Manhattan+Log+1

 *It is January 11, 2072. You are all, more or less, heading about what one does on a Wednesday afternoon after the New Year's buzz has faded*

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 * Yumiko is sitting on the inactive industrial AC unit on the roof of her Warehouse Crib, looking at the skyline. She answers the call. <>

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 *Your AR reveals them to be a "Wildly, hip, Funny and Irrevent comedy show! A Smash hit! (As per NY time entertainment section*)

 <<That team you had last time...was thinking they'd join you>>

<Yumiko> <<Sounds good. We'll be there.>>

<GloriousGM> <<If you can getem>>

<GloriousGM> <<And hey? this is a step up for mes..i'd take it as a real personal favor if you did wells>>

<Yumiko> <<I'll keep your reputation up, Joey. Don't worry.>>


 * Yumiko sends a message to the others. [Meet me at the Astor tonight. Mission.] She attatches the data for the gig.**


 * Gila is browsing the matrix and received yumiko's message. He reply with a confirmation to be there.

<RdMarquis> <<See you there.>> It was almost a relief for Mordred. Things were dead at the restaurant and he hadn't planned on doing much for the rest of the night.

<GloriousGM> *From your experience in the city, you know the Astor theater is a nice par tof NoHo, on lafayette between 4th and 8th. Nice nieghborhood, A/AA security, type of place where lots tourists and business casual mix with the rich and business-suits***


 * Yumiko gets a shower and cleans up, getting presentable, then heads to the meet.**


 * Chuckles is only a couple of whiskeys into his routine for the day. He gets dressed up and checks his pits to make sure they aren't too smelly. He heads downstairs and hails a cab**


 * Yumiko also gets a slinky dress to wear there.**


 * Chuckles makes sure to bring a flask with him since there is so much down time

<GloriousGM> *Yumiko fails to conceal raptor legs and a tail beneath a slinky dress***


 * Yumiko still looks like a professional gymnast, though.

<Mordred> Upon getting home, the adept's first order of business is to clear out his closet and find the dark blue suit and tie he knew he had in there. Mordred's outfit ends up being plain, but it would help him blend in better than his usual jeans and hoodie.**


 * Gila goes help out the Vory for 4 hours, goes back home for a shower, then put on his best clothing before driving his sedan to the show.

<GloriousGM> *Fortunately for Gila, the Vory, a distinctly non-punch clock business, do seem to conclude in about 4 hours of discussion*****

<Mordred> As an after thought, he straps on some discreet armor and a gun.**


 * Yumiko is also wearing her Second Skin armor under the dress, dialed to transparent, and carrying her holdout strapped to her leg beneath the dress hem.**


 * Gila Gila double checked his gears that hid inside his car and move out.

---

<GloriousGM> *The runners manage to finagle their way to the corner of 4th and Lafayette, about 2 blocks south of the theater. Yumiko draws some stares as men and women in a combination fo sporty and expensive clothing move by***


 * Yumiko acts like she belongs. Haters gonna hate. Number of fucks given? Zero.

<GloriousGM> Gila finds himself looking for a parking garage that isn't full...***


 * Gila decide to park on pay parking area

<GloriousGM> (lifestyle covers... your car is 4 blocks south of here... with a valet)**


 * Chuckles is dressed appropriately for the show and area, he scans the area for women

<GloriousGM> *There are several. they seem to be not scanning for chuck however***


 * Gila saw Yumiko with her Raptor Legs again, facepalm.**


 * Yumiko can't exactly take them off.**


 * Chuckles looks dissapointed and pulls out his flask

<GloriousGM> Wait..there's one...tourist...oh, nevermind, she seems to think Yumiko is some of the city's famed street theater, and looks like she might tip her***


 * Yumiko rolls her eyes. "Can't a girl catch a show?"**


 * Yumiko is posing as a 'ware model for Renraku, which she can get away with, plus they wouldn't be pissed if they found out.**


 * Gila walks in the Astor after feeling the taser is still in his pocket.

<GloriousGM> *A door attendant ushers Gila through the arch of the marquis, before he blinks*****

<GloriousGM> "Have a good night sir, seat D5...you can collect a plastic rain jacket since you're in the "Paint Possible" section"**


 * Yumiko also makes her way in.

<GloriousGM> *The attendant stops Yumiko***


 * Yumiko puts on her best snooty attitude. "Can I help you?"

<GloriousGM> "Miss, while I realize how much a lasy of your persuasion and affluence might need to defend herself, I have to ask you to place the weapon in this box here. it'll be returned after the show"

<Yumiko> "Good man. Don't want any Ford's Theater re-enactments, do we?" She passes over the holdout, accepting the locker key that she's given, assuming it works that way.

<GloriousGM> "We at the Astor firmly support the right of visitors of your caliber to travel armed, but this is company policy to avoid unfortunate events"

<GloriousGM> *A Locker code is beamed to your comm

<Mordred> Mordred isn't usually one with the theater. He's a little stiff in his manner as he enters, but hopefully not so awkward that he attracts notice.**


 * Chuckles says dejectedly, "alright... lets do this..."

<GloriousGM> Somehow Mordred walks through without being stopped*****

<GloriousGM> "Ahh, very good gentlemen, with the lady are you?"

<GloriousGM> Seats D3, D4, and D..erm..D1..."

<GloriousGM> "I'm sure if you ask D2 to move, he'll accommodate your party, follow the AROs to your seating please"

<GloriousGM> "next, next, yes, welcome to the Astor.."**


 * Yumiko makes her way to the seat, assuming D2 will be their contact...

//<Chuckles> ((what about me?))//

//<GloriousGM> ((you carrying anything>))//

//<Chuckles> ((just a bazooka))//

//<GloriousGM> ((really?))//

//<Chuckles> ((I mean a light pistol hidden in a slide out holster on his forearm))//

//<GloriousGM> ((The 1 hit missed that then))//**


 * Chuckles is glad to get in from what is assuredly a chilly evening out in Manhattan**


 * Chuckles is more excited about sneaking his flask in than his gun

<GloriousGM> *Quite. The snow has turned to brown slush, but MDC street crews recolor it white every morning in these parts of town*****

<Chuckles> "No outside beverages my ass...."

<GloriousGM> *Arriving in the theater, you find a large amphitheater with quite comfortable seats, and peel-able AR, all tastefully done up. AR tickers quote wiitcicisms and show statistics at you as you wait to begin. D2 is empty until a minute before the show**


 * Chuckles probes the security of the place casually, wondering how easily he could break it**


 * Yumiko makes her way to her assigned seat!

<GloriousGM> * Chuckles find that the firewall is quite hefty. A place like this could very easily have substantial ICE given the AR augmented nature of the show***


 * Gila browse around the local matrix for info.**


 * Chuckles is short for an ork, only 5'11" with a slim build, and he appears to be in his mid 20s. His short brown hair is a bit of a mess, but he is wearing fashionable clothing and is actually somewhat attractive. His eyes are an unnaturally dark shade of green and his pale skin makes it look he spends most of his time inside. His short pointed ears have several earrings in them.

<GloriousGM> *Several large trolls begin practicing physical comedy centering around trendy new AZT advertising trends, and involving what looks like gallons of soykaf and paint. Several audience members are enthralled by the music, the act, and AR induced crowd participation***


 * Chuckles tries to laugh at the show, but doesn't seem too entertained tonight**


 * Yumiko is a rather Asian looking elf, pointed ears sticking slightly out of her hair, which is jet black and comes down to about her shoulders. Her slinky dress comes down to about mid thigh, and is red, nicely contrasting against the black carbon fiber of her augs. She looks over to see if D2 is occupied yet...**


 * Chuckles twitches

<GloriousGM> *After a substantially bright flash of light that ends with a diving troll, and you narrowly being missed by paint, a middle age man moves up one row and sits in D2"

<GloriousGM> "You don't mind if I sit here do you? My shoes can't get paint on them..and Mrs Yumiko is looking lovely...this next part is the best...very loud...but very interactive. A crow favorite**


 * Chuckles eyes the man suspiciously

<Yumiko> "Thank you!" She flashes him a smile. "Feel free. Joey said I would meet new people here tonight!"**


 * Gila imagine his childhood self would loves to get soak in those colors paint

<GloriousGM> "Certainly...why, Ms. yumiko, I hardly recognized you, and your associates"

<Yumiko> "We can be classy when we want to. I've certianly got the background for it."**


 * Chuckles nods to the man

<GloriousGM> He nods to chuck*****

<Chuckles> "Have you seen the show many times?"

<GloriousGM> "Yes they're a favorite of mine."

<Mordred> Mordred is tall and lanky, with slightly unkempt brown hair. His blue suit, though haphazardly retrieved, has been meticulously arranged to look neat. He's also starting to remember /why/ he avoids the theater.**


 * Chuckles analyzes the man thoroughly with his software**


 * Gila gives the man a nod before going back to his pondering and matrix surfing

<GloriousGM> "Especially this next part"

<Mordred> At that, the adept tenses slightly.

<GloriousGM> *The music builds to a thundering crescendo, confetti is falling from the ceiling, and the crowd is generally going nuts***


 * Yumiko cheers!

<GloriousGM> "it lasts about 3 minutes...so...which one of you should i be talking to?"

<Yumiko> "Joey's the one who gave me the job."

<GloriousGM> "If that suits your compatriots, fine"

<GloriousGM> "Simple: I previously employed a small group of men to investigate some competition. they were highly regarded. They disappeared."

<GloriousGM> "However, a computer technician in their employ, they called him Shaffy, has resurfaced in the Pit"**


 * Chuckles is about to say something, but shakes his head and decides not to**


 * Yumiko nods. "Was the investigation high risk?"

<GloriousGM> "I would very much like you to bring him to me so we can discuss the results of his investigation"**


 * Gila enjoys the show since he's too far to hear the conversation

<Mordred> Mordred listens wordlessly, waiting for the man to finish.

<GloriousGM> "It should have been reasonably routine for contractors of their caliber"

<GloriousGM> "Hence my distress"

<Yumiko> "Do we have a dossier?

<GloriousGM> "I'm sure we could release that after you agree to the job..confidentiality agreements you know?"

<Mordred> "Could you be more specific on what they were looking into?" For all they knew, the contractors could have gone on the run. It all depended on what they may or may not have seen.

<GloriousGM> "You just need to bring shaffy to me. If you find any other of the contractors, I'm sure there would be suitable compensation."

<Yumiko> "Do we also get to know who they were investigating? I don't want to piss off the Mafia here."

<GloriousGM> *The trolls on stage take a white knuckle ride through the definable barriers of physical comedy*****

<GloriousGM> "It was a financial audit you might say"

<Yumiko> "Someone skimming more than their cut."

<GMGloryGM> "25,000 to retrieve Mr. Shaffy seems reaosnable, doesn't it? He should be malleable enough when found"

[Chuckles mistakenly roll Lie Detection on the troll on stage instead of Johnson, crit glitched]

<GMGloryGM> *Your software interfaces with the stage set, and finds out that some of the trolls are not as happy as they might seem when covered in gold paint. then it crashes***


 * Chuckles reboots

<GMGloryGM> "So, does this sound reasonable to you?"

<Yumiko^> "What do you guys think?"

<Chuckles> "That sounds like a good chunk of change, is there anything you aren't telling us?"

<GMGloryGM> "Mr...mmm..I don't know your name. See my point? I am being quite straight forward on this"

<Gila> <<I can't really hear you guys over there with this loud orchestra going on, and I'm a bit tire today, so you make the call>>

<Yumiko^> "Sounds good, but if there's stuff you didn't tell us, it'll be extra. Just a little bit of insurance on our part, I'm sure you understand.

<GMGloryGM> "And, by the by, how much do you think 4 Paint Zone tickets to this show cost?"**


 * Mordred imagines there is plenty being left out, but now isn't the time to mention that. "I'm game if you guys are."

<GMGloryGM> *He sends a file and an encryption key to Yumiko's public link*****

<Chuckles> "well, if you can afford to splurge on tickets you can afford to pay us decently. I got 7 grand to retrieve a cat the other day"**


 * Yumiko^ decrypts the file on her crappy Meta Link, makes sure it's safe, and then bounces it to her implanted if it is.

<GMGloryGM> *It is. A dossier set fills out, as well as some reports on shaffy's last traces before disappearing into the Pit*****

<GMGloryGM> *An on stage announcer highlights the man in D2***


 * Yumiko^ looks over, raising an eyebrow.

<GMGloryGM> "You sir! Come up here and be prepared for a show you'll never forget!"

<GMGloryGM> The man smiles apologetically, climbs on stage, and is taken backstage where trideo watch his full preparation for immersion in what until now has simply been label The FUN Tank on ARO***


 * Gila have a bad feeling**


 * Chuckles begins selectively blocking out the AR, tired of the show**


 * Yumiko^ grins, sort of jealous. That DOEs look awesome...**


 * Mordred frowns slightly. Gila isn't the only one who thinks something fishy is going on here.

<GMGloryGM> *With the AR removed, the FUN tank is not much more than a way to swing the man about on wires into various artoistcially placed paint brushes until he is cheereed for being a good sport and lead off of stage***


 * Chuckles twitches again and takes a long drink from his flask

<GMGloryGM> *As chcukles is peeling away AR, he finds that the promotional literature mentions that this FUN Tank has been selecting one lucky audience member nightly, an has been a smashing success for 6 months*****

<Chuckles> "whoopedydoo"**


 * Yumiko^ is slightly suspicious, but it looks like damn good fun!

<GMGloryGM> *On stage 5 trolls arrange themselves in a manners that should not be physically possible, yet are PG-13***


 * Gila hopes he's worrying over nothing, but he will pay full attention to whatever gonna happen

<Yumiko^> "Woooo!"

<GMGloryGM> *And the show goes on for another half an hour in that vein*****

<Chuckles> "Can we leave yet?"

<GMGloryGM> *After the lights come on, the crowd begins slowly mingle-walking their way to the exits, bubbling excitedly*****

<Gila> "hold, I have a bad feeling for our johnson"

<GMGloryGM> *As you leave, you see Mr. J standing next to one of the Trolls of grett Troll group, being given an autograph on his real-livel-paper program, and generally being congratulated by jealous audience members

<GMGloryGM> *He, almost pointedly, does not see you*****

<Gila> "Ah, guess he's fine. Let's go."

<Chuckles> "Of course he is. Let's get to work kids"**


 * Gila gets the general summery of the mission as they leave Astra**


 * Chuckles looks over the dossier

<GMGloryGM> *The file has a dossier of 5x individuals***


 * Gila also grab the plastic rain jacket because he might need it

<GMGloryGM> *Shaffy is an Ork, and has substantial notation and identification. Apparently he is a competent hacker, also, after you get through the corp speak, a decent independent runner*****

<+GMGloryGM> *there are two elves, simply tagged "2nd floor", one male and one female. No names, but decent trideo captures*****

<+GMGloryGM> *One chromed out human labeled Shatter, with notes to being an efficient, yet discrete, personnel reduction asset*****

<+GMGloryGM> *There is also a Dwarf labeled Mega, noted as the likely astral support for the team*****

<+GMGloryGM> *highlighted routes display Sahffy's last known location, passing a Sin scanner on 6th street into the Pit*****

<@Chuckles> "yay, the Pit!"

<+GMGloryGM> *Notes indicate none of the other team members has been seen since 07 JAN

<+Gila> "Great, the Pit."

<@Chuckles> "4 days, huh...."

<+GMGloryGM> *Shaffy's time stamp is 09 JAN*****

<+GMGloryGM> *A suggestion indicates that Shaffy had been known to work with the Cutters in the past, but that intial questions by Mr. J turned up nothing from that gang***


 * @Chuckles looks for any other information on what Shaffy was trying to accomplish there**


 * +Yumiko^ examines Shatter's Dossier. Lists on his augs?

<+GMGloryGM> The Dossier indicates that the team had been conducting an investigation downtown, had fallen off the grid between the period of darkness 06-07 JAN*****

<+GMGloryGM> *Wired reflexes, suspected to be of decent quality, at least one synthetic cyber arm, unknown skull mods***


 * @Chuckles does tries a data search for the best place to find the Cutters

<+Yumiko^> <<We're going to want to watch out for Shatter. He's pretty hopped up, looks like he can move fast. I might be faster, but not sure. Either of you guys good at long range?>>

<+GMGloryGM> *Gila recalls the Vory and the Cutters have been off and on about merger talks in the Pit, and that the cutters have made major in roads there.*****

<+Gila> "Cutters eh? I might have some lead to them"

<@Chuckles> "I think I might want to swing by my place and get a little better prepared if we are going to head down into the pit"

<+GMGloryGM> *Chuckles finds a wide variety of conspiracy, a few blogs, a bit of shadowtalk referencing the cutters recent increasing strength in the Pit area, and a publciied NYPD Inc report showing decreased crime in the Pit after a spike two years ago*****

<@Chuckles> "I always hated that name, they sound like a bunch of emo girls who think no one understands them"

<+GMGloryGM> *Other data indicates that cutters can be found in various chapters throughout Manhattan, being especially interested in import/export along the Port Authority terminal***


 * Yumiko^ is now known as Yumiko

<@Chuckles> "Don't tell them I said that though.... I prefer my skin attached"

<+Gila> "You can always grow a new skin."

<+Yumiko> "You've obviously never heard of Nanotech cutters. Look just like a gray mist, but they'll turn you into pink sludge in a matter of seconds."

<+Gila> "Oh man, those stuff must hurt like hell."**


 * @Chuckles scratches at his face with his cyberhand, "It wouldn't be the first time..."**


 * @Chuckles looks at Yumiko, "nice nonsequitor, ADD girl"

<+Yumiko> "If you have time to hurt. They'll eat the nerves, too."

<@Chuckles> "So whats the plan, guys?"

<+Yumiko> "I vote first we stop standing around in the street and go someplace warmer to plan. My place?"

<@Chuckles> "We don't have a lot to go on right now"

<@Chuckles> "Sure, I'll meet you there after I stop by my pad"

<+GMGloryGM> *A crisp 1 Am wind reinforce Yumiko's word*****

<+Gila> "Sure, I will meet you there while we think of a plan."**


 * @Chuckles hails a cab and takes it to his place, grabbing a bag and changing clothes and gear before heading to Yumi's**


 * +Gila goes back to his car, wears his armor and drive to Yumiko home.**


 * +Yumiko lives in what looks like a medium security warehouse, a small sign above the people door proclaiming "Fly by Night Deliveries"

<+Mordred> "Agreed." Mordred does the same, catching a cab to the warehouse.**


 * +Yumiko buzzes them in, and shows them up to her actual living quarters, which are in the old office section at the back, with windows overlooking the warehouse proper.

<+GMGloryGM> *Gila narrowly avoids getting carjacked driving his POV into Chelsea***


 * @Chuckles shows up in clothing more fitted to not being noticed and a messenger back over his shoulder

<+GMGloryGM> *Mordred gets dumped unceremoniously 10 blocks away as his autocab informs him company policy is not to drive there. it apologizes metallically***


 * +Yumiko is wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants cut short to not interfere with her raptor legs.

<+GMGloryGM> *Chuckles gets the joy of an Indian Ork telling him more or less the same thing***


 * @Chuckles hacks the cabby before he hops out so that the cabby will get spammed later on

<+GMGloryGM> *As they walk to the warehouse, two citymasters race buy, deploy 20 NYPD troopers, and a violent raid on an apartment block begins. Nothing to see here, citizens"

<+GMGloryGM> The cabby is undoubtedly miserable***


 * @Chuckles would rather walk than take the subway and sit in urine, again

<@Chuckles> "Yumi, why the hell do you live in this shit neighborhood?"**


 * +Yumiko opens the main door about five feet, enough for the car to get in, then closes it again. "Simple. Real estate's cheap, nobody screws with me, and I get to have a firing range and indoor parkour course."

<+Mordred> Figures. Mordred simply walks the rest of the way. He stays out of sight. No need to attract trouble beforehand.**


 * +Gila steps out of the car, "nice space."

<+GMGloryGM> *The assorted runners assemble in Yumiko's warehouse, trying to ignore the rust colored water drooping in the corner. It might have been a special snowflake once, before it spent all day on the roof

<@Chuckles> "You could move to the Midwest and get the same thing"

<+Yumiko> "Ah, but then I have to put up with door to door salesmen." She grins, leading the way to the waterproofed office sector where the living quarters are.

<+Yumiko> "And, the landlord doesn't object to me having illegal weapons here. Because the landldord's a computer."

<@Chuckles> "Next time we go to Gila's"

<+Gila> "Yes, you should all try some of my liquid that I've been saving."**


 * @Chuckles shakes his head, "That sounds disgusting, nevermind".

<+Gila> "I keep all my illegal stuff inside this baby." Gila pats the vehicle's smuggling compartment**


 * @Chuckles only slightly smells of alcohol at the moment

<+Yumiko> "All right." She pulls up the information in an cloud of AR files floating through the room. "Okay. What's the idea? I say we try to get a bit of surveillance and find him."

<+Gila> "Well, hack some local camera and security videos from the past few days would be nice."

<@Chuckles> "surveillance of where?"

<+Gila> "Wherever those guys disappeared to"

<+Yumiko> "Areas where we can find them."

<+Gila> "This is Manhattan, camera is everywhere."

<+Mordred> "Downtown comes to mind."

<+GMGloryGM> *Gila recalls that the Pit is famous for a bunch of competing gangs fighting it out while housing a bunch of neo As. it is one of the few places in the city where the cameras are rare, and the SIN scanners araer...mainly because they get torn down, and NYPD has adopted a emi-containment policy. Its not feral or the Redmond Barrens, but its definitely "bring your own law"

<+Gila> "Actually, I just remember that is a rare place with little camera"

<+GMGloryGM> *The cutters moved in a bit ago, and started pushing other gangs out...during some urban renewal, the MDC tried to put scanners into all its new porjetcs, but onyl a handful remain*****

<@Chuckles> "I think they want the pit to be "completed" by 2085... good luck with that".

<+GMGloryGM> *Chuckles knows that the Pit is surround by a ring of NYPD Inc checkpoints leading into the city proper, each of which tends to pay decent scuritny to anyone coming out, but not anyone going in

<+Yumiko> "We have any drones we could put up?"

<+GMGloryGM> *it also has some fabulous bars***


 * @Chuckles looks at his funds

] <+Gila> "I have a gun drone and mechanic drone only."

<@Chuckles> "Maybe some good ol fashioned on the ground legwork is what we need, see if anyone might have heard about our guys"

<+GMGloryGM> *generally speaking, it gets worse as you head towards the river, and is a popular entry point for illicit materials when the terminal is overflowing, or NYPD is looking hard that way*****

<+Yumiko> "We'd have to go pretty heavily armed."

<@Chuckles> "Obviously"

<+Gila> "Not a problem."

<@Chuckles> "As long as we aren't outnumbered I think we can hold our own"

<+GMGloryGM> *If your into the rage rock scene, the Bowery Ballroom is a happening place, and its private security helps compensate for the lack of NYPD..which suits a lot of the NEO-As just fine*****

<+Yumiko> "Biggest thing I have is an SMG."

<+Gila> "I would rather we get more information before we get in though"

<+Yumiko> "At least I'll fit in." She gestures toward her legs.

<+Yumiko> "I know a beat cop who might be able to help us a bit too."

[Mordred Critical glitch police related Knowledge!]

<+GMGloryGM> *Mordred stutters, stammers, forgets whats he's saying, then makes some shit up about technomancer police on the perimeter*****

<+Yumiko> "Technomancer police?" She looks skeptical.

<+Mordred> "Excuse me. It's been a long day."

<+Mordred> Perhaps it's his imagination, but the adept swears he can hear his mentor spirit laughing.

[Chuckle succeed police related Knowledge]

<+GMGloryGM> *The area has little organized crime influence, largely because of the necessity of incorporating mos things that would be organized. The big gang battles of 68-70 left the cutters the clear victors..pissing off the neo-As, and allowing the Vory and Mafia to compete for distribution through them. There's still quite a few turf gangs around there though*****

<+GMGloryGM> *The triads generally don't bother since they have Chinatown, and the yaks still consider it to be too much effort in comparison to white collar crime elsewhere**


 * +Yumiko puts in a call to Frank, her cop friend.

<+GMGloryGM> <<gzzaah..gzzhha..huh..hello?>>

<+Yumiko> <<Hey Frank, sorry to wake you, but I've got to find someone last seen in The Pit... Any ideas?>>

<+GMGloryGM> <<What? Why?>>

<+Yumiko> <<Someone is willing to pay me a very large amount of money to do so. They were checking some finances, and disappeared a few days ago."

<+GMGloryGM> <<I'll tell you this: if you hear the checkpoint guys looking at you and start muttering Neo-As... thats bad. you see, neo-A is kind of a coverall...and generally means the CP boys are about to kick the hell out of you on live trideo, and sell it on pay per view.>>

<+GMGloryGM> <<Legal and all, since neo-A is about as popular as terrorist around here. And naturally, a trespasser>>**


 * Gila learned a new thing for his smuggling career.

<+GMGloryGM> <<I did a few years in the Pit before the big fights...I gotta say this...there ain't no warlords anymore, but as many spines a you might kick, you don't want to get in a brawl in there.>>

<+GMGloryGM> <<We only go in when the mayor is making a revitalization push now a days>>

<+Yumiko> <<Thanks a lot. I figure if we tell them we're going in to help clean things up, they might go easy on us."

<+GMGloryGM> <<I think you overestimate how much your average trooper gives a shit>>**


 * Gila wonder if that's a cue that they takes bribe.

<+GMGloryGM> <<CP duty isn't for the brightest and inspired>>

<+Yumiko> <<So they might need a bit of incentive to leave us alone, you're saying."

<+GMGloryGM> <<Byut we do givem good guns, good ISR, and plenty of back-up. If I recall the portable scanners are a bit below city standards though>>

<+GMGloryGM> <<careful wher eyou go with that..the live feed thing and all>>

<+GMGloryGM> <<They probably won't care that your headed in, but unless your good on ID, coming out might be...mmm>>

<+Yumiko> <<Bet some hot coffee wouldn't go amiss, though. Especially this time of year, and if it was the decent stuff."

<+GMGloryGM> <<Might go a long way>>

<+GMGloryGM> <<As for finding people..i've been on the chelsea beat for years now. Used to be there was a ring of hidey holes in there, gangs and others "rented" safehouses if they could holdem. probably changed by now though>>

<+Yumiko> <<Thanks a lot, Frank. You've been a big help.>>

<+GMGloryGM> <<Alright...no honey, its work...yeah, yeah, they owe me>>

<+GMGloryGM> <<End transmission>>

<Gila> "That was helpful. I probably should hook up with a cop too."

<+Yumiko> "Okay, so we can probably get through the checkpoint by giving them hot coffee and a snack or something. Maje sure they know we're on their side.

<@Chuckles> "I'd bring cash as well"

<Gila> "I probably won't be driving my car in there too."

<@Chuckles> "don't even think about it"

<Gila> "Yep, I will park this baby back home and catch up with you all afterward

<Gila> "Now we know the way to get in, what's should we do when we are in?"

<+Mordred> "I think I've got everything I need for the moment." It wasn't likely they'd need to break into a high security facility in the pit.

<@Chuckles> "I say we go to a club"

<Gila> "might be best to go there by day"

<@Chuckles> "bowery ballroom"

<@Chuckles> "On the other hand, the longer we wait to find them the more likely they are to be dead"

<Gila> "I think they are pretty dead these four days"

<@Chuckles> "Our guy could be hiding out or be captive, who knows"

<+Yumiko> "I can look good in dance clubs."

[Yumiko logged out and become silent GM puppet]

<Gila> "but Chuck might be right, we should check them out now just in case"

<@Chuckles> "The club isn't too far in, and it is a start at least"**


 * @Chuckles makes himself some soykaf

<Gila> "You all do that, I will drive this back to my home."

<@Chuckles> "Just leave it here, Yumi's got security set up here"

<Gila> "hmm... alright."

<+Mordred> "By the way, when and if we find these guys, it might be best not to let them know why we're looking for them. At least until we know the whole story."

<+GMGloryGM> *Yumiko looks thrilled at the prospect. Its a little late, but tonight's headliners are Electric Rat Sex, and who doesn't love them?***


 * @Chuckles tries to figure out the best route there**


 * Gila might know a few route.

[Gila succeed with Smuggling Route Knowledge]

<+GMGloryGM> *The checkpoint at Kenmare and Cleveland is pretty easy to slip by un noticed, for a price. Follow Kenamre in and you'll runs traight into the ballroom.**


 * Gila shares his expertise knowledge of the local checkponits

<@Chuckles> "Cool, lets get a move on"**


 * Gila gives one last look at his car and hopes the anti-theft system will be enough to keep it safe then the Mage Sight Google and a Stim Patch from his car.**


 * @Chuckles calls up a brave cabby willing to take us there

<+GMGloryGM> <<Yellow Cab Late Night...Bowery ballroom..yes we can..where do you want us to pick you up at?>>**


 * @Chuckles hopes they will pick up near Yumis and gives them an address nearby

<+GMGloryGM> <<We can do that. A flat rate of 50 nuyen will apply in addition to standard fare. your cab will be there in 10 minutes>>**


 * @Chuckles meets the cabby and heads to the ballroom

<+GMGloryGM> *the total cost of getting there turns out to be 125 nuyen, a long life story told in bad Jamaican, a some nasty comments about slumming from the NYPD***


 * Gila pay the bill

<+Mordred> ((I'm back.))

<+GMGloryGM> *The ballroom has a not-quite-retortechno/rage/industrial look, artfully design dot look dingier than it is in a pleasing way. Tow very large trolls and a man in a suit parody stand outside the front door***


 * @Chuckles checks out the securuty on the place**


 * @Chuckles heads for the door

<+GMGloryGM> *Being as its 3 in the morning, the line is merely a few minutes long***


 * @Chuckles has probably been here before

<+GMGloryGM> *The human checks a list, blinks as he looks through you, and proceeds to ignore you as one of the trolls come forward wen you hit the door*****

<+GMGloryGM> "I don care bout your ID. I care about you not bringing a fight in here, and paying the cover. End of night, start of night, cover is 20 per head."

<@Chuckles> "No problem".

[20:17] <Gila> "Sure".**


 * +Mordred sends him the charge. No promises, he thought mentally. But if it was any consolation, he wasn't about to start one.

<+GMGloryGM> "And I know you got guns. No one here don't. You can keep any pistols...though fire them and you'll be spitting teeth. Anything bigger, we find you, we kick you out, and we handle things without the boys in black"

<+GMGloryGM> The troll raises an eye to see if any weapons materialize***


 * @Chuckles hands over an Ingram smartgun

<+GMGloryGM> "Thank you. It'll be with that pretty thing behind the cage when you come out"**


 * Gila shows a legal taser

<+GMGloryGM> "taser is good"**


 * @Chuckles frowns at Gila

<@Chuckles> "Just keep it tucked, buddy"**


 * +Mordred indicates the pistol in his shoulder holster, and the taser strapped to his ankle.

<+GMGloryGM> The troll nods***


 * @Chuckles heads inside and takes in the crowd

<+GMGloryGM> *The inside is a sea of humanity, very diverse humanity. Very drunk humanity, listening to some very angry lyrics about rodents and knees. it doens't make sense, but its allegedly political***


 * Gila heads inside and expects Yumi to go wild.

] <+GMGloryGM> *Yumi rather lives up to expectations. There is some fawning over the legs, and a free drink somewhere in the process***


 * @Chuckles forgets what he is supposed to be doing when he sees the women and tries to work up the nerve to mingle

<+GMGloryGM> *There are some obvious bouncers positioned strategically around the place. and, to th trained eye, some very less obvious bouncers as well*****

<+Mordred> He receives a tap on the shoulder. "First things first."**


 * Gila went to order an energy drink from the fridge or vend, preferably G3 while he wait for his member to do their thing.

<+GMGloryGM> *Gila recieves a G3 for a mere 9 nuyen*****

Gila ignore the double price and enjoys the refreshing drink.

<+GMGloryGM> *Chuckles is surrounded by a sea of gyrating, barely covered flesh.*****

<@Chuckles> "uh... huh?"

<@Chuckles> "oh...job..."**


 * @Chuckles bites his lip.

<+GMGloryGM> *The band on stage does something that vaguely resembles the sound a fire hydrant makes when it explodes. the lyrics are probably comprehensible to Yumiko, but not you*****

<Gila> "Ahh, I needed that. Really shouldn't had go work before the other work."

<+GMGloryGM> *This agitates Chuckles's exposure issue*****

<+GMGloryGM> *Apparently these noises and flying panties are inexplicably linked*\**


 * @Chuckles loses his concentration again

<+GMGloryGM> *There are several nooks and tables offset from the main crush*****

<+GMGloryGM> (its on you)**


 * @Chuckles starts checking for anyone with PANs looking for a good time

<+GMGloryGM> *They are predominantly male.*****

<@Chuckles> "Gila, you swing both ways, right?"

<Gila> "What? Hell no."

<@Chuckles> "Oh, sorry, just the impression I got. Don'

<@Chuckles> t be so offended"

<@Chuckles> "Ummm.... wait, we are trying to do something

<+GMGloryGM> *A brightly dressed man stumbles up to chuckles and Gila*****

<+GMGloryGM> "Trying to build your courage, trying to ride the wave man? i got what you need"**


 * @Chuckles looks at the guy

<@Chuckles> "nah, I'm good. You hang out here much? See a lot of the people?"

<+GMGloryGM> "Fine looking fellows like yourself, something a little stiffer than the liquor, I got it for you."

<+GMGloryGM> "Name your poison."

<Gila> "Interesting, do you sell info?"

<@Chuckles> "I'm actually looking for a someone"

<+GMGloryGM> "Uh...I ain't no data broker, but I know some people round here...whatchou need son?"

<Gila> "Looking for a guy, introduce me to a good broker and you earn yourself a tip."

<+GMGloryGM> "how soon you loookign man?"

<Gila> "He's missing about 4 days"

<+GMGloryGM> "Uh, what> you want a broker who's been missing 4 days?"

<+GMGloryGM> "You sure you don't want some of this shit?"

<+Mordred> "No, but the guy we're looking for has."**


 * @Chuckles has dazed out and is watching the crowd again

<Gila> "No thanks, man. I just had my shit."

<+GMGloryGM> "Hey..uh...you talk to Hunter over there" He points to a dwarf at a private table " tellem jules sent you kay?"

<Gila> "Thanks." Tip the guy 100 nuyen.

<+GMGloryGM> *The man reacts appreciatively as the cred slides between accounts***


 * @Chuckles heads towards the dwarf

<@Chuckles> "Hey, Hunter old pal"

<+GMGloryGM> The dwarf flicks his head to prevent the elf behind his table form moving aggressively towards you*****

<+GMGloryGM> "I'm afraid I don't know you"

<+GMGloryGM> "I don't do biz with people I don't know"

<+GMGloryGM> *He cocks his head slightly for a moment*****

<+GMGloryGM> "Your two friends either.*****

<@Chuckles> "No, no you don't. Jules said you could help me out"

<+GMGloryGM> "Ah jules"

<+GMGloryGM> "He's an idiot, but i suppose that means you asked at least...something that sounds like it;d interest me"

<@Chuckles> "I'm trying to find someone who was last seen in the area"

<+GMGloryGM> "The area? That's rather, undefined"

<@Chuckles> "He was seen entering The Pit at 6th street 2 days ago"

<+GMGloryGM> ((The pit is many square blocks, and home to millions))

<+GMGloryGM> "Was he now?"

<+GMGloryGM> "That narrows it to a few hundred thousands"

<+GMGloryGM> "look, this isn't amateur night"

<@Chuckles> "If I give you more details is this something you can help with?"

<+GMGloryGM> "Let me be precise. I do two things. I answer questions, and I link clients with professionals. That is my help. If thats what you are asking for, yes."

<+GMGloryGM> "And, it always costs. So...gentlemen...if thats acceptable, lets proceed. If not, your wasting my time"

<@Chuckles> "Sounds like a deal"**


 * @Chuckles sends him the basic info on Sheffy

<+GMGloryGM> (roll either perception visual -5, or negotiation)

<+GMGloryGM> (no penalty on negotiation)

[Mordred Succeed]

<+GMGloryGM> *Mordred detects a pause, not significant, but serious enough it breaks Hunter's flow. it rapidly disappear*****

<+GMGloryGM> "yes, I know who this is"

<@Chuckles> "Do you? Did you have contact with him?"**


 * @Chuckles makes sure his lie detecting software is running

<+GMGloryGM> "I'm not sure you caught the part about cost"

<@Chuckles> "I did, and I will pay as long as the info is good"

<+Mordred> "We heard. And we're willing to pay for the information."

<Gila> "It would depends on how much you know about it."

<+Mordred> He has to wonder why Hunter reacted like he did to the dossier.

<+GMGloryGM> "He has made inquiries through me before, and I have brokered with him before as a purchaser. Any more than that requires payment up front i'm afraid"

<@Chuckles> "How much are you looking for?"

<+GMGloryGM> "1500"

<Gila> "We don't need his life history."

<+GMGloryGM> "That's not paying for his life history"

<@Chuckles> "I can agree to that, but I'm only paying half up front. If the info is good I will give you the other half. If I don't, I give you permission to trash my rep or have me killed"

<+GMGloryGM> "You can pay, or you can't."

<+GMGloryGM> "I assure you, ask the locals, my information is good"

<+GMGloryGM> *He fold his hand neatly on the table

<Gila> "You strike a tough bargain... fine." Gila send him 1500

<+GMGloryGM> "Very good."**


 * @Chuckles does a quick search on the shadowrun based networks for any info on this Hunter fellow

<+GMGloryGM> "The man you are looking at is indeed a runner...a combat hacker to be precise...of some repute in this community"

<+GMGloryGM> "He goes by the street name of "Shaffy", though he is often also called Khalid"**


 * @Chuckles nods

<+GMGloryGM> "He typically fills jobs that need mobile hacker support..the type that can survive, perhaps, if a gunfight goes off inside the wifi protected area, mm?"

<+GMGloryGM> "He usually worked with 3-4 other associates, they were a good crew, pretty tight"

<+GMGloryGM> "They went out of here about 4 days ago...word is, something went wrong."

<+GMGloryGM> "Don't know what. Anyhow, Shaffy came back. The others..haven't heard"

<+GMGloryGM> "Rumor has it he went to his buddies in the Cutters..and that they flat turned him down. Don't KNOW why, but I have my suspicions"

<+GMGloryGM> "And, if the talk is true, weird thing was that this wasn't going to be a back-breaker of a job he was pulling, rifhgt? Just something to pay the bills"**


 * @Chuckles continues nodding

<+GMGloryGM> "He was a careful guy, always did his legwork, a little paranoid. He'd have worked mighty hard to avoid wandering in to something that dangerous"

<@Chuckles> "Anything more specific?"

<+GMGloryGM> "Now, if the cutters turned him down, that explains 6th street right? Cause that's axeman territory"

<+GMGloryGM> "And they aren't too specific on who they get their money from...plus...they've helped hide some runner before, in a apartment block in alphabet town"

<@Chuckles> "ah, the Axemen..."

<+GMGloryGM> "East 6th and D to be precise"

<+GMGloryGM> "Hell, given how much they hate the cutters for pushing them out, they might have taken him in just to pissem off."

<@Chuckles> "makes sense"

[Chuckles lie detection him]

<+GMGloryGM> *He is not lying*****

<@Chuckles> "Do the Axemen deal in magic at all?"

<+GMGloryGM> *Your shadowland search comes back to reveal that Hunter is a bit of a dick, but a pretty competent fixer for independents who operate outsuide the corporate realm*****

<+GMGloryGM> "Mostly the physical adepts and warriors as it were. Not very interested in slinging mojo, but when your name is axemen, people who can slice a car in two with an axe are hard to ignore"

] <@Chuckles> "You didn't hear where or against whom this run went bad, right?"

<Gila> "glad I didn't bring my car." gila thoughts to himself.

<+GMGloryGM> "Well now...that's a different question"

<+GMGloryGM> *he raises an eyebrow significantly*****

<@Chuckles> "How much is the answer worth to you?"

<+GMGloryGM> "Make me an offer"

<+GMGloryGM> "You have been a good client so far, so this can be discounted I think"

<Gila> "I can't pay anymore than 500. Consider it an even 2k you just made from me."

<+GMGloryGM> *He pauses for a moment, then nods*****

<+GMGloryGM> "Send it"**


 * Gila send another 500

<+GMGloryGM> "Forthright Investments Limited. They're a financial service firm, do a lot of market work."

<+GMGloryGM> "they've been very successful recently in South American and SouthEast Asian markets. Making a killing securities, bonds, and commodities in both places."

<+GMGloryGM> "they have had, if the propsectus is accurate, an ennourmous 3 quarters in both of those area, spiing whenever rebellions and insurgencies heat up"

<+GMGloryGM> (spiking(

<+GMGloryGM> "At the expense of several other high risk investment firms I might add"

<@Chuckles> "of course"

<+GMGloryGM> "Run was pretty simple, from what I hear; go in, grab some quants or analysts and some paydata, then get out"

<+GMGloryGM> "Hell, the building they work out of has dedicated the first three floors to locla businesses to give back to the community. granted, it also gives their employees free kaf shops, boutiques, and food without them having to spring for a caefteria, all while collecting rent..."

<@Chuckles> "Do you know which location this happened at?"

<+GMGloryGM> "...but anyplace with other shops INSIDE its offices can't be too high security right?"

<@Chuckles> "Sure it can, depending on how you set it up. That could be a perfect cover"

<+GMGloryGM> "The shops check out as indepedent...well, as idnepednetn as you cna be in this city"

<+GMGloryGM> "The uilding was on 388 greenwhich. out by pier 25, just north of Stuyvessant"**


 * @Chuckles nods appreciately, recording everything for future reference

<+GMGloryGM> "Will that be all, Mr. Gila?"

<Gila> "Yes it is, and I must say that your info is indeed good and detailed."

<@Chuckles> "It was a pleasure doing business with you"

<Gila> ((Gila is my real name D:))

<+GMGloryGM> "Always. You may want to grab Ms. Yumiko on the way out. She seems rather entranced with the band.

[End Session]**