopping herself, the door connecting the living space to the garage shutting behind the younger human.  "...okay then.  Next time"  She said quietly to no one in particular, smirking a little and shaking her head as her thoughts sorted out.  Just give her time, girly.  That's all  Relaxing herself with a sigh, the short mechanic turned, hands folded behind her head with arms raised as she turned around the van, spotting Anders with his hulking viking spirit, Bootstrap and the other urchins having separated to look over the van. 

"Hoi, so ya proved yshelf, that's fo sho."  She spoke up to him, nodding respectfully to the einhergar.  "Between this and yo tech, I think I can round up a couple piecesh of gear to fill things out.  Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta get some work done, and time is burnin' quick.  Yaa welcome to help out a slitch, cuz I'm sho to need it, but won't make ya.  I know ya gots a deal goin' with Yelena tomorrow, but keep in touch.  Gon' try to get the whole team on the same page in a coupla days.  Now, if ya excushe me..."

Grinning, Arc flipped the goggles back over her cybereyes, the detail monitoring and AR diagnostic aids booting up as she grabbed her tools, pulling her coveralls back over her torso as she resumed her work.  The younger street kids kept watch, diverting time between that and getting used to their new commlinks, arguably some of the nicest things they could discretely possess in their respective situations.  Occasionally, Arc would grin as Hoppy fetched a part or tool here and there, making the mechanic smile as she sat back, catching her breath after working on the engine block of the hulking beast.

Idly, when she was taking her breaks, she'd check her comms, filtering through her game requests (Training later) and other spam associated with the purchases she's made lately...and to see if any of her team needs her.  Her comm was quiet, and a gnawing feeling bit at her.  Pulling up her messenger, she quickly typed a message to her Srui.

<<@Yelena{Arc}.  Hoi.  Don't work y'self up over whateva that spirit said to ya.  Anders spoke widdit for quite a bit, so think it might be cool.  Be safe.  Call me if you need anything.  Please>>

With that done, Arc checked her chronometer....evening.  A good few hours before Jaime would be off work too.  Plenty of time to get some more things done...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-06-16/0016:45>
@ Arc You get a comm, >>Hi, you worked on my ride a couple of weeks ago. I had an accident in front of your shop. And now my brothers been in a fender bender and the other guy did a bamf. I told him to take it to you and you'd do right by him. Can we bring his ride around this afternoon?<< Among the rest of her messages about parts she'd ordered and one from Hrock saying, >>I've got a couple parts for a King Scorp if you wanted to look at them Cricket.<< And there was a message from BloodMoney, >>Yo Arc, I need ta bring my ride by. The exhaust is burning my leg when I need ta do a kangaroo. Ya changed the configuration and it aint workin slitch.<< Just then the security system rings and Sarge is there with his granddaughters bike.

@ Yelena  Virtual Goddess contacts here and says, >>I've got two potential jobs for you. One in Moscow and one in Rio. The Rio job is a rush job but it's paying double your usual fee plus expenses and guaranteed ingress/egress with your weapons. It's with a party I've worked with several times before or I wouldn't be asking.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-06-16/0212:45>
Yelena notices that she has a message from Arc on her 'link and opens it.  Her Srui must have the intuition of Satan herself.  She sends a quick response back.  >>Arc.  Is Yelena.  Yelena fine now.  Was at Josie's then strip bar.  Now go Marco home.  Yelena good now.  Talk tomorrow.<<

The message from Virtual Goddess catches her off guard, but she never leaves her fixer waiting long for an answer.  >>Virtual Goddess.  Is Wanderer.  Still on down from club job.  Am going Poland.  Wanderer clean up old mess.  Is Personal.  Sending names of possible targets.  Virtual Goddess know of bounties for deaths?  Main target is Tsina Molovna.  Find client to pay for death.  Wanderer told of large reward.  Could take week or more.  Wanderer not able do Rio if rush.  What is Moscow?  If timing good Wanderer go from Poland?<<  She includes the list of names that Nikolai had provided as being with Tsina, making sure that Tsina's name is first on the list.

She shakes her head.  In another time, she would make a few arrangements and be headed to the airport to take a flight to Rio.  She wonders if that part of her life is over?  Looking deep into herself, she realizes that she does not want it to be over.  She is what she is and does not really want to change that.  The decision could cost her Marco and any chance at happiness, but she knows that she would be terminally unhappy without the shadow in her life and now she also knows there is so much more that she has to learn.  She grins into the cold, shielded by the shadow, and sets her sights on Marco's apartment.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-06-16/1027:35>

The bombardment of messages about requests, jobs, and such assaulted Arc's image feed as she sat back, grabbing a glass of water for herself to calm her system down.  "well drek...man, this is gonna be a week..."  she realized that her rep demanded being able to perform these jobs...and likely she wouldn't be able to take on much more on her own before the Poland trip happens.  Making a note to get the word out she will be closing up shop, she went through each job in turn before sorting out her thoughts as she helped Sarge bring in his grandaughter's bike...and luckily for the mechanic, the mods were already planned.  As she reviewed them, she sent out her replies over the Matrix.

<<@Hrock{Arc}: Tary'kart, you couldn't have hit me up at a better time.  I've got 3 jobs for biz on queue with 2 more personal, and I'm gonna be out of town for a beat after a week.  Howler drek has been less intense for a solo like me, hah.  Come by whenever you can with whatever you got for this stuff (file attached).  Cred is good, you know it, but sooner I get these, sooner I can finish.  You're awesome, Uncle>>

<<@BloodMoney{Arc}: Hoi, you didn't say nothin' on no kangaroo maneuvers.  Figured the stub exhaust would cut the weight and give you the nimble ya needed.  Bring it by, I'll reroute it under the seat for ya, fix that issue>>

<<@customer23A712{Arc}: Yeah, I've got some work lined up, but I think I can fix a fender bender.  Lucky break too, about to close up for the holidays.  Bring it by, we'll see what I can do>>

As she finished, her form crouched over the simple but sleek bike, the big troll would lean over, a big hand lifting the mechanic's face up by the chin, eyes surveying the tusks.  "Hmm"  Was all he said, little inflection denoting a positive or negative reaction...but definitely one of curiosity.  "The plan seems sound.  If you get this and my King back before you leave, we will be even, I believe.  Excellent.  I know you will do this, Arcwelder.  You weren't one to back from a challenge"  The slightest smirk showed on his grizzled features as he stood, leaving the girl smiling as he departed in his truck, leaving little Arc in her garage to do her thing...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <04-06-16/1144:11>
<<@Arc: A rush job? You're in luck.  I've already got a line on at least half your list and can have the rest in a couple hours.  I'll even do you one better and return your jack when I drop it off.  I shouldn't need her any more this week, but you never know.>>   

   “You're selling her short, you know”, Hrock sighed.  “My niece ain't the type to hold silly drek like that against you.”
    Tuskaloosa kept her gaze on her patch of the windshield.  “Maybe.  Probably.  But in this case, I'd rather not take the chance.  Trust me—I've been stake-n-torched for doing lesser things.”
   “It'll hurt more the longer you wait to tell her...and she will notice.”
   “I'm sure she will.”
   The ork growled in disgust as the stoplight holding them turned green.  “Suit yourself.  But this is between you and her—I'm not getting dragged into a crossfire, savvy?  And you owe me—big.”
   “I know.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-06-16/1201:40>
Anders was finished talking with Tróndur í Gøtu and patiently watched the the dialogue between Arc and another girl, foreign looking, like himself.  It was hard to make out her features but she looked to be of oriental descent.  Whatever they were talking about seemed to get the petite asian in a rush.  She flitted out of every which way and off to some other corner or room.  "Huh, that's weird.  I kinda wanted to say hello and see what she was about.  She might not be feeling well.  Probably needs to eat a pickled herring sandwich or drink some soykaf.  Or maybe she just had to use the bathroom.  I hope she's okay."  His attention was broken by the tusked mechanic's greeting.  Anders listens to her plans and ideas non-objectively.  Only a few words of a reply to go with before Arc returns to work.  "Nah, it's cool.  I bugged you enough as it is.  Going to head home and see if there is anything else I need to do as well.  But tell your other friend I said hi and that I wish her well.  Anyway... see ya later."

Turning to face the viking spirit.  Anders says his goodbyes and releases him from runic oath.  "Jeg har holdt deg her lenge nok.  Solen går snart.  Gå tilbake til der falne slekt samles rundt for mimrer ganger."  Tróndur í Gøtu nods once to Anders and once to Arc before vanishing into nothingness.  The link between summoner and spirit broken, reverent servitude at end.  Anders grabs his duffel bag of gear and throws it over his shoulder.  Happily waving goodbye to the teenage crew before going.

[spoiler]I've kept you here long enough.  The sun sets soon.  Return to where fallen kindred gather around for reminiscing times.[/spoiler]

Walking out the door onto treacherous street and cobblestone.  The youthful seidr passes through hustling traffick to his hearth of spectrum coldness.  He was however pleased with what he managed to accomplish.  Him merely being himself and showing a modicum of magic and wordplay ended up in favor.  The einherjar's disapproval of the she-elf Yelena was, and still is, a worrisome thought.  She measured Anders on murder and death, to see if he was worth bringing along.  He had no such kill count and probably never will.  The woman interviewing him did.  So much so that Tróndur immediately picked up upon it.  Albeit with a discouraging remark.  And with a warning about darkness to go with it as well.  Darkness and perhaps... redemption?  Or quite possibly, damnation?  It's hard to foretell the future when you don't have the whole image in scope.

Anders halts and rests at a bus stop bench to catch his breath and work out a few thoughts.  "An omen of shadows and hatred.  An honorless killer chasing an honorless traitor.  A riddle wrapped in a mystery.  I'll travel with Yelena to Poland and help her attain revenge.  Once that's done, i'll reach my own conclusion and measure her accordingly.  Not as a headsman or a holier-than-thou priest.  But as Sunder."  Satisfied with his answer, Anders continues his trek back home.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-06-16/2039:32>
Her replies sent and the jobs taken on, Arc didn't wait for the street crew of hers to get bored before she asked them to head out.  "Got some faces comin' in, gon' be boring with work work.  Take some fun, y'all earned it" She said to them with a tusked grin before shutting the door and getting her stuff together.  With all the work coming in today, space was clearly limited, so she took a moment to get the van moved out onto the street, the engine roaring as she eased it back out.  As she hopped out of the van, actually having to jump a bit with her legs, Bloodmoney just showed with his bike, bandages on his leg evidence of his claims and confirming his soured expression.

A brief exchange and a promise to compensate later, she was wheeling the bike into the same bay as Sarge's grandau's bike, an ARO showing her design reconfiguration proving satisfactory enough to quell the ganger's mood and let her get to work.  It wasn't long after that did the ork she helped weeks prior (Was it just weeks?) pull up with the damaged car he was talking about.  Ushering it into the other bay, her garage was looking at the pinnacle of busy...likely at capacity for the time she has left, and she was definitely getting the word out now she would be unavailable for a while.  Exchanging info, a quick examination showed that the damage was repairable...and with a cash payment of about 1.5K nuyen, she could restore it to its uncrunched state without pulling any insurance drek in.

The customers seemed happy with that, making Arc smile, swelling a bit with pride in her work as she saw Hrock's reply come in.  Perfect...

<<@Hrock{Arc}: Perfect, couldn't be happier about that right now.  Pull up out front when you get here, behind the van.  Garage is capped out, you'll see what I mean soon!>>

<<@Jaime{Tessa}: Hey babe.  Just picked up a bunch of fixing jobs for the garage.  I know you're working late, but I'm gonna try to be home when you are, aight?  See you soon>>

Satisfied with those, and cracking her neck, the little mechanic picked up her tools.  Where to start...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-10-16/1410:43>
Yelena wakes up next to Marco for the second day in a row.  She gazes at the man next her in the bed and smiles.  And frowns.  Climbing out, she pads softly over to the bathroom to use the toilet then steps into the shower to wash off the remnants of yesterday and last night.  Luxuriating in the hot water, she wrestles with herself on what to tell Marco.  It is not fair to him to hide that she is moving deeper into the shadow, not out.  The revelation might hurt him and ruin her chances for happiness and love, but she remembers the betrayal of the sax man all to clearly, even after so many years.  He, too, had said that he loved her but was hiding a secret that would have caused her to leave him had she known.  Finding out later only made it harder to accept and she does not want to do that to Marco.

She quietly dresses and leaves the bedroom for the kitchen, where she makes coffee and tries to think.  She contemplates leaving him a message explaining what she feels, but shakes her head.  She is no coward and he deserves better than that.  No, the two need to have a long sit-down chat, not a text.  She does leave him a quick message explaining what she is doing to day and telling him that she will be back later.  She goes to the other bedroom and grabs her weapons case before getting her jacket on.

She carefully checks her tags to be sure that nothing was moved and leaves the suite for the garage.  Climbing on the large machine , she wonders a bit just why she does not call Virtual Goddess up and take the Rio job and get back to her life.  After Poland.  She ahs to see that through.  Maybe she can talk him into leaving what he is doing and come with her.  His talents would certainly augment her own and they could do so much together.  If he could only get over his rather silly notions about killing.  The ride to pick up Anders is smooth, if a bit chilly.  It is early yet, but people are about and some of the streets are decorated for the holiday.  Christmas holds no special place for Yelena, along with any of the religious holidays.  Her god is darkness and shadow and she knows that now.

Yelena pulls up at the agree-upon meeting place and waits for Anders.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-10-16/1626:43>
The fatigue of yesterday's summoning disappears with the rising and falling of the moon.  Fresh snow blankets the ground outside.  The dust of December's foggy breath exhaled wantonly.  A gentle reminder of the world's callousness to Seattle's vagabonds and street urchins.  Anders climbs out of bed, slowly walking atop of creaking floorboards to the bathroom.  He relieves himself of his full bladder and washes his hands in icy rusty water.  The cold wetness sends chills up and down his whole body.  Every skin cell crying out in pain and discomfort.  The rumble in his belly interrupts the cacophony of chilled flesh.  A few paces outward into his kitchen only to discover that he's out of food.  Anders lets out a heavy sigh and heads back into the bathroom to shower.

Twenty minutes is all he can bear to bathe.  A fresh set of clothing donned to greet the new day.  Tough black jean leggings tucked into black combat boots.  A dark sable long sleeved shirt covers his torso.  Anders slips into his leather jacket when he's done dressing himself.  He knew to always wear his armor no matter where he went, along with his gun.  It didn't matter if he was going to a stuffer shack to get donuts or crossing the street.  Not having the gear was simply too risky otherwise.  Everything was all set and Anders was dressed to kill.  Hopefully not literally, at least not today.  He spirits himself out of the apartment complex to a local coffee shop.  Roughly a three mile walk but nothing he couldn't handle.

Anders briskly walks to the meeting place.  He sees the ivory-haired elf already waiting for him there on one of the outside serving tables.  Sitting peacefully, probably browsing the menu to see what's good and what isn't.  Anders treads forward and takes a seat opposite of Yelena with his hands pocketed into his jacket for warmth.  Looking up at her, he says.  "Sorry about the other day.  Didn't mean for you to leave on a bad note."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-10-16/1806:17>
Yelena grins.  "Is Yelena fault.  Yelena death and murder.  Yelena think Viking same.  Viking not think same.  Was rude but Yelena not want fight.  Want eat?  Then go garage meet Firefly.  She want go range.  Talk us."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-10-16/1815:46>
Anders nods eagerly at the mention of food.  The two order from a virtual menu and minutes later, steaming hot soykaf and bagels are brought by the waitress on staff.  Took the starving mage mere seconds before he scarfed down the baked goods.  Piping hot soykaf nearly scorching his throat raw as he guzzled down the aphotic brew.  After he was done satiating his ravenous hunger, Anders curiously asks.  "Who's Firefly?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-10-16/1840:38>
Yelena notices how fast the man eats.  She can remember being that hungry on many occasions, especially when younger.  She does not ask. 
Anders want more bagel?  Firefly woman Yelena come garage with yesterday.  Young woman.  Part of team.  Yelena want Anders talk Firefly about spirits.  Bad time with other spirit from Marco.  Hurt Firefly.  Now Yelena think Firefly not like all spirits and need talk.  Anders seem in control.  Maybe talk.  Convince Firefly spirit mojo not bad in right hands."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-10-16/1859:08>
Anders raises an eyebrow and rubs his chins slightly.  "She must be talking about that petite asian.  This Firefly probably got scared after seeing Tróndur."  He closes his eyes briefly and nods in agreement again.  "Yeah, order a few more for the road.  And I understand her pain.  Or at least, I think I do.  My first time dealing with spirits didn't end well either.  In fact it was awful.  So, yeah, I won't mind talking to her.  Also, who's Marco and why does he have his spirits hurt girls?"  Anders got up out of his seat as he asked his question.  Genuine concern and confusion within his voice.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-10-16/2016:44>
Yelena orders the bagels and leads the way to the bike.  "Marco is Keeb mojo slinger.  He working with other mage for training.  Firefly hurt in last mission.  Marco summon spirit to heal.  Spirit do something wrong.  Firefly frightened.  Now think all spirits demons to hurt.  Is part of heritage."

Climbing on the Scorpion, Yelena waits for Anders to get on behind her then fires the machine up and leaves for the garage.  One thing that Yelena has a lot of experience in is male erections and it is hard indeed to disguise one when sitting on a bike behind a woman.  Yelena smiles to herself, half wondering if Anders might just lift his hands a bit higher around her to grab onto her chest.  She is very into Marco, but he has already said that he may be seeing his customers and that would let Yelena enjoy the experience of other bed partners as well.  That Anders does not take more advantage of the situation takes nothing away from her now knowing that he at least finds her attractive enough to be aroused at her closeness.  Once at the garage, she opens the door and wheels the bike into the bay, noticing the new machines.  Finding a place to park, she goes and hugs Arc, who is hard at work on one of the bikes.  Motioning to the new additions, she says, "Much new repair work.  Done in time?  Yelena take Firefly range.  Talk spirits with Anders.  Decker mage in room?"

Her Srui removes a welding helmet and gives Yelena a tired grin and answers, Yes, yes, and yes.  Yelena smiles at her and points to the tusks as she says, "Rigger man like new Vruk?"  She laughs when Arc give an emphatic yes to the question and leaves to go get Firefly.  She finds the girl in her room.  "Hey, decker mage.  Yelena here.  Take range.  Talk Anders man about spirits while Yelena practice.  Firefly come."

Yelena leads Firefly out to the bike and introduces her to Anders as that was apparently missed yesterday.  They stand around and try to figure out the best way to get all three on the bike when Arc looks at the van and goes back to Arc.  "Srui.  Fix van today?  Yelena take Firefly and Anders to range, but bike small.  Yelena take van?"  Arc nods and tosses her the keys and Yelena goes back to the others.  Motioning at the van, she removes her case from the bike and leads them to it.  "Yelena take van range.  All in."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-10-16/2019:09>
"Range?  As in shooting?" the girl says with surprise looking up from a virtual text no one else could see.  "Um...I'm game but I'm not very good at it.  That said, I'd like to get better."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-10-16/2054:04>
The drive is uneventful and gives Firefly and Anders a bit of time to get to know each other.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-10-16/2301:45>
The ride to Arc's was somewhat uncomfortable for the Norwegian.  Having to hold on to the elf during the trip was way more intimate than what he wanted for a person he had just met.  Anders couldn't help but feel a little aroused being so near to the pretty woman.  To distract himself, he thought about what Yelena had said.  "How do you hurt someone with a heal spell?  What kind of incompetence is that?  Could be Marco is just an evil wizard that hates girls.  I should ask Thor to hurl a lightning bolt at him.  Or have a Valkyrie watch over Firefly.  One of the two.  Maybe both."

Eventually they arrive at the garage.  Anders hastily hops off the bike.  Not that he doesn't like Yelena, he just wants to respect her boundaries, and more importantly for her to not notice his arousal.  She goes inside first and strikes up a conversation with Arc and Firefly about what she's planning on doing.  With Anders shadowing her not long after.  Arc hands Yelena the keys to the van that she had been working and like that the trio was all buckled up inside.

Now instead of riding awkwardly with one person, Anders was riding awkwardly with two people.  Two strangers he barely knew anything about.  He had no clue as to what their hobbies or interests would be.  Besides maybe Yelena.  He knew she liked Ares guns.  To break the ice, he'd would have to use something universal.  Anders runs a hand through his hair to straighten it and says to Firefly.  "So... how do you like your cornflakes?  Do you like them crispy or soft?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-11-16/0508:01>
The afternoon with Samia was pleasant and her savvy mind seemed intuitive enough to drop just the right remark at the right time. It felt strange to actually study without a spirit distracting you. Jed opened up a wound, an open wound - “What is my magical tradition? What kind of magic did Agrat taught me?” Marco thought and feared “I made a deal with a Daemoness... There is no saying what kind of magic she taught me over the years.  I use my desire, my compassion and curiosity to manipulate the world around me. I know that I can use fear and hate - but I avoid these emotions. Catholics use their belief, they use holy relics to anchor their belief. Somehow, I just know that this is not how I do things. I pray to beg for help - my prayers are just prayers they do not manipulate mana.  My magic is not divine and it is not the Lords will, it is my own will and might for good or for ill.”

To Marco Artificing was about singing, constantly singing and he had the voice for that. It was not without difficulties that he translated the arcane knowledge in Samia’s notebooks into melodies,  beautiful melodies. He made many mistakes at first - missing a note or attempting the wrong pitch. The only way to actually get some quiet was to offer cookies and tea, and Marco felt embarrassed for being such a loud student that sings at the books. He could not see it any other way, his metaphor for manipulating mana is music - he cannot sense it in any other way. Without singing - he cannot practice and memorize the required processes.

As they approached morning Marco felt that the music improved - it was still crude and there was a lot of room for refinement but the voice felt right and intuitively the mana that periodic rhythm manipulated should  be embowed into an object - it was exhausting.
Before he left Marco said “Thank you for enduring me all this evening... I afraid I am not the silent study partner, I’ll understand if you do not want to study with me again. Though I did have fun and thanks for the hospitality - the Cinnamon cookies were divine, and blended well with the herbal tea”.
 


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-11-16/0933:18>
Yelena quietly smiles, thinking that the man might not be used to women, and now here he is with two.  She quickly looks over her shoulder at Firefly and waits to see how she responds.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-11-16/1155:35>
@ Marco & Jed  Samia had seemed to understand how Marco needed to learn. But, surprisingly enough it was Snowden that had helped the most. He sang along with Marco as Marco had studied. Sometimes perfectly singing the main chorus, and at other times singing a complimentary accompaniment. It had put Marco at ease as he'd studied. And sometimes it had helped him understand a tricky bit when Snowden's voice wrapped the mana around something. It had been difficult for Jed to study this way, but, his own tradition borrowed so heavily from others. And a week of being with Joshua had taught him so much about simply allowing the mana to flow forth with the song that he'd been able to learn a little of this method with them. And then towards evening when they'd been practicing a particularly tricky bit Samia declared a rest bringing in sandwiches. Everyone fell on them hungrily and the topic naturally fell to different accidents that had happened to each of them when they'd been studying and laughter filled the room. After Jed had regaled them with one story of a fellow student trying to bind mana into a brooch and instead had caused a small explosion of his nearby lunch Joshua almost fell over laughing and said, "Yeah! When I tried that the damn thing melt......" His breath catches in his throat and he says, "The damn . . . . . " He chokes up and he can't get the words out. He starts shuddering with sobs. "I studied magic. I studied magic. I studied . . . . . " Samia goes to him instantly and holds him. Her cheek against his she nuzzles him with her nose and says, "Of course you did. You're a mage. Same as your mother, and your father, and your mentor. You're the most amazing man I've ever met." She continues to hold him and her eyes go across the room to Jed and Marco and she looks at the door, signaling them.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-12-16/1250:11>
Ever since arriving in Seattle I've felt awkward around the people here.  North Americans are different than Asians and even Europeans.  Add to that the change in my social status and it's made me a lot quieter.  With this new Anders fellow being a summoner, it makes matter worse.  It was my intention to just stay quiet as the two of them, Anders and Yelena, talked.  This plan crashed and burned when the Scandinavian turned to me and asked...

"So... how do you like your cornflakes?  Do you like them crispy or soft?"

Cornflakes?!?

That was unexpected and I'm sure my face shows it.  Still, an honest answer pops to mind and I run with it.

"Cereal like you describe is an American thing.  I haven't seen it even in Europe.  For breakfast I eat rice and whatever vegetables I can scrounge up, maybe with some imitation fish.  If I'm really feeling adventurous I'll whip up some miso."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-12-16/2351:26>
Anders wasn't anticipating the detailed response from the pretty asian.  Nor the surprised expression.  Out of shyness he looks down and away, half-wondering if he said the wrong thing.  Long locks of brown obscuring his face when he talks back in difficult pronunciation.  "Didn't mean to startle you.  We don't have to talk about food if you don't want.  But I guess you don't know what kind of cornflakes you like then.  I should get you some when I have the chance."  Turning his head slightly to peer at Yelena who is driving, then going back to Firefly he says.  "How did you two meet?  Are you girlfriends?"  What the Nordic summoner meant to ask was that if the two women were compatriots and fellow runners.  His english could still use some work.  But it was good for the most part.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-13-16/0033:40>
Yelena grins as she drives.  She knows that she would not mind introducing the young decker mage to the joys of sex, but the girl is not yet ready for that.  Without turning her head, she says, "Yes.  Yelena friends Firefly.  Meet for club job."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-13-16/0046:32>
Traffic is heavier than usual on the road that morning and there's a long stretch of road where the van is barely moving along. The trid is cycling through a variety of different topics and it's obvious nothing more note-worthy happened in the last few hours.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <04-13-16/1103:16>
Jed and Marco head for the door.  Jed drops a quick message for Samia on her comm to remind her that Marco will be returning for the next two days, while Jed writes up the focus formulas.  Jed offers copies of the formulas in exchange for the assistance with learning to craft the foci themselves.  As the hour is late, Jed turns to Marco I'm going to head home, just going eat from the soy machine tonight.  I'm pretty worn out.  I'll get our formula written while you hone you artificing skill here for a couple of days.  You said you are using a wooden comb?  Let me take it with me so I can make sure the formula is tailored to it.  In my spare time I'm going to try to locate a friend of Yelena's too.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-13-16/1425:59>
Jed finds several pages in social media about the husband and wife team who's hard work has built a small package delivery company into a prosperous business in the city of Wroclaw that now has subsidiary offices in Zielona Gofra and Poznan. It includes information on their charitable activities and Jaidwega is on the board of a local orphanage. An activity she is quoted as saying, "Is what my soul needs. We never have children Gregory and I we grow up in orphanages our hearts know children need to know someone cares for them." Jed finds several write-ups of them at various social functions. But, very little beyond the public write up on their business. But, following their social functions Jed is able to cross reference their activities with some mid-level criminals whose activities take them into the same cities with a correlation over the years that's impossible to be accidental. And following that trail Jed is able to trace the drug and slave trafficking activities.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-13-16/1517:11>
"We were introduced by a mutual friend," Firefly says simply.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-13-16/1550:08>
His eyes dart back and forth from Yelena to Firefly as they take turns talking.  Still, his head hung low when he spoke to the young girl.  "That's cool.  Are you going with us to Poland?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-13-16/1707:36>
"Of course you did. You're a mage. Same as your mother, and your father, and your mentor. You're the most amazing man I've ever met." She continues to hold him and her eyes go across the room to Jed and Marco and she looks at the door, signaling them.

"A time it all blew up in my face? Perhaps every time my spirits interact with other humans..." he thinks. "It is a sad story but I can make it amusing - focus on the 'oh darn' aspect. "I recently summoned a spirit to perform a healing for me. Sound simple right? How could it go wrong... it only requires a gentle touch of aura's" he said and paused. Shortly later he added "The problem was the spirit took the magical limitation of 'touch' in a very odd manner. I had to release him before he reached third base."  He grins and shortly after becomes more serious and adds "I feel the worse at my job, I gain confidence with the magical arts and then things like that happens and makes me feel incompetent again."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-13-16/1910:20>
"That's cool.  Are you going with us to Poland?"

It's a reasonable question since it sounds like he's going too.  That's up to Yelena-sensei and Arc...san.  I just a support member of their team, here to learn what I can and grow so that I can achieve my objective.  And so far it appears i might be able to learn something from this guy.

"If Yelena-sensei still wants me, then yes, I plan to," I answer in the British accented English I learned from my mother and perfected in Singapore.  "I've never been to Poland, but I have been to Germany and Russia as well as elsewhere in Europe and Asia.  I'm hoping I will prove worthy of her confidence."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-13-16/2308:41>
Anders tilts his head upward at the mention of the various countries she had been to.  Fleeting thoughts encircle him in wonderment.  "To be so well traveled, especially at such a young age.  Makes me think she's corporate.  Or ex-corporate to be exact.  Don't know which one though.  I wonder what she's capable of that would warrant her going to Poland with us.  Decker perhaps?  Maybe she's a mage like me.  I know one way I can find out."  To satisfy his curiosity, Anders shifts perception to get a better look at Firefly and see what shape and color her soul takes.

[spoiler]Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/392134): 12d6t5 7[/spoiler]

Less shy and more enthused, Anders inquires.  "Why wouldn't she?  I've heard nothing but formidable things from her about you.  I don't think you're giving yourself enough credit.  In fact, I can't wait to see all the awesome feats you can do."  A sly grin was drawn across his lips as he spoke the words of encouragement to Firefly.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-14-16/0036:33>
Yelena smiles to herself.  The turn of the conversation is going well.  It seems that Firefly might get along with Anders and that is a good thing.  Since the traffic is moving slowly, she puts the van into autopilot and sits back to listen to the others talk.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-14-16/1121:51>
To Anders' astral senses, the young Asian's aura is definitely that of an awakened person.  She does the usual effort of a modestly trained mage to mask it, but since she's not feeling threatened at the moment she's not focusing her efforts on the masking.  The Norwegian is also very good at assensing.  Also of note is that she carries no fetishes or other magical artifacts and no spirits are associated with her.

In seeming contrast with the appearance of a mage with considerable talent if uncertain ability, there are two small "blank spots" where her mana does not reach.  She has been cybered at the base of her skull and on her right wrist.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

"Why wouldn't she?" the Nordic man inquires rhetorically.  "I've heard nothing but formidable things from her about you.  I don't think you're giving yourself enough credit.  In fact, I can't wait to see all the awesome feats you can do."

I can feel blood rush to my cheeks and I look out the window to avoid meeting either Anders' or Yelena-sensei's gaze. 

Yeah, I can do pretty cool things.  On the other hand, I can also do a great job of getting my new friends killed.  Who knows, maybe it's brain damage from her injuries that caused Arc-san to do something so ridiculous.  She seemed to have her head on straight before the accident.  Damn I am so useless without my team.  Maybe all I really am is a pampered princess who can't survive on her own...

"I do my best..." I mutter glumly in response as my eyes linger unfocused out the window into the grey, winter Seattle skyline.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-14-16/2008:39>
Anders blinks in astonishment and shifts back to meat space, but he's keen enough to not let it show more than that.  "A mage who decks.  Quite the rarity.  Someone who can provide either magical or matrix support, maybe both simultaneously.  I might be outclassed compared to Firefly, and maybe Marco as well.  There might not be much I can offer Yelena at this point.  The best I can hope to do is bodyguard Firefly or Arc.  Whether they need my help or not remains to be seen."

Firefly's aversion to look at Anders while she speaks causes him to feel bad about making her depressed.  Her sad tone furthers his guilt.  Dark, darker and darkest still he ponders on how to alleviate the young girl's ailing mood.  Anders sighs quietly and says outright what Yelena wanted him to talk about with Firefly.  "You've seen what kind of mage I am.  An aspected conjurer.  Or as some simply call me, a summoner.  I can't do much more than commune with spirits.  Maybe command them if need be.  You on the other hand are a mystery to me.  What magical talents do you possess?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-14-16/2045:48>
I sigh at the perfectly reasonable question which only makes me feel more useless.

"My training was focused on casting since we felt it was the best way short of summoning that I could support ops and I wasn't comfortable with summoning.  It's discouraged in my tradition, especially for a girl.  I was only beginning to branch out when my training was...cut short.  I've only came to my awakening a few years ago.  It surprised a lot of people since i showed no sign of the gift until puberty."  I swivel around to face the man talking from the back seat.  "Has Yelena-sensei talked to you about me and summoners?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-14-16/2134:55>
Anders listens raptly to the exotic mage speak.  Nodding in understanding as she describes her capabilities and limits to those capabilities.  "Ah, you're a proficient sorcerer then.  A weaver of words and mana.  Usually summoning is appreciated in almost every tradition.  The only ones I know of who don't care for it are the Abrahamic religious traditions.  Need to review them all later when I get the chance."  When Firefly turns to face him with her pained question, he shuts his eyes as he considers the best way to answer her that'll bring some measure of comfort and clarity to the woman.  Slowly Anders' eyelids snap open and he divulges what he knows, along with what he believes.  "Yes.  I was told that you had a bad experience with one of Marco's so called demons.  The spirit in question was instructed to heal.  But it seems something else happened instead.  I don't know the whole story.  Just a few pieces of what Yelena had told me.  But... i'm not blind.  You're not comfortable around me.  Or with what I can do.  We can drop the subject if you like.  I'm only bringing this all up because Yelena asked me to and because she is worried about you.  Worried that you're alone and afraid."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-15-16/0519:27>
Jed and Marco head for the door.  Jed drops a quick message for Samia on her comm to remind her that Marco will be returning for the next two days, while Jed writes up the focus formulas.  Jed offers copies of the formulas in exchange for the assistance with learning to craft the foci themselves.  As the hour is late, Jed turns to Marco I'm going to head home, just going eat from the soy machine tonight.  I'm pretty worn out.  I'll get our formula written while you hone you artificing skill here for a couple of days.  You said you are using a wooden comb?  Let me take it with me so I can make sure the formula is tailored to it.  In my spare time I'm going to try to locate a friend of Yelena's too.

Marco replies:  "My comb... of course I never leave home without it. Just in case something messes my hair style - you can never know."  and hands Jed his beloved comb. He say "It was really nice meeting you Josh and Samia - "I'll definitely be back tomorrow to continue my training. I think that I am actually learning - and this is a lot coming from someone deemed unteachable by catholic priests."  It was evening as he left Samia's place and went into his own.  He said to Samia, Josh and Jed - "I am going out from here, starting with some Jazz and then dancing after a short trip home. You are welcome to join, I'll start the night at Josie."


He texted a few messages:
">>Dear Blake,  would you like to meet at Josie? hear some soft Jazz?"

">>Dear Firefly, there is a contact I'd like to introduce you too, a talismonger. Might be useful - she helps me with the basics of crafting magical foci - I am trying to learn how to make them.  Let me know,  Marco."

">>Yelena, Arc, Firefly - I am heading for dinner at Josie's if you'd like to join me."


">>Tammie, I am sorry to hear about your job place. How are things with you? Could I buy you a drink or something? I am meeting with friends at a jazz club perhaps you'd like to join us?"

Home - a fragile concept taught Marco as he entered his apartment. Yelena did not have that many stuff and was somewhat unnoticeable. He bought some lodge materials- " I need to actually assemble the lodge - but not tonight - it was way too much mojo. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-15-16/1131:33>
I wince at the blunt characterization.  Afraid.  I want to protest such a strong word, but I'd be lying to myself and the others in the car if I did.  Yes, I am afraid.  Afraid of failing.  Afraid of changes.  Afraid of what I don't know.  Afraid of what I do know.  I hate it...it's not me...but it's there.  I was never prepared for this but here I am.  But can't fear be motivation?  Properly channeled, is fear entirely bad?

Jenna's parting words flit through my mind.  Am I really rejecting my parent's wishes by pursing justice?  And so what if I am?  Isn't my duty to Renraku above all else?  These vermin are a cancer that need to be excised.  It is my obligation to cut it away and burn it.  And to do that, I need to transform myself into a scalpel with the keenest of edges.  I hoped that the Yak would be the crucible to make me what I need to be, but they clearly wanted to make me their obedient tool.  Keep me to heel and attack only when they said so, in the manner they said so.  Or maybe George was just trying to honor my father's wishes by keeping me sidelined.  Either way, there was no future for me there if my goal is to cure Renraku of these bastards.

So that leaves me with this new team Lexi introduced me to.  Yelena is an assassin.  A good one at that.  I can learn so much from her.  Even if this "shadow" of her makes no sense to me, it's led her to success.  I'll have to adapt what I learn from her, but there's no better teacher likely to drop into my life.  I can't lose her now, especially not after I've lost Arc-sensei.

"I am alone," I respond coldly.  "And yes, I am afraid.  I'd be reckless if I wasn't afraid; totally useless to Yelena-sense because I'd the denying reality that this life is dangerous.  Instead I'm facing that reality head on, embracing my fear.  Fear will keep me alive, summoner.  It''s a crucible that will forge me to strength.  Like a bonsai, fear will coax me into the shape I need to assume in order to right the wrongs that were done to my family and my people."

I can only hope my voice doesn't belie the uncertainties behind my words.  Although I keep my eyes mostly on the man, I can't help but steal a few glances as I speak in the direction of Yelena to see what effect my words are having on the one who matters most to me in the world right now.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-15-16/1735:13>
Finally they arrive at the shooting range and a young man steps out. "Hello, you must be Yelena, TriggerT told me you were a looker with a bad habit. I see you've brought some company. No worries, the range is big enough if they're here for business" His lips twitch as he says it and looks at your hands. "C'mon, I've got 300 rounds with your name 'em. Let's go feed your habit. This is a solid little piece I've made you with some pretty custom work to make it worthy of you."

@ Marco  Blake says, >>Yeah, I'd love to go. Sounds like just what I need after this. I'll meet you there at around 21:30.<< 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-16-16/1301:59>
She spoke grimly.  She spoke with unfaltering conviction.  Yet Anders barely believed a word she had said.  Firefly wasn't truly alone like she thought.  Yesterday's and today's events proved otherwise.  Unlike him, she isn't some unheard foreign vagrant of no importance.  She mattered.  And she had people who cared for her well being.  Arc and Yelena at least if no one else.  Perhaps the shadows of doubt plague the young woman into this mindset.  The Nordic summoner shakes his head in disbelief, trying not to smile as well too.  He locks eyes with Firefly and calls her out.  "No offense, but the first part of what you said sounds like bullshit.  You got two really cool lady friends who like you and worry about you.  Look there's one of them sitting right next to you!"  To emphases his point, he points an index finger at Yelena.

After a few seconds of this, he let's his hand drop back to his side and picks up where he left off.  "Being afraid isn't a weakness.  And fear isn't some powerful flame that tempers you into something stronger.  It's standing up to your fears that's the actual awesome deed.  I mean, i'm afraid of a lot of shit.  Everyone is.  For example, you stood up to a demon and won!  That's pretty metal in my opinion!  I doubt many can say the same thing!"  Anders stops himself when he starts to become too excited.  When his feelings level out, he leans back in his seat.  Hanging his head low again and saying solemnly.  "I'm not here to change your mind.  What you want to do is what you want to do.  All i'm trying to say is that maybe you should just be yourself.  I mean, is there anything wrong with what you are now?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-16-16/1325:14>
Yelena nods at the conversation.  "Yelena believe Firefly transitioning.  Was something.  Needs to be something else.  Now in middle.  And Yelena use fear to be strong.  Fear did temper starving Keeb.  Fear of death.  Fear of guards.  Fear of much rape.  But cannot let fear win,  Firefly must grow strong.  Child Yelena grow strong and find shadow.  Firefly find way.  Maybe shadow, maybe different way.  Yelena help.  Arc help.  Even Marco and Anders help.  All decker mage do leads to what you become.  Walk next to Yelena and I get you there."

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-16-16/1350:20>
Marco returns home, shower get dressed and then back out - he wants to hear some music and is surprised there is no response to his texts. "At least Blake will be there - and everybody likes to get piles of cash."  He thinks.  The steamy hot water are a special treat  - "a treat better shared" he thinks. Marco leaves Yelena a message on the mirror "I love you, Scary Lady!" he writes with his finger - not knowing if Yelena will ever get the message. Ready he makes his way down and takes a taxi to Josie's.


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-16-16/1358:18>
I listen to what both Anders and Yelena have to say, but before I could formulate a response we arrive at our destination.  I really don't have much to say, so I leave it alone as we exit the car and the proprietor a approaches Yelena-sensei.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-17-16/0049:46>
@ Anders, Subaru & Yelena  Leading you around the back your host smiles down and says, "You can call me Jack. TriggerT tells me you're an Ares fan because of your hand shape. Makes sense, that slight shortening of your second finger and your palm shape would make it a comfortable draw and fire for you. And Ares is a good weapon, not prone to over-heating even with an extended clip and a heavy fire rate and well balanced. I'll have you fire the weapon I modded for you and we'll see your accuracy at fifty and a hundred rounds and then make some adjustments. After that we'll run you through the full course to see how you fire under different conditions to see if you need further adjustments." He looks back at Subaru, "Now you, because of your longer fingers but small palm size you're really are going to need a modded Nissan if you want to improve your skills. Give me about thirty minutes to make some tweaks to a Nissan hand gun I've got and you can try it. But, you'd probably really benefit from a full custom piece." He looks over at Anders, "You're hand is going to be ok with several models and I've got machine pistols, grenade launchers, shotguns, and a full range of tactical support drones depending on your preferences. And once I see you fire I'll be able to tell more about what you need."

@ Arc  the day is a long one for Arc. Her favorite welder decides to go on the fritz and the part she needs to fix it can't be had for love or cred until Friday. But, there's a good second-hand model she can rent" 

@ Marco  Josies is busy but he greets you by name and recommends the fresh water trout. 
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <04-17-16/0421:42>
 Hrock pulled up behind the van, the headlights reflecting off the bulky vehicle's rear.
   Tuskaloosa got out and circled the GMC Universe in front of Arc's garage.  So this is the new van in her life, huh...
   
     The troll made no attempt to take it any more than at face value; looking underneath or under the hood before being properly introduced was, in her mind, a breech of etiquette.  From what she could see however, the van could have been anything from a delivery truck to a small bus, and anywhere in between.
   She saw no overt signs of damage or unique add-ons.  Given a few more days outside to get the dealer's spit-n-polish worn down a bit, and aside from the paint and AR job, it would look no different from any other modest company rig: just another pigeon in the flock.
   ...Or rat in the race...
    
     “Well,”  Arc offered behind her.  “Whattaya shink?”
   Tuskaloosa turned around, concerned.  Arc had been incarcerated last week, so the troll figured there had been time for her friend to heal...unless she had added more injury to herself since then.  Shink?  What's that about—busted lip, or jaw?  Or...
   Arc jogged up, sporting what could only be described as a wide, tusky grin.
   “Well, well!  Look who got a visit from the Tusk Fairy”, the troll chuckled in immediate relief.
   “...Tushk Fairy?”     
   “Don't look at me,”  Hrock shrugged.  “I got nothing.”
   Right.  “Where I come from, the Tooth Fairy did the pick-ups and the Tusk Fairy made deliveries.  So... how's the adjustment?”
   “Ish all good.”  The grin Arc sported widened even more.  She nodded at the new rig.  “Sho...”
   
    “I like how you think...and from your shopping list, I like your ideas for add-ons.  We already have the arms you wanted,”  the troll added.
   “That'sh shwag newsh, omae—I've got jobsh in front of it, but I'm lookin forward to the inshtalls.”
   “Then let's get these parts inside and do something about shortening your To-do list.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-17-16/0438:02>
Yelena greets Jack with a smile.  "Yelena ready.  No one set guns for finger before."  She walks with the others into the range building and follows Jack to where he has the weapons laid out.  She picks up the modified assault rifle and checks to make sure it is unloaded before examining it closely and getting the feel of the slightly modified weapon.  It feels completely at home in her hand, fitting her grip perfectly.  She smiles as she ejects the rounds loaded into the clips and inspects them before reloading them.  The weight of the rifle is a difference, as is the under-barrel  grenade launcher.  She realizes that she will need some serious practice with this to account for the different feel of the weight and its distribution. 

While waiting for the others to get ready, she gets a ping from Marco on her commlink.  With a start, she notices that he had sent the message yesterday and wonders why she is only getting it now.  The thought runs through her mind that the device might be malfunctioning somehow and hopes that is not correct.  She almost laughs when she sees the message and sends one back to him.  >>Marco.  Is Scary Lady.  Only get message today.  Was at Josie's last night, but left early for drive around.  Must have just missed Marco.  Yelena very sad.  Was alone at Josie's and would have stayed for Marco.  Got home late and Marco asleep so just crawl into bed.  Leave early in morning to meet Anders and Firefly.  At shooting range with new rifle.  Here most of day.  Send message and Yelena meet Marco somewhere for dinner.  Much love.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-17-16/1051:20>
The fact that she was getting honest, trustworthy help on all these jobs on her plate was a huge relief for Arc.  The fact that Tusk was able to resurface and looked fine added to that.  And he r positive reaction to her tusks?  Icing on the cake, especially after the last person to react to her new appearance.  Hugging her adoptive uncle, the short mechanic nodded as she waved the troll inside...as Brock was busy as well himself, staying only to help unload the parts.

"excellent, let'sh get to it then eh?"  she clapped meat hand and cyber hand together as she opened the garage door.  "yknow, I wash getting worried aboutcha.  Off the grid for abut a week eh?  Big job in that place some here not here or no, I don't like my friendsh so quiet. Whasshup?"

Before the question could be mulled over, Arc started to go over the jobs, pointing in turn.  "that car'sh null shweat, just a front bumper and some hood paint to fix.  The King Scorp jusht needs reconditioned, and the grandau's bike refitted.  That hopscotcsh bike needsh a repathed muffler to exhausht behind the leg during a kangaroo maneuver.  And here..."

She pulled aside a draping tarp, revealing the most interesting piece the troll sized Mirage.  It looked remarkably whole...a back fender, electrical, and paint, and the bike would be just as she had remembered it.  Grinning wider, Arc crossed her arms and tilted her head up, pausing only to lurch bur as her stomach turned.  "Gnnh...shorry, still workin off the shedation, hehe.  Whaddya think?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-17-16/2120:05>
Hrock grinned seeing the pieces spread out in the garage. "Yo Cricket, that bumper job is gonna be trickier than you think. That model has some underpinning and an extra interior bumper configuration that makes putting it in a fraggin' two man four hour job. Makes the vehicle much safer, crashes rarely even dent the car. But, makes it extra money ta put one in. Guys will often bring 'em ta small garages hoping the mech. don't know that an give 'em a good price. Now, I got a set of mag U-clamps what'll make the install much quicker without sacrificing more than 10% on the crash safety. They're a hunnert. But you'll save that four times over in time 'n frustration." As he's saying that he walks over to the Mirage and gives a whistle. "Nice, body still solid an ta engines in real good shape. Some love an it'll be your main man Tusks. Although I'm sure it'll break a few hearts when it gets out you found your new squeeze." he chuckles and pats the body of the bike. Then he turns to Arc and says. "I heard what ya said 'bout the modded Mitsubishi. Did ya think 'bout puttin' in a smaller muffler what's insulated. You'd lose a little pick-up and speed. But, if it's only bein' used fer hopscotch it'd be a good trade. Or, go up in the quality with a much higher efficiency rating and you can get the same thing. Just double the cost of the part is all." Hrock's been unloading parts from his van as he's been talking shop and now the garage is crowded between vehicles and boxes. He looks at Arc concerned when he sees her gag and says, "Whoa girl! When was ta last time you ate? You're lookin green." He goes over to the van and fishes out a brown paper bag. "I got a bag of fire roasted grasshoppers here. Had 'em put extra ancho powder on 'em." He passes them to Arc who's stomach turns at the named treat, but, as she eats to please Hrock, and it is her favorite after all, her stomach settles down and she finds she's starving.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-18-16/0311:23>
Marco enters Josie and is quickly submerged with the wonderful music. Finding a dance partner is almost effortless for the handsome keeb. At one point during the evening Marco even gets to exchange a few words with Joise, that mentions:  "You just missed Yelena, it was one good jam" he said. Marco grins "I am dancing with Antea tonight." The short lady had Greek heritage and was a natural dancer.  When Marco proudly said her name and smiled at his dance partner he suddenly became aware how little he actually knew about her.  Marco longed for the mind link that could speed up their introduction, tough he had to admit - not knowing had a charm. After his recent experiences with magic and with being creepy - Marco decided to try and keep it all to himself.  When Blake arrives Marco finds out that he has been dancing for an hour - and did not have anything to eat. "Just in time" he thought.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-18-16/1201:21>
Antea brightens at hearing that Marco is only concerned with her, and as the evening wears on and the drinks are liberal she relaxes and enjoys herself more. Marco learns that she's a bank teller, and that her boyfriend is out of town. She tells him she's just there to dance and introduces him to her girlfriends. Soon Marco is dancing with all three ladies and the soloist on stage obliges with several upbeat numbers and soon the small dance floor is full.

When Blake comes in Josie points out Marco and the grin and the thumbs up as Blake drinks his beer and watches him tells Marco who's adept at reading body language that things are going well and he's in the mood to just relax. When Marco joins him at the table the girls invite themselves over and soon everyone's ordered and Jee-O, short for Georgette, is displaying a very obvious interest in Blake who's relaxed and enjoying the game.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <04-18-16/1439:48>
Letting go is a wonderful feeling, Marco feels happy as weeks of constant fear and tension are washed away with dancing ad alcohol. Finally, he can get back to his former self, a party lover a charmer and a player. The oddest thing in this evening for Marco was trying not to cross his boundaries. For the first time in a while he does not want the night to end with a new random lover. "I am in an actual relationship - for the first time and Yelena is simply more... *intense* than anyone I met before. I just hope I don't ruin it all  He thinks.  Another thought in his head is about Tammie who did not answer his text and Marco finds a moment for a silent prayer for her. Thinking "I just hope she was not arrested, I pray that she was not part of this evil.".

Marco allows Jee-O to do her flirting with Blake and focuses on Anthea and her friend. He quickly learn that Anthea is a description of nature used to describe Hera the queen of the Gods in Greek mythology and that her friends name Pamela also originated from Greek and meant 'all the sweetness' in the crush course of Greek Marco slowly repeats: "Pan" and then "Melli"  or All honey in English.   He then say  "I wish I had such an interesting background to my name... what about you Blake how did you came by that name?" He says trying to keep Blake in the conversation.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-18-16/1831:24>
Blake looks over at you as he puts his arm aroundarm Jee-O and says, "I was named for my dad's best friend. He saved his life when they were hunting just before I was born."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-19-16/0025:11>
Arc could feel her cheeks flushing as she was called out by Hrock for her lapse in composure, but nodded her head as she gave a shrug, forcing herself upright.  "Nnnh...been tryna avoid eatin' mosht of today, huu.  With the way my shtomach be turnin'...thank the Tushk Fairy for that, I guessh..."  She shot a grinning glance over to Tuska at that joke as she picked up the bag.  Her nose crinkled at the strong fishy scent of the grasshoppers, making her lurch a bit again, but she fought it down.  After the initial reaction, her memory was triggered by the scent...after all, it was the snack of choice that Hrock shared when he gave Arc her first mechanic's lesson...7 or so years ago.  With that in mind, she warmed up to the fragrant treat, munching away as she mulled over the options.

"Well frag...mmph....can't believe I didn't catch that on the bumper..mm...heh, guessh I shtill got a lot to learn, eh?"  She shook her head, bag in hand as she walked over each vehicle in turn, glancing to see Tuska taking in the bike in detail.  "-munch-  Yeah I'll take that U-clamp shet fo sho, thanks.  As for the muffler..."  A few more chews as she ran a hand over where the short-cut insulated piece would go.  Nodding, she gave a thumbs up.  "I'll take that option.  Since thish is a makeup job.. -munch-  I'll save any cosht I can get, mmph...huh"

She blinked as she looked down, seeing the bag of grasshoppers more than half empty by her hand alone.  Flushing red, she handed the bag back to her uncle before scratching her head, still feeling hungry.  "I'll uh...I'll get a pizza...Tushka!  Pizza tonight, I'm buyin'!"  Already making the order via AR, she pursed her lips a bit before nodding and giving Hrock a hug.  "I gotta get all thish drek done in a week...I'll be out of town for a while.  You jusht made these jobs a lot more doable...I owe ya, Tary'kart..."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-19-16/0305:55>
Hrock hugs Arc back, And she notes the older ork's definitely been putting on weight. But he still smells like engine oil and musk, and he's still mindful not to squeeze her hard. "Let me know before ya leave Cricket and I'll swing by and we'll have lunch. Always take time fer a meal 'afore a trip I always say. Never know what the food'll be like where you're goin'." 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <04-19-16/0354:12>
     ...And just like that, Tuskaloosa was hauling parts into Arc's garage.  She wasn't off the hook—Arc's curiosity didn't allow for that—but at least she didn't have to answer immediately: there would be plenty of time during their labors to chat.
     Arc walked around the garage, pointing out each of her current orders.  Hrock caught a tricky mess on the bumper repair and offered a more painless solution . Tusk, for her part, was skeptical of the muffler repath: think I'll try a kangaroo with it first.  There's no sense blaming equipment to cover for piss-poor technique...
   
     Further plans slipped away however as the mechanic pulled the tarp from her last project.
   
     The troll had always considered her Better Half to be a thing of beauty.  She had also not doubted Arc's talent.  Still, it had only been a scant week and change ago...when all there had been was a gutted engine.  And now...
     Her knees were weak.  Quietly she slipped the shock glove from her right hand, her eyes riveted to the Mirage in fear that—like it's namesake—the bike would vanish like a deleted AR piece.  “Can I touch...”
     Gently, she ran the least calloused part of her hand—the backs of her fingertips—along the grip, across the tank and down the loosely attached side fairing.
   
     “Not sure if we should step out and give 'em some alone time, or tell 'em to get a room,”  Hrock chuckled.  “Although I'm sure it'll break a few hearts when it gets out you found your new squeeze.”
     “There's nothing 'new' about this soulmate of mine,” the troll grunted.  "That engine and I have history."  
     To her, the bike might just as well have been a chromed Street Sam: the engine she knew so well--the heart--still remained in spite of countless cyberlimb replacements. 

     “History or not, get reacquainted later...your 'soulmate' still needs work.”

     Reluctantly, Tuskaloosa straightened and returned to where orc and orcish human stood, still mulling over Arc's work. 

     In the mechanic's hands was a paper bag Hrock had produced after she had admitted to being too nauseous to eat.   Arc had blamed her visit to the Tusk Fairy.  Whatever crunchy treat the bag contained seemed to work wonders: as she handed Hrock his much lighter bag back, Arc announced she was ordering pizza.

     After Hrock and Arc exchanged their goodbyes, Tuskaloosa saw the orc back to his van.  “That was a neat cure for an upset stomach.  Can you let me know your miracle remedy and where I can get it too?”
    “You mean the Fire-roasted Hoppers with heavy ancho?  I can tell ya where not to get em, but it's kind of hard to really frag em up—there's a bunch of sellers that have em...”  He looked at her sharply.  “Don't tell me you've never--”
   “Oh I have, I have. I'm more a chile-lime girl, though.  I just never considered them something easy on a queezy stomach before.”
     "Well, they are a favorite for Arc.  She can put em away like popcorn."
     "Gotcha.  Thanks for the tip."

     
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-19-16/2143:39>
Arc paused a bit as she hugged her uncle, finding her arms having to reach more to get around him.  Blinking twice, her green cybereyes glanced up at the older ork, a curious headtilt indicating her observation.  But she didn't say anything.  Knowing him, he's either stressed to drek about something and not wanting to talk about it, or he's doing well for himself...plus, I ain't exactly one to judge lately, the way I'm eating, heh...  Shrugging it off, the short human smiled and nodded emphatically before breaking off.  "Hell yeah, Uncle.  I'll let you know, but keep yself open for Monday, Aight?  I may be busy leading up to it, and I owe ya a distraction free lunch..."

She let out a sigh as she watched him go, eyes following as he and Tuska departed from the garage, leaving her momentarily alone.  The scent of the ork wafted through her nose for a lingering moment longer, sparking her memories and nostalgia as she sat down on a piece of bench.  Scratching at her side, she was humming when her troll friend returned inside, catching her daydreaming.

"Nice tune...lullabye of yours?"

Arc snapped out of her reverie as she hopped back down, steadying herself before shrugging.  "Neh, kinda.  Ain't rememberin' no lullabies from before, and the Howler's fo sho weren't ones to shing them to a little shlitch like me growing up.  Naw, it's an old Kamelot track from 20K era.  Always liked the tune."

"Huh...sounds almost wistful.  I like it"

Grinning, the mechanic pulled her hands up behind her head, her coveralls half off and hanging at her hips, a grease-stained tank covering her upper half.  Turning, she took a deep breath to center herself before leading the way towards the work. 

"Nnh, think i'll feel better after eatin' somethin'.  Frag, if I'm getting nausea every time I go under for shomethin', I'll just have em do it to me conscioush.  Anyhow, leasht I made some cred off these two jobsh, but with thish and the classes I'm takin',  I think it's all doable.  But I could use your help. You mind helpin' a shlitch out?  I'll pay for food and some cred I got to spare, plus any time on that bike I need before touching the van..."  She paused, looking to the troll and catching a bit of a funny look.  Tilting her head, she squared her stance facing her.  "What'sh up?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-20-16/0123:09>
Anders doesn't make any comments in regards to what Yelena had just said, right before they all exited the van.  Instead he remains behind them.  Almost like a apparition looming over the two women.  Following the pair while contemplating what kind of hardship and misery had the elf witnessed.  Or worse, been subjected to.  Frigid gloom enveloping his soul until only ice and anger lay within.  Heavy thoughts burdened with the worst kind of abysmal questions.  Things he dare not ever ask or should ask for that matter.  Not out of fear of deception, but of the truth that lies dormant underneath.  This blizzard of inquisitive anguish ends as another man introduces himself to the trio.  Anders brushes off his concerns and fixates right back into reality.

Stopping to look at his open left hand as Jack gives weaponry advice.  Anders closes it into a fist and says back to him.  "I'll let my companions here have first pick of the weapons.  Along with target practice.  Once they're situated and taken care of, i'll see about your grenade launchers and other guns.  I have an idea in regards to them.  There's just a few things I need to discuss with Firefly first anyway."  He looks over to the magical decker standing beside him before turning back to Jack and saying.  "If it's no problem to you that is."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-22-16/1003:16>
@ Yelena, Anders, Subaru  Jack nods at Anders statement and looks over at Firefly waiting for her response.

@ Arc & Tuskaloosa  Tusks tries the kangaroo maneuver on the bike and discovers it really does need re-path'd. But it only burns when you're doing six or more hops in quick succession.

@ Marco  Josie is a gracious host and soon everyone at their small table is dancing again. Blake soon begins opening negotiations with Jee-O and the lady is clearly a skilled negotiator as the two begin to spend more and more time dancing with each other or talking at the bar.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-22-16/1636:34>
"I'm not very experienced with firearms," I admit matter-of-factly to everyone present.  "I'd love to get better though.  This jack," I gesture with my left hand to my right wrist, "was placed in case I needed to jack into a pistol."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-23-16/1948:07>
Jack nods at Subaru when he hears her say that and going to her lifts her wrist and examines it without so much as a by your leave and thumbs it open. "Renraku tech. Not what I would have gone with as their ports are to highly specialized to work with other models of weapons. But, in this case it works out as many of the weapons are made for your hand shape. I can make a good piece for you or just mod one." He drops Subaru's wrist and looks her in the eye. "But, you need to be able to shoot well period. So, no jacking in today. Learn what the targets doing and plan for it without the fancy bits 'n bobs. Then, when you come back for your weapon we can have you practice while you're jacked." He looks around at the group and opening a vault of weapons that would make an arms dealer proud he leads them in and walks over to a table with a beautiful lavender case with a graceful scrollwork design on it and when he opens it it's a completely stocked makeup case. He looks up at Yelena grinning and says, "You'll have to start wearing this stuff regularly. It'll need to look well-used to pull the look off." He then proceeds to pull out different pieces and disassembles lipstick tubes, a compact, an eyeshadow case, an eyelash curler, and several other pieces and in under three minutes has Yelena's new pistol fully assembled. He says, "TriggerT told me your coloring and these are all top brand make-ups that'll look good on you." He hands Yelena the pistol and then springs a catch that reveals two fully loaded clips. "The compartment for the clips is mirrored for surveillance to pass through any security check."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-23-16/2014:26>
I just nod at the proprietor's words.  It's easy to imagine the old Orc sergeant who was the weapons master at the Renraku Singapore arcology saying the same thing. 

Blessed Allah I miss the people there.  What I'd give to see even the orcs from the special ops teams again.

I shunt aside the homesickness as Jack moves into the vault, following close behind Yelena and watching closely to learn as much as I can.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-24-16/0027:07>
Yelena claps her hands together and makes an appreciative comment in Russian.  "Very nice, Jack.  Yelena much like.  Marco show how use makeup.  Yelena love gecko grip.  Not need holster."  She handles the gun and asks if she can practice disassembling and reassembling it, smiling when Jack nods.  She spends some time doing that, finally putting it on her hip.  Taking up the rifle, she follows the same procedure; disassembling and reassembling the weapon then looks to Jack.  "Yelena ready practice." 

She follows Jack out to the range and listens to his instructions on the differences between the assault rifle and the sniper rifle.  The weight and the weight distribution are very different and will take some getting used to.  The first rounds downrange are not on target and Yelena makes some corrections in her stance that improve her accuracy, but she realizes that she will need a lot more practice to be any good.  The dummy grenades are an entirely different story as they are quite foreign to her and her first few are not good at all.  She and Jack laugh at her ineptitude, but he compliments her on her attitude  and desire to learn, as well as her natural aptitude for the weapons.  He goes off to help Firefly and Anders but comes back frequently to check on her progress.  By the end of the day, she has fired far more rounds than he had come with, paying for them herself.  Before quitting, she takes the pistol from her hip and gets some target practice with it as well, commenting that she will  indeed need to get some use from the makeup kit.  She strips and cleans both weapons before replacing them in their cases.  Her eyes are very appreciative as she thanks Jack for the weapons and help before checking to see if the other two are ready to go.  She sends a note to the team.  >>Yelena here.  Much good day shooting.  Yelena need music.  Want meet dinner?  Yelena feel bad miss dinner at Josie's last night.  Maybe go tonight.  Eat, play music, dance?<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <04-24-16/0938:32>
Marco spends the next several days at Samia's learning artificing. Samia is a natural teacher and Josh is blossoming under her tutelage as he rediscovers his ability to use magic. And he's a patient tutor as well and Marco finds in him a kindred spirit as he teaches both Samia and Marco how to use mana through music. Marco has always instinctively understood mana as music and it's always been one of the reasons he loved it. Now, with the aid of deepweed he's able to watch Joshua help plants grow and they spend one afternoon in the botanical garden singing to the plants there. It's a wonderful time for Marco as he feels alive with the music and the life teeming around him. And watching the bond between Joshua and Samia grow, Marco feels at one with the universe and is filled with hope for the future. But, that hope has a dark side as well as he reflects on the trip they're about to undertake and he thinks, "I must find a way to help the scary lady. More killing will not end her nightmares. And it won't help her be at peace with herself. And I must find a way to save as many of that other gang as well so that I can be at peace with myself. I saved many of the Chinese gang. I used my magic to give them love and passion and it stopped them from shooting and having to be shot. I can find a way. Love always finds a way and I will love the scary lady and find a way."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-25-16/1306:14>
Anders watches Jack instruct Yelena from afar.  Seeing the two get along so nicely did have an uplifting effect on the brooding summoner.  It came to no surprise that the elf was well learned in the ways of firearms.  The brief talk they had yesterday had already informed him of that much.  Seeing the words come true in practice was just a comfortable assurance to a doubting mind.  Perhaps she is more than prepared for the task ahead than what he had originally given credit before.  "I need to be less distracted and more focused.  It's too late for second thoughts and grimness.  My role is to make sure Yelena survives this ordeal in one piece.  Along with her friends as well.  She needs not judgement from a transient half-mage, but a gun to kill her nightmares.  I'm not much of a fighter though.  Or a killer.  Guess i'll have to learn as I go to Poland.  Still... I wonder how much humanity she has left within her breast?  Is darkness all that remains?  Doesn't matter.  She's paying nuyen in exchange for wolves blood.  I'll see how this tale unfolds soon enough."

When Yelena asks if they are ready to go, Anders says back.  "I'm ready if you are.  Unless you want to see me try my hand at target practice?  Otherwise we can go."  He cracks a reassuring smile to show he was enjoying himself as well.  Hoping that neither one of them noticed his previous depressed mood.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-26-16/0106:18>
Yelena nods at Anders.  "Yelena much like watch Anders shoot.  Thought already had shoot.  Please do." 

Yelena is happy with her shooting and the new weapon.  She mentally reviews her performance and smiles.  She knows she needs lots more practice to be as good with the assault rifle as with her other weapons, but she is looking forward to practicing enough to be good.  She watches Anders carefully as he takes his stance and shoots at the targets downrange.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <04-26-16/1343:50>
I take a position in a firing lane well away from Yelena-sensei.  I know I'm a neophyte at this.  I don't need to distract Yelena with the compulsion to correct all my flaws.Still, somehow Jack manages to be at my side regularly, giving me pointers and showing me ways to adjust my stance.  I can see his point that firing without the link is very different, and likely a good way to start building basic habits.  By the time I see Yelena and Anders wrapping up, I've made connect the dots on half-a-dozen different targets.  By the end, at least the dots are tighter together. 

If a target 30 meters away is kind enough to hold still in plain view for three seconds for me to steady a bead on him, he'll be toast.  Yeah, I know, I know...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <04-27-16/1825:49>
     “Food I'll accept, but I can't take your money for this,”  Tuskaloosa said, spreading her hands to take in the whole shop and all it's projects.  “The deal was to help in the shop and tag along as the 'Novahot wheelgirl' on Yelena's European Vay-kay.   Not only did you guys do your part by getting me equiped for last week's flash-orgy, you've done this much of the rebuild without my help.  If anything, I should be paying you a penalty for going to ground all last week.”
   
     And offering a plan that totaled your Americar.  And not putting a muzzle on the Mage.
     And not coming up with a better plan than you getting yourself arrested.  And taking your gift...
   
     “It'sh null shheen, omae.  I'm shure you had your reashonsh.  Shoundsh like Uncle had work for you too, I bet.  Beshidesh,” the tusk-y mechanic continued, “Itsh not like you didn't help get the King back in order, aright?”
     “The King repair was a loan too, though.”
     “Yeah.  But that bike didn't end up like that jusht to have a reashon to loan it.  I'm not getting token jobsh jusht to give me nuyen here.”

     Tuskaloosa immediately realized how insulting that sounded:  if the Howlers were just giving Arc work to pay her, it wouldn't matter how bad a mechanic she was.  A bad mechanic, she was not.  “Sorry Arc.  Yeah, you're right—that was just two birds with one stone.”
   
     “Right?  And you helped on that job.  Like I told you before—it'sh null shheen.  Ash for payment...”  the mechanic cracked a wicked grin.  “I know at leasht one 'toy' you were looking at.  That wash an Aresh Shcreech, right?  At the Market?”
     “The Screech sonic rifle?”
     Arc nodded.  “I wouldn't offer shpare cred if you didn't desherve it.  You will get paid, one way or the other.”

     The troll held up her hands in defeat.  “It's your money.  If you're going to put it that way though, put it towards the polar gear I'm going to need.”  An Ares Screech would be fun, but work before play...
   
     “Polar gear, huh.  Why?”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-27-16/2108:30>
Conversing with Tuskaloosa was definitely putting Arc in better spirits, her energy levels lifting as she conversed with the troll.  The mention of polar gear, however, did leave her a little curious and confused.  Why would she need gear like that...

"You know, for the European Vay-Kay we're being tagged along for.  It's dead winter, so it's going to be cold..."

Arc crossed her arms, still trying to wrap her head around the notion.  "Sho?  Null shweat then, Sheattle's got cold enough wintersh, should be fine, right? Easy"  She grinned, stopping as she saw the woman's expression look flat serious.

"Er, riight, and that thought will leave us and gear as popsicles.  Seattle's one thing, but northern Europe is another.  It'll be colder and harsher.  Don't believe me, I think Yelena can back me up on it..."  She knelt down a bit, putting a finger on the human's bare arms.  "So we'll get some duds together, yes?  No sense in freezing our hinds off before the job is done"

Cowed, Arc shivered a little as she thought it over, the realization that this was her first time leaving Seattle hitting home hard.  So much I don't know, haven't seen..heh..  Her thoughts were distracted, thankfully, by the arrival of their meat and cheese-filled dinner.  Hopping to, she took care of that, the pair breaking for grub.   Arc tore into her pieces, sating her appetite with a sigh as she felt much better.

"Huu...aight, let'sh get to bushinessh while we shtill got the light, huh?"  "Yep...hey, mind MARKing me with that hopscotcher?  Wanna see if your BloodMoney's full of drek or not..."  "Eh?  Yeah, null sheen.  Lesshee it"  Sharing the activation permissions, Arc took a seat outside the garage as the troll wheeled the bike out, revving it up and tearing down.  On the return, she popped a quick wheelie, kicking off the ground in a series of hops accented by engine flares and the compressing of high-grade suspension.

When all was said and done, Tuska's expression was all Arc needed to know.  "We doin' the fix, then.  Wizsh"

The rest of that afternoon was spent well, their combined efforts putting a good dent into the work before them.  Shortly after the sun went down, Tuska was spotted glancing at the time a few ways over.  Tilting her head, Arc set her wrench down and copped a squat, whistling to get the attention.  "Hoi, you goin' shomewhere?"

"Nah.  I got some time.  What about you though? From the sounds of it, you've been here since morning.  Don't you need sleep, Arc?"

A grin was what followed, the tusked human tapping her head.  "Ish all good.  Washn't just teeth I got in me.   Put in a shleep regulator too.  Maybe the double doshe is why I feel like drek.  But yeah, I'm good till about 22:00 when the Vruk's gettin' home."  She sighed a bit, closing her eyes as she wiped some sweat from her brow, sniffing the air.  "Oh, right, electrical for yo bike's due in tomorrow.  If ya feelin' up to it, I'll have that rig interfacshe inshtalled and let you try it out. What shay you, hm?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <04-28-16/1816:49>
     So the tusks weren't the only thing she went in for, Tuskaloosa mused.  She's breaking in a sleep regulator, hm?  No wonder her stomach is so unpredictable.

   “Do you mind me asking who did it?  I mean," she added quickly, “do they only do biowear, or bio and cyber?”
   
     “Both.   I don' mind telling you, but what...oh yeah.”
   
     Tuskaloosa nodded.  “If past results are anything, a Control Rig should take with no issues...but you never know.  I should get it installed sooner than later...just in case...but I don't know anyone.  Hrock told me to ask you about it.”

   I'm sure Arr-Arr-Arr knows somebody who takes trashed cyberware—and body parts—but I'd rather not go that route.  Recycling non-meat is one thing, but being a live case for some organlegging meat-chopper is another...

   “I got Dr. B'sh name from my vruk's bother.  He'll want ta run teshtsh firsht, an I don' know what hish shchedule ish like thish week...if he'sh booked though, Henry might know shomeone elshe.  Leave it to me, omae.”
   
     “Okay.  Thanks Arc.”
   
     “Null shheen.  “Oh, right, electrical for yo bike'sh due in tomorrow.  If ya feelin' up to it, I'll have that rig interfacshe inshtalled and let you try it out. What shay you, hm?”
   
     “Sounds great.”   
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <04-28-16/2309:50>
Arc nodded at the affirmation, finishing her bolt adjustments while her mind was still on it before setting the tools down, grunting as she stood up fully.  Plopping her hoop on the hood of the car, she pulled up her contact list, making a quick voice message to the clinic she got all her recent ware done.  As it was after business hours, with luck they would get back to them in the morning.

<<"Dr. Brotherton, this is Lauren Summers.  I wanted to let you know that the procedures I underwent seem to be taking well save for some anticipated side effects.  I'm also calling because I have a close friend and business associate with a control rig that needs implantation.  She has the materials and would like a skilled hand she can trust.  I can personally vouch for her credentials.  Thank you very much">>

Sending that out, she copied the contents to pass on to Tuskaloosa for consistency's sake as she saluted to the troll.  "Aight, word'sh out.  Will have to hear in the morn, but I don't doubt we can getcha in, aight?"  Her grin was getting rather infectious as she hopped off the car, kicking the bad bumper a bit.

"Heh.  With my luck, the operating table will be sized for a dwarf.  Still, thanks Arc"

Nodding again, the short mechanic adjusted her coveralls about herself before popping her goggles on.  "Well then, with that outta the way, how about we get this bumper swapped before we go home? Should cover the time I got left today..."

As they worked into the darkening evening, Arc paused shortly after they were setting up the new U-clamps into the car.  Wheeling herself out from under the chassis, she whistled towards Tuska.  "Oh right.  Thinking we should all meet up ash a team here thish week.  Friend of oursh brought in a lad who'sh willing to help.  Mojo guy, but sheemsh on the level and Yelena aight with it.  Either way, I wanna make shure we all know what we do and how we can work it together without thingsh going to drek..."   She trailed off, wiping her hands as the hour grew late.

"I'll be in in the morning.  You shtill have a key, come and go ash you like, okay omae?"  She grinned softly, nodding to her new partner in work.  It was looking to be quite a busy and rewarding week to prepare....
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mulcarn on <05-01-16/1357:59>
Anders looks down and away from Yelena in a vain effort of trying to hide his wry grin.  He finds a spot down the range and tries to get acclimated with the firing lane.  Exhaling heavily as he recalls Raymond's shooting tips.  Almost like he could almost hear the middle-aged detective speaking inside his skull.  Offering sound advice to the young aspiring mind.  In a fluid motion, Anders draws out his Savalette Guardian and ejects the pre-loaded clip.  Using instead the bullets on loan and not his gel rounds.  After the ammo was switched and the pistol was prepped to fire, Anders fires off a few rounds at a distant dummy.  The shots connect and leave precise holes on the head of the paper target.  The conjurer switches firing modes on his Savalette Guardian and quickly fires off another burst, in an effort to reproduce his first salvo.  Again the shots connected as he meant them to.  He smiles slightly and swaps back to his gel rounds once he was done.

Striding back to Firefly and Yelena, who had been waiting on him for who knows how long.  He doesn't say a word to either one, instead he merely shrugs and smiles at them.  Hopefully whatever questions they might have had would be quelled at the demonstration of his gunplay.  And if not then he'd answer them as best he could.  Or as best they would believe.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-01-16/1520:41>
Yelena nods at the impressive display.  When Anders turns back she simply smiles at him and gathers her things and look like she is ready to leave.  She is waiting to see if the young man will take the time to clean his weapons or indicate that he will do so later.  One answer will please her and the other will disappoint her, but she would like to know if the man is a professional or a poser with good shooting skills.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-05-16/1647:58>
Place holder for Anders & Jed. I'll add whatever they want here so that you guys can go ahead and proceed with the meet & greet at the garage.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-05-16/2335:12>
The work in the garage progressed, and Arc was grateful for the help as it made several of the jobs smoother going on the whole.  Even cutting away for the night to return to their respective homes (or stay in the apartment connecting the garage, if Tuska felt so), the work was going rather well.  Even with the issue of the welder going on the fritz on them.  A quick call for a rental and a quick rig setup to make a temp hold to finish the weld, the mechanic and the racer were able to finish the bumper job and most of the exhaust rework by the end of Tuesday.

Speaking of, a few hours after Yelena stopped by and left, a weary Arc would take a break and take in some water.  Sitting on a bench, she would nod to Tuskaloosa as she pulled up her messenger app, sending something out to the team in proper.

<<@Yelena, Firefly, Tuskaloosa, Marco, Jed, Anders {Arc}: Hooooiiiii heywassup, chummers.  Thinkin of a powwow gon' do I'n'I some good ya feel me ma Eth Skraachas?  I'll be in the garage all day tomorrow up in heah, let's figure out a time yo!>>

Satisfied with that, she would finish her glass before sliding it out of the way, pulling up the schematics for their plans to go over them...at least they could figure out the next step while waiting for the replacement welder....and would kill time before Wednesday.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-08-16/0237:43>
Yelena smiles and sends a note back, including everyone.  >>Yelena be there in morning.  Help hold wrench.  Much talk.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-09-16/0351:58>
Marco  was in an alien world, full of emotions with physical form. Music was physical and physical objects were but a shadow, an illusion. Dull and numb and difficult to identify. The comb Marco was trying to sing magic into was one such object but it seemed stubborn. It was a comb Marco crafted himself - he crafted it to never again strike people, but that was a long time ago.

Marco sung to the comb and the comb resisted, if the comb had a will of its own. It simply did not want to become a power focus. “I think I picked a poor talisma - it simply ignores my mana.” He said to Jed.  Jed answered “That specific comb may be a bad talisma. It already has an aura of its own. Perhaps you should make a new one.”

Marco said “It has to be this one - I do not even remember how to work with wood anymore. It was so many years ago.”   

Jed said “I am not very optimistic about it - I am not sure you can even theoretically enchant this comb. It is clearly important to you but it is so important that it already has your aura imprinted in it. Nothing can have two auras. You are trying to fill a full glass if you want a metaphore.”

“It has to be this one - It has to work.” said Marco and continued.

What happened next was astonishing, the comb sung back at Marco. Not sung per say but the stress of being enchanted have released something hidden inside -  a memory.

“Strike the dog!”  - it was Chris - the teacher Marco hated.  It was the first time Marco actually harmed a living being.  It was so real, so vivid as if Marco was living it all over again.

little Marco held the stick in his hands - striking the dog made no sense. It would bring him physical pain he knew that already. Striking the dog was like striking himself - both made no sense.  Still - this is what he was asked to do, how could the will of the Lord make so little sense?

“Do it Marco, strike the dog. If I tell you to strike the dog, God tells you to do so. It is your test, it is God’s will.”

Marco look at the man, he felt ashamed. “I hurt you many years ago - you never forgave me for shooting your leg. I never forgave myself, I was a young boy weak and terrified. I lost control - you deserve my apology you are evil, but you did what you believed was the will of the Lord. I should not resent you, I should forgive you. I should forgive myself... but I cannot do so, I liked watching you bleed. I wanted you to die - I am not sure why I did not kill you, I wanted to cross that line.”

The man did not reply - it was a memory an emotion and not even a visual one. Little Marco held the stick in his hand his hands.  He asked “Please Chris, the dog have done me no harm - it is just a dog. He is innocent”
“This is your test Marco, Abraham was willing to strike a dog, he had no problem to sacrifice an animal. You are an hammer, a weapon - you must be able to exercise violence no matter how you feel.”

Marco looked at the poor dog and approached him. He knew already that striking the dog will bring him physical pain. It made no sense - but to defy his teaching? To alienate himself from everything that he knew? It was unthinkable at the time.  Deep down he knew, their love was manipulation and compassion was nothing more but a disguise. These people were after power and control, but they were all he had.

Marco surrendered - he approached the dog and stroke it again and again. The dog just looked at Marco in disbelief, it had compassion in his eyes. Marco felt that the little dog was much more noble than himself.  If any, God was in these sad eyes looking at him disappointed.

“Good work Marco, that’s enough”

Mature Marco would have said somthing like:  “ I hate you, I hate God, I hate Christ and I hate the Church, you took everything from me and made me a stick. I was a person, an innocent like that dog and you made me an ugly weapon. You took everything from me, you took my own identity. One day I will strike you like this dog - and if that Lord of you loves you so much he will have to stop me himself.”

But little Marco could not even think of saying anything remotely like that. He was terrified of these emotions. Saying these things would make them real - keeping them in would silence them, or so he thought. He has no idea how difficult it was going to be to keep all these negative feelings at bay.

The sad doggy eyes - it was all that was left from this memory. They represented shame, violence and remorse. Old Marco thought “I am so sorry Lucky - I was not strong enough. I was just a child and I failed to be the friend you needed, you were nothing but good to me and you are dead because I was not brave enough.”

“You just stood there and took the beatings, you were more noble than any of us. Yet we could not see that - you showed me the way and I ignored it.”


Marco was shaken, the memory was overwhelming but he suddenly knew how to fill an empty glass. He knew how to enchant the comb - “I need to empty the glass - if the comb is carrying my emotions and memories I need to take them away from it. These are my memories and I should be the one carrying them and tormenting over them. I need my retribution, I am so a shamed but I can never forgive if I am powerless to have my revenge. I can only forgive when I have an actual chance to burn that monastery down.

 if I do not let it out, my rage out it will consume me... better them than me. "

Better them than me.” Mumbled Marco.

“I do not know what you did, but it is working.  Said Jed but Marco kept mumbling “Better them than me.” He kept mumbling insanely submerged in some mirage or an illusion.

The deepweed effect were long gone - but Marco was still hearing the voices, still seeing the music. He did not eat, he did not sleep - he just chanted. He did not care if the words were love or compassion or rage and revenge - the words were himself, his emotions - all of them.

Arc's message was in another world as in a dream, Marco could not even see the display of the comlink with all the distractions in his eye sight let alone answer. He ignored the message and continued chanting and talking to a wooden comb. Not only love, not only compassion, but  survival instinct, pain, hate fear and remorse. Remorse for the pain of an innocent that was beaten in the name of the most noble of ideas.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-09-16/0719:07>
After sending the message off to Arc, Yelena sent a second one to Marco alone.  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  Yelena missed Marco at Josie's.  Marco want go tonight?  Yelena done practice so go drop off Firefly and Anders and be ready.  Can pick you up if like?"

She hopes that he has time to respond during his training, but does not wait for it.  She puts everything back in the van and drives to Arc's garage with the others, spending a few minutes talking to Arc and Tuskaloosa.  She offers to take Anders home on the way to Marco's place, where she plans to shower and change.  While driving, she says, "Yelena go jazz club after shower and change.  Maybe meet Marco if done training with Jed.  Yelena play some sax and eat.  Maybe dance.  Anders want to come?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-11-16/0300:33>
Yelena arrives home to hear Marco chanting and yelling in the spare room.  Peeking in, she realizes that he is lost in a world she will never be a part of and she carefully closes the door so as not to intrude more on his studies.  After a nice shower, she changes clothes and begins to prepare some food for him to eat as he has probably not moved from that room all day.  Given that, he might be able to choke down some of her cooking.  Even though she tries, her attempt is nothing like what Marco is capable of, but far better than what he seems capable of tonight.  She fixes the meal and quietly takes it in to him, placing it on the floor next to him without seeming to disturb him at all.  Returning to the master bedroom, she takes up her sax case and leaves the apartment for Josie's and what she hopes might be a better time than the previous night.  At least she feels better.

On the way there, Yelena receives a short text from Anders explaining that something has come up that he had not foreseen and cannot avoid.  The upshot is that he will not be going to Poland after all and asks her to make his apologies to the others.  She sends a reply, asking if this is something the team can help with, but he says that it is personal and he needs to do this alone.  Saddened, Yelena checks her 'link for messages from the rest of the group, and sees that Firefly has left a message in the affirmative, but no one else has responded yet.  She swings by the garage and picks up the decker mage and roars off to the jazz club. 

Once at the club, she enthusiastically greets Henri and Josie, making sure that they know Firefly.  The two women take a booth where they can see the stage.  She orders one set of vodka and some food, waiting and hoping that Tuskaloosa would show up anyway.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-16-16/2127:20>
Yelena is at Josie's on stage when her comm flashes. >>Елена, Tsina находится вне страны. План должен измениться. Уведомит вас о новой дате.<<

[spoiler]Elena, Tsina is outside the country. The plan must change. Notify you of the new date.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-16-16/2321:19>
Yelena finishes her set and takes a seat at her booth.  She downs a vodka and considers the message.  The code and channel indicate without question that the note is from Nikolai and she grimaces.  But a delay will allow the team to work a bit more on the team building that Arc and she want to have happen before the team departs.  This will now be especially important since the other mage has been forced to back out.  Yelena presses the single key stroke that will completely delete the message and let the sender know that she has received it.  She sits for a bit, aware that there may be other problems within the team besides the friction that had been caused by Marco's spirit.  She is concerned that no one has responded to her invitation, even to decline it. 

She eats her meal to blunt the effect of the vodka before performing a second set.  Looking at Firefly, she says, "Anders sent message tell Yelena cannot come with.  Yelena sad."  She shrugs and continues.  "Yelena play another set.  Then maybe take decker mage for ride?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <05-16-16/2348:57>
Firefly can see Yelena is disappointed, but she knew the Scandinavian so little she couldn't really feel it herself.  Still, the idea of riding with Yelena seemed to cheer both of them up.  "Sure.  And maybe after that we might end up back at Arc's place and play together a bit?""
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-16-16/2354:38>
Yelena gives an enigmatic smile.  "Decker mage might not want to after arrive destination."  She goes out to the stage and plays her heart out for the audience.  Henri comes by the booth while Yelena is away and asks Firefly if he can get her anything.  He stays for a moment, watching the trio play.  "She can make it wail, can't she?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-17-16/0001:41>
"Gah-HAH!  Frag it, Srui'kart al'Vruk, it's an arm, not a wheel shocket!"

At around the time Yelena was playing her first set, Arc was at the garage, taking a short break from her overly productive work at fixing up the vehicles surrounding her to get a side project done.  Her Vrukart's ork brother, Henry, had stopped by, having taken in his reactions to her place (all positive) and carrying a small package in tow in the shape of a cyberarm augmentation he had constructed.  Letting Tuskaloosa observe if desired, Arc had set herself up on a table, glad her symptoms had quieted down a bit for this work to be done.  Her sleeve rolled up, her arm lay cracked open and exposed as the new servos and wiring were placed in.

...of course, the neuro-synapse connectors weren't exactly the cleanest of transitions..

With gritted teeth and her flesh hand gripping the table's edge, she grunted and squirmed through the process, until finally with a click the arm locked back into place, the casing closed and everything moving...with a faster response time and a more agile snap to it.  "Huu....oh frag yeah...heh.  Thanksh, Henri."  Shaking his hand, she felt herself pulled into a hug by the engineer before he excused himself to head on home...family game night and all that.

Scratching her head, she found herself moving her cyberarm with newfound wonder, feeling the change in responsiveness and chuckling.  "Heh...well that won't hurt to have in a pinch...huh..."  Finally noticing a blip indicating she had a text message, the human pulled it up, eyes going wide.  "Oh FRAG, YELENA.  Dammitall.  Tushka, pack thingsh up, we goin' out to get shome food, aight?  Good mushic, good atmoshphere."  She held up a hand to a word of protest.  "We been workin' two daysh shtraight.  We got a lot done.  We earned shome relo time for We'n'We, ya feel me?"  Tapping her head, she shrugged out of her coveralls and slipped her short self into a clean jacket, dusting herself off before closing up.  Getting in the van, she waited for her taller companion to join in before embarking.

Once at Josie's, Arc could hear the music from outside.  Namely, the familiar sounds of a particular sax.  The neutral territory club and grill with local talent run by an old troll was as bit as homey as the mechanic recalled, though she wasn't recognized at the door right away.  Indicating she was with Yelena, the pair were directed toward the table where Firefly was sitting.  Pausing a bit once in the main room, Arc stood with hands in pockets to look at the stage where her Srui'ken was.  Flashing a tusked grin, she sighed, taking in the smells before joining the table, nodding to Firefly.  "Hoi.  Everything aight witcha, omae?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-17-16/0102:52>
Food came as a blessing, and exhausted late at night after what seemed to be forever, the comb was enchanted. It became a part of him and have shaken up new memories.
"Tomorrow, we enchant again, that time I'll be the follower. I actually prefer it that way - this work seems so intense that I doubt I could regularly do it." Marco said farewell to Jed and set in the living room.

He was ecstatic, every thing seemed  completely different. The down side was that he could barely sense the world. The books were loud, the soft Jazz music was so distant that Marco  could barely hear it. The food had no taste,  just some familiar essence in  it. "I can't listen to music and I can't eat."  Marco said to himself.  He left to his cosmetic kit and colored his face with reds and blacks, it was not long before his entire face was covered with these strong colors. 

In Bleeding mountains, DB, the Shaman used a bear mask to interact with spirits. He attempted to connect to the spirit world to meet the spirit closer to its domain. A Daemon mask seemed the appropriate equivalent and Marco even used his facial sculpt ability to grow two little horn like bulbs on his forehead. "It may take a daemon to bind daemon, and its time my spirits show me some respect." thought Marco.

Summoning was easy, easier than ever - the physical world seemed distant but mana was never as easy to manipulate.  As the minor Daemon arrived, Marco said "Greeting underling, we will do fine as long as you accept one fundamental fact - you are here to serve me. You will do what I say and follow my services to my meaning, if you perform them in an unsatisfactory manner, or disrespect me, you will suffer. Relationship is a two way street, if you abuse me I will abuse you... I am not weak and not blind, I am far more powerful than you, this is why you serve me."
 

The power focus gave his voice a radiant aura of power, of self confidence. Marco have never felt so powerful - it only took 3 hours of a power struggle, negotiation and intimidation, but the minor spirit was bound.  Marco thought "Now lets see if it actually work... I am going to sleep, if he is there in the morning then I can bind spirits." He collapsed on the floor and sunk into deep sleep, not even bothering to remove his summoning mask.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-17-16/0718:23>
When Marco awoke in the morning the first thing he noticed was that he was sore. He hadn't slept on the floor since leaving the monastery where he'd been trained and his body was far to used to a soft bed now. And then he remembered why he'd collapsed and he looked for the spirit. With a shock he realized that it's form had changed. He double checked and, Yes, it's the same spirit!, but, it had taken on the form of a peacock and it was carefully preening itself.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-17-16/0945:13>
Yelena was happy to see Arc and Tuskaloosa walk into the club during her set.  Henri provided a chair appropriate for the Troll, placing it at the end of the booth for her.  By the time Yelena was finished, food and drinks had been ordered and delivered.  Yelena walls over to the table and takes a seat after embracing both of the new arrivals.  "Yelena thing Srui off with rigger man.  Yelena thank for come."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-17-16/1053:25>
".... Morning?

... Morning ??

... Morning !!!

 But how, what where am I? "

The room was a mess, his first sight was a plate with the remains of what appeared to be dinner, pecking the remains happily was a beautiful peacock.

"WTF? Heavens what kind of trick is that? Asmadeus is playing a trick on me? How come he looks like a bird... "

Marco tried to get up, feeling a bit dizzy and dehydrated.  "I need to wash my face" he thought and casually told the spirit "bon appetite" 
On his way to the bathroom he thought
"Something is very strange, first I learn how to enchant and actually craft a very powerful power focus. Then I actually manage to bind a spirit, two magical skills in just a few days. Me ? Marco the un-trainable?"

Marco gave a tired look to the mirror, as he opened the water.

"AHHHAAA"
He jumped - seeing the remains of his own conjuring mask.  "Did I paint this? did I even see what I was doing? the colors? the shapes? I look just like a... Daemon" He said as he washed his face trying to get all the makeup out.

Everything looked better with a clean face and the awkward astral music was finally silent. "Yelena! - I might have scared the crap out of her tonight - I barely remember what I did myself"  he thinks, as he quietly sneaks into the master bedroom.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-17-16/2254:33>
It had been a fun night at Josie's. The dinner, drinks, music & dancing had been some much needed downtime after the events of the past week. Tensions had eased away and at the end of the night everyone was happily exhausted.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-17-16/2328:07>
Arc grinned toothily as she embraced the elf, shaking her head.  "He been workin' late, same ash me yo.  I'll head home after this'n spend mah night."  The bustle and noise proved to be a bit much as she shook her head, clearing her thoughts.  Clearly she has been on the go ever since she got cleared from getting her sleep regulator, and the noises were a bit overwhelming.  "Playin's good ash evah, glad I could hear it.  Hoi, we all plannin' on gettin' together at my place or shom-shomthin' shoon, right?"  A glance to the others confirmed that, and one look to Yelena told her that Marco would know about this as well.  Wiz.  Then let'sh eat, I'm shtarvin' yo..."

The night proved to be quite fun and relaxing indeed, even if Arc opted to avoid drinking so she could drive (and not because the smell of the vodka nearby made her stomach turn), she still danced and chatted away with the best of them.  Laughing and smiling, she opted to drive everyone home, loading the bike into the back of the van with some help and taking everyone home.  That done, she went home to spend the night with Jaime, another pleasant even ending with a content normalcy that could only be appreciated...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Wednesday]

A restful, dreamless evening after night "training" led to a quiet morning.  Arc grinned as she woke up, feeling remarkably refreshed and full of energy as she practically bounded out of bed.  She felt fine, great even, as she dressed for the day.  Oh frag, scratch that...  Feeling her stomach flip in place, her skin turned green as made a bee line for the bathroom, shutting the door quickly behind her to take care of the symptom.  Afterwards, calmed a bit, she set herself to making a light breakfast for the two of them before he went off to work and she went back to her day...toast and a coupleasure egga with tabasco sounded great.  Double checking her messages, she confirmed to pick up Tuskaloosa for sure before heading off to the garage.  Another work day...but for some reason, she felt today would be especially wiz-bang....
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-18-16/0301:29>
Yelena enjoyed the evening very much, playing on the stage and talking with her companions.  She told all of them about Anders and the mission timetable change, saying that Nikolai would be in touch when the mission was back on.  She gladly let Arc drive her home and went upstairs after parking her bike.  She checked on Marco in the other room only to find that he was still there and talking incoherently.  She notices that the food is basically untouched and shakes her head.  Feeling that she should not interrupt him, she quietly closes the door and goes to take another shower before crawling into the bed and falling asleep.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-19-16/1004:38>
The thoughts of the mission delaying mulled through Arc's mind as she ate the simple fare, the spice of the tabasco working wonders on her stomach.  She get relief...less time crunch meant she had more time to prepare.  Maybe I can convince Marco to teach me how to lie and drek.  Hmm  her thoughts were broken when she felt Jaime hug her from behind, pulling her close.  "Tch...remind me not to go under the needle again if thish is what I gots to deal with for a week...heh...couple days, back to normal"  turning to return the embrace, she helped to clean up as they both readied for the work day...

..it really was interesting how they fit together despite how different their lives were.  He worked a legit job at the hospital, likely on the straight and narrow his whole life.  She, on the other hand, was an outside-the-system mechanic and general technician, and a shadow runner now to boot.  It was a wonder to Arc that he didn't seem to mind it...if anything, it was part of her charm it seemed.

Weird...no complaining though.  Pulling up her comm, she began to fire of the morning messages.

<<@Tuskaloosa: Morning omae.  Heading out for the shop, I'll swing by for a ride if you like.  Bring your tech, I'll take a look at it >>

<<@Yelena, Marco: morning lovebirds.  Again, wiz playing last night Y.  We all still on to try to meet up soon?  Tagging avails for the others.  Bring your equipment and tech too, I wanna check everything we got>>

<<@Firefly:  morning chummer.  Trying to get everyone together today.  My place.  I'm gonna take a peek over our tech, making sure everything's good.  What do you think? >>

<<@Jed:  good morning, Arc here.  What does your day look like?  I'm trying to get everyone going on our beach trip together for a pow wow or something.  Plus, I can check over all the equipment to make sure it all works, heh.  Lemme know>>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <05-19-16/1849:42>
@ Arc

Good morning yourself Ms. Arc.  I'm pretty busy all day, but free for dinner.  Send me the when and where and I'll be there.  I also need to arrange delivery of this hunk up steel we talked about.  I'll need lessons after you've put it back together, but that can wait.  Need to get it in front of you first.  Do you have a way to pick it up?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-20-16/0149:05>
Yelena rolls over as Marco comes into the bedroom in the morning.  "Hey. lover.  Marco looks like up all night.  Marco is alright?"  She rolls to a sitting position, letting the sheet fall to her waist.  "Yelena worry some."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-20-16/1547:06>
@ Arc

Good morning yourself Ms. Arc.  I'm pretty busy all day, but free for dinner.  Send me the when and where and I'll be there.  I also need to arrange delivery of this hunk up steel we talked about.  I'll need lessons after you've put it back together, but that can wait.  Need to get it in front of you first.  Do you have a way to pick it up?

In the back of her mind, Arc wondered if the old man has even seen her since she changed her appearance with her hair and tusks...the thought made her chuckle inwardly as she washed a plate, composing the reply.

<<@Jed:  Unless I hear something otherwise, best say we shoot for this evening then.  I havent forgotten your ride, and I have a van to haul it back in.  Can pick you up at the same time. Wiz bang >>
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-20-16/1634:14>
Marco softly kisses Yelena and say, "Never better" he is clearly fatigued, but even at this state was aware of himself enough to wash his face and brush his teeth. He takes a deep breath "I made my first step into accepting power rather than escaping it. Jed created a brilliant formula for my wooden comb to be enchanted. I executed the formula myself."

He hands her his wooden comb, hand crafted and skillfully engraved and say "This comb was made from the wooden stick I first used to exercise violence. I crafted the stick into a comb to never again act in violence against my own morality. Now the comb holds a part of my soul, its significance for me have made it a powerful tool to focus my magic, from weakness I found power."

He also say proudly "There is a spirit I summoned and bound for a long duration service, it is no longer shaped like a Daemon. It is a beautiful peacock... tough I have no idea why. There is so much I want to share with you and so little I can explain, I think that if I accept my dark side then my spirits do not reflect it back at me... Oddly enough it seems to prefer staying materialized, you can come and watch it."

Finally he said excited "and I think that I am no longer blind. I can see myself for what I am, a man who lost everything. His own identity. I was prevented contact with my parents so I do not know what my heritage is. I already suspect that I do not practice Christian magic, but what am I? Where did I come from? Was I really given to the Church or was I taken by force? I am uncertain how to feel about it, my early memories are coming back and it seems that they are as vivid as if they happened yesterday. I think that I suppressed them in order to protect myself - but I am unsure what from. Somehow I must have broken that protection. Now I am starting to sense things that I couldn't, to remember things that I didn't it is... terrifying and exciting."


He then grabs Yelena's hands and asks "I've been such a terrible lover, how are you ? I feel like we barely saw each other these last few days. How are you recovering from surgery? It all seem so distant... You are you and yet you are not you at the same time, how does power feels for you? Do you still feel like the same person?"



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-21-16/0507:45>
Yelena gives Marco a somewhat quizzical look.  "Yelena same.  Just better.  More 'ware.  More ink.  But still Yelena."  She shrugs.  "Maybe Marco different from mojo.  Is good Marco embrace dark side.  Yelena embrace dark as well.  Deeper shadow.  Yelena sees more now.  Still seeking answers.  Seeking darker shadows.  Something hiding just beyond reach.  Is delay in leaving.  Nikolai send message.  Tsina Molovna has moved.  He send word when back.  More time Marco train mojo.  More time get to know Firefly.  Both need build trust back."

Yelena pulls the sheet back and pats the bed next to her.  "Marco tired.  Come lay next Yelena.  Yelena keep warm.  Keep safe.  What time Marco go see Jed for more training?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-21-16/0827:39>
Marco shrugged and thought "Firefly is weak and cannot even control her own emotions, I have little sympathy for her. She nearly got us killed alienating that mage lady. We were lucky that she did not use anything more dangerous. There were so many horrible things she could have done. The only thing between us and her magic was my charm and she made my job impossible.  She does not get to be weak, she is a mage and a decker. She has the potential to make the entire world burn. Tough, what could I say - Yelena feels responsible for her. "  

Marco then said "Firefly is bad news Y, I am regretful and full of remorse for the way my spirit handled her, but I do not trust her and a meet and greet is not going to change that."

He laid next to Yelena and brushed her back with his hand. He said "I have a few hours... I need my clarity to practice my art. My head feels like exploding from all the things I experienced. I need to sleep but I cannot, I am far to excited for that."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-21-16/1100:16>
Yelena shakes her head.  "Marco forget what was like to be new.  Yelena not forget.  Firefly young.  All life was protected.  Managed.  Now in world of shadows and need experience.  Decker mage can be big help.  Need understanding and practice.  Arc and Yelena train Firefly.  Marco must help also.  Trust come slowly sometimes.  Give her a chance.  That is importance of getting together.  Marco finish mojo training with PI man then do group meetings.  Important discuss all capabilities of everyone.  Get closer.  Lives in Poland depend on it.  Not a trid game with reset.  Tsina Molovna much worse than gangs we see so far.  Very dangerous.  Much in the shadow." 

She almost purrs as his hand strokes her back.  "Marco lay.  Yelena help."  She slides down the bed a bit and uses her hand and mouth to attend to a growing issue the mage has.  Swinging herself on top of him, she feeds him into herself and begins to gently rock back and forth.  "Yelena love Marco.  Mage man different from sax man.  Marco much excited from training.  Now Marco let some excitement flow into Yelena.  Then Marco maybe sleep."  She leans forward to look closely into his eyes.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-22-16/1531:55>
Marco would like to answer Yelena, there are many things he could argue but the lusty lady quickly begins to 'handle' him and a witty response becomes the last thing in his mind. Marco happily embraces Yelena, he whispers "I love you too, Yelena" as he looks into her eyes. As the moments pass everything seems distant - for a short while nothing else matters, perhaps this is what being happy feels like.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-25-16/0239:56>
Yelena curls up next to Marco after the very pleasant sexual interlude.  She can tell that Marco has things on his mind and supposes that they are related to his training.  "Marco much good this morning.  Marco go more training with PI man today?  Yelena go Arc garage.  Help fix van for team."  She nuzzles up against him and almost purrs in satisfaction as she holds him in her arms.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-26-16/2251:58>
The day dawns bright and chilly. And the different members of the party are each busy with preparations. But, at least now it's not a desperate race to get everything accomplished. They can't relax to much, after all the need to leave could come at any time. But, it's not likely to come to soon after the original date and that allows everyone a moments breather to really think and plan and truly relax after all the stressors of the past few weeks. And when evening comes it brings with it a blast of frigid air from the north and cold fog rolls in. The chill and dark of the weather outside starkly contrasts the warm scene inside the garage where Arc is laughing at Yelena's attempt to master the controls of the latest trid game. Yelena's hair trigger instincts are no good against a puzzle game and Firefly is making mincemeat of her and Arc. They don't even notice Marco and Jed come in. At least not until Marco opens a large container of pasta Bolognaise and fresh garlic bread. Tuskaloosa is there only a few minutes after Marco having spent the day hunting parts.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-27-16/0128:46>
Yelena has actually been doubting her hair trigger instincts for the past forty minutes or so.  The smell of the food is enough to get her to look around.  Smiling, she puts the controller down and stands.  "Pfffft.  Game for young.  Yelena too old.  Not grow up with controller in hand.  Hey mage man.  PI man.  Marco bring food?  Firefly kick Yelena ass in game."  Yelena looks over at the beat up couch and talks a bit louder than needed.  "Maybe decker mage not realize last person kick Yelena ass in trid game now only one hand.  And one leg.  Teach him not kick Yelena ass."  She goes off to the kitchen and returns with some mismatched plates and silverware. 

Yelena moves to one of the work benches and clears some space for the food and tableware.  She looks over at the two still gaming.  "Hey.  Ass kicking decker mage show mercy Arc and come eat.  Get food now or Tuskaloosa might eat all." 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-27-16/1357:10>
Arc thought she was getting the hang of trid games.  After days of repeated training on Starfighter 20XX, she honestly thought she had a chance.  She did not expect that she could be taken by someone who considers the Trix her second home.  But if she could just land this one play...

"Ah, frag all! Ahahaha, I totally letcha do that drek!"

With the trid projector in the garage showing their exploits, space heaters keeping it habitable, Arc lounged with controller on her lap, a soda and a bag of chili-lime fried grasshoppers next to her for snacking.  By now, much of the urgent repair work was done...BloodMoney was placated by the rerouting of the exhaust, and the fender bender was put back in line without a sweat.  Even the failure of their butane welder couldn't hold them back enough, and now it was just Jed's bike restoration and their own projects to fill the time.  Yawning, the short tusked girl idly munched on a grasshopper as Yelena figuratively threw her hands in the air in frustration, just to spot the rest of their intrepid team returning.

Grinning widely, she pat Firefly on the shoulder before hopping up, arms akimbo as she saluted the men.  "Well butter me up and throw me to the devil ratsh, ya brought real food.  Make yeshelf at home, omaes."  She took a whiff of the garlic bread and crinkled her nose at the rich and hearty aroma.  "Hmm...and ya shaid you wouldn't make it ash a cook, Marco? Dayum"  Helping Yelena grab a few plates, she set them on the table as Tuska arrived with the van, prompting the human to help unload the parts with an affirming nod from the troll.

"Gang'sh all here.  Got food too, get shome while we can, eh?"  The weekend felt like a good one, and Arc seemed to be in high spirits, at least....
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-27-16/1443:09>
Industrial food has no music, no life. Thought Marco as he experimented a bit with astral cooking. Fresh supplies actually had music of their own, and mixing them together altered that music. After several tries Marco had the perfect batch. Uncharacteristically quiet, he enters Arc's garage. Almost shyly and spends as much as 10 minutes watching the video game, before he decides to share his creation. 

Quickly the gang was all set up to eat, fresh food had that effect on people and with so much money laying around, Marco felt no need to save on supplies. He smiles shyly at Arc when she complements him and continues eating. Funny thing is, Marco has yet to say a word, he was fascinated by a new sense that he was not sure how to turn off.
 

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <05-28-16/1533:31>
As Jed enters with Marco, he hangs back upon seeing the new members of the group.  As they are engrossed in their game, he takes the opportunity to observe them and also makes note of their auras for future reference. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-29-16/0246:49>
Yelena comes over to nudge Marco.  "Hey, Marco much quiet.  Marco alright?  Is good food.  Yelena thank for bring.  Marco good at trid games?  Firefly much good.  Yelena feel sad cannot win.  Marco should try and see if win."  She pauses before adding, "Marco come home Yelena tonight or stay out with PI man for mojo training?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-29-16/0522:59>
The room was so noisy and Marco felt as if he was trying to listen to many radio stations at once. It was nothing at all like his kitchen that was relatively quiet.

Quote
"Hey, Marco much quiet.  Marco alright?  Is good food.  Yelena thank for bring.  Marco good at trid games?  Firefly much good.  Yelena feel sad cannot win.  Marco should try and see if win."
Primal fear, grabbed Marco as Yelena spoke and the usually tanned elf looked as if he had seen a ghost and the chilling sensation made him uncomfortable and almost paralyzed.  Only a thin hint of that sensation pierced his beautiful and perfectly pitched voice as he said: "My path lies with the spirit world and the way free, but I cannot take Jed with me, his way is different. I will help him enchant an item - it is a good experience for me."  Marco looked at Yelena frustrated and confused. His state was similar to that of someone that attempted to listen to multiple radio channels at the same time. It made little sense, but gave him a headache.
Animal forms often held similar confusion as his brain struggled to make sense of what ever strange senses his animal body had. It took some time before a new form grew on him. For that reason Marco enjoyed sticking to few forms over and over again.  Although not entirely there, Marco made an attempt to appear somewhat normal by saying: "Technology is difficult, I probably can do no better than you."  
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Duck N. Cover on <05-29-16/0622:23>
     Tuskaloosa watched as the the van leisurely pulled into Arc's garage.  Now that the bumper job was cleared out, the van could return to its bay.  It meant a shorter time for the door to be up—the van could be unloaded inside—and meant the garage stayed warm.
     She slipped from her seat—the shotgun position—as the mechanic strode up.  “Hoi, Arc!  Sorry it took so long, but I think what we found will cover your specs nicely...”  Her voice trailed off as she caught sight of Marco and the new human with him.  “A client or a co-worker?”
     “Both.  It'sh null sheen—Jed ish sholid.”
     “Okay.  Then...Hrock says 'Hi'.  Now, about your order...”
     Mechanic and Driver poured over the the fresh finds before offloading.  Arc was clearly pleased.  Finally, she clapped her hands together.  “Gang'sh all here. Got food too, get shome while we can, eh?”
     “I'm in no hurry”, the troll protested as she picked her way over to the workbench closest to her Better Half.

     “Hey.  Ass kicking decker mage show mercy Arc and come eat.  Get food now or Tuskaloosa might eat all.”

     “You wound me, Yelena,” she moaned, then winked.  “Just because I can doesn't mean I would.”
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-29-16/1240:35>
Yelena smile convivially at the Troll but inside she is concerned about Marco.  She places her plate on the workbench near her and takes the man's arm, leading him off to the relative privacy of the kitchen.  She turns to him and stands close.  "Yelena not understand Marco words.  Sense confusion.  Sense difference.  Marco different.  So Yelena ask Marco still want Yelena?  Marco has new life, new mojo.  Maybe no room Yelena?  No lies.  Just truth.  Marco tell Yelena what bothers you."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-29-16/1327:33>
Marco took a deep breath and tried to sort his thoughts, to overcome the chaos in his mind.
"I hear voices that are not voices and it gives me an headache. I was under the influence of drugs the last few days and this is likely a nasty side effect, and there is always the chance that I am losing my sanity, it is not uncommon with my kind.

Do not be so quick to dismiss our bound, we are going to a place of darkness, death and despair and I am following you on your dark path. The only reason I come is love, I never wanted any of that. Our connection is also my motivation to study new mojo - I was doing fine as a party boy before we met and I knew enough mojo to entertain people. I needed to grow to increase our chances of survival - with so much violence around me I must learn how to better control my emotions. My skills are certainly good enough to entertain people under normal circumstances, without people shooting at us.


Marco observed the pasta without apatite speaking about it all just reminded him how terrified he was going to Poland and nobody else seemed to share that primal fear of death.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-29-16/1356:38>
Yelena leans closer and places her forehead against Marco's.  "Marco brave man go Yelena.  Yelena not afraid death because Yelena IS death.  Yelena want Marco there.  Yelena need Marco.  Marco say love.  Yelena say love.  Bond much strong.  Yelena has no doubt about love with Marco.  Marco learn about self.  About path.   Path dark and may lead only oblivion, but share path together.  Explore darkness and live darkness.  Together."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <05-29-16/1417:35>
Arc gets a surprise as Jaime shows up at the garage door in her security cam. He comes in looking flushed from the cold and nods smiling to the people he recognizes. Then he sweeps her up in a hug, "Hey babe. Henri & Bettina are having a party at their place tomorrow night. It's at seven and it's a good time for us to give the girls their presents. I've got my hands on a bottle of 2022 Locust Bug Juice for Henri so we're all set on that front. Do you want to ride together or are you going to come straight from the garage?"  He looks down at her happily and then kisses her before she has a chance to answer.

Jed get a comm from Mike, >>Joe from the station is having a party this weekend. I told him I'd invite you. He says not to worry about bringing anything, that they've got all that covered.<<

Earlier that day Marco had received a call from Dr Kawagashi, >>Marco sweetie, I've got to attend a very boring party this Friday evening and I was hoping that your company would make it far more enjoyable for me. You'd need to be in formal wear and make sure you're looking your best. You know how much I like showing you off.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-29-16/1617:27>
Yelena’s words burn, so cold so practical yet how can they be true. He shrugs “If she is not afraid then she feels like she has nothing to lose. How can I make her understand, she said that she loves me yet she is searching for a way out. Then she gives me this crap about being death... Are all shadowrunners so dead inside?"
...
Marco would like to say something like:

I am afraid of losing you silly, either you get yourself killed or the experience changes you to the worse... I love you, you love me and yet  - why must you destroy it all for revenge. You can be happy here and now - why must you sacrifice the present for the past? “

But alas he cannot bring himself to say these things. As a man that always has something perfect to say- this inability is frustrating and lacking conversation skills is as difficult as lacking a hand or a leg.

“You are not afraid of death, because in a way, you are already dead. You are afraid of life, of commitment, responsibility and emotional attachments. I wish I could change that, but you are all about revenge. Even if it kills you, even if it kills me, even if it kills all of us.”

 He stands up and say “I am a bit frustrated, dizzy and I feel sick. I need some fresh air and piece of mind, I am having one of the worst days of my life and I feel like my head is about to explode, so if you'll excuse me I am going to breath some fresh air. ”
 
Marco leaves the room in the appropriate etiquette, his behavior only leaves the slightest hint about his true emotional state. As he leaves he greets Jamie and then embraces the cold. He is hurt, confused and lost and all he want is that the darn voices will finally shut up. The snowy weather seems appropriate to his mental state.

When will the spring come?  He looks at his comlink and responds.

Quote
Earlier that day Marco had received a call from Dr Kawagashi, >>Marco sweetie, I've got to attend a very boring party this Friday evening and I was hoping that your company would make it far more enjoyable for me. You'd need to be in formal wear and make sure you're looking your best. You know how much I like showing you off.<<

>> Anything for you hot stuff.

The message is effortless, and just typing it makes Marco hate his life even more. His life are filled with so much pretending that nobody is allowed to know what lies within, not even Marco. Frustrated he thought “I just made enough money to not do that shit for over a year... and I simply handed it over to make Yelena indestructible. I could have given it to charity if I felt generous, she killed hundreds of people without titanium bones, state-of-the-art orthskin and enhanced reactions - god knows how many she is going to kill now. How come I am so weak around her?”


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <05-29-16/1642:56>
Exchanging a fist bump with Tuska, Arc grinned as she looked over the parts.  "Dare to shay yeh can find thish drew better than I can.  Dayum, thish is all wiz, omae.  We can get thish all shet up later"  leading the way to the rest of the party, the short human was humming as she nodded to Firefly, beckoning her to join them as they dug in heartill into the food made with love.

It wasn't long before Yelena and Marco excused themselves for a private conversation, and Arc took this op to break some silence, her cheery voice piping up over the whirring of the space heater.  "Oh right.  Jed, thish ish Tushkaloosha, and she be with us for our thing.  Better driver than my hoop, and jusht as handy with a wrench.  Tushka, thish cat helped us out quite a bit with the Dust some time ago, and that'sh his bike that rolled in today to be restored." Grinning toothily, she was interrupted by the arrival of her Vruk.

Practically bounding to the door, she let him in with a warm kiss and embrace, closing her eyes as she nodded to the unexpected plans.  "That soundsh great, babe.  I'll do what I can to be home sho we can go together.  My, uh, travel plans got delayed a bit, sho it'sh null sheen, eh?"  she bit her lip, an odd display given her new tusks, but she took his hands ad pulled him to join them.  "there'sh plenty, sit a bit eh?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-29-16/1730:35>
Yelena watches Marco go with a heavy heart.  She has found a man who can love her and who she can love, but she cannot seem to talk to him.  The two are completely apart on what she is doing and why she is doing it.  No matter how many times she tells him that this is a mission for justice and honor, he comes back and throws the revenge idea at her.  She shrugs.  Maybe he will understand some day.  For now she takes what she can of him and his love.

She returns to the garage and sees that Jaime has arrived.  She greets him with a smile and a hug and digs into her food, casting glances to the door every once in a while.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-30-16/0004:11>
Marco did not mind the cold, the fresh air helped him clear his head and the voices were quieter. "So many changes and so little time, if only I understood my way, why would a pacifist like me ever go to a terrible place like that? Life are so precious and delicate that endangering them for some past injustice seems empty for me... What happens next? Will I too return as a murderer? Victim of my own life circumstances? Can't Yelena see that evil only give birth to new evil? That she would have never been the way she is if only she had been loved and protected in her formative years. Can the cycle ever be broken?"

There was no time to cry and no room for tears - no place to run away. Shortly after Marco returned peacefully to the table. "God will show him a way" he hoped.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-30-16/0048:11>
Yelena's heart gives a small leap when she sees Marco return to the garage and sit at the table.  She moves a bit closer to him, saying, "Yelena love Marco.  Yelena not want Marco lose way in shadow and darkness.  Marco seems conflicted.  Unsure of path yet certain that path is wrong.  Yelena needs justice for self and others killed by Tsina Molovna, but Marco not need.  Yelena think she and Marco are walking different paths.  Marco wants to stay close to light and Yelena going deeper into shadow, maybe into darkness.  Yelena not want Marco become what Marco hates, especially not if only because Marco follows Yelena.  People will die.  Perhaps many.  Tsina Molovna will receive justice and all who protect her will share justice.  Not want Marco come if Marco hate self or hate Yelena for going.  So Yelena ask again, because she much love Marco.  Marco come Poland with Yelena?  Marco not answer with heart or because already say yes.  Marco think again and come with Yelena only if Marco want to come.  Yelena still love Marco more than any other person ever, even if Marco stay."

Yelena sits back and waits for the answer, holding her breath.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-30-16/0934:29>
Marco sighs "You should stop asking me that, I may only be 20, but I am a consenting adult.
You deserve justice like anybody else - nobody can take that away from you. However, your justice continues a vicious cycle of violence, your actions create new victims and new monsters. I love you and therefore I want you to chose better, I want you to brake the cycle.

As tempting as it sounds to accept you as fearless and doubtless it saddens me to hear that. In my world, only the desperate are fearless as they have nothing left to lose. Happy people are afraid, they have dependents, loved ones family and they are afraid of losing them. How can you say that you love me when your entire present is so insignificant compared to the past? Aren't you just a little bit afraid of losing me, your blood sister or student? Are you really willing to sacrifice us all to get your justice?

You should stop asking me not to follow you, my doubts are healthy, I am afraid because I value my life and emotional attachments - I do have many things to lose.  Perhaps it is easier to me to be grateful, as I never stood in your place. I may be asking the impossible out of you, but I only do it because I want what is best for you."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-30-16/1248:14>
Yelena stands up and turns Marco's chair sideways before straddling his legs and sitting in his lap facing him.  She puts her arms around him and lowers her face to his, not caring who is watching her as she kisses the man she loves.  She feels his heart beat against her chest and tastes his lips, drawing his breath from him into her.  She is panting as she breaks the kiss and lays her forehead against his and her eyes are closed as she wills what soul she has left to tell this man how special he is.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <05-31-16/0852:51>
Marco is a bit embarrassed as he makes a considerably effort to appear professional(ish) in front of the newly joined members of the group. He is nevertheless, a creature of moment and shortly after his entire attention is given to Yelena and every other thought is gone. All the words disappear and what is left is plain passion. Perhaps she needed to hear that, perhaps he finally managed to reassure him. A blissful side-effect of that kiss is that his head is finally quiet, the darn voices have become silent again. Perhaps there is just so much sensory input a person can take in at a time. Catching his breath, and gently holding Yelena, Marco quickly scans the room trying to asses the level of awkwardness in the room.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-01-16/0827:57>
As Jed took in the room, he examined his new mates carefully.  The small, young, human girl wearing the hijab was awakened.  Almost as strong as he was.  From the sound of her accent, Japanese.  He closely looked over her aura, interpreting it.  She didn't appear to be a killer...cyber?  It appeared that she had a small dark spot near her brain, and the location appeared typical for a datajack.  Now he remembered Marco saying something about a decker, and about a mage, Jed must have missed that they were one and the same.  Interesting. 

Looking over the troll, he could see she was not awakened.  As he began to look more closely however, he was distracted by Marco's aura.  He was showing up on the astral.  I hope he isn't getting addicted to the deepweed.  That was never my intent.  He watched as Yelena straddled Marco.  Her aura was dark, but bright and open.  She was in the moment, not hiding anything.  Her emotions were plainly evident.  Marco on the other hand was an ocean on a rocky shore.  His emotions flickered and surged.  Matching Yelena's, then changing to...something else.  His aura was so hard to read anyway.  Marco appeared to be what he wanted you to see.  But after spending so much time with him, Jed was relatively certain that the shifting of emotion was genuine.  Marco was barely in control of them at the moment.  There was no faking of his signature going on.  He watched his two friends for a moment.  Friends?  Yes, although he had only known them a short time, they were more than acquaintances. 

Suddenly Arc moved towards him introducing him to the Troll.  Arc's aura was different.  Very bright.  In spite of the new surgeries, her aura seemed more vibrant than he had ever seen it.  Shaking hands with the Troll and greeting her in Or'zet, he saw Arc's companion enter.  Her aura flared bright enough to be uncomfortable.  Ah, mystery solved.   

Watching her out of the corner of his eye, he chatted amicably with Tuska, discussing the bike's sorry state and what was necessary to fix it.  Every bit of the shop talk went right over his head.  Tuska seemed to notice and instead asked Jed questions about his work as a PI.  Jed smiled as Jamie looked him over.  Nothing to see here.  Just a harmless old man. 

He noticed Firefly eyeing him, no doubt weighing him as he had her.  He smiled.  Good evening, I see you weave mana as well.  I'd love to sit and discuss your methods and compare capabilities if we are going to be working together.  He smiled again, eying her hijab.  Jed had studied magic pretty extensively, but the one area he had neglected was a deep study of other traditions.  He tried to read her face, but she was incredibly self possessed for one so young.  Don't play poker with this one.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-01-16/1638:58>
Marco grins as Arc introduces Tuska and adds "Tuska is quite an entrepreneur - and quick to make friends." to himself he thinks "... if you are a mechanic that is... I doubt she'll ever trust me where my entire self image and life story was shaped by my magic."  
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-01-16/1943:25>
Halfway around the world in a very elegant hotel an older Russian woman was watching a live camera feed. Not a muscle in her face moved to give away any of her thoughts or intentions. But, she'd sat unblinking watching the feed for many minutes now. "I vy uvereny v etoy informatsii ? " Behind her a male voice answers, "Da." There is no change of expression on the womans face. But her voice fills the room with venom " Chert . Kto dostupen dlya etogo kontrakta " . "Yesli slovo iz etogo vyydet , my mozhem poteryat' vse, chto my rabotali tak trudno postroit' . "

[spoiler]"You are certain of this information?" "Yes." "Damn it. Who do we have for this contract? If word of this gets out we could lose everything we've worked so hard to build."[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-01-16/2137:40>
If Arc was feeling awkward and weirded out by seeing Yelena over Marco like that, she must not have shown it.  Lounging about in the garage with the team as a whole, she had claimed a seat to be shared by her and Jaime, leaning against the man as she took in the team.  For the most part, it looked like they tolerated each other at the very least, and it was her hope that could translate into working with each other, bouncing off skills.  Plus, everyone is now in the room.  No strangers...good..

"So this is your crew eh?"

It was Jaime that bounced her out of her reverie, the mechanic tilting her head and giving a little nod.  "Aye.  And someone's gotta look out for em, ehe.."  She grinned.  Of course she wouldn't share the details of the trip...he knew that as well, and it was just her promise and assurance that things would work out to go by.  It worked for them.

"Just make sure someone's looking out for you too, yeah?"  He smiled, a slight flicker in his confidence allowed but nothing more as he touched foreheads to her for a brief moment.  "The girls have really taken to their Tary'ken, after all"

Smiling back, she allowed a chuckle as she eased back, nodding to the others as needed, seeing that Jed was making himself no stranger to Tuska and Firefly in turn.  "Aye...I don't think I have to worry about that..ah"  She felt a hand squeeze hers, forcing a smile as she squeezed back, settling in and letting her mind wander.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-02-16/0002:15>
Yelena kisses Marco one more time, then gets off his lap.  She bends over to him and whispers, "Marco should try talk Firefly.  Build trust.  Hard, but lives might depend on it."  Yelena walks a few feet away then takes one of her small cigars from her silver case and lights it, pulling the acrid smoke into her lungs and releasing it as she observes the team, measuring them.  They have worked before and survived what could have been a serious problem, but the event had placed wedges in the way the team held together.  The worst effect was the mistrust and suspicion between Marco on one side and Firefly and Tuskaloosa on the other.  Taking Tsina Molovna down would be hard enough without that problem raising its head.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-02-16/0057:54>
"We'll be okay if she does not try to sabotage me."  There was something wrong with that answer, it felt passive, unconvincing... "You can do better than that" thought Marco. 

"What?!"  - was the next thought of the alarmed mage.

"You call yourself a master manipulator? a seducer? someone of social skills and you cannot get a teenager to like you?"

"What What?!"

"Everybody is a potential ally, Marco"


"Just who and what are you? Why do you sound exactly like me?"


The voice was silent, at this point Marco was quite certain that he was going insane. However, that voice was somewhat familiar, and Marco was certain that he has heard it before, but when? A growing suspicion, brewed perhaps this is why he stopped hearing the astral.

He texted Firefly >>> When the party ends I have something to show you.
 keeping her curious might be a way to lessen that hostility.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-05-16/1210:13>
Across town a party was going on. And for as small as the people who were hosting the party were, it was in no way a small party as decorations turned a huge garage into a wonderland and the smell of home baked goodness filled the air. Chesh looked at Alyce, "Do you think we should invite her?" Alyce had already had a whole pint, but he wasn't nearly drunk enough to make that sound like a good idea. "Are ya daft! We've been here less than a week. Wait till we've been here at least six months before ya invite her and disaster strikes!" Chesh looks at him levelly despite the fact that she's definitely had enough to be drunk, "Oh pish-posh. Risk comes with the biz. She didn't cause the mess and she helped clean-up right enough. And if we ever go back she could be good ta know." Alyce looks at her, "Chesh, yer motherin' instinct should not be applyin' ta a troll ten times yer size. An besides, we have a feast fit fer a band of halfers, not a troll. Did ya think about that?" Chesh looks at him again, careful not to move her head to much. "Not like we can't order out if she says yes. I'm calling her." Alyce shakes his head in disgust, "Suit yerself. But I'm goin' ta' make sure everything flammable is well away." He shakes his head and moves away getting another drink in the process. It takes Cheesh a few moments to access her comm and find Tusk's number, as drunk as she was the focus was difficult, but then Tuskaloosa gets a call. >>Yo Tusks, we're havin' a wee bit 'o a shindig an a wanted ter invite cha'.<<
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <06-05-16/2046:55>
The game I'm playing is best enjoyed in AR, so I was lightly decked in and linked with the game server when a text icon appeared just to the edge of my awareness where it wouldn't mess up my game.

Marco?  I wonder what he wants?

When the game permitted me to break away, I peeked at what the elf had to say.

>> When the party ends I have something to show you.

Huh.  I glance over my shoulder and see the elf in question focused on the troll. 

He seems in good spirits.  I can't imagine this is about foisting another demon on me.  Okay, I'll bite.

>>Okay, I'll bite.  Tag me when things wind down.  I'll be playing games here on the couch all evening.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-06-16/0706:23>
The rest of the dinner goes by quite casually and friendly, Marco feels a bit of an outsider being generally uninterested in computer games. VR technology can be viewed as the enemy of a guy like Marco as anything he could possibly make people experience in their own skin could be faked by VR technology. "Some people just like to keep it real... besides - my way is usually safer... unless my client is having a panic attack while flying above the city that is." he thinks to himself. A while passes as Marco watches the rest play video games. He patiently wait for Firefly to emerge to the world that he understands.
Quote
>>Okay, I'll bite.  Tag me when things wind down.  I'll be playing games here on the couch all evening.

>> I figured... just ping me when you'd like a little break - I do not want to ruin your game or anything.



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-07-16/1026:35>
Yelena takes an opportunity to go over to where Arc is standing.  "Yelena thinking.  Poland very cold in winter.  Much cold.  Need clothing for winter.  Yelena was going to get after arriving but now have extra days get ready.  Yelena and Arc go shop?  Yelena go alone if Srui busy with cars.  Can take Firefly if not busy."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-07-16/1247:36>
The evening was certainly a pleasant one.  Good food and good company raised Arc's spirits high as the dark crept over them.  After a while, Jaime admitted he had to get going...offering to get the nieces' gifts while Arc wrapped up here.  While legitimate, Arc knew the ulterior understanding...he knew she didn't want to involve him in "work affairs" for his safety.  And she knew he knew.  Walking hi to the door, she embraced him tightly and promised not to be home late...

Back inside, the mechanic was chewing on a particularly spicy roasted grasshopper when yelena approached where she was chilling.  "whassat?  Oh, drek, yeah.  Tuska washe saying shummat bouta that too.  I guessh I didn't think it got colder than here, heh.  Yeah, why don't we all go get some new gear?  Thoshe suitsh we ordered are due in, we can pick them up while we out"

She grinned, stretching her shoulders and stifling a bit of a yawn, turning to the others, who were engrossed in their discussions and diversions.  Leaning forward, she looked her blood sister in the eye.  "think we will be ready for this?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-08-16/0213:53>
Yelena looks back at Arc's eyes...................and shrugs  "Maybe, Srui.  All here ready go.  Ready help.  Ready go mission.  Yes.  Ready for killing?  Yelena not think so.  Will be much killing, Srui.  Much.  No one here walk shadows enough for ready for that.  Yelena afraid of taking you with me.  Not afraid of Arc dying, but of Arc changing.  Of Marco changing.  Marco not like killing but follow Yelena to much death.  Such killing changes people.  Yelena already used to much death because Yelena is death.  Arc is not.  Arc is nice person.  Arc going because Yelena going.  Yelena hope Arc still look at self in mirror when done and not be like Yelena.  Arc is Srui.  Only person that close to Yelena ever.  Yelena not try talk Arc not come, but want Arc remain Arc.  Be much careful."

"But yes.  Need shop clothes.  Get suits and warm clothes.  Is good decker mage and mage start talking.  Better work together than fight each other.  Now Yelena need talk PI man."

Yelena squeezes Arc's arm before walking over to where Jed is standing.  "Hello, PI man.  Jedediah find where Bella is?  What happen to her?  Yelena worry is dead from husband."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-09-16/0733:33>
Jed gathers his thoughts as he prepares to reveal to Yelena what he has found.  I was able to get some of the police reports related to the take down of the club through a PD contact of mine.   Last night I did some surveillance and found out she made it out of the club and is at Bellvue General Hospital right now.  We probably want to be careful if you try to visit her. I don't think we want Gregory to know you are still around.  As far as I can tell, he was arrested and is being held without bail.  But he may have someone watching her.

I also did a little digging on Tsina.  I found that they have a package delivery service based out of Wroclaw with offices in Zielona, Gofra, and Poznan.  After a lot of digging, it looks like it is a front for drug and slave trafficking.  They do some high profile charity work, which includes work with an orphanage, which is worrisome.   Nicolai used to be an interrogator for a bratva, but now runs his own.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-09-16/0957:09>
Yelena frowns at the information the PI gives her.  "Yelena sad.  Had hoped Bella not involved with anything.  Still, is information.  Wroclaw and other names are in Poland.  Much coincidence.  Maybe too much coincidence.  Yelena want see Bella.  What Gregory do?  Is he not in custody with others from club?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-09-16/1547:40>
Arc and Yelena seemed to be chatting, a variant of the chat Marco previously made with Yelena tough this time passionate kissing was probably off the table. "Could have been interesting..." Thought Marco as the thought crossed his mind. He approached Firefly that seemed to be playing online and expertly shooting all sort of avatars. After a few moments in silence he asked "You seem to be into games, were you always so good? You fight like a combat adept".


 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <06-11-16/1408:35>
"Only in virtual reality," I answer as I finish up the current stage and save so that I can focus on the elf seeming very eager to keep things civil.  "I would be lucky to hit the Renraku Arcology at 50 meters in real life.  I'm a very different person on the 'trix...and in astral."  I pause a moment to look up into the elf's hesitant eyes.  "And speaking of astral, you've developed a new trick, haven't you?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-11-16/1551:39>
"It is funny that you mention the Renraku Arcology, their old building is one of the spookiest buildings in the city. I always feel uneasy flying above it.  I am actually professional with automatics, if you ever want to learn a weapon skill it is a good place to start. You do not have to be very fast, just sturdy few people in this world can dodge a full automatic burst.
I can show you sometime if want to learn. 

I completely understand how you are different in VR and in the astral. My definition of self was completely revolutionized when I started changing my shape. I could not imagine how many of my emotions where actually body specific, and each body feels different. Each body wants different things. "

He sighs "You can see that heh? It is a bit embarrassing, I used deep weed to be able to sense my craft
but it feels like I no longer need it. I can not handle it, I am overwhelmed with the amount of voices whispering in my ears. How did you learn how to control your abilities in the astral?
"  

Marco takes out his comb and hands it to firefly, the wooden comb is skillfully carved, someone have clearly spent a lot of time carving it with a sophisticated pattern of geometric shapes. "Here have a look, tell me what you think - it is a new hobby of mine. Perhaps I can make one for you."

[spoiler]
If Firefly successfully assense the comb (resists with 6 dice) she discovers that it is an F3 power focus and that it contains painful memory that were skillfully weaved into it with some magical technique.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <06-11-16/1735:33>
"I...I'm not very good in astral myself.  I think there's something special to it, but I couldn't tell you what it is.  It's lovely, though."

(is told what it is)

"A power focus.  My teachers spoke of items that enhance magic, but they wanted me to learn how to handle myself on innate ability alone before I learned to lean of outside artifacts.  We...never had the chance to start the next stage of my training before I came here.  I haven't found a teacher since."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-12-16/0058:51>
"Well, I can certainly understand them, I spent most of my time trying to avoid power. it is a double edged gift, the more you have the more risks you seem to take and the harder it is to keep your humility. My guess is that you found some way to restrain yourself as otherwise you'd be spiraling out of control. After all, you already posses the most overwhelming of professions, a decker.

I crafted this focus myself with Jed's assistance, neither of us was skilled in the craft before we started. So they are not that very difficult to create once you see them for what they really are. They are tools, but they are not external to you, in order to use a focus you need to expand your definition of self until the focus becomes one of your organs. This comb is now a part of me, it reflects my aura and those experienced enough in the astral can learn quite a lot about me from this comb."

Marco hands Firefly the comb again and say "I will not be angry if you shatter it right now. I would suffer as if you shattered a piece of my body and took away a piece of my soul. Yet, I damaged you and you deserve your vengeance if you wish. I am utterly and completely sorry for what I did. You seemed to be in pain, and I wanted you to be whole again. I had good intentions but I suppress many of my negative emotions - I think that deep down I desire to let go of my faith and moral restraints and just watch the wold burns. I crafted this focus in order to confront that part of myself."



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <06-12-16/0802:31>
I've been stewing, sometimes even seething, over the interaction with George several days ago.  Even more, my unexpected goodbye with Jenna have been on my mind.  I've wanted to reject both, but part of me has been trying to draw what use I can from the unsatisfactory dialogues.

"My guess is that you found some way to restrain yourself as otherwise you'd be spiraling out of control."

I weigh Marco's words in my head. 

Maybe he's right.

"I've done a lot of thinking since you sent that infernal creature to me.  Yelena-sensei has also had some words with me, so I'm more open minded than maybe I've been up to now.  I think you're right.  I do restrain myself.  Magic makes me uncomfortable.  It doesn't follow the rules like I'd been taught before I manifested it.  Remember, I came to magic only a few years ago - and yes it was quite a shock.  I think I expect everyone to approach it in that cautious manner, like we teach little children to handle fire.  To see you so loose with it, well I wasn't surprised when someone got burned and I was angry that it was me.  You've been reckless with your magic, Marco-san.  I'll be blunt.  But...maybe I've been too timid."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-12-16/0835:54>
Marco sighs "I successfully used the heal spell in that manner before, I was in one side of the city and Yelena was in the other side, wounded. I did not even ask the specific - just sent a spirit to heal her and anyone else that was still alive on scene. She has an habit of leaving a body trail behind her you see, she became numb to the pain of others. It is what happens after so many years of darkness.  Anyhow, I pulled off that feat with no complains from Yelena - so I figured it all went well.

This time should have been easier, I was right there the spirit summoner bound was solid. My control should have been complete, this is why I do not think it is my use of magic that was flawed, it is me that was and still is flawed. I think that it has something to do with my astral blindness, I am awaken since an early age, probably since birth. It took me a while to understand that other people do not hear the spirits as I did, that adults dismissed them as imaginary friends.

I am certain that I could hear them without the aid of drugs, that I posses the astral sensing capability. I do not remember much, but I feel that something I encountered overwhelmed me, so I decided to never again open my heart to the astral. What happened with you changed me, just because I do not remember events does not mean that they do not still effect me, corrupt me and there is a great deal of pain, anger and sadness in my story, emotions that I locked away to survive.  I am only now trying to experience them again.

I can craft you a focus if you like, I can show you how to do so, it would make mana more accessible to you, more intuitive. That said, I have no idea how do you access your magic. I am experienced enough to understand that different mages do so in a different manner - some things you will have to deduce your own. I lack the mental discipline and training to follow an hermetic tradition. I cannot explain magic, the same way as I cannot teach you how to breath - I do it without thinking about it, but should you require me to engineer the electrical signals that keeps air in my lungs I'd be lost. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <06-12-16/1036:37>
"It sounds like you're really intent on changing, Marco-san.  I know how hard that can be.  I'm trying...not always very successfully.  I'll let you have time.  Just...no more demons.  If if you have to, not at me.  Okay?"

"And about the focus, I will admit to being interested.  Still, we have this mission for Yelena.  It'll give us something to to talk about in Poland and, if we both survive, we can take that on when we get back."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-12-16/1054:01>
Quote
"It sounds like you're really intent on changing, Marco-san.  I know how hard that can be.  I'm trying...not always very successfully.  I'll let you have time.  Just...no more demons.  If if you have to, not at me.  Okay?"


Marco replied "I do have a spirit with me, tough I am not sure about letting him materialize here. Would you like to go to the room with me? I think that you will be pleasantly surprised. I am trying to keep low key with magic. 

Since the flight is postponed, we should have enough time to craft one right now if you'd like. We have a proper lodge in here and everything. You can then bind it when you have the mental capacity to figure it out."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <06-12-16/1225:41>
"Marco-san, I know how exciting it can get to get a new Golden Week present.  I think the equivalent for you Europeans would be Christmas.  But as you say, you're still very new to this and are even unsure of your abilities without enhancements.  Using powers over which you had uncertain control was how we got into this mess in the first place.  Why don't we give you some time to master it before you start trying to teach me?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-12-16/1302:53>
"I was going to show you my bound spirit, I plan to have a small army of them. They are not as  powerful as summoned spirits but this one is kind of cute tough. A magnificent peacock. Perhaps the two of you would get along."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-12-16/1330:47>
Yelena notices from across the room that Marco and Firefly seem to be talking together and smiles.  They need to at least be wiling to work together if they are to contribute effectively, and it looks like they are well on the way to that first step.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <06-12-16/1427:12>
"I've learned that cute doesn't necessarily mean safe, Marco-san.  But I'll have a look."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-12-16/1548:55>
Marco took the leftover of his spaghetti and closed the door behind them. He was a bit wary to the shape the little spirit was going to materialize in, but spirits need acceptance - this much he understood after so many of his spirits were brutally banished before.
Marco closes the door behind them and allows his spirit to materialize. "Come little one, I made Spaghetti Bolognese, I noticed that you liked human food."  Marco waited for a short while his heart beating hard "Please be a peacock..." he thought.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-12-16/1619:51>
The spirit materializes almost instantly to Marco's commands, and seeing him and Subaru it fans the full sweep of its magnificent tail out and preens itself. Then, seeing the Spaghetti Bolognese it steps forward and begins daintily pecking at the proffered dish. Then it straightens and fluffs its tail and says, "My name is Velenkoradi. Not little one."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-12-16/1654:30>
Marco nodded "Well it is nice to meet you Velenkoradi, my name is Marco and the faithful lady besides me calls herself Firefly."
 He was alert, hyper sensitive to any minute reaction by his companion - somehow spirits always looked a lot worse to other people than they did to Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-13-16/0804:35>
At the squeeze to her arm, Arc felt all the information process into her at once.  Staring up at the taller elf, her cybernetic eyes masked her expressiveness as she blinked slowly, offering a nod.  She understood perfectly well what Yelena was suggesting, and a small smile crept on her lips.  "Now I gotta look myshelf in the mirror.  There'sh more than jusht me I fight for."  She chuckled, patting the elf on the back as she went towards Jed, her last words spoken low.  "But m'thinksh ya ain't so much death either, Shrui...if ya care about othersh jusht as well..."

Left alone, Arc gave a bit of a sigh, glancing off to the side to see Marco and Firefly conversing.  The details were out of her earshot...but her instincts told her things were going to work.  Good...  She sighed, glancing down for a few moments before clearing her throat.  So much busy work, so much to do since her surgery, it's been a while since...

Hopping up, she fished through her pocket with a hand, withdrawing a small paper pack of her trusty cigarettes and a lighter, hefting them in hand as she meandered to the door.  Should help take the edge off...oof!  As she was about to step out, she bumped into Tuskaloosa, the tall troll peering down at the human.  Tilting her head, Arc noted the curious expression, and gave a bit of a shrug.  "Whasshup?  Boutta shtep out for a bit, get shome air.   Come with, eh?"  Holding her arms out to either side, she went to step around Tuska to the garage side door, steeling herself for the evening chill...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-15-16/1410:57>
As Arc moved away from Yelena to door, Jed approached the elf. 

So we are going after a dangerous woman, who has dangerous friends.   Would you mind lining out what our primary purpose is, as well as any secondary goals?  What are our biggest obstacles?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-15-16/1739:41>
Marco looked at Firefly, as if showing off he wanted her to trust his ability or at least not attempt to banish his spirits right away. Unlike previous times Marco currently aims for some meaningful relationship with his spirits, to bind them for a while until the services are up and get to know them. 

"You are a real looker, Velenkoradi I have never seen an actual peacock in life but you pull this look incredibly." He then looks at Firefly and suggest - "If you think that your mind can handle the duzzling perspective, I'd like to change you and take you for a spin around the city - I figured out how to bring clothes and equipment - I assume that it is going to be harder to separate you from your deck than your oddly fashioned clothes."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-16-16/0200:36>
Yelena looks at Jed and smiles.  "Yelena tell.  The PI man decide if come.  Years ago Yelena in Vory Bratva in Moscow.  Much friends.  Like family.  Vory ties.  Yelena believe in such.  Still do.  Woman named Tsina Molovna was lover of Bratva boss.  Boss take Yelena as lover, too.  Tsina demoted and not like.  She plot and plan with rival gangs.  One night at party, Tsina let others into house.  All killed.  She is black traitor but not afraid do own work.  Tsina shoot Yelena in chest here and here and here then dump in river.  Yelena not die.  Shadow save.  Yelena take long time recover then leave.  Not know Tsina Molovna still live after many years but Sam show pictures and Niko show up to say yes.  Now Yelena go kill her for justice.  For betrayal of family.  Of friends.  Of Vory codes.  Is honor thing.  But Tsina has own Bratva and many soldiers for killing.  It will be hard to kill her.  Much dangerous.  Obstacles will be soldiers and others.  Have way get team Poland and meet Niko.  Weapons and gear we take.  But is not safe job.  Mike would tell PI man leave Yelena alone like bad borscht.'
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SmilinIrish on <06-16-16/1557:54>
Jed thought about the risks involved and the reasons for going.  This wasn't a noble cause.  It wasn't sticking up for the little guy.  This was a revenge job.  True, the person may need killing, but if he was going to do this with Yelena, he better know why he was doing it.  This was certainly outside the scope of his PI practice. 

Why was he coming out of seclusion?  He wanted to stretch his abilities, develop his magic.  Although he had not known them long, he considered Marco, Yelena and Arc to be friends.  He could go to make sure they came home.

Milaya, I will go, but my goal will not the same as your goal.  I will support you, and help you do this thing, but know that my goal is to bring everyone home safely.  If anything happens, and you are unable to succeed, my priority will be to make sure everyone comes home. 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-16-16/1711:32>
Velenkoradi preened at the compliment. Then looking at Marco said, "I am bound to you for a service Blackie. Have you summoned me here that I may fulfill a duty and be that much closer to my freedom? Or do you wish only to look upon me in wonder and admire my beauty?" Saying that the spirit fluffed it's magnificent tail and took on a luminescent glow each feather glowing gently from within.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-16-16/1747:44>
Marco smiled "You seem to be enjoying yourself... I was planning to attempt a service should Firefly allow me to take her for a flight around the city."  He then looks at Firefly and say "Would you allow me to show you the city? We could fly over the old Renraku building" .
 
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-17-16/0252:49>
Yelena looks at Jed and smiles.  "Yes.  Yelena like that.  Not need PI man have same goal.  Yelena want Jedediah bring friends home if things go bad.  Yelena thank PI man for honesty.  And service."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <06-19-16/1612:56>
"Marco-san," I try hard to keep my voice level. 

After all that happened just a week ago, how could he ask me to let him shape change me?

"I'm glad to hear that you're trying to learn more about your magic.  I truly do wish you well, and will do my best to back you up as part of the team.  But there...is...no...way...in...Hell...that I would ever lower my defenses to you.  I was clear before and I will be crystal clear again.  Do...not...ever...use magic on me again."

I give a few moments for my words to sink in.

"Marco-san, as long as we keep that straight, I think we can work together.  I'm ready to go with you to Poland. I trust Yelena-sensei and Yelena-sensei trusts you.  That's good enough for me...for work.  Just do not target me with your magic ever again."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-19-16/1647:22>
Marco sighed "I do not think that you are ready, but it is okay. I do not believe that any of us are, even Yelena.
You are what you are and I accept that - You can not truly be prepared to participate in a mass murder, not now and not ever. Not as long as you are a person. I was thinking of that spell as a possible escape in case the killing would not go as Nikolai intend it to. I bet Tsina is also quite a dangerous murderer and forgive me for not sharing the optimism  of a guy that was beaten by that woman once already and did not manage to get his revenge for longer than I am alive. 

I do not go there to take life, I go there to keep us alive. To save as many as I can. I just hope that if we ever need trust to survive we'll be able to actually work together.  At any case this is not your fault that I am flawed, this is my cross to carry. I do not study for you, I study for myself so that I can be the man I aspire to be.  You kept your temper, that is a good sign - a sign of progress."

To Velenkoradi he said "I am sorry beautiful Velenkoradi, perhaps some other time, but I do have very big plans for you once we reach Poland. You are going to do the most noble of tasks, saving people."



Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <06-19-16/1653:49>
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, Marco-san.  In the meantime, we try and keep our heads and prepare for this mission as best we can.  I'll wait to hear more from Yelena-sensei.  In the meantime, I'm going back to my game."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-19-16/1719:29>
Marco followed Firefly out of the room, Arc and Yelena seemed to have been discussing something and by the look of it it did not seem very different than what he and Yelena were discussing. He approached Arc and trying to change the direction of the conversation he asked Arc "How are you feeling? Did Jamie like the enhancement? Can you still drink alcohol and not over think your life decisions?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-20-16/0651:26>
"You're really going out right now?"  The troll lady was speaking to Arc with a raised brow as Arc held her pack of cigarettes in hand, arms folded before her chest inquisitively and causing Arc to pause.

"Hoi, why not?  Lotta heavy shtuff goin' down, figured I'd take the edge off, eh?"  She chuckled, tapping her cheek with the pack before trying to move past but was stopped.

"Sure thing, boss, but when you tried that two days ago you were puking for an hour, remember?  A bit cold for that right now..."  Another chuckle, but the expression was enough.  Swayed, the short mechanic sighed in defeat, stowing away the smokes for another time and shrugging.  "Aye, fine.  Another time then.  Leasht we got time for thish headware sicknessh to go away, heh."

She paused, looking up at the troll and thinking deep, but giving a smile before shooting her hand out, offering it to her.  "I wanna shay shomethin'...thanks.  For what you about to do widdus.  I'm a real drek to be draggin' you along, regardlessh of whether or not you agreed to it.  But either way, It'sh been nice to work with someone shkilled with me thish past week.  No matter what happensh..."  She paused, smiling wide.  "You'll alwaysh have a place here, aight?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few moments later caught Marco approaching the human girl, her attention diverted at the odd questions.  Offering a grin, she flashed her tusks as if to emphasize her impending answer.  "Could be worshe.  The headware I got still fraggin' with me.  Haven't drunk shince because the thought shends my shtomach rollin', hah.  At the leasht, Jaime enjoys the look.  It feels right." She paused, holding back her mirth.  "The fact I can Zun'ko nas Tetala'kan  sure don't hurt!"

Scratching the back of her head, she looked the mage over, nodding.  "Ya look a bit different too.  In a good way.  Maybe we in a place we can do thish drek.  We'll make it work, eh?"  She offered out a hand to the elf, gauging his reaction.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-20-16/0916:23>
Yelena has been working on the list of cold-weather gear each person might need before going to Poland.  She finalizes it just before Marco and Firefly come out of the bedroom together.  The two are not at each other's throats, but neither are they chatting as happily as Yelena had hoped they would.  Shaking her head, she can only hope for the best and that the two will be able to work through the remaining issues together.  She sends the list of recommendations to the team as she walks to where Marco is standing.  "Marco talk Firefly?  Is better now?  When want go home?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-20-16/0922:26>
Marco thought "We seem to be passed hand shaking after all we've been though" so instead he warmly embraced Arc and said "I indeed sleep a lot better when I feel relatively safe. I am not used to this level of rule bending. It was some serious drek we handled." .

 To Yelena he told  "Why go home, home is boring I can take you to my village that place is so different from here that sometimes it feels as if it is in a different reality."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-20-16/0951:18>
Yelena looks closely at Marco.  "Yelena say yes.  Yelena take on bike or Marco use magic?  Maybe show others magic not bad?  Go ahead.  Marco change Yelena."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-20-16/1014:41>
Marco smiled "Off course magic, the only reason I use cars is not to attract too much attention to myself. I am usually a bit more discreet with it, it is just that I feel comfortable with you."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-20-16/1041:59>
"Will things be left here?  Yelena store in bike and get later."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-20-16/1127:36>
Marco asked Arc "Would you like to join us in a trip unlike any other? If you need it to be 'work' I'll let you know that it is better to know in advance how flexible one's shape really is - and that we might need to do if we need to run away for what ever reason that is.  He looked at Tuska and said, "If you ever change your mind about mojo, I could find some discreet animal for you to fallback into. It is difficult to digest, but this is what I can bring to the table - odd ways to move people and some unconventional mojo like that love spell, I am not a particularly good warrior or anything."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-20-16/2138:26>
Arc definitely tilted her head at the query.  Sure, she was not a stranger to mojo...Merlin and Blue were proof of that (among others).  And given recent events, the instinctive fear of the magic could definitely be tangible at the back of the mechanic's mind.  But...seeing the apprehension in Tusk's expression (at least she deduced it as such, who knows), and the whole Marco-Firefly deal...

Maybe an olive branch is what's needed..

Cracking her neck, she shrugged and offered a smirk.  "Jusht gotta be back to get to my Vruk tonight, yo.  I'll give it a try, even if you don't need it with me..."  She glanced over at her van, and the set of drones lined up on the nearby bench.  "It'sh looking like my role will be hanging back and using tech to shupport y'all...shtill, I'll let you try it once."  She laughed, setting her bag of grasshoppers on a table and stretching her arms.  "uwahh....hoi, jusht tell me what ya turnin' me to....ahh....I don't gotta shtrip, do I?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-21-16/0119:50>
Marco was mildly amused with Firefly's response and then Tuska's, it was refreshing. The girl seemed to be able to keep it together as he further and further pushed her, but there was no other reason to take him to Poland. He was a pacifistic, if he could not keep them safe with mojo what could he possibly do there? Marco needed to be sure that he can use spirits and mage in front of the impulsive decker mage. Hopefully Tuska will ever trust him, but she accepted the invisibility offered  - at least that. At her weight, without the shape change it might be difficult to move her - but people have a right to their body and body shape is a large part of body image.

Marco said to Arc,  "I do not know, what suits your fancy? Are you a dog or cat person? Yelena chose a giant octopus last time- but it would make a terrible mess on your floor." He smiled.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <06-21-16/0240:36>
"Yelena think maybe birds?  Maybe learn to fly."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-21-16/1734:19>
Arc shrugged at the suggestions.  "Tchae, ain't nevah had a pet myshelf.  If I had to guessh, given my upbringing, dogs would fit better.  You pick, just don't messh it up eh?"  she laufhed, tapping her arm with a finger.  hmm...will my animal shape have a metal arm I wonder...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-23-16/1323:20>
Marco said "Mojo does not follow our logic,  trying to figure out why is it even possible for me to be a bird on one moment and a person on the next is beyond what we can explain about this world...
So we'll just call it magic okay, and let Firefly figure out how why it works.  We'll just see what happens... and if things go wrong I'll just abort the spell."

There is very delicate physical expression to Marco's spells, he is very skilled at casting them discreetly, it only takes a moment and Arc is shaped into a dog. (Boom feel free to do so as you wish - a 3 legged dog perhaps? just a regular one)

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <06-23-16/2235:32>
[spoiler]Okay, so I did some digging onto the case of shapechange and the case of augmentation.  Seeing as how essence was paid, the limb is treated as part of the individual for purposes of shapechange, and no advantage would be derived, I think this interpretation works :) [/spoiler]

The words Marco spoke puzzled Arc a bit.  There he goes again with his big words...I don't do mojo, I just know it w-WOAH!  It was as if she blinked and everything went different, as if she were on her knees...no..hands...feet...no, paws?!

Before the two elves stood an adult husky/irish setter mix, green cybereyes blinking as she stood with a tilted head.  The long fur on her was a mix of red-golden and white, with redder hues towards her head and ears.  Sitting briefly, she sniffed at the air as her right foreleg, still a metal replacement, revealed to the room.

Inside her mind, Arc was reeling.  It was like looking through an old-style trid...no color, just shades of grey..but the sounds, the smells!  It was as if she was being flooded with information that her animal instincts were processing.  Standing again, she brought her nose low as she approached others, gaining a sense of identity with each of their scents...
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <06-24-16/0128:48>
Marco was fascinated seeing how that work, he told Arc "Just bark or anything once you want to be changed back." To the rest he said,  "I usually couple that spell with a mind link spell to make communication easier - it takes some time to feel comfortable in a new skin, some people struggle with not being able to speak. "

Marco gave Arc a few moments in her doggy form and then changed her back, concluding "Not very stealthy - but still useful... perhaps you could even fit in one of your own rotor drones that way."
 

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <06-29-16/1309:05>
Once Arc was done experimenting with her dog form and had changed back she'd told Marco, "Day-uuum omae. Mah hoop wush jush not ready fuh that. But, I dunno as anyone would ever be ready. Shtill, it wush interestin'. An I could still control mah drones so we chill. Dunno as I'll evah be used ta it. But, be handy in our back pocket." Yelena had smiled at her friend. Her experiences as a bird mindlinked with Marco had been exhilarating and once Arc was done she'd kissed him and said, "Yelena ready for mindlink and be bird." Marco had kissed her back just as passionately, looking forward to being one with this woman who scared him as much as she set his senses on fire. He'd changed them in an instant and they'd left the others. The flight was exhilarating and It had been a great flight, and a great time afterwards. Marco had been entirely accurate when he'd said it was like a different world. The peace had almost been unsettling for Yelena. Here, the shadow was far and a vibrant sense of life replaced it. But, Marco was also near and Yelena had wanted to give him some memories to hold onto of her that weren't death and violence.

Arc had gone home to Jaime later than she'd intended. But, his enthusiasm once she'd returned hadn't been any less heartfelt for it. And he'd showed her the gifts he'd gotten for the girls and later, as they were falling asleep he'd stroked her belly gently for a few minutes.

Tusks answered Chesh, >>Yo, send me the coordinates and I'll bring the chips n dip.<< She'd gone to the party and had a great time. She'd even danced with the Mashup. And had managed to avoid stepping on anyone.

Firefly had played the shooter far longer than she'd intended. But, after her talk with Marco she'd needed getting lost in a kill spree and had felt better afterwards.

Jed had hit up a bar after he left Arc's garage and had found Mike nursing a drink. He'd talked and caught up on all the latest news and had unwound with a game of darts afterwards. With all the tech, Jed found he'd still prefer to have something real in his hands and liked the slow easy pace of darts and the skill needed to bulls eye his target. Which, was admittedly less and less often as he drank.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-01-16/1430:28>
"Where am I ? Did I really sleep in the street? I am a filthy man and I need to be punished!" He thinks and he makes his way to his regular church, where he spend the entire morning mumbling madly and praying. He is an embarrassment - but it is difficult to remove a person showing such a devotion from the Church... at least until they need the space for something important.

"Back to the streets for me" thinks Marco as he wonders aimlessly in the worse parts of the city. He ends up in an homeless shelter that is not much more than an abandoned school. There are no free beds or mattresses but Marco only does not need much. He spent most of his life sleeping on a cold hard wood, deep down behind all the masks he is used for modesty. "perhaps modesty is my true self, the one not perverted by the endless pursuit of pleasures and sins."  Marco is so submerged in his plan that he does not even consciously remember that it is in fact a plan. He is determined to step the slippery slope into existential despair - to sift through his life and judge his behavior according to Catholic values. In an odd way - acknowledgement of his sins gives him peace.
[/quote]
@ Marco  A fight breaks out in the shelter across the room from Marco. Two men fighting when one accuses the other of stealing his lighter. In this environment where ones possessions are so few, even the smallest one is precious. The fight awakens Marco in time to see both men thrown out of the shelter for it. Now, they will have to find some other spot to sleep for the night, greed consigning them both to the cold and the dangers of the street once again.

"They are in danger... it is very cold outside" thinks Marco and leaves after the two, and confidently approaches them
 "Please people there is no need to fight my children, we are all equal before the Lord.
Come my children there is no need to fight there is plenty of grace to both of us. I will hand you this lipstick son,
if only you give your friend the benefit of the doubt - I am certain that he is no villain. I bet you can trade it.
Come back children of God, nobody needs to sleep outside tonight - it is snowing." Marco takes out of his pocket a red lipstick and tosses it
to the theft victim. Needless to say - he only uses top tier cosmetics. "One can never know when the craving for red hot thick lips would arise."
was his regular excuse for carrying that trinket, however right now personal hygiene or makeup seems to be taken from a completely different world.

@ Marco  The men turn to Marco and one of them, the man whose lighter had been stolen said "Go to hell! Bible thumper!" looking at Marco angrily. He takes the lipstick Marco throws but doesn't give it back.
In response Marco takes off his coat, and hands it over to the victim. "Here - have my coat as well, it is a cold night and you may need it more than I do."  to the other he said "I can get you both to back to the shelter... if you let me help, there is no hope for me - but perhaps there is for you two."  Marco indeed suffered from the cold. It was no weather to to be outdoors without one, however at his emotional state he cared very little about his own well being.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-01-16/1438:11>
Few days before Marco's demise:
Marco's and Yelena's romance was brought to its first crisis when Marco gained his astral hearing again. Yelena's aura - it was filled with cries of horrors - it was hideous and cruel - the soul of a killer - of a sociopath. It felt as if her victims constantly cried in Marco's ears, "Run away, run away - while you still can."

There was no salvaging the social situation, Marco returned home and Yelena being Yelena prepared a very sensual night for the two of them. The Salon was lit with candles and Yelena waited in lingerie. The face of Marco as she approached him were unexcuseable. Horror, disgust, he could not look at her - could not listen to her and could not even be in the same room as her.

Marco did not yet know how to turn on/off his astral senses, and no matter what Yelena did, no matter what she said - her aura, it was louder than her words.

"Agrat... please I am begging you show me how to turn it off - this is impossible.  "  He thought

"Love is indeed blind...  can you love her now that you can see how hideous she really is?"  Asked the succubus.

Yelena pauses as she approaches Marco that night.  The evening should have been perfect.  Candles, dinner, mind-blowing sex.  Instead...................................instead it was something else.  The expression on his face is troubling, tugging at her memory.  And then she knew it.  Disgust.................disgust and horror.  Marco is looking at her with disgust and horror.  And a bit of fear.  When he turns his head away to avoid looking at her, she goes cold inside.  Yelena stands still for a minute, then two, then five, willing him to change, to look back at her.  He does not.  Without saying a word, she removes the negligee he had bought her and dresses in her own well-worn clothes.  She takes her cases from the closet and packs her clothes, quite glad that she does not own much.  Her sax and guns are already in their cases. 

Marco has not moved an inch in this time and neither has his expression softened.  No regret.  No sign of love.  Just revulsion and disgust.  Yelena slings her sax case over her shoulder and picks up her suitcase and weapons case and heads for the door from the bedroom.  She stops at the door and without turning around, she quietly says, "Yelena leaving.  Marco can change mind right now.  Once Yelena leave, Yelena leave.  Marco giving up love.  Marco lie Yelena about love.  About everything.  Yelena say goodbye."  When he does not reply in any fashion, Yelena leaves the bedroom and the apartment.  She realizes that she should feel something, but knows that if she allows herself to feel she will probably collapse. 

On the way down to the garage, Yelena comes to the conclusion that for her love is the great betrayer.  She packs her things on her bike and rides away from the apartment building, setting the destination in the autopilot so she does not have to drive.  Arriving at Arc's garage, she finds that Arc has left for the day, as expected, but that Firefly is in, also expected.  Yelena finds the girl on the couch playing some sort of game on the trideo.  She waits for a break in the game and interrupts her.  "Marco not love Yelena.  Send Yelena away.  Love was lies.  Yelena go away for day, maybe two.  Decker mage want come?" 

While she waits for Firefly to process the information and consider her offer, Yelena sends a note to Arc.  >>Srui.  Is Yelena.  Marco break Yelena heart.  Love was lies.  Yelena is thrown from apartment.  May I return garage home?  Yelena go away for day, maybe two.  Maybe take Firefly.  Srui tell rigger man Yelena chop off many small parts and feed to something horrible if he hurt you.<<
Everything was falling apart, it was planned, but was still painful. A plan that was made in a brief second as Marco and Blake were mind linked. It was the only way Marco could follow her without THEM following... after all Marco was clearly not allowed to leave Seattle. Marco watched in silent as Yelena leaves, tries not to show empathy or any sort of emotion. She might never forgive him - but it must look real. "I cannot unsense what I now sense... " he mumbles half to himself and half to Yelena. Marco does not even form an eye contact, very uncharacteristic of him.
"He...who...what?!"

I never exactly trusted the elf, but where'd this come from?  Still, Yelena's distress over it was clear, even if her way of showing it wasn't exactly normal for a woman in love.  I'd worked with enough professionals in my short time to recognise this method of processing.

I also know my first inclination, to give the woman a hug, likely wasn't the way to go.

"Sure.  I'll go.  Not like I have anything planned until we go to Europe.  And here I'd started to almost warm to the priest again.  I suppose I shouldn't ignore my instincts like that, should I Yelena-sensei?"

Yelena shakes her head.  "Is not Marco.  Is Yelena.  Yelena think Marco new mojo skill let see Yelena soul.  PI man see soul and maybe used to such as Yelena, but Marco only suspect.  Yelena thinks he is now able see Yelena.  Marco disgusted by sight.  Not even look Yelena in eye.  Face of horror and disgust.  Yelena....................Yelena...............frag.  Yelena had hope Marco different.  Not different.  Yelena is killer and soul dark with deaths of innocents.  Much innocents.  Now Marco see and not like Yelena.  Marco not love enough forgive Yelena.'

"So Yelena move on.  Love was lies.  Marco love not real, just pretend.  Frag Marco.  Pack light if decker mage come Yelena.  Leave five minutes.  Drive Shadow bar."

@ Marco  A fight breaks out in the shelter across the room from Marco. Two men fighting when one accuses the other of stealing his lighter. In this environment where ones possessions are so few, even the smallest one is precious. The fight awakens Marco in time to see both men thrown out of the shelter for it. Now, they will have to find some other spot to sleep for the night, greed consigning them both to the cold and the dangers of the street once again.

"They are in danger... it is very cold outside" thinks Marco and leaves after the two, and confidently approaches them
 "Please people there is no need to fight my children, we are all equal before the Lord.
Come my children there is no need to fight there is plenty of grace to both of us. I will hand you this lipstick son,
if only you give your friend the benefit of the doubt - I am certain that he is no villain. I bet you can trade it.
Come back children of God, nobody needs to sleep outside tonight - it is snowing." Marco takes out of his pocket a red lipstick and tosses it
to the theft victim. Needless to say - he only uses top tier cosmetics. "One can never know when the craving for red hot thick lips would arise."
was his regular excuse for carrying that trinket, however right now personal hygiene or makeup seems to be taken from a completely different world.

@ Marco  The men turn to Marco and one of them, the man whose lighter had been stolen said "Go to hell! Bible thumper!" looking at Marco angrily. He takes the lipstick Marco throws but doesn't give it back.
In response Marco takes off his coat, and hands it over to the victim. "Here - have my coat as well, it is a cold night and you may need it more than I do."  to the other he said "I can get you both to back to the shelter... if you let me help, there is no hope for me - but perhaps there is for you two."  Marco indeed suffered from the cold. It was no weather to to be outdoors without one, however at his emotional state he cared very little about his own well being.
[/quote]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-02-16/1057:53>
@ Marco. The shorter one, the one accused of stealing gives a short bark of laughter. "The ain't lettin' us back in tonight. He's doomed us to freeze 'cause he can't keep track o his stuff." Once he's done speaking he turns and walks away, gathering his short jacket around him as he goes.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-02-16/1401:34>
Marco said to the taller one "You got the lipstick and the coat - I now own your lighter - it is the best trade anyone will ever offer you.  Whomever has it - has my complete agreement to use it. "  he then runs after the shorter one and say  "Please, things were said in the heat of the moment and nobody accuses you of stealing. I can get you a bed in the shelter, please go back with me - do not leave in anger.


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-03-16/0936:04>
@ Marco  The chummer Marco had run after stopped and gave him a look of disbelief, "What the hell." He'd finally stated. And turning around he'd gone back to the shelter with Marco. The other member of this little scene was long gone. Marco would have run after him if he'd been able to spot him but he was nowhere in sight.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-03-16/1016:58>
"At least that other one has an extra coat" sighed Marco as the two went to the shelter. Arriving to the shelter Marco asks to speak to the director, he closes the door behind himself and say "My client is actually a lot richer than he seems to be... and he refuses to actually act the role, he wants to spend the night at this place. Go figure, if I had this kind of money I'd rent a nice place downtown.  At any case - here is what he can afford for a night . Just make him feel like one of the rest. ."  Marco places a 2k nuyen cred-stick in the ends of the surprised director and does not wait for a reply, his facing seeing how much money is stored in that credstick are all the reply needed. Marco went back to the entrance and with the confidence of someone who runs this place he welcomes the person to the shelter.  Even in charity - money seems to be making the world go round - and 2k nuyen buys plenty for thous that accept such a modest life style.
[spoiler]
Marco is of-course laying but the money is real and as absurd as it sounds he is actually quite believable. I mean who would pay 2k nuyen for a night at a homeless shelter anyhow.
Con (http://orokos.com/roll/415441): 18d6t5 9
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-03-16/2120:23>
Marco quickly finds that two beds are freed for him and Hal. The only name the recipient of his generosity would give. And soon Maroc found that he and Hal were being watched over by the staff. Money does indeed by privileges. Not many considering the conditions of the shelter. But, breakfast seems to be one of them as when morning comes they are awakened so that they can be first in line for the meager offerings while they're still hot. It's scrambled soy and toast and a piece of pressed soy flavored to taste like bacon, at least in theory, and hot, fresh soycaf. As accustomed to real food as Marco was it was completely unpalatable. But, Hal tucked into like it was ambrosia. And now that Marco had more lighting it was obvious how gaunt he was. But, before Marco could say anything Hal said, "Thanks, for getting me in for the night. I missed an appointment with my supplier or I would have made enough dealing to afford at least a coffin and some company for the night. You got a good face. I could get you work as a mule maybe an you could work for me."  He looks at Marco expectantly, as if he's made an extremely generous offer.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-03-16/2246:51>
Marco politely thanks Hal for his offer and said "Thank you very much Hal, this is generous of you. It was good to know you, but  I spend all my days at Church."  He then added with a grave serious voice "I do not have much time left."   Marco reluctantly ate fake breakfast, and then excused himself. He walked at the streets and every thing looked different, the comforts of home seemed like the lost garden of Eden - a place of bliss and great ignorance. What was left now is clarity and a sad understanding " I am a lot smaller than I feel " . Without thinking at it much he found himself at his Church where he already had a spot where he was less of an embarrassment.

Marco's emotions stired as he reached the Church - faith was his greatest failure and accepting that made him cry. "Oh Lord forgive me, for my sins are many, too many to count." He mumbled as he begun his routine.

Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-05-16/1655:51>
Yelena is not a stupid woman, for stupid women do not live long in the sixth world, but she would be the first to tell anyone who really wanted to listen that she knows little of what motivates people to be as they are.  Sure, there are the obvious things, like money and power and greed and sex, all of which she understands to one degree or another.  But the deeper motivations escape her.  Most of her life has been about surviving.  The early years were the worst, as she watched those weaker than herself fall and die.  She should have died several times in those first years at the camp, but she did not.  She lived and thrived in a world of sex, drugs, and death, first allowing the shadow to help her then forcing the shadow to help her as she grew stronger. 

Yelena has taken many lovers, men and women, but only three stand out in her mind as important and influential.  Nikolai was the first man to really recognize her raw talent for killing and to see that she not only accepted death but reveled it.  He saw something beyond the drugs and sex that no one else had to that point.  He took her in, trained her, and gave her a calling.  She was a killer, a murderer of innocent and guilty alike and each death was cold and brutal.  She preferred killing with a rifle, but that was not practical in a prison so he taught her how to kill with anything that came to hand.  And she drank in his teachings like they were an elixir from the gods.  She might have been his best pupil, although he did tell her of another he had once trained.  But he was able to take the unformed girl that Yelena was and transform her into something darker, more like himself.  She accepted the shadow path he showed her and walked it with him, desiring to know more.

The second lover had been the sax man.  He had had no idea what the shadow was and tempted Yelena away from it with music and love.  Or, at least, the illusion of love.  Yelena had put her rifle in a closet for five years to live with him and learn about living instead of death.  She had learned to play the saxophone and it seemed that she had an innate talent for the instrument, learning so fast that he often asked her if she had not already known how to play before she came to him.  Yelena had pushed the shadow aside and was happy.  She cooked and cleaned and laundered for them, and played with him in the clubs when he wished her to.  He cheated on her, but always came back because he loved her.  And she took him back because she loved him more than reason and common sense should allow.  His betrayal at the end left her emotionally empty, drained of any desire for love and peace.  She had sworn then to never let another man that close to her.

But Yelena had not counted on someone like Marco.  Marco was different..............................so very different.  He was not an innocent and she could sense the war within himself over what his life had been, and what it now was, and over her.  She was everything he could not accept about the world but seemed completely unable to not love her.  For her part, Yelena recognized someone on the knife edge of the shadow world.  His skills and ability could have made him a great assassin, a feared and respected killer.  She was prepared to wait for him to see that and make a choice.  And for some reason, she was ready to let herself love again and she broke all of her own rules for the young Keeb.  Love is not something easily explained or sold in a box from the shelf of a Stuffer Shack.  If you can explain love then you are not in love; the best you can do is wave your hands ineffectively and mutter phrases like "Well, you just know when you are in love." 

And Yelena is in love.  She knows it.  She cannot explain it.  She feels pain when Marco is not around and now that is every minute of every day.  His betrayal has nearly destroyed her heart, sending her deeper into the shadow world she lives in.  But..............    But..................  But this betrayal is not the same as that of the sax man.  That lover had died and left evidence of a betrayal of the worst kind.  His expressed love for Yelena had been lies, words said to give him a steady companion and someone to have sex with.  Someone to keep his apartment and cook for him.  Yelena had been nothing but a tool to the man, someone to tide him over until he could convince his wife to take him back.  A pleasant tool, certainly, but still a tool.  But Marco is not the sax man.  He wanted nothing from her but that she change to be a better person.  And he loved her even when she could not promise to even try.  What is that, if not real love?  And this time Yelena could do something.  The sax man had died and Yelena had lost any chance of being what he had wanted, but Marco was still living.  He was changing to something and Yelena had not been strong enough to listen or even ask.  She had simply taken his words and left.

But what if the words were more than that?  What if they were a call for help and not a betrayal?  If that were the case, then would not Yelena be the betrayer?  Suddenly her world turns upside down.  She can feel an ache in her heart for what Marco had put there in his perhaps misguided attempt to save her, but it was real and it was still there.  It is easy to feel slighted and hurt and rejected, but It is hard to feel enough love to look past the pain and see that there might be something else behind what was said.  In her more than sixty years of life, Yelena has learned that no one changes that much so quickly, but she had been so willing to believe in his betrayal that she had not thought of that in her moment of despair.  True, she had not thought of that at all, almost reveling in her own misery and more than willing to believe the worst of a man who had said he loved her.  The fragging sax man had hurt her more than even Yelena had realized if he could still affect her in this way so many years after he had died.  This time Yelena has a chance to show that she, too, can love and that love can mean looking past the hurt and making an effort to understand......to help.

Yelena returns to the building where Marco had lived but is told that he had already moved out, leaving no forwarding address.  The manager tells her that had changed so much that the neighbors had been complaining and that Marco would have been asked to leave if he had not already turned in his notice.  He had simply left, giving away most of his things, apparently taking nothing.  Yelena asks to see the apartment, telling the manager that she has left something there and could she please get it.  Some money changed hands and Yelena is given the current code to enter the room.  The transformation was appalling, even to Yelena, who had lived with none of the trappings of luxury for her entire life.  Nothing was cared for and everything not already given away had been left behind.  Yelena is looking for something in particular and finds it, a picture of a young girl.  She carefully takes the picture and nothing else, leaving the ruin of Marco's life behind as she leaves the building.

Yelena walks to a café near the apartment building and sits at a small table in a corner of the room, calling up the AR menu and ordering a soycaf.  While waiting for the caf to arrive, Yelena has her 'link search out every Catholic church in Seattle and begins calling them, one after the other.  She is asking if there have been any new additions to the flock of late, perhaps someone who has given up everything.  The first several calls are disappointing but then she remembers that Marco has been giving his things away and so the wealthy churches might not be where he has gone.  She shifts her search parameters and begins calling the churches in the poorer districts, those that might staff a homeless shelter or soup kitchen.  Two more hours of calling and still the answers are all the same; no one like that has been in the area.  About to give this effort up and try to think of something else, there is a pause at the other end of the line.  "But wait.  There is someone.  He has been here before so is not new here, but he has changed.  He is dressed shabbily and cares not for his appearance, and has donated many things to help us with the shelter and soup kitchen across the street."

Yelena's heart leaps within her breast.  Yes!.  She softly speaks to herself in Russian then responds to the priest.  "Yelena thank, Father.  Priest has been much help."

Yelena notes the address of the church and frowns, thinking that her clothes will stand out there, not to mention the bike itself.  She finishes the caf and leaves the café, climbing on her bike and driving towards the neighborhood where the church is located, letting the autopilot take her there while she tries to formulate a plan.  A slight smile comes to her lips as she checks addresses and gives the bike new directions.  She stops at a small shop specializing in off-the-rack clothing and buys something more appropriate to the area she will be going to, to include a shabby coat to hide her pistol and a winter hat to cover her stark white hair and Keeb ears.  From the store, she goes to a parking garage and leaves the bike after transferring her new secret pistol to her ragged clothes and stashing the others in one of the storage bins on the bike.  She returns to the street level and takes several buses to get as close as possible to the area supported by the church, walking the rest of the way.  Her steps get more leaden as she gets closer and her mind starts fomenting doubts.  He might really not love her.  He might really dislike her so much that he wanted to hurt her in the worst possible manner he could.  He had known about the sax man and his betrayal and this would have played out perfectly for a man trying to hurt her.  But enough of Yelena's heart still remains that she forces those thoughts back into the shadows, claiming a small bit of herself to be still herself and still in love.  She had been in danger of being the worst thing she can think of, a hypocrite.  She knows that love is unexplainable and blind.....................Frag, everyone ever in love knows that.  But is not love......true love.....willing to forge through hardships and pain, to muscle past obstacles and still be love?  True, he might have stopped loving her, but she has not stopped loving him and she needs to......has to...........make an effort to show him that she is in love with him despite what he might feel or not feel, for her.

She can see the men and women lined up across the street at the shelter and soup kitchen.  Even worse, she can feel the draw of Bliss and knows her own life is in danger here.  She can see people in the line that are clearly ravaged by that drug and others like it and her hands start shaking from the need and her blood quickens at the thought that she could be at peace with just one hit.  Something to calm and her and give her confidence.  Without even thinking of it, Yelena's feet shift direction and she walks slowly across the street to where a man is standing, obviously the major pusher in this area.  His stance and air of confidence is crystal clear to Yelena as that of a successful pusher, a leach of the worst kind.  She stops ten feet from him and he turns to look at her, smiling as he recognizes the need of the junkie in her eyes, even reaching into his pocket and removing a small packet of the drug to show her.  She can almost smell the powder from here and takes one step closer..............then two...........then she stops.  This is not why she came here, is it?  This is the risk she takes very day of her life.  The beasts she had fallen in with in prison still haunt her today.  Bliss and Kamikaze ruled her life behind bars and provided her the means to survive between killings.  It had taken years to wean herself away from the effects and the cravings and yet she had fallen so readily back into that life with Bella and the club.  Far too easily. 

She frowns but shakes her head and turns away.  The pusher smiles, knowing that she will be back.  Yelena is trembling as she enters the church, not only from wondering what she will find inside, but also from the near lapse back into the stupor offered by the drug.  Sliding through the door, she looks around to let her eyes adjust to the dim light inside.  None of the few pews are empty, but most only have one or two people in them.  She walks to the middle of the church, selecting a pew with only one person already there.  She holds herself tight and slides onto the hard wooden seat, staying near the edge so she can leave in a hurry if she wants to.  Yelena looks around, gazing at the people to see if she can spot Marco, but he is not among the worshippers here.  She wraps herself in her love and waits.

And waits.  He finally makes a showing, but Yelena almost does not recognize the man Marco has become.  But not even his ragged clothes or the way his hair and body appear to be unkempt can hide Marco from Yelena.  He goes into a cubical that she knows is for confessions and remains there.  She stands and walks to wait near the entrance to the cubical.  She has no need for confessing any sins, but wants to be there when Marco reappears.  In her own semi ragged clothing, she does not stand out much as she waits.  When he emerges, he does not seem to see her and attempts to walk past, but she calls out to him.  "Yelena love Marco."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-06-16/1424:28>
Marco looked at Yelena, it took him a while to understand who she was - his old life seemed so far and he grew so confused.  "Yelena... listen, we  both are going to hell, some of us sooner than the others, but it is not goodbye it is see you later. I truly believe that. " He hands her his comb and say "This is to remember me by, this entire existence is temporary, everything is nothing but an illusion. I love that comb very much, it has a piece of my soul in it. Keep it with you as long as you still love me - and love will find a way to comfort you. I am praying  that in some other world we will meet again. "
With that, Marco returned to his catatonic state and silently prayed for remorse.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-06-16/1438:51>
Yelena shudders at the rejection, close to tears and even closer to leaving him to wallow here for the rest of his probably very much shortened life.  She takes a half step back and almost turns away before remembering why she came here in the first place.  Her left arm moves like a snake and grabs Marco around the throat, pulling him closer to her while keeping the other hand free to grab the pistol at her hip if necessary.  She begins backing up the aisle, looking left and right as well as behind her.  "You are not Marco.  Someone or something has changed you and you need help.  I am not leaving you here to die, do you understand that?  And the rest of you should be very careful.  This man has changed radically over the past couple of days.  Are any of you sure that you want to be near him when he continues his decline and maybe starts hurting people?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-06-16/1630:10>
Marco said "Have faith in me love, no matter what follows, no matter what darkness come you remember that darkest hour is just before sunrise. One day need to end for another to start, and endings are always difficult. These life are temporary, they are not real they are but an illusion, an illusion that cannot continue once you understand its true nature. Please, do not use violence in my place of worship, some things change but the fundamentals remain the same, I am not dangerous I may be losing my mind but I would not hurt a fly. Your heart is in the right place, but your emotions are making you weak, do not feel, do not understand, believe! You know the truth in your heart. This road that I took, it is a path that I must take alone  but in the end, we will meet again.

This is why I gave you my comb, it will do wonders to your hair. It is my most valued piece of earthly possession and normally I would never leave home without it.  Good hair builds confidence and confidence builds strength, you will need your strength when you leave so brush you hair everyday and things will get better, I am certain of it. "  he made no attempt to resist Yelena's grab.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-06-16/2203:24>
Yelena releases Marco's neck and turns him around to face her.  She lowers her forehead to his and speaks softly as tears pour from her eyes.  "До свидания Марко. Елена будет помнить вас как вы были. Вы вероятно никогда не знают, что я сказать вам, но не изменит смысл. Вы вдали от любви и переход на месте я не знаю и не хотели бы перейти к. Удачи и хорошей жизни для вас, Марко."

Yelena takes the comb he offers her and turns away, leaving the church as fast as she can, almost careening into three old ladies in her hurry.  Outside, the sting of the cold air causes her to wipe the tears away and she retraces her steps away from the man she used to love.  Every step widens the gulf between them and pushes her that much farther into the shadow.  She eventually makes her way back to the bus stop and takes the buses back to where her bike is parked in the public garage.  She pauses at the bike and thinks of everything Marco had meant to her, what he still means to her, and shakes her head.  She will have that part of him for as long as she lives, but that Marco is gone and she does not know how to get him back.  She could have drug him from the church and......and......and exactly what?  He does not want to be with her and whatever world he is not living in is not for her.  Love was not enough for either of them to give up everything to be together.  She shrugs as she mounts her bike and heads off back to the garage. 

[spoiler]Goodbye Marco.  Yelena will remember you as you were.  You will probably never know what I am telling you but that will not change the meaning.  You are turning away from love and going to a place I do not know and do not wish to go to.  Good luck and good life to you, Marco.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-06-16/2310:10>
Yelena parks the bike in a row of other bikes and takes Firefly's hand in one of hers and approaches the bar.  Loud music can be heard even from outside the door.  Yelena squeezes the younger woman's hand.  "Decker mage OK this?  We here have good time.  Forget Marco.  Be friends.  We leave when Firefly says leave."  Two large bikers are standing on the wooden porch near the door but do not appear to be any sort of threat.  They are smoking cigarettes and getting some air.  The women pass into the bar and Yelena smiles.  The place is not like Josie's jazz bar, but is more like a cross between a biker bar and a honky tonk.  The wooden floor is littered with sawdust and peanut shells and the stools that line bar that stretches almost all the way across the large room are filled with patrons, as are most of the tables and booths.  Several pool tables occupy the left end of the room and a wooden dance floor is to the right.  Both of these areas are full of people having a good time.  A three-person live band is playing from a small stage near the dance floor, but the music from the instruments has to compete with the twang of country music through the tinny speakers of an old juke box near the pool tables.  Strangely enough, none of the customers in the packed bar seem to care.  All are dressed as if going somewhere or coming from somewhere, but the garb could hardly be termed even remotely consistent.

Several customers look up as Firefly enters the bar and a cute waitress points to a booth.  "Or there is room at the bar, honey.  Take your pick and I will be right with you."

Yelena looks at Firefly.  "Decker mage want booth?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <07-06-16/2315:02>
"This is your outing, Yelena-sensei," I remind her as I look around and get my bearings.  "If you'd rather sit at the bar, that's fine although..."  I try to keep my gaze from lingering on the booth, but I can tell Yelena's too perceptive for me to hide the furtive glance in that direction.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-06-16/2324:48>
The waitress glides over shortly after Firefly and Yelena are seated in the booth, which is closer to the pool table and jukebox end of the bar.  She looks at Firefly and says, "New here?  I don't recognize you and I never forget a face.  What'll you have, dear?  Just about anything is available."

After taking Firefly's order and Yelena's order for Vodka, the waitress disappears.  Yelena reaches over and tentatively takes Firefly's hand.  Decker mage let Yelena know if want leave.  Yelena not mean make uncomfortable.  Place like this is real life.  Real people.  Can meet new friends.  Can make new enemies.  But is life.  Not cloister.  But maybe Yelena move too fast?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-07-16/0019:13>
Sometimes you lie in order to say the truth, emotions need to be carefully controlled and manipulated the script is the script is the script and it is the only reality. Not even love, breaks the mask... What sort of mage hands over his power focus? What sort of man breaks the heart of a lover out of love? Love gives courage, it gives generosity, as long as Marco is alive that comb is connected to him, Firefly and Yelena are close, too close for Firefly's sake but Marco believes that Firefly would be smart enough to figure it out. It is with her he places his trust, he will get to Poland and will try to follow them but how far can he go without them finding him?

Would they want anything with Marco once they do ?

They may want or they may not work, it is no time to wonder, the script is for him. It may be fueled by love, but at the end of the day Marco does not plan to ever be predictable. To ever be himself, the open roads are his way now, the life of fugitive are his share. His face will be masked every morning and once his magic matures  and evolves so will his aura. That innocent but naive mage that Yelena fell in love with is gone forever, in his place there is what is left.
A cynical, cold and result driven person, one that follows his lover to hell, even if she is his lover no more.

Poland is the last place they will look for him, murder and atrocities are the least likely place for him to go to. Yet, the smell of Yelena's body as she talked to him. The feeling of her hand on his neck, that is his last memory of her. The one memory on Marco's mind few days later when he followed the script to the hardest feat of his life. To jump out of a building and allows himself to fall all the way to the floor, without trying to grab anything, without changing into a bird and without levitating. What possible mage can fake such a suicide? Only one with an absolute control over fear and reason. It is faith that kept him going, faith that it is better to die than to accept being a mere tool. No more being the tool of evil men, from now on Marco would pursue his own agenda.






Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <07-12-16/2044:00>
I watch the waitress depart after taking the order for my green tea.  Yelena's question comes to me as I'm looking away, so I turn back to look into her face before I speak.  "I...I'm okay.  I used to go clubbing back in Singapore.  Aside from not having my detail and my team mates with me, this isn't all that different."  My eyes wander a bit before settling on the table in front of me.  "The surroundings haven't changed.  It's me that's changed.  You're right, I was in a cloister and didn't even realize it.  I have a lot to learn," I resolve as I look back up to the elf, "but I'm ready.  I thought I'd left my old life behind me when I spent that month on the ship to Seattle, but it was George's words that really cut the cord to my parents.  This path is my own.  Not the one my parents set for me.  Live or die.  Succeed or fail.  It'll be due to me.  That's both terrifying and heady at the same time."  I straighten up as I finish.  "I'm ready to do whatever it takes to become strong my own way."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-13-16/0321:13>
Yelena smiles.  "Then ignore Yelena talk of shadow.  Yelena still have much learn, but Yelena know making own way.  Decker mage need much strength.  Strength of character.  Strength of purpose.  Strength of drive.  Yelena believe shadow is much help to Yelena.  Maybe something else for Firefly.  But single truth is Firefly not alone.  Firefly have friends.  Have team.  And team give strength.  Not like corp drek with decker mage in middle and guards for safe.  Corp guards protect because paid to.  That still leave Firefly alone, even in group.  Now have friends.  Friends protect because want to.  That is strength.  If Yelena not believe, then Yelena go Poland alone, but Yelena does believe.  Much stronger with Firefly.  With Arc and Tuskaloosa and PI man Jedediah.  Marco not see truth.  Get lost on way.  Not trust team to help with problems.  Marco go solo and Marco now dead by own hand.  Weakest of the weak is die by own hand."

"So truth time?  Decker mage ever sleep boy?  Or girl?  Yelena learn Muslim talk after meet Firefly.  Yelena know not supposed have sex.  But Yelena know many good religious people have sex.  So, Firefly have sex or dream of sex?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <07-14-16/2135:12>
Sex.

It wasn't like the topic was unexpected.  I knew it was no big deal to Yelena-sensei and, given the events between her and Marco, probably high on her mind.  Still, I could feel the heat in my cheeks and i looks around self-consciously to see if anyone was watching me.

"Um...I...uh...told you already I'm a virgin.  I do...have...dreams though.  That's normal, isn't it?" 

I actually meet Yelena's eyes and try to match her gaze.  I have nothing to be ashamed of...right?
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-15-16/0229:03>
Yelena gives a small sigh and a bit of pain shows in her eyes.  Yelena only guess what normal for young girl who never has sex.  Yelena had virginity taken by force before I could even think about sex.  Yelena dram now, though, so maybe is normal.  Yelena protect Firefly as much as possible, but road to vengeance much hard.  Vengeance take hold of life.  Of heart.  Sex is tool, is weapon.  Decker mage may need use this tool for vengeance.  Should think about."

"But not here.  Time for relax.  Forget life.  Forget trouble.  Forget Marco.  Live."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-16-16/1144:53>
@ Yelena & Subaru  The music had been loud and the drinks cheap and it hadn't taken the local clientele long to start buying Yelena and Firefly drinks.

@ Marco  The priest had tried to talk to Marco, had lectured him and told him to stop thinking only of himself and to do more for others, that that was the path to a more positive life. But, he'd said it hurriedly, all the while watching a beautiful woman across the church waiting for the priest to enter the confessional box. Marco noted with the eyes of a professional that she wasn't wearing anything underneath her dress and the confessional box she was waiting near was the one furthest away from the pews, the one with a completely blocked screen and a bit of soundproofing.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <07-16-16/2005:10>
I know I can't take my liquor.  I'd learned that lesson back in Singapore.  I'd also learned how to handle boys...and the occasional girl...who wanted to get into my panties.  I needed to keep control of the situation.  Maybe I didn't have the detail I'd had when clubbing back home, but I still knew how to play the game.  I let my old self take over.  No more Muslim wallflower.  I'm Nihongin.  A child of the Emperor; proud and capable. 

お茶のみでお願いします

[Tea only, please] I say in Japanese with a smile but with eyes that suggest i'm more than I might seem.  By speaking only in Japanese, and suggesting I don't understand English, I manage to winnow away a lot of the crowd who find Yelena more approachable even with her somewhat choppy dialect.  Those left focused on me will be more manageable and I'll handle them in my milk tongue.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-16-16/2258:13>
Yelena is good at a party and it looks like this might become one.  Her Russian accent does not seem to turn people away and she mingles with the local crowd, taking a sip from a glass then putting it down on a table where either someone else will get it or it will sit forgotten for a while.  Her main attention is on Firefly, though.  She keeps an eye on the young woman, trying to make sure that things do not get out of hand for her.  She is unused to alcohol and what it can do to one's inhibitions and she does not want her friend to wake up in the morning with either a hangover or a new bedmate without understanding what happened.  As she moves to s stand next to her, she realizes that her fears are ungrounded.  The girl seems more than able to take care of herself.  Yelena smiles and says, "Yelena see decker mage do well.  Careful with drink.  Yelena now go shoot pool.  Firefly have fun."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-17-16/0027:24>
Marco looks at the priest, and says "There is already sin in your thoughts a sin that would soon manifest as a sin of the flesh. The path you took does not ends well for you. Repent now before your soul is further damaged - if the shepherd is corrupted what hope remains to the rest of us?" He was speaking quietly, but confidently. Insanity had some comforts, having nothing has made Marco more perceptive of his surrounding. Marco felt like Jonah, he did not use charisma to influence his words, he left the choice with the man, just like Jonah - but from better motives. Choice need to be with the priest - he does not need the charismatic overwhelming talk to socially force his hand. Change needs to come from within, if the priest really wants to be a man of God, he needed to change. What else could Marco possibly tell him - that his sin was double because it was another priest in that confession box?

Some things Marco never could understand - one of them was why sex was so wrong - but these were the rules of the path that man has walked. These were the moral dogma's that Marco could not free himself from despite not making sense at all. He tried to be Catholic and he failed horribly. In almost any aspect of that faith.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-17-16/0909:57>
@ Marco  The priest looks at Marco, his anger palpable, "You seek to judge others by your own sins and see evil in the innocent. I forgive you your error for you are lost. Go in peace my son." He leaves Marco then and goes to the confessional box, the woman's smile and body language as he heads towards her unconsciously becoming more seductive as she looks forward to her 'confession'.

@ Yelena  It isn't long before a few offers for a room, the back of a car and on a bike as you zoom down the highway are made to Yelena and the drinks flow freely. The offer for the highway comes from a young man who also passes her a capsule of Bliss when he pulls her close and kisses her, the capsule dancing on their tongues in the exchange.

@ Subaru  The waitress calls up a program to translate her order and frowns when she realizes it's just tea. Her tip won't be nearly as good. And the frown gets bigger when Subaru won't let other men buy her drinks either, Subaru's persistent Japanese doing much to discourage suitors. But, three young men take her language to be a challenge and insist on "helping her" by pantomiming and calling her "sweet" and "shy" ignoring her body language and pulling her onto the meager dance floor to show her how to dance.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-17-16/1055:44>
Yelena is having fun flirting with the different offers, some of which actually interest her, until the man kisses her and she can feel the capsule on his tongue.  Instinctively knowing what it is, her heart stops and she can imagine the all-too-familiar euphoria even before it starts to race into her blood.  She can almost give in, but......but.....but.....the war inside her forces her to break away before the Bliss can act on her.  She plea in her eyes is not mirrored by her determination to not succumb.  "Please.  I cannot.  I appreciate the offer, but I cannot.  Too much at stake.  I have to..................."

She breaks off and heads over to where Firefly is.  "Yelena cannot stay.  Mistake come here.  Mistake go any bar.  Yelena weak.  Need help go away or maybe never leave."  There are tears in Yelena's eyes as she pleads with her friend to help her leave.  Already her senses are telling her to give in.  Let it happen.  What could be wrong about a night of forgetting.  Forgetting Marco.  Forgetting the pain of rejection.  Forgetting the pain of betrayal.  She feels a hand on her arm and looks to see the young man she had been kissing.  His eyes tell her enough as he holds out another capsule.  Yelena's hand instinctively jerks out, but her will forces it back down.  She steps back, bumping into someone.


[spoiler]Resist Psychological: Resist Addiction (http://orokos.com/roll/419974): 7d6t5 1  Use Edge to reroll misses:  Edge for Misses (http://orokos.com/roll/419975): 6d6t5 4  Whew!
Resist Physical:  Resist Addiction (http://orokos.com/roll/419976): 6d6t5 4  Whew again!  Did not need to use a second Edge.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <07-17-16/1128:55>
Even before Yelena's display, I suspected we might need to make a break from the place.  Although I'd decided earlier to not be jacked in, my trusty Erika was snug in my jumpsuit and the cable to connect was strung just inside the cuff of my right sleeve where I could jack in with my right wrist at a moment's notice.  Fast jacking and quick examination of the surrounding AR had been drilled into me since I learned to walk and I zeroed in on the environmental controls of the bar even as I also sent a generous payment for what Yelena and I had, ourselves, ordered.

As soon as Yelena and I met any resistance on our retreat from the bar, I cut the lights and urge Yelena on toward the door using AR to help guide me and depending on Yelena's ability to operate in darkness.

If we make it out okay, I'll set everything the way it was before as we speed off.

[spoiler]I do not have the ability right now to roll, but given my skills, the likely weakness of security at a dive like this, and my wilingness to use edge, can this be considered a free effort?[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-17-16/1725:38>
@ Yelena & Subaru  In the dark of the bar Yelena and Subaru find themselves grabbed by a few of their erstwhile "suitors" looking to take advantage of the sudden darkness in the bar to conceal their actions.

[spoiler](https://rolz.org/embed?X12891997) (https://rolz.org/info?X12891997)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-17-16/2023:19>
Yelena takes Firefly's hand and the two head for the door just as the lights go out.  Some of the men in the bar take advantage of the darkness to grab at the two women.  Yelena's initial reaction is to fight, but she does not know who to fight and she might hurt innocent people in the darkness.  Instead, she raises her voice and calls out that she is being attacked and asks for help, knowing that there are decent people in the bar.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-17-16/2316:11>
Marco looks at the situation and feels morally conflicted, it feels wrong to these kind of things in there. On the other hand it is not the sex that bothers him it is the hypocrisy. Yet, being so poorly dressed feels like a choice to be powerless - had he wanted to be strong Marco would have been wearing a suit. In that case there were many things Marco felt like he could do, but these clothes were there to teach him a lesson.  Sex was probably the most powerful of urges, how can he even expect one to resist it when Marco himself failed it repeatedly. Before his time is up, Marco would like to learn how to trust his faith - it may not be logical but it is all he has left.

He falls on his knees and loudly pray - not for his own soul but for that of the priest. The words however Marco knows far too well - it was the prayer he was forced to say once caught in the act. Perhaps that time was the first time he genuinely meant it.

Behold me, O my God, at Your feet! I do not deserve mercy, but O my Redeemer, the blood with You have shed for me encourages me and obliges me to hope for it. How often I have offended You, repented, and yet have I again fallen into the same sin. O my God, I wish to amend, and in order to be faithful to You, I will place all my confidence in You. I will, whenever I am tempted, instantly have recourse to You. Until now, I have trusted in my own promises and resolutions and have neglected to recommend myself to You in my temptations. This has been the cause of my repeated failures. From this day forward, be You, O Lord, my strength, and this shall I be able to do all things, for “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” Amen.




'
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-18-16/0116:02>
@ Marco  The priest does not even spare a backwards glance at Marco as he heads towards the confessional and he enters it without looking towards the woman waiting for him. But, there are a few others in the church. A few people in the pews praying, another lighting candles, another just getting out of the cold and resting in the church, and Marco's sincerity as he prays touches them. Marco hears the words echoed by those few and Marco hears the echo of a sermon he'd heard so long ago only the one line remained. "An honest and sincere heart God does not despise." Peace fills the chapel as a few others pray with sincerity.

@ Yelena & Firefly  Yelena sees a couple of people come to hers and Subaru's aide and soon she is out of the club and kneeling in the snow berating her choice.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-18-16/0325:31>
Yelena draws the strength of the shadow to her and feels better.   Almost.  There is a part of her that is telling her to go back to the young man, take and consume his Bliss, and spend the night lost in sexual abandon.  A large part of her.  The lure is almost more than she can bear and she struggles against the pull even as she stands and mounts the bike.  She waits for Firefly to get on behind her and drives off.  She feels unwell and pulls off the road at a small roadside motel.  Turning to Firefly, she says, "Yelena feel sick.  Need stop.  Share room for safety."

Yelena goes to the motel office and takes a room with two small beds and parks the bike in front of the door.  She takes everything off the bike and unlocks the room, going inside.  Firefly can see her shivering, even after closing the door to the room.  Yelena falls to her knees and grabs the side of one of the beds to keep from falling on her face.  "Bliss.  Fragging Bliss.  Too close.  Too much.  Yelena need Bliss much.  Body ache for it.  Can Firefly get some?  Man in office might have.  If not, bang on doors to find.  Yelena need it.  No!  Not get.  Help Yelena not have.  Please."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-18-16/0905:54>
I am Powerless...

Powerful - but powerless.

 I am nothing but a tool...

But I am no hammer.

What am I?

Nothing in front of the lord,
all the magic in the world did not make me not want to be right there - in that box instead of the priest.

Or instead of the lady? - The entire thing gets way to graphical.

A threesome ? - It is only getting worse.

Is anybody listening to me?

I am powerless to stop - I have a pulse, I am part of life and life just want to continue.

The allure of insanity was always there - to lose myself in the sea of voices.

Are these voices real?

They seem to provide insight about people - even before it has any physical manifestation.

They are getting louder and clearer...

And they are driving me insane.

Please if anybody is out there to answer my prayers...

I could really use some forgiveness right now.

There were voices - in Marco's mind - so many of them. None of them however seemed new, Agrat was there and the spirits were there.

Nothing - nobody - I am truly alone.

Marco's eyes tear when he realizes, just how alone he is and just how many defensive mechanisms and barriers he needed just to go on with his ordinary life.


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-18-16/1438:16>
When Marco gives up praying, there is already a small crowd with him. Perhaps he is asking too much but he is frustrated - he hear voices in everything. Everything but the one voice he truly aspires to hear. He picks himself up, from the floor and a bit reluctantly leaves church.  "Do you have somewhere to go?" Asks a middle aged woman, one that was praying with him.  Marco looks at her - he fears where that conversation is headed, but does not want to lie - not in a place of worship. "I have some... plans for tonight."  The woman say "Nonsense, you look like you sleep in the street, come with us you can stay at our garage for the night."  Was this the sign Marco wanted ? Or did his behavior inspired her to try and do something good. She clearly was struggling to make that offer - but the temptation... of actual bed. It was irresistible, part of him just whispered - not again... "Thank you, You are very kind.", nervously the woman said "My name is Sophia" -- "Marco" answered Marco, thank you for your kindness. He said - and something told him that the more he was going to interact with her - the more he would end up hurting her.


Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-19-16/0127:25>
Yelena only makes it four blocks before pulling over to the curb and sitting on the idling bike.  Her eyes fill with tears for Marco and tears for herself then she shakes her head in anger and frustration.  Again, she is taking the easy way out.  Marco says some confusing words and Yelena just walks away.  She softly recites the words tattooed on her arms and is ashamed of herself.  Again.  All her fine words about loyalty to the Bratva family and here she is ready to abandon Marco to whatever may befall him.  True, he seems willing to accept his lot, but that does not remove him from the family.  She has failed her friend, her lover, and her family and it hurts.  She lifts her face to the falling snow that is covering the streets in a symbolic measure of purity.  Then, further resolved, she kicks the bike into gear and turns back to the parking garage.  Leaving the bike parked, she pays in advance for several days and makes her way back to the church.

Some of the homeless are standing around a couple of burn barrels in the vicinity of the church and shelter.  Some nod their heads at the passing Elf, but no one stops her as she approaches the church and steps inside.  She moves up the center aisle and takes a seat behind Marco.  She witnesses the priest talking to him and the remarkable................something that happens when Marco begins to pray out loud.  Nothing in what he says resonates within Yelena, but it seems to be felt by others.  Her own love for any sort of God died on the steps of a small church in Siberian Russia when she was three.  She remembers nothing of those years except that brief moment when the divine and protective God had turned a deaf ear to the pleas of a small child and allowed a State Security officer to shoot dead a kind and generous man, a priest who had never had anything but a good word for the God that killed him. 

Yelena watches as those around her take up Marco's prayer.  When he is finished he begins talking to himself, almost as if asking questions that seem to have no answer.  Almost as if he is two people, but both are confused.  Yelena does not understand what is happening to the man and feels that she is completely unable to do anything to directly help him.  He has lost all pretense of his former life, even to giving her his prized comb.  His actions are clearly those of a very confused individual.  Yelena has never really been this confused in her life, but then she had the shadow to call on for help and protection and Marco had denied any acceptance of the shadow as even being real, much less able to lend him power if were only strong enough to take it.  Instead, his mind seems to be fraying under the pressures he has been facing.  Yelena feels responsible for some of that pressure, as it was she who steadfastly refused to accept God as real and change her ways to make this God and Marco happy.  But she also knows that there are other factors at work on Marco, factors that have combined to ruin the man she loves.

And she does love him.  With all her heart and what remains of her soul.  She has found the man she could live forever with, and his mind is rejecting her and all she stands for............all she is.  The shadow is telling her to leave, to let this miserable man wallow in his own pity, but she cannot.  She does not pay attention, but instead forces the shadow to do her own bidding, wrapping it about herself.  So she sits and listens and watches.  Eventually, a woman approaches him and speaks to him tentatively.  She slides forward in her pew and places her hands on the back of the one Marco is in.  She speaks softly and slowly, forcing the words out as grammatically correct as possible, desiring to be understood.  "Marco is with me.  I lost him twice and now I have found him again.  We thank you for your kindness, but I think we will stay here for a while."


[spoiler]This adventure takes place after Yelena and Firefly return from the bar and motel.  That took place the same night that Marco told Yelena to leave the apartment.  Sorry for any confusion.  Of course all of this is just a dream if Yelena and Firefly die in the motel.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-19-16/0601:17>
Marco looked at Yelena confused "Yelena... What are you doing here?" he then looked at Sophia and said "I am with her, I was apparently found. I am not well these days."  Moments ago he was a danger and now she wants to talk to him? Marco feels confuse - but perhaps it is better to stay away, there is no saying how desperate he will be to stay in doors, and the temptation to use charm to achieve that.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-19-16/1007:19>
As the woman gives them a confused look, Yelena puts a gentle hand on Marco's arm.  "Is OK Marco.  Yelena here to be with you.  Yelena listen.  Yelena hold if needed.  Yelena love Marco enough to stay with."  Yelena moves to the other pew and sits next to Marco, taking his hand in hers and just holding it.  As she sits down, she sends a message out to the others.  >>Team.  Is Yelena.  Have found Marco.  Yelena stay with Marco.  Call if need.<<  She gives a slight sigh.  Even in this strange place, she feels better just being with him.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-19-16/1728:00>
Marco said plainly  "Do I seem okay? I am overwhelmed by things that apparently I worked hard to not be able to sense. This is too much information at one little time my head is burning with voices and I just want them to stop. Everything seems different - and I do not like the person that I am."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-20-16/0028:15>
Yelena's eyes tear up a bit as she shakes her head and replies, "No.  Marco not OK.  Marco sick.  Yelena not know what is sickness, but Marco sick.  Yelena listen if Marco want talk.  Yelena sit and listen.  Marco talk all want.  Maybe talking make better.  Yelena not like person I am for much years but Yelena accept person I am.  Is enough.  What Marco want do?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-20-16/2057:56>
Marco sighed, "This is not the way" he said and linked his mind to hers, he transferred to her a flow of insanity, of just what it means to constantly hear whispers of insight from everything around him. So many voices all at the same time that it is very difficult to narrow down on just one of them and hear what it says.

"I am sorry about that... Things just flow like this" He thought at her and then added "I need to die to be free, but it is going to be death like the one you had in that frozen river. My faith will save me, you will see.

All these voices you hear, they are the reason awkened like me often end up so badly. People rip their eyes out, take off their ears just to make these voices stop. I have a theory about Van Gogh and why he took his ear off - and I think that part is misunderstood.

Never mind art,  think of me like a butterfly, I need to change, one form has to die for the other to be born. I wish I could tell you more - but I will die a few days from now - and I plan to be with you as long as you'll have a place for me in your heart.

 I gave you my comb - it is important it contains a shred of my soul. It is made from a stick I used for violence. I made a tool of war into a tool of grooming. They ment for me to be an hammer - but I am a comb. I make things look prettier, I am a channel for beauty and passion and life and through me these beautiful things enter this world, but I cannot be perverted any longer - I am no Christian I am beyond religion beyond good and evil I am life itself, I am water.

What ever your eyes see, whatever your logic tells you - I need you to believe. Beleieve that I love you and that I would never leave you. Not willingly, believe that you gave me the strength to turn from a caterpillar into a butterfly. It make+no sense but have faith. Our story is not over. "
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-21-16/0145:08>
Yelena's heart goes cold when Marco talks of dying in a few days.  It is clear to her that he will not be coming to Poland with her, and that tears at her more than anything else.  It is not right to leave this man alone when he is in this condition.  His words confuse her and she does not understand what he is saying, putting it down to her own weak command of the language and to his mind failing him.  Still, she cannot draw away from him.  She hears some of his thoughts, disjointed and out of sync with each other thought.  There is little of the Marco she has grown to love, but there is still enough to give her some bit of hope that he is still there in some small part.  The voice bit she CAN accept; after all she hears voices, too.  Her personal demons are the ghosts of the hundreds she has killed in her lifetime, and they have tried often to drive her over the brink into insanity.  Perhaps Marco's own personal demons have done that to him.  Yelena does not have the appropriate skill set to effectively try to cure the man.  All she has is the ability to stay near him and hope that he pulls through.

With that in mind, she sits silently next to him and holds his hand, letting him do the talking.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-23-16/1647:01>
@ Subaru  The alert had awakened Subaru out of a sound sleep. It had been meant to. When she'd programmed that little bit of watcher code over a year ago she'd known she might only have moments to save her own life. >>ALERT ACTIVATED. DEATH SQUAD IN PLAY. ALERT ACTIVATED.<< Death squad in play? What the hell?!?!?!?! Then she remembered George's last words to her. Words about having her very thoroughly checked. A check that could have even the innocent looking guilty, and an ideal opportunity for an enemy to plant evidence. And she had enemies. You didn't live and work among the Yakuza without acquiring a few. A brief check of her program confirmed that burst of suspicion. But, every minute she spent checking was a minute she wasn't spending getting away. And every minute was precious, the Yakuza had long arms and an army of resources.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-23-16/1812:04>
For Tuskaloosa  Tusks had been having a great time with the Mashup. And as always happened in a garage, even a chop shop garage evidently, the conversation had eventually gravitated towards the latest engine and parts and what would make a sweet combo. Tusks had been part of the loud, cheerful arguing, completely at home. And then Chesh had laughingly said, "We could use a test driver from time-to-time. Knowing we probably won't kill you is a big plus in your favor." And Alyce had said, "She's already got a job. She's in with a lot what's bound to make more money. The reward fer that blood mage was a million, even if it did get split. And bringing in feds fer cleanup with one phone call sez she's running in circles that are to rich fer our blood." And Tusks had stopped and thought, Except this next job isn't me taking it on faith that they're bringing down a drug ring. This next job is a job killing people plain and simple. And I might know that it's a dangerous gang. And I might tell myself that I'm the wheel girl, not the killer. But, at the end of the day it's bodies littering the ground. And a job I can never tell my father about. She'd been doing it for him. So that she could rebuild her better half and go back to combat racing and make him proud. Proud of her. Proud of the bike he'd built for her. And more work than he'd know what to do with for the garage as the builder of a wining set of wheels. But, after this next job she'd have a secret so big she could never tell him. Hell, could she even tell herself? Could she look herself in the mirror afterwards knowing what she'd done? What she'd been part of. And afterwards every time she rode her bike she'd know it was blood money that had paid for it. At least the FUBAR that had resulted in her better half being chopped hadn't been her fault, she'd been framed. But she'd never be able to say that about this job. And suddenly Tusks had known that she couldn't do it. She couldn't be a part of it. And making a sudden decision she'd turned to Chesh and said, "I'll take that job. And any other work you have for me. I can't go on the job they're doing next. And less pay is better than no pay." Which was true. After all, if she didn't go on this job she was back to where she was before, jobless with no bike to race with. But suddenly, that didn't sound so bad.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-24-16/1408:54>
Marco looked with a loving look in Yelena's eyes there was no hint of insanity when he transferred his emotions toward her, in a bandwidth and capacity that words could not possibly express.  He was with her, she was the most significant person in his life, and despite his pain she was always in his mind.

Marco has lowered his defenses, he lowered them in order to love again. However, these were the same barriers that have kept him sane all these years. They blocked external influences on his mind, but have crippled him. Marco has made himself a blind mage - because he needed to survive. He was too sensitive, and he could not withstand the way his emotions manifested themselves in the astral world. Everywhere he went there were evil daemons telling him things about people, things he did not want to hear. Telling him that these people are not Christians - that they are murderers and that they could not possibly be real priests.

But how can you accept that everything you know - every single thing is a manipulation? No feeling is authentic - that you are slowly being programmed to be a doubtless killer. Controlled by religious emotions that are not shared by your instructors. That their religious teachings are not sincere - this is after all your entire world - there is no family, no love nothing to lean on. So Marco has built a wall, a great wall preventing him to observe the fallacy of his world - a wall that made him immune to mental manipulations - at least for a while.  That wall has also made him numb, his magical talent disappeared he was unable to learn new magical skills. His astral access disappeared - he became the first mage that could not observe what he is actually doing. From a young prodigy he became last in his class - but he was not programmed to be a killer.

That was something...

Why was Marco sent to Seattle? He was sent to Seattle in order to fall in love. Because his instructors knew, that once he allows himself to be vulnerable their education would kick in. That he would be in so much pain, so much guilt that he would beg them to make it stop. He would litterally return to the Vatican to beg Gabriel for a confession, he would be back because he needs that confession like a junkie needs his next fix. It is only when Marco is truly broken - only when he say that he would do ANYTHING for a confession - only then he would be ready to take life.

"Yelena, the control of the Vatican on me is far greater than I ever imagined, they brought me here to fall in love. To allow my mind to be vulnerable, all my life they have poisoned my mind but I blocked them. I buried my emotions deep inside, I berried my magic inside my own astral senses. Then I came to Seattle - no strings attached, just as they told me to, and slowly bit after bit I begun to feel again. I begun to care, I learned more spells in this year on my own than I did in an entire life with access to the best teachers, to an endless wealth of knowledge. 
 
It was your love that doomed me. I finally gave up my barriers and as I did all their poison was free to infect me. My guilt causes me physical pain, I am a prisoner of my own emotions and my logic is not strong enough to defeat these emotions. There is no hope for that, I was programmed to be controlled like that since I was very young. I was never free.

My path ends in one of two ways, either I return to Italy and beg for a confession. I tell Gabriel that I would do absolutely anything if he can take away the pain that I feel, that awful guilt. The devil always win, I can never be good.

The only way I could possibly deny the devil this victory is to take my own life, I am committed until death, then I am free. Even if I go to hell I do not care, I never want to kill for them. Please, help me do that, give me the strength to die like a decent man rather than live as an emotionally crippled assassin that kills and then begs for forgiveness, kills and confesses. Allow me to die the man you love rather than to live like a monster."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-24-16/2129:39>
Yelena's anguish is palpable.  By the time Marco stops talking, tears are running unchecked down her face.  She alternately shakes then nods her head, almost unable to take in what he is saying to her.  Certainly, she does not completely understand much of it, but she can feel the pain and sorrow in every word and is convinced that he is baring his soul to her.  The mental link between them allows her to communicate as thought, getting past her poor command of English  "I am too cold and without emotion, Marco.  I do not feel as you and I have frequently killed without compunction.  Innocent and guilty alike have fallen to my desire to kill, my need to kill.  To you I am broken, but to me I am just me.  I am what I am.  I have only ever let three people into my life in anything more than on the edge of it.  One man was my mentor.........my tutor in killing.  With him I felt alive.  I was a willing tool and he molded me in his image and I thrived in that.  Before him, I had been just a killer but he taught me to live as a killer; to live and breath death.  To exult in my abilities and to ever seek more opportunities to learn.  The second man was the sax man and I gave up killing to be with him.  I gave up killing and it was a mistake.  I lived with him for five years and only when it was over did I realize that he had stolen those years from me.  I was foolish to believe that I could exist without killing.  It is what I am.  I am a tool for the shadow, and yet so much more than a tool.  You are the third man to be so far into my life.  But this time I know what I am.  I remember what I am."

"Why can you not confess to me, my love?  I would be your priest, your armor, and your shield.  I would exist to help you, to guide you to another place.  Together we could accomplish so much, both for the shadow and for ourselves.  Open your mind to the possibilities of what we could be together.  Your skills are uniquely toned to what this life could be.  Accept that you are not good and embrace the heart of darkness that exists inside you.  Do not kill for your former masters, kill with me.  There are many people in this world that prey on others and deserve to die and is that not a way to cleanse yourself?  I no longer take innocent lives, but I do take lives.  We could be a team like no other.  Do not talk of killing yourself, instead talk of killing your persecutors.  They are an evil in the world and should be removed."

She pauses and then adds.  "If you kill yourself, I will find these priests and make it my life's work to kill all of them.  No one should be able to take an innocent child and harness his life to their needs in such a fashion.  I was already a killer when I met Nicolai and all he did was hone me in his fashion.  I have never shirked from my life.  But you are different, and what they did was wrong.  Come with me and work together to destroy them so another generation of young men does not suffer as you have.  You can be the killer they envisioned, but for a greater purpose.  Seek out that purpose with me."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-24-16/2253:49>
She was impossible, like a dark succubus offering to do for love what he would not do, but can a hammer decides to be something else? Can a stick become a comb? How can he explain to her - how can he possibly do? If they come to his funeral and they would because they need to make sure that he is really dead - if they come there they would show forgiveness. At least Marco has hoped, at any case if coming so close to death would not free him of this attachment nothing else will.

To serve until death, Yelena has died before and her shadow has protected her. There was some logic in the chaos, he believed in it. He knew it, but forgot an amazing mental manipulation capability that Marco buried so deep that he had no idea that he could do that to himself.

Marco thought at her "Have faith lover, I am no instrument of death. I am an instrument of life - of the connection between people. Taking life would emotionally kill me, I may survive but I will not be the same person. Never the less, I do not intend to leave you.

I know that this entire confession thing makes no sense, I know that for the manipulation that it is. There is only one person in the entire world that I am conditioned to confess to, a man with no name and no nationality, a ghost. His alias is Father Gabriel - but he has no last name, he made me and I am at his mercy, I always was. The only thing I could do is to delay it, find strength inside myself and fortify my mind. To give up future and past, to become a single moment. Single moments cannot be controlled, they cannot be manipulated - they simply are. Life were possible as a single moment, pleasure was possible as a single moment. Infinity in a single moment - this is what Agrat told me.

Life are not measured in time, they are measured in moments and the perfect moment contains as much life as decades of experience. We live for these moments that are rare and far between, there is no point in chasing the years.  I do not plan to leave you - you have enough of me in that comb to not be alone. My entire essence - a stick that willed itself to be a comb. A succinct summary to my entire story.

This entire year was designed to bring me to this moment of choice - but I lived a life time in a year. I was brought here to be broken so that I can be curved again to a different shape. I need you to believe, believe and trust me when I am telling you that I am not leaving you. I cannot explain it, things are deeper than they seem, deeper than I can comprehend but I am certain that I get to stay with you. I have no place in hell and no place in heaven not yet, not as long as you are breathing.
"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-24-16/2327:18>
"You are truly doomed, Marco, if you believe like this.  You have convinced yourself that you cannot live in either your world or mine, and in your mind that leaves you no option except death.  But in your world, does not taking your own life doom you to hell?  And to hear you talk, you are already there, so why steal from me what I need?  If this is already hell, then let me be the demon that gives you comfort, that can bring some form of solace to you.  I offer a partnership of souls, Marco, a bonding that can never be broken.  I do not believe that the people that wish to have you serve them will forgive you at your death.  That sort of people never forgive.  They only demand.  They corrupt sweet and innocent boys to their service.  The live only to destroy, and are not many of their victims other innocents, people that doubt, that stray, that cast aspersions on the faith.  And they do it in the name of that faith, the ultimate betrayal.  No, at your death, these men will simply shrug and cast aside your file as a failure in their program and then turn to find another small boy to work their evil on.  Your death will not serve to save another boy from your fate, but your life might."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-25-16/1539:00>
"You are truly doomed, Marco, if you believe like this.  You have convinced yourself that you cannot live in either your world or mine, and in your mind that leaves you no option except death.  But in your world, does not taking your own life doom you to hell?  "

Marco thought "Exactly, where ever you are going... I am going there too, in fact I am likely to wait for you there."

If only he could tell her that he means Poland, but how else can he protect her from priests that may be determined to get to the bottom of this. They might be... aggressive about that, even extract things from her mind - just like Marco himself did not long ago to that annoying self centered mage Dana.
"I should have just seduced her and get in her panties until Blake arrived - it would have been safer than politics and bio weapons - stupid knowledge only placed us at risk."  Marco thought privately - the flow of thoughts was difficult to control - so many voices and desires and fears all pushing in different directions...

Quote
And to hear you talk, you are already there, so why steal from me what I need?  If this is already hell, then let me be the demon that gives you comfort, that can bring some form of solace to you.  I offer a partnership of souls, Marco, a bonding that can never be broken.

Marco said "I am not stealing anything from you, though what you are offering is plain wrong. I will stay myself and stay with you. How many times have you died Yelena? Use your Shadow to save me somehow."

Quote
I do not believe that the people that wish to have you serve them will forgive you at your death.  That sort of people never forgive.  They only demand.  They corrupt sweet and innocent boys to their service.  The live only to destroy, and are not many of their victims other innocents, people that doubt, that stray, that cast aspersions on the faith.  And they do it in the name of that faith, the ultimate betrayal.  No, at your death, these men will simply shrug and cast aside your file as a failure in their program and then turn to find another small boy to work their evil on.  Your death will not serve to save another boy from your fate, but your life might."
This time Marco seems almost happy,
he thinks at her "Unlike you I am a SINNer - I exist, I was born legally as an awakened in Italy - a country where my kind are believed to be touched by God. I am registered and as far as the rest of the world is concerned I devoted my entire life to the Church. They have to follow protocol and by doing so they will set me free.  My makers may be cynical assholes, but they still masquerade as priests and as far as Italy is concerned I am a respected citizen. Nobody care about the truth, they have to follow the script same way as I did. They wanted to hide all my scandals - so my record is clean. There is no way they are not giving me the full rituals. I have been conditioned for control - but so where they, and from my place of rest I will mock them - I will finally be free and we can finally be together."


He sighed, that conversation broke his heart - he shared as much as he possibly could with her. There is some line that cannot be crossed. Marco smiled as if the mere thoughts of priest mourning him brings him pleasure. He looked at Yelena and said " I am sleeping at an homeless shelter tonight. I lived in luxury and became arrogant and blind. Now I have nothing, but my path is clear to me, Marco Black is no more."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-26-16/0244:39>
Yelena shakes her head.  "I do not understand you or what has happened to your mind, but I will not abandon you to this without you knowing that someone cares enough to want to be with you.  I will stay with you and hope that some bit of my love is felt enough to bring you some peace.  You are a man that means much to me and I will grieve at your death.  I have no more words to use to try to convince you to stay with me so will just stop talking and simply remain with you.  Will there be room for me in this shelter?  If not, I will find a place on the street to await you.  Perhaps they will allow me to remain here for a bit?"
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-26-16/2301:48>
Marco sighed "as you wish... " and begun walking into the cold streets, tomorrow... tomorrow was his last day and it was difficult. Marco was continuously sensing the astral for few days now and that world was like no other. The shelter was packed but for Marco and Yelena they did what they could.

"Tomorrow..." whispered Marco to Yelena, and then closed his eyes to sleep.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-27-16/0148:40>
Yelena squishes into the shelter with Marco and takes up residence for the night on a thin mat on a hard floor, surrounded by more of the same kind of man, or woman, that Marco has become.  Looking around her in the light provided by a dim bare bulb, she sees despair written large on every face.  People are here because they have no other place to go.  No family that wants them.  No home.  No job.  Nothing to anchor them to a better sort of life.  From the conversations she hears, she knows that some have been in this situation for years and others are new to it.  The common denominator, though, is a sense of despair and failure.  Still, these people find a way to continue on, to stay among the living.  For them there is still some spark of hope, no matter that it might be buried deep inside and almost completely hidden.  But that spark is enough to keep these people from killing themselves.  And Marco does not have that.  Yelena has refused to believe that this is her fault, but is it?  Marco was doing fine in his make believe world.  He could play boy toy or girl toy for anyone and was living the high life off of that.  Then he meets Yelena and his life begins spiraling out of control.  But she has done nothing except be Yelena.  Perhaps it is the complete assurance in her belief of the shadow as something much more than just the thin slice of reality between light and dark.  perhaps it is the completely different way they look at killing, or the reasons for going to exact justice on Tsina Molovna.  Whatever it is, something has made a fundamental change in Marco, a change for the worse.

Yelena sits on her mat and concentrates on holding her balled fists to her sides.  It is all she can do to keep from swing them at Marco in frustration.  She wants to yell at him, curse at him, hit him.  Anything to wake him up and bring him out of whatever has happened to him.  Yelena was very young when she stopped believing in any sort of religion, but she still has a deep dislike for suicide.  It never solves anything except for the person who has died.  But such a death leaves so much more in its wake.  People that care are left bereft, wondering what they might have done to make things better.  A suicide is much like a betrayal because it leaves so many unanswered questions and so much pain among the survivors.  Of course, suicides rarely consider the effect their passing will have on others...............it is not in their nature to care any more.  In the final analysis, suicide is a selfish betrayal that leaves more pain behind than it takes away.  Yelena feels this and wants to reach out to tell Marco, but she feels that Marco will not listen.  She loves him enough to try again in the morning and for now sits and watches over him, brushing his hair from his face and remembering the times they had together.  He had been so unique in her life, more......................something, perhaps more alive, than anyone she had ever met before.  The only men who could come close were not in the same league.  Nico had been death, not life.  He had brought her deep into his lifestyle and taught her to kill and love and the love of the kill.  The sax man had been different, but just as selfish in his own way.  He had wanted someone to warm his bed when he was too tired or too drunk to go out to have sex with one of the groupies he always seemed to attract.

But Marco had been different from the start.  Perhaps that is what had drawn Yelena in to him...............is still drawing her to him.  And now he is dying and will soon end his own life and Yelena neither understands or accepts that, but can do nothing about it.  She is completely powerless to do more than be with him and this fact frustrates her.  She grabs at the strands of shadow that surround her in this place but there is nothing to do with them that will change Marco's mind.  He is lost to her and she can only watch it happen. 

Love hurts.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-27-16/0240:11>
When Marco closed his eyes the whispers grew louder, bolder. There was Yelena that genuinely found it difficult to say goodbye to him. That has figured out where he was despite the lack of a comlink. A comlink that must have had a thousand unanswered call, a status report was missed by his handlers - but what could Marco do?

The library was no longer there, the books were gone scattered around pawnshops in Redmond. Though Marco was sure, no message is louder than anything he might have written in there. He was going to die, and like a phoenix he was going to carry own and live again.  Freedom, but without anything that could possibly make him his own self. In a way, he was going to die, despite the script. He was not the same person he was before. He had the blood of innocent on his hands, his own shape change spell has enabled a plan to drop a van filled with people out of the bridge. They would have had to find a different way without his gift. He might have prevented deaths in numerous occasions but at the end of the day everything was in the grey.

Nothing was black and white anymore, the good guys used evil methods to promote their agenda, the bad guys used evil methods to promote their agenda. Even the freaking government was not to be trusted. Evil was so abundant that expecting to stay away from it seems like trying to keep dry in the rain. It was even in the heart of people that had nothing, not even they were safe from its grip. No right, no wrong just evil people that are killing other evil people.

Places of mercy were few and far between, and the shelter was the place Marco wanted to spend his last day in, a place of mercy.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <07-27-16/1242:47>
The day dawned bright and cold, a clear cloudless blue sky overhead as the faint rays of morning came through the windows.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-31-16/1945:02>
The next morning was uninspiring, it started by climbing a top building by stairs no less. Marco did not look at Yelena all the climb, how could he possibly justify it. Once on top of the building walked around on the edge, there was no danger  - he could after all fly in more than one method. This time it was different though - Marco has looked into the abyss and the abyss looked into him.

Finally, Marco has concluded as if weighting his options "This is the spot, I am less likely to hurt anyone if I do it from there. That ally seems deserted - it should be hell of a ride."
 he said to Yelena.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-31-16/2002:49>
Yelena follows Marco as he climbs the stairs of what she assumes is the building where he intends to end his life.  She says nothing until they reach the roof and she looks at the alleyway below.  She turns back to the man she could have spent the rest of her life with and tries once more.  "Marco.  Is not good way.  Is selfish way.  Think of other boys who face this.  Marco can stop evil priests and save boys.  Marco can live always with Yelena.  Comb not the same.  Comb cannot hold Yelena.  Cannot cry .  Cannot make love.  Yelena need Marco.  Much need."  She is almost whispering as she finishes talking, unable to see clearly from the tears streaking her face, freezing there before they can hit the roof of the building.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <07-31-16/2014:03>
Marco embraces Yelena, his eyes are wet. For a moment he is his old self and he whispers "I need to do that, I can feel your pain - be strong, be brave. Forgive me for all that I wronged you, I had nothing but good intentions in my heart - but good intentions can be just as destructive. I know that and I am sorry for that." He shows her the place he is going to jump and says "I have made arrangements, for 12:00, I have already signed their papers they will quickly remove the mess but would not revive me.  All the hard work done - in the end it is difficult to say goodbye."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <07-31-16/2030:36>
Yelena does not really understand what he is saying.  "Marco not let Yelena have body?  Why?  Marco, please, no.  For love, please no."  She continues to silently mouth the last words as she realizes that he is going to do it anyway.  She sinks to her knees and watches as he stands on the edge of the building.  She can tell that he is calmly counting down the time to his death and puts her hands in front of her eyes, crying out one more plea for him to come back to her.  "No.  Marco, no.  Please no.  Come Yelena.  Please."
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: gilga on <08-01-16/1345:04>
Marco says very little, the silence - there is nothing else to say. He need to disappear and his girl friend may be questioned about it. She cannot know, not when the adversary is a cult of dangerous mages. People that may be able to steal memories directly from one's mind...

kind of like Marco.

He receives a phone call shortly before jumping - it is Gabriel and Marco gives a good cry a combination of rage, and despair. He is a wonderful actor, a total actor, one that become the character.

Then at exactly 12:00 he says his goodbye and jumps - it is only a few seconds before he gets to the ground - but these seconds are the most difficult, dying by jumping is a bit like drowning yourself. He can cast a spell and save himself, but he does not do so.

1... 2... 3 ... Boom - goodbye Marco Bianchi, goodbye Marco Black.

One last thing, when he had to go he did so in his own terms, it was a good death.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: ismilealot on <08-01-16/2204:21>
The response to Marco's jump is a carefully calculated one. Not faster than the average response time, an ambulance exactly like a hundred others, a crew with plenty of practice at emergencies, a machine pronouncing his death and then with no more rush than a body deserves. Blakes crew has plenty of practice with faking anything. And the skills and expertise to bring Marco back once they get him in the van safely locked away from prying eyes and ears. And far away in an office in Italy a comm call comes through, >>Father Gabriel, this is highly irregular.<< a clipped, cultured voice answers. >>Blackie is dead. A million cred in training and then surveillance wasted. His new girlfriend evidently pushed his already far to unstable mind over the edge.<< Father Gabriel responds. The voice on the other end of the line answers, >>This is the third suicide from your group of boys Gabriel. Four if you count Nomad. I'm not sure I can continue to justify the expense of your program with those kinds of numbers.<< Father Gabriel responds curtly, >>I don't think you can find more devoted or willing killers.<< The voice simply responds, >>Devotion is cheap.<< He hangs up the phone then and for long moments is lost in thought.
Title: Re: Date Night ( IC )
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-02-16/0334:49>
Yelena remains kneeling on the roof for some time, minutes are unrecognizable in her state and she does not know how long at first, but when she consults her internal chrono, she finds it has been exactly seventeen minutes and twelve, no thirteen seconds and counting.  A rare spot of light in her already mostly dark heart is extinguished and she slowly rises to her feet.  She sends out a message to the rest of the team, telling them that Marco has killed himself and so will not be coming to Poland.  Following on the heals of Tuskaloosa's change of heart and the necessary hiding of Firefly, this leaves the team as only three. 

Yelena reaches out and grabs the strands of shadow that exist in hidden corners here on this windswept rooftop and pulls them to herself.  Marco would never have understood.  His mind had been too ready to be sure that his way was the only way.  His fucking selfish way.  He had refused her love and her help, determined that no other solution existed.  He might have been right, but he had not let others try to help.  Yelena would have challenged these unholy priests in their own unholy sanctums, sending their souls to the shadow lands and adding their skulls to her back.  Her love had been true and clean, but it had proved inadequate and weak.  She cannot destroy it, but she can hide it.  She uses part of the shadow to seal off that portion of her heart that she had given to Marco.  She can feel it pushing against the shadow, but now is not the time to let those feeling out.  There will be time to mourn and she knows her Srui will be there for her.  But now it is time to leave this place.

Without looking back, Yelena descends back to the street level and walks up the street to where she can catch a bus to where she parked her bike.