Shadowrun Pub
Shadowrun RPG Play-By-Post Games => Welcome to the Shadows => Topic started by: kv on February 24, 2006, 01:22:44 PM
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The man sits at his desk, the only lights in the room coming from the small screen on which replays a short video.
A man comes into the stuffer shack, and goes back to use the restroom. A few minutes later, a woman enters and begins shopping. Moments behind her, a second man enters, moving directly to the C@FP0W machine.
The woman continues shopping, stocking a hand cart with groceries. The man at the C@FP0W machine undresses, wrapping his shirt around his head, and starts taking the machine apart. Within minutes, he has already rewired the machine and set it to distil greater amounts of caffine in a non-nicotine form.
A group of armed gunmen enter the store, threatening the clerk. The clerk starts stuffing cash money into a bag, and hands it over. When the thugs turn to threaten the Caffine Man and the woman with the groceries, all hell breaks loose.
At this point, the man taps a key and the images slow down. The woman breaks her basket over the thug's head, the caffine man takes his clothes and throws them in the face of his assailant, following it with a karate kick.
They each struggle breifly with thier opponents, and then the man from the bathroom emerges with a suprised look on his face.
For a moment the combat continues, with a few shotgun blasts punctuating the fights. From the man who exited the bathroom, there is an extraordinary flash of light. The man briefly rewinds the tape, and slows it down even more. A bolt of lightning flashes from him to the thugs, arcing from one to the next.
Within seconds, all of the assailants are down, and the three shoppers move around, picking up thier clothes and groceries. They take the bag the clerk stuffed with money, and discuss something for a moment.
The man wishes he knew what they were saying, but there's no sound in the video. The discussion leads to the Caffine man jumping up on the counter and disabling the primary camera, pulling both the tape of the incident and the backup tape of the incident out of thier respective hiding places. He hands one tape to the woman, and shoves the second in the store microwave, pushing a few buttons and closing the door.
Around this time, another man comes into the store, looks around in shock, and then starts stealing goods.
After a few moments, all of the survivors leave, and the store is empty.
The man stops the tape, and the lights in the room come on. His superior and a secretary stare at the last frame of the video, still up on the screen. The superior looks over a few files he has sitting in front of him on the desk, and then looks at the man. "You're sure these are them?"
The man nods, pressing another button and the image of the video is replaced with enhanced screens of each of the survivors, alongside stock photos of them. The stock photos are also attached to each of the files in front of his superior. "We are reasonably sure. The video was enhanced, and as you can see, these are each of the survivors."
His superior's brow furrowed, looking at each enhanced image and the photos next to them. "If they took the tapes, how do we have a copy of this?"
The man was prepared for this. "They took the primary and backup copy for the primary camera system, which was probably blown out in the electrical explosion. This is the secondary camera, hidden behind the mirror toward the back of the store. It was not disabled by the blast, and they did not remove the recording from it." He paused for a second to let his superior process that, and then continued. "As you saw, one copy of the tape survived. We are currently trying to obtain it."
His superior shook his head. "That won't be necessary. Go ahead and make contact with them, and brief them and a few of our regulars on the... job opportunity."
With this, the meeting was over, and the superior and secretary moved to exit. The man pulled a phone from his pocket, and started dialing.
((This is a continuation of the 'It's 3am and You're Hungry Thread, showing AJ the ropes of a basic shadowrun. Apparently she already had combat down, so we're moving on to bigger and badder things! Meeting with a J! Legwork! Even A Double Cross Maybe! New players are more than welcome to jump in, but this is going to be fairly fast paced- posting once a day (at least) during the week. We'll let you have the weekends off.
If you're interested, and you haven't already, PM me a character, and let the games begin!))
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Raymond sits in the arcade... a moment of pure zen.
thanks to the little bit of magic and little bit more of modern chemistry; his wound was all but healed... but that wasn't on his mind right now... right now; it was all about the game... That's probibly why he was thinking about his shotgun wound... it was the first time in a couple of weeks that he didn't notice it. the effects of the pain have finally been overtaken by the power of his mind.
in front of him, digitized fighters danced a balet... jump forward, strong kick attack, countered by low block, forward flip and a backhand slap. (dubbed 'the pimp' manuver by thoes in the know) an easy block. but Raymond was counting on that. it was a common move, and the responce to it was almost automatic, but he had won the game at that point. it was thirty moves out, but he could see it. a cold rush fell into the pit of his stomach. it was time.
[color=00ff00]powerball slide.[/color]
[color=ff6666]predictable break manuver.[/color]
[color=9933ff]low helo[/color], countered by [color=ff0033]low punch[/color]. the hit drains only a small amount of life.
the fool dosn't even see it coming.
slide-step. down block.
the oponent is getting confused. where did the masterfull plays for power go? the unimaginable combo speed...
andother slide-step.
another down block. this one is early. the oponent is getting lasy. thinking they know everything.
it continues
[color=ff3333]attack[/color], [color=99ccff]block[/color], counter-atack,[color=ffff99] break-attack jump[/color]
the dance at this point is automatic.
the moves, elementry. simple, as simple as it is cunning.
and then, the point of no return.
[color=cc6600]Downward Ki Blast.[/color]
[color=ffff33]delta-combo[/color] into[color=ffcc33] downward samauri-chop[/color]
fear sets in.
why can't the combo be broken?
[color=ccff66]Dive-Axe Kick.[/color]
[color=33ffff]Calling-sky-ace.[/color]
figure it out yet?
[color=336633]Limber summersault.[/color]
it's the footing.
[color=ccff66]Dive-Axe [/color]again. block is a quarter-second slow.
[color=00ff66]Sliding overhand assault.[/color]
the ground at this point is lower. you blocked your way right into it.
[color=ff99ff]Jumangi flying cow[/color]
the combo-break points are raised a fraction of an inch.
10% remaining.
time for the cu-de-grace
Tiger[color=ffcc99]-claw[/color] [color=ccff66]death[/color] combo.
[color=cc6633]hit.[/color]
[color=cc3333]hit[/color]
[color=ff3366]hit[/color]
[color=33ff33]block breaker[/color]
[color=ffff33]hit[/color]
[color=ffcc99]stunned[/color]
[color=cc6633]hit[/color]
Fatality.
the earth shakes.
it is done.
taking a step back from the machine, Raymond looks at his surroundings in a new light. everything is brighter. the air tastes better. his caff-pow cup is half full.
today is going to be a good day.
Two men in suits approach as you finish your combo. One of them actually seems to know what you're doing and looks impressed. The other one is a little older, and looks like he's had a bad day made worse by the gum he just stepped in.
"Mr. Raymond Theodore Lovelace? Will you please come with us?"
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Now that I'm full and my blades cleaned, I put a movie on and flop onto the couch. The tape from the security is on the table and I figure I'll show it to my sister when her band gets back from a competition somewhere out east.
I setttle back as the opening music blasts from the speakers and glowing blue words begin scrolling up the screen. The movie might be an eighty year old flatscreen movie, but I've loved it since I found it and the other five in the stuff my grandma left Mom.
It's also the source of my street name. Sharon used to tease me about it when we were kids. She intentionally butchered the lead character's name, saying I wanted to be the next Starhiker. I only pretended to be mad. She still thinks it's funny I kept the nickname.
The words finish scrolling and the action starts. I just watch and enjoy the movie.
You hear a knock at the door.
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*Pulling into his condo garage on the downtown side of seattle he hits the button to close his garage. Pulling off his helmet he slips it onto the handle of the bike and without a thought pulls his sword from the holder on the side. Going into his condo he puts his stuff down he got from the shack on the counter. He goes into the living room and hits the home comm. "Still no messages from Sensei guess I am still too hot to bring back." His thoughts immediately go to the fresh scar on his back. Even though the doctors could of removed it Yoshi chose to keep it as a reminder that nothing in life is easy. Going back to the kitchen he puts the stuff into the refridgerator. Sitting on the stool in the kitchen he pours himself a small glass of saki'. Sipping it he looks about his living quarters again. Quite nice by most standards and well furnished he hardly uses it though. The guest room stuff is all in the garage in storage giving him plenty of space to practice and his bedroom has very few amenities either. Probably the most luxurious thing in there is the fouton for his back. Stretching a bit even though he didn't get in the physical fight in the shack he was up late at the bar with that game of chess with Bobby. That mentally draining in itself not letting anything slip as well as keeping his mind on the game. Bobby is with LoneStar and probably wouldn't react well to his line of profession. Going to the bedroom he strips off the kimono and hangs it up then pulls off the tight formfitting full body armor. He then steps in the shower turning the water only to about luke warm as not to irritate his back. Though there is no pain anymore the phantom feelings still linger and heat just doesn't agree with it. Cleaning up he comes out in his robe and turns on the trid fliping to the political news channel. He likes keeping up on the current events in the goverment since Seattle is probably one of the biggest hotbeds there is for the UCAS right now. Putting his sword next to his fouton he lays down gently adn dozes off to the sounds of yet another senator babbling about black ops and shadowrunners threat.
You awaken suddenly to the sounds of someone at the door of your small apartment. There's a knock, and a muffled voice on the other side of the door.
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((I was hoping for at least one other person to join in on this run, but we'll add them in as soon as I hear something definite from either of them.))
Each of you is approached by two men dressed in black suits. They call you by your full, legal name, and ask you to come with them.
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"Whoa! Did I set some kind of record? I've actually won larger tournaments before, but I must admit, finishing a tournament with 90% of my life still remaining is pretty good. Did you guys see that combo? poor slot didn't know what hit him! HAHAHAHA Normally all I get is a T-shirt or something with a cool digital logo on it... you guys going to give me a full running suit or something whiz? would there be a non-modification policy to it? because I like to put my name on the stuff I win... Kinda works like double recognition, you guys get name-brand acceptance, and I get my name in lights as well. You know, I've always wondered why there aren't more sponcerships out there for games. Hey! I just got an Idea! I could train a group of guys, only the best; I know a buncha people in this biz who would love to get sponcered!"
Raymond gibbers allong like only a winning caffeen addict can.
The younger man follows for a moment, and then gestures outside. "Sir, if you'd come with us, we have a car waiting for you." the older man tugs at his belt and moves toward the outside, looking rather grouchy.
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"Whoa! is it a Limo? I always wanted to ride in a limo? did you know that some of them have a satalite uplink? that would be whiz! I have an emulator here in my bag that lets me play war-crack on the fly... it would be cool to play from a limo!
...
wait... outside? where are we going? to japan? where the game was created? the head office of metsuhama software? isn't that in denver? should I pack a lunch? some new pants?"
Raymond follows the suits, using his imagination to create all sorts of wonderfull rewards and game playing contracts for his future.
Outside, a small black limosine awaits. Both of the men take up point positions, one putting out an arm to guild the gamer toward the back door. The second opens the door and looks around, watching the empty edges of the rooftops.
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I groan to myself when I hear the knock. For a minute, I think it's one of the neighbors complaining about the volume of my sound system and almost immediately dismiss it. They don't knock, they pound. Not that I play it as loud as the troll down the hall, but despite the fact she's a low-level wageslave decker, most of the other tenents buy into the bad-ass troll stereotype and leave her alone in favor of the 'helpless' unchromed elven girl.
"Just a sec!" I yell as I get off the couch. I keep one eye on the trid, even though I know exactly what's happening. One the way, I pass through the kitchen and hide the security tape behind the ice tray in the freezer. Dad's visit yesterday was a fresh reminder not every visitor knows about--or would appreciate--my current occupation.
I crack the door, leaving the chain latched, "Yeah, what is it?"
In the background, I hear the tense music and the hissing of a blast door being burned through and hope I'm not in for a similar situation.
Two very bored looking men in black suits stand at the door. "Amanda Jennifer Crystalwind? May we have a moment of your time?"
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Black suits. I'm not quite sure what they want, but suits usually mean one of the corporations. Fortunately, I'm still new enough in the shadows I haven't had any of the big runs yet that really piss them off (I think. There was the Noodle Incident a couple months ago...). These guys do know my real name, though, which could be a problem.
"Sure."
I close the door far enough to unhook the chain and pull the door back open, waiting for them to talk.
"We have a car downstairs waiting for you. There is some matter of importance that we've been asked to contact you about."
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Pulling on his formfitting armor then slipping on his armor clothing which is very streamlined compared to his kimono. He the slips on the secure long coat and slips his sword into the back rig without thought. Walking to the front door he pulls out his two machine pistols and switches them to full auto. Holstering the weapons he looks through the peephole to see who it is.
"Who is it? Please identify yourself gentlemen and your purpose. Judging where they are in the peephole i place the muzzles of my guns near center mass of their bodies. Then he just waits for a response to his inquiry.
There are two men wearing black suits at the door. "We were asked to contact you by a past employer about a work opportunity. I'm afraid I'm not allowed to say more than that. We have a car waiting for you downstairs."
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Raymond ducks into the cab, curious as to why the guy is watching the rooftops. do snipers often take shots on up and coming celebrities? was he going to become a celebrity? would he have to sign stuff? like girl's brests? hmm... he would have to change his signiture... perhaps just drop it down to 'ray' ... that's what he put in the arcades where you could only put three letters... hmm... perhaps he should start practicing to make his 'ray' signiture look like the 'ray' block caps from the game... he was just wondering about going online with the satalite uplink when he started to look arround and saw something even more interesting.
"wow! a mini-bar! that's even better than a satalite uplink! is this real vodka? is it complamentry?
The man in the black suit who doesn't look like he's tired of you nods and points toward the minibar. "Have as much as you want. We will be having a business meeting in about twenty minutes, though, so pace yourself." He puts a finger to his earpiece and moves inside, letting the other man close the door and settle in. The limo only moves about twenty feet before stopping to wait for a second car, one waiting in front of an apartment building down the block.
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I sigh. Looks like I won't get to finish watching the movie tonight. Or is it morning now?
I pull my attention back to the suits.
"Fine, let me grab my jacket."
Normally, I'd probably be a bit more cautious, but I still have enough of an adrenaline high from the fight, and if I'm going to have to give up movie night, I may as well get this over with.
I grab my jacket from where I'd dropped it earlier, but skip the blades this time. I can do just as much damage with my hands, I just like the blades because they're more intimidating. My pistol is still in the concealed holster clipped to the inside of my jacket, so at least I'll have some firepower if the drek hits the fan.
I turn off the trid and go back to the door, "Alright, I'm ready."
At least I got to finish my dinner.
The two men in suits flank you as they walk you downstairs to where a limo is waiting outside your building. The one who spoke before gestures to it, and then starts scanning the building rooftops for potential snipers. You can tell these guys are trained bodyguards.
"Miss Crystalwind, if you would be kind enough to step inside?"
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"Just a minute please I just have one more thing to grab.: Putting my pistols away and moving away from the door.Going back to my bedroom i pull out the two collapisible batons. SLipping them into my pockets. I go back to the door and open it up to the two guards. "I do hope you will be able to explain more in the vehicle if it is security your worried about." Following them to whatever car they are talking about.
The two men in suits nod as you come out the door, giving you the once-over. When they are satisfied, they move to flank you, walking down the stairs toward the parking garage, where a sleek black limo waits. One guard moved to hold the door for him, and the other stood behind him, scanning the windows facing this way.
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Hmmm... good hooch. limo ride. winning the tournament... this defenitly was a good day.
I'll ride arround in the car, make myself a couple of martinis and offer them to the guys who picked me up, the driver, and anyone else who's arround i'm feeling chartiable. i'm a celebrity! wohoo!
they might as well get some enjoyment out of it as well. I promise not to tell anyone.
-Raymond
The man who has been doing most of the talking up until this point puts a finger to his ear, listening to the comm he has in his ear. "If you'll excuse us Sir, we need to make a stop very quickly. One of the other cars is not responding."
The limo turns left, and stops near an almost identical black limo, where some sort of ... explosion... or something... blew one of the doors off. The man in charge signals the driver to keep going, and speaks into the microphone on his wrist.
"We need a pickup and cleanup on Weatherly. Target 4 might have flown the coop." He looks back up to you with a smile, and gestures for you to take advantage of the minibar.
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When I see the limo, I wonder if I'm getting in over my head on this one. I also wonder why the suits are checking the roofs; in this neighborhood, the biggest problems are usually at street level.
"Miss Crystalwind, if you would be kind enough to step inside?"
I roll my eyes as I climb into the limo. I usually prefer A.J.--or Starhiker when I'm on a run--but I figure trying to press the issue with these guys would be a waste of time.
I look around the interior, "Nice."
The two men sit facing you, and one gestures to the minibar. "Feel free to drink whatever you want- but we will be having a business meeting shortly, so please don't overdo it."
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Slipping into the limo as they hold the door open for me pulling my sword off. Sitting it next to me I move to the farside of the limo. I put up the partition if it is not already up and settle myself. As soon as they get in and settled my guns are back in my hands. "Alright lets have a better conversation now that we are more secure. Now who were you speaking of when you mentioned my previous employer? It is a good place to start isn't it? Consider this a proof of life you give me honesty I put my guns away and behave. If not well I think consumate professionals like you guys can figure it out." Waiting patiently for a reply my guns unswaying as I look between the two.
The two men look rather suprised when you pull out the guns, but don't reach for any weapons or otherwise react. "Sir, all I know is what I told you," one says, as the other speaks into a microphone in his sleeve. "He is becoming beligerent."
The first continues, "Sir, I was told to tell you if you asked that I was contacting you about employment by a previous employer. That's all I was told..."
At this point, he continues talking, but you start feeling dizzy.
Make an unaugmented body 8 test, and tell me how many successes you get.
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"Whoa! Explosion! Awsome! so, target number 4 huh? what target number am I? 1? the highest priority of target? are the other targets video-game masters too? Do I know any of them? Can I get a T-shirt with my priority number on it? "
raymond trys to determine the type of explosive used on the other limo.
Demolitions 3 (5, 2, 2)
The first man actually smiles at you as you ask all the questions. You have no idea what sort of explosion happened in the car, but it seems oddly familiar, as if you had seen something like it recently. Probably when you were kicking hoop in round 3 of the tournament, and you hit that one guy with a dragon-powerball-z combo, and he was atomized. Yeah, that was probably it.
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"So, who's your boss? can you talk about him? or is it a Her? I got my Hoop kicked by a girl once. I think she was a ninja. Do you think i should get dental coverage? I think I may be getting a tooth ache from all the sugar I eat..."
The two men mostly ignore you, although one seems tempted to speak into his wrist-microphone more than once. Eventually they pull up in front of Club Bella, a ritzy club that is planned to open soon to the public. There are already fans outside, and papparazzi taking pictures of everyone going in.
Fame is good. You think you'll like it.
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I look through the bar for any coffee, otherwise I'll have water or other non-alcoholic drink. I'd rather be reasonably alert for the time, and alcohol makes me sleepy.
There are a couple of energy drinks stowed in the bar, including C@FP0W!, and other assorted caffineated and nicotine-filled highly addictive drinks. They have Starbucks Kahlua, but you're not sure what percentage of that is alcohol and what percentage is coffee.
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(Ok this has got to be the damnedest roll I have had in a while 1, 3, 17,19. That is no joke I even changed dice after the first 6's. Of course I have been playing 4th edition lately irl.)
Slurring my speech as I get sleepy a bit I put away my guns. "My apologies gentlemen I was just confirming a suspicion. I hope I did not offend you too much by my actions. I think I need some coffee I still seem sleepy." Leaning back gripping my katana as a way to comfort myself.
Neither of them seems affected, but both of them seem more than a little suprised that you're still awake. One of them moves and offers to get you a coffee.
While he's pouring it, make another body 8 test.
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I skip the super caffineated stuff and look for a bottle of water. I want to be alert, not twitching like someone who got wired and forgot the reflex trigger.
There's a bottle of Renracu Lemon Water there on the shelf among the other bottles. God bless Renracu and thier 2% real lemon juice.
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(4,3,11,5 on body)
Still just swaying a bit now I guess I'll take the coffee when handed to me. Sinking more into the seat as I seem to get heavier.
The man who originally spoke into his mike about you being belligerent lifts his sleeve to his mouth again, but you have a hard time understanding what he's saying... his voice seems deep and distorted.
The other man holds the coffee, after you grab it and he continues to hold it after you can't seem to maintain your grip on it anymore. Your head doesn't clear, but you stop getting heavier. You feel a little drugged. And by a little, I mean you feel like an elephant sucker punched you.
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I grab the water and, after a decent mouthful, eye the two suits.
"So, when do I find out what you want from me?"
Neither one of them moves, and for a moment the car is uncomfortably quiet, then finally one of them speaks. "Ma'am, I am not privledged to give you that information. We should be there shortly."
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"Hmmmmm I guess I will just take a little nap on our way there if that ok wake me when were there?" Sounding very childish and hopeful a bit of his past slipping through.
The two men nod, and you're not sure how much time passes before you reach wherever it is that you're going. Your limo pulls up to the back of a building, and the men open the doors and slide you over to the side. One of them takes each of your arms, and they support you between the two of them. Once you get outside, your head starts to clear a little, but you're still dizzy and rather incapacitated. They bring you in through the cellar, where a truck is delivering beer kegs, dropping them through a small trapdoor onto a sandbag in the basement. They wind you through the back of whatever this place is, and you find yourself on the deserted dance floor of some club you don't recognize. They gingerly set you at a table with a man in a suit, who is smoking a cigarette (you can't tell if it's one of the cheap ones or not at the moment) and he sits there in silence, watching you.
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I jump out of the car and raise my hands over my head while shouting to the people with the cameras
"Raymond Theadore Lovelace Has reached his destination! All hail the next great game master! "
with that I'll pose for some shots with my bodyguards, and give what remains in the bottle of real vodka to an adoring fan.
(if the doors are locked or somesuch, i'll use the magnetics in my arm to unlock them as I go out the door. sometimes they have child safty locks in the back)
The doors actually are locked, and the bodyguards are rather... annoyed and suprised that you're able to open the door. You slip out onto the red carpet, posing and smiling for the papparazzi. Several woman ask you to take them inside with you, but the bodyguards push you along at a pretty good rate until you get inside the foyer of the club.
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I roll my eyes at the answer. Or rather nonanswer. I didn't ask what I'd be doing, just when I'd find out.
I finish off the water and watch the city roll past.
Before too long, your limo pulls up in front of Club Bella, where it stops and the security get out and watch the crowd. One of them gestures for you to exit the limo with the words "Ms. Crystalwind? We are here."
((Same setting as Rayman, although he got her a minute before you. Red carpet, paparazzi, and everything, and you're ushered into the foyer of the club, also done up all in red.))
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I'll try to get one of the girls to go with me into the club. Picking out the prettyest one I can see I'll stop at the doorman and say:
"That chick in the red? She's with me. make sure she gets let inside."
Negotions test: 8, 5, 1, 1
from there, I'll go inside, and check out the scene.
Somehow, that doorman manages to resist your command to let some random girl in. Maybe it's because the club isn't open yet. Maybe it's because the bodyguards shake thier heads 'No' at him. In any case, he doesn't let her in, and the two men in black suits hustle you into the foyer, where they stop. "Mr. Lovelace, your party is waiting for you."
Inside, a small circular table has been set up, and a man sits there smoking a cigarette. Another sits, looking rather out of it, watching people move around him.
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As soon as my head begins to clear I concentrate on getting clearer. Keeping with the old adage "Clear the mind and the ass will follow." Taking in as much detail as I can I let my head low back as they sit me in the chair. How high is the ceiling and some of the details there. Then I will look back down at the man and murmur. "This isn't a very nice way to treat a guest. If I had wanted to be just as rude I would of shot one before I asked my question. Though I guess the scales are balanced they were nice enough to help me in. So What?" Trying to sound angry but probablly coming off sounding drugged.
Yes, I believe you come off sounding like you've been drugged. You mutter, but the man doesn't respond, taking a draw of his cigarette. You notice the ember from the tip of his cigarette is reflected in his eyes, giving him a faintly demonic look. The club is decorated mostly in reds and dark brown woods, playing up the sleek and rich angle. The ceiling... is far away, and not lit. It looks like a club scene, with air ducts, fans, and day-lighting. While you're looking around and feeling out of it, you notice a troll thrash band and a couple of DJs setting up for tonight.
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I'll go sit down next to the guy that looks 'out of it' and start talking to him.
"Hi! I'm Raymond! Did you just get here? You look a little out of it. is this your first time? I've done this lots! well, not in a place this nice... what are you looking at? the cealing? You know, that's a pretty amazing air refridgeration system they have. I bet vents that big could remove up to 21 thousand BTU's a cycle. It must be super hot in here once everyone's inside and jumping arround. "
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I give the security guys a sympathetic look as I head inside. They probably don't get paid near enough for what they put up with.
Once inside, I notice the people at the table and almost do a double take. Weren't they at the Stuffer Shack earlier? And the guy who stripped is still running his mouth!
You don't really recognize the drugged-looking guy, but yes, you rememeber Rayman from your stuffer shack experience.
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"Hey! You are that chick from the stuffer shack! Did you win a tournament? you didn't seem like the video-game playing type... are we waiting for you? ya' know, if you wanted to reach me you didn't have to send a limo, we probibly live close to eachother, you could have just called..."
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"Keep your pants on." I smirk, "I didn't come here for you."
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"No? " *shrug* "That's too bad. and today was going so well for me too. Oh, and I only need to remove clothing to prevent static discharge from destroying electrical equipment. I don't need to get undressed to just sit here and talk... unless you want to talk about something else... Then again, Cancer-man here, and our space-case friend seem to be waiting for someone too. "
turning to the other people at the table.
"Either of you know who we are waiting for? Did you hear anything about free T-Shirts?"
-
The thought of killing the chatter box enters his head. His thoughts are too scattered though and he is distracted by the thought of free t-shirts and no pants. Looking at the girl to save me and contemplating her in no pants and tight tshirt. Now really trying to shrug off whatever going around in my body. Those are not good thoughts to be having. Then the mind starts to wander again as he tries to clear his head. Those are good thoughts healthy thoughts. But they degrade the woman in some sense. That is not the way of Bushido and you must be punished. But it is the way of man and she is a lovely lady who looks powerful in her own right. Perhaps she is interested in you too young sir. His master's voice lolling through his head as he tries to keep clearing it.
Go ahead and make a final Body 8 test to clear your head. If you fail, we'll wait a moment and then you can try a Body 6 test.
The chatterbox next to you, while annoying, is giving you something to focus on... the growing headache behind your left eye.
-
The man smoking at the table takes a final draw of his cigarette, and puts it out on the table.
"Actually, all of you came here to meet me. There was supposed to be a fourth, but he took himself out of the running." He stops to look at each of you in turn, spending the least time on the drugged-looking guy and the most time staring down Rayman, as if willing him to stop chattering.
He pulls a small remote from inside his suitcoat, and uses it to turn on a projector that plays a short series of images- those of you who were there recognize it as the interior of a Stuffer Shack. Your encounter briefly plays out, and each of you is easily recognizable from the tape. Who you assume is the fourth member was the mage with the lightning bolt spell, who actually toasted the robbers.
The man allows the video to play, and then thumbs the remote again and it shuts off. "We have evidence that each of you was involved in the distruction of our property, assault of our employees, and theft of goods." He stops to put the remote back in his pocket. "Which, with each of your unique histories, would cause quite a problem. It's hard enough getting work without a Criminal SIN."
He's taking his time pitching this to you, and you all know it. He takes a pack of cigarettes (the real ones, not those cheap soy kind) and lights it with a small steel lighter. He sets the cigarettes and lighter down on the table, and glances to the drugged-looking man to see if his head is clearing yet. When he's satisfied that it probably is, he takes a draw on his cigarette and continues. "Not that I care about any of that. If you take care of a problem for me, this video, and your involvment in this matter will dissappear."
-
(11,2,7,5)
"How much for the fruit and water? I would of paid but your credstick reader in the store was fried. So what do you need a pants throwing loon, a brawler, and me to solve? From the looks of it you have the people to do it yourself." The though of the girl in only a tshirt goes through his head easing the headache a bit. And she knows how to fight added bonus. Shaking his head to clear it more to stay on subject.
-
"How about instead of threatening us with $2,000 worth of misdomeners you offer us more incentive to work WITH you. " *grin*
"and I think your offer should include free T-shirts."
running the numbers in his head Raymond comes up with the total.
"$500 for unlawfull destruction of property, plus the value of the Caf-pow, machine, let's estemate that at $2,000 retail. I've got a couple of counts of shoplifting, at $200 each, and add in the full retail value of merchandice... wouldn't be able to make aggravated assault charges stick, it was clearly self defence. but you could get minor theft for the cash left on the register. all worked out with the apropriate taxes is about $5,432.12 and I'm pretty sure insurance would pick up most of that, and all I did to the Caf-Pow machine was make it better.
however, taking that as it were, $5K isn't much of a payment in this line of work that I'm pretty sure us 3AM stuffer-shack patrons are involved in. Standard Price for a run is typically closer to $10K each, for a milk run. if you took the $5K out of the 50% upfront moneys, that would still leave $15K upfront for the three of us. (the $5K being taken out of the fourth's share... just because he didn't show dosn't mean that there's less work to do... "
Raymond looks at the other people at the table to gauge their reaction.
-
(OOC I think I was writing this while Ruski was posting, so it should've been after bull's post. Dunno if it should be removed or not. BIC)
I glare at the motormouth. I told him to take care of the surveillence tapes. Apparently he missed one.
Oh, well. At least they're offering a job rather than just calling LoneStar or something.
"...So what do you need a pants throwing loon, a brawler, and me to solve? From the looks of it you have the people to do it yourself."
I glance at the guy. He hadn't shown up until the fight was over, so I don't know what he's capable of, but it would've been nice to have the mage around.
"Probably because it's something they don't want their own people involved in." I shrug, "That's how it usually works, anyway."
I eye the guy who'd been talking. "So, what--or who--is this problem?
-
The man with the cigarette leans back, watching calmly as the runners offer to pay for whatever they stole, or allay any debts that the 'supposedly' owe. He finally leans forward to speak, one finger accentuating what Rayman said about making it worth your while. "You see, you're not seeing this from my perspective. We're not going to take you to small claims court in the UCAS over a couple of cans of peas, some nukeable burritos and a cafpow machine. We would prosecute you as criminals, in absentee if necessary, and make your lives all sorts of complicated. But Rayman hits an interesting point, as did Ms. Starhiker. I'm not asking you to do anything for free. I'm warning you not to screw it up."
The man takes another long drag on the cigarette, watching each of your reactions to his words. "As Ms. Starhiker so eloquently put it, our problem is a scientist for a rival corp. Mister Walter Elias January. We want his research, his notes, and if possible, him. And we are willing to pay you handsomely for this." He smiles sincerely, and nods to Rayman. "And we'll find you some free t-shirts."
-
I nod. I'm a little annoyed at being threatened with jail-time and a criminal SIN, but it is a job. Of course, if I wanted a 'safe' job, I'd still be working security for my sister's band.
...But Rayman hits an interesting point, as did Ms. Starhiker...
I raise an eyebrow. So they know both my real name and street name.
As the Johnson finishes speaking, I lean forward, hoping to cut off the motormouth before he can completely screw us out of getting anything, "What about any equipment or gear we need? Will you be providing us with that, or do we get an advance to get our own supplies?"
-
(1,4,11,13= 2 successes for body 6 check)
"So three questions first whose the corp we be moving this poor fool from? If I am causing animosity on one end of the spectrum I would like to know the color of it. And second what do you want me to do on this job? The tshirt guy over there seems a little hyped but does seem to know tech enough that he can probably crack the security around this guy. She good enough and attractive enough to bluff her way past the living and have the hutzpah to get him out with force if necessary. Now you say you talked with one of my former employers which means supposedly you know what I do. So again what's my role in this endevour? And final question is what's the pay? Please don't looked too shocked but you openly admitted you don't give a damn what they did in the shack. If you did the star would of picked us up not you. Second you said that you wanted everthing this guy is doing and the guy from a rival corp. You didn't say however that he is aware of this. Which means it is an unwilling extraction more than likely making things even more difficult. Thus he has something valuaoble and thus something for which your willing to pay if necessary. So toss out a number?"
Leaning back in my chair now that I am feeling better putting my sword on the floor leaning it against my shoulder. I look at the gentleman across from me with a very indifferent stare and doing my best to look nonthreatening.
-
"Hostile extraction; with research. you are looking at about $400,000 for the standard going rate. more if he/she is working on something big and bulky, like a prototype tank."
-
I glance at Raymond. Ok, I guess he knows more about this than I thought. It's just not all that easy to take someone seriously when they strip down in a Stuffer Shack to mess around with a drink dispenser.
-
The man with the cigarette listens to each of you in turn and then waits for his chance to speak.
"I have the research in front of me already. Although I wouldn't waste time giving it to you, because you would just consider it suspect and research it yourself anyway, I have no reason to believe that this run will be anything but a milkrun. I would do it myself, but my position means that I can't be directly involved."
He turns to the man who seems to be coming out of his delerium, answering his questions first. "I don't know the corp, only the subsidiary, one MegaFOOD Inc. They're a supplier of vending machines and drink mixers in the greater Seattle area. They do a lot of product research, but not quite AA. You can do your own research, and draw your own conclusions." He pauses to take a draw from his cigarette. "And yes, I have talked to your previous employer. Singular. They were quite happy to share the details about you, because they were eager to track you down and ... who was the older man? It doesn't matter. In any case, you, Rayman, and Miss Starhiker are here not because you're the best, not because you're the cheapest, but because we have leverage to make you do what we want, and you have skills we need."
He takes another draw on the cigarette, settling his sights on Rayman, as though done with that part of the conversation. "And four hundred thousand seems excessive, Especially considering that twenty thousand is standard for anything not involving wetwork. And seeing as how your job at McHugh's only paid you 6Y an hour, I don't see how even that would be something to scoff at."
He pauses to cough, and then continues, "I'm not suggesting that you do this for free, although we do have the leverage to make you, but I was hoping that this chance occurance might lead to a successful business partnership that would be mutually beneficial."
He taps the ash from his cigarette before turning to face Ms. Starhiker, "You'll be paid twenty thousand newyen, on non-traceable certified credsticks. I know that you will need 'walking around money' as it's said, and I'm willing to give half upfront. The twenty thousand is assuming that you're able to get his research and prototype. If you are able to secure Dr. January, alive and capable of starting work at my corporation, I am willing to offer you fifty thousand newyen, divided among you three however you see fit."
The man snubs out his cigarette and dusts his hands, pausing to give you each time to talk now.
-
"How big is the prototype you are talking about? I mean if it is the size of a prototype tank as he gave as example I think the price should go up. And by the way you avoided my question again why me? You have something on me fine I don't really care about that. But lets say an additional 60k if we complete it. You know that way we keep it split nice and even and we all go walking again. The other thing did you want specific research or every thought this guy ever had? Cause if he anything like this guy I am pretty sure he wrote it al down somewhere. So please be specific as to what you are requesting. If you want the broad base again price goes up on that."
Looking around to see if the other people have any reaction to what I am saying.
-
"Ahh... McHews; you know, I got fired from that job. aparently it violates some obscure health code to undress when repairing machinery where the food is prepared. Personally I think it would have been unsafe to repair it while wearing all of thoes static-filled garments; but that's not really here, nor there. Everyone's got to start somewhere.
speaking of starting somewhere, your offer is nice. and you are right that anything not involving out and out wetwork begins at the 20K mark, but you've added quite a few extras off the top. the bonus for bringing in the scientest notwithstanding, we are going to need to get into and outof this place without raising a racket. even double-A's have a fair share of security. Let's meet halfway. we asked eighty, you offered fourty, half up front. let's keep the 20 upfront, I can work with that, and bump the back-end up to fourty. for a total of sixty. now, understand that I'll be doing this job if you don't budge a red cent over fourty. but I'm not going to want to do repeat buisness for you, and when you are working with people on one-shot-deals... things get... sloppy. I'd much rather foster a long and understanding relatonship with you. like you said. pretty much everything is better than McHews."
((He actually offered 20K, with 10K upfront.))
-
He pauses, considering your counter-offer. "I was offering 10K upfront, but we can push that to 15K, and increase the total amount to fourty thousand, sure."
He pauses to take another drag of his cigarette, clearly annoyed that the drugged man is coming back to this one point. "We recruited all of you because we have something to hold over your heads. For Miss Starhiker and Mr. Lovelace, that's a criminal SIN. For you, who did wetwork for the UCAS without batting an eye, we can hold the fact that they would very much like to catch up with you and do bad things to you. That's why we recruited you. Me myself, I prefer not to work with ex-UCAS. They're a little too full of themselves, and they swagger a lot, like you're doing, or like you pulling guns on the men I sent to invite you."
He takes a last drag of the cigarette and snubs it out in an ashtray on the table. "I want to make it clear to you that you are going to do this job, or bad things are going to happen to you. I'm willing to offer you payment because that increases the chance that you'll be successful, which means a much larger profit on my end. The reason I haven't gone into specifics yet is because you have not agreed to the job- rather, you seek to barter and assume that you can walk away from this." His hands twitch, and he almost reaches for the cigarettes again, but folds his hands in his lap. He takes a second to compose himself, and then continues, "But Mr. Lovelace does bring up a valid point, that threatening you would make things... sloppy. So I'll be willing to give you the original of the tape of the crime scene and drop the threats if you'll be willing to participate. Understand that if you cross me, I won't be afraid to use everything that I have at my disposal to hurt each of you."
-
(by the way UCAS is not mad at me it the yakuza hunting me only person from UCAS that might be mad at me is my old handler but he is on the run from UCAS. The only reason i am hiding is to keep distance between me and my mentor that way he can move more freely without worrying about exposing me)
-
*shrug* "Really, you can keep the tape. we already have a copy, and getting yours wouldn't make that big of a deal. nice of you to offer though. I already said I'm in, but I'll say it again for fun-ness' sake. I'm in. the price is agreeable to me, I'm up to the task of the job at hand and..." Raymond Smiles "I heard something about free T-shirts, and that always holds a warm place in my heart. "
Raymond pauses for a second, in thought before contuniong.
"Actually, if any of the other members of the party aren't interested in the work, I'd be happy to take their share and recruit my own team. I got nothing aghinst anyone here, but I'd rather that all people involved were looking forward to the work, as opposed to looking for a way to turn tail and run. "
with that, I'll look at the other runners waiting to see if anyone really wants to back out, or if they'll try to up their individual shares before agreeing to do the work.
-
I glance at Raymond, running a hand through my hair. If I were to get arrested for a Stuffer Shack fight, forget the criminal SIN, my sister would never let me live it down.
40k, split three ways, makes just over 13k each. Extra if we can bring this January guy in. I consider trying to up the payment, but that really isn't too bad of a haul. I don't know what Raymond's obsession with T-shirts is, though, and I'm not going to ask.
"I never said I wasn't going to do it." I grin, looking forward to a new challenge, "I'm in. What was the bonus if we bring this January guy in alive, again?"
-
"Well I am in just because it beats being bored all day. Sounds like fun though I generally as you said do wetwork. Should be interesting to just interact with an individual not just eliminate him.
-
"So, the price is acceptable, everyone likes the work. let's get down to the nitty-gritty. I wear a size M T-shirt. are you going to provide a drop-phone for us, or is there a number to reach you at? where is this guy, and what's he working on?"
-
"Good."
With a smile, he lights up another cigarette, and then gets down to the details.
"Dr. January is working out of a low-security facility right here in Seattle for a company called 'Nutritex Wholesome Meal'. I'll give you some information in a file, but I'll leave you to track down the particulars. He's been working on a mycoprotein-based food supplement. It'll look better, taste better, and be cheaper than any soy or krill products in the market now. We want him to come work for us."
He takes a drag on the cigarette and pulls a PDA out of his suitcoat pocket. "This has pictures of Dr. January, as well as the location of his offices, and the location of the terminal in his office. He also has a safe in his office, with additional notes in there." He turns on the PDA, quickly typing a number into it, "This is the number you can contact me at when the job is finished. Not when you're on your way back to your dosses and you decide you have a question for me, or any other time. When the job is finished."
He wipes the PDA clean with a hankerchief from his pocket, sets it on the table, and stands, stuffing the hankerchief into his pocket before taking the cigarettes from his lips. "If you decide you want to go for the extra money, you'll have to find the information about January on your own. And remember, we want those notes intact. If they're damaged at all, we're going to want a refund of the up-front money we gave you. You know the drill."
He pulls a handful of generic black certified credsticks out of his pocket and tosses three of them onto the table surface. You wonder why he didn't wipe them for prints as well, but then you notice that these are the new ones you heard about, that are fingerprint-resistant. He turns, still smoking his cigarette, and leaves toward the kitchen, pulling an earbud cell phone from his pocket and thumbing it into his ear.
-
I pick up one of the credsticks and glance at the two men it looks like I'll be running with for the time being, "So, either of you ever heard of this Nutritex? I've never really looked at the company labels on my food."
-
"No but something still doesn't sound right here." Leaning forward slipping on my combat gloves I pick up the credstick in one hand and with the other one of the cigarettes and wrap it in a napkin handing it to the other guy. "Your more computer oriented than me this might help you out. If this guy is working on such a important product or project I should say why place him in a low security facility."
Picking up the PDA with the notes about the doctor and his labs. Skimming most of it looking at the security layout. "I am no expert but if one of my people was coming up with a better bang for my buck I put that guy somewhere very hard to get to. Irrelevant of whether or not my competition found out about it."
(Doing a skill check Seattle Safehouses: TN: 4 (guessing on this) 5,1,4 2 successes?)
Okay, you know of one or two places nearby that you guys would be able to stop and talk, but you're not sure if they would be occupied or not.
-
"Yea, I know a guy in docwagon who can do a DNA search on this and let us know everything there is to know about our employer."
Raymond takes the butt, putting it into a storage case in his tool-pack for later.
"It'll cost about $5K tho. that's a third of our startup cash. you guys have any contacts you want to dump some legwork into? anyplace we should start looking? with $10 K we could probibly get security plans for our boy's house, or his work, but probibly not bouth if we need to get some specalty gear as well."
-
Looking at everyone's non-talkative mood.
"Or, if you are of the 'old school of runners that don't like discussing details, I know a cool arcade not far from here that's got some seriously high caffeen soy latea's I bet ya'll would love! "
Raymond picks up the tablet and copys the number into his cellphone. from there he starts to look over the paydata supplyed as they get ready to leave the club.
I'll stop at the counter and place a reservation for tonight. get our names on the guest list. under mr. J of course.
-
I shrug and stand up.
"Wait, are you talking about the arcade across from the Shack?"
-
"I like that place. they know me there."
-
The no-neck chromed ork bouncer at the door writes you onto the guest list, with an annotation of 'J' by the side of it, and a small mark for "+1"
He then seems to be annoyed that you are discussing business directly in front of him, and says in a suprisingly quiet voice for an ork with that much cyber, "Please discuss the particulars outside."
He gives each of you the once-over, spending an extra second watching the now very sober UCAS agent who got roped into this.
-
"So, do we get a limo ride back to someplace else, or do we need to provide our own transportation from this point?"
without waiting I'll walk into the throng of well-wishers
"Heaya Sexxy Chicxors! Anyone want to have a date tonight at this club? I got tickets for two if anyone is willing to give me and my chombas a lift! prefreably you will need to have the right number and mix of male and female friends. oh, and you have to be hot. Hmmm... how about you sugar? Love the blue hair."
-
"So you need a date miss?", smiling a disarming smile that has gotten me pass many a secretary at the young lady with me.
-
I grin back, "Why not? So, how long do you think it'll take for game boy over there to remember we got work?"
-
Three giggly japanese girls with blue hair offer Rayman a ride in thier geo metro- which seems to appeal to him. They also think this pudgy video-game nerd is sexy, so go figure. Maybe they need new cybereyes or something. In any case, they're fawning over him, so the two of you will have to find your own way home.
-
"Okay Chummers! I'll see you at the arcade! it's got a back room with pong and stuff. we can close it off for a little privacy."
with that, I'll take the blue haired joy-girls and pile into their geo. if there's not enough room, we'll have to have them sit on my lap, or me sit on their collective laps. we should probibly try bouth, just to see what way works better.
-
[One 'Joy'-Ride later]
"Ahh... The arcade. "
Okay, I'll see if I can still get my T-shirt for winning the tournament, and talk to 'Joe' the shift manager, see if I can get the empoyee confrince room to myself with a couple of buddys for some important buisness. if he balks at letting me have run of the place I'll remind him of the time that I fixed his DDR machine, and if he says I used up that favor for the time I set the slurpee machine on fire, I'll offer to show him how to do the super-stealth death move that no one else can pull off.
-RuskiFace the Pirate
-
The shift manager, Joe, balks at letting you use the conference room, although he does cave after you show him how to do the 'death move,' so they give your your I DA WINNOR! tshirt, and set you up in the conference room.
How about you other two runners? How are you getting to the arcade?
-
I put on my shirt, and practice the move with Joe untill he's got it down pat. (gotta make good with the powers that be)
I'll make sure to hold back and let him beat me a couple of times with it, so he feels good.
then I'll go about securing the employee confrence room. checking for bugs, and doing what I can to make sure people won't be bothering us durring an inoppertune time.
-Raymond.
-
I take a cab. It's the easiest way since my bike's still at home...and slightly less odds someone'll jump me.
-
Oh, and I turn on my shirt, so the digital 'winnorz' scrolls acrost it all flashey like.
-Raymond.
-
I'll take a cab back home and grab my bike and take it to the arcade finding a secure place for it.
-
After a few minutes, two cab rides, three blue-haired girls wandering outside to have a soy-bacco cigarette, and the quick ride to the arcade on motorcycle, you are all at the arcade.
Rayman's three blue-haired japanese girls are outside smoking, and they give you a glance as you walk by. Two of the three of them are on thier phones, calling someone, telling them in excited little girl voices that they've got an 'in' for the hot new club tonight.
As you enter the arcade, it's like an assault on all your senses. Brilliant lights flash, images pop up and dissolve, the sound is close to deafening as the full-body Dance Revolution Machine tries to be louder than the 'Street Fighter' full body VR combat.
There are also some datajack games at the back, but the unwashed kids playing those just lie there comatose and quiet.
A slightly older punk with a few piercings in his nose watches you approach the back of the arcade, and when he catches your eye, he flashes a small, dark green BTL chip, as if offering to sell.
The room in the back of the arcade has a small plas-wood door, with a wire-mesh through the small window, to keep anyone from breaking it. Once you get inside, the sound and lights from outside are dampened, but the replacement isn't much better.
It's a cheap place, with dim lighting, water-damaged ceiling tiles, and a few stray wires hanging down. The conference table has seen many generations of employees watching boring training videos and sitting in boring meetings, and it shows. There are numerous names carved into the cheap plas-wood table. Apparently Randy loves Sally, and that's crossed out, and then he loved Sandra, and then Meri. There's something written in a dark marker about Randy having STDs... but it's not totally legible.
There are several uncomfortable-looking chairs, and one padded chair that's had some of the stuffing ripped out of it.
The walls are poorly painted and re-painted, as graffitti (most of it by the employees) covered it, but is an ugly color and peeling already.
This place looks like the worst thing about every minimum-wage job you've ever heard of, rolled into one.
Rayman is standing on one of the chairs, pushing up a ceiling tile and checking the space above the room for... you have no idea what.
-
I'll hop down and welcome them when they come in.
"Hola Chombas! Welcome to Mi Casa away from Mi Casa!, It may not be sanatary, but I just checked; and it's secure."
I'll stand and grin, puffing out my chest so they can see that I'm wearing my new T-Shirt.
-
I look around the arcade as I walk in. Despite having been in the neighborhood a few months, I've never come in here before. I automatically dampen the noise to more tolerable levels.* That trick's probably saved my hearing dozens of times. I pause by the VR Street Fighter game for a moment before continuing towards the back. Maybe I'll give it a try later.
When I get to the back room, I glance around with a grimace. I've seen some dives--especially when my sister's first band was trying to get noticed--but this has to be in the worst ten.
I nod in response to Rayman's greeting and raise an eyebrow when I see the flashing marquee on his shirt.
I lean against the table, crossing my arms, "So, what do you think: Datasteal or should we go for the bonus?"
*OOC: Let me know if that's not how it works. I don't have my books with me and can't remember off hand.
-
Slipping in with my helmet still on to dampenthe sound and going in the back room. Seeing Rayman on the chair and Aj leanign against the tableadmiring her form again. Shaking my head to clear the thoughts as I remove the helmet.
"Well you have your shirt now can we get to work. I bet if we look at the data a offsite data steal is out. But we still need to look at the available data though. If it is that simple though let us just do the simple steal. Better to get a little coin and cred than nothing for greed."
Moving to the back of the room putting my back to the wall and facing the door. Flipping openmy little wrist computer. Setting it to recieve data from another source.
"Send the data please lets start going over it before we start trying to figure out what we are going to do."
-
Raymond worldlessly turns on the provided datapad, and uploads the information to his team-mates.
okay... from the top:
-
I read over the information.
"What about blueprints of the place? If we need to go onsite, I'd like to know the layout. Also what kind of security do they have?"
-
The information is basic and succinct. Not a lot is included, other than the information he verbally told you before he left the club.
You are tracking down Walter Elias January.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v437/k1d_v1d/th_Roy20Disney.jpg)
He is a scientist with 'Nutritex Wholesome Meal,' a Seattle-based company that's a subsidary of MegaFOOD Inc.
As Mr. Johnson (the smoking man) said, "He's been working on a mycoprotein-based food supplement. It'll look better, taste better, and be cheaper than any soy or krill products in the market now. We want him to come work for us."
Mr. Johnson gave you 15K upfront apiece, which comes out of the 40K he agreed to pay you each upon completion. There is a bonus of 50K (split among you three) if Dr. January is alive, able, and willing to work for Mr. Johnson's corporation.
You have a schematic of Dr. January's office, as well as the dataterminal within that office. Mr. Johnson also mentioned that Dr. January would have some paper notes and backups as well, and those would also need to be procured. (For the aim is not only to benefit Mr. Johnson's corporation, but to deny his competitors that same research.)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/k1d_v1d/JanuaryLayout.jpg)
His bedroom is clearly marked, and the probably locations for his workstation and paper research notes.
Other than that, the research is up to you. You have 45K plus whatever other funds you want to use for your contacts. You also have Mr. Johnson's cigarette butt.
-
I can deal with the data pickup.
how do you want to cover this?
torch the place on the way out?
it's typically better if the corp we hit dosn't know that they've been hit.
we could find a corpse to put in his place...
make it look like he died in the fire.
-RuskiFace the Pirate
-
"Sure, make it look like an electrical fire or something? If they think it's an accident they won't look for us. Got a body in mind, or should we find some dreckhead no one'll miss?"
-
I was just thinking to pick up something out of a dumpster in the barrens, or perhaps rob a moruge.
-Raymond.
-
"The Barrens works though you got gangers and homeless all over. Gank one of them haul them over to the sight. Now that we got that clearer how about we worry about getting in there? See I think that more important than covering our own tracks."
-
Well, we've got a good start, let's make some calls and see what we can find out about onsite security.
*Raymond Dials up his Decker buddy, Maxx-Heddrom; and offers him a flat grand to see what he can find out about the place in the digital realm*
-Raymond
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M-M-M-M-MAX answers the telecom in his standard digital form- a poorly rendered head.
"Hey man, nice shirt. Didja win the tourney again? What? One K? Alright, I'll see what I can find."
It's going to be awhile before he calls you back- what are you guys going to do until then?
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I nod. "I know a couple gangers who might be able to help us with the body. If nothing else, they can give us a location so we don't have to waste time searching. Either of you have a car or van? All I have is a bike."
-
I got a bus pass, and some joy-girls out front.
-Raymond.
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((Edit: I went over the entire thread again, just to make sure I was remembering things right, and I noticed that you talked Mr. Johnson up to 15K apiece upfront, so I've adjusted the money for this last page. You now have 15K apiece, or 45K total))
-kv the GM
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I call Blueshift, a human I knew from the gang I followed a few years ago. She's one of the few not dead or in jail. If she doesn't have a van, she'll know where to get one. I'll start with an offer of 750*.
*OOC: Haven't really dealt with negotiating deals much. Is that a good starting amount?
-
((Whatever you feel like paying him is a good starting amount. You'll have to negotiate harder if you start off cheap, though.))
"Sup Chicka? I didn't know you were still around. I heard you got a gig doing security with your sis- how ya been?"
He sounds a little happy-go-lucky... like he's been popping too many BTLs, but he's coherent, so he'll probably remember this in the morning.
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"Doin' alright. I've got a...side job I need some help with. I'd rather not get my sister involved and besides, the band just left for a contest in Denver. Ya still got that van of yours?"
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"My van? Naw- Vince has it. He uhhh... he needed it for something. You could call him though, if you wanted."
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"Right. You got a number?"
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"Yeah, for a couple a hunnerd, I'll pass you his telecom. He's... uh... probably not gonna be home, though. If you want, I can have him give you a call." He spaces out for a second, and then remembers he's talking to you. "Oh, but yeah- his telecom number is 115 328 24497. He got it as a joke, and ... huh. hahahaha... yeah, it's pretty funny. It spells 'fat chicks.'"
At this point he starts chuckling to himself, and then when he's done chuckling... you can't tell if he's passed out or just spacing out. He's not going to be much help. He didn't have you send him the money yet, so you can pay him whatever you feel the information is worth.
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I'll give a call to Dr. Strangelove.
"Hey Chopdoc! I need a corpse, about yea tall and yea wide. male. specifics aren't too important, but I need someone that died in a fire from smoke inhalation. how would I go about getting that? after of course, I go about giving you money for this information. unless you'd rather have a hot date to a new club with a pack of blue haired joygirls in stead?"
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I roll my eyes as I hang up. I'd forgotten about Blueshift's...habit. That's one thing about being a physad, I guess. I have to be a little more careful about what I do to myself since I can't just go in for new chrome if I get hurt or something.
I try the number I was given. Hopefully Vince isn't too busy. Otherwise, I'll just leave my number and a message to contact me.
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The telecom rings a few times, and then goes to voicemail.
"Hello, this is Sue Lambardi. I'm not home right now, but if you're trying to reach me or my son Vincent, leave a message and we'll call you back just as soon as we can!"
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I leave a quick message and my cell number. If he doesn't call back in time, we might have to steal a car after all.
((Okay, what is the exact wording of the message you leave him?))
"Hey, Vince? Starhiker. Blueshift said you're using the van and I was hoping to borrow it. Shouldn't need it more'n a day or two." I rattle off my cell number and hang up.
-
((For Ruski- sorry, I totally didn't notice your phonecall to the Doc))
Doctor Strangelove (who goes by Dr. Strangen to his non-shadowrun contacts), picks up on the second ring, and listens quietly while you speak. Once you're done talking, he mumbles to himself for a moment before he starts speaking out loud.
"Do you have anything to transport the body in? A car? A cold facility? How soon do you want it, no- nevermind that. How soon do you need it? It'll cost you about five grand for a body that specific- smoke inhalation is hard to come by in a corpse that won't be missed. But I can get you a dead body for around two K. That's newyen- no trying anything with corpscript this time, Chummlichen."
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I'll take the 5K version. and I need it within a week. that should be pleanty of time right? I know, gotta wait for a fire, and then bribe the ambulance guy. we'll have a van, and all the ice from a 7-11 to keep him chilled.
with that, I'll go play some video games while I wait for my other contact to call me back. unless someone has anything better to do.
-Raymond
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Älright, little Chummlichen. Stay out of trouble until then. I'll call you once I come up with something suitable."
Dr. Strangelove pauses for a moment, and then without saying anything else, hangs up the phone.
((AJ, he's not going to call you back while you're in this meeting- just so you know. What other contacts do you guys have? Any other calls you want/need to make?))
-kv
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Time to go beat my higest score on the "Return of the great grandson of Mrs. Packman."
2.4 Billion, here I come!
-Raymond
-
The line in front of "The Return of the Great-Grandson of Mrs. Pacman" is five people long, but you push to the front of it, because you are a celebrity. And after a few seconds of watching you, the people in line are glad for it.
You're ninja-kicking ghosts, running down the hallways, up walls, doing flips, and a bunch of maneuvers that impress everyone (and probably your own mother, if she were here and cared anything about video games).
What are you other chummers going to do?
-
I go and check out one of the VR fighting games. I've never played before, so I watch whoever's playing now to see how its done.
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There's a sweaty nerd (hahaha... okay, there's like fifty but) there's one in line in front of you, who gives up his place when he sees that there's an actual hot girl here! He whimpers something you can't decide is supposed to be a pickup line or a 'please don't hurt me with your cooties,' and moves aside to let you step up to the machine.
There's a simple datajack, and a more akward VR system that you can strap onto your body. In either case, as the kid in front of you gets out, you step into the booth, lit a strange blue color. You slot your credstick, and are ready to go.
As an adept, you don't have the hardware for the datajack, so you spend a minute or so strapping on the helmet, goggles, and knee, eldow, and hand and foot covers modeled after real hand and foot protection. The sweaty nerdboy outside talks you through putting the stuff on, but seems all sorts of afraid to touch you. Apparently his previous encounters with the women have not been kind.
As you slide the helmet on, and adjust the chinstrap, the system loads up, checking each of the prosthetics and asking you to move your arms and legs for a system test. Once the system is satisfied, you are dropped into a digital world that must have taken thousands of hours to render. In the sky far-off clouds float weightlessly. You feel a breeze floating past your cheek from behind you, and as you turn to glance over your shoulder, the corner of your eye catches a glimpse of that blue light of the booth, slightly ruining the illusion.
Still, you are amazed at the level of detail that has been put into programming this game. There are even ants clustered at one end of the battle mat. You watch them scurry for a moment, and then you hear an old man's voice behind you.
"Are you the warrior I was told to wait for? You are here for the contest?"
You turn to face him, and a small anchient chinese man faces you, serene look on his face and his hands quaintly stuffed in his sleeves. He bows as you approach, and says "You are new here. I do not recognize you. Would you like to take a moment and create a new fighter?"
At this point, you realize that you are a generic icon, with chest and height measurements approxamate to your own.
His face lights up with a smile as you approach, and several popup menus appear, allowing you to choose every detail about your fighter. There are seperate menus for sex, height/weight indicators, hair color and styles, eye color and other distinguishing marks, as well as a special section for bust size of women. These guys must not get out much.
So... what are you going to make your fighter look like?
-
I think for a moment, then select the features to look like a character I saw in an old movie (Deunan from Appleseed), although I add a starburst tattoo to the back left shoulder and the name of my sister's band along the right forearm.
-
After you select the look of your character, your icon shimmers, changing into the character you have created. You skip over the fighting style options, choosing instead to use your own style of fighting.
You apprach the old man again, this time as a slim but muscular blond, hair cut short. The tattoos on your back, added with a grin, are barely visible from your character's viewpoint.
Almost out of habit, you crack your neck and arms as you prepare for a fight, and then catch yourself with a half-laugh. The old man, who has moved to the edge of the ring, brushes some wooden wind chimes, and bows low once he has your attention.
"You have a challenger. You must fight them before you are accepted into the tournament. I would implore you to fight with all your might, for if you fight well, you will automatically be accepted to the upper levels of the tournament."
The old man brushes the wind chime again and takes a seat in the shade, putting his arms back into his sleeves. He bows his head one final time, and then looks to your opponent.
Across the ring from you, an asian man stands. You would call him small, but he is so ripped with muscles that it's possible to tell the difference between the different muscles of his biceps, arms, chest, and legs. He quickly moves through the beginning of a kata, and then stops in a dramatic pose, muscles tensing and eyes trained on you.
-
I drop into a fighting stance. It's not nearly as flashy as the other guy's pose, but it's one that's worked for me in real fights.
-
The old man hits the wooden chimes one last time, signalling the beginning of the match.
Alright. Rolls me some initiatives!
-kv the GM
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Initiative: 17
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This is a standard bot, so you go first.
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I start with a spin kick. Unarmed 4+2 combat pool: 17,4,4,3,2,1
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Your spin takes him in the ribs, knocking him to the side and down to the mat. (Serious Damage, Resisted to Moderate) You felt a crunch as your kick hit his ribs, but he rolls to his feet, not losing momentum.
After half a second, he flings a kick straight at you- right toward the center of your being.
Bot: (Unarmed 3) Target 4, +2 Digital Wounds (6)
11, 4, 1 (One Success)
You must resist 4M (Stun)
-
Dodge 2: 5,2
You try to side-step the kick, but aren't quite fast enough. The kick hits you in the hip as you try to dodge out of the way, spinning you.
Resist 4M Stun for your Icon.
-
Your icon takes Moderate Damage (no actual modifiers to you), and as you're halfway spun around, you get another chance to act.
-
Here Comes a NEW Challanger!
{Welcome to the Match: "347 5H17 & D13}
the game seems to get very 'wonkie' as the new icon replaces your current AI combatant.
all of your dammage is healed.
the new Icon seems to be a base white color, with no defining charisteristics.
then it turns sideways and dissapears like it was 2 dimensional.
then, for some reason you can't explain you are running to the left, making a nice circle arround yourself. fighting with the controlls, the best you can manage is to pull it to a studdering stop by leaning as hard as you can to the right.
Then the attack happens.
you aren't quite sure what 'weapon' or 'move' was used. but it does 8,943,746.14% dammage to your icon. three times in a row.
the last thing you see as the digital form disolves is a popup-window with a picture of 'Raymond is the champ!' dropping onto your vissercated digital corpse.
when the power to the unit drops down, but before you can get a word in edgewise, Raymond yells to you as he is pulling out his own datajack and running for the door.
"Sory to cut that short! We just got some intel that this job isn't on the proverbial 'up and up' and that a red-samauri attack squad is about to hit the arcade. It's time to go!"
with that, Raymond rushes to the door, not waiting to see if you follow.
-
I blink as Raymond's words register, then disentangle myself from the VR controls. I've never heard of a red samurai attack squad, but why wait around to find out?
I glance back at the game as I reach the door. I think I'll stick to real life.
-
AJ follows Rayman to the street, where there are no cars and no signs of movement- the air is filled with tiny snowflakes, a small breeze catching them and spinning them around as they fall to the pavement.
Rayman bolts across the street into the Stuffer Shack, arms wrapped around his head, shouting about something in a language you don't understand. Once inside the Shack, he hides behind the C@F-P0W! Machine, leaving you standing in front of the arcade alone.
The third member of the party, the one who has been the most quiet up until this point, stands behind you.
((Okay, take it from here, people! Read the rest of the thread if you really need to, but let's get moving!))
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I stare at him for a long moment before turning to the other elf, "So. New plan?"
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"I believe that Rayman has gone byebye. What shall we do now?" Leaning against the wall keeping an eye out just incase Ray not insane.
(OOC: And now I'm back from outerspace I come home and find that sad look upon your face. lol
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Just a Bump in the road incase anyone comes back to it.