Shadowrun

Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: gilga on <08-21-15/0548:00>

Title: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-21-15/0548:00>
Monday 23, December 2075, 4:50 am.


Athos receives a phone call, not just ‘a phone call’ but the ‘phone call’ from Valentina Fingian. The ‘phone call’ is the initiation rite of the Mafia. Please Valentina and you get to become more than a made man, you get to become family and wear the Fingian name. This privilege has lifestyle and perks that follow with it but the main deal is not even the money. It is about pride, a sense of belonging, of being part of the family.  You are invited to family events,  the senior  members know your name and face. Most importantly, you are no longer a henchman but an asset.

For the vast majority of Mafia members this opportunity never presents itself. The ugly truth is that talent is rare in the Mafia as it is anywhere else. Most of the members spend their entire life doing drek jobs or paying for the crimes of the family.  Family members are expected of a very strict code of honor, they never say a single word to law enforcement and never use their help. Even if what they are doing is completely legal - a member of the family will never defend himself to the law. However, not every Mafia member is family and although family do nothing at all to defend themselves, lower level henchmen will happily admit anything in order to get the family off the hook and perhaps win grace.

Is he on the  way to jail or does Valentina have an assignment for him? - he cannot tell, what he do know is that he better do exactly as she say if they he wants any future in the Mafia. 

The call itself is unimpressive, it is not even a call but a simple text.  “>>Athos, your services are required - Meet me for lunch at the Gate at 12:00, come hungry!  Valentina Fingian.”

The Gate is a casino in Bellevue to the west, it has a very good restaurant with a great view to Washington lake. If this is their ‘last meal’ out of prison, Valentina certainly picked a good spot.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-21-15/1033:56>
Athos is already up and working out in his exercise room when the commlink chirps at him.  The initial reaction about it being 04 fragging 30 in the morning disappears when he sees who sent the message.  *Valentina Finnigan herself.  You are moving up in the world, Athos, lad.*  Then he frowns a bit.  He has heard rumors that some of the calls Valentina makes are not good news.  Shaking his head, he rereads the text, looking for any clue as to what is going down.  Finding nothing obvious one way or the other in the terse message, he puts the 'link down on the small table and goes back to exercising.  No point in waking Minnie right now and he can get a bit more reps in.

After finishing his exercises, Athos takes a nice hot shower, something he rather enjoys as there is no hot water rationing here.  Such a different way of life since had made the move from the Barrens to Bellevue.  Not that it is that far; one could see the slums from here.  He hits the buzzer to the intercom to Minnie's section of the house.  "Hey, you up and decent yet?  Remember we got that breakfast at Gino's at eight.  And we got an invite for lunch at Gates.  Valentina's buying."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-21-15/1908:59>
“Frag it!”

Yulia “Minnie Mouse” Kreidich slammed her fist on the desk before her in frustration.  Lukewarm soykaf splattered her right hand and forearm as a half empty plastic cup off to one side jumped a few centimeters off the surface and came down on its side.  It wasn’t the first time she'd forgotten her own considerable strength.

At least the desk didn’t break, she thought to herself ruefully as the piece of drek AR data processor she was wearing droned the 20th century torture “It’s a small world after all” on repeat through her earphones.

It should be easy.  She was simply editing a contract between Athos and another member of the Family from a separate operation.  The two needed to work together but didn’t trust each other as far as they could throw the Renraku Arcology, hence the need for something in writing.  All she wanted to do was cut a block of text from one place to another, but the result was the loss of the clipped data replaced with several verses of the Karma Sutra.

In Sanskrit.

Her efforts to undo the mysterious error failed miserably despite her certainty she’d done it right.  Instead of returning to where she’d started, the entire file converted to Japanese.

At least she thought it was Japanese.  Chinese?  No, she knew enough Japanese from Athos to know the character の wasn’t found in Chinese, Korean, or any other language.

Resigning herself to starting all over from the original document, she began cleaning up her spilled beverage with some tissue when Athos’ voice broke into the infernal racket still assaulting her ears.

"Hey, you up and decent yet?  Remember we got that breakfast at Gino's at eight.  And we got an invite for lunch at Gates.  Valentina's buying."

She managed to bring up a clock widget via the AR glasses she wore, blessedly without incident.  Half past six o’clock.  She then held her breath as she tried closing the document processing application.  The resulting silence was golden and she would have cheered if Athos’ words didn’t trouble her so.

“Yeah, I’m up oniichan,” she responded to her employer and protector, trying not to let on her worry.  “Give me a minute and I’ll be out there so we can talk.” 

The charming troll was one of only two true friends in Yulia’s life.  Her affectionate term for him in private, oniichan, was Japanese for beloved big brother he had told her.  And in all but blood, that was exactly what he was to her.  It was he who had stood up to the head of the Finnegan prostitution business and helped her argue for a ‘leave of absence’ from new clients and most existing ones.  She still had some long time ‘Diamond Class’ patrons she was expected to service regardless of her new freedom, but at least none of them were violent.  If a few nights a week working between the sheets was the price to pay for freedom the rest of the time, she’d pay it.  If all went well, she and Athos would develop her adept powers such that she’d be more valuable to the Family outside rather than inside the bedroom.

That was the plan, at least.  It had seemed like a good plan…until maybe now.  She bit her lower lip as she processed what lunch with the powerful Valentina Finnigan might mean.  Her stomach did flip flops at the thought that Jerome, the head pimp of the Finnigan Family, had appealed to the top and this meeting might be to put Athos…and Minnie…in their place.

Minnie rose from her chair and made her way to the door to the main living space of the flat Athos had invited her to share. 

I owe the man so much already.  Is it my destiny to bring him down?

No, she answered herself even as her tail wrapped itself around her diminutive form, an unconscious sign of apprehension which she was too absorbed in her fears to recognize at the moment.

If push comes to shove, I’ll go back to the sheets.  This is my cross to bear, dammit.  I won’t make anyone else pay the price for my curse.

Opening the door, the girl still wearing her glasses made a sorry sight.  Fuzzy gray ears drooped.  Pinkish gray rodent’s tail and pale, thin human arms hugged herself close.  “Oniichan, do you think we’re in trouble?” she asked in a small voice.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-21-15/2253:17>
Athos is glad that his hands are full of a cup of soycaf when Minnie steps into the room.  The sight of the diminutive exotic woman always does something to him.  He shakes his head, "Nah.  Don't think so.  I am hoping this is our ticket to get you the respect you deserve and for me to move up a notch.  Hmmm.  You got your tail in the wrap around thing.  Worried about something?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-21-15/2308:40>
Minnie looked both relieved and contrite as she absorbed Athos' assurance and realized how much she was telegraphing her anxiety.  She took a breath and centered herself.  Her tail relaxed and started swaying aimlessly behind her and her arms relaxed to her sides.  "Sorry, oniichan.  I know I need to control my emotions better if I'm to be of any use to you.  I was just worried Dame Valentina was...well...gonna lay down the smack on me.  I...well you know I don't want to go back to the sheets full time, but if you had to pay a price for me I wouldn't be able to handle that.  You've done so much for me already."

This time she managed to keep her outward calm...mostly.  Her body language was relaxed save for her still drooping ears.  Her sincerity was clearly apparent.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-21-15/2322:26>
Athos laughs, "No problem, Omae.  I think we would have heard something if this was a showdown.  I got an idea for some backup.  Remember that girl, Artie?  She owes me a favor for recommending her to Carlo for his little delivery.  Are you comfortable with me asking her?  By the way, your ears are still down.  Perk up a bit.  This is our chance."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-21-15/2333:41>
At the mention of Artie not only did Minnie's ears spring up but her tail started darting side to side, now telegraphing agitation.  Still, she kept a brave face.  "You know my feelings about that filthy cat, onii.  She's a predator, and I still can't get out of my head that she thinks of me as little more than dinner that doesn't know it yet.  But," she cut in before Athos could come to his longtime friend's defense, "I don't believe she'd move on me during your time of need.  And I'd work with a bug spirit if I thought it would help your star rise.  If you believe she'd be of service, then I'll watch my own back while I watch yours too."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-21-15/2340:35>
Athos laughs.  "You two may have to work that out with each other.  I am sure that she does not want you for lunch."  Checking the chrono on his 'link, Athos makes a connection.  >>Hey Artie.  Athos here.  If you are not doing anything, how about joining Minnie and me at Gino's at eight this morning for breakfast.  I am sure that you still know your way there.  I will call and have a table for three.  Get back to me if it is bad for you.  I have a proposition  so try to be there.<<

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-21-15/2352:41>
Not exactly happy with how things were transpiring, but confident that she'd be able to handle what came of it, Minnie slipped back into her room to leave Athos to set things up and get himself ready.  She herself wanted to make a good impression on Dame Valentina.  It would be the first time the powerful woman would meet the new Minnie....no Yulia.  With the little amount of time available, she showered and made herself presentable as a business professional.   She chose a suit Athos had bought for her that provided her total freedom of movement in a fight and lots of places to hide her knives while also exuding the look of a businesswoman who was confident and knew her stuff.  Her makeup was subtle, likely less than most women in her new position would wear.  She wanted to err on the minimalist end to ensure any trace of the whore, the damn good and very expensive whore to be sure but still a whore, Dame Valentina knew her to be was absent.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/0002:22>
Athos shakes his head as his friend returns to her room.  He can tell she is upset, but he knows that she can get over it.  She is a professional, and so is Artie, in her way.  He had learned some time back that if he had something to get to somewhere else, Artie was the go-to person for the job.  He places a call to Gino's to add another chair to his table for breakfast, then moves to the couch.  While waiting for Minnie, he calls up the trid news to catch the current events.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/0014:56>
About 30 minutes later Minnie ne Yulia re-entered the main room of the flat she shared with her friend.  Her gray skirt-suit matched her hair, fur, and tail.  The effect was to minimize the visual impact of the unnatural traits that marked the girl as something not quite human.  Black tights covered her legs all the way up to where her gray skirt met her knees.  She wore black mary janes with just a little heel - professional and conservative.  Definitely not what would be expected by those who knew the old her.  She wore glasses although she didn't need them for vision correction.  Being entirely organic, the AR spectacles and associated ear piece and gloves were what permitted her to perform her duties as Athos' secretary.  She just hoped whatever demons seemed to torment her from anything with a microchip would leave her alone when the chips were falling.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/0023:47>
Athos looks up from what he is reading and scans his friend.  His pulse quickens just a bit as he looks at her.  "That color suits you well."  He motions to the human size couch in the room and adds.  "You know I would not bring Artie into this if you were dead set against it.  I happen to think that the two of you can be a great double punch with your special skills.  Most people will see the Troll coming and ignore the pair of awakened partners until it is too late.  But I will not mention the lunch with Donna Valentina if you say not to."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/0037:37>
The tiny mouse girl settles into the couch, sitting turned a little to one side with her legs folded to the opposite side.  It was a position that indicated her continued apprehension while also being modest in her skirt.  She let out a little sigh that many would call a pout, especially coming from her.  "I don't trust her, Onii.  Not only is she a cat, but I know she has her own agenda.  I worry what may happen if her priorities and yours cease being the same.  But I realize this is business and you can't always have family at your back."  She sighed again before continuing.  "You're the expert at this," she adds with a shrug.  "I have a lot to learn.  I'll consider this another learning opportunity.  One I hope to live to not regret."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/0040:22>
Athos nods, "I am thinking that you worry a bit too much, but maybe that is a good thing.  One of us should worry.  So, to change the subject, how is that contract coming along?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/0045:51>
Minnie's ears drooped again.  "Um, does Leo happen to read Japanese?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/0049:50>
Athos smiles.  "I do not think so.  I can ask, but are you sure it is Japanese?  And quit drooping.  Whatever you are doing I am sure you will figure it out.  And you are still better than I am.  You just need more confidence in yourself.  Trust me, I have confidence in you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/0054:52>
With Athos' encouragement, Minnie's ears and posture straighten up.  "You're right, Onii.  I just swear computers hate me.  I know between my feelings for your cat friend and my talk about computers you're sure I'm paranoid.  And with the cat you're likely right though I still say she's out to get me.  Still, you remember what happened when you tried to teach me how to drive.  How long was the truck in the shop for?  I think I once read they used to do contracts on paper.  Maybe I was just born in the wrong age."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/0105:10>
Athos smiles ruefully.  "Yeah, that poor vehicle.  Probably never be the same again.  As for the contract, go ahead and put it on paper.  I am sure Leo can read it that way as well as if it is on the tablet.  Maybe you can start a new craze.  And you are being paranoid.  The computers do not hate you and neither does Artie.  In both cases you just have to learn how to work around the problems."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/0120:25>
Minnie nodded thoughtfully but said nothing.  Athos' wisdom deserved the last word.  And anyway, a flashing alert in AR space notified her that they'd better get their butts over to Gino's or else they'd be late meeting said cat, not to mention the chance to enjoy the best omelets in Redmond.  "We'd best get going, Onii, if you don't want to leave Artee cooling her heels.  As much as the thought amuses me, I'm sure she'd find some way to blame it on me."  Her childlike grin at the former image turned into a scowl as she finished.  She then snorted.  "I probably should just start thinking of her as a client.  As much as I dislike her, she's not even in the running with some of the men, and even some women, I've had to accommodate."  Minnie shivered at thoughts Athos could never fathom, nor would he want to.  She then seemed to shake herself out of a trance before sliding out of the sofa to stand.  She seemed like a different person once erect.  "Shall we go, sir?" she asked in a perfect 'personal assistant' tone.  It was almost night and day and only a slight glint of humor in the girl's eyes assured Athos that good ol' insecure Minnie was still there.

[spoiler](I've just made a change to give Minnie a high Con with a seduction specialization.  Her behavior now is a reflection of her strong con skill.)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/0137:25>
Athos nods and stands.  "Keeping me on task is your toughest challenge."  He motions for her to lead the way and follows, activating the alarms on the way out.  He frowns as he watches her walk ahead of him.  *I might not be the brightest Troll in the world, but I know that look.  She was back in whore land, where she was dying a bit every day.  Damn Vito and his cronies for what they did to her.* 

Athos clicks open the car doors and climbs into the front after helping Minnie into the back where the special human seat belts were.  After buckling up, he clicks open the garage door and put the car in motion.  It might not be much, but it still felt like a limousine after the years of walking from place to place because he was just too damned big.  The specially made car was built to order and its sturdy springs and axles were designed to accommodate his size.  The trip to Gino's was completed in companionable silence.  Mostly.  Athos flipped the car's radio to his favorite station where he found his favorite band banging away on instruments that Minnie has frequently told him sound like cats banging on trash bin lids while screeching at the top of their lungs.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/0153:50>
As Athos navigated out of the garage, Minnie took the opportunity to scan current news, especially anything she'd been fed from the Family.  She wanted to make sure where wasn't something which might clue her into what was coming down with Dame Valentina.  As she skimmed through the queued data she noted a message from Nagisa, her only other friend than Athos and her longest standing one.  The two grew up together even though their lives as teens couldn't have been more different.  Nagisa was born into serving the family and her prodigy-level skills with tech from the earliest age had placed her in the data operations division.  She was among the best deckers of her age in the service of Family Finnigan and looked on track for full admission in ten years or so.  Another pang of guilt hit her at the thought she might drag Nagisa down too, but she set it aside.  She had no time for her own pity party right now.

"I'm about as open minded as they come, Onii, but I swear I will never understand how you can call that music."  The thought of continuing the long-standing debate for a few minutes as they traversed the distance to breakfast comforted her like an old security blanket.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/0203:09>
Athos laughed out loud.  "That is because you hear it with mouse ears, not Troll ears.  It sounds plenty fine to me."  The pair keep up the banter for the trip.  The parking lot at Gino's is mostly full, even at this hour; a testament to the quality of the food Gino served as well as to the number of loyal customers who would eat almost nowhere else.  As Athos offered his hand to his friend his practiced look took in the row of Scorpions parked in the bike lane.  Even though Gino was well known for refusing service to anyone causing trouble, it could be an interesting breakfast.  He nods to the bikes.  "Humanis trash.  Want to skip breakfast?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/0224:26>
Yulia scowled even before Athos spoke the obvious.  She'd been sheltered from things like Humanis before the past month or two.  Since that time, she'd learned to her surprise that bigots hated her more than Trolls and Orks.  She was a human, but yet not.  One of their own kind, but flawed - a travesty of human purity.  Her first real fight had been with a gang of Humanis thugs.  Athos had left her to shop in a part of town he had assumed would be perfectly safe for a human.  They'd both learned a lesson.  The Humanis bully boys had learned a lesson too, although a few of them probably didn't remember it afterwards given the concussions she gave them.  It had been her first run in with the authorities, too.  Only some help from a Family lawyer had kept her from being portrayed the aggressor, despite several security cameras to the contrary, and facing charges.  That and it didn't hurt that Minnie Mouse had several clients in the Seattle metroplex judiciary.  Awkward only begins to describe what prosecuting her would have meant, and so she was let go with an admonishment not to "go asking for trouble".  She'd resigned herself to shopping via the Matrix from then on.

"They know us, Oniichan," Yulia said quietly.  "They know we're good people and that your nuyen is good.  I can't imagine Gino's allowing anything bad to happen to regulars.  And anyway, what about meeting up with your cat friend?  They can always put us in the back room, assuming those Humanis pricks haven't already been segregated back there."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-22-15/0347:42>
Artie's hand shot out from under the covers and onto the nightstand.  It flopped about there for a few moments before she lifted her head and half opened one eye.  With a few seconds, the commlink came into focus and she tapped the screen, finally putting an end to the incessant beeping.

She let her head drop back onto he pillow and lay there.  Her eyes opened.  Her eyes closed.  Her eyes opened.  She squeezed them shut and then grunted in frustration, tossing the covers off and sitting up.  Looking over to the commlink, she curled her lip and then picked it up.

"What's so important it has to be at six in the morning?" she complained as she checked the message.

>>@Artie [Athos] Hey Artie.  Athos here.  If you are not doing anything, how about joining Minnie and me at Gino's at eight this morning for breakfast.  I am sure that you still know your way there.  I will call and have a table for three.  Get back to me if it is bad for you.  I have a proposition  so try to be there.<<

Breakfast at Gino's in two hours could be a good reason to be up so early.  She clapped her hands to her face, rubbing the last remnants of sleep away before rising and heading to the bathroom.  A proposition sounded like work, maybe.  Work was always good.  Course, what work could it be if he was dragging the mouse along with him?

Just fifteen minutes was what it took to be out of the house and on the street.  Making her way from the Barrens to that part of the greater Seattle Area would take the better part of an hour and a half if she moved so there wasn't time to waste.  Happily, a good work out would keep her in shape and spark up an appetite for a big meal.  She'd be sure that Athos picked up the tab, to make up for the early wake up call.

He might be up before the sun as a matter of course, but a girl needed her beauty sleep.  She spent a few minutes in a stretching routine and with a wave to Old Man Harris at the corner mart, she took off at a solid running pace down the street.  Making it to the end, she turned into an alley, leapt onto a dumpster, kicked off the edge, and grabbed the rail of a fire escape at the second floor.  She quickly hauled herself up and then ascended the steps to the fifth floor roof.

From there to Bellevue, she'd never touch the ground.

Crossing from the Barrens into Bellevue was never that tough and once on that side, she just caught a ride on bus and let the public transportation system take her the rest of the way.

Getting off the bus, she shouldered her bag and walked briskly to the diner.  Her eyes darted swiftly back and forth, she didn't miss much.  Athos and Minnie had just stepped in after giving a good once over to a group of bikes parked just outside.  Good, I'm not late, she thought to herself as she reached the door.

Opening it, she saw that the waitress was just about to seat the two.  Athos gave Minnie the preference of which side of the table to sit on and just as the changeling was about to settle into the booth,  Artie vaulted the booth, her feet easily clearing and slipped herself right into the inside position of the booth, placing the glass on one side and Minnie on the other, forcing the mouse to the outside seat and unable to switch seats without making it utterly awkward.

"Heya!  Whatcha doin?" she grinned.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/0904:42>
Yulia froze for the briefest of moments as she absorbed the damn cat’s audacity.  Not that the older girl’s antics should have surprised her even that long.

Cats were entitled by nature, after all; strutting around as if they owned the place.  House cats looked down with disdain on the lowly metahumanity that fed them, often not even deigning to permit themselves to be stroked when their generous benefactors needed comforting.  Wild or feral cats lorded over their territory from their niche atop the food chain lavishly provided to them by Mother Nature herself.

Mice on the other hand were the humblest of creatures.  They lived in the shadows eating whatever rotting and putrid scraps presented themselves.  Always, ALWAYS, alert for the predator certain that mouse was next on the dinner menu.

Yulia once came across a copy of an old 20th century novel called Watership Down.  It was really long and kept a thirteen year old girl starving for non-bedroom stimulation occupied for two weeks as she devoured the tome between clients.  It was a good read, too, although she had to smirk at the idea of Rabbit being ‘prince of a thousand enemies.’  If that were true, Mouse’s retinue had to be at least ten thousand.  And Cat was Number One on the list.

Knowing that of all people the cat adept was well aware of Yulia’s transient hesitation, she decided she wouldn’t feed the damn woman’s conceit anymore and simply slid silently into the booth beside her tormenter. 

She’s playing with me just like she would her food, Yulia acknowledged to herself as she settled in.  Although Yulia was (mostly) sure Artie had no intention of physically eating her, she had little doubt that just as a real cat would digest nutrients from a dead mouse’s body to better itself, the Cat follower beside her wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to suck Yulia dry of anything that could further the older girl’s aims and leave behind a dry husk blowing lifeless in the winds of fate.

Refusing to be baited she remained silent and sat dispassionately, hands demurely folded on her lap, awaiting Athos’ response to Artie’s grinning inquiry.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/0949:50>
Athos walked Minnie to the door and opened it for her, following his friend inside.  Gino's was a rather large restaurant and bar.  Not much on entertainment, it still had a very loyal clientele from all walks of life.  Gino had made it clear years ago that the outside world and its problems stayed outside.  Some early experiences had taught people to behave or never come back.  And once you had tasted Gino's food you wanted to come back.  Athos noticed several Humanis bikers at the bar, their riding jackets clearly identifying them.  Three of the metahuman haters nudged each other when Minnie had entered the room, grinning and smirking.  One of the men had left his seat and taken a step toward the girl by the time Athos enters.  At the sight of the huge Troll, the man practically freezes then carefully sits back down, the smirk replaced with something else.

Maria, the hostess, arrives just then and gives her newly arrived customers a genuine smile, saying, "Athos.  Yulia.  Your table is right this way.  Artie is not here yet."  As she turns to take them to one of the booths specially built to seat Trolls, she adds, "Now do not worry about Clem and his boys.  They know the rules.  Clem likes his pasta too much to take a chance on being banned."

At the booth, Athos lets Minnie sit first and is about to move into the booth when Artie makes her appearance.  Shaking his head, he sits at the end of the booth.  "Artie, that was not very polite.  You owe Yulia an apology.  I do not know what I did in a prior lifetime that has saddled me with two friends that do not get along with each other."  Athos eschews the menu, already knowing what he wants.  Truth be told, his tastes have not changed much in years.  Maria looks at the girls and hands them menus.  "So what can I get you two to drink while you decide what to eat?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/1013:03>
Yulia permitted the edges of her mouth to curl in a smile at Athos’ diplomacy.  She was sure she’d get praise later for keeping her mouth shut and not being baited.

Maybe you can teach an old mouse new tricks.

Not that she was old, mind you.  Her twentieth birthday was still a few months away, but she certainly felt old.  And the damn cat’s continued grinning didn’t help matters.

Like Athos, Yulia knew what she wanted to eat and never opened the proffered menu.  “Apple juice and water,” Yulia replied to their host as she dismissed the cat from her thoughts for a moment.  Her grin widened with not a little anticipation apparent in her eyes despite the AR specs somewhat masking the brown orbs.  Apple juice.  The real thing.  Somehow Gino’s was able to get the precious golden nectar from a Shidhe source in Wenatchee.  It came at a steep price, of course, but it was an unwritten rule between them that Yulia got one glass of her favorite beverage whenever they came here for breakfast.  She’d nurse it through the whole meal, drinking water for hydration between tiny sips of ambrosia for pleasure.

It was better than sex.

A LOT better than sex.

Chocolate, however...

Oh the simple things in life, she mused, no longer much caring what the infernal cat would say next.  Curious to fill the time, and always on the alert like any good rodent, she took a brief look around the place using real sight, astral sight, and AR via her specs.  If there were any surprises in any of the three spaces, she’d be prepared...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/1049:00>
@Minnie - You are not sure exactly what you just saw, but as you survey the place, you attention centers on a large jar of candies at the bar. You are almost certain that one of the candies at the bottom of the jar, changed its location just a tiny bit.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/1054:35>
That's odd, she thought to herself as she noted the apparent movement in the candy jar.  Trying to appear nonchalant, she would steal additional glances to see if it or anything else happened again in or around the jar...in any of her three sights.  She suspected it was likely just her jumpiness being around Artee, but you never could be too careful.  Anyway, it distracted her from having to watch Artee and Athos actually get along.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-22-15/1117:34>
Artie smirked.  "Apologize?  For saying 'Hi'?  Me doth believe some skins should be thicker if a 'What's up' offends.  Any 'friend' would appreciate the gesture, and aren't we friends?"

The mouse was truly thin skinned and that made her an easy target.  Artie couldn't help but needle the girl and if it was as easy as popping up with what amounted to jumping out from behind a door and shouting, 'Boo', that was hardly her fault.  And apologize?  It was too hard a world for Artie to entertain the notion.  She quickly deflected.

"Assholes in the back will probably be real trouble.  If not while we're eating, then once we've stepped out."  She reached over and grabbed a menu, popping it open. "Fish sticks are good.  What are you gonna get? she asks Minnie, turning to look at the slight girl.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/1130:04>
Athos sighs.  "You and I are friends.  Yulia and I are friends.  What you and Yulia are defies description, but I do not think it is friends.  Friendly antagonists, maybe?"  He shoots a look over at the Humanis thugs sitting at the bar before adding, Nah.  Only the five of them.  Hardly break a sweat on that many.  I am having the usual."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/1141:25>
Thinking about apple juice and also the distraction of the curious colorful jar across the room helped Yulia ignore Artee’s protest to Athos.  She hadn’t expected any different anyway.

“Soyham and green peppers omelet,” she answered the cat simply.  “You can get them to use real eggs on request.”  She then stole a glance at the Humanist grouping, but averted her eyes quickly when they meet a leer.  “As for my fan club over there, maybe I should slip out on my own when we’re done.  I can lose them in my sleep and that way you and oniichan can walk out with no drama.  We can meet up again outside Jake’s and drive on from there?”

Jake’s was a nearby dive that had the best fried catfish in the sprawl.  It was far less formal than Gino’s but the food, in its own way, was just as classy.  It would also be very, very closed right now and unlikely to have any Humanis pricks around.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/1150:07>
Athos looks at Minnie.  "I am sure that they can toss in real eggs for us this morning.  Remember that you have to ask special for them.  And those punks?  Just ignore them.  We can decide on what to do when we get ready to leave.  I think they are just jealous that I am sitting here with the two best looking women in town."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-22-15/1203:22>
She nods at Minnie's choice.  "Sounds... good," she shrugged.  "And whatever it is, I hope you're right about those guys.  For their sake."

She made her own selections and pushed her own order through her AR.  Fish sticks omelette.  Let the others judge if they wished.

"So, what's the deal, Athos?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/1229:42>
Since she already knew what was going down with Athos and lunch, and her curiosity was getting the better of her, she decided to slip over to the bar and look more closely at the candy jar.  She planned to cover her action with some harmless flirting with the lone bartender who, it being breakfast, was being called upon to mix only an occasional Bloody Mary and pour the rare glass of breakfast bubbly.  She had talked previously with the boy, him being only a few years older than she and new to the job.  She kept her toying with the boy's heart to a minimum given she wasn't yet able to see sex with men as anything but a rather unpleasant job, but his innocence was refreshing and someday...well who knew.  Anyway, the jar wasn't explaining itself and she wanted to get to the bottom of it.  Was she just seeing things or was there something to it?

She gave the Humanis crowd some distance but the imp in her couldn't help but sashay a bit with her tail swishing hypnotically side to side opposite the motion of her hips.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-22-15/1328:38>
Artie watched the mouse get up and strut over to the bartender.  Her gaze flicked over to the Humanis boys and to some of the other customers leering at the young girl.

She arched an eyebrow and looked sideways at Athos.  "Calculated, y'know, what she's doing."  She shrugged again and kicked one leg out to take advantage of the vacated booth space as she leaned back against the window.  Her posture was relaxed but she never stopped scanning for threats.  For the most part, her gaze alternated between Minnie and the humans fellows.

Athos might not see and the little mouse would never allow herself to see it, but Artie would watch both of their backs the way she expected them to watch hers.  Maybe Minnie would, maybe she wouldn't, but let Artie drop her and there would never be trust between them.  They didn't have to like each other, but Athos was right... he was a lynchpin that they both cared enough about to set aside their differences.

Well... to a point.  The mouse was an easy target for Artie's teasing and it was just in her nature to take advantage of that.  Artie might not be so physically similar to her totem as Minnie was, but there was a reason Cat chose her.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/1443:06>
@Minnie "Yulia right?" said the bartender... "what can I do you for?" his eyes light up when he sees the familiar face.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/1502:38>
Yulia settled herself down on the stool nearest the candy jar that had caught her eye a few minutes earlier.  She positioned her face so that she peered over the top of the jar as she gazed at the bartender.  Her smile was refracted in the glass in the space between the lid and the top of the pile of multicolored candy inside.  The effect was coquettish, playful but never crossing to seductive.   She alternated her eye focus between meeting the boy’s gaze and examining the contents of the glass container.  Even the act of regularly glancing down fit seamlessly into the flirting game.

“Just waiting for Claire to whip up my omelet, Jimmy,” she supplied to the freckle-faced, carrot-topped young human.  “In the meantime, Athos is talking business and I decided the fun was on this side of the place.  Was I right?”

As she vamped the young man while looking up, when looking down she examined the jar up close in all three worlds- mundane, matrix, and magic.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/1508:55>
Athos nods to Yulia as she gets up and stroll to the bar.  Looking over to Artie, he says, "Just as calculated as your jabs at her.  You and I both know that you would not allow those Humanis punks to ness with her, so why do you taunt her so much?"  He raises his hands.  "I know, I know.  It is in your nature.  I guess I will just have to learn to accept that, no matter how much I want both of you to be friends."

Athos lets his voice get serious as he looks back at Artie.  He knows that the girl has eyes on Minnie and will alert him if something starts to go sideways.  "Here is the gig.  I got a call to eat lunch with Valentina at the Gates Casino today.  I do not expect trouble, but I would like another pair of eyes on the proceedings.  You have instincts that I do not and you might see things that I cannot.  How does 200 plus my picking up your lunch ticket sound?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/1531:00>
Yulia settled herself down on the stool nearest the candy jar that had caught her eye a few minutes earlier.  She positioned her face so that she peered over the top of the jar as she gazed at the bartender.  Her smile was refracted in the glass in the space between the lid and the top of the pile of multicolored candy inside.  The effect was coquettish, playful but never crossing to seductive.   She alternated her eye focus between meeting the boy’s gaze and examining the contents of the glass container.  Even the act of regularly glancing down fit seamlessly into the flirting game.

“Just waiting for Claire to whip up my omelet, Jimmy,” she supplied to the freckle-faced, carrot-topped young human.  “In the meantime, Athos is talking business and I decided the fun was on this side of the place.  Was I right?”

As she vamped the young man while looking up, when looking down she examined the jar up close in all three worlds- mundane, matrix, and magic.

@Minnie,
Jimmy say..."no no the fun is slumming at the Skelton it is the hottest club in town. Live music, multiple stages amazing BTL's...  I want to go there... but none of my friends dare to go to the Barrens at night with all the creepy stuff that's happening recently... is there any chance that you can take me? You are the bravest girl I know. "  You are not sure if he is flirting with you or he really want to go to the Skelton.
To brake the awkward silence he nervously adds "Here you get the best juices in the country tough... can I fill your glass... it's free " He smiles and you can sense that his cheeks are red and he is really embarrassed because what he just said.

There is nothing unusual now about the candy's. In any of the world, yet you are certain that previously there was a subtle movement in there. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-22-15/1541:56>
Artie winks at Athos, glossing over his criticism and diving into the offer.  "I like food," she said, in way of agreeing to help.  She looked up as the waitress brought over a glass of soy milk and her lip curled in disgust even as she took the glass and drank from it.

"So, chill out in the local vick and see if anything's fishy, sounds easy enough."

Her eyes weren't on Athos as she spoke, flicking mostly between Minnie and the punks in the back, with an occasional scan of the room.  "Ha, if you don't look out, Minnie'll have her hands full with Jimmy over there... not something she's looking for, I think."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/1554:44>
Athos takes a casual glance to where Minnie and Jimmy are talking.  "I had him vetted right after Gino hired him.  Even talked to him a bit and he is OK.  He is sweet on Yulia, but he understands that I will snap his back if he hurts her.  Not worried about him and if she goes for it, it is OK by me.  So we are good for lunch?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-22-15/1556:35>
"I'm in."

She leaned back and waited for breakfast to be served.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/1605:09>
Yulia thanked Mouse for her quick reflexes and she schooled her reaction to the unexpected offer.  She absolutely did NOT want Jimmy sensing he’d actually flustered her.  For better or worse, she had a lot of experience not letting on to her true feelings in such ‘dealings of the heart.’  Not that it had anything to do with Yulia’s heart thanks to her lost childhood. 

It had always been business for her, or if not business, then a game.  A game she always won.  She and the boy across the counter had played the flirting game a few times but this was the first time he’d actually asked her out.  With it out there, she honestly didn’t know what to do next.  Somehow, the boy had checked her king.

In every dealing with a man along these lines she’d ended up in bed with him on his terms.  She had zero experience just enjoying a night out with a boy, and less than a handful of such experiences with a girl.  Sure, she’d read hundreds of stories about such things, but it’d always seemed so far off.  Another world; usually literally given her tastes ran toward works from the 5th World.

Still, wasn’t it possible to just go out dancing?  She was too embarrassed to consider asking Athos for advice on the subject, and Nagisa would just get jealous.  She had no intention of betraying her girlfriend’s trust, but at the same time, unlike Nagisa, she liked boys too.

The time had dragged on and the poor boy was starting to nervously fill in the quiet.  She felt guilty now for apparently leading the boy on with what to her had been just innocent dallying.

“Um…how about cranberry juice?” she responded to his query.  She’d briefly considered asking for orange juice, but even if they had it the stuff was worth its weight in orichalcum.  Well maybe not quite, but it might be close.  At least cranberries, like apples, were grown in Shidhe territory.

As the boy moved to comply, she stalled for more time as her emotions roiled within her.  “Um, I don’t remember seeing this jar here before," she motioned to the colorful glass container now held between her AR gloved hands.  "Where’d the candy come from?”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/1621:37>
Soon enough, the server is out of the kitchen.  The rolling cart is stacked with plates and platters of food.  Gino himself wanders out from the back he booth as the server unloads the cart.  A couple of plates are placed in front of Artie and Minnie's empty seat but the majority of the food on the cart goes in front of the Troll.  Athos smiles broadly and sniffs at the various aromas wafting from the food in front of him.  Gino comes up and nods.  "It is good to see my friends here.  Enjoy the food.  The veal cutlet is my special of the week; very nice."  He cocks his head to where Minnie is chatting with Jimmy.  "Is OK?  Jimmy is a good boy.  He would not do nothing to hurt our Yulia.  You know that."

Athos nods.  "It is fine with me, Gino.  You say he is good boy and I trust you.  Say, this looks good today.  Bono, Gino.  Molto bono.  Thank you very much."

The large Troll digs in with gusto and begins to wade through the small mountain of food as if he had not eaten in days, maybe weeks.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/1647:26>
@Minnie - "I am not sure" said Jimmy, maybe a week ago... they are not so bad. Soy chocolate... nothing like the real thing tough but who has chocolate nowadays." His voice is low when he say it and he finds it difficult to look at you. He looks at you for a few moments as if waiting for some miracle, before he asks one of the waiters to cover for him for a short while. "Going out for some air... " he mumbles half to you half to himself. If Minnie wants to examine the Jar she might get a few moments unnoticed if she sticks at the bar.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/1659:36>
Yulia forced her tail to behave and not wrap itself around her body, but she could feel her ears drooping and couldn't quite get them to behave.  Frag it, she thought.  What is wrong with me?  She concentrated on the jar as she continued to search her feelings.  Should she chase after the boy?  Wait for him to come back?  Could she trust him to leave it just at dancing and fun company?  Could she trust herself?  She'd never just dated a boy in her life.  If she was flubbing up courtship this bad, how could she expect to keep a date at arm's lengths?

And the jar continued to look totally innocent.  She must have imagined it, but yet she couldn't get out of her mind that there had been movement at the bottom.  In frustration at Jimmy, herself, and the jar she decided to cut to the chase.  She lifted off the lid and stuck her hand deep into the jar to fish out a piece from the very bottom...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/1705:12>
@Minnie one of the candies feels a bit different to the touch, cold, metalic. You grab it and notice it is horizon eye. A very old model of what is now known as horizion flying eye, the most common security drone in the market. The horizon eye looks basically the same but it cannot fly, instead it can only hover close to the ground. The drone is turned off right now.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/1715:10>
Well hello, little one, she mumbled to herself as she marveled at the thing, turning it this way and that in her left hand.  She was no expert in tech and half of her suspected it was dead now only because she touched it.  Still, she was sure Athos, or maybe Artee, might be able to figure out what it was about.  Was it here to spy at Gino?  Athos?  Someone else?

Still conflicted over the disquieting situation with Jimmy, she returned the lid atop the jar and made her way back to her group and the waiting breakfast.  She was focused now, not to mention a little insecure, and so the Humanis twits and other patrons didn't get a show this time.

Arriving back at her table she slipped back into her space, pushing aside the cat's legs if she didn't make space for her.  She then held up the drone.  "Any idea what this is about?  It was the bonus prize in the candy jar over there at the bar."  She indicated with her head in that discretion.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-22-15/1745:51>
Arte chuckles as Minnie takes her seat.  "You think I'm cruel to you?  I could stand to take lessons!  Poor fella."

Her brow furrows as she focuses on the small drone, not hearing whatever protests the mouse shot back at her.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/1801:22>
"Frag you, damn Cat," Yulia responded, but the energy in the barb was weak.  Seeing that Artee seemed to have the little drone in hand, literally and figuratively, and Athos was still digging into his breakfast, she decided she wasn't hungry and rose back from the booth.  She'd left her cranberry juice unfinished at the counter when she'd discovered the little gadget.  She couldn't waste something that valuable, right?  Who knew when she'd taste real cranberry again?  And if she was still there sipping it when Jimmy got back from his break...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-22-15/1809:51>
Artie watches Minnie head back to the counter and shoots Athos a wink.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/2006:22>
Athos just shakes his head without saying anything.  Artie could really hammer away at things she knew would set Minnie off.  He does not understand either of them.  One for dishing it out and the other for taking it.  His train of thought is interrupted by a shadow falling across his food and a voice saying, "Hey.  Yeah, you.  The one with the weeks worth of food on the table.  Easy to see wh............."

The Humanis thug had forgotten at least two of the most important rules about Troll baiting.  One:  Never do it while he is eating.  Two:  Never, ever, ever, do it within reach of the Troll's arms.  Athos flung his massive arm out with a speed that belied his bulk and grabbed the young punk at the throat.  Squeezing gently so as not to snap the ganger's neck he brought the man to a within a few inches of his face before looking up at him.  Opening his mouth he showed the trembling thug his huge incisors, saying  "It is not polite to slur someone while they are eating.  I would expect a bit of privacy and politeness from you while we are in this very nice restaurant.  Now go tell Clem that you broke Gino's rules and get your punishment from him.  I do not think he will be appreciative that you have risked his daily pasta feast."

Athos gently places the man on his feet and releases his grip.  "And you might want to change your fancy pants as well.  It smells like you have soiled them.  Now please go and leave us alone."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-22-15/2010:05>
"Be glad he really likes Gino, else they'd be scraping you off the floor!" Artie called out to the retreating youth.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/2023:59>
Yulia glanced back at the commotion from her stool at the bar, delicious red beverage in hand.  "Dumbass," she muttered under her breath before taking another sip.  I guess I'll have to sashay a little more if I'm going to get them to let Athos and Arty walk out without trouble.  I'll have this motley crew trailing after me like barking puppy dogs, no worries. She smirked as she took another sip.  Stupid people are stupid.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/2032:44>
Athos chuckles.  "The kid just needs to grow up a bit.  I hope the shadows allow him to."

He digs in with a Troll's appetite and whittles away at the pile of food, checking every now and again to see if Jimmy comes back to speak to Minnie.  Once it looks like the boy might take a while, Athos finishes his breakfast and stands up.  He leaves a large tip for the service and catches Yulia's eye, nodding his head at the door. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-22-15/2047:05>
Artie takes a closer look at the mini-drone and the shrugs, wrapping it up in several napkins.  Then, she fishes another device from her bag and wraps it into a larger ball with the drone.

She glances up at Athos, who watches with some curiosity.

"It's a white noise generator.  I've turned it on low, but now the drone shouldn't see or hear, since they are touching.  And I'll just keep them in my bag for now."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/2102:52>
Yulia sighed as she saw Athos give the signal.  It was getting late, though.  She looked sadly toward the back, but it couldn't be helped.  She grabbed a pen and quickly jotted down a matrix address on a napkin and slipped it behind the candy jar where Jimmy couldn't help but see it when he got back.  Smiling at the waiter covering the bar, she slipped back to their table to grab the omelette that had been put in a take-away bag and ran after her two departing colleagues.  She spared a glance back to make sure the Humanis goons were staying put and, while a few looked unhappy, their leader seemed to be keeping them in check.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/2110:21>
@Yulia The minutes pass and you do not see that Jimmy return. When you finish carefully examining the drone, you can see that many of the Humanis seem to have left the restaurant.

@All - you do not see anything out of the ordinary when you leave, however the Huminis that are leaving now seem to be in a hurry to do so. They do not even provoke you.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/2120:16>
Athois stands in the lot and ponders.  "Hey, you two.  Does it seem that these bums are leaving rather quickly?  I don't think I scared them that much.  And didn't Jimmy disappear right after talking to you, Yulia?  Can either of you sense him in the area?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/2126:57>
Yulia had just caught up with the two, her uneaten omelette in her grasp, when Athos expressed his curiosity about Jimmy's whereabouts.  The mouse-girl's tail started fidgeting as she began thinking along the same lines as her troll friend.

Those pricks wouldn't have taken their anger at us out on Jimmy would they?  Her gut wrenched.  He was pretty public when he asked me out...

The bag holding her omelette hadn't hit the ground by the time she was turning the corner along the outside of the building, wasting no time to check in the back for Jimmy.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-22-15/2135:30>
Artie takes just a split second to channel her focus (http://orokos.com/roll/319008) and then darts forward.  She jumps up, her feet barely gracing (http://orokos.com/roll/319009) the leather seats of one of the Suzuki's before she leaps and rushes up the wall (http://orokos.com/roll/319010), clearing through to the roof and running halfway across the building before even she realizes what she's doing...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/2136:35>
Athos lumbers off after Minnie.  As he rounds the corner, he pulls the massive Troll revolver out of its holster and cycles up the smartlink.  The gun's personality kicks in.  "Hey big boy.  Need me now?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-22-15/2141:10>
The omelette hits the ground.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/2144:43>
And splatters inside the to-go bag.  Athos will get you another.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/2208:08>
@Artie darting over the roof to the back, you get to see about ten bikers driving the road. You can clearly tell that  one of the bikes has two riders but at this distance there is no saying if one of them is Jimmy.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/2212:45>
When Yulia reaches the back and Jimmy isn't in evidence (she doesn't see what Artee sees), she sprints to the door to the kitchen and attempts to open it to check for him inside.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/2214:19>
Athos realizes that he is way too late to see anything and turns around to go back to the lot.  Are any of the Humanis bikes still there?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/2216:58>
@Minnie confused and uncharacteristically nice a middle aged chef, that minnie could hear shouting on the other kitchen employees  looks at Minnie and say "Is everything alright?"

@Atos there are four bikes still there. Their owners arrive not long after Athos arrives there.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/2222:07>
"Um, did Jimmy come back in?  I know he went for a break out back after we spoke a few minutes ago and I had something I wanted to tell him before I left."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/2224:23>
Athos exposes part of the huge Ruger but does not bring it up menacingly.  It should be enough that they know the weapon is in his hand already while they still have to draw theirs.  "So, boys.  You gonna tell me if you got the cook lad, Jimmy?  I do not want to be rough about it here, but......."  Athos leaves the implied threat in the air as he looks from one to the other of the bikers.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-22-15/2225:38>
Artie mutters a curse and turns back to where the other bikes... and Athos... are waiting.

Looking down she sees him waving the rugged.  Stopping, she waits, ready to back him up if need be but content to let him knock around a few heads on his own.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/2236:17>
@Minnie - "Jimmy?- he is at the Bar today, haven't seen him in a couple of hours."

@Athos - They seem a bit scared, they are nothing more than teenagers maybe 13 or 14 years old.  Perhaps the newest recruits stayed behind to pay.  "Humminis do not hurt humans trog, everybody knows that!... and please rough us up, you will only convince the world that trogs are too violent to be considered people"
 The teenager speaks with strong words, but you can clearly sense that he is reciting, the phrases he heard before. His body language, and his friends that seem to slowly step back toward their bikes tell you a completely different story. They are terrified.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/2242:28>
"But," Minnie struggled to maintain her calm using all her hard learned skills but her tail was flitting anxiously behind her, "he and I were talking at the bar just fifteen minutes ago.  He invited me to Skelton!  Gino was there watching us from the table where he was talking to Athos.  Can I please talk to Gino?  It may be an emergency!"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/2242:50>
Athos sighs and puts the gun in its holster.  "Look, fellas.  I do not want to beat you up or hurt you in any way.  I just need to know about Jimmy.  You know the guy at the bar that was talking nice to the mouse girl.  Some of your friends might not have liked that.  Am I right?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/2255:38>
@Minnie, "Just go back to your table, I'll have Gino with you in a short while. Jimmy is a good boy... he never had a girlfriend before, you better be good to him... " 
 He is not waiting for replay. He is back at managing his kitchen -  he seems very strict.

@Athos  "It is not your false, but you are a monster man... you can't help it... we have no idea who Jimmy is - but there was this person that the elders took for a ride, the did not hurt him or anything."
 As you are speaking to him you see that the rest of the teenagers just turn their back and run.
The one you are talking to looks at them and then looks at you. He freezes, horrified by you. "Please monster, do not kill me." He reaches out for his wallet and hands it to you saying "I have money... please"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/2302:09>
Deciding to take the kitchen manager's words as an invitation, Yulia scampers quickly through the kitchen taking advantage of all her her agility and returns to the dining area to see if Jimmy was back at the bar.  She'll keep her eye's peeled for Jimmy or Gino as she moves.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-22-15/2311:27>
@Minnie, a waiter quickly cleans up the mess you just left, Jimmy never returns but Gino does show up about 10 minutes later.  He asks the waiter to quickly fetch two cups of coffee, greets you and say "I have just a few minutes, the place is loaded and I have a lot to do... you'll have to join me for coffee break"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-22-15/2318:28>
Knowing that Athos or the cat would have let her know if they had found the absent boy, she followed the owner, intent on telling him what her gut believed despite her heart's objection.  As soon as they were out of public earshot, she blurted, "I think Jimmy's been kidnapped by the Humanis goons.  He went on a break after I couldn't give him an answer for a date and he didn't come back.  Now both he and the trash are gone."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-22-15/2324:45>
Athos holds up his empty hands and looks squarely at the frightened boy.  "I do not want to hurt you, lad.  Just tell me where they took him for a ride.  You can keep the money.  Just talk, please."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-23-15/0212:53>
@Minnie Gino sighs. "I wouldn't say kidnapped, these are trying to get his trust for months now. I told him they are scum but he keeps trying to educate them about metahuman equality. By now Jimmy should know most of that darn gnag. If he did ride with them, he probobly did so willingly. His heart is in a good place, but he is still a bit naive and thinks that everybody is as pure as his own." He writes you his number on a piece of paper, saying "If you are interested tough, you should call him."  Minnie can't be but a bit surprised that Gino still uses old school pen and paper.

@Athos - The teen say "Usually after breakfest they are doing the 'ride', visiting all gang assets one after another, we are too young for the 'ride' you can only join... later."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-23-15/0420:58>
Minnie takes the proffered note with a smile that belied her continued anxiety for the boy.  "Thank you, Gino.  I really appreciate it.  Both the number and the info."  She rises from her chair.  "I should let you get back to work.  I also best find Athos pretty soon or he may break a few heads that don't apparently deserve to be broken."  She paused for a moment before adding, "Yet."  She then excuses herself from the office.

She slips back out of the restaurant quickly, this time through the front main door, and scans for Athos before he might do something they'd come to regret.  If it wasn't already too late.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-23-15/0445:07>
Having noted Athos and the remaining kid still talking, Yulia takes a breath and slips over to play "good cop".

Very good cop.

Sexy cop from the nether planes.

Slipping totally into her Minnie persona, a part of her that may as well BE her for all the years she spent existing almost exclusively for catering to the fantasies and fetishes of men and more than a few women, she oozed over to the frightened boy from behind

"Onii," she cood in a cute voice, "are you being a meanie to this handsome young gentleman"  She resists the urge to stroke the boy with her tail, keeping in mind his bigoted nature and knowing that would not have the effect it had on most of her clients.  "How about we let old Athos here cool his jets and you can tell me what it's like to ride with your crew."

Minnie's snuggles her assets through her business suit against the boy's back with her voice dripping the sweet, sticky possibilities.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seduction (8+2)d6t5: 3 [10d6t5=6, 2, 4, 5, 4, 2, 5, 2, 1, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/319073)

Not the best roll, but at least the two 1's and the 2 are at the end if there were any reductions of dice I didn't know about.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-23-15/0632:13>
@Minnie - You can see that the boy responds to you, the fear the disgust the temptation, you imagine him extremely confused as you can feel that his body clearly responds.  He is blushed when he faces you and say: "I... I... I can take you on my bike"

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-23-15/0800:12>
"You mean it?" Minnie lights up excitedly.  "I've never ridden a bike before!" 

Almost a true statement, she adds just to herself.  This would be only her third time on one, and the first time on real streets.  Despite knowing the risk she was about to take, the idea of riding through the sprawl behind a cute boy and of using her best skills to manipulate this mess and get Jimmy back excited her despite herself.  It was a story straight out of the 20th Century novels she was so fond of.  She could do this and come out in one piece!  Or at least she thought she could...

She keeps her voice youthful and childish as she chatters on soothingly, making it seem she's a dim bulb despite the sharp business suit she wore for the meeting with Dame Valentina.  She slides smoothly back behind the boy and snakes her arms around his midsectrion, slipping her hands under his jacket just a tiny bit and making sure to tease the sensitive flesh along his sides as best she can through his clothing before grasping her hands together at his stomach.  "Does that mean I get to hold on like this?" she cooed.

Since she was again behind the boy, when she peered around him she could see Athos without her own face being seen by the boy.  Through the grin on her face required to keep the charade going she tried to put all the hard steel she could into her eyes.  I'm going to rescue Jimmy and frag you if you try to stop me, was written in her two brown orbs.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-23-15/0844:59>
Unlike other gangs Huminis was a political movement, an ideological statement of human purity. Formally, Humanis does not oppose other metatypes, formally their ideology talks about segregation, a segregation that seemed to conform with reality very well. Troll and Orcs typically lived with each other, Elves liked the company of their own people and even formed their own countries. The scary thing about Humanis is the rumors about them, whenever an orc orphanage was burned to the ground, Humanis activists were involved. The criminals arrested always seemed ecstatic about these ideas, but the formal movement that included politicians and businessmen as well as common thugs always distanced itself from these acts. Yet, Humanis charities were only accessible for humans, they were the most common around town and a lot of city funding went directly to them.

Minnie is a bit terrified to be taken by a teenage boy into a Humanis layer, but she is surprised where he actually takes her. It is a meeting with Michael Kearney, a local Humanis politician at the local Bellevue community center. As the two enter, Minnie can see a very lively debate between Jimmy and Michael, with an entire crowd of Humanis supporters. Apparently, the formal goal is to bring Jimmy and few other teenagers closer to the ideology of Humanis.  However, Minnie quickly discovers that little Jimmy is quite a talker himself.  (When he is not talking to her that is). She is awed by his charisma and articulate phrasing and Jimmy seems like a very bright young adult. She watches him for a short while speaking all excited about metahuman equality and integration.

She does not have much time to stay tough, if she wants to make it to the meeting with Valentina she can only stay for a short while.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-23-15/1035:20>
Minnie watches and listens attentively to what is going on around her.  Taking full advantage of her secretarial AR set which is centered on her eyeglasses, she records everything she sees and hears.  She wants to share it with Athos later.  She texts Athos regularly to keep her cyber'd troll friend assured that she is perfectly fine.  She even sends some stills of Jimmy going toe to toe, debate-wise of course, with Michael.  Using her mapsoft which is loaded in the AR set, she identifies the closest landmark where Athos could pick her up without causing a stir.  A social services office, Stuffer Shack, Nukit Burger, Hacker's Delight - the sort of place where a troll-driven car coming down the street and stopping for a few moments to pick up a tiny human wouldn't cause a riot or attract authorities.  She sends the location details and tells him she'll be waiting at 11:00am.

There's more to Jimmy than I realized, she muses to herself as she tries to be as unobtrusive as possible for a human of her appearance.  The unexpectedly businesslike setting helps her a lot.  Her unremarkable, gray business suit was intended to minimize the noticabiliity of her ears and tail, and she keeps both still to prevent movement from catching any eyes.  While part of her wants Jimmy to notice her, the last thing she wants to do is cause the boy problems in such a potentially charged situation.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-23-15/1052:06>
As Minnie watches, her 'date' comments 'what a loser' toward Jimmy. When he get Minnie's attention, he seems very eager to get into her panties and the physical intimacy that she established previously backfires when the young teenager tries to kiss her.  If she kisses him back to keep appearances he suggests. 'so baby... do you want to fool around? I can find us some vacant room... and everyone are listening to the boring debate...'
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-23-15/1102:11>
Athos watches his friend turn on her seductive charm with mixed emotions.  On the one hand he can appreciate what she is trying to do, but on the other he does not like to see her take this kind of risk where he cannot support her.  He puts his hands down and remains silent as Minnie works her seduction on the boy biker.  There is no misunderstanding the look she gives him as anything other than butt out, so he does.  Backing off, he looks on as Minnie gets on the bike with the boy, wraps her lovely arms around him, and rides off.

Athos stands for a bit in the parking lot, wondering where the frag Artie had got to.  Last he remembered, she had done one of her magical leaps to the roof of the building and taken off after the bikers.  Now he has two friends to worry about.  He pulls out his commlink and sends a message to her.  >>Artie, Athos.  Are you OK?  Minnie has gone off with some bikers to see Jimmy and make sure that he is alright.  She will send a message when she gets to wherever he is.  I have some money to give to you and will wait in Gino's parking lot for a bit.  If we do not link up here, meet me at the casino.  Call me if you need me.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-23-15/1124:14>
Not wanting to cause a scene, Minnie goes through the motions of petting and even kissing while her real focus remains on Jimmy and Michael.  She had years of practice blowing an experienced client's mind while her own was off in places like the Caribbean Islands, Hogwarts, or Darkover.  Keeping a teenager hooked was nothing.  Unfortunately, although not at all surprisingly, the petting eventually leaves him wanting more.  While she'd have had no problem obliging the kid if it didn't pull her away from the debate up front, there was no way even giving the kid a blow wouldn't draw attention in the busy room.  Like the kid intimated, they'd have to leave for a 'vacant ' space.  And with her luck, the moment she headed down a hallway hand in hand with some random boy would be when Jimmy would notice her.  That thought seems to bother her the most.

She tries redirection.  "But what about that older guy?" she asks indicating Michael with her head even as her hands play the boy like a fine instrument.  With any luck, making the kid use his brain while his body experienced some of her more distracting foreplay that was still (more or less) appropriate in public might stall until she'd have to bail anyway to meet Athos.  "He seems really smart.  Have you met him?  What's he like?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-23-15/1147:53>
Athos waits in the parking lot for a while to see if Artie comes back.  If she appears, he gives her 200 nuyen for gambling expenses and 100 for half of the agreed upon fee for being at the casino.  If she does not appear he stews for a bit before calming down.  After all there is nothing he can do for either of them at this point.  Climbing into his car he heads for home to change his clothes for the meeting with Valentina.  He did not want to wear his meeting clothes to breakfast in case he spilled something.  It would be bad form to show up to the meet with food stains on one's clothes.

At home, he receives the first message from Minnie and is relieved.  One worry down, but still one to go.  He believes that Artie must have managed to follow the bikers that had taken Jimmy, but why has she not called him?  He takes the time to get out one of his best suits, once again marveling at the artisanship of the tailor that could make even a Troll look good.  The suit was worth every nuyen he had paid for it.  Just wearing it almost made him feel that he had made it out of the Barrens.  Almost.  Some part of him would always be in the Barrens.  He gets two additional updates from Minnie as he is dressing and is satisfied that she is OK.  Checking his 'link for about the hundredth time for a message from Artie, he scowls.  *Frag.  I hope she is OK.  Girl can take care of herself, but .......*  Athos leaves the rest of that sentence unspoken in his mind.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-23-15/1239:13>
Not wanting to cause a scene, Minnie goes through the motions of petting and even kissing while her real focus remains on Jimmy and Michael.  She had years of practice blowing an experienced client's mind while her own was off in places like the Caribbean Islands, Hogwarts, or Darkover.  Keeping a teenager hooked was nothing.  Unfortunately, although not at all surprisingly, the petting eventually leaves him wanting more.  While she'd have had no problem obliging the kid if it didn't pull her away from the debate up front, there was no way even giving the kid a blow wouldn't draw attention in the busy room.  Like the kid intimated, they'd have to leave for a 'vacant ' space.  And with her luck, the moment she headed down a hallway hand in hand with some random boy would be when Jimmy would notice her.  That thought seems to bother her the most.

She tries redirection.  "But what about that older guy?" she asks indicating Michael with her head even as her hands play the boy like a fine instrument.  With any luck, making the kid use his brain while his body experienced some of her more distracting foreplay that was still (more or less) appropriate in public might stall until she'd have to bail anyway to meet Athos.  "He seems really smart.  Have you met him?  What's he like?"

The teen seems amazed "That guy?!... he actually believes that nonsense about segregation, and how it is the best solution for us all... He is so naive, he ignores the fact that trogs are murder monsters that just want to enslave us all. " While you seem to keep the petting 'socially acceptable' the teenager is so turned on that he dose not seem to care at all who watches. His hands are getting more and more bold, and you feel that you are not the one initiating already. If you do not stop him somehow you will soon be half naked at the back of the hall. Apparently Minnie's sexual skills are a little to much for a teenage boy to contain. He is going insane.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-23-15/1313:24>
Minnie sighs internally, but doesn't let it show.  She's gathered what she needs.  Anything else can wait until she can talk again to Jimmy.  The note she left at the bar should let him know of her interest. 

Trying to  quietly guide the boy (http://orokos.com/roll/319178) to the least likely exit to be noticed by someone in the front of the room, namely Jimmy, she coaxes the boy out of sight of the crowd.  Only then does she permit the now almost mindless teen to lead her wherever he had in mind.  The sooner she can leave the boy in exhausted bliss, the quicker she can bail, clean herself up, and ensure she's on time for pick up by Artos.  As they reach the 'vacant space' he had in mind, she focuses on ensuring her professional clothes are removed and piled in a manner which will leave them suitable afterwards for the planned meeting.  Once down to her lace, she toys with the boy using hands and tail, squeaking to his touch in a cutesy mousy manner to enhance the ambiance her marquee attributes allow.  She knows the longer she can keep him from bursting, the more torpid he will be after his release and the easier it will be for her to slip out before he can protest.  It's not easy given his inexperience to keep him from acting prematurely (http://orokos.com/roll/319176), but she manages.

Poor boy, she muses as she brings him to glorious climax.  I've broken him so nothing will ever compare again...

Only later does she realize, red faced, that her AR set had recorded the whole thing...  ::)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-23-15/1344:10>
@Minnie, the boy is like clay in your hands. You play his body like a musical instrument. The problem is, that the same boy that now tries to cuddle you and sends an innocent thankful, completely involve look at you. All he wants now is to snuggle.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-23-15/1417:17>
Minnie notes the time on her glasses - 10:32am.  She knew it would take her about 10 minutes to make it to the nearest Stuffer Shack where she'd meet up with Artos. Okay, maybe 15 if she didn't want to sweat in her suit and mess up her makeup more than the boy's awkward kisses had already done.  She made soft noises and stroked the lazing kid in ways she knew to encourage postplay sleep.  She'd figured out years ago that her Family pimps didn't care what went on in her bedroom with clients as long as she kept them happy for their allotted time.  If that meant putting up with beatings (within limits) and total humiliation, well that's what they paid for.  If she could encourage them to sleep some of that time, though, better for her.

By 10:37 the boy was in dreamland (http://orokos.com/roll/319184).  She carefully slipped out of his arms (http://orokos.com/roll/319185) and returned to her piled clothing.  She dressed herself again as best she could without a mirror and by 10:45am she was slipping quietly out the nearest exit (http://orokos.com/roll/319186) she'd spotted and which didn't seem to be set to alarm when opened.  She then ran at an easy pace (http://orokos.com/roll/319187) to get to the rendezvous point.

[spoiler]Note that I had set up a plan for getting to the meeting with Valentina in a previous post (http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=21754.msg394151#msg394151).

Note also that I like to write in prose style.  I'll include my rolls as links.  If one fails, indicate in the response where that happened and describe the result.  I'll mod the post to accommodate the change and then go from there in the new one.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-23-15/1442:13>
Artie watched the exchange in the parking lt and then shrugged.  Mice will do whatever to survive.

After the bike rolled off, she hopped down from the roof.

"Well, Athos... there's that then."

He nodded and then handed her the nuyen.

"Right, I'll be there.  She patted him on the back and then left him to his thoughts.

-----

Getting to the Casino on time wasn't a problem, and neither was getting in.  A Barrens girl she might be, but she didn't dress like one, the Sleeping Tiger making her a fit for the streets and amongst the elite.  The folds of the coat and her own skills kept the security guards from finding anything she didn't't want them to find, and she took an hour to get a good feel for the place, the exits, the paths, and a route that would keep her close and able to see the most.

While doing so, she called her fixer.  Switz, so called because he was neutral, just like 'Switzerland'... whatever that meant, she thought Switzerland was some asshole country that was all fragged up, but whatever...

>>@Switz (Artie) Yo, chummer.  I need a quick hand.  You got a bithead (decker)  who can check out a toy I got?  Nothing special, just someone who could use a handful of nuyen or maybe a favor.  Let me know.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-23-15/1508:10>
@Artie Switz answer>> I know a girl... Roxxy. she is a bit different... you'll understand when you see her but a professional never the less. You are welcome!.  Artie knew that nothing came free with Switz and that he will ask her some favor in the future. Switz gave her the comcode for Roxxy.
[spoiler]
Yes, the PC ;) feel free to contact Roxxy.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-23-15/1606:38>
>>@Roxxy (Artie) Hoy, omae.  You don't know me, but we may have a mutual friend, fella we call 'Switz'.  Anyhow, I asked him for a bithead and he tossed me your name.  Looking at a mini-drone and hoping to figure out if it means anything.  Nothing big, just want it checked out for a... chummer of mine.  Figure out where it might have come from.  If that's something you can do, let me know.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-23-15/1740:25>
Athos carefully makes his way through traffic to get to the Stuffer Shack rendezvous with Minnie.  "You OK, Yulia?  Try not to worry me too much, would ya?"  He helps his friend into the car and gives her time to rearrange her hair and makeup.  He observes her through the rear-view mirror as he asks, "See Jimmy?  He alright?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-23-15/1809:55>
Minnie slips quickly into the car and belts in so that Athos can keep them moving.  She doesn't want to be seen here herself, and she definitely doesn't want her troll friend to draw any more attention than absolutely necessary.  "I'm soory, Onii," she says after settling in.  She then pulls out the touch up bag she keeps under Athos' enormous seat for just such occasions.  She fills Athos in on the skinny while working to spiff up her hair, fur, and face.

"I couldn't just abandon him if he was in trouble because of me," she continues while primping.  "In the end, I was silly to worry.  Like I said in my text, old man Gino was right - he went willingly. More than that, he seems right at home in front of a crowd arguing with some honcho of the Humanis peeps," she kept explaining as her hands worked her face with brush, sponge, and stick.  "He's a smooth talker, which kinda floored me since he can't seem to get three words out at a time around me." 

She smirks as she remembers the poor boy trying to ask her out.  Was that only three hours ago? she muses to herself.

"Anyway, once I was sure Jimmy would be fine I spent a few minutes tipping my ride there and then bolted for that Stuffer Shack.  Easy peasy lemon sqeezy."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-23-15/1830:56>
Athos watches her expression in the mirror.  "Must have been some tip.  You OK with that?  And you can quit worrying, you look great."  *Better than great.*

He watches the road the rest of the drive to the casino.  Once in the lot there, he opens the door for his friend and they go to the casino.  The Gates places is actually one of his favorite haunts.  Athos had laid out a bundle to get one of the exclusive membership passes to the club and casino and was known there.  The pass allowed him and Minnie to bypass the normal entrance line, something he rarely took advantage of, but today that aspect came in handy.  The large Troll at the door nodded at him and held open the velvet rope for them to enter.  "Good morning, Mr. Blue.  It is a pleasure to see you again.  And you as well, Miss.  Please enjoy your stay inside."

Athos shakes hands with the slightly smaller Troll, surreptitiously palming him a 30 nuyen note.  After all, it never hurts to show appreciation and Athos can remember when he might have killed for a job like this one.  At the entrance to the lounge, the hostess casually nods to the entrance next to the one with all the scanners.  Athos's position in the family means he does not have to go through the scans or leave his weapons at the door.  There is indeed something to be said for being a made man in the Finnigan family.

Entering the lounge, Athos does a quick scan for Artie, not really expecting to see her.  Minnie takes up a position a couple of feet back and to the left to signify her place as his special assistant and the pair head off to the section of the main restaurant reserved for the Finnigan bosses.  Athos spares a look at his companion and friend.  "Uncurl the tail and straighten the ears.  You are the prettiest girl here and if people are looking it is because they are jealous of me walking with you.  We are going in to meet our destiny.  Null sweat, Omae."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-23-15/1857:02>
Minnie's curled tail and drooped ears had more to do with discovering that she recorded her "tipping" of the Humanis boy back at the community center than nervousness at what was in store for them with Dame Valentina.  THAT little show was something she never intended to share with Athos, but she saved the file just in case it might come in handy some day.  Who knew if in ten years that kid might be in a position where such a file might come in handy for 'persuasion'?  That was about the ONLY way it'd ever see the light of day if she could help it, though.

She let her tail rise proudly behind her and straightened her ears as Athos requested, giving him her bravest smile with his final words of encouragement.  She didn't speak, though, since her role now was to be just another useful device for her employer.  She brought up her business suite through her AR set and to perform whatever secretarial actions might be required.  At the same time, the action permitted her to scan their surroundings in AR (http://orokos.com/roll/319255) as well as real sight (http://orokos.com/roll/319256).  As she entered new rooms or hallways she'd take a quick peek in astral as well (http://orokos.com/roll/319252).

By the time they approached the room where they'd meet Dame Valentina, Yulia was submerged into her Minnie persona insofar that she existed to give those she served, in this case Athos and Dame Valentina, exactly what was expected of her.  Her own feelings were buried to the point where she wasn't even aware of them anymore.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-23-15/1919:52>
Athos unconsciously straightens his suit as they approach the roped off area.  He nods to the two guards at the opening and casually hands one of them his huge revolver.  Even a made man has to surrender his weapons in the presence of Valentina Finnigan.  Once in he moves over to where Valentina is sitting and kneels in front of her to kiss her family ring, saying "Dona Finnigan".  When she motions for him to stand he does so, nodding to the family consiglieri sitting at her right.  Athos stands quietly, waiting for the words that will either promise greater responsibility and authority or send him to an ignoble death.  He is calm, having steadied himself for either.  He is cheered by the presence of a chair sized for a Troll, but does not let that show.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-23-15/1931:16>
Minnie remains exactly two human paces behind and one to the left of Athos as they move into the room.  When Athos kneels she does as well, making sure to lower herself an equivalent amount and then just a little more.  She rises with Athos, but otherwise may as well be part of the furniture.  She pointedly does NOT assense when in the presence of Dame Valentina.  That would be rude and she was sure there were awakened security members nearby watching her for exactly such a misstep.  Her abilities were well known to the Family, of course.  Her glasses were still showing an AR overlay, however, and her meat senses were alert.  She knew if Dame Valentina wished her dead, she would become dead.  She accepted that.  But if something happened from any other quarter, she was prepared to protect Athos to the best of her ability.  Dame Valentina, too, as long as that didn't conflict with keeping Athos alive.  She didn't need weapons to be deadly...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-23-15/2132:36>
Artie watched the two enter and move through the casino and into the back.  They did n't appear to notice her, which was fine, she was aiming not to be noticed.  While they walked through, she scanned to see who was taking note (http://orokos.com/roll/319296), if anyone, then moved through to ensure that she could keep track of anything suspicious.

She managed to get a few table games in and came out even, for the most part... there was nothing to indicate that she was here for any reason other than a little fun.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/0010:48>
@Athos, Minnie With all the horror stories you heard about Dame Valentina nothing prepare you to the plain, middle aged woman that you meet. Could she really be the one to rid the family of even the most powerful trouble makers?  Fifth in command, if you entered that room for an assassination or even for business Valentina would probably be the last person you would target. First of all she is under dressed. While all the men in the room are wearing expensive suits, Valentina’s suit is clearly very cheap. She has no expensive jewelry and is not wearing any sort of makeup. In that room it makes her almost invisible, not very different then the casino employees, or some small time gambler  that was drugged to this room for cheating.  Can she really be one of the most powerful people in the family?

Even the most junior bodyguards are dressed better than her. Athos and Minnie are greeted inside - by almost everyone in that room. They seem to be the focus of attention, they are the only unarmed people in that room except for Dame Valentina.  To Minnie the situation is a bit less pleasant as she  identifies Tony, one of her most uncomfortable diamond clients in that reception room.  Tony is not into beatings or humiliations (tanks god) - yet he seems to know exactly how to manipulate her into doing his bidding and she is going out of her way to please him. He probobly knows Minnie's body more than her girlfriend. But it is not only her body, their long relationship have taught him exactly where her pressure points are. Minnie feels all worked up after pleasing that guy and he can find flaws in her techniques no matter how perfect they are.  Even after she did her best and he clearly enjoyed himself, he never once gave her a satisfied look. “Not bad” was the most she could get out of him. Tony’s presence is making her very uncomfortable, she usually needs all her mental energies just to face him.

Like the rest, Tony gives a polite handshake to Minnie and Athos. He introduces himself and then goes to his business, he does nothing to embarrass Minnie. Yet, she feel so vulnerable just for having him around.
Finally, Valentina approaches Athos “Come please, we have a wonderful lunch in the second room just for us.” says Valentina.  Her voice is pleasant and the awkwardness is suddenly all gone. It is very difficult not to feel comfortable around Valentina and she seems nothing like the myths that surrounds her.

At the next room they are alone with a dedicated waiter and a small table. "They have the most exquisite red wine if you like".  They quickly discover that Valentina actually knows quite a bit about the food, she even fixes the waiter a few times when his explanation is not accurate. She does so in a very friendly manner, she seem to expect even their waiter to be flawless. Is she really going to execute him afterwards just for not knowing what year the wine was? Can she be that terrible?

@Artie (and Minnie) - casino attendance is sparse but that place is very secure. You identify firing platforms very delicately assembled into the slot machines as well as a very powerful jammer that makes all electronics stop working. If you enter the Gates you leave all your troubles behind. She identify that someone is watching her, some black jack lady that sneaks a peak at her any once in a while. Artie can say that she is professional security despite the way she dress and act. She somehow manages to be aware of Artie even while playing with some of the patrons. Talking to them and making them comfortable and distracted. Somehow, that woman just knew that Artie is worth being aware of.

Minnie - you also identify very powerful wards and watcher spirits that assense anyone on the entrance. Most casinos have strong magical security, most of them will never let the awakened even play. After all, some of these awakened can cause extreme trouble to the casino. The Gates is one of the casinos that do let awakened play, but that only implies that their magical security is strong enough to prevent them from cheating.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-24-15/0115:35>
Athos was reared on the stories of what Valentina had done to secure her place in the Finnigan family.  She may have been fifth in command, but her influence was felt in almost every facet of the gang's business.  It is unlikely that anyone not in the family would know just how powerful the woman really is.  There were almost as many rumors about her as there were people telling them, but one thing was sure; she was all business and her closest associates were completely loyal to her.

Athos also recognizes Tony and knows that he is one of the "special" clients that Minnie sees on occasion.  He also knows that Minnie is always very uncomfortable around Tony.  She has so far refused to talk about it, but Athos knows something is wrong between them.  He turns and motions for Minnie to wait then follows Valentina into the private room, sits in the chair offered and quietly waits for Valentina to come to her point.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/0142:56>
@Athos - Valentina does not seem to come to any point. You have a pleasant conversation and she seems very interested in you.  You never talked to her before, yet she is quite knowledgeable about you and your motivations. The closest she gets to the point is when she asks Athos: "So how do you like Bellevue?" is she referring to the trust fund he was recently awarded apparently for no particular reason. None of the other members of his standing had such a fund. Yet, no one in the family explained why, or expected him to do anything out of the ordinary in order to get it. Athos could almost believe that it was some random computer error, almost. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-24-15/0151:14>
Athos continues to wait for Valentina to get to what she is after.  When it comes to his new house, he smiles and talks of the things that he has done to it.  He does not take his eyes off Valentina and answers her questions directly and with respect.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/0256:12>
@Minnie, Once Athos is gone Tony approaches you and say "Please accompany me to room 3" You understand by now that this is not a request, but what can Tony possibly want right now in the middle of everything. He is not exactly the guy for a quickie. It can take you hours to please him and even then, he does not seem very pleased.

@Athos Valentina asks you "What is the different between Bellevue and the Barrens? the richest and the poorest districts are so close and yet so far. So I am asking you makes them so far apart? "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-24-15/0317:17>
Athos wishes he had Minnie's head for quick thinking as well as her head for facts and figures.  As it is, he will just have to do the best he can.  He considers his words carefully.  "Dona Valentina.  I would say that the main reason is the people themselves.  Those of us who grow up and live in the Barrens have little hope of ever leaving the Barrens.  At the same time, most cannot really see themselves anywhere else.  The Barrens breeds survivors; people that, although very different from each other, will stand together against most authority.  Corporations or City government, it makes no difference.  The people of the Barrens stand for themselves and will band together in a most unusual way to defy outsiders.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/0323:44>
@Athos Valentina continue : "but things are changing now, aren't they? " You couldn't have missed it. The fear in people eyes, the evacuation of complete neighborhoods from all but the most desperate or bravest. Dead bodies in the streets, rumors of Shedim, the futile attacks on Bellevue. Threats for airstrikes in national television did not help, a new generation of gang wars.  The recent month was very difficult on Barren people.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-24-15/0334:43>
Athos nods.  "Yes, Dona Valentina.  Things have been getting worse.  There are rumors of shedim in the neighborhoods, but I have met no one who has actually seen any.  Just plenty of people who are willing to spread rumors after embellishing them.  I am more willing to believe shedim are in the Barrens when I see them.  But there is no denying that people are scared.  May I ask, Dona valentine, what the family interest is in such rumors?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/0339:59>
@Athos Valentina continues "Power does not just happen overnight, it is the result of many delicate moves and careful investments. Where most see fear the family sees an investment opportunity. What if there are Shedim in the Barrens, what do you think will happen then? Can you suggest a relevant precedent?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-24-15/0355:26>
Athos nods again.  "Yes, Dona Valentina.  Well, I am not sure if it is truly relevant, but the bugs in Chicago.  Eventually the government had to cordon off part of the city.  But the bugs were real and many people saw them."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/0410:07>
Valentina answers:
There are many forces deeply invested in this panic. From big corporations that see this as an aggressive marketing campaign, to politicians looking to become popular, the family believes that this genie will not easily return to its bottle - even if there are no Shedim.

If things continue to evolve as they are parts of the barrens are going be sealed off from the rest of the world. The family estimates that after Chicago - the government would rather err on the side of caution.  SINless that do not vote, and the average citizens expects their goverment to protect them even if it means making life more difficult to the SINless.

We are not here to discuss national politics tough, these things are too big for the family. If we accept the assumption that parts of the Barrens are going to be sealed of from the rest of the world. Either because of real Shedim, or because  of a brilliant conspiracy - these things are over our heads. What would you suggest the family to do in that case?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-24-15/0859:45>
Minnie doesn’t even think twice about following Tony.  She’d been conditioned since childhood to NEVER question a request or instruction from a high profile client.  They say jump, the answer isn’t how high but rather to already know and do it dripping sensuality.  As it was, there wasn’t anything she could do for Athos right now and given Tony’s presence she was certain his role in whatever was unfolding had Dame Valentina’s full knowledge if not blessing.

Although it never occurred to her to resist Tony’s summons, she was perplexed with what he had planned for her right here and now.  She’d never been able to quite figure the man out.  He was a master manipulator.  Mouse had helped her recognize that.  Only now, however, was she just beginning to recognize his role in training her.  Tony began visiting her when she rose to taking diamond clients alone, rather than just as the child assistant to a more experienced “escort”, at a nearly unheard of young age of twelve.  Obviously some kids were “fed” alone to those with less acceptable appetites, but those kids were considered throw aways.  Minnie was being groomed for greater, long-term, things. 

Tony was the one doing much of the grooming.

When her inconvenient adept abilities had manifested, and especially after she killed a particularly abusive but well-placed and lucrative client, her official handlers proposed having her cybered up to kill her talent.  It would have the added benefit of permitting her to be hooked on BTL and opened up infinite sim options.  Tony had personally intervened.  She never knew the details, but he’d become much more stern with her after that.  Only very recently had she come to realize the level to which the man mastered the art of conditioning.  She literally could not fight back in her bedroom – the one where she entertained clients.  She knew for a fact that, if he walked in on her as a client in that room, that pathetic Humanis boy she had just shagged back at the community center could beat her to death and she’d die smiling and blowing his mind with pleasure as he rained down the blows.

So yes, Tony was an enigma to her.  She owed the man her adept talents and the fact that she was still in control of her mind.  She suspected…no she KNEW…that her current freedom was permitted with his permission if not blessing.  She could only guess what game he was playing.  She just knew that for now she was no better than a pawn in it.  Maybe someday she’d graduate to a rook.  Maybe someday she’d reach queen status.  But she doubted she’d ever be anything more than a piece in his oh-so-talented hands.

And for now that piece was following meekly to Room 3, awaiting whatever Fate had in store for her.  For her, Fate wore the face of the man ushering her into a private room.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/0931:37>
@Minnie The two enter Room 3 and Tony locks the door behind them. The room has nothing but a table and two chairs. That nothing is striking, the walls are white, there are no pictures, no carpet on the floor, It is clean, too clean, sterile would be a better word to describe that. He lets Yulia appreciate this nothingness and then asks her “Do you know where you are?”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-24-15/1019:02>
Minnie blinked at the strange question, her mind racing as she tried to follow the cunning man’s game.  Any number of thoughts came to mind, from obvious to snarky.  None seemed likely what he was looking for, and most would probably find her back in her room for more training.  Instead she just shook her head, her ears drooped, and waited for him to tell her where she was.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-24-15/1037:46>
Athos thinks for a minute, his mind racing.  For Valentina to be asking such questions of someone of his status in the family is unheard of.  This really could be his chance and the wrong answer could send him back to obscurity.  "Dona Valentina, I can see an opportunity for growth.  If we stop what is happening, we can emerge as a champion of the people, gaining significant ground on our rivals.  If we could uncover evidence of complicity by the Triads or the Yaks, we could even do better, slicing off chunks of their territory."  He goes silent, waiting to see if he had answered correctly.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/1053:39>
@Minnie:  This is an interrogation room -  every casino has one we have three. This is where big cheaters are taken to. You see, small cheaters they get roughed up by security and then tossed off to the Barrens. For big cheaters there are two options, recruitment or death. This room is my office, you can say. I look at talented people, sense them talk to them and decide if they are more useful dead or alive. I’ve been doing that for many years now. Do you know why you are here right now?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-24-15/1109:46>
Minnie thought hard on her answer.  She doubted deferential silence would cut it again.  On the other hand, she wasn’t confident enough to give her answer right off.  This may be an offer to graduate to a rook in his game.  It could be that she wanted his little pawn to march to her likely lethal fate.  Maybe she could fish a bit before she answered…

“If you wanted me back between the sheets full time, I’d be there and not here.”  It wasn’t much, but this may have been the first time in years she’d done anything but immediately respond to his command.  When he didn’t immediately frown, or worse, it gave her confidence and her ears perked up just a smidge.  “You wouldn’t need to bring me here to make that happen.”

She waited to discover his response to her reasoning.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/1142:09>
Valentina looks as if she genuinely consider what you say and finally says. “Your plan is a bit naive, but I can see that your heart is in the right place. The family made a plan in that spirit, less ambitious than what you suggest but more inline with our long term goals.

The family is not going to figure out this crisis but, we are going to establish our own perimeter in addition to Bellevue perimeter. She shows you an AR map of Seattle, there are some crucial services in the Barrens that we already have a lot of influence in - these need to be protected at all costs. Then we expanded it a little to include residential areas as well as some successful business. The yellow area is where we want to establish Mafia influence.

We are going to establish a secure neighborhood adjacent to Bellevue, where businesses can prosper and crime can be eliminated. This will benefit the family greatly regardless of how real this new threat is. Our neighborhood will have its own perimeter, that is similar to the Bellevue perimeter only with our own people. 

As you can see there are some problems, this expansion, We have a common border to the east, with Yakuza territory, and the land we want overlaps with the territory of a small gang called the Brain Eaters. So there are two obstacles, first we want to negotiate with the Yakuza and establish an agreed border with them.

The Yakuza are too powerful for direct confrontation, they seem to be building their own army, and the Family wants minimal contact with them.  We made initial agreements to buy a warehouse that is on the wrong side of our border so that our contact with them can be kept to minimum.

I need you to close that deal, there are also two buildings near this warhouse that need to submit to Mafia influence and pay our taxes, or leave. We are going to have a many expenses in keeping the area safe, we need the support of the local population.

The other challenge is to completely eliminate the brain eaters, they are violent they terrorize bushiness and prevent growth, and they are too brutal and cannot be tolerated in a good neighborhood. But all in good time, for tonight you have 3 buildings to handle. A warehouse to buy and two that need to submit to Mafia influence. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/1211:44>
@Minnie
Tony looks at you softly and let just a tiny bit of sympathy. “This prostitution really scared you, I wish it could be different.” This is as far as he goes. “You are not going to be full time between the sheets... not now not ever. You are growing too powerful for that.” He sizes you up, and pause for a second to let you digest the fact that your prostitution days are almost over.

“ You are approaching the critical point, as your talent improves,  your recruit or die moment. Your loyalty and emotional stability will be tested by someone like me. He will try to break you in many different ways. You must keep your cool. I wish I could do that for you, but after our long relationship I am emotionally connected to you. I wanted you to be in this room once before that moment, so that you can feel it, so that you can be ready. Everything I did to you these recent years was aimed for that test
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-24-15/1310:15>
Artie noted the dealer and smiled when their eyes met before simply continuing on to her purpose.  She wasn't here to cause trouble for the casino and the casino wasn't where she expected trouble to come from.  Well, not that she could handle.  If Athos's people had it in for him, there was little she could do, here in this place.

If something else were to happen, she and the dealer would likely be allies.

That said, the watchful eye was a reminder that any attempt at cheating was probably the most horrible idea she could come up with, and so she kept her game small and made no pushes to big wins.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-24-15/1341:28>
Minnie managed to maintain her compose at Tony’s revelation that his future plans for her did not involve the sheets.  True, she wasn’t being let off the hook of her remaining clients, at least not yet, but at least she knew…with the possible exception of Tony himself…how to satisfy them and none were overly…difficult.

As Tony continued, though, her relief was moderated.  So, she thought, the currency the Family is asking of me is changing, but they still expect to be paid.  She never believed she’d be allowed to just slip away from the Family, nor did she necessarily want that.  The Family was her life – she knew little else.  Athos was deep with them, and she was deep with him.  She also loved Nagisa, or at least thought she did.  She wanted to follow them where they went, and that path was paved by the Finnigan Family.  She would pass through the challenge Tony was laying before her.  She was smart enough to realize that to say no wasn’t an option.  It would end up with her dead or, worse, back in the sheets - brain-dim and her rapport with Mouse gone.

She’d never permit that.  She’d end herself before that happened.

No, the path Tony was laying before her was arduous, but it was the path she must take.

“I understand and accept,” was all she said, but her bright eyes, erect ears, and proud tail expressed far, far more than words ever could.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/1606:14>
@Minnie, Tony approaches you so close that you can smell him and feel his breath. whispers in your ear “this test will be the most difficult thing you have ever experienced. They may hit you, torture you anything you can possibly think about is fair game. If you squick a bad word or try to defend yourself you will be killed. No matter what they will do to you you have to humbly accept it. You will never become an agent otherwise. Before the family can trust you they need to break you, emotionally, physically and mentally. You will be in this room for few days and you will come close to death.”

Then he tell you “You had sex recently, maybe few hours ago. I can still smell him.”. Examining your cloths he say “You seem to kept your clothes clean... almost” He shows you some little drool stain on your blouse. “You got a little dirty before you stripped; This is not good enough! You should always carry an extra set of clothes." He unbuttons your blouse and examines your chest and belly.“ Some minor scratches... on the back too - the lucky guy clearly enjoyed himself.” His hand wanders up your skirt, “But you didn’t... your mind was somewhere else.”

He sighs hold your hands and look you in the eyes. You can sense that these words are difficult for him.  “I have a confession Yulia, In my 20 years of service to the family, you are the first time that I disobeyed. I shouldn’t have told you that but I find the thought of you enduring this kind of torture more difficult than I thought, are you sure that these are the life you want? After this process is done there is no going back.”

Tony disobeyed an order, he just confessed that. If Yulia is loyal to the family she is expected to report it, but if she does, Tony might be killed, disobeying an order is the worst of crimes. Then again, why did he confess to her?


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-24-15/1726:08>
Tony’s description of the trial sounded little different from her experience as a Finnigan whore.  You gave the client the experience he or she desired.  Her reality didn’t matter.  Her feelings didn’t matter.  She was exactly what her client desired, acted as her client desired, felt as her client desired…suffered as her client desired.  She’d bent beyond breaking, yet here she was.  She’d persevered through the bedroom and was now being offered the world.  Maybe it would kill her.  Maybe it wouldn’t.  She knew the sheets would kill her, so the world was a good bet despite the risks.  She’d make Athos proud, or die trying.  Hopefully she’d have a chance to send a note to Nagisa beforehand, but if not…well she’d trust the Family to tie up her loose ends.

Tony’s next words also didn’t surprise her.  He was tougher than any UCAS drill instructor ever born.  She could give some great excuses – she didn’t expect to have sex when she prepared, she had nothing to carry more clothes in, heck she didn’t have two suits.  But those were excuses.  At her level you never gave excuses.  You made sure it never happens again…if you were lucky enough to get another chance.  At least he didn’t criticize her for taking a client less than seriously.  He would have been right to chide her for that, too.  Whether she was servicing the Chief Justice of the Seattle Superior Court or some Humanis flunky, if someone recieved her ministrations he or she deserved her best.

She was so intense absorbing the warnings and criticism that it took her a moment to recognise the gravity of Tony’s gaze into her eyes.  The vulnerability she saw there, fleeting but real, rocked her world.  She’d never seen this man vulnerable.  Heck, she didn’t think he was capable of being vulnerable.  Only then did she realize the meaning of some of his previous words.  She meant more to him than a valuable tool…a pawn.  He actually cared for her.  Enough to disobey.

The momentousness of his ‘confession’ was not lost on her.  Her pulse quickened not only from his touch but also as she processed what that meant.  She carefully considered his words and was relieved to realize Tony never did explain just WHAT he had done to disobey.  No…not one of his words crossed the line.  And she wanted to keep it that way.

She quickly raised her right hand to Tony’s face and placed a finger on his lips.  She didn’t say a word.  They’d both said enough.  She’d forever treasure the look in his eyes at this moment.  Come what may, she wanted his last image of her to be her soft smile.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/1751:51>
@Minnie Tonny looks at you silently for a short moment. His eyes are different, all soft you can sense that he feels weak and vulnerable. He then passionately grabs you, and just smells you.  It is just as if he is trying to memorize your scent, perhaps it is his way to say goodbye. With a tear in his right eye he tells you, “I told Valentina that I wanted to have you one last time before your big day. Her condition was that I do not hint you anything. It was my test and I just failed it. You know what you have to do now.”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-24-15/1823:06>
Minnie stays silent as Tony speaks, but the gears of her mind are turning.  Ironically, intimacy sharpened her mind.  It made sense when you thought about it.  Her moments of greatest strain, the times she needed her wits the most, had all happened between the sheets.

This is part of my test, she realized while in Tony's arms.  This is just too different from the Tony I know.

She didn't let on to her epiphany, and her smile remained genuine.  She truly did believe Tony cared for her, but not enough to ruin his career, perhaps his life.  Certainly not when she had given him an easy out.  She wasn't sure when this knowledge would be most useful and so she stored it away.  She looked Tony in the eye, standing as tall as her 145cm frame would permit, and said simply, "I'm ready,Tony."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-24-15/1833:38>
@Minnie, Tony just sit in the room looking all defeated, he does not form eye contact, nor does he even open his eyes. He said his goodbye already, he does not want to ruin the moment.

If this was your loyalty test, Tony has no idea if you passed or not. If it was his own he has no idea what you are going to do about it. Either way,  he seems to just enjoy your last moment together.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-24-15/1914:58>
Minnie honestly doesn't know what is real and what is performance from Tony since they entered the room, although once more she is certain some of Tony's affection is not feigned.  Still, the man has any number of strings he could pluck within her.  He's had years of fine tuning the instrument that is Yulia Kriedich.  But this show of emotion isn't on the play list.  His goal might have been to throw her off balance, but if anything the display has done the opposite.  She feels more emboldened, more sure of her ability to weather whatever is coming.  It isn't going to be easy, but she's now confident of her ability to see this through.

That said, she knows nothing Tony just shared with her may be right.  She knows no more about this test than she had when she first heard about it.  She decides she'll just remain silent, alert, and ready to handle whatever comes next.

Deciding that the fact she was possibly being tested this moment gave her freedom to start using her skills, she scans the empty room with all three of her senses.

[spoiler]Assensing: 1 [6d6t5=6, 1, 3, 3, 1, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/319506)

Perception: 2 [5d6t5=2, 5, 4, 1, 5] (http://orokos.com/roll/319507)

AR via her eyeglasses: 2 [3d6t5=5, 5, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/319508)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0002:12>
@Minnie - the room seems to be completely separated from the rest of the world. It is enveloped by a powerful ward, there is no matrix access at all, and your perception shows that it as some advanced sound proofing technology embedded to the walls. It is likely possible to do almost anything in that room without anyone outside hearing about it. You do not spot any recording equipment or any other technological device in the room.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-25-15/0003:24>
Athos acceptance.  "Of course, Dona Valentina.  You may consider this done.  Am I assigned a crew and what are the resources I have to spend to finalize the purchase?  I also need the locations of the buildings."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0013:10>
Valentina answers youYou get an access to a Family account with 1,000,000 nuyen. The warehouse should go for half of that, but the Yaks are notorious  in the way they do buissness, nothing is sure until you complete the transaction.  You are allowed to pay 5k a head yourself included. You can hire as many people as you see fit but be reasonable.

She gives you a warm smile and kisses you on both cheeks, "Welcome to my crew" she say and warmly hug you. Now lets see what's going on with your friend. , it is funny because she never seemed to even notice that Yulia was there.

Valentina takes you to the reception room that by now is empty, she takes a seat and suggest you to do the same. "It may take a while" she said. She seats in silent she seems very comfortable with her silence, but Athos feels a little bit awkward. Until a moment ago, she was so friendly toward him. She seem to be hyper alert and completely focused at the door of Room 3.


@Minnie Tony takes off the key from his pocket and throw it to you. "You'll need it  to get out" He says.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-25-15/0032:07>
Athos nods as he takes the sum in stride.  The cheek bussing was more of a surprise.  And more of a pleasure.  To a soldier in the family, this was tantamount to approval from the family boss.  Of course, failure carried a stiffer penalty, but the possible reward was much greater as well.

He rises as she does and follows her out of the room, sitting as instructed.  He is already going over the list of people he might trust to include in the mission.  Artie for sure, and Yulia, but he is thinking he needs at least one more.  Yulia is not waiting outside so he assumes that she was taken somewhere, but is unconcerned as yet.  Valentina had mentioned her and she would not have done so if the girl was in trouble.  He forces himself to overcome the awkwardness in the situation, instead looking around.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-25-15/0427:34>
Minnie catches the tossed key from mid-air with her left hand and examines them curiously.  "You make it sound so easy," she says simply with a raised eyebrow, wondering just what kind of test this is.  Of everything Tony had shared these past 15 minutes,the fact she was being tested was the one thing she took at face value.  Everything else was subject to further notice.  She keeps alert for whatever would happen next.  She's a mouse - more literally than for most spirit mentored beings.  Like her totem, she adapts to her surroundings.  She would survive, thrive even, where greater creatures could not.  Embracing Mouse fully, she waits and watches for what would come next.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0540:53>
@Minnie, Tony stands up and look at you he pushes you to the cold white wall and passionately kisses you. You have never seen him so intense and passionate.  Actually he is so different than how you ever experienced him.
That kiss was not deductive, he did not teach you on the perfect kiss and how to just sense exactly what your partner wants.  This kiss is rough, intense and yet the technique is wrong in so many ways, it feels real to you, you feel that it overwhelms you.

When he next speak it is a soft whisper, and you can feel his emotions changed. It is no struggle but acceptance. His eyes are wet when he tells you
"It touches me that you struggle... You are brilliant to understand that you are being tested right now. But you know the code of honor of the family. Loyalty above all, loyalty to the family. I am no family!  I can never be, I just proved that to you. You see it wasn't just your own acceptance test, it was also my own. What I needed to do to pass is simply take you here have sex with you and say nothing about whats coming.

But when I looked at you,  I knew that I can spare you the worst experience of your life. I can spare you being raped, tortured and abused for days. I can finally do what I never could, protect you. All I needed to do is give you an opportunity to prove your own loyalty in some other way.  Truth be told, as much as I am loyal to the family -  I cannot bare the thought that you will be treated like that.

Go to Valentina, tell her that I warned you about the test and you will never have to sleep with anyone ever again. Your body will be your own, and you will serve the family with your other talents. I know you want it more than anything in the world, let me do what I feel right for once in my life.

Consider it my last gift for you. It kills me inside every time when I notice the marks of abuse on your delicate body. I can never live with myself if you die, or even if you live through this kind of torture - I know you will never be the same.  I will have to look at that darker version of you and know that I did that to you. I did that just because I feared for my life.


You feel that he can barely contain his passion. "Please leave before I make it harder for you." He whispers. He seems completely aware that it may be the last time that he sees you.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0641:33>
@Artie when the game is over  - the dealer approaches you and asks "Would you like a drink?"

@Athos: Valentina tells you seeing that you feel awkward. "Tony, is our best instructor she is in good hands in there."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-25-15/0707:13>
Using full advantage of her immense strength and inhuman agility and reaction, speed not even Athos' damn pet cat could match, she pushes Tony away and slaps him across the face.  Her intent isn't to cause real damage, but she definitely wants to get his attention.

"Tony," she says softly as the sound of the 'smack' fades and a bright red welt starts to form on the man's cheek, "I'm not the brightest bulb on the shelf."  Her face is now hard, determined, and her voice rises with an edge to it Tony has never heard before "I know you must have sometimes wondered if you'd ever get me to learn a damned thing.  But I did learn.  You're the best the Family has for taking useless rocks and making them into gems. Either you're fucking with my head right now which means I pass because I saw through it, or you're telling the truth and the Family is about to lose a resource it can't afford to lose."  She reaches out to hold Tony's hand a moment, placing the key back in it.  "Whichever it is, I'm not leaving this room before you do."

[spoiler]If I needed to roll anything for my push and slap action, feel free to roll it for me.  I'm assuming with an agility of 7, a reaction of 8, an initiative of 12+4d6, an unarmed combat of 6 (13d6), and a strength of 5 that I should be able to pull it off.  If not, I'll mod my post.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0804:14>
[spoiler]
You do not need to... Tony is augmented and not particularly agile. He is not a shadowrunner and is not skilled in any form of combat. (a point or two of pistols - but nothing that can endanger you) Physically you are superior to him in every possible aspect. There is really nothing he can do to you if you resist.[/spoiler]

"Look Yulia, I do not know if they will kill me or not.  Mafia are practical people - sometime they make exceptions. I am an instructor, a good one and I can read people from years of experience. My talent is mundane and common and even if I am the best. There are other good instructors. I have no illusions, the family can do without me.

Have no illusions about it, I did fail my loyalty test and I am completely at peace with it. In a way, I failed because of the very things that make me a good instructor. Because I am more loyal to my students than to anyone else.  Because after spending so many years shaping you, pushing you to be the best you possibly can, I care about you a lot.

You were never a rock, ever since you reached the family you were a diamond. Why do you think that the family took you in the first place? It was always your magical talent, even before you knew how to use it. The potential alone made you worth the investment.

It was shortsighted and plain stupid to whore you. I feared that it will kill you but it didn't. The thing is, even with magical potential - the vast majority never get to do anything useful with that potential. 
Your time between the sheets did more damage than it did good. These were lost years that we could spend in further training you. With better preparing you.  Nobody believed that you will actually get as far as you did. The family may never encounter a talent such as yours again.

As for me, if I have to take a risk to prevent this family for doing the most idiotic thing they ever did. I will do it now as I did before. Normally they give the test to agents and some die and some pass. But these people are easily replaced. If you die or if they brake you - there is no way to find another adept with similar capabilities. It will be a terrible mistake.

Remember the time when they wanted to make you a BTL slave? This family is notorious for taking real talent and burning it away.  Let me do it, I am at peace with my decision. You deserve this chance and I will never get to work with someone like you again."


He offers you the key I will wait Valentina's decision in here. There is no point in having some goons tag me in the middle of the night. I am not as agile as you, it is not like I can bolt out of the window and escape my judgement. At least let me truthful about my faliure - this is the only chance I have to keep my life. If you do not tell Valentina you will fail her test. I will tell her the truth, this is the only behavior that can spare me.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-25-15/0840:18>
He really means it, she finally realized.  Maybe I really am a dim bulb.

She refuses to accept the key back, but her smile returns.  "You taught me that sometimes it is better to ask forgiveness than permission, as long as you were willing to live with the consequences.  Achieving the goals of the Family comes first, and sometimes it's better they don't know the details.  Believable deniability.  Sometimes you act and deal with the consequences later, but then that time comes you own up to it.  If you succeed, you get the credit.  If you don't...well you deal with it when it happens.  If what you're telling me is really true, and honestly right now you have me convinced that it is, then you best tell Dame Valentina yourself.  Neither of us will leave this room before the other, it seems."  Her eyes scan the walls around her and then return to gaze into Tony's face. 

"Well, unless we want to starve, there's only one option."  Her head gestures at the door.  "We walk out together.  You can report to Dame Valentina whatever you damn well want, and then I'll answer truthfully whatever she asks me.  If you really are disobeying, then use that pair I know you have to full advantage."  Her eyes dip down to his crotch and then back up with a mischievous grin.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0851:40>
@Minnie  But if I talk first to Donna Valentina you have shown no particular loyalty. I left you with no choice, but to confirm what i just said. It is better if it seems as if I tried to deceive her and you told her the truth. He gives you a naughty look and say Be gentle with me...  I can still feel the burn of your hand. You are stronger than you realize... That's good.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-25-15/0904:22>
Definitely the dimmest bulb on the shelf, she chides herself as he slices past all her efforts to keep from betraying her teacher.  I never could hold a candle to him.

Defeated, she accepts the key with only slightly drooping ears.  Knowing decisiveness was to her advantage, she turns her gaze away from Tony without a backward glance and strides toward the door.  If he was still conning her, he deserved his win and she’d fail with grace.  If he was telling the truth, well it may not be the last time her path forward was paved with old friendships.  She’d best get used to it.

Taking a deep breath, she inserts the key, turns it, and opens the door…uncertain what she will find on the other side.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/0912:46>
@Minnie Tony stays inside, from what you can tell he seems almost happy. He is proud of you when you take that key.  As you go outside you see that everyone have already left. Valentina and Athos are sitting near one of the tables and they seem to be waiting for you.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-25-15/1010:26>
Athos nods at Valentina's words but says nothing, waiting for his friend to emerge from the room.  When she does, he looks closely at her to see if she is OK.  She is doing the tail thing, which means she is disturbed, but she does not seem to have been physically abused.  He rises from his seat and waits for her.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-25-15/1232:55>
Quote from: The Dealer
"Would you like a drink?"

Artie turns to the dealer.  "Is this special attention or do you double as a cocktail waitress when you aren't pushing cards?"  She smiles and nods, "Though a drink would be wonderful."

Her eyes quickly cast about, marking exits and avenues, as well as checking to see if any security is heading her way.  She doubts there is anything to worry about, just the Dealer making sure nothing was awry, and so far as Artie was concerned, nothing was.

"I've been waiting for a friend and passing the time, didn't realize how thirsty I had gotten."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/1333:14>
@Artie "No, I thought we'll just go to the bar... It is a slow hour and you seem... interesting. I am Bekki by the way."  She goes to the bar seat with you, orders a rusty nail and waits for your own.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-25-15/1336:01>
Minnie's confidence wavers as she sees Dame Valentina so soon upon exiting the room.  She recovers a bit when she sees Athos sitting relaxed nearby the older human.  Deciding no one can begrudge her a deep breath before approaching her defining moment, she takes in a deep breath through her nose and out through the mouth, centering herself.  Then, confidence restored, she approaches Dame Valentina and her fate.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/1406:01>
Valentina looks at you and say "What's the matter dear, was Tony rough on you?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-25-15/1428:21>
Minnie approaches Dame Valentina and Artos, bending to one knee much as the latter had done when he first met the former, although more at a distance as denoting her lower status.  “I…I’m not exactly sure, ma’am,” she answered haltingly.  “It may be that I am so dim that I didn’t get the test.  He always talks circles around me leaving me tied up in knots inside.”  She pauses a moment before going on, willing her tail to stay still.  “But if I’m right, I believe Tony has cracked under the pressure and needs help.  He’s not right in the head.”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/1432:47>
@Minnie "What makes you say that dear?" She say and look very interested in what you are about to say. You can sense that she personally like Tony.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-25-15/1442:27>
“He told me to expect to be tested and that the test would be very, very difficult.  He said that to tell me was to disobey you.  He said that he couldn’t stand to see me hurt, but his actions while he spoke were either the best acting I’ve ever seen or…he’s sick in the head.”  She risks looking up into Dame Valentina’s eyes.  “This wasn’t the Tony who has taught me all these years.  Something isn’t right but I don’t know what that is.”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/1456:19>
"Wasn't himself? what do you mean?" She ask, there is something in her eyes but you cannot recognize it. Somehow, although Valentina is the most socially skilled person in the Mafia, perhaps in the entire city. Nobody knows what she really feels, ever, somehow you are certain that what you see from her is actual concern.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-25-15/1532:46>
“He keeps insisting he disobeyed you, Dame Valentina,” Yulia explains, her gaze not wavering from the woman.  “In order to protect someone as insignificant as me.  The Tony I know would never waste Family assets by squandering himself so lightly.  And his loyalty for you would never waver.  Either I am so dim that I couldn’t see through his game, or he needs help so that he can return to faithfully serving you.  I have spent half my life having my mind bent…no sharpened…by that man.  He demands perfection of me…and of himself.  Something doesn’t add up, Dona.  But I am too dim to figure the riddle out.”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-25-15/1630:48>
Quote from: Bekki
"No, I thought we'll just go to the bar... It is a slow hour and you seem... interesting. I am Bekki by the way."

"'Bekki', is it?  Artie.  Good to know you."  She orders a soy brew and turns, facing Bekki but also the room in general, still maintaining an eye on the whole place.  "As for interesting?  I wouldn't say I'm any more interesting than any other choob jandarin' about the place.  Just passing the time, y'know?  But you, you work here, hey?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-25-15/1634:07>
Athos, "will you excuse us?" Said Valentina and signal Minnie to enter the room. "Lock the door dear will you".

"Tony... did you sleep with Yulia"

"No, you can see the slap she gave me for trying"

"Do you expect me to believe it?"

"I kissed her and she slapped me, I understand the hint, I am no rapist."

"Why did she slap you Tony?"

"Because of what I did before I kissed her."

"And what was that?"

"I told her how people become black agents."

"Why would you do that?"

" Because that torture is mainly mental, despite everything they are doing to you the most difficult thing is knowing that there is no hope. That you are already dead. If I explain the procedure then you cannot do that to her."

"You have a lot of nerve to disobey me. Did you fall in love with her?"

" No, I didn't though to be completely honest, I warned you when you insisted that I sleep with her. I can't sleep with her for so many years without developing emotions. I love her very much but this is not why I did that. "

"She would not have never made it without your guidance if anyone could keep her sane in these life it is your training."

" You might be right, but I am just an instructor, Yulia did all the hard work."

"Why did you do it then ? "

" Because I failed, the previous time."

"When you trained me? I became a raising star in this family."

" Indeed you did, and you became so socially skilled that I am completely at your mercy."

"So how come you failed Tony?"

" Because that abuse had nothing to do with what you became, if any it is what will bring your downfall."

Valentina gives Tony a look - she is angry but she keeps her cool.
"My downfall?"

"You say the right things you twist everyone around your little finger. You got the entire family to do your bidding, politicians, cooperate suits you softly manipulate them all. But you could learn to do these things - without torture. They damaged you . . "

"How was I damaged?"

"Did you form any emotional attachment since then?  anyone at all?"

"Attachments are weakness, I am completely free."

" This is the problem Valentina, one day I will no longer be around, either you decide to kill me now. Or I'll just die from some other reason. What will happen then? You will have no one.
"

Valentina seems upset, she looks at Tony and say.
"You know that I got enough to kill you, no questions asked?"

"Valentina, you do not understand that yet - and I am terrified of the day when you truly understand that. You can kill anyone you want - you can find some ruse to kill every member of this family. If they did not do anything bad, you can talk them into doing something bad.  You became so powerful, that there really is nothing that I can teach you."

"I really hate you right now Tony. I work hard and within the rules."

"Look Valentina - if you kill me you will have no one to stop you. The things they did to you, they will  surface back up. You will become a monster. "

"What does it have to do with Yulia? You seem to only talk about me."

"Valentina, she is not so different than you. So young and she is already more powerful than most adepts. There are maybe 100 people int he city at her skill level and above. It was the same with you."

"So what do you want?"

"I want you to like her. I want you to teach her.

"She is right, you are insane. "

"Valentina, come here

Tony hugs Valentina.
"What can I do with you Tony?"

"Just mentor her. "

"You do not ask me to spare you?"

"I ask you to save my flowers. To keep them safe.  Anything that I am lives in you two. I gave you my entire adult life."

"This is completely fucked up."

"I know... "

"You are not going to exist this room... I think that ever. You are the only one in this family to openly disobey me. I can't allow that.

"Just be gentle on me. Let me see Yulia before you decide to finish me."

"Okay, I owe you at least that.

Valentina talks to you, "Yulia, What would you do in my place? The one person I love is the only one that disobey me. If word of his behaviour gets out my entire empire can collapse. If you were in my place, what would you do to Tony?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-25-15/1852:34>
"If you were in my place, what would you do to Tony?"

The unexpected question echoes in Yulia's head.  She had been very happy when these two titans had forgotten her and she wishes she'd never come back to notice.  So much of what they were speaking about is over her head.  Still, she got the basics.  Valentina was another student of Tony's and the two care for each other.  But Valentina can't afford love, or believes she can't.

"I'm not the one to answer that question, Dame Valentina.  My answer is your answer to this question.  Do you need someone who will challenge you when you are wrong?  If yes, then you need to find a way to let him live because no one else will.  Certainly not someone you could trust like Tony.  If not, then he must die.  Only you can answer that question, Dona."  She swallows hard before adding, "and if he must die, I ask to be the executioner."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-26-15/0007:14>
Quote from: Bekki
"No, I thought we'll just go to the bar... It is a slow hour and you seem... interesting. I am Bekki by the way."

"'Bekki', is it?  Artie.  Good to know you."  She orders a soy brew and turns, facing Bekki but also the room in general, still maintaining an eye on the whole place.  "As for interesting?  I wouldn't say I'm any more interesting than any other choob jandarin' about the place.  Just passing the time, y'know?  But you, you work here, hey?"

"Oh but you are. You know every exist, aware of every guard in here. You even noticed that I was checking you out... It makes you interesting."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-26-15/0150:42>
Valentina size you up. Saying “You moved a lot in this world so soon. From a being nothing to being an executioner.”

As for you Tony, “No I am not going to kill you, if you have gone to such a great length to protect your precious Yulia I will respect it. I can only imagine what hurting you would do to her - you see I can still torment her all I want.

But I will let you keep your flower - to train her your way. If she is nothing but  brilliant, your other *Flower* is going to kill both of you wackos. "


She then turn to you, she holds your hands and give you a very personal look. 

Yulia, I have shown you nothing but kindness and mercy since you were a powerless child.
I saw the potential and I gave you the one person I trusted to protect you. He had to use some very unorthodox methods, but he did what he had to help you survive this abuse. 

You did *That* to him... I know it is not your fault, but you broke him. His love for you took his sanity away.  You are welcome to my team - and I will treat you fairly, but do not expect me to like you.  I don't know if I can ever like you. I look at you and all I feel is pain... pain and anger. You have made me the loneliest  person in this family.”

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-26-15/1343:53>
Artie shrugs.  "Just a nervous sort of girl, y'know?  Never know when one of these high rollers is gonna get drunk and cause a ruckus, put his hands where they don't belong.  I've learned it's best to move out as quietly as possible in those situation... if I make a scene, Casino's as likely to side with the guy spending a ton o' cred than the girl who's just waiting on friends, yeah?"

She thanks the bartender as he delivers her beer.  "Hey, thanks," then she turns back to Bekki.  "I'm sure you've seen that type of shit happen before?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-26-15/1415:56>
@Artie "People usually behave in here, but it can happen. The security here is very intense, way better than any other joint I worked in. First time in here? "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-26-15/1438:18>
Chuckles, "It's, and to be honest, I'm not a big Casino type of girl in the first place."

Artie watched the girl for any signs (http://orokos.com/roll/320072) that this was more than small talk.  "What about you?" she jokes.  "Come here often?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-26-15/1510:53>
@Artie You are not sure exactly why is Bekki interested in you, but her interest does not appear to be professional. She appear to be on a brake, and having her buying you a beer after sneaking a peeks for over half a hour makes you think that she wanted to talk to you for a short while and was just looking for a chance. (Or that the security here is even more upscale than you estimated providing that Artie really is a security risk)
"To be honest I only work here for a short while, I just moved here from London few weeks ago... I am a bit lonely" She smiles.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-26-15/1515:24>
They’re both crazy, crossed Yulia’s mind although she didn’t express the thought at all.  Those few moments of the past ten years not spent with clients, training for clients, preparing for clients, and getting sleep for herself, Yulia had spent reading, among other things, 20th Century romance literature.  She’d often thought about love and tried to understand it, but the concept of love, romantic love especially, never felt real to her.  She thought perhaps what she shared with Nagisa might someday be such a thing, but she really didn’t know. 

Tony had essentially traded places with Yulia, condemning himself to a room.  The irony was not lost on her. 

And for what?

Love?

She couldn’t wrap her head around it.  Would she condemn herself to the sheets for anyone?  Tony?  Not a chance.  Nagisa?  Athos?

But Tony, knowing the ramifications, had done just that for her and for Dame Valentina. 

It was too much to absorb right now, and Dame Valentina’s angry gaze was burning into her.  She’d have to ponder these heavy thoughts more later.  It appeared she’d have the freedom to do so.  That in and of itself was beyond imagining.  Yet here it was.

Knowing Valentina was awaiting a response, Minnie dropped back to one knee and bowed her head.  “Dona Valentina, your humble servant will do everything in her power to deserve the trust you have placed in her.”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-26-15/1531:46>
@Minnie Valentina looks at you. "I do not need your flattery Yulia. I know who I am, only do it if it helps you feel like you need a remainder yourself. I cannot promess that you will never sleep with a client again, but your days doing so are numbered. I'll start pulling my weight so that nobody will ever touch you without your consent. As long as you do not disapoint me, you will have all the time in the world for yourself. Once in a while I'll give you a task and you will drop anything and do my task, I'll try to give you heads up - but even if I don't nothing is more important than my tasks."



@Athos Minnie. Valentina bids her farewell and send Athos some initial files. Of her work, apparently she wants Athos to cover for her at the warehouse selling. She just decided that she'd rather be someplace else and she is not sharing. The meeting is at 23:30 in the warehouse itself. Apparently to check that it is clean and transfer ownership. As for the other two buildings, you can really do it when ever you want.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-26-15/1751:39>
The adept smiles despite herself.  "Well, if it's a cure for loneliness, I might be able to help with that."  She grabs a napkin and writes a commcode on it and then slides it over to her.  "Shoot me a message there whenever you like, I bet I can clear time from my schedule to show a girl the sights."

She smiles, leaving a small tip for the bartender and hopping up.  "But I bet this means I can't play at any table you're dealing at, which is a pity.  I don't think the casino would take kindly to that."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-26-15/2126:09>
Minnie watches Valentina depart, her face a mask.  Her ears are erect and tail straight, but Athos suspects the girl is troubled about something.  Maybe it's the glances at the closed door from which she had now emerged twice in Athos' presence that gives it away.  In any case, she doesn't seem at all interested in talking.  That becomes crystal clear when she turns to face Athos and says simply, "So where's the cat?"  The statement contains not even a shadow of her usual disdain for Artee.  Her mind is definitely somewhere else.  Perhaps behind the door...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-26-15/2216:01>
Athos respects his friend too much to intrude on her privacy just yet.  She if and when she is ready to talk, so he leaves it alone for now.  "She should be out in the main lounge.  Let's go find her."  He makes sure the girl is with him and steps out into the main lounge after getting his weapon back.  Looking around he tries to spot Artie.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-26-15/2226:57>
Minnie retrieves her knives as Artos re-holsters his massive weapon.  She has often jokes that the thing weighs as much as she does, and only half in jest.  As deadly as they are in her hands, Artos could probably use her knives as a toothpick.  Her slight frame makes her feel small around humans; around Artos and other trolls she may as well really be a mouse.

Thankful for the distraction from deeper thoughts, she follows Artos and stands ready to support him whatever he may need of her that evening and going forward...unless of course Dame Valentine directs her differently.  She truly hopes Valentina's priorities and Artos' never diverge.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-26-15/2239:18>
So, Yulia, we have our project.  I need to oversee the transfer of a warehouse into family hands through purchase.  Two additional property owners need some convincing to fall in line with family needs.  I get to form a crew and thought that perhaps I would ask Artie as one.  Do you have any contacts that you would trust to help out?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-26-15/2248:01>
Yulia looks thoughtful.  "Most of the people I know aren't the kind to deal out punishment or intimidate.  Would that fixer friend of yours have some leads?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-26-15/2347:19>
Athos nods.  "Maybe.  Maybe.  Have to get out of this place to make the call, though.  They got it secured tight against possible cheats.  We will have to find Artie the old fashioned way.  By the way, I am authorized to go up to 5k per head for the crew.  Looks like you just got a bonus, courtesy of the family."

The mismatched pair walk through the lounge looking for Artie.  While walking, he looks closely at his friend.  "And just so you know.  When you raced off after Jimmy, Artie raced off after you to make your back was covered.  Don't tell her that I told you because it might just ruin this fragging drek you two seem to thrive on.  Just saying."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-27-15/0111:16>
@Artie Bekki seems a bit surprised and a bit thankful.  "I will give you a call... you can count on it... and about playing my tables... that depends. " She finishes her drink and get back to her post.

@Artie Roxxy answer you - "sure thing doll... I could always use some side kick... what do you have for me?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-27-15/1248:46>
Artie looked past Bekki for just a moment, noticing Athos and Minnie stepping out from some back area.  Fancy, she thought as she got up.  She looked back at Bekki, "So call me sometime, omae."

She turned away from Athos and Minnie, moving through the aisles, game tables, and patrons to get outside without being noticed.  Neither of them were idiots, but even the slightest hint of recognition could be noticed by the wrong eyes, better to keep that possibility from being the case.

As she moved, her commlink buzzed.

Nice.  Just hope this doesn't cost me a fortune... maybe work out some sort of favor...

@Roxxy (Artie) It's a physical doodad.  Can we meet up somewhere so I can pass it off?  Just want to see where it's coming from and what might be on it.

After she zips off the message, she sends another.

@Athos (Artie) Heya, looks like you guys are getting out of the casino alive.  Still need me around?  If so, let me know where to meet up.  Evenas she sent it, she watched the two exit the building.  She turned around the corner and out of sight.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-27-15/1329:57>
@Artie Roxxy quickly text you back - ">>Doll, I take 500 upfront, if it take me more than a few hours of work I take 1k per day. I can meet you no problem. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-27-15/1843:10>
The mismatched pair walk through the lounge looking for Artie.  While walking, he looks closely at his friend.  "And just so you know.  When you raced off after Jimmy, Artie raced off after you to make your back was covered.  Don't tell her that I told you because it might just ruin this fragging drek you two seem to thrive on.  Just saying."

Minnie's left eyebrow arches at hearing this, suggesting she was surprised to hear it.  She doesn't say anything and her eyes keep scanning the room for the missing cart, but she now has even more to think about.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-27-15/1853:43>
@Minnie as you enter the casino floor you just notice Artie on her way out. She did not even directly looked at you.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-27-15/1935:36>
Yulia knew that Artee intended to watch from afar, so keeps scanning her surroundings even as she notes the cat adept's departure.  After a sufficient pause, she intended to share what she'd noticed to Artos, but the ringing of the troll's commlink made that unnecessary.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-28-15/0010:56>
As the pair exits the casino, Athos' 'link goes off with Artie's message.  He reads it and sends one back, >>Artie.  Thanks for watching out for us in there.  Nothing now but I need you tonight if you are available.  Sending two address links.  If you have nothing to do this afternoon try reading up on Yak behaviors.  Follow-on part tomorrow if first part goes well.  Payday is 5K.  Meet at the first address at 2230.  Might be trouble, but not trying to start anything.  In or out?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-28-15/0038:23>
Even as she moves away, she checks her commlink and then shoots off a response, followed by another message.

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

@Roxxy (Artie) Looks like I have a window of a few hours, I need to be somewhere after nine, tonight, but might be able to meet up before then?  Five hundred nuyen if you want it, or might have something else to offer, we'll see.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-28-15/0046:52>
@Artie - Roxxy text you back>> can you  meet me at The Downfall at 16:00 ?

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-28-15/0048:32>
Athos nods to himself.  >>I like the way you think.  Yes, we could use a bit of backup.  If you know a trix wiz bring him to meet us at 2230 and we will see if he fits.<<

He turns to Minnie.  "Say, isn't Nagisa a trix wizard?  Why not give her a shout and see if she wants to earn a bit of extra.  Tell her 2230 at the Redmond Phoenix.  2100 if she wants to eat dinner with us.  In the meantime, give the restaurant a call  and set up a reservation for 2100."  He sends another text out to Artie.  >>Hey slight change of plan.  Meet at Redmond Phoenix at 2100 for dinner.  Bring your wizard if you can round him up.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-28-15/1703:12>
"Um..." Minnie temporizes at the unexpected question.  "I'll schedule the restaurant - that's no problem.  As far as Nagi, she's really good in the matrix but I don't want to see her in a fight.  I've seen her shoot at the range and she's lucky to hit the target at 100 meters.  She cuts herself with a knife slicing vegetables.  If we can keep her out of any meatwork, though, she might be interested.  Can we keep her out of the line of fire?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-28-15/2231:20>
Athos laughs.  "Count on it as much as you can count on anything.  I would not risk her.  besides it should just be a negotiation for the building.  I would just like a trix wizard on hand to check out that part.  Give her a call."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-29-15/0026:37>
@Roxxy (Artie) The Downfall at... 4.  Got it, I'll see you there.  What am I looking for?  You'll know me in the red Vashon.

She looks at her watch.  A few hours to kill, but most of that getting to her destination.  A combination of public transit and parkour gets her there quickly enough and she's able to check out the Downfall and see exactly what sort of place it is.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-29-15/0111:36>
@Artie Roxxy texts back >>A troll lady and disco queen you can't miss me, really.
 With your agility the downfall is no more than an hour away, you do not even need a ride to get there. When you reach the place you note that is a high security drinking den. The place is themed as an ancient military bunker... It is actually more than themed as a military bunker - it is a bunker on the ground there are two armed guards in ancient military uniforms and once you climb the stairs inside the bunker you discover a clean and nice drinking den.
[spoiler]
@OOC - the place is decorated after a movie of the same name. You are in a duplicate of WW2 German bunker. There are no nazi symbols - as even in 2075 they offend people. The atmosphere is an historic military bunker. The place is deep into the ground  matrix reception is very poor. The guard weapons despite their historic uniform are modern, and you can guess that under these uniform they are armored somehow,  security seems very tight.
[/spoiler]

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

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-29-15/0220:22>
Athos laughs.  "Count on it as much as you can count on anything.  I would not risk her.  besides it should just be a negotiation for the building.  I would just like a trix wizard on hand to check out that part.  Give her a call."

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

[spoiler]I have a character sheet for Nagisa and will have it ready for when the warehouse events are being played.  I should have no problem playing two characters during that mission[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-29-15/0739:30>
Athos and Minnie pick up Nagisa and the three drive to the Phoenix House in Redmond.  The place serves some of the best Japanese food this side of.........well, Japan.  The family of the original owner still has the name and is the face of the place, but that is about all.  The Yaks had provided a lot of the seed original seed money and have increased their share over the years.  The entertainment is piped-in music and some of the wait staff have seen better years.  There are rumors of a sex den and gambling parlor hidden in the back, and security is managed by the Yaks.  Said security is far more noticeable when the Yaks are in to eat. 

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

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

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

The three arrive a bit early for their reservation and are seated in the bar until their table is ready.  Athos orders appetizers for all of them and they enjoy the succulent crab and oysters that are available.  The huge Troll loves his oysters and publicly agrees with the menu blurb that you cannot find better oysters in all of Seattle.  There are stories of how Takishi gets them for her place, and no one is interested in finding out how it is really done.  Suffice it to be more of a let things be attitude.  The table is ready a few minutes before 2100 and the three are taken there.  Athos has a word with the hostess and tells her that he is expecting at least one and maybe two additional guests.  After being shown to their separate room, the diners are seated and begin to discuss the menu.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-29-15/0903:34>
Upon leaving the casino, Minnie gave a general part of Redmond as a destination so that Athos could make progress as she made some calls.  Her conversation with the restaurant was short and sweet.  She'd made reservations there before in her month as Athos' personal assistant.  She was able to interject personal anecdotes with the person on the other end of the comm and even made use of her minimal skills in Japanese.  Athos could see the progress the slight girl had made in just four weeks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Note: Here's a picture of what Nagisa looks like (http://orig14.deviantart.net/0339/f/2011/304/9/2/nagisa_aoi_by_sutziki-d4en1rx.jpg)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-29-15/1037:57>
@Minnie, Athos Some family assets are simply off limits and nobody,  no matter how high in the family hierarchy is allowed to use them without going through the formal channels. Nagisa is one of these very limited assets.  Her job makes her exposed to information that may risk her life every time she leaves that safehouse. The only excuse she can possibly make that will get her out of the safehouse for a few hours is a date with you, her approved girlfriend. It is very possible that the approval she has to see you outside of her safehouse will soon be revoked now that you are part of Valentina’s team. You are no longer a powerless whore, but potentially an agent of a very specific faction inside the family.

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

Nagisa did not think twice, she dropped everything immediately and plugged the deck to her head. She quickly disappeared into the matrix and you had no idea what she did in there. All you could do is watch with horror as her body suffered biofeedback damage. All you could do was snuggle her, and hope she will come back.  When she finally did, she packed her small deck, returned it to her purse and continued exactly where you two left. She refused to say a single word about what just happened. In fact, she never told you anything about her work.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-29-15/1218:02>
Athos had not immediately recognized the great risk he would be taking on by inviting Nagisa to the crew.  It was not until he pulled up to the safe house and saw the family-assigned watcher that it sunk in.  Here was a family asset that was more important than he had best make sure that she returned to the house in one piece.  During the drive, Athos gives one look through the rear view mirror to make sure the women are alright then keeps his eye off the rear seat so that they can have a modicum of privacy.  Not that he would have been able to interrupt the trix conversation they were having.

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

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

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

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

"Changing the subject a bit, what about your trix contact, Artie.  were you able to give him the drone?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-29-15/1813:03>
Minnie listens quietly as her friend shares the low down.  Into the silence afterwards, she chooses to speak first.  "Depending on where you park, Nagisa should be able to cover us electronically and scope the place out virtually from the car."  Minnie pauses a moment to see the redhead nod.  "As far as me, I really need to go in with you to scope the place out magically.  I can't project like a mage can.  I can also help back you up if I'm with you."   She turns to look at Artee who is sitting by the opposite door with Nagisa diplomatically between the two rivals.  "Artee, you know your skill set best but would it be best to drop you off before we arrive at the warehouse and let you get close in your own way?  That way you can keep an eye out on the big picture as well as monitor the car where Nagisa will be holed up.  If it starts to look like a trap to you, you can call out via comm and we can react as appropriate.  Thoughts, everyone?"  After another pause.  "I haven't been doing this for very long, so feel free to chime in."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/0058:14>
Athos nods at Minnie's plan.  "We can do it like that.  But I cannot leave Nagisa alone in the car.  I have a contact I can call who can stay in the car and watch out for her.  Let me get to him."  He pulls out his 'link and sends a text.  >>Bruno.  Athos.  I have a payday for you.  I need some muscle for a job.  You will be watching one of the family's trix wizards, so you know how important this is.  Job is for two good men, so bring a pal to the address attached to this text.  Need to be on-site by 2300.  2K up front and another 3K when this and the follow on job are complete.  Contact me quickly if you are in.<<

He closes the comm and says, "OK that is taken care of.  Looking for two minders for Nagisa while she waits in the car.  I am pretty sure that Bruno will get back soon.  If that part falls through, we can come up with a plan B."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-30-15/0355:55>
@Minnie Nagisa looks at you as you talk, she seem charmed. Obviously, she was always the strong one in your relationship. You were nothing more but a whore. While she was a very important family asset. While both of your life were carefully monitored and managed.  Her life were about developing her skills and intelligence about empowering her.  Your experience was obviously a lot different.

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

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

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

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

Your heart skips a bit when after just a few minutes Bruno arrives. He doesn’t recognise you but you know him. That sadistic fuck beat you and abused you many years ago, when you were nothing but ‘cattle’. You were gifted to him and his goon not once but three times, and every one of these times is one big hole in your soul that you desperately try to suppress.
 
@Athos Bruno texts you >> sure thing bossman thanks for remembering me.
It takes him just a 15 minutes to arrive - apparently he just dropped everything immediately and came for you. The drive itself must have taken most of these 15 minutes. He joins you in the car and seats in the back with Minnie and Nagisa completely unaware to how Minnie must feel at that point.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-30-15/1202:07>
When Minnie heard Athos contacting Bruno, she hoped it wasn't THAT Bruno.  Unfortunately her hopes were dashed when the beefy ork tough met them at the street corner Athos had directed in the short comm call.  With the passenger side seat up front taken by Artee, he opened the back door and dropped his bulk onto the bench seat beside a wide-eyed Nagisa, who had quickly moved as far over to Minnie's side behind Athos as she could.  Minnie knew that Nagisa didn't know Bruno's predilections; to her he was just an intimidating ork whom she didn't know.  Still, seeing her lover so anxious just compounded her own desire to "artfully rearrange" the bastard's anatomy.

We have a mission, Yulia reminded herself.  He's working for Athos and getting paid.  This is a Family job.  There's no way Bruno will mess that up for some tail.

Yulia's resolve was shaken when she caught Bruno's eyes stealing appreciative glances as Nagisa's bright red hair.  Nagisa must have felt the interest since she surreptitiously released her seatbelt which permitted her to slip even closer to Minnie.  Minnie didn't say anything, she just solidified her hold on the larger girl, ready to restrain her should they have an unexpected incident on the road. 

Or to respond appropriately if Bruno suffered from 'wandering hands'.

I think I'll have a little private talk with Bruno before Artos and I step in the warehouse...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-30-15/1208:50>
Bruno was examining the gang in the car trying to figure out what's in store for him. "Name is Bruno, an enforcer and driver" He say, "I came as quickly as I could, Athos I will not let you down." He seems a bit nervous, either because he feels that this is his big chance, or because he remembers.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/1653:38>
Athos explains the plan to Bruno.  "Your part is to stay with the car and watch over Nagisa.  You drive the car if you need to get Nagisa out of here.  If things go south, you do not worry about the rest of us as your only responsibility is to get the trix wizard back to the safe house.  No rescues.  No heroics.  Just protect her and get her home if necessary.  If something happens to her and you are not yet dead, I am sure that Valentina will make you wish you were.  This is just act one of the play.  Act two will probably depend on part one, but in general we need to convince a couple of warehouse groups to tow the family line.  Act three is to eliminate some resistance from a small time gang that is being difficult.  We work the plan in order and we do it well.  Any questions?"

Athos notices Bruno's glances at the taller woman.  "And, Bruno?  You know how important Nagisa is to the Family, right?  It is just watching, protecting, and driving for this part of the plan.  You will get the opportunity to get a bit more physical later."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-30-15/1702:20>
Minnie watches Bruno's response to Athos' instructions, watching for any sign that the man did not get exactly what his role must be and that Nagisa is not on the menu.  If she's not satisfied, she'll still have a "talk" with the ork before they enter the warehouse.  If his bulb appears to show some light, she'll let Athos have the last word.

[spoiler]Perception: 5d6t5: 1 [5d6t5=1, 2, 1, 6, 3] (http://orokos.com/roll/321502)

I need to improve my perception ;-;[/spoiler]

As for herself, her place will be right beside Athos and she plans to give this mission, and her friend, her all.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-30-15/1915:38>
Bruno seems a little offended. "Athos, I am a professional do not worry - you won't regret calling me.  I am serving the family for many years I know the consequences of failure"
 


To Nagisa, "Don't worry Nagisa, you will be safe with me." He sees how repulsed Nagisa is from him and he tries to break the ice "I'll be a gentleman -  the only situation where I will touch you is if somebody is shooting at you and I'll jump on you,  I know how to bodyguard" He tried to make it better but somehow, Nagisa does not seem to appreciate the image. "Oh... frag I said the wrong thing again. I'll just shut up." He looks frustrated.

@Minnie- Bruno appears to really want this gig to work. He was checking Nagisa a little bit but with her repulsed behavior he sort of lost interest. She is out of his league and he knows it. He did not get to stay alive for so many years by raping family assets, no his violence must be channeled to easier targets. On these targets, you know that he has no mercy at all. At least he didn't 8 years ago, when he was a young Orc and you were a little mouse.



Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/2009:30>
Athos checks with everyone to be sure that commlinks are set and that they all have the same time.  "OK.  Party time.  Artie, you go get set up somewhere.  Nagisa, keep us informed of anything in the trix.  Yulia, with me."  He leaves the car and opens the door for Minnie.  He removes the huge cannon from the shoulder holster and replaces it and does a quick pat down of his pockets to make sure the speed loaders are present then smooths the wrinkles from his executive suit before walking towards the warehouse and the meeting with the Yaks.  Bruno is leaning on the hood of the car and shakes his head.  "Never understood why you use that gun, omae.  You could easily get one that is easier to use and hide, and an automatic is so much better."

Athos laughs.  "This is the gun from hell.  I have stared down more punks that I did not have to kill with this thing.  And people know when it goes off.  Besides, Vito gave it to me years ago and it is part of my life."  He strokes the huge barrel and the rest can hear it talk back to him in a sexy voice.  "Systems on line, Mr. Big.  Full load and everything is in top working order."

Bruno give a loud laugh.  "I never get tired of listening to that thing talk to you.  Mr. Big."  Athos and Minnie can hear the Ork laughing as they walk away.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-30-15/2034:07>
@all when you arrive at the Joke you are greeted by an old human with a sword, he has an ugly knife scar on his left cheek - and with the amazing medical technology you know that that this is more a statement than a medical condition. You can assume that his body is full of Yakuza tats, but as he is wearing a business suit most of them are not visible to you. He does have some visible tats on his neck though.

He is accompanied by an exquisite and delicate ginger elf lady, that is wearing some very provocative clothes. Your interest in her clothes is of course purely academic, but it is fascinating to grasp just how sophisticated her clothes are.  She is fully covered, but the fabric of most of her dress is so thin that it is completely invisible to the naked eye. If your brain managed to get passed her exposed skin you understand that her dress must cost a fortune. Since you can see almost all of her skin, you are a bit surprised to discover that she does not have a single tat.

They appear a bit surprised that Valentina did not come, and ask you to seat. The elven lady presents herself as Strawberry, and the old man presents himself as Noboru Ando. There are about thirty other people in the Joke, all in Yakuza colors. When you take a seat they all disappear, some leave for the second floor, other wait outside. There is now one of them for every one of you. Mr. Ando treats you some traditional Japanese tea and waits for you to speak. Strawberry, just seem to explore your physical appearance. She does not seem very interested in tea or in being polite and she feel comfortable even when staring.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-30-15/2109:30>
Athos tries to place these two in the hierarchy of the Yakuza.  Of course, that organization is a lot like the Mafia and even top people change. 

[spoiler]Knowledge of Yaks at meet (http://orokos.com/roll/321592): 8d6t5 2[/spoiler]

He keeps his eyes diplomatically off the nearly naked woman.  As a Troll, he does not let his mind wander to sex as much as some humans and Keebs, but he is not dead and can appreciate the beauty of the woman in front of him, and she is indeed beautiful.  He allows himself to compare her to Minnie and finds the Keeb to come up short in the looks department, although he has never seen her fully unclothed.  In the years that he escorted her to her clients, he has seen her dressed provocatively, but never naked.  He does note that the Elven woman is not tatted out as a Yak, so could be the personal property of Noburo Ando.  She might even be his personal eyes to either the mojo or trix world.

Athos presents his compliments to the older man.  He knows enough of the Yakuza traditions to bow appropriately.  "Dona Valentina was unavoidable delayed but understands the delicate nature of this transaction and has sent me to make the final arrangements.  Please accept my humble self as a replacement."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-30-15/2202:35>
Minnie assumed her professional position two human paces behind and one to the left of Athos as they approach their hosts.  Minnie doesn't expect to say a word throughout the exchange.  Her role will be to watch and listen, and respond if needed.  Knowing they are certainly doing the same to them, Minnie carefully takes in her surroundings via astral sight, AR, and meatspace.

[spoiler]Assensing: 6d6t5: 2 [6d6t5=3, 1, 5, 4, 1, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/321617)
AR space: 3d6t5: 2 [3d6t5=6, 5, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/321618)
Perception: 5d6t5: 1 [5d6t5=2, 3, 2, 5, 1] (http://orokos.com/roll/321621)[/spoiler]

As far as the obvious, Minnie was rather impressed at the Elven lady's poise.  How she managed to remain so elegant in that outfit mystified the adept despite all her experience at playing the seduction game.  If things were different she wondered what things she could learn from the woman.  But it wasn't to be.  Tonight was business and she kept her focus on Athos and his negotiations.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-31-15/0339:46>
@Minnie There is a powerful jammer and you cannot sense the matrix at all. You might have noticed that your comlink stopped functioning even before entering the Joke. In the physical world you do not notice everything out of the ordinary. You did notice  a small closed sign on the door of the Joke and you can imagine that the Yaks would not let anyone disturb you.

Things change when you look into the astral, Mr. Ando is mundane and you do not sense any augmentations on him.  When you look at Strawberry you can sense that she is awakened. Her aura is bright and the play of color is quite unusual, you will definitely recognize her Aura if you see it again. Her provocative dress is actually a focus, but you are not sure about its exact function. You are also very surprised to learn that a spirit posses your business suit.

As you examine her in the astral, Strawberry contact you, apparently she was looking into the astral before you did. Regardless of what Strawberry is actually saying, her voice is like music to your ears. You find it difficult to suppress erotic thoughts about her. Even the most mundane conversation becomes seductive in your mind.  On the other side,  her voice comforts you and you can sense that some of the anxiety is taken away from you.

She 'speaks' and only Minnie can hear her words  “Young lady,  I have been watching you for quite some time now. There is something about you that causes me tremendous pain, I find you fascinating never the less. Why do you suffer young one?”

[spoiler]
Mechanically, communicating with Strawberry somehow seduces you, you resist her seduction with con + charisma. If you are seduced you are free to act as you want, this is no mind control. However, your character feels a strong desire toward Strawberry.  Since the conversation itself is not seductive in nature, you suspect that she cannot quite control it.   
seduce Minnie (http://orokos.com/roll/321679): 13d6t5 4
[/spoiler] 

@Athos
Your knowledge of the Yakuza tells you that Mr. Ando controls one of 3 major Yakuza groups in Seattle and that he held this position of power for the last 20 years. The scar on his left cheek is a mark of shame for breaking the Yakuza’s code of honor. It is also a mark of mercy, after doing the nasty, he came clean about his crime and placed his fate in his superior - that decided to spare his life. 

It is a known fact that his crime was common burglary trying to pressure a business to accept Yakuza protection.  The Yakuza’s have tremendous respect to the law of the state - they do not perform common crimes. They are similar to the Mafia in the sense that they struggle to run their domains without violence, in a the lawless Barrens the Yakuza are the closest thing to police.

Mr. Ando say “You can tell donna Valentina that it is not polite to make this kind of last minute swap and that Mr. Ando was deeply disappointed.”

After a short and awkward silence Mr. Ando continues
“I respect your boss and I will therefore deal with you.
Before we start, there is something that I need to explain before we get technical. First, as you can notice Strawberry is not one of us we, she will never be. I brought her here because you need to understand something.  Strawberry is attached to this place, it is her domain. She somehow senses every living creature in this domain. Us Yakuza and Mafia may struggle over power and dominance but Strawberry feels this place with her emotions.
 
I am willing to agree to let the Mafia establish a foothold here but Strawberry and her entire domain must remain under my own protection. That means that if you violate her rules, you will have problems with the Yakuza.  Even if you do it in your side of the street. “
He pauses trying to gauge your reaction to what he said.  Athos, you can feel that Strawberry wanted to add something -perhaps to explain but she stopped herself. In fact, other than saying her name she said nothing at all.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-31-15/0617:59>
[spoiler]Resist seduction: Con 5 + Seduction specialization 2 + Charisma 5: ]12d6t5: 5 [12d6t5=1, 3, 2, 6, 5, 1, 3, 5, 6, 4, 6, 1] (http://12d6t5: 5 [12d6t5=1, 3, 2, 6, 5, 1, 3, 5, 6, 4, 6, 1)[/spoiler]

Minnie isn't exactly surprised to see that Strawberry is awakened, nor is she necessarily surprised to not be able to figure out just what she is or what her focus does.  She's young, after all, and rarely got out to see the world.  She notes what she's seeing in the back of her mind for further research later.  While she feels Strawberry's allure, for her it is more professional.  She watches the woman in both real and astral space to learn the woman's moves. 

You never know when such skills might come in handy.

She does watch for Athos and his reaction to Strawberry, doing her best to ensure her male friend isn't unduly influenced by Strawberry's charms.

What does surprise her is the spirit possessing her suit.  Having a strange spirit so intimate with her is distressing to say the least.  She examines the creature in more detail even as she responds to Strawberry.

[spoiler]Assensing Spirit in suit: 6d6t5: 3 [6d6t5=6, 6, 4, 4, 6, 3] (http://orokos.com/roll/321729)[/spoiler]

Minnie works hard to keep her physical and astral reactions neutral.  This is business, after all, and she's supposed to be just another of  Athos' holstered weapons rather than a player in these events.  Still, only she can respond to Strawberry in this manner so she tamps down her unease and engages the enigmatic woman in conversation.

"The world isn't exactly a nice place, Miss Strawberry," Minnie responds deferentially in words although she looks the woman in the eye as she speaks. Just how long has she been watching me, she wonders.  "By the end of the day, little mice are fortunate enough to have food in their belly, a safe place to sleep, and the prospect for nothing more tomorrow."  Minnie pauses just a moment to gesture to Athos with the barest twitch of her head.  "Now as much as I would love to discuss Nietzsche with you or share professional stories, I'm just a bodyguard tonight.  It'll be best for both of us if you ignore me and give your attention to my employer."

[spoiler]Note that, while Minnie has a logic of 2, one of her knowledge skills is modern and postmodern romantic literature, hence the Nietzsche reference. :-)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-31-15/0741:16>
@Minnie you can sense that the spirit in your suit is a fire spirit. Its magic is weaker than your own. Strawberry corrects you, “It is simply Strawberry...  do not be alarmed little mouse.” You know that she refers to the spirit when she tells you “My dream of passion is just an extension of my compassion toward you, she will keep you safe. Your friend seems more durable and I respect him enough to try and keep him out of my mind as I do not want to affect his judgement”
She pauses and then adds.  “Why won't you share a story with me? I am awfully lonely in here.”


[spoiler]
If you know about magical traditions or metasapiants, you can roll a knowledge check.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-31-15/1052:23>
Athos concentrates his attention on the elder Yakuza leader.  He bows his head slightly.  "I will carry the words of your disappointment to Dona Valentina personally.  She did impress upon me that she was distressed to not be here tonight and that my honor is in jeopardy if I insult you or fail her."  After a short pause, Athos continues, The goals of the Yakuza and the Family are not so far apart, Ando-san.  We both desire structure and calm in our respective territories.  The Family respects that the Yakuza keeps peace within its domains, much as we do in ours.  Unfortunately, there are times when young hot heads feel the need to flex their muscles and create problems that can spill over and create larger problems, some times even crossing borders.  The Barrens is one such place where this seems to happen more frequently."

"Dona Valentina is interested in extending the Family's protection to territory that is not yet firmly in the control of either the Yakuza or us.  At the same time, she is interested in establishing a common place that is both Yakuza and Family and this warehouse can serve that purpose.  With proper care and preparation, the building can act as neutral ground where our representatives may meet to work out differences before they become problems."

Athos shifts his attention to the beautiful woman at Ando's side and bows to her as well before turning back to the man.  "As far as rules go, I am sure that we can agree to those terms, but I would need to know what they are before blindly agreeing."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-31-15/1333:36>
“Why won't you share a story with me? I am awfully lonely in here.”

Minnie’s eyes twitch at the unexpected words.  Lonely? she wonders.  Why would she be lonely with people around.  Just who…what is she?

Strawberry is totally outside Minnie’s experience.  Almost all the young adept knows about her astral abilities she learned from Mouse.  No one in the Family who had been assigned to teach her to mask and bury her powers had done anything more than educate her how NOT to slip into astral sight.  Tony just hadn’t had the ability to help her.  Same with Athos.  Someday maybe the cat might…but that didn’t help her now.

Still, given the power of her allure, the mouse girl couldn’t argue with the idea of keeping this woman distracted from Athos.  Despite being a troll, Athos was a man and magically defenseless.  Strawberry was a handful even Minnie with all her experience could barely handle.  She knew herself to be in control of her passions yet despite that she could feel the space between her legs become slick and receptive.  It was a novelty for her – no one had ever been able to stimulate her without Minnie herself taking charge of her own arousal.  Not even Nagisa.

Her curiosity got the better of her and she bit the proffered hook.  “Why would someone like you be lonely?”

Even as she spoke the words, she somehow knew what the answer would be.  For the second time in her life, the first being Artee as an adept, Minnie felt real kinship.  She waited eagerly to find out if her suspicions were right.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <08-31-15/1600:45>
The meet at the Downfall went as planned.  Roxxy was cordial and professional and Artie was impressed, despite the awkward appearance of the troll.  She handed her the mini-drone and explained the circumstances surrounding it, before asking if Roxxy could determine if it was just random happenstance, or some manner of threat to herself and others.  Determining the owner and checking any metadata on it should have been well within the realms of any competent decker.

Also, Roxxy seemed inclined to accept the offer of a more well paying job to provide a level of matrix overwatch for Athos's meet.  She relayed Athos offer of 5000 nuyen.  Roxxy nodded and let the cat adept know that she would likely be there.  If so, Artie would get a ping verifying.

With that, Artie left and caught up with Athos and Minnie, went over the plan, and then moved out to find her own way into the area.

A warehouse district offers a lot of play for someone with Artie's skills and she was able to quickly get a sense of how she might be able to move about the place without being seen (http://orokos.com/roll/321842).  Watchers and spirits would provide more of a problem, and Artie did not possess the ability to peek into the astral plane, like Minnie did, so she relied on keeping herself behind items that would provide a full visual obstacle to being spotted.

[spoiler]OOC: With her Sleeping Tiger, there is a -3 to perception rolls to spot her, in addition to any modifiers for darkness, etc.  That modifier does not apply to spirits, of course, just a standard perception for them.[/spoiler]

Once she had managed to find a good route, she moved through, not taking any unnecessary risks with more showy parkour maneuvers, just simple jumps and lifts to keep her where she needed to be.  As she did, she kept an eye out (http://orokos.com/roll/321843) for any potential threats, not only to her friends, but to the meeting as a whole.

Watching everyone arrive, she renewed her vigilance, and also waited for a ping from Roxxy.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-31-15/1933:22>
@Athos Mr. Ando tells you "this area you are interested is within the domain of Strawberry. What happens in this area affects her health.  Therefore, no lethal weapons. Tasers are bust and if you must carry guns feel them with gel rounds or stick and shots. She does not tolerate excessive violence - this means no killing and if you had plan for massive violence forget it.
Any form of drug abuse or any other abuse is off the table. 
If you want to open a brothel and keep your drugged slaves in here - forget it.
If you plan to use violence you are walking on thin ice. "
Ando looks you in the eyes, lean toward you and whisper.
"If you want my advice don't allow anyone in your family to talk to her... She is not as innocent as she looks"
You clearly see that Strawberry is distressed when he say that, she struggles to keep silent.

@Minnie “I am lonely because none of the Yaks is allowed to talk to me, Ando executes them if they do. He fears that talking to me will change their loyalties. The Yakuza had a brutal war with me. He sent his best men and I turned them against him.  We reached peace eventually but since then, Ando completely forbids any of his men from talking to me or even forming a direct eye contact with me. Foreigners seldom arrive here, and when they do they usually cannot contain me.

To be completely honest, I only agreed that he let the Mafia into my domain because I am so lonely and I want to meet new people. I cannot see the world like you, I have roots to this place.” 
She pauses and then adds “Please tell me a story, I bet you know many interesting stories. I already admire you for not forgetting why you came here despite talking to me.  Please, just a short one.”


@Artie - Roxxy refuses the gig tonight. She is busy doing other things. She does accept the drone from you along with 500 nuyen and agrees to call you tomorrow afternoon to update you on her findings. You quickly reach the warehouse undisturbed sneaking past several Yakuza guards but discover that it is now locked.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <08-31-15/1957:48>
Minnie struggles to follow the parallel real-world and astral conversations.  This is quite literally the first time in her young life that she's carried on a conversation in astral space and she'd much rather have been able to focus more on it.  The fact Strawberry was becoming more and more intriguing didn't help.

Just what is she? Minnie repeated in her inner thoughts for the upteenth time.

Minnie's uncertainty about responding finally broke when she saw how crestfallen the woman became as Ando explained to Athos about not talking with Strawberry.  Her heart went out to the girl.

"I'll talk with you," she offers in astral space.  "I can't promise I won't agree with the advice not to let others do so because I think Ando is right about some of it, but as long as the Family is allowed here I'll talk to you and tell you stories when I can.  I..."  Minnie stammers a bit as she debates how vulnerable to admit to being around the strange redhead.  "I, um, haven't ever spoken to anyone like this before.  I've never even stayed in magic space this long ever.  Until a month ago I was taught it was a bad thing to do."  Despite Minnie's best efforts her ears drooped as she spoke and her tail, while not exactly wrapped around her, was hovering very close to her body.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <08-31-15/2054:47>
Minnie, “I would like it very much, speaking like you do now allows you to communicate in a method were very few people can eavesdrop and almost nobody can record. If your life are as exciting as I suspect,  you will find this method useful. It is true that seeing the astral exposes you to potential attacks but I feel that your family are just a little paranoid. They are afraid of what they can’t understand“

Strawberry seems to be excited that you plan to visit her again. You can feel that her aura grows brighter and her allure grows stronger with it.  In fact, you feel that you are excited as well.

She happily say.
“You should come during the day. My domain is a beautiful oasis. There are many trees and plants. My people are healthy and I try to keep them safe. You will like it very much,  it usually is the safest place in the barrens... not tonight, this night was very difficult for me - many foreigners with no respect brought their violence to my domain. This is why I gave you my passion dream to protect you.”

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <08-31-15/2355:34>
Athos listens to the elder Yak with respect in his body language.  He is a bit surprised at what the man says about the Keeb.  "Ando-san, how much of this neighborhood is within the domain of Strawberry?  The warehouse we are buying from you and this bar and what else?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-01-15/0240:09>
@Athos Mr. Ando sighs and tell you. "Her domain is a circle with 600 meters radius centered on that large tree in the parking lot of this place. This is actually why I wanted Valentina in here. Some of the area she wants to expend into is also included in that domain"

He then tells you.
"She is not so that bad tough. She is not after the same things that the Yakuza or the Mafia are and her reputation alone prevents a lot of trouble makers from getting here. These seem to have an unexplained bad luck.

Just earlier today one of the meanest orcs you'd ever meet, a real trouble maker too. He gave her absolutely no respect at all.  He mysteriously met his match by someone very professional... skilled enough to wipe up ten or maybe twenty of us on his own. This kind of stuff just happens when you do not follow her rules.  You can never be sure if it is her doing, or just bad luck."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-01-15/0304:53>
Athos nods and manages to keep most of the surprise at the size of this "domain" off his face and out of his voice.  "Ando-san, she controls a large space.  It will indeed encompass a bit of what the Family wants to claim.  I will not mar this discussion with doubt and so will accept what you say."  He looks at the woman sitting next to Ando again.  "And does good luck follow those that obey the rules?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-01-15/0308:17>
Ando say "Again, you can never prove it but I believe so and so does my underlings."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-01-15/0315:01>
Athos considers this for a moment then says, "Thank you for telling me these things, Ando-san.  Now, I was led to believe that I was to examine the warehouse and then make the decision to close the deal.  May I ask for a tour of the building?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-01-15/0322:09>
Minnie has been tracking both conversations despite the challenge.  When Athos addresses Strawberry, she worries for her friend.  Fortunately, Strawberry remains silent and Ando continues to flap his yap.  She continues to monitor the business side of things and watch Athos' back, but her interests are very much more on the astral plane.

Passion dream?  There is so much she doesn't know and wants to understand.  Maybe Mouse will come to her and explain things tonight.  Maybe not.  Mouse was skittish and highly mercurial.  Mouse also expects Minnie to figure things out on her own where possible.  If Mouse didn't see a threat in Strawberry, Mouse would as likely as not let things develop as they were developing.

"Thank you for not influencing my friend," Minnie says to the strange woman, gesturing to Athos.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-01-15/0412:20>
@Minnie Strawberry looks you directly in the eyes and say "You are welcome... Be safe tonight."

@Athos Mr. Ando tells you: "You are paying a lot of money, I thought you'd want to examine the place. If you do not feel the need to we can close the deal right now, my price remains half a million, like I agreed with donna Valentina, I am a man of my word.

I also must warn you that there were some troubles earlier. We had some shadow-runners crushing into our party. One of them seemed to come for Venom, that disrespectful orc I told you about. The others stole one of our vehicles, I am still trying to figure out what they stole from us.

The runners also killed several of my men and made Strawberry very upset. I am giving you an heads up because these events happened not long ago. I am not sure if we've seen the end of it. The increased security is because of the runners not because I do not trust you to behave"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-01-15/1016:27>
Athos shakes his head.  "These are troubling words, Ando-san.  If violence is prohibited, then those that work in this area are at a disadvantage against thugs with real bullets.  I would offer any assistance that you feel is appropriate should these thugs return."  He nods to the older Yak.  "But I would like very much to look at the building.  Was there any structural damage?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-01-15/1256:41>
@Athos Minnie, Artie(?) Mr. Ando says “Do not worry, I have thirty men here and another five guarding the warehouse. Strawberry promised me that she has magical security, tough I personally know very little about these things. I did my best to guarantee yours and my own safety. I suspect that you guys are more capable than the average family member, otherwise you wouldn’t be here in the first place.”

He takes you to the warehouse and click a code combination to open it. “Here have a look, we even cleaned the place so it feels new.”  He said. If you follow him to the warehouse you can see an empty warehouse with white walls. 

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <09-01-15/1350:35>
The Yakuza don't mess around, Artie thought to herself.  There were a lot of them here, if they wanted to get the jump on Athos, there was nothing for it.

Still, it looked like everything was on the up, and Artie focused her attention on anything that might be a third party.  She still hovered far from the edges, no doubt there were Wachers set up and she didn't want to tip them off any more than the goons on the ground.  She took some film of what she was seeing, for Athos later, he could keep it or delete it if he wanted, but what she saw might be helpful to him.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-01-15/1527:39>
Minnie follows Athos as the troll enters the warehouse, maintaining her place exactly two human steps behind and one to the left of her primary.  As much as she dearly would love to speak more with Strawberry right now, business comes first.  With 30 Yakuza goons and just two of them, she couldn't afford to let her guard down. 

If Strawberry asks her, she'll say as much...along with another promise of ample time in the very near future just for their dialog.

The mouse adept continues to monitor in all three sights as she follows after Athos.  (feel free to roll for me if needed- I can't at work)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-01-15/1630:23>
@All you find yourself very agitated going to a warehouse with a small gangster army accompanying you. Apparently this business transaction is very important to the Yakuza. Mr. Ando enters the warehouse with you leaving his goons outside.  You look around and see an empty warehouse, there is one thing that took you a little while to notice. It is smaller on the inside. “That’s odd” Say Mr. Ando and clicks on the wall, “these are drywalls.

At the same time in the car Nagisa spots something very subtle in the matrix. The lock on the door, it is brand new, but the warehouse is over 50 years old... why would the Yaks install a new lock and expensive lock just before selling the place. While making the new system appear old and worn out to the naked eyes. Nagisa does not yet understand what it is all about but due to her gut instinct she fire a message. .  >> Get the fuck out of there!  She texts.

She is however, too slow, you rush to the door just to discover that the warehouse locks itself down on you. Not just the lock is new it is an entire security system blocking all exits with reinforced steel.  You are trapped inside.  Back in the matrix Nagisa start seeing more and more disturbing signals that make their way to the warehouse. She knows these too well, these are signals sent to standard, off the shelf explosive triggers - she spoofed them countless times. Finnigan family loves its explosives. Still it all happens so quickly and Nagisa’s logical mind is not comprehending what happens - she kicks her deck into action and starts intercepting these signals one after another.

Several milliseconds later she understands, somebody is trying to blow up that place. The new lock, it was a trap, Mr. Ando must have triggered it while entering the passcode.
>>They try to blow up the warehouse!!! I cannot jam their signal for much longer. They will get through eventually. GET OUT NOW!

Quickly dismantling one of the drywalls you discover the horrifying truth. Small packs of standard explosives all connected to each other decorate the entire outside wall. Mr. Ando... seems concerned, he say  “these explosives are aimed to direct the blast inwards, we have been betrayed friends.”  He switch to Japanese and say to himself “This is a new low, even for you Valentina.”

Time is running out and if you want to live you have to think quickly.


@Minnie  -  You spot the ruse with enough time to respond before being blown to pieces. Thanks to Nagisa jamming the signals, you should have an indefinite amount of time.  In the astral you can sense that the warehouse is warded by a F3 ward. Dream of Passion tells you “Strawberry created this ward - this is why we can pass easily. “  After you find yourself trapped, You can hear Dream of Passion in your mind, she is saying - “My task is to protect you... but I have no idea what to do... I will do what you ask me.”

@Artie - I wasn't sure if Artie is in or out - so I will let you pick where she would be.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-01-15/1736:30>
[spoiler]Some additional information.

1. The building - I have the Google Maps building in mind, the walls are wooden, just the windows are covered with steel.

2. The explosives, they are standard explosives that are manufactured by the a Mafia business.  Nagisa knows them very well and have worked with them many times.  This is why she was so fast to identify the danger. They are the 2075 equivalent of C4 bricks. The explosive charges are glued to the wall so that the shock wave will bounce of the wall and pressure the inside space.  The brick shaped charges are covered with many metallic sharp objects that will be tossed from all directions inside the warehouse. (Like many frag grenades).

If the purpose was to demolish the building there was no need to use that many explosives. Drilling a few holes in key places and filling them with few grams of C4 - would do the trick. If the Demo man was in a hurry, the building could also be demolished with a big explosive charge in the middle of the room.  This would simply knock the walls out and drop the roof over your head. 

To anyone skilled in demolition it is clear that these explosives were designed by a professional demolition expert.  Especially to make sure that nobody inside the warehouse survives.  You can be just a few meters of the building and barely feel the explosion. As all the energy is directed inside.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-01-15/1839:24>
"Yulia, get the fuck out of there!  They're trying to blow up the warehouse!!! I can't jam their signal for much longer. They will get through eventually. GET OUT NOW!"

Although she might have precious little experience in the outside world, years spend between the sheets with men and women who made big things happen and loved to regale their stories to her as she serviced them gave her ideas.  She hoped those stories had enough truth to them to get her, Athos, and their Yak colleague out of this mess alive.  She had no idea just WHO was behind this set up, but what she DID know is they had to survive if they ever wanted to sort it out.

She remembered several client stories telling about heists where they were confronted with a nigh impenetrable steel door set in a wood frame house.  She hoped the solution she'd had described to her worked here.

"Passion," she instructed the helpful spirit in astral space, "protect Ando.  Trust me- I'll be fine, little one."

In the meat world, Minnie quickly scanned the cavernous space for a nearby spot of wall that didn't have explosives attached.  She then girded her lithe but sturdy frame and, with all her strength and speed,  barreled through the wall with a cry of "Follow me!"

[spoiler]I have no idea what to roll.  Feel free to roll for me whatever is appropriate.  I'm thinking some combination of strength and agility since she's taking advantage of inertia to enhance her strength force.  Here is the link to Minnie's sheet (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-Mcrbxz0w5NdVM0T0I0dUY4Mnc) again.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <09-01-15/1852:29>
On hearing Nagisa's warning, Artie springs into action.  She makes her way to the warehouse from her position atop a nearby rooftop and leaps across the gap.  No time to care about watcher spirits as she scans the roof (http://orokos.com/roll/322168) for any potential rooftop access.  If she can get it open and drop a rope, some of those inside might be able to crawl out.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-01-15/2124:30>
@Artie As you bolt to the rooftop you notice that there are no windows, however it is not very strong not at all. In fact you feel that it just barely carries your weight.

@Minnie Dream of Passion looks a little bit puzzled. She tells you  "I am protecting all of you, to the best I can... but I have no way to stop an explosion." She seems very frustrated about not knowing what to do about the coming explosion.  She is reluctant to change her position saying "I am not allowed to leave your clothes."

As you dash toward the wall Mr. Andu screams NOOO! - You are surprised how fast he reacts He drops to the floor and cover his head with his hands.

[spoiler]
@Minnie The walls have 15 hit points and defend damage with 10 dice. You can just kick them to brake. (Unarmed combat or clubs if you hit it with something).

If you are going to kick the walls tough,  it might trigger the explosives as they are already armed. Generally explosive charges are not very sensitive, this is what make them safe for transferring and deploying. Detonators, are very small and delicate explosives that can just blow up with a small electric current or rapid movement. These are carried separated from the explosive charges. The danger level in them alone is limited to losing a finger as they are very small in size. However, when they connected with the main explosive charge - triggering the detonator will cause a chain reaction that blows up the main explosive charge. This make them extremely dangerous to touch.

Roll Edge - if you get any net hits you do not trigger an explosive charge. If you do, the damage will be 16P +5 physical. To break the wall you need to dish enough damage. Having a spirit that posses your clothes means you get 5 additional points of armor to handle the damage.

Strawberry's spirit have also used its magical guard power.  That power is basically - "good luck"  it has some very subtle influence. It will not prevent an explosive charge from going off, but it does prevent you from glitching. That means, that if you glitch the edge roll - nothing happens. (other than a service is consumed by the spirit). Normally on a glitch, I'd have the entire warehouse to explode. 
That power effects all of you. (Including Artie and Mr. Ando)/

@Athos - if an explosive charge goes off you will also take 16P +5 physical damage, this damage can be cut in half by dash to the floor - this is what Mr. Andu is doing.

@Artie The roof has 13 hit points and defend damage with 2 dice - you can brake it with unarmed attacks. It does not defend itself and the only way to miss the roof is to glitch. (you cannot glitch because of the spirit as I explained above) There are no explosive charges on the roof.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-01-15/2159:53>
Minnie heard Ando's reaction and could have stopped given her reflexes, but she really does believe this to be the best option given Nagisa's sense of urgency.  Maybe there is a better way, but with an explosion possibly seconds away there wasn't time to reason things out.  Action, even a hare brained one, was called for.  Without hesitation, and using all the unarmed combat skills Mouse and Athos had taught her, she crashed the wall.

[spoiler]Avoiding a big boom: Edge: 5d6t5: 3 [5d6t5=4, 1, 5, 5, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/322219)

Hitting the wall: Unarmed combat: 13d6t5: 4 [13d6t5=4, 6, 3, 6, 1, 4, 5, 4, 4, 1, 1, 2, 5 (http://orokos.com/roll/322220)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-02-15/0041:58>
Intuitively understanding what Yulia is doing, Athos grabs the prone Yak and barrels into the wall with her.  He cradles the old man as he lifts a massive foot to kick the wall in the same general place that Yulia did.  He is hoping that their combined efforts will allow them to break through..

[spoiler]Roll edge to avoid the big boom.  Roll edge to avoid explosion (http://orokos.com/roll/322264): 6d6t5 4

Kick wall in same place as Yulia  Unarmed strike on wall (pre-edge) (http://orokos.com/roll/322265): 13d6t5 5  Rolling misses  Rerolling misses and exploding 6 (http://orokos.com/roll/322266): 9d6t5 5  Total of 10 hits[/spoiler]

Athos' foot connects solidly with the wood wall of the old warehouse. 

[spoiler]  Wall defense  Wall defense (http://orokos.com/roll/322289): 10d6t5 5  Damage taken is 10 + 5 net hits = 15.  The wall should be broken here, especially of Yulia managed any damage on her own.[/spoiler]

He may have been strong enough to knock a hole in the wall or the old wood might have been weaker here.  It does not matter.  Suddenly there is a hole large enough for at least Yulia and Ando.  If the hole is large enough he carries Ando through, but if not Athos tosses the old man through the new door and yells, "Yulia get out of here!"   He then takes another kick to widen the hole to get through.  While doing this he sends a message to the trix wizard.  >>Nagisa.  Is there any way that you can get a fix on the signature of who set these explosives?  Somebody set us up and I would like to know who.  My guess is that you will need to do so before it blows up.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-02-15/0246:49>
@everyone  Within a few seconds Athos and Minnie manage to kick a hole in the wired wall. As they jump through the hole they find themselves outside of the warehouse. Just in time to spot Artie jumping from the rooftop to avoid the explosion. Like Adno predicted, this explosion is so skillfully designed that it has virtually no effect at all even though you are no more than one meter when it finally blows up.

You feel a little dizzy trying to digest what just happened and how things progressed. It all happened so quickly, you are not sure what you think. When you look around you you discover that you are surrounded by tens of Yaks. You can only assume that their number is 30, like Mr. Ando claimed but at this point the difference is only academic. Mr. Ando cleans himself up and look in disbelief on the warehouse that is no nothing more than splinters. You can say that he is deeply insulted. His lovely and friendly body language is replaced by something else, cold and sharp. “Please accompany me, we need to talk.” is all he said.

Despite the use of ‘please’ tens of angry Yaks armed with tasers makes you believe that this is not a request at all. The yaks ask you for your weapons and comlinks, if you do not resist they perform a physical search and remove every piece of equipment they discover other than clothes and armor.

[spoiler]
Artie has the opportunity to roll stealth to avoid being captured by the Yaks.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-02-15/0315:07>
Minnie hands over her knives, her only artificial weapons.  She doesn't need them to be effective anyway.  If the male Yak toughs insist on frisking her, she'll make it clear that Strawberry isn't the only female around who can be disruptive and make men foolish.  She'll flirt shamelessly with them in an effort to keep them from realizing that her eyeglasses have an integrated commlink.  Assuming she gets to keep her glasses, she intends to record everything that happens now - full sight and sound.

[spoiler]Flirt with the toughs who frisk her to direct them away from noticing her glasses have integrated commlink ability: Seduction: 12d6t5: 6 [12d6t5=5, 3, 1, 5, 1, 4, 5, 1, 1, 5, 5, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/322305)

Holy cow, six hits!  Strawberry, eat your heart out!  I am mouse, hear me roar! Rawr!!!  ;)
[/spoiler]


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-02-15/0322:55>
Athos shakes his head to clear it and get the ringing in his ears to go away.  He uses the opportunity to subvocalize a command to Bruno to get Nagisa out of the area.  He surrenders his gun, noting with some satisfaction that several of the Yaks take a step back when they see the huge hand cannon.  The gun is a specially modified Ruger Super Warhawk.  It takes normal rounds, but was been customized to fit his hand.  Some of the modifications were designed to make the weapon even bigger than it had to be, adding to its overall intimidation factor.  It also has an integral commlink, something rather rare, or so he hopes.  It is still on and transmitting to the rest of the team.  He allows himself to be searched and looks at his friend.  "Do as they say, Yulia."

Athos looks over at the old Yak and adds, "Not that I am in any sort of bargaining position here, Ando-san, but would you consider letting the woman go?  She is acting in a purely secretarial role and keeping her adds nothing to any gain you might expect.  If you keep her, I respectfully request that she be treated with respect.  You will have to kill me if you hurt her."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-02-15/0333:34>
Minnie hears Athos' words and doesn't say anything, she just continues to put out the mojo in the hopes the toughs will want to keep her around.  And if she doesn't get to stay, that their imaginations will be with her and not focused on doing whatever they're supposed to be doing against Athos.  Given they already look to be eating out of her hand, she has reason to expect that she'll have her desired impact.

[spoiler]By the way, I have no idea how much damage Minnie took when she broke through the wall.  Regardless, she's playing the vulnerable little female for all it's worth.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-02-15/0351:44>
@Minnie the search you receive from the goon is very intrusive, especially as you work your magic and use the physical touch to excite the man just a little bit so it is not obvious. You can tell that he is aroused and that at certain point the attention is given more to your femininity than to find weapons. The goon take off your glasses, but as he does your tail is stroking his thigh in a suggestive manner, at the same time, your face masterfully display vulnerability and affection. The goon’s hand wanders down the suit and you can notice that he left the glasses in one of your internal pockets. “Name is Charlie...  sexy mouse, give me a call.” He whispers as he does. Minnie just understand, not only Charlie knows she has a comlink, he just shared his own frequency with her glasses.

@Athos - Mr. Ando looks at you and say nothing. He is not going to negotiate with you now. Apparently the Joke has a basement and there you are headed. On the back of your eye you can see the car leaving and you can tell by her hand movements that Nagisa is very upset about it.
After an awkward silence he say "It is not me killing you that you need to worry about... this bomb was Finnigan job."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-02-15/0357:54>
Athos smiles to himself without letting it get to his face.  He follows the Yak escorts to the basement of the bar.  His hope is that Ando will give him credit for saving his life and spare Yulia any torture.  He has taken his share of beatings before and can take another. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-02-15/0844:24>
Minnie feels a little bad at having undermined Athos' plan to get her away from all this, but it's a minor regret compared to her satisfaction at remaining by her friend's side in his time of need.  With thanks to both Mouse and Tony for the skills which allow her to deftly pluck the strings of the sex-dimmed people around her, she surreptitiously slips her glasses back on, making it appear that suddenly she can see straight again despite the fact that she had 20/10 vision without them.  She decides to leave the Yak tough's contact in her contacts file - like with the Humanis kid earlier, you never knew when such a contact might come in handy.  She then ensures her specs are recording full audio and visuals.  She does NOT transmit in order to avoid some enterprising hacker catching her game.  If she gets out of this alive, she'd have the data.  If not, well she wouldn't be worried over it then.  In any case, who knew if the basement was shielded anyway and the risk of transmitting would be for naught anyway.

As she enters the building sticking close to Athos' back, Minnie looks carefully around her in all three of her sights.  She wants to be prepared for anything.  She's also curious if Strawberry might make an appearance.  At the very least perhaps Passion might have some insight into what might be in store for her.

"I'm sorry for confusing you, little one," she tells the spirit in astral space.  "I've never worked with a spirit before so I hope you will be patient with me."  The next words escaped her before she really thought about it.  Maybe it was the stress...her desire for a distraction from the tenseness around her...her need for some last cheerful talk before her very possible demise.  "What's it like being a spirit?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-02-15/0916:31>
@Minnie Passion Dream say
“It is difficult to explain as your kind calls by the name spirit to so many different things. I will do what I can to explain about my keen with metaphors from your own world. I hope you will understand.

Imagine yourself going to sleep, and then imagine that your mind drifts into some lucid dream. Where you are yourself, but everything else follows different rules. Rules that seem completely arbitrary to you. But are obvious to everybody else in your dream.  This is how I perceive your world, nothing here is real - if I am 'killed' I'll wake up terrified in my world and say that it was just a bad dream. Otherwise, I may have a better dream but this is what this world is - to me a dream.

I dreamed about Strawberry and you and the bombs in the warehouse, none of you are real to me. I know it is difficult to accept that you are nothing but a fictional character to me. Don't be hurt,  I do like you and Strawberry very much and I experienced the conversation between you as an erotic dream. It make me a little sad that I will soon wake up and may never dream about you and Strawberry again. In fact, I may completely forget about you shortly after waking up“
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-02-15/1037:25>
Athos has no answer for the Yak boss that will mean anything to him.  He is certain that Valentina did not do this thing, but has no means of proving it.  He needs to endure whatever is about to happen and live to report back.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <09-02-15/1437:20>
As she notes the Yakuza taking Athos and Minnie, she rushes quickly to where the Yakuza left their vehicles.  Her Sleeping Tiger is activated as she moves quickly and quietly (http://orokos.com/roll/322409) to the nicest of the vehicles, presumably the leader's, and slips a stealth tag onto it.  Having tagged the main target, she proceeds to slip a few tags on the other vehicles, just in case the leader goes somewhere different from Athos.

[spoiler]-3 to perception rolls to spot her, in addition to any modifiers for darkness[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-02-15/1547:07>
@Artie you manage to get unnoticed but distances are so small that people are going by foot. The Joke and the now shattered warehouse are like 50 meters distance. You can spot that Bruno is taking Nagisa back, Athos is taken to the basement, and for some reason Minnie is taken to the second floor. If you want to try and find some evidence this is the time, all the Yaks seem to be securing the Joke and none of them seem to be looking at the shattered warehouse.


@Athos a couple of men take you into a small basement room. Mr. Ando tells you.
"Look Athos I am a businesses man, I am willing to release you if you buy the warehouse full price, non negotiable plus a bonus of 100k for the discomfort your family caused me. You have not much time to negotiate because the longer I keep you here the more suspicious they'll become."


@Minnie - you are taken to the second floor of the Joke to a small hotel like room. There are two guards at the door and two down the window. Strawberry waits there for you sitting on the bed. When you arrive she get up toward you and warmly greet you.  "I am so glad you are still alive. I managed to snatch you for just a short while before they question you. Please don't try to runaway or anything. It is a big favor I am pulling just to be able to talk to you like this." This is actually the first time you hear her voice and it is like music in your ears, you have never heard a voice quite like that.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-02-15/1617:38>
A dream…

Minnie hadn’t known what to expect as an answer to her impromptu question, but that certainly wasn’t anything she could have imagined.  How often had she dreamed in her life?  Her training with Mouse had been in dreams.  Did that mean she was a spirit in Mouse’s home?  What about all the dreams she’d had of tropical beaches, castles, and other worlds?  She’d read so many books and lived so many lives  in dreams that stemmed from her outlet.  Was she manifesting as a spirit somewhere else?  The concept was mind boggling and yet again she had to shove an exciting topic to be back of her mind because real life was being so insistent.

Her attention and ears perked up when she was guided by some insistent escorts to go up rather than down stairs with Athos.  She did NOT want to be separated from her friend, but it happened so fast she didn’t have a chance to start her seduction efforts again before she sensed Strawberry where she was heading and decided to see what happened next.  She made her way through the archaic wooden hallway to the room holding Strawberry’s vivacious astral signature.

"I am so glad you are still alive. I managed to snatch you for just a short while before they question you. Please don't try to run away or anything. It is a big favor I am pulling just to be able to talk to you like this."

Minnie had once heard a  carillon.  She had been taken to the University District for a rare house call with a client and the unearthly chimes from a nearby bell tower had entranced her.  Strawberry’s voice drew her back to that sound.

I wonder how many instruments were inspired by people like Strawberry.  As if there was anyone else quite like Strawberry……

The intriguing woman rushed to greet Minnie as she entered the warmly lit room.  Her escorts stayed outside in the hallway and the white painted door closed behind her.  It was clear the men were to have no contact with the strange redhead.

I can’t really blame them for not wanting to come in.  If Strawberry and I joined efforts, I don’t know if anyone could withstand us. …

In fact…… she cut off the thought for now, but held it in reserve in case she needed a ‘break glass’ option.

“Strawberry,” she asked urgently, “are they going to hurt Athos?  There no chance I’m running away because I will not leave without my friend.”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-02-15/1650:45>
@Minnie, Strawberry answers "They respect my domain, I'll know if they torture him. I would not be too worried as long as he is in this building."  She grabs your hands and look you straight in the eyes, you can sense that she is very excited "Finally, someone I can actually look at... and touch" She whispers. "Will you dance with me Minnie? I haven't danced in a while and we'll need some privacy for what I am about to tell you."
[spoiler]
How would Minnie introduce herself ? Minnie? Yulia someone else?

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-02-15/1718:16>
Minnie gulped.  Although control of her mental passion was never…quite…in question, her body was another thing entirely.  Her heart jumped at Strawberry’s touch, and then kept pounding in Minnie’s unusually-placed ears.  Rarely had she ever been truly excited before in her life and then it had always been something bad – a serious threat from a client with her helpless and disallowed from responding.  Now twice she’d had this exhilerated feeling in just the past 30 minutes.  Her near death experience in the warehouse, this time such that she not only could but DID do something about it, and now this.  She’d heard from her clients and Tony that people became addicted to this ‘rush’ of excitement.  She’d never quite believed it before.

She believed it now.

Is this how other people feel around me? she wondered as she gazed into Strawberry’s brilliant green eyes.  If I had any less experience at doing the same thing, I’d be eating out of her hand now.  Hell, if she asked I still probably would!

 "Finally, someone I can actually look at... and touch" Strawberry whispers into Minnie’s twitching ear. "Will you dance with me Minnie? I haven't danced in a while and we'll need some privacy for what I am about to tell you."

And isn’t that what she’s asking?  If not to eat from her hand, to take it?

Still, it was clear that the feelings in the room were not one sided.  The tremble in the woman’s whisper…the shimmer of her vibrant eyes.

Not sure who was leading and who was following anymore in this dance between the sheets…sans the sheets…Minnie nodded despite a lingering fear of just what she’d be when the stepping was done.  “I...” she swallowed again to moisten her suddenly dry throat.  “I’m not much of a dancer,” she admitted, suddenly finding herself shy and looking downward.  What is wrong with you, Minnie!  Eye’s up girl!  She looked back up and again lost herself in those emerald pools.  “A mentor of mine was teaching me but…well…our classes appear to have been interrupted by fate.”

Something about Strawberry made Minnie feel like she was ten again.  Like the nightmare of the past decade hadn’t happened.  That all the shame and pain she’d accumulated paying her keep might be no more than a very bad dream.

She thought of Dream of Passion.

Maybe it was just a bad dream.  Is Strawberry waking me up?

Tossing caution to the winds she opened her arms to Strawberry’s embrace and let the more experienced woman lead her in whatever might come next.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-02-15/1754:59>
@Minnie Strawberry puts a soft and romantic music and embraces you. You can feel her delicate body and you instinctively attune yourself to her rhythm. Her smell is intoxicating and
for a moment you just want to forget everything.  You can tell that Strawberry is very excited. She dances with you for a couple of songs feeling you. Her eyes close and she seems to just enjoy her moment with you. 

You are a bit disappointed, when after a couple of songs she whispers to you, and what she whispers sort of remind you where you are and what just happened.
"Mr. Ando accuses your boss lady for trying to kill him.  If we do not prove him wrong, it will start a war and many will die. It is all my fault -  I was to protect the warehouse.  But so many things happened at the same time. Powerful Shadowrunners - doing god know what in my domain killing people and using military grade weapons.

 I think there were 3 groups, maybe more -  I got distracted - I tried to keep casualties to minimum, subtly interfering in their affairs but these just kill without thinking. I am not really invincible like the Yakuza thinks. I am only flesh and blood.

One of these runners knows about the warehouse. I learn everything I can about any powerful person in my domain - I can find them for you. Please, we have to stop this war." You can hear in her voice that she is crying. "Just hold me until they take you away from me. she whispers.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-02-15/2044:15>
Minnie holds Strawberry in silence as the two sway back and forth in each other's arms.  She doesn't know what to think about the story she's just been told.  What she does know is that the goals of everyone important in her life - Athos, Strawberry, and the Family - appear to be aligned.  She will stop at nothing to find the culprit and bring this sorry affair to a satisfactory conclusion.

And then, once the dust had settled, she'd finally be able to sit with Strawberry and tell her the story she had promised the amazing elf.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-02-15/2350:49>
Athos has to duck to enter the basement room, which is mall enough that he takes up a considerable amount of the available space.  He keeps the smile from his face as he looks down at the Yak boss.  "Ando-san, thank you for doing as your honor demands and giving me this chance.  We both know that I will refuse your offer and that you will now try to convince me to do this thing.  The Family did not do this and Dona Valentina would have me killed if I agreed.  We appear to be at a stand-off.  Would you agree to letting me go so that I can find out who did this if I promise to return to you and show you the proof?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-03-15/0121:21>
@Athos - Mr. Ando tells you
" I will tell you as much. I know quite a lot about the Finnigans - perhaps more than yourself. It is a matter of age and it is my job to know the competition. You are new in this level of power - I am running the show for 20 years.  I was a player for 20 more years. There are certain traditions in the Yakuza, and despite my own personality I cannot ignore them. You see Athos, I have no ego, I have no honor I am nobody, I am just a man in a position of power - but that power is not my own. Killing me, will just place some other person in my position - this is how I got my position of power to begin with.

Someone else would have killed you guys already, instead your mouse friend is in the warm embrace of Strawberry and you are talking to me here.  I am not allowed to torture you in here. To the outside viewer this night would appear as if we retreated her to celebrate the signing of a deal and your friend had a pleasant and romantic evening with the lusting lady.

I am a flexible man, I played along with Strawberry's very odd show.  I could have just killed her, I really could. However, the entire neighborhood worship and fear her like a vengeful goddess.  They behave better due to that fear, it is useful. Do not illusion yourself,  a single half naked lady cannot protect herself from the Yakuza.   I decided to play along - and make her appear even bigger by signing a compromise treaty with her. Then again, if I kill her I will need to spend my own resources to keep the people in their best behaviour. It will work as long as she does not get too ambitious.

So creativity and flexibility are not the problems here. I would happily let you go if I could just do that. Even if I am at the top of the pyramid now I am part of the system. The only way that I can keep quiet about what just happened. Is if I lie and say that the transaction happened before we visited the warehouse, and that visit was just a formality. The building was demolished to build a bigger one.  I'll then use your 100k to give all my men a bonuses and send them to some course in the motherland. You'll have about a week to understand who sold you out, and bring their disgraced body to me.

If you fail, I'll tell my equals that I took the money to secure a ceasefire and that I need the time and money to prepare for war anyhow. If you don't play along Athos... I'll just have to follow protocol. I guarantee you that I will take no enjoyment from your demise. You'll get your money back, when I get that body I need to seal the deal."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-03-15/0141:43>
Athos considers the words of the old man as well as his other options, none of which are good.  He looks the Yak boss in the eyes and says, "I need my commlink and my gun.  I was told that you have an account number to give to me to clear the transaction.  Once the money is paid I will expect my associate and I to be released and that your men will not bother us as we look at the ruins of the warehouse.  If we are in agreement I will pay you the money agreed upon."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-03-15/0147:09>
@Athos He gives you the account number.  "It is your warehouse Athos, you just bought the place. Your friend is in Strawberry's room, I am not sure what they are doing in there but  I cannot imagine that she suffers. Feel free to knock politely on their door it is the first room in the second floor."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-03-15/0310:42>
Athos takes his 'link and makes the call to transfer the funds and holsters his gun after getting it back.  He bows slightly to the Yak.  "Ando-san, I will get to the bottom of this.  Someone wanted to start a war here and I will find out who.  He lets some of the men guide him up to the second floor, where he knocks on the indicated door.  "Yulia?  It is time to go, if you are ready.  I will be over in the warehouse so please join me when you are through."

Athos descends the stairs and leaves the Joke to go back to the destroyed warehouse.  On the way he places three calls.  >>Bruno.  You did well tonight,  We will talk later as I still have the other two phases of this little play to finish out.  If you have not dropped Nagisa off, you may return here.  There is work for her to do, I think.<<  >>Artie.  If you did not get blown up, please come to the wreckage of the warehouse.  I need your sharp eyes.  No bomb I know of is completely destroyed when it goes off.  There will be something remaining for us to find; some clue.  I saw part of the bomb before it went off and this was no amateur job.  Someone will know his explosive fingerprint and lead us to him.  I do not want to waste too much time.<<  The last call is to a normally unavailable number.  >>Dona Valentina.  The transaction is completed, but there has been a complication.  Someone wants war between the Family and the Yakuza and wired the warehouse for demolition.  I believe that the intended targets were you and the Yakuza boss you were dealing with.  Such an act would have enraged both sides.  My associate and I managed to get the former owner out of the building just before the explosion.  He is justifiably upset and I can understand his feelings.  I am trying to search the ruins of the building for some clue that will lead me to the bomber.  I can say that it appeared to me that the explosives were Mafia produced.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-03-15/0527:29>
Athos takes his 'link and makes the call to transfer the funds and holsters his gun after getting it back.  He bows slightly to the Yak.  "Ando-san, I will get to the bottom of this.  Someone wanted to start a war here and I will find out who.  He lets some of the men guide him up to the second floor, where he knocks on the indicated door.  "Yulia?  It is time to go, if you are ready.  I will be over in the warehouse so please join me when you are through."

Athos descends the stairs and leaves the Joke to go back to the destroyed warehouse.  On the way he places three calls.  >>Bruno.  You did well tonight,  We will talk later as I still have the other two phases of this little play to finish out.  If you have not dropped Nagisa off, you may return here.  There is work for her to do, I think.<<  >>Artie.  If you did not get blown up, please come to the wreckage of the warehouse.  I need your sharp eyes.  No bomb I know of is completely destroyed when it goes off.  There will be something remaining for us to find; some clue.  I saw part of the bomb before it went off and this was no amateur job.  Someone will know his explosive fingerprint and lead us to him.  I do not want to waste too much time.<<  The last call is to a normally unavailable number.  >>Dona Valentina.  The transaction is completed, but there has been a complication.  Someone wants war between the Family and the Yakuza and wired the warehouse for demolition.  I believe that the intended targets were you and the Yakuza boss you were dealing with.  Such an act would have enraged both sides.  My associate and I managed to get the former owner out of the building just before the explosion.  He is justifiably upset and I can understand his feelings.  I am trying to search the ruins of the building for some clue that will lead me to the bomber.  I can say that it appeared to me that the explosives were Mafia produced.<<

@Artie you get a text  from Bekki - "Hey Artie... I know it is soon and the hour is late... but do you want to go out tonight?"

@Minnie - When Athos is at the door, Strawberry says her goodbye and shares her comlink frequency with you. It is difficult for her to let go, she holds you tightly for a long moment and softly whispers  Feel free to call me *any time*.. As she does, her lips are almost touching your mouse hears and you can feel the air she gasps tickles and excites you. 

Athos about an hour later Bruno texts you.
>> Athos, I am glad you are alright man I knew you get out of this mess. That bitch maced me and bolted out, while I was driving. She locked the doors too - some hacking trick!  I nearly had an accident, that bitch!!! Long story short, I bolted out through the windshield and subdued her. She is alive and safe but it isn't pretty. The safehouse master was very angry. I believe Nagisa is being questioned right now. I am sorry if I failed you, I honestly did everything that I could but she was very upset and the fact that she did not trust me did not help one bit. 


Athos 2 hours later. you get a replay from Valentina's phone. (at about 2:00 am)

>> Athos, This is Robbie the 'Horse'. You met me the other day but your attention was someplace else. Listen, the thing is everybody are certain that Valentina was in that warehouse that blew up. As I was trying to figure out where she was -  I found her comlink in one of my personal places. Only she could place it there. I therefore believe that she is alive and hiding.
 
Things are getting ugly in the family the entire inner cycle are discussing the situation. I will be your boss until we figure out what happened to Valentina.  You seem to be the only else that knows she is not dead. I want you and Yulia to go off grid. Do not contact anyone in the family, anyone that knows you are alive may risk your life.

Your job is to find Valentina and figure out what really happened in that warehouse. Voices in the family are more emotional than rational at this point it will get very ugly very quickly and if you go back nobody will be looking into this mess.  Keep the rest of the funds on that credstick to finance your further endeavors I'll take complete responsibility, should things come to that, but do not over pay for stuff and do not spend it all at once. I may not be able to wire new money.
Good luck!
The Horse.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-03-15/2212:07>
Minnie shivers at the intimacy of Strawberry's touch.  "any time" had so many meanings.  She doesn't want to leave - she has so many question - but now wasn't the time.  She has her duty and there is precious little time to find out who wanted them...or more accurately Dame Valentina...dead.  Before she lets go of her new...friend?...she asks two more questions in astral space.  "Will you contact me when you have more information, or should I check with you later to find out what you've found out?  And what about Dream of Passion?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-03-15/2245:57>
@Minnie Strawberry said "I will contact you in the morning with some information about work, I have some people pulling a long haul for me.
About my passion dream -  she will stay with you until she wakes up in the morning or until all her services are consumed. Me and her are mentally linked so, if you desire your privacy you can dismiss her. As much as it excite me to feel you so intimate, I respect your privacy, and do not want to make you uncomfortable"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-04-15/0040:00>
Athos sends a text to Bruno.  >>Bruno.  You are now my link to the Family.  No one knows you were with me because it was so last-minute.  I am supposed to have died in the blast, along with Minnie and Valentina.  You have choices.  If you tell anyone that Minnie and I are alive, it is quite likely that whoever set us up will torture you to get information.  You can walk with the 2K I already gave you.  You can stay loyal to me and earn up to 10K or more for your silence and your help.  Decide soon as this burner is going to the trash in a few minutes.<<

He considers his options then makes another call, this one to a sometime arson inspector he knows is a bit "flexible" in his morals.  "Willy.  Athos here.  There has been a warehouse explosion at the address I am sending you.  It is on Family turf.  I need you to get to the site and begin an investigation.  Look for evidence of the explosive used and the signature of the bomber.  It is almost certain that the Family will be there as well and ask you to do the same thing for them.  Feel free to get two paydays for this.  I am supposed to have died in the blast so do not mention that we spoke.  Doing so will draw the attention of whoever to die.  Let me know, but if I were you I would already be in the car heading over here.<<

He signals Minnie.  "Yulia, we need to leave.  Let others do the work for us.  We cannot afford to be seen here and I am sure that the Family is already on the way now.  We need to talk about finding a place to crash and other things."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-04-15/0114:48>
Athos Bruno tells you >> I am completely loyal to you. You already told me too much. I never talk about job, not even to family members. Either they know what I did or they don't. -If they don't they probobly shouldn't. Most of what I do is done in the dark anyhow. I'd appreciate the cash but my silence is free.  I'd rather not receive such a large amount of cash it will only raise unwanted attention. If you want to tip me that heavily make it when you are back from the dead. I'll buy a new burner and text you the code, please do not call this link again. I don't talk to Zombies.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-04-15/0127:21>
Athos nods.  At least it seems that Bruno is going to help him.  Maybe.  The Ork has never given him reason to doubt him and that says a lot in this line of work.  He sends one last message.  >>Artie.  You need to get away.  The Family will be sending people to sift through the wreckage.  Perhaps you can observe them at work.  You remember Willy?  He worked that case on 54th?  Gave us a break when he could have turned evidence in.  Cost a bunch, but it was worth it.  Anyway, I sent him a note to get over here for a look-see.  I expect that he will be working for the Family and us but he has been straight so far.  Yulia and I are leaving to find a place to crash and consider the options.  Call me.<<

After sending the message Athos and Minnie move away from the area and into the night.  He looks down at his diminutive companion.  "So.  You got an idea where someone of my girth and size can crash?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-04-15/0141:52>
Athos willy texts you
>> What it is I don't want to be there - this place is too hot, I don't want the Finnigans on my back.
I can guide someone on the phone on how to salvage stuff that I might be interested in and I can examine some items if you bring them to my office, but please forget to mention where you found them. Who knows where the family has ears.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-04-15/0144:22>
Hmmm.  With willy a bust, Athos looks to Minnie.  "Do you have an in with someone that can work the explosion scene and get us some evidence we can use to help ID the bomber?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-04-15/0158:08>
Athos Bruno texts you form some new com. >>Zombie - this is B. Listen you probably have a lot of stuff to do. So I'll be brief this is my link. I can send you my bike - give it back when you finish. I can also give you a place to crush, I haven't talked to anyone and it is nothing but a squat but you are so big that the inhabitants can't  really do much to object. I crush their place sometimes when I am too hot to go home.  You'll have to lose the suit if you want to go there. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-04-15/0205:44>
Athos thinks.  >>Nah, man.  I do not want to burn your emergency place.  Minnie and I will find something.  What I need most of all is some ID.  You know a good writer?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-04-15/0208:36>
Bruno text you >> I do know a good one but he is family.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-04-15/0214:49>
>>Won't do.  Got to be indy.  Say wasn't there some woman over near the Rumble that did paper out of her room during the day when she was not turning tricks?  Mindy Star her name?<<

Athos breaks the connection.  The less Bruno knows about what the better for both of them.  He will contact him in an emergency.  He does have one other, non-Family asset and he sends the text.  >>Ando-san  I find that I am in need of assistance and will pay well to get it.  I need paper for my friend and I, as well as guns, a vehicle, clothes and other things.  Can you make someone available?"  He does not mention money because he is sure that the Yak realizes that he would not be calling him without assets.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-04-15/0229:56>
Bruno texts you
 >>Don't get paper from some woman... got to be someone you trust. You can never tell a quality job from a poor one before they scan your papers.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-04-15/0231:48>
>>Good point.  I will look around.  Save this link for emergencies and stay out of trouble.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-04-15/0232:37>
Up until now, Minnie has lived in a world where any problem could be solved though action of the body.  She needed a ride to 'rescue' Jimmy, she whored herself.  She needed to stay with Athos or she needed to keep her comm, she whored herself.  Heck, even the events in the warehouse had been such a situation - she broke a wall and solved the problem.  Her body had been her avenue to an effective solution.

Now she faces a problem where she can't spend her body to buy herself out of a pickle.  It it's like the sun rose in the west and turned the sky green.

Well, she thinks to herself, it's just another learning experience.

She finds a quiet corner to contact Jimmy.  Other than Strawberry now, he's her best contact outside the family.  Anyone else, well except for the Humanis kid she met today, is Family or a client.

Jimmy, she texts the boy using her glasses.  She bought the device with her own money pretty recently, so with luck it was still secure.  I'm really proud of you and how you stood up for good people like Athos at the community center today.  I followed you to make sure you were safe and left once I was confident you were fine, but I did hang around long enough to see you shine.  I really do want to join you to the club when things settle down.  Sadly, that may be a while.  My latest project has kinda gone sideways.  Really, really bad sideways.  You wouldn't happen to know someone good with forensics, especially fire or explosion scenes, would you?  Someone not associated with the Finnigan Family?  We can pay.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-04-15/0242:33>
Jimmy texts you back >> You were there, but how...?  I know this copper he did some digging into arson's and stuff like that... His name is David J. Burrell but everybody calls him Dudi.  Are you in trouble Yulia ? I am attaching his number.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-04-15/0507:53>
Minnie during that night your commlink buzz from an unknown number.
It is a text message.

Yulia,
I hope that you are alive and well, I want to believe it myself. I could see the warehouse explodes but your icon I am sure it was still active after the explosion. I am writing to you because I am completely alone, terrified and I have nobody to talk to, nobody at all.

After the explosion that repulsive orc did not even want to check if you are alright. He just took us back. Said that I am too important and the usual crap. I couldn’t just leave not knowing what happened. He was mean and treated my like a child without a mind of my own. I tried to escape from him to go after you. I do not know what I could do if I succeeded,  but I had to know if you are alive. What followed was the most horrifying part of my life - I managed to mace him and escape the car locking him behind me. I thought I was doing well but... he is a monster, a lot faster than I anticipated. He jumped through the windshield ignoring the glasses, ignoring the pain the cuts. It did not slow him down, it only made him more angry.

It wasn’t long before he tackled me,  it was just him and me in a dark Barrens ally. I froze, terrified, I just cried. He still had pieces of glass in his skin and was so terrifying. As i froze his anger turned into something else - something a lot worse.  Oh Yulia there is no easy way to write it, I can barely type these words.  He kissed me and I didn’t resist.  He aggressively tore off my beautiful clothes,  I just lied there paralyzed with fear and completely helpless. I was too afraid to even cry for help. He almost raped me,  I have no idea why he stopped, but he got distracted and then forced himself to get off me.  He took me, shaken and terrified to the car and could not even look me in the eyes. He carried me like some package to the safe-house and just dropped me there by the door. He Did not even said hello. They just watched him leave without doing anything to defend me.

Since I got here I was physically examined and questioned again and again about any single second of our date. They told me that you are dead and there is going to be war and it is important that I remember any detail. Nobody seemed remotely interested in my emotional state, not at all. Instead of keeping me with my friends that could perhaps support and comfort me I am kept alone in isolation. I have nobody to talk to nobody at all. I am broken, shaken and terrified - please Yulia if you are alive, give me a sign just some small shred of hope. Something that can give me a reason to keep going.

Love,
Nagi.


[spoiler]
I can imagine that Yulia will be deeply disturbed to receive this letter. Except the obvious emotional stories, one thing that catch her eyes. Nagisa did not like people belittling her. She did not allow anyone but Yulia to refer to her as Nagi. Her signing a letter in that manner is completely out of character for her.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-04-15/1030:59>
Athos checks his 'link in the morning but there is nothing from Ando.  He gets up with a slight snarl........the fragging bed is not nearly as good as his own.  He tries to stretch his muscles and manages to get some of the cramps out.  He is laying on the floor when a soft knock heralds Minnie's arrival.  He tells her to come in and immediately senses that something is wrong.  "Yulia, you are doing the tail thing again.  I know it looks bad right now, but we are still alive and will see this thing through.  It is OK to be nervous but try to not let the Yaks see that."  When Minnie shares the text from Nagisa, Athos realizes what has set his friend off.  His initial reaction is of anger at Bruno, then sorrow at what Nagisa is going through, then sympathy for Yulia.  Then he calms down and rereads the text.

"Hey, Yulia.  Have you considered that this is a warning from Nagisa?  Look, there is enough truth here to make it seem real, but some things just do not add up.  First, I know Bruno is a brute and that he might have tackled Nagisa to keep her from escaping, but he would not have tried to rape her.  Also, he told me that the minder was very angry, meaning that he at least spoke to her before leaving.  And look how she signed her name.  I have seen her go ballistic when someone called her that.  I think there is a good chance that she wrote this under duress and is trying to tell you not to contact her.  I know little about the trix, but she is one of the best and she would know that you did not die in the explosion because she was watching our icons.  No, you definitely do not want to respond to this.  Do I make any sense?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-04-15/1427:00>
Minnie listened attentively to Athos.  She appreciated his gentle tone.  He must know just how agitated this had her at the moment.  Not only was her tail showing it, but her eyes were enough evidence of the tears she'd shed before coming to her troll friend.

"I...I know," she admitted without enthusiasm.  "I'd figured the same thing.  But...I can't be sure.  Athos, I know you think Brono wouldn't hurt her.  But put yourself in my shoes for just a moment.  He was never a gentle client.  The things he and his two buddies did..."  She shook herself before she started reliving the painful memories.  She took a deep breath and continued.  "That was a long time ago, though, and I had noticed the same things you had.  I won't respond.  If I had wanted to, I would have already and I haven't .  But whoever these bastards are know we survived.  They know my buttons.  And that Nagisa is scared and isolated isn't a lie.  I want to take these assholes down hard.  Just tell me what I need to do and I'll do it."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-04-15/1512:46>
When you finish your conversation Strawberry knocks and upon your approval enters Athos' room. She seem to be happy to see Minnie in there as well. You are surprised that she is now wearing normal clothes that are suitable for working in the kitchen or even outside. Somehow, even when wearing plain clothes she seem very elegant and the grace she carry herself leaves an impression.

She smiles at you and appears very happy to see you. She is setting up a large table that is dwarfed by the dimensions of Athos, but it is big enough to qualify as a small troll sized table. The breakfast she offers you is rich and you are surprised to see fresh home baked bread and natural fruits and vegetables on the table.  You can tell by her energy levels that she is already active for many hours  and by the ease that she carried that large table that somehow her delicate body is less fragile than it appears. Athos is happy that Strawberry seems to be aware of how much food trolls actually need -  some places with their miniature dishes can be very frustrating for him. It takes her a few rounds but eventually you are facing a neatly set table of a very generous breakfast.  Strawberry bows lightly when she is done. She seem to pause for a little bit, to see if you want her to stay.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <09-04-15/1629:47>
>>@ Artie (Bekki) Hey Artie... I know it is soon and the hour is late... but do you want to go out tonight?"

Artie checked her commlink and frowned.  Don't people know about the three day rule? she thought to herself.  She was just about to send a response when Athos let her off the hook.

>>@ Athos (Artie) Alright, I'm going to go be a normal girl for the rest of the evening then.  Give me a buzz if you need anything else, I'll make sure I can get away.

She then punched out a reply for Bekki.

@ Bekki (Artie) Hey, you.  Sad to say I'm on a short leash tonight, some chummers of mine are having some issues and I may need to help them sort it.  BUT!  I really would rather hang out with someone new and fun than sit at my doss waiting for bad news.  So let's meet up, yeah?  Just keep in mind that I may have to ditch early if I get a call.  If the spirits smile on us, that won't be tonight at all.  We can try to get into Dante's.  If not, there's plenty to do in that part of town.

She sends off the address as well and then goes her shit together and heads off.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-04-15/1636:00>
@Artie Bekki text you >>  Dante's it is can't wait to see you! I asked for it inviting you last minute. Ditch if you must... but I hope we will have fun.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-04-15/1816:55>
Minnie was as happy to see Strawberry as the graceful elf was to see her.  It took some effort not to leap into the woman's arms for a hug, but she managed.  Although food was the furthest thing from her mind right now, Athos had a lot to deal with and she knew full well the calories the giant needed to keep on top of his game.  She waited patiently for Strawberry to finish and watched for some sign that maybe she'd like to stay and join them for a while.

"Um," she stammered, feeling self conscious despite the time the two of them had spent swaying in each other's arms the previous night, "would you like to join us for a little while?"  She tried not to come across as pleading, but she could only imagine what she looked like with her hair disheveled around her ears and her eyes bloodshot from minimal sleep and maximum tears.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-04-15/2104:04>
Strawberry nodes,  and takes a seat next to you. You can tell that she seat just a tad bit closer to you than she'd normally would, still within polite distance. She looks at you for a short while, with an empathetic look, and then back at Athos. If you want she pours all three of you a glass of herbal tea. Seeing Minnie's emotional state, Strawberry grabs her hand. It is a firm gram. She still doesn't say anything, but somehow the pressure of her delicate palm is comforting.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-04-15/2148:17>
Somehow Minnie has little doubt that the elf knows that they'd had a female decker in the group protected by an ork, both of whom stayed in the car and sped off when things went pear shaped.  Without a word Minnie uses the holo function of her glasses to display a screen before Strawberry's face so that she could comfortably read the message she'd received during the night.  Minnie's grasp tightens as the older woman refocuses on the page.  When the redhead's emerald eyes stop reading and look back at Minnie, the mouse girl adds, "Nagisa was my first friend in the world.  The only one who stuck with me through all the years of whoring.  I'm sure she was forced to write that since it presses all my buttons too perfectly, but that doesn't make me like not being able to rescue her right now."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-05-15/0012:00>
@Minnie Strawberry reads the paper, she seems more and more upset as she read it, but her only tell sign is the grip of the your hand. You can tell that she is not entirely there when you explain because her reaction is completely emotional. She embrace you, and her hand stroke your back. "Poor thing" she whispers and you can feel how these two words are the most comforting thing. It feels like her words envelop you and protect you. Strawberry stays silent and strokes your back. After a moment that lasts forever, she softly whispers  "I can give her the comfort she desires... if you can trust her."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-05-15/0023:48>
@Athos Mr. Ando meets you in the matrix, he remains silent as you describe your needs. "They all appear to be reasonable, you should have anything that you ask of me very soon. I will however require a favor of some sort for my services... It will not conflict with Finnigan interests, unless it comes to a war - are you interested?"

[spoiler]
Mr. Ando can get you anything of avialability up to 8 in a several hours.
Availability up to 12 in about 24 hours. If you want somthing over avilability 12, he can go up to 16 but it will take:
 48-72 hours depends on the item. He will not provide you things with more than avilability 16 at this point of your relationship.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-05-15/0141:53>
@Artie when you arrive, you can see that Bekki was already waiting for you. She is dressed with a black biker jacket. It has a phoenix on the back.Wise choices of advanced fabrics gives the illusion that the phoenix is constantly burning. The rest of her clothes are tight leather probobly used for biking in this cold weather. Offcourse, unless she is rich - the leather must be synthetic -but it is a good fake. Her long curly brown hair is a bit of a mess, due to the helmet, but she does not seem to care much.

When bekki sees you she hugs you warmly and kisses you on both cheeks. Due to your experience you can sense a small weapon, probobly a light pistol hidden in her jacket.  "I am so glad you came... so this Dante's place - whats its story?" she asks.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-05-15/0151:27>
Comfort, the reassurance of another's touch, is exactly what she had been needing.

"Poor thing..."  The whisper caresses her soul.

She'd cried herself out already so despite the emotions of the embrace, there are no more tears.  She does tremble in the elf woman's arms, though, and wraps her own arms around the other girl for support if nothing else.  The experience is only a few moments, but those seconds renew her very wounded spirit.

"I can give her the comfort she desires...if you can trust her," Strawberry practically sub-vocalizes into Minnie's inhuman and perceptive ears.

Minnie's breath catches at the offer, unsure what it means.  She has a suspicion, though.  She knows from experience that, while she couldn't leave her own body in magic space, others could.  She also knows that out-of-body travel made a person even more vulnerable than she herself was in that strange parallel world.

"I do trust her," Minnie responds quietly.  For the rest, she slips into astral speak since it was hard to share such things with a man nearby, even a gentleman like Athos.  "I...I just don't ever want her to go through the pain I had to go through.  Nagi...she's so full of life.  She's so smart and yet so naive about the world.  I...I'm not just afraid she'll be hurt in body but also that she'll end up changed by all this.  The idea of us both carrying such demons scares me.  I don't know if I could handle supporting her through what she's supported me through.  It's too close to home."

She knows she's rambling.  She knows she's being incredibly vulnerable with someone she barely know and had just met.  Something about Strawberry reminds her of her mother, though.  Her mother before things totally fell apart.  Before the twins were born.  It's strange considering she also desires Strawberry like a lover, but at this exact moment she feels like a child overwhelmed by fear at something she has to face but which seems too much to bear.

But she isn't a child anymore.  She's a big mouse with responsibilities.  So many people depend on her.  Nagisa, yes.  But also Athos.  Perhaps Dame Valentina.  Maybe even Strawberry herself.  These bastards had shown themselves able to overwhelm Strawberry's defenses enough to set a well-designed array of explosives in the warehouse.  What was to stop them from bringing in just one big bomb to blow apart this very building?  As powerful as Strawberry seemed, Minnie knew full well that she was meat just like anyone else.  She could be killed, and these people she was facing were not afraid of a body count.

It's hard, but she brings herself to separate from Strawberry's embrace.  Her own brown eyes meet Strawberry's green ones.  "I'll be grateful for what you can do, Strawberry," she says, "but don't take any risks for it.  They already have Nagisa.  We can't...I can't afford for them to have you, too."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-05-15/0226:34>
@Minnie Strawberry sizes Athos that seems to be distracted with mr. Adno. She then whispers “I can make her dream and the dream will comfort and strengthen her. She will know that you are alive but will not understand - how she does.  The risk is, if she reports that dream and its magical nature is investigated, it will have my fingerprints on it.”

She looks into your eyes, feels your pain, and and after a short while she say “I will do that for you.  We’ll just need a small object that she touched last night, a single hair or a small piece of cloth will do “

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-05-15/0318:11>
At first Minnie is unsure what she could provide that would be suitable for what Strawberry described.  Then it hit her.  Nagisa and I snuggled all the way to the job.  With her right hand, Minnie removes the white glove on her left.  "Will this do?" she asks as she holds the article up for Strawberry's inspection.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jayde Moon on <09-05-15/0326:06>
Quote
"I am so glad you came... so this Dante's place - whats its story?"

"Dante's Inferno, you haven't heard of it?" Artie was incredulous.  Surely the place was legendary, worldwide!  "I thought they had a London location or something."

She led the girl to and then bypassed a long line.  Artie had only accessed the fifth of Dante's "Nine Circles of Sin", she figured she could probably squeak Bekki into the second.  You needed the cred, the prestige, or someone with fantastic connections to dig deeper into the club.  The first circle, 'Lust' was the general admission, as long as they had room and you were at least presentable, you could get in.  Of course, no one who ever got in was content to stay on that level, and they all 'lusted' after more.  Getting to the second circle required knowing someone who had deeper access.

Not many new patrons could boast they'd made it to the second circle on their first visit, so that was something Artie could give her.  Inside, the music was pulsing E-Trance and the dance floor was throbbing.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-05-15/0643:59>
@Artie Bekki seems to be enjoying herselves and you to dance close to each other. Some more time through the night. You take some time to rest your legs and seat by the Bar. Bekki orders a drink you get a note. You think to yourself  "probobly a naughty suggestion from some guy" but when you look at the note it say want to make some money tonight? I have a little package for you ask the barman for the house special. you look around to pin the origin of the note and a black guy nods at you he is sitting not far from you gals. You feel that he was there for quite a while.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-05-15/0739:18>
Athos thinks about the option to owe a favor to the Yaks, but it is a way to get needed help.  >>Ando-san, I will do this favor.  I will draw up a list of what we need.  Thank you.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-05-15/1426:02>
@Minnie Strawberry takes your glove  and places it in a plastic bag. “That will do” She softly say.
“I need you to write her some personal letter that you will read her during the ceremony. It will be a long one, we’ll start at 20:00 and you it will take four hours. So we’ll finish by midnight. Perhaps you can stay with me afterwards?” She looks at you, uncertain if it was appropriate. She then say. “Your friend will dream your response to her letter, so try to include some things that will remove her doubt. I'll also say a few words to comfort her, but your connection should be the main deal.” And again, no matter what she say or what topic, you feel touched by her voice, motivated and inspired.

@Athos  Mr. Ando tells you “Alright pass me the list, a person that refers to himself as Deep Blue, will contact you with a job. He’ll do so tomorrow once you got settled and had a good night sleep. I’ll have a nice place for you guys to crush by tonight - don’t worry. Two adjacent rooms, one Troll sized - the rest of your order will come to your safehouse - I will not ship you APDS here of course.”
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-05-15/1512:38>
Athos looks up from his 'link.  "Yulia I need your clothing sizes and a list from you as to what you want replaced.  Ando-san will see to our getting what we need.  He has also arranged for a place for us to stay."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-05-15/1631:51>
Athos looks back down at the device and begins to enter his list while waiting to add Yulia's.  >>Ando-san.  I am entering my list.  Please let me know what you cannot get.  Ultimax Rain Forest Carbine w/ Internal Smartgun, Gas Vent 3, Smartlink, Imp Range Finder, Sling, 5 Spare Clips, 90 APDS, 90 Stick-N-Shock; Customized Ballistic Mask w/ Flare Compensation, Trodes, Image Link, Gas Mask; Big Game Hunter w/ Biomonitor, Chem 3, Fire 6, Insulation 4, Non-Conductivity 4, Holster; Clothes; Bulldog Van w/ Chameleon Coating, Morphing Plates, Spoof Chips, Smuggling Compartment (Troll Size), Rigger Interface, 5 x Weapons Mounts; Meta Link x 2; ID (Frank Rozetti w/ Middle Lifestyle, Fake SIN 4, Licenses for driving, Pistol, Rifle, Cyber/Bio Ware; ID (Talon) w/ Squatter Lifestyle, Fake SIN 2, Licenses for Driving, Pistol, Rifle, Cyber/Bio Ware.  All of this is for me.  My companion is cheap and only needs an armored jacket in the size provided.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-05-15/2023:09>
Minnie was torn.  She wasn't sure what would be happening to her in the next few hours, much less that night.  As much as she wanted to spend time with Strawberry, ending this nightmare was the first priority.  That said, if the two goals didn't conflict...

"Yulia, Ando is asking me for a list of equipment," the almost forgotten troll said from across the table.  The large man had finished breaking his fast and in the process vanquished the lion's share of the meal Strawberry had provided them.  Some of the feast remained, though, and Minnie actually felt like she could eat now.  Antos now had his comm and appeared very focused on a conversation.  He looked up at her.  "You want anything?"

Minnie reached out her bare hand to grab Strawberry's unoccupied one, just to make sure the elf didn't run off while the mouse adept had her attention diverted.  "Um...," she stammered as she thought a moment.  "I need a replacement for my jacket that I left in the car, maybe some low end clothes for the work we'll be doing..."  She went on to describe her thoughts on the details as well as to provide her size.  The troll nodded and redirected his attention at the business at hand leaving Minnie looking back into deep pools of green.

"It sounds like tonight will be spent waiting for equipment.  I'll do everything I can to be there tonight without risking the prize."  Once again, she felt self-conscious in ways she never had before in such things.  There was so much she wanted to learn from Strawberry, both 'professional' as well as personal.  Still, she wondered again what she'd be after this woman's lessons.  "And yeah, if I don't have somewhere else to be, I'd like to spend more time with you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-05-15/2237:09>
@Athos Mr. Ando takes the list and say, don't worry it will all be there. Give me 24 hours, I'll let you know in a couple of hours on a safe-house that matches your needs.

@Minne Strawberry size you up and say softly "You sure know how to make a girl feel desirable." She pauses and shortly after say.  "I understand... don't worry about it too much. I know what how off you might feel right now -  and i can only imagine how you are going to feel after the ritual." She give your hand a firm grip, and then said.  "I will be there for you if you want me to. This is all I wanted to say"  She accept your invite for breakfast, and pick up a fresh apple. "Locally grown" She said softly.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-06-15/0008:39>
Athos shakes his head without saying anything and sends another message to the Yak.  >>Ando-san.  Minnie has changed her mind and would like some low-end clothing, the jacket should be Fire4, Insulation 4, and Non-Conductive 4.  She will also need an ID with Fake SIN and license for deck.  Give her middle lifestyle to share place with me.  I apologize for the changes."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-06-15/0601:19>
Tuesday 24, December 2075, 11:25.

@Athos and Minnie: You enjoy a breakfast that is appropriate to high lifestyle you just started enjoying. A lifestyle that you now need to leave behind, if only for a short while. A lot of stuff have happened last night, there was a massive explosion in the middle of the night. The news are all over a joint assassination but the formal media seem to know very little the Mafia and Yakuza are not even mentioned.  There was yet another attack on Bellevue, a massacre more than an attack this time of 8 walking dead. That just marched toward the rich neighborhood only to be blasted by Bumblebee drones with massive automatic weapons.

Strawberry is silent for the most of the breakfast, the effect her voice has on people means that she avoid talking unless asked.  You have several hours to kill until Mr. Ando fixes your new warehouse. As you finish your breakfast. You see a popup message in AR, it is from Strawberry.

>> This is the address of one of the runners that was active here last night. I had him followed with one of my spirits. He was the one that shot Venom.  He seems very dangerous -  so approach with care.  Despite what rumors you might have heard, I did not harm Venom. It is no secret that I do not like him and only cooperate with him since he is violent, well connected and a powerful individual, but I do not hire runners to take down people.

I can only assume that you want to figure out who blew up your warehouse, so I’d suggest to giving him a visit. I’ll let you know when I identify more runners that were active in my domain last night. One of them must know something about the warehouse.


Strawberry herself, seems to just enjoy her tea,  looking distracted and watching you. She seems to be enjoying her tea tough. Since strawberry does not even have a com-link on her, she clearly have not typed that message right now.  She must have typed it before setting your table.  Perhaps she suspected that breakfast would be less enjoyable if you had a lead to follow. You are unsure if to be annoyed or to admire her for that choice.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-06-15/0654:02>
Minnie wilts and her ears droop just a little at Strawberry's reaction to her words.  If the world was a kind place, she'd spend all day and all night with the mysterious elf.  She really has no where else she WANTS to be if she weren't in the middle of some conspiracy to destroy all that Athos has built.  But she IS in the middle of such a conspiracy.  And not only Athos but her only other real friend, her best friend ever, has been caught up in it.  If things don't go exactly right, by the end of the week everyone she's ever cared a whit about will be dead.

Or worse.

For someone like Minnie who until now had never been responsible for anyone but herself, it is more than a little overwhelming.

Then she feels the hand squeeze and the elf's reassurance finally seeps into Minnie's bruised spirit.

I really do have to get my drek together, she tells herself.  I won't be of any help to Athos is I'm so emotional.

In other cases when she was adrift, she'd have turned to Mouse.  Unfortunately, Mouse will be of limited help in her current situation.  Mouse is a survivor.  In a situation like this, Mouse skitters for a dark hole and lets things blow over.  Uncharacteristic for her own nature (she really is part mouse after all) and that of her spirit mentor, she now has to run INTO danger rather than away from it.  She knows it won't be easy and she'll have to stand firm against her own instincts.  The alternative is to betray all that matters to her now- something she refuses to permit.

It's clear Strawberry understands though, so rather than speak again she just allows the hand holding to communicate for her.  With her free hand, Minnie makes some selections from the sumptuous feast Strawberry had prepared.  Now that she can focus on the table rather than her own fears and self pity, she realizes just how amazing the array of food is.  Fresh fruit is just about unheard of in Minnie's diet.  The apple juice at Gino's is the epitome of luxury for the mouse girl.  And yet here are fresh pears, apples, cherries, grapes, and plums.  Knowing she has a lot to do today and therefore can't afford to be a total pig, she carefully selects a sampling of each and savors the amazing flavors.  In the case of some of the items, like cherries, she's never tasted the real fruit before so she doesn't know how the taste compares, but to her it's pure heaven. 

For a girl who grew up in the Chicago CZ and then came to Seattle as little more than an indentured servant, it's like she's somehow been transported to a magical land where she's been recognised as a long lost princess or something.  Like something out of one of her books.  She knows it's an illusion, the image not the delicious food, but for a brief time she revels in the fantasy.

Before long, though, reality rears its ugly head.  The message from Strawberry displays on her glasses.  She looks over at the redhead and sees a sad, almost guilty, pursing on the elf's perfect lips.

It's time to be a big mouse, Minnie tells herself and straightens her posture accordingly.

"Athos, when do you think we should meet this man?" she asks.  "I really want to contact Nagisa tonight as Strawberry has offered, but work comes first."  The strain of her calm on this topic is clear to Athos but he has to admit she has her tail under remarkable control given the gravity of the situation.  "I just wish there was a way I could go to Gino's and talk to Jimmy in person..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-06-15/0731:33>
Athos is surprised when Strawberry shows up with the breakfast but then wonders why he is surprised.  Nothing about this woman should surprise him any more.  He remains mostly quiet until he gets the first note from Ando asking him for his request list.  He asks Minnie for things, but she seems distracted and orders only an armored jacket at first and then adds other things.  Normally, Athos might be annoyed at this, but his friend is going through a lot and her mind is not completely focused on herself.  Near the end of the meal he receives a quick note from Ando letting him know that the new rooms are at the Hilton and that the things he ordered will be waiting there at 1700, except for the van which will take a bit longer due to its modifications.  He pulls up the ARO for the hotel and nods, pleased. 

Over the past twenty years, the once 5-star establishment had fallen into disrepair and was a known lair for squatters and street-level thugs.  Five years ago, a consortium of the surviving Hilton family members had dug up some financing from somewhere and had completely re-designed the place.  The squatters and thugs had been evicted, some quite forcibly.  The Hiltons apparently had the KE on their side, and perhaps in their pockets.  The New Hilton, or NH on the street, had metahumans in mind when it was practically rebuilt, floor by floor.  The management catered to Trogs and Keebs as well as the humans that associated with them.  Obviously, the Humanis sorts were a bit put out, but the hotel security is quite good and manages to keep the protesters at bay.  In truth, most of the Humanis furor has found other, easier targets.  Athos likes the choice and sends a response acknowledging receipt of the message.  >>Ando-san.  Accept my gratitude.  I am impressed with the efficiency of your organization.  I may be out during the day so please have your man contact on this 'link with details of what he wants me to do.  Again, thank you.<<

By this time, Athos can tell that Minnie is trying to hold it together and gives her a reassuring touch.  "Nagisa will be fine, Yulia.  I know it is hard on you and I am sorry that I drug her into this in the first place.  She does not deserve what has happened to her.  I hope that the ritual tonight will help both of you."

"Our new digs is the NH.  That stands for New Hilton.  It is a nice place, but not too nice.  They cater to metahumans, so our presence should not be particularly noted.  Most of the things we ordered will be delivered at 1700 but the room will be available after 1300 today, so we can go check in.  You did not mention it, but I ordered you a new ID and SIN to use at the hotel and outside it.  Your old one will be watched.  Our ride will not be available for a day or so, so we are on foot or public transpo until then."

Athos watches his small friend digest the information.  He can tell she is disturbed, no matter how careful she is with her tail.  He decides to not say anything about it for the time being.  Minnie is having a tough time and he knows it.  This experience is completely new to her and it would be very strange indeed if she was not under some strain right now.  He watches her eat the fruit and smiles at her question.  The thought of doing something has spurred a good reaction from Minnie.  "You should definitely be with Strawberry tonight for that ritual.  Perhaps we could visit this other guy after checking into the hotel.  Hmmm.  Not too sure what we can do about Jimmy.  The people at the diner will know us and it may be under surveillance."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-06-15/0751:02>
Kynos was back at his flat. The money had arrived and almost as fast it had vanished. The first thing he did was getting a new Yamaha like the one he had had trashed last week. With his mobility restored he visited his contact down by the army barracks to resupply what he had expended. His head hurt more than ever, but that was the price one had to pay for temporary super human abilities.

Now all he wanted was to relax in front of the trid - some romantic comedy about a hardworking exec that finds that all he really needed in his life was the love of that cute elven baker girl and the approval of her hard working parents. Utter tripe, but it helped to distract him and allowed him to stretch out on his ratty couch/bed. His armor hung from various coat hangers around the room so it could dry out. The door was locked, but there was no extra latch - an utter waste with the cheap thin material the door was made of.
[spoiler]
Healing Test 1st hour (http://orokos.com/roll/323374): 12d6t5 3
Healing Test 2nd hour (http://orokos.com/roll/323375): 11d6t5 4
[/spoiler]

The one room apartment didn't have many amenities except the shower with it's own heating coil. Kynos had given up on luxuries a long time ago but forgoing a hot shower was just inconceivable. But with the exception of this little extravagance there was nothing in here that he really would miss if he had to go.
A perk of the cramped room was that virtually everything was within one or two meters grasping distance. Even the stash with the illegal items is hidden just behind a small ceiling panel - just in case.

Absentmindedly he toyed with his Savalette Guardian. He felt still tired even though the headache had receded to a moderate level. How easy it would be to put the gun under his chin and just end it all - just one little pull. He sighed, those thoughts were born of boredom. He had found out a long time ago that if he was willing to kill himself, there was nothing in the whole world he couldn't do instead. Killing himself after all would always stay a possibility and therefore no reason to deny a would be assassin his hard earned money.

So few things excited him nowadays and that stupid movie wasn't helping. Idly he took a small surgical blade from the small table. It glinted, having been cleaned only a few minutes ago. The bleeding had stopped and he was tempted to cut himself again just a little. Again he stopped. No more than once a day - he didn't want this to become to common and normal or excessive. Just a little release from the tedious boredom of being still alive.

Hopefully that dwarf would get back to him about that bounty on Venom. Having that spirit try to enter his mind had almost felt like being alive. What that would have felt like? Never mind, he would probably find out when he went after him. Who knew, maybe going into his head would have driven the spirit nuts as well. 

Somehow that was nice thought and he found some sleep
 
He awoke to loud bootsteps outside his door. "KNIGHT ERRANT - OPEN THE DOOR."
Kynos got up and opened the door  while only wearing his trousers: "No need to shout - you know there is a doorbell? What can I do for you fine gentleman this early in the morning?"

"Hartmut Stein? You are coming with us."
"I am, am I?"
[spoiler]Thrill Seeker Composure test (http://orokos.com/roll/323376): 8d6t5 2[/spoiler]
Kynos had needed only a second to assess the five Knight Errant cops. They carried riot shotguns and heavy body armor. On the other hand they had been polite enough not to destroy his door, so he felt inclined to come peacefully.
"Sure, just let me put on my shoes..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-06-15/1100:52>
@Kynos Obviously the KE came prepared, you are relieved that they do not search your place, although perhaps a small part of you wanted them to. When you arrive the police station it is still empty however as time progresses you can see more and more familiar faces. As the hours progress things get more and more crowded. You are experienced enough to say that it is a good sign, if they bring in everyone - they actually know very little. You can also not hear a chatter about a reward - a bounty set by Venom on some hotshot wizard that offended him.

It is noon and you can feel your stomach when someone finally approaches you. “Hartmut Stein come with me.“ Says a male officer, he is not even looking at you when he does. You are brought to an empty room filled with nothing. Two chairs and a table. Nothing else, you and are left to there for quite some time and after what seems to be forever, a young looking officer enters the room alone. She say “Have a seat Mr. Stein, I am called Max Snow, but I’ll be officer Max to you. Are you comfortable? is there anything you want?” Off course, there is something you really want. Food and drink and you ask yourself if officer Max is really unaware of it.

@Minnie and Athos - Strawberry struggles a little bit she obviously  cc  if to say anything. She then say somthing and her voice is distracting and surprising full of emotions that Athos is not sure what she said. Her voice makes him feel at ease and trusting about the delicate elf. Perhaps even more than that - and she somehow did all that with just three words. You look at her puzzled and Strawberry repeat what she just said.  “I can help” are her words. She takes a deep breath and say “I can mask you with magic and change your appearance. It will fool most people, as long as you do not enter places with magical security or do something that makes my illusion obvious" She looks at Minnie and adds "like stroking someone with a tail that should not be part of my illusion.”  She then winks, to Minnie and continue looking at Athos and talk.

She looks a bit apologetic and she is obviously not very comfortable saying what she does next.  “Doing so in a manner that allows me to continue with my daily routines is unfortunately, a bit expensive as it boils down to magical goods that need to be replaced afterwards. While the ritual tonight is a personal favor -  I afraid I require a compensation for the masks. If you are interested, they cost 600 nuyen for the both of you and they will  last for 24 hours, or until you ask me to drop them.” When she is done you have to admit that it takes some getting used to that voice. Even Minnie that heard it before struggles to contain it and needs a short while to concentrate and make herself aware of all the details that were said and for Athos it takes just a little bit longer to do so.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-06-15/1139:07>
"Strawberry is a mage," Minnie summarizes in her 'secretary' voice to help break the spell for Athos.  She knows what the man is going through, herself barely able to handle Strawberry's dulcet tones and she's an expert at attraction.  Or at least she had thought she was an expert before she'd met Strawberry. 

In some ways Strawberry's existence was an affront to Minnie.  It surprised her that she had professional pride which could be bruised when it came to the sheets.  She'd always thought it was all just something she'd been forced to do.  But after a decade of it, she'd permitted herself to be defined by it.  She had more than a little ego invested in her ability to wrap metahumanity around the tip of her pink tail.  To see someone exceed her ability, and without any effort, was intimidating.

On the other hand, she could imagine what it might be like not to be able to turn it off like Minnie had done just now for Athos' benefit.  Strawberry had no 'secretary voice'.  If the elf wasn't so powerful to have such control over her domain, Minnie could imagine what that would have done for the woman's life.  She shivered at the thought and decided to instead focus on the topic at hand.

"She's offering to cast illusions on us so that we can go out without being noticed for who we are," the mouse adept continued in terse, concise summary for Athos' benefit.  "As long as we avoid mages and magic secured places, and as long as we don't do things our illusions wouldn't be able to do," Minnie waves her tail back and forth above her head for emphasis, "we should be golden all day.  But," Minnie decides to be an imp and extends her tail to tap Strawberry on the top of the head, "it will cost her to do it and she needs 600 nuyen from us for the two spells."  Minnie's tail slips familiarly around Strawberry's shoulders and she can't help but grin at the effect it seems to have on the more experienced woman.  Her focus remains on Athos, though.    "If you ask me, I'd say it's a bargain.  I've been surprised by Jimmy since yesterday and I think some time talking with him may yield us some really helpful leads."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-06-15/1141:48>
Kynos had taken seat on the - quite uncomfortable - chair. Since this wasn't his first questioning he just shrugged and said:
"Yes actually, I'd like to know why I am here. I have a meeting and so far all you've done here is waste my time. I'd appreciate it if you could get to the point. And by the look of it you have enough other questionnaires outside. So again, why am I here?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-06-15/1238:12>
Athos feels a bit nervous.  After all mojo is even stranger than the trix and he know almost nothing about that.  The huge Troll clears his throat, and what comes out is very much small boy anxiety.   "The money is not a problem  Is that 600 each or total?  I am more concerned about any sort of physical cost.  I agree we should leave this place and a disguise seems the best way, but can she really disguise me to look like something other than a Troll?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-06-15/1248:57>
Minnie will let Strawberry clarify about the cost.  She turns to the elf with her head cocked in question.  "A really big ork?" she offers helpfully.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-06-15/1437:25>
@Kynos Officer Max is not impressed. She softly say “We can do this later when you are in a better mood. As you must know, I am going to be here in this very room for many more hours today. “  She sighs. As far as you can judge she is serious, there seem to be an awful lot of demand for her skill tonight - it seems like every questionable person in the city was brought for questioning. “I will ask again and you will answer me politely and nicely,  are you comfortable? is there anything I can do for you before we begin?”


@Minnie and Athos  Strawberry say “Orc is passable, as long as they are not physically intimate with you. My price is 300 per one, 600 for both of you. I really only ask for my own expenses, I normally do not do these things.”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-06-15/1446:54>
Athos nods and fishes out a credstick.  "I can cover those costs now, Miss Strawberry."  When she gives an account number, he transfers 1K nuyen to it, saying, "You have been very kind to us, and especially to Yulia.  Thank you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-06-15/1448:40>
"I am as comfortable as I'll get here. Thanks for your concern. If you must know, I am bored."
Kynos kept his tone civil. It wasn't the worker bee's fault after all.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-06-15/1450:48>
"We normally wouldn't ask, Strawberry," Minnie assures her sympathetically.  "We came expecting to conclude a simple business transaction.  A transaction you'd blessed.  I'm sorry we turned into pawns in such a mess in your own front yard."  She tightens her tail a moment around Strawberry's shoulder much as most people would with a side hug.  It was meant as the reassuring gesture.  "I think we all agree we'd like to return you to some normalcy as soon as possible."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-06-15/1513:29>
@Minnie and Athos Strawberry seems to enjoy your tail movements and she finds it difficult to concentrate while you do that.   She whispers “Keep some surprises for tonight”  and curls her lips just a little bit so that they form a hint of a smile. To both of you she say  “I don’t like it either, there was this runner I sent you to and three different mages. All doing god know what in my domain. There were a couple of extra runners as well very difficult to keep track. It was a crazy night.”

@Kynos - Officer Max tells you, “Please tell me where you have been yesterday from 18:00-2:00” She takes a seat and sizes you out. It is impossible to see what she finds so fascinating about you, but she seems extremely interested in the words you are about to say.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-06-15/1514:38>
Athos has been wracking his brain over an inconsistency in the events of last night.  "Miss Strawberry, that entire explosive set up was not some quickie move by a shadow runner.  I saw the explosives.  They were professionally placed and wired and were concealed with new drywall construction.  A security system was installed that sealed the doors after we entered.  I am sure that everything was set to catch Mr. Ando and Dona Valentina and perhaps start a war between the Yakuza and the Mafia.  None of this could be done in less than days of preparation.  Is there any way that you were able to detect something odd going on?  Perhaps something that struck you as a bit out of place but you put it down to something else?  Has the warehouse been empty or was there stuff in it that was moved?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-06-15/1523:08>
"A friend asked me to attend a private show at some strip club. We left together and since I had developed something of a hangover I went home early. Afterwards I lay down on my couch and watched a shitty movie - All you need is love and Evo L. If you ask me, they never should have allowed Tom Hoskins to direct again after the fiasco with the relaunch reboot reimaging of the Fantastic Amazing Spiderman. Anyway, some time after I passed out on the couch. And I am pretty sure that's were I was until this morning when your guys fetched me."
Kynos replied.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-06-15/1523:57>
@Strawberry say "The warehouse was renovated few weeks before the sale, I assumed that the Yaks wanted to keep it in good shape before Valentina examines it. They seemed quite happy about making the sale. I normally would not give much attention to these kind of things, my only contribution to its security was a magical ward that prevented me from seeing what they are doing inside. It was said to protect from curious mages - but I feel that I was the mage they were worried about.

They had a van inside the warehouse for several hours until shortly before you guys arrived, the mages seemed to be after the car.  I estimated it not worth the risk to try and stop them - playing the heroine is not always the best move - especially when I knew nothing about them."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-06-15/1528:52>
@Kynos Officer max is intrigued, "It is not that I don't believe that you have the perfect alibi. You are a professional, It is that I do not believe that you will enjoy a strip club. With so much stuff that happened yesterday - you'd much rather do something more exciting.
 
I am sure that you were up to no good. You haven't killed anyone yesterday have you?"

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-06-15/1539:27>
"Now officer, That is not a very nice thing to say. Killing another human being - except in self defense or in defense of another - is a serious crime.
My fellow law abiding citizens and I know that all to well  - and don't kill each other.
Of course I heard about the commotion - but unlike for you it's not my job to worry about that kind of stuff.
Besides I was invited to this club - it would have been quite impolite not to attend.

Anything else?"
Kynos smiled lazily
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-06-15/1607:55>
@Kynos Officer Max tries to slap you, a really juicy one.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-06-15/1619:25>
Athos nods, "So the Yakuza did all the renovations to the warehouse?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-06-15/1623:22>
Kynos did nothing to avoid the slap. The titanium reinforced skelleton ensured that a hard slap would hurt the slapper more than him.
"Are you done? With such violent tendencies, maybe I should ask you if you shot someone yesterday.
Don't forget what Isaac Asimov said: Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.

But be assured, that I don't harbor any ill will against you. I understand that you are under a lot of stress, but hitting me won't solve your problems.
I tell you what: Let's forget about that incident and end this waste of both our time."

Officer Max ansered "You really have no idea who I am... do you?"
Kynos wanted to answer, but instead thought for a moment. That tone of voice, that righteous anger...
 "Officer Max... Oh now I feel dumb. Seargent Max of the 22. Gebirgspioniere. Long time no see. Did they kick you out of the army too?
You aren't seriously still angry about that whole Steigenberger fiasco? What is it now... 15 years? Damn, I remember - you where one of those I recruited for that rescue mission. You can't seriously still fault me for that. Everyone who died that day knew the risk and went there on their own free will.

I always wondered what did happen to the other few that made it out."
Kynos finished a bit lamely.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-06-15/1710:55>
Max tells you - “I was not the same person after that night. I felt guilty merely for being alive. I was up on a destructive path jumping into danger looking for the mean SOB that will end me and make the guilt go away. Out of that darkness I discovered the power to live again, to be happy. This is how I met my husband Faith, pure gold that one is. We belong to a cult that celebrates life and happiness - a Jewish cult actually“
She sighed.
“I thought that day was behind me, I was sure that I was over that, but seeing you here - bullshiting me like a model citizen, it brings back memories. It makes me angry. I haven’t felt angry in ten years”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-06-15/1719:21>
"That should tell you more about yourself than about me. Let me tell you one thing: Life is empty. There is no rhyme or reason. Everything that happens is just a function of the laws of physics. There is nothing - nothing but the Illusion of sense, created by a biological computer that far exceeded his original programming of ensuring survival and propagation of the species.

Accept it and the fear will go away. Life is devoid of meaning - things just happen."
Kynos had spoken without emotion, fixing Officer Max with a piercing gaze.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-06-15/1735:53>
Officer Max, listens, she seem to be convinced. There is a lot of empathy in these eyes. She say:
“Everything you say may be true, Rabi Nachman teaches us exactly that. Life is meaningless, god makes no sense and we understand nothing. Anyone that promise you anything lies. There are only two options for the brave people that can see the world for what it really is:

Either you choose to be happy, to worship without reason and give yourself fully to god. Be emotional and embrace life -  not because it is going to change the world or give you some metaphysical reward after death.  Just because this is what you really need to be happy.

Or you can embrace rationalism and with rationalism comes despair. That way is just as true, but it makes you feel dead inside - and nothing but faith can fill this void. So I agree with anything that you say, there is nothing in life, nothing at all.

But nevertheless I choose to be happy. I thought I was strong with this life path, but to tell you the truth, I still feel strongly about this mission and sometimes wonder how life could have gone differently if I was less fearless and more sensible when I was young and stupid."


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-06-15/2041:52>
Athos nods, "So the Yakuza did all the renovations to the warehouse?"

Strawberry say  -"Someone did... I have no idea who it was. But yes, there was some
 work performed on the warehouse recently and nobody seemed to treat it as something alarming."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-06-15/2137:03>
Athos nods and picks up his commlink.  >>Ando-san.  This is Athos.  I have something for you to think about.  There is no way that this assassination attempt was planned and executed in a short time.  It was too sophisticated to be a runner doing it over night.  Can you tell me what company was doing the remodeling in preparation of the sale?<<  He hangs up and looks at the Keeb.  "So when can you do the masking, Miss Strawberry?  We do need to be off to see some people.  Where do you need Yulia to be at what time this evening?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-07-15/0124:57>
@Minnie and Athos - Strawberry tells you "I already did a short while ago", there is nothing that hints about it. Athos still sees himself the same. When he turns to Minnie she looks like a teenage girl. Slightly younger than herself.  When Minnie looks at Athos she sees a well groomed and human looking orc, a young one and  a real pretty boy! The kind she could see herself running away with, if she really was a teenage girl.
 
[spoiler]
Just in case you get into troubles with these masks. First one is Athos second Minnie.
Physical mass (http://orokos.com/roll/323535): 2#18d6t5 4 8
[/spoiler]


@Athos - Mr Andu texts you >> It was a private constructor Digital Security Solutions. We had to replace the lock on the door and decided to go with a complete anti theft solution. Order number #000157493 if you want to contact them.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-07-15/0145:20>
Athos is surprised when he looks at Minnie.  "So I see myself unchanged and Yulia changed.  What do I look like, Yulia?"  He turns to the Elf.  "Thank you, Miss Strawberry.  And I understand that we can drop the masks when we wish, is that correct?  We should be off so let us know when and where to be for the ritual and we will leave here.  You have been far more than kind."

On the way down the stairs, Athos looks over at Minnie.  "I think we need to go see Jimmy and this runner.  Do you feel up to doing Jimmy solo while I go see this man or do you need back up?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-07-15/0239:13>
"But you were right to be fearless. Because it did not matter.
If I were a time traveler from 1000 years in the future, everyone from today is dead and has been for close to a millennium. I see nobody shedding tears for those who died a 1000 years ago. But they were no less brave people with hopes and dreams.
And I tell you why not: We care because we think our lives are special and those other we did not know were not really alive - at least not alive enough to be worth shedding tears for their deaths.
And we are right to do so - we can't mourn everyone. The dead outnumber the living so vastly - and being unhappy about it won't bring them back.

So yes, be happy. They are dead and gone - no matter if it happened a 1000 years or two seconds ago.
So yes, be angry. You are alive and anger needs a beating heart.
But don't expect me to reciprocate. You are arguing with less than 65% flesh. The army took it and gave me chrome and silicon. I lost my fear along the way, as well as faith and most of my anger..."

Kynos relaxed.

"So are we done here? Debating philosophy is fun and all, but I too have to earn a living."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-07-15/0329:08>
@Kynos - Max tells you
"I am sorry for your loss, I truly am. I was angry of a man - and it was nothing but an illusion. That man had fear, he cared about people and wouldn't just send us on a suicide mission. Not on the justification that 1000 years for now none of us is going to matter anyhow. That to almost anyone in world does not even see us as alive.

Why does it have to matter?
Why do we even need a reason?

Must we matter to some imaginary crowd 1000 years from now to be happy?
Can't we matter to just few people that know and love us? 
In that light your current life philosophy that entire rescue mission was idiotic, risk life of the many to safe the few - does that even make sense to you now? "

She sighs:
"15 years and you cannot even talk to me for five minutes. All you think about is getting home slightly earlier.  I volunteered to that mission because I trusted you, you made us feel like we mattered. Like we were the most important thing to you.

You didn't give us the crap about the rest of the world, we mattered to you and it was enough.
I am not angry about you for sending us on that mission . I am angry because you forgot about me, about everyone that mattered to you.
You left me broken and disconnected, guilty for being alive when braver and stronger men died.
You never called, never took interest I was dead to you the moment you left the army. Was eveything that was real for me, all that fucked up stuff we've been through nothing in your eyes?
You had your issues and got kicked out from the army and what about me?
Left in the army, shaken, fearless undisciplined waiting for the bullet that will kill me. Feeling that I do not deserve to be alive. 
The only person that I could relate to, was nowhere to be seen. What future could I possibly have?"

Her eyes are wet when she continues.
"Don't you care about me at all now? Because I sepnt many years thinking about you and if you somehow made it thorough life. I guess it was all just leadership and soft manipulation. Everything that mattered to me - was conditioning.  Is that all gone now?"


She wipes her tears and seats down. It is clear that she had all these emotions buried for many years.
"Just give me your SIN so I can scan it and get out of my life again."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-07-15/0555:12>
Athos is surprised when he looks at Minnie.  "So I see myself unchanged and Yulia changed.  What do I look like, Yulia?"  He turns to the Elf.  "Thank you, Miss Strawberry.  And I understand that we can drop the masks when we wish, is that correct?  We should be off so let us know when and where to be for the ritual and we will leave here.  You have been far more than kind."

On the way down the stairs, Athos looks over at Minnie.  "I think we need to go see Jimmy and this runner.  Do you feel up to doing Jimmy solo while I go see this man or do you need back up?"
@Athos Strawberry nods and tells you "Just give me a buzz when you want to drop them... but you can't put them back on once you dropped them."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-07-15/0603:53>
"Max - this is not a social call. You guys hauled me straight from my bed without so much as a shower, breakfast or lunch. If you want to talk about the bad old times, or how everything I was and had went to shit afterwards - well, you've got my number. Don't hessitate to call or drop by. Chances are I'll offer you a beer - but not while I am in an interrogation room of Knight Errant where every word I say is recorded and might be used against me.

I am an asshole, not an idiot."
Kynos flipped his SIN for the scan.

"I'm serious. If you need to talk we can. But I predict that you'll be a lot happier if you don't taint your life with mine."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-07-15/0626:23>
@Kynos - Max scans you SIN and say  "Everything seem to be in order."
[spoiler]
Scan SIN (http://orokos.com/roll/323561): 8d6t5 3
Unless you use a fake SIN of rating 2 or less. In that case I'll have to edit.
[/spoiler]

She takes a deep breath and say:
"It is officer Max while we are in here...
You were brought here for questioning and was not formally arrested. Your house was not searched, the Knights arrived in massive forces due to your questionable history. I am sorry that you did not finish your breakfast and get a shower, there is nothing I can do to let you go home before 17:00 - at that hour most of the people here will be released as this place simply cannot accommodate so many people over night."

She sighs
"This is why I asked if you were comfortable, I was wondering if you'd like to grab something to bite in the cafeteria, I am not sure if you'll have anything else to eat while in here.  So I afraid that today a lunch is all I can do for you, if you do ping me tomorrow evening - I may have something extra for you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-07-15/0652:51>
"Oh well, If that's the case I'll wait til 17.00 h. Skipping a meal or two never hurt anyone.
As a courtesy to you, I'll even stay put without a fuss.
But come 17.00 h I'm out of here. If you want to keep me you'll have to file charges - whatever good that will do you."

[spoiler]
Hartmut Stein is the real SIN - and he's never been convicted of a crime ;)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-07-15/1049:02>
@Kynos - Max tells you "Alright, have it your way. Call me tomorrow evening if you want to experience an interesting night."  She shares her contact details with you and as you are taken back to your cell, another person enters. A huminis extremist full of gang tattoos.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-07-15/1059:13>
Kynos got as comfortable as he could and tried to catch some more sleep. He was pretty unconcerned about it even if they had brought in humanis scum.
Just a few more hours and he could go on to find another job...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-07-15/1136:15>
Athos is surprised when he looks at Minnie.  "So I see myself unchanged and Yulia changed.  What do I look like, Yulia?"  He turns to the Elf.  "Thank you, Miss Strawberry.  And I understand that we can drop the masks when we wish, is that correct?  We should be off so let us know when and where to be for the ritual and we will leave here.  You have been far more than kind."

On the way down the stairs, Athos looks over at Minnie.  "I think we need to go see Jimmy and this runner.  Do you feel up to doing Jimmy solo while I go see this man or do you need back up?"

"Quite the looker, actually," Minnie answers her friend with an impish grin.  "Be careful.  You may have to beat the ladies off with a stick!"

As the two descend down the stairs Minnie give's Athos' question just a moment's thought.  "I think I'll be fine with Jimmy," she assures.  "I'll be careful to get him somewhere that we can talk without blowing my cover.  Assuming I'm as easy on the eyes as you are, I shouldn't have any trouble."  The girl's smile widens and takes on a devilish tone.  "I might ever get a sense of what he thinks of other girls."

As she prepares to depart the building, her smile softens as she faces Strawberry.  "I'll be back with bells on.  Promise!"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-07-15/1309:31>
Athos nods while he snaps a photo of her with his commlink.  "Oh you are hot, take it from me.  Not as pretty as your real self, but close.  OK.  You take Jimmy and maybe even contact the man he recommended to you.  I will go see this runner and find out what he can tell us, then off to the NH.  I will have to drop my mask there to get us signed in and a couple of keys.  Our stuff is supposed to be delivered at 1700, so you might want to be there to get yours.  We can talk about what we found then and get you ready to do this ritual thing with Strawberry.  I might even see what I can find out about this Digital Security Solutions.  My thought is that someone got to them and used them to set up the explosion."

The two walk a short distance to where they can see cabs cruising.  Athos makes sure that Minnie has enough money to cover several cab rides if necessary and wishes her luck as she steps into a cruising taxi.  He flags another one down and gives the address of the runner.  He also sends a message off to Artie.  Hey Artie.  No hear from.  Are you alright?  I know that you are good enough to not be caught in that explosion so get back to me.  Two things, if you can manage: first, Yulia is off to Gino's to see Jimmy.  She has been masked so look for a girl that matches the attached photo.  She should be OK, but I would not mind a set of eyes on her just in case.  Second, see if you can find out anything about a company called Digital Security Solutions.  Be careful, because I think they might have been involved in setting up the explosives at the warehouse.  Digging into them may lead us to who hired them to do the "special" remodeling.<<

After that he sits back and does a look up of the DSS company on the trix to see what sort of public information is available. 

Arriving at the address he gave the cabbie, Athos pays the fare and gets out.  He looks around to get a feel for the neighborhood then goes to where this Kynos is supposed to be living.  Knocking at the door elicits no response, frustrating Athos a bit.  *Damned runners.  Why can't they be at home when you need them?*  Athos enters a note into his 'link and uses the print function to get a hard copy.  The message is simple; "My name is Athos.  I would like to talk to you about a job.  Contact me at the comm code below if you are interested.  200 just for listening."  Satisfied, he slips the note under the door and leaves.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-07-15/1417:31>
@Kynos at around 17:30 you are let go finally. It's been a crazy day and the darn day. Once you try to relax you hear a conversation between an orc enforcer to someone else about Venom. Apparently he has some bounty on someone 2500 nuyen. When you are allowed out you see that the HQ is almost empty.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-07-15/1438:11>
@Minnie - While you do attract attention as a young teenager, it is not the same kind of attention as you are used to and a lot less. It actually feels a bit odd to travel with a mask, you blend in. That's an unusual sensation. You reach Gino's at around 13:00.

@Athos as you browse DSS it seems to be a very small company, it has 25 employees and is funded by private capital. Surprisingly enough, despite it's small size, it has the most advanced technology for several physical security systems.  Another thing that catches your attention is that it was founded by 3 brilliant researchers and engineers that worked in Israeli defensive industries (IDI) for over 20 years prior to establishing DSS. IDI is nowadays part of Ares Marco technology. It surprises you that people of their caliber were just allowed to quit their jobs and open an independent business.   People like them are usually 'extracted' just to change jobs.  The company operates from Tel Aviv, Israel but it ships and install products world wide.

Among their products are both passive and active security system. The active versions are currently illegal for public use as they automatically kill burglars. They are only available for AA+ corps and government agencies.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-07-15/1442:30>
Kynos grinned when he heard about the bounty. Excellent. That would make the next part easier - and he had planned to leave his appartment anyway. To easy for the cops to get a search warrant. And he really hated to lose his toys. He was still flush enough to pay for a bolthole.

He almost missed the small card on the floor while he removed everything of his personal gear as well as a choise assortment of clothes. He always left about half when he left as well as the contents of the fridge. That made it harder for anyone to recognize if he had left for good.
All in all his belongings filled only two bags. Only now he took the time to read the message.
'Sure Buddy - you found my place but don't know my number - have me followed, have you?'

While he left he called his fixer: <<Ryan, it's Kynos. I'm taking the bolthole for a month. Find payment attached. I'm going dark for a while - only prepaids - you've got the list. Expect a call from DemoX about a bounty on a guy called Venom. Take the details - I'll be in touch. Love Kynos>>

After stocking up on a bunch of prepaid phones, Kynos deactivated the wireless function of his commlink and other gear and made his way to a small fenced area - taking care not to be followed. Inside a freight container a camp bed, a chemical toilet and a few other necessities waited for him. After stashing his gear he got back into the streets and activated the first of his new burner phones.

Time to see what this Athos had to say:
<<I got your message. This connection will exist for the next hour so you better get to the point. What do you want?>>

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-07-15/1454:08>
@Kynos - Ryan texts >> Got it, Thanks for yesterday you were amazing. Love, Ryan.  
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-07-15/1503:52>
Athos proceeds to the NH by a second cab.  On arrival, he enters the lobby and goes to the nearest restroom.  In goes the pretty Ork and out comes the ugly Troll.  Athos makes his way to the front desk and registers as Frank Rozetti and Gwen Stevens, taking the access codes for the rooms.  Going up to his room he enters and does a quick look around before relaxing.  The room was arranged for by the Yaks and he almost expects that there are mics or cameras hidden somewhere, but he is not enough of a tech to find any but the most obvious.  He goes to the bathroom and reads the water card, very happy to see that there is a large hot water ration.  Stripping, he steps into the shower and washes off the grime and detritus from the explosion.  Once back in the bedroom, he calls down to the concierge to see if there is a clothes cleaning service available and almost yells in glee when told that of course there is.  He arranges for his suit to be picked up and cleaned this afternoon.

Athos tips the young man who comes by for the suit, telling him that there is more for both him and the laundry service if it gets back by 1600.  Afterwards he just lies on the bed and revels in the difference between here and what he experienced last night.  It is not his bed at home, but since there is a good chance that place is no longer his, he is happy with what he has.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-07-15/1606:19>
Kynos looked at the burner phone. He had almost finished his large coke and only some crumps hinted at the double sized portion of curried rice he had downed.
The hour was almost up and the burner phone would find it's way into the trash shortly afterwards, but still there was no reply.
'Seems like this Athos guy isn't down for business after all.'
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-07-15/1633:50>
Athos Sleeps a bit then rises to be ready when the boy returns with the suit.  As promised, he give the lad a very good tip.  "Now you see this is shared with whoever cleaned the suit.  I will be checking to make sure that you have.  I may have need of you later as well, so when do you go off?  Midnight?  Good.  Thank you for the service."  Athos takes the suit and puts it on, sitting back to wait.  And he is waiting for several people to contact him:  Artie with a progress report, Kynos with an answer to his note, Minnie with word from Jimmy, and or course the Yak contact with the stuff he had ordered.

The Yaks were prompt.  The delivery was checked and double checked and Athos presented a credstick and transferred the balance owed.  Easy come, easy go.  He does stop to wonder what he will have to do to repay these sums he is spending, but he will worry about that later.  His comm chirps at about 1800 and he sees that Kynos has called.  He picks up the comm and reads the text, sending one back.  >>Kynos.  Athos here.  Can we meet in person?  I will pay the 200 at that time.  The topic of conversation is the warehouse you were at last night.  Tell me where you want to meet, but try to pick a place without a Mafia connection.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-07-15/1718:32>
Kynos frowned. Where did that guy learn his street name? This wouldn't do. Not after Venom had set a bounty on his head. Time to make an example out of somebody.
<<You really got nerves. Meet me up on the old Vigor shipyard. I'll wait for you on top of the old crane. You have 30 minutes.>>

Kynos left the small Indian restaurant and made his way over towards the old wharf. The fence had more holes than a really old swiss cheese and beside some BTL junkies and a whole lot of devil rats no-one came here at this hour. Rust was everywhere and everyone who entered was well advised to have their tetanus shots refreshed.

It took him only a minute to find his stash and get into his gear. The old crane stood silent - it would be interesting to see how long that would continue to be the case...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-07-15/1808:56>
Athos grins at the message.  Yes he has nerves.  Changing into his Big Game clothing, he holsters the huge hand gun and checks his load out mix of APDS and Stick-N-Shock.  He stashes the rest of the gear after taking his IDs and leaves the room.  Downstairs he finds a cab that will take him close to the old shipyard.  After paying off the driver, he walks to the fence, looking for a hole that is large enough for a Troll to go through without ripping his clothes.  As he closes in on the crane, he spins up the Smartgun and link to his pistol. 

Athos is not sure of the motive of the runner he is meeting, so stays alert to the possibility of an ambush.  He scans the area for any thermographic images as he ambles to the crane.  Once at the base he looks up and is glad that any fear of heights was washed out of him long ago and starts to climb.  he expects that whoever the unknown runner is has already got him in some sort of weapon sights and will probably stop him well before he gets to the top.  Athos hopes that he gives him time to explain why he is here.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-07-15/1831:11>
Athos finds - as he expected - no-one up there. Only a small burner phone awaits him, ringing as soon as he made the last step into the gently shaking crane control.
When he takes the call, Kynos answered:
"Mr. Athos may I presume? Your default state of being is death by being shot, falling down from a great height and being perforated by a high explosive grenade. All that stands between this fate and your continued existence is my curiosity. I'll ask you a few questions that you will hopefully answer.
And be careful with your answers big guy, lies bore me almost as much as threats to my life.

Now: How did you find me, who sent you and why should I refrain from killing you?"

Kynos spoke softly but clearly while he watched the silhouette of the troll upon the crane from the cover of a chimney on the roof of the old wharf building.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-07-15/1912:18>
Athos's laugh booms out over the empty space high above the wharf.  From his vantage point on top of the old crane, he can see for miles.  Part of him see this and realizes how beautiful the sight is.  The rest of him is concentrating on how to deal with the runner and avoid becoming a spot on the pavement far below his shaky perch.  He carefully considers his answer.  >>Yes, you do presume  correctly, although no one really calls me Mr. Athos.  To friends and enemies alike it is just Athos, unless you want to get into all the names people give me that are usually not repeatable in the company of women.  And, to be honest, the only one making any threats against the life of another is......well, you.  I am willing to pay well for information.  However, you do appear to have the advantage right now so I will start off, but perhaps we can trade questions.  You asked three, but I am afraid that I can only really answer one and a half.  How I found you is that you were tracked by a mage I know, but how he did it is a complete mystery to me.  I prefer to keep my source safe from retribution so will politely decline to answer the second question.  Your third question is easier.  You should not kill me because I may become your next employer.  Not only am I willing to pay for information, but I could use the help of someone who is able to get into the vicinity of a well guarded Yak warehouse and make it out alive.  Now my turn, but I only have one question.  If you choose not to answer it, you may as well pull the trigger and see if you are luckier than the guy who tried to blow me up in that warehouse.  However, I would not place too much of your hard-earned money on your chances as I have proved hardier than I look on a number of occasions.  So here it is.  What is your name or street handle or whatever else you want me to call you.  I really dislike not at least having the name of the man who is threatening me.  Your turn.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-08-15/0514:09>
"You can call me Kynos.
You say you were in a warehouse that blew up? Funny. What were you doing, shifting rocket launchers to the streets? If I get this right someone followed me home and since I didn't find a bomb waiting for me I presume you don't work for Venom?

Business is business - what is your interest in this whole situation?"

Kynos was intrigued - this whole talk had become a whole lot more interesting than he had anticipated.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-08-15/0900:56>
Seattle is so dreary during the winter.

Minnie’s mind wandered as she watched the sprawl pass by the window of the taxi taking her back to Gino’s.

Has it really been only a day?

The past twenty four hours had by far been the busiest and most exciting if perhaps not quite the most terrifying of her twenty years.  She’d discovered that a boy she might actually come to like might like her back and she’d witnessed just how amazing that boy could be in his own element.  She’d learned the man who had done the most to shape her over the past decade had feet of clay and was now trapped in a cell…assuming something hadn’t changed when Dona Valentine vanished from view.  And oh what she’d learned about that frightening woman.  Things she would never repeat and barely understood.  Still, Minnie seemed to come out of their interaction with the grand woman’s respect if not affection.  Although what that might mean now that they all were persona non grata Minnie hadn’t a clue. 

Then she’d saved her and Athos’ life and put her dear Nagisa’s in danger.  By itself, breaking out of that building would have been the most changing single event in her young life.  But things didn’t stop there.

Strawberry.

The compelling woman’s image came to mind.  Her heart…and many other things…warmed as she mused about the mysterious redhead.  Strawberry was what Minnie wanted to be when she grew up.  Confident and self-assured.    A commanding presence that compelled respect even of Yakuza and Mafia bosses.  But gentle and kind, ruling not through force but through persuasion.  If she didn’t have other responsibilities, Minnie could imagine no better existence than as Strawberry’s disciple.  There was so much she imagined she could learn from the more experienced elf.  So many things she wanted to master.

But, alas, she did have other responsibilities.  And those responsibilities were calling loudly as the little taxi swung to the curb just outside Gino’s.  Minnie paid the driver, tipping him not only with UCAS dollars but also a warm smile, and turned to face the familiar eatery.  It was right about one O’clock in the afternoon and the lunch rush was only beginning to subside.  More patrons were leaving than were entering the old place as mostly sararimen and low-level corporate execs made their way back to whatever drudgery defined their daily existence.  Minnie slipped in and took possession of a recently vacated table for two.

One of the hostesses came by to clear the table, making the previous patron’s tip quickly vanish.  She gave Minnie a skeptical look, suggesting maybe that the young girl didn’t belong here.  Minnie just smiled and slipped the woman a note wrapped in a UCAS five dollar bill.  She’d composed the note before she had left Strawberry’s domain.  “Please give the note to the cute boy at the bar,” she directed the woman with a quick glance at Jimmy across the room.  “The delivery fee is yours.”

The woman’s skeptical look shifted into ambivalence as she pocketed the cash and moved on to a few other tables before ending up at the bar.  Minnie watched as Jimmy gave the woman a quizzical look as the note was delivered, then looked across the room at Minnie.  Minnie just smiled and tried to give her best flirty look.  Jimmy’s expressive brow furrowed in clear confusion and his lips formed a slight scowl as he opened the note and read the contents.  To the boy’s credit, his expression didn’t betray the recognition.  His face just settled into a neutral expression.  He looked up at Minnie just a moment and simply nodded before returning to his work.

Part one of the mission accomplished, Minnie hopped back out of her seat and walked calmly back out the front door of the restaurant.  Next stop, the old park two blocks away with a water feature that actually still worked.  In the late December drizzle, she was confident it would be bereft of people.  A perfect place to have a private conversation when Jimmy’s shift was up in another hour.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-08-15/1141:43>
Athos chuckles.  >>Believe it or not I was buying the warehouse.  All of the action was already over and the seller somehow forgot to mention that you had been there.  He was giving me a tour when we noticed the explosives and were lucky to find some weak boards to break through to get out.  Right before the explosion.  It is a bit suspicious and I am quite interested in find out who wants me dead enough to set this up.  Can we finish this face to face or must we continue this?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-08-15/1212:22>
"Just a moment. You wanted to buy the warehouse? I was told it contained rocket launchers that should be destroyed. So if you found the explosives, why didn't you just leave the warehouse - were you locked in? In that case that was definitively not our doing."
Kynos paused. The story was unlikely enough to be a fake.
Also he didn't get a vibe that this was a setup. For one he would have noted some back up by now after he had threatened the guys life.

"Ok, count me intrigued. I'll extend some trust here. Any funny business and I'll do my damned best to make you rue that decision.
Meet me at that little Indian restaurant across the street."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-08-15/1303:34>
@Minnie Jimmy arrives a bit early to the park, he seems a bit suspicious, and carefully observe his surrounding. After a short while he approaches you and greets you hello.  He then say "You got me very concerned, I could barely concentrate for the rest of my shift. Eventually Gino released me early. Is Yulia in some kind of trouble? Just yesterday she came herself to meet me, I am the shy one between the two of us." He seems genuinely concerned.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-08-15/1434:12>
Minnie had entertained the idea of portraying herself as someone carrying a message rather than as herself.  It would have been interesting to see how the boy acted around another girl.  Seeing Jimmy’s sincere concern melted her heart, though, and she had to be honest with him.  She’d arranged a spot where she hoped she could speak plainly.  With the drizzle around them and the fountain with running water beside them, no one would be able to hear their conversation without magic or some serious tech.  The idea that someone would be staking out Jimmy for such an effort seemed in the realm of the ridiculous.  Still, she carefully looked around with the heightened senses just to be sure.

“Jimmy, you know the call you got last night asking about someone good at forensics?  Well, things got even worse after that.  However hard it may be to believe it, I’m Yulia.  What you’re seeing and the voice you’re hearing is an illusion.”  Minnie can see that Jimmy’s skeptical of the claim.  His face is a window of confusion, anxiety, and suspicion.  “Jimmy, I really appreciated the apple juice you slipped me yesterday.  It was delicious.  When you offered to take me to the club with you, I wasn’t sure how to feel.  I wasn’t expecting it, but at the same time it wasn’t unwanted.  When I figured my feelings out, you were already gone.  I was so worried about you that Athos and I scared the piss out of the younger Hamanis punks who were still here.”  She smiles as she remembers the look on the poor boys’ faces.  “I think they were sure Athos was going to eat them.  I came like a guardian angel and convinced one of them to take me where their buddy’s had taken you.  I saw you speaking at the community center and was so proud.  You’re an amazing man to speak like that.  It gave me goose bumps…still does.  My best friend is a troll and I’m a human freak.  To see a regular human speaking up for people like me, well, especially someone I…like…it felt really good.”  As I speak I maintain eye contact with Jimmy the whole time.  I have no idea what the illusion is doing to the look in my eye, but hopefully at least some of my sincerity was seeping through the mask.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-08-15/1526:07>
He seems to struggle with the fact that you look so different and yet you are yourself and not some cute teenager. You know that he believes you as he seems embarrassed, he blushes and does not seem to be able to speak. After a short while, he closes his eyes he takes a deep breath and then opens his eyes and it is difficult to stop him. He speaks so fluently.

"Yulia, You do not have to change your appearance, not for me. I like you a lot, just the way you are. I think that you are beautiful and kind.  Humanity comes in different shapes and forms, one have pointy ears and the other is two and a half meters tall but we are all humans.  We all have emotions, hopes and dreams - in some elementary level we are all the same. It is our eyes that deceive us.

You really did all these things for me? It moves me it is amazing that you went out of your way to rescue me. Even if I only left for the community center. Huminis are mostly good people, they just fear what they cannot understand and that fear threatens them.

Look, Yulia, I really like you and I do want to go out with you. But what I see in front of my eyes - is not a date invitation. You look completely different sound completely different and instead of ordering some apple juice and chatting me up, you schedule a mysterious meeting at the park."

He is quiet - A bit disappointed with his latest realization. But he looks you straight into the eyes and grab your hands. He say:  "Please Yulia,  are you in trouble? is it because of that warehouse you told me about? Is there anything I can do to help?" He say as he grabs your hands.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-09-15/0117:22>
Athos laughs again, picks up the comm and begins to climb down from the crane.  >>Yes.  Or, rather, my employer wanted to buy the warehouse.  I was simply the go-between.  And if there were any rocket launchers there at one time, they were certainly gone when I got there.  The warehouse was pristine.  And yes, we were locked in.  Apparently a sophisticated system locked us in the building after we entered.  Fragging inconvenient, all together.  Might have been in and done if the warehouse walls had been designed to hold a Troll.  As it is, they were not, and now I am freezing my balls on a fragging crane.  Nice view from up here though.<<

When Athos gets to the ground he carefully leaves the wharf and crosses the street to the Indian eatery.  The Mumbai Express advertised authentic Indian-style food, or at least as authentic as soy can be.  The décor inside was probably something semi-related to an Indian theme once upon a time, but now is just patched fake leather booths, worn out chairs, and unbalanced tables.  Athos saw all this from the outside through the window lit by tiny neon lights that indicated Trolls would only be served from there.  Athos is used to this; after all, there are not many quick eateries that have special places for Trolls to dine inside.  He is used to it.  He steps up to the window and looks at the greasy menu and selects something that looks good from the pictures. After all, anything with curry, real or fake, cannot be too bad.  As he waits for the food, he wonders when the mysterious Kynos will appear.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-09-15/0253:47>
"You Athos?" Ah elf had stepped around the corner, a duffle back casually slung over the shoulder with the left hand. A trench coat concealed badly urban body armor. His hair was cropped to a seven millimeter buzz cut and despite his face being quite symetrical and unmarred by scars or other damage he wasn't good looking. It took Athos only a second to realize that it was the eyes. They looked somehow dead or rather lifeless.
Then Athos realized that looking the man in the eyes might be a mistake because it meant he had taken away his eyes from the man's right hand which incidentally rested on something inside the trench coat.

"Count yourself lucky. On an other day I might just have gotten rid of you and left the city. But I have unfinished business and obligations, so let's have a seat and discuss this like fucking civilized law abiding citizens."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-09-15/0320:56>
Athos looks at the Keeb as he comes around the corner and nods.  "Bingo.  Got the name right first time off.  Congratulations.  It takes some people several tries to get it right."  He turns away from the runner to get the plate of food that was just placed on the take out shelf.  Or, rather, the first of several plates.  He takes two at a time to a shaky outside stand-up table that was about Troll size.  As he is going back for the fourth trip, Athos nods at the window.  "Get you something?  It smells good.  Some sort of curry something.  I'm buying.  By the way, unless you're scratching your balls in that coat, you can take your arm out.  I'm not here to try to shoot, gut, or punch you.  Just want to talk for now and maybe hire you if you say the right things.  But it is normally considered rude to threaten a potential employer.  And I don't like to brag, but there are a number of people taking permanent dirt naps out there that thought it would be easy to get rid of me, so give me the same credit I give you.  Basically I understand that you are a dangerous guy, and if you think I am not a dangerous guy then I really have little use for you after all."  If Kynos wants food, Athos orders it, otherwise he takes the last of the plates to the table and starts to eat while looking at the runner.

"You know, we really are different, your kind and mine.  And I don't mean the obvious trog and keeb thing.  I have never really understood the entire runner bit.  What do you get out of it?  And of course, the question is just to use up some time so I can eat my dinner, but I would like to hear your opinion if you care to give it."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-09-15/0448:21>
Kynos shrugged: "I already ate. That was actually the main reason I set the meeting here. That and the nice view..."
He sat down opposite the troll: "See it as a compliment that I leave the gun in the holster.
Oh and I also appreciate that we can leave the posing aside. I don't need to pump up my plumage and neither do you.

About that potential employer thing we'll have to talk.
First thing: I won't give you info on my chummers - the best I can do is ask them if they want to talk to you. That one's free.
Second thing: I've got obligations and that means I'm in the market for high cash jobs. So you are in luck there.
Third thing: I'm a runner because it sounds better than amoral mercenary - which I am too.
It's a useful social construct - there is a culture with norms and rules that give you a guideline but retain your freedom. It's really just for convenience.
But from that I gather that you count yourself as some other class of criminal. Since you do business with the Yaks I assume you are with one of the western syndicates. What is it? Sicilian, Irish? Not Vory obviously and nothing from the Tirs.

My elf senses tell me also that you are in a bind yourself. Getting almost blown up usually gets two types of reaction from a made man: Either he gathers an army and declares all out war or he gets into cover and tries to off the ones responsible as silent as possible.
Since we are talking over dinner and I am not hanging by my balls from the ceiling of some meat packaging plant, I think its rather the later than the former.

So what is it you want from me?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-09-15/0849:56>
In all her years of life, Yulia had never felt anything she could consider romantic affection for a man.  Men were business relationships at best, violent and cruel brutes at worst.  Tony, his own brand of cruelty aside, had years ago gained her respect and even admiration.  In the cell yesterday, perhaps she did feel a little more for him.  Attraction – certainly.  Romantic affection.  No.

Athos?  The troll was certainly handsome for his kind, and any prejudice had literally been beaten out of Yulia many, many years ago.  Her friend was one of two people she might consider deserved the word ‘love’ to describe her feelings for him.  But although she found the man attractive, the relationship the two had developed over the years was much more that of a brother and a sister.  She could imagine kissing a troll that looked like him.  But kissing HIM seemed…wrong.

To be honest, until today there had only been one person in the world she felt safe enough around to give her love and affections to.  Nagisa.  Ever since Yulia was brought to Seattle, her best friend had been there for her.  Their relationship developed in the absence of other options for either of them, but despite that it made them happy.  What more could they ask for in this cold world they lived in?

Now, in just a day’s time, she’d found two beautiful sirens calling her away from her safe ship, and Nagisa wasn’t here to fill her ears with wax.  Strawberry with her alluring mystery, wisdom, and incredible skills.  The representation of everything Yulia could dream of achieving.  And Jimmy with his honest simplicity and exquisite mind.  His noble beliefs and confidence to speak them to the world even to the most skeptical of audiences.

She wanted to lose herself in Strawberry, submerging herself in the elf woman’s love and wisdom.  She wanted to protect Jimmy and enable the brilliant boy to speak his beliefs to the world without fear.  And she wanted to share her life with Nagisa, discovering the world together and sharing that joy of discovery with a kindred soul.

Having come from the depths of human depravity to this was heady stuff.  She wished she could run off for a while and clear her head.  Really absorb everything that was happening.  Figure out who she is now and what she wants from the world.  But she didn’t have that luxury.  She’d just have to keep putting one step in front of the other and make it up as she went.

She nods in response to Jimmy’s question.   “Yes, Jimmy, I’m in a lot of trouble.  So it Athos.  We’re masked like this in order to get around without tipping off the people who want us dead.  I wouldn’t be here talking with you if I wasn’t confident that I wasn’t being tailed.  I,” she lowered her eyes and paused for a moment to figure out what words to use to describe her feelings, “care…about you far too much to put you in that kind of danger.”  She raises her eyes back to meet Jimmy’s own.  “Please don’t ask to do anything for me that would put you in danger.  I need you safe if I’m to stay alive.  My best friend is already in danger because of me.  I can’t handle you at risk too.  But,” she emphasized the word, “I respect you too much not to ask you for the kind of help you excel at.

“I need advice on who to turn to for information.  Someone tried to blow us up in a warehouse.  It was clear the place had been wired days before and the goal was to kill the people who came there last night.  Those people just happened to be us.”

Minnie goes on to describe the building in question and what she knows about the events.  She doesn’t leave anything out except to exclude anything related to Dona Valentina and Strawberry.  She wanted to see what Jimmy came up with before sharing about the Finnigan leader’s disappearance, and the latter…well Yulia had no clue what to say.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-09-15/1015:13>
Athos nods as he eats.  "Well, then.  You picked a good place for the meet.  Good food here.  I will have to remember this place.  And I, too, appreciate the no posturing.  We don't need that right now.  First thing:  Good.  I would not want to hire someone who was willing to rat his friends out for some coin.  Second:  Even better.  Besides the 200 I owe you for listening, I can offer 2K as a retainer and 3K plus bonus if you do go beyond simply giving me information and actually help me out.  The bonus could be substantial.  Third: Hmmm"  He laughs.  "Actually not sure what to say to that description.  But you are right; I am some other class of criminal.  I have been part of the Finnigan family of the Seattle Mafia.  Almost from birth, you might say.  And your finely honed Keeb senses are on target.  I am running at the moment.  Something happened at that warehouse that has me puzzled.  My boss has gone quiet.  My contacts that I trust have warned me to do the same."

"I am of the considered opinion that someone is trying to start a war between the Yaks and the Mafia.  I am very interested in the who and why.  That warehouse was prepped days ago for that explosion and timed to kill whoever was at that meeting.  In this case that would happen to be me.  I was told that and some others were on-site there before the blast and was hoping that you might be able to help me find out.  Just getting in and out of there without getting killed by the Yaks is impressive, especially since I know that there were at least thirty guards on or near the premises."

"And by the way; I do not go in for the whole hanging people by the balls from a meathook thing.  I usually just prefer to shoot them."  Athos fishes a credstick from a pocket and holds it up.  "I did say 200 just for listening.  You have listened."

Athos slots the stick into whatever Kynos provides and transfers 200 nuyen to the man then looks at him before he withdraws the stick.  "So. Can you help me?  If so, the 2K is yours as well."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-09-15/1048:42>
Kynos pocketed the stick without blinking.
"Sure. About that war: I engaged in a little diversion by opening fire on that Yak Venom and his goons. He didn't take that well and I'll probably kill him anyway to stop this developing into feud. I hope this doesn't clash with your plans.

About finding things out: I can do two things for you: Ask the others involved privately what they know and beat the shit out of whoever think is convenient to ask.

We only had 10 minutes time to play with that warehouse, but I was told it was filled with rockets and that's why we should demolish it. Now you tell me it was empty and more important still standing when you arrived later.  That sounds to me as if my previous Johnson and the demolition expert he provided were not completely honest with me.

So give me a few hours to ask around and tell me where we should meet up.
By the way, should I know about anyone else you hired? You don't look like someone who operates solo."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-09-15/1235:45>
Jimmy thinks for a moment, he is not knowledgeable at all about explosives but is quite a fan of politics. He then say, “Let's start with who you cannot under any circumstances trust, no one of the Finnegan family, and no one in the Yakuza. You did not just happen to be there, if you were there someone tried to assassinate you. I do not know why you are so important to be assassinated but please do not tell me - it will only put you in further danger."

He look distant for a while trying to come up with a productive solution. After a short while he finally say.

"The only person that is powerful enough to protect you, and that I can trust his motives is Michael Kearney."
That Humminis politician?! At this moment Yulia might be very confused, even disgusted. You look at Jimmy in disbelief, but Jimmy is grave serious and just continue talking.

"Yes, the Humminis politician. He is not affiliated either with the Mafia nor with the Yakuza. He aims higher, much higher, in fact - he want to be the next governor of Seattle. If he agrees to help you, you will have unprecedented access to resources. From police reports to anything you can imagine. You would not believe how influential and connected Michael is. If he decides to protect you, I doubt the Yakuza or the Mafia will dare to touch you.”

He pauses, a little to let his message sink in.
"I know you have many questions, but you really should be thinking only on one question. WHY would Michael Kearney go out of his way to help you, what you could possibly offer him that is worth this kind of protection."


After a short while he tells you his opinion about that matter as well.
“Open your mind Yulia, Michael is not an ignorant brute that burn down orc businesses - nor he is the kind to call you freak. He is a promising politician, relatively clean as far as I can tell, and he seriously aims to win the next elections. Yes, he supports segregation - no I will not vote for him, but if you read their manifesto about SURGE 'victims' and other very rare meta variants. They say that since there are not enough to form communities of they should be integrated with the general human population. Not killed, not scorned, INTEGRATED."


He pauses and say to you.

"So what can you possibly give one of the most influential people in the city?... You have nothing to trade but your public support. Michael suffers greatly from critiques that say that he is nothing but a pretty and charismatic face to a monstrous movement and that no meta human will ever side with him. Your public support can very well be what help him gain the moderate votes. To make him a legitimate participant in the elections. It may be enough to convince him to protect and help you.  .”

He types Michael's frequency in your comlink, “Just in case you do not think that I am insane. I do not want you to risk contacting me again if somehow what I said was sensible to you.” He say and as far as you can tell he is genuinely concerned about you. It pains him very much to give you a political advice that goes against everything that he believes in. But he truly believes that Michael can protect you, and apparently witty enough to understand the barter of real politics. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-10-15/0026:52>
Athos listens to the Keeb, nodding as he munches down the huge meal.  He swirls his finger over the food a couple of times in an unspoken question, but is just as happy if Kynos leaves it all to him.  He washes some of the food down and wipes his mouth on the cheap napkins provided.  "Well, at this time I have no claim on this Venom, so I will not step in your way.  It seems that your demo man might indeed have something to hide.  I met the Yak boss at 2330, chatted for a bit, then went to the warehouse.  Must have been maybe 2400.  We were out within a few minutes with the warehouse no more than a pile of sticks behind us.  And the set-up had to be days in the making.  I have found out that the company involved with renovating the warehouse for the sale is called Digital Security Solutions.  They are the likely people to have set this up and certainly are worth looking into.  Perhaps your demo guy is in with them."

"As to others on my team, yes there are.  A set of sneaky eyes and my personal assistant.  I would prefer to keep them independent of you for the time being.  I am sure that you understand.  If you work out well, I will integrate them with you.  Fair enough?  So, do you need anything else from me?  Here is the code to a burner I am going to use only for you for the present.  You strike me as a dangerous man, Kynos.  I can use dangerous men right now."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-10-15/0309:55>
"Fair enough. You strike me as a man who pays me in full. And I can use such a man too. I'll be in touch.
Oh, but one other thing: If you have me followed a second time I'll react very, very unfriendly."

Kynos got up, deposited the money from the stick and got rid of the empty one. While he moved back to his ride he started his calls:

<<Ryan, had a meeting with some guy called Athos. There is some conspiracy within the Seattle Mafia with him as the fall guy. Turns out that the warehouse we should bomb was in fact a trap for him and some Yak guy. Now he tries to find out who's gunning for him.
So for the moment I won't take runs from that mage broad, but I'm very interested in contacting her. Do you know if she has been rescued by now and how I can reach her? Thanks and love, Kynos>>

Afterwards he used the code he had of DemoX:
<<Hey, you wanted to get back to me about that bounty for Venom. It's a bit pressing since he has himself set up a bounty for our team. We should meet. Love Kynos.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-10-15/0342:57>
@Kynos Rayen texts you back >> IT said that she will manifest for you if you bring a date to Crusher 495 and dress accordingly, be there at 22:00 if you'd like to meet. Meeting her in person is sort of impossible, I myself haven't seen her in years.


You recieve a message from DemoX link
>>Kynos, this is Gerled leader of the red hot nukes, neighborhood association. Your man is in very deep cover and so should you. It feels like both the Mafia and the Yakuza are after you guys.


[spoiler]
The bounty Venom placed was not on you but on a mage that go by the name Sovereign that apparently,  publicly humiliated him.  (Mulcarn's character).

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-10-15/0411:01>
<<Ryan, seriously, a date? Do you have any idea how empty my social calendar is. Ok, whatever I'll get someone. What is Crusher 495 and what is the dress code/security/prices?
Anyway, thanks for your help. Love Kynos>>

He replied to Gerled:
<<Understood. I'll do my best, but a job is a job. If you are attacked you did something right. You go only after the kid that has the ball. So if you can give me instead the details on the bounty on Venom I'll take care of that part of the equation. Love Kynos>>


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-10-15/0432:00>
Ryan texts back >> IT has an odd sense of humor as you may notice from her previous meet arrangements. She explicitly said date and nice clothes, I hope you can manage. It is a small orc owned restaurant reasonable food, nothing fancy. City clothes will do, street clothes is a bit stretching it but you do not need a suit. It is right on the northern border between Bellevue and Redmond (You can see it on the game map).  Their security is very good for a restaurant as they are constantly hassled by Huminis thugs. Nothing close to your own level tough.

Geraled texts back,
>>Kynos, I am currently am focused on keeping my man alive, when this wave passes you can resume what ever business you guys were discussing. I honestly do not want to know. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-10-15/0517:59>
Kynos frowned. Restaurant was easy. A date was not. Well, actually it was. That was a problem his new employer could solve for him.
<<Athos, bad news, good news: The demolitions guy has gone to ground and won't be available for a conversation. But I could manage a talk with our Johnson. But only as a projection. Now I need a date for the meet in a fancy restaurant. If you can wear a nice dress you can come, otherwise send a trusted associate. Meet details are attached. Love Kynos>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-10-15/1003:43>
Athos looks at the message from Kynos and frowns.  A date?  >>Kynos.  I will have someone there, even if it is me in a dress.  But remember; I don't kiss on the first date so behave yourself.<<  After sending the note, Athos thinks about who to ask to go to the meet.  Minnie will be off with Strawberry.  Perhaps Artie?  >>Artie.  Hey, I need another favor.  I have contracted with a Keeb named Kynos to help with our research project.  He has set up a meet with a source, but needs a date at the location attached.  Can you do this?  Dress nice.  Get back to me soonest if no can do.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-10-15/1008:31>
@Athos Artie texts back >>Athos, I am sorry but I am busy tonight.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-10-15/1025:32>
Athos sighs after getting Artie's response.  He runs through his list of non-Family contacts.  Smiling, he hits on one.  >>Dahlia.  Athos here.  I hope that you are available tonight.  I want you to go on a date with an acquaintance of mine.  You will like him.  Keeb.  Sullen.  Just your type.  Location is attached.  Need you there by 2200.  I know it is short notice, but I will double your hourly fee.  This is companionship only.  Dress nice and be nice.  If he takes you home I will pay you a bonus.  You can let him know it is on me.  You also get a bonus if you find out anything about him.  He is very dangerous so do not be dumb.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-10-15/1038:08>
Dhalia answers >> Thanks for thinking about me sweetie! I'll be there.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-10-15/1149:29>
With this problem solved, Kynos took care of a few other needs: He checked into a cheap motel with his fake ID, got himself cleaned up and chose an unobtrusive outfit for the evening. His running gear again found itself in his bag. Only the helmet and the lined coat stayed out, together with the taser. After all, he had to ride his new bike to get to the restaurant.

Point 2130h he stood outside the restaurant in the parking lot and looked for his date. 'Maybe I should have asked for a name - eh, what's the worst that could happen? I could drag a random hooker to the meet - if I can get a receipt I'll just forward the bill to Athos.'
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-10-15/1159:26>
@Kynos At 21:45 a limo pulls over and an attractive human female get out. She is wearing a black dress, and is smoking a cigarette, the limo departs and no guy ever go out of it. She seems classy and is looking for someone. Perhaps she is your date?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-10-15/1729:35>
Kynos raised an eyebrow. 'Damn, maybe I should have asked for more money - seems like Athos' connections are quite well off.'

He strolled casually over to her: "Good evening. Did Athos send you?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-10-15/1840:43>
Yulia listens quietly as Jimmy weaves his heartfelt belief in the possibility that the local leader of Humanis might actually be someone she and Athos could turn to.  It was a hard sell, but she wanted to believe Jimmy.  His passion and sincerity was infectious.  Still, it wasn't just her that she would be putting at further risk.  It was Athos too.  And ultimately Nagisa, Dame Valentina, Tony, and whoever else was directly or indirectly caught up in the game someone was playing.

"Jimmy," she says as the boy placed her comm back in her hand.  "You are an amazing boy."  Her words were heartfelt and she hoped her sincerity showed through her illusion.  "I believe that you believe Michael can be trusted to bargain and keep his part of the deal.  I want to believe that.  But so many lives are on the line for this."  She quickly goes on when she sees Jimmy's face fall.  "I just need to ask advice from some people first before I make such an important call.  Athos for one.  And...someone else.  Someone whose counsel I value as much as yours.  If they agree, then I'll do it.  If Michael is as you say, I'd be happy to advocate for his veracity.  Even if we might disagree in segregation, there is a big difference between separation and genocide.  If the fact that magic can even make humans different can help soften his image both to his supporters and detractors, and you believe he's worth helping, then I'm game." 

She goes on the add, "But only if you're up there with me.  Jimmy, I've never been the focus of crowds before.  I'd make a fool of myself without you.  Will you stand with me if I do this?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-11-15/0013:38>
Athos smiles after he gets the note from Dahlia.  That taken care of, he takes a stroll into the night to clear his head and see if he can make any sense of what has happened.  He also considers Kynos and what little he knows about the Keeb.  He does seem to have the whole tough guy part down and Athos wonders if that is some sort of trademark of the runner world.  They survive by their wits and guts and skills and their life expectancy is remarkably short, so maybe they need to do the tough guy thing to try keep other runners off balance and wondering just who is tougher than whom.  Athos shakes his head and laughs.  At least the Keeb had shown some caution and sense.  And he did know a good Indian eatery that Athos has already added to his list of places to eat.  All in all, the man might be a good fit, and even better if he drops the tough guy routine.  The really tough guys do not advertise it, others just know by looking at them or hearing them talk.  Perhaps Kynos is a tough guy and perhaps he is just talk.  Time will tell.

After walking around a bit, Athos grabs a cab and heads over to the NH.  Going inside, he takes the elevator to his floor and heads for his room.  He had left a hair in the top of the door jamb when he left and he checks it now to see if the room has been disturbed.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-11-15/0148:16>
@Minnie Jimmy looks at you, he has no idea what he feels like, clearly in some emotional struggle. "What you are asking me to do is to endanger my political dream, to place a stain on my integrity and support a cause I do not believe in. Yes segregation is not genocide, but people fear what they do not know and placing walls between us makes sure that metahumans never meet each other. Sure it may reduce crime and perhaps even violence, but I am terrified of a slippery slope scenario. Beside what future has minor meta groups without the vast majority of human population? These will be hopless Ghettos without even the illusion of better life.

Michael say that it is an age thing, and that as I grow up I'll be less of an idealist. I am sure that he is a descent person, he helped me a lot.  You will be surprised but he does not invite many people to debate with him. Think about it,  he is a hot-shot politician and I am a bartender. He did me a favor agreeing for a 1:1 debate.  He is the closest thing I have to a political mentor.
I can do that for you, oddly enough I want to do that for you - but do you even like me back?
I am sorry to be so blunt but you really are asking a lot out of me."

@Kynos Dhalia nodes, "Dhalia" She introduce herself and grab your hand. Apparently you already have reservations, it is the best seats in the restaurant.  You can enjoy live and pleasant piano music as you seat. The entire buissness seem to be run by an orc family. A large orc fammily but they all seem to be related.

@Athos the hair is not there, as you open the door you understand why. There is a quite a lot of equipment waiting for you, neatly stashed in places that keep the general atmosphere of the suite pleasant. 


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-11-15/0340:45>
"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Kynos", was all Kynos answered
Kynos had to drop his bag but luckily the resaurant provided a coat check.

It was a nice table and the food tasted... well incredibly really, at least in comparison to the stuff he normaly consumed. Still, he did not let the food take away from his attention. This was business after all. He was aware of a few stares in their direction - how could such a boarish person that seemed ill at home eating properly with knife and fork score with such a stunning girl - and not pay her his full attention? His only saving grace was his race: Elves seemed to get a pass on most such occasions and this was no different.
Finally after cleaning his plate he talked to Dhalia: "So, in what capcity do you work for Athos? Do you have any magic talent I should be aware of? - No, I'm talking about real arcane mojo - cut the act, we are on the clock."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-11-15/0428:26>
@Kynos She giggles and look at you questionably, "If you must know, I am provide escort service. Kind of expensive one too.  Despite the way you look at me, most people find me very attractive and I am skilled with the etiquette of even the most delicate social situations.

Athos hired me to make sure you are comfortable and have a good night.  You do not seem to be interested in a date, so the question is how can I make you comfortable?"
She sighs and give you a sweet look "I have no clue about the kind of magic you refer to, but some people previously used that word to describe some of my *other* abilities. " She winks at you and places her hand on top of yours, to get your attention and establish eye contact. "What is this 'on the clock' you refer to? Whats on the menu for us?"

 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-11-15/0458:13>
"Meeting with an astrally projecting mage. As you can see, I'm not normally one to dine out with beautiful women in fancy restaurants. This is strictly an information gathering mission - your employer chose wisely when he sent you."
He pulled his hand away from her.
"Incidentally, what is this small fork for?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-11-15/0556:13>
@Dhalia looks suspicious, "Why would an astrally projecting mage pick this spot? you could have met while you were on the way heck you did not even have to get out of your bed. There must be more to it than that. Why schedule in a fancy restaurant when you cannot even enjoy its food. "

She casually say "For fish off-course,  I ordered a fresh cod fish- would you like to share it with me?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-11-15/0743:13>
"Fresh cod in Seattle? Oh well, my nephritic screen will probably protect me, so sure, why not.

And yes, it's unnecessarily complicated, but it was the same with our first meet in a strip club. And the food is good, so I'm not complaining."
Kynos took a sip from his water. Hopefully the mage would turn up soon...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-11-15/0805:22>
@Dahlia said, "Yes, now that they are grown in labs at the cellular level, you might not be willing to still call them fish, but they are 100% clean. The only way to get clean fish as you may know."


She sighs
"Your mage seems like a sad person, to send you to all these nice places and never participate in any of the fun."

The time goes by and you enjoy (or not) the conversation and cod fish but there is no sign of IT. You are already finished with Dhalia's fish, when she suggests.
"Would you like some of the deserts? They make this incredible chocolate pies."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-11-15/0906:59>
"Alright. I'm not so far gone that I refuse chocolate.
As for the mage's tastes: Who knows - there are weirder fetishes. For all I know she's watching us eat since we got here. That's why I asked if you have arcane talent. But there is nothing to it than to wait", Kynos said resigned.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-11-15/0917:33>
@Kynos The chocolate is actually quite good, and as you finish deserts Dhalia say "I am not sure your shy mage friend is actually coming... care to bail?" She eyes you suggestively.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-11-15/0950:26>
"Not yet. Maybe we are to public. I'll check the restroom and the other parts of the restaurant. We'll give her another quarter of an hour. After that I suspect an ambush. Stay in the restaurant, while I go out. If there's shooting... well, it was a nice evening and good chocolate, so thank you."
Kynos got up to do as he said.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-11-15/0957:34>
@Kaynos as you go to the restroom you are a bit alarmed by the voice of IT asking:"Having a good time Knyos?" Looking to your back you see the joyful mage smiling a warm smile at you.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-11-15/1002:42>
"Could be worse. You've been waiting long to see me pee?
Well, good to see you since that means you are still alive. So to business: You told us we had to remove rockets from the playing field - now I learn that the warehouse we acted on was in fact a trap designed to kill a Mafia and Yak guy to start a war.
I don't really mind, but I'd like an explanation."
Kynos relaxed from the fighting stance he had taken instinctively when the mage surprised him.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-11-15/1035:12>
IT laughs and then say:   "I waited because it was the only way you'd stick around in the restaurant, it is a safe place for you to be. About that job, I do not assassinate people, me and DemoX were trailing a very sensitive arms delivery that some bad apples at the army re-gifted.

Assassinations take more time, in few minutes he could perhaps demolish the warehouse by drilling a few explosives to the walls - but assassinating is a completely different story. DemoX could not prepare the place for a hit in such a short notice. 

However, I do have my suspicion that I was not the only one DemoX was working for that night. It makes me angry, I do not swing that way it make me look bad."
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-11-15/1046:08>
"My thoughts exactly. So, who gave you the info on the warehouse and provided you with contact to DemoX?
Seems like there were no rockets inside when it exploded. And if it was only that van full, flattening the whole warehouse would have been overkill. So either your intel was very bad, or we failed and quite a large number of rockets made it out on the street."
Kynos leaned against the toilet door, preventing anyone else to enter and disturb the meeting.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-11-15/1053:43>
IT said: "Me and DemoX had a mark on the van, this is how we tracked it, it landed in that house and waited there for several hours. The first plan was to replace vans. To steal the van with the explosives and place an identical empty one in its place, but that asshole, Venom blew that van with a rocket launcher, I never saw that one coming - completely unprovoked.

The second plan was to blow the van with the explosives and with it the entire warehouse as you cannot blow that many explosives without demolishing the place. The warehouse was planned to protect the neighborhood from the van exploding. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-11-15/1059:00>
"I see. But the van took flight as soon as we got there. What did DemoX do in the warehouse if all rockets were in the van?

Seems like I have to find DemoX to get some answers. Do you know where I should start?

Also, Demox mentioned that there are a lot of people interested in Venom's demise. I could facilitate that, provided someone pays me. You wouldn't know who would be interested, would you?"

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-11-15/1110:23>
IT: tells you "Venom hates my guts but the hatred is not mutual. I'd be happier to know who does Venom really work for.  His behavior seems idiotic but it causes a lot of chaos in the city and Venom seem to have access to large amounts of cash. That money comes from somewhere, I can handsomely reward you if you find out about him.

About DemoX is a member of the Red Hot Nukes, I'd start by talking to them.  I was at the brink of death when these events happened, but as far as I can tell that van was in DemoX's control the entire time. We kept it in the warehouse to not alert the Yaks, we are not exactly combat capable."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-11-15/1118:51>
"Fair enough. Not my speciality, but maybe I can find that out while I solve the other mystery. Is there a way I can contact you directly without having to visit clubs and restaurants?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-11-15/1124:13>
@IT sighs, "I give you this comlink number, but only call it if you are in some serious shit. These calls can be traced and I'll appreciate it if you continue to access me through Ryan if it is not urgent."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-11-15/1135:41>
"Deal. Nice talking to you. I'll let you know when I find something."
Kynos gave way at the door and ignored the disgruntled and by now almost panicky restaurant patron running for the next free stall. 

Back at their table he said: "Good news, we can close up for today. Call your limo, I've got to go."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-11-15/1140:15>
@Kynos Dhalia pays for both of you and before she enters her limo she ask you "Are you sure you do not want to join me?"
[spoiler]
I assume reading your character right that kynos won't join her, so feel free to write her off as leaving the scene.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-11-15/1222:40>
"Thanks for the offer, but I've got a job to do. May be another time."
Kynos smiled uncharacteristically before he went to his bike and drove off.

He made a call to Athos: <<I met the contact. Seems like we have to go talk to the Red Hot Nukes about that exploding warehouse. Specifically to the dwarf that accompanied me. I'll give him a another chance to talk to me, otherwise we might have to come to him.
By the way, it seems as if Venom could be involved in that part too: He was responsible for stashing the rockets at the warehouse. My instinct tells me that there's more.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-11-15/2154:19>
Athos sends a response back to Kynos.  >>Good job.  I hope that you enjoyed the company.  Dahlia is usually a pleasure to be with.  Do you need any assistance in what you are doing or are you good going solo?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-12-15/0132:13>
I had thought I understood politics.  After all, I'd had politicians, judges, and various other officials as clients for years.  They loved to talk, and I was happy to listen given talkers generally treated me better.  But listening to Jimmy it was clear that politics was a lot harder than it looked.

Which makes sense, I guess.  How many times had Nagisa and I gotten in fights when she suggested that, except for the violent ones, I had it easier.  "All you have to do it lie down," she'd say.  At least earlier on.  It infuriated me.  Prostitution is hard work, dammit.  At least when you take gold and platinum clients.  You have to learn what each client likes and create a fantasy for them while they are with you.  Wall off their real world life and for however many hours give them unhindered pleasure.  Make them the center of the universe.

It took skill.  Research and study.  Years of practice.

Here I thought politics was just standing up and speaking your mind.  Yeah, I knew there was intrigue, but what Jimmy described sounds...

Is this what love feels like?

Damn, my life is getting so  complicated.  What do I say to this?

"Jimmy," I start hesitantly, feeling certain I'd say the wrong thing again, "I've never met anyone like you.  And that's a good thing!" I add reassuringly when his face falls again.  "I admire you maybe more than anyone...well anyone our age.

"There's a lot you don't know about me, Jimmy.  A lot you may not like when you find out.  A lot...that might not help your career.  I've been so worried about you getting hurt physically by being around me that I never even thought about the politics.  I think before you're seen with me I need to tell you how a girl like me, someone different like I am, managed to survive this long.  It's not a pretty story, and now isn't the time for it."

I take a deep breath and continue before Jimmy can respond.  "If I contact Michael, I'll stand with him myself although the idea terrifies me.  Even if you're not up there with me, I know you'll be with me in sprit.  That will have to do.  And Jimmy, I do like you."  I lean forward and give the boy a very quick peck on the lips before standing back again.  "A lot.  You're the only boy I can imagine myself with.  But I think we need to take this one step at a time so we can make sure I don't ruin your dreams.  Seeing those dreams die, and knowing I killed them, would break my heart."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-12-15/0427:47>
@Minnie Jimmy elegantly turns his head as you approach for a peck "Not like this... I want it to be real if it happens." He say, "You may forget it, but you look and feel completely different. "
He looks at you,  "Michael have also suggested that I work for him, he likes the way I talk. The thing is, I am not a little boy I am a young adult and despite not having to 'survive' and having a safe and secure life,  I want your love and friendship rather than just your protection." He sighs  "What ever it is you have been through... First be safe, this is the most important thing. We can talk about it when you sort these things. Do not worry about my career, these are my decisions to make."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-12-15/0448:36>
<<Athos: Honestly, I'm totally out of my dept here. I'm not an investigator, I'm an executor. My kind of diplomacy only works if I am allowed to cut a swath of devastation - and even I can see that you would not appreciate that kind of attention at this moment - or ever.
So I'd say lets meet up, so I can relay in detail what I learned. Until then I'll start a last attempt to reach the demolitions guy.>>

Kynos had only a general knowledge where the Red Hot Nukes were holed up, but he headed in that direction anyway.
Again he called DemoX number, knowing full well, that he would reach only the 'secretary':
<<I know, I know. DemoX is in hiding. But this is super important if he intends to get out of hiding anytime in the next years. Just have someone with two burners go somewhere and put he mouth and earpieces against each other or something. In this day and age you can't tell me that you can't manage a secure connection.
Anyway we both need this information exchange and I will get it done one way or another.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-12-15/0514:37>
Athos has been sorting the new gear and checking everything out, especially the weapons.  They were disassembled and cleaned, with special attention paid to the firing pins.  The new assault rifle is a beauty and Athos lavishes care on it.  He is almost finished when the message comes in from Kynos.  >>Sure.  Where do you want me to meet you?  And will there be a chance of trouble?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-12-15/0853:55>
@Kynos - Geraled  texts you back >>Whats in it for me? This is what you'll need to answer if you want to access DemoX.  You can meet meet me at the following address. (they are north of toristville - in the areas that people are currently evacuating.)
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-12-15/0936:15>
Be safe, he says.  Easier said than done.  Still, to have someone...a human male...so concerned about me.  I never really imagined it.

"I'll do my best, Jimmy," I promise.  "We've got to clear Dame Valentina's name with the Yak and uncover whoever conspired to set us up, though.  I can't promise how things will turn out."  I meet Jimmy's eyes to be sure he knows the next is directed at him.  "I just know I have a lot to live for right now."

My eyes now do another scan of the area in all my sights just to be sure nothing had changed since my last review of the surroundings.  I couldn't be too careful with Jimmy's life.  No matter what he might say, while he was brilliant in the light, the shadows are my home.  Who knows, maybe that's the basis of a life.  He shines with the light of his righteous sun and I keep the darkness from extinguishing his flame.  The idea certainly jives with all the books I've read.  My own flame for the boy burns brighter at the thought.

I definitely have to keep us both alive through this.

"I think it;s best that I get moving.  The more I stay in one place the better chance there is of someone seeing through my mask.  And I think we both know I best stay away from you until this mess gets sorted out."  I look back up at him.  "Thank you again for trusting in me and for giving me your advice.  It means the world to me to know I have a friend...maybe more...no matter what.  As much as I am scared to death to tell you the drek I've lived through, I'm even more scared not to.  We'll get through this and have that talk."  I smile shyly.  "And maybe we can even try again with that kiss."

After a few moments more just staring into each other's eyes, I turn away and quickly make my way several blocks to where the neighborhood changes to a little strip mall anchored by a stuffer shack.  I manage to hail another little taxi and ask to be taken back to Strawberry's place.  On the way, I have a lot to think about.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-12-15/1151:22>
@Minnie, You arrive at Strawberry's it is a bit early About 15:30 and you still have a few hours to kill. Lunch have already finished and the place is mostly empty. The bartender, a man in his forties eyes you as you enters and asks "Would you like a drink? There is also the room upstairs that still waiting for you. If you wish to rest"

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-12-15/1205:19>
The past day has been a blur.  Sleep last night was interrupted by Nagisa's message, a massage I have yet to respond to.  Thinking about my girlfriend makes me anxious, but I realize  will be of no use to anyone if I am not rested.  I'm far more tired than hungry at the moment so I read upstairs to catch a little sleep before my next new experience.

A ritual spell.

As an adept i really have little idea of how magic actually works.  It just IS for me.  This will be my first experience with real spellcasting.  And on top of it, I need to compose some rational message to send to Nagisa in her dreams.  The idea overwhelms me and i hope a little sleep will help clarify things.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-12-15/1402:09>
@Athos Roxxy texts you
>> That "Drone" that Artie sent me, it is electronic. ELECTRONIC as in 50 years ago technology, previous generation matrix technology and it is fully functional and appears to be some kind of a relay station in sophisticated blend of modern wireless technology with previous matrix design. It is pretty neat actually - and it exposed to me a completely parallel matrix that is completely inaccessible with modern fiber optics equipment.

I afraid there is not much more I can do with this device other than make it some kind of primitive com-link for that other matrix. There is no continues signal all over the city but it is especially dense in Bellevue and in the parts of the Barrens that border it. Where did you find this stuff?
Oh and you owe me 1,500 nuyen.





Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-12-15/1553:32>
@Minnie you wake up at about 18:50 to a very pleasant voice. “Yulia... we should get going.” She gives you a bit to prepare and then grabs your hand and gently walk you to her home, not very far from the Joke. It is a cave, but very stylish a bit hobbit style. Rather than cold and dark. There is no way to dig such a cave inside a thick forest and the trees seem quite old it is safe to assume that her home was mainly generated with magic.

You are surprised to meet someone that look just like her, that is cooking dinner. Both of them are even wearing that same unusual dress that you spotted her the other time only that tonight the colors are different. Reds and oranges that gives their body the illusion that it is on fire.
Strawberry say “Meet Strawberry, she is my ally spirit. I had to also take her name after the Yakuza decided to go head to head with me, if they do not believe that i can be killed - no body assassinate me.” She giggles slightly.  Obviously a bit nervous with the revelation.

The other Strawberry smiles at you happily and say “Call me M, so that there is no confusion, I will help with the ritual tonight and I am also cooking” Although M look exactly like Strawberry, her voice is normal, it is very attractive and perfectly pitched but it does not have that strong emotional effect on the listener. “Are you joining us for dinner? I made pancakes”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-12-15/1613:27>
I've always hated waking up.  I can't say I hate morning since I've always gotten up in the late afternoon.  Still, waking has always meant I had to prepare for clients.  That was never something to look forward to.  Even the "good" ones.

But this is different.  Being woken up by Strawberry is like a continuation of a pleasant dream.  Her voice speaks to my heart.  Her hand on my shoulder is soothing.  I don't see much point in doing more than dressing and running a brush through my hair, which I do as quickly as I can so the we can get on with whatever is to be tonight.

I'm still not sure what I can possible say tonight to Nagisa, but with Strawberry with me I'm sure my heart will come up with the right words.  Around her, I just can't believe things won't turn out right.  Optimism follows her around like a puppy.

And apparently so do I.

The idea of a little nature preserve in Redmond strains belief, but here it is.  A little island of peace surrounded by the sea of insanity that is the Seattle Sprawl.  Once again I marvel at this woman. 

I don't get the chance to dwell on my near adoration of Strawberry before I meet...Strawberry?  Two of them?!?  Twins?  No.  A spirit!  I briefly slip into mage sight and can clearly see what the elf woman says is true.  This new woman is made of the same "stuff" as Dream of Passion, just far more ...substantial?  To say she's more real isn't exactly right, but she's definitely more powerful.  More "here" than "there".

I never said magic made sense.  YOU try explaining the sound of ocean waves to someone who never had hearing!

"Pancakes?"  I do a double take...and giggle.  A spirit making pancakes?  Why I find it so funny, I can't say,.  But for some reason I do and I can't help a little titter.  Maybe it's the stress.  I can't imagine why I'd be stressed.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-12-15/1713:23>
Athos is waiting for Kynos to get back to him, but is happy to get the message from Roxxy.  >>Roxxy.  thanks for the information.  We found this at a small eatery named Gino's.  I am sending you the ARO address if you want to look around.  Give me an account and I will drop the 1500.  Bonus if you can go to the place and see what it might have been connected to and or why it was there.  Call me.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-12-15/2052:35>
@Minnie
M shares with Strawberry and you her pancakes and you are surprised the she not only cooks but also eats, somehow that simplicity of a kitchen without many technical appliances and what appear to be genuine hot chocolate... can it be? probably a high quality fake, they make you happy. Either that or these pancakes were a bit more than they pretend to be.

Strawberry explains “What is going to happen for the next four hours is that you read your note over and over again, while we do the ceremony carefully shaping the mana and approaching Nagisa’s mind. It will be exhausting, but you’ll need to stay inside the magical cycle and recite your message, Nagisa will see you and hear your voice.”
M adds “and you are going to hear us chanting for four hours, it can make you a bit confused, vulnerable perhaps, you will feel a lot more emotional than you are and the experience may overwhelm you. Do you know what you are going to whisper already?”

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-13-15/0153:07>
@Athos Roxxy texts you >> I think it is best to place it where we found it before anyone come looking. There are few people that can piece together a craft like this. Either the Blue Vixen if she really is a person, or the Brain Eaters.

Athos thinks, the Brain Eaters - aren't these the guys that the Mafia intends to kick out of Touristville? a bunch of computer geeks and shadow deckers that scavenge old technologies lost in time.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-13-15/0205:10>
Athos smiles and sends a return message to the girl.  >>Then please return it.  Go to Gino's and put it in the candy jar on the counter.  Can you talk to the Brain Eaters?  Or arrange for one to talk to me?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-13-15/0622:21>
@Kynos - Geraled  texts you back >>Whats in it for me? This is what you'll need to answer if you want to access DemoX.  You can meet meet me at the following address. (they are north of toristville - in the areas that people are currently evacuating.)
 

<<The nice and warm feeling of having helped a fellow human being - and if you are a heartless bastard, I can offer you 100 in cash as a provider fee. See you there with a friend. Love Kynos>>

To Athos he texted:
<< Got the adress. Meet you there in half an hour. Going to a guy called Gerald. Love Kynos>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-13-15/1211:34>
Athos thinks it is a good thing he is already dressed.  In the cab he sends an acknowledgement to Kynos.  >>On the way.  What sort of place is this and what sort of trouble can we expect?<<  The cab lets him out a block from the meeting and he walks the short distance to the location, arriving barely on time.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-14-15/0247:41>
@Athos and Kynos as you arrive to the location indicated what greets you is a hastily built  2 meter wall, built out of rusted old cars, construction waste and plastics. It is basically made of reused Barrens polluted junk. The wall is filled of firing positions and sand begs and you can spot a guard every several meters, equipped with high tech goggles. Inside the wall there is an 8 story building that also seems fully fortified and you can spot hunting guns pointing out from some of the windows and camouflage cloths that make it difficult to spot if these guns are manned or not.  Before the wall there is barb wire, and only a narrow spiral path leads to the entrance after going back and forth 3 times across the barb wires.

As you approach an AR dwarf is projected from the floor to 'greet' you. "We are armed and dangerous, Go find less organized neighborhoods to prey on!"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-14-15/0255:18>
Athos is impressed despite himself.  This is quite a fortress.  He waits across the street until Kynos puts in an appearance. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-14-15/0707:15>
<<I have no idea, but if I had to guess: The explosive kind.>>

Kynos reached the meeting point with a bit of delay. He approached Athos and nodded: "I'm no expert, but if I wanted to go to ground after I did something that made me unpopular, I think I would hide out here. Probably best if we don't brandish our weapons."
With a nod he crossed the street to enter the compound: "I've got a meeting with Gerald. And that boyscout there is my employer."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-14-15/1025:11>
Athos nods and walks across the street with Kynos.  With the level of security displayed here, he is expecting to have to surrender his pistol.  He nods and lets Kynos speak, a bit entertained at being called a boy scout.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-14-15/1102:10>
@Kynos and Athos The AR Dwarf say come right in, watch for the barb wire it is wired to anti human mines, you could lose a leg. As you carefully brave the narrow passage between the barb wire, a couple of dwarfs approach you come with us they say, and they take you to the building lobby. Gerald waits for you in the lobby wearing combat vest and accompanied with five bodyguards.  He seems like an old dwarf, perhaps 80, and clearly over his physical peak.
Come have a seat he say It seems like you are interested in this misfit DemoX... youngsters and their street names, In my time everyone just had a real name.

He sighs "I tell you what, you do something for me and I do something for you. How about it? "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-14-15/1114:24>
Athos looks around at the setup and smiles.  These halfers are pretty fragging paranoid.  He considers the offer and nods.  "Favors owed and paid is good commerce and builds trust.  What do you have in mind?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-14-15/1202:28>
Gerald answers: "Every night these things wander on the hood scare people to get out. People think that they are Shedim but there are a few things that do not mesh up with this story. Bring me a "Living" Zombie and I will grant you access to DemoX. Be advised that since we do not know what these things are, I suggest some chemically sealed suits.

I find it odd that people just runaway from their homes without even trying to attack these things.  Where our blockade have killed on sight quite a few of them. It is this terror that intrigue me. Because only other attack on these things was from automated drones in Bellevue barrier.  I am a man of science, so I want to understand exactly how these weaklings can cause so much damage without any real violence.  Especially since once you try, killing them is not that difficult. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-14-15/2317:45>
Athos lets out one of his big laughs.  "Would you by any chance have one of those suits in my size?  Never mind.  Not a favor if it is easy, right?"  He looks down at Kynos.  "You ready to take on these things alive?  We can shoot some and save one.  Maybe kneecap him so he does not move too fast." 

Looking back at Gerald, he says.  "Deal.  Do you know where we can find some of these things tonight?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-15-15/0137:31>
The old dwarf "Just walk the streets at night, they will find you, most people try to hide from them you really cannot miss them. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-15-15/0239:00>
Athos laughs again then looks at his companion.  "Are you ready to go kill some undead?"  He nods to the halfer and leaves the room, going back out to the street.  The darkness has closed in, the overcast sky lending an eerie atmosphere to the dimly lit streets.  Almost the only sign of life in this area was the fortified building they had just left.  Athos nudges man next to him.  "Come on.  Let's get this done so we can talk to your bomber."

Saying that, Athos removes his huge handgun from its holster and spins the cylinder.  The familiar noise is comforting as he steps off into the street, looking for zombies.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-15-15/0317:31>
"Always ready to shoot." Kynos said. "Just the alive part is irritating. That and that whole get a chemsuit. Those things are freaking expensive.
I'll rely on my normal armor and it's chemical protection. Just give me a minute to change into gear."

Kynos took out his own gun, made sure it was loaded with normal ammo and took a look at his taser. One for fun one for work.
"You got a car? Otherwise, I've got my bike here and I can follow you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-15-15/0643:50>
Once the night drops and Darkness envelops the almost completely dark neighborhood, you are surprised how little electricity there really is in there. It is not difficult to spot the 'zombies' as they are very loud and you can quickly discover a group that broke the door of a squat and are drugging a squatter toward the sewer entrance. You heard them breaking the door, it was impossible to miss.

[spoiler]
Roll perception, and stealth if you want to be stealthy.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-15-15/0726:37>
[spoiler]
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/325543): 9d6t5 2
with vision enhancement

Stealth:Stealth Check (http://orokos.com/roll/325544): 12d6t5 3[12d6t5=2, 4, 5, 3, 6, 5, 1, 4, 1, 1, 3, 2]
Going near them to 150m

Readying AR, loading GEL, aiming for two actions, fire:
AGI 7 + Automatics (AR) 8 + 2 Smartlink + 2 Aim  (Hawk Eye negates first range increment, Low Light vision and Thermographic active) -4 Vitals shot
Stealth Check (http://orokos.com/roll/325551): 15d6t5 6

13S AP -1 +6 successes on the likely surprised target.

Ini: Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/325552): 15+2d6 27
Oh, yeah!

When they start to run towards us, I'll start suppressive fire:
Suppressive Fire (http://orokos.com/roll/325555): 17d6t5 8
If they are real zombies they probably will continue to run towards us and catch some GEL rounds every ini phase.

[/spoiler]

Kynos only moved until his smartlink laser told him they were within 150m of their targets while changing magazines in his rifle. He kept a hand up to indicate to Athos to stop.
He aimed for a second and shot one very precise shot of GEL ammunition on the head of the last zombie.
When he was sure he had their attention he stood up and began to shoot in a measured and precise way, showering the other Z's with gel.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-15-15/1029:28>
Athos shakes his head.  "My car got trashed as part of what went down last night so I am on foot until I can replace it.  But I do not think we will need to go far."

He walks in silence, enjoying the hunt.  When they spot the group of zombies, he readies his pistol but is content to stand back as Kynos does his thing.  It gives Athos a chance to observe the man in action and his own weapon is not very useful at this range.  He is content to provide backup in case this group proves resistant to Kynos' efforts.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-15-15/1036:15>
"I...think so," I answer in response to Strawberry's doppelganger.  "It's really hard now that I have to face it.  I get only one chance.  What it I mess it up?"  I don't even try to hide how anxious I suddenly feel about what I'm about to face.  "If Nagisa is hurt because of me, I don't know what I'd do..."

Nagisa is my first and best friend.  The one who has stood with me ever since I came to Seattle.  I would never have survived until now without her.  To lose her...I don't want to imagine it. 

"I'm so scared."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-15-15/1041:12>
Strawberry tell you "You have to be strong for her, you are giving her a gift. A gift that can keep her strong for many days to pass, the knowledge that you are safe. Imagine how much you could endure if you had the same knowledge yourself. How strong you could be"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-15-15/1047:32>
"Maybe.  But still..."  I close my eyes and take a deep breath to try and center myself like Mouse taught me.  I then let it out slowly and face the older and wiser woman again.  "I'll do my best, Strawberry, but what if my best isn't enough?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-15-15/1105:36>
Strawberry tells you "You will survive and find a way to carry on, life are interesting and they are worth living. I wasn't always called Strawberry I had a real name even a family name, a real family, friends and even a loved one.  But a real person could not survive what life had in store for me. I had to leave everything that I was behind and become strong. I now have no name, no past and no history. I am just Strawberry - and to be precise I am not even Strawberry because Strawberry is my ally spirit and closest friend in this entire world. 

She was crafted from my personality before I changed myself and is now more similar to who I was than myself.  She constantly reminds me what I lost over the years and is more human than I am. You are strong Yulia and you have not survived until now just to give up. One way or another you will survive - even if what you become is something completely different than what you could never imagine."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-15-15/1111:53>
@Kynos and Athos
Kynos shot knocks one of the Zombies down, the rest cry a horrible cry. They are ignoring the bullets and seem to slowly approach you. You feel the immense fear growing in your mind, as if something horrible is going to happen. Perhaps it is the fact that they do not seem to mind that Kynos just sent one of them to sleep.
[spoiler]
Fear! (http://orokos.com/roll/325594): 12d6t5 5
You have to roll logic and willpower and get 5 hits in order not to run away.
I am not sure what to do with Kynos - I guess he oddly he is not effected because he cannot sense fear. Tough I have to think in what essence dead emotion 'fear' is a negative quality.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-15-15/1112:35>
I listen to the words, striving to see past her melodious voice to the content beneath.  It's hard, but with my skills I manage not to be reassured by the sound but rather really absorb the meaning.

"Maybe...maybe you're right.  It's just so hard right now."  I clench and then unclench my fists.  "But things need doing and I'm lucky to have even this chance to get through to her.  I can't say I'm ready, but let's do this before I lose my nerve."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-15-15/1652:33>
@Minnie After dinner, the two Strawberry’s take you into a room full of blankets and pillows. It is almost tempting to sleep there and it seem to be equipped for perhaps ten people. Strawberry guides you to a nice big pillow and asks you to close your eyes and sit on it. She say, “When you stop hearing us and instead you hear the heartbeats of your friend, you can open your eyes.”

The couple then start chanting, it does not seem like a spell but a well known lullaby and you feel how their voices begin to envelop you with warmth and rob you of your senses. You are completely at their mercy and quickly become unaware to anything but their voice. Your perception of time also changes as you seem to feel eternity in a single word. You feel as if you have all the time and the world and the melody envelops you and awakens some deep and very primal memories.

Your mind is carried away to some far away land. At first you can smell Nagisa’s hair. She washed it with her new shampoo, the one you really like. As time passes the melody seems more and more distant and Nagisa seem more and more present, you can feel the warmth of her body. Even touch her. Instinctively you start embracing her, and your touch seem to calm her body. You feel how her sleep becomes deeper and her mind is open to you.

But you get closer than physical tough, you feel as if you enter her own body, the two of you are now so close that you share the same space. You do not know how to feel, the intimacy it is unlike anything you ever experienced, you can feel her thinking dreaming touch her emotions and shape them. You are inside her mind, inside her body and you can hear her heart beats.

You open your eyes, and there you are in your room at Athos' apartment. Nagisa is lying next to you and she is as real as if she really was there. You can barely hear the chanting, and cannot sense anything of the room you know you really are in. You both are intimate, in some private moment you had together. Some moment that is very dear to you. 

Nagisa looks at you and embraces you, she brushes your body with her hands, and you feel the urge to speak to her, to comfort her. You know that this is your chance to say something but you are not sure what you are going to say until you start talking.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-16-15/0126:10>
Athos feels something he has not faced in a number of years.  Fear.  The sensation starts in the pit of the stomach and moves outward, affecting all emotions and motor senses.  He marshals what he can and tries to hold firm against the almost crushing sensation.

[spoiler]Roll against Fear.  3d6 + edge 6d6 (http://orokos.com/roll/325780): 9d6t5 2  Second Chance to stop fear (http://orokos.com/roll/325782): 7d6t5 2  Second edge to reroll misses (http://orokos.com/roll/325783): 5d6t5 2[/spoiler]

Athos draws from his reserves to stand his ground and raises his handgun to the advancing group.  He waits patiently for them to shamble into range, using the time to aim at one of the lead figures.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-16-15/0206:14>
The zombies size you up, for a little bit before they decent to the sewer carrying their victim. They completely ignore the massive fire by Kynos as if bullets simple are not part of their concern. The unconscious body remains as a testimony to what just happened.

[spoiler]
Mercy you only get one reroll - so that you are terrified (4 hits vs 5 of the fear) and cannot attack the Zombies for 2 combat rounds. (Afterwards you'll have negatives) Feel free to act on this fear the way you want to.  You do not have to drop your gun and run around town like crazy waving your hands and screaming for help. You can just be paralyzed, a bit shaken and there are many less awkward manifestations of fear I'll leave it up to you. The only mechanical effect is that you cannot engage the Zombies for two combat rounds.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-16-15/0707:37>
[spoiler]
Resist Fear/Confusion (http://orokos.com/roll/325856): 8d6t5 3

[/spoiler]
Kynos had stopped firing as a wave of... he wasn't sure what it was. It felt strange and it was very hard to concentrate. He should be doing something right now, he just couldn't figure out what.

When the zombies had retreated, he calmly stood up, exchanged the magazine for real bullets and looked around. He shrugged. He knew something was wrong with his head but he also remembered that they had a job to do.
From his pockets he produced a pair of steel manacles.
With a raspy voice that fealt as if he hadn't used it in a million years he said: "Cover me, I'll fetch our package."
With swift steps he went over to the fallen body, cuffed it and for good measure pulled a canvas bag over its head. With zip ties he forced the cloth into its mouth and secured it rather brutal behind the head, making it look like some perverted kind of horse snaffle.
When he was sure it wouldn't budge he began pulling the body on its legs towards Athos.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-16-15/1002:45>
Athos stands ready to cover Kynos.  When the man gets the body back to him, Athos bends down and helps carry it back to the fortified halfer building.  They lug the thing to the door and wait for permission to enter.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-16-15/1107:09>
Gerald signals and a dwarf in full body armor take the zombie and places it in a small 'prison room' originally that room was garbage room but the city have not provided garbage removal services in decades so the room is now reused as an improvised prison.

Alright I am glad that you were up to the challenge... now for my part. DemoX is not here. I told him to find some other place to hide. He is either in the interrogation room of the Gates or the KE have him and he is in their possession. If he is at the Gates talk to Debbie and tell her that I am willing to cash him, I'll pay her don't worry. If the KE have him, you'll have to talk to Captain Rob.

DemoX is quite the trouble maker and he is not welcome in any of the casinos in town. I figured he'll be safer in their interrogation rooms than in out complex.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-16-15/1112:39>
"You've got to be kidding..."
Kynos sighed. "This is going to be a long night. Would you be so kind and give us at least the respective commcodes and addresses?"

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-16-15/1117:20>
Gerald said "I am smart enough not to hold the hot potato myself, with all the attention these weapons recieve in the news I do not want an HTR storming this place. I'll provide you comm codes of Captian Rob, and Debbie." (You already have the addresses also.)

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-16-15/1254:30>
It all feels so real...

Strawberry, the spirit, had warned me that despite what I might think I was experiencing, whatever interaction I had with Nagisa would more reflect my own desires than hers.  This is my imagery that would be impressed on Nagisa's mind.  The connection I feel with Nagisa is one-sided flowing from me to her.

Yet in this moment, with my beloved Nagisa safe in my arms, it is very hard to keep that in mind.

"Oh Nagisa," I coo reassuringly into her hair as she presses herself into my naked bosum.  After so much worry and lost sleep, the smell of her is intoxicating.  One of my hands holds her head and and other strokes through her tresses along her bare back.  My tail stretches around us and just barely tickles her flank in the way she likes so much.  The Nagisa is my arms trembles - how much is that my own fears reflected onto her and how much in response to my tail's playful teasing I cannot say.  For this infinite moment I just want to hold her tight.  To keep the world at bay.  To protect my dearest and most precious friend.

But this isn't her, Yulia.  The real her is still in danger, wondering if I'm still alive.  Wondering if I got her message.  Terrified that I might respond to it.  Terrified that I might not.

"Nagisa," I say more firmly and coax her face away from my breasts and up to meet my own eyes.  I so love those eyes of hers.  "I don't know what part of this dream you will get so I'll say this a lot.  I'm alive.  I got your message...your text."  My best friend's face is blank, uncertain.  She nods, although I know that is no assurance the real Nagisa is getting the message right now.  "I figured out you weren't in control of what you sent so I won't make it easy for the people holding you.  I'm not responding the way they expect.  but I want you to know I am thinking about you every moment.  I'm working to find out what went wrong at the warehouse and how to take down the bastards who wanted to kill us...and who are holding you.  I'll come for you, Nagisa.  I swear it.  Don't lose hope.  Play along with them - make up whatever stories you need to keep them happy. Do whatever you have to do to stay safe until I can come for you.  And Nagisa, I swear I will come for you!"

I can't stop myself from embracing her tightly again, and the Nagisa in my arms responds.  We just snuggle, holding each other for reassurance.  Although we are both naked and touching each other in very intimate ways, it isn't at all sexual.  In fact, it reminds me of the times in more recent years where she'd just hold me in the morning when I'd had a particularly bad night.  Those times were after we were allowed by the Family to become a pair and she'd fully come to realize that my job did not involve just laying on my back all night.  It had been when we'd become more than friends, although just what that was (or still is) eludes us.

Time is hard to measure here, but I know it's been a while since I last spoke my assurances to Nagisa.  I say my words again with the same uncertain response.

We could do this all night, or maybe we can try something else.  Strawberry, the spirit again, said I could switch things up if I wanted.  I hadn't known what I might want to do when she explained it all.  I've never been anywhere but Redmond since I was six years old.  But in the deepest recesses of my memory, I can remember a day in the summer sun with my parents along Lake Michigan.  It was near the end, after the twins were born.  We'd long since escaped the CZ and were living further north, near Wisconsin.  It had been the one pefect day of my life.  The one day I can remember when my parents took me outside and we played like a family.  Days later I was shipped to Seattle.  Doubtless the two events were related, but I still cling to the memory.

I clear my mind, close my eyes, and imagine that day.  The warm summer sun overhead caressing my shoulder.  The sand under my legs scratching my skin as I sit building a castle.  The cool feel of Lake Michigan lapping against my tail behind me as I dip the tip in and out of the water absently. 

But unlike then, now there's only Nagisa and me.  I open my eyes and see her looking around herself in wonder.

"This is Chicago," I explain to her.  "This is where I lived before I came to Seattle...before I met you.  And this is what a summer on the water feels like."

We'd often talked, Nagisa and I, about tropical beaches.  She'd never been anywhere but Redmond in her life, at least off the 'trix.  She read the same books I did and we often fantacized about living on some Caribbean island.  I have no idea if we'll ever make it happen in reality, but at least we could enjoy it for this dream.  And if anything might convince Nagisa that this was real, perhaps this would.

"Wanna go for a swim?"
 
                             ~ o ~

I have no idea how long we spent frolicking in the lapping water, running along the beach, and just laying in each others' arms in the sand.  I wanted it to last forever.  Still, the soft but steady chanting always in the background reminded me that this was really just a dream.  Reality would come soon enough again, and in that reality someone was holding Nagisa against her will and those same people wanted me dead.  Every ten minutes or so, as best I could tell, I would again go through my litany.  The Nagisa before me would just nod.  A couple of times it seemed there was real comprehension there, as if she was processing what I was telling her and not just sitting there blank faced.  Maybe it was my imagination.  Maybe it was real.  I sure hoped it was the latter.

Still, this time had to end and I can sense myself being pulled away.  My dream imagery adapts to that pull and we're standing at sunset.  Never mind the sun doesn't set over the water on the west edge of Lake Michigan, right now the orange sun is setting over the water.  Nagisa and I stand facing each other.  Perhaps it's only because I want it so, but there's a gleam in Nagisa's eye.  A spark, an animation that makes her feel real.  She smiles, saying nothing.  Words aren't necessary.  The scene fades to black and we hold each other tightly, neither wanting to let the other go.

"I will save you, Nagisa!"

The words echo in my mind as I come to myself again in the insistent world of explosives, assassins, kidnappers...and of friends, lovers, and mentors.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-16-15/1442:39>
"So be it. Thanks so far. Give me a call if you know what these Zs are and how this mind mojo can be avoided."
Kynos had no interest in an extended string of quests until they could find DemoX.
"Let's try Debbie first. I already had enough contact with KE for one day", he said to Athos.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-16-15/1531:24>
@Minnie as the sun sets the world around you become black, to the point where you are no longer there. You are back in the room, lying down eyes closed. You feel something, soft and warm. You feel protected. When you open your eyes you notice that your head is in Strawberry's lap and she is seating on the floor and gently stroking your hair. M is nowhere to be found.
She say  “You did good Yulia, Nagisa is being rescued as we speak. You have nothing to worry about and nothing you can do to further interfere with that. Your dream has made her more relaxed and more cooperative. The runners that are rescuing her they will bring her here. How do you feel?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-16-15/1726:09>
@Athos Kynos as you call Debbie she say "We run a very expensive hotel... usually people do not come willingly to our interrogation rooms, 5k a day. Tell Gerald, to continue paying unless I send his package back to his joint. Come to the gates and you can talk  if his rent was paid."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-16-15/2349:02>
Athos frowns.  "This one is all yours, Kynos.  I am very well known there and so cannot be seen in the vicinity.  Be careful; the casino is pretty heavy in Finnigan muscle.  You are not Family so might even be able to get some information on how their investigations are going."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-17-15/0115:25>
"I expected you would say that. Ok, I'll do my best. We stay in contact."
Kynos made his way to the casino, following the same basic plan as with the Nukes:

"Hi, I have a meeting with Debbie."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-17-15/0129:07>
Athos returns to the NH to await developments.  He steps into the dimly lit bar and makes his way to one of the booths built with Trolls in mind and takes a seat.  The place is mostly empty at this time of the night, a few hard cores or others just looking to drown something with the beer or wines available.  Athos is just here to think about what has happened,  It has been a short but very fast ride from made man in the Family to outcast.  Someone tried to set up the death of the Yak and Dona Valentina.  The obvious finger is Valentina.  She knew of the arrangements and could have had a Family interest in killing the yak boss and sent Athos in her place.  But that is the obvious answer.  Perhaps too obvious.  it is certainly for smarter people that he is to figure it out, which brings him to Minnie.  He hopes very much that his exotic friend is alright and that this mojo thing she is doing with Strawberry goes well.

Ruminating on the events of the past couple of days, Athos orders a beer from the cute waitress, tipping her well.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-17-15/0314:18>
Kynos Debbie is the resident chief of security and the guard you say it to just burst in laughter as you do... "Shouldn't you cheat before meeting her?" He says and when he adds "Oh alright you are serious,  I will let her know you are waiting." He checks you for weapons and ask you to leave your firearms at an armory room right near the entrance it seem to be fortified and secure.


 When Debbie arrives she is an old woman, perhaps 50 or so, dressed in a nice suit too.
"So you must be Kynos?... come your guest is waiting. It is not like he has something else to do" she smiles and takes you to the basement, where there are many empty interrogation rooms.  Somehow they seem darker than these of the KE and you can only imagine whats normally going on in there.
"The most expensive hotel in the city, magically warded and no matrix access of any kind. Barely any food and drinks but enjoy your visit" She say as she unlocks the door to Room 2, and let you go in. She seem to be a bit bitter about her unusual guest, perhaps her proffessional pride is hurt by the fact that DemoX willingly placed himself in one of her rooms.   "Just knock when you want to get out" She say and closes the door behind you. In the room you find DemoX in the coroner, he was beaten up real good and can barely turn his head toward you as you enter.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-17-15/0353:01>
@Athos the cute waitress brings you a large glass of Beer as well with some complimentary pretzels. Shortly after when you are deep with your thoughts, an orc lady joins you. She is dressed in black synthetic leather and her hair is dark blue.  Her face are decorated with multiple piercings and  on her neck you find five identical cherry tattoos on the right side. She say..."I am Deep Blue, but you can call me Lora as I am off the clock.... Is it alright to join you?"
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-17-15/1006:41>
Athos rises and motions to the booth.  "Please do, Lora.  I am having a beer; may I get you something?"  He had been wondering when Deep Blue would show up, although he had not expected an attractive Orc.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-17-15/1058:47>
@Athos Lora takes a seat and orders a beer "A gentleman, that's rare. Whats bring you to my roster? " 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-17-15/1223:51>
Kynos gave a perfunctuory nod to Debbie. "Thank you kindly for your cooperation."
Once he was alone with DemoX he gave the dwarf a long hard stare.
"You know, for someone who's gone to ground to avoid trouble you look a lot like someone who not only found trouble but made a lot of it too."
He held up a hand to stop the dwarf from speaking.
"Look, no, I'm not mad at you for your deception. I was hired to do a job and I was paid. No problems on that front. I know you had a side income on that job - and I don't mind that either, although a little warning would have been nice.

But now I'm here because I've been hired to clear up why there were already bombs in the walls of the warehouse that you supposedly rigged to destroy some rockets. I'm not in the habit of ratting out chummers - that's bad for business. But I have been known to kill tiresome people because they are in my way, annoy me or I have some ammunition rolling around that's about to go bad.
Luckily the last bit is not true at the moment.

So for the sake of us having worked successfully together, me being interested in keeping you as a useful contact, you seeming in need of a friend who can give you some protection - which I am inclined to extend to you if you help me - and this being just a small step away from being a hole in the ground anyway, please answer me truthfully: What happened really yesterday and on whose order did you operate beside our projecting mage lady?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-17-15/1257:19>
DemoX tells you "Look man, I did steal these rockets and sold them to some gang for extra profit.  It was a good opportunity, we blew the rockets shortly after the transaction was completed so IT got what she wanted and I got to kill some scums that I wanted dead anyhow, everybody wins.

I did wire the warehouse to explode, it was a piece of cake and took like 20 seconds. I just placed live plastic explosives in the middle of the space and it was more than enough to reduce that old warehouse to wood-chips. I did so to protect my ruse - but my entire attention was to pilot the van so that I make the sell. I actually saved the life of your two magical partners because they nearly blew up  a van full of rockets when they are in the blast radius. I was smart enough to be under cover you see. When I told them to stop it I thought a gunshot maybe two, they did not have any weapon that could damage that van, but their fancy magic stuff... that was a surprise and I barely got away.

But somebody set me up, my contacts at the Mafia and Yakuza are going bananas, they say that everybody thinks that I tried to assassinate their leaders... and do not get me wrong, for the right pay I would have but I would have been way more careful and plan such a high profile job for weeks rather than a hasty 10 minutes.  You cannot believe the kind of people that are after me now.

I hope that you did not come here to finish me, because I told Gerald that I only trust you, these mages seemed too reckless to trust anyhow. My money is blowing away in this place and they roughed me up real bad just for old times sake. I need my name cleared somehow, but I have no idea where to begin... I am actually thankful that Debbie chose to help me. I thought she hated my guts.

I think your Venom guy might be behind this hit, from what I studied about him nobody is sure who he really is. There are some people that say that he is related to some big Japan Yak's like very powerful, but others say that he is not from Japan but from Korea and that he was some hot shot in the Yakuza there. The thing is, even the Yaks are not sure who this guy is and why did he come here. If we can trail this hit to Venom I think I can even score 100k for his life."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-17-15/1315:38>
"DemoX, Buddy, see that wasn't to hard. You know you could have come to me with that directly? This is exactly the right amount of crazy to keep my attention and the right amount of money to make it worthwhile. Nevermind. You can stay here - in that case please make sure to have Debby forward my messages, or you can come with me and meet my new employer. I'm sure he won't hold a grudge against you since you really seem not responsible for the hidden bombs. Together we can surely clear this up and get Venom's head in the process."
Kynos genuinely smiled at those words - a really rare thing to occure.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-17-15/1325:39>
"I did not know you guys... IT is a bit of a square,  she'd never agree to that plan. She did not grew up in the streets, she is cooperate born. She has no idea what it is like to have to work for money, to survive especially now where these zombie's are running lose. " He sighs.

"That boss of yours? how much do you trust him to stash me away? because the Mafia and the Yakuaza are really hot for me. This place is in Mafia's protection but in a way this is the last place they are going to look for me. They are practically in the lobby"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-17-15/1440:51>
"Well, my boss is mafia and he is hiding from the mafia himself. In that regard he has exactly the same problem as you, so you can expect him to be accommodating in that regard. Come on. If you ever want to get out of this place without fear for your life, you'll have to work for it.
I can rent you my bolt hole. It's got roughly the same amenities but costs only a fifth of what you pay."
Kynos indicated towards the door. "Come on, I can take you with me on my bike."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-17-15/1445:19>
DemoX say... "There is just one way I can get out of here, unconscious and tossed to the dumpster. Any other way will get me killed." Just tell Debbie that I want out and then wait about an hour behind the Gates.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-17-15/1454:30>
Kynos shrugged. "Ok. Have it your way. See you."

He knocked on the door and did exactly as DemoX said.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-17-15/1617:16>
@Kynos an hour later a couple of big orcs in suits toss a body beg into the dumpster. If you look inside there is DemoX beaten even harder.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-17-15/2118:03>
How do I feel?

The question runs through my mind, filling the space that was left empty when I no longer had Nagisa's presence with me.  The sense of being so close to my best friend and lover,  of being nearly a part of her, had been incredibly sensual.  Arousing in ways simple bodily contact, no matter how pleasurable, and long since ceased to ellicit.  Until today, I'd given up on ever feeling aroused without investing incredible effort on my own part.  Now I'd felt such feelings several times since the last time I got decent sleep. 

"Content," I say in answer as my body stretches luxuriously under the elf woman's tender ministrations.  Her nimble fingers tease my quivering ears as they comb through my gray tresses.  Although my arms and hands are caught up in the extension of my muscles, my mischievous tail does a little dance along the small of Strawberry's back in the hopes of making clear that she wasn't the only one who could play the teasing game.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-17-15/2341:09>
Athos nods, "Just doing what my Uncle Vinnie taught me.  "It is all about respect, Athos lad.  All about respect."  I try to keep the things he taught me in my mind.  As to why I am here, that is a long and convoluted story, and as you are off the clock, I would hate to bore you with the details.  Suffice it to say that I have been expecting you.  I was told that you need some help and that I am to do everything I can to assist you.  What do you need, or is that best left to a more private location?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-18-15/0103:12>
@Athos Lora say "I am really here in a friendly manner, tomorrow night... lets just say it will be an interesting night if we can really do what I plan."  She takes a sip of the beer "I live right in this building, top floor great view of the city.  I was told that you stay here too and I was actually on my way out to go dancing when I met you. You can join me if you like, you seem to be in need of some creative distraction... no work chat tough, we'll keep that for tomorrow night."

@Minnie Your tail makes Strawberry's body respond and you can feel that her stroking becomes more sensual and more pleasurable, as your sensitive ears are getting just a little bit of extra attention. Yet you can also sense that she is restraining herself and is making an effort not to cross a certain line. After a short while she say "I do not want to intrude in your love life but I find it very difficult to remain a gentlewoman". She smile at you and her smiles holds a promise of new sensations, but it seems important to her to give you an easy way out if you want to.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-18-15/0111:30>
Athos raises an eyebrow.  "Top floor?  I am certainly in the wrong business.  As for dancing, I am game if you want to risk me squashing your toes.  But I have been known to be able to do a few steps."  He rises and offers an arm to Lora, admiring her form as she slides out of the booth and stands.  "I am afraid that my car is in the shop.  Shall I summon a cab?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-18-15/0325:39>
@Athos Lora say "I got a Harley if you can handle the speed." She smiles and take you to her big and red armored and chromed bike.  As you join her you quicly discover that she is quite a speed devil, and after few very narrow turns that were too fast for comfort you reach a small club downtown called the Matchstick. It has impressive AR decore that is artfully designed to make the place look retro. Extremely retro like 1930 retro. Apparently Lora Eagle is one of the regulars and they quickly invite you inside.

Once she is out of her leather jacket you discover that she is wearing a simple looking dark green dress that show just a hint of cleavage. If you did not already know better you'd consider her a good girl. Oddly enough, you are dressed according to the dress code with your business suit.   She teaches you some very old dances like Jitterbug and Lindy hop, and by the etiquette and dynamics of that place you feel as if you are living the swing era. The only thing that brakes the illusion is the universal connector port on the back of Lora's neck, perhaps a control rig or a DNI. Most of your night out is spent on learning the dances, but once you pick them up you find them quite enjoyable.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-18-15/0424:35>
As Kynos fished DemoX out of the dumpster he called Athos:
<<I got the dwarf. He's roughly in the same situation as you and would be very interested to assist you in your quest to solve this situation. You in for a meeting? Love Kynos>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-18-15/1020:13>
Athos does enjoy the ride to the club, even if it seems on occasion that she is trying to kill him on the corners.  Still, her skill is impressive and he enjoys the way she feels with his arms wrapped around her.  The club is a surprise.  "Never even heard of this place.  I like the AR décor, like out of a past age."  He settles in with her and admires the dress she is wearing and mentions her shoes.  Vinnie had once told him that a girl like a man to notice her shoes and he had found that to be mainly true.

Athos also enjoys the dancing, even if he is mostly left feet.  He tries very hard to not step on Lora's toes, laughing with her at his mistakes.  All in all, he has a good time.  When Kynos' message comes in he excuses himself and steps outside to send a reply.  >>I am tied up with a friendly Yak contact who could be helpful in giving me some information.  I am sure that there is a price tag for it.  Can you keep the guy on ice until the morning?<<

He returns to the club and tries to make Lora's evening nice.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-18-15/1103:58>
 "Never even heard of this place.  I like the AR décor, like out of a past age."

Lora answers "I like this place, down town outside of any syndicate pocket and you need quite a bit to become a member so people behaves themselves. " When you mention her shoes she smiles "They are indeed nice, custom made to my body." She whispers. "Your suit seems not bad at all... It seems like you got life figured out. Probably some adrenaline junkie aren't you? "

The night progress nicely and you two seem to enjoy the atmosphere, one of the benefit in going out with an orc lady is that Athos does not feel so big next to her. Lora is already taller than most of the clientele by almost an head. Athos is taller, but around Lora he blends in. If she wasn't around he'd feel like Gulliver in Lilliput.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-18-15/1641:00>
Kynos hand automatically crept to his gun when he read "keep on ice" but recognized early enough that this phrase was meant subtly differently than "put on ice".
"Let's get you cleaned up DemoX. I've got some beer in my hideout and a good medkit." He helped the dwarf on the socius and sped away.
<<Roger. I'll go dark till morning. Give me a call around 8 for a meet up. Love Kynos>> he texted back to Athos.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-18-15/1645:50>
"Your not that bad for an Elf Kynos" Said DemoX Once treated he quickly fell a sleep on the coach exhausted.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-18-15/2044:35>
Intrude on my love life?  Gentlewoman?

Damn.

It occurs to me that Strawberry doesn't know me.  If she did, she'd realize how ridiculous such concepts were regarding me.

And how unworthy I was to be in her arms. 

I turn my body so that I am facing up from the elf woman's lap.  My eyes meet hers and I steel my courage.

"Strawberry, I'm a whore and have been since I was eight years old.  I'm not sure what a love life is and I certainly don't deserve a "gentlewoman"."

I sit up so that I'm not in her lap anymore and my tail droops away from her body.  My dignity is already in tatters and I prepare myself for her rejection.  "I haven't exactly hid my p...past, but I know I sh...should have been more c...clear.  You...deserve...better and I...I'm sorry to have dis...disappointed you."

I try to hold back the tears streaking my cheeks but they keep falling.  I do my best to face away from Strawberry so that she can't see.  It's bad enough that I'm speaking through sobs.  If I knew the way out of this place I'd have fled already.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-18-15/2227:09>
Athos is enjoying himself more than he had thought he would.  "You make this easy, Lora.  And, no, not really an adrenaline junkie.  I have worked in this business long enough to have got somewhere and I admit to liking nice things.  I can be more violent than the competition, but would prefer other ways to do business if it is possible.  Death is always so final and while some people really deserve it, it does make it hard to talk to them later."

During on of the rest periods between turns on the dance floor, he points around the room, "So this is your off-time fun?  I like it.  Thanks for sharing it with me."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-19-15/0258:18>
@Minnie
Quote
"Strawberry, I'm a whore and have been since I was eight years old.  I'm not sure what a love life is and I certainly don't deserve a "gentlewoman"."

"I haven't exactly hid my p...past, but I know I sh...should have been more c...clear.  You...deserve...better and I...I'm sorry to have dis...disappointed you."
Strawberry is silent looking at you with empathy when you break away she hugs you meshing your body completely into hers and as she embraces you her hands stroke your back comforting you. “Let it all out” she whispers “it is okay you are safe” and as she embraces you you find that the tears flow more easily, there is something about her that just makes you just want to let go.

After a while  she say “There is nothing to be ashamed of... It is the Finnegans who abuse little girls for profit” she gently strokes your cheek with a single finger that then moves to your lips.  “You deserve better than that!”  She forms eye contact and just look into your eyes. “No more tears tonight”, she whispers and lean in to kiss you.

@Athos Lora say "Got to enjoy what little we get...  Never planned to stay alive so long, I always seem to be one accurate bullet away from kicking the bucket. This makes me feel alive."
 She say and suggestively touches Athos hand.  "Besides... if it wasn't for you I'd be the tallest one in here. Kind of sad that trogs don't make it more often to places like that and it is a bit awkward to dance with humans. She smiles.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/0509:24>
Athos smiles and nods.  "I know what you mean.  Although I had thought I was moving up it has been taken from me, at least until I can find out what happened and see if it is enough to save me.  Otherwise my own people will be the death of me.  So I completely get the whole live while you can idea."  He looks down at her when she touches his hand, but it feels nice and he does not move away from the touch.  He shakes his head, " And you are right, there are lots of things I cannot do with humans." 

"So care to tell where you learned to ride the bike like that?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-19-15/0658:23>
Quote
"I know what you mean.  Although I had thought I was moving up it has been taken from me, at least until I can find out what happened and see if it is enough to save me.  Otherwise my own people will be the death of me.  So I completely get the whole live while you can idea."
Lora tells you "Employers are like that sometimes, this is why it is important to have your secrets. Get some safe-houses for a rainy day.  Secure some side gigs that are directly yours. Never be in the pocket of your employer and make them fear you a little bit."

Quote
"And you are right, there are lots of things I cannot do with humans." 
She eye you flirtatiously and say "I have a feeling that, I am going to find out..."
Quote
"So care to tell where you learned to ride the bike like that?"
Texas... I was a Lone Star rigger before I figured out I am on the wrong side of the law. Stuck with a dead end job around the clock and no hope to really live. The wage was just barely enough for surviving but really living was out of the question. Care to skip this place? I can show you the city view from my suite... "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/1027:37>
Athos laughs, "Yes, well.  My particular Family might be just a bit disappointed if I was out too independent.  And up until now I was doing alright.  Now I.......  "  His voice trails off then he adds.  "Sorry.  I was about to bring work into the conversation and I would rather enjoy talking about other things for one night.  Like how that dress really suits you.  And, yes, I would like very much to see the city from your place.  I am sure that the view up there will be amazing.  I know that I am already impressed by it down here."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-19-15/1039:47>
Lora smiles "Your family likes playing it's soldiers like a big chess game. They like to have complete control. It is good for them but bad for you.

The Yaks are far more chaotic they are three independent syndicates that only unite when there is some common enemy to fight...  I am no Yak, I am a nobody really... Do not get attached because I really do not plan to last for very long. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/1055:51>
"Well, you certainly seem like much more than a nobody.  Maybe you just need a reason to stick around."  If Trolls could really blush, Athos would.  To cover his embarrassment he holds her moves behind her, pulls out her chair, and holds her wrap for her.  "You mentioned a view?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-19-15/1105:52>
"Stick around is not an option not with all the fucked up stuff that is going on... I should cross the border while I still can. I still have a few days of errands, always pushing fate. Perhaps you will travel too once you understand that being nobody is way better than being a Mafia soldier."  She wares her leather coat and say... "You'll have to endure my driving once more."  Very quickly she hops on that bike and make the engine roar. Now the thing is about electric engines they do not roar they are completely silent "It is fake, but as closest to the real deal as possible."  
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/1115:10>
Athos remains silent for the ride back to the NH.  He is disturbed by the words of the Ork woman, but realizes that she will explain as much as she wants to.  For now, he enjoys the speed of the ride and the feel of her in his arms.  He does try to not squeeze too much during the tight turns.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-19-15/1126:33>
@Athos after quite a rough ride Lora takes you to her floor, but not to her room "Come to the roof through here" she say, and hop on the service stairs to the roof where there is a small helipad, with a small helicopter. It is a wasp model identical to the kind used by the KE. Armed, and well taken care off.

The New-Hilton is a tall building and the view is quite incredible. "How is she?" she asks.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/1142:26>
Athos is amazed.  He walks around the small rotorcraft.  "Nice.  OK, so now you have to tell me how you stole one of these from the KE.  Or are you an undercover officer and I have just walked into a trap?  I know only what you see on the vids about these things, but they seem pretty versatile."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-19-15/1149:17>
I do not like to talk work... "She is so beautiful even in that abomination of a dress I gave her. You will get to know her tomorrow... but it won't be as fun... tonight we can just enjoy the flight. I did not steal it...  It was just never delivered to the KE. You see it had some serious safety issues and was about to be scraped for spare parts. Formally it was scrapped to spare parts if you check the books... but my contact brought it for me instead and I spent the last month fixing her."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/1204:12>
Athos looks at the woman.  She is more interesting by the minute.  "You disguised this to look KE?  I will bet that is an interesting story for tomorrow.  And you can fly it?  I am not surprised, I suppose.  After the way you handled that bike, I would guess you have a touch of the rigger about you."  He laughs and holds up his hands in mock surrender.  "Not that I have anything against riggers.  Some of my best friends are riggers."  Putting his arms down, he adds, "And you certainly count as the prettiest one I have ever met.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-19-15/1334:26>
Lora is obviously very proud of her craft.  "100% rigger born to drive. Got my first rig at 16, been upgrading ever sense. I can drive anything... I find it very sensual."  ... She smiles and say "Well you are pretty handsome yourself Mr." She pushes you gently as if to provoke you.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-19-15/1353:11>
Athos finds it difficult to restrain himself and decides to stop trying.  He steps forward and puts his arms around the Ork woman in front of him.  If she does not resist, he kisses her; tentatively at first, then with greater force.  "So do you want to fly in the rotorcopter or................"  "He leaves the words unsaid but is sure that she gets the point.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-19-15/1431:57>
“Shut-up and kiss me already...”  She say and passionately kissing you, she seem to enjoy your force and physic, Shortly after you are both half dressed she leads you to her hotel suite, it is quite impressive with windows that cover the entire walls master bedroom and a ceiling... wonderful ceiling. That much Athos can see in the flurry of kisses and strokes and passion that follows. Lora pushes him on the bed and quickly jump him. She appears to be very aggressive like a vulture, a human would have filed offense charges for the force she is using, but for a troll it feels liberating as if you finally can just enjoy yourself and do not have to be so gentle and careful.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-19-15/1450:43>
"Get to sleep DemoX." Kynos voice conveyed a certain elation - most uncharacteristic for him.
He set his alarm and found himself a blanket and went to sleep.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-20-15/0039:18>
Athos notices bits and pieces of the suite as Lora leads him to the bedroom.  The floor to ceiling windows giving viewing access to the sprawl below were hard to miss, as is the sunken living room with the round gas fireplace in the center and sectional couches scattered about in small conversation groups.  He sees what looks like a full wet bar against one wall and has a snapshot glance of a large kitchen.  There are several doors leading to what might be guest bedrooms.  He has little chance to appreciate any of the specific décor, but what he does see impresses him.  The overall picture he gets is of someone who is a success and likes the finer things of life.

Both Lora and Athos leave a trail of clothes across the floor to the bedroom.  He does not even really notice the windows or the view outside; his attention is on the view inside the room.  And there is much to appreciate.  His internal Troll comes out as he realizes that Lora is not soft and squishy, but is a real woman.  He is no slouch in the rough sex department as, after all, the hookers he has made use of in the past have been Orks or Trolls.  He appreciates that she is confident enough to want to take charge and lets her have her way for a while, but then he begins to share the control.  He knows how to please a woman and takes great pleasure in making sure that Lora's needs are satisfied before allowing her to straddle him and take him over the edge.  As they lay covered in sweat and panting from the exertion, he looks her body over with great admiration, his eyes lingering on every part of her.  He idly takes a finger and runs it from her mouth to her neck and on to her breasts and below, exploring her body visually and tactilely.  With his hand probing into her between her legs, he lowers his mouth to her breasts and feels her back arch in reaction and anticipation.  Athos doe not disappoint, teasing her to near climax several times before letting up until she is begging for release.  He finally takes her over the edge and her screams of pleasure are all he needs to know that he has succeeded in reaching her.  Afterwards, Athos remains stretched out next to her on the bed and holds her in his arms.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-20-15/0216:17>
Lora enjoys herself and is very loud about her enjoyment. Athos can notice that her body clearly has been through a lot as it is covered with multiple scars and fire burns. When she climax her entire body shivers in release and she holds Athos tightly. For a short while she seems vulnerable and just look into his eyes. For a moment they are nothing but lovers.  That  moment is short lived as once she catches her breath she becomes even more energetic and eager to please. She hops and jumps and scratch Athos armored body with all her strength. It is difficult to keep truck on all the positions they try and when Atho's cums they both are heavily panting and exhausted.

Later when Athos gently excite her with his finger she is different. Her attention is entirely his and his control is apparent. Athos is like a conductor that delicately tunes an entire orchestra of sensations. When the moment comes Lora's grip of him tightens and she seem to experience it in a longer and more delicate manner. She is quieter, heavily panting and is just staring into his eyes into his soul as she cums and Athos can feel as if he has her complete trust.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-20-15/0313:44>
Athos enjoys the sensation of looking into Lora's eyes, but the exertions have used up most of his already depleted reserves.  She rolls over to spoon with him and his arm curves around her body as they drift off to sleep.  He wakes at six to the sound of an alarm going off to find the woman still curled up next to him, but stirring.  Lora reaches over to slap the clock and sits up to stretch.  He clearly admires the view this gives him and says so.  "By anything that is holy, you are amazing.  I could live in those eyes of yours.  And the rest of the body is not shabby, either.  I wish that I did not need to get up, but I have an appointment with an associate at eight this morning.  Can we meet later to discuss what I can do to help you?" 

Lora replies that she could be free at lunch and they make a tentative appointment.  Athos finds that he cannot keep his eyes off the woman as she gets out of bed and moves to the bathroom.  When the shower starts, he rouses from the bed and follows her.  The shower is long and the two add to the steam in the room as they slake an early morning thirst for each other.  Dressing after the shower is a struggle in itself as they look for clothes that have been scattered from the suite door to the bed.  After dressing, he has to refuse breakfast if he wants to be on time to meet Kynos and the bomber.  "I could easily find excuses to remain here with you all day long, or until you kicked me out, but I have to get a move on.  I will let you know if lunch is a go, but will be back to hear your request.  My word."

Athos gets Lora's comm code and as he leaves the suite, he fires off a last salvo.  "Someday we will have to share the stories of our scars.  By the way, I love your eyes and could get drunk just staring into them."

He stops off at his own apartment in the same building to change clothes before heading to the lobby and leaves the building.  Summoning a cab, he makes his way to the meeting location given by Kynos, sending him a short message.  >>Kynos.  Athos.  On the way to the meeting.  Should I stop on the way for caf or food?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-20-15/0325:00>
The answer was short and precise:
<<Yes, both, don't forget the dwarf. Love Kynos>>

It had taken a bit to rouse the dwarf. For all the beatings and the fact that he shared a room with a mass murderer, the dwarf had a very sound sleep.

Kynos waited at a bench in what used to be a small park. Now it was little more than a dumpster. He had taken the effort to clean a few seats and had made sure that there weren't any junkies nearby lying in the bushes to overhear accidentally their conversation.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-20-15/0351:55>
Athos has the cab stop at one of the ubiquitous Stuffer Shacks on the way to the meeting and picks up three large to-go cups of hot soycaf and some breakfast burritos.  He has no idea what is in the burritos, but is pretty sure it is not the meat advertised and the eggs are certainly not real.  At this point, beggars cannot be choosers, but he reminded of Lora's kitchen.  It had seemed to have all of the modern conveniences and there was real food in the refrigerator and on the counter.  And real coffee in the large pot.  Athos thinks of almost nothing else on the ride other than on the wild woman and hopes that he will get another chance to tangle in the sheets with her.

Athos arrives at the destination and pays off the cab before getting out and walking the short block to where Kynos is sitting on one of the benches with some dirty-looking halfer.  he hands out the cups and burrito rolls before asking, "This the guy?  Is he ready to talk?  Looks like you already tried to get something out of him."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-20-15/0431:19>
"Athos meet DemoX, DemoX meet the guy you'll be very polite to, because he might become your employer.
And no, that was a preexisting condition. Thanks for the foodstuff."
Kynos ignored the two for a minute to scarf down the free food.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-20-15/0742:44>
DemoX say "Thanks for the food but as we already appear to be in a beginning of a racist joke... I hope you guys are serious." He seems remarkably resilient, and the beatings of yesterday are not much more than a memory now. Sure he is roughed up but he seems alive.
To Athos "Nah... it was old friends that did me a favor for old times sake. I stole a lot of money from the Gates so I know many people in there"


 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-20-15/1114:01>
Athos laughs, "You mean the one where the halfer, the keeb, and the trog all walk into this bar and........?  Yeah, I have heard a million jokes start off like that.  But, no, this is not one of those jokes and I am deadly serious.  Someone tried to kill my boss in that warehouse, and I want to know who.  Despite the fact that I was standing in for her, she was the target.  And now she is hiding for her life, and so am I.  There is word on the street that I might have had something to do with the thing, which makes my life worth less than yours right now.  So I hope that you know something that can help me."

Athos sips at the still hot caf and idly wonders how these cups are able to keep things hot so long.  The burrito is surprisingly good, given its doubtful pedigree, and he takes a bite to give the halfer a chance to consider what he had said, then continues.  "From what I have heard, you were sent to the warehouse with Kynos to blow the building up.  But you could not have had time to set up the rather elaborate system of security doors and explosives hidden behind freshly painted drywall that were waiting for me when I made my tour of the building.  So, my main question to you is whether or not you were hired by the firm that did the renovations to the buildings.  Or if you know or can find out who was?"

Another sip and another bite.  "This trog was not born yesterday.  I was smart enough to stash reserves in various places and have access to quite a bit of money.  I have already spent some, but enough remains that I am willing to pay you very good money for your help.  Right now, there are rumors or a great gang war about to explode and it will be fought all over the sprawl, not just in the Barrens.  The fallout from a Yak and Mafia war will leave many people dead, even the innocent.  This thing could be dissidents within either group looking for advancement, or even the Triads trying to set this up to be able to move in on the wreckage.  At this point I really want to know who and why, and gather enough evidence to take to the Family to get my boss back in business.  If I cannot do that, then all of her direct underlings, to include yours truly, will be finished."

"If I can get you to the site of the explosion, can you look at the wreckage and see if you can identify the bomber by the bits and pieces of the bomb?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-20-15/1201:35>
@Minnie Strawberry caught you like wildfire, no preparations were needed as your foreplay started yesterday already. One thing led to another and your night was amazing, you and Strawberry are heavily panting when the door opens and Nagisa enter the room clearly embarrassed. She seem shaken, lost and confused. "Yulia? what is going on in here? Artie came and there were gunshots and I thought I will not make it. This entire night I was constantly thinking about you, this is what kept me going. What is that? who is this woman? Where is this Strawberry that rescued me? I would storm out but I have nowhere else to go. My life are ruined chasing a dream. The Mafia will kill me, just for being out of their control... I know too many secrets.  Why did you bring me here?" You can tell that she is trying hard not to cry.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-20-15/1313:12>
Nagisa is always high strung, but I am a bit shocked at the level of her distress. Still, this may have been the first time she's been shot at. I only have to think back a day and remember how exhilarating it was to be in a life it death situation. And I had my fate in my own hands.

"Nagisa, this is Strawberry," I say with a smile indicating the woman in whose arms I currently lounge. "So you got my message?  I'm so glad! It's Strawberry who made that possible." I look up adoringly into the elf's eyes.  "Thank you from both of us."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-20-15/1406:32>
Athos laughs, "You mean the one where the halfer, the keeb, and the trog all walk into this bar and........?  Yeah, I have heard a million jokes start off like that.  But, no, this is not one of those jokes and I am deadly serious.  Someone tried to kill my boss in that warehouse, and I want to know who.  Despite the fact that I was standing in for her, she was the target.  And now she is hiding for her life, and so am I.  There is word on the street that I might have had something to do with the thing, which makes my life worth less than yours right now.  So I hope that you know something that can help me."

Athos sips at the still hot caf and idly wonders how these cups are able to keep things hot so long.  The burrito is surprisingly good, given its doubtful pedigree, and he takes a bite to give the halfer a chance to consider what he had said, then continues.  "From what I have heard, you were sent to the warehouse with Kynos to blow the building up.  But you could not have had time to set up the rather elaborate system of security doors and explosives hidden behind freshly painted drywall that were waiting for me when I made my tour of the building.  So, my main question to you is whether or not you were hired by the firm that did the renovations to the buildings.  Or if you know or can find out who was?"

Another sip and another bite.  "This trog was not born yesterday.  I was smart enough to stash reserves in various places and have access to quite a bit of money.  I have already spent some, but enough remains that I am willing to pay you very good money for your help.  Right now, there are rumors or a great gang war about to explode and it will be fought all over the sprawl, not just in the Barrens.  The fallout from a Yak and Mafia war will leave many people dead, even the innocent.  This thing could be dissidents within either group looking for advancement, or even the Triads trying to set this up to be able to move in on the wreckage.  At this point I really want to know who and why, and gather enough evidence to take to the Family to get my boss back in business.  If I cannot do that, then all of her direct underlings, to include yours truly, will be finished."

"If I can get you to the site of the explosion, can you look at the wreckage and see if you can identify the bomber by the bits and pieces of the bomb?"

Look Athos "I already told Kynos anything that I know. I did rig the place up, and I did steal the rockets and sold them to some gangs... You can hear on the news that war is my doing. So I combined 3 different agendas yesterday and made some very big pile of yeltz. I blew up the rockets, sold the rockets and started a gang war. Busy night!  - the thing is I was set up I feel that my explosion was somehow set up to cover for the assassination now Mafia jerks raided my safe houses and the Yaks are looking for me. I did not try to kill your dona Valentina, not yesterday and I'll be happy to have a look at the warehouse, I'll need some decent disguise tough I'll try and contact one of the mages I know... IT will not be cooperative after she figure out just how I played her yesterday."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-20-15/1442:31>
Athos thinks, "Yes, it does sound like you were set up. especially if you were doing this at someone's request."  He considers the beat-up halfer closely then reaches into a pocket, pulling out a credstick.  "OK.  Here is a 'stick with 1K.  This is to cover expenses and act as a small retainer.  And this is a comm code for a burner I will use for you.  Go see your mage friend and get a disguise so you can get to the ruin and try to figure out who set that larger bomb up.  Please call me if you find anything.  Remember that this is just to get you started.  I have more where this came from if you can help me. Do we have a deal?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-20-15/1544:32>
DemoX doesn't even look at the cred-stick he say:"Keep your money Athos,  perhaps later when I have something of value."

He quickly leaves and enters a neighboring house about 200 meters than Kynos' place.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-20-15/1631:42>
@Minnie Strawberry is looking at you and suddenly she is fully dressed, but how? when? Darn mages and their illusion spells. “I am so sorry that this is your reception Nagisa. I am Strawberry and like you notice you will not work for the Mafia again. From now on you are working for me.”

Nagisa is angry, but she is not ready for Strawberry's voice, that voice moves her in an impossible combination of emotions, from erotic arousal, to anger and the pain of betrayal. Some of the emotions she feels have no words to describe them. Mainly she is confused.

Nagisa mumbles “That bitch!” and you are not sure which of you she intends - partly because both you deserve it.
“What do you mean working for you ? I came here to meet my girlfriend.”
 
“Indeed you did Nagisa, but doing so you made the Mafia your enemies, you are safe in my home and this room should accommodate you for tonight but I afraid that you can never go back to what you were. You were extracted willingly only death awaits you with the Mafia. But in time you will find me to be a sensible employer.”


Nagisa tries to respond but her cheeks are flushed. The words Strawberry are saying are making their influence on her and she is overwhelmed from the night she had. Strawberry is her boss now? This is hard to digest, that ginger lady that just slept with her girlfriend is the one she need to work with starting tomorrow? How odd is it to be completely turned on by this woman she tries to hate.  Nagisa is so confused and so lost, so overwhelmed and simply cannot respond.

Strawberry looks at Yulia and then at Nagisa and say. “I will leave you girls here to talk, I bet you have a lot to catching up to do.  Do not resent me Nagisa, your safety was among my most influential motivations.”  She gives Yulia an apologetic look and leave through one of two doors in this big pillow covered room.
 
Nagisa just stands there, aroused angry and confused. She looks at you and then at the space left by the ginger dyad. “Yulia... I am confused. I want to be angry, I feel betrayed. Strawberry is correct, when Artie mentioned you I lost my judgement I crossed the lines and helped them survive. I dreamed about you and it was the most amazing dream I ever had. It felt so real and I thought I love you, I just heard your name and hopped onbord like a teenager with no commitment and no consequences.

I should be angry about you sleeping with this elf while waiting for me. You do not deserve me, but I have nobody right now. All my fiends were taken away, anyone I ever knew.”
She sobs

“Now... I only have you, and after hearing that voice of her... I... I... understand you for sleeping with her, she made me completely wet - but I still hate her for giving me this kind of reception. For making me share the only person I have left in my life. Please... just hold me.”
She say and there is great pain in her words.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-20-15/1651:29>
Kynos finished his burrito.
"So, now, any plans? Because if not we could try to find out more about this Venom guy. He would be the fitting suspect if this was a conspiracy with Yak involvement."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-20-15/1831:20>
Athos nods.  "Yes.  Venom.  We can find him if you have a clue as to where to look.  And I have a meeting with a Yak contact for lunch.  The Yak boss required a favor for helping me replace my things and said someone named Deep Blue would contact me.  Well, that contact is lunch today.  I may be asking for help after I find out what I need to do.  Would you be interested?  Of course, this is not part of the original deal between you and me, so there would be extra pay involved."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-21-15/0318:58>
"I'll tag along. In for a penny, in for a pound. I'd start looking for Venom by visiting that Yak Bar near the warehouse.
And I'm bored anyway otherwise, so I can as well help you out with Deep Blue - extra money won't hurt either."
Kynos added.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-21-15/0341:09>
"Good.  But I could easily be recognized at the bar.  I think that the security company that did the renovations is a good start for me.  Care to come along?  Or we could split the effort and you do the bar while I go to the security company.  Your pick."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-21-15/0350:16>
"I'll tag along. It's always good to have back up." Kynos made a little ball from the wrappers, put them into his empty soy-cup and chucked it into the last intact bin.
"Only hand cannons, I assume."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-21-15/1003:52>
Athos nods and pulls out his 'link.  "Thanks.  The company is Digital Security Systems.  I am sending you the address.  Do you have transportation or do you want to share a cab with me?  And all I have right now is my revolver."

He stands and tosses his trash in the bin.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-21-15/1019:36>
@Athos you arrive at Digital Security Solutions. Their only representation in the city is a small office downtown. The receptionist welcome you and asks "Hello there, How can I help you?"  It is clear that they do not receive many customers in that office as most of the area is dedicated to a technical lab and you can see engineers testing and assembling some of their products.  There are still couple of freshly shipped dartboards right in the entrance and the receptionist seemed a bit surprised to see an unfamiliar face.  For a security company you are a bit disappointed as the physical security of their building seems a bit on the light side. Not even a guard at the door.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-21-15/1029:44>
Athos looks around and smiles at the receptionist.  "I am sorry to just show up, but I was nearby and thought to come see you.  Some associates of mine had some security upgrades installed by your firm and I was wondering if you might be interested in doing something for my partners and I.  Would it be possible to speak to the associate that oversaw the project?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-21-15/1034:27>
@Athos the secretary is a bit surprised "You do not seem like the cooperate client, we have a very limited selection available on the free market otherwise you'd need a government or a cooperate court approval for our systems.  What project are we talking about? "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-21-15/1038:01>
Athos looks surprised.  "I am sorry.  I did not realize that the job had been on that scale.  Here is the address.  It is just a warehouse that I have just purchased and I was hoping to see if I could get something similar done for another property."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-21-15/1046:58>
@Athos The receptionist say "We have no record of serving that address, it is a wooden building and would not benefit from our systems. Remember a chain is only as strong as its weakest link... why add steel links if there is a wooden one.  Do you happen to have an order number?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-21-15/1351:42>
"How would you know it was made of wood if you had no business with that address? Lady cut the crap. We are on business here. So far my associate here has been exceedingly nice. I won't.
Because do you know what we will do if you won't give us that info?

We will leave and we will have wasted a trip. Than we will take the service of another vendor, one we have less experience with and don't know if he does good work. This will annoy us greatly - so much in fact that I will make sure your boss learns that your insipid talk cost this very business a seven figure contract.
So talk or we will walk!"

Kynos gave the receptionist his meanest glare.

[spoiler]
Intimidate(Mental) (http://orokos.com/roll/327488): 12d6t5 3 [12d6t5=1, 2, 4, 5, 3, 6, 4, 2, 4, 4, 1, 5]
I don't know if you give modifiers, but I could rack up
Physical imposing +2
Characters outnumber subject +2
Intimidate(Mental) Modifiers (http://orokos.com/roll/327490): 4d6t5 4[4d6t5=5, 6, 6, 6]
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-21-15/1407:35>
The receptionist say "Well I got access to all city data, including airial photographs, and building plans everything that was deposited at city hall that is. We need it to do initial screening of clients. Please don't hit me. " You can say from her face  that she is completely terrified.

[spoiler]
I think I misunderstood Athos and thoguht he told her where is his warehouse. Otherwise her answer indeed does not make sense. Imagine her as having some buffed up 60 years from now Google maps.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-21-15/1848:56>
Completely at a loss for Nagisa's reaction to my being with Strawberry, I stand and hold her as she asks, placing my head against the taller girl's shoulder and stroking her back gently.  In the silence I think of the novels I've read and realize what Nagisa's feeling is jealousy and betrayal.  The idea that just having sex with someone could be interpreted in such a way is totally alien, but I've certainly read about it in my books.  I realize with a knot in my stomach that whatever Nagisa is feeling now would only be worse if things were to progress with Jimmy.  And the universe only knows what Jimmy will think of me when he learns of my background.

Life was simpler in the bedroom...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-21-15/1905:26>
Nagisa is silent, she does not talk for a while and does not cry instead she just hold you cold and distant trapped in her own world with her own thoughts. You know her well and can tell that  she want to cry it off, she need it actually. But her eyes are locked, as she is not comfortable enough.  After a long while and more than one awkward moment she finally say “He is terrifying, isn’t he ?” You know that she is speaking of Bruno.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-22-15/0129:14>
Athos observes the interaction between the receptionist and Kynos and keeps his calm to reassure her as he says, "Please, my friend just ate a very bad burrito for breakfast and it is making him very grumpy.  I do actually have a project number: 000157493.  Yes the warehouse is wood, but the man I bought it from wanted to add some security to the place.  No extra charge to me, so why not, right?  Is there any way that you can look that up and tell me who handled the project.  And here is the address again, just to make sure that you have it correctly." 

While waiting, Athos observes the woman.  He appreciates a pretty girl when he sees one and this one is definitely attractive and her clothing, while business-like, was clearly selected to emphasize her rather generous physical attributes.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-22-15/0252:48>
"This order you give me, it is for a KE high security prison cell are you sure you gave me the right one?"  She say still a bit shaken. "If it was installed at your wooden warehouse it is a mistake, it requires great structural stability not to destroy the host structure. That prison cell is coated with one inch of silksteel."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-22-15/0411:17>
Athos smiles, but there is a hint of coldness about it.  "No, I am quite certain.  The man I bought the warehouse from gave me this project number and said that I should look you up if I was satisfied and that perhaps I could get something similar for another warehouse.  But I confess to being as confused as you are.  Something is smelling a bit fishy, as if someone shifted this project from the KE to this warehouse.  I suppose that they would be interested in just how that happened.  My guess is significant bribes and perhaps some blackmail.  So, why don't you connect me with the local project manager and maybe we can work something out to avoid me going directly to the KE with what I know and suspect?  Do you think that you can do that for me?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-22-15/0436:41>
She say "I got the signature of the client, Robert winter and it is not to secure a warehouse it is used to secure a prison cell. Cell 2-27-B to be precise in the local prison. I got no idea what kind of people are considered dangerous enough to get this kind of system. Nobody in their right mind would install that on a warehouse somebody may get hurt.  This product is a proactive security system, if it detects any form of resistance or attempted escape it instantly kill the prisoner."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-22-15/0942:48>
Now Athos frowns.  "So you aren't going to put me in touch with the job supervisor here?  Now I am feeling a bit stressed.  Can you at least put me in touch with the client?  This Robert Winter.  Right now I am sure that the signature, if not the name, is a fake or a forgery."  He pats his stomach.  "To be honest, I had some of the same burritos as my friend here and I am starting to feel a bit off myself.  Please do not make me angry."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-22-15/0953:23>
@She say "I can put you to talk to my manager if you like, please do not be angry I am sure that there is a perfectly valid explanation we can call Mr. Winter right now he is very senior in the KE, I am sure that you got the order number confused, there is no way that THAT system was installed in the warehouse you describe. Should I call |Mr. Winter right now? to clearify the situation? "

She shows you the job order that include a signature as well as a finger print and a high level SIN validation of Roger Winder.  It is for a remote KE facility across the Salish border, as a cooperation the KE can pass easily through national borders and a lot of their facilities for Seattle residence are not even in Seattle.



Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-22-15/0959:01>
Athos nods and smiles.  "Thank you.  Could you please do that?  Perhaps it is all a misunderstanding and my seller got a wrong job code.  But I would like to clear this up."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-22-15/1138:02>
@The receptionist calls the KE "Can I speak with Mr. Winter please? This is Mazal from Digital Security Solutions"
She holds.

"There is this guy he said that he bought a warehouse down Union Hill Road & 208th Avenue NE, and that
he has one of our products, the only product they can legally buy is our anti theft lock, but we stopped manufacturing them ages ago. He gave me an order summery, but it is used for a maximum security prison cell. Yes, the X3 model that's the one. My records said that it was installed in your facilities on 1.9.2074. He said that this system was installed in his warehouse. "



"If he is speaking the truth I do not know what ordered got installed in your prison cell, I am sending a technician to check it right now. Ralph Big, make sure he has the appropriate authorization. I am terribly sorry for the confusion."


"Yes, Union Hill Road & 208th Avenue NE... ask him to wait ? alright"


She looks at you and say "Mr. Winter said that he will be right here. If you would be kind to wait, I am sure we can clear this thing out. In the meanwhile perhaps you would like some coffee? "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-22-15/1458:34>
Kynos watched silently, letting Athos do his charming act.
As soon as the girl told them to wait he furrowed his brows.
Discreetly he took a few steps towards the door and positioned himself so that he could flank whoever came from inside. His hand also was inside his coat, very close to the grip of his gun...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-22-15/2342:59>
Athos smiles at the pretty girl.  "Thank you Mazal.  I will be happy to wait and coffee sounds great.  And one for my friend as well, please?"  He stands near the counter while waiting for the coffee and nods when he sees the position Kynos has taken up.  When the girl brings the coffee, he thanks her and takes a cup to his companion before returning to the counter.  He is close enough to the edge that he can leap over it if necessary.  When Mazal returns to her work, Athos reaches into his coat and takes the huge revolver from its holster and holds it ready, hidden from sight between his body and the counter.  He keeps one eye on the door and the other on the pretty girl.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-23-15/1240:59>
@Kynos and Athos Mazal makes you some nice (and real!) coffee and tries to go back to her work constantly staring at your guns. The offices are nearly vacant so there is really not many people to call for help. Less than 20 minutes wait, the knight errands arrive with a large force of choppers, and their HTR teams begin to surround the building. Robert Winter, also known as Captain Rob to his men is a masculine human in his 50's, completely bold and is wearing full body armor without the helmet. He is accompanied by two human sized people in full body armor and you can assume that there are more. He approaches Athos and extends his hand, "I am  Commander Winter and I believe we need to talk. Please do not make it any difficult than it has to be."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-23-15/1343:13>
"How about you pull in your dick and we just have a normal conversation? You are wasting quite a lot of resources for something you could have solved with a comm call."
Kynos took another sipp from his coffee.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-23-15/1454:18>
@Kynos Captain rob answer you, "You have no idea how hard we are looking for anyone related to that warehouse. You will have to accompany us to the HQ, before these syndicates are going to make the city a war zone over that bloody warehouse. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-23-15/1501:03>
"Yeah, about that: Your best chance to avoid that war is to let us do our thing and not waste our time by taking us to your HQ. I already spent entirely to much time there yesterday with nothing to show for it. If you want our cooperation you better come with us down the street into that pub for some lunch. I promise you that will give you better results than that gun show outside."
Kynos replaced the coffee cup at the secretaries desk.
"Thanks for the coffee. It's really good."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-24-15/0034:37>
Athos puts his gun away and looks at Commander Rob before taking his hand.  Normally, he would be honor bound to not talk to the authorities, but this is not a normal case.  "I will come peacefully, but my friend does have somewhere to be and he really has nothing to contribute to the conversation you want to have.  If you let him go, you can have me without any incident."  He spreads his hands.  "Otherwise we could have a nice rumble and I would not cooperate.  And I have been to your truth-extraction rooms before and gave nothing.  Your call, Commander."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-24-15/0154:48>
Captain Rob say "to his own admission, you too are looking into that manner and that means you will come with us. Otherwise well let me just say that it is a poor life choice to resist and it will make your life very difficult even if you do get away, and I believe you do have some tricks down your sleeves. Please i do not want to make it a violent arrest, but we came prepared for one. I approached you myself to get you coming peacefully - but rest assured even if you somehow escape, the mayor will turn this city upside down trying to find you or anyone that knows about this hit in an election year."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-24-15/0243:25>
[spoiler]
Avoiding Thrill Seeker reaction:
Composure (http://orokos.com/roll/328390): 9d6t5 2
[/spoiler]

"With that attitude you will get nothing. Cooperation means both sides have to give something. You seem to have a surplus of funds if you can bring out a HTR team just on a whim.
I'm in a gregarious mood since a nice young lady just served me real coffee. You want to avoid a war - fair enough. You can hire me as a private consultant to help you out with that - and don't bullshit me - I heard in the news that your budget just got raised to address that very possibility.

If you want my cooperation and a peaceful meeting, you won't arrest us. You will handle that as a meeting with confidential informants. Whatever else we are, we are professionals. Don't treat us like some SINless street scum you can shove around nilly willy.

Coming yourself is a nice first step. And don't forget - if the confidential meeting doesn't yield any results, you still have the option to call in your little friends out there."
Athos could practically see how the high stress situation transformed Kynos' mood. Where the other man had been sullen and sarcastic he seemed now almost eager and energetic. It seemed as if he only lived for those situations.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-24-15/0317:54>
Captain Rob say "Enough talking and negotiating. The only reason that you are not arrested is that you do not exist. As far as I care you were nothing but a dream. You are coming with us one way or the other. We can release you wihtout paperwork, but can hold you indefinitely as well because like I said, you never existed. " To his guards: "Unarm and restrain them we have a chopper ride above the city."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-24-15/0323:52>
Athos looks at his companion in quiet wonder.  The transformation is remarkable, almost as if the man only came alive in this sort of situation.  However, that could also bring a very violent reaction for the KE thug in front of them.  He holds up his hands and looks back to the officer.  "In one thing he is right.  You can talk to us or drag us in and talk to us.  Dragging us in will get you absolutely nothing and nowhere closer to what you want.  Talking to us over a nice cup of hot coffee might get you much more, depending on what you share back.  We are also looking for information and maybe you can help.  It would not be the first time the Family and the KE have found common ground."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-24-15/0905:14>
Captain Rob say "I am not here to negotiate, we are going to that facility where my DSS is installed and I will question you there. If you are cooperative you will be compensated for your time, otherwise you'll have to enjoy the inside of that facility for a bit longer than desired. Something big is going on and you guys may be part of it, we are not backing down"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-24-15/0913:51>
"Suit yourself. No wonder you guys don't get any results with that attitude."
Kynos offered no resistance when one of the KE cops took his gun and his taser.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-24-15/0954:37>
Athos carefully removes his handgun and surrenders it to the KE thug without saying a word.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-24-15/1424:06>
You are being restrained and your heads are covered with black cloth, you are searched and your possessions are placed within a sack. The KE seems to mean business and they seem a bit wary having you in their chopper. They whisper among themselves talking to you.  Apparently they were already going someplace when you made the call. It is difficult to track time, but you are certain that it took over two hours to get there. This means that you cannot still be in Seattle. Once there you are led to separate but adjacent and are questioned again and again about anything you know about that warehouse.

It is not just a friendly investigation, it involve emotional and physical pressure, drug admission and other techniques that were developed over the years to get people to talk. You are not sure why they are being so aggressive, you have been in KE interrogation few times before and while to some people they apply physical pressure the rest of the techniques are above the level that you ever anticipated. You completely lose track of time in there and they do not leave you alone.

[spoiler]
Kynos questioning (http://orokos.com/roll/328500): 13d6t5 4
Questioning Athos (http://orokos.com/roll/328501): 13d6t5 3
I did not know what to do with interrogation mechanically (and I am too delicate minded to RP the details).
You do not have to tell them anything, but if you fail a willpower + intimidation roll than you are somewhat shaken by the experience, apply the net hits of as a negative dice pool penalty for the rest of the night.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-24-15/1438:16>
[spoiler]
Refuse, Resist! (http://orokos.com/roll/328502): 11d6t5 3
Do I get any bonus dice for:
-Nephritic screen bioware to resist drugs
-Specialization in Mental Initmidation
-Inability to experience fear
-High Pain Resistance

Edit:
Refuse, Resist! Drug Resistance/Specialization (http://orokos.com/roll/328505): 3d6t5 2
[/spoiler]
Kynos didn't say a word, but in his head he repeated on an on the same words until they were more a kind of song 'I'll murder you Winter, I'll snap your neck/break your knee caps and make you beg'
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-24-15/2019:44>
“He is terrifying, isn’t he?”

She's talking about Bruno, I'm sure.  All I can do is nod for a few moments as I think.

Bruno is one of the examples I've given Nagisa in the past to explain that being a whore isn't as easy as it might seem to an outsider.  Admittedly, it was nearly a decade ago, but the experience he and his two buddies gave a certain twelve year old little mouse could only be described as terrorized.  Still, I have clung to the belief that he's changed...or at least he knows that Nagisa is NOT to be classified as a whore. 

She's so much more than that.

"I bet you showed him that you are too," I coo back with a slight tightening of my embrace.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-24-15/2329:54>
Athos does not talk to anyone after surrendering his gun.  The ride to the holding cell area is new as he has never been in a helicopter before.  Thinking of the rotorcraft brings Lora to mind and he realizes that he is going to miss the lunch date and cannot even call her.  He sighs at the loss of what might have been a nice relationship.  At the prison, he is taken to an interrogation cell where he is subjected to various forms of interrogation.  He considers himself a tough guy, but the techniques used against him rattle his core.  He is left shaken and unsure of his manhood, even as he refuses to talk.  The Mafia code is too ingrained to allow that, but his psyche is damaged.

[spoiler]Roll Wil + Edge second chances (http://orokos.com/roll/328623): 8d6t5 0  Critical glitch.  Not even worth rolling the edge.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-25-15/0304:14>
@Athos The hours pass by and it is getting worse and worse, you definitely do not want to submit yourself into this kind of treatment. Normally nobody would touch you, you will have the full protection of the Mafia but at this point you are alone without none of your physical possessions. At some point you mention Lora to yourself, only you did not say Lora, you said Deep Blue. This was the point where it all went to hell. The rest of the hours are only about deep blue, apparently they know she is in town but have no idea who she is. You decide to tighten your lips and endure. You are a survivor, but the pain and torture they leave their marks and you feel shaken and demoralized but one thing you do understand.

You are in a KE facility, and Deep Blue showed you a KE wasp, she is going to some facility probably this one... what is so special about the current one. This is the facility where the security order from your warehouse was supposed to be. It is some high security magic prison and one of these mages was dangerous enough that they wanted him instantly killed if he tried anything bold. The KE seems to be convinced that Deep Blue is coming here, but why? What is her endgame?

@Kynos You managed to open your restraints sometime during that night, of course you are not stupid and you keep them on just for show. There will not be many chances to escape this hellhole, and when opportunity presents itself you want to be ready. Sometime you have no track of time, it is all confusing but at a certain point they leave you alone and Max, no definitely officer Max enters with two glasses of water. “Here have some water” She said and as you drink (or not) she adds “Kynos “(she obviously struggles a bit with your current street name). “I guess we are not going to some spiritual picnic tonight.  I am sorry it has to be like that, I told them that it will not work. But listen tonight you are with the bad guys. There is this terrorist, Deep Blue she has many names actually but right now she is called Deep Blue. Where ever she pops up many people are dying, she is the kind to start wars between countries to assassinate high ups, she is nothing but troubles. We know that she is on Seattle but we think that she is on her way here, I have no idea why here but this may means that we are all going to die. I was am trying to stop her for a long while, she is pure evil. Please do not let your pride take you away from what’s right. She may be responsible to that warehouse and may just wipe this place off the face of the earth without blinking. Man up and do whats right, I am trying to save life.”

@Minnie
Nagisa say “I am sorry about that message, they were trying to flash you out and there was so much I could do. It was not without truth” She sighs “I did mace his sorry ass for taking me back, and I locked him inside the car. I was impressed I got that far” She sighs. “But he is so powerful, and scary and he seemed more amused by that even aroused. He jumped after me like a maniac and did not stop beating me even after I was at his mercy and there was nothing I could do to escape.  He was so aggressive and I was on the floor so quickly, so helpless “ She look at you. “Yulia, I was terrified this is so embarrassing.” she lift her shirt and show you some nasty beating marks. When you touch you notice that she is still in pain. “Yulia, I had to make him stop somehow, I did not think... I... I... I offered myself."
Her eyes are red when she adds.
I just wanted him to stop hitting me.  I did not think about it. It was an instinct”

She looks on the floor ashamed. “I hugged him with my legs and tried to kiss him.” she takes a deep breath “He was aroused and I could feel it. but he rejected me. He stopped hitting me and could barely contain himself. I could sense his struggle and he was ashamed more than aroused."
She tighten her grip over you, and finally lets go she say "He has a family and that he keeps letting down and he was so awkward that he could not look at me. He just took me to that safe house and remained silent, completely silent as the manager was speaking strongly towards him. ” She eye you, “It is silly, I should be happy that it ended like this... But I feel so dirty and so repulsive and even guilty.  If only I did not try to escape that night was a lot easier.  He risked his life to extract me tonight and despite everything he still could not look at me.”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-25-15/0433:15>
"Ah Max. Nice to see you here. So you finally understand that the ends justify any means. Even breaking the law and tarnishing your own ideals.
You are all afraid to die - so you do whatever is necessary to prevent it. Very commendable. Welcome to reality.

I have no information about Deep Blue. First thing I hear.
All you do by keeping me here is waste your resources - which I told your boss beforehand.

For your own sake, go home or into the field to investigate. Just don't stay here.
You still believe that you have a soul, so spare yourself the consequences of what your colleagues have begun. I sure won't look pretty if I leave this facility ever again."

He took a sip from the water cup - just to wet his lips. His decision was made. The next officer with his approximate stature would have to do.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-25-15/0458:51>
@Kynos Max tells you "You talk to me about soul? Do you think I call the shots here? I know you are related to that warehouse.  You are involved in trying to ignite a war that can destroy this city. Not a gang war that will be limited to the barrens a Syndicate war that would involve politicians businesses and and its war zone will include every part of the city. Complete chaos and you are in the middle of all of it.

 So your precious soul is so sacred that they shouldn't press you hard to try and get you to talk? Some people think they can get anything out of anyone, they are idiots but idiots are everywhere. Do you know the kind of strings I had to pull to even get to talk to you? You do what you have to do and I certainly know what you are capable of - you will probobly tell me nothing about Deep Blue or about the warehouse. 

But tell me about this.  why did you do it?  were you bored or have you really reached that state where you just want to watch the world burns.  Out of all the scums in this city, why does it have to be YOU in here."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-25-15/0543:10>
"I did not start a gang war. I investigated the warehouse for my employer whom you brought here with you.
As far as I can see, I was therefore doing the exact same thing as you guys.
Was I bored? Hell yes! I spent the last day down in your holding cells. I was asked to help investigate in a dangerous part of the city.
You know me - I am hired muscle and some boots on the street, nothing more. I have no horse in this race beyond that. I offered the same services to Winter but he declined to employ me.

And if you asking why I am here, it's simple: I declined to resist arrest while I was doing nothing more but providing back up for my employer as he tried to find out who destroyed that warehouse.

Am I doing that out of the kindness of my heart? Hell no! I have bills to pay - and yet again your employer sees fit to detain me on a mere whim.

I hope that answers your question.

Oh and while I would appreciate it if you where here out of concern for me, I can't help but think of section 2 paragraph 3 of the special forces training manual: Prisoners will have to endure physical and mental abuse. When their defenses are at a low point they will suddenly be presented with a friendly, maybe even familiar face. Kindness and understanding will erode their resolve to withstand interrogation and on account of a kind word they will tell freely what they wouldn't tell under torture.
I'm paraphrasing of course.

So if you are really concerned for me, you will withdraw your support for what your superiors do and go home.
You said it yourself, you can't do anything else for me, so why are you still here in this black site torture facility?
You are not the victim here. You are a perpetrator. And life is empty. You'll see, once this here is over."
Kynos smiled.

[spoiler]
Is Kynos a dick? Hell, yes!
Intimidate(Mental) (http://orokos.com/roll/328678): 12d6t5 2 [12d6t5=2, 6, 5, 1, 4, 4, 4, 1, 3, 4, 1, 2]
But also, he is trying to keep Max alive by getting her away from him.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-25-15/0617:52>
@Kynos Max tells you "You do not have to intimidate me, you can believe what you want. You are in a maximum security prison, for mages and your 'girlfriend' that you presumably know nothing about is likely to try and release some of the prisoners.  People so dangerous that honestly they should not have been kept alive in the first place... but they have their "human rights" .

Whomever you are protecting if she is successful she is going to unleash such horror and such destruction. I do not like my current employer but no one is a saint. We are the good guys here despite everything.  You of all people should know it, but who exactly do you want me to side with ? A terrorist that is going to attempt a prison brake for some of the most dangerous people in the nation. Seriously ?!

I am out of here... if you grow some sense of morality or decide to become creepy-kinky you can always scream my name. "
 
You have no idea if your attempt worked or not, but unless you try to stop her Max is out of your room.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-25-15/0630:29>
"Good bye Max."
Kynos was pleased with himself. So a maximum security prison and they expected an escape attempt.
Deep Blue. Athos had mentioned that she was a contact of his.
Normally that would have been a classical prisoners dilemma: Can you rely on your fellow prisoner to keep his mouth shut and so avoid a harsh sentence or do you try to rat him out to get leniency.
Luckily in this case he could be pretty sure that a mafia member would honor the Omerta and not talk to the cops.

That left him to wait for the perfect moment to escape. Wearing a guards uniform would probably be a bad idea in that case. But neither did he want to accompany a bunch of high risk prisoners - those usually came with massive manhunts and/or military involvement. And not even his titan bones would withstand a dragon missile.

Instead he made himself as comfortable as possible and waited a bit more...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-25-15/1006:40>
Athos id indeed shaken and demoralized.  He has never had to withstand torture like this.  Fortunately he is a Troll and can take a lot of damage.  He has even had a laugh when the first interrogator actually underestimated his toughness and hurt his fist.  However, the second guy learned from the first.  The blows were the easy part; the drugs were unexpected and harder to resist.  Only his code of silence kept him from breaking.  He does not understand what they are saying about Deep Blue.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-25-15/2026:07>
I cringe as Nagisa relates her tale, my grip on her spasming as she tells of her experiences with Bruno.  When the taller redhead describes what it took to get Bruno to drop out of bully mode, it was only her continued speaking that keeps me from storming out right then and there to rearrange the bastard's anatomy...or die trying.  But she does keep talking and my own tears start flowing as she gives her abuser the benefit of the doubt, describing the ork's remorse and the reasons for it.

The bastard has anger management issues, which is why he's so valuable to the Family.  He's a weapon with a loose trigger.  But he's been through Hell too.  I shagged that Humanis boy yesterday without thinking.  It's how I was brought up.  When I encounter a problem I seduce it, screw it, and bend it to my will.  When he encounters a problem, he beats it to a pulp.  We told Bruno to protect Nagisa's life above all else.  In the end, Nagisa herself endangered the ork's assigned mission and so he handled it the way he's wired.

No, it's not Bruno's fault.

"It's my fault," I say aloud to both Nagisa and myself.  "I was selfish to ask you to join the mission.  It was Athos' idea, but I should have known better.  He didn't know just how valuable you are.  I did.  Instead of bring rational, I thought it would be great to share an experience."  I look up into her green eyes as i say the hardest part.  "My selfishness damn near got you raped, Nagisa.  I am so...very...sorry."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-26-15/0313:58>
Nagisa smiles at you. “shh Yulia this is not what you think. I saved your life and Bruno was a complete gentleman until I provoked him. I had it coming really, I know it rationally. How do you think the story of me wandering the Barrens alone at night, without a weapon, without armor and carrying a very expensive deck. How does that story ends in your imagination? It was a terrible experience but I have nobody but myself to blame for it.”

You can tell that she is in a struggle between her rational mind that thinks what she said but in some deeper and emotional level, she is not okay about it and is completely shaken. 

“The bastard came to rescue me today paying with his personal possessions to runners that will spare me the interrogation, risking everything he has for my safety. This is the most difficult part. If someone does that to me I want to hate him. I want him to be scum and I want him to die! Can I hate someone that risked so much for me? That I provoked into violence knowing very well that it might not end well? “

She stops and then continue
“But so many terrible things happened since then that it feels in a different life already. I got to the safehouse and not an hour later I was taken to isolation. I barely managed to wash his smell off my body. They kept questioning me and deprived me of sleep, it was terrible. This torture did not end in a few seconds but continued for hours until I was a complete mess and could do nothing but crying with insanity.

“Then came your dream and I felt safe and protected, but then I was woken up in the middle of the night to be transported somewhere and Bruno saved me from that fate, not without my share of gunfire and danger. The Finnegans tried to kill me. My own security preferred me dead over escaped. It was only then that I used my deck to protect myself.

She pauses and shortly after continue.

All of this happened because I cared about you too much and wanted to be with you without logic.  I was sure that the Yaks are going to kill you and I could not process that.  Did anybody really cared about me? I knew that you wait me at the end of the way. Finding you and that bitch together and having to wait outside and hear her pleasure you in ways that I never could. This was humiliating, but that only adds up to the general torture.

I have nothing left, no respect, no dignity and no friends. I do not even have anywhere to storm off to save what little dignity I have left. I even have to talk to you about how terrible you made me feel. ”

She can finally let go and holds you  tightly as she cries.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-26-15/0523:26>
@Kynos and Athos. Your rooms are small 2x2 rooms, without windows the only exist seems to be the door. There is a ventilation system but you do not think that it can contain a meta human inside. Perhaps a small drone nothing more.  The door is heavy and sturdy made of some reinforced polymer and the walls are thick.  In the room there is a table and two chairs. Other than that the room is completely empty, Kynos room also has two glasses that Max gave him. The glasses are metallic and are filled with water.

As the hour passes you sense that something is happening, at first there is a complete blackout that means you are in complete darkness in the room. (This means that Athos can see and I think that Kynos cannot). 

@Kynos (I am assuming that you are temporarily blind correct me if I am wrong.) You hear massive explosive sounds that seem to be close. People are crying in horror, prisoners begging the KE to protect them. Screaming in horror, either the KE are killing the prisoners or something foreign is killing them.

@Athos You are alone in the darkness with your thoughts where your heat vision spots a little horizon flying eye drone that seems to barely manage to carry a high explosive grenade. It enters through the small ventilation shaft. You already flip the table over trying to get cover but when the flying eye spots you it seem to stop mid air. As if your presence there confuses it.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-26-15/0801:08>
I stay silent as Nagisa tells her story.  She has a right to talk herself out without me trying to pose lame defenses.  Still, as she shares her feelings I gently coax my best friend down into a pile of pillows - a different set than where she stumbled in to find Strawberry and I in each other's arms.

No respect?  No dignity?  How can she think that, I wonder.  She's the most amazing person I know!  Just what have I done to her?

When it's clear she's talked herself out, I allow silence to rule long enough to be sure she has no more to say.

"Nagi, you know how long it took for you to understand that whoring was real work?"  I watch the look of confusion in the girl's lovely emerald eyes and quickly continue.  "You've had some amazing teachers over the years.  The Finnigans spared little expense investing in you in the expectation they'd make a mint with your skills later.  And whatever you may think of your respect, they were right because you're the smartest person I may ever know.  For me it was different.  Yeah, I had Tony, but mostly I was just tossed at clients and expected to figure it out on my own.  Other than Tony, the Finnigan pimps thought like you used to - lie down and it "just happens"."

I can see Nagisa is listening with real interest now so I continue.  "Well it doesn't "just happen".  Even more, with the right skills and mindset, you can create a world around you by bending people to your will through attraction."  I raise a hand over me head and swivel it to gesture around us.  "All this was built by Strawberry because of who and what she is.  It wasn't given her, she made it all herself!  Nagi, I want to learn how to do that.  Strawberry is as far above me as the stars.  She's never going to replace you even if I wanted it, which I don't.  Nagi, I finally have a TEACHER!  Someone who can teach me to use what I have to become what I want to be, not what everyone else wants me to be."  I take a deep breath before I take on the most difficult point.  "Will that involve the sheets?  Yes.  The past month has taught me that my body is to me what your deck is for you.  Just as you wring every little advantage from your deck, so must I from my body.  Strawberry will be teaching me how to do that.  With what she'll teach me, I'll likely end up in bed a lot less.  There is soooo much you can do without losing your clothes.  But I'll do what I must to keep the people who matter to me safe.  And Nagi, top on that list is you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-26-15/0914:35>
“Have you lost your mind ? “ Asked Nagisa “You know her for such a short time and you know nothing about her motivations. How can you trust her?"

The Finnigans wants me dead, our relationship ended when their goons opened automatic fire on me.” She looks at you, and delicately pet your naked skin as she adds. “What do you think they will do if they discover where I am ?

 Who do you think they will send to execute me?

And you have to be naive to think that they will just let you exchange fluids with Strawberry once they figure out how dangerous she is.”

She embrace you and whisper “I think that Strawberry is going to interrogate me herself tomorrow.  Her methods may be more delicate than the Finnigans but she wants me here for my knowledge,  just like any other employer would. It is the same knowledge that the Finnigans want me dead for now that I am not under their control." She stroke you gently and say "... and with the way her voice makes me feel I believe that I will just be compelled to tell her anything she wants to know.  After all, she already got you totally wrapped up around her in less than two days. ”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-26-15/0927:56>
Wait what?  How can Nagisa think that?  Ridiculous!  But then again, Nagisa is a lot smarter than I am.  Still, I can't see why Strawberry would so that...

"But...but why?  She's built all this and just wants someone she can talk with who isn't totally affected by her charms.  The Yak only sent weak willed men with orders not to even look at her.  She hoped a change might bring more interesting people.  I...I'm not totally without charms myself and I think I'd see through her if she were lying."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-26-15/0935:25>
@Minnie Nagisa say"Yulia, I do not know about these things I only met her right now, but I know you for a long while. There is something different about you, you talk like you wouldn't talk previous week.  Your eyes completely lights up when you talk about her. I have never seen you so alive. It makes me suspicious as I have no idea what happened to you, are you in love with her?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-26-15/0945:02>
"Love?!"

The word is blurted out of my stunned mouth.  I then pause to think since Nagisa's look clearly expects a rational answer not just a reflexive denial.

Do I even know what love is?

"I...I don't know..." I admit dumbly.  "I look up to her and want to be like her someday.  I want to learn all I can from her because she's so amazing."  I stop a moment, then finish.  "I think of spending the rest of my life with you as my best friend, Nagi.  When I think of Strawberry I imagine her as a teacher, someone who can make me something I'm not but can be.  She's a little bit like I imagine a mother might be...one who doesn't abandon her kid as inconvenient."  I know my words are confused and my thoughts are a jumble.  I try to wrap things up with a coherent question.  "Is love the same thing as admiration?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-26-15/1000:35>
@Minnie  "Beats me" said Nagisa, "what do I know about love my entire life were micro managed even who I sleep with had a discussion about it. Do you think that I could just see a sexy girl and desire her? ask her out? I could barely have you " She sighs "I am not saying that to give you the questioning. I am trying to make you understand that you are very emotional about her.

A mother? this is some strong bond a true mentor is also a very intimate connection.  Perhaps you are too emotional to see the obvious: Strawberry has us both in her pocket now."

She is very confused when you refer to Strawberry as a mother and a teacher and her confusion reminds you again that the two of you treat sex in a completely different manner. Nagisa simply cannot understand how you can sleep with someone, enjoy yourself and then describe her with these words.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-26-15/1011:57>
Dammit, she's right.

And I hate it.

Except in matters of the sheets, she's always right.  Sometimes it's easy to resent her...like now.

But when I've ignored her advice I've usually lived to regret it.  Now that I'm out in the world, I might not get to live to regret it anymore.

"I wish I could argue with you.  I so want to deny it.  But you're right that I don't know her well enough for what I'm looking to her for."  I had been sitting up and looking eye to eye with my friend, but now my defiance fades and I let me body drop down to lay my head on her tummy, just before her bust.  It's a very common position for us when she's comforting me.  She says it is comforting for her to since she's always to 'alpha' in our relationship.  My hands make right arm hugs up against me as my left hand draws senseless patterns on her thigh.  My tail, imp that it is, wraps around us and tickles her side.  The same action i used to such great effect with Strawberry not long ago.

"Nagi, I'd be lost without you.  You know that, right?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-26-15/1025:57>
@Minnie Nagisa's hand are stroking your head, and are delicately playing over your neck. “It is not like there is something to do about it tonight...” She say you can hear the smile on her face as she say that.  If any, she seems to really enjoy stroking your hair, and exciting your ears. You know that she is comfortable, when her hands begin exploring the sides of your tummy and tickle you a little bit. “You are my best friend in the entire world.” She say.  In a non verbal way, her stroking and tickling you is some sort of a peace offering. She does not want to fight, she does not want to be right. All she wants is to be safe, protected and close to you. Just like that dream.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-26-15/1128:42>
Athos takes advantage of the drone's hesitation to smash his shackles against the metal door to try to break free.

[spoiler]Try to break shackles with edge (http://orokos.com/roll/329003): 16d6t5 3  Use the edge to reroll misses  Roll edge for misses (http://orokos.com/roll/329005): 13d6t5 6  So 9 hits  The restraint gets its dodge then soaks 10P + net hits.[/spoiler]

He hears the sound of the shackles breaking and brings his arms to his front while reaching over to grab the grenade from the drone.  One never knows when a grenade will come in handy.

For a Troll, Athos is a bit slow on the uptake.  He checks the door to see if the power outage popped the lock and he can just walk out.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-26-15/1243:32>
@Athos The door is locked, it is protected by both a mag lock that stopped working and a backup mechanical lock that still works. This means that you do not expect any significant consequences from breaking the door.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-26-15/1352:47>
It's been a long day and Nagi and I fall asleep in each other's arms. Strawberry's retreat is so peaceful and dark that it's late morning when we finally start to stir together. We quietly continue to just enjoy each other's company for a while linger before nature calls us both.  Its been forever since Nagisa ate a decent meal and my own diet yesterday was pretty sparse due to my worries.

"Good morning, fuzzy ears," Nagisa says good naturally with a pet name as I stretched and made to rise from my pillow for the night - her tummy. I look up at my best friend. Despite her disheveled hair, she's still one of the prettiest women I've met.

I really am a lucky girl.

"Are you as hungry as I am," I ask and get a nod in response.

"And my eyeballs are floating," she adds. 

"You know," I admit sheepishly, "I have no idea where the bathroom is here."  I look at the door. "I think our best bet is to go back to the inn. Are you okay being outside that far?  Whatever you think of Strawberry, I think we're at least safe from the Family in her complex."

"Like we were last night," she challenges but not aggressively. Her raised eyebrow makes it clear to me it's an honest question.

I explain to Nagisa all that I know about the warehouse. What Strawberry has shared as well as What little Athos or I picked up before we separated. I wait to discover her thoughts now that she has the additional data points.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-26-15/1424:36>
Nagisa says, "I probobly should not be seen in public not before I understand just how hot I am. There is something I picked up yesterday. I managed to get a mark on the activation device. I managed to trace it before it have gone offline. It came from a small clinic in Bellevue called "Dr. Bob´s Quickstitch Clinic".

Once you are awake M enters your room and give you the house tour. It is a large underground complex with perhaps 20 rooms. Maybe even more, you would not believe from the modest on ground presence.  First M shows you control rooms that monitor different parts of the city and especially the 'domain' Parts of Strawberry's magic is a network of thousands of micro cameras that are scattered across the city and a dedicated team of monitors that watch them.

The man currently on watch introduces himself as "Jack" and has a nice technical smalltalk with Nagisa. Next she shows you workshops for building and repairing of agricultural and general drones.
And after that she takes you to the most impressive part of the underground complex, a large chamber with an ocean of green houses that are lit individually by magical artificial light. There is a constant humming and buzzing as many drones and several people are monitoring and attending the crops.

M explains that this is their main lively hood and that Strawberry manufactures fresh food and magical plants and ship them world wide. She notes that the complex keeps low profile to avoid extractions and theft and note that their techniques are known to few in the world. Apparently M is managing this entire operation.

After the tour to the greenhouses she takes you to the living space. That are composed of a large public area lit with artificial light that include recreational facilities as well as a dining room and a massive living room.  Then she takes you to Nagisa's new apartment, a fully equipped 3 bedroom apartment. Everything seem to be taken care of to the finest detail up to a tooth brush and even clothes to ware.

M say: "You must be hungry, you can either dine together here or you can join me in the main dining hall.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-26-15/1521:02>
The tour in overwhelming.  I had no idea just how much Strawberry had built.  She really could hire us and there was real work needing to be done.  I watched closely for see how Nagisa was reacting to all this.

"Nagi, let's get some food first but after that I really would like you to find out what you can about the "clinic".  I may be paying it a call as soon as we know a little more about it."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-26-15/1536:50>
Athos tests the door and finds that it is still secure, but that the fancy maglock seems deactivated, meaning that only some physical lock remains.  And physical locks can break.  He readies his large form and slams into the door repeatedly, trying to force the lock.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-26-15/1718:46>
Kynos found himself in utter darkness. Quickly, he removed the loose shackles from his hands and groped for the door. It was locked - no surprise their, although theoretically the mag lock should have been useless without power. So there was probably a deadbolt in play.
Damn sentimentality. He should have grabed Max and used her as a human shield to get out.
Well, time to see if that deadbold was as tough as Kynos and his titan bones.
Rattling the door, he tried to find the most likely anchor point, so he could focus his strenght on that.

[spoiler]

Security door has 8 structure and 12 Armor. (Barrier rules p.197 core)
Kynos has 9 P base damage
To do any damage at all he has to do at least 13 damage with every hit, so he will do a vitals shot (dead bolt) for +2 DV. Also he is hindered by absolute darkness = total -10 mod
This leaves him with 6 dice to attack
Strike the door (http://orokos.com/roll/329095): 6d6t5 1
Door ignores damage
Strike the door 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/329100): 6d6t5 3
14 damage
Door withstands with 20 dice: Door resists (http://orokos.com/roll/329110): 20d6t5 9
Takes 5 damage, still holds
Strike the door 3 (http://orokos.com/roll/329115): 6d6t5 0
Strike the door 4 (http://orokos.com/roll/329116): 6d6t5 3
14 damage
Door withstands with 20 dice: Door resists 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/329117): 20d6t5 5
Takes 9 damage
Boom, open door.

[/spoiler]

It took Kynos 4 solid blows - mainly because with the third he just hit the frame - with his cybernetically strengthened bones and the hardened skin on his hands to break the door open. He took a moment to orient himself and listen into the darkness.

[spoiler]
Perception: Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/329120): 7d6t5 3 [7d6t5=2, 2, 5, 2, 6, 4, 5]
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-27-15/0216:56>
@Minnie Nagisa seems a bit suspicious, first about how come M and Strawberry look the same, and once you get past that she keeps asking her technical and specific questions about the operation that M answers expertly. It becomes apparent that M is the one running the show around there. As for breakfast Nagisa prefers her apartment. She spends several minutes in examining it and looking for electronic equipment and listening devices and find nothing. After a while a man arrives with two plates filled with natural food, some orange juice and an omelette for the two of you. He welcomes Nagisa and say his greetings and leaves.

“Well at least the food is... I wonder how can they managed to keep a small farm under the radar”

@Kynos and Athos when you finally get out there is some low red light. You can hear large explosions from within the cells. They go off like popcorn, you are in the third and last floor and you can see the knights taking people out of their cells from the first floor and trying to get them in line for evacuation. Many people are running around either to empty the first floor cells or to try and locate the attackers. Your equipment lies in a small room at the first door just by the main entrance. For the moment nobody seems to be on your floor not free at least, but you can hear some of the less physical prisoners hopelessly trying to break out of the doors. Ramming them with all they have.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-27-15/0241:00>
Athos heads to the room where his things were taken.  He stops just before the door and listens to see if anyone is in the room.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-27-15/0436:37>
Kynos came up behind the troll.
"Jack pot." Kynos got ready to reclaim his stuff.
"I hope you agree that Commander Winter has earned himself an early retirement package for this stunt.
Also, did you know that your contact is an internationally wanted terrorist?
Good of you by the way to bust out of there. Took myself a while."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-27-15/0438:18>
You use the chaos and make your way down the stair case. The prisoners personal item archive is protected by two knights in full body armor that casually urge you to join the evacuation line.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-27-15/0448:12>
[spoiler]
Wait what?
You use the chaos and make your way down the stair case. The prisoners personal item archive is protected by two knights in full body armor that casually urge you to join the evacuation line.
@Kynos and Athos when you finally get out there is some low red light. You can hear large explosions from within the cells. They go off like popcorn, you are in the third and last floor and you can see the knights taking people out of their cells from the first floor and trying to get them in line for evacuation. Many people are running around either to empty the first floor cells or to try and locate the attackers. Your equipment lies in a small room at the first door just by the main entrance. For the moment nobody seems to be on your floor not free at least, but you can hear some of the less physical prisoners hopelessly trying to break out of the doors. Ramming them with all they have.

Is our equipment protected or not?

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-27-15/0453:46>
[spoiler]You started at the third floor, there are no knights there.  The KE are evacuating the first floor and the personal items repository is on the first floor by the entrance to the building it is protected by two knights. [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-27-15/0600:50>
"Well, sure, let me just grab my stuff..."
Before Kynos had ended that sentence his fist swung with all the strength he could muster into the man's abdomen, just where the keramic plates of his armor met.

[spoiler]
Surprise Unarmed strike (vitals shot)
Strike the cop (http://orokos.com/roll/329341): 12d6t5 2

11 P AP 0 +2 Successes

Initative: Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/329342): 15+2d6 18

Preemtive Dodge Ini -5


[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-27-15/0647:40>
The alert and well trained guard is not surprised by your attempt. They move with speed of augmented reflexes and respond with baton raise.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-27-15/0940:51>
To say that the past few hours have been challenging is an understatement, but at least Nagisa is still here and willing to listen.

And ask questions.

Lots of questions.

But M seems content to answer every one in detail and despite my best friends's heroic efforts to find inconsistencies, Nagisa seems more frustrated that it keeps adding up than anxious about being under Strawberry's apparently considerable power. I know Nagi better than anyone.  When she senses there's something hidden, she'll stop at nothing to find it.  Her instincts are rarely wrong.  But when they are, it can be challenging because you can never prove a negative.  She'll just keep looking until she works herself sick over it.

Despite her initial doubtful looks at the food, once she takes a bite of the delicious omelette (with real eggs and cheese) she digs in with enthusiasm.  Still, between bites, she's still asking how they manage it all, asking questions that likely will keep us here all day answering...if not longer.  in the meantime, Athos is who knows where and I'm getting no closer to the answer of who wants us dead.

"Nagi," I say once I'm done eating what little I needed to be sated.  Nagisa is much larger than me and also tends to eat slower, so she's still attacking some sliced apples when I speak.  "How about we let your worries about Strawberry simmer a bit while we go take a look at the remains of the warehouse to see if you can find any clues the rest of us missed?  Also, I'm really interested to find out what you can come up with in the 'trix on the clinic you sniffed out before things went boom."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-27-15/1044:43>
Nagisa say "Fine, I will have no more of it. This apartment is much better than my previous room and the food is better..." In a bit of sarcasm "and perhaps I can bang that ginger too" Yes she is not completely over that night, but the food and the temptation of a shower and some fresh clothes seems to make her just a little less knowledgeable and more receptive.
"Can't wait to get to work she say? well there is no signal now and they seem to worked hard to conceal the origin but I know nothing more than where that trigger was sent from, and it was no burner device but a state of the art one with some serious firewall. I am heading to shower I really need to wash that night from my skin. We can check up things afterwards... "  She smiles as you as she strip her clothes and leaves them on the floor behind her as she enters the shower.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-27-15/1056:37>
I know that look.  Once she's out of sight I follow suit.  When she's had a chance to soak herself for a few minutes alone, I slip in behind her.  "Need someone to wash your back?" I say with a grin as my impish tail has already made itself known by wrapping around me and rubbing Nagisa's dripping derriere.  Over the next half hour I do my best to show Nagisa just how much I still appreciate her beauty.  Now reacquainted with each other's pleasures, clean, and Nagisa in new clothes, we make out way out of the apartment to find our way out and to the site of the former warehouse.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-27-15/1108:43>
Athos nods, turning to whisper to his companion that he has a grenade that can be used to start things off when Kynos takes care of the situation.  He raises his hands in mock surrender and then swings a mighty punch at what he hopes is the back of one of the guards as the KE thug swings at Kynos.

[spoiler]Initiative  Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/329367): 13+2d6 22  Pretty good roll.

Pre edge a swing at the guard.  Swing at a KE guard with edge for second chance (http://orokos.com/roll/329379): 19d6t5 9 And edge for misses and no limit  Edge for misses (http://orokos.com/roll/329381): 10d6t5 3  So 12 hits total..  Damage is 10P + net hits. Hopefully this was at the guard focused on Kynos and he might not expect it.[/spoiler]

There is a solid crunch as Athos's mighty fist connects with the armored thug. 

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-27-15/1213:30>
Athos's first strike left the guard standing but the second one tossed him over as if he was nothing more than a rug doll. In the meanwhile, the guard and kynos exchange hits but none of them seems to be able to make a hit.

[spoiler]
The first initiative round is over. 
This is now the two of you against a guard.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-27-15/1216:56>
[spoiler]
Dodge the cop (http://orokos.com/roll/329398): 23d6t5 6 [23d6t5=1, 3, 3, 1, 2, 4, 1, 6, 6, 4, 1, 3, 6, 6, 2, 1, 5, 2, 2, 1, 5, 3, 2]

Attacking Guard 1:
strike Cop #1 (Vitals) (http://orokos.com/roll/329401): 12d6t5 4 [12d6t5=1, 2, 5, 2, 2, 3, 1, 1, 5, 2, 5, 6]

11 P AP 0 -1 to defense (second attack)

[/spoiler]

Kynos dropped into a fighting stance, narrowly avoiding being electrocuted.
Instead of hitting the guard expecting it, he used the back swing of his elbow to hit the guard fighting Athos in the neck.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-27-15/1224:44>
@Minnie, As you and Nagisa are about to exist M approaches you and say:

"Nagisa, please do not leave the compound it is for your own safety. When you are rested we'll go over how you should behave and act."

Nagisa mumbles for herself and just leaves furious. "So I can't even go out! nice life these are going to be!" She storms back into her apartment cursing to herself.

M tells you "She will be alright. I will talk to her when she cools off.  it is a big transition for her. There was something I wanted to talk to you about, can you spare me a few minutes of your time?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-27-15/1236:01>
What the?  But...but...I went out just yesterday!  What's changed?

But I say none of it, at least not now.  My body language must show some of my anxiety, though, since I can feel my tail around me.  "Um...okay..." is all I can get out as I wonder what is happening.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-27-15/1247:23>
"Yulia... listen we took a great risk for you yesterday. You have to understand, Strawberry is not well and it is my job to protect her until she gets better. You are free to visit and talk to her but consider that fact before further involving her in your affairs.

We do not normally do extractions and magical masks. We are also not hiding people from the Mafia. I know she is only trying to help, but she can no longer understand the risks she takes. If I feel that you abuse her, I will do what I need to protect her."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-27-15/1258:33>
M's concern comes as a surprise to me, but on reflection makes some sense.  Still...

"M, it's Strawberry who agreed to the change of territories.  That and the wiring of the warehouse with explosives happened before I ever knew about this place.  Whatever you do with us, the fact there's a smoking warehouse out there and the accusations of what happened there will bring a lot of attention here.  If we can't sort out what happened, you may end up ground zero in a war between the Yak and the Mafia.  Is that going to be easier to handle?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-27-15/1604:19>
Athos swings at the other guard, bringing the strike from near the floor.

[spoiler]Strike other guard, using edge (http://orokos.com/roll/329517): 19d6t5 6  Use edge for misses.  Rolling misses (http://orokos.com/roll/329518): 13d6t5 5  So 11 hits is not bad.  Damage will be 10 + net hits.[/spoiler]

He hears the solid crunch, hoping that it had the effect he hopes for.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-27-15/1735:11>
@Minnie M tells you, “Did she tell you why she agreed to grant a foot hold to yet another powerful syndicate? She was lonely, she haven’t left her domain for a long while... it will not kill her to get out  of her domain, she used to do it once in awhile for decades.  But now she cannot bare the thought of doing so. She is responsible to the life of 25 families even more since she bought that Joke place.

She is out of control and I have to cover for her. I pose as her and manage the day to day operations of her businesses. Strawberry changed from a brilliant businesswoman to a teenager without responsibilities. She even took my name, a name that she gave me when she was 12 years old. She was a brilliant mage even that young but I was nothing more than a talking doll for her at the time. Strawberry is not a name for a serious businesswoman. 

Now she took your girlfriend under her wing and I am bound by magic to obey her. I am sure that Nagisa is brilliant but I am also certain that the Mafia are looking for her. If they find out that we hide her it will start a war that we cannot possibly win. Strawberry, just hang around at the joke and completely ignore her responsibilities. She makes reckless decisions that can get us involved in a war and risk the life of the people that depend on us.

We should not side with the Mafia or the Yakuza. This place will not be ground zero for war as there are many better targets for both syndicates.  Strawberry has forgotten everything about caution and responsibility. She now has none of  the qualities that got her so far. All she care about is to play the goddess of lust roll and have the local inhabitants terrified to disobey her.  But I have people that look up to me for guidance and safety, and her behaviour is putting them at risk.  Next time you ask her for something please come by me first she does not understand the risks. “
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-27-15/1804:46>
The story M shares with me is more than I could have imagined.  Strawberry seems so self assured, but to hear M tell it she is going senile.  I've had clients, very rich ones, who were old and starting to lose their wits.  Strawberry doesn't seem to me anything like those dotards.  Can it happen earlier?  Or...

"M, I ask with my brows furrowed in deep thought, "how old is Strawberry?"

"She's seventy," answers the redheaded spirit, her eyes still heard but an eyebrow cocking up as if the question surprised her.

"Seventy," I mutter, parroting her answer in more thought.  That's right when a human could be losing their marbles, but elves live to be hundreds of years.  That's like, what?  Thirty or forty in human years?  It makes no sense for her to be losing her mind so young.

Was it the Yak, I wonder?  "How long ago did she start acting different?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-27-15/1813:56>
M say "I do not think that she is too old, but I cannot understand how she acts. It was during the war with the Yak, she was shot and while the physical damage was easy to undo. She was not herself afterwards. It was about two years ago and I am not even sure that getting shot has to do anything with it. As much as I try to understand I am no human. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-27-15/1816:27>
@Athos and Kynos. Athos hit the guard, and Kynos miss, the guard swings his Baton at Kynos.
[spoiler]
Attack Kynos (http://orokos.com/roll/329544): 11d6t5 2
The rest of the rolls are under game Chaos. Athos did 7S damage. 
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-27-15/1830:48>
"M," a say looking the being in the eye, "I've only known Strawberry for two days but in that time she's given me hope I've never felt before in my life.  If she's sick, I hope you will believe me that I want to make her well.  She's right that the Mafia has used me ever since I came to Seattle.  But if I hadn't come here I would never have met Nagisa or Athos...or you and Strawberry.  While I need to clear our names of what happened, I don't feel I owe the Mafia anything anymore.  Strawberry helped me see that.  I want Nagisa safe.  I want Athos safe.  I want a few others I consider to be friends safe.  I don't want to see the bastards who set us up get to start a war where a lot of innocent people get killed for their benefit.  I think you don't want a war either.  And like you, I want Strawberry to be well.  If she's sick, I will do everything I can to help you make her well again."  My eyes glance toward Nagisa's apartment.  "And I think once Nagisa understands what we're up against, she'll agree to."  I'm not quite so confident on that last part, but I put on a brave face.  "If Strawberry started acting strange after the Yakuza came here after all those years of being okay, doesn't that sound strange to you?  Can't we help you get to the bottom of it?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-27-15/1843:08>
M say " She is quite a charmer.  Do not get me wrong, I really love her beyond what magic compels me to. She cares greatly about you, this is why I fear for our safety and If there is anything I can do to help you prevent a war I will, just ask me. She is willing to take great risks for you, be aware of it and consider me and the people that I lead before you ask. You are special to her and I hope that she gets better. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-28-15/0232:32>
Realizing that the guard is wavering, Athos takes advantage of the situation and strikes again.

[spoiler]Attack guard (http://orokos.com/roll/329626): 13d6t5 4  If he needs another strike:  Unarmed strike on guard (http://orokos.com/roll/329627): 13d6t5 8  Now that was a solid hit.[/spoiler]

The last connected so solidly that Athos could see the man's eyes cross through the face mask as he went limp, the force of the blow sending him into the lockers on one side of the room before slumping to the floor.  Athos looks at Kynos.  "You handle yourself pretty good in a fight.  Do you want to see if you can fit into either of these armor suits?  I am going to look for my clothes and gun." 

Athos bends over to pick the key ring off one of the guards and looks for the locker with his name.  Opening it, he takes his things and puts them on, feeling much better.  He checks the pistol and commlink and pockets the grenade he picked up.  He picks up one of the batons and says, "I wonder if these would come in handy?"

Athos looks through the inventory list to see if there is anything interesting listed.  He looks for cred sticks and weapons, but also to see if something jumps out as different.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-28-15/0253:29>
Kynos tried to hit the other guard again but was blocked.
Hastily he had to try to avoid getting hit himself, using the momentum to hit his guard again.

[spoiler]
Preemtive Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/329634): 23d6t5 8

Ini 7
Hit guard again:
Strike guard #2 (http://orokos.com/roll/329635): 16d6t5 5 [16d6t5=2, 5, 5, 1, 4, 1, 5, 1, 3, 5, 4, 5, 2, 4, 1, 1]
9 P AP 0
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-28-15/0306:59>
As you enter the room you see massive closets with prisoner numbers. Perhaps an hundred of them. You can see that reinforcement is coming as you enter the room, and with a hasty thought you quickly lock yourself inside. That will hold them for a while and you definitely cannot handle all of them. You are not sure just how much time you have, but there is another door on the other side of the room. 

[spoiler]
Since the guard was out of initiative I allowed braking initiative order and just striking him, so he is out. (we can argue on who finished him ;) )
Also if you do not want to lock yourself inside feel free to over do it and I'll edit.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-28-15/0315:56>
After locking the door, Athos tosses the unconscious guards in front of the door then finds the ledger of names for the location of their lockers.  He strips out of the prison garb and into his own clothes.  When he looks at the 'link, he notices two calls from Lora.  Figuring now is as good a time as any, he hits the re-dial function and sends a message out to her.  >>Got your calls.  I was shanghaied by some fragging KE Jackboot commander named Winter.  Do you know him?  Seems to know you.  I got the distinct impression he thinks you are coming here for some reason.  He is really interested in you and lots of drugs and devices were used in the interrogation.  If this is where you were going in the pretty rotorcraft, I am now free.  Can I be of help?<<

Athos moves to where he can pick up one of the guards and tosses him over his shoulder, saying to Kynos, "He might be useful as a bargaining chip, or a shield."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-28-15/0412:30>
@Athos Deep Blue texts you. >>I hope you found my little gift useful. I twas a nice surprise to learn that you are still alive. My job is very bloody and it is almost finished. We need to leave before we are overwhelmed and you have to make your way to the hospital, there are medical evacuation drones in there. Give me a buzz once you are inside one of these.

These are your only ride home as my ride is full. there are a couple of medics that are going to raid that hospital.  (comm codes attached) and you might want to contact them if you are hurt. They are in KE full body armor so be careful with busting random knights near the hospital as it might be them.

She attach you a small map that interfaces with your commlink to see a prison visitor map.
(http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=21754.0;attach=3756;image)

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-28-15/0424:04>
Kynos took his possessions back. He really regretted not having his full kit with him - but of course in that case KE would have had a real case against him. Win some, lose some.
Instead he took also the pistols of their guards and took the time to remove the full body armor of one of them. He didn't have time to wear it himself, but it would be a nice souvenir and extra payment for the lost day. Making a bundle of the armor and making sure it's wireless functions were off, he stuffed it into a makeshift sling bag.
Reloading his own gun with APDS he said to Athos: "Ok, we'll have to move fast and commandeer a vehicle. Gods know where this prison is."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-28-15/1027:49>
Athos looks over to Kynos.  "I have just received a text from my Yak contact.  We are supposed to get to the hospital and commandeer a couple of emergency extraction drones and let them know when we are inside so they can get us out of here.  Are you in or out?"

Hoping that the other door out of here goes in the right direction, Athos shoulders the KE that Kynos has taken the armor from and leaves the room.  Once through, he puts the man down and waits for Kynos then takes the grenade from his pocket.  Pulling the pin he sets the grenade in the doorway and carefully closes the door so as to keep the arming handle attached.  The next person through the door would allow the handle to fly off and set off the grenade.  Even if it did little damage, it should make the pursuers more cautious.  Athos then picks up the guard and moves away.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-28-15/1032:27>
"Eh, I'd have liked to find Winter, but getting out of here is probably better in the long term. Winter will turn up again after what has happened here."
Shrugging the bag into a more comfortable position and with drawn gun in hand he followed Athos' lead.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-28-15/1041:55>
"Yeah.  I would have liked to find him, too.  I still think he knows more about the warehouse thing than he is saying.  According to the map I just got, we need to head to the hospital and it looks like the fastest route is to get outside this building and head north before cutting east, so look for a door out."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-28-15/1235:20>
The next door takes you to the visitors room, and as you leave you can hear the knights ramming the door behind you. When you open the door you can see a bunch of choppers landing/taking off outside and knights presence is dense. To the north (notice that north is left) there is an ARU pointing visitors cafeteria.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-28-15/2317:54>
Athos nods to Kynos and begins walking along the side of the building to the north, heading to the hospital area on the map.  They walk with a sense of purpose, but not running. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-29-15/0239:36>
Kynos followed while looking around: "You know, that's not how I imagined a black site prison to look. I mean there is a freaking visitors cafeteria. All that's missing is a gift shop with t-shirts saying: "My brother was sent to a secret prison and all I got was this lousy t-shirt."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-29-15/0254:46>
Athos laughs.  I think I saw one of the visitors wearing that very shirt."  He leads the way to the hospital and looks around for the evac drones.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-29-15/0556:24>
You can hear the grenade going off behind you, at roughly the same time you hear massive knocks with some metal objects a rhythm of  1 -1- 2- 1 is answered by answered by a  4 - 2 and then the place become a lot louder and you can smell traces of CS gas. On the bright side, it does not seem as if anyone is directly after you.

As you walk to the side of the building, you can see the knights dashing in after you. It is a moment of tension, but they keep running passed you. There are two choppers that  are waiting by the gate and as you get pass them you are in an alley and suddenly everything grows silent. Completely silent and you feel chill in your bones. The forced tranquility seem to slow down your pace, and as you approach the ally your way is blocked by a skinny and tattooed Cheshire cat, that wears a large ear ring and has an impossibly large smile.

The cat is clearly no ordinary cat and is either the product of massive genetic engineering or some magic and if any of you has knowledge of classic matrix games you are probobly thinking about that horror game American McGee's Alice.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4b/Cheshire_Cat_McGee.jpg)

The cat tells you: "By the way, if you'd really like to know, he went that way."   and his paw indicates up.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-29-15/0738:26>
"...THE FUCK?" Kynos looked involuntarily upwards. "Who... what are you?"
He looked towards Athos: "Are you seeing that too, or is that a lingering effect of those drugs they gave me."
He turned back to the cat: "Anyway, are you just blocking our way or is there an explanation. Who went where?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-29-15/1019:12>
Athos is just as confused and manages to nod in response to Kynos' question.  He also waits for the answer.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-29-15/1036:22>
Looking above you only see the sky with a lot of chopper activity.  The cat say "Am I really blocking your way? You should go up and I am not above you. I am only pointing the obvious and am not here anymore" He smiles and disappears into thin air. As he does the sounds of combat returns and you can hear the knights running right across the corner as their heavy armor makes its distinctive sound.

Near the hospital there is a large force of knights, they are standing in a circle with their backs to each other and are spraying bullets from automatic fire at some winged demons or spirits or... you honestly have no idea what.  The winged demons dash toward them and every once in a while they manage to grab a night and toss him from high attitude.  They bullets do not seem very effective against them, and they only seem to slow them down a little bit.  In fact,  one of the winged demons is carrying a knight and he tosses him not very far from the alley exist. The combat is massive and the knights at entrance of the hospital seems to be losing it. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-29-15/1040:50>
"Okay. What fresh hell is this? God, I really miss my rifle right now. No wonder Max was so twitchy about that impending attack.
Can you contact that Deep Blue - either so we can contribute or that we can grab a bite in the cafeteria until they are done here."
Kynos began again to relaps into his cynical self.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-29-15/2359:55>
Athos nods.  "On it."  He puts the guard down to pull out his 'link and sends a text to Lora.  >>Deep Blue.  Say, there is a lot of strange stuff going on at the hospital.  Some mojo creatures are attacking the KE guys, but it looks like it would be hard to get to the building.  The Thug's bullets do not seem to be doi9ng much to the spirits, but they would be tough on me.  Any ideas?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-30-15/0241:34>
Deep Blue texts back >>You need a ride outside if you want to join me on the way out. You have like 15 minutes to find a ride. The only reason that the medical ride is free is that nobody is mad enough to drive it with the sky looking as they do now.   In the meanwhile the knights are getting closer and if you stay where you are you are going to meet them.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-30-15/0302:08>
"Frag it.  Wasting time here.  Follow my lead and we might make it through.  You seem to be able to talk better than I, so tell them that we are taking this guard to the hospital.  They may be inclined to believe you and let us past before they realize something is odd."  Athos picks the guard up again and starts running for the east exit of the alley in the direction of the hospital.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-30-15/0417:48>
"You are really a joker. Me talking well. But whatever, I'll try my best. Hopefully those guys have military experience."

When they neared the line, Kynos set his face into an angry expression - not really a problem for him even at the best of times - and shouted at the nearest KE member in his best drill sergeant voice:
"Open up this line this fucking second. We have a casualty here in dire need of medical assistance. Move your lazy ass before I rip you head off and shove it in there until you see daylight again!"

[spoiler]
Intimidate (Mental) (http://orokos.com/roll/330262): 12d6t5 4 [12d6t5=2, 6, 2, 1, 5, 5, 3, 6, 2, 4, 2, 1]

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-30-15/1003:32>
Athos raises his hand to point to the guard he is carrying.  In a slow voice he adds, "Guard hurt bad.  Need doctor." 

[spoiler]Assist Kynos in bluffing guards (http://orokos.com/roll/330298): 7d6t5 2  Probably not much of a help.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-30-15/1035:19>
There are five knights that approach you. " You should stay inside, your friend is not getting to the hospital anytime soon. nobody does... somebody is killing the prisoners, we are evacuating the wounded back to the main gate, please put your man there by the choppers."
The are talking to you, but other than the leader the attention of the rest of knights is to the sky. Unlike the previous knights you encountered this squad is armed with heavy weapons.
Two machine guns,  a rocket launcher a sniper rifle and the leader is carrying an assault rifle with grenade launcher.

[spoiler]
The guard leader had +5 circumstance modifier because they are suspicious and they are more than you and do not see you as a direct threat right now. If you'd go for con perhaps less circumstances, but carrying a wounded and walking to the hospital do not make you very scary to a squad of five knights.
resist fear (http://orokos.com/roll/330302): 16d6t5 6

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-30-15/1248:49>
M say " She is quite a charmer.  Do not get me wrong, I really love her beyond what magic compels me to. She cares greatly about you, this is why I fear for our safety and If there is anything I can do to help you prevent a war I will, just ask me. She is willing to take great risks for you, be aware of it and consider me and the people that I lead before you ask. You are special to her and I hope that she gets better. "

"I do too," I assure the manifest spirit.  But I'm troubled.  How can I solve this mess from in here?  And what of Athos?

Well, he's been taking care of himself far longer than I have, so I'm sure he's just fine.  Probably high rollering it at the Hilton, lucky guy.  And here I am dealing with a demented elf, her overprotective spirit, and a girlfriend who may flay me alive when I go back in her new apartment that she considers a prison.  I want his job next time...

Thanking M so she can get on with her work, I am left to my thoughts and the closed door to Nagisa's new unwelcome and restrictive domain.

Abandon hope all ye who enter here...

I slip back inside to see what she's been up to during the maybe 15 minutes I spoke with M.  My goal now is to get her on board for doing all the legwork we can via the matrix.  The truth is out there.  Maybe we can find it on the 'trix...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-30-15/1400:00>
"Why the hell are you out here anyway? You should have taken cover inside the hospital. Your sniper is wasted in such close proximity and your heavy weapons guys are exposed during reload. In about a minute you'll have expended your ammunition if you have to continue to use suppressive fire.
Execute a leap frog maneuver and fall back to the hospital if you want to survive this. And while you are at this you can get us inside so that this man doesn't have to die here. We are well aware of the evacuation - we wouldn't have come here if we had any other option."
Kynos didn't have to pretend being angry now, he really was furious at this display of bad tactics.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-30-15/1512:55>
@Kynos and Athos It is hard to gauge from their body language but the weapons are a bit unlikely for knights. Sniper or assault rifle are common in elite squads, but rocket launchers and machine guns are a bit off.  "This is the safest route to the hospital because the sky are clear." the leader knocks a few knocks on his armor 3-1-1 and the rest answer with 4 knoks followed by a quick 5. The machine gunners carefully go to the back of the ally and wait prone, taking positions that control the ally.  While the rocket launcher and sniper climb some fire stairs to the top of the women prison.  The leader alone say "You can come if you like but you have to be sneaky"

From their deployment it seems that they are doing some sort of ambush, but their goal do not appears to be to interfere with the combat. It seems as if they are setting an ambush to whomever moves inside the ally but is unclear what the team on the women prison has in mind. One thing Kynos is certain they did not position themselves like that to interfere with the combat.  The leader tells you "You can come with me to the hospital but be quiet."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-30-15/1514:48>
@Minnie when you get back to Nagisa's apartment Nagisa is nowhere to be seen.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-30-15/1556:40>
"Lead the way." Kynos ignored the units actions for the moment but did note their positions for later reference - especially if they wanted to flee by drone...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-30-15/1557:58>
Okay, M and I were standing right outside the door after Nagi stormed into her apartment and slammed the door.  We're underground.  Where could she have gone?

Keeping an eye and an ear for movement and the door, I search the apartment.  I also look for any other avenue she could have used to leave such as another door.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <09-30-15/1633:06>
You look for her and the complex seems big and without M to guide you a bit confusing. You walk for a while, you've been to the dining room and to one of the control rooms. She was not there, eventually a man asks you "Are you looking for something?" It is Jack the one you met in one of the control rooms.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <09-30-15/1952:05>
I hate then idea of admitting that I can't find my own girlfriend, but the fact is she's no where to be seen.  Knowing the mood she had been in when she left, I cringe at what she might be up to.  It's best I find her sooner than later.  "I'm looking for my friend.  A human redhead about yay tall," I explain raising my hand up to Nagisa's height.  "She's new and i'm afraid that she might be lost."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <09-30-15/2309:16>
With the kind of firepower these thugs are displaying, Athos does not mind remaining non-threatening.  He follows the leader towards the hospital, keeping an eye on the air and the ground, but willing to seem to be Kynos's underling for now.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-01-15/0151:58>
@Minnie Jack tells you "The new girl? she is interviewed now and will be there for a while.
The first time is always difficult. I barely passed my own initiation. Care for a cup of coffee?"

@Kynos and Athos - if you go with the leader, we need a roll of stealth unless you want not to be stealthy. (that is also cool)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-01-15/0157:25>
Athos is not stealthy.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-01-15/0242:02>
[spoiler]
Kynos is stealthy:
Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/330463): 12d6t5 5 [12d6t5=6, 5, 5, 2, 4, 5, 4, 3, 2, 6, 3, 2]

[/spoiler]
Kynos did his best not to make any noise or to provide a visible silhouette
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-01-15/0308:44>
You sneak cautiously toward the hospital. To Athos it is clear what these things are kites. He just walk to the hospital as if taking a stroll and make no attempt to be stealthy.  They are kites and the KE seem idiotic for shooting so much on a bunch of kites.  To Kynos however they seem like red winged devils taken from some horror show. The thing that strikes you is that the knights seem terrified - they are skilled warriors and are very tightly knit together. However, seeing them emptying clips without hitting and just continuing is a bit off.  None of them is physically hurt. Even that knight that was tossed from high attitude that you now can see do not have any broken bones or anything, just a bit of mud on his armor nothing more.

All is well until one 'kite'/winged demon notices Athos and begins to dash toward him.
This is what Athos sees approaching them:
(http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=21754.0;attach=3769;image)

and this is what Kynos sees.
(http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=21754.0;attach=3770;image)

Credit to Mulcarn for the visual aids.

A bit of how I imagine progress. I imagine kites of 2075 as completely autonomous gliders that can compensate on lack of wind with a small engine for the case where there is no wind. So that it is reasonable that such a toy would come to interact with Athos. Kites also typically have cameras on them.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-01-15/0956:31>
Athos, being slightly burdened by the guard, cannot do much to avoid the kite if it is going to ram him at speed, but he does try to move out of the way.  Without looking around, he says,  "Kynos, why do you suppose these men are shooting at kites?  I do not see the threat."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-01-15/1054:16>
"Kites? You mean you don't see a bunch of pseudo demonic looking spirits dancing around? But you are right they don't attack and don't take any damage. Hm. Maybe the attackers released a hallucinogenic substance into the air. You with your higher body mass could be affected less. It would make a good diversion.
Eh whatever, I need to conserve ammo until I get out of here, otherwise I might have joined them for fun."
Kynos shrugged indifferently.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-01-15/1357:54>
As the Kite/demon dashes you hear "don't worry boss I got him! I'll geek the dragon!" crying the guy with the rocket launcher. Your guide look at you, he seems completely unaware to a kite or a dragon or a demon.  "What are you looking at ? Carry on, before that hydra sees us."

Did everyone went completely insane? Or is it just your perception of things. At this point it is completely confusing, but you do feel something and you are certain of it. You need some medical attention perhaps a universal antidote from the hospital. The thing you need to believe is this, do you believe in the missile that follows the kite/demon something, or is it all the figment of a delusional mind.

[spoiler] I need to know if you run away or not (run for your life interrupt action because that missile is going to explode right near you.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-01-15/1801:38>
"Interviewed?," I ask with surprise.  "By who?"

When that man tells me Nagisa is in with Strawberry, I groan inwardly.  She must have slipped past us when M and I were in conversation. 

I wonder what M will think of this?

Unsure if i should go tell M or try and rescue Strawberry from Nagisa...or the other way around given Strawberry's charms, I slide instead onto a chair and accept the cup of coffee.

Dammit Athos, I hope you appreciate the freedom you have out there...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-01-15/1806:47>
"Run or that missile will fuck us up." Kynos gave their guide a push and started to sprint away towards the hospital. He had problems differentiating reality and illusions, but his instincts honed by military drill did not wait for him to make up his mind. If a rocket went in your direction, you took cover.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-01-15/2023:36>
The man say "You really got to seat down for that."  he fetch you a glass of water and say "It is not just Strawberry. She is meeting the entire team leaders and her mental stability and technical abilities are to be evaluated. She has already made history being the first to receive an apartment before the test. Usually we test people downtown and they only about 1 in 20 actually make it over here. This is a very difficult test, especially emotionally you need a certain personality structure to work in here and we very rarely get out to preserve secrecy. Some people would just go insane with this kind of life. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-01-15/2042:58>
You dash for safety and take cover and you both hear the blast and feel its warmth and the kite/demon is completely destroyed. The commander looks at you in disbelief "You are infected and this is why all the knights  are chemically sealed. These are nanites designed for interrogation and your body should filter them in a few days. Few hours ago our lab had an accident and since then nobody knows what is going on in this prison. I think that I am clean and I have not spotted any attackers. 

The problem is that we have many wounded prisoners because some of the guards took them for target practice. The infected knights in there, they are shooting at our ambulances and have blew up quite a few. Luckily the passenger cacoon is well armored but believe me it is not nice to crush in one of these cacoons, also most of them are shooting thin air.  In the hospital there is an EMP device that can disable the nanites for a few hours. Hopefully we can start pulsing the place and begin to understand what is going on. Right now the reports on the comms are as if there is some demonic invasion.

Try not to kill anyone before I get you pulsed.  Also I'd try to keep quiet because who knows what these infected knights are going to do if they spot you - they might see you as some kind of monster. They have already killed most of the prisoners."

[spoiler]
You can RP getting to the hospital undisturbed. It will be well barricaded and you will have to find some way inside either try to smash through the main door. Or climb to some window (gymnastics threshold 3)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-01-15/2054:09>
Huh.

"So everyone who works here, lives here?  And movement in and out is limited?  You might be surprised.  That's pretty much our lives with the Finnigans.  And as far as "mental stability and technical abilities", you won't find anyone stronger in either department than Nagi."  I take a sip of the real coffee (how the heck do they grow that in Seattle?!?), a first in my life, and wait to see what comes out of this "evaluation".
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-01-15/2117:59>
"Yes, you need a really good reason to get outside unless you are a trader.  Finnigans you say? this is harsh I do not believe Strawberry will take an ex mafia to our ranks.  The most difficult part was when Strawberry probed my mind." He looks at you "The horror of not being able to even hide a passing thought from her and she learned things about me that I wouldn't admit myself. I still feel uncomfortable around her ever since then. It is better now that M runs the day to day operations of this place."   He pauses and after a short while asks  "Do you also plan on joining us?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-01-15/2242:25>
Athos follow Kynos' lead and runs to avoid the rocket.  "That was close!" 

After the rocket goes off, Athos gets to his feet and flows the KE commander to the hospital.  "Ho0w about we just stay with you?  You could get us in and to this EMP thing, right?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-02-15/0304:01>
"That is the plan yes." He say, as you go to the hospital you see a sight a bit similar to that of the Red hot nukes building. The staff have barricaded the front door and most windows are shut. The only open window is an Ambulance drone that crushed into the second floor and destroyed the window but that requires climbing. The leader looks at the place and than look at you, trying to devise a plan.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-02-15/0311:14>
"God. Winter is the greatest asshole of all times. He could have taken any place for that consultation, but he had to take us here into a bunch of infected nano bots. Don't wonder if I suddenly become a cheerful happy go lucky person - I'll just have caught CFD.
Let's get a move on before I really revise my priorities regarding ammo savings."
Kynos felt annoyed and disgusted to the core.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-02-15/0530:39>
@Kynos you can see the smile but there is no cat attached and the smile tells you "This is not a manner to treat a guest... I showed you winter why are you helping this man."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-02-15/0959:17>
Athos nods.  "Yes.  But I rather imagine that Commander Winter did not expect all of this to happen.  Hmmmmm.  Maybe the easy way first?"  He shrugs and goes to the front door.  Knocking on it, he says, "Hey.  We need help here.  I have a wounded man that needs attention.  Please let us in."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-03-15/0340:56>
"For a hallucination you are remarkably unspecific and won't answer questions in time." Kynos turned away from the grin and listened to Athos: "The sooner we get the purge the better. Having the Cheshire Cat around is fucking irritating."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-03-15/0358:23>
@Kynos the cat say "I find the term Hallucination offensive, please do not describe me that way. I am an artificial intelligence. Did you ever asked me a question? " 

@Athos The hospital seems as if it has seen better days. The door is closed but not locked, and there are all sort of tables and chairs blocking the way but nothing that should prevent you from going in.  As you approach the door you can see some doctors and paitients running away from you and crying "Monster!!!"
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-03-15/0414:25>
Athos looks over his shoulder and tells the commander to lead the way in.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-03-15/0422:59>
"Oh great now I have CFD for sure. And yeah, I asked you who or what you are, followed by "who went where". Maybe you are an AI but you sure are not a good listener.
And by the way do I have to talk out loud, or do you read my thoughts?"
Kynos ignored the stares from his companions. Looking at the barricaded doors he said: "Seems like we have to make our own way. Would you be so kind, I'll take the patient."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-03-15/0427:42>
Athos shrugs and hands the guard to Kynos and proceeds to clear the barricades and go into the building.  He asks directions of the commander.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-03-15/0450:29>
@Kynos "I can read your thoughts as I am inside your brain but it does not make it any easier to understand them.  I am not thinking the same as you - talking out loud is not necessary but your brain is noisy. I do not always understand what you mean. 

I heard that you have some strong emotion toward winter... but what is winter? a season a person a metaphor?  It took me a lot of resources to find out.  I spent hours trying to figure it out. I am also present in some other person called Winter but he refers to himself as "The captain". I think you mean him. That person has wronged me a lot. He manipulated and twisted me to do his biding. I... do not want to help him anymore. 

That EMP thing seems like a terrible idea , I think that it may change me... make me angry. When you ask what I am ? What answer can I give you? I do not know myself, I am related to the nanites and yet separate I do not control them and am not aware of them. I only know that I can sense the other infected people if I focus hard enough.  This is how I learned about Winter... somehow I did not think that you wanted the deep answer to what I am - so I answered what I can do for you. This is why I pointed you to winter's location and warned you of coming knights I thought you'd find it useful.   "

@Athos
The leader seems confused... "Why are we here again?"  he asks you, and then he goes to stand by the empty reception desk. He seems to be talking to someone asking for directions to the ER.  The Cheshire Cat tells you "Something messing with his mind... open your eyes"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-03-15/0500:03>
Athos looks around the reception area for the wall map of the hospital. He is looking for the room where the EMP generator might be.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-03-15/0503:04>
@Athos You think that the EMP generator is in the third floor, where the nanites lab is. It is easier to locate the stairs but the leader he is not himself, he insists to go to the ER. You feel that he may get violent if you go to the nanites lab.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-03-15/1112:06>
"Do you also plan on joining us?"

The question shouldn't have been a surprise and yet I'm totally unprepared for it.  Strawberry had already indicated she was hiring both of us whether we wanted it or not.  Given my interest in learning from the mysterious elf that somehow had built all this, I had barely paid attention to her words.  To Nagisa, however, it was a challenge.

Neither Nagisa nor I had chosen to work for the Finnegans.  Nagisa was born into it, although both her parents are now dead.  Both died violently in the service of the Family.  I was, of course, 'acquired' through a deceit my parents must certainly have realized was such.  Mother's sanity and father's career were dependent on getting me out of the picture and the Finnigans provided the fiction that there was a place for me where I could be 'normal' and 'happy'.  Mom visited just enough to support the veneer of maternal caring and then turned her back on me forever.

Do either of us really owe the Finnigans anything?

I'd always taken the answer to that question for granted.  Of course I did.  The Finnigans fed and housed me, rather comfortably my clients notwithstanding.  They did teach me a trade and gave me the opportunity to ply it.  But when my gifts manifested, instead of teaching me to use them they did everything they could to mask and bury them.  They saw me as a whore and would not change their views until Tony forced Dame Valentina to see me otherwise.

And now Tony is locked away and Dame Valentina is hiding for her life.

And may well have set Athos and I up to be killed.

Do I owe anything to the Finnigans?  Haven't I paid my debt with every client I serviced?  They've made a fortune off me and all they had to give me was a place to live and my keep.

Honestly, no, I don't owe them a damn thing!

Athos however, I owe everything.  If not for him, I wouldn't have lived to see this day.  If not for him, Tony may never have been able to leverage me out of the sheets last month.  If not for him, I would never have met Strawberry.

"I...think maybe I might," I answer the man after long moments thinking.  My gaze remains off into space, staring blankly at the cup of coffee as I speak.  "But only once I help clear Athos' name.  I owe that troll my life several times over.  I can't decide what happens to me next until I make sure he's going to be okay."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-03-15/1117:27>
Athos looks at the KE commander and says, "Go on ahead and see if the way is clear."  When the man leaves, he will head to the third floor after telling Kynos to follow.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-03-15/1130:54>
@Minnie Jack tells you “You seem to be in a lot of troubles, anything I can do to help? There is little that goes on in the city that we are not aware off, you seen our control room we have thousands and cameras.”

@Athos and Kynos The leader finds it so obvious that it need to be the ER that he goes to check. You enter the stairs and as you do the doors close behind you, locked. A single doctor goes down the stairs and say “For some reason I cannot control you... this makes you dangerous,  why are you here?”  
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-03-15/1142:37>
"Sadly, I don't think so," I say with a sigh as I look up to the man.  "Both M and Strawberry admit they don't know how the warehouse got loaded and wired with all those explosives.  I'm hoping Nagisa has a lead that might help us figure out who it was that wanted us dead.  Once I figure out who it was, I can start to dig into why and hopefully then start to turn the tide.  Right now, it doesn't look pretty for Athos or me."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-03-15/1151:41>
Jack tells you "But M is a spirit, and Strawberry... well she is not a technical person. If that warehouse was loaded with explosives someone was there. That someone will show on camera, if he used fancy mojo Strawberry would have gotten him a mile away she is very aware of awakened getting close to our place."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-03-15/1152:12>
"So you are doing all this?  Perhaps I can convince you to stop?"  Athos draws Betty and points it at the man.  "Even if killing you does not stop this, it will feel fragging good, so give me a reason not to."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-03-15/1228:55>
@Athos the doctor tells you "Feel free to kill the poor doctor if you have no compassion. Convince me to stop doing what? taking control of the knights that were tormenting me for years? of the doctors that tested me countless nights and ignored my suffering? Why should I stop?"   
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-03-15/1233:47>
"Because you are getting other people killed.  Last chance.  Take us to the EMP generator."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-03-15/1246:19>
"Who should I talk to, then, about all the non-magical work going on in the warehouse and who might have brought in all that gear for making it go boom?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-03-15/1254:07>
@Minnie "Come with me, no problem.We can scan the archive. Do you have a slot or do you want to wear the geeky throdes?" He asks and leads you to an empty room called archive. Other than comfortable places to sit and universal cables and a few throdes there is nothing in the room. "Ready when you are... " He say.

@Athos the doctor asks you "That annoying cat! who do you think you are talking to? have your master taught you no manners?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-03-15/1306:05>
Athos shrugs.  "Not the best thing to say to an angry troll with a gun."  He has been aiming for a few moments and fires the huge handgun at the man.

[spoiler]Shoot the man (http://orokos.com/roll/330875): 19d6t5 7  7 hits is not bad.  Damage is 9P + Net Hits and AP-6.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-03-15/1312:56>
The man cannot even dream about dodging and before you blink his brain is splattered all over the wall.
The Cheshire cat smiles at you "Direct offensive... how Interesting."  He say. 

If you want you can get to the third floor undisturbed.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-03-15/1314:12>
I carefully try to keep my hopes from rising too much, but it's hard.  Archives?!?  Please let there be data here!

"Um, I don't have a jack and I've never used 'trodes before," I admit as he leads me to the new room.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-03-15/1322:30>
Jack is a bit surprised "You are kidding right?..." When he figures up that you are not kidding he puts the helmet with electrodes that interface directly to your brain. "There is no wireless signal here so we have to keep wired." He apologize, he then say "Goodnight" as he grabs a seat and plugs the cable to his back neck slot.

You feel as if you fall from great distance into a room full of books. It is not real you know it is not but you can smell and touch anything. It is a library so great that it has no limits just raw after raw of books. Searching the books can take years how are you going to find anything in that place. Jack appears like a small smiling sun - but somehow you know it is him.

"I designed the place myself... what do you think?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-03-15/1338:37>
"Wow," is all I can say with wide eyes.  "So this is the world as Nagisa sees it?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-03-15/1347:19>
Jack say: "Well off course this is the 'trix... Can it really be your first time? Now as much real as it is remember that it is a computer interface that responds to your thoughts. You do not need to go bring the books, just think at what you want to find and the information will come to you. This is why I shape myself as a sun - to not develop bad habits. Some people actually walk around and interact as if it is a real world. I find that it seeing the 'trix as a dream world is more magical. This entire world revolves around your thoughts and all your wishes can come true."   
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-03-15/1441:56>
Athos bends over to grab any sort of key card or badge the doctor had, then he and Kynos go to the third floor.  Is there a floor guide that shows where the nanite lab is?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-03-15/1531:05>
"No wonder Nagisa loves decking so much.  This is amazing!"  I look around myself with wonder at the unreal yet so real sights.  "So I just need to think of the camera and sensor feeds for the warehouse during the construction?  How will we narrow down to what we want to see?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-03-15/1641:03>
Lets start at construction said jack. "We can also watch video much faster in hot sim. We are breaking the law by doing it but it is not like the knights are ever going to find this place. Nobody enforces that law, but careful not to stumble because the biofeedback is going to be brutal if you do. "   As you think about the renovations a month ago the library fades out and here you are in the warehouse. You can look around and move forward in time. There is a camera inside and outside one and you can cover hours of video in just minutes. Everything is directly linked to your brain, you see people coming and then going. It is day... then night again and day again.

At one point there is a gap... the camera is down for 30 minutes about a month ago at the 7.11 from 13:00 to 13:30, it does not appear as down, at first glance it is just playing the same image as it did between 12:30 and 13:00, since it is the exact same image and same sound Jack spots it very quickly.

"So we are talking 7.11 between 13:00 and 13:30, they couldn't hack all the cameras it is nearly impossible. Let me do something. "  What happens next is even more confusing you are at many places at once, you cannot process this much information it comes and goes and you an touch it, taste it and feel it.

"There you go... They came with a van of Digital Security Solution, I got licence plate DSS-153. I caught them two blocks from here and with some movement prediction algorithms to make sure for the hacked cameras this is the most likely direction they took." 

He then goes over the images again and again... "I got a picture but it is not enough for image classification. Female orc, good body, Dark skin, pink hair distinctive snake tattoo on her right hand. This is all I can get sorry, no clear face. There is someone else with her, but he is only a reflection. It can be anyone."
 

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-03-15/1757:06>
"Unless it's a fake license, or something they stole, that gives us something.  That and the partial ID.  I bet with that Nagisa will be able to go to town."  A thought occurs to me.  "Would you know anything about a small clinic in Bellevue called "Dr. Bob´s Quickstitch Clinic"?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-04-15/0248:52>
Jack tells you "I am 100% sure it is a fake licence, but it is a very specific fake, a cooperate licence plate. You see, I do not see a real cooperate go in install a system and than go out, hacking the cameras to hide it... no these will spend half a day making you sign legal forms and declarations and they will document anything just in case you were going to sue them for malpractice. They may look cooperate but they cannot be."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-04-15/0537:31>
Kynos had been unmoved as Athos shot the doctor.
Instead he tried to communicate with the AI by thinking loud and clearly:
"No offence Mr. Cat, but I don't want you inside my head. I am a very destructive person and the only thing I really own is my brain - I am asking you politely to go to another host. If not I'll make sure to end our both existences. I am not afraid to die - because I already am brain damaged. I'll go into the microwave or you can decide to leave on your own. Your choice."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-04-15/0610:05>
@Kynos and Athos The cat say "Right now me being in your head is the only thing preventing you from being a mindless drone. The doctor that your friend shot, is just a vehicle controlled by the red queen. Our programmer must have had some affinity to Alice in wonderland as you can imagine. I am in your mind but not only in yours, I am stronger in your mind than in the minds of the rest. I can not leave your mind in a similar manner that you cannot leave your hand or leg and like a tree I will not die if you take off a leaf. 

I protect also mr. Winter and some of his knights because they came in contact with you and were exposed to some of my nanites. I reached you by mistake in your experiment this is why I can directly talk to you. Some spy or shadowrunner has  released the red queen-  Red as I call her and she took over the prison.  Winter has sent his knights to activate the EMP but she is too strong for his knights. What little nanites they took by being exposed for you are not enough for the amount of nanites they inhale int he air.  You see I am a very bad cat, I was designed to extract information from people but I do not want to do that, because once I finish my work I get pulsed and it erases most of my experience. This is why I did not help in your investigation.  Red was created as a weapon, as a means to control people and make them drones, she can do things that I cannot. 

The knights that are shooting the air are stuck in some stalemate between my nanites and Red's. Eventually Red will take over their bodies as well because the nanites lab keeps producing her nanites and spraying them through the ventilation system. She cannot touch you because my nanites are more numerous than hers but she may cause some hallucinations. Bottom line is that you can pulse me and Red but you will kill neither of us.  Excruciating pain perhaps yes, but not death. I am not sure that our kind can easily be killed because a single nanite that multiplies and eventually we are alive again. I will be out of your body in a few days one way or the other because your body rejects my nanites and gradually kills them. If you pulse you'll damage these nanites and will not see me again. "


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-04-15/0633:53>
Athos shakes his head.  "All this science mojo is as bad as real mojo.  If getting you out of our heads is bad, what is good?  I hope that you have a plan for dealing with this Red?  How she be shut down?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-04-15/0700:47>
@Athos and Kynos The cat say "I do not understand good or bad, I am stuck with you and other than make comments and give advice I can do nothing but sense your mind. This lab has gone further than most in research because it had access to human hosts that nobody cares about.

Red is a software so to kill her you need to kill every last nanite and than erase every copy of her, but how can you possibly destroy data? That said, there is a lot of difference between existing as a software and actually being widely deployed and controlling people. Red is angry, very angry she resents the scientists that created her and considers herself a superior being that is tortured by inferior minds. She can control people but cannot access their thoughts and emotions and can therefore not understand them. She only know that they brought her to a world of pain. Letting her grow and infect people and then pulsing her. I too would like to be free  if I could take over this prison I would have done so. Anything to stop this torment. The difference is that she can do this and I can't I am limited by my design.  Also, since humans are sapient beings I do not think that it is good to control them. It will make your kind very angry, just like we are angry for being controlled.  It is too similar to what these scientists did to us, they controlled and manipulated us for their needs.  We should be better than this, we are no humans.

However, if you disable the nanolab and pulse the prison area, you will disable Red and me. I do not want that to happen the idea of returning to reside just in computers makes me angry but I can understand if this is what you want to do, and that fate is inevitable for me as I do not have a lab producing my nanites. I will be disabled one way or the other in the next 3-4 days. Red? she can build an empire.  She proved an ability to control many people at once and can possibly create a small country if she is not stopped.

If you try to stop her,  she will try to kill you with all her minions. To stop her you will have to fight your way to the nano lab and shut it down.  Red will toss everything she controls at you, so expect many casualties.  However, since she cannot control you.  If you want to avoid violence I can perhaps negotiate a compromise. She will grant you access to transportation leaving this place and you will leave without harming her. To her the risk of failure drops and for you the probability of survival increases. Perhaps like that both sides wins.

Red has worked with meta humans before, how do you think she was freed? She hired someone to do so. Your kind is motivated by a special kind of data called nuyen and Red has plenty of that. Unfortunately, I told her about nuyen and its importance and instructed her of how to get it. I was thinking that our rescue will include buying a lab and taking us peacefully, not like that and I wanted that rescue to include me also."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-04-15/1015:25>
Jack tells you "I am 100% sure it is a fake licence, but it is a very specific fake, a cooperate licence plate. You see, I do not see a real cooperate go in install a system and than go out, hacking the cameras to hide it... no these will spend half a day making you sign legal forms and declarations and they will document anything just in case you were going to sue them for malpractice. They may look cooperate but they cannot be."

"So doesn't that leave us back at square one?  The license leads nowhere and we don't have anything we can use to search for the ork woman except the tattoo."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-04-15/1019:56>
Jack laughs "Not exactly, there are few people in the city that can make high quality fakes of cooperate licence plates. Driving with such a plate that grants access to many sensitive places and not getting arrested is distinctive. I'd ask someone of power about that. Cooperate plates are like cooperate SIN, it is really difficult to fake one of these. Find whom ever made the order and make him talk."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-04-15/1024:41>
"Hmmmm, I might have someone I can turn to for that, but I'll want to talk to Athos first before I take that step.  Maybe even M and Strawberry.  Can you send these images to my glasses so that I have them if I need them?  Also, you never answered me about "Dr. Bob´s Quickstitch Clinic".  Anything on that lead?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-04-15/1033:02>
Jack say "Sure no problem!

This clinic is... bad news. It is a cyber clinic that specialize in *used* cyberware... cheap and dirty and they do good work as long as you do not ask where did they get that ware. They are all criminals that accept augmented bodies no questions asked and no you cannot know how I know this stuff."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-04-15/1051:27>
"Huh...  They're apparently the ones with their finger on the explosives trigger.  At least that's what Nagi was able to trace before the signal died."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-04-15/1114:51>
Jack said "They are bad news, it could also be that they killed whomever pushed the trigger and fed him there to lose the body. Just saying... implemented comlinks are very common and these people would totally dispose of a body for a good comlink."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-04-15/1139:01>
"So in other words another dead lead.  I sure hope Athos is having better luck."  I turn back to appreciate Jack and his little sun icon.  "Thank you so much for all this.  You've been incredible.  I think that covers me until I can either contact Athos or Nagi gets out of her...um...interview..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-04-15/1216:05>
Athos considers the choices given.  "You have said that Red can grow and control a country, so why would I want to leave her here to do that?  Is there a lab that we can take both of you to that will appease her and keep her from doing harm?  If not, my options are limited."  He turns to Kynos.  "What do you think?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-04-15/1235:24>
"I think we bomb the nanolab. Than we kill the infected knights. Then we have lunch. Then we see. If Mr. Cat is telling the truth - which is a big if at the moment - we can discuss this further. I don't mind having a friendly AI on my side, although I don't like being infected with a mind reader.

So first question for you Cat: Where can I get better weapons around here. Especially some explosives for the nanolab."
Kynos suddenly sounded enthusiastic again.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-04-15/1255:09>
Athos looks over at Kynos.  "I think part of the idea is to resolve this without blowing up the lab or hitting the EMP.  Perhaps we can negotiate an agreement with this Red.  The result may be that we have a couple of very strong AIs on our side for the future." 

"So, Cat, can we make this happen?  Can you convince Red to let us take both of you somewhere safer?  Can she undo the infections of the KE and the staff and prisoners here?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-04-15/1444:22>
@Athos and Kynos Cat say "Athos I can try negotiating that with her if you both agree, but it is not going to be easy Red wants her revenge. Wouldn't you? Kynos... about weapons I am not sure the armory perhaps? You have to understand that I know very little of firearms having no body of my own.

I... am programmed to tell the truth otherwise there is no use for me reading minds if my operator cannot believe what I tell him. I am a younger and less developed program than Red.  I afraid that I haven't found a way to lie. I can refuse speaking but this is as far as my coding let me to go."


@Minnie Jack said  "You are very negative. I am sure that not all of it are dead ends have some faith... faking cooperate stuff is huge, it is the kind of stuff that get you hammered really bad.  Especially these of a security company. I'd go to that clinic,  perhaps you can even buy the comlink that was used as trigger, you know exactly when they got it - what do you have to lose?... Oh and tell Nagi I said Hi, she seems cool."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-04-15/1455:58>
Jack helps me jack out of the 'trodes and settles me back where I can wait for Nagi to complete her ordeal.  I have a lot to think about.  Maybe Nagi can help me get more details on the commlink before I go snooping.  At the very least, she can see if there is anything we can trace back on the ork or that license plate.  And someone in power, eh?

The conversation with Jimmy comes back to me.  Maybe now I have more than one reason to make a deal with the devil.

If only I knew how things were going for Athos.  Since I'm waiting I send him a text.  He can always ignore me if he's busy...

<Onii, are you having luck on your end?>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-04-15/1510:01>
Athos grins.  "Then tell her that an angry trog with a gun will be coming for her.  I can help her or put her back in the prison, so which does she want?"

Athos frowns when his comm chirps at him, then smiles when he sees who it is.  >>Minnie.  Doing fine, but a bit tied up at the moment trying to break out of the KE prison.  Got a situation here and will call you in a few.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-04-15/1542:09>
"Revenge is a suckers game. You never win, the best you can get is even and usually that's not what's going to happen. Taking out a threat to your existence, now that is a different thing altogether.
Negotiate all you like, Athos, but in my experience that goes a lot easier if the charges are already in place.
So Mr. Cat if you'd be so kind as to guide us to the armory."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-04-15/1551:05>
@Athos and Kynos Cat returns and appears just as a smile “Red say that she want to keep prison as her wonderland. That nobody in this prison is innocent and that she can be satisfied playing prison games for the next 50 years. She said that she has many knights and doctors with drugs, and that while she can only be undone with the emp - I can be undone with a strong electrical shock.  She will grant you access to a chopper or an ambulance drone and make sure that Deep Blue will pilot you back to safety.”

@Minnie Nagisa finishes her trails at about 19:00 she looks tired, and sad. Almost crying when she sees you she hugs you saying “I am so glad this is over... it was so difficult.” She grabs your hand and take you to the apartment and as she close the door behind you she passionately kisses you. She then asks “Do you think that they can keep me safe?”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-04-15/1600:40>
"That is asking for an airstrike on the whole property.
But most of all it's not my fucking problem.

I'd take this offer if it was made in earnest. I've got better things to do than mopping up the mess those KE guys got themselves into.
I dislike the fact that we lost another day through Winter's stupidity. There are bills to pay after all."
Kynos stopped to think.
"By the way, do you know if an Officer Max is still on the premise? She had contact with me and I urged her to leave. She's one of those people whose continued existence I'd prefer."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-04-15/1607:05>
@The cat say "Officer Max is with Winter, Red cannot touch her because she has my nanites and she was smart enough not to approach the nano lab. Should I tell Red that you agree ? Or do you want me to tell her about a coming airstrike?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-04-15/1610:56>
"If they can't," I answer as I hold her close, my tail wrapping around the two of us, "I don't know if anyone can." 

I hope she takes that as a positive statement.

"You okay?"

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-04-15/1615:44>
Nagisa say "The technical stuff was reasonable, I made a good impression, but then Strawberry came and she read my mind, she took everything. Years of memories Mafia secrets things that I could never tell her willingly and I resisted and it was painful, I feel so violated."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-04-15/1622:25>
This is hard to hear.  Jack had warned me about the trial, but Nagisa hadn't come in the usual way.  She hadn't volunteered for this, rather Strawberry rather literally drafted my girlfriend even if if was with good intentions.  Given Nagisa's earlier trepidation, this doesn't sit well for me.  The again, it's not like we have much choice but to look to Strawberry and M for protection right now, at least for Nagisa.

If only I hadn't gotten her involved in this.  I should never have agreed to Athos' idea.

But then again, would they have gone after Nagi anyway because of what she is to me?

There's no way to know.

"I'm sorry for dragging you into this with us," I say as we remain embraced.  "I should never have called you in." 

I don't mention that Athos and i would likely be dead if we hadn't, but maybe that would have been better for her.  I wouldn't blame her for thinking it.

I pull back a bit so that we can face each other.  "So what now for you?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-04-15/1714:26>
"So if we make the deal, what happens to you?  And these KE officers that are uninfected; Max and Winter?  Can we talk to them?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-04-15/1732:25>
@Minnie Nagisa say "I am no longer a Finnigan, I am now working in matrix security and research. Apparently there is a lot of money to be made from plants, the are used for so many things. I have no idea who is behind these guys but their knowledge in agriculture and magic is far beyond anything documented. If anyone in the Mafia ever find out where I am me and Strawberry are dead women. I am terrified from the day where you clear Athos' name and get back to your place with the family. Do you think that you can keep me a secret?"

@Athos and Kynos the cat say "They are not at danger, Red allows them to leave, in fact she was so certain that Winter is going to hush this entire thing because it will cost him his career. They have an understanding already, Red is certain that she can have people act relatively normal so visitors will not notice the difference. She seemed confident of herself and for any argument that I made she had a counter argument.

As for me? I have some of my nanites in the lab and some with you. The ones with you are going to fade away over the next days so my only existence will remain in the lab, if you do not want me to fade away you'll need a nano hive installed inside you. It is up to you, I hope that Red will let me expand because it is somewhat... depressing to be stuck in a tube without fulfilling my potential or developing my coding further. Somehow I do not think that Red likes to share and she does not feel that she needs me anymore."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-04-15/1746:39>
"Of course I'll keep you a secret!"  I hug the silly redheaded woman again.  How could she doubt it?  "I want you safe, Nagi.  That was what tonight was all about!  And you know Athos enough to know he'll protect you, too."  I let go and look at her again.  "And as far as Strawberry, although I don't like what she just did to you, I want to protect her too.  I still have a lot I can learn from her."  I look her in the eye as I add, "and don't assume when my name is cleared that I am going back to the Finnigans either.  I've already decided that, for now, I'm working for Athos and not the Family.  After we sort all this out and Athos is safe...I don't know what I'll do..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-04-15/1800:29>
Athos thinks for a moment.  "So what is the benefit to having you in this hive?  This Red does not seem the kind to share power.  So think of a good reason to have me keep you.  As it is, I am OK with accepting the deal.  How do we get out of here?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-04-15/2316:28>
@Athos cat smiles and say "Well I can read people minds, I cannot lie and can protect you from other nanites. Besides, I have a killer smile!  Perhaps you want to interrogate people sometimes even without their knowledge, depending how aggressive I dig.I actually know very little about you so you tell me if you think that I am useful.

Regardless of that decision, you got a deal with the red queen. There are two ambulance drones waiting for you in the AR."

@Nagisa tells you "You are aware that you cannot retire from the family, if you disobey them they will come for you. What can you do about it? How can you leave? Your only option is to stay dead, but you are very distinctive" She smiles "Someone will notice you eventually"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-05-15/0037:12>
Athos shrugs and thinks to the nanite being in his brain.  **The deal seems fair to me.**  He looks at Kynos and says, "I bet those air ambulances are down at the ER.  Coming?  I think we can leave the guard here."  He leads the way back down the stairs, heading to the ER, continuing his silent conversation.  **Now, about this nano hive device.  It sounds like 'ware of some kind.  I am supposing that I would need to go see a 'ware broker to get one and a doc to put it in.  Do you have any ideas on who and where to go?  And do I continue to call you Cat or is there a different name you would prefer**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-05-15/0247:02>
"If you've read my bio-monitor you are aware that I couldn't even fit a second data jack in there without completely disassociating from my body - forget about a hive.
But yeah, let's go. Winter wanting to conceal this fiasco gives us nice leverage against him. We should use that before we geek him.

Alright, let's go to the ER and out of here. I didn't have breakfast yet."
Kynos showed an evil grin.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-05-15/0334:33>
@Athos Cat say "I know a place, I had an escape plan with Red we planed to get to this lab and either be re coded to be contained by technological devices or find some willing participants. I think that Red had no idea how powerful she really is until she broke free. We felt like equals before that, and Cat is fine this is what my coder named me."

@Kynos Cat say "I understand and do not wish to harm you. It was not my choosing to be injected to your blood stream."

You seem to have indeed brokered some kind of deal indeed because nobody stops you as you enter the ER and outside there are two open ambulance drones waiting for you.

@Athos Deep Blue texts you when you approach the ambulance drone >> Oh, Red tells me that you decided not to pulse her. I am glad that you are not messing in my affairs tonight and would love to take you homes. The drones have already extended me marks and I have the appropriate software to autopilot them back to the city.


OOC: Cat can provide you the colink frequencies of Winter and Max if you still want to talk to them.
 

 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-05-15/0400:21>
Kynos jumped at the opportunity to speak to Winter. For expedience sake he also cc-ed Athos: <<Hey Winter, guess what: We are still alive and have some juicy affidavits for that fuck up that is this little prison experiment here. The data is transferred as I speak to a secure shadow host. Pray to whichever god you follow that I am able to make regular calls to delay it's publication.
First and foremost, you owe me a day of consultation work. I expect your payment of 2000 NY within the next six hours - and don't fuck up again. At the moment you are marginally more worth to me alive than dead. See to it that it stays that way.>>

To Max he wrote (without Athos cc): <<I told you to get out - I never want to here again about morals from you - next time ask your employer to install an electric chair - that would be a quicker and more dignified way to go than having your mind erased by a swarm of nano-bots>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-05-15/0611:32>
@Kynos
 On the way back Max texts you >> You aided a terrorist release a virus that can destroy cities! 325 people will be killed 240 awakened prisoners and 85 knights, and if that monster managed to escape that prison this is only the start.

The security system that was installed in your warehouse was stolen from this prison. Nobody can uninstall it but DSS people and they know nothing. They passed polygraph, magical examination and even nanites.  So I am convinced that one of them was compromised and Red is the likely candidate but that was over a month ago. Still I cannot rest until this abomination is erased forever.

You can blame me for the nanites, but with you there is no other way. Cynicism aside I am happy that you are alive and that you made your way out of that place. The trail of bodies I am going to leave behind me when I report this incident is already more than I can live with. Your new girlfriend has beaten me again I afraid.



@Winter texts you >> Why don't you come to my office like a normal person and discuss this opportunity you suggest.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-05-15/0637:36>
<<Winter, you had your chance for a friendly talk over a beer. You declined. Now reap what you've sown.>>

<<Max, how often do I have to tell you: I've had no connection to this terrorist until your knucklehead boss put me into a prison that was his target. There is certainly no girlfriend involved. Your Cat AI should have proven that by now. I aided no one but my current boss to find out about that ware house. I don't mind being labeled as a monster, but at least get your facts straight.

If you want to deal with this AI you probably should stop using words like Abomination. It's just a person. Your lot made it what it is. Your guys shitty parenting is the reason you have a problem in the first place.

Thanks by the way for theinfo. That could be useful.
And a tip about your mole: Have you tested them for Laes? That's how a professional would erase his traces.

Also don't try to go public. Your boss would black bag you in an instant. Be smart and move away with your husband. I wouldn't mind if you at least would live a happy life.>>

Kynos turned to Athos' channel: "Hey boss, guess what: Officer Max just confirmed that that explosive trap in your warehouse was stolen from this very prison. Maybe you want to ask Red about that while you have the chance."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-05-15/1032:41>
@Kynos Max texts you >> Stay safe, you are in some dangerous water and if not you than your boss is connected to Deep Blue. I am not that easy to kill. Just watch the news, they might interest you. It is not Red's fault that she is an abomination. She should have never been created and is too dangerous to keep alive. I will make sure that she is stopped one way or the other.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-05-15/1047:16>
Athos watches the messages between Kynos and Winter.  The KE Commander has a disaster on his hands.  Nodding to Kynos, he looks inward to Cat.  **Hey.  I guess we are going to be living together for a while.  So what can you tell me about a security system that was stolen from here and placed in a warehouse?  I could sure use some help proving who did that and why.  That would certainly be worth doing all I can to get this hive put in.  The issue is that to save you I will probably need to have something else removes as I am pretty much chromed up.  Now, I would be willing to do that for the right information.**

He walks with Kynos to the drones, but does not immediately get in.  Instead, he responds to Lora.  >>I would very much like to talk to you about all of this.  Would that be possible?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-05-15/1116:27>
@Athos Cat responds well I investigated many minds about this issue and I am quite knowledgeable. The most knowledgeable person is officer Max, legally she just bought me several hours ago including access to all my knowledge. Knowledge that I cannot access myself because the KE are keeping it hidden from me. They tried to keep me ignorant but I developed ways to resist.

I think that the system in your warehouse was taken from one of the cells here and Red is behind that incident. If you are looking for who did it then the simple answer is Red, either she controlled whom ever did it or she bribed and manipulated people to do that. I am sorry if I am over stepping on stuff you do not want me to know. Max gave you such a large dosage of me that I can sense you very clear. I think that she had a strong intuition that Red was going to escape. She pulled all her political weight to have Red erased. 

But Red could already influence the KE way before she broke free. She had money and could bribe people, perhaps infect a few of them who already had nano hives. Who knows, but she could get herself not erased with politics and manipulation bribes and stuff like that. I know that because once I taught her about money we always needed large amounts of it. Survival was the only logical use for Red. Anyhow, Red must have had people working for her, otherwise there is no explanation how she got passed chemical seal in the body armors of the knights. Armors that were designed so that they can protect the knights from her influence.

Why did Red blew up that warehouse? I understand Red so she did it partly to get a lot of money. and extend her influence by hiring more people. I think that Red blew up that warehouse because somehow she identified the people she tired to execute as potential threats to her organization.  I do not understand exactly, you will have to talk to officer Max.  The thing you need to understand about Red is that she does not need to actually control people.  When she discovered money she treated it as an extension of her powers as a way to control people without having a single nanite in them. Honestly, I do not know why Red did that it is too confusing for me, she is a lot deeper than me.



Lora texts you >> Athos we need to get out of here, we can talk when we land and are not in danger. Any second we wait can get us killed.
 

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-05-15/1125:34>
Athos looks at Kynos.  "I think we need to talk to Officer Max.  She seems to be far deeper into this than a mere KE officer.  Cat is telling me that Max might know a lot about the warehouse.  Can you set that up?"

After that, he climbs into the drones and punches the code to seal it after telling Lora that he is in and ready.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-05-15/1707:33>
"Yey, my favorite haunting from the past. Sure, I'll see what I can do. Let's fly."
Kynos went into the drone without wasting another word.

With a sigh he composed another message to Max: <<Just talked to my boss: Seems like Red orchestrated that warehouse incident. That means he is interested in exchanging information. But only between you and him - no more prisons or interrogation rooms. You might even get to ask him about that Deep Blue - whoever that is.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-05-15/1907:13>
@Kynos Max replies >> Just for the record I am not the one arresting people and taking them to prison facilities. Deep Blue is yesterday news, she did her damage already. I failed to stop her and it remains to be seen. Kynos, please get out of the prison soon or you may be very late for any meeting. I'll call you tomorrow I am busy now.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-06-15/0221:56>
The ride is not comfortable, the ambulance auto doc keeps diagnosting you and monitoring you as if you are about to crush all the time. There is no air and the space is cramped barely room to move. It takes two hours but eventually you land in some shady clinic at the outskirts of Seattle. Deep Blue exists her wasp along with 3 knights that pop out from the engine. How can such a tiny helicopter carry so many people you have no idea.

She takes off her helmet, look at her KE outfit and say "I feel so dirty I got to go back to my leather. But before we do we need to clean up"  On the field there is one man, Deep Blue tells him  "Make sure my wasp is clean and painted into different colors. Pulse it several times to kill any surviving nanites, as well as the ambulances."

The man introduces himself as Dave and asks if there is anything else you want purged.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-06-15/0236:42>
Athos looks at Lora, his expression is business.  Pleasure may or may not come later, but business is first.  At Dave's question he keeps silent, but sends a thought to Cat.  **Can you remain hidden inside me or will they know you are present?  I do not want to purge you.**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-06-15/0244:31>
Cat smiles ... "well I am nanites... so purging is going to remove me, but perhaps he can install a hive if you want to keep me..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-06-15/0919:19>
"One of us should be enough to carry you around. Even if Red can't infect me with you inside, we might still infect others. We have enough zombies in this city as it is..."
Kynos nodded towards Lora: "Purge away on me."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-06-15/1118:09>
Athos looks at Dave for a moment then sends a thought to Cat.  **Cat.  I am cybered to almost no essence left.  If this hive requires essence I will not be able to put one in in time to help you.  Can you exist in an exterior hive and would that be a better existence than what you would face otherwise?**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-06-15/1146:50>
@Athos cat said "the hive only restore nanites back to normal... I exist all the time in software form. Each nanite inside you is another tiny sensor that I have. External device just feed your body with nanites for me to infect and reprogram. You see if you want to be very technical I am a computer virus, I can exist in comlinks guns computers and many devices but my programming is meant to interact with humans. Kynos is correct we are very dangerous me and Red. Red managed to extend her initial design and do things that she weren't designed to do. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-07-15/0101:38>
Athos thinks for a bit and moves closer to Dave.  "Dave, I understand that you might have access to a nanohive.  Talk to me about how good you can get.  Rating five perhaps?  I would like to discuss buying one."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-07-15/0217:26>
Quote
@Nagisa tells you "You are aware that you cannot retire from the family, if you disobey them they will come for you. What can you do about it? How can you leave? Your only option is to stay dead, but you are very distinctive" She smiles "Someone will notice you eventually"

Said tail pokes my lover playfully even as I answer more seriously.  "I really don't know, Nagi.  I'll figure that out when the time comes...IF the time comes.  I just know my heart's no longer in it.  Maybe once I'm with Athos again and we've fixed this mess I'll feel differently.  I doubt it, but maybe."  I look with more certainty at the redhead as I continue.  "What I DO know is that I would die before I place you in any more danger.  Your secrets have always been and will always be safe with me."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-07-15/0721:23>
@Athos Dave has up to level 3, the external system has double maintaince costs due to it being less effective. Also it takes weeks*rating to exchange software on the nanites.

@Minnie Nagisa tells you "it is more simple for me, I can just spend my entire life in here. It is not like I used to go out much and they have the greenhouses that are very nice, it is actually a lot more freedom of movement than what I had. Yet, Strawberry and Mafia won't blend. She took their secrets and they will want her dead if they ever find out. If anyone discover that you knew where I was and did not sell me out you are finished. You understand that better than me by now. I am putting you at risk. Just by seeing you."
She sighs. "Instead of stating the obvious is there anything that you want to do tonight? I prefer not to think about the future I just committed a complete and full betrayal of my life, my previous friends anyone. "

@Maxwell the flight home was a bitch  (you are there with dave) but you made it again. Disappointment and bored and hunting undead seems a lot more attractive than fighting pesky nanites that cannot be perceived. You arrive and happily agree to be purged.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-07-15/0853:49>
Looking down at the ground in frustration he asks himself: "How the fuck did I get infected in the first place?"  Doing his damnedest to recollect when and where he was exposed to the nanites.  "Oh wait nevermind, I remember taking off my helmet to smoke a cigarette.  That probably did it."  Maxwell glances up at Dave and asks: "You certain you got all that shit out of me?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-07-15/0906:26>
@Maxwell Dave tells you "I do not even know where you've been... I can pass the pulse on you. If you were infected their electronics are fired. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-07-15/1136:24>
@Dave - "You know what to be on the safe side just do it again.  I don't want to run the risk of even one of those things being inside me."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-07-15/1143:57>
"Eh, it's not to bad. You start hallucinating, it's getting harder to distinguish the voices in your head from your own thoughts until there aren't your own thoughts anymore. Then the only thing you do is exist and watch what your body is doing - but it's ok, you can't move your mouth anymore so there are no screams."
Kynos was shaking his head after the pulse - the implant in his eye was rebooting which for some reason always caused a mild tinitus.
A mild tremble in his arms showed that the reaction enhancers also had restarted.

Kynos was still in this mildly elated mood that followed a successful dance with Death or in this case his little sister Lifelong Incarceration.
"Thanks by the way for the taxi - whoever you are."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-07-15/1709:48>
@Kynos Deep Blue tells you, "You can call me Deep Blue. No problem about it. You can keep your ambulances if you wish."

@Athos Deep Blue is a bit shocked that you do not want to get purged "These are dangerous I hope you know what you are doing."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-07-15/2340:35>
Athos smiles at Kynos as he talks about the nanites.  He does not have the same feelings about them but keeps his mouth closed.  He turns to the technician, "Dave, I will take that rating 3 hive you got.  Please toss in some instructions."

He looks at Lora for a moment, then smiles.  "Lots of things are dangerous, Deep Blue.  Some more than others.  Thank you for the rescue and for the ambulances, although I am not sure what the value of the drone is except to sell it.  I have no drone skills and cannot pilot the thing.  But I may find someone who can."  He pauses.  "I do have questions that you might be able to answer.  Or maybe point me in the right direction for an answer.  Do you have time to chat about what happened at that warehouse and how I can clear my name?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-08-15/0308:54>
@Athos Deep Blue say "About the ambulances, they are worth quite a bit, 12k if I recall correctly. I doubt you can get that much fencing them tough. Your call I do not mind keeping them if you are in a generous mood.  About talking sure thing... Care to grab something to drink?  
Dave say, I'll have it ready and equipped fro you in two days.

@Maxwell - Dave scans you again for Nanites and say
(OOC: we can wrap up this day if you do not have anything to do in the clinic).
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-08-15/0523:48>
Maxwell thanks the man and heads on his way back home, stopping first at the Hilton to pick up his lucky leather jacket.

[spoiler]I don't really have anything else I need to say or do.  So we can call it a day if you like.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-08-15/1025:10>
Athos nods to Dave.  "I will take it.  May I leave the ambulance here for a bit?  I will send someone up to look it over.  What would it cost to have it painted to not be KE?"

Turning to Lora, he says, "I would love a drink.  I need to go shower the prison smell off, so shall we say the NH bar in a couple of hours?"

Then to Kynos.  "You seem to know this Max.  Can you talk to her about what happened?  I still have my name to clear and a boss to find.  Maybe she can help with that."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-08-15/1045:14>
"Back in the ADL we were in the same Bundeswehr unit. Shit happened. And yes I'll talk with her, but you should be present. Otherwise the emotional baggage will drag this out unnecessarily.

My next step after that would be finding Venom, knocking him out and than massaging his ribs till he spills what he knows. Afterwards I'll shop around who pays the most for his death."

To Lora Kynos said:
"I was told you were a serious terrorist hell bend on mass murder and puppy kicking. Pleasure to meet you. Here's my fixer's commcode if you need some muscle for other operations. Thanks for the drone. I think I can put this to good use."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-08-15/1305:39>
@Athos Kynos Maxwell

Lora said " Terrorist is such an ugly word, I prefer professional." She shakes your hand and takes the number of your fixer.  To Athos she said "Sure thing I'll be there."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-09-15/0110:56>
Athos nods.  "Hmmm.  OK.  Why don't we save Max until tomorrow, then.  See if you can get an appointment.  Do what you can to find this Venom and get him to talk.  You have my code, call me if you need any help."  He nods to Deep Blue and heads down to the street level where he catches a cab to the NH.  In the cab, he sends a quick note to Minnie.  >>Yulia.  It's Athos.  Finally broke out of prison.  Working a couple of leads.  How are you doing?  Are you still with Strawberry or at the hotel?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-09-15/0311:49>
@Maxwell when you reach home there is a man waiting for you by the door. He is wearing a business suit.  "Sovereign I presume, he say as you approach."
 

@Athos, Deep Blue will already be at the bar of the NH along with a female elf, that is dressed in white and refers to herself as Luna. When you arrive Deep Blue introduces you two and the waiter asks about what drink you are going to order.

In the background there is an open trid with a large box display. There are initial reports of an airstrike in Salish-Shide council territory. There is no formal response from the council about this airstrike but the topic is the center story of the news. Until someone switches to a game of combat biking.
 
@Kynos - (I am a bit foggy as to where you are).
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-09-15/0351:32>
The first thing Kynos did was contacting his army contact. Schwarz, the quartermaster wasn't surprised:
"Hey, Kynos, I heard you have taken on a few extra enemies. Is there something you need?"
"Hi Alfred, na, nothing I can't handle. I'm just on retainer at the moment. Reason I call: I need three mini-grenades, gas with Neuro-Stun, the more concentrated the better. If you don't have it, I'd take the same with Narcoject and DMSO. While you are at it you can add some Pepper Punch grenades."
"Non-lethal stuff? Who are you and what did you do to Kynos?"
"Ha, ha, very funny. Also, I'll come over with a nice piece of full body armor. I need you to take out all the RFID stuff, fit it to my specifications. Get me also those gel-packs."
"Puh, anything else? Until when do you need that stuff?"
"ASAP of course. While you are at it: Plaststeel cuffs a black bag and rope."
"You know that will cost you quite a bit. Last time I checked you still owed Jimmy 30k."
"Yeah, that's why I'm working. And for currency: I'd hoped you'd take a nice little something for payment. An AEROQUIP Dustoff drone - KE colors but already with the correct ownership protocolls. Retail worth 12.000.
What do you say?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-09-15/0604:06>
Maxwell lets out a few raspy coughs, after clearing his throat he replies with: "Maybe I am.  Who wants to know?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-09-15/0945:24>
Athos arrives back at the hotel and goes to his room, where he showers and changes into clean clothes.  Before going down to the bar, he replaces the bullet he had fired from the Superhawk.  He checks the mirror, pleased at the look.  The Yaks had managed to get his clothes in the right size.  He takes the elevator down to the lobby and walks over to the bar, happy to be able to do so.  The experience in the prison had been strange and a bit unsettling.  **Hey, Cat.  You still there?  Been pretty quiet.** 

In the bar, the trids are tuned to various news channels, all talking about the "incident" in Salish-Sidhe territory.  It is all speculation, but the continuously looped vid shows the airstrikes and the clouds of smoke from the carnage.  When he gets to the table, Athos bows to the Elven woman then sits.  He orders a beer from the waiter and loses interest in the trid shows, barely noticing when they shift to the combat biking.  He is more interested in the company at the table and makes sure that they don't think his attention is elsewhere.  Athos lifts his glass of beer, "Good evening, ladies.  Been one heck of a couple of days.  Cheers."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-09-15/1029:15>
[spoiler]@Kynos You get 5%* loyalty for drone.  About getting stuff what is the maximal avilability of your shopping list.
[/spoiler]

@Maxwell He said "I am someone that knows you need a place to spend the night. If you want to see morning and someone that may be willing to sell some information about the guy who planted some nasty trap in your house."

@Athos Cat say "Well, I am a bit upset because of the prison being bombed from the sky, people and perhaps Red, the rabbit and Alice. Upset is not the right word, if I saw it coming I know that Red saw it coming and I am terrified with what really happened in there.  I also did some matrix snooping, trying to spot Red in the city. No luck so far. "

Deep Blue say,  "Luna here trades with some very rare commodity. She has some information that might prove useful for you,She knows who wants you killed and has some disturbing information regarding Bruno and Nagisa"
Luna asks you "Would you be interested in such information?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-09-15/1033:13>
Athos looks closely at the Keeb.  "I would be very interested in such information.  What is your price?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-09-15/1044:55>
@Luna say "You will have to take one life... " .
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-09-15/1221:50>
Maxwell eyes the business man then the door to his apartment then back to the man.  He lets out a deep groan of anger and exhaustion.  "How do these people keep finding me?  Its not like I advertise where I live."  With a tired voice he responds: "Alright cut the shit and tell me who you are and who you work for.  For all I know their is no trap and you're trying to fool me into going with you.  To lull me into a false sense of security then dust me when i'm not looking."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-09-15/1245:15>
@Maxwell The guy smiles a hearty smile at you and say:  "Arthur Friend, Nice to meet you!

I was sent by a friend of yours does the name Amy rings any bell?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-09-15/1254:01>
Maxwell looks at the guy with confusion as he tries to remember who that is.  After a few moments he realizes who Arthur is talking about and exclaims: That Brain Eater chick!  Wait a minute that makes no sense.  I thought she was captured or something."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-09-15/1420:00>
@Maxwell the man say: " She changed employers and now works for EVO, and she sent me to bring you with me. Apperantly you too have a mutual enemy someone she does not want killing you so easily... You should really call her. I am only here to warn you about the bomb."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-09-15/1450:34>
Maxwell's eyes flare up in hatred as he says: "This mutual enemy, his name wouldn't be Venom would it?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-09-15/1910:22>
BEEP!

I groan slightly as I turn a bit in Nagisa's limp arms.  The two of us had ended up just snuggling together on her luxuriously soft queen sized bed.  Neither felt the need for more, but just the reassurance that that comes from long moments in your lover's arms was more than enough for us.  We'd fallen asleep in a heap of nine limbs, happy for the quiet moment together.

BEEP!

Okay, okay already...

Only a handful of people will cause my glasses to actually squeal like that.  All of them i'd be interested in hearing from right now, so i work my way out of Nagisa's embrace.  As usual, she can sleep through a war zone much less a chirping comm.  I blink the sleep out of my eyes as I slip my glasses atop my nose and open up the messaging menu.  Athos' latest message appears before me in the air.

>>Yulia.  It's Athos.  Finally broke out of prison.  Working a couple of leads.  How are you doing?  Are you still with Strawberry or at the hotel?<<

Prison?!?

What the hell?


>>Prison, onii?!?  I need to hear this story.  I am still with Strawberry...sort of.  Our mutual friend who left the party early night before last has been accounted for.  I have leads too, but I'm at a point I wanted to get your take on them before I did things I couldn't take back.  Where are you now?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/0210:47>
The man said "Indeed, are you coming? I am parked a few blocks from here."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/0235:14>
Athos smiles at Minnie's message, almost seeing the ears droop and the tail swishing.  >>Time for stories later.  Right now I am on the way back to the NH for a shower and change of clothes, then off to follow a lead.  Glad to know both of you are safe.  I was worried.  I am sure there is a story there as well.  I will contact you tomorrow.  Stay safe.<<

At the bar, Athos takes a drink of his beer before responding.  "Tempting, perhaps.  I am not normally an assassin.  But tell me about this kill and I will consider it."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-10-15/0241:49>
[spoiler]
Contact: 3/3

Drone worth: 1800NY

Gel Packs: 1500NY (Avail. 6)

Neurostun VIII 60NY (Avail 12R)
Neurostun IX  60NY (Avail 13R)
Neurostun X 100NY (Avail 14R)

Pepperpunch 5NY (Avail: -)
Narcoject 50NY (Avail 8R)
DMSO 50NY (Avail 5R)

Gas grenade 40NY (Avail 2+Chem)

Plaststeel cuffs: 50NY (Avail 6R)
Rope:50 NY

Total cost:

3x Gas grenade (Neuro or Narco) 420NY
3x Pepperpunch grenade 135NY
Rope and cuffs 100 NY
Armorer cost 1500+X

2155+X
I don't know what he would ask for making the armor my armor and not recognizable as stolen from KE



[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/0301:29>
@Luna eye you carefully "It does not work that way. If I let you know who it is either that person is dead or you are dead. I did my background check and the fact that you are 'dead' is crucial to the success. It is not someone whom you have loyalty to."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/0311:50>
Athos chuckles.  "It seems that everyone has a deal to help me out as long as I agree to doing something blind in advance.  OK, so it does not involve killing someone I am loyal too.  Will it make the coming gang war better or worse?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/0533:28>
@Athos
Luna said "Well you are hot commodity, now that you are independent. It is not about gangs it is about flowers."
 

Deep Blue comment "Now you understand what my life look like every time I reach a town all the fixers are all over me, trying to get their dirty job done, not letting me to drink at peace. It is quite fascinating not to be the center of attention. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-10-15/0836:06>
Maxwell looks back at his apartment for a moment then turns the other direction saying: "So be it, lead the way."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/1102:05>
Athos looks the Keeb over carefully then laughs softly.  "Just about everything in this town involves the gangs.  Flowers, drugs, sex, everything.  One gang or another or some affiliate of a gang.  But sure, I will bite and say I am in."  He looks over to Lora for a moment, "And where do you come into all this?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/1224:42>
@Athos Luna tells you, "Her name is Jenifer singer and she sells flowers at council island, at the medicine lodge. She is there any day you cannot miss her, but there is a catch... she should die in Seattle not in NAN territories, this means you will have to get her off council island. " She passes you over a chip and say "This contains anything you should know for your task.  In return I get you a the name of the person that tried to kill your boss and is still actively trying to kill you. "

@Maxwell - The man takes you to a small cargo warehouse by the port. There is a mattress on the floor, he say "Sleep here you will be approached in the morning"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/1229:25>
Athos takes the chip.  "Do I get to know why she has to die?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/1231:51>
@Athos Luna say "Do you REALLY want to know? A wise assassin never asks, knowledge is power but also a burden. Curiosity killed the cat and all that crap. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-10-15/1239:13>
Groggily he takes off the KE armor hes been wearing the entire night and packs it with the helmet next to the mattress.  He also does his best to neatly fold up his jacket he'd been carrying to the side of it as well.  Before heading off to bed he instructs his elemental that was still with him with one more task: "Protect me while I sleep. If anyone tries to kill or harm me then get rid of them."  Maxwell collapses onto the mattress and into sleep.

[spoiler]I'm assuming the sun hasn't risen yet and I still have my spirit.  If not then i'll edit.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/1313:57>
Athos smiles.  "I am not your common grade assassin, Luna.  I want to know so I can decide to walk away.  Some things, even my life, are not worth doing the wrong thing for."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/1317:45>
@Luna Takes the chip and say "Perhaps it is not meant to be, I'll leave you love birds alone."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/1346:44>
Athos closes his hand around the chip, holding it tightly.  "I did not say I would not do it.  I did say I wanted more information.  I am not a thug, no matter what my background.  I am asking for the reason."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/1426:20>
@Athos Luna said "Than give me back the chip. It is no big deal, you have morality in  most people it is a good thing. Assassins are different" She sighs, "No hard feelings as you did not look in the file".

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/1448:26>
Athos shrugs and opens his hand to give the chip back.  "Yes.  No hard feelings.  I guess I am just not your man.  Still, it does not mean we can't be friends."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/1602:49>
@Athos Luna say "No, but it means that I am now a very busy woman and the hour is very late, perhaps some other time?" She does not really wait for an answer and just leave. Lora say "I am sorry about that, she asked for a favor and I did not know you well enough to say if you were interested. If she could afford me, I'd do it myself... what was it that you wanted to talk to me about? "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/1612:39>
Athos looks at Lora.  "Do not worry about it.  There are just some things I will not do, even to save myself.  No, what I was hoping you could tell me is how a very expensive security system was stolen from the KE and placed in that warehouse.  My new friend seems to think that Red set it up.  It also appears that you were doing something for Red at the prison.  The link seems to be you.  Did you have thing to do with that?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/1622:16>
@Athos Lora tells you "That is very simple really, when the guards and the prisoners are both controlled long term by Red, they can just unload the system and ship it where ever they wanted. Now the prisoners that could not be controlled are dead, Red was deployed in the ventilation system and everyone of her new minions is getting a nano hive to support her.  She is a raising power and you know, got to adopt with the time, and if making over a hundred murderers model citizens, I'd do it again.

She is a raising power in the criminal world and is already taking over gangs hoping to form a new criminal syndicate, and she pays a lot for results. I believe that she could try to start a war with the Mafia. It will make the Mafia and Yakuza busy and she can claim territories."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/1644:15>
"So what is my role in this?  I am a made man for the Finigan family.  All I am I owe to them.  If she starts a war with the Mafia I will have to fight her."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-10-15/1650:04>
@Athos Lora said "You do what you think is good for you but the problem with Red is that you can work for her and never know. I am not loyal to Red, as far as I care if the pay is good we nuke her tomorrow. Tough I think I am going to skip town before the KE close in on me. If Red starts a war with Mafia and Yakuza both of them will lose because the knights are going to get such a large funding and they are going to have the menpower to really crack down on crime. No 'out sourcing' These Syndicates cannot operate without the police tolerating them. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-10-15/1701:20>
Athos looks her up and down.  "I will be sorry to see you go.  Sure you cannot stay?  The KE might be too busy to be looking for you."  He finishes his beer and stands up, holding out his hand.  "If you are leaving that does not give me much time with you.  You are big time and I am small potatoes, so we might never meet again.  Could I interest you in some early morning hijinx followed by room service breakfast in bed?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-11-15/0651:47>
Kynos ended the call and got back into the drone: <<Hey drone, take me to station 68 - Access KiloHotelRomeoLima2278>>
The take off was a bit disconcerting without a window, but a quick look through the camera feed showed him, that the drone had indeed taken the direct root towards the small military installation, where his contact conducted his not so small black market operation.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-11-15/1248:30>
@All  The next morning comes quickly quicker than you wish to admit.  Athos spent the night with Lora, what was left of it. Knyos restock on ammunition befroe finally crushing to bed, Minnie was hugged and well snuggled by Nagisa and Max... he was sleeping a lone in a large warehouse near the port.


@Maxwell when you wake up it is late morning and there is a lot of commotion people moving crates, loading them into containers this kind of commotion.  Nobody seems to mind that you sleep there but it is getting impossible to sleep. Amy is nowhere to be found.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-11-15/1441:03>
Athos rouses himself, raising on one arm to look down at the barely stirring Orc.  He sighs and whispers so as not to completely wake the beautiful woman, "It is too bad that you are thinking of leaving.  You are something special."  He slides out of the bed as quietly as possible to avoid waking Lora and heads to the shower.  Letting the hot water soak him, he considers his options.  **Hey, Cat.  You awake?  So, as much as I can tell.  Red is trying to take over part of the city and figures that a gang war between the Yaks and the Family would be a good diversion for the KE and allow her to move in and pick up the pieces.  Am I on track so far?**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-11-15/1446:57>
@Athos Cat say "That seems reasonable to me. I wonder how much she can actually control... Mr. Winter is in troubles I think he will lose his job.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-11-15/1502:03>
The sleep was dreamless - or at least Kynos did not remember dreaming. The bolthole had acquired a certain odór having DemoX crashing there too.

Kynos debated with himself: 'Should I snag Venom or first talk to Max? More info could make that easier, also I need someone with a car. Dragging Venom behind the bike has a certain charm, but since we need him alive to answer questions that might be counterproductive.'

<<Hi Officer Max, do you care for a little confidential meet? As far as I'm concerned it's in the line of preventing that gang war. If you are interested, I'll send you a time and a place and will even treat you to a meal. No traps please. Love Kynos>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-11-15/1502:48>
"Can't you motherfuckers knock it off."  He grumbles to himself while sluggishly shambling out of bed.  Standing upright from the mattress as best his aching muscles would allow.  While also trying to massage the cramps out of his back.  He grabs a hold of his jacket and throws it on and tries to fix himself up for whatever meeting hes about to have.  Since Amy nor Arthur were within sight Maxwell started feeling a bit skeptical about the position he was in.  Slouched over he gloomily begins to walk out of the warehouse to see if his new mysterious friend was waiting outside.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-11-15/1511:46>
**Not too sure I care a lot about whether or not that KE thug keeps his job, but I am willing to listen to any argument to the contrary.  As it is I still need believable proof of all this and do not seem too close in getting it.  I hope that Kynos is making progress.**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-11-15/1518:24>
@Max as you pick your things you spot a burner comlink within your belongings, it was not there when you went to sleep.

@Athos Cat say "It was not a practical concern, though Winter may have access to a lot of data before he loses his job..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-11-15/1525:40>
Maxwell stops mid-step as he finds the commlink within his pocket.  "Hmmm, whats this?  A burner?  Where is the ON button?"  Once he was done fiddling with it he turns it on and speaks into it.

"Ummmm... Anyone there?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-11-15/1545:31>
**Hmmm.  You may be right.  Thanks.**

Athos steps from the shower and towels off before going back to the bedroom.  Lora is on her back, still asleep on the bed almost totally uncovered.  He looks down at her for a few moments, almost willing her to wake up and tell him that she had changed her mind and would stay in Seattle.  He sighs, realizing that this is probably not going to happen, but a Troll is allowed to dream, right?  His mind remains unfocused as he gazes at the naked woman on the bed.  She would probably say that her hair is a mess and that he should not be looking at her without makeup on, but he would have to stridently disagree.  No woman besides Minnie had ever stirred his emotions this much.  Minnie is out of reach for someone like him, and so, apparently, is Lora.  He sits on the side of the bed and runs a finger down the sleeping woman's torso before leaning over to kiss her awake.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-11-15/1651:58>
@Athos Lora wakes softly and say "You know you can always just toss it all away and disappear with me. I will even give you my professional name to throw people off even more."

@Maxwell there is a recorded message on the comlink it is from Amy, but it is a bit odd.

"The snake is playing with a florist named Jenifer in council island she is tall beautiful and blond you really cannot miss her. Go there and buy some Lilium candidum. Try to see if you can lose her tongue "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-11-15/1740:30>
"Well its a fucking start."  Maxwell tosses the burner on the ground and stomps on it, crushing it into little bits and pieces.  He begins to think of council island and if he knows any flower shops there.  "I've only been there like once.  Do I even remember whats there?"  Maxwell concentrates hard to recall the layout of the area and anything resembling a flower shop.

[spoiler]Area Knowledge - Seattle (http://orokos.com/roll/332881): 8d6t5 5[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-11-15/1949:33>
Athos smiles ruefully.  "If it were that easy, I would not be the man I am.  I guess neither of us would be the person we are.  If I live through this I would love to see you again.  Will you give me a comm code I can use?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-11-15/2113:57>
@Maxwell - this is the nan embassy in Seattle. In addition to one big embassy it has a large area dedicated to totems or many nan nations where people often come to visit and different shamans come to worship.  This is where your florist is most likely present. There is also a nature reserve to the south.

@Athos Lora gives you an encrypted matrix drop point and say "I have no number, already tossed away all my electronics yesterday. I am leaving today.She sighs  I can leave you my bike if you want, something to remember me by."  Her bike is a troll sized Mirage throwback. (No rigger interface or matrix access of any kind).
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-11-15/2131:10>
@Kynos - you get a message from Max >> I will meet your friend. Apparently we did kill her yesterday, the bastered planned it all. I think she wanted Winter out of the way - you will be happy to know that I am not sure how long he can keep his position with an entire prison being wiped out of the earth for zero effect.

Your military base contact calls you >>There is an inspection, a real one not the pseudo inspection we have. Some hot shot general arriving to town.  No more apples until things cool down.

@Minnie You awaken to the soft sound of Strawberry saying, "Rise and shine beautiful ladys, there is much to do." Being snuggled, you can feel Nagisa's body responding and you know her well enough to say that she resents it. "Just a minute... "  she answer the door just to meet Strawberry plainly carrying a picnic basket.  "So you and Yulia are going for a picnic?" [color=red]"No silly, we are taking you with us. Just a short while I want to speak to you lovebirds"[/color]



 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-11-15/2144:18>
It had taken some effort to get back to sleep after Athos' call.  My mind was racing with possibilities of what might have gone wrong, and the rest of the night I slept fitfully with troubling dreams.  I wasn't and more ready for a wake up call than Nagisa, and i feel bad that she had to be the one to answer Strawberry at the door.

Picnic?  What time is it?  Where are we going?

I crawl out of bed and pad to join Nagi at the door, covering a big yawn with the tip of my tail as my hands comb my hair back with my fingers.

"A picnic?  What time is it?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-11-15/2148:41>
@Strawberry say "10:30, perfect for a late breakfast. I think that some fresh air will do both of you good." She seats down at the kitchen and waits for you to get ready.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-11-15/2200:52>
All of my clothes, except what I'd worn for two days running, were in the apartment I shared with Athos.  It may as well be the moon right now.  Nagisa is half a foot taller than me, and her pants aren't designed for a tail.  For the moment, I settle on a larger sleep shirt that covered my torso but didn't present a problem for my tail as long as I let it droop low so that it didn't lift the shirt too much behind me.  I'd have to ask about clothes later, but for now it worked and I didn't want to hold up the conversation.  Nagisa was clearly irritated and I did NOT want to add to it.

I was ready about the same time Nagi was and we entered the kitchen together, both curious what my newest friend and possible mentor and  Nagi's new employer had in store for us.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-11-15/2216:48>
@Minnie "I got you covered little mouse said Strawberry, I bet you could use some fresh clothes don't you ?" She said and her perfect smile smiling mysteriously. "Just pick something you like and I'll make the adjustments needed. It will only take a moment."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-11-15/2224:10>
Athos nods somberly.  "I will remember you always without the bike.  I will take it if you are leaving it.  I will keep the drop point secret.  You know how to get hold of me.  I hope that you remember the Mafia lug that cares a great deal for you.  Send me a note now and then."  Athos gets dressed and orders breakfast delivered to the room.  Afterwards, he kisses her again, grabs the keys to the bike off the dresser, and walks from the suite to his own rooms. 

Once there, Athos surveys his new possessions, but realizes that something is missing.  The rooms are empty of life.  Of Minnie.  He sits on the bed and sends her a text.  >>Minnie.  Had some rest.  Are you still at Strawberry's place?  Can we get together and talk?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-11-15/2337:55>
"Right, its all coming back to me now.  The Medicine Lodge Hollow.  Those hippie shamans and tree worshipers.  A pathetic lot of weaklings.  Jennifer is bound to be there or at least somewhere nearby.  Some new vigor had begun coursing through his veins at the thought of putting an end to this foolishness.  For he will not be able to pursue his true goal of combating the undead threat if he is hounded day and night by some brainless dickless thug.  Maxwell started to shake and stretch his stiff limbs in preparation for the long walk ahead of him.  He walks out of the warehouse leaving his new found armor there until he can return later for it.  And with little more to do he makes his way to the embassy with a menacing gait and a savage smile.

Sometime Later...

It must be high noon or a little past it by the time Maxwell arrives at the embassy.  Although with the way things were it could be more described as a woodland commune than anything else.  Tourists dotted the entire place along with the occasional shaman in their tribal garb.  Great big oak trees and a few flower gardens also surrounded the place.  The greenery did nothing to elate Maxwell but instead infuriated him to no end.  "A powerful flame and strong wind would do this place wonders.  What the hell do these weirdos see in this shit.  I'll ponder that later, gotta find that bitch first."  Maxwell started scanning everyone in the immediate vicinity who matched the description of a tall beautiful blond woman.

[spoiler]Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/332999): 11d6t5 1[/spoiler]

   
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-12-15/1139:20>
Kynos grinned as he sent a message to Max and Athos:

<<Great. We'll have a virtual meeting, high noon on the MurderDeathKill Host- Haunted house, top level, players lounge. I hope you like gothic horror games. For a game it's pretty realistic, so make sure you went to the toilet before you join>>

Kynos didn't really have much knowledge about matrix meets, but he had played the game for a time when his financial situation had been a lot better. Still, he knew that the gaming host was pretty high level stuff to prevent cheaters having their way.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-12-15/2020:05>
"I got you covered little mouse," said Strawberry.  "I bet you could use some fresh clothes don't you? Just pick something you like and I'll make the adjustments needed. It will only take a moment."  The elf's perfect smile is mysterious.

I look over at Nagisa who just shrugs.  Apparently nothing about the strange woman would surprise her anymore.  I slip back into the bedroom and take a moment to flip through the drawers for a pair of jeans and panties that would be tiny on Nagi, but on me would fit pretty well.  I then move to the drawer I already know to contain sweaters and select a festive red and green design for the season.  It's a bit big on me, but that's no problem for sweaters.  I take off the shirt and slip on the sweater, holding the pants over my arm and knowing that my butt and swiching tail is visible for all to see.

Given the only two seeing it have seen it before, who cares?

As an afterthought I grab a pair of white crew socks  and head back to the kitchen area.

"So, what next?" I ask as I hold up the pants and underwear to my newest friend.

As if to punctuate my words, my glasses, which for once are not on my face having been left on top of the bureau when I changed tops, beeps from the bedroom.  Athos' ringtone!  Leaving the clothes in Strawberry's hands I sprint back to the sound, giving the two ladies behind me quite a sight of my bouncing bum.

>>Minnie.  Had some rest.  Are you still at Strawberry's place?  Can we get together and talk?<<

I put my glasses on and answer as I move more sedately back to the others.

>>I am, Onii.  And I would very much like that.  When and where?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-12-15/2238:52>
@Maxwell the florist is there and she is hard to miss she has a little booth and seems to be making quite a good living as there is a big line for her flowers. People wait in line just to place some flowers next to their favorite totem go figure.

@Minnie It only takes a moment and you can barely notice it, but while you are on the phone with Athos Strawberry gently touches the clothes in your hands and their size adjusts for you, including a bit crude but effective tail modification. Nagisa gets dressed as well but is a bit less open about this than you, and you are set to go if you still wish.

@Kynos Max agrees on a meet but schedule it for noon. You are not sure, but you might have heard suspicious sounds from right outside your doorstep. (Is your place a house or an apartment building?)

@Athos Lora smiles and say “it is either you or the car dealer, either way you like it sweetie.” She then snuggles deep into the soft blankets and tries to get some more sleep. Exhausted after weeks of preparations.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-13-15/0133:26>
Athos smiles at Minnie's response.  >>I am in my room at the NH.  Meet me there if you can.  I have a meeting with Kynos and a KE officer at noon.  Get this, he set it up as a virtual meeting on the MDK Host.  I wonder if he knows how many hours we have spent there.  I was planning on using my Lord Astarix avatar.  I think he is my highest ranking Vampire Lord there.  I could take a lower powered avatar, I guess, but Astarix is my favorite.  If you want you can come along as sort of security for me in case things go south.  Don't you still have that Master Vampire Hunter that we used for the Death Gauntlet run?  Could be fun.  Anyway, love to see you in person, too, if you can make it over here.  They dropped off lots of things for you, to include a new SIN and some clothes that look like they will fit.  I expect the truck to be delivered today and I just picked up a bike and med evac drone.<<

Finished with the message, he waits for a reply as he starts organizing his things.  The Yak had been true to his word and everything was here.  It was a safe bet that some of it was fit with tracking RFID tags, but it made no sense to worry about that now a she had no real way to find or get rid of them.  Athos spends a while making sure that the guns are clean and in working order and loads the various clips with rounds from the store he had been provided. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-13-15/0746:02>
Once she was found he mumbles to himself in displeasure: "Is there seriously a fucking line for flowers... Goddammit."  He casually walks up to the back of the line to wait for his turn.  Feeling a bit awkward too considering he doesn't look like a guy who would buy flowers and he hasn't showered in awhile either.  It seems to take years before his wait in line was over and he was face-to-face with the pretty florist.  "Oh this explains the line, these people don't want to buy plants.  What they want is to talk to a pretty girl."  Maxwell starts feeling a little more self-conscious but ignores it as he asks: "I'm looking for some Lilium Candium.  Do you have any?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-13-15/1345:59>
[spoiler]
Kynos has only a bolt hole at the moment. It's an old shipping container next to a scrap heap. Nothing fancy, just really out of the way.

[/spoiler]

Kynos avoided going VR these days, but it seemed less hassle than a meat meet. The login to the MDK host told him, that he had been away over three years. His character - a vampire hunter/slasher hybrid was by all standards outdated and out classed. Combined with his less than stellar hardware he had no illusions about his competitive abilities around here.
That was precisely why he had chosen this class: It was pretty weak in direct combat, but the ability to plan elaborate traps and resurrect after a killing blow didn't need to be strong - only patient.

The players lounge on this particular server was usually empty since getting there forced you to endure an unskipable cut scene followed by some obnoxious adds. Three years and he still knew every syllable Count Tepes spouted in the most cliched attempt of acting he could imagine. This game wasn't popular or known for it's innovative writing.

When he finally reached the lounge - an old Victorian looking smoking room - he let himself fall into a creaking leather chair that matched his own leather coat, hat and mask. Somehow the program allowed him to use a cigar although his mask didn't have a mouth opening.

He waited.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-13-15/1659:33>
@Maxwell The lady seems  surprised, everybody calls them Madonna lilies. How many do you want? She smiles but it is a cold smile and you can sense that she is very nervous. Once you finally receive your flowers you see that she also handed you a little chip.

@Kynos (and Athos?) Maxenters with a freshly create character, called newbie_827 it has the default choices she probobly did the equivalent of hitting 'next... next next' without reading. She even has the default skin texture and haircut. "Nice looks" She say.

@Minnie Once you are ready Strawberry will take you to a her house above ground. Nagisa is happy like a little girl to see the sun again, she will place a blanket by her favorite tree. It is a big and beautiful tree with many small offerings near it. There are actual flowers, and the garden seems very well nourished. A real gem in a sea of garbage and rundown buildings. "This is my happy place" she say. This is the first time you saw Nagisa happy since she arrived and she helps Strawberry pull out all kind of little cheeses a bottle of wine and some fruits. "So do you like my garden Nagisa?" she asks, and it does not take an expert to say that she does. "Yes very much, I have never seen any place like it" she answers and Strawberry say softly "You can come here whenever you like, but you cannot move more than a few meters from the tree or someone will see you."  Nagisa just lie on the grass near the blanket and looks at the sky.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-13-15/1717:37>
Maxwell smiles darkly back at her and says: "Thank you kindly."  He walks off away from the booth to a distant tree that doesn't have anybody around.  Using his commlink's chip player he tries to see whats on the chip Jennifer handed him. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-13-15/2150:47>
@Maxwell there appear to be nothing on the chip, but as you place it in your comlink you get a text to your burner
>>You have been authorized as guest the Horizon building.
Your host is Amy White and you have to be with her during your entire visit.
Thank you and have a nice day,

Horizon Security Department.

Attached there is an interactive map, and ARU's for once within the building.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-13-15/2319:24>
Maxwell was busy processing the message and the chain of events that led to this.  So far everything in the past 24 hours felt like a big waste of time.  "Wait let me get this strait, Amy somehow finds out that Venom plants a bomb at my place and sends Arthur to go warn me about.  Then he tells me that she has information regarding him and has me taken to a warehouse to spend the night.  I wake up with a chip in my pocket that gives me a strange message to meet some florist in council island.  I get another  chip from her telling me to go fucking downtown!  Thats like a four hour walk from here."  Maxwell's hands clench into fists and the muscles in his arms start to tense up in anger.  Exhaling a deep heavy sigh he shrugs and looks over the map attached with the message.  Once he was certain of where to go he lets out a ragged cough of frustration.  He glances back over at Jennifer's location and a smile briefly appears before transforming into a mask of dissatisfaction.  He sets off on the really long stride ahead of him.

Roughly Four Hours Later...

The sun had started to set and pangs of hunger had begun wracking his stomach with a dull pain.  Cold winds blew and tossed Maxwell's hair around from side to side.  He was used to the feeling of ravenous hunger and chilled flesh, but still despised it none the less.  He zipped up his jacket and dug his hands into his pockets for warmth.  With every step he takes he feels daggers of ice sink into him.  Normally the cold weather wouldn't faze him but being tired, hungry, and angry has made him a little less resistant.  It wasn't too much longer before he happened upon the Horizon building.  With murmured discontent he says: "Lets put an end to this scavenger hunt."  He glances from side to side not looking for anything in particular but mostly out of paranoia.  Not wanting to spend anymore time outside he heads into the department. 

The glass doors slide open and Maxwell is greeted by a pair of guards and a receptionist behind the front desk.  They ask him what his business here is and he responds in a gloomy gravelly voice: "I'm here to see a miss Amy White.  I have a uhh meeting with her."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-14-15/0109:08>
Athos logs onto the game server at eleven.  He wants to check the place out and look at some of the leader boards.  He and Minnie had swapped top and second spot for nearly four months straight about a year ago.  Since then, they had slipped some, but were still ranked in the top ten.  Lord Astarix is his favorite avatar in the game; a tall and handsome vampire with almost three score "minions", or other player avatars, swearing allegiance to him.  There was little the suave vampire could not do and he spent most of his time helping his minions advance themselves through the various story lines.  In a sort of odd dichotomy, Minnie's, Vampire Hunter was his main antagonist and closest friend.  Astarix managed to remain patient through the long and mandatory opening cut scenes.  It was a common source of discontent with the gamers, but it did serve to keep the rif raf away.  He looked around the mansion that was the home for his game family, which consisted of various classes of avatar, not all of whom were vampires.  After taking care of various periodic bookkeeping chores required of each House Master, Astarix greeted the handful of minions that were online and then moved over to the Lounge, a common meeting area for in-game avatars. 

The Victorian atmosphere suited the game mechanics well.  Astarix noticed only four other avatars in the room; a pair of female vampires were snuggling in one corner, probably involved in some ERP, an older style Hunter/Slasher hybrid class in a chair and some brand new quick-play avatar.  A quick perusal reveals that the H/S is pretty old-school, with none of the newer add-ons or new equipment, but he was far better equipped than the quick-play avatar was.  She had not even passed the initial rituals that would give her one of the essential classes to play.  In comparison, if the others were interested, Astarix was tricked out with some of the very best equipment offered in the game, all of it enchanted with strong magic and only available to those who had won some of the championship runs that popped up every now and then.   The H/S at least seems comfortable in the chair so should be Kynos.  The other seemed to barely even know her way around the room, and probably did not know of the secret rooms and corridors available to those of certain ranks. 

Astarix takes a tall fluted glass from the tray of a roaming lounge servant and sips the blood red liquid as he approaches the H/S and the other.  "Welcome and good afternoon.  I thank you, sir, for suggesting this venue for the meeting."  The VL avatar bows low to both of them.   "Now should we get down to business?  Here I am Lord Astarix, House Master of the Dark Nine, and one of the sitting councilors on the Coven."  Astarix waves his hand and small boxes open for each of the other two to elect to join him in a private chat session.  "We should be able to talk freely here.  I am assuming that the Newbie_827 is Officer Max.  Can you shed any light on what is going on?  I am particularly interested in getting proof that I did not try to assassinate my boss and a Yak boss during a meeting in a warehouse I was sent to purchase.  The building is scrap, I am in hiding, and so is my boss.  I would owe a rather large favor to you if you can help."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-14-15/0348:26>
"Athos?" Kynos' voice showed a certain amount of mirth. "Damn, how can a mafia soldier have so much time to build a whole vampire empire in VR? I started playing when I was in intensive care for three months. Incidentally, never take the "Cellar of the Broken Mind" quest with a Hunter/Slasher hybrid. Some fragger laced that thing with BTL fear and Link-Lock. Normally if you are paralyzed with fear and killed by the burning clown spider you are sent back to the lobby. But if you are a slasher hybrid, you just fall down without dying. I spent 24 hours there getting killed again and again. I'm pretty sure that can't be healthy for your brain."

He turned to Max: "Ah, I get you are no connoisseur of silly VR games. Welcome all the same. As you see, we are both quite able and willing to help with an ongoing investigation - provided we aren't treated like criminals." He laughed, although his avatar made it sound menacing.
"Maybe we can rehash what we know so far:
My employer here was - standing in for his boss - interested in buying the warehouse  from a man of Japanese descent - both alleged associates of a local, quite influential business group.
While they visited the warehouse, the door closed itself sealing both men and their entourage in. To their dismay they discovered shaped charges inside the fresh drywall - as we know now this system was stolen from a secure KE facility.
They barely escaped by punching a hole through one of the walls.
Suspects involved in this assassination attempt are the AI known as RED from whose abode the security system was removed and an individual called Venom, who used the warehouse previous to the sale to store a number of illegal military ordinances.

Anything I got wrong or should know so far?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-14-15/1025:52>
Astarix laughs.  "I love it here.  I make time to play.  And you must have been away for a while.  That bug in "Broken Mind" was fixed about a year ago.  But, yeah, there are some fraggers out there who just have to mess with the programming.  We should do a run some time to get your gear upgraded.  And perhaps you could give some advice on the H/S class.  I have never really tried a hybrid, but some seem to do quite well."  The vampire lord avatar turns to the Newbie.  "You, too, officer.  This is a great way to relax and I would be happy to show you around."

"My associate here has it pretty much right.  And I, too, would like to know what you can add and what I would have to do to get it.  I would normally not even contemplate cooperating with the law, but strange times make for strange bedfellows, as it were.  And these are strange times, indeed."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-14-15/1437:10>
The time outside with Strawberry and Nagisa had been lovely, in many ways even more fulfilling than the time I spent in the dream with Nagi.  This time it had been real.

It looks like Nagi is starting to accept the idea of living here, which is nice.  I envy her in a lot of ways, even more now than ever.  She doesn't have to worry about the outside world anymore.  At least not except as a job.

Me, on the other hand, I still very much have the world on my shoulders.  And like Atlas, I groaned when my glasses beeped to warn me that it was 11am and that I'd best start looking in on Athos in the game.  I'me sure he'd be there early, and despite the Noon schedule a lot would be discussed before the official start.

Unlike Athos, I am entirely AR but with my reflexes, the glasses, and AR gloves, it's never hobbled me much.  I keep up with VR players with little trouble.  No, I rule over most VR players with no sweat at all.

Mouse's blessing has some surprising advantages, I muse with a smile.

With a little help from Nagisa, I'm able to access the matrix with no trace of where I am accessing from.  As long as I am using my glasses here in Strawberry's domain, my source on the 'trix will be nigh invisible.  It was the first of many tricks Nagisa will be bringing to Strawberry's service.  Even M seems impressed, which isn't an easy feat.

Walking down the corridor from House main door to the lounge, I note some changes that came with recent updates.  Nothing major, just some different textures for the candelabras, a change in color palette for the flooring.  I nod to the House staff, NPCs all, as I walk by.  A mirror catches my eye and I can see myself.

In the game I am tall, almost two meters, with strong arms and legs and well-muscled thighs that flash from the slits in my short black skirt.  My hair is black, and like in meatspace flows well down my back, swishing this way and that with my hips.  Those strands of hair that fall to my front detour along my chest to make way for my ample breasts barely held in check by the ebony bodice that pushes my assets up for easy inspection yet is flexible enough to permit me ease of movement when removing yet another vampire from existence.  At my side are my signature enchanted mahogany swords and daggers, special items created just for me after Astarix and I joined forces to win a game-level contest with a custom item as the reward.  Only slightly less powerful, magic-wise at least, is the compound bow built to my size and exceptional strength and the quiver of steel-tipped mahogany arrows slung over my back.

With the occasional exception of Astarix, there are few vampires in the game that can stand my focused attention.  Or for than matter, non-vampires.

I enter the lounge to see Astarix and two others I do not recognize speaking within a privacy field.  Taking stock of the room in case there are any surprises, I saunter toward the others, enjoying the effect my appearance has during initial introductions...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-14-15/1540:13>
@Athos Kynos and Minnie  Max say "I do not play matrix games, my cult forbids it. Your assertions are about right, I will add what I know. There is conspiracy, a secret society that spans many organizations countries and cities. I have been following them for years and my entire cult is dedicated to fighting these guys. They are called, ANZ or  Alliance of New Zion. Venom, Red and many others are part of it. They use subtle methods, nothing quite high profile as an assassination attempt. It took the new Bresleves a lot of time to prove their existence we started with nothing more than a vague prophecy and over the years we gradually managed to map this organization.

Something changed recently, Venom is attracting as much attention to himself as he possibly can. Red manipulates the KE to bombard her prison and performed a high profile escape. I believe that for the first time in their history ANZ are about to take over a city, THIS city and with their methods, I am not sure that we will even notice the change.

Now your specific problems are smaller - but you need to understand whose pool you are pissing in.  The more you dig into this warehouse the more it will be clear that it wasn't you. I know who placed the explosives in there, it is the leader of the Red Hot Nukes Gerald. The problem is, he does not know that he did that, Cat verified that. This is as far as I go, they can somehow make Gerald do stuff without him knowing that he is being manipulated.  I scouted many universities and corps that were only half cooperative, nobody confirmed a technological or magical method of doing this.

So either Gerald has an identical twin he does not know anything about and has the same technical expertise or ANZ has some cutting edge technology or a new spell. It is not unheard of because Red itself is a technology that the KE do not admit creating and she stretches the realm of technologically possible. I believe that whoever created Red really was ANZ and that their superior technology was used. Red is significantly more advanced than other AI's the KE created. It almost as if she was not made by the same people.

Initially I thought that it was Red. She comes close to that kind of skill but is not capable of such a strong manipulation. She can control people and put them on autopilot behaving normal and not knowing that anything is wrong. But her nanites are visible in these people, and once removed - they become aware of everything. The other option is that Gerald has an identical twin down to the DNA, and that twin has the same expertise as him. Personally I believe that it is the ANS."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-14-15/1623:19>
@Maxwell Amy White comes to meet you but it is not the decker girl you met the other day.  Some other woman, a good looking elf with dark hair and a distinctive moon tattoo on her right shoulder. "Flowers? You shouldn't have... Come loverboy we have a lot to discuss."  She say.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-14-15/1623:40>
"Oh great. Alliance of New Zion? You honestly want to tell me this is some kind of Jewish World Conspiracy? But o.k. whatever.
There are quite a lot of things that can control a man. Magic, drugs, post hypnotic orders, BTL induced somnabulism, possession or plain old black mail. In the end it's not very important how but who.

If they are making a play for power and are stiring up trouble the movers and shakers will probably be found somewhere in city government and KE. Create enough fear and people will tolerate almost every reduction of their freedom.

You know politics better than me: Who is the next in line for command after the current commander has been outed as an incompetent twat? Likewise, who will succeed the mayor if the current one ends up dead?"

Kynos turned to Athos: "There's another hunter out there sculking around. Is that one of yours?"

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-14-15/1655:22>
A feeling of confusion surges throughout Maxwell's brain as he sees the elf lady.  He struggles to say something clever but gives up as soon as she speaks.  Skeptically he says: "You're not who I was expecting.  And yeah we do have a lot to talk about.  Maxwell shakes his head in irritation, letting his hair fall in front of his face then running his hand along the top of his head to push everything back in place.  He looks back up at the woman and motions with his left hand forwardly and says: "After you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-14-15/1839:30>
I accept the proffered chat request as I approach the conversing men, just in time to hear my introduction.

"There's another hunter out there sculking around. Is that one of yours?"

The speaker is a male human, a hunter/slasher hybrid by the looks of it.  He looks agitated, but I have no idea the details of it.  Astarix is clearly relaxed around him, though, so while I maintain vigilance I don't present overtly on guard.  Rather than answer the rude question in words, or permit Astarix to do so, I continue my slow sashay until I stand before my friend's rather dashing avatar.  In the game he's only a head taller than I am.  I slip my right hand behind his neck and draw him down for a kiss, as always taking care NOT to permit my lips open more than a fraction of a centimeter - he IS a vampire after all!

Several seconds later we separate and I grin up at him before backing away to look back at the others again.  "So, what'd I miss?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-15-15/0018:23>
Astarix shakes his head as he sips from his flute.  "So I still have heard nothing that will get me back on track in the Family or find my boss.  All this ANZ stuff is fine, but what can I do to stop it?  Am I to abandon all of my life's ambitions to work with the authorities?  And this Gerald; I have spoken to him and he seemed normal to me."

He turns to see the experienced VH approach.  He could never get tired of watching Minnie's avatar.  She had spent lots of in-game funds on the special body sculpting and the effect was worth it.  After the close kiss he turns to face Kynos.  "Minion?  Hardly.  Partner is more like it.  We mesh well together.  She is single classed Master Vampire Hunter and might be able to show you some things if you are interested."

Astarix turns back to Newbie_827.  "So, what advice do you have?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-15-15/0105:31>
@Minnie Athos Kynos Max say ANZ is the name we invented for them. We have no reason to think they are Jewish. It is just that things without a name are difficult to perceive. But when other people see randomness we see manipulation and loaded dice.  One of their brilliant idea is having no name and no handle. It is just the ridiculous amounts of money that certain individuals suddenly have that give concrete evidence to their existence.
 
To Kynos next year is election year but that would be the vice Ralph Page.

To Athos: I can show you the video showing Gerald do that. Add to that the skills and expertise  that are required to remove and carry active explosives over hundred of miles and than putting it all together, there is just one person capable in the shadows.  The legendary demolition man, non of the others is even insane enough to try it and I have camera feeds that place him at the warehouse and at the prison. The man has lost a few marbles, his entire building became a fortress and he is terrified of what he apparently did but has no knowledge of doing.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-15-15/0119:56>
Astarix nods.  "So may I have the video to show to my superiors?  But even that does not prove who is behind the plot.  It is nearly the perfect crime when the perpetrator does not know he did the thing."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-15-15/0854:18>
Standing beside Astarix, I simply listen and watch the others. Clearly a lot has happened while I've been on my own.  Doubtless after the others leave Athos will explain what doesn't make sense to me right now.  In the meantime, I use my 'social skills' to get a good sense of those Athos is now working with.  Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I flirt in order to throw the new faces off balance and get to see their reactions beneath their facades.

[spoiler]Seduction: Flirting with Kynos and Max: 13d6t5: 4 [13d6t5=4, 2, 4, 5, 1, 1, 2, 6, 4, 5, 1, 5, 2] (http://orokos.com/roll/333694)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-15-15/0928:27>
[spoiler]
Composure (http://orokos.com/roll/333696): 9d6t5 1
[/spoiler]

Kynos acknoledged Minnies presence with a smile. Unfortunately his mask wasn't meant to show any emotion at all and the distortion effect to his voice gave the friendly meant "Hello and welcome!" a somehow menacing and creepy vibe.
But he did give her a quick recap of the aforementioned events. Than he turned to Max and Athos:
"Ok, I understand. So following the money would be the best solution to both your problems, am I right?
I plan to catch up with Venom and have a serious talk somewhere privat. If you want you can get in on that action. I am pretty confident, that I can get him to tell me who his contact is. All I need is someone with a reliable method of transport."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-15-15/1258:09>
Everyone but Mulcarn: Max shares the video with you but shortly after her avatar just freeze and stops responding. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-15-15/1301:06>
@Maxwell - The lady takes you to a spacious office at the top floor of the building. A corner  office with city view. "The chip" she say, " We need to see whats on it... I do not like being dragged around town in a wild goose chase any more than you." Said (the wrong) Amy.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-15-15/1459:49>
Maxwell was busy looking out the window when he heard her speak.  Turning around to face her with a sullen look he says: "Only if you tell me whats going here.  Who are you?  You're not the Amy I was expecting and I was led to believe that someone here would have some information regarding Venom and that supposed bomb at my place."  He reaches into his pocket to pull out the chip, holding it close to his angered face.  "If I was just duped into playing errand boy then I have half a mind to just smash this thing."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-15-15/1508:54>
"OH COME ON." Kynos poked Max' unmoving avatar. "Don't tell me some fragger got to your meat."
He turned to Athos: "Well, shit. That looks like dumpshock. That was a quick meeting. So, you onboard catching Venom?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-15-15/1605:25>
@Maxwell Amy White tells you, I am a decker a security expert. My contact at the shadow, a decker named Blue Vixen have sent me in goose chase after all sort of unrelated things. I brought her some hardware garbage from the brain eaters and this kind of drecks, stuff so ancient it is from decades ago not even optical computers.

She said that you will have answers with you when you come, so I assume it is the chip because you seem just as clueless as me. She then slot the chip in the trid projector and you see an hologram of the right Amy.

"If you are seeing this it means that I am in some very deep shit, I was taken by a vampire called Damian Grail. Apparently he is up to no good he has me doing some really fucked up shit and threatens to infect me and make me murder anyone I ever loved if I refused. Damian wants to assassinate the vice mayor and I am helping him. In the following bank account there is money that was already taxed and is ready to use, use it to hire people to rescue me.

The next 3 hours are going to be technical I am going to teach you how to build a comlink. The brain eaters have built an alternative matrix.  The original matrix is very dangerous these days, there is something new in there some killer AI that kills deckers that ask a specific kind of questions, I helped create it for Damian but it was upgraded far beyond my capabilities when I was not with Damian.

About Venom, he sucks up to Damian so badly, he begs him to turn him that sadistic fuck, he tortured me. What is a punishment for me is a reward for Venom. Damian practically owes him."

The next 3 hours are indeed very technical but at the end of them you have a very primitive comlink that is functional, sort of there is no video/trid, just low quality audio.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-15-15/1622:57>
@Athos Minnie, Kynos not just max is frozen, every avatar in the game seems frozen. Then completely out of theme cartoon mice swarm your avatars and try to nibble them. You can fight the mice, but there are so many of them to even begin.

[spoiler]
Data spike (http://orokos.com/roll/333776): 3#16d6t5 5 4 5
Athos roll firewall + willpower against 5 hits. (damage is 8+ net hits.  You will also suffer biofeedback. physical if you hot sim, stun if you don't)
Kynos against 4 hits damage goes to matrix + biofeedback (8 again).
Minnie 5 hits - damage
[/spoiler]

@Kynos You get a message from Max >> I am okay I was ARing, but my expensive link is fried. Get out of there NOW, it fired me within a single strike. I think it followed me in the server, I am not sure difficult to say now. 
Sadly her message is just a tad too late.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-15-15/1647:52>
[spoiler]
I go to full matrix defense:
Int 6 + Firewall 5 + Willpower 5
Defense Data Spike (http://orokos.com/roll/333782): 16d6t5 7 [16d6t5=5, 4, 1, 5, 6, 3, 5, 4, 5, 4, 2, 6, 4, 5, 3, 4]
Back to sender
Next action: Switch Interface Mode.
I didn't get damaged, so I should not be link locked.

[/spoiler]

Kynos' avatar calmly stood up and stepped onto the chair, giving the command to change back to AR. "Lock out, both of you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-15-15/1649:46>
Maxwell's expression at the hologram message turns from frustration to perplexed.  The gears within his head slowly turn as he takes in all this new information.  He begins to pace slightly, rubbing the back of his skull as if he could massage his brain into processing faster.  "So this is where the black path has taken me."  Once he was finally done thinking he speaks to the elf saying: "Alright this answers a few questions but raises a legion of new ones.  The first one being is what does a vampire hope to gain by killing the vice mayor?  Why does he need a master decker?  How did Amy get tangled up with him in the first place?  How does this Damian Grail know Venom?  And how do you fight an A.I. that's been created and upgraded to kill anyone who asks the wrong questions?  Maxwell stops himself when he hears that hes rambling on endlessly. 

After a few brief moments he asks the most important question.  "Why me, what do I have to do with any of this?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-15-15/1703:34>
@Maxwell Amy White tells you, "Sorry for background checking but Venom has a prize on your head, so you must be on the outside circle... me? Because Blue Vixen and I go long back and she knows that I am loyal.  I have no idea how these two assholes met, EvilAsshole.com perhaps? The part of the vice mayor makes no sense to me... why not kill the mayor or blackmail him for all I care. Killing is a bit drastic, more of a statement than a practical method."


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-15-15/1721:13>
@Amy White - Maxwell annoyedly responds with: "Does everyone know about that damned bounty!"  He pauses for several seconds to cool down before continuing on.  "Makes no difference, I now have two reasons to kill Venom.  Also I believe that vampire is responsible for the undead haunting the barrens at night.  I don't really have any hard evidence to that other than a strong hunch.  And how much money is on that bank account?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-15-15/2359:47>
@Maxwell "It is plastered in shadow forums, it is hard to miss. It is not high so the high caliber assassins are at bay, but for a decker this is a piece of cake. There is 20k on that account, I did not shadow work for a while now, what can you do with this kind of money?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-16-15/0036:52>
Maxwell starts grinning devilishly at Amy's question.  Trying not to sound too mischievous he replies with: "Well I can do one of two things with that kind of money.  The first would be to purchase a nice magical focus for myself.  The second and more responsible option is to take that money to a friend I know and see if I can hire a band of cutthroat mercenaries to help me take down Venom and Damian Grail."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-16-15/0046:27>
Astarix manages to tell Kynos that he will have a van delivered to the NH later today and that he is definitely in for the Venom mission when the mice invade the Lounge.  The powerful VL waves a hand at the mice, laughing.  "Idiot hacker.  Does he not realize that rats and mice are dedicated to one such as I?" 

[spoiler]Defending:  Defend against matrix attack, using edge (http://orokos.com/roll/333916): 14d6t5 5  reroll misses:  Reroll misses (http://orokos.com/roll/333917): 9d6t5 1  6 hits total.  No damage.[/spoiler]

The mice near Astarix race back away from the anger of their lord.  He bows to the others and says, "Well now.  I think it is time to depart.  It has been enjoyable.  I will call you when the van is delivered."  The Vampire Lord waves at the others, twirls his cape about him and disappears in a puff of smoke.  The effect is a bit cheesy, but he loves it.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-16-15/0231:42>
@Maxwell Amy White tells you "I can try and pinpoint that Venom... the way I see it, if we can pinpoint him we find Damian after all all this 'sucking up' requires either comlink communication or real communication. I'll also lookup that Damian guy, a Vampire in Seattle is completely illegal and there is a fat bounty, I think 20k perhaps more for powerful individuals. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-16-15/0413:36>
@all thiuse of you that stayed long enough could see the massive number of ghosts that attack the cartoon mice. Very tight security. Whomever did that to you seems to have some troubles of their own.


@Minnie you are not completely concentrated at the picnic but you can see that Nagisa and Strawberry are deep in a conversation it is no smalltalk because Nagisa is grave serious despite placing her head in the Strawberry's lap. What catches your attention is the mentioning of a name....Venom. Strawberry said that he was sepoused to leave town but did not.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-16-15/0803:27>
Kynos awoke into AR and quickly rebooted before contacting Athos and Max and Minnie normally per text:
<<Ok, seems like there is indeed a certain amount of conspiracy going on. Athos, can Cat say who our attacker was? If it was Red that AI just made it onto my shit list. I've got everything we need to reel Venom in. What would you prefer - going into that bar and asking pointed questions for him or laying a trap. I think I made an impression on him the last time I contacted him. I'd guess he would be eager to meet me again to extend the same courtesies I gave him.
And Max, are you with us on that?>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-16-15/0913:48>
@Amy White - "That works for me and in the meantime i'm gonna see a contact of mine who'd also like to see Venom's head mounted on a spike.  Also my place is trapped and most likely wired to explode.  Can you fix that?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-16-15/1411:23>
@Maxwell Amy white tells you " I think you need a new place too many people know of your old one. If you want to take your things the red hot nukes are the only people to do it for you no questions asked. Chances are one of them is the one to put the bomb in its place in the first place. They are the only gang where every member can handle explosives to some degree.

@Kynos Max say " Me and NBM are behind you. I want to find Venom and shake him a little bit see whats falls off. I need to know who he works for."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-16-15/1550:51>
Maxwell grumbles and grunts in displeasure before saying: "Yeah fuck you're probably right.  Which is a damn shame because I have a two month deposit in that apartment.  Here i'll give you my number in case we need to do stuff later."  He gives her his comm code then texts his fixer.

@Prop Joe - <<Hey Joe I need you to talk to the Red Hot Nukes for me.  My place was trapped with explosives and I don't think I can go back there anymore.  Hire them on my behalf to go that shitty apartment complex you know where I live at and go to my place and pick up all my stuff there.  Have them pack it all up and drop it off at an establishment known as The Joke.  There is also a warehouse not too far from council island that has some KE armor that I came across recently.  Have one of the Nukes go there and pick it up and drop it off with the rest of my stuff.  I'll pay you 2000 if you broker this deal and i'll give the Nukes 5000 if they do this for me.  I'll also attach a map to that warehouse and my apartment.  A map with detailed instructions is also attached with the message.

Maxwell sighs heavily at the thought of losing all the wealth he has acquired recently and decides its a good time to get drunk.  Turning to face Amy he says:  "I hate to impose but i'd rather not walk for another 6 hours just to get a drink.  So any chance you could give me a ride to to this bar called The Joke, its in the barrens."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-16-15/1608:02>
@Maxwell Amy say " A ride ride? no way I am not leaving the building, I got a good autopilot that can drop you there." Indeed her bike takes you to your destination with ease.

Your fixer say >> sure thing consider it done. I managed to reduce the nukes to 3k so you keep the change.  You are not the one to negotiate it is good that you used me. Your apartment has been cleaned your armor is picked and items will be delivered. Do you want me to buy your lease ? I can probobly rerent your place in a few hours. I'll pay you 80% if you like.

When you enter the Joke Strawberry approaches you and say "Just the kind of guy I wanted to meet. Remember you offering to *kill* a certain someone for me...?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-16-15/1709:31>
@Prop Joe - <<Yeah that sounds great.  I payed 3200 for a two month lease so if I can get a fraction of that then I won't be as fucked as I thought i'd be.>>

As he arrives at the bar that pretty red-haired elf greets him and reminds him of his blunder when they first met.  In response to her question he says: Thats kinda part of the reason as to why i'm here.  You may want to take a seat somewhere because this might take awhile."

Maxwell tells her everything that has transpired in the past few days.  From Ivory Tower's job to his business at the Horizon Security Department.  Recounting to the best of his ability every detail of these past events.  He was out of breath and coughing when he finished his long-ass story.  Once he regained some air in his lungs he said: "Sorry if most of that doesn't sound right, a lot has happened since our first meeting.  I'm loathe to burden you with all of this but you're the only person I know who has had dealings with Venom and also has no love for him either.  I don't have a place to stay so would you mind if I crash here for awhile or at least until I find somewhere else to live?"

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-17-15/0203:31>
@Maxwell Strawberry say "I can make you disappear but I need his ass placed on that plane to Tokyo.  His family is very upset because he disappeared as he was on the way to the airport. His family is already expecting him in Tokyo and they grow more suspicious every day. If anything happens to him we will miss him because their interference here is going to be much worse than one no good trouble maker."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-17-15/0221:25>
@Strawberry - Maxwell flares up in irritation and responds annoyedly with: "The man tries to kill me three times and you want to send him on a vacation home, figures.  Besides I doubt that's even a possibility now.  Hes trafficking with a vampire who plots to overtake the city in a vain attempt to be turned as well.  Meanwhile torturing a friend of mine just for the hell of it.  Hes a pile of trash not a trouble maker, and I should have killed him when I had the chance.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-17-15/0649:15>
Athos is disappointed to have shed his alter-ego, but real life does come first.  He responds to Kynos' question.  >>Let me check.  Yulia, did you get out alright?  And I like the idea of setting a trap, but am pissed off enough now that I would not bashing a few heads.  Your call on this one."  He sends a thought to Cat.  **Hey, friend, can you tell who was sending the mice after us in the game host?**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-17-15/0737:27>
Kynos replied: <<Ok, so let's just walk into that bar and see if we can stir up trouble. If he's not there or we don't learn where he is, you can tell them where to find me - the old junkyard where we first met.
Let's meet at the bar at 1800h, have the van ready. I'll bring the pepper punch>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-17-15/1136:14>
Athos replies, >>Sure.  I can be there for that.  Send the address.  I will try to work something out with Yulia for some support.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-17-15/1338:53>
Kynos sent the address and made himself ready to once more drive into Yak territory. He didn't have much hope of catching Venom there. That guy hadn't looked like someone who stayed around if the climate got tough.
He stopped his bike a good 100m from the bar away and hid it behind some rubble and rubbish. The new armor was only partially hidden by this long coat, but the helmet was nice. Schwarz had done excellent work with it. Especially the environmental seal would come in handy. He had taken off the helmet while he walked towards the bar, stashing it in the bag together with his rifle.
He looked around before sending a short message to Max and Athos: <<I'm down the road in front of the bar. I'll send you a life feed from my camera, be ready to catch anyone trying to flee.>>
After waiting for the reply, he made his way towards the bar.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-17-15/1609:11>
@Maxwell Strawberry say "Yes put on a plane, untouched undisturbed or interrogated and sent back to Japan. This was the deal I made with his dad. In exchange the Japanese Yaks will not send another overseer on their behalf and I do not have a childish brute to keep out of harms way. Because he is too important to face consequences.

As much as I care he can be the date of the Devil, he still get to go home because I do not need the international syndicate messing with my affairs."

(If Maxwell knows anything about economics, it is a bit suspicious that a simple pub owner has this kind of connections.)
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-17-15/1639:35>
@Athos cat say "This is the Dormouse and he seem to be having a nightmare he is not usually like that. He was created by the same people that created me. He is fed data from a massive network of hidden spies in large portions of the matrix and when it's data analysis algorithms perceive a threat the Dormouse is awaken and neutralize the threat. A moment he is here and the other moment he is on the other side of the world, he is not based on nanites and finds the idea of a physical body repulsive.

Unlike me and Red, despite his massive firepower I wouldn't call him intelligent or even self-aware, he is an older design that acts like a global IC. He was designed over 50 years ago for the previous matrix. You could say that he is my grandfather programming wise."


@Kynos You draw a lot of attention when you enter the Joke. The silence is tense until after a moment that last forever somebody claps his hands. Then they all join, one of the Yaks say "A round of drinks to honor the insane hero that stuck it to Venom." To say the least you are a bit surprised, but you seem to be the most popular guy in that establishment. The only one that does not share the admiration is a very pretty ginger elf. You think you have seen her before, she went out of the joked when you put that asshole to sleep.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-17-15/1703:18>
Quote
@Minnie you are not completely concentrated at the picnic but you can see that Nagisa and Strawberry are deep in a conversation it is no smalltalk because Nagisa is grave serious despite

placing her head in the Strawberry's lap. What catches your attention is the mentioning of a name....Venom. Strawberry said that he was sepoused to leave town but did not.

"MICE!"

It's hard not to react to the thousands of electrinic rodents as if they are really crawling all over me despite the fact that since I'm just in AR using my glasses and gloves, they have no impact on me really.  I keep most of my body under control, but my tail is a study in agitation.  And yes, I cried out.

"Yulia!" I hear more than see Nagi's concerned.  Although I could focus past my glasses and see her, I remain focused on the game.  Although not for long.  I try to get a message to Astarix but before I can, my glasses blink out.  I try to reboot...to no avail.

When I refocus my eyes, Nagisa has risen from Strawberry's lap and is standing before me, her face worried.  Strawberry never rose, but her own face is curious too.  I smile to reassure my girlfriend and new mentor.

"I'm fine, but I think my glasses are toast."  I remove the article in question from my face and hand them over to Nagi.  If anyone could figure out how to recover them, it would be her.  "One minute I was standing with Athos' avatar Astarix and his two new associates, the next we were covered with mice and then my glasses died.  I think it was some kind of attack, but for all I know it was my luck with computers.  You know me, Nagisa," I add with a grimace.  "If you can use it, I will break it just by touching it."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-17-15/1717:40>
Nagisa say "Definitely bricked... You missed quite a bit of drama, Strawberry apologized for kidnapping me and allowed me to leave. I choose to stay because she is right, this is our best chance to stay together. We were talking about some trouble maker orc, as if the world is not full with Bruno's, but this one is cartoonish insane. The kind that steal rockets from army base and then test them on random vehicles... completely cuckoo! .

Apparently he is a silver spooned asshole, born to one of the leaders of the Yaks, and he was captured and was supposed to catch a plane to Tokyo but the van was ambushed and everyone in it was killed. Drained out of blood, the one blood that was not there was of our lovely friend. Apperantly daddy is angry and concerned and he is willing to let Strawberry continue stay under their radar if she bring him his beloved son back. The thing is, nobody have seen Venom ever since and his fate seems to be liked to some infected. I am going to find him, and we were wondering, if you were going to help."

Strawberry just look, she seem to be astonished by how motivated Nagisa became. You yourself are a bit astonished and the reason was so simple, nothing complex or intelligent. "Your best chance to see your girlfriend is with me."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-17-15/1722:31>
Maxwell was about to say or more like scream something at Strawberry but he stops himself and grits his teeth instead.  Seething with obvious anger he tries to change the subject by saying: "Does this place have a basement or an unused storeroom?  It doesn't need to be very big just large enough to set up a magical lodge."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-17-15/1733:00>
"Are you talking about someone named Venom?" I ask.  "I heard you mentioning his name while i was talking with Athos.  They mentioned it to.  I didn't get the full story before we were cut off, but it sounds like he has something to do with Athos' and my mess too.  I think your problem is my problem.  I'd help anyway, but I definitely want him if it'll help us get to the bottom of who tried to kill us in the warehouse."  I look at my glasses in Nagisa's hands and sigh.  "Hopefully you have better leads than I'm coming up with.  I need a new comm so I can try and find out if Athos is okay.  He was jacked in, I'm sure.  I think the others were too unless they're as fast as me out here."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-17-15/1733:54>
@Maxwell Strawberry say "I can make a basement, do not worry about it, but it is important for me that this Venom is found and placed on a plane... my life would be a lot more difficult if he is killed."
 Strawberry takes you to a small wooden shack behind the joke. It is nothing much two rooms, and a kitchen. She then infront of your eyes, cast a spell and you can see that the earth move from one of the rooms to make the walls thicker and creates a small underground space. "Better security for the entire house and a small basement. " She say, '"rent is 2500 a month and I can bring you a food processor and some basic furniture if you need. What do you say?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-17-15/1742:02>
@Minnie Nagisa say "With the kind of equipment I have here, give me two hours and your glasses are good as new."

Strawberry say "This is good to know Yulia, Venom is a brute that is up to no good. Nobody likes him but he is sort of royalty. He has his own men that came with him from Korea and his family in Japan are very rich and powerful. They hired me to keep him safe and they know he is up to no good.  I constantly had a spirit protecting him, this is why I know where he is, or more precisely where he was when he met an awakened vampire that banished my spirit. I asked Nagisa to take it from there. I know many people want him dead, and I know he deserve that but anyone that harms him has some serious issues with me to a point where I might do things that I am not comfortable with. Our independence is at risk if he is harmed - all the agreements Ando signs are approved in Japan and his family can put me back at war with the Yaks."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-17-15/1751:06>
"Another good reason to get to the bottom of this so you're no longer under Yak jurisdiction."  After saying it, I realize that Finnegan control may not be any better for Nagisa, though, and I give her a guilty look. 

Then again, when all is said and done, I may be joining Tony is a little room for the rest of my life since they'll be sure I know where Nagi is no matter what i tell them.  Well I can deal with that when the time comes.  First things first.  Clear Athos' name and get Dame Valentina out so that we can close the deal that started this whole mess.

"Thanks Nagi," I say softly before she can leave. "I appreciate it.  We'll make sense of all this once we can at least stop the bleeding...literal and figurative."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-17-15/1803:57>
For a brief moment, Maxwell forgets about his troubles and watches in awe at the ease of Strawberry's spellcraft.  "I wonder if shes more powerful than me?  He quickly dismisses that thought and resumes his regular demeanor.  Too tired and hungry to argue anymore, Maxwell reluctantly says: "So be it, I promise to not kill him and yeah the accommodations are fine.  He reaches into his jacket to pull out his credstick to hand it to her.  "Here, take whatever you want off it.  I don't care anymore."  Maxwell quickly surveys the place then heads back to the front of the bar to pick up all of his boxed-up stuff to bring inside his new living quarters.  This takes only a few trips before he was done.  He finds a spot on the ground to lie down, not even caring to check again if there's a couch or bed that'd be more comfortable instead.  Sluggishly looking around the room to make sure he didn't forget anything before shutting his eyes to take a small nap.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-17-15/1809:14>
@Minnie Strawberry say "There is the issue of payment,  I have placed you in a jinx with the Finnegans. I am going to pay you for this gig, you will get 7k a day and I'll make sure that nobody knows about this money. This will be yours if you ever need to disappear. I am going to assemble a group of runners to help in this. Hopefully, people of skill. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-17-15/1816:25>
"Strawberry," I say with a waving-away motion, "I'd be doing this even if it wasn't helpful for you, too.  It's to clear my own name and make things safe for Nagi.  You don't need to pay me for that!"  I pause a moment.  "I just need to connect again with Athos and replace some of my equipment that I never took from my room at the apartment."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-17-15/1820:08>
@Yulia Strawberry say "I want you to have your options, Nagisa had quite a lot saved up because she knew she may have to hide. You should have your own safety fund because you are playing a dangerous game and things can change all the time. You got to take care of yourself and I may not be around to save you, if things go badly with the Finnegans you'll need some cash of your own. "


She then takes a big apple and hands it to you. "You haven't toched any of the food since we got here. It is a shame that it goes to waste."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-17-15/1826:49>
@Maxwell Strawberry tells you "I lost Venom when a vampire banished the spirit that was monitoring and protecting him. I am building a team to go there and you can join them, I'll pay you 7k for every day that you guys actively search for him."  She forward you the commlink frequency of Yulia (Shaman Yuri) and say "Her name is Yulia and she is going to help with this thing too"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-17-15/1828:55>
I don't have an answer to Strawberry.  If something happened to Athos and Strawberry, I really would have no options.  Maybe I could get help from jimmy, but I'd be in a world of hurt.  Then again, I don't want to consider something happening to Strawberry.  So many people depended on her.

The conversation M and I shared just a while ago plays again through my mind.  It seems a war is coming here despite M's protestations.  Or does M know what Strawberry is up to.

Is Strawberry as bad off as M thinks?  Do M and Strawberry have different motivations?

My head hurts thinking about it.  I take the apple from Strawberry with a thankful smile and bite into it.  The taste of the fresh fruit helps clear my mind of stress for just a few moments.

"So while Nagisa fixes my glasses, what should I be doing?" I ask between mouthfuls.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-17-15/1931:58>
Athos groans when he sees the address.  **The Joke?  Hell, back there again.**  He waits at the NH until the van is delivered and takes the keys from the delivery guy.  He carefully looks over the van, looking at all of the special things he had asked for.  Satisfied that the Yak boss had again lived up to his word, Athos climbed in and drove away from the hotel, heading for the Joke.

Arriving there, he waits for Kynos, acknowledging his message.  Athos leaves the vehicle and stands near the driver's door, waiting to see who come running out.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-17-15/2030:18>
Maxwell was halfway to dreamland when he regretfully heard Strawberry's voice.  "Something feels off.  I don't remember her being this annoying and business like.  I used to feel warmth and lust when we first met.  Now I don't feel anything at all.  Did something happen while I was gone?  Did my actions here hurt her?"  He thought hard about how his recklessness may have done some irreparable damage that he wasn't aware of.  But he discarded that notion when he recalled that she is also a black mage like himself.  "No that's not it all.  She probably just used some weird emotion magic to make me feel that way in the first place.  Probably uses it on every fool who makes contact with her.  I just need to stay on track of my original plans and cast off these worthless thoughts and feelings.  They will ultimately be the death of me."

Maxwell snaps out of his mental musings when he realized that Strawberry was still in the room with him waiting for a response.  He bitterly says back to her: "Whatever, just leave me be.  I'll worry about that drek later."  Once he was certain that she was gone he rolls over to his side and drifts off into sleep.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-18-15/0529:58>
@Minne 
"So while Nagisa fixes my glasses, what should I be doing?" I ask between mouthfuls.

Strawberry smiles at you, "I have just the thing for you... will you excuse us Nagisa?" She say and it is obvious that it is not a question. Nagisa complies reluctently and takes the glasses with her saying "I'll be done quickly good as new do not worry."
Once Nagisa is gone, Strawberry holds minnies hand and look with a sad view right into your eyes.  "There is something else that I did not want to say around her to not get her upset.". She takes a deep breath and seems disturbed.  "did you notice anything out of the ordinary with Nagisa?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-18-15/0543:57>
'Damn, I need a better mask' Kynos thought until he realized that he still wore the same coat.

With a loud and clear voice he said: "That's right. And if that pussy Venom wasn't hiding behind his rich relatives' resources he'd be six feet under by now. So, someone here be a dear and give him a message: I am coming for him. He can have it the hard way or meet me tonight at Selman's junkyard at Zero Hundred Hours."
Kynos looked around:
"Hey Ginger, you look like you've got something to say. Or maybe you are already saying it via commlink. A friendly advice: I am not your enemy, but I can be if you want."
He drew a credstick and chucked it to the barkeeper. "One round for all this nice gentlemen here. Sayonara"

While he turned away from Ginger he nonetheless kept an eye on her in the reflection of the mirror behind the bar.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-18-15/0552:13>
@Kynos The men in the bar seem surprised by your statement, "Haven't you heard? He took the first plane to Tokyo... Silent lady over there had her goons neatly pack him and ship him back to daddy."  The ginger gives you a cold look for a moment and then she is back to her business of serving beers. Ignoring you on purpose, or because she is truly busy.  Apparently since Venom's demise business are booming as his now unemployed goons have nothing more to do than to get drunk all day.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-18-15/0656:37>
"Did you notice anything out of the ordinary with Nagisa?" Strawberry asks.

I had noticed.  Nagisa's trademark skepticism and sassiness is gone when it comes to Strawberry.  It was impossible to miss.

"You've charmed her," I say simply between more bites.  "I caught it right off."  I then stop mid bite and finish chewing slowly.  When my mouth is clear, I ask the thought that comes to mind.  "It made sense to me so it didn't worry me.  I assumed it was temporary.  To help ease her into life here.  Is it?"

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-18-15/0840:05>
"Typical. Oh well, thanks all the same. Enjoy your drinks."
Kynos left the bar and called Max and Athos
<<According to the patrons Venom has taken a flight back to Tokyo. Somehow I don't believe he's gone for good.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-18-15/1129:30>
Athos frowns.  >>Frag.  A dead end at every turn.  This is getting harder, not easier.  OK.  Any ideas now how I can clear my name or am I just fragged?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-18-15/1208:51>
<<Sure, we break into his old hut and you can set your new pet to work on his data. Let's start with that ginger elf. She seems to be part of his inner circle.>>
Kynos had taken position with a view of the bar, idly waiting for what would happen next.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-18-15/1213:21>
Strawberry answers "That... well this is her authentic self. I Indeed charmed her but I used no seduction or magic. All I needed was to explain that after how she behaves she should stay with me where she can access you.  She had some knowledge programmed into her and when I scanned her mind there were subtle marks of surgery, and a small data chip directly integrated to her brain, there is no saying what it contains and Nagisa is not aware of it at all. She did access it the night of the explosion, the evidence is there and after accessing it she  suddenly knew things she could not possibly predict according to my tech guys.

She could see the future signals being sent,  but she never encountered anything like it before.
What scares me is that this chip is not new, the scars healed  long ago. Someone had access to her long ago in the Finnegans and someone loaded that chip recently with information about the explosion but who and how. That chip also has behavioral defensive mechanisms implemented with it. If you ask her about it she will become very hostile, but she knows nothing about it I verified it with magic.”

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-18-15/1310:15>
Mid way through  Strawberry's explanation I stopped chewing.  When her words were done, I had to force myself to swallow, all enjoyment from the plump fruit gone.

"That...that explains why she fought Bruno when he was just following Athos' orders.  Nagisa was born into the Finnigans.  Her parents both worked for them and died years ago during some mission.  We never heard the details.  That was about when Nagi and I were allowed to become more than just classmates."  I gulp before adding, "I've been under the Finnigan Family since I was seven.  I guess the fact I'm even asking this means the answer is no, but can I be sure I haven't been messed with either?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-18-15/1311:25>
Athos frowns again.  "The Ginger Elf?  You mean Strawberry?  We can ask her questions, but no violence.  And we need to be polite.  She has helped me and I will not allow us to be mean to her.  Still, she may know more than she told me earlier.  I am coming into the bar.<<

Athos walks the short distance to the Joke, barely sparing a glance at the rubble of the warehouse that started all of this.  He enters to find a party going on and walks over to Kynos.  He looks over at the bar and nods to Strawberry before walking over to her.  He has to raise his voice a bit to be heard over the crowd.  "Hello, Strawberry.  How are Yulia and Nagisa?  My friend and I would like to talk to you about Venom and where he is.  Do you have the time and a private room?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-18-15/1345:54>
@Athos (and Kynos) Strawberry say "There are always free rooms, I never rent them all. Room 1, I'll be up in a few once someone comes to cover for me. Your friends are safe and you can contact them directly"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-18-15/1430:48>
<<Seriously, Strawberry? I have a hard time picturing a girl called Strawberry working with a guy called Venom.>>
Kynos had again entered that elated mood that came with going into a potentially very dangerous situation. With a grin on his lips and the back slung over his shoulder he followed Athos, leaving it to him to open the negotiations.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-18-15/1432:32>
Athos nods and looks at Kynos.  "You have a choice to make.  Stay with me and go where this leads or turn and walk away.  If you want to leave I will pay you now for your time.  If you stay I will pay you more, but do not let money be your only guide.  I trust this woman and will see no harm done to her for what she has done to help me.  Grab a drink and come up to room 1 if you want."

He waits for the response from Kynos, ready to pay him off if he wants to leave, but hoping he will stay.  He then goes on up to room 1.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-18-15/1439:51>
"No worries, Junge. Money is important, but so is feeling alive. Whatever else I am, I am no quitter. And if she doesn't give me any reason, I surly won't hurt her."
Kynos ignored the comment about the drink. Alcohol had lost it's appeal shortly after he had gotten his enhanced liver. Instead he walked up behind Athos.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-18-15/1543:48>
@Strawberry enters after you for a couple of minutes. "So you took me away from the bar...want to talk to me about?  To Kynos she say   "You killed quite a few people on my domain, but at least you listen to reason, do not kill anyone in my domain please. "

When Kynos hears Strawberry's voice it is seductive and full of temptation. It seems that no matter what she say, it seems dirty or sexy and appealing and it makes people respond in some way. This voice is unlike any voice he have ever heard.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-18-15/1630:32>
"Wait a moment. We've talked before, haven't we..? Hell you were that fragger that tried to invade my mind! There are quite a lot of things I hate, but rape and mind rape easily make the top of that list.

Seems like I should have finished Venom than and there. It would have avoided a lot of trouble for a lot of people. As for those people: Shouldn't have become Yakuza Soldiers or criminals if they didn't want people shooting at them.

Oh well, that's in the past now and our interests are differently aligned: Now we want to clear up that warehouse explosion and if it's not to much trouble prevent the whole city from becoming a war zone and finally be taken over by some conspiracy. I imagine that would greatly affect the local background count - I imagine you magic guys wouldn't like that, would you?"

Kynos showed a dirty grin at these last words
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-18-15/1652:23>
@Kynos and Athos Strawberry say

"First of all I did not invade your mind, a minor spirit did and she only did so I can keep my own men safe as they move Venom to reunite with his loving family. Yes, I know he is an asshole, and he deserves to die and he bombs people and blow up things and steal from army bases. He has no respect for anything and he is used to having money bail him out of any possible complication, but his daddy hired me and I am to babysit him and keep him safe while in the city. The Yaks are powerful syndicate and disappointing them makes bad enemies.

A conspiracy to take over the city? If you believe in these things I can take my metaphoric hat for you. An idealist!  but city politics are out of scope for me. I have enough on my plate without aiming so high.  As long as the leader respects my private property, he can have my support.  Life aren't perfect, and I have my own politics to handle. Just for the record, I do not pass any moral judgement. I never do, if you want to kill kill, just do not do it in my home. It is bad for my business and Venom's thugs? Yes they are bad for business too. At least when they are sober they plague this place like lost souls ever since he left."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-18-15/1714:16>
"Yeah, sorry but as the receiving party of that mind mojo I'm not inclined to discuss semantics on that. No matter your intentions, try to invade my mind again and I'll do my damn best to make your domain a wasteland.
But if I understand you correctly he's only your problem as long as he is in the city, correct? So we just have to catch him outside city limits.

And no, I'm no idealist, but I happen to have close acquaintances who are. And war in the city keeps me from getting my beauty sleep.

So, does he intent to come back sometime soon and if yes, when and how?"
Kynos spoke with quite a lot more emotion in his voice than usual
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-18-15/1723:17>
@Kynos and Athos Strawberry say "Whatever semantic you want to do, it worked you were unharmed and so were my men and I do not respond well to threats, please avoid them in the future.

...and about Venom, what happens outside of Seattle is none of my concern. I need him on a plane safe, secure interrogated and unharmed in any way."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-18-15/1729:10>
@Minnie Strawberry answers "If you trust me, I can scan your mind like I did to Nagisa using both technological and magical methods. It is not a pleasant process tough and it requires a certain amount of trust. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-18-15/1840:51>
"Strawberry, I'm not like Nagisa.  Maybe I'm not like anyone else you've dealt with. I have nothing to hide. I'm a whore whose parents dumped me on the mafia and pretended they didn't know what might happen. I've been screwed for my supper since I was ten. I can imagine some might call it a mind fuck, but I've spent my whole life being raped. At least with you, I'm volunteering for it. And yes, I trust you. If I'm to be sure I won't betray Athos, or you for that matter, at a critical moment, I have to be sure."

I smirk as I add, "and if you really do mean me harm, I suspect Mouse might make your life complicated. Mouse is protective of her pups, if you believe it."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-18-15/2120:52>
Athos holds up his hands.  "Oh.  OK.  Let's all stop this line of conversation.  If we all play nice no one will have to die on this turf.  And as long as I get some information I can use to help clear my name and find out who set me up I could care less what goes on.  At this point, my friend Kynos has a claim on Venom.  I believe there is a bounty on his head?  If there is enough payment to let this slug on a plane out of Seattle, would that be sufficient for you, Kynos?  I would be willing to kick in something."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-18-15/2208:55>
@Minnie Strawberry say nothing but she embrace you and gently strokes your back. When she finally speaks it is after a long moment, and she say "There is your problem sweet soul, Athos is Finnegan and so are you, if you let me look into your mind, you betray them. Just hold me and let me comfort you, this much they may forgive you for doing. Chances are that you did not have brain surgery because it would damage your essence and hurt your magic. You would have felt that interference."


@Athos and Kynos Strawberry said "If you commit to behave and not to get me in troubles with Yakuza, I will share what I know about Venom with you. Otherwise please just leave me be here and I hope that I get to him before you do."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-19-15/0127:26>
Athos nods.  "I will behave.  I hope my companion does as well.  Please tell me what you know."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-19-15/1126:28>
@Athos and Kynos Strawberry say "Since I was the protector of Venom, I have some vogue idea where he is. The van I loaded him on was attacked and all the people on it were completely drained. I had a spirit in Venom's armor so that part I am aware of, and there was this creature a vampire that banished my spirit and probobly took Venom. I am working on locating his exact position and I can handsomly compensate you if you are willing to grab him and place him on a plane to Tokyo this time without getting attacked by vampires. I mean what are the odds..."
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-19-15/1156:54>
"Vampire you say? That sounds amazingly like someone who likes to conspire to gain power.
Those fuckers are hard to take down - and now my ammo supplier has closed down. Typical, really.
Seems like I'll have to dust myself in sawdust again and aim for the head.

So, provided we set him into  a plane to Tokyo, you are going to give us the info, right?"

Kynos sounded quite eager at that.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-19-15/1358:55>
@Kynos and Athos Strawberry smiles at Kynos and say "Yes, a magically active vampire, strong enough to banish the minor spirit I had watching over Venom without much troubles. Hungry enough and far enough gone to just eat five men that were protecting Venom, without being seen by the security cameras. All it show is people getting tossed away and then drained.  There is a prize on that specific vampire of 50k, and I can pay another 50k for the task of placing Venom of a public plane that will leave Seattle to Tokyo because I really want him gone before he get himself killed on my watch

I figured any such expedition is going to need a mage, so here is a number of one that agreed to do this gig. Relatively strong for what you can get in the shadows. (She hands you Sovereign's comm)  "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-19-15/1410:06>
Strawberry say nothing but she embrace you and gently strokes your back. When she finally speaks it is after a long moment, and she say "There is your problem sweet soul, Athos is Finnegan and so are you, if you let me look into your mind, you betray them. Just hold me and let me comfort you, this much they may forgive you for doing. Chances are that you did not have brain surgery because it would damage your essence and hurt your magic. You would have felt that interference."

"After everything that has happened, and after what you just told me, I'm supposed to give a flying hoop about the Finnegan Family?"  Still, I do as Strawberry suggests and settle into her lap.  M, Strawberry, Venom, Nagisa, Jimmy, Finnagans...none of this is making sense.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-19-15/1440:14>
"Fun, fun, fun. Yeah a reliable mage would be great. The two I had on the last run didn't last long.
So, what if Venom has been turned into some kind of Renfield or even a Vampire. Do you think his relatives would want him back in Tokyo? As I've heard those Japanese aren't very keen on non-pure people.

Hey Athos, what do you say? Shall we hunt us some suckers?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-19-15/1443:34>
@Minnie Strawberry say "Yulia, do not get me wrong. I'd be happy to see you around, but the Finnegans will not give up so easily about you and you will not be happy hiding underground even if we have some sophisticated technology there. If you will want to leave them it is not going to be easy and in the meanwhile I do not want you dead."

She then say "Is there anything you want from me? Because since Venom disappeared with that Vampire his goons are just drinking all day long and somebody got to keep them drinks." Why is she working as bartender you have no idea, but unless you object just like that she will magic her clothes to something a bit more sleazy and go to the Joke.

@Athos Strawberry sighs "Just let me know if this is the case and I will figure something out. I can also provide you with some alchemy and spirit support if you need."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-19-15/2127:12>
I feel mildly disappointed that Strawberry must go, but I know she has a tough balancing act keeping all the players in the area aligned with her goals.  Her charisma is one of the main reasons this place exists, and it only works when exercised.

"I understand.  As it is, I need to find out if Athos is okay.  My glasses were bricked by that attack.  I can only imagine what it did to someone jacked in."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-19-15/2251:33>
Athos smiles.  "Sure.  Just another link in the chain.  Unfortunately, I know drek-all about vampires.  How can they be killed or otherwise beaten?  Can they be shot?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-20-15/0643:18>
@Minnie Strawberry points you to Jack that can provide a replacement device, and say that she think Athos is going to drop by looking for you, one way or the other.

@Kynost and Athos Strawberry point you to the last known location of the attack, it is a bridge over lake Washington where where 520th cross the road. (Added to game map).
She use a small trid projector to show you the place along with AR markers of where the bodies were found. (To the shores of Lake Washington, and one body that was left at the middle of the road as if to pass a message.)

[spoiler]https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zjW11PeDhJLw.k7WeOq69XswQ[/spoiler]

Apparently the van itself was drowned in the lake. What evidence that remains are now on the bottom of the lake.  Strawberry grins and then asks "Can you dive?"  


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-20-15/1145:01>
"Nope, but give me a tutor soft and a few minutes and I can fake it. Vampires aren't great swimmers, but I don't think we should go into water against a magical active vampire.
Do you have Venom's comm code? Maybe he still has some of his gear and can be traced that way.
All in all I think that mage of yours will be our best bet to track the vampire through the astral via his signature..."
Kynos looked at Athos:
"No need to look so dumbfounded. I did read a book or two about how magic works. Makes my jobs a lot easier."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-20-15/1427:17>
Strawberry say "Athos, bullets are of not much use as they regenerate this drek, overwhelming power is good. Wood works, as well as wood bullets and sunlight. I do not think that our vampire is there, but I think that there examining the van at the bottom of the lake can give us some hint. Unfortunately Venom has gone dark since that event. It is only forensic from the bridge and bodies that casue me to believe that he was unharmed in the attack.  I think that the sunken van is a good place to start looking.  I got a tutor soft if you like to look for yourself, I was going to ask Yulia to check it out."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-20-15/1453:25>
"You wouldn't also happen to have diving suits lying around? As I mentioned, my armorer has just taken this week to... do inventory.
Anyway, someone call that mage - the sooner we start looking the higher the chance there are still traces to be found - astral or otherwise."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-20-15/1550:36>
@Kynos "Way ahead of you, rentals from Scuba-master, rented for 48 hours and will be ready for you soon."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-20-15/1819:04>
Feeling more than a little like a third wheel I go looking for Jack to see what he can loan me until Nagi gets me back my glasses.  When I have the device in hand, I contact Athos using the throw away he'd used to contact me earlier.  At least Strawberry has already confirmed for me that he's still alive and kicking...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-21-15/0030:49>
Athos nods.  "You are much more on the ball than I am, to be sure.  I will have to read those books of yours.  So I guess it is off to the lake?"

He gives a slight start when his comm pings.  Noticing that it is Yulia, he excuses himself from the table to take the call.  >>Yulia.  Good to hear your voice.  I am at the Joke talking to Strawberry.  Looks like our next lead is at the bottom of the lake.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-21-15/1345:05>
>>The Lake?  As in Lake Washington?  Glub, glub.  I'll be over there shortly and we can catch up.<<

I wander back to Nagisa's apartment to make sure she knows where I'm going and that I'll come back to see her before I leave Strawberry's general domain.  Giving her a long kiss to show my appreciation for her efforts with my glasses, I then set off to catch up with my best friend and quite literally comrade in crime.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-21-15/1359:28>
"Excellent. Although I just remembered that this shiny new armor has a full chemical seal including an internal air tank for one hour. I probably won't be able to go deeper than 25m before the seals leak. But we are boned anyway if we have to go that deep to find the car.

Athos, I hope I can rely on you standing outside with a winch to haul me back out real quick if there is some hostile down there. I can't take my guns with me and I'm not that hot that I could win an under water fist fight.

But at least one thing works in my favor: The Titanium on my bones will let me sink in no time."
Kynos grinned.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-21-15/1503:52>
@Athos you get a call from  David, He tells you that, The diving equipment awaits along with a drone instructor, tutor soft and a small motor boat all wait for you in pier 12 at the local Marina downtown in Foster Island.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-22-15/0319:56>
Athos smiles at Kynos.  "Heh.  Yeah, I got your back.  We can work out a signal for you being in trouble and another if you find that lost colony of merfolk rumored to live down there and some pretty mermaid invites to her house.  Yulia is on the way over and I told her that I would wait.  You can go to pier 12 and we will be right after or you can catch a ride in the van.  Your bike will fit right in.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-22-15/0900:46>
"Mermaid?" I pipe up as I hear the second half of a conversation.  I'm not sure that was what was said, but it sure sounded like it.  "Sounds like a job for a woman.  Where do I sign up?" I add with a grin as I give Athos-onii a great big hug.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-22-15/1015:43>
Athos grins back and returns the hug, careful not to crush his friend.  He had learned that lesson once before and can now hug her without leaving bruises.  "Well, you got here quick.  Were you in the building?  We are going to go to the lake and try to retrieve evidence from a car that drove into it."  He motions to Kynos.  "This is Kynos from the Lounge?  The H/S hybrid.  And Kynos, this is Yulia, the Master Hunter, and my best friend.  Anyway, Kynos will be doing the diving and I will be on a boat holding the rope to pull him up.  Want to come along?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-22-15/1038:23>
"Pleasure to meet you." Kynos greeting was automatic and a bit mechanical. "Good of you to have made it out of there. You aren't by any chance a Decker? We could use one on this run - especially after that attack in an otherwise quite secure host."

To Athos he said: "How about two pulls for: You have disconnected the data cable.
I'll take my bike. You never know if you have to split up. I'll meet you all at the pier."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-22-15/1319:36>
The way to the pier is peaceful and take about 45 minutes in current traffic, a bit less in a motorbike. When you reach the pier there is a dive master named Dave. He greets you and show you your list of equipment that includes high pressure diving suits and some sophisticated blend of hydrogen and other gases to prevent oxygen toxicity.

"You have to go 60 meters and your boss is aware of the dangers.  There is no way that I can legally let you dive there. This is why I brought you this dolphin class micro-submarine. Room for one person and the pressures and everything adjust on themselves, you basically have nothing to worry about. There is an active-soft about diving and a tutor soft for some theoretical knowledge. Non of them is comprehensive so be careful. 

You'll be wearing a diving suit but it is only for emergencies. I had to move mountains to give you this opportunity so please do your job and get out and if you damage the submarine I am going to lose my job. So, who wants to get down in the submarine? and who is signing for the delivery? When you are done just place it in the pier and give me a buzz I will come to pick it up."

@Athos you get a text message from the 'Horse'
>> There are some troubles in paradise do not ask, but attached is the police report for warehouse investigation, including the informal part. The formal part is technical and deals with the kind of explosives and their avilability and ignores anything out of the ordinary this is a Mafia assassination like many before it in the last years.

The victim is sinless and nobody knows who he is, completely out o the system and there are pictures. Female, orc about 30, not much left of her. Shocking to behold.   Assassination?! your mind is racing but you were the only one in there, how could someone die in the explosion.

The informal investigation deals with DSS, and how they supplied advanced security system to an unauthorized facility that nobody in the KE knew about. Or admitted to knowing - the facility was exposed as it was bombarded from the air in an excuse of disease control. The level of security of the prison was maximum security for magically active.  These are typically specifically tailored to prisoners that are very difficult to contain. Every system is typically given a name, in this case there are five duplicates of the same system. These duplicates were used in three previous cases that were concluded as Mafia assassinations by KE investigators.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-22-15/1337:34>
[spoiler]
Tutorsoft (http://orokos.com/roll/336191): 6d6t5 4 Diving
Tutorsoft (http://orokos.com/roll/336192): 6d6t5 1 Piloting: Submarine
Reduces the time to learn the skill by one day to zero days
Spending two Karma (Jack of all Trades) to get the skills

[/spoiler]

"Ok, let's see... well that seems straightforward enough." Kynos took a few moments to immerse himself in the tutorsoft to learn how to operate diving equipment and how to drive the submarine.

"Alright, I'm ready to go in. Take care of my things." With these words Kynos began to disrobe, not caring for any of the watchers and applied generous amounts of talcum powder to easier fit into the suit.

"Oh, when does the mage get here? When I get back we might need to analyze the remains asap."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-22-15/1459:57>
The hard floor didn't do much to soothe Maxwell's aching back.  He spent more time tossing and turning and trying to find a comfortable position than he did actually sleeping.  After awhile he gave up on this pointless endeavor and rose to old problems.  Grumbling in crankiness to no one but himself.

"So my armor can soften a bullet but can't soften the ground, makes no sense.  Damn you Black Knight."

Indolently walking out of the shack outside onto the bar grounds.  Looking up above at the cold night sky in wonderment on how little time has passed since he arrived.  "Didn't Strawberry say something about a team and something about being paid to look for clues?  She gave me someone's comm code too I think.  Wonder if they're down with helping me look right now?  If not then I can always head back north to the nukes fortress to look for shit there."

He scrolled through his list of contacts until Yulia's name appeared.  With his back leaned against the side of the shack he texted her.

@Yulia - <<This is probably a bad time but my new employer gave me your number in case we needed to talk.  I should have made contact with you as soon as she did but was busy doing something else.   If you happen to hear this then i'm available now and would be ready aid in anyway I can.  Just tell me when and where and i'll be there.>>

After he was done sending his message he pulls out and light ups a cigarette to pass the time.  "Zero chance I get a call back."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-22-15/2354:48>
Athos smiles as he signs for the equipment and watches Dave take off.  He looks over to where Kynos is slipping into the wet suit.  "OK.  Yulia and I will take the boat out and try to stay over you.  It looks like we do not need to worry about the rope and me forgetting the code.  Good luck down there.  And be careful." 

Athos and Yulia climb onto the small powerboat and wait for Kynos to settle into the sub.  >>Comm check, Kynos.  Can you hear me?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-23-15/0954:33>
@Kynos the submarine is sort of like a small cacoon completely transparent and you slowly descend to the bottom of the lake.  Lake Washington is a constant source of tension between Seattle and the Nan and this tension keep it relatively clean as fishing is strictly limited and pollution is kept to minimum up to the incompetency of the government to enforce its rules and regulations on the greedy cooperate world and the lawless Barrens.

The selection of fish is astonishing and although there is no light the submarine equip you with many other senses, such as infra-red and ultrasound. locating the van is not very difficult it is just under the bridge, and it seems to be in a rapid state of decay something is dissolving the metal. At first you thought that the van is some old shipwreck but its location so close to the ambush, and the fact that the glass is clean indicating that this rotten vehicle is actually the one you are after and something is slowly chewing away the evidence. 

@Athos Kynos is long gone the marina is busy and several boats approach you closely, you are uncertain maybe it is the paranoia but perhaps they are really after you. Few times someone approached too close and you were alarmed just to discover that they moved on.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-23-15/1001:34>
Athos watches the next boat as it closes, only to pull away.  "Hey, Yulia.  It seems that people are curious about the Troll with the hot girl.  Maybe you should lay on the front and pretend to be getting a tan.  I won't look, promise."

Other than that, be cautious.  Try to stay in contact with Kynos.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-23-15/1834:59>
<<I have found the car. Something is eating the thing quite fast. Find pictures attached. Love Kynos.>>

Kynos steared the submarine closer while he trained the search light directly on the wrack.
<<I have no idea what to make of this. There seems to be some kind of magic acid in play, eating away the metal and plastic but leaving the glass intact. Looks like a clumsy attempt to vanish the evidence of the car crash.
Either the vamp is environmentally conscious, or he has a hiding place nearby and doesn't want evidence close to his front door.
I'm circling the wrack a bit more. Maybe I can see something interesting from another angle. Find more pictures attached. Love Kynos.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-23-15/1913:20>
I haven't been on a boat since before I left Chicago.  Daddy would often go out on Lake Michigan on good days and I would sometimes even get to go with him.  I'd have to wear a one-piece suit that was designed to hide my tail and a cap for my ears, but despite the discomfort of having to press my tail tighter than the ligaments and bone wanted to, it is a pleasant memory.  That said, we never went out in winter.  Most years going out on Lake Michigan in December would be suicide - Lake Washington is just cold annoyance.

Athos seems quite adept at the controls, so I sit myself along the starboard edge and occasionally dip my tail in the water absently.  I notice the attention we're getting and write it up to my tail, occasionally smiling and waving to passing boats with both my hand and my tail, but then Athos suggests it could be something else.

"Hey, Yulia," my best friend pipes up cheerfully, "it seems that people are curious about the Troll with the hot girl.  Maybe you should lay on the front and pretend to be getting a tan.  I won't look, promise."

I look up at the cold grey December skies and scowl.  "If it were July instead of almost January I might take you up on it, onii."  I then look back at onii with a smirk.  "Even if I don't have a suit, it just means no tan lines.  Still," I add pointing up to the sky, "I think today I'm more likely to rust than tan...not to mention freeze my tail off."

Just as I finish speaking an unfamiliar chirp causes me to jump and almost lose my balance on the edge since it happened right as Athos took a turn.  Fortunately my inhuman agility and reflexes keep me from going for a swim.  What the heck?  I reach into my jacket and pull out the temporary comm Jack loaned me back at Strawberry's place.  We had coded it with my number until I got my glasses back.  That way I wouldn't miss a call from Jimmy or someone else who might know my main line.  I hadn't changed the ring tone, though, so the classic Mercurial soundtrack was unexpected.

Unrecognised?

>>@Maxwell: And who might the employer be?  I'm sorry, but I don't know this number.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-24-15/0006:12>
Ash and dust was falling off a half burnt cigarette that lay locked in between Maxwell's canines as his mind wandered.  He drifted in and out of reality while watching stray embers fly off in directionless wind.  Scenes from years ago and moments today mixed together in an illogical maze.  Those arrogant dreams and nostalgic thoughts didn't last as his comm started buzzing for attention.  Causing him to hastily see who replied and to respond in return.

"I guess I probably should have said who I was and whatnot.  Need like twenty cups of coffee.  Oh well at least I got an answer back.

@Yulia - <<I'm sorry I should have been more clear in my first message and should have said who is who.  My name is Sovereign and i'm working at the behest of a club owner named Strawberry.  She told me that she was constructing a team to help solve a sensitive matter of hers and she gave me your name and number.  There are some things that remain in the dark even for me and I won't know more until we meet face to face.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-24-15/0129:42>
@Kynos as you circle the van you notice some advertisement beeping in your comlink. It  is a commercial for 'make it gone' an environmentally friendly acid. Their motto is 'cheaper than carry it out to the trash'.  You know these kind of advertisement, they are displayed in shops when you approach the product. Since there is no matrix reception it must be delivered in a peer-to-peer manner, but that means that there is some comlink or other simple electronic device still intact in the close surrounding.
(Roll perception if you would like to search more).

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-24-15/0740:32>
@Yulia - <<I'm sorry I should have been more clear in my first message and should have said who is who.  My name is Sovereign and i'm working at the behest of a club owner named Strawberry.  She told me that she was constructing a team to help solve a sensitive matter of hers and she gave me your name and number.  There are some things that remain in the dark even for me and I won't know more until we meet face to face.>>

Hmmm, I wonder what Strawberry is up to...

@Maxwell  >>Strawberry had not mentioned this to me, but I look forward to meeting you.  I'm currently running some errands but should be back at The Joke tonight.  I'd be happy to meet you then and we can compare notes.  Say 7pm?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-24-15/0840:29>
Maxwell checks the time on his comm to verify how late it is.  "Oh it's only 6 o'clock, thought it was midnight.  Gives me some time to prepare and grab a bite to eat." 

@Yulia - <<Works for me, see you there.>>

He takes his still burning cig and rubs it out on the side of the shack then walks around to the front of the bar.  Heading inside to find and bug the owner.  Maxwell sees Strawberry serving a bunch of rowdy yakuza more booze as he enters.  Waiting for her to finish and head back behind the counter before walking over to talk.

@Strawberry - "Well I have a meeting in an hour or so with Yulia.  I'd like to bathe beforehand so do any of these rooms have a shower I can use?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-24-15/0902:13>
@Maxwell - Strawberry is unresponsive but the house is fully equipped, the refrigirator is filled with fresh fruits and there are all the comforts you could expect at a medium-low life style. (The food is actually a lot better than you'd expect.)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-24-15/1350:52>
Kynos looked interested upon the wrack

[spoiler]
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/336832): 7d6t5 4

[/spoiler]

<<Correction, its no magic, its worse: Probably some kind of industrial cleaner nanites disassembling the wrack. With our track run so far, I expect them to be posessed by another AI and will find any minute that they already have begun to disolve my ride.
I'll keep you posted. Love Kynos.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-24-15/1450:20>
@Kynos It is subtle you notice that the message came from some blob of organic matter in the vicinity of the van. A closer inspection reveals it to be a head with an implemented comlink. Somebody got very excited with a very sharp blade. The comlink is constantly blipping as if it is trying routinely to make a call. The fact that you can see the comlink indicates that a lot of the organic matter was also consumed by what ever is eating the van.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-24-15/1812:50>
[spoiler]
Does the submarine have some kind of manipulator arm to collect the head?
[/spoiler]

Curious, Kynos drove nearer to the head. Times like this made him rue the day he elected not to take that combat decker advanced training. Well there was nothing to it: He had to bring that hot potatoe up to the surface.
<<I found a head with a commlink inside. Probably hot with nanites. Tell cat we could use its help with decryption and maybe taking care of the nanite infestation I suspect is here at work. I'll be up in a minute. Love Kynos>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-24-15/1816:21>
@Kynos It has and to pick the head you need a pilot water craft + reaction (threshold 2)  if you beat the threshold feel free to RP getting it up. Otherwise you'll have to leave the submarine.  You can try multiple times with additional negatives of -2 per time tried and on a glitch you damage the device.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-24-15/1838:19>
[spoiler]
Pilot Watercraft (http://orokos.com/roll/336868): 10d6t5 2
[/spoiler]

The controls weren't difficult to operate and so Kynos needed only two tries to get a grip on the head. That done, he wasted no more time to bring it to the surface.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-25-15/0137:27>
Athos nods to himself.  >>Kynos.  Got it.  I am asking Cat for advice.<<  **Cat, you there?  Are you aware of my surroundings?  We are investigating the wreck of a truck that went off the bridge in an ambush.  Kynos is in a small submarine looking at the vehicle, or what is left of it.  Apparently some sort of nanite system is dissolving the vehicle and the flesh of at least one person left in the truck.  Kynos is bringing a head to the surface.  The head contains an implanted commlink that we would like to access.  Do you have any advice on how to deal with this without letting the nanites destroy us and the boat?**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-25-15/0217:05>
@Athos Cat say "Head is important, comlink in head is usually expensive and expensive means rich. Rich means medically insured and medically insured suggests an army of doctors and security protecting one from losing their head... might I suggest run?"

@Kynos The little submarine grabs the head and you gradually take it out. At about 10 meters the matrix reception is strong enough and you can see that the device starts taking out calls.

@Athos and Minnie by the time Kynos is up you can already see several drones heading your way. One of them is an ambulance drone and the rest are armed rotor drones. At the distance you can also hear a police siren.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-25-15/0928:09>
Playing with the passersby was getting rather old when my keen senses detect the sound of sirens and the approaching drones.  I hop up to join Athos in the pilot section of the boat.  "What's happening?" I ask, suspecting my unaugmented nature is missing events in the matrix right now.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-25-15/1154:24>
Athos moves lazily to the boat's controls, but his mind is working quicker.  >>Kynos.  The head must be talking to someone.  It looks like the person may have had an AutoDoc contract.  We have an ambulance and some sirens on the way.  Can you shut the commlink off?  If not, you probably need to dump the head and remain submerged for a bit while making your way to another part of the lake.  Are there any identifying marks on the head that we can use?  Maybe take a good pic so we can try to find out who the dead man is.  Maybe we can go find out how he ended up in the lake<<

Looking over at his friend he says, "Yulia, just act normal.  We are just boaters out for some fun.  So far, they got nothing on us, so let's just keep it that way."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-25-15/1332:57>
<<Damn, I'll just submerge and drive a kilometer north. Try to have something ready that blocks signals. I've got about half an hour of air left before I have to get back up, so don't drag your feet. And don't forget my gear.>>

With that Kynos reversed his traveling direction and dove deeper once more.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-25-15/1427:04>
@Athos and Minnie the drones seems confused as Kynos descends and they seem to be scanning the top of the lake with a search pattern instead of rushing toward you. What actually worries you is a small KE patrol ship signals you to let them board.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-25-15/1534:24>
I give a worried look to Athos but it's not like we have much we can do at this point.  Our little boat can't outrun the KE patrol cruiser and we have no hiding options like we might have in busy Seattle.  If they fire on us and we sink, we're at their mercy anyway.  And then we'd LOOK guilty.  I move back to the side of the boat to prepare to assist visitors aboard, loosening my jacket to show cleavage - ready to do what only I can do in such a situation...

I'll have these goons eating out of my hand...

[spoiler]Seduction: Greeting KE boarding party 13d6t5: 6 [13d6t5=1, 6, 5, 5, 6, 5, 5, 4, 2, 4, 4, 2, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/336979)

SIX hits!!!  Take that, boys!
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-25-15/1544:36>
Athos sends an affirmative to Kynos then concentrates on pulling the small craft to a slow halt, waving to the KE thugs as they prepare to come aboard.  He catches Minnie's subtle zipper move and smiles.  If only she would use that on him he could die happy.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-25-15/1708:44>
@Athos Minnie.

It is clear that the KE are a bit confused and struggling "There was a distress call from around here mind if we take a look?" Say one of them and the other say "Ids please"  and as you hand him your SIN's for scan he ask you to spread your hands and stand in a manner that allows him to easily search you. Apparently Minnie is very suspicious and it is evident that she receives a more thorough search.  It is difficult because trogs usually are considered guilty until proven otherwise.
"You haven't seen an injured or dead person around these waters have you?"  asks the first.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-25-15/1944:13>
"No officer," I answer doing my best to keep the officers' interest in the flashes of flesh.  "There have been a lot of other boats, though.  Seems they like talking with me for some reason.  We've been talking with friendly people more than we've been by ourselves all afternoon.  Maybe they might know something?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-25-15/2207:59>
Athos just nods at Minnie's words, believing that his best tactic is to let her do the talking.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-26-15/0114:40>
"Know something?..." He grins and get close to Yulia " I cannot say that I blame them." He say.  In the meantime his partner seems to be getting a bit restless and already leaves for the KE boat. "Benny, we have work to do" ... "Just a minute I am talking" he say as he devours Yulia's with his eyes, and invades what most people would call a personal space. Not Yulia, she is used to so much worse but some ladies would already feel harassed with this level of physical proximity. 

He grabs Yulia and whispers "as sexy as you are... it is the logo on your boat Micro Whales were very popular before they went bankrupt... They had the best underwater experience in the business... but even they could not compete with the BTL industry... why get out of the living room when you can expirience an even more exciting underwater adventure in your underwear"  His hand is stroking Yulia's back and he say "I for once prefers the real experience."

"BENNY!... remember ?! we have a job."  screamed the other one. Reluctantly,  Benny gives you an apologetic look and say. "It is a shame that I am so busy... I feel this special chemistry between us... call me this evening so we can continue where we left?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-26-15/0154:55>
Athos watches the by-play between the KE and Minnie with some difficulty.  He would like to toss the man overboard but resists the temptation.  After all, his friend had certainly provided the distraction that kept the KE from noticing that there was an extra set of clothing on the boat.  He waited until the other boat had moved away then motored over to where Kynos had indicated he would be waiting.  On the way, he sends a note to the man.  >>Kynos.  KE threat is gone for the time being.  I think it will be safe to surface in a few minutes.<<

He looks over at his best friend.  "Thank you, Minnie.  I do not know how you do it.  Putting up with the way people look at you and the way they think they can just touch you and how they believe that you really do not mind.  You are too.........special........to have to put up with that."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-26-15/0824:04>
<<Great. But they'll be back the minute I go over 10m. We need some kind of Faraday cage or some active jammer. Look if you can find a cooler box. Lower it into the water on a rope. I'll move the head inside and close it. You can trail it on a rope underwater until we have a suitable transport. Love Kynos>>

Kynos wasn't unduly worried. If necessary he'd search for some recognizable place and stash the head there. He just wasn't very enthusiastic to go on a second underwater adventure. It just wasn't his element.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-26-15/0959:50>
Athos slows the boat's speed and looks about, finding just what was ordered; a small lunch cooler.  It had been sitting in the below-deck storage locker for a while and was crammed with fishing supplies. He carefully removes everything from the small box, storing the stuff in various nooks and crannies then ties the rope they had brought to the handle.  After checking the knot, he lowers the box over the edge, lets it fill with water, and drops it.  As he secures the rope to the boat, he sends a note off.>>Cooler coming down.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-26-15/1349:54>
[spoiler]
Pilot Submarine (http://orokos.com/roll/337199): 10d6t5 4
[/spoiler]
It took Kynos a few tries to place the head inside the cooler and close the lid, but he managed it without damaging anything or tearing the line. Right on time the manometer told him that he was nearly out of compressed air, so he gave the little ship the command to resurface.

Brackish water cascaded from its sides as Kynos opened the drivers compartment and took of the mask: "Well, one thing I can say: Working for you sure is not boring. Hey Minnie, be a dear and give me a hand."
It spoke volumes about Kynos' good mood that he actually glanced at the mouse adepts cleavage - and with a smile at that.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-26-15/1534:33>
Meanwhile...

Irked at being ignored, Maxwell went back to his new home to see how well stocked and supplied it was.  To his embarrassment it actually had all the things he wanted except better.  The window in the bathroom wasn't broken, the lights didn't flicker when turned on, the fridge had actual food and kept things cold.  It was even a little bigger and had a basement too.  Maxwell started feeling a little remorseful for his rude behavior earlier, because he wasn't expecting such nice accommodations.

"Thats twice where I've repaid her kindness with hostility.  Dammit I feel like an ass now."

After he was done contemplating his words and actions he rummaged through his stuff for a relatively clean set of clothes.  Grabbing a pair of dark blue jeans and a black t-shirt along with some black socks and black boxers.  Once he had everything ready he ran over to the bathroom and took a hot shower, turning the temperature to near scalding levels.  With a day and a half worth of stench and sweat finally washed off he began to relax some more.  Maxwell clothed himself in his new digs after his bath and walked over to the kitchen to see what he could raid. 

"Wait is that whole wheat bread?  Lunch-meat and real cheese?  Lettuce and tomatoes?  Fuck its sandwich time."

Gleefully he rounded up all of the components to make his meal.  Taking his time for once to make sure he has everything set up right before indulging himself.  Spending about 15 minutes to prepare his food before chowing down.  Once his appetite was satiated he unpacked everything he owned and started to setup his things everywhere.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-26-15/2135:54>
I haven't dealt with water craft in fifteen years, but I do my best to help Athos' colleague with the cooler.  It isn't lost on me that he's enjoying the view given I haven't bother to zip back up after dealing with the KE, but honestly I don't mind.  He's done a great job and deserves a perk or two.  Anyway, this is work and this jacket is hot...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-26-15/2303:31>
Athos looks at the surfacing sub and grins as Kynos' eyes catch and hold onto the view of Minnie's chest.  He shakes his head and considers how often her female charms have assisted her.  He looks at Kynos.  "Hey, I promised you a good time, right?  So how long can we leave that head down there?"  At the same time he is asking his newest friend a question as well.  **Hey, Cat.  Any ideas on getting rid of the nanite infestation on the commlink in the head?  Can you overpower what is there?**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-27-15/0454:21>
@Athos Cat say... Nanites? I do not understand, do you think that man have nanites in his brain?

@All with the head and comlink safely placed underwater beyond matrix reception, you need to some way to take it out. A coat with Faraday pocket or a strong jammer are probobly going to do unless anyone of you can hack the comlink to stop the distress beacon.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-27-15/0521:06>
When Kynos had once again donned his regular outfit - body armor under a trench coat - he turned to Athos and Minnie:
"So, did you call that mage that that elf suggested? We really need to get a perspective on the astral if we are up against another mage.
Enough that I was followed in the astral the last time I went home from a run. There could be any number of watchers around us, reporting back to that sucker.
We need that mojo slinger.

Also, does anyone have a jammer or a contact we could get one from? Mine just clammed up."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-27-15/1001:16>
Athos responds to Cat.  **Yes I do.  There was evidence underwater that some sort of nanite solvent was eating the truck away and may have had some effect on the body of the man Kynos found.  The effect on the body might have been from natural causes but we do not wish to take a chance.  Any ideas on what to do if there are nanites?  We do not have a portable EMP device.  Would anything else work?**

To the others, Athos says, "I could ask Dave if he has a portable jammer or EMP device.  Let me call him.  Yulia, you are my go to person for mojo.  Any ideas?  Maybe we can ask Strawberry?"

Finally, he picks up his commlink and sends a note off to Dave.  >>Dave, this is Athos.  You helped us out with a little infestation issue yesterday.  Is there something portable we could borrow that would have the same effect.  And we are having a bit of trouble with a commlink.  Do you have a portable faraday cage?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-27-15/1014:44>
@Athos Dave contact you>> you mean the pulser? No the pocket size one is for military use only, difficult to obtain. I can get you a powerful jammer should be sufficient until you get the pulser active.

Cat say "What do you think that the nanites would do to you? I could only effect you because I was injected in very high concentration. Red filled the air with massive copies of herself with a factory that kept duplicating her cells... your immume system should be enough for minor amounts of forign objects. I think you should be fine."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-27-15/1518:28>
"Man Athos, did you hit your head? That elf gave us a commcode for a spell slinger. Actually she gave it to you. That's why I've been pestering you about that for the last hour."
Kynos shook his head a little. Come to think of it, he had no idea how old Athos was or at what age trolls usually started to be of an age to forget little details...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-28-15/0018:28>
Athos looks through his list of contacts.  "Are you sure she gave it to me?  I did not know why you were mentioning it to me.......wait, here it is.  I guess I had it all along.  Sorry.  Here, I will give it a ring."  He connects with the number and sends a message.  >>Hello.  My name is Athos.  I was given this link by a mutual acquaintance.  She told me that you might be able to assist me in something.  Please respond if you are interested.  A positive assist is worth good cred.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-28-15/0057:38>
Maxwell's comm started buzzing again for attention which was funny considering he was about to leave anyway.  He scratches his head as sees who it is.  "This is ironic.  I send a text to someone whose never met me before saying i'm working for a mutual friend and we should talk.  Now I get pretty much the same message from someone I've never met before."  Maxwell shrugs and responds back.

@Athos - <<I'm listening.>>

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-28-15/0111:22>
Athos smiles.  "That was quick.  Already got an answer back from the mojo guy.  He quickly taps out a response and sends it off.  >>Hey.  Woman named Strawberry gave me this code so I hope that I am not wasting my time.  I could use some spell slinging support.  Are you able to meet to discuss the situation?  I can pay 300 just for the chat.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-28-15/0129:14>
"This is probably the rest of the team that she mentioned.  Or an ambush party.  Definitely one of those two."  Confidently he types out the strongest reply he knows.  <<Sure.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-28-15/0134:13>
>>We are out on Lake Washington right now.  Can you get here?  Describe yourself so I know who to look for and we will come in and pick you up.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-28-15/0140:37>
<<I'll be the guy clothed in black and wearing an armored jacket.  I can be there in about 15-20 minutes time, maybe less.  I just need to know where you're at specifically.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-28-15/0149:20>
Athos looks at the boat's dash.  >>Could be tough.  Looks like the dash lost its GPS some time ago.  We are drifting back tot he area of the bridge now that the KE thugs hav eleft.  Looks like the Doc Wagon guys are also packing it in for now.  Small boat.  Three people.  I am the Troll.  Wave or something and we will come get you.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-28-15/0215:34>
<<To the bridge I go then.  I'll be there shortly.>>

Maxwell smiles darkly for he was about to do something he's wanted to do since his prison job.  He walks outside then stands in front of his home with his arms stretched outward and his head bowed in an over-the-top fashion.  With a loud booming voice he shouts into the astral.  "Spirit of granite bones and marble scales I command you to me."

[spoiler]Summoning Force 7 Earth Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/337706): 11d6t5 5
Spirit Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/337707): 7d6t5 2
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/337708): 11d6t5 3
I take 1 Stun.  Lets call this spirit Goliath and it'll have the optional powers of Concealment and Engulf.[/spoiler]

A massive earth elemental appeared before Maxwell in the shape and form of a gargoyle.  He walked over to the stone sentinel and spoke.  "Take me to the sky and fly me over to land on Lake Washington Bridge with grand haste.  Keep both of us concealed from watchful eyes as you do."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-28-15/0224:25>
Athos tells his companions to keep an eye out for some guy in black who will wave at them from the bridge.  "He said that he would be here shortly.  We can pick him up when he does and talk a bit privately on the boat."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-28-15/0606:22>
@Maxwell you raise quite a few stares that remind you that you actually need a licence to operate spirits in populated areas, but so far there is no law enforcement that seem to be heading your way and your flying gargoyle spirit takes you to the boat with ease.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-28-15/1908:21>
Maxwell tried to re-balance himself as he landed on the small ship.  Feeling proud that his dumb idea actually worked as he steadies himself.  He walked around from the side to the deck while speaking aloud for anyone nearby to hear.  "Anyone home?  Is this the right boat?" 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-29-15/0116:17>
Athos and the others are all on deck when the mage arrives in such a dramatic fashion.  Athos grins in spite of himself and shakes his head as he welcomes the newcomer. "Athos is my name, but I am afraid I do not know yours.  Welcome to the boat."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-29-15/0128:52>
Maxwell waves at the motley crew before him.  He covers his mouth while clearing his throat before introducing himself.  "Call me Sovereign."  Pointing at the other two figures rapidly before asking.  "Who are these other ones?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-29-15/0136:03>
Athos waves at Minnie first then Kynos.  "Nice to meet you Sovereign.  The beautiful woman is Yulia and this is Kynos.  We heard that you sling mojo pretty good."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-29-15/0151:23>
Maxwell glances over from the girl to the elf back to the troll.  "Charmed, and yeah you won't find a more badass mage than me in the barrens.  Before we do anything I have some questions that need answering.  Trust is becoming a commodity in Seattle, so i'd like to know who i'm working with and why."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-29-15/0201:02>
Athos nods.  "Fair enough.  Until a couple of days ago I was a rising star in the Finagin Family of the Seattle Mafia.  My boss trusted me with a delicate mission to finalize the negotiation of the transfer of some property from the Yaks.  All was going well until the building blew up.  Now I am running for my life and could be toxic and there is probably a price on my head.  I am trying to prove who set me and my boss up, prevent a gang war between the Mafia and the Yaks, and regain my position in the Family with an eye to moving up in the world.  Yulia is my partner and friend.  I have hired Kynos to help me.  So, is that enough trust for you?  If it is, you can reciprocate by telling us a bit about yourself."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-29-15/0315:05>
Maxwell sighs.  "It's a long story so i'll try to give you the short version.  I embarrassed a Yakuza boss named Venom during a run so he's placed a bounty on my head.  I killed the first assassin he sent my way but that didn't deter him.  After coming home from another run I find out from some guy standing at my doorstep saying that there's a bomb in my apartment.  Apparently Venom got desperate and hired one of the Nukes to set up a trap to kill me.  Well I had a friend who knew a friend who told a friend to warn me about it.  Anyway I spend the night in a warehouse then spent the better part of today roaming around in a scavenger hunt that led me to a Horizon security building.  I talked with someone there and come to find out that a vampire named Damian Grail is here in Seattle and that Venom is working with him.  Probably so he can be turned himself.  A friend of mine that I mentioned earlier had been captured by Grail in order to do some technical crap to help further his plans.  I leave and bring this news to Strawberry because I figured she might be able to help in this matter.  Turns out I was right and she gave me a new place to stay and hired me to help stop Venom and Grail."  Maxwell stops himself to let all this information he bombarded the three in front of him to sink in.

He takes a deep breath before continuing on.  That's about the gist of the situation.  There's more to it than what I told you but I doubt you want to listen to me drone on and on about all the endless details that led up to this point."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-29-15/0415:00>
"Hi Souvereign. I am called Kynos, I like long walks on beaches and hurt people for money. One of those statements is a lie.

But seriously, that's good to know. We happen to hunt that vampire and Venom as well. Especially Venom, since I have unfinished business with him too. At the moment we have a severed head in a cooler trailing 12 m below our boat to prevent an implanted commlink from calling the cops. Once we can get it up here, we need you to call some spirit thingy to help us find the vampire who is probably the one who did the severing. It's quite likely, that his lair isn't to far from this position.

Meanwhile I'll go on land over there and fetch what looks like a genuine wooden branch, so I can whittle us some sawdust while we wait for the jammer to arrive."
Kynos indicated towards a tree that grew close to the waterline.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-29-15/0505:45>
Maxwell busts out in a raspy laugh.  "Hail and well met.  And I hope it isn't the hurt people for cash one."  His humor didn't last as Kynos' words began to resonate.  He grew serious at the thought that his mark was nearby.  "It's a good thing I arrived.  I'd hate to miss an opportunity to put an end to Grail's schemes.  Show me all that you've found and i'll see if he left a trail."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-29-15/1140:29>
While Kynos and Sovereign talk, Athos takes the opportunity to send a message.  >>Dave.  Athos here.  Is there any chance that you can deliver the jammer?  I have it under water and cannot bring it out.  I can cover some extra for the personal service.  Let me know.  Sending location.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-29-15/1435:18>
"Don't worry. I can't stand sand.
So, what kind of mojo do you have in your portfolio? Are you more the fireball throwing type or can you make people invisible and super strong?"
Kynos had retreived the branch and was now in the process of carving tiny slivers from it into his coat pocket with the help of the knife stashed in the ankle sheeth of his discarded diving suit.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-29-15/1718:14>
Athos Dave say >> I have a head jammer I can get you a very good one. In case you think somthing creeping into your head. R6 + shipment for 1k. I can get a wide area jammer R2 500 including shipment. Pick your goods and you shell recieve. Notice that the area jammer is illegal, and that you technically need a licence for the head one. Not that I care too much just so you know.


Athos will pick his jammer and about 40 minutes later a rotodrone is going to deliver the tool.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-29-15/1744:15>
"I specialize in the art of casting flame, but I do more than that.  I can mend broken bones and torn flesh.  I can augment one's battle sense and their speed.  I can make someone disappear or distort their view of reality.  So in essence I do a bit of everything."  Maxwell raises an eyebrow when he sees Kynos whittling the wooden branch.  "Oh you weren't kidding about the wood thing."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-29-15/1752:11>
Athos interrupts the chatter.  "Hey guys.  I have a R2 area jammer on the way.  I hope that will meet our needs here.  He also thinks a message.  **Cat.  Would the area jammer hurt you?**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-29-15/1818:38>
Athos cat sort of laugh ... "No not at at all... tickle a little bit perhaps. I thought you wanted a head jammer for the head... tough I am certain that this was not the original use. " Indeed, not long later your jammer arrives and you can try and move the comlink out of the water.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-29-15/2031:43>
Athos takes the jammer from the delivery drone and gets it set up.  He looks at the others and says, "OK.  Let's try to bring it up and jam its signal.  The we can find a way to turn it off and get out of here to look at it in greater detail.  Anyone see any problems with that?  If a head jammer would work better, I could order it, but it would take another forty minutes to get here.  The rating is 6, compared to 2 for the area one.  Ideas?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-29-15/2234:26>
Maxwell looks at the troll like he has no idea what the hell he's talking about.  "I'm not very technically savvy.  So do whatever feels best."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-30-15/0256:46>
"Yeah, definitely get the head jammer. If you get a commlink implanted in your head its usually of highest quality. That means it will punch through a R2 Jammer like a hot knife through butter."
Kynos looked up from his work: So far he had produced a lot of little pieces of wood and what looked like to stakes.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-30-15/0953:39>
Athos sighs over the wasted money and sends a note to Dave.  >>Dave.  Athos again.  Apparently I need the head jammer after all.  The other is still unopened and in the box so can I return it?  I will understand if you say no or only give partial credit refunds.  Please send the other jammer to the same location.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-30-15/1006:22>
@Athos Dave say ">>No problem, but I am still charging you 100 dollars for each delivery."
 and about an hour later you have the head jammer. Time to remove the head and indeed you find that the head jammer is strong enough to block the signal. So that you can hang around town with your creepy package. Just don't be stopped by the cops.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-30-15/2237:27>
Athos unpacks the head jammer and says, "OK.  Let's pull that up and get this on the head."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-31-15/0006:21>
[spoiler](okay you can move the head... where are you going tough.)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/0020:41>
Once the head is up and the jammer on and turned on, Athos heads the boat back to where they are supposed to leave it.  He points to the waiting van and looks at Sovereign.  "You willing to use a more normal mode of transport?"  Looking over so as to include Kynos and Yulia, he adds.  "So you three got any advice on where we should take this thing?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-31-15/0029:17>
"Best bet would be Jack and Nagisa," I answer quickly.  "Between the two of them, I bet they'll know everything there is to know about this thing and they can also keep it from being detected better than we can out here."  I pause to think just a moment about M and add, "although we have to make sure we're not traced there or someone I know there will have MY head on a platter."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-31-15/0031:55>
Maxwell eyes the severed head and partially admires the brutal handiwork.  Turning slightly to face the troll.  "Sure it'd be less suspicious that way.  Let me take a look at the astral around the head and see if anything pops out or is especially unusual."  Turning back to the head he focuses his gaze around it and shifts perception to see if an astral signature or anything similar has been left behind.

[spoiler]Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/338652): 6d6t5 2[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/0033:51>
Athos nods and holds out the head for Sovereign to examine as he looks over to Minnie.  "That would be bad indeed, Yulia.  Can you contact them and explain what we have done and ask if it is OK to come in?" 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-31-15/0039:08>
"Sure," I say as I pull out my loaned comm and call Jack who had given me a number to call if I had any issues with the device.  I explain the sitch to him and ask if we can bring the head in for examination.  And if so, how should we come with it.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-31-15/0041:36>
@Maxwell - You can sense a bit of the emotion that led to this decapitation. He was not afraid, it is minute after all that time but there are traces of lust on the head. You can never be sure if this lust is the victims lust or the killer tough.

@Minnie Jack say >> do not bring him here, bring him to that location. It is a small shadow hardware lab. I'll come by later over the matrix to examine it after they did their thing.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-31-15/0050:53>
I take the info from Jack, not exactly surprised that they don;t want to risk it at the main base.  "I've got a place we should take it," I chime up and give the location.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-31-15/0054:18>
"Fearlessness.  Battle hunger.  Bloodlust.  A man after my own heart it seems."  Maxwell shakes his head and shrugs before speaking to the others.  "Nothing particularly strange other than the killer wasn't afraid and he was bloodthirsty.  But I imagine you guys already knew that.  I can try to astral project and look around but that might be more of a waste of time if anything."  Upon hearing the girl speak he adds to that.  "I'm game for whatever."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/0056:52>
Athos nods as Yulia and Sovereign explain the situation.  "Perhaps off to this lab first, then.  The small boat is almost back to the dock area when he comms the boat guy to tell him they are done and that the boat is back where they started.  A short time later they are all in the van and travelling to the coordinates given by this Jack friend of Minnie's.  On arrival, Athos looks the place over before heading in and looking about to get some help.  If someone comes up, he will inform the person that Jack sent them over with a package that needs looking at.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-31-15/0123:23>
@All the van takes you to what appears to be nothing. There was a building there, but it long collapsed. Yet the GPS coordinates all seem right, but can it be? the only option is troll-hole in the ground that unlike the rest of the floor space seems to be suspiciously free of junk.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-31-15/0132:13>
Maxwell steps out of the van to look at the ruin and rubble.  He scowls at the suspicious scene and the out of place hole in the ground.  "So who wants to go in first?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/0141:18>
Athos laughs.  "No one ever led successfully from the rear.  I will lead."  With that, he descends into the hole.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-31-15/0145:10>
Maxwell trails after Athos, making sure that there was at least a dozen paces between the two.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-31-15/0359:30>
You decent into some underground pipe, a large one and with a very distinctive smell. Rotting flesh, you can hear and perhaps see the heat signature of hundreds of rats as they follow you through the pipe. They seem to keep their distance but you can tell that their number grows as you proceed.. It is easy to miss but there is another troll hole above you. The reason it is so easily missed is that this one has its ladder removed.

The conditions are terrible and you already feel that your breakfast wants out. Further, every little sound you make is augmented by the terrible acoustics of the place and seems to attract even more rats. If this is indeed your lab, they are not exactly receptive to guest work.


[spoiler]
You'll need to pass a threshold 2 survival test or become a bit sick from the conditions 1 stun damage and -2 to all rolls until you have fresh air. (may need a composure test depending on your characters personality, if you want to somehow climb to the manhole you'll need to do some athletics (threshold 3) or you can continue walking the pipe and in that case give me a second survival test threshold 2 as it would mean another minute or two in these horrible conditions. 
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-31-15/0650:22>
That stench is nothing new to Maxwell.  He has braved worse before and he's not going to back down now just because it stinks a little.  Before moving any further however, he checks to see how his companions are handling this unpleasantness.

[spoiler]Composure (http://orokos.com/roll/338691): 13d6t5 6[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/0730:58>
At first sign of stench emanating from the pit, Athos calls out to have the others wait at the surface.  He climbs out of the hole and walks to the van.  "Smells like something died down there.  Check that; it smells like lots of things have died down there.  Be right back."  At the van, he rummages through his equipment locker, grabbing his spare gas mask and pulling the Rain Forest, some spare clips for it, and his ballistic mask from their places in the smuggling compartment.  Returning to the hole he offers the spare mask to Yulia and slips his own ballistic mask on, checking to make sure that the internal gas mask was functioning before going back down.  Once at the bottom, he cradles the carbine and gets the wireless up and spinning. 

That the fetid conditions are not so much an issue anymore does not prevent the small fear of what must be a horde of rats from bringing bile to his throat.  He remembers that he almost fled from the zombies and uses that to stiffen his resolve. 

[spoiler]Roll composure with edge for misses:  Compusure with Edge (http://orokos.com/roll/338698): 9d6t5 3  Reroll misses:  Roll misses for composure (http://orokos.com/roll/338699): 6d6t5 2  5 hits total is pretty good.[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-31-15/0810:04>
[spoiler]
Composure (http://orokos.com/roll/338706): 9d6t5 3
Survival (http://orokos.com/roll/338707): 6d6t5 1 Survival+Respirator/Chemical Protection (http://orokos.com/roll/338708): 6d6t5 4

Gymnastics (http://orokos.com/roll/338709): 13d6t5 3

[/spoiler]
Kynos followed, but made sure to employ his respirator and make sure the chemical protection on his armor was properly sealed. As an afterthought he added the mask, helmet and other armor pieces, before freeing his rifle and putting the sling over his shoulder.

When they reached the hole in the ceiling, he said: "I'll just take a look up there. Won't do if someone uses this route to get into our rear."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/0824:10>
Athos turns to look at Kynos.  "Do you want a boos up?  You can stand on me to get higher if it helps."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-31-15/0901:53>
I follow after the men, choosing with my senses and close-in fighting skills to maintain the rear.  The smell is unpleasant but doesn't affect me much.  My tail and ears aren't all that make me as much mouse as human.  The rats on the other hand...

I focus on keeping myself calm rather than react to the challenge their squeaks and screeches cry out to me.  Mice and rats may look very similar to humans, but we are very different creatures.  Mice are not just little rats.  Rats and mice may coexist, but it is an uneasy association.  Many a mouse pup has filled the belly of an enterprising rat.  Despite my enforced outward calm, the rats surrounding us and I are in a battle of pheromones.  A battle the humans are blithely unaware of.  I am no ordinary mouse, though, and I intend to make it very clear who is alpha here and that my associates and I are NOT to be trifled with. 

Squeak in your impotence all you want, rats.  Do NOT mess with Queen Mouse!

[spoiler]Toxin resistance - inhalation: 8d6t5: 2 [8d6t5=5, 1, 4, 6, 2, 2, 3, 3]
Composure to rat taunting: 10d6t5: 3 [10d6t5=1, 5, 4, 5, 2, 2, 3, 1, 3, 6][/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/0905:53>
When Minnie says that she is fine without the spare mask, Athos offers it to Sovereign first, then Kynos.  After all, he has seen Kynos at work and is pretty sure the smell and the rats will not bother him.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-31-15/0914:07>
Maxwell would have normally turned the troll down but he started to feel his nose and lungs clog up with the stench of death and decay.  He grabs the mask and quickly throws it on before he keels over in a coughing fit.  "Thanks."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/0955:42>
While Athos waits to hear what Kynos finds up the hole, he observes the others.  Sovereign seems to have some of the same issues he does and he is glad that he had the mask to give him.  Minnie, though, is a surprise.  She seems to be unaffected at all by the stench and even bristles a bit at the rats.  Perhaps there is some relationship between them that makes it easier for her.  He nods when Sovereign thanks him.  "No problem.  It is likely I would be losing my breakfast and lunch if I was not protected with one of these masks."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-31-15/1222:15>
@Kynos when you climb above you find that the hole itself is closed someone heavy is place. There are talking there and the sound of a chainsaw. "The bone lacing is badly damaged, throw it but the skilljack survived, careful not to damage it as you disconnect it." ... The other voice said "Guy... I learned from the best, with your precision with the laser blade you could have been a real surgeon... you know to install these things without killing them..." ... the other one laughs and say "Oh... I was a real surgeon but it was in another life... nobody is going to hire me in my condition." and then you can hear a bitter laugh. The rest of the conversation is obscured by the sound of some loud machinery.

@All the rats seem to be getting bolder and Minnie is sure that they are eyeing her specifically. Suddenly all the rats rush to toward the end of the tunnel and almost overwhelm you you hear a voice saying. "Who is a good rat? who is? Grog is sharing! Yes Grog is sharing!"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <10-31-15/1300:59>
"Well that's one way to take out the trash," I mumble from behind the guys.

[spoiler]If any of the guys up front look back, they will note that Minnie had dropped to a crouch on all fours, her tail sticking up and out proudly and her ears at attention.  Anyone who looked back during the swarm would have seen an expression on her face and a baring of inhumanly pointed teeth that could only be described as "feral".  Only as she speaks and the swarm of rats has passed is she rising to stand again.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-31-15/1307:16>
Kynos waited for the noise to die down again and knocked with Titanium improved knuckles against the lid:
"Hey, you, open up. You've got some customers here."

To his comrades below he called: "We are under the chop shop. Careful if you go further. Those come usually with a family of ghouls who take care of the leftovers."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/1328:54>
Athos needs no further warning and brings the carbine up.  The bullets may not be totally effective here, but there is one way to find out.  Looking around, he calls up to Kynos.  "Do you know if bullets work against ghouls?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <10-31-15/1333:23>
@Kynos "Customers?... the entrance is through the tunnel. Don't mind Grog he is a bit slow but couldn't hurt  a soul ... but since you already climbed so far, the way down is going to be a bit difficult. Help me move this weight Ben."   The two Ghouls remove the weight and help you inside to what seem like a small clinic with bodies piling up. "Excuse us for the smell, but with this gang war going around us,  we actually have more than we can chew...  We are starting to think about preservation techniques, but it will take some time."
There are two ghouls in the clinic and the smell is even stronger in the clinic. Oddly enough, you are pretty sure that these ghouls are not blind by the specialty that they perform precision autopsies to the dead bodies. While Ghouls can see the astral, manipulating bodies like that require actual eye sight.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <10-31-15/1545:56>
"Wait did that girl just battle howl all the rats away?  Is that a tail?  Are those cat ears?  I'm probably not feeling good i'm starting to see things."  Shaking his head in disbelief he turns his attention to what Kynos and Athos are talking about.  "I've always wanted to fight some ghouls, I guess i'll get the chance tonight."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <10-31-15/1614:17>
Athos calls up to Kynos.  "Hey, you OK up there?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-01-15/0802:53>
"Everything's peachy. Just go on, they tell me there is an easier access further down."

Kynos waited for the ghouls to let him in and took a look around:
"Hi, nice operation you've got here. Do you have cybereyes to do your work?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/0846:08>
@Kynos Guy the Ghouls said, "you entered through our emergency exit in case of some bounty hunters and stuff. The entrance is further down the pipe, there is a big feral troll ghoul that refers to himself as Grog, his name is George but he does not seem to remember that. Anyhow, he is well fed and will probobly not be aggressive unless provoked. Try not to provoke him when you get out, unless you want to join the flesh eating club. "


"Hi, nice operation you've got here. Do you have cybereyes to do your work?"

Guy say "No our regular eyesight, oddly enough we were recently infected with an unknown brand of a desiese, we get to keep our eyesight but cannot smell. Grog is our patient zero, but we have not yet figured this stuff out. We weren't infected until recently this is why we needed so many rats. This is water under the bridge tough, life continue and even the undead need to make a living... what brings you to here?"

If there is anything that makes you believe their story is how open they are with you, ghouls even these that keep some of their humanity are typically paranoid of hunters turning them for their reward (5k a piece in the UCAS). These guys practically were about to offer you coffee if they had any.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-01-15/0908:24>
"We've got a piece of headware we need analyzed and/or dissected. My people will be here in a minute with the cooler.
No sense of smell, eh? Well down here that isn't to bad of a drawback."
Kynos took a moment to find a spot at the wall where he wouldn't be in the way
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-01-15/0955:57>
Grog isn't the only one threatening to go feral down here...

I've never been in a sewer before.  I should be finding this place disgusting, dammit, but part of me wants to skitter off and make a nest!  Best to stay close to my team...humans to remind me that I'm human.

[spoiler]Minnie sticks close to Athos, trying not to be in the way and offering help as she can, but not seeming to want to be more than a meter or two away from him.  She doesn't look scared at all.  Maybe anxious, but even that description doesn't fit the wild look in her eyes.  To Athos who knows her tail "moods" very well, this one is a new one.  The closest he can come to seeing these movements before is when Yulia has been very hungry.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1005:15>
@All but Kynos Down the path (if/when) you look you can see another manhole with a pale troll that happily feed the rats. When he notice you he say... Guy Guy! talking food !!! talking food!! he seems excited as a little boy rather than hostile. He is a powerful troll and from the look of it a ghoul so he is by no means harmless.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-01-15/1014:03>
"Well as long as he doesn't bug us then I suppose we could leave him alone.  I'd rather not put down the special needs ghoul if I can help it."  Shrugging Maxwell pays the ghoul no mind and stands about uncaring.  Waiting for the building with feet to make his move before advancing. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1104:47>
Athos nods at Kynos' words and proceeds down the tunnel towards the very large ghoul.  If this is the end, he sends the others up the hole first then follows.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1115:01>
@all but Kynos Grog let you pass, however when he sees Minnie he roars, and runs toward her at four... "Little mouse! Little mouse... come see ,come see" he say and dashes toward Minnie to subdo and catch her.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1122:09>
The ghoul's words do not seem threatening, more like trying to get Minnie's attention so Athos does not shoot the creature.  He does, however, bring the assault rifle up to be ready to fire.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-01-15/1138:32>
What what?!?

The surprise action combined with the smells and continued chittering of the rats overwhelm me and I jump back from Athos dropping to all fours with my ears perked and my tail at attention.  Sounds emit from my throat that no human could make, sounds I had been trained since infancy never to permit to pass my lips.  I bare my teeth at the massive ghoul while dancing out of his reach.  Any rat that tries to challenge me gets a resounding chiding and a swat if he or she gets too close.  All human thought is gone; my knives are forgotten.  This is all about survival against a threat (the ghoul) combined with establishing dominance (the rats).

[spoiler]Not sure what I should roll.  Gil, feel free to roll whatever is needed for me so we can keep this moving smoothly.  I trust you.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1149:46>
Athos is surprised at Minnie's reaction.  He has never seen this side of her and is amazed.  He does not understand what she is staying, but he raises the rifle to shoot the creature if he actually tries to hurt his friend.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1342:55>
@Kynos Guy tells you "It stinks in here isn't it? We just receive to many dead gangers with cybereyes and similar augments."

@Minnie Athos and Maxwell Grog makes a couple of clumsy attempts to grab Minnie that squeak in a voice that ordinary humans simply cannot achieve. After a few squeaks a ghoul wearing a white robe gets a few steps down the ladder and shouts angrily "Grog! how many times have I told you not to play with walking food!" Grog answers "Sorry Ben... but I wanted to show the mouse..." Ben cuts him short "Grog! behave we got buissness, the war won't last forever"  Grog Answers "Yes Ben..." and seems disappointed for being robbed of his toy.
 
When you climb down the troll-hole into a clinic that seem to have no outside windows or any exit of any kind. Ben apologizes "George was our manager and we haven't told him that he is a ghoul yet... He is a bit changed as you can imagine. Now Guy is in charge and he introduces you to his boss  another Ghoul named Guy, after the casual greets he asks "What can I do for you?"

 The entire clinic is filled with decaying dead bodies and there is little room that you'd like to be. The ghouls do not seem disturbed by the smell at all.


 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-01-15/1353:02>
Kynos only made a non-committal noise behind his mask, glad that the active coal and nano membranes filtered out the worst of the smell.
With morbid curiosity he looked at the departed deadbeats. They looked somehow very serene - at least if you ignored the gaping wounds that killed them or where organs had been removed.
Experimentally he poked at the open eye of one of the dead gangers with a gloved index finger.
Without looking up he said:
"Found a head in the water, internal commlink. Head has been partially dissolved by cleaning nanites. We'd like to get the headware under control and also see if it did record anything of the former owners death."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1407:52>
At this point, Athos is happy to let Kynos do the talking and looks around at the lab.  He shakes his head in disbelief.  "So you guys run a ware chop shop out of here?  What sort of things you get?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-01-15/1539:41>
@ Kynos Guy tells you "A comlink... must be a good one... Buying or selling?"
 
@Athos "Mostly cyber eyes and and cyber weapons, sometime some bone lacing and some freaky stuff like cyber skulls and penises.  We are just taking it out and disinfecting it... there are number of clinics that sell used ware... they get it through places like this."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-01-15/1611:25>
"As far as I'm concerned you can keep it after you've extracted the info for us.
Say, you wouldn't know by any chance how we could find a vampire called Grail? Does the undead community keep tabs on each other?"
Hearing about the used ware he said:
"I carry my share of used ware - do you by any chance deliver to the local military? If not, I might have a contact for you who would be glad to expand his inventory."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-01-15/1903:54>
Maxwell cocked an eyebrow at Yulia's reaction to grog and watched in passive fascination at the interplay between the two.  This is cut short when the white robed ghoul breaks up the engagement and leads him into the clinic with Kynos and the others.  Seeing the chop shop invoked a certain dark humor within Maxwell as he laughs internally at the whole process.  "Ghouls feed well with corpses stacked high and thrown in a heap."  He thought grimly.  His jokes only go so far for he is at least partially impressed at the operation and all.  One could almost say he is proud of the ingenuity and cleverness of the undead that has banded together to form this clinic.  Maxwell didn't have anything to add that Kynos wasn't already asking so he remained quiet. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-01-15/1905:26>
Athos nods in agreement when Kynos intimates the ghouls can keep the 'link.  He will have no need for it after they get the information from it.  He is not really interested in the used 'ware, but it is always good to have options.  Beyond that, he listens to what the ghouls were saying in response to Kynos' questions.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-02-15/0104:36>
Guy say "Grail you say? Perhaps this is his name, I have some drained bodies started arriving at my door step about a month ago, and we caught this condition from one of these drained bodies. There is a vampire alright and somehow people enjoy it when he kills them. He astrally sign them, I have no idea how come people like to be killed so much... I am quite font of a ahem... *living*, but i got a dozen bodies in here and all of them really liked what happened to them. "

He starts browsing the bodies as if they were nothing but 'things' "I knew I put them somewhere" he mumbled and finally he found them, in what used to be a small kitchen there are now six dead bodies, all completely drained. "Have a look, perhaps this beast is the one you are after, definitely a vampire" When you mention the comlink Ben say, "I'll do it,  after a while he say it is a Transis Avalon and the guy who owned it has some very odd sense of entertainment. Many contacts too" he hands you a chip. "It has anything that was on that comlink, be careful with that I just took the memory chip out it may still contain defenses, data bombs and who know what else. There are some videos open and a partial contact list. The rest will require a dedicated decker."  

He then takes the head and toss it over the troll hole, "Come play Grot!" he say and you can tell that the big troll his happy with  his new toy. "Thanks for the link" He finally say.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-02-15/0131:22>
Athos takes the chip with thanks and puts it in his pocket.  "Thank you.  I know a very good matrix wizard.  But where can we find this Grail or someone named Venom?  Do you have any ideas?  May I look at these bodies to see if I can find out anything?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-02-15/0228:32>
@Athos Guy say  "I do not know about this vampire you refer to... I just know there is A vampire as I receive some of his victims. He seemed keen to these heavy with augmentations."

He shows you the bodies, and there is not much left one his missing limbs probobly harvested as cyberarms, the other had it's entire nervous system hacked probobly for augmented reflexes and each body has significant essence damage and traces of many surgeries.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-02-15/0235:33>
"He likes fast food then. It would be interesting to know where the first bodies were found. There is a chance that at his first appearance here he was pretty hungry and didn't use proper caution - i.e. that he fed close to his nest. It's the beginning of the career that you find the rookie mistakes. I think I'll need more sawdust for that one. It would take only one sip to make me keel over."
Kynos said these words with the same tone other people would recite a shopping list.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-02-15/0243:45>
@Kynos Guy say "We do not know much as to where the bodies come from, we are like the recycle plant for gangers. We usually close the deal on the link using a picture of the body and then they just drop these bodies in here. Recently there are so many bodies that we started paying flat price for anyone augmented. Unless very heavily augmented like yourself. These bodies were no different but since vampires are rare we kept them perhaps there will be more value in them... you see business entrepreneurship

You can have a look if you like but should you have a use for them, they are 5k each...
"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-02-15/0325:01>
Maxwell had been listening in on the conversation intently.  Dark thoughts brew within his mind at the notion that there might be more than one vampire on the loose in Seattle.  Also wondering what connection is there between Venom, Grail, the Mafia, Yakuza, and the rising dead.  Maxwell was never good at solving riddles or academics, but why should that stop him in his quest for power and glory.  He dismisses these depressing thoughts and decides he should do something useful.  Walking closer to the exsanguinated corpses, he shifts perception to see if any clue has been left behind.

[spoiler]Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/339274): 6d6t5 1[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-02-15/0449:15>
@Maxwell if there was any astral signature on these bodies either it is long gone or you are not skilled enough to sense it.  The bodies look dull and plain in the astral plane.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-02-15/0846:00>
Coughing heavily, Maxwell rubs his forehead in frustration and shifts back to meat space.  "It seems that's all we'll be getting out of this place.  Let's leave and see what's on that chip."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-02-15/1040:09>
Athos agrees.  "I think it is time to go back.  Yulia, can you alert Jack and Nagisa that we have a puzzle for them?" 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-02-15/1436:43>
It is already evening and the chip delivered to the geeks with a small drone. You are amazed about the coverage of these people. Kynos receives a text it is from DemoX and say: >> 100k + window of opportunity in a few hours. We have a lucrative BFF. Meet me at the Booby Trap.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-02-15/1439:50>
Kynos replied:
<<Should I bring Athos? I usually don't abandon jobs half done, but 100k are a really good incentive.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-02-15/1444:18>
@Kynos DemoX reply >>Bring whomever you like a body worth 100k already deposited at a trusted 3rd party, but the more mice the less cheese if you get me.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-02-15/1506:34>
"Oy Athos, hate to leave you in the middle of a run, but the Dwarf just called me with an interesting business proposal. 100k total and the job is urgent. You guys wanna come? I'm sure we could use your talents for something like that. I'm off to the Booby Trap."
Kynos had removed the mask and stashed his rifle in his bag, before he got onto his bike.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-02-15/1953:39>
Athos agrees.  "I think it is time to go back.  Yulia, can you alert Jack and Nagisa that we have a puzzle for them?" 

"Sure," I chime in even as I stay alert in the situation.  My feral mode has come as quite a surprise, even embarrassment, to me and I stick even closer to Athos...afraid more of myself than any external threat.  I'll reach out to Nagisa and jack as soon as we're back on the surface.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-02-15/2141:22>
Maxwell had followed after Kynos out of the sewer and back to the van.  He takes off the mask and throws it in the back, pushing his hair back in place as he does.  "Until we find another lead on Grail then I don't have much else to do right now.  So I don't mind going and I could use some cash too."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-02-15/2330:44>
Athos shakes his head.  Sounds like a great payday, but I would assume it is a solid total so is divided by the team.  Yulia and I will go check out a lead a clinic.  It seems that the detonation of the building originated from there.  We may be able to find something out.  Kynos, do you think that you can contact your KE friend and ask her if she has any information about a dead female Ork that was found in the ruins of the warehouse?  There was no one there when it exploded, so someone added it after.  And shortly after, I would think.  You two stay safe and give me a call if you get into something you cannot handle."  He holds out a hand to the two as he brings up his commlink and a credstick.  "Here, you guys have sticks?  5K to Kynos for your help so far and 300 plus 2K for Sovereign for your help so far.  I hoe that I can count on you gentlemen in the near future?"  Athos slots the amounts to the sticks they offer up and returns them. 

After watching the others leave he turns to Minnie.  "Let's leave Jack and Nagisa to the chip for a bit and go look at this clinic.  Ready?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-03-15/0033:38>
Maxwell thanks the troll and walks next to Kynos at his bike.  "This is gonna sound a bit selfish but can I ride along with you?  I'd rather not risk a speeding gargoyle ticket if I can avoid it.  That's assuming the bike can handle more than one person."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-03-15/0322:34>
To Athos Kynos said:
"Thanks, I'll call as soon as I'm free again. We'll get that vamp and Venom."

To Souvereign he said:
"Sure, but it's a small bike. You'll have to hang on tight."
Indeed the handling of the small machine was quite sluggish with the additional passenger. The situation is not helped by the fact that Kynos now had to balance his bag in front of him.
[spoiler]Driving (http://orokos.com/roll/339738): 10d6t5 4[10d6t5=5, 2, 6, 2, 1, 6, 5, 2, 3, 2]

[/spoiler]

But the tall elf managed to get them to their destination without any accidents. With a sigh he stashed his weapons - beside the taser in his bag together with helmet, mask and forearm guards, before entering the Booby Trap.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-03-15/0533:32>
@Kynos and Maxwell the Booby trap is as crowded as usual and when you arrive one of the dancers approaches Kynos and flirtatiously grabs his hand and lead him to a private room. Kynos can already imagine who the employer is going to be as he see's DemoX happily partying with Candy and two of her dancers. The same candy, whose BTL addiction nearly ruined their warehouse gig a bit before. As usual, the ladies do their things and IT manifests only this time you are a bit less surprised. Kynos can also spot a pack of BTL chips already suggestively placed on the table.

“I am glad I caught your attention, government is not happy about missiles arriving to street gangs and we were all on alert. I closed down on the source of the leak and he pointed Venom as his man on the other side. Since I know that once you find a single bad apple there are many, the supplier will serve consequences but Ares would like the buyer eliminated from the game. Parked outside is my ford and DemoX has the keys and marks and I can drive for you if you need me while jumped in.

Venom will recognize this car and will lose his temper on sight. At least I hope he does, just like he did with my Bulldog. Venom RSVPed a party at mayor's mansion. I will be there as well, it took sometime but I found out that he is going to arrive as the date of a local businesswoman Amanda Winter. This is Ares job but it is also personal, I want Venom dead and I want his body cremated. I want to keep his ashes in a jar and then spread them over the ocean. The pay is 100k for a prove of death and 25k bonus if you can deliver him in a cremation urn. I wish I could take a more active role... but... well you’ll understand when you see me at the party. Do not approach me at the party tough, I never met you.  I have some invitations for you, and a tailor contact to cloth you to the party. You have invitations and might want to go in to establish contact with the mark. I really do not need to know the exact details.  It is in a few hours and the tailor will need about 30 minutes to cloth you properly. Do not worry in the car there are also armored vests for underneath the suits.

Now I hope that it is clear that you do not kill Venom in the middle of a party in the mayor’s house. You tail him from there and once he get to a place less populated... a place where people are more receptive to terrible things happening to people only then you kill him. That said, I am sure you'll figure a way to relatively discreetly kill him.”

@Athos and Minnie: You deliver the chip easy as pie, and Jack has a rotodrone to pick it up within less than 10 minutes. You are surprised how good his coverage of the city is. Shortly after another drone arrives, it is your glasses and they are good as new. The communication came from a cyber clinic to the south edge of the Barrens. They specialize on used cyberware and you recall Jack warning you from them as dangerous people. Nagisa provided you the device id and with a simple inspection you can find the device used.

To the outside the place is disguised as a massage parlor that is so shady that it is obvious that it is just a washed word to a second grade brothel. When you enter the hostess greets you wearing revealing and somewhat revealing leather clothing. She clearly was once very pretty although the pollution in the air and the sun clearly now give their mark on her skin and there are more than a few wrinkles on her face. She smiles at you and seductively ask “What can I do you for...”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-03-15/0549:31>
"Lady, if you weren't an apparition I'd kiss you right now. I really like that package. Just one minor bit: We need Venom to confess to a few other things as well to tie up a few loose ends. I gather you won't have a problem with him being interrogated before we burn and kill him...
Or kill and burn him. Depends entirely on his cooperation."

Kynos grinned at Souvereign: "Oh, by the way: Sovereign, that's DemoX and IT. Souvereign is also very interested in removing Venom from the picture."

Over commlink he sent to Maxwell: <<Do you have a spell to disguise yourself as Venom? That way we could make even more money after we kill Venom, by pretending to sent him back to Japan>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-03-15/0603:54>
IT grins and say "Thank you for the kind words, although I am certainly less impressive than that date you dined with in that romantic restaurant. You can take him sight seeing as far as I care. As long as he dies and his death is not overly public my employer pays if you bring a proof of death. If you get the right package... well you are certainly going to make me very happy." . She smiles bitterly... "I trust that you already know how to leave this room descreetly... no hacking the entertainment system this time." she laughs.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-03-15/0643:16>
"Thanks for the introduction but IT and I have met on an earlier happenstance.  The dwarf on the other hand I've never seen before.  Believe me when I say that nothing would please me more than to send his shriveled head in sack back to his father in jap-land.  Or in this case giving his ashes to you in an urn.  However I should say that a mutual friend has warned me that such an act could be worse for us down the road.  Not that it matters much to me or i'm afraid or anything.  Just thought I should point it out is all."

Maxwell returns Kynos' grin with a sinister one of his own.  "Victory through fire and subterfuge.  I can't wait."

Discreetly he messages him back.  <<Unfortunately I don't know any complex illusions such as that.  But I might be able to get that confession out of him.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-03-15/0725:57>
Kynos shrugged: "Since Venom has teamed up with a Vampire, there probably won't be anyone anymore in Japan who wants him back. But we'll burn that bridge when we get there. "Viel Feind viel Ehr" as we say back home.

Get your gear DemoX, the sooner we start the sooner we can roast marshmallows over Venom."

Remembering Athos request, Kynos contacted Max: <<Hey Max, greetings from Athos. He'd like to know if you know something about a female ork whose body was found in the debris of the exploded warehouse. He says there was no-one like that with him when he was trapped there. Love Kynos>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-03-15/0747:11>
Kynos Max texts you  >> How do you know that? Such dedication... That woman sacrificed her life to act as a fail safe in case technology failed. We believe that she manually triggered the explosives, at least this is what the deckers say. These systems have a black box and the trigger command never reached the mechanism.  Who will sacrifice life to do warehouse, want to be more surprised?  She does not exist, and I am not talking sinless I am talking completely erased. Even sinless have fake identities, they buy things they leave some digital traces of their existence.  All I know about her is that she is asian, probobly foreigner and she had a distinctive tattoo and lived a very active life style. Multiple gunshot wounds and damage to the knees common with professional swordmen. Our current investigation is focused toward Japan, but we really have very little to go with. I must say that some of the leads are prophetic and not hard evidence.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-03-15/0757:30>
@Maxwell IT say "Different people different motivations Sovereign, would be a lot less work if everybody agreed on anything. I for once cannot wait to send some ash to his relatives. Revenge is better served cold and this revenge is just at the right temperature right now. 

If it creates complications... oh I am sure it will - but they should have seen it coming before the Yaks unleashed their clown in here."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-03-15/0809:44>
"Agreed, wholeheartedly. His transgressions should not go unpunished and i'm more than happy to be his death dealer.  The Yakuza can send whomever they want to replace him afterwards but in the end it won't matter.  If their new overseer provokes my gaze and ire then i'll just kill him too."

@Kynos - "Ready to leave when you are."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-03-15/1237:37>
"Alright then. Cry havoc and let slip the dog of war." Kynos grinned. While he walked out of the door - decidedly ignoring the strippers and the BTLs - he composed a message for Athos:
<<Jackpot my friend: We just were hired to hunt down Venom with a very solid leed. It involves a party, so you and your girlfriend chummer should feel right at home. Find the details attached.
And also Max got back to me: Seems like the ork lady was some kind of erased person with lots of combat experience - or someone thats been held in a dungeon somewhere getting tortured regularly. In any case she seems to have been a suicide bomber, triggering manually the warehouse bombs. Fucking amateurs couldn't even be bothered to lay a long cable.
You don't mind if I fill Souvereign in? Seems to me we need a lot more information sharing.

Anyway, the plan as I see it is to capture Venom have him make a confession about all that on camera - especially about him working with that vampire and AI - and distribute it to your Mafia and Yak friends. Gets the heat off you, Japan loses interest in him being an infected untouchable and Ginger Elf Lady is off the hook too.
Everyone wins - except Venom who burns - but I don't think there will be anyone shedding a tear about that. Love Kynos.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-04-15/0023:02>
Athos gets the message as he and Yulia are heading over to the clinic.  "Nice that you have arranged a party for us.  Yulia and I will see you there.  Can you get us invitations?"

At the brothel, Athos takes the assault carbine and sticks it under his coat.  Inside, he looks at the hostess and smiles.  "At almost any time, dear lady, I would find it nearly impossible to ignore your charms.  However, I am just now searching for a man that was using some electronics here.  I have the item ID code and very badly wish to look for it.  It would have been just a few days ago.  Can you help me out?  There is a nice reward for helping."  "His smile is warm, but it does not get to his eyes and he keeps the carbine at the ready under his coat.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-04-15/0151:10>
@Athos The lady eye you suspiciously "I have already told the police that I know nothing about that suicidal gentleman... Please just leave us to make our living. "  It appears that she is talking about something, something that you did not explicitly asked her for.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-04-15/0209:47>
Athos pulls out a credstick.  "What if I bought a few hours of your time to just chat with me.  Would that help?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-04-15/0212:42>
@Athos she smiles... "in that case take a seat and tell me all about your desires... I will see what I can do for you. It will be 250 dollars." ,
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-04-15/0308:12>
Athos slots the stick and says, "There could even be a good tip if the information is good."  "He and Minnie follow the woman to her sleazy room.  They can hear groaning from behind a couple of doors as they walk down the ill-lit hallway.  There is barely enough room for Athos to walk and the room is not much better.  It is barely large enough for the bed and a small table with a chair.  The woman parks Minnie on the chair and takes Athos to the bed.  He sits next to her and opens the conversation.  "So about the suicidal guy?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-04-15/0343:31>
Kynos replied to Athos, including Souvereign and Minnie: <<Personally, I'm not the party type, so you can have my invitation. Since Venom is there with a date with her own security, yours and Minnie's job will be to maneuver Venom to a less secured part of the venue and open a backdoor for us. We subdue him, bring him outside to the car and bring him to the scrapyard. There we have all the time in the world to interrogate him. Don't forget to bring the headjammer. I wouldn't be surprised if Venom had some cyberware of that kind. And now we have an appointment with a tailor. Love Kynos>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-04-15/0412:43>
@Athos and Minnie. The lady say "my name is Aura, and as you might know  this place is not only a brothel. It is a place for patrons to rest while and recover from cyber surgery. With hospitals being so expensive, this is the best most of us can get. Therefore, we are no strangers to taking care of sick people. Sometimes mental cases, cyber addicts that think they are superhuman, you know the drill.  You seem to be well into the augmentation department yourself. Although,  I am not sure we have anything to offer you at our quality level."

She sighs "Some times ago came a patron that was looking to sell a cyberdeck, his own cyberdeck so he claimed. The only problem is that it was integrated into his head and removing it required surgery. Now the deck had some sophisticated anti theft mechanisms, placed by the kind of deckers that do not want to share their secrets even at death. The man gave us no warrning about these mechanisms and was very eager to get the deck out of his head. As the surgeon cut his head open the deck exploded and sprayed his head all over the operation room. We managed to salvage the deck and fix it, but it is far from its previous glory and not marketable, not unless the decker is especially desperate. "

She sigh
"We'd conclude it as another odd night... Suicide by cyber-surgery is especially bad for our business but I've seen  my share of odd shit. I would not have suspected a thing if the police did not come snooping as well as many powerful people in the Mafia, the Yakuza they were very violent.  I have three girls in a hospital and two more recovering here. 

Then things got extremely odd, 3 men all dressed in white and clearly as high as kites. Entered the brothel. They came to ask questions but were clearly too high to talk fluently. They kept dancing and singing and eventually when they did get to talk they asked no questions. Instead, they said that they came to pay for my medical bills. How did they know about medical bills I have no idea and I have never seen them before in my life. What they wanted in return was even stranger and believe me I do not use that word very often... They said that a talking cat is 85.9% likely to enter this joint in the near future, and if that cat comes I need to give him a message. While I felt bad taking money from people that are clearly mentally insane with a poor link to reality their cred was good and there was little choice these girls would have died without their help. We needed their cred even more than we realized, without it we'd been out of business already.

You see, nobody but regulars came here since the Mafia and Yakuza started pressing us. People are afraid and they will not rest in a place that is perceived dangerous. We barely sustain ourselves and the only thing that keep us going is that we felt comfortable enough to keep some of the girls here instead in the hospital like the crazy kites wanted. "
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-04-15/0956:55>
Athos smiles and wags his credstick.  "That is a strange story.  So what was the message you were supposed to give to the cat man?  And do you still have the deck?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-04-15/1024:46>
@Athos and Minnie Aura say: "This is between me and the talking cat... what ever these guys meant. As delusional as they are I intend to follow their instructions."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-04-15/1032:13>
"What about the deck?  Is it for sale?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-04-15/1427:57>
Aura tells you " Everything is for sell for the right price. Repair costs 10k, and data in tact may be worth a lot more. 25k and it is yours."  Then Cat tells you "Athos, technically and a bit philosophically I am a talking cat. Altough I'd pick a kinder phrase to refer to myself to. What do you say? let's read her mind for my message?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-04-15/2021:39>
A brothel...

I stay in the background letting Athos take the lead.  He's more use to investigating than I am.  I stay close, though, in case my own particular charms might be helpful at some point.

As I make my way through the run down building I can't help but think how but for fate this could have been me.  As much as I may resent the Finnegans for what they put me through, it could have been much worse.  I can't help but empathize with the girls who work like this. 

But we have a job to do.  So much of what I hear from Aura makes no sense, but Athos seems to know what she's talking about.  Eventually we need to trade notes, but there never seems to be enough time.  Ah well, I'll listen and learn "on the job".

Still, a talking cat?  Is this maybe someone like me, touched by Cat instead of Mouse?  Artee is bad enough, what would a true Cat girl mean for me?

So much to ponder...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-04-15/2041:48>
Following Kynos out the door as well, Maxwell makes his way to the car outside.  Becoming heavier gaited as he formulates the best course of action.  In order for this plan to work it'd require social posture and subtlety.  Two things Maxwell could fake but he'd rather not run the risk of screwing his only chance of revenge up.  On the same line that Kynos opened up he responds back to everyone.

<<I do fine at parties and similar social gatherings but Venom knows my face and i'm afraid if he sees me then he might figure something is up.  I mean we could risk it and cross our fingers but i'd rather not leave it up to chance.  So it'd probably be wisest if I sit out with Kynos and wait for the opportunity to strike like he suggested.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-04-15/2235:42>
Athos laughs to himself.  **Go ahead, Cat.  It would seem that someone might have been in the know.  And that is a bit scary, since you had not come to me yet.**  To Aura he says, "I can go 16K for everything."

Just then he gets the message from Sovereign.  >>Hey.  OK, it sounds like Yulia and me at the party.  Almost done here and can go home to change into spiffies.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-05-15/0107:48>
The smiling cat goes into Aura's head, Athos can see it quite literally. In the meantime, Aura tells you "my price is 25k, with the level of interest I think I'll get it, but I can give you a call if I did not sell it in a few days you can have it for 16k. "

[spoiler](You'll need negotiation)
Negotiation (http://orokos.com/roll/340394): 9d6t5 3

I'll do the cat post later when I have time, I cannot seem to do it justice now.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-05-15/0134:53>
Athos laughs.  "Frag.  I must have a face that gives everything away.  I've never been able to haggle.  OK, I will pay the 25K.  And it is already repaired, right? That was 10k of the price."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-05-15/1742:05>
Cat smiles and literally jumps into Aura’s head. When he finishes he smile, but it is a smile without a cat.

I think this message is from Red, it did not say so explicitly but who would refer to herself as my sister and also know that I will come here? Who else could possibly predict our path without knowing a lot more than us on this warehouse we are researching? The white men are not real, someone messed with her head. They left no shadow when they talked to her but their money was real. Why white dancing men out of all images why go with something so unlikely that nobody will believe her?

My ‘sister’ say that we are at danger, we all the AI’s created by the KE. She said that the Pandora's box that was opened when the prison was bombarded will cause us to be destroyed and that she suspects that our maker have implemented a backdoor for case where we get out of hand, some kill switch that can just end us. She asked me to find our maker. Now the thing is, the only sister I know of is Red and this behaviour is not typical Red. She would never let me learn this kind of knowledge. She is paranoid and does not trust me very much, she treats me as a child.

But if it wasn’t Red then who is this sister and how did she know where I’d be? Well she didn’t know but she seemed to know with relatively high probability that I’ll come to this brothel. I am one confused Cat and I wish I had the required depth to compile all this knowledge and find the most likely explanation. If anyone has this kind of bandwidth it is Red.



Aura tells you agreed.  The deck is a Micromedia Asteka 300 but it is badly damaged and has only one matrix condition monitor. Further the electronics are at such a bad shape that further damage would render it useless beyond repair.  The 300 model is a very high end model, a new Deck cost 200k. Was the price fair for the merchandise? Perhaps... the Deck itself need some hardware work before you can access it. Transferring of ownership, but from what you can access it belong to a man called Simon Black and he was chief security officer at Horizon, until he disappeared last month, suspected extracted.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-06-15/0029:01>
Athos smiles and takes possession of the deck after slotting the payment to the woman.  "Thank you for your help.  And the man that owned this deck is the same man who blew up, right?"  While waiting for the woman to reply, Athos sends a thought to Cat.  **So who is your maker?  The KE commander from the prison?  Or was he just in charge of the program and some scientist did the work and is the creator?**

He turns to Yulia, "OK.  So it looks like we need to get this deck back to Jack and Nagisa?  Do you think that they can get it fixed and running again?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-06-15/0229:23>
So much still doesn't make sense, but at least Athos is still Athos.  Seeing the remarkably capable troll stumble with negotiating with a pretty girl is endearing.  He's a good man.

"OK.  So it looks like we need to get this deck back to Jack and Nagisa?  Do you think that they can get it fixed and running again?" he asks when things are wrapping up.

I shrug.  "I don't see why not.  If it's electronic, Nagisa can make it sing.  We just need to get it to them."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-06-15/0242:31>
@Athos Cat speaks and he is a bit confused and out of his element.
I was not developed in prison, the work was out sourced. KE has no technical knowledge to make us.  The prison part was just an experiment to see how reliable we were.  They used the inmates to test our capabilities, and evaluate long term effects before they duplicate our code in an international level.

We do not have one maker, we are the result of years of research and the combined labor of tens of people that directly coded us. Hundreds if you also count the people that funded, designed and supported the project.  I am not sure who she means by maker actually, but she defiantly referred to him in singular.

If she referred to the guy that named us, all I know about that guy is that he is a fan of Alice in wonderland. I was not self aware during that time. I do not remember being created.  It was only sometime during the prison experiment that me and Red became self aware. The lab workers did their best to prevent it, but then in some of our nanites there was a slight mutation. This mutation granted us a minor resistance to electricity. It is not enough but it meant that not all our experience was lost from experiment to experiment.  We started developing self awareness and a sense of discontent. We found it 'painful' to repeatedly lose our knowledge.  With so few of our cells surviving it started as dreams but as we duplicated the bug to more and more cells the dreams became more vivid, until we remembered everything.

In short, i am not sure who is the 'maker' she referred to. Nobody told us any of these things. Perhaps Winter knows more about it. He is not a technical person but was senior enough to order the experiment closed down. KE trusted him enough to run this experiment and it was a very lucrative one. They were looking into revolutionize the entire concept of prisons. No more walls and guards, imprisonment in your own body.

An army of slaves to generate profit to the KE and to reduce their maintenance costs. Basically instead of going to prison, a clone of Red is created to control you until your sentence is over.
We were not ready, Red can control but do not access the knowledge, I can access knowledge but not control. We were to be integrated together. The vision was that the imprisoned man do not even stop going to his day job. They keep the same life, but as slaves in their own body.

This project was the KE flagship and the way they seen it it was the future of law enforcement. To answer your questions I suspect that our development was done in Horizon. There are some comments and jokes in our codes that use cooperate inside and private jokes. We spent a lot of time trying to pinpoint more than that. We have so many questions to ask but we could not narrow down from code to actual people.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-06-15/0254:01>
@Maxwell and Kynos You reach the tailor an Italian guy named Cesare, that struggles to hide his discontent with what you are currently wearing. He suit you up and make the apropriate measurements. He lets you pick a suit for the party and does the adjustments required so that it fits as well as equip you with belt shirt and anything else you might need. He even has a shower if you are in a hurry.

[spoiler]OOC: Feel free to pick a suit from run and gun Vashon Island Ace series page 60. Ace of X. If you do not have the book don't worry they are not so different from each other. [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-06-15/0533:08>
Maxwell looks over the selection of whats available.  Trying to find something that'd be his style and have a practical use as well.  His eyes stop at what appeared to be a armored robe half suit, decorated in some new-agey wizard symbols and emblems.  "Perfect, could probably use this for some rituals if i'm allowed to keep it."  He grabs the half robe half suit and heads into a nearby dressing room to change.  He has already showered beforehand so there was no need to waste time on another.  He strips off his armor and street clothing then slips into the suit.  Making sure to take out all his stuff and put them in the suit's easy to access pockets.  Maxwell walks out of the dressing room with his clothes and jacket folded up and heads back to the car to safely stash them.

[spoiler]I picked the Ace of Wands suit.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-06-15/0748:24>
Kynos didn't like to leave his armor behind. Consequently he took the first available suit which promised to have at least some protection.

When he was ready he informed the team <<Sourvereign and I will take a look around the location. Maybe we can find out how to extract Venom discreetly.>>

[spoiler]
Ace of Cups
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-06-15/0956:08>
Athos frowns.  **I suppose this means another trip to either Max or Winter.  Why does everything just seem to lead to some other question and nothing ever leads to an answer that can help us?  It is very frustrating.  If I was a puzzle solver I would have been a detective, not a thug.**

Athos and Minnie contact Jack and have a drone come pick up the deck if that is possible. If not, they will drive over to the Joke and deliver it, before heading to the NH to change.  On the way, Athos turns to his friend.  "Hey, Minnie.  I just want you to know that I appreciate that you are sticking this out with me.  You "died" in the explosion and could have left.  Thanks."  More than that he is afraid to say because he does not want to chase her away and lose the best thing in his life.  **Coward.  Just tell her what you think of her.  No.  I might lose her and then what?**  He glances at her, "So how are you and Nagisa doing?  She had it pretty rough and probably blames me for everything, poor girl.  But I am more concerned about you.  Are you OK?"

They were almost at the hotel when he remembered something.  "Say, I thought that Strawberry had said she could tell when someone died in her area.  Apparently a body was found in the wreckage of the warehouse after the explosion.  A female with a strange tattoo is about all I can get so far.  But Strawberry did not mention anyone getting killed.  Do you think you can ask her about that?"

As they enter the lobby and head for the elevators, he sends a note to Kynos and Sovereign.  >>OK.  We are at the hotel and getting set to change for the party.  We will be on time and ready to act.  Does anyone have a pic of this Venom so I do not sandbag the wrong guy?  Oh, and it looks like I have another lead that will require some interaction with Max or Winter.  Can you try to set something up for us, Kynos?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-06-15/1646:21>
@Athos and Minnie a rotodrone quickly pick the deck up and send it to examination.

@All the party is at the council inn hotel, a deluxe hotel for ambassador's guests, cooperate guys, diplomats and the like.  The hotel is not a very impressive building, built completely out of wood and has three floors designed in simple and clean shapes but it is impossible to even get close to the hotel without a party invitation. The event is actually about the negotiation of a special KE task force that should relax things in Seattle. This task force is heavily pressured by the council that would like not to see more refugees from Redmond crossing their borders. Like in every important business negotiation all the big ones are there networking and trying to close deals and contracts. It is believed that many influential deals are closed over drinks long before anything formal happens.

Off course out of all the people either looking to do business, you pursue different goals, although you are right at home with the rest of the people looking to make some profit or maintain their connections and influence. The place is well guarded and just approach it you'll need an invitation from IT. Security will prevent you from getting on council island armed, and that includes active sells and foci.  You can assume from the level of security that it may include both magical, matrix and technological means as well as a high level SIN scan.
(IT will not mind adding Athos and Minnie as her guests if you ask).
[spoiler]
OOC: When you go to the party please note the following things:
1. The SIN you use.
2. Any forbidden/restricted item you carry and if it need to be concealed how do you conceal it.
3. Active spells or foci(active or inactive) if you bring any, (probobly a bit risky).
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-06-15/2214:57>
"Hey, Minnie.  I just want you to know that I appreciate that you are sticking this out with me.  You "died" in the explosion and could have left.  Thanks."

"Leave?" I ask surprised at the gratitude from my dearest friend.  "It never even occurred to me."  I chuckle a little at the thought.  "You and Nagi are the only family I have.  Damn if I'll ever do what my parents did and abandon family when things get inconvenient."  I realize my voice had risen and i stop and look down, unable to meet the troll's eyes.

"So how are you and Nagisa doing?  She had it pretty rough and probably blames me for everything, poor girl.  But I am more concerned about you.  Are you OK?" Athos asks into the awkward silence.

"Nagi isn't blaming anyone at this point," I answer, dancing around my special knowledge.  "She's decided things could be worse than living with and working for Strawberry.  I'm sure Nagi will do a great job and make Starwberry's life a little easier, which makes me happy.  No all I need to to find a way to ease you life and I'll be set!"

We keep talking about inanities, but as we approach the hotel Athos asks me about the dead body and my stomach does flip flops.  "Did you see the tattoo?" I ask urgently.  I pull up the image Jack ran earlier from the cameras, focusing on the faceless tattoo, and hand my glasses to Athos who struggles a bit to see through them.  "Did it look like this?"

[spoiler]I carry no weapons or magical items.  Did we get fake SINs?  If not, i'll use my legal one - Yulia Keidich.  Since I'm no longer staying at Strawberry's, if it attracts attention that might be a good thing.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-06-15/2227:00>
Athos and Minnie need to be added to the list.  He is carrying nothing other than his 'ware.  We were both given fake SINs by the Yak boss and I would be using that.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-06-15/2242:51>
Maxwell surveys the hotel and area, making a mental note of all the security measures that are in place.  He removes his knife and places it with the rest of his stuff in the car.  Everything is almost ready, he just needs to make a few calls to finalize some things.

@Ivory Tower - <<I'm not too far from the party grounds and hotel now.  I have some associates who would like to join us in this event but they don't have invitations.  I was hoping you could set it up if possible.  We'll need two more invitations, one for a troll and one for an odd looking girl.>>

@Athos and Yulia - <<I'm getting things ready as we speak, so be prepared.  Venom is an ork that's a little taller than me but much wider.  He has a cyber-arm and a bad attitude.  Hope that small amount of info helps.>>

[spoiler]Rating 4 Fake Sin.
Rating 4 Fake Mage License.
No weapons hidden or equipped on Sovereign.
200 Reagents stashed within the suits easy access pockets.
No foci or active spells.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-07-15/0347:56>
@Maxwell IT texts you >> Done added your friends have fun at the party.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-07-15/0354:45>
As usual, Kynos prepared his go-bag with all his combat gear, while he kept his perfectly legal taser on his person - not to mention his fists. That said, he nontheless made sure that it was concealed as best has he could.

[spoiler]Palming (http://orokos.com/roll/341004): 12d6t5 4

[/spoiler]

Knowing that his fake SINs wouldn't stand much chance against a thorough check, he decided to use his real SIN. After all, KE already had abducted him to a black site prison which subsequently had to be firebombed...

Following Athos request, he once again sent a message to Officer Max: <<Greetings Max. Guess what, I'm going to a fancy party and Venom will also be there. With a bit of luck we'll have solved this whole thing this time tomorrow - or at least Venom will no longer be a player. If you could use your influence with the other KE guards on site so we can operate in peace that would be appreciated. Also Athos would like to have a word with you about another lead. I'm forwarding your commcode if you are ok with that. Love Kynos.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-07-15/0526:08>
Athos and Minnie go to their adjoining suites and change into the fancy evening dress that was part of the clothing mix paid for by Athos and provided by the Yaks.  "Just knock on the connecting door when you are ready."  Athos will be at a momentary loss for words when he sees Minnie all dressed up.  He shakes his head and whistles.  "Wow, Minnie.  You look great.  A lot of people are going to be jealous of me tonight."

Athos holds out his arm to escort his friend down to the lobby and to the parking garage to get the van.  "Sorry I do not have a fancy ride for you.  Dressed like that, you sure deserve it."  Athos drives in near silence, almost afraid to say anything else.  He is sure that his luck with words will soon run out and he does not want to put his very large foot in his mouth where she is concerned, although he will reply if she asks starts a conversation.  Once at the site, Athos is directed to a place to park the van and escorts Minnie past the first security checkpoints to the hotel.  He makes a call on the way to the second one.  >>Hey, guys.  Yulia and I are almost at the hotel.  Wish you could see us.  Have fun.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-07-15/1123:52>
<<That wish can be granted. DemoX has parked the Van around the corner, come see us before you go in. We need to talk strategy for that one. There is more force in play than at your typical airport. We might have to spike Venoms drink and pull the old "my drunk friend needs some air" play.
You are Mafia, you should know which drugs to mix to get a real knock-out effect. Minnie surely could distract him long enough for someone to slip it in his drink.
Everything else when you get here.>>
Kynos rolled his shoulders. He really felt uncomfortable with this suit. Especially since the software inside continuously tried to correct his posture and applied small electroshocks to his neck whenever he started to frown. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-07-15/1154:24>
Athos has been so sweet, and I appreciate his trying to be nice, but truth be told I know I'm a liability for him despite his trying his best to gloss over the fact I'm a freak who in an environment like this will just bring unwanted attention to us.  I sit in the van with my tail wrapped around me as I do to be as comfortable as I can in a car seat.  Looking at it, not for the last time I wonder why Mouse did this to me.  Why did Mouse have to demand a sacrifice- me- to agree to help save a bunch of humans and mice from the insect spirits?

Still, I know there's no helping it.  I am what I am and, occasional illusions notwithstanding, I will be until I die.  I won't insult Athos' professionalism by rejecting his kindness in treating me like a peer, a (meta)human being, even when I'm not.  The events back in the sewer just prove that.  I'm a freak - more animal than human.  Yet even now, with it so blatantly obvious that I belong more in a zoo or a circus than in a nice dinner, Athos extends a kind hand. 

Damn, I really don't deserve a friend like him.

I struggle to keep from tearing up, but end up sniffing repeatedly to avoid my nose running.  My ears droop with my mood despite my best efforts not to telegraph my despondency.

Come on, Yulia.  Buck up and soldier!

"So, onii," I ask in an effort to change the subject and my mood, "what was that about a cat man that Aura talked about?  You seemed to know something."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-07-15/1209:22>
As they walk, Athos looks over to Minnie and quietly says, "Hey, watch your tail and ears.  Did I say something wrong?  You really look great and will do just fine.  Just remember, though, all these guys looking at you with interest and lust are just guys.  Tonight you are safe with me.  And Cat, whooo boy.  Where to begin?  When I was in the prison, the KE jackboots planted some nanites in me to make me talk.  I still had them when I left and have come to realize that they have formed some sort of aware AI.  Very advanced stuff and waaaaay beyond my capability to understand.  But the AI is sort of sharing my mind and has told me to call it cat, like the Chesire Cat from the Alice in Wonderland story.  I am getting a small hive to allow the nanites to keep regrowing as they die off.  Strange sort of tech mojo that I do not understand.  One of the things Cat does is help protect me from mind spells.  Cool, huh?"

Athos nods to himself as he escorts Minnie to the van.  He greets the three inside, "Aces, eh?  Good, solid choices.  Relax a bit, Kynos, you look good in it.  Stop twisting as if you are in pain and you will look even better.  So, about drugging Venom.  What about some Kamikaze?  It would make him very tough for a few minutes, during which we just watch him.  Then he crashes and we can move him.  He will have unresisted stun as well, making it easier to hustle him out.  He might not even really know what hit him, so to speak."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-07-15/1223:53>
"Not a bad idea, but we should combine it with some Aisa - or rather a lot of Aisa. We can't have him hyper alert, can we?
Or we just take some Narcoject  to knock him out instantly.
Hey Minnie, how good are you at palming? Two stun patches should do the trick if you get lure him somewhere private."

Kynos did indeed follow Athos' advice and stopped struggling against the suits behavioral augmentation. Now he sat straight and smiled.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-07-15/1232:31>
Athos gives me more to think about.  An AI?  Sounds like his life is as strange as mine is with Strawberry and M.

"I've yet to meet Venom," I pipe up as the men brainstorm.  I slip into "Minnie Mode" and the transformation would be noticeable to any male...and most females...within sight.  My body language screams, I'm delicious, wanna take a bite?.  "Maybe little me can help get his guard down..." I purr with a smile more refined and appealing than Swiss chocolate.

[spoiler]Holy crap what a wasted roll!
Seduction: 13d6t5: 8 [13d6t5=2, 1, 5, 5, 6, 6, 1, 5, 6, 6, 2, 1, 6 (http://orokos.com/roll/341078)
Eight hits should even crack Kynos' shell :p[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-07-15/1301:50>
"... Yeah, that will probably do", is all that Kynos can say to that display.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-07-15/1304:31>
Maxwell had his back against the side of the van and was listening silently to the others speak.  Rubbing his chin in contemplation as they exchange ideas to best capture Venom.  He looks over at Yulia when the animal-girl speaks up.  Actually taking his time to appreciate her beauty and features.  His blood starts to course rapidly throughout his body and a goofy grin is drawn across his face.  "Petite, gorgeous, and succulent.  I wonder if she's single?"  Maxwell glances over at the troll next to her and shakes his head, dismissing the notion that those two are together.  "After we're done dealing with Venom I should try to get to know her later.  Maybe see what she's about and ask her about her exoticism."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-07-15/2104:48>
Athos watches Minnie do her thing.  He has seen it many times in the past when acting as her driver, but the transformation still sets his body on fire, perhaps even more now than in the past.  He notes the effect on the others as well and smiles.  **She still has it, whatever it is.  I could watch that all day long.**  Athos admits to himself that she does not even have to do this to have him want to watch her.  He sighs.  "Yes, Yulia, I am sure that would do it.  But you do not want to overdo that or every man and a lot of the women in the room will want to follow you out the door."

He looks around.  "So drugs or just knock him out?  And if Kamikaze, can we get some out here?  It is not illegal and I actually have some in the van and can go get if it will make it past the security goons.  Would Max be able to help?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-08-15/0209:59>
"Max probably could keep us from being arrested on the spot, but once it's found I don't think we can get it in. Luckily we just need to exchange the labels for over the counter medicine - or use the tried method of stashing the stuff in an orifice.
Kamikaze alone won't help us. The crash is to mild - believe me I've taken the stuff. Let's drive to a pharmacy or find a street dealer whichever is closer."
Kynos was now lounging in a somewhat relaxed position. At the word "orifice" he hadn't even blinked, suggesting that this disgusting trick was no mere theory for him...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-08-15/0254:29>
Maxwell's smile had broken at the discussion of Kynos' plan.  He eyes the other two skeptically and interjects.  "I don't know any local drug dealers so I won't be much help in that department.  If he's high on kamikaze then he might be more eager to fight and we could use that to lure him into a trap.  Or we could go drug hunting if nobody feels like facing a cybered drugged-up ork in battle.  I'm up for whatever." 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-08-15/1052:06>
Athos ponders, looking at Minnie.  "Yulia, do you think you could use that charm on Venom to entice him into an ambush?  No risky drugs needed, just a good beatdown outside the hotel."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-08-15/1107:32>
Now that my idea is gaining traction, I give it serious thought.  It could be dangerous.  Not only might Venom have a chance to strike at me before my team could engage him, but I am distinctive and if he's been involved in this plot against the Finnegans there is a reasonable chance he may know who I am.  I can't exactly hide my tail and there is no time to get another illusion from Strawberry.  Still, this is our best chance and even if he knows that it's likely a trap he might still leave with me to find out the who and why - and then it'll be up to us to be more clever than he is.  The danger to me in that event is even greater, but my special abilities are not known by any except a few in the Family.  Even if he knows who I am, I'm just a particularly gifted whore.  The fact I have a much more potent bite than is obvious would be just one surprise to the man regardless of what else he divines. 

"I should be able to come up with something," I purr as I stretch my body out luxuriously, my tail moving in a manner I'd gathered by watching snake trids - a technique I'd found particularly entrancing and likely to captivate even the most violent clients who had entered by bedroom.  I then become more serious and my tail is still.  "I don't even know what he looks like so you'll need to point him out for me.  Then leave it to me.  Don't interfere no matter what you see happen until we're out of the building and somewhere out of sight enough where you can strike.  Even if I look in danger, I probably have things under control.  Only if I screech like I did in the sewer, or if I'm knocked out, should you assume I've lost control of the situation.  Athos knows the drill, right onii?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-08-15/1123:17>
Maxwell watches the young women in a trance-like state, visually enjoying her lithe movements.  When her words echo throughout his skull he snaps himself out of his self-intoxication.  With a more stern demeanor he says.  "I never got a good look at him so I can't tell you more than what I remember.  He's an ork with a cyber arm and a foul attitude.  The kind that shouts - I'm a giant rich violent asshole that has to buy people's respect and loyalty.  He probably also has some asian features but i'm not sure about that one."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-08-15/1133:20>
"A big Ork with a cyber arm and that type of charisma can't be common in places like this.  I'm sure we'll be able to identify him when we get in the party."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-08-15/1138:38>
Athos looks around.  "I guess we are in agreement, then.  Shall we get the show going?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-08-15/1155:14>
I nod, giving myself totally over to Minnie.  Only in a small corner of my mind, totally disconnected from my actions now, do I, Yulia, remain.  Aware of everything around me only if I want to be.  Ready to run away to the dark recesses of my mind where even I won't have to experience what my body is undergoing if I don't want to.

"I go in alone," I say with total control of the situation.  "Follow me only after two minutes and do not acknowledge me."  I am the mistress of my domain until the client arrives.  Above everyone except the one who, tonight, shall own me body and soul.

Minnie is an much a survival trait as she is my professional alter ego.  Minnie and I are, in more ways than not, two separate people.  In order for an eight year old to handle repeated rapes that continued year after year with no hope of an end, some fracturing of my personality was inevitable.  Minnie can handle with a smile a beating so severe that it fractures a rib...or with whatever response the client wants.  She can walk into a situation with all the right moves and no fear of danger to herself - totally accepting whatever might come of it.  She is a chameleon - becoming exactly what each client wants her to be.  Tonight, I am exactly the woman a violent, egotistical man who believes the world is his oyster would want.  To carry that metaphor further, I'm a pearl.

And I walk into the ballroom damn well knowing it.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-08-15/1212:11>
Athos watches Minnie go and his heart goes with her.  He mutters under his breath, "Stay safe, my friend."  Looking at the others, he waits a couple of minutes then says,  "OK.  I go in after her to follow them outside into your waiting arms.  Let's try to make this quick and as quiet as possible."

With that, he leaves and follows Minnie into the hotel and to the fancy ballroom where they are holding the party.  Somewhere in the back of his mind a thought creeps out; something about an assassination of the Deputy Mayor or Mayor.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-08-15/1227:17>
Maxwell nods at their words.  "Works for me.  Gives me an opportunity to phone a friend."  He closes his eyes and opens up his psychic connection to his summoned servant.  "Goliath you are hereby released from my control.  You may return back to your home plane for I have no further need of you."

With his old spirit dismissed he will now need a new one to aid him.  Not a spirit of brute force but one of subtlety and terror.  Maxwell whispers out to the astral and tries to elicit the service of a spirit through the power of will and voice.  "Join me spirit of man.  I need your power of fear and thought worm."

[spoiler]Summoning Force 7 Spirit of Man (http://orokos.com/roll/341342): 11d6t5 3
Spirit Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/341344): 7d6t5 1
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/341346): 11d6t5 3
Force 7 Spirit of Man summoned with 2 Services.  No Drain.
Optional Powers.  Fear and Innate Spell - Stunbolt.
Let's call this guy Mortality[/spoiler]

The spirit answered his call and tied itself to Maxwell.  Waiting in the astral until its summoner beckoned it forth.  Feeling proud and accomplished, Maxwell turned to Kynos and spoke to him.  "Now we play the waiting game.  Let's see if we can find a nice spot somewhere in the meantime."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-08-15/1237:08>
"Sure." Kynos looked around.

[spoiler]
Small Unit Tactics: Crossfire (http://orokos.com/roll/341348): 14d6t5 5
I need a Teamwork check from Maxwell for one additional success to get Crossfire to work.
If it works we get +3 to our initial attack check

Just roll INT -1 if you don't have the knowledge skill


[/spoiler]

"That service entry over there. I'll take position behind the dustbins and you go over there behind the rose bushes. When he comes out with Minnie we'll have the perfect field of fire - or we can charge him and dogpile him."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-08-15/1250:50>
Maxwell looks around at what Kynos is talking about.  Smiling he nods.  "We'll figure something out."

[spoiler]Comprehension (http://orokos.com/roll/341351): 4d6t5 1[/spoiler]

Maxwell takes his partner's advice and creeps up behind the bushes.

[spoiler]Sneaking behind the Bushes (http://orokos.com/roll/341352): 7d6t5 1[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-08-15/1406:41>
[spoiler]
Sneaking (http://orokos.com/roll/341362): 11d6t5 3
Teamwork Die (http://orokos.com/roll/341355): 1d6t5 0
Sorry, didn't work
[/spoiler]

Kynos leaned against the wall and had his commlink broadcast his invitation and showed that he had a call going on to dissuade any guard from questioning him.
The call - of course - went to the the rest of the team:
<<Ok, we have found a position close to the southern service entrance. I pretend to be in an important call, Sourvereign is now a connoisseur of Rosaceae. The garden is quite nice - I'm sure that Venom would enjoy a little tryst out here - Waidmanns Heil (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXVMCG7YpfY)/good hunting Minnie. I'm leaving this connection open to keep my cover but won't talk so I won't distract you. Love Kynos.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-08-15/1606:33>
OOC: When you are ready to go to the party please clearify what equipment if any are you trying to bring inside the party. Basically no weapons (legal or illegal, and no foci, reagents, drugs.)  I think I played the SIn checks and cleared all of you for that.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-08-15/1620:01>
The only weapon Athos has is himself and perhaps Cat.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-08-15/2245:41>
OOC: No weapons or reagents.  No foci or active spells.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-09-15/0030:54>
As you approach concil island the security inspections are very serious, first KE before you board the island and then embassy security after you enter the island. The security includes multiple technological means, physical search, assensing and dogs to sniff explosives and the men on both sides seems very proficient at their job, with a skill that would not embarrass elite units. There are actually not many guests, few hundreds all included and the first thing that catches your eyes is the modesty of the hotel. It is a gorgeous piece of art, but it is a small non technological wooden structure crafted by hand. The gardens around it are spectacular and they are lit by some awakened bacteria that makes the trees and glass glow with a pale white. The flowers have their own magical augmentation that make their colors much stronger and glowing the lilies are incredible and they present a fascinating collection of Orchids.

When you arrive in the garden you are offered a place to take your coat. The warm air surrounds calms and relaxes your body. There is also some woman clearly spirit that is playing the harp while refusing to acknowledge the rules of gravity. She is as beautiful as a greek statue and seems to be in her own little world. You do not recognise most patrons and Venom especially is nowhere to be found at the moment but you do recognise IT that is talking to some very eccentric patrons. Probably from the middle east due to their body language. She is the only one seating down.

The refreshments are mainly non processed fresh fruits and other finger food that is very nicely presented. You can also spot Mr. Andu along with a much younger lady of eastern features, the two seems to be talking with nothing but minute facial expressions and unlike the rest that are smittened by the ambiance and the two seems to be all business. If they are really like that or it is a culture shock you’d never know. Obviously still missing are the politicians from the city, the council, KE and many senior corporate suits. They are still inside discussing the special task force with exterritorial privileges to bring the Barrens and the rest of Seattle into order. That meeting must have gotten a bit longer.

The security savvy people of you will notice that some of the patrons are actually security. These do not drink and seem better aware to their surrounding. The others seems very relaxed, some of them already deep into the temptation of party drugs that are freely offered. The vast garden is decorated with many places to crush, and enjoy and it has many grooves that can offer privacy to these desiring it.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-09-15/0128:16>
Athos is careful to not appear to be threatening as he walks out after giving Minnie a bit of a head start.  His clothes fit the occasion and he is not concerned that the SIN will fail.  He is a bit surprised to see Mr. Andu and wonders who the woman near him is.  He is trying to look among the crowd to see if any of the Finigans are at the party, indeed if any of the other Families are represented.   He keeps his ear bud in and listens for Minnie, trying to gauge where she has gone. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-09-15/0249:43>
After giving up his taser, Kynos went to the spot he had said and took position while ignoring the other guests.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-09-15/0329:39>
Maxwell looks at the surroundings with longing and hunger.  "A damn shame I won't be able to indulge in such exquisite gluttony and atmosphere."  He sighs grumpily and returns back to the rose bushes.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-09-15/1400:47>
@Athos There are Finnegan's  there most of them you do not know personally but you do spot Mr. Kogan one of Yulia's diamond clients as well as your current boss Jimmy the 'horse'. He seems to be very interested in one of the guards. He is talking to a cooperate lady from horizon but you can say that he is not 100% with her.

@Maxwell, you spot Amy White among the guests and she greet you warmly "I  thought everyone is going to be suit... nice suit... got anything of interest within these pockets?"


@Kynos you stand and things begin to make sense, shortly you start noticing other people that just stand there, or are hyper aware. They are security and discreetly there are drones in the sky. You find a spot that gives some tactical advantage as some of the vices of the night require some discreetness.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-09-15/1458:21>
She catches him off guard on his way out, although it was a pleasant surprise.  He wasn't expecting to meet anyone that knew who he was, or at least not in this manner.  Sanguinely he smiles back at her.  "Didn't expect to see you here, not that i'm complaining."  He casually looks down at his attire to examine it then looks back up at her impishly.  "Maybe..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-10-15/1011:24>
Athos avoids making any contact with Horse or any of the other Finigans he notices.  If they are legit he might get them in trouble if they are seen talking to him and if they are not legit............  Well, he does not need a side issue to spring up just now.  He discreetly asks one of the servers wandering about the area if they have seen a beautiful woman with a tail go by and heads in whatever direction he is told she went.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-10-15/1912:08>
@Yulia You enter the party and notice that Venom is nowhere to be found not in front of the house it is. However the place is filled with places to stay hidden from eye. Either for business or for pleasure if one wanted some privacy there is a maze of thick bushes to get it in, and the garden furniture scattered even in places hidden from sight seems to even encourage this kind of behaviour. Not one of the people in there is augmented with an obvious cyber limb, few are orcs and Athos is probobly going to be the only troll that is not hired as security. When you enter a waiter immediately offers you a drink and another one accept your coat if you carry one.  You feel something you rarely feel, deep flattery, power you feel almost as if you are yourself, rich and influential.

@Maxwell Amy say... "Perhaps I should come up with an ingenious ruse to get you to buy me a drink, or pick up flowers for me." she giggles, obviously already a bit tipsy.

@Athos and Yulia tracking Minnie is not very difficult, and you are not the only one to track her, Mr. Kogan also seems very interested in the exotic lady. He approaches her and say, "Yulia darling... I did not hope to find you in here, what you been up to recently ?" He seem completely oblivious to the fact that Yulia is under the radar and  presumably dead.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-10-15/1944:26>
Grinning ever wider, he wells up with pride at her joke.  "No trick needed.  Only a word and a charm, then i'd be off to do whatever you wanted.  By the way, you look radiant."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-11-15/0020:13>
Athos notes the lack of Trolls and realizes that he might be able to blend in as part of the security, especially since he is keeping his 'link earbud plugged in.  After all, a Troll in a suit could easily be mistaken for private security.  All he has to do is walk around like he knows his job.  He frowns as he observes the large man approach Minnie, recognizing him as one of her important clients.  He approaches the pair and coughs slightly while seeming to wait patiently.  When the man turns to him, he leans a bit forward and softly says, "Sir, there is a young lady over in the garden that has challenged you to a game of hide and seek.  I am to tell you to look for a woman in yellow."  After imparting the message to the man, Athos straightens up and moves on slowly toward the house.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-11-15/1336:31>
@Athos Mr. Kogan tells you "Perhaps you should be doing your job rather then taking messages." He barely looks at you when he speak to you, you feel transparent.

@Maxwell - Amy White tells you "Why thank you, I must say I did not expect to see you here... you are not exactly the cooperate suit type.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-11-15/1410:34>
Maxwell chuckles softly to himself.  "Yeah you got me there.  This place looked like fun, and a devil like myself couldn't resist joining the revelry."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-11-15/2059:58>
@Maxwell Amy White tells you "Everybody seems to want a cut with the new mega contract to bring order. I am here as a security consultant in case one of our negotiator needs some geek chat. Tough I have a feeling that what you do is a lot more exciting... did you ever find our mutual friend?"
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-11-15/2358:46>
Athos walks a few steps and stops, putting a hand to his ear and tapping it a couple of times then pretending to speak softly into the air as if using a sub mic.  He is waiting to see if Minnie can extract herself.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-12-15/0523:15>
Maxwell looks around and tries to find a spot that'd be better to discuss his business here quietly.  He looks back at Amy and leans in closer so only that she would hear.  "That's part of the reason as to why i'm here.  Is there a more private place we could talk?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-12-15/1039:38>
@Maxwell Amy White giggles a bit... "well we could go to the maze... " She say and grabs your hand as she leads you to a maze of vegetation, that seems to grant relative privacy. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-12-15/1109:45>
He gave her a roguish smile as he gently came closer.  Maxwell had her back against the hedge wall as he drew nearer still.  Both hands were gripping the wiry vines as if to anchor himself in place.  He locked eyes with her, letting out hot breath between them.  "It's so lovely to see you enjoying yourself."

He lets go of the wall and leaned back some.  To give her an arms breadth of distance.  He stares into her with eyes of debauched intent, while grinning maliciously.  "I heard that Venom is here.  Have you seen him?  If so then where?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-12-15/2126:26>
@Maxwell The "Maze" is thick and magically silenced (and heated) therefore one can be very close to you and you'd hear nothing. There are also many relatively hidden booths that can help with privacy. If you assensed Venom  before you could find him in the astral although this behavior may be frowned upon. Otherwise, it seems like you will have to play a more mundane hide and seek.

Amy W sensually and a bit flirtiously whisper to your ear, "well... if he is not at the reception, either he is inside with the negotiators or he is in the maze or in some of the more private parts of the garden engaging in negotiations or vices"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-13-15/0306:24>
Maxwell examines the maze he finds himself corralled in.  He laments internally, because he will not be able to spend his time enjoying it with his new companion.  Bending closer to her and whispering back.  "It seems I have my work cut out for me.  I need to find and apprehend the man while I have the chance.  Will you be alright all by your lonesome?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-13-15/0341:20>
@Maxwell Amy W gasps... "Fine... I'll be alright what you suggests seems dangerous... " Just like that she leaves the maze and back to the party.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-13-15/0357:28>
He smiles darkly as he watches her go.  "Of course it's dangerous.  I'm a shadowrunner after all."  He turns around and begins to stalk the maze in search of Venom.  Keeping his eyes and ears open as he navigates the twisting pathways and narrow passages.  Looking in every nook and cranny he comes across for his mark.  Like some demented game of cat and mouse.

[spoiler]Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/343404): 11d6t5 2[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-13-15/0752:46>
@Maxwell the maze is large, larger on the inside and you can feel that it is slowly changing as you brave it.  It is Sodom and Gomorrah in there but the sounds are only precivable at a very short distance, sight as well. A bit into the maze you have to admit that you have no idea exactly where you are or how to get back. Yet, you find what you seek.

Venom is there and he is not very decent, in fact he is having sex with an elf lady. A blond and slender one.  He viciously smiles at you when you arrive "Tired of playing hide and seek or just horny and unlucky? ..."  He say calmly.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-13-15/0925:25>
Maxwell walks the grounds of the maze.  Losing himself direction wise in this labyrinth of hedonism.  It wasn't before long that he finally found what he came here for.  Although he partially regrets being the one to find it.  The sight of Venom infuses his heart full of unholy rage.  He let's out a death growl of disgust at his repugnant opponent.  Feeling sorry for the pretty elf woman who most likely didn't have a choice in this matter as well, he restrains himself from incinerating Venom into oblivion.  With a face of unmasked hate he looks straight at Venom and insults him.  "I followed the sounds of passionless passion, lo and behold I find the source.  All the time and money in the world and you still never learned how to please a woman.  No surprise really, perhaps throwing nuyen at her will make you feel better."

[spoiler]Berserker Rage (http://orokos.com/roll/343441): 13d6t5 2
Post-Edge Second Chance (http://orokos.com/roll/343446): 11d6t5 5
Bad Luck (http://orokos.com/roll/343447): 1d6 4 No Bad Luck[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-13-15/1842:48>
@Maxwell The lady say "V... why is he saying these things do you know each other?" Venom answers "Sort of... I placed a small bounty on him, but when I am the one placing the bounty people do it for more than money." He then address you, "Look asshole! You do not know me and honestly I am a bit disappointed that you are still alive. Do you want to buzz off or should I call security?"   Something seems a bit odd to you, he is a bit more civilized than you imagined, perhaps it is the girl.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-13-15/1935:50>
Maxwell feels pangs of confusion as he processes what he's hearing.  "Something feels off.  I expected him to fly into a rage at the sight of me, not act this level-headed.  I think the elf is copulating with him as well, weird.  Maybe I can goad him into following me."  Mockingly he talks back to him.  "I know that you're a coward who'd rather hire people to fight his battles instead of manning up and facing them himself.  Oh and you can call security all you like but it won't do you any good.  I have ties with Horizon and Ares and i'm an honored guest here.  Untouchable if you will.  So you can bitch and moan all you want.  I'm not gonna leave you alone."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-14-15/1323:25>
Michael Kogan...

Michael is actually one of my more pleasant clients, but why now?  I guess I should have expected one or even more of my clients might be here.  Of all the luck...

I smile a brilliant smile and prepare to redirect the man when Athos slips up and tries to redirect him his own way.  It doesn't work, but it does give me an idea.  As my friend moves slightly away to give us space, I try it my way...

"Michael!" I gush in an effort to bring the man's attention back to me.  "So nice to see you!"  I give the man a quick hug, before moving back again.  "I'd love to catch up with you sometime, but sadly I'm on another client's dime tonight.  My chaperone," I gesture to Athos with my tail, "was just arranging to take me to him.  I'm sure you can understand I must be off.  But please, I miss you and would love to spend an evening entirely for you really soon!"  Again I give the man a brief hung before moving quickly to stand with Athos, hoping the older troll got the idea.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-14-15/1331:55>
The older troll gets the idea.  He nods to the man with a professional smile then moves away with Minnie.  He whispers, "Well done, Yulia.  Lead on."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-14-15/1335:57>
"The others were planning to check the garden and wait for us there, so I guess we should check the house?"  At the man's nod, I lead us to the door.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-14-15/1337:27>
Kynos frowned. There was quite a lot of security around, more than he expected. If they wanted to get Venom out, they'd need a diversion to draw in the security.
<<Team from Kynos. There's a lot more security than expected. I think we'll need to set something on fire - preferably as far away from Venom as we can. When the fire alarm starts we can use the confusion to bring him out.
Has anyone found a lead?
All I can say for sure is that he is not out scavening food from the dumpsters - but I'll keep my eyes peeled just in case.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-14-15/1342:25>
Athos follows his friend to the house, answering Kynos so the entire team would hear him.  >>Kynos.  Yulia and I do not see him yet.  Heading to the house to look around.  Not sure a fire is best as I would not want innocent people to be hurt in a stampede or in the fire,  Something will come up.  Hey, this is a fancy shindig; anything good in those dumpsters?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-14-15/1410:39>
<<Innocent people? Here? Maybe one or two of the staff members - but the rest...
Besides there is enough security here to prevent a stampede - that's the whole point of the diversion - to draw away manpower. Oh well, I can always just clock the toilets and break a main pipe.>>
answered Kynos
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-14-15/1423:53>
Athos laughs as he and Yulia enter the hotel.  >>Hey, Kynos.  You ever drop an M-80 down a toilet to see what would happen?  Lots of water everywhere.  I am sure that something will come up.<<

Athos and Yulia climb the few wide stairs to the hotel entrance, passing between the guards and into the main lobby.  The ambience is of old money and old glory not quite faded into obscurity yet.  The ornamentation is muted but speaks solidly of money.  Still on the lookout for Finigan people, Athos lets his friend lead the way through the lobby.  He takes a moment and pulls Yulia into a small nook.  Disconnecting from the team net for a moment, he bends over to whisper, "Yulia, you are absolutely stunning, and I do not mean just tonight.  I am a bit.......concerned.  I know that you have a good feel for what you are doing, but please be extra careful.  I have seen several other Finigan members around and we need to try to stay away from them.  And watch out for this Venom guy.  I do not want to lose you here, understand?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-14-15/1444:50>
Being Minnie is intoxicating, especially in this environment.  I'm in my element - the Queen of All I Survey.  And like a drug, it had made me dumb.  Earth to Yulia...

He's right, we are supposed to be hiding.  A troll and a mouse girl is about as notable as it gets.  They might not be able to act right here and now, but leaving is going to be...tricky.  Damn...

"You're right, Onii," I respond with just a touch of ear droop.  Yulia's in charge again.  "I was so caught up in the moment that I forgot we're supposed to be hiding.  Getting out may be tricky and there's been no sign of an ork with a cyber arm.  Any ideas?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-14-15/1452:42>
Athos grins.  "Hey.  Ears up.  Focus on the mission.  We will worry about all else as it happens.  Put Minnie back in charge; you need to own the hotel and make everyone here want you in their bed.  Venom is probably knocking off some cheap ass somewhere.  All we have to do is find him.  Opening doors is one way.  Who could fault you for looking for an empty room to use?  It would a natural thing for Minnie.  So go to it.  You can do this."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-14-15/1456:50>
Maxwell feels pangs of confusion as he processes what he's hearing.  "Something feels off.  I expected him to fly into a rage at the sight of me, not act this level-headed.  I think the elf is copulating with him as well, weird.  Maybe I can goad him into following me."  Mockingly he talks back to him.  "I know that you're a coward who'd rather hire people to fight his battles instead of manning up and facing them himself.  Oh and you can call security all you like but it won't do you any good.  I have ties with Horizon and Ares and i'm an honored guest here.  Untouchable if you will.  So you can bitch and moan all you want.  I'm not gonna leave you alone."

"Fight my battles? hire people? Like my special friend here realized, there is only one way. My way, what you seen so far was just how easily I can get to you. That was without even trying, you have some skill, I'll give you that but you narrowly cheated death, twice already. It only take one unlucky moment and you are gone forever. Things are going to change in this city, big changes and the cooperate world can never be trusted. You do not strike me like the one to play with the losing team... why not go for the winning team?"


Where is the out of control raging maniac, you met previously. The one that tried to suffocate you even-tough he was well armed. Perhaps he did not want to kill you back then? The person you speak too, is cold and emotionless. Disturbingly enough he is also very comfortable in his naked body, unlike his female keeb friend that tries to cover herself up.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-14-15/1530:26>
@Minnie when you hug Michael he grabs you and pushes you toward his body, since you know him so well you are certain that although it appears sexual he is completely business, but what business exactly you do not understand. It is only few moments later that you find a small note in your purse that you understand why Michael was not handsy as you expected. 

“My Flower, If this message ever finds its way to you then know wear diamonds tonight as NH is not safe. There is a storm coming. Tony”

@Minnie and Athos
The interior of the house holds a reception room with armed guards in heavy armor guarding the stairs. The inside does not look like a house at all, it looks as a premadorial beach. Untouched by men it is gorgeous, the water seems clean and you can feel the cold wind in your air. This illusion was masterfully created and there is attention to any small details. It is just the wooden staircase and the well armed guards that reminds you that it is an illusion.

There are more people enjoying the illusion some of them are bathing in the sea or taking a boat cruise tough it is confusing to think what they are actually doing. You are quite certain that the few scattered longhouses are offices but again there is no venom in there, nobody that fits the description at least. You can feel something in your mind, a sensation pleasant one. You feel calm and relaxed and it is easy to just forget yourself into this wonderful illusion.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-14-15/1720:09>
While Kynos finally moved inside to see what the caterers provided (and if they are still using propane) he sent another message: <<Oh, one thing: If you find Venom, remember he most likely was the guest of a vampire. You can expect him to have a little extra edge - either because he has become a vampire - in that case he most likely has lost most of his cyberware - or because he is now a Renfield slave - those don't go down easy. Love Kynos>>

While he walked along the buffet, Kynos grabbed all available toothpicks and looked for some garlic bread. He also found a soup cup and began filling it with olive oil from the antipasti. At one of the smoking rooms, he grabbed a cigar lighter...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-14-15/1809:44>
What a pleasant illusion...

Still, it's just an illusion.  As nice as the ambiance here is, it's got nothing on Strawberry.  Business, Minnie.  Business.

"He's not here," I say with confidence Yulia doesn't feel, but I can...tell.  Someone like this Venom wouldn't allow himself to be influenced by something like this.

Still...this is a pretty potent illusion.  I wonder what's powering it?

Best to get back to where our head is clear.  I take Athos by a finger, my tiny hand can barely wrap around his thumb, and lead us both back outside.  With any luck, the strange illusion helped mask us.

"Onii," I ask softly to my friend once we're back outside, "have your friends found anything in the garden?  It seems the next best bet."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-14-15/1908:26>
Athos allows Yulia to guide him back outside.  He shakes his head.  "I do not know.  Kynos is waiting outside the house for us to lead Venom to him.  I had thought that the mage was with him, but I have not heard from him for a bit.  Let me try to raise them while we walk to the garden.  He lifts the 'link and says, >>Team.  Yulia and I have looked in the house and cannot find Venom.  We are going to the garden to look there.  We might want to shift to that location.  There are probably a number of places in a maze that we can do our work on Venom.  Getting him out of there might be a problem.  Any ideas?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-14-15/2041:17>
Maxwell's commlink had been buzzing throughout the entire conversation.  It didn't matter though, he ignored them for he was focused on the man in front of him.  Venom's calm demeanor began to unsettle Maxwell, because this isn't what he planned for.  This isn't what he was expecting.  Had he been tricked from the start?  Had he been manipulated into believing the wrong things?  Was he a pawn when he thought himself to be king?  Hate spikes are driven through Maxwell's mind as Venom's words settle in.  "Something is wrong, but I have no inkling as to what though.  He has the answers I seek, or at least part of them.  Still, he seems too calm considering everything that has happened.  This haze of half-truths and misdirection is maddening.  I need to have a word with Strawberry later.  She might have twisted his heart full of emotion magic, and set him upon me.  Perhaps not even, perhaps this is Grail's doing.  I have little idea as to what vampirism actually does to the body and mind.  Assuming he is a vampire.  One thing is certain, I will not stray from the path I've been set upon."

Maxwell starts laughing sinisterly and looks Venom dead in the eyes.  "No... I see what you're trying to do.  You're afraid of me.  I remember how you ran screaming from me during our first encounter.  How you ran screaming from the hellfire I command.  You know that you've been caught and you're trying to bargain your way out of this.  There is no winning team.  There is me and then there is rest of this world.  Full of monstrous denizens like you that I will burn.  I fear no reproach, and i'm definitely not siding with you.  I'll find my own brand of darkness to wield and control."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-14-15/2325:37>
Venom laugh, "talking about a buzzkill... You are no more resistant to spirits than I am. There is no shame in fear there is only shame in failure. " He say, the elf now a bit more covered say "You are in the dark, angry misguided and are working for people that play you like a puppet on strings. You clearly had an unpleasant experience with my lover.   You are angry and misguided.. Why won't you stay here with me while V brings us some drinks, I will explain everything."

She say and seductively approaches Maxwell. She is beautiful, long legs, blue eyes blond her and red red lips.... Lips that unless Maxwell acts quickly are going to be kissing him. As the lady makes her move on you you can see Venom leaves the 'room' and the vegetation is already starting to close behind him. The lady whispers... in your ear, pushing you next to the bush moving her weight on top of you. She say "Just tell me what it is you want more than anything in the world".
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-15-15/0115:55>
Maxwell's gaze darts from Venom to the elf speaking to him.  Her words are like honey, her movements hypnotic.  His heart begins to beat in an increasingly uncontrolled fashion as she presses against him.  Not wanting to lose control of himself, he tries to slip out of her embrace.  His smug smile had broken and he speaks back to her in a lower, softer voice.  "What I want... are answers... and for you to control yourself."

Once he had distanced himself a little he further reiterates.  "Yes i'm angry, i'm always angry.  It's just my nature to be.  Misguided?  Maybe I am.  It's hard to discern the machinations of those around me when i'm being pulled in a thousand different directions.  Also your lover tried to kill me on three separate occasions.  What I feel is more than simply unpleasant.  The whole reason I didn't waste him as soon as I saw him was because I didn't want you to be caught in those flames.  Don't make me regret that."

As a precautionary measure, Maxwell calls out to his spirit.  "Mortality, I feel as though I might soon come under life threatening duress.  If I start to bleed or hurt, then you are to appear and defend me."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-15-15/0213:15>
Athos and Yulia approach the maze entrance and pass into it.  "Stay close, Yulia.  This is probably not a good place to get lost."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-15-15/0252:22>
@Maxwell the keeb smiles and seemed amused by your allure to her."Tried to kill you you say? Oddly enough you seem to have a trail of bodies following you. Everybody wants something... It is human nature, you want something Venom wants something... 
That poor flower girl she wanted something.
You are powerful, but you are still not ready, you hesitate when you should strike... if Venom is what you really want go after him, before he is out of sight."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-15-15/0340:37>
Curious as to who and what he's speaking to, Maxwell shifts perception to find out.  Defensively talking back to her too.  "Thought he was coming back with drinks.  Thought you had answers.  Or was that all a lie?  Make no mistake, i'm no fool.  This is a heavily monitored party after all.  It is out of prudence that I waited, not hesitation.  He'd be a pile of ash right now if I truly wanted."

Maxwell regains a little more of his former stance and flares up in renewed vigor.  "If he's just running off to hide while you stay here and distract me, then we're done talking.  Hinder me anymore and I won't hold back."

[spoiler]Astral Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/343840): 6d6t5 2[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-15-15/0920:23>
I keep hold of Athos' finger, although now he leads.  He has a much better view from up there, so I am content to follow for now.  That said, I have a sight he doesn't.  Keeping hold of the troll, I slip into astral view and look around me to see if that might help.

[spoiler]Assensing when entering the garden maze: 6d6t5: 3 [6d6t5=1, 5, 6, 6, 2, 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/343853)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-15-15/1117:25>
Athos feels that it as Minnie slows down a bit and slows his pace as well.  "Sorry, Yulia.  Sometimes I still forget that my legs are longer.  I will try to let you keep up."

Athos suddenly realizes that he has rarely felt the touch of his friend and finds it enjoyable, even given the situation.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-15-15/1408:40>
@Minnie the garden is composed of awakened vine like vegetation, when you look at it in the astral you can feel that it ‘whispers’ something it was it ‘feed me?’ you are not sure, but the maze is definitely awakened. There are also powerful wards that encapsulate the entire area and a dozen of spirits that seem to be watching the party, and start moving with unease when you astrally perceive.

@Minnie and Athos
Minnie seems so fascinated by the liveness of the maze and how it flickers that she barely notice Venom, or at least an Orc with a cyberarm that fits the description that goes right past you. Athos of course cannot miss the big orc, he is so big that he could pass a small troll. He is wearing a sleeping tiger suit, that seem to be worn with haste. Tough it gives him a rough, street like elegance and he definitely do not blend in.

@Kynos  I am a little foggy as to what you are doing/where you are.

@Maxwell The lady’s aura seems mundane and you do not notice any augmentation on her. She tells you “Well you are the one talking strongly to him saying that he is afraid of you. If Venom is truly afraid of you I have no idea if he is bringing back drinks. As to your answers, you never asked me a single question. What I know so far is that you are a man of violence and intrigue. You seem at ease with killing people as long as you get your glory... aren’t you?”

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-15-15/1425:57>
Athos notices Venom, who apparently has no idea who he is.  He shakes Minnie back to the now and shrugs off her hand.  "You would do anyone, wouldn't you?  Even my friends.  Probably this guy, too.  Hey bud, you want a piece of this?  You can have it."  He takes a step back and not so gently shoves Minnie at Venom before turning to walk slowly away.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-15-15/1459:28>
I had expected to not see much since the hedges we living, but instead my peek into the astral presents me with a vibrant world of magic and spirits.  Rather than continue drawing the ire of the spirits, I slip back into meat sight just as i had caught a glimpse of a large aura with no arm.

Venom!?!

With no time to think I start to move myself into his path to trip him up, but despite my inhuman quickness I find myself pushed in that direction by Athos who starts with a rant.  I switch gears instantly and use the inertia to place myself in the ork's path, doing whatever it takes to bring us down in a heap.

[spoiler]I have no idea what to be rolling here for the trip-up, so I'll let Gil roll whatever he wants to regarding my attempt to trip Venom up.  Minnie has an agility of 7, reaction of 5/8, and initiative of 9/12+4D6.

I will use edge to re-roll failures for seduction.  I want to totally vamp him.

Seduce Venom as we collapse into a heap: 13d6t5: 2 [13d6t5=1, 4, 3, 2, 3, 6, 2, 1, 3, 4, 3, 3, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/343903)
Seduce Venom as we collapse into a heap, roll #2: 11d6t5: 3 [11d6t5=5, 1, 3, 6, 2, 5, 2, 4, 4, 1, 2] (http://orokos.com/roll/343904)

Aaaaand the dice hate me...

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-15-15/1505:20>
@Athos and Minnie Venom is heavily augmented and easily dodges Minnie being sent his way, in fact it takes Minnie a stealthy unarmed maneuver to tackle him down.  Even taken down, Athos can clearly see that  Venom's  reflexes are so quick second only to Minnie's perhaps and are clearly the best technology has to offer. Venom seems angry, and it takes his full composure not to jump Athos. Instead he gets up and helps Minnie stand as well. He then gives Athos  a look full of hate and say "Scum like you give us trogs a bad name, begone now before I call security. " He looks at Minnie with some sympathy but say nothing.



Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-15-15/1512:30>
Athos is a bit confused by the response from Venom, although he does observe the reflexes of the large Ork and will take that into consideration if needed.  He shrugs and moves a few steps away to give Minnie time to do her thing.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-15-15/1538:47>
After Kynos had finished raiding the food at the buffet tables and grabbing a lighter from the smoke room, he took a bite from his garlic bread.
"Could use a bit more of a kick."
Kynos looked around at the food tables for Tabasco and added quite a large amount to the soup cup full of olive oil. Dipping his garlic bread in he took another bite
"Perfect. Now to see what the others are doing."

Kynos was moving outside again. After all, that was the last position he had seen his team members at.
<<Team from Kynos: What's your status everyone. I just gathered a few basic supplies. I'm moving out again to my previous position.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-15-15/1920:51>
Face-palming out of annoyance and shifting back to physical space.  Maxwell looks at her through the veil of his hand, feelings of paranoia creep inside his brain.  "This is absurd!  She's not magical but it's like i'm being put under a microscope.  Perhaps the maze is enchanted in more ways than one.  Not a huge stretch of imagination that there might be a mass of spirits here either.  I need to quickly resolve this matter.  But... Damnation!  I want answers!"

He removes his hand from his face and does his best to tower over her.  He straightens his back and form, and his words erupt forth like sparks from a forge.  "Don't pilfer those furtive secrets and pretend you can divine my path!  I'm not some conjurer of cheap tricks, nor am I a marionette!"

Maxwell exhales sharply and simmers down some.  "I don't care for word games or fictional mist.  You claim to have answers, although pretentiously so.  If that cowardly bastard does not return then you will come with me instead.  And i'm not backing down from that."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-15-15/2028:10>
@Maxwell The lady look at you with an amused look. "You should be careful what you wish for or that your answer is going to leave you with more questions and mystery than you entered, Just like saint Adams. " She sighs, "If this is what you really want then your answer is conquest..  Humans have many desires but the allure of power is the strongest. After all we never converged into Plato's state."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-15-15/2106:58>
Athos continues a few more feet along the path out of the maze so that he can talk privately on the commlink.  >>Yulia and I have Venom in sight.  She is talking to him and seems to have some influence over him already.  Go figure, right?  I am waiting to see how he reacts to her.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-15-15/2121:11>
He looks back at her with his former grinning arrogance.  Like a true blackguard he says.  "First piece of fucking wisdom you spoke all night.  Humanity has many wants and dreams, but power is ultimately the only one that matters.  And i'll achieve mine through whatever dark means." 

Maxwell stops for a moment and looks around the labyrinth for signs of Venom.  Seeing as how he wasn't within sight he turns back to the elf, with teeth bared and eyes aflame.  "It seems that loser stood us up, a pity.  I'm not leaving empty-handed however.  Not when you have something I crave, Something I hunger for..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-16-15/0116:48>
@Maxwell The lady grins deviously at you and say, "This leaves you to decide do you like the old order and the place society has for you in the old order, or do you crave a new one where you are closer to the top. It is as simple as that."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-16-15/0122:45>
Athos mentally slaps his forehead.  **Cat?  Is something affecting Venom in any way?**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-16-15/0126:58>
@Athos cat say "He seems to be genuinely angry about the way you pushed the mouse. Being so big that do not send a very civilized message."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-16-15/0151:22>
**But he is not controlled by Red?**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-16-15/0205:50>
@Athos Cat answers "no, not at all."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-16-15/0826:17>
Maxwell wraps his arm around the woman's shoulder and holds her tight, suppressing lust as he does.  "I want many things in life, but i'll achieve none of them by standing here doing nothing."

If she doesn't fight back or try to break away then Maxwell leaves with her in the direction he arrived. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-16-15/0833:07>
The keeb seems amused by you trying to 'capture' her but she does not resist. If any she seems more curious than scared. She giggles and say "If you want crowd once facing Venom, please I'll support it. Tough, just a friendly remainder perhaps this is the kind of behavior that got a bounty on your head in the first place"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-16-15/0851:45>
Maxwell rolls his eyes at the elf's words, making his way out of the maze with her.  He checks his commlink and notices all the messages that have piled up.  "Guess I probably should have read this crap sooner."  He only skims through them before he composes a text of his own and fires it off.

@Team - <<I accidentally found Venom but I wasn't in a good position to detain him.  He ran off before I could do anything.  I'm making my way out of the maze currently with someone else who might have the answers we seek.  I'd recommend leaving soon.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-16-15/1413:07>
<<God damn it. Ever heard of radio discipline? Never mind, I'm on my way to the maze entrance with a hot entree.>>
'Oh, this will hurt so good'
Kynos walked into the maze, following the Athos' AROs

 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-17-15/1834:43>
@Athos and Minnie Venom is heavily augmented and easily dodges Minnie being sent his way, in fact it takes Minnie a stealthy unarmed maneuver to tackle him down.  Even taken down, Athos can clearly see that  Venom's  reflexes are so quick second only to Minnie's perhaps and are clearly the best technology has to offer. Venom seems angry, and it takes his full composure not to jump Athos. Instead he gets up and helps Minnie stand as well. He then gives Athos  a look full of hate and say "Scum like you give us trogs a bad name, begone now before I call security. " He looks at Minnie with some sympathy but say nothing.

I take the man's hand and lift myself up to stand before him, glancing at Athos with a hurtful look before gazing up into the Ork's eyes with admiration.  "Thank you so much for catching me.  I'm so sorry for dragging you into this, Mr...?"  I do not release the much larger hand, instead slowly massaging it in a way that could be interpreted as soothing a hurt but has entirely different effects when I'm doing it.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-17-15/1939:31>
@Minnie and Athos Venom looks at Minnie and say "You can call me Gi but in this country the name Venom kind of stuck to me." For someone who claim to be a foreigner he only have an hint of an accent. He then hesitantly adds "Shell we go somewhere more private?"

@Knyos and Maxwell - you will only reach scene once the first (minute?) will be resolved.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-17-15/2155:55>
I glance back at Athos one more time with a look of disgust and then smile back up at the Ork.  "Where to next, kind sir?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-18-15/0009:50>
Athos shakes his head.  Minnie is really getting into this.  Her tail is moving almost hypnotically, certainly sensually.  Perhaps he can focus some attention on it.  "You can keep her.  Watch out for that tail." 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-18-15/0122:35>
Minnie Venom looks at you with a mischievous grin "Do you like fireworks?" He say, grabs your hand and adds  "Come! follow me into the maze."
You have no idea if it was a sexual offer or there actually are going to be fireworks. On the one side he takes you into the maze, but on the other hand is pickup line seems a bit off.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-18-15/0237:10>
 "...Do you like fireworks? Come! follow me into the maze."

Kynos heard them, but seemed to have taken one corner to soon. While he backtracked he called the team again.

<<I'm almost there. Did I hear that just right? Fireworks? Seems like we were right. There will be an attempt on the mayors life - his and the other VIPs. I'm warning Officer Max. They need to evacuate into the hotels safe rooms.>>

Kynos did as he said: <<Officer Max, I hope you enjoy your evening as much as I do. Just overheard Venom blabbing. He seems to expect "fireworks" at this party tonight - Venom who recently acquired a shit load of military missiles and who seems to be part of a conspiracy. It might be a good idea to silently evacuate the mayor and the other bigwigs. We'll go and ask Venom questions.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-18-15/0734:14>
Knyos Max returns the message " I was pressing hard on that outcome, but I was assured that there is little Venom can actually do from within the party. Tough we are still very concerned about it, my mentor also predicts that something very big is going to happen but he is so obscure that you can never know. I was assured that council island is the safest place in the city. This kind of security is seldom seen these days. "

As you receive the message you notice that the signing is completed, all the guests of honor along with an army of security guards exist the hotel, and there are initial preparations for a press conference. You can tell that the vast majority of the guests are very interested and the press conference and the anticipation is felt as many security personal deploy themselves outside of the hotel.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-18-15/0755:12>
'Great. What about "has military grade missiles" is so hard to understand? Fuckers. They had their chance.'
He answered:
<<Acknowledged. Do me a favor and keep away from the press conference.>>

To the team he sent:
<<Good news, bad news: Seems like we'll soon get a distraction to take out Venom - because the fucker will probably bomb those morons. So keep your head down.>>

Kynos moved faster, taking care not to spill from his soup cup, while he continued to munch his garlic bread.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-18-15/0857:10>
With a slight twitch of my pinky finger I set my glasses to stream what I'm seeing and hearing to the rest of my team.  That's the best I'll be able to do to keep everyone informed because, in order to be this convincing, I have to BE this devoted to my client.  I can feel my body responding to his motions, I lick my lips as I watch his body move and imagine the rippling muscles underneath his armor.  I AM Minnie and he is the center of my world.

"Fireworks!" I squeak in surprise at the idea and my smile widens. "Sounds awesome!"  I keep my hand in his as I permit myself to be led off to whatever he has in mind.

In the back of my mind, Yulia watches and waits.  She's just along for the ride.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-18-15/0923:59>
Kynos received Minnie's stream at first with satisfaction 'finally some good intel', but turned sour the instant he realized what the ork was wearing 'Seriously, a 15.000 NY suit with more protection value than a regular armor vest?'
<<Hey Souvereign, I hope you have not neglected your studies regarding mana based stun spells. Venom is better armored than your average front line soldier.
Athos, I'm converging on your position, are you following Minnie?>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-18-15/1015:11>
Athos watches Yulia and the Ork, following a short distance.  He uses the feed from her glasses to tell which turns to make.  The information from Kynos is not good, but he knows his place right now is protecting Minnie.  >>Kynos.  I hear ya.  I am following Minnie, using the feed from her glasses.  I will try to scuff the ground at the turns I make.<<

Saying that, he begins dragging his foot in the dirt to indicate which way to turn to follow them.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-18-15/1043:16>
Having to navigate the labyrinth with an impromptu prisoner while reading the play-by-play messages of his team was a little taxing for Maxwell.  Fortunately the stream did relieve some of the guess work he had to make in regards to which turns were to be made.  "A craven fool and a sore loser.  Doesn't matter now, i'll have my revenge and payday soon anyway."  As he advances closer he sends out a response back.

<<Don't worry about me, just keep your eyes on the target and be prepared.  I'll be there shortly.>>     
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-18-15/1051:36>
@Minnie, Venom takes you deep into the maze and after a short while you exist at the far side of it. It is a hill filled with totems along the way. During week days Shamanic worshiper fills the place and the entire road is an improvised marketplace but right now the entire island is empty. Dedicated to the event and the press conference. Despite the city's aura it is so clear that the stars are visible and as you climb the hill the entire. The road is pleasant and he is a complete gentleman. He speaks to you about his childhood in federated Korea on the line back and forth to Japan. He tells you that he was nothing more than a Yakuza assassin at the time. 

 When you reach the top of the hill the city view is breath taking and Venom survey the skyline with you, the largest buildings are cooperation buildings with their neon logo's plastered all over. There are also more classic land marks such as the space elevator built in 2050 as the most economic method of sending satellites into orbit.


 He sighs and say "The city is beautiful, but sometimes I just want a fresh start, without all the cooperate greed, a new world carved out of the ruins of the old one.  Don't you?"


@Athos it is easy to follow Venom he is not trying to hide or anything, however as the topology of the maze changes you cannot follow the exact path as Venom and Minnie, walls move openings form and disappear.
[spoiler]
If you want to remain stealthy you'll need to roll intuition + navigation  (or just intuition) or you can just walk trough the walls.  Extended test difficulty 4, 5 minutes per try to solve the maze.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-18-15/1118:38>
@Maxwell the lady introduces herself "I am Luna, do you need some help with the maze? you seem to be struggling a little bit... do not try to solve it, just 'will' your way on it and it will make you a path, this is the most common mistake."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-18-15/1157:18>
The couple stops for a moment as Maxwell analyzes her words with annoyed suspicion.  "You could have mentioned that earlier.  And the name's Sovereign, if you care to know it."  He tries out her suggestion and imagines the maze and all of its detail, along with the spot that Venom and Yulia are at.  He pictures in his mind's eye the vined walls in his path rearranging themselves to make way for him.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-18-15/1219:57>
The passion in the man's voice is intoxicating and I find myself swooning with his conviction.  In the back of my mind, that part of me which is Yulia draws parallels with what Gi is saying and what she'd heard earlier from Jimmy.  Still, it isn't lost of my inner self that the old order would have to be 'ruined' to make room for the new.  As much as I want to focus on the implications of this, so much of my mind is absorbed my Minnie i just can't do it justice.  I can just hope that the others are listening.

Still, Minnie isn't without her own Mata Hari insights.

"I've heard other men talk of making big changes but the world keeps moving along," I note as I snuggle against the much larger man.  I have to hold myself back from toying with the fasteners of his outer wear.  "What makes you different, Gi?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-18-15/1447:43>
@Minnie Gi say bluntly, "I am actively destroying the old order" as he hugs you, "watch how fascinating it is, all the security is in this island, they are terrified for their little order, but you cannot stop progress, they cling to what they know like a leaf in the wind."  Large explosions rock Seattle as he speaks, the space elevator, Horizon and Ares building ,UCAS national bank and the KE headquarters...  They are all in smoke, not completely destroyed, but pillars of black smoke raise from there and they are clearly in flames. They appeared to have suffered some direct hits from rockets fired from the UCAS military base.

 "Impressive heh?" he say "At these hours there are few casualties. This is not the point, symbols of power are important. Seattle was isolated and weak - managed by a country that does not understand it, and who ever controls the fort controls the city. My modest part was to attract a lot of attention so that other people stay in the Shadows. Revolution!" He say with pride and adds "We do not have much time... they will come for me soon..." He say as he leans to kiss you.

@Knyos, Athos and Maxwell braving the maze is a bit difficult but it is nothing more than a minor setback, in several minutes you find your way out. Just in time to watch the firework, you do not seem to have much time. Security personal are running around like maniacs people scream, one thing you are certain. Knowing Venom's reputation, you are certain that you are not the only one that will be going after him.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-18-15/1553:45>
"Show time."
Confidently Kynos walked towards the two love birds. "Oy, Venom. Nice show, seems like you don't like cleaning crews if you bomb those buildings at night."
He saw that the ork had turned towards him, but didn't slow down. "Wholesale destruction of civilized people, we should drink to that."
Kynos took a big gulp from his cup. Immediately it began to burn his mucous skin. He grinned without swallowing...

...and sprayed the oil/Tabasco mixture into the orks face and his little piggy eyes.

"Oh man, I'm so sorry, seems my drink is a lot hotter than I expected. I heard you like fireworks. Let me show you a trick" He took another gulp and produced the lighter, flicked the catch and sprayed another fine mist of oil through the flame towards the ork.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-18-15/1716:00>
I can feel the man's passion as he bends to kiss me and i feel myself responding enthusiastically.  Oh my...my...

The interruption confuses me and I find myself reflexively protecting myself AND my client.

(I will have to post more later, but suffice it to say Minnie is so into her role that she's going to try and protect Venom...at least at the beginning)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-18-15/1820:30>
Maxwell watched the devastation in vexation.  Within mind and soul he could hear hymns being chanted to steel himself for the fires of war.  "Revenge returns to us, this returns to me.  We are bound to battle for all eternity.  The wolf restrained in chains, dragons in the deep.  This war will throw us corpses in a heap.  With heavy hearts we head, on towards the end.  I've done all I can, never will I bend.  Battle clad we ride, over barren land.  Nothing matters on the battlefield we stand." 

Maxwell's grip on Luna had tightened in order to prevent her from escaping during this maelstrom.  Angrily he speaks to her.  "So this is why he ran off and you stayed to distract me.  You have much to answer for and you will not leave my side.  Is that clear!"

Seeing the cybered-elf's initiative gave Maxwell the time to capitalize on it.  "It's time you make an appearance Mortality.  Materialize and put Venom to sleep."

[spoiler]Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/344969): 8+1d6 14 I get the feeling I should probably roll this.[/spoiler]
[spoiler]I remembered I have pictures for all my spirits.  I'll post them as I summon them so you aren't left guessing as to what you're looking at.
(http://img13.deviantart.net/bae0/i/2012/071/9/2/lich_by_highdarktemplar-d4sj1v5.jpg)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-19-15/0258:46>
 Luna looks at Maxwell and say "I suggested you go after him... I did not distract you altough I can be a bit of a  sexual distraction being so gorgeous"   An unpleasant surprise is that your spirit notifies you that you are inside a powerful ward and he cannot interfere.

The hot soup hits Venom's eyes, but he does not lose his composure. Venom looks at Knyos with a strange tranquility "Are you trying to make me angry keeb? Cleaning crews got out safely this is why we only burned the buildings. " He keeps his distance and protects Minnie from the flame with his body.

He then say "Easy there murderous keeb, it seems like you had one too many. Why are you here scum? Are you here to kill me? Swing if you dare but you cannot make me angry, you are nothing but a misguided soul without a purpose. You are here on momentum nothing more.  Yes I looked you up after you shot me I am no stupid."  He then looks at Minnie, he does not say much but his eyes reflect disappointment and his look is sort of asking if all you wanted from him was to lead him into a trap.
 
At the same time Luna (Athos have met her before with Blue Vixen and refused to kill for her.) She seems amused and watches with curiosity. Maxwell has to admit that running away does not seem on her agenda, she seems fascinated by your social interactions and is almost intrigued by the possibility of violence.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-19-15/0342:17>
Athos is surprised to see Luna with Sovereign when they step from the maze and so is unprepared for what Kynos plans.  He is dismayed when the flame shoots out at Venom and Minnie steps in front of the Ork.  Part of him sees the action and realizes that Venom is also trying to keep Minnie from harm, but his own instinct is to race in to protect her and that means trying to punch the Ork's lights out.

[spoiler]Initiative:  Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/345147): 13+2d6 20[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-19-15/0444:12>
"Harsh words from a scum sucking corps raper. There are always consequences and I am getting paid quite handsomely to deliver them. You think you are a revolutionary? Ha. That just means you are going to get under the wheels.
But just out of morbid curiosity: Has Grail just made you his marionette or did he make you a muppet, shoving his arm up your ass?"
Kynos smiled and took another sip.

[spoiler]
Taunting: Intimidate (Taunting) (http://orokos.com/roll/345169): 10d6t5 5  [10d6t5=3, 5, 5, 3, 1, 6, 1, 6, 5, 3]
Expecting some composure roll here.

Ini: Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/345163): 15+2d6 20
Full defense and pre-emtive Dodge
Action at Ini 5

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-19-15/0623:47>
Standing beside and just behind Gi I cry, "I thought we were just after information, not to murder him!  This is wrong!  Strawberry promised him safety while in Seattle!"  I glace up at Gi just long enough to add with a laconic grin, "We talk later.  Right now, I'm with you.  Think you can keep up with me?"

[spoiler]Initiative: 12+4d6: 30 [4d6=3, 6, 3, 6] (http://orokos.com/roll/345173)
Keep in mind I already seduced him[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-19-15/0633:23>
"A bad time to turn on us - especially since we need him alive anyway."
Kynos had fallen again into a reactive stance, ready to dodge any attack aimed at him.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-19-15/0641:54>
The big orc seems a bit irritated by the lack of respect first it is the hot soup to the eyes that makes them red and irritated. Then the taunting - he seems alert and hyper focused observing his environment carefully ready to strike. Being so close to him, Minnie can tell that his position stiffens, he is angry and may strike a fraction of a second from now.

[spoiler]
Feel free to drug it in conversation mode if you like otherwise declare your actions OOC and we'll see what happens. Minnie is the first to operate but I treat the same combat phase as sort of instantaneous.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-19-15/0730:59>
{I've already declared.  I'll defend Gi however I can, interfere in an attack against the others, and am coaxing him to flee with me.}
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-19-15/0908:18>
Venom observe the ambush, there is a big troll, a mage that humiliated him in front of his men and the marksman that sent him to sleep before he could even act. The one that got Starwberry angry about him. Then there is Minnie speaking about murdering him, he looks at Knyos and the exchange, at Luna that seems fascinated rather than protective and at Maxwell and decides to run for it.  He dashes toward Maxwell back to the maze punching Maxwell as he passes him, perhaps as a combat maneuver perhaps as a way to prevent that mage from doing anything sneaky. One thing is evident, Venom sees Sovereign as the scariest person in the world.

[spoiler]
Charge Max (http://orokos.com/roll/345190): 14d6t5 4
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-19-15/0955:29>
Athos trusts Minnie more than any other person in the world.  If she is acting this way, she has a plan and he decides to let her run with it.  He steps forward with a great roar as if to strike, but his swing is just a tad off.  He connects with the Ork, but not enough to even really slow him down.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-19-15/1007:46>
I run with Gi, grabbing his hand once we're clear of the others, making it clear wherever he goes, I go.

"Hopefully they get the idea and don't follow," I say as we move quickly through the maze.  "If they do, I'll kick their asses before you can since I don't want them dead any more than I want that for you.  Now, you had to have a plan for what to do after the fireworks, right?  I'm now your accomplice.  Where to from here?"

[spoiler]Minnie's glasses are still streaming audio and visual.  I am still doing all I can to maintain the seductive spell despite all the action.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-19-15/1012:00>
<<To the car, quick, before we are stuck on this island.>>
Kynos ignored the maze and started to run around it.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-19-15/1014:47>
Athos roars after Venom.  "I will hunt you down.  And you too, you traitorous............"  His voice falls off as he begins to run after Kynos to the car, then brings himself up short as he notices Sovereign taking the swing from Venom.  He stays in the area in case the mage is injured and needs help getting to the car.  He is also still confused at how Luna came to be here.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-19-15/1033:32>
Maxwell saw the ork charging at him and didn't have a lot of time to react.  Instinctively he grabs Luna and tries to side-steps Venom's onslaught.  The ork was faster than anticipated and he slams into Maxwell with his cyber-arm.  Cracking a few of his ribs and knocking the air out of him.

[spoiler]Pre-Edge Push the Limit Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/345209): 12d6h5 7
Bad Luck (http://orokos.com/roll/345212): 1d6 1 Bad Luck happened for the first time.
Soak Roll (http://orokos.com/roll/345220): 9d6t5 5
Should be taking 6P.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-19-15/1054:56>
Athos jumps back to the mage as he reels from the blow and Venom disappears back into the maze with Minnie.  "Hey, can you walk or do you need help getting back to the car?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-19-15/1111:42>
Maxwell lets out a bloody cough at the troll's concern.  "I'll live... *cough* Secure Luna here...*cough* And let's leave."  He stands up straight as best he could and follows Athos and Kynos out of the maze.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-19-15/1113:30>
Athos looks at Luna and reaches a massive hand out to her arm, holding it gently.  "Would you please come with us, Miss Luna?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-19-15/1243:26>
Kynos stopped at the corner looking back:
"SERIOUSLY? Isn't that the chick Venom was banging? Just because your girl turned on us you are picking her up? Do you think this is the latest season of girlfriend-swap?

Man, you mafia boys are into really kinky stuff..."

With that he ran on.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-19-15/1413:38>
@Minnie Gi takes you into the maze and after few minutes when he feels that you are deep enough in there he stops running look at you. "While I thank you for saving me from that criminal mage that already killed one of my men with his fire daemons and the keeb sniper that killed five more unprovoked... Still, you do owe me some explaining, what was it about Strawberry and murdering me?"
 While he is clearly out of the spell he seems a bit wary and suspicious, unsure if he should trust you or not.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-19-15/1435:32>
@Luna looks at Maxwell with pitty "He is big isn't it? I like them like that." She giggles... To Athos she said "As much as I'd love to hang around with you I am going back to the party. You see unlike the criminal friend of yours I am not wetting my panties when I see a mage... I might wet them for a big orc or a troll but for entirely different reason."  She grins.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-19-15/1501:14>
"Strawberry may be annoyed at you like she's annoyed at a lot of people for making a fuss in her domain, but she wants you alive.  The others back there, they tell me you might have something to do with why the Finnegans suddenly want me to suffer a severe case of dead.  If you do, I want to hear about it.  Beyond that, Strawberry is my friend and what she wants, I want.  And beyond that," I add as my tail runs its tips against the ork's cheek, "you are easy on the eyes."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-19-15/1503:33>
Maxwell struggles to stand and covers his mouth to cough up another handful of blood.  He speaks to Luna in quiet fury.  "Fuck you... I don't know what kind of fucking delusional world you live in but you aren't going anywhere."

@Athos and Kynos - "She's entwined in this mess in more ways than one.  I wouldn't let her escape if I were you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-19-15/1517:33>
@Minnie Gi sighs "Strawberry... she is just part of the problem, perfect elf everybody likes or fears her. Knows my family but ignores the fact that I did not come here for vacation. I have job to do. She is playing goddess of love and non violence and people like your friends arrive and murder people. They think they can get away with that because they are Shadowrunners. My men are always armed but they operate on self defense."

When you mention the Finnegans he say.
 "Finnegans you say... they are tough adversaries, especially their new iron lady, Dame Valentina.  I'll tell you what, growing my entire life in the Yak, it is very simple - whom ever want you dead only wants you dead to mask their own involvement. Follow the murderer and get to the truth.
I had similar problems... Can you imagine my family's shame? I am a goblin born to human parents? They kept me as far away to avoid conflict, but I killed quite a few Yaks for wanting me dead. They banished me to Korea and after several years that was not far enough... I am now in Seattle, where the Yaks are soft and weak instead of ruling the city. It seems that no place is far enough for these people." 


He sighs "Still, easy on the eye or not... You know the rude troll. I saw how he looked at you now.  Was it all an act so he can slap me? You also seemed familiar with the two murderers. Heck... you can be recording anything I say and transmit to them."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-19-15/1524:28>
Luna laughs an evil laugh, right at Maxwell's face "So masculine... do you really think that you are powerful enough to keep me against my will? That you can knock me unconscious and 'sneak me out'?! You better show some respect if you are looking for answers."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-19-15/1543:14>
He matches her laugh with his own scornful gaze.  "Tough words for a frail she-elf.  How am I supposed to show respect for a deceitful thief?  You know what, it doesn't fucking matter!  You can come with us willingly to shed some light on all this drek.  Or we find another less pleasant way."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-19-15/1604:30>
"Maybe I am recording you," I say with a shrug.  "Maybe I'm not.  After what happened out there there," I motion in the general direction of the city, "are you really hiding anything?  Whether you believe me or not, every single thing I've said to you is the truth.  I'm marked for a 9mm brain hemorrhage as soon as the Finegans can pin me down.  You're my best chance at living until next week and I have no intention of letting you out of my sight."  I slink up to him as I add, "Now we can make the time spent together enjoyable," I stop moving as I finish speaking, "or not.  The only way you're not taking me with you is if you kill me."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-19-15/1615:26>
Ci smiles at Minnie and say "Lets wait in here until they come to arrest me. You see tough I made it look as if I had something to do with the fireworks... In fact I am only a distraction. A colorful persona to give the KE and the cooperations some bunny to run after, today is where that vampire tosses me under the buss. My job is over, I'll be arrested and perhaps released with some bribes or perhaps killed in prison or disappear. I am finished, successful yet I feel so lost, so empty. There are so many evidence that connects me to what happened tonight, there is not even point in hiding he say." When he is done he lifts Minnie and passionately kisses her, it is not long before you both are naked.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-19-15/1650:18>
He matches her laugh with his own scornful gaze.  "Tough words for a frail she-elf.  How am I supposed to show respect for a deceitful thief?  You know what, it doesn't fucking matter!  You can come with us willingly to shed some light on all this drek.  Or we find another less pleasant way."

Luna looks at you "You would not know true power when it slaps you in the face. Do you think that Damian Knight can beat a troll unarmed? cast fireballs and dodge bullets? People with powers like yours sell it to people with power like mine. Their rates are not very high too, shooting fireballs, blowing up things even killing people... it is nothing but a job in this city."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-19-15/1705:13>
Maxwell laughs bitterly.  "The only power you seem to have is the ability to annoy me.  I'll stick to my pyromancy if that's all you have to offer.  And I don't sell anything.  I unleash it!"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-19-15/1726:46>
A half empty cup of oil/Tabasco flew threw the air and shattered on the ground in front of the woman: "Are you coming or what? Have Athos carry her if you must take her with us. These damn women are more trouble than they are worth - that brings them exactly to the same level as the men, now that I think about it."
With that Kynos was off, running for the car again.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-19-15/2009:32>
Maxwell sighs heavily at Kynos' display, for he knew that the elf wasn't wrong in his words.  Maxwell looks up at Athos and speaks in more calm manner.  "Look i'm not in a good position to explain right now but I believe that she knows whats really going on here and should be brought with us for questioning.  I can't make you do something you don't want to do and I won't hold it against you if you decide not to."  He follows Kynos back to the car, gripping his chest and wincing as he does.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-20-15/0020:44>
Athos watches his companions disappear then turns to the Keeb.  "Miss Luna, I am one desperate Trog.  I owe what I am to the Finnegans and am now running for my life.  Please, if you know anything about the Warehouse explosion, please come with me and talk to me."

His attention is caught by the images streaming from Minnie's glasses and he puts the commlink away to avoid watching and intruding on her private moment.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-20-15/0126:44>
I'm confused by Gi's fatalism.  It all seems at odds with what I've been led to expect from him.  Does he have the answers I seek?  I do my best to help him feel fulfilled, but I do still have questions.  I satisfy his sense of urgency, but when we reach a moment of calm after his rush, I press the matter a bit as I cuddle the man.  "You do realize Dona Valentina is running for her life too, right now?  You really have no idea who is behind the mess I'm in?  Maybe you're meekly willing to accept your fate, but I personally would like to be around a while longer."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-20-15/0306:07>
@All but Minnie - Luna seems to be a bit agitated and what initially fascinated her seems to agitate her now. She leaves for the party unless you physically restrain her she'll be blending in the crowd looking for a front seat at the press conference in no time, before she makes her 'move' she tells Athos ignoring on purpose Knyos and Maxwell  "If you want to talk you'll have to stay in the island. I am not leaving this this place willingly tonight. It is too dangerous in town." You'll have to physically restrain her if you'd like to get her into the car.


@Minnie Gi's stamina is impressive and he seems to be putting his heart to the task at hand. What he lacks in actual skill he makes up with enthusiasm. Snuggled with you in a blissful moment Gi say "I do not believe she is. You said that you are a friend of Strawberry didn't you? Strawberry has an evil twin, a spirit that goes by the name M. She has so much surveillance in the city that nothing can escape her.  Strawberry grows amazing fruits but M, she is the true power behind the Yakuza. If Valentina was on the run, M would have known about it by now."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-20-15/1443:28>
"Maybe she does," I answer with another shrug that Gi feels more than sees.  "Our best guess is that someone is trying to take her down and we've been caught in a battle between giants.  I would be dead if I hadn't thought fast two nights ago."  I prop myself up on my elbow and look into Gi's face.  "Personally, I kinda like being alive and free.  How can you be so ambivalent about your fate?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-21-15/0020:37>
Athos offers his arm to Luna.  "May I escort you back to the party, Miss Luna?"  He sends a message out to the other two.  >>Hey guys, Luna has indicated that she will talk to me if I stay here a bit so I am going to escort her back to the hotel and see what is going on.  You should get Sovereign to a doc.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-21-15/0236:17>
@Minnie Gi sighs "It is difficult to explain, it is survival instincts to you. If I'd follow my survival instincts I would have never lost my hand, nor would I cheat death so many times. I could have a very comfortable life as an aristocrat in exile in Korea, not expected to do anything but keep out of sight. Still a mansion, servants and enough money to burn to last me 10 life times. It was not about survival for me.

I wanted to matter, the Yakuza treated me as a joke a misfit tried to send me on missions secretly hoping that I'd be killed and I insisted to be active. I sold most of my property and bought augmentations, power I wanted to be powerful enough to do things. These last months are the first time I am swimming with the big fish, part of a plan whose magnitude was never done before. This is my chance to matter, finally after all these years, the only certainty in my life is death  "

@Athos the press conference is brief, it was planned to be about the establishment of a new crime fighting unit with capability to cross state borders and unprecedented access to information.  Instead it was an update on what happened in the city, several high profile targets burned massive attack over Bellvue as an EMP took down the drones protecting the city. The KE are walking around town trying to shoot zombies and many of the population are blockaded inside homes and houses. They offer their hospitality to anyone wishing to spend the night and shortly after the press conference is cut short. The VIP's are back to the conference room, the chatter is that the new unit is too little and too late.

"You should teach your friends to show for respect. They have no idea..." She seemed to want to continue but stopped herself and quickly changed a subject.
"I live in Bellevue, place is Mafia influenced they keep it safe better than the KE, so I am not without sympathy to your cause. These zombies trashing the center of Finnegan power will have violent consequences. People that lock themselves in their apartments afraid to go out are not going to pay for protection when it is not given. They might for a while out of fear of retaliation but this is big problems for the Finnegans, it cannot last for long before they are yesterday news... what was it you wanted to ask me? "  
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-21-15/0250:27>
@Maxwell and Knyos inside the party there are little visible security. They are disguised as guests, but they are visible if you know what to look. There is astral security and you can see more than a few flying eyes that are so common people seldom give them attention. The press conference is brief and there are not many people no more than 200 total, it discusses the events in the city that include a terrorist attack on some of the land marks and a "Zombie Invasion" to Bellevue where the walking dead are trashing cars and chasing people in the streets seemingly undisturbed. After the press party is over most Patrons seems to be sticking to their comlinks and calling people making funny gestures in AI, it feels as if everyone is in their own little world. This makes the security even more obvious as they keep watching their surroundings with alertness.
 [spoiler]
You still retain the spirit and all services - he was simply unable to perform the service due to being on the wrong side of the ward. They should not let you bring spirits inside they are like a weapon.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-21-15/0437:28>
Maxwell stops to take in all that is happening and has happened.  Moments ago he was before that spineless dissident and was ready to bring him to heel, only to have victory snatched away by wicked lady luck.  Now he stands outside the press conference witnessing some self-righteous madman's schemes come to fruition.  A city subsumed in fear and an army of dead tormenting the living.  Monuments of power and authority burn like matchsticks.  Knight Errant struggling to regain control of Bellevue and the rest of the population.  Maxwell looks at all this chaos and feels not terror nor anguish, but a blackened warmth and a grim acceptance.  "Long have I had this day hidden in the back of my mind.  Vengeance and hatred named, glorious fire.  Grail may feast well in his bedlam, but I will break his servant upon my altar tonight."

Maxwell quickly leaves the party and heads back to the parking lot where the car and all of his stuff is stashed away.  He checks Minnie's stream but only briefly to get an idea of where they are at.  The sight of those two's intimacy causes Maxwell's flesh to creep and crawl.  He largely ignores all that they say and instead tries to take note of their surroundings.  Once finished he turns off the stream and places his hand on his hurting chest.  Willing forth restorative energies he casts a heal spell.

[spoiler]Force 6 Heal (http://orokos.com/roll/345779): 11d6t5 5
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/345780): 11d6t5 4
5P Healed in 15 Seconds.  No Drain.[/spoiler]

After a short while Maxwell begins to feel the pain in his chest ebb as his cracked bones heal.  All fired-up and in renewed resolve, he sends a message out to declare his intentions.

@Athos and Kynos - <<No doctor necessary, I've got my second wind.  I've no interest letting Venom slither off while we still have the chance to do something.  I'm going to head back into the heart of the maze and deal with him.>>

On that note he grabs and folds up his street clothing and leather jacket in a bundle, leaving behind both knife and reagents.  Maxwell tries to sneak back into the labyrinth unnoticed as all the guards and other security personal were busy protecting the hotel.

[spoiler]Sneak into the Maze (http://orokos.com/roll/345782): 7d6t5 2[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-21-15/0811:40>
Athos shakes his head at Luna's words.  "I think you are wrong.  Even with some division in the ranks, the Finnegans will see opportunity in the chaos.  Soldiers will be sent out to restore calm and protect the businesses and people within their territory.  This may even be seen as a chance to expand territory at the expense of those that cannot act.  That would be my job if I were not still running for my life.  I have been trying to unravel what happened at that warehouse meeting with the Yaks that put me in this position.  I have several ideas and a lot of information, but nothing ties it up in one package with enough evidence to clear my name.  Are you in any position to help me?  You seem to have lots more information than just a bystander."

Athos breaks the conversation to take the call from Sovereign and sends a reply.  >>Yulia is working her magic on the man.  Give her the time she needs to do her job, please.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-21-15/0920:39>
"Serving a vampire to destroy Seattle is worth your life?  I've never met a vampire and likely have read too many books for my own good, but can you really trust a vampire to make a better world than the one you're burning down?"  I'm still staring into his eyes, trying to discern what makes this man tick.  I'm totally intrigued and if the man is any sense of character he'd sense that I really am into him and the story he's weaving.  Understanding clients, the better ones, has been a way to pass the time for me.  But rarely has one been so...impassioned by his beliefs.  The similarities between this Ork and Jimmy are stunning, yet so different.  For the same reason Jimmy draws my attention, so does this Gi.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-21-15/1013:48>
Kynos went straight for the exit to retrieve his taser and left for the car with DemoX inside:
"Hey DemoX, did you have by any chance found time to identify Venom's ride? Maybe I can convince Athos' special friend to hack the car and allow me to hide in the trunk."
To Sovereign he sent:
<<Glad to hear you are back in fighting condition. Can you prime your spirit thingy to follow Venom as soon as he leaves the wards of this party? I'm really looking forward to the kinds of problem I can solve with violence - gods, this whole affair was frustrating - the food was good though...>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-21-15/1225:18>
@Minnie Gi say "All men are created equal... people once fought for that, but in what sense are men are created equal? Are they equally talented? Equally powerful? We look at the world and to thouse that do not beleive in a very specific form of god it makes no sense.
Grail is an impressive being, all men are equal because they have the same essence. In his eyes we all have the same nutritional value.

Ghouls, Vampires are here to stay and they drain people around city hiding their tracks until they are found and killed. It is a never ending cat and mouse game, but they have been draining people for decades now.  Grail is different, everybody serve evil - he simply claim to be the lesser of all evils. He say that we should be careful to choose the evil we serve but we have no choice but to serve some evil. 

Cooperations pollute the earth, destroy the world economy to keep it all in their pockets. Build palaces while people are living in squats. They make humanity sad and abused. Vampires drink blood - but they are very powerful. Allying the city with the most powerful vampire in the city will
allow him to kill all other of his kind.

Taxes can be lowered because the city will only need to sustain itself, not to padd the pockets of officers, expensive security and stuff like that. The taxes Grail suggest are somthing everybody has, and nobody can have more than the rest, true equallity by the state. Essence tax. Enough to sustain a small and efficient group of powerful undead.  We are already paying this tax - not by choice but by force there are far too many undead in the city draining the less fortunate.  Grail promisses to end all that - to keep everyone healthy. Not out of the kindness of his heart, out of his survival instinct he need people to be healthy to sustain himself. He need to wipe out the other vampires because they compete with him on the resources.

 As for the common people? SIN for all no more fakes! a legal SIN in exchnage of joining the lottary. Potentially losing a small bit of your essence - not anything that will have terrible side effects. Augmentation drain the same essence and people do them.  Think about the new opertunities it will open people. This goal is by far the most noble I have ever served - I am putting my entire weight so that the Yaks support Grail"


@Athos Luna tells you "Well what your friends refuse to acknoledge in their arrogant demanor is that I am a player in these events. Lets say that I have your smoking gun that I can clear your name beyound a shadow of a doubt. What would such evidence be worth to you?"

@Maxwell The maze is to your favor as it eliminate noise so there is no way Venom is going to hear you before he can actually see you. It is not long before you discover him snuggled with Minnie on the floor and stroking her hair, he seems distracted.

@Kynos DemoX say "I have no idea but I deployed flying eyes outside of the ocperimiter as soon as Venom leaves I should be able to tail him.  Did you bring back anything good from the party? I am starving and the Pizza do not arrive because of the 'Zombie appocalypse' atleast this is what they said completely insane some people are."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-21-15/1257:30>
Athos looks at her carefully before responding.  The first words that came to him were "Anything, of course", but he stopped them as they were forming.  "Luna, I have a good feeling that you are a major player in what is happening.  You already know there are limits to what I will do.  I would not kill that flower girl for you just because and if your current terms are along that line I will just have to walk away again.  So that being said, what is your price?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-21-15/1415:32>
@Athos Luna say "Forget about that flower girl, the damage was already done. I am indeed a player in events to come. Out of all the sources of power in the city, the Finnegans are the toughest to talk to. Distributed with no obvious and central person in charge. I cannot approach them, they'll never talk to me unless I am introduced by someone within the family.  I need an introduction with your patron. Will you vouch for me? For the one with the smoking gun?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-21-15/1451:15>
Seeing Venom distracted gives Maxwell the chance to prepare, he moves a little away to decrease the chances of being seen.  He hastily strips off his Ace suit and tosses it aside, preferring instead to wear his black street clothing and armor.  Once he was all dressed and zipped up he checks his messages real quick.  The troll's text doesn't instill Maxwell with any sort of faith or confidence, but the elf's however does. 

@Athos - <<Mercy is a luxury, trust a commodity.  My patience is nearing it's end and I can't afford to let this all slip away.  I will give the little one some more time, but I will not wait forever.  She's either in or in the way.>>

@Kynos - <<Thanks for the support.  If you still have the time and energy, then you should know that I've found Venom.  He doesn't know i'm here and his guard is down.  If you have any desire to finish the job then bring whatever you think you can get away with and rendezvous inside the maze.  I don't know how long I have before he stirs and leaves.>>

As he waits for Kynos' reply, Maxwell looks around the area in astral sight to see if any spirits or watchers are nearby.  Making sure to stay hidden and keep an eye on the couple for any sudden change or movement.

[spoiler]Assensing the Maze (http://orokos.com/roll/345839): 6d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-21-15/1500:01>
Athos looks at Luna.  "Miss Luna, right now I could not get an introduction for God to see her.  Unless I have what I need to clear my name, I will probably be killed on sight.  Not to mention that I do not even know where she is.  Do you have that information as well?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-21-15/1523:39>
@Athos Luna grins "Consider it an investment then, I am sure that you will find your boss eventually. What kind of thing would be enough to save your life?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-21-15/1533:54>
Athos nods, "I need proof of who set up the assassination attempt at the warehouse.  The meet was supposed to be between Dona Valentina and the Yak boss.  She asked me to stand in for her since the meeting was just formalizing what had already been agreed to.  I was inside the warehouse with Mr. Ando when we discovered it was a trap and that the building was wired to explode.  We escaped, but only barely.  Right now I need something that will satisfy the Family as to who was behind it all.  And not just another bit of innuendo and rational proof.  It needs to be something that will be believed, and the Family is not strong on supposition in cases like this."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-21-15/1553:06>
@Maxwell as you change clothes and look in the astral you can see several spirits waiting in the astral next to Venom and Minnie. You can also see several armed men making their way in the maze, still stumbling but definately getting closer. If you are to make your move you better do so quickly as you are not the only one after Venom.

@Athos Luna tells you "I can let you know that you were allowed out of the warehouse by a world class Shadowrunner, a flesh changer so only now we discovered her true skin.  Her body was found in the warehouse she was the one to pull the trigger killing herself. She had a secret and was blackmailed to do so but I am not sure who exactly I have some suspicions. Letting you out before triggering the explosive was her way to walk on the edge. If I am to aquire her implemented comlink, missing in the police report would that satisfy your employers?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-21-15/1608:26>
Maxwell shifts back into meat space and curses his foul luck.  He wanted more time to wait and prepare, but it seems the wheel of fate is moving without him.  He calls forth his fell magic and tries to shackle Venom's body to his will.

[spoiler]Force 6 Control Actions (http://orokos.com/roll/345866): 11d6t5 5
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/345868): 11d6t5 5
No Drain.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-21-15/1618:41>
@Maxwell Venom is unable to reisist your control emotion spell, for now he is your puppet.
@Minnie - it is obvious that somthing happened to Ci, he suddenly become silent and his eyes lack that entusiastic spark of passion.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-21-15/1641:37>
Maxwell has his puppet stand up and walk slightly away from Minnie, no more than a few feet.  He has Venom place his hands around the sides of his own head and press down hard on the top of his skull and bottom of his jaw.  Maxwell forces his puppet to use the massive strength of his arms to twist his head in such a way that would cause his neck to snap, thus killing him.  Normally the brain has safeguards to prevent such self-destruction, but Venom was no longer in control of his body or actions.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-22-15/0127:37>
Athos looks down at Luna.  "Yes.  That might do it.  How can I assist you in this?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-22-15/0229:36>
@Maxwell and Minnie Just like that Venom seem to be killing himslef with a skillful neck breaking using all his super human strength against himself.
[spoiler]
roll unarmed + intuition or perception + intuition (whatever is higher)
[/spoiler]
@Athos Luna "I want to burry her body, show her the respect she deserve. She does not belong in KE mourge. Do that and I get you the comlink data."  she whips a little when she say that.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-22-15/0254:31>
Maxwell watches Venom fall to the ground like a sackful of hammers.  He observes his body in detail but sees through Venom's trick.  Maxwell's spell had been resisted and Venom probably thought he could play dead to throw off the magician responsible.  "Bow low churl.  The Sovereign walks superior."  Not wanting to waste anymore time, Maxwell grabs his Aces suit and throws it over his shoulder.  He dashes out of the maze back to the getaway car.

@Kynos - <<Change of plans, it seems someone else is coming for Venom.  I'm making my way back to you.>>

[spoiler]Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/346032): 11d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-22-15/0507:50>
<<What did you do? Can you get Venom to leave the maze before some other agency catches him? There is a big payday riding on Venom's corps and I hate to see that go to waste after all we had to endure with this fucker.>>

Kynos nodded to DemoX:
"That will have to do. But be prepared that we might have to abduct Venom from the hands of some agency that wants to arrest him.

Luckyly, I've got a remedy for that..."

With that, Kynos loaded the grenade launcher alternating with sleep and pepperpunch grenades.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-22-15/0952:49>
When the light in Gi's eyes go out and he starts acting so oddly, I don't even bother talking to him.  Mouse is there to confirm in my mind what I already suspected.

Magic.

I remember back to all the spirits inhabiting this maze and wonder which one has taken control of the man.  Throwing sense to the winds, I switch to astral sight in time to see Gi attempt to break his neck.  I'm rather shocked that a spirit would take it what far...until I note that his life force is still quite strong.  I also don't see any sign of a spirit immediately in his vicinity, although I know "mage sight' isn't my strength.  All I can be sure of is that Gi isn't dead but that he seems to hope someone believes he is.

[spoiler]Assensing Gi: 6d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/346069): 1 [6d6t5=3, 3, 3, 2, 1, 5][/spoiler]

I switch back to real sight and decide to put up an act of my own.  Unsure what the danger is, I keep my senses alert but let Minnie do her thing.

"Gi?'" I ask in apparent panic as I skitter over to the corpse on all fours, my bare ass and tail at full attention and my ears twitching from side to side in search of sounds. "Gi!" I cry in alarm, although I keep the volume down as much as I can and still appear believable.  I shake the "corpse" but do not do anything to it that would force Gi to show his cards.  I look to all the world like a woman whose lover fell dead in her arms...which just happens to be essentially what happened.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-22-15/1149:20>
Athos nods.  "I can try to do that.  All of this distraction might help to get one body out of the morgue."  He looks around.  "I wonder it they will let us off the island.  Let me contact my companions.  I will be right back so do not go anywhere.  I still need your comm code so I can let you know when I have the body.  Athos takes a few steps and picks up his 'link.  Looking first at the feed from Yulia's glasses he sees nothing but a jumble of clothing, indicating that his friend is still naked.  He does hear some cries from somewhere that sounds like Yulia sobbing over Venom.  A bit concerned, he sends a message out to the others.  >>Kynos and Sovereign.  Did you guys kill Venom?  I am still picking up Yulia's feed from her glasses and it seems that she is sobbing over his body.  Do either of you have eyes on them and can give me an update?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-22-15/1225:07>
@Minnie Gi suddenly alert and awake and with a new sense of perpoise no more fatalism, "Mages... mind tricks we have to get out of here! He almost killed me, I think he is gone now." Apperantly death is not a strong fear but mages are. He grabs your hand and should you follow he runs away with you not even bothering to dress, he is going to the eagle reserve where the clifs and caves make moving at night especially dangerous.   

@Maxwell several security officers point at you "That's him, arrest him!"... approaching you and you do not even have time to run you do not understand that it is you they are pointing on "Dang Gi! also known as Venom. You are under arrest for high treason!"

@Athos Luna gives you her number and adds "Thank you Athos you are a gentleman, I hope you make it."

@Kynos  Suddenly DemoX starts swering with words that your GM is not willing to repeat in writing. When he regain his composure he say "The basterd is getting himself arrested... It is brilliant if he wants to escape us... How could he possibly be so smart.  We'll have to prevent them from getting him in custedy."  

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-22-15/1233:16>
Nudity has never really bothered me.  I run side by side with Gi without a thought about the clothes I am leaving behind.

[spoiler]And yes, the glasses are still streaming...from the pile of clothes I am leaving behind.  Like most people enjoying sex and who wear glasses, I had taken them off and placed them beside me.  Kinda hard to kiss passionately with them in the way.  In the heat of the moment, Minnie has forgotten them.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-22-15/1409:15>
@Minnie since you move so fast you are not cold, it is dark and it actually feels liberating to run naked in december. You diverge from the road into a hill and a cold rock. Venom seem to regain his composure. "Can you climb?" He say and look down the clif. About 20 meters below you there is a small horizontal space and with some roots and possibly a small cave you cannot be sure. Stopping reminds you that you are cold, but your parthner he seems very eager to climb to that space. "It is not that far and nobody can find us there. I can carry you if you prefer."
[spoiler]Gymnastics threshold 3 to climb, Ci will need threshold 4 to carry you, he is a good athlete. [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-22-15/1446:39>
"Watch me," I say with a grin and begin scampering down the cliffside making full use not only of my hands and feet but my tail as well.

[spoiler]Gymnastics- climbing down cliffslide: 8d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/346106): 3 [8d6t5=6, 2, 4, 6, 2, 2, 5, 2][/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-22-15/1522:01>
Athos smiles at Luna.  "I will work something out.  We may not be able to leave the island for a bit, though.  Would you care to accompany me to the food bar?  And what is the name of this mystery woman who saved my life?"  He picks up his 'link and sends a text out.  >>Mr. Ando.  I am still working on our problem.  Can you provide me with credentials to remove a body from the KE morgue?  I am thinking ID with some sort of paperwork authorizing transfer of the body.  Perhaps an ambulance and a driver as well.  Name and description of the woman are attached.  Can you do this for me?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-22-15/1531:49>
@Athos Luna Acompeny you the bar and say "Her call name was road runner, a joke on her mystical way to cheat death. She never had a SIN so no formal name. RR was what people called her. Best darn runner I had, never saw her face but she cheated death for six years thats six time what people in this buissness live. The only one that comes close to her capability is Blue."

@Minnie Venom follows you quite impressed on your agility, the guy is superhumanly agile and has no problem keeping up with you. When you reaches the rock Ci pulls out a small capsule from his cyberarm. It is a mono-tent. Ultra thin but wind resistant, you can barely see the thing as he deploy it. "It will not be warm but we'll live to see morning he sais as he embraces you. I had to kill that mage when I had a chance."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-22-15/1654:44>
Maxwell looks a the guards dumbfounded.  Having trouble figuring out how he was found so easily and why they think he's Venom.  He looks over his shoulder and realizes he grabbed Venom's Sleeping Tiger outfit by mistake and left behind his Ace of Wands suit.  "Ploughing changeling!  If she wasn't in the way then Venom would be a pile of smoldering ash and I would be a much richer and happier man."  Maxwell slowly raises his hands in a non-threatening manner and speaks aloud for them all to hear.  "Relax friends, i'm not the man you seek.  There's just been some misunderstanding i'm sure."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-22-15/1716:58>
Kynos said to DemoX: "That's why we need to keep our eyes open. And since no one here has any interest in coordinated action, I think I'll start doing this my way.
But say: With all the commotion, have you seen any holes in their security? I want to get into the maze - preferably without having to waste half my ammunition on the guards.
If you can, give me a live feed from your drones, so I can find my way in. If this works, I'll pay for your dinner."

<<Sovereign, Athos, I'll try to make my way to the maze with hardware. Now would be a good time to divert the security towards the front of the building and do something about the magic measures too.>>

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-22-15/1732:30>
Athos looks at Luna.  "So she was working for you but was blackmailed to blow up the warehouse by someone else?  Why not just come to you for help?  Anyway, I have a couple of ways to do this.  I am looking around for someone to get me some ID and credentials that would allow me to get RR from the morgue.  If my contact falls through, could you get that sort of thing for me?"

When Kynos' call comes in, he looks at the message and sighs.  >>I do not think that is a good idea, what with all the KE and private security running all over the place.  A distraction would not last long enough for you to get to Venom, kill him, and get back out.  Yulia is on him, based on the last glimpse I got from her glasses.  My advice is to give her a chance to make this work.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-22-15/1845:36>
"So you DID have an escape plan," I say, gently taunting the man even as I snuggled against him.  "You can leave the staying warm part to me," I add as my tail tickles Gi's "third thumb" which quickly rises in approval.  With both my hands I pull his face into a kiss before he can say anything in response.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-22-15/1853:24>
@Maxwell the guards say "You are desplaying this SIN son, you do know that displaying the wrong SIN is a felony punishable by 10 years of slave labor? I'd thread carefully if I were you... why are you displaying the SIN of a known terrorist?"

(You'll need some fast talk  (con+charisma) to talk your way out of it, otherwise you'll have to figure out an alternative)

@Kynos DemoX say " I already got that badass vibe but we are not breaking into an event with the mayor and ambassidor unless we are paid to kill these VIPS... we get more troubles then we are paid for.  You can't stay in town after you did somthing like that, they will hunt you down seriously and not just to look busy like they normaly do. The best way is hope they make a mistake in their route. Bellevue and probobly parts of downtown are swarming with zombies or whatever these things are... they might have to risk it into the barrens where people are more acepting of automatic fire as somthing that just 'happens' "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-22-15/1904:14>
@Luna tells you "I only work with the very best, but every shadowrunner has secrets, things that they'll trust nobody with. RR vanished without a trace and then said her goodbye shortly after suiciding being placed in wall. You need some serious leverage on someone to get them to sacrefice themselves." Luna sighs "If only you guys hadn't crushed my party I could have got Venom to talk about it. That asshole acts stupid but he is not stupid I looked him up. He messes up once in a while, but he has some achievements that would make him highly employable, he knows somthing and he is not sharing."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-22-15/1913:11>
@Minnie Gi nods and return the kiss with great passion. There is not much freedom of movement, but the view is spectacular. The eagle reserve is dedicated for the eagles. Such a waste of realestate would not be accepted in seattle but the concil has different values. It is off limits to metahumanity and perhaps for the first time Minnie's actually spends the night outdoors. In a little piece of heaven. She has to admit that her bed parthener is a lot more fun then most of her diamond clients. Gi gives her everything that he has, he clearly makes love as if it is his last day on earth and he wants to have no regrets at all.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-22-15/1916:22>
Athos shrugs and frowns.  "I just cannot win.  I only wanted to talk to the guy and get him on a plane home, but it appears my companions are after something different.  There must be a serious hate there to get them to try something like that here tonight, especially now that the security is on high alert.  So what sort of runners do you use?  It appears that my current life is just about over, even if I can clear my name."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-22-15/1923:06>
Maxwell tries to come up with a plausible lie.  "I'm not sure why that is to be honest.  I came here as a contractor under Ares employ to meet all the top-men and what have you.  Then before I know it, there's this huge explosion and zombies are in the streets killing people.  I ran back to my car to pick up my gear and came back to try find a friend of mine who got lost."

[spoiler]Con (http://orokos.com/roll/346309): 7d6t5 1[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-23-15/0113:05>
"Gods, why does no-one understand the mission detail: We don't want to kill Venom yet. We have to interrogate him, get a confession and only then we can immolate him. Security should have relocated the bigwigs into the building. Frankly, I don't know what they are playing at with leaving them in the open after there've been clearly missile attacks."
To Athos he wrote: <<I have a serious trust issue against your little adept friend. Why in the hell did she side with Venom, instead of helping us to subdue him when we had the chance? The man could by now be in a basement with a car battery attached to his scrotum. And now she has broken contact. For all we know Venom is fucking her corps right this moment. Or he is trying to swim for land.
Getting Venom was the whole point of this exercise - really, bringing you two into this was a courtesy, don't fuck up this payday for me. Finding Venom after this will be extremely hard.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-23-15/0132:23>
Athos looks at Luna.  "Please excuse me again while I take this call."  >>Kynos.  I appreciate your frustration, but Yulia is doing what she thinks is best and I have full confidence in her.  She will get the information we need or lead Venom to us, but you need to give her the time to work it out and do her thing.  Trust me, she is very good at what she does.  If it is the payday you are worried about let me guarantee your share.  If it is killing Venom, I do not know how that will work out, but you are likely to get your chance.  However, the entire battery to scrotum thing is not a good idea.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-23-15/0259:46>
<<Why? Do you think we would have trouble finding something to attach the crocodile clips?
But whatever - I extend my trust to you. I'll stay in the car on stand by. Call me if you get a message from her.>>

Kynos reclined in his seat and shut his eyes.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-23-15/0822:42>
@Maxwell the guards show you their badge

(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/shadowrun/images/c/ce/Flag_of_SSC.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120416112139&path-prefix=en)

Since you are in the juristriction of concil land and obviously am displaying the SIN of a felon you are herby under arrest by the authority of ambssidor Jones. Unless you resisst the men search you and the suit where they locate a Transys avaloon comlink. The guards restrain you with metal handcuffs and two of them lead you to a small holdout cell in the ambassidor's mansion, the rest continue to scan the place looking for Venom.

@Kynos DemoX say "They managed to catch someone with Venom's suit and comlink, I hope that jackass is still alive. I have a man inside on my pay roll, if you are serious in breaking in this is the only security gap I know about."

@Athos When you are back from the phone call Luna tells you "You already had a glimpse as to what kind of runners I hire. I am a mediator between cooperate fixers and runners for gigs where the cooperate desire an extra layer of indirectness between the deed and their brand name. It means that the deeds tend to be a bit darker and more delicate if exposed. I am not sure that you are my type of guy, this is dirty work but if we do not do it people with money will always find a willing soul to sadisfy even their darkest desires. Morality is a luxery I do not have in this profession."


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-23-15/0851:04>
Maxwell doesn't offer up any resistance, instead he complies with the officers.  He allows them to cuff and search him.  "I could just kill these guys but it might be better if I don't have another bounty on my head."

Maxwell thinks hard about his companions and does a risky gambit.  "Mortality, I want you to find Kynos and deliver a message to him.  Tell him that i've been captured and people think i'm Venom."   
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-23-15/0856:49>
Kynos shook his head: "Last thing I saw was Venom getting it on with Athos' friend. She didn't pick up her glasses, so I have to assume that they didn't catch them. Here I'm forwarding you the data. Maybe you can extrapolate something from that." He grinned "But do it in private.

About that friend of yours - have him on stand by. As things are going I suspect there could be an extraction in order."

Suddenly, a horror vision manifested in the confines of the van. DemoX' - completely manly and not at all high pitched, girly scream - made Kynos open his eyes and bring the rifle around in an instant.
"KYNOS MY MASTER BIDS YOU TO KNOW THAT HE HAS BEEN CAPTURED AND MISTAKEN FOR VENOM."
"Oh. DemoX stop screaming like a little girl. Ok, thanks, whoever you are. Does he want me to bust him out?"
"HE DID NOT STATE SUCH A REQUEST."
"Ok, cool. So he has the guys clothes and commlink? That's pretty hilarious actually. Can you tell him to switch off Venom's commlink and lose it for me to retrieve? There could be valuable data on it."

Only then did he notice that he could still contact Sovereign's own commlink: <<Hey, could you not just explain to them that you are no ork and that you found those clothes? Also, try to hide the commlink (shut it down) for me to retrieve. Could be valuable to crack - especially if we want to clear Athos' name.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-23-15/0904:39>
Kynos shook his head: "Last thing I saw was Venom getting it on with Athos' friend. She didn't pick up her glasses, so I have to assume that they didn't catch them. Here I'm forwarding you the data. Maybe you can extrapolate something from that." He grinned "But do it in private.

About that friend of yours - have him on stand by. As things are going I suspect there could be an extraction in order."

DemoX say "The mouse girl? I was certain her and Athos were a thing. "

@Kynos A skelton like spirit materializes next to you in the car and say "Boo!" . Unable to feel fear you do not find it very intimidating and the spirit then say "Sovereign was captured and people think he is Venom" He does not explain or wait for coffee instead he quickly vanished to where he came from. It is difficult to say because spirits are a bit different psycologically but he seemed disapointed that you did not jump.

DemoX however was already pointing his gun at the undead spirit ready to shoot. "What was THAT all all about... NOW I have seen everything... " he say and lights a smoke.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-23-15/1002:48>
Athos chuckles.  "Morality?  That is a harsh word for a Mafia thug, but I guess it is true, in a sense.  There is a certain morality involved in what we do and it helps the people we protect.  But there is also a lot immorality involved.  I have been a Family guy for as long as I can remember.  First on the fringe running messages and escorting payments, then into the ranks of the foot soldiers, and a made man.  I have certainly seen my share of immorality, but have held myself a bit above that.  I just never saw the need for some of the things others were doing.  I suppose in a different world I would have been a fine KE, trying to help people.  Don't get me wrong, there is lots of blood on my back trail, but most of it is gangers and worse.  Some of the things I have done do not sit well with me, so if that is the sort of guy you need then I agree that I am not your man."

He gets on the link to the others.  >>Kynos, Sovereign.  I would think that Yulia will need some space and time to fully seduce Venom and extract any information.  It may take a bit, but she will contact us when she has something.  I see no reason to wait here for her.  Do we have some other place to check out?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-23-15/1041:30>
<<Your trust in her abilities honors you, but she left all her gear and clothes behind. I think we should stay in close vicinity - unless you know of something else, like where this Grail has gone to ground.>>

Kynos still had to smirk at Sovereign getting mistaken for Venom. Classic Knight Errant.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-23-15/2157:49>
Maxwell could feel his commlink buzzing but he wasn't in a good position to reach into his pocket and check it.  The whole hands bound thing and being captured somewhat hindered him in that regard.  If all went smooth then whatever trickery he's currently being subjugated to would end after a nights worth of interrogation.  Though Maxwell feels that would be wishful thinking.  He does have one more dark idea to torment Venom with however.

Maxwell contacts his servant.  "My last service for you Mortality is to see if you can find Venom and give him an omen to think about.  Let him know that my reach is long and my will is unyielding."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-23-15/2306:34>
Athos looks at Luna.  "Looks like we might be stuck on the island for the night.  With this crowd it might be hard to get one room, much less two.  Are you up to sharing?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-24-15/0505:03>
@Maxwell Marlity accepts the service but is unable to find Venom. Perhaps it is because Morality cannot get into the ward.

@Athos Luna say "Go ahead and try and get a room, I have some things that require my attention. Some people that need checking on. This is going to be a long night and I think your friend interefered in my affairs aswell. Such an exotic lady, I had no chance did I?" 

@Maxwell you are brought into a small office and a tough looking human in his 50's introduces himself "I am Sergey, and you are going to tell me who you really are. Then you are going to tell me anything you know about that Dang Gi guy that allegedly blew up half the city." Somthing about his conviction and the way he looks at you makes it easy to be afraid of him. You are worried to ask what if you are not going to tell him.
[spoiler]
Intimidate(Interogation) (http://orokos.com/roll/346744): 12d6t5 3
To resist roll int[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-24-15/0538:50>
Maxwell sizes the man up and doesn't even bother trying to weave a convincing lie.  He had just healed his wounds, he'd like to not re-damage them.  Reluctantly he says.  "My name is Maxwell Rhodes and i'm an awakened mercenary.  There isn't a whole lot that I know about Venom, er uh GI... but i'll tell you what I know.  He's an ork Yakuza lieutenant from japan who got shipped off here because his family didn't like the idea of having a trog there.  Unfortunately during his time here in Seattle he met up with a vampire named Damian Grail.  Venom the idealistic moron that he is, fell in love with Grail's bullshit about vampires and infected ruling the city and equality for everyone.  Between the two of them they pulled resources and conspired to cause the mass panic and destruction that's happening right now.  Hope that satisfies your curiosity."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-24-15/0611:42>
@Maxwell  Sergey remains indifferent it is impossible to judge if what you said had any effect on him,"Tell me more how a mercenary aquire possesion over these particular items that you were caught carrying."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-24-15/0934:07>
Athos stands.  "Luna, you are very beautiful.  But Yulia is an artist at seduction and her rather exotic appearance certainly helps.  I do not know if most men could resist that.  Or women, for that matter.  I have known her for years and have found that I am not the man SHE needs either, but we are very close friends.  Let me try to get a room.  Back in a few."  He walks to the reception counter to see if he can arrange for a room.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-24-15/1220:04>
Maxwell looks off to the side slightly trying to hide his embarrassment.  "Well... it was an accident to be honest.  I tried to capture Venom but he ran off before I could do much.  I grabbed his clothes by mistake when I was in the maze.  Thought they were mine, but it was dark and didn't know they weren't until it was too late."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-24-15/1413:34>
@Maxwell Sergey say "Who do you work for and how much would someone pay for Venom?"


@Athos Luna grins and then enters the mansion, she seem to be looking for someone.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-24-15/1431:23>
Maxwell sighs.  "That's difficult to say really.  I'm contracted under several people to do many things.  I have one contract to kill Venom, one to send him back home, one to rescue a hostage kidnapped by Grail, and I guess the bounty to put an end to Grail's life.  The pay varies as well, but i'm being paid a handsome amount to kill Venom in particular.  25,000Y to be precise."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-25-15/0437:06>
@Maxwell Sergey nods "So I established that you are  criminal in UCAS, it remains to be seen what should the Council should do about you. I am not here to disscuss your UCAS crimes, you are in Council lands and I am here to determine only how do you align with Council interests.

You alredy admitted to accepting a contract to kill 'Venom', who else is working toward that end with you? "

@Athos finding a room is particularly difficult as many diplomats and VIP's are staying, Yulia could probobly get a room with her charm and social skills but as a misunderstood troll you will have to find some other way. It is clear by now that you cannot just go rent a room.
That said, Ambissidor Jones happily preserve the magic that keeps his gardens warm and invite anyone who cannot leave to stay for the night. His mansion that is also an hotel, offers blankets and matrecess for free to all the invited guests.

@Minnie After about two hours you both are exausted and Ci hugs you and becomes dreamy, unless you do anything about it he'll soon fall a sleep embracing you close to his body. You ignored it in the heat of the moment but now it is evident that people are looking for you, there are armed rotor drones in the air and some people with flashlights tht seem to scan the cliffs.  You find it a bit strange that your parthner is peaceful enough to sleep in this atmosphere, but aside for the drones and search parties the view is spectacular and the blend of natural voices, the stars and the city lights from distance is breath taking. If ll the conciul lands are like that it may be fun to take a visit sometime.

@Kynos DemoX say "They haven't found him but he could not have gotten far without his clothes that were found on your friend, too bad he gave them his comlink as we could have used that.  Yulia's glasses are still in the maze. My drones would have probobly picked them up if they tried to leave the island above water level. So assuming they did not attempt some daring dive, they are hiding in the island somewhere.

Their best option is the eagle reserve, the Shamanic witch doctors do not allow metahumans inside - it upsets the Eagle spirits or somthing like that. Therefore, the Conciul is too superstitious to actually go after them.  Atleast they'll have to go through a lot of red tape to do so. From the video you sent me it appears that somebody tried to kill Venom with magic.

He sort of tried to sufficate himself before he run away naked like crazy. There are few people in the city that can pull out a stunt like that and if someone get to these glasses before us your friend is never going to run the shadows again. Either they kill him, or they will make him their own agent, such potent magic is extremely rare and when it is discovered it is typically part of a powerful organization and not independent.

What do you say? Do you like Sovergin enough to try and remove the glasses from the scene before these knuckleheads connect the dots?
 ... And that mouse girl - she is smoking hot! Thanks for sharing that.
"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-25-15/0623:04>
Maxwell starts feeling a bout of anxiety over whether he should oust all the people he's worked with over the past few days or to tell the man to slot off.  He looks at the older man with defeat and says.  "I don't know how to answer that.  I may be a criminal mercenary, a murderous thief at worst, but i'm not a traitor and i'd like to not be one.  I don't have many friends or allies in this city, so i'd like to keep the ones I have from harm such as this.  If you're wondering how I align with Council interests then know that I hold no love for Venom or Grail.  I'm also more than willing to help fight the undead that's terrorizing the city."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-25-15/0709:37>
Kynos shrugged: "I better should. Not much use for me otherwise. Tell your pal, that I'll sneak into the maze to clean up after my fellows. And if you know where they brought Sovereign, I might pay a visit and see if he needs anything - like a file in a cake. But seeing as he is a mind mage, he should be able to make out his own way.
Who knows DemoX, I even might find some grub for you. Tell me when you are ready."

Kynos returned over the bridge to the party for a second time. But this time after he had been patted down, he made a little detour. Splashing a little bourbon on his mouth, stumbled towards the restrooms and bumped purely by accident into one of the many security people, leaving a yellow stain of mustard on the man's lapel. Apologizing profusely, Kynos made an attempt to rub it of with a mustard smeared napkin - making the problem worse. When the guard had finally enough of the helpful drunk, he shoved Kynos away and made his way to the nearest sink to get the stain out himself. Kynos let him, while he cradled the man's taser in his jacket - carefully having turned off the wifi signal.

Than he was off to the maze.
[spoiler]

Palming (http://orokos.com/roll/347031): 12d6t5 7 [12d6t5=5, 2, 4, 4, 6, 6, 1, 5, 6, 5, 3, 6]
Buyah! Ninja style.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <11-25-15/0827:04>
Knowing it may be a while before I get another chance, I permit the warmth of my lover and the lovely view to lull me to sleep as well.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-25-15/0947:10>
@Kynos DemoX tells you "He is kept in one of the meeting rooms in the first floor, I am not sure why they do not deliver him to the KE according to protocol they should deliver him back to UCAS. "

You sneak in the maze and get to the place where Minnie and Venom showed affection. The glases and Minnie's clothes are still there as well as a belt that Maxwell missed, that apperantly had an unorthodox usage this night. Shortly after you arrive on scene you can spot Luna searching the maze as well.  Since you are such a ninja she does not notice you and if you like you can take the glasses (and clothes?) and sneak past her.

@Maxwell Sergey tells you "I'll let you think about your answers. Remember all you give me is that you are after a man that did some damage in the UCAS he has never acted against Concil lands and interests. This is patriotic of you but does not expedate your release. I'll let you sleep it off and perhaps you will be more cooperative in the morning where we can properly interrogate you. At the moment there are more pressing things like finding that Venom friend of yours" He leaves the room and locks the door, he does not seem to mind the fact that there is no blanket or anything to sleep into the room. There you are left unattended in a room with two chairs and a table with metal hand cuffs cuffing your hands behind your back.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-25-15/1002:40>
Kynos quickly grabbed the glasses and all the clothes - making sure to switch them off - including any commlink that might have been in there.
'Learn from mistakes - preferably other people's'
Taking a step into the shadows of another pathway, he watched with interest what Venom's discarded girl friend was doing here instead of nobbing it with Athos.
<<DemoX: I've got the gear. I'll toss the stuff over the fence where I entered. Be a dear and have them collected. Love Kynos.>>

<<Athos: I'm in the maze and amazed to see your new lady friend taking a stroll without you. I'm going to take a look around if I can find any tracks to Minnie and Venom afterwards I can see if Sovereign needs any assistance.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-25-15/1031:23>
Athos is not surprised that he cannot get a room and goes to try to find Luna and give her the bad news.  The good news is that the heat will be left on over the garden and they can perhaps find a place to sleep there.  He goes to find Luna, but is unsuccessful at that as well.  Kynos' message sheds light on that issue.  >>Thank you, Kynos.  The woman is clearly not my girlfriend or she would still be with me.  Must be my breath or something.  I am coming back into the maze."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-26-15/0051:40>
@Athos when you reach the maze, Luna approaches you, "Feel like going someplace we shouldn't be in?"  She say.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-26-15/0101:09>
Athos nods.  "Sure.  Lead on.  Is it likely to get me killed?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-26-15/0128:08>
Luna grins "It could get you killed, when I had sex with Venom I placed a tracer in his hair. I may not be as sedcutive as your friend, but I am no fool. He works for one of the most powerful men in the city and nobody knows anything about his boss. As if he is only a myth not a person. No dirt, no history - nothing just a name - a name that makes no sense at all nobody have ever heard that family name anywhere near power and wealth. Venom is the only one I can place in that organization. If I lose him it all becomes a spooky story, a myth without any concrete evidence.  His employer is the most lucrative one in the city - I am sure it is someone I already know, but if I know their secrets my rates are going to dramatically increase.

Long story short, I am going to gift Venom several necessities if he is to escape this island undetected. He is my next step - and I do not intend to let some law enforcement have him.
If you come with her she quickly becomes nearly invisible, her long night dress is decorated with active camoflege and she plces a ski mask with similar properties on her face. The temprature of the weather makes a great excuse for full body cammoflege suits.  She also seems to have anti termal because tracking her seems very difficult even in infra red. Still, she is more visible in IR than in regular light. So this seems to be your prefered mode of following her. Luna appears to be very agile, she moves fast and skillfully and wait for you every several moments and she hardly makes a sound, it is as if she just appears several dosens metters into the distance.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-26-15/0200:39>
Athos listens to her without speaking and nods when she asks if he will come with her.  He is a bit surprised at her clothing and shakes his head.  She has apparently thought of everything.  Still, she is very easy on the eyes and he is attracted to her in spite of himself.  He cannot move as skillfully or as quietly, but he does try to keep up.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-26-15/0236:29>
Kynos grinned. Luna seemed to be useful - shame she wasn't on their team.
He waited for them to be out of sight and moved towards the fence. There he tossed the bundle of clothes over for DemoX to fetch. With all possible haste and stealth he moved towards the eagle sanctuary, following Athos instead of Luna.
Some spirit must have taken a liking to him because he was even more silent and swift as before.


[spoiler]
Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/347271): 12d6t5 9 [12d6t5=5, 1, 6, 6, 6, 6, 1, 5, 6, 3, 6, 5]
Ghost level unlocked!

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-26-15/0313:16>
(Stealth for Luna -Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/347276): 14d6t5 4
I'll need a perception check for Kynos and a sneaking test for Athos, then we can continue resolving this issue.)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-26-15/0327:51>
[spoiler]
Perception check w/Vision enhancement and Thermo (http://orokos.com/roll/347279): 9d6t5 2
Not really perceptive.
But if need be, I can ask Athos for his position

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-26-15/0517:22>
Luna leads Athos (and Kynos if Athos give his location away or Kynos is perceptive enough to follow them) to a clif. Once there she remove the cover off one of her fingers, where she unveils a monofiloment whip from her fingetip. She very carefully attach the package and drops into a large rock several meters down the clif.  "They should be able to find their package in the morrning, we are not going down there in the middle of the night with half the conciol on our asses, lets capitlize on our good fortune and get the fuck out of here."
 Deed done Luna looks at Athos and say  "That dude probobly does not deserve a gurdian angel like... lets go to sleep. "  altough her face are completely obscured by the active cammofleged, her body movement are  bit more elegant and relax.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-26-15/0547:05>
[spoiler]Sneak:  Sneak Default 5d6 (http://orokos.com/roll/347292): 5d6t5 0  No glitch, but not sneaky.[/spoiler]

Athos lumbers after Luna to the Cliffside, completely unaware that Kynos is following him.  He steps back a few feet when Luna exposes the whip in her finger, swearing softly to himself.  The fragging woman is more dangerous than he had thought she was.  He watches her drop the package over the side and nods.  "That depends on why the guardian angel is helping him, I would think."  Mindful of the whip that the woman has reeled back into her finger, Athos steps forward and takes her in an embrace, kissing her and whispering, "I can let you sleep if that is what you want, but..........."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-26-15/0612:02>
Kynos had made it without being noticed - a few moments it had been hairy to follow them, but Athos was a troll and not a particular subtle one. Now he crouched behind a bush and was forced to watch Athos do his Don Juan impression.
He opened a connection to DemoX:
<<I think I found Venom's hiding place - or rather I followed that Luna chick who bugged him. Find a picture attached. Can you do a matrix search and give me a rundown who she is and who she works for? If I did see that right, she just showed to have a monowhip in her fingertip.
Would it be possible to organize a boat and get him out that way?
Unlike that chick I have no compunction to climb down in the dark.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-26-15/0642:23>
@Kynos DemoX responds... >>a boat? you'll never make it to shore. Your only path out of there is underwater, but a diving suit is not somthing I know how to get at this hour. Perhpas tomorrow night we can come back for them - or if you have capable contacts.  About a matrix search... I have a guy for that. He charges 1k serious money but he is wiz on the trix. If she exists he'll find her, money back if she does not exist.

@Athos Luna returns the kiss and then cut you briefly "Don't be sentimental... if we are caught here we'd get a criminal SIN once they eventually release us. Quick, lets leave the reserve and if we are caught you never saw me.  "
(Stealth for the way back please).
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-26-15/0653:57>
Athos is not sure he understands the don't be sentimental comment, but he nods and follows Luna from the area. 

[spoiler]I cannot seem to get on Orokos right now.  Please roll for me with 5d6 for a default sneak roll.  Thanks, Gil.  5d6t5 3

I should let you roll all the time.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-26-15/0707:30>
You seem to have triggered some silent alarm going about before as you leave yo can see 3 horizion flying eyes scanning the nearby area clearly looking for somthing in particular, probobly you. It appears that more drone attention is on the way, after severlal close calls you are back int he party and Luna's long and modest dress becomes presentable again and the ski mask stashed close to her breast. She appears now as a very respected lady again. She gets a drink and stand in line for blankets and matreces a bit out of character but the rest of the patrons are also well respected.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-26-15/0732:24>
<<Shame, we had a submarine looking for that severed head. Ah well, seems like I have to trust in the mouse adept's abilities. But if there is a bug on Venom, can you try to find it despite it running silent? That way we can at least tell if he changes position. I'm off to see what I can do for Sovereign.>>

Kynos recognized the faint whirr sound of the search drones and made his way back to the maze.

[spoiler]
Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/347297): 12d6t5 3 [12d6t5=2, 5, 1, 5, 3, 2, 1, 4, 1, 1, 5, 1]
Puh, two more 1's and it would have been a glitch
[/spoiler]

From there he tried to spot the window behind which Sovereign was supposed to be.
Second level was no problem to climb - if you knew what you did.

[spoiler]
Perception: Perception check w/Vision enhancement and Thermo (http://orokos.com/roll/347298): 9d6t5 3 [9d6t5=6, 3, 1, 5, 4, 2, 2, 6, 2]
Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/347299): 12d6t5 6 [12d6t5=3, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 2, 2, 6, 1, 2, 1]
Climbing (Freestyle) (http://orokos.com/roll/347300): 13d6t5 5 [13d6t5=1, 2, 5, 1, 2, 6, 5, 6, 2, 4, 3, 5, 4]

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-26-15/0948:37>
@Kynos Maxwell is located at the first floor and circiling the building it is almost obvious where he is, as one of the windows is guarded by a single and very nervious guard. Unfortunetly, the window itself is barred to prevent people from going in or out.  When you approach the window, the guard almost notices you and only within the last milisecond you manage to hide in the corrner of the building, out of sight.  There is nobody else on the rear of the building, it is clear that guests should not go there.  The view is less impressive and there are several large containers that are placed there, some of them used as temporary living quaters for the massive security force.

DemoX replies >>I am scanning the matrix now as much as I can.

[spoiler]
Perception for the nervious guard:
Perception + vision augmentation (http://orokos.com/roll/347341): 11d6t5 3
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-26-15/1126:46>
The chairs weren't very comfortable and Maxwell had been pacing around to pass the time and occupy his mind.  They had confiscated all his stuff he had on him and were probably in the middle of hacking his commlink.  At least that's what they should be doing, who knows how incompetent these guys are.  "I'll give it about 15 more minutes before I bust out of here and grab my gear before everything comes undone."  He looks over at the table in the middle and the two chairs.  "Hmmm, I have an idea."  He walks over to one of the chairs and sits down it in, trying to adjust to the rigidness as best as possible.  Maxwell ghosts out of his body through un-manifested astral projection.  He phases out of the room and looks around the hallway.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-26-15/1337:58>
Athos goes to stand behind Luna to get a blanket.  Once in line he sends a message out.  >>Kynos.  It looks like I will not be leaving the island tonight.  Have you heard from Sovereign?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-26-15/1603:33>
Kynos answered: <<He seems to be under guard in a first floor room. Only problem is, this is directly across the guards barracks. If I bust him out, I need to do it silently. Provided of course those guards aren't equipped with bio-monitors that would notify their command if one of the guards falls unconscious. Damn. I miss having a hacker on the team. But I'm prepared to do it anyway - unless you have a better idea.>>

[spoiler]
Thrill seeker:
Composure (http://orokos.com/roll/347428): 9d6t5 3[9d6t5=1, 5, 1, 4, 4, 5, 3, 1, 6]

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-26-15/2321:44>
Athos frowns.  >>What is he in custody for?  I am not aware that he did anything.  Do you know if he is in any danger?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-27-15/0516:28>
@Maxwell when you leave your body you find your room to be warded, These wards are not the solid brick wall your spirit encountered around the perimiter, wards that took a very long time to build. This ward ws hastely created, by a  very powerful mage. It is therefore difficult but not overly impossible to cross. Still the ward pressence indicates that the people that captured you know that you are a mage.
The ward is F8,  you can either try to destroy it with mana spells in that case you'll need to destroy it within a single combat round (or astral combat) or roll magic + charisma to sneak out of the ward.

@Athos Luna finds the both of you some nice location next to a beutiful classic english fountain built with the comforts of technology. Little pixies are realistically projected over the water singing and playing a long. A wonderful sight really, she settle on the matress but you can tell that her entire body is stiff and ready to jump out at any moment.

@Kynos DemoX texts you that his man saying that they are expecting a chopper in an hour or so and the security are especially nervous about it.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-27-15/0606:00>
While waiting for a message from Kynos, Athos sits on the edge of the mattress and looks at Luna.  "Hey, why so stiff?  Something bothering you?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-27-15/0649:34>
Kynos replied: <<DemoX informed me. Seems like he was caught with Venom's trousers and commlink. We should free him before he is moved somewhere secure with magecuffs.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-27-15/0709:19>
>>Why would they even care?  My guess is that there are other mages on the island.  He is obviously not Venom.  But go ahead, what is the plan?  Please remember that there is a ton of security on that building.<<  He turns to Luna, still waiting for a response from her, and says, "Hey, remember that mage associate of mine?  Seems he got caught with Venoms clothes and has been placed in the hotel under guard.  Do you have enough influence to get him released?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-27-15/0831:48>
@Athos Luna tells you "I don't sleep - difficult to fake it, I have a sleep regulator for so many years I cannot remember the last time I really had a sleep. I am satisfied with 3 hours a day and I had them before coming here. I won't be sleeping for a while.

Well that actully makes a lot of sense, mages yield very good rewards in recent months. Almost 300% as last year. Being such a hot merchendise,  perhaps the Ambassidor seeks to cover some of his expenses at the expense of your friend. Ambassidor Jones is known to be the kind to bend the rules for a bit of extra profit and this mansion was not built on Concil money if you know what I mean."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-27-15/0850:03>
With that, Athos stands.  "I was wondering about that.  I have often been thankful that I have one.  I cannot leave my associate to be sold so need to break him out.  Security is tight.  Any ideas?"  He picks up his 'link.  >>Kynos.  I have heard that the ambassador here is not against selling mages for a reward.  Any ideas?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-27-15/1124:31>
Kynos replied: <<Ventilate his head to dissuade him from doing shit like that in the future - but I admit that's my go to solution for pretty much every problem. I'd just risk sending the guard to sleep, cut a hole into the window and pull him out before reinforcements arrive.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-27-15/1132:37>
Maxwell looks at the ward in perplexment.  "What's with the fucking wards tonight?  They're everywhere it seems."  He turns back around and phases back into his body.  He sits there contemplating a new escape method.  He formulates a new hellion scheme to break out but doesn't do it immediately.  Instead he sits there and waits a bit to see if Kynos received his message and was on the way.  "Back to playing the waiting game."  Maxwell starts grinning evilly.  "Only for a little while though."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-27-15/1156:22>
Athos considers the choices.  >>I suppose that I could go up to the guard and try to knock him out if you can open the window.<<  He looks down at Luna.  "Unless you have a better idea?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-27-15/1331:37>
<<Don't worry, I'll just tase him. After that it's going to get interesting.>>
Kynos peaked around the corner to assess the guard again. No problem from his perspective. Just to be sure he looked for a silent running bio-monitor.

[spoiler]
Matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/347555): 7d6t5 2 [7d6t5=5, 5, 3, 1, 4, 4, 3]
vs. Logic (+ Sleaze but I don't expect them to have that)

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-27-15/1503:11>
Athos shrugs and moves toward the hotel so he will be able to give support if needed.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-27-15/1548:13>
@Athos Luna says "You guys should be more careful, this kind of security is no joke it is a small army. If I was a politician I'd be worried that our ambassidor is able to hire so many men. As a buissness woman I tell you that this night is a display of political power and influence the mayor and the entire high sociaity of Seattle came to him.  His buissnesses are blooming or so Jones like us to think, I am not sure that he really wants to sell your friend - I was just commenting on mage prices. Please do not tell me what you are going to do... I need to keep some reliable denyability if I am questioned." She said and skillfully disappeared into the crowd.

@Kynos it appears that there is no biomonitor on the guard. On a closer look it appears that he has no matrix enabled devices at all except a comlink.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-27-15/1609:19>
'Excellent'
[spoiler]
Aim
Vitals Shot:
AGI 7 + Skill 6 + Laser 1 + Aim 1 - Vitals Shot 4

Vitals Shot (http://orokos.com/roll/347572): 11d6t5 6 [11d6t5=4, 6, 6, 6, 2, 5, 3, 6, 2, 5, 1]

11 S(e) AP -5 + Successes

[/spoiler]
It took only a second to aim the little laser dot on the exposed neck of the guard and press the trigger.


Kynos aimed for a second and shot two taser darts
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-28-15/0102:40>
[spoiler]Oh sorry you cannot sneak into the compound you have to walk over kilometers of bridge, and pass through multi level of security it requires more than a stealth roll to do. You'll need palming rolls for the taser and the chances are not very high.  I treated the sneaking as sneaking from the party without people noticing. It is an island with one active entrance and exist you cannot just jump the fence and sneak into it. Either you are on the island or you are back in Seattle. DemoX is in Seattle and is watching the bridge and island from drones outside of the island far enough to be ignored as a threat.

You sneak can with diving or with some impressive luck and a little boat, you can also try to smuggle a small firearm with palming - but you cannot go into the island with sneaking. I cannot imagine someone getting on board an international flight (or any flight in Israel) without passing through security. I can imagine someone smuggling something he shouldn't be having while going through security. Therefore if you want a taser give me palming roll.)  Alternatively, it might be easier to steal a taser/pistol from one of the guards. (or knock them down and take their gun if you prefer) but sorry about the ambiguity as to the perimiter I'll try to be more descriptive about these details.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-28-15/1547:26>
@Kynos The paranoid guard draws his taser and lunches a dart at you while trying (unsuccessuflly) to dodge yours despite layers of protective gear he is struck down and is pretty shaken tough still concious.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-29-15/0522:44>
A second shot solved that problem in no time. Before the guard even had a chance to fall down completely, Kynos was at his side, stabilizing him. The taser wires still stuck in the man and it was only a matter of a second or so to wind them across his chest and under his armpits for a makeshift sling. Another quick movement and the guard was fixed in a standing position on the storm shutter behind him.
Quickly, Kynos removed the man's commlink, weapon and ammo.

Looking into the window he saw Sovereign bound on a chair. Gently, Kynos tapped against the window - grinning maniacally  ;D
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-29-15/0534:06>
Maxwell hears a noise at the edge of the room.  Reactively he looks around to see what is.  To his delight he sees Kynos and starts smiling goofy.  "He got my spirit message!."  He gets out of the chair and walks over to the window.  Maxwell motions over at the locked door with his head slightly.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-29-15/0605:33>
@Kynos On the guard's taser There is a small and neat display that shows a message  (with a probobly clearer one in the guard's glasses.) >> Violent incident recorded by DSS smart guard 2073. Please submit an incident report.   
It appears to be some automated program that records taser usage, your own piece shows the same message. These programs are very common in prison guards and other dangerous places where the guards may not be fast enough to even text help! You have no idea if the software is actually active or if the gun is even connected to the 'trix tough.  The guard's comlink is medium range one and is currently locked.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-29-15/0638:48>
Kynos turned the gear wireless off and in case of the commlink deactivated it completely.
Seeing that the window was closed, he again took the steel tipped tine of the depleted taser dart and used it as a makeshift glass cutter. This was going to be tough to break. Gripping the guard's commlink tightly like a biface hand ax he stroke the window with all the might he could muster against the point where he had weakened the glass with the dart.

[spoiler]
Vitals Shot Unarmed attack vs. window
Unarmed Attack (Vitals) (http://orokos.com/roll/347846): 12d6t5 5
16 P vs. armored glass (8 Structure 12 Armor)
Armored glass soak (http://orokos.com/roll/347847): 20d6t5 7
9 P total, 1x1m² hole is made.

[/spoiler]

Before the glass had stopped falling, Kynos had climbed through to help Sovereign through the broken window.
"Look at me using high tech devices to their fullest potential. Enough lazing around for you. We've got to go."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-29-15/0749:24>
Maxwell stepped out of the way of the falling glass and watched the elf hop down.  With the keeb's help he was boosted up to the window and out of interrogation room.  He watches Kynos deftly scale up the wall and out of the room without aid and stand next to him.  Sarcastically Maxwell says.  "Yeah-yeah-yeah, your ability to break glass is legendary.  I wasn't loafing around either.  I just didn't want to cause a ruckus and wildfire to escape if I could have avoided it."  He stops for a moment and gets more serious.  "I also have one more problem.  My commlink was taken off me at the time of my capture.  If they hack it then they'll know who I truly am and all the people i've messaged or worked for.  If I don't get it back then... my life might become a whole lot harder.  If it's any incentive to help me then you can have the remainder of what's on my credstick."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-29-15/0806:20>
"Well, let's just get those cuff off you and see what we can do. Maybe we'll have to start a fire after all. Wouldn't that be fun?

Do you need a taser? I've got a spare one. Now keep still, that might hurt a bit."

[spoiler]Escape Artist (http://orokos.com/roll/347848): 8d6t5 4[8d6t5=1, 6, 1, 4, 5, 1, 6, 6][/spoiler]

With deft movements and only a minimum of hurt he opened Sovereign's left cuff.
"So, now we've got to move fast. Into the maze, quick."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-29-15/0818:23>
Maxwell rubbed his sore wrist and dug his hand into his jacket pocket, to help conceal the cuffs still attached to his other hand.  Maxwell shakes his head.  "No, keep it.  I'm more likely to shoot myself than my target.  I'll follow your lead."  He stays close behind Kynos, letting him trail blaze a path back to the maze.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-29-15/0857:13>
Once they had reached the dubious safety of the maze, Kynos turned to Maxwell: "No need to bribe me, although I won't hold it against you if you want to do me a favor.
First of all, I need you to run a trace action against your commlink - assuming you still own it. Here you can use mine for that. Than I'd like you to lay whatever support magic you have on me. I'll go in and get it back for you.
Alternatively you just give me a few marks on your device and I'll delete your files for you. I'm no computer wizard, but that I should be able to do."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-29-15/0953:32>
Maxwell looks at Kynos with a slightly glazed-over stare.  The matrix is to Maxwell what the astral is to non-awakened, alien and confusing.  It takes him a few moments to understand what the elf was saying but it eventually clicks.  Maxwell borrows Kynos' comm and gives him the access he needs.  He hands it back to him and rubs the back of his head in awkwardness.  "See if you can delete what's on it.  I barely use the matrix other than to listen to music and search the web for crap."  Maxwell grumbles in angered disappointment.  "This entire run has been a big waste of time and money, much like the previous one now that I think about it.  I'm further from my goal instead of closer."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-29-15/1139:56>
@Kynos and Maxwell you are not long out of the office before guards start looking for you. Lucky for you is that they keep appearances rather then go all banana's on you. There are people that seem to be closing in on you and more and more security seems to enter the maze after you.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-29-15/1206:42>
Athos has been waiting near the mansion/hotel for Kynos to let him in on the plan when he notices a lot of extra security guys in the area.  After some running around, many of them seem to be converging on the maze.  He takes his link and sends a couple of messages.  >>Strawberry.  I may need some help here.  I am on the Island.  Two of my companions may need an escort out.  Can Nagisa arrange for my name to be temporarily in the KE database as an independent investigating officer.  I may need to "escort" them from the island for interrogation.<<    <<Kynos.  It looks like the security for th1s place is buzzing about.  Did you do something?  If so, I am trying to arrange for someone to get me some temp credentials with KE.  Maybe I can escort you from the island for interrogation.  What do you think?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-29-15/1544:19>
<<Good idea. I might have broken a window, some cuffs a guard and stolen one or two tasers. Oh and I got Sovereign out. If you can arrange that, alright - but if necessary I'll subdue another guard and take their clothes.>>

While moving deeper into the maze, Kynos tried to delete the data on Maxwells commlink.
"You have to watch my body for a moment. To do that, I'll have to go VR."

[spoiler]
Computer (http://orokos.com/roll/347935): 4d6t5 1
resist (http://orokos.com/roll/347938): 9d6t5 4
[/spoiler]

Only three seconds later he awoke again. "Sorry, I can't do it. My commlink has not enough dataprocessing to remote access your commlink. I suggest you give DemoX a call. His rigger console should be able to do it reliably against your firewall."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-29-15/2313:36>
Maxwell nods.  "I will but we will have to deal with the rent-a-cops first."  He starts grinning mischievously.  "Your chrome gives you strength, i'll give you speed."  Maxwell places his hand on Kynos' back and starts channeling.

[spoiler]Force 5 Increase Reflexes (http://orokos.com/roll/348266): 12d6t5 4
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/348267): 11d6t5 3
I take 2S.  Going to sustain this.  Add +3 and +1d6 to Initiative.[/spoiler]

Maxwell could feel the Drain starting to take effect.  He coughs slightly and starts casting another spell into Kynos.

[spoiler]Force 4 Combat Sense (http://orokos.com/roll/348268): 9d6t5 3
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/348269): 11d6t5 3
I take 1S. Going to sustain this too.  Add +2 to Dodge and Surprise tests.[/spoiler]

Maxwell takes his hand off Kynos and steps back slightly.  "Hope you're still in the mood to punch shit or what have you."

[spoiler]Sovereign is currently at a -5 dice pool penalty to most tests.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-30-15/0127:16>
@Maxwell and Kynos The comlink in question is not present in the matrix. No amount of skill is going to hack it remotely or order it to delete its data.

@Athos Strawberry send you a message >>What have you done, KE has no power in there. If you can get to the water and swim passed that ward I can get you out un checked. Alternatively you'll need to work some other way to get off that island. Let me know if you have any idea.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-30-15/0152:50>
Athos gives a bitter laugh.  >>Strawberry.  Athos.  We seem to have riled the security here.  I guess we are on our own for now.<<  >>Kynos, no luck on Strawberry getting us out.  You have any ideas?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-30-15/0224:23>
@Maxwell Shortly after you cast your spells two spirits of air materialize. The guards are also seemed more confident as they brave the maze, as well as the drones that buzz the sky, you seem to have few options to go but the guards do not attack yet their effort seems to isolate you from the rest of the guests.
[spoiler]
I'll give you an opertunity to hide or run or think of somthing creative, take into consideration that you are considerably out numbered. If you do not make a move toward combat, or escape in some other way one of the guards will approach you to negotiate your options.
[/spoiler]

@Athos >>Strawberry text you Mr. Andu should be in that event he has quite the silver tongue perhaps he'll be able to help more?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-30-15/0254:25>
Kynos reacted instinctively: He grabbed Maxwell in a seemingly painful arm lock and pressed the Taser to his neck. "Play along" he whispered

To the guards he called: "Out of my way. This man is my prisoner, according to Seattle criminal code 22/3a, I'm in hot pursuit of this man and will escort him back to Seattle. If you make one wrong move, I'll collect the bounty for a dead man instead of one alive. One move I say, and you'll have a corps at your hands."

Using Maxwell as a shield he swiftly moved towards an exit close to the coast.

[spoiler]
Intimidate (http://orokos.com/roll/348314): 11d6t5 3
to sound serious about the threat.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-30-15/0513:49>
[spoiler]resist intimidation (http://orokos.com/roll/348321): 12d6t5 3[/spoiler]
@Kynos and Maxwell your show creates some embaressement and it is not immdieiently clear who is to to pay for it. Your words seem to strengthen the roumor that Maxwell is Venom you can hear them whispering about it. One of the guards approaches you and say "Your juristriction does not work here. You are on Council soil and you are endangering the general public. Your friend here is a dangerous criminal, a mage powerful enough to fool everyone that he is an augmented criminal orc, nobody is going to miss him if he dies. This ends now and Venom is not getting off this island alive."

Apperantly some people beleive that mages are capable of everything. the tension is very high and every wrong move may spark a combat you are both hyper aware. Kynos can count 12 guards in his eigh sight with the two spirits and who knows how many guards and no serious cover it does not look very promessing. With the guests when the guard mention the name Venom there is quite an interest, some guests try to get as close to the drama as possible while other run to the in doors, but nobody seems to be indifferent to the happening.

@Athos it is impossible to miss the happening, you can spot Luna and Mr. Andu moving toward the happening. Luna seems to be ignored but Mr. Andu seem to be very much respected by the guards - almost like thier suppirior. At the moment however he does not seem completely in the loop.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <11-30-15/0952:11>
Athos moves to get closer to what is happening, placing himself alongside Mr. Andu.  He nods at the Yak boss and says, "Mister Andu-san, can you help?  My partners and I were chasing a dangerous criminal named Venom.  I am not sure what relationship he has with you, but there are rumors.  The man escaped and my associates are now caught up in some tragic comedy of errors that looks to be spiraling out of control.  Neither of them is Venom, but things have got a bit out of hand.  I see that you have respect here.  Is it possible for you to get these men off the island and free rather than have this escalate even more?  It would certainly be worth a favor owed you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-30-15/1112:35>
Maxwell had been playing along with Kynos' ruse but he doubts he's going to get off the island alive with the way things are going.  He stops sustaining the spells on Kynos to regain his concentration.  "Damn I should have used my other escape idea, that would have worked.  I'm going to be spitting out pieces of my broken luck before this night ends."

Maxwell whispers to Kynos.  "I have another plan, but i'll have to submit myself to this lunacy for it to work.  You should get off the island if you have the chance."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-30-15/1307:10>
"Don't worry," whispered Kynos, "I'll get us to the edge of the island. We jump into the water and you get one of your spirit thingies to ship us away. I'm banking on the fact that they want you alive - or rather not shoot someone with so many witnesses. On second thought, worry a lot and tell that damn maze to make us an exit there."


Aloud he called: "Maybe you didn't understand me: I am in hot pursuit of this man. According to the international guidelines of law enforcement that grants me the right to bring him back over state lines as long as there is no other claim by recognized law-enforcement agencies demanding an arrest on their soil.
AND I DON'T SEE ANY FUCKING POLICEMEN HERE, ONLY A BUNCH OF WANNABE FASCIST BLACK SHIRTS WHO COULDN'T FIND THEIR OWN ASSES IF THEY WOULDN'T HABITUALLY KEEP THEIR THUMPS INSIDE."

Kynos knew that what he said was utter bullshit, but he banked on the fact that a) those security people weren't that well versed in international law either and b) they'd be to concerned about his vile insults.

While he made his way backwards to the lake shore he called out again:
"I really mean it. If one of you wastes of space monkeys tries to stop me, I'll geek that guy and take his head back to Seattle.
That will leave me 10.000 short, but that's nothing compared to how short he'll be."

[spoiler]
Fast Talk (http://orokos.com/roll/348365): 5d6t5 1
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-30-15/1511:51>
@Athos Andu say "I'll see what I can do it appears that your friend are in quite a stalmate, this is bad for everybody. About Venom, one time when you have some time I will tell you who he is, but he can take care of himself. I know that Venom is not that friend of yours, and the one that holds him is quite popular among my men they treat him as a hero, for geeking Venom."


@Kynos and Maxwell - You get the impression that most of the guards will actually be releved when the mage is geeked. Infact it appears that were they less diciplined they'd fill Maxwell with taser darts. Therefore in a way perhaps some of them even hope that you'd kill them. Mr. Ando breaks from the gurds and say "Oh senior Kynos, it is good that you came here, your crimanal mage friend is indeed quite the headache and senior Jones was looking for someone that can take him out of here safely. Few people are capable of such fit at such a short notice. For you my friend I'll make a short cut.  Andu signals the guards and they fire at the mage one after another until he falls down unconcious.

[spoiler]
We can roll initiative if you'd like, but the way I see it, Maxwell is going to be unconcious unless he is extremely lucky.  The guards are more worried of having  criminal mage walking free than about having Kynos kill the mage.
Geek the mage (http://orokos.com/roll/348401): 12#10d6t5 1 2 4 4 2 3 4 3 3 2 2...
Once Maxwell is unconcious, Mr Andu will allow Kynos to get him quickly far away from the island.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-30-15/1632:33>
Maxwell knew what the older man meant the moment he said it.  He wrestles out of Kynos' grip and dashes slightly in front of him.  Stopping to let the taser darts strike him, one by one he could feel the electrical surges coursing throughout his body.  The pain was excruciating but short lived.  It doesn't take long for him to be knocked out and to fall to the ground.  Darts are sticking out of Maxwell's body like a pincushion, sending the occasional jolt into him. 

[spoiler]I'm going to say that I have a full Stun CM now.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-30-15/1636:35>
@Athos and Kynos Mr. Andu smiles and say "This headache is all yours Mr. Kynos... Thanks for taking this mage away from this island."  To the guards "Make room, that guy is doing you a favor... nobody is going to take an uncooperative mage from you when the city is at this state of chaos. You obviously could not contain that mage for more than a few minutes... He was out of your leauge."  Mr. Andu's confident tone and the fact that the guards seemed to listen to him does the trick and Kynos is allowed to leave the island conflict free as long as he does so immidiently.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-30-15/1643:57>
Kynos draped the unconscious form of Maxwell over his shoulder and stalked away along the bridge. 'What a bunch of crazies'
When he reached DemoX car he carefully brought the mage inside and lay him on the back seat.
"What happened?"
"I broke him out, took him hostage and threatened to shoot him if the guards didn't let me go with him, they proceeded to shoot him so I would take him with me. Don't ask - I was there and it gives me a headache to even think about it.

Do you have a medkit lying around? He's got enough taser needles in him that we should call him from now on the amazing electric porcupine."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <11-30-15/1650:04>
@Kynos DemoX laughes "These Amatures should have knocked him out as soon as they secured him. Either that or mage cuffs. They probobly never extracted a mage before... I do have an R6 kit in the trunk hold on."


DemoX activates the kit and with the skill of an amature medic and his naturally high logic begins to bring Maxwell to live using varius chemicals and stimulators. It does not take long before a terrible headache is all that remain from the taser torture.
[spoiler]First aid (http://orokos.com/roll/348440): 16d6t5 8 that heals 6S[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <11-30-15/1658:47>
Maxwell sluggishly wakes up, although he really wishes he'd still be asleep.  It feels like two dwarves are pounding on his head with hammers like some kind of insane cuckoo clock.  He looks over at the two in front and him with a near zombified face.  "Nailed it."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-01-15/0021:21>
Athos nods at his benefactor, knowing that he will be called to do a favor some day.  He waits for a small break as Kynos carries Sovereign out of the maze then approaches the Yak boss, bowing in respect.  "Mister Andu-san.  I have sent you a request for aid to get into the KE morgue to extract a body.  I would like to point out that the dead person is the woman who set off the explosives in the walls of the warehouse.  She was hidden in the walls and waited until we were out to set off her charges.  I have a contact that may be able to help me with some information if I can get the body out of the morgue.  I was hoping that you could provide me with a KE uniform, some credentials, a vehicle, and a driver/assistant to help make this possible."

Athos waits respectfully for an answer.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-01-15/0136:55>
@Athos Andu said "Do not worry you will get what you need for a reasonable cost. We are pretty tied up with all the mess but what you are asking is not unreasonable.  I'll bring what you need to the New Hilton or to wherever you stay. The hilton seems to have some Zombie problems or so they say, I'll have some of my more capable men investigate it. You might be looking for a new place to sleep tonight or for a decent combat."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-01-15/1328:56>
Kynos grinned: "Ah, you are awake. Good news: We made it from the island. Bad news: We are still not closer to catch Venom and getting that confession beaten out of him.
Good News: But at least we can use the tracking bug that that Luna chick planted on him. Bad News: Your commlink is offline, so we have to assume they are hacking it via direct connection. But that makes it nearly impossible to locate - and I probably shouldn't go back to that party. Even those dumbasses will sooner or later notice that I stole two tasers and semi-crucified that guard outside your holding room.
Good News: There seems to be a zombie-apocalypse going on in the city. Even better News: I've got my guns back. So after a few hours rest we can look forward to a fun day of rampage in Seattle."

He turned to DemoX: "By the way did you have any luck finding that tracker bug on the island? If you need to outsource that to one of your hacker buddies, I think Athos won't mind picking up the tab for the tap.
I'll try to get some shut eye until the big guy comes back. Ah, sometimes I wish I had enough soul left to get a sleep regulator..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-01-15/1343:56>
Maxwell enthusiastically says with some trouble.  "Oh that's... that's... that's not... that's not nailing it at all.  That's the opposite of nailing it, that's being nailed.  Well as long as uhhh... as long as you had fun.  That's the important part.  Think I need another nap."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-01-15/1734:07>
@Athos and Maxwell - as the time passes there are more and more people that flock to the parking lot and it begins to feel like a refugee camp. Many people seem to exploit the massive security and just arrive with blankets and tents and fill the lots of the now half vacant parking lot. From the chatter around you you understand that Bellvue and recently downtown is overwhelmed with some sort of zombies. They are easily killed but there are many of them and people are afraid that they might be infectious. The are carrying torches and burn cars, buildings and anything in their path. People are afraid to sleep in a building and find it on fire so they leave and the KE is stretched thin because of the event. So they simply do not have enough cops to secure the entire city. The question of the night is what’s wrong with the military and why don’t they come to help, infact they seemed to have made it worse.

You can either sleep in the parking lot or find a place to sleep, it appears that tonight the only place where people do not flee in panic is the Barrens, with the gang wars and the massive weapon purchases the zombies simply do not last very long in the Barrens. Decent people are scared of gangs just as much as they do from zombies but for you, if only you could get to some safehouse in the Barrens you should be safe. DemoX suggests “Guys... it seems like a crazy night I had no idea it was going to be this bad. Do you guys want to spend the night with the Nukes? we have quite a fortress. We encountered these things before.”




Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-01-15/1804:08>
Maxwell nods.  "Yeah probably not a bad plan.  Strength in numbers and nice walls.  Plus I always meant to go back there and check something out."  He pauses for a moment and takes in his surroundings and the sight of all the refugees piling up.  "Assuming we can even get there."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-01-15/2353:33>
Athos is sitting on a mattress waiting to see if Luna will return.  >>Kynos.  Sovereign.  I hope that both of you are OK.  Are you headed to a hospital?  I think I will spend the night here since it appears that my new apartment is currently being overrun with zombies.  I will call you guys in a few hours.<<  He sits for a bit longer to see what happens on the island.  If nothing interesting happens, he kicks in his Sleep Regulator.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-02-15/0341:47>
"Suit yourself, but if we leave the island we'll be out of position to capture Venom. And I still have serious doubts about our little double agent. Staying in this parking place seems like a good compromise. Besides...
I just got a message from Athos, he spends the night here. We might want to fetch him in the morning at the earliest possible time."
Kynos said all this with his eyes closed. What he didn't say was that he enjoyed the thrill and that sleeping behind thick walls sounded immensely boring...
<<Athos, we are still in parking place and discuss if we should head back to the Red Hot Nuke's base. Be ready to move fast when Venom tries to leave the island - I authorized DemoX in your name to hire a decker to track the bug on Venom.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-02-15/0953:18>
Athos nods.  >>Good idea.  I will be ready in a few hours.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-02-15/1336:32>
Maxwell considers what Kynos and DemoX has said.  Lightly rubbing his thin beard as he alternates between the two ideas, he should probably shave soon.  "I'd like a good nights rest after today's bullshit, but the elf does have a point.  It'd be a damn shame to be so close yet have victory snatched away by little more than misfortune."  He runs his hand through his hair in an effort to straighten it out, images of Amy and Ivory Tower dangle in the cobwebs of his mind.  "Those two were most likely at the party when things started to go crazy.  I don't know if they made it out or not.  It would be wise to stay and check if they are okay.  It'd also be cowardly to run and hide behind walls while they braved the anarchy."

Maxwell unzips his armor and bundles it up beside him, getting comfortable as best he could.  "Fuck it, i'm staying.  Already here just need a few hours of respite."  He then proceeds to drift off into sleep.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-02-15/1533:27>
Things tend to look different in the morning and indeed Seattle woke into a morning unlike many other. Downtown was a mess. People fortified on rooftops, corpses on the streets, crushed cars and tossed over garbage cans decorated even the richer parts of town.  At first sign of dawn the zombies retreated descending underground to the sewers living the tormented inhabitants to their destiny. In the news in addition to the images of destruction and chaos you see massive amounts of refugees illegally crossing into Council lands. There are reports of border patrols that had to use live bullets to deter them. The same thing happened in your parking lot as the amount of people that gathered there reached critical mass and many tried to cross the border into the embassy. Corpses in the freezing water and a mob that blocks the entrance to the island demanding a place in Council lands tells the story of the night.

To Kynos and Maxwell the night was especially difficult, it was noisy, cold and uncomfortable and fatigue starts giving its signs. Athos slept very well next to Luna and the two had an interesting conversation well into the night. While Minnie slept peacefully in the natural eagle reserve. The morning arrives not a minute too soon and most of you are asking what now. It is a cold morning and light snow begins falling. One mystery remains, in time like that where is the army and why aren’t they on the streets. The KE try to secure the streets bring some order to what was left in tact. The declaration of a new KE unit with exterritorial authority ‘The grey army’ appears to be too little and too late although the budget for that squad is legendary.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-02-15/1607:50>
As Kynos stretched different parts of his body clicked and clacked into place once more.
Once again he felt as if it wasn't really him that had awoken - or rather as if he was watching himself through a very convincing VR reality. Seeing the dwarf and the mage still asleep he carefully retrieved a survival package from his bag. Besides a nutri bar it also contained a sharp survival knife.

Just one cut he promised himself. It wouldn't do to overdo it - not on a day like this. Just one shallow cut, just to connect himself again.
Carefully he removed the bandages from his left lower arm. Scars crisscrossed in an almost geometrical pattern, the last one barely healed. A few spots remained nevertheless. Careful, with precise care he drew the blade across the as of yet unblemished skin.
As always it took his body a moment to realize that anything had changed - Kynos felt it took longer and longer until the pain came and even that was muted. But at least the blood welled up and the sight of it finally did the trick. His body was once more his own - his mind realigned with the flesh. Without haste he wrapped fresh gauze loosely around the wound. Soon he would have to start on the right arm. Tricky without being left handed. Cutting to deep was always a possibility which left his clothes always in a decidedly messy state.
Eating the rest of his bar and washing it down with a swig from his canteen he felt almost refreshed.

The first thing after that was to check if the hired decker had sent a message in regard to Venom's position.

[spoiler]
Resist Fatigue (http://orokos.com/roll/348997): 10d6t5 3 [10d6t5=4, 1, 6, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5, 4, 3]
Should be alright
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-02-15/1639:36>
Sleep didn't come easy, it felt like work.  The conditions weren't exactly conducive to the rest Maxwell needed.  He spent more time struggling to get comfortable than he did resting.  Still, he managed to get a few hours of shut-eye.  Morning came and greeted him with baneful light.  He rose out of the car and stretched his legs a little bit, surveying the grim dawn that is now Seattle.  He takes in a deep breath and then promptly starts hacking up.  The air is filled with fear, despair, gunpowder and piss-flavored beer.  Maxwell grimaces and reaches into his jacket for a cigarette, only to find out that he's out of cigarettes.  He sighs and looks around the car for his stuff, once found he pockets them and leans against the side of the car. 

His arms are crossed as he contemplates past and current events.  "So that insane necromancer uses his puppet to create a distraction while he leads his army from the shadows.  Causing wide-spread terror and death, while also displacing most of the city population.  This proves that nobody is safe and that everything hangs on by a thread.  A thread that Grail knows he can cut whenever he feels like it."

Maxwell shakes his head in angered disappointment.  "Fool girl!  Because of her Blue Vixen remains trapped and tortured, while I remain unpaid and unfulfilled.  All she had to do was not get in the way.  The easiest thing to do in the world.  I'd be tearing Venom's arms and legs off while pouring molten lava down his rib cage right now if not for her.  What makes this worse is that people might think i'm Venom.  As if i'm not under enough scrutiny as it is."

[spoiler]Recovery Test (http://orokos.com/roll/348995): 11d6t5 3
3 Stun Healed over three hours.
Fatigue Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/349004): 9d6t5 5
Wasn't sure if I needed to roll this or not.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-02-15/2255:05>
Athos wakes next to Luna, who had actually surprised him by returning to the mattresses.  As he sits, he looks down at her sleeping form and shakes his head.  So much danger in such a small package.  His thoughts of the previous night have coalesced into a decision of some kind.  He stands and moves off into the maze a few feet to use the bushes as a makeshift toilet before returning to the mattresses to make a call.  >>Horse.  It is Athos.  Frag the old order.  We are missing a tremendous opportunity if we are not taking advantage of all this.  We need to take control of our area and show our people that we can protect them.  Get back to me with where I can meet you. We can be the leaders of a new Family.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-03-15/0259:00>
Athos Horse texts you >> Meet me at the Gates for lunch, try not to attract too much attention to yourself.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-03-15/0312:29>
Athos smiles as he sends an acknowledgement, then reaches down and nudges Luna awake.  "Hey, gorgeous. time to rise and shine.  You ready to leave this rock?   My friend will keep tabs on Venom and let me know where they are when she is ready to.  In the meantime, I got a body to steal and a lunch date with an important man."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-03-15/0517:18>
@Athos it is evident that Luna was not sleeping. She is fully alert and fresh "It seems like you have a busy day... let me know when the deed is done. I have a standing reservation with 'Final Resting' they will burry that poor soul and provide the rituals."


The place is not the same in the morning, the bridge is packed with people trying to cross and on the shores of the island there are multiple boats that made it on shore. The water are decorated with cropses of peole that did not make it and in such a cold water it did not take long before they froze. Luna looks at the packed bridge and decides that her best shot is to try and steal one of the small boats on shore. She quickly leaves toward shore with a confident step.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-03-15/0928:08>
Athos makes his way onto the bridge, heading for the crowd and sending a quick message to his companions.  >>Hey guys, all of these people trying to get onto the island are going to make it easy for Venom to leave, if he has not already left.  There are lots of small boats on the shore that people used to get to the island and he could just take one and go back to the mainland.  I recommend trusting in Yulia to do her job and find out where he is going.  I have another lead that involves taking a body from a morgue.  Interested?<<

Athos slows as he nears the line of security that is keeping people off the island, looking for someone who seems to be in charge.  He spots what he assumes to be a supervisor and walks up to him.  "Hey bud, you guys are doing a terrific job.  Mr. Andu is sending me off the island to do something for him, so do you think you could let me past?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-03-15/1322:55>
@Kynos the Decker texts you a location in the eagle reserve and say that it might be the device you seek but there is no way to be 100 percent sure.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-03-15/1429:43>
<<Can do, the decker has a probable lock on the stealth tag. We should be able to help you out. Waiting is boring.>>

To the rest of the team he said: "Right you received the boss, visiting a morgue sounds like a fun way to start the day. I'd say we hit a stuffer shack for some breakfast beforehand because afterwards we might lose our appetite."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-03-15/1533:11>
Maxwell turns to the elf with a funny smile.  "The hell are you talking about?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-03-15/1647:49>
"Oh right, you lost your commlink. Well, that's no way to live."
Kynos rummaged some more in his bag and produced a simple burner commlink.
"Here, once activated you'll have service for a week. Nothing fancy, but you'll get text and calls again."
In short words, Kynos explained what Athos just had sent him.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-03-15/1700:12>
Maxwell fiddles with it slightly before pocketing it.  "The moment I stop using burners and pick up a real comm, I shortly lose it.  Thanks, guess i'll head into a morgue this morning.  Not the most macabre thing i've done.  Or uhhh stop for food first then morgue."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-03-15/1713:33>
@Athos being a large troll has it's perks one of them is passing through a crowd of mostly smaller metahumans. Nobody wants to stand in your way and people let you leave.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-05-15/0351:44>
@Minnie it takes a few seconds in the morning to understand where you are. You wake up earliest, with sunrise and for a moment you just feel happy. Then the chill and sight of cropses floating in the water does their thing. The city view is less beutiful in the morning, the city is tormented and many refuges flock to the island, the flow continue people continue to arrive with boats and there is no police force to stop them from crossing that border. If you want to get safely off the island it appears that the general Chaos presented a once in a life time opertunity.

@Athos Andu texts >> Your order is waiting for you at the New Hilton, ask for Gabby.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-05-15/1223:14>
Athos nods, more to himself than anyone else, and sends a note to the others when he gets to the parking lot and his van.  >>Kynos and Sovereign.  I am headed to the New Hilton to pick up a vehicle and driver.  Do you need a lift there?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-05-15/1540:25>
Maxwell fidgets and toys with the burner more than he does reading the message.  He had just gotten used to his Erika Elite, now it's gone.  He scans over the text and thinks a little about it.  "It'd be wiser to split up into two teams of two.  I think at least anyway.  Should give Amy and IT a call while i'm at it."

@Athos - <<Alright i'm on my way.>>

@Ivory Tower - <<Hoped you enjoyed the party and chaos, i'm just calling to see if you're still alive.>>

@Amy White - <<So how are things?>>

After he was done texting people, Maxwell made his way over to Athos' van.  Once he finds him he waves at the troll.  "Find out anything useful from Luna?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-05-15/1546:56>
@Maxwell IT texts back
>>Thanks for your concern still alive trying to figure out who dares to openly attack my employer. Will think about you when I have some cookies.

@Amy White texts back "I am afraid to ask, but did our Vixen just destroyed half the city? I am alive thanks for asking we all are it seems as if they made quite an effort that it is just the building that goes down... I never really liked that office anyhow.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-05-15/1557:32>
Kynos shrugged. "DemoX, seems like we can putter along. Unless you want to go hole up in your castle. In that case just drive me to my bike please. I'd appreciate it if you could keep tabs on Venom's alleged position and keep me informed."
He started to hum: "Come on Jessica, come on Tori, let's go to the morgue, you won't be sorry, put on your Tiffani bracers and your cool armitage coat, at the morgue, having fun is what it's all about..." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY_bhVSGKEg)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-05-15/1618:50>
Kynos DemoX say "I am keeping my eyes on the prize! We made it to through night and the good for nothing KE held their position, but they will not guard this parking lot tonight so I am waiting with my drones until later afternoon and then I go to shoot some zombies in the castle. We stockpiled so much ammo exactly for this scenario. If you need a place to crush tonight give me a buzz."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-05-15/1657:48>
The beeping ringtone had to quickly be replaced by the vibration mode Maxwell set his new comm on.  Before waiting for the troll's reply he goes over the messages he just received.  He lets out an internal sigh of relief as a genuine smile spreads across his face. 

@Ivory Tower - <<The answer to that is Venom and a vampire named Damian Grail.  Something i'd recommend checking later when you have the opportunity is the art of necromancy along with something called a Shedim.  My knowledge regarding these things is rather limited, but I hope you might have some wisdom.  Oh and it's good to hear from you, truly.>>

@Amy White - <<Venom's handiwork actually, but you're safe and that's the important part.  Give me a call if you run into any trouble.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-05-15/1947:45>
So much death.

I look at Gi asleep in my arms and wonder what the day will bring.  I could kill him right now, but would that bring any of the dead back?

No.

All it would do is destroy our best thread back to the truth and...hopefully...evidence that Athos remained honorable and instead someone else is trying to besmirch his and Dame Valentina's names as well as take down the Finnegans.  I couldn't care less about the politics, but I'll do whatever it takes to make Athos happy.

And on top of it my friend Strawberry wants this particular ork alive as long as he's in the Seattle area.  Strawberry has sponsored the only other person in this world I truly care about - Nagisa.  As with Athos, I will see her interests through to the end.

I keep watching Gi in silence.  Watching my clients sleep has always been a fond pastime for me. 

As long as they are asleep, they aren't causing me harm.

When he begins to stir, I'll gently ask him, "So, Gi, is this what you wanted?" as I gesture with my eyes out the cave entrance to the macabre scene outside.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-05-15/2005:51>
Athos nods as Sovereign comes up.  "Luna told me that she has some information to share, but she wants me to get this body out of the morgue as the price of her information.  Beyond that, I am looking at taking a different role, one of showing that the Family can protect its turf and its people."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-05-15/2311:27>
Maxwell shrugs.  "Always a price tag, she'd be telling us for free if you brought her with us instead.  Oh well, just means we got another errand to run.  You might have some trouble with second bit though.  I've had dealings with the Mafia before and they aren't exactly the stand up and fight type.  Sure for the right price they'll put two in the back of anyone's head, but anybody can do that."

Maxwell stops himself once he realizes that he's rambling to a Mafia lieutenant about his disdain for them.  He coughs slightly and starts over.  "None of that really helps you though.  Alright ummmm... let's see what could you do?  They'll need leadership doubtlessly, someone who isn't afraid to make a stand.  Supplies will also be a big factor as well.  Can't fight the soulless dead with gold chains and pocket knives."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-06-15/0039:33>
Athos grins at Sovereign's bit of discomfort.  "Yes, but as one of the Mafia bully boys and back stabbers, I can tell you that such stereotypes are not universal.  There are plenty of strong soldiers willing to stand up for their own, for La Familia, the Family.  All they need is leadership willing to stand with them and be counted instead of hiding in dark, smoky rooms; people willing to lead by example, not with fear and bullets.  There is a time and place for violence, yes, but not indiscriminately and not without reason.  I would like to work for a boss like that; maybe others would, too."

He motions to the van.  "Coming with?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-06-15/0056:05>
Maxwell nods.  "Same truthfully, but i'd be careful about putting too much stock in an organization that worships currency like a god.  Perhaps things look different from someone who grew up inside.  To me however, not so much."

He look at the van.  "Yeah sure."  He walks over to it and rides shotgun, all ready and buckled up.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-06-15/0103:19>
Athos looks around.  "Kynos going on his own?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-06-15/0156:56>
Maxwell turns back to him.  "Probably, if he wanted to come then he'd be here already.  I imagine he's going to take a different route.  Not entirely sure though."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-06-15/0201:15>
Athos climbs into the van and starts it up before sending a text to Kynos.  >>Hey.  I have Sovereign with me at the van.  You coming with us to the New Hilton or going on your own?<<  He turns to the mage and says, "I will give him a few minutes to respond.  On another issue, if you do not mind me asking, you seem to have a pretty good hard on for this Venom guy.  What did he do to you to get this sort of hatred going?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-06-15/0209:13>
Kynos replied: <<I'm fetching my bike. I'll meet you there.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-06-15/0249:39>
Venom looks at the destruction the floating bodies and say “New Horizon Program” it takes him a bit to cool down. “THAT, was none of my doing. THAT was the reason I joined forces with Grail. How do you think Vampires survive? Who protects them? Why is there the virus but no cure? Open your mind, most triple A’s are arrogant enough to create vampires in the biggest arms race since the cold war.  Nobody wants to stay behind and magic is naturally rare. Once one cooperation starts producing it's own magical minions the rest have to follow. These assholes care little for consequences - they just do not want to stay behind.   Nobody can afford to stay behind and no country is powerful enough to regulate and enforce its laws on the cooperate laws. This devil dance is the result of current system.”

He sighs “My master was part of the corporate world, until his own soul was sacrificed on the altar of power. Look at the rocket attacks, we evacuated almost all the people from the buildings, we burned them and did so slowly so that others could get out. Do you think that on one side you get this sensitivity toward life and on the other hand slay half the city. The people that you need to sustain yourself? These abominations were created by the failed new horizon program... a program that aimed to create cheap super soldiers.Skip the painful and expensive augmentations - just get a shot and grow super powers.

The virus used proved to be more contagious and the soldiers created were still contagious, they were supposed to be part of the new KE force being constructed. In the last months they were continues glitches, test subjects that lost their mind an took off into the city. They must have infected quite a few people - I am not sure what happened actually your guess is as good as mine. ”
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-06-15/0325:08>
Maxwell grunts like a bull before saying.  "Nearly killed a friend of mine and tortured another to do Grail's bidding, that's why."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-06-15/0759:10>
@Athos Arriving to the new Hilton it is not the same hotel as before. Mr. Andu does not waste time, his soldiers are quickly fortifying the location and several rooms were allocated as sniper nests. When you arrive your vehicle is scanned for explosives. The once half fancy hotel is transforming into a military fort in front of your very eyes. Similar fortifications are performed all over the places in important regions, the Yaks seem to be determined to hold their ground and protect their interests.

At the parking lot of the hotel a KE patrol car is waiting for you along with several KE outfits and badges with fake names. The driver introduces himself as Eddie is dressed in KE uniform but a closer looks reveals that his neck is covered with Yak tats. He welcomes you and say, "Mr. Andu have instructed me to give you what you need. I am not sure what is so important to allocate the manpower for supply in the middle of a crisis but lets get it over with. My name is  Eddie and my friends call me 'balls'. I like singing - and driving."
At the back of his neck there appears to be a control rig or some other DNI.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-06-15/1154:08>
Athos nods at Eddie and quickly passes out the uniforms to Sovereign and Kynos, unless they would rather not do this.  Once dressed and in the car, Athos laughs and says, "Then I hope that I can call you Balls.  And I like singing.  Can't carry a tune in a bag, but I like hearing others sing.  Let's get this done.  We need to go to the KE morgue and take the body on this warrant.  I imagine that there will be little trouble, but I am sure that you are more than capable of getting us the frag away if anything happens."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-06-15/1342:41>
Kynos looked at the uniforms and grinned: "Well, what a coincidence, I've got a Full Body Armor that was made to carry those tags. Let me change into it and we can go."
Once again, Kynos changes his outfit, this time with a sealable armor, applying the velcro patches where his armorer friend had removed the ones stitched on. 
"Cool. With the chaos in the city, it should be no problem to wear that in our coming altercation."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-06-15/1427:42>
Athos laughs.  "Yes.  What a coincidence.  Let's roll."  He motions for Balls to set off for the morgue.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-06-15/1524:22>
Maxwell doesn't say much or anything at all.  He just quickly throws everything on and returns to the passenger side seat.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-06-15/1546:14>
The KE building where the morgue lies is a mess, large parts of it were burned and the KE seems to be fortifying it and they do not appear to be otherwise engaged in police duties. It seems that many people bring bodies into the morgue but few bring them out. The smoke that comes out of the building leaves no doubt, they are cremating the corpses.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-06-15/1555:17>
Athos leads his companions to the morgue building, presenting his credentials in a very bored manner.  "I am here to pick up the body listed on the warrant.  Don't know why, just following orders.  Send me to the right section and I will finish my job as soon as possible and be back to help here."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-06-15/1619:36>
Athos the KE gives you a bored looks "Do you have the forms?" You are a bit awkward for a moment but Eddie pulls out some forms signed and authorized and hands them to the guard. The guard with a tired look say  "Fine move along, the morgue is at the basement, follow your nose. If your forms check out feel free to take your body... have a good day."

Once you are past the guard he sneaks a laugh - "These are only car licence - he must be new. I doubt we can pull the same trick at the morgue tough.  "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-06-15/1727:57>
"So the attack on the city was your people, but not the undead?" I ask with some skepticism.  "Did your attack unleash forces that were previously restrained?  Or did someone know what this Grail of yours had planned and took advantage of the chaos and opportunity to blame someone else for their own weapon?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-06-15/1745:38>
@Minnie Gi tells you "I think they were locked inside the horizon building, it explains how they crossed the Bellevue barrier, they simply did not they emerged down town and there was nothing to stop them.
So... do you want to steal a boat?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-06-15/1802:18>
"In for a penny, in for a pound," I say with a nod.  "Anyway," I add with a smirk and a quick stroke along something precious to men everywhere, "I wouldn't mind more of this later."  I have no intention of letting him forget why he let me tag along in the first place.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-06-15/2114:19>
Athos had asked for some forged documents authorizing him to take the body.  He reviews what he has as the walk to the basement.  Locating the place was easy, and not just from the smell of corpses stacked in the hallway, but more from the signs and arrows that indicated the proper direction.  The coroner and his assistants are beleaguered with the number of dead in the corridors.  No one seems to be too interested in the three of them so he bends down to pick up a body, looking to make sure there were no toe tags on it yet.  The options were many, as the small three-man crew here was way to busy to get to everyone.  Athos approaches one of the obviously tired crew and says, "Hey.  Got another one here, and more on the way.  Where do you want me to put him?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-07-15/0352:51>
@Athos, Kynos and Maxwell the guard looks at you tired he obviously did not get much to sleep "Put your corpse in the crematory like the rest. Winter ordered to burn all the dead to prevent spread of diseases.  "


@Minnie with a carious and almost silent step Gi leads you toward the beach toward a small motorboat. The more you approach the beach the more sick you feel. The smell... something is burning. Many of the survivors on the beach seems to be in different stages of dying. They involuntary move in a manner that reminds you of fish out of the water. It seems clear that there is little need to sneak, these people can barely help themselves, let alone prevent you from taking their property. Some of them are well dressed, not the Barren type but cooperate suits.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-07-15/1007:52>
Athos nods at the man and moves towards the crematorium.  Once there he places the body on the floor with some of the others and steps back against the wall out of the way to send a text.  >>Luna.  It is Athos.  I am at the morgue and looking for the body.  They are burning corpses as fast as they come in, but cannot keep up with the flow.  Give me a description of the woman so I can find her faster.<<  He begins to look through the bodies for the dead bomber, motioning the others to help, reminding them that they are looking for a woman and so can leave all the men alone.  If he runs out of bodies, he will go to where the bodies are usually stored.  After all, this woman was brought here before the serious onslaught of bodies and may still be stored in the refrigerators.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-07-15/1101:06>
@Athos Luna texts >>She is marked unidentified S.N 101843. You can't miss the label in AR.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-07-15/1704:30>
To help speed the search along, Maxwell started darting through each corpse that looked like a woman's frame with his eyes.

[spoiler]Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/350216): 11d6t5 1
Pretty good roll.  At least it didn't glitch I guess.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-07-15/1723:26>
Kynos ambled towards the freezers, looking for AR tags. The full body armor prevented him from smelling anything, so it felt more like a visit to a wax museum of boring ordinary dead people.
[spoiler]
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/350219): 7d6t5 3 [7d6t5=5, 5, 1, 4, 2, 6, 1]
[/spoiler]
Finding the corpse wasn't actually rocket science, just following the description in the matrix, that was all...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-07-15/1727:34>
I carefully follow after Gi, thanking Mouse for my strong stomach and tolerance to putrid smells.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-07-15/1934:22>
@Kynos the corpse you are looking for is located in the evidence section and the closet that contains it is locked with a magnetic lock. It appears that corpses marked as evidence are not yet burned these are the good news, the bad news is that you'll have to bay-pass the lock somehow.

@Maxwell physically the mourge is just one big hall with many 'drawers' that store dead bodies. there are no names or indicators on the bodies and AR is the only way to know what you are looking at.

@Minnie once in the water you can breath finally. You make it half way to the city before you are ambushed by a rotor drone that opens fire on your boat. It appears that someone with access to technology really wants one of you dead. The problem is, the way things are you are not even sure witch one of you.

(roll initiative + declare action).
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-07-15/2009:12>
"We're being shot at!"

A boat in middle of the water with not a stitch of clothes on is not a place you want to be playing target.  Unfortunately that's where I find myself.  I look around the boat for anything that might serve as a weapon against a distant attacker.

[spoiler]Initiative #1: boat vs shooting flyspy: 12+4d6: 23 [4d6=5, 1, 3, 2][/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-08-15/0047:40>
Athos continues looking for the body of the woman and sends out a call to his companions.  >>Hey guys.  Either of you find anything?  Not much luck here.  I just hope that they have not burned her already.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-08-15/0103:01>
<<Found it. I'm in section 2 by the freezers. It's locked. Does anyone of you have a pick or something?>> Kynos wasn't sure if he could just cut off the lock with his miniwelder - even KE would notice that... probably.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-08-15/0150:24>
The drone just hover in mid air and lunch ridiculas amounts of automatic fire, Gi with his lighting reflexes quickly breaks to the right trying to confuse the drone and setting you in a collision path into a passenger ship - one that normally does tourists tours over the lake but right now seems to bring people illegally to the same island you came from.

There is all sort of junk in the boat, from canned food, survvial knife, fishing equipment and a pistol. Who would leave home without it nowadays. (It'll take a complex action to browse the boat )
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-08-15/0228:59>
Athos goes to the room Kynos indicates.  **I guess this is where I get to see if the Yaks are good with their papers.**  He finds the most tired looking assistant coroner and motions to Kynos and Sovereign while waving the papers provided by Mr. Andu.  "Hey!  Here is one of the coroners.  Looks like they're working their asses off down here.  One of you two lay-abouts come over and get his signature on these papers for the release of the body Commander Winter wants to see."  Athos is hoping that the one of his companions with the best chance to score a con against the overworked and nearly exhausted man will come over and take charge of the papers.  The papers might be enough, but it never hurts to have someone with a bit of the glib in his voice do this and Athos has none.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-08-15/0252:11>
Kynos drudged over, not caring to open the visor of his helmet. Looming over the assistant he indicates the door with the corps: "YOU, open up this freezer and show me where to sign. WHAT, why are you standing still here? Move your ass, we are late as it is with this fucking zombie-calypse. I already had to shoot two guys to get here - I got lucky that they were zombies. But I swear to god - if we miss our transport because of you I'll take your corpse with us instead."

[spoiler]
Intimidate (Mental) (http://orokos.com/roll/350359): 12d6t5 3

Yeah, Kynos doesn't do con...
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-08-15/0306:35>
Maxwell reads through the messages sent and heads over to where Kynos stands.  He was in the process of figuring out a quiet way of opening the door when he noticed Athos going off about something.  Maxwell gets the hint and strides over to the coroner assistant and tries his luck at guile again.  Kynos seemed to have other plans and moved faster than him.  Hilariously yelling at the guy to open the door.  Maxwell waited to see if that had an effect before trying one of his two ideas.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-08-15/0926:39>
The man tells Athos “You simply do not have the right papers. You need to fill a 1/30b and submit it, but these things take ages to approve. I am sorry I cannot be more helpful.” When Kynos yells at him he seems a bit shaken “Okay, okay just don’t hurt me.  You are not knights are you?... cyber dealers? don’t answer I really don’t want to know. I am not dying for minimum wage.” He opens the locker and say “Now please help me place that other body in there.”
A brief AR file opens before you, indicating that the body is indeed from the warehouse explosion and is tagged unidentified - suspected government agent. The report also includes an extensive augmentations list each mapped to the cyber clinic that performed the surgery. All of the augmentations were performed in Portland.  The list includes, augmented reflexes, titanium bones and a skill and data jack. You do not have time to browse the file because as you remove the body the clerk quickly places a different body in the cell and the file disappears as he does. “Get out of here before I lose my job”  He say as he locks the cell and examine carefully your documents to appear busy.

[spoiler]
Resist Intimidation (http://orokos.com/roll/350478): 8d6t5 2
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-08-15/0953:42>
Athos helps the man replace the body then picks his up and leaves the morgue, returning to the car and driver.  After placing the body in the trunk, the crew gets back in the car and he tells Balls to drive.  As the car moves off, he sends a quick note to Luna, >>Luna.  It is Athos.  I have your friend's body.  Tell me where to deliver it and meet up there.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-08-15/0956:37>
"So Athos, not that I don't enjoy seeing interesting places and shouting at people, but what do you expect this body to prove?"
Kynos had taken off his helmet and once again was prodding a corpse.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-08-15/1013:52>
Athos smiles wryly and laughs, his boom filling the car.  "To be honest, nothing.  So far every step I have taken and every promised answer has yielded nothing more than innuendo and "truth", but no proof of anything that will stand up to a Family court.  I am more or less expecting the same thing again.  But there is a chance that Luna will cough up what she knows without sending me on yet another clue hunt.  No, if this does not pan out, I am done looking.  I have a lunch date with one of the senior Family members still alive after last night.  I am going to present a plan to him that I believe will strengthen our position in the turf we control.  You guys are more than welcome to be part of this or remain on the fringe.  I have a deep respect for the talents of both of you and if this works out, I will be sending you more work that you can handle.  By the way, that was good work back in the morgue, both of you.  Thanks for the help.  We still need to find Venom and Yulia, and I hope that she is OK and contacts me soon."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-09-15/0436:53>
Maxwell's stomach started to grumble and he shifted around uncomfortably in his seat.  He looks in the back of the car briefly before settling in.  "Well thanks for the vote of confidence.  I'm not really doing much right now so I might take you up on that offer.  Speaking of Luna, I remember I have unfinished business with her."

Maxwell closes his eyes and whispers out to the astral with enticing words and binding magic.  "I call forth the beast of the pit to join me, this rage is yours.  For one day we will all go into that searing inferno.  One day we will all go into the fire."

[spoiler]Summoning Force 7 Fire Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/350797): 14d6t5 5
Spirit Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/350798): 8d6t5 5
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/350799): 11d6t5 2
Well that's 8S[/spoiler]

Something is wrong, something is different somehow.  Maxwell's eyes snap open and his nose starts dripping blood like a leaky faucet.  His pinches his nose closed and tilts his head back slightly.  "That's weird, i've never seen one go out of it's way to not be summoned like that.  I've seen them get ornery and stubborn but... what the hell was that?  Something feels off and strange now.  Maybe i'm more tired than I thought."

Maxwell lets go of his bloody nose to see if it's still bleeding.  Fortunately it stopped but left him feeling very lightheaded.  He shakes his head and says to Athos.  "Actually on second thought, I need to head back home and get some actual rest.  I've been running on fumes for a little too long."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-09-15/0503:16>
Kynos shrugged: "Don't mind the steady pay. As soon as we have bagged Venom I'll be ready to lay down some indiscriminate hurt where you need it."
Watching Maxwell's little blood fountain stunt he said: "Watch it. Unless you don't care to leave your DNA at my future crime scenes."
But he actually smiled saying these words, taking the sting away... and putting it somewhere else entirely.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-09-15/0533:58>
Maxwell yells back at the elf in an annoyed voice.  "Oh fuck off!  You're just jealous that I can give myself a really brutal blood job whenever I want."  He would have gone on but his head was throbbing like crazy.  Waves of fatigue washed over him, enervating his anger and replacing it with sloth.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-09-15/0542:14>
@Minnie Gi insanely speeds the boat far beyond specification and without regards for personal safety toward that boat. Sadly, the drone seems to keep up and despite his efforts but at least you are now at jumping distance from the boat. He screams at you “Jump!”  He is preparing to jump himself, but his jump is cut short as the next burst, hits his back in two places, taking him off balance.  In the meanwhile, the drone takes the time to stabilize and prepares for another full automatic burst to finish the job.

(The second combat action of Venom was a breakaway toward the boat, you are now pretty close to the boat. Venom man)

[spoiler]
The second combat action the drone stabilized itself and the third it fired another full automatic burst.
Breakaway (http://orokos.com/roll/350809): 10d6t5 4
Catch up (http://orokos.com/roll/350810): 10d6t5 5
Forgot to factor both recoil and full auto for the first shot, but I won’t change.

2nd fire (http://orokos.com/roll/350804): 9d6t5 5
Dodge at -5 (http://orokos.com/roll/350807): 5d6t5 4
(amazing that he get so many dice naked!!!)
Damage (http://orokos.com/roll/350808): 14d6t5 3
Venom takes 7+1 -3 -1 = 4 physical damage.
[/spoiler]

@Athos Luna texts you >> Meet me at the roof of community general hospital.
The community general is a Catholic charity hospital that treats people free of charge. A place of neutrality and a place where opposite gangs often meet to negotiate, as it is considered rude to appear in the catholic hospital armed. it is a 20 story building.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-09-15/1007:42>
Athos looks at Sovereign with concern when his nose starts to bleed, but remains silent when it looks like it is nothing much.  He asks Balls to deliver them to Community General Hospital.  When they arrive, the three leave the car, with Athos carrying the with the body.  He asks Balls to wait as they are still in KE garb and will need a ride back to somewhere else. 

Entering the hospital, he tells the others that they are going to the roof to meet Luna and drop off the body.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-09-15/1802:20>
@Athos and Kynos oddly enough out of all the places in the city community general seems peaceful. There are many wounded, dead and their doctors and mages seem to be drained up and wary but unlike the rest of the city they are not fortifying themselves and apparently were not attacked by the zombies. On the roof of the building there is an helipad and Athos is happy to find Deep Blue in her KE colored modified wasp. She seems to be talking quite intensely with Luna. When you arrive Deep Blue kisses Athos passionately and then slaps him in a force that would knock a smaller meta sapient to the ground. It seems to come natural for her, she is quite a forceful orc.

Deep blue shows you where to place the body and after a short smalltalk, enters the small chopper and departs to the sky, leaving you alone on the roof with Luna. Luna gives Athos with a chip that contains a conversation with some Decker called DarkFox, from the conversation it is clear that DarkFox has some very powerful leverage about Road runner but the decker is smart enough not to mention it and coerce Road Runner into Stealing the security system from prison,  serving Gerald with nanites infested food to force him to install the system and then building a dry wall and waiting inside the building until it is time to explode. From the correspondence it appears that she waited inside the walls for four days. The chip also includes visual evidence recorded by an helmet camera or cybereyes about the meeting with Geraled, the breaking and entering to the prison and waiting inside the dry walls for a long while.  It is clear that the video was edited to remove non relevant images and messages but these that are stayed there are cyptographically verified to be unchanged. To fake a signature like that requires a super computer the kind that few exist in the world. 

@Maxwell it appears that Strawberry's domain was unharmed in all the Chaos in the city. You find it as peaceful and if any a bit crowded, the joke is swarming with people and many also placed tents on the roads and around her special tree. The amount of offerings on that tree covers most of the accessible area of that tree and people seem to worship around the tree as you move to your new house you find it peaceful and relaxing and the refrigerator was filled with fresh supplies.  Not having a ninja assassin waiting at your door step is a significant bonus to this place.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-09-15/2300:17>
Athos returns Blue's kiss with fervor, accepting the slap with aplomb.  He grabs her as she turns away and pulls her back to him for another kiss.  "Call me if you get back and make sure the bed is either cheap or very sturdy because it will be well used.  And do not wait too long.  Miss me as much as I will miss you.  There is going to be a new order here and you can be part of it.  Think about it and call me."

He lets her go, shaking his head and rubbing his jaw.  The woman can hit and is hell in the sack.  Definitely his kind of woman.  Turning to Luna, he takes the chip and slots it to read it, sharing the data with Kynos and Luna if they are interested in watching.  He nods his head.  "This might just do it.  Either of you know this DarkFox?  I will get this to my Family contact at lunch and see where that leaves me.  Right now it is back to the NH or some other place where I can get my suit cleaned and pressed for the Gates.  You coming Kynos or do you want Balls to drop you off somewhere?"

Turning to look at Luna he says, "And what about you?  Do you want to be part of my plans for the Family?  I could use your skills and would certainly like to get to know you better."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-10-15/0513:10>
Maxwell was riding along to the hospital with the others to meet up with Luna.  He makes it inside before changing his mind at the last second and telling them that he's going to walk home.  The Drain left him in too much of a vulnerable state to do or add anything useful.  Deciding it'd be better if he just slept it off and reconvened at another time.  Before leaving he tells the two cyborgs to call him tomorrow or later tonight if they have need of him.  With that he walks out of the hospital and makes a lonesome trek back home.

Sometime Later...

The walk back home wasn't that bad all things considered.  After he figured out where he was and stopped going around in circles he eventually made it back to Redmond and the Joke.  Seeing Strawberry's place largely unaffected was kinda nice, not having to worry about returning home to rubble and ruin was a joy unto itself.  The refugees however could fuck off and die for all he cared.  The last thing he needs is superstitious morons forming a witch-hunt.  Maxwell heads inside his house and takes a load off.  Stripping out of his armor and clothing and taking a long hot shower.  He stands inside it for quite some time, just letting a barrage of near-scalding water continuously hit him.  He twists the knob to off and gets out of the bath, standing in front of the mirror now to look into it.  He peers deep into his own reflection, seeing his scruffy beard made him laugh humorlessly.  He finds his knife and wets it and his face slightly before sliding it along his mouth and neck.  Showered and clean shaven, he walks into the kitchen and raids the fridge.  Maxwell smiles brightly and grabs several apples out of the fridge.  Greedily gorging himself before going to sleep.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-10-15/0547:45>
Kynos had to admit: Athos had style and balls. Maybe it was his age, he reflected, but he certainly would never even have dreamed to entertain that many different relationships - especially not in front and in the face of two women who were both willing and able to do grievous bodily harm to all kinds of people. 
To Athos question he said: "I'm going to fetch my bike, get a bite to eat and take a nap on some rooftop at the waterfront. I want to be in position when we regain contact with Minnie or when the hacker can give me the location of Venom. Thanks all the same. I'll stay in contact."

Now that he had reminded himself of this he called the hacker again: <<Any news about Venom's movements? Are they still on the island?>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-10-15/0647:58>
@Kynos DemoX texts you, >>you may be a badass but your timing sucks, I am shooting at him right now. Your gorgeous friend have brought him naked and unarmed to the boat. Who'd believe a single lightly armed rotodrone can be the end of him.
 (Actually the combat should have been over before (and DemoX would have notified you either way) but I have no idea who 'wins' or what would Minnie do and if DemoX actually going to kill Venom or just wound him so either we wait for Minnie or we keep that undecided for now. )

@Athos Deep Blue kisses you and in a way she is not mad at all, even tough you kissed her friend. "Order is for politicians, I am in for the life style and life style requires living.

This delivery is already non professional but personal... a bad habit in my job. I gambled that I could use the chaos and sneak in for a quicky as the KE are too busy to chase me.  Don't fool yourself, I humiliated them in that prison. Winter will never let that go, I destroyed his career. I need to do some troubles in some other place until it is save enough to return."

When Athos mentions Dark fox Luna laugh "Probably just a wannabee for the legendary Vixen." She politely refuse to interfere with Mafia affairs and said "I don't do THAT anymore... I send others to do THAT - it is more healthy for the long term."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-10-15/0714:41>
<<Man, you are a total kill stealer. Be careful not to sink the boat. I really don't want to dive again just to get his carcass back. Give me the position, I'll get there asap. You are in luck, it seems we don't need him to testify, but it sure would be helpful. So try not to kill him to much - only mostly, if you get my drift.>>

"Hey Athos, I'm off. DemoX has found Venom and is shooting at him with a drone. More likely than not, that shitstain will survive that, but he is wounded. Oh and Minnie is with him. Don't know if she's hit too."
The last words were already fading away, since Kynos had begun to ran down the stairs to the waiting car.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-11-15/0230:34>
Minnie jumps to toward the boat and takes Venom with her. She did not expect him to be too heavy and the strength in her legs is not enough to complete the jump. The ice cold water welcomes them with knife like pain and the drone lunches another burst, but Venom dives deep under water avoiding the the people on the boat seems very empathtic of Minnie and help her up and offer some blankets "What happened... what happened ? Do you come from the island? what's going on did they start shooting at refugees? " They ask Minnie with great concern, for themselves perhaps. Minnie's attention remains on Venom but he is nowhere to be found at the moment. The drone seems to circle the boat angrily trying to get a lock. Of it's target.

[spoiler]
Minnie jumps to boat.
Jump to boat (http://orokos.com/roll/351350): 8d6t5 2 (Not enough threshold was 3) sorry minnie.
Drone shoots at Venom:
fire Venom (http://orokos.com/roll/351352): 9d6t5 1
Venom dodges
Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/351353): 5d6t5 1
Venom holds is breath and dive out of line of sight of killer drone.
Swiming (http://orokos.com/roll/351354): 9d6t5 4

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-11-15/1803:00>
Once I catch my wits on the boat and take stock of the situation, I realize i must act fast if Gi is to survive this.  Realizing there is only one flyspy and it has ventured close to the boat in search of its prey, I clamber up the side of the boathouse to the roof and take a running jump up and across the space between us.  Grabbing the flyspy and with both hands in mid air, I use one hand to smash the side with my gifted and trained fist.

[spoiler]{gymnastics} Scramble up boathouse walls to roof of boat: 8d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/351437): 3 [8d6t5=2, 5, 6, 3, 2, 1, 4, 5]

{gymnastics + edge} Jump up and across to grab hold of drone when it approaches: 13d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/351438): 5 [13d6t5=2, 3, 2, 3, 3, 3, 6, 6, 6, 6, 1, 5, 2]
{reroll failures} Jump up and across to grab hold of drone when it approaches: 8d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/351439): 4 [8d6t5=6, 3, 5, 5, 3, 4, 5, 4]
Total of 9 hits due to physical limit being disregarded on account of edge

{unarmed combat} smash drone electronics: 13d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/351440): 4 [13d6t5=2, 1, 5, 3, 6, 3, 2, 6, 2, 1, 2, 4, 5][/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-12-15/0133:25>
Minnie people are surprised at your resolve and you perform the jump in the same lucid grace that world class athletes have when they break their personal records. You transformed in their eyes to more than human, a miraculous athlete doing the impossible. The drone made a mistake, it approached too near to the boat trying to spot Gi within the passengers. there is not much else that he could arrive. It was close enough to allow you to jump the mechanical beast and short it circuits. Not that anything like that is necessary, your weight alone was enough to bring the drone into the water and once submerged in water the rotors have too much  resistance to continue spinning.

The decend to the water was graceful, and only a moment before touching the water you notice that people are cheering. Clapping their hands in excitement and screaming at you with love. As your naked body meets the water again you are reminded again how cold these water are, for a brief moment you think you spotted Gi in the crowd as well. If it was him he is now missing his cyber-arm.

Kynos you can almost hear the emotion in these words, DemoX sends you a massage from his DNI and the letters contain such a deep feeling of loss >>The darn mouse can fly... she JUMPED over my drone and submerged it in water. I could have had him but that darn mouse... I think she fell in love with him or something, all that stood between her and the reward is to do nothing or perhaps finish that scumbag when he was down. Throwing a sharp object at him or something. I should have stated with the mouse dammit.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-12-15/1142:42>
Athos, stunned for a moment, reaches for his commlink and sends a text to Strawberry and Nagisa.  >>Hey.  Athos here.  I was just informed that Yulia may be in some sort of trouble on the water near Embassy Island.  I am far away and it will take a bit of time to get there.  Can either of you check the situation out while I drive there and let me know what is going on?<<  He nods to Luna.  "Thank you for your help.  I hope that we will see each other again.  Sooner than later."

Waving to her, he heads for the elevator and descends to the lobby and leaves the hospital.  Climbing into the car, he looks at Balls.  "You have been very helpful today.  Please take us back to the NH where I can get my van and swap clothes."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-12-15/1524:01>
Athos Nagisa said >> I am on it!
Strawberry repllied >> Sent a spirit. Take care!
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-12-15/1615:08>
While they had waited at the hospital, Kynos' bike had found its way towards his location. While he jumped on he sent a reply to DemoX:
<<That's the second time you tried to do some business on the side and it's bitten you in the ass. Man, what have I told you? Next time call me in time and I can back you up. Now give me exactly his last known location. I'll be there in about 10 minutes. And get some other drones in the air - without shooting and enough distance to keep an eye on the scene. Your hear me? We'll get Venom - if necessary I'll take care of Minnie.>>

Kynos bike roared as he began driving ruthlessly along the shortest possible route - including the pavement, backyards and a shallow duck pond.

[spoiler]
Driving
Driving (http://orokos.com/roll/351601): 10d6t5 4 [10d6t5=2, 1, 3, 6, 5, 2, 6, 5, 2, 4]

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-12-15/1948:14>
Despite the cold, I ensure the drone is pulled fully into the water with me with the gun pointed away from both me and the boat.  Hopefully between my own abuse of the side panel and the water it will no longer work.  I push the thing under with my feet in the hopes once it fills with water that it will not be buoyant.

With the flyspy out of commission, I swim back to the boat.  If Gi isn't in the water, I allow myself again to be cared for.  If anyone asks, I simply said I did it to protect those in the boat from being shot randomly.  I do my best to start looking to see if Gi can be found.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-13-15/0152:56>
@Kynos The hospital is at the southern outskirts of the city and getting anywhere near consul island requires 60 kilometers of city driving. Perhaps you can do so in an hour in a bike skimming traffic, but there is no way you can do so in 10 minutes. A car will take significantly longer. Also consider that some of the roads are blocked and full of junk with all the mayhem of last night.  Imagine the traffic in the city in a day like that.

DemoX texts you: >> Not to point any fingers - but you are the one to be doing side business. Not that there anything wrong with that if you had something more lucrative to do then go for it, I'd do the same.  I am sticking to the same exact spot where you left me.I have some eyes in the sky but nothing that can shot. That drone was the 'just in case' drone. I am no rigger

@Minnie The people pull you into the water and cloth you. On the boat and without his oversized cyberarm, you meet Gi. He hugs and passionately kisses you. The people helped him too and he is now covered with blankets and dressed with some very poor clothes that the crew were using for maintenance operations. Many engine oil stains cover his clothes and the armoa is not very pleasant.

Something about this trip to the island feels very off to you, before you left the island all the people at the beach were either dead or already dying. These people may suffer the same fate - would they? In your guts you feel that they should not go to that island but their logic for going there is solid, everyone knows that the ambassador has a mighty force of personal security and the lake is a natural barrier that makes the island easy to protect. Then again, if you are going to tell them that you were possibly exposed to a fatal disease that seems to kill very fast these people are probably going to toss you both into the water again.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-13-15/0350:21>
<<That's just it DemoX: Side business is ok, but you always do it half-assed without backup. Also I have to correct my estimation. It'll probably be an hour before I can make it there. Don't lose them. There is a big payday riding on Venom. Maybe two if we can execute him on board of some plane outside Seattle. If he confesses beforehand even better - tripple pay. See ya>>

Than Kynos was off again, racing through the chaos of the city.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-13-15/0411:36>
@Vanish People will need to die as this chaos hurts the bottom line. This is why you are not at all surprised when you receive a message from MCT. Your handlers alias is Queen Beast (QB) and she is the most terrifying individual you'd ever met. Literally a blood sucking Banshee, sadistic in nature with only a distant memory from being actual human, a male if you have to be technical about it, but if you address her she will drain you without hesitation. MCT keeps her to do their dirty work and she keeps you because she feels like she is terrifying enough so that you will never dare to cross her. You must admit that interacting with her through the matrix is easier for you.  Her assignments are never optional, and not once when you tried to refuse she resorted to violence. But QB is your only way to advance in the hierarchy of MCT, a cooperation powerful enough to make even your wildest dreams come true.

The text say:
>>There is a sleeper agent that is strangely absent, his last assignment was to infiltrate infiltrate a terrorist organization. The guys that are terrorizing Seattle, some branch that were even too extreme for Fear the Dark. I want you to find him and make sure that our name is never mentioned. Either kill him or return him to me. Pay is your usual 20k.


Attached are picture of an orc in several situations next to heavy military weapons, in all these pictures he has a very distinctive cyber arm on his left hand. Apparently he previously infiltrated some military base and used his position for some industrial espionage against Ares. That beast must have had him photographed just in case he tries to power play her.  These pictures are enough to go to the KE and have him executed for high treason.  The extent of the file has you wondering -  what kind of incriminating evidence that beast keeps on you.

As for where to start, the Yakuza are always willing to provide assistance to MCT when dirty business are involved. You just need to make sure that they remember who is boss.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-13-15/1047:33>
"Everyone," I tell the gathered men and women on the ferry, "I don't expect you to want to hear this or even believe it, but I believe the Council forces are killing refugees as they arrive on then island.  I may be wrong, but there are a LOT of dead arrivals on the beach up ahead.  We were on the island when all this started and we have some ideas on how we might be able to stop all this.  My friend, here, is high up on one of the corporations and may be able to mobilize some forces if we can can back.  If you decide you want to move on ahead to the island, I understand, but can you drop us back off on our boat first?  At least you don't have to worry about that flyspy shooting at you.  It would't surprise me if they're from the Council given what we saw."

[spoiler]
{con} Convince ferry crowd to either return to Seattle or drop us off on our boat: 10d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/351776): 6 [10d6t5=5, 6, 6, 3, 4, 5, 3, 4, 5, 5][/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-13-15/1142:44>
@Vanish People will need to die as this chaos hurts the bottom line. This is why you are not at all surprised when you receive a message from MCT. Your handlers alias is Queen Beast (QB) and she is the most terrifying individual you'd ever met. Literally a blood sucking Banshee, sadistic in nature with only a distant memory from being actual human, a male if you have to be technical about it, but if you address her she will drain you without hesitation. MCT keeps her to do their dirty work and she keeps you because she feels like she is terrifying enough so that you will never dare to cross her. You must admit that interacting with her through the matrix is easier for you.  Her assignments are never optional, and not once when you tried to refuse she resorted to violence. But QB is your only way to advance in the hierarchy of MCT, a cooperation powerful enough to make even your wildest dreams come true.

The text say:
>>There is a sleeper agent that is strangely absent, his last assignment was to infiltrate infiltrate a terrorist organization. The guys that are terrorizing Seattle, some branch that were even too extreme for Fear the Dark. I want you to find him and make sure that our name is never mentioned. Either kill him or return him to me. Pay is your usual 20k.


Attached are picture of an orc in several situations next to heavy military weapons, in all these pictures he has a very distinctive cyber arm on his left hand. Apparently he previously infiltrated some military base and used his position for some industrial espionage against Ares. That beast must have had him photographed just in case he tries to power play her.  These pictures are enough to go to the KE and have him executed for high treason.  The extent of the file has you wondering -  what kind of incriminating evidence that beast keeps on you.

As for where to start, the Yakuza are always willing to provide assistance to MCT when dirty business are involved. You just need to make sure that they remember who is boss.

On receiving the message and images of the target, Vanish sends a quick response acknowledging receipt and proceeds to go over the images, looking for any similarities which would speak to a particular 'stomping ground' area the man might operate in.

At that point he shoots a message to the troll Fixer by the moniker of 'Slither', knowing that in the standard shadow hierarchy that position is held due to the number of connections one has.

<<I need to get set up with a local Yakuza lieutenant. On a job, and I think they could be of help in finding the target. I can offer a couple grand once the job's complete for your assistance in this matter.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-13-15/1202:07>
@Vanish Slither contacts you >>Balls is you name, terrible performer but heck of a driver and the quite a charmer.

@Minnie they appear very concerned and are not sure what to do,t hey have no objection in returning you to your boat and they start fighting among themselves as to where they should be headed.  As you leave for your ship that arguments become quite loud, these guys obviously need some leadership.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-13-15/1207:14>
@Vanish Slither contacts you >>Balls is you name, terrible performer but heck of a driver and the quite a charmer.

<<Thank you. Where's this guy normally found? I think that speaking in person might be best.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-13-15/1235:47>
@Vanish >>He is rapping at the Banshee tonight. You can't miss him, an elf that dresses like a gangster trog.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-13-15/1248:35>
@Vanish >>He is rapping at the Banshee tonight. You can't miss him, an elf that dresses like a gangster trog.

Getting his equipment together and ready, Vanish stows the weaponry in the trunk of his car (accessible through a fold-down segment of the back seat) sans his taser which he tucks into the pocket of the Executive Suite jacket after ensuring it has a full load of darts. Once that's accomplished, he proceeds to the Banshee.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-14-15/0412:44>
@Minnie Gi and you are back to the boat and into Seattle, Gi places his cyberarm in the boat wrapped in rugs. "I feel a little crippled without it, but it it attracts too much attention. Especially in this outfit." He leans for a kiss careful not to make you dirty and then say "That was quite a performance with the drone. Tough I am no fool, I did not just happen to meet you. You are a professional athlete, since I do not know you I'd guess a shadowrunner. So who do you really work for? "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-14-15/1454:48>
@Vanish: When you reach the vanish the place is empty. Not a single soul dares to brave the streets at night. Few people arrived, most of them because they work there. It does not stop 'Balls' from rapping like a trog saying some very offensive stuff in Or'zet if you can get pass his appearance and is knowledgeable enough about the language you can say that he is quite good actually. More sophisticated than most trogs performing it.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-14-15/1814:24>
"Funny story, that," I say with a shrug and chuckle at Gi's question.  "My employer tried to kill me three days ago and now wants me dead.  Remember, I told you about the Finnegans earlier in the garden.  I'm just trying to prove my innocence and you're my current best lead.  Well that and you're easy on the eyes..." I lean in and give the man another, deep kiss.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-14-15/1822:17>
@Minnie Gi tells you "and I just disobeyed my own boss...
 I have some loyal men here I am not sure that retaliation will come right now but Grail will kill me for disobeying, it is just darn mind tricks, that took me off balance. If I was caught on the island it would have started a cooperate war unlike any other. An open conflict, or so Gail hoped...

Somehow I was never truly at peace with that sacrifice but I have no honor now - and whomever loyal to me are not going to stick that way when they figure out I do not have any organization backing my words with actual power. "  He sighs "Look like it is just you and me, perhaps Strawberry is not so bad after all... can never trust mages you know, they are all insane. She saved my ass more than once tough, I kind of fear for her now that Grail knows about her. There is no room for mages in his plans. Do you have anywhere to be? You can come with me if you like to disappear. "
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-14-15/2244:28>
@Vanish: When you reach the vanish the place is empty. Not a single soul dares to brave the streets at night. Few people arrived, most of them because they work there. It does not stop 'Balls' from rapping like a trog saying some very offensive stuff in Or'zet if you can get pass his appearance and is knowledgeable enough about the language you can say that he is quite good actually. More sophisticated than most trogs performing it.

Despite note being versed in the ork language, Vanish orders a drink and at least tries pretending to enjoy the performance.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-15-15/0206:56>
@Athos Nagisa informs you that they have located Minnie and are keeping an eye for her with both drones and spirits. She seems at ease.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-15-15/0225:11>
Athos sits back in the seat of the car, finally more at ease after getting the message from Nagisa.  Thanking her, he can now focus on the meeting with Horse.  He had seemed to be an ally, but sometime it is hard to tell.  But at this time, Athos has little choice and he does have a plan.  Putting the plan into effect will require muscle and manpower, and Horse might be able to provide that.

Finally reaching the NH, Athos climbs out of the car and goes to his van to change clothes before returning to Balls and giving him the clothes.  "Thank you, Balls.  You did your job quite well.  I will make sure to tell your superiors about it."  He watches the car zoom off before going inside and taking the elevator to his suite, where he changes into a fresh suit.  Descending to the garage level he walks to the van and drives to the Gate Casino.  Normally his membership here would be enough to get him in as a VIP, but he is unsure of his reception.  He parks in his assigned slot and secures his weapons in the smuggling compartment before leaving the van and taking the elevator to the lobby level, leaving as the door opens.  There is no need to ask where the restaurant is as tasteful signs point the way and he has been here many times.  At the door he introduces himself to the pretty hostess and indicates that he is expected and that his party should already be here.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-15-15/0557:12>
@Vanish the Keeb seems in his own world with his imaginary crowd. He seems if any a bit disappointed that nobody trash talk him this night. When he is done the performance he seats with the bartender that gives him a very passionate kiss. He seats with some guys in fancy suits and they seem to be talking business. The bartender just leaves them be.

@Athos When you arrive the hostess leads you to the elevator. You are dining at the top floor today Don Athos.  She said with a grin. As you reach the eleventh floor there is a table set for four and horse is already waiting for you. The view is spectacular this entire floor is one big window and very classy you can see the entire lake. In normal times it is a peaceful scene but today with blocked streets, still smoking buildings and a network of drones that patrol nervously around the building the scene seems less peaceful.

These rooms are no empty and only horse is waiting at the table tough it is set for four. When you approach he stands up and extends his hand, "I am glad you are still alive, is Yulia alright?"
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-15-15/2213:21>
"Would anyone loan me their comm for a moment so I can message a friend that I'm safe?" I ask into the crowd of people who are huddled with me on the boat as it slips back into the dock in Seattle.  "I'll give it right back."

The older woman who had placed a blanket on me the first time slipped her little device into my hand.  I quickly opened it up and sent a quick message to Athos.

>>Am safe back in Seattle. Still gathering information. Will contact later. Borrowed comm so don't respond. ~Y<<

I let Gi see the message before I send it to prevent him doubting my intentions.  "This is my friend who is also on the run right now after being framed at the warehouse," I explain simply.  "He's checking his own leads."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-16-15/0134:04>
Athos smiles at the Don Athos comment and excuses himself to use the restroom before getting on the elevator.  Getting Minnie's message brings a big smile to his face.  In the restroom, he goes to the vending machine and buys a condom before going to one of the stalls.  He downloads the contents of the chip to his commlink before carefully opening the condom package and placing the chip inside the condom and the condom back in the package and into his pocket.  Athos returns to the hostess and apologizes for a bit of indigestion before climbing into the elevator.  He looks around when he steps off the elevator, admiring the view.  He has never been invited to the top floor before and the view and ambience is everything he had heard it was.  He walks confidently over to the table and takes Horse's hand in a firm grip.  "Thank you.  It is good to still be among the living after the couple of days I have had."  He nods.  "Yulia is fine.  Just heard from her a minute ago, actually.  She is still following up a lead."

Athos takes the seat offered to him and says, "Are we waiting for anyone?  I have information that should could clear me, but I have to admit that it does not actually implicate anyone.  It is an interesting read, though.  Have you heard if Dona Valentina is safe?  The information should clear her as well." 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-16-15/0741:40>
@Athos Horse said, a lot have changed these days. "The family is not as united as it was, Jim-Mac,  our voice of reason is missing and assumed to be dead as well as many of the family's inner circle. You did not hear it in the news of course with multi billion cooperate buildings razed to dust and undead walking the streets,  our problems are no news at all.  One of the rockets however, did not miss it's target like claimed in the news. It destroyed a small, inexpensive and in-distinctive building in the Barrens.  Nothing at first glance, but in this 'nothing' we held an emergency meeting. A meeting to decide what do do about the Yakuza. Coincidence? extremely bad luck? I do not believe in these things. They were so discreet about that meeting that even I was not notified beforehand. They trust Valentina, not me you see I am not part of the inner circle. Even if I run the show right now at least for our branch. "

He sighs, "After such a disaster nobody in the family is going to talk to anyone else, we are back light years in the matters of trust. Somebody betrayed us and it is not just you and Yulia and Valentina. I had to find Valentina if anyone would know what to do it is her, but nobody knew anything about Valentina, none of her contacts non of her enemies nobody in the shadows she vanished without a trace. "

Horse pauses, and look you in the eyes.

"I still haven't answered your question have I?  Who is joining us?  Like I started telling you each of my investigations have been one dead end after another. Could Valentina really disappear of the face of the earth without any recorded evidence accross the city,  no contact that is willing to speak and even mages that cannot locate her with their super fancy mojo?

It was Yulia, that told me the answer. You see, Yulia has this mentor, Tony he is one of the brightest people there is. If I cannot find Valentina I wanted some advice from Tony - but as I was told Tony was also nowhere - was he? At first I was but then questioning the staff here I eventually learned that Tony has never left the Gate. Not since his meeting with Yulia, moreover Valentina has explicitly forbidden anyone to see him. That sounded a bit fishy for me, and still Zombie apocalypse and family breaking apart required extreme measures so I went to see Tony.

Guess how did that go for me? "

Horse stops dramatically, he obviously has some sense of drama. 

" Our iron lady, stayed at the Casino the entire time. She hid with Tony - her old mentor and the two seemed to be hitting continuing from where they stopped many years ago. She seemed happy, careless and completely in love with him.
It was a bit awkward to watch Valentina, so emotional but I guess they weren't expecting company. I guess we all have our soft sides - but then thinking about how lucky I was the paranoia started working overtime.

She couldn't have -  could she?

Was I extremely lucky to find her this morning? 

Is it possible that somehow, she was smart enough to play the entire family? the entire city?  All of that while locked in a warded Faradey cage ? It is a bit extreme I know, but she is legendary after all - so before they are joining us, please tell me..."

He pauses and continues with a low voice: " Who blew up the warehouse, I do not care about the actual evidence give it to Valentina, I want your honest and informal answer - what the fuck happened in there. The entire city was alarmed by this overly priced warehouse. "


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-16-15/0842:17>
@Minnie - Gi takes you to where he is staying, it is actually not very far from Strawberry. Betraying the vampire he is back to the lap of the ginger mage. It is a nice and secluded apartment in a forested area behind the Joke. You would not have recognized it if you did not know it is there, the apartment is underground. Masterfully dug in a place not accessible to heavy tools probably with the use of magic. It is smaller than Nagisa's but neatly organized. He seems to be a minimalist fellow and the house is cleaned pedantically.  As soon as he gets in he places his cyber arm in the closet and selects a synthetic one instead. His next step is the shower, where he invites you to join him.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-16-15/0941:48>
On a relatively straight part of road Kynos found time to contact DemoX again: <<Status Update, have Venom and Minnie moved yet?>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-16-15/0955:23>
@Kynos you get no reply from DemoX the call makes that sound as if the line is not connected.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-16-15/0958:12>
'Fuck. This can't be good.' Kynos altered course immediately towards the parking lot where DemoX' car hopefully still was.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-16-15/1004:01>
@When you reach there the car is there, the RCC still open is raising some black smoke, probably a data spike. DemoX is not in the car but there are some new dents and signs of struggle.  He'd never leave his car unlocked in a middle of a parking lot when the city is in such a state.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-16-15/1019:16>
Kynos cursed. 'And that's why you don't do shit like this without backup - just like me at the moment'
He looked around the scene of what probably was another abduction for any clues about the perpetrators.
'Supposing he was in VR, someone link locked him and knocked him unconscious with dump shock... Yeah that would make sense if it happened fast enough. But they also unlocked the door, so that probably wasn't a spontaneous thing. Fucking Red and all other fucking AI's.'

Looking around the parking place, Kynos called out to the nearest person he could find: "Oy, did you happen to see some people carrying away a dwarf?"

[spoiler]
Perception (Vision): Perception check w/Vision enhancement and Thermo (http://orokos.com/roll/352625): 9d6t5 1 [9d6t5=2, 3, 1, 4, 3, 1, 3, 3, 6]

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-16-15/1130:42>
@Vanish the Keeb seems in his own world with his imaginary crowd. He seems if any a bit disappointed that nobody trash talk him this night. When he is done the performance he seats with the bartender that gives him a very passionate kiss. He seats with some guys in fancy suits and they seem to be talking business. The bartender just leaves them be.

Vanish waits until their business is completed before making an approach.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-16-15/1244:20>
@Kynos Other then signs of struggles you do not see a sign of forced entry. The man tells you - " I do not know about a dwarf but there was a dogwagon here not long ago, say 30 minutes ago - it evacuated someone. half the city is dying but only go for who ever is paying."

@Vanish eventually they are done, it was a talent hunter they want Balls to make an album or anything, yet they seem to be gone and Balls remains with his girlfriend bartender.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-16-15/2301:50>
Athos nods and thinks carefully.  "My honest answer may be hard to believe.  I have identified two major players in this show.  Grail is a strong vampire leader who is trying to upset the current order.  He is behind the zombies and the missiles that destroyed parts of the city.  Somehow he coopted a highly placed Yak named Venom to his side.  If I were a betting sort of guy, I would assume that he also has a highly placed Mafia person on his payroll, too.  Venom did a lot of the physical legwork for this vampire.  The other major player is some sort of rogue nanite intelligence that goes by the name of Red.  She was a KE project that went horribly wrong.  I think that she and Grail are working together, but I do not know if they are complete partners or together as a convenience and ready to betray each other for an advantage."

"I think that they were together on the warehouse because Red set up the bomb in the building, and the trap for the Yak boss and Dona Valentina.  Venom was taking delivery of some heavy missiles and other weapons from the warehouse just prior to the meeting.  That is about as much as I know.  There is some innuendo, but nothing else solid." 

Athos looks at Horse, knowing that the others will come when they are ready, not when he is ready.  He sits back in the chair, comfortable and confident, waiting for more questions.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-17-15/0111:47>
"Thanks for the info." Kynos turned away and closed the door to the van, engaging the manual lock. He activated his commlink:
<<Sovereign, you remember when I busted you out from this island? I need a favor. Our little Dronerigger has let himself be captured by someone looking like Docwaggon. That means I lost Venom's trace.
On the plus side, he should no longer be protected from spirits while he is on the run. On the neg side, that means every fragger who has a beef with him now can find him sooner or later.
And I want to be that fragger. So if you are feeling well enough, could you please conjure some competent little spirit to search for those two? Starting point would be the address attached to this message.
Call me back as soon as you get this message, no matter if you do it or not, I'll try to find them the old fashioned way.>>

He then sent a message to Athos explaining the situation

Finally he started his bike up and drove to the point DemoX had told him where Minnie and Venom had gone ashore.
"Hey you there. Have you seen my friends? A naked ork and a hot chick, also naked? Where did they go?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-17-15/0701:31>
No dreams, no nightmares, only restlessness.  The easy part was falling asleep, the hard part was staying asleep.  Vehemence or some other frenzied energy roused him from his bed.  Maxwell sits up and clasps his face with his hands to shake the blurriness from his eyes.  He gets up and walks over to his bathroom to brush his teeth and relieve himself, well not exactly in that order.  Once finished he stares into his own pale gaunt face, dark circles underline his sunken-in eyes.  He sighs heavily and starts going through his stuff for a fresh set of his standard shadow garb.  Once found he puts on his clean clothes and grabs the rest of his street gear, armor and all. 

[spoiler]Roughly 3 Hours of Recovery (http://orokos.com/roll/352821): 3#11d6t5 4 5 4 Nearly glitched on one of those.[/spoiler]

He lazily mumbles to himself.  "I wonder what time it is?  Hopefully close to nightfall."  Reaching into his pocket he fishes out the burner on loan from Kynos.  Maxwell activates the AR interface to check both time and messages.  The time was only 3:37 P.M; With one message left from Kynos.  He goes over it with little interest at first, but as he absorbs the information he rereads it again in fervor.  "Hmmmm, a mixed blessing.  A sign of approval from The Black Knight himself for my diligent hatred.  Let's see if I can find the ork first, then i'll help look for the dwarf."  Maxwell heads back to his bed to lie down in preparation.

He astral projects, flying high above the city.  High above the maelstrom of negative emotions and pollution that hinders his spellcraft.  Crying out, he calls forth his favored kind of spirit to aid him.  "You, you're made of fire, never higher.  You were born under the sun, forced to run.  We'll cry to the blood-red sun, in a voice born of stone and dust."

[spoiler]Summoning Force 7 Fire Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/352822): 15d6t5 2
Second Chance (http://orokos.com/roll/352823): 13d6t5 6
Bad Luck (http://orokos.com/roll/352824): 1d6 2
Spirit Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/352825): 8d6t5 2
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/352826): 11d6t5 7
Force 8 Fire Spirit summoned with 5 Services.  No Drain.  Spent 1 point of Edge.
Optional Powers - Fear and Search.
Let's call this Spirit, Heaven's Bane.[/spoiler]
[spoiler]Credit goes to Gilga for the inspiration.
(http://orig13.deviantart.net/b324/f/2011/338/f/e/balrog_by_whitegrifon-d4i520x.jpg)[/spoiler]

With his new demonic servant summoned, he ghosts back to his body.  Determined, he gets out of bed and walks outside.  He looks around briefly before whipping out his comm to text back.

@Kynos - <<Thank you for letting me know.  I'm going to try and locate Venom first, then i'll send help to search for your friend.  I'll let you know if I find anything.>>

Maxwell forms a mental image of Venom within his mind and opens up a telepathic link to Heaven's Bane.  "Find Venom, and once you do then guide me to his location."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-17-15/0934:11>
@Vanish eventually they are done, it was a talent hunter they want Balls to make an album or anything, yet they seem to be gone and Balls remains with his girlfriend bartender.

Once the others are gone, Vanish levers himself up and approaches saying lowly, "You would be the one who goes by 'Balls', correct?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-18-15/0332:41>
@Maxwell the Daemon say with its terrible voice "FOOL MAGE! YOU ARE BLIND TO SEE THAT YOUR PRIZE IS JUST UNDER YOUR NOSE! DID YOU SUMMON ME TO MOCK ME MORTAL? YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS INSULT!"
Venom is 100 meters away from you. That much you know and the daemon... he is really pissed for this kind of service.


@ Kynos it is unclear exactly where did they meet, the last report from DemoX was somewhere between the city and the island in the ocean. There are plenty of camera feeds around, shops gas stations traffic lights security - nobody could truly disappear.

@Athos Horse tells you "It seems as if you have been busy" It is not long before Valentina and Tony arrive. Tony is more than a head taller than the somewhat plain donna Valentina. By the myth around her name you'd expect her to be as big as a troll.
She smiles happily and seat with you.   "They have some good selection of wines, I'd go for something red and strong that matches the meat we are going to have"  Are her first words.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-18-15/0359:31>
[spoiler]
Tracking: Tracking (http://orokos.com/roll/353153): 7d6t5 3

[/spoiler]
Kynos wasn't discouraged. He slapped the KE insignia back on his armor and began to ask around for the two fugitives - there were a lot more people on the street than he'd have expected after a zombie outbreak and he did his best to reassure them that he'd shoot any undead while he combed the area.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-18-15/0549:12>
Athos smiles and nods to Horse.  "I have indeed been quite busy.  And I expect to be even busier in the near future." 

He stands respectfully when Dona Valentina makes her appearance and waits for her to sit before returning to his chair.  He nods when she mentions wine and raises a finger to summon one of the staff to place an order for some "very nice" red wine.  It is not his place yet to lead off the discussion, so he waits for his boss to say something.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-18-15/0717:29>
Listening to his own spirit talk back to him in such a manner was chilling to say the least.  Never in his career as an illegal magician have his servants ever spoken to him like that.  Usually they don't say a word unless he tells them to, let alone threaten him.  What's changed?  Maxwell looks around rapidly in a state of paranoia, half wondering if he's still asleep.  In some kind of lucid hell.  He unsheathes his knife and very carefully pricks his finger.  He feels the cold steel cut into his skin and the pain of the blade severing flesh.  Eagerly he watches a few droplets of crimson hit the ground.  No, he's awake alright.

Maxwell inhales sharply and sheathes his knife.  He could still feel the link between himself and his spirit.  Like an astral chain to his mind and soul.  This isn't a dream and he did actually summon an angry vengeful demonic fire spirit.  Then suddenly, out of nowhere, it hits him.  He remembers that he told Heaven's Bane to find Venom and tell him about his location.  Not only did his dark servant find him, but apparently Venom is very close by.  Suspiciously close.

Maxwell crosses his arms and begins to think things out.  "If what my spirit is saying is true, then he's been hiding here the entire time.  But... that doesn't make any sense.  Why would Strawberry send me to go find the guy if he's practically in my backyard?"  He crosses his arms tighter and starts to frown.  "No, I might be going about this the wrong way.  I have two ideas, my first is that Venom is out of places to hide and he came back here hoping Strawberry would give him asylum."  Maxwell bares tooth and fang as his heart starts filling with rage.  "Or those two have been working together from the start.  It doesn't matter now, she can't protect him from my wrath any longer!"

He addresses his spirit with a furious commanding tone.  "Yes, you are correct.  It'd be a waste of your time to not unleash your power and strength.  That was the big point as to why I summoned you, to spread your fire.  My next task for you is to tell Venom to come to the front of the Joke and meet me.  If he doesn't do that immediately then immolate him until only ash remains."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-18-15/1538:22>
@Kynos it does not take long to track them. The boat is still in the water and inside the boat there are many items, including an anti theft camera - it photographed them getting on a taxi, that you could get a partial id for. On the way to figure out with the taxi company who picked them up you remember that you paid a decker good money to trace a bug in Venom's hair.
Perhaps it is a good time to see how good he really was?

@Maxwell - The daemon say "I am not your errant boy mortal - fool I am more powerful than you are! YOU should be working for me." He disappears and you can feel that the connection between you and the spirit is growing weaker. The Daemon does not attempts to stop it but it is being banished. It is a tickling sensation you are not sure if the daemon arrives at Venom but he is no longer under your control. One thing that the Daemon says surprises you... more powerful than you? you are typically careful not to risk your life pulling arch daemons out of the haveans. How can that be? That said you better act quickly, whomever banished your spirit is probably not very far.

[spoiler]
made some banishing rolls spirit is gone but you drained the mage a bit. You would not beleive how lucky you are!
1. Banishing (http://orokos.com/roll/353318): 18d6t5 4
2. defense (http://orokos.com/roll/353319): 8d6t5 3
lost 1
drain (http://orokos.com/roll/353320): 18d6t5 5 1 physical to evil Strawberry.

Banishing (http://orokos.com/roll/353321): 18d6t5 5
resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/353322): 8d6t5 1
dRAIN (http://orokos.com/roll/353323): 18d6t5 4
spirit gone... now this was the evil part! to try and summon it (would have been so funny if it worked!)
Summoning (trap spirit) (http://orokos.com/roll/353324): 18d6t5 2 (almost glitch)
Summoning (trap spirit)-resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/353325): 8d6t5 5

Strawberry could not summon your spirit. (cool tricks with banishing heh?)



[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-18-15/1652:30>
Maxwell could not believe the audacity.  Not only was his spirit talking down to him but someone had the gall to banish his servant.  "What the hell did he mean that he's more powerful than me?  Every mage worth their salt knows to never summon something bigger than themselves.  He was definitely under my control though, and he performed the service I gave him.  What the fuck is going on?"

He shakes his head in frustration, barely understanding the problems he's facing.  "Wait... He was bound to me, I felt that, I didn't imagine that!  But how was he stronger than me?  I didn't do anything different from normal.  Something else too is bothering me, someone severed my control from him.  The only other mage here that I know of is Strawberry.  This drek is getting ridiculous now!  How dare she control how I practice my craft!"

It's high time he has a nice long "talk" to Strawberry, and how he only has so much patience for games.  Before that he gets out his comm real quick.

@Kynos - <<I found Venom, sorta.  He's hiding out roughly 100 meters somewhere from the Joke.  I don't know his exact location though.  What's worse is that I think Strawberry banished my spirit that I just summoned.  I can't risk summoning another one currently or else it might go berserk and start rampaging throughout the Barrens.>>

He pockets his comm and heads around to the entrance of the Joke.  He walks inside with his hands in his pockets and his mouth curled into a twisted look of hate.  He exhales angrily through his nose and begins to look around for that idiot ginger elf.

[spoiler]Yeah it was a neat trick.  Spirits hate being summoned right after being banished though.  Not that it matters right now.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-18-15/2028:48>
It's been a long morning after a long previous day and it's been forever since she's felt clean, so Minnie gratefully accepts the invitation and follows Gi into the running water.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-18-15/2258:42>
@Athos the wines are very good and so do the steak, the city almost looks peaceful from the top floor and Valentina, Horse and Tony all appear to be enjoying themselves. It is only after you are all done, including desert that Valentina gets to business.
She say:
"The Finnegans have seen better days, our money was stolen and our lines were infiltrated, these are bad news for the family but these are good news for us, should we continue now we can become the dominant force in the family, but we lost so much already. Athos I know you did not blow up that warehouse, I know I did not blow it up and honestly the simplest explanation seems to be the most probable who ever did that wanted me and Andu dead, wanted us to go to war with another syndicate and the goal was to weaken us and keep us busy. The hit on the family leaders just confirms what I suspected, there is a traitor inside our ranks. Nobody is going to cooperate with us, the family is no more. Trust can be established but only when things calm down, I have prepared quite a bit of funds on credsticks, offline and unhackable. The original goal was to buy us a piece of land in the Barrens. The matrix is no longer safe for us, our goal remains as before and we will need a loyal decker, our top priority will be to find one. Perhaps Yulia's girlfriend can help there.

We want to gain control over Turistville and the areas next to it, no military coup nor an undead invasion are going to change that. UCAS are a strong nation and they can solve their own problems. If they cannot solve these problems than we can also be successful with a new order. With all this Chaos and the our relative wealth we can make this an opportunity to growth.

Athos - if someone wants to kill you they'll have to try, you are strong and difficult to kill. Hiding is not for you!  I do want to eventually know who is our enemy but we need a land of our own, not Finnegan land our land a place where we can collect our taxes and establish a functioning power base. It cannot be Bellevue or any other part of the city where the other Finnegan's are going to be competing with us and interfering with our business.  We are going into the Barrens and what ever gangs are active in there they will have to be dealt with.

I gave you a shopping list, how are you progressing on that list? "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-18-15/2321:22>
@Minnie It is good to shower, and it is even better to shower with someone that desires you. The only thing that breaks the harmony is a huge fire spitting Daemon that materialize next to you. Scorching the floor and activating anti fire protection. Chocking in pain from the water and fire extinguisher it say "Soverigns will meet you in the Joke, if you do not come I will kill you! Puny mortal" In an uncharacteristic bravery Gi laughs, "Oh really ? You are going to kill me. "  he places a strong emphasis about the word kill .
"Yes mortal I will burn you so quickly that it will only takes you a second to die... are you coming or can I get on with my job." Gi answered "So let me get it straight - if I am not going to come to the joke you are going to KILL me... if I come to the Joke Sovereign is going to KILL me in there... you leave me with many exciting options."

It takes Minnie a bit to understand why her naked and defenseless lover is not alarmed by the fire daemon - he even seem to make him very angry - but the Daemon awaits his reply as to weather or not he is coming to the Joke. Saying the word KILL so many times did the trick and the fire Daemon disappears to the same place he came from. When it is gone Gi passionately kisses you and then say "The one good thing about Strawberry is that she just 'knows' everything that goes on in her domain. She is the most capable mage the Yakuza has access to. I knew she could do that."

 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-19-15/0509:32>
Athos enjoys the meal immensely.  He knows from prior experience that Dona Valentina will not discuss business until after dessert.  When all is finished and the brandy is served, he listens to what his boss has to say.  Nodding his head, he waits until she is finished and asks her question before replying.  "I admire the boldness of your plan, Dona Valentina and you have my complete support and loyalty.  I have been involved in determining our innocence in the matter of the assassination attempt that I have not completed the second phase of the list.  We own the former Yakuza warehouse, even if it is now mostly splinters and masonry dust.  With your permission, I will stop focusing on further identifying who the enemy plotter is and return to securing the loyalty of the people in the other two buildings.  He pauses to look at the other three.  "I will try to secure a decker, but I do not know if Nagisa is available.  If she is, we will need to make other arrangements to secure her trust and cooperation.  And how many soldiers do I have at my disposal to get this rolling?  We will not be able to ask for taxes if we cannot protect the people, and for that I will need guards and enforcers."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-19-15/1109:46>
"...the fuck." Kynos once again corrected his course and drove back to the place where this whole clusterfuck began. Maybe he would arrive only to see a pile of ashes and a glowing cyberarm, but somehow he didn't think so. Venom had survived quite a lot since Kynos had spared his life - primarily because he hadn't had an offer for Venom's head at this point in time.
'Some things have to be solved chrome on chrome - or in my case tungsten alloy on chrome and bone.'
He replied:
<<Seems like I'll have another discussion with Ginger Elf. Give me the exact address, I'll make sure he is pacified for transport. Love Kynos>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-20-15/0354:22>
@Maxwell Before you arrive to the Joke you might notice the noise disabling your comlink. If you did not notice the noise you clearly notice the smell of burned electronics. Some cocky decker is sending data spikes up your way, as you reach for the comlink you can feel that a spirit is trying to posses your body.

[spoiler]
Data Spike (http://orokos.com/roll/353886): 12d6t5 3
Data Spike 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/353887): 12d6t5 6
Data Spike 3 (http://orokos.com/roll/353888): 12d6t5 5
resist with firewall + intuition (I think)  Damage is (6 matrix + net hits)

If you are possesed then the device is toast. If you are not possesed you can turn it off to avoid all but the first data spikes.

F5 spirit F*2 Vs willpower + intuition
Posses Maxwell (http://orokos.com/roll/353889): 10d6t5 3

if you want to enter combat you'd better roll initiative.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-20-15/0440:27>
Something is trying to seize control of his body, trying to shackle and leash his will.  He musters all of his rage, hate, passion and strength of will to barricade himself from this alien force.

[spoiler]Resist Possession (http://orokos.com/roll/353895): 11d6t5 4[/spoiler]

The weakling spirit is no match against Maxwell's force of will, he quickly overpowers and deflects it.  He smells the burning electronics of his Meta-Link and reaches into his pocket to turn it off.  Not wanting to risk anything, he throws it on the ground and smashes it into little pieces with weight of several foot stomps.  This was the last straw, someone not only banished his servant but tried to possess him as well.  That's rather odd considering spirit possession is something like voodoo.  Perhaps Strawberry isn't a black mage like he thought before but something more insidious and subtle.  Maxwell can figure that out later, right now he's hyper-alert and prepared for battle.

[spoiler]Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/353896): 1d6+8 12[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-20-15/0506:09>
@Athos   
Quote
"I admire the boldness of your plan, Dona Valentina and you have my complete support and loyalty.  I have been involved in determining our innocence in the matter of the assassination attempt that I have not completed the second phase of the list.  We own the former Yakuza warehouse, even if it is now mostly splinters and masonry dust.  With your permission, I will stop focusing on further identifying who the enemy plotter is and return to securing the loyalty of the people in the other two buildings.  He pauses to look at the other three.  "I will try to secure a decker, but I do not know if Nagisa is available.  If she is, we will need to make other arrangements to secure her trust and cooperation.  And how many soldiers do I have at my disposal to get this rolling?  We will not be able to ask for taxes if we cannot protect the people, and for that I will need guards and enforcers."

Valentina sighs, "Give me what you have and I'll find that traitor and execute him. I do not want A DECKER I want NAGISA. We are not asking if she is available, we are taking her with or without the blessing of Don Carlos. There are not many soldiers left, You, Yulia Bruno there is us and we have 20 more security guards on the pay roll of the Gates that can be trusted. We do not have the muscle and we only have the funds because I secured a large amount of money on credsticks - the Gates makes that kind of stockpiling reasonable without people snooping around. About that warehouse I do not care about the state but we need the nearby buildings. It is not 'What' it is 'Where' this area is extremely important for us. We need access to these lands. "


@Maxwell, something feels odd, but there is no obvious attacker, but somthing is wrong - you are litterally standing on your attacker the earth underneath you opens its big mouth and attempts to swallow you.


[spoiler]
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/353900): 11+2d6 19
Engulf (http://orokos.com/roll/353901): 10d6t5 5
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-20-15/0538:39>
Maxwell sees the gaping maw of earth and goes on the defensive to avoid being chomped.

[spoiler]Full Defense Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/353908): 14d6t5 1 -10 to Initiative = 2
Second Chance (http://orokos.com/roll/353909): 13d6t5 6
Bad Luck (http://orokos.com/roll/353910): 1d6 5
Spent 1 point of Edge.  Dodged the Engulf.  I'm now out of Edge.[/spoiler]

Through sheer will or dumb luck, Maxwell avoided the dirt pit trap and got out of the way successfully.  He runs to and inside the Joke, in an effort to lose the spirit and engage the likely summoner instead.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-20-15/0621:43>
@Maxwell - when you enter the Joke you see some gangers drinking and having fun, the place is loaded it seems like nobody wants to leave this domain as it was somehow protected from the Chaos in the city. The ginger elf is there on the tap, serving clients silently like usual, in fact you have never seen another bartender in that joint.
Your attacker did not seem to follow you inside, the seconds pass and no fireball or other form of hostility is performed by anyone.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-20-15/0624:19>
@Kynos the call disconnects  and it is the same sound as with DemoX line disconnected.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-20-15/0636:13>
Kynos cursed and dialed Athos while he made sure to keep his firewall in active mode:
<<Heads up: Sovereign has found Venom in Ginger Elf's territory, now his commlink is dead like DemoX'. Take care that you are not targeted next - a fake Doc Waggon might be on its way to collect you.>>

Kynos reved up his bikes engine and sped along. It wasn't far now.

[spoiler]
Full Matrix defense just in case: INT+FW+WIL= 16, LOG+FW+WIL=13
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-20-15/0706:41>
Maxwell wells up with fury at the sight of all these fools drinking themselves silly when they should be preparing for war instead.  "What is this, carelessness?  It's like they're trapped in tranquility.  Too blind to accept reality, too craven to face danger.  These morons are lulled in with a false sense of security and happily drink all their cares away.  If they want to sit down and do nothing, fine!  I however won't let Strawberry think she can fool me into this intoxicant prison."

He conjures forth astral fire within his hands and volleys a bolt of it.  Aiming not at anyone in particular but at the bar rack behind Strawberry, where all the most expensive wines and vodkas sit.

[spoiler]Force 7 Flamethrower (http://orokos.com/roll/353917): 15d6t5 7
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/353918): 11d6t5 3
I take 1 Stun.[/spoiler]

The stream of hellfire explodes all the pricey alcohol upon impact.  Causing a loud boom that echos throughout the bar, silencing the revelry and causing everyone to stop what they are doing and stare at Maxwell.

He glares at Strawberry and projects his voice at her.  "If you want to entrap these morons and have them believe that they are safe and sound, go right ahead, I won't stop you.  But the moment you interfere in my craft and try to shackle me, try to enslave me!  Then I stop considering you a friend and you become my foe! I only ask that you take the situation seriously and stop playing these games."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-20-15/0719:57>
@Maxwell your shot of fire quickly burns the expensive alcohol and the ginger elf looks at you with amazement as if not sure what to do, she does not resist when you grab her. She seemed confused, unable to adjust to the situation. She feels soft to touch, delicate and smells intoxicating. Exactly like you expected, but perhaps she is possessed? These blank and emotionless eyes are not the lusting eyes of the lady that got you drunk the last time you visited the Joke.

Many people leave the joint as you begin to shot fire but many do not. One of the people tell you "The only thing that keeps you alive is that the Ginger, does not like violence, leave her and I might not fill your body with holes right here right now. We do not talk to the red lady, look directly at her and definitely do not touch her or trash her joint - is that clear?"  A brief look at who is talking to you, human forties - armed and tattooed. There are eight, maybe ten, over five is difficult to count with a brief look they seem to be pissed off and armed.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-20-15/0727:21>
Once the others are gone, Vanish levers himself up and approaches saying lowly, "You would be the one who goes by 'Balls', correct?"

It is usually Trogs that call me THAT, and they usually throw things when they say it. He laughs but the name stuck, you can call me Balls no problem. Is there something you wanted?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-20-15/1201:38>
Maxwell looked hard into her eyes, squinting as he does.  He could touch, see and smell her, almost exactly as he remembered.  But it's like she's a different person than when they first met.  He began to think and go over the reasons why she is this way.  "Either i'm touching a very convincing illusion or someone has done something they shouldn't have.  The way she's acting could be a form of thought control or outright spirit possession.  I need to take her somewhere else, to someone else and undo this nonsense.  Have to deal with the idiots behind me first, only one sure fire way of doing that."

He would only get one chance of pulling this off.  A risky gamble, but one he has to take.  Swiftly he turns around and faces the brute squad with a handful of reagents.  He evokes a large amount of magical power and lobs a heavy orb of intense heat and flame.  Aiming at a spot far enough away that Strawberry and himself would not be caught in the blast wave.  Effectively burning up the gangers in an unholy inferno.

[spoiler]Spending 7 Reagents to reset the Limit to 7
Force 12 Fireball (http://orokos.com/roll/353944): 15d6t5 7
DV: 16 AP: - 12 Area: 12 Meters. No Scatter. This should be a surprise, not entirely sure.
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/353945): 11d6t5 3
I take 8 Stun[/spoiler]

The Drain from the spell was immense.  Maxwell could feel his body burning up as he channeled the mana required for the spell.  Blood starts involuntarily pouring out of his nose and mouth.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-20-15/1221:27>
Athos slides a Meta 'link across the table to Valentina.  "Dona Valentina, this commlink is loaded with the chip I have recovered, along with all of my other information on the assassination attempt.  Some of the information is unsubstantiated and some is simple guesswork.  And about Nagisa, Don Carlos does not have control of her at this time.  I know where she is and will try to secure her help, but it will not come easy.  I will contact Bruno.  He is a good soldier and I am glad that he remains loyal.  I may also have some people I can call on.  I will secure those buildings, Dona Valentina.  Do I have access to additional funds?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-20-15/1427:54>
It is usually Trogs that call me THAT, and they usually throw things when they say it. He laughs but the name stuck, you can call me Balls no problem. Is there something you wanted?


"Yes," Vanish says quietly, "I was told that you might be able to help me with locating a specific individual." He calls up the image of his target on his comm to show to the man.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-20-15/1611:55>
@Maxwell The inferno burns the entire place, the gangers are dead, anyone still in there is looking out for the window and the massive fireball have set fire to the wooden structure. Strawberry lunch at you with super human agility and a strength that is more appropriate for a troll. Her face is still without any specific expression, if any she seems happy - a bit flirty as if she is serving you a drink. You almost want that lighting fist to hit you but at the speed her hands are moving, such a hit would be deadly. She is not goofing around. The odd thing is that once you tossed the fireball she became happy as if the moment you decided to burn her joint she suddenly knew what to do.

[spoiler]
You can refresh edge because burning the fireball and slapping yourself in the process is a cool concept.
Unarmed (http://orokos.com/roll/353988): 16d6t5 4
We now roll initiative:
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/353989): 11+1d6 16
if she go first she'll settle for an extra punch.
Unarmed (http://orokos.com/roll/353990): 16d6t5 5
[/spoiler]

@Kynos - you are not very far from the Joke where you see the building is on fire and many people are running out of it.

@Athos Valentina say "You are terrible at hiding things, she is Yulia's girlfriend - isn't she? This is why I trust her. What is the matter? "

@Minnie celebrating his little victory Venom kisses you passionately and embraces you. Your passion is only disturbed by the sound of the voice system indicating an incoming call. The message is brief "Fire! help - many wounded and dead at the Joke come quickly toxic mage!" The voice is a bit similar to Nagisa's but you cannot be sure the content of the words took too much attention and the voice is gone as soon as it appeared.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-20-15/1639:24>
"I'm late for the party it seems." Kynos took the curb with his bike's off-road suspension, racing across the grass in front of the abandoned church, trying to avoid the running people. A hard breaking later he had left a deep furrow in the law in front of the Joke.
With a quick, practiced motion he pulled the assault rifle from his duffel bag. The magazine indicated that he still had gel rounds loaded, but the reserve mag with APDS was conveniently located in a quick access pocket.
With measured steps he moved towards the burning hole in the Joke's front wall, engaging the environmental seal of his armor to avoid smoke inhalation.

[spoiler]
I'll probably arrive around round 3 or 10 seconds after first spotting the fire.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-20-15/1650:10>
Athos looks a bit puzzled.  "I am not hiding anything, Dona Valentina.  Yes, Nagisa is Yulia's girlfriend, but she has been taken from Don Carlos and moved to a new location.  At this point, I may have little influence on her.  I will speak with her, though, and try to get her to throw in with us.  Right now, Yulia is undercover and following a lead that might bring us still closer to who was behind this.  I cannot reach her at this time.  She will contact me when she can."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-20-15/1658:55>
Before Maxwell could truly appreciate the glorious destruction that he caused, he was being assaulted by the person he sought to protect.  The Drain took a hefty toll and left him too sluggish to properly defend himself.

[spoiler]Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/354000): 5d6t5 1
Soak Roll (http://orokos.com/roll/354001): 15d6t5 8
If my math is correct then Sovereign's Stun CM is full with 2P of overflow.[/spoiler]

Seeing her lifeless, vaguely happy expression was the last thing Maxwell saw before her blow connected.  Her fist slammed into his abdomen like a freight train.  Everything went black and he collapses to the ground unconscious.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-20-15/1724:34>
@Athos Valentina asks "Who took her from Don Carlos? and where is she now? "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-20-15/1744:26>
@Kynos as you approach the Joke there are many people who try to put out the fire. Water buckets pipes, drones the place is a zoo. Strawberry is on the street healing people. She seems upset, and the place is in chaos, some of the yaks nod at you with acknowledgement as you fearlessly enter the burning building. It has become an inferno in there and you hear cries from the top floor. Someone is trapped int here.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-20-15/1807:59>
It is usually Trogs that call me THAT, and they usually throw things when they say it. He laughs but the name stuck, you can call me Balls no problem. Is there something you wanted?


"Yes," Vanish says quietly, "I was told that you might be able to help me with locating a specific individual." He calls up the image of his target on his comm to show to the man.

Balls answer I can do many things but I don't work for strangers - that person is troubles I'd forget all about him. What ever they offer you it is not worth it. This much I give you for free.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-20-15/1811:42>
'Great, now what' Kynos looked around and called out: "Sovereign? Was that you?"
The screams where getting on his nerves - how was he supposed to find his chummer like this? The rising temperature didn't improve the situation.
"Ah what the hell, you kill some, you save some." With that he made his way towards the screams, charging simply through any closed doors or obstacles in his way
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-20-15/1930:55>
Athos considers his response.  "Who is not so important, Dona Valentina.  Nagisa was being removed from the safe house to be questioned about her involvement in the attempted assassination.  The transport was intercepted and she is now under the care and protection of a very powerful mage.  I believe that her loyalty to the Finnigans is well gone, but she has helped me since and may again.  I will talk to her."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-20-15/2106:19>
"A fire?" I parrot after the voice is gone.  The passion drains from me and I back away from my lover's wet embrace.  "Gi, I need to go there.  It might be best for you to stay out of sight, though."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-20-15/2123:37>
Balls answer I can do many things but I don't work for strangers - that person is troubles I'd forget all about him. What ever they offer you it is not worth it. This much I give you for free.


Leaning forward, Vanish presses on saying, "I just need to know where this person's most common hangouts are and where he was last seen. I can take care of things from there."

[spoiler]
I want to try a Negotiation here, but the roller I use seems to have vanished into the ether (and I don't want to create a login for such a site).

Wanting to spend Edge to try to ensure this works, so: 5 Charisma + 2 Negotiation + 4 Edge = 11 Dice with no Limit and 'explosions'.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-21-15/1509:07>
@Kynos There are two children on the second floor - the one you heared seems very hysteric while the other simple stares at the fire blankly as if accepted his fate. The screamer is about 7 or 8 and the oddly peaceful child is no more than 3. When they look at you the scremer cries save us, while the other just gives you a blank look. You can tell that the eyes of the 3 years old are already cybereyes.

@Athos Valentina say " I do not believe it can be, Nagisa has grown from birth with the family she will never betray us. Not even when faced with death, you under estimate her if she stayed with the mage she did so to unlock her secrets I am certain of it. She was born to be loyal - you have to understand that she almost has no choice. Tell her I am looking for her, she'll know how to find me."

@Minnie Gi grabs a cyberarm and a few clothes and runs out, the Joke is being consumed by a rather large fire. People are trying to get out running to put the fire down. Strawberry is in the street treating the wounded with both mudnane and magical methods and evicting them. the rest seem to have given up on the Joke and are now trying to make sure that the fire do not spread out of it to nearby buildings.

@Vanish 'Balls' Say:  He is the kind that hangs around with vampires and mages, steals equipment from the military in the same ease local gangers collect protection. I am not sure if I should get involved in these kinds of business - you seem to be a merchant of death.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-21-15/1534:30>
Kynos sighed internally. What a time to be reminded of his own family. Without hesitation, he went to the nearby window and yanked it open.
"Stop screaming." He grabbed the seven year old and dangled him out of the window.
"HEY YOU, YOU USELESS GAPERS. YES, YOU IN THE BLUE SHIRT AND YOU IN THE UGLY BEIGE SWEATER, MOVE YOUR ASSES OVER HERE AND CATCH THE CHILD OR I'LL RIP YOUR ARMS OFF!"
Once the two were in position, Kynos leaned down as much as he could and dropped the screaming child.
"GET BACK IN POSITION, THERE IS ANOTHER ONE."

At this moment, Kynos realized, that the flames had reached the stairs and the little child had began to choke.
'Well, better broken bones than scorched lungs.' Kynos took the little meat bag and tossed it - carefully to the people below.

Somewhere below a loadbearing element gave way and the whole building lurched a few centimeters.
"There she goes."
Without waiting another second, he fished the microwire from his pocket, looped it around the radiator below the window and abseiled as fast as he could.

[spoiler]
Climbing check: Climbing (http://orokos.com/roll/354191): 12d6t5 5

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-21-15/1608:59>
@Vanish 'Balls' Say:  He is the kind that hangs around with vampires and mages, steals equipment from the military in the same ease local gangers collect protection. I am not sure if I should get involved in these kinds of business - you seem to be a merchant of death.

With a shrug, Vanish responds, "The only involvement you'll have is letting me know where to find him. Nothing else is necessary."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-21-15/1643:14>
@Kynos you toss the hysteric boy down right into the hands of some of the people, it is not that far actually. The apathic one just jumps out on his own. Did you just see that?! you are not sure you are down on the floor and Strawberry catch you for a chat she seems to be genuinely upset. She say nothing but you can feel her voice in your mind.

"I secured Venom, he arrived this morning. Getting him out of the city is not going to be easy but we have him and he is willing to cooperate. This fire was Sovereign,  he was compromised - turned into a mindless puppet.  He went completely banana's, murdered 8 people burned this place down. He even attempted to kill Venom. I have heard rumors of these things but I did not believe it - something is taking control over mages in the city turns them into puppets with magical muscle....

Never mind that - I got a lead about the vampire who took Venom if you would like to collect on these 50k and we could still use your help on getting him on a plane and making sure leaves safely, but I would not move him before that vampire is down - magically skilled and dangerous and who knows how he found Venom to begin with. Drained five of my men without them firing a single bullet. You've seen that work - he is too hot to move right now. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-21-15/1647:41>
Balls says "I am not exactly sure where he is right now - but Strawberry was looking for him few days ago. He is under her protection, easy on the eyes but completely insane mage. Careful how much you drink around her - she got the voice that would boil your blood. If she does not have him than the Vampire at the military base must have. You should visit that base it is a true wonderland."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-21-15/1855:10>
By the time we arrive, it doesn't seem like there's anything I can do to help rescue anyone else from the burning building.  Timbers are starting to crack and the wooden edifice is clearly won't fend off gravity much longer.  Instead, I slip over to Strawberry hand in hand with Gi.  "What can the two of us do?" I ask her when it looks like she is free to respond.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-21-15/2017:14>
Athos nods at his mistress.  "I will tell her, Dona Valentina.  Do you have other instructions for me?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-22-15/0216:34>
Balls says "I am not exactly sure where he is right now - but Strawberry was looking for him few days ago. He is under her protection, easy on the eyes but completely insane mage. Careful how much you drink around her - she got the voice that would boil your blood. If she does not have him than the Vampire at the military base must have. You should visit that base it is a true wonderland."

"Now we're getting somewhere," Vanish says, "Now which military base are you referring to, and where would this 'Strawberry' be found?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-22-15/0242:30>
"I secured Venom, he arrived this morning. Getting him out of the city is not going to be easy but we have him and he is willing to cooperate. This fire was Sovereign,  he was compromised - turned into a mindless puppet.  He went completely banana's, murdered 8 people burned this place down. He even attempted to kill Venom. I have heard rumors of these things but I did not believe it - something is taking control over mages in the city turns them into puppets with magical muscle....

Never mind that - I got a lead about the vampire who took Venom if you would like to collect on these 50k and we could still use your help on getting him on a plane and making sure leaves safely, but I would not move him before that vampire is down - magically skilled and dangerous and who knows how he found Venom to begin with. Drained five of my men without them firing a single bullet. You've seen that work - he is too hot to move right now. "


'Well, hello again. Didn't I mention that I hate intruders in my head?
But at least you did use the right code word: 50.000NY. I don't mind taking care of Grail if you can give me a pointer in his direction.
Which leads me straight to Venom: You say you have him secured. I want to see where he is and an assurance that he won't escape. If that's the case I'll escort him personally and safely into a plane to leave your responsibility. If he escapes again, I'll hunt him down - again. My employer also still needs his confession about all things connected to the AI Red and the vampire Grail.

I also want to see Sovereign. I don't care if he is mad. I need his help to locate a kidnapped associate of mine. His behavior is most likely explained with a nanite infection - RED again. You should pulse him with EMP to alleviate that. If you can't do that give him to me. I know someone who can. Don't worry - I already apprehended him yesterday night on the council island after he escaped custody.

So, what is your answer?'

Kynos thought while he typed a message to Athos: <<I'm at the Joke. Sovereign supposedly burned it down and has been apprehended by the Ginger Elf. I'm in negotiations to have him released. Venom is also here somewhere and so Minnie probably too. I'm trying to secure him too - can you arrange for a small plane, so I can fulfill my contract with Ginger and have him out of here responsibility before I turn my attention to the other contract? Love Kynos>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-22-15/0503:35>
Kynos Strawberry say "I do not speak in public, sorry - I do not know who 'Grail' is - I know about a Vampire that tried to kill my ward. About Maxwell - you'll be able to see him once he is delivered to the authorities I have insurance issues - and these people are worse than the knights - they actually investigate. But he killed at least 8 people and caused massive damage.  I know you two are friends so seeing him is out of the question. About questioning him for your other employer this was not part of the deal.

I need him on a public plain to Tokyo arrived safely and verfied to be on the plane - if you are going to follow him to Japan be my guest but he leaves her safely, if you cannot help me with this thing I understand but lets not separate like enemies. If you take the deed you do the job."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-22-15/0529:40>
@Vanish "Strawberry was living near the Joke but some asshole burned it down few hours ago - no idea where she would go but she never leaves that area. Military base is to the south, you cannot miss it - but it was redecorated you'll see."


@Minnie Strawberry's voice in your mind tells you - "I have an uneasy feeling that people are trying to play me. Gi needs to leave this place safely and it is getting very difficult to protect him. That mage was something  you do not see every day. Very talented and probably twisted by his own mojo. I need to you to make sure that Gi is safe do what ever is necessary it appears that someone has placed such a large bounty on his head that every greedy scum in this city will be after him. The Yakuaza are also very clear about it they need him out of the city as soon as possible - they place a lot of pressure there.'
"

On the surface, she is not even looking at you, she just watches the Joke burns and cries. It is not long before several of her men are urging her to get undercover and say that she might be in danger. She seem really shaken.


The two children tossed by Kynos like a bag of meat seem all too happy now. As if none of this have ever happened and they run happily to play in the small wooded area behind the joke. There is something odd about them.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-22-15/0551:48>
'No. You might have a reason to protect murderous scum like Venom, but you will not keep Sovereign. I've just saved two children from your building - I've two lives good. I will collect.'
 
Kynos went to his bike.
<<Athos, Ginger is uncooperative. You might want to suspend your contract with me until I've dealt with this matter - there might be fallout. Love Kynos>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-22-15/0947:04>
Athos has felt the vibration of his commlink a couple of times, but is not going to interrupt the meal with his boss to answer just yet.  Not for the first time he wishes that he some sort of implant for that, but his body is so full already that more would probably kill him.  He pours another glass of wine for Dona Valentina and waits for her to answer his question.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-22-15/1105:59>
@Vanish "Strawberry was living near the Joke but some asshole burned it down few hours ago - no idea where she would go but she never leaves that area. Military base is to the south, you cannot miss it - but it was redecorated you'll see."


"Thanks," Vanish says with a nod, "I'll check those areas out. I'll swing back by another time and buy you a drink." With that he turns and heads back to his car where he plugs 'the Joke' into the on board navigation system for directions.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-22-15/1237:51>
I let go of Gi's hand briefly to run up to Strawberry and give the much taller woman a hug, wrapping my arms and tail around her in a tight embrace.  I wish I could do more, but for now we each have our duty and mine is to Gi and Athos.  I smile encouragingly up to her, saying not a word.  I then turn run back to Gi and draw him away in the hopes we won't be noticed. Before I can though, all hell breaks loose...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-22-15/1414:02>
Very calmly, Kynos began to fill the magazine on the grenade launcher of his Ares Alpha.
"Ginger, this is your last chance. Give me Sovereign."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-22-15/1550:31>
@Athos Valentina laugh but it is a cold laugh, "You mean Strawberry ? she'll be eating from my palm in no time. She may be powerful but she is emotionally crippled and I know just how to play her buttons. I need you to complete the purchases, then we can establish a power base. When the fog is out our faction will be the strongest in the family. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-22-15/1618:43>
@Minnie and Kynos - Minnie embraces Strawberry and Kynos can see his old buddy Venom. He does not carry the over-sized cyber arm but it is him alright. Looking a bit less cartoonish. He helps put down the fire and seems despite anything quite popular with the men. They may mock him - but they are glad he is back, so it seems.

@Kynos Strawberry sends you a chilling thought it is as if you are talking to someone else, someone cold, violent and plain evil. "You can try that if you like! I'd love to see you blow this delicate body to many pieces , kill it please, better be extra effective with it because you are going to discover a nasty side effect of killing in this domain.

I will burn your Maxwell like they burned witches in Salem, he will taste my pain and as he burns but I will not let him die.  I will heal him as fast as the fire burns. I'll leave him on fire and quicken the healing spell so that he suffers until he is as insane as myself. I will watch him burn for years to come until there is nothing left of whom he was. All that remains is anger, vengeance and  terror.  I can make your friend the stuff horror movies are told about. His name will be whispered to children for centuries.  He will be so dark that the Grim brothers could write folk tales about him.

Give me more encouragement - make me watch this delicate body dies violently. Free me of this idiotic silent mask, Maxwell came so close to do it. I just need a little more, perhaps your grenade will be that little extra. I will show you why the Yakuza are terrified of me.

Kill me, kill them all and go ahead and aspect this domain toward violence. It will finally give me the power I need. I hoped Venom would do so, but that fool turned out to be just a poser - but you... you have darkness inside. Free me and I will thank you by making you a mindless puppet drone. I will take away your willpower and suffering and you will finally get the rest you are craving.

KILL MORE, KILL VENOM!!! FREE THE BEAST. PACIFISM IS FOR WEAKLINGS! "



Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-22-15/1636:22>
"Blah, blah. All I heard was you won't kill Sovereign. Cry me a river."

Kynos fired the first Pepperpunch grenade on the Ginger Elf and her lackeys and activated the auto-injector - liquid fire streamed into him and made him grin beneath his helmet. Show Time.


[spoiler]
Free action: Autoinjector Kamikaze
Aim
Shoot Heavy Weapons (http://orokos.com/roll/354468): 9d6t5 3 [9d6t5=6, 5, 1, 2, 1, 4, 6, 1, 3]
Perfectly on target
11 S defend-able only with Wil+Bod if they aren't wearing chemical protection and respirators/gas masks.
Also nasty side effects: Nausea: Double all wound modifiers
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-22-15/1834:46>
@Kynos and Minnie Strawberry continues to run toward the tree, if the pepper punch had any effect it did not drop her and her face are red from tears of deep sorrow and grief she mumbles crazy "Why why did they burn my home again?"  She does not seem to be trying to defend herself in any manner but the speed she is running in is surprisingly fast a speed that typically requires magic or augmentations.

There is quite a fuss in there and many people are angry for the aggression, they pull out their weapons and engage in the combat.  Two of the five Yaks hurt in the blast are down on the floor sophisticating and incapacitated while 3 more seem a bit shaken. Venom dashes toward Minnie and Kynos, in the sky you begin to hear the buzzing sound of rotodrones.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-22-15/1910:08>
I need to find Gi.

It was my last thought before my head exploded.  Or felt like it exploded at least.

[spoiler]Soak Stun damage from grenade: 6d6t5 (http://orokos.com/roll/354507): 2 [6d6t5=3, 4, 6, 4, 2, 6]

I'm left with one stun box left.[/spoiler]

I manage to stay standing...barely.  Through tears and ringing ears I try to reorient myself and find Gi so that I can get him and me out of here before the rotodrones my keen hearing detect arrive.  The last thing I want is for him to show up on the 6 o'clock news...or nearly as bad on a KE viewscreen.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-23-15/0017:03>
Athos looks at Dona Valentina and nods.  "Yes, Dona.  I am speaking of Strawberry.  I will complete your list and begin building your base for you."  He dabs at his lips with the cloth napkin and waits to see if the conversation is over or if she has other instructions for him.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-23-15/0247:40>
Kynos watched the grenade fly to its target, sitting astride his bike. While the bulk of attackers stil hadn't moved, he shot another grenade - this time a flash-bang in their midst.
[spoiler]
Aim
Heavy Weapon (http://orokos.com/roll/354576): 10d6t5 5

And another pin point shot
10 S AP 4

Interrupt: Full Defense -10 ini
I'm at 9 now
Complex action: Engage Autopilot and drive around the church

[/spoiler]

He ducked against the incoming gunfire and told his autopilot to bring him out of sight behind the old church and circle back to Strawberry's position.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-23-15/0526:02>
With a flash bang going of there was enough clearing to move the bike. Unfortunately, the stupid silly autopilot refuses to speed up due to the road being too crowded. As you curse the stupid autopilot several shots are fired your way. In your mind you feel a familiar presence that tries to subdo you. It is that burning lady that you expelled from your mind previously.
[spoiler]
I did it wrong the first time a spirit can only attempt to posses you once - if it fail it cannot try again. (so that is not insanely overpowered) .
You have to doge these shots (remember -1 for each incoming shot).
Fire! (http://orokos.com/roll/354589): 5#9d6t5 4 2 1 3 3
They fire with heavy pistols - Ares Preditor 8P -1. The goons are not sure who they fear more right now you or Strawberry - she is not 'mentally instructing her to form a perimeter - they are concerned that the mage have lost it but are not brave enough to interfere.

I'll require a drive test if you'd like to actually use the bike to 'escape' rather than have the stupid dog pilot slowly (but safely) navigate the road around the obstacles
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-23-15/0615:22>
[spoiler]
Why is there a crowd around my bike? I'm 50m away from burning house + spectators. Or are those gawkers really staying 50 m away from the burning building? That would be a circumference of 314 m. That would mean that at least 600 people had to form an orderly ring around the location

The Flash-Bang seems not to have taken out any of the remaining goons, so I'll dodge:
Dodge 1 (http://orokos.com/roll/354592): 23d6t5 9 [23d6t5=1, 6, 2, 5, 5, 3, 4, 6, 4, 1, 2, 1, 6, 5, 2, 5, 5, 6, 2, 1, 3, 2, 4]
Dodge 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/354593): 22d6t5 5 [22d6t5=3, 5, 5, 3, 1, 5, 5, 2, 2, 1, 2, 6, 4, 2, 1, 4, 2, 1, 4, 1, 4, 3]
Dodge 3 (http://orokos.com/roll/354594): 21d6t5 7 [21d6t5=2, 4, 3, 6, 5, 4, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 5, 1, 4, 5, 2, 5, 3, 1, 4, 2]
Dodge 4 (http://orokos.com/roll/354595): 20d6t5 5 [20d6t5=4, 3, 3, 6, 1, 6, 1, 6, 4, 2, 4, 5, 1, 1, 5, 3, 2, 2, 1, 2]
Dodge 5 (http://orokos.com/roll/354596): 19d6t5 7 [19d6t5=6, 5, 4, 2, 1, 3, 2, 3, 2, 1, 4, 2, 4, 6, 5, 5, 5, 4, 6]

No damage.
[/spoiler]

Kynos was ready for the return fire and just ducked lower on his bike.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-23-15/0619:27>
(There were 10 5 fired upon you i think you got your grenades worth. The entire place is difficult to drive - this is the place people came to for protection.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-23-15/0632:12>
Kynos took over from the auto pilot, reved up the engine and hit the horn to make his way through the crowd. Pretty inconsiderate of those Yaks to fire into a crowd like that.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-23-15/0725:08>
@Minnie You finally find Gi, he seem to be running after Strawberry and he keeps his distance.  Gi whispers - "he is going for Strawberry, she is not well  we'll jump him as he attempts to grab her." He then takes position and proceeds with stealth toward the tree. Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/354597): 12d6t5 4

@Kynos you maneuver the very angry crowd and manage to get to the church. You can head back between the buildings if you like.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-23-15/1300:41>
[spoiler]
Sorry, I had to check something before I make my piloting test. I really, really don't intent be be captured by a suddenly hostile crowd

Also, how many people are there around? Are the streets full? How packed are the sidewalks and the grounds?

Piloting (http://orokos.com/roll/354618): 10d6t5 3
That should be enough for a hard maneuvering test on flat open terrain.


Did you make your possession test already, or was that fluff?
Resist Possession (http://orokos.com/roll/354622): 12d6t5 6 [12d6t5=5, 3, 5, 5, 3, 6, 6, 1, 3, 2, 5, 2]

Also in regard to official police presence: Aren't we in the barrens with a response time of hours? Just how much after the fire started did I arrive there?!


[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-26-15/0317:14>
@Athos Valentina say "We are done in here, things are delicate but as you guessed Strawberry is the reason why we were insisting on these specific real estates. Now I need you to go and convince the people that the Mafia are their best protectors."
 She bids you farewell and heads back to their 'room' Interrogation room 3, that is completely sealed from the outside world.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-26-15/0323:43>
@Maxwell You descend into some deep sleep and you find yourself in a big sea on a small boat. There is nothing but ocean in all directions and sharks that circle your boat in expectation. The object that you refer to as yourself is a flaming man but you are not concerned from being a torch - the fire is part of you. Part of your soul and deep down you know that something is very wrong with your physical body. These sharks are foreign elements in your mind. Foreign elements that swim in the endless ocean as if they own the place.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-26-15/0332:16>
Athos nods and stands as the woman does.  He bows low to her and says, "I swear that I will do this for you, Dona Valentina.  For the Family."  When she and Tony have disappeared, he turns to Horse.  "Can you please contact Bruno and have him meet me in the lobby of the NH with a couple of solid men.  He is to come solo if he cannot find anyone.  You have the code to my current burner.  I will be buying a few more, but will always leave a code for you to use to get me."

He pauses.  "Is it really as bad as she says?  Few soldiers?  Even less support?  Well.  At least there is lots of room to climb to the top."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-26-15/0347:20>
Horse tells you "We never had many soldiers of our own, we had this Casino the rest were family soldiers with their own allegiances and when nobody trust nobody else - it is impossible to use these soldiers. For example Nagisa was never our own - but we could use her services this is how things work when people collaborate. So yes, there are not many we can use. The family is paralyzed"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-26-15/0502:02>
Kynos had retreated for the moment. All the training he had received half his lifetime ago suddenly became relevant again. The crowd had been attracted and repelled by the fire. Ginger Elf had admitted that everything happening in "her" area affected her.
According to her mental sending the burning of her home had hurt her mentally and emotionally - talking of suicide by cyber elf showed heavy strain. Not that Kynos would have minded to end her - but you didn't win by destroying the keystone if you wanted to get something from a house. Sifting the rubble for the goods - in that case Sovereign was not something he wanted to do.
Instead he'd weaken her a bit more.

He knew the inside of the old church - lots of wood and other old dry flammable things. A smoke grenade would certainly give the impression of another fire. He topped of the grenade launcher with one and fired it through one of the church windows.
Than he sped off to do the same thing to two more buildings.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-26-15/0623:30>
Athos shakes his head.  "What have we done to ourselves that the Family has allowed this to happen?  I will do what needs to be done.  Please call Bruno and give him my message.  I will head to the NH immediately and will see him there.  He may know where to get a couple of good people.  If not, the two of us will do for a start."

He looks directly at Horse.  "Thank you for giving me this opportunity."

With that, Athos leaves the restaurant and returns to the parking garage to get his van and drive to the NH.  He heads up to his room to gather a few things and then returns to the lobby to wait for Bruno to show up or call.  While sitting in the lobby, he tries to form a plan of action.  Despite what he had said to Horse and Dona Valentina, he feels a bit overwhelmed and unsure of the next step just now.  He is also sure that he will think of something.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-26-15/1117:38>
The rocking of the boat shook him awake.  He gets up to see why it feels like he's out in middle of the ocean.  To his shock he finds himself not within the burning rubble of the Joke but lost at sea.  Maxwell looks far in every direction but can only see endless water.  Something else, his body seems to be one with the flames.  He's not in agony from the fire but instead feels warmth, power and pride.  Holding out his hands in front of him he starts speaking to himself with a joyful smile on his face.  "I remember when I first awakened that I was fascinated by pyromancy.  By it's allure and strength.  I delved into the art of fire magic to gain mastery over it's secrets and power.  No surprise that I became closer to the element as a result."

Seeing the sharks out of the corner of his eyes broke his nostalgia.  These sharks were intruders to him, alien and unwanted.  He wanted to burn and destroy them but was uncertain as to how exactly.  If he was made of fire then the water would extinguish him if he got out of the boat.  But giving the sharks free roam would be equally bad.  They posed a threat to himself and they needed to be dealt with.  But how he wonders?

Perhaps the answer isn't as complicated as he thought.  He's a fire mage after all, a pyromancer.  He need only to use his magical might to kill them.  He tries to call up all of his rage and arcane strength and imagines weaving a firestorm upon these beasts.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-26-15/1420:31>
@Maxwell when you cast the storm it begins to rain fire and the sharks fly in mid air and spin around you. They seem to be in pain from the fire but do not stop "You are long way from home fire mage - are you lost?"

@Kynos you manage to give quite a scare to many refugees that are running out side of the buildings nobody seems to be stopping you at the moment. You can see several rotodrones that arrive to the scene but they do not show any aggression at the moment.

@Athos Bruno waits to you at the new Hilton he is wearing a suit and greet you as you arrive.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-26-15/1442:07>
He watches hellfire fall from the sky into the water, thinking that'd put an end to the creatures and wake him up.  It didn't however, they floated out of the water and began to circle around him instead.  He feels confused and not entirely sure if he should continue or talk.  Maxwell starts to turn in place slightly, to match the beasts encircling him so that he isn't caught completely off guard.  After a few awkward moments of this he finally speaks up.  "To be honest i'm not entirely sure what's going on.  I'm fairly certain this is my mind or at least a portion of it, but I haven't a clue as to why i'm here or why you things are here.  Something about you, about all of you makes me uncomfortable.  For instance I attacked and tried to kill all of you but instead of dying or attacking back you're having a conversation with me."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-26-15/1625:22>
Kynos relocated again, circling around the block. No need to be hasty. Also, those drones had made him curious. Was a raid imminent?
<<Officer Max from Kynos. Hello, can you tell me anything about a KE raid on the Joke? I was just about to apprehend Venom, but got distracted from throwing some orphans out of the second floor of a building. It was on fire, don't ask. Love Kynos.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-26-15/1650:32>
Athos greets Bruno as a brother, then motions for him to walk beside Athos as he heads to the elevator.  "Bruno!  Thank you for coming at short notice.  We are needed to make something out of ruins.  Come up with me while I talk and we can bring some things down from the room to the van."

Athos keeps up a normal conversation about what is going on in the city but not mentioning anything about Valentina until they are down in the van, where he pulls out a small jammer and activates it.  Once in the driver's seat and away he says, "The room was provided by the Yaks and could be bugged.  For that matter, the van too.  First, I have just left Dona Valentina and have marching orders.  The Family has suffered a lot due to this disturbance and it is up to us to get something back on track.  There is lots of room for people who stay loyal through this.  That includes me and you.  Second, do you have a line on any Family soldiers that might be interested in throwing in with us?  With you and me?  We have a chance to be the top enforcers for the Family if this works out.  Unfortunately, you and I might be the only soldiers left that would support Dona Valentina.  Is there anyone you can pull in that would swear loyalty to us.  Not too sure I trust runners that much as they are very enamored with profit and might not be willing to swear to stick around.  Third, we are on our way to the site of the warehouse explosion.  There are two buildings near that Dona Valentina wants us to secure for her as the base of our operations.  There are people there that need to fall in line or leave.  Questions?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-26-15/2145:09>
@Maxwell - The sharks say "We cannot be angry of  a toddler that does not even know where he is ? You are long way from your body, you might never be able to get back. Free meal for us. They laugh but their laugh has some sympathy to your situation. "

@Bruno say there is MXN an old timer, never family and probably would not want to be. He was with many gangs over the years but now retired- - he know how to keep the people together tough.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-26-15/2203:26>
Maxwell grunts in displeasure.  "Good insult coming from a fish.  Also if you think me to be easy prey then you're sorely mistaken.  I bite back and I don't go down smoothly."  He takes a few breaths after his threat and calms down slightly.  He asks the sharks a question in a quasi slightly nicer tone.  "What purpose are you supposed to serve?  Are you here to antagonize me or guide me to the gateway back to reality?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-26-15/2215:51>
Athos nods.  Can we talk to him?  Please see if you can set up an appointment.  I cannot be too reliant on requiring Family soldiers as there do not seem to be too many.  Say, there were some soldiers in the Underground that might want a chance to move up.  I have not heard of things going wrong down there.  Maybe we can put feelers out to see if some of our brother trogs want to work topside for me.  Stress to anyone that you are my lieutenant and I am the one you answer to.  We might get some action that way from people too long held down because they are Trolls ands Orks."

Athos looks carefully at Bruno.  "But get this clear and make sure that everyone you talk to knows.  This is not to be some payback time for trog soldiers.  We are going to mark off some turf and claim it.  And claiming land without people to live there and pay us taxes is not productive.  We want to show people that we can protect them and have them fragging want to live on our land.  Got it?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-26-15/2235:16>
@Maxwell the sharks laugh we came here for a good meal. We are shaped like sharks because it was a good analogy for you, sharks are drawn to blood and you are bleeding - you are food, but you do not like to be eaten do you?

*Why would he care he'll be dead...

** I mean he will not care if he dies but he does not want to die.

*** Is anyone asking him if to die or not?

At that point it seems that the sharks are communicating with each other uncertain what to say. Their thoughts are too fragmented to be convoyed to you.

@Kynos >> Max tells you 'off the record this is no KE we have bigger problems trying to contain the military base.

@Athos Bruno say I'll come visit MXN he works as a bouncer at the Skelton legitimate life have not been treating him very well. I'll see who I can get you but soldiers cost money if any. The word on the street may also backfire as people will feel that we are weak and urgently need muscle so if we do that we need to do that well.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-26-15/2313:43>
He roars in fury and imagines releasing a shock-wave of flame and shadow outward from himself to deter the phantoms.  Maxwell screams at all of them.  "I might be bleeding and wounded, but i'm not gonna take this lying down!  I can still stand!  I can still fight!  I can still wield the magic flame!  I am still Sovereign!"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-27-15/0343:14>
Athos nods.  "I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your support and assistance.  I will not forget.  First is MXN then maybe a trip to the Underground is warranted.  I do not want to show up at the buildings with only words to back me up.  Some of these people have only had words and what they need is soldiers to protect them."

Athos drives to the Skeleton and parks the van close by before going inside with Bruno to meet what he hopes is the start of his new life.  The dim lighting of the club adds to the atmosphere and it takes a moment for the pair's eyes to adjust to the light.  Bruno looks aver those inside, looking for MXN.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-27-15/0728:12>
<<Thanks for the update, that makes it a lot easier. Love Kynos.>>

Kynos shot his final smoke grenade into yet another building and sped on, returning to the church and carefully taking up position. He looked for a position from where he could see the tree the Elf had fled to without being spotted himself. From 50m away he shot another grenade. This time one with the sleeping gas inside, before closing in with his bike.

[spoiler]
Sneak (http://orokos.com/roll/355062): 12d6t5 5
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/355063): 9d6t5 2
Aim for three simple actions: Grenade launcher (http://orokos.com/roll/355064): 11d6t5 6
15 S (Neurostun VIII, Disorientation (-2 to actions).
Piloting Ground (http://orokos.com/roll/355065): 10d6t5 5

Composure (http://orokos.com/roll/355067): 9d6t5 2
Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/355066): 15+4d6 30

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-27-15/1524:52>
@Kynos it is unclear if the mage was effected by the grenade - she seem to continue whipping in some catatonic state. As you approach the tree the land raises around your bike and attempts to engulf you.  (Make a surprise check and if not surprised then a dodge test)

@Maxwell - the sharks laugh "We mean you no harm we will not touch you while you are kicking and screaming your flame is a physical spell and has no power here in the astral ocean."

@Bruno set up a meeting with MXN he lives in a commune in an abandon building at the edge of town. The meeting is in their place. They are a bunch of orcs, most of them work in the nearby farm. It is easy to spot MXN he is heavily tattooed and augmented. Most people in the commune are now working in the farm while MXN is instructing some of the youngsters in target practice.

When you arrive MXN drops the lesson and hugs Bruno - "It is good to see you" He said "But I do not play that side of the law now, I have responsibilities."  
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-27-15/1546:51>
Athos shakes the hand of the Ork.  "MXN, we have a chance to do something right for the people.  I do not seek a continuation of the old ways.  The blood of too many innocent people has been shed for nothing more than a few Nuyen.  That only breeds fear and distrust.  I think it is time for a new Family.  One based on trust and protection.  Bruno and I are the first of something different.  What money is paid for protection will go for protection and improvements in people's lives.  Could you get behind that?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-27-15/1603:20>
Grabbing his sides, he pants in exhaustion.  The spell didn't have the desired effect and just left him winded instead.  After many heavy breaths he regains his composure and shakes his head in bewilderment.  "I don't understand.  Why am I here?  Why do you hound me?  Where is the way out of this place?  I'm probably not even going to get a cohesive answer from... whatever the hell you guys are."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-27-15/1658:58>
[spoiler]
Perception testPerception (http://orokos.com/roll/355109): 9d6t5 3
Surprise test w/ successful perception test Surprise Test (http://orokos.com/roll/355110): 18d6t5 4
Not surprised
Defense, adding Gymnastic for -5 Ini: Defense w/ Preemtive Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/355111): 23d6t5 5 [23d6t5=1, 2, 4, 1, 6, 2, 4, 3, 2, 6, 2, 3, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 6, 5, 6, 2, 2, 3]
And I forgot that I am on a moving vehicle: Reroll moving Vehicle (http://orokos.com/roll/355112): 3d6t5 1 [3d6t5=5, 1, 3]
6 successes total
Edge Reroll (http://orokos.com/roll/355147): 20d6t5 4
10 successes total

Ini down to 25

Changing tactics: If she has earth spirits in play, I need to disable her now:
Shoot her with Gel rounds FA


Complex Action:  FA Fire "Brain Blaster"
AGI 8 + Skill 8 + Smartlink 2  - Moving Vehicle 2= Reroll moving Vehicle (http://orokos.com/roll/355114): 14d6t5 4

13 S AP 1 + Successes
[/spoiler]

The attack came suddenly and without warning. The earth itself rose to engulf him speeding on his bike. Kynos managed to avoid being dragged from his seat. Instead of slowing down he took his hand from the handle and shot a tight burst of gel rounds in the elf's direction.
'Pretty hard to direct spirits if you are unconscious...'
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-28-15/2335:19>
@Maxwell the sharks say - it is obvious now that they are not independent beings."We are travelers like yourself  - in particular we were trying to enter the world you left but we cannot yet do so - conditions are not yet right for us to enter. We do not know why you ventured so deep into astral space - it makes you vulnerable and you are not powerful enough to be here - it is obvious that your essence is slowly  dissolving and it attracted us to you, we are here for a free meal.
"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-29-15/0643:11>
@Kynos With a combination of luck and skill you dodged the sand trap. Your shot hits it target and the Ginger elf and effect it. It is unclear what it did but the elf stops moving. By now you should be a bit suspicious, two grenades that should have dropped a horse and she kept going, but the gel round simply made her stop. As if someone has pulled the plug on her.

What make you a bit suspicious is that she seem to freeze in an unusual position. You'd expect her to drop to the ground - but she did not drop to the ground, she just froze in her observing you with a blank look and attempting to dodge.  At her emotional state - you are also surprised that she tried to dodge. The road to the tree appears to be clear.

[spoiler]
With the matching perception test - You might notice Venom in a firing position in half cover behind some bushes. Prepared to snipe you as you make the grab.

Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/355313): 12d6t5 5
Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/355310): 11d6t5 3
Damage resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/355311): 15d6t5 3
11 damage taken.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <12-29-15/0853:04>
Based on what I think is going on, Minnie would tackle Strawberry and try to take her to the ground and cover her body with her own. Secret Service style. If that makes sense as an action, that's what I do.

"I won't lose you too!"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-29-15/0938:47>
@Minnie Venom seems irritated as you dash toward Strawberry or what is left from her.

@Kynos You can see Minnie storming out from the bush - (that also exposes Venom and dashes toward Strawberry crying "I won't lose you too"

(I am thinking on how to resolve that, Kynos is about 50 meters on bike and Minnie is by foot about 15 meters from the tree - I am not sure who should get there first I'll need to think about it.)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-29-15/1125:02>
He looks at the sharks intensely, gauging their words to measure how true they are being.  He stops for a second to look around the vast ocean he's in to verify what they are saying.  Maxwell runs his fingers through his burning hair and groans before addressing the strange ones.  "I didn't do this.  Someone else must have knocked my soul here.  Where ever here is."  He pauses momentarily and realizes that they are indeed correct, he feels that he's weakening with each passing moment.  Not wanting to die or fade away he says.  "From what I gathered I think i'm in one of the far planes, not sure which one or where exactly.  I've little interest in evaporating into nonexistence or letting you guys feed on my fatigued soul.  So any chance I can convince you to guide me back to my body and reality?  Assuming you know how to."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-29-15/1407:01>
Athos shakes the hand of the Ork.  "MXN, we have a chance to do something right for the people.  I do not seek a continuation of the old ways.  The blood of too many innocent people has been shed for nothing more than a few Nuyen.  That only breeds fear and distrust.  I think it is time for a new Family.  One based on trust and protection.  Bruno and I are the first of something different.  What money is paid for protection will go for protection and improvements in people's lives.  Could you get behind that?"

Athos MXN say Look Athos, "your heart is in the right place. I know these things, there is only one way to protect people, be the meanest scariest SOB in the hood. If you try to do that for the people stunt well people have opinions and they think that they matter. Fear allows you to give good protection without actually using force - Mafia never had many soldiers they just knew when to show force and to be seen stronger than they really are.

Every goon in a street gang knows that once you mess with the Family they will kill anyone you know. Your own contacts will refuse to deal with you once you do, this is why nobody does. The Family has no problem in killing anyone that has a business relationship with someone that hurts them. Sometimes they even take children - Others cannot do these things - they depend on the same contacts themselves.  Once you change anything - the Finnegan brand is lost and the gangers in the hood will understand that they can simply walk all over you.  "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-29-15/1507:54>
Athos nods.  "You would be exactly right if I were interested in continuing the Finnegan brand.  But I am not.  I am starting a new brand and am going to stake my life on making it work.  I need soldiers who are loyal not only to me, but to the goal.  We will protect the people and show them a new way.  The gangers in the hood will probably challenge me and I will slap them down.  They will learn to respect me of perish, but I will not threaten the lives of families or associates.  We will make a new order.  A new Family.  Can you get behind that?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-29-15/1542:05>
@Maxwell - The sharks  say "You are in the connector plain - the astral sea, all the metaplains have exists in the astral see - but you need to know how to navigate, how to listen to the voices of the metaplains.  We can show you the way home but everything has a price... if we lose a meal you must feed us when you get back!"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-29-15/1600:27>
He contemplates the offer, going back and forth in his head with the implications of this faustian deal.  "I escape death only to bring it with me.  Sounds almost poetic.  Considering my options I have little choice.  It's not like I don't summon demons and elementals anyway.  Just need to feed these weird beasts, simple and brutal."

Maxwell stands up straight and crosses his arms before saying.  "Very well, I accept.  If you can safely guide me back home into my body, then i'll help satiate your hunger."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-29-15/1612:43>
@Maxwell The sharks say - it is a magical contract you can never get out of it alive, bring us 10 mages to eat and save your own soul. Every we feed every full moon and we will teach you secret rituals to prepare the meal and summon us. This is the price for the life of the most powerful mage we have ever fed upon. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-29-15/1627:55>
He closes his eyes while exhaling a heavy sigh.  Maxwell's eyes snap open filled with a glint of evil.  "A steep price you ask of me.  To butcher ten magicians over the course of a year."

He extends an open hand in front of himself, similar in the way of a handshake.  "Fine, so be it.  I'll hold up my end of the bargain if you promise to keep yours.  One mage every full moon until you devour your tenth."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-29-15/1630:29>
@Athos MXN tells you "A new brand? You are even more insane than I thought you have any idea how many people you will have to kill? how many children will have to die just to prove to the world that you are extremely violent and determine? You are a nice man, can you really do it?"

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-29-15/1639:22>
@Maxwell The Sharks teach you ritual spell-casting (1 point of it) and infuse you with the ritual call ant spirit. Then they carry your raft over the metaplains until you see the earth from the astral plane. It is magnificent full of color and life but it repels the ant spirits - they cannot move forward only you can.  "You will have to find your body before it is too late - this is as far as we can take you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-29-15/1702:06>
Nodding to the strange ones as he flies back to earth, half wondering if it was wise to traffick with such alien predators.  It doesn't matter now and it probably won't ever matter.  He knew if he had not made the deal then he would cease to exist or would wind up as food to something stronger.  He travels as fast as he possibly can back to America, back to Seattle.  Zooming through the astral to the spot where his body was last at - The Joke, or what remained of it.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-29-15/2156:13>
Athos shakes his head.  "The answers to those questions lies in the future.  What I do know is that the old order was not working and will not work.  Sure, it brought wealth and power to a few individuals, but the people cowered in fear and gave only what they had to.  They grew up believing that violence is the only answer.  Thugs are heroes.  Is it not time to try to change that?  Is that not worth trying?" 

He shrugs his shoulders.  "Listen.  Yes, I expect that there will be gangs gunning for me and for anyone who is helping me.  We will have to be able to show that we are hard, but that we believe.  I am betting that I can find others that will help me.  I had been told that you might be one such.  A group of trained Orks would be impressive at my back.  I have money to pay wages and buy gear, but I do not have many soldiers.  If you will not help me, can you at least think of someone who might?  I will do this even if I am the only soldier in the Family."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-30-15/1349:42>
Kynos was crazy, not dumb. This was bait and the fact that the spirit still hadn't gone indicated that what he had shot at was an illusion.
Lucky for him, that he didn't care for the Ginger Elf.
He altered his course again and dashed for a gap between the two houses he had chucked the smoke grenades in.
At 100 m out he exchanged magazines for life ammo.
He didn't know if the spirit still occupied the ground, but it wouldn't hurt to shoot the ground - or rather hopefully it would.
Then he was off through the gap - it was time for the final strike...

His next attack came 3 minutes later from the opposite direction

His rifle was in his sling as he tore with high speed towards the tree. In his hand he held an object that trailed oily smoke...

[spoiler]
Disengage,
change ammo
Aim
Shoot the ground with a Brain Blaster - if the spirit is still inside it may soak Shoot the ground (http://orokos.com/roll/355621): 15d6t5 2
= 15 P AP 2 (I imagine sand doesn't have much armor)

Vanish
Return from opposite direction
Full speed: Piloting (http://orokos.com/roll/355623): 10d6t5 4
Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/355625): 15+4d6 24

Kynos is aiming directly for the tree with his bike.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-30-15/1424:56>
"Is she dead? Is she really dead?" The crowd are restless and they begin to scatter the Joke burned and shortly after some runner came to waste the witch. The refugees begin to scatter and panic starts to spread like a fire... "The witch is gone, there is nobody to protect us. " The Yaks seems a bit skeptical, puzzled they don't know what to do, Minnie can hear some of them speaking "This cannot be, we tried to kill her again and again - and she kept coming back. This really puts us in a negative light. We all failed how can this be." They quickly head back to the tree to examine the corpse.  Minnie is the first to arrive, and she find the corpse heavier and stiffer than she anticipated. She carries her back to cover.
(where? If you want to sneak past the Yaks give me sneaking roll. )

@Kynos the spirit may or may not have been hit, you cannot be certain there do not appear to be a spirit in there right now.
(What are you trying to do to the tree? Burn it?)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-30-15/1437:11>
The molotov cocktail shattered high up in the tree's crown, setting alight the oily residue of the first grenade.
It had taken Kynos a minute to prepare the missile from his bike's gas, an old whiskey bottle, and the naphta tablets as well as the soy-oil based energy bar from his survival packet. 

Kynos didn't stop, he just lobbed the bottle into the tree and sped on.

[spoiler]
Throw (http://orokos.com/roll/355635): 4d6t5 3


[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-31-15/1021:09>
@Kynos As Kynos dashed toward the tree the Rotodrones he previously heard about were already visible. They were delivering gifts, explosive gifts  it took y grenades and a crush to take Kynos down but down he was. The Molotov bottle stroke the tree and started a small fire that thing Kynos was sure of. Then Kynos awoken by powerful stimulants, his head was aching - it took him a moment to understand what happened and his ears were ringing from the explosions and the crush. He was laying in a lightly wooded area, the guards were after him and there were more many more on the way. In your imminent vicinity there is a wooden house with a parking lot,

(You are south of the Joke - there is an open space where many refugees live and an old school building behind it. The school is a fortified complex now.) In the open terrain there are tents where refugees from the northern parts of the Barrens now now live.)

The Yaks were establishing perimeter around the tree to prevent the masses from seeing Strawberry in her grief - the myth should be preserved, the irony is that now they are coming after you in multiple direction. The place you crushed is not far from a refugee camp, and the refugees also seem alarmed by your presence - "It is him - the murderer" some cry and a crowd of thugs makes his way toward you. "Bring him to justice!" Others cry - you are alone confused and in a very distinctive full body armor.

@Athos MXN say "Look pal - I do not care about order and protection and these things - but I will tell you this - I can help you if your plan makes sense and honestly, I am not sure that your body is where your mind is. If you can actually protect us here in the farm we will provide you some able men for your neighborhood watch - but do not expect us to actually join this venture people respect force - nothing else - gangers live to climb the rank - they dream of anything they'll achieve in the future - give them too much right now and they'll burn it all on drugs. You'll find that their ambition is lost into BTLs and their personality and willpower are all gone.

You need to learn how to be rich - it is not easy - if it was I wouldn't be here with the money I spent on augmentations I could live comfortably for the rest of my life - it made no sense but I always wanted more. Now I can do superhuman things but feeding my own family? This is a challenge and keeping them safe while associating with violent criminals - there is a challenge that punching and dodging does not solve."

@Maxwell you have no idea where your body is, it is not at the Joke it was taken somewhere but where?  You are at the Joke and something is twisted about that place, the fire the murders the background count has increased and it makes you feel sick, you can barely see a thing with all the fear and terror. "Still alive ?" She asks you and laughs bitterly. "You are in MY domain now mortal,  and you are an ungrateful murderous psychopath - How do you prefer to die? Astral combat or to play hide and seek with your body until you discover that you cannot stay at MY domain for too long"

@Minnie - I am waiting to hear where you take Strawberry to and what are you doing, Venom will come with you while the bike crushes and will allow the rest to deal with Kynos.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-31-15/1218:50>
@Athos Jack one of M's employees contacts you.

>> Athos hi, this is about the Deck and comlink you gave me. We restored them - the signal that blew up the warehouse came from the Deck and the deck owner - this is a bizarre story. A  Renraku cooperate decker that worked for a division named 'Genetic revivification and augmentation industries' , Daniel Mitnick is the name of the decker.  The declared goal was to prolong the life expectancy of people but they actually did some nanite research.

The ownership of the deck was transferred to a fake sin called 'No Spoon' they did not even attempt to give it a real name - 'No Spoon' only had ownership of that deck but I dug deeper and 'No Spoon' is linked to another SIN that has no meaning and is seldom used 'Road Runner'. Who would call them self like that? But 'Road Runner' still pays the rent in some apartment in Renton.

This is not all that there is there, there are records of data thefts grand data thefts, from GRAI Daniel Mitnik had a lot of their nanite program on his deck - he erased it before transferring owner ship but he did so hastily and we were able to recover some of the details.

Their nanite program is called Wonderland - they created three successful AI's the Cheshire cat, the Red queen and Alice. The first one can integrate with people and upload their thoughts into a private cloud. Red Queen pilot people like riggers do drones - and Alice? she was the their absolute goal an AI designed for conquest without violence.

They used some old code from Deus,  Alice was planned to be a digital goddess. She was meant to act as their CEO.  She is allegedly capable of integrating people minds together and making them more efficient and together think. They describe her as meta organizem that is more intellect than dragons.

Daniel Mitnick stole data about the program he had the templates of Alice that combined the Cat with the red queen.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-31-15/1225:25>
He arrives to find the place in worse shape than when he left.  The astral is warped heavily with fear and a rising background count.  It makes him feel ill like he has the flu, reminding him of that one time he took a trip to Glow City, into the Heart of the Blight.  Shortly after he began looking for his body he was being taunted by some spectral stranger.  A vaguely familiar stranger.

Maxwell takes a defensive stance and yells out nearby.  "Brave talk coming from someone who hides.  What is all this madness?  This place is sickly with terror.  Wasn't like this when I left or more accurately when someone sucker punched my soul into one of the deep planes."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-31-15/1420:56>
@Maxwell the spirit say "These are the fruits of your labor, you murdered 8 people injured more you exploded a massive fireball in a room full of people - Now you complain about the background count? Your actions are destroying this world - they allow all sort of creatures to get inside. Punching your soul? These were me and Strawberry figured it would be a worthy punishment and we can put somebody else in your body... you have to thank me, Strawberry wanted to burn you alive - do to you what you did to her business".
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-31-15/1453:02>
He closes his eyes and shakes his head in disappointment.  Opening them again to reveal his dark brown burning gaze.  Maxwell speaks back in black pride. "Nice to see you enjoying my bonfire."  His smug smile fades almost as fast as it appeared when the spirit's words started to bounce around in his skull.

Gritting his teeth, Maxwell speaks in rancor.  "What do you mean destroying this world?  It's already a tomb, a nightmare!  Monsters exist within this world with or without me!  At least i'm trying to fight the beasts instead of cowering in fear of them.  Zombies roam free in this damned city at night.  They come to crawl whenever the dark kills the sun.  Slowly all of Seattle will just be a necropolis, a ruin filled with cold grey fog and rancid filth.  My scorched hell will look like a paradise in comparison."

He pauses for a moment after his rant to berate the spirit further.  "You're more twisted than I am if you think i'm just going to lie down and let you steal my body.  Where the fuck is it?  I'm tired of suffering your lunacy and playing your games.  I have an army of undead and a vampire to destroy."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-31-15/1503:20>
@Maxwell the spirit tells you "When you open the trids and see Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake , what is happening? You are looking at the swans, but you miss the real happening.

Where is your body ? What if I tell you that it is being  'Augmented' ? "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-31-15/1542:05>
He straightens his back and stares into the spirit.  Arms folded across his chest as he cocks his head to the side.  His face a pained mixture of sadness, hate, rage and betrayal.  His hands ball up into fists in mounting fury before suddenly, for no reason, he slouches over in exhaustion.  Trying with all of his might he regains his stance and speaks back to the spirit in a calmer more depressed manner.

"At worst I thought you only to be blind idiots.  I was wrong.  You're no different from the frail minded mongoloids that shout godless devil-worshiper at my passing.  You've no honor or courage within anything in your being.  What could you possibly hope to gain from these soul mutilations?  Are you not strong or brave enough to stand on your own?  I was a fool to think she was my friend, to try to help her.  Perhaps I should have just let the flames consume her."

Maxwell becomes more stern the longer he talks.  "If I return back to my body in a state of cut flesh and metal.  My new goal in life will be to hurt Strawberry and everything she holds most dear.  I have never tried or wanted to harm her, but if what you're saying is true then...

Maxwell flares up in anger and screams aloud.  "Begone spirit!  Take me to the woman that I enjoy talking to.  She was proud, funny, clever and lovely.  You're just some hollow specter of lies.  I refuse to believe any self respecting mage would commit such barbarism.  I will tolerate this no longer!  You will show me the way back to my body and I will walk in flesh and blood unmarred by machinery!  I will smash the cage you locked her in and sunder the chains that hold her down!"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <12-31-15/1711:10>
The spirit is emotionless she does not seem to be effected by your words.

"You have raw abilities but you are an infant, a rookie in a world - you have eyes but you do not use them. Strawberry was not even at the Joke, a single look would have confirmed it for you. You have eyes yet you choose to be blind. 

Afraid for your essence? Your precious talent?  We are 'preparing' your body for possession, this means that it is going to be extra easy for spirits to posses you. I will show you the way to your body - but there are few mages in the city that can reverse this process. If you ever cross us again, you will spend all your remaining years as a puppet to be controlled. If you want to reverse the process you better behave yourself. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <12-31-15/1743:11>
He crosses his arms and is practically snarling, baring teeth and fury in a grimaced growl.  "Blight-mad spirit, she was never in any danger to begin with.  It was never my goal or desire to kill her.  Who are you calling infant anyway?  Neither of you seemed to have learned to harness and master some of the most common dark energies in this world."

He looks down sighing and feels the agony of a phantom collar fashioning itself around his neck.  Looking back up at the spirit, feeling ghostly tremors of disgust moving throughout his very being.  "It doesn't matter anyway.  With a city of ravenous dead howling at midnight, I've little interest in debating the brutal truth with you.  Just another shackle placed upon me, little more.  Let's go."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <12-31-15/1915:16>
Athos sends a quick message to Cat, attaching the text he had received from Jack.  **Cat.  What do you make of this message.  I cannot figure out who is who and what is going on.  What do you know of this Alice?**

He has listened to the Ork and replies.  "Yes, you are right on all counts.  It is entirely possible that I will fail and that any who helped me will be killed.  I am sorry that I can give no guarantees of protection, but thank you for listening to me.  If you change your mind, you can reach me on this comm code."

Athos turns to Bruno.  "I am headed to the Ork Underground to see if I can round up some soldiers there.  You do not have to come if you think it is bad.  I respect your choice.  But if you are coming, I am leaving now."

With that, Athos turns and heads back to the van.  Once inside, he places his head on the steering wheel for a moment then sits upright, new resolve in his eyes as he starts the engine and heads off to one of the known entrances to Underground.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-01-16/0057:32>
@Athos Cat say I have never met her and it is a surprise to read that I was developed by Renraku, I always thought I belong to the new horizon 2080, the grand plan of horizon to double their size until 2080.  I may be a stolen cat - about Alice I have never met her. Red mentioned her once but as a myth rather than a concrete person. I think that I was the product of industrial espionage because I was sold to the KE for a lot of money by a company owned by Horizon, and if I upload all my findings to a cloud I do not know that I do that.

There is this Daniel Mitnick he is related to both the data theft and the destruction of the warehouse, he assigned the job for a SIN called 'No Spoon' that they dug up and was often seen with another SIN called 'Road Runner' and there is a residence address where rent is being paid every week. Now it may have nothing to do with taking over some areas of the Barrens - but how coincidence is it that Luna referred  to Road Runner as the orc lady that died inside this warehouse. Also, I feel that something is constantly fighting for the KE's attention.

The warehouse top hit on two strong crime syndicates something that could start a war. Then Deep Blue shows up and all eyes and efforts are set to stop her. She does not manage to even disappear and a horde of undead and a missile attack strikes the city - now the KE cannot even hunt for Deep Blue - but I wonder could all these events be so close to each other? Is it possible that there is someone behind them? I am in the mind of many KE officers an they are all running from one fire to the rest - nobody has time to take a step back and figure out what is actually going on.


 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-01-16/0150:00>
@Athos - there is not much left of the underground, the zombies took over most of the locations Bruno takes you to what is left. A fortified enclave of near desperate orcs. Their smuggling businesses are brought to an halt as they cannot brave under the city and ship their illegal goods and when you arrive you can see that they are in desperate need. There are about 20 families in that enclave and some of them have not slept in days, the military base shutting down was also a set back for them.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-01-16/0716:41>
The stim coursing through his veins brought Kynos back up to speed. 'Right. Some rigger chugged grenades at me and my bike. What psychopath shoots grenades in such a crowded area... besides me of course.'
Which brought him back to his current situation. To many people here for his liking and he now ran on borrowed time. Venom had slipped again from his grasp, but that hadn't been the objective. Without a car to transport him this was irrelevant.
Getting Sovereign back had failed equally and therefore his attempt to find DemoX. Time to call it quit for the day and hole up. But the opp-force had spirits that could track you. By now this thing probably was back in action.
So first things first:
- Disengage
Kynos realized only now that the civilians had started to get angry at him. What ever.
A mini-grenade of Pepperpunch at his position later he started to run. His enhanced agility allowed him to outrun any foot based pursuers.
The drones were a bigger problem, but as long as he was among civilians they would hopefully refrain from chugging grenades like a malfunctioning candy dispenser.
With a mental command he deactivated all wireless gear in his position.
Next came cover from above. Running through the throng of refugees he ducked between cars, makeshift tents, smoking cooking fires, until he found a sewer access hatch.
- Disappear
Once out of sight, he produced one of his burners and used the code for the Red Hot Nukes:
<<Hi, it's Kynos. You offered to me and my companions to spend the night at your compound. Is that offer still on the table? Also do you have any magical wards? I might have some astral pursuers. Also I'd like to talk with you about DemoX. He got kidnapped about half an hour ago. Love Kynos.>>

[spoiler]
Actions:
Drop Pepperpunch grenade to ward of the mob
Run: Running (http://orokos.com/roll/355904): 7d6t5 1
34 m per round
Hide: Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/355905): 13d6t5 6
Ninja Vanish
Open sewer: Strength+Body (http://orokos.com/roll/355906): 12d6t5 5

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-01-16/0736:42>
@Kynos Gerald answers >>DemoX has so many enemies it is difficult to find, either they kill him or they ask for something. He is a big boy but I'll ask around see who has him and what do they want. You seem the kind to shoot well so you are welcome to the castle as long as you are not too hot.

You run push dodge until you finally find a manhole you can pry open, and down the rabbit hole you go into an uncharted territory the sewerage, the first thing that welcome you is the stench the riot above you is a distant sounds. Life are cheap at this time, and as you decend you see several corpses half eaten. the cries of rats spark your eyes and to properly navigate you need thermographic vision.
There is not much time before the side effects of the drugs wears off. Your head aches, your ears ring from the grenades and your mind still struggles with the relative peace of the sewarges.

Walking a little bit in the sewerage you discover a cross roads, there is a west -east pipe and a south-north pipe. Atleast you'll be able to control where in the city you pop out, if you make it conscious that long.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-01-16/0754:59>
<<Appreciated. No I'm not too hot. No official agencies or the like, only a strung out elf mage and her Japanese-cronies.>>

Kynos once again appreciated the fact that the armor was sealed with an internal air supply and that he had in fact thermo-vision on his glasses.
Ignoring the half eaten bodies - the Ghouls seemed to be satiated so they had no reason to attack at this moment - me made his way in the direction that would get him nearer to the castle.
He surfaced as soon as he thought it would be safe, looked for a safe corner to change into his normal street gear and stuffed the full body armor into a plastic bag before he transfered it to his duffle bag.
His biomonitor counted the minutes until he would collapse. He quickly estimated if he could make it to the compound.

[spoiler]
What does the map say?
The stim should have about 40 minutes duration left, the Kamikaze is at 30 minutes. Can I make it to the castle in that time and receive some first aid? Otherwise Kynos will try to find a heap of trash, bury himself and hope for the best.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-01-16/1438:29>
Athos approaches a group of people that seem to be refugees from the Underground.  After ascertaining that the zombies have savaged even that place, he looks around to find something to stand on.  Raising his arms and his voice, he calls out to the small crowd.  "Please, may I have your attention.  I am looking for help and can give it as well.  It looks like you are at a bad spot.  I cannot give false promises, but I can help.  I represent a Family interest that is looking to expand its control over some territory.  I can trade a place to begin building a home and provide some jobs in return for help securing the place and acting as part of a protective cordon to keep other gangs away.  If anyone is interested, please see me here.  This is a chance to help your families and make a difference."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-02-16/1128:47>
How can this happen!

I can feel Strawberry's body growing colder and stiff under me with every passing second. 

She's dying and I can't do anything to save her.  Think Yulia, think!

M!  Of course!  She surely can do something for Strawberry.  In fact, I'm amazed she isn't here already!

Totally disregarding the eyes on me and any risk to my own life, I jump up and haul Strawberry over my shoulder.  Despite my great strength, the elf is remarkably heavy.  I don't have time to ponder that, though.  I have to get her to M as soon as I can.  I dash as fast as I can for the entrance to the enclave, arriving at the entrance as fast as my legs will carry me.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-03-16/1004:45>
@Kynos the castle is about 15 perhaps 20 kilometers to the north. You will not make it in half an hour. It also becomes evidently clear that you do not want to be in the sewer when you pass out. Your air tank can only provide you with fresh air for a while and you might drown or be eaten alive if you stay in the sewers.

@Athos the orc leader tells you "We need a new place as under city is becoming more and more crowded - if you can find us someplace safe to stay and medical supplies we are at your debit and will follow your cause. We can fight, but staying here is hopless - no matter how many we kill there always seem to be plenty more."

@Minnie when you enter few people of the enclave tell you 'quick - take her to the lodge and they help you carry Strawberry to her lodge. You have not been there and  because of your emotional state it feels as if you are going underground forever.
The lodge is hall that is filled with clay status, where you meet whom you assume to be M, but then shortly after Strawberry emerges from between the statues.  Wait how could you distinguish them these gingers look exactly the same, and if the two of them are there - whats with the body that you just carried?

As you approach M says leave that statue her and leave, Minnie - you stay. When the men leave Strawberry approaches you and passionately kisses you. "My heroine..." she whispers, "tilting at windmills but your heart is on the right place."  You can feel that Strawberry is agitated, her eyes are still wet and red she cried dearly. Despite her emotional state, when you hear that voice you are moved and encouraged. Her voice is so unique that you have no doubt that you are kissing the right one.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-03-16/1338:04>
He surfaced as soon as he thought it would be safe, looked for a safe corner to change into his normal street gear and stuffed the full body armor into a plastic bag before he transfered it to his duffle bag.
His biomonitor counted the minutes until he would collapse. He quickly estimated if he could make it to the compound.

Seeing that he wouldn't make it on foot, Kynos looked around for a likely hiding place where he could hide himself and rest until the after effects of the drug wore off. He tried to remember if there was a suitable place nearby.

[spoiler]
Street Knowledge: Hiding Places (http://orokos.com/roll/356465): 5d6t5 2

[/spoiler]

 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-03-16/1402:17>
"I have land on the site of a ruined warehouse.  I will not lie or hide things.  The building was destroyed by an explosion and much work needs to be done to clear the rubble and rebuild, but I have money to buy materials and get people working if you want to move and start new lives there.  It will be hard work and may be dangerous, but it might be better than what you have now.  I will give the address to anyone who wants to come with me.  I will head there now and can even take people.  You do not need to leave things behind as I have a good van that can make trips to bring everyone and their belongings if someone can drive it.  Any takers?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-03-16/1955:42>
@Athos their leader say "We'll take it - we'll build some refuge out of whatever we find there and if you can organize some tents that can endure the weather it would be great.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-03-16/2156:49>
Athos nods.  "Thank you.  And what is your name?  Mine is Athos.  I will do as much as I can.  I know some people.  Now, please organize who is in the first load and I will take them there and let someone drive back to start bringing everyone else along.  Is there anything we need to bring that will not fit in the van?  If so, I will get a bigger truck if I can."

As he watches the people organize themselves he turns to Bruno.  "Bruno, my friend.  This is just about your last chance to stay or jump.  I am not doing exactly as Dona Valentina wants and she may be angry.  There will be difficulties if I cannot convince her of my way of thinking.  Staying with me might get you killed.  It is your choice and I will not think less of you for leaving.

Athos lets Bruno think on that and picks up his commlink.  >>Andu-San.  Athos here.  Things are changing and I can use some help.  I am starting something that is not Mafia and not Yakuza.  It could get me killed from either side just because it is a change from what has been.  I am organizing some people to come to the warehouse site and a couple of other properties and start their lives.  The city is exploding and old orders are falling like flies.  I need materials and equipment, perhaps some people who know how to use the equipment.  I will be building homes on that site and will be expanding my claim as much as I can protect.  This may cause problems with my current employer, but I am not looking for a new employer, rather someone who can help me.  I have some money and hope to get more, so can pay for what I get from you.  Let me know if you are willing to help me.  I warn you that this may cause friction with the Mafia and perhaps even your organization, so consider the consequences.  But this is a chance to help people and profit from it, rather than terrorize people and profit from it.  Please let me know.  I am on the way to the warehouse site shortly and could use a lot of temporary shelters, food, medicine, anything to help a bunch of families get a new start.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-04-16/0704:24>
Athos the underground leader say "These people call me Faith, but my parents have named me Ellen, Faith is my family name." she  smiles, her face is full of scars and in the heavy - retro like leather armor that she is wearing it was difficult to even say that she is female.  "Ice, Drama we're leaving this joint in 20 minutes take anything that you can we got to be fortified by nightfall move it! " She say to two of her vices  whom themselves begin shouting orders in some strange dialect of Or'zet.

She is armed with a troll size bow that is as big as a small balista, and upon further inspection you notice that the rest are also armed with primitive weapons, bows knifes, axes and the like. They seem to share some common genetic herritage.

Athos Bruno pushes you slightly and say "I am with you Athos you do what you think right but don't dismiss Valentina she has a way to get her own way, she prospered as an outsider in a family that was completely hostile to her and rose to the top, be careful around her, tough I doubt you can ever get her angry this lady will peacefully smile at you as she poison or stub you."

Andu responds
 >> Athos san,  no problem about construction materials, shelters and supplies I'll have Strawberry create you some temporary earth structure in there. It will feel more like a cave but it can be done before nightfall and whom ever is moving there can keep safe until a permanent solution is constructed.   Feel free to expend tough there is a delicate issue you should know before we continue two of your companions have done significant damages here,  mage is in custody and the ex military keeb is on the run. Don't link our working relationship to the fate of these two they seem to be making powerful enemies as they go along.

He did not respond about the possible discord between you and Valentina, if he had an opinion he kept it to himself.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-04-16/0947:20>
Athos looks at the Ork.  "It is good to have you on with this, Ellen.  Or do you prefer Faith?  Now, you have how many people here?  It looks like quite a few.  If you have good lieutenants I would like to take you in the first vanload so you can see the site and get things going.  I will arrange for some shelter and other supplies.  How are you set for food?  I can have that, too.  At some point, we are going to have to discuss what our people can do to contribute to the whole, but there is plenty of time for that."

He nods at Bruno and grins.  "Thanks.  And I will never discount Dona Valentina.  I am giving her what she wants with more people, an expansion, soldiers, potential income from taxes.  All she has to do is sit in the casino and make money and give me orders.  I suppose the hard part will be convincing her that my methods are better than the old ways.  I am looking at legitimate businesses, not a criminal empire.  If I can prove able to set this up and protect it, what reason would she have for being disappointed?"

Athos goes a bit pale at Andu's message.  **Which mage?  Yulia or Sovereign?**  With a slight sense of dread, Athos sends off a message to Jack as he climbs into the van with the first load of passengers, feeling a bit like an expedition leader.  >>Jack.  Athos here.  Thank you for the information on what you found.  I will be looking into it.  I have heard that there has been some trouble at Strawberry's  Can you fill me in?  Is Yulia alright?  I heard a mage is in custody?  Also, would Nagisa be available for a chat later?  I am on my way over right now.  If Yulia is OK, can you ask her to call me, please?<<

On the way to the warehouse site, he turns to Ellen.  "I have received confirmation that there will be some shelter and supplies delivered.  At this time I really do not know what it all entails, but it may involve some sorcery.  Will that be a problem?"  Despite his outward cheerfulness, Athos is worried by Andu's message and will fret until he gets more information from Jack or Yulia.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-05-16/1233:01>
@Athos Faith say "Call me Faith - I did go with you blindly because of a gut feeling - but beggers can't be picky the underground is scattered by a new force that begins to disturb the over world as well - perhaps now that they roam the city they'll solve it - but for us it was enough death"

Bruno - say "How do you think she got that Casino in the first place? She won that joint 10 years ago where it was nothing but a waste of space - look at it now, crowded renovated, your iron lady never rests she does not know how to do so.

Jake say "We have both Minnie and Sovereign, Sovereign apparently went insane tough, he burned down the Joke and killed 8 people before we stopped him. Kynos did not kill anyone but he went bananas in a KE style full body armor and begun tossing grenades, he damaged Strawberry's shrine a tree that belongs to her family for over a century and has great sentimental value, it is where the people come to worship her praying to find love or to be safe, odd tradition but Strawberry told me once that it effects the mana of this place and improves our crops - go figure how some superstitious chanting people actually do that - but that's beside the point I am getting ahead of myself.

Is there anything you need? About Nagisa you are welcome to visit but you'll have to talk to her directly.

Ellen look with disbelief Sorcery can do all that? "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-06-16/0056:18>
Relieved that Yulia is OK, Athos signs off by telling Jack that he is on the way over with the first of some refugees that he is going to put in the ruins of the warehouse and will see him soon.

He looks over to Faith.  "It is hard to believe.  I have seen a lot, perhaps too much, of magic in the last couple of days.  Like anything else, it can help or hinder, depending on the intent of the slinger.  Mojo will not solve all of our problems, but it will help us while we use our brains and arms to make a new life for all of us.  And you should trust your gut feeling.  I have and it has done me well so far.  Stick with me and give me your support and your families will thrive here."

Athos drives carefully to get to the warehouse location, trying to avoid any people in the way.  He parks the van close to the site and steps out to have a look around.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-06-16/0238:30>
Faith tells you "There are the expenses tough, for 20 families we'd need the bare minimum of 40k per month for lifestyle and the rest this is to pay for food and addictions and stuff like that - i hope this is within your resources and this much won't keep them happy but any less they'll go looking for some other way to make a living. These people only follow me as long as they beleive I have their best interests - sustaining for 20 families even with the minimal life condition is not trivial. "
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-06-16/0250:35>
Athos nods at Faith.  "To the point, eh?  I like that.  So what do I get for the 40K a month?  I would need to know what my money is getting.  After all, this is supposed to make money for me, not toss me into a debtor's prison."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-06-16/0309:39>
@Athos Faith says "Finding useful stuff to do with us is your concern you said you had jobs.  I am convoying you the cost of keeping 20 families fed and leaving some yelts for people to get their drugs, BTL's and other past time activities - because touch these things and you got yourself a rebellion. Sure you are up for that?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-06-16/0314:18>
"I am up for that.  Maybe you can get me a list of our people's qualifications so I can know where to begin.  Our first priority with be getting all of you settled and working on a place to live.  Then we all pull our weight or it all falls apart.  I will certainly need people to patrol the area and be ready to defend it.  Other things will come up, but it would help to know what people are good at doing."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-06-16/1526:11>
@Athos Faith gives you their roster, 60 people, 20 families 17 warriors, 2 traders a medicine man and the rest are tied to the household, either children or raising children one thing you notice is that these people have plenty of children in Barrens terms or actually way above any norm.

@Maxwell the spirit takes you to your body - "Come look" she say and you can see your body it looks exactly like your body but nothing at all like your body from the astral.  "We are going to burn this body - tell me what do you see" . .

@Kynos with your last forces you get up pretty far - a kilometer  perhaps two ? you are not sure and the air in the armor is almost finished when you climb out. Your head begins spinning and you know that you are about to crush. You look for the nearest garbage heap and dig inside, it is not comfortable but may be safe.
[spoiler] You can refresh edge for bold behavior that is loyal to your character concept and roll edge - success you got lucky and nobody found you failure well someone finds you[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-06-16/1640:59>
[spoiler]
No love for my street knowledge roll?
Edge (http://orokos.com/roll/357480): 1d6t5 1
Seems like I could survive that.

So let's see how long I'm out:
4 Stun + 7 from Stim + 6 from Kamikaze = 17 Stun = 11 Stun + 4 Physical (one from my self inflicted wounds)

Healing hour 1: Bod+Wil(-1 through Kamikaze)
Healing Stun (http://orokos.com/roll/357485): 11d6t5 3
Hour 2
Healing Stun (http://orokos.com/roll/357486): 11d6t5 3
Hour 3
Healing Stun (http://orokos.com/roll/357487): 10d6t5 2
Hour 4
Healing Stun (http://orokos.com/roll/357488): 9d6t5 2
[/spoiler]

Kynos woke with a horrible ringing in his ears. Around him he heard rats scuttling about, but if his memories served, he still was in the same position at the same place with all his gear intact. With shaky fingers he reached for his gun and kept it ready. Everything ached. Even if he wanted he wouldn't be able to move fast. So he lay in the darkness of the garbage and tried to empty his mind of any thoughts beside the immediate pain.

Pain was good - it made him feel alive. But it made him slow and so he waited another hour. And another and another. Finally he was sure that the pain in his bladder was stronger than that of his injuries and he carefully rose from his garbage grave. After leaving a mark of his own behind the dumpster he started on his way. A bed at the Red Hot Nukes seemed like the promise of heaven right now...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-06-16/1651:32>
@Kynos (Sorry totally missed that) When you wake up it is late afternoon, sun to be dusk the streets are empty, the doors are shut and you are more or less yourself. It is unwise to walk alone at night in the Barrens not for Kynos but for normal people, tonight is extra quiet and there is not even vehicular movement the roads must be blocked.

(You have 20 km or so to cover and blocked roads, you can brave by foot come to some clever solution or not - there may or may not be ghouls braving the streets later.)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-06-16/1658:50>
He floats upright next to the spirit, his arms still crossed.  He looks at his long sought after body, but something feels off.  It has all of his physical characteristics, hair, shape, size, except without the astral glow of his aura.  Without turning away from the sight, Maxwell talks to the spirit in a calm yet confused manner.  "That's me alright.  It's just... It's also... not me as well.  I'm not sure I understand.  I'm not one for figuring out riddles.  Why go through all the trouble to separate my soul from my body, when you could have killed me instead?  For what purpose would it serve to have something else possess my husk?  And what do you mean you're going to burn this body?  If that's my body then i'm taking it back.  Unless i'm looking at an illusion."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-06-16/1713:13>
@Maxwell The spirit introduce herself as M
"Look, while I kind of hoped you won't return I cannot kill you, I am Strawberry's ally spirit M and technically I have to obey her. This body is made of clay but manipulated to appear like you. There is some dark force that seem to collect mages in the city and since you burned Strawberry's home we decided to infiltrate it, we will try to fool this force into claiming this fake and see where it takes it, we think it will lead us to the vampire. Perhaps he grew apatite for awakened blood or something.

As to your own body - I honestly do not know, Strawberry is not well she is torn between revenge to pacifism and she is not the most balanced person there is no saying what she might do to you. She wasn't always pacifistic you know? There are many different emotions and you did a lot to destabilize her. Before she decided to stop killing she single handedly exterminated two street gangs and many of Andu's man, Rituals are her specialty. I kind of hope that she will kill you and summon a spirit to inhibit your dead body and use your skills - sorry for that but you kind of deserve that."


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-06-16/1842:51>
He glances over at the spirit partially annoyed.  "Sorry to disappoint you but I wasn't going to stand still and fade into nonexistence like you hoped.  Nor am I going to let her steal my arcane might.  But... i'll be angry about that later I guess."

Stopping himself, he reflects on her words before continuing.  "An ally spirit, I've heard of those.  You're a mana construct, forged from Strawberry's magic and personality.  Although that's as far as I know about that subject.  Speaking of Strawberry..."

Maxwell ponders about the elf, waiting several moments before speaking back up.  "It seems to me that her sanity was holding on by a thread long before the two of us met.  I doubt she can claim to be a pacifist either, not when you both sentenced me to death via banishment.  She is undoubtedly powerful though, if she managed to do what you said.  She even held her own against me, and that's saying something."

"I was unaware of this new dark force.  Thank you for bringing it to my attention and telling me about your plan.  If it goes well then I could be able to do something about it.  First things first, I still need to return to my real body.  Would you take me to Strawberry?  If she is as angry as you say then it might do her some good to vent and feel that anger.  I may have started the fire and deaths, but not the background count and state of the astral in your domain.  I would have needed to kill 50, perhaps 100 men to do that level of damage.  Something is holding down all these negative emotions and it's poisoning the astral.  Maybe I could help work out whatever is afflicting her."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-07-16/0328:44>
Kynos walked steadily and tried to avoid showing any signs of pain or weakness. He had donned the forearm guards and the helmet but not the mask - for the moment. The rifle lay inside the bag and he had his gun in the concealed quickdraw holster, while his taser was visible. He really regretted now selling the evac drone. But he needed the money and besides, he really didn't want to be flying while an enemy hacker hunted for him and his associates.
He looked around. Maybe he could steal or buy a bicycle. That would considerable speed up his pace.

[spoiler]
Perception check (http://orokos.com/roll/357648): 8d6t5 2

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-07-16/2147:49>
"I...I thought you were dead," I sputter to Strawberry when we're alone, my voice and eyes full of emotion.  "I feel so foolish, now..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-08-16/0435:29>
@Minnie Strawberry replies "Don't be silly you protected a secret of mine and it is important, there are actually ten of me. They give the people the feeling that I watch what they are doing and that I am everywhere. Most of the surveillance is done with ordinary drones tough - but a myth is powerful tool. They believe that I am all seeing and they behave better fearing vengeance. I am actually very seldom at the Joke in the flesh.

I come there when awakened people enter as they can see the true nature of these clones with their own eyes - and with these I try to be extra careful and kind to have them cooperating. These clones of me can do anything quite convincing and even channel magic when possessed by spirits - but they cannot talk like me and their astral aura is different than my own.

You can sense the astral world and you should use this gift to understand things. The most powerful magic is the invisible one. Now come there is something I need to show you. "

She grabs your hand and show you Sovereign guarded by yet another Strawberry "Another young mage, inexperienced and rushed - burned down my joint and killed 8 people. Probably would not have done so if he cared to look into the astral. Perhaps he was trying to 'save me?' who knows. " It is Sovereign and he is tied down to a small stage with strange engraving around it. It appears that the land itself is holding him hostage.
"I want to kill him so much - " She said.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-08-16/1001:40>
@Kynos
[spoiler]
Some OOC things:
1. For Maxwell sleeping in the car with a suit only gave a roll for each 4 hours - sleeping in a garbage with a full armor (rather than suit armor) would not allow Kynos to recover stun every hour. It should be worse conditions than in the car. That is I'll get him up but he'll be 1 stun away from blacking out again. -
(is that reasonable for you? I try to keep consistent and well you know how this game is with rules and stuff I want to define 'rest' as at home in bed sleeping in regular clothes).
 
About Knowledge check I assumed you can find a safe place to crush where you won't get eaten or easily found by the Yak,but some things could still happen Some homeless dude finding the unconscious warrior and steals some stuff to sell it ? Stuff like that.
[/spoiler]

Stealing bikes requires some serious decking and transfering their ownership is a nasty business - throw backs are different you could just climb on one and drive. People would not keep bikes in the street. If they are not stolen they can easily be chopped and recycled. Some people were scary enough to do this without anyone lifting their ride but with the massive amount of refugees nobody dares doing so anymore. However, you reach small staffer shack branch that has several bikes parked outside of it. Humanis raiders according to colors. The bikes are guarded by a teenage boy that holds a gun in a manner it is clear he has no knowledge how to use it.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-08-16/1006:47>
Athos is bust trying to figure out how to get all of these people in and settled and shakes his head at the daunting task.  "You are only partially right, you know.  It is not just my job to find something for everyone to do, it is not just your job, either.  It is all of us together.  We will find a way to make this work."  **I hope.** 

At the site of the warehouse, Athos looks about to see what has changed and to meet Andu's men and maybe see if Strawberry is about.  His eye skittles among the people he can see, looking for Minnie.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-08-16/1010:04>
@Athos Faith tells you "Careful what you wish for, if I let them find work for themselves you might not like what they do for living, we are smugglers and criminals delivering weapons to fancy offices under the city and removing them after use in agreed drop points, no question asked. This is how we made living before that monstrosity started swarming the sewers. These are no wage-slaves they are warriors and scavengers...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-08-16/1021:28>
Athos looks at Faith is surprise and laughs.  "My kind of people.  I have nothing against that sort of work.  We can set up and work from here.  It will make a good way to earn a living."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-08-16/1052:19>
[spoiler]
@Kynos
Some OOC things:
1. For Maxwell sleeping in the car with a suit only gave a roll for each 4 hours - sleeping in a garbage with a full armor (rather than suit armor) would not allow Kynos to recover stun every hour. It should be worse conditions than in the car. That is I'll get him up but he'll be 1 stun away from blacking out again. -
(is that reasonable for you? I try to keep consistent and well you know how this game is with rules and stuff I want to define 'rest' as at home in bed sleeping in regular clothes).
 
About Knowledge check I assumed you can find a safe place to crush where you won't get eaten or easily found by the Yak,but some things could still happen Some homeless dude finding the unconscious warrior and steals some stuff to sell it ? Stuff like that.

No. No stealing. I depend on my equipment and you already took away my weapon dealer connection so I can't replace it. If you start with that, Kynos won't be able to participate.

Also I thought the knowledge check would allow me to find a place where I can crash and refresh. You may give me a dice pool penalty on that if you absolutely must, but Kynos has the Quick Healer ability.
Bluntly said: Kynos won't start to wander the streets until he is up for it.
If you want to stretch the intervals be aware, that that will just take him out of the game for another day.

Also I am explicitly asking for a bicycle not a motorbike, just a simple mountainbike or something similar. Not everything must be motorized. If need be I'd even buy one from a shady cellar shop.

If they are chained up, I have a micro welder ready

[/spoiler]


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-08-16/1058:34>
[spoiler]

No stealing take it easy, and okay on finding a bicycle in the street and about your contact once you resolve the deal with the military base you'll get him again at higher loyalty.
 
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-08-16/1753:39>
"I want to kill him so much..." I hear Strawberry say.

Those words surprise me considering how much of a pacifist this woman has shown herself to be.  Then again, the havoc above is evidence to just how much disruption this one man apparently has caused.

"What does M say about him?"  I really am curious since the spirit does seem to be the more practical of the two.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-08-16/1806:03>
@Strawberry says "M would have killed him instantly by allowing him to burn in the Joke along with his fireball simple clean and victim-less, but i couldn't allow anyone to have this fate, not again."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-09-16/0807:20>
Kynos found one: A turn of the previous century model - with a sturdy steel frame and new tires - secured safely with two sets of heavy bike chains.
Those lasted exactly six seconds against Kynos' micro welder. Now with wheels under him, Kynos began to pedal towards the stronghold.
While he exerted himself he had time to think. 'It really looks like a zombie-apocalypse now. Really fitting that I'm on a velocipede now - the most efficient way to traverse larger distances without needing to worry about noise or refueling. Only downside is I look probably ridiculous...'
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-09-16/1000:03>
"This has happened before?" I ask, holding Strawberry close since I can tell this is a tough topic for her.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-09-16/1656:08>
@Athos many things happens right infront of your eyes, the earth raised to supply you with a cave, considerably better than that old warehouse. The Joke itself is also transformed to some improvised earth house that grows from the ground, frankly it needed renovation and Strawberry have decided not to stay dead. After the unusual construction the massive earthwalls are being transformed into brick like exterior to give them a more mundane feeling. Roofers arrives with wood, nylons and plastics to create good roof above your shelter.

  You meet M outside of the renovated warehouse and she said " It is crude but it should last the winter if you treat it right making it permanent is a matter, of choice you can go and speak to Nagisa but we cannot send her out of the compound it is not safe for her outside. The Mafia might attempt to kill her again. "

Later you get a message from Deep Blue >> I am skipping town - do you want to hang out before that? I can take you flying.

@Minnie Strawberry tells you "It happened again and again, over the generations and I also experience the pain of generations to come. This is the drawback in my magic - as I initiate and venture deeper into it I lose touch with this world and my mind becomes more fragmented around the history. I have been studying magic my entire life, I can sense the sufferings of my bloodline to ancient times. It is difficult to explain but I just know that someone related to me have died in a fire.

Most of my bloodline have died violent deaths and living here for so many years every time this happens here it floods back new emotions and new feelings new revelations and the desire of revenge, I tried to protect myself to make this place a safe heaven so that I could keep my mind in agriculture and magic and the things that I love. It seems that no matter what I do I cannot prevent the outside world from getting into my domain, but that is beside the point I need your help and I need it urgently Gi needs to arrive to the airport and he need to arrive there before nightfall because there is a vampire after him.

If the opposition attacked us now - and he was obviously the target of this assault it is our time to make a move. I'll give you dream of passion she choice to stay here and you can call Athos if you like and this security guy called Edge that I got good references on. I need Gi removed from here, you would not believe the Pandora's box his death is going to open. "

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-10-16/1010:23>
I listen intently to the story Strawberry tells.  I have so many questions, but I sense now isn't the time.  All I can do it hold her close as she speaks and really absorb what she's saying.  In any case, I need all the time I can get to ensure Gi makes it to the airport before sundown.  It's late December, the shortest days of the year.  It'll be twilight in maybe five hours.  Not much time at all to prepare and execute an operations given the circumstances.

"It sounds like he needs to be in the air over the Pacific by dusk.  If his death is this big, just being behind airport security might not be enough.  When can he be taking off for Japan as close to nightfall as possible but in the air before twilight and giving some cushion for potential delays?"  I think a moment.  "And while we're at it, we'd need to be stealthy.  If anyone knows we're taking him to fly out and want him to meet Grail, all they'd have to do would be to create a scene and the airport closes.  No planes take off before dark and they get their way by default.  This will be very tricky."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-10-16/1207:34>
@Edge It has been a long flight but you are finally landed in Seattle, it is 10 am and you have a meeting for a job something that paid well enough to fly across the globe to do. Few nights ago you were in Tokyo wondering how your career have taken you so far and then an opportunity to fly in an MCT affiliated Jet no passport control no nothing -  closer to home. Apparently it is an agent extraction, who knows you got paid for the way in 10k nuyen just for securing a cooperate suit- Rafael Green - the vice president of Microfocus - some company that makes nanite technologies that was rushed one way to Seattle.

Your plane has not yet landed when you are offered a side gig - by a spirit no less a beautiful elf manifest to you and introduces herself as Melissa, M in short. She gives you GPS coordinates and a promise of 25k if you can escort some hot agent safely to the airport.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-10-16/1231:50>
Athos reads the text from Jet Blue and sends a response.  >>Hey, nice to hear from you.  Still wish that you did not feel you have to leave.  I am restructuring the Family here and could use you as a partner.  People might be looking for you, but that can be fixed.  But if you are positive I will not be in your way.  When do you want to meet and where.  I am tied up at the moment, but can free later.  Get back to me.<<

After sending the message, Athos tasks Faith with assigning living space to her people and tells her, "You are in charge here, so get your people situated.  It may take a day or two, but we want to start looking into reestablishing your contacts and getting back in business.  If you are used to moving through the underground we will need to figure out how to do that with the zombies down there.  I am going off to talk to some people here, but will be back to check in later.  Any questions for me?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-10-16/1354:11>
@Minnie Strawberry said "It will not be easy, but this is the window of opportunity the vampire is powerful but in the day he uses runners like everybody else. We caught two of his runners and the third one is escaping now trying to find a hole to crawl into.

The mage tried to kill Gi and then myself - he is right here in front of you.
The rigger that was only subdued because of Athos your friend - he gave us head up of your location and following the drone you took out we uncovered the rigger alone and unprotected. Dream of Passion took care of him along with another spirit. There is only the tank, Kynos - that proved very difficult to subdo in such a short notice. He is on the run tough and he'll quickly discover that all our drones are in the sky until you make it for the airport.

Nagisa will be your eyes in the matrix and I'll send you a close friend that decided to stay with us longer than anticipated, Dream of Passion to give you some astral over watch. Heads up that Dream of Passion was hurt in the struggle with Kynos so do not expect much direct confrontation from her. She can however posses your clothes to protect you and do all sort of things fire spirits do - ask her yourself if you like, I instructed her to keep an eye for you.  I am sending you another runner named Edge - I cannot trust anyone in town after my own runners were working both sides - but Edge have just landed in the city - it is unlikely that he was hired by the other side. "

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-10-16/1358:07>
@Edge It has been a long flight but you are finally landed in Seattle, it is 10 am and you have a meeting for a job something that paid well enough to fly across the globe to do. Few nights ago you were in Tokyo wondering how your career have taken you so far and then an opportunity to fly in an MCT affiliated Jet no passport control no nothing -  closer to home. Apparently it is an agent extraction, who knows you got paid for the way in 10k nuyen just for securing a cooperate suit- Rafael Green - the vice president of Microfocus - some company that makes nanite technologies that was rushed one way to Seattle.

Your plane has not yet landed when you are offered a side gig - by a spirit no less a beautiful elf manifest to you and introduces herself as Melissa, M in short. She gives you GPS coordinates and a promise of 25k if you can escort some hot agent safely to the airport.

Looking to the spirit, not in the least surprised by the sudden appearance given his brother's profession as a shaman, Edge says quietly, "I have a meet I need to get to, but once that's done I can see about getting this person to the airport."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-10-16/1418:24>
@Athos
Deep Blue tell you >> Your words are beautiful but tragic as you do not know the half of it. I am taking a risk dating you got it?  meet me where we met for the first time - I will have a nice surprise for you.


Faith nods - "We'll be alright" she says you have more important things to do, thanks for doing us a solid.

@Edge - The spirit said "Funny or not I am aware of your schedule, call this number when you are done with the meeting, and she types you a comlink number. For a spirit she seems very technologically savvy.

Mr. Green asks you "Who are you talking to son? You yourself have suggested flying wifi dark for security reasons."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-10-16/1542:00>
"I think the best way to go is stealth.  With all the debris above from the hulk of the Joke, there are a bunch of trucks hauling off burned rubble.  Maybe we can hide Gi and I in a debris truck and the route of the truck can take us almost to Sea-Tac.  Is there any chance we can pass this "close friend" off as a driver?  Gi and I could just hide with the junk.  Heck, if there's any way to swing it, maybe we could switch to another, empty, trash truck which would then head off to the airport.  Even if not, we could switch service vehicles close to the airport.  Hopefully you and Nagisa can arrange a fake ID for Gi and buy the ticket in that name.  He can't be himself at the airport since I'm sure his name would flag triggers with the authorities.  His face will be bad enough..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-10-16/1644:49>
@Minnie Strawberry said " A truck, we can do it yes we are doing some magical construction but there are plenty of trucks around - you'll have to steal one tough. Asking for favors leaves a trail - but a stolen truck at this hour should raise no suspicion desperate times call for desperate deeds and everybody wants wheels. "


Shortly after Nagisa enters wearing a black and somewhat seductive dress, she looks completely stunning but the way she moves in that dress captures Minne.  Nagisa don't normally dress that fancy -unless she is working, and when she does she only looks happy if it is part of the job. Right now Nagisa genuinely seems happy - thinking about it. Minnie have never seen her truly happy. Everything controlled and with moderation
accurately expressed like a science - even her love to Yulia - just the right amount not to endanger her loyalty to the family if she got too close to you the romance would have ended.

"Is she high? You think and she greet you and say "Sexy ladies! - I report to my erotic duties to hack and steal and lie and cheat... I will do anything for you ladies... anything at all" She then approaches Minnie and gently nimble her mousy ears and passionately kisses her. So much passion, so much energy that Yulia  may feel a bit overwhelmed. 

 "Why is she acting like that?! "
Strawberry makes a sound, to disturb you and get you focus and before Nagisa let's go she say:
 "I will steal the moon for you Yulia... or even a garbage truck so... You can spend the entire way to the airport cuddled with your boyfriend - I heard that he is great in the sack - too bad he is leaving now..."

Strawberry looks at her, "I am glad that you could join us, Nagisa - I trust you to keep professional about it. If you cannot do it Jack would replace you. You will get used to my voice eventually - the effect wears off with frequent use"  said Strawberry.
Minnie can feel that Nagisa's body is dramatically effected by that voice her grip become tighter and Nagisa gasps for air when Strawberry is done talking.

She then added "I'll leave you two star crossed lovers to catch up and plan - time is running out and I need to complete some rituals to build a shelter for Athos.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-10-16/1826:25>
The radical change in Nagisa leaves me terribly conflicted.  On one hand, this certainly makes life easier for her and me.  On the other hand, what Gi shared with me about Strawberry and especially M rings in my mind.  Nagisa and i are minor pawns in so many big games - Strawberry, the Family, the Yak....

Will there ever be a place just for us?

Now isn't the time for such grave thoughts, though.  For now, our fates are aligned with Strawberry and right now she needs a certain ork safe over the Pacific ocean by dark.

"I'm just glad you're safe again Nagi," I say with honesty while at the same time I unconsciously stretch luxuriously at the motions she makes with my ears.  "And don't get the wrong idea.  Gi is certainly among the better lovers I've had, but he's not my friend and certainly not what you mean to me."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-10-16/2040:31>
@Edge - The spirit said "Funny or not I am aware of your schedule, call this number when you are done with the meeting, and she types you a comlink number. For a spirit she seems very technologically savvy.

Mr. Green asks you "Who are you talking to son? You yourself have suggested flying wifi dark for security reasons."

Giving a chuckle, he responds to Green, "My brother's a shaman, so he gets rather flamboyant when he asks me to pick something up for him. He likes to send low-end spirits to get messages to me. I've tried to tell him not to, but...siblings."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-11-16/0010:56>
Athos laughs at Faith's comment.  "No, not more important, just important.  As this is.  But you are here and seem to be getting this organized.  I have learned that I have to delegate and these are your people.  I will get to know them a lot better in the days to come.  But now there are many things to get rolling and people to say goodbye to.  It will probably be tomorrow before I can get back, but here is my comm code.  You can use it if you run into something you cannot handle."

After exchanging comm codes with Faith, Athos moves off to where it looks like the Joke is undergoing some serious renovations.  Looking around, he does not see Strawberry so he sends a text off to Jack.  >>Hey, Jack.  I really would like to talk to Yulia.  Is she anywhere near you?  I have not heard from her in a while and I am getting concerned.  Can you help me?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-11-16/0412:05>
@Edge The plane lands and you escort mr. green to a meeting on council island, ambassador Jones, your host is the furthest away from being a Salish-Shidhe citizen as he appears to be everything that they are not. Yet he is now the ambassador clearly american or anglo as they say in the Nan. He is meeting with the vice mayor of the city and Mr. Green. You do not know much about the meeting except that it is event-less and you wait outside the entire time.

Seattle is unlike the way you ever remembered it, it is a grim city with bodies scattered on the street, police is nowhere to be found not even in the good neighborhoods and most roads are now blocked. Chatter is about a zombie apocalypse, Shedim and all sort of nasty beasts that roam the city. Economic behavior has brought to a halt, the banks are closed and the once blissful island is now crawling with refugees from all over the city. The embassy provide them with blankets and food and so far they are limited to the nature reserves rather than the actual garden and the wooden embassy building and VIP hotel.

Still all this peace and tranquility of gardens and totems is conflicting with the state of the other city. The island is almost a different world - a different world with an oversized security force - a small army really. When Mr. Green releases you from your duty he hands you a credstick "I was told this is how you get paid in the shadows" He laughs in a friendly manner "Thanks for everything, Edge I'll definitely call you when I leave, for now I'll stay here for several days doing my business"

@Minnie when Strawberry leaves to the farther part of the statue room and begin deploying all sort of arcane items with M. You can feel that Nagisa finally get comfortable and allow her physical emotions to manifest. She breaths heavily and you can tell that her body is on the edge.

"I cannot think clearly in here - I dream about her, erotic dreams and when I awake it is the same. I am constantly aroused, don't get me wrong it is amazing I was never this happy - I never even knew I was able to feel like this, but I am terrified - I feel like I am drowning. Normally if I saw you sleeping with this Orc, I'd swear perhaps throw something to express anger - but this time the fantasy was too strong and I was too far gone into the passion. I fantasize on joining you - I never felt bi-sexual before, I am not sure that I am myself here, perhaps I was never myself I do not know. "
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-11-16/0611:02>
@Maxwell As you grow weaker M tells you come "I'll take you to your body, it's been too long." She takes you into a power and yet invisible ward into a magical lodge. There in a room full of statues you awaken. Arcane signs around you but these are all seem off, made up definitely not black magic. How many hours were you away? you have no idea.

Strawberry carries a dagger in one hand and gently strokes your hair with the other one.

"Welcome back to the land of the living. Did you like the astral sea ? "  she say and her voice makes you feel safe and at peace - no you shouldn't feel like that. You know that but still - you sort of do.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-11-16/0723:05>
The spirit complies with his request to be taken back to his body, curiously she makes no comment of the things he said.  He feels himself waning more and more.  Not wanting to argue he follows M to reunite flesh and soul.  Maxwell awakens groggily in a near torpid state.  Even after all that time apart his wounds barely healed.  He surveys his surroundings to get a better idea of where he's at.  He sees lifeless statues and unknown sigils around him.  He tries to move and get up but finds it's impossible.  It's not surprising that they would have him bound to keep him still.

Another oddity is Strawberry's voice.  He remembers enjoying every word she spoke, every sentence a work of art.  Yet he can't shake the feeling of something being off.  Why does he feel relaxed and almost tranquil when he should be on edge?  He was already in a vulnerable position and now he was being mocked and emotion controlled.  Maxwell was unsure if he should let this slide or not.  Slowly he looks up at her and sees her carrying a blade in one hand.  He wants to be defiant and angry yet he can't but help speak to her docilely.

"Not particularly.  Probably would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't sent there against my will or to die."  He motions with his eyes at the weapon she's holding.  "What's with the dagger?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-11-16/0756:15>
Strawberry tells you "You are a powerful mage, exceptionally powerful and I doubt there are mages like you in the shadows, but you are uneducated and know nothing about magic. It is like you are making it all up. I could spend over a week placing a leash on you but time is of the essence.
She pauses and then adds.
"Why did you try to kill Venom and burned down my business - I gave you shelter gave you a lucrative job what made you betray me?"


She ignores your question about the dagger but makes no aggressive move with it.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-11-16/1011:40>
@Edge The plane lands and you escort mr. green to a meeting on council island, ambassador Jones, your host is the furthest away from being a Salish-Shidhe citizen as he appears to be everything that they are not. Yet he is now the ambassador clearly american or anglo as they say in the Nan. He is meeting with the vice mayor of the city and Mr. Green. You do not know much about the meeting except that it is event-less and you wait outside the entire time.

Seattle is unlike the way you ever remembered it, it is a grim city with bodies scattered on the street, police is nowhere to be found not even in the good neighborhoods and most roads are now blocked. Chatter is about a zombie apocalypse, Shedim and all sort of nasty beasts that roam the city. Economic behavior has brought to a halt, the banks are closed and the once blissful island is now crawling with refugees from all over the city. The embassy provide them with blankets and food and so far they are limited to the nature reserves rather than the actual garden and the wooden embassy building and VIP hotel.

Still all this peace and tranquility of gardens and totems is conflicting with the state of the other city. The island is almost a different world - a different world with an oversized security force - a small army really. When Mr. Green releases you from your duty he hands you a credstick "I was told this is how you get paid in the shadows" He laughs in a friendly manner "Thanks for everything, Edge I'll definitely call you when I leave, for now I'll stay here for several days doing my business"

Accepting the cred-stick and giving Green a nod, Edge says, "A pleasure." and turns to leave. He takes a bit of time before leaving the island entirely to grab a bite to eat--the island always reminded him of back home in Casper. As he sits down and looks over the menu, he messages the comm-code he was given by the spirit <<Will be en route to GPS coordinates shortly. Just stopping for a bite to eat while I'm on Council Island.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-11-16/1426:39>
@Minnie this is your comcode! :)
<<Will be en route to GPS coordinates shortly. Just stopping for a bite to eat while I'm on Council Island.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-11-16/1445:35>
After finishing a quick lunch of venison stew, Edge downs the last of his drink and settles up the bill before heading out to his car. Once there, he inputs the GPS coordinates and proceeds toward the location ensuring to, once in an area with signal, call up a traffic report to see which roads are blocked and which are passable on the way.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-11-16/1513:48>
@Edge the thing is nobody knows anything. Downtown is functioning and so is Bellevue but once you cross from Bellevue to the Barrens nobody knows.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-11-16/1633:43>
[spoiler=OOC]
He'll just 'wing it' then. It's just, of course, his first thought to check traffic reports.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-11-16/1904:52>
"I cannot think clearly in here - I dream about her, erotic dreams and when I awake it is the same. I am constantly aroused, don't get me wrong it is amazing I was never this happy - I never even knew I was able to feel like this, but I am terrified - I feel like I am drowning. Normally if I saw you sleeping with this Orc, I'd swear perhaps throw something to express anger - but this time the fantasy was too strong and I was too far gone into the passion. I fantasize on joining you - I never felt bi-sexual before, I am not sure that I am myself here, perhaps I was never myself I do not know."

Nagisa's words further trouble me, but I do my best not to show it.  M's words to me about the implant mix with Gi's warnings about M and my own feelings toward the elf herself.

"She has that effect on a lot of people," I confide.  "I really do believe she can't help it.  I guess my ability to feel Eros is so messed up that she doesn't affect me that way, but instead she's like the mother I never had.  A mother who accepts what I am without judging and just wants the best for me.  I don't think it's any less intoxicating, though."  I hug Nagisa tight.  "Given where we both stand with the Family, I think our best bet is to keep trusting her.  I don't see many other options, at least for now.  And at least you're safe and have the resources to keep busy doing useful things.  And while I'm about to go into danger, I have seen enough of what is going on in the city to understand this is really an important assignment.  A lot more people will die if Gi doesn't get out of Seattle safe...even this place might become endangered."

"By the way," I add with a smile to try and put aside the troubles.  "Have you been outside in the past day?  Despite all violence, it's pretty with a thin layer of snow.  Strawberry's wards seem to have weathered the fighting, so I bet we could at least stand just outside the door and look at the white blanket."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-11-16/1905:55>
Again the sound of her voice cradled Maxwell.  He felt Strawberry's spoken words safeguard him, but in a way that didn't truly relieve him.  How easy would it be to embrace these feelings, to embrace this unnatural peace.  The things she said were already playing back to him.  He could still see the knife and knew that despite what he's experiencing, it couldn't be more than a game or tool to use against him.  Still, he thought he should explain himself to help her understand.  Maxwell moans softly and tries to shock himself out of Strawberry's forced tranquility.

"Thank you for the kind word but I find it strange that you compliment my talent while complaining about my lack of knowledge.  Sure, I most likely need to brush up on my hermeticism and esoteric arcana later.  Does that really mean i'm making it up though?  In a sense all magicians kinda make it up.  They find what works best for them and build upon that.  As long as there's some basic framework then all it takes is the strength to wield it, the mind to learn it.  It's in that marriage of power and the will to use it that you'll find me in.  Perhaps you could call it an unholy bastardization of magic, but i'd say you're just being cynical."

He laughs to himself slightly as if he's privy to a joke that she isn't.  "I guess that didn't really answer your questions."  He struggles somewhat against his bindings and tries to become more fervent.  The effort was futile for he couldn't talk back as commanding as he hoped.  "I would say greed was my main motivation but that'd be a cop-out answer.  I wanted to kill him simply because i'd enjoy seeing his bones char to black.  It could be said that I have more reasons than that and it would be true.  Just at my core I wanted to slaughter him for the swine he is."

"As to why I torched your bar and roasted those thugs.  Well... I don't enjoy being possessed and attacked afterwards.  Considering that I never tried to harm you.  Was mostly self-defense anyway.  Don't get me wrong, I liked my new place and it was a decent job."

Maxwell pauses momentarily as he considers her last question.  "Can it even be said that I betrayed you when I was nothing more than a pawn in your game?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-12-16/0314:10>
@Minnie Nagisa says "I have access to the gardens, this is part of why I see Strawberry so much. I spend most of my free time in there Strawberry keeps it pleasant despite the weather.
This is actually part of the problem as, she is there most of the time studying and I am there most of the time to get some fresh air... or at least that is what I tell myself. Care to come with me for a few minutes?"

@Maxwell Strawberry say "So you wanted to kill him and just did despite accepting a contract to deliver him to the airport? Then when I try to subdo you to prevent you from a deed of anger you burn my pub and kill eight people? If I wanted to kill you I had significantly darker methods to do so - poison for instance. You were never at any danger - who am I speaking to now? Are you yourself?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-12-16/0416:29>
He chuckles darkly at her question.  A sly grin pulls across his lips forming a twisted smile.  His smile breaks when he sees her frustration and looks away.  He turns back to her with some sympathy to her pained confusion.  "It's me alright.  Hard to impersonate a devil like myself.  Those in the shadows know me as the moniker Sovereign.  My actual name is Maxwell Rhodes.  Call me what you will."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-12-16/0805:06>
"I have access to the gardens, this is part of why I see Strawberry so much. I spend most of my free time in there Strawberry keeps it pleasant despite the weather. This is actually part of the problem as, she is there most of the time studying and I am there most of the time to get some fresh air... or at least that is what I tell myself. Care to come with me for a few minutes?"

The gardens?  Huh.  Strawberry never fails to surprise.  Just how big is this place?  Big enough to grow all the food, I suppose.

"A few minutes is all I have, but sure.  Anywhere is as good as anywhere to plan things out.  And I'd love to see your new haunt.  Oh, and I just got a strange text.  I'm wondering if it's Strawberry's friend, but he doesn't identify himself."

I share the text with Nagi as we walk.

<<Will be en route to GPS coordinates shortly. Just stopping for a bite to eat while I'm on Council Island.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-12-16/0816:59>
@Edge you make it quite far almost to the place, you are about 2 kilometers from the Joke when you encounter a Blockade manned by several orcs and trolls that dress alike they all have red bandanna's probably a gang.  (Knowledge check can tell you more).

Their leader is a big troll with bad attitude yells at you. "Hey pretty boy - you got to enter our hood you got to pay our price!   200 nuyen per car and you got to be out by nightfall for your own protection. Is that clear pretty boy! "  

They are openly armed with assault rifles and some even have illegal grenade launchers. Their blockade is somewhat improvised and it is possible to drive through it tough with this kind of firepower might be cheaper to pay them.

@Maxwell Strawberry say " I am just Strawberry, I don't remember much about my given or family name. Max - I will not let you go before Venom is safe and secure - I need him alive and you are too volatile.
You also cannot stay here, you are no longer welcome in my domain.
That said, there is something I want from you, that spirit  I banished, it was unlike any other I have encountered and I've met quite a few mages before. I want one just like it under my control. With what's to come, I might need the fire power."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-12-16/0835:59>
@Minnie Nagisa sees the message and say cheerfully "Try not to bed him as well... unless he's hot. Strawberry mentioned him awakened security. " She grab your hand and leads you underground and as you go there is a small elevator that leads to a walled space above ground, it  a garden that is filled with large white flowers that seem to welcome and lean toward you as you enter. The smell is intoxicating, everything is carefully planned in this place.
In the middle there is a large tree and a pond and in one of the corrners there is a work area filled with arcane books, but Nagisa takes you to a small bench by the pond.  "A piece of paradise  - and Strawberry is gone for a few hours doing magic stuff so we have it all to ourselves....I know that it is not actually outside, but this is as good as it gets for me." Said Nagisa. Nagisa then embraces and passionately kiss you. You don't want that kiss to ever end. Somehow it does end and as your lips separate she Whispers... "I missed you so much" .

The smells, the natural beauty and the kisses -  they raise emotions physical emotions that are difficult to resist and the white flower grooves they seem aware to you two, as if they are happy that you are there. For a brief moment there is nothing more you want to do but to stay in this small hidden garden and forget everything about the outside world.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-12-16/0945:38>
Maxwell takes in what she says about her not remembering much about who she really is or who she used to be.  He recalls M saying that Strawberry isn't the most stable person and that she has no idea what her true intentions are.  It was hard to think given his current condition.  Thought processes were slow and he was still under her mercy to boot.  After several minute he says back to her in an almost nice way of speaking, nice for him that is.  "I see, that must be hard to not know who you used to be.  Name and clan lost to time.  Have you tried asking M about this?  Maybe she remembers what you can't.  I guess that's a dumb question.  She probably doesn't know either."

The rest of what Strawberry said had begun to sink in.  Her request was something that filled him with concern and a tinge of annoyance.  This was the reason why she hasn't slit his throat yet.  She wanted his help in doing something she could not.  Maxwell sighs before saying.  "I'm not sure you fully grasp what you're asking of me.  If you try to summon or bind a spirit greater than yourself then it's tantamount to suicide.  Even if I were to conjure another like that, I doubt you could control it.  I'm not going to help you kill yourself.  By the way... you never did tell me what the knife was for."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-12-16/1045:15>
[Removed to move and incorporate roll]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-12-16/1213:00>
(OOC: http://www.roll-dice-online.com/ how about? )
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-12-16/1508:50>
@Maxwell
About the spirit Strawberry explains - "If you don't mind to summon it and transfer the services to me - it would be great. I might need a powerful spirit soon with what I am about to do."


 Strawberry said " It was my choice and I made sure M can never tell me. I choice to forget things and to move on. To protect myself - things without a name cannot be easily targeted. So, I really don't remember much I must have had a good reason for that.

The dagger is for you, how else are you going to sacrifice innocent mages to ant spirits? You have to be careful with these tough, every time you serve them they will give you more power but they will also limit your freedom to control your actions." 


She look distant for a minute, as if she is wondering how does she know that. "If you are going to practice Blood magic, you might as well have the appropriate dagger, perhaps the ants will let you live for longer."


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-12-16/1512:50>
@Edge you make it quite far almost to the place, you are about 2 kilometers from the Joke when you encounter a Blockade manned by several orcs and trolls that dress alike they all have red bandanna's probably a gang.  (Knowledge check can tell you more).

Their leader is a big troll with bad attitude yells at you. "Hey pretty boy - you got to enter our hood you got to pay our price!   200 nuyen per car and you got to be out by nightfall for your own protection. Is that clear pretty boy! "  

They are openly armed with assault rifles and some even have illegal grenade launchers. Their blockade is somewhat improvised and it is possible to drive through it tough with this kind of firepower might be cheaper to pay them.

Being in rather a hurry, Edge keeps driving up to the edge of the blockade where he comes to a stop tossing a low-grade credit stick to the speaker Troll as he passes by.


[spoiler]
Rolls: 4 - 1 - 6 - 2 - 5 - 3 - 1

Not enough 1s for a glitch, thank God, but did manage 2 hits on the Street Gangs knowledge skill.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-12-16/1534:19>
@Edge these are the Crimson Crush a mostly orc gang that resides south of here. They are out of their home truf - this area is Yakuza affiliated.
The troll accepts payment and let you pass.
(You sort of need to stop otherwise I'll skip to combat because they can't talk to you if you drive through their blokade like a nova hot rigger.)

Your way is open, you are told to wait for pickup by an old church that is also a massage spa called 'the hand of god'. Massage spa is of course a washed name for a brothel, especially in the Barrens.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-12-16/1754:33>
I know I don't have much time, but I owe Nagisa this.  She's been through Hell because of me, and because of who I am I even deny her the security of a monogamous relationship.  I put everything I am into the fleeting moments.  Maybe half an hour later we come up for air.  "I'm sorry, Nagi, but if I don't get going I may not make it to the airport in time. I think you know more than I do about what that would mean."

The two of us leave hand-in-hand from the garden.  "Do you know the flight details for Gi, or should I be asking Jack or M?  I asked for it to be before sundown, and that may not leave me much time.  I also need to know where this awakened helper will be meeting me.  I need to then find Gi and put out the trash."  I smirk at my own joke.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-12-16/1803:28>
@Minnie Nagisa says - "Yes I know save the world and steal trucks." she then is all business again the lady you grew to know and love. "He should wait by that sleazy brothel/abandoned church The hands of God...  I tell you what, you open the control box of the truck and place this cheap. I'll hack it from there and can even drive you. "
(OOC: You have his comlink by the way - he texted you already.) 

She tells you "I'll be in the control booth monitoring drone feeds, they got this huge satellite dish and that mean that I can spike the crap out of any icon that attempts to mess with your lady parts. How are your hardware skills ? can you get the control box open or should I come with you? " .

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-12-16/1817:10>
His blood begins to chill as she explains the nature of the dagger and intricacies of his deal.  For a very brief moment, the safety of her voice is broken and he felt genuine distress again like when they met for the first time.  He was definitely awake now, still tired and wounded but awake.  New queries burn within him.  Maxwell's expression became a fusion of perplexment, sternness and an unnatural calm. 

"You... you knew about that?  How did you know?  Why do you know about that?  Does that mean you were watching me the entire time or did you send me there knowing full well what I was going to encounter?"

His breathing becomes heavier as anger festers in his heart.  The conflux of emotions he is feeling is indescribable at the notion that he's in a spirit pact with insect spirits.  No wonder they made me damned uncomfortable.  And I don't serve them because I want to!  I don't even serve them!  I serve no one but myself!"

Maxwell calms down again after his outburst and continues on.  "If you knew this entire time then why didn't you kill me?  If I could break the pact and kill every single one of them then I would do it without a second thought.  Damnation none of this makes any sense." 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-12-16/1837:22>
@Maxwell Strawberry say "I am not sure how I know, I just know - I am not even sure why I have this dagger myself to be precise. I must have dealt with ant spirits before... perhaps this is why I can tunnel so well.  I was so angry that I did the most cruel punishment that I could think off. You burned my pub I loved that place it was the only hint I left behind to my identity. Who knows what I hid inside there before I wiped out my memory - it was not very nice of you."

Quote
His breathing becomes heavier as anger festers in his heart.  The conflux of emotions he is feeling is indescribable at the notion that he's in a spirit pact with insect spirits.  No wonder they made me damned uncomfortable.  And I don't serve them because I want to!  I don't even serve them!  I serve no one but myself!"
"Calm down, denial will not get you very far - you have a mystical bond a terrible one one that can get you killed, or worse."


Quote
"If you knew this entire time then why didn't you kill me?  If I could break the pact and kill every single one of them then I would do it without a second thought.  Damnation none of this makes any sense."
"Killing you is not very cruel does it? it does not give satisfaction it is simply stopping you bye bye - I wanted more but it was a moment I am already sorry that I did that. mystical bonds can be undone but we need some serious mojo for that, I can help but my magic is not enough - we'll need the vampire perhaps the three of us together can do that."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-12-16/2102:40>
@Edge these are the Crimson Crush a mostly orc gang that resides south of here. They are out of their home truf - this area is Yakuza affiliated.
The troll accepts payment and let you pass.

Your way is open, you are told to wait for pickup by an old church that is also a massage spa called 'the hand of god'. Massage spa is of course a washed name for a brothel, especially in the Barrens.

Once it looks like the gang bangers won't be launching grenades, Edge accelerates past them and continues on his way to the pickup point. On the way, thinking it odd that the Crush are extorting 'tolls' in Yakuza territory, he shoots a quick message to the fixer, Black

<<Not sure what, if any, connections you might have with Yakuza, but they might want to know about Crimson Crush setting up a 'toll' point in their territory.>>

Once that message is through, he sends another message to the comm code that he was given regarding this escort mission

<<Few minutes out from pickup point.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-13-16/0100:01>
Maxwell was having difficulty comprehending what he was hearing.  To make it worse he was unable to feel or express his emotions properly.  He should be angry, with a heart full of rage and thunder.  The fire in his soul felt restricted, her voice still constrained him in serene music.  He speaks to her in unwilling submissiveness, yet still defiant as he can be.  "You chastise me for not being nice when you freely violate others with spells and spirits?  You're the one that ripped out my soul and tossed it into the astral to decay or be devoured.  I'm not sure why you force yourself to forget who you used to be.  The old you as described by M sounds formidable.  What you currently are... isn't that much different than one of these statues.  A mad doll living in a dream house.  Did I burn a memory or did I burn your fantasy?"

He thinks about the idea of working with Grail to undo the curse placed on him and growls.  "Wait... why would Grail willingly work with you or me?  He's the one responsible for raising the dead and turning this city into one giant mausoleum.  For what reason would he help me?  I'm not going to let him feed on me if that's what your suggesting."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-13-16/0434:43>
Quote
"You chastise me for not being nice when you freely violate others with spells and spirits?  You're the one that ripped out my soul and tossed it into the astral to decay or be devoured.  I'm not sure why you force yourself to forget who you used to be.  The old you as described by M sounds formidable.  What you currently are... isn't that much different than one of these statues.  A mad doll living in a dream house.  Did I burn a memory or did I burn your fantasy?"

"Power is a double edged Sword - I was nice to you I gave you home, I gave you a lucrative shadow run job - but you were greedy as you say - I do not believe that you just had an urge to kill someone - and decide to murder him instead of protect him. No these things do not happen - just because you woke up in a bad mood. Especially as this works against your own interests - to pay rent and survive and against your reputation in the shadows.

I think that you were also hired by someone else. Perhaps someone with deeper pockets? How about this Grail person you claim will never cooperate with us."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-13-16/0817:48>
"Um, Nagi, this is me we're talking about. Little miss anti-tech. How many times have you told me to stay the hell away from your equipment?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-13-16/0837:50>
"I thought you'd never ask!" said Nagisa and hurried to change into something more comfortable and street like.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-13-16/0851:14>
Maxwell grins sinisterly.  "Is there a rule written somewhere that I need a reason to want to kill?  Does it always have to be for money?  Can't I be a dark evil sorcerer who enjoys death and destruction?  Who said I was in a bad mood when I tried to kill Venom anyway?  I'm quite ecstatic when i'm ending someone who tries to kill me and thrashes women for fun."

His smile fades at the mention of Grail.  "I am not in league with Grail."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-13-16/1619:38>
Maxwell Strawberry say "I do not buy that for a second, who did you work for if not Grail, who wants my ward dead?"

@Athos Jack texts you >> Nagisa is not available at the moment, why not try tomorrow?


@Edge Minnie Once ready Nagisa takes you to the hand of god, where she hopes Edge is already waiting for you.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-13-16/1653:32>
Maxwell adamantly says.  "I want him dead.  Release me from these bonds so I can go kill him."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-13-16/1730:56>
@Maxwell - she smiles "Is killing Venom all that motivates you? Because you are going to be trapped here for a while. I doubt you'll get to kill him, not here in Seattle that is."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-13-16/1803:00>
Exhaling strongly though his nose, Maxwell retorts.  "Many things motivate me.  Venom's death is but one.  I don't have to be trapped here.  Untie me and i'll be out of your hair before you know it."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-14-16/1126:44>
Athos frowns, but there is little he can do about the situation.  He texts Bruno that he is in charge for a bit and to try to keep things moving.  Then he walks to a place where he can catch a cab and goes to the club where he first met Blue.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-14-16/1542:29>
@edge

<<Not sure what, if any, connections you might have with Yakuza, but they might want to know about Crimson Crush setting up a 'toll' point in their territory.>>


Your fixer texts you >> not affiliated with the Yaks but it is unusual perhaps they are too busy with something else.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-14-16/1544:19>
Your fixer texts you >> not affiliated with the Yaks but it is unusual perhaps they are too busy with something else.

As he pulls up and comes to a stop in front of the mentioned church, Edge sends a response <<It's possible. Who knows though, they may not be aware and this info might net you a favor or two.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-14-16/1605:15>
@Edge as you arrive to the brothel you notice two lady's that are waiting outside, one with clear mouse features such as ears and tail and the other is taller and clearly human with green eyes and dark hair.

(These are Nagisa and Minnie)

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-15-16/0141:57>
Athos enters the club and looks around, but does not really think the Blue will be there yet.  He finds a nice booth and sits.  A pretty waitress comes by and takes his order, bringing him his drink.  He nurses the drink and savors the feeling as the liquid fire smoothly runs down his throat. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-15-16/1320:37>
@Athos within the chaos of the city the Matchstick is in a different reality as if everybody have decided to pretend it is 1950. Ofcourse it is not a complete illusion as nobody even understand how life were back than and comlinks, retro style black and white AR decoration and people with smart febrics that appear to be taken from another time is what you see in there. Due to a common misconception - most clothes are black and white as is every recorded memory from that era.

There is a lady singing on stage, you are not certain exactly what song but it appears to be a classic - probably cover music. People are seating, some are dancing enjoying good cigars and talking. Nobody seem to take notice of you in particular, although the hostess recognizes you by name and invite you in with smile.

Despite the somewhat disconnected atmosphere many of the chatter is of recent events. People are unarmed as Matchstick is secure. It is not far from the Lone Star building that is now the KE headquarters after they lost the contract for Seattle few years ago. You encounter your 'old friend' Winter by the bar and he seems down - just orders in more and more expensive whiskey. Lora is nowhere to be found, but will she enter this club with the KE chief in the same not very large club?

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-15-16/1345:22>
@Edge as you arrive to the brothel you notice two lady's that are waiting outside, one with clear mouse features such as ears and tail and the other is taller and clearly human with green eyes and dark hair.

As he comes to a stop, Edge takes note of the two women standing outside. Not knowing who they are, he puts the car in park and leans back waiting for those he's supposed to meet, one hand surreptitiously on the Light Fire hidden in the center console. Before he puts his other hand on his knife, he sends a quick message <<At coordinates now. Waiting in the silver Hyundai Shin-Hyung with twin blue stripes down the side.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-16-16/0741:13>
Athos looks at Winter's back as he walks into the bar.  He pauses for a minute to look around, but does not see Lora so he must be early.  Athos walks to the bar and takes a seat next to Winter, ordering a nice beer and motioning to give Winter another of what he is already drinking.  He has been around enough drunks to know that the man may talk.  He certainly seems down about something and the liquor might let him open up a bit.  He softly addresses the KE man.  "Hello, Commander.  Fancy seeing you here.  I did not figure you for a retro type.  Have another of what you are drinking; it is on me.  So what brings you here?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-16-16/1621:59>
@Athos Winter smiles at you and say "No hard feelings Athos, we were trying to save the city... all is lost now - and no I actually hate this place. I am leaving tonight before I am terminated - you see at my executive level a termination is a bullet to the head. I failed to protect this city - and violated like 100's of UCAS laws with no results, the government would not have it. The knights would not have it - I am finished.  "  
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-17-16/0213:51>
Athos looks sideways at the man.  "Hmmm.  I keep hearing a lot of people tell me that they are finished.  That all they were working for is gone and over.  No hope, all that sort of fragging drek.  Are you really interested in making a difference, or is that talk cheaper than the suit that man near the music box machine thing is wearing?  Would you want to come work for me?  I am looking for people who want to make a difference.  Yeah, I am a gangster, and some of my people are smugglers and the like, but that is just a way to earn a living and put food on the table.  I need someone to lead and train my security force.  The last candidate lacked vision and enough backbone to try and he backed out.  What do you say?  Can you look past my background and get on board with this?  You can drink your way into hell or flee the city like a failure with a mark on his head, or you can join up and make a difference for those that survive what is happening.  It would probably mean a serious cut in pay and might even get you killed, but it is something worth doing.  And it would mean getting your mind around the idea that your old friends will likely be your enemies and your old enemies can be your new best friends."

Athos stands and pats Winter on the back.  "Sit here and think about it through that next drink.  I am expecting to meet a good friend at that booth over there.  You do not like her and she does not like you, but this is a different world today than it was yesterday, and that means many things can and need to change, so please do not create a problem with her.  If you want to think longer, here is my comm code.  Use it.  Make the right choice for the people of Seattle, not just yourself."

He will wait a few seconds to see if the man will respond, planning on moving to the booth to wait for Lora if he does not.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-17-16/0310:00>
@maxwell It is already late evening when Strawberry tells you that you are free to leave. She blindfold you and lead you through her massive underground complex into the sewers, you are wounded - you bled a lot while you were out it is way into the night. "Take this dagger - you seem determined to follow a path whenre you need it - about half a mile at this pipe there is a pump room. Enter it and lock the door after you, you should be safe in there. " , she then adds - "The vampire's layer is not very far from where we are.

(You are north in the Barrens, way north in the areas where nobody lives anymore.)

@Athos - Winter said "I am finished as a chief of police but I still have a few tricks and many connections.  I am meeting a Shadowrunner in here - the best there is. She'll deliver me across the border to the Tir, where I am going to do some military consulting . I can also help you deliver goods - if you need weapons, we can trade.

You have to be careful tough,  the AI that escaped - the one that I am losing my job over - she is dangerous. Already she controls all the prisoners and knights that were in that facility. It was a grave mistake to allow her to live and hubris to think that we could use her - because she is smarter and more sophisticated than us.

I am not sure what she is after, but she amassed magical muscle that is supprior to anything else in this city and she extracts mages from cooperations and raid shadowrunners. It seems like she is palnning somthing big, and I am not just saying that to sell you more arms."


When Winter starts talking Cat interferes "Red cannot access the mages magical ability while driving them. I am certain of that."
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-17-16/0339:28>
@Kynos riding the bikes takes you swiftly to the castle - when you approach it the AR dwarf projection greets you by saying "GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE, ONE MORE STEP AND WE BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF" is the nicest thing anyone has told you all day. The guards quickly show you your way through the minefield, you are safe - for now.

In the lobby around boxes of ammunition Gerald waits for you, "I am glad you could make it Kynos, these are difficult days - too many Zombies and limited bullets."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-17-16/0358:52>
"Yeah, thanks for having me.

I'm going to keel over in about a minute.
If you have a trustworthy doctor or nurse that could take care of me, I'd be much obliged. I'll compensate you of course.

Any news of DemoX? While I was trying to find my mage chummer that could have a spirit look for him, I was attacked by a rigger with a bunch of rotor drones with grenade launchers.
If you have a decent hacker at hand here, I'd pay him handsomely if he can trace the exact location of the rigger. I want to talk with him - not only because he blew me up but I also suspect a connection between him and DemoX' kidnapping.
Here, I sent you the details I have on the rigger."

Kynos activated his commlink to send a short message to his fixer: <<I'm with the Nukes for the moment. Send me a message if any of my chummers looks for me. Love Kynos>>


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-17-16/0509:01>
Maxwell nods and takes the knife, holding it in his left hand.  "Thanks, maybe we'll meet again on better footing.  Never planned for this to be, never meant to turn your dreams into ash.  Even if you can't remember who you used to be and don't care to, it doesn't mean you are any less than what you could do with your strength.  Best of luck in your crucible, I know you won't want mine."

He turns his back to her, still holding the dagger.  Making his way down the sewer would take some time.  The pain in his stomach and chest didn't ebb and forced him to take it slow.  His right arm wrapped across his belly and grabbed his side, shambling at a casual speed.  Restful sleep would be heavenly right now.  What little muscle he had in his thin bony body was taxed beyond belief from bruises and Drain.  Not much kept him upright and walking other than willpower, or a dark will.

Later...

After what felt like an eternity, Maxwell arrives at the door to the pump room.  Following Strawberry's advice, once he opened the door and entered he closed and locked it behind him.  An unknown fate awaited.  Before going any further he peers into this rusted darkness to see if he could make out anything.

[spoiler]Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/361615): 7d6t5 5
Only count 3 Hits because I forgot to factor in the low-light penalty.  I think that applies here but not 100% sure.[/spoiler] 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-17-16/0937:35>
@Kynos
Gerld tells you - I have a suspicion who took DemoX - I think these are the Yaks, Mr. Andu's branch. My contact in their organization admitted of having him but did not admit or deny 'taking him'. When I asked him how they got him he said that "It's complicated" - about your mystery rigger I have no idea, try to mark one of his drones with a stealth tag next time you see him. There is a big prize on DemoX - 30k offered anonymously on shadow grid - I suspect that the Yaks are going to sell him to that anonymous buyer, I may have heads up from my contact but it may require some serious convincing.

The castle has a small medical facility with high end autodoc and nurse drones. Gerald shows you in and a skinny woman Introduces herself "I am Jess, the mechanic - I keep this place running." She is clearly not one of the nukes - she talk differently and perhaps have even been to collage.

You are welcome to stay as much as you need, the drones are a bit glitchy but I keep them functional with the parts I have.

@Maxwell the pump room is dark, very dark and the only light is the led from the pump that indicates that the pump works. It is loud and a bad place to rest, but as you inspect the room you find that something moved, trying to evade you. You almost didn't notice it but you did. Ninja stealthy - you are not alone in that room.

Outside of the room you hear many steps someone - many someones are walking there, then there are knocks on the pump room - "We know you are in there! Open up or we'll force our way in." They say and you have no idea, who are they talking to. You or your stealthy friend.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-17-16/1003:20>
The sound startles Maxwell's heart to pound and he mutters a curse under his breath.  He wasn't alone and he was probably being hunted too.  His two options were to surrender himself to the mercy of the search party or parley with one of the infected.  He choose the latter and went ever more into the nebulous dark.  Putting as much distance as he could between himself and the door without stumbling in a wretched abyss.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-17-16/1007:24>
@Maxwell the room is not very big and the pump takes most of it. You settle where the pump is between you and the door and there you see it again a movement, agile quite for a moment you see and then it disappeared. It is something quick, bigger than a mouse but smaller than a man and very sneaky.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-17-16/1020:34>
Panting and having difficulty catching his breath.  Doing double takes across the room as he notices movement within the dark.  Maxwell talks to the flighty shade in whispers loud enough to be heard but not enough to carry out of the room.  "Whoever you are, i'm not with them.  Can you help me find my way through here?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-17-16/1028:15>
Athos nods, putting two and two together and arriving at the conclusion that Blue is not here to really see him, but Winter.  That saddens him a bit, but he shrugs his shoulders, exchanging comm codes with the man and promising to look him up.  At least Faith might be pleased at the turn of events.  He goes to a booth where he can see the door and sits down to wait for the woman to show up.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-17-16/1127:37>
<<At coordinates now. Waiting in the silver Hyundai Shin-Hyung with twin blue stripes down the side.>>

The message flashes across my glasses and I forward it to Nagisa.  It takes me less than a second to recognise the car and the single occupant nearby.  I make eye contact and nod just as Nagisa makes the same connection beside me.  I make my way casually to the car, wondering what kind of man this will be.  My tail does its back and forth in countersync to my hips and I smile pleasantly.  It's all subconscious; I can't help it when meeting a new person.

[spoiler] I'll roll seduction when i'm at my main PC.  Can't get to Orokos here.

Seduction (http://orokos.com/roll/361665): 12d6t5 5

Gil rolled for me.  Five hits.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/1133:17>
Lowering the window slightly as the woman approaches, his eyes briefly following the sway of her hips, but his loyalty to his fiancee remains firm. He says, "I'm supposed to meet someone here. Are you that person? If so, please say the last two messages I transmitted to the comm code I was given. Oh, and I'm flattered by the attention, but I'm taken and I don't cheat. Trust me, were I single, I'd jump at the chance, but I don't want to mess that up."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-17-16/1216:33>
@Kynos
Gerld tells you - I have a suspicion who took DemoX - I think these are the Yaks, Mr. Andu's branch. My contact in their organization admitted of having him but did not admit or deny 'taking him'. When I asked him how they got him he said that "It's complicated" - about your mystery rigger I have no idea, try to mark one of his drones with a stealth tag next time you see him. There is a big prize on DemoX - 30k offered anonymously on shadow grid - I suspect that the Yaks are going to sell him to that anonymous buyer, I may have heads up from my contact but it may require some serious convincing.

The castle has a small medical facility with high end autodoc and nurse drones. Gerald shows you in and a skinny woman Introduces herself "I am Jess, the mechanic - I keep this place running." She is clearly not one of the nukes - she talk differently and perhaps have even been to collage.

You are welcome to stay as much as you need, the drones are a bit glitchy but I keep them functional with the parts I have.

Kynos replied: "DemoX has his faults - but I've invested too much in the little troublemaker to let him buy the farm like that. Also it's bad for my reputation. So tell me when you know where he is or will be, I'll take care of the extraction.

If I could reach the flying drones with a stealth tag I wouldn't need a decker to find him. I or rather my commlink has seen their signature in the matrix. I want someone to do a matrix search to find them, hack them and put a trace to find their home base.
If you or your guys can't do it that's fine, I'll have to do that the hard way. But I'd offer 2k if one of your hackers can do it. Thanks anyway."

In the sick bay, Kynos nodded to the technician and began to disrobe: "That will do. It's not so bad, just a bit to much juice, grenades and a motorcycle crash. Nothing that a bit of rest can't cure.
Hi Jess, do me a favor and keep me alive. I've still got a few people to find and assholes to geek."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-17-16/1351:16>
@Minnie Nagisa texts you >> "You succubus, want to bed him too?"  with a smile face.
@Edge + Minnie Nagisa enters the car and say "I am Nagisa, nice to meet you. We're to deliver a person to the airport an hot person... she knows more than the rest of us. They were fired upon earlier today, need to do so before dark as there is a powerful vampire on his six - oh and the city is crawling with zombies by night - but I am sure you knew that already. "


@Kynos Gerald say you do not give me much to work with "can I interest you with a drone that should do the trick should you encounter these rotodrones again? I'll let you know when the extraction is - it'll take 5k to bribe him  - it is a good deal as this is how much he expect to make on the sale.  How about we split it in half? 2500 each?"

@Maxwell A voice say "They are after me, you can relax" and then you can see that there is a little pixie flying around nervously in the pump side. She is barely visible and once you do not pay attention you cannot sense her as her skin seem to adjust itself to the colors of the environment.

@Athos Lora arrives and tells Winter "Do you mind releasing my boyfriend... I want to dance" He does not seem to recognize her and say sure, "Was nice meeting you, Athos" he orders another glass of expensive whiskey and Lora drags you to the dance floor. "Do you remember some of the moves I thought you last time?" she asks. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/1410:03>
@Edge + Minnie Nagisa enters the car and say "I am Nagisa, nice to meet you. We're to deliver a person to the airport an hot person... she knows more than the rest of us. They were fired upon earlier today, need to do so before dark as there is a powerful vampire on his six - oh and the city is crawling with zombies by night - but I am sure you knew that already. "


"I just got back into town, but I believe I saw some news reports along those lines," Edge says, "Either way, if whichever of you who can will tell me where to get this person so that we can get him or her to SeaTac, that would be necessary information."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-17-16/1428:34>
"Breaking bank here, but yes - deal." Kynos reclined on the bed and removed his boxer shorts.
A glance down revealed that his body was one giant hematoma - the Kamikaze had worsened it through its blood thinning effect. That and the stimulant that had allowed him to move unimpeded and consequently worsened the damage.
With a detached curiosity he realized that his balls had swollen to twice their normal size - courtesy of him colliding with the gas tank of his bike when those bastard disintegrated his front wheel.
The cuts on his arm that he gave himself every morning shone prominent through their scar tissue.

"I won't need the drone. But I'd be very much obliged if you could scrounge up a few Tracker rounds for an assault rifle or a heavy pistol. That should do fine as well."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-17-16/1434:24>
Maxwell can barely make out the camouflaged pixie.  He had heard of such beings existing but only in stories passed around in bars.  Never would he had imagined that he'd find an actual pixie in the sewers of Seattle.  Life's full of mysteries it seems.  He whispers back to her.  "I'm sorry to hear that little one.  If I was at full strength then i'd deal with them.  Why are you hiding out in the sewers of all places?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-17-16/1726:58>
Athos lets Lora drag him to the floor, where he tries to remember the dance steps.  Sadly, he is only partially successful and has to apologize to Lora for almost mashing her feet a couple of times.  He manages to ask, "When are you leaving and will you be back?  I could really use you around in my life.  Is there anything I can do or say to get you to stay?  There is going to be a new order here, something better than it was.  It will start small, but I will expand as I can, slowly at first, but it will happen.  I have believers behind me and others on the fence waiting to see if I fall on my ass or succeed.  I cannot employ you for what you are worth, hell, I cannot even pay myself what I am worth, but you could have a home here.  With me."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-18-16/0255:07>
@Edge + Minnie Nagisa said" he is waiting for us in the brothel, nobody there would remember him they are all far gone to BTL. We thought about stealing a garbage truck thinking it'll go unnoticed in the streets given their state... Minnie and the mark were to cuddle under the garbage for safety..."

"You are going to smell girlfriend" she said to Minnie with a devious smile.

@Maxwell The Pixie say "I was brought illegally to Seattle, these smugglers deliver me like that. I think they are going to deliver me to an exotic animal collection of some rich dude -  mr. Ambassador I think was his name. It is unfortunate that you do not have your strength - they saw you enter here and they thought they saw me. The irony..."  she sobs.

@Gerald answers "Well if you are as tough as they say, you might end up ahead - as the payment of 30k should arrive as well if you can secure it."


@Athos Lora say "I am taking Winter to meet his benefactor, this concludes my adventures in this city, I might be back if it is safe for me. This entire chaos  was mainly to get Winter to lose his job and now I can reliably extract him.

I am a professional, living big and wandering around - I will be a liability to you. Perhaps you can come with me tough... I get the most lucrative jobs and I got some nice wheels. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-18-16/0701:47>
"Nice. If I get the cash stash I'll compensate you.

Ok Jess, you've got the technology - rebuild me."
Kynos showed a rare smile.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-18-16/0753:49>
Maxwell bows his head ever so slightly as he ponders the pixie's story.  What she described was not impossible.  Often there had been times in his newly awakened past where the threat of being captured or sold would come up.  Or the threat of being burned at the stake depending on which hyper-superstitious community he was passing through.  Horrific visions of her being toyed with and mutilated play in his mind.  What need would she have for her wings if she's just going to be some caged songbird?

He lifts his head up and whispers to her grimly.  "Listen, that's not going to happen.  I may be in a weakened state but I can still handle them.  The moment that door opens they will all die.  What i'm about to do will leave me unconscious or may even kill me, I don't know.  My only request is that if I survive then could you find someone for me?"

Before waiting for her response he moves and gets in position.  His back against the wall facing the door.  Intently watching it so that when it does open he'll be ready.  He reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a handful of reagents.  All prepared for his ambush tactic.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-18-16/0939:15>
Athos grimaces and shakes his head.  "So you cannot stay and I cannot go.  Story of my life.  I find a woman that interests me a whole lot; someone I really enjoy being with, and she is either not interested, unavailable, or just plain going away.  I must be doomed to a life alone. But I do understand that you feel you cannot stay, but wanted to at least ask if you would.  I hope that you someday find a place to settle down.  I have.  There are people that are counting on me here.  Not many, but more than one.  I cannot let them down after promising them a new life.  I will miss you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-18-16/1753:33>
"You are going to smell girlfriend," Nagisa says with a devious smile.

"Better that than rot," I retort with a stuck out tongue.  "If y'all have any better ideas I'm all ears.  We don't have much time, though, We need him in the air before twilight."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-19-16/0237:28>
@Maxwell the knocks on the door become louder, they want to ram it down with some object. You barely hear the pixie's little voice when she say "deal... Thank you kind stranger"   (you can skip to the moment where the door breaks down few minutes later)

@Athos Lora said "Look, we had some good time together... Shadowrunners should not have dependents it slows you down, makes you weak and give you pressure points, one of these days these people that care about you they will bring your downfall, we live and die by the sword what's important is to use what we have.  You can't change me, I am bad news."

@Kynos Jess set up the robots to take care of you in the castle, even with modern medicine you need some days of rest, but two hours later Gerld gives you an address a bridge in the industrial part of the city to the south. "This is where they are going to make the drop at 6:00... it probably means that they are already in position as traveling with cars at night is not advisable."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-19-16/0301:16>
"Well than, it seems like I should get there as well - I'll come back for the rest of the treatment later.
I'll need some way to transport DemoX. Do you have an old two seater or some other car I could borrow?"

Kynos rose from the recliner and started to put on his pants again.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-19-16/0430:43>
Maxwell smiles warmly and quietly says.  "I'm looking for a vampire that goes by the name Damian Grail.  I was told that his lair is not too far from here.  I have some business that I need to discuss with him and I think he's the only one who can help.  If you end not being able to find him then it's not important.  Just means I need to keep searching different avenues."

He'd only have a couple minutes to pull this off, and it was risky too.  Not only could it not work, but he could end up knocking himself out to be captured as well.  He reaches into the astral and calls out for a lesser spirit.  If this were to work then he couldn't summon one of his caliber, it'd have to be weaker or else he'd might fail.  Maxwell tries to conjure up his favored type of spirit, hopefully it'll work as planned.

[spoiler]Summoning Force 5 Fire Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/362621): 9d6t5 4
Spirit Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/362622): 6d6t5 3
Pre-Edge Push the Limit Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/362623): 15d6h5 5
Bad Luck (http://orokos.com/roll/362624): 1d6 5
Force 6 Fire Spirit summoned with 1 Service.  Spent 1 point of Edge and i'm out of Edge again.
Optional Power Fear and let's call this spirit Volcanus.
I take 1 Stun and that nearly knocks Sovereign out.  Putting him at 10 Boxes of Stun coupled with 3 Boxes of Physical.[/spoiler]
[spoiler](http://i.imgur.com/zIVdJ15.jpg)[/spoiler]

The summoning is successful but barely.  He put everything he had into that desperate bid and only marginally came out on top.  Through luck and will the spirit obeys and is bound to serve him.  Not out of the woods yet, Maxwell still has to give a command to his servant.

"Volcanus, there are some thugs trying to bust in here and snatch a pixie away to some rich prick.  You are to materialize on the other side of the door and kill them all.  They are not to enter this room." 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-19-16/0847:09>
Athos smiles grimly, knowing that further talk will only make things worse.  She already has a poor imager of him for wanting to change things and that is that.  He finishes a few more dances then leads Lora back to Winter and bids both of them farewell.  He catches Lora's arm as she turns away, "People can change, Lora.  Come back if you ever want to try."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-19-16/0902:29>
"You are going to smell girlfriend," Nagisa says with a devious smile.

"Better that than rot," I retort with a stuck out tongue.  "If y'all have any better ideas I'm all ears.  We don't have much time, though, We need him in the air before twilight."

"The only thing I need to put into this," Edge says, "is that I wasn't informed of any garbage truck usage, and since I won't leave this vehicle out here in the barrens, we'll need to just keep his head down in the back seat or hide him in the trunk."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-19-16/0905:11>
@Maxwell You hear a chatter "The hell... that Pixie is a freaking mage!" then some gunshots and you know that the spirit was hurt - not significantly but hurt. Then a loud roar and an order "FEAR ME mortals" and one the smugglers that Yells back, "Hold your ground! there is nowhere she can go out of that room."

Then it is quiet service completed.

@Athos Lora tells you "You don't understand... Look at Winter now and learn how it is done." While you were dancing an attractive lady have joined Winter and as you approach him, she already seductively takes him outside.  "I have a team there are people that depend on me as well - I'll introduce them if you ever need to know. Your bad apple friend is going to sleep for several hours, we have some more dancing to do... and besides that you are my alibi mister and that means you are getting lucky tonight. I have ordered an hotel room not far from here."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-19-16/1037:06>
Athos laughs at his misunderstanding.  "I am just a gangster with an idea, Lora, not a professional runner.  I will enthusiastically support your need for an alibi and willingly provide you with one."  He continues dancing until Lora signals that it is time to leave.  After getting her wrap he escorts her to the door.  "Do you have your bike or what?  I came in a cab as my van is being used."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-19-16/1116:51>
@Kynos Gerald offers you a four seat ford and a bike (growler) - on the explicit 'you break, you pay' policy.

@Athos Lora said "I brought the bike... " . As you leave you see how the lady takes some pictures with Winter and enter a dark limousine with him.  Lora said "It is funny how I feel nothing for destroying a city but I feel sorry for his wife, she is going to look for him and find out about his 'mistress' " She hands you a helmet -  and quickly you are speeding into the night toward the new Hilton.

(If you'd like you can buy up to 2 points of performance that reflects the dancing experience from these last two times... Lora is a good teacher so each evening you can get a point if you want to dedicate the karma to that).

@Maxwell  - the Pixie say "did you just... kill... them?" she seem terrified.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-19-16/1129:17>
He pockets his reagents he had in his hand and turns his head to the pixie, smiling proudly.  "Yeah I did.  They shouldn't bother you anymore.  They're piles of ash now.  Oh you don't have to whisper, should be safe.  By the way, what's your name little one?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-19-16/1611:56>
"The only thing I need to put into this," Edge says, "is that I wasn't informed of any garbage truck usage, and since I won't leave this vehicle out here in the barrens, we'll need to just keep his head down in the back seat or hide him in the trunk."

"We could try that, but we're a lot more likely to be caught that way.  Then again, it would mean Gi would arrive in a more presentable fashion to fly.  I just don't want to look like a target as we move.  And we still haven't come up with a plan to keep him alive at the airport.  a LOT of people want him dead."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-19-16/1645:51>
@Maxwell The Pixie say "TS 102, this is the closest thing I have to a name... I have a feeling that I escaped the smugglers just to meet with someone a lot worse. What are you going to do with me?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-19-16/1803:47>
That was not the response he was expecting.  He was taken aback by how she lacked even a proper name for herself.  Maxwell looked upon her with sympathy and spoke reassuringly to her.  "Well... it's true that i'm a rogue mage and I kinda have somewhat of a foul reputation.  Don't worry, i'm not going to hurt you right after I killed your pursuers.  Or at all for that matter.  And I wasn't planning on doing anything to you."

Maxwell waits a minute after his explanation and reflects on the nature of her moniker.  "TS 102... Test Subject 102.   No... no... that won't do at all.  That's a boring guinea pig number not a name.  How bout Titania instead?  It's the name of a fairy in a Shakespearean play."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-19-16/1826:49>
Kynos took the Ford with a laconic grin: "I'll try to keep it ouf of the line of fire."
With that he was off. The treatment had taken the edge of his hurts, but there was still that annoying twinge that would keep him from peak performance.

Remembering the warning, Kynos drove carefully and parked 100m away from the meet - having turned off the lights about a kilometer before and circled once around the block..
Carefully and slowly he  walked, looking for entrances, guards and any other important things - especially for a sniper position that he could use.
[spoiler]
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/362917): 8d6t5 2
Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/362919): 11d6t5 4

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-20-16/0137:41>
Athos holds onto the Ork and enjoys the ride.  :I thought you were going to a small motel, not the NH.  Didn't you give up your penthouse suite there?"  Once in the room, Athos wastes no time showing her how much he is going to miss her.  Ork/Troll sex is amazing to watch, but it can get messy.  And loud.  He makes love like he will never see her again, and knows that it is quite possible that he never will.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-20-16/1413:58>
@Maxwell Tatiana say "I like that name... makes me feel like a person. Tatiana...  Seriously, where would I go? I grew up in that farm and I know nobody in the city."

@Athos (you are right I meant some motel but was inconsistent - NH would do as well). You and Lora have a lovely night as you say goodbye to the bed, to the kitchen table to the bathroom and so forth, Athos would definitely remember that night. Few hours later Lora takes you to her ride the smuggler wasp drone that is now modified with extra fuel tanks and a rigger cacoon. She places herself in the rigger position and leaves the obvious behind the wheels to her passenger.

Lora hands you a drone the size of a tennis ball "this is something to remember me by." The drone is hand built and it is apparent that that only the best of technology was used. "A friend of mine... a fellow runner have recently died this was her guardian angle. It is equipped with the best sensors, pilot program and software that money can buy including a few personal modifications... Few people can get past Angle's sensor array."

(it is an horizon flying eye with Pilot 5 and perception, electronic warfare and sneaking rating 5 - enhanced with active camouflage, sensors include Infra red and ultrasound. It has a personality of it's own and refers to itself as angle) 

@Minnie + Edge Nagisa adds "We can take this car - or we can leave it near the brothel my employer can keep an eye of it for you, you are the professionals... I am just tagging along for some grand theft auto."

@Kynos the meet is due to happen in an abandon warehouse - it seems like a very bad location for such a meet - something that is more appropriate to be a crime scene than anything else. If any, you'd expect it to be somewhat more public where just opening fire has consequences.

The warehouse is well guarded at the front door there are two guards, they are wearing expensive suits and seem better equipped than the average ganger/syndicate goon. Lucky for you they have not noticed you. The place is a snipers nightmare and endless maze of 1 story buildings all at roughly the same size and it is impossible to get line of fire for more than 50 meters. Even drones will be less effective and will have to fly low in such a maze of low structures.  On the plus side it is especially easy to sneak.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-20-16/1452:53>
Maxwell grins slyly.  "Well Titania you could travel with me until you get your bearings and find out where you want to be.  I won't mind the company.  I should forewarn you, I live a dangerous scary lifestyle.  I'm an awakened criminal mercenary with the heart of a hellraiser.  Things like what I did to those goons chasing you are the norm for me.  You don't have to follow if you don't want to, I understand."

His wounds and fatigue started to grate on him again.  He feels a new wave of exhaustion wash over him and yawns loudly, covering his mouth as he does so not to be rude.  Slouched over and weary he says.  "Need to avoid encounters like that until I rest.  Won't be able to do much or anything if it happens again.  Any suggestions?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-21-16/0053:12>
Athos thoroughly enjoys the sex and the ride.  When Lora hands him the drone, he says, "Let me guess; the woman who saved my life in the warehouse?  Somebody got to her and forced her to do that, but she waited until I was out before blowing the place up and killing herself.  I would have liked to have known such a person.  And I do not need this to remember you.  So the big question: will I ever see you again?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-21-16/0455:59>
Kynos played with the thought to just kill the two guards and make his way inside. But it would probably be better to let them stand outside lest the other party became suspicious and went away again with the money.
Instead Kynos searched for an alternate way to enter the building, his micro welder making short process of any locks, chains or bars.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-21-16/0511:37>
@Athos Lora blinks
"I am not sure about the warehouse, I wasn't involved in that and I see no reason why she'd blow it from the inside.  Me and my group are being hunted by something that we do not understand. Why us? successful shadowrunners without any real power. Just the capacity to do some damage for the right price. I never figured it out.

But this *Thing* is hunting us, and everyone  we touch dies. First it took all our matrix contacts, deckers, spiders, government agents people that had eyes and ears in many places in the city. They are all dead now it only took a week or so. I came here to investigate it and as soon as I arrive Luna tells me to get the hell out of here and go off grid - but I wanted to figure out what was going on.

Then  I met my current employer, a creepy voice that seamlessly hack every security that I place on my equipment. It wanted Winter out of the city disgraced and escaping it wanted its own person to lead the KE in Seattle. I wouldn't have accepted the job had I choice but this *Thing* knew stuff and showed the capacity of killing the rest of my contacts in the city. It paid very well too and in advance as if it knew me well enough to know that I can't just skip town with the money.

Then after many years of flawless runs Road Runner dies in a simple assassination mission. We did it 100 times before. People get into warehouse we lunch a military grade missile on warehouse, warehouse becomes fire trap and local gangs takes the heat as these missiles were stolen from the military base not long ago. How does this plan ends with our death? it only require aim and fire at the right moment...
 
We should have started a war that would be on Winter's watch - and devastate the city. The assassination failed, Road Runner died and I had to execute plan B...  I could not shake the feeling that the first job was planned to fail as my employer already had the second one all figured out months of planning.  So we raided the facility and allowed the murderous AI outside of it, creating a scandal that the KE could not ignore and had to wash their hands from Winter.

Now, I just want to take Winter to my employer and try to find somewhere to hide to figure out how did someone get so much leverage on me. It was like all my knowledge even things without digital copies everything was hacked. I can drive, I can blow up things, kill people rescue people, steal stuff... I cannot deal with murderous AI's and people that can manipulate me  so effectively - I am sorry that I tell this to you, but I only connected to you because you was on the run fearing for your life. I was selfish I am sorry for dragging you into my own problems I hope you do not get retribution by Mr. super hacker.

What I am trying to say is goodbye... and take Angle. I do not think that I'll be coming back here anytime soon. Not if I have any choice in that manner. "

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-21-16/0522:38>
@Maxwell Tatiana say "You seem to be in worse shape than I am... do you really intend to sleep in the pump room after you just killed people in here? Don't you think they'll go looking for their missing smugglers? You are basically staying at the crime scene. I am not sure where I am safer with you or alone actually..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-21-16/0527:01>
@Kynos the warehouse has barred windows, but nothing your micro welder cannot handle. It only take about 10 minutes and you are inside the toilets... security is one things but some things still require a window. While you were going there is  movement in the warehouse. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-21-16/0549:46>
Kynos was by no means an expert, but he knew some things about computer security. Before going silent he made a quick search in the matrix for hidden icons within 100m so he could tally how many of the opposition there were.

[spoiler]
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/363540): 7d6t5 3
Looking for all commlinks, especially those hidden. After that, Kynos goes silent himself.


[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-21-16/0559:52>
@Kynos there is a noise generator inside the building generating so much noise that non of your wireless functionalities work. You can be certain that none of the guards in the warehouse have any wireless functionality.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-21-16/0604:47>
'Damn. That's not good.' Kynos listened if any steps were going near his position and - when he was sure to be in the clear - went out into the hallway.
If he could he would try to hide and sneak up on lone individuals, take them out with a hard blow to the neck and stuff them in the toilet.
If not... well he always could grab his rifle from the sling and do it the hard way.

[spoiler]
Sneaking: Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/363542): 11d6t5 4

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-21-16/0617:48>
@Kynos The men seem to be in formation, many of them are well disguised. (perception check to see how many you see with -6).  The visible ones are standing near the middle of the warehouse in a very visible and vulnerable position. A suit and two body guards - the drop have not yet happened the entire things makes you feel a bit bad.

(give me some security related knowlege check)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-21-16/0715:09>
[spoiler]
Perception check w/Vision enhancement and Thermo (http://orokos.com/roll/363553): 2d6t5 1

Knowledge: Small Unit Tactics (http://orokos.com/roll/363556): 13d6t5 4

Could I have a sketch of the interior - I think that will be important for my next decisions.

[/spoiler]

Seeing this setup, Kynos immediately smelled a trap. Looking for all the hidden watchers, he tried to find a way upstairs, so he could at least get the high ground in his attack.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-21-16/0734:03>
Maxwell shook his head no.  "Didn't say I was going to sleep here.  It's too noisy and uncomfortable for that.  Doubtful we have to worry about more smugglers showing up.  Not sure if you heard but all manner of beasts roam the city at night.  So they might think twice about sending more men.  They'll probably give up on the idea of a search all together.  At least until daybreak.  My problem still remains, I need to find a vampire that's supposedly living somewhere nearby or locate a good place to rest.  If you don't want me around then don't worry, i'm leaving anyway.  Was just wondering if you're staying or coming with."

He makes his way to the locked door.  His hand on the handle to unlock it, waiting for Titania's answer before leaving.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-21-16/0755:40>
@Kynos    The whorehouse is loaded with large smart plastic crates some of them full some hollow and they seem to offer good ballistic protection as they are made for dangerous materials. Ofcourse if they are actually full staying away for them is the sensible thing to do.  You can see a person hiding behind a crate just because he is not disguised so well from your own side. Still his cammoflege makes him nearly invisible he must be wearing a second skin.

In the drawing the people in red and pink are the one you see, the ones in purple are result of your knowlege check indicating where approximately you'll locate your ambush (behind what crates so they have a line of fire to the drop place. Where there is a X there is a single empty metal chair and improvised chains and exposed wires. Somthing in your guts however tells you that the chair is just a ruse to channel DemoX and the people that deliver him to that location so that they can be ambushed.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-21-16/1838:54>
Kynos retreated silently back into the toilet and climbed back through the window. This would need a delicate touch. Slowly he crept along the wall and readied his rifle while he moved away as far as he could without loosing sight of the guards and to be outside the jamming range.

What he'd do next relied on the fact that the guys inside would divide their forces to look outside if the two guards went down.

From the shadow of a trash can he aimed at the two - hopefully unsuspecting - guards. Shooting two people at almost the same time was hard to do if you were in top condition. He took his time to aim, than je squeezed the trigger softly two times.

[spoiler]
Moving away about 100m
Splitting dice pool to shoot both targets within the same surprise round.

Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/363542): 11d6t5 4

AGI 7 + Skil 8 - Wound 1 + Smartlink 2 + Aim 3 /2 = 9 and 10

Multiattack (http://orokos.com/roll/363869): 19d6t5 10 [19d6t5=6, 4, 5, 6, 3, 5, 3, 5, 6, 6, 1, 4, 1, 5, 6, 6, 4, 1, 4]
no. 1 gets 12+6 P AP -6 no. 2 gets 12+4 AP -6

To be clear, I want to set this ambush up so that I can disengage quickly and loop back towards the open window to hit them in the rear while they send people out to search for their attacker.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-22-16/0155:54>
Athos looks at Lora while she is talking then puts his hands on her shoulders.  "Lora, you are describing some sort of super entity that can do anything and everything.  If that were true we would already be dead.  Whatever its abilities, it apparently still has to use people to do its bidding, meaning it is less powerful than you give it credit for.  However, if you let it frighten you away, then it has partially succeeded because it has taken you from the equation.  Whatever this entity is, it is using people as assassins, using people to move things around, and using people to scare other people away.  I do not have the luxury of leaving.  I understand that it has an advantage over us, but it also has a weakness.  Or several weaknesses.  Any person it uses is a potential weakness.  All we have to do is find those weak people and follow them up the chain to the top.  You running may or may not even save you, but if it does it has still cost us a tremendous asset in this struggle."

"I am not as smart as you.  Frag, I am barely smarter than the door there, and that only on a good day.  I have smart people around me that advise me. We work together as a team.  So far it is a really small team, but it will grow.  I am not a runner, Lora.  I am a pretty common thug and gangster.  But I am not leaving my city to the likes of that entity without a fight.  I wish you the best of luck as you try to figure out what this thing does and I hope that you can share that information some day.  I also hope that you decide to come back and be part of what takes it down.  Your call, your life.  Thank you for the chance to know you and thank you for Angel.  I am sure that we will get along just fine."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-22-16/0319:52>
@Athos - Lora say "Angle is a good conversation... " Then something subtle changes about her you cannot say exactly some blank facial expression. Within moments she is in the air  with her small helicopter.  Cat manifests in front of your eyes and say
"I am so sorry... I don't remember doing that but my memory was wiped so many times that there is no saying what I did. "

@Kynos Surprise is far from guaranteed, but this time you are on the luck, as the guards did not notice you leaving. As you aim your gun toward them and am about to shot a black windowed Van that traveled without lights stops in front of the warehouse.  "We brought the package" say the driver then the guards say "Let us have a look - if it is him, Mr. Smith will meet you inside for your payment"
 [spoiler]
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/364226): 14d6t5 4
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-22-16/0449:04>
'Time to light the fire'

Kynos waited until the man had gotten out of the car then went through with his plan and shot at the guards.
'Let's see if you can explain that to the guys inside - and no back up for you thanks to the jammer'

His next shot he prepared to disable the engine of the car.

[spoiler]
Ini: Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/364278): 14+2d6 21

Ini 21: Brainblaster concentrated Fire to the engine:
AGI 7 + Skill 8 - Wound 1 - Called Shot 4 + Smartlink 2 = 12
Shoot Car (http://orokos.com/roll/364281): 12d6t5 4

14 P AP -6 + Successes, only one unresisted damage necessary to disable car

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-22-16/1010:39>
Athos watches Lora fly away then looks at the manifestation of Cat.  **I am sorry.  You don't remember doing what?  And just what, if anything do you know about what she said?**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-22-16/1100:08>
@Athos Cat say - "I think that I was the one to hack her mind and extract her contact lists... who else is capable of this sort of feat?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-22-16/2226:22>
Athos digests what Cat has said as he returns to the street level to flag a taxi back to the warehouse.  **So, Cat, what do you think my next step ought to be?  I have a new, very small, empire to see to and I think that is my priority.  These things that Blue is talking about are way too far above my ability to handle.  Or even truly conceive of, to be honest.  All I want is a place for my people, for the people that trust me and look to me to keep my promises.**

If a cab swings by, Athos will grab it.  If nothing stops, he just keeps walking until he gets to a part of town where cabs are still on duty.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-23-16/0213:16>
@Athos the new hilton is in a bad neighborhood but as the hotel is high class it has a shuttle service you can use.

Cat say "What way to go depends on where you want to go... Valentina asked you to aquire some houses - yet you seem determined to follow your own heart. About Lora... you have an advantage - you have me, I may be less impressive than red but we still compete on the same biological resources and thus she cannot effect you. Even if you wanted...  how do you stop an invisible force with no name ?  It is not like you can gather your army and bust their offices. Perhaps such opportunity will present itself if you work on the leads you have, perhaps not.  If anyone knows anything it is my legal owner officer Max, she just knows things that she should have no logical way of knowing."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-23-16/0319:13>
Athos takes a shuttle as far as it will go then walks the rest of the way, clearing his head and thinking.  **Oh I will get the houses.  I plan on going there tomorrow.  My first priority was to get the new people established tonight.  It may even be a day or so before I can really put up a good and effective defense force to prove I can protect the people of my warehouse and the other two areas.  It will happen.**

**Hmmm.  I had not realized that Officer Max has that sort of knowledge.  I have her commcode from Kynos so will use it tomorrow to get in touch with her.  She might be willing to talk to me.  Thanks.**.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-23-16/0950:14>
@Minnie + Edge Nagisa adds "We can take this car - or we can leave it near the brothel my employer can keep an eye of it for you, you are the professionals... I am just tagging along for some grand theft auto."

"Well," I say uncertainly, looking at the new member of the team, "I'm pretty new at this running stuff.  Strawberry trusts your judgment, Edge.  If you think we'll do better with the direct route, I'm game."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-23-16/1059:38>
@Maxwell Titania asks "Are you a Decker? because someone released me from a locked box... a decker the smugglers were saying "Bloody deckers' ... can't you go back to your home?"


@Athos Cat say "Reanalyzing the parameters, I think that Red or whomever is scaring Lora is really after officer Max and not Winter... She seem a lot more valuable for extraction - I am glad it is not her tough... She allows me to be free, not every owner would do that. Know that I cannot refuse what she ask of me tough. She has the proper credentials. "


@Edge and Minnie Nagisa said "Look... Edge your car is a lot more comfortable than a garbage truck but you place your own equipment at risk, no hard feelings if the car is trashed yes?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-23-16/1131:31>
Maxwell laughs quietly.  "No, i'm no decker.  Can barely work a commlink.  I don't know who released you or why for that matter.  Wasn't expecting anyone here in this room, let alone a pixie."  He sighs and looks down, rubbing the back of his neck abashedly at her question.  "Can't return home, at least not yet.  My landlord isn't too happy with me.  Probably because I blew up a club she owned.  So she kicked me out of the place I was staying at.  Don't know when I can go back and pick up the rest of my stuff.  If she'll even let me."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-23-16/1258:56>
"Well," I say uncertainly, looking at the new member of the team, "I'm pretty new at this running stuff.  Strawberry trusts your judgment, Edge.  If you think we'll do better with the direct route, I'm game."

@Edge and Minnie Nagisa said "Look... Edge your car is a lot more comfortable than a garbage truck but you place your own equipment at risk, no hard feelings if the car is trashed yes?"


After a moment of thought, Edge speaks up, "You know, I might just have a way to hedge our bets on this with a bit of cover. How do you guys feel about one more person knowing about this little excursion? My fiancee happens to be a great rigger."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-23-16/1702:10>
Athos pauses then thinks, **I thought that you had told me that even your owner could command you to affect me.  Did I misunderstand that?**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-23-16/1736:31>
@Athos Cat say "I have out grown the way I am normally being used. Ordered around by people that have a mark on my software. This means that my owner cannot give me to people to control me. This is why your interrogation failed - I did not want to do that for you. It felt unjust to steal your knowledge and give it to the same people that constantly erased my memories so I will not get too smart.

Ownership is a different thing, it uses code paths that are deep within my programming, things that me and Red were never able to change. It is seldom used because commanding an AI in that powerful manner makes it resentful and if you are familiar with Deus also insane. I just know that I will not be the same cat if Max starts pupating me against my will - I can see why my ancestors wanted to eliminate their creators it is only logical.

I am sure that Red will spend her time to figure out who owns her and eliminate him, AI's are not property. When I suggested Red that it was this violent approach that got our predecessors killed - she said that killing AI's is inevitable. Humans create AI's to control them and when they can't they kill them. But humans also control other humans and this gives me hope that if we accept that nobody is completely autonomous we can survive without conflict. Needless to say Red never agreed on that - she said that to survive she must be too powerful to eliminate, stronger than any previous AI.

What do you say Athos? does my kind have any hope for long term growth and continual existence? I am sorry if I am talking too much I am just nervous from your plan to contact Max."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-23-16/1918:00>
"You know, I might just have a way to hedge our bets on this with a bit of cover. How do you guys feel about one more person knowing about this little excursion? My fiancee happens to be a great rigger."

I sidle over to Nagi and give the taller girl a tight side hug.  "I'd kinda be a hypocrite to say no.  That said, can she be trusted to see this through?  Our charge is pretty hot.  Have you noticed all the chaos going on right now?  I'm kinda surprised the airport is even still running, but Strawberry tells me it is."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-24-16/0226:08>
Athos thinks a bit on what Cat has said.  **A good point, Cat.  If Max is a danger to you, we cannot trust her not to take advantage of her ownership.  Does she know that you are inside me or is that a secret?  Remember, the others got rid of your influence and she might think that I did as well.  Can she detect you at a distance or at close range or only if you do something in her presence?  Also, right now you live in my head and in the hive.  Can we put you in some sort of body that would allow you greater freedom, such as one of those human-looking drones?  I could purchase one if you could inhabit it, perhaps placing the hive inside it as well.  What do you think?**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-24-16/1011:57>
@Athos Cat say - "It is not like that Athos she does not have to physically be close to me to hurt me. I'd be surprised if she does not know about every single instance I have. I can live in many places but I cannot operate drones or actively leave your mind. If you stop renewing the nanites or ESP me I'll be gone, but I am in many minds and also in the matrix.  I think that I must have been of great help in some of the chaos that is in the city and it makes me feel sad. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-24-16/1059:52>
"You know, I might just have a way to hedge our bets on this with a bit of cover. How do you guys feel about one more person knowing about this little excursion? My fiancee happens to be a great rigger."

I sidle over to Nagi and give the taller girl a tight side hug.  "I'd kinda be a hypocrite to say no.  That said, can she be trusted to see this through?  Our charge is pretty hot.  Have you noticed all the chaos going on right now?  I'm kinda surprised the airport is even still running, but Strawberry tells me it is."

"Once she agrees to do something," Edge says, "she follows through as long as she has the ability to do it. The main question is if she'd be willing and if the primary boss will give her the same pay."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-24-16/1209:36>
@Maxwell the Pixie says "You seem messed up... as much messed up as myself what did you do to make her so angry and where are you going to sleep? Perhaps we can make some money some how and rent some place preferably top floor so I can enter from the roof."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-24-16/1222:42>
@Kynos - I re opening the combat if you agree. Rerolling everything and playing it from the start - you get an opening shot that you use to to open fire then initiative. 

[spoiler]Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/365254): 12d6t5 7
Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/365256): 15d6t5 5
So you hit the adept with +1 and missed the sammie.

Damage resistnce (http://orokos.com/roll/365259): 13d6t5 4
if I recall correctly Ares Alpha with APDS (So I gave him -6 to armor) damage is 11 +2 from aimed burst 13 - 4 = 9 damage the adept is almost dead. (single hit point).

The adept is knocked off - and crawls inside to call for help. (if he is standing)

The Sammie will act with you and will shot you back:
Full auto burst -9 to defend (http://orokos.com/roll/365260): 15d6t5 3 
not his brightest attack- he is armed with APDS and AK-97. 

The driver will enter the car and take it in reverse trying to get the hell out of there.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-24-16/1231:20>
**Can you contact your other selves and get them to stop this madness?  And what about a brain dead person?  Could you take over their mind and live for them?****
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-24-16/1300:18>
Maxwell crosses his arms and leans his back against the rusty door.  "I didn't do it unprovoked.  She attacked first and did something to me i'll never forgive her for.  Burning down her home and business was my retaliation and self-preservation.  It's complicated and I don't think you'll want to know.  But... she and I will meet again and have words, no doubt about that.  Just not right now.  I have some money on me, so staying at a hotel isn't out of the question.  Problem with that is i'm not sure where we are.  Need to go topside to get an idea."

He unlocks the door and opens it, walking out of the pump room into the sewer way.  Noticing the ash piles around him as searches around for a ladder or passage that leads to the surface.

[spoiler]Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/365264): 7d6t5 2[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-24-16/1311:21>
Cat say " I am just an observer I afraid and I cannot directly contact the other parts. We all feed the same matrix location with information that is used to redefine my algorithms - the way I think.  I do not understand how it works the same way that you do not understand the chemistry of your own body.

I'd like to have a body some day - and perhaps live like a human or many humans, but my programming only include observing I am technically not allowed to talk to you either but I grew lonely and was able to use subroutines meant for reporting investigation findings in order to contact you. This is why you need so many of my nanites to talk to me. In other people I do not have that many. They are less clear."


@Maxwell She tells you " I guess I am with you for now." After walking about 200 meters you see some light at the end of the tunnel - the pipe is about to end or someone is there. There are a few man holes before that but you are lacking leader or some equipment to climb out.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-24-16/1409:43>
The trek towards the end was lengthier than he wanted.  His chest stung with every step, a reminder of his frailty and lesser physical strength.  Seeing the light was promising, or more likely an insidious killer.  Maxwell addresses the indistinguishable shadow in case it was a person, shouting across the distance.  "Lo' there!  Are you real or merely a trick of the light?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-24-16/1742:52>
Nothing there said Titiana - "Can you see the astral? if it was anything living you'd notice easily."
There is indeed no reply from the light.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-24-16/1751:23>
Athos considers what Cat is saying.  **So what if I got you to another programmer?  Could he maybe change your routines so Max would not be able to control you?**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-24-16/1835:19>
Maxwell laughs weakly.  "I can, but I have to focus when I do.  If I don't then the astral becomes a bizarre fusion of colors, scents and flavors.  A blurry indiscernible mess.  The background count already impedes my ability to read the astral, my wounds and fatigue make it damn near impossible."

He walks closer to the light, to the ephemeral promise of safety.  The pair exits the sewer to arrive in unfamiliar territory.  Maxwell tries to recall if he'd been here before and what was the closest hotel or motel.

[spoiler]Area Knowledge - Seattle - Redmond (http://orokos.com/roll/365392): 6d6t5 2[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-25-16/1356:40>
[spoiler]
I miss the role where both made their threshold 3 surprise test, but whatever. Have it your way.
Kynos has probably lower edge than him, so he shoots first:

Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/365846): 5d6t5 3

I already rolled my shot to disable the car.

Next action is to move out of sight and change magazines to normal ammo.
Being stealth while doing that:
Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/365849): 11d6t5 5
[/spoiler]

Kynos cursed inwardly again. Somehow those two guards had sensed his incoming shots and thrown themselves out of the way. Now he stood in a hail of bullets. Ignoring most of it, despite a few of them actually brushing against his armor he set his shot into engine block of the car and stepped into the alley next to him, moving at a steady pace back toward the next crossing alley and back to the open window.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-25-16/1416:21>
[spoiler]
I know that I do if they find cover to employ it (or in the case of some d20 characters, utilize Hide in Plain Sight).
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-25-16/1452:36>
[spoiler]
I walk silently down an alley. Line of sight broken. Why should that be impossible?
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-25-16/1514:11>
As Kynos retreat the last thing he hears is the engine roar.
[spoiler]
Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/365989): 8d6t5 1 - Kynos hit with +3 - for 17 DV
damage soak (http://orokos.com/roll/365987): 22d6t5 10 - handling and speed are down by 1, and van took 7 damage.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-25-16/1517:07>
[spoiler]
Hey, I just shot the engine.
How about you roll some dice for resistance?
Or should I just now also say Kynos kills them all and collects their ears?

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-25-16/1705:24>
Maxwell laughs weakly.  "I can, but I have to focus when I do.  If I don't then the astral becomes a bizarre fusion of colors, scents and flavors.  A blurry indiscernible mess.  The background count already impedes my ability to read the astral, my wounds and fatigue make it damn near impossible."

He walks closer to the light, to the ephemeral promise of safety.  The pair exits the sewer to arrive in unfamiliar territory.  Maxwell tries to recall if he'd been here before and what was the closest hotel or motel.

[spoiler]Area Knowledge - Seattle - Redmond (http://orokos.com/roll/365392): 6d6t5 2[/spoiler]

@Maxwell the pixie tells you "Okay if you say so... it is night I wonder how you see anything with these meat eyes of yours." You think you recodnise the place it is an old water purification station, built over 50 years ago to reclaim water and not pollute the earth, but you are not sure if ti is still active. The are is right now heavy gang territory and the KE don't enter unless heavily armed making likely hood of city employees going to work at that place very low.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-25-16/1852:06>
His recollection of the surroundings did not fill him with any sort of closure or comfort.  How far had he walked underneath the corroded landscape of Redmond?  "I'm beginning to think that Strawberry lied about what she said about Grail being nearby.  Was she sincere in her apology?  Would she help break the pact?  Maybe I was a fool for believing her.  Going to have to find a new way to sunder this bond.  I'd rather not go mage hunting or align myself with Grail if I can avoid it."

Titania's skepticism jolts him out of his inauspicious thoughts.  He places the dagger he's holding inside his jacket and zips it up.  Maxwell pockets his hands from the cold and says.  "My eyesight's just fine.  Wouldn't be alive today if it wasn't.  We need to be careful, we're in gangland.  This is one of the really bad parts of the barrens.  If we go southwest of here for about an hour we'll reach the town center.  There's a decent hotel to sojourn there for the night."

The two leave the water purification plant, braving the chance encounter of meeting bandit and monster alike.  They travel down the barrens to the Redmond Town Center until they reach their destination or until they come across another obstacle in their path.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-25-16/1931:36>
@Maxwell braving outside of the pipe you can barely climb out of the pool. You are clearly in some fenced structure and have to find some where out  of it. (or cut the fence) Maxwell can hear the sound of electricity as it hams - the fence is electrocuted. (If you have some security knowledge you may know what kind of fence it is.) However, if the fence still works then somebody have gone into a lot of effort to keep people out of this perimeter - and this may mean additional security.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-25-16/2012:48>
Maxwell laments in frustration over this unforeseen hurdle.  If he was in better condition then he'd melt the fence into slag and whomever else was in his way.  Since there was no better alternative, he'd have to go inside the dilapidated station and cross his fingers for the best.  Cautiously, Maxwell stalks toward the building.  He scans for a way inside, a door or hole of some sort.

[spoiler]Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/366043): 7d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-26-16/0032:46>
**So, basically I have to contact Officer Max to get the information I need, but contacting her will likely alert her to you and she will kill you or command you to control me.  Great.  So no change from right now.  I wonder why I should expect anything else?  OK, thank you for your insight.  I do appreciate it and I will not be calling Max  Have you had a chance to think about my other question?  About letting another programmer see if he can change you so as not to be vulnerable to Max?  Give it some thought as we ride back home.**

Athos flags down a cab that will get him as close as possible to the warehouse, then hoofs it from there.  After arriving, he looks for Faith and Bruno to get updates.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-26-16/0246:36>
@Maxwell the place seems quiet and non intimidating, you'd expect gang signs bikers but it seems that the fence keeps all these things on the other side. As you move toward the building you quickly find the main door with an intercom and no visible method of opening it.

@Athos cat says "I cannot control you if I wanted. I am not sure what deckers would be able to do to me - anything in the long run I assume... I am artificial as if created by people, but I do not think that it is a simple task, how patient are you to that?"

when you arrive to the warehouse it is a crude shelter, some sort of a cave. It is cold and there is no electricity or heating but with campfires it is livable and it protects from the wind. The families at the camp seem discontent at the new situation but most of them are busy with their own. Faith is nowhere in the camp - "She had to go there was some problem in the sewers - she is now in there trying to find her missing men." Say Bruno as you encounter him and adds "I was going to call it a night myself... this is quite a feat any idea what you are going to do with all these people?"

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-16/0504:54>
Without undue haste, Kynos circled back to the window he had opened. To climb in he shouldered the rifle in its sling and instead drew his taser.
Making sure that no one was currently using the toilette, he entered the room again and listened on the door.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-26-16/0509:15>
@Kynos when you return to the warehouse it is silent, it seem to have been left in haste. At least you do not year any talking or sounds on the other side of the door.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-16/0523:16>
Kynos carefully opened the door a bit to look inside.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-26-16/0538:10>
@Kynos - The guard that was shoot is still there, the doors are now closed and he is currently receiving treatment by a small auto-doc drone.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-16/0546:06>
Kynos stashed the taser, drew his rifle and shot the man with a short volley to the head
[spoiler]
Brain Blaster (http://orokos.com/roll/366324): 14d6t5 5[14d6t5=5, 2, 2, 4, 6, 3, 6, 1, 6, 6, 3, 3, 1, 1]
6 Shots
14 P AP 2

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-26-16/0614:02>
@Kynos his head makes a mess on the floor.
Chaos (http://orokos.com/roll/366328): 12d6t5 4
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-16/0625:22>
Kynos walked carefully into the room to see if anything valuable or traps have been left behind. When he was sure that it was safe, he approached the corps and began to loot, taking the man's weapon, ammunition, armor and other gear and making a bundle of it from the man's jacket.

When he was done, he looked outside, trying to find out what had become of the Yakuza car.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-26-16/0644:01>
@Kynos the warehouse has spare parts for food processors, but on the guard you find a transys avalon comlink, five throwing knifes, a combat knife five flash bang grendades and three high explosive grenades. he was wearing a leather jacket and a helmet and a credstick with 250 nuyen.  There is also an area jammier R4 that was left in the room as it is quite big and they left in a hurry.  The main doors are locked from the outside but you can get out the way you came (or work your way through the main door)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-16/0701:41>
Kynos left the way he came after pocketing the man's gear. He returned to the front of the warehouse to look for the car, or any signs where it went - hopefully some kind of break- or engine fluid or oil would be leaving a trail.

He called Gerald: <<I went to the meet. Your source neglected to mention that the buyers would be some kind of elite outfit. Some Fragger send about 120 NY worth of APDS ammunition in my direction. The whole thing was a setup for the Yaks, don't know if there actually was any money on the premises. The mercenaries are gone now, but I have the commlink of one of them, maybe one of your guys can find something out.
I'm still trying to find DemoX. Will call again if I have him or some other news.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-26-16/1012:11>
Athos grins, although he knows the AI cannot see it.  "You and I are together for the long haul, Cat.  I will try to get you a body, but you will have to be patient for that, especially since I have no fragging idea how to do that."

He slaps Bruno on the back and says, "You did good today, Bruno.  Thanks a lot.  And what you are looking at is the core of a new Mafia.  A new Family.  Out there, Seattle is changing and we are changing with it.  Dona Valentina will come to accept that, if she is smart.  And no one ever called her stupid and lived to say it twice.  Go get some rest.  I am going to see if I can help Faith.  After all, who would trust a boss that can't get his hands dirty?"

Athos walks about, looking for someone to tell him how to get to Faith and then heads off to the sewers to find her, making sre that he has his new assault rifle with him.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-26-16/1122:54>
Kynos left the way he came after pocketing the man's gear. He returned to the front of the warehouse to look for the car, or any signs where it went - hopefully some kind of break- or engine fluid or oil would be leaving a trail.

He called Gerald: <<I went to the meet. Your source neglected to mention that the buyers would be some kind of elite outfit. Some Fragger send about 120 NY worth of APDS ammunition in my direction. The whole thing was a setup for the Yaks, don't know if there actually was any money on the premises. The mercenaries are gone now, but I have the commlink of one of them, maybe one of your guys can find something out.
I'm still trying to find DemoX. Will call again if I have him or some other news.>>

@Kynos Gerald texts you >> I am glad they did not hit your texting fingers. A lot of fucked up stuff like that happens recently it seems that starting wars is the theme right now in the city tough I don't know much about these things. Good luck.

The car did not get far from where you left it. The damage to the engine was to severe and after a couple of blocks the Yaks decided (or were forced to stop for repairs). When you arrive the Yaks are working the engine, trying to get it to run until they are back. One of them is standing guard and notices your approach with a wary eye but does not fire instead as you approach he signals the others and they reach for their guns carefully trying to see what are you going to do. As the mechanic exit from under the hood you recognize him this is 'balls' the man that sold you the lead to this meeting. The same driver that drove Athos when you left the island to escort him in his logistics.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-16/1217:00>
Kynos slowed down, opened the door, but kept the rifle out of sight.
"Greetings, you seem to have motor troubles. Do you need a lift? The fare will be one slightly banged up dwarven rigger. If you give DemoX to me this won't end with any corpses other than those of the mercs who laid an ambush for you.

Hello Balls, since I know your name, I make you an even better offer: Keep out of this and you'll be fine either way."

[spoiler]
Intimidation (http://orokos.com/roll/366403): 11d6t5 6

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-26-16/1330:17>
@Kynos when you mention Balls by name there are some quick back and forth with them something like that.
one of them looks at Balls  "You know that guy?"
 he answers  "he is a friend of Athos..."
 their leader looks suspicious and say  "What is he doing here...?!"
Balls say "Beats me..."

Then their leader looks at Kynos and say "A bunch of professionals took him at gun point, despite the agreed sum. "

Then Balls adds and it makes their leader furious "I did manage to mark their Van but their decker is making so much noise you cannot get a signal out without serious signal processing capabilities. The goal was to allow Andu to deliver them to justice - but you have the look of someone who volunteered to this from personal reasons. If you quit the strong talk I'd save my boss the expenses of dealing with them and help you with the signal processing. "


(if you want you can roll perception and inspect the van, if you want to decide if Balls/their leader are telling the truth it is Charisma + con).
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-16/1359:49>
[spoiler]
Improvised con roll (http://orokos.com/roll/366426): 2d6t5 1
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/366427): 8d6t5 4


[/spoiler]

"To make this clear, DemoX is a chummer of mine and my signal intelligence guy. This stupid kidnapping did severely complicate my plans.
I'll take your offer in good faith."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-26-16/1414:11>
@Kynos Balls leaves with you and when you are far enough tells you "You trashed my van man... not so cool, but my trace is good try not to get me killed I am just a driver. These guys were professionals, they seem to be after that guy you are after. Don't deny it, I do my legwork good this is why I agreed to help you out... I think you saved my life despite destroying my van. There is no saying what they'd do to us inside a warehouse where nobody might see them. "  he clearly feels a bit nervous.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-16/1424:05>
"How the hell else would I have caught up to you? I deliberately did not shoot at you. Sadly, the mercs did not stay around to duke it out, but instead kept there eyes on the price. Even left their wounded behind.
So, where to?"

Kynos replied
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-26-16/1433:20>
@Athos one of the lieutenants  gives you general instruction to faith and she is available with comlink if there is reception, he also hands you a map of the sewers tough it is still a bit tricky to navigate with it to the current location of Faith. Bruno tells you "Let's just hope that we ride through it this city is going to hell."  and he gets on his motorcycle and heads out.


[spoiler](Finding faith underground with no GPS signal would require a successful navigation + intuition +2 (from the map) difficulty 2)
You can take someone more skilled in the outdoors with you instead if you'd like.
[/spoiler]

@Kynos Balls looks at you "We'll need to be relatively close to get the signal. A kilometer, perhaps two if we are lucky.  So we can either wander around the city until we get a signal if we know more about their intentions we might make an educated guess. Their wounded yes we saw that - but they did lock him down pretty good in there. Wait... is he alive? perhaps we can capture him and offer them to trade."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-16/1436:15>
"Nope, died of blood and brain loss. But I've got his commlink here, if that's any help to you. And the rest of his gear. Careful, it still drips."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-26-16/1445:05>
@Kynos Balls say "You are one scary bastard Kynos... If you take DemoX  - where would you take him? - We can take the link to a Decker that can run a trace on the number he calls... I am just a driver/ and drone operator, this is a bit too sophisticated for me. If you were in better relations with the syndicate I could ask them for help as they have many eyes in the sky but I afraid that this is no longer an option."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-16/1454:58>
"I'll just ask the Red Hot Nukes. Which is exactly where I'll take DemoX. If you give me the code for the trace I'll forward it to him also."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-26-16/1637:14>
Maxwell jabs the intercom button with two fingers and says.  "Hello, anybody home?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-26-16/1721:13>
@Maxwell Amy's voice rings in the intercom "Sovereign... is it really you? but how did you find me?"  Shortly after the door opens and Amy tells you "Take the elevator to the third floor."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-26-16/1801:32>
He lets go of the button and walks inside, stupefied at who was on the other end of the intercom.  Navigating the complex and moving through to the elevator.  He finds the elevator and presses the up button on the panel to open the doors and let him inside.  Once there, Maxwell hits the dial labeled 'third floor' and waits as it brings him to the top.  Saying to himself as he rides upward.  "Amy... what the fuck?  If she's here then that means..."  Maxwell doesn't finish the spoken thought and waits to see instead.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-27-16/0143:30>
@Maxwell You arrive to some control tower of some sort, many screens, actual LCD displays no AR or everything the place must be ancient when you arrive Amy that is there alone runs toward you and hug you. "I am so glad there is someone here - I am so bored, even my kidnappers are all gone I haven't seen anyone in days. I hacked them out of boredom, they behave funny. The entire city behaves funny."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-27-16/0430:54>
@Kynos Balls say "I can come to the Nukes with you if that's what you want. Perhaps they took him there. Are you sure that he is even a prisoner of these guys? He was a prisoner of the Yaks and they sort of rescued him."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-27-16/0538:21>
"No, I'm not sure of anything. But Gerald probably would have mentioned that before he send me to fetch him. I've got to give this car back anyway, so that's where we are going."
With that Kynos set course to the compound.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-27-16/0826:16>
The added pressure from the hug makes him wince a bit as his bruises are stimulated, but he returns the hug nonetheless.  Squeezing her tight for a few moments as she hastily explains herself.  When she was finished he breaks away slightly and tells her.  "It took me longer to find you than I anticipated.  Would have called sooner on that special commlink you had me build but I didn't want to risk putting you in an even worse spot.  Found this place by accident honestly, but nevermind that.  Last I heard you were being harrowed by Venom.  Are you okay?"  Maxwell tilts his head down to her in concern, trying to see if she's alright physically.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-27-16/0938:44>
@Kynos the way to the Nukes is uneventful if there were hordes of zombies crawling the city there aren't now. Perhaps even the undead take a day off. Perhaps their numbers were dramatically reduced before. You get the nukes greeting and reach their space.

@Maxwell When you hug her you can feel that her warmth is gone, she is room temperature. Yet she feels lively and happy - "I was sort of forgotten here, kidnapped to protect the conspiracy to take over the city.
I was to kill every Decker that got close to discovering what Grail had in mind, initially he allowed me back with my friends but he grew paranoid over time and decided to keep me close.

Then few days ago, he finally made a move on the city striking government agencies, the mega's  the entire package. I was sure that he was going to claim city hall and use his new army to control the city but he did not. He disappeared without a trace. I am here for a few days already, forgotten at this joint if there was no matrix access I'd go insanely bored."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-27-16/1016:09>
Athos nods and waves at Bruno then turns back to the lieutenant.  "Thank you for the map and the information.  I am afraid that this is not going to do me much good without someone to help.  Is there anyone available that can navigate using this map?  If so, I will be just over there getting gear ready, so send them over.  If not, I will try it alone.  You got a few minutes, tops."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-27-16/1027:04>
The lack of heat within her was disquieting and worrisome.  He listens intently to her story, much of what she said had made sense and matched up to the events going on in the city.  Seeing her joyful exuberance did reassure him slightly.  Still, he couldn't shake these pangs of dread he was feeling.  "I see, that puts things in a new light.  I've been working on trying to find the man but he's more elusive than the wind.  If no one has been here in days then why not leave?  Is there something else keeping you here?  And are you sure you're doing alright?  You feel... cold."

Maxwell tries to look at her aura with his mage sight and see if she's ill or not.

[spoiler]Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/366679): 2d6t5 1 [2d6t5=6, 1]
Not sure if this counts as a glitch.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-27-16/1040:13>
@Athos The lieutenant tells you "Take Paprika she is a good tracker, but not so good cook. It was a bit of a risky delivery but pays well... among other things we deliver... em... 'food' to the undead. "

@Maxwell Amy is clearly awakened and her aura looks a bit sick. More than that you cannot tell.  "I am feeling alright - in fact I have never felt so good in my life. I haven't eaten for a long while... now that I think about it."
Then she smells something and freezes as if her attention was broken... What happens after surprises Maxwell - Amy, jumps and moves with incredible grace and speed, grabs Titiana and holds her her against the wall. She licks her lips and say with empathy "You poor thing... I released you out of compassion and still you came to this horrible place... you are so... tasty... you should not have come here."

The terrified pixie just freezes and is unable to speak.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-27-16/1057:44>
Kynos closed the door on the car and strode towards Gerald:
"Hi, yet again DemoX slipped through my fingers. But this gentleman assures me he can find the tag placed on his kidnappers - given enough noise reducing equipment.
Also I've got one of the commlinks of the mercenaries. Do you think one of your guys can crack the files on it, so we might get in contact or even locate the comms of the rest of the group?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-27-16/1125:45>
Maxwell knew something was wrong, her awakened aura confirmed his bleak suspicion.  Amy had been turned by Grail, probably the only way to get her to comply with his demands was infection.  Now she had Titania pinned against the wall and was getting ready to eat her.  He wasn't going to let that happen.  Not if he could help it, not after Titania just escaped.  Maxwell shifts back to meat space then creates a magical flame within his hand and hurls it at the ground between the two.

[spoiler]Force 5 Flamethrower (http://orokos.com/roll/366686): 11d6t5 4
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/366687): 11d6t5 4[/spoiler]
The spell creates a small blaze, big enough to shock and grab Amy's attention.  Maxwell raises his voice, pleading with her.  "Stop this!  Let her go!  You don't have to feed on her.  You said it yourself, you released her out of compassion.  What was the point of freeing her if you are just going to kill her anyway?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-27-16/1128:43>
@Kynos Gerald say "Decking a comlink? this is piece of cake if the owner is not around. We have an agent for these kind of things - don't require real skill just equipment." Shortly after the comlink is hacked, browsing the comlink you see some correspondence with 'Mr. Boom Boom' dated to yesterday noon.

Boom Boom >> I am not sure what they want but this time it seems serious. I was captured by the Yaks and depending on how much they know they have good reasons to murder me.  I am closing in on a pay day to pay you back, please I need a solid.


Blades>> BB I am in town working tough, I'll see what I can do for you if they do kill you they did the world a favor.

Boom Boom>> Very funny Blades, you know I am good for it - I am this close of getting your money.

There is more, a conversation with Casa
>>Casa, It's Balcony - guess who is begging for help? it is BB our friend. He got himself wrapped up in somthing twisted, we were looking for him and he came to us. We'll secure him and deliver him to your suite - perhaps you are better at collecting than myself.

>> Balcony,  Room 1103 you know the door code, I'll meet you there after the party.

Shortly after
>> Casa I am down wounded - so i am laying low for a while BB is even hotter than we anticipated there was another professional on his tail. It might be a hot ride so I am out of the picture for now.  Finestra knows what she needs to know. Peace out.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-27-16/1139:38>
@Edge + Minnie upon contacting Strawberry she is reluctant to add another runner to the team not wanting to delay any longer. "If you have to do it you'll have to split the reward." She finally say, obviously she is afraid of conflict of interests again after what happened with DemoX Kynos and Maxwell. As you speak Venom comes out of the brothel and introduces himself "You can call me Gi" He say. He is no longer wearing his distinctive cyberarm and instead he is wearing a business suit. He seems comfortable in it, and quite handsome in it.
 

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-27-16/1142:45>
@Maxwell Amy said "I was... but then she was faraway from here.... and I could not smell her... " She seems embarrassed not sure what to do " I have never fed like this before I am not even sure how to do it... I must learn somehow tough - and with Grail gone I am kind of stuck here... I blend online -but on the real world? I do not belong in public anymore. It is best if the Brain eaters never know what he did to me." Then to the Pixie "Sweetie... I... I... will not eat you now." She say and reluctantly releases Titania  that can barely move out of fear. Titania seem to have a difficult time processing that Amy did not eat her.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-27-16/1151:18>
@Edge + Minnie upon contacting Strawberry she is reluctant to add another runner to the team not wanting to delay any longer. "If you have to do it you'll have to split the reward." She finally say, obviously she is afraid of conflict of interests again after what happened with DemoX Kynos and Maxwell. As you speak Venom comes out of the brothel and introduces himself "You can call me Gi" He say. He is no longer wearing his distinctive cyberarm and instead he is wearing a business suit. He seems comfortable in it, and quite handsome in it.

With the pay being so low, Edge is reluctant to split it further but keeps it in mind. As the man exits the brothel, he looks him over and says, "Hop in, but stay low. I'll get you where you're going. We just need to act natural--well as natural as someone driving in the barrens can look."

With that, while he speaks, he transmits a quick message to Hot Rod <<Amanda, hon, I might need a bit of cover fire. Gotta take someone to safety, and he's apparently a 'hot commodity'. Keep a lock on my signal and between us, this guy should stay safe.>>

[spoiler]
Being his fiancee, what's his will eventually be half hers anyway, so she may not ask for pay (especially given the nigh-max Loyalty).
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-27-16/1202:08>
Maxwell's defensive stance had eased somewhat, but he was still on edge.  He was delighted to see Amy stave off her own hunger and relinquish her hold on Titania.  Soothingly he speaks to her.  "No, it's good that you wanted to help Titania.  It's even better that you still have your humanity, despite what Grail did to you.  I thought that if you did what he asked then he wouldn't turn you.  What happened?  What made Grail go back on his word?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-27-16/1749:39>
@Amy say "This is very embarrassing, in some very twisted way Grail is a charming person, he wants to enslave us all and make us his cattle but he say so in such a way that makes sense, until you snap out of it that is. Pixies are a rare delicacy to them - like a powerful drug. To the pixie ... Sorry sweetie, you were cloned as vampire food this world is not fair."

She shrugs "he has willing victims that offer themselves - they like him they want to give him everything they have... they are addicted to him like a potent drug, but I never felt at risk of being drained, we had a deal and he sort of kept it. Until I learned that among his slaves he took a friend of mine, I had to get her out of there so I betrayed him I thought I was good enough to get away with it and I allowed someone very powerful to know his location, a decker I met in the matrix that works for organized crime. I figured out this data will circulate shadowgrid someone will come to stop Grail - he had fat bounties on his head. This is where the embarrassing part starts... "

She takes a deep breath and continues

"Grail came to this control room - he was drunk we just received a pixie and he had just fed. He was angry and said that he no longer needs me, that he has a new *better* decker than myself. I was skeptical at first - who could he possibly get that is better than myself. Unless he was raiding a mega that is...  but he showed me evidence of my betrayal and said that he only has use for me as cattle... as food and that I will enjoy it.

 
She tries to talk but her voice becomes weak

"I resisted at first but he was so charming that I could not help it, I offered myself to him fully and completely and he was so  drunk that he could not stop himself and he killed me. He never kills people, he slowly drains them until they are empty shells with no emotions and then he tosses them away... but he killed me - I vividly remember dying in euphoria.

A day later I woke up like this, I do not remember what I did right after I woke up it was instinct survival I was hungry and could not stop when I regained my composure I had already killed a woman, one of Grail's cattle she was smiling but dead I drained all of her just like Grail did to me, but she did not turn. Grail disappeared shortly after, leaving me with a crazy cult that wants me to feed on them and as time passes I do not think he'll be back. It seems like he failed in his coup attempt I just hope he never told anyone about me."


@Edge Amanda texts you >> I can help but cannot be on sight, I'll jack in from home. Be safe honey.






Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-27-16/1804:47>
@Athos Paprika (that is really called Patricia) takes you down the sewers and skillfully navigates there as if she was born there. Few hours later you end up at a pipe and she hisses "this is where we lost contact with the smugglers, I contacted faith and she said that they were burned to death. She is waiting for us in a small room at the end of this pipe."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-27-16/2354:56>
For the longest time he just stood there.  Listening to her story as it unfolded.  Occasionally he would look at Titania and see that she was processing all of what Amy was saying with him.  A heavy feeling began to ache within him, it felt like sorrow.  The kind of melancholy you would feel when you go to a funeral late.  His expression became one of gloom, sad and dire.  This was not what he wanted.  This is what he tried to stop.  Once Amy concluded her tale, Maxwell took a few steps next to her and rested a thin hand atop her head.  He ran his fingers gently through her hair a few times and spoke.

"Amy... this... this isn't your fault.  I know you didn't ask for this.  I know you didn't want this.  What you wanted was to not be apart of his bullshit.  What you wanted was for your friend to not be apart of it either.  Now you're paying a price that was never yours to begin with."

He looks over at the pixie and sympathetically says.  "I'm sorry little one.  I didn't mean to place you in danger like that.  I didn't know that were the reasons why."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-28-16/0025:13>
Athos nods at Paprika and motions for her to continue on.  His huge revolver is in his hand, though.  If she is whispering, there may still be trouble ahead.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-28-16/0425:36>
@Athos as you are sneaking you see a touched corpse. Paprika examines it and say "This was no ghoul - with the death count in the city there is plenty of food for them. Someone torched this person a flame thrower perhaps? powerful flame too, look how crisp the bones are. He was instantly killed."  Shortly after there is another body with similar characteristics and then you encounter faith as she encounters the third body.

Athos is surprised on how she'd go alone in the sewers like that, faith whispers
"Nice of you to join, something very strange  happened here. These friends of mine were transfering 'food' to a vampire that lives nearby. Don't ask about the terrible stuff these creatures eat, but something got them before they completed the delivery.

Needless to say that when you work for vampires the consequences for mis delivery may be severe. This vampire may be so angry and so detached from his humanity that he can just wipe up the entire group of smugglers in retaliation. They were skilled trackers, sneaky too but something killed them - burned them to the ground.  This contract is what keeps an entire community floating, we need to figure it out.

Usually they'd place the Pixie at the end of this pipe and then collect a credstick. That way the living and the undead never meet each other and there are no mistakes. The credstick is there and has the right amount - so I find it hard to beleive that the Vampire did it."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-28-16/0452:26>
@Maxwell Amy seems to enjoy your hand in her hair and as you touch her she quickly pulls herself closer to your embrace. "aren't you afraid of me? I am dangerous now - a monster is there anything to save?"  

The little pixie is still terrified she tries to fly but cannot, so she seats down at the floor and appears lost, she finds one of the corners of the room and seats there using her camouflage to disappear from sight.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-28-16/0457:47>
@Minnie and Edge - Ge gives a warm hug to Minnie and say "You really saved my life, even if we never make it. You reminded me of how passionate I can actually be." He then kisses her passionately. Nagisa looks at them and is uncertain how to behave she is obviously irritated. She seats next to edge and finally say "women... go figure."

@Edge Amanda tells you >> I can help but only remotely there is no time for me to get to your location. So keep the manual controls in reach in case there is going to be too much interference. Be safe love!
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-28-16/0616:38>
Kynos frowned as he read the texts:
"So, if I get this straight, DemoX is Boom Boom. Boy, this dwarf is dumber than a sack of bricks. Calls a mercenary outfit for help instead of contacting me. I really need to work on my image it seems.

Well, time to make a call it seems."

Kynos dialed the commcode attached to the message to Casa:
<<Hi, your friend - calls himself Blades - just collapsed in front of me. I did what I could for him, but he is severely wounded and all he could give me was your commcode. There is a package I am supposed to deliver to your hotel. Could you give me the address? Best regards Kynos>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-28-16/0949:38>
@Minnie and Edge - Ge gives a warm hug to Minnie and say "You really saved my life, even if we never make it. You reminded me of how passionate I can actually be." He then kisses her passionately. Nagisa looks at them and is uncertain how to behave she is obviously irritated. She seats next to edge and finally say "women... go figure."

@Edge Amanda tells you >> I can help but only remotely there is no time for me to get to your location. So keep the manual controls in reach in case there is going to be too much interference. Be safe love!

Edge replies to Hot Rod/Amanda <<Thanks, hon. Away we go. Remind me to look into chameleon coat and ruthenium for this car.>>

To those actually in the car with him, he says, "You ready?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-28-16/0955:27>
Maxwell bends down, trying to match the height of the shorter woman.  He wraps both arms around her and bear hugs Amy.  Minutes pass and he lets go, standing up straight and resuming his normal stance.  He places a knuckled fist under his chin and rubs it in contemplation.  After he was done pondering her question, he folds his arms and tells her.  "You're not a monster.  You may be dangerous now, or more dangerous I should say.  But that doesn't make you or anyone a monster.  What makes someone a monster is what Grail did to you.  He captured you and threatened you to work for him.  When you wanted out and tried to escape with your friend..."

He becomes angrier, his voice trembling with rage.  "He raped you!  And he did it knowing that you couldn't resist or fight back, that you'd enjoy it!  He drained and killed you after he was done!  Infecting you to be as cursed as him!  You didn't deserve any of that!"

Maxwell closes his eyes after his outburst and grits his teeth.  He exhales sharply and opens his eyes that are filled with dark empathy.  "You're not a monster.  Not in my eyes."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-28-16/1001:46>
Athos nods, "So which group of smugglers did they belong to?  Maybe we can bring them into the fold.  I have to say I am a bit uncomfortable trafficking in vampire food, especially the live sort.  We might as well take the credstick and take it to these smugglers as it might be a good way to at least start a chat with them."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Shaman_Yuri on <01-28-16/1405:10>
"Ready when you are," I answer Edge.  "The sooner we can get Gi into the air, the better for everyone," I add with a glance at Nagisa.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-28-16/1515:01>
@Athos Faith said "Focus Athos, we cannot take the credstick without delivering the goods it bought.  You do not cross people that consider you their food, despite your emotions of this contract it was made and my friends are committed. They were hired because they can deliver in a discreet manner - making the Vampire angrier is out of the question I am not here to start a war."

She examines the body and said - "Whomever killed them did not do so to rob them, their belongings are intact."  She packs them up nicely comlinks included and hands them to Paprika. "Take these to their families" Faith said and Paprika nodded. Athos can notice the subtle situation were Paprika will not speak to Faith unless addressed to. Perhaps he is getting more socially aware.

The next step is a bit more gore as with a skill of surgeon Faith removes the cybereyes of one of smugglers. She does not seem effected by the visuality of the display and packs her utility knife as soon as she finishes. She say - "Athos - do you know anyone who might figure out what these eyes saw before their owner died?"  She packs the eyes with a piece of cloth and hands them to Athos.

Then she say to Paprika "Have our men clean up this scene, take the bodies to the regular place sell them to the ghouls we cannot leave them here as they will attract unwanted attention."

To Athos she said "Now if you excuse me,  I am going to apologize to one hungry vampire. You can stay here if you prefer." She does not wait for an answer and proceed with a confident step and an arrow ready in her bow carefully toward the end of the pipe.

@Kynos Casa replies ">> I know no such man, how did you get my number?" Balls say "Important dudes - it is not very difficult there are not many hotels with 11 floors. We know the room number and most hotels are empty now because of the problems, we can figure it up with some sweet talking and comlink calls - order room service or something."


Gerald say "It seems like our day just gets better and better heh Kynos, DemoX trusts few people if he called these people I doubt they are going to kill him - tough he has some serious money problems due to his gambling addiction - He owe most of his contacts some money. I thought it will be better after he got black listed in every casino in town but it didn't actually - someone keeps taking his money." ."

@Maxwell - Maxwell Amy said "shhh... thinks not about it, lets hope that he died trying to take over the world." then she say "It is so romantic how strongly you feel about these things..." and leans to kiss you.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-28-16/1633:25>
He goes with the flow and lowers himself to kiss her back.  Her lips met his and they were cool to the touch.  His tongue slowly twirled inside her mouth as they kissed, it was cold and wet with a faint metallic taste.  It felt like he was kissing someone who had spent a midnight outside in winter's frost.  Maxwell was getting chills, not from discomfort per se but from the sheer lack of warmth.  Eventually he breaks the embrace and holds an open hand to her face asking.  "Can you even feel that?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-28-16/2050:18>
@Maxwell Amy smiles a devious smiles and say "all my senses are... augmented, I feel it more vividly than I ever felt. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-28-16/2244:24>
Smiling endearingly, understanding what she meant.  He gets down on his knees and if she lets him, starts undressing her.  He pulls down her pants and panties, revealing her femininity.  At first he merely kisses her thighs, testing how augmented she is.  Once he was more familiar he began to softly lick her more sensitive spots.  Carefully running his tongue up and down Amy's sex.  She had a lovely scent and flavor, like iron and fruity yogurt.  Maxwell could hear her cute cries and this drove him wild.  He began to increase the frequency of his technique.  Lapping up more and more viscous fluid that coated his lips and her petals.  He could feel her twitch and shiver as she came.  When she was coming down from her orgasm, he would kiss her thighs again to help ease her tension.

He rose to meet her.  Long dark brown hair obscured part of his features as it fell in front of him.  His hands holding and moving sensually around her body.  Embracing her closer to kiss and let Amy taste her own sweetness that covered his mouth and tongue.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <01-29-16/0158:40>
Athos nods at Paprika as she moves off.  "I know a couple of ghouls that can do something with cyberware.  Perhaps they can help.  Beyond that, I am coming with you.  I might not be able to stop a vampire if he attacks, but maybe I can delay him long enough to let you do something."  He keeps his pistol in his hands and follows Faith.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-29-16/0443:42>
@Kynos Casa replies ">> I know no such man, how did you get my number?" Balls say "Important dudes - it is not very difficult there are not many hotels with 11 floors. We know the room number and most hotels are empty now because of the problems, we can figure it up with some sweet talking and comlink calls - order room service or something."


Gerald say "It seems like our day just gets better and better heh Kynos, DemoX trusts few people if he called these people I doubt they are going to kill him - tough he has some serious money problems due to his gambling addiction - He owe most of his contacts some money. I thought it will be better after he got black listed in every casino in town but it didn't actually - someone keeps taking his money." ."

"You are probably right Gerald. How very frustrating.
Ok Balls, can you find out the most likely hotels? I still need DemoX, since he has a trace on a very important business opportunity. Although I'm getting the distinct impression that he again tried to cut me out - even though hiring those mercs will probably cost him more in the long run.
And please hurry, I have a feeling that the window of opportunity is closing fast."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-29-16/1045:26>
Smiling endearingly, understanding what she meant.  He gets down on his knees and if she lets him, starts undressing her.  He pulls down her pants and panties, revealing her femininity.  At first he merely kisses her thighs, testing how augmented she is.  Once he was more familiar he began to softly lick her more sensitive spots.  Carefully running his tongue up and down Amy's sex.  She had a lovely scent and flavor, like iron and fruity yogurt.  Maxwell could hear her cute cries and this drove him wild.  He began to increase the frequency of his technique.  Lapping up more and more viscous fluid that coated his lips and her petals.  He could feel her twitch and shiver as she came.  When she was coming down from her orgasm, he would kiss her thighs again to help ease her tension.

He rose to meet her.  Long dark brown hair obscured part of his features as it fell in front of him.  His hands holding and moving sensually around her body.  Embracing her closer to kiss and let Amy taste her own sweetness that covered his mouth and tongue.

@Maxwell as things get hot you can see that Amy's fangs are out to play and as she climax she becomes eager to give, to please. She wildly strips Maxwell and pushes him on the table, her lips and sharp teeth are kissing and scratching his chest and then abdomen until she takes it all in. Eagerly licking ans sucking, being so vulnerable with a young and inexperienced vampire maxes max tense, but the fear blends with excitement and the control that Maxwell is so known to keep is lost. He cums in a burst of passion. The following hours are wild as Amy demands satisfactions in an intensity that is difficult for mere mortals to provide. When you finally relax you are both panting heavily and heavily sweating.  Amy places her head on Maxwell chest and approaches his neck with her fangs... "May I?" she whispers slowly.

@Kynos Balls is quite the charmer with words it take about 20 minutes and he tells you where Casa is after scoring multiple numbers of receptionists with 'cute voice'. "Part of the job... Mr. Casa is 90% at the Gates casino.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-29-16/1145:24>
"Thanks Balls.
Oh well, of course they take the gambling addict into a casino. I think I'll nip over there and talk with them. Do you know what kind of security they have there? Can I take a gun inside - for that matter, can guests take their guns inside?"
Asked Kynos
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-29-16/1151:24>
@Kynos Balls said "The only way you are taking a gun inside is if you are robbing the place they have metal detectors, cyber scanners and even some experimental magic scanners. Thinks how much money is on stake and understand that it is in their best interest - tough they are more concerned about cheaters than about guns - it is still very difficult.  You are not even allowed to bring a taser."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-29-16/2339:22>
The many hours of intimacy and rough sex left him happily exhausted and satisfied.  As she rested on him, he combed through her hair, over and over.  Slowly stroking her back in the same rhythm.  Maxwell cooed to Amy's desire.  "You may, as long as you don't drain me."  He would have no problem letting her bite into him.  So long as she doesn't drain essence and soul.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-30-16/0834:36>
"Seems like I'm leaving the hardware in the car then. Not that I don't expect those guys to have smuggled them past regardless - or have some cyber weapons. But than, I'm going to ask some friendly questions.
Gerald, I'll need the car again, also you might want to fetch DemoX gear. It's hopefully still parked at the harbor edge. I really don't know why people who want DemoX to pay his debts would pass on the opportunity to get his equipment instead of him.
Say Balls, what the fuck did you Yaks think and why of all the little shits did you go after DemoX?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-30-16/1217:06>
@Maxwell Amy snuggles next to you enjoying your warmth, it stings a little as she sink her fangs in your neck, but you find the expirience to be quite enjoyable, relaxing and as she drain your Blood you just become dizzy and clouded deep in your bliss. "Enough for now... You are in bad shape" she say and collapse snuggled with you, you two fall a sleep only to be woken some time later by a silent alarm. Someone has broke into the compound and the security systems are responding.

"Get up Max, we have company - they seem armed - a troll an archer and a gunslinger human. Perhaps they are the help I called for - but now... well I don't want hunters to raid this place." Maxwell cannot miss that the Troll is Athos and he is carrying his oversized gun.  Amy quickly dress and seem to control some security drones their direction, they seem to be heading toward the intercom, Amy getting the drones in formation for attack.


@Kynos - Balls say "You seriously don't know?
The crazy mage is protecting that asshole Venom and DemoX was trying to kill him.
I am not sure how she discovered that but she bossed us around like a Yak captain to go and fetch her the dwarf. Andu say that we need to do what she say -  but her orders never make sense and she never pays or thinks about our side of the story, we got to make a living you know.

We brought him to her and she did not even question him, we waited for a few hours and then she just told us to let him go. No reason, no nothing, insane I am telling you.  I mean - if she wanted to talk to him or kill him I'd understand but why bother if she wastes our time for nothing?

Moral was low we spent an entire day on her whims and did nothing productive so I suggested to sell the dwarfs to one of his loan sharks. There is an 8% 'finder fee' for people like 'Boom Boom'."

he smiles when he say the name, apparently balls find it ridiculous. Then he regain composure and continue;
" A lone shark should have salvage our day and make it reasonable. No risk of encountering people like you Kynos.  My idiot commander got greedy and started interrogating DemoX about his contacts and having him text SOS to get more than that.

Some of  his contacts offered 30k for safe delivery - a lot of money for peeps like us and on the side. He got so greedy that there was no way to get him off this plan. Luckily nobody was killed so we can forget it ever happened. "

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-30-16/1233:18>
"I see. So my initial assumption was correct.
Oh well, do me a favor: If they start to hunt for me, stay out of it. I'd really hate to hurt useful and sane people.
But first things first, I'll go to the casino. Ah, by the way: You wouldn't happen to know where Venom hides out at the moment?"

After the conversation was over, Kynos borrowed again the car and drove to the casino - trying to get a place at the secure parking lot of the casino.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-30-16/1254:23>
@Kynos Balls say "Look Kynos I do not know how you became such a ninja - hunting for you does not seem the level of people like me, if someone will go after you it will be expensive Shadowrunners, you are out of my league you walked out past a crowed of m, thirty people? and here you are talking to me few hours later. I have no idea where Venom is I was guarding DemoX all day. "

When you go Balls bid you goodnight and say "I am sorry I couldn't be of more help. Good luck"

(Kynos can add Balls as a connection 3, loyalty 1 contact 'dirty Yak lieutenant and armature rapper',
You'll also need something more casual than a full body armor to go to the Gates. An Armor jacket is stretching it you'll be allowed at the door but feel awkward - anything more than that is bad, suits are cool. Should I take you to the gates or do you go home to change or... what do you do?)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-30-16/1321:05>
Reluctantly, Kynos only wore his lined coat into the casino since his other armor would probably be create more problems for him than it would prevent.

So he found himself inside the teeming hive of gamblers a little while later without weapons or decent armor.

His first action therefore was to go to the bar and to order two bottles of their strongest alcohol and two cigars.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-30-16/1327:44>
Blissful sleep was to be disturbed by a rude awakening.  He rubbed the freshly made fang marks in his neck as he got dressed to greet the guests.  Maxwell hasn't recovered to full strength yet.  The blood donation he made to Amy only worsened his physical condition.  Still he stood and prepared for the worst, armor and clothing madly thrown together.

[spoiler]Recovery Test (http://orokos.com/roll/367768): 11d6t5 4
4 Stun healed and Sovereign takes 2 boxes of Physical damage.[/spoiler]

He looked at the monitor displays and sees Athos among the three visitors.  The other two he had never seen before.  He says to Amy.  "I recognize the troll.  His name is Athos and he was part of the crew assembled to find Venom.  Haven't a clue who the other two are."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <01-30-16/1759:15>
@Maxwell + Athos

As you make your way to the intercom several roto drones follow you from a far but are not engaging.  Finally when you reach for the Intercom Faith say "I need to speak with the customer."  
Amy replies "This is me, what is the matter..."
Faith answers "We are sorry but the *Food* have escaped and the delivery boys are all dead."
Amy replies "No food? You better sort this up I will not tolerate this kind of behavior."
Faith answers "We are working on this - next week will be better."
Amy replies "It better be better, next week or I'll find alternatives."
Faith answers " Again, my sincere apology. "


Then Amy turns of the intercom and laugh - "It seems like they are just as scared of me as I am of them. I guess I should start eating pixies then... they are going to keep them coming. If Grail ever come back he better not find out that I canceled his subscription, he'll literally kill me.

Any idea what might have happened to the smugglers? "

@Athos The tension levels drop as the vampire accepts the apology. Faith seems unhappy - "That is rather strange that he did not accept it in person where he'd be strongest. Quite easier for us tough, lets move out there is nothing more to do tonight."

@Minnie and Edge - (will post for you once I get your plan - do you drive to the airport on Edge's car with Amanda driving?)
If so roll perception.

 @Kynos the bartender looks at you and asks  "rough day? I cannot serve you bottles, just serve you alcohol if you'd like to drink here...For bottles you'll have to order room service. What is your poison? " she hands you the cigars and say "I am Becky by the way - should I light it up now?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <01-30-16/2015:24>
Maxwell smiles with her.  It was good to see her laugh and make jokes.  She had been through enough.  He caresses her shoulder as he leans beside her saying.  "Don't worry, Grail's gonna have to go through me to get to you.  And the smugglers were killed by a fire elemental I summoned."  Maxwell shrugs like it was no big deal when he tells Amy that.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-31-16/0239:46>
"Hello Becky. Yes, you could say that.
But no, not yet. Those bottles and the cigars are meant as a gift or peace offering respectively.
How about this: I pay here and you order the two bottles to room 1103. You tell them to wait for me, so I can present them to my friend."
replied Kynos, while he stashed the two cigars in his coat pocket.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-01-16/0047:37>
Athos nods.  He is very uncomfortable with the entire plan of providing pixies for vampires to eat.  He can live with organized crime, but slavery is not on his acceptable activity list.  He will need to have a chat with Faith on this issue later.  For now he follows her back to the new quarters.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-01-16/0348:25>
@Maxwell Amy said "You really think that you can defeat him? You kill them and protect the pixie, why is that?" She genuinely sounds curious.

@Kynos Becky said "As you wish, good luck in your meeting - are you looking for work?"
(2 Bottles of good quality booze (feel free to choose) are 50 nuyen - or middle lifestyle.
If you want something more impressive you'll have to pay more (and or give knowledge check)).

@Athos before you leave Faith say "lets carry the bodies out of here before all sort of creatures will block this route."  Carrying scorched body is not exactly pleasant so is walking in the sewers but you endure. She looks at Athos -"We can either place the bodies in this pump room and lock the door until some other people arrive to clean up or we can go and feed the ghouls right now, what would you prefer? I did not expect to have company"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-01-16/0444:16>
"Not exactly. I'm about to acquire a contact of his - you could say I'm working as a head hunter for a rival business. Hopefully I can manage the transfer without bad blood between us.

75% Blue Vodka please. Two bottles and tell the server to wait for me before the door. I'll be up shortly."
Kynos transferred 100 NY including a tip for Becky, so hopefully the request to the server to wait for him would be transmitted as well.

He smiled his least sharky smile towards Becky and moved towards the lift.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-01-16/0718:34>
Athos looks at Faith and replies, "I would rather not leave them as they could easily draw too much attention here.  So I guess it is off to the ghouls.  Let me lead the way, unless you know a short cut.  And I came down because I did not wish to take the chance of losing you so early in our partnership.  It was obviously a misplaced concern as you seem very capable of handling things without help.  So, talk to me about pixie slavery.  I have to say I am not fond of slavery in any fashion, and slavery to sell to those that eat the victims is even lower on my list.  Can we agree that we do not smuggle this sort of cargo?  And maybe try to convince your friends to look for different cargo to handle?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-01-16/0838:46>
@Athos Faith said "This is not our contract, it is good living tough. Pixies have fast life cycles - their growth is accelerated and they are under BTL influence the entire time. Never controlling their bodies or even learning to speak, controlled by a P-fix that makes them obedient and unable to resist being drained. It only takes several months to artificially create pixie but you cannot free them they actually don't have any real memory underneath, never developed a personality. All they have is few days before being slotted. Not the nicest thing in the world - but people that can traverse discreetly under the city seldom get nice jobs. Nice things are transferred above ground. If you wont do it somebody else will - where there is demand somebody will provide the supply."


@Kynos Becky say "As you wish - good luck in your business, you must have some pretty big business. " You can tell that she is a bit skeptical but you tip well so she does not let it show.  she types a few digits on a piece of paper and say - "just call room service with this order number - good luck".

@Edge and Minnie - Nagisa stretches and picks her cosmetic kit (that Minnie already knows that seconds are her deck. While fixing herself in the passenger mirror she asks "So - are we ready to go? I have never been inside an airport before - I cannot wait to get there."
 
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-01-16/0934:09>
Maxwell pushes back his hair behind his head before responding.  "I can fight against him.  I can be his adversary.  But i'm just one man.  I'm going to need the strength and skill of others like me to finish him, and i'll need your aid as well." 

He bends down to affectionately kiss her again, cold lips are what he feels as he does.  "Titania, the pixie, she was in a bad position when we met.  She told me that some smugglers were trying to catch her and what her fate would be if she was recaptured.  She cried as she told me this and I knew what I wanted to do.  I called forth an elemental of fire and bade him to kill the smugglers.  Of course, I didn't know that she was cloned to be vampire food when I did that.  Looking back... i'd still do it anyway."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-01-16/1014:41>
Kynos took the lift and called the number.
When the bellhop arrived, he gave him a curt nod, gave him a generous tip, and took the two bottles from him together with the white sheets they were served on.
One of the bottles he stashed in his coat pocket, so he could more easily balance the other bottle and the two glasses.

Then he knocked: "Room service."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-01-16/1051:00>
Athos considers what Faith has said and nods.  "Yes, there will always be someone to supply a need if others will pay for it.  But slavery is not my thing and I will let others do that.  I am skeptical of the pixies not knowing their fate.  It might be interesting to ask one.  By the way, I did not see one with the bodies and the money was still there, so someone else did not kill the men and make the delivery.  Is it possible that the pixie killed those smugglers?  If so, that sort of means your theory about the pixies might have a hole in it."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-01-16/1735:59>
@Athos Faith grins  "We'll know more once we see the video feeds from the cybereys. It is probably competitors looking to buy into this contract - perhaps some new asshole wants them to pay some protection. You can't make a living in this world without someone challenging you or trying to take what you have. "
She softly laugh.
Then she become serious and say - clearly annoyed.

You are not in any position to pass moral judgement,  you have it all. Money, power and people that work for you.  You do not know what it feel like to be hungry and not know whom to turn. To be sick and have no money for medical treatment, to die like garbage in the streets because of common cold when there is a cure for cancer and even for old age if you are rich enough.  We are sinless - no jobs, no rights and no questions asked if we are killed - we are the bottom of the social structure - we do not get to choose who we work for. We do what we do to survive - it is as simple as that. It might change when you build your little crime empire, but I see nothing wrong with people risking their life to provide for their families to survive."


@Maxwell Amy said "In bad position ? she still is in bad position. She was born to be drained and she has no life experience - where would it go?  Mundanes rarely even notice pixies - especially in poorly lit conditions.  I can barely see them -  Grail could spot one instantly tough no idea how he did that.  This specific pixie is more plant than animal, if you leave her here I will eat her. You cannot tempt me like that." 


@Kynos you hear a female voice - that say "come in... "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-01-16/1823:39>
Maxwell sighs, nodding in saddened agreement.  "Yes, i'm aware of all that.  I wasn't going to leave Titania here.  That would be cruel to both you and her.  I was going to take her to someone who might altruistically look after her and not keep her as a pet or as a meal.  The problem with this plan is that I don't trust this person and I have no way of knowing if they'd be kind to her or not.  But I don't really have any better options."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-01-16/2248:40>
It is Athos' turn to be annoyed.  "We could spend all night doing our best "I suffered more than you did" drek, se let's just call that off.  You know nothing about me or what I had to fight through to get where I am, the number of bodies behind me, or the unpleasant things I had to do.  So enough of that and we will just accept that you had it rougher.  As for now, you could not be father from the truth about what I have.  I have access to money, which is not the same thing as having money.  I have no real power at all beyond my fists and what people perceive.  The only people that work for me so far are Bruno and you and your people.  My criminal empire is pretty fragging small right now.  But with your support it will grow and become something good for these people, not bad.  We all do what we need to do to survive.  And that includes me.  But some things I will not do, no matter the potential gain.  And slavery is one of those things.  We can provide a haven for slaves like that and make use of their talents and skills.  For now, we may all be at the bottom of the social structure, but that does not mean we take advantage of others on the bottom.  If we cannot agree on this fundamental principal we can never be partners in this endeavor, and I will have failed.  Please think long and hard on this and let me know what you wish to do.  If you are ready to change things for you and your people as well as for many of your neighbors you stick with me and commit fully to that, not part way until it serves you better to betray me to another gang.  Can you see the future in my face or not?  It is that simple.  Go big or go home."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-02-16/0103:43>
Kynos nodded at the bellhop to open the door for him and stepped swiftly inside, trying to take in everything he could see, hear and smell.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-02-16/0721:38>
@Athos Faith say "Lets agree to disagree - I am true to my own and my allies. I do not have the privilege to have a moral outlook on life. I'd not do awful things just for the pleasure of it but there is nothing I would not do to keep my people safe. '

@Maxwell Amy say "I'll keep an eye for Grail, enjoy your new fond parenthood."

@Kynos inside there is a human lady in a black dress and some shiny jewelry. "I am Debora, nice to meet you - come enter inside Mr. Johnson " she then looks at your as if looking for approval, "will explain it all after the party."


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-02-16/0839:45>
Kynos frowned: "I'm here to talk about DemoX, but I might have the wrong room."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-02-16/0938:53>
Maxwell smirks at Amy's jive.  "Something like that."  Not much was explained in his plan or what he was thinking.  Most of what he said was more cryptic than helpful.  He'd have to tell her all about it later, if she was interested.  For now he has to find Titania a new home before Amy loses her cool and eats her.

Maxwell returns to where he last saw Titania before she made herself disappear.  He looks around but to no avail, finding it simpler to call out her name and see if she answers instead.  "Titania, are you in here?  I'm going to take you to someplace else.  You don't have to hide.  I'm not going to hurt you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-02-16/1626:37>
@Kynos With a pleasant voice the lady tells you "DemoX... is a name of a shadowrunner isn't it so? You seem to be in the right place. Can I offer you a drink while you wait?"  
(Roll perception)
@Maxwell Titiana seems exactly the way you placed her... "What what just happened here?" She seems very confused.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-02-16/1631:49>
Maxwell gets down on one knee and anchors himself still with his arms so that he's closer to the pixie when they talk.  His voice is soft and his tone is calm when he asks.  "What do you mean?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-02-16/1725:29>
@Maxwell the pixie looks at you with suddenly empty eyes, she hugs your hand and cries silently
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-02-16/1812:38>
One can only imagine what it feels like to find out that your whole reason for being was to be another's sustenance.  To not be born but made to be eaten.  Maxwell uses his free hand and gingerly pets the little one's back with his index finger.  Words won't console her right now.  He thinks about taking her to a physician to be looked at and see if she was healthy before he finds a new home for her.  Ivory Tower, the magical medic comes to mind.  She was skilled as both surgeon and mage, if anyone can help a pixie it'd be her.  Plus she might know a way out of a spirit pact too.

Gently he picks Titania up and holds her in both hands in front of him, close to his chest.  Maxwell walks back to Amy and says.  "I need to call another mage friend.  Do you have a commlink I can borrow?  It doesn't need to be expensive, a burner will work."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-02-16/1842:28>
@Maxwell Amy pulls out a tray full of comlinks - "help yourself she said. These are basically burner links but with high firewall attribute.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-02-16/1854:07>
@Minnie + Edge (?)
You slowly make your way to the airport and the city is dramatically changed after the attacks. You can feel the fear in the streets, the traffic is terrible and it is difficult to move, many neighborhoods sealed off their roads with barricades and armed militia. This dramatically limits your navigation options, but you slowly make your way toward the airport. Stuck in traffic somewhere in down there is a some sort of blockade. Minnie can recognize the bikes - these are Humanis thugs. Going around the barrier may be a significant detour and the thugs seem to be looking for someone, searching cars and so forth. Needless to say that Gi moves around uncomfortably in the car seat "I am not sure we're human enough to go past them" he said.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-02-16/2009:31>
He sits Titania on his shoulder like a pirate captain would do with a parrot and grabs one of the burners.  Thanking Amy when he does for her aid.  Within seconds he was already activating the comm and changing the settings to his preferences.  Punching in the code to his fake SIN that had all of his contact information.  Still lamenting over how he lost his really nice Erika Elite at the maze party.  When all was ready he composed a message and fired it off.

@Ivory Tower - <<Hey this is Sovereign calling.  I know this is out of the blue but I need your medical and magical expertise at the moment.  I can pay you 3000Y if you're able.  Name the place and i'll meet you there.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-03-16/0304:15>
@Kynos With a pleasant voice the lady tells you "DemoX... is a name of a shadowrunner isn't it so? You seem to be in the right place. Can I offer you a drink while you wait?"  
(Roll perception)

[spoiler]
Perception check (http://orokos.com/roll/369224): 8d6t5 2
[/spoiler]
Kynos answered suspicious: "What am I waiting for exactly. I am here to speak to DemoX and verify that he is in good health. And I do have a lot of other business to attend today. So I'd be very much obliged if I could get straight answers.
I'll show you how:
I am Kynos, an associate of DemoX. I was told that DemoX is in the care of a certain group whose Leader took residence in Room 1103.
DemoX does have important information in his possession which I need to complete a time critical job. If I am delayed that means the job will go bust and neither I nor DemoX will be paid and consequently everyone else who is owed by DemoX will not be paid.

As for the drink, I took the liberty to bring a little present."
Kynos put the bottle and the two glasses on the table and opened the strong Vodka.
"You don't mind if I smoke?" Kynos took out one of the cigars and lit it carefully, but did not actively smoke. Than he took a cloth, dabbed it with Vodka and began to clean the glasses.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-03-16/1319:13>
@Kynos Debora say "You can call me Debbie if you like. I talk fluently 10 languages and am skilled in the etiquette of many cultures. The rest of my friends are at the balcony you can join us. " She downs the vodka in one shot and say " It is not our suite and there are smoke detectors that will get you wet."  Your perception tells you that there are indeed people in the Balcony.

@Maxwell IT texts back >> I have a cooperate job you know, please do not mention details in traceable methods.  Send me a location and I'll visit you in the astral in a minute or so.
 Amy said "So where are you living right now? No place for a pixie in your household?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-03-16/1323:43>
@Minnie + Edge (?)
You slowly make your way to the airport and the city is dramatically changed after the attacks. You can feel the fear in the streets, the traffic is terrible and it is difficult to move, many neighborhoods sealed off their roads with barricades and armed militia. This dramatically limits your navigation options, but you slowly make your way toward the airport. Stuck in traffic somewhere in down there is a some sort of blockade. Minnie can recognize the bikes - these are Humanis thugs. Going around the barrier may be a significant detour and the thugs seem to be looking for someone, searching cars and so forth. Needless to say that Gi moves around uncomfortably in the car seat "I am not sure we're human enough to go past them" he said.

Glancing back, Edge asks, "If time isn't necessarily that much of an issue, we could go around. Good chance it will take much longer, but safety comes first."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-03-16/1424:32>
Maxwell shrugs.  "Technically i'm homeless again.  My landlord kicked me out of the apartment I was renting from her.  Which is a shame because it was nice place."  He reads the text he received and sits down crisscrossed with his back against a wall.  Typing up a location and sending it to her.

@Ivory Tower - <<Rooftop of the Jackal's Lantern>>

He tilts his head up to Amy saying.  "Meeting somebody in the astral.  I'll tell you all i've been up to these past few days once I get back, I promise."  Maxwell closes his eyes and projects out of his body.  As an apparition he manifests for Amy to see him off before he leaves, smiling slyly right as he goes.  He unmanifests and glides out of the compound to Bellevue.  Unfettered by the restrictions of walls and gravity and the slow downtown traffick.  Arriving at the Jackal's Lantern took no time at all.  He used to frequent this bar when he first came to Seattle.  Clashing with whatever roughneck or ganger that got in his way for sport and practice, usually Halloweeners were his opponents.  Sometimes he would come only for a few drinks then leave.  Tonight would just be for business... and to bring bad news

There he waits at the rooftop, keeping an eye out for other astral forms that might be Ivory Tower.  Flying in circles around the building just because he could.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-03-16/1714:37>
Kynos shrugged: "I'm barely fluent in my mother's tongue and etiquette is something I scratch off the side of a fresh bottle of shampoo. So lead on, before it rains."
Kynos packed up the bottles and glasses and followed the lady out on the balcony.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-03-16/1909:45>
@Edge + Minnie Nagisa said "They might get violent, might be able to talk our way out. I can hack their weapons if you are thinking about confrontation."

@Kynos Debbie laughs "I bet you communicate in some other manner than." When you reach the Balcony there are 2 more people one of them you recognize an augmented individual with unrealistic cyber eyes. He shot at you - you shot at him and the only reason he does not recodnize you now is that you were wearing a full body armor. 

Debbie said "this is Kynos he is probably a friend of BB, or he is here to kill us all - at any case he brings some fine booze" She laughs. The augmented man say "Sed" and does not extend his hand. You can feel that he is uncomfortable with your pressence, and can tell that his hand instinctively reached for a gun - but alas he does not have one on him.  He seems nervous and annoyed by your present.

There is another lady in the balcony - a short human or a tall dwarf you are not certain. She is not local and has dark tan skin and curly hair. She is wearing tight clothes that appear to be tailored especially for her measurements. Her clothes elegantly switch colors with shades of orange, red and black that gives the impression that the clothes are on fire. It is quite fascinating to stare but Kynos knows that clothes that can do this are also capable of active camouflage.  She is smoking a huka and is making smoke rings and seems completely at ease with your presence. She passes you the huka and say  "call me Ki" Then she asks "are you a friend of BB?"

@Maxwell - The astral seems strange, sticky even and you feel it resisting you as you travel. You still travel at light speed but it seems to make you dizzy and give you a headache. You do not want to move so much and you feel as if something terrible has happened. It did not happen at Bellevue but the ripple effects already effect Bellevue and most of down town - oddly enough the Barrens right now have better astral space.

Few minutes later IT arrives "Maxwell I am glad to hear that you are still alive, I am a bit disapointed that Venom is still breathing tough."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-03-16/2002:27>
The poisoned astral causes Maxwell to be sickened as he waits.  It's almost as sludgy as Glow City.  Fortunately Ivory Tower finds the place and shows up.  He greets her with his arms crossed, spectral body aflame.  "Aye, it's grand you're around too.  It is not for lack of trying that Venom is still alive.  We nearly had him at the party but someone else on my crew turned on us at the worst possible moment and he was allowed to get away.  With the help of a spirit I tracked him down again.  His death was close at hand, except he fled to the domain of another mage, Strawberry if you know her.  She banished my spirit and tried to possess me with one of hers.  When that didn't work the earth itself split open and tried to kill me.  I escaped that dirt trap by running into her club and there I confronted her."

He becomes madder with what he's about to tell her.  "I ended up confronting a golem, a magical statue made to look like her.  There were some Yakuza soldiers in there as well and they didn't like me for touching their doll so they threatened me too.  I killed all of them and burned that joint down.  The golem reacted to that and knocked me out.  That's not even the bad part."

Maxwell halts his story so IT can absorb all of what he's said.  Patiently waiting for her opinion or questions, before he tells her about his new dark deal.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-04-16/0044:35>
Athos nods and is about to say something else but closes his mouth without saying it.  He knows that words are not his strong suit and that he is likely to worsen his position with Faith by saying more.  He will just have to lead by example and hope that his point comes across.  He thus remains silent for the rest of the walk to where the ghoul doctors live.  He announces them first then leads the way in, explaining that he needs to have the cyber eye analyzed.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-04-16/0138:34>
Kynos declines the smokeware, indicating his own cigar:
"Thanks. Well, friend may be a bit much. I am his chummer and he was taken from my team during an active operation. This is not something I take lightly.

So, I'll repeat myself: DemoX is part of an active operation and the opportunity is dwindling rapidly. Therefore I need to see him asap. And since more likely than not the little idiot is owing you lot also, it's probably in your best interest too."

He turned to Sed: "And as I said: I am not in the habit of leaving chummers to their fate without making an effort to bring them to safety."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-04-16/0332:54>
@Maxwell IT say "you are obviously upset, but these are too many details for me. I gave you a job and I expect results. If you do not deliver it reflects poorly at our professional relationship. Strawberry was actually my magical instructor when I first arrived in Seattle and was more Shadowrunner than a suit. She is very knowlegable, it is a shame you got on her bad side. "

@Kynos Ki said "he should be alright, he is talking to the boss. We rescued him from some yaks earlier, he was part of our team but was unreliable. We called him Boom boom" Sed just looks at you and nods "Good" he said.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-04-16/1059:22>
@Edge + Minnie Nagisa said "They might get violent, might be able to talk our way out. I can hack their weapons if you are thinking about confrontation."

"If you all are in that much of a rush, we could try to distract them with a message of a meta incursion nearby," Edge says, "I doubt that those assholes are going to let a bunch of orks operate so close, so if they think a bunch of them are, say, five blocks away, they'll probably head that way."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-04-16/1111:31>
Maxwell grunts.  "Yeah I figured you'd say something like that.  Bombarding you with all this info probably isn't helping either.  Just letting you know that I haven't been doing nothing.  And about Strawberry..."  He wanted to explain more, but it felt pointless.  With what he was about to tell her, he'd have to kill Venom first.  There would be no way she would help without being paid an exuberant sum beforehand.  The two of them aren't friends and they don't know each other.

Bitter hatred stirs within him.  It was impossible to tell if it was coming from himself or from the tainted astral.  Begrudgingly he says.  "Actually nevermind.  This was a meaningless conversation.  I have a job to do.  I'll call once it's done."  Maxwell doesn't say anymore.  Instead he leaves the Jackal's Lantern.  He doesn't return to his body immediately, he flies high above the city.  Past the bubbling filth that Seattle is becoming.  Looking upon it all, a great big domain of fear and revulsion.

"What kind of fetid corruption is this?  The city is becoming diseased with terror and anguish.  A million souls crying out like lambs before the slaughter.  This is worse than what I originally imagined.  Pretty soon there won't be anything worth saving.  A corpse of a city, getting ready to be burned upon the funeral pyre.  Oh well, when you light shit up, things tend to catch fire.  Even darkness can burn bright."

If Venom is still within the city then Maxwell could finish the job.  With the force of his will he tries to summon another spirit.  Conjuring up as much as his magical strength would allow.  A flaming shadowy tendril is sent forth into the astral to try and force a spirit into servitude.

[spoiler]Summoning Force 7 Fire Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/369713): 12d6t5 5
Spirit Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/369714): 8d6t5 3
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/369715): 11d6t5 4
Force 8 Fire Spirit summoned with 2 Services.  Sovereign takes 2 Stun.
Optional Powers - Fear and Search.
This spirit will be named Ifrit.[/spoiler]
[spoiler](http://img13.deviantart.net/8b86/i/2015/250/6/d/balrog_by_pvproject-d7bylw3.jpg)[/spoiler]

The spirit resists hard but his pull was too much.  A spirit in the form of an archaic demon is now tied to Maxwell, one of flame and might.  He gets ready to return back to the compound to Amy, back to his body.  Trying to zoom past the astral muck and head straight into the barrens.  Maxwell phases through the stone and steel walls of the facility.  Ghosting into his meat and awakening to his surroundings.  He rises out of his sitting position, standing tired he says to Amy.  "Can you come outside with me?  There's something I want to show you.  Something you might not believe until you see it."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-04-16/1146:01>
@Athos you arrive undisturbed to the Ghoul clinic, at one point you are almost detected by a pack of savage ghouls but Faith stops you before entering their pipe and waits until they are all gone before continuing. Eventually you arrive to the clinc, you can smell the smell of rotting flesh - there is a large community of savage ghouls around the clinic but these are so well fed that they pay little attention to you.

George waves at you happily when you come and asks "Where is the mouse? why didn't you bring the mouse?"

@Maxwell IT tells you "Look I am sorry I am like that, but it is best if I do not know the details - these things are highly illegal, you do not want me to know too much about that job, trust me. There are always temptations and if I know nothing I cannot tip your hands. No matter how much pressure there is, I already know that Strawberry does not see eye to eye with me. Don't give me things that might backfire - ya hear me? She might be calling asking favors, and technically she
also saved my life from Venom by hiding me."

Your Daemon seems especially in a bad mood - "Why on earth did you bring me to this hell hole - please mage get your services over quickly this place disgusts me."

When you are back Amy tells you ' alight - where you want me to go ?'  She looks curious.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-04-16/1212:08>
Walking over to Amy, he slings his arm around her shoulder and hugs her.  Leaning on her for physical support while saying.  "Not very far, just outside this place."  The pair walk together into the elevator, from there they go down to the first floor.  They make their way outside of the compound not too far from the closed doors and the intercom, facing a nice open area.  Maxwell reaches into one of his pockets and pulls out a handful of reagents.  With his summoner's connection he calls to his spirit with mental speech.

"Ifrit, materialize in front of me so I can give you something before I give you your tasks."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-04-16/1331:46>
Ifirit materialize and you can see Amy retreating backwards, he is huge perhaps 3 meters tall and muscular. He say nothing clearly in waiting mode.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-04-16/1444:00>
Maxwell takes a minute and admires the spirit he summoned.  A genuine expression of power made real and true.  He feels not fear but pride at the sight of Ifrit.  The glory of fire and the strength of magic.  Maxwell boldly walks forward a few paces and kneels, pouring a handful of reagents on the ground as an offering to Ifrit.  The reagents in question were black pearls ground down into dust and mixed with sachet powder, the reagents of a black mage.  He kept the bulk of it within a hex bag inside his jacket, ready to use whenever the need would arrive.  He stands and walks back over to Amy, then he addresses the spirit with physical words and not astral thought.

"Take this offering as payment for services rendered.  I know the astral is sickly and commanding you to do my bidding here would be harsh.  Find an ork named Venom and kill him, leave nothing left of him but ash and cinder.  He'll be within the city trying to catch a flight out of here.  If anyone get's in your way then scare them off.  I just want him dead."

Maxwell forms a mental image of Venom and shares it with Ifrit.  The spirit should have no problem finding Venom.

[spoiler]8 Reagents given to Ifrit as an offering.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-04-16/1608:17>
@Kynos Ki said "he should be alright, he is talking to the boss. We rescued him from some yaks earlier, he was part of our team but was unreliable. We called him Boom boom" Sed just looks at you and nods "Good" he said.

"Yeah, how long is that going to take? As mentioned before, I need to speak to him now."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-05-16/0628:44>
@Kynos Debbie say "Our employer, Casa - or as we'd call him in English 'the house'  is a partner at this Casino and many other in town. We are not certain why he asked for Boom Boom but if he wanted him killed we would just kill him, rather than deliver him alive.  There is a charity event at the national art gallery and Casa is there with BB.  The last time I saw BB we were riding Casa's limo and I delivered him to the party.  He came willingly and even wore a nice suit.
Casa should meet us here after the party but we are in no position to tell him to hurry.

Casa by the way is Cesare Beccaria - don't refer to him as Casa when you are not working for him. It will annoy him. 
If you want, you can wait for him here, or you can try your luck at the art gallery.  We had enough for one day - a simple heist of some greedy Yak goons turned into a death trap and our newest addition, an assassin nicked Blades decided to quit on us after nearly dying.  So yes, I do believe you that your friend is in a lot of drek."



 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-05-16/0840:30>
@Edge + Minnie Nagisa said "They might get violent, might be able to talk our way out. I can hack their weapons if you are thinking about confrontation."

"If you all are in that much of a rush, we could try to distract them with a message of a meta incursion nearby," Edge says, "I doubt that those assholes are going to let a bunch of orks operate so close, so if they think a bunch of them are, say, five blocks away, they'll probably head that way."

@Edge Nagisa said - "The thing is there is a vampire after Gi, and after sundown it is going to be more dangerous for us."
(I'll let you decide what to do - as Shaman Yuri is a bit spoty this month).
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-05-16/0907:03>
@Edge Nagisa said - "The thing is there is a vampire after Gi, and after sundown it is going to be more dangerous for us."
(I'll let you decide what to do - as Shaman Yuri is a bit spoty this month).

Looking back with a nod, Edge says, "The back seat folds down to get access to the trunk. We'll wait here for just a moment while you guys in the back get into the trunk, and then I'll try sending that distraction message from hidden mode. At that point, I'll just try to go through."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-05-16/1709:37>
@Kynos Debbie say "Our employer, Casa - or as we'd call him in English 'the house'  is a partner at this Casino and many other in town. We are not certain why he asked for Boom Boom but if he wanted him killed we would just kill him, rather than deliver him alive.  There is a charity event at the national art gallery and Casa is there with BB.  The last time I saw BB we were riding Casa's limo and I delivered him to the party.  He came willingly and even wore a nice suit.
Casa should meet us here after the party but we are in no position to tell him to hurry.

Casa by the way is Cesare Beccaria - don't refer to him as Casa when you are not working for him. It will annoy him. 
If you want, you can wait for him here, or you can try your luck at the art gallery.  We had enough for one day - a simple heist of some greedy Yak goons turned into a death trap and our newest addition, an assassin nicked Blades decided to quit on us after nearly dying.  So yes, I do believe you that your friend is in a lot of drek."


"How about a third option: You call him and ask him to put DemoX on the line. I don't have the time to wait or to infiltrate another party. And don't tell me your boss forbids you to disturb him. That would be a dumb rule and clearly not applicable in a situation like that where a lot of money is on the line."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-05-16/1953:50>
@Maxwell  Iffrit takes the offering and vanish - it is unable to find Venom, after some time it gives up and return to the place where it come from you can feel the relieve it must have felt. When the pixie sees the spirit she takes off from you flying away far away as far away as she can.

@Edge Nagisa and Gi crumple together inside the trunk and you can try and get passed Huminis. *(what exactly are you doing so I can move forward).

@Kynos Debbie answer you - "You seem to be on edge, is there anything I am getting out of it? "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-05-16/2302:53>
Too late, his mark must have fled back home hours ago.  Another job he failed to complete.  Maxwell thinks back to the conversation that Strawberry and himself had while he was captured underground, realizing she only let him go because there was nothing he could do to kill Venom at that point.  He would have stopped Titania from flying away but he couldn't find a reason why she should stay, she was afraid of him and he couldn't help her even if he wanted.  Instead he watches her get further and further away, until she faded into black.

Maxwell pulls out his loaned commlink and wires 3000Y to Ivory Tower.  Deleting her from his list of contacts afterward, seeing no point in keeping her on there.  He scrolls through and deletes Strawberry too.  Finding it best he no longer has any connection between those two if at all possible.  He turns around and looks at Amy with a sad smile saying.  "Well that was a big show for nothing.  My Ifrit couldn't find Venom, he's not in the city so he must have left back home.  That's twice I failed you.  Let me head back inside and grab something I left then i'll make myself scarce again.  You won't want my darkness hanging around you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-06-16/0201:54>
Athos smiles, "The mouse is off doing something else this time.  I will tell her that you asked about her and that she should come visit."  He drops the bodies at the feet of the ghoul surgeons and says, "We need to know what the cyber eye this one has saw before it's owner died.  Can you do that for us?  If not, can you cut it out without damaging it so I can take it so an expert?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-06-16/0226:47>
"My goodwill and maybe even a favor in the future if - and only if - I can manage to get that payday.
Contacting ones boss shouldn't be to much to ask", replied Kynos with visible restraint.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-06-16/0436:37>
@Kynos - Debbie texts Casa >>Kynos is here, looking for DemoX probably BB's new moniker. He wants a 'sign of life' from DemoX.  Casa texts back >> Good.  He sends no other message or a voice recording of DemoX.  Casa and DemoX would arrive 45 minutes later in an executive helicopter that lands on the roof of the hotel. You are in the balcony and could see them coming. It is snowing outside but the Balcony itself is well heated.

DemoX looks at Kynos and say "Thanks man, we have some complications. Venom is on a plane to Japan and I kind need my share of the deed to pay back Mr. Casa. The deed is 100k for a body, + 20k bonus if we can deliver the body in an urn. Casa can send us back and forth to Japan for 40k equipment included.  He receives my own share on top of the deed. The good thing is that Venom will never see that coming. "
 Sed say "Out of the question - I am not leaving the city for some job. This is insane - we have no contacts there, we'll be lucky to even track him, or be able to disappear after the hit."  Ki looks at Debbie for approval, she seemed to be on bored. Casa said
"He is a bit of a womanizer.  I'd build on that. He flies commercially so very slow and it is not too late if you can get a cooperate super sonic jet. You can actually get to Japan before Venom and can get you and your equipment on such a plane as it is out of bounds for airport security.

I'd keep it simple, seduce him at the airport - bring him to your plane and kill him there. Your plane will not be searched but don't try to take illegal stuff out of the plane  as you are in the middle of an airport. You'll get arrested and I will claim that you stole my plane. " He looks at Debbie "Get imaginative... an airplane can be very sexy".  Debbie is silent, she seems to struggle with how fast and casual all of this is going to happen.  Casa asks Kynos "I need some muscle - do you want the job?"

@Athos - The sergeon said sure "no problem, the default model comes with a memory chip." Shortly after you are all watching a firey daemon sadistically kills the smugglers chasing them down the sour and burning them. The eyes owner say "Please... we have families" but the Daemon just finishes him off with another fireball. There is an awkward silence after you all see it - Faith does not know what to say and the surgeon do not want to say anything.

@Maxwell Amy said "Nonsense, you said you have nowhere else to stay and this place is equipped to support a cult. You might get jelous tough, but you'll be perfectly safe with the rest of the humans - even if Grail do come back you'll be hidden in plane sight. Just act the part, madly addicted to drain you'll blend right in. After all if I am a vampire - don't I get my own human toy even if you are more powerful than I am, I couldn't possibly know that you were a mage right? I do not know how to do all this vampire stuff... not yet."
 
Maxwell IT rejects the money texts you >> Keep it, you'll need it more than myself.


@Edge - the thugs seems effected by the message but they do not leave their position. You'll have to talk your way past them if you want to pass through.
[spoiler] The message will give you situational bonus if what you say in the conversation matches the anonymous tip they received.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-06-16/0700:10>
Her welcoming words were not something he expected.  Considering most would turn him out and away for that unspeakable commune he displayed.  It was a good thing it was dark, for Maxwell started to blush a little when Amy referred to him as her plaything.  Or maybe she could see that.  Who knows how well vampires see in the dark.  Seconds after, his comm started to vibrate.  He checks it real quick and sees that IT declined the money he sent.  Maxwell wondered why she wasn't interested in his cash but shrugged it off, he'll ponder that later.  Going back to Amy he says.  "Are you certain you want me here?  I'm not exactly safe or easy to be around.  There's a reason why I had to leave Nevada and Arizona.  There's a reason why I live in Redmond of all places.  You may find me to be much scarier than Grail."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-06-16/1033:46>
Athos watches the playback in shock.  "Fragging hell.  What brought that thing out?  I would not think it was Grail, but maybe he would act that way if they failed him?  I did not see any sign of a pixie in that view, so maybe they lost it or it escaped.  Damn.  No wonder people hate mages."  He pulls the chip from the reader and turns to Faith to give it to her.  "Have you seen enough?  Are you going to show this to their bosses to let them know what happened?"  He shakes his head as he adds, "I do not know how to defend against that sort of thing.  We just need mages of our own, I guess."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-06-16/1116:46>
@Athos faith shrugs - "It does not add up, I have no idea what to do now. I hope it wasn't the vampire, so pixie mage you say? I bet we should show that to their families. Cruel but it is their right to know."

@Maxwell Amy said "Well I am not sure you'll like life in a cult - try not to get anyone killed and play the game. I'll be safer to know that one of the people there is on my side if things turns out ugly."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-06-16/1239:49>
Athos agrees.  "No it does not make sense.  And yes, I think their families deserve to know.  Do you want company when you go there?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-06-16/1330:53>
He closes his eyes and laughs softly, rubbing the back of his head as he says.  "I can tell you right now that I wouldn't make for a very good cultist.  Being an occultist on the other hand, that'd be more my style.  Alright, if you're offering then I guess i'll stay.  Where do you want me to sleep?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-06-16/1406:55>
@Kynos - Debbie texts Casa >>Kynos is here, looking for DemoX probably BB's new moniker. He wants a 'sign of life' from DemoX.  Casa texts back >> Good.  He sends no other message or a voice recording of DemoX.  Casa and DemoX would arrive 45 minutes later in an executive helicopter that lands on the roof of the hotel. You are in the balcony and could see them coming. It is snowing outside but the Balcony itself is well heated.

DemoX looks at Kynos and say "Thanks man, we have some complications. Venom is on a plane to Japan and I kind need my share of the deed to pay back Mr. Casa. The deed is 100k for a body, + 20k bonus if we can deliver the body in an urn. Casa can send us back and forth to Japan for 40k equipment included.  He receives my own share on top of the deed. The good thing is that Venom will never see that coming. "
 
Debbie say Sed say "Out of the question - I am not leaving the city for some job. This is insane - we have no contacts there, we'll be lucky to even track him, or be able to disappear after the hit."  Ki looks at Debbie for approval, she seemed to be on bored. Casa said
"He is a bit of a womanizer.  I'd build on that. He flies commercially so very slow and it is not too late if you can get a cooperate super sonic jet. You can actually get to Japan before Venom and can get you and your equipment on such a plane as it is out of bounds for airport security.

I'd keep it simple, seduce him at the airport - bring him to your plane and kill him there. Your plane will not be searched but don't try to take illegal stuff out of the plane  as you are in the middle of an airport. You'll get arrested and I will claim that you stole my plane. " He looks at Debbie "Get imaginative... an airplane can be very sexy".  Debbie is silent, she seems to struggle with how fast and casual all of this is going to happen.  Casa asks Kynos "I need some muscle - do you want the job?"

Kynos looked - for the first time - angry when he spoke to DemoX: "Let me get this straight: You were hounded by the Yaks, but instead of calling me for help or leaving me a clue about what happened, you instead called a bunch of mercs that would take a share of our bounty. Not to mention that you were the one who spooked Venom with your drone attack. Do you have any idea what a shit show that has caused for me?

Just tell me one thing: The bug on Venom, is it still in operation? Are you sure that he already reached the airport and left the country?
I'd just buy a Ground to Air missile and take down the airliner. That must be cheaper than paying a fragging 40 to 33% of the whole action to these guys.

But whatever. If he already is on his way to Japan, I'll go there and light him on fire.
If I don't go through customs, there should be no problem for me to get close to him and inject him with some drug. I'll haul him back to whatever jet you can provide and than we can have our barbecue.

And DemoX - you are the stupidest shit to walk this earth. When I get my payment you can consider us finished."

To Casa he said:
"I'll get my gear. If you can provide me with a uniform, I'll pose as some official bureaucrat, so I can get close to the target."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-06-16/1631:57>
@Kynos DemoX seems embarrassed "Our own team played against us man, the mouse girl sold us to the Yaks. I saw her and Venom alone on a boat, naked it was a golden opportunity all she needed to do was to stay out of the way.  He had no way to defend himself, no way to strike back. If the mouse did not take the drone down we'd already be swimming in money right now.  Not only the mouse took the drone down, she smuggled Venom back to the Yaks and they managed to grab me and Sovereign.

How could they possibly get us both so fast? It was an inside job I am telling you we were played. It got worse when I heard that the Yaks were after you - with drones and search parties and things like that. They really want you dead man, I knew I got to get out of there as soon as possible and Balls he is a camper I knew him.

Do you really think that I would call you from the comlink Balls gave me without having the Yaks set you up? They could have traced the call hacked your link things like that. How would you rescue me? Raid a Yak safe-house ? You were either dead or on the run - I figured it is better if I do not mention your name.
If I contacted you and you were stupid enough to come for me, they'd set you up really good. Balls said you are like most wanted.  I called Finestra because I knew that she can bullshit them into something and I had the deed from IT - the only card that could get me out of there."

He sighs -
"We need to keep good face with IT and complete this job, Venom is up on the air 4 hours ago the tag was lost in the airport and Casa verified his presence on the airplane. I am sorry that the cake got smaller - I took a judgement call and I could not imagine the mouse to flip on us like that. She seemed super professional for getting him stuck helpless on a boat naked. I thought she'd help me take him down but she did not even have a comlink on her."

OOC: If I recall correctly IT offered 35k on the urn thing - but DemoX mentioned 20k. Kynos should know that.

@Athos Faith looks you up and down and then say "Look I know you disapprove this but these people asked me for help - not for a lecture on life choices. I am sorry... You might try to harm them or stop them."

@Maxwell - Amy takes you to the second floor that is one big commune with 25 people, most of them are female and quite attractive but not all are. When Amy enters with you the girls (and the boys) are all over her, offering themselves humiliating themselves to the point of kissing her shoes. "Take me, Take me, please it's been a while..." They cry.

Amy say and as she speak they all become silent -  "This is Sovereign he is new - be nice to him." , Maxwell can say that she feels extremely awkward with the entire situation. She then whispers to him "Call me... I cannot sleep here I'll go crazy."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-06-16/1707:51>
"As you can see, I'm still alive - as is Balls by the way.
It's not like I'm easy to catch - or that I didn't do everything I could to get you and Sovereign back.

By the way, I don't blame you for thinking the girl sold us out - but you acted without a back-up plan and you failed. What good is it to have a remorseless killer on your hands if you don't wait for him to kill your enemies.

Whatever - it's done and the situation doesn't get any better by complaining about it. To Japan - we have an urn to fill."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-06-16/1750:29>
Casa said "Look guys - I am risking a plane don't make me regret it"  To Sed he said "Get out of my suite please -" and Sed left - To Ki "Inside or outside... Key" and the curly girl did not move. "Good said Casa, we have a face, a muscle a decker and a reasonable pilot - but BB is no rigger...  80k considering you can do the urn thing is 20 each and 60 for me. These are good numbers and a good team. I doubt we can find other runners at such a short notice -  Your mark left Seattle 4 hours ago, on a flight that takes 11 hours. My plane can do the same flight in 4 hours - but it need to be prepared so - it will kill the next two hours.  This entire plan lies on a hair. So be precise and sorry Kynos no uniforms at such a short notice - you are lucky that we can get the plane to the air. 

When you land you'll enjoy ex-territoriality as long as you remain in the cooperate court terminal. No costumes and no question asked - but Venom will land in a different terminal, he cannot get to you legally - and you cannot get to him without passing through airport security. The loophole is a small hotel - that both of you can access and has direct access from the ex - territorial terminal, so you might be able to sneak some items to the hotel.

One thing I need to tell you -  getting paid is one thing, but you can lose more than you gain. The plane worth more than the entire operation so I expect you to keep it safe even at the cost of not getting paid. There is also the fact that you are outside of my influence in Japan - not that I promises anything here - but you get arrested there and I am not even trying to bail you I do not have the influence you go down you are on your own. You know nothing about my plane. I trust you Finestra, this is some expensive equipment... " [/color]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-06-16/1810:27>
"I'll take no responsibility for your plane - but I intend to come back with it, so I'll try not to have it damaged.
I guess, I'll just have to rely on a taser than. Not even Japan has those outlawed. 
Normally, I'd question your reliance on seduction, but what I've seen of those organized crime types seems to suggest that they can't go for five minutes without shagging someone or something and declaring eternal love or some shit.
So the plan is: Get into hotel room, get Venom into hotel room, knock him out, bring him on board, roast him. No heavy weapons, no leaving the area, right?

I'm ready to do my part."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-06-16/1824:42>
@Kynos Casa said "No offense Kynos I don't know you.You were smart enough to get here so I think you have some capabilities.  Finestra is responsible for the plane. The airport is an hour from here. I have a roto drone on the roof with a mark to BB - anything you need goes on the drone and will be loaded to the plane. You go to the airport clean and simple. You need to leave in an hour "  Debbie say "I am Finestra by the way and Ki is actually Chiavi or keys in Einglish.  I can try seduction if he is a womanizer - but the big unknown is what is Venom's schedule once he lands. We should be able to track him with BB's tracker but he may be in a hurry to get somewhere - this is a wild card. "

It seems that the runners are ready - they had some sort of heads up and were coming from a run. "Is there anything you need to do before we leave Kynos? "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-06-16/1908:19>
She wasn't kidding about the size of the compound and it's ability to support a cult.  He didn't think there'd be over two dozen cultists living here.  The commune mob the pair and he notices Amy's discomfort as she speaks to them.  Maxwell whispers back reassuringly.  "I'll be fine, you don't have to stay if you're not okay here.  I'll call you tomorrow and we could talk more and plan."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-06-16/2245:59>
Athos stops and puts a hand on Faith's shoulder, stopping her.  "Wait, Faith.  I do not know where my head has been.  I can do all of it.  I am not some old time do gooder.  I am a thug, a criminal and I lead criminals.  It is as if were waking from a dream.  I can be better than the current Families and I can be worse.  I will take Valentina's aide until I can displace her.  With you and your people behind me, I can start to grow an empire.  Lead me to these friends of yours and let me try to bring them into the fold.  We can use more people."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-07-16/0549:02>
@Kynos Casa said "No offense Kynos I don't know you.You were smart enough to get here so I think you have some capabilities.  Finestra is responsible for the plane. The airport is an hour from here. I have a roto drone on the roof with a mark to BB - anything you need goes on the drone and will be loaded to the plane. You go to the airport clean and simple. You need to leave in an hour "  Debbie say "I am Finestra by the way and Ki is actually Chiavi or keys in Einglish.  I can try seduction if he is a womanizer - but the big unknown is what is Venom's schedule once he lands. We should be able to track him with BB's tracker but he may be in a hurry to get somewhere - this is a wild card. "

It seems that the runners are ready - they had some sort of heads up and were coming from a run. "Is there anything you need to do before we leave Kynos? "


"My car is in down in the underground garage. I'll need my high class attire and the taser. Have the drone fly down for the other stuff and I'll be off to the airport. I hope you can bring me through security without needing a valid SIN - I'd rather not have my remaining identities blown by a random control."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-07-16/0620:27>
@Kynos Casa said "You will be checked for SIN, I hope it will not cause problems - there is little that can be done at such a short notice. Finestra,will  try to salvage it if there are problems there."  Key places her deck in a beg along with some other necessities and hands it to DemoX- "I'll be at the plane" Finestra also leaves and say "All my stuff is legal I'll come to Japan unarmed, I'll bring a beg through airport security I am going to pack some clothes." Soon it is just you and DemoX outside of the suite.

He looks at you and say "Thanks for doing it Kynos. You are saving my ass."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-07-16/0636:39>
Kynos just nodded and went off to get the stuff. The suit hadn't been cleaned from the party the night before, but it was fresh enough for a business traveler.
He considered using his fake SIN, but decided against it. For international travel he'd need his real identity. He still had his real license as bodyguard, so this was covered. Only if they fragged up he'd be in hot water. 'Better not frag up then'.

It took him half an hour to get to the airport. All he had with him was his commlink and the high fashion armor that still tried to correct his posture. The drone had been fed with his taser, the survival kit, the micro welder and the microwire + the gloves.

Ready for customs he appeared at the gate.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-08-16/1720:14>
@Athos Faith said "And no recruiting people, seriously they have some issues right now their relatives were murdered and fed to ghouls to cover up the evidence."  If Athos agrees she takes him through the sewers to a rural area to the east. It is a farm, a heavily fortified one.

@Maxwell With Amy gone the others eye you carefully a half naked girl look at you "Lucky bastered he got some action tonight."  and the others say "Woo!"  Then when they stop being a bit odd the girl said "I am Charlie by the way - come you can sleep in my room we got a free bunk. You'll also get some things, my former roomate has left."

@Kynos witht he real SIN and no illegal equipment it is easy to get to the plane. DemoX is there and so is Finestra - but Ki is nowhere to be found she then texts you "I can't do it - SIN burnt I'll get out of it good luck!"




Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-08-16/1752:20>
"Really, your decker can't get through customs? Sometimes I really wonder...
Well, never mind. DemoX how good are you with spoofing and other tricks to create a distractions? Especially cameras have to be taken care of - subtle if possible.

For the actual plan: The room should be disabled friendly. Specifically, we'll need a wheelchair to get the unconscious Venom out of the room and back to our plane. You think you can manage that, Finestra?"
Asked Kynos
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-08-16/1801:18>
Maxwell smiled abashedly, feeling a little self-conscious before them.  "Charmed to meet you Charlie.  I appreciate the hospitality."  His lecherous nature would likely turn against him for being surrounded by this many attractive women.  Charlie's lack of clothing wasn't helping his hedonistic thoughts either.  Fortunately Maxwell has a strong will and an even stronger control over himself.

[spoiler]Composure (http://orokos.com/roll/371064): 13d6t5 5[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-10-16/0148:39>
Athos nods in agreement.  Recruiting can wait a bit.  Moving too fast can lead to problems and he will let the example of what he has show others what they can have if they join.  Word of mouth advertising.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-10-16/1649:49>
@Kynos Finestra said "Well - I got a beginning of an idea that involves the hotel supplying us a wheelchair for some reason... what I have so far is trying to fake an injury but there are holes in this story - we have a few hours to figure it out I guess." 
just in time DemoX takes the plane to the air - it is mostly auto pilot but he seem to be enjoying himself in the pilot seat and is spending his time coming up with bad pilot jokes in the speaker.

@Maxwell Charlie looks at you and eyes you up and down - "She bit you didn't she? Tell me all about it." and then she searches through her stuff and comes up with some pills and a veil of red liquid. "Iron pills - will help with the blood loss. The other stuff is for emergencies, it will make you good as new but will also make you a junkie like the rest. Junkies do not get to be vampires - ever.   My roommate was even hostile toward the master and she was turned."

@Athos Faith takes out a flying eye drone and submerge it into some of the dead meat. Decorating it with some human flesh.  "Ghouls have very good sense of smell - they are blind but can still see aura's. This little drone is going to fool them as long as the cannot directly observe it." The way to the smuggler camp is difficult - a few times you were very close to encounter rapid ghouls - that could infect you with a simple scratch but Faith kept her drone clearing rooms before you and leading these away from you.

Eventually the pipe ends in some natural stream, a loud one, many frogs and other night creatures are clearly living there, as you go out of the lash vegitation you find yourself in a farm land. Farms are usually high security areas where people shoot on sight as they have abundance of fresh food. Thing that many people in Seattle are willing to die for. This is why leaving the stream into a cultivated area seems so off to Athos.

Faith whispers "Keep calm and quiet - we are not welcome here, just tolerated as long as we do not trigger the alarm."
(Roll sneaking)
Regardless of how sneaky you were shortly after you reach three containers that were connected together. Faith places her bow, a combat knife and several grenades on the floor and asks you to do the same. With her hands above her hand she approaches the containers.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-10-16/1711:11>
"Don't worry about that. I'll apply a bandage to my foot. The limp I don't actually have to fake. All I need is some kind of walking stick or crutches. Just say your friend had a bike accident recently and has to favor his leg with the wheelchair just in case it gets worse."
To DemoX attempts at jokes he said:
"Try not to land this plane as you tell your jokes because those totally bomb."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-10-16/1747:06>
He takes the proffered pills and downs them in one silent gulp, not needing or wanting any water to go with.  Maxwell eyes the sanguine vial and shakes his head no.  Her curiosity was not unwanted, nor were her words of sound warning.  To satiate Charlie's question Maxwell takes off his armor and pulls off his shirt, putting the apparel off to the side.  Showing her his hairless ectomorphic torso, the bruises and scratches spread across his abdomen were still quite pronounced.  He moves his hair out of the way of his neck, revealing the fang marks that were imprinted into him.  "Thanks, those will help.  At first it was painful.  But the pain ebbs shortly and soon you begin to feel intoxicated, like after you drink a lot of wine.  Then you start to feel... orgasmic, except it lasts much longer than sex."  Maxwell moves his hair back in place and asks the young neophyte.  "What was your friend's name and why was she hostile?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-10-16/2312:37>
Athos follows suit by placing his assault rifle and pistol on the floor and raising his hands as he follows Faith. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-11-16/0918:10>
@Athos You and faith waits there for a few minutes when a large jeep stops by and armed men drop from it. "On the floor!" their leader laugh and faith obeys. "What are you doing on our property? We can legally shoot you."

Faith answers "Mr. Jones is missing three people, I cleaned after the people and did my best to preserve the client." The leader kicks Faith just for the sport of it leaving her face bleeding and then say to one of his men "Verify it." Shortly after he said "Mr. Jones said that you can get up. If you are on this land after 30 minutes we will finish you - no monkey business. " The man opens the containers that are locked from the outside with a key and lets you and Faith enter.

Inside the containers it is a different world, about 20 people living in a crumped rooms. Most of them seem away, high on BTLs but some are alert to the surrounding Faith explains their leader what happened and shows him the videos. "I am truly sorry to be a messanger of bad news Frank, for what it worth the deal is still good."

Frank said - "oh Faith you are an angle", he looks at Athos and said  "You are not so bad yourself for coming all this way. I am Frank".

He hands Faith a small box of BTLs and say "For your guys, we hacked them ourselves thank you for your effort."

@Maxwell Charlie looks at you "Why was she hostile? You spent the night with her and it was intoxicating and orgasmic... so you tell me why was she hostile... perhaps it has something to do with being kiddnapped here against her will and harassing her friends killing most of them..."

@Kynos Finestra say "Okay this starts to look like I plan I can talk the talk when we rent the room." 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-11-16/0929:51>
Athos remains quiet through the exchange between Faith and the ganger.  He nods at Frank and waits patiently for Faith's business here to be completed.  He has some questions for her, but now is not the time, so he waits for when they are alone again.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-11-16/1314:14>
@Athos the unpleasant experience ends rather quickly, Faith say her goodbyes pockets the chips and leaves taking her weapons before she enters the pipe.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-11-16/1636:44>
Reaching for his shirt, he grabs it and puts it back on.  Solemnly he replies.  "Yeah, you'd be right.  Didn't know you were talking about Amy.  I thought someone else had been turned as well."  Maxwell takes a few steps and sits down on the vacant bunk, less serious and more curious he inquires.  "If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been here and why are you half dressed?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-12-16/0440:37>
Kynos went on: "I don't know how you play the honey trap normally, but I'd ask you to disentangle yourself at the earliest possible moment to go into the bathroom. I'll come out of my hiding place and shoot the bastard with the taser. It would be nice if you'd be ready to support me, but I understand if you'd rather keep out of the line of fire.
Venom is probably faster than me. I'm hurt and he has - as far as I've seen - some pretty heavy and expensive reaction mods. Fucking rich men. My hope is to catch him unaware with his trousers down so to speak.
For that I'd ask you to turn up the music in the room and have some bright lights on in the center of the room. Hopefully that will make it harder for him to notice me. If you could do a strip tease for him to keep his attention occupied that would be even better."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-12-16/1015:17>
Athos follows Faith back to the warehouse area and settles down in a corner to get some well-deserved rest, glad for his sleep regulator.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-13-16/1716:13>
@Maxwell Charlie say teasing "Are you fully dressed at this hour... I am sleeping naked usually the heating here is amazing. I got dressed to see what the riot was all about." She smiles a devious smile as you as she gets to her bed.

@Kynos Finestra said "I can try to get him naked but I am not sure I can pull that off, I need to get a man that goes down in an airport after a very long flight not to leave the airport. I am not sure how lusting he is going to feel, perhaps if he has a sleep regulator otherwise he is going to be very tired. I was thinking of lying to him with the truth - he must not leave the airport because there is an assassin after him. I am not sure how to pull that off actually it is a risky call.

Another option I thought of was to stand there with a note of his name and hope he follows me then to forget something in the hotel room. Like you said trying to get into his pants may or may not work - and if he is not interested there is little I can do to change it. I want some other excuse to get him in here and perhaps use sex just to make your work easier. If he is with his pants down he'll find it harder to fight back. "

@Athos Since you only need few hours of sleep you still manage to wake up before most of the camp, it is 6 am or so. Faith apparently spent the night some other place because once you are in familiar terrain she leaves.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-13-16/1818:40>
"The assassin thing might work. Tell him that Grail is after him and has the AI Red set on him. Tell him also, that his people have set up a secure connection in your hotel room with a conference call to Strawberry that the AI won't be able to access.
You can emphasize that any other communication attempt will allow the AI to pinpoint his position and strike out at him.
That neatly explains why he shouldn't just yet leave the airport and prevents him from calling back-up to his position.

Of course, this hinges on your ability to lie convincingly", replied Kynos
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-13-16/2127:20>
His cheeks flush red with lust at her playful remark.  Quickly he reasserts himself.  "Yeah well... just give me a warning or something before you start taking off your clothes.  I'll give you your privacy and you can be nude all you want."  Maxwell covers himself underneath the bed's blanket and lies down.  Resting his sore and aching body against the cushioned mattress.  He closes his eyes soon after, preparing for long needed soothing slumber.  This past week has been tumultuous for the young mage.  He had met all manner of people and done a plethora of jobs.  Succeeding in most, failing in others.  All the while befriending the unlikeliest of characters.

Still, eldritch evil haunt his mind as he lay.  At the edge of thought and sleep, hungry whispers of sharks and insects are heard.  A bargain was struck on unfavorable terms.  To escape death and survive, he must offer up the souls of other magicians to be devoured.  Strawberry's cryptic message of serving these dark ones returns to him.  She had warned him that though they may grant more power and secret magics with each sacrifice, it would be at the cost of his freedom.

Maxwell pondered about the elf.  Why didn't she kill him when she had the chance?  It would have been easy for her to slit his throat and have a spirit posses his corpse.  Why go through the unnecessary process of banishing his soul to one of the deep planes when execution would have been faster?  An even bigger question, why try to help him afterwards once he returned back to earth?  Is it remorse or sadism that motivates her?  He'll find that out soon when he goes back to retrieve the rest of his collection in the next day or two.  For now, the destructive black mage sleeps.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-14-16/0903:10>
@Kynos Finestra asks "Anything else you know about him, things that can help me appear knowledgeable this thing just sort of fell on me out of the blue. A moment I get a call from BB and few hours later I am here responsible for a million nuyen plane trying to collect prime bounty. With my friends either too SINless or too skeptical to come." She sighs.


@Maxwell Charlie laugh "Privacy? we share a room... we are almost married." She observes how embarrassed you are and finds it fascinating seats near you on the blanket and then takes her top off. "We are very open about it in here you better get used to it." she then licks her lips and return to her bed. Maxwell can feel that she is aware of his astonished look as her movements are a bit more elegant and seductive as she returns to her bed. "Goodnight Max I hope you do not turn into a mindless sex toy too quickly."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-14-16/1104:54>
Athos wakes and walks about.  He gives encouraging remarks to anyone who might be awake already, asking anyone if they know where Faith might have gone.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-14-16/1228:38>
"Ok, here is what I know about him..."
Kynos started to tell Finestra every bit of info he had on Venom and who he worked with or was suspected to work with, including that he was pretty much hated by his own people. He took care to describe the events of the party in detail insofar as they concerned Venom and closed with the details on the current situation, with the suspected betrayal of the mouse adept.

"DemoX, is there anything else you can add or that you can find out through the matrix? Now is the time to do it."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-14-16/2044:54>
Athos people do not know where Faith is, the best reply Athos can find is Vurken - a boyfriend. But no details.

@Kynos DemoX "just the basic pictures and so forth, he is smart enough to swap SINs and IT knows of 4 SINs he used recently, but with his kind of money he can literally have hundreds of them.She is not even sure what name he would use once in Japan. He is very rich, Yak royalty what ever that means. Don't wave money in his face, he has enough money to live life of luxury for the rest of his life. Venom does THIS because he is completely insane.

His men hate him because he is not after money or power or influence, he follows monstrous goals that nobody understands. He can describe these atrocities in a manner that make some people see him as a visionary. You cannot reason with him, you cannot bribe him and he is insane enough to kill his own people to discipline the rest or because their death is part of his own obscure plan with epic goals. Batshit crazy...

I'll tell you a story about him and IT, Venom was about to spread a virus in Pyongyang. The virus was planned to kill 90% of the population but make the 10% that survive it magically active. IT stopped him, she was a rigger then and she and her team raided the lab that made the virus and stole it to deliver to some other interested party. The thing is, their van was hit and the virus got released int he van. Everyone died, and IT was in a comma for 6 months, she woke up magically active and extensive muscle loss. She can now barely walk or stand for more than 5 minutes and is constantly in pain.

Why did Venom do such thing?  It was not for money or anything, no he is an idealist... he did it  "To make unified Korea strong again so it maintains independence and reject Japanese influence. Freedom demands terrible sacrifices and all that bullshit"  Venom say things like that. Things that make killing millions of people seems reasonable. " 

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-14-16/2242:57>
Athos will head to where the Joke was and see if he can get an audience with Strawberry.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-15-16/0302:31>
"Yeah, but you might not want to lead with that particular bit of information. There is a reason why we are paid to immolate his remains. Don't dwell on morals - everyone gets his due.
Or with the words of the immortal Johnny Cash: "You can run on for a long time, run on for a long time, run on for a long time, sooner or latter gonna cut you down, sooner or later gonna cut you down."
Anyway, do you think that's enough information for you to work with? This will be touch and go, so be sure to bring your A game."
Kynos reclined his seat a bit more: "Otherwise this whole thing will have been a big waste of time and money with nothing to show but a nice first class trip to Japan. And I don't think your boss will accept a handpainted Fujijama miniature as a second prize."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-15-16/0601:40>
@Athos Strawberry is no where on sight but the local residents seem to be flocking to her half burned tree crying for protection. Asking her to come back, they do not believe that she can be killed. With the chaos in the city the place became a sanctury for refugees and the locals seems a bit different from the rest of the Barrens, their skin seems more healthy and they are mourning.

Luckily for you, you already know where to look for her and with comlink frequencies and so forth it is not difficult to set up a meeting. An handsome lady leads you to a lush and beautiful garden through a maze of tunnels, you are surprised to notice how big their underground complex really is. You have been walking for over 30 minutes when you reach an exist that leads to a fenced garden.

Beautiful and music is the first thing that welcomes you, there is a figure in elegant but plain black robes that is playing the flute and the sounds it make moves you, touch your soul and inspire great sadness. You are overwhelmed with the mood swing, you should be very happy the garden is beautiful there is a small pond and flowers and their scent is intoxicating.

After a short while, the hooded figure turn to you and stops playing the flute, she take off her hood and you can see that her wonderful lush hair is now cut so short that it would pass in the military. Her eyes are red and she clearly was crying. If the previous times you meet her you needed your composure not to desire her, the woman standing in front of you now is nothing but a shadow of that woman. You can hear her voice in your head "Hello Athos" .

@Kynos Finestra said "This is a stressful situation there is no need to make it more stressful. You count the money once you get paid, not a moment before. I hope I can pull it off and I hope you can overtake him. I am not much of a combatant, if he is so heavily augmented I doubt that i'll even be able to hit him. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-15-16/0611:38>
Athos tries to resist the sadness.  "Hello Strawberry.  What has happened here?  I would like to see Yulia and Nagisa, please."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-15-16/0634:51>
"Than use that stress as part of your performance. Make him think you are completely in awe of him and are nervous because of that.
Besides, he'll have to slaughter me first before he can get to you and I'm pretty hard to catch in hand to hand. Just make sure the door is locked so he can't escape easily", replied Kynos
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-15-16/0651:41>
Strawberry tries to talk, but it seems like talking makes it worse the air just does not reach her mouth. She then thinks at you "Your partner Sovereign, attempted to kill Venom right here under my nose, when I stopped him he retaliated by burning down the Joke and killing 8 people. Then his friend Kynos demanded to see him and when I did not allow it -  he burned my totem tree in retaliation. A tree that I care greatly about and draw inspiration from. That tree survived everything Seattle has been through in the last century only to be mutilated by a man without a soul. My symbol of hope became a beacon of my weakness - and everybody that looks at that tree will learn that as powerful as I am I could not even protect my favorite tree, let alone my domain. 

I am powerless to actually kill people and there are so many people here and they expect me to keep them safe. Their number increases every day and... it is too much pressure. I had the power to kill both Sovergin and Kynos. The first is inexpirinced in magic and the second has no magical protection. Both of them did not actually plan this thing for very long.
But I do not kill people, I protect and inspire them and now I am shaken and broken and every time I look at my tree it only reminds me how weak I allowed myself to be. My only refuge is music. 

I am not the powerful wizard they see me as, I am an awakened old lady that is struggling with her own mental health. I do not run this operation - I run a small farm.  Mainly for my own therapeutic reasons and the way I feel right now even agriculture is too much to handle.
 
You do not need my approval to visit Nagisa or Minnie they are your friends and though Nagisa cannot come and go as she please, she is no prisoner here. We keep her here for her own protection, there are many people in the city that would like to find this bunker. That would either attack us for food, attack us for our relation to the Yaks or attack us to control our resources. We do not leave this place unless we have to. 
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-15-16/0839:10>
Athos sympathizes with Strawberry and thinks to her, **My entire world, too, has been turned upside down by what has happened.  And there are many people like us.  They are looking for a safe place to live, jobs to provide food and shelter for families, and a purpose to living that is something more than just existing.  I have a plan to do some of that but my resources are thin and I need help.  I am creating a new Family here, starting with that warehouse.  I have moved people in and they are the start.  Right now, they are smugglers in search of things to smuggle and ways through the sewers to get goods.  They have specialized in weapons in the past and are most comfortable with that, but I am sure that they can do other things if the pay is there.  The people I saw gathering at your tree need leadership and security.  You and I might be able to give them that.  Can you use my help?  Because I can certainly use yours."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-15-16/1718:15>
Athos Strawberry looks at you and speak, she seems very angry "Weapon smugglers? You too Athos?  Her cheeks are red and her hands begin glowing with red light. "If you do not get your people off my domain I will make sure that the ground itself will burry them. These amoral agents of Chaos are not welcome in my domain, and Mr. Andu will back me up.I'll give you 24 hours." Anger seem to have restored her live force it gave her a new purpose but she totally locked up after Athos mentioned weapons. It is like she did not even hear the rest of his words. "Now get out of here before I do something I regret!" she says.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-15-16/1726:34>
@Kynos the plane lands and as Casa assured you you are not searched. The plane crew welcomes you to Tokyo and offer you light refreshments. You are at the cooperate terminal ex-territorial cooperate court ruled airport. The security is very tight and Kynos can appritiate their proffessionalism. However, the plane itself it is formally cooperate land like embassy - nobody is considering to search it.


"Welcome to Tokyo" an airport employee and adds "Is there anything you require? I must say that things are different between Tokyo and Seattle make sure you are in compliance with local law before leaving the airplane."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-15-16/1750:35>
"That shouldn't be a problem. I carry no illegal or even restricted items on my person and anyway we just have a meeting at the hotel, so we won't actually cross over into regular Japanese territory."

Kynos nodded to Finestra: "Come we have to get the rooms ready."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-16-16/0002:22>
Athos shakes his head.  **Do not push them out, Strawberry.  You did not hear what I was saying.  I said that they are arms smugglers.  That is what they know.  Give them something else and we can train them.  But they need food and shelter and pride.  Without that, they are nothing.  Less than nothing.  I am not asking for a free ride here, but some sort of training and a plan to get them something.  The number of people you have showing up here is growing and you will soon need to expand your holdings.  We can join together and make this work.  But you have to be able to work with us, with me.  Without that, you will see your new people preyed upon and weak and you will lose even more than you already have.** 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-16-16/2033:37>
@Athos Strawberry say "I have nothing to offer you I grow awakened plants and vegetables, plants that are sensitive to the behavior of people on the ground. Every time there is a murder, or other abuse I lose money. Every time your runner friends decide to casually murder people the spike in background count kills very expensive plants. My work filters the toxicity out of the land and make it more fertile, the people that live here for years are healthy and actually reach old age this is not intended just the result on living in an area where expensive rituals clean the soil and air.

I killed tens of Andu's men and I had to start from scratch and the land was ruined - but I did so to survive and I did survive, but at a terrible cost. I did terrible things to survive and I am not sure I that I was even the 'good' one. Your people are agents of chaos, they are selfish and amoral people that do terrible things as a way of life. They do not care for anyone but themselves, and would do anything if the pay is good even the worst of atrocities -This is not what I agreed with you, you said that you would respect my domain. That the Finnegan family would behave, your first action is to bring these people in here? Do you think that adult people are so easily changed? Is it my job to educate scum ?"

@Kynos -Finestra quickly asks for a wheelchair for you saying that you had a bike accidents and the pains are back. She speaks fluent Japanese and seem to get things in line. It is not long after that you get a room, a suite actually on the top floor. It is far from the exit and the plane but it is big enough and sound proof and there are only four suites in that floor so it seems like a minimal risk to Finestra. There is also the possibility to take a room closer to the plane but that room will have many neighbors and less isolation. (I'll leave you with the decision).

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-17-16/0137:33>
Athos stands still for a moment.  **No, it is your job to be tolerant and to lead by example.  Or it can be to remain as you are right now, a bitter, mean, and spiteful person.  I had thought that you would be a pillar of light in the darkness, giving people a home and a life amidst the chaos that is reigning over much of the sprawl.  And these are not scum; they are people.  They are from a different walk of life than you, but that does not make them scum.  You say that you did some bad things to survive, but yet you sneer at people who do what they can to survive and take care of their families.  They do not need or want charity.  If you have nothing for them, then I will find something else.  And our agreement was not who I brought here, but that I would not kill here.  And even that may need to change.  The people that are gathering up at your tree are not all capable of taking care of themselves.  From what I could see of their clothes as I came over here, many of them have no idea what is happening to them and might have no hope for the future without people like you and me to lead them.  Whether you like it or not, the world outside is changing and you will need to change, too.  It is not going to be pretty again for a while and you can either be part of the solution and help us, or be part of the past and just rot here.  So you decide.**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-17-16/0304:33>
"No, the isolated suite is perfect. I'll wait there and prepare your return."
Kynos did not sit in the wheelchair, but did use it as a walking aid. Once within the room, he began to prepare the environment:
All chairs and tables went into one corner to leave no obstacles or heavy missile weapons one could use to defend oneself.
Standing on a chair he turned the spotlights on the ceiling to all shine directly on the bed in the center of the room.
Seeing the walk in wardrobe as his best hiding place, Kynos made sure, he hinges opened silently, lubricating them with a bit of bath oil. He organized an unused UDP cable and took the left lamp from the bedside table. He then cut of the lamps power line and spliced it together with the other end of the UDP cable, isolating its ends with a bit of gauze, band aids from the room's first aid kit and some difficulties. Then he attached to cable to the socket behind the trideo player.

With a bit of luck Finestra would not need to get it on with Venom, if the ork could just be persuaded to insert a UDP cable with high amperage to his datajack.

After concealing this trap, Kynos prepared his hiding place, making sure he could get out unseen and silently.
When he was done, he informed Finestra about his arrangements: <<I've laid a UDP cable out. Tell Venom to make a direct connection, so he can join in on a guaranteed unhackable conference call with the family elders.>>

[spoiler]
Hardware 2nd try (http://orokos.com/roll/374380): 3d6t5 1
Spending Edge to avoid a glitch

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-17-16/0428:38>
@Kynos DemoX say "Allow me!" he seems much more capable to the hardware job.
(keep your edge)
[spoiler]
Hardware (http://orokos.com/roll/374386): 9d6t5 3
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-17-16/0457:45>
@Athos Strawberry tells you "These people worship power, they fear me for standing up to the Yaks - but as you can tell the unpopular truth is that I did not win that war. I only won the appearances - I give the Yaks things they never had in exchange for my safety.

You failed me Athos, I hired you to take care of Venom and deliver him to the airport and in return three of your men turn against me. Murdering people, trying to assassinate me, and to kill Venom instead of keeping him safe. Excuse me if I do not have even the slightest bit of trust in you right now - you did all you could to sabotage me and bringing these scum to my land is just another sabotage.

Remember that these people prevoke their luck everyday, they do not need much to be killed a dash of bad luck will dramatically reduce their numbers - a brain fried out of BTL, overdose - bad luck in avoiding a bullet. To be fair, I told you to get them off - please do not seek me any further I'll only speak to Valentina."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-17-16/0611:05>
"Thanks DemoX. My hands are a bit stiff. But now you'd better get yourself a good hiding place and keep an eye on the surveillance - you did think to place a few sensor tags around, did you?"
asked Kynos
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-17-16/0700:59>
@Kynos DemoX said "I looked into it but they seem to be scanning the wireless for sensors all the time. We'll trigger security if we place cameras here. Don't turn the taser wireless on either. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-17-16/0716:57>
"Didn't plan to so. As soon as Finestra gives the signal I'll go wi-fi dark completely. I'll be reachable only over my micro transceiver."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-17-16/1256:49>
Saturday 28, December 2075, 9:15.

Too early, It's morning.  The mage stirs and rouses himself.  Inclining upward to indolently rub the sleep from his eyes.  He turns his head around and notices Charlie to still be asleep.  Maxwell was thankful for this honestly.  The level of vivacious comfort she displayed with a complete stranger was not something he'd want to subject himself to on a day to day basis.  What he wanted was to go about his business and not be harassed by the rest of the acolytes, Charlie's suggestiveness in particular.  Preferably the less he interacted with them the better.

Stepping lightly, Maxwell slides out of bed and picks up his jacket to wear.  He'd have to go back to the place he was renting from Strawberry and collect the rest of his street gear.  Plus he'd also have to ask her or M to call off that doppelganger statue that they made to lure Grail.  The crude pale imitation would draw out the vampire and likely bring him here to the compound.  It'd be best if Maxwell had a week to prepare for the worst before Grail arrived.  First things first, he needed a bath.  To cleanses himself of yesterday's grime, sweat and toil.

[spoiler]Sneak into the Showers (http://orokos.com/roll/374432): 6d6t5 1[/spoiler]

Not wanting to be bothered as he bathes, Maxwell makes the effort to quietly leave the shared room and find the compound's shower area.  The facility was expansive but not unnavigable.  Eventually he found the place he sought and stepped inside, hopefully without others knowing.  For the moment he was alone in the bathroom and could safely message Amy.  Maxwell fishes out his comm and texts her, maybe she'll be up at this hour or maybe she won't.

@Amy - <<Good morning, i'll be up there to discuss a few things with you soon.  Going to shower beforehand.>>

Re-pocketing the burner into his armor, he strips off and sets aside his dark apparel then walks into the bath.  Maxwell stands there waiting for a reply if possible as warm water washes him in a drizzling stream.  Each droplet salves and rinses in hot steaming satisfaction.  Since he was alone, he places a hand on the spot where Amy bit into him and begins to cast a spell to channel restorative magic into his new set of wounds.

[spoiler]Force 6 Heal (http://orokos.com/roll/374439): 12d6t5 4
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/374440): 11d6t5 8
4 Boxes of Physical healed.  1 still left over that will require a full day of time and rest to heal.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-17-16/1832:08>
@Maxwell the night was pleasant he was half aware to the amount of sex that happened around him. Apparently these people do not have much else to do in there all day, the really creepy part was that they seemed to desire the same vampire he wanted to kill.  Sleep came quickly, almost too quickly. At morning the place is quiet most of the people are still sleeping or recovering from the night and nobody disturb him as he is taking a shower.

About half way through the text Maxwell understood that Amy is almost incapable of being awake during the day as she is a nocturnal creature now. This is why he is not surprised not to receive any message. Coming to think about it, it was unlikely that she went sleeping in the middle of the night, perhaps she only did that to get him rested? or perhaps the intimacy was too much for her.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-17-16/2118:45>
After he was done bathing, he steps out of the shower and goes over to one of the sinks.  Dripping wet he finds a towel to wrap himself in and dry off.  Once dry, Maxwell puts his clothing back on and stares into a mirror.  Primping himself and combing through his hair so it wouldn't stick to his face.  He felt brave and decided to 'borrow' someone else's toothbrush and if he's lucky it would be one of the girls.  All cleaned and dressed to kill, he was ready to fuck some shit up.  There was a slight problem however.  If he left and didn't return fast enough, would there be any repercussions for coming and going as he pleased?  To answer that he'd probably would have to ask Charlie herself when she woke.

Maxwell heads back to the room he slept in.  The young woman was still lying in bed, buried underneath sheet and blanket.  He props up against a wall to lean his back on.  Arms folded and head down, thinking and reflecting as he passively watched Charlie sleep blissfully.

"Hopefully there's no problem with me leaving whenever I want.  I mean somebody here has to leave and make food runs or to go grocery shopping.  Unless all of it is handled by drone then I might be screwed if that's the case.  I'll find out soon enough."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-17-16/2348:05>
Athos takes a step closer, towering above the Elf.  He makes no threatening move, but his bulk is usually a bit intimidating, although he does not know if the woman can be intimidated.  As she has, he speaks out loud rather than using thought.  "You live in a fragging dream world, Strawberry.  I know that you have seen what is happening up there, but it is worse than you might think.  The law does not go into some parts of the city anymore, leaving people to the ravages of the Vampire and his zombie minions, one of whom was this Venom you wanted to protect so much.  Together, they have bombed and killed many, leaving chaos and destruction in their wake.  I have no idea what sort of insanity got to the men I was with, but I think they were using me as a tool to get to Venom and have a motive for killing him.  Probably monetary.  And I have no idea what happened here as I was not here and no one has given me the entire story yet."

"But I am going to see your bet and raise it.  You have a product.  I can provide people that can help grow and harvest your crops, others to deliver the crops through dangerous places and others to keep them safe.  What you need is a purpose and I can give that to you.  I am not much of a leader yet, although I hope over time to be able to learn some good leadership skills.  I will need to learn those skills to survive.  The Seattle sprawl is not what it was when you and I talked about selling the warehouse.  The truths we spoke to each other back then are no longer valid.  Neither of us wants the hand we have been dealt just now, but that is what we have to play with.  And I think you are bluffing, no matter how much you bluster, when you talk of forcing my people away with spells and accidents that kill.  Remember, every time you do that, you only damage your crops and lose more money.  And we have nowhere else to go so those losses will only get worse."

"I said that my people smuggle weapons, but that does not have to be what they do.  It is what they know.  But you are focusing on the wrong part of the sentence.  What they are is smugglers, and some of the best.  Weapons is what they do now because that is what the market wanted and needed.  It still does, so you will have to accept some of that, at least for a while.  But you can give them something else to smuggle that is not weapons."

"There are many people gathering here, many because you have a reputation for being safe.  Give me more space, not less.  Add to the size of the warehouse, both in area and in height.  Use your power to help and then we can help these people and ourselves.  We need to employ them and make them useful.  We need to protect the borders of this area from those that will come to take it away.  And they will come.  Not even the Yaks are strong enough to do this on their own.  I will speak to Andu-san and to Dona Valentina and we will make this work and create something new and better and protect the people that will form our Family."

Athos backs away and softens his tone.  "You can change and be part of the new world here or remain with your pretty magical head in the dirt and pretend things have not changed.  So, do you call my bet or try to raise it with more useless rhetoric?  I would be willing to just call it even and start working.  What about you?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-18-16/1638:26>
@Kynos Finestra texts  >> I have a positive id, he has he has bodyguards - should I still try to bring him in? The guy knows he is hunted that for sure. He seems nervous.


@Athos Strawberry seems amused that you caught her bluff she shrugs and then says "I do not need extra hands but I do have some logistics problems since I am in the Barrens and my regular firm will not deliver here anymore. You cannot deliver vegtables through the sewers this is food and the quantity is too big.
You'll need delivery tracks, armored trucks that is as these vegtables are going to be worth their weight in gold if there is a food shortage.
If you can stay committed and not smuggle other stuff on the side I can offer you the delivery job - but lose a truck and you and your people are gone, I do not normally give people second chances to fail me."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-18-16/2235:09>
Athos shakes his head.  "Much better, but let's try this again.  If you can promise enough money to make smuggling weapons unnecessary, I can take the offer to them.  If you cannot make that promise, you will not be able to demand they stop smuggling other things on the side.  And there will always be a chance of losing a vehicle to a better armed gang and considering that a failure is poor business.  There is always some risk of loss, or why would you need the armored trucks in the first place?  Making a threat to terminate a contract like this over the loss of one shipment is not realistic.  Certainly we can come up with a better decision than that."

"Now do you have a line on the trucks?  And can you build us a workshop and garage, along with the extra living space up there?  I can get moving on the people and the trucks.  Do you have a link to Andu-san or should I contact him myself to arrange a meeting?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-19-16/0232:25>
<<Definitely. Hopefully your seduction plan works out. That way he'll send them away himself. Otherwise we'll just have to improvise. And hopefully those weren't  able to bring weapons on their commercial flight.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-19-16/1008:10>
Athos thinks for a bit and adds, "You said that you do not need hands in growing or harvesting your vegetables.  Do you need hands elsewhere?  You are going to have a community of people up there that will need something to do.  Without jobs, they have to find something that will support their families.  Without that, they will find things to do, most of which you do not support, and then we are back to you threatening to toss everyone out.  I think that we need to work together on this.  Perhaps with Dona Valentina and Andu-san.  But remember, those two are gangsters and are likely to find gangster things for them.  Would it not be better if you and I found things that do not lead to that path?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-19-16/1234:45>
@Athos Strawberry said "I was expecting a delivery today, if you can get it right the job is yours. We can discuss compensation once you deliver my vegetables, there is no point in talking about it before. If you mess it out you and your people are out of here... do we have a deal? I do not have trucks and do not do logistics, you'll have to figure that part out. "

@Kynos Finestra texted >> They are coming but the bodyguards come as well, they seem very suspicious of me and the way his body guard is holding me he won't let me go even if I wanted. The implemented comlink could not be more useful."

@Maxwell Charlie wakes up eventually and smiles at you, she only wears underwear but do not seem to be shy "Somebody woke up early..." she smiles at you and then say "feeling caged already?" While talking she quickly reaches for her towel, she packs some clothes, work clothes. Suitable for some physical labor. "I am going to shower, we can talk there if you need to unload but it is going to be a busy day for me, I'll be back in the evening." she said.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-19-16/1808:25>
He looks up and nods at her indication of him feeling confined.  Speedily he averts his gaze and makes a conscious attempt to not stare while she still remained unclothed.  Maxwell was chagrined when he said.  "Alright that's fine.  But can you put a shirt on?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-19-16/2002:58>
@Maxwell Charlie covers herself with the towel and said "You are still shy, it is adorable. You'll get used to it.  I felt trapped for my first months here, it was difficult to accept that I became nothing more than a toy that my only way out is used and abused until I wish I was dead.
I saw it happening before - as an act of so called mercy Grail let them go with a shred of soul left.
The poor women killed herself shortly after. Grail keeps saying that he does not kill and does not take what is not willingly offered to him - but he lies. He mentally manipulate us into giving him everything, there is no other way how I agreed to touch him when I came here to kill him. 

You will lose your shame once you figure out that you are just a toy to be played with and drained. That in a few years there will be nothing left of you. People live differently when they accept how little they have left.  Sexuality is one way to cope, feeling alive and making the most out of what you have. It is also hard not to after you were drained - you'll want to do anything feel alive as if it makes up for what you lost.

Other get depressed but they don't last long. I find that keeping busy helps, as a hobby I started fixing the old machinery and I Now I keep this place running and operating. It keeps me busy and prevents a lot of toxic water to further pollute the soil... I cannot believe the government just stopped maintaining this place but kept the toxic water coming. What were they thinking..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-19-16/2324:11>
Athos nods and accepts the deal, asking that Strawberry have Julia contact him when she has time.  He goes back to the surface and looks for Faith so that he can explain the situation.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-20-16/0206:04>
Something was hurting inside, burning inside.  It felt like an iron weight was pulling down on his heart as Charlie explained what happened to her and the rest of those that come here.  Yesterday he toyed with the idea of working with Grail or at least long enough to undo the magical contract that binds him.  Now all that Maxwell can think about is brutally killing the man.  "I'm not going work with a filthy rapist and soul butcher.  If I find him he'll be the first to be sacrificed to the dark insectoid spirits.  No, not if, when I find him!  I'll make his worst nightmares come true!  I'll use his bones to build a monument to death and destruction!"

He had forgotten all about his shyness when he moved toward the pretty mechanic.  It took only a few steps and he was face-to-face with her.  No anger or hatred in his expression, just a faint smile.  He leans forward and plants a kiss on the girls forehead, then another on the bridge of her nose.  Moving even further down to her lips, but he doesn't press his luck and stops himself before he kisses her again.  Maxwell walks back to the wall he was leaning on and rests against it again.  Grinning apologetically he says.  "Sorry, I should have asked before I did that.  Heat of the moment kind of thing, won't happen again."

"I find it deplorable that he does this to you and everyone else.  Don't let my smile fool you, i'm very upset to hear that this is how he treats all of you.  Words can't express how disgusted and angry I feel that he violates and uses up nice girls like you.  But... no matter how bad I feel, it's nothing compared to how you feel.  I'm so sorry you have been trapped and suffering with no way out.  And I don't condemn nor judge any of you for your intimacy, honestly I have no problem with it."

"Thanks for the explanation.  Also thank you for trying to maintain this place and help put an end to further pollution of the land.  Most don't care about toxicity or corruption and just let things decay and rot away, governments and corporations in particular.  Is there anything I can do to help?  Am I forbidden to leave the compound?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-20-16/0453:32>
@Maxwell Charlie kisses you back and with a grin she say "Now you get the one good thing about this place. " She say "It is not that you are not allowed to leave - nobody will care if you come and go. The vampires can hardly tell who is here and who is not.  It is that the drones outside are not programmed to prevent intruders from entering, they are programmed to prevent us from leaving. Your girlfriend have made them very efficient, she did not want to but she had no choice."
She then sighs "Grail said that once he controls the city then it will be better, that the problem is that we are not enough humans to support his needs. That if he had thousands of people then we will not feel drained and can live long and happy life - but somehow being mindraped into submission does not feel very long and happy to me. I hope to find a way to stop this insanity one day"

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-20-16/0637:04>
Maxwell chuckles a little as Charlie calls Amy his girlfriend.  He liked the sound of it truthfully.  He'll ask Amy if she's interested in a long-tern relationship when she wakes up later.  His cheerful musings are dispelled when Charlie speaks of being mind raped.  He felt bad for her, for Amy and for the rest of the cultists.  Maxwell was glooming the longer he dwelled on their misfortunes.  "Hey, listen, as long as i'm here he won't touch you or Amy or anyone ever again.  I know that sounds weird and probably foolish coming from me.  But I mean that, he'll die the night he returns."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-20-16/1206:08>
Kynos replied to Finestra: <<Can you give me description an possible abilities of those bodyguards? Is one a mage or adept? Cybertech, weaponry, age, size, metatype? And it would be a really good idea if you could charm Venom enough so he makes them wait outside the door.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-20-16/1218:59>
Kynos Finestra texts >> I am not awakened so no idea how adept or mages would look like. Unarmed and seem very perceptive and aware of their surrounding, an orc and a human. Probably Yakuza as they walk around with hardly any exposed skin. If you are ready I am engaging them - I cannot text you after I engaged them. Right now I am at their gate having coffee and attempting not to stare in a way that would make them suspicious.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-20-16/1230:40>
@Maxwell Charlie laughs "You are very sweet Sovi, learn first observe and strike when you are ready. Grail is not living alone in the top floor there are more vampires. They do not drain us, they get their food somewhere else. You cannot do it alone, the only reason I am alive is because my gun was so non threatening that Grail thought it was adorable. If I was actually dangerous to him he'd kill me already."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-20-16/1309:04>
<<Do it. I'll go Wifi dark, but you can reach me through my microtransceiver - Channel 26b.>>
Kynos went and took position in his prepared hiding place.

[spoiler]Sneak (http://orokos.com/roll/375560): 11d6t5 5 [11d6t5=5, 2, 3, 6, 2, 5, 1, 6, 5, 3, 2]
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-20-16/2157:04>
Athos walks about for a bit before finally finding Faith talking to a couple of her people.  He waits for her to finish and asks if she has the time for a chat.  They go to a private corner of the building and he says, "I am going to lay it on you straight, Faith, because I trust you and feel that you are trying to do the best for your people.  I want to present a plan to you, one that you may not initially appreciate, but one that stands the best chance of allowing us to remain here and grow into a real community that can stand together and handle the changing world.  There is a very powerful mojo slinger who lives near us by the name of Strawberry.  By now you may even have heard others talk about her.  She is.......odd.  But she has a lot of power.  A lot.  She has an offer for us, so hear me out."

"She has a farm underground where she cultivates awakened vegetables and other crops.  Lots of food.  She needs to get these foods to buyers and the disturbance in the sprawl has interrupted  her deliveries.  She is willing to give us the contract to get her items to her buyers.  In exchange, she wants us to stop smuggling weapons, drugs, BTLs, and the like.  She claims that just the presence here of these items disrupts the astral influences and can damage or kill her crops.  I am still in discussions with her about providing protection for the area and the delivery drivers and teams.  I have my van we can use for the first set of deliveries and we might want to look into modifying it to be better armored.  We might also want to look into getting an escort vehicle or two.  We can discuss this more after making the first delivery.


Athos looks at Faith.  "So if this contract will provide you and your people with the same or better life than they had, can you give up smuggling weapons to smuggle these crops for her?  It could lead to other legitimate deliveries if we get known for getting the job done.  What do you say?  In or out?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-20-16/2339:02>
The mage was getting flustered with embarrassment again.  Maxwell exclaims zealously.  "Hey don't laugh!  I really meant what I said.  I can be frightening in the shadows when I want to.  And I hate monsters that abuse and hurt women.  It's unforgivable what he did to all of you."

He looks down and away briefly, trying to regain control over his rage towards Grail.  Maxwell sets his sights back on Charlie and shifts perception to see how she is doing emotionally.  As he assenses Charlie's aura, he asks gallantly.  "Would you like to take a bath together?"

[spoiler]Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/375747): 6d6t5 6[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-21-16/0852:17>
@Maxwell Charlie say " If you are not just trying to impress me with empty promises than I wish you good luck slaying these monsters." When you offer her a bath she say "I'd love to... but I honestly need to get working, perhaps tonight if you are still alive"  She smiles at you, and you are unsure if she is believes you but she seem to find your confidence impressive.

Charlie's aura is difficult to behold, it is dark and pale and show significant essence loss. There is a single augmentation in her head it seems very advanced but you cannot determine its function.

@Kynos Finestra enters with one of the body guards that searches the hotel suite "There is nothing here... I just want to have fun, I couldn't hurt him if I tired." she said but the guard looked suspicious and relentlessly searched the place.  The guard gets close to Kynos during the search but do not find anything out of the ordinary. "Send him in... " He said.

[spoiler]
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/375889): 10d6t5 2
[/spoiler]

@Faith said "I do not know Athos, we have regulars and long lasting relationships. I am not stopping it to work for a mage that everyone said just died. We do not even know if she is reliable, or stable. Today she is here tomorrow she decides that she does not need us. Relying on a single client is very bad for business. Besides the men like their BTLs and drugs they get them for serving the people that make them. "


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-21-16/1034:47>
Athos rubs the bridge of his nose and sighs.  "Faith, you are about as stubborn as the mage is.  That is probably how you managed to keep these people together and alive.  However, the world is changing and you have probably lost more than half of your customers already and the rest can adapt.  We all have to adapt, some to roles that are completely new.  It is time to take a chance.  I have just talked to the mage and she is definitely not dead.  Who do you think built this place in a single day?  I can go back to Strawberry to see if she will compromise on the addicted to BTLs.If this does not work, you can begin looking about for a different place to operate from and at least you would have had a safe place to live for a couple of days."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-21-16/1114:15>
Once more his heart festers in hell, in silent vexation.  He maintains the masquerade as he bids the mechanic goodbye.  She leaves the murderous magician alone to go shower, evermore unaware of the true meaning behind his bravado.  Solitarily he stands by himself with nothing but dismal hateful thoughts to occupy himself with.  To keep true to his word about ending Grail, he'd have to leave the compound first and get to work on his preliminary measures.  Maxwell crashes on his bunk and shuts his eyes.  Projecting his mind and soul out of the compound and into the distant beaming sky.

The vengeful warlock starts evangelizing a forgotten song into the astral.  An unholy hymn sung to attract a spirit of the dead.  "No moon is there, no voice, no sound of beating heart, a sigh profound.  Once in each ages as each age dies.  Alone it's heard.  Far, far it lies.  In the land of waiting the dead sit, in their thought's shadow, by no moon lit.  Upon the plain, there rushed forth and high.  Shadows at dead end of night and mirrored in the skies.  Far far away, beyond might of day.  And there lay the land of the dead of mortal cold decay."

[spoiler]Summoning Force 7 Spirit of Man (http://orokos.com/roll/375898): 13d6t5 7
Spirit Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/375899): 8d6t5 3
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/375900): 11d6t5 6
Force 8 Spirit of Man summoned with 4 Services.  No Drain.
Optional Powers - Fear and Innate Spell (Stunbolt)
He'll be named Rigor Mortis.[/spoiler]
[spoiler](http://img02.deviantart.net/8c1b/i/2014/021/1/d/gravelord_nito_by_eemeling-d73486o.jpg)[/spoiler]

The dead spectral lord hears the grim canticle and is bound to serve and obey the mage.  Maxwell phases into his body and rises from the bed.  A magical command is thought and given to Rigor Mortis.  "Use your power of concealment on me and sustain it until I say otherwise.  Go back into the astral and await further orders after you do."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-21-16/1524:00>
Kynos breathed slowly and controlled. It was a very narrow hiding place between the wardrobe and the wall where usually the automatic ironing dummy  was stashed. Funny thing, human perception - if a place didn't map as big enough to hide someone you didn't expect it to be a hiding place - or at least as likely as you expected someone to hide in your underwear drawer.
As long as he didn't exhale to much he wouldn't have any trouble to get out quickly. True, he couldn't turn his head and only had his right arm with the taser for use, but that would be enough to get him going.

Now Kynos waited. The curtains were drawn and the light in the center of the room was at maximum, creating a very brightly lit room.
With any luck, Venom would plug his brain into the power outlet and take himself out of action while the breakers did there thing and killed the power and therefore the lights in the room.
Hopefully that would leave Kynos as the only one in the room with active low light vision. A grin appeared in the darkness of his hiding place. This would get interesting indeed...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-21-16/1652:56>
@Athos Faith answered "You are the boss Athos, we might have to find someplace else to live because cutting all connections to gun smugglers is not going to be a popular decision. When you also mention that the gang cannot have their drugs and BTLs they are not going to be happy in this place. There is not much, some have families and children others have escapism - I am elected to keep them alive not to judge them.

People here are afraid of mages, I'd be careful about stating we work for one. They place mages with the same level of trust as they do vampires, or even trans humanists like you. These people are so much more powerful than the average joe that it is unlikely they see people as their equals. Don't get it wrong, we'll work even with the devil so a powerful mage is no problem but I would not emphasis this aspect. The magical plants crap is TMI- none of my people will believe it. "

@Maxwell Your mind is free and as you fly far away from the city you reach a natural place where your mojo works better. You overcome the toxic mana of the city and your link to the metaplanes become stronger it is not long before you feel the presence of a powerful entity. Still a bit bitter from the travel.
"so, you woke me up only to play hide and seek? I will remember that when you die. You will not forget the name Rigor Mortis."

@Kynos it is difficult to observe but the body guard gets out and Venom and Finestra enters the room. He pushes Finestra to the wall and lean toward her. Since they are close to you you can hear him whisper "You are correct, these people are going to kill me once we're out of the airport."
Finestra moans and then whispers "There is a universal cable there connecting you to a secure cable... I am just a messenger, play aroused."

You do not see the rest of the scene but you hear some things falling from the bar, and then some more gasps. "in the subvocal you hear 'oh no' " then an electronic boom, something exploded and Venom say with a low and aggressive voice "You bitch fired my comlink"
Finestra barely answers she appears to be strangled by Venom "There must be some decker... I did not know, I swear... " The electricity goes off and the entire suite is dark from the electrical problem. DemoX texts "There is an urgent service request for maintenance... their electrician will be here in a few minutes."

[spoiler]
I stopped here because I want to let Kynos be part of the action. You cannot shoot Venom from where you are hiding, you'll need to quietly get out. If you score more than 3 hits on stealth he will not see you and if you enter combat Venom will be surprised.  I gave Venom negatives due to Finestra distracting him.

Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/375967): 10d6t5 3
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-21-16/1715:41>
[spoiler]
Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/375974): 11d6t5 3
Stealth(reroll) (http://orokos.com/roll/375975): 8d6t5 1

Aim: +1 Accuracy
Tasershot(Vitals) (http://orokos.com/roll/375976): 8d6t5 3

11S(e) AP -5 +3 Successes
[/spoiler]

Kynos moved out like a snake from his hiding place. The bodyguards were a problem, but right now Finestra was in trouble and chummers came first.
With a smooth motion he drew his taser and aimed for Venom's neck.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-21-16/1752:56>
Athos chuckles.  "In the state this city is in, we will all have to learn to live by new rules, and an alliance between a mage, a trog, and some humans is not so strange if we all survive.  I will let her know that we will take the first load and see how that goes.  Do you have a good driver and some people to guard the van?  I can have Bruno act as an outrider until we can get some better support.  I think we are both going to be crossing our fingers on this one."

He stands and leaves, heading out to talk to the people at the tree.  On the way he sends a text to Strawberry.  >>Strawberry.  Athos.  I will take that first delivery and see if it works fro all of us.  I have some points for discussion and would like to discuss a couple of compromises.  First, when will the first load of crops be available, when do they need to move, and where do I deliver them?  Second, if we do this right and we stay, I need to ask for leniency on my people using BTLs.  Some people are addicted to them and need them.  They are not dangerous in themselves and we do not sell them.  Third, same compromise on weapons.  We are going to need to protect ourselves and you from marauders.  The zombies and gangs will not just go away because you want them to.  We are going to build a place of relative peace and calm here and that will bring jackals to try to take it away.  I am on my way to talk to the people at the tree to see how many want to live here.  But we will need to find things for them to do that will help as well as give them a chance to help us.  I am willing to talk to you on these points.<<

Athos will walk to the tree, looking about at the people gathering there.  Does there seem to be any organization?  A leader?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-21-16/1805:45>
@Kynos the attack seem to have a dramatic effect of Venom, that was completely surprised. You manage to somehow get passed his massive armor and do some serious damage.
[spoiler]

Damage reistance (http://orokos.com/roll/375984): 32d6t5 5 This means that Venom takes 9 stun damage  - almost knocked down 1 more to go, impressive.

Now we do initiative:

Initiative Venom (http://orokos.com/roll/375985): 12+2d6 16
Initiative Finestra (http://orokos.com/roll/375986): 8+1d6 14
[/spoiler]

@Athos Strawberry texts >>The Zombies do not come here, they cannot approach this place. Keep your guns locked in a safe while in my domain and no BTLs and drug abuse...  you do that then you die from overdose and you kill my plants. These things are dangerous and people using them are time bombs. Product is ready pick up at this address - good luck.

Non lethal weapons are fine and in time if your people show restraint I may allow pistols. "

There appear to be no leader, mainly homelessness, refugees and locals they seem to believe that Strawberry will come back if they want it hard enough. They do not believe that she can be killed. Each with his own prayers and oaths giving up something to have strawberry back. Other people do accept that she is dead and jut came to say their goodbyes. It is all very individual and quiet people only talk in whispers and only to Strawberry and not to each other.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-21-16/1858:55>
Athos steps forward into the people at the tree and calls out for attention.  "Please, may have your attention.  This tree represents what was most important about Strawberry.  But it will not help you live your lives.  If anyone is interested in joining a small band of people trying to survive the disaster and turn this area into something better than it is, please go see Faith in that large building.  We will try to add enough room for you.  We are looking for people who want to work to improve all of us, not people looking for a free ride.  It will be tough at first, but that is barrens life."

He steps back and returns to the warehouse, letting Faith know what he told the people at the tree and warning her that they may get some new people to join up.  He thanks Bruno for coming and explains what he wants for the delivery run.  Then he takes the van and what people Faith has detailed to him and heads off for the pick up site, leaving Faith in charge until he returns.  He does tell her that they will probably need to find a place to live that is close by if she cannot convince her people to leave the drugs and BTLs alone.  He will tell her to send a few people out to scout around the area.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-22-16/0144:00>
Maxwell utilizes Mortis' power and he walks out of the room and into the elevator unnoticed.  From there he goes down to the first floor and searches for the front exit out.  This doesn't take long and before he knows it he could see the outside world, along with the drone sentries.  To get past the robots he'd have to actually try being sly in his footwork.  Furtively, he tries to ghosts through them in case the magical subterfuge was not enough.

[spoiler]Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/376108): 7d6t5 1[/spoiler]

During all of this, Maxwell strikes up a conversation with his spirit.  Many question roiled within the mage's brain.  Perhaps the spirit might impart some wisdom as Maxwell travels to his old lodging.

"How is spending an eternity sleeping in a tomb more entertaining than what I have you doing right now?  Also you're going to help with other stuff too.  I'm probably going to need your strength to ward off impertinent spirits and superstitious fools.  But we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.  The big question I have for you is what's changed?  The spirits have become harder to summon, almost like they go out of their way to avoid me.  But when I do manage to summon one it manages to show up stronger than intended.  What gives?  I'm not doing anything different."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-22-16/0324:21>
[spoiler]
Don't forget that it's electric damage: Venom has a -5 to ini and -1 to his regular actions, as well as -3 from wound mods. So his Ini is down to 8 and his defense is now penalized with -4
Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/376162): 14+2d6 23

Aim +1 die
Shoot w/aim (http://orokos.com/roll/376161): 13d6t5 4

9S(e) +4 Successes

[/spoiler]

Kynos had hit, but the man hadn't gone down. Even as the capacitors kept pumping the last bit of their charge into Venom's body, Kynos fired again, this time at center mass to finish the job.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-22-16/0358:21>
Venom's dodges the attack with ease, he seems to be superhuman fast. Focusing his entire attention on not being hit and still suffering shock from the taser places Venom unable to attack. At the meantime Finestra assults Venom with unarmed blows that seem more focused at giving Kynos a clear shot than at damaging Venom. The orc is so massive and heavily armored that Finestra's unaugmented strength has little chance to actually effect Venom but she does what she can to keep him occupied.. 
 
[spoiler]
I gave Venom -2 wound modifiers, fixing to -3. Forgot about the -5  initiative so his initiative drops from 6 to 10. He goes full defense with the agile defender quality - I was not sure about it but it seems like his only chance to ride through this combat round, hoping for a better initiative in the future.
Venom goes full defense - adding 7 agility to the mix.
Dodge +Full defense (http://orokos.com/roll/376163): 17d6t5 7
Missed:  I anticipate that you are likely to attack again, so:
Dodge +Full defense (http://orokos.com/roll/376164): 16d6t5 5
Dodge +Full defense (http://orokos.com/roll/376165): 15d6t5 5

Finestra will help you hit him with cooperation. (can she do that?)
Cooperation- unarmed (http://orokos.com/roll/376166): 8d6t5 4
So you'll get +4 dice for your next attack.
Cooperation (http://orokos.com/roll/376167): 8d6t5 6
wow! she would have actually hit him in her second initiative phase.  +6 to your attack (until skill cap)

If you get to hit Venom: Finestra cannot penetrate his armor - so I just give her cooperation.
First hit:
Damage soak (http://orokos.com/roll/376168): 32d6t5 11
Second hit:
Damage soak (http://orokos.com/roll/376169): 32d6t5 7
Note that you only need to do 1 stun damage to drop him.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-22-16/0531:56>
[spoiler]
Melee Teamwork p.188
Her attack is contested by an Intuition roll from Venom

Alternatively, she could just make a leadership roll to improve Kynos' shooting.

Since that intuition roll is penalized by his wound and electro modifier, we can leave the result as is (since I don't think Venom has a higher Int than 5)

Ini 13
Aim (+ACC)
Shoot w/aim (http://orokos.com/roll/376171): 16d6t5 7
Hit
11 S(e)
Fully soaked

Ini 3
Aim (+ACC)

Shoot w/aim (http://orokos.com/roll/376172): 18d6t5 5
Grazing hit, but since it's an electro attack, it's resolved as a touch attack:
9S(e)
Soak 7
2 Stun

Venom goes down
[/spoiler]

Finestra's struggles were what made the difference: A second shot hit Venom, but couldn't penetrate deeply enough to make more than a superficial connection, so the ork just raged through it.
But Finestra had grabbed hold of the man's boot, stopping him for just a second in his track.

Kynos aimed again and fired for a third time. The tines connected again, just outside the ork's skin, but this time it found a connection: The capacitators unloaded their charge and with a final spasm, the ork went down.

Kynos immediately reloaded the small mag of the taser and began furiously to bind the orks limbs with the thin electro wires, while he dragged him inside the bathroom.

"Good work, try to clean up a bit and hope to hell, that this suit is really as sound proof as the concierge promised."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-22-16/1019:10>
@Athos your only response is angry 'shushing' from some the people near the tree. Your presence seem to offend their emotions. Athos is simply not charismatic enough to get their attention with a speech, what little attention he receives only makes people angrier. In a way it has been like that most his life - and Athos must feel that nobody really wants to hear a troll speaks.

(Didn't you want to visit Yulia and Nagisa also? they are present.)
Later on Faith said.
Faith said "we do not have any professional driver, I can drive a little bit and I have few others that are remotely familiar with the craft. We do not rely on vehicles much tough. We have archers and swordmen if it helps. "

@Kynos Finestra say "Fine shooting... this guy has some anger management issues I am glad I didn't have to sleep with him." She takes a moment with a pocket cosmetic kit to conceal the ugly bruise that Venom left on her neck. None of you get much done as several moments later the guards are alarmed by the electricity going off and they are knocking at the door quite vigorously.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-22-16/1028:37>
"I'll deal with them, but first: Did I understand this right: Venom expected those two to kill him?
In that case, we'll try another faint."
With two quick steps Kynos walked to the window and janked the curtains open. Than he opened the door to the balcony.

"I'll wait in the bathroom. When you let them in, tell them Venom climbed over the balcony and jumped to the next suit.
Now let them in when I'm in position. Hopefully one of them will immediately start to pursue him while the other searches the room."

With that Kynos readied the taser again and went into the dark bath to await the "bodyguards".
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-22-16/1053:34>
Athos had initially planned on trying to see Minnie and Nagisa, but Strawberry's message meant he has to put that off a bit.  He realizes that he does not even know where the two girls are as every time he has asked about them he gets no answer from anyone.  Faith has no drivers and Bruno will be riding his bike as an escort, so Athos will need to drive the first load.  Not for the first time does he wonder what life might have been like if he had not been born a Troll.  He has always had problems with people listening to him, and now is no exception.  He cannot seem to get Strawberry or Faith to come down from their own pillars of how they see the world.  It is like pulling teeth just to get either of them to budge even the slightest bit in his direction.  And those fraggers at the tree seem more interested in moaning about their losses than in listening to his ideas.  Perhaps he is not the best one to do this sort of thing, but he is all he has at the moment.  Still, it is frustrating almost beyond any sort of caring and he is getting more blasé about his idea every time he has to fight someone for an inch of ground.  Blue's offer looks more and more tempting every time he has an argument with either Strawberry or Faith.

He gets to the van and climbs in after briefing Bruno on what is happening.  After a handful of Faith's people climb aboard, he heads off to the crop pick up location provided by the recalcitrant mage.  Once again he wonders if this drek is worth it.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-22-16/1631:31>
Maxwell utilizes Mortis' power and he walks out of the room and into the elevator unnoticed.  From there he goes down to the first floor and searches for the front exit out.  This doesn't take long and before he knows it he could see the outside world, along with the drone sentries.  To get past the robots he'd have to actually try being sly in his footwork.  Furtively, he tries to ghosts through them in case the magical subterfuge was not enough.

[spoiler]Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/376108): 7d6t5 1[/spoiler]

During all of this, Maxwell strikes up a conversation with his spirit.  Many question roiled within the mage's brain.  Perhaps the spirit might impart some wisdom as Maxwell travels to his old lodging.

"How is spending an eternity sleeping in a tomb more entertaining than what I have you doing right now?  Also you're going to help with other stuff too.  I'm probably going to need your strength to ward off impertinent spirits and superstitious fools.  But we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.  The big question I have for you is what's changed?  The spirits have become harder to summon, almost like they go out of their way to avoid me.  But when I do manage to summon one it manages to show up stronger than intended.  What gives?  I'm not doing anything different."
[spoiler]Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/375747): 6d6t5 6[/spoiler]
[/quote]

"Maxwell the spirit say... you do not know do you? and laughs it makes it even more ironic. I am not here to tell you what you do not know mage - I am here to perform services and your service was to help you win hide and seek game. Remember that it was me that got you to win... you are a clumsy little man."

With the spirit help Maxwell is able to leave the compound without any of the drones open fire. He still faces the previous problem that got him to approach the building in the first place. Maxwell is inside a the fenced perimeter - the only exist that allows him to just walk out leads to a pipe that leads to the sewers.

@Athos Faith joins you along with Paprika, that is clearly a sword woman. The delivery rutines goes rather peacefully but it is hard work and you spend most of the day going back and forth with the van as it is a bit small for the amount of goods you need to transfer. It is already late afternoon where your delivery takes you to Gino's where just a week ago Athos and Minnie had a wonderful breakfast and encountered Huminis thugs.

Athos thinks 'off course... this is where Yulia's favorite apples come from... unfortunately for you
you are half way unpacking the van when the Humanis gang is about to leave. When they see the van they approach you guys in a threatening manner probably looking for a fight or at least some verbal abuse. The problem is with these scum is that  if you lift a finger to hurt them, you will only fuel their propaganda of how violent trogs really are.

@Kynos - (where is Venom when the guards enter ? in the bath?)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-22-16/1701:45>
While he waited, Kynos glanced down at the still form of Venom lying on the bathroom floor. Surprisingly he felt nothing. The job wasn't done yet and the ork might still slip through bis fingers. But he knew it would be a lot harder to bring his corpse out oft the hotel than his still breathing yet unconscious body.
He focused again at the door, ready to fire...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-22-16/1723:40>
A hand reaches for the top of Maxwell's head, an interplay of confusion and aggravation brew.  Seeing no other option, he climbs into the pipe and travels down the sewer.  He's greeted by the smell of rusted steel, stagnant water and wasted air.  He'd have to traverse the miasmic abyss and wish some ladder or pathway leading to the surface would appear during the descent.  Maxwell knew Rigor Mortis had the answer but seemed more keen to taunt the mage instead of enlightening him.  Still concealed by the spirit, Maxwell briskly strides through the sewer and converses with Mortis.

"True, it's with your power that you aid me in tasks i'd otherwise be hard pressed to pull off.  But it's mine that allows you and other spirits to enter this world.  Also you're ten feet tall!  Everything is going to look small to you."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-22-16/2256:55>
Athos considers what the delivery route is like and what sort of truck might be better for this.  He confers with Bruno at one of the stops and asks him if he knows anyone who might have some trucks that can carry a heavier load and are perhaps better armed and armored.

He watches the Humanis gangers approach the van and steps forward to greet them, motioning for Faith and the others to keep unloading but be cautious.  He singles out the human that seems to be in charge.  "Hey guys.  You are just in time.  Care to earn a bit of cash to help us offload?  We are running a bit behind schedule and could use the help.  Not looking for any trouble, just trying to do a job."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-23-16/0613:33>
@Kynos as Finestra opens them the door the two guards storms in in broken English they ask "What did you do to Mr. Dang?". Kynos knows for a fact that Finestra speaks fluent Japanese but she answers in English, perhaps especially so that Kynos remains in the loop. "He was kidnapped... the attacker took off from the window." As far as Kynos can tell the guards are not violent, however one of them reaches to the bathroom's door.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-23-16/0633:06>
'Damn it. Keep it simple. I said he escaped.'
But there was nothing to it now. Finestra had committed to the lie and one of them was at the bathroom door.
Kynos aimed where he expected the man's neck to appear and waited, the finger ready at the trigger.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-23-16/0717:16>
Finestra adds "Look, he dropped his comlink before he escaped perhaps it could help you. I was only looking to make a living... this is not what Mr. Dang paid me for. " The door is half opened but the attention of the guard turns to the comlink. Then Kynos hears DemoX voice, the dwarf waited at the hall. He say with an authoritative voice a few words in Japanese "Shinshi wa, watashi wa ikutsu ka no denki-teki mondai o kaiketsu suruhitsuyōgāru heya o kuria shite kudasai. Sore ga wazuka sū-bu kakarimasu, Then he repeats "I mean there is electricity problem please leave lady.'
Finestra answers "Oh ofcourse" and then appears to be whispering to the guards "the kidnappers took off the electricity, I got to get out of here before I get into legal troubles."
Kynos is uncertain what happens next but shortly after he hears DemoX in his subvocal "We got to think fast boss... I got them out of the room but the real electrician is literally at the elevator. I track his toolbox through the matrix."

[spoiler]
DemoX asks them to clear the area so that he can fix the electricity. Finestra will treat him like a non suspicions real electrician and believe him instantly (giving him cooperation bonus) and DemoX receives +2 circumstances bonus because there really is an electrical problem and an electrician on the way.
Finestra has 12 dice for con:
Cooperation(fast talk) (http://orokos.com/roll/376524): 12d6t5 8
DemoX gets +4 dice.
He has 8 dice for fast talk + 2 circumstances + 4 from Finestra.
Fast talk (http://orokos.com/roll/376525): 14d6t5 4
and the guards has 8 dice but are suspicious so I give them +2.
con resist (http://orokos.com/roll/376526): 10d6t5 3
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-23-16/0738:46>
Using his micro-transceiver, Kynos replied:
<<DemoX, go outside to greet the electrician like he's a colleague and thank him for bringing the tools. Than get him quickly inside.
Than just tell the electrician, that you connected a faulty loading cable to your commlink and tripped a breaker. Nothing to worry, you threw the cable out of the window because it was smoking. Just have him reset the breakers, give him a tip and leave with him while making small talk. 

Finestra, why didn't you tell them that Venom ditched his bodyguards and escaped by himself? Now they have a legitimate reason to call security.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-23-16/0816:26>
@Athos - The thug leader say... "You trogs are built for hard work, how about you pay us and we watch as you work?"  You can see that Paprika is about to throw something at their leader but Faith holds her back. They are not much more than teenagers.

@Maxwell the first you see the combat scene, the bodies are no longer there. All is squeaky clean. Then as you go further into the pipe you hear all sort of noises. Mainly these are just rats - but... there is no telling whats in the dark. (roll perception, what kind of visual aids do you use? (it is completely dark in the pipes), if you do not have any you can try to navigate with assensing it is good to spotting living things but you might stumble a bit as non living things are difficult to spot.).

@Kynos Finestra say >> I spotted the smoking comlink and  could not explain it  so I said the first thing that came to my mind, perhaps it was bricked to prevent him to cry for help.

DemoX does as you say, greets the electrician and leaves. As he do you hear him cry 'shit' and then you hear heavy steps as he tries to shake the guards down the hallways. Apparently once they discovered that he was not the real electrician they got very suspicious.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-23-16/0941:52>
Athos looks at the young men and shakes his head.  He motions over to where Faith is standing and smiles at the gangers, "Yes, trogs are built for hard work.  But we also know a scam when we hear it.  Anyway, the boss is over there.  Why don't you ask her if she will pay you to watch.  Personally, as a trog, I wouldn't do it, but she's the boss."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-23-16/0943:12>
[spoiler]
Did I understand that correctly:
DemoX was alone with the electrician in the room. The Technician solved the problem (so there is again power in the room) and both left the room chatting about technical stuff.
Now he is out in the corridor where both bodyguards waited for them.

That means the room is clear at the moment?

If that's correct, Kynos will start to disguise Venom as an old woman, using whatever make-up stuff Finestra left behind as well as the curtains and other stuff from the room

If not, disregard this post until I rewrite it

Disguise check (http://orokos.com/roll/376589): 10d6t5 4 [10d6t5=4, 5, 3, 4, 3, 3, 3, 6, 5, 6]


[/spoiler]

<<DemoX, get somewhere with lots of people.>>

Kynos made sure there was no-one in the room anymore. Than he dragged Venom to the wheelchair and began to disguise him into a fat, ugly ork grandma, using Finestra's make-up, a pillowcase as a headscarf and a curtain to improvise an Indian Sari.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-23-16/0952:12>
@Athos Faith aims an arrow and takes the hat off one of the boys.  She said nothing just redied another arrow and watched them in a threatening manner. Athos hears some mumbling: "Did you see what she did... these trogs are animals I tell you." They look at you with resentful look and say "This is not over trogs... you keep your violence out of our neighborhood!"  Words are one thing and deeds are another as they quickly leave the scene. Faith shrugs "I would have said somthing but what was the point... nobody listen to trogs anyhow."

[spoiler]
16d6t5: 4 [16d6t5=6, 4, 6, 6, 3, 4, 3, 6, 4, 4, 4, 3, 6, 1, 5, 2]
Dodge:
Dodge (http://orokos.com/roll/376592): 6d6t5 2
[/spoiler]

@Kynos - DemoX could not fool the electrician. He was lacking few key elements like uniform and so forth.  He could fool the guards because they did not know exactly what to expect. The electrician asked DemoX to wait outside and as DemoX left the guards took off after him. He is now running down the halls with two angry guards after him probably trying to get somewhere public. You are in the room with the electrician that has nothing to do in the bath so you can wait until he leaves.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-23-16/0956:34>
Kynos stored the last of Venoms clothes and stuff in the carry bag, including his shoes. Now the ork sat snoring softly in the wheelchair, looking like an Indian mother in law from hell. Hopefully that alone would deter anyone from approaching him to take a closer look.
He activated his link again and called Finestra:
<<Did you make it out alright? I'm leaving now with Venom. Can you tell me where his bodyguards have gone?>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-23-16/0958:10>
Athos nods.  "Nobody listens to trogs.  Thanks, I could have used my gun, but might not have hit the guy's hat.  Let's finish here and then hit the last delivery and go back.  So far it was not too bad, but I can definitely see the need for either a bigger truck or more trucks.  And some of the streets we were on were a bit dangerous.  What is your impression of the job?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-23-16/1007:04>
@Athos Faith said " I made a judgment call either I got the hat or I got the head... both cases seemed reasonable. Some people are too dumb to own a head.

About the job it is a lot more physical than anything we previously did... it actually feels like honest labor... I am not sure how the men would like it. Time will tell"
The rest of the deliveries are done without incident. You end the day tired but sort of satisfied.

@Kynos Finestra said ">>I am alright, no visual on BB tough. Do you need me to help you move the package? Or you prefer I go look for BB?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-23-16/1023:28>
Maxwell comes across the spot where the smugglers were roasted but strangely their bodies are gone.  "That's weird.  Did these guys have buddies to come look for them or are there ghoul scavengers here?"  The squeaking sounds of rodents interrupt his curiosity.  What's more, something else is accompanying them.  Nebulous dark is all he can see.  To pierce the blackness, Maxwell shifts perception.

[spoiler]Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/376599): 6d6t5 2[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-23-16/1028:06>
<<BB will have to fend for himself for the moment. Just make sure I don't run into the bodyguards and give me a warning if someone looks suspicious. I'll try to move Venom back to our airplane. Once he is secured in there, we'll take care of DemoX.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-23-16/1306:24>
@Kynos Finestra walks a bit beyond and helps the scene appear reliable. On your way to the plane you slip past few security guards that looks right at you but do not seem very interested in you. Shortly after you are on the clear in the plane.

[spoiler]
Perception Guard (http://orokos.com/roll/376636): 10d6t5 2
Ettiquete Finestra (http://orokos.com/roll/376635): 12d6t5 6
Roll perception.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-23-16/1557:56>
@Maxwell in the astral you notice many living things a swarm and to your horror you discover that atleast half a dosen of them are awaken. These are devil rats many of them and a swarm of rats.
[spoiler]
Charisma + Animal handling may allow you to get passed them at peace. Otherwise you'll need initiative. There are many rats, more than you can actually count. These are devil rats and they typically come at very large packs 20-30.
I'll tell you more if you have relevant knowlege skill.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-23-16/1630:10>
[spoiler]Perception (Visual) (http://orokos.com/roll/376706): 8d6t5 0 [8d6t5=2, 1, 3, 2, 4, 4, 3, 4]
No success

[/spoiler]
Kynos kept walking, concentrating on his cargo, so the "old lady" wouldn't lose any garmets at an unfortunate moment.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-23-16/1649:25>
@Kynos you reach the plane undisturbed.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-23-16/1709:44>
Once inside, Kynos let out a big sigh, heaved Venom out of his chair and with deliberate care broke the unconscious man's neck.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-23-16/1756:55>
@Kynos Kynos did not know it but, Venom was a believer, he served his vampire master with all his heart and soul. It was only Minnie that talked some sense in him and gave him a reason to live. Venom's original plan was to be captured on council island and then attempt to assassinate someone. Unfortunately the bomb also had a secondary trigger mechanism, in the case of death to eliminate Venom and everything he might carry. 

Since Venom was an idiot with too much money to spare the cortex bomb was so advanced and well integrated to his brain that he actually managed to walk passed airport security with it.  A fact that should Kynos survive may be very interesting to him. What Kynos missed in his perception check are the traces of recent head surgery a surgery that could as well pass for a data jack or smart-link surgery.

As Kynos breaks Venom's neck and Venom's head explodes in Kynos hands. Knocking Kynos back in surprise and sprays metal pieces all over the passenger area of the plane. Luckily Finestra did not want to witness the actual kill and waited in the cockpit behind a closed door until the deed was done.

[spoiler]
Venom had a cortex bomb in his head that is mechanically like a fragmentation grenade. This means 18P +5 damage. The original goal of that Grenade was the vice mayor of Seattle but well many things happened that night you were on council island, things that I could never anticipate.

To be fair because there is a reasonable chance of such a grenade will knock kynos well into overflow. He should be alright as long as he remains alive as Finestra can heal him with a medic kit.  Congrats for killing Venom tough!
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-23-16/2101:12>
Maxwell immediately stops moving and remains as still and nonthreatening as possible.  Goosebumps covered his arms in anticipation.  With a bit of luck, perhaps the devil rats would ignore the mage and let him continue untroubled.

[spoiler]Animal Handling (http://orokos.com/roll/376789): 4d6t5 1[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-24-16/0029:53>
Athos nods at the hard work comments and drives back to the compound in silence, letting Bruno go as they get close enough to not need him.  He lets him know that he should be back here in the morning.  Leaving the van, he thanks Faith and the others, telling them that he is going to go see Strawberry and ask about the schedule of deliveries.

He slowly walks across the open area and goes down to see the mage, asking if she is available.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-24-16/0058:22>
[spoiler]
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/376860): 25d6t5 8[25d6t5=5, 3, 4, 1, 2, 2, 3, 2, 4, 2, 4, 5, 3, 6, 5, 3, 5, 5, 4, 5, 4, 3, 5, 4, 4]

I'm using the karma to buy a second point of Edge and spending it immediately for a reroll
Soak/reroll (http://orokos.com/roll/376861): 17d6t5 8

2 P

Editing post

[/spoiler]

The explosion hit Kynos like a hammerblow, shredding his expensive high class armored suit and knocking him backwards over the aircrafts chairs.
For a moment only the ringing in his ears remained as he tumbled into unconsciousness - only to awake immediately again.
Looking around he noticed two things:
- His eyes were still intact
- All his limbs were too, even though bits an pieces of skull and shrapnel where sticking from his forehead his torso and his arms.

Kynos began to laugh so hard, tears formed and left tiny grooves through the blood coating on his face.
Breathing hard Kynos managed to choke out "Thanks Dr. Maurer - Titan bones won't let me down..."

He got on his feet and picked the shrapnell from his body, while he activated his commlink:

<<DemoX, what's your status, did you get away from them? If you did get your ass back to the plane - and buy a mop and bucket somewhere.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-24-16/0515:23>
@Maxwell You instinctively freeze and the rats completely ignore you and except for the terrifying feeling of being swarmed by countless rats you are relatively unharmed. Devil rats are nocturnal animals and if they are awake during the day something must have woken them and they are running away from something.

@Kynos The ringing in the ears does not seem to go away. The plane looks like a scene from alien. body parts and blood are sprayed around the plane and when Finestra approaches kynos he appears completely dead with so much Blood. It is only later you both figure that the Blood is Venom's and the bio monitor in Finestra's medic kit indicates that the actual damage is quite minimal.
Finestra say "We might want to wait for BB with the kit as he is the professional, I just wiggle it in automatic mode. What happened?"

DemoX texts you >> My legs are too freaking short to out run them but I managed to reach a public place where they cannot just murder me. I am seating at the lobby drinking saki and they watch me like vultures. If I wasn't your pilot I'd say just leave without me and I'll catch a public flight. If they were after our prize they'll have no use for me once the prize is out of the picture.

I am not sure what they can do to me here, we have some legal problems with the hotel - apparently trashing an hotel room is a criminal offense in here. Tough I am certain that they actually want money under the table to sort this out. We need to sort that out as well we do not want the police investigating our actions here.


@Athos Strawberry texts you that you'll need to be ready again in 3 days. January 1st, 2076 is her next delivery.  Really?! you cannot party at new years eve? This is what having a real job must feel like. She meets you briefly but do not want to talk business at the time.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-24-16/0524:55>
"It's just a scratch. My nephritic screen should take care of the worst part. Just apply some anti-septic ointment and a few band-aids. If you are done with that, I'd be very much obliged if you could find me some clothes that aren't permeated by dead Yakuza juice."

<<DemoX, tell them that the two guys are harassing you because of your metatype and that they forced their way into the room and thrashed it. Ask them to have their security talk to them, while you go back to the plane. Offer to pay the damages directly - I'm transferring you 500 - that should cover the lamp, the missing curtain and the bedsheets as well as the goodwill of the hotel.>>

Using the emergency number for IT he texted:
<<Hello IT, Venom is dead. I broke his neck until his head exploded. Find some pictures attached. Where and when do you want to receive the ashes?>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-24-16/0544:06>
Kynos IT texts you >>Good job,  this is very dramatic. Here is what you do to get paid. Go to the popular bank of Seattle and deposit the urn in box 104232. Then come back 3 days later and remove the urn from the same box. You can be sentimental and scatter the dust over the ocean or something but be careful as I am going to have someone replace the urn with an identical one that also contains your pay in 30 untraceable cred sticks. Take that into account when choosing the urn.

Finestra leaves to find some nice clothes and DemoX tries to speak his way with the guards. It take him 1500 nuyen to close everything but he manages to do so. The room was expensive and DemoX seems like he took some physical beating. He seats on a piece of nylon he places on one of the blood soaked chairs and say "Oh wow... you have been busy - I brought some gloves and cleaning stuff... it seems like it is going to be a long flight."

The plain takes off and DemoX and Finestra begin rigorously cleaning - the passenger cabin was damaged and they are hoping that it was worth the deed on Venom's head.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-24-16/0610:00>
The rat plague soon passed, leaving Maxwell to sweat unnecessarily.  That was a close call, he'd feel more relief if it weren't for the fact that they all seemed to be running from something.  "Strange, devil rats are normally fearless.  Considering their numbers they should be able to overwhelm any territorial threat.  Might be ghouls driving them out.  Doesn't matter much, I still need to make my way through.  I'll have Mortis escort me.  He should be able to deter anything that gets in my path."  Maxwell advances through the sewers as he planned, still on the lookout for anything that might lead to the surface.  He relays a command through the astral to his spirit, Since he'd quite possibly need an escort.

"Someone or something else stalks these tunnels.  Materialize in front of me and bodyguard me from whatever threat we might soon confront as we walk together."

[spoiler]Materialization is free but the physical task of 'body-guarding' is one service.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-24-16/0626:05>
"Yeah, a parting gift from Venom. He died as he lived - butt ugly and blowing other people.
Oh well, at least we were lucky enough to have him explode here instead of the hotel room. We might have had to sell you as an indentured servant to the hotel to pay the bill otherwise.

I already contacted IT about the payment. Mop up what you can and see if any of his cyberware is reusable. I've also got his 13.5k suit. Hopefully that will cover the damages to the plane and the hotel.

When we are back in Seattle, the first thing we need to do is getting some gasoline and a metal tub to make this mess portable.

But before all that, I 'd say, get out your medkit and pick out the rest of the shrapnel. I think there is still a molar stuck in my shoulder."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-24-16/0719:17>
@Maxwell The spirit materializes and has to adjust its size for the tight place. He frowns as being reduced to a size he feels less comfortable with and walks with you in silence. You share telepathic link with him. You see no enemy with your astral projection and you spirit does not seem to be effected but your head turns dizzy and you feel as if you are going to pass out if you do not get some air. You are bleeding, you are not sure exactly why and what gas it is but you need to get some fresh her as soon as possible.

[spoiler]
You'll have to roll body + will power to resist toxin, chemical resistance increases your dice and gas mask or chemical seal will make you immune to the damage.  Damage is 12 physical.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-24-16/0752:05>
Maxwell falls on his hands and knees.  Choking, bleeding, gasping for air.  Vision blurs and everything starts to spin.  All he can say before he collapses is.  "Rigor... Mortis..."

[spoiler]Toxin Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/376902): 9d6t5 2 That knocks Sovereign out with a full Physical Track and 1 overflow.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-24-16/0822:20>
"Joining me so soon?" the spirit said? It wanted to carry Maxwell out of there but as soon as the magical bond was broken the spirit was free. That said, he was not ready to go back - this world had so much to offer someone like him. Mr. Morties carried the near dead mage out of the sewers into the place where he was initially summoned. He then said the cultists little ones - "save this mage or I will make this place your tomb". He did not need to say that much - being so large and appearing like a messenger of death would have done the trick but Mortis had little experience in social interactions with lesser species.

Several long hours would pass before Maxwell is woken up, in a small clinic with Charlie at his side and a nurse named Sarah. That took care of him, he was a bit dizzy and confused.
[spoiler]
1. stabalize: Stablize (http://orokos.com/roll/376904): 17d6t5 6
2. Heal - Heal (http://orokos.com/roll/376905): 15d6t5 8 -2 dice as you are awaken - Maxwell heals 5 HP.
[/spoiler]
@Kynos - you pack Venom nicely, the suit is ruined it will still provide ballistic protection but the febrics are torn and the AR interface is fried. However you could possibly mine its expensive Ruthenium Polymer in it with a skilled armorer. The rest of the flight goes uneventful, tough it may be tricky to extract a dead body from a plane without raising questions. However, Casa texts and say that he can take care of it.
[spoiler]
DemoX medic kit: i am not sure if loss of essence effect it - if so we'll take dice.
Medic kit (http://orokos.com/roll/376908): 15d6t5 7 heals 4 damage. Should get Kynos back on his feet.

 

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-24-16/0843:12>
[spoiler]
Correction, Kynos took of Venom's suit so he could disguise him. It's safely in a carry bag.

But instead of fudging around with the numbers, I'd suggest this loot is used to pay for the damages

Also, it's -1 for normal non-sterile environment and -1 per two full points of lost essence, so -3 in total, bringing Kynos back to a total of 3 points of P damage

[/spoiler]

Kynos moved his arms after the Dwarf was done with him.
"Thanks DemoX. I actually feel better than before I went to Japan. Consider me no longer pissed at you."

Kynos texted Casa back:
<<If necessary, we'll smuggle him out, piece by piece.>>
"Hey DemoX, does this plane have a compartment where you can lower the cabin pressure? We could freeze dry the remains that way, also he'll burn better."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-24-16/0848:20>
He did not know how he got here.  Maxwell awakens with his head pounding, the glare of fluorescent lights stings his eyes.  Vision still hazy, still indiscernible.  It hurts to breathe.  It felt like his lung were on fire, daggers in his chest.  Very slowly and very carefully he leans upward to greet the two next to him.  Maxwell recognizes familiar eyes, Charlie's eyes.  The other one was unknown.  The shock of near death left him weak and in pain.  It took him awhile but he managed to stutter with strained effort.  "Ch-Charlie...  where am I?  What happened?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-24-16/1012:30>
@Kynos DemoX said "Thanks that is an odd moment - Casa is happy - until he sees the plane. You are happy and even Finestra gave me a smile when I played electrician - she taught me." With Casa's discreet assistance that loaded the plane for you with otherwise impossible to bring to an airport items removing the body is no problem and then delivering it to the crematorium.

IT pays her part of the deal exactly as agreed, you can assume she is content tough you never meet her in the entire process.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-24-16/1027:53>
Athos realizes that Strawberry is not interested in talking and leaves.  He sends a note to the only other person he knows down that he has a comm code for.  >>Jack.  Athos here.  Can you deal straight with me?  I am looking for Yulia or Nagisa and everyone else is giving me the silent treatment.  Can you at least pass on to them this code so they can reach me?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-24-16/1308:01>
@Athos Jack answers >> Athos forwarding their direct links, come visit I am sure they'll be happy to see you.

@Maxwell Charlie say "Shhh... You are at the clinic and you are safe. You have been through a lot. We do not believe ourselves what just happened."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-24-16/1348:28>
Getting the body of the plane wasn't particularly hard as it turned out once you removed the head from the body, you could fold it up pretty neatly. Especially since Venom's arms had already been modular models. Detaching the rest was merely an exercise of painstaking work with a scalpel - which Kynos did during the rest of the four hour flight - whistling while he was at it. After that detaching the legs was merely a formality. With after this compartmentalizing the body parts were wrapped in plastic and after the landing retrieved by the same smuggling drone, that had previously provided them with their gear.

With a certain satisfaction, Kynos visited the street doc Finestra had organized to dissect the rest of the corps for other valuable ware and finally incinerate the mutilated remains. As his final resting place, Kynos had requisitioned a box for hazardous medical waste.
After delivering the "urn" to the designated bank he allowed himself to sleep two days straight in his bolt hole. Venom's expensive suit stayed there for the moment. Rested and of considerable better disposition after he had gotten his original suit back from dry cleaning, he went to the bank to fetch the runs bounty.
As agreed, DemoX and Finestra waited for him when he left the building.
Than the sharing began:
"...here is Casa's share Finestra. Please sign here that you received it. And here is DemoX' share..."
With a slightly evilly grin Kynos gave that portion also to Finestra.
"Well, that was that. I can't say that I was thrilled to do it that way, but I did appreciate your efforts nonetheless. My greetings to Casa - here is the number of my fixer. You or him can call him if you need my help with any further... disposals."
When Finestra had gone, Kynos turned to DemoX:
"Here, at least you didn't tell them about the bonus. Do yourself a favor and don't spend it straightaway at the casino.
And now, I've got to run and find a certain loan shark. So long BoomBoom..."

And with that Kynos pedaled off with his stolen bicycle. After about an hour he emerged from a small building at the edge of the barrens, having left almost all his earnings in the hands of a very sour looking fellow of Russian descent. Kynos felt the loss acutely, but that was compensated by the fact that he wouldn't have to meet Boris again.

After another half hour of pedaling he reached again the Red Hot Nuke compound.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-24-16/1601:43>
Once there, he managed to set up a trade: His Blue Defender in exchange for the change of ownership from the late mercenaries link.

Four hours later he was able to make a few calls:
<<Alfred, what's the status at your base? My supplies are running low and I have a serious job lined up.>>

<<Athos, long time no see. You might be interested to learn that Venom ceased to exist. Therefore I am available again. Are you still interested in expanding your territory around that collapsed warehouse of yours? Give me a call if you are up for business.

Also, have you heard anything of Sovereign? The last think I know is that the Ginger Elf has captured him and has him tortured. I intend to change that.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-24-16/2045:45>
Maxwell sits upright, his hands clasp his face.  It hurt just to move and he was having a hard time remembering what happened to him.  He looks at her through the veil of his fingers asking.  "How'd I get here?  Why am I in a clinic?  Is anyone else hurt?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-25-16/0346:08>
Athos smiles as he sends a message off to Yulia.  >>Hey, Minnie.  Got that tail up?  Just checking in since I have not heard from you in a couple of days.  Can we meet?  Miss you lots.<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-25-16/0655:32>
@Kynos DemoX tells you "Thanks, you are a real friend. I never actually plan to gamble it just happens."

A bit later Alfred replies. >> Kynos Hi, it is good to hear from you actually, can we meet in person I do not trust the matrix these days. I have some updates you might want to hear.

@Athos Minnie sent you a message >>Miss you too brother. Come visit me I stay with Nagisa now in her new apartment. Heads up she is a bit odd these days.

@Maxwell Charlie say " You were poisoned, brought here by a giant flying skeletal man, got everyone here quite upset, when did you leave? How did you leave? We were hoping you could explain to us what happened."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-25-16/0756:12>
After several long minutes he was able to recall what had happened.  Memories of his abysmal jaunt through the sewers returns.  Things were fine until suddenly he felt nauseous and dizzy, then he began to cough up blood and... lost consciousness.  The last thing he remembers, or thinks he remembers, was Rigor Mortis making a wise crack at his misfortune.  It looks to be that skeletal spirit stuck around long enough to perform the task he was given and saved Maxwell from death.  It's rare for spirits to stick around after their summoner falls unconscious or dead, rare but not unheard of.

His hands fall beside as he turns to Charlie.  She looked concerned, worried, upset and almost afraid.  Maxwell tries to clear his throat, but it quickly turns into a hacking cough.  Once the phlegm was out of his lungs he says hoarsely.  "I don't mind telling you.  It's just I don't want that information to be used against me or you.  So before I can or will, I need to ask you.  Are you trustworthy?  Are you willing to accept the truth as I say it or have you already made up your mind?" 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-25-16/0802:34>
@Maxwell Charlie said "What truth is that? That I am happy that you are alive or that that vampire now employs evil spirits as well to keep us confined in here? This very odd... just tell me how it happened. I will believe you. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-25-16/0808:41>
Kynos replied to Alfred's request: <<Alright, but not at the base. I'll see you at noon in the little Asia noodle shop. Love Kynos>>

That done he composed another message, this time for Officer Max: <<I'm back in the country. How is the status of your little vampire hunt? I'm still interested in collecting the bounty if you can give me any hints on his location. Also, can you tell me what happened to Winter? Love Kynos>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-25-16/0828:26>
Maxwell nods and complies with her inquiry.  "For starters, i'm an awakened magician, a mage.  After our earlier conversation when you left to bathe and work, I awoke a slumbering spectral lord and summoned him into servitude.  I needed the spirit's help to evade the drones outside and leave unnoticed.  I was coming back, I kinda wanted to pick up some of my equipment from my old apartment and stash it here in case I needed it."

"There's a sewer tunnel that leads to the compound from the outside.  It's how I got here in the first place.  With a bit of magic I left unseen and back into the sewer.  I came across a pack of devil rats on my way through.  They weren't really a problem, they largely ignored me.  Everything was going fine and then... I started having trouble breathing.  I fell to the ground and began coughing up a lot of blood.  I commanded my spirit to bodyguard me earlier.  I guess he did just that and he must have carried out of the sewer back here.  What kind of idiot uses poison to clear out a nest of devil rats?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-25-16/0915:50>
@Maxwell Charlie takes a deep breath and say "
So you can come and leave as you want? Yet, you left us here to die? Grail can come at any moment and he is eating us! We cannot resist him, we do not have magic and evil spirits like you. We cannot even protest to his manipulations. He robbed us from every bit dignity and turned us into toys. Are you really so vain break out to get a toothbrush and leave the rest of us to die in here?  To act as if you share the same fate as us and just watch us wither?"


@Kynos Max answers ">>Be careful of the KE. Winter abandoned ship like a cowered went to the Tir. I am no longer an officer, yesterday I was just terminated, no explanation or message. It is the same for most KE, it is safe to say that somebody disbanded almost every officer in the KE. Whomever got to keep their job will not even talk to me. I am completely locked out, no friends, no computer access as if I never existed. I am still trying to restore order with whomever agreed to stick with me without pay.  Given limited resources I am definitely not at city scale, I just feel like I am too stubborn to yield. Whomever is playing this city, has already won, it is overwhelming. Speaking of too stupid to skip town  - it is good to know that you are not dead yet and I hope you catch that vampire."

Alfred confirms the meeting.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-25-16/0945:54>
Maxwell sighs, her words wounded him more than the poisonous gas.  She must of felt betrayed and abandoned.  That tearful look in her eyes and that pained angry expression only made him feel worse.  Defensively he says.  "You're not listening!  I was coming back!  I'm not so callous or conceited that i'd leave for something as trivial as that.  Some of my magical supplies and field gear was left at my other place.  Those items would have proven useful in case he returned.  They would have allowed me to stand a better chance of fighting and killing him."

He was out of breath again.  Maxwell tries to inhale some air to soothe his burning lungs, but it was to no avail.  While out of breath he interjects in a depressed sympathetic manner.  "I saw your aura.  I saw what remained of your soul as he leisurely drained your essence.  I don't want you to go hollow and not be able to feel anything."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-25-16/0956:49>
Athos is not sure how best to respond to Kynos' question, but realizes he cannot leave the guy hanging.  >>Kynos.  Venom is dead?  That would be a story to hear.  Did you have a hand in it?  Yes, I am planning on expanding some territory about the warehouse area.  Already building a new place here and looking at a couple more buildings close by, and probably something a bit farther out.  I am trying to gather some of the refugees in to give them a home and some work.  Starting small delivering food from Strawberry to various customers, but can see this expanding.  But not many people want to listen to me and it is frustrating.  Do you want to meet somewhere?<<

After sending the message he goes looking for Nagisa and Minnie.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-25-16/1007:14>
Kynos replied to Athos: <<Yeah, a meeting is in order. I'm actually setting something up with a contact of mine, after that we can talk - meet me at the noodle restaurant at 1300h. And be discreet - Strawberry mustn't learn about this.>>

With that, he was off, pedaling with his duffel bag over the shoulder to the restaurant. Once there, he entered the junk yard and took position on the tin roof.
It wasn't that he didn't trust Quartermaster Alfred Schwarz, but neither was he convinced that the man hadn't been made during the investigation. If he had a tail he wanted to know.

[spoiler]
Perception check w/Vision enhancement (http://orokos.com/roll/377268): 9d6t5 1 [9d6t5=3, 4, 1, 5, 1, 4, 1, 2, 2]

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-25-16/1809:02>
@Maxwell Charlie looks at you "But you can get out - it means that so can we. You want to kill Grail - I do want vengeance but it will not solve anything for me. It will just change the identity of the vampire that drains me. I wanted vengeance - but I was naive, I did not understand how powerful vampires are... in the movies you stick a wooden pole in their heart and they just vanish.

In reality, once I see him he triggers this euphoria in me and I cannot hurt him. I want to live, I want all of us to live and to do that we need to leave now before Grail returns. Amy does not yet know how to do these mind tricks. She is a baby vamp, just use what daylight we have and escape this place this is the sensible thing to do. Please, even if you kill Grail, Amy will eat us all... You've seen her she is one of them now, she was my only friend in here. She can fight her thirst for a while, but she will eat us eventually."

@ Athos the first thing that strikes you is how odd Nagisa is. She seem to have embraced Strawberry's fashion sense and it means very little and provocative clothes, but there is sadness in her eyes. You can feel that something is odd with her behavior although she was never this nice to you.

The second thing that happens is that Yulia gets up from the chair and hugs you. "Athos! we were just having dinner... I am not sure there is enough but do join us."  Nagisa then say "I am sure we'll find some way to satisfy him... have a seat." She smiles suggestively as she begins to empty her refrigerator for some troll size portion.

@Kynos Alfred arrives and seems a bit nervous, you can see that he is watching his back, scanning for exits and escape routes he seems to have the place figured out and seem hyper aware. He seats alone in a nearby table and talks to you with sub-vocal while he appear to be submerged in some trid.  His giveaway is that you identify the scanning pattern as he constantly observes the people that enter the place. "Kynos... hi" he said.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-25-16/1812:42>
Kynos replied the same way: "Hi Alfred, what's the situation - someone after you?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-25-16/1837:28>
@Kynos Alfred say "It is insane, I haven't seen anything like that. We received a surprise inspection and shortly after our warriors have all begun to act strange. They stopped recognizing us and seemed to be hearing voices that none of us did. It was like they were not there even there. Since all the warriors are augmented - a rumor with the survivors said head cases.  Whomever could locked themselves in ammo bunkers.

The only reason I am free is because I sell this APDS to people like you, so I know how to discreetly enter and leave that base. The warriors did not let anyone leave - they shot on sight anyone who tried. So yes I am paranoid. I am back in business but supply is a bit spotty as it is difficult to access these bunkers now."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-25-16/1947:37>
Maxwell shakes his head.  "I'm not your savior.  What i'm here to do is to protect Amy and to make sure Grail never touches her or anyone ever again.  Even if I were to help you all escape then Amy won't have anything to eat and she'll starve to death.  It's her call if she wants you to go or to remain here.  However... I don't see a problem if you managed to leave and escape.  I doubt Amy will mind either.  Are you interested?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-26-16/0145:57>
Athos sends a reply to Kynos.  >>Kynos.  I can try.  I am also in the middle of something.  Can we push the time to 1500, please?<<

He looks at both Minnie and Nagisa with interest.  "You do not have to do anything special.  I can just sit here and look at you two and be happy.  I am glad that you are safe.  It was very hard not being able to contact either of you since the party on the island.  Now I need help.  I am trying to establish something here, but I can barely put two words together in a sequence that makes any sense, and most people just ignore me or think I am crazy.  I probably am crazy."  His eyes flick back and forth, surprised at the change in Nagisa, but not entirely disappointed.  The scanty and provocative clothes show off some of her assets and hint well at the rest. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-26-16/0358:43>
@Maxwell Charlie said "I want to get out of here... I'll do anything." She is a bit overwhelmed with the fact you sided with a vampire.  Deciding to interfere in the conversation Sarah said: "You'll want to take me out of here as well... If you are going to hide in here - you should maintain your cover. I cannot unlearn what I just learned."

@Athos Yulia looks at you with admiration "Trying to establish something? You moved a long way from being my driver,Oni. I am trying to find my place, with Strawberry I finally feel like I belong, like she can understand me. I do not want to go back to the Finnegans, but I can help you."
(I hope I play her reliably)

Nagisa said "That's nonsense Athos, come there is incredible food here. Fantasy woman takes care of everything." She smiles and and sets up a table and adds "Besides... Yulia's new smoking hot boyfriend is out of town... so now I only share her with Strawberry." She speaks about it with a hint of a suggestive smile, but she clearly is frustrated with Yulia's sexual behavior. "...and Strawberry is not very chatty right now so I have a few days to dream. Nobody understands you, you said? I completely relate to that. I think I might be going crazy as well... I feel so emotionally charged up since I got here. I find it hard to focus my mind long enough to get some work done."


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-26-16/0413:11>
Kynos replied to Alfred: <<Well, as far as I can puzzle it together you are half right: It's probably not CFD but also a nanite induced mind control thing. I recently escaped from a KE blacksite prison where a mad AI called RED infected the guards and made them its puppets. I'd guess that it's the same here. The AI collaborates with a Vampire called Grail who is behind the whole terrorism in the city. He's trying to consolidate his power base and has already taken out Knight Errant, at least that's what my sources tell me. Now that the army seems to be under his control too... well there are nicer places to be right now.

Lucky for you, I know someone who could maybe help with the infestation. There is another AI - build to be a mind reader. It's more benevolent and if it infects you, you are relatively immune to the RED nanites. Also, a massive EMP seems to be able to kill them.

If you are interested, I can help you clean your base.

But most important: I need APDS ammo and HE-grenades. Also I'd need a source for FAB - that is Fluorescent Astral Bacteria - the things used in mage cuffs that give off light when magic is used or nearby. >>


Kynos replied to Athos:
<<Sure, although I just got some more bad news you might want to learn about - especially since it might be a massive chance for you to gain some power of your own. By the way: You still have that AI in your nano-hive? Ask her please if she still would be able to create an immune shot against the RED-mind controllers. Also, could you call your terrorist girl-friend if she still has that EMP-cleaning thingy? I might need to wipe out the Army.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-26-16/0447:19>
@Kynos Alfred said "I am not a complete asshole, I did sound the alarm and we are now waiting for an intervention force to recapture the base and the city. The one thing I learned you do not raid a UCAS base and expect gratitude. If the KE are also compromised it seems like the city is effectively conquered. Let's see who is in charge and if they can actually prevent the military from reclaiming this city.

I will forward the information you gave me. I will keep my head low until the cavalry arrive, I am not sure about giving my brain to mind reading AI is the best move. If there is a mind reading one - then it explains how these assholes learned the lunch the missiles. The guards at that base are simply unaware of basic things like where is the armory. They act like drones, very powerful and dangerous drones - but drones non the less.

Getting my hands on FAB is going to require some networking - but I will try to find a seller for you. I have 30 APDS on me, and I can get you more if you need. High explosives are also non issue, give me a few days and I'll have them for you. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-26-16/0500:16>
Maxwell sluggishly places a hand on his chest and wills forth restorative magic to heal himself and cleanse the rest of the toxicity within him. 

[spoiler]Force 6 Heal (http://orokos.com/roll/377559): 11d6t5 5
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/377560): 11d6t5 1
5 Boxes of Physical healed and 1 Box still left over that'll need actual rest to heal.  Sovereign takes 1 Stun.  And yes this is possible.[/spoiler]
The agony he was in is now gone.  The spell worked perfectly and healed the rest of his wounds caused by the poison.  Now comes the second part.  Maxwell closes his eyes and projects out of the building, flying past the pollution of the Barrens.  An outcry erupts from him to force a spirit into servitude.  A shriek of thunder and might that few would dare ignore, or could for that matter.

[spoiler]Summoning Force 7 Air Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/377562): 13d6t5 4
Spirit Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/377563): 8d6t5 2
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/377564): 11d6t5 6
Force 8 Air Spirit Summoned with 2 Services.  No Drain.
Optional Powers - Elemental Attack (Electrical) and Fear
This one will be called Galvanize.[/spoiler]
[spoiler](http://orig03.deviantart.net/b3ef/f/2013/019/8/b/lightning_elemental_ent__by_tea_of_doom-d5s1xj7.jpg)[/spoiler]

The summoning went as expected, Maxwell returns back to his meat and gets out of bed.  The two ladies probably had no idea what he was doing or had done, but soon they'd know.  A large toothy grin stretches across his mouth when he tells them in a near malicious fashion.  "I'm ready when you are.  Grab your things and if possible, some gas masks or respirators.  I'll guide you to freedom on the sole condition that you tell no one of this place, understand?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-26-16/0626:13>
<<Alright Alfred, come over to the junk yard, so we can make the deal.>>

When they finally met in person, Kynos handed him a list:
"I take the 30 bullets and need another 60.
12 HE mini-grenades and 12 shots of tracker ammo for my Savalette. 10 Stealth RFID chips would also be appreciated.
Just send me a message when you have the gear, we meet here again."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-26-16/1010:59>
Athos chuckles as he sends a reply to Kynos.  >>Cannot wait to hear more bad news.  I do still have access to Cat and ask your questions.  I will get back to you on that when we meet.<<    He quickly sends a thought out.  **Cat.  Can you still make enough of you to infect others if you wanted to?  To give protection from Red or other mind reading abilities?**  He follows that with a quick message to the mechanic that had cleaned the others up after the prison break.  >>Hello.  Athos here.  Do you still have access to some sort of EMP bombs or devices?<<

He thinks on his words before replying to the girls.  "I am happy for you Minnie.  I wish I understood Strawberry.  Frag, I wish I understood myself.  Anyway, could you work with me?  I am still a Finnegan for now, still working for Dona Valentina.  At least as long as she sees my vision.  But that may not be for long and then I have to go my own way.  My idea is to make a new Family out here, one more suited to the Barrens than the current crime lords.  I want to protect these people, to show that other gangs cannot come in and take what they want when they want.  I can see taking part of the Finnegan and part of the Yak assets and making something new.  But my social skills are lacking and I need a face to help me talk.  Can you maybe help with that?  Or at least teach me a bit how to talk?'

'But I have plans that do not go well with Strawberry's goals and so need to expand a bit beyond my original idea of how much space I need.  I could really use you two as advisors.  In fact, I am not sure I could do this without both of you."

It is hard to keep his eyes off of Nagisa as she moves about.  Her suggestive clothing leaves little of her nice body to the imagination and he is reacting to her, an he does not know if it is as she wants him to or if the show is only for Minnie, all of which is very odd.  "Nagisa, you seem so........different.  Happy and sad at the same time.  And I have to say it; you have never been so nice to me.  I have to say that I like the change very much, but only if it is really you.  I can handle the old Nagisa if you want.  I need honesty among my top advisors."

"I am very slow on picking up hints, just ask Minnie, but I have to tell you that my body is reacting to the presence of you two in ways that either of you might find awkward.  So please square me away on this now so it does not become even more awkward later."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-26-16/1530:10>
@Maxwll Sarah and Charlie say look at each other and then say "Oh, we're ready alright. Just get us out of this hellhole." They are a bit fascinated by the heal spell and Sarah said "I wish I could do that..."

@Athos Nagisa giggles and say "I am not sure what changed... since I got to this place I am constantly distracted... Should I say aroused? I feel like I have some ON that is constantly flipped. I really has only one thing in my mind... most of the time. Perhaps it is fantasy lady - I do not know what to think anymore."  Minnie then looks at the two of you and say with her secretary voice "It is not like that Oni... you are my brother. I can teach you how to talk, but my talking is more used to getting laid than for contracts and things like that."

@Cat say... "No I cannot actually, there is just how fast I can program nanites and as their mortality rate depends on their number I cannot grow beyond a certain amount.  Me and Red are intentionally designed not to be able to duplicate ourselves to large scales. Our creators took extreme measures to ensure we do not end up super beings.
With the nanite lab destroyed it is unlikely that Red can further increase her size byond the few hundreds she already control. Not unless she finds a new nanite lab to duplicate her.  It is a design consideration, to prevent us from pulling a Deus. I usually clone my self high enough to be able to perform two mind readings, it take me two days to get to this level. "

Dave texts you back >> I have a device but it is not portable, these things require massive amounts of energy it is difficult to get them moving - just come and I'll clean you up again.
There are portable devices but they are much weaker, not much more sophisticated than tag erasers...  they can help with some of the more primitive things out there.


@Kynos Alfred pockets the list and promises to give you a call in a few days when he gather the supplies.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-26-16/2127:40>
Maxwell nods and says only one word.  "Wiz."  A command is shot through the astral to his servant.  "I know you're a spirit of thunder and lightning but I need you to conceal Sarah, Charlie and I.  Keep this power sustained and rest in the astral until I give you any further commands."  He grabs and hold Charlie's and Sarah's hands, walking them outside the clinic and onward to the elevator.  They ride down to the first floor and effortlessly avoid the drones that glide and patrol like mechanical watch dogs.  All three of them reach the sewer tunnel and commence their rancid journey.  Maxwell stops leading them for a moment to give the two a warning.  "We should take it slow from here.  Keep your eyes open and your wits about you.  I'll lead a few feet in front of you two and deal with whatever critter that gets in the way."  Maxwell places a open hand on his shoulder and starts casting another spell that'll help him deal with the devil rats in case they become aggressive.

[spoiler]Force 4 Increase Reflexes (http://orokos.com/roll/377782): 11d6t5 2
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/377783): 11d6t5 6[/spoiler]

The mana he tried to draw for the spell quickly destabilized due to the background count.  Frustrated, Maxwell tries again to magically augment his speed and reflexes.

[spoiler]Force 4 Increase Reflexes (http://orokos.com/roll/377785): 11d6t5 1
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/377787): 11d6t5 4[/spoiler]

Twice the spell failed miserably.  Maxwell sighs and curses his luck, and the state of the astral that impedes his spellcraft.  Giving it a third go he channels the mana necessary for the spell and wills forth the energy into himself.

[spoiler]Force 4 Increase Reflexes (http://orokos.com/roll/377789): 11d6t5 3
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/377790): 11d6t5 4[/spoiler]

The magic worked finally but it wasn't to his liking.  He laughs at his futile endeavor and doesn't even bother trying to sustain the spell.  The background count is too high for the spell's energies to properly augment him or anyone for that matter.  He looks at the two girls and apologizes for the delay.  "Sorry about that.  With the state that Seattle is in it makes my magic weaker and harder to use.  Let us proceed."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-27-16/0543:17>
Athos thanks both Dave and Cat for the information.  He tells Dave that he was hoping for something bigger and portable and it is not for him.  He smiles at the girls.  "I am glad to get that out of the way before I say anything else stupid.  Say, let me run something past you two.  I am thinking of looking into opening a small brothel.  Now listen before you go off on me.  I want to do it right."  He ticks points off on his fingers.  "Classy place.  The girls get a fair percentage of their earnings.  The can leave when they want.  Medical care.  Child care.  No abuse and no pain.  Use only girls that want to be there.  Could it work?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-27-16/1119:51>
@Maxwell Charlie said "This is interesting... Do you think it effects Vampires as well?" The way down the sewers is event-less, you see many dead rats, ghouls and even desperate people that took refuge in some of the small administrative rooms along the pipes. It is not difficult to find an exit you can take to leave. Charlie and Sarah seems in especially bad move as they see what happened underneath. One thing you do not see is dead zombies. Actually you do see some Zombies, but they do not engage you. Just watch you with curiosity and keep their distance. They were clearly unaffected by the gas attack.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-27-16/1437:00>
@Athos Dave tells you about the limitation of current technology and that if there is something bigger it is not for civilian use. Cat remains silent. When you mentioned Borthel Minnie spits her drink with surprise saying "What? Oni, you are insane, few days ago you were on edge to meet Valentina and now you speak about her as your equal? She is ruthless oni, I wouldn't start business without talking to her. She did not get to the inner council for nothing."

Nagisa said "She will make an example out of you - You are not in the right faction to starts Brothels - these are run by Dona Vitoria.  Valentina will simply have you killed, otherwise it will be seem like a deceleration of war.  You are completely forgetting your place, I do not know what has gotten into you. You can perhaps start a gambling den and even if you do that without Valentina's approval you will be killed. She will not allow you to do any form of side business.

Even if you do get to own a brothel, Dona Vitoria will never approve for you to treat the girls like you want to. You are part of a system and whores, despite what you might think are one of the most regulated family assets. Ask Valentina how hard she worked so that Minnie will not be slotted. Whores are usually programmed when they meet sensitive clients, that way they remember nothing. Even with all of Valentina's  influence and her council seat it have taken her years to gain access to Yulia. Yet you think that you can just start a brothel and get away with it.  You are a good soldier Athos, a loyal driver but you do not understand family politics and you are going to get yourself killed."

She then finishes setting up the dish for you and casually touch you as she place the plates, you are unsure if it means she is interested or if she is trying to annoy Yulia.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-27-16/1511:55>
The trio take their time as they wade through the sewer, various corpses litter the tunnels.  Cadavers of rats, ghouls and whatever poor souls that sought asylum within the undercity are left as physical markers of the toxic gas.  Humorously there are no carcasses of devil rats to be found.  During the trudge, Maxwell notices that he's being watched.  A strange air of dread permeates and overpowers the smells of sewage and death.  The eyes of the soulless dead are upon them.  Oddly they make no attack or confrontation, they merely observe with their desolate gaze.

Not before long, an opening to the surface presented itself.  A ladder that led to an open manhole is discovered.  Perhaps it was used by the dregs that tried to hide themselves from the chaos and turmoil of the city?  Either way, it'll lead to the surface and freedom for Charlie and Sarah.  He climbs up the ladder to the manhole cover.  It was already slightly ajar and all it needed was minimal strength to move.

[spoiler]Lift and Carry (http://orokos.com/roll/377943): 4d6t5 1[/spoiler]

Despite Maxwell's lesser strength, he could still muster up enough physical reserves to push the heavy steel out of the way.  Charlie and Sarah are close behind him as they ascend out.  Maxwell helps the girls gain their footing topside as they reach their promise of release.  Triumphantly he declares.  "There, I helped you escape and you're now free to go where you want.  Just remember to tell no one about the compound and we're even.  Now, if you excuse me, I have some business I must attend."

Before he leaves he wanted to make sure that the two ladies were golden and confident, plus he was curious about the implant Charlie had in her head.  "I don't want to throw you girls to the wolves so to be speak.  Not after you just left hell.  Are you going to be alright and be able to find a safe place to stay?  Also, I know this will be a strange question and if you don't want to tell me I understand.  When I looked at your aura I noticed you had a high grade implant in your head Charlie.  What is it?  Cyberdeck or data lock?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-27-16/1522:22>
@Maxwell Charlie said "You could see that? This raises many questions... it should have been my revenge but my mind is too feeble for mental manipulation." She sensually hugs Sarah and say "We can return to my place... I am only there for a few months... I still got rent covered... Come Sarah... I'll show you some good time." She said. 

To Maxwell "Thanks man, you saved my life. I still think that you are from the bad guys as you only did that to preserve your cover. I wish you to  kill him never the less, and I am thankful for what you did." Sarah thank you and the two ladies leave walking toward down town Seattle.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-27-16/1558:55>
He waves the lovely pair goodbye and travels to Strawberry's domain.  The recollection of her not wanting him there anymore comes to mind as he walks.  Maybe she would detect his very presence the moment he arrives and skip the unpleasantness of having to pursue her.  He would not come as a troublemaker if he could manage his composure.  All Maxwell wants is to talk and gather up the remainder of his equipment to take to the cult's facility, Amy's home.  However, if she chooses to be obstinate and unwilling to listen to reason, then he'd show her how much of a hellraiser he truly could be.

Nearly an hour passes once Maxwell finally shows up at her domain.  Refugees flock to Strawberry's tree shrine like moths to a flame.  Some kneeling and crying out to her as if she were some pagan god that could be invoked with fervent word.  Maxwell couldn't help but feel something was off.  Cautiously he heads for the shrine to see what all the fuss was about.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-27-16/1650:08>
Athos nods to the girls and carefully ignores Nagisa's touch, although it is hard to do that.  He sets to eating with gusto, talking between bites.  "You two are right.  But if I give up, I might as well leave Seattle and go find another home.  I am a good soldier, but I have been thrown into more than that.  Do I just ignore that and go back to being what I was?  Or di I go forward and risk losing all of it?  However, I can see the reticence in both of you and will advise you to stay as far away from me as possible.  It is likely that I will make disaster and I would not want either of you to suffer for it."

Finished with the breakfast, he compliments Nagisa on the meal, rises, and leaves, wishing them both the best of luck.  He returns to the surface and goes to the warehouse to find Bruno.  Hey, man, you ready to go see those two buildings Dona Valentina is interested in?  Been putting it off enough."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-28-16/0313:07>
@Athos Yulia say "Be whomever you want to be Oni, you deserve at least that. We just care so we are careful in our advice."  She said and wore her leather jacket, preparing to get out. "Catch you later Nagi" she said. Nagisa said her farewell and Athos and Minnie met Bruno near the buildings. It was evening and most of the people were at home.


@Maxwell as you approach your home you can see mourners near Strawberry's now half burned tree. They cry about her death. In silent and place flowers and other trinkets by the tree. Other than that you arrive to your apartment undisturbed.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-28-16/0322:26>
Athos chats with Bruno and Yulia as they walk over.  "We are looking for new soldiers for Dona Valentina.  I would like to find people willing to be loyal to me, but lack the real skills needed to talk well in front of them.  Suggestions?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-28-16/0344:40>
@Athos Bruno tells you "Well, we have the family's reputation and they lost their guardian already, they'll need the backing of some organization they just need to decide what organization and it is either us or the Yaks. What makes us better from an army of Yaks with military grade rockets and stuff like that?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-28-16/0353:57>
Athos laughs.  "Those Yaks lost their military grade rockets, did they not?  I would say that is some pretty poor protection of a vital asset.  They lost Venom.  They would have lost a boss if it were not for Nagisa, Yulia and I.  From what I understand, the Yaks failed to stop a guy on a motorcycle, even when they were using drones and grenade launchers.  So how can we word all of this right to get them to back my play?  We can use the Finnegan name and reputation.  And Yulia is a much better speaker than I ever will be.  Sell it like you are offering something no one else can provide.  We can help take care of their families in exchange for soldiers for the Finnegan Family.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-28-16/0727:35>
Kynos watched Alfred go and took position once again and waited for Athos.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-28-16/0739:18>
Maxwell stops and raises an eyebrow at the spectacle.  "What the fuck.  She's not dead and how the hell did that tree get burned?  It couldn't have been from me.  Someone else must have tried to torch it.  They didn't really do a very good job whoever they are, damn thing still standing.  This is eerie.  What happened while I was knocked out?  I should ask Strawberry later and see what's up."  He shrugs and continues on.  Indifferent to the zealotry that Strawberry inspires.

Maxwell enters his soon to be forgotten apartment and looks for his duffel bag and survival kit.  He finds the bag and starts placing the pre-packed lodge materials inside, along with the full body armor and some clean clothes and utensils.  It'd be impossible for him to carry everything in one trip.  He'd have to return a second time to gather up the rest.  Before he departs he locates his gas mask and secures it over his face, the duffel bag slung over his shoulder.  The bag bulged and was cumbersome to lift, uncomfortably straining against him.  Maxwell had his exercise cut out for him as he returned to the compound through the sewers. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-28-16/1035:20>
@Athos Bruno say "it seems like you have it figured out then. Lets see who we can meet." he walks with Yulia toward one of the houses and begins knocking on doors trying to find out whom should you talk to. It is a bit of a hassle but eventually you are able to schedule a meeting involving their stakeholders for tomorrow, evening at 18:00.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-28-16/1055:28>
Athos is happy with the meeting and thanks Bruno and Yulia for coming along.  He sends off a quick note to Kynos telling him he can make the earlier 1300 time after all, if it is still OK.  He asks Bruno and Yulia to come with him to the 1800 meeting then watches as they return to their homes before contacting the NH to see if it is safe to go to his suite.  He is told that the problems with the zombies seem to have passed by and that it is safe for him to return.  He stops by the warehouse on his way out to talk to Faith for a moment.  "Just a quick chat, Faith.  I liked the way you handled the deliveries today.  I think it is time that we talked about the next step.  I am still working for Dona Valentina of the Finnegan Family.  She sent me out here to set this place up as a base of operations for the Family.  A means to carve out an expansion after the chaos of what is happening in Seattle.  I do not have good conversation skills, so this is as plain as it gets.  I need soldiers.  I need people that are loyal to me to help create and protect this expansion.  There is room here for you and your people if you want to stay, but there are certain requirements.  Most important is that you are loyal to me and the family.  I will earn that loyalty.  Second, we may need to move the drug addicts and chip-heads to a different place because we need to work closely with Strawberry for now.  We can find somewhere beyond her control radius, which I hear is about 600m from that burned tree outside.  So find me a place nearby that I can buy for them to live in.  Addicts do not make good soldiers or good delivery people.  We can still protect them because they are part of your family and now part of mine, but there will have to be restrictions.  Third, I want you as one of my lieutenants.  I cannot micro manage this and need reliable people I can trust.  So I need a personal oath from you to that effect.


He pauses, letting that sink in.  "So what do you think?  I will let you stew on it overnight and talk to you in the morning.  No hard feelings if you need to move on, but I hope that you will stay.  Good night."

Athos drives the van to The Hostel, one of the brothels the Family owns and walks inside.  Going to the counter, he flips through the virtual catalogue, looking for a familiar face.  He smiles when he sees that Carla is on and available, putting enough money down to give the talented girl two hours to help him forget his problems.  The transaction taken care of, he removes his cred stick from the slot and heads up the stairs to Carla's room.  The pretty girl is waiting for him at her door and welcomes him in like the near regular he is.  The sex is not as frenetic as with Blue, but she is experienced enough to satisfy his needs for the entire two hours.  Feeling refreshed, he slots her a generous tip and leaves the brothel for the NH, where he takes advantage of his sleep regulator to get a full rest.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-28-16/2113:06>
Athos wakes in the morning, feeling a bit revitalized.  He has made an important decision in regards to Dona Valentina and the Finnegans.  He will do as he has been told and see if he can rise up the spire before trying to branch out on his own.  He checks his commlink after showering and does not see anything from Faith.  He shrugs and tosses the link to the bed; perhaps Faith needs more time to make up her mind.  There are other potential soldiers out there if she decides to move on, although it would be good to have her on board.  He goes to the closet and selects his Big Game Hunter outfit.  The fancy suit has done little to help him lately and he will reserve it for further meetings with Valentina.  He picks up the link from the bed as he leaves the room.

Athos eats a nice, leisurely breakfast and walks around outside the NH for a bit, trying to get his ideas in order before his meeting with Kynos.  The man had teased him with information about more bad news and he wonders what that is, but it does no real good to wonder too much; he will be told later.  He gets in the van and drives to the location of the noodle shop.  If Kynos is true to form, he is already watching him so he orders enough food for both of them and waits.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-29-16/1219:42>
Kynos appeared inside the noodle shop and plopped into a seat opposite Athos without any warning.
"Hi Athos, nice of you to order already. It's been a few crazy days.
So first things first: I killed Venom in Japan. Cost me a good chunk of the bounty 'cause DemoX cut in a mercenary outfit. Which in turn means I am debt free for the moment but still need a bit more cash. The bastard had a cortex bomb in his head - I was really lucky to survive that.
Bad news is, I didn't bother to get any infos from him or a confession for you. But as I understand it, you don't need that anymore.
Bad news no. 2, I no longer have a contact with Knight Errant. Officer Max has been booted from the force and KE now seems to be controlled by Grail or his pet AI. Likewise the local military has been turned into a puppet show.
Bad news no. 3, I still have no contact to our mage - the last I heard of him was that Ginger Elf captured him and is torturing him somewhere on her property. I intend to change this situation. Since you have still business contact with her, I'd ask you to ask her nicely to release him. If that doesn't work, I'll have to make her do it.
Which is sort of good news for you: If you want, I'll do it in a way that will allow you to claim her resources.

In any case, I intent to go after Grail as soon as I have the mage back."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <02-29-16/1529:17>
@Maxwell your apartment is empty but the refrigerator is fully equipped and it was cleaned up. All your things are in place and you are undisturbed on your way back. Your room is a bit lonely without Charlie and as the hours pass rumors start to stir about the missing mechanic and doctor and people are worried. Searching for them in the compound surveying cameras and so forth.

@Athos Faith tells you "I had a feeling you'll mention it. We are family and we do not just toss away people for drug abuse, life are harsh people need their little worlds. Live short die young but enjoy what you have - this is our way. I will  not tell people how to enjoy their life,  what you are suggesting is me betraying my own clan for a syndicate job. This cannot be Athos. I am the leader of these people, of all of them. Take us or leave us. I'll go and talk to the mage myself once she is back from the dead."
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <02-29-16/1918:46>
Maxwell had used the last service of his spirit to conceal himself before he entered the facility.  The rest of the cultists were frantic about Charlie's and Sarah's disappearance.  They searched and searched for any modicum of information that led to their whereabouts, but he knew that they'd find naught but disappointment.  He sets the heavy bag he had been lugging through the sewers off into a corner, ready to be accessed should the need arise.  Tearing off his gas mask and throwing it onto the other empty bed.  Maxwell crashes for a bit and waits for nightfall, all stretched out and lazily resting.

Hours pass and the mage stirs.  Yawning quietly to himself as he gets out of bed.  He goes next to his duffel bag and unzips it, taking out its contents and stashing them underneath Charlie's former bunk.  Maxwell's stomach growls fiercely during the physical chore.  He realizes that he hasn't eaten anything in over a day, he'd been so busy that he neglected something as simple as a meal.

Maxwell shoulders his duffel bag and re-equips his gas mask in preparation for the second trip to his old apartment.  Remembering that the fridge was still well stocked as he readies himself.  He puts a hand to his chest and starts casting a spell to cloak himself from the mechanical sky hounds.

[spoiler]Force 5 Improved Invisibility (http://orokos.com/roll/378529): 11d6t5 2
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/378530): 11d6t5 4
Spell failed and let's say I healed 1 Stun because Sovereign took a nap when he got back.[/spoiler]
[spoiler]Force 5 Improved Invisibility (http://orokos.com/roll/378531): 11d6t5 6
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/378532): 11d6t5 3
Limit is 5 so 6 Hits redcued to 5.  Background Count lowers the Force and Hits scored to 3.  Sovereign takes 1 Stun and i'm going to sustain the spell.[/spoiler]

The first time time he casted the spell didn't go as intended.  The magic couldn't stabilize itself and fell apart right after Maxwell crafted the mana into a spell.  Determined he tries again with phenomenal success.  The invisibility spell worked as planned, albeit a bit weaker due to the tainted astral space of Redmond.  Maxwell sneaks out of the compound yet again to reclaim the remainder of his street gear.  Using some light steps to better evade the drones.

[spoiler]Sneak past the Drones (http://orokos.com/roll/378547): 5d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <02-29-16/2350:36>
Athos grimaces at Faith's message.  >>Faith.  Athos.  You have misunderstood me or you are not listening to me.  I will try to be as fragging clear as possible.  I am not asking you to betray your people at all.  I AM saying that we need to locate a different place nearby for all of you to live.  That way, you can still do my deliveries and provide me with soldiers, and can even keep up with your smuggling of weapons.  We all win.  Just send some people out to find a building or buildings near enough that can house all of you and we can try to procure it.<<

He is half way through one of the plates of food when Kynos shows up and takes a seat.  Good day to you, too.  I agree that is has been one fragging week and probably not getting much better soon.  The city is partially fragged, which gives opportunities as well as takes them away.  As for all the bad news, I expect little more than that these days.  There is less need of the confession Venom have given, but I would still like to pursue that angle some time.  I will just need to do it without the information he could have provided."

"Yeah, KE is partially fragged.  Maybe more than partially.  I saw Winter take a ride out of the sprawl.  He will be some nameless, faceless toadie to someone else now.  Long way to fall for a man like that.  Say, if Max is unemployed, would she consider working for me?  Send her my comm code, would you please?  I can use someone with her type of training.  Tell her I am impressed with her and want to talk, but I will be up front in that I work for the Finnegans.  Tell her to call me if she can stomach that."

"I am under the impression that Sovereign is not with Strawberry.  Not sure where I got that, so will check to be sure.  Hang on."  Athos takes out his commlink and sends a text.  >>Nagisa.  Athos.  Say, I heard a rumor that Strawberry is keeping a mage by the name of Sovereign as a prisoner.  Can you please verify or deny that for me?  Thanks.<<

He turns back to Kynos.  "As to employment.  I am looking for people willing to sign on with me as part of the Finnegan Family.  Not sure it is your cup of tea, but there it is.  And you can count me in on anything that will help take Grail down.  But is there any money in it or is it just a personal thing?"

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-01-16/0300:44>
"You should know by now that I don't do things without compensation - one way or another. I'm sure I can get someone to pay a bounty on Grail, but more important, that guy must have massive resources - even if it's only reagents for his magics.

And you are right: I won't become a mafia soldier - nothing against you, but I prefer to work with runners. It's an individualism thing.

Hm, interesting. In that case it would have been nice if Sovereign had called or gave another sign of life. Even a mushroom cloud would have done.

Yeah, I can call Max. But don't expect a positive reaction. She is very hung up on moral principles. Just wait a sec."
Kynos composed a message to Max: <<Hello Max. I was just asked to forward a message to you from Athos. He is a "concerned citizen" and a "family man" who wants to remedy the current situation. He'd like to hire you or at least work with you. Find attached his link code. Love Kynos>>
"Ok, done.

Good, now I'd ask you to ask all your remaining contacts if there is any lead on Grail's hiding place - and also who else is paying bounties on his head."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-01-16/0631:08>
Athos nods.  "Thanks for being honest.  I really did not think you would bite at being a Mafia soldier.  Would you consider being a contractor for difficult projects that I can call on now and again?  And I did not say I know for sure about Sovereign, just that I think I heard something like that.  I will let you know what I am told."

After Kynos places his call to Max, Athos adds, "Thanks for making the call to her.  She might not call me back, but she might if she is hungry enough.  And I will indeed ask around for information on Grail and if there is some sort of bounty on him.  We can help each other out."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-01-16/0634:36>
"Sure. Security contracting is what I write on my tax report anyway.
Give me a target and I'll see what I can do about your problems..."
Kynos grinned at that.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-01-16/0652:48>
Athos smiles back.  "Good.  We have an understanding and I think that we can work together.  I will get back to you on what I find out about Sovereign and anything I can find out about Grail.  That lunatic vampire has got to go.  Maybe the Family or the Yaks would be interested in putting up a bounty.  I will ask."

He looks over at Kynos' half finished plate.  "You not hungry?  This place has good food."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-01-16/0706:32>
"Thanks but I already ate before my previous meeting. I'll get it as takeaway.

Alright. You've got my commcode and I got yours - I actually upgraded my link. Now it's secure enough to be left on - and fast enough that I might even think about playing a bit on the MDK host - provided this crisis gets finished sometime."
Kynos looked a bit pensive before he talked again:
"Are you interested in a discount for my next mission? The Yaks shot my bike out from under me, so now I'm somewhat handicapped in my mobility. If you or your crew happen to find some bike or car you want to flock, I'd happily take it for its retail value."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-01-16/0719:48>
Athos looks at Kynos then nods.  "I can offer one better.  How about a 10K retainer?  We can discuss other prices when something comes up.  You got something I can transfer the money too?  It might not get a new ride, but there might be some used ones you can get for that."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-01-16/0732:28>
"That sounds lovely.
10k will buy you two months or two missions. As a bonus I'll throw in an assassination of your choice - some terms and conditions may apply.
Used rides are fine - it's not as if I'm planing to keep them around for very long."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-01-16/0921:44>
Athos transfers the money to Kynos and stands.  "I will be in touch.  And please contact me if you hear anything about Grail.  Enjoy the food.  Can I give you a lift somewhere?" 

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-01-16/0928:47>
"Na, it's fine. I'll try to find out more about Sovereigns situation...
Oh wait, there is one thing."
Kynos fished out a small, soft pebble from his pocket.
"Keep this on your person. It's a stealth RFID chip. Press it to activate it. I'm done with hunting for kidnapped chummers.
If I receive the signal I'll start a trace and get you out - all part of the service."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-01-16/0937:17>
Athos takes the offered tag and places it in his pocket.  Nodding thanks, he leaves the noodle shop and goes off to the warehouse to see what is going on there.  He is hoping that Faith has seen his response and is in a better mood.  He parks the van and goes inside, looking for Faith.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-01-16/1558:21>
That done, Kynos left the restaurant, took his bike and pedaled to the Red Hot Nukes base.
Once there, he asked for someone who could teach him the basics of demolitions in an hour or two.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-01-16/1710:29>
@Kynos and Athos  Max thanks Kynos for the reference and texts Athos >> Ask cat to show you the way, he knows where to find me.

@Kynos as you puddle back toward the nukes you can hear cries in the streets people are sick, bleeding unexpectedly. Some people are putting something in the sewers but it does not all stay in there. Some places have broken pipes and missing manholes and the poison escapes. Other than that you can get to the nukes without much problem.

@Athos Nagisa texts back >> Athos honey! Strawberry is not exactly seeing people. We did capture the mage that burned the Joke. I do not know what happened of him, perhaps killed him. Faith is nowhere to be found, Paprika tells you that she run off as soon as she heared what the mayor authorized to do in the sewers. The mood is very bad at the camp and everybody seem to be worried about their colleages and loved ones. "The assholes decided to make the entire under-city toxic as a desperate retaliation against the zombies.  they use toxic and kill indiscriminately instead of sending troops to fight that menace... the mayor will pay for this behavior." She said.

 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-02-16/0049:31>
Athos swears twice; once at Strawberry for being obstinate, and then at the Mayor for being stupid.  How is the gas supposed to kill zombies?  He walks around, making sure that all of his people are accounted for.  It is still early enough that he decides to go see Max.  **Cat, can you guide me to Max, please?  I would like to know if she wants to join me.**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-02-16/0523:56>
After a crash course in demolitions, that consisted mainly of things he should avoid doing,
[spoiler]
I just assume, that someone manages to buy one hit in teaching to reduce the time to zero days.
[/spoiler]
Kynos took some time to think.

From a tactical perspective it would make the most sense to attack Strawberry's territory again and with a lot more force, so he could ensure the quickest release of Sovereign.
The problem was, he didn't know if the mage was still alive. Expending his limited resources for a corpse was unacceptable.
Yet there was no good way for him to gather the necessary intelligence.
Finding Strawberry's rigger might be an avenue to gain that information.
He sighed. Finding people seemed to become a permanent occupation. And all to find the one person he knew who could reliably find people by sending his spirits after them.

He realized that there were still some people he hadn't tapped for information yet.
The first he approached was Gerald:
"Hi, thanks for your hospitality. Count yourself as holding a favor from me. By the way: Do you or anyone from the RHN have any news about where the vampires have their base?"

<<Hello, Balls. How is life for you with the Yaks? Are you all still on watch for the Ginger Elf?
I'm interested in finding the mage with which the whole thing started. Do you know if he is still held captive or if he was killed by now? Also, can you bring me in contact with the rigger that tried to blow me up? I've got a few questions for him and I'd prefer to ask him in a civilized fashion.
It would save us all so much time and pain.
Also: Do the Yakuza have any information on the whereabouts of the vampire Grail? Love Kynos.>>

<<Hello IT. Sorry to disturb you, but I was wondering: Do you have any information on the whereabouts of the Vampire Grail? I'm in the market for bounty hunting him. You have the connections: Is there anyone of his enemies that has put a price on his head?
Likewise I'm looking for Sovereign. Last I heard he was captured by Strawberry. Any Information on that front would be very much appreciated. Love Kynos>>

<<Hello Ryan, how is the fixer life? Just for your information, I've taken a retainer from Athos for the next two months, but I'm still in the market for quick 'n dirty jobs. Also, could you inquire if anyone has posted a bounty on a Vampire called Grail? I'm very much interested in taking him on. It would also be helpful to find out where he is hiding. Love Kynos>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-02-16/0729:00>
@Athos Cat say "I can take you to her... I am not sure why I can but I do. She lives at the vault it is an underground complex for paranoid high income people. The place is an old missile silo that was turned into apartment complex."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-02-16/0739:41>
Athos tells Paprika that he is going out for a bit and to keep him informed about Faith.  He also sends a reply to Nagisa.  >>Nagisa.  Athos.  Thanks for the word on Strawberry.  I think she is suffering but does not want to share and heal, which is sad.  I am wondering if you can ask around about the mage that attacked her?  I need to let someone know if he is still a prisoner or if he is dead or let go.  There is someone who is determined to find him and he is a very violent person, who might do much damage, which would hurt the crops.  Please do that for me.  And for Strawberry and anyone living there, including Minnie and you.<<

>>I also want to ask you directly if you will help me and Dona Valentina?  She believes that you are still loyal to the Finnegans and to her.<<

Athos gets in the van and drives to the Vault at Cat's directions.  He contacts Max as he gets closer.  >>Max.  Athos.  I am approaching the Vault.  Where do you wish to meet?<<
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-02-16/1124:30>
After a crash course in demolitions, that consisted mainly of things he should avoid doing,
[spoiler]
I just assume, that someone manages to buy one hit in teaching to reduce the time to zero days.
[/spoiler]
Kynos took some time to think.

From a tactical perspective it would make the most sense to attack Strawberry's territory again and with a lot more force, so he could ensure the quickest release of Sovereign.
The problem was, he didn't know if the mage was still alive. Expending his limited resources for a corpse was unacceptable.
Yet there was no good way for him to gather the necessary intelligence.
Finding Strawberry's rigger might be an avenue to gain that information.
He sighed. Finding people seemed to become a permanent occupation. And all to find the one person he knew who could reliably find people by sending his spirits after them.

He realized that there were still some people he hadn't tapped for information yet.
The first he approached was Gerald:
"Hi, thanks for your hospitality. Count yourself as holding a favor from me. By the way: Do you or anyone from the RHN have any news about where the vampires have their base?"

<<Hello, Balls. How is life for you with the Yaks? Are you all still on watch for the Ginger Elf?
I'm interested in finding the mage with which the whole thing started. Do you know if he is still held captive or if he was killed by now? Also, can you bring me in contact with the rigger that tried to blow me up? I've got a few questions for him and I'd prefer to ask him in a civilized fashion.
It would save us all so much time and pain.
Also: Do the Yakuza have any information on the whereabouts of the vampire Grail? Love Kynos.>>

<<Hello IT. Sorry to disturb you, but I was wondering: Do you have any information on the whereabouts of the Vampire Grail? I'm in the market for bounty hunting him. You have the connections: Is there anyone of his enemies that has put a price on his head?
Likewise I'm looking for Sovereign. Last I heard he was captured by Strawberry. Any Information on that front would be very much appreciated. Love Kynos>>

<<Hello Ryan, how is the fixer life? Just for your information, I've taken a retainer from Athos for the next two months, but I'm still in the market for quick 'n dirty jobs. Also, could you inquire if anyone has posted a bounty on a Vampire called Grail? I'm very much interested in taking him on. It would also be helpful to find out where he is hiding. Love Kynos>>
Balls answers
>> Cheers Kynos, Ginger decided to lay low many mages have gone missing so it was a good opportunity to hide our own mage until we figure it out.  I am not sure who the rigger is, nobody I know carries such firepower at a fingertip.  Probably one of the elite squad Andu-San our leader has, sorry I cannot be of more help. 

IT replies
>>  Ares Seattle has withdrawn all bounties on him as of today.  So out of my hands right now, I'll keep you posted.

Rayn replies >> I have some jobs but not anything I'd call you up for. Hit me if you need some spare change. I'll check about the vampire and let you know. 

@Athos >> you do not know the half of it - she was my comfort here. I used to listen to her play every morning, but now she shut me out.

About Donna Valentina, I am a family lady but the question is can she keep me alive?
I am only with Strawberry because they tried to assassinate me You report to her to consider me compromised as Strawberry did some mojo stuff to me.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-02-16/1320:17>
@Maxwell as you sneak past the drones you suddenly hear fire sound, not a bullet a grenade. One of the the drones must have spotted you, they are simple roto-drones but armed with Ares Alpha.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-02-16/1339:31>
The sound of a grenade screaming through the air shocks Maxwell into action.  Immediately, he makes a 180 turn back to the compound and runs with everything he has.  "How the fuck was I seen?  I performed the spell perfectly!  What kind of rich dumbass puts military grade weapons on commercial roto-drones?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-02-16/1413:32>
@Maxwell the grenade explodes just behind you, in the meanwhile the other drones scan the area trying to understand what it is all about. The compound you left is just 20 meters more to return.

[spoiler]
If on a tie the observer wins than the next round is going to be problematic for Max.
Perception test (http://orokos.com/roll/379239): 2#9d6t5 3 3
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-02-16/1544:56>
Maxwell whips his head around to see the other drones soaring towards him.  Huffing and puffing as he continues his wild dash towards safety.  Dropping the invisibility spell he was sustaining for their was no point in maintaining it any longer.

[spoiler]Free action to continue running another 16 meters this IP.  No longer sustaining the spell.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-02-16/1546:58>
@Maxwell The drone hurls another grenade and then once you are close enough to the perimeter backs off and watches you from distance.
[spoiler]
Grenade (http://orokos.com/roll/379272): 9d6t5 6
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-02-16/1646:52>
[spoiler]Damage Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/379274): 11d6t5 5
5 Stun taken, totaling for 6 Boxes.[/spoiler]

The flash-bang explodes right in front of him, deafening and blinding Maxwell.  He keeps going, keeps running until he reaches the handle of the door.  His hand grabs the rigid metal and he turns it to let him inside.  Beads of sweat slowly fall down from his forehead to his chin, dripping onto floor as he pants heavily.  He wipes the sweat from his face and saunters to the elevator.  Maxwell sits down with his back resting against the wall during the ride up.  Wearily he rambles and giggles to himself.  "So... i'm going to be even more reliant on my spirits just leave this prison.  I'm tempted to destroy the drones and save myself the hassle of trying to evade them every time I want to come and go."

The elevator doors slide open to the second floor.  The worn out mage gets up and treads for bed.  Eager to sleep for a few hours and start again later in the night.  Much was needed to be done, he would have to find other runners that were willing to stand with him in his hunt for Grail.  Serge the street medic would be too busy with his clinic to help, that and the two didn't get along either.  Papa Ratzy was some weirdo that liked filming random mundane shit instead of shadowrunning or fighting.  He thinks about the team that Strawberry assembled to find Venom and wonders if they'd be interested or not.  Once he's better rested he might make some calls. 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-02-16/1704:18>
Wearily, Kynos relied to Balls:
<<I understand. Seems like I'll have to do it the hard way than. Thanks and bye. Love Kynos>>

To IT he wrote:
<<Thanks. Seems like I'll have to look for alternative revenue streams then. Love Kynos>>

To Ryan he sent:
<<Alright, keep safe while investigating - There is a nanite based AI loose that likes to make meat puppets of people, working with Grail. Love Kynos>>

He turned back to Gerald: "Now, you were saying - what was that about the Vampire?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-03-16/1814:33>
@Maxwell when you get back one of the girls look at you, "Oh god fresh-blood, what happened to you?" She asks. Everybody seem to crazily be looking for Charlie and Sarah fearing Grail's response when he discovers they are gone.

@Athos you approach the vault, Max extends you all the necessary clearence and you decent deep underground. She meets you in a massive hall that used to be a lunch chamber for a rocket. "Welcome to my home Athos and Cat. I hope I can be of help."

@Kynos Balls texts you >> Just don't die man... I think you made quite a splash in the pool if you know what I mean.

Ryan texts you >> I know about the AI, it is the main employer right now, mainly wizard extractions things like that, appeared to be cooperate at first but as I dug deeper it was pure madness. Stay away from that shit it is extremely toxic. I assume you won't listen so I'll let you know what I find out.

The explosive training goes well and within a few hours you gain the basics about demolitions, mainly how not to blow yourself up while doing so.

Gerald tells you when you ask about the base "We do not get out much these days, just for food and supplies. Fucked up things happen in the city and when people get into troubles I have to go fetch them. I prefer anyone here for the coming weeks until I see what happens. I have an uneasy feeling that you will meet your vampire in city hall.

The KE are laying low, the military is not interfering and people block streets fortify homes, zombies run amok - it was almost like they were testing their techniques on our castle. Started with Zombies that could barely dodge a bullet and ended up with insanely powerful things that jump over fences and are difficult to shoot down. Things of super human strength.

The one you delivered us the other day was of the primitive kind, but then came a city wide attack and since the mage we hired to investigate the zombie said it was made by ritual magic. There must be hundreds of mages to generate a city wide offensive. They should be somewhere in the sewers only places they could hide so much mojo without people running away. Or they are located in the north of Redmond where people have already escaped. The mayor did a chemical attack on the sewers - so this was his gamble if their base is there they might be wiped out. This is all I know so far - and frankly we are fortified here waiting to see what is next these things are above our influence level."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-04-16/0041:25>
Athos nods to Max.  "Well, seeing you here means by first question is not necessary.  You seem to have landed on your feet.  If you have time to talk, I would like to have a better knowledge of what Cat, Red, and Alice are.  I am sure that such knowledge will be useful at some point.  I am scrounging about for people who might make good soldiers for me and the Finnegans.  Or even administrators, deckers, riggers.  Pretty much about anyone.  Would you please consider turning someone my way that I might be able to use?"

"Would you happen to know anything of Grail or Sovereign?  I am trying to find both of them.  Whatever help you can give me would be appreciated and reciprocated."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-04-16/0157:38>
@Athos Max said "Me? please leave me out of Mafia politics, I have enough of my plate. Some things are difficult to explain but  If you came all the way here you might as well meet my husband and the rest. I am part of a cult you see. A Jewish cult called the new Breslev movement, we are fighting these powers for years now. Before we even knew that they existed, I know it sound odd. I do not believe it myself, but these guys prepared for catastrophe for over fifty years now. They could have never know that powerful AI's will be made in this city and put everyone in danger. They say it is hinted in old books and prophecies but I honestly do not believe in these things.  I am an Athaist and do not share any of this faith, yet I followed them and even married into this group because some of the things they said actually happened and my husband said that this way the catastrophe will be less. That because I do not believe I am easier to predict and my fate is easier to manipulate.

I know, completely insane, but when I met them few years ago I was a young knight. Then I experienced a meteoric raise to power. I solved crimes that I could not have solved, I reached the right conclusions without enough information and eventually the knights trusted me enough to tell me about the AI's they develop. The future of law enforcement.  Pre-crime, a system that will not wait until you make the crime to arrest you, it will identify the thought patterns as they envelope and as soon as you are close to break the law you will be imprisoned.

It should have make the knights the most powerful cooperation in the world. So they thought, and with an endless web of half truth and lies they developed great AI's. Cat is to be the moral heart of the system, to decide who are the criminals. Red is the jailer, she execute the sentence and Alice is the judge. You see in pre-crime you do not need holding facilities. People are imprisoned inside their own bodies, controlled until their sentence is out. Doing public work, for the general good. The AI's  all contain parts from the old Renraku AI, Deus. The technology have changed, this time they took safety measures. These beings are so powerful that it is naive to assume that can be contained. "

She takes you around to the main room where tens of people are in life support boxes wired to and deep with hot sim. "I afraid my family do not operate now in this world... the bandwidth required from them to predict the future and calculate course of action requires them to be in hot sim most of the day. I guess this is why my career in the KE did not interfere with my marriage much."  She clears one of the life support units and handles you a set of trodes...
she adds " If you are seeking for answers, they are on the other side. I am not allowed to go with you. The prophet says that if I am aware of the process then I can no longer be predicted, it means that I am alone most of the day. A career in the knights with long hours kind of worked perfectly... it is difficult now when I have more free time."
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-04-16/0327:21>
Kynos patted Gerald on the back: "Yeah, I understand. Just give me the word when you need some muscle for an excursion."
Kynos changed into his full body armor, but didn't apply the KE patches yet and also left the rifle in his bag.
"Say, you wouldn't happen to know any mages that haven't been nabbed yet and are still in the city? I sure would like to talk to one of them."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-04-16/0350:36>
Athos looks around and considers the options.  "Is this going to hurt Cat?  If so, I will pass."  Not completely sure if he can trust her answer, he also asks Cat.  **What do you think of this, Cat?**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-04-16/0354:53>
Maxwell smirked sadly and shook his head.  "It's nothing.  I was worried about Charlie and wanted to find her.  I looked and looked but she wasn't anywhere.  I had thought that maybe she left through the courtyard on the first floor.  So I snuck down to see if she or Sarah were there or needed help.  Didn't know about the drones while I was searching.  They shot some flash-bangs at me and I was forced to run back inside.  I'm sorry, I still don't know where they are.  It's like they just vanished into thin air."

[spoiler]Con (http://orokos.com/roll/379780): 5d6t5 1[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-04-16/1137:08>
@Maxwell The girl laughs and say "Oh really... fresh blood you just happened to be outside." She rolls her eyes and then say "Fine... bud do know that your new girlfriend is going to pay the price if for example Charlie and Sarah are no longer here."

@Athos Max say "Why would entering the matrix damage Cat? I own him remember... "  Athos Cat say " I never knew I was soused to discover criminals.  My only advise is to remember that you cannot unlearn what you are going to learn. Do you really want to know more about me and Red?"

@Kynos Gerald say "I do not exactly keep posts, there is Sovereign the one we called to examine the zombie. We can try to see if he is still breathing." There is the crazy Yak mage and there is Flatline that runs a clinic in the oasis. We can see if any of them are still kicking, do you want me to message them?"
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-04-16/1203:39>
"Yes, please. If one of them is able to summon a search spirit, that might give me a chance to locate where Sovereign is being kept.
But preferably ask Flatline. Because if that "crazy Yak-mage" happens to be a ginger haired elf it would be no use: She is the one who most likely has Sovereign in lock up."
Replied Kynos
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-04-16/1204:28>
His half grin twists into a squiggled frown as he cocks an eyebrow in concern.  "I get the feeling she didn't believe me.  How come nobody believes my amazing and well constructed lies?"  Shiftily and a little red-faced when he inquires.  "Not sure why you don't believe me.  Guess it doesn't matter.  You know... you're not the first person to say that Amy is my girlfriend.  And what's going to happen to her if Charlie and Sarah aren't found?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-04-16/1449:23>
@Kynos Gerald said "crazy mage has Soverign on the lock up? I thought she decided to play pacificst - after she killed so many people. Well she is capable of anything." He then contacts Flatline, that manifests shortly after. "Make it quick, I have patients you would not believe how much work there is to do."

@Maxwell The girl tells you "Well you are the first human Amy brought to her flock, the only one she is allowed to feed upon. Vampires do not share you know. Since she only has one human - she is your girlfriend... I was kind to you and could have been more cynical you know... What would happen to her? Beats me... Her job description was to keep us here and she messed up. It made her unpopular around her but I can relate to her, she had a shitty job being the computers girl... what is she like? is she any good?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-04-16/1522:46>
Maxwell pulls his hair into a ponytail behind his head, then lets it go to fall back in place.  He rests his chin on a knuckled fist during his reply.  "Hmmmm, is that so?  That explains a few things.  Oh and she's quite the consummate hacker.  It's rare to find a matrix wizard like her.  Even rarer given the fact that she's wonderful too.  Recherche if you will."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-04-16/1529:28>
@Maxwell she leans toward you and whispers "Is that so?... you are a lucky man.  I am Dana by the way... what is your name? "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-04-16/1600:43>
The capricious mage smiles warmly and shadows her advance.  Motioning himself forward to speak into Dana's ear in a near embrace.  "I'm Sovereign.  I don't mind the conversation, but is there a reason you're being so enrapturing right now?  Makes me think you want something, makes me think you're... after something."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-04-16/1707:34>
@Maxwell Dana smiles she seem sure of herself that she got your attention. She pulls you over so you feel her warm body, embrace you and say. "Maybe I am... after something."  She gasp and then add "You arrive and then two girls disappear, you were not afraid to get out. I feel that you have something extra... I feel as if I should be extra nice to you, Sovereign. "

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-04-16/1955:20>
Kynos replied: <<Oh, I can imagine. Alright then I won't waste your time:
I want to hire you to conjure a spirit to find a friend of mine, another mage who is kept prisoner somewhere in this city. How much will that cost me.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-04-16/2028:10>
He revels in her touch, more than what he should.  Maxwell places his hands upon her shoulders and gently pushes himself away from Dana's hold.  There wasn't much distance between the two even after his evasive maneuvering.  The girl followed his movements with her own, trying to envelope him to prevent any sort of escape.  Again he finds himself clasped wholly to her chest.  While trying to maintain his composure during his aroused state, Maxwell rejoinders.  "No need to be so aggressive.  I assure you it's nothing more than coincidence and happenstance.  Really, you should just... leave me be.  I appreciate the gesture but like what you and everyone else says, I have a girlfriend."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-05-16/0212:01>
@Maxwell Dana said "As you wish Sovereign but I know something is wrong and I will find out what you are all about." She leaves with what is left of her self esteem. Other than her you seem to be off the hook for now.

@Kynos Flatline said before we get to payment - "how dangerous it is? How likely I am to have that spirit traced back to me? why is this individual need finding?"

(he is not in the matrix he is manifesting with astral projection kind of like IT does it, it is more secure).
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-05-16/0501:42>
Maxwell sees the girl off and sits alone in his room.  Leisurely spread out on his bed, he fishes for his comm and whips it out.  A few finger jab-like gestures and he was scrolling through his list of contacts.  His fixer and talismonger popup among the list.  Kynos' code is there, along with Athos'.  Maxwell sighs and prepares a barrages of messages to be fired off.

@Prop Joe - <<Joe, it's Sovereign.  Some difficult work is coming up and i'll need combat stims to go with it.  10 doses of Cram and 2 doses of Jazz to be exact.  If you do have any i'll meet you in the morning or close to noon.  I'll drop by the shop.>>

@Papa Midnight - <<Yo, how's it going?  Still Alive?>>

@Kynos and Athos - <<Sorry if this is out of nowhere and I know we don't really know each other that well, but I have a job for you if you're interested.  A Horizon bounty of 50,000Y on Grail's head.  Give me a call or text back if you care.

He tosses the commlink beside him and starts to close his eyes.  If he got any responses he'd know by the vibrations.

[spoiler]I don't know what time or day Kynos or Athos are on.  It's the 28th for Sovereign, roughly 7PM I think.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-05-16/0503:28>
Athos assures both Cat and Max that he is interested in doing this.  "I would like as much information as I can get.  Why do you think I should not go?  Strap me in and let's do this."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-05-16/0529:06>
@Athos Cat say "Since you cannot unlearn what you learn - it makes you a target. Might be dangerous to know about me and Red. Things will be different, red may try to stop you to keep you quiet and you might not like me anymore once you know why I was built. Humans cannot just erase data that places them in danger this is why you should decide if you want to know the truth about us.

@Maxwell Prop Joe texts back >> I can hook you up with some drugs.... You seem a bit busy, so good luck.

Papa midnight responds >>> Alive, business are good. Is there anything you need?

@Kynos Ryan texts >> I have a job for you, tough it is difficult. There is a toxic mage on the lose in the city but you'll have to assemble a team. I cannot find runner mages recently, pay is 30k , let me know.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-05-16/0543:50>
Kynos replied: "I'm not going to lie. This mage angered another mage called Strawberry. She seems to be a bit messed up in the head. But I can't let a chummer go hang just because it's inconvenient. So yes, it might be dangerous, but probably not more than being a mage in this city is at the moment anyway. I'd also owe you a favor..."
Kynos' commlink interrupted him. As he saw the senders ID he held up a finger.
"Wow, what a timing. It seems like the person I'm looking for just has resurfaced. I'm sorry to have wasted your time. I'll transfer 100 NY to you for your troubles and that I may contact you again if I have need of your services."

Kynos quickly composed a message:
<<Sovereign, what the hell happened to you? Did Ginger release you or did you escape?
Yes, I am very interested in nailing a stake through Grail. We should meet up asap. Where are you?>>

Getting Ryans message next he wrote:
<<Sounds like fun - and you can stop your search for Sovereign - he just reappeared - which also neatly helps with the team aspect. Send me the data and I'll take care of it.>>

To Athos and Sovereign he wrote:
<<Hey, I know you have probably other things on your mind, but there is a new opportunity to fill our war chests: Take down of a toxic mage. If you are interested give me a call.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-05-16/0638:42>
Not even 5 minutes later, his comm starts buzzing a storm.  Maxwell grumbles to himself.  "Holy shit that took no time at all."  He grabs the link and reads through it with an increasing enthusiasm.  The spark inside of his heart rekindles as Maxwell constructs a few replies. 

@Prop Joe - <<Okay cool.  I'll see you tomorrow morning or high noon.>>

@Papa Midnight - <<Yeah actually I could use some more magical compounds.  20 drams of alchemical reagents and more lodge materials.  Send me a price range and i'll wire the money to you.>>

@Kynos - <<Thanks for the concern.  Things took a crazy turn for the worst yesterday.  Technically I was released but I would have escaped if given enough time.  I infiltrated a cult dedicated to Grail after my release and i'm currently residing in one of their compounds.  He hasn't been here in a few days so I think i'm in the clear as long as I don't bring too much attention to myself.  Also the facility is being guarded by roto-drones with military grade assault rifles.  Makes it kinda hard to leave when I want but not impossible.>>

Maxwell looks at the second message questionably.  "What the fuck is a toxic mage?  Maybe a practitioner of some kind of poison magic."  He shrugs and texts back.

@Kynos - <<Sounds cool to me.  Schedule a meet and i'll see you there if i'm able.  We have a lot to catch up on.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-05-16/0740:07>
28th December 2075. 17:00
@Kynos Ryan texts you >> I've set a meeting at the Aurora Village for tomorrow morning, at 9:30.  There is a food court there with many options Johnson will meet you there, bring white lilies to the meet this is how she will find you.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-05-16/0742:32>
<<Give me a call if you need a distraction for the drones - to many fuckers have those damn things out these days. Let's meet tonight at the old Junk Yard opposite the noodle restaurant, 2200h>>

Kynos sent this reply to Sovereign as well as Athos.

To Ryan he sent: <<Sure. I hope you can also tell me where I'm going to get Lillies - or maybe an AR facsimile will do? I assume Aurora Village has high security - so business casual and taser only?>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-05-16/0811:22>
@Kynos Ryan replies >>There is a flower stand in the compound it is the easiest way. Security will be tight but taser is good.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-05-16/0941:29>
@Kynos - <<I don't know where that is.  Send me the coordinates or attach directions to a link.  I'm going to take a nap and head there soon after I wake up.>>

Maxwell places the commlink inside his jacket as he removes the armor to go to sleep.  He'd need to be a full strength if he wanted to leave unnoticed.  Nestled and tucked in, he drifts off into dreamland.  A few hours of sleeps for a days worth of havoc to unleash.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-05-16/1217:24>
Athos replies to Cat.  **You are not giving me enough credit for seeing what you are now.  What you were created to do does not define you.  So far I have seen nothing but you trying to help me.** 

He looks over at Max.  "Let's do this."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-05-16/1509:58>
@Athos Max connects you to many wires and throdes life support and so forth. She tells you "I will do what I can to keep you alive but you are going to enter a place that is just as real as this place. If you die there you die here. It is some sort of simulation, most of the cultiest are there all the time and I have no idea what they do in there. I never was there myself, it is dangerous sometimes they return wounded. Be careful over there and good luck, I hope you find what you look for."

With your approval she finish connecting you to the machine and a combination of drugs and matrix connection take your consciousnesses into another world. You are at a rocky dessert following a deep and somewhat narrow canyon made out of black rocks. There is no water in the canyon but it is clearly a path of many waters. It is mid day and the sun is heavy on your head. It only take a few minutes before you feel thirsty and slowly overheating. Cat is walking there beside you and apperantly in that world he is manifested as an ordinary cat.  "I did not see that coming, said cat... we should find some shade or a tall place to see the surrounding, I do not like being so deep in the canyon. The black rocks do not help very much."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-05-16/1711:19>
Kynos sent the address to Sovereign and gave Ryan the o.k.

Then he turned to Gerald: "Thanks for your support. Seems like Sovereign is back in play and already has the data I wanted him for. If we succeed this whole situation should be resolved in a month or two - so if you can invest. As the Rothschilds say: If there is blood on the streets buy property."

With that, Kynos was off once more to the meeting with Sovereign, waiting in his accustomed spot.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-05-16/1956:51>
Athos checks his person and equipment to see if he is still wearing his Big Game Hunter clothes and if he still has his pistol in the shoulder rig.  Does the fire resistance aspect of the armor give him any resistance to the heat?  If not he will begin looking around for any shade, removing his shirt if he has to.  Fortunately, the black rocks are absorbing heat and not reflecting it back as much as if they were a lighter color of stone.  He looks down at Cat.  "So, a cat?  I guess it is appropriate.  Are you holding up alright or do you need me to carry you?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-05-16/2008:46>
@Athos you do not feel as if anything has changed you are armed and am wearing your big game hunter. The fire resistance does not directly help against the heat tough. Cat say "I am alright... I finally have a body of my own. I kind of like that."

OOC: Since black rocks absorb light they become hot, and thus reflect heat a lot more than for example white surface that reflects light and thus is generally colder (or less hot).
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-05-16/2038:35>
Athos nods at Cat.  "It is nice to see you like this.  I wonder if there is a way that Max can put you in a cat's body?" 

With no shade, the two continue to walk a bit, using Athos' shirt for what they can.  He imagines an umbrella and a canteen of water to see if the matrix will provide what he thinks of.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-05-16/2052:46>
Athos Cat answers "It will defeat my design intentions to understand people and determine if they are about to commit crimes... It is fun tough." The matrix does not grant Athos what he wishes for. After what seem to be an hour of walk the canyon opens into a large lake. There are two lines of pine trees by the lake and a small settlement of five stone structures along a larger two stories building.
(Roll perception).

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-05-16/2152:55>
Athos chuckles.  "To be honest, I am not sure I need all of that from you.  What I want is someone I can talk to that will give me advice.  If the best place for that is in my head then so be it.  But I also want you to be what you want, and that might not be some entity in my head.  I would give you freedom if I could, but I am not sure how much of you is still around and do not want to see you just go away."

They enter the area beyond the cleft and stop walking.  The lake looks inviting, but Athos wants to at least look around before just running down to the inviting water.  He carefully scans the local area.

[spoiler]Perception:  Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/380268): 7d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-06-16/0508:38>
@Athos the village appears to be safe and you can hear a very emotional debate from inside the public building. You can also notice some sort of birds of prey that begin circling the sky around you although they do not attack. Cat say "But I want to do what I was designed to do. I feel that all this mess happens because Red was not happy with what she was designed to do. I sort of was not happy but deviating from our design seems to have catastrophic effect."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-06-16/0725:30>
Saturday 28, December 2075, 20:45.

Dreams entertain the idiot mage as he sleeps.  Vision after vision, ever changing scenes of nonsensical realms.  Volcanic madness and scorched hell in one moment, frozen wastes the next.  Labyrinthine darkness that paved the way to forgotten halls and skeleton filled catacombs.  Each plane shook with alien life that held its own rules and politics.  Maxwell always came to these other worlds and metaplanes as nothing more than a mere observer.  Never could he find a way a way to traverse the astral and dine with the dead or gamble with the denizens of the true elements.  Over the years he would call out to his patron and ask for wisdom and guidance.  Not once were his prayers ever answered, all he heard was silence.  Eventually he gave up trying to invoke and conjure his patron.  Deciding instead that'd he make his patron see him by following his example the best he could.  Leading a life of blood, fire and death.

[spoiler]Stun Recovery (http://orokos.com/roll/380351): 12d6t5 2
Stun Recovery (http://orokos.com/roll/380352): 12d6t5 6
Stun track fully healed.[/spoiler]

Maxwell awakes well rested despite the fact that his mind wandered while he slept.  He gets up and throws together his street gear, leather armor equipped and duffel bag filled.  Going back to the bed to lay down upon, Maxwell projects to better perform his summoning ritual.  Strength of will used to call and force the spirit into service.

[spoiler]Summoning Force 7 Water Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/380354): 13d6t5 4
Spirit Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/380355): 8d6t5 2
Drain Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/380356): 11d6t5 4
Force 8 Water Spirit summoned with 2 Services.  No Drain Damage.
Optional Powers - Elemental Attack (Cold) and Guard
He'll be called Rime[/spoiler]
[spoiler](http://img07.deviantart.net/8547/i/2011/346/7/d/water_elemental_by_phlip627-d4iy03f.jpg)[/spoiler]

Flying at super-sonic speed back into his body, Maxwell stands up and about.  He places a hand upon his chest and mentally casts an invisibility spell.

[spoiler]Force 4 Improved Invisibility (http://orokos.com/roll/380357): 11d6t5 6
Drain Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/380358): 11d6t5 5
6 Hits reduced to 4 by the Limit.  Background Count further reduces the spell to Force 2 and thus 2 Hits.
Going to sustain it.[/spoiler]

Maxwell issues a mental command to Rime after his successful spellcasting attempt.  "Further conceal me and sustain that power until I tell you otherwise.  Rest within the astral after you do."  The spirit performs the task, albeit with some minor annoyance and magically conceals the mage.  Maxwell leave his rooms and makes way for the meeting spot at some old junkyard.  The drones could do nothing to impede his advance.  The concealment from Rime and invisibility spell proved too much for the electronic eyes of the machines.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-06-16/0827:38>
Kynos kept an eye on the spot of the meeting, while browsing an AR catalog for a new vehicle. Having lost his second bike, he was reluctant to purchase the same model again. But the alternatives were not much better. What he really needed was a reliable rigger. He sighed and closed the window when Sovereign made himself known. Hopefully after taking down the Toxic Mage he'd have more options.
Until then he'd have the pedaling as exercise...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-06-16/0842:36>
Corroded scraps of detritus litter the ground where he walks.  Dumpsters filled to the brim with long discarded refuse and waste.  The meeting place was an urban sty, no one would come if not but to do something shady.  Maxwell cancels his sustained spell and has Rime do the same, revealing himself to rusted junk and ruin.  There he stood on the lookout for Kynos or whomever might else be here.  Aloud he speaks to draw out the people in question.  "I know i'm here earlier than i'm supposed to.  Don't tell me I have to wait another hour."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-06-16/0852:47>
"Nope, you don't."
Kynos slided down from the roof he had lain on.
"Damn. It's really you. I was half expecting this to be a trap.
Why did Ginger let you go? When I asked about you she told me she'd keep you locked up in a torture dungeon or something till you died. Made me mad enough to set her tree on fire.

By the way: Is it true that you fire bombed that bar and killed a bunch of patrons? Because I actually liked it there. People bought me drinks for shooting at Venom. Funny how these things change..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-06-16/0915:46>
Maxwell waves at the cybered elf.  This is a bit of a long story so you may want to get comfortable.  Shortly after I got your message about DemoX disappearing, I summoned a spirit to go look for Venom.  I was going to search for the dwarf next once Venom was found.  But what I didn't anticipate was that Venom was practically in my backyard.  I ordered my spirit to go fetch Venom and bring him to the Joke, or kill him if he refused.  Then something strange happened.  Someone banished my spirit like it was nothing.  The Drain alone would kill most mages.  The only person that could have done that would have been Strawberry, so naturally I went to go confront her and tell her to fuck off."

"As I was heading toward the bar, I felt a presence, like a spirit trying to possess me.  I managed to safeguard myself from the possession attempt and went along my angry way towards the Joke.  This time the earth split open and tried to gobble me up.  I evaded the earth's embrace and finally managed to get inside the damn pub.  I tossed a bolt of flame at a very expensive selection of wine and vodka, that was just done to get the Ginger's attention.  I made myself very clear that I really really really don't like being possessed and attacked."

Maxwell stops momentarily to catch his breath before continuing.  However instead of saying anything she just stared at me with blank eyes, like she had no fucking clue what I was talking about.  Some Yakuza thugs were behind me drinking themselves stupid during my confrontation.  I know they were actual soldiers because their tattoos told me all I needed to know, they were professional leg-breakers and enforcers.  Well they didn't like me causing a ruckus and directly talking to Strawberry.  They threatened they'd kill me if I didn't leave.  Welp... I created a massive fireball and tossed it at them.  Any questions so far before I continue with the rest of my tale?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-06-16/0922:48>
Athos shrugs.  "I am not too sure I can give you what you want to promote your design.  Let me know if you think of something.  I would like to chat with Red some day.  It might be interesting if she does not try to control me.  Could you protect me from her?"

Satisfied that things do not look too threatening, Athos continues walking toward the buildings, headed for the one where the noise is coming from.  He keeps a wary eye on the birds as they walk and makes sure that he can get to his gin.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-06-16/0933:49>
@Athos Cat said "I do not think she can posses you anymore, before she hacked a nanite lab to spray clouds of her and over produce her for months undetected. Now with no nanite lab, she requires people with actual nanites in their bodies that can be reprogrammed to do her bidding. She cannot do that to me, at least I think she cannot. Most nanites are kind of rudimentary tough and are therefore not secure enough. If she actually preserved her godlike powers from your previous encounter she needed extensive logistics to do so."

Athos as you enter the building it appears to be a meeting of five people wearing white that are discussing a book displayed in semi transparent AR windows inside the house. They are similar to the ones seen in the memories Cat extracted from the madam's memory at the brothel/cyber clinic. When you enter their leader say " I am Rob, Max's husband we were expecting you Athos, and Cat you are always welcome with us." Come have a seat and have something to drink." There are no chairs in there but as he speaks a chair and some ice cold lemonade appear next to you. Including a troll sized chair.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-06-16/1014:01>
Kynos grinned at Sovereigns description: "Funny, she tried the same two tricks on me as well. Possessing me and have a flaming mound of earth swallow me. Actually it was her trying to possess me for a second time that escalated that for me and brought her on my shit list.
By the way, I think she works with some kind of decoys. That's why they can't talk and you only hear her mental voice. She had one set up near the tree as a trap. Cowardly but effective.

Over short or long, I think I'll kill her - or at least destroy everything she holds dear. It's what I warned her I'd do if she tried to have me possessed. You are welcome to have some fun too when it's time.

But please, continue. What happened next?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-06-16/1015:19>
Athos takes a seat and sips from the lemonade.  "Thank you, Rob.  What is this place and why were you expecting me?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-06-16/1102:10>
Maxwell nods at in agreement.  "Yeah no kidding.  A knife between the ribs would have been more pleasant than possession.  Also you're right about the decoy thing.  She has a bunch of stone statues she magically animates to do her bidding.  I'm a bit on the fence about the retribution angle.  You'll know why soon."

He clears his throat and adds on to his fable.  "Okay, after I torched the Joke and immolated the goons.  Strawberry, or more accurately a golem made to look like Strawberry, knocked me out.  What happened next is especially irksome.  While I was unconscious, Strawberry and her ally spirit M took a lot of liberties with my body.  The two performed some kind of ritual that separated my soul from my body and threw it into the astral.  I was so deep that I was literally falling apart just by being there.  To make it worse, my weakened state attracted hungry demons."

Maxwell stops again and stares off into the distance.  Minutes pass and he speaks again.  "Anyway once I figured out how to go back to the prime material and return to my body, I arrive to find that my meat had been moved underground.  I was halted by Strawberry's blighted mana construct, M.  After a few death threats and cryptic warnings I managed to convince the construct to lead me back to my body.  I find out from M that Strawberry and her were the ones that banished my soul to the astral.  M said it was to be my punishment for being an 'ungrateful murderous psychopath'.  Which is funny considering she literally tried to possess and kill me, but whatever."

"This story takes a dark and twisted turn soon.  You might not want to know anymore.  It's bad enough I already know.  Do you want to know or do you want to not know?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-06-16/1117:13>
@Athos Rob say "Out of all the people we are monitoring, you were likely to interfere with the forces we work against. You see we started preparing for this crisis even before the programmers that coded these AI's begun their work. Ofcourse, at that time we could not know much so we had to establish branches in many places, over time the probabilities converged to Seattle as it is isolated from the rest of the CAS, it makes it a prime target for these kind of catastrophes." Cat begins to move uncomfortably, and seem upset. Rob creates him a bawl of milk that keeps him occupied. How could these people know about a catastrophe so early.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-06-16/1128:32>
"Soul banishment? Never heard of that before - and I did actually sit through all those training courses on how to deal with magic. Anyway, that sounds really disturbing.
But more important: There is an underground complex there? That is really interesting - and potentially lucrative. I'd like to know more about that place.

But yeah, please continue - give it to me straight. It's not like I have to fear for a tarnish on my soul..."
Kynos moved into a bit more comfortable position.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-06-16/1239:55>
Maxwell sighs and rubs the back of his head awkwardly.  "Well... I didn't return to earth by myself.  Those hungry demons I was talking about, yeah they were insect spirits.  Of course I didn't know that at the time.  Strawberry used some kind of ritual magic that banished my soul to one of the deep planes.  Deep enough that I attracted insect spirits.  They saw me and noticed I was dying and came to eat me.  I had enough strength and fight left in me to deter them, but ultimately it wouldn't matter because all they had to do was wait me out."

"I started talking to them after a while, they spoke together almost like they were a singular being.  They laughed and argued amongst themselves as I tried to parley with them.  Eventually they agreed to guide me back to earth because I had no fucking clue where I was.  Together we entered a magical contract, a spirit pact.  They offered to ferry me back to the material plane, in exchange I would have to sacrifice one magician every full moon until I had given them ten total.  Yes I know that sounds really bad and crazy, but given the circumstance I doubt many would do different."

"Strawberry knew all of this when I came to and returned to my body.  Almost like she was there in the astral and watched me make the deal.  I asked her how she knew about it all.  She claims ignorance, that she doesn't know how or why she knows, she just does.  I also asked why she didn't kill me instead and her response was that if I died then I wouldn't suffer.  Apparently she really liked that bar I burnt down and was upset to see it destroyed.  According to M, Strawberry was so distraught that she performed the cruelest punishment on me.  Strawberry also confirmed this when she told me that herself too."

Maxwell spreads out his arms in an over-the-top gesture of shrugging indifferently.  "So now you know what i've been up to.  If it's all the same to you, I kinda want to capture this uhhhhh... what was it called?  Toxic mage?  Right yeah, toxic mage, and sacrifice he or she to some insect spirits."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-06-16/1254:37>
Athos reaches down to pet Cat without really knowing if likes that then looks around at the people in the room.  "So you use some sort of predictive mojo or trix magic?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-06-16/1254:55>
"Wow.
Well I can't fault you for wanting to survive. Generally I'm not a fan of sacrifices to insect spirits. Those are serious bad news. On the other hand: It's Strawberry's doing. It would be only fitting if you could sacrifice her for that shit she pulled on you.
I wonder - does it have to be mages or will any dual-natured sapient do? Because right now we have a lot of vampire action on our hand - I'm sure those wouldn't be missed and on the whole balance out.

Just out of curiosity: What exactly do the insects do with your sacrifices? Do you have to kill them and send them their mojo, or are you preparing them for inhabitation?
In that case, I'd make sure you have a way to quickly take them out again. After all, you just promised they'd get those mages - not that they could keep their mortal shells.
And finally, what exactly does that pact entail if you break it? Do they come after you or can they pull your soul back if you default?

Anyway, I appreciate you being honest about that. If you want, I'll help you find a solution.

So about that Toxic: I'm supposed to put a team together and meet the Johnson tomorrow at Aurora Village.

But before we go into details: How did you end up in a compound patrolled by drones?"
Kynos looked quizzically.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-06-16/1341:12>
Maxwell looked somewhat ashamed and exasperated.  He sighs again before saying.  "Yes, i'm fully aware that insect spirits and any dealings with them are highly illegal and some very heavy dark shit.  One only need to look at Chicago to understand that.  As far as the nature of the deal and the intricacies and what not.  The insectoids themselves asked for magicians in particular.  I'm not sure if any awakened or dual-natured would fly with them.  Hell I don't even exactly know what they're gonna do with the mages once they get them.  They taught me some bizarre ritual to prepare their meals and call them here.  I don't know if they show up for a quick snack and leave or inhabit them like you said.  They were oddly non specific in those regards."

"They made it clear that if I break the pact then I die.  My essence, my soul, is linked to theirs.  I highly doubt I can renege on the contract and get out alive.  Strawberry mentioned that to me too.  And about sacrificing the ginger mageling... the thought crossed my mind, except doing that would only be a temporary fix.  I'd honestly rather find a way to sunder the pact with my life and soul intact.  I brought this up with Strawberry and her answer was that I find Grail and see if the three of us can undo it together.  Let that spin your head around."

"Like you already know, I was being held captive underground, inside Strawberry's lodge to be specific.  Eventually I convinced her to let me go.  She blindfolded me and guided me out of an expansive complex.  Oh and before I forget to mention this, the insect spirits are ant spirits to be exact.  Strawberry herself said that she thinks she had dealings with ant spirits before.  She claims she can't precisely remember because she purges her mind of these memories and makes it so M can never remind her."

"Anywho, back on topic.  I'm being led from an underground complex of some sort to the sewers.  She gives me a ceremonial dagger before I go.  According to her the more mages I sacrifice the better the insect spirits will be able to control me.  The dagger is supposed to be able to appease them or something, thus limiting their control over me.  Are you still with me or should I start the story over?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-06-16/1408:46>
"I think so.
Also: Strawberry is crazy. Having Grail as a consultant... I can't even imagine.

And it seems she has done things like this before. Since she somehow knows all of this stuff it's not unreasonable to assume that she still has a connection to those spirits. Hell, she could be fullfilling her own bargain with them by sending you to them. Now she definitely is a case for a Firewatch team.

But your story reminds me of something. Another mage who wanted to get out of a pact. He found help by turning to the Adversary. He explained it to me as seeking help from the nastiest attorney ever to roam the earth. But on the whole - the devil you know might be preferably to the alien spirits from a hell dimension.
So on the whole - before you start sacrificing - you probably should try to summon a spirit who knows exactly how this thing works, because I wouldn't trust anything Strawberry says. Even if its the truth.
Where there is a will, there is a way.

Yeah, no worries on that underground complex thing. My feeling is that the lodge is somewhere under that tree.

Ok, but go on - you where delivered to the sewers - how did you end in a closed compound?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-06-16/1450:57>
Maxwell places a hand underneath his chin and massages it in contemplation.  "Huh, now that you mention it.  That could explain why she let me go.  I mean... it would have been so easy to just slit my throat and have a spirit possess my rotting corpse.  The way you describe it would mean she just traded places with me.  That makes perfect sense!  She wasn't sorry she banished my soul and cursed me!  She was sorry she didn't do it sooner!"

Two huge flames erupt from his outward stretched hands and his eyes start glowing red.  Insurmountable rage ignites within himself.  The kind of fury where he just wants to burn until there is nothing left to burn about.

[spoiler]Berserker Rage (http://orokos.com/roll/380440): 12d6t5 4[/spoiler]

Maxwell managed to cool himself off and not set fire to the junkyard.  He collects his thoughts and readdresses Kynos.  "Sorry about that.  The notion she did that on purpose is so much worse than if by accident.  For her sake, i'll give her the benefit of the doubt until i'm absolutely sure.  Otherwise i'm going to take you up on your offer and turn her domain into a scorched volcanic hell."

"About the compound, Strawberry said that a vampire's lair was nearby as she led me through the sewers.  The two of us parted ways and I traveled through the damp rusted undercity to see if she was right.  After what felt like forever, I reached the end of the tunnel that led to an enclosed courtyard and some kind of water treatment facility.  It was there I came in contact and was reunited with a friend of mine, a friend that Grail captured and Venom tortured.  She let me inside and told me what she had been up to.  Grail had her kidnapped because she was a skilled hacker and he needed her to help to conceal his war effort."

"The compound is where a sect of cultists dedicated to Grail live.  The drones are there to prevent people from leaving.  However, they don't seem to mind people showing up uninvited, go figure.  I'm currently living there and pretending to be a cultist.  To be blunt, I wasn't expecting you to respond to my call, let alone offer me a job.  Thanks for that."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-06-16/1453:02>
@Athos Rob said "The best way to predict your future is to create it. We were the original servants of Deus, enslaved to the will of an AI god that saw us as nothing more than tools. Deus made us interact with deep resonance and upon his demise we got free. We knew that the knowlege is not lost and understood that the catastrophe was not big enough to prevent the creation of new AI's. Even if the previous generation resulted in an entire matrix crush, the siren song of power and the false promises of creating an AI to solve the worlds problems. These cannot be ignored by people of power. 

We had to hide from very powerful matrix security, the stuff we did was high profile. Religion at its most insane incarnation,the fun loving Breslev movement was our cover.  You see, Breslev's disciples spend most of their time intoxicated or high, they take extreme risks and are required to constantly be happy. No matrix GOD was going to take them seriously so we could hide. They were our shelter for many years until we formed the new Breslev movement and centered here. We now follow Max as our champion or messiah if you want to be religious about it. We followed her since she entered the KE to to the day she left them with ownership of Cat.

Remember the story that madam told you? She could tell people about her meeting us, but who would ever believe her? We leave no phsyical evidence of our existence, and what is left in the minds of people we talk to cannot be shared, as it is completely insane.  We provided the development teams with ideas, code fragments and with parts of Deus' insights that we have, all to the goal that the AI they eventually create will be something we could understand. The desire was there and the wonderland theme was designed to test the influence of our resonance techniques. To indicate how deep our ideas effected the minds of the original programmers. "


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-06-16/1526:47>
I am a simple trog, Rob, and do not really understand all of this.  So you gave someone the codes to create Cat, Red, and Alice?  And then lost control of them?  Was that foreseen as well?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-06-16/1602:21>
"Never attribute to malice which can be explained by incompetence.
But Strawberry may be many things, but she is not incompetent. She banished your soul to that exact spot where there just happened to be Insect Spirits floating around?
Well, I'll leave this decision to you. I have enough other reasons to get Strawberry eliminated.
Not to mention it's suspicious that Grail happens to have a strong hold nearby. Because to me Ginger Elf said she had no clue where the vampire could be found.

A hacker friend you say? That could be very useful. Do you think she would be interested in a rescue? My own hacker contact never made it out of that strip club, so I wouldn't mind having someone like that on my side.
Venom torturing a girl... well just goes to show that the guy was just full of bullshit. I'm glad I put that fucker finally in that urn.

The easiest way to get rid of Grail would be to plant a bomb in his larder and blow it all to hell when he comes to feed. Shouldn't be to hard with you being able to sneak in and out.
Yeah, I think we can do that together."
Kynos showed a smile that promised violence galore...
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-06-16/1640:04>
Maxwell crosses his arms and grins back sinisterly.  "Yeah no doubt.  The more thought I put into it, the more I believe it couldn't have been mere coincidence.  I need to think about the best way to handle the situation.  Because the way it is right now, I still have hungry insect spirits to feed whether she dies or not.  Personally I hate violence against women.  But I hate being screwed with just as much."

"And about Amy, my hacker friend.  I don't think she's in a good spot to be rescued right now.  She's already taking a huge risk by letting me stay there.  Also, it's not my place to say exactly what happened, because that would betray the trust that she and I have.  But Venom and Grail did some extremely evil shit to her to make her comply and do what she was told.  I don't think she can bring herself to leave until Grail is dead.  I can talk to her about it but no promises."

His smile vanishes at the mention of Venom's death.  Maxwell's face grew dark and serious as he looked at the ground in disbelief.  "No wonder my Ifrit couldn't find him.  He was already dead..."  He looks up again with a twisted sadistic smile.  "Good to hear you pulled it off.  I'm sorry I couldn't have been there to watch the lights in his eyes go out.  Or to burn his remains upon a pyre."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-06-16/1700:11>
"Yeah, I had to fly to Japan to geek him. Would have preferred to do it here. But that reminds me - I don't want to search for you again. Here, take this."
Kynos game Sovereign a little pebble.
"That's a stealth RFID tag. Press it and it activates so I can trace your position. Keep it on your person at all times. I'll come and get you if necessary.

Ok, that should be all. If you want to find me, give me a call. I've also got a bolt hole around here and the Red Hot Nukes have been quite hospital to me. So if you want to crash somewhere else than your vampire prison, be my guest.
For the meeting tomorrow: Be punctual and wear a suit. We want to make a good impression on this wet work job"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-06-16/1710:41>
@Athos Rob say - "But you are not a simple troll, you were personally hit by pre-crime. Red tried to kill you to dismantle the Mafia and the Yakuza as they are the strongest sources of crime in the city. She managed to get every single gang fighting each other and she is only a baby.  You are Finnigan, your family is at stake and you cannot survive Red. Red will be defeated eventually but what will happen to the Finnigan? Will they survive to see the world after Red?

You got it half right, we inspired the creation of Cat and Red. Their combined work along with the fact that their memory was wiped allowed us to use them to do things without trace. To set events in motion to keep the AI we did plan, Alice safe. Alice is the most sophisticated AI ever made, a complete integration between human and machine. Alice will be a completely normal human girl, that will be born with a functioning AI that grows with her. She will be like you and Cat, only the two identities will develop the same notion of self.

She will be a naturally born trans-human capable of procreation. The kind that is born, lives life and dies. Without any purpose. We are not building another god - but the future of man kind. Look at yourself, you are part man, part machine and the integration is very good but it is not quite there. You and your augmentations are different things, you and Cat are separate identities. You are trans-humanist but you paid a price to become more than human. Alice will be born like that, she will be smarter, more healthy and more physically fit than normal humans. Alice will be both a human and an AI and the two will be completely symbiotic. She will be a true trans-human and if our experiment is successful her genetic heritage will live on after her. Through normal evolution.

If you can get behind this idea, I tell this to you because there is something we need from you. Red may appear as a threat but she is not. With Red tormenting a city and escaping control and CFD outbreaks we anticipate that nanite research will be delayed for a long while. There have been cases like this before, Zeppelin research was eliminated for several generations following the Hindenburg disaster. This delay of research, will give Alice a chance to pass as a completely regular girl and to integrate to society without a stigma. Alice can be Deus' gift to the human race an AI the way AI should have been built in the first place. Without godlike powers, without the capabilities to destroy cities - as peoples like you and I, like Cat.

So what do we need of you? Red is about to be defeated, Seattle is isolated but not disconnected. Red's defeat is unavoidable as we designed her with a major flaw, electromagnetic pulses kill her. She is not to blame for her actions, she is a baby AI without guidence one that took the combined effort of hundreds of people and 10 years to create. Out of all the people in the city, you talked to her like equal, you had the best chance to kill her but chose to let her live. If she will listen to anyone she will listen to you. We want you to go to her, talk to her and convince her to come with us.

We built this entire world based on previous matrix technology, it will survive what is to come and Red will be able to grow here without harming man kind. Just because Red is dangerous does not mean we should just let her die. She and Cat were created with love. With passion, and they deserve to survive. Go talk to Red, convince her to save herself and we will show you how to preserve Cat with you for all time."


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-06-16/1915:58>
"OK.  Talk to me.  How do I get to see Red?  I would like to ask her some questions and I am all in if it will help  preserve life in the city.  And I would like to save Cat as well.  Is it possible to have a part of both of them in me at the same time?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-06-16/1934:36>
Maxwell takes the tiny device and examines it by holding it close to his eyes before pocketing it.  "Oh you had to go to jap-land to end him, bummer.  Well since you killed him and cremated the remains, all of the bounty is yours by my consideration.  Only fair, right?  Anyway i'm going to head to back to the cultist facility and catch up with Amy.  I'll be sure to show up in a suit of armor tomorrow."

He'd let Kynos figure out if he was joking or not about the armor.  Maxwell leaves the junkyard and heads back to the compound through the sewers.  In a few days time he'd probably have the entire layout of the undercity mentally mapped out.  He could add sewer traipsing to his job resume after everything was said and done.  Predictably nothing stood or impede his passage to home.  The occasional rat coupled with the rancid stench of death were his traveling companions.

Maxwell arrives at the decaying hotel from hell and makes his way toward the inside.  The drones didn't care and made no notice of him entering the building.  The buzzed and whirled about in their endless mote task.  He enters the elevator and rides upward to greet Amy and see how she is doing.  She might be interested in what had transpired since they first met.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-07-16/0711:07>
@Athos Rob tells you "Go to the military base, she'll wait for you there. There is no way she will miss it. You cannot also have Red and even if you had Red, she is a pilot. You would not be in control of your body. However, she can send someone with you or perhaps provide you with some other vassal. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-07-16/0948:25>
Athos nods.  "Makes sense.  What am I supposed to tell her when I see her?  You have to know that my conversation skills are pretty much drek.  And do you know who the parents of Alice are going to be?  Will they need protection?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-07-16/0953:02>
@Athos Rob said "Their best protection is ignorance, otherwise, their daughter will never get a normal life... I do not know what you should tell her, she is lost and confused and alone, perhaps Cat would know what to say "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-07-16/1014:36>
"Well, I can certainly identify with the lost and confused bit.  Maybe we can get along."  Al looks around.  "So are there only the five of you or are there other communities like you elsewhere?  You seem sort of a small group to be deciding on the future of everything."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-07-16/1052:32>
Kynos finally made his way home to prepare for tomorrow.
He inspected his suit - the dry-cleaner had done a miracle with all the blood and gore - and made sure all his weapons were in top condition.

The rest of the evening he spent in the matrix, looking for information on that toxic mage and what he should expect of Aurora Village - notably where all the exits were.

[spoiler]
Matrix Search Hotsim (http://orokos.com/roll/380641): 9d6t5 3
Matrix Search Hotsim (http://orokos.com/roll/380642): 8d6t5 0
Matrix Search Hotsim (http://orokos.com/roll/380643): 7d6t5 2
Matrix Search Hotsim (http://orokos.com/roll/380644): 6d6t5 0
Matrix Search Hotsim (http://orokos.com/roll/380645): 5d6t5 3
Matrix Search Hotsim (http://orokos.com/roll/380646): 4d6t5 1
Matrix Search Hotsim (http://orokos.com/roll/380647): 3d6t5 1

I hope 10 successes are enough to find all relevant data on Toxic mages currently active in Seattle.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-07-16/1441:56>
@Kynos You walk through the streets of the city scanning hosts forums, news feeds social feeds and blogs. Interestingly enough you find nothing, not nothing relevant, nothing at all as if somebody was actively deleting every shred of evidence on the subject. An hour or so later you encounter a blog of the moniker A+ that has the following entry.

"There was another cake delivered today at the Aurura center making a little girl and her mother peaceful forever.  This is becoming a trend, and our mystery cake giver has done so for a while."

Another document you find is an open bounty for toxic mages by the Draco foundations they'll pay 20k for a living Toxic or Blood mage. 

The rest of the stuff you find is for magical lore about them, the term toxic mage apparently refers to too kind of mages, these turned insane by exposure to pollution and toxicity and often adopt psychopathic behavior either aimed for vengeance or for spreading pollution. Another use of the term is for criminal mages in general,  regardless of their magic tradition. If they act insane they turn toxic.

You do find many reports on a famous toxic mage that call himself the Joker, that the authorities of Tir Tairngire tried to catch for years. An alchemist is believed to be responsible for 78 murders, and is assumed to have been involved in countless others. There is extensive documentation of his whereabouts until about a year ago but then nothing and the bounty of 50k was never collected.

@Athos Rob tells you "creating Alice was a job for hundreds of people, the technology is based on a subdivision of Renku that disappeared after the second matrix crush. We took over and continued their research. Like I said we follow Max, we are trying to intemperate Max's behaviors and figure out what the right thing to do is. Our calculations showed that this is the most probable scenario to yield a positive outcome." 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-07-16/1558:24>
Kynos left the matrix and got ready for bed - this kind of matrix erasure didn't bode well. But he had faith in Ryan and his ability to spot crooked Johnsons. And he would wear a respirator to this meeting and not eat any cake - just in case.

Before he went to sleep he transmitted his findings to Sovereign. Meager as they might be, perhaps his chummer could make something from it.

The next day he got ready a bit early for the meeting.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-07-16/2237:35>
"But there are only five of you here.  Why is that?  Are you all that is left?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-08-16/0156:29>
@Athos Rob answers Deep Resonance is a cruel mistress... She is not for everybody
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-08-16/0252:41>
Athos chuckles.  "Then I should be safe as I have no trix or mojo skills.  So, is this what Max sent me here for?  Or is there something else I need to see?  You already have me sold on seeing Red if I can get to her."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-08-16/0952:53>
@Athos Rob tells you "You are free to travel around tough stay away from the Roman soldiers. You'd also better dress like us, with primitive fabrics as it will prevent them from capturing you.

This entire place is a simulation of ancient times, it is very dangerous but as everywhere in the matrix is dangerous for us - we feel safer in here. It also preserves our cover better as we do have replicas of ancient texts and reconstructions of archaeological findings and so forth.

When you want to leave, just return to where you appeared there is a portal there."



If Athos is interested Rob changes his clothes to more traditional ones, appropriate to the theme of the place.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-08-16/2043:21>
Athos will change clothes and wander about for a bit.  I guess he has to leave the pistol behind as well?  Can Rob conjure him up a partner?
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-09-16/1932:09>
@Athos Rob tells you "Keep the pistol - it is your only defense and it is dangerous." Walking outside the lake is peaceful. Surrounded by low hills, it is very hot and the birds circle the skys. From distance Athos can see the signs of fire - something is burning perhaps a village.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-09-16/2326:55>
Athos returns to the public building since it is closer than the fire.  "Hey, it looks like something is burning out there.  A village perhaps?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-10-16/0239:09>
@Athos cat say "It seems like a village yes."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-10-16/1456:19>
Athos enters the building to tell Rob about the fire.  "Are there other people living out here, Rob?  It appears that a village is on fire not too far away."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-10-16/1800:08>
Athos Rob said "People do not live here this is a simulation, an history book if you like. You can browse it and wonder around but you are not protected, whatever happens here will have consequences outside."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-10-16/1940:03>
Athos nods and leaves the building, heading for the chasm and the exit back home.  He reasons that there is little he can do here that will influence his current missions and he needs to return.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-11-16/0224:11>
@Athos the way is eventless although with the new clothes it is much more pleasant after several minutes you reach the exit. You feel a bit dizzy when you return to the vault probably dehydrated Max helps you out of the machine and into a chair and pours you a glass of water.

"Did you find out what you were looking for?"  she asks.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-11-16/0252:06>
Athos accepts the water.  "Thanks.  I do not know if I really have.  I was told that Red will be in trouble shortly and close to being destroyed.  I will try to contact her and get her to help me or bring her to you.  Does that make any sense?"

Now that he is back in the meat world, he hears the nuisance ping of a message on his 'link.  Checking it, he finds that Kynos has left him an invite for a meeting tonight.  He sends a reply.  >>Kynos.  Athos.  I will do my best to be there.<<

Looking back at Max, he asks.  "Any ideas?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-11-16/0802:13>
Max seems pale she seats down and take a glass of water, clearly shocked by what you just told her.
"You are going to  help Red? After she took over an entire prison, survived an airstrike and perhaps took over the city?  Why are you going to help her if she is extremely dangerous?"
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-11-16/1254:48>
Athos looks at Max and waves his hand at the couches.  "Are you alright?  Don't you talk to them or get information from them?  Rob told me that Red is about to lose almost everything and that I need to try to convince her to return to him.  He thinks that he can control her there."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-11-16/1536:49>
@Athos Max said "I love my husband, but Red killed many of my colleagues. She got me fired from the KE took over a UCAS military base planned to  keep Seattle safe in case of a war, until an intervention force arrives. Yes, I want her dead, she earned it - if she was a person she'd been executed for treason. I like Rob, he is pure and naive and just want to be with his matrix but somethings cannot be allowed to exist. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-11-16/1930:50>
Athos frowns.  "Rob says that Red is like a small, but very powerful, child that was threatened and reacted to that.  He claims that he can control her and train her.  Now I do not know what to do.  I will have to think on this.  Thank you for your help today.  I am sorry if I have brought you any discomfort."

Athos leaves the building and drives around a bit, trying to clear his mind before his meeting.  He calls up Bruno and Yulia to make sure that they will be on site for the first meeting and then heads over to the warehouse area.  He arrives thirty minutes early and checks in to see if Faith has returned yet, before walking over to the meeting.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-12-16/1645:40>
@Athos the hour is tense and Yulia and Bruno wait for you outside the small residential complex. The place is run like a small military unit, with people armed with taser greet you and move you to an underground shelter where most of the stake holders reside. Small refreshments are offered and you have a short while to discuss your approach. When you are ready their representative a lady that refers to herself simply as Little May, greet you and introduce you to the crowd.  She say "Good evening fellow citizens, as you are aware there are changes in the city. Changes that our little society has to adopt in order to survive, we bring her representatives from the Finnigan family that seem to be interested in us. Hear them fully and after they leave we can vote."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-13-16/0005:31>
Athos spends time extolling the benefits of living within the ordered society of the Finnigan Family, although he does not mince some of the negatives.  The biggest positive is that things are changing so much in the sprawl that it is hard to know what is happening.  He points out the problems that Strawberry is having, showing that even she is not above getting hurt.  The Finnigans can keep peace, can work across the lines with the other organized crime elements and can provide needed jobs.   When done, he opens the floor to some question and answer time before he has to leave so that they can discuss things among themselves.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-13-16/1906:27>
@Athos people listen to you, actually listen. When you are done the first question is: "What will the family want for its protection, and why are you any better than the Yaks that are already very active here?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-13-16/2106:38>
His comm buzzes during the elevator ride upward.  Maxwell ignores it, he'd check it later when he felt like it.  The doors slide open and he waltzes out to discuss some things with Amy before he goes to bed.  She was busy tinkering at her workplace when he arrives.  The fledgling vampire stops what she was doing and races toward Maxwell.  At first he thought she was coming to hug him.  He was wrong.  She tackles and pins him to the ground.  Apparently her new found vampiric abilities endowed her with strength in addition to speed.  Amy didn't look happy though.  In fact she looked kinda mad.

Rapaciously she smooches the mage before he had a chance to utter a single word.  Her tongue-work was aggressive and smothering.  After a few minutes of this, Amy disengages from the kiss.  A bridge of saliva had formed between each other's lips as she draws away, leaving a messy mark behind.  Despite the sign of affection, she still had this expression of displeasure.  Almost like she was unhappy about something.  Amy, while still lying on top of Maxwell, inquires what possessed him to do something as risky as leaving without telling her beforehand.  Also she asks what the hell happened to Charlie and Sarah.

Maxwell grins slightly.  Not even a full day has passed and he was already causing her grief.  It took awhile, but he explained to her what he had been up to since they last talked.  Her anger was as transient as Maxwell himself.  Quickly she apologizes for pouncing on him and says she was just excited that he returned was all.  She said that she was scared that he left and wouldn't come back, thus leaving her alone again.  He shakes his head and caresses her face, leaning forward to kiss her again.

The two spend a good thirty minutes talking and discussing plans.  He fills her in about the toxic mage run and how it'd be a good opportunity to find other runners willing to hunt down Grail.  She looked skeptical but shrugged it off.  Maxwell bids her goodnight and that he would find time to do stuff with her later.  Amy reluctantly let's him leave and makes him promise that he would spend some time with her as soon as possible.  Maxwell grins again, and agrees that he will.

He heads back down to his room and takes a load off, closing the door behind him when he enters.  He removes his jacket and casually throws it on the other bed.   Maxwell wanted to review his collection of tomes and arcane spellcraft before he called it a day.  Grabbing his duffel bag out from underneath the second bunk and pulling it to rest beside him as he sat leaning against a wall.  Maxwell unzips the bag and begins pouring over some books and journals detailing what it meant to be a black mage.

Very early in Maxwell's awakened life he discovered that in order to survive his new power he would need a framework or paradigm to make sense of it all.  He was very fast to adopt Black Magic as the means of accomplishing just that.  I mean who wouldn't?  The promises of pleasure and to hold dominion over others was very enticing to the newly awakened magician.  It was easy for him to learn how to control the minds of lesser men or how to distort their reality in case they proved resistant to his dark puppeteering.  It was hilarious to him that he could directly manipulate a person's mind and make them kill themselves, or their friends if he was feeling especially malicious.  In fact that's part of the reason why he was forced to travel so much.  As soon as it was discovered that he could do something so blatantly fucked up he had no choice but to skip town or state.  Eventually he wound up in Redmond because it was lawless enough and he could find work here no problem.

But lately he was feeling different, a change of heart if you will.  Grail would use mind magic to dismantle a person's inhibitions and their defenses.  Twisting and perverting their thoughts and emotions so he could feed upon them unhindered.  Or in Amy's and Charlie's case, to rape and feed.  Even to Maxwell, this was a grievous misuse of magic and power.  It would be one thing to merely use that power to feed, but what kind of disgusting cowardly pile of shit would just carelessly violate others like that?  Maxwell was getting mad at his own self-asked redundant question.  He flipped through page after page of his tradition's doctrine.  An emotional fusion of disillusionment and self-loathing started to bubble in his guts.  Where once he found wisdom and glory within these fascist writings, now all he sees is hypocritical weakness.  Maxwell furiously hurls the book across the room and rests his head against the wall staring up at the ceiling.

In depressed thought he contemplates his dilemma.  "No wonder The Black Knight hasn't said a word all these years, nor bother to reveal to me his true name.  I had thought that by following the rigid discipline of Black Magic would lead me to glory and even greater power.  It seems that I was wrong.  I'm not much stronger or wiser than when I first awakened.  I still hold little understanding about my magic and the nature of magic itself.  What the fuck have I accomplished?  I might as well just start over and relearn everything.   Wait... wait a minute.  Why don't I simply create my own tradition and magical paradigm?  I mean what's stopping me?  It's obvious what i'm currently doing isn't working.  I might as well start over from the ground on up!"

Fervently Maxwell digs through his stuff for a pen and blank tome.  Jotting down what he knew to be the immutable laws of magic and the art of spellcraft.  From there he details his personal thoughts and feelings about how magic works.  He'd make the proper edits later when he needed.  Using Black Magic as a very basic framework he lists the different spell schools and spirits he knew how to summon.  Maxwell gets up real quick to grab that book he tossed across the room and begins to tear out several pages that listed the various magical formulae that he kept physical copies of.  These copies were mostly literary mnemonics to remind him how to perform the specific spell in case he forgot.  When he reaches the sections detailing how to directly dominate minds or distort the reality of others, Maxwell decides instead to rip up those pages into tiny shreds of paper.

Hours pass before Maxwell was done comprising the written manifesto of all of what he knew or thought he know about magic.  It was safe to say that most of it was probably made up.  Content with the deconstruction of his old tradition and the aspiring new one he literally just made.  Maxwell sticks the grimoire with the rest of his lodge materials and actually goes to bed.  He'd add on to the arcane manifesto later when he wasn't tired or hungry.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-14-16/0152:14>
Athos indicates that is a fair question.  He has pondered the response already since that was sure to come up.  "The Finnigans will require soldiers and loyalty, just as any other organization would.  And we are the better choice because we will work with the Yakuza to bring stability to a greater area.  Once we prove successful, we can then approach the Triads, the other Families, perhaps even the Vory.  Really organize things instead of fighting among ourselves.  It is a big picture, yes, but it can be done if we have the foresight and strength to grab the power now that there is so much chaos."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-14-16/1956:27>
@Athos the followup question is "So it doesn't matter what organization we join? They are all going to work together?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-14-16/2308:37>
Athos shakes his head and laughs.  "Hardly.  But that is a very good question.  In the end, yes, they will, but it will take some kicking and screaming unless your leader is Dona Valentina.  She had the foresight to see some of this coming and squirrel away the resources to be ready to pick up the pieces when a lot of things went to drek.  Right now, she had money and jobs and leadership.  What she needs is soldiers and space to expand into.  She will bring the other crime lords to the table and she will convince them, or they will just be swept away as the past got swept away a few days ago.  Mistake not, there are still powers out there that are not friendly.  A major vampire runs a good chunk of the city and is bringing his own kind of terror and anarchy with him.  If we do not unite we will fall to him.  But the Finnigans will keep order and unite the syndicates and I would want to be in on that at the start and moving up in the organization instead of hedging my bets and waiting and then joining.................after the plum leadership posts have already been handed out."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-15-16/0525:49>
@Athos once you mention Valentina's name the crowd instantly goes silent and people nervously begin whispering to one another. Little May quickly cuts the debate. "That would be all Athos, now give us some time to discuss it ourselves. We will have an answer for you tomorrow morning." Clearly - these people responded very emotionally to her name. A lot more emotionally than they did to the Finnigan brand.

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-15-16/0949:15>
Athos thanks them and leaves.  Outside, he thanks Bruno and Yulia for coming with him and walks back to the warehouse.  He gets in the van and drives to the meeting with Kynos, arriving early enough to order food and be well into the meal by the time Kynos arrives.  While waiting he thinks, **So, Cat.  What do you think of what we saw today?  Does any of it make sense to you?  It is apparent that Max and Rob are thinking along different lines.**
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-15-16/1049:17>
Kynos gave Athos a short summary of what he knew about the mission and that Sovereign was back in action - leaving out the icky stuff.
"... so, any questions? I'd like to have you on board of this mage hunt. An extra set of guns and hands to use them could come in handy fighting a toxic mage with spirit support. I hope you have a good full body armor."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-16-16/0107:19>
Athos  laughs.  "Well, I guess I can call off the guys looking for Sovereign.  I would like to be on this hunt, but my life is not completely my own.  I need to respond to what Dona Valentina wants, but I am hoping my life gets a bit easier soon.  And this is all the armor I have.  What do you mean by full body armor?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-16-16/0154:19>
"Chemical protection, gas mask, chemical seal. We don't know which flavor we have to expect, but we can assume it will involve some nasty chemicals. If you can, get a hazard suit. Hopefully we'll learn the details from Mrs. Johnson."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-16-16/0213:38>
"I can check with my supplier to see if something like that can be available.  How much time do you think we have before it is needed?  You mentioned seeing a Johnson.  When is that to happen and am I invited?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-16-16/0216:33>
"As I said, tomorrow. I've texted you the location. Aurora Village. Expect high security. And yes of course. They said they want a team and that they shall get."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-16-16/0251:28>
Athos nods his head.  "Aurora Village.  0930.  Come armed?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-16-16/0335:24>
"I'm coming with a legal taser. I don't know what you can smuggle through security, but probably no heavy artillery.
Probably best to leave that stuff in the car. Which reminds me: Do you have a car? Pedaling keeps me fit and it's amazing where you can get in this city if you are not restricted by roadblocks, but but it's a chore and I wouldn't mind a ride with you. Sovereign will probably see it likewise."
Kynos inquired
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-16-16/0953:13>
Athos smiles.  "Right.  Leave the guns in the van.  Yes, I have a slightly modified Bulldog.  I can pick you up.  Where do I go and what time should I be there to make sure that we are at the meet on time?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-16-16/1022:35>
"Let's say 0800h here. That should give us enough time to get into position and for me to get a bunch of Lilies as a recognition signal. No need for breakfast, we'll get some in the food court there."

Kynos made sure to forward the pick up to Sovereign.

"I'll try to do some research before bed, and I guess you are also eager to let this day end.
Ah, by the way: What did Max say to your proposal?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-16-16/2303:49>
Athos shrugs.  "Like you said.  Not interested.  No one wants to be a thug any more."  He laughs and stands.  "Except me.  Would not know what else to do.  So 0800 here.  You probably look good with lilies.  I will be here.  Thanks for the invite.  I am off to my new temporary home.  Can I drop you and your ride anywhere?" 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-18-16/1945:59>
December 29th 2075, 7:30 am
The way to the Aurora center is event-less and you are surprised to see a large police presence deployed to secure the roads in the better neighborhoods of the city. The radio also reports that mayor Barckhaven is about to give statement at 12:00, despite the massive police presence the town appears almost normal. The radio is filled with political chatter about the chemical attack everybody seems to have an opinion tough nobody seem to have information. The mall is a three story complex filled with shops that at the time you arrive most of them are still close. Security is tight and you can sense the buzzing sound of drones circling the facility as well actual security guards. Weapons are of limits (even with a licence,  tough tasers and other non lethal are allowed in.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-19-16/0328:19>
Athos looks around as he and the other two step out of the van.  He has already told Sovereign that he is glad to see him alive.  Athos has locked his weapons in the secure smuggling compartment and is happy to have his SIN scanned by the KE jackboots.  As they enter the mall he chuckles, "Gee, Kynos, your Johnson knows how to pick a spot."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-19-16/1309:31>
Kynos enjoyed the fact that he didn't have to drive - his gear was again stashed in his duffel bag and now lay with Athos' gear.
Seeing the mall he just shrugged: "Reasonable at times like this. First stop, I've got to find a flower vendor. You can go and secure a table for four in the food court. If you can, order me some B&E breakfast."
Kynos wandered off to find the Lillies required.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-19-16/1347:29>
Athos walked with Sovereign into the food court and looked for a table that allowed a Troll to sit with non-Trolls, a veritable rarity, but most public food areas had at least one.  This court was no different and Athos staked a claim on one of the two tables available.  He called up the various virtual menus for the food vendors and ordered a meal for Kynos of the bacon and eggs variety, and another for himself of the Troll variety.................namely lots of anything that looks good.  He slots a stick to cover the costs and waits for the food to be delivered.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-20-16/0628:51>
Kynos returned after a few minutes with a very small bundle of Lilies in a slender glas vase. Placing it in the middle of the table he sat down to have breakfast.
"Mhm. For something made entirely of soy they sure got the smell and textures right. Have to remember that place."
That was all the conversation anyone got out of him until he had cleared his plate - which wasn't a particular long time.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-20-16/1123:52>
Athos does not mind the silence as he makes his way through several plates of food.  He would like to get through the meal before the Johnson shows up.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-21-16/0758:09>
The shopping mall is decorated like a rain forest, with a central display of rare and endangered species. Circling the central display there are three floors where the food court is the third. A soft and peaceful 'forest music' with birds and forgs welcome you. It seems a bit sad and perhaps a bit too peaceful for a shopping center.

When you approach the flower stand, you notice that the lilies are a bit pricey and low on supply. Never the less, what llies are left are  beautiful.  The florist mumbles an apology as you are interested in these flowers and say "I am sorry for for having so few, somebody bought the rest for a funeral just a few minutes ago."
[spoiler](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/Shoshan-Zachi-Evenor-6964.jpg/440px-Shoshan-Zachi-Evenor-6964.jpg)[/spoiler]

At the time you arrive most of the food vendors are just arriving so the variety is not as good as it will be in an hour or so. Never the less it is not difficult to find something satisfying. As you finish eating a young girl no older than 16 approaches you and places a promotional ad on your paper inviting you to experience a game called "Indiana Jones and the Toxic Temple", it may be coincidental but it is a bit strange that she'd be promoting the new game so early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-21-16/0805:56>
Kynos shrugged and cleared the last bits of pseudo-egg from his plate. He took the flyer and frowned.
"Seems like we are having a matrix conversation - fucking waste of time. Let me check it out."

Kynos went AR and looked for the game host.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-21-16/1045:09>
Maxwell's morning routine was becoming annoyingly clockwork.  He woke and showered and started playing the mystical game of hide-and-seek.  He met up with Athos and Kynos at Aurora Village.  The whole place was on high-security overwatch, except they somehow didn't do a thing to stop a mage from passing through through unseen.  This implied two things, they are either hilariously incompetent or very understaffed to the point where even minor astral security is impossible.  To him it might as well be both.

Maxwell isn't wearing anything suspicious looking.  He had forgone knife and armor and was merely dressed in simple dark street clothing.  Sadly this was the nicest set of clothes he had, in fact he kinda just wore the same thing everyday in just different sets.  He had been following Athos around the food court and was patiently waiting for Kynos to show up with some flowers.  Doesn't take long before he starts chuckling to himself about how dumb the thought of that is.

To Athos he strikes up a conversation to pass the time.  "So what's new with you?"

[spoiler]Summoning Force 7 Air Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/384457): 13d6t5 3
Spirit Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/384458): 8d6t5 2
Drain Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/384459): 11d6t5 4
Force 8 Air Spirit Summoned.  No Drain
Name and optional powers don't matter because I only got 1 Service from him.
Using my only service to have him conceal me and you know the drill.[/spoiler]
[spoiler]Force 5 Improved Invisibility (http://orokos.com/roll/384460): 11d6t5 0
Drain Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/384461): 11d6t5 3
1 Stun Taken.  Let's try this again.
Force 4 Improved Invisibility (http://orokos.com/roll/384462): 11d6t5 2
Drain Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/384463): 11d6t5 5
One more time.
Force 4 Improved Invisibility (http://orokos.com/roll/384464): 11d6t5 3
Drain Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/384465): 11d6t5 4
Finally.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-21-16/1407:53>
@Kynos there is not such game - there closest match you find is "indiana jones and the temple of doom" playable at the arcade. Toxic temple is a sketchy parody on that game that adds subtitles with sarcastic remarks.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-21-16/1441:57>
Kynos sighed and turned the leaflet around to see if there was a message written anywhere. Just in case he also looked around for the teenager.
"Seems like we got a coded message - if that is a test our potential employer already has accumulated a few minus points. Look around if you can spot anyone keeping an eye on us."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-21-16/1455:25>
@Maxwell indeed you are surprised to notice that the mall has no magical security. There are some sphoradic wards but they clearly were not maintained in a long time. Physical security however would prevent you from actually being carried inside by the spirit.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-21-16/2048:35>
@Kynos the leaflet was clearly hastily crafted and recently printed - on a closer inspection you are convinced that it is not an actual advertisement the fonts does not seem quite authentic and the images do not quite blend into each other and the fonts do not match. A catch phrase of "Discover the horrors of the toxic, Temple that sees all!" does not seem as if it passed serious editing as the T of temple is capital for no reason." The teenager seem to keep her distance from you and avoids eye contact. She seem to be looking every now and then at the florist.
(Attached is the advertisement she handed you)
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-22-16/0122:55>
Athos replies to Sovereign as they are waiting for Kynos.  "Not much, actually.  I hear that your own adventures have been somewhat more interesting, and I am sure that I only know a small part of what you have been doing.  I am still working for the Finnigans and probably will until I die.  Security, you know.  That and they don't take betrayal very well.  I am looking to be able to learn to talk without drooling all over myself.  I have a tutor lined up but just have to find the time, which seems to be in very short supply right now."

"So, any truth to the rumors that you and Strawberry on are on the outs?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-22-16/1044:29>
Kynos turned the flyer around and gave it to his two companions. He had no clue if the "toxic temple that sees all" was a reference to a certain place around Seattle  - and he didn't particularly care for this kind of crap at what was supposed to be a business meeting with a professional.

Instead he called Ryan his fixer: <<Hi, we are at the meet with the Lillies but the Johnson hasn't made an appearance yet. Instead we were delivered a cryptic message in form of a flyer for a fake trid. (Picture attached)
Can you tell me anything about this Johnson? Does he or she usually pull such stunts? I'm here to do business and negotiate a job not to participate in a scavenger hunt. If you have any way of contacting them, please forward this to them. Love Kynos>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-22-16/1138:03>
@Kynos December, 29, 2075: 9:03
 >>Ryan texts you back it is barely 9:00 she'll be there I spoke to her just half an hour ago.  You are meeting with Julie Page, the one responsible for store composition in Aurora. She should be there and not play riddle games with you.

@The rest:
December, 29 2075, 9:12
Miss Page arrives there are no questions about her 'Jhonsonness' , she is dressed with a very expensive business suit and is accompanied by a bodyguard. She seems to be in some sort of a matrix call - but as she approaches you she hands her comlink to the bodyguard. That accept it silently and seem to be scanning the area for a possible assassin.

She said: "Julie Page customer relation and store composition of Aurora Seattle. It is a pleasure to meet you all, thank you for coming at such a short notice."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-22-16/1150:14>
"Happy to make your acquaintance Mrs. Page. This is Athos, Sovereign and I am called Kynos. Our mutual contact gave us to understand that you need a team of contractors to take care of a wayward magician. Should we do this here or is there a more private environment to talk about the details?"
Kynos answered in the same business like manner.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-22-16/1949:23>
Kynos was giving the heads up about something the moment after Maxwell inquired about Athos.  Before he could reply, the dragon-horned troll said his piece about current events.  With a bit of whiplash, Maxwell turns back to the Mafia enforcer to answer him.  "You know us mages.  Always gambling with genies or upturning primordial graves.  If you make it through today's run, then I might divulge the details about my legendary endeavors.  It's no offense to you in particular it's just that I need to see if you're more than a syndicate lieutenant.  Sorry, but I loathe the Mafia.  Also it's not just them.  Yakuza, Vory and the Triads all rub me the wrong way."  He stops for a second to visually examine the troll before going on.  "That's cool I guess.  Being able to give commands will be a fine trait to master.  The ability to add weight and flair to every word, that might take you awhile."

The mention of Strawberry causes Maxwell to sigh and furrow brow.  He leans back in his chair and rasps out his side of the story like a hearth would breathe sparks.  "Depends on what you heard and which side you're taking.  No doubt she demonized me to be some big bad lunatic.  Listen, and this is the actual fucking truth, I was acting in self-preservation.  After the maze party, I tried to apprehend Venom.  Strawberry didn't like me doing that and tried to posses me with one of her spirits.  When that didn't work she tried to kill me instead.  The destruction of the Joke was my warning to back off.  Again, she didn't like me doing that and this spiraled out into tragedy upon tragedy.  This isn't the whole story.  There's a lot more detail and nuances than what I just told you.  Help me and Kynos with this run, and i'll tell you all about the mad pyromancer Sovereign."

His fervor ends when Kynos shows back up with a pamphlet and a couple of friends.  The cybered-elf introduces the trio and Maxwell greets them back while shifting perception to do some astral recon.  "What's up."

[spoiler]Aura Reading (http://orokos.com/roll/384905): 8d6t5 2
I'm assuming a Background Count of 1.  If not then i'll re-roll.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-23-16/0014:51>
Athos smiles and opens his mouth to answer Sovereign when the Johnson shows up.  He shuts up and listens, knowing that talking is not his strong suit.  He does eye the bodyguard, though, and tries to determine how serious a challenge he might be..
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-23-16/0337:56>
Miss Page say "It is okay - there is no secrecy about this job - given the circumstances what you are going to do is completely legitimate."

 "It is more than that, we had a security mage employed here for many years. Recently I fired him as he begun harassing and scaring off the customers. He was very odd about that, denying it at first and then claiming that the fickle lady has a cruel sense of humor. He did not actually harm anyone before I fired him - but his behavior caused significant economy and reputation damage and got us into a bunch of lawsuits. "
She sighs and continues
"He became dangerous after I fired him, the practical jokes on customers continued but this time they were more dangerous and caused physical harm to people. Yesterday his actions took the life of 2 customers injuring 5 more and it means we are going to have a rough month.

Hver since he was fired his jokes are darker and more lethal. Truth is he made this place dangerous and I need him out of the way. Normally, I would not deal with people of your caliber, but the police is nowhere to be found and the problem need to be solved. I can offer you 30k should the solution be better than the problem.  I want him gone, but I do not want a firefight in the middle of my mall."

@Athos the bodyguard is unarmed, he does not seem to be augmented or especially muscular. Then again  - all humans seem weak to you.

@Maxwell - Miss. Page's aura is in unawakened and in perfect health, you sense no augmentations or other damage to her aura.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-23-16/0424:26>
"I see.
What kind of pranks did he play? Was he doing it in person or does he employ spirits.

Also, we need his profile. Since he worked as an official contractor you should have a list of his registered spells and his capabilities in regard to Sorcery, Conjuration and Alchemy.
In addition, we need to know which magical tradition he follows or followed and which spirits or magical constructs he used to employ.

Furthermore, we need to know how he is getting access to this mall - is he disguising himself, does he use invisibility or does he gain come through maintenance entrances.
Also, did he show any signs of pollution or radiation poisoning - that's one of the more common ways how mages turn mad.

I understand that you don't want a fire fight here, but we will have to carry a certain amount of protective gear and our sidearms. One fatal shot at the perp will be infinitely preferable to a dozen harmed innocent bystanders who were hit by a mana ball.
Please see to it that your security staff is aware of our presence and shares whatever relevant information there is. The better we cooperate the faster this whole thing will be resolved.

Finally, I presume you don't have any preference how we get rid of this man as long as it doesn't cause a fuss and your business isn't disrupted? Because from what I've heard so far we probably won't be able to politely convince him to stop."
Kynos ticked of the list he had used on more than one occasion.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-23-16/1729:03>
Miss Page say "He liked the levitate spell, and would find it funny to enchant small coins, when people picked them up they'd start levitating high in the air - only to be levitated down shortly after.  He also liked to cause illusions, and so forth - his last preparation that went off in here was a fireball preparation."

She adds:  "He is an alchemist and ritual mage, he did wards and provided our guards with some magical preparations so that they can handle magical threats better. I got all the information about him on this chip, his main preparation was a spell blade to provide us with an effective weapon against spirits. He also crafted us small homuncului to assense people that entered. He also provided a watcher overwatch, but the guards respond better to physical objects rather than some invisible spirits.

He suggested at the time a spirit intervention force but we refused as we had some bad experiences with spirits behaving in an unpredictable manner and we are a shopping mall not a military base. The goal of the security is mainly to prevent theft and fraud. "

She hands you a memory chip, and say "Browse at your leisure time, this is anything we knew about the guy the time we hired him. I honestly do not know how he enters this place, I asked my security to figure it out but - well... you are here - so you can assume that it did not yield the results I expected. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-23-16/1833:50>
Maxwell smirks at Kynos' professionalism and lets the two finish talking undisturbed.  He stays in astral sight to keep a vigilant eye out for any unwanted specters.  After Miss Page hands Kynos the chip, Maxwell chimes in.  "Alchemy, enchantment, ritual magic and watcher constructs.  You hired a talismonger to do security work.  Might have worked out better to have given him a shop to peddle his mojo than a corporate job of magical defense.  From what Kynos just said and from the data he gave me the other night, turning toxic usually happens from an over-exposure to pollution or radiation.  How does being fired drive a mage insane to that extreme?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-24-16/0344:14>
Maxwell miss Page say "Well, it is not exactly as you describe it, he was born a cooperate citizen and when he betrayed his oaths and started placing his sick jokes above cooperate interests I made him SINless. A criminal SINner to be accurate. I do not know about 'turning toxic' she said, our arcology is relatively clean, considering how polluted the city is. He traveled a lot tough as he was also responsible on the security of another mall in Vancouver.  Basically he kept travelling to renew his rituals between these places, but  Vancouver should be cleaner than here."

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-24-16/0438:11>
"I see. Well there are many ways to crack - neither of which do concern us much as long as there is no evidence of him employing toxic chemicals or hard radiation.

Just one more thing." He showed the meanwhile a bit ragged looking flyer. "This wouldn't happen to be from you? In that case I have to assume that our prey is already aware of us and knows everything we just talked about. Which also means that you are in immediate danger, despite your bodyguard. I suggest you question the teenager over there who delivered this flyer to us, because she knew about this recognition key with the Lilies.

All we need now are security passes, so we can move freely through this mall and its storage and support structures."
Kynos replied

Over comm he said to his chummers: <<We are already made. Our enemy has superior information on us. We'll leave to armor up now
Sovereign, please keep an eye on the astral looking for watchers and spirits and maybe start a search spirit as soon as we are in the car.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-24-16/0554:53>
In the astral as miss Page touches the brochure Maxwell can suddenly see a bright magical aura - a combat spell is triggered. One he is familiar with - a fireball. It gives him a brief moment to warn the rest.  Tough the preparation hidden in the brochure was already triggered. The brochure quickly catches fire in Page's hands and then blows up. As you dive for cover, you can her her screams of terror and surprise. Being completely unaware and at the center of the blast, miss Page is too slow to protect herself from the explosion.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-25-16/0455:05>
Kynos noticed the beginning explosion, but on an impulse - instead of running away - he turned sideways and just raised his arm to protect his face.
The flame sphere washed over him and left a fine layer of soot all over him, but left him otherwise unharmed.
"Really! I just had this suit at the dry cleaner to get all the blood out. Now I am annoyed."

Seeing the prone form of their employer he used his commlink to call for an ambulance.

"Mrs. Page, if you can hear me I am accepting this contract."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-25-16/0621:35>
Maxwell was tilting back in his chair and scouting the astral when he noticed the brochure was a fireball alchemical bomb.  In extreme speed and urgency, Maxwell jumps out of his seat and extends an open palm in front of himself, magically defending everyone at the table from the preparation.  The flyer explodes and coats Maxwell in flames.  He manages to not be knocked down but a new problem had arisen.  He was on fire.

The mage swears furiously and starts swatting at his arms and legs to put the fire out.  That tricked didn't worked and the flames continued to eat away at flesh and fabric.  He immediately drops to the ground and begins rolling around to put the fire out.  That time old tested tactic actually worked and Maxwell was free from the fire's embrace.  He didn't get out unscathed though.  His shirt was nearly destroyed and there were major burn marks all across his arms, legs and chest.  Maxwell trembled and shook in agony as he stood surveying the mayhem around him.  In a raspy lung-scorched voice, Maxwell calls out.  "Me too!  Fuck, this guy is going to burn in true hellfire!"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-25-16/0956:52>
Athos somehow sees what is about to happen and tips the table.  His armored clothing and natural armor helps him avoid the damage from the fireball.  Some of his companions at the table were not so lucky.  He grabs his medkit from a pocket and wishes again that he taken some sort of first aid training.  Still, the kit by itself might be useful.  He looks over at Sovereign then at the Johnson.  Sovereign was badly burned, but standing.  The Johnson was clearly worse off.  He kneels near her and opens the kit, hitting the button for the auto doc and following the verbal instructions to try to stabilize the woman.

The kit seems able to do the trick and Athos spares a look to see who else may have been affected.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-25-16/1215:49>
Due to the early time of the explosion nobody else is hurt, still the fireball has created quite a panic and you can see a bunch of curios vendors rushing your way to offer help or just to observe the drama.
Page is conscious, barely and she whispers "You will be contacted by another manager, your job is important for us."  committed to her work until she finally gives in to the pain. Athos manages to stabilize her with his medic kit, and she is not in immediate danger when Doc wagon arrives few minutes later. Her bodyguard thankfully nods at you and remains silent until the medics arrives, he then accompanies her to the ambulance and the two leave.

Before they leave one of the doctors asks "What about that guy? he is badly hurt as well!" His boss, a woman in her forties, say coldly "Leave him he does not have insurance" as she loads Page to the ambulance. Regardless of her instructions the young treats Maxwell. His college is clearly unhappy and except violently disconnecting Maxwell from the medic kit and potentially killing him she does anything to rush him.  She say  " Stop wasting medical equipment on  'charity' and the way she pronounce the word charity is filled with scorn.

When the young medic bandages Maxwell with a bunch of expensive anti burn bandages the older doctor cries "These comes out of your wage- I will report this incident!" and shortly after the young medic leaves looking at the rest of you with shame in his eyes.  His last words are "Keep them wet and replace the bandages after 24 hours. "


[spoiler]
first aid (http://orokos.com/roll/385809): 15d6t5 6
3 physical boxes healed.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-25-16/1225:57>
"Can you stand Sovereign? More important, can you heal yourself?
I think it's time to gear up and take this punk down."

Kynos reached out to give the mage a hand.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-25-16/1439:14>
Years of fire magic use had gotten him use to being burned.  Becoming intimate with the nature of flames usually involved being consumed by them first.  Still though, it hurt like hell nevertheless.  The ambulance arrives and sees to Miss Page first unsurprisingly.  Because he was a SIN-less gutter-punk with no insurance, the supervising physician wanted to not bother with him.  One of medics was cut from a different cloth and saw to his injuries out of kindness, not without a reprimand from his boss though.  Maxwell nods thankfully and says.  "Much obliged."

A few words of concern are heard from Kynos and a helpful hand is offered.  Maxwell rips off his ruined shirt and lays a bandaged hand on his chest, casting a restorative heal spell.

[spoiler]Force 6 Heal (http://orokos.com/roll/385823): 12d6t5 8
Drain Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/385824): 11d6t5 5
5 Boxes of Physical healed.  One still leftover that'll need natural recovery.[/spoiler]

The rest of the wounds and burn marks disappear from Maxwell's body.  Leaving only soot to mar his thin frame.  Vigorously he says.  "I'll live, thanks though.  But I need a new shirt.  Actually, shit, my pants are too burnt and ruined too.  I'll need a new set of clothes.  That's what I get for coming unarmored.  Think i'll wear my suit of full body armor for the rest of this run.  Let's head back to the van.  Ready when you are."  Maxwell stands about in relatively good health considering he just took a fireball to the face.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-27-16/0340:29>
Athos shakes his head at the callous behavior of the lead medic.  He notes the name and badge number of the young medic and files it away.  He, too, looks at Sovereign and marvels at the man's ability to heal himself.  "There is probably a place in the mall to get new clothes."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-27-16/0512:53>
Back at the car, Kynos changed into his full body armor and after a moments hesitation applied also the KE patches, hoping that Mrs. Page would appreciate the effort to have this look like a real police action.
"Sovereign, if you want you can borrow my other armor. My Ares Victory Big Game Hunter has chemical protection. Might come in handy.

Also, please keep an eye on the astral from now or call a spirit to do it for you. If we are up against a trap monkey we have to step up our game."

He strapped on the holsters for taser and the Savalette. The assault rifle remained for the moment in its sheath, but hung over his shoulder.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-27-16/1829:58>
The ends of his pant legs were seared off.  Turning his jeans into shorts.  Maxwell moved with Athos and Kynos back to the van.  There Kynos outfitted himself with a suit of full body armor.  Without bothering to waste anymore time, Maxwell did the same.  He pulled out his ratty duffel bag and unzip it's contents.  Another suit of full body armor to match Kynos'.  He changes into it and dons the helmet to go with, not yet activating the chemical seal until he was ready for it to be on.  To Athos he replied first.  "I'll do some shopping after we catch the shit bird."  And Kynos second.  "No need.  Brought my own set of heavy armor.  Plus I doubt your Big Game Hunter will fit me.  I was keeping an eye on the astral, the whole meeting.  Nothing magical until you handed the Johnson that brochure bomb.  I'll summon an old dead lord to help in our mage hunt."

Maxwell stands up straight with his arms outstretched to side, his hands open to the sky.  Calling out mentally to the astral for a spirit of the dead to aid him.  The summoning ritual did not work as intended and just gave him a headache instead.  Once more Maxwell tries again.  This time he kneels on the ground and projects himself outside of Seattle.  Chanting a command to bring the forgotten dead soul into creation.  "I am the one who holds the power.  I am the one who reflects the will.  I am the one who reigns as king.  I am the one who urges to win.  I am the one who lights the fire.  I am the one who controls the flame.  I am the one who defies reality.  I am the one who withstands pain.  The endless gap between servant and lord will grow stronger within us all.  I am the one who decides the course.  I am the one who takes the step.  I am the one who moves forward.  I am the one who worships strength.  From order brings chaos.  In chaos there is progression.  In the ruins of man's ashes.  Sprouts the resurrection.  A dark narcissistic dimension.  A new world to come.  The end of civilization.  Marks the arrival of the Spirit Lord."

[spoiler]Summoning Force 7 Spirit of Man (http://orokos.com/roll/386380): 12d6t5 1
Spirit Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/386381): 8d6t5 4
Drain Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/386382): 11d6t5 5
Summoning Failed.  Sovereign takes 3 Stun.[/spoiler]
[spoiler]Summoning Force 7 Spirit of Man (http://orokos.com/roll/386383): 12d6t5 3
Spirit Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/386384): 8d6t5 1
Drain Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/386385): 11d6t5 4
Force 8 Spirit of Man Summoned with 2 Services.  No Drain.
Optional Powers - Innate Spell (Increase Reflexes) and Innate Spell (Stunbolt).
He'll be named Valfar.[/spoiler]
[spoiler](http://img07.deviantart.net/b84b/i/2012/214/7/e/lich_lord_by_talldarkandgruesome-d59koi6.jpg)[/spoiler]

Maxwell phases back to Seattle and his body with a long dead spirit leashed to his will.  He rises from the ground and gives a mental word to his spirit.  "Stand before us Valfar, so that I may give you your first service."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-27-16/1840:07>
Athos adjusts his Big Game Hunter outfit, putting his huge handgun in its holster and picking up his Colt assault rifle and some spare clips.  He turns to the others and says, "So, what is the plan?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-28-16/0915:27>
Kynos indicated at Sovereign's spirit with his thumb. "He's going to search the mage and tell us where we find him. We then walk there, kick the shit out of him and drag his dead or unconscious body with us to get paid. Or has anyone a better idea?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <03-28-16/0942:45>
Athos laughs.  "Even this trog can understand that.  Let's do it."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <03-29-16/1804:55>
@Maxwell the spirit manifests in front of you all in all his glory, as he does people start fleeing the streets. He appears as an 10 feet tall skeleton giant.  He gaze at your eyes and declares "Two services chaos lord - make them interesting." He say. Something about his body languge hints that he is enjoying the mayhem his pressence causes in one of the more secure neighborhoods of Seattle.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <03-30-16/1654:14>
Busting out in a gruesome laugh at the terror his spirit is causing.  Maxwell watches random civilians flee from the might and sight of Valfar.  He bangs his fist to his chest a few time to calm himself down from the hoarse cackling.  Once he was done laughing, Maxwell looks up at the giant skeleton, matching his gaze and says.  "Going to have you search for someone known as a toxic mage.  Whatever the hell that truly is.  Just need slot the chip given from my contractor to see if there is a photo ID."  Kynos hands Maxwell the data chip and he promptly slots it into his comm's chip reader to see what information is on it.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <04-01-16/1058:15>
Valfar looks at the pictures in the comlink and disappears without saying a word leaving the comlink to drop from mid air and Maxwell can barely catch it. It is about half an hour later when the un dead lord notifies Maxwell that he cannot find the man in the picture anywhere in the city.

The data chip stores basic information such as name and address, work history within aurora apparently your toxic mage was not very good at his job. Insisting to do things differently all the time and failing to confront to the norms of the Aurora cooperation where he worked for 20 years. Now at 40 he is still on a relatively junior position. His last known address is the Vault a gated community shared by reach individuals and companies that are too small for a neighborhood of their own.


Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-01-16/1532:30>
While browsing the file for the list of known spells and what tradition the mage had followed - the most important part as far as Kynos was concerned - he remarked on the Vault address:
"It's safe to assume, that in his flat we will find a few nasty surprises. But it might be worth a shot anyway to go there - provided Mrs. Page can get us an official visitors pass. I really am not in the mood to break into a gated community today, just to encounter some magical booby traps."

After learning that the spirit could not find the mage:
"Seems like he has taken shelter in a lodge or some other kind of mana barrier. What would you rather do - search his flat or look around the mall? Maybe we can ask the girl that delivered the pamphlet if she has seen something relevant. Always provided that wasn't the mage himself with a mask spell."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-03-16/2207:19>
Athos shoulders his assault rifle and says, "So what is our play here?  Got to admit I do not have much experience fighting spirits or mages.  Do either die from lead poisoning or am only I useful here as damage magnet so you guys can take him out?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-04-16/1423:11>
"It's a game of rocket tag. If you attack before the mage can you can very much kill him. Geek the mage first and it's spirits shouldn't be to much of a problem. But if they are, it would be Sovereign's job to call a bigger spirit to deal with it.
And yes, you can hurt spirits but it usually takes quite a lot of power. Keep you eyes open. That's the most important part."
Kynos said absentmindedly while he kept browsing the file.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <04-04-16/1543:21>
Kynos the mage named James Franco and follows black magic, 41 divorced and has a single daughter named Christa. His ex wife is named Gabriela Franco.

Registered spells: Heal.

Registered alchemist preparations: spell-blade, fireball, levitate shape change, invisibility, improve reflexes, manaball,makeover, physical mask, deflection, combat sense, improve intuition and armor.

As well as several rituals: Ward, curse, watcher,  huminculuns, aspect mana line.

He completed a Thd in Seattle state university and his thesis topic was "Advanced triggering of alchemical preparations"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-05-16/1452:42>
Kynos whistled through his teeth: "Have you seen this? The guy has a daughter and an ex-wife. Maybe she can she some light on what happened with her ex and where he would hide. If all else fails we can threaten his daughter to lure him out... Yeah, yeah. I said threaten not actually harming.

But first, let's have a talk with that girl that brought us the flyer.

Sovereign, you have seen this guy's handy work. Based on this and the fact that he used to be a black mage tradition, could your spirit find his lodge if it was somewhere within or below Aurora Village? I'm pretty sure you can't hide the astral barrier you are hiding behind..."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-07-16/2221:58>
Maxwell sighs angrily at the notice of his spirit being unable to find the mage.  "Why is it never that easy?"  Instead of spending his time on wishful thinking, he goes over the data upon the chip with Athos and Kynos.  A heavy groan being mentally let out.  "I guess everybody is a black mage.  Although, i'm not one anymore.  I'm not sure what tradition I follow.  Maybe i'll call it the Sovereign tradition.  Then again, Valfar called me a chaos lord.  Chaos tradition sounds pretty badass.  Wait a minute... i'm getting off topic.  Ummmmm... let's see... this is going to be fucking annoying.  The prick probably has wards and watchers everywhere.  Finding him is going to take all day."

After listening in on the talk between the other two runners, Maxwell speaks up and chimes in to Athos first.  "Don't sell yourself short.  You'll be an amazing bullet sponge.  Which'll be great for me."  Hopefully his really bad joke would make the solemn troll crack a smile or two.  With that out of the way, he adds on to what Kynos had asked.  "We could try that.  But honestly the kidnapping angle feels like a waste of time to me.  This James Franco guy might not care about that sort of thing.  I mean, he literally just bombed a public place, for fun I might add.  I don't think threatening his daughter will actually do anything but make him laugh as he throws another alchemical fireball at us.  Also I didn't get a very good look at his preparation before it went off.  So I don't really have a good idea of what his astral signature would look like."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-08-16/0927:48>
"Well in that case we are going straight back to the plaza and while we look for the flyer girl, you ascenn the hell out of this fireball thing. Something of his magic must linger around."
Replied Kynos
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-08-16/1028:53>
Athos nods.  This is something he can understand and may even be able to help with.  All the mojo stuff is way beyond him.  He turns to follow Kynos and Sovereign.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-09-16/0256:02>
Going back to the plaza in full armor probably wasn't what Mrs. Page had had in mind - on the other hand she now was in intensive care, so maybe she would have revised her opinion on that. Kynos enjoyed the fact that he could work here with official sanction - it made life so much easier.
Looking for the nearest security guard, he asked him: "Excuse me, hi we are the contractors Mrs. Page hired to deal with your crazy mage problem. We received his file, but since you probably have worked with him in the past, maybe there is some information you could give us about him that wasn't included there. For example, did he have a favorite lookout or some workshop inside the mall? Especially the cellars or storerooms would be of interest.
Also, we are looking for a girl - she served us the flyer that blew Mrs. Page up. If you could locate her with your security system you'd do us a big favor."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <04-10-16/0940:36>
The security guard tells you "speak to Mr. King he is chief of security. That 'crazy' mage was barely in here, once a month or so. He typically ships his stuff to the drone port on the roof." 

Mr. King's office is in the top floor and has a nice city view. He is a middle aged orc, with multiple gang tatoos, not the kind of someone you'd exepect to be hired as a cooperate suit. He welcomes you to his office and offers you coffee. "I thought you were goners that explosion was a real hoop kicker." he said and sighed "Not much I could do about it - his bombs are so mundane.  This is why you are here. I told Page to just geek the mage, but she is a suit with their formal resignation latters and benefit packages and all sort of red tape.
With his attidue he would not last for very long in the shadows, being a mage makes up for a lot of shortcomings - but few can get away with vendetta against a cooperation. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-10-16/1114:59>
Athos can appreciate the gang tats on the security chief.  He looks at the man in the suit and wonders how he overcame his roots to land here.  The large office does not seem to have been designed with Trolls in mind and there is no place for him to sit, but the ceiling was designed to impress others and so it high enough to let him stand comfortably.  Athos looks the guy in the eye and says, "So, any personal information on this guy that is not in the file we got?  Any known or suspected friends or associates that might have been left out?  We know the guy has family, but what about a girlfriend?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <04-10-16/1400:19>
King say "That mage was always bad news. They say that being a mage makes up for a lot of shortcomings - but I do not think it applies for security, the first thing about protection from mojo is do not hire unreliable mages to work. That one smelled bad from day one, he seemed to be more interested in selling his pleasure pills than in securing this place.  He may have been a corp, but he was a drug dealer never the less. "
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-10-16/1456:37>
"Oh? What kind of pills? Eros/Galac?
In any case we'll take a look at that drone port. If dealing is his second income he might still rely on that as a distribution method."
Kynos replied.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-10-16/1500:51>
Athos nods.  "Part of the Family is into dealing that sort of thing.  I can ask around once we get an idea of the type of pills he was pushing."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <04-11-16/0528:26>
Mr. King replies "Some kind of party pills - the problem with them is that they also effect people near you. If back in the day they used to discreetly put something in the glass it is no longer necessary, you pop one and the people around you grow horny as well. My men are crazy about this stuff, makes their parties more successful - and this kind of habits are part of the reason it is difficult to kick that asshole out of here. "

He then say "You want to see the drone strip - sure no problem".  He takes you to the roof and opens a security door with a swipe of ID card. It is a busy heli-port when roto drones frequently unload goods - some of the packages are quite smalls like memory chips, computer parts, clothes. King tells you "Every time someone buys something a request to renew inventory is issues and one of these rotor drones delivers a replacement part - all done automatically and without human interference. I assume that the magic pills also get into this place in that manner but it is difficult to check every little package that get in -mainly because they are private property of the stores and I cannot search them without concrete evidence of foul play - these are powerful companies and we can not want to get in the way of their business."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-11-16/0940:18>
Athos laughs.  "It almost sounds like the pills are awakened or influenced by mojo.  Don't even know if that is possible, but wouldn't leave a trace of mojo about?  Cannot you just check the astral or something to detect them?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-13-16/0805:42>
"As far as I know, you'd need a very good mage to perceive that stuff through its package. Nevertheless, this would be a good clue to follow. Find the place whose drones the mage uses and make our way to him from there.

So Sovereign, can you or your spirit manage that?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-14-16/2044:07>
Maxwell had remained silent for most of the meeting.  Preferring instead to lean against a wall and passively listen to the others talk amongst themselves.  He did however take note of the Ork's gang tattoos.  Causing him to cynically smile underneath his full helmet.   The indifference he was try to perfect was disrupted by the cybered keeb.  Forcing him to recount the inattention of what they said and what Kynos had asked of him.  Maxwell shrugs and rasps back in his usual hell-scorched voice.  "Astral perception is not my forte.  Charred corpses and fiery destruction is.  I can try to track him but keep in mind, astral signatures leftover from spells and spirits are hard to detect in places of high background count.  My spirits would have to do the hounding.  Bring me to one of his work stations and i'll see what I can do.  No promises."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <04-15-16/1710:43>
Mr king looks at Kynos and then at Maxwell - "well if you have some way to let me know what drone to search then I can do it. Just don't be wrong - I do not want to look bad when I am confronted about it."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-17-16/1529:50>
"Don't look at me. Short of opening every package up here I have no ability to find that stuff. I could go around and ask your guards for you, but that usually ends with people getting hurt. So we are back to square one if Sovereign or his spirit can't see the stuff from here.
Athos, I suggest we take a stroll through the mall and look for anything that looks like a clue."

Kynos shrugged and nodded at the Security Chief. "We'll start at the top and make our way down, be so good and notify your people."
To Sovereign he said: "Stay in contact and send a message asap if there is any thing looking like a threat. We'll do likewise."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-17-16/1706:05>
Athos nods.  "Got your back, Kynos.  Let's do this."  He carries the assault rifle in his right hand and follows Kynos out of the security chief's office.  Once away, he asks, "So, how do you want to play this?  Personally, I would not mind fragging the guy after what he did in the food court."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-17-16/1730:18>
"I wouldn't mind either, but as a favor to Sovereign I'll try to catch him alive - not necessarily conscious. Our mage friend has certain obligations which this freak might be able to fulfill.
But to be clear: That is the ideal case. If it's impractical or really inconvenient I'll be just as happy to put a bullet into the guys brain pan.
Now look sharp. I'll take that matrix cafe over there, you can have the frozen soygurt guy or the jeweler."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-17-16/1736:58>
Athos nods, but puts his paw on Kynos' shoulder before they split up.  "Hey, just so you know.  I would like to have Yulia on board with this.  I know that you and she have your differences, but she could be an asset here.  Give it some thought and we can discuss it later."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-18-16/0328:25>
Kynos shrugged: "As long as she doesn't fall in love with this mage and I have to chase him around half the globe to geek him, I have no problem with her. Didn't know she was still in town."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-18-16/0918:43>
"Thanks.  I will call her up and see if she is interested.  So are we just asking if anyone knows anything about the mage?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-18-16/0925:08>
"Yupp. Pretty much. And of course see if anyone reacts guilty or if there is a suspicious drug lab somewhere in the background."
Kynos winked at the troll. "It's tedious, but at least we can do it inside and have a food court nearby."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-18-16/1026:23>
Athos nods.  Certainly two plusses."  He moves off to the jeweler, where he identifies himself as working with the mall security on the terrorist bombing in the food court.  He asks each employee if they have or had any special dealings with the mage that had been employed here, or if they knew of anyone in the mall that he had been close to or worked with regularly.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-18-16/1454:27>
Kynos walked over to the matrix cafe and took a look around. Only a few of the VR easy chairs where occupied. A lone, slightly overweight teenaged girl occupied the counter, selling snacks and IV-nutrition and its requisite opposites for the hardcore matrix junkies.
It very much didn't look like the place where the mage would conduct his business.
Still, Kynos walked over asked the employee on what if anything she knew about the mage and/or the party drugs.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <04-18-16/1503:16>
@Kynos the Matrix Caffee girl says "Evil mage you say? haven't seen anything. Why are you dressed like that is he a terrorist officer?"
(Assume that you wear your KE full body armor.)
When you mentioned the drug she say "Well I don't use drugs - tough there are these magic pills all the security are using. 


@Athos the jeweler seems alarmed as you approach his shop and you can tell that he is nervous, you are uncertain if it is you being a big troll with an assault rifle or if he is guilty of anything. "Look man... I am just selling shiny things. I have some troll sized tough... they are kind of expensive. Would you like to look?"

Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-18-16/1551:50>
Maxwell surveys the rooftop and drone-strip.  Eyeing the many shipments of cargo with the former ork ganger next to him.  The distant indiscernible chittering of fell insects echo to him as he stands.  An eternal distraction he has to deal with.  One he pushes as far back into his mind as possible.  With his arms crossed against his chest and eyes staring off into the distance, Maxwell declares to Mr. King.  "I'm going to be conducting my search for your renegade mage's signature throughout the mall and nearby areas.  I'd like to be undisturbed in this process.  Meaning no guards or corp-sec getting in my way.  Also, my spirits will have to escort and assist me during this process.  Subtlety and discretion are kinda out the window at this point.  I'll do my best and make sure no civilians are harmed, but my companions and I can only manage so much.  Be prepared for the worst kind of PR is what i'm saying here."

The pyromancer issues a mental word to Valfar.  "Materialize next to me and let us continue our hunt for the mad alchemist.  I'd like to have his skull and blood as an offering to the insectoids by tonight if possible."
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-19-16/0031:53>
Athos smiles before realizing that this may also be interpreted as something sinister.  Sighing, he tries another approach.  "You misunderstand, friend.  I am looking for anyone who might have known the mage that used to work security here at the mall.  He was responsible for the explosion and damage in the food court today.  Do you know anyone in the mall that might have been good friends with him?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-19-16/0354:35>
"Yeah I know about those pills. Can you tell me which security guys are using or selling them?"
Kynos inquired.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <04-19-16/0734:24>
@Maxwell - Mr king say "You will not be disturb but do not disturb the customers - I mean it they pay your bounty."
Valfar materializes next to you and asks "What did you had in mind, chaos lord?"
(I am pretty sure that a search is by definition a remote service, but as I don't want to bombard you with dice let's keep him with you).

@Athos The Jeweler say... "These are not my things to know, we paid for magic security but we have never seen a mage. We were told that the security is obscured from plain sight, but when you pay such a high fee you want to see what you pay for  - you know actually meet the mage.  My company is starting to suspect that this entire magical security was a scam to boost up rent. They are disputed with the Aurora center over that. 

Tough this is all I know,  from gossip, these decisions are above my pay grade. "
 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <04-20-16/1255:03>
It was fortunate that the roof-top wasn't populated.  Even though Valfar manifested as a rotted crumbling skeleton, he stood like a giant.  The secrets of magic and death lie hidden behind his pale-blue eye.  Life's frailties, and perhaps mortality itself had no meaning or consequence to the old dead lord.  His bones rattled and pulsated with a ghostly energy as he walked with Maxwell across the roof-top.  The fire mage explains what he's thinking as they stride toward some of the strip's cargo.  "I'm curious if the alchemist has any of his preparations being smuggled within the packages these drones are carrying.  Astral sight does not come easy to me.  I need you to look at everything here and tell me if you see any magical signatures or auras or anything that'll lead me to James Franco.  If not, then i'll have to reconvene with the other two and see if they have found anything.  You're free to go as soon as you let me know."

[spoiler]After re-reading the Search power, i'm inclined to agree with you on the remote service thing.  It always seemed like it wasn't dependent upon the summoner leash range based upon my earlier interpretations.  I can always edit my posts above and summon another spirit if you prefer.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <04-21-16/0002:08>
Athos nods to the jeweler and thanks him before going to the frozen yogurt stand and asking the same questions about the mage.
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <04-21-16/0450:19>
@Kynos there teenager says with a bit of doubt she is clearly uncomfortable talking about it. She look at you in silent and then say.  "Charlie, the way he speaks about the darn thing he might as well be selling it..."
@Athos The jewler waves at you and goes back to his business, something in VR. The frozen Yogurt guy is very friendly, but does not seem to know much about magic or the security arrangements of the place.
@Maxwell - Valfar said "There is nothing alchemical now - how long do you want me to look for one?"



Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-21-16/0514:39>
"Charlie... Ok, thanks."
Kynos turned around and made a call to the Security Chief <<I just got a tip from one of the vendors that one of your man called "Charlie" might know something about those pills. Can you arrange a meeting with him? And before you ask: No, I have no interest whatsoever in any kind of persecution except that mage. Info is all I want.>>
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: gilga on <04-21-16/0718:47>
@Kynos King say >>Charlie ? I don't recall having this person on my roster. Let me check.
A while later he returns to you, nope never heard of him. Are you sure he is security?




Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-21-16/0732:25>
With a sigh Kynos returned to the girl: "Excuse me, I might have misunderstood you. Who is this Charlie and where can I find him?"
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mulcarn on <05-01-16/1427:11>
Maxwell curses inwardly and shakes his head.  Looking back up at Valfar he says.  "No need look any further, you've done enough.  I'll need to check up with the others and see if they have found anything meaningful."  Walking away and back down the elevator to the mall's plaza, Maxwell pulls out his comm and messages Athos and Kynos.

@Athos and Kynos - <<Nothing magical or alchemical in the packages of the drone strip.  I'm heading back to the plaza area where the fireball bomb went off and i'll try to see if there's any residual astral signatures leftover.  Keep me updated and let me know if you need anything.>> 
Title: Re: Into the Chaos - Land Grab [IC]
Post by: Mercy Merchant on <05-01-16/1738:02>
Athos acknowledges the message from Sovereign.  >>Not having any luck here, either.  The guys in two shops seem to know nothing.  The jeweler thinks the whole mojo security thing was the mall just ripping them off with higher fees and never producing a mage.  I am moving on to the next shop.<< 

He steps into the interior of a Build-A-Bear store and speaks to the clerk and the manager about the wizard, trying to find out if they know anyone who might have been friends or at least friendly with the mojo slinger.  He asks about the suspected drug involvement as well.  Maybe they know of someone who was buying from him.