Aztechnology Black Hats Flawless Victory

GM: Mr. Terrific
Players: Vera, Bunnie, (Calavera, Musara)
Synopsis: Aztechnology is buying up residential real estate on a hillside in the UCAS overlooking the PCC and the OCC government offices so they can use it as a listening post - laser microphones, ECM, and all that stuff that you need the window tumblers and the white noise generators to stop, at a high level. But some people just won't sell. So it's the runners job to MAKE them sell, by any means necessary - although dead men sign no title papers. Ten people, ten sales.
Date: 1/24/2071


The word goes out in the traditional way, with only the slightest twist. It's a 'Black Hat' mission, specifically so-called because the people putting out the call asked for it to be that way. Word on the street is that a prior group of 'runners answered the call and then wimped out when they were told what they had to do, and the meet done went bad. How bad a meet could go at a rent-an-office office park in a 'B' security section of town is hard to imagine, but that's the 'word on the street.'
(The address and time for to meet at the rent-an-office office park is thusly given.)

Musara travels out by cab to the Office park location where the meet is supposedly located. He takes a deep breath and steps out of the cab, finding the place described by his hotel manager, who secretly works in the shadows as a Johnson. When he finds the place, if no one is located outside, he gives a rap at the door asking permission for entry.

The place itself is a rent-an-office park; made of many generic offices with generic levels of service that one rents by the hour, day, or week. Upon entering the polycarbonate doors and saying the appropriate name, the rentaguard at the front will be happy to direct you to the correct floor and the correct office which has no name, only a number.

Bunnie drops off near the meet, dressed appropriately in black. Charlie Parker, her normal info broker, indicated they might need some gunz here, and that there would be a payout. Since she's in that natural place where she's completely out of money, that sounded good to her. She meanders down to the rent-a-slot park, she enters and says the codeword, rolling her eyes at the silliness, and moves into the Meet Point. She's not armed, as "b" security would probably object to her normal armament.

Things change when you enter the actual office itself. A human female secretary is plugged in at the lobby entrance, smiling to greet you officially and direct you into the conference room of the renta-office where awaits a business-suited, black-haired human man. Accompanying her is another dwarven security guard, who eyes you carefully.

«Auto-Judge[]» Musara (#730) rolls Intelligence:
2 3 5 7 11
«Auto-Judge[]» Bunnie (#659) rolls Intelligence:
2 4 4 4 5
You paged Musara with 'He is no ordinary security guard. His eyes are too big and too teched, he is too alert, his movements are too precise, he has too many weapons concealed on his person.'.
You paged Musara with '(The dwarf.)'.

Calavera parks a block or so away. No sense in trying to look all stealthy. She leaves her big guns in the truck, locking it down firmly before striding to the meet. She scopes the location as she approaches.

«Auto-Judge[]» Calavera (#1192) rolls Intelligence + 2 (enhanced Perception):
1 1 3 4 7 11 17
You paged Calavera with 'The dwarf is no ordinary security guard. His eyes are too big and too teched, he is too alert, his movements are too precise, he has too many weapons concealed on his person.'.

«Plot» Bunnie big buff ork, not so good with smartz

Musara works his way into the building after being let in by the guard. He follows the guard down the halls and floors to get to the meet, at which he would remain standing unless asked to be seated. He gives a slight bow to the small group in the office in greeting, and pays a little extra attention to the dwarf, keeping his thoughts to himself.

Eventually, all may arrive in the low-average tastefulness of the rented conference room. Via matrix control, the secretary obviously releases the magnetic catch on the door to let it swing closed and latch in a perfectly ordinary fasion, with the dwarf and the secretary on the outside, and the businessman on the inside. "Good day," he says. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance." With something of a weary air, he brings up a office-style plasti-cardboard box, in which are ten folders of papers which he spreads out for you, as well as a projector with which he projects a real-estate map up on the beige wall.

Bunnie looks over the papers spread out, and picks up a folder if it's set up like that. She settles down on a chair, making it groan somewhat.
Vera has arrived.

The businessman holds his hand up to his ear as if he is receiving information on a commlink, and then the door opens for Vera to rush in and join the group. There are ten (now nine) folders of papers on the table, and a projector that is showing a real-estate map up on the wall. The papers, Bunnie can determine, appear to be real-estate purchase contracts - the important stuff up front, and then a hell of a lot of fiddly bits coming afterwards.

Musara takes a look towards the map after nodding "Good day". He picks up one folder as well taking a look at it's contents trying to figure out what they mean, while glancing between them and the projection.

The businessman begins, "The group I represent is attempting to purchase these ten lots from their current owners. We have made what we believe to be fair offers, and yet they persist in not selling to us. As you can see on the map, with these ten lots, as well as the ones we have aalready purchased, we will have secured this entire area to build a collected facility merging all the lots."

Calavera eyes the guardsman as she sits down, listening to the other people as they make their hellos and salutations. She doesnt' speak, simply watching with an expression as unreadable as a swahili newspaper translated in to chinese.

The businessman continues, "Your goal is to convince these ten people to sell. For each one you successfully convince, you will be paid 2000 =Y=. For each one you fail to convince, your account will be penalized 2000 =Y=, as we will then have to hire a wetwork team and that entails drawing up new paperwork with their next of kin and waiting for probate. If your performance is exemplary and you demonstrate that the task was impossible, you may be hired for the wetwork mission.""
The businessman finishes, "In addition, if neither of you are licensed notaries before the court, we can provide one to you free of charge."

Bunnie says "Let me be clear. Youse saying you'se tryin ta hires us to b da muscle. And ifn' we don't convince the slicks ta sells, we owes you??"
Vera glances down at the papers. Don't play the ball, play the man. She'd have earned lots of red cards. She nods at the businessman. She glances around. "I…actually have a working relationship with a lawyer, who will undoubtedly be able to provide a licensed notary that is…used to this sort of business," she says. "But I can understand if you would wish for only your people or us to be aware of this process," she says. "Also, do you object to any property damage on the sites ahead of time, or were you intending to demolish everything anyway? There are many ways to convince someone that the value of their property matches an offer they might not yet think sufficient."

The businessman considers, "Your account can't go below zero. But you admit that if you fail, you make things substantially harder for us."
Bunnie says "So's ifn' we convinces five folx ta sells, we gets nuthins."

Musara looks to the mapping and shakes his head to the notaries topic not speaking much more than "I'm not one." He nods to the cost though, ten twos is twenty, which isn't bad considering the offer. He lets the others go with the questions since he is still a little unsure on the process of how these meets go, but he sure makes mental notes on the answers to them.

The businessman perhaps had not thought of this. He cocks his head as if he is listening on his commlink, indicating that perhaps he has a controlling authority elsewhere. To Bunnie he says, "If you do so poorly, I suggest you just phone it in and we will take you off the case… move it to wetwork." To Vera he says, "The notary is the notary. Any such notary will have the resources to make appropriately verifyable copies of the proceedings. It matters not which one you choose. As for demolishing, we prefer that as little demolishing as possible takes place - property damage attracts attention which is bad in the short and long terms. While we will eventually clear the area, it will not happen immediately."

Calavera continues to listen, not quite sure whats being offered. "Many words here. Very little being said."

GM Note: At this point, Calavera sounds very cool in what she is asking by the manner in which she is asking it.

The businessman turns to Calavera. "What do you need to know?"

Bunnie shakes her head. She doesn't seem impressed.

Calavera exhales… She doesn't recognize anyone here, the J is seeming obtuse… "In few words, state what you want done. Be concise."

The businessman says, "Ten people own ten lots of real estate. Convince them to sell."

Calavera purses her lips a moment, then asks… "Do you speak spanish?"
He says, "If need be."
Calavera grunts a nod then. "* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *" (Spanish)
You paged Calavera with 'He switches in the appropriate chip to let him understand - fill me in.'.
Calavera pages: speak spanish=; grunts a nod then. "I am not a negotiation. I can only assume you brought me here because you assume they will not negotiate. Therefore, restate what you -actually- want."
You paged Calavera with 'He says, "We already negotiated in an ordinary fashion. They are unwilling. Make them willing. How you do it I don't care, except killing them makes it harder on us. I'd tell you to break their fingers, but I don't want to cramp your style. You might like leg-breaking better."'.
He answers back in clipped, professional, obviously chip-driven spanish.
Calavera nods… She still speaks in Spanish… "Do you need the buildings intact, or just the land?"

He says in english, "That was already answered."

Calavera looks to the others at the table. "My english… not good. What was answer?"

Bunnie says "Slick wants stuff ok, persons to sign. He not paying enough for to kill thems. I not interested unless is more for yes, less for no's."

Calavera raises an eyebrow at that assessment, but nods to bunny in thanks. She stands up, offering the J a nod. "Is not for me. But thank you."
The businessman has a long-suffering look. (Then again, from a negotiation standpoint, Calavera's admission is money in the bank.) In spanish he says, "Destroying the buildings is bad for you and bad for me." And if that doesn't change things, he will wave his hand at the door, and it will unlatch for Calavera's exit.

GM Note: So, while at first Calavera seemed stylish, it is now revealed that her impassive, unreadable face was due to the fact that she couldn't understand a word that was being said. Does anyone wander into these things? So, while this Johnson has his street sammy dwarf guard beat up and rob people who insult him by coming to a 'black hat' mission and then saying, "Oh, hey, that's out of my league of evil, I'm gonna walk," having Calavera shot and beaten down would be 1. kicking a cripple and 2. so much a pointless waste of time that it is beneath him to give the order. So she walks without being harassed. (Of course, that could have been Calavera's clever plan in escaping the meeting this way all along.)

«Auto-Judge[]» Bunnie (#659) rolls Negotiation (haggling) vs TN 5:
3 4 9 20 = 2 Successes

Calavera turns without further comment or disruption. It's not professional to bicker - sometimes you just admit its not for you, and leave.

The dwarf outside gives Calavera a professional stink-eye as she departs, safely and without further incident. If you could listen in on their commlinks… well.

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 4 vs TN 5 for "The businessman attempting to haggle with the clearly crafty ork":
4 4 5 17 = 2 Successes

The businessman says, "I am authorized to reduce the penalty for failure to 1000 =Y= and to only apply it if you actually kill the target, resulting in new paperwork and probate court."
He says, "You are working on commission, though, and your percentage of each success must remain at 2000."

Bunnie looks at the others, raising an eyebrow at the others.

Musara gives a slight smile and nod to Bunnie
Vera chuckles. "For each of us, of course," she says, saying her first words. "Because I really do not think you would waste our time by offering us jobs at four…now five hundred nuyen apiece."

The businessman says, "Yes, that was assumed. A fully successful mission should net you 20,000 =Y=."
"Each, individually."

Vera glances around the room. Bunnie has managed to lower the risk of the job. While Vera ordinarily would negotiate, especially from a different angle (for higher potential payout,) she is impressed by the ork's work and then just smiles and nods to her, making no further offer. She smiles to the J. "Unfortunately, so many assumptions are often misunderstood by the other party. I'm just glad we cleared that up," she says, glancing at the plans.

The businessman says, "Am I to assume that we are now basically agreed?"

Vera nods. "One more question. Has your legal department been through all ten of these? To make sure there are not any…actual irregularities that could be used, to tip the balance in a negotiation. I'd hate to redo work that has already been done, that's all."

Bunnie says "I's Bunnie. I's in, if'n da othas are! i's good at da muscles and da 'letronics, othas needs to does tha other types of convincin'"
The businessman answers Vera, "Yes. They are as airtight as can be managed. The appraisals are independent, and the offers are pegged at twenty percent above the average of the three appraisals."

Musara nods to the businessman "I'm understood to the job as well, ten places for 2."

The businessman says, "If we are ready then; you may have the use of this facility, its secured Matrix connection, and our secretary for the three hours remaining on our contract. Then we must depart the premises."

Vera arches an eyebrow. "And yet none of the ten sold?" She tilts her head. "Hmm…that -is- indeed a bit odd. How many offers for other properties for a similar project were accepted?" she asks.

Some looking at the projection on the wall shows - seventeen sold, ten did not.

Vera glances up at the wall, seeing seventeen sold, ten did not. "Hmm. That's a rather high number of people who didn't accept an offer twenty-percent above market price, is it?" she asks, rhetorically. She smiles to the Johnson. "This is a fascinating job, actually."

The businessman says, "I am happy to entertain."

GM Note: At this point they examine the data for a little while. I determine that neither of them has the necessary security-based, history-based, or visual skills to determine that all of these plots of land are on a hillside overlooking the PCC. This would be an optimum place to fire those laser microphones that you need window tremblers for, as well as a dozen other electronic spying things. But no one has any skill that relates to this, and no one has vision magnification of any kind that would tell them at a glance, when they get on-side, "Hey, I can look in the PCC's windows from here." This plotline is taken directly from one of the rumor/history postings recently.

Bunnie pores over the blueprints. "Annyone 'trixaware, cans do tings like shuts off da powers and da waters?"

Vera frowns, thinking for a moment. "I think the Johnson has given us a mistaken idea," she says. "We have to find out why /ten/ out of twenty-seven people would turn down an offer twenty percent above market value. Something else is going on here. We solve that problem, the rest will fall into place. The great view just isn't enough…but unfortunately all my leads are going dead."

Bunnie says "We's go and beats them til they signs. Seems easy 'nuff fo' me."

"Not such an easy proposition if it's an AAA security sector," Vera says.

Vera goes onto the real estate listings site, looking for other properties in the area, and any recent sales or 'comparables.' She's trying to see how good this 'market value' calculation the J claimed is.

«PLOT» Mr.Terrific says, "The independent evaluations seem average. They're pretty close to one another, and the average of the three of them is decidedly average and similar to the others in surrounding blocks and areas. The only real danger is that they've hyped up the price by paying 17 people +20 percent."

Vera sighs. "All right, it does look like we're over thinking this." She shakes her head. "Idiots. They've bought each of the other properties at twenty percent. Waste of money, and also signals to the other homeowners that they could get more by holding out." She grins. "You can't cheat an honest man," she says, shaking her head wryly. She glances at the other two. "Well, we might have to do some dirty business. But if either of you have compuctions, remember: someone's going to do it, and we might be able to do it as smoothly as possible. Everyone that we successfully convince to sell is one that is going to get a good deal, -and- will not get the wetwork team." She tilts her head. "All right, let's first cross-reference the names of the families on this list, the ones that have kids, and check their attendance at local schools. We make the schools seem unsafe, there is -nothing- that will get those families out quicker."

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Computers:
3 3
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Computers for "1/5 reroll":
1 3
Two have adult children, three have non-adult children, the rest have no children.
The non-adult children go to the appropriate school for their area - the closest one.

Vera frowns. "Okay, we'll have to do this the hard way." She glances to Musara and Bunnie. "How good are the both of you at tailing a difficult target in the UCAS sector?" she asks, glancing at the other two. "Anyone have objections on this plan?" she asks. She finally ah-has. "We're in luck," she says. "Managed to find the school. All three of the non-adult kids go to the same one. So. Anyone got ideas on how we can cleverly make a school seem unsafe? I recommend we do that first, and then visit them last, to let it percolate a bit."

Bunnie says "Is all peoples not to be killings?"
Bunnie says "Best things to make schools unsafes is gangs violence, and bad poisons in air and water."

GM Note: I find it interesting that the first thing the characters think of is how to attack the local elementary school.

"I don't know the UCAS well" Musara says to Vera, "But no objection"

Vera shrugs. "I say we do what we can, kill the most difficult one, use the ominousness to motivate the others to sell. That's seventeen each." She grins. "Actually…what about drugs? I happen to be sitting on a little excess surplus of novacoke, and none of those bright citizen kids are going to get addicted for long."

Bunnie says "We plant the coke ons the popity, thens calls the Knights. They gets hauled outs, needs moneys for da laywers, and sells."

Vera shakes her head at Bunnie. "I was thinking that we just plant stashes of coke in the bathrooms. You know how moral panics work. 'Oh my gawd, there's DRUGS in the schools!' , and we place an anonymous tip to the school's corporate headquarters, or whoever they caught with. Voila, school goes on the news as a drug-riven mess, parents are pulling out their kids. That's the kind of tripe that news organizations love to run, too."
"The details won't matter…either gangs are using the kids as mules, or the kids are using themselves, or if it's the staff. People find drugs in an elementary school, they're going to -freak-."
----------—[ Shadowrun Denver ]-
========================> Contents of Drugs (#11567) <=========================
| Item | Qty | IC Location | Description |
*
—+-+----+-------—*
| 1 | 29 | Carried | Novacoke |
| 2 | 10 | Carried | Jazz |
=============================== 2 Items Listed ================================

Musara nods seeing as the job isn't going to be much easier. He nods to Vera and readies himself to go getting a bit ansy of being in the same place all at once.
Vera goes to check the school's website, to see if it (ha ha) advertises anything about security.

GM Note: At this point, Musara is required to depart for OOC reasons, and so he bows out gracefully.

Musara, despite being ready for the job, doesn't think he has the equipment ready just yet for going on the Job "I said I would, but I keep having doubts. Luck be with you" he nods to the other two and the J "I just don't think I'm cut out for this.

Bunnie shrugs. She doesn't think she's the one for this job anyway, but she's agreed.

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Disguise:
3 4 4 4
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 2 vs TN 4 for "The 65 year old rentacop who follows you around:":
3 4 = 1 Success

The rentacop and the school secretary look at you strangely like you're wearing way too much makeup and you do your hair weird. But they're supposed to take parents around and it's just a freaking school tour. The problem is that they'll remember you.

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Stealth:
1 2 3 4 5
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Etiquette for "Comp skill!":
2 3 4 5 5 17
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 3 vs TN 5 for "I need 3 fives to catch your ass with novacoke in hand.":
2 2 7 = 1 Success

You keep up a running patter. It's hard to say whether it's annoying or distracting or whether the security guard just doesn't want to deal with you because you're so fucking earnest. But the combination works for you, and the drugs are planted without him seeing you. If anything, he just wants to be rid of you.

"Oh, dahling I just think this is such a lovely school. My daughters Willow and Ferm will be -so- happy here! Did you see the jungle gym? Outside, it was so beautiful and perfect." The character that she is playing goes well with the heavy makeup look, like some stupid insipid trophy wife to some…dwarf techno wizard. Or something. Regardless, she manages to pull off her 'planting.' Time to drop a call to the media. "Um, I just saw, like, some shady looking dude slip a bag through the window of a school. I don't know what's going on with that, but shouldn't someone sorta…check that out?" Similar call to the cops.
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Etiquette:
2 2 2 2 4 9
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Etiquette - 1 for "karma reroll 2/6 spent":
1 2 2 4 8
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Etiquette - 2 for "karma reroll 4/6 spent":
5 5 5 11

The cops have a we-promise-the-line-is-trace-free line (yeah right). The media will be sending a car to where-ever you made the phone call from. But the cops don't care, they send someone to the elementary school because it's a fucking elementary school and they have a dog who trips over the drugs. Novacoke… NOVACOKE?! The kids ain't fucking eight years old and they're getting the primo purity like this? In the UCAS? Right here?
It becomes an ongoing investigation - the kids get blood-tested and none of them are drugged, so the suspicion falls on the native american janitor using the school as a stash and deal point because no one would suspect that. But he passes a polygraph test, and well, it becomes a recurring thing.

All dressed up in corporate black, Vera's ready for some critical negotiations when she contacts the three families involved. "Bunnie?" she asks. "You coming too?"
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Negotiation vs TN 4:
3 3 3 8 10 = 2 Successes
Vera is cool and professional when preparing to make the offer. "We were very saddened to hear at the incident at the West Park elementary school," she says. "We think that, well, this area needs a fresh change of pace," she says with a shrug. "We've got big plans to renew this area, which sadly seems to have fallen on tough times. We still are able to make our original offer, so that we can consider…" She smiles. "We were also a little curious about your neighbors," she says, finalizing the deals with the now grateful parents.

Bunnie continues along, backing up her companion. If it seems to begoing poorly,s he is considering what a drive-by might make them thing.

With these three, the dance goes pretty steady. You have your hired notary standing by, and when you bring up 'the incident' it really changes things. The wife says something like, "We HAD been thinking of moving.. and this would be such a good opportunity.. of course we'd have to have somewhere to go.." and this is the indication that the decision is made, it's just a question of when they can move and how long it would take to manage it. You can elide that, work with them, give them up to five months to get out, but once they sign on the dotted line, the deal is done.

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Researching the remaining seven, you get some basic details. One is a young woman in her first professional job, one is an old lady who has been living there her whole life, the next four are single male troll/dwarf/human/elf, and the last one is the neighborhood crazy who 'is a quiet guy, kind of a loner, keeps to himself. Used to be in the military, I think.""

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Investigating the old woman - she's retired - she doesn't work. But she does go to the store and so forth. You may buy a disguise kit during all this."
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Etiquette:
1 1 2 2 4 5

It takes two days and 1000=Y= to get the kit. But it's well worth it.

«Plot» Vera says, "Okay. So we'll do the old lady with Bunnie as a stereotypical ganger ork - the neighborhood's going down hill, etc.."
Vera grins. "Now, you know -I- don't hold these opinions…but after all, there's nothing wrong with us profiting from other peoples' prejudices, is there, Bunnie?" she asks with a grin.

«Auto-Judge[]» Bunnie (#659) rolls Intelligence:
3 5 5 5 10

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Awesome. So, you look at her house, Bunnie - and she has every possible piece of surveillance gear on there. Someone has put totally extra scads of visual and auditory crap on it. Maybe so if she falls and can't get up (she has a quad-cane) DocWagon will know. On her person, she has her pocsec hanging on a lanyard from her hip, and it is likely recording and transmitting, and she has a PANICBUTTON with her. She goes down to the store during the day, and it takes her 45 minutes to go, and 1.5 hours to come back, because she takes her time and talks to people, nd she can't walk fast. (She is one of the harder ones.)"

Bunnie hmmms, and nods. "Looks like we need a bit of a gap in surveillance for this one. Vera, do you know nay deckers?

Vera shakes her head. "Not unless you count the little bit of practice I have on the side with my 'best of the worst' little cyberterminal," Vera replies with a grin. "So she goes to the store every day, huh? What does she buy?"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Food and personal necessities."

Bunnie surveills a bit, trying to find out what the lady buys. It it always the same, brand, items, etc?

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Over three days, it has some general variation in food. She's fond enough of crackers that she buys them twice, the same brand."

Vera frowns. "What do you think…of an injury? Something to suggest that she's not as competent outside as she thinks? What do you think of greasing the cracker aisle? Well, we'd actually use some sort of modern lubricant, but you know what I mean."

Bunnie hmmms, and nods. She thought of product tampering, but crackers weren't going to make it. "I think they've got sufficient recording on the market to make it impossible. I not thinkin we've got da right biz fo dis one."

«Plot» Bunnie figures we should find, if possible, a dead zone or a zone without cameras. I use Carromeleg to the head to take her out. You stay covering me in case of trouble.
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "So - You will be disguised. You will pick a place on her walk where you have scoped to have no cameras. You will move in, make the hit, get away. Will you steal from her or not?"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "How about you make the call on this last part, and we pick up later with the rest. The others are easier, and the crazy guy is a fight."
«Plot» Vera says, "I think I'm going to try to play it with her straight. Visit her, and try to talk her into selling."
«Plot» Bunnie says, "That's fine, We can go on on how dangerous the neighborhood is getting."
«Plot» Vera says, "I feel like that won't help her either. She's probably lived in the neighborhood through good times and bad. Very tactfully suggest that this is an unbeatable opportunity."
«Plot» Vera says, "Well, Bunnie, what's the downside to making part of her route slippery, when she's not on it?"

It's easy enough to meet her at her house, or on her walk. If she sees you she'll likely wave and give you a happy halloo. "Oh, I know, dearie, it's terribly dangerous. That's why I have to wear these stiff clothes and carry this big red button. My son is always after me to move, but this is my home.. Henry and I, my dear departed husband, built it with our own hands. I've lived here all my life. My son eventually had to throw up his hands and install all those cameras to keep an eye on me."
"Oh, I don't care how much money they offer. It's a little too late for that for me, and my son doesn't need money from me," says the old lady.

"What was here before your husband built the house with his hands?" Vera asks, keeping things quite friendly.

"Oh, they had to raze the old house- it wasn't deep enough into the hill, like mine. Ours goes all the way to the bedrock," the old lady says.

"So," Vera says wryly. "If it's not about the money…and all the pleading in your world from your son gets you in the way, I think I'm just going to ask what nobody else has. What is it that -you- want?" she asks.

"Oh, I get to annoy my son as long as I'm alive, and badger him to get married and give me grandkids to come to the house, of course!" She is only too happy to share a laugh with you.

Vera laughs softly. "Well, it sounds like I've got nothing to give you! Unless I were to marry your son, I suppose," the elf replies with a soft laugh. "Well, I at least hope I was friendlier than the last person who came to try to get you to sell up. Although, I don't know what I'm going to do now. This is my first job as a broker. I've made a little headway…but I have a terrible feeling that only bad things are accompanying me. I was only able to pull off my first buys after that terrible business with the school."
«Plot» Vera says, "Not said as a veiled threat. Worried."

"Yes, dearie, you are a little obvious, and I do have you on film - at least that's what my son said it would do," she says. "So let me just tell you 'no' and you can go back and tell your bosses that I told you 'no' just like I told the rest of them. I know your offer is very nice, but no. I know that you'll make something bad happen to me, but I have a very good lawyer and I promise I'll get you into all kinds of trouble. It's not worth getting yourself into trouble for an old lady like me." She'll even pat you gently on the arm.

Vera looks entirely confused. The old lady had been growing on her and her mood had been far more pensive than anything, not threatening. "I know I'm obvious…I came here and said I was here to make another offer, wasn't I?" She shakes her head. "Lawyer? I don't understand…I'm mostly worried about getting fired!" She suddenly looks quite worried. "Oh, damn."

"Good luck to you, dearie. If they're going to fire you over this, it's not a very good job anyway. I'm sure you can find something better in your life, a nice young girl like you."

«Plot» First day of play complete, picking up on second day.

For that conversation, Vera had, as she'd gone to make a rather straight-up offer, had been again in her black 'corp' look, with sunglasses (since it's outside). Whatever small amount that might hide her identity…at least there's that.
«Plot» Vera says, "If this old lady dies, now, that picture will probably be plastered up and I'd be wanted for questioning."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "You betcha."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "And if Bunnie cracks her on the head tomorrow, too."

«Plot» Vera says, "Okay. So we're dealing with the old lady. She's got a pocsec with my picture on it, but Bunnie is already in an ambush position, right?"

To bring us up to speed: You are hired for a 'black hat' mission that appears to be strongarming people to sell their houses so a corp or related group can get a secured all-together lot of real estate. One person who shows up apparently can't speak english and departs under cover of stupidity; one gets bored and wanders off confused. Leaving the two of you to finish the job. The first three you handle by planting novacoke in the elementary school where their children go thus motivating them to sell for the safety of their children. The next one you go to is an old lady who is a tough nut to crack. -more-

She is old, she doesn't want money, she likes where she lives and she knows her neighbors and she has a routine - she and her quad-cane walk down the hill to the store every day and back up. And because the corp guys who tried to buy her out before were a little clumsy about it, she is totally on alert. Her son installed a bunch of cameras in her house, and makes her wear her armored clothing and carry a PANICBUTTON and keep a pocsec transmitting on her person when she goes out. Vera has tried talking to her and feeling her out, and the old lady didn't seem all that friendly to her, likely because of the clumsiness of the previous group, and perhaps because of the desires of her son and her family issues. In so doing, Vera exposed herself to the transmitting pocsec and while the picture is not perfect, some elements of her features have been captured.

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Bunnie is available, but your location is not the perfect one. Bunnie has marked a location where the street has no particular cameras that will catch her doing a smash-and-grab, but you have been walking with the old lady and you are not at that location."

Vera gives a sunny smile. "Well, I'd hate to lose this job, too! I mean…" She acts like she's concealing incompetence, and then makes a friendly exit. Dakness only shows on her face a little when her back is turned, before she begins to subvocalize.

Commlink-Posh> Vera says, "You're in position, Bunnie? Put her in the damn hospital, and grab that pocsec if you've got the right opportunity. I'll take the heat. We'll see where it's transmitted to. In the meantime, make sure she's not so…independent."

The old lady waves to you with as friendly a demeanor as she can have, and she seems confident enough of having taken your picture that she doesn't pick up her pocsec and take a picture of your back the way her son told her to in these situations.

«Plot» Bunnie plans to, since she's been staking the place out to be concealed as close to the path the old lady takes as possible. When she passes nearby I want to do a bull rush, kick her in the head, stamp on her when she's down, grab the pocsec and any loose change, and book. If she resists, spend 2 rounds beating her with her walker, no more, then rush off.

Vera is going to go have a coffee in a very public, recorded place. Fat chance of a good Assam.

«Auto-Judge[]» Bunnie (#659) rolls Stealth (Sneaking):
2 3 4 4 5
«Auto-Judge[]» Bunnie (#659) rolls Stealth (Sneaking): KP:2/5
1 1 2 3 7
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 4 vs TN 7 for "The old lady's int is 4, to spot Bunnie at 7.":
1 1 4 19 = 1 Success

Catching movement out of the corner of her eye, the old lady turns to face Bunnie instinctively during her bum's rush. What this will do for her physically is inconsequential, but what it does do is swing the pocsec around to catch her.

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 1 for "+1 init for old lady":
3
«Auto-Judge[]» Bunnie (#659) rolls Initiative with a result of 23.

Bunnie bull rushes and does the nasty "Boot to the head" move, patent pending!

Vera sips her coffee, and fantasizes about the old lady's efficient near-destruction.

«Auto-Judge[]» Bunnie (#659) rolls Carromeleg + 4:
1 2 2 3 5 11 11 11

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 2 vs TN 4 for "The old lady, with a weak cry, throws up her hands in the way.":
1 9 = 1 Success

«Auto-Judge[]» Bunnie (#659) rolls 4 vs TN 4: KP3/5
1 3 10 10 = 2 Successes

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 1 vs TN 5 for "The old lady has 2 points of Impact armor. However, with a body of 1 she cannot stage down the damage and falls hard to the pavement. You may pose at will.":
4 = 0 Successes

Bunnie grabs the pocsec, rapidly searches her for cash, tags her with a handy gang symbol, and speeds off, stealthing as soon as she can!

Commlink-Posh> Vera says, "Did you break her leg?"

GunsightComm-(Bunnie): No, Couldna ensure she not die if I break her leg.

Commlink-Posh> Vera says, "Got it."

The pocsec is grabbed and the old lady is deathly still, barely twitching as she gets spray-painted to add insult to injury. As the days go by, it comes about that she took a 'bone bruise' in the fall and becomes bedridden. If she were young she could walk it off, but being old, it is taking her a surprisingly long time to recover due to various medical complications. Of course her son uses this to increase the pressure on her to move out of this dangerous area. The conflict between them becomes brutal, with the bedridden old lady no longer able to fend off her son, and her similarly elderly friends in the area not really able because of their own age to always come in to her house and take care of her. -more-

Eventually, her son is forced to get her declared incompetent to manage her own affairs so as to move her out of the house (kicking and screaming with her one good remaining leg) and into a home nearer to his own abode for his own personal convenience. Of course she doesn't know anyone there and she doesn't have any friends and she's still bedridden and her relationship with her son is destroyed by the acrimony; even though he tries to come around faithfully when he can. And he sells you the house.

The law-enforcement in the area has glimpsed video of the two of you, and is now actively on the lookout - Bunnie for making the hit, Vera as a 'person of interest.' Signs are up. They are not perfect - they never are. But going out in that area without a disguise is now dangerous, in case anyone sees.

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "And we are now at 4/10"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "You have chosen the single female lawyer."

Vera begins to look up information on the lawyer, just to find basic things. Law firm or office, etc.

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Her law office is two and a half blocks from her house. It takes her less than five minutes to get to work if she walks briskly. It may not be the only reason she is not selling, but she would be insane to take +20% on her house to lose that."

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls 6: Advice from lawyer contact on how to convince the single female lawyer's law firm that if the single female lawyer sells her house and moves, they will get the business from the corp that is moving into the area.
1 1 4 5 8 15
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) spends 600 nuyen.

Vera grins as she gets off her phone, after calling her lawyer friend. "Hey, Bunnie, mind splitting the cost of that with me?"

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Disguise:
2 4 7 8

It looks pretty strong - your lawyer friend likely got some help from a good marketer. He's totally covering up the part where you don't know which corp is actually doing this so you don't know who to tell the small law firm to go sell to. Hey, that's their job if they want to drum up business.

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Now - I roll for the lawyers you talk to to see through your disguise with respect to the police. They have a partial picture, you have a kit, my difficulty is 8+2+2 is 12 on the perception roll."

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 3 vs TN 12 for "These lawyers are dutiful, not bright.":
1 8 8 = 0 Successes

Bunnie stays there in the back as support. And discrete muscle, very discrete.

Vera is dressed professionally at the meet. She glances across the wooden table, looking striking and almost Eastern European as a brunette, makeup hollowing her cheeks. She smiles to Bunnie as she makes her presentation, and then looks back towards the rest of the group. "While I'm sure you can appreciate our discretion, there is no secret that recently there have been twenty-one properties purchased in this area. Only six have not been purchased recently, all at twenty-percent above market price. I leave it to your all to work out what is happening…and what sort of opportunities will be available if you all fully support the movement of this site." The discreet attempt to close!
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Negotiation vs TN 5:
1 2 3 4 7 = 1 Success

The partner thanks you for the information. He clearly assumes that you are working for the corp in question as a pre-negotiator. He would under ordinary circumstances be curious as to the name of the corp in question but you steadfastly refuse to give it - which clearly means something to him, as well it should.. as does the fact that you came to him and asked for the meet. That means that it's obvious that the corp buying up the lots is scoping him out for his participation, and that must be, in part, what wins him over to the possibility.
All that being said, the single female laywer, who wants to keep her job, is not really happy about having to move from her plum position, but still signs the deed so as not to be out of work.

Bunnie nods, not speaking, knowing her speech patterns would likely be out of bounds for this.

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "And now she'll have to waste 1.5 hours of every day for the next X years commuting."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "A miserable crime-ridden hell to which you have condemned her. ;)"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "But that's nothing compared to getting a little old lady committed. You executed a classic con on a lawyer, letting himself greed himself into taking action. That's practically aikido."

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "We are now at 5/5. Male troll/dwarf/elf/human, neightborhood crazy."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "With your current disguises, it is a TN 12 for someone who lives in the area to become suspicious upon seeing you."

GunsightComm-(Bunnie): I'm in for paying. I no want to beat up for a little while.
Commlink-Posh> Vera says, "It's not much. If you don't mind going halfs, your share is three hundred for the lawyer. And I think he certainly helped us seem more professional."
Commlink-Posh> Vera says, "That's seventeen hundred up each, no downside. Anyway, next? The single men? Shall we do some sort of searches for intel, find out what they do?"

GM Note: At this point, I have achieved a minor GM success - I got Bunnie to say, 'I think I've had enough of beating up little old ladies.' That was part of my goal in running this black hat mission - to see how low characters would go and what effect it would have on them.

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Their stories are similar to the single female laywer, except not as strong. The troll teaches martial arts as a hobby a little further away, and his job is not really far. The dwarf works in electronics repair not amazingly far away, and his church is close by. The human is a slacker living off of a pension and investment income and doesn't have a car and likes the nearby amenities. The elf is an artiste and is mostly motivated by the awesome view of which he takes photographs often, and uses as a backdrop for his parties - which are work parties really, patrons and people who are going to buy from him are mostly the people invited."

«OOC» Bunnie says, "burn the church down, and the dwarf may move?"

GM Note: Sigh. And here she was just saying she doesn't want to beat anyone up.

Vera dresses in street clothes, still as a brunette. She grins to Bunnie - this might be fun. Time to visit the dojo -just- at closing time.

You have picked the time right because you knew when he'd be teaching. They are just finishing their last set of kicks, and packing it in, and the troll-instructor is reminding the various students to pay their monthly dues. He spots you, "Hey there. Do you need help?"

«Plot» Vera is going to ICly make an appeal to 'civilized' combat to settle things, instead of more inappropriate acts of force. She wants a different way than her employer, and while she cannot guarantee anything if she fails for others' behavior, she will offer the five k up as her side of the bet, versus the very attractive offer of 20 percent over market. She would come as the civilized bandit.

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 3 vs TN 12 for "The troll lives in the area and he gets his TN 12 roll against your disguise.":
1 5 10 = 0 Successes

Bunnie smiles, and nods, setting herself up to rescue Vera if things go wrong. She'll fight if need be, but doesn't consider her skill up to a martial arts instructor.

Vera nods. "I do not need help," she says, looking up at the troll, analyzing those arms, before she grins, looking up at him. "I have come because I represent someone who you know has probably offered you things before. I suppose…I also respect anyone who has learned to…fight with philosophy." She tilts her head. "I have come here to offer you a more civilized form of battle than the brutality you know and that exists so much on the street. To appeal to your honor. I'm wagering five thousand of my own nuyen, not speaking for my associate, against you accepting the generous offer that was given you. So few battles in life are face to face, with a real stake," she says.

He's confused at first, having no idea what you're talking about, until you get to the part about 'accepting the generous offer that was given you.' Then the realization slowly dawns on him what you two are up to, and the look on his face could be digitized and uploaded to the trix as classic 'troll realizes something important' footage. "Uh.. are you trying to fight me.. to make me sell my house?"

Bunnie shakes her head. "Not Make. Convince"

The troll looks apprehensive. "Um. For one, you guys could be chipped, dipped, and whipped. And magicked up. You're walking into this ready and I'm not. As second, I don't see what having a fight about it has to do with anything. Are you two going to kill me over something as stupid as my house?"
He also glances towards the back office of the place, which is likely where the PANICBUTTON is, if there is one.

Vera shakes her head. "No. I'm not. I don't know what other people will do. I have simply come to offer you a more civilized form of combat. And no, I am not heavily chipped or dipped. At least not enough to even balance me physically against your…size."

He seems to be a patient, gentle giant. "So, the purpose of fighting is to defend your life and the lives of others around you. How would me fighting you help that? Are you saying you're going to shoot me if I don't? That if I say no, something less civilized will come along?"

Bunnie buffs her fingernails, and looks bored. She is still dressed corporate. "So dramatic" she muttrs to herself.

"You win, and I will give you five thousand nuyen in tribute and leave you. Others may take less civilized measures later, but I cannot answer for or stop them. I win, and you will agree to the offer that was given to you. If you feel that I have lied to you about any augmentation after the fight, you are of course freed of any obligation. I am merely offering you a chance to settle my attempt to influence you honorably."

Vera clarifies. "There are many options I could have taken to try to influence you. This is your chance to defend your life, and the lives of others around you, from me. I am offering to distill my dispute with you in a civilized format."

He says, "All right. I see where this is heading. Let me make a call." He goes to the phone, and assuming you allow him, he makes a call. "Johnny? I need a favor. I'll pay cash. You know I'm good for it. I need you to back me up, and I need it fast. Yes, I'll pay. Bring 'the thing.'" To you guys he says, "Okay, let me get ready. My backup will be here in a few minutes to make sure your backup doesn't try anything. Oh, and no armor."
He'll start stretching out, wearing his gi, showing off his long-ass arms, and eyeing what you're wearing and trying to scope you out for concealed weapons.

Vera nods. "Very well," she says, removing her jacket. "My clothing is armored, as are my undergarments…but they are in no way proof against blows." She offers to allow him to feel the material - they contain ballistic fibers effective against bullets but not against impacts, it is true. She also kicks off her boots, feeling perhaps a little silly, her shapely self gearing up to battle a troll. However, she's been in street fights, and she considers her opponent with a smile.
«Plot» Vera says, "Armor is 3 ballistic/0 impact in just my clothes, without my jacket."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "He is wearing a gi."

In a few minutes, 'Johnny' arrives. He is a human wearing a leather jacket and a luchador mask of a demon's face - the luchador mask and his eyes glow red when he looks you over - obviously scanning your cyberwear with magic vision. 'The Thing' that was mentioned is the handle of a monowhip which was concealed under Johnny's jacket but is no longer. The troll gets up, walks onto the padded floor. "Okay, toss down your 5k."

Bunnie nods to the Second. She shows up as fairly heavily cybered, nothing strength enhancing, just reflexes and mindwear. She's also rather brightly imaged with bioware, the unnatural brightness splotching all over her body.

Vera sets down a genuine credstick. 5k. She is completely coming at this above board. Ah, the honorable black hat. She stays by her jacket, where her weapons are still hidden in, nodding to Bunnie. A small smile quirks as she looks at the troll. "Shall we dance?" she invites.

The troll says, "I am on the floor. Throw your money down, step on the floor."
Vera does so, and joins the troll on the floor.

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Initiative:
3
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 1 for "+5":
3
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Initiative with a result of 10.
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "I go at 8, you go at 10."
«Plot» Vera says, "Vera shows up as having a small amount of bioware and a small amount of cyberware in her skeleton."
«Plot» Vera says, "As she says, enough to match the natural physical capacities of trolls."

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "First pass: Vera. The troll drops into a closed cat stance. He fully expects you to seize the initiative."

Vera takes a few steps forward, suddenly lunging viciously inside to close the distance. She won't be able to make full-power attacks so close, but she's clearly not going to let her opponent keep her at arm's reach.

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "I am using my reach to raise your difficulty. Your TN is 5."
«Plot» Vera says, "No you're not."
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) has the Martial-Arts Maneuver Close Combat (Pentjak-Silat) with the value 'Close Combat'.
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Hoo-ha! Your TN remains 4."

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Pentjak-Silat vs TN 4:
1 1 2 2 4 = 1 Success
«OOC» Vera says, "Comp roll, vs TN 5."
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Pentjak-Silat vs TN 5:
2 2 2 3 8 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls 4 vs TN 4:
2 3 3 5 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 10 vs TN 4 for "He is using his Karate 5 +combat pool 5 to defend; with a long prodding kick at your knee hopefully as you come in to forestall your slipping.":
1 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 9 10 = 3 Successes
«OOC» Mr.Terrific says, "I have one success over you, indicating that you are taking 6m stun to work down with your body."
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Body + 4 vs TN 6 for "Soaking 6M.":
2 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 7 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Body + 3 vs TN 4 for "Karma pool 5":
2 3 3 3 4 5 10 14 = 4 Successes
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "NOW you take light."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "the TN is 6, not 4"

The troll goes as fast as he can on one of those long, fending kicks, jamming you at the knee and forestalling your entry. From there he executes a classic reverse punch towards the middle of you - chest area and such.

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 6 vs TN 4 for "His last 1 combat pool die + Karate 5.":
2 2 3 5 5 5 = 3 Successes

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Pentjak-Silat - Pentjak-Silat + 1 vs TN 5 for "+1 tn light stun, Vera's last CP.":
3 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Pentjak-Silat + 1 vs TN 5 for "Vera's last CP.":
1 3 5 5 5 8 = 4 Successes

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 8 vs TN 5 for "He's relatively tough.":
1 1 2 2 4 5 5 7 = 3 Successes

Vera manages to sidestep the punch and brings her closed fists down in a wicked punch to try to numb the bicep of the incoming arm. It seems that she -does- know what she's doing. She offers a smirk to the troll in the middle of the fight, saying nothing.

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Initiative with a result of 11.
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 1 for "+5":
3
«OOC» Mr.Terrific says, "Vera then troll, first pass."
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Pentjak-Silat + 4 for "4/9 CP":
1 1 1 3 4 5 5 8 11
«OOC» Vera says, "4 succ."
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 10 vs TN 5 for "Karate 5 + 5 CP":
1 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 5 5 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 8 vs TN 5 for "My one and only karma pool":
1 1 3 4 4 4 4 11 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 8 vs TN 5 for "Against 5m stun":
1 1 1 3 3 5 7 11 = 3 Successes

Continuing his previous strategy, he defends as best he can, waiting to unload on you after you are (momentarily) spent. You seem to be getting the better of it, however.

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 6 vs TN 5 for "Karate 5 + last combat pool.":
1 1 2 3 8 10 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Pentjak-Silat + 3 vs TN 5 for "4+3=7/9":
1 1 3 4 5 8 10 15 = 4 Successes

Bunnie keeps her eye on the second, making sure nothing untoward goes on here. She definitely has doubts that anyone can be honorable.

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 8 vs TN 5 for "5S stun":
2 2 3 3 4 5 5 9 = 3 Successes

Vera moves in, trying to lash forward for a vicious blow with her fist, right for a weak spot in the abdomen, between those dermal growths she expects to be more on the troll's chest. She seems to be trying to make this one hurt a little more.

After his next attempt, somewhat plodding in its execution, the troll is bruised, contused, solidly hit, and calls it - going down to one knee, slapping the mat (as a free action) and keeping an arm up to block.

Vera steps back, keeping her fists raised, breathing hard. She is indeed going to have quite a nasty bruise on her leg. "Whew. Impressive. I must offer my respect - I didn't expect a hobbyist to be so clearly accomplished." She smiles. "I trust you will honor the terms of the challenge," she says.

He backs away, muttering at your words. "Don't fucking patronize me." He goes first over to 'Johnny', and creds him 1000 =Y= which looks to be Johnny's 'retainer'. Johnny stays on hand for the signing of the papers, but he hides the monowhip from the notary. And for all his muttering, the troll done sold his house at 20% over market, so how badly is he hurt really?

Vera looks a little shaken as she heads out with you, limping slightly. "Damn," she says, turning and giving you a grin. "What do you think next, Bunnie?" she asks. "I think I'm going to need to walk this off."

Bunnie nods, and doesn't say anything right now. She looks over her pda, and pages through. "Elf. I think we're in good, as the houses are going quickly in this neighborhood. They may see the light and properly sell out. I'd hate to see Humanis activity against them. Totally a shame. I hate Humanis.

«Plot» Bunnie says, "I'm planning on a burning cross sort of thing if she isn't reasonable. Whatever Humanis does against elves, I should at least know that. :)"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Nail pointy ears to the door? :)"

Vera nods. "Humanis is…not so significant. But there have been reports of attacks in the neighborhood likely. Hmm. Shall we check what sort of art?" She grins. "I have a perfect idea…You will do that, and then I will come and I repreresent an elven defense league that's trying to convince him to sell up in this case, because of the worrying reports we've heard about the area."

«Auto-Judge[]» Bunnie (#659) rolls Stealth (Sneaking):
1 1 2 4 9
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 3 for "A general number for the elf, the placement of his cameras, and the video cameras around the neighborhood":
4 5 19
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "You are caught on camera moving in, and doing the deed."
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 3 vs TN 12 for "For them to penetrate your disguise and link it up with the old lady.":
3 9 11 = 0 Successes

«Plot» Vera says, "We're a two-gal crimewave!"

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Now, I need an intimidation roll from Bunnie - that determines the emotional impact that you have. Your professional level of bastard-hood."
«Auto-Judge[]» Bunnie (#659) rolls Strength:
3 4 4 5 5 5 9

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Negotiation vs TN 5:
1 1 3 3 5 = 1 Success

"It's for the best, you see," Vera says with a warm, empathetic smile. "My associates are concerned about the safety of our People in this neighborhood. We hoped we could convince you to accept the offer."

The elf hems, he haws, he whines, he begs, he talks to the cops and asks them if they can 'do anything'. His art suffers, until he figures out to put his obvious persecution to good work - putting out a bunch of inspired pieces about racism. His art becomes less subtle and lasting in quality, but more popular. You've changed him from an artist to a whore.

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "7/10. Dwarf, human, local crazy."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Would you like to perform the Humanis style attack on the dwarf as well?"
«Auto-Judge[]» Bunnie (#659) rolls Stealth (Sneaking):
2 3 5 9 15
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 4 vs TN 15 for "The cops and the people are becoming more alert.. but Bunnie is also becoming more careful.":
1 1 5 7 = 0 Successes

This time Bunnie gets away clean and no new footage shows up on the 'trid'. But the massive scrawled 'stuntie' and broken crucified garden gnomes are all that's needed to make the dwarf fold like a wet noodle, grumbling all the while in his gruff way. He can do his electronics anywhere.

Bunnie chuckles, and nods as she does her work, more experienced in terror now. Humanis trouble, it's always an issue, even in the suburbs!

GM Note: Racism for fun and profit!

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "8/10 Human slacker, local crazy."

Vera bites her lip. "Bunnie. Can I hire you to do the exact same thing in front of the apartment of a dwarf friend of mine? She'd get a big kick out of it."

Bunnie chuckles, and smiles. "We'll see. be hard to do when dere be nasty sec!"

Vera can't help but smirk. "Up for some anti-human prejudice, Bunnie? Then we go cocked and locked to visit the crazy?"
Vera grins. "Shall we go frak with the round-ear?"

Bunnie says "Dis one be yours Veras."

Vera has been told that she's 'built like an ork.' Time for greenish makeup and fake tusks.

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Disguise:
1 4 5 5
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Basically ludicrous. No one is fooled."
«Plot» Vera says, "Am I thoroughly convinced that this is still a good idea?"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Up to you. You look in the mirror and don't see how anyone would be fooled. Then again, it's not that easy to recognize you. (That is TN 9.)"

With her experiment in greenface a failure, Vera grumbles. She's going to deface the house with spraypaint, with which to put on a similar gang sign to what Bunnie has been playing. Time to stimulate a potential gang war.

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Stealth:
2 3 5 5 5
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Disguise for "Looking unrecognizable. Not with green makeup":
1 4 5 5
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "When people look at you with your disguise skill of 5, they know you are in disguise, in general. It is +4 to recognize your actual face, so TN 9. It is TN 12 to connect your face with the face of your earlier crimes."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "So if someone looks at you and gets a 12 he has a good idea of your real looks and that you are the person they are seeking."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Humans are natural pattern matchers."

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 5 vs TN 5 for "As you continue to commit crimes in this small geographical zone, the cops and bystanders become more and more alert.":
1 3 4 5 8 = 2 Successes

«Plot» Vera says, "So they see a brunette elf in a leather jacket commit anti-human hate crimes. Look at the funny round-ear!"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Now we have 2 successes. Not only are you spotted, but the cops are called in close to real time. You still commit the deed before they arrive - it would take them 3 successes to get to you while you are still working. But they will be arriving as you depart."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Now you are stealthing to get away when the cops are close enough to be heard."
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Stealth:
1 3 3 3 7
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 5 vs TN 7:
1 1 3 4 5 = 0 Successes

Vera tags the front door of that house with the gang, and nails a couple of real (cloned, of course) ears. The siren spooks her, however, and she moves to sneak away into the shadows. Her heart thudding, she moves as stilly and slowly as possible, trying to make her getaway. Not…a very safe part of this job. Attracting police attention for a lousy two thou. Better not come back to the UCAS sector for a while, even if she hasn't been effectively caught.

Neeeeeow! Wee-ooo-wee-ooo-wee-ooo… Cars vroom all over the place, even a citymaster with a turret up top. But they are looking a half-block over from where you are - the citizen who called you must have lost sight of you and is not directing them right.

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Now there is more film and more attention: a detective is actually on the case, and putting together all the footage."

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 5 vs TN 12 for "If he gets 9 he penetrates to 'Vera' and if he gets 12 he puts it ALL together.":
1 1 2 4 4 = 0 Successes
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "And fortunately for you, his name is Barney Fife."

The human doesn't need this crap in his slacker lifestyle. I mean, look at the way this district has gone to crap in the last few weeks. You can't fucking turn around without an old lady getting robbed, novacoke in the streets, gang tags everywhere. Hey.. wasn't that guy going to buy my house at +20% Nothing wrong with a little more cash…

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "9/10, and you are down to the neighborhood crazy."

Bunnie chuckles, and nods, watching the developments. She figures other than the mad guy, they're done. She wonders if it's worth it to do the last bit. She did negotiate the fail price down…

"Well, maybe we should at least pay him a visit. I mean, he's probably more physically dangerous but far less socially dangerous than anyone else. We could hit him heavy, guns with gel, get out fast. He's the last one, so we never have to come to this district that we've…well…ruined."
"Or…we could…simply keep having pizzas delivered to him, if he really is that crazy."

Bunnie says "Well, we could, that's true. I have gels. But, lets see if we can figure out his particular mania."

"Apparently he thinks he's Mr. Survivalist," Vera says, glancing over to you. "Hey, if you want to cash out, give me your share, I'll go for him myself. That way…you gain nothing if I'm fine, I get your two, but you risk nothing. If I screwed up, well, that's the same position you're taking right now."

Bunnie says "You have an achiveable idea, i'll support you to the nines. But, I'm worried we've racheted up teh threat level, he's gonna have the toughest stuff we've seen yet to fool. And we don't have a decker."

"His stuff doesn't seem to be up on the network. I think we should actually…truly raid him. Take him out with a silenced gel, clear out his house. Perhaps he might have something worth taking in addition to the…rather weak pay for this job."

"At the very least we know he has firearms. They're worth something. This could be our last score, and then we kiss this neighborhood goodbye."

Vera smiles. "Look, I'll knock on his door, ask to use his phone. I'll say that the neighborhood seems dangerous and my car broke down nearby, and my pocsec is…out of credit. A pretty, poor girl. I'll ask him to make me a cup of tea, and I'll draw and drill gel into his head. I'll call you, we'll ransack the place, steal the tapes from the security system, and none will be the wiser."

Bunnie says "I don't mind shooting tings up, dat's my big 'ting. But we's lose if we's kill him."

Bunnie can stay sighted in from the car, she's got the links to do it. "I 'tink dat might not work, but we's try. I's keep you co'vd"

Vera nods. "That's right. Disguise again, and we'll use gel rounds. I don't ordinarily do that, but there's no way this guy has the kind of up-close experience either of us has. I won't kill him. All I'm asking you to do is help me steal the security tapes and ransack his place. Thanks."
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Disguise:
3 4 5 10

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 6 vs TN 10 for "10 to penetrate the disguise, 14 to put EVERYTHING TOGETHER":
2 3 3 3 5 5 = 0 Successes
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "So, you head up to the door, in full view of a few cameras."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Bunnie waits in the getaway vehicle, ready to help you with super-sammie-speed, and otherwise looking waif-like."

Vera presses the door-bell. She's looking a little cold and miserable in the drizzle, but of course all pretty.

Interestingly, the door neither opens in nor out. It slides into the wall. It's not unheard of, for metal doors, but it does mean that there are no hinges to attack.

"Excuse me, sir? I broke down nearby and I ran out of credit on my poc sec. I was hoping to tell my boss at the club I'm going to be late for work, and see if I can't find someone to pick me up. May I please use your phone?"

Through the intercom he says, "Sorry, the door doesn't work. I can't open it. You'll have to go down the street to the Stuffer Shack and buy a prepaid card."

"That's the thing, sir…I sort of left my credstick at home. Even though it's something so small, I don't think Stuffer Shack is the sort of…well, charity that I'm hoping for." She smiles, winsomely…in case there's a camera.

There is indeed a camera into which to smile, and he says, "That's very unfortunate for you."

GunsightComm-(Bunnie): Perhaps try to play to our "gang war" fears. After all, stuffer shacks are were GANGERS hang out!

She sighs. "I suppose so…but…haven't you heard about the gang attacks lately? I mean…I'm stuck here. I'm worried what might happen in that sort of situation. She looks left and right, nervously, as if she's afraid a ganger might come and snatch her, right off the porch.

He says through the intercom, "That's why I suggest you move quickly."

Vera glances and walks back, and then moves to walk away nervously, as she might be expected to in such a situation. She walks around the corner, so that Bunnie can pick her up out of view of the house.

Bunnie nods, and figured that. She makes a stealthy approach, and picks up her partner.

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "You escape without harm. He surely has film of you if he wants it. The house has thick, well-tinted denseplast windows, yes."

Bunnie hmms, going over her surveilalnce of the target. She checks the windows, and the underside of the building, seeing if she can note any crawl spaces or the like that may hav been overlooked.
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "No, the place looks pretty solid and simple, block-like."

Vera frowns. "Let's make him really feel unwelcome. I'll fetch my rifle, and we'll take out his windows. That'll certainly make him feel unsafe," she says. "From quite a long distance away. No shooting him, of course."

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Where to shoot from is the hard part. It's a suburban area. Finding a place with LOS on the house, which is on a hillside, that isn't in plain view of other houses and people walking by is kind of tough. I was wondering how you were going to square that circle."
«Plot» Vera says, "What about one of the recently sold properties, now empty?"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "If you like, you could pick some kind of sniper-like or woodland skill or stealth and what you make on that would help you. Breaking into the recently sold property is pretty good - but remember that they are very close indeed."

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "All righty. Stealth to sneak into a nearby locked house that you know is empty without being seen by the neighborhood watch and the cops on high alert."
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Stealth:
1 1 2 2 5
«Auto-Judge[]» Bunnie (#659) rolls Stealth (Sneaking):
1 2 3 4 5

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "This is just standard breaking into a house. And they are not necessarily all empty at this moment - although many are. The contracts do and did have modifyable dates."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "It is the magic of abstraction. 1 success, you are spotted. 2 successes, the cops arrive as you leave. 3 successes, they arrive before you are done."
«OOC» Vera says, "Okay."
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 6 vs TN 5 for "The highest alert there is, in crime wave city.":
2 3 4 5 8 11 = 3 Successes

It's impossible to say who it is who called you in. It might be the paranoid guy. It might be the bum on the street. It might be the automatic cameras on the stuffer-shack.

Vera waves Bunnie away as she hears the sirens. Time to do this -fast.- "Get out of here. I'll make my own way out. Good luck," she says. Greed thrums her heart in her ears. She brings out the Walther and prepares to take out the windows.

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Rifles + 2 vs TN 2 for "Nearby. Shooting out a window. 14S. 2 combat pool.":
5 5 10 10 20 = 5 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Rifles + 2 vs TN 2 for "Nearby. Shooting out another window. 14S. 2 combat pool.":
1 2 4 4 10 = 4 Successes

Bunnie informs you of the cops approach. You make it to the window - this window opens. You make the shot - the flash is dispersed, the sound redirected. (On rifles it's more of a 'supressor' than it is a 'silencer'.) The shot is wonderfully targeted, though, and makes a neat hole through the denseplast window - how spent it is after that is unknown.

«Plot» Vera says, "I'm going to fire eight rounds and then book it. That's six seconds."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "At the end of 6 seconds you may move to the doorway or the back door, where-ever you like. One cop car is rounding the corner."
«Plot» Vera is going to shove her rifle back into the laundry duffel she was carrying it in, and then book it out of the door.
«Plot» Vera says, "With the cops? I'm not going to shoot at any cops. No no no."

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Stealth: Sneaking away
1 1 3 4 5
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 3 vs TN 5 for "Cop #1 is trying to spotlight you.":
1 3 11 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 3 vs TN 5 for "Cop #2 is trying to call you in.":
5 5 11 = 3 Successes
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "He has 3 successes so he is going to try and pierce your disguise with his amazing cop skills."

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 3 vs TN 14 for "To put it ALL TOGETHER":
2 4 8 = 0 Successes
«Plot» Vera says, "Fortunately, this is a disguise I rolled a 10 on."

«Plot» Vera says, "Now, I'm going to go through terrain impassable to the cop car, and rely that I can move faster than any of the cops, and lose them by the time any more arrive. c.c"
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 1 for "+4":
3
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 1 for "+4":
2

«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Initiative with a result of 9.
«OOC» Mr.Terrific says, "You move on 9. Anything else special you do on 9?"
«OOC» Vera says, "Sprint."
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Athletics:
4 4
«OOC» Vera says, "Effective Quickness 9."
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) has the Attribute Quickness with the value '7'.
«OOC» Vera says, "That's 27 meters."
«OOC» Mr.Terrific says, "Target running, +2 to target numbers."

«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Knight Errant cop shouts, "Freeze!" and attempts to shoot you with a dart pistol."
Vera get spotlighted, her blonde wig starting to hustle out as she immediately sprints away from the cops. She moves surprisingly fast, given that there's not a tiny amount of Vera to move, but her natural talent and elven grace mean that she has a long-legged stride that can be surprisingly quick.

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 8 vs TN 9 for "firearms 4+combat pool 4, tn 5 for range, +4 for called shot, +2 for running, -2 for his smartlink is 9.":
1 2 2 3 4 5 5 7 = 0 Successes
I don't see that here.
Swang! A narcojet dart pings on the wall next to you.
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Second cop: he drives towards you and calls in your location."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "(you must evade for 3 rounds to make your clever escape)"
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 1 for "+4, first cop":
5
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 1 for "+4 second cop":
3
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Initiative with a result of 10.

Vera suddenly stamps on her foot and makes a break to change direction, increasing her speed. She's certainly not going to fire back at the cops…they're slinging dart and she's got no problem with the Errant…and she certainly doesn't want to have any extra problem with them.
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Athletics vs TN 4:
4 10 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 8 vs TN 9 for "Base TN 6 as you are farther away, +4 called shot, +2 running, -2 smartlink. -1 simple action to aim, then fire on the second simple action.":
2 2 3 3 3 5 5 5 = 0 Successes
«OOC» Mr.Terrific says, "Second cop drives, etc."
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Initiative with a result of 12.
«Plot» Vera says, "Same again. I'm just going to keep running."
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 1 for "+4 first cop":
3
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 1 for "+4 second cop":
5
Vera pounds the grass in her boots, glad that she's smart enough not to go to battle in high heels. She continues zig-zagging a bit, to try to avoid the shots, but they are coming from further and further away…

«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 8 vs TN 12 for "Base TN 9 as you are farther away, +4 called shot, +2 running, -2 smartlink. -1 simple action to aim, then fire on the second simple action.":
1 2 4 4 5 7 10 17 = 1 Success
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Your dodge is 4, and you need 2 successes. I suggest you roll all your combat pool."
«Plot» Vera was planning to.
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls 9 vs TN 4 for "combat pool to dodge":
1 1 1 1 2 4 5 5 7 = 4 Successes

Vera glances back over her shoulder, seeing the cop lining up on her. She suddenly makes a quick turn-cut to the left, trying to get out of his line of fire just before he pulls the trigger…

At ranges like this you can practically see the dart. It's a well-aimed dart, looking to sail right towards your neck, but that's when you cut around a corner and there's noplace for the car to go. By the time they scoot around, you have had far too much time to move. More cop cars swarm the area for the rest of the night, to no avail.
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Etiquette:
1 2 4 4 9 20

A few days later, the papers will arrive signed; the action being taken care of by his lawyer. Apparently he does his best to not be seen. He might have fought for his neighborhood, but man, so much crap going down; this place is lost to the ravages of evil. There's no saving it.

Vera moves to head back to the meet, having accomplished, with Bunnie, ten out of ten. That's a pretty stellar record for success. Enough where she thinks it's appropriate to negotiate for a bonus after the fact. After all…they were willing to pay two each to four, weren't they? Now, it's not like she's going to ask to double her money, but…that record must have been exactly as the Johnsons had been hoping for.
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Negotiation:
2 2 2 5 11
«OOC» Mr.Terrific says, "You have only 1 success."
«Auto-Judge[]» Vera (#11342) rolls Negotiation - 1 for "Save the last KP for me! :D":
1 3 4 9
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls 5 vs TN 6 for ""So you are saying I should pay you extra, past our original agreement, for your basic competence?"":
1 4 4 4 10 = 1 Success
«Plot» Vera says, "For my STELLAR achievement. And you should want to work with me more in the future!"

The businessman says, "Since all the legal heat is directed at yourself and none of it traces back to us, I am authorized to pay a bonus of ten percent - or 2200 per target for a grand total of 22,000.
And he continues, "We would be happy to contract with you in the future."
The strange-looking dwarf gives you an appraising eye on your way out.

Vera accepts the bonus. Mission accomplished. And while there's certainly some heat, it was only of disguises, some of it was on Bunnie, and none of it was really of her…except a single picture presented by the old lady, of a redheaded elf in sunglasses, and a composite of a rather pretty ork, shifted enough away from reality to be not all that useful. Not bad for…well, for a pair of hard-nosed beginners.

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License