Chapter One: Redundant Code

[Mulpa]

Location: Bar Neleus, Tacoma (Seattle Metroplex)

>>I assume you know the lawyer, Mulpa? How far can he be trusted?<<

/Private Channel/ "He has worked for the Vory in the past, and I know of a few people who have had his services in the past. I have heard a few rumors of some questionable behaviors, but from what I have observed, I believe we can trust him. If not, it won't just be us hunting him... the Vory don't like one of their people being betrayed by someone in their employ."

[Tulpa]

|

Tulpa enters the bar, for once in a clean get up. He had a few days with nothing to do before the meeting, so he spent it being a responsible adult and cleaning his clothes and gear. When he does arrive at the bar, he is wearing his tradional clothes of an oversized zip up hoodie and worn jeans. The combat boots and bump under his arm of his pistol holster would be the only real signs that he was a runner. His messenger bag is a little more full today however, as it seems to be doing its intended purpose and carrying a cyberdeck sized piece of tech.

Even with the signs of a decker signature gear, Tulpa still sports his oversized Himitsu, slung around his shoulder also. He has a new Renraku Sensei tied to an ear piece as well, running his fake ID of Omar Shaddiq.

As he settles into the table with Shrike, Tulpa connects the group as he did before. Using his Himitsu, he requests direct access to their comms systems and any cameras they may have. As he gains access to each system, he slaves them to Himitsu, letting his personal device act as a controller and direct firewall for all of the others.

With all of the input feeds in place, Tulpa begins to request connections to any display options the team may have- glasses with displays, cyber eyes etc. He will allow any feed the users wish on the network to be transferred directly to their hud’s.

He does all this as the group begins their talks with their employers. ”And we are connected.” Tulpa says subvocally over the groups comms units. Anyone with a HUD gets a quick readout also with the members connected to Tulpas secure WAN network.

Tulpa orders a beer and some nachos.

”Sorry for the delay Runners, working with an extra level of security tonight. “ Tulpa Pauses. ”If Mulpa trusts him, I dont mind giving the man a shot.” Tulpa finishes with his opinions on their ‘lawyers’ inclusion.

Tulpa then slaves his Himitsu to his Cyberdeck, letting all of the teams and his devices be controlled through his Erika Deck. Using his augmented glasses, her enters the local Matrix and enters the clubs host, immediately trying to minimize his devices footprint. He then starts to look around at the different files, doors and other users connected tot he clubs host.

(Active Programs +1 from data jack plus: Fly on a Wall, Signal Scrub, Smoke-And-Mirrors, Stealth)
Enter Host
Hide: E.Warfare +Int:
Quick Config
Matrix Perception: Computer+Int:

[Tulpa]

|

Tulpa enters the bar, for once in a clean get up. He had a few days with nothing to do before the meeting, so he spent it being a responsible adult and cleaning his clothes and gear. When he does arrive at the bar, he is wearing his tradional clothes of an oversized zip up hoodie and worn jeans. The combat boots and bump under his arm of his pistol holster would be the only real signs that he was a runner. His messenger bag is a little more full today however, as it seems to be doing its intended purpose and carrying a cyberdeck sized piece of tech.

Even with the signs of a decker signature gear, Tulpa still sports his oversized Himitsu, slung around his shoulder also. He has a new Renraku Sensei tied to an ear piece as well, running his fake ID of Omar Shaddiq.

As he settles into the table with Shrike, Tulpa connects the group as he did before. Using his Himitsu, he requests direct access to their comms systems and any cameras they may have. As he gains access to each system, he slaves them to Himitsu, letting his personal device act as a controller and direct firewall for all of the others.

With all of the input feeds in place, Tulpa begins to request connections to any display options the team may have- glasses with displays, cyber eyes etc. He will allow any feed the users wish on the network to be transferred directly to their hud’s.

He does all this as the group begins their talks with their employers. ”And we are connected.” Tulpa says subvocally over the groups comms units. Anyone with a HUD gets a quick readout also with the members connected to Tulpas secure WAN network.

Tulpa orders a beer and some nachos.

”Sorry for the delay Runners, working with an extra level of security tonight. “ Tulpa Pauses. ”If Mulpa trusts him, I dont mind giving the man a shot.” Tulpa finishes with his opinions on their ‘lawyers’ inclusion.

Tulpa then slaves his Himitsu to his Cyberdeck, letting all of the teams and his devices be controlled through his Erika Deck. Using his augmented glasses, her enters the local Matrix and enters the clubs host, immediately trying to minimize his devices footprint. He then starts to look around at the different files, doors and other users connected tot he clubs host.

(Active Programs +1 from data jack plus: Fly on a Wall, Signal Scrub, Smoke-And-Mirrors, Stealth)
Enter Host
Hide: E.Warfare +Int:
Quick Config
Matrix Perception: Computer+Int:

[Muppet Man]

Well, they tell me of a pie up in the sky//Waiting for me when I die//But between the day you're born and when you die//They never seem to hear even your cry

//Location:Tacoma/Seattle Metroplex/UCAS
//Time: <2158:00/2075-01-14> Combat round OVER
//Weather: <Light Fog, 6.3C, Wind W 3kph, feels like 6C>
//Air Quality: <Moderate (Yellow), Precipitation pH 2.8>

No one has been shot so far, or blasted by a spell, that generally means negotiations are going well. Reading the room, Yu goes ahead and offers the details to Mulpa and MacFear:

Run Details

Phase 1:

• Overview: Human Resources Acquisition: Willing Subject
• When: by 1/18/2075, delivery no later than 21:30.
• Where: Fairground Scone Factory, Puyallup, extract and deliver to Paine Field, Hangar 17, Everett
• Security: Site secured by mercenary guards, exact provider unknown. Thought to be a very veiled Ares team. Surveillance indicates between 12 and 16 mobile guards. One active Matrix cyberdeck has been noted emanating from the compound, our decker was brainfried in the exchange. Two magical active persons are on site periodically, never both at the same time. No indication of paranormal animals or warding.
• Pay: 32,000¥ total, with 6,000¥ upfront
• Target: Information withheld until finalized contract agreement

Phase 2:

• Overview: Resource Management/Logistics
• When: 1/18/2075, 21:30
• Where: Paine Field, Hangar 17, Everett to 3000 NE 4th St, Renton, WA 98056
• Security: Unknown. If Phase 1 was executed quietly, opposition should be limited. Threat level will increase in relation to the amount of disruption caused during phase 1.
• Pay: 18,000¥ total, with 4,000¥ upfront (paid at delivery of phase 1)
• Target: (1) 1m x 1m x 2m container
• Note: Delivery vehicle will be provided for Phase 2

"Please take a brief moment to review the executive summary, and if that is agreeable the full docket will be sent on," Yu says nodding politely to Mulpa and his lawyer.

As Tulpa joins the party, moments after the data is transferred, he notices the person in the corner look up. So does Shrike. But Shrike is also aware that no one else in the room has caused the human woman to budge at all. Which raises a question of the paranoid nature, why Tulpa? Maybe it's the clean clothes? When Tulpa settles in though, she resumes her ambivalence to the room.

Meanwhile the two trolls at the pool table have not even broken a stick or shot a ball across the room despite their --no other word will do, so pardon the cliche--prodigious strength. Rude, fully aware that Bushwack threw the game, was pleased with the win. The second game was more friendly, even if it was still competitive. The rigger pulled up a chair and sat at the edge of the table--butt on table, feet on chair--and talked up a storm to Bushwack. Rude occasionally interjected with a correction. The corrections were generally far less colorful than the dwarf's version. She told stories of runs and danger, all sanitized of incriminating details of course. She was friendly and seemed genuine about it. Rude seemed much more about the biz and the competition.

Other than noticing the odd woman in the corner, all seems calm enough inside to Shrike. His heightened hearing picks up some increased hustle and bustle on the street, but no indication of trouble. A loud group passing by would be the best description. With her own advanced hearing, Wraith picks up on the sounds too, and comes to the same conclusion.

Before Wraith can focus any more attention on the environment, she gets a "911" message from home.

Checking out the network at the bar, nothing really surprises Tulpa. It's crusty and old. The Matrix connection is a little

Static 1

from over a century of shoddy electrical remodels and "upgrades". Few of the wireless enabled devices are actually connected, the "smart fryer" is in dumb mode and a dummy has let it burn. The only gear he sees active in the room are commlinks, most of which are in standard public mode. The shittiest belongs to the woman in the corner. Some barely serviceable thing given away to the poor five years ago. The game in her hands isn't connected to the Matrix either.



What are you doing?

[Bushwack]

Bushwack uses the secure network conditions provided by Tulpa for his input to their negotiator.

Bushwack

"I am always up for action. I feel that risk/reward here is bit lowballed. A dozen and half Ares Mercs, magic security, matrix security. If Ms Johnson is unwilling to budge a lot from the initial offer see how she feels about liberation of data and/or physical assets from the site to augment our workmen's wages to more agreeable levels. Maybe Tulpa can give up his part if we can acquire him a third deck.

Also I am not sure what to make of the second part of the run. Are we to liberate this box? Are we to put their newly acquired personnel in it and ship it, it's a bit hazy to me.

I'm down to have your back chummers but try to squeeze that lemon a bit before we commit our necks, omae."

[Mulpa]

"MacFear, do you think you can get us a better payout than that? I am thinking this sounds like a decent run, if we get a good price. Time for you to show us all what you an do for us around the negotiation table."

[Wraith]

Location: Bar Nereus, Tacoma (Seattle Metroplex)
Condition: Distracted

OOC Comments

Wraith will send Tulpa links to the smartgun cam for her light pistol and retinal camera, though not image link, and of course connecting her PAN to the decker's: A cheap burner commlink, which has a direct wired connection to the better commlink tucked away in a faraday pocket.

Once the run details are in her hands, or eyes as it were, Wraith quietly scans over what was provided - some of the points would have her wide-eyed had she not been well-practiced at maintaining a neutral expression.

>> That seems like a lot of Ares-trained guards for a Scone factory. << the young 'runner sends over the group chat. >> Not to mention a skilled spider. Thirty-two kay seems on the light side. Should be doable though if we can get quality floorplans and some time to plan. <<

Wraith goes 'quiet' at that point, the message from home taking her by surprise. '<Teku>? Alexis knows <Shigoto no uchiawase de>,' she reflects, the fox-ears peeking through her hair folding back briefly, before righting themselves. 'If it is <kinkyuu>, I may have to leave early,' the foxelf speculates, frowning.

While still looking over the details of the mission, and keeping an eye on the group-chat she composes a quick text-message to send back to her housemate. >>Alexis? What is going on?<<

OOC Comments

Orange text indicating text-based message being sent to a recipient that is not on the team

[MacFear]

"MacFear, do you think you can get us a better payout than that? I am thinking this sounds like a decent run, if we get a good price. Time for you to show us all what you an do for us around the negotiation table."

>>Will do.<<

After reviewing details about the run, MacFear looks at Erika and begins the

Negotiation: 7 hits
(Tailored Pheromones +3, Berwick Coat +1, Ulysses Coat +1)

, "Interesting. Asset acquisition and delivery. The opposition seems to be a group of well trained professionals that outnumber us. A two part job. Second job could get ugly depending on the first job. Let's be honest, Mrs. Hoffner, this job involves many moving parts and requires expertise. Luckily, that is exactly what we bring to the table. However, we know what we're worth, and

As a player I have no idea of any kind of number to throw down. Ill let the GM take it from here

. What's your real offer?"

[Muppet Man]

You've got to know when to hold 'em//Know when to fold 'em//Know when to walk away//And know when to run//You never count your money//When you're sittin' at the table//There'll be time enough for countin'//When the dealin's done

//Location:Tacoma/Seattle Metroplex/UCAS
//Time: <2203:00/2075-01-14> Combat round OVER
//Weather: <Light Fog, Light Rain, 6.3C, Wind W 3kph, feels like 6C>
//Air Quality: <Moderate (Yellow), Precipitation pH 2.8>

The bustle of the bar never stops, but a bubble of quiet forms between MacFear and Yu, Hoffner sitting silent. The two expert negotiators keep it short, recognizing immediately that a prolonged discussion would be a waste of words. Yu sums up, "We do value your skill, so another 6k on phase one, and an additional 4k on the completion of phase two. However, our resources here are limited, so beyond the surveillance and details already provided, any additional legwork is up to you. We are indeed confident."

The confused voice of Alexis comes back in response to Wraith's text, It's Riley, she just turned up. She's scared, mumbling about her bike."

Rude, leaning on the pool table, smirks at Bushwack, "That dandelion eater she's got will talk the horns right off that trog your brought." He then laughs, a mean and vicious sound.

From the table near the door, Shrike has a good view, and he's not distracted by domestic issues. He notices that a scuffle has broken out on the street, just out of his sight line. He can hear the commotion and see a few people racing towards the fight. He can also see it start to rain, leaving little drops on the pavement.

Tulpa notices someone snooping around his network.

Run Details

Phase 1:

• Overview: Human Resources Acquisition: Willing Subject
• When: by 1/18/2075, delivery no later than 21:30.
• Where: Fairground Scone Factory, Puyallup, extract and deliver to Paine Field, Hangar 17, Everett
• Security: Site secured by mercenary guards, exact provider unknown. Thought to be a very veiled Ares team. Surveillance indicates between 12 and 16 mobile guards. One active Matrix cyberdeck has been noted emanating from the compound, our decker was brainfried in the exchange. Two magical active persons are on site periodically, never both at the same time. No indication of paranormal animals or warding.
• Pay: 32,000¥ +6,000¥ total, with 6,000¥ upfront
• Target: Information withheld until finalized contract agreement

Phase 2:

• Overview: Resource Management/Logistics
• When: 1/18/2075, 21:30
• Where: Paine Field, Hangar 17, Everett to 3000 NE 4th St, Renton, WA 98056
• Security: Unknown. If Phase 1 was executed quietly, opposition should be limited. Threat level will increase in relation to the amount of disruption caused during phase 1.
• Pay: 18,000¥ + 4,000¥ total, with 4,000¥ upfront (paid at delivery of phase 1)
• Target: (1) 1m x 1m x 2m container
• Note: Delivery vehicle will be provided for Phase 2

What are you doing?

[MacFear]

MacFear considers their second offer then messages @Mulpa.

>>We should accept their revised offer if we're going to do the job. I suspect this offer is final, and digging deeper will only hurt us in the long term if we decide to pursue further work with Mrs. Hoffner.<<