It's Only Nuyen IC

Eve had been watching a Urban Brawl game between the Seattle Screamers and the Tenochtitlan Volcanoes.   The Aztlan team was playing well but were having problems keeping the Screamers from scoring.   When her comlink dinged she went from passively watching the game to reading the message she had received.   Reading the message her red colored lips reformed into a smile.  So Johnny has a job for me. It's about time.  What has it been 3-4 weeks since the last and that one barely paid this months rent.  She thought to herself.   She quickly fired off a reply.

TO: white-night-9854@EmeraldCityF4-A84F2C4-75B
FROM: Eve-961225@EmeraldCity08-395AA49-ACD

I'll be there. Thanks.


Checking the chrono she had several hours till the meet.  Good thing too.   Living on the edge of the Barrens meant going somewhere meant it took a while.   "I really need to get a new bike."  She said aloud even no one was there to hear.   Eve detested the public transit but right now it was all she had.  Hard times meant that she had to sell her bike to make rent two months ago.   She missed the feel of the wind whipping her hair behind her as the bike screamed beneath her.  

Letting out a sign she moved to where she kept some of her gear.  Grabbing be essentials, which was almost everything, she was ready to go.   She left the shotgun behind not knowing what security would be at the meet.   She figured the Predator, taser and her knife would be alright.   Pulling the predator for its holster she activated the smart link and ran a diagnostic of her weapon.   It was condition green and loaded with S&S ready to go.  She grabbed another clip of S&S and two regular putting them in her pockets.    She paused to make sure that what needed to be slaved to her comlink was. It wasn't much, Predator V, taser, contacts. She wished she had a better one. The one she had was alright but it wasn't really up to par when it came to going on jobs. Taking a few other things she headed for the door grabbing her armored jacket and putting it on as she left and secured the door.  

Walking in the neighborhood most left her alone.   Many recognized the tattoo that adorned the right side of her neck.   A symbol of the Ancients was emblazoned there.   It stood as a warning to those that new the symbol.   If one messed with her they also messed with the Ancients.  If one was dumb enough to cross her they learned the hard way that she was more than capable of taking care of herself.   Taking care of herself came naturally. What didn't was working the shadows. When she ran with the Ancients she had a big group backing her up at all times. Not so with running the shadows. One had to rely only on themselves. If your team was good you could somewhat rely on them to pull your hide out of the fire but in all reality that was a good way to end up dead.

It took awhile for her to cross town to get to the Golden Motel.  Arriving a bit early she decided to get a soycaf from the McHughes on the corner before entering the motel and getting directions to the conference room.    Time to see what Johnny has got for me today. She thought as she left the front desk.

D-man is sitting in his downtown doss watching all of the ads weave their futile dance, trying to get in. A settings switch on the commlink's settings pane silences them for now, at least the worst. Still it was worth it to be able to watch The Cold and the Deadly, a Shadow Romance. D-Man has a soft spot for such helplessly romantic and action filled trids, and can't help but enjoy himself as the latest episode plays out in AR. Unlike most folks, however, he is not watching this by means of some cyberware or piece of optics, but rather his own intrinsic mind. Such was the ability of a technomancer.

It had been Chella, his first sweetheart, who had introduced him to the well-made, but overly dramatic shows, and despite the stereotypical characters and storylines, he finds himself drawn to the fantasy of the action, intrigue, and relationships. The simple fact is, on the streets nothing so innocent exists and it's nice to escape for a while. Guys trick out their girlfriends, sometimes even their own kids, for another nuyen. Desparate rejects will knife a guy, just for a chance Tannamous will buy up the organs they hopefully missed. All so they can get their next fix of drugs or "beetles" (BTLs), repair their aging gun or ride, or just score some new swag. It's all so pointless.

But Uncle Zavok always taught him that was a sucker's game. Subsisting on the streets might work for now, but it takes real money to be able to survive. With no room for another partner in his smuggling operation, Zavok had asked around for him. A few jobs came D-Man's way until he finally had enough to buy a decent ID. Now he needed to buy or make a few more.

The fact he had to use his own SIN on his primary 'link irked him to no end, but it was better than having GOD come down on him for the simple joy of watching a trid show. Besides, all the corporate fat cats could learn is that he makes no real money aside from a few legal odd jobs, lives in a crappy apartment, and likes to watch romantic comedies to escape the humdrum. His second doss over in Pullayup was unknown, as was the identity of Damien King, UCAS licensed security consultant. The fact he bore a striking resemblence to Larry Jameson, his real name, was of no concern to anyone - yet.

When the message from Jonny White comes in on his second 'link, D-Man pauses the show and reads it.

Tani wrote:

To: D-Man-B8C5A5@EmeraldCity-08-795FD28-EEE
From: white-night-F9854@EmeraldCity-F4-A84F2C4-75B

My associate wants to discuss a possible contract.
I understand you are very busy, but my associate is
willing to make the trip worthwhile. You can find us at
Golden Motel, Conference Room 1, ten tonight!

Johnny

TO: white-night-9854@EmeraldCityF4-A84F2C4-75B
FROM: D-Man-986565@EmeraldCity08-795FD28-EEE

I'll be there. Please forward any further instructions on meeting.

D-Man

With a slight shift of his perceptions, the physical world disappears and his mind enters his "real" world, the Matrix. Without a commlink or cyberdeck, he has no chipped in identity, and exists only as his primary Persona, a well built troll with a chainsaw blade mounted on each arm like a vambrace.

>Matrix Grid/Emerald City/Welcome <=identity unknown=>
>Ready

...>Set Nickname "Smith"
>Matrix Grid/Emerald City/Welcome <=Smith=>
>Ready

With his nickname set so he doesn't raise any flags, the dwarf begins his search on his location. He sticks purely to publicly available information, nothing restricted.

...>Search Golden Motel, Seatle Metroplex, Location Matrix Search: Logic (4) + Computer (2) (Data Processing: 4) - Noise (2)= 4 dice; Target: 1; 4d6.hits(5)=2 hits

...>Search Golden Motel, Seatle Metroplex, History Matrix Search: Logic (4) + Computer (2) (Data Processing: 4) - Noise (2)= 4 dice; Target: 1; 4d6.hits(5)=1 hit

...>Search Golden Motel, Seatle Metroplex, Matrix Profile Matrix Search: Logic (4) + Computer (2) (Data Processing: 4) - Noise (2)= 4 dice; Target: 1; 4d6.hits(5)=1 hit

...>Search Golden Motel, Seatle Metroplex, owner Matrix Search: Logic (4) + Computer (2) (Data Processing: 4) - Noise (2)= 4 dice; Target: 1; 4d6.hits(5)=2 hits

...>Search Golden Motel, Seatle Metroplex, News Stories Matrix Search: Logic (4) + Computer (2) (Data Processing: 4) - Noise (2)= 4 dice; Target: 1; 4d6.hits(5)=0 hits

...>Search Golden Motel, Seatle Metroplex, Rumors Matrix Search: Logic (4) + Computer (2) (Data Processing: 4) - Noise (2)= 4 dice; Target: 1; 4d6.hits(5)=2 hits

With some ideas of the place, who owns it, ways out of the area, and what the Knight Errant response time is, D-Man suits up, grabbing his gun, goggles, coat (packed with a few items), the Damien King Commlink, set to public, and his primary commlink, which he sets to hidden. He slaves the lower commlink to his much higher quality Erika Elite commlink. He also slaves his goggles, tag eraser, subvocal mic, and Roomsweeper to the Elite. That done, he uses his handy-dandy monthly bus/train pass and makes his way to the Golden Motel.

Dirk, and his racing team(or at least one of them Simon) were working on his Bike... It was fairly regular maintenance making sure all the nuts and bolts were shinny and tight... They'd been at it for hours, poor stitch the Street doc feel asleep on the sloppy couch in the work area a hat tilted over his eyes as he snored...

The tech dwarf looked to the side at the Ford Americar under the colored plastic cover and then back to Dirk the Ork hard at work twisting a nut in place somewhere on the engine... "You gonna ever give that hot drecking ford you stole from fats back to him or at least get it out of my shop... damn thing makes me noid And just because he dont want it dont be thinking he wont take it back or ask a dreking favor...!" Dirk kept working... grunting at the name of the gangster who screwed him with that technomancer pal of his Dirk hated them both hated all technomancer's because the one caused him his shot...

"Dirk you gonna answer me, or at least get off yer hoop and race again.." Dirk did not want to hear it from his friend he got up from his kneeling position and went outside for a bit the local gangs were out or at least one of the gangs was... He nodded to the leader a grim looking troll teen, that nodded back to him, affirming he was cool with them... Dirk broke out his pack of smokes, and started pulling when his COM went off! It was an invitation to a job meeting, from a guy named Johnny "Probably meant Johnson" He thought... "Better reply" he further thought, and jumped on the old AR pad, and tap tap tap...!

::Message Out going::

To: Johnny


Not sure how you got my number but im glad ya called ill be there...

::Message Ends::

He already knew how he got the contact info Edge his fixer only person could of done it... "Now that's what I'm talking about money in the bank..." he whispered to himself and He went to get his gear and the Ford which had been  slightly modded for riggers...

Silk was sweating under the strain of the boxes he was hauling up from the basement for the surly dwarf who owned the shop, Mystic Marvels. Mr. Lynx knew that the load would be difficult, but it was just his way of forcing Silk to push himself. Granted, most people wouldn't strain under the weight, or have to take breaks ever few steps... but most people also didn't survive such diseases without being crippled far worse than he had been.

When he finally pushed the box into the showroom floor he was covered in a layer of sweaty dust. The old dwarf peered at him from behind his wire-rims. Ah, Silk! So good of you to bring that old box of crushed beetle shells up for me. I was running low. I'll deduct 10 yen from your food bill for this month for your help today. He said with a smile.

Silk smiled weakly. Mr. Lynx meant well. He was just an absolute moralist when it came to life. And that absolute was that everything... and he meant everything... had a price. He would agree that the price wasn't always money, but he liked to keep it that way, it was simpler.

Oh, one more thing, the dwarf said as he turned away to continue dusting the jars. The White-Walker called. He wants you to do a job.

Silk could almost see the dwarf's eyes twinkle with the smile his beard would keep hidden. This was it! This was his chance to prove himself worthy to Johnny White-Walker, and through him, the magical lodge that he and Mr. Lynx belonged to. The old man coughed purposefully to bring Silk's focus back to action and away from speculation. The message is on your comm.

Uh... yeah. Sure.[I'll go get it now.

After reading White-Walker's message, Silk sends a quick acknowledging reply. It was going to take him forever to get from the Barrens to the meet. He was going to a meet! He was going to a meet... He honestly couldn't tell if his racing heart was going to rip itself out of his chest due to excitement or fear. A quick check on the Matrix to find the location of the Hotel brought his momentary high back down to reality... he really needed to get a ride of his own one day. It was going to take forever to get there from the Barrens. Too bad Ging had broken things off again. Her bike would have been a swift and fun ride. As it was, he'd likely have to take the bus. If he left around 8, he should be able to get there in time.

He grabbed his concealable holster and slung it around his shoulders. That was followed by his long-coat. Finally his father's old, Rugger Super Warhawk loaded with six heavy rounds of Stick-n-shock ammo. He never understood why these were regulated, they weren't lethal like standard rounds... but those you buy by the case load and no one looked at you funny. These, you had to have your carry permits, licenses, etc all in order just to get near them. Well, it was just a back-up piece anyway. He wasn't a bad shot, but he certainly wasn't looking to actually use the heavy pistol. Ever.

He picked up a quick loader of more s-n-s and one of regular just in case. The Eye Fivers had a nasty habit of hitting city buses when they got board. And the last thing he wanted to do was deal with them. His commlink went onto his wrist. He left the rest of his equipment on the shelf by his cot in the storage room of Mr. Lynx's shop. It was as safe there as anywhere in Pullayup.

As he still had a few hours, and Mr. Lynx didn't have any more odd jobs for him, Silk went out to grab a bite from a ramen shop down the street before catching the 8:07 bus.

D-Man

Quote :

...>Search Golden Motel, Seatle Metroplex, Location Matrix Search: Logic (4) + Computer (2) (Data Processing: 4) - Noise (2)= 4 dice; Target: 1; 4d6.hits(5)=2 hits

You discover the location of the Golden West Motel:
Golden West Motel 23916 Highway 99, Edmonds, WA 98026

Quote :

...>Search Golden Motel, Seatle Metroplex, History Matrix Search: Logic (4) + Computer (2) (Data Processing: 4) - Noise (2)= 4 dice; Target: 1; 4d6.hits(5)=1 hit

Quote :

...>Search Golden Motel, Seatle Metroplex, Matrix Profile Matrix Search: Logic (4) + Computer (2) (Data Processing: 4) - Noise (2)= 4 dice; Target: 1; 4d6.hits(5)=1 hit

The Golden West Motel offers limited access to the Matrix.

Quote :

...>Search Golden Motel, Seatle Metroplex, owner Matrix Search: Logic (4) + Computer (2) (Data Processing: 4) - Noise (2)= 4 dice; Target: 1; 4d6.hits(5)=2 hits

Quote :

...>Search Golden Motel, Seatle Metroplex, News Stories Matrix Search: Logic (4) + Computer (2) (Data Processing: 4) - Noise (2)= 4 dice; Target: 1; 4d6.hits(5)=0 hits

You find nothing of interest.

Quote :

...>Search Golden Motel, Seatle Metroplex, Rumors Matrix Search: Logic (4) + Computer (2) (Data Processing: 4) - Noise (2)= 4 dice; Target: 1; 4d6.hits(5)=2 hits

OCC: Just checking!

”Thank you for your service, spirit. The field is now cleansed and fertile. It will feed many people.” Robyn thanked an earth spirit she had called. The spirit nodded not one of many words and sunk back into the ground, dispersing back into the mana.

The small community was growing their own food. As much as they could manage. And old Laènne was very glad when she learned about Robyns talents. And for a silver tongue like the community leader it had not taken much to get the redhead to help out. ”Thank you deary. Volcanic ashes is rich in minerals that plants need. But here it also comes with unhealthy stuff.” Laènne had explained to her. ”Without your help it would have taken much longer to prepare the field. You'll get your share of the first batch potatoes.”

Robyn blushed, as she often did when talking to people she didn't know well. ”You're welcome. It's the least I could do.” The red headed elfgirl had moved into her apartment in the small Tarislar community only days ago. It's been barely a week. Anough to make the living room into an appropriately comfortable lodge.

She headed back to her apartment when her comlink chirped. Finally! White Walkers message. She read it, re read it and started thinking. Where is that motel? I bet they advertize soewhere. But I doubt it's around here. I need to catch a bus. She grabbed her gear, armor and coat, then headed for the bus stop to see if she was lucky. Meanwhile she looked up the golden motel and where to find it.

With a hot cup of soycafe in hand Eve walked the three blocks to the motel from the McHughes on the corner.  Taking a sip the hot liquid tasted good as it warmed up her insides.  Even though the walk was short it didn't stop her from keeping an eye out.  While the neighborhood didn't look like it belonged in the barrens there was always something to be on the watch for.  Weather it was gangs looking to enforce their turf or KE looking to keep the dregs of society out there could always be trouble around the next corner

Upon arriving at the place she checked her AR display it was 9:42pm as she noticed the time.  Yup this looks like the address.  Funny this isn't what I expected.  Actually it was the quite opposite of what she was expecting.  This place had more of a warm welcoming vibe to it.  Here in Seattle that was something one rarely found.  It seemed to set her nerves at ease which caused her to pause slightly.  It wasn't a feeling she often had.

She took the steps quickly and looked around.  She gave the gardener a quick nod as he smiled ay her.  Taking a breath to further calm herself she pushed in the ornate wooden door and entered the foyer.  The interior was quaint.  not large and drab like most motels.  The inside expressed the same atmosphere as the outside.  Stepping with a sense of purpose with a sent of caution she moved to the service desk where the Concierge stood.  His smile added even more the feel of the place.  

Coming to a stop at the counter she placed both hands on its edge.  His smile, as if he was happy to see her, caused a genuine smile of her own to appear.  "Hello.  I'm meeting a friend here for a meeting at 10pm in conference room one."

"Got a job" Dirk said as he re-entered Simon brightbolt's shop "bout time" Simon spoke in response "Not a race, its a run" Simon made a face at that. "Soooo how much?" the dwarf asked, "Not sure yet." Dirk responded... "Well from who?" Dirk smirked at the dwarf's question he was worried "Don't know that either... Someone calls himself johnny..." the little dwarf frowned harder "That's pretty damn vague D..." Dirk thought for a moment then spoke "Don't matter I'm going, need the cred, need the distraction. fords ready right?" Simon face palmed himself and said "she's ready alright question is are you..." hmph! Dirk grunted but did not answer... Dumped his gear in the car and hopped in bouncing from the hang out and headed to the meet...

Once on the road Dirk turned up the music his favored hardcore Orc rap group... once he was on 238th Street he parked and hopped out and walked with his gear in a duffel bag... "Ok so sweet digs..." he said to himself as he neared the property entrance...

After making it to the front door he nodded to the proprietor of the establishment "Here for a business thing..."

Daniel eyes open slowly from his comlink beeping.. Anâ stirring in bed next to him she sits up and shakes his head taking a few seconds for his cybereyes to adjust to the scene in the room. Cardboard boxes containing clothes.. unwashed dishes on the table next to some bills and the wallpaper on the wall being half torn off. He eyes down the hot latina chic next to him and give her a kiss on the neck then putting his shirt on he checks the message on his 'link while activated the automatic breakfast machine that only had one selection left working on it.

He yawns heavily pondering the offer. "Random motel room? that Dosent sound suspicious..ugh" he think to himself knowing he couldnt turn the thing down. Grabbing his guns and starting to dress himself to look semi presentable with his "best looking clothes" wich was a *I<3 Seatle* shirt a pair a clean jeans with some white socks and old sneakers then putting his armored Lined coat on patting his pockets for his flash bang.. he usually always carried one around..specially at shady meets.

Anâ woke up still in her underwears putting a shirt on that was way to big for her covering her waist she starts eating her breakfast. Meantime Daniel explains to her hes got a meet today while checking out what meager info he could get on the motel out of his comlink kissing her goodbye he check the bus courses in his image link and books a ride on the next one going in the same direction after exiting his appartment ..once aboard he pipes up some music in his ear buds while checking some of the news on the trix. 15 minutes later hed arrive in front of the motel.

He eyes around the building a bit..specially the neighborhood, what kind of security its got..do they have any gang presence how much people seem to be residing at the motel at the moment and any obvious other security along as back or side entry.. if this was some scam hed need escape routes.

After being satisfied with his scouting of the place hed finally enter and ask whoever was manning the front desk the direction to Conference room 1

Daniel

Quote :

Matrix Search

You discover the location of the Golden West Motel:
Golden West Motel 23916 Highway 99, Edmonds, WA 98026

Quote :

Perception

You notice that there is one Government vehicle parked in the Motel Car Park.

Daniel grudgingly leaves his Ares Predator to the person at the front desk..having spotted a gouvernment car outside the motel he refused to go to this meeting without any heat so he keeps his hidden holdout pistol carefully hidden in his concealable holster underneath his lined coat..if he can make it through he go to the conference room and nod politely to the dwarf as he takes a seat giving him a quick glance for anything he could spot.. hidden weapons,corps tag or badge maybe? Doing the same with the ork man then eyeing out the woman keeping himself from winking trying to keep professional..hed had a few talk with Anâ about flirting on the job before so tried to keep it cool

Getting to he meet wasn't as easy as Silk had thought it would be. There had been a traffic jam due to go ganger slamming his ride into a store front during a high speed chase. That, of course, led to him missing his connection. He had to hot-foot it a few blocks to make it on time. So much for arriving early! But with a couple of minutes to spare, at least he wasn't late.

He briskly walked up to the front desk, checking his sidearm without much thought. Not like he was "unarmed."

Following the instructions the owner had given him, Silk walked into the conference room. He switched his vision to the astral as he assessed those already in the room. He tried to cover his actions by looking like he was trying to find a seat. After sitting he stayed in the astral as the rest of the interviewees entered the room and found seats as well.

Begrudgingly Eve removed her Predator from its holster. With quick hands, as if she had done this many times, she ejected the clip and placed it in one of her pockets. Then she cleared the chamber and caught the round as it flew in the air. The weapon was then placed in the hands of the man behind the desk grip first. With it she also handed over her taser.

Seeing the busboy had arrived she gave the man a nod and followed the kid as he lead her though the motel to the conference room door. She hated giving up her weapons but if this was a way to earn some cred and maybe start to earn a name for herself in certain circles then so be it. Still the feeling was unnerving and she wished she had a few members of the Ancients backing her up.

Taking another breath she pushed open the door and walked in. She saw the three who were standing and assumed they were the ones running the show. She also spotted two others who had already seated themselves. She took a seat opposite of he two others. Settling in she ran a fingers through her dark red hair and setting loose strands behind both ears. The act revealed her own Elf heritage and made the Ancients tattoo even harder to conceal as she looked around everyone who was assembled.

Upon arriving she checked out the surroundings of the motel, walking towards it from the nearest bus stop. Could have been better, could have been worse. She thought. This almost looks like the cabin in Vancouver we had been two years ago.

She walked up to the front door. This is it. Only now realising how excited she was, Robyn took a deep breath to calm herself down.  With a conscious effort, she relaxed her muscles and only then continued to approach the front door.

When she entered, she seemed calm. Though there still was an excited spring in her step. ”Um... excuse me?” Robyn adressed the man behind the desk. His nametag said 'Bob'. ”I'm here for a meeting in conference room one.” When he smiled at her, she blushed.
Robyn wore a dark green Urban Explorer jumpsuit. She looked like an average teenager. 1.65m tall, short, red hair and green eyes. A casual observer might have put her at an age of 13 or maybe 14.
When Bob mentioned the no weapon policy, the redhead was glad she had left her sword at home. Slowly, she reached into her jumpsuit and drew the pistol from it's holster, engaging the safety and handing it over. Then she signed in with her PAN and was lead upstairs.

She looked around the room, taking in the different persons already waiting.

Perception roll on the room, Int3+Perception2=5d Perception roll on the room (astrally) Int3+Perception2=5d (5d6. hits(5)=1, 5d6. hits(5)=4)

”Um... hi.” She said, waving her hand in a rather shy gesture. The gazes of so many people concentrating on her made the blush meet her hair in shade. Right up to her pointed ears. "Um... I'm here for the meeting.

Dirk/Slip Stream was impressed by the architectural digs, but it did not show much, He snorted handing his bag over at the desk then made his way to the meeting room following the bell hop... As he entered the room he brieflyn nodded an made eye contact with what assumed were the guards for the j, then nodded to what he assumed were the other runners seated around the room then he moved to his own seat the Ork was not sure which was which, but he figured seats were for interviewees and he figured the guards were still armed or at least some of the runners again he assumed "Null sheen" he thought, he was not about to break a sweat on someone else's paranoia, and not to many things shook Dirk...

The bus ride was short, but short legs make the walk from the nearest bus stop an ordeal for the small metahuman.

The dwarf walks into the motel after a while. The owner hasn't even gotten to the no weapons bit before he was unholstering the Roomsweeper. Truth told he could do a lot to the enemy - almost everyone relies on wireless these days after all. And he could do it all while hiding under a table, and out of any lines of fire. Besides if his future employer wanted him dead, there was likely little he could do about it. He keeps his goggles on. Better others think he needs the AR feed.

D-Man follows the directions given him, and walks into the conference room. Seeing others here already, he has no visible reaction. With his technomancer senses, he casts about looking for hidden nodes representing commlinks, focusing first on the hotel, then his prospective employer and then the other runners. He sits down and nods a greeting to the others that bother to acknowledge him.

Complex Action: Matrix Perception (Computer 2 +Intution 4; Limit Data Processing (4) -2 for noise Are there hidden nodees around me? 1 hit
Complex Action: Matrix Perception (Computer 2 +Intution 4; Limit Data Processing (4) -2 How many hidden nodes? 1 hit

(OOC: I could keep going, but I figure two rounds is about how much time I'd have before someone gets my attention in the room - the nice thing is none of this builds marks on my end )