GM: Talia
Players: Mr.Terrific, Sasha, Melani, Vera, Haken.
Synopsis: The player characters are sent on an extraction that finds them facing an odd and powerful protector.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 04, 2070
«Plot» Talia says, "I will set the scene. Is it OK if I have your local fixer point you to the run?"
All of the different runners involved have gotten a call from their own special neighborhood fixer. The job is an extraction of sorts, though the fact that the target is in the Warrens should be some kind of flag for someone. The fact that you are meeting your Mr. Brakhaus in a sushi bar seems to be a nice touch, as is the fact that the bar is left open for you. It's also kind of eerie that almost noone other than the employees is in the joint, and the three that are in one of the booths are all Japanese men, two of whom look like they might make a nice brick wall. The third, the one whos suit isn't cheap, looks immaculately groomed, and waves each runner over as they show.
Mr.Terrific 's hat is off as he enters, the duster he wears and the denim-blue-colored collared jacket beneath it setting off his cowboy boots for pleasant contrast. He bows decently enough in greeting and settles to where he is supposed to settle.
Melani was short, was irish, and was in a sushi bar. Thank the lords above that at least for once she was sober. Wich in turn meant she kept her mouth shut, as she just went to where she was indicated to go.
Sorting out the call for work from the other calls she's gotten, Sasha will take the time to put on a new face before the meet; in this case, an ordinary looking blond caucasian woman. She'll leave her go-bag and vehicle a few blocks away before making the final distance on foot, eyes taking in the nearly vacant establishment before moving towards where the man is waving her over to.
Vera enters promptly, wearing her street clothes, crisply fashionable in a tailored white oxford short, closely-fitting hip-huggers, boots, and her short jacket that, ending at the bottom of her ribcage, tastefully emphasizes her figure. She smiles, stopping before the Japanese men to make the daintiest little bow that she can. She has her heavier gear stashed at her apartment at the Crank, but is reasonably equipped at the moment. Taking her seat with the other runners, she is quiet at first. Poised, professional, and plush.
Waking up in a bit over a stupor after a night of drink, Haken hears his phone ringing and pops up off his couch. Stumbling, and with a slight head ache, he makes his way to his phone and answers. "What's that Charlie? Work? Do you know what time it is… .?" he belts out in a a not so happy to be woken up tone, "No, no it's cool. I need the work. Sushi bar? Yeah I know the place. I'll be there." Throwing his camo jacket on over his street clothes and giving his hair a quit check, Haken heads downstairs to his van and heads towards. Upon arrival he circles the building a few times before parking and entering. He looks around at what what he assumes are Yak men at work. "At least they will speak like real people." he thinks to himself. He sees the well dressed gentle men and says "Oui! Genki kai?" and has a seat.
As the remainder of the team arrives, the Japanese man smiles, and places a small egg-looking device on the table, pressing a button, which causes a bit of a haze of noise. It must be a white noise generator, and he says, "Now that I am certain that we can speak freely, I am glad that all of you could make it here today. My employers have been… informed of a young homeless lady of no small amount of magical talent who is currently living in squalor in the Aurora Warrens. They wish to bring this young woman into a more civilized environment, so that she might learn in her own good time." He pauses, then adds, "They also fear that this young woman is being used by one of the organizations there, since their previous attempt to ask her to allow them to adopt her was rebuffed by bullets."
Mr.Terrific compresses his lips at this, then relaxes. It appears that something in what the man has said may reflect upon his personal background. But he looks dapper and civilized, in his cowboy way, and has likely never gotten in on the 'homeless' side of the equation, so it must be something else. Likely it has to do with the magical side of the equation.
Melani remained passive, silent, letting others talk, just observing.
Sasha does not respond, as there is not a question being asked. Instead, she simply waits, hands folded on the table and gives their potential employer the entirety of her attention. There will be time for questions and noise later.
Vera nods politely - the redheaded elf sits as if she were in a class in finishing school - perfect posture, her attention intent on the Japanese man speaking. She does not interject the way Haken does, but merely waits to see if there are any further details offered before she begins.
«Plot» Talia says, "It is after the next pose that I must note that I need to ask the players here to either consent to Bad Stuff up to and including the demise of their characters, or to leave the plot."
A picture of the young woman, who is a human of Chinese or Japanese descent, is pushed over; the girl can not be more than seven years old. "This is the child we would like you to find and bring to us, so that we might be able to give her the life she deserves." He seems to be quite sincere in what he is saying, though there seems to also be the slight hint of unease at him asking you this. "My employers would like to pay you twenty thousand in nuyen, or the appropriate equivilent in equipment, gear, or other information exchanged. If you decide to take the job, I will inform you where we last found her." Apparently the J is a bit cautious…
Melani simply nodded to the J. She knew the streets, knew what they were like, knew there was better, even if it involved less freedom. Her nod the sign that she was in.
«Plot» Melani says, "I am all consenty and stuff."
Mr.Terrific says, "And the name of the group currently claiming her is?" The slight stiffness in his frame indicates that it would be possible to state a name so powerful that he'd have to walk, considering the payout.
Her eyes drink in the image of the child before looking to the Johnson. Sasha nods slowly, indicating that she is willing to take the job for the mentioned rate of pay. She waits patiently for the others and the conclusion of business, not seeming bored nor anxious; rather, she appears to be ready to wait forever.
«Plot» Sasha says, "I consent."
"None of the gangs have claimed her, though I must state that while it is a gang, I can not state which one until you have decided to take the job or not, since that would kind of indicate the general area as well."
Mr.Terrific says "Then I accept, as long as it is in fact a 'gang'."
Upon hearing this, Haken's wheels begin to spin. On one hand he is smart enough to realize that the Johnson is talking about kidnapping a small child and that if she didn't have any powers he wouldn't give a slotting drek about her. However, having been recognized by a corp growing up himself, and seeing the opportunities that had brought him, perhaps this man did know what was best for the young girl. Not to mention the fact that he really needs the money, "Hai. I am in." he replies.
Mr.Terrific 's wording indicates that if it is in fact not a 'gang' but a 'megacorp' that that would likely cancel the deal.
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "I also consent."
«OOC» Haken says, "I consent to certain death by snoo snoo" <—— OOC Comment Of The Day
«Plot» Vera says, "I consent"
«Plot» Haken says, " I consent"
«Plot» Vera says, "I am taking a dangerous job, and I realize that bad things may happen as a result. :)"
Vera tilts her head, looking intently at the small Japanese man. "It sounds very interesting," she says, after a moment. "But, I'm sure you see, this is not a friendly extraction job, which would be appropriate for the price you quoted. What you have described here is a hostile extraction, in which the target may very well take active means to aid her slavers. Stockholm syndrome is such a trial, sometimes," she says, glancing left and right as nobody seems to raise significant objections. "I think it sounds that we would be ready to accept and accomplish this mission for you, provided that we were able to come to an agreement on that point."
"We found out about her in the Smoky Hills area, and the gang my employers' agents were shot by were of Shape 13, or one of the groups thereof. We want her found, and if it turns out that members of Shape 13 were involved, my employers would not be displeased about any collateral damage you might happen to cause, barring complications from law enforcement, of course." In short, the J is saying, if you have to kill them, don't go nuclear on them. "That is true, and my employers have given me a little flexibility in this regard. Tell me, how much would you be willing to do this for?"
Her attention turns to Vera now, and Sasha's expression shifts slightly from waiting to mild irritation. She stays quiet, however, glancing back to the Johnson as he gives more detailed information about their job. She nods once, perhaps to herself, looking away and towards the door as if in thought.
Smiling to no one in particular, Haken is amused by the bargaining unfolding before him. "Hah. A woman after my own heart." he thinks to himself, "I hope she gets us some more cred out of this.
Mr.Terrific is quiet, and in fact looks away. At this point, the job is not a matter of nuyen for him (but that doesn't mean he's passing up what's on the table.)
Melani again remained silent, she wasn't the talker, and if the talker thought they could get a few more, so be it.
«Plot» Talia says, "Vera, looks like you're the negotiator by default."
Vera smiles. "We are all professionals here, and I imagine that none of us wants to waste our time. But I think that our respect for you is shown best by us making a resonable quote for our services, just as we recognize that you showed us respect by not lowballing us outrageously," she says. "I think that twenty-seven thousand, five hundred nuyen for each of us is a very reasonable price."
«Plot» Talia says, "I need Vera to +prove her willpower, then roll Negotiation."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Vera (#11342) has the Attribute Willpower with the value '4'.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Vera (#11342) rolls Negotiation:
2 4 5 7 9
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 6 vs TN 4 for "The J's negotiation roll…":
1 1 3 3 3 4 = 1 Success
The Johnson seems a bit amused by the young woman, and apparently decides to give a little bit of ground, stating, "Well, I am in a bit of a good mood, I will recompense you for 25,000 nuyen… If you do not want to take it, then you are free to refuse the job; however, I will need to have my two associates keep you out of the area the child might be, until the situation is resolved. Does that sound fair to you?"
Vera inclines her head. "Perfectly. However, I think that shall not be a problem. I am delighted that you are in a good mood, sir, and I think we will be able to be as well. The figure of twenty-five thousand for each of us is acceptable." She finishes that up with her most winsome smile, blue eyes softening in a manner to suggest that she is indeed enjoying present company.
Looks at the pair after the bargain has been struck. "Suki des!" he exclaims, glad to be getting every nuyen he can.
«Plot» Talia says, "I should note from this point on, the Five Minute rule is in effect. If you do not have your action and pose in before five minutes are up, I skip you and go to the next person."
«Plot» Vera says, "Sounds good to me. :)"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Will you be calling people by name?"
«Plot» Haken says, "Works for me."
«Plot» Vera says, "If there might be specific gear I'm looking for under the amount, should I send that information to you at the end of the plot, and may I request cash for the balance?"
«Plot» Vera says, "Or should I be happy for set amount and not worry about gear? :)"
The Mr. J nods, and says, "Thank you all very much for your time." His bodyguards then begin working out the specific cash arrangements, making sure that half of the cash is on hand. "I am afraid that I do not have access to the gear immediately, but I can have such things taken care of when the job is complete." After all that is done, you are shown out.
«Plot» Talia says, "Does that answer your question, Vera?"
«Plot» Vera says, "Does that mean I need to talk half in cash, and then I could request gear for the other half? :)"
«Plot» Vera says, "Take. And I'm sorry for slowing down. I'll ask later. :)"
«Plot» Talia says, "Yes, it does. If anyone else wants to make the same arrangement, we'll talk about it later."
«Plot» Talia says, "If you could all pose how you are getting to the Smoky Hills?"
«Plot» Talia says, "Pose in whatever order you would like, but please, take less than 5 minutes. :D"
Melani remained quiet for the entire meet, and quiet now, slipping to her Bulldog, and waiting by it to see who all would be bumming a ride, before onwards to the smokey hills area. Just another delivery van in a city full of them.
Haken waits for everyone to exit the building and asks, "Where shall we meet up once we arrive in Smokey Hills?"
Mr.Terrific will try to hitch a ride by saying, "And in any case, allow me to introduce myself. 'Mister Terrific', being a hermic mage of the weakest and lamest sort. do let me know if anyone has an appropriate vehicle."
Melani cracked her neck. "Control, and hop in."
Haken hops in his Ares Roadmaster and waits for everyone to get into their prospective vehicles.
Vera smiles to the others after getting out. "Well, it seems like that certainly went well," she says, apparently quite pleased with having negotiated an extra twenty for the group. "Do any of us have an auto that they're willing to take?" she asks, her nonregional British accent elegantly slanting her words. She hugs herself, feeling the chill despite the thermal bodywrap worn underneath her gear. She dips her head for the others' benefit as well. "A pleasure, Mister Terrific. I suppose I am quite new to the business, so until I have settled upon a fine handle, please just call me V. And let me know if you come up with any clever ideas for me." She nods to Melani. "I just didn't want to speak for you."
Once the meeting is concluded and they are shown out, Sasha will exit the sushi bar with a glance to the others for a meeting point. If/when an appropriate location is selected the quiet woman will slip off down the block to recover her own ride, taking that towards the aforementioned rendezvous without any 'getting to know you' chitchat.
Mr.Terrific salutes V and Control and is only too happy to hop in. "The first thing we should do is get our subvocalization comlinks going, and make sure we can contact one another if we get separated."
Melani cracked her neck again as she started the bulldog, tapping the comm unit she had on the dash. "I won't be moving in, but I'll be in contact. Just going to need some time to get set up before you all move in. Personally, don't care how you do it. Can paint free candy on the side of my dog if you think it will work. But I want this done clean, professionally, and right, eh?"
When you arrive in the Smoky Hills, the usual fun, merriment, and mayhem that goes on there seems to have slowed slightly for the moment, as a few of the gangers took the night off, leaving the denizens of Smoky Hills a bit of time to go about their business before Shape 13 comes back out to whoop things up. Though the J gave a general idea of where the girl might be, he did not give you an exact location…
«Plot» Talia says, "If anyone wants to use any knowskills, talk to the people about, or otherwise do something useful? Now'd be a good time."
«Plot» Vera says, "Well, for starters, I've got Gang Identification."
«Plot» Talia says, "OK, pose then roll, 5 minute rull still in effect, starting…"
«Plot» Talia says, "now."
«Plot» Vera says, "I'd like to use that, for starters, to see what I might know about Shape 13 going in. Then I'd want to verify the extent of the territory, using what I can recognize about them to make a couple of incidental drug buys. That would help us begin understand their scope, pretty well, and exactly the extent of their territory. Then, I would ask neighboring gangs about the Shape 13 HQ, if they might have seen a girl around, that sort of thing."
«Plot» Talia says, "OK, pose doing it, then roll the skill you think you should use for that. Derp."
Near the rendezvous, Sasha will park her Americar near one of the more active bars, paying off some locals to make sure that the vehicle is still in one piece when she comes back. She'll shrug into her 'work' clothing and collect her gear, waiting for the others to arrive if she beats them there; if not, she'll make haste to hook up with them after she's done getting ready.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Sasha (#11175) puts on her "Industrious: Winter Coverall"<=Armor (#10440, Item 4).
"Let me out a little early," Vera says, heading out, readjusting her coat, and putting on her 'tough girl' tude. She looks exactly like an off-duty soldier, security pro, or cop, or similar type, out in the gang lands to buy some party favors. She wears her upper jacket open, then intentionally pulls it open, to make the holsters of her pistols visible - no sense attracting the wrong type of attention, after all. She begins to make a couple little buys around the edges of what she expects Shape 13 territory to be, in order to start up small talk to find out where the gang headquarters usually is located, if any, and to determine the size of their search area. And, oh, heard about anything strange in the area lately?
«Auto-Judge[check]» Vera (#11342) rolls Etiquette:
1 1 3 3 4 4
«Auto-Judge[check]» Vera (#11342) rolls Gang Identification:
2 2 5
«Auto-Judge[check]» Vera (#11342) rolls Street Rumors:
4 5 5 5
«Auto-Judge[check]» Haken (#11213) puts on his "Camo Full Suit"<=Haken's Armor (#11370, Item 1).
Mr.Terrific , for his own part, tries to find out what the other 'runners' can do. If he's in a van with someone obviously jacked into the car, well, it's pretty obvious what 'Control' can do and will bring to the table. But that leaves the others. "When you have a moment, what do you do for a living, V? For example, I have a dual Ph.D is Applied Hermenutics and Clinical Psychology. And the rest of you?" He's clearly trying to find out what's on the table, and like, who brought the narcojet pistol.
«Plot» Vera says, "The etiquette is to buy the really basic little bits of drugs and stuff, to sort of get things started."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Haken (#11213) puts on his "Ares HD-2 Helmet"<=Haken's Armor (#11370, Item 3).
«Auto-Judge[check]» Haken (#11213) puts on his "Camo Jacket"<=Haken's Armor (#11370, Item 4).
The one dealer who's in easy sight of Vera smiles, apparently not expecting to get too much business today. He's rather effusive as a talker, amused when she asks about the gang that happens to be his main supplier, and says, "Yeah, they're a little warped, but business has never been better… The girl? Oh, everyone's seen her about, her and that freaky old grandfather of hers… Yeah, the Shape doesn't like the old man; he's gotten in their way enough that they've tried to kill him more than once, but every time, bad luck comes their way…"
«Plot» Talia says, "Five more minutes of poses, rolls, and other such stuff…"
Upon arriving at the rendezvous point, Haken prepares. After checking his guns and dawning his armor, he preps his drones and and RCD network. Awhile later, he hears Mr. Terrific's question. "Well, I have 2 roto drones with plenty of guns an ammo ready to go. And a third with a laser mic if we need to try and gather some intel."
Mr.Terrific says "So tell me about your gel rounds and your narcojet? Do you have anything for nonlethal takedowns?"
Waiting at the RV, Sasha hunkers down and stays warm wrapped in her jacket, eyes scanning the surroundings for trouble until the others arrive. She'll wait quietly for their vehicles, considering the sky for a long moment, the buildings around them, the screams that echo throughout the sector.
«Plot» Talia says, "Is anyone doing anything special to try to find the girl?"
Vera nods. "Thanks, I'd heard something like that, but I wanted to be sure. Don't want to run afoul of the wrong crazy wizard when I'm just trying to pick up supplies for a fun weekend." She smiles warmly, though, as if she's letting the dealer into a secret club. "But I think you definitely scan me. You've been a big help."
Commlink-Haken> Haken says, "I have some gel rounds I can use in one of the drones, and save the real bang bang for the other."
«Plot» Melani says, "If I may. First, drone subscriber list for this run consists of Two Lone Star Strato Nines, A condor LDSD-41, my Arachnid mini-drone, and a Shaiwise Kanumush Crawler. As soon as we are comm linked, and I have info, birds go up. And lets have a look see."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Melani (#11271) has the Knowledge Skill Survailance Tactics with the value '5 (6)'.
«Plot» Melani says, "If thats kosher of course. ^_^"
«Plot» Talia says, "OK. Roll any rolls you think you might need with your poses. You've got another 5 minutes."
Commlink-Mr.Terrific> Mr.Terrific says, "Be ready with that, then. If you see spirits, you can target them with big guns. They are mostly immune to low-powered weapons, but a heavy gun should be able to do them."
Mr.Terrific , at the rendesvous point, is maintaining astral sight, which leaves him looking somewhat distracted. But he doesn't depart and scan or anything.
Commlink-Haken> Haken says, "How about some HE nades. Will those work?"
Commlink-Mr.Terrific> Mr.Terrific says, "Not close to the girl they won't."
Commlink-Haken> Haken says, "V, what have you learned about our friendly neighborhood gangers?"
Melani simply jacked in, and within moments, birds were in the air, she was hoping for a specific search area, but that could be fed to her as needed. Thermals on from her stratos, with the condor acting birds eye view. She was strangely for her silent, as she got to work.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Melani (#11271) rolls Survailance Tactics:
1 1 1 1 2 5
«Auto-Judge[check]» Melani (#11271) rolls Intelligence + 2 for "Perception in search pattern+2 dice due to all my birds having rating 2 clearsight auosofts running.":
1 1 1 2 2 4 4 4 5 5
Commlink-Vera> Vera says, "All right, boys and girl, got a little info. Shape is apparently not all that happy with the girl's guardian, who appears to be her grandfather. Makes me think that it's -poss- we could end run around the gang by offering to take both off their hands. Kill the geezer, take the girl. With the right demonstration at the right time from Control, I think I could safely go in and see about getting permission to operate in the area."
Vans. Drones. That tells Sasha most of what she needs to know about some of her team mates. Once the vans are set up and the birds are in the air, the woman moves over to rap lightly on the door of Control's van, looking for the others.
Commlink-Vera> Vera says, "Seems like Johnson's boys had gone in hot, and got heat in return."
Haken also jacks into his RCD and his van. He send his drones up to about 300 meters and sets two in position over his van. The third he sends out to try and gather some intelligence on the gangs activities.
Vera goes back, to ask another question of the dealer. "I just realized, another thing. I'd like to come down here a little more regularly, but recently I heard there was a bit of a kerfuffle in this area - some sort of stupid corp nonsense that got fought off by Shape? I just don't want to keep coming back for repeat business if I might find myself in the middle of something nasty, you know?"
Commlink-Mr.Terrific> Mr.Terrific says, "I support this plan. The old man sounds like a wizard himself, of some kind."
Commlink-Melani> Melani says, "Ground, this is control, someone get who is knocking on my van."
Melani's the first to note anything, what with her drones in the air being able to pick out the view of metahuman bodies in the cool air. She sees a group of ten moving towards a building that looks slightly more well-kept than the other buildings in the area, and much better than your average squat. It also looks like things are a bit past what Vera said, as those ten seem to be chasing someone half their height, who is running towards the squat as fast as she can, the next block over. The first gunshot of the day rings out into the air, and things appear to have already gone to hell.
Commlink-Haken> Haken says, "Where yah parked?"
Haken sends a drone armed with gel rounds over to investigate Melani's van. "Now who might this be?" he thinks to himself, "I fragin hope it's no one important."
«Plot» Talia says, "Initiative rolls, please."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Sasha (#11175) rolls Initiative with a result of 19.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Haken (#11213) rolls Initiative using a VCR rating 2 with a result of 17.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Initiative with a result of 11.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Vera (#11342) rolls Initiative with a result of 7.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Melani (#11271) rolls Initiative using a VCR rating 3 with a result of 23.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
3 10
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
3 5
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
3 3
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
3 10
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
3 4
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
5 5
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
2 4
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
2 3
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
1 10
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
2 5
«Plot» Vera says, "In this area, are heavy pistol shots likely to draw the attention of police?"
«Plot» Talia says, "Initiative order is as follows: Melani, Sasha, Haken, Mr. T, Gangers 1-10, Vera. Second pass, Mel, Sash, Hak, T, Gangers 1-10. Third Pass: Melani."
«Plot» Talia says, "The cops could care less about the pistol noise, which is about a block over."
«Plot» Talia says, "Incidentally, that block over is where the girl is, if Melani cares to tell anyone. :D"
«Plot» Talia says, "Five minute Rule."
Melani was immediately in action, one of her stratos immeditaely sent to get over that chase and jumped into, switching back to regular camera's to see if she could get a posotive ID, the second Strato continuing to hold for now.
«Plot» Talia says, "Your drone's perception role on the girl, Mel?"
«Auto-Judge[check]» Melani (#11271) rolls Intelligence + 2 for "Clearsight is still active, passive sensors for target ID.":
1 1 1 2 3 4 4 7 7 11
Commlink-Melani> Melani says, "Ground team this is control, I have what looks to be ten skinnys chasing what is possibly our target. By the brownstone on 72nd street. Plotting you an intercept now. Let's move people."
«Plot» Talia says, "Not possibly, Melani. Definitely."
«Plot» Melani says, "I will still use possible in speech. But definitly the girl correct?"
«Plot» Talia says, "Everyone can see five of the chasers; that should increase as you get closer. However, unless you've got some longer-ranged weapons with you? Not going to hit them."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Line of Sight?"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Are they carrying visible firearms?"
«Plot» Talia says, "You have it, Mr. T. And they all have visible pistols, out and firing Gangsta-style."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific would like to cast a spell if that is acceptable on his first pass init.
«Plot» Talia says, "It is. Sasha, BTW."
«Plot» Sasha says, "Ready Weapon, Move."
Commlink-Haken> Haken says, "WHat do you say we let them chase our quarry a bit? Tire her out so we can snag her more easily."
«Plot» Vera says, "What is the distance?"
«Plot» Vera says, "A block is what - 100 yards?"
Not on the comms because no one understands 'rendezvous' or 'knocking', Sasha nonetheless hears the gunfire and sees the runners in the distance. She'll roll her eyes and start moving away from the van and towards those running and shooting, figuring things have gone to hell because that is what they always do. Her right hand produces an ugly pistol from beneath her jacket as she moves, keeping her targets in sight but not charging them.
«Plot» Talia says, "100m."
«Plot» Talia says, "Haken."
Hearing the command from Melani, Haken gets his drones moving. He orders them towards the comotion, and ask over the com, "How about we keep our distance and let them tire her out before we go charging in. Who knows maybe they'll even waste her grand pops for us?"
«Plot» Talia says, "Mr.T."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific moves at an angle so as to widen his field of view of the gangers, and then casts Mob Mind on as many of them as he can get.
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Do they have a generalized willpower and background count for a target number?"
«Plot» Talia says, "4."
«Plot» Talia says, "Correction, 4 for will, 2 for BGC."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Sorcery + Sorcery Pool: 6 vs TN 6 for "Casting Mob Mind on at least 5 gangers, more if angling reveals more. The first mental command will be, "raise your left hand, shoot only your compatriots who have their left hand down."":
1 1 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 11 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Sorcery + Sorcery Pool: 6 - 1 vs TN 6 for "Casting Mob Mind KP:1":
1 2 3 5 5 5 5 10 11 11 15 = 4 Successes
«Plot» Vera says, "Wow. Would that work just as well on me? o.o"
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Sorcery + Sorcery Pool: 6 - 5 vs TN 6 for "Casting Mob Mind KP:3":
1 1 2 4 4 5 10 = 1 Success
«Plot» Vera says, "Are we mundanes just puppets for all of you mages?"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific stands at 6 successes, force 6 for them to resist.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Willpower vs TN 4 for "Resisting 4d drain with willpower.":
1 2 5 8 10 11 = 4 Successes
«Plot» Mr.Terrific takes M stun, 3 boxes.
«Plot» Talia says, "What force was that?"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Force 6."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6:
1 2 2 4 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6:
1 1 2 3 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6:
1 2 4 5 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6:
2 4 5 5 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6:
2 3 3 3 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6:
2 3 4 5 = 0 Successes
«Plot» Mr.Terrific notes that it is impossible to get 6 successes down to 1 success to beat Threshhold on the spell with willpower 4, so they shouldn't spend karma.
It is perhaps a good thing that Mr. Terrific managed to spot more than half of the gangers, because while they are still shooting at the girl, suddenly six of them have their left arms raise in the air, and one of them drops his pistol and has to grab it with his right, non-raised hand while the other five start shooting at their comrades; the other four still seem intent on hitting the girl, so their fellow gang members shooting at them is a bit of a shock.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 5:
1 1 1 10 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 5:
1 2 5 11 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 5:
3 4 4 10 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 5:
4 5 7 9 = 3 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 5:
1 3 4 10 = 1 Success
«Plot» Talia says, "That was for the five shooting at their (suprised) gangmates. Rolling resist after they're done shooting at the girl."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 5:
1 2 4 9 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 5:
1 3 3 4 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 5:
2 3 9 17 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 5:
3 3 4 10 = 1 Success
Mr.Terrific drops his weight and runs explosively diagonally - something about his mood is cold and hard now, contrary to his usual. he is in logic-space, doing that which is the most effect, opening up his lines of sight as he speaks the words of power. His fingers take a pose as if they manipulate a marionette's strings, but it is the hard intent tension of his gaze that does the trick.
«Plot» Talia says, "Three of the four shooting at the girl hit; rolling her dodge."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls Combat Pool: 2 vs TN 4 for "First hit, need one success.":
5 5 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls Combat Pool: 4 vs TN 4 for "Second hit, need two successes.":
1 1 5 5 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls Combat Pool: 1 vs TN 4 for "Third hit, need one success.":
3 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2 for "Girl resisting 9M.":
3 4
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 5 for "Resisting 9M":
1 2 3 4 5 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 5 for "Resisting 9S":
1 1 1 1 4 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 5 for "Resisting 9M":
1 1 1 4 4 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 5 for "Resisting 9S":
2 4 4 4 9 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 5 for "Resisting 9M":
1 1 2 2 10 = 1 Success
«Plot» Talia says, "Vera."
Commlink-Mr.Terrific> Mr.Terrific says, "Left arm up means they're mine."
«Plot» Vera says, "I'm 100 yards away, right?"
Mr. Terrific's magic did some terrific work; he managed to get the gang to turn on itself, its members shooting at one another, at least most of them. The shock seems to have gotten to the rest of them, those still shooting at the girl; even so, one manages to land a stray shot on her.
«Plot» Talia says, "Yes."
«Plot» Vera says, "I suppose the fastest I can run is 21 yards, towards the girl and gangers. I suppose I'll draw my pistols, but there's not a whole lot I can do."
Vera immediately brings her weapons, a little more slowly than she has to, out from under her jacket. Not much time - she winces as she sees a bullet dig into the little target, feeling a sudden surge of anger at the gangers. She might be a hassle, but -this- is a bit much! With surprisingly agility, she gets her wide rear in gear and sprints for the nearest bit of cover about a little more than twenty meters away, to try to bring herself into engagement range.
«Plot» Talia says, "Mel."
«Plot» Talia says, "Sash on deck."
Commlink-Melani> Melani says, "Nip, I ain't letting you fuck this one up. Target is hit, I repeat target is hit. Persuers seem to be squabbling amongst themselves. Fire support moving to standby posistion call in case of dire need. V, I got eyes on an ally up on your right in thirty meteres, suggest you tajke it to try and intercept the girl. Doctor Terrific, can you grab our teams little lost egg, she is not on comms."
«Plot» Sasha says, "Action: Run"
«Auto-Judge[check]» Sasha (#11175) rolls Athletics vs TN 4 for "Running, each success adds 1 to Quickness for this purpose":
1 1 1 2 2 4 4 4 5 7 8 16 = 7 Successes
«Plot» Sasha says, "Effective Quickness 15"
Gunfire! Sasha swears in her head and takes off at a dead run towards the ensuing gunbattle. The world turns into a blur as she jets off towards the fight, her pistol held firmly in her right hand as she vaults over a pile of burning crap, around a destroyed car, and past two dazed and drunk squatters. Within a matter of heartbeats the silent woman is that much closer to the action and their possible target.
«Plot» Haken says, "How far from the area was my done?"
«Plot» Talia says, "50m"
«Plot» Haken says, "Are any of the gangers still firing at the target?"
«Plot» Talia says, "Hak."
«Plot» Talia says, "One."
As Haken flies his drone to the target are he comes upon a gang in the midst of infighting. He sees the target and sees on of the gangers aiming a weapon at her. Given all the provocation he needs, he unleashes a stream of full auto assault rifle fire at em.
«Plot» Talia says, "Roll it."
«Plot» Haken says, " TN? recoil comp 4 and SL 2"
«Plot» Talia says, "4."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Haken (#11213) rolls Gunnery + Combat Pool: 3 vs TN 4:
1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 = 2 Successes
«Plot» Talia says, "What power and DL are we looking at, and what mod to dodge?"
«Plot» Haken says, "Base is 8m. I don't know what FA brings that up to."
«Plot» Talia says, "Forgot to ask, how many rounds are you popping, Haken? If you fire more than 6, you miss."
«Plot» Vera says, "It seems like six is what he would fire, to stage up the damage level twice, with his level of recoil comp."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 6 vs TN 6 for "Ganger attempting to dodge, 17D damage otherwise.":
1 2 2 2 5 5 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 6 vs TN 6 for "Ganger attempting to dodge, 17D damage otherwise. Karma.":
1 3 4 4 5 10 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 6 - 1 vs TN 6 for "Ganger attempting to dodge, 17D damage otherwise. Karma 2.":
4 4 4 5 5 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 6 - 1 vs TN 6 for "Ganger attempting to dodge, 17D damage otherwise. Karma 3.":
2 2 3 4 5 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 12 for "Resisting 12D.":
1 2 3 4 5 = 0 Successes
«Plot» Talia says, "One dead ganger."
«Plot» Talia says, "Mr. T."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "continues his motion, less as it is his second pass, and calls to Sasha who is not on the commlinks but whom he has met."
Haken's firing down on the ganger, well, let's just say for the sake of brevity that you could use said ganger as a collander now. Red sprays all over the place, marking not so much where the ganger might once have been, so much as where he died in one of the more violent manners possible.
Mr.Terrific calls to Sasha, "Left hand up is mine!" Already he's breathing hard and his running is not as smooth as it was in that burst - can he be getting tired already? All right, he is a little weedy and academic. But his hands are still held in that marionette posture, and it's clear from the left-hand-up gangers shooting their pals so close to them what he's up to - at least, to anyone with a bird's eye view.
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Done."
«Plot» Talia says, "Just so you know? The gangers under your control have a chance to break free."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "they do. It's very tough when I am present, however."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 for "Attempting to break free, #1":
2 3 5 5
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6 for "Attempting to break free, #2":
2 3 3 3 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6 for "Attempting to break free, #3":
1 2 3 5 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6 for "Attempting to break free, #4":
1 2 2 3 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6 for "Attempting to break free, #5":
1 1 2 3 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6 for "Attempting to break free, #6":
1 2 3 5 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 4 for "Shooting at fellow gang members…":
2 2 2 3 4 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 4 for "Shooting at fellow gang members…":
1 2 4 5 7 = 3 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 4 for "Shooting at fellow gang members…":
1 2 3 5 11 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 4 for "Shooting at fellow gang members…":
1 4 4 5 17 = 4 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 4 for "Shooting at fellow gang members…":
1 2 5 5 5 = 3 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 4 for "Shooting at fellow gang members…":
2 3 5 5 5 = 3 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 4 for "Shooting at the girl, because they saw their gangmate die so horribly…":
1 1 2 2 4 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 4 for "Shooting at the girl, because they saw their gangmate die so horribly…":
3 3 4 4 10 = 3 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 4 for "Shooting at the girl, because they saw their gangmate die so horribly…":
2 3 4 5 5 = 3 Successes
«Plot» Talia says, "Gah, my bad… Only one of those hit the girl; the gangers under Mr. T's control all hit as noted."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls Combat Pool: 6 vs TN 4:
1 3 3 3 4 4 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls Combat Pool: 6 vs TN 4:
1 2 4 5 5 11 = 4 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls Combat Pool: 6 vs TN 4:
2 4 5 8 9 9 = 5 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls Combat Pool: 6 vs TN 4:
2 5 5 10 11 11 = 5 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls Combat Pool: 6 vs TN 4:
2 2 2 3 3 5 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls Combat Pool: 6 vs TN 4:
1 1 4 4 5 5 = 4 Successes
«Plot» Mr.Terrific whews. Yea, I think some of the uncontrolled ones have wound penalties. And some of the controlled ones too.
«Plot» Talia says, "Traitor Gangers hit once."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 3 vs TN 9 for "Girl resisting S damage…":
1 2 3 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 5 for "Ganger resisting S damage.":
1 2 3 3 5 = 1 Success
«Plot» Talia says, "Second ganger dead by own-goal."
Commlink-Mr.Terrific> Mr.Terrific says, "Take out those last three - and no freaking full-auto, want to pull the cops on us?"
As the girl gets hit again, leaving her sprawling on the ground, bleeding badly from the shoulder, the gangers suddenly find themselves under severe duress from their fellow gang members, with one of the controlled gangers successfully blowing his best friend's brains out… He screams in anguish…
«Plot» Talia says, "Mel, then new init."
Commlink-Melani> Melani says, "Target is down! I repeat, target is down. Doctor this is where you tell me you are an actual doctor. Firesupport is going hot in three seconds, estimated time until we get cops here, five minuites. Get a move on people."
«Plot» Talia says, "New Init. Everyone please roll init."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Sasha (#11175) rolls Initiative with a result of 17.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
1 9
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
5 5
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Initiative with a result of 6.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
2 5
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
2 3
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
5 5
«Auto-Judge[check]» Vera (#11342) rolls Initiative with a result of 9.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
4 5
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
4 4
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 2:
1 5
«Auto-Judge[check]» Melani (#11271) rolls Initiative using a VCR rating 3 with a result of 26.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Haken (#11213) rolls Initiative using a VCR rating 2 with a result of 22.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 1 for "Plus 22 for initiative.":
7
Commlink-Mr.Terrific> Mr.Terrific says, "I will need a secure zone to fix her. You must take down remaining hostiles and secure the area."
«Plot» Talia says, "Mr. Terrific, you suddenly get a very uneasy feeling."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific does have astral sight up and does see obvious astral things.
«Plot» Talia says, "Mr. Terrific, roll astral perception, please."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Intelligence:
1 1 2 3 4 5
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Intelligence for "KP:4":
2 2 4 5 5 8
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Aura Reading for "Only if discernment is important.":
2 3 5 7 7 9
«Plot» Talia says, "It is. Congratulations, Mr. Terrific. You've found out "Old Man"'s secret."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Do tell."
You paged Mr.Terrific with 'Old Man is, in fact, a Force 10 Fire Elemental. Hold your reaction until your turn, if you would.'.
«Plot» Talia says, "Turn order goes: "Old Man", Mel, Haken, Sash, Gangers 1-6, Vera, Gangers 7-8. Second Pass: "Old Man", Mel, Haken, Sash. Third Pass: "Old Man", Mel, Haken."
From afar, Mr.Terrific would like to free-action shout 'do not shoot the old man.'. :)
Melani pages: Quick Query, what is the security rating for this area?
You paged Mr.Terrific with 'He's just coming out of the building. And what's going to happen is about to take that option out of your hands.'.
You paged Melani with 'D.'.
Mr.Terrific pages: Hokay.
Melani pages: Those gangers look like they are still ready to go after the girl?
«Plot» Talia says, "Old man is going to attempt to incinerate ganger with the snappy 'tude."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 10 vs TN 4 for "Flamethrower, M.":
1 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 5 13 = 3 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 10 - 3 vs TN 4 for "Flamethrower, M. Karma 1.":
3 3 4 4 5 5 10 = 5 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 6 vs TN 6 for "Poor bastard attempting to dodge":
1 2 4 5 5 9 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 10 for "Poor bastard attempting to not fry. 12D.":
2 2 3 4 8 = 0 Successes
As the young girl drops, just shy of getting in to what must be her home, an old man emerges from the squatted building… One of the gangers has the colossal bad luck to say, "So, do we have your attention now, you old codger?" The old man drops his cane, and glares with killing intent at the ganger as his eyes blaze with blue fire. He speaks one word, and the ganger screams in agony as fires erupt from one of the old man's fingers to consume him utterly, leaving nothing but a few ashes and cracked bones. "Yes," says he, completely calmly, "You all have my complete attention."
Free Spirit Type: Force 10 Fire Elemental, Spirit Energy: 5, Power: All Fire Elemental Powers, Human Form.
«Plot» Talia says, "Mel. Haken on deck."
Commlink-Melani> Melani says, "What the fuck is that, we got some sort of magic out there. Fire support is going hot. Extraction in two minuites."
[Plot Room 2] Cypher says, "Uh oh, what happened!!"
[Plot Room 2] Cypher says, "Mr.T screwed up didnt he!"
[Plot Room 2] Talia says, "They just found the complication I rolled up on Plotlever."
Melani growled, only the last of it audible on the comm at the end, fully automatic fire, and now this, LS was already on the way. Suddenly the sky erupted, the loud ka-thunk ka-thunk of support weapons fire. Asphalt exploding in large chunks, as her drones began to spit.
«Plot» Haken says, "Hold my action."
«Plot» Talia says, "Target?"
«Plot» Melani says, "Firing, six rounds at the remaining ganger with his hands up. Any range TN increases or anything?"
«Plot» Talia says, "No range TN increases. Roll away. Sash, you're up."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Melani (#11271) rolls Gunnery + Combat Pool: 2 vs TN 4 for "Friggin mages.":
1 2 4 5 9 10 17 = 5 Successes
«Plot» Sasha says, "Stop running, find cover."
«Plot» Talia says, "pose it."
«Plot» Talia says, "Mel, which ganger? One of the six holding his left hand up, or the one that doesn't have his hand up?"
«Plot» Melani says, "One of the ones firing on the girl, so the last one with his hand down."
«Plot» Melani says, "I think that puts….9S base…+6 power for bullets, knock to D, then +1 power for suxx yes?"
«Plot» Talia says, "Yes."
Automatic weapons fire and some sort of actual fire. Sasha skids to a halt, bleeding off her speed with a zigzag that puts her behind an overturned VW bus. She'll take a speculative look towards the battle, listening to machine guns tear up the road and the dying screams of whomever got lit up, shaking her head. She doesn't seem overly willing to run out into the abbatoir.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls Combat Pool: 6 vs TN 7 for "Poor bastich attempting to dodge…":
1 4 4 4 8 9 = 2 Successes
«Plot» Talia says, "So Ganger 7 is down and on the ground, bleeding out."
As the ganger points his gun at the old man, suddenly he seems to be missing part of his lower intestines… Blood goes flying all over the place, and he starts bleeding out, dying on the ground.
«Plot» Haken says, "Hold my action."
«Plot» Talia says, "Gangers attempting to break the hold on them."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6:
2 2 5 7 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6:
1 1 1 4 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6:
1 2 10 10 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6:
1 3 4 8 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6:
2 3 4 5 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 4 vs TN 6:
1 3 4 5 = 0 Successes
«Plot» Talia says, "Mr. T, I need three willpower tests vs. TN 4."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Willpower vs TN 4:
1 3 3 3 4 5 = 2 Successes
«Plot» Talia says, "The first requires one success, the second 2, the third 1."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Willpower vs TN 4:
4 5 5 5 5 10 = 6 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Willpower vs TN 4:
1 1 2 4 4 4 = 3 Successes
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Like I said, it's hard with me right here."
«Plot» Talia says, "Mr. T retains control of his mob, but he can feel his control slipping. Orders for the turn?"
«Plot» Talia says, "Wait, they need to wait for your turn. My bad.."
«Plot» Talia says, "Mr. T, they are holding, they need new instructions."
Mr.Terrific mentally orders the gangers, "Throw all weapons and valuables gently to the woman behind the VW bus. Allow yourselves to be knocked unconscious to save your lives."
As the gangers hear Mr. Terrific's words, they begin to turn about, heading for the van in order, after they throw their weaponry, credsticks, drugs, and the like to the bus.
«Plot» Talia says, "Vera, then I'll be back as soon as possible. RL again."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Vera (#11342) rolls Body vs TN 8:
5 5 9 11 = 2 Successes
Vera continues to sprint, as fast as she can, but still slow enough to wait. She's clearly waiting for what the old man is going to do. She is no athelete, but she is long-legged and gamine, bringing her to within 17m of the downed girl. She makes a decision, even though she has not fired yet, to continue to keep things that way.
Mr.Terrific shouts, both aloud and through his commlink, "DO NOT ATTACK THE OLD MAN. HE CAN KILL US ALL." Quieter, he says, "Knock them out,", holding up his marionette-gnarled fingers. The strain is easier to see on his face than it is in his hands. Yet, the gangers are throwing over their money, and Mister Terrific is looking to the old man. "I can save her!" he says, finally.
«Plot» Talia says, "Mr.T's shout was out of turn, but I allowed it to clean my screwup."
Haken hears his comrades shout over the comm and drops into his second drone equipped with gel rounds. "I hope he knows what he's talking about or we are all fragged." he thinks to himself as he unleashes another volley of auto fire at 3 of the remaining gangers.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Haken (#11213) rolls Gunnery + Combat Pool: 2 vs TN 2:
1 1 2 3 4 8 8 = 5 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Haken (#11213) rolls Gunnery + Combat Pool: 2 vs TN 3:
1 2 3 3 3 3 5 = 5 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Haken (#11213) rolls Gunnery + Combat Pool: 2 vs TN 4:
1 2 3 4 4 4 5 = 4 Successes
«Plot» Talia says, "No dodge, they're trying to stay still for the noggin nockin."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 8:
1 2 3 4 4 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 8:
1 1 2 4 11 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 5 vs TN 8:
1 2 4 5 11 = 1 Success
«Plot» Talia says, "Three gangers KO'd."
«Plot» Talia says, "Old Man.""
The old man looks at the runners, and sees the gangers getting whacked in the back of the head. Apparently he must be Awakened, because he makes a quick pantomine of playing with marionettes with a quizical look, before looking back to the young child bleeding before him. "You have my thanks for your assistance…" The young girl whimpers, and he glares as he hears further gunfire…
«Plot» Talia says, "Old man is holding action. Mel."
Melani pulled her drones out, setting up a watch pattern to look for any hints of the cops.
Commlink-Melani> Melani says, "Ground, this is control, your show. I'm looking for Knight Errant."
«Plot» Talia says, "Haken."
«Plot» Melani says, "Just keeping my eyes peeled for the cops."
«Plot» Talia says, "Sash on deck."
«Plot» Vera says, "(I've decided to unhold my action. I'm just going to take the extra 7 meters of movement this phase, so I'll be in position to pick up the girl, or hand her to Sasha, or whatevers.)"
«Plot» Talia says, "Vera, are you sure you want to do that?"
«Plot» Talia says, "Remaining participants: 3 Gangers, Old Man, Girl, all runners. Removed participants: 3 gangers (KO'd by Haken's gunfire), 3 gangers (slain or dying of intense lead poisoning), 1 ganger (KFC'd.)"
«Plot» Talia facepalms.
Smiling to himself after watching the 3 gangers go down in a hail of gel shots Haken figures He might as well finish the job and takes aim at the remaining three.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Haken (#11213) rolls Gunnery + Combat Pool: 2 vs TN 2:
2 2 2 3 3 4 14 = 7 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Haken (#11213) rolls Gunnery + Combat Pool: 2 vs TN 3:
1 2 3 4 4 4 8 = 5 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Haken (#11213) rolls Gunnery + Combat Pool: 2 vs TN 4:
1 1 3 3 5 7 11 = 3 Successes
«Plot» Talia says, "I decide that Haken auto-succeeds, to save time. 3 KO'd gangars."
«Plot» Sasha says, "I am holding"
Somewhat perplexed by the rain of firearms and drugs and cash, Sasha holds off from blowing the heads off of the approaching gangers, twisting to puzzle out what the heck Mr. Terrific is yelling at her. She ducks back at the near perpetual rain of gunfire from the sky that is hammering down on the gangers, driving them to the ground and sending splatters of gravel and trash her direction.
«Plot» Talia says, "OK. Third pass. Old man is going back inside, returning with a first aid kit. Mel."
«Plot» Melani says, "Skip me, watching for cops. Everyone else has the floor."
«Plot» Haken says, "Holding and using the comm to ask wtf is going on"
«Plot» Talia says, "Haken, then end of turn, if noone else is going to use their held actions. Sasha, Vash, that means you two."
Seeing the last of the gangers fall, Haken decides its time for some answers. Hey flicks on his internal com and shouts to Mr. Terrific, "Ok who is this guy and why aren't we greasing him and snaging the gil?!"
Commlink-Melani> Melani says, "Nip, am I gonna have to jam your comms?"
As the old man sees the last of the gangers drop, he heads back inside the building, quickly emerging with a box that seems to be in considerably better shape than the girl he opens the box for… He begins pulling out tweezers, bandages, ointment, and other first aid tools, beginning to work on the girl, trying to patch up her wounds using the kit's systems to figure out what to do.
Commlink-Haken> Haken says, "Call me Nip one more time and your gonna have to jam the hole in your guts full of gauze."
Mr.Terrific uses the time to come over to the man, saying, "I can help her," from a good distance away. "May I approach?"
Commlink-Mr.Terrific> Mr.Terrific says, "He is immune to all your weapons. He can destroy your drones with fire. he is a powerful spirit."
«Plot» Haken says, "Action Held until further notice."
Commlink-Mr.Terrific> Mr.Terrific says, "You will waste ammo and he will destroy your drones."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 3 vs TN 6 for "First Aid…":
3 5 5 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 3 vs TN 6 for "First Aid…":
5 5 11 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Talia (#3202) rolls 3 - 1 vs TN 6 for "First Aid…":
1 3 = 0 Successes
«Plot» Talia says, "Old man has healed one box of damage. Open posing."
Now that the gunfire has stopped, Sasha will take a look out and ascertain the situation. With a glare towards the sky she moves out a little ways, collecting the various items the gangers have littered nearby and stuffing them into a bag she'll produce from a pocket.
Vera glances over to Rif, nods, and moves to approach as well, surreptitiously putting her weapons away. She lowers her hands. "We can give her the best of medical care. She will have a life of education and happiness. She will not have to grow up here," she says, softly. "Do you really think that kit is enough for her?" She is bringing the full force of her emotion about the situation, harnessing the shock she felt when she saw the ganger ruthlessly gun the girl down - a sight jarring even to Vera's eroded conscience.
Mr.Terrific releases his fingers from their odd configuration as the last of the gangers fall. He immediately looks better, but his face is still lined, careworn, as he approaches. He seems to be very very careful about the old man.
The girl whimpers as the old man attempts to use his somewhat limited skill in trying to heal the girl everyone thinks to be his granddaughter… He continues to work, but when he hears Mr. Terrific talking, he has tears in his eyes. "Please."
Melani remained on overwatch, eyes peeled for the telltale signs on cops, of thier drones.
Mr.Terrific says to Vera, "Don't rush it." Still, when the old man allows it, he hurries to the girl's side, and adds gentle direct pressure and soothing, crooning magical words; a pleasant little song.
Haken continues to watch the stiuation unfolding outside the man's hut.
«Plot» Talia says, "Real appearance of Old Man. http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs40/f/2009/022/2/e/Anima__Fire_elemental_Boss_by_Wen_M.jpg"
Mr.Terrific pages: Heal, force 6, target number - base is 10, +2 background, +2 because I'm at m, minus her Magic rating?
You paged Mr.Terrific with 'TN is 8. And not minus magic.'.
The majority of the easily gotten items tucked away, Sasha considers the little scene with the old man and the child. She isn't in the loop on what is going on, so she'll stay back and let those nearby handle the situation. Instead, she'll keep an eye out for more gangers or even worse Warrens predators.
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Sorcery + Sorcery Pool: 6 vs TN 8 for "Healing the little girl at maximum capable force, kneeling with the old man.":
1 1 1 2 2 2 4 4 4 5 5 19 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Sorcery + Sorcery Pool: 6 - 1 vs TN 8 for "Healing the little girl KP:4":
1 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 10 11 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Sorcery + Sorcery Pool: 6 - 3 vs TN 8 for "Healing the little girl KP:6":
1 1 2 2 2 4 5 8 10 = 2 Successes
«Plot» Mr.Terrific stands at 5 successes, and begins sustaining the spell for the full length of time - all successes go to healing 5 boxes of damage and none to time reduction
«OOC» Haken says, "Heh. Just convince him that the corp can give her a better life. Better than people attacking her to get to him. Then say he can come to."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Willpower vs TN 3 for "Resisting 3d drain because the little girl had 8 boxes of damage on her by my count":
1 1 2 3 5 5 = 3 Successes
The old man hears Vera's words, and begins to stand, eyes burning again. Stepping away from Mr. Terrific and the girl, he straightens his ancient frame up… and up… and up… until he stands about four meters tall. The skin melts from his bones, which in turn erupt into flame, and he looks down at Vera, saying in a booming voice, "What did you say, child?"
«Plot» Talia says, "Serious drain, not Deadly drain."
«Auto-Judge[check]» Mr.Terrific (#7242) rolls Willpower - 3 vs TN 3 for "Resisting 3s drain then KP:7":
2 5 10 = 2 Successes
«Plot» Mr.Terrific stands at light stun
«OOC» Haken says, "Awww don't kill her new char."
Mr.Terrific is sure to cradle the child's head off of the pavement when he is holding the spell. This one doesn't appear to have to have any sort of hand gestures holding it up, and the girl certainly isn't 'all better'. But if she's still bleeding, it's likely slowed to an ooze.
«OOC» Baron says, "Shush Haken"
«OOC» Vera is quite happy to be responsible for her own mistakes. :)
Yup, and then things went from bad to worse. Sasha considers the flaming being before the runners, the downed girl, the likelyhood of reinforcements and law enforcement. She starts backing away from the area, using cover to disengage.
"There are evils everywhere," Vera replies. "But this group values her, and will protect her." She points to Mr. Terrific. "He may not be here next time," is all that she continues to say. There is little she can do…she is no threat to the great beast, and she has at least had enough fun in her time on this planet to meet the end with a bit of a smile. "But we have only seconds in which we may do so."
Mr.Terrific quietly says, "I was lucky to have a family where and when I grew up. I never had to be in a place like this. But even there, I had to make payments on my future to survive as a child."
From afar, Baron is amazed at how confident Vera is, even Dalton would be playing it fairly carefully, and meek, definatly a bit meek in this situation.
Mr.Terrific pages: I am looking at him, now that I am close, to see if he is a bound spirit or a free spirit.
You paged Baron with 'Yes. She's got more stones than most runners I know. She also just prevented the follow-up plot I was planning. :D'.
You paged Mr.Terrific with 'He's definitely Free.'.
From afar, Baron notes Sasha started retreating fairly quickly, coward rep!
«Plot» Talia says, "Incidentally, children, this is what a Force 10 Free Fire Elemental can look like."
Mr.Terrific says, "I'm sure you know that there are bindings in this world, and for some, they can have benefits as well as penalties. And always, there is a chance for later freedom.
Baron pages: And Melani and Haken need something for being unprofessional and arguing with each other during a run.
Mr.Terrific says "That is how I am here today, and now I have a chance to give it to her."
Mr.Terrific is kind of talking to himself here, but he's doing it to let the old man know where he's coming from, and why he's doing the things he's doing.
The "Old Man" seems to almost be ignoring Mr. Terrific, instead looking down at the tiny creature beneath him that calls herself Vera with interested eyes. "You speak truth, young one. However, where this young one goes…" He motions towards the young girl, "So too must I follow." The elemental begins shrinking inwards, re-forming into the shape of the old man that he held before. "I will not stop her, if she wants to go, but I will Protect her."
You paged Baron with 'Vera likely just earned herself the "Balls of Ceramite" award of the week.'.
Vera, for her part, finds herself smiling a little more widely in response, nodding firmly. "I believe we understand each other, sir," she says. "Come with us, immediately, and you will go with her. I am sure that if our clients are worthy, they will not fear your presence," she replies. Of course, she's really just dumping the problem on the corp (no problem there!) and finding a way to find the path of least resistance to ticking the 'Mission Accomplished' box. "Come with us, and she will be with people who understand her value, and will kill and send men to die to protect it."
Sasha continues to disengage, making sure that the retreat lines are open to the vans. She'll watch the area for gangers and ghouls and devil rats, waiting for the team to come back this way one way or another.
Mr.Terrific says "And she will be in a place where these scum can't hurt her."
«OOC» Vera says, "He seems to be able to really be convinced by only the most primordial of principles, so only the most amoral arguments can be used to make him think one group of scum is like any other."
«OOC» Vera says, "Or he just thinks I'm cute."
"All right. Michiko, do you wish for us to go with these people?" the Old Man tells the girl, who takes her feet unsteadily, rising after she grasps his outstretched hand…
"Yes, Grandpa Honoo… I will go with them. We will speak with this group, and see what they want." The child seems rather mature for such a young child, and she looks to Mr. Terrific. "Thank you… I'd like to know your name, sir…"
«OOC» Vera says, "If you say 'I'm Mr. Terrific!' I will die laughing. :D"
Mr.Terrific says, "You can call me Rahne," and he says it more like 'Roni' but with 'ah', "And I am of the tribe of Levi. But real names are a kind of secret, so you should keep that quiet. Do you feel good enough to get up? We can walk to the car. I'm being told we should hurry."
«OOC» Mr.Terrific probably should have used his 'street name' but hey. It's a gut-shot little girl here.
«OOC» Mr.Terrific is clearly a big softie.
The girl begins to swoon a little bit, but the old man catches her, and carries her in his arms. "Which way is your conveyance?" asks he, looking about at the neighborhood he will likely not see for some time.
Melani took a look at the situation, then began to recall her drones, one by one, to the back of her van.
Mr.Terrific leads her to the van, staying close and holding the spell. He, too, looks a little tottery, but at least he's not covered in blood.
Sasha lurks in the darkness and shadows, guarding the way back to the vans. She sits quietly, watching for anything coming from either direction, her internal chronometer counting off the seconds.
Mr.Terrific says to the old man. "Burn the blood from the scene. the hair, anything she might have lost. I can't do it, not now."
Mr.Terrific says "Others might come and collect it, to have something of her."
Haken shadows the party with the drones, providing escort all the way back to the drop point.
"Rahne Levi," whispers Vera, committing any nicely useful little thing to memory. She turns towards the van. "I mean no disrespect, but we must be as quick as we possibly can," she says, breaking into a trot to try to help hustle the group back to the meeting point.
The old man nods, and fire erupts in the places she was shot, all around the gangers that were slain… The old man then trains his flame upon the old building they were in, rapidly burning the structure to the ground and leaving little but ash. "All right. Let us be gone from this place." says he, trotting along with Vera, perhaps a bit too easily.
Mr.Terrific gets in the back of the van as well, all the better to sustain the spell.
Melani dejacked as soon as her drones were stowed, just a little nod. "She going to be alright?"
Once their charge is safe in the van, Sasha will move to collect her own vehicle and start it up, preparing to follow the others back to the meeting place to deliver this child and get paid, and then attend to a few other pieces of business.
Mr.Terrific smiles and tells Melani, "She should still see a real doctor, but I think she's going to be fine."
Vera smiles ruefully. "Not only that, the corp will be able to get her to a triple-A doctor faster than any of us could. Probably," she replies, giving a rather sunny smile to the old man. "I'm just glad that we came in time."
Melani started to get out of the area then, letting Talia take it from here.
"I only hope that I am doing the right thing for her…" says the old man, who looks down at the girl, now asleep, somewhat fitfully, in his arms. "When I first came to myself, she was there, with her mother, who died giving birth to her… I guess you could say we were born on the same day." The old man pauses, thinking about it, as the convoy drives off to the meeting place.
«Plot» Talia says, "OK. Anyone who wanted alternate payment worth 12500 in cash plus 25000 of goods, including street index, speak now or forever hold your pieces. Everyone else gets 25000 in cold, hard cash."
«Plot» Talia says, "State out what goods you want, and the costs for them, here and now. I'm going to get a snack, but I'll be right back."
«Plot» Vera says, "Sensitive Skin bioware (10,000) SI 2, and Scent Glands bioware (5000) SI 1."
«Plot» Sasha says, "Cash, please."
«Plot» Vera says, "Not cultured. Just basic."
«Plot» Talia says, "Vera, you'll need to find a surgeon to put that in you first, but I can note that you have that particular 'favor' ready to be called in."
«Plot» Vera says, "I assume that I would get a redeemable voucher. :)"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "then… cash"
Cypher pages: Be careful about this. Staff isnt too keen on the shopping list payout. You may get it turned down.
You paged Cypher with 'I know. If it turns out that staff turns it down, I can always chalk it up to changes in the market, and give them 32500 in cash. This was a run the J was willing to pay 35k for anyway. :D'.
From afar, Cypher nods
You paged Cypher with 'Vera basically talked the entire team out of ten grand. :D'.
Cypher pages: What!
From afar, Cypher wonders why didnt anyone shoot her
You paged Cypher with 'Because They Didn't Know. :D'.
Cypher pages: Was she rude in the meet or something?
You paged Cypher with 'No, just minorly clumsy with the negotiations, and noone else stepped up in her stead.'.
You paged Cypher with 'And that should speed things up. :D'.
«Plot» Melani says, "How much for Talia?"
«Plot» Talia says, "Actually, Talia isn't for sale."
«Plot» Haken says, "Ill take the money"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "Does the ganger loot add up to anything?"
«Plot» Talia says, "Your fixer can get each of you an extra grand from that, after fees, of course."
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "I am engaged in complicated negotiating, pardon"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific likes that.
«Plot» Mr.Terrific just wants cash, he shushes himself
«Plot» Mr.Terrific is happy with the fixer's fees.
«Plot» Melani says, "Cash is fine."
«Plot» Talia says, "OK, Melani, Haken, Mr. T, Sasha for 26000, Vera for two pieces bio and 13500 cash."
«Plot» Vera says, "Yes!"
«Plot» Mr.Terrific says, "And there was much rejoicing."
«GM» Talia says, "Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you all for your time, and your patience with my RL issues tonight. Have a good one, one and all!"
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