Shadowrun
Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: AalithHUN on <01-31-12/0323:50>
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Everett. The northernmost and disputedly the most beautiful district of Seattle, known for it's planes, ships and stormy weather.
There is a saying here, "If you can see the Space Needle, it's going to rain, if you can't, it's raining."
The date is June 10, 2072, the first day of the week and it seems there is a chance for clear sky all day long...
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Nina Fourleaves:
The rising sun finds Nina on the road to work. It's been a rough week for her - she needed to work double shifts because of the emergencies, her grandfather started acting up and needed new medication and there was that committee meeting, maybe that was the most horrible event of all.
There are checkpoints on the road, one stops the bus for a "standard" inspection - the KE officers are quick and efficient, always polite and smiling. Once, the scanner beeps and everyone turns, expecting trouble...But it's just a drowsy wageslave who forgot to broadcast his SIN, despite the signs on the bus. He quickly adjusts his link, and then the officers are out, wishing pleasant days for everyone (It would seem they were instructed to behave this way, KE is trying very hard to get and remain in the good graces of the public).
After this, Nina arrives to the hospital without any more stops, changing her clothes to scrubs and the sunny weather for the artificial light of the sterile corridors.
Her supervisor drops on her immediately, requesting status update on the patients. Nina transfers the data from the last shift and then starts checking on them.
Mr Avery looks like have been finally discharged. He was in a very bad car accident, lost his wife and child when the Gridguide malfunctioned and several vehicles collided. There is an ongoing investigation for possible foulplay.
Now, on his bed is an inmate, Mike Ravier, transferred from the Darrington Correctional Facilities with symptoms for poisoning. Normally they would treat something like this in-house, so this one must have some pull in higher circles. There is a guard sitting nearby, reading news on his commlink.
Only three patients are inside the containment rooms. They are mostly security personnel from the Federated-Boeing company, treated with radiation poisoning. They were the most severe ones of the 21 people involved in the terrorist attack 4 weeks ago. It failed, but they still managed to detonate the dirty bomb, polluting the northwestern area of Everett with radioactive dust. From their readings, these patients are improving well, but one of them needs surgery later.
And then comes the flood of people with headaches, old people with various problems, youngsters needing detoxification after the night, and so on and so on.
Nina gets the feeling this is gonna be a busy day...
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Mike Aisle:
A well suited, well built Ork strolls East Pacific Avenue, on his way to the hospital. Unfortunately, he caught a minor infection and it needed treatment immediately, otherwise his condition could turn it into a raging war inside his own body. This was the day for his last check-up with his doctor to confirm and get a clean bill of health, and it looks like even the weather was smiling on him.
The traffic was usual, even the KE patrols seemed to merge into it, after all, they were here for almost four weeks now - patrol cars, drones, even the occasional pair of uniforms among the pedestrians. They didn't bother him - or lets say Thomas Gramarie, UCAS citizen - other then the look what his custom tailored suit demanded, but he kept his distance from them anyway. The invisible scans looking for weapons or illegal cyberware were routine issue these days, and it was better to avoid unnecessary questions.
It seemed his unlucky streak was finally broken when he saw the "Seattle Naval Hospital" writing on the walls of the large, cube-shaped building. He made it this far without any incident, he just needs to find Dr. Jerry Peton in there...
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Mike is not wearing Form-Fitting Armor(it would be awkward during a medical exam), and neither his Greatcoat, since he thinks the weather does not call for it and he is not "working" right now. The only weapon he has with him right now is his Yamaha Pulsar (Miyoshi), and he is carrying no spare clips for it. Apart from his commlink, there's nothing worth noting on his person right now.
Infections... Mike remembered that before he got any implant, he was healthy as a bull; but afterwards, he got a strange and annoying propension on getting sick. Usually, it's nothing that bad, but even this small infection made the doctor prescribe him some rest if he wanted it to be cured in the proper time. And Mike didn't like being idle for too long.
At least, the weather was good; not too hot for June, and the sun had decided to show himself - walking the almost three hours which separated his appartment from the hospital was a good exercise, especially in this days in which he was trying to observe the medic prescription and missed jogging, sparing and all the training he usually did on his spare time. The time of the walk was also good to take a clear observation on how well the neighborhood was adapting to KE. Lone Star usually allowed a more easy time. Mike wonders if KE is just showing up their work during this first days or if they are really toughter as it's being said.
By the time he reach the hospital, his earbuds stop playing Howlin' Wolf's How Many More Years. The weather and time was not exactly fitting for blues, but hell, the song was more than a century old and it still was as good as new. With a smile in his face, the ork made a mental command and shut down the song. It was unpolite to talk to people without paying attention to them.
Hospitals are the kind of place he would never get used to. It's usually a sad place, and even worse, very controlled.
He walks in the reception, and tells the receptionist in his deep voice: "Good day, ma'am, I've got an appointment with Doctor Jerry Peton; the name is Gramarie, Thomas Gramarie. I believe I'm a little bit earlier than I should." His 'link was already broadcasting the SIN belonging to a Mister Gramarie, but he always thought it was good form to properly give his name in person. The woman face clearly showed her surprise with the ork in front of her ("This guy appears to be just out of a historical trid... nah, probably he just went out of the Matchstick's. But doesn't it open just at night? And his clear and healthy face does not appear to be of one who spend this night awake. Whatever.") But then she regained her composure and directed him to a waiting room, where he should wait to be called.
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Maria De La Vega:
"Search. Find. Look. Listen"
These were the only thoughts running in Maria's head for weeks. Finding one person in a city of 3+ million was an impossible task, more so when living in a time, where people could jump on a plane and be on the other side of the globe in hours.
And if that wasn't enough, a few weeks ago, after that bombing incident, KE started to swarm the streets (at least it felt like to her) making it harder and harder to hide her true identity. She was stopped three times already, two routine checks and once a patrolling astral presence saw her magical aura and alerted the mundane security. Her papers held out so far, but with every inspection, the chance of finding out who she was increased substantially.
People who had valuable informations also had things to hide - and the KE patrols made them more paranoid then ever. They did not respond well to Maria's questioning, because as it turned out, KE was searching for someone too. More and more doors closed before Sammy, the trail was getting colder and colder...
Currently she's sulking in a bar in Fairmount. This time her "informant" just took her money and doesn't even bothered to show up and give her some tale about Jemina. On the trid, an attractive pair of newscaters talk about "the latest" pretty loudly, but she doesn't mind sitting in front of it, in fact, it's perfect for her this way.
As always, it starts with a summary, then the average everyday and sports news, followed by the weathercast, then finally come the "big" news which everyone have been waiting for all along.
They discharged two more people from the hospital today. They were victims in the bombing incident now known as "Dirty Tuesday", but, with the sponsorship of Federated Boeing, they are now cured and can go back to their families.
Relatives of the victims involved in the big car crash one week ago plan to sue the operator company of the GridGuide system. There were 11 deaths and 10 seriously injured with more then 20 additional people needing medical assistance that night at the intersection of 99 and 526.
The joined weather cleaning operation entered into the third stage yesterday. The project between the NAN and Emerald City will clear the sky from the pollutants, drastically reducing the effects of acid rain. Manufacturers of the various clothing and chemicals that protects from the rain, stamped the project as a fraud which serves only to amuse the masses and they provide data that diminishes the efficiency the government hopes for.
In connection to this, a week from now, Paul Coal, the Executive Director of Ares' new division, the Seattle Operations moves into Seattle with his family. Exclusive report on this provided later.
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She decided to give the informant about half an hour to show up, otherwise she would be gone from here. He had her commcode, or at least one of her commcodes, so he could leave a message. She watched the trid, trying to keep herself informed of the latest issues. It happened from time to time that work of the shadowy kind was linked to news and she wanted to know up front. Also it you could never know if Jemina somehow showed up on the trid, even if it was just in a Jane Doe add from Knight Errant ('if you know this person, please tell us' kind of thing). She sipped the beer she had ordered, wanting a Revain '63, but they didn't have any wine worthy of the name in this dump. At least her magic would keep her disguised.
When the news was done she was just idly browsing the matrix, looking for something to do with the rest of her evening. Some theatre show or something, she thought after checking the movie selection and finding nothing that really interested her. theatre was considered by many a bit old fashioned, but with a bit of AR you could actually do a lot and she had thought about trying for a role at Broadway at one point. Before her life turned upside down that was. Browsing around a bit she found an amateur theatre company not far from her home doing an afternoon show with a replay of a '50s show with the profit of the show going to a local charity. That might be something, although she had to leave in 20 minutes. Well, so be it, she thought as she ordered a ticket online.
She had even managed to get back home for a quick shower before leaving for the theatre. Without disguise and dressed simply in jeans, T-shirt and jumper and her armour underneat (and coat of course, even though it was nice weather you could never be sure it stayed that way) she walked towards the location the show would be in. It turned out to be the main auditorium of a local highschool. Well, some of those were actually quite nice for these kinds of shows. she walked in and the system automatically checked her ticket and she got the AR guidebook to the play. She was quite late so she had to sit to the site, but she didn't mind. Opening the book in an AR window, she started to read until the lights went out and the play started.
carried gear at the moment:
-form-fitting half-body suit, armoured vest (can be worn under clothing without showing any bulk according to the base book)
-Ares predator (concealed, unless that's not allowed, then visible), 2 extra clips in handbag (1 with stick-n-shock)
-my foci (those will be pieces of juwelry or something simular, I'll work them out tomorrow)
-commlink of course (actually both commlinks, they aren't big, so they should fit in a handbag of some sorts)
-respirator
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Nina:
The labwork isn't done on Ravier yet, but it seems apparent that there are more then one substances involved. When she asks the nurses about the radiology patient, she learns that the surgery is already scheduled and they say something like "by a real doctor".
At 11:30, when most of the staff is on lunch break, Nina prepares to end her shift by checking on every admitted patient of hers together with her superior, Dr. Frider, to make sure there were no mistakes in the treatments. The three contaminated patients are fine so they make their way to Ravier by the elevator, going down one floor, to the second. There's only one person inside, a rather stylish ork...
Mike:
After waiting for a while, with nothing more to do but listening to blues, a nurse steps to Mike:
"I'm sorry Mr. Gramarie, Dr Peton is very busy with administration and asks you if you would mind coming to his office - he said that you are only here for your final prescription, and that he can give it to you after a verbal examination."
She then escorts him up to the office on the fifth floor, where Dr. Paton apologizes again and he asks some questions about his health, mood any remaining symptoms and such. It seems he's satisfied with Mike's answers and hands him a prescription with his last bottle of antibiotic written on it. He can get that from the hospitals pharmacy on his way out, so Mike steps into the elevator, which stops at the third floor, where a muscular ork women in scrubs and a smaller doctor in glasses with salt-and-pepper hair step in.
"Second floor please" - the doctor says.
[spoiler]I need a hearing perception test from you two against a threshold of 3[/spoiler]
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4 (Intuition) - 1 (Defaulting Perception) + 1 (Hearing enhancement) + 3 (Audio Enhancement) = 7 dice pool = 2 hits (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3353848/)
Mike felt a little dissapointed that the doctor thought he still needed a last dose of antibiotics - but at least now there was no reference to resting, which was quite good. He was planning to get back home running, as a way to compensate for the lack of exercise from last week.
Now it's just a matter of going to the pharmacy and he can forget the hospital, at least.
When the elevator stops at the third floor, "Thomas", as the others can see in his broadcasted System Identification Number, greets the people who get in, nodding to both of them.
"Good morning, sir; ma'am."
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The elevator slows down, but before it opens it's doors, Nina can hear some voices above the electrical noise and the elevator music. She cannot hear what they are saying, but the tone is angry enough to warn her a little.
When the doors open, everything seems to happen very fast and very slow at the same time. There's a woman in the nurse's uniform, a security guard whose nose is bleeding, and behind them a patient with a gun in his hand.
[spoiler]Surprise tests for everyone:
Ravier (9d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3354082/)
Nurse (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3354083/)
Sec. Guard (7d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3354084/)
Ravier INI (9d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3354220/)
Sec INI (7d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3354222/)
Nurse INI (7d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3354224/)
Nurse is actually rolling 6 dice so her INI is 6.
Sometimes it's possible that I'm going to roll for you guy in cases like this, just to speed up things, but now you can roll your own suprise tests, Nina gets +3 because of the successful perception test.[/spoiler]
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After the play, Maria finds a message in her commlink.
"Sorry I wasn't able to show up, KE is bustin' my chops! But I did find somebody who knows somebody who knows this awesome bro who can help you. He's got eyes over the city, literally everywhere and he really knows how to use 'em! Anyway, the code is here if you wanna contact him. And...thanks for the money, I hope we cool :) "
[spoiler]
At the end of the message, you do find a commcode, but nothing else. And please deduct 500 Nuyen from your account - this is the money you used up in the search so far, including this informants money. [/spoiler]
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4 (Reaction) + 4 (Intuition) = 8 dice = 3 hits (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3354151/)
I'm using the unaugmented attribute right now since Mike has not activated his Move-by-Wire system while on the hospital
4 (Reaction) + 4 (Intuition) = 8 dice = 2 hits, Initiative Score = 10 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3354152/)
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Resolve:
Surprise roll order:
Ravier
Sec. Guard
Mike
Nurse
Nina
INI order:
Ravier 13
Mike 10
Sec G. 10
Nina 8 - wired reflexes must be turned on so - 2 dice
Nurse 6
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It somehow looked like they were arguing, but as soon as the elevator door opens, the guy with the gun turns and raises his arm. He's very fast. The gun is aimed at Mike, and it looks like a taser - must be from the guard.
"Get out!" - he says with a cracking voice, somewhat loudly.
The nurse looks like she's gonna run, but then when she sees that Ravier is in control of the situation, she shushes him.
"Pipe down, will you?! Do you want everyone to come here?"
The guard just stays where he is and tries to stop his nosebleed with his sleeve.
[spoiler]All of them delaying their actions for now.
It's your turn to act.[/spoiler]
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Maria looked at the message and sighed. This change with KE would mess up business for some time to come. They would eventually settle down, but in the mean time they would have to adapt. Well, there's not time like the present, she thought as she called the number provided.
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On the other side of the aether a guy named Watchmaker answers. Apparently, he's a drone expert and knows a few people around the city. He had missing person cases before, and he's quite frank about it - "there's little chance after this much time" - he says with a sympathetic voice - "but if you're willing to try, I'm ready. Not gonna be cheap, though."
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When the elevator door opens, Mike just glimpse a gun, and the talk that's happening is enough for him to react on instinct, turning on the augmentation that boost his reflexes, as the situation calls for it.
Free action - Activate Move-by-Wire System
Other actions - delayed
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"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??? ARE YOU DEAF OR JUST A BUNCH OF IDIOTS?? GET OUT OR I SWEAR I SHOOT YOU WITH THIS UNTIL YOU'RE ROASTED LIKE A TURKEY!!!"
Ravier's nervousness (or downright nervous breakdown) is infectious, the Nurse shakes a little and glances left and right continuously and the guard steps forward to grab Nina.
"Just get out already!" - he says angrily.
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On the other side of the aether a guy named Watchmaker answers. Apparently, he's a drone expert and knows a few people around the city. He had missing person cases before, and he's quite frank about it - "there's little chance after this much time" - he says with a sympathetic voice - "but if you're willing to try, I'm ready. Not gonna be cheap, though."
"I'm sure we can work something out," Sammy said, "I want to find find my sister. But I've been ripped of too much lately, so please forgive me that I'm a bit sceptic at the moment."
She knew it would cost a lot, but she had to be careful.
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As the Move-by-Wire system activated, Mike felt the usual sensation of change in time perspection; his awareness expanding as time itself became a more manegeable resource. There was a gun pointed at him, and the guy who was holding it seemed nervous and was shouting at them.
The guy was polite enough to greet him with a gun, so a gentleman should also greet him the same way.
Quick-Draw attempt = 8 (Reaction) + 6 (Pistols) = 14 dice (Threshold 3) = 1 hit, no glitch (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3356508/)
The threshold was not achieved, so I can't fire on the same Simple Action. But as no glitch occured, the gun is readied, and I can shoot it at my next simple action.
With an astounding speed, Mike unholsters his own taser, and levels it with his eyes, aiming at the other gun. He was not fast enough to shoot it at the same time, though.
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Ravier sees the motion of Mike's hand and immediately squeezes the trigger. The dart flies out with an electric *bzzz* towards the Gentleman!
Nina's hand moves with experienced swiftness and accuracy, slapping away the guard's hands.
[spoiler]Ravier shoots (8d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3356589/)
See, Castle is bad for everyone :)[/spoiler]
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As I haven't declared full defense (and I did another action before, the quick-draw), I will roll just Reaction to the Defense Test.
Defense Test: 8 (Reaction) = 8 dice = 2 hits, no glitch (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3356599/)
Close, but no cigar, Ravier...
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"I'm sure we can work something out," Sammy said, "I want to find find my sister. But I've been ripped of too much lately, so please forgive me that I'm a bit sceptic at the moment."
She knew it would cost a lot, but she had to be careful.
"I'm sure we can work something out. Can we meet somewhere? I don't like talking about these things over the 'link. Especially because I know how many ways it can be intercepted. Sooo, you are still near the high school. How was the play? - he doesn't wait for your answer - Told you so. These suckers are so easy to track...I'll be there in ten!"
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The same fluid movement that initiated with drawing the taser and preparing to shoot also puts Mike's body a little more aligned with his arm, which makes him to be not on the direction of the dart when it was shot. The sound of it thumping on the inner wall of the elevator is enough for Mike to know that the guy really made his move.
And the Gentleman really don't like to see guns used against him. Smiling back at his assaulter, he pulls the trigger.
Simple Action - Shooting the Taser against Ravier
7 (Agility) + 6 (Pistols) + 2 (Smartlink) = 15 dice = 3 hits, no glitch (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3356538/)
It's the same roll I have made before.
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[spoiler]
Your taser doesn't have a smartgun system, but you get +2 point blank. Please guys, if you can, open the chummer file while planning an action - I need to rely on you knowing your characters a little, I cannot pay attention to every little detail. So please re-check your post, see if everything is OK before leaning back satisfied :)[/spoiler]
Ravier is very fast, but not fast enough this time. The dart catches him in the left shoulder and shocks him so badly he looses his balance and stumbles to the ground.
"No!" - the Nurse drops to her knees seemingly weeping, but then she pries the taser from Ravier's hand and shoots!
[spoiler]Mike, the threshold is 2. Please defend. The Nurses actions are spent.
Comes the guard.[/spoiler]
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8 (Reaction) - 1 (defender has defended against previous attack) = 7 dice pool = 3 hits, no glitch (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3358364/)
Once again, the shot was made, but the well-clad ork proved to be a difficult target, even at close distance. He side-stepped the bullet-way as soon as he saw the gun raising again in his direction, and by the time the trigger was pulled, he was out of the way.
But these amateurs were getting annoying.
As his attention is focused on the "shooters", Mike is only partialy aware of the fight going on in front of him. It seems as if the guard and the amerindian ork engaged in combat, but he can't tell exactly what's going on.
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The fight itself goes only for a few seconds but it seems much longer. After the missed shot, The Gentleman manages to wrestle away the taser from the nurse and subdues her (gently, I assume). The ork woman seems to be working here, but she may have come from a rougher neighborhood, because she manages to knock out the corrupt guard.
After another few seconds, Ravier starts to grunt and tries to get on his feet...
Sammy:
A few minutes later, a van pulls over and stops a few meters from her. The chauffeur seems to just sit there, not even bothering with the wheel as the van parks itself. His eyes are hazy, and you know why - he's in the matrix:
"If you can see a gray van near you, please come closer. I'll be out of the 'trix in a minute, just need to check on something. But don't try to get in yet! Outer defenses are active while I'm in VR." - you see on your commlink.
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As the Gentleman perceives that the other side of the fight (the guard and the ork woman) has also ended, he let his own taser rests in it's holster again (though he maintain the taser he just took off the nurse on his grip). Unarmed, the nurse does not seem to put much of a fight, so he proceed the point the gun she previously held to Javier
"Okay, gentlemen, I think the wrestling and shooring time is over, and an explanation is in order. I don't take lightly to be held at gunpoint, even more twice, and we are not even saying about being actually shot. Will someone be so kindly as to clear the air and explain to me what exactly is going on in here? And, I guess it goes without saying, further bickering and agression would not be appreciated nor tolerated, did I make myself clear?"
With the free hand, the smiling ork taps his clothes, in order to make the cloth straight again after the subduing maneuver. His voice tone is calm but carries in it a sense of no-nonsense, and his breathing clearly indicate he has not struggled as much as he could.
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Sammy took a closer look at the van and quickly popped into the astral to see if there was a spirit defence or a ward. She didn't think so, mostly matrix specialists were not mages, but if he was part of a team it could be. For the rest she waited, staying a bit away from the van. It made good sense to stay cautious for now.
[spoiler]
assensing of the van and the surroundings:
intuition 3 + assensing 3 =6 (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3370110/)
[/spoiler]
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As the Gentleman perceives that the other side of the fight (the guard and the ork woman) has also ended, he let his own taser rests in it's holster again (though he maintain the taser he just took off the nurse on his grip). Unarmed, the nurse does not seem to put much of a fight, so he proceed the point the gun she previously held to Javier
"Okay, gentlemen, I think the wrestling and shooring time is over, and an explanation is in order. I don't take lightly to be held at gunpoint, even more twice, and we are not even saying about being actually shot. Will someone be so kindly as to clear the air and explain to me what exactly is going on in here? And, I guess it goes without saying, further bickering and agression would not be appreciated nor tolerated, did I make myself clear?"
With the free hand, the smiling ork taps his clothes, in order to make the cloth straight again after the subduing maneuver. His voice tone is calm but carries in it a sense of no-nonsense, and his breathing clearly indicate he has not struggled as much as he could.
"Screw you!" - Ravier spits out some blood. He visibly trembles, and his skin is gray as ash. His body odor isn't so good either...to say the least.
"Yeah, screw you!" - the nurse repeats, looking at the unconscious guard. "We won't tell anything to you!"
"Maybe there is no need for that." - a weak, but steady voice from the corner of the elevator. It's the doctor who came with the nurse, and it seems he managed to stay out of sight until now (considering he was behind the two muscular orks, it wasn't that hard). - "I pressed the Panicbutton on my commlink when I saw Mr. Ravier standing in front of us. I'm sure Knight Errant will be here in a minute. I'm sure they will thank you both for what you did today. After the investigation, of course." - he also looks at the guard on the floor.
Sammy:
The van has a ward in it, and your astral senses cannot pierce it. You maybe heard about riggers using vans as moving HQ-s, and it seems he wasn't sloppy on security, be it magical or physical.
After half a minute, the door pops open and you see Watchmaker smiling in there, extending one arm to you and massaging his temple with the other.
"Sorry for that. I'm on my toes because of KE. I had to outmaneuver their patrols and checkpoints. Now I made sure we have a few minutes to talk. I'm Watchmaker, by the way. So, I hear you searching for someone? Have you got the details on you?"
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The ork didn't like being insulted, but no one was going to die today by his hands (no one was paying for a death, so why bother?). But a snake can hiss even when not intending to bite, so the Gentleman was about to make his angry face to the pair and remember them that being polite saves a lot in dental care, when the doctor interrupted him.
"Thomas" turns to him.
"That's a good thing to know, my friend. It's my opinion that a hospital should be a place with a little more order than what I had witnessed today. Would you be so kind as to introduced yourself?" - The question is directed both at the doctor and at the ork woman. - "I'm Thomas Gramarie, and I was on my way to the pharmacy."
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"I always have those details with me," Sammy said, sending a package over to his commlink. It contained the information she had so far.
"And I must say the security on your van looks excellent, even a ward. Just a small tip maybe, it's a bit too much I think. The Errants have people who can see wards just as I can, and a van with a ward is rather exceptional. They will check it out for sure. I think the best security is looking like everybody else."
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"Thomas":
At first, they look at him strangely - making small talk just after an attack from a dangerous criminal - but then their manners kick in. "I'm Dr. Frider and this is Dr. Sanches here. ....Ooo, nice to meet you."
From the direction of the nearest window, you hear some faint sound, like sirens.
Sammy:
Watchmaker just laughs, and it sounds like a bear growling. "Don't worry about me, I'm not some runner who's still wet behind the ear! I have a dozen other cars, I just need this one tonight. That's why I dodged the scanners and monitor KE radio chat constantly. As for the ward...I can quote the 4th Amendment and pray like a preacher if I must." - he roars again - "Now, about the search. I see the trail ends in Seattle. There is not much to go on..." - he talks mainly to himself and looks like he's already searching in his head. Maybe he has a 'link in there too. - "I cannot guarantee anything but that I will try my hardest. The price is twenty K, ten in advance. Other ten is when I find her, regardless of her "condition", but if she's not in the UCAS or the NAN, my chances are very slim. Still I get five if I find a solid lead to go on."
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"My pleasure." Seeing that the tension situation has ended, Mike deactivate his Move-by-Wire system with a mental command. While doing that, he keeps his hands casually hidden behind his body, as sometimes the deactivation make them twitch strangely a little.
So far, his fake SIN has stand firm all examinations, but he does not know exactly what is going on in this scene, and he thinks that a more complete verification of papers (virtual ones, that is) is in order - shooting ensuing on a hospital, not a good thing. Also, he does not want to be there to know if Knight Errand is really that tough as they say.
"Doctors, as any metahuman being, I like to be praised, but I really don't see the need; I accidently was put on an emergency situation, and I acted as I saw fit, nothing more. So I should really go back to my own bussiness, which in the current moment, is taking some antibiotics and heading home for lunch."
He mention going back to the elevator, and on the way, hands the taser he took from the nurse to the doctors: "Do you really think it's important for me to wait here for KE to be here and testify for something I have yet to understand?"
All the while, he maintains a sincere smile on his face, as a person who, despite it's hurry, wants to be polite.
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Thomas:
The question is clear on their faces (Why is he asking us this?), but this is an unusual situation and they are still confused.
"I don't know. Maybe. I mean you don't have to, we aren't going to insist, if you don't want to, but I think the officers will want to question you....about this. Maybe if you leave your contact information, they can get in touch with you, if you have some urgent business." - he points to the scene where Ravier sits with the nurse and they are giving them some serious stink-eye.
Meanwhile, heads are appearing, somebody gasps, people start running around and it's getting crowdy - seems the news about the fight in this floor is spreading.
[spoiler]From the sounds outside, you guess you have about sixty seconds before KE is in the building, so you cannot chat any more, you have to decide if you are staying or leaving.[/spoiler]
-
It does not seem they will let him go without a little chat, as it seems. Well, just exiting the scene now that the police is coming up would not do Mike any good; it would only make his presence and actuation there more suspicious, if he cannot leave without giving them information on him. And, after all, he has already provided his name, and the hospital schedule systems would report that someone bearing this SIN really had an appointment here and would give his information. As it goes, the best course of action is to answer the questions the police will want.
"Hm... okay. Well, I guess I will wait for them, so. I don't have a real urgent bussiness; the only thing is that I'd rather be home taking care of my own health. But I think I can spare half an hour here. This way I will at least understand what was this all about."
-
"In principle I can agree," Sammy said to the man, "There is however one problem. I don't have 10K, let alone 20."
She made a mental note to have a look at this Watchmaker, see if she could find something about him. She could do this while she tried to get the money.
-
Sammy:
"Hmm. I see. Well, that's a problem, a big problem I would say." - but his face says otherwise. It looks like if he's in a poker game and he has just made his opening bet. - "There could be a solution, though. I must admit this isn't the first time I've heard about you, and I've already admitted I'm good at finding and watching people. I happen to know your real name Maria and I really admire your work. The way you slew the Ultimate Dragon King in "Dragons in the mist" really moved me. And I hear you are not lost outside the set either - I mean it's not easy to search for your sister alone while dodging KE, your fans and most importantly, finding me was a feat alone. Yes, I've helped a little, but I think a person with your skills could find some very gainful work in Seattle. Or the work can find you, as it happens, and from the profits, you could afford the search for your sister. It's a full circle. Are you getting interested?"
-
Thomas:
The sirens go silent as they arrive. It takes some time for them to arrive to the correct floor. The first responders are two KE officers, an ork and a troll. An odd pair. They approach carefully, covering each other.
"Drop your weapons! Face to the floor! All of you, now!" - after they comply, comes the pat down, securing of weapons (they take your taser as evidence) and arms. They make all of them sit comfortably, back to the wall and throughly question and verify them. The Gentleman's SIN holds (at least it looks like that). They take down the restraints and ask the three "witnesses" to come with them to the station to record their statements. They assure everybody that it wouldn't take more than half an hour.
-
The Gentleman complies with all the orders, and agree to go to their station to record his statement. During all the endeavor, he maintain a cool resolve, all the while wondering what really is happening. While giving his taser away as evidence, the Gentleman asks (or try to observe the SINs broadcast by the guards) the names of the officers who are taking care of the whole situation. He keeps calm and waits for this all to end.
-
Sammy thought about it. She didn't know him and while she had worked for unknowns before, it always made her a bit uneasy. But what choice did she have. If she wanted to find her sister, she needed the money. And she could always start and try to find more information about him.
"Yeah, sure," she said, "but not too flashy if possible. I'd rather not start throwing fireballs in the needle, for instance."
-
(from now on, I may alternate between "him" and "you" sometimes, both is used to talk about the character)
You get a nice waiting room, private, door unlocked, but with a guard outside. You suspect it's also used for interrogations because of the "mirror wall" in front of you. You wait for what seems like forever, certainly more than half an hour. In the meantime you can observe people coming and going outside, since the shutters are up and the room has windows looking to the corridor where you were brought in. Enough time elapses to make you concerned, but you cannot do anything since you are in the middle of a KE station.
Just seconds before you decide to step out and ask the guard or do something about your situation, Officer Franks comes in with two cups of coffee and a bagged sandwich in his hands. He's the dwarf who brought you in. He apologizes and gives you the beverage, but not the sandwich, he places that on the table, then activates the built-in holo projector and goes through your written statement, asking questions about minor details. It all seems like a routine procedure, yet you have a hard time concentrating, because you sense something is not all right. Something the way he talks, or the way he looks at you, you are not certain.
After you are finished, he asks for just one more moment of your time and steps outside. You can hear him opening the door next to this room, most likely behind the mirror, but you cannot see anything but your own reflection.
Meanwhile that sandwich is just sitting there while your stomach growls like a lion and your blood sugar is down in the basement (even the coffe lacked sugar, but it boosted your metabolism - now your nerves are in overdrive, hands shaking, move-by-wire is close to activation)
[spoiler]You can make a composure -1 check with a threshold 2 to hold it together or you can just loose it - RP as you desire[/spoiler]
-
4 (Charisma) + 4 (Willpower) - 1 (modifier) = 7 dice = 3 hits, no glitch (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3373945/)
Threshold 2; Test passed
Mike was annoyed. Really annoyed. And now it was starting to show, since he wanted these guys to know they are annoying a law-abiding citizen (at least, that's the role he is playing right now, isn't it). He takes his pocket watch once or twice and check the time, and sighs looking at the mirror.
"I know you are there, looking at me with your staring eyes. But you can't crack me, tin men." The Gentleman thinks. If they want to play this game, well, they choose the wrong player. They are taking too much time, so this can only mean they suspect something but can't really put their finger in anything. So he is winning; they don't know who he is. Maybe it's just prejudice against orks, or his figure is really making some eyebrows raise... anyway, they don't know who he is, otherwise, this would not take so long.
He leaves the sandwich alone. His hunger can wait. But his gentleman manners will not. And a gentleman must know how to ennerve people even when being completely polite.
-
Sammy thought about it. She didn't know him and while she had worked for unknowns before, it always made her a bit uneasy. But what choice did she have. If she wanted to find her sister, she needed the money. And she could always start and try to find more information about him.
"Yeah, sure," she said, "but not too flashy if possible. I'd rather not start throwing fireballs in the needle, for instance."
"Don't worry, it's nothing like that. In fact, it's just an opportunity, not even a real job. I'm just the middle man, looking for talent, and that you got, I can vouch for that. You may prove as useful to me as I will to you - you just have to be here Wednesday morning eight am. sharp. Normally, I would charge an intermediary fee for this, but I'll let it go if you do me a little favor. I have an associate whom I would like to push a little - she's not so good with people and I think she could learn a thing or two from you. She's good with drones...among other things, and she's certainly not a burden, if you get what I mean, so I would appreciate if you could take her under your angel-like wings." - he smiles at you with 32 teeth, clearly wanting to flatter you.
(You can accept or object or comment here.)
If you do the favor:
"Awesome! Thank you! In the meantime, I'll devote some time to the search, but I'll hold onto it until you've paid me my ten K.. Now I'm afraid our time is up, I have to be somewhere else in ten. It was a pleasure meeting you, my dear, and don't forget to mention that I've sent you. Oh and the codeword is "CROWFEAST". You have my number if you need anything, I'll even throw in a "star" discount, just for you! Byebye!" - and with this, he gently pushes you from the van and takes off with haste.
-
4 (Charisma) + 4 (Willpower) - 1 (modifier) = 7 dice = 3 hits, no glitch (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3373945/)
Threshold 2; Test passed
Mike was annoyed. Really annoyed. And now it was starting to show, since he wanted these guys to know they are annoying a law-abiding citizen (at least, that's the role he is playing right now, isn't it). He takes his pocket watch once or twice and check the time, and sighs looking at the mirror.
"I know you are there, looking at me with your staring eyes. But you can't crack me, tin men." The Gentleman thinks. If they want to play this game, well, they choose the wrong player. They are taking too much time, so this can only mean they suspect something but can't really put their finger in anything. So he is winning; they don't know who he is. Maybe it's just prejudice against orks, or his figure is really making some eyebrows raise... anyway, they don't know who he is, otherwise, this would not take so long.
He leaves the sandwich alone. His hunger can wait. But his gentleman manners will not. And a gentleman must know how to ennerve people even when being completely polite.
Franks comes back in less than a minute. It's fortunate that The Gentleman's nerves are made of steel, otherwise this could have been an ugly episode. But he was true to his nature and he thinks he can see a trickle of respect in the dwarf's eyes.
"I just turned off surveillance" - he starts in medias res - "so we have to be quick." - he opens the bag and pushes the sandwich to you. "Eat, I know you are hungry and this is not the time for questions." - as he extends his arm, you can see how muscular it is. You may be in trouble in a wrestling match against him. "Your fake SIN failed, although it took some time even for the top gear to crunch it. I know you are not G, Thomas UCAS citizen." - he holds up his palm to stop you - "I said no questions, Mike. Or Jhon. I have some connections, above and under ground and some of them recognized your face. Don't worry, if I've wanted to bust you, you would already be in a cozy cell. I deleted the search and anything else in the database that can lead to you. But I have a copy, just in case, and since you are known on the street as a reasonable man, you must know that I don't intend to part with it without you doing something for me. When you get back your 'link, you'll find an address in there, along a commcode. The latter is mine, and be at the former at 8 o'clock, Wednesday. Tell them Ironfist sent you and the word is "EAGLESORE". Do this right, and I even sell you back your anonymity. Wrong me, and you find yourself with a useless fake SIN and a very dangerous criminal SIN attached to your biodata. Do we have an understanding, Gentleman?"
-
That was unexpected...
While savouring the sandwich, the Gentleman ponders on the dwarf's words. That's not the way he like his deals, but as it seems, there nothing he can do. Better to expect the little tought guy to be a man of words. For all that mattered, this could be an ambush... when you off as many people as the Gentleman had done, people tend to want your body to also be in the cold slab, and not just in prison.
But that's a problem for Wednesday, at 8 o' clock. Right now, he need to trust this Frank.
When Gentleman John finished his sandwich, Frank had finished his talking. The ork extended his hand for the dwarf to shake.
"You seem to be a reasonable man, Frank. I may not appreciate the situation I'm in, but I recognize you just made me a favour, and I'll be damned if I don't know how to pay it back. Yes, we have an agreement, Frank."
He's seeming is fierce and tense, but he talks with centainty and a voice tone full of resolve.
-
The dwarf has a though handshake, and he looks straight into the Gentleman's eyes. Those are telling him, that this Franks is either a straight shooter or a very good actor.
He then accompanies Mike and let's him go free.
"Just don't forget to be there! If the drek hits the fan, call me on that number - but don't expect me to get you out from a cell again! Oh, and if a raging addict asks you at gunpoint to step out from an elevator, you better do it. Next time you may not be so lucky and it's just not worth it, if you know what I mean!"
-
The Gentleman shoots a smile back. One that clearly has a message of "I can take care of myself, and will take this as a joke, buddy" written all over it.
Then he heads back to the hospital, since he still has to take his antibiotics...
After everything is sorted out, the Gentleman heads straight home, where he will clean and verify all his weapons again. As things are building themselves up, they will clearly be put to use in a very close future.
-
"Don't worry, it's nothing like that. In fact, it's just an opportunity, not even a real job. I'm just the middle man, looking for talent, and that you got, I can vouch for that. You may prove as useful to me as I will to you - you just have to be here Wednesday morning eight am. sharp. Normally, I would charge an intermediary fee for this, but I'll let it go if you do me a little favor. I have an associate whom I would like to push a little - she's not so good with people and I think she could learn a thing or two from you. She's good with drones...among other things, and she's certainly not a burden, if you get what I mean, so I would appreciate if you could take her under your angel-like wings." - he smiles at you with 32 teeth, clearly wanting to flatter you.
She rolled her eyes behind the goggles she wore. But at least that didn't seem so difficult. There would be a catch of course, there always was one, but for now she could agree. The only problem would be to get out of bed in time to be here on time, but that was a small sacrifice to make.
"That's acceptable," she said.
"Awesome! Thank you! In the meantime, I'll devote some time to the search, but I'll hold onto it until you've paid me my ten K.. Now I'm afraid our time is up, I have to be somewhere else in ten. It was a pleasure meeting you, my dear, and don't forget to mention that I've sent you. Oh and the codeword is "CROWFEAST". You have my number if you need anything, I'll even throw in a "star" discount, just for you! Byebye!" - and with this, he gently pushes you from the van and takes off with haste.
'Crowfeast,' she muttered when he had gone. Well, at least it wasn't swordfish. She went back home to see if her brother had already done the studying he had promised he would do. Probably not, she assumed, but then again she had never been the most studious of people either. Only he wouldn't get the break she had gotten, so he needed something else to fall back on.
-
Arriving back home, the Gentleman took a glass of water and swallowed the pills he had to, marking in the clock of his 'link what time he did it and marking an alarm to remind him when the time of the next dose comes. Then he programmed his CHN to shoot some good music while he made his preparations.
Sitting on his bed, the Gentleman took "the girls" (as he calls his trusty firearms) and put them besides him, taking one at a time for a complete revision.
He took Marcelle and felt her weight again. There has been some time since they went on for a walk or to work on some subject together, he could feel the jealousy that this special and silent girl was feeling. He attached the silencer on it just to see if the attachement system got any dents, and perceive everything was still perfect. He changed hands, tested her grip with both the left and right one, and then loaded it with a clip of the "killing ones". It felt right, and a mental command made the smartlink system eject the clip. He tried on it a clip of the "pacifier ones". It was also right. He didn't know exactly how everything was going to be this time, so he verified how many clips he had and how much ammo he could still use. For Marcelle, he prepared two clips of the pacifier ones and one of the killing ones. He counted the spare bullets, and decided he still got plenty (20 of the stick-and-shock ammunition and 25 of the ex-explosive ones).
When he let Marcelle rest, he took Asuka. His japanese girl was a real lady: not so discrete as the french girl, but still not as prone to make a show of herself without a need. He opened the muzzle-loader, and after cleaning it (without a need, as the weapon was already pristine clean), he took four of the killing bullets in it. The japanese didn't like taking target's alive; she was real killer, precise and lethal. He aimed at different points of the appartment with her, seeing how fast his reflexes still were. And felt satisfied. They still made a good dance pair. He left her in his lap for a little while, during which he took another twenty bullets and also put them in the muzzle. He was almost out of bullets, but she wasn't yet filled out. Then he returned her to her seat, after thanking her for the short dance.
Myoshi was the next. He took her from the holster, where she spend most of her time. That little one has no problem with cops, even though today they let them apart for so long. He had no need to test anything on the taser, so mostly he just thanked her for the help today, and filled it's clip with another dart to replace the one that was shot. And filled two additional clips, just in case.
Lastly, he called in Audrey. Audrey was... different. A simple yet elegant and refined girl when she prepared herself, he felt gladly her weight against his wrist; he knew she enjoyed being put to use, but was an exigent one: only for the special occasions. Would this be one? Well, he could know yet, but it was nice to think about; a new chance to take her for a date. It could be just imagination, but the Gentleman was feeling a smell of ozone coming out of Audrey, a sign of antecipation, and omen of excitement. It was enough, he knew he was really in love with this girl, and that it's difficult to really diferentiate the times in which she was his best bet or was just what he wanted to use. He walked along the apartment with Audrey in the holster, practising some dance-maneuvers: quick-draw, rapid change of targets, hand-swapping, etc. When he felt satisfied and the music was not the proper one for a lady like her anymore, he sit back on his bed and loaded two additional clips with pacifiers bullets and three other with killing ones. She was already loaded up with one with SnS rounds. Then he put his last girl back on her resting place.
"Guess that's it for today, girls. But on wednesday, we take a little walk."
Then he verified his grenades again; those were just tools, so he needed not care that much on how to approach them; he re-organized them (not that they weren't organized yet, but it was really useful to take the one you really wanted when needed; nothing worse than tossing a flash-bang when you think it's a smoke grenade), and thought if they would be really necessary... It was more difficult to conceal grenades, and Knight Errand was really being a pain to avoid - today was a remarkable example.
After a little rest, he checked the adress which was left on his commlink, and checked in the Seattle mapsoft he had where exactly it was. Then he stretched back on bed, resting a little. He would go out for a beer today, but he was in his last day of antibiotics; better to postpone it to after the favor, or job, or whatever will be expecting him on Wednesday, 8 o' clock.
-
Sharp:
The Monday morning finds her tinkering, as always, but this time it's not the good kind of experimenting with machines or living things, it's the bad kind of repairing what was in good shape before. It's annoying (she observed that all things break or malfunction over time) because her body just repairs itself if something happens to it, and that is much more efficient than what others do - waiting or just failing completely.
Yesterday, that annoying AI, Robbert somehow managed to get into one of the security drones and started a commotion, shooting around aimlessly. She doesn't know if because of that or the other way around, but a couple of thugs tried to rob her house in the same night. They managed to get past security, but her biodrones alerted her and she managed to overcome them - she was hurt pretty badly, but she has never found anything until this point that could hurt her permanently. This couldn't be said about the thugs - half a ton of concrete and they suffer a fatal malfunction.
So her Monday went on with getting rid of the bodies, patching up the building and the Doberman. At night, her only contact with the outside world called, Watchmaker. His persona, a guy in a Big Ben costume, smiled broadly:
"Hi deary! Listen, I haven't got much time, but I have some fantastic news for you! Not only I've found you a perfect, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but I also coerced a famous actress to help you with your "people problem"! She's really great and agreed to let you accompany her - if you watch how she talks to people and how she wraps them around' I bet you can learn a trick or two! And while on this, you can let loose those little friends of yours, maybe even get some new ones from the money you get. Your first job won't gonna be a get rich scheme, especially when we deduct my twenty percent cut from it, but if you do good, you can make it into Gordon Samson's team. He's a big player, and don't tell anyone I've told you this, but he suffered some losses and is looking for a few talented individuals to replace one of his Seattle teams. That's right, teams, because he's that big of a player, he can afford to keep up and manage a whole bunch of shadowrunners to do as he bids! And I happen to know that he pays generously...if you don't disappoint him. So, do you want to go out there and make me proud, sweetie?"
[spoiler]Robbert managed to dent the house a little - it won't cost you money to repair, but the 30 rounds he shot is gone unfortunately. The thugs didn't have any valuable left after the concrete shower except a remington roomsweeper with 6 flechette ammo (2 was in or around you) - their leader dropped it before he was crushed.[/spoiler]
-
So her Monday went on with getting rid of the bodies, patching up the building and the Doberman. At night, her only contact with the outside world called, Watchmaker. His persona, a guy in a Big Ben costume, smiled broadly:
"Hi deary! Listen, I haven't got much time, but I have some fantastic news for you! Not only I've found you a perfect, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but I also coerced a famous actress to help you with your "people problem"! She's really great and agreed to let you accompany her - if you watch how she talks to people and how she wraps them around' I bet you can learn a trick or two! And while on this, you can let loose those little friends of yours, maybe even get some new ones from the money you get. Your first job won't gonna be a get rich scheme, especially when we deduct my twenty percent cut from it, but if you do good, you can make it into Gordon Samson's team. He's a big player, and don't tell anyone I've told you this, but he suffered some losses and is looking for a few talented individuals to replace one of his Seattle teams. That's right, teams, because he's that big of a player, he can afford to keep up and manage a whole bunch of shadowrunners to do as he bids! And I happen to know that he pays generously...if you don't disappoint him. So, do you want to go out there and make me proud, sweetie?"
"You know, if you had not helped me to get where i am now, I would most likely still be taking apart children toys with my bare hands. If you need my help or you think i should do it, i will trust you, but do i really have to work with others? You know how i get when i get in Public and this friend of yours who is supposed to help me, you sure i would need to follow her? you know i would not really want to, but you keep referring to it as a "People problem"
About this Gordon Samson's Team - Do i really have to? OK, coming back to my Problem i think. But, i am not even sure i can make it trough one of your so called runs, but you are putting me already in a team. "
-
"Oh, sweetie, you know I would like nothing less than just ease you into these situations, but a man must work to provide, so I don't have that much free time on me. Besides, this is how things work in our world - you know, actually the shadow business is a lot like what is going out there in Mother Nature. Kill or be killed, the stronger must survive, dive or die..This is how mama birds teach the little ones to fly too! So I say, jump out from the nest, keep your eyes open and your mouth shut when it's possible, and you get the hang of it no time! What do you have to loose? But it's your choice, they are expecting you at the corner of Rockefeller Ave and 21st, July 10 8 a.m. sharp! Ha, did you get that? Say the word "CROWFEAST" and you are on your way! And don't forget to meet with the actress! I think she goes by the name Sammy nowdays. Now I have to go, good luck!"
-
"Oh, sweetie, you know I would like nothing less than just ease you into these situations, but a man must work to provide, so I don't have that much free time on me. Besides, this is how things work in our world - you know, actually the shadow business is a lot like what is going out there in Mother Nature. Kill or be killed, the stronger must survive, dive or die..This is how mama birds teach the little ones to fly too! So I say, jump out from the nest, keep your eyes open and your mouth shut when it's possible, and you get the hang of it no time! What do you have to loose? But it's your choice, they are expecting you at the corner of Rockefeller Ave and 21st, July 10 8 a.m. sharp! Ha, did you get that? Say the word "CROWFEAST" and you are on your way! And don't forget to meet with the actress! I think she goes by the name Sammy nowdays. Now I have to go, good luck!"
"Where do i meet this Sammy character?And good luck, come visit again some time, and bring something to sooth the AI he went breaker today again." there was no answer. Typical Watchmaker, rushing toward the next thing on his list with no consideration on what is left undone here. Sharp laughed at that, he was the only one who had made time for her, you could say nursed her in the human and technological world. Many times she had been wondering why did he make so much time to help her.
Looking back at the Day Sharp could not wonder how the hell the AI had got into the drone, it's wireless reliever was and he worked on voice commands only. Did the AI imitate Sharps voice and gave the drone a command to change wireless settings? There where no speakers around the place where the drone was patrolling.
Meeting new people has always been hard for sharp, so she felt agitated, and the only thing she knew what would calm her was to take a few circles over the Lake.
While circling she notices a couple of hermits on the small island and lands to watch them. The elderly man is teaching an apprentice as it seems, at least that is what sharp sees, it reminds her how Watchmaker used to help her out with the first few repairs, how he thought her to use instruments instead of her hands, and how shocked he was to see her gift - magic he called it. that was a fun time, she recalled. Then she went back to watching the couple on the island. they were Magic users, she was not really sure if they had the gift she had or there would be many different gifts that are called magic but it kept her interested.
"No, you can not learn this spell yet. You do not have a Lodge, without one you will have it very hard to learn it if not impossible!"
That reminded Sharp that Watchmaker had surprised her with some books and a whole bag of other things, he had said that it's for her Lodge, but the concept of Lodges was not one she could grasp, so she kept listening. the youngster was real pain in the Cloaca. he pressed the old man to teach him the spell that would help him to protect himself, it was sure that he had been beaten, it was visible, but the old main constantly said no, but in the end gave in. They spent the whole evening making the lodge in a small hut on the island.
For Sharp it was double so interesting, she could learn about magic and about social things. she even noticed how they started to learn a gift the bugs they tested it on were not moving any more after the boy spoke the words. interesting, Sharp thought that this kind of Gift would have come in handy when the bandits were trying to steal her tools. good that her rat had called her, just a bit sorry the it got hurt a bit by the Evil man who stepped on it's tail.
Sharp was confidant to learn this gift, she looked at it diligently and tried to see how the old man does it, she even transformed to a human for and tried to imitate it, when she had the first success she almost feel of the branch she was standing on, but she knew she could do it, she kept on practising until she too could stun the bugs on the tree she was standing.
Happy about what she had learned she returned to the Ranch, Robbert, the local AI had used her soy-dispenser to fill half of the Kitchen floor with the mash, but she was to tired to care, and tomorrow she would go on to the Run, God forbid she would not do good, would Watchmaker ever again speak to her?
-
After her meeting, Maria had gone back home. Rodrigo wasn't there, but he had left a message that we was going out with some friends. As they just had finished their last exam, she didn't mind that he blew off some steam. She could use the time to finally see some trid she had downloaded a week ago. She had just finished when she got a commcall.
"Miss De la Vega," she heard and the persona logo she saw was one of a Knight Errant officer, "I'm officer Brandon and I think I have your brother in custody."
"What has he done," Maria asked.
"Drunk and disorderly behaviour," the officer said, "we arrested him in a barfight."
"How long are you going to hold him," Maria asked.
"Normally until tomorrow morning when he's sober," the officer replied, "so we can take his statement."
"I'll be there around 10 to pick him up, is that ok," she asked.
"That would be fine, miss," officer Brandon replied.
The following day at 10 she was at the local Knight Errant office going through all the paperwork and given one or two extra autographs. As it was just a drunken brawl without anybody wounded beyond some bruises and no damage to the bar except some broken glasses and bottles, he could go with only a reprimand and a 500 nuyen fine. On the way back they rode the bus in silence, but as soon as they were home, she simply had to say something.
"Why did you have to fight," she asked.
"I don't know, sis," Rodrigo said, "we were just having a few and they started to insult us. One thing led to another and before we knew it, blows were traded."
"You should know better," Maria replied, "well, I hope you like spending your first week of vacation indoors, because you will be."
"Aww, c'mon," he said.
"No, you should learn," Maria said, "and next time I leave you with Knight Errant for a couple of days."
"Why is this any different from what you do," he said, "you fight as well."
"I fight if I have to to feed and cloth you," Maria replied, "and nothing else. You stay here for a week and that's the end of it and that means no VR bars either. And now sush, I have work to do."
She spent the rest of the day trying to find information on this Watchmaker, but didn't found all that much. Rodrigo spent most of his day in his room, probably playing games, she thought. Well, let him for now.
The following day she left early. Rodrigo was still in bed, but she had to leave early if she was to reach the agreed spot in time.
-
Wednesday morning comes surprisingly soon. Everyone's headed to the corner of Rockefeller Ave and 21st. The area seems unnaturally quiet, the more perceptive characters can note the absence of patrols (both drones and cars) the lessened traffic and the movement on some of the roofs close to the corner. That's why the pair of jets swooping over the city scares you guys, but it's just the weather cleaning and it's been going on for days. After the change of pants, they are greeted immediately on arrival by two beautiful woman in front of a...not so attractive house.
It looks like it was built before the last recess in the style of "classic-something". It's a three-story, inner courtyard "small family home" most likely inhabited by equal quantities of homeless and rats by the looks of it. On the outside.
Inside, it's a whole other story. The rusty outer door hides a second, much more durable one and both lead to a stairway and up to the second floor. On the left and right, there are guards standing, smiling politely, keeping watch on the corridors leading to the first floor's rooms. The stairway is marble, the lighting is warm and the walls and ceiling is richly decorated. It looks like an archway, leading to heaven, but the cameras and detectors are still visible for those who are searching for it. Obviously, they could have hidden it in the ornaments with little effort - the fact that they didn't is a message.
The stairs lead to a pretty big hall, with red carpet, soft chairs, pillows and sofas. Everything is red or pink or bourdon and the multiple doors, heavy curtains plus the layout strikes an image that this may be a very exclusive "disorderly house".
Anyone entering is asked to take down the shoes, and those who were unprofessional enough (very few) to bring more then the basic self-defense weapons is asked to hand them to the gentleman waiting there...
[spoiler]You should make your way here, you can meet with each other (of course you will meet with other strangers too) and we continue when everyone is "in".[/spoiler]
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While walking towards the building entry, the Gentleman does not show the uneasiness he feels about this. That's not how a deal is made, and he still thinks this could all be just an ambush. In order to be prepared, while approaching, he turns on his Move-by-Wire system.
Last day, he tried making some questions about the address, but he could find no information whitout revealing his interest in it; and that was a bet he didn't want to make. So here he is, trying to be prepared for the unexpected, and hoping that the dwarf can be trusted. But trust is a rare thing this days, and to survive in the shadows, it's better to be safe than sorry...
The ork walks into the building, and appreciate the decoration. Not exactly his thing, but there's plenty of effort in building some ambience in here; an ambience which can appeal to some aesthetics while at the same time clearly put on the table what ind of ettiquete is expected here.
When he look at the cameras and sensors, he think twice before risking any funny thing. Beneath his coat, there are two weapons hidden; Myoshi, his trusty and everytday taser, and Marcelle, the silent girl. He trust that he had hidden the latter well enough that most checks would caught her, and herself is pretty effective in avoiding scanners, but was it worth the risk... He deemed that it was, and when asked about guns, he presented the taser, hoping that the other pistol would pass out undetected. After all, this could still be an ambush. And the Gentleman don't like to part with his guns.
Gentleman John is wearing his complete armor set (which appears to be just his regular suit and coat); he wears his sensor equipment (trode net in the hat, contact glasses and earbuds). He carries only two weapons at the time; Miyoshi (Yamaha Pulsar) and Marcelle (Morrissey Élan), the latter is loaded with Stick-'n-Shock bullets. An additional spare clip for each are concealed in his clothes.
If I need to make a palming test to mantain Marcelle hidden, call for it.
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... corner of Rockefeller Ave and 21st? where the hell is that? ... Sharp was in dismay, she had scouted the area in her natural form and found everything, but now down here everything looked different. It took much longer then expected to find the place and in the end it was just thanks to a tower, the Sharp could climb, that she found it. And she got there only half a minute before the set time, good that she had planned an extra hour. As she steped into the much too silent crossroad she was greeted by two metahuman females, the reeked of cosmetics and different other aroma substances, sharp had never understood this, ... are they too afraid to let others smell the real them? do they think that they are so ill and old and what not that they have to hide their natural smell? From the looks, not, but you never know, looks is not everything ...
Sharp was about to say her name and state her biz as the two jets swooped over. This scared Sharp, even more then just the sudden sound, the jets themselves or mechanic birds as Sharp used to call them in her childhood, were the main reason Sharp was scared. There were no stories what happens to birds that are hit by one of these, not because it never happens, but because no one ever lives to tell the story. it was only natural that Sharp followed her instincts and Rolled down preparing to Use her gift, if they would come her way, she would be ready. But they never returned, must have not noticed her down here.
As Sharp got back up, the two Females were frightened, you could smell it, even trough all of the cosmetic stuff, so Sharp did not bother with introductions and handshakes, witch, Watchmaker had told her, were the polite thing to do and went into the building.
The building was nothing Special, at least in Sharps eyes, there were no technological marvels to see, the standart security equipment and that's about it.
As sharp was asked to leave the shoes outside she asked if she could strip to feel more comfortabele, but seeing the suprise in the eys of the guards and the other people she quickly added " Joking, just joking."
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I thought it's nice to describe what the other character's will see when they meet Gentleman John, so here's a brief description of how he is presenting himself on this meeting:
There's an ork there which is a little too well-groomed to be your average ork: his facial features are strong, but are more on the "sharp" side than the brute side. If you are into orks, you could say the guy is quite handsome. His demeanor and stance is that of a resolute and secure person, as a well-fed predator: not a threat, yet not someone you would want to have in your bad side. Besides that, the guy reeks of politeness.
He is currently clad in some well-made chalk-stripped dark suit. All the pieces fi perfectly with the others, even though the cut may seem a little old-fashioned, as if his style has come and gone a long time ago. In his left arm he carries an expensive matching overcoat.
One who look at this guy inside the house where the meeting was arrange would immediatelly recognize the large and well-waxed shoes outside as his. It's a perfect match to the rest of the outfit. The socks are the same color of the suit, although without the characteristic chalk-stripes, and seem to be of a more rough material than the expected fine silk (they are still appropriate, though). In fact, they are part of his Form-Fitting Armor, but they pass well as regular socks (as the noticeably gloves; not entirely fitting, but not innapropriate ones). Depending on how he feels the ettiquete requires, he may be with his hat on or not. If the case is negative, his trodes will be noticeable on his recending hair, and are of a "vintage" look, trying to show themselves as appropriate for a "noir look", as seem in trids.
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As they hadn't mentioned any clothing requirements and she didn't have anything but the address to go on, Sammy had opted for some non-descript street clothes. The sort that wouldn't make you noticable just about anywhere in Seattle, except maybe the highest and lowest class neighbourhoods. She had also put on her form-fitting armour and armoured vest, just to be sure. She was also disguised, again with a spell and she had some stuff in a backpack. With the backpack and the disguise she looked like one of the thousand of students on their way from or to college. With her goggles on she was fairly certain she wouldn't be recognised. As for weapons she had only her taser and pistol with her, the katana staying home for now.
When she arrived at the address, she spotted the house and the two women. She quickly popped into the astral to check out the place, looking for wards and such, before entering. She put her shoes, simple but durable sneakers, where she was asked to put them and she moved upstairs, dropping the spell of her disguise as she went. Okay, she thought as she arrived on the indicated floor, strange decorations, but like they say in French 'les gouts et les couleurs ne se discutent pas', which exhausted her knowledge of French.
[spoiler]
physical mask force 3 (in sustaining focus)
magic 5 + spellcasting 5 + illusion specialisation 2 =12 (12d6.hits(5) =3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3386357/)
drain 3: logic 4 + willpower 4 =8 (8d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3386358/)
1 stun damage
assensing (building + 2 women in front)
intuition 4 + assensing 3 =7 (7d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3386366/)
[/spoiler]
a bit on her looks and dress:
She's dressed in casual clothes: a black form-hugging jeans, white t-shirt and over that a loose fitting shirt. She also wears a vest, looks leather. She's quite good looking and you probably know her. OK, maybe not Sharp, but gentleman surely.
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As you step in to the main room, after the check-up, you immediately notice the change. Aside from the red everywhere, the people change too, from mostly buff male guards to attractive female "companions". They are dressed in different style from neo-asian to native american, but they are all elves and humans - no exceptions. They are talking, reading (you notice real books here and there) or just sitting, watching the "guests". As soon as someone is given the go, one of them steps right to them, and after the greeting and name-changing, they escort you to one of the private sections. They are very polite and very...definite, accustomed to "handling" people, chatting lightly while they are guiding you.
For Sharp, it's a nightmare. First, as a dual-natured being, she immediately notices several watcher spirits in a form of little creatures, birds, squirrels, butterflies (same for Sammy, just for her, it's an instant) and what's worse, they notice her too. They immediately get both in their faces, repeating the same phrase "no peeking!" over and over. It's very hard to concentrate like this, so she accidentally breaks a vase, then steps on the toes of her girl, Lisa. It's fortunate that she didn't forget to take her shoes off... And the smells! If the two women were "bad", this room is filled with exotic aromas, perfumes, and scented candles.
(the Gentleman arrived first, so he's in his room by now, but Sammy could hear the commotion behind her and can turn back...)
For the Gentleman and Sammy, this is a very pleasurable experience, they get Veronica and Florine respectively, then escorted to a little room where they find a simple tablet with many questions in it. It's mostly a psychological evaluation and a "brag sheet" combined, asking about your past, skills, age, and such, all answers are skip-able. When you are done, you are asked to wait a little until someone comes for you.
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The Gentleman was quite pleased by the way things were going. It was strange, that's for sure, but he was having a ball. His only concern was if it was all a device to make him lower his guard... which he wouldn't do. At least, he could mantain Marcelle hidden.
As Veronica took him to the waiting room, he treated her with all the chivalry one could do; he could notice her expression of amusement: not only this kind of corteous treatment was not asked and was really something rare in these parts, he was also an ork... "John" has not seem a single ork in the building, which was not exactly a good sign, but so far people didn't treat him as a stranger. Was this because of his manners or because of their knowledge of his value? He couldn't say, but he made a mental note on it.
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'A questionnaire,' Sammy thought as she was brought into a room, 'the first time I've ever had to fill out a questionnaire.'
She knew that they would know a lot about her, one of the disadvantages of being famous, so she replied on those questions truthfully. While doing this she was wondering what would come out of this if they would do it for the entire runner scene of Seattle. Althouh a couple would probably first have to learn how to read and write.
She skips only the questions of intimite nature, should there be any. The questions on past runner work she stays vague, questions on past life which has been out on the trid she answers as she knows they know it already.