Fantasy World Creations

[Info]This game is for Mystic, GM'd by Oath. If other people want to join, you can talk to us about it. [/info]

[spoiler=Click for Music]
http://youtube.com/v/0L_SC0BdcSM&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

An average Seattle night, the rain had come rolling in and you had elected to stay in. The pattering of the rain hitting your windows as you spent a quiet evening sipping on some spirits, checking out some trids. The occasional flash of lightning and clap of thunder keeps you on your toes. You live in a fairly nice neighborhood, a well to do apartment in the heart of downtown. But anything's possible in the city. You've run the Shadows before and know that anything can happen, so it's better to be a bit paranoid than completely care free. The rain picked up, wind howled outside your window, blasting through the alleyway between your apartment complex and the next building over.

Bang. Bang. Bang. The sound of knocking echoes through your apartment, it doesn't sound out of place in this storm. But it continues. Bang. Bangbang. Bang. Bangbangbang. You get up and open the door. It's someone you know. Keira Rocheford. A well to do woman. Married. No children. She stood there in a well-made blue dress, that was so wet it was sticking to her skin. Tears rolled down her cheeks, mixed with the rain from the storm. Something was wrong. She was shaken, and still shaking. Either from the cold, or from whatever had happened to her. "Please, Richard, you're the only one I can turn to." Keira stumbled into your apartment, uninvited, collapsing on the floor, sobbing. "Bennett's dead, Richard." She was still sniffling, but had regained a small amount of composure. "Magic had to of been involved. You were his friend, he trusted you. Lonestar isn't going to do anything, they just section off the crime scene to stop people from seeing the body and then twiddle their god damn thumbs while the family waits for answers that will never come." She coughed for a few moments, clearing her throat afterwards and rubbing away some of her tears with her hand. "I trust you too, Richard. I think that you could find the truth of the matter." She reached into her purse and pulled out a small credstick. "I'll pay you. I'll help you hire some help too. But please, Richard, you're the only one who can do this." She handed you the credstick and tried to stand, falling back down to her knees.

Rich was shocked to see Keira so shaken and did not have the time to take in the full extent of the things she was saying, as he helped her sobbing form off of the floor and into the chair he had been sitting in. He quickly mumbled something about things going to be okay and then more forcibly said, "Drink this,"He handed her his own drink from the table and quickly moved to the bathroom to grab a towel so that she wouldn't end up freezing from the rain.  He took a moment to look at himself in the mirror, for a respectable guy in his early to mid twenties he looked like a well built punk rocker with his somewhat long mane of lime green hair. He currently had it pulled up in a small ponytail looking to keep it out of his face. Few people took him as the dependable type at first glance but he took his responsibilities seriously and when people called he answered. He looked at the credstick in his hand and set his jaw

He wrapped around her back and shoulders and moved a chair over from the small table in the corner to sit in front of her. If what she was saying was in fact true and Bennett had somehow gotten himself killed then he had to make sure of the details of what was going on.  "Can you tell What you know about what Bennett was involved with and I promise I'll figure out what happened magic or not." He let her gather her thaughts glad that any windows he had did not have any direct lines of sight where she sat in case she was followed.

[spoiler=Click for Music]
http://youtube.com/v/0L_SC0BdcSM&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

Keira took the drink that was offered to her, and slammed it down while Richard retrieved a towel. He returned after what felt like an eternity, though it was really rather short."I don't know too much to be honest. You know Bennett was a grunt with Aztechnology, he didn't have any love for his job. Always looking for a way out. He told me that he had something in the works that would let him retire, let us live a happy life. He was afraid to share the details, said that he was being watched. That was just a few days ago." She started to sob again, regaining some composure after a minute. "I saw the body Richard. It didn't look like anything a man or a machine could do. It was unnatural. Lonestar isn't letting anyone in. If you saw the body you would know. I wish I knew more Richard, I really do but this is what I've got. You have connections that I don't, maybe you can find out something more." Keira still looked quite shaken, but she had calmed down a bit, it seemed that the drink had helped. A moment later your comm made a sound, and an address floated in front of your eyes. "This is the place that Bennett died. Probably where you want to start your search. That's all I've got for you though." She smiled weakly and raised the glass. "Mind if I have another?"

"I don't have much but what I have is open for you." He said pointing to the small number of bottles on a far shelf. He drank rarely unless with others so he only had a few things on hand. "I I think you should stay here for a bit till we can get this all sorted out." He continued, "If we're really dealing with Aztech and magic that could  mean bl-, bad things." He didn't want to scare her and was unfamiliar with how much she knew about Atechnology so it was better to keep her slightly in the dark. "I'm gonna go now before the corp forces clean up all the evidence if we can move fast enough hopefully we can cut the snake at its head." He wanted to say something to put her mind at ease seeing her so afraid like this made him furious. But the usual soothing platitudes that came to mind just didn't seem sufficient, so he skipped it and hoped that actions would be enough.

"Feel free to take anything you need from my closet and sleep on the bed if you need it." He got his jacket and was about to leave before he stopped. Looking back at her he moved to his bedroom and pulled an old worn ares predator out of somewhere in his room. He replaced it some time ago but kept hold of the thing in case of emergency. "Here, In case something happens while I'm gone it might be enough to scare someone off don't try to fight just try to make an opening to run." Pressing the gun into her hands he took a moment to look at her steeling himself and heading out into the night.

He had a few favors that he could call in, he only hoped that he could find enough people to make a team. He might be upset but he was not stupid enough to go up against a possible corps black bag unit alone. With that he began making the call.   Once he was out in the rain he began walking down the street trying to not draw attention glad for there to be a nice rain. It meant people were all to happy to stay in their own world.

[Spoiler=Click for Music]
http://youtube.com/v/D_nMpaNhZ3o&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

Keira offered her thanks and grabbed another drink as you stepped out into the night. She seemed at least somewhat at ease, despite all that had happened. The site wasn't too far from your apartment, perhaps a 20 minute walk. You could have hailed a cab, but that would take away from the time that you could begin planning. Already making calls, none of them picked up. Everything went through to voice mail, or didn't stop ringing to begin with. You were getting close to the area, Lonestar presence was increasing drastically. Then a message flashed in front of your eyes. "Zephyr, man you alright? Saw your buddy Bennett died, its all over the news. If I can help out in some way let me know A message from Machiavelli. He considered himself a prince among Deckers, better than most, or so he claimed, self proclaimed "Most cunning" how true that was, nobody could say. But it was undeniable that he was a nice guy to have around, especially in a pinch. You'd never met him in the meat world, but he had done quite a lot for you over the years in the matrix. He didn't know much about magic, so you returned the favor in you own way.

Before you could do much in the way of responding, a burly Ork in Lonestar gear shoved you. Oy, chummer, you blind or something? Area's closed. We're investigating a murder here.

It was a commercial district, a place that would generally be lively with people going about their business. Now you just had the red-blue glare of sirens piercing the darkness and the chatter of officers. In the middle of the area, a body bag was surrounded by several officers. The buildings didn't rise very high, a couple stories at most. Simple shops run by simple folk trying to carve out a living in the Seattle Metroplex. It was unfortunate for them, but you had a more pressing matter. The imposing Ork standing in front of you staring you down.

[Info]
Roll any skills you'd like to use, and I'll go from there.[/info]

Zephyr but on his best disgruntled cop look. "Look I'm a detective that Central sent in to take over this case until they could get a handle on this thing. Who ever lit a fire under the asses wanted to make sure that this all went well you know how this crap goes. Someone up top got yelled at so they rain hell down on everyone they can get their hands on. I doubt they even sent you my damn name can you just let me through and I'll make sure to write up all the paper work you need so that I don't get another phone call from those fraging bastards. A couple hundred Nuyen would even be worth it to shut those guys up and keep them from biting my head off." Zephyr made sure to pull up the neck of his jacket. Hopefully this cop was as overworked and underpaid as everyone in this neighborhood. Sure it wasn't the barrens so there had to be at least some show of force but that didn't mean that the Lonestar had to make a real effort unless forced.

Offering to do the paper work for him on his end would hopefully be enough along side the offer of a little palm grease. As long as he let him inside and alone for a short while he could find some clue to start with.
[info]
Con Check
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 4, 2, 5, 5, 1, 6, total 23[/blockquote]
Plus whatever 200 Nuyen gets me in a bonus
[/info]

[spoiler=Click for Music]
http://youtube.com/v/CJCObVmVr7g&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

[okay]The Beat Cop seems to believe you![/okay]

You couldn't really tell what the facial expression of the Ork was supposed to be, as he took your credstick and sort of snarled at you. "Alright Mr. Bigshot, the scene is all yours." He spit and walked over to who appeared to have been in charge there, pointed to you, laughed and the Lonestar crew packed up to leave. They saluted you as they left, glad to be out of this storm. The cars drove off one by one, the red-blue light of the sirens fading as they sped down the streets.

Alone, you approached the body bag and unfastened a portion. Without a doubt it was Bennett, his face contorted in a look of fear and agony. With the short time you spent looking over the body, you couldn't really tell what was the cause of death. Just that it looked extraordinarily painful. As you examined the body a bit closer, you were interrupted. You heard chimes behind you. As you turned, you saw a man in what looked like rags, carrying a staff with a few chimes on it. His hair was dark and in dreads, his eyes were clouded. You couldn't tell if he was on something or if he had eye problems. He spoke slowly, with a raspy voice. "Thank you, friend. Lonestar has no place in a case like this. Dark forces were at work here. Exactly what, I do not know. But... For those that don't have a connection with the Astral.. they'll never find out. But you. You might be different." He hobbled over towards you and felt your face with his hands. Yes... You are not like the others. You may be able to stop this."

Suddenly he let out a ghastly cry, and dropped to the ground. No pulse. Nothing. All he had done was raise even more questions, without providing a single answer you sought. The rain continued to splash down around you. All you were left with were two bodies and an even larger pile of questions.

He now had two bodies on his hands to deal with. The second had appeared so suddenly that he was suspicious of the voice he heard actually being dead or just leaving that old body, not to mention how he must have avoided the cops. For now he could do nothing but search both bodies for anything he could use. Looking over his friends face in such pain was hard thing to do, but he had a responsibility to him to solve this so he would have to work fast before the cops came off break.

He patted down both bodies setting the old man's staff to the side as the only thing off note as of yet. Assessing a corpse does little to no good the soul leaves the body often to quickly to make it worth while and summoning the spirits of the dead so close after death was a painful process for all involved emotions are to strong like a raw nerve. In the astral plane that kind of thing was not only bad form but dangerous the mind tended to have a more direct influence. So for now it was best to start with what he could find physically.

First Check the Pockets then the body themselves

[info]
Perception to find anything on Bennett
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 2, 5, 1, 4, 1, 5, total 18[/blockquote]

Perception to find anything on the old man
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 4, 1, 5, 5, 1, 4, total 20[/blockquote]

First Aid Check on Bennett
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 2, 5, 5, 3, 2, 1, total 18[/blockquote]

First Aid Check on the old man
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 1, 2, 6, 6, 6, 5, total 26[/blockquote]
[/info]

[spoiler=click for music]
http://youtube.com/v/CJCObVmVr7g&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

The old man had nothing of note on his person, the staff and the trinkets held naught but sentimental value. His cause of death was even more unclear than Bennett's, and that was saying something. Bennett's body didn't seem to hold any visual clues for what had happened to him, but in searching his pockets, you found two things: A credstick, and a datachip. The contents of the datachip remained a mystery, and this was not the place to check it out.

After a few moments, a message pops up. "Zephyr, you there?" The same person from before. Machiavelli.

[info] Choose what you'd like to do from here [/info]

Thank God Mac was still online. "Hey Mac you happen to be in the UCAS area? I've gotten myself in a pickle do to my friends death. I'd owe you one if you gave me a hand. I found something that I think is right up your alley." He paused before sending the message biting his lip before he continued, "I think it would be best to figure out the details in person if possible I know we haven't ever met face to face but send me an address and a time and I'll be there so you know its safe." They had known each other for a while now but they had yet to meet in 'Meat Space' as Mac called it as a point of form for the decker. As such he hoped that he wasn't asking to much to meet in person but if a mega corp involved leaving any kind of trail might be a problem

[info]Zephyr takes
Datachip
Credstick
Old Staff

Rolling Negotiation to convince Maccy boy
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 1, 5, 1, 3, 4, 6, total 20[/blockquote]
[/info]

[spoiler=click for music]
http://youtube.com/v/nBPK_oXeJgA&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

Machiavelli winced at being called Mac but he had long since given up on trying to convince Zephyr to change his ways. A small price to pay for a mutually beneficial relationship. He had tech. Zephyr had magic. They both had skills the other needed. The idea of meeting in Meat Space was not one that that Machiavelli was fond of. "If you're desperate enough to seek a meeting in person, I'm going to guess that things are not fine." A simple message. One that rang true.

A couple of minutes passed before another message popped up. "I don't really like this idea but meet me here in an hour. It's a noodle bar, run by the Triads. They're not the ones you're afraid of, I hope." a moment later, the cords of the noodle place came through your comm. It looked like it would take about a half hour to get there.

Zephyr bit his lip wondering if it would be worth it to call home to check in, but he quickly thought against it. She would be safest there for now and calling might leave a data trail. Besides Keira could use some sleep with owl watching over her or so he hoped binding a spirit to the task was a fair idea. Maybe even Bennett might give some help. Stealing one of his friends earrings he quickly left the scene and found a dark alley some ways off.

[info]
Edit
Taking Bennett Keepsake

Summoning force 4 owl spirit to go watch Keira

[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 4, 4, 2, 2, 3, 6, total 21[/blockquote]

So how this works I roll my summoning and you roll it's force if I get more then you I can command it to do that number of tasks until sunrise
[/info]

He opened his mind to the Astral space allowing the rainbow of colors momentarily overwhelm him before it cleared revealing the astral plain. It was like a crazy Trid filter that showed emotions or the spirits that also called the world home. Before his eyes was a ball of that energy shifting in shape and color as it attempted to bring into being that of a rather large horned owl.

He didn't have time to talk and if the spirit was willing he would simply give it its order show it where to go and who to watch from his memory then move on to the cafe. As long as the owl did not manifest into physical space no one would be any the wiser so long as they could not see astrally.

1 edge to reroll failures

[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 6, 2, 1, 2, 6, total 17[/blockquote]

[info]Force roll. [blockquote]Rolled 4d6 : 2, 2, 2, 1, total 7[/blockquote]

[info]You have 3 net hits, choose 3 things you want spirit to do, and roll drain.[/roll]

[spoiler=click for music]
http://youtube.com/v/uHQZNNajxOk&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

The Owl spirit appears out of nowhere, looking at you quizzically. After giving your commands, it coos, nods, and flies off into the stormy Seattle night. If Keira was in danger, you would know. You moved on, heading towards your destination and first meeting with Machiavelli. The noodle shop wasn't anything outstanding to look at. The sign above the door looked as if it was on its last legs and read: Ling's Noodles. You were about twenty minutes early. The interior was nothing fancy either. If you had to think of a word to describe it, basic would suit it best. No frills, all business. It looked like it had capacity for thirty or so patrons, and was a little busy with a crowd gathered around a table where two individuals seemed to be playing Mahjong. A ton of them were smoking, so the smoke filled the diner.  You help yourself to a small booth in the corner, to avoid any unwanted attention, and before long a waiter comes by and drops off a menu. Machiavelli would be there soon, and you only could hope that he knew what you looked like.

[info]roll to resist drain from summoning
[blockquote]Rolled 9d6 : 4, 5, 1, 6, 5, 2, 4, 5, 1, total 33[/blockquote][/info]

Zephyr at this point was beginning to get a headache and decided to  let his hair down now that he was inside and out of the rain. He figured that his somewhat bright appearance would be a marker over anything. He ordered  a bowl of noodles since they were one of the few foods which the soy substitute actually tasted fine and tried his best to act as casual as possible to try and not draw any unwanted attention. People in places like this liked to keep to themselves anyway so long as he didn't do anything to flashy he doubted anyone would pay him much mind in the scheme of things

[spoiler=Click for music]
http://youtube.com/v/uHQZNNajxOk&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

After a little bit, your bowl of noodles came. To your surprise, it tasted as if the ingredients were real, and not just soy imitations. You knew better than to ask about the secrets of a chef so you just enjoyed your food in relative silence. While you were in the middle of it, a man in a suit slid into the booth. He was wearing sunglasses so you couldn't see his eyes clearly. He looked to be Chinese, had a shaggy mop of hair. The suit was well maintained, he looked used to wearing it. He seemed to be looking you over from behind the sunglasses. "Guessing you're Zephyr?" He smiled, and offered a handshake.

"Maccy boy I presume? Good to finally put a face to a name." Zephyr smiled bringing the man into a hug and clapping him on the back with a broad smile. Richard liked physical contact it gave him a better sense of a person how they moved their build, their mannerisms, and how there aura displayed their inner hearts. As he moved apart from his friend he chuckled, "Sorry I'm not better dressed for this occasion I didn't have time after my Johnson came knocking on the door." As his friend took a seat opposite he told him of how he found his friend and the approach of the old man.

He slid the Datachip and the Credstick out of his jacket pocket, "Bennett was working for Aztechnology so no doubt whats on these need to be handled with care. So I figured I'd ask you if you would be willing to throw in with me for this job. Where dealing with a megacorp here so no doubt things will get dicey, but I'll owe you for this. And right now I need someone in your area of expertise." Zephyr did not now how much Mac knew about him if anything at all. They had mostly talked over chat versus voice even with friends it was better to stay isolated if possible in the shadows. Especially if one did not have a fixer or a team for support. Zephyr did his best to tell him the state of things as clear as possible.

[spoiler=click for music]
http://youtube.com/v/uHQZNNajxOk&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

You could see Machiavelli's face sort of contort as you said Maccy. He was fairly quiet as you slid the datachip over to him, he listened to your story with his full attention. He picked up the chip, twirled it between his fingers and put it into his pocket. "Before committing to anything, we'll have to look at the content of this chip. Assuming it is something that you will need my help with, I have a guy that owes me. He's pretty reliable. Good at getting things places. You'll owe me double. But we can figure that out when we get there. For now, we should just have a nice evening out. It's a little too late at night to get everything we'll need going." He waved to a waiter, and a few minutes later, a bowl of soup and a large glass of beer appeared on the table. He ate slowly with a smile on his face.

"I know you're surely in a hurry, Zephyr, but good things come to the man who can wait. After we're done here, we can head to another location and check out the data. Then go our separate ways from there for the night. It's best to be safe after all." He slurped his noodles and gave you a thumbs up.

" I might have a place we can go If we you don't mind spending a bit of money If you don't have a place in mind already that is. There is a lounge and gambling parlor run by the Yakuza It is an underground auction house that helps oversee many of the high end black and grey market deals in the city. Its run by an organization that acts as a kind of third party insuring the validity of the goods and deals. I have a good standing with the boss there she has a code to keep things clean and doesn't allow any really bad drek into her network." Zephyrs affliation with organized crime was a strange thing.

He didn't take any oath's directly but due to the friendships he fostered was known to most of the high ranking bosses of the various families. He made a note to only openly talk with those who had his certain brand of common sense and decency, But he had gathered someone of a name for himself in those circles as a reliable asset if not a bit stuck on his own morality, That was the biggest problem with finding jobs in the shadows Zephyr liked to avoid bringing any kind of pain in the world as possible. Seeing peoples emotions and mental states like a second skin meant he was all to aware of what happened when he was forced to kill on the job.

[spoiler=click for music]
http://youtube.com/v/RgIE6Pb_MFE&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

Richard
Machiavelli quickly finished eating. "I have a better place. We need somewhere safe, and secure. I have just the place in mind." After he finished eating, he left some cash on the table and got up, motioning for you to follow. After leaving Ling's Noodles, he walked up to a van and hopped inside. "Much more secure than any building, if I do say so myself." He slotted in the chip, and after a few moments looked shocked. "Zephyr, you'll want to know what's on here, but I want to talk about it once. I know a guy, he owes me a favor. I'm gonna call him because we'll need his help. He's a good guy. You'll like him." You sat in silence as Machiavelli got on his comm.

---

Roland

It was a relatively quiet night, there hadn't been many jobs lately. You were getting a bit stir crazy, needed something to do. Your comm started to ring. It was Machiavelli, a decker you had known for some time. He did some forgery on the side and you would often run stuff around for him. In return, he would take care of your decking needs. You picked up. "Firecracker. I need your help. Meet me at the usual place in an hour?" He hung up before waiting for your response, clearly something was afoot. Something to break up the monotony that you were currently facing. You knew the place, it was where you regularly met your fixer, Shinji Konoe. A small Yakuza run hostess club, Negi's. It had plenty of privacy from prying eyes. A private room was easy enough to get, especially for business. It'd take you about 15 minutes to get there from your place, so you have time to pack whatever you want to take with you.

[info] You guys can decide if your characters know each other already or not. [/info]

     Roland craned his neck to look from his couch to find his gun lying on the end table.  "Clothes...."  He looked down at his cargo pants and T-shirt.  "Eh.... fuck it."  He grabbed his favorite red synthleather jacket and slung his concealable holster around his shoulders so his gun rested snugly at the small of his back.  He pulled his arms through his jacket sleeves as he headed out into his garage to hurdle over the door of his jeep and into the driver's seat.  "Whoops, ammo..."  Roland patted his pockets for the spare magazine that wasn't there.  He flipped open the middle console storage compartment to see the contents of 3 spare loaded magazines as well as some spare credsticks.  ([blockquote]Rolled 4d6 : 2, 1, 3, 4, total 10[/blockquote] x100 nuyen from middle lifestyle starting cash) "Jackpot!"  He smiled at his fortune of not having to go find some place to draw some nuyen from his account into hard credsticks.  He reved up the engine as the garage door opened and then got on his way to visit Shinji's club.

     Roland pulled up to Shinji's club and parked down the street.  Whoop whoop.  The car's security system sounded its activation.  he walked past the small line of corp citizens waiting to get inside.  "Hey Shiro, how's the evening going?  Any of the wageslaves give you trouble?"  The bouncer cracks a small grin.  "Just one but his compensation for the incident has been arranged already."  "Sounds fun.  Anyways I need to meet someone here and wanted to get a drink with Shinji before they get here."  Shiro nodded and pulled aside the velvet rope to let Roland in.  As he entered the hostess club he heard the whining of the next group in line cut short by a growled retort from Shinji.  He walked across the busy room careful not to run into any of the waitresses quickly darting from the bar and kitchen to the tables.  He nodded to the made men when they turned their watchful gaze from the customers to him as he moved for the stairs marked with a VIP sign and guarded by a yakuza sitting on a bar stool.  The yakuza looked him over as he approached.  "What are you packing?"  He asked.  "Nothing out of the ordinary.  Just the usual kept somewhere out of sight.  You know if anyone has come in to meet me?"

[spoiler=click for music]
http://youtube.com/v/nBPK_oXeJgA&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

Roland

You walk into Negi's and its clear you're a regular. Aside from the preferential treatment, a ton of the people around you are greeting you with warm smiles, or at least nods of respect. The goon sitting on the stool nodded as you mentioned your usual weapon. He then shook his head. "Nope you're the first one here. Should be here shortly, he called ahead of time." You were let into the usual room. No cameras, which was nice. The couches were comfortable, the tables were fancy, and soon after you entered, a waitress brought you a drink. After about 5 minutes the others showed up.

---

Richard
Machiavelli made a second call, letting his establishment know he was on the way and to prepare the usual room. The streets were pretty quiet despite it being the weekend. You gazed out the window as rain streaked down it taking in the sights of the city. You'd seen them all before, but Machiavelli was quiet, contemplating something. He pulled into a parking space and turned on his security system. You followed him over to the entrance, A red neon sign parked above the door read "Negi's". A line of people were waiting to get inside. He exchanged quick words with the bouncer, and in you went. The people outside looked upset but a grunt and threatening gesture from the bouncer quieted the crowd. You walked into the club. Women in dresses were sitting at tables with men that looked like they had just gotten off work. laughter filled the room. You were walked over to a VIP door with a single thug sitting on a stool. Your buddy's already inside. He seemed to be friendly with Machiavelli. He then looked at you. "You're new. If you got a weapon on ya, please give it over. We'll keep it safe for ya until your business is done."

---

Everyone

Machiavelli led Richard into the room where Roland was waiting, drink in hand. "Zephyr, this is Firecracker. He can be act on impulse from time to time, but he's a good guy and he can get you where you need to go. Firecracker, this is Zephyr. He's a magical fellow and he can get the job done. After a few moments, more drinks came in. The waitress smiled "Shinji sends his regards, Regrettably he's a bit tied up at the moment so if you'll want to see him you'll have to come back another time." Machiavelli sighed after the waitress left. "You guys get to know each other a bit. I need to unwind with a couple drinks before I get into the nitty gritty of this meeting." He pounded back his drink and picked up a phone in the room to order another. It was going to be a long night.

[info]Mystic, your gun is being held by the goon at the door.[/info]

[spoiler]https://www.youtube.com/v/_3YqjMR3pyA&autoplay=1[/spoiler]
Zephyr took a moment to nod at Mac, taking his jacket off in the process and moved to the other man. He was wearing slim cut jeans and a black shirt that Zephyr was an elf of good stature and dashing good looks. His alabaster complexion playing off the shocking acid green main of hair which he had currently tied in a small ponytail. "Zephyr, nice to meet you." He said with a small nod and extended his hand in greeting. If you take the handshake you would realize that his grip revealed a hidden strength that the elf hid behind at first glance was what appeared to be a wispy appearance. In fact as he moved closer you would be able to tell that he had the body of a well trained street fighter.

It's doubtful you would have heard much about the elf while he was somewhat experienced running in the shadows he tended to maintain little presence out side of those circles that he ran in on the regular. He had never been to this particular club for instance but he had heard of it from others like Sakura and his usual fixer contacts. He wondered how much they knew about him. His specialty in magic and close and mid range combat did very little without a proper team making sure he didn't get killed so besides those few runs where others like Maccy or his other contacts needed him he stayed on the dark and sidelines. Some may call him a small timer but it would be best to not let your guard down with this charming elf or else get caught in his web.

"So Firecracker is it?" He asked as he sat down looking at the man as he sat down nearby. "I fear I've gotten you involved in my personal business I apologize. I realize it's bad form, but if you end up lending a hand I promise to repay the trouble. I'm a valuable asset to have at your back if you don't mind me saying."

"Well personal business is still business so don't feel too bad about it."  Roland took up the offered hand shake with his matte black cyber arm.  "Besides, as you can see, my hand doesn't mind wandering away on loan."  With this he let his hand disconnect from its firing system mid-handshake before sitting back down and letting the cable play out as the hand remained in the grip of the elf.  "So what can I do foryou? I owe Machiavelli a bit of a favor and if there is one thing i have learned it's that quickly paying one's debts is a good way to go."

Zephyr stiffened slightly as the other man's hand detached. Not from discomfort but worry that he had some how broken his cyber ware. He was never more then a novice with such things and often had bad luck. Once he realized the joke was intentional he laughed light heartedly.

"I need help with a friend who got geeked he probably go to close to something while working for Aztech." He took the time to quickly give a run down of the nights events while leaving out names and such. "If the corp is involved in some kind of death or blood magic then I have no doubt they've called up other methods of removal. I can handle the Magic. A trained strike team would be a different matter. So I asked if Mac over there might lend me a hand from the digital world, and you were the first name that came to his mind in terms of physical security." Zephyr kindly waved away a waitress looking to give him a drink he preferred to remain sober on the clock.

"To be at the top of Maccy boy's book is quite the accomplishment I must say I'm impressed. I'm sure your skills are quite the help." He wondered just how deep he was in with the yakuza considering how at home he seemed. He knew from his own experience not just any outsider would get that treatment. The thought helped reassure him of the quality of the man.

"Mac said it would be best to let it go for tonight and relax, I'd normally go gamble or read or something but this is not that type of place, so if you don't mind chatting you got my curious about your story I'll answer any question's you have in kind of course."

     "My story?  Not much to tell.  I found myself in a bit of debt to Shinji's clan and had to work my way out of their black book and into their good graces.  Wasn't too bad, I started out smuggling and the yakuza always seem to need people that don't look like a yakuza to move all their stuff without being noticed.  Most everything else I have learned has come from that: learned to shoot people that try to jack your cargo, learned to sneak by checkpoints.  You know, all the usual things.  These days I don't really owe them anything anymore but I tend to work for them anyways.  I never tried to fight them on my debt and they never really treated me too bad considering the circumstances so these days I usually only run independent stuff when I need to make rent and the clan doesn't have anything for me."  Roland let his hand reel back into its socket and swilled his whiskey around in its glass.  "As for your friend...  I have never had much of a knack for the mojo so I don't really know much about the blood magic stuff.  I hear all the rumors but have never seen any of it myself.  What did your friend do for Aztecnology?"

"I don't yet know what he did but I plan to find out." Zephyr said as he rubbed his forehead its already been a long night and the process of digging in further was daunting. But he was going to dig all the way into the middle of whatever trouble he had fallen into. He listened to the music from the club proper for a bit the synthesizer and heavy base running through his entire core. He wondered just what fate had in store for him next. Maybe it would be worth going to get a reading from Anders at the Holly and Mistletoe. If anyone could also shed some light on the encounter with the old man it would be the Talismonger. Zephyr would normally be sleeping right now to get ready to help out at the store in the morning. Well it was not worth dreaming about. Leave the dreams to Owl and simply follow the trail of secrets and lies to the source and all will be revealed/

     "I see..."  Roland turned his gaze to Machiavelli.  "So... doing protection on an actual person isn't usually my gig but if you need a wheelman I can cover that.  Hopefully after this we can call it even on that SIN I needed."  He finished off his drink before turning his head back to the decker.  "So I'm guessing since we are all here in person you have something to say yourself.  Usually you don't leave your cave until it's business time and as fun as it is to play 20 questions we seem to be in need of some info."

[info]Each of you gain 1 Karma, for making an enjoyable introduction/exchange.[/info]

[spoiler=click for music]
http://youtube.com/v/D8iJwVq5Brc&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

Machiavelli finished his second drink with a sigh. "I suppose its that time now, huh." He projected some files for the two of you to see. "Now I'm not well versed in magic or any of this other astral stuff, but it sounds to me like they've been performing some sort of experiment to enhance blood magic. And well, you guys know what happens when that type of stuff goes out of control. Nothing but trouble. You guys know about the Great Ghost Dance, yeah? Hundreds of Native Americans sacrificing themselves to make volcanoes erupt all over the place. That's the kind of stuff blood magic can do on a large scale, and it looks like your buddy Bennett stumbled into this stuff, or was a part of it or something. Clearly they didn't want him to have this data, or he wouldn't be dead. And now WE have the data. I don't even know what to do with it. Its bigger than me, bigger than us, and if we try to sell it the trail will be easy to follow. If we go to the authorities, probably the same thing. Aztechnology has buckets of nuyen, and we have three guys and a jeep." He burried his head in his hands, looking like he had hit rock bottom.

Zephyr couldn't help but laugh a hollow laugh. "I seem to have you guys involved in a bit of quicksand. I'm sorry about that and I promise to make this work but lets handle this calmly and look at the facts. Not every blood mage is owned by Aztechnology even if they are looking for that data. So long as that datachip stays off the grid and we keep our head down they won't be able to find us for quite some time. That means our next step needs to be building relationships. Body and Soul! We are fragging shadowrunners for godsakes if we do enough jobs and earn enough favors then we can get to the bottom of this nest of vipers." Zephyr pulled a cocky smile, "So first we need to get a fixer. If we can get a broker to act as a go between we have that much more protection."

He made it sound simple but he knew finding a fixer who was willing to deal with a rag tag group like theirs would not be easy. What's more it would be better if they weren't directly affiliated with any gang or organization. If they were looking to take as diverse of jobs as possible it meant that they could not have preconceived alliances. Otherwise whoever was tracking the data might have an easier time following their path and habits.

"I think I might know a guy who could work as an independent fixer." Zephyr obviously didn't like the idea of using this person but he continued regardless. "He's supposed to be extremely through and well connected but keeps only a few runners on hand at a time. I've never met him personally, but I heard he hangs out at this bar The guild somewhere in downtown. I might be able to get us a meeting if we're lucky."

[spoiler=click for music]
http://youtube.com/v/qh1jmWhAot8&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

Zephyr was right, it would be foolish to charge at a megacorp head long. Of course, you didn't need him to tell you that, it was common knowledge. However, earning favors that you could call in at a later date was always a smart idea. Nuyen might be nice, but favors make the world go 'round. Before anyone had a chance to respond to Zephyr's speech, there were a few taps on the door, and then a Japanese man in a suit walked in with a smile on his face. "Sorry to break up your pow-wow here, my friends, but you're just the people I need to talk to." It was Shinji Konoe. A lieutenant in the local Yakuza, and the man in charge of Negi's.

He turned to take a quick survey of who was here. Machiavelli, Firecracker and... A new guy? He gave Zephyr a friendly wave "Not every day a new face wanders into Negi's. Well, this part of it at least. You're in good company here, especially if you're friends with these two." He sat down on one of the sofas, drink in hand. "Now I hate to bother you lovely fellows with a bit of a scuffle between my group and some crazy base-heads that are trying to sell some poorly made product, but currently most of my men are a bit tied up. There's some cash in it for you guys, if you're willing. He fanned out some credsticks. "A smooth 3000 Nuyen each. All you guys have gotta do is send these little drug addled junkies a message. The kind of message that will stop them from pushing their garbage in our neck of the woods. Simple, right? Are you guys up for it?" He smiled at each of the runners in the room before taking a swig from his drink.

     "Well you know me Shinji: anything for some quick cash.  I have my eye on some new chrome."  Roland stood up and stretched. 

"As long as you don't call it a Milk Run its bad luck." smiled Zephyr, "So what can you  tell us about these guys? Do they have a hangout somewhere in the area or a street corner they use? And what do you know about who they are getting their product from? It won't do much to stop them if more punks are sent soon after." Zephyr quickly went into business mode. On runs it was normally his job to handle the Johnsons and price negotiation. A job like this should be simple, but he knew better then to just blindly go into a job unprepared. Especially since more often then not jobs that felt easy often had a hidden pitfall.

"And What where you thinking about payment because, any group willing or stupid enough to get on yakuza turf should be treated with care. And working to make sure that there will not be any extra heat from the Knights, not to mention who ever is funding them will not be easy. I very much doubt they are just kids making it up in their basement. Following the trail all the way through is what you want."

[info]
Negation check to haggle out any possible bonus payment
[blockquote]Rolled 11d6 : 5, 1, 6, 4, 4, 3, 3, 2, 5, 6, 1, total 40[/blockquote]

[/info]

[spoiler=click for music]
http://youtube.com/v/d30_TgPiBDM&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

Shinji let out a smile. Nobody would ever call this a milk run. And don't worry, I can assure you that local law enforcement won't really care if these guys disappear, if anything it makes their job easier. They're not affiliated with anyone, just some junkies pushing the hard street equivalent of bathtub punch." He flashed another smile. "3000 Nuyen per person. If you guys do an especially fine job there may be a bonus, but you know how these things work. And if you're worried that it might be a set up of some sort, we've got one of our own that is going to be heading down there with you guys." He clapped, and a moment later the door opened, and a man in a suit stepped through the door.

"This is Takumi, he's one of our newer guys. Shows a lot of promise. He's the one that found these miscreants, so he can give you some more details and provide some firepower or some intimidation while you guys go and send this message."

Machiavelli had been sitting quietly, watching the show. He let out a chuckle. "I'm not one for escapades in the meat space, but I'm feeling adventurous tonight. Count me in, this time. Might be beneficial to have a tech boy along, at any rate. Nice to meet ya, Takumi."

Shinji laughed for a moment, and gave a wave to the people in the room. "I'll be taking my leave for now, other business to attend to, you know. But when you're done with this task, just let someone know and they'll let you see me immediately. Good luck." He gave Takumi a pat on the back, and closed the door behind him as he left. The four runners, a rag tag team, were the only ones left in the room. [/i]



[info]Have our third player! Huzzah for Ronin![/info]

Takumi was finally getting his chance to get into the action. "As one of the newer members the only job I really get to do is being peoples errands boy. I will finally get to prove to them I am more then just a runner." Takumi thought to himself as he was introduced to these 3 people. "Well you know my name what is your guy's names?"

Zephyr stood at that moment and smiled, "I'm Zephyr, glad you could join us." He didn't know how traditional or even how old the kid was. He knew the Yakuza liked to bring them on young but asking for details would be insulting. He also thought it better to leave the reason why they had gathered in the first place a secret. If it was as dire as Mac made it out to be it was better to leave as many people in the dark as much as possible for everyone's sake. "I'll let the others introduce themselves while I go make a phone call. Hash out the details I'll be back in a moment."

The sooner they could get to work was the sooner he could start working towards helping his friend. He would have to call Sakura later and see if she could not put Kiera up in the interum. She would need a safer long term place to stay that was protected better then his small apartment. He excused himself and left the ViP room and stood outside the hallway as he made the call. Sakura was the leader of an underground goods network called the Daimou and action house. It started in japan but spread world wide and has worked alongside but not affiliated with most of the underworld Which included security shadowrunners and crime. Her particular establishment was a gambling parlor and lounge styled after a traditional geisha residence called the paper lantern. He rang her on his comm link hoping she would not be to busy to answer,

     Roland gave the new guy a good looking over before turning to the door and yelling out.  "Big D's balls Shinji does he even have his tats yet? He looks way too eager so he's either the greenest twig in the chopstick drawer or a complete psychopath."  Roland turned back to the new guy.  "How many fingers do you still have? "

[spoiler=click for music]
http://youtube.com/v/sJKY5KChLWw&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

Everyone
Machiavelli let out a laugh with Firecracker's comment. "See, this is why we're friends. He turned to Takumi, with a brief wave. "Hey there, Kid. I'm Machiavelli. Don't usually go out and about but I'll be joining you tonight. Just please. And I really mean please. Do not give me a story to post on JackPoint." He had a mischievous smile. Perhaps he actually wanted to post something, but you couldn't get a read on him. "So Takumi, what can you tell us about these guys we're gonna go send a message to?"


Zephyr

You hear a few rings, and then an answer. You got through to Sakura. "Zephyr my boy, what brings you to my metaphorical doorstep at this time of night? Is there problems? If something is going on and you need help, we can talk about it but you may owe me." She hadn't heard about your guest, who you were looking for better accommodations for. But may have heard through the grapevine that you were on the move and looking into things outside of your usual places. It was hard to tell, she liked to keep a few cards hidden up her sleeve, and a poker face that was impossible to break.

Takumi turned his attention towards the person headed towards the door"Heh I will have you know I have all ten fingers intact." Takumi then unbuttons his shirt to reveal a few of his tats."I will let you be the judge if i have my tats or not. As for being a psychopath or not I will let you decide that.

Takumi then turns to Machiavelli "Good of you to come out. And I hope for both of our sake nobody here does something stupid enough to end up on JackPoint. As for what I know about these people they have been selling out of an apartment complex down by the Cutting Edge strip club. I have also found out that these guys are not really big time and they seem to be using there own supply so be prepared for them to freak the fuck out when we show up." Takumi then walks over to the corner of the room and picks up a duffle bag with all of his equipment in it.

     "Whatever you say chopstick.  I'm going to go wait for you all outside.  Let me know when you all are ready to bust some heads."  Roland left the room and headed for the exit.  He motioned to Zephyr as he walked by in an attempt to indicate that he was going out and that he would wait for him.  He breathed the wet air as he walked out the front door and headed for his car.  WHOOP WHOOP went the car as he approached.  He pulled open one of the rear doors and flipped up the seat cushion to access the basic storage bin.  He pulled out a ballistic vest and put it on after taking off his jacket.  He then strapped on some arm guards and a climbing harness with all it's equipment.  Finally he pulled out a ballistic mask and looked at the gold design printed onto the matte black surface.  "Gotta protect the money maker."  He fitted the mask on and then flipped it up.  He walked around to the driver's door and leaned on the hood of the car while pulling his jacket back on before getting into the driver's seat.  He settled in to wait for everyone else.

Zephyr nodded to Roland as he listened to her speakg To hear that she knew of his movements already was more then a little disconcerting. It meant that there already could be actions being taken by the corps to get in there way. Though He supposed if anyone would get word of his activity first it would be Sakura "My apologies for the inconvenience Milady, but I need help in a matter of some importance. My friend worked for a corp and seemingly got involved in something that possibly ended up in killing him. His wife could be in danger just from affiliation so until things become less heated I was hoping you might be able to spirit her away for a bit. I just don't want to have her caught in the direct crossfire. I'm willing to pay for it if needed as long as the corps get kept in the dark no telling who is watching." He thought for a moment if he wanted to push his luck further, but then what would the harm be in asking. "I do have one more favor to ask, I remember you mentioning that you know a well connected fixer who was uncommitted to any of the usual groups. You said they liked to hangout at The Guild bar could you get me in contact with them?"

After Takumi grabbed his bag he headed outside towards his new partners vehicle "Well I am ready when ever Zephyr gets off the phone." Takumi then opens the back seat puts his duffle bag in the middle seat and opens it. Reaching in to the bag Takumi then begins attaching silencers to his pistols and smg.

[spoiler=click for music]
http://youtube.com/v/wm8AHxHTPv0&autoplay=1
[/spoiler]

Machiavelli chuckled at the exchange between his new found companions. Perhaps this would turn out better than the last team he had been a part of, but only time would tell. He got up and left the room, following the others out to Firecracker's jeep and hopping in one of the back seats. "Let's not get too dirty. Gotta keep this deck sparkling." The rain had begun to lighten, but the clouds still hung heavy overhead.

Zephyr

Your call with Sakura was going about how you expected. She knew more than you wanted her to, in every scenario, but that is why she is still around. Information can be a powerful weapon. "We can probably find a place for her. But she will need to work. She will be out of sight, and safe. But I can't have any dead weight around here. You know how it works. Bring her in the morning, and we will take care of things." She let out a small sigh at your other question. "The second favor, that is something I cannot promise, my boy. You know this man is particular about who he works with. You must be known before he will even look at you. And you are not known. Your friends are not known. So we must wait. If you get known, then he will find you. See you in the morning, my boy." And with that, she hung up before you had a chance to respond. You had been waved to by the rest of the group as they walked out of the establishment, so you figured that they were waiting for you outside.

     Roland turned around to look at the yakuza making himself at home in his back seat.  "What don't you have a fucking car?  Shinji didn't contract me to drive you around to soccer practice.  No one and nothing gets into El Diablo without paying up so unless you can give me a reason to let my seats grace your ass you had better get walking."

Takumi looked up from the backseat "If nothing else I do in fact have my own vehicle to get around on if nothing else. I just figured it would be easier to consolidate our resources less messy this way if you ask me. Plus I figured it would be easier if I rode with you guys to give directions." Takumi then proceeds to go back to prepping for what was to come.

Zephyr walked outside once his phone call was done. Seeing everyone huddled around a car he assumed that to be their mode of transit. "Sorry about that guys had to tie up some lose ends real quick. He first grabbed his pistol from the gnger who was holding onto it for him and then moved over to them. He leaned down arm resting on the roof of the car. "There is no need for fighting now. Its better for everyone if we keep damage down to a minimum. Your job is to teach these punks a lesson not kill them and not to draw attention to our actions by driving a whole caravan". Looking to Firecracker he said "Taku does have a point about that FC when it comes to driving and escaping hyped up teens I trust you to do it." He gave a smile trying to put everyone at ease it would be better to be in a group to have each other's backs

     "HUUUUGH, fine"  Roland threw his hands up.  "If the puppy pees on the carpet you pay for the detailing."  He turned to grip the steering wheel.  "So you all ready to go then?  As they say: time is money."

"Detailing wont be an issue this "puppy's" house trained. But on a more serious note I am ready to go whenever the rest of the group is." Takumi looks over to Zephyr Dont worry I dont plan on killing anyone unless it comes down to it just being on the safe side. I would rather be prepared then get caught off guard by some junkie."

Takumi then puts away one of his Suppressors and his SMG.  "So whats the plan that way when we get there we are all on the same page?"

"Right, the first part is getting the footwork done as they say its better to start walking before you go running in guns blazing at it were. If we can get some blackmail on these punks and turn it into the cops and get their setup burned to the ground and posted on the matrix for the news to pick up. Then we have a case of local vigilante justice that doesn't get anyone killed and the area gets some good publicity," It was a rather elegant plan if he did say so himself. The Yakuza knew how to handle the spotlight it was groups like these who tended to burn in the sun and the more eyes are on a place the harder it is for the weeds to pop back up, Especially if they watched the fireball that would be the last guy's place of business.

"Our first goal is to get the names of any higher ups in this rag tag operation. Once we do, leave it to Mac and me to find the dirt, and get it delivered. Once the cops have them you to go in torch what's left and make sure you get a vid of it burning, From there my local contact in the news will handle the rest and make sure any more punks don't get the same bright idea. Just avoid getting your faces on camera, and make sure you get in and out fast. If everything goes right then we won't have to waste any bullets on kids."

"What do you think?"

     Roland pulled the car out into the street and began heading for the apartment building.  "Eh, sounds like a lot of work.  could we skip all the weird blackmail shit and just go eviscerate these punks?  Then just leave a survivor and keep an eye on him.  If they are working for someone worth being afraid of then they will either run home to mommy or try to skip town and if they skip town then their boss is either a low level bitch that lets it slide or a big shot that will go after the bait.  If there really is a nefarious kingpin backing these punks then it ain't our job.  Shinji is only paying us for the street dealers so anything above that is outside my fee so unless chopstick here is gunning for a promotion and is going to pay out of pocket for the extra work I'm gonna just do the job I'm being paid for.  I don't want to get a rep for working outside my contract parameters."  Roland contintued to drive towards their destination

"He's paying us to leave a message so that more kids don't make the stupid decision of selling drugs in this neighborhood. Killing kids won't do more then cause more problems for everyone including our employer. I won't just go around shooting drugged teens in the head. Better to let the cops have them then their souls haunting me. Remember ghosts aren't just fairy tales and its hard for me to block out that energy when I feel guilty about it. So, do me this favor and lets hold off shooting kids until we have no further option. But I promise you that when things go to hell. I won't stand in your way of doing what has to be done."

Zephyr somehow doubted his own personal feelings would have much affect on Sparky though as he read the expression in his eyes so he had to do a different tactic. "I promise that if we handle things with a scapulae rather then a jackhammer we can make more money. You can have run of whatever is in their hold if we can clear it out without destroying things there should be more then enough product, weapons, and equipment to make some money on the side. The more in control we are the more money we can make end of story, so its in your best interest to at least try my plan in case it works."

   "It's not the money. It's the principle.  I trust you know that down here a man is only worth as much as his reputation and my reputation is to do the job I'm paid for, no more no less.  If Shinji wants a message sent, then I will send that message in as fine a style as he would himself.  Just because he works in a nice clean hostess club and does more management then action these days doesn't mean he doesn't know the life."  Roland looked into the rear-view mirror and looked at Takumi.  "How's about we try and get this from the horse's mouth?  Chopstick, let me see if i can remember the standard fee for non-yakuza affiliated punks edging in on clan turf.  Was it just the hand or does it go all the way to the elbow?  Now I know I have seen Shinji take it off at the elbow but the guy also spat on him so I assume he was being a little vindictive."

Takumi was unsure which plan sounded like the right one to go with so he sat and listened to the other two while trying to think of a compromise. A few minutes roll by and Takumi thinks he might have come up with a compromise, "Alright I can see that we are not going to agree on killing or not killing but maybe we can just rough up some of these people no one dies. Then do whatever else we need to do to finish the job. What do you guys think of that that way we still get to act a bit aggressively but no one dies and message gets sent?" Takumi then directs his attention to the driver. "As for edging on our turf its usually a lost hand but then again I would imagine it would have to depend on how froggy those punks are. If someone had the balls to spit on Shinji I can definitely see him taking half an arm if they are lucky enough to not be killed on the spot.

Zephyr sat back from his position in the passenger set next to firecracker. He could sense a losing battle and it was better to not be without a plan if they were going to be in a drug den breaking faces. He halfheartedly smirked. "A compromise is better then nothing for both of us I suppose right Sparky?" He had decided on Firecracker's nickname after this conversation.

"But if we're going to do this the hard way and I'm outside of my territory, so you'll have to come up with the basic plan at least here kid. Sparky and I can help flesh out the details but If the message is breaking fingers and making sure that the other gutter punks notice. The one who would know what to do at least at a base level is you." He gave the other man  driving a small wink. "So what do you want to do my lord?" This was his chance to see Shinji's thought process and tempo. If he was going to go into battle with this kid he wanted to know how he worked. He figured Sparky would feel the same.

Takumi was surprised on being put in the spotlight to come up with a plan. Takumi hastily thought until something came to mind "Uh how about we go after arms and legs instead? Its harder to make and peddle their wares without the use of those limbs. How we go about this I am not sure yet but we can hash those details out since we are in route. Takumi hoped that is would be at least acceptable on a base level until more could be figured out.

[info]Request for Roland to roll composure test, to avoid deciding to just speed towards the target as part of thrill seeking. Difficulty higher than normal because you want to show Takumi what its like to be an actual runner. [/info]

Composure test

[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 2, 4, 2, 6, 4, 1, total 19[/blockquote]

     "Well shit I can see why it is that Shinji wants a babysitter for you...  Well guess its time to take those training wheels off."  Roland gunned the engine and picked up speed.  "Don't you worry once I'm through with you Shinji will be proud, also a little bit peeved because I'm charging him for the babysitting."  Roland punded on the car horn as he whipped around a cab into the oncoming lane before returning to the normal lane.  "Fucking gridguide am I right?"  Roland pressed down even further on the pedal and the engine roared.  "Oh hey there is the stripclub.  Guess we are here... Oh chopstick let me show you something that you need to take to heart.  I learned it from one of your buddies in the clan."  

Driving test to drift into the parking lot (Threshold should be 2 i think)
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 11d6 : 3, 1, 3, 5, 5, 5, 4, 4, 1, 2, 5, total 38

     Roland braked hard after making it into the parking lot and let the car slow down to a halt diagonally across two parking spaces.  He pulled his ballistic mask down over his face before turning around in his seat.  "OK Chopstick, which apartment are these fuckers in and what floor are they on.  It's time to make sure you earned those tats.  Hellif you are a good boy maybe I will buy you a lapdance at the stripclub afterwards."

Takumi shot a surprising glance over to his driver."Hm so you are as decent a driver people made you out to be. Follow me they are over in this building top floor second to last door. No promises on how these guys react to us showing up on their doorstep." Takumi starts to slowly head towards the apartment complex.

Zephyr was clinging to the dash as the car went swerving. He was glad in this moment that he had decided to buckle his seat belt when he had gotten into the car. With the look in Sparky's eyes he had thought he might just have driven through the strip club straight to the nearest apartment complex. "If you could provide a bit of a heads up before you try another stunt like that I'd appreciate it. Zephyr said feeling the adrenaline, "surprises like that are not really my thing." He took a moment to center himself again as he got out of the car. He brushed the hair that had fallen in front of his eyes behind a ear and smirked at Takumi's question, "This is why even when you want to go in guns blazing its good to have a plan in place. You point us to the building and me and Mac here will  handle the recon. I have a knack for finding things that others would best leave unseen." He dug into his rather long overcoat and then began patting himself down as if he had left something behind.

"Dammit, I knew I would forget something if I just ran out of the house like that. Mac do you mind if I borrow your body for a second. I'm gonna need to draw something. If I use your hand like a pencil I figure I can draw it on a file in the matrix right? Unless someone has a lot of paper and a pen on them?" He rarely did this trick with an audience, normally what maps he made were for his own use back in the day, and there were very few people who knew about his past. In his haste to make sure that he got to Bennett's crime scene before it got destroyed by the police he had forgotten to bring along some of the things he normally caried with him outside of his weapons he even had to leave some of his bigger finds in Sparks's trunk at the moment

[spoiler=click for music]http://youtube.com/v/Nko7HEAS2Rg&autoplay=1[/spoiler]

Machiavelli looked at Zephyr with hint of confusion, but in a surprising move of his own, pulled out a notepad and a pen from one of his pockets. "Might not be ideal, but it's better than nothing." He tossed the notepad to Zephyr with a smile. "I assume you're going to do some of that magical mumbo jumbo to map out the building or something before walking in? Probably gonna want to make it quick, these two look like they're itching to get going."

[info] Mystic feel free to describe the process of making your map. Everyone else feel free to do whatever. We will assume your characters know where they're going with Mystic's map, but this is a simple enough mission that drawing it out feels like a waste! [/info]

Rolling to activate spell
[info]Using Spatial Sense Extended
[spoiler]
Spatial Sense grants the subject an innate aware- ness and knowledge of his physical surroundings within range of the spell in terms of landscape, geography, and architecture. The layout knowledge lasts as only long as the spell is sustained and is not retained when the spell ends (though the subject can make a map or recite directions before ending the spell). The net hits scored on the Detection Spell Results table (p. 286, SR5) deter- mine how much detail the spell provides, progressing from a general idea of what's where, to a rough map of the area, to knowing each exit and how secure they are. The spell works in all directions (three-dimensional) and may uncover hidden layout features such as ventilation shafts, secret rooms, and sewer tunnels. It will not detect security features or living things. Areas that are protect- ed by a mana barrier are experienced as "blank spots."
[/spoiler]
Force 5
successes cap at 5
[blockquote]Rolled 8d6 : 3, 4, 4, 6, 4, 5, 4, 2, total 32[/blockquote]

Drain 4
[blockquote]Rolled 9d6 : 4, 2, 1, 6, 4, 5, 6, 2, 4, total 34[/blockquote]

Roll to Draw Map
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 6, 6, 1, 2, 6, total 21[/blockquote]
[/info]

He smiled and nodded to Mac for the paper. "Surprisingly low tech for you huh? If I didn't now any better I'd think you didn't want to hold my hand." Before anyone had a chance to respond however he sat back down in the passenger seat and followed Ronin's pointing to the building in question. "Show me your secrets won't you?" He mumbled under his breath as his eyes began to glow slightly a mint green color. He continued to whisper an incantation. His senses opened to the astral plane, and he felt the presence of his darling owl pushing him to his target as his hand moved in intricate signs.

The building with all its captured energy from all the inhabitants who had called it's walls their home opened before him blooming like a flower. He breathed in every detail he could as if he was talking to the walls and the rooms, seducing them for the secrets of the one's who lived inside. It was all to happy to provide what it could. Glimpses of images that built upon each other recreating a model of the building in all the detail it could manage. He pushed for details about things like furniture and pipping. A drug lab would need equipment with a unique signature not to mention proper ventilation and draining. If he was lucky there may be a way to sneak in behind enemy lines to catch them off guard and take them down without much issue. When he gathered everything he could he heard and felt the flapping of wings and he was back in his body. With page after page of detailed designs.

All the others would have seen is the glowing and him mumble something before his hand began sketching as if possessed page after page of drawings. In minutes he had at least gotten a partial if not complete skematic of the entire building. As he got out again he smiled and threw the pad to Mac." You think there is any viable entry point that can work from the sewers or a back door that may be unguarded?"

     Roland glanced at Zephyr's map.  "Hmmmm... second to last door top floor..."  He looked out at the building across the street.  "6 floors...  Maybe 18 or 20 meters...  Neighbor is the same height...  I think I have an entry plan.  I can go in first and open the door to the apartment for you guys or whoever wants to can come with me and we can all give these crackheads a nice surprise."  Roland pointed to one of the apartment windows on the map.  "Behold, the gateway to the land of meth and druggies."

Takumi stopped in his tracks and turned back after hearing his partner mention the building across the street. He turned back and walked over to the map and looked. "I presume you think we should swing across the alley and break through the window? Well they definitely wouldn't be expecting that. I think that might just be stupid enough to work though so long as its not a botched entry. I should probably join you just in case something goes wrong." Takumi walks back to the Jeep to pull some stuff out of his duffle bag. "Well this stuff might come in handy if this goes goes according to plan."


[spoiler]I will grab my grappling gun and 25m of rope, My Protector (taser) and a flash pak[/spoiler]

     As Takumi turned back towards the car Roland activated the security lock-down on the car.  "Alright Chopstick it's lesson time.  First lesson: always be prepared.  Now you left the car with no plan and only the shit that's on you so that is all you get for the job."  Roland turned to the remaining passengers.  "Now I don't want either of you guys going soft on him and giving him his shit.  This is for his own good.  Can I trust you to not unlock the doors to let him back in if I let you guys unlock your doors?"

"Well then if you are going to be like that then I will let you swing in like the ape you want to be and be ready at the front door since I was more prepped for that in the first place. Was going to make it easier for the both of us but I see you have your own agenda. Takumi turns back around and heads for the apartment complex mildly annoyed with his partners antics. Takumi thinks to himself "Well if something goes wrong on his entry it wont be on me. I just hope that things go smoothly though we don't need this to get out of hand."

     "Ooooh meow, the cat claws come out."  Roland clawed the air as the yakuza walked away.  He turned once again back to the others.  "I kinda want to see how this all plays out now.... Anyone thirsty?  We could go hit the strip-club and get something to drink while we wait for Chopstick to go do... whatever he's doing."  Ronald pondered for a moment.  "Actually I'm getting a bit hungry too... I don't thing the club is going to have much in the way of food that isn't covered in body glitter.  You guys have any arguments with taco bell?  I think there is one a couple of blocks from here and could really go for half a dozen tacos."  Roland deactivated the engine lock-down and started the car.  As he pulled out of the parking lot he cracked open the window and yelled out to Takumi.  "Be a good boy at soccer practice Chopstick.  We have some business to deal with but don't worry we'll be back with some orange slices for you when we get back."  He gunned the engine and peeled out of the driveway into the street.

     Perception test to keep an eye out for anyone that looks like a possible street dealer on the way to get food.
[blockquote]Rolled 7d6 : 3, 3, 2, 6, 3, 1, 3, total 21[/blockquote]

     Test to consider alternative local dining options in the event taco bell is not up the everyone else's taste
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 6, 5, 2, 2, 2, 3, total 20[/blockquote]

"I'd rather just get this over with if you don't mind sparky. While I'm all for testing the kid we do have a time table and I have places I need to be in the morning. So lets just press on to get this over with before Taku there gets his head beaten in from those drug heads. Him going in alone expecting some kind of back up when we aren't even there would not be good for the Johnson. We were put in charge of him after all. Lets at least make sure we did what we could before he gets his head popped."

He took a deep somewhat tired breath before he continues. "If its a stealth run that's something I can handle even if I'm lacking equipment. If it requires a bash in the door approach other then a pistol I'm good for support. Meaning I'll be manning the second rank with Mac. I'll summon a low level spirit to help back you up. A spirit of air should be more then enough to help provide you with enough cover to handle some basic goons. My body will stay here in the car with Mac  in case we need to get away. Just remember if you are going in hot. Firing guns in a drug lab is a bad idea, a chemical fire will be a major problem for anyone in the building since I doubt that this building is well constructed."

"Looking in the distance we need to act now since the kid is going in we don't have time."

     "Whatever you say boss."  Roland pulled a quick left into the alleyway behind the apartment building before stopping.  He got out of the car and turned on the security system.  WHOOP WHOOP.  "As a heads up, if you get out of the car don't try to get back in.  Unless they bring out a cannon or something you should be safe in there so feel free to work your mojo."  He went down the alleyway until he reached the neighboring building.  He held up his right arm, squinted a bit to get a good sight on the roof, and fired his hand. 

Aiming roll (if required)
[blockquote]Rolled 8d6 : 5, 4, 1, 3, 3, 6, 3, 4, total 29[/blockquote]

Casting improved invis and Silence on Sparky  as he goes

[info]

Spliting dice pool to cast to spells at once

Casting improved invis
force 5
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 3d6 : 3, 6, 4, total 13

Drain 4
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 8d6 : 2, 4, 3, 1, 4, 4, 2, 4, total 24

Silence
Force 5
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 3d6 : 4, 2, 6, total 12

Drain
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 8d6 : 1, 6, 6, 6, 6, 3, 2, 3, total 33
[/info]

[info]Using Edge to reroll drain 1 remaining
[blockquote]Rolled 8d6 : 6, 6, 2, 2, 3, 5, 4, 3, total 31[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Zephyr current modifiers and health
Damage -3 stun

-4 dice spell casting for sustaining two spells
[/info]

[spoiler=click for music]http://youtube.com/v/X2nUvtnNq1A&autoplay=1[/spoiler]

After some deliberation a plan was decided on. Machiavelli just smiled, as he got out of the car, drew a pistol from his jacket and cocked it before following Takumi. "Doesn't seem like these guys are going to have anything that requires my normal services, so I might as well go all the way, already out in the meat space anyways."

Roland managed to latch to the roof of the neighboring building and pull himself up with no issues. Standing on the roof and looking in, he could see a few men, they seemed to be cooking up a new batch. Didn't notice him, too focused on the task at hand. In the car, Zephyr was doing alright, a little shaken up from casting his spells, but in decent enough shape. Takumi and Machiavelli climbed the stairs of the complex attempting to be quiet. It took a few minutes, but they were at the door. The team was in position.

[info]Takumi to roll sneaking, Roland to do whatever he is doing.[/info]

Takumi notices that someone has caught up to him from the car. Takumi turns toward the person to see Machiavelli"Thanks Machiavelli for having my back coming up into the building I will try to make sure nothing serious happens to you since I know you are out of your zone out here." While on the way up to the building and the stairs Takumi also tries to make sure nothing else seems out of the ordinary.

[spoiler]Sneak [blockquote]Rolled 12d6 : 1, 4, 4, 2, 6, 6, 6, 6, 5, 6, 1, 5, total 52[/blockquote]
Perception [blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 4, 6, 6, 6, 4, 5, total 31[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Takumi and Machiavelli managed to make their way up without setting anyone off to what was going on... you think. Nothing looked abnormal, was just a low rent apartment complex housing who knows what.

     Roland looked into the apartment and switched to thermal imaging to get a look at how many druggies there were.  He also took a good look at what the crackheads had cooking up while remaining hidden.

Sneaking roll
[blockquote]Rolled 10d6 : 1, 2, 3, 3, 5, 6, 1, 6, 1, 1, total 29[/blockquote]

Perception
[blockquote]Rolled 7d6 : 5, 2, 3, 5, 5, 5, 3, total 28[/blockquote]

     Roland gets a good look at the volatile chemicals cooking away on the stove.  His heart begins to pump faster.

Composure roll
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 3, 1, 1, 1, 5, 3, total 14[/blockquote]

     Roland jogged back on the roof about ten meters and took the stance of a runner on blocks.  "On your marks..."  He took his gun out and gripped it in his hand.  "Get set..."  He tensed his legs.  "RUN BITCH RUN!"  He took off.

Gymnastics (edge)
[blockquote]Rolled 14d6 : 2, 3, 2, 2, 2, 6, 1, 6, 2, 4, 2, 3, 2, 3, total 40[/blockquote]

Pistols (edge) to fire at the most explosive looking container in the kitchen
[blockquote]Rolled 13d6 : 6, 3, 2, 5, 5, 4, 3, 2, 6, 2, 5, 3, 6, total 52[/blockquote]

 Rerolls

Gymnastics
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 4, 1, total 5[/blockquote]

Pistols
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 3d6 : 1, 5, 6, total 12

[spoiler=click for music]http://youtube.com/v/vEEc07ROpT8&autoplay=1[/spoiler]

As Roland leaps from the edge, his foot catches something. His pistol shot rings true, sailing through the window surprising the junkies as they brewed their goods. What it hit, none of them could say. An explosion followed, throwing the men around the apartment. One of them was unfortunate enough to get blown out the window, a shower of glass flying into the alleyway below. Roland was falling towards the ground, still several meters away from the other building. Takumi and Machiavelli could feel the explosion rock the apartment.

[info]Takumi/Zephyr to declare actions, Roland can spend a point of edge to chuck his gun and shoot his hand to try to grab onto something.[/info]

(Spending a point of edge to drop gun and fire hand)
     Roland reveled in the concussive blast that swept along his body and a grin cracked across his face behind his mask.  As he passed over the falling druggie he shoved his gun into the man's chest.  "Hold on to this for me."  He then fired his hand at the windowsill. 

Grappling hand (edge)
[blockquote]Rolled 11d6 : 4, 4, 2, 1, 6, 3, 3, 3, 3, 2, 4, total 35[/blockquote]

Reroll
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 4, total 4[/blockquote]

The druggie has a look of horror on his face as Roland's gun appears on his chest, and he continues falling, smashing into the ground with a satisfying thud. Meanwhile Roland fires his arm at a ledge, it grips but his body swings hard into the side of the building.

[info]Roland to soak 10 damage with -4 armor (so dice pool of 8, I believe)[/info]

Damage resistance (armor 12-4, bod 4)
[blockquote]Rolled 12d6 : 1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 3, 6, 5, 6, 5, 2, 2, total 45[/blockquote]

[info]5P damage resisted
5P damage taken

Current wound modifier -1[/info]

Takumi waiting at the door hears the explosions inside. Takumi shoots a look over to Machiavelli Well from the sounds of whats going on its our time to shine get ready I will check the door." Takumi reaches into his pocket and pulls out the lockpick set and checks if the door is unlocked.

[spoiler]If locked Takumi picks the lock [blockquote]Rolled 9d6 : 4, 6, 6, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5, 1, total 40[/blockquote][/spoiler]

The lock clicks as Takumi works his magic, and before you know it the door opens. On the floor inside, you can see crackheads, laid out on the ground.  and one, an ork , built more sturdy than the others has a pistol pointed at you with a snarl on his face, and fires.
[info]Takumi to roll reaction + intuition. (6d6 I think.) also armor+bod, so you don't have to double post if you're hit.[/info]

[spoiler]Takumi's react+intuition [blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 6, 2, 2, 1, 2, 4, total 17[/blockquote]
and Bod+Armor [blockquote]Rolled 13d6 : 3, 2, 2, 5, 2, 2, 4, 5, 5, 2, 2, 6, 2, total 42[/blockquote][/spoiler]

The bullet sailed through the air, slamming into Takumi's shoulder, he doubled over, screaming in pain. He was green and hadn't been shot before. Machiavelli leaned out from behind cover and fired a shot at the ork, it hit its mark, planting itself right in the ork's throat before letting out a large shock that left the body on the floor convulsing. The crackheads were on the floor, some moaning and groaning in pain, the others completely quiet. Machiavelli pat Takumi on the shoulder. "Get it together man, it didn't even pierce your skin. You'll be OK." He was right, the bullet was wedged into the armor, but the impact hurt more than anything Takumi had experienced prior.

[info]Takumi takes 7 stun damage. Ork Crackhead is unconscious. All players can act. [/info]

     Roland cackled as he reeled his hand in and pulled himself in through the shattered window.  "Hey! Now this is what I call a party!"  He picked his way through the chaos that covered the floor over to the other two.  "How you doing chopstick?  Is the big time as glorious as you thought it would be?"  He deadarmed Takumi in the other shoulder.  "Surprised to see you here Mac.  Hope you are enjoying yourself in the real world."  He turned around and surveyed what was left of the apartment.  "So I guess it's chopping time.  Who do you think is supposed to be the leader of these guys?  They definitely need to be killed.  I figure we leave at least one alive but armless to make sure the message sticks."

[info]The two do not hear or see anything behind them but takumi feels something touch his shoulder[/info]

Takumi stands up grabbing his arm that just had the bullet slam into. "FUCKING CHRIST THAT HURT. Been a long time since I took a blow that hard. Good thing it didn't go through we would have had a whole different situation to deal with. But to answer your question been better but also been worse off, but I was bound to take a bullet at some point just glad it didn't cause any major damage. " Takumi then looked around the room to take in the sight of the damage done by the explosion. Takumi looks back to his Machiavelli. "Nice shot that big son of a bitch could have been a really big problem if he stayed up much longer." Takumi then turns to Roland. "I see your plan went about as I expected well minus the explosions and such. As for chopping time I thought we agree to just break some bones and rough them up. As for a leader though I am not entirely sure who it is but I am sure we can find out if these other mooks are still conscious." As Takumi is wrapping up is current thought he feels something reach out and touch his shoulder. "WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT! Uh guys is there someone or something behind me something strange just touched my shoulder."

     "Must be the ghost of your balls bidding farewell.  Last I checked the yakuza are not a charity organization and these bitches got a debt to pay.  Now you are supposed to have earned those tats so hurry up and get chopping.  Need to get this over with fast.  Probably have only a little bit of time before the knight errant goons show up.  This area might not be heavily patrolled but the fuzz is bound to show up to check out the explosion.  Now make with the slice and dice while I try and see if these guys have a stash that survived the explosion.  Mind giving me a hand Mac?"  Roland began picking through the chaos.

Perception to find a stash
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 3, 6, 6, 5, 1, 3, total 24[/blockquote]

Knowledge (Police Procedures) to figure out how much time they have before the police arrive
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 4, 2, 4, 1, 2, total 13[/blockquote]

Digging through the remnants of the druggies operations, Roland finds a couple of bags of drugs, not entirely sure what kinds from a cursory glance but probably worth the trouble you went through to get your hands on it. As for his knowledge of the local police forces, he couldn't get a number that amounted to much more than "soon."

Zephyr called over the comms at that moment "Feel free to drag one of our marks down here. I'll see what information I can get from him to see if there is anyone else who needs to visit. In the mean time make sure you guys make a show of tossing the place, and dig your family mark on the door for anyone else who might want to stop buy. But its better to leave them bloody and scared then dead. Word of mouth travels faster if they aren't so mortified or scared to talk. We don't want this stuff to keep happening right Taku?" Zephyr was maintaining his spells for the sake of possible ambush at this point just to be safe. He probably should summon a minor spirit while he was at it to make sure that there were not any hiding in the shadows.
[info]
Zephyr takes a complex action

Summoning a level 3 spirit of air to perform astral overwatch for any drug affected aura that was dangerous
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 10d6 : 6, 6, 3, 6, 5, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, total 37

2 drain
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 9d6 : 1, 3, 6, 4, 3, 4, 5, 4, 3, total 33[/info]

Takumi still a bit spooked by whatever just touched his shoulder replies over the comms. "While I agree with you on this it seems like our comrade here has other plans so I will drag down one of these druggies in hopes we can at least get something out of him. Where is the car parked at? I will be heading down in a moment with one of the people here." Takumi the proceeds to head into the apartment to pick up the unconscious Ork and look over him to see what if any injuries he might have just in case. Afterwards Takumi ties up the ork and attempts to pick him up and heads towards the door with him.


[spoiler]First Aid on the ork to figure out what injuries it might have. [blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 4, 4, 3, 2, 6, total 19[/blockquote]
For lifting the body to carry downstairs [blockquote]Rolled 10d6-2 : 1, 4, 4, 4, 1, 3, 5, 3, 5, 1 - 2, total 29[/blockquote] [/spoiler]

Machiavelli laughed as Takumi struggled with the ork's body. it was more of a drag than a carry. . They were told to send a message, and somehow he thought that the message was being lost in translation. He surveyed the room, looking to see which of the drug-addled fellows seemed to be the closest to getting back to their feet. He found his target, one of the men had gotten to his hands and knees. Machiavelli strode across the room, a spring in his step, then as he closed in put a little momentum into it, and swung his foot right into the throat of the guy struggling to get up. He was coughing up blood, and fell onto his back. He started to talk "No, no, you can't do this!" Before the guy could get another sentence out, Machiavelli brought his boot into the few remaining teeth in the goon's mouth and proceeded to stomp on each of the strung out guy's fingers. "IS. THIS. HOW. YOU. SEND. A. MESSAGE!?" He hadn't had an experience quite like it, but it was a definite change of pace from his usual tech guy life style.

     "Whooo, go for it Mac!"  Roland shoved the drugs into his climbing gear bag as he pumped his fist in encouragement.  "Hey Chopstick, just slit the guy's throat. I'm not being paid to transport more than one goon."  He walked over to the windowsill and gripped it with his hand.  "Gonna go grab the car and bring it around front.  You guys finish up here."  With that he flung himself out the window, and played out his right hand cable, rappelling down into the alley before releasing his hand.  He walked over to the crumpled crackhead and grabbed his gun.  He looked his piece over and then sighted down the barrel before firing a round into the druggie.  "Whew, still fires.  Didn't want to have to go buy a new one."  He walked around the corner of the alleyway back to the car.  WHOOP WHOOP.  He walked over to the trunk of the car and opened it up.  He pressed his hand onto the hidden switch to pop open the false bottom to the trunk and pulled the drugs out of his bag.  He gave them a quick look to see how much he had before tossing the haul into the compartment.  He got into the driver's seat and looked over to Zephyr as he started the car.  "So how was the show?"

The sound of the horn made Zephyr go into astral sight. His eyes slightly glowed as he looked at the brightly shinning remains of Firecracker's aura. The black blobs of inky void that was his cyberware was in contrast to the brilliant light of his spell. He did not seem to be to badly hurt with everything he had heard. He had noticed the explosion though he had been focusing on maintaining his own magics to think about tracking things astrally. He let his silence spell fall away then as his companion got in the car. "I heard it, that's for sure I wouldn't be surprised if someone didn't call in the Knights. This may be an area run by organized crime, but a pop like that can be heard from quite the distance. We should grab what we need and make sure Mac scrubs any camera feeds in the area." Once things seemed fully settled down a bit and smiled.

"So how was it being able to stealth in without being seen or heard? It's a bit of my specialty if that wasn't already apparent. Though there is a draw back of not being able to be heard without text or someone being able to see your astral signature. I'm used to running one man jobs so text to an away team is my usual MO. Now all we need to do is wait for the others and our song bird to make sure we've taken out this whole thing from the roots up."

     "About that, I think I was clear that our job is done now that all the junkies are licking the floorboards.  I wasn't paid for kidnapping, interrogation, or anything beyond roughing up some junkies that think they could move in on yakuza turf."  He began to back the car out of the alleyway.  "So here is the deal.  If you really want to go through with all this then I will accommodate because the night is starting to drag on but you are going to owe me a favor."  He stopped the car in front of the apartment building entrance.  "So... Deal?"

"Fine, I doubt Taku got him to far from the sounds of it he's a heavy bastard. I'll leave it be for now I'd rather owe you a favor when it's to my personal benefit." He paused for a moment,  "Hear that Taku? You are free to leave your catch behind Sparky's orders so leave them on the steps or something."Zephyr sat back all to willing to allow this one to be a loss. "I will warn you though Sparky if we ever work for someone within my circle they will expect full service care. It's how I've done jobs up to this point when they've needed my work and I won't be shortchanging them."

Zephyr thought that he might just as well call up his contact in the knights himself once all this was done for good measure anyway to help make sure this mess was taken care of. If he really couldn't just leave it be, he would have to see how he felt later. For now Sparky had a point and they had a client to pick up. He was not much one for grunt work and had things to take care of at home like he had said so the sooner they were done here the better in his mind. He was going to make sure Mac covered their trail just in case there was some camera's on one of the nearby buildings.

Takumi sighs and sets the body on the top of the stairwell. "Well seems how we arent going to be needing this guy after all might as well make sure he spreads the word about what happened here." Takumi proceeds to work over the ork's knees with some kicks and stomps hoping to break them in short order. "Well that should keep you from going anywhere for a while." Takumi quickly heads down the stairs to the car hoping to make a get away before anyone else shows up and makes this run go south.

     Roland waited for Machiavelli to get into the car.  "OK kids time to go home."  With that he pulled away from the curb and began heading back to the club.  "Anyone hungry?  I'm feeling like a soy shake from Stuffer.  I don't think we have time for a pizza and strippers, so sorry Chopstick, I know you were really looking forward to it after your first big game."  He pulled off his mask and stuck it in the central console and began taking off his arm guards while he let the autopilot takeover.  After removing his arm guards, he stuck them under his seat before retaking control of the car.

"If your looking for drinks and some fun The Paper Lantern is one of the nicest places that no one knows about. You need to know someone to get in. Lucky for you two you know a regular if you don't have places to be, and I have business myself their making sure a package made it there safely. So once our business is done it's a nice place to lose a night. I could use some sleep away from home for tonight. As long as everyone is respectful that is. You do not want to be living that nightmare of being on that places bad side." Zephyr sat back in his seat rubbing his eyes he hoped that Kiera had been picked up he had sent her a text while everyone was out of the car and he had nothing to do about the pick up. The need for sleep after those spells and the long hours were already beginning to settle in, staying away from his own bed was not the most fun idea, but it was the best option until Bennetts death became less hot in a few weeks time. At least for tonight he knew that Kyoko would put him up if he promised to play the piano for her show and man the bar. She always did have a soft spot for a good performance.

Her herb tea with a shot of that cognac she kept around might just help with the stress that was building behind his eyes as well. 

     Roland pulled into the Stuffer Shack drive through and began tapping his order into the self service screen.  "Drinks sound good but I want something quick and a little more substantial...  Anyone want anything?"  Roland took everyone's orders and collected the order at the pickup window.  He set the autopilot on once again while he handed out the other orders (if any).  "Best to drop by Shinji's though, got to report in on finishing the job and then we can blow all our spoils!  No better team building exercises than putting your livers through their paces."  Roland took a long slurp of soy shake.  "Paper Lantern... Sounds familiar."

Syndicate Politics/Local dining options check in the event that Roland knows anything about The Paper Lantern
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 5, 2, 6, 6, 5, 3, total 27[/blockquote]

Machivelli examined the Stuffer Shack menu. "Get me one of those slushie things, you know, water and sugar with flavoring none of that soy shit, back in the day people called it diabetes juice. And a couple of them rolly things, damn what are they called. Right. Taquitos. A couple of those. And one of those hot dogs. That'll do it." He grabbed his bag from Roland, nodding in agreement about finishing the job before the fun.

"We've been in there once, Firecracker, we had an invite, but we didn't stay for long. You said it was too fancy for your taste and went wandering right back to Negi's."

     Roland finished off his shake and chucked it out the window at a passing car.  "You know that only eliminates the half of the places you have taken me where we started a fight right?"

Attack roll to hit oncoming traffic with empty milkshake cup
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 4, 3, 1, total 8[/blockquote]

Takumi just sat silently as the rest of the crew ordered food and drink's thinking to himself. "Man why are we wasting our time here when we should be getting back to report the deed has been done. Well whatever as long as we weren't ID coming out of the building or getting into the car we should be fine. I just hope we hurry up and get back to Negi's so we can get paid and move on."

"We'll be getting paid first no worries you can choose to stay there if you like or not but I would prefer to be set down at the paper lantern once we're down at Negi's.

Like I said I have business there. The place is run by the Mazoku their information network and fence work are legendary within the underworld. Though they do their best to keep themselves hidden in the shadows even for usual runners. Supposedly they are the reason that their is anything left of Fucchi after Renraku took the top spot in Japan."

[spoiler=things Spaky would know]
The Manzoku is an international crime ring

Rumors that they higher all types and races so long as they fit with their code they have broken away from the japanese thought on meta races ect

They supposedly have a strict moral code of some kind and rarly hire outsiders or unknown

The Paper lantern is rumored to be one of their hubs in the UCAS

As such there the bottles behind the bar are said to be real alcohol
[/spoiler]

     Roland clicked his tongue at completely missing the car as they continued down the street.  "Oh yeah, that place.  It's all coming back to me.  Front for some super shady Japanese syndicate yeah?  I don't think I have ever had any direct dealings with them myself.  Mind if I ask how you got hooked up with them in the first place?  From what I understand they work on the international scale, quite a bit above the level I work at."  Roland eyed Machiavelli's smorgasbord and his stomach  started to rumble.  "Hey Mac you gonna eat all that?"

"Well, for a long time I simply walked the path that seemed the best with my Mentor you know. Owl tends to not have many followers because of their nature. Few can maintain their interest to build a solid relationship. It just so happens that the road I walked crossed enough with the proprietress their that I did jobs for her occasionally until we were both comfortable. We share a few quirks and I do good work, so it became a working friendship for when she needs my talents, and I need their services." Zephyr was trying his best to play it cool as if nothing really mattered. But people like Mac would know for a man who followed a mentor who wished to know others secrets he rarely gave out any of his own. Especially his past was a big blank spot where he really gave more then passing statements. Most including Mac did not know how old Zephyr really was. Since elves stop showing physical signs of aging in their mid twenties it was really quite hard to tell this kinds of things from appearance alone.

     "Sounds like the usual story.  Mind if I ask what kind of work these guys tend to contract out?  Always good to know who has how many fingers in what pies and all that."  Roland's eyes gave Zephyr a quick look up and down before returning to the road.  "What with all the fancy spell-craft you were slinging around earlier I want to say surveillance and blackmail...  That seems a bit boring though...  infiltration and sabotage? Maybe even a bit of, dare I say it..."  Roland paused for dramatic effect.  "Wetwork?"  He chuckled a bit to himself.  "Nah, you don't strike me as the type to engage with that sort of scum and villainy."  Roland propped his arm up on the door and rested the side of his head on his fist.  "What pays the bills for you anyway?  I have heard all you mages have some unique shtick.  Only ever met one mage myself.  His name was El Diablo and his thing was fire, lots of it."

"haven't you heard the old saying that a magician never reveals their secrets." Zephyr joked, "At the moment I'm a runner and that's about it outside of my day job. Negotiations of one kind or another tends to be the jobs I get, I don't have many contacts in the form of fixers outside of one or two like the Manzoku, so I mostly keep things largely low key I don't like leaving a big trail in my wake. Which has worked for the better or worse for me. As for work that the Manzoku give out to outsiders its a rare thing from what I've seen. They try to ensure that they have people who fit their standards for the sake of the business. They run one of the largest auction and grey market sites around and want to ensure quality. It normally takes something interesting or a referral to get in and tested."

He stopped for a moment then thought, "I doubt I'm even all that secure in the organization since I'm still one of the newest hires, even though I've been with them for a while now."

     "Hmm... sounds a bit stuffy to me but hey everyone has to make a living.  Guess we all get to see first hand, eh?  First though is payday because here we are: home sweet home."  Roland pulled the car into the alleyway behind Negi's.  "Hope you don't mind the alleyway. I prefer to take the back door after a job."  He got out of the car and set the security system to engage once everyone exited the vehicle.  He opened the back door and peered in.  "You still alive back there Chopstick?"

"Yeah alive and kicking just spaced out waiting to get here before Zeph started talking about his story figured I wouldn't interrupt. I just want to get paid and go our separate ways unless of course there is more work to be done." Takumi gets out of the car and heads towards the door into Negi's.

[spoiler=click for music]http://youtube.com/v/uHQZNNajxOk&autoplay=1[/spoiler]

As the group pulled into Negi's things were quiet. Festivities had wound down a bit for the night and there didn't seem to be anyone on your trail. Machiavelli was still amused by the exchange between Firecracker and Zephyr.  It seemed all of that magical mumbojumbo had a lot in common with tech. He kept quiet though, better to observe in an unfamiliar situation and work out the group dynamics. The number one rule is to always keep an ace up your sleeve. Roland pulled up to the back door and the crew jumped out of the jeep. Whoop Whoop. At the back door a Yakuza in his suit was waiting for you. He nodded, and opened the door allowing the group to pass through. Machiavelli flashed him a smile as he passed. Inside Shinji was waiting. "So... How'd it go?"

     Roland strolled on in and flopped onto one of the couches.  "It was a real blast.  As you can see the newbie is still alive.  Gotta ask though, what exactly was his job in the outfit before this?  Because he is green as fuck and kinda a pussy.  Can't believe you gave tattoos to someone without the stomach to kill.  I mean, I know you guys are not into the whole 'killers only' initiation thing but he didn't even want to take a hand."  Roland reached over for a paper drink napkin and wet it with some water before using it to dab away some of the dust and grime he had accumulated during the explosion.

"Now Now Sparky, He played his role and made face. The junkies saw that it was someone from the syndicate doing most of the action and that's all that matters. They may do some digging to get revenge but as soon as they see who called the hit things should calm down nicely. I mean they did just get slightly burnt so I would think it will take them a while to nurse their owns. Giving the family here and Our Johnson time to have them blacklisted by the distributors ect." He patted on Taku's shoulder's smiling "He may be a bit green but he put in the effort. I'd say thanks to him, those in charge can now easily starve the weed out the easy way without having to worry about how it looks to the other families."

Zephyr kept standing however regardless of what the others do. "Since we took care of the problem and gave your young Kohai here a boost may I be so bold as to ask about payment? We already discussed a price and made a bang that I believe you can use to your advantage. I'd be most comfortable with an a verified credstick for payment. Its the classic for a reason after all would you not agree? L Unless of course, you have more work for us to do?"   

Takumi looks over at Roland "Look just because you felt the need to do what you did back in the lab doesnt mean I need to follow suit. Not all jobs require dead bodies we were told to send a message I felt that the destroyed lab, injured goons, and the loss of their profits were a good enough message sent. All dead bodies do are draw unwanted heat towards situations hard to follow up with stuff if you have to lay low for a while. Hell was even going to bring one of the goons with me so we could get more information out of him but you didn't want that done so I broke his legs and left him behind. And you can call me green all you want but there was no need to go apeshit in the lab. Takumi walks over to the bar and orders a drink Bar keep a Whiskey high ball please.

     Roland raised an eyebrow at Takumi as he walked over to the before turning back to Shinji.  "You can add thin skinned to that previous list."  He craned his neck back towards the bar.   "Hey chopstick, shut the fuck up while grown folks is talking."  He returned his gaze to Shinji.  "Anyways back to business.  Now i hate to be asking for payment so soon and I know you are a always good for it but I am contracted for work with this guy and am probably going to be in need of some liquid assets.  So I'm going to need to ask you this favor for today.  You know I'm good for it."  He finished wiping himself up before leaning forward in his seat to rest his elbows on his knees.

[spoiler=click for music]http://youtube.com/v/uHQZNNajxOk&autoplay=1[/spoiler]

Shinji looked on at the scene with disappointment written all over his face. Machiavelli stood by his side, showing him footage recorded on sight. He let out a chuckle as the decker stomped on the hands of one of the drug pushers. "Firecracker, you know what they say, you gotta work with the soldiers you have not the soldiers you want. Not gonna lie though, a bit disappointed. You guys technically completed the job but.. I was hoping for something that left a longer lasting impact. Where are the limbs? The fingers? The permanent reminder that they had crossed the wrong guy? This is OUR turf, we rule it. Now, if these guys get off light, what are the rest of the two-bit drug pushers going to think? They're going to think that they can do the exact same thing."

Shinji sighed and threw some credsticks on the table. 3000 a piece. He snapped his fingers, and a few men in suits hurried out of the building. He pulled Roland aside. "What sort of favor are you looking for? At least this time you're asking to be in my debt instead of waking up in it."

[info]Each player receives 3000 Nuyen and 5 Karma. [/info]

     Roland leaned back and gripped his hair as he grit his teeth.  A sigh hissed from his lips before he spoke.  "OK well I guess I will have to owe you on that Shinji then.  I thought that your guy could handle that part of the job but I seem to have overestimated him... Unfortunately this makes my request a bit awkward..."  Roland let go of his hair and breathed deeply before he continued.  "I need a car.  I don't know what kind of work I'm going to be getting into but I don't know if El D would be best suited for it.  I need something nondescript that I can dump if the heat get a bit too fiery.  A solid 4 door sedan that's been cleaned and won't come back to anyone involved, preferably with a bit of an overhaul of the engine so that it can make good on a getaway." 

Shinji rubbed his temple in thought, and let out a sigh. "I probably have the kind of car you're looking for. But you'll owe me big time. And double if you lose or wreck it. You know, those types of engines don't come cheap. Care to elaborate what you have in mind that is too much for El Diablo? If I didn't know any better I'd say that car was your wife.

     Roland glanced sideways at Zephyr.  "That is a good question and I don't know all the specifics yet but there might be a blood mage involved, possibly even Asstech involvement."  His eyes returned to Shinji.  "And hey, if there is blood magic involved, I might be able to pay you back double with some of that sweet sweet Draco Foundation bounty.  As for El Diablo, he's a bit too conspicuous.  He's great for my usual gigs but this might be a bit outside the norm.  Great for plowing through a gaggle of Ancient wannabees or making the drive into the Tir with a bit of hot cargo but not for outrunning a helicopter full of Jaguars or blending in with the the corp crowds." 

"Just what have you guys managed to get yourselves into.. Well perhaps its better for me not to ask too much about that. It's a pretty big favor though. Do you have something you can put down as collateral? I mean, I trust you and all but I'm also running a business, ya know?"

     "Well... not really other than El Diablo himself...  Look I can put this last job's payment up as a down payment and next time you need me to move something for you I can do it gratis and I can still owe you something after that.  If you can't work with that then I understand.  I don't want to pull you too far into this."

"Well, how about this. You do a favor for me now, and the car is yours, if it comes back in one piece, we're even. If it comes back in.. pieces, then you owe me some more." Shinji spoke slowly, thinking about all of the things he needed to have done.

     A grin returned to Roland's face.  "Alright Shinji you got a deal.  So what's the job you need right now?"

"Well.. it's a delivery of some sensitive materials. Something right up your alley. You don't need to worry about what is inside, just get it to the guy it needs to get to. If you really want to get fancy, you can give him a 'Shinji sends his regards' If any of the others would like to go with you, that's fine, but the same rule applys to them. Don't worry about what the package is, just about where it needs to go." He smiled, and waved over one of the goons before quietly telling him something and sending him away. "Once you do this, we'll turn over the requested vehicle. And then we can go from there down the line."

     "Sounds good to me."  Roland turned to Zephyr and Machiavelli.  "Looks like I need to go make a quick run for some milk.  You guys are probably going to have to go hit the bar without me unless you want to come along.  Otherwise, call me tomorrow when you are ready to start stomping the pavement for your case."

[info]Secrets roll to see if I have to go since the content is hidden
[blockquote]Rolled 9d6 : 3, 1, 2, 5, 3, 6, 4, 6, 5, total 35[/blockquote]

need 3 successes
[/info]

"I'm willing to go as long as you tell me what we are carrying. If it's nothing to worry about that should only be a benefit since we can better handle the goods in transit. I wouldn't take a route through the Barrens checkpoint if I new I had an RPG in the trunk if you see what I mean. I try my best to go into a situation as informed as possible it helps me stay alive and from my experience gives the client a far more preferable result. I have my own standards to live up to after all. It only benefits you as my current employer in the long run." Zephyr had to say he never liked taking on jobs from unknowns like this without someone mediating. With Kyoko and his other contacts they knew better then to purposely keep him in the dark. He dug into secrets as a matter of need from his magical Mentor as well as for his profession. They knew the more they left up front the less he would push and the better he worked in general. As of now he would need to have the force of will to deny himself in the moment and take stock of things.

[info]Negotations to get him to spill the beans.
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 11d6 : 2, 4, 1, 3, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4, 2, 2, total 25

1 edge reroll fails
[blockquote]Rolled 11d6 : 3, 2, 1, 1, 3, 3, 5, 1, 6, 2, 4, total 31[/blockquote]

[/info]

Shinji gave a sly smile. "Every man needs his secrets Zephyr, don't you agree? But I can tell you two things: It's not illegal, and its smaller than a bread box. Perhaps the client on the other side would be willing to tell you what the package contains, but that's up to him. But you know, it might be wise to help Firecracker out, he's doing this for you after all.

"Fair enough," said Zephyr with a shrug, "but I would like to ask that you send Taku here with us. I'd rather not be the one carrying a cursed artifact of some vengeful spirit, since I'm the one who have to fix the mess, or handle your client's new pet ferret when it understandably pees itself from taking a ride with Sparky. Having a delivery boy directly from your chain of command will make things easier upon delivery. Less need for documentation in triplicate and the possibility of some nervous gunner shooting our heads of for his package. If you feel like you can spare him that is?" Zephyr was purposely maintaining eye contact with Shinji with his usual smirk. He knew full well that they all including Taku were in some form or another expendable. So he had no doubt that Shinji did not care one lick about the kid's well being. So there was no real reason to drag the teen into this, but he really did not want to care for a living animal. So why not push for an extra pair of hands to do any of the dirty work and let him take the blame when Sparky eventually got his car a mess.

Ignoring Roland's talk with Shinji Takumi continues to work on his whiskey until he hears the words blood mage. This could mean a huge payday if we manage to capture one but it wouldnt be easy. Takumi would have to work with Roland whom to this point hasnt seen eye to eye with but for this type of job he would turn a blind eye to that cause he could use the cash.  "Fine I will come along since you need a package boy not my favorite work but it is what it is right now."  Takumi finishes of the glass of whiskey he had been working on and stands up. "Lets just hope this goes smoother then that mess earlier."

Shinji smirked at the accusations brought forth by Zephyr. "You wound me, Zephyr. Just because I'm Yakuza doesn't mean that i'm moving something suspicious. Firecracker here is just a courier I can count on. If nothing else, the man knows how to drive. It's hard to call this a job, more like a little errand before you head on your way, but if it really satisfies you, Takumi can go along."

Machiavelli watched from the background before stepping forward. "Firecracker, are we gonna get some drinks after this little errand? If so count me in for the ride. If nothing else we might see something funny on the way over."

A man in a suit came hurrying back into the room, handed Shinji a small package and scurried off back the way he came. Shinji then handed it to Roland with a smile. Alright Firecracker, the guy will be expecting you. I gave him a description of your car, so there shouldn't be any trouble. Will also send you the coords so you can get going. Thanks again for running this little errand.

     Roland took his comlink out of his pocket and checked the text with the address.  "Alrighty, got the address."  He looked up at the others.  "OK guess its back in the car then kids.  Time to run this errand and then we can go get those drinks we talked about earlier."  He pocketed his comlink and headed out the door, making his way back out into the alley to the car.

"And here I was hoping I'd tuck in early tonight so that I might be able to get those herbs dried properly." Said zephyr with a shrug "I really do hate the taste of that soy caffeine crap too." He would need to make sure that he didn't slip when helping Anders prepare reagents but this was important and he could wait till he reached the paper lantern to crash he had to make face here if he wanted to keep Mac and Sparky on his good side. If they felt like he wasn't pulling his wait he would have to go it on his own. It would be better to have a team for now. Even Taku represented an in even if it seemed temporary and tenuous to the people he would need to be calling favors from.

As Zephyr slipped into the car he couldn't help but think what had meant to be a break from the shadows while things cooled from his last big gig some time ago was quickly heating back up. He instinctively ran a hand across his face then partially out of exhaustion and partially expecting to feel the cool touch of porcelain. He missed the feeling of his mask at times like these and was sure that Kyoko was not to happy that his future work would have to be put on hold for the moment. Luckily he was still useful to her in less flashy ways. He was flexible in his skill set, and had a quick tongue still at her disposal if nothing else. Though his mind did flash to a certain detectives coat wondering what she was up to while he had taken this forced vacation. Probably being shipped around to who knows where so that the higher ups don't need to deal with her righteousness.

He couldn't stop a stupid grin from appearing on his face as he thought about her most likely fuming somewhere ready to beat her own captain's head in. Her cheeks always did flush a pretty pink when she was furious.

Takumi walks outside and hops back into Roland's car. Takumi was thinking to himself "Man I really should just stay and let the heat die down but if Roland wasnt lying about this blood mage then I can't pass this chance up." Takumi looks up with a small smirk starting to appear on his face "So where are we heading and what is the plan? I assume its as simple as delivering the package and getting back to Negi's?

     Roland began backing out of the alley once everyone entered the car.  Twisted around in his seat to keep an eye where he was driving he turned his head slightly to Takumi.  "Yup, easy job.  We go to the employer's place, get the package, and take it on its way. Then afterwards we all get to grab a quick nightcap at Zephyr's bar before getting some Zs."  He pulled out into the street and began driving off to their destination.  "At least, that is assuming we don't get shot on the way."  He looked over  to Zephyr.  "By the way bossman, on this job you ain't bossman.  I am the courier.  It's my job, my car, and my rules.  That means no peeking in the package and no questions for the employer.  You say you give your clients the full package deal?  Have any of those packages included ignorance and no questions?  Because in my line of work people don't hire someone to take secrets from point A to point B if they are nosy and while we may be working together for a while we wont be working together forever and I am going to need to still have a job once all this is settled.  Just because Shinji has the patience of a Buddha doesn't mean that the guys he works for do and questions like the ones you were asking him could at best get me blackballed and at worst wind up with everyone gunned down before we even have the package."

Zephyr turned staring at him blankly eyes vacant for a moment still somewhat lost in his own imagination. When he finally realized he was being addressed directly it was already mid way through Sparky telling him to behave. "I held back my curiosity thank you. And if you want to take the helm by all means I know the proper etiquette, though I was not wrong with my questions ignorance is bliss and good for security in so long as things go smoothly and there are no unforeseen twists of fate. Like a routine stop by the knights or a particularly deep pot hole when carrying precious goods. Knowledge is what allows any job to work alongside lady luck versus being stuck to her whims and forced to suffer such consequences."

Zephyr sighed, "On jobs like this when going in blind there are means of judging the right methods from who has been brought together for the job, how much the Johnson is willing to pay, to the time span, and even the style and mannerisms of the Johnson' themselves. I was given none of those usual signals that makes for the right footwork. The Johnson is a personal contact of yours and taku is his subordinate so using your apparent skill or reputation is moot. You were the one who established payment so the Johnson was given the ability to assign value  so that is out as well. I also don't know any back end things between you and him so I can't trust the mannerisms and style of the Johnson either since like you said we just started with each other is out the window. Any professional gets that for a job done well some information must be given.

I did not ask anything above or beyond the norm considering that I as a runner was not given the usual avenues. You may be worried about the consequences. But I am not someone who works on blind faith alone my trust and loyalty is earned to do otherwise is a simple disservice and means that you probably just better sticking to the life of a wage slave. Because that's what it really is at that point just another mega corp, your corporation just doesn't have the usual office space.

Zephy paused then realizing that his stress from earlier and suddenly being thrown into things were getting the better of his cool demeanor. Sparky touched a nerve when questioning his professionalism even if he was not totally wrong on the subject. Zephyr liked the freedom provided by his normal work his ability to make judgements and get involved as more then just some lemming to be of more use then just some drone. That was often enough why he so rarely worked with people out on the field like this. Not to mention being interupted from a nice daydream. "But, like you said this is your job and I am perfectly willing to play by your rules on this. My job is to support you and make sure your head stays on your neck and that's what I'll do. You focus on getting the package where and when it needs to be. No more questions asked for the time being." He said finally pulling the lever to recline the seat back some into Mac's space. "I'm gonna take a quick nap wake me if you need something." Signaling the end of the conversation as he hit a button on his commlink to start playing some music to block out the other he closed his eyes. Before he was completely gone however, he looked over sparky reading his body language curious as to what he was thinking and wondered what the Yak had in his back pocket  before allowing himself to drift into the astral sense to get some much needed rest and return to his daydreaming in peace while the afterimage was still there.

     Roland raised an eyebrow at Zephyr's response and thought to himself.  Hmmm must have hit a nerve... Good to know  He looked into the rear-view mirror to Machiavelli.  "Well then Mac since Mr Mojo is off to dreamland I guess it's time for everyone's favorite game: Better Know a Greenhorn.  I will get things started."  His eyes drifted to Takumi.  "So Chopstick, when did you get your tats, what did you do to get them, and what have you been doing in the clan before tonight?"

Takumi was caught off guard a little bit when Roland started asking about how he got involved with the Yakuza. Takumi cleared his throat and began to speak "Hmph well not that it is really your concern I will entertain you for a moment. First I guess it would make sense to start with when I got my tats I got the few on my arms when I joined on a couple years back nothing fancy just some kanji one of Strength,Honor and Brothers. I haven't figured out yet what type of sleeve designs I want to do so I will tie these in somehow. I started work on my chest tattoos last year these are going to take a lot of time and money to get done. As for what I have done to earn them nothing yet outside of working a front for some minor dealings and information gathering that is why I am here now to try and prove to them that I belong here, I want to move up from being a nobody and I cant do that just sitting around posing like I belong.  

     Roland frowned slightly at Takumi's response.  "Well first of all, if you are in my car then it IS my concern.  Clearly you want to ride with the big boys otherwise you would not have got in this car in the first place and that means you have to start acting like one.  I need to know what exactly you are capable of doing.  I don't mean if you can shoot straight or not, anyone can do that with enough practice.  I need to know whether or not you got the chops to throw down when a fight is on and bail when the flames are licking your ass hair.  Honestly with what I have seen of your work so far I am not that impressed.  You know you are lucky as shit that you got to keep all your fingers after fucking up your first big job right?  By getting in this car for this errand you have signed yourself up to work MY job and that means that if the shit goes down I need to be able to know whether you are going to be more useful as a spare gun or as a makeshift speed bump for the guys chasing us."  The slight frown on Roland's face turned into a little smirk before he continued.  "Don't you worry though, if you stick with me you might be able to learn a thing or two.  Now moving on to round two.  Have you killed anyone yet and if so how did you do it?"

Takumi was a little flustered by some of Roland's comments but there was some merit behind pieces of it.  "Look I dont have to prove myself to you but you do have a point if we are going to have to have some sort of trust going here. As for my fingers though that isnt for you to be the judge of if I fuck up then I will accept my punishment." Takumi took a deep breathe trying to calm himself a bit before he did or said something he might regret. Recomposing himself a bit Takumi carried on with the conversation. "Ok I realize things havent gone as well all have planned to this point but I if something happens on this job or whatever other work we may get involved in after this I am fairly confident I can handle myself in either a shootout or a fist fight." Takumi started to smirk a little bit himself and let out a small chuckle. "I don't know if sticking around with you will be good for my health with what i have seen you do so far but you have something alot of people dont and that is unpredictability and that could prove quite valuable for me to learn. Now to your question to keep it short no I havent killed anyone yet but I have roughed up a number of rowdy customers and taken some good licks as well along the way." 

     Roland breathed deeply before speaking.  "Look Chopstick, you say you can handle yourself in a fight but your words don't match with your actions.  Now like I said, its not about whether or not you can shoot straight or take a punch.  It's about whether or not you won't hesitate to kill when the time comes and your hesitance to properly brutalize those junkies back at the meth lab is not a mark in your favor.  Getting down and bloody is a far cry from roughing up some guy that's late on his protection money."  Roland brightened up though before continuing.  "Don't you worry though, all this can be fixed.  We just need to get you a taste of blood in a nice and safe run so that you don't go and crack when the pressure is on.  Try to not take offense at any of this by the way.  I'm looking out for you on these kinds of things.  Look, you don't seem like you have any chrome on you and you don't have the magic touch like Mr Mojo here."  Roland nodded to Zephyr with this last statement.  "So surviving the big game is going to take more than a good heart and courage or whatever might be rattling around in your head.  If you don't have an edge, you are going to be enjoying an early dirt nap and if you are just a normal guy like you or me, that edge is usually a cold blade between the ribs of anyone that stands in the way of the job.  Speaking of which, I know the clan isn't too big on cyber but they don't mind bio-implants.  You should probably look into getting some."  Roland raised up his right arm and with a thought deployed his spur.  "You have no idea how many times this thing has saved my life.  You can't lose a weapon that's part of your body.  Words to live by if you ask me."  Roland withdrew his spur and returned his hand to the steering wheel.  "Well that's it for me.  You got any questions Mac?"

Takumi could see that Roland was a bit disappointed in his answers but it also seemed like they might be getting to some degree on the same page. "Look back at the lab was a bit of misunderstanding I thought we had agreed upon just beating those guys down and send the message that way. Next time something goes down I will just have to show you more of what I have to offer. I am glad you have my back seems how we have gotten off on the wrong foot to start. As for cyber I just have your basic eye and ear implants nothing fancy. Takumi was intrigued by the implant on Roland's hand. "That isnt a bad philosophy to have I guess. So what exactly is that on your hand just a grappling hook or something more?

     Roland disengaged his hand and let it flop around a bit.  "This?  Great investment is what it is.  You never know when you might find yourself in need of a grappling gun you know?  So I went and upgraded so that would never need to worry about forgetting one.  And in a pinch you can punch someone from across the room with it.  Which goes back to my point.  You got to weaponize your shit.  I personally am thinking of getting the other arm lopped off for something with a bit more bite.  Need to overhaul what I have already too...  Kinda hesitant though.  Got some good memories with this bit of chrome...  Whoops!"  Roland braked hard and began to pull a u-turn.  "Just passed the address...  My bad.  I would say: 'you know how nostalgia is' but I honestly don't know if you have anything to be nostalgic about...  Now lets see what we have here."  Roland pulled to the curb in front of the address and looked around flipping through night and thermal vision while doing so.

Perception roll
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 6d6 : 2, 6, 3, 6, 3, 5, total 25

[info]Sorry, realized i made a kinda fucked up sentence that I had to edit[/info]

"Oh, my detective so we meet again." He whispered barely under before experiencing his second bought of whiplash for the night and starting awake all of a sudden. As the car came through the U-turn and eventually came to a stop. "Not my preferred way of waking up thank you very much Sparky. I Had only just gotten to the good part too." He glanced around to get a better bearing on his surroundings while he moved his seat up. trying to curb his attitude from his earlier outburst chocked back the fact that this kind of attitude would normally get a response from the elf. But he had gone to far earlier, so he bit his tongue. He needed a driver and while he wanted to ask if he learned to drive in a bumper car or if his foot was glued to the gas pedal. He needed a transporter and there was something to be said for having a driver with no brakes. That type of driver even the elf knew was a rarity and their complete disregard for their own well being said something to Sparky's character

"So Mr. No Brakes, where are we and who are we looking for?" he asked trying to roll the kinks out of his now swore neck.

     Roland continued to look around the pickup point.  "Well we are at something colloquially called 'the meet' and looking for 'the employer'" Roland emphasized the terms with finger quotes before leaning his seat back slightly and taking a more relaxed pose.  "Eh, as these kinds of jobs usually go it's usually the sketchiest motherfucker you see that happens to be your point of contact.  So keep your eyes out.  Shinji said they know the car so they will come when they come.  Now it's just up to us to wait things out.  Hopefully we don't have to wait too long.  How was the nap by the way?  You said something about a detective,  Were there pink fuzzy handcuffs too?"

"You know for a man who loves his chrome you sure are banking on what you think to be a kind heart to not poke at that raisin you call a soul." he said poking him in the chest for emphasis. It was an empty threat not even meant as a warning since the words did not even reach his eyes." As for my sleep it was fine," he paused, "For the most part I was having a nice dream thank you very much. And for your information handcuffs are not my style thank you very much I'm far to flexible for that kind of thing." Obfuscate the fact that sparky had overheard his Zephyr's dreaming with a bit of information overload. One of Zephyr's sepecialties. He must be really more worn out then he thought to allow himself to talk in his sleep. His rude awakening had caused his heart to race with adrenaline there was no more current need for sleep.

Her face along with other scenes from his past still floating at the edge of his mind he momentarily slapped his checks to dispel them. Sparky while being a wise ass had answered his question about the type of person he could imagine to expect. This drop was far from the standards of the Manzoku but was still the most common even for his organization and past experience. "So how bullet proof is this baby?" He patted the passenger door, "In case this job is meant to be our bodies delivered to the morgue that is. He fished for something in his jacket pocket cursed under his breath, "You got a way I can link my comm with the car? I'd prefer to create some noise on the Matrix while we just sit here if you follow my logic. Then Mac can at least keep an eye out for anything off."

     Roland laughed.  "HaHA!  Oh man, sorry about that... you reminded me of someone I once met with that soul comment.  As for the car, sorry but I don't trust anyone but Mac really when it comes to messing with my tech."  He patted the dashboard a few times before running his hand over the display behind the steering wheel.  "El D here has seen me through enough nasty firefights that I don't trust anyone mucking around with him."  He rapped the knuckles of his left hand against the driver's side window.  "After I lost the windshield I decided to replace all the windows with reinforced glass.  Should be able to handle most small arms fire.  Also had the doors themselves internally reinforced with a bit of extra armor plating to keep things nice and even.  You know how it is, got to make sure that you are protected from all directions.  Can't count on people only shooting at the windows.  Also, bullets are killer on the upholstery and I didn't want to spend half my paycheck every job having to replace the seats."

"I think I get what you mean. I'm without most of my usual gear at the moment and I feel like I'm rather naked without them." Zephyr took a tiny rubber band outside of his pocket and began combing his acid green mane into a large bushy pony tail. "I normally have proper armor and a few more weapons. For now all I have is my typhoon," he said patting his pistol. "He's the best for closing distances. I've had to refurbish another of things at the moment so my usual kit is rather limited." He let out a small sigh, "Now I won't even be able to stay in my own bed until I can cleanse my apartment. Oh well, I've gotten paid tonight so I suppose that is worth something and this will get us closer to doing what needs to be done."

     "Yeah I know the feeling.  Kinda in a bit strapped for cash myself.  I prefer to have a bit of cash on hand to cover the kinds of expense that this little errand is covering.  Unfortunately the same job that put me in debt to Mac here drained most of my reserves."  Roland stretched his arms before leaning back in his seat again.  "By the way, you ain't tied to the ancients are you?  Just asking because of the green hair... and I guess the pointy ears but hey that's kinda a given."

"Like I said before I'm largely a solo act when at all possible, most of my jobs before I got taken up with the Manzoku were directly from Minerva." he paused for a moment to explain "My mentor Owl I mean, they are mostly vision quests and the like. They can be an a rather involved spirit guide and I've always had a particular understanding and nature with spirits. Spirits always wanted to be near me ever since I awakened. So I have always had a clearer understanding of my mentor then most so they trust me with certain tasks. Of course some things required more then just my set of skills." He laughed, "I've made a number of unique friends to that end so I ended up getting additional work from them as well when they need it. Mac here would fall into that category as well quid pro quo and all that. I place high value and weight on those bonds. So to answer your question I know a number of people in a lot of places, and one or two of them may have or had ties with the Ancients. But I'm not personally a part of their organization." He took a moment to study Sparky's face in detail.

"May I ask why the worry?"

[info]
Project: build psychological profile of sparky to see what secrets he's hiding and what i can start digging out (imagine this will be an extended test done over time to get more and more stuff)

Psy test using intuition but tell me if i need to reroll with logic
[blockquote]Rolled 8d6 : 5, 6, 4, 4, 6, 1, 5, 4, total 35[/blockquote]
[/info]

     Roland sighed deeply and thought to himself.  I wonder how bad I'm going to be bruised in the morning...  Tthis act is starting to wear thin...    He rubbed his side which had earlier become so intimate with the apartment's brick wall before speaking.  "I was just curious.  It's always good to know who knows who in this world and where everyone's loyalties lie.  For example:  You ask a lot of questions about the cargo for this job so for all I know you are an ancient plant here to jack the cargo and either ransom it back to the employer or just steal it for the gang.  Honestly, with your answers you are not engendering any feelings of confidence with the sly looks and word games.  What is with the cloak and dagger routine by the way?  You keep running my questions in circles and it's starting to grind on my nerves."  Roland paused for a second, thinking to himself before continuing.  Maybe it's time to tango and see if this tiger is made of paper...  "Of course, maybe that's why you are down here in the real dark places of the world in the first place.  Maybe all those secrets you seem to gleefully keep are what got your 'friend' killed.  Someone as highly connected as you claim to be shouldn't need to call on my kind of people unless it is a last resort... Unless you have no one left to turn to...  Unless everyone you claim as friend is either dead or gone..."

Zephyr said nothing but his jaw clench and he tasted blood. "I had nothing to do with Ben's death he was a good man trying his best to make a living for his for family and I will not let you take both my name and his through the mud by belittling that effort." Zephyr was seeing red at that moment. "The one thing that I hold most sacred is my friends, so I purposely made efforts to make sure that his activities would not lead back to them. As to why I had been taking a break from the shadows and agreed to work for the Manzoku in the first place." Zephyr was fuming at this point but he kept it hidden under a calm mask keeping his voice measured. "The reason someone like Mac is willing to help when I need it in the first place is the work I put in on my end. He decided to get directly involved so I will not let you besmirch that."

"And it is that friend that is keeping me from cutting out your tongue right now!" Zephyr did a quick movement then within the space of the compact front cabin and smashed his open palm under his chin before a ball of energy exploded into Sparky's head.

casting a force 8 stunbolt
[info]
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 6, 3, 3, 2, 2, 4, total 20[/blockquote]
[/info]

drain 5
[info]
[blockquote]Rolled 9d6 : 2, 6, 5, 5, 5, 3, 6, 3, 2, total 37[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]
using 1 edge reroll failure
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 3, 2, 1, 6, 6, total 18[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]Surprise roll
[blockquote]Rolled 12d6 : 1, 2, 5, 1, 4, 5, 3, 5, 5, 1, 1, 2, total 35[/blockquote]

Spell Resistance roll
[blockquote]Rolled 4d6 : 3, 2, 5, 4, total 14[/blockquote][/info]

     It was a most peculiar sensation.  The magic rolled through Roland like walking near a static electricity generator before a jolt snapped through him much like touching said generator.  The jolt quickly faded though to a dull throb like being slapped by a particularly feisty escort.  Oh! Cindy!  I wonder what she is up to these days.  The flash of nostalgia quickly faded though and Roland began to laugh.  "BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!  Finally some spine in you!  I was wondering where the breaking point was with all your highly flaunted values and I think that I've finally found it.  Lesson time Chopstick: No matter what people say about honor, mercy, or whatever, there is always a point where they show that they are just as honor-less and savage as the rest of us.  So always skip the pleasantries and pretense and go for the throat right from the start."  Roland looked Zephyr right in the eyes before continuing.  "My points still stand.  Your friend is dead and judging by your volatile reaction here to someone who doesn't even know you, you can imagine that any enemy with half a brain would be able to tell that killing someone close to you would be an easy way to draw you out and off of your game.  Keeping secrets is like keeping raw meat in your camp.  Sure, you get rats and raccoons all the time coming to get a bite.  But sometimes bigger and meaner animals come.  Ones that will tear apart the whole campsite and everyone in it to get their tasty treat.  So before you go all 'THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE' on me, ask yourself if that is completely true.  Everyone fucks up somewhere: you, me, Mac, Chopstick obviously, everyone.  The second you think your plans and safeguards are perfect is when they crack and people die.  So get off your high horse chummer."  Roland looked around again.  "Fuck this guy is taking his sweet time."

[info]Roland takes 2 stun damage[/info]

"Take this as a lesson about keeping your mouth shut about things you have no understanding of." Zephyr said in a huff, "Otherwise you'll libel to have someone less merciful then me blowing your head off for less. Take that zap as a warning for you too Sparky I held back because of Mac here and because of my own principles. Keep that in mind next time you feel like insulting someone who is meant to keep you alive or with a client." Zephyr could still feel the redness in his face. He wanted to get outside and stretch his legs in order to blow off some steam. He shook the remainders of his thoughts away. He had to focus on the operation and put on his usual mask. For the sake of his job he needed to be at his best to make sure that he held up his end of the deal, a normal drop off should be easy but to ask a man like sparky specifically meant that it would probably be a bit more explosive then he expected. He could compartmentalize then vent later. He said as he let out a silent breath of air and regathering his emotions.

     Roland sighed.  "And now we have come full circle.  You do realize I'm just doing doing the exact same thing you were at the start of this little errand.  I'm figuring out the lay of the land.  Only difference is in your case I'm not hired to shut up and not ask questions.  Look, you got to get these things out of the way now and not later when it could get you, or more importantly one of us killed.  So if whatever it is in that skull of yours that makes you play these exceedingly dangerous games stops you from seeing these kinds of things then I especially need to know that because in case you have forgotten your statistics..."  Roland lifted a hand a stuck a thumb Takumi's direction.  "They say that 90% of people that start out in the biz don't make it to their second job and wind up dead.  I intend on making sure that Chopstick here isn't one of them.  So you can throw all the tantrums you want.  It won't change the circumstances or how I act."

"Whatever you say, but I'm not biting again. Taku will make his own calls regardless of the performances you want to put on."Zephyr saw this one coming a mile away as soon as the words left his mouth, but having an argument here like this was pointless. Sparky had overstepped a line of personal attack and he was simply trying to justify it for the audience in the backseat. His own earlier out burst did not help matters but he had nothing to gain from belaboring the point. Zephyr unlike sparky had not asked once for personal information beyond that which was offered had not once asked about previous jobs it was bad form in the first place to do so. When it had come to the run he had asked the questions that needed asking nothing more nothing less free of any kind of judgement. They were not hired for their silence otherwise their were more clear options one being the memory altering drug lase if it was so delicate a job.

But he doubted Sparky carried to make that kind of distinction and he was not going to give him the satisfaction. His own personal life was his own to judge no one else. Normally he would be unmoved by such things but the scene of Ben's face in pain was still to fresh. For the sake of his friends soul he would not be playing any further part in it. "Go in peace Ben don't let what we do here so you down. Regardless of what others want to think I have your back in this life and the next." He thought while performing a quick prayer better to not let his soul get weighed down with any more negative emotions, or else he might become some kind of monster. "Let me take the rest of your burden, so that you can focus on passing over safely."

Zephyr would be lost in himself zoned out until the mission needed him or he could regather himself

Machiavelli watched the two argue, stifling chuckles at times. It seemed unwise to be at odds with the people you were working with in this line of work so he elected to take neither side and observe instead. "Now, now, my friends. There's no reason to fight among each other when there are plenty of others that would like to fight with us to begin with. At the very least, save it for after the job." The two seemed to have already stopped their argument but during the time that they were fighting. Machiavelli had been vigilant, he had no idea who or what he was looking for but a few minutes after the fighting subsided, he noticed a small (for an ork) figure approaching, dressed casually in a hooded sweatshirt, tusks poking out of the hood. His eyes were full of caution as he walked across the lot, looking every which way, clearly afraid.. or paranoid. He finally made it to El Diablo, and knocked on the window with a single knuckle.

     Roland cracked the window.  "Hello sir, lovely evening for a walk isn't it?"  Roland looked over the orc for any obvious weapons.

Perception roll to inspect the orc
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 5, 3, 3, 3, 1, 5, total 20[/blockquote]

The Ork seemed to be carrying a knife, though it looked like it was for protection rather than aggression.

"Y-y-y-y-you're the ones Shinji sent right?" He continued to look around the lot nervously, but seemed to be nonthreatening himself.

"We're the transport team," yeah Zephyr said a little more gruffly then he would have liked "Taku here is our liaison if you would like some evidence I'm sure he could show you his tattoos if you need more conformation. Though I imagine this guy's car and chrome might be proof enough if you were given a basic description." Zephyr softened as he saw the uneasiness on the man's face. he squeezed Sparky's shoulder hard however in the process to signify to be careful and that he was aware of the danger of talking. "So why don't you take a deep breath for a moment collect ourselves and tell us the next step. You have proof of collection rights and want us to hand it off to you now? Or do we need to go somewhere to make the drop. We're at your call and this guy here he tapped spaky is the one who makes what needs to happen happen. I'm just here to ensure safety of the package and that he doesn't bite anyone's head off." He smiled warmly hoping to get the kid to relax

Better to put this kid at ease so that the goods could be delivered without any unneeded hassle. But blind drops like this always held the risk of problems upon delivery. Since you often were not told who to expect their could be all kind of opportunity for double crosses or interference from outside players. He figured that sparky was as aware of the risk as he was so he would let him make the call on how to proceed but it was better to start things off as casually as possible there was no telling who might have an ichy trigger finger in the shadows. Because of their argument Zephyr did not have the opportunity to check the scene out with his astral sense to do so now would alert any hidden mage to his existence which might cause a problem so he would trust Sparky's reflex's and sense of self preservation even if he at the moment found his personality distasteful.

[info]
Etiquette check to calm the kid
[blockquote]Rolled 9d6 : 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 3, 4, 4, 6, total 37[/blockquote]
[/info]

The Ork continued to look nervous, not in the dangerous sense, but more of just a generally paranoid fellow.

H-h-h-ere is fine. Just don't want to linger too long. Never know who is lurking.. C-c-c-ar is enough proof that you are with Shinji.. N-not many models like this one y-y-you know."He reached into his sweatshirt and pulled out a credstick that he flashed towards Roland. T-the payment. For Shinji He flashed a brief smile, but still looked a bit spooked.

   Roland rolled down the window to take the credstick.  "Well that's the first half of business."  He looked around to see if anyone else was nearby.  He scratched his back to keep his hand near his gun. with his right hand and reached down to the package between his feet with his left.  Roland yawned as he pulled the package out and held it out for the ork.  "Awwwww, sorry about all that, been a long night.  How about you?  Burning the midnight oil?"

Moar perception
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 6d6 : 6, 2, 1, 1, 3, 1, total 14

[info]Edit:  Herped and derped and forgot that I already had the package[/info]

As Roland looked around he didn't notice anything about the Ork, and there didn't seem to be too many people around, but something did catch his eye. An array of shipping crates that were set up in an array that would be the perfect challenge for El Diablo and Roland's driving skill.

The Ork looks grateful as the package enters his grasp. "T-thank you sirs! I don't wanna stick around. City is too dangerous at night, but I am thankful. Tell Shinji I look forward to continuing our business relationship." Before you could say much of anything, the Ork vanished into the night, nowhere to be seen.

[info] Roland sees something that looks absolutely thrilling! Thrill seeking test please. Also Ork guy has his package, Mission complete![/info]

Composure test
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 3, 5, 3, 4, 6, 5, total 26[/blockquote]

     Roland's eye is caught by an abandoned car trailer that looked like it would make a sweet ramp and he considers for a moment jumping the car over it.  Heh, sure would be a sweet jump... Wait, no, don't want to fuck the shocks before a job...  Roland bugged his eyes and shook his head.  His mind must have started wandering from fatigue.  "Man it's getting late."  He looks around for the ork but failing to see him just shrugs his shoulders.  "So, good times all around and the job went off without a hitch.  Just need to report to Shinji now.  Need me to drop you off anywhere on the way Mac?  Mr Green?"

Zephyr got out of the car then as Sparky asked his question, that the job was completed,and he was free to leave without worry "I'm leaving, Mac has my number and I have his if something pops up. Since this job had no payment for me I have no need to meet with Shinji at the moment. You all have a good night" he called coldly back with a non committal wave as his hands began to glow and the air in the space began to move and twist.

[info]Attempt to summon force 6 owl spirit (i'm gonna do all parts of the role here to make it simple)
optimal powers concealment & guard

Summoning vs owls force
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 11d6 : 4, 1, 5, 1, 3, 4, 3, 1, 5, 6, 1, total 34
vs
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 6d6 : 2, 4, 5, 2, 1, 5, total 19

[/info]

[info]Drain 2
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 9d6 : 1, 2, 6, 4, 4, 1, 3, 3, 5, total 29
[/info]

edit: They changed drain rules and made it much less punishing

[info]One service of my giant ass owl

Command: conceal yourself and transport me to the paper lantern
using mental link to give location ect
strength is equal to 8
actuak post to come [/info]

The wind kicked up then causing Zephyr's pony-tail and trench coat to whip out behind him wildly as a giant monster of a horned owl with a wing span larger then El Derado materialized a few feet in the air above. As it landed five or ten feat into the open lot the buffets from its wings would feel like storm gusts as they rocked the others. It quirked it's head curiously looking at the one who called it. "Hello there buddy, thank you for coming" Zephyr said softly only coming up to the lower part of his chest the large owl nuzzled his hand as he strokes some stray feathers. he was trying his best to keep his emotions from seeping over his own mental connection with the spirit.

"Let's go," he said and the bird encircled him in its giant wings like a young before they both seemed to dissolve out of existence and only a final gust of wind was a signal of the pairs departure as they both event of invisible in the night. Feeling the wind soar past him was one of his favorite feelings. It made him feel like any problems he had just were not as important as he thought on the ground. Holding close to the giant owl's back he let himself relax in the warmth of its down aas he set his destination mentally to the roof top of the paper lantern

     Roland peered out the window and watched the display until Zephyr had flown away.  "Huh, quite the drama queen there.  Hey Mac  where did you pick the pretty princess up?"  He put the car in gear and began driving back to Shinji's.  "I mean, I know you know a lot of guys and all but seriously where does this dude come from and why is it that when you were picking someone to help him out on his little murder mystery evening party you picked me of all people?  I don't trust him and I dunno if the favor I owe you is worth getting killed for him over.  Also, him asking Chopstick here along makes me wonder if he is just looking for some chumps to take a bullet intended for him...  Too much not said by that guy."

[info]Most of this post is just going to be me monologuing on the events since my last post since I have been not posting here (sorry guys) [/info]

"Well this has been quite an interesting night after all. Here I thought this would be just a quick milk run instead I end up playing 20 questions, learning about these people thought Shinji paired me up with, and got to watch someone that wasnt me for once get provoked. Though it is good to know that even someone like Zeph had some secret to hide given the fact that he came off as a fairly composed person. I will have to at some point work my way into finding out a little more about that with out going over board last thing I want is a pissed off magic user gunning for me.

It has also dawned on me that surprisingly it seems Roland might have taken some sort of liking to me or at least has my back which is more then I can ask for. It was also nice to see him poke and prod at someone else's buttons for once instead of me. All the stuff Roland and myself talked about I would have to think about and consider since I am going to be on this path with the Yakuza. Its also good to know that El Diablo as he so calls it has withstood a lot of punishment because it seems we might be riding together a while if thing keeps up the way today has been.

Thankfully the delivery went off with 0 trouble outside of the events that transpired before hand. Seemed like we might have just delivered a junkies next fix but its whatever I dont want to know what was really in the package. The less I know the better probably on this matter.

Takumi speaks up after the events of the evening and seeing Zeph ride off on a owl "Well uh that was something. You sure seemed to get under his skin but I cant blame him since its something he has been trying to keep secret. As for where to drop me off Shinji's will be fine I have to grab my motorcycle and attend to some business before it gets much later.

     Roalnd eyed Takumi through the rear-view mirror.  "About that...  You sure you want in on this job?  Hunting blood magi is big time business and I was serious about the statistics.  Most newbies die on their first job because if you try to shadowrun before you can shadowwalk you wind up shadowdevilratchow.  That bit I said earlier about you needing an edge is for real.  I don't know much about blood mages but from what I hear they won't hesitate to kill and that means you got to be able to do the same.  Keep that in mind next time we wind up scrappin' it out, even if it's just another bunch of junkies.  You don't want your grave stone to read 'Died like a bitch to a strung out punk with more luck than sense.'  So I'm gonna ask you again.  You sure you want in on this?"

"I understand why you are hesitant about letting me in on this but I assume we arent just going to be flying straight towards any blood mage without knowing the any details. And you are going to need all hands on deck to take one down. If I have to I will prove myself on other jobs if that what you need me to do. Like I have said before if it comes down to me or this mage you can bet your damnedest I am going try and come out on top. So yeah I want in 100%. Takumi rolls down the window and spits out the window and proceeds to continue the conversation.

If you dont mind me asking though what got you tangled up with a blood mage? I can only imagine how you managed to piss it off. Unless you just got lucky and got a hot tip for a big payday."

     "OK first of all no spitting in the car.   I swear to god if you got a single drop of saliva on El D I'm going to use your pants as a shammy to clean it off.    Second of all your assumption that  you get to choose where and when we end up facing of with a blood mage is the kinda thing that might get you killed when they show up without an invitation.  And finally to answer your question: I'm not the one that tangled up with no blood magics.  That would be Mr Green.  I'm in on this as a favor for Mac here.  I personally prefer not to tango with high price bounties as a rule.  Too many dogs after they kinda meat and the meat is usually too tough if it warrants a big bounty.  Anyone with a million yen price tag is bound to have killed more than their fair share of millionaire wannabes and I like not add to that pile."  Roland rolled down his window and stuck his head out to try and see if any of Takumi's spit had blown back onto the car.  "But since we aare now millionaire wannabes guess it doesn't matter.  So since tomorrow is your first day of camp what are you packing?"

Takumi had a look of surprise after Roland told him no spitting but quickly shook off his surprise and responded back. "I never intended to choose anything about the mage I was stating that going in without any info sounds like a bad idea. Hm interesting I just figured you would be after a payday that size though I can agree with your reasoning with going after the mage. But hey sometimes you have to risk it all for a big payday." "Takumi then turns to Mac. "How did you manage get involved with this mage if you dont mind me asking?"

Takumi looks back at the front of the car. "As for what I am packing I feel I have enough to get the job done." Takumi the reaches for the bag but as he goes to open it he realizes flashing weapons in the car might not be the smartest idea. "When we get back to Shinji's place I will show you what I have dont want to draw anyones attention."

     "See that's the thing.  It's not about going in blind or spending all your time gathering intel.  It's about realizing that any opposition you face is just as human as you and won't just sit back and wait for us to come to them.  Even if the don't charge out at you, be ready as if they will because anything you do to learn about them gives them a chance to learn about you and they might change their mind.  So you need to prepare to prepare.  How prepared are you right now?  You don't need to show, just tell.  What are you packing, how many guns,  knives, any spare outfits or disguises, fancy gear, things that go boom, what can you hide, what can't you hide, that kinda stuff.  You said you had a bike, any other modes of transport? Something that doesn't leave you out in the open to be shot for example."  At this Roland breathed on the window and drew a smiley face on in the fog before rubbing it away with his sleeve.  "Never really liked bikes, nothing between you and the bullets on them...  You are getting to an important point though.  We need to know more about how this all started.  Mac, care to enlighten us?"

Takumi took a deep breathe before run down the equipment he had on him. "Lets see right now I have a couple pistols with suppressors, an assault rifle, my sword, a taser, a sub machine gun, and a few flash paks. Nothing in the way of disguises or spare knifes, which I should pick up in the near future but plenty of bullets on me. I also try to keep these tools around a grappling hook, locker pickers, maglock passkey, and last but not least some rope." Takumi proceed to take a moment to let the list sink in the proceed back into answering Roland's other question.

"As for transportation I mainly have the bike because it is easier and faster to get around. And if I need to make a getaway its easiest to go down alleys and narrow streets. Though I can agree doesn't leave a lot of room for error when it comes in the way of guns or asphalt. As for other modes of transportation I cant say I would use it on a run with out a damned good reason to. You remember that front I brought up earlier? Well it happens to be a ramen truck I am sure it could take some abuse if we needed to but I would rather not use it since its been a big part of my income. Unless of course I can make my way up the ladder working for the Yakuza and can earn enough to replace it. Takumi then turned to the window and preceded to take in the passing of the buildings and landscape as they drove on

     "Huh, got some big guns there.  How good are you at hiding them?  We might be doing some corporate recon in the near future so you are gonna need to be careful with what you bring into the more civilized parts of the city.  The corp sec don't take too kindly to guys walking around with fun toys unless you have something that can pass you off as one of them which might be a bit tough of a sell with the tats."  Roland pulled out his comlink and checked his messages.  Huh, nothing...  Not too surprising at this hour.  I wonder if Shanks is still up.  He returned his comlink to his pocket.  "Also gonna want to be careful with how many of those bullets you bring along.  We probably won't be going through any major checkpoints but too much ammo or explosives can trip a chem sniffer and then its tits up from there.  If we were bringing El D along you wouldn't have a worry.  I could sneak a nuke into Portland with my buddy here."  At this he patted the central console.  "But El Diablo is a bit too conspicuous for recon.  Want to trip as few flags as possible before its showtime and that just ain't his style.  Come to think of it, where do you even take your big guns?  Not a lot of places to hide a rifle on a bike and noodlemobile seems a bit conspicuous."

I figure the smaller arms i could easily hide but the AR would be a bit hard to sneak around. The sword shouldn't be too hard to bring places as long as I get a case of some sort to conceal it better the just it being in its sheath. Takumi notices Roland pull out his com-link but decides against asking about that for now. "I don't carry all these on me of course unless I know for sure I am going to need the heavier weapons. If I am taking them along though I tend to try and borrow a vehicle though if need be strap it on underneath me somehow. The AR is right now more of a looker piece though then a user."

Takumi then took a couple of normal breathes then proceeded to follow up about the recon work. "Corp recon you say any chance you can fill me in on the specifics or is that something for another time? Also don't worry I don't plan on going all Rambo with the ammo just enough to be able to get the job done.

     "Ah yeah, I know how that is.  I had myself a Raiden,  Hardly got a chance to use it before I had to sell it though.  Not too many times in my work where you need that level of munition and I needed some quick cash."  Roland absentmindedly scratched an itch on his scalp as he looked out to the road.  "About the corp recon... I don't know too much about it myself.  All I know about the job right now is that the stiff was involved with Aztechnology.  So I figure we might need to do some recon on them.  Mac might know more..."  Roland craned his neck to the backseat.  "Anything you know that we don't Mac?  Something about the job or our 'employer' perhaps?"

Machiavelli leaned back in his seat with a smirk. "Well. I didn't know he could do that." He pondered a moment, wondering about how Zephyr had kept that trick hidden for so long.

"regrettably, I don't know too much about this current situation. Planned on sending out the feelers to get an idea of what's going on in the morning. Aztechnology seems to be the big player here. We discovered that his buddy had some disturbing data. Gonna try to parse through that too. As for how I got tangled into this myself. Well, you know me. I messed with one too many mages. As it turns out they don't like when you fuck around with them using tech, and Zephyr bailed me out a number of times. I also would rather not be too deeply involved with a blood mage, but you know favors. The guy does his work well but as you can see, he can be a bit... interesting at times. What I can tell you guys for sure, is that I'll get into contact with you when I have a better idea of what is going on. Also we may want to get ourselves some simple work to get to know each other better in the meantime. Any ideas?"

     "Well might want to try and avoid doing too much with Shinji at once, especially with Chopstick here.  Best to keep neutral where syndicates are involved.  Normally I like to round out my jobs by working for different outfits kinda on a rotation so that they know I'm not aligned with anyone too much and to keep in everyone's good graces but I don't know if the triad or mafia would be good for employment opportunities with Chopstick around."  Roland pulled his comlink back out and scrolled through his contacts list to see who might be able to get them work.  "Hmmm...  You know a dwarf goes by King?  Might be able to get some work out of him.  He might be trying to lay low though.  I can see if he has anything for us to do.  You ever moonlight Chopstick or does the clan frown on that?"  Roland tapped out a message to send off to King.  Looking for work. Got a team. Heat should be dead by now from the Tir job so no excuses.  Roland pocketed his comlink.  "Well I have sent a query out.  Dunno if it will net us a job.  You know anyone in the business of employing some pros Chopstick?"

"Cant say off hand I know anyone that goes by King and to answer your question I have not done moonlight work. As long as its not rival work or interfering with any other jobs i cant say the clan would have much issue but if nothing else I can see if it would be a conflicting problem. Takumi racked his brain for a few minutes trying to think of anyone that might have work for them.

"Only thing I can think of is if you don't mind possibly doing more work for the clan I can send a message to a friend to see if they know anyone looking for some work. Can't say it will be effective or not but its worth a shot." Takumi pulls out his comm and types up a message to his friend and fellow clansman Makoto Kazuo. Got a team of 4 was wondering if you happened to happened to know if anyone looking for work to be done?

"Can't say i'm too familiar with King either, but I wouldn't be surprised if I had run into him a couple of times. I'll see about some jobs on my end too, Probably too late to get any hits but we can meet up or get into contact in some way tomorrow. I'll leave that up to you guys. If I hear back on anything though I'll be sure to let you know. I know a couple guys that generally need a hand so something might turn up on their end of things. Good work tonight. Guess we should wrap it up back at Shinji's."

[Info] Everyone gets 2 more Karma, because I feel like it! [/info]

Depending on how much downtime between meetups Zephyr spends most of his time split between his day job at the Holly and Mistletoe and his night gig at the Paper Lantern. When he's not drying herbs or handling the backroom papers for his local magic shoppe he's either performing on stage, bar-tending or dealing with more legal documents for Kyoko. At least his degree in contract law from Tokyo University was getting some use. And dealing with the sudden influx of papers was a good way of getting his mind of things once Kiera was spirited away from danger for now. All the extra night work was to help pay forward her good will for that one an d the fact that he asked her if she had a client for him.

He tended to have to wait a while between when she would give his alter ego run's considering that if he made to much of a scene his persona would not be able to stay away from the limelight as he had up to know. But he hoped considering the circumstances and the fact that he was willing to take a job weather he could wear his mask or not. Just running as Zephyr for the time being versus his entire Phantom Thief persona would hopefully avoid prying eyes. Not that he would not mind going the full nine yards.

What little time he had left at home he spent cleansing it with sage he had gotten from Anders, and trying to connect with Owl and other spirits. Their communications tended to vary from cryptic mentor spirit sitting on his shoulder, to nausea inducing vision quests. But the spirit world always opened up to him even as a child. And while it had been hard to block out all the curious spirits from always clinging to him as a child. Through experience and Owl's protection he could dig for a few good nuggets of information.

[info]If anyone wants to chat with me in the downtime i have they will find me at the Papaer lantern downtown between the hours of 9pm-12

http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=1558.msg11429#msg11429


/info]

     Roland sat through the silence permeating the car assuming that everyone was starting to wear down as he was beginning to.  He stared at the streetlights as they passed by up until they reached Shinji's place.  He once again pulled into the back alley to Negi's where he arked and stepped out of the car.  "Alright, end of the line Chopstick.  Anything you leave in my car is mine for the taking so don't forget anything."  He stretched his arms and yawned as he headed into the building.  He made his way through the now less crowded main floor once again to Shinji's room.  "OK buddy got the package handed off."  Roland stifled a yawn.  "Hopefully that is the end of this job for the night.  The night wears on and I'm looking to get some sleep."

Takumi packs everything up from El D's backseat and put it back into his dufflebag. After securing his stuff from the car Takumi stretches and lets out a big yawn. "Well been a long day I will follow into Shinji's just in cause he has more work if not though I will give you my contact info and head home for the night."

The populuation of Negi's was thinning out, a few regulars continued their revelry into the early morning hours. Machiavelli stumbled in behind the group, looking a bit worn out at this late hour. Shinji seemed to be running on fumes himself. His trademark smile replaced by a drowsy nod of approval. "Thanks again." He tossed a key towards Roland. "Treat her kind, will ya? After that he pointed at Takumi. "How'd you enjoy your field trip? That'll be all for tonight fellas. Thanks again. It's nice to have some stuff getting done quickly. If we need anything else done, I'll be sure to be in  contact."

Machiavelli waved half heartedly. " Yo, Shinji, mind if I crash in one of the VIP rooms, its gettin kind of late. I'll be outta here before business picks up of course. "Sure, Machiavelli. you're a clean guy and ya helped out tonight. Kept Takumi safe. Shinji pointed over to one of the rooms and Machiavelli started to make his way over to it.   "I'll talk to you guys when I hear back from my guy. Hopefully tomorrow. Let me know if any work turns up on your end of things. With that he stepped into the room and bid the group good night. Within minutes you could hear some snoring despite the door being closed. 

     Roland took the keys and jingled them in his hand.  "Thanks Shinji, don't you worry.  I'll treat her like a classy lady"  He waved farewell to Takumi and Machiavelli.  "I'll see you guys later.  If i hear anything on my end I'll call you guys up.  Oh that reminds me."  He pulled out his comlink and projected his comcode into the AR space in front of Takumi.  "If you need any freelance help with your clan duties my rates are reasonable.  Other than that, stay on your toes Chopstick.  I'll make a man out of you yet."  With that he took his leave of the VIP room and made his way out of the club.  At the door he raised the keys and an eyebrow at the door guard who pointed him to the car.
     It was what he asked for but he gave the car a nice looking down anyways.  He unlocked the car and hopped into the front seat.  Wriggling about to try and get a feel for the seat he frowned. "Ugh who's car was this... a dwarf?"  He tried to get comfortable but the seat was just a tad too far forward.  He tried to adjust the seat but nothing seemed to get the right distance.  The next farther setting was just too far away.  He tried sitting further forward on the seat but then felt like he was being choked by the seat-belt.  He let out a frustrated sigh.  "Guess this is what I get for cheating on you El D."  He pulled out his comm and put a command to El Diablo to return home with its full security system online. 
     He drove back to his place in Auburn.  The house was a decent place in a far from decent neighborhood.  His home in the working-poor neighborhood was chosen more for having a decent garage space and neighbors that wouldn't ask questions about his personal security modifications to the building than for its neighborhood association.  He waited around in the loaner for El Diablo to show up and opened the garage door up for it to make its way in before pulling in along side it.  He let the garage door before getting out of the car.  He stretched.  "Hopefully that doesn't need too much use."  He looked to the garage door and the reinforcement plates lining the interior.  He thought back to the first time his place was burgled which prompted him to reinforce the doors.  These days the bars on the windows and security doors he was able to get on the cheap keep out the riffraff and the odd job for the local gang tends to keep away everyone else.
   Roland walked up the stairs into his house, tossing the loaner keys onto the kitchen counter as he walked by before pivoting around on his heel.  "Almost forgot..."  He walked back into the garage and opened El Diablo's trunk and smuggling compartment to take out the bags of drugs from the earlier job.  He made his way back through his messy house to his bedroom.  He opened up his closet and moved aside some shirts to reveal the safe stood up in the back corner.  He typed the entrance code into the numerical display and opened up the safe.  He frowned at the barren interior.  He liked to keep his backup funds in the safe but after trying to keep off radar for a bit things were looking slim.  He let out a long breath. "Well it's a start."  He tossed the bags of drugs into the bottom of the safe before closing it up.  He pulled off his holster and removed the gun.  He hung the holster up in the closet and placed the gun on his bedside table.  Going into the bathroom he took off his shirt and turned on the lights to get a look at the bruise covering the side of his torso which collided with the wall.  "Ew..."  He pulled open the drawer to see if he had any first aid supplies but there was nothing but band-aids and a bottle of tequila.  "Figures, might need to see Shanks about that I guess."  He made his way back to his bedroom and flopped face down into his bed to sleep off the day.

[info]Rolls for stun damage healing overnight.  Each takes 1 hour. I will just throw out 2 on the assumption that I can manage to cover 2 hits in that amount of time.
[blockquote]Rolled 8d6 : 6, 5, 6, 3, 5, 1, 5, 3, total 34[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 8d6 : 6, 3, 6, 1, 1, 2, 6, 1, total 26[/blockquote]

Physical healing check in the even that nothing happens tomorrow and my character gets a chance to rest all day tomorrow. Takes all day.
[blockquote]Rolled 8d6 : 2, 6, 3, 2, 3, 4, 2, 1, total 23[/blockquote][/info]

Takumi adds Roland's information into his own comlink. "I will keep your rates in mind if I end up needing something. I will also if Shinji or anyone else gives us some work I will keep you in the loop.  Takumi nods to Roland as he heads over to see if there was anything else Shinji had lined up or see if he could turn in for the rest of the night.

"Hey Shinji just making sure before I head out for the night are we good for the night or is there something else you need done?  

[spoiler]If nothing I head to my bike and head back to my place to heal up[/spoiler]

[info]Rolling to heal up stun damage taken earlier in the day [blockquote]Rolled 7d6 : 5, 5, 1, 3, 2, 5, 4, total 25[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 7d6 : 3, 3, 2, 1, 6, 6, 1, total 22[/blockquote][/info]

[info] the party will have roughly 4 days of downtime for healing/whatever you want to do, so post away![/info]

Zephyr watched from behind the bar serving the occasional customer as Kyoko preformed in her full regalia on the small stage with the band. The sounds of tiles and cards on the upper floors providing a slight background noise. It was moments like these that he marveled at the beauty of  the place that this proprietress had managed to put together. They shared a similar odd and stubborn perspective on the world, and while some of her activities may be considered unsavory she was fair and creative in her thinking. In terms of Fixers there were few that enjoyed is eccentricities like she did. He was grateful for her ability to keep him clothed and feed where he would often be at the whims of his own desire's and that of his mentor.

He waited until she finished her set and did her rounds before he nodded for someone else to take over for him and he headed back to see her with a small note in hand. Knocking on the door as he walked into her office he called, "Kyoko, do you have a moment. I realize that I should be laying low after finishing that last heist but I'm going to need to do some work without the mask as you know. But I've done some stock of left over gear I had from the job and came to realize I need to restock a lot. Miss Private investigator left my costumes and most of my equipment in tatters with her crew. Still got the better of her but it will take a while to get me back to fighting wait to tango with her again. I figure that at least getting my hands on the basics would be a place to start things over again."

He handed her the scrap of paper, the list was small and modest only the barest essentials for any upcoming missions. He doubted she would have much difficulty getting the goods.

[info]
Zephyr is looking to obtain
50 stick n shock rds
10 smoke grds
lockppicks
[/info]

     Roland walked into the clinic.  It seemed like any other small time medical clinic except for the troll in a cheap suit with a large piece in an unconcealed shoulder holster who was eating out of a takeout box where the receptionist would normally sit.  Roland waved at the troll.  "Hey Pauli, just looking for some supplies and a consult.  Shanks busy?"  Pauli grunted and put a fork full of salad in his mouth.  "Some kid broke his arm or something. You're gonna have to wait."  Spoke the troll through a mouthful of food before frowning at the screen he was looking at behind the counter.  "Lose a bet?"  "My favorite horse took a trip to the glue factory and now I can't find a winner."  "Try Blue-eyed Star.  I hear they have a good pedigree."  The troll grunted again and continued to eat.  After a few minutes a woman came out from the rear of the clinic with a young kid in tow, a cast on his arm.  "Alright, no parkour until that arm heals up kid..."  Shanks paused upon seeing Roland  "Yeah kid otherwise you get stuff that looks like this."  At this Roland pulled up his shirt to show the purple bruise covering most of his right side.  The kid looked at the bruise.  "Cool!"  His mother then rolled her eyes and dragged him out of the clinic.  The troll let out a low chuckle and Shanks let out an exasperated sigh.  "Great, thanks now I'm going to see him in a week with shattered ankles...  I guess I know why you are here though."  "Kinda, I figure at this point I will survive.  But I have become acutely aware that I am out of first aid supplies.  Got any on hand?"  "I'll see what I can do."

[info]Roll to see if Roland's sports advice is good.
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 6, 6, 3, 2, 6, 4, total 27[/blockquote]

Shopping List
2 Rating 6 First Aid Kits (1500 each)[/info]

[info] Shanks Vs Medkit.

Shanks: [blockquote]Rolled 7d6 : 2, 3, 1, 5, 1, 4, 2, total 18[/blockquote]

Medkit: [blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 3, 6, 3, 5, 1, 1, total 19[/blockquote]

[/info]

"Sorry Roland, fresh out of what you're looking for. Been trying to get some more for myself too, but the pickings are scarce. I've got a few.. less well supplied kits that I can sell you. If you're interested."

[info] Shanks is willing to sell 2 rating 4 medkits for 1,000 a piece. [/info]

     "It'll have to do.  Better than nothing right?"  Roland handed over credsticks for the kits.  "I've got another errand to run today so can't really stay and chat.  Good luck on the races Paulie."  Taking the medkits by the handles he took them out to his car where he stowed one under the backseat and the other in the trunk.  Hopefully I wont need these that soon.  He thought to himself as he got into the driver's seat as he drove off to his next errand.

     Roland pulled into the police station public parking garage.  He looked around the garage as he unstrapped his holster before opening up the glove box and putting his still holstered gun in.  He looked around to make sure that nothing incriminating was laying out in the open one last time and got out of the car.  Arming the security system he headed for the stairs down up to the street across from the station.  He strolled across the crosswalk with a smile on his face, giving a nod to the uniformed officers giving him puzzled looks and scrutiny as he made his way to the front door.  Inside the door he stopped at the security check where an officer gave him a looking over before speaking.  "Put the jacket, keys, comlinks, and whatnot through the scanner then walk through the detector with your arms raised."  Roland emptied his pockets into a small bin and unzipped his jacket.  "Yeah I know the drill.  As you can see..."  He nodded at his right arm while he pulled off his jacket.  "I tend to set alarms off."  He tossed his jacket into the bin with the rest of his stuff and fed it into the tunnel of the scanner before walking through the detector.  The guard looked at the detector's screen and then waved him along.  "Scanner says he's got the arm, eye implants, and 'jacks.  Anything in his stuff?"  The guard looking at the scanner shrugged. "Nah nothing here.  He's clean."  "Thanks officers for not patting me down.  Slow day?"  Remarked Roland as he gathered up his stuff from the bin.  "Yeah, should have been here last night if you wanted someone on your junk.  There was an explosion.  Turns out to have just been some methhead fuckups though.  You can go on in."  Roland nodded as he pulled his jacket back on and walked through the doors into the precinct.  The officer at the desk looked up at him.  "What do you want?"  "I would like to meet with Detective Long."  "You got an appointment?"  "Nope, the name is Roland.  Let him know I have a tip on a case."  The officer sighed and leaned up to a comterminal.  "Detective Long, you got a Roland here with a tip on a case."  The officer nodded at whatever he heard come back.  "Alright, he says you can go on in.  Don't touch anything.  Don't make any contact with the lowlifes."  "I know the drill.  Take it easy."  Roland walked into the bullpen and made his way through the chaos of officers and recent arrests to the back corner where Detective Long sat at his desk, tapping away on his terminal.  "Hey Craig, how's it hanging?"  "Busy..."  The detective stopped typing and leaned back in his chair.  "So Roland, do you actually have a tip for me or are you just here to say hi after whatever vacation you seem to have been on."  "Both actually, and a little bit extra.  I am back to work and my first job seems to be a bit of a surprise considering my usual area of expertise.  Some guy named Benette got killed yesterday and I have been hired to help figure out whodunit.  I don't suppose you are on the case?"

It was a new day and zephyr had finished going through a rather large stack of papers the night before for the paper lantern and actually managed to get a good nights rest for a change, Drinking his soycafe he walked ibnto his aromatic day job with actual pep in his step. Plus, today was payday at the Holly and Mistletoe so that was always something to look foward to even if everything he made here and more got sucked up in rent for his now Negative energy rich apartment at least Kyoko had agreed to help Kiera stay safe for the time being.

"Good morning Anders" called Zephyr as he went by the counter and his boss to grab one of the aprons with  a unicorn monogram on.

"Good morning Richard" called back a decidedly broader somewhat unshaven elven man flipping through the news on a comspad his short blond hair tussled and still somewhat bedridden as he nodded in zephyrs general direction. His english accent was the thickest in the morning before he had the chance to get his wits about him. Anders never was that much of a morning person. "The Elks are down again by the way." He said somewhat despondently swhipping up with a swift thumb motion.

"I keep forgetting you still get the oxford press." Zephyr chuckled as he looked through the usual customer orders to see what herbs he would need to make sure was available.

"I was a teacher after all and some of us left on good terms instead of just falling off the face of the earth." Said Anders waving his cup of tea in his general direction.

"I would get it too professor if it would not make my feed inundated with request for donations I use my tech for more then occasional reading to get it filled with that spam." Zephyr scoffed. The two continued to chat for the next hour or so until the shop opened and the tiny stream of customers began to filter in. Zephyr spent most of his time in the back today helping with the plant care while Anders did his usual thing. This space of crafted normalcy was always so nice to have and center his mind. Even if that normalcy was as obviously fake as soycafe being coffee. But like soycafe it feed the fix and that was all that really mattered anyway.

The shop was small and smelled like dryed herbs no matter what kind of new product they got in stock. He was glad to be working for someone who was honestly over qualified to be a simple talismonger but Anders and his daughter Holly had always been like family even in the UKGB. He sometimes wondered what his life would have been like if he had finished his training instead of simply disappearing once Owl had found him. But then he knew he would not feel nearly as comfortable in his own skin. Zephyr continued to work until closing time and the young teenage Holly returned from her school.

Takumi wakes up after a long sleep sore and stiff from the work he had done the previous day. Takumi went through his normal morning routine of eating some food and cleaning himself up. After getting himself situated for the day Takumi decides it would be a good idea to get some information about this crew he will more then likely be working with for the near future it seems. Roland seems like he might be the easiest person to start with so Takumi head out to other Yazuka hotspots in the area to see if he can find out anything more about him or the rest of the crew.

After pounding the pavement for a couple of days Takumi heads back to check in with Shinji to see if he has anything jobs or anything to do. Otherwise Takumi just spends the down time just resting up.


[info]For information gathering[/info]
[spoiler]Con: [blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 3, 3, 4, 1, 1, 4, total 16[/blockquote]
Ettiquette: [blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 4, 2, 4, 5, 3, 4, total 22[/blockquote]
Negotation: [blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 5, 1, 5, 4, 5, total 20[/blockquote]
4 ranks in city-speak and city if needed[/spoiler]

Roland: "Things have been as good as they can get around here. As to the case you're talking about, I heard that a body was found. I'm not on the case, but from what I've heard they are drawing a whole lot of blanks. If there's anything you can share about it, I'm sure the boys would be most appreciative. Glad to see you're not dead in a ditch somewhere though."

Zephyr: "I think I can get the stick and shock for you, but not so sure I'll be able to get your entire request of smoke grenades. We don't run an armory here so it may be suspicious. Lockpicks should pose no issues however. Will have your items in the next couple days. I'm a busy woman as you know, so if you don't need anything else at the moment I'll be attending to some other business. And remember, don't get yourself in too deep."
[info] Will be able to obtain 5 of your 10 requested smoke grenades.[/info]

Takumi: You don't come across any jobs, seems like stuff has been more on the quiet side the past couple days. You asked around about your fellow runners while you had the chance. People told you things that were already fairly obvious, that you likely could have asked yourself. Roland has ties with the Yakuza, seems to know a lot of people. Zephyr works at an herb shop, nobody could tell you much about Machiavelli, but that seemed to be par for the course. Very few people had seen him in the flesh. There are rumours about the net that he has some deep triad ties, but its impossible to know for sure.

Zephyr chuckled as he waved and left her office, it was the first step in reassembling his cowl after what had happened with his last run in with the law. His eyes glowed with a fiery passion then the sound of wings and gossamer down could be seen trailing behind him only for a moment before it was gone. He hoped that Kyoko would keep him in mind for any future work he would need alot more capital if he wanted to be fully dressed for his next moonlight rendezvous with little miss private investigator. He could not wait to see the look on her face it was better to have some kind of challange either from the mark or outsiders like his little follower. Hopefully she was keeping herself employed for the time being while he helped Bennett find rest.

--The next day before work.

He awoke to a box with his previously paid for supplies at his door step Kyoko did always take good care of him. Checking over the contents quickly he took the lockpick set and stowed them away in his side pocket. He grabbed the old man's stick off the wall and headed into work at the Holly and Mistletoe

[previous post for beginning of work]

As the day came to an end and Zephyr finished his usual duties as Holly had already gone upstairs to he grabbed the staff from the back room where he had stored it. "Hey Proffesor I have something I could use your help with." Handing the older elf the staff he let him look it over a second before continuing. "If you don't mind I would love if you could do a full rundown of its astral signature figure out the school it was used for, magical formula's that can be salvaged that sort of thing. Any detail that you can pull from it would be helpful I have a feeling someone was trying to use spirits to get my attention. I'd like to leave this in your care for now and you can take all the time you need and do whatever you want to get at whatever this thing can tell you as long as it doesn't involve vision quests if that comes up let me be the one to do it while you take readings."

He slipped the handful of drams across the counter then as well as his credstick, "And I'll be putting some money back into the shop just in case these spirits get a bit out of control. A friend of mine died recently and I'm looking into it."
[info]
Looking to buy 10 drams of reagents which are considered extremely common for book price of 200 nuyen

Giving anders key item staff for study
[/info]

     Roland took a bit of a look around the bullpen before leaning in a bit to get closer to the detective.  "Well I might have a lead of some kind but I don't know how useful it might be.  It's part of the reason I came here to you.  See, the thing is that I'm tied up in this trying to pay off a favor I owe to a 'colleague' who is not directly involved in the case."  Roland emphasized the term with curled finger quotes.  "Now, the person that my colleague is working with is a bit of an unknown to me.  Normally I would not have any problem with that.  You know the kinda guys I deal with.  Everyone has some secrets, but this guy?  He seems to work hard to have ALL the secrets.  That just doesn't sit right with me.  So I'm here to see if you know anything about him.  Maybe you guys have a file on him already.  He goes by the name Zepher, at least that what he gave me."  Roland scrolled through his cybereye footage on his comlink for an image to display.  "Here's a shot of him.  He says he works for the Manzoku but never said what he did for them. I had trouble trying to get much of a work history out of him so I don't know much about what kinda capabilities he has.  He's got magic  That's for sure.  He can at least turn stuff invisible, beyond that I'm not sure.  The magic is more your department anyways so you probably have a better idea if that means anything.  Oh yeah, he said something about owls and stuff, mentors or something.  That might be important to you but I don't have the magic touch.  I don't think he outright killed the stiff but when I tried to gauge how involved he might be in the murder things got...  Well lets just say that things got heated.  So I'm thinking that something is up and would like to find out if its a sandpaper covered dildo an inch from my anus.  Considering how my last job went, I don't want to wind up with a rep for being easily double crossed."  Roland's tone took on a more serious note.  "Look Craig, I don't want you going too far out on a limb here on looking into this guy.  I only know a few names associated with this guy and one of them is a corpse.  I'd rather not have you join him in the morgue so be careful."  With that Roland pulled away to lean back in the chair.  "Oh and if you need to collar him give me a heads up.  I might be up for helping out depending on what you want him for."  Roland stood up and smiled.  "Well I got to fly.  You ever need my help just let me know.  Take it easy Craig."

Its been a few days since the drug lab work for Shinji and not much has been going on for Takumi since then besides finding no work and learning little about those he was working with. Takumi thought to himself, "Well looking for work has been harder then I had anticipated but at least this down time has given me a chance to learn a small bit more about who I will more likely then not be working with in the future." Takumi decided that he better get out of bed at this point no use laying about. "Probably should head over to Negi's to see if Shinji might have anything else lined up cause bills arent going to be paying themselves if I dont get some work soon."

Takumi then showers eats some breakfast and heads out to his bike to head over to talk to Shinji. Upon arriving at Negi's Takumi parks his bike and locks it up before heading inside the club. Once inside Takumi finds Shinji and heads over to talk to him. Before Takumi opens his mouth he bows slighty and askes Shinji, "Been a few days since the last job I was wondering if you had anything I could to make up for the other day."

Zephyr:
The professor nodded slowly, looking up from his work. It'll probably take a while but I can look into this for you. Since its a favor, work will have to come first of course, but I'll get to it as soon as I can. If anything weird happens I'll be sure to let you know. I'm no spring chicken, and don't really want to get hurt over something that I don't need to. He took the staff and set it against the wall behind him. Take care, Zephyr.

[info] Obtained the reagents that you wanted.[/info]

Roland:
Craig let out a hearty laugh about Roland's fears, and then looked at the picture and then shook his head. "Can't say that I've heard of the dude, but from what you've said it definitely sounds like he's in my field. I'll try to peek around a bit and see what I can find. I'll let you know what comes up as long as it isn't anything that needs to be classified. The kinds of people that have too many secrets don't tend to sit well with me either. Probably in the department's best interest that I look into this guy. If he has so many secrets, hopefully he isn't dumb enough to try to kill a cop. Not so sure if I can say the same thing about your anus though." 

Takumi:

Do I have any work? Nothing seems to stand out but if you're that hungry we can probably find something. What are ya lookin' to do?"
Shinji was pretty straight forward, it seemed as if his hands were a bit full at the moment.

Zephyr nodded and returned his uniform to its resting place before heading out and back home, prize in hand. Once he got back to his apartment he sighed as he looked at the space from the door way. He only had gotten the apartment a few nights before and it still did not quite feel like his home yet. The two room space had a fair amount of room for a single bachelor with its dark synthetic woods and marbles and from his spot on the thirtieth floor of these apartment multiplex he had a good view of the archeology and other major landmarks of downtown Seattle. Slipping off his shoes and shrugging off his jacket he moved into the space proper the emotional reminiscence of the night before still clinging heavy from Kiera's pain even after cleansing it.

He moved over to the small kitchenette and pulled an empty mason jar with a plastic stopper and poured in the contents of the shopping bag of herbs and put back the lid and placed it on a shelf for safe keeping. He grabbed a mug from the cabinets and grabbed an insta-tea bag not looking to get in the expensive stuff and poured water in the cup with the bag before heading off to his room. He sat cross-legged on his bed and activated his comm-link and took a sip while surfing the web.

Opening a window to Shadowsea he logged into his account as his little capped owl popped into life as he scanned through Shadowland looking for anything to catch his interest in his filters. Not that he expected to find much if he was going to get a job at his current state it was probably coming from Kyoko or Owl directly through a vision quest which could be anywhere from a dream to a splitting migraine As he glanced over to his closet in his augmented reality the display of his ruined costume along with price points. He would need to find a new armorer to put it together after the last time that it was torn to shreds. He needed it to be more durable then the last time maybe survive two bullets and an an angry grip from the night after. He chuckled at the idea of that and decided to open up another window while his persona kept him up to date.

The Shizino Private Investigations opened up and he scanned through their recent achievements and collars. Michelle Shizino their star consultant and darling daughter of one Kenichi Shizino the former star of the Renraku red samurai detective force before a case went bad and he was sent to Seattle before being removed from the family at the age of 30. He found love and the strength to find his own family and his own private enterprise. His Daughter followed in her father's footsteps though from his experience she was far more flexible in her thinking and while the father was a major threat he found from personal experience it was the duaghter who could make things a great deal more complicated for a runner when she was running the plays. He had run into Michelle a number of times as she fancied herself an expert on thieves and runners of his varity and he couldn't help but say this flower of justice had him more then a bit smitten. How she tried to so hard to stop him whenever she could really made his heart thump. They had built up quite a conversational style over the last year and a half.

But he closed the window knowing he would need to make a fair bit of nuyen and work done before he could truly feel comfortable going toe to toe again. It was rude to meet a lady half dressed if you could help it. She still was in the dark to his identity thanks to his magic and he wanted to keep the fun they had going as long as he could

     "Alright, keep in touch."  Roland stood and clapped his hand on the detective's shoulder before making his way out of the police station.  He hopped into his car and took a moment to take his gun out and re-holster it before driving out of the parking garage.  Roland stopped at a convenience store and pulled out his comlink.  Hmmm... finally have some money coming in.  Should think about what I need to start stocking up on.  He looked through his meager inventory and made mental notes as he strolled down the aisles of the market occasionally absentmindedly reaching out to grab assorted food articles.  Definately need to stop by Shinji's tomorrow to get some spare guns...  Got some first aid supplies...  Oh need to get some tranquilizers...  With his arm full he made his way to the counter where he spilled out his purchases before the shop attendant.  "Will that be all?"  Roland paused at this and pondered a second.  "You know what, I think I will treat myself.  Can I get a pack of Wuxing Reds?"  The attendant nodded and tossed a pack of cigarettes into the plastic bag with the rest of  the purchase.  Roland nodded to the attendant.  "Thanks chummer, take it easy."  Making his way home,  Roland ended his day with a bowel of instant noodles with krill paste and one of his favorite cigarettes to celebrate business finally picking back up.

     The next day Roland made his way to Shinji's.  "Hey Shinji, I have a bit of a shopping list.  I need some hardware: a couple of throw away guns and a nicer piece for when things get a bit hot."

[info]Shopping List
5x Streetline Special (holdout pistol)
30x Holdout pistol regular ammo
1x Savalette Guardian (heavy pistol)
50 x Heavy pistol explosive ammunition[/info]
[info]Healing Check for if the day goes by without incident
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 8d6 : 1, 5, 5, 1, 3, 4, 3, 3, total 25[/info]

Edit: Messed up ammo count

Takumi cleared his throat before he answered Shinji's question. Anything that can help me make up for my actions the other day at the lab. I know I let you down quite a bit with my actions. And if it helps lighten the load a bit i can contact the others I was with if you have anything for them to take care of. Takumi takes a small bow and nervously awaits Shinji's answer.

Roland

Shinji has a bit of a grimace as you list what you'd like to buy. "Well.... I can probably get you 3 of the Streetline Specials, all of the ammo you want for it, your Savalette Guardian and around 30 of the explosive rounds. But those last two will take a couple of days. You can either pick it up here, or we can deliver it to you, your choice. In the meantime, you can help yourself to a drink while I have someone get your small arms together. He waves over one of the younger looking suits and gives him his orders. While you are having your drink, you see Takumi bowing down to Shinji.

[info]Roland buys 3 Streeline Specials, 30 holdout pistol rounds, 1 Savalette Guardian, and 30 Heavy pistol explosive rounds. Savalette Guardian and heavy pistol rounds will arrive at Shinji's establishment (Negi's!) in 2 days.[/info]

Takumi

Well, if nothing else its nice to see that you take your work seriously. One of the older guys is a bit paranoid at the moment. You see, he was caught in bed with the daughter of one of the Russians. Maybe you can go give him some security detail to help scare off anyone that might be thinking about revenge? Though one lesson you may want to learn sooner rather than later, is that it is a bad idea to volunteer Roland for anything. Shinji smiled, and pointed over to the bar, where Roland was enjoying a drink.

Zephyr

While you were searching ShadowSea, a thread caught your eye. [JOB OFFER]Looking for Thief to Assist Me.

The name of the poster didn't seem to be one of your normal contacts. Went by the name of "Mister Barrel" They claimed that their most recent design for an unspecified product had been stolen, and they are looking to hire someone to get it back. More details available upon request, or so the post claims.

Machiavelli

Machiavelli sat on the sofa in his suite, searching through ShadowSea. Various thread titles popped out at him. Drug Lab Explodes!? Was it an Honest Mistake? Or Something More Sinister?!

Sounds like what I was just involved in... He opens the thread and posts.

That's what happens when you use from your own supply. Can't expect some people high as a kite to do anything right these days.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Also your title is shit.

TEAM LOOKING FOR DECKER PLZ

Hm.. could always use some more cash. Let's see what these guys are about.

HAI THERE! WE ARE A TEAM OF VERY EXPERIENCED RUNNERS LOOKING FOR A NEW DECKER AFTER OUR LAST ONE HAD AN UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT!! WE HAVE A VERY GOOD TRACK RECORD AND VERY LOW CASUALTY RATE. LAST DECKER HAD CLAIMED THE TURRETS WERE DEACTIVATED AND JUMPED OUT IN FRONT OF THEM TO PROVE IT. NOW HE IS DEAD.  PLZ JOIN US WE NEED A GOOD DECKER FOR OUR NEXT RUN!!

Machiavelli typed up his response. Why are you yelling?  ʅฺ(・ω・。)ʃฺ？？ If I had to run with you, I would be afraid that you would alert everyone in the building with your inability to control your volume. Hard pass. Good luck finding someone dumb enough to go with you though. ⚈ ̫ ⚈

The next thread that caught his eye seemed promising. Reports That Aztechnolgy is Developing a Dangerous New Prototype!!

The contents of the thread weren't anything he didn't already know, but he figured he should check just in case. Nothing stood out but since it was out in ShadowSea now, some of his contacts may have heard something. He set to work sending out some more messages to people that he knew.

Zephyr found the post intriguing he still was recovering from that last major job and Kyoko would kill him if he spent himself even more before he had full access to his powers, but he was curious. And he figured there would be no problem if he simply checked out the details of it all right. What could go wrong with simply dong a bit of window shopping? He opened up a private chatroom with this Barrellman and wrote a quick note.

Private Chatroom created-
[info]
>Kn1ghtwing: Heard you are looking for a locksmith? I might be able to give you a hand depending on the details you have my attention.

>Kn1ghtwing:Have a full service team on call within the Seattle area. Prefer subtly and reclamation over brute force methods willing to negotiate on payment.[/info]

While he waited for a response he looked at his closet and then thought better of it. Better to keep that bird in the dark for as long as he could. The sooner he started getting flashy all the wildlife in the woods would take notice of him again. He had managed to mostly stay off major radars before now. But that was because he played smart no need to go rushing back to the cloak now so soon and begin to build his notoriety to fast..

     "Alright, I'll pay it all up front.  Here's some of that sweet nuyen you just handed over the other day."  Roland pulled out his comlink and transferred the money to the usual account.  He then sat down at the bar for a drink as he waited for his goods to show up, whiling away his time checking up on assorted sports feeds on his comlink while he sipped away at a cheap beer.  He kept to himself  mostly occasionally making small-talk with the yakuza members grabbing a drink in between whatever tasks Shinji had them running to and from.  A voice perked up his ears though and got him to spin in his bar-stool to watch the proceedings.
     "Oh boy Chopstick, you're on dick guarding duty.  Lesson Time!  Don't let your cock cross the battle-lines otherwise you have to go find the low guy on the totem pole so he can hide your sausage long enough for the enemy to lose interest in cutting off your dick once they realize they have had penis on the brain for an uncomfortable amount of time."  He took a sip on his beer and rather loudly and poignantly smacked his lips before continuing.  "Ah...  Don't you worry Chopstick, just got to put in your time and eventually you get to be the guy fucking the farmer's daughter then getting someone to guard your cock.  Have fun!"

[info]
15 Minutes ago

>Kn1ghtwing: Heard you are looking for a locksmith? I might be able to give you a hand depending on the details you have my attention.

>Kn1ghtwing:Have a full service team on call within the Seattle area. Prefer subtly and reclamation over brute force methods willing to negotiate on payment.

Just now

<Mister Barrel: Don't really care what you call yourself, as long as you have the skills for the job. A former partner involved with a certain business has stolen plans that I created in an attempt to claim the money and fame for himself. I am more of a traditionalist, and they are drafted on paper. Still have your attention?
[/info]

[info]>Kn1ghtwing: [b]I assume you are part of a corp? Why not have internal affairs deal with this kind of issue? If its a new product then they won't want to lose it. And your partner will most defiantly want to jump ship for a more comfortable pension.

>Kn1ghtwing:If your looking for outside assistance you have my interest but I'll need information about your partner and appropriate payment. Especially if you are not corp reliant your partner will most defiantly attempt to sell as soon as possible to the highest bidder, .

>Kn1ghtwing:Which will be one of the corps. And once they have their hands on it and paid a pittance of what you deserve neither of your names will be worth a damn. So if we have a hope of getting back your work then we need to be aware of the possible clock. Things get exponentially more difficult and expensive once corp security is involved.


>Kn1ghtwing: I don't want to be bleak just realistic about what you are facing. So if its simply money then it might be worth just outdoing your own work for the future. If however, you want this back for other reasons then lets hear the basics. Who's your partner and what did they take? And when did they take it? And who have you been in talks with to sell your product?

>Kn1ghtwing:[/b] We'll decide on payment once i get a good understanding of what's going on. This Job is no good for you if you end up paying more then you have and my team needs the nuyen to make up for the obvious possible complications[/b]
[/info]

[info]Negotiation roll
To get info before accepting job and figuring out payment
[blockquote]Rolled 11d6 : 6, 1, 5, 4, 2, 6, 3, 1, 6, 2, 4, total 40[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]

<Mister Barrel: I'm a freelancer, and my former partner has been bought out by a relatively minor corp, you won't have to worry about some of the top security in the world bearing down on you or anything like that. They aspire to be one of the big fish and think that my plans will allow them to get there. However, I don't feel comfortable discussing the actual specifics on here. You know, its a private chat but can't always trust this to be 100% secure. Do you have a secure line of communication that you would be able to use to continue this discussion?

[info]
>Kn1ghtwing:  I'll send you a commlink number in an hour Mr, Johnson.

--Chat End--

[/info]

Zephyr moved off the bed and quickly ran down to the nearest stuffer shack. He would have preferred to meet in person and get Kyoko more directly involved. But without a fixer in between who has done all the proper research and checks for the gig he could not trust it. Espically with corps involved it was better to keep himself at a somewhat more comfortable distance. The man was probably under basic surveillance, like checking his movements and numbers. But they probably wouldn't take the time to listen to every call or his matrix search if he truely kept everything on paper.

Buying the cheapest burner comm he could find and then took a bus a good half hour away from his apartment that he would be that much harder to track. He eventually stumbled across a coffin motel rented a room then sent in the number for the burner to the chat.

[info]Zephyr spends 200 nuyen for the room and the Meta link comms[/info]

Zephyr

Around 5 or so minutes after sending the message with the commlink info, you receive a call. A deep, unnatural voice comes over the link. "Is this Kn1ghtwing? This is Mister Barrel."

Zephyr could feel the close walls of the coffin hotel and held his breath slightly. "Yes Mr. Barrel, now you have your secured line so lets talk specifics shall we? Let's start with the questions from before." He tried his best to keep his voice even and not allow the small spaces catch his voice and carry it back over the line. This thing was cheep so he did not trust it to do a better job then attempting to talk through a piece of string. "We'll talk payment options after I hear the whole thing."

The voice continued to come over the line heavily modulated. My former partner has been bought by Verrill & Wynn Inc. a small business that is on the uptick. I've created the blueprints for a new security system that had been gaining favor among quite a few companies, and many offers were coming my way. However I would prefer for everyone's sake to withhold the names of the innocent. My former partner is one Edison  Croyle. The plans were stolen while I was asleep last night. Anything else you would like to ask?"

Zephyr took a moment before responding, "No, I think that's enough for me to get started. But in regards to the retrieval you have quite the pickle. Designs like those lose value like a painting or a good magic trick. The more eyes that have seen them the less valuable the end product. And the second someone has found the key to breaking your system it becomes almost completely obsolete for the big buyers. The simple act of possibly losing your designs would completely destroy any prospect of selling the system to anyone. No one wants a insecure security system after all.

What's even worse is that any team you send it will have to make sure that hey destroy or steal any prototypes or copies of your work for the same reason. Truly only one copy of those designs can exist meaning that my team will not only have to take any physical research but any and all digital files as well. Which is far from impossible simply another wrinkle. Not to meantion once everything is gone he might simply blow the whistle to ensure any deals you have falls through. And as a freelancer you cannot afford to pay what I need and risk losing it all in the end regardless.

So with that in mind lets talk payment especially since we would need to do this job as soon as possible ."

Kn1ghtwing, I can assure you that there has not been enough time for Verrill & Wynn Inc. to craft a prototype, so you will not have to worry about destroying something in that regards. However, if the plans have been scanned or copied, I cannot say for sure. Of course you will be expected to destroy any copies. As it stands at this moment, I am willing to pay you 15,000 nuyen for the job being completed. If it is done particularly well, without any evidence of your intrusion, or a pile of corpses, there is a bonus in store. It might not be the kind of pay you're expecting from dealing with a corp, but this is small time compared to trying to go up against the big guys. No extraterritoriality, no private police force. Likely just a small contracted security company that doesn't pack the rapid response fire power of something like the Red Samurai. Of course if you make a mistake Lonestar could be breathing down your neck, but that is a risk runners take with almost any job.

"A certain level of risk is natural for this kind of thing." Zeyphr said as he rolled over onto his stomach. "As to payment for this risk I offer a bit of alternative payment method. I have connections with an intermediary group who deals with the selling of various types of products including the types that you have created. I would be willing to take less money around 5,000 nuyen up front total for the ability to hand your deal off to my associates and a cut of the end profit. Lets say a 6% finder's fee of the end selling price once all is said and done paid by my business upon completion of sale? I assure you she can get you more money then you could on your own and insure your personal security against any possible complications.

Give me that and the ability for me and my friends to call in on the occasional favor well within your skill set and we have ourselves a deal. I think you get a far more secure and more profitable deal from all this and I get a bit of good will. I will of course get a contract to you by the end of day with more clear specifics." Zephyr was barely holding his breath. He could feel  that he had this guy on the line he just needed the green light then everything would fall into place.

[info]
Negotiations
[blockquote]Rolled 11d6 : 3, 2, 5, 6, 4, 4, 3, 5, 1, 1, 4, total 38[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]
1 edge reroll
[blockquote]Rolled 8d6 : 5, 1, 1, 5, 1, 4, 2, 1, total 20[/blockquote]
[/info]

I'm not comfortable with that. Not a fan of making deals with people that I don't know. However, in the case that you are successful, I would be willing to meet with your associate and decide for myself if I'd like them to represent me. Perhaps you could consider that part of a bonus for a job well done. As for money up front, I can consider it. You do seem more capable than the others that have contacted me regarding this matter.

Zephyr cursed his luck he was so close to the deal, but there was still hope. "Agreed, I'll have my boss get in touch with you using this number for future details. You can look over the paper work while we begin work on your job and you forward the money for us into her account. It's been a pleasure doing business with you."

He waited for the pleasantries to be finished before he hung up got out of the pod and began making his way downtown rowards the paper lantern. Grabbing his real commlink out of his pocket he quickly began typing dialing a number. "Maccy boy we have ourselves a job I'll send you the specifics in a second, it doesn't pay the most but it has money up front and the chance to do substantially more for use if we play things smart and smooth. You think Spark and the others are available?" He quickly typed out the details on an AR screen then pinged it over careful to neither over or understate his negotiations. "I need to get my contact on the same page to get the best out of things. So I can't talk long you think you can set up a meeting place to plan its time sensitive."

Takumi cracks a small smile at Roland's advice. "Yeah sounds like a bad time all around if you ask me. Would rather not be the one crossing party lines down the road."

Takumi the turns to Shinji and bows slightly. "If thats what i have to do then it will be done. Just a few questions. before I get ready to leave.Which one of our brothers am I looking out for? How long will I need to guard him for? Who else is in this security detail? I assume its me and whoever I can get? And lastly where is he now?

After Shinji responds Takumi walks over to the barkeep and buys Roland and himself a drink. Takumi looks over at Roland This ones on me.

Zephyr

Mister Barrel exchanged goodbyes and the line went silent. He agreed to forward 5,000 nuyen after looking at the contract. Machiavelli answered your call quickly.

"Hey there Zephyr. Can't say that I know what they're up to but I can go ahead and give Roland a call. We can likely meet up at Shinji's bar, those private rooms always treat me right. I'll let you know what he says.

Takumi

"Well, we have a few guys on the ground with him already. But the guy you gotta look out for is named Tora Ishikawa. He's a pretty fierce fighter in his own right, but you never know what's gonna happen when numbers get involved. I personally don't keep track of the guy so you'll have to contact him for yourself. I'll give you his number. Not sure how long he will want the security detail for, but you can work that out with him yourself. I'm just the messenger here."

Roland

Takumi sits down next to you and buys you a drink (of your choice) During your conversation with him, you get a call from Machiavelli, detailing the job that Zephyr has found.

     "On you eh?  Good move.  Sempai notices you."  Roland looked over the bar's stock.  "Top shelf tequila!"  Roland proceeded to pour salt into his hand but before he could the message from Machiavelli came in on his comlink.  "Hmm looks like a job just showed up." He said as he looked at his comlink.  He finished pouring salt into his hand and then proceeded to down it followed by the recently arrived shot of tequila.  He tapped out a response to Machiavelli.  Alright, I'm in.  At Shinji's right now buying some merchandise.  I can grab us a room if you need. He sucked on the lime slice that came with the shot.  Roland took the rind of the lime out of his mouth and dropped it into the empty shot glass.  "Hey Shinji, any of the private rooms free?"

Zephyr sighed quietly to himself but sent a quick thumbs up before changing direction mid walk. A call to kyoko would have to do for now as he headed to Shinji's. Using what daylight was left to plan was key for this kind of time sensitive job. Dailing into the private employee line at the paper lantern he waited for someone to pick up and find her. He planned to do the usual banter quickly before getting to the meat of the issue. Espically since it sounded like they had gotten her from her personal room in the bowels of the place. "Kyoko I found a client online he's an inventor and lost access to his designs. If I can get them I think he'd be willing to have a meeting with the house for sales and mediation."

He was talking faster then he'd like but he needed her ready if he called. " I realize he's not been vetted and I'm supposed to be laying off  the jobs till I'm fully back to optimum power. But doing this will at least help take the edge off. Plus, the prize is a new security design which I know in your hands could turn into gold. And we can start planning on ways to break the next age of security. What do you say? Let me do this job hook the prize and you see what alchemy to do to turn it into nuyen. I won't get caught or cause to much noise I swear."

Takumi looks over to Shinji. "I gotcha I will contact him here in the a moment to meet up with him."

Takumi downs his drink and calls up Tora Ishikawa to schedule a meet up and discuss details of the job.

Takumi looks back at over at Roland. Got some work myself to take care of so if you guys need me for anything just let me know.

Zephyr

Zephyr, this is not a matter for the phone. It sounds interesting, and I'll think about what we can do with it, but if you want to discuss it further, make an appearance in person. Kyoko hung up the phone somewhat coldly. In the meantime, you also received word from Machiavelli that the room had been obtained and that you could swing by whenever.

Takumi
A gruff voice answers your call. "And who the hell is this?"

Roland

Sure thing, Roland. Still early enough in the day so the rush hasn't started. couple of hours good enough?"
Machivelli sends you a message to let you know that he's on his way to the establishment and that Zephyr may be as well.   

     "Thanks Shinji, I guess I'll move myself in there instead of taking up space at the bar.  Take it easy Chopstick."  Roland stood up from the bar-stool just in time for one of Shinji's men to show up with a plastic case which they promptly put on the counter next to him before hurrying off to their next errand.  He opened up the case and looked over the merchandise.  Gonna want to clean these.  Don't want a jam at the wrong time.  Roland went and put the case down in the private room before heading out to his car and grabbing his maintenance kit out from one of the bins under the backseats.  He returned to the private room and set about disassembling and inspecting the specials as well as his sporter, checking up on assorted sports feeds to see who was doing well and who the bookies were thinking had the long odds.  He got to work cleaning and oiling the parts spread out across the table, enjoying the fragrance of the oil as he waited for the others to arrive.

Zephyr cursed under his breath more loudly then he would otherwise. He had known that meeting in person would have worked better and he would have preferred it as well. better now to give her space for an hour or two until her usual smile came back with tea and alcohol. She did always enjoy playing with his feelings like that and while it at sometimes made her a delicate matter to deal with. He could not say he did not enjoy her jabs and biting commitments for the honesty and clarity that it brought with them.

For now it was better to get Mac and Sparky rolling, he needed them to be onboard or it was not worth going to Kyoko anyway. They could start doing the basic legwork without him and he could deal with his lady. Why Owl liked to bring him with difficult people he was not really sure. He thought he was always affable enough but everyone in his life had some variation of difficult traits who wanted to push him away or required his effort to know. Well he supposed he could not expect much else from a mentor who demanded that he dig through secrets. As Negi's came into view he took a deep breath reading himself for what he was sure to come.

He was wearing synthetic jeans that were a stormy shade of grey a bright colored band t shirt and a mesh shirt over that. If he had a few more piercings and eyeliner he would look like a well dressed punk going to the night club. As it was he looked like a man who had enough sense to turn the style into something more then a statement against The man. His long lime green was tied back in its usual pony tail. He wore a short jacket that was meant to keep out the wind and acid rain that was the usual state of the Seattle metro-plex. He waved his way through to the back where he knew the V.I.P rooms to be.

He moved fast so he would not have to second guess his asking for sparky in this job. He was still nursing some dark feelings about the man but a driver was something that he could not turn away from. So he entered the room without giving it a second thought, "Sorry to be pushing  for a meeting. I still have background work to do in regards to this job. No Takumi?" He looked around the room looking to see who exactly was there and if Mac had beat him there.

Seeing Sparky there alone he took a seat in one of the sofa's opposite. As he collected his thoughts for a moment not quite sure how to continue

     Roland had just finished reassembling the first special and was taking a look down the sights of the unloaded gun at the door to check for flaws when Zephyr walked in.  Roland looked down the barrel of the gun right into the middle of Zephyr's chest.  Taking a moment to process Zephyr's question with his quick entrance.  Hmmm... If wishes were fishes...  Why him first?  "No... Chopstick is indisposed at the moment.  Clan biznass you know?"  He pressed the magazine release on the gun and caught the falling clip while placing the gun down on the table.  He then set about fitting the bullets into the clip. 

Zephyr gave a small sigh of relief, he thought for sure that he would have jumped on it and this job is really best for as small a group as possible. He was also all to happy to ignore the gun being pointed at his center of mass,"Makes sense family matters come first and all that." He said shrugging of his jacket and throwing it over the back of the sofa. He contemplated summoning a spirit to hang around just in case but he imagined his display from earlier was enough to leave the idea that there was already one present in his new teammates heads.

"Nice gun it new? I don't remember you using it last time." He said nodding at the gun in Sparky's hands he very much doubted that shooting off in a backroom of his friend's bar would end well. Using his confidence of Sparky's ties to the yakuza as a shield while he sat back and crossed his legs. "I'll get to the job once we here from Mac, so I would guess we have some time."

     Roland pressed a bullet into the clip.  "These are just throwaway guns.  Always nice to have a few on hand, like burner comlinks or untraceable cars.  You never know when you need to loan out a gun and I find it better to not have to worry about that loan defaulting."  He pressed another bullet into the clip.  "You got a piece?  I hear some wizards don't use guns.  Sounds like a terrible idea to me but... Whatever..."  Roland finished loading the clip and set it next to the assembled gun before setting to work on the next special.  He curled his nose slightly at the smell of the oil being tainted by whatever exotic scents seemed to have wafted in with Zephyr.

"The Manzoku wanted me for more then my sparkling manners." he laughed, "I've had rigorous training with guns even when I was back in school. I might not use it often but I have a Warhawk, and remember, Owls are hunter's Sparky. I don' need to rely solely on my gifts if push comes to shove. Barriers are very much a threat in our line of work after all." Zephyr was not nearly comfortable enough nor or on good enough terms to bring firearms into the bar. So he had left it along with his various other goods at home.  "And if I do say so myself I was always pretty good with a sniper rifle. So no need to worry about me shooting you or myself by accident."

     Roland looked down a disassembled barrel like a spyglass as he brushed the ends with oil.  "Relax there Mr Green.  It was a question of preference not proficiency.  In this line of work just about everyone can manage to bring a target down, that's not the interesting bit.  I'm a believer that what people use to accomplish a task is more important than the actual task is.  Just trying to get to know you better."  Maybe it was the shot of tequila but something about Zephyr's response was nagging at the back of Roland's mind.  He tried to put it behind himself as he moved on to oiling the receiver.  "So which do you prefer: the warhawk or the rifle?"

"I tend to find when my spells are lacking its the Warhawk that helps the most. I tend to find that when I'm in trouble a pistol is the optimal range." Zephyr said as he opened an AR window with his comm and began making a few notes for the things that would need to be done for the job.

"Though if I'm doing my job right my magic will be a much better aid." While Sparky was busy cleaning the receiver Zephyr was watching through the AR display. "How about you what do specalize in besides driving?"

     Roland stopped his work for a second to ponder the question.  "Hmmmm... Nothing really.  Courier work IS my specialty.  Sure I have some skills that are useful for getting a package from point A to point B and they can be used for other stuff but moving things and shooting people in the face when they try to stop me is my job.  I like it.  It's nice and clean and I rarely need to worry about being a loose end that needs tying up.  I don't shirk the occasional hit job if the pay is right...  I guess body-guarding is pretty similar to courier work but with less sick jumps but I haven't had to do many of those kinds of jobs.  Not uncommon to wind up as wheelman for a heist too I suppose."   He began to assemble the gun.  "I'm self taught in everything I know and try to cover things that I'm weak in when they wind up being a problem...  I guess tech is an exception.  Never had a head for the ones and zeros and would rather bum the help of someone like Machiavelli than try and learn it myself.  Anything else...  Well I guess we wander into philosophical territory at that point.  How does one know what one does not know?"  Roland smirked at this last statement before he finished assembling the gun and worked the slide to make sure everything was smooth before aiming it at the door and inspecting the sights.

"Know thyself, for it is the beginning of all wisdom." Zephyr chuckled "It's a saying from Socrates that's been drilled in my head along with pages of others. I think when you drill down to it all the academics in all six worlds are trying to answer a variation of that very question there Sparky. I have to say I'm always impressed when someone can teach themselves. Despite how some people make it sound its a difficult thing filled with traps and bad habits if one does not learn and be careful about the whole process. But in the end if you can make it out of the maze its always results in a fuller sense of self.

     "I tend to find staying alive to be both a good teacher and a good motivator.  That's all."  Roland set the pistol down next to the other assembled gun and began to load its magazine.  "So, speaking of trying to stay alive let's talk about something more pertinent to our short term survival.  Have you had any progress on your friend's case since the other day?"

Zephyr sighed feeling the weight of his friends momento against his chest. They had managed to keep of the killer's radar so far he only hoped their luck held out for a while. "I've gotten the ball rolling, but I don't want to be kicking any hornets nests until we put a better light on what happened. I have a plan to do that but it will take a while. So for now that data that Mac is working on is our best bet. That's why I haven't gotten any of many of my contacts involved. We've already opened Pandora's box no need to step into hell the very next turn. Taking it slow and steady is by far our best bet of staying in one piece."

     Roland finished filling the clip before tapping it against his chin in a ponderous fashion.  "Huh, I guess that depends on who you're dealing with...  Civilian casualties are like nuclear fission.  Too many too fast and you are looking at some major mushroom clouds.  If there are other civilian targets still in play then the more time spent not kicking the shit the more time there is to keep the kills seem unrelated.  The harder it is to keep the kills related, the harder it is to find your killer and so on and so forth."  He put the clip down next to its gun and stretched out his arms, cracking the knuckles in his remaining hand.  "Personally, I prefer an approach that's fast and vicious in these matters.  Sending up a flare in my experience makes people panic.  Then all their best laid plans have to run on my schedule and in the rush they make a mistake."  Roland set about cleaning the final special.  "Of course, I tend to lack the patience to wait these things out too.  Time is after all money...  Speaking of: any idea when Mac gets here so we can get down to business?"

Zephyr shrugged, "No clue, we only met in person that other night. Otherwise all our dealings have been done over the matrix, mostly me sending him times to shut down security systems or me sending data packets to decode. I don't know where he lives or what he really does in his downtime aside from the occasional chat. He's asked me to help him on a job or two when he knew he need some discretion and we built a certain level of trust. So in all honesty you can answer your own question better then I can you both seem to frequent the same places after all." He waved his hand around vaguely in the air then to signify the space they were sitting and then got back to typing. "I messaged him first so I imagine he's close."

"Names Takumi. Shinji told me you need help with your security detail. Just wanted to know where I can meet up with you so we can talk specifics on the matter.  Takumi clears his throat a bit before continuing on. "Since I figure another person watching your back cant hurt given the situation.

Roland & Zephyr

Machiavelli entered the room dressed in a suit, a drink in hand. "Sorry for the delay, had to take care of some business on the way over. So we're robbing a corp? A lot more noble than blowing up a drug lab." He sat in the corner and took a long sip from his drink. "Any idea where we're getting started, Zephyr?"

Takumi

"Ah yes I heard about you, the kid looking to make a name for himself. You can find me at my Sushi place. Ishikawa sushi. And before you ask the stupid question of why in the fuck would I be at a place named after myself when there are people after me, the answer is simple: I, Tora Ishikawa am not afraid of some fucking Drago-esque rosuke inbred nimrods and you shouldn't be either if you want to be anyone in this god damn city. I don't even have that many damn people with me and it would be a surprise if the cossak bastards after me can count high enough to know how many we have. The highest they can count by the way is three, which happens to be how many bottles of vodka they drink in a day as they sing praises to their motherland as we laugh because its a shithole. Anyways Takumi, get your green ass over here and we'll learn you some things about being a proper Yakuza."

The call disconnects and some coords appear on your commlink.

"No worries Mac," he said with a nod before allowing to sit. He quickly ran through the basics of the Job and what was asked of them before diving into the details. "Now, as I see it we have two major hurdles. The first being our Johnson's partner Edison Croyle, and the second hurdle is the corporation that he works for a small corp trying to make its name Verril & Wynn. The first pitfall is assuming that if we get the package from one we get it from the other. These plans mean big business for both parties involved so they are going to make sure to protect the investment with everything they can.

First lets deal with the partner, assuming the Johnson is not lying which is a big if. At best Croyle is an amateur thief who either saw an oppurtinity for more money and took it, or he was planning on betraying the relationship from the very beginning. Assuming the path of most difficulty that means that this man has had time to plan this out and protect himself. Even if he's arrogant enough to think that he got away without consequences he will have made at least one copy of the physical original., and most likely secured a digital fail safe incase of unseen accidents. Now if we assume him paranoid enough to have scurried away several copies for insurance he would not want to many floating around. The more copies their are the more risk that they get stolen from him and sold to others or copied so at worst he would have only a few we need to hunt down.

We'll need to get to know him personally. Find his home, his usual routine, who he trust and so on till we can dig out every copy that man has. It will be slow going and require wits but if we are thorough and creative about it we should be able to leave him none the wiser cursing his bad luck.

The second hurdle, the corp V&W now getting anything we need from them will require more of a delicate touch, but everything we need will be in one or two easily identifiable places. A small corp like this would keep everything either in their main building and host or in a small offsite building. That data will not leave either of those two places so all we need to do is find the paper trail and follow it to the treasure we want without worry. However, if security identifies a problem there may be a high threat response team coming to ask us some unfriendly questions." He finished showing his mental map with dozens of question marks branching off of the main points and threads.

"We also have a time crunch as soon as any sail is complete we're screwed, and the Johnson specifically asked us to keep this as quite and death free as possible. He doesn't want it hanging over his head or coming back to bit him in the butt. On the upside he paid 5000 upfront for us to do it. And I'm working out a side gig to see if I can't get us more of and a more secure line for the nuyen at the end. I'm not a fixer by trade so i feel a bit safer taking full payment from a secondary source especially if it means more money and I assume you agree." Zephyr then paused to let that all sink in reading the faces of the other two.

"So to get started, we need the Matrix" he looked at Mac. "We need to dig up anything we can about Croyle and V&W. Adresses first and foremost for both parties. Any and all obvious histories, subsidiaries favorite bar ect. Plus whatever else we can manage security layouts ect. With that done It's my job to get in and do the grabbing. I'll need to get my commlink inside to deal with the hosts and any networks so that you can bomb the crap out of the files. You won't be able to do any attacks but it will mean that the security won't be able to recognize the intrusion. And If there is something you do need to brick its my job to either get you in directly or close enough where you can do it wirelessly. Sparky is the driver and muscle. We're on a time crunch and If my guess is correct we have less then 48hrs. So a quick driver who can also double up and go in with me if need be and provide back up is the only way we get the job done in time. And while you two are starting the leg work I need to go do more background work."

"So what do you both think?"

     At Machiavelli's timely arrival Roland thought to himself: heh, guess he must be the devil.  He then let Zephyr's onslaught of information wash over while he worked on the special.  By the end of the job rundown he had finished cleaning and had begun assembling the gun.  "Huh, I'm surprised that the employer doesn't want the boots put to his old buddy.  Probably should have asked for a revenge crippling bonus.  You know, one of those 'Mr X sends his regards' type deals.  Is it too late to get something like that arranged?  Revenge tends to pay well in my experience and I figure a hands on interrogation of the partner will need to be arranged anyways so might as well get paid a little extra for work that was already lined up."  Roland mulled over the mission's specifics for a second.  "48 hours isn't a lot of time to plan for much other than a smash and grab.  Normally I would be fine with that but right now I'm a bit ill equipped for that kinda thing in all honesty.  Destroying copies... Either of you guys have incendiaries on hand?  Also for the designs we need to recover, is it bigger than a breadbox?  Don't want to look like an ass running around with a stack of dead tree fluttering around." 

Machiavelli sighed. Working under pressure was never fun. "Conveniently, I've already gotten you the address for the business. I think the blueprints for most buildings are publicly available if you know what you're looking for. Got a little program you guys can use if you run into a barrier,  so you guys can go ahead with that while I do the more delicate work regarding our backstabbing coward. If there's a problem I can take care of it. We'll have to case the place in person later, but getting an idea of what's what is a good plan."

Zephyr nodded at Mac's comments and went into answering Sparky,  "We cannot take Croyle." he stated emphatically. "One because the Johnson made it clear he doesn't want this getting out, but two it leaves us open to retaliation. Perhaps I was unclear why you are so key to pulling this off Sparky. Once we finish the legwork and start the clock we have less then six hours if I'm being generous to complete both heists. Now that window widens or considerably shortens depending on how quite we can make this and how good we cover our tracks. If one party discovers our involvement they will make sure that the other half is unattainable. If we take Croyle V&W will find out simply because we cannot kill him and High threat response will be on us in no time. If we go after V&W first and they find out Croyle will be in the wind by sunrise. So like I said if we're being prudent everything needs to be done in no more then 6-12 hrs. Which is where your talent for cars comes in

To limit our chances of discovery we have to stay away from anything overly flashy. Luckily the Johnson said it would be impossible for them to produce anything from the plans, and I cannot imagine them being any bigger then your average trid poster. And if this all seems like to much hassle for two few rewards. Like I said I'm working on something extra, and we're going to the house of an inventor without a moral code. I see no issue at having a peak at his personal designs if we happen to find them laying about. I would suggest the same for the corp but that adds definite more risk on Mac's part that we can handle as it comes."

"For now we just need to do basic recon and get the lay of things. I suggest we start with V&W for now since we can find their plans on the matrix."

     After checking the sights on the gun while Zephyr talked, Roland set down the assembled gun and picked up its magazine to begin loading.  "Everyone has a moral code.  Just because you don't like it doesn't mean its not there so cool those engines flyboy.  He's as much a man as you or me... presumably..."  Roland waved the magazine around in a small circle for emphasis before pressing a bullet into the clip.  "Given the circumstances, we need to find out if there are any copies of this product but not a lot of time to track them down ourselves so we have to go to the source of which there are two.  Now, I have confidence that Mac can root through the corp's files for any digital copies while we are on site but what about additional physical copies that our client's friend may have created?  I was not suggesting that we TAKE him anywhere.  We wouldn't have the time for something like that.  Setting up an end point for a kidnapping is too much work and time we don't have.  All I was suggesting was a quick on-site interrogation of the target to discern any copies we may have missed with an offer to the client for a desirable level of violence in exchange for a minor bonus, not much difference from pillaging paydata."  Roland finished loading the magazine and set it down on the table in the growing row of cleaned equipment.  Roland's souring mood perked up as he moved on to begin cleaning the parts of his old Nitama Sporter.  "So if we are not going to interrogate the target then how do you propose we ensure no duplicates exist?  You are the one that said you offer your clients the full package."

"I'm not saying rob the guy blind here. I'm not that cruel."Zephyr said somewhat hurt "but finding any physical copies is simple any half decent Mage with a decent memory could do it. I assume you know about Auras? The emotional energy every living thing radiates on the astral plane. Well each Aura is unique and leaves residue espically during moments when emotions are high. Sticking in the air on objects for varying amounts of time depending on the intensity of the emotion. I'm going to say that making a copy of one's prized stolen goods is somewhat stress inducing and that I doubt he would pay an outside Mage a massive fee to have his goods scrubed. So using his matrix history ,his habits, and my degree in psychology we can limit the search tremendously. From there all it takes is knowledge of his aura and bam we can comfortably get every physical copy. if we're also lucky enough that He used a machine to make the copies and not by hand, which I think we just might be. Getting access to his files will give us a clear number to look for.

     Roland polished the lens of the smartlink camera.  "Actually all I know about auras is that mages like to get up my ass about them.  Sounds like a nifty ability if a bit dull.  Anyways, just doing my due diligence."  He looked at his reflection in the lens, inspecting it for scratches before setting it down and beginning to assemble the gun.  I should check with Craig on that sometime...  Roland continued to put the gun together as he proceeded to ask:  "So what's the recon plan?"

"We have to play that part by ear." Zephyr shrugged, "I won't know specifics till we see things in person or at least a floor plan over the matrix. Like I said before though I think getting a look at the V&W offices first is our best bet while I go deal with what needs to be dealt with before we finish this job. Just don't draw any attention to yourselves and everything should be alright. Just don't let the clock start ahead of time. If people get suspicious before we want them to we are in for some serious headaches." Looking at his watch he sucked in a sharp breath. "I need to get going, the longer I take the more time this could fall apart. I'll contact you both once I can meet up with you probably in an a few hours." With that he rushed out the door before anyone had a chance to stop him. He was headed off to the paper lantern

     "Well that seems to have closed the meeting.  Guess I'll head home and try and catch some Zs before the field trip.  Any idea why he's so rushed?"  Asked Roland as he put his gun together.  Finishing, he booted up the smartgun system and closed his eyes letting the feel of the gun tell him whether he had made a mistake during reassembly then checking the smartlink display to make sure all systems were green.

Can't say for sure myself. Maybe he picked up some bad food from Stuffer Shack. You wanna take care of the floor plans while I look into our client's backstabing partner, maybe after that we can meet up to check out the site on foot. Not really my forte, but you gotta break eggs if you're gonna make an omelet or something like that."

     Roland returned his sporter in its concealed holster.  "Uh yeah I guess I can take a shot at seeing what kinda stuff they have publicly available."  Roland stood up and picked one of the streetline specials up and slotted its magazine.  He chambered a round ad stuck the gun in one of his jacket pockets.  "Speaking of food, I should probably get some solids in."  Picking up and loading the other two specials he stuck them back into the case they came in before packing up his maintenance kit.  He stuck one of the cases under his arm, holding the other case with is hand.  Opening the door with his free hand he turned to Machiavelli.  "Need a ride anywhere?  Otherwise I'll catch you later."

"Nah, I drove myself today. You know, official business and all that. I'll get to crackin' on this guy and when I find something I'll let you guys know. If you need a hand casing the place give me a call." Machiavelli gave a short bow and collected some of his tech that had been on the table.

     "Alright, I'll see you later."  Roland walked out of the room and made a quick round of yakuza around the establishment before heading out to El Diablo.  He returned his maintenance kit to its spot then opened up the case with the two streetline specials.  One he placed in the storage under the seats, the other he stowed in the smuggling compartment.  Getting into the drivers seat, Roland took the special out of his pants' pocket and stowed it in the glove compartment while he turned on the engine and let the autopilot take him into traffic.  Thinking to himself: Guess I'm going to want to get some sleep while I can.  He let himself doze with the seat leaned back on the way back to his house.
     To the tune of the autopilot informing him of his arrival home, Roland woke from his short nap.  He made his way into his house, plugging his comlink into his datajack to begin surfing the matrix for information on the V&W local headquarters.  While doing so he undressed and headed into the bathroom where he paused his search to take a quick shower.  Resuming his search he sat back on his bed and tried to see what he could pickup while he waited for sortie instructions to arrive.  His hopes and dreams of exciting gunfights dancing through his brain as he researched.

[info]Computer Roll
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 5, 3, total 8[/blockquote]
Looking for Information on the extraterritoriality status of V&W, whether they contract security, public access maps/info, and the local street layout.[/info]

Zephyr headed quickly to the paper lantern it would take him the better part of an hour with traffic to reach the crimson door. He knew Kyoko was expecting him at least, which was somewhat helpful He did not bother thinking about the possibility of her refusing, If he portrayed confidence it would be that much easier to persuade her. He went inside with none of his rushed demenor looked over the state of the first floor. Nodded at who ever was cleaning the bar and moved to the back to find their boos curious in what state he might find her.

"Alright Tora Ishikawa I will head that way here in a moment. Looking forward to seeing what we are working with cause it would seem unwise for them to come into our turf to cause problems." Takumi hangs up the call and pays the barkeep for the 2 drinks he ordered. Takumi then walks over to the door grabs his helmet and heads out side to his bike and heads towards Ishikawa Sushi

[info]Thread Split!

Mystic + Pringer to here (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=1650.new#new)

Ronin to here (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=1651.new#new)