At the talk of a shopping list, Ohanzee speaks up.
"As disconcerting as it has been not knowing the face of a trusted associate, Katsina has a good idea. Considering the illegality of most of our activities, something to hide our faces would be a wise call. The mask she's wearing, though less customized of course, will do nicely, and they aren't terribly expensive. If you have some nuyen, I think it would be wise to spend it on one. Also, a further suggestion would be to grab a micro transceiver. Doc can provide some great protection for our gear, but he's spread pretty thin. If he needs to go offline for a spell, we need a way to maintain secure comms over distance. They are also quite cheap. And considering the Matrix threats Katsina intimated, extra precaution seems warranted."
Ohanzee hands a credstick to Ace. "Same deal as Doc - I'm going to arrange for some stuff for me that I'll need you guys to pick up. There's enough on the 'stick to cover it and some extra to help with group supplies like medkit supplies, but if there's anything left, I'd like it back."
Dolphin's high-pitched voice reaches him over the Astral, with news that is chilling, though not unexpected. The spirit delivers it dispassionately. The game is done! The quarry has been found. She will not be playing any further games - her life-force is extinguished. Ohanzee knows the location of the spirit - simply knows it though his connection to the summoned ally - and makes note. He will have to inspect the body later to see if he can piece together what may have happened.
Thank you, Dolphin. You have played well. Perhaps next time I will have an even greater challenge for you. The spirit broadcasts something that could almost be interpreted as happiness - at the praise, or the prospect of a future challenge Ohanzee could not tell - and then the link fades as the spirit returns to its home.
"Dolphin has found Gloria. Her body is to the North East of here a ways. Considering the taint of violence at her home and the location of her body, she was likely dumped there. I'll try to get more information later."
Seeing the pause in the conversation as people absorb the news - the team didn't know her, but it seemed likely that whoever was after them probably killed her, which brought home a certain sense of mortality - Ohanzee took the opportunity to summon an air spirit. White Raven would not be powerful enough this time - in addition to concealing the six members of the team, Ohanzee felt it would be prudent to have the spirit hide the artifact as well. A more powerful spirit would be needed.
He chanted as he focused his will, summoning above his pay grade, as it were. This would be difficult, and not without risk. But the task was still far more difficult than he had expected. With tremendous effort of will, he pulled forth the spirit he needed. He did not see the spirit - he was not perceiving on the astral, but the spirit's words came to him through the link that bound them.
I will grant you your favor, hard won. While you are yet beneath me, you show promise. Perhaps you will some day prove a worthy ally. White Raven indicated that your pursuers are determined and that vexing them was most amusing. Am I correct to surmise that I shall enjoy that same opportunity?
Yes, great spirit. They seek myself and the five others in this room, as well as the bright aura in the next room belonging to an ancient and powerful construct. It shines brightly in the true realm and so needs a powerful spirit such as yourself to keep it hidden from those that will come looking for it.
I am aware of the - The word was unfamiliar to Ohanzee - you have in your possession. You play with many things you are not yet ready for. You would do well to be mindful of your limits - but I admire those whose reach exceeds their grasp. Only time will tell if I have misjudged you. But today, I am compelled to help you, and perhaps I will watch with interest as well.
With a nearly imperceptible feeling - like a light impact on your funny bone, but all throughout your body - the concealment spell took hold on the team. Hopefully this would keep them safe - safer - for now.
The little dwarf found the nearest available seat and slumped into it. With any luck, the concealment from the spirit would throw off any progress their pursuers might have made towards finding them during the window between sunrise and now when there was no magical protection in effect. They would likely know soon enough.