GM: Knox
Players: Knox, Mr.T, Norman, Cypher
Synopsis:After much planning, several matrix runs, surveillance, and back up planning the team completes their run: Obtain blackmail information on James Menthe, CAS political player.
Date: November 20th, 2010 (retconned)
Theme Music
Past Events:
Mr. Terrific has prepped Bambi for the run, Cypher has hacked the Westin and planted validated sysop accounts….he's basically large and in charge of the whole system. Norman has an ID readied to use for the Westin to get in, Mr. Johnson has provided cover identities and a room for Mr. Terrific & Bambi: Raymond and Zelda Chandler. Knox and Cypher have catering uniforms and ID's and will set up the proper spying equipment.
And now……one hour before the run goes down. The place: Back room of the Cool Cat.
Knox is fixing his wait staff outfit in a hand held mirror.
Cypher grunts, and works with his outfit. "I'm not happy with this plan, but, ohh well." He looks down, smoothing his uniform.
«Plot» Knox says, "Free Pose, I'll also need a brief list of any equipment you'll be carrying on your person."
«Plot» Cypher carries, nothing but his uniform and the surveilance gear. No need for a weapon or anything, just go in, plant the stuff, get out. His deck will be stashed in a vehicle nearby to return to and perform overwatch.
Mr.Terrific says "I, personally, am a little unsure as to how to make the necessary introductions and how best to 'prime' the target. A lot depends on randomness. But I'll give it my best shot."
Mr. Charles, impeccably turned-out as always, stands in the corner and fiddles with his palmtop computer.
Mr.Terrific commonly carries a concealed heavy pistol and expandable baton, but if he knows there will be security, he will simply wear completely legal armor.
Announcement: Mirage shouts "addcom auc=Auction"
You paged Mr.Terrific with 'Roll to me intelligence, open test'.
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Intelligence (to Knox):
1 3 3 5 7 11
«Plot» Mr. Charles says, "FFHS, armored long coat. Scanner, 1x retransmitting microrecorder, 1x vial Sodium Pentathol."
p You realize the best possible way to intoduce yourself is the "pre-arranged spill" Situate Bambi next to the target Mr. Menthe, you walk by and bump her casuing her drink to spill on Mr. Menthe. Instant conversation starter.
You paged Mr.Terrific with 'You realize the best possible way to intoduce yourself is the "pre-arranged spill" Situate Bambi next to the target Mr. Menthe, you walk by and bump her casuing her drink to spill on Mr. Menthe. Instant conversation starter.'.
You paged Mr.Terrific with 'He's anti-metahuman, though privateley rumor has it he's into them sexually.'.
«Plot» Mr. Charles says, "Yes."
«Plot» Cypher says, "Yes"
«Plot» Cypher says, "Ohh, I'm wearing FFBA under the uniform, as best that does for me"
Mr.Terrific discusses it with Knox and Bambi, and comes up with a likely scenario.
Mr.Terrific pages: I tell Bambi that I will likely be asking her to make herself scarce after she makes the spill - that means back up to the room. Especially if she's a little spilled on too.
; looks to Cypher, "Suggestions for plan alterations?" He checks his comm and tests it.
Knox looks to Cypher, "Suggestions for plan alterations?" He checks his comm and tests it.
«Plot» Knox says, " T, if you don't have a comm I can lend you the spare I have."
Cypher shrugs "Rent a room next door, make a small hole in the wall, feed a camera through. Not the best, but definatly the safest option."
«Game» Backup to offline storage commencing. Game may freeze for a bit…
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "That would be good. I need a good comm."
«Plot» Knox says, "I, Knox, will be portraying our Decker Cypher for the duration of the run as Cypher had to go."
Knox finishes wrapping things up, and sticks his Yamaha Pulsar Taser into the apron of his wait staff outfit.
Cypher grunts at his reflection, "Still don't like this…..but I've got sysop ownership of the whole hotel. Cut the ice like a hot knife through butter.” he smiles, "I'm getting in that van." He walks out.
«Plot» Knox says, "Free pose etc. There's a shitty van that Cypher and Knox have stolen for the run. Knox has slapped on his shifting plates. If you're not coming in the van please include your pose how you get to the Westin."
Mr. Terrific came in the van, but has separated himself at a distance. He knows the various schedules of buses and trains in the area just in case he needs to make an absurd escape. But really, he's heading on in to the hotel, drinking at the bar, making himself a presence and scoping the area. And scanning it astrally for things like spirits on guard rotations every hour and the like, because he can do that easily without being seen.
«Auto-Judge[]» Norman (#10869) rolls Disguise for "Disguised as Benedicto Juan Maria Moldavo. +4 for polymask":
1 1 4
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 3 for "Bambi' Intelligence 11 or higher is bad": 2 3 5
«Auto-Judge[]» Norman (#10869) rolls Disguise for "Disguised as Benedicto Juan Maria Moldavo. +4 for polymask, KP:1 of 5": 1 3 3
«Plot» Norman says, "Oh balls"
«Plot» Knox says, " Terrif, gimme stealth rolls TN 3 for blending in with the crowd, also don't forget Bambi the Ork hooker is with you."
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) rolls Stealth:
4 4 5 11
Mr. Charles parks his rental car in one of the few free street spaces downtown. Concealed between two other cars, he checks his mirrors before touching up his makeup; a slight olive tone to his skin, dark brown contacts, and black hair make him look significantly different from 'Mr. Charles' but not radically different from his natural looks. He takes a moment to preen himself in the vanity mirror before stepping out and starting down the street, a short three blocks to the hotel.
Mr. Terrific somehow makes Bambi's choice in clothing look tasteful, attractive, and upscale. The secret is that the 'cowboy' look goes with everything.
The hotel, first floor is fairly sedate and there's a bar where Terrific and Bambi are seated casually drinking for now.
MEANWHILE
Knox and Cypher pull the teams van into an alleyway behind the hotel. They hop out and, Fake Passes and Staff ID's in tow, enter through the back kitchen pushing a cart with chrome plates and metal catering boxes.
Cypher and Knox submit to a simple pat down but they have nothing illegal on their persons.
A security guard eyes the two as they head into the back elevator bank.
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 3 vs. TN 8 for "Suspicious Sec Guard 4 +2 for IDs +2 for Outfits":
4 5 11 = 1 Success
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox says, "Test test, this is K. We're inside heading up to eagles nest."
Mr. Terrific has perfectly standard armored clothing such as anyone might wear. And this might indeed be spotted by the guard. Nothing else, however.
The guard follows the two orks as they head to the elevator bank, staff/kitchen side. He touches his radio unit on his shoulder. Something inaudible.
Meanwhile a bartender in the lobby eyes Mr. Terrrrrrrific and Bambi. "Nice girl you got there. What brings you to the Westin?"
You paged Norman with 'You are still tapped into the security's frequency right?'.
Norman pages: Yes.
Mr. Terrific says, "Taking in a show, seeing the sights." He doesn't put a possessive arm around Bambi or anything, though he does look at her and smile. "Like everyone, it's a business trip of one kind or another."
Half a block from the hotel, Mr. Charles steals a glance at himself in the window of a darkened storefront. /Showtime,/ he thinks. /Don't fuck it up./ Pocket square straightened, shoes buffed to a mirror finishhe specifically chose not to wear his usual Armante oxfords with the ultrasonic dust repellers and magneto-fluidic polyglosshe turns on his heel and starts for the entry in earnest. He almost hesitates mid-step as his head radio relays something unexpected, but he's within view of the valets, now, and he's just an ordinary person going to do ordinary things. Credstick at the ready, it's offered to the guard.
«Plot» Knox says, "Norman, you overhear on your spy unit, "This is Kincaid on KP duty, two subjects from the catering just came in through the back entrance. I thought we told them to use only the front for PR tonight? Over."
The guard slots the credstick and studies Norman's face.
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 3 vs. TN 11 for "Polymask, Quality ID, and computer override….Human Error": 1 8 14 = 1 Success
You seem familiar….."
The guard at the front, just outside the vestibule puts a hand on his hip, "Do I know you sir? You seem familiar….."
Mr. Terrific personally makes sure to tip the bartender exactly 40. Keeps him happy, keeps things flowing. Makes a statement without being absurd.
«Plot» Knox says, "Norman gimme a negotiate roll/fast talk tn4"
Mr. Terrific 40%
Cypher speaks over his comm-link a minute or so later, "How's everyone doing? We just loaded up the equipment. I'm about to head back down."
«Plot» Knox says, "Terrific give me a perception roll, open test"
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) rolls Intelligence:
1 1 2 3 5 9
«Auto-Judge[]» Norman (#10869) rolls Negotiation (Fast Talk) vs. TN 4 for "This is not the Mexican you are looking for":
1 1 2 4 4 5 7 = 4 Successes
«Plot» Knox says, "Norman you bowl the guard over with smoothness and alleviate his concerns, pose away entering."
«Plot» Knox says, "Terrific, you spot a small group of people. One of them seems likely to be Menthe, they head to the elevator bank."
Mr. Cha—Mr. Moldavo looks bored, much like in his photo. The credstick is real enough but the identity behind it wouldn't stand up to a stiff breeze. Cypher is supposed to take care of that. Norman makes a mental note to kill him and his entire family as the guard speaks. He's too much of a seasoned professional to show any outward sign of discomfort at all, but he does let just a tiny bit of annoyance play across his face in response to the question. Just a bit, and in just the right way. He clears his throat gently, as if pitying someone so confused. "Perhaps you saw my face on the guest list, sir?" he offers, with exactly the right mix of forced respect and implied condescension. Taking his credstick back and ignoring whatever the guard might say in response, he flicks a speck of invisible lint from his multi-thousand yen suit and strides into the hotel, looking for the bar. In reality, he's checking for any last-minute changes to the security arrangements, anything out of place at all really.
«Plot» Mr. Terrific says, "I assense them, for to pick out the security, the mage, whether or not they have a spirit on patrol, which one is cybered. If we have a good bit of time from here till then, now is not the time to go spill. However, I do whisper to Bambi, "Stare at Menthe, and smile with pouty lips," leaning close to her ear in so doing. It's way too far for him to spot her, but there's that effect people have.. Sensing eyes on you attracts the gaze. Just a blink."
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 5 vs. TN 10 for "Bambi's eyes and sex purr on Menthe's neck in passing": 1 3 4 5 5 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 5 vs. TN 3 for "Menthe's Intel and bored looking around as he enters the elevator": 3 4 4 4 5 = 5 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 3 vs. TN 10 for "GM Mystery": 5 5 8 = 0 Successes
«Plot» Knox says, "Hold poses"
Menthe, decked out in a very conservative suit, his hair combed expertly paternal, stares out across the expanse of bland individuals over the shoulders of three much taller human individuals with ray bans on and obvious holstered pistols. Security. Menthe's eyes widen for a moment….what what what!? Look at that interesting creature: An Ork female, thin, toned, dressed with a touch of slut and class in a violet dress and two cyber arms. Drinking. At the bar.
Ding! The elevator door shuts.
Ding! An elevator door opens. It's Cypher, he passes the front security desk, "Hey I forgot some spatulas, and I’ll be back-" he smiles and gives door security a polite nod.
Cypher passes Norman as Norman enters the opulent and boring lobby.
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox says, "We're all set up here, C-2 just left. T, C-1, what's your twenty?"
«Plot» Knox says, "Resume poses, T give me an astral assense roll TN4"
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) rolls Aura Reading vs. TN 4:
1 3 4 4 10 23 = 4 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) rolls Intelligence vs. TN 4:
1 3 3 5 11 15 = 3 Successes
«OOC» Mr. Terrific says, "That is 5 successes."
Commlink-Mr. Terrific> Mr. Terrific says, "In the bar. Initial contact made. I'm pretty sure he spotted her."
Mr. Charles-Moldavo, slightly pleased at being better-dressed than Menthe or his entourage, makes a sharp turn and strides purposefully into the bar area. As he approaches T, his face lights up, and he greets him like an old and dear friend. He even gives Bambi a little peck on the cheek. As he pulls T in for a quick man-hug, he whispers in his ear, dropping his educated Chicano accent for his usual haughty British one. "Be cool," he says in something that's faint even for a whisper, "you're in finance, we're friends. Watch me for the changes and try to keep up." He releases T from the back-slapping, no-homo embrace and engages both he and Bambi in the most clichéd of small talk.
You paged Mr. Terrific with 'Three individuals. The lead has little cyberware, likely smartlinked, that's when you realize he has the special markings in his aura for the type of individual is. A mix of brown and green. He's an older man, his looks sculpted to seem more youthful. Likely a veteran of some corp war, he seems closest to Menthe aura which is a vile mixture of power, jealousy, and lust. Menthe seems wired with some headgear. The other two gentlemen are average muscle and seem cool calm and collected. They both carry themselves with some experience, one of them has a cybernetic arm, the other seems to have a lot of cyber in his head.'.
Mr. Terrific knows quite well how the man-hug goes - we're hugging each other, but we're also hitting each other. And he is only too happy to make small talk, offer to buy a drink and be refused, and similar exciting action. (His previously hefty tipping also comes into play in the 'finance' illusion.)
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 3 vs. TN 5 for "Bambi small talk's not her strong suit": 3 5 5 = 2 Successes
Bambi wraps her arm around Norman's waist and slides a hand in his pocket. She squeezes. "Hi Papi" Giggle. Giggle. She's ok at the small talk and gives Terrific a look like, "Is this the guy?"
Mr. Terrific shakes his head no to Bambi, whispering, "Short guy, on the elevator. He's already hot for you."
«Plot» Norman says, "Standby"
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 5 for "Security Camera Mayhem":
2 2 2 3 3
To Norman: **Hisss….beep. "Kincaid we'll keep an eye for the two. I'm looking through the contracted detail, says we have two last minute additions on Room Service duty for Menthe. I'll keep you posted. Copy. Hisss…beep.*
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls Stealth vs. TN 5 for "Knox sneaks in with keycard, sets up surveillance, sneaks back into adjacent room Bambi will use":
2 2 3 7 = 1 Success
Norman shoots Bambi a look, but not too much of a look, because he's in character and all. He adjusts the angle of his eyebrows ever so slightly and shifts his gaze to, what else, look down her top. He takes a subtly deep breath and tries to call up some sort of titillating memory, lest there be astral security about. Mustn't break character.
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox coughs, "Fuck I just missed a patrol. Honeypot is wired and good to go. Eagles Nest wired and running diagnostics…….check. I'm on back-up duty for emergency. Big Boy is scheduled for his Big Talk. I'd head up there now if you're not enroute already."
Commlink-Mr. Terrific> Mr. Terrific says, "Now correct me if I'm wrong - Bambi can't go into the lecture room. She's got to wait here."
Norman listens to the radio traffic silently and without affect, silently hoping nobody happens to be listening to that particular open channel. He calculates his odds of being taken down along with T and the girl, decides they're on the far side of fifty percent, and chooses to have a drink. A pricey scotch, heavy on the soda and ice.
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox says, "Negative, you and /B/ have Passes for the event. C-1 as well thanks to C-2. You're all good to go."
Commlink-Mr. Terrific> Mr. Terrific says, "I'm saying - her species makes it silly for her to be in the event."
The bartender slides Norman his drink and leans on his elbows, looking at a parked Limo in the middle of the lobby. "ConTek CPAC Lottery!" it reads on an LED trideo screen next to the Limo. Politicians. So obvious.
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox says, "Your call."
Mr. Terrific sadly says to Bambi, "You're going to have to wait here, dear. You know, it's all official business up there." And he heads to the lecture hall and the event - trusting to a politician to be a politician. The one thing they know is how to spot people, memorize faces, and get names. Does Menthe have the skills? We'll see.
Norman slots his credstick and tips the man a nontrivial amount of money for such a simple drink, but otherwise refuses to acknowledge him. He leans against the bah behind Bambi and stares at the limo, wondering how much Comp-D it would take to rip it in half, and who might be in it. Something to think about for another day. He wordlessly curses his lack of foresight in not bringing a small, concealable tracking device.
«Plot» Knox says, "Did you guys get our player handouts?"
«Plot» Norman says, "Yes, nice work."
«Plot» Knox says, "If you need to I can remail you the map, we're using the Westin Conference pic I sent"
«Plot» Norman says, "I'm fine, my plan has gone to shit already however. Suggestions?"
Mr. Terrific , on his way to the lecture hall for the end, says, "Oh!" and heads to the front desk. "Can we get an extra keycard for 8.3? We didn't get quite enough."
«Plot» Mr. Terrific is getting a keycard for Bambi's room where she can be waiting; so he can present that unto Menthe.
Cypher comes in over his commlink: "I'm jacked in, setting up extra key card. Scheduled OK. I love owning this fragging node."
«Plot» Knox says, "T what's your charisma?"
«Plot» Knox says, "Norman, what was your plan briefly?"
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) has the Attribute Charisma with the value '4'.
At the front desk, a woman looks at Terrific. She nods and gets up from her chair, "We'll have to charge you an additional 100 -Y- to your account. It's only for collateral, you will be refunded when you check out. Is that satisfactory Mr……Mr. Victor?" she types something into the front desk and looks up at T with a slightly confused look.
Mr. Terrific smiles and says, "Absolutely." He's only too happy to pay from a small certified credstick - the equivalent of 'pocket change'.
In the background, Bambi plays with the spare cash Terrific gives her to play at the bar. She flirts with the bartender, quite a bit.
«Plot» Norman says, "I was going to glad-hand Menthe into meeting Bambi and T, which might still be workable, I just wasn't expecting him to go straight to the auditorium."
«Plot» Mr. Terrific says, "We should still have opportunities. :)"
«Plot» Mr. Terrific suggests you make a 'personal donation' at the event.
«Plot» Knox says, " Yea definitely. According to the schedule you've all gone over, Menthe is giving a speech at this moment. My suggestion? Catch him after the speech when he's on a high."
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 5 vs. TN 4 for "Bored front desk college grad, playing Nancy Drew.": 2 3 3 4 4 = 2 Successes
Norman drains his scotch and soda just quickly enough to give the impression of a man for whom time is money, but not too much money, because that would be Weird. He studies the limo again, considering perhaps leaving a mark on it that could be used to identify it later. Maybe he's too hung up on the limo, but that's how his mind works. Abandoning that thought for the time being, he blinks a few times and flips his head radio around, hoping to pick up the wireless mics Menthe is speaking into at the moment.
Mr. Terrific will be AT the speech, attentive, smiling, projecting, and cheering at all the right points. Bambi might be quite incensed if she was here, which is why she's not. His face is just one of many, but the human brain has a knack for faces, and that's why he's here. He wants his presence registered with the ticket he used, he wants to be marked as a donor.
«Plot» Knox says, " Hold poses, gonna fast forward for pace and give a setup for in the conference room"
CYPHER has done his job for the most part. In the data sphere of the Matrix in the security node he watches over ALL things electronic. Carefully keeping his fingerprints off the right data streams while manipulating the ones he needs to maintain sysop access. He radios in occasionally giving a heads up when you're all passing through MAD scanners, turning them off as you pass through, then back on. "It's good to be king.", is a phrase he likes to repeat on the comm.
KNOX plays with the aperture of his fancy photography suite plugged into a small computer. He locks the door and plugs into Bambi's simsense feed. He smiles. Kinky. Unplug, unlock, and act like that didn't happen. He'll radio when the speech is winding down. Which it is.
NORMAN is of near the piano, he picks up some radio chatter about guards being bored, someone farted in an elevator as a joke for a visiting dignitary, and there's the occasional ID double check. Nothing too serious. Norman has a god clean view of Menthe at the podium :
"AND I SAY! We must not allow the Elites and Liberal policy wonks claim they have all the facts!……Because we have the money", laughter from the audience/donors/sheep. "Now we must do our best to support the cause, and the right for a separate but equal treatment of all races. States rights is whats right!" The audience chants back States Rights! What's Right! Menthe works the crowd well.
MR. T works the crowd best he can and puts down a 5,000 Promissory Note with the data collectors on the south side of the building.
«Plot» Knox says, "Norman T give me perception rolls open, list any augments you are using"
«Auto-Judge[]» Norman (#10869) rolls Intelligence for "perc check": 3 4 5 5 8 9
«Plot» Knox says, "T give me an etiquette roll tn6 or corp. etiquette roll tn4"
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) rolls Aura Reading:
2 4 4 4 5 5
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) rolls Intelligence for "Astral vision as needed.":
1 2 3 5 9 9
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) rolls Etiquette vs. TN 6:
1 1 8 = 1 Success
«Plot» Knox says, "Norman and T, you both spot Menthes two hired muscle private hired muscle guards they look like professionals and not mall cops. T, your astral vision is more insightful. Two hired guys? Both have some amped up reflex mods it would appear. The Vet you saw earlier? You don't see him anywhere. Norman and T: You both spot waiting slightly behind the makeshift stage/podium a beefier version of James Menthe but with lack hair pacing back and forth. He is surrounded by several men and women who can be security guards or just as easily your average sycophants."
Mr. Terrific passes on to the others on coded taps which critters are heavily cybered, and which 'James Menthe' is the right one. The one whose aura ways he's got a big black silicone mask over his face is generally not the real one, if that's any confusion.
MENTHE slams his hand on the podium his speech full rant, "…Why I introduce and put my fulllllll support behind Kentucky's finest state Senator for our Next President, KYLE RAND!" The beefy man makes a friendly jaunt up the side of the tiny stage to roaring applause giving smiles and waves to everyone near the stage (Norman shake his hand? Quickness tn6.) The two politicians man hug, shake hands and pause for the phot-op, then Menthe leaves. Rand smiles and starts his own thank you speech. Subtle in racism, extreme in boredom. Free pose.
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox says, "K checking in. How's everyone doing?"
Norman has by this time started on a second drinkcola and soda water, to feed the
Illusion of slight inebriationand he's caught looking the wrong way as Rand bounds past him. Startled, he manages to catch Menthe on the way down…if possible.
Mr. Terrific joins in the roar and the cheer, and the listening. "Rand on deck. Menthe left the stage. Let me know if I have to exit.
«Plot» Knox says, " Norman give me an fast talk test to grab the targets attention, tn4, then etiquette to hold it for whatever you want to talk about tn6 (he's got a lot of people want 'just a second')"
«Auto-Judge[]» Norman (#10869) rolls Negotiation (Fast Talk) for "HEY JIMMY GREAT SET DOGG": 1 3 3 4 5 8 9
«Plot» Norman says, "4 successes, forgot to add TN"
«Auto-Judge[]» Norman (#10869) rolls Etiquette vs. TN 6 for "one word: plastics":
1 1 2 3 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Norman (#10869) rolls Etiquette vs. TN 6 for "one word: plastics KP:2 of 5": 2 5 9 10 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 1 for "1-4 Nothing, 5-6 Suspicious, 7-10 Worse, 12+ Bad": 2
«Plot» Knox says, "You got his attention, whatcha got to say to THA MAN Norman?"
«Plot» Knox says, "T you floating around glad handing or standing still watching Norman?"
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 1 for "What’s Bambi doing alone?": 1
«Plot» Norman says, "uh-oh"
«Plot» Mr. Terrific says, "I was listening to Kyle Rand. If Norman gets to make the chat with Menthe, that's my cue to exit and come on down."
Cypher comes in over his Comm-Link, his voice the metallic ring of a robotic voice from the matrix, "C-2 here…….I'm checking Floor Sec-Cam 6. B just went into the mens room, first floor."
Norman snatches Menthe's hand from out in front of him and pumps it with vigor and dignity. "Mister Menthe thanks so much for that that was a truly awesome spectacle in the most biblical sense of the word really but uh I was wondering if you had a moment please of your time uh I have a friend I'd like you to meet uh a very uh," Norman says in a stunningly rapid cadence as he leads the man along towards the door, in a way both holding him back (the respect Norman deserves as an Important Person), and ushering him towards the exit (the respect Menthe deserves). He takes a short breath and continues almost without stopping, "really its worth your time sir, by the way so nice to see you again how is <wife>? I hope she enjoyed the roses for Christmas, it was nothing actually uh but I wanted to pay my respects."
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox says, "K here. I didn't copy. Say again?"
Mr. Terrific exits the speechifying quietly and politely under the guise of a bathroom break, in order to make the meeting.
Menthe takes Norman's hand and lies right back with enthusiasm, "Ohhhh, yes! It's so good to see you. The wife? Uh, yes she did, she told me tell you actually that she wanted to know where you found organic roses that time of year?", he laughs so sincerely you have to respect the guy. "She's upstairs right now so I have some time I guess.", behind him a young looking man in a suit/shades/pistol studies Norman and Menthe from a few feet away. "Sir we're scheduled to leave for the cotillion at Colfax in an hour."
Cypher repeats on the comm, "She's blowing the bartender you left her with T." A moment later, "Wow that was fast never mind she's back at the bar already."
«Plot» Norman face palms.
Commlink-Mr. Terrific> Mr. Terrific says, "Well, that'll get her pheromones going."
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox chimes in, "I did not need to jack into that."
Mr. Terrific comes along and joins in. When he sees Norman he brightens up, and when he sees him shaking hands with Menthe he brightens up even more. "Oh, hey, you are always the man!" he says to Norman. "I'm Mr. Victor," he says to Menthe, making eye contact, his voice having a tiny bit of drawl.
«Plot» Knox says, " T please give me etiquette roll, tn6-1, for Norman hold attention. So TN5"
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) rolls Etiquette vs. TN 5 for "Hey damn glad to meet you!": 3 5 7 = 2 Successes
You paged Norman with 'What is the TN to penetrate or notice your wearing a polymask?'.
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 5 vs. TN 3 for "Now who the hell is this Victor guy?": 1 1 2 3 5 = 2 Successes
Norman pages: 8. I believe it takes 4 successes, minimum, to determine that it's a disguise.
«Plot» Norman says, "What do you want me to roll? Etiquette vs. 5?"
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 3 vs. TN 8 for "Security Watching": 3 4 5 = 0 Successes
Menthe gives Terrific-er, Mr. Victor a funny look but shakes his hand, "Uh, yes….I'm sorry you seem familiar, Mr. Victor? That's an interesting name.", he looks around for more important people.
Menthe continues, "Well boys what can I do for you? Or more quickly, what can you do for me and Kyle Rand?"
«Plot» Knox says, "Nah Norman you're cool, no further Etiquette tests for now unless you want to whip it out and see how he feels about that"
Norman, still holding the man's hand, speaks to him while looking at the bodyguard behind him. "I think you know I wouldn't waste your time sir," he says before shifting his gaze to Menthe and trying his best seduce him, "but if it helps I only need a moment, really, I just uh want to introduce him, speaking of which I'd love to see the missus again sometime maybe uh this summer at my home in Aspen if, well uh I'll talk to your—oh! How sublime!" he interrupts himself as T makes his own introduction. /Memo to file,/ he thinks, /tell this newbie to leave this shit to ME/.
Mr. Terrific smiles. "Well, I've already donated in the classic way. But I also have access to certain 'workers'.. You know as well as I do just how much a campaign needs that. And I think, if you have a little time to discuss matters in private, then we could bring this workforce to bear.
Mr. Terrific might be talking about employees, or a union. Or.. Something else.
Norman smiles and nods, just pleased as punch. Inwardly, he's imagining what T would look like without any skin on his face.
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox says, "C'mon guys reel him in."
Several bloggers/reporters/a bodyguard interrupt our little tea party for comments questions.
Mr. Terrific steps back politely.
Commlink-Mr. Terrific> Mr. Terrific says, "Get Bambi up into the room and waiting."
Menthe looks around, "Oh uh another friend?", he ask Norman. "Perhaps another time? I'm sorry."
«Plot» Knox says, "Dual test don't cross the streams. Etiquette tn5 test, three success total to reel him in"
«Auto-Judge[]» Norman (#10869) rolls Etiquette vs. TN 5 for "stroke stroke stroke": 3 5 11 14 = 3 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) rolls Etiquette vs. TN 5 for "A calmer style.": 4 4 11 = 1 Success
Cypher comes in over the commlink, "I'll send her a text through the limo LCD. Let's hope she's looking at it."
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 3 vs. TN 4 for "Bottled Blondes are still Blondes": 1 2 10 = 1 Success
FLASH! Is the sound of Bambi's single brain neuron not caked in Novacoke and the bartenders DNA. She reads the text ::HONEYPOT TIME BAMBI:: that flashes for a few seconds on the Lottery Limo's display LCD. Then "ERROR: ERROR: ERROR, then back to its original. She quickly figures it out and makes her way to the sexpot room.
Norman leans in slightly and speaks in a low tone, just audible over the din in the room. "He's eccentric, but well, remember the coup Ronaldo Ruiz pulled last winter? He backed it, all out of pocket. He's…it's worth your time sir. I'll keep him focused. Deal?" Ronaldo Ruiz, if you'll remember, pulled a brilliant financial move out of his own ass and regained near-unilateral control over the biomechanical engineering corp. that his great-grandfather once headed. It will go down in history as one of the greatest nonviolent corporate black-on-black operations ever. And Norman only knows about it from reading Newsweek.
«Plot» Knox says, "T feel free to give a short pose backing that up, then hold poses for another flash forward"
Mr. Terrific says "Oh, you are too kind. I mean really, just because I know my way around a few banks - it's nothing anyone wouldn't have done.""
All right, moving along you've got him interested. More than interested, you have his full attention with dollar signs in the guy’s eyes. You three step outside into the hotel hallway to talk more privately, ten feet away are his two bodyguards. A third man at his side is the young looking man with crow’s feet around the eyes. He gives the two shadowrunners/businessmen a hard look but says nothing.
«Plot» Knox says, "So, do you A) Lie to him to head downstairs and enter the room B) Explain to him there's a smoking hot woman who wants to bang his brains out C) Some combination of A and B. Secondly, his security team is always there what do you want to do about them, if anything."
Mr. Terrific takes out the spare key as we head up to the room. He dares to offer it to the bodyguards. "Do you need to check the room?" He smiles unto them.
«Plot» Norman says, "I vote for the three of us go to Bambi's room and talk a little business while she does her thing, then excuse ourselves when he's all ready to go."
«Plot» Knox says, " We can retcon that if need but I need a response/decision first"
«Plot» Mr. Terrific says, "I agree with Norman."
«Plot» Knox says, "Ok"
«Plot» Norman says, "Watch me work the bodyguards when we get up there."
Let’s call old/young man Leader. Leader gives a nod to the two young guys, Guard 1 and Guard 2. They respond in kind to T, but also address Norman and Menthe. "Mr. Menthe, it is protocol and we are contracted for sweeps if you need."
Menthe gives the ok and a sorry shrug to you two.
«Plot» Mr. Terrific says, "That I offered gives them the opportunity to be cursory, and it means that I understand. It also means that he is willing to send in his schlubs, and not do it himself."
«Plot» Mr. Terrific says, "I am also trusting Cypher to have hidden the crap well."
«Plot» Knox says, "You mean Knox ;)"
«Plot» Mr. Terrific says, "AND there is a woman in the room."
«Plot» Mr. Terrific says, "Knox to have hidden the crap well."
«Plot» Norman says, "And they're probably more concerned about physical danger than bugs."
«Plot» Mr. Terrific says, "So they have, shall we say, a visual distraction."
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 1 for "Did Knox hid it well enough? 10+ is he wasn't paying attention": 9
«Plot» Knox says, "True"
The two men open the door, hands on holster and enter the room. Leader un-holsters his gun and keeps it at his side, giving Norman the once over.
It's an ordinary hotel room, full size bed, boring view of a highway out the window. And gah gah gah gah. If you were going to go for an Ork, /this/ is the Ork to go for. Bambi, every Ork-porn fetish comes true. "Hi boys, wanna search me?", she asks sitting on the bed reading a magazine.
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 3 vs. TN 8 for "Mask?": 1 4 9 = 1 Success
«Plot» Knox says, "Not enough successes"
«Plot» Knox says, "Free Pose fellas"
Norman stands outside the room while they clear it. His spur of the moment transition from cool, collected professional to jumpy, over-caffeinated sycophant seems to have paid off, at least for the moment. He watches the pair of guards, studying them, while trying to look entirely disinterested.
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox Palpable tension in his breathing.
«Plot» Knox says, "Perception roll guys"
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) rolls Intelligence: 3 3 3 4 4 5
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) rolls Intelligence for "KP2": 1 2 4 5 5 8
«Auto-Judge[]» Norman (#10869) rolls Intelligence for "perc check": 1 3 3 4 5 11
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 3 vs. TN 10 for "Goon 1": 2 2 4 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 3 vs. TN 10 for "Goon2": 2 4 5 = 0 Successes
«Plot» Knox says, "It is quite clear, if not already that Leader does not like you. Does not like that plans are off course, and would love to shoot either of you and grab lunch."
«Plot» Mr. Terrific says, "Isn't it a pity for him that he has to follow laws."
«Plot» Norman says, "He can't shoot me, my ID says I'm an Azzie."
Mr. Terrific looks terribly innocent. He's with Menthe and the leader-guard, but surely they all hear the woman's voice. He waits as the search is going on, and says only, "I believe I did mention something about the availability of 'campaign workers.'"
Menthe sweats slightly at the sight of Bambi, he clears his throat then coughs and finally loosens his tie. "Gentlemen, gentlemen, I'm sure everything is on the up and up!", he walks in briskly shooing the two men before they have a chance to break out much anti-surveillance gear. Goon 1 lifts a mattress, finds nothing, and Goon 2 looks out the window for any snipers. "Well, sir it’s clear."
Leader mutters and holsters his weapon. "Jim, we'll be outside if you need anything at all."
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 1 for "Did Bambi use mouthwash?": 2
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 1 for "Would Menthe care?": 5
Norman is just a nervous, possibly coked-up Mexican. Not the flannel shirt and mustache type, the legitimate businessman type. Following Menthe and T into the room, and shutting the door behind him, he suddenly wonders if…no, that would be beyond the pale. He wouldn't put it past T to be up for it, though. His eye twitches involuntarily.
Menthe sits on the bed next to Bambi, he looks to Norman, "So, who is your friend?" he smiles at her but doesn’t touch. That would be too obvious a play.
Mr. Terrific gives his beneficent, calmer gaze unto Norman, more than willing to follow his lead.
Norman, smiling, moves to the honor bar. "Uhhhhh," he says hesitantly as he tries to find something expensive and refined, "actually we haven't met officially, uh, Victor! Please introduce your lady friend? Hmm?" He chooses some kind of Irish-looking brown liquor and hastily pours three glasses. There isn't enough in the bar for four. He grabs the first thing he sees behind that and happily, it's peach schnapps. Perfect.
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox says, "Don't say her real name"
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 10 vs. TN 4 for "Cypher marinating Matrix over watch": 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 7 7 8 = 5 Successes
Mr. Terrific looks, well, serious in a strange way. "You might say that our friend here is a.. Personal assistant of the highest grade. She has truly impressive skills. I've always found her to have the highest capabilities."
Menthe nods, trying to not look curious, "Well, sweetie I'm James. What's your name?"
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 3 vs. TN 4 for "Blondes": 1 5 7 = 2 Successes
Bambi holds out her hand, "I'm-", she looks to Norman, Mr.T, "I'm Janine Sutra." she giggles, "You know like the sex positions?"
Norman pours fixes the drinks. While Menthe is distracted, he produces an impossibly small vial from his pocket, palms it, and dumps its contents into one of the glasses. He nearly drops it at Bambi's comment, but maintains his composure. Finished, he turns and offers Menthe some kind of brownish liquor, and Bambi her peach schnapps.
«Plot» Knox says, "You dropped Pentothal yea?"
«Plot» Norman says, "Yeah."
Both individuals take their drinks from Norman. Menthe nods a thank you to Norman, he’s sweating even more and crosses his legs on the bed-…….again. "So-so-so", he sips, "Oh this hit the spot." He nods to Norman. "Mr. Victor now tell me. uh," Sip. "Does Ms. Sutra here, you said she's the director of your union reps riiiiiiight?"
Mr. Terrific smiles wide. "Ex-actly. She can be very.. Demanding… and also very gentle.. To those who are.. 'Negotiating' with her."
Norman offers T a drink, and then ignores his own glass. Fully in the game now, he turns and leans back on the counter, arms crossed, silently watching the conversation.
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 5 vs. TN 6 for "Noticing the pentothal?": 3 3 5 5 1 = 0 Successes
Cypher chimes in via commlink, "Some trace ice just randomly selected Menthe's data. I'm suppressing it, not sure how long I can but I got it for now."
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox says, "We're almost there C-2"
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox says, "Running Simsense recording……now"
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls Electronics: 1 3 5 9
Mr. Terrific says "Now I've heard you're quite a 'negotiator' yourself?"
Menthe smiles and lays a strong hand on Bambi/Janine Sutra's thigh. "I see. Well boys.", he starts to stand, then shakes his head and sits back down. Lust wins. He sips the last of his drink and puts his hand back onto the woman's thigh. "If you want me to handle your business, we'll need to get some lawyers involved…but I'm old fashioned I think Janine and I can have some private negotiations and hash this out for you Mr. Victor." he checks his silver wristwatch. He looks up at Norman with a haze, "Uh….." he already forgot your name, "Uh, you. You and you should give us-",
Bambi takes her cue and stats a few soft kisses on the politician’s neck.
Menthe turns red and throws his glass over his shoulder, "Just get the fuck out and I'll take care of your problems later. Leave me and the whore alone for an hour eh?" He starts getting agitated.
Mr. Terrific gets out waiting with the security guards.
Norman smiles knowingly, casting a look at the man that suggests he'd rather be in his place. Oh would that he could! To be so powerful and influential! "Of course, Mister Menthe," he says as he turns sharply on his heel. Soon as his back is turned, the look disappears entirely. He exits behind T, wondering what the bodyguards will have to say about them leaving Menthe alone in the room.
The door clicks. Leader walks up to Norman and get in his face, Goon 1 and 2 flanks T.
"Listen you little Azzie fragger.", says Leader. Pointing his finger into Norman's chest to emphasize each word. "I. Can't. Wait. To. Be. Proved. Right." He sniffs the air around Norman, then Mr. T like a wolf, "I smell bulldrek. That whore better not come out with a cover story, I got both of you on security cameras." He stands back, chest pounding over.
Cypher chimes in on the commlink, "He doesn't have anything except maybe herpes."
Mr. Terrific looks blasé'. "That you do. I'm sure I'm on every damn camera in this hotel. I think that should speak for my bona fides." He says this with confidence, knowing who has told him that he owns the hotel's cameras.
«Auto-Judge[]» Norman (#10869) rolls Intimidation (Mental) for "just some subtle little dick-waving…": 4 5 5 5 10
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 4 vs. TN 10: 2 3 3 10 = 1 Success
Norman considers Leader's words in a carefully thoughtful way. He looks down at his chest. He studies the man's face. He looks at T. "And…Who are you and why are you putting your hands on the property of Aztechnology?" he finally says, choosing his words carefully. "You have a badge? A license from the Confederate States I assume? Yes?"
«Plot» Knox says, "While we're at it, one last fast talk or etiquette test, open, for both of you fellas"
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) rolls Etiquette: 2 3 4
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) rolls Etiquette for "KP:3": 3 4 5
«Auto-Judge[]» Mr. Terrific (#7242) rolls Etiquette for "KP:6": 2 5 5
«Auto-Judge[]» Norman (#10869) rolls Negotiation (Fast Talk) for "??": 1 3 3 3 4 5 11
Leader blisters under the information Norman provides. "How about you kiss my proud white ass?" he seems to have been put in his place and now is responding like a child instead.
Hold poses
«Plot» Knox says, " Hold poses"
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox says, "And we have lift off….."
Knox is in the hotel room adjacent. He hits record on Bambi’s internal simsense rig, activates the room microphones, and stationary mini-cameras, and starts snapping pictures with the stationary Trideo Camera.
Ten bed creaking, shrill moaning minutes later….
Menthe steps out from the hotel room closing the door behind him. You catch the barest of glimpses of Bambi's nude form. "Gentlemen," he says as he straightens his tie and puts himself back together, "You have a deal. I'll need at least one hundred Kay for expenses in the matter and another negotiation next week, but everything is good to go. I'll have my lawyer get in touch with…….you." He offers a hand shake to Mr. Terrific.
«Plot» Knox says, "Due to your rolls, you both passably give some false information etc. Please pose that and your exits out of the Westin and we’ll be done."
«Plot» Norman says, "I'm taking Bambi to a motel on the edge of the FTZ."
Mr. Terrific clasps manfully, smiling and making eye contact. "It's been a pleasure doing business with you."
Mr. Terrific avoids the 'business doing pleasure with you' joke.
Norman offers his hand as well, and a charming smile. "We'll be in touch sir, thanks so much for your time, really. It's been a pleasure." Immediately he makes a note to go directly to the bathroom and wash his hands.
Mr. Terrific holds his hand carefully, and will wipe it into a clean handkerchief. If he should happen to get as much as a piece of hair on that handkerchief, he is golden.
«Plot» Norman says, "it'll be a short little black one hahahahahaha oh god I'm tired"
James Menthe glad hands you both and leaves for the elevators with his entourage after exchanging false contact information with each of you. "Yes and business doing pleasure with you two as well." Har har har. "My lawyer will draw up the specs and remember vote Kyle Rand, Country First."
«Plot» Mr. Terrific says, "Just means we can kill him later from afar. :)"
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls 1 for "5+ Hand hair?": 23
Mr. Terrific says "Country first!"
«Plot» Knox says, "You have whatever hair you want with that roll"
Menthe leaves with his entourage, Leader of security gives Norman the stinkeye as the elevator closes on him.
.
Mr. Terrific , later, properly preserves the hair and… fluids on his hand for ritual magic purposes.
«Plot» Knox says, "So just give me a quick idea doesn't have to be a pose of how you leave, then we’re done."
Norman smiles and waves as the man exits. He claps T on the shoulder. "Get the girl. I'll get a cab. Five minutes?" he says, curtly.
Commlink-Simmons Fixer> Knox says, "I got it all. Cypher pick up in one hour, I have to pack and change."
Mr. Terrific saith, "Five it is."
«Auto-Judge[]» Knox (#4448) rolls Stealth vs. TN 5 for "Sneak out back":
2 3 4 5 = 1 Success
Norman heads for a nearby stairwell, and downward to the valet stand. And as smarmily as he came, he was gone, into the night.
Mr. Terrific walks off into the halls of legend and grabs a cab.
Knox appears from his room now in a suit and large aviator sunglasses. He looks around and coast clear, enters Bambi’s empty room. The Ork gathers up the surveillance equipment and stows it into a briefcase. He leaves through the front entrance giving a polite wave to security.
Cypher swings around the corner in the van and picks up Knox up. An hour later they exchange the data discs and simsense recordings for four credstick at a seedy diner near the Warrens. The real Johnson, Knox’s fixer contact Victor, shakes Knox’s hand. “You’ve done good tusker.”, he says look up from his wheelchair. “I really appreciate this, I’ll be in touch……..friend.”
«Plot» Norman says, "We get a cab, do the usual spy shit, I put the girl in the rental car and leave with her."
«Plot» Knox says, "Noted, any fallout legwork etc I’ll take individually via @mail or page later. The run in, your part in it is done. You'll get paid in the account of your choice the following morning"
Norman pages: also make sure I get the, uh, 'evidence' from the 'crime scene'…this will be important sometime later on.
«Plot» Knox says, "END LOG"
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