Chapter One: Redundant Code

[Muppet Man]

You'll be dead when your war is won//Tommy gun//But did you have to gun down everyone?//I can see it's kill or be killed//A nation of destiny has got to be fulfilled//Whatever you want, you're gonna get it!

//Location:Tacoma/Seattle Metroplex/UCAS
//Time: <2150:00/2075-01-14> Combat round OVER
//Weather: <Light Fog, 6.3C, Wind W 3kph, feels like 6C>
//Air Quality: <Moderate (Yellow), Precipitation pH 2.8>

Bar Neleus is crowded. Suspiciously crowded, maybe, if one tended towards paranoia. It was also small.

From the front door almost the entire interior was visible, at least the front of house areas. The back of house areas - stockroom, kitchen, offices, bathrooms, etc, - were not visible, but the plans were available on the Matrix.

The setup here is to meet with a Johnson named Erika Hoffner. She has a public enough profile, with one detractor putting it succinctly:

Erika Hoffner has been working for the UCAS government since before she could walk. A baby model for the Bright New Future program back in the ’40s, her politician parents groomed her for political success from birth. She’s tall, with a powerful presence and friendly smile that puts everyone she meets at ease, but behind her gentle eyes is a whip-quick mind reading the room for any exploit.

She sits at a table at the back of the room. Hoffner has dark shoulder-length hair, worn straight, a slim build, and narrow facial features. At the table with her is a

He is 1.8m tall, slim build, asian looking with short, professional dark hair, attractive enough but not so much to stand out or be super memorable. He is wearing a tailored black suit of a modern, but not overly trendy cut.

who should look out of place, but seems completely at home. A quick thermal read, or PAN intrusion will reveal him to have no obvious cyberware or modifications. Similarly, a quick astral read shows he has no magical powers.

That can not be said for the

She is 2m tall, fit looking, not hulking. Her hair is a pulled up in a thick wrap of green dreadlocks, sides of her head shaved with intricate mystical looking tattoos visible beneath the stubble. She has a no nonsense don't mess with me outfit on, not at all chic like the elf. While she does have a visible firearm, it's clearly even without an astral check a backup. Her expression is all business, but not like a corp exec looking tough, more like a mom worried her kids are about to make a huge life mistake, but letting them do it anyway.

sitting at the table closest to them. She is a mage, without a doubt. An astute observer might notice a range of talismans representing different aspects of duality and dialectic concepts. Prominently, fire and ice. She is wary and is not astral projecting currently.

Obvious from their expensive (though not stylish) gear, the

he is hulking at 2.4m and heavy enough he leaves footprints in the concrete. He is dressed in typical "street tough" fashion: black leather vest several belts with obvious weapons, jeans worn black with grime, etc. There is a troll size lined coat (or maybe a tent) hung over a chair by the pool table. His dermal deposits are obvious protrusions, some poke through as spikes. He has an obvious cyberarm replacing his left arm. He looks like his life has been hard, and his expression is "don't fuck with me, but I might still fuck with you".

and

she is in all ways opposite the troll. She stands at 1.1m, she is dressed functionally, and her coat is tossed over a different chair by the pool table. She has a tufty mohawk and a series of purple tatts that stand out bright against her dark skin. She is also smiling, ribbing the troll over a bad shot. Her demeanor is cheerful, her face full of life.

playing pool are clearly part of the entourage as well. The troll radiates street sam, and he's 'wared up enough to back it up. The dwarf is also full of cyberware, but subtle clues peg her for a rigger of some sort.

The

she is sulking. She is human, about 1.6m tall, slim in a not fit kind of way, She has long brown hair and broad features covered in either massive face tattoos or face paint, covering her face from the eyes down with equal red and blue bands, separated by a thin white line. She is dressed like a poor teenager that grew up without realizing there were clothes beyond hoodies.

of Hoffman's security is in the far corner, leaning back in her chair. Her attention seems to be focused on an antique hand held game. She has no obvious cyberware or no obvious magical talents.

On the opposite side of the bar the normal patrons seem to be watching Hoffner's group with contempt, but no anger or hostility. Bar Neleus is at a crossroads, multiple territories come close, but do not cross over. Elves, dwarves, orks, trolls and the occasional human are welcome and by general unspoken agreement they behave themselves in here. So for now, the feeling in the small bar is wry amusement.

Plus, Hoffman is running a tab for all the patrons, and that goes a long way to keeping the peace.

Whatever way - tactical, casual, dramatic, or any combination - the team enters, Hoffner's team will remain calm and allow them to approach. When they are near the pool tables, the trim elf stands.

"Welcome, there are few chairs here, feel free to fetch more and sit, or acquaint yourself with our small party around the room."

The table will sit four people total, a few more could be squeezed in as a second row. There is plenty of room to sit and extra chairs around for everyone, just not at Hoffman's table.

When everyone is settled, Hoffner will speak directly to the two 'runners sitting directly at her table. She nods to everyone, "Thank you for meeting me. First, I want to clear the air, the run at the warehouses was a test, an audition, yes. But it was not a competition. The elf team had nothing to do with me. I already have resources involved in finding out more about them. As an act of good faith, I will transfer another 4,000 nuyen to your account."

She looks over to the elf. He takes over the conversation. "I'm Yu, very happy to have you all here tonight." He smiles, taking a moment to read the room. "I'm sure you've done your homework, you know who Ms Hoffner is. I will tell you briefly why you are here talking with us. Plainly, we need independent resources not connected with established power networks, or should I say, not beholden to, those networks. In the parlance of the marketing world, you might say we need some fresh faces, fresh perspectives."

Yu seems to think that's enough, or at least pretend to. Hoffner adds, "We are looking for a long term contract, that's what Yu is saying.



What are you doing?

[Bushwack]

A big frame and a history of relative poverty makes that Bushwack is never too embarrassed or too professional when Johnsons and fixers open their wallets with free drinks and or food to seduce a team of runners with offers that are too good to be true... He takes his chummers orders and moves to the bar, repeats their requests and asks for a double White Russian for himself.

He walks back to distribute the drinks without a plate, trusting his thick bony fingers of the left hand and the trusted cyber on the other to hold and transport without spilling.

When he passes by the Ork and Troll playing pool on his way back and Hoffman makes the comment about the elf team, he grins to the Ork and Troll "Rigger please, the only way it could have ever been a competition was if it was knitting context and even then there is no way they would have finished a pair of socks before I ended them..." only loud enough for the goblinoid pool players to hear him.

He then distributes the drinks to his friends and slinks back on a bench somewhere preferring something big and cosy while nursing his White Russian in good spirits.

[Mulpa]

Walking in... this time without his coveralls and toolkit, Mulpa scopes out the place. Sticking with Tulpa to protect the Vory's investment in him, Mulpa listens to Yu's and Hoffner's sales pitch. Ordering a Vodka and Grapefruit Juice, and whatever looks the least likely to be soy out of the food available, Mulpa thinks on the offer.

Free drinks and food? Why not just go and offer us a steak dinner? Still, free food and drink is still free food and drink. These guys look pretty set up... I have to admit they look to have been running for a while and we do not appear in their league.
I wonder if they want us as subcontractors to do the grunt work below them, work as decoys as they get their work done, or to sets us up as a cat's paw to put all the blame for a big run they are about to pull. I think working for them may be a good idea, as long as we still have the option to refuse any mission they bring to us. A working relationship with such a group has benefits, as long as we are not too much obligated to them. Good thing we brought MacFear with us... his legal mind should help us get the best deal possible for whatever situation they have on offer.

"Interesting offer. Me and my associates will need to discuss this, but first we will need more information, such as if we can refuse these missions when offered, offered pay scales, and what types of work will you be looking to have done."

[MacFear]

MacFear gets the call to meet up with Mulpa at Bar Neleus. Its inconvenient - Fearghas already has more than enough on the plates he's currently juggling. He wants to keep his new handler happy, however, so he agrees to the meet and listens to the brief recap of the situation. 'Get in, keep Johnson happy, wring him her for all she's worth, and get out on favorable terms. This first favor sounds like my type of job. Time to lawyer up.'

MacFear shows up a couple of minutes earlier than requested, resplendent in his fashionable and custom fit suit and coat, and he takes a moment to scope the location out. Nothing seems out of the ordinary to him, so Fearghas walks over to Mulpa when the dwarf shows up and nods at the diminutive kneecapper. When they enter the bar, Macfear glances around the room once to get a feel for who's who, then he makes his way to the lady identified to him as the Johnson - Erika Hoffman.

When the elf stands up and welcomes the team, Macfear offers him a hand to shake (and waits a brief, respectable moment before retracting it nonchalantly if the elf doesn't take it) and introduces himself as Macfear. He glances at the chairs to make sure it's rated for troll before sitting down and also offering Erika his hand as he takes his seat (unphased if she also can't be bothered to shake hands with a Fomorian).

"Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Hoffner, Mr. Yu," Fearghas greets them with his most winning smile, "Don't mind the horns and tusks, I'm perfectly civilized."

MacFear looks to see what Erika and Yu are having, if anything, and orders something tastefully similar (or forgoes ordering if they are not partaking themselves). When Yu mentions the elf team Fearghas interjects, "I represent my associates legally, contractually and, of course, transactionally. Four thousand nuyen is an excellent step forward towards repairing the trust between our two parties. However, we do expect to be kept informed on matters such as these - rivals who could interfere with our obligations, for example. Can we expect to learn more when you know more?"

(However Yu responds, Macfear will nod and consider what is said and allow Yu to continue and Mulpa to speak)

After Yu wraps up his spiel, Hoffner makes her offer, and Mulpa says his piece, MacFear gives Ericka another bright, tusky smile and says, "As my associate has indicated, we have a great deal to discuss before any decision can be made. I'm sure you can understand how hesitant associates like mine might feel about a long term, binding contract. They can severely limit your options. What do you have to offer that's worth losing those options?"

---

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
Condition: Just peachy

Wraith had come into Bar Neleus a few minutes ahead of the others and taken a seat near the door - the group of obvious mercenary-types are glanced at occasionally while nursing a non-alcoholic beverage (ginger ale if they have it), their presence leaving the foxelf feeling on edge. 'Are these guys here coincidentally, or are they security for this Hoffner person we're supposed to be meeting? Or worse yet... here to cause trouble?' she asks herself while fiddling with her commlink, idly poking at a game of SimCivilization 10 but not really paying too much attention to it.

Perception checks

Visual 12 dice:
Audio 12 dice:
Smell 12 dice:

When the rest of the group arrive, including a couple of unfamiliar faces, Wraith smoothly stands and follows near the back of the group, tail twitching leisurely behind. Knowing that negotiations are not even remotely in her wheelhouse the foxelf avoids taking one of the chairs at the main table. Rather, Wraith moves off to the side to lean against the southern-most wall - putting the pool table between herself and the troll, while at the same time stationing between Yu and the face-painted woman.

Once the two have laid out what they are looking for, with replies from Mulpa and MacFear, Wraith posts a text message in the group-channel that the team had used previously.

>> I cannot say that a like the idea of a retainer-type contract, so this better be a good pitch from Ms. Hoffner. Particularly since she works for the government. Also, who are the new faces?<<

More Perception checks

Visual 12d6:
Audio 12d6:
Smell 12d6:

Kit brought along

- Form-fit body armor, with a non-armored cloak concealing much of her figure. Overtop, fairly casual street clothes.
- Erika Elite commlink in faraday pocket, disposable commlink in use in private mode
- Hip-pack/Bumbelt (fanny pack is lame) with: 2 stimpatches, 1L bottle of water, several protein bars, 5 pet-treats, partial roll of duct tape
Uncertain on what the bars rules were, she came lightly armed: Light pistol (3 magazines), two plasteel knives and half a dozen throwing knives, all hidden about her clothing.

[Muppet Man]

Come and talk to me//Please talk to me//Talk to me talk to me//Mr. Mystery

//Location:Tacoma/Seattle Metroplex/UCAS
//Time: <2155:00/2075-01-14> Combat round OVER
//Weather: <Light Fog, 6.3C, Wind W 3kph, feels like 6C>
//Air Quality: <Moderate (Yellow), Precipitation pH 2.8>

The bar isn't quiet, but the buzz isn't quite natural either. The patrons' eyes follow the runners as they move through the tiny bar, but they pretend not to care.

The rigger gives Bushwack a cheerful smile in response, and the troll sam responds with a knowing grunt, almost a chuckle even. The only "cozy" place for a troll is the set of tables behind the pool players and next to the apathetic human. The human does not seem to care or barely notice when Bushwack sits down, the chair strains but holds just fine.

The troll sam and the rigger both momentarily glance at Wraith as she walks across the room. The impression is one of professional interest: know the potential threats. After she posts up on the wall, Wraith doesn't see anything immediately dangerous. Sure, there is danger aplenty but it's just potential at the moment. However, there are a couple offensive things going on: one the fryer oil really needs to be changed, it smells rotten, and oil should not smell rotten. Second she hears someone shuffling around behind the interior wall, probably by the bathrooms.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Hoffner, Mr. Yu," Fearghas greets them with his most winning smile, "Don't mind the horns and tusks, I'm perfectly civilized."

"Interesting offer. Me and my associates will need to discuss this, but first we will need more information, such as if we can refuse these missions when offered, offered pay scales, and what types of work will you be looking to have done."

Yu accepts MacFear's greeting without hesitation. He nods at the troll and ventures, "Of course, that is a very well tailored suit." Yu gives Mulpa a small smile, the type that conveys "of course" without words.

"I represent my associates legally, contractually and, of course, transactionally. Four thousand nuyen is an excellent step forward towards repairing the trust between our two parties. However, we do expect to be kept informed on matters such as these - rivals who could interfere with our obligations, for example. Can we expect to learn more when you know more?"

Yu pauses for a moment, just long enough for a Matrix action or subvocal communication. Speaking diretly to MacFear, Yu says, "At this time we do not have any truly actionable information, and vague rumors are not useful in this kind of conversation. When we have relevant information, we will keep you apprised."

Turning back to Mulpa, he responds, "Our offer is somewhat flexible, we are just beginning this business relationship. Our ability to communicate is as much a part of the negotiation as any financial considerations."

As my associate has indicated, we have a great deal to discuss before any decision can be made. I'm sure you can understand how hesitant associates like mine might feel about a long term, binding contract. They can severely limit your options. What do you have to offer that's worth losing those options?"

Yu picks up at that point seamlessly, "We are not ready to offer a compensation package at this moment, we wanted to meet with you first, so let's continue the conversation." He looks at MacFear and Mulpa, then continues, "The mission specifics will certainly vary, but as far as we can predict they will all be in the Seattle Metro area." He gestures to Hoffner, "Despite our association, we are not actively under the government's umbrella." He takes a beat and then says, "Missions will be negotiable, but understand that if you are unwilling to do the work, we may need to reconsider the arrangements. I would say you have first right of refusal to an offered mission, but we won't keep offering you work if you keep refusing. Please outline some of your concerns and how we could alleviate them."

"We do not expect this to be an exclusive relationship, but if you accept our offer, please refrain from accepting other work that contradicts our goals," Hoffner adds. "Some of your fears, I'm sure, are the typical paranoia we all feel in these situations," Hoffner smiles, "and it's normally warranted, I agree. So I won't lie and say we're saints. Given the...diverse...makeup of your group, you have something I value."




What are you doing?

[Bushwack]

Bushwack challenged the winner of the pool game

"I find the most surefire way for people in general in runners in particular to bring their "A" game is trivial old money. However I don't want make it for an amount that creates bad blood with the loser. I am particularly vindictive cunt when I am drunk, I am told. A 100 Nuyen ? I played alot in my teenage years in a bar I worked for my first job as a bouncer. After hours when I had helped to clean up, me the barman would throw back a couple of beers to wind down from the night. He was better than me, but I was better than some others."

Bushwack handed over 2 old crumpled 50 Nuyen notes in consignment to the loser of the game.

"She talks the talk and dresses the part, your Ms Hoffner.. And seems to value loyalty... You work for her a long time I take it?"

His opening shot is one of unexpected restraint of force, he is not overly concerned with winning or losing the game despite the money, he just wants the game to last a fair bit. He is more interested in the disposition and loyalty of her crew. After all, if they don't trust her, they shouldn't either and sometimes you learn more from a slip of the tongue from the grunts at the bottom than from silver tongued boss who is used to make offers that are too good to be true."

[Shrike]

Location Bar Neleus Tacoma

Condition Normal


Shrike enters the Bar Neleus wearing Actioneer Business Clothes, his Ares Predator under his jacket in the built in holster. Functional, looks smart and professional and still provides protection

He looks around, noting all the other runners in there and the lack of other patrons. He finds the others there already, though he notices the absence of their decker.

Upon being offered food, Shrike politely declines having already eaten; never go to a meeting on an empty stomach.

Toggling his comlink when he sees Mulpa in discussions, he pings Wraith and Bushwhack a message.

They seem to have brought a large batch of muscle with them and perhaps the strangest troll I have ever seen. Who is that with Mulpa?

[Muppet Man]

In a true tough guy move troll looks at Bushwack with a sneer and then goes back to the table. The dwarf, playing her part, points her thumb at the Sam and says, He’s Rude. something in the way she says “Rude” makes it sound like a proper noun. She leans on the pool cue and looks up at Bushwack with a grin, "I'm Zip."

The two runners watch with much focus as Bushwack throws down cash. It's pretty obvious Zip throws the game. Rude glares at Bushwack as he takes the first shot. The other troll does not take it easy on Bushwack. He is playing to win. He doesn't talk except to call a shot. Zip, though seems to be enjoying the competition. But she is responsive to Bushwack's questions.

"When the Hoff needs our special kind of help she calls us on the reg. She's never crossed us," Zip says. Rude doesn't disagree, so that's probably true for him as well.

A few eyes, including Zip and the other entourage clock Shrike's arrival. Rude does not, he is focused on the game. As Shrike reads the room, he notices that the feel is very professional and not tense.

[Bushwack]

"Well I hope she got work for you beside babysitting this meet, to the more paranoid guys of our crew it probably looks like you are primarily here as an insurance against damages from us; I hope she got a higher opinion of us than thinking we would threaten a Johnson or worse just because there were some unexpected knife ears running interference..."

Judge intentions

7d6>4: [ 4 4 1 4 6 3 1 ] = 1

(to see if there is a look of recognition in Zip's face when he sees Shrike enter which would reveal they were briefed with a photo to recognise our crew and handle security)

Regardless of the outcome of the roll Bushwack says while pointing at the entering shrike

"Speaking of which, he is with us and he is cool"

Bushwack misses the next shot so he can text to Shrike

"Fomorian is our new face courtesy of Mulpa. He is doing pretty good. Got us 4k extra as moral damages for not being advised on the elves and is trying to be a hard ass because they seem to want us for a long term contract. I say lets watch the moves the kid plays, it looks bad if we handle this undisciplined and interfere ourselves with our negotiator. The Missus Johnson aka Erika Hoffner is a nutcracker though, not her first rodeo obviously, and she hinted that she is government connected."