Shadowrun
Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: Jayde Moon on <11-08-15/1451:47>
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[Monday, 207506030912L]
As people begin their work week, you peer out your window. Sometimes it can strike you that having a wageslave's life must be, in some ways, comforting. That level of routine and the illusion of being above the rabble the sprawls. But only sometimes. The rest of the time you are acutely aware of how shitty things are and just how tenuous those safety nets can be. Better to be your own safety net.
@ black_thorn
<<black_thorn [Moreau] Alright man. I think I found something for you. Head to the Palace of China restaurant at lunch time, say noon. You'll be meeting with the Johnson party. Don't be late, this Johnson doesn't like that and it could cost you. So be there 10 minutes before the ten minutes, right?>>
@ John Chance
<<Chance [Butterfly] Chance, Dear. Are you still looking for work? I've got something that might suit your talents. You'll want to meet with Ms. Johnson at the Palace of China restaurant, at 1200, I recommend being there a bit early rather than late. Oh, and let me know how you appreciate the irony of it all.>>
@ Tanya
<<Tanya [Ni Ni] Tanya, please take lunch with me at the Palace of China, I shall be there around noon. And, if you know a decker, bring one. I have something that will require your talents before all is said and done. Thank you.
@ Early Bird
<<Early Bird [Somesuch] Got a line on some work. Head to the Palace of China in Tacoma on the waterfront. Dress nice, if you can. Word on the street it's a triad dame looking for some outsiders to do em a solid. For money, of course. You need to be there at noon, don't be late, I hear this slot can be a real dragon lady.
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Tanya stretches lazily while looking at the ever changing view of Puget Sound through the floor to ceiling windows looking directly into the water, wondering how anyone could tire of this scene. She is lounging in her pajamas and had been scanning the news feeds when she had been interrupted by some activity in the water. She feels the buzz of the internal 'link telling her that a call is coming in from Ni Ni. She picks it up before the second ping. >>Ni Ni, love. Of course I will be there. If you need my talents I would like to bring along a young woman I know that is getting into my line of work. I think you will find her to be useful. And I have a couple of good deckers. I will call them and see who is available. Thank you for thinking of me. Ta.<<
Tanya sits back and wonders what the Triad wants. Ni Ni has rarely called her into something without the Triad being involved. Her first call is to Cora Lee, but Cora tells her that she has come down with something male and two-legged and will not be available for lunch. Tanya smiles and goes to the second decker on her list. >>Kumiho. It is Tanya Marisart. Can you be available for lunch at the Palace of China in Little China Town in Tacoma. Be there at 1150 and look for me. Just so you know in advance, this could likely involve working with the Triads, so please say no in advance if this will be a problem.<<
Tanya smiles as she calls up the other number other list. >>Calico. It is Tanya. Got something for you if you are interested in broadening your resume. Can you make lunch at the Palace of China in Little China Town in Tacoma? Let me know if you need a lift. I will be heading out at about 1030 from home, but can change that if I need to swing by to get you. If you go yourself, please do not be late. By the way, this is almost certainly going to involve working with the Triads, so let me know if that is a problem for you. Ta<<
Tanya swings her legs off the long couch and stands up, calling for her maid. "Monique, Ni Ni has invited me to lunch. I think the white cheongsam will be appropriate for the occasion. I will be out as soon as I take a shower. Please arrange for Alphonse and the car to be ready to leave at 1030." Tanya removes the pajamas as she walks to the bedroom, depositing them on the bed. She slips into the shower and lets the hot water remove all traces of her morning run. Stepping out of the shower, Tanya takes the warm towel that Monique offers and dries off before heading back into the bedroom. The cheongsam is already laid out on the bed and Tanya slips into it and runs her hands down her body to smooth it against her skin. Tanya smiles at the Frenchwoman, and looks in the mirror. "Perfect. This is just posh enough for lunch there, but not too too. And I hope that Calico can make it; it will be nice working with her again.."
Tanya checks her internal chrono and sees that there is plenty of time before she needs to leave and returns to the living room and the live show of the Sound through her windows.
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The hypnotically regular sound of the rain slapping against the window helps to force the low grade headache into the back of my brain whilst I wait for the NueroCleartm and soykaf breakfast combination to kick in and finally clear away the fogginess of last night's whisky. Another day, but not another Nuyen aimlessly wanders through my mind as I call up the unread messages on my commlink.
Well aren't I the popular one, got to upgrade my spam filter again as I see that outside of the standard drek offering me various wonder drugs, sexual enhancements and the opportunity to help out several Nigerian princes there's only one real message. At least it was from my fixer. No doubt offering me the opportunity of putting my body, mind and soul on the line yet again or work as they prefer to call it.
Firing off a quick response, << Madame Butterfly [Chance] always a pleasure to read your missives and the rent won't pay itself. Irony? I anticipate appreciating it all ready>>, I take another swig of the soykaf before activating the search function <<Palace of China, Seattle location and current journey time, background and reviews>> (Matrix Search - Palace of China Restaurant (http://orokos.com/roll/341381)). Leaving the commlink on the counter I wander through to the bathroom to clean up and get ready for my lunch date.
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Calico sat crosslegged on her bed, trying to filter out the sounds of her neighbors. The couple next door were always fighting, and today was no exception. Apparently, she was a lying bitch, and HE was a loser. Sigh. How am I ever going to figure this out? she asked herself dejectedly, setting aside the massive tome that Hank had loaned her entitled Tooth and Claw, Initiation Theory from an Animalistic Perspective. I can't even concentrate with all this noise!
Her phone rang, and she picked it up quickly, glad for the distraction. It was Tanya. It was also apparently a job offer.
"Of course I'm interested, I had a blast last time! Oh, well ... actually yes, I could use a ride, thanks. Just ... haven't gotten around to getting something for myself yet." she chuckled lightly, downplaying the fact that she simply didn't have the scratch to get her own ride. "Triads? No, I don't see why that would be a problem." She was pretty sure that other thing had been with the Yellow Lotuses, not the Triads, but still she didn't see any point in mentioning it. "Ok sure. See you then!"
She leapt off her bed and excitedly dressed herself in her calico bodysuit. A part of her felt guilty for setting aside her studies, because she knew it was important for her to finish. But she knew that if she didn't take a break soon, she would go insane. And anyway, a girl has to eat, right?
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The hotel intercom pings at 1020 to let Tanya know the car is waiting. Tanya stands and busses the cheeks of her maid before heading out. "Not sure if this will mean dinner somewhere, so don't count on me. I can fend for myself if I have to." She leaves the large flat and takes the private elevator to the lobby level. Walking across the expansive lobby, she nods to the staff she sees as she heads to the hotel entrance. The doorman opens the door for her and tips his hat. "Good Morning, Lady Marisart. Have a pleasant day."
Tanya replies in kind as she walks to where Alphonse is holding the door to the Rolls Royce Silver Phaeton '62. She stops to talk to him before getting into the large limousine. "Alphonse, it is good to see you today. How is your wife, Celine? And August? He is doing well at university?"
Alphonse nods and smiles even broader. "Celine is well, Lady Marisart, thank you for asking. And August is doing well, thanks to your generous support. I will tell him that you asked after him and that you expect him to keep his grades up."
Tanya laughs as she slides into the seat. "Be sure that you do. And we are stopping to pick up Calico on the way to Tacoma and Little China Town."
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Kumiho looked up from the game he was playing online with Zip. "I'm looking forward to some of the new DLC for next year's 80th Anniversary of Pokemon". Its going to add some very Wiz flash to the game and I hear there is going to be this huge AR explosion of hunting down Pokemon all across the world. So far they have announced 10 new Pokemon that will only appear capture-able in AR."
Zip Made a face."Well, I hope you like losing them to me in the area, because I'm going to Catch them all!"
Kumiho laughed. He was just stalling - trying to play any game against Zip was difficult - like playing Go against a 7 Dan. his hope was to distract her, get her attention elsewhere before his next move to unbalance her. But right as he finally figured out which Pokemon he should select his mail box chimed at him.
Hold on a minute Zip, I have mail. Kumiho looked at the message before sending one back Tanya, I'll see you at the restaurant. I'm a little hesitant to work for the Triad, but I'll wait til I get the basics of the job before I make my full decision. Some of their business is.......... Not the type of work a white hat like myself should be involved in, if you catch my meaning"
With his message sent he turned back to the game at hand, "I call you
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Cal groaned as the shrill high-pitched beeping pulled him inexorably from a blessedly dreamless sleep. As he regained his vision he fought against his hangover and poked a finger out towards the screen to dismiss the alert. He made a mental note to spend time today figuring out the alert settings on the damned piece of drek. Jesus godalmighty his head was killing him. It'd stand to reason that his first night of hard drinking after arriving in this place would come before the day of his first lead. And no tail to show from the night before either.
He popped open the message. There was only one person set in the sleep alert override, so he already knew who it was. <<black_thorn [Moreau] Alright man. I think I found something for you. Head to the Palace of China restaurant at lunch time, say noon. You'll be meeting with the Johnson party. Don't be late, this Johnson doesn't like that and it could cost you. So be there 10 minutes before the ten minutes, right?>>
He sighed again. Nothin' doin' but sucking it up and getting the job done. <<Moreau [black_thorn] I'll be there with bells on 10 before that. And I'll even wear that suit.>>
He sent the message and pushed himself up, shambling into the tiny galley kitchen. He managed to make himself coffee, spilling some water onto his bare foot. Why the drek do I have only one slipper on... and why couldn't I have spilled on that foot? After cursing half-heartedly to himself he looked over onto the stool by the counter at the dark suit still in its clear garment bag that had sat there unopened since he took up residence in this hellhole. Then he went over to his terminal and checked the time... and the bus schedule. "Drek," he cursed again, grabbing the garment bag and running out the door. He'd make it, but only just.
It wouldn't be until he was watching the bus approach at the stop that he'd remember his coffee.
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The large Rolls stops at the curb where Calico is waiting and Alphonse steps out to open the door for her. Tanya nods to her friend as she slides into the car, waving her hand at the selection of snacks and beverages available. "How are you, ducks? You are looking well." Small talk and silence mark the ride to Tacoma and the Palace of China. From the outside the building is impressive, styled after a Chinese palace from the ancient Tang dynasty. Every effort has been made to make the exterior as authentic as possible. A covered walkway extends from the stairs at the main entrance to the curb where vehicles drop off their passengers. The parking lot contains a number of expensive cars, even at this time of the day, many of them limousines. Surprisingly, the patrons are not entirely Chinese. The reputation of the chefs and the staff are well deserved and many non-Chinese come here to dine in the exclusive atmosphere. The food is real and the prices reflect that, but price alone is not a deterrent to those who wish to eat here. Many Seattle politicians and city officials are members of the restaurant, as well as its golf and tennis clubs. Few outsiders know that the facility is a holding of the Octagon Triad and that many of the top officials of the criminal organization have offices here, some even living here. Those few in the know whisper that It has been said that much of the business of the Triad takes place behind the polished wood doors of the various private dining rooms inside the building.
A young man is waiting at the curb and opens the door of the limousine as it pulls to a stop and offers an arm to the women to assist them in leaving the car. "早晨,劉marisart。 你方已經在這裡." The young man switches to a slightly accented English when he turns his attention to Calico. "Welcome to the Palace of China, Miss. It is hoped that you will enjoy the experience." He escorts both women up the covered walk to where another man is waiting about two thirds of the way down. This man is middle-aged but still handsome and is flanked by two beautiful young Chinese women. All three bow low to the newcomers, the man saying, "歡迎,夫人marisart。 你的預期。 你的光臨燈,這一謙卑設立一如既往。 它一直遠太長,因為我們看到您最後一次。" Tanya also bows low and replies, "感謝你,簡。 我很高興能在這裡再一次。 ,事實上是很長。" She turns to Calico and says, "Calico, this is Luk Chien. He manages the restaurant here. Chien, this is my friend Calico." The man smiles as he bows again, this time to Calico alone. When he addresses her it is in a cultured voice devoid of any accent. "Miss Calico, please consider yourself my personal guest here today. Call on me if you have any problems whatsoever." He motions to the woman at his right. "Baozhai will see to your every need." The indicated woman will step forward and bow low to Calico. Her voice is accented. "It is my pleasure, Miss Calico. I am at your disposal."
Chien speaks softly to the other woman, who bows and gracefully walks away and into the building. Chien escorts the women along the remainder of the walkway to the entrance, Baozhai falling behind Calico. Two large men open the doors at the entrance for the small group to pass through into the building. The opulence of the interior rivals the details of the exterior. Carved pillars in stone and wood support a huge domed ceiling over the central lobby. Comfortable couches and chairs are grouped into small gathering places where people can wait in comfort for their reservation time. The overall theme supports the Tang Dynasty motif, with paintings and delicate drawings on silk scattered tastefully about the room. Several young women in cheongsams circulate among the guests present, making sure that the drink needs are met. Tanya might fit in as one of the servers except that her cheongsam is of a far greater quality and more decorative. Too, her bearing is far more of one being served than one doing the serving. A set of huge double doors leads from the lobby to the main dining room while two wide corridors lead off from the lobby to other dining rooms. A wide stairway curves up to the next floor and the private dining rooms and restaurant offices.
A coat check room sits just to the left of the entrance and Chien motions to it, "I am sorry to have to ask, but it is for the security of all our guests. Please check any weapons at the counter. They will be returned when you leave after lunch." A ticket is provided for anything left at the counter and Chien escorts the women up the stairway to the next floor. As they climb the steps, Baozhai leans closer to Calico and whispers, "Miss Calico, please ask if you do not understand anything being said and I will do my poor best to translate for you." At the landing, Chien leads the women to the right, stopping at an ornate door decorated with Chinese dragons. After knocking softly, he opens the door for the others to pass through. The beautiful, porcelain-skinned woman in the room stands as her guests enter. Her English is barely accented as she says, "Thank you Luk Chien. Please escort my other guests up as they arrive." The man bows to her and leaves. Baozhai moves silently to stand against one wall of the room. The hostess waits for Chien to leave then goes to Tanya, taking her hands. "Tanya, my dear friend. It is so good to see you. Thank you for coming at such short notice. And you must be Calico. I am Ni Ni Xiaolu. I have heard a good bit about you from my friend, all of it good. Please, welcome. Take a seat. May I offer you a drink before lunch?"
[spoiler]Translations: Good morning, Miss Marisart. Your party is already here.
Welcome, Lady Marisart. You are expected. Your presence lights up this humble establishment, as always. It has been far too long since we saw you last
Thank you, Chien. I am happy to be here again. Is has indeed been far to long..[/spoiler]
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Once more enjoying the plush interior of Tanya's limousine, Calico resolved not to allow herself to enjoy it too much. This kind of opulence simply wasn't feasible for everyone, which made it exclusionary. This isn't me, she told herself, don't start identifying with it. She tried not to let Tanya see her mental distancing. After all, Tanya was a valuable contact, and a very likable chick to boot. She could easily see their relationship developing into something very rewarding.
During one of the breaks in conversation, Calico surreptitiously adjusted the magical energies flowing around and through her, bolstering her awareness of her surroundings, threats in particular. She had no particular beef with the Triads, but… well, you never knew. They were criminals, after all. Having done this, Calico tucked it away in the back of her mind to run almost automatically, and tried on her newest and most exciting magical trick. As she carefully shaped the primordial forces within her, she felt the subtle yet profound changes manifesting throughout her body and mind. Blemishes disappeared, her hair became full and lustrous, and she felt her body tightening to an altogether unreasonable level of perfection. But perhaps more important was the way it changed her outlook on people. Suddenly, she understood them much more deeply. Knew how to please them, upset them, amuse, unnerve, or arouse them. She'd always been capable in these areas, but her new augmentation left these abilities… almost superhuman. She smiled confidently, and waited for the limousine to reach its destination.
Once arriving, Calico found herself ever more impressed with Tanya's resourcefulness. She was clearly very well connected. So well connected, in fact, that Calico now had her very own geisha or whatever, following her around. It was impressive, to say the least. She was glad she'd given herself the magical confidence boost, or she might have found the whole situation rather intimidating, just some poor, ignorant girl in a world far too complex and nuanced for her to ever successfully navigate. She smiled to herself. She had no such insecurities at the moment.
"That would be lovely, thank you. I'll have a tea." she answered Ni Ni, smiling warmly.
[spoiler]Spellcasting 15 DP + 5 for edge:
F1 Combat Sense, pre-edged: http://orokos.com/roll/341618 eleven hits
Drain: http://orokos.com/roll/341624 five hits
Spellcasting 15 DP +2 for health spec
F6 Increase Charisma: http://orokos.com/roll/341625 four hits
Drain: http://orokos.com/roll/341626 three hits
[/spoiler]
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The combination of hot water, drugs and soykaf had obviously done their trick as I felt fully human again. Padding back into the kitchen to refresh my mug I scroll through the search results. For a change the traffic seemed to be moving and provided nothing changed between now and arriving I should have a good half an hour to spare once I hit Tacoma. The restaurant seemed to have nothing but rave reviews and the security rating was top notch. I had the feeling my Americar would definitely look a little out of place in the parking lot and my off the peg suit would barely pass muster and probably raise more than a few eyebrows once I was inside. Mentally shrugging Go with what you know I pulled the "regulation"navy blue suit out and got ready.
"Agent" John Chance stares back out of the mirror at me as I adjust my tie and slip my Colt into it's holster. Time to make a living I guess. Glancing at the sensor by the window I see that the chemical content of the rain was actually below average for a change. It almost felt like things were looking up, no major traffic problems and the extra chemical protection on my coat and hat would't be needed. Giving my reflection a half smile I headed for the car still scrolling through the search results in case there was anything I'd missed.
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Kumiho finds a parking spot for his bike, close by just in case he needs a fast get away. Holstering his side bag, he double checks that His Flyspy is secure inside and that ALL of his devices are either off or running on silent. Once he is sure everything is in place he heads towards the restaurant.
The closer he gets to the Palace of China the more he feels exposed. He left is guns at home because he didn't want to leave the Triad holding his weapons, nor did he want to give them any reason to look more closely at him in general. And crime organization is the type of group one, even an experienced shadowrunner like himself, should walk carefully around. Its like the hold saying - Don't spook the Lion. The Lion in this case being the Triad.
As he enters the Palace of China and approaches the Host he schools his face into a neutral and calm demeanor. TIme to act professional.
Hello, I have a reservation.
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Cal walked around the corner and saw the Palace of China. It was lavish and elegant with luxury cars in the adjoining lot and a covered path to the front door to keep the constant drizzle from soiling the patrons as they entered. Of course, it did not extend to the bus stop five blocks away, and the drizzle, while not enough to make a local bat an eye while walking from their car to the building, had left his poor suit in a rather inappropriate condition for the establishment. But he was a half hour early, dammit. That should count for something. He hoped it did, anyway. He couldn't afford to blow this.
As he approached, one of the valets out front caught his eye and hurried to meet him about a dozen yards out from the his stand. "Hello, sir. We've been expecting you. I hope you'll pardon the inconvenience, but could you please allow me to escort you inside? We're very busy... many reservations. I'm sure you understand."
He was sure he understood the place wasn't that busy, but frag it, whatever. He wasn't here for the ambiance. "By all means, lead the way."
The valet led him around to a side entrance and handed him off to a much larger Chinese fellow who was clearly less interested in feigned niceties than the valet, who quickly trotted off. The side entrance was much less elegant than the front; clearly a service entrance, though it did have a back counter for the coat check. He checked his weapons and waited for his tag. After a moment, the attendant reappeared with a suit jacket in hand, both finer and drier than the one he was wearing.
Once he was finished swapping jackets, his new usher motioned to a set of stairs. "This way, please."
He followed up the stairs and turned right, following the big man through a door that opened into a paneled hall. The man closed the door behind him and Cal noticed that the door itself was disguised to look like a normal wall panel from this side. Impressive stuff. He was then led out onto a landing overlooking a very large lounge. The opulence of the space was breathtaking. He could've handled commando ambushes, but this... this put him off balance, and he didn't like it. Finding himself in a place like this meant real trouble.
Before he could consider the implications too deeply though, his usher was knocking on a set of doors carved with dragons. After a moment, he pushed the left door smoothly open and motioned him inside with a bow. Cal did his best to return it, albeit awkwardly, then walked into the room. He was pretty sure he saw a smirk on the man's face before he turned his attention to those already in the room.
God, his head was still killing him.
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Tanya takes a seat at the table facing Ni Ni. This is not a social call and she knows it. Like Calico, she, too, takes some tea and waits for the Kumiho to arrive, hoping the man is not late. As if on cue, the door opens and The decker is ushered in. Tanya stands and goes to him, shaking his hand before turning to the hostess. "Ni Ni Xiaolu, this is Kumiho, a true artist with a deck." Tanya motions to the chairs around the table and takes her seat again, wondering who was meant to fill them. At that moment the door opens again and Tanya eyes the new arrival with interest. The man is tall, perhaps a bit over six feet. His short cropped brown hair gives him a military demeanor, subtlety reinforced by his stance and the way he moves. Tanya smiles at the man as she thinks to herself. **Hmmm, the day just got a bit more interesting. What are you planning, Ni Ni?**
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[9:45am, high above the downtown area]
The city looks so pretty from up here. Eugene has had worse jobs in his life, but he still rather dislikes this one. It's not so much the job that's the issue, but it's the fact that after everything he's been through, he still has to answer to other people. And not just any people, but rich people who don't give a shit about anything beyond their own immediate gratification. Not only does that describe the bosses who sign his tiny little paychecks, but also the loansharks he owes all that money to, the landlord he pays rent to, even the couple of bougie dreks he's got sightseeing in the passenger area at the moment. At least none of them are bleeding and screaming at me. the skinny little elf thinks with a shrug as he flips a switch on the control panel.
"This is your captain speaking. Please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for landing."
Eugene puts the bird down soft enough to wipe a baby's ass on the roof of a building too nice for him to set foot inside and unlocks the doors so his two passengers can disembark. The instant they're clear of the blades, he lifts off again, headed at a regular cruising speed back toward the company hangar bay. At least no one shoots at you on this job. Never have to clean blood out of the bird. Puke, sometimes, but never blood. He lets the dogbrain navigate as he surfs the matrix, looking for any news about that race between Zeke Testimony and Rimjob that's coming up. His shaggy brown hair is down in his face, threatening to get burnt on his nicstic as he leans back in his seat with his feet up on the control panel when he gets a ping on his comm.
<<Early Bird [Somesuch] Got a line on some work. Head to the Palace of China in Tacoma on the waterfront. Dress nice, if you can. Word on the street it's a triad dame looking for some outsiders to do em a solid. For money, of course. You need to be there at noon, don't be late, I hear this slot can be a real dragon lady.
Without moving a muscle, he sends a single response off wirelessly.
<<Somesuch [Early Bird] Wiz. Who am I lookin for?>>
He takes over control from the dogbrain, increases the speed to JUST over the accepted limit, hoping the law is either lenient or distracted today, and pays close attention to other airtraffic. He's exited about the possibility of being able to earn some money and finally get out from under the thumb of those with more money than he.
[11:45am, Tacoma, Waterfront]
Two hours later, he's dressed exactly like one of those rich dreks; nice suit, shiny shoes, snazzy shades, no armor, and no weapon on him except a survival knife, tucked into the small of his back. By his calculations, it's going to take about six minutes for his Wasp to get here if he calls it, and he figures he's quick enough and smart enough to survive six minutes just about anywhere. Plenty of guns in the wasp. He steps out on to the waterfront, near the Palace of China, looking the location up and down, trying to get a sense of the area before he walks right in blindly.
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Kumiho is escorted to the private room where the meeting with Tanya is happening in. Once the gentlemen who escorted him leaves Kumiho relaxes a hair and smiles towards Tanya.
Its a pleasure to see you again. I hope you have been doing well? He gives a slight bow of the head towards the other lady that is with Tanya, not wishing to offend. Hello
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As I headed south the rain lightened to become more like heavy moisture in the air than actual rain and the traffic remained free flowing, perhaps actually helped by the number of KE patrol cars I passed for a change. The day seemed to be looking up when a thought finally filtered through my brain. I knew the name Palace of China and not just from the message this morning. Some of my former colleagues from the Organised Crime Unit had mentioned it in passing as being associated with one of the Triads, though I couldn't remember which. Not that it meant anything, I was sure any Ms Johnson worthy of the name could get a private room there, but at least my brain wasn't letting me walk into something completely blind.
My destination was obvious to me from at least a block away. The Tang dynasty style building dominating the landscape of the surrounding area. From my swift research earlier I knew that there was no access to the parking lot for private individuals, it was valet parking or pre-screened chauffeurs only. Thumbing the biometric lock I'd installed on the glove compartment I dropped my Colt in, immediately feeling like a 2 year old who's security blanket had been taken away, as I brought the car to a halt at the entrance hoping that the engine would not choose this moment for it's first ever backfire.
Opening the door I was greeted by a slender female of obvious Chinese descent dressed in a modern interpretation of what I assumed was Tang dynasty style costume with the restaurants name woven subtly into the fabric over the left breast. "Do you have a reservation Sir?" I didn't have to see her face as the sneer could be heard in her voice.
"I'm with the 12 o'clock Johnson party"
The change in demeanour was palpable as the valet responded, Of course Sir. If you ask for Mr Chien he will see to it that you make your reservation. I will ensure your vehicle is cleaned and ready for you upon departure."
Heading towards the doors it's impossible to miss the two Chinese gentleman positioned either side of the entrance, each seemingly carved from stone and each looking like he could bench press me using a single hand without breaking a sweat. No wonder this place had such rave reviews, I wouldn't want to be the one to complain about the quality of my food, and if anything the security rating should have been bumped up a couple of notches.
The interior screamed money and sophistication even louder than the exterior, and that had rated at least 150 on the decibel scale as I'd driven up to it. I just hope I remember what goes where if this little get together includes a meal. Turning to the coat check on the left I dropped my fedora and greatcoat off. Before I could begin to ask for Mr Chien a voice behind me broke the silence. "Welcome to the Palace of China. I am Mr Chien. If you would like to follow Golden Lilly she will escort you to where you party is waiting." Turning I see a distinguished middle aged gentleman and a beautiful young woman.
"Please Sir, if you would, several of your party have already arrived." The young woman's voice had just enough of an accent to remain alluring and exotic whilst ensuring that every word could be understood. A guy could get used to this far too damn quickly jumped through my frontal lobes as I responded.
"Of course, please lead on. It wouldn't do to keep them waiting."
"Thank you," her voice then took on a more conspiratorial tone that was tinged with amusement, "though you need not fret. You're not the last to arrive."
With that she headed up the stairs and enjoying the view I followed. Turning to the right she soon stops before an ornate door, knocks softly and gestures for me to enter. Taking a deep breath and receiving an A OK back from the mental diagnostic my brain was running I stepped through into the room. My eyes were immediately drawn to the four different, but beautiful, woman within before finally taking in the two males already in the room. So much for A OK. Come on brain, get with the program. If I had to guess the elegant Chinese lady who exuded confidence and control would be Ms Johnson, the young woman against the wall would be an employee of the establishment and the remaining two potential companions on whatever business we were soon to discuss. Of the two men in the room I would put money on the caucasian being ex-military but I couldn't tell much about the Asian other than I didn't think he was Chinese in ethnicity.
[spoiler]Memory Test - Palace of China (http://orokos.com/roll/342259): 8d6t5 2[/spoiler]
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Tanya looks around at the soft sound of the door opening yet again. Another tall man enters the room and Tanya evaluates the newcomer. Not military, but authority nevertheless. Something.............familiar about the face. Her mind begins searching the vaults of information in her mind. even as she nods to him. Now only one seat remains unfilled and Tanya's internal chrono tells her he is flirting with being late, and Ni Ni does not like that, especially in business meetings.
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As I enter the room one of the two caucasian women turns and acknowledges my presence with a brief nod. I return the nod maintaining eye contact. Disconcertingly there was perhaps the briefest flash of recognition in her eyes and yet I knew she wasn't familiar to me, after all it would be difficult to forget someone like her.
Was that damn photo of me carrying the injured elven female from the warehouse going to come back to haunt me? At least they hadn't actually named me in the piece that was written about the botched rescue 6 months ago.
I hoped this wouldn't mean trouble, though on reflection all of the recent trouble in my life had taken a female form. Well there are always worse forms for trouble to take, let's just hope this one isn't too bad.
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@ Early Bird
<<Somesuch [Early Bird] Wiz. Who am I lookin for?>>
<<Early Bird [Somesuch] Drek! My bad, omae. Party of Johnson, hope this don't make you late, that won't be good...>>
[Monday, 207506031152L]
@ All
The Chinese woman is all business, though on the friendly side for now. You take her dress to be... probably Zoe and fresh off the racks. There is little about her fashion that is 'Chinese.' After taking a moment to greet Tanya and acknowledge the newcomers entering, she checks her watch.
"We await another, he is not late but as you have made an extra effort to be punctual we shall go ahead and place orders for lunch," she turns to the employee in the room and rattles off a few words in Chinese and the woman bows low to her. Comeliness are pinged with a request to except an ARO from the restaurant, which reveal intricately decorated AR menus.
The fare eschews offerings of 'Orange Chicken' and instead opts for higher standards of Chinese cuisine. Each item is listed in both Chinese and English with very clear descriptions of what to expect from the dish, as well as ratings for the level of heat.
"Order what ever it is you wish, pay no mind to expense, I will be insulted if I feel you are not indulging yourselves as you please."
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Taking one of the spare seats at the table I reflect that for a job that would require my talents it was an unusually large group being assembled. This certainly piqued my interest, though not as much as the menu now in front of me. A quick glance showed that none of the dishes I usually ordered from Lucky House on 5th were listed. It was looking like I was going to have to take the time to read what was on offer and then order enough to satisfy Ms Johnson that I was not insulting her whilst not appearing to be either greedy or wasteful. Ah, the joys of the mealtime meet The one dish that definitely caught my eye was the freshly prepared spinach noodles though I had no idea yet what to choose to accompany them.
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Seeing the group staring off into space in that telltale manner, Calico turns and smiles at Baozhai, inviting her to come offer assistance, prompting the Chinese woman to approach. "Could you bring me a physical menu?" Calico asks with a vaguely apologetic smile. "I don't use AR." she explained, wrinkling her nose. "Gives me a headache."
As Baozhai hurries off to retrieve the menu, Calico leans over to Tanya. "I love Ni Ni's dress… is that Zoe? I LOVE her stuff. Actually, I've had my eye on a particular Zoe garment for a while now. Maybe when this is all over you can use your…" Calico flicked her eyes about meaningfully to indicate their current surroundings, "extensive contacts to help me get my hands on it." She grinned impishly at Tanya as Baozhai quietly returned, handing her the requested menu.
"Thank you very much, Baozhai." she said as she took the menu, maintaining eye contact with the Chinese woman, her face expressing the genuineness of her gratitude.
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Kumiho looks over the AR menu and using his AR gloves touches upon the items he wants to order, Fèng zhuǎ, luo han zhai, and Xiao Long Bao with green tea. After he selects each item he swypes them off the virtual menu - sending them directly to the waitress' commlink. Oh, the miracles of the digital age; where ICONs take the place of words and all confusion is erased.
When he looks up and sees the small redhead ordering of a material menu - he is baffled by her open Technophobia, but then again by her dress Maybe she is awaken.
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Whilst scrolling through the menu on my commlink screen I notice the young redhead in the skin tight suit asking for a physical menu. This one certainly wasn't backward about coming forward. She could just as easily downloaded the menu to her commlink as I had, but instead made a show of asking for the physical menu. She definitely wanted people to notice her and the way she was dressed just screamed look at me. If I had to bet right now I'd be putting money on her being awakened in some way. Of course she could be a total mundane like myself or even a technomancer pretending they couldn't see the ARO menu but something about her, perhaps the almost supernatural perfection, just made me feel she fit the awakened shaped hole in the puzzle box that was the group sat round the table.
Her interactions with the woman in the silk dress who had first acknowledged me upon my arrival suggested a familiarity that went beyond that of meeting today indicating that at least two of the assembled group had some prior history together.
Finally deciding upon my order I select a combination of steamed and fried stuffed dumplings to start followed by the fresh spinach noodles topped with a spicy beef and vegetable stew with a side of pickled garlic. Some sparkling water would do me where the beverage was concerned. I wasn't even going to attempt to pronounce the Chinese names in my head let alone out loud.
Clicking my selections on the screen I hit the send button and settled back in my chair to watch the rest of those gathered around the table. So far I was pretty sure that I'd pegged the muscle and the magic but wasn't sure on the other two. Odds were at least one of them would be the matrix but I couldn't be sure which. Neither of the other two males had given any indication of prior history with anyone, but there was still time for that to change and as Ms Johnson had indicated we were still awaiting one more to join our intimate little gathering.
Lunch and the conversation should certainly be interesting and I was was still waiting to appreciate the irony that Madame Butterfly had promised me.
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"Johnson party, please?
The assortment of attendees leads the tall, skinny elf in the nice suit through the massive and sprawling compound, eventually leading him to the room where the he supposed this meet was to take place. Inside, he finds a group of people, already ordering lunch, all of whom look up at him at once. Without missing a beat, he quickly walks over to the table where the rest of the party is seated. Eugene takes off his shades and nods his head quickly, but politely at the group before sitting down in the last empty seat. He takes only a moment to look over the other runners assembled here. Don't recognize any of these hoops. That can go both ways. Without looking at the menu, he turns to the waitress, indicating toward the Chinese woman in the nice dress with his hand. "I'll have whatever the lady is having, thank you." Only after the waitress has gone does he address the rest of the table.
"Earlybird. Nice to meetcha." with a wink and a smile. "D'I miss anything?"
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"Early ... bird? You sure about that?" Calico asks, grinning up at the new arrival. "You sure it's not, like, LastManToArrive ... Hawk? Or something?" Her smiling face holds no angst or irritation, even as she continues to pile on. "Well pull up a seat Mr. Earlybird! We just ordered a big 'ol platter of Irony cakes, just for you."
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"Early ... bird? You sure about that?" Calico asks, grinning up at the new arrival. "You sure it's not, like, LastManToArrive ... Hawk? Or something?" Her smiling face holds no angst or irritation, even as she continues to pile on. "Well pull up a seat Mr. Earlybird! We just ordered a big 'ol platter of Irony cakes, just for you."
The smile hasn't left his face, but it's a bit frozen now. A bit 'camera-ready.' A bit fake. Eugene listens with one eyebrow slightly raised until the irony cakes finish off the joke, rolls his eyes briefly, and inhales to speak. "I hear the chef here is fantastic." Turning his head to face one of the other members of the group and turning the real smile back on. "Imports real crab. Farm raised."
Chump. Can't wait to hear how funny she is while I'm pulling a bullet out of her.
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Man, this AR drek is fancy, Cal thought. Looking through the menu hovering in space before him, Cal places an order for something spicy that has steak in it. And hell, some of those baos and dumplings. Might as well live now if I might die later.
He dismissed the menu and looked around, noting the jibes being thrown at this Early Bird guy and the woman who gets a headache from AR. This sure as drek ain't gonna be like working with the boys, he thought. Then again, won't be boring either.
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Tanya examines the latest arrival with interest. She has no preconceived notions about working with Keebs, but very limited experience. She nods and smiles at him before looking back at the table. Her mind is still sorting through images and links in her memory. She does not have to go back too far. Six months. Keeb girl kidnapped. Someone important to the Tir Princes. A miscommunication led to some friendly fire casualties. Lots of finger pointing. Then there it is..........a pic of a man carrying the Keeb girl from the disaster. Hmmm. No name, but the caption implied that he was FBI. She looks back up at the man and smiles.
She listens to Ni Ni with a smile and accepts the ARO ping for the menu, but has no need to look at it. Knowing exactly what she wants, she places her order in Chinese then sends the menu away. Turning to Calico, Tanya says, Calico, dear, do you need some help? I can recommend anything from section 3 of the menu if you are not used to spicy cuisine. If you are, then go ahead and order anything that looks good. Just be warned that they are not exaggerating the heat level."
She turns to the newest arrival, "Yes. Earlybird, right? I am Tanya Marisart. Nice to meet you. And you are correct; the chefs here are fantastic. The food is real and much of it is imported in. Easily my favorite place to eat for this type of food."
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"Yes. Earlybird, right? I am Tanya-"
"Marisart! Wiz.!" he thoughtlessly interrupts her, smiling. "Thought I recognized you. Not many gloks use their real names... so... You the house or are you the help?" Eugene has always had a way of blurting things out and not waiting his turn to talk, a fact that despite his natural good looks and quick wit, has a tendency to make people dislike him. The fact that his face defaults to an expression exactly halfway between "let's fuck" and "punch me as hard as you can if you're not a coward" doesn't help matters.
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Tanya smiles, "No. I am just part of the help, I am afraid. I have been here a few times to eat, though."
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Kumiho shares glances with everyone else around the table at the new comers, Early Bird's, lack of etiquette. If he had a tendency to blurt out anything and everything that came to mind - this might lead to difficulties for the job and everyone's safety. He might be fresh to the scene and still have his Trainee badge on. Its probably best to chance the subject, Kumiho thought to himself, the we can see how this pans out during the real meet. Now what to talk about....
I was just reading earlier today that the Seattle Museum of Art will be hosting a collection of the works by Manuel Torres, thanks to the Draco Foundation. Manuel Torres' paintings tend to be symbolic portrayal of the struggles of a worker in a modern, capitalistic world. The style is very similar to the 20th century painter and muralist Diego Rivera. His painting s are very shape based but captures something that calls back to their shared heritage.
[spoiler]
Etiquette. (http://orokos.com/roll/342618): 4d6t5 3
[/spoiler]
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Calico turns back to her menu as Earlybird pointedly and somewhat stiffly fails to respond to her jibe. *Seems he's managed to be offended by my friendly ribbing* she thought a bit sadly. *It's a shame, it could've been a nice bonding moment. Oh well ... I'm sure there will be others.*
As Tanya offers her warning about the spiciness of the food, Calico's eyes light up. "Oh, I love spicy foods!" she exclaims energetically. "The hotter, the better!" Although ... upon reflection she wasn't 100% sure that this was literally true, so she decided to play it safe, ordering a dish that was only moderately spicy.
Then, as the young asian man (*What's his area of expertise, I wonder?*) began to speak about the upcoming art exhibit, and more specifically its subject matter, Calico found herself chiming in once more, partly to fill the "smalltalk" void, but also because it genuinely interested her. "You know, I'm not really an art chick, but I have to say that if there ever was a subject that could really draw me in, that sounds like it."
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"No. I am just part of the help, I am afraid. I have been here a few times to eat, though."
"Well then," with a nod of the head, and respectful furrow of the brow. "Nice to meetcha."
Dang! How she afford to eat here on runner pay? Does this Johnson pay gloks like that?! I might be outta debt sooner than I thought.
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Tanya nods at Kumiho and then at Calico and the enthusiasm in her English accented voice is obvious as she responds. "I received the eflier about that exhibit yesterday and was thinking of going. If you are attending, would you like some company? I do not know much about Manuel Torres, but the British Museum has some wonderful examples of Diego Rivera's murals on display. If Torres is even close to being as good it will be worth seeing. The flier mentioned a fund raiser for the museum in conjunction with the exhibit." She turns to the girl, "Would you be interested, Calico? I find the world of art to be fascinating and we could try to bring out your inner "art chick". It might be fun." Looking about the room, she adds, "Anyone else interested?"
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"I personally would love to go and check that out, but I suppose it would depend on what other ..." Calico pauses momentarily, shifting her gaze meaningfully to Ni Ni, "obligations ... we have."
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I give the Asian male a slight nod to applaud his skill at guiding the conversation away from the newest arrival before he could make any further faux pars and looking at Tanya "An afternoon or evening visiting the museum would indeed be a lovely distraction once we have put aside any more pressing business matters that need attending to, though I'm not sure that anyone would be able to truly appreciate the beauty of the exhibit whilst accompanying either yourself, Ms Marisart, or your friend, Ms Calico, let alone both of you." I give a wry smile before continuing, "Unfortunately I'm afraid that I would prove too dull a companion for such an outing, my knowledge of art doesn't extend much beyond 'Dogs Playing Pool'."
I start to lean back in my chair before realising that I've yet to introduce myself and lean forward slightly, "Oh, and please forgive my thoughtlessness at forgetting to introduce myself, I'm Chance, John Chance."
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"Well, aren't you the charmer?" Calico says to John Chance with a wry, but not unappreciative smile. "I can see I'll need to keep an eye on you. I'm Calico."
"But anyway, you HAVE to come, I need someone there who knows less about art than I do." she laughed. "Actually, I'd be happy to have anyone joining us." she said, her eyes wandering across the gathered faces. Her gaze lingered for just a moment on Earlybird, her expression conveying an unspoken olive branch.
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Ni Ni watches the conversation around her and when it turns to art, she nods, taking the pause in the conversation after Calico's question to speak.
"Actually, it is on the subject of... 'art'... that I have called this meeting."
She waits a moment until the attention is drawn back to her.
"Many people do not know, but there is a Taoist temple in Tacoma, just over a mile south of the industrial docks. It is... home to several precious artifacts and artwork that has great meaning to the Chinese and the Taoists who visit the temple. It is also... a neutral ground for the Triad, belonging to no single Lodge Master. As part of the neutrality pact, each of us takes a turn managing the security of the temple and currently that security is provided by the Octagon."
She sits back as Baozhai takes a moment to refill her tea, nodding a polite thanks and returning to her tale.
"As you can imagine, if something were to happen at the temple, the sitting clan would lose face, not only with the clans here in Seattle but with the associations in China. Unfortunately, just such a thing has happened. Last night, the temple was breached and several priceless artifacts were taken. Unless these artifacts are recovered, the Octagon will lose much face. Also, the blow to the temple itself is an insult to ancient culture and beliefs.
"Therefore, I am offering you all eight thousand nuyen... a piece... to recover the artifacts. I am also willing to offer," at this moment, her expression hardens and there is the impression of an amoral and destructive predator, "for those of you who may be inclined to such things, a bonus if the thieves are... taught the error of their ways."
With that, silence falls over the table as she settles to allow the group to consider her words.
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Kumiho relaxes more. An Art thief of priceless and ancient pieces was something we was willing to work with the triad on. He nods.
I for one would be interested in helping retrieve such priceless relics; however, I feel I must express my concern that 8,00 might be a low for mission where we will be maneuvering through dangerous waters, particularly for those of us who have very little knowledge on how things are done in the triad - so that no toes are stepped on.
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Nodding at Kumiho, Calico chimes in. "I tend to agree, but ... what can you tell us about the artifacts themselves? Were they probably stolen just to resell, or do they have, like ... magical properties or something that might make someone want to keep them?
Also, what's the political situation with the Triads right now? Is there someone in particular who might want to make them look bad?"
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The woman frowns slightly before speaking, "I am unused to answering such questions for those who are not yet under my employ."
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Madame Butterfly was right. Whilst I was sure the food would be amazing it wasn't a delicious as the irony of this job offer.
"Ms Johnson, please do excuse my more enthusiastic colleague, I'm sure she just meant to indicate her willingness to participate in the case. Obviously such detailed discussions should not take place until a contract has been agreed. Let us keep our discussions limited to that matter for time being. Given the sensitive, and obviously private, nature of the matter at hand I would assume that you are looking for those who truly appreciate, as well as put a premium, on discretion. Interactions with outside parties will, of course, need to be kept to a minimum and where that is not possible obfuscation should be employed to ensure your privacy is maintained. Along with that my esteemed colleague," with that I nod towards the Asian male who had first responded, is not wrong. The waters we will be swimming in are most assuredly dangerous. Anyone willing to risk the wrath of possibly all the organisations who worship at the temple should not be taken lightly. With all of that in mind I do feel that the reward on offer for those who choose to accept the case is, upon reflection, a little on the light side."
Pausing, I take the time to take in the expressions of those around the table, trying to evaluate their individual reactions to the proposed job, and wait for Ms Johnson to respond.
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Well, this had gotten interesting fast. Merc pay was good, but 8k wasn't nothin' to sneeze at either. He had no clue what the going rate was, but he could sure use the money. He'd take the job, but judging from the fact that they'd already let them all in on the secret... and that at least some of the team was apparently known in local circles, it wasn't likely they'd off them all rather than just paying everyone a couple thousand more. Sure seemed like they could afford it judging from this place.
Cal kept his face impassive. "A little low for my taste as well. Whatever the rate, I'd like to see it the same for all of us."
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"I understand your hesitance to share details before we've agreed to take the job," Calico gently objected, "but to ask us to commit ourselves before knowing the details, before really knowing what we're getting ourselves into ... seems to me that should bring a premium."
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Counter-thievery, he thinks with a smile and a nod. Never been hired on for one a these before. Sounds good.
When he hears the figure of 8,000, he has to fight to keep his jaw from dropping. I could make this month's payment AND take off some of the principle! Earlybird knows enough about negotiations to know that he's no good at it. He keeps his mouth tightly shut during the price talk. All I gotta do is give a solid performance on this one... get a few more big payin runs from this Triad dame, and I'll have that frakkin bird payed off in no time!
Seeing that no one else is going to bring it up though, he eventually clears his throat a bit and asks, "How much upfront for expenses?"
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Tanya calmly sips at her tea while she watches the others. She knows that she has no skill in negotiations and prefers to let others work it out. She and Ni Ni are close friends, but this is business. More, it is Octagon business and Tanya is not going to play on their friendship for this. Besides, she is in total agreement with John Chance on his understanding of the way things work and she holds her questions until the bargain has been struck. It does strike her as odd that the Triad is not using their own security people on this sort of job. Could they perhaps suspect an internal conflict?
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Ni Ni listens impassively and then nods. "Very well, I will raise the offer to ten thousand nuyen, each, as well as offer two thousand of that as an up front, good faith payment. Is this agreeable?"
She pauses to see if her offer will be accepted.
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Calico nods quietly, looking around the group for confirmation.
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Calico nods quietly, looking around the group for confirmation.
Eugene gives Calico a small, barely perceptible nod in response.
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He looks around the group, noting their reactions. "If it works for the others, then it works for me."
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Tanya smiles and nods. "I am in, of course." She looks at Kumiho and Chance to see what their responses are.
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"Wiz."
Eugene sits back and begins preparing a shopping list in his head.
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"That seems reasonable. I would be happy to take your case." I glance across at the Asian male to see if he too will be join us.
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Kumiho nods in agreement
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Tanya smiles at everyone in turn before looking over at the hostess. "So, we are all agreed. I, for one, would like to know if you give us some details of what happened and why you need independent runners instead of using Octagon people?"
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The Chinese woman nods. "Excellent, I am pleased you are all on board. To answer your questions, what was stolen where an ancient vase featuring the eight immortals, an ink tablet fashioned as a turtle, an ancient 'money-tree' from the period of Han, and a statue of Zhenwu, the perfected Warrior. None of these artifacts has an awakened value, that is known."
She looks to Calico and continues, "As for our... 'political' situation, we have not noticed anything amiss, mores than what is normal activities amongst the Triads. It is no secret hat the Octagon and the Yellow Lotus are at odds and both of our organizations hold nothing but contempt for the 88s. It is as likely that one of them is behind this as it is anyone else."
Finally, she turns to Tanya, "As for details, it occurred last night sometime. During a communications check, we received no response. Our first responders arrived to discover the security contingent was dead. The security footage had been tampered with. Currently the location is secured."
"I have received permission to use outside assets for two reasons. The first is to minimize knowledge of the theft. Even amongst our own people, if word gets out, this could cause a loss of face. The second is that I presume that once the artifacts are located, it will take special talents to retrieve them," she offers Tanya a short smile before looking back to the group as a whole.
"If there are any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask."
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Lean back in my chair I slip the stylus from the side of my commlink holder, call up my notes app, "I hope you don't mind Ms Johnson but I always find it easier organise my thoughts when I have material on hand to reference", and open up an new folder before jotting down relevant information as she talks.
"Presumably, as this is a temple there were also monks in attendance as well as security. Can I ask if they were harmed at all during the robbery or if it was just your security contingent? It would be useful to question anyone who was on site at the time.
We would also require access to the crime scene and whilst the security footage has been tampered with access to the data there would be most useful and potentially informative.
It would be a great help if we were able to examine the bodies of the security who were found at the scene.
A list of who has been on site, for elimination purposes obviously, and what they have done since arriving on scene to understand the potential of post crime contamination is also necessary.
Outside of your physical security assets how were the temple and artifacts secured? Oh and do you have images of the missing items?"
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Kumiho thinks about what our host has said trying to figure out the various angles.
You said that these items, to the best of your organization's knowledge are none awakened. So they most likely were not stolen for magical reasons. However, the thrift could still cause your clan to loose face. However, that might be what the thief wants us to think. , Kumiho pauses for a moment before getting to the question he has in mind. So two questions; were the pieces within public display in the temple? Has there been anyone in memory that has taken an interest in visiting the temple and/or examining the heirlooms. An art historian? Archaeologist? Even a Art restorer that may have work on the pieces.
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"I assume the location is secured still since you're doing your best to keep this under wraps. Seems to me like all you can tell us is what evidence you know of so far and who your organization suspects aside from your rivals... if anyone. Then we get over to this temple and ask some questions and find some clues before the trail gets cold."
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Tanya looks at the others on the adhoc team. "Do we want to gather someplace neutral after we get what information we can and determine what our strengths and capabilities are?"
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"A plan of attack, yes that seems like a good idea. I doubt anybody's place is as ... roomy as yours, Tanya." Calico notes.
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Tanya nods. "Yes, there are certain advantages to my place, but it not be the best for everyone. I only offer it as a potential meeting place. Perhaps someone else had an opinion about this? And I think that we should at least try to get some additional information first and perhaps visit the temple if that is allowed." She looks to Ni Ni to see if she would allow such a thing.
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"Only the monks who live within the monastery are present. It is their home, but they understand the need for secrecy. All of them were asleep during the attack, they claim they heard nothing of it. Otherwise, the temple is currently secured by a private security firm, Chang Sing Security. They have instructions to allow you in Tanya, along with any who accompany you."
She sighs slightly, then continues on. "The bodies are on site still, they have been moved to a room until we take them for final disposition. As for who has been on the site... it is visited by many, it is an open Temple, truly the main temple is not even closed through the night."
Ni Ni then turns to Kumiho, "The artifacts were on public display." She takes her commlink and presses a button. Tanya's commlink chirps with a received message, which the red head checks, making a mental note to pass them on to everyone else. "I just sent Tanya a picture of them. The artifacts have been visited by interested parties, but non so brash as to make an offer. Not from the Temple. I am certain some would jump at the chance for them, if the temple were to close."
She checks her commlink again then stands. "Barring anything else, I have another appointment."
She waits patiently while the team decides their first move.
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Tanya looks around. "Thank you Ni Ni. We will not keep you. I will pass on these files I was sent once I get everyone's comm codes. My vote is to go visit the temple then congregate at a convenient place, perhaps my flat, to discuss our course of action. My car is outside and there is enough room for anyone who does not have their own transportation with them. So, any last questions for our hostess. I personally wish to give my thanks for this great meal. I thoroughly enjoyed it. And the company." She looks around and waits for comments.
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Tanya? Ni Ni? Never seen a Johnson and a runner on a first name basis. This chick really the help, or she just want us to think that?
"I'm with Tanya."
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Tanya nods at Earlybird. "That is two for the car, since Calico came with me. Anyone else need a ride? Trust me, there is plenty of room."
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Cal nods toward Tanya. "Sure thing. I'll take a lift."
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Tanya nods at the large man. "Sure thing." She looks at John Chance and Kumiho to see if they needed a ride to the temple. When they shake their heads, Tanya stands and bows low to Baozhai and thanks her in Chinese for her assistance. Taking Calico's arm and motioning for the others to come, Tanya strolls from the private room into the hallway and down the stairs to the main lobby. Along the way she opens a comm to her driver, >>Alphonse. We are leaving the restaurant. Can you please meet us at the entrance. There will be four of us and I have a surprise for you. See you in a few.<<
In the lobby, Tanya leads the others to the check counter where they can pick up anything they might have left there. She spies Luk Chien waiting near the counter and goes to him, bowing low. 你好,陸謙。 同以往一樣,是一個非常高興地在這裡吃晚飯。 並感謝你如此提供baozhai協助吳白布。 我將盡我所能,使我不在短。" The handsome manager smiles and returns the bow and compliment. A young woman comes up to them and waits patiently to be recognized. She is carrying two large picnic-style hampers with her, from which the aroma of food wafts through the air. Tanya looks her way and smiles. "啊,我的命令,我相信呢? 謝謝各位。 阿方斯和莫妮克將會很高興。" The manager and the young woman accompany Tanya and her companions out the door and down the covered walkway to where the Rolls is waiting. The driver's eyes widen as he sees the baskets and reaches to take them from the woman, putting them in the limousine's boot. Tanya chuckles and says, "Alphonse, yours is the one with the orange ribbon. I need to get the other safely to Monique or she will have my guts for garters."
"Of course, Your Ladyship. They will arrive in perfect condition. Celine and I thank you for thinking of us."
The driver moves to open the door as Tanya bids farewell to the smiling Luk Chien. After assisting the passengers into the large car, Alphonse returns to the driver's cab and pulls away from the curb. Tanya asks him to take them out to the temple, giving the address. Inside, the passengers can barely hear the purr of the huge motor as it sends the car to its destination. Tanya points out the refreshment tray. "There are snacks available if anyone has any room left after that wonderful meal. And there is champagne and water in the cooler just over there near your arm, Mr. Chance. The flutes are in the cabinet located just above the cooler. I am afraid those are the choices today."
After everyone is settled into the extremely comfortable leather seats and refreshments are passed out to those who want them, Tanya glances at the others. "OK. I am sure that we will have some sort of team meeting after looking around at the temple. I just want it said up front that I do not fancy myself the leader here by any means. In fact, I much prefer that someone with more group experience than I have take charge. I would like to start off by introducing myself. I am Tanya Marisart and I specialize in getting into places, taking things and getting back out. Usually for a profit. I do not consider myself the best, but I am pretty good." Tanya looks around to see if anyone else volunteers similar information.
[spoiler]Translations:
Hello, Luk Chien. As always it was a great pleasure to dine here. And thank you so much for providing Baozhai to assist Miss Calico. I will do my best to make my absence short.
Ah, my order, I presume? Thank you very much. Alphonse and Monique will be pleased.
[/spoiler]
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"OK. I am sure that we will have some sort of team meeting after looking around at the temple. I just want it said up front that I do not fancy myself the leader here by any means. In fact, I much prefer that someone with more group experience than I have take charge. I would like to start off by introducing myself. I am Tanya Marisart and I specialize in getting into places, taking things and getting back out. Usually for a profit. I do not consider myself the best, but I am pretty good." Tanya looks around to see if anyone else volunteers similar information.
"Well, I got experience working in small groups, coordinating tactics... a strong background in medicine, I make a good second in command, y'know? Good, solid, tactically sound decisions when the lead's flying, but kinda clueless when it aint, wiz? I follow orders real good. Oh, and I got a lil one man attack chopper I'm real good with if we should need such a thing."
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Tanya leans forward at Earlybird's words. Her eyes are bright as she says, "A helicopter? But only for one person? Sad, that. I would have loved a ride."
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Tanya leans forward at Earlybird's words. Her eyes are bright as she says, "A helicopter? But only for one person? Sad, that. I would have loved a ride."
"Yeah, lil Northrup Wasp. Same kind corp sec uses. Set me back a chunk a jing, too. I sorta got the feeling that was why i got the job..."
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"Could someone hitch a ride beneath and maybe descend down by rope? Just thinking of options here."
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"Could someone hitch a ride beneath and maybe descend down by rope? Just thinking of options here."
"Someone with a crazy frakkin spine could do that, yeah."
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Tanya laughs. "Count me in that group. I would love to try it if you are game. It could be a means to get me into a position I could not get to otherwise. Give it some thought. Besides, it should be a tonne of fun."
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"Ms Marisart is not wrong in her suggestion. Getting eyes on the crime scene before further contamination can occur would definitely be the best course of action." Standing, I switch my commlink into tap mode and offer the back to Tanya in order for us to exchange codes. Collecting my coat and hat from the cloakroom I exit the restaurant alongside the others in time to see the limo pull up to collect Tanya and those accompanying her to the temple. By comparison the Americar pulling up beside me, though now spotless and gleaming like it had just left the dealer's showroom, seemed even more ordinary and commonplace than normal. "Ms Marisart, might I suggest that we conference call during the short trip in case anyone has anything pressing to discuss prior to arriving at the temple."
Settling into my seat I accept the incoming call from Tanya and set my commlink to send ARO whilst only receiving voice. I didn't want the additional distraction of imagery whilst driving. Setting the dogbrain nav system for the temple's co-ordinates I pull out and allow the voices from the limo to wash over me taking in what each has to say before finally responding.
"From the sounds of it some of you are, at least passingly, familiar with being investigated." I allow a hint of amusement to tinge my voice to let those on the other end of the line know that there is no judgement being made on my part. "I, on the other hand, do have some experience of conducting such an investigation along with handling the intricacies of interactions between various specialists when task forces are formed. Please do not feel that I am in any way pushing for the lead position, in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. The last time I held such a role within a specialist task force things, whilst resolved to most people's satisfaction, did not end so well for me." My mind drifts back to the weight of the blinded elf in my arms and smell of my team's blood on my clothes before giving an internal shudder. "That being said, if you all decide that we require a lead and you wish it to be me, I will accept your decision and the responsibility that comes with it. Perhaps this is something best left to be decided once we are all together and have a better understanding of what each of us can bring to the table."
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Tanya nods at John's words. >>Mr. Chance, how would you like to be addressed? In fact, how would all of us like to be addressed? I think we are all going to be working closely together, so everyone please call me Tanya, but I do not want to presume anyone else/s name. And I think that Mr. Chance might be a good person to nominate for team lead, but I agree with you that we should wait until we have a better team meeting and find out what all of us can bring to the table. But, please, it investigating things is your forte, you should be in charge of what we do at the temple. And Earlybird, I would think that some practice for the rope trick would be preferable. Let me know if you are willing. I have the ropes and a harness that I am sure could be adapted, but I would need to see the helicopter. Would that be possible?<<
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>>By all means call me John. I have a feeling that we will, indeed, be living in each others lives over the coming days. I will be happy to guide you all during our time at the temple, though I feel that I may well be turning to each of you for your areas of expertise during our time there. Given the area you have already professed expertise in Tanya an initial assessment of how you would have approached this had you been given the job will be most informative.<<
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>>By all means call me John. I have a feeling that we will, indeed, be living in each others lives over the coming days. I will be happy to guide you all during our time at the temple, though I feel that I may well be turning to each of you for your areas of expertise during our time there. Given the area you have already professed expertise in Tanya an initial assessment of how you would have approached this had you been given the job will be most informative.<<
Right to work and straight to the point. I like this guy already.
"Yeah, I nominate John here for the leadership position." He looks around the car at the rest of the assembled members. "Second?"
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Tanya looks at the man opposite her in the car. >>I can second that, but it should probably wait for a vote until we all have a voice. And John, thank you for the push. I will be happy to give my opinion once we get a chance to look at the place. It may be that they just walked in, but I will not be able to do more than guess until we get there. So, I steal things, and getting in and out without being caught. What do the rest of us bring to this?<<
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While following the others out of the restaurant Kumiho says, I agree a conference call while in route. This way we can work out what everyone is bring to the table before we get to the site.
Kumiho walks to his bike, a short distance from the restaurant, and waits to leave until he can pull out behind Tanya's car. While he waits, he turns all his gear back on - now that he is no longer in a triad establishment.
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Tanya looks at the man opposite her in the car. >>I can second that, but it should probably wait for a vote until we all have a voice. And John, thank you for the push. I will be happy to give my opinion once we get a chance to look at the place. It may be that they just walked in, but I will not be able to do more than guess until we get there. So, I steal things, and getting in and out without being caught. What do the rest of us bring to this?<<
A quick smile as he leans back in his plush seat, enjoying the climate controls. "Motion seconded, and vote postponed until all parties present. Movin along nicely, ma'am."
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>>I would not expect you to render an opinion until you have, how do you say, cased the joint? Tanya. My apologies if my intent was not clear. In order to build a picture of what we are dealing with any, and all, information we are able to clean will be relevant.
When I'm trying to build a profile I need to place myself in the minds of the unsubs. As an example, given the violence involved, it is very unlikely that Tanya and the unsubs would have the same approach to the theft. At least I hope this to be true. What Tanya's assessment will tell us is whether it was possible to carry out the theft without the need for any interaction with the human security. What non-human security did they need to bypass? If the theft could have been accomplished without interacting with the human security did the unsubs not possess the skills to achieve this or was the violence a deliberate choice? The way in which each person was killed, along with the location of each kill, will give a good indication of the answer.
The way in which people were killed, along with the size and number of artifacts taken, will allow us to estimate the approximate size and possible make up of the team.
There is much more that we will be able to potentially glean but as we are almost there, unless anyone has any immediate questions, it may be best to continue in person once we are all on location. Though knowing what each of your areas of specialism are would be most helpful.<<
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Tanya sits back and smiles, perfectly happy to let someone else be in charge. She looks out the window at the sky, wondering what it would be like to fly under the small helicopter then drop down on a rope. The thought excites her.
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Kumiho chimes in from his bike, I feel that since we don't know each other it would be best if we each speak up at this time and fill everyone in on what your skill set is so that once at the temple we can all get to work using those skills to the best effect without stepping on each others toes. I will be the deck on this team and will see what I can find on the temples Host - if they have one. however, I can also use my drones to scout the Temple from a higher view point and see if there are any possible weak points in the security of the temple.
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Tanya switches her internal 'link to a private channel and sends a ping to another. >>John Chance. This is a private and secure channel. Are you by any chance the same man credited with saving the life of a very important Elven girl about six months ago? The same FBI man? The official line given to the public is that this particular FBI man saved the girl but lost a team to friendly fire. Something interesting must have happened to drag a Bureau bloke into the shadows. I would be interested in hearing your side of the story, if you would care to tell it. This could be a convenient forum or perhaps an ice breaker over dinner some time?<<
Tanya switches back to the team channel while leaving the private one open. >>It is my considered opinion that any theft can be planned to avoid killing people. I would have to look at the scene, of course, but I would think that the deaths were part of the plan for some reason. There are three Triads in the Seattle sprawl and several wanna-be gangs on the fringe looking to be given a place in one organization or the other. The three major Triads are Yellow Lotus, The 88's, and the Octagon. Our employer belongs to the last one. All three are always looking for some way to embarrass the others in the eyes of the Red Dragon, the parent Triad in Beijing. This would certainly qualify as a very major embarrassment. Of course, it could just be someone who does not know what sort of dragon's tail they are stepping on.<<
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>>It is my considered opinion that any theft can be planned to avoid killing people. I would have to look at the scene, of course, but I would think that the deaths were part of the plan for some reason. There are three Triads in the Seattle sprawl and several wanna-be gangs on the fringe looking to be given a place in one organization or the other. The three major Triads are Yellow Lotus, The 88's, and the Octagon. Our employer belongs to the last one. All three are always looking for some way to embarrass the others in the eyes of the Red Dragon, the parent Triad in Beijing. This would certainly qualify as a very major embarrassment. Of course, it could just be someone who does not know what sort of dragon's tail they are stepping on.<<
<<@Team [Earlybird] I doubt it. Unless these things have some emotional significance to someone, I'm going with your first instinct. This was either the Lotus or the 88's. Just makes the most sense. We just gotta hope they used in house work for the heist, cause otherwise, we're going up against other runners. Might bump into someone we know. Just somethin to consider...>>
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This is true Earlybird; we could run into another team - which can always happen. With this in mind I have put a general call out to see who is currently working in the shadows. I posed it as a, "Who is working so I don't accidentally interfere" question. Nothing might come of it, but it could be helpful.
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Cal nodded politely to their hostess and followed Tanya out, stopping by at the coat check to swap out his borrowed jacket with his freshly-laundered original one. Drek, these Chinese even threw in some dry cleaning to boot, he thought with a smirk.
As he settled into his seat, it was plainly clear he was more than a little uncomfortable with his plush surroundings, giving the refreshments a wary glance as Tanya described them. Though thankfully they were ignored as the team seemed ready to get down to business.
"You can call me Cal. I'm the hired gun. And while I've got more than enough combat experience, I'm new to running so I'll have to rely on the rest of you to navigate the finer details. And I don't have any trouble with John taking point."
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"You can call me Cal. I'm the hired gun. And while I've got more than enough combat experience, I'm new to running so I'll have to rely on the rest of you to navigate the finer details. And I don't have any trouble with John taking point."
Combat experience, huh? From behind his expensive looking shades, the lanky elf looks Cal up and down in detail, seeing if he can pick out anything about him from his appearance.
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Tanya smiles. >>OK. So far we have an experienced thief, an investigator, a gun and a decker. I already have some idea of Calico's qualifications but will let her speak for herself. And you, Earlybird. I am assuming that flying the helicopter is not your only ability?<<
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Having engrossed herself in simply taking in the conversation to this point, Calico decides to chime in once more. "My talents are varied, but in general they revolve around… stealth and misdirection. With a little magical support thrown in for good measure.
But, regarding our current investigation, I will mention that I just finished a job targeting the Yellow Lotus Triads. It could be unrelated, but it seems just as likely that it isn't, which is the only reason I mention it."
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Tanya smiles at Calico and looks expectantly at Earlybird as the limo pulls up to a stop at the temple. Alphonse comes around and opens the door for everyone, making sure to assist the ladies out. Tanya stands at the curb looking at the temple. She has visited the temple a couple of times with Ni Ni and although it has been a while since she was last here, the building layout is compartmented in her mind somewhere and she accesses that file. She turns to the driver and motions to the car. "Thank you, Alphonse. I do not know how long I will be, but probably a couple of hours at least. I will contact you when we are ready to leave if you have other things to do.
[spoiler]Pulling up memories of the temple from a couple of visits. Memory of Temple 10d6 + 2d6 Photographic Memory (http://orokos.com/roll/344115): 12d6t5 5 [/spoiler]
The limousine drives off and the group of four waits for the other two to arrive. The lush greenery of Portland Avenue Park does a good job of concealing the buildings of the temple grounds, but the tops of the distinctive roofs can still be seen. It is hard to imagine the serenity of this place being disturbed by death. Tanya shakes her head at the waste.
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Receiving Tanya's private message caused me to pause for a moment as memories from 6 months ago washed over me once again. Wishing I had a whisky to give my brain the mental jolt it needed I'm forced to settle for a quick shake of the head whilst I regain my composure. Stabbing my finger at the commlink screen I select the private channel she has opened.
>>That's not exactly something I currently feel like sharing. Given that you have recognised me I won't deny there was a photo of me doing the rounds several moths ago but I would prefer it not to become public knowledge. Some of those we are currently occupying our time with might not be quite so understanding of my previous associations as you seem to be. Perhaps, once we have put our current business to bed, we could indeed find something to discuss over dinner and drinks. I'm sure the conversation could be quite stimulating.<<
Pulling into a free space I thumb the biolock on the glove compartment and return the Colt to it's holster. I pause for a second to savour the warm glow of a returned safety blanket before pocketing my commlink and getting out. Popping the trunk I grab my camera and then wander over to where the rest of the party waits.
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After Finding a Parking spot, Kumiho pockets his drone in his bag - along with a few other items, then walks over to where the others wait.
I assume their is someone we should speak with first. i wouldn't want to get someone excited by us snooping around before they knew who we were and how we are allowed to investigate.
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The peacefulness of the afternoon and the Temple grounds belies the violence that occurred here the night prior. As the team assembles, a Chinese man approaches, addressing Tanya.
"Miss Lady Marisart," he begins. "The Hong Ji said to expect you and grant you and your friends access to the Temple grounds. Please, feel free to explore as you need."
The man holds a finger to his ear and utters something under his breathing Chinese.
Walking the temple grounds it is easy to forget that there is a darker purpose to your visit, which you are reminded of at the first set of blood spatters. Wishing to take a look at the area as a whole, the group moves on, finding the spots where four men lost their lives. Entering into the room where they are being kept, one had been killed with a garrote, another with a tight shot grouping, a third stabbed from behind, and the fourth bearing no noticeable mark.
The area where the artifacts were kept was locked for the night but the lock has been broken, ripped apart with brute force.
There are several possible points of entry, some investigation might help paint a clear picture of what occurred.
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Before the man can depart I step in front of him. Pulling out my commlink and activating the notes app once again ."I have a couple of initial questions which I'm hoping you can answer. How dispersed were the bodies of the security and were they found in locations that were part of a regular security patrol? Also is there any evidence that they fought back in any way such as discharged firearms or defensive wounds?
Also, please could you arrange for us to interview the monks before we depart today. I am aware but that they were sleeping but this does not mean that they will not be able to help us.
Finally I understand that the security recordings have been tampered with. Gesturing at Kumiho, My colleague here will require access to the system host.
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Kuimiho bows towards the temple's representative, following the Detectives lead. I am sure that your people have already looked the host over, but a second set of eyes could not hurt. I'll only need to be give limited access - this way I can look around for any clues that may have been missed.
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Tanya smiles. >>OK. So far we have an experienced thief, an investigator, a gun and a decker. I already have some idea of Calico's qualifications but will let her speak for herself. And you, Earlybird. I am assuming that flying the helicopter is not your only ability?<<
He cocks his head to the side with a pleasant and warming smile. "I thought I went over that. Skilled in small unit tactics, medicine, firearms, and anything that flies."
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Cal briefly bends down and examines the blood spatters and signs of battle as they pass, looking for bullet holes and broken branches--clues pointing to how the attack took place--then jogs to catch back up as they enter the room where the bodies are being kept.
Once inside, he examines the wounds briefly, spending a little more time on the body without any sign of physical injury. "Sure seems like a team with varying specialties that took them by surprise at once judging from the lack of attacker corpses and varying methods employed. And given the lack of security footage and how clean the job was, I'm guessing something was planted in the system while a previous group had oversight of facility security. Neutralize the system, get in, neutralize the guards, bust the lock, grab and get out." He finishes looking at the last corpse and turns to the Chinese man. "My only real question is how they got in and out... is there any underground access? If not, then there's got to be a camera or witness that saw them come or go."
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The skinny little elf in the nice suit has never been much of a detective, but he's always been a smart guy. He looks around the scene, looks back and forth to where each of the four men must have been killed, then back to the bodies, then back again with his arms crossed and his right hand stroking his beardless chin in thought. Clueless as to the feauxpass he may be about to commit, he reaches into his pocket, fishes out his nicstic, raises it to his lips, and takes a deep hit from it while he ponders the activities of the night before. He's still holding in the hit while the gears in his head turn. This is two assailants; One sneaky stabby, the other's a mage with a good pistol arm. Naw, two assailants is too risky. This had to been three guys; Sneakystabby, Magey, and Shootey. Naw dude. This scene has balls written all over it. Whoever did this, did it with some frakkin stones. This was two assailants. He's only just now noticing the look of expected anger on the face of the man who accompanies them, just waiting for Bird to exhale those chemical laden fumes into his temple. Frag me... -GULP- He holds the hit in until he absolutely can't hold his breath anymore, hoping it will minimize the telltale vapor, and almost passes out in the process. When he finally exhales, he and the man are happy to see that all the vapor has been absorbed inside his lungs.
After giving a sheepish and apologetic grin to the man, Bird turns his attention back to the team. "Feels like two, maybe three men. My gut is sayin two, though. Whadda yall think?"
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Tanya frowns at Easybird then smiles. "Of course. You are correct. How odd. I usually do not forget things like that. I am sorry for asking twice."
She shakes her head as the group waits for the other two. Once all are together, Tanya notices the Temple man approaching. As he finishes his say, she bows low and thanks him in Chinese before continuing in English. "Thank you for your assistance. My companions and I will get to the bottom of this. Please tell me now if there are places that you do not want us to go for religious reasons. Try to give us all the assistance possible per the guidance of the Hong Ji." She motionss to John. "This is Mr. Chance. He will be leading this part of our investigation."
Tanya steps back and lets John ask his questions then follows the others to the Temple buildings. On the way she licks in a private channel to Monique. >>Hey. I will brief you in full later. I am at the Taoist Temple looking into a theft and some killings. Be ready to receive some images that we can go over later. Keep this channel open. Ta<< Stopping to look at the lock she bends over to examine what is left of it. She opens her small purse and pulls out a set of goggles, putting them on and firing up the wireless controls. Tanya examines the lock in minute detail, taking full advantage of the vision magnification capability of the goggles. She toggles on the image link capability and sends what she is seeing to the team on their net and another set back home to where Monique can look at it as well. When done with the lock, she stands and pushes the goggles onto her forehead before moving into the storage room. Standing at the entry, she looks around to get a feel for the room then goes to the storage locations of the individual pieces that were taken. She sends a second note to Monique alerting her that more is coming, then pulling the goggles back down over her eyes, she spends long minutes poring over every bit of evidence that she can see, careful to not disturb anything John might want to look at. She is looking for anything out of the ordinary and looks at everything. From personal knowledge, she knows that many thieves simply cannot resist leaving a tell, or marker, behind as some sort of deranged message daring the authorities to catch them. She is also looking for minute traces of something the thieves might have left behind unintentionally, hairs, fibers, a single blood drop, that sort of thing. Monique asks her to repeat some views for a better look or different angle and she complies.
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As the others scrutinize various aspects of the scene, Calico wanders slowly and soundlessly around, alternately examining the scene as a whole and specific details. She had never been one to solve problems with analysis and deduction, preferring to empty her mind and wait for inspiration to strike. Periodically switching between normal and astral perception, she examines randomly but carefully, hoping to spot that one detail that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
[spoiler]Perception 11-2 for spell: http://orokos.com/roll/344444 two hits
[/spoiler]
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@ John Chance
Taking a closer look at the spots where the four men died, there is no evidence that they even had a chance to fight back. Your chaperon indicates he was the man who was shot died near the front gate. Chance can see that it was at close range with a tight grouping of four shots to the chest that suggest a semi-automatic weapon. The wounds, in his experience, indicate a light pistol using armor piercing rounds. This is based off of the size of the entry and exit wounds.
The man with seemingly no injuries was in the center of the courtyard and would have had a line of sight to the gate. Actual inspection of the man shows that his neck was snapped. Lack of bruising at the neck indicates an extremely quick and brutal kill.
The garroted man and the stabbed man were found on paths from which assailants could have hid in bushes and jumped out at the appropriate moments. The stabbed man's wounds are from a large, broad bladed knife, a combat blade of some sort. The strike was precise, entering between ribs, through a lung and probably piercing the heart.
@ Tanya
The lock, as mentioned before, was physically torn apart. It doesn't look pries, as if with a crowbar. It's a standard maglock on a door that enteres into a viewing room which is open during the day. There are other items within the room that were left behind. The chaperon informs you, when you ask, that these items are of little value besides the spiritual one they hold for visitors to the temple.
The lock looks like somebody just clawed fingers into it and ripped it most out, leaving it hanging. The door is strong wood, so it's not an impossible feat, but a damn impressive one. An augmented troll, perhaps... or a spirit.
Despite looking, there are no signs of any calling cards and the site seems clean.
@ Calico
Calico can see traces of magic throughout the courtyard. With no real skill to assense, she can't read any of it, no way to tell if it's ambient to the temple or had anything to do with the attacks.
@ Kumiho
Given a mark on the host you are able to access the camera feeds. Unfortunately, at about 1am, the cameras go dark, probably hit by a decker for the assault. Working around the time in question, you can see the men on guard. One stays at the front gate, one hangs in the open courtyard, and two men on patrol. They come on at 8 and are replaced at 4. The replacements are dead when the cameras resume recording at 2 and discovered by the shift change at 4 in the morning.
Working around the times involved you continue looking for something, anything that might help when you see a dark Ford Americar parked in the distance with a line of sight to the front gate. It's there from sundown until the cameras go dark. When he cameras come back up... it's gone.
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Tanya finishes her examination of the storage room and again pushes the goggles back on her forehead before asking the guide if the front door had been locked as well or open. She returns to the room where John is examining the bodies and remains in the doorway so as to not disturb any evidence that might remain on the bodies. She watches the FBI man at work for a few seconds then says on the team net, >>I do hope I am not disturbing any of you. I have to say this seems very professional and very amateurish at the same time. There is no reason that these guards were killed other than to kill them. I could have either avoided or subdued them, given where they were taken down. And the lock on the storage room is certainly not corp or mil grade. I could have opened it in a few minutes at most, probably faster if I were already prepared for the type of lock it was. These guys did not even try. A very strong person or a spirit just ripped the lock apart. None of this was necessary, especially since they almost certainly knew how much time they had until the next shift came on.<< Still in the doorway, she turns to the chaperone. "Would you please do a very thorough check to be sure that only those four items were taken? It is possible that all of this destruction is meant to focus attention and that something else was the real target. Please make sure that every item is accounted for. Is there a safe, perhaps, with something far more valuable? If so, I would like to examine the safe and its contents. It might be important."
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"Hmmm" Calico muses, adopting an air of competent expertise that is entirely manufactured. "There's a magical aura throughout this place, but it's ... vanilla. Either this is simply the normal ambient magical aura of this place, which is possible, or ..." her voice trails off ominously before continuing, "this place has been magically cleaned by someone of exceptional skill."
*I have GOT to learn how to do this assensing thing* she thinks, glancing casually around to see how her line of bulldrek is being received.
[spoiler] Bullshit DP 16-2 for spell: http://orokos.com/roll/344481 five hits
[/spoiler]
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>>I'm heading out to examine buildings outside the compound along the perimeter for cameras, starting across from the front gate.<< Cal starts walking then a couple minutes later chimes in, >>And my 2 nuyen on the brute force used in this attack is that there are two options: they're trying to send a message or they were being expedient. Dead men don't talk, after all. And for a job like this, it's more important to trust your team's not going to turn on you for more money than the details about how they get the job done. Done is done.<<
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>>I'm heading out to examine buildings outside the compound along the perimeter for cameras, starting across from the front gate.<<
"I'll come with ya. Keep ya company." Bird tags along behind Cal, watching where he looks, and trying to get a sense of just where this man's combat experience came from. After a few minutes, he pipes up. "So..." An impish smile. "Combat experience, huh? Where at?"
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While waiting for the chaperone to get back to her on her question, Tanya meshes the points of action with the map of the grounds and buildings she had earlier pulled from the storage box in her mind, trying to get a better feel for what happened and working out how she would have done this job. To her, this whole thing made almost zero sense if it was just a robbery.
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After reviewing the Video feed and making a copy of the shot with the car parked across the street, Kumiho begins to search the host for all commands given or files edited between an hour before the cameras went down and during the time the cameras were MIA (using Browse to cut the time in half). He will also look around the host as well and see if anything jumps out as "Out of Place".
[spoiler]
Matrix Search on host: File edits or Commands during listed times. (http://orokos.com/roll/344923): 9d6t5 4
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/344922): 9d6t5 1
[/spoiler]
Would someone be so kind and check the street to see if there are any cameras. I have a car seen in the video feed before the cameras for the temple went down that we might be able to get a closer look at. If there are any, I can try to hack into them and hope to pull some useful information from them once I'm done inside the temple's host.
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>>So far I would have to agree with you Tanya. The skill sets required to carry out the killings in the way they were and disabling the cameras could easily have been transferred to avoiding the guards and bypassing the lock. That they choose to execute all of the guards suggests that there was something personal involved in this crime, whether by the thieves themselves or they're employers is yet to be determined. Looking at they way the guards were killed I would also suggest that there is a high possibility that at least one of the thieves was known to the guards and not considered a threat. The guard by the gate was most likely taken down by 4 shots from a light semi automatic weapon. Given the grouping of the shots and there being no return fire it is most likely this took place at close range and by surprise. Of course it's also possible that the assailant was invisible at the time.
Given the ways in which the guards were killed does indicate a minimum of 3 unsubs on the grounds, and probably 4 in total. Snapping a neck is actually extremely difficult, fiction aside, and requires great strength. The muscles and tendons in the neck are some of the strongest in the body designed to carry the weight of our skull and brain at all times and they are highly resistant to this sort of damage. The individual kill methods used would indicate that each kill was likely carried out by a separate individual otherwise at least 2 of the bodies would have exhibited the same method.
Whilst it is unlikely I would suggest that a thorough search be carried out of both the exhibit room and surrounding areas to check for the missing items. If this was indeed a plot to discredit our employer then it is possible that the items were hidden ready to be retrieved once Ms Johnson's organisation had lost face.
I would also like to interview the monks. Even though they were sleeping at the time it is possible that their subconsciousnesses will still have taken in details that could help us and can be drawn out using certain interview techniques.
If you're able to get any useful information on the car I might be able to arrange for a search to be added the Knight Errant's traffic cameras and ANPR system to track it's movements having left the temple, though I can't promise anything at this point.<<
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"There is no safe, Ms. Lady Tanya," the man says. "The monks here say nothing else is taken. You can speak to them if you wish."
Meanwhile, Cal and Early bird check for cameras outside the temple grounds ad find a few located atop street lights. A bit of a climb to directly jack in, but a quick peek at the host itself shows that it would be a tough nut to crack without a direct connection on a slaved device.
-
"Combat experience, huh? Where at?"
Cal gives Early Bird a sideways look for a few seconds, seeming to consider him. He looks back ahead and frowns as they approach the entrance. "Bogota. Combat Inc. Drek was bad, and when it got bad enough I decided not to follow orders. That didn't go over real well with the brass, right? So after the discharge I had a buddy that knew a guy... and here I am... shadowrunning" He smirked to himself and shook his head, clearly bemused.
As they walk the perimeter, he spots the cameras. >>So we found some cameras on top of some light posts out here. Hope you can get to them remotely because they're pretty high up there. Also, Mr. Decker, you have a handle you'd like me to shout at you when the lead starts flying?<<
-
Tanya nods to herself. >>I can agree with your assessment of the strike force, given the things we have seen so far. John, do you want to interview the monks solo? I can offer to act as an interpreter if you like. They may be more comfortable talking in their own language. I could use that time to send for some gear and that would allow me to climb one of the poles and then assist Kumiho up so that he can jack in. As for the objects, while is it of course possible that the killers left the items to be picked up later, in my opinion they had the time and means to take them with them and my guess is that they are long gone. But these people have proved willing to act out of the norm already, so looking around could help.<<
-
I turn from the bodies suppressing a shudder looking at death never gets easier, at least I can afford to get a decent bottle to kill the memories this will leave and acknowledge Tanya standing behind me with a nod.
"Your presence would be most welcome Tanya, I was going to suggest it myself. It is unlikely that the artifacts are still here but if, as has been suggested, this is purely about causing loss of face then if it were me I would be tempted to leave them hidden on site to reduce the chances of damage to them occurring. Once the party I wanted to lose face was busy chasing shadows trying to get the items back it would be simple to return and retrieve the items allowing me to give them back to the temple and increase my standing within the various factions. In the meantime I could quite happily frame a couple of patsies and provide their dead bodies if needed. After all it would be no different to the 'shot whilst resisting arrest' that Lone Star is famous for." I give a wry grin, "and I'm sure many would believe the same of my previous employer's as well."
-
Tanya smiles at John and nods as she bows low to him. "I would be happy to lend my humble linguistic talent to your use." She laughs softly as she mentally accesses the private channel to Monique. >>Monique, dear. There is a pole I need to assist Kumiho to climb. Can you please bring some gear out to me at the temple? Make sure you bring an extra harness for him and include the gecko stuff. See you soon. Ta.<< Her next message is out on the team channel. >>There is a chance that the killers hid the items on the grounds to be "found" later, after the Octagon is sufficiently disgraced. I am having some climbing gear brought over and can then help Kumiho get to the top of the pole for his direct connection.<<
Turning to the escort, she says, "Mr. Chance would like to speak to the monks, please. Can you provide us with a small room for that purpose? Do any speak English?"
-
Kumiho is not my real name, so calling me by it will not be a problem. But Deckerman works just as well. Is there a preferred handle you would like us to use for you?
-
The man nods and takes Tanya and Chance over to an elderly Chinese man. He bows slightly, then introduces you to him. The old man, it turns out, is one of the 'wisest' of the monks that stays a the Temple.
"This is Bao Jong," he says. "He can answer any questions you have."
The old man smiles as he greets you, his expression genuinely friendly.
-
Tanya bows low to the man. "感謝您看到美國寶鐘。 這是老總機會。 他會問你一些問題在這裡的不幸事件。 請讓我們知道,如果你覺得不舒服回答任何問題。" She turns to her companion, "He is all yours, John. I will just stay out of the way unless you need any help."
[spoiler]Translation: Thank you for seeing us Bao Jong. This is Mister Chance. He will ask you some questions about the unfortunate incident here. Please let us know if you feel uncomfortable answering anything.[/spoiler]
-
>>Thanks Kumiho, I just missed your handle earlier. You can just call me Cal, or Thorn or Black Thorn, I suppose. Up to you.<<
After finishing his inspection of the main entrance, he shrugs to Early Bird. "Nothin' else I can find."
>>Right then, until I hear otherwise, I'll start searching the grounds starting from the main entrance and working my way out from here. Doubt I'll find the stuff though, since if I was going to keep the items nearby, I'd secure a private room nearby... because searching all the buildings around the park is going to be much more difficult.<<
-
After giving Tanya a quick smile and a nod of thanks I turn to the old Chinese monk and give a small bow. Thank you for agreeing to talk to us Bao Jong. Perhaps we would all be more comfortable if we were to continue in, I turn my head taking in the macabre scenery behind me, somewhat less disturbing surroundings. If you don't mind, whilst we relocate, would you tell Tanya and myself a little about daily life here at the temple?
Once we are settled I'd like to conduct what is called a cognitive interview which has been found to help people access their subconscious memories. When doing this I have found that talking of normal life usually helps to settle the mind prior to this. In case you have any concerns this doesn't involve the use of magic, hypnotism or any other form of mind control. It maybe that by doing this you are able to recall things, such as sounds or smells, that your subconscious perceived whilst you were sleeping last night.
-
Tanya nods as she watches John at work, and she thinks to herself. **He has done this before. I suppose it is a good skill to have for an FBI bloke.**
-
As the elderly monk leads them through the grounds and talks of a typical day in the temple I focus not on the content of his words but on the underlying personality and mental state that they will reveal. The overall serenity of both the surroundings, now that we are away from the physical remains, and of the monk himself allow me to push the fresh memories of death to the back of my brain and focus on the task ahead.
Arriving at a sparsely furnished, yet still somehow welcoming and comfortable, room the elderly monk offers tea to his guests. Not wanting to upset or disturb the monk's serenity prior to the start of the interview I accept for the both us. "Thank you Bao Jong, we would be honoured to take tea with you."
Once the tea has been served I take a small sip Man, I've never liked this stuff. Why anyone would choose to drink this I'll never understand. before showing my commlink, "If you don't mind I would like to record this," activate the relevant app and relax back in my seat to show both Bao Jong and Tanya how unconcerned I am and maintain the calmness that fills the room.
"If you don't mind I'd like to start with cognitive interview I discussed earlier. Once we've completed that any specific questions that either Tanya or myself might have can then be asked." Once Bao Jong give his consent I continue.
"Many people find this easier with their eyes closed but it is not necessary so please do whatever makes you most comfortable. I'd like you to start by telling us about the final hour of your day before retiring last night. Focus especially on the sounds and smells you remember. As you take us through those events allow the memories to take you back to that time. As you reach the point of falling asleep in your memories describe every detail you can now recall, especially sound and scent, so that your dreams become conscious rather than subconscious memories. Tells us what you hear, smell and even see in your dreams as these will often be guided by the external stimuli our senses perceive as we sleep."
As the monk begins to talk I now focus on every word and nuance ready to help guide him with questions and prompts if it is required.
-
Tanya follows behind Bao Jong and John Chance as they walk through the grounds to the man's quarters. She is struck by the dichotomy of the tranquility of the grounds surrounding the temple and the brutality with which lives were senselessly taken within scant meters of her location. She takes the time to go over what little she knows of her current companions, but it seems that the group is well matched to be able to figure out what happened and to provide the Triad with answers. With the knowledge that these Taoist monks are pretty much ascetics and scholars seeking spiritual enlightenment and growth, she is not surprised at the sparsely furnished room when they reach the small cottage. However, her eye is caught by a rather vibrant watercolor on the wall, the one real source of color in the room. When Bao Jong goes to prepare tea, Tanya walks over to examine the painting. Certainly not a masterpiece, it is still a very good rendition of cranes in flight against a backdrop of tall mountains. What sets it apart is the use of trees from the Pacific Northwest rather than the more traditional Chinese versions. When the man returns with a bamboo tray and tea service, Tanya turns and bows to him. "這是非常好的、包容。 我對此表示贊賞的工作很多。" Bao Jong places them on a small table in the room before bowing in return and acknowledging her appreciation without saying a word. Tanya moves to kneel on the floor at the side of the table, where she bows to the two men as they sit in the chairs opposite each other. She takes the small pot from the tray and pours the elixir inside it into the three small cups provided, placing the first cup near John and the second next to Bao Jong, before pouring one for herself, smiling as the divine aroma rises through the steam. She remains kneeling in the subservient role and waits for both men to sip from their cups before taking her first taste. **Mmmm. Heavenly. I cannot understand why people do not drink more tea. And this is excellent.**
Sitting back on her haunches, she watches John begin the interview. Her accepted role here is to listen and assist with interpretation if needed. She knows that Bao Jong has already nearly forgotten her, which is as it should be in his world.
[spoiler]Translation: This is very good, Bao Jong. I appreciate the work very much.[/spoiler]
-
Elsewhere, Monique had been binging on the latest episodes of her fav trid show when the call from Tanya comes in. The acting on "Marc Blaine, PI" is good, but the main character has a robust zeal for life that is almost mesmerizing. It also does not hurt that he is extremely handsome and the show takes advantage of that by pushing the limits of sensorship in his frequent bedroom scenes. Monique sighs as she looks at the face of the dreamy action hero, probably in just the fashion of the throng of female viewers that makes up the major target audience of the show. "So much for taking the rest of the day off. Oooh, Marc Blaine, if only you were real." Monique turns the program off then goes to the planning room in the flat where she presses several hidden buttons, opening three of the cabinets concealed in the walls. She grabs the climbing gear go-bag from one and does a quick inventory check to make sure that it is stocked, then goes to the supply cabinet to pull out a second harness and add it to the bag. Pausing at the third cabinet, she decides to add the grapple gun in case her mistress needs it. Satisfied, the Frenchwoman closes the cabinets and leaves the room, carrying the bag with her. She puts the bag down and crosses to her room, where she strips out of her loungewear and changes into something more appropriate. Leaving her room, she crosses the expansive living room heading to the door, pausing as bends over to pick up the climbing bag. Making a decision, Monique stands up and heads off to Tanya's room. Once there, she opens the double doors to the huge walk-in closet and selects some casual clothing more suited for climbing than the quite nice cheongsam Tanya wore to lunch. She packs the clothes and some shoes in a second bag and leaves the room, picking up the climbing bag on the way out of the flat.
Monique takes the private elevator to the garage level and walks the short distance to where the Mirage is parked, placing the two bags in the side storage compartments before climbing onto the racing bike. She fires up the powerful engine and carefully motors out of the car park, pushing the bike to match the speed limit as she exits onto the street outside the hotel. She brings up the grid guide on her own cybered 'link and heads off to Tacoma to meet Tanya at the Taoist Temple. Traffic is relatively light just now and she calculates that she will make good time without speeding. She takes the opportunity to send a quick text to Tanya to let her know that she is on the way.
-
Petra Sprent wakes up in a bed that is not her own and takes a moment to put her thoughts together. The arm that is wrapped around her waist is definitely masculine as are the deep semi-snores coming from her bed partner. Her eyes follow the arm to the rather nice looking chest to the even better looking face of Paul Armand, her current on-air producer at Trident Media Outlets. Unfortunately, his sexual technique had not lived up to the hype going around the office, something she had grown used to over the years. The night had been nice, but not the shooting stars type of experience she had hoped for. Still, the evening had not been a complete waste as she had nailed down the plum assignment of being allowed to cover the mayoral campaign from inside the offices of the current poll leader. She does frown a little as she realizes that to keep the plum assignment, she will likely have to repeat the sex several times over the next few months. Shrugging, she tells herself that is the cost of getting ahead. Her tenacity and doggedness would only get her so far; her "people skills" would help get her farther.
Her thoughts are interrupted by the ringing of her 'link on the nightstand near her. She looks at the display and notes that the caller is Cora Lee, a decker acquaintance of hers that has been useful on several occasions. She had turned her on to her very good friend, Tanya Marisart, some months ago and the two had seemed to hit it off quite well. She lifts the arm and slides off the bed, heading to the bathroom while answering the incoming call. >>Hey, Cora Lee. What can I do for you?<<
>>Tanya called me earlier and asked if I was interested in some work today. Unfortunately I have, um, company around for the weekend and am not able to help. I called a couple of freelancers, but everyone seems busy today for some reason. Can you go through your list of deckers and see if one can help her?<<
Petra smiles to herself as she looks through the bathroom door at her own, um, company, even if this is his place. >>Sure I can. I know a few. I will give her a ring and see if she has any specific requirements. You go back to your company.<<
The women break the connection and Petra calls Tanya. >>Hey, sweetie. Cora Lee just called and said you might be looking for a decker. That still open and do you want me to check around?<<
Tanya smiles inwardly as she picks up the call on her internal 'link. >>Petra, love. No, I got it covered, ducks. Let Cora Lee know not to worry and I still have her at the top of my list.<<
Petra breaks the connection and wanders back to the bedroom, pulling the covers aside before crawling back in bed. She kisses Paul awake. "Hmmmm. Now where were we?" The man on the bed moans as he begins to wake up. The woman's hand roams down his chest to his waist and beyond. She giggles as she says, "Oh yes. I remember where we were. I hope that you are ready for round three?"
-
The monk speaks easily, if he is bothered by the dead men in the other room, it is not apparent.
When he speaks, Tanya is... surprised is not the right word, it isn't entirely unexpected... charmed by the poetic nature of the monks speech. The teachings of Lao Tzu are evident in his manner and his description of the night prior. Unfortunately, much of the poetry is lost in translation.
Tanya tries her best to keep the feel as much as the content, but it is a nigh impossible task.
-
Tanya listens to the old man speak in Chinese and is almost spellbound. It has been some time since she has heard this sort of poetic phrasing and realizes that there is almost no way to translate this into English accurately. She nods to Bao Jong and turns to her companion. "John, you have no idea how beautiful what he just said is. I completely understand it, but some of the words and phrases do not have English translations. I will do my humble best to get everything across to you.
In the evening the Temple is at peace
The world is fast
As the world must be
Yet within the verdant wall the Temple stands still.
There is peace within and I roam the peace
I find my own
Soul among the stars
What eyes cannot see the soul can feel present
Among the stars I roamed aware of me
I was at peace
I was all at ease
In this peace I approached my bed my sleep to find
Closed my eyes so to let thought fall away
No self no body
Only breath and stars
Scent of flowers in the garden and fading self
Self awakened by knock on door
Guard was present
Tell of death of men
They rode the typhoon and were spit out and struck down
Unfortunate is but is the way of things
Tanya takes a deep breath. "Bao Jong saw and heard nothing that can help us, John. Do you have any additional questions for him?"
-
Fragging poetry!
Just what have I got myself into here? Murdered, no scratch that, deliberately executed guards, possible witness spouting poetry in answer to questions and who seems oh so cut up about the fact that men have been murdered in his temple and the artifacts taken. A Ms Johnson who seems to be taking this very personally and isn't afraid of hurting people so maybe the start of a war between vying triad factions. Yeah, yeah, just another day in the office hey John! Solve the case or possibly watch yet more of the city I call home crumble as the triads make war on themselves, that is of course if Ms Johnson doesn't take affront if we fail. Sure, I've got lots of questions but I can't cope with any more of this poetry crap. On the plus side if I end this now I won't have to drink any more of that tea.
Reaching forward I recover the commlink from the table and stop the recording. As I speak I watch Bao Jong to see if there is any sign of comprehension or understanding of English showing in his eyes,"If your translation is anything to go by, Tanya, then I'm sorry I couldn't understand the original. But no, I don't think I have anything further to ask. Bao Jong has been helpful enough already and I wouldn't want to intrude further upon his day, though if anything does come to mind I will let you know. Please thank him for his help and time and apologise for us disturbing his day." I give a small bow to Bao Jong and wait for Tanya to relay my message.
-
Tanya nods to John and turns to Bao Jong, bowing her head low and eyes cast down at the table. "感謝你所說,美國、包容。 老爺機會表示歉意,你想令人不安。 我將會提供您與我通信代碼。 請聯系我,如果你還記得任何可能有助於我們找出誰殺害這名男子。 他們可能有牽連的颱風,但它是其他人保持沉默,他們的聲音和拋出來,我需要找到這些其他人。"
Tanya remains in the kneeling position until after the men stand up, then rises to stand behind John as he prepares to leave. She casts another glance at the watercolor as they leave the room. On the way back to the main Temple site, she moves forward to walk next to the FBI man. "Well, that was a bit less than useful, except to verify that he heard and saw nothing. Do we ask to meet with the others as well?"
[spoiler]Translation: Thank you for talking with us, Bao Jong. Mister Chance apologizes for disturbing your meditations. I will provide you with my comm code. Please contact me if you remember anything that might help us find out who killed these men. They may have ridden the typhoon, but it was other men that silenced their voices and tossed them out and I need to find these other men.[/spoiler]
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"Indeed. I didn't hold out much hope of anything useful really. Hopefully the rest of the group will have finished the search of the grounds by now, though again I'm not hopeful it will reveal anything more or produce the artifacts but you never know, and Kumiho will have got what he can from the cameras. Getting everyone together somewhere and comparing notes would be a good move." With that I give a shrug, "I don't know about you but I could certainly use a real drink. Dead bodies have always had that effect on me for some reason. What say we finish up here and reconvene somewhere that serves something a little stronger than what we've been offered so far today?"
I slip out my commlink and re-activate the conference channel again, >>So the interview with the monk was a bust, hope you lot had some better luck searching the area. Maybe we should meet up back by the artifact room and decide where we go from here. Kumiho, have you managed to get anything useful on that car yet?<<
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Monique rolls into the car park at the Taoist Temple and pulls into a slot for the bike. Dismounting, she pulls the bags from the storage bins and walks toward the buildings, spying Alphonse and the Rolls. The chauffer is using a polishing rag to clean up some of the grime accumulated from just driving on the city streets. He has taken his uniform jacket off and laid it across the front seat to keep it clean. Monique walks up behind him and from a few feet away says, "Let me know if you have heard this one. A maid, a chauffer, and a lady go into this bar........
Alphonse laughs and interrupts Monique without turning from the spot he is working on. "You try to tell that same lame joke every time." The man turns and smiles. "Hello, Monique. You are looking well today. Her Ladyship is in the Temple somewhere. I am sure that someone will show you where."
Monique laughs and walks past the car and driver on her way to the temple building. "You missed a spot."
Once at the entrance, she is stopped by a security guard who tells her that the site is temporarily closed. She lets the man know that she is here for Tanya Marisart and asks him to contact her employer. She sends a message out on her own to let Tanya know she is here.
-
Tanya nods to herself and sends a quick reply to her maid before turning to John. "I had asked Monique to bring some climbing gear to the Temple so that I could help Kumiho clime the pole to get a direct link to the cameras. She is at the front gate waiting. Would you like to come along to meet her and get the gear? And I am certainly a big fan of meeting to compare notes. I could offer my flat, if you like. I have a large quiet room for planning and I could arrange for something stronger than tea to be served. Give it a thought."
Tanya toggles to the team channel. >>Hey Kumiho. Monique is at the front gate with some climbing gear. Meet us there and show me the pole you need to climb. I am sure that we can get you up it for your direct connection.<<
Tanya and John walk to the front gate, where Monique eyes John up and down as introductions are made then holds out a hand. Her French accent is clear as she says, "Nice to meet you, John. Very nice." She turns back to her boss as she pats the smaller bag. "I thought that you might want to change into something more suitable for climbing, Miss."
Tanya beams. "And what would I ever do without you. I may have to give you a raise." She takes the smaller bag and steps into some foliage while motioning for Monique to follow. "Try not to look too closely, John. You might be disappointed by the imperfections." Tanya quickly strips off the cheongsam and puts the casual clothes on. If John looks closely enough, he may catch a glimpse of flesh now and then. How much he sees depends on how much of a gentleman he is. After finishing, she steps back out and picks up the climbing bag while handing the other to Monique. "Thank you dear. I will not be much longer here. I am thinking of using the flat for a meeting afterwards, so please make some arrangements for refreshments." She glances at John, "And have them include some good scotch or bourbon. And thank you so much for bringing this out; you really are a dear."
Monique nods and smiles before turning to leave. She gives John a wink as she walks back to the car park and the Mirage.
-
Seeing that the others had the investigation well in hand, Calico had decided to continue wandering about the grounds, looking for details that might otherwise have been overlooked. She knew it was a longshot, but there was little else for her to do, and anyway it got her out of their hair and allowed her to enjoy the majesty and grandeur of the temple. Having found nothing of note, she got the message indicating that it was time for the group to reconvene.
<Got nothing here, was following an astral trace but it turned out to be a dead end. Headed back now.>
-
Good timing. I was just finishing up in here
Kumiho logoff the temples host and waited at the front gates on the bench he had been sitting at the whole time. Around him is watched with noticing eyes the elegant beauty of the garden's Feng Shui design and the pleasant smells of the plants and the sound of the water as it pored from one small pool into another. It was sad to think that this was all marred by both the presence of the Triad and the recent deaths.
When Kumiho finally sees Tanya approaching, he slowly extracts himself from the bench and the tranquil feeling of the surrounding garden. When she is close enough he states with a placid smile in place,
How exactly does this climbing thing work? I've never done it before.
-
"Well a private planning room sounds fancy, not to mention useful, and if you're sure you won't mind the living equivalent of 'Dogs Playing Pool' messing up you're no doubt beautiful residence it would be a perfect place to reconvene."
Who is this woman? Private planning rooms, a personal maid, chauffeured limo on call. Best watch your step with her. She's obviously no need to run the shadows, if the pay we're getting for this is anything to go by, so why is she. Let's just hope she isn't some thrill seeker who'll end up getting us all killed, though she does seem more than competent so far.
Walking alongside Tanya I'm again struck by the calmness and serenity that surrounds the temple, touching everything, even after the horrors of last night. Arriving at the front gate to be greeted by Monique. Accepting Monique's hand, "A pleasure, though I'm sure it's all mine, to meet you Ms Monique. May I assist you with those bags?", before taking the larger of the two bags she is carrying as Tanya retrieves the smaller one and steps into the foliage. "What exactly do you take me for Ms Marisart, some sort of peeping Tom? Though I'm sure that imperfection and a description of yourself rarely, if ever, manage to be associated with each other." As I turn my back upon the scene unfolding between the leaves and branches.
Once Tanya exits the makeshift changing area I hand her the larger bag, "Yours I believe Tanya", with a smile. As Tanya mentions refreshments and scotch or bourbon I lean in "Single malt, preferably from one of the Isley distilleries if it's not too much of a presumption to ask," and give Tanya a quick wink.
-
Tanya welcomes the others as they convene at the gate then asks Kumiho to lead the way to the pole he needs to climb. Once there she places the bag on the ground, kneeling beside it to pull some equipment out. She looks up at the pole then to Kumiho. "No trouble, Kumiho. Just trust in your equipment and my skill to get you up there. I will go up first and put a piton and hook at the top so I can run a rope through it to help you up. Then you do your thing. Easy."
Tanya hooks up a climbing harness on herself then Kumiho, making sure that they are on secure. Taking a small sack from the bag, she places a small hammer inside it, along with some pitons, D-rings and a pair of regular climbing gloves. She attaches the sack to her harness and then the end of a long section of climbing rope. Finally, Tanya removes some odd looking gloves, pads and boots from the bag. She looks up at the others as she puts them on. "OK. These are gecko gloves, pads, and boots and will assist me in the climb. I will go up and place the D-ring at the top and loop the rope through before coming back down. Then give you the gecko gear and fasten a belaying rope to your harness in case you slip. I will catch you if that happens. No worries."
Standing, Tanya winks at the others and begins climbing the pole. She manages to make good time to the top, where she slips the hammer's wrist strap onto her arm and pounds a piton into the top of the pole before fastening a D-ring to it. She then pulls the rope from her harness and loops it through the ring and switches out the gecko gloves for her other pair from the sack. She looks below at the others, making sure that no one is in the way, commands the rest of the gecko gear to turn off, and simply pushes away from the pole.
Once she is back on the ground, Tanya removes the rest of her gecko gear and hands it all to Kumiho to put on as she finishes with his harness. She loops the rope through the ring on his harness and waits for him to get all the gear on before sending the signal to turn it on. "OK. You are set. Let me put your deck in this sack so that your hands are free. You will have to climb, but the gear will assist you and this rope will stop you from falling. I will be watching closely, but feel free to shout out if you feel yourself going. Take your time and be careful and you will get to the top OK. Then it is up to you to work your magic. Ready? Go to it."
-
ok, ready. I guess.
-
Tanya helps Kumiho get a start on the pole by showing him how to use the gecko gear. Once he is making progress, she assumes the belay position, keeping the slack from the rope and ready to catch him if he falls. She keeps up a conversational patter to get him comfortable.
-
Now that everyone is converging back at the gates I drop the conference channel on my commlink before activating the search function and typing in Tanya Marisart. Whilst waiting for the results to return I keep half an eye on what is happening at the pole joining in with the conversational patter.
-
Kumiho tries his best to follow Tanya's direction and slowly he makes his way to where the camera is. When he was almost there he Almost feel - and would have if not for the line. Taking a moment to recollect he finishes the last few feet. I guess this is what I get when I keep putting off going to the gym, he thinks to himself. Once he is at the where he can access the Camera he says, Ok, this is good. Just hold me here while I patch myself in. Thank you.
He pulls out his datatap and carefully connects it to the wires in the back of the camera. Once this is connected he connects the other end to the port on his Deck. He double checks everything then flicks on the switch on his deck and switches himself into Cold Sim. The world around him vanishes to replaced with a virtual duplicate of it; his meat body going slack on the line. His Fox Scholar ICON seems to hover before the Camera ICON. With the large Ink brush that he carries, Kumiho paints a little hatch on the Camera ICON then, placing his other hand on the little door, he says "열린".
-
Even though she seems cavalier about Kumiho's climbing, Tanya is very serious about her belaying and focuses on her immediate responsibility. She wants to be sure that the man is never in any danger. He makes a slip a few feet below the top, but Tanya reacts to abort the fall and he resumes his progress. She congratulates him when he reaches the top, but does not let off on the tautness of the rope in case he loses his balance up there and patiently waits for him to let her know he is done and ready to come back down.
-
seeing that Tanya seems to have the climbing situation well in hand I scroll through the first few search results.
A thief who runs the Seattle shadows is a fragging Brit noble? There's got to be quite a story there. If we ever do have that dinner the conversation could be even more interesting than I thought, though I'm not sure my bank manager, yeah right, I smile inwardly at that thought will be too impressed when it comes time for me to pay the bill or buy the clothes suitable for an evening dining with someone who's close to being sodding royalty. Best not screw this case up Johnny Boy as there could be more than the rent due to come out of the bank this month, and you won't even make that without this payola.
With that I dump the results from the memory before anyone can see what it was that I was reading.
-
Cal returns to the main entrance in time to see Kumiho and Tanya finishing up their climb. "Didn't find anything," he announces to those nearby as he enters the open space inside the entrance. "Hopefully they're having better luck up there." He looks around the area briefly before finding a spot by a wall with reasonable visibility where he stands and eyes the surroundings casually.
-
When Kumiho's body goes limp, Tanya is dragged forward half a foot before she sets herself. She didn't expect him to actually go VR while atop a light pole, but sometimes the smartest guys seem to lack a little in the common sense arena. Any annoyance she might have initially felt is quickly washed away by the comical appearance of a comatose Korean man dangling from the top of a light pole, gently swaying back and forth.
Meanwhile, Kumiho is quickly able to sleaze a mark onto the camera. The device's sculpting is about what one would expect from a camera and Kumiho quickly moves to find what it is he is looking for.
-
Tanya is momentarily surprised and looks a tad embarrassed as she mutters to herself, but certainly loud enough for others to hear if they are standing near "Bloody Hell, Kumiho. Give a lass a warning 'fore you do that next time." She shakes her head and adds, "Tcha, girl, your own bloody fault for not anticipating that one."
-
Tanya looks around to see who is watching then turns her attention back to the man on the pole. "So, does anyone have an issue with meeting at my flat to discuss what we have found or not found and plan our next moves? I have a largish place that includes a room I use for planning and can have snacks available. I am not trying to force this and can go to another place if anyone knows of an alternative."
-
Giving Tanya a nod as she scans the group, "Works for me. Anyone else got any objections or alternatives they want to suggest?"
Besides which, it would be nice to see how the have's rather than have not's live up close and personal.
-
Inside the Host, Kumiho is able to find the video file. He looks up the time frame and is pleased to find the entirety of the time is present. Whoever blindfolded the cameras in the temple did not think to do so on the street. Unfortunately, Kumiho doesn't see anything that indicates that the perps got caught ton this or any camera.
What IS present, is the vehicle. It arrives shortly after sun down. An hour later, one man exits the passenger side and walks west. He is gone about half an our when he returns, with two paper bags and gets back into the car. It sits for several more hours and then, at about 15 minutes after 1, there is a flicker on the feed and then the doors open. Two men step out, looking in the direction of the temple. They watch for only a few moments, before they get back into the car and quickly drive away.
As they do so, the license plate is easily read.
-
As I watch Kumiho swinging limply at the top of the camera pole like a wet flag in a light breeze all I can think is only sort of mental or physical switch off I want to indulge in is the liquid variety that comes in bottles. Never could understand the appeal of plugging anything into the body or, especially, the brain. Yes, please, drill a hole in my skull and stick a metal socket in it. Luckily I'm wearing my greatcoat , making it more difficult though not impossible for anyone watching to see, as I can't quite suppress the shudder my thought brings Metal hole in my skull mixed with a sadistic torturer with access to mains electricity and live wires. Oh just peachy. Sometimes I really hate my brain and the random thoughts it pulls from nowhere during moments of stillness.
-
Kumiho saves what he find on his Virtual Machine and logoff the host, waking back into the world. He takes a sudden in drawn breath, remembering where he is. Being careful not to move too much, Kumiho removes the connect to the camera, packing it and the deck away. Then gestures that he is ready to be lowered back tot he earth.
Once firmly back on the ground he states, Thank you, Tanya. I think we found our first clue.
-
Tanya smiles at Kumiho. "Nice. Is there something we need to do here with the information or is it time to go someplace to sit and discuss what we know?"
-
As Cal watches Kumiho go limp on the on the light pole, he realizes just how much his life is in the hands of these strangers. Somehow he thought it'd be more like it was with the company... an organized team that knew what it was doing from the start of the mission. This was all ad-hoc stuff with people he hardly knew. He gives the area another scan then rolls his neck to stretch a bit.
"No problems with heading to Ms. Marisart's place here," he replies to John before turning to Tanya with a good-natured grin. "Besides, I'm guessing she'll have the best snacks."
He could really go for some snacks.
-
Tanya carefully helps Kumiho out of his harness before removing hers and placing both in the bag, along with the rope and gecko gear. The hammer, spare pitons and D-rings go into special pockets on the inside of the bag. Once done, Tanya stands and puts the bag across a shoulder on a carry strap and looks around. "So far I have a request for single malt from one guest. Any other requests? No promises, but I can try to have something laid on. Now, Kumiho, you have been to my place before. John, go to the Gates Undersound Hotel and head into the covered car park. You probably call it the parking garage. Use my name to get a guest parking pass then park in the designated slot and take the elevator to the lobby. Wait for me if you get there first. The elevator down is secure and private and you will need me to get access to it." She looks at the others. "I guess Earlybird, Cal, and Calico are still with me?"
Tanya sends a quick note to Alphonse to meet them at the entrance as she walks with the group to the Temple gate, where she thanks their escort. "感謝你為你的耐心。 我希望,我們並沒有太大的負擔。 我的歉意,干擾您的一天。 我們將找到了他們這樣做的十分珍視並獲得返回。" She makes sure that he has her comm code and asks him to give her a call if anyone remembers any detail, no matter how slight.
[spoiler]Translation: Thank you for your patience. I hope that we have not been too much of a burden. My apologies for disrupting your day. We will find out who did this and get the treasures back.[/spoiler]
-
Climbing into my Ford I marvel again at what the valet service at The Palace of China had achieved during our meeting. Not only did the car look like it has just rolled out of the dealership it once again had that undefinable yet distinct new car smell. Shaking my head in admiration I boot up the dog brain and enter the address Tanya gave me. That place, very nice. Marisart must be worth more than I initially thought. Not sure how I'd feel living with only a few sheets of plexiglass between me and the Sound though. Deciding to let the dog brain do the heavy lifting I select Driving Miss Daisy mode, yeah I know it's actually called Manufacturer's Recommended Mode (using any other mode of autopilot automatically invalidates your warranty and the manufacturer accepts no liability for loss of life, injuries, reconstructive surgery, miscellaneous medical expenses blah, blah, blah) or Safe 'n' Slow as a rigger acquaintance of mine used to call it back in the Bureau but since falling asleep with the old flatvid feature playing in the background it had kind of stuck in my head, and let the car trundle out of the parking lot and start making it's way to Tanya's.
Resting my hands on the wheel - I'm not that trusting - I let my mind wander through the events so far. Something about all of this just wasn't stacking up for me but I couldn't quite put my finger on it yet leaving my brain with the equivalent of an itch I couldn't reach or scratch. I booted the problem to the back of my mind and tried to ignore it for the time being. Sitting down and actually talking things through with the others was the immediate solution and I was hoping that would provide the reach my mental fingers needed in order to be able to scratch away and provide some relief.
The triple beep of the dog brain pulled me back to focus. Looking at the screen >>[Ford TraffiScantm] I5 northbound Exit 142 through to Exit 158: Gang activity leading to fatalities, major congestion including all alternative routes, clean up crews on site, estimated journey time 3 hours<<
Just fragging wonderful, now all it with that the heavens opened and the windscreen became a sea of water, needs to do is start raining. Still, at least it's practice for when I'm at Tanya's. That last thought raised a slight smile as I tap the on button for the entertainment system and let the sounds of KSAF fill the car whilst I settle back in the seat for the long and boring journey back up to Downtown.
-
As the traffic slowly crawls up the I5 I realise that I could be doing something useful with with this externally enforced downtime. Opening a channel to Kumiho >>Kumiho [Chance] can you send me the files you were able to retrieve please. I can make a few calls whilst this traffic grinds along and see if we can't start shaking the tree a bit to see what falls out.<<
-
Tanya and her traveling companions wait for the Rolls to pull up, standing quietly at the front gate to what should have been a serene place but is marred now by the closeness of violent death. Alphonse steps out and opens the door, assisting the small group into the car. As always, Tanya hesitates just a bit at the door then feels the driver's hand at her elbow and a soft whisper, "It will be just fine, Miss. Nothing is going to happen to this car while I am driving." Tanya smiles up at the man who has been her driver of choice for three years before squeezing his hand in a silent thank you and sliding into the car. Once everyone is in, she reaches for the small refrigerator and takes a bottle of water from it, motioning for the others to do the same if they like.
Her internal GPS tells her they are nearing the halfway point when she feels the large vehicle begin to slow down. Alphonse opens the intercom channel just as she is picking up the news reports on her 'link. "I am sorry milady. There has been some sort of accident on the freeway that is tying up traffic in all direction. Even the alternate routes are clogged. It will be a while. I have taken the liberty of alerting Monique about the delay."
Tanya considers the implications then shrugs. "Thank you Alphonse. I am not in that much of a hurry." Tanya looks at the others sharing her ride and says, "Well, it appears that we will be together here for a bit longer than expected. My news feed indicates that there has been some sort of gang-related activity on the 15 that is slowing traffic to a crawl. There are snacks in the bin just over there by Earlybird if you get hungry, as well as water and champagne."
At just that moment, the car is battered by a wall of water as one of the frequent summer downpours strikes. Not that the occupants of the Rolls feel much more than a slight drumming on the roof.
-
Once more nestled in the plush leather of the limousine, Calico hears the offer of refreshments and reaches for the champagne without hesitation. *If we're going to be stuck here for hours, might as well make the ride enjoyable* she thinks, popping the cork with a smirk, her eyes flitting between the other passengers, silently asking them if there were any other takers as she poured herself a glass, handing the bottle off as the bubbles threatened to boil over the rim of the delicate champagne flute.
"So once we get an address on that-- ohh, damn that's good" she comments distractedly, tilting her glass to admire its contents before continuing her thought. "Once we have the address, we're going to want to do a little recon, right? And ..." she pauses, gesturing with her half empty glass towards Earlybird, "we DO happen to have a helicopter at our disposal..."
-
Tanya finishes her water then reaches for a flute and accepts the bottle from Calico, pouring herself some champagne. She nods at the other woman's words and shares her look at Earlybird, who has been strangely quiet. "Indeed, Calico. We do have access to a helicopter." She looks between the two men. "Any thoughts, either of you?"
-
Cal reaches for a water, twists off the cap and takes a swig. His hangover was just about gone, and he should probably try to keep his energy up given that he hadn't had the appetite to eat much back at the restaurant. He leans over and reaches into the compartment Tanya had indicated for the snacks and pulls out a couple of tidily-wrapped bars. He examines the foil and paper wrapper for a few moments--apparently looking for an open tab--before giving up and simply tearing off the entire wrapper from the first bar and devouring it in four bites. He seems mostly oblivious to the crumbs.
He then waits for a pause in the conversation before speaking up, "So, I'm new to this town. But do you have many traffic jams caused by gang-related activity? And how long you think we'll really be sitting here? You know, before I drink too much water."
-
Tanya sends a question to Alphonse then looks at Cal. "Alphonse says it could take another couple of hours. I am monitoring the news feeds and he is probably right. I wil call ahead and have some dinner set up instead of snacks. The hotel prides itself on its seafood. Any interest in that or would you like something different?"
-
Calico watches Cal intently, hearing the impatience in his voice, but paying particular attention to the way he moves. *Competent, clearly ... but he's running at regular speed, I'd bet my tits on that.* she thinks with satisfaction, sipping her bubbly. *Yep, he's my guy. But not yet.* She smiles with inner amusement as she imagines Cal, already anxious about the delay, suddenly having his Fast Forward button pushed over and over. And then being forced to sit still for three hours. *He'd probably get out and just start running!* she thinks, picturing the image of Cal bursting from the limousine and barreling down the highway, leaping onto and over cars in his desperation to burn off this intense and thoroughly confusing new energy coursing through him. She resists laughing out loud only through sheer force of will.
"Seafood sounds delicious, Tanya." she says, feeling her riotous laughter pushing through the cracks of her composure.
[spoiler]Composure to keep from laughing (http://orokos.com/roll/347318): 15d6t5 3
Oops, should've been 13d6 for the spell. :)
[/spoiler]
-
Kumiho gathers himself up and heads back to his bike. He swings his leg over the side of the bike and pulls his helmet on, all while thinking, hopefully this clue will lead in the right direction. Hate when a job begins with a red-herring. Starting the bike with a thought, his Autonav tells him about the traffic between here and Tanya's place. Pulling up his city map, he quickly maps out a route that will allow his bike to bypass most of the trouble. While in AR and Driving (Don't try this at home), Kumiho sends out some Messages to see what he can find out about his work associates. Most of them seem like a solid crew, but that Earlybird is a bit of a noob or something.
[Spoiler]
First Kumiho calls up The Red Lady. She might know a few bits of gossip and news about some of these people.
Kumiho Hoi, Lady. Its Kumiho. Hows business?
The Red Lady 안녕하세요, Kumiho. Everything is going as well as one would expect. Currently, live blogging on the minor war that has broken out on out lovely streets. From the sounds of it the Bloody Screamers are up to something and Knight Errant got in the way. But you can read all about it on my Blog; What Might I be able to do for you?
Kumiho I'm on the job, but I was wondering what you could tell me about a few individuals? I just emailed you a list of names with some photos that my Spyfly took earlier. If you could take a look I would appreciate any information you can give me.
The Red Lady On the job and with some Handsome men, no less. Ok, I will check in on this and get back to you shortly. However, I am hoping that you'll be a good white hat and fill me in later on any Juicy details you might have picked up while.... on the job.
[/spoiler]
-
Tanya sips her champagne and watches the others. She smiles as she notices Calico's intent examination of the former soldier. She looks at the others as she opens the armrest at her side and activates the sound system. "I prefer to listen to jazz or opera, but there is a wide range of music available. Each of your seats has a set of earphones and individual sound controls that I think are fairly easy to figure out. Please make yourselves comfortable since it appears that we are here for a while." She slips her headphones on and tunes in to some soft jazz.
Eventually, the car edges past the jam in the road and the traffic picks up once again. As the car nears the Downtown area, Tanya sends a note to Monique to let her know they will arrive soon so that the final arrangements can be made for dinner. She taps a knee of any of her companions that might have gotten lost in music or the simple beat of the rain. The car finally pulls into the covered entry way at the front of the hotel and Alphonse steps out to open the door and assist the group out of the car. Tanya gives the driver a hug and says, "Thank you so much, Alphonse. As usual you have been a dream."
"You are very welcome, milady. I did tell you that nothing happens to this car while I am driving it."
Tanya nods and steps away, giving a weak smile. "You must get tired of telling me that. Thank you."
The large driver tips his hat. "Why, I cannot remember any other times. I believe this is the only time I have had to say it, milady."
Tanya laughs as she turns away. "Liar. But thanks. Be sure to have the chit for your day sent down. Ta."
Tanya takes one of the picnic baskets from the boot and leads her three companions to the front entrance of the Gates Undersound Hotel, where two uniformed men open the huge glass doors for them. Tanya nods and greets both by name as she passes into the expansive lobby. Designed to impress, the large three level room is decorated with a seascape theme. The opulence is understated but present if one knows what to look for. She leads her companions to the bank of elevators at one side of the lobby where she stops to wait for the other two to show up. Once John and Kumiho arrive, Tanya goes to the private elevators and taps the button to summon the car, greeting the uniformed attendant. Those who know what to look for can see the telltale sign of a concealed weapon under the tailored jacket. "Hello, Rodger. How is the family?"
"Good afternoon, Lady Marisart. Everyone is just fine, thank you for asking."
Exiting the elevator on floor U3, Tanya leads the way to Suite A, where Monique is at the open door. She stands aside to let everyone in and smiles broadly as she takes the basket from Tanya. "Thank you, Miss. Ni Ni called to say that she had sent my special crab legs home with you. I think she wanted to make sure they got here. Dinner is here and will be ready in about a half hour." The living room is very large, with two long couches and several comfortable-looking chairs arranged in two conversation groups, but oriented so that everyone can see out the large floor to ceiling window at the far end of the room. The expanse of glass goes from wall to wall and looks out at the water three floors beneath the surface of Puget Sound. Lights hidden in various places allow the residents to view the sea life in its natural state. A nice bar sits against the right wall. From the living room, one can see off to where the full kitchen and formal dining room are. The table can seat twelve comfortably, but is currently set for six and three hotel staff can be seen removing covered trays and bowls from rolling carts and placing them on the table, the aroma of food wafting into the living room. Tanya points to the doors leading off from the large room. "There are loos through those two doors, so feel free to freshen up if you like. There, there, and there lead to bedrooms and that last one there is to the planning room. Please make yourselves comfortable while I return my climbing gear to the room. I will be right back and dinner will be ready in a few. Drinks are at the bar, so please let Monique know what your personal poison is. John, I am told that your choice was available."
Tanya goes off to the planning room to put her things up and Monique offers to take coats to the closet before going to the bar to serve drinks to those that want them.
-
Cal glances at Calico and flashes an uncertain, but friendly smile as he sees her looking at him. He can't help but notice her outfit, but manages to look away casually... he thinks. Frag, man, keep it professional. You need this job, he chides himself. He then goes to work on the second bar, furrowing his brow a bit at her laughter.
"I'm not picky," he replies to Tanya before following her lead and settling in with his own headphones.
*****
When they arrive at the... apartment? Suite? Underwater palace? Whatever it was, it was possibly even more astonishing than the restaurant. After handing Monique his jacket, he makes his way over to the window and looks up and down, frowning. He can't help but wonder where this money is coming from and why he was on this case. Surely if either Tanya or the Triad... was there even a difference?... would rather have someone with more experience in running than him.
From his vantage point near the edge of what he could only think of as the reverse aquarium, he had several good lines to different spaces within the suite. Which made sense so people could see out. And what would happen if this glass were blown out anyway?
Cal decided to move away from the window. Maybe I'll have one of what John is having after all, he thought before making his way to the bar.
-
[spoiler]First part is provided Kuminho sends me the relevant files[/spoiler]
My commlink beeps to alert me to the incoming files it's received. Having given them a quick scan I place a call to ADA Dana Oaks, as usual getting her voicemail, "Ms Oaks, John Chance here. I was hoping we might be able to talk later concerning a case I'm currently working on. I'm available on my usual number."
[spoiler]If Kumiho doesn't send me the files I'll delete the above part in an edit[/spoiler]
After what seems like an eternity the I5 eventually begins to move again freely and there is no sign of the incident remaining. Being on one of those clean up crews has got to be like being in some kind of special hell.. The reminder of the journey is uneventful and the remaining miles to Gates Undersound Hotel pass in what feels like a blink of an eye in comparison to the slow grind of before.
Pulling up to the entrance to the parking garage I stop in front of the barrier, wind my window down and let my eyes wander over the attendant in the booth playing the old game of spot the hidden hardware, or in this case automatic weapon hanging on the wall behind him, whilst speaking, "Mr Chance for Lady Marisart. She is expecting me." After what seems like an eternity, though in reality was probably no more than 5 seconds, during which I can virtually feel the energy of the sensors no doubt scanning the car with every wave and frequency I'd heard of, along with some I probably hadn't, the attendant proffers what appears to be a small case. "Welcome to the Gates Undersound Hotel Mr Chance. We have been expecting you. Please park in bay V3a, follow the overhead signs for visitor parking, and leave this permit on your dashboard. You will find the entrance to the lobby on your right about 100 meters own from here. Please enjoy your stay." Taking the case I see it's actually a slab of grey polycarbonate with the hotel logo and visitor pass engraved on one side. Tossing it onto the dash I wait as the barrier starts to recede from view as it descends into the ground.
Once the barrier has slid down into the ground I drive through the garage following the signs and stop in the designated bay. I can't help but oggle, with a twinge of jealousy and envy, at the various vehicles I pass along the way. Making my way back through the garage I reach the lobby entrance and enter the hotel proper. Whilst the restaurant had screamed wealth and ostentation, this lobby quietly whispered the same message. If anything the effect was even more profound. Like many of the residents of Seattle I'd visited the mall attached to the hotel previously but that hadn't prepared me for entering the hotel. Spotting Tanya and my other companions waiting by the bank of elevators on the far wall I force my mouth shut, before it becomes obvious it was hanging open, and stroll across the lobby trying to look like I belong here.
Entering the apartment, Well this is nice the living room alone could have swallowed my entire doss with barely a sip of water, I suppress a shudder at the wall to wall glass window providing the panoramic view of the (under)seascape of the Sound. Allowing Monique to take my hat and coat, "Thank you Ms Monique," I turn to Tanya, "My compliments to your decorator."
Accepting the offer of a drink I head to the bar on the right wall where I am more than pleasantly surprised to see a bottle of 30 year old Ardbeg. A generous helping with just a splash of cool water later, it helps to open the whisky up and release the full flavour, and I'm savouring the complex peat smoked aroma and taste of one of the finest liquids on the planet. Taking one of the comfortable chairs closest to the window, if the glass gives might as well get it over quickly, I settle down and wait for the others to join me.
-
Tanya returns to the living room after a couple of minutes, moving to the bar. "Thank you for the compliment, John. The decorator would be me, although I do have help finding just what I like." At the bar, she takes a whiskey as well, also with just a splash of water, nodding to Cal. "I hope we have what you like, Cal. Please let me know if you need something special and I will try to get it for you." She turns to the rest of her guests and says, "The same for anyone. Please let me know if the bar does not have what you want." Drink in hand, she moves gracefully to the couch that is grouped with John's chair and takes a seat, looking to him first then to the ever-changing scene through the window as she takes a drink from her glass, appreciating the flavor and savoring the liquid fire as it smoothly coats her throat. "Mmmm. This is good. I can close my eyes and almost see the way this was perfectly distilled and bottled." She takes another drink. "And the view is amazing, is it not? I never grow tired of watching life unfold out there. I think the hotel uses a bit of mojo to make it all work, but I cannot complain about the overall effect. If you go to the window and look off to the left and below, you can see the lights of the restaurant. It extends a hundred meters or so out along the sea bottom and the view is simply something you have to see for yourself to appreciate as I cannot adequately describe it."
-
Being shown once more into Tanya's hotel suite, Calico is struck by the extreme… even obscene opulence. Last time she had kept her head down, going out of her way to ignore the trappings of Tanya's privileged status. But taking it all in now, hearing John oozing with wide eyed, fawning admiration, she discovers that she can no longer hold her tongue. The words are out before she even realizes she's about to utter them.
"And how many homeless people do you think you could feed, clothe, and shelter with what it takes to rent this place for a single week?" she asks, hands defiantly on her hips. All conversation stops, all heads turn to face her in stunned silence.
Part of her is mortified at the gauntlet she has thrown down, terrified that she may be mucking up the job that she is so fortunate to have found. But another part is glad she has said what needed saying, and prepares to do verbal battle with anyone willing to defend this kind of gratuitous excess.
-
I take another sip while considering both the view and the woman sat beside me. "You're right the view is amazing, but also daunting and disturbing, but I'm not sure I could ever feel fully comfortable in this environment. Also I wouldn't recommend inviting anyone who suffers from either or both claustrophobia and hydrophobia." Giving her a grin, "I could certainly get used to a bar like this though."
-
Tanya stands and looks over to where Calico is. Keeping calm, she quietly says, "I probably know exactly how many people I could help with what this costs, Calico. However, the money that pays for the luxury of my home is not mine to spend. It is held in trust by my cousin and not available to spend beyond a small allowance. And trust me, my cousin would not know the first thing about helping others. That is why I steal things.....or rather, part of the reason why I steal things. It allows me to give thousands of Nuyen each month to people like Hank at the clinic and others like him as well as help fund several university scholarships for deserving students. And yes, it also helps me live this way. My cousin only funds so much and I happen to like nice things. This lifestyle brings me into contact with many of the social elite of the sprawl, which means I can move more freely among the people I steal from." She pauses for a moment, then looks around at her guests. "Are we going to have a problem with my lifestyle?"
-
"Oh..." Calico says, her voice in a near whisper, her previous fire suddenly extinguished. "No, of course not. I'm sorry, I didn't ... realize." She looks uneasily around the room, feeling suddenly embarrassed about her outburst. "I thought... well, never mind what I thought!" she announces with grin and a dismissive wave of her hand, desperately hoping that the others will let her transgression pass, and pretend it never happened as she planned to do.
"I believe you said something about dinner?" Her sheepish grin was both an apology and an intentionally obvious attempt to steer the conversation in a lighter direction.
-
Tanya walks carefully up to Calico. "It is quite appropriate to question motives in our line of work, Calico. I hold no ill will for you being honest. You should remain as true to your own desires as possible." Then she leans in and whispers so only Calico can hear. "You are a very attractive woman and extremely hot when you are passionate about something. Let me know if you are ever interested in broadening your.......experiences." Tanya smiles as she turns back to the rest. "I expect dinner to be served in less than ten minutes. We can make our way to the table if you like."
-
The outburst from Calico had brought the conversation with Tanya to an immediate halt and whilst I admired the way in which she handled the outburst it raised yet more doubts within my mind. A fragging potential activist and a sodding bleeding heart philanthropist. Which one's more likely to get us killed first? I really needed to know more about the people I'd be thrown in with on this case and hopefully over the next next couple of hours I'd be able to get some answers as we dined and went over what we'd discovered so far.
Taking another sip of my drink I join the others making their way through to the dining room.
-
Tanya leads the team into the dining room and takes a seat at the table. Monique is showing the hotel staff out, but returns to take one of the empty chairs. Tanya raises her glass. "Please, I would like to propose a toast to our joint endeavor." After the toast, she lowers her glass. "Dinner is self serve, so please dig in. The chefs here are very good and I am sure that you will enjoy the food. Now while we get started, I would like to clear the air a bit. I believe that one or more of you might have questions as to my motive for doing this. First and most importantly, because my very good friend asked me to. Second, this lifestyle is not cheap and I need the income to fund it. I spend a lot of money helping people and I spend a lot of money helping me. Both require funds I do not have, so I look for work like this as well as work freelance. Third, I like it. I like the excitement of planning the mission and making it work. Now, as to more specific abilities. I am a good climber, an excellent locksmith and lockpick, I know the value of things, I also know people and can usually talk my way into or out of a tricky situation. I do not approve of killing for the sake of killing. I have skill with a dart gun and would prefer to sedate someone than kill them. That being said, I can understand that this may not be possible all the time. The nature of what we do is dangerous and people die. I just would prefer that they do not."
Tanya stops talking and reaches for some food as she says, "Now, of course, that is the quick and dirty. The details are available upon request, if anyone is interested. So questions for me as to why I am doing this and what my qualifications are? If not who wants to be next?"
-
As the group talks, Chance's commlink buzzes, indicating an incoming call. Looking down, he notes that it's ADA Oaks.
-
Cal takes another sip of his scotch as he observes Calico's outburst and Tanya's reply. Seemed like Calico knew Tanya, but she must not be in as tight with her as he'd thought. In any case, more conflict on the team, and more muddied motivations. What was the chip on Calico's shoulder about, and would it be a problem? This crew continues to promise to keep it interesting, he thought, though his primary concern was that the crew simply continued existing.
Later, after taking his seat at the table and raising his glass to their endeavor, he replies to Tanya, "I've got no trouble doing it your way. If people don't need to die, that's a good thing, so long as they're not coming back for me later. Just know that my job is to meet our objective and keep you all safe doing it. That's just the only way I know how to do things. Just be aware that I don't have a blow gun.
"As to your or anyone's motivations for doing this, it doesn't much matter so long as we're all in it together and we all do the jobs we're getting paid for. As for me, I've got no reason to throw stones in glass houses that happen to be underwater, he smirks at his own cleverness, and I'm grateful for scotch that is several notches above anything I've ever drank before. The world's full of drek and some are luckier than others. All you can do is do what you can with what you got."
He probably shouldn't have added his own opinion there at the end, but whatever. What's done is done, and at least they know where he's coming from now. He takes another sip of the red wine in his glass. It's amazing... of course it is. Maybe it'd be alright if it took a little while to crack this case after all. A guy could get used to this.
-
As the conversation begins again round the dinner table the buzzing of my commlink grabs my attention. Looking down I see that it's Dana Oaks returning my call. Getting up from the table, "Please excuse my rudeness but I do need to take this call", I make my way back into the living room.
"ADA Oaks, thank you for returning my call. I hope things are well with you and the department. I reached out to you as I'm hoping you would be able to help me in a small way on my current case."
-
Tanya nods at John as he gets up and turns to point to one of the bedroom doors. "John, the bedroom through there is a guest room. Feel free to use that if you need privacy." After he leaves, she will turn back to her meal and the conversation.
-
Kumiho, having ridden a motorbike, was waiting for the group outside Tanya's building with an espresso in hand. He keeps to himself for the most part as they head up to Tanya's Condo - the beginning of a new job is always the same it seems to him. A lot of unknowns and he likes to mentally prepare himself for the what come later. Remembering the last time he worked with Tanya - he wasn't too sure about using her place.
When the group enters Tanya's pad he says in a off handed way, I see you still haven't moved yet. Have you had your place check for bugs lately as a precaution?
-
Tanya smiles and nods at Kumiho. "Not likely to move any time soon. I like it here. I do have a good friend over once in a while to check for such things and she has not found anything yet, but please do a check for us if you like. That would indeed be bad for me."
-
Chance explains what he's looking for, information a particular license plate.
"Mmm... I don't know that I should be sticking my neck out for you, John. Everything's still pretty fresh, you know?"
-
"I do understand Ms Oaks. However I'm sure that the department is still as underfunded and overworked as it's always been and the ability to call on an additional pair of hands during a future investigation would be most helpful." Now was where I had to ensure that as promised I would remain as circumspect as possible whilst dealing with outside connections.
"Also should my current case not go successfully there is more than a possibility that the current level of cordiality between certain Oriental cousins might diminish leading to additional workload being placed upon the department. The case itself is a completely legitimate one, as far as I can ascertain, and success would allow me to help prevent that potential drop in cordiality happening."
I just hoped that Oaks would understand both what I was offering and that my additional comments were in no way meant as a threat but purely an observation on my current circumstances.
-
Kumiho waves off Tanya's comment No, I trust your people's handy work. Besides, I can always just set up some noise. Kumiho leads himself back to the planning room, since he has been here before.
-
Cal watches Kumiho leave the room. Must not be hungry he thinks to himself. Oh well, more for me! He piles his plate high on both trips to the row of chafing trays, then eyes them another time, finally deciding that thirds might be a bit much if there was a chance he'd do anything strenuous today.
-
Tanya looks at Kumiho as he stands. "Not hungry, Kumiho? I tell you, the food is quite good here." She watches the others dig in and smiles.
-
"Fine," Dana said. "You owe me, give me a minute."
Chance sighed softly and waited while everyone else dug into some food.
A few moments passed and she was back on the line.
"Well, it looks like you have stumbled across a pair of amateurs. 'Hodges and Benson, PI's' is who the car is registered to. There's an address in Renton, I'll text it to you."
A few moments later the address is received on the commlink.
<<724 S 3rd St, Renton>>
-
"Thanks Dana, as you said, I owe you one. It's getting late and I'm sure you've got better things to do than jaw with me. But maybe when we've both got more time you'll let me buy you dinner as a thank you. Have a good night." Once Dana has replied and the call is over I slip the commlink back in my pocket, Just great John, let's just hope that favour doesn't turn out to be too expensive and head back through to the dinner table.
Returning to my seat, as well as the glass of Ardbeg I was happy to note, "Apologies once again for having to step away. I believe we were re-introducing ourselves with a little more information. If I missed anything I'm sure I'll catch up. I'm just a regular Joe who happens to have a bit of a background in investigation and psychology. I can get on fairly well with most people and generally prefer to talk than shoot. That being said I'm not a stranger to violence and have managed to learn the difference between the good and bad end of a gun." I shoot the gathered diners a smile before continuing, "I certainly don't believe in unnecessary or pointless violence or killing and tend to take exception with those who do. I also know my way round the city fairly well, both the good and bad, or dark and light if you prefer, sides."
I pause for a moment to take a drink and to add some food to a plate before continuing, "I seem to recall there was some talk of choosing a leader for this merry band of individuals. If this is something people still wish to do then might I suggest that Calico is the ideal person." Giving her a grin, "after all she has shown us the strength of her convictions and, call me old fashioned, but I for one have always believed that a leader should have a strong moral code and conviction to back it up."
Sitting back down at the table I take a few bites of the food before it get's too cold. "Oh, I almost forgot, I've managed to get the details of who the car's registered to and an address for it."
-
Kumiho sets down is gear and sets himself up with a spot at the table. Its about this time that he notices that he is starting to feel a bit peckish. He wanders back out to the main room where everyone else is picking out their food. He gives them enough to to get what they want before getting himself a small plate of various items with a cup of tea. Then without a word heads back to the table.
감사합니다/고맙습니다 Tanya he say to their host on his way. My mind was so caught up on the job it forgot about the needs of the body.
-
"Wait, I thought we already decided you were point on the mission, John. Not that I care one way or the other, since I'm new to this. I'd just rather not play musical leaders is all." He pauses a moment, glancing at the others to gauge their reactions. He wasn't entirely sure he was remembering correctly, but he wasn't too concerned either. "Anyway, what you got on the car?"
-
Tanya nods and raises her glass. "I agree with both Cal and John. John had said he could take lead temporarily at the temple, but that we should find a permanent leader later. And I think Calico would be a good choice." She looks over at her young friend. "As long as you remember to make good use of your team strengths. So I can second that choice. Any comments?"
-
Never one to pass on free food, especially food of such high quality, food that was in such stark contrast to the Instamash and Blamco Mac and Cheese that she typically ate, Calico had been busily stuffing her face with an absolutely orgasmic seafood fettuccine. The suggestion that she be the group's leader had come just as she was sliding a considerable mass of seafood delight into her mouth. She turned to look at John, then Cal and Tanya in surprise, her mouth distended like a blowfish, a promptly forgotten noodle still dangling from her lips, waggling conspicuously with each turn of her head.
As they turned to her for her reaction, she stared blankly back get them for a moment, feeling distinctly like a deer in the headlights. Realizing that she had to say something, and then realizing that her mouth was otherwise occupied at the moment, she quickly slurped up the errant noodle, privately dismayed at how loudly and distinctly the noise of it reverberated throughout the otherwise quiet room.
Thoroughly embarrassed, and feeling the moment now drawing out interminably, Calico held up a single finger to the group as she chewed her inadvisably large mouthful. She chewed as quickly as possible without seeming desperate, but as time drew out this became more and more difficult, the group patiently watching her and waiting as she continued to chew, still holding up that one finger. Finally, after approximately six weeks of chewing, she managed to swallow.
"So," she began, intent that she would blow right by this whole "chewing" fiasco, "I almost objected earlier when somebody started talking about picking a group leader, but finally decided that if that's what the group wanted, I would go along with it. But let's face it, we're not soldiers." She glanced at Cal, conceding, "Most of us, anyway. We don't snap to attention when someone barks orders at us. We're individuals, free thinkers. Our strength is in our diversity, not in obedience."
"That said, when lead is flying is no time to have a committee meeting, and I do think there is value in everyone being on the same page in situations like that. So, I suppose I'll just do what I was going to do anyway, which is speak my mind when I see a solution to a problem or opportunities for us to work together effectively in a tense situation. If people choose to act on my ideas, ok. But at the end of the day this will be a decision each person will have to make for themselves. There are no court-martials in the shadows."
-
"Speaking of people choosing whether or not to act on my ideas…" she began with the start, as if the idea had only just occurred to her, "now that we have an address, seems like it's time for a little aerial reconnaissance, no?" Her gaze drifted from person to person, lingering a moment longer on Earlybird. "Now I volunteer for the job, but if there's anybody here who feels like they're … better suited…" she trails off suggestively, this time making a point not to let her eyes linger on the only other obvious choice in the room.
-
Giving Calico a gentle smile, "Just remember, no one is forcing you and if you feel uncomfortable just say so.
As to the car. It's registered to what I've heard described as a pair of amateurs called Hodges and Benson. My understanding is that they like to think of themselves as private investigators. I don't know anything about them but given what I've been told it feels quite unlikely that they're our guys. However it is possible that they saw or heard something that could be of use to us and I would definitely be interested to know why they were at the temple last night." Turning to face our decker, "Kumiho perhaps you could do some digging in the matrix for us and see what you can turn up on these characters.
If I'm being honest I'm not fully convinced that we need to go to the lengths of running aerial reconnaissance on them, though the results of Kumiho's investigation might prove otherwise, but I'm not saying it isn't necessary either." I turn back to look at Calico as I recall some comment from one of the old flatvid sci fi shows I'd caught late one evening, "But, Ms Calico, you have the con."
-
"You're probably right," she says to John, "but I'd rather be over prepared than under. Nothing too in-depth, I just want a quick peek. So here's what I'm thinking… Earlybird grabs a cab and heads to his chopper, and just stands by there, ready for a quick response. The rest of us pile into the lovely Lady Marisart's Royaltymobile," she says with mock disdain, playfully smirking and winking at Tanya, "and head to these clowns' house. On the way, Kumiho does his computerey thing..." she says, wiggling her fingers dramatically at the slight asian man to indicate the mysterious and unknowable nature of his skill set. "We stop a block out, I pop out for a quick looksee, then we go from there. That wiz with everybody?"
-
"If you're thinking inconspicuous I really wouldn't recommend using a chauffeur driven Rolls for travelling to Renton, or pretty much anywhere where you don't want to stand out." Damn this girl really doesn't seem to think on her feet and for someone who professed such outrage at Tanya's wealth and extravagance she sure is quick to want it when it suits her. She was disgusted at what a month's rent for this place could provide yet the Rolls she's so desperate to get back into would probably cover the costs for this place 4 or 5 years over. "If I may make a suggestion it may be better to travel in other ways. I can fit another 3, or even 4 at a push, into my car and Kumiho has his bike. Neither of those vehicles will draw another glance, they'll just blend into the background noise of the rest of the traffic."
-
"We're going to Renton??" she asked incredulously. "Yeah, I'd say a stretch limo might be a liiiittle too conspicuous around there, thanks for pointing that out, John." she said with a laugh. "Okay, so I guess Alphonse gets the night off, eh Tanya?" she asked, turning to their hostess. "Oh, and I hope you weren't offended by that whole 'Royaltymobile' crack ... I was just giving you a hard time."
-
"If I might make one more suggestion. Rather than going off half cocked perhaps we should take a little time to compare notes on what we've discovered so far and then put together a plan on how to approach and deal with these two guys."
-
Tanya smiles at Calico's exuberance. She stands as she finishes her meal and nods to the others. "Yes, I agree that the Rolls would not be optimum. I have a Mirage bike that I use for getting around on my own, but I am not against riding with John in his car. As for a place to sit and compare notes, I have just the place. Follow me." Tanya leads the others through the living room to one of the bedroom doors. Opening a small hidden cupboard next to the door, she places her palm on the maglock screen and utters a code phrase. The door gives a soft snick and Tanya pushes it open, going into the room beyond.
Flicking on the lights, Tanya motions to the large conference table in the room, then moves to the chair at the center. She takes a seat and pushes a button on the table and a small console pops up from its recessed position and a section of the wall opposite slides away to reveal a large vid screen. "OK. We should be secure in here. I am loading up the footage from my inspection of the lock and storage room at the temple. When I am done, we can load up anything else that may be important. And now...............OK. Who is next? Here is the code for the upload." She sends commands to the viewer and the footage from earlier pops onto the screen.
-
Great, Cal thought to himself. The girl that doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut is going to be our leader? Surely the only conviction that mattered in an op like this was keeping the team alive and accomplishing the goal. But since this was his first run he sure as drek wasn't going to rock the boat. He just hoped John and Tanya could keep her on track. And what was with that whole noodle thing? God, he hoped she took this seriously. There sure as drek are things worse than court-martials.
Cal waited for John to finish before speaking up. "I'm sure Calico will do just fine." He smiles to her reassuringly.
"The way I see it, we have four or five options. We go over there and talk to them nicely, we talk to them less-nicely, we break into their secure data and files, we break into their building and spy on them or we just run surveillance on them." He looks around the group. I'll be good for the whole asking less-nicely thing, and being a lookout and backup.And the longer we go without tipping them off, the closer we can get to the art before they know to start looking out for us."
*****
After they leave the table, Cal follows Tanya into her hidden room and seems absolutely befuddled by the setup, standing at the door and waiting for others to take the lead.
-
Sauntering into the secret, hi-tech room behind the others, Calico moves to the edge of the table and lightly sits, swinging her legs around to prop them up on an empty chair next to her. Settling in, she speaks. "The only thing I have to add at this point is to suggest that we not get too attached to any plan we may come up with at this point. Getting a look at a target tends to change things sometimes." She personally would've held off on this planning phase until a proper recon have been done, but then she had always been an action chick, leaning more on improvisation than extensive planning. Though it has always worked for her, she knew some would view this approach as unprofessional, even reckless. Which is why she was perfectly content to wait until everyone was ready before moving out to the address they had. Besides, they still hadn't heard from their decker. Maybe he would come up with some real gold.
-
Whilst the room didn't quite rival some of the operations centres I'd been in before it was still impressive for a single person to have set up. Using the command code that Tanya had provided I uploaded all of the recordings and photos I had taken, both from our meet with Ms Johnson and then later at the temple. As images of the dead bodies filled the wall screen I addressed the rest of the people in the room. "I think we'll have a better idea of what to expect from our current lead once we have a little more information on them. At this time my vote would be to try the nice approach first but additional information or observation may, as Calico has pointed out, require us to change our approach on the fly. I for one find it odd that a pair of PI's would be on the scene, as it were, of what looks to be both executions and robberies.
In terms of finding things odd, something has been bugging the back of my brain ever since we left the temple and I haven't been able to put my finger on it until now." Turning to Tanya, "You have intimated that Ms Johnson is a friend but, if it's not too personal a question, how well do you really know her? The reason I ask is that I'm finding very strange that not one of the guards showed any signs of reaction at all. If they were split up, as the location of the bodies suggests, I would have expected them to be in communication with each other and therefore at least one of them having some indication that something was wrong and reacting accordingly. I hate to ask but is it possible that our Ms Johnson actually set the whole thing up in order to give her an excuse to make war on another of the Seattle Triad factions. Deliberately putting incompetent, and disposable, guards on site and then using us to follow a trail of clues that place the blame on those she wants blamed. Of course I could also just be being completely paranoid but something about this doesn't sit completely right in my head."
-
Kumiho uploads his video files to the console, sending it via wireless link. The videos include the Temple feed from before and after the feed was cut, as well as, the video feed from the street.
This is fully possible. She would had to not only create the opportunity but also planting the idea in a rivals mind to try to make Her own clan lose face and standing. However, if so, then she is a master manipulator. Though, we are all that stands between the success or failure of such a plan. In which case, knowing this does nothing to help us.
-
"A little low-risk recon seems a good idea," Cal nods to Calico. "They're either amateurs or they want us to think they are."
He frowns at the images of the dead bodies as they cycle through on the screens before nodding to John. "And I like where you're head's at on this Ms. Johnson. Four simultaneous strikes seems unlikely, but then again their communications could have been jammed... even just a couple of seconds would do the trick... though they were caught unaware. Or the team could have just been very good.
"In any case, stealing items that causes no damage to any operational aspect of her faction and only hurts their pride would provide solid cover for hostile action."
Fraggin' drek, he thinks to himself. That would explain why they hired a guy who's new to this stuff on a job that could incite a gang war. What if the rest of these runners are hacks too and that's precisely why we've been teamed up on this? On top of that, he wasn't sure whether he'd rather face this woman's wrath if they uncovered her plot or this team that could cut enemy communications and take out four decent guards unaware at the same time.
Cal's demeanor turns quite taciturn as he continues to observe the images, though he continues to listen to the conversation around him.
-
Tanya stands aside and listens to the chatter as the others download their information to the data base and toss spitball ideas about. It is very hard to maintain her calm in the face of some of what is being said, but years of maintaining a polite demeanor when talking to various very boring people at parties helps her. At some point she has to answer the hard questions. She considers her words carefully then says, "First, let me say that I harbor no ill will for any of you speaking your mind about our employer. I will tell you that she is almost the best friend I have, and one of my oldest here in the colonies. I strongly believe that she would never contemplate setting me up to start a war, especially if it risks embarrassing the Octagon. No, I am convinced that this is a legitimate run."
She pauses and looks around at the others as she catches her breath. "Now, that being said, I would understand if you wish to believe the worst of her, but in my opinion distrusting one's employer is a slippery slope that can lead to a real mess. I would trust Ni Ni with my life, but will understand if any of you are unwilling to do so. It also strikes me that if you have concerns about her, you might just have similar concerns about me. After all, I am her friend and might be in this with her. If these are universal feelings I will offer to step aside and leave the team. My limited experience with working with others leads me to believe that trust is a dear object, hard won and even harder to regain once lost. I want no one to distrust my motives on this issue. I expect that she will already have worked out some of your opinions so have no need to tell her of this. But I warn you that I will strongly disagree with any actions that would result in harm coming to my friend. My loyalty to her is not a matter for discussion."
Tanya once again looks around the room. "So, are we still together or is this where you ask me to leave the team?"
-
Kumiho kind of gives Tanya a weird look before saying anything. There is no need for that. As runner of the shadows it is import for us to approach each job from as many angles as possible. Whether or not this is a power play from one end of the Triad or the other does not matter. We have a job to do one way or another. Pure speculation to the side. Even if She had the items stolen as part of some grand scheme, we would still find the items. That is the job. Its not our job to stop or start a war. Just to retrieve the lost artifacts. There is no reason to or need for you to leave this commission, Tanya. And I don't think anyone's concerns or theories were meant to imply that you should.
Looking back at everyone else, Let us take what we have at face value for now. We will treat this as what we have been told it is until we see evidence that it is otherwise. As suggested I will check around about these two character's that the detective was able to dig up. I will also check with a contact to see if any word has reached the grapevine that there are new Art objects of antiquity on the market for sell.
-
Tanya looks at Kumiho and laughs out loud. "How perfectly ironic. I could check with a good fence I know, but Ni Ni is my fence."
-
"Yeah, Kumiho's right. we're just trying to cover our bases," Cal looks over to Tanya. "You've gotta admit that from our viewpoint, John's theory fit what we know so far pretty well. But now that you say Ni Ni's good, then her word's as good as yours." He pauses for a second, scanning the monitors in front of him as he thinks. "And you're right too for that matter. That doesn't mean you're not both setting us up. But it does move the whole theory from the realm of possibility to somewhere around pretty damned unlikely.
Cal looks around the group. "For that matter, who knows if any of us on the team could be trusted." He shrugs. "Just not a useful road to go down at that point, is all."
He pauses for a moment, looking at a screen showing the plate on the car parked outside the temple. "So seems to me like we need to wait to see what Kumiho turns up."
-
Bird has spent the conversation, speculation, and explanation over the last few minutes quiet, waiting for the part that seems to have something to do with him to come up. Once the notion of the group splitting up starts to get tossed around, he finally feels the need to speak up. Looking at Tanya, but speaking to the group, he says, "So, uhhhhh... What are my orders, captain?"
-
Tanya gives Earlybird a quick smile. "I am not sure we are at the giving orders part as yet. Did you take any pics or make any notes while at the temple that can be downloaded to the data base? You can also send a text to the commcode with your impressions of what you saw. Any information from any of us as individuals can help us as a team as we try to understand what happened there."
She turns to John, then the others. "Really, I hold nothing against any of you for voicing your opinion. It is better to get things like that out in the open than to let them fester and make themselves real through perception and distrust."
Tanya gracefully moves to take a seat at the table and looks at the team leader as she motions to the console. "So, Calico, how do you wish us to proceed? We have a lot of information, so where do we start?"
-
"Earlier today we decided that John should be in charge of things during the early, investigative stages. I would say that all this ..." she gestured at the extensive array of equipment, "falls into that category. John is the one who requested this planning session, but more importantly, he's simply the most qualified to collate and analyze the information we've gathered thus far. As far as I'm concerned, until John feels we're ready to proceed to Renton, this is his show." She turned to address the former detective. "John?"
-
Tanya looks at Calico with a smile. The young woman is showing good leadership traits, even if she does not admit it. She then turns her attention to John as well.
-
"I am not sure we are at the giving orders part as yet."
With two raised eyebrows in a slightly exaggerated expression of surprise, the long bodied elf says, "Oh, my bad."
"Did you take any pics or make any notes while at the temple that can be downloaded to the data base?"
A quick purse of the lips and a shake of the head. "Nah, I got nothin. Detective work aint really my strength." A shrug of the shoulders and a brief sideways cock of the head. "Sorry."
"So, Calico, how do you wish us to proceed? We have a lot of information, so where do we start?"
Looking quickly back and forth between Calico and Tanya a few times, he eventually settles his gaze on the mage. "Yeah, which way are we going with this, captain?"
-
Ok, Well - off I go - as it were. Pighting!
Kumiho sets himself up, takes a little swallow of tea and zaps out for a moment. He could do this in AR, but He rather not talk to people online with his voice ringing in the room around him.
-
About 492,000 results (0.45 seconds)
At the top is 'Benson & Hodges, PI's'
Well, that didn't take long! It appears that Hodges is an ork and Benson is a dwarf, which seems like it could match what you saw on the feed. Hodges would have been the one who went for food.
Looks like they deal mostly in infidelity cases. Their office is open to the public and their commcode is publicly listed. These gentlemen are definitely not trying to hide, that's for certain. There are some news stories about them, it appears that they worked a couple of celebrity cases a few years back, but haven't done anything to warrant public attention for a few years now.
Benson is the ork. He has dark hair and a penetrating gaze. In most pictures he is wearing a longboat and your brain can't help but to shove a fedora on his head, even though he wears no hat in any of the pictures. His hair is brown and wavy, cut conservatively but not too short.
Hodges is the dwarf and is bald and clean shaven. He wears mirrored glasses with circular rims and a button up shirt and slacks with suspenders.
Both of them have impeccably shined shoes.
-
Kumiho still slumped in his seat communicates to the group through the rooms pa system.
Looks like they deal mostly in infidelity cases. Their office is open to the public and their commcode is publicly listed. These gentlemen are definitely not trying to hide, that's for certain. There are some news stories about them, it appears that they worked a couple of celebrity cases a few years back, but haven't done anything to warrant public attention for a few years now.
Benson is the ork. He has dark hair and a penetrating gaze. In most pictures he is wearing a longboat and your brain can't help but to shove a fedora on his head, even though he wears no hat in any of the pictures. His hair is brown and wavy, cut conservatively but not too short.
Hodges is the dwarf and is bald and clean shaven. He wears mirrored glasses with circular rims and a button up shirt and slacks with suspenders.
I've also send a question off to a friend on the shadownet to see if I can get more information about them.
However, They might just be eye witnesses to the thefts - I have their commcode, so when the times comes I can hack their commlink and place trace on it. However, I don't think we need to do this if they are easy to locate at their office.
-
After getting the info dump the decker had dug up, Bird takes a moment to glance it over before humming a bit and saying, "Yeah, these two aint the stone cold killers we're looking for, but I bet Kumiho is right. These two hoops saw something, even if they don't know they saw something, wiz?"
-
"No offence or insinuation was intended Tanya, I asked the question as out of all of us you have the most knowledge of our Ms Johnson. I have no reason to distrust you. Given that you obviously have prior relationships with some of the people here and, impassioned outbursts aside," I give Calico a nod combined with a cheeky but none the less sincere smile,they obviously trust you it would be churlish to take your feelings at anything less than face value. So to busi..," As I speak I realise that I'm still holding my glass and it sounds like I'm giving a toast. Snorting in amusement I shrug my shoulders and decide to continue. Raising my glass and tilting it slightly to the others in the room, "To business!" I take a sip and place it down on the table, mentally rolling up my sleeves ready to get into the meat of what we're currently doing.
Giving Calico a nod to acknowledge her decision I start to speak but before I can Kumiho's voice sounds in the room followed quickly by Earlybird's. "I too agree with your assessments gentlemen. I think it unlikely they had anything to do with the actual case, but we should still be careful with our approach. If they are just witnesses I'm sure they can be persuaded to share what they saw with little to no provocation. My big concern at this point is that if they are witnesses they may well now be targets as well, after all the perpetrators can do what we did and would probably prefer to remove any witnesses quickly. If they are involved then they are more dangerous than the information suggests. Either way I feel we should probably move fairly quickly now and head in their direction. Observation from astral would probably be useful as would advanced recon as we travel there. I would suggest that we go with a friendly approach in mind but be ready for things to get a little hotter."
-
Tanya smiles to herself as John speaks. **A good leader. He has done this before. I wonder what broke him?** To the others she says, "Given my skill set, How do you want to use me?"
-
"Given my skill set, How do you want to use me?"
Hearing Tanya's question, Bird decides to throw his two cents in. "If there aint anything for you and me to be doing right now, we could get to practicing that harness and rope maneuver of yours." After a brief moment, he realizes how dirty the words he just said sounded and turns a beet red. He quickly blabbers out, "W-With the helicopter!"
-
Tanya gives Earlybird an odd look then nods. "If John does not need us, I am up for that. It does sound a bit kinky when you say it like that, though. Might be interesting."
-
"Alright, then ... " Calico says, rising to her feet with an air of eager anticipation, "let's go see what's what in Renton. Those of you with bikes should probably take them, the rest of us'll ride with John. We'll stop someplace convenient that's close to where we're going to allow for a quick astral and matrix recon, then we'll see where we're at before deciding on our approach. Let's keep comm lines open. Tanya, Earlybird, if you guys want to peel off and practice your aerial maneuvers, I think that would be fine. Or not ... completely up to you."
As the rest of the group stands and readies themselves to leave, she quickly rummages in her black fanny pack, finds the pill she is looking for and casually swallows it.
-
Tanya nods and stands up from the table. Looking at Earlybird, she says, "Sounds like there is not much for either of us to do at the Renton address. I am afraid that the Rolls is otherwise called for tonight, but I can let you ride double behind me on the Mirage, if you like. Or you can take a cab. Your call." Tanya goes to a wall and presses two hidden buttons, allowing a pair of concealed cabinets to pop open. She moves to one and takes her climbing gear go-bag from a shelf. Opening the bag she contemplates the contents before closing the cabinet and going to the other, where she pulls another length of rope and some additional D-rings from various shelves.
Finished, she turns to Earlybird. "Ready if you are." Looking at Calico, she adds, "If you are sure that you do not mind? I am not sure what my skills have to offer an interrogation, but I would willingly come along if you think it best not to split up."
-
"Sounds like there is not much for either of us to do at the Renton address. I am afraid that the Rolls is otherwise called for tonight, but I can let you ride double behind me on the Mirage, if you like. Or you can take a cab. Your call."
"Or I can just bring the Wasp here. That'd be easier?"
-
Tanya nods and smiles. "Sure. There are a couple of helipads on the roof. I can arrange for your Wasp to land there for a short time. I will need to provide the staff with the aircraft designation code so they can expect it."
-
Tanya nods and smiles. "Sure. There are a couple of helipads on the roof. I can arrange for your Wasp to land there for a short time. I will need to provide the staff with the aircraft designation code so they can expect it."
"Wiz."
With a quick, businesslike nod, he sends off a few mental commands.
<<@Wasp1-orders
:disarm weapon
:land:mylocation:helipad>>
"She's on her way."
-
Tanya takes the codes given to her and sends a request to the Concierge to arrange for some time on one of the helipads. Thanking him for his help, she disconnects and smiles at Earlybird. "All set. Our time starts in about ten minutes and we can use Pad 2. The concierge says no one else has a request in right now, so we can have as much time as we need, or at least until the next request. I have the code that will get us to the roof." Tanya bends over to pick up her go-bag before turning to the others. "You can leave with me or Monique can let you out. We can stay in touch by 'link. Let us know if you need support and I imagine that Earlybird can quickly have us at your location. I have to say that this has been a good experience so far and I hope that all of you look forward to working with me as I look forward to working with each of you. Ciao."
If the others come along, Tanya leads them to the private elevate elevator and up to the ground floor, where the others can get off and head out for their recon. She tells the operator to take her and her friend to the roof and gives him the proper access code when asked. When at the roof she walks over to the edge and looks down at the sprawl below, seemingly uncaring that she is standing at the high above the ground. She turns to her companion, her eyes bright with excitement. "We should have time to rig the copter while in good light on the pad. I confess to being highly jazzed about this. Thank you for wanting to try it."
-
Cal nods to Calico and stands. "I'll be with John then."
He grabs his duffel bag and heads out to the bathroom, emerging a couple of minutes later dressed in black fatigues, carrying his assault rifle. His serious demeanor belied his relief to be out of his suit and back in fatigues. For the first time on this mission he felt right. Sure, rationally, he hoped that nothing would happen on this trip out. But if something did go wrong, he'd sure as frag know what to do.
He felt the cool metal against his hands as he held the gun and waited for John to lead the way.
-
Monique is waiting to lead the others to the elevator when Cal comes out of the bathroom. She quietly moves to his side and whispers, "Please. The cameras in the hallway will alert the security here about the gun and get lots of people excited, including the elevator attendant. Can you please leave it in the duffel bag until you get to the car?"
-
"Earlybird, as you're bringing your whirlybird here is there any chance you can swing it over the target area for some imaging first? As Calico has said, once we have some more information from on site we can decide on our final approach choices. I'm still hopeful that we can resolve this without the need for threats or violence.
I do have another idea of how we could make the approach. These guys are known for specialising in certain types of cases. The good lady Marisart might well be an ideal client for them. I could approach them as another PI whom Lady Marisart has contacted concerning the actions of her current paramour. Given that this particular type of case isn't really my area I could recommend them in return for a finders fee. This would probably give us the opportunity to ensure that they are in their office and therefore available for us to talk to when we arrive.
If our initial scan of the area suggests that anything looks hinky we can always abandon that approach and all it really costs us is a phone call."
-
Tanya looks amused. "That could be a good idea, John. Use my name if it will help get us in the door. If they are any good at all, they will do a name search and there is a lot about me out there. I really do try to fit into the social circuit and lots of people know me. Earlybird and I will be airborne, but you can let me know if I need to make an appearance."
-
Giving Tanya a grin, "Sometimes it's not what your skill set can bring, it's just what you can. Anyone have any thoughts to add on this suggestion or any other matter?"
-
"I like it. I wasn't super enthused about the direct approach. Coming in off the street like we do, they would have no real reason to talk to us. This way we can get in, feel them out a bit and figure out a way to broach the subject. I'll be your niece, wanting to learn more about the investigator racket, maybe looking for an intern gig or something. Like I said, we'll feel it out."
Arriving at John's car, Calico quietly summons a modest air spirit. As she senses it coalescing in the astral, she mentally issues instructions. ~Thank you for answering my call, friend. I'd like to ask for your help checking out an address. I need to know what, if any, magical presences are there. Spirits, wards, sustained spells, background count, mages, the works. I will point out the building when we arrive. As soon as we do, I need you to head in and see what you can see. Can you do that for me?~ she asks the spirit.
[spoiler]Summon F4 spirit of air (http://orokos.com/roll/350140): 7d6t5 4
F4 spirit resists (http://orokos.com/roll/350141): 4d6t5 2
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/350143): 15d6t5 5
[/spoiler]
-
"Let's just be careful not to overly complicate things. If no one has any objections I'll call them to arrange a meeting now. If they agree to that it would probably be best if once Tanya's finished playing with Earlybird that she be available for the meeting. I would suggest that the rest of us head over to scope out the scene in the meantime."
-
John calls in to arrange a meeting with the receptionist, because it seems they have a receptionist. John thinks she sounds blonde, with hints of strawberry. These are the sort of noir-esque things John thinks about when he's on the case. You know, 'Dames.'
"Uh, yes, sir. They are in right now. They don't have any appointments for this afternoon. It's urgent? For a Tanya Marisart? Uh... they-- I... OK, yes, I'll check with them..."
John waits several moments before she comes back.
"Yes, they ay they will see you. Half an hour sound alright? They will be out of the office after that. Yes? Alright, we'll see you then."
With that she hangs up.
It doesn't take the full half hour to get there, but the team is cutting it close. The air elemental whips into the building and reports a few moments later.
No one is downstairs. Three on the second floor, one is awakened but not strong. 2 on the third floor. No one on the fourth floor. No one is on the roof.
Calico is a le to surmise that there are four floors, the roof, and no basement and the spirit awaits its next instruction.
-
Kumiho comes back to himself as he slips out of the comfort of the matrix. Seeing that the team is ready to move out again, he puts his gear away and sets out to follow on his Bike.
Since john is current lead, I'll check on their commlink once we get close. I'll also try to pull some card history from them once I have a mark on it, they might have been called by someone in the triad - and if so the number would be in there.
-
Calico passes the short car ride in relative silence, deflecting any chitchat with short, definitive answers. Gone is her playful, bouncy personality. She seems more intent, yet somehow less concerned. She seems lost in thought.
~Can you describe the Awakened one?~ she mentally asks her spirit.
-
"He is more or less as strong as me... I did not see that he had anything magic on him... or her, I suppose. They were bored. That's all really. I hope that is helpful."
And with the second service used, the spirit returns to the spirit realm.
-
Cal gives Calico a single nod, then slips the gun back into the duffel, zips it, then slings it over his shoulder.
As he heads out to the car with the group, he eyes the corners of the halls and entryways, noting the cameras as he sees them. This is going to be a whole lot different than the fraggin' jungle. he thinks to himself. He really ought to have thought of that. Surveillance everywhere... physical, virtual and magical, and it's going to be a whole lot more sophisticated than what he was used to.
-
Tanya leaves the roof edge and leads her companion to stand near the pad marked with a large 2 and puts her bag down. Looking at Earlybird, she says, "And now we wait."
She leaves her equipment in the bag until the Wasp lands so that it does not get blown over the side of the building. Once the craft is on the pad, Tanya waits for the rotors to stop moving before going over and kneeling to look at the bottom of the helicopter. Realizing that she cannot see enough, she goes to her back and slides under the machine. After a few minutes she crawls back out and opens the bag. She winks at Early bird and begins hooking one of her ropes to the underside of the Wasp with clamps and D-rings. Once she is satisfied, she straps on a climbing harness and fastens the second rope to the underside of the helicopter, coiling it carefully so that she can descend freely when she releases her body from the frame of ropes. She looks at Earlybird and says, "You ready to give this a try? I have about 200 feet of rope I can descend from when we are ready, so when we get to where we are going to test this out, try to be within a couple of hundred feet of the ground. Let's do this."
With a smile, Tanya climbs under the Wasp and clips herself to the frame then tells Earlybird that she is set to go.
-
As they pull up to the investigators' office, Calico turns to John. "Let's head in. I don't think Tanya's going to make it in time... we barely made it ourselves. But I don't think that's a big problem. Her name got us in the door, which is what we needed. As I see it, we have two options here: one, directly ask them why they were at the robbery and what they saw, or two, proceed with a second subterfuge. But honestly, now that we're in the door I don't see the benefit of option two. You have more experience at this sort of thing than me, so maybe you have a different perspective, but I just don't see how it helps us. Either way I can assist you in questioning them, both conventionally and magically.
As she and John exit the car, she motions for Cal to hang tight where he is. "You should probably stay in the car." she tells him. "I feel like your presence would only serve to make them… " she eyes Cal's hard exterior, built for delivering pain, "nervous." She pauses a moment before continuing. "Let us know if anything unexpected or alarming happens out here. We'll keep the line open so you can listen in."
-
Kumiho parks his bike a little away from where the others have parked, But within eye sight of the building and the front entrance. While still straddling his parked bike, he switches his deck on and begins to scan the area in AR - looking for the seen and unseen elements about.
I'm in position, I'll be hacking their comm when your ready.
[spoiler]
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/350479): 9d6h5 3
[/spoiler]
-
"If you're going to go matrix-astral, you might want to jump in the car with Cal so he can keep an eye on your body." she tells Kumiho over the open comm channel.
-
No need. I can do this from AR
-
"Personally I'd continue with the subterfuge just long enough for them to feel like they're in control before suddenly hitting them with the real questions. I've often found taking people like that increases my chances of reading them and of getting a truthful answer. In this instance I think you would be perfect to play the role of one of Lady Marisart's personal assistants who's here to represent her during the meeting. You and her are my client and I'm looking for a finders fee from these 2. We can get them to tell us what they can do for Lady Marisart and as they get comfortable hit them with the questions about last night.
Of course, if you feel more comfortable taking the direct approach we can do that as well.
Kumiho, I'd probably start the commlink hack once you here us talking, less chance of them noticing at that point I'd guess. Let us know what you find if it's relevant and Cal just be ready in case things to get hot. Either inside if they are part of the team from last night or outside if the team from last night turns up to deal with witnesses, shout if they do."
With a slight bow to Calico I hold the door open for her and then follow her into the building.
-
"No, let's go with your instincts on this one." Calico says to John's mention of the direct approach. "Playing 'the help' is a role I'm familiar with. Now, you should know that when the time comes for me to administer mystical encouragement, if these guys are hiding things then the other guy might become confused by his partner's… forthrightness. As a preventative measure it might be helpful if we can figure out a way to separate them for that part. Doesn't really matter how that part happens, but I have an idea if all else fails." she says dispassionately, unzipping her bodysuit another 15 cm, revealing the full depth of her cleavage.
-
Cal can't help a glance before looking to John. <<Go ahead and leave me the keys. After you go in, I'll pull around the block and park up there facing this way.>> He points to a spot on the other side of the street about a block up the road, opposite the building from Kumiho. <<I'll keep line of sight on the front entrance and Kumiho.>>
-
After a short wait, the little brown painted one man chopper buzzes its way down to the landing pad, the highly upgraded dog-brain bringing it to a landing soft enough to wipe a baby's ass. While the athletic, and Eugene must admit, incredibly gutsy woman begins fastening up her gear, he pops open the door and plugs the thin cord from behind his neck into the control panel, running a basic diagnostic pre-flight check on all his systems. Everything's checking out as normal, and while the auto-doc program does its thing, the tall, cocky pilot reaches across the single seat to remove an old, worn Ingram X from a holster. He pops the clip out then back in and makes certain the weapon is clean and loaded before returning it to the holster. Noticing the raised eyebrow from Tanya, he just shrugs. "Don't imagine needing it, but old habits die hard, wiz?" Soon, she's all snug, secure, and strapped up under the belly of the tiny little one man craft that's just barely big enough for her harness.
"You ready to give this a try? I have about 200 feet of rope I can descend from when we are ready, so when we get to where we are going to test this out, try to be within a couple of hundred feet of the ground. Let's do this."
"Wiz." is all he says before stepping into the bird, closing the door, strapping his flight helmet on, and powering the little fucker up. With a buzz and a whoosh, they're shooting straight up into the air. Due to the extra weight, the controls seem a bit sluggish to Euegene, even though the ascent must still be incredibly rapid for Tanya, being strapped to the bottom. As he jumps into the little aircraft, he thinks. Woman like her? She's probably been in more than her share of helicopters before, but probably passenger types. These little wasps can be a little zippy for first timers. Gotta take it a kinda slow.
Once they're in the air and moving at cruising speed, with the city laid out beneath them like a sick minded childs lego set, he pings her comm.
<<@Tanya [Earlybird] So, my place aint equipped for any kinda maneuvers or anything. What about yours? If that aint on the menu, I got a chummer that works at a place with a landing pad.>>
-
Tanya is ready, her adrenaline already spiraling up in anticipation. She catches the rotors spinning up to a higher pitch and sets herself against the harness she has crafted on the bottom of the Wasp as it lifts off from the pad. The vertical lift caught her off guard a bit, as she was expecting a more horizontal maneuver. Through the open connection between them, Earlybird hears a near-maniacal scream that just goes on and on, and he recognizes it as a scream of excitement touched with a bit of fear, but no panic. When the scream dies off, Tanya sends a message to her pilot, >>Blooooooody fragging great! What a rush! You have GOT to try this some time.<< Tanya listens to the question and replies. >>Let's use your bloke's place if it is available.<<
Tanya watches the ground wiz by at an enormous rate, providing her with a view of the sprawl she had never had before. The experience makes her blood surge and she feels almost joyful in the thrill of the what is happening.
-
Calico snaps her fingers with sudden realization, remembering one last thing that needed doing before heading in. "Hang on" she tells John, and jogs briskly back to the car where Cal is waiting. Pulling open the door, she bends over and places her hand on his forearm. "Just in case", she explains, sending the necessary magical current rushing into him. "Try not to lose your shit sitting alone in this car." she warns with a smile as Cal's eyes widen at the explosive new sensation. And with a final wink, she closes the door and walks quickly back to where John is waiting. "In we go." she observes with a nod as she passes into the lobby with him.
[spoiler]F1 pre-edged Increase Reflexes (on Cal) (http://orokos.com/roll/351150): 21d6h5 13
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/351151): 15d6t5 4[/spoiler]
-
In an instant the world opens up to him. Everything seems to move very slowly and very quickly at the same time. It seems like Calico touches his arm for ten minutes, but he knows it's only an instant. "No... problem..." he replies, frustrated as his mouth takes so long to form the words, while at the same time processing that it indeed might be something of a problem. Of course, it wasn't that different from Jazz, but it was much more pure, more real, more whole. Sort of like the difference between coffee and tea. But a strong tea. That was it. A lot stronger. No harsh buzz like with the combat sim. Like coffee. He'd felt a spell like this once before while on a particularly critical mission, but this was so much more... more.
There. His stupid mouth was finally done talking. The corners of his lips pull up to give Calico a big grin. Time for more talking. "Good... luck... in... there." What was the name of that guy that had good tea back in the unit? Anders? Drek, that was good stuff. Alright, time for the next words. "I'll... certainly... be... ready... if... things... go... south."
Why didn't he drink tea more often?
-
John and Calico enter the building and check the directory. Benson and Hodges is the second floor and the two walk up that way and open the door with their name decade on the translucent glass set in the top half of the door. A young woman looks up and smiles. She looks as John imagined she would. Young, blonde.
"Oh, good evening. Can I help you?"
Behind her are two doors, both of them shut. To the right is another room, more open. You can make out a table in there and several seats. An old soykaf machine, an inch of dark liquid in the pot.
Outside, Cal sits in silence, his eyes scanning frantically back and forth, a thrilling hum working through his body. What's that?! Oh, a street bum. What's THAT!!? Oh, some kids. WHAT'S THAT!!??!! Oh, lady walking her dog...
-
I take in the name on the door and the secretary indicate that these two, as Dana put it, amateurs seem to be more successful than they perhaps deserve. Still it's not like you're interested in messy fidelity cases is it John. They're beneath you. After all the only time you were interested in a cheating partner was if it could be a motive for kidnap or murder.
Smiling back at the young woman, definitely the sort of welcome I could get used to, "Good evening miss. We spoke on the phone not long ago. John Chance along with one of Lady Marisart's personal staff. We have an appointment."
-
Tanya watches the sprawl pass below, her excitement not abating one bit. This is a view it will take a long time to get used to. The sound as the Wasp's blades propel the small machine through the air is matched by the beating of her heart. For a moment, she is tempted to hit the release on her rig and descend to the bottom of the rope but then decides that she does not know how that would affect the capability of the aircraft and decides not to. Still, it could be something to try out later............
The helicopter flies to a place with a small landing pad. As Easybird maneuvers the Wasp to hover above the pad, Tanya sends him a message through the open link. >>That was magnificent, Earlybird. I can easily say that I have never had more fun. I have just less than 200 feet of rope available so that is the limit of your height. Get me to that altitude and hold it steady. No sudden moves up or down or you could have one very badly hurt Brit noble on your hands.<<
-
Inside the Building
"Oh, right, yes I'll tell them you are here," she says, standing up and going to the door marked Hodges.
Outside the Building
Cal looks quickly from left to right and then scans up the buildings when his eyes focus in on the building across the street from the offices that John and Calico had entered. A flash of light, reflected off of something... it's a flicker he's familiar with and one that has cost him more than a few friends. A second flash barely a moment later confirms his suspicion as glass breaks in the office building on the second floor.
Inside the Building
The sound of shattering glass is heard from Hodges' office, followed by a loud thump.
-
Kumiho hears the Breaking of glass and begins to scan the area around him in AR, looking for any hidden ICONs.
What was that? It sounded like it came from the building you are in.....
[spoiler]
Matrix Perception: Spotting Hidden icons (http://orokos.com/roll/352126): 6d6h5 3
[/spoiler]
-
The Wasp slows to a hover over the small helipad below and Tanya gets the word that they are just less than 200' from the ground, information confirmed by her wrist altimeter. She sends a message off to her pilot as he hovers at the proper altitude. >>Very nice, Earlybird. The weight on the Wasp will be constant until I hit the ground and disconnect. Be prepared for the sudden release of weight.<< Setting her break arm so that she can stop herself just before impacting, she punches the release and drops from the bottom of the Wasp. With her arms out from her sides the drop is fast. She has done this from cliffs and buildings many times and this is no worse than any of those descents. She revels in the thrill of the drop but pays close attention to her altimeter as it ticks off the distance remaining to impact. Just prior to creating a large divot on the pad, she brings her break arm across her body, bringing her to a stop. Tanya swings her legs under and brings herself to a standing position and calls out to alert her pilot that she is cutting loose as she releases the rope from her harness and sets the small helicopter free.
-
As Cal leaps towards cover on the same side of the street as the building with the shooter, he sets his matrix broadcast to the secure team channel. >>Shot fired. Shooter in the building opposite. In pursuit. Kumiho, take cover now. Tanya, Early Bird, get your hoops over here pronto! Report status on interior. Continuing to pursue until I hear otherwise. I suspect a lone sniper.<<
Everything flowed around him, and it felt right. He knew there'd be at least two targets, likely. Two of his team members or two detectives, and judging from the lack of simultaneous attacks like at the temple, there was only one sniper here. He just hoped they hadn't taken out John or Calico.
Remaining under cover as much as possible on his way, he heads toward the nearest door to the building where the shooter is.
-
Tanya hears the message and mentally calculates the time it would take to reset the harness before shaking her head. >>Earlybird, get down here so I can unhook the rope. There is not enough time to get me hooked back up. I need to remove the drop rope so you do not snag it on anything. I can make my way out there on my own.<< She considers an option then adds, >>OK, call me crazy. What if I fashion a foot loop in the rope and you sort of tow me there? You would have to be high enough to carry me over any obstacles. Would that hurt your maneuverability too much? Completely your call as I do not know squat about flying.<<
-
>>Shot fired. Shooter in the building opposite. In pursuit. Kumiho, take cover now. Tanya, Early Bird, get your hoops over here pronto! Report status on interior. Continuing to pursue until I hear otherwise. I suspect a lone sniper.<<
Tanya's feet have just touched the landing pad light as a feather when the message comes in. A split second later,
>>Earlybird, get down here so I can unhook the rope. There is not enough time to get me hooked back up. I need to remove the drop rope so you do not snag it on anything. I can make my way out there on my own. OK, call me crazy. What if I fashion a foot loop in the rope and you sort of tow me there? You would have to be high enough to carry me over any obstacles. Would that hurt your maneuverability too much? Completely your call as I do not know squat about flying.<<
<<@Tanya [Earlybird] Wiz. Hold on tight, ma'am. I'm gonna be flying real high, hoping to avoid any undue attention, so holler if the air starts getting too thin.>>
<<@Team [Earlybird] Acknowledged. ETA: 4 minutes. Try and mark a good drop spot for Tanya before I get there. Also, if anyone's got a camfeed they can send me, I'd be much obliged.>>
[spoiler]ETA subject to change by GM, as I actually have no clue. I just wanted to put a figure. Once I'm corrected, I'll change the message and erase this spoiler.[/spoiler]
A moment later, he's pushed the throttle all the way down and is whipping over the city at far higher than recommended speeds. Since the very first time he ever jumped into a chopper, he'd been utterly in love with the sensation. Sure, your traditional rigger talks all day long about the feeling of the asphalt under their rubber and all, but for Eugene's money, he'd always believed those poor bastards were missing the forest for the trees. Nothing compares to the feeling of flapping your four metal arms in a circle and frakking flying. NOTHING. The sensation of the air whooshing through his gyros, and the sight of the city laid out below his super HD eyes... He simply feels like a superhero when he's jumped into a bird. And of all the birds he's flown, this little refurb former secforce Wasp he's in right now is the quickest, most maneuverable, and overall zippiest bird of them all. It damn near feels like a part of his body when he's not even jumped in sometimes.
Eugene doesn't really imagine he'll arrive in time to help with the engagement, but hopefully by the time he does, there won't be too many bullet holes to patch up.
-
Tanya hollered all right. >>Wait a fragging few seconds so I can get a couple of loops set.<< Even as she is talking, she quickly fashions a foot and hand loop and steps on while putting her arm through the higher loop before calling up to Earlybird to take off. The sensation of riding tucked under the helicopter had been exhilarating, but was nothing compared to that of dangling almost 200 feet below the machine. At first, she twisted quite a bit, but after some experimentation with putting an arm and leg out to the side, she was able to exert a bit of control. The thought went through her mind that this was as close to flying as any person was likely to get without using a spell. She resolved to look into that sky diving school that had been advertising on the trid lately.
-
As the sound of breaking glass and the thump of what I can only assume is a body hitting the floor fills the air my reflexes take over. Bursting towards the door marked Hodge's I shout "Get to the side. Don't open that door." at the pretty secretary.
-
Cal opens the door to the car, scanning. A few other pedestrians on the street heard the shot as well (as it were) and scurry out of the way. Looking up, Cal can see the end of a barrel in the second story of the building across the street. It's approximately 25 meters to the door of the building.
Calico rushes to the door and unleashes a blast of energy, smashing the door open and showing a surprised deaf, he looks up at Calico and reaches into his desk drawer.
John shoves the pretty secretary to the side as he pulls out his gun and runs into Hodges office, seeing the work laying on the ground, a small pool of blood rapidly spreading.
-
Time freezes for Calico. *He is reaching for a gun, he thinks I'm the enemy!* she realizes with dread. In a fraction of a second, a multitude of options are examined and rejected. Put her hands up in surrender, and mouthe the words "get down, there's a sniper"? He'd be dead before she got two words out, assuming he could even read lips. Tackle him? Yeah, right. Knock him out with a spell? Too risky, she might not drop him in one. And then she had it.
Ducking behind the safety of the door frame, she ethereally reaches out, touching his mind and implanting a thought there, one she hopes will save his life. ~Oh shit, this young woman is trying to tell me there's a sniper trying to kill me. I should hit the floor now!~
As she peers around the door frame and waits with bated breath to see whether Benson will drop to the floor, she wonders idly if she's ever used that particular spell to tell the truth like that. She doubts it.
[spoiler]F5 Influence (http://orokos.com/roll/353072): 14d6t5 4
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/353073): 15d6t5 3
[/spoiler]
-
Cal smirks as he notices the barrel. He quickly spots the door to the building and runs for it. As he moves, while his eyes flick back and forth between his path and the window where the weapon was, he opens a channel to Kumiho. >>@Kumiho [black_thorn] Kumiho, get me as much recon on this building as you can. I'd love to have a floor plan or any camera feeds you can find.<< He sure hoped there wasn't a back way out of the building. Second floor... a jump out a window wasn't out of the question either.
Upon reaching the door, he throws his back against the wall next to it, hand hovering over a flash bang waiting a couple ticks for Kumiho's reply. It feels like an eternity, but he reminds himself that it's just the spell.
-
@ Calico
The dwarf's eyes widen and he looks out the window before the glass shatters and he takes a bullet in the shoulder, spinning him around.
"Graagh!!! he shouts out as he tumbles to the ground. From her position peeking around the door frame, she can see that the dwarf is very much alive and probably still in danger of being shot.
@ John Chance
John rushes in and up to the window, peering out while taking cover. He sees another flash of light and hears glass breaking in the next room, as well as a cry of pain.
@ Cal
<Team [Kumiho] Yes, moment!>
Cal rushes across the street quickly sprinting and slamming into the door and through. The glass actually breaks as the mercenary leans against the wall. There is a stairwell going up as well as down. Half a flight down, the stairs end in a metal door. Half a flight is the first landing with doors to either side.
-
Pighting!
switching into running silent, Kumiho beings to mentally access the host of the building that Thorn ran into. First he scopes out what he can see of the building before taking the plunge and hacking his way into it. Though once inside he will seek out the Layout first and then the buildings cameras.
[spoiler]
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/353515): 8d6h5 4
Hacking on the Fly: access (http://orokos.com/roll/353517): 14d6h5 4
I'm also going to have my Agent keep scanning the area for Hidden ICONs. Do you want me to roll for that?
[/spoiler]
-
Cal pushes himself up the stairs, reaching the door he suspects that the shooter is behind.
Meanwhile, Kumiho quickly places a mark onto the buildings host.
-
Slamming against the wall by the window I can feel the weight of the Colt in my left hand. Damn. Bring a pistol to a sniper fight why don't you John. Seeing the flash at least gives me some idea where the sniper is. The rapidly spreading pool of blood definitely indicates that Hodges is beyond my ability to save. Calico better be having more luck with Benson.
-
As Cal reaches the door, he readies his flashing as he tries the handle. He notes it's unlocked and consider his next move... open and toss?
Meanwhile, Kumiho manages to place a mark on the host of the building. Seems it's a general host for the security of the tenants. His next step will be to find the blueprints... or maybe determine what hidden icons are around.
-
Tanya has figured out how to gain a measure of control over her orientation and is nearly mesmerized by the view of the sprawl from her vantage point. She has never seen anything so wonderful. She intuitively knows that one wrong maneuver by Earlybird could slam her into a building or mimic a chees cutter and slice her in two by allowing her to run across a power wire, but that is part of the thrill of what she is doing. Part of her mind is listening to the chatter channel on her cybered commlink and she is concerned for the safety of the rest of her team, mentally urging the Wasp to arrive in time to be of assistance, but very aware that the fight will be long over by the time she and Earlybird arrive.
-
Cal opens up the door and tosses in the flash-bang. Flash out he mutters over the subvocal, tot he rest of the team.
-
After tossing the grenade into the room, Cal peeks in through the open door...
-
As Cal opens the door to take a peek, it suddenly bursts open and a large metahuman rushes out slamming into Cal and pushing him back just a touch. He has Cal's arms pinned against his sides. As Cal struggled, he realizes he is pushing against an Ork, tactically outfitted.
Calico casts her spell, waiting for the sniper to reappear but doesn't see him. "What's going on?!" demands the dwarf as he scrambles around the desk over to Calico's side, placing it between him and the window.
The secretary crouches in the corner, her arms over her head, screaming loudly.
Chance doesn't see the sniper and takes a moment to consider moving to the fallen ork.
Meanwhile, Kumiho takes a moment to scan the various hidden icons and finds one, nothing that it is decently powered cyberdeck.
-
I scramble back from the window towards the ork on the floor. Shit, damn and drek. I really didn't think they'd get a fix on these guys as quickly as we did. Reaching the body I begin to check him for any signs of life whilst shouting "Man down, anyone got a medkit, trauma patch or healing spell?" Well played John, why'd you have to leave your medkit in the car?
-
Calico ignores the dwarf's question as she continues to scan for the sniper. *This is no time for explanations* she thinks. *All that matters now is that he stays out of the line of fire. I just hope he listens to that bullet in his shoulder more than he listened to my warnings* In the background she can hear John shouting for a medic, but she has to deal with this sniper. Where was he anyway? *I wonder how Cal's doing ...* she muses, scanning.
-
Cal managed to throw the ork off of him and squared up. The ork threw a haymaker. Cal ducked out of the way, saving his face but still caught a heavy blow on his shoulder. The guy was built like a brick shit house as Cal staggered, shaken but still on his feet.
-
"Stay down" Calico tells the dwarf as she hurries into the other office, deciding that the shooter didn't seem like he was going to show himself for now. Crouching by the fallen ork detective, she quickly lays her hands on him, channeling magical healing into him, even though she had a feeling that he was beyond help.
-
Tanya sends a message to the team. >>Team. Tanya. Is there a best way to come up on the buildings? Or perhaps a car we can follow?<<
-
>>Team. Tanya. Is there a best way to come up on the buildings? Or perhaps a car we can follow?<<
Seeing Tanya's message overlaid across his field of view, Earlybird fears for the worst. he hasn't heard anything back from the rest of the team over the comm since just after the shooting started. He quickly composes and sends message to his dangling passenger.
<<@Tanya [Earlybird] Already asked em. Still waiting on a response. Hope they're still ok.>>
-
The sounds of grunting come from Cal's subvocal channel before a brief pause. When he cuts back in, he sounds a bit winded. "Engaged one hostile ork soldier."
A fraggin' ork, of course, he thought to himself once he finally got a good look at the ugly metahuman before him. Why is it always fraggin' orks?
He launched a return punch at the ork. The blow the ork landed had left him a bit staggered, and he was no street fighter, but he sure as drek wasn't backing down now.
-
Tanya is equally concerned at the lack of response from the team. >>Earlybird. Yeah, I got your message but did not see a reply. I know they can take care of themselves, but if it is all four assassins? Are you sure you do not want to let me off and just go ahead? I have to be dragging your airspeed and performance down.<<
-
Cal punches the ork in the face and then shakes his hand briefly. If the blow registered on the ork, he does a good job of hiding it. The ork grins and hurls another punch at Cal, who again manages to get his face out of the way, but still takes a solid blow.
-
Spinning with the blow, Cal reaches to his holster and draws his CrusaderTM, taking a few steps back and behind a box in the hall before aiming and accusing off a quick burst. The shots connect and the ork snarls. Just then, a loud POP is heard from the room the ork was in, as the flashbang goes off.
-
As he ducks behind the box, Cal remembers to initiate his live video feed to the team. "Opening fire with SnS rounds. Attempting to subdue target," he subvocalizes while taking aim and pulling the trigger on his weapon.
-
Tanya takes the live feed but stays off the channel to avoid sticking her two nuyen in where it does not belong and would be less than useful. Earlybird has not dropped down to let her get off so they are still on a course to the fight. Although she does not say anything out loud, she is listening.
-
Sounds like our muscle has got things under control under control and wiggly finger here seems to be on top of trying to keep this one alive. Probably best not to let the other schmuck do a runner just in case.
I start moving to the door of the office casting my eyes over my clothing to check for blood as I go.
-
Cal pulls the trigger again, sending another burst of three towards the ork, who barely manages to twist out of the way. The ork then turns and dashes down the hallway towards the back of the building, rounding a corner.
-
"Stay here where we can protect you." Calico calls out to the wounded dwarf as she hurries by on her way outside. It was hard to tell how Cal was faring against the mystery ork, but she knew it was better to have help and not need it than the other way around.
It wasn't often she had cause to curse her physique, but scurrying down the stairs Calico found herself doing just that. *I am not built for running* she thought, knowing that her bodysuit would be doing a much better job of keeping things in place if only she hadn't unzipped it. Putting that out of her mind, she burst out the front door of the building, panting furiously as she scanned for signs of activity. *Got to ... get in .... better shape* she thought distractedly, dreading the prospect of giving further chase.
With sudden inspiration, she remembers she can call forth an ally that would be much fleeter of foot than she could ever be. Sending her consciousness into the realm where ethereal felines reside, she beseeches the assistance of one such entity.
[spoiler]Summon F3 kitty (http://orokos.com/roll/357840): 6d6t5 1
F3 kitty resists (http://orokos.com/roll/357841): 3d6t5 1
Drain for summon (http://orokos.com/roll/357842): 15d6t5 4
[/spoiler]
Her pleas go unanswered.
-
Kumiho monitoring the situation from street side, Commands his Agent to search for the buildings layout. While His Agent is doing this he searches out the Ork's gear, which is currently running silent. He knows the gear is there now, but now he needs to hone in on it. With a few swift mental commands he uses his deck to pin point their target.
[spoiler]
Computer+Intuition (http://orokos.com/roll/357844): 9d6h5 5
Agent Hacking for building layout plans
Agent : Matrix Search (http://orokos.com/roll/357846): 8d6h5 4
[/spoiler]
-
The lack of finding the hidden icons leads Kumiho to believe that the ork has some sort of Matrix support. Which leads him to the conclusion that the matrix support knows Cal has matrix support. Thus begins the game.
Meanwhile, Cal pulls the trigger as he rounds the corner, another three bullets arc through the space between him and the ork. The ork manages to side step before pushing through the rear exit door, into a stairwell.
-
Catching her breath, Calico makes another, less rushed attempt at summoning a spirit, this time opting for a spirit of man.
[spoiler]Summon F3 cat (http://orokos.com/roll/358247): 6d6t5 2
Cat resists (http://orokos.com/roll/358249): 3d6t5 1
Drain for summon (http://orokos.com/roll/358253): 15d6t5 7
I was originally thinking a cat spirit, but I changed my mind, I'd like it to be a spirit of man. If it's too late, so be it
[/spoiler]
Thankfully, this time she feels the spirit appear. ~Here in a moment I'm going to identify a target for you~ she silently tells the small spirit. ~When I do, I just need you to follow him from the astral and report back his location when he reaches his destination~ Hoping this will work as she imagines, she scans for the ork, steeling herself to continue the pursuit once she catches her breath.
-
Cal chases the ork into the stairwell, pointing the gun down at him, before realizing he does't have shot. He then practically tumbles down the steps hitting the backdoor into the outside world. He points his gun at the ork, who is dashing down the street and pulls the trigger, sending the ork stumbling as a few of the stick and shock rounds find their mark.
Inside, the dwarf growls, still holding his arm. "I knew this was gonna happen, frag it!"
-
"Target escaping out the back," he broadcasts via subvocal.
Cal continues to give chase, firing as he runs. He is focused and can feel the magic propelling him forward. This ork is built to do serious harm, he thought as he pointed his weapon yet again, just like those frackers at Mundo Nuevo, but this time he wouldn't need his squad. This time he wouldn't lose any of his team.
"In pursuit."
As his finger begins to ease tension into the trigger for another burst, he pauses in his thought to consider his possible overconfidence. The ork would have support, after all. He wasn't that good or Cal'd be dead by....
The report of his rounds filled the air.
"Backup requested if able," he finished after waiting an eternity for the sound of the echoing discharge to clear.
-
Tanya snarls at the slowness of the speeding helicopter and wills the craft to go faster, but knows that she is the drag, not the machine. Looking ahead and below her, she sees a taller building coming up quickly. >>Hey, Earlybird. See the building coming up at eleven o'clock? Get a bit lower and slow down a lot and let me off. You can make better speed without me hanging on down here. Go on, they will need your support and I am not much good in a fight, anyway. I will take a cab.<<
As the Wasp nears the building, Tanya waits for it to slow down and get her a bit closer to the rooftop, prepared to jump, tuck, and roll......hopefully without rolling off the roof, which appears to be at least ten stories high. As it turns out, Earlybird, a true gentleman, slows the Wasp to what seems like a crawl, allowing her to release from the rope and hit the roof in a stand that would do a champion gymnast proud. She sends the release command to the rope attached to the harness and it glides through the air to her feet. Tanya then sends a quick note to her pilot, >>Tanya is clear, Earlybird. Thanks and this was great fun. We will have to do this again. Now get to the site and see what you can do to help the team. And please try to keep the harness equipment I attached to the bottom of the Wasp so I can collect it later.<< As she stands on the roof, she waves at the quickly receding helicopter before sending a message over the subvocal mic, "Team. Tanya. I have dropped from the Wasp. Pilot is coming as quickly as possible now that he is not carrying my dead weight. I will be there soon."
-
As if to answer his self-fulfilling prophecy, Cal can hear the whirr of a roto-drone downtime street. He's seen enough to recognize an F-B Bumblebee and the Stoner-Ares medium Machine-gun mounted on the chassis. That must be the ork's backup.
Cal also notes a nondescript van a block away, no doubt the ork's intended destination. He also notes a few people on the street ducking behind vehicles and finding other cover,punctuated by a few screams.
This is the first time Cal has fired rounds in a place that wasn't a warren, and the experience is a little jarring...
Still, action first, thinking later; years of training to ensure that the actions are the right ones...
-
Tanya grabs her rope and runs across the roof of the building to where a small metal structure stands near the edge. Kneeling, she fastens one of her D-rings to a strut and feeds the rope through it before looking over the small ledge to the ground below. She notes that the height is a bit less than her earlier estimate and that there are no windows immediately below her position. Holding onto the end of the rope, Tanya smiles as she makes her way back to the other end of the rope. She grips both ends of the rope and clicks the doubled rope into the D-ring of her waist harness and races to the edge, where she leaps into the open air, twisting once to face the building as she falls and bringing the rope around her waist. She pulls the rope to her and anticipates the shock as the rope arcs her back into the wall. Taking the shock on her bent legs, she leaps out again and glides to the ground, where she lets go of one end of the rope and pulls it through the D-ring, letting it fall to her feet.
Tanya coils the rope and slings it over her shoulders while checking her location on her GPS. Smiling, she sets off at a trot for the nearest part of town where she can reasonably catch a cab. On the way, she calls up Grid Guide and compares routes. Leaving that window open, she dials up her maid. >>Monique, I need you. Please grab my dart gun and head out now and grab the Mirage. I will be taking a cab and heading to the intersection I am sending you. I will swap the bike for the cab so you can return home. If my calculations are close, we should meet in about ten minutes. Thanks and see you there.<<
>>On the way out the door, My Lady. I will be on site as soon as the bike can get me there. Au revoir.<<
Tanya grins and doubles her pace, all that jogging paying off as she runs toward the nearest cab stand listed on Grid Guide for the area she is in. She calls ahead to the cab company to make sure one is waiting for her, promising a nice tip for waiting. She tells herself that she will far too late to assist in anything at the fight, but may be of use if the assassins manage to elude Cal and flee. Using her subvocal mic, she sends a quick message off to the team. >>Kumiho. If the opposition has some means of transport out of the area, can you mark it so we can track it if they get away?<<
-
Cal sees the drone swing in front of him and curses, "Frag, drone!" He dives behind a dumpster outside the door, then holds the barrel of his weapon just beyond the edge of the dumpster, using his virtual vision to aim as best he can via smartlink. "Kumiho..." he urges impatiently via subvocal before pulling the trigger.
-
Hearing Thorn's distress over the comm, Kumiho Starts to send some positive thought the mercs way while trying to fill the airways with some noise to create some interference to the enemies communications and drone control.
[spoiler]
Per-Edged this roll:
Jam Signals (http://orokos.com/roll/362498): 18d6h5 10
[/spoiler]
A weaving of sight and sounds begins to erupt from Kumiho's ICON, its like an explosion of ancient scroll paintings coming to life and leaping out of his soul to any who looks at his ICON from AR or the Matrix; each inked painting crawling, flying, leaping, climbing, and running taring through the Cyber space around him like a mad parade or crazed dream.
-
Hearing Cal's request for backup, Calico hurries across the street. Taking the path that will get her to the rear of the shooter's building in the shortest distance possible, she switches to astral perception as she runs, scanning the vicinity for obvious signs of astral backup.
-
Cal manages to duck behind the door, sending a few rounds wildly toward the drone. There is a slight satisfaction as one of the rounds slaps into its chassis, the electric rounds doing nothing good for its circuitry. That doesn't stop it from firing a burst in his direction and he winces as they impact the dumpster with hollow, ringing thuds. A few rounds fly wide and he can tell that the burst was in a wild arc... uncontrolled fire. Whoever was flying that thing was a horrible shooter.
Still, even a horrible machine gunner is a machine gunner.
Calico decides to forego the building entirely, running to the street corner, in their general direction. Slowing slightly before she reaches it, she takes a moment to contemplate what she'll do when she rounds the corner. So far no magical threat, but that didn't mean there wasn't something nasty waiting for her down the other street.
-
Again, Cal pulls the trigger around the corner. He does note that the drone appears to be moving fairly erraticly, though maybe not erratically enough to brave its machine gun full on. The ork runs to the van as the side panel door opens.
-
"Need to track that van." Cal says via subvocal as he braces himself against the dumpster.
-
Approaching the corner, Calico has an involuntary mental image of rounding it, and being riddled with what sounds like some very large bullets. *Let's see how bad they want that dwarf geeked* she thinks, stopping a few meters shy of the corner and summoning an illusion.
[spoiler]F5 Phantasm (http://orokos.com/roll/364524): 15d5t5 3
Drain for phantasm (http://orokos.com/roll/364526): 15d6t5 4[/spoiler]
The dwarven investigator materializes out of thin air near the wall and then wanders into view, complete with his wounded shoulder, blood running down his clothes. "Hello?" he whines as he staggers unsteadily, clearly confused and oblivious to the shooting going on down the street. "I need help here!" he wails, clutching his bloodied shoulder.
-
Kumiho lays out the scene that he last saw before Throne's video feed cutout due to the jamming was sending to the team. Hoping he can still reach everyone through the comms, he internally communicates his next plan to them, Hey team. I have the area jammed, but I'm going to try a drive my bike by to tag their van in passing.
With that he starts his Motorcycle up and clips his deck to his person (still set to jam) so it doesn't fall. He also reaches into a his inter coat pocket and pulls out a Stealth Tag. He'll have one shot at this and preys that he doesn't frag it up.
To send a little courage his way he shouts, Phighting!, to himself and speeds off down the street in the direction that will lead him towards the enemy and throne's location.
-
Cal can hear the roar of a motorcycle dimly in the distance as he takes a calculated step out from cover to pin down the drone. His rounds hit home and the drone careens to the side for several moments, trailing smoke. It manages to right itself just as it disappears from view down an alley.
At that moment, the ork dives into the van and closes the door behind him as the van's rear wheels begin a slight burnout.
-
Cal notices the dwarf down near the corner of the building and sees him shimmer with a faint transparency. Clearly it's a diversion of some sort, though it's uncertain whether it's one from his own team or theirs. "Whose decoy is that?" He sends via subvocal. Regardless, it's not more pressing than the drone hovering in front of him.
Thinking of which, Kumiho's jamming must be what's fragging it up. Might be worth getting a shot off without smartlink and seeing how it handles it. Gotta shake this fragger sonner rather than later anyhow.
Cal ducks around the side of the dumpster, sending a burst of rounds at the drone. He smirks in a moment of satisfaction as it trails smoke in its escape.
However, he sees the ork dive into the van as he looks back. "Frag!" He curses loudly as he takes off after the van, pointing his weapon.
-
He squeezes the trigger, sending a couple of rounds ineffectually at the fleeing van. When he comes to his sense and realizes the futility of doing so, he starts running back to the car.
Knowing he needs to make sure the team has the necessary information to act accordingly, he takes the time to send a detailed subvocal message. "Sniper has made it into a getaway van and I can't stop him. The drone has fled down an alley; smoking, but still in play. Planning to get back to the car ASAP in case pursuit is possible. If anyone's got ideas on stopping or tracking the van, let me know."
-
black-thorn turns to run, nearly slamming into Calico. The van is moving now and the mercenary can see Kumiho on his bike coming from down the opposite direction. He's surprised to see the decker throwing himself into the fray like this, most of them stayed well away from the action when they could.
-
Stepping to the corner, Calico points to the retreating black van. ~You may need to manifest to see it, but that black van contains your target, who is an ork~ she tells her spirit. Having dispatched her astral tracking, she turns and follows Cal toward the group's waiting car, hoping that Kumiho is successful in establishing a way to track it via the matrix, since there was no guarantee that any one method of tracking would be successful.
-
Kumiho speeds around the side of the building on his Black and Neon Nuclear green Suzuki Mirage. He knows that his deck, currently working as a jammer, pounding noise into the area, may have messed up the teams communications - so he might not have back up or cover fire. However, he knows that the enemy is also effected by the noise pumped out by his deck. He hopes that the van is driven by a rigger who might be experiencing some difficulty getting the van going with the added noise. He know that this could only give him an extra second if that but he'll take whatever edge he can get.
He speeds up once the van is in sight, sending the mental commands need to his bike through his rig and down the fiberoptics. He pulls a small hand held tag shooter, no bigger than a Dillinger, for his coat pocket taking aim - using his leg as a steady surface to fire from. He times it so that as he flies past the van he pulls the trigger right before passing the van's rear bumper. The bikes momentum plus the spring loaded tag shooter's velocity will tag the van's near the back - hopefully out of sight.
셋
둘
하나
With a slight tug on the trigger the spring inside the some mechanism releases, pushing before it the stealth tag. He remains calm, pretending to just be a mad man on a bike with somewhere to be and not someone who is a danger to those inside the van.
[spoiler]
Pre-Edged
Drive (http://orokos.com/roll/371123): 12d6h5 6
Fire Stealth Tag (http://orokos.com/roll/371120): 8d6h5 6
Physical limit is 5. So 5 successes
[/spoiler]
-
Kumiho's tracker hits the side of the van with a satisfying 'THACK.' He doesn't expect it'll withstand any level of scrutiny, soon as they sweep the van they'll see it. They'd have to stop the van and get out for that, though, and until then it's location was a blazing beacon to Kumiho's eyes. The spirit zips along after the van as well. Calico won't know where it stops until the spirit gets back to report, but it feels better than just letting it go.
Adrenaline-primed hearts and the idle of Kumiho's bike are all that are heard for several moments, the street now unnaturally quiet. The thud of a nearing helicopter begins to make it's presence known as well.
-
Tanya steps out of the cab to find Monique waiting. As promised, she leaves a large tip with the driver and tells him that he is to take the other woman to the Gates Undersound Hotel. She counters the slightly doubting look from the man with another hefty tip. Walking to Monique, she kisses her cheeks then takes the gun. "Merci, Cherie." Tanya secretes the small dart pistol in her arm before climbing onto the Mirage and roaring off. Checking her mapsofts, she sets a course for the team's location. >>Team. Tanya. I am on my bike and can either meet you at your current location or can triangulate to intercept the target if you managed to tag it and can feed me the frequency code.
-
Kumiho turns his Jamming signal off to regain communication with the group.
I have a placed a tracer on the enemy vehicle and feel it is best we relocate before the Neighborhood Security team makes an appearance. He reports over comms. Kumiho also sends the tracers signal frequency code to his team.
-
Tanya receives the tracking code from Kumiho and slips into her mapsoft so she can track the van. >>Team. Tanya. Thanks, Kuniho. Got it and am tracking now. So, are we meeting somewhere neutral or should I continue following the van?<<
-
Earlybird responds on the comms "I can try to keep track of things from the sky?"
"If he does that for now, I think it's best to learn what we can from those two guys that they just tried to frag. I don't think they're going to stick around long after this. time's ticking on both choices, it seems," Chance offered. He looked to the others for a decision.
-
Tanya nods to herself after getting the message and inputs new directions to the gridguide, setting course for where the team is. Still a distance away, she guns the bike to get there quicker. >>Team. Tanya. On my way to your location.<<
-
"Right," Chance says. "Let's get back and see how those guys are doing. I suspect the one fellow is dead, but his dwarf partner probably has some information to share."
-
As Tanya races through the darkness for the rendezvous, Earlybird is guiding his helicopter above the van marked with Kumiho's tracer. At this altitude it would be a miracle if he were spotted, and he can easily keep an eye on the van. The vehicle has stopped racing once it outpaced the pursuit and was now moving well within the legal speed limit. The pilot of the small helicopter keeps the rest of the team informed of the target vehicle's movements. He grumbles several times about how he allowed Tanya to coopt him for her hair-brained and risky adventure, the end result of which had been that he had missed the entire firefight.
-
Back in the office, Calico and John Chance enter Hodges room where Benson is knelt over the dead ork. he looks back as the two enter. "Saw that coming, eh?" he spits. "Another hour and we would have been out, gone." The secretary walks in with a towel and tries to fuss at the bullet wound in his shoulder.
-
Tanya has placed the rolling news feed at the bottom right corner of her display and her attention is caught by what is currently scrolling there. >>Team. Tanya. Looks like there has been a report of shots fired at your location. I would think that you do not have too much time before the KE is on-site. Do we want to set a location for a rendezvous?<<
-
Chance replies, >>Pick a place, Tanya. We'll secure the dwarf here and bring him. Probably safer with us, anyway.<<
With that, he turns to the dwarf. "So, I'm sure you heard that. Safehouse sound good to you?"
The dwarf nods. "The girl comes too, she ain't any safer than me."
Calico nods as well. "Fine, but we'll need to move, I think."
-
Tanya quickly scans some of the no-tell motels she has used in the past and settles on one near her current location. She speeds to it and takes two connecting rooms before contacting the team again. Team. Tanya. Sending coordinates of the motel for a meet. Kuniho should sweep for bugs and cameras when he gets here. I took two connecting rooms.<<
Earlybird is still flying high above the van with the enemy operatives, tracking it by the tag that Kumiho had placed on it. They had stopped making hard turns and speeding through red lights some bit ago, apparently sure that they had lost any tail on them.
Blackthorn and Calico escort the Dwarf and the secretary to the van and all climb in while Chance wipes the offices down to remove any prints the team might have left behind. He gives the signal after he gets in the van and they depart the area, followed by Kumiho on his bike. The departure is none too soon, as the first KE cruiser shows up a bare five minutes after. The team makes the rendezvous at the dive motel and decker spends extra time making certain that there are no bugs in either room. Once he gives the all clear, the rest of the team crowds into the rooms and opens the connecting door between them. Tanya turns the trideo on to a volume that should discourage any listening from outside the room and turns to the PI and his secretary. "So, tell us about the break-in at the temple and why these guys are so intent to make you disappear."
-
The dwarf nods, accepting a glass of water offered by Calico.
"Well, it wasn't supposed to be about the temple. We were there for a whole other reason. Just standard scandal stuff, dig? That's when drek hit the fan in a big way. Someone hit that Temple fast and hard. Professionals, too. Came from a few angles. Slots didn't know what hit'm. Anyway, job that professional, we just wanted to be out of there. Fast. Then out of here, before someone thought we were a liability. Not fast enough, frag it."
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Tanya moves to the Dwarf with a first aid kit in her hand and starts taking care of the wound in his shoulder. Chance nods and says, "So what was this standard scandal stuff you were working on? And it seems pretty obvious that you were either set up or just unlucky enough to be seen by the assassins. Are you sure that you did not take any pics or see something that could identify them?"
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"Not a set-up, we checked into it, everything about the job was legitimate, from the guy who hired us to his cheating wife. Wrong place wrong time, wrong picture being snapped. Uh..." he pulls out his commlink. Kumiho stands straighter and in just a few moments, a few pictures are distributed to the teams devices.
A man in a suit is standing by a car, a block down from the temple, just out of sight of the front. In the second picture, a familiar van rolls up. the man speaks to the driver and he can be seen to be Asian. The last picture is of a man with a slim, long case stepping out of the passenger side.
"Yeah," the dwarf remarks. "That's when we realized it was time to get going."
At that moment, a message comes in from Earlybird.
<<Got'em! They've stopped in Puyallup, just east of the 512, on 23d street. Looks like a safehouse to me.>>
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Tanya takes a look at the pictures, trying to remember if she has seen the men before. "Kumiho, can you make these pictures any larger and or clearer? I would like to show them to our employer to see if she recognizes either man. If she does, our part of this might be over. At least the initial part. We still have to locate the items and get them back."
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Kumiho looks over the photograph and does what he can. The image comes out alright, but the man's face is in quarter profile and he has sunglasses. Even the Korean has to admit he could be any Asian man. Still it was better than nothing. The photograph appeared in Tanya's inbox.
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Tanya smiles at Kumiho and thanks him for the picture and sends it on to Ni Ni. >>Ni Ni. Tanya here. We have a picture of a man that is almost certainly involved in what happened. It is not a good picture, but can you identify him from it?<<
She turns to the rest of the group. "I have sent the picture to our employer in the hopes that something about it may help identify the man. Now, what do we do about the men in the van? I have the location pegged, based on Earlybird's surveillance and Kumiho's tag. My personal recommendation is to wait them out and continue watching them, hoping that they contact, or are contacted by, their employer."
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The team agrees and it isn't long before Tanya gets her first return message.
<<Not one of ours, dear, but no... don't recognize the fellow. Pleased to see you have a lead though.>>
"Well," Chance says, as the message is passed on. "So, how do we want to do this?"
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Tanya looks around the room the turns to the Dwarf. "Perhaps we can enlist the services of our new friends. What sort of advice would you give if we wanted to do surveillance on the location of the men who killed your partner and almost killed you?"
She then looks at the rest of the room. "We certainly cannot leave Earlybird on station too long, but we can get drone eyes on the place. Calico and I are pretty good at disguises and can set ourselves up as people who can blend in with the area and do some personal surveillance. Kumiho, is there any way to trace the van's ownership by the registration or maybe even get a small drone into their hideout to listen? I am sure that any good PI team would have access to some of the smaller drones and we might be able to get a couple."
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"Advice?" the dwarf scowls. "Don't. But I'm guessing you're being paid. Keep a low profile and be careful, these guys are pros. Maybe you are too, but these guys definitely are. and they are playing for keeps."
<<So... uh, what do you want me to do next?>> Earlybird's communication comes in at just that moment.
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Tanya looks around at the rest then replies. >>Earlybird, how far can you pull back and still see the safehouse? We are trying to set up a team surveillance but need you on-station until we can get someone there. How much flight time do you have left in that thing before you need to return for fuel?<<
She then looks back at the others. "We probably do not have much time to make a decision here. I am for tagging them and keeping eyes on their location. By the way, our employer does not recognize the face."
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"Wait a minute," Cal chimes in. "They're gonna see that tracker on the van when they sweep it. They did just have a botched mission, after all. And when they do... depending on how important their safehouse is to their operations, they're either gonna abandon it and go to ground or reinforce their defenses... physical, cyber, magical... and they're gonna do their best to figure out who and where we are. And if they do stay put, they're gonna know we're gonna try to stake them out, so we'll need to be real careful. They catch one of us tryin' to peek up their skirt and it ain't gonna be pretty." He thinks for a moment, then looks to Tanya. "Tanya, might want to see if NiNi knows anything about the location?"
After waiting for her reply, he looks to Kumiho. "Any chance their gonna be able to trace us back using the signal that tracker's sending out?"
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Tanya nods. "Good idea, Cal. I will send her the address and see if she knows anything. At the same time, perhaps Kumiho can do some research on it and see if there is a record of ownership. >>Ni Ni. Tanya here. We have the address of the place the attackers went to ground. I am sending it to you to see if you can find out any information about it.<<
"OK. Message sent to Ni Ni. I agree with Cal that we have to be safe, but at the same time I do not think we can just let them vanish, either."
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<<Not on our radar. Probably runners, you might know of anyone in that line of work that could shine a light on things? I could reach out but your friends might get a better response than I might.>>
Kumiho shakes his head. "I burned it when they got home, they might find it on a physical look but not in the matrix."
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Tanya considers her list of contacts then nods as she settles on one. >>Saint James. This is Tanya Marisart. I hope that you are well. Still waiting to hear if what we turned up for you will help us get closer to what happened to Lyle. Please remember that there are several of us that would like to know. I do have another issue, though, that I would like to ask about. I am currently interested in a man that has something to do with a case I am on. Please look at the attached pictures and see if you might know him. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me in this matter. Thank you in advance.<<
She turns back to the others. "I have sent a message off to a man I know. Is there anyone that any of the rest of you know that we can contact that might be able to help identify this man?"
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Tanya gets a return message rather quickly. >>Tanya Marisart. Of course I remember you. How are you doing? I cannot say that I know the man immediately, but there is something familiar about him. Let me think on it and get back to you. And I may be contacting you later over something that has come up about the investigation into Lyle's death. Interested?<<
>>Of course I am interested. And so are others of his friends. Just call and set something up if you want to meet.<<
Tanya looks at the others. "That was quick. My contact says there is something familiar about the man in the snap. He will get back to us when he figures it out. In the meantime, I guess it is lying low for a bit while we let our various contacts do some leg work. I am still in favor of putting eyes on the location. Any objections?"
If no one says anything, she begins making preparations for changing her outward appearance as best she can in preparation for leaving.
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When she is ready, Tanya looks at the others. "The section of town the safe house is in lends itself to supporting my actions. I will take the bike to within a few blocks then send it somewhere else, close enough to call if I need to leave, but not close enough to attract any attention. I will pick up area appropriate clothing and some cheap booze on the way and then plop down near the building. See, there is a group of homeless people at a burn barrel half a block away that I can mingle with. I know the language they speak and can manage to fit in. I have done it before. Earlybird, can you stay on location long enough for me to get into position?"
"Sure thing. A fight between some gangers broke out in the street about three blocks away and I am hanging out and broadcasting an ID from a news feed as I hover over the area. I am going to need to roll up to the gas pump soon, though, so don't take too much time getting here. If I don't leave this spot in about forty-five minutes, I will be landing on a roof and someone can bring me some go-juice. And I don't much like the look of some of these roofs out here."
Tanya smiles at the mental picture. "And Kumiho, could you station a drone near me? Go for a bit away but not so far that you cannot see me. We want to make it tough for them to spot your icon. I will be going wireless off once I ditch the bike so will be dark. I can bring it back up if something develops. Questions?"
Chance looks at Tanya and says, "Any room on this stake out for two? I have some skills blending in and can be useful if something goes wrong."
Tanya considers the pros and cons of this idea then nods. "OK. Two it is. Calico, Kumiho, and Cal can move to the location I am marking on our maps. You can monitor our progress from there and still be only a few minutes away. Earlybird can go top off his fuel and get back in the air. We will probably need your eyes if they make a break for it. Is everyone OK with this? If not, say something and we can adapt the plan."