Chapter One: Redundant Code

[Bushwack]

Bushwack follows Mulpa's suit. He slams an old army surplus duffelbag on the pool table, takes out his weathered reinforced trenchcoat and straps on his other armor accessoires. He struggles momentarily to don the helmet. He realises he is losing time and making an ass of himself and slams it in place by headbutting the wall so the plaster comes off and the helmet clicks into place.

Somebody tell me if there is a backdoor out of this joint where our patron can leave quietly. If need be I can punch a hole in a wall. If not I can persuasively dissuade entrance to this establishment from armed or unarmed unsubs until I get a comms message she is in her car.


He moves to the entrance looking outside to gauge the competition, flexes the hand of cyberarm to make the spurs shoot out, clenching a cigar between the clawlike daggers. He puts the cigar in his mouth, lits it, inhales, exhales and finishes while the magically awakened realise he is activating the spurs as a weapon focus.

"Unless any of you smarter people has a smarter plan, that goes without saying."

[MacFear]

MacFear takes out one of his burner phones and connects it to the network Yu supplied. The Fomorian stands up, cracks his neck, and then nods at Yu and Mrs. Hoffner.

"Sure," He says, "It sounds like easy money and most of our team seems to be on board. I can hold my own in a fight, and from my experience the troll gets shot before the dwarf, unless she happens to be a mage. How about I escort the two of you while the

Unless he receives further instruction from either team, MacFear intends to escort the two to safety while the heavier hitters prepare to run interference on the showdown outside.

?"

MacFear unholsters his Predator V from its concealed holster with his right hand and reaches into his coat and pulls out a combat knife with the other hand. Then he waits for Yu to respond to @Mulpa's question.

---

Damage Resistance

• Acid Protection 18 - Pool 22
• Cold Protection 12 - Pool 16
• Electricity Protection 17 - Pool 21
• Fire Protection 18 - Pool 22
• Falling Protection 12 - Pool 16
• Fatigue Resistance - Pool 8

• Contact (6/6): Toxin Pool 14 - Disease Pool 14
• Ingestion: Toxin Pool 8 - Disease Pool 8
• Inhalation: Toxin Pool 8 - Disease Pool 8
• Injection: Toxin Pool 8 - Disease Pool 8

Pool: 6, Accuracy 6, DV: 7Pv-3, Reach 1

hidden on person,

Pool 8(

Laser Sight Wireless Bonus +1

), Accuracy 7, 5S(e)v-5, Recoil Compensation 3, 5/10/15/20

in hidden arm slide, and

Pool 10(

Smartgun System with External Smartlink +1

), Accuracy 5(

Smartgun System, Internal +2

), 8Pv-1, Recoil Compensation 6, 5/20/40/60

in concealed holster.
Displaying Shadow SIN (Tier 2, Alexander Trofmun - Security Guard, Squatter Lifestyle; Registered for Firearms and Concealed Carry (Tier 2))
All of the above is legit for this SIN to carry, if it holds up to any scrutiny.

[Wraith]

Location: Bar Neleus, Tacoma
Status: Healthy, prepared for the worst

"If the Mr. Johnson does not survive, we can't get paid. I say we take them up on the protection job. 500 nuyen just to follow along, and a promise of further compensation if there is actual trouble. I think it is a good investment for the future."

"<Hai, rikaishi, douishita>," Wraith replies quickly, glancing to Shrike and the troll then drawing a Hammerli light pistol from a concealed holster from within her cloak; a magazine appears from within the cloak as well, and inserted into the sidearm with a soft 'click'. The foxelf is careful to keep the weapon's muzzle down, concealed from the rest of the bar by her body if possible. "While I do not necessarily trust Hoffner-san, her entourage seem on the level."

Bushwacks' somewhat more ostentatious display has Wraith looking back in his direction, raising a brow while doing her best to hide a smirk and a brief nod, then shifting her attentions back outside - the sound of motorcycles evident to her keen hearing. "There are more incoming, though I do not yet have visual. Could be more trouble, or bystanders."

Then to Shrike, verbally: "I did not come heavily armed, like Bushwack seems to - I will be most effective in close quarters." A comment that, given her slight size, may seem laughable to some. Though early evening, Wraith switches between regular and thermographic vision as she keeps an eye out, just in case.

>>Tulpa, if you are able to get floorplan for this building and a map of the neighborhood could you forward it to my orientation system <onegaishimasu?><<

Further perception checks

Visually 12d6:
Audio-ly 12d6:
Olfactory 12d6:

[Muppet Man]

Yu motions for Mulpa and MacFear to follow, adding, "The alley and out, we have a vehicle two blocks east. Zip has already activated it and the security systems." He leaves unstated the obvious, east is the worst possible direction to head right now.

There's a pause and that normally means subvocal or AR communication

Bushwack gears up, but his observation provides even more value: the elf gang looks like Ancients, but the other group resembles the Spikes, but is not all troll, more like an affiliate gang trying to make an impression.

Looking outside, the four Spikes-ish gangers on bikes rolling up the street from the south. They are one block away, but moving at a little over a walking speed.

Wraith is able to within a few short seconds find a

it's the map, yo!

of the bar online.

The other patrons are trying very hard to ignore both the runners and the ruckus outdoors, focusing on their food and drinks and forced casual conversation. The bartender and server look far more nervous, there is a shotgun laid out on the counter. Another ork comes through the door to the kitchen holding a large kitchen knife, also looking a bit concerned.

Tulpa, Shrike, Wraith and Bushwack can also see a troll step out of the office into the hallway to the alley. She looks worried for sure.



What are you doing?

[Bushwack]

"Whowever needs to leave, LEAVE NOW. Whoever wants to stall somebody coming after the Johnson take cover and hide yourself so you got the drop on them with surprise."

Bushwacks drags a biggish couch and chair from the bar on the porch of the bar blocking the entrance and starts lounging on the couch cigar and drink at hand looking like he owns the neighbourhood.

He shouts and points to the leader of the Spikes affiliate gang drink hand.

"Hey Dipshit. Lord Torgo sent me to check on your diapered asses. If you don't fucking decimate those knife eared tree huggers in the next minute he said I could kill you all and take your bikes and weapons. I don't think you will but if you do well enough he said your status might change. If any of those dandelion eaters make it to porch and force me to take my cigar out of my mouth the deals off."

"Get to it ! "

Bushwack puts his hands behinds his head as he reclines in the couch and exhales a big puff of cigar smoke as he looks to gang as if they poses the same threat as school children.
He puts on his noizquito to start blaring out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGU1P6lBW6Q Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries so its futile to try to communicate further as nobody wont hear anything anyway....

[Shrike]

Location: Bar Neleus, Tacoma

Keeping an eye out on the groups outside, things were looking like they were about to escalate. Getting away from here was the plan, but doing the obvious was not a good way to go about it.

"Wraith, you with me, Bushwhack, follow on behind Mulpa and Macfear after a moment. You look like you can take a hit, so protect the principal. Tulpa, block any communications from in here, so they can't warn anybody that she is leaving. Let's assume they know about their car and are tracking it."

Then to Shrike, verbally: "I did not come heavily armed, like Bushwack seems to - I will be most effective in close quarters." A comment that, given her slight size, may seem laughable to some. Though early evening, Wraith switches between regular and thermographic vision as she keeps an eye out, just in case.

"Only got my pistol on me and some ammo, really should bring more firepower with me. Can't seem to go anywhere with you guys without needing a lot of firepower. Not even a Stuffer Shack or a bar." Shrike gives Wraith a little wink and a wry smile, as he draws his pistol

"We take my bike and run outrider. Get to the car before Yu, see who is following it. A couple of heavy pistols will slow down what's coming for a moment. Assuming that they are using a vehicle or drone to intercept..." Shrike switches over his clip to APDS, "we will need penetration."

With that, he slides out of the door and heads towards his bike, keeping watch, but at the same time, trying to remain as unobtrusive as possible.

Actually perception

[Muppet Man]

She can't afford no cannon//Neat, neat, neat//She can't afford no gun at all

//Location:Tacoma/Seattle Metroplex/UCAS
//Time: <2212:00/2075-01-14> Combat round OVER
//Weather: <Light Fog, Light Rain, 6.3C, Wind W 3kph, feels like 6C>
//Air Quality: <Moderate (Yellow), Precipitation pH 2.8>

Shrike, Bushwack, Wraith, Mulpa, Tulpa, MacFear

The real action is outside, obviously.

Inside people scramble. The conga line works its way out back to the alley where there is a little more room to maneuver. To the south, the alley opens up onto a east-west street, and the cars on it are currently stopped. The drivers are starting to look angry, but also scared. Yu asks Mulpa how they would like to proceed. The three runners note that along with Yu and Hoffner, the drawf, the mage and the human came with them. That means Rude, the grumpy troll, is still inside.

To the north, the road is more or less clear, at least within visual range.

Shrike, slinks out the front door and smartly heads north towards the Ancients side of the little get together. Taking it slow, he can get to his bike in five minutes or so. Moving faster would involve bumping and pushing an agitated group of pedestrians. Wraith follows few steps behind, covering their exit. Both blend in reasonably well and don't make a scene.

Bushwack doesn't notice at first, busy with all his fronting, so it takes a moment for him to realize he has backup. The cigar is a nice touch too. The brawl doesn't stop, but the gomers on the motorcycles divert their attention from fight and focus on Bushwack and Rude.

"So what, old man, you don't look so scary!" the biggest of the orcs says, spitting at Bushwacks feet. Rude looks at Bushwack with a sideways grin. "You're the boss."

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

Scone Factory Aerial View:

The red line is the stopped traffic. The purple box is the Spike-related people, the blue is the Ancients. The X is he car.

ACROSS THE STREET


What are you doing?

[Bushwack]

"You know what I really like above most things.It's when a punk ass bitch like you paints himself in a corner he can't get out of losing face."

Bushwack folds in the spurs.

"Step into arms reach and grandpa here will let you take two swings at him which I am confident enough that they will be too slow so I can sidestep them or weak enough that they wont break my jaw. Then I will take a single swing at you. You can try to sidestep like me or test the resiliency of your jaw if you really want to humiliate this oldtimer ... We repeat that exercise until somebody begs for his mama. The one begging for his mama forfeits his bike and papers to the other. My trollhammer here has 417 kilometers as I bought it last week. If I get lucky if I get 100 nuyen for that rustbucket of yours but somehow I am confident I am risking it, really"

"Now give your bike and papers here in concession with my buddy Rude here and I will do the same with one of your friends so I don't have to listen to your idle boasts"

[Mulpa]

Lets see what my mapsoft has to say about this area"I will have point with one of your more discrete and observant guys. MacFear and the majority of your guys will by near the principal and assign someone to help Bushwack when he is finished distracting the gangs... preferably someone able to ride that motorcycle. I and the other pointman from your team will be a few buildings ahead as we head North out the back exit to the next possible street to head East. We will pass a extra avenue to the East past the street we need to decrease exposure due to the park We will then come back west on the avenue it is parked on , but will not leave the shelter of the buildings until we have a chance to assess the situation around the car. Thoughts, anyone?"

If nobody else has a better idea, I say we head out now.

Perception

Perception: 11+2 (Goggles)

[Wraith]

Location: Some random street in Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex
Condition: Ok

"Only got my pistol on me and some ammo, really should bring more firepower with me. Can't seem to go anywhere with you guys without needing a lot of firepower. Not even a Stuffer Shack or a bar." Shrike gives Wraith a little wink and a wry smile, as he draws his pistol.

A smirk from Wraith at that. "<Suimasen>," is her terse but amused reply. "Any place that has a weapon check, though," she adds leaving it at that, though with a slight grin of her own.

"We take my bike and run outrider. Get to the car before Yu, see who is following it. A couple of heavy pistols will slow down what's coming for a moment. Assuming that they are using a vehicle or drone to intercept..." Shrike switches over his clip to APDS, "we will need penetration."

The foxelf nods, then coughs against her hand, the furred ears folding back. "Ahh, light pistol here," she admits, sheepishly. "I do not make it a habit to hang out in bars, I have no idea what the etiquette is!" Wraith adds in a whisper as they head out onto the street. Forcing her foxears upright, she glances around casually but making a point to include the crowd in the survey. "<Shikatanai>?"

Active perception!

Audio:
Visual:
(skipping olfactory this time)

Shrike, slinks out the front door and smartly heads north towards the Ancients side of the little get together. Taking it slow, he can get to his bike in five minutes or so. Moving faster would involve bumping and pushing an agitated group of pedestrians. Wraith follows few steps behind, covering their exit. Both blend in reasonably well and don't make (much of) a scene.

Wraith always has a hint of concern at the back of her mind when out in public, thanks to the tail and ears, so she does end up giving stiff looks to the few that stare. There is also the delay when she bumps into an elderly human male, with her quiet but profuse bows and apologies to him, as well as when her eyes follow a pair of cute young women as they pass by the two elves - the first seemed on purpose, especially to the practices eye while the second was genuine distraction, and one that left Wraith's cheeks pink.

Upon arriving at their destination, Wraith positions herself to get a decent view of the area, waiting for Shrike to do whatever he needs to do with his vehicle.

Active perception!

Audio:
Visual:
Olfactory: