GM: Hardy
Players: Haley, Dekkar, Criticalfault, and Aeon comes in later.
Synopsis: A Simple errand…
Date: April 29, 2070
"You are all contacted by a middle man who identified himself as Mason, and told to meet at a run down club in the UCAS sector. If the contact hadnt told you it was there you would have missed it by a mile, probably having driven by it a dozen times in the past already. The contact tells you the Johnson simply said it would contact you once you arrived and that you wouldn't be in Kansas anymore.
Having recieved the message, Haley heads into the bathroom, in short order she is showered, lightly powdered, dressed and has her makeup applied. She collects her briefcase and the keys to her Americar. Twirling the keys on her index finger she heads down to the parking lot. Firing up the engine she rolls out heading towards the club, following the directions she was given. Once there, she heads inside and looks around.
Dekkar gets the call, and rises from his multiple datapads splayed across a table in front of him. He cleans up a bit, showering and throwing on a black leather armored jacket over his shirt and jeans. He proceeds to his Rapier and heads to the bar. He parks nearby, and heads into the bar. He scans it carefully upon entry, wondering what he has thus far missed.
Slipping the mail icon from his side to the front he clicks the message and reads it. Shortly after he shutdowns his programming suite and jacks out. Collecting his worn duffel bag he hails a cab to quickly get down to the bar. Aftering explaining 4 or 5 times how to get there to the driven in a mixture of langauges he had to look up on the trix. He finally arrives, heading inside to see Haley whom he quickly stands next to with a grin. "Glad to see a familiar face."
"The small run down building that has been chosen for the meet has the oh so charming name "The Meat Locker". The door to enter the establishment appears to be an actual freezer door from a walk in cooler. You enter the bar and the tribal thump of bass immediately assaults your senses as do the distinctive scents of urine, sweat, and smoke of varous types both legal and illegal. A long bar emcompasses the right side of the room, extending along the wall to end at a door to the back of the bar. The center of the room is dominated by a long stage with a predictable brass pole that extends from the second floor of the club to the stage on the first. Various tables and booths dot the floor and are serviced by scantily clad human waitresses. Along the right wall, a number of cubes with curtains for privacy line the length of the wall. A spiral staircase goes up to the second level in the far right hand corner of the room. You can see through the metal grate that serves as a floor for the second level. The second level appears to be more of a personal touch, with smaller tables very close to a small stage.
At the door a large human male, bald with various jailhouse tattoos covering his arms snags the cover charge from you but doesnt check weapons or even seem to care if you have any that are in sight. The old school predator heavy pistol holstered at his hip appears to have a well worn grip. The waitresses wear small shorts and tank tops that say "MEAT LOCKER" on the front across the chest and also all appear to be human. As a matter of fact now that you look at it, every person visable right now is human. No meta's nope not one…
"
"Huh," says Haley as she looks around at the people. She passes over a few UCAS notes to cover her c-charge. She nods her head to Critical and allows the smile that always shows on her lips to widen into a bit of a grin. Her hair shifts from its normal blonde to a auburn color and her eyes shift from blue to green. She says, "Hiya," to the human and she says, "Wish Oi'd have known you were comin', you coulda rode here with me."
Looking around Crit seems to get cold shiver as he looks around, "Yea…but you know how these things are. More importantly now i know who i am riding with when things get going." He grins slightly but still seems rather put off. "Somethings got me about this place…some kind of bad vibe.." he speaks softly to Haley, but over the music.
Dekkar runs into both Crit and Haley at this point, tossing a few notes himself to cover. "Hey! Did you two plan this?" Dekkar smiles despite that his eyes are scanning quickly in short intervals, indicating he's concerned a little with the surroundings. He joins them and intends to move in with them as a group, and stick especially close to Haley.
The boombastic voice of the DJ rings out "Please welcome to the main stage, Kansas!" As the cheer goes up from the rather tough looking unwashed masses a vision from 1970's russia strides out onto the stage in gleaming jackboots. A perfect imitation of a Commisars uniform hugs the curves of an extremely graceful female as she strides confidently out onto the stage. Her hair is down on the sides, her uniform hat perched at a jaunty angle. She seems to find great pleasure in striking the various patrons with her riding crop as she dances. You notice that the areas on the uniform where insignias usually are displayed, rests the symbol of Tir Tangere.
After her two song set she strides from the stage and starts to head towards the spiral staircase in the back. At the base of the stairs she pauses and smiles brillantly to the crowd, declining several offers for private showings before heading up the staircase to the second level and sliding into a booth there.
Jason stares a bit confused. He leans into the other two, "You dont think that she is our….?"
"Looks like it," says Haley with a grin. She pats Critical on the shoulder and she says, "Oh this place is fine." She grins a little at Dekkar and she says, "Nah, we didn't but this woulda been a great joke, wouldn't it?" That said she heads in the direction that Kansas departed.
Dekkar heads up along with Haley. "Haha.. I feel like this is the kind of place where I'd like to be drunk when I get here!" He looks around and smells the warm, smoky piss in the air, and starts unconsciously bobbing his head just a little to the beat.
Following Haley, Crit keeps pretty close. "I dont like it still…Something about girls in that get up bothers me even more…". He nods to Dekkar and stays quiet.
Kansas sits patiently in the booth, as you arrive she waves a hand in an elegant gesture indicating you should join her. The movement is extremely graceful and completely out of place in a joint such as this. Her smile is pure sunshine but her eyes are glaciers. Closer examination shows her definite elven heritage, well partially at least. Mommy or Daddy was definitely playin in the forest so to speak.
"Please join me friends, can I have the bartender get you anything?" She chuckles delightedly at Dekkar and adds, "Drool cup perhaps?"
Humming to himself, Crit nods and sits down slowly. He grabs his poc-sec and clicks a few buttons after he makes himself comfortible. He waits paitently now.
Taking the seat that was offered, Haley gets comfortable and she smooths down her skirt after crossing her legs at the knee. Her briefcase is placed beside her legs under the table as she says, "Oh, no, Oi'm fine thanks." She lifts her brows and she says, "Oi kinda like the statement the outfit makes. Eva spend time in the Tir?"
Dekkar is caught off guard because Kansas' comment came at a time where he was briefly contemplaying the contrast between her smile and her eyes. He plays it off, and raises an eyebrow as he has a seat. He snickers. "I'd like a tall, strong beer, thanks." He settles into his seat, and looks over to Crit, who seems the most out of his comfort zone. Dekk seems to be settling in just fine at this point.
Kansas's eyes grow distant and icy at the mention of the Tir. A flash, just an instant and its gone but it was definitely there. "I am…less than popular there…" The ruby lips continue moving as if she has more to say but she holds it to herself. As a more than effective cover she leans forward and waves down a passing watress. "Tina da-hling…" Kansas places a hand delicaely on the arm of Dekkar, "This strong man would like a tall beer as strong as he is…" The waitress smiles at Dekkar, promises made there that only another night can hold before she heads toward the bar, a little extra hitch in her giddy-up.
Kansas's laugh rings out again, high pitched and happy. "Oh you best watch out, I think Tina has taken a shine to you…"
Her hand disappears under the table again and returns with a small white box, placing it on the table. "I hope you dont mind, I arranged for some privacy…" She gestures towards the box with one hand, looking much the hand model on Price is Right. "With your permission…."
"
"Oh, well no Oi don't mind at awl," says Haley. She offers a bright smile as she says, "Oi brought one just in case." She nods her head and she says, "Oi always prefer private conversations ta be kept that way." She glances from one to the other of her companions before her eyes settle back on Kansas.
Reaching into his bag he messes with something and gives a nod to Kansas, "So polite to ask before you blast my ears out." He grins slowly.
With a snicker, Dekkar looks at Tina briefly as she heads off. He seems amused. "Haha.. I'm sure." Dekkar flexes quickly, an active means of relaxing, and he surveys the table again. "Oh, yeah, fire the thing up! I don't even think about em anymore."
A bright red fingernailed finger taps a button on the side of the white box and a red light goes from red to yellow to green. The sound in the immediate area is dampened for a moment and then appears to quiet just in the small area of the booth. "Now we can talk in a civilized tone of voice." That brillant smile blazes again and fights for your attention as Tina arrives back at the table with a troll sized mug of dark beer for Dekkar. She places a mostly clean coaster on the table and then the mug on top of it. Barely visible at the edges of the mug, written on the coaster appears to be part of a string of numbers.
After Tina saunters off, Kansas smiles quietly and steeples her hands in front of her as she speaks,"The job is simple my new friends. I need you to be my embassadors if you will. I need you to go to Orktown and meet with a shaman there named charmingly 'Hobo'. Hobo is a follower of Crow and Hobo has something I want. Hobo is expecting me to send a representitive to speak to him about the item and will be expecting you. Hobo has set the location for the meet at the intersection of Chambers and Arapahoe Roads. The payout for this errand will be 30K upon successful completion of the errand, that success being you return here to me with the item. I offer half of the agreed upon fee up front as a retainer.
"
Brushing the edge of her ear thoughtfully Haley says, "Orktown, huh?" She hmns and she then says, "Well Oi suppose that won't be too much trouble." She allows her smile to shine as she says, "How big is this item we're supposed ta be gettin' for ya, an' are there any special requirements for handlin' it?"
Finishing with his poc-sec, Crit clicks a few buttons. He nods slowly, letting Haley ask the important questions.
Nodding to Haley, Dekkar continues the questioning. "And does anyone else want it?" He takes a sip from the beer that would kill him if he finished it in the next hour. He seems pleased with the way it bites, possibly mostly due to the setting. As he lifts his beer he sees the numbers scribbled out upon the coaster, but he places the beer right back down on top of it.
Kansas flattens her hands on the table as if to smooth something out on the wood. She seems almost to be making mental calculations in her head. "Well I would say it should be roughly the size of a larger briefcase, and will certainly be in a durable case of some sort." She moves her hands into the approzimation of her thoughts at the size of the case, "Id say three by three by one feet er so…Im so bad with math.." She flashes that disarming smile and seems almost sheepish.
At Dekkar's question her eyes widen slightly and she nods, "Oh almost assuredly, if someone else knows what is in that case they shall most assuredly try to get it."
There is a definite pause as she thinks a few moments more and adds, "No real biohazards or anything such as that, there are breakables in side however so be as careful as you can of course." With this she lays a hand lightly on Crit's hand, "Im sure -you- understand…" Her eyes find Jason's and hold them just for a moment before she blinks and the moment is gone.
"
Dekkar nods. "Well if we already have a second meet set up.. I'm sure we can execute this request satisfactorily." Dekkar takes a drink of his beer and almost cringes, somehow following it with a smile that looks genuine as he peers into the dark liquid for a moment.
Staring into Kansas' eyes he gives her a look that encompasses confused and awkardness. He slowly pulls his hand away and looks to Haley for some kind of help here. He slowly looks back and sayes sheepishly, "Yes..i understand the objective. We can get it done…"
Looking thoughtful, Haley says, "Well here's the situation." She steeples her fingers under her chin as she says, "Now, we can go inta Orktown an' get this stuff, but if there are people afta it, we might get inta a fight down there." She looks from Dekkar to Critical and back to Kansas before she says, "As none of us are orks or trolls we might run inta political issues. So Oi am thinking maybe an extra five thousand each wouldn't be too bad just in case we gotta offer bribes to smooth things out."
While the two ladies negotiate, Dekkar has an idea that fails to come to life in any realistic form. What happens in practice is he spends the next few minutes watching Kansas' eyes, looking for the opportunity to draw her off topic. He thinks he sees Kansas' eyes shoot his way, and shoots a charming smile at nothing, or at least she doesn't acknowledge it.
"However," Haley says, "Oi don't think we'll really need to do much bribin' its Orktown, we will find some way of managing it." She grins and says, "No problem."
Closing his poc-sec Crit nods, "So, when can we leave?".
Kansas doesn't speak at the mention of a change in price. She does show the slightest moment of irritation to the trained eye but it is immediately wiped away as she zero's back in on Jason. "Well…I dont know if I can really raise the amount offered. I am only breaking even and trying not to have to dance in this place everynight anymore….." The Bambi doe eyes (tm) hit Jason, blink blink and she sighs in an overexaggerated motion before turning back to Haley.
With a smile and giggle of girlish glee, Kansas claps her hands together happily and nods. "Oh I knew you would be able to find a way!" She places both of her hands to her chest and sighs deeply, "You all dont know how much this means to me, I thank you so much." Reaching into one of the breast pockets of the uniform jacket she is wearing she produces a credstick. She places it on the table in front of her, "There is your down payment of 15K, if you have any problems there is a tel number that will appear if you slot it into a pocsec." She smiles again and nods to Jason, "Like yours…." She allows that last bit to fall between them, her mouth slightly open and then shutting as he asks to leave. "Well I suppose you should…." She looks almost crestfallen and then resigned almost immediately.
Dekkar looks at Crit with some concern, but then centers his eyes back on Kansas' resignation, before he takes a last drink and stands. "Allright then.. lets move out, unless either of you have anything else to settle here?" Dekkar looks at Haley and Crit with a glance each.
Clearing his throat, Crit nods and stands. "Well, i'm game." He sets in his earpeice and grabs his duffel bag. "I imagine i'm riding with Cookie."
Shaking her head, Haley says, "Not unless she happens t have a photo of Hobo." She adjusts her glasses and she looks across the table at Kansas before she smiles at Critical and she says, "Oi have room for awl of us if need be."
Dekkar nods, "That might be a good idea…" He takes the coaster with Tina's number on it as he rises. He would not want to leave that behind for sake of perception at this point, having screwed up any other leverage of what charm he has so far.
Kansas shakes her head sadly and looks to Haley, "No Im afraid not, I do know he is an Ork but thats about it.." She sighs and seems a little ashamed of herself before reaching out and pushing the button on the white box.
The sounds of the club thump back into your hearing and bring you back to jarring reality as the DJs voice rings out, "Kansas to the main stage! KANSAS!"
With this Kansas stands and adjusts the fit of her costume once more before giving a smile and spreading her arms in a 'what are ya gonna do' type gesture. She moves out of the booth and starts down the stairs to the hoots and howls of her admirers…
Grinning at Dekkar he gives a wink. "Where were youn that one?"
Dekkar shakes his head. "I don't know. Tried to make use of myself here, but hell. Maybe I can talk this Tina into being a useful spout of information down the line at least.."
Smirking, Crit nods to Dekkar. "Well do what you can, your the ladies man." He makes his way out of the booth and waits for them outside of the Meat Locker. He taps around on his person and removesa small chip. He looks around and hrms to himself. He seems slowly lost in himself and finally decides to pocket the chip. He looks around leaning on Haley's car waiting.
Looking thoughtful, Haley says, "Ya know if we gotta get this case out Oi know someone that can disappear with it." She draws her phone from her pocket and she begins working her way through connections to reach Aeon.
After the strange run in with the lady that obviously had a thing for him, Crit decides to play it safe and hide in Haley's van. He loads up his deck and jump on the trix via sat link and begins doing a quick bit of research. Everyone has somethin to hide. Its his job to find it.
Dekkar grins, getting a pretty clear idea based on Haley's description, as to who that is. "That will make the return swing much easier, yes." He proceeds out to the van, and prepares to take the shotgun seat. He hops in, and settles into his seat.
Another night in the Orktown area of the Warrens. Moon's shinin, Bliss heads are Blissin, and the Big House is rockin. Troll thrash metal screams out into the streets from the troll bar. A few Demolition Boyz are hanging out in the front, talking to Gnash the bouncer.
Sighting Haley's vehicle, Gnash waves it to a spot on the crowded street and gives her a thumbs up before heading back to the entrance to the bar. Several odd looks are given to the 'valet' treatment but soon fade when Gnash starts yelling for people to get back into line to get in.
Rolling her van to a stop outside of the Big House, Haley steps into the back and she begins working on altering her appearance a little. In Orktown its not exactly the best idea to be there looking like an elf. She settles down and begins molding her polymask before she applies that and adjusts her hair to cover her ears.
Unplugging his datajack he mutters and leans back against the van wall, rubbing his datajack, "Damn sinless people make everything so hard…". He grabs his rifle and slots on a new scope and silencer. "Well…just in case…i'll get ready. Just in case.." He slams in a fresh mag of APDS rounds and puts in the chamber. Locking the safety on. He sets it down, running through his other gear. He watches Haley put on her new face, "You know…that messes with me so much you dont even know." He sayes casually to her.
The familiar Gnome woman is already sitting outside the Big House, on her bike, legs crossed. "What took ya so long, chummers?" She calls, impatiently.
Dekkar pat pats his concelaled Predator III, and his electronics kit under one arm and his medkit under the other beneath his jacket. He looks out his window to Aeon and waves, opening the door and hopping out. Dekkar surveys the scenery briefly to see that nothing of a problem is lurking around outside.
Grinning at Crit, Haley says, "Freaks me out sometimes too." She slides open the rear door of the van and steps out. She looks over to Aeon and she gives her a wave, appearing as a copper red haired human girl. She adjusts her jacket as she locks the van up, sliding the keys into her pocket. Heading over to Gnash she slides a credstick into his hand.
Aeon locks up her racing bike and joins the group, giving Gnash a friendly punch on the thigh. "Hoi, chummer. Keep dese scumbags out, willya?" She grins at him and makes a face at the people waiting in line
"Well shows about to start then." Jason piles out and follows Haley's lead. Taking his duffel bag with him.
The first thing you notice when you are approaching the meeting point is the smoke. The smell of smoke is strong and appears to be coming from the area of the meet. As you get closer you see two Ford Americars mostly blocking the road, both are on fire. In the light of the fire you see various shapes standing around the cars.
Mutters and leans over to Dekkar, "I'm going ghost. commlink if you need some support." Crit turns on his microtransciever and disappears into the woods, adjusting just rifles scope he makes sure he can find a good place to hide.
Keeping her revolver holstered, Haley switches on the thermographic vision for her glasses. She hmns and walks along side of Critical as they move towards the location of the meet. She looks up at the smoke and she turns a little thoughtful as she says, "Hope we're not on time for dinna."
Dekkar approaches the meet with the group cautiously. His pace is not as fast as typical for him. He scans the area, and specifically the actual point of the meet, for any danger. He doesn't SEEM that worried, but his eyes are on the move. "I would certainly hope not. But I've walked into worse." He snickers, as if amused by a memory.
Aeon stands still, hands at her sides loosely. "Drek. I know this scam, block th' road, roll th' vehicles? 'Cept we're on foot I guess…" She keys her commlink anyway.
Commlink-Aeon> Aeon says, "Astral looks pretty good. Couple mojos, more of 'em are real cybered. Don't start no drek 'less they start wit' chu first, eh?"
Commlink-Cookie> Keep on magical defense please.
As you approach the forms take shape into orcs, orcs and more orcs. They are wearing the colors of 'Goblin Yell' and appear to have taken over this intersection of Orktown for the time being. The buildings have been liberally spray painted with slogans and graffiti. Even a few murals done in an artistic hand grace the run down tenements. They all share one theme, up with Orcs and down with 'ummies'. You look around and see at least thirty visible gangers, all armed in a variety of ways.
"
After making a good break from the group Crit finds himself a bustedf up apt building that he explores quickly. Finding a more or less working fire escape he climbs to the top and setups his rifle and scanner. After hes done he lays down and sights down his scope. Watching his team from afar. Adjust, reaim, moving, adjust, rise and repeat.
As she approaches the group, Haley keeps her hands where they can be seen. She takes a breath and allows a smile to shine on her lips as she remains calm. She looks at the gangers while she waits patiently for someone to address their group. If they're intent to ignore her and her team, she's willing to be ignored.
Aeon nods and keeps an eye out for anything out of the ordinary on the astral. No sense in being magical if you let someone blast your teammates with magic, or a spirit sneak up on them. "I know dese gang chummers, Hales. If ya need a backup talker, dis is what I'm good at, scan?"
Dekkar's pace remains unchanged. As he reads the wall he seems a little amused. He moves forward with Haley and Aeon. He is not addressed so far, and does not say anything for the moment. He keeps his eyes on the several orks ahead of him.
A rather large burly orc shoulders his way up to the barracade and leans against one of the cars. He seems oblivious to the flames and eyes each of you individually. "Whut joo slots want eh? Joo lost er whut?" Rough laughter is exchanged from shadowy figures at the edge of sight.
"
Shaking her head, Haley says, "No, we got a little biz ta take care of." She looks over the ork and her eyes trace over the others as she says, "We're hopin' we won't need to be too delayed. Ideally it will be a good thing for Orktown if things work out well."
Commlink-Fault> Criticalfault says, "Cookie, your 30 deep. I can only help so much with those kinds of numbers. Careful."
Commlink-Aeon> Aeon says, "Drek…hoi, I'm countin' one two…three spirits eye-ballin' us. Can't tell'f they wanna scrap with me r' just look. Serious drek, chummers, no fraggin' around."
Dekkar continues not to speak. He's not the talker in this particular situation. He sticks close to Haley while she takes point with the talking, and keeps his eyes moving, and his head on a swivel.
The orc rolls his shoulders, flexing a bit either for the amusement of his friends or to impress the ladies. "Ahh so joo da flava uh da night, c'mon in chica, it joo funeral…" Laughter rolls out from those in the shadows as the two cars are rolled back to make a hole in the barracade. The ork bows at the waist and grins at the females posteriors, "Afta joo missus….."
"
Aeon lets the eyeballing slide, though it'd be hard to see said posterior through her longcoat. "Fraggin' no respect, n' I though loonies was cool wit' th' Yell…" she mutters and heads inside
Walking in as offered, Haley says, "Thanks," and she steps in at Aeon's side. She keeps her arms relaxed, her posture non-threatening as she walks along. Her eyes move as she strides along, taking track of who is positioned where.
Dekkar proceeds forward with Aeon and Haley, staying silent for now. He just keeps looking around, and he's not being subtle about the fact that he's keeping track of as many things as possible visually. He seems to be moving fluidly enough though, and seems less than seriously affected by the level of stress he should be under at the moment.
When you make your way through the barricade a large group appears to be playing dice along the steps of a long burnt out elementary school. They stop and eye you warily, many hands falling to the handles of various weapons. The dice game pauses and then with a shout of "Heyz whooze da slot da touched mah rollz! I gotz da boxcars!!" The game and arguing begins again at full volume, you are seemingly forgotten. Very nice vehicles of varying types sit behind the barricade blasting out various Orc Smash bands, their songs not matching but the base seeming the same in all the songs. As a matter of fact the base seems almost tribal in nature.
"
Aeon shudders slightly, and her eyes dilate "Whoa, drek…" She doesn't say much else, but is taking steps in time with the beat of the music, bobbing her head slightly. With the spirits watching her she doesn't want to cast or summon anything, though.
Dekkar seems not to mind all the music. He almost starts to bob to the bassline to one of them with his head. He just keeps moving forward. He will be completely screwed, perhaps, to do anything but keep walking.
As the orks seem to be ignoring them now, Haley walks along with her group looking for a path into the underground. She takes a deep breath and she releases it slowly through her nose as she strides along casually.
Commlink-Fault> Criticalfault says, "Everything on the level ? I saw Aeon flinch"
Commlink-Aeon> Aeon says, "Stay icy. Music's got a little mojo to it. Feels kinda good, act'lly."
Two large orcs slide out from behind a car in front of you. One of them raises his chin in acknowledgement of you and turns, heading towards one of the buildings. The two large orcs head to a stairwell that appears to go down to a basement apartment under one of the buildings.
Two large vans with orc propaganda murals sit outside and blast more music; the tribal beat most intense here. The vans are covered in murals depicting ravens in flight over hordes or orc warriors charging across a field to engage faceless masses.
Four more large orcs stand at the top of the stairs, they hold shotguns in one fist and the other a chain leading to four large dogs with glowing eyes. The dogs lunge at the end of the chains, the orcs holding them back as they bark and growl at your approach. Your escort gives a signal and the four move back, dragging their slavering dogs with them to make a path for you to use down into the basement.
"
In response to the lunging of the dogs, Dekkar twitches once, notably. Knowing the consequences of a bad reaction at this point, Dekkar manages to play it off as somewhat of a stagger, like he stumbled on a rock on the ground, and it is over in half a second. While he has remained very cool to this point, Dekkar exhibits just one indication as to how much adrenaline may be coursing his veins. Oddly enough he is not breathing heavily, however.
Aeon has partially disconnected.
The dogs cause Haley to pause a moment until they are pulled away. There's an instinctive reaction to an aggressive dog. Something about man's supposed best friend wanting to rip your throat out is just wrong. Haley's fingers curl and then relax as she nods her head to the ork that allowed them to pass thus far, she says, "Thanks."
Commlink-Fault> Criticalfault says, "Your inside. Fires on the outside keeping me from seeing inside..gonna have to move unless you want me to cover your escape route if you need."
Aeon just follows along with the group, apparently the only one that didn't react to the dogs. "Ah, you wimps." She frowns at Haley and Dekkar "If they blow th' fire atcha, you're protected…" somewhat, anyway. But she's trying to reassure the non-magicals.
Commlink-Dekkar> Dekkar says, "Not sure you're going to want to. Dunno that a straggler would be able to come this far, or that you'd wanna get closer to 30 orks with a rifle."
The concrete stairs go down to a large security door set into the side of the building. Two orcs stand there holding AK-98s; they are wearing goggles and have subvocal TAC coms attached to their throats. Their armor appears worn and most likely they aren't the original owners. There is what appears to be a faded star symbol on the right chest area of the secure jackets. They stop you at the door and pull a box out of the corner of the cramped space. "Jouz put joo weapons in dere chummas an dere won be no drek…scan?" As one speaks the other moves to the other side of the entry area, classic crossfire technique showing some training. A small security camera blinks a red eye at you from near the door, set in the upper portion of the wall.
Aeon is probably the most comfortable leaving her weapons behind. She's got magic, though, and that's much harder to take away. She pulls a dwarf-sized SMG with stock and foregrip, and a very expensive-looking and well taken care of knife out of her coat and sets each in the box "You break 'em, you buy 'em chummers. They're worth more n' yer life." She grins, hard to tell if she's joking or not
Drawing her revolver from under her jacket using only her index and thumb Haley holds it in her fingers as she opens the cylinder. Popping out the caseless ammo she favors she puts the rounds into her pocket before handing over the weapon. About the requirement of them disarming she says, "No problem."
Picking up his things he double checks his belongs and packs them up. "I hate when that happens..". He slings his bag over his shoulder and makes his way downstairs. He looks around hoping to find another perch to spot from.
Dekkar pats his cocealed holster several times to indicate with sound that it was placed under his left arm. After this indication, he reaches in and smoothly draws a Predator III. He shifts his fingers to bear the weight of the gun by the slide action assembly, and not the grip and trigger. He releases the magazine, and places it in the box. He then cocks the weapon at a 45 degree angle, and pulls back on the slide. He catches the ejected round and locks the slide back in one smooth motion, dropping the round in the box and stating, "Clear and safe." He places the Predator III in the box.
Seeing the people move Crit decides this is important. He grabs his gear once more and makes for a roof he can see from. He climbs up the fire escape and looks around at whos up there.
Hank and Shorty are watching the fire escape of burnt out apartment building 1000 in the warrens. Hank is a little tired of this but still knows his job, Shorty is just outright asleep. Hearing the metal of the fire escape groan as weight is put on its already rickety structure, Hank looks over the side. Sighting someone starting up the ladder he nudges Shorty awake and they set the ambush.
Jason gets just to the edge of the ladder, starting to look over the edge in an attempt to see the figures on the roof when two sets of rough hands grab him and drag his sorry carcass over the side. Now face to face with two burly orcs and their two other friends on the roof, Jason has decisions to make.
When we left our intrepid adventurers, they were meeting guards in a landing outside a basement. After the meeting with the guards the security door opens and an outtake of air comes out from the chamber inside. As you enter your first feeling is extreme heat. It has to be well over one hundred degrees in this room. The room is fairly large, encompassing what you would assume to be most of the underside of the building. A wooden chair sits at one end of the room, decorated with black feathers.
The walls of the room are painted in one continuous mural surrounding the chair. A mountain landscape with a clear blue sky surrounds you, the mural so breathtaking you can almost feel the wind in your face. In each corner of the room sits a brazier with a blue tinged smoke coming from the cherry red coals within. You are at the epicenter of the tribal bass, here you feel it like no where else but in motion only, no sound. Quiet fills this place.
"
Aeon seems most interested in the mural, and wanders over to check it out while they wait on whoever it was they were supposed to meet. The magic-tinged music…or more accurately the magical part of it, since it can't be heard right now…seems to have her in a mood for that sort of thing. She's no stranger to heat, either, but it's bad enough to encourage her to remove her longcoat temporarily.
As she enters the chamber, Haley remains quiet. The temperature changes do not phase her, the girl never seems to sweat. She looks around at the surroundings and she hmns softly to herself, her hands resting folded behind the back of her hips.
Dekkar's eyes scan around the room, as they have been kept in motion this whole time. He paces a full 360 degrees slowly, unintentionally as he takes the scene in. He takes a few idle steps too, soaking up the scene set before him. He looks to Heley for a moment, and then to Aeon. Dekkar does not react to the heat but his forehead begins to shine just slightly as moisture surfaces.
«Plot» Hardy says, "
A few moments go by before a small orc, probably just over a five feet in height, comes in from behind a cloth painted to match that portion of the mural. He doesn't appear to see you, looking straight ahead as he makes his way to stand to one side of the chair. A few moments later another similar orc comes out and does the same, and then another. The process being repeated until you see four fairly similar orcs standing two on one side and two on the other of the chair. They look at you and seem to wait for you to speak. A test perhaps. Who is the real Hobo…etiquette would require you address him first…
"
Looking from one ork to the next Haley shakes her head and she looks towards the chair, she says, "You have me at the disadvantage." She motions with a sweep of her hand as she says, "Oi can't see you, but you're able to see me. This doesn't easily lead to a conversation."
Dekkar nods in support of Haley's statement, but quietly stands by. It's not that he can't talk fast himself, but Haley is better. He poses as muscle for the moment, keeping alert of their surroundings.
Aeon just stands there and sweats, fanning herself slightly with her own coat "Hoi, chummers, can ya turn th' heat down a bit?" She chuckles
After a few moments an figure appears from invisibility on the throne. Perched is the only word that could effectively describe the way the orc appears on the seat. It appears to be mostly naked, its only garment being a black mantle that appears to be made of feathers. Yellow eyes dart back and fort between the three of you as it seems to size you up. It pauses before it says in a rather distorted and abrasive voice, "Murderdat whut we called tonightjoo call us MurderHobo da name fer da streets, dis biz."
It raises its claw-like hands to encompass the other orcs at that end of the room, as it does so they 'perch' to either side of the chair. Images of crows sitting on power lines spring to mind along with scenes from Hitchcock.
"
"We're here to collect an item for someone," says Haley as she looks over the real Hobo. She lifts her right hand and she adjusts her glasses saying, "So, if we could get the item we will be on our way."
Dekkar watches the figure appear and looks it over. He's not very informed about magic or its practices, but he has experienced enough that it does not come off as impossible to him. He just seems unsure what to do about the situation that presents itself. He stays quiet and backs Haley as always with his physical presence.
Aeon begins to wonder why she didn't notice him before. Maybe his aura was masked. She grins a little at the theatrical appearance
Murder turns his head, peering at each of you with an unblinking eye. He takes in the measure of you and a strangely amused smile crosses his features. "Joo want sumfin from Murder, want me goods, whut joo bring to barter?" His eyes travel from Haley to Dekkar to Aeon, his eyes settling on Aeon and widening a bit. "Childe of spirits, whut joo hab to barter wif 'ere…." Small shuffling steps moves the orc turning it to face Aeon, its arms still at its side much like wings at rest.
Aeon frowns "What? Chummer, I didn't know I was tradin'…" She digs into her longcoat's pockets. "Hoi, you orkie boyz like dis kinda drek?" She drops a small package, wrapped in dirty newspaper
As Aeon begins trades, Haley looks over at her and then back to Murder. She rubs her forehead with her index finger as she looks from dwarf to tusker. She glances then towards Dekkar before she glances back to the Raven shaman.
Dekkar looks at what emerges from Aeon's pockets, and eyes the porn before looking at Aeon amuseldy for just a second. He looks to Haley again, meeting eyes with her as she looked his way with the glance, and then settles his eyes back on the shaman.
Murder's hooked nose crinkles in obvious disgust at the package. His head shakes from side to side multiple times as if trying to wash the image of what it sees on the floor of its sacred place. Shuffling its feet it turns to Dekkar, face still obviously tension filled from the offering Aeon has placed. "Dead one to my eyes, the spirit talker has failed, what can you offer in trade? An errand perhaps?" Murder's eyes flash briefly at the mention of an errand.
Aeon shrugs helplessly. That's what you get for trying to get something out of her "Suit yerself, chummer. I'll just have to stuff all dis powder up m'nose myself.
Dekkar thinks for a minute, and then has an idea. "I can teach you something. How to become stronger without use of magic, or machines."
"Well it seems to me that one of the best trades one could awfer Orktown would be a little more assistance," says Haley. She taps her right index finger on her chin as she says, "Oi happen to have in my possession a rare golden record that could net you a pretty tidy profit if ya can find a collecta for it." She holds her hands out a little helplessly as she says, "Naturally Oi don't carry this around with me, Oi'd need ta send someone to go pick it up."
Murder closes its eyes and again the odd shuffle takes its attention away from Dekkar and to Haley. Opening its yellow eyes widely it seems to almost see Haley for the first time. "Joo hab it right da firs time chica, assistance, joo assist Murder and da Orks and we gib joo da goods." Looking at Haley it seems to peer more closely, as if trying to look through her and then sits back on its haunches. "Whut joo fink on dat chile?"
Aeon sighs "We gotta do a job t' do a job. Great." She flaps her jacket slightly, moving some air
"Well it depends on what you are lookin' for us ta do," says Haley as she looks over the ork shaman. "Maybe what you are looking for is outside of our grasp, or too far off our ideals. Oi am aferin' ya material support ta help the people livin' down here."
Dekkar goes quiet as attention is directed away from him. He looks to Haley quickly, giving her a look that assures her that he's fine that she took the spotlight back abruptly.
Murder rolls its shoulders, the feathers there ruffling slightly in agitation. "Whut dis record ov and what it gib me eh?" Small stutter steps take Murder to the edge of the chair, it eyes Haley with interest. Its not getting what it wants but she makes a good bargain…
"Well when Oi got it, it was valued at twenty thousand," says Haley. She shrugs her shoulders and she says, "Oi would imagine that it would be at least a third more to a propa collecta." She bobs her head thoughtfully as she says, "Would buy a lot of medical supplies for Orktown."
Aeon hums a few bars of music, and whispers some lyrics from the album in question. She knows exactly the one Haley's talking about.
Dekkar watches Haley and glances at Aeon. He nods to Haley, and to the shaman in support, but does little else.
The Crow shamans head nods once and only once. At this the door behind the group opens with an audible intake of air and allows the cold of the Denver night once more into the room. Murder speaks to the guards outside, "Dey make a deal, give dem da box an den da 'dress ta make dey drop…"
One of the Orcs outside grunts an agreement and waves a hand at the group in general. "Aight dis ain no sideshow chummas, joo dun 'ere…." He stands holding the door open, your weapons still lie in the box outside just as you left them.
Collecting her weapon, Haley slides it into the holster. She adjusts her comm and she says, "We're comin' out." She looks to the guard and she waits for the package to be delivered.
Aeon grabs her things quickly and stuffs them back into the familiar places on her coat, draping the leather back over her shoulders "Nice doin' biz!" She follows Haley out with a bounce to her step
Dekkar straightens up. He turns to face the other ork that ordered his exit. He steps along close to Haley and Aeon and proceeds out.
"Da case is at da 'ead uh da stairs," growls out the orc holding the door. "Joo take da record to da Chrome an leave it wid da bahtendah dere…scan?" The escort out is rather uneventful except to note that most of the gangers have gone along with their cars. The fires in the two cars blocking the road are extinguished and those cars have been rolled out of the way.
Rough hands shake Jason for moment and he takes a rather abrupt backhand across the face, doing more to his pride than his actual body. "Whut joo tryin ta do pretty boy eh? Joo seem ta fink joo can sneak up on da Yell???" The four orcs start to close in, fists thump meatily into palms, and boots are scuffed on the rooftop to gain more abrasiveness for the inevitable curb stomps to come.
Deciding that a hand to hand fight isnt something he could easily win. Crit gives himself up easily without putting up a fuss. "Guys, Relax. Lets talk about this. I know we can work something out, wrong place wrong time is all." Crit puts his hands up and lets them move him where they wish. "I got enough nuyen to make this worth your while."
Hank spits out, shaking Jason in the process.."Oh jeah chummah, joo giv it ta us an maybe we only see ifn joo can fly, scan?" The other orcs laugh cruellly in the darkness, still closing in on the human and his two new 'friends'.
Jason does his best to step back, "I wouldnt do anything to rash, i'm pretty wired for sound one could say…wrong thing could set me off…make it real messy. Now, I walk, you get yen, everyone wins. Otherwise, you mess me up, everyone get burns, no ones happy
Hank straightens Jason up, wipeing him down as it dusting him off and grins. "Now dat mo like it chumma, how much joo fink it worf ta keep from…" He hides a snicker with his hand…"da drek hittin da fan so to speak?"
Rubbing his cheek he looks at Hank with death in his eyes. He mutters and reaches into a pocket and throws down a precounted stack of 2K in script, "You can fight over who gets what, but this makes us clear. I'm out of here."
"Wiz chumma, 2K buys joo wun trip off dis roof unda joo own powah…now disappear jeah?" Hank turns and snags the bills and starts to pass them out between the other three orcs and himself. They seem to have forgotton Jason in their greed although you can definitely tell Hank is watching the human to see what he does.
Quickly, Jason makes his way off the roof, his pride hurt alot worse than a simple slap would inflict for sure. He makes his way to meet up with his team trying his best to swallow down the stupid mistake he just made.
Collecting the package that needs to be delivered, Haley heads back to her van. Drawing out the keys she fires up the engine from a distance and lets it idle for a few moments. Pressing the second button she triggers the locks and she opens the rear of the vehicle. Inside is her disguise shop, clothes, wigs and even a large mirror and desk bolted down to the van's frame. She slides the package into the rear and she makes arrangements to have the record dropped off at Chrome as requested.
Jason makes his way to Haley's van and piles into the back without a word. Putting his duffel bag down in the back without a word. Better no one know what went on for sure. He settles back and makes room for the package. He looks to the three that where in the meeting and checks them over. No one hurt or disheveled. Looks good enough.
Aeon just shrugs and kick-starts her racing bike and peels outta there. She tosses the others a thumbs up for a job well done as she passes
Dekkar proceeds out with Haley. He keeps his eyes moving the whole time, because there are still way more orks around than he would be happy with not paying attention to. He proceeds into the shotgun seat of the van, double checking that he grabbed his Predator on the way out. It's there. Whew. He snickers, and settles into his seat. "Easy nuyen."
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