FIVE 1

@Fats> ==== SESSION 1 START ====
10:47 <@Fats> Late October 2073; Vladivostok is embroiled in a bitter syndicate war between the local Vory, Seoulpa Rings the Korean refugees brought with them when fleeing the war between the two Koreas, and New Way Yakuza, brought by the Japanese metahuman refugees. New bodies are found daily, puddles of blood already washed out by the ceaseless drizzling October rain.
10:47 <@Fats> The runner scene is affected by the war even more than the rest of the city, a week doesn’t pass without a runner team wiped out for failing a ran or in retaliation for succeeding in one. Runner jobs that do not involve killing or being killed are growing short on supply, so it’s been a while since our heroes’ last heroic escapade.
10:47 <@Fats> They meet past noon at the Khasan Coast, a former slum district revitalized by the corporate masters of the city, Evo. Still enough seedy establishments remain, and the runners today chose the most authentic of them, Yakor v Glotke (The Anchor in the Throat), an age-old sailor canteen that long since turned into a meeting place for smugglers, sailors, runners and other less savory elements. The canteen is crowdy, noisy, and filled with tobacco smo
10:47 <@Fats> ke and stench; numerous ragged bands of outcasts converge around its no-nonsense metal-and-plastic tables. Our heroes stand around one also, its dirty knife-cut surface milky under the glistering glass of their beer mugs.
10:47 <@Fats> The proprietor, a bulky telnyashka-wearing troll covered in sailor tattoos and known simply as Michalych, brings them another round. A retired runner himself, he’s a well-established fixer by now thanks to his down to the earth direct approach:
10:48 <@Fats> -Here, brewed this myself, - you sip the beer and find it to be a very decent craft lager, - And between you and me, folks, I have a Johnson here, but he’s a strange one. Won’t contact me directly, just mail drops from anonymous mailboxes and comcalls with his Matrix avatar. But hell, whatever, it’s not like there’s place to be picky with the city as it is right now, eh?
10:48 <@Fats> * okay, game names; feel free to describe what your characters are like on their day off sipping beer
10:49 <Guns_n_Droids> * I suppose the above also underlines that we're not just wetworkers for hire
10:50 <@Fats> * minding that half the troupe are pacifists...
10:51 Guns_n_Droids → Kit_Remoni
10:52 Jamespsx → Jelena, PLC → Dagda, Stozu_ElGoblo → Ch_Buryatov
10:52 Jamespsx → Jelena
10:52 PLC → Dagda
10:52 Stozu_ElGoblo → Chingis_B
10:52 Chingis_B → Ch_Buratov
10:53 Ch_Buratov → Ch_Buryatov
10:54 <@Fats> * waiting for your reactions :3
10:54 — Kit_Remoni is a young dwarf, not as beefed-up as many of them, with a short black beard and moustache, large goggles up on his bald head. He's using cheap commlink to translate to Russian
10:55 <Kit_Remoni> - Not that strange, knowing Johnsons - or is it Ivanov-s here?
10:55 — Ch_Buryatov is nondescript human-looking elf of a korean nationality casually dressed in 2-piece business suit.
10:56 <Dagda> - "So that is it, Mihalych. " The frail-looking elf is idly playing with his coaster. He's definetly seen better days, with his craggy hair and a worn-out lab coat for a casual dress.
10:59 <Ch_Buryatov> - Let's see him. Or his matrix avatar. Or mail. Or whatever.
10:59 <@Fats> - I usually worked with meat-space meetings in my time, - the troll shrugs, - Dunno, maybe now you youngsters changed your mores. Anyway, he says he's ready to brief anyone willing to do a "small run" for him later today, Lesnaya str, 18, basement floor. And I'm running out of teams to offer that run to. Remember Birdy? The damn Koreans scalped him, cut his head off, and dropped it at his mother's doorstep.
10:59 <Ch_Buryatov> It's not like we're busy right now.
11:00 <@Fats> * oh, and right, just like always, the language we're using for OOC comments is the prevailing language of the region. So whatever's written in English without any quotes or anything, is in Russian IC. Other languages are written like [language] text.
11:01 — Jelena is a fairly attractive elf, shoulder lengthed dark hair and thick khol around her emerald green eyes, wearing a dress with thinned down combat fatigues underneath it.
11:01 <Ch_Buryatov> - [korean] Oh those nasty koreans...
11:01 <@Fats> A quick glance at the map of Vladivostok shows Lesnaya is deep within the slums of Tavrichanka district.
11:01 <Kit_Remoni> = I will object to scalping, though...
11:02 <Jelena> - "Sure, let's see what he wants us to do. If its a small run we can stretch our legs, and hopefully not our knives, huh?"
11:02 <Kit_Remoni> * Matrix Search - who 'owns' Tavrichanka now?
11:02 <@Fats> - Nothing about anyone personally, - the troll backs up, as all closet nazis do, - But you can't argue we didn't have the Rings and the violence coming with them before all the refugees came.
11:03 <Ch_Buryatov> - You mean like 70 year ago?
11:04 <@Fats> Tavrichanka is a large slum district ( http://danvolodar.ru/files/Vladivostok.png ), it's owned by small local gangs, because there's nothing the Syndicates want there, except perhaps for new recruits. Lesnaya is nearly abandoned, so it doesn't have a strong gang presence.
11:04 <Dagda> - "They had nowhere else to go. You can't blame all your problems on refugees."
11:05 <Dagda> - 'It's all the bloody orcs, you see? If we didnt have so many orcs around, there wouldnt be as much blood around"
11:05 <@Fats> - Oh that might seem like an eternity to you, Chen, but a few people here still remember those golden times.
11:05 <Dagda> ((Three elves and a dwarf?))
11:06 <Kit_Remoni> * or troll. neither of which could be there before the Change
11:07 <@Fats> The old troll turns to Dagda: -Now you're just sounding like one of those metahating jerks, man. Milksops picking up stupid Yankee habits and thinking themselves smart!
11:08 <Dagda> - Oi, Mihalych, I aint racist or anything, but when was the last time you seen a gang that wasnt half orc?
11:08 <@Fats> - When last the local chapter of the Ancients walked by, why?
11:09 — Jelena sips her beer, worrying the conversation will go towards elves soon and their advantages in the race-relations department.
11:09 <Ch_Buryatov> - Heh, can you still call them gang and not some kind of a syndicate?
11:10 <@Fats> - Syndicate shmindicate, another bunch of yankee upstarts sticking their noses across the ocean where it doesn't belong if you ask me.
11:10 <@Fats> * where they don't belong
11:11 <@Fats> * Jelena, it has gone there already, the Ancients are an elf-only gang affiliated with Tir Tairngire
11:11 <Jelena> - "Even that I can agree on. They're just knife-ear bastards that send some of their bottom line back to the elven conspiricy. Or, so I've heard." She clears her throat and attempts a subject change before trogs enter the fray
11:12 <Ch_Buryatov> - Oh those nasty knife-ears...
11:12 <Kit_Remoni> - More like a boarding school sometimes. Ancients are on a different step of the ladder depending on where you are. Rhine-Ruhr, or 'free' Berlin
11:12 <Kit_Remoni> - Anyway, let's talk to this Mister Ivanoff or whatever he calls himself
11:12 <Jelena> - "Sooo, be honest Michalych, do you think this Johnson is a double-crosser, or trying to bait someone into being in his pocket?"
11:12 <@Fats> - Haha, damn straight that they are, nothing but a way to set metatypes against each other! - the troll lets out a bellowing laugh, - So anyway, you willing to look into that job?
11:13 <Ch_Buryatov> - Why not?
11:14 <@Fats> - Well, that guy seemed strange to me with all these precautions. Normally, they at least show what they want you to think their face is. So I dunno, Jelena, he looked off to me - but then, a good friend of mine vouched for him when he linked us up...
11:14 <Dagda> -"A little cred wouldnt hurt."
11:14 <Ch_Buryatov> - I'm really tired of watching horny husbands for their wives and vice-versa.
11:17 <Ch_Buryatov> ((what's time of day/year it is?))
11:17 <@Fats> - Yeah, right, Che, that stupid Yakutian idea of fucking around. Never had that before their bullshit "independence". So right, the guy promises a briefing there around 8 pm, so you better attend if you want to know what he's about.
11:18 <Ch_Buryatov> ((disregard time of year))
11:18 <Dagda> ((A dark and stormy night))
11:18 <@Fats> * It is now October 30th, 2073. Around 3 pm.
11:19 <Dagda> - "Why the hell not, Mikha. Lesnaya, right? "
11:19 <Kit_Remoni> * and he promises a briefing - how? In matrix? How we connect, etc, or is it irrelevant?
11:19 <@Fats> The troll stares at Jelena: Why aren't you drinking your beer? Don't you like it?
11:20 <Ch_Buryatov> - Needs more dandellions in it.
11:20 <Jelena> - "Actually, I'm savouring it because I like it. I don't wanna drain your kegs of it, and I'd rather it last as long as I want it to, see?" She winks.
11:20 <Ch_Buryatov> - ...Nah, just kidding, good beer, Mikhalych!
11:21 <@Fats> - Yeah, Lesnya, 18, basement, no details, no nothing, - he pulls up a commlink from a pocket, and shows you the message, the screen looking like a toy on his huge hand. Green-on-black message reads: "Briefing. Lesnaya, 18, basement. J".
11:21 <@Fats> The troll smiles a proud smile hearing his beer complimented.
11:21 <Ch_Buryatov> - It doesn't says anything about time, though.
11:23 <Kit_Remoni> - I suppose he briefs all the other loosers before eight, and we're the last in the list
11:23 <@Fats> - That's because he had been bugging me with that for ages before that, "Get me a runner team by the 30th evening", "I need them ready by 8pm 30th", the stuff. Won't answer my questions as to why, either.
11:23 <Jelena> - "Uuuh, 18 as in 1800 hours, I am to guess. Odd he would want to meet face to face. Makes a girl wonder."
11:23 <Kit_Remoni> - Possibly he just left his Big Matrix Screen there.
11:23 <Ch_Buryatov> - Or first...
11:24 <@Fats> - Could be, - Michalich shrugs, - Can't imagine he was that insistent only with me.
11:24 <Ch_Buryatov> - Well, we have some time to check things and scout around.
11:24 <Jelena> - "Chances are he will be vetting us as we arrive and wait around for him. If he's as cautious as you've told us, he might already be there."
11:25 <Kit_Remoni> - I'd like to have a getaway truck if possible.
11:25 <Kit_Remoni> - Also to hide my walking health insurance
11:26 <Kit_Remoni> - Anyone got wheels or we just rent 'em?
11:26 <Dagda> - "Can't be that bloody bad. You're overthinking it"
11:27 <Ch_Buryatov> - Well, I can drive you all in and out.
11:27 <Ch_Buryatov> - But if we want to be on the safe side we can always rent some disposable truck.
11:28 <Jelena> - Oh, I don't think he'd try to kill us, just watch how we arrive, react, wait around, whether we scout ahead of time, all the good stuff. If I were him, I'd do that, wouldn't you?
11:28 <@Fats> Seeing how the heroes turned to intraparty discussion, the canteen-owner drifts off to break up a fight between some competing smuggler teams back at the entrance.
11:28 <Kit_Remoni> - Sure thing. That's why it's good idea to have wheels on the ground. Besides, if job is quick, it's possible we'll have to speed up right from the meeting.
11:28 <Ch_Buryatov> - Let's hope that's not some kind of a dragon or bugs operation.
11:29 <Kit_Remoni> - Yep. If I wanted dragons, I would've stayed in Germany
11:30 <Dagda> - "If he wanted something quick, he'd set it up in advance. So, we up for this?"
11:30 <Ch_Buryatov> - Do you have another suggestions?
11:32 — Ch_Buryatov looks around for party reactions, then sips his beer.
11:32 <@Fats> Heavy slaps can be heard from the direction of Michalich's departure, then some body slams into a wall, clanking with its implants loud. After a momentary silence, the usual background of loud talking and drinking resumes from that direction, as the troll walks away.
11:32 <Kit_Remoni> - Since we have fuck-no idea what he wants, I believe we're up for this. *finishes his beer, fiddles with the commlink*
11:34 <Jelena> - I'm good with that. I say we do it.
11:35 <@Fats> * Ch_Buryatov, don't hesitate to describe your vehicle as you board it :3
11:35 <Ch_Buryatov> - Dag?
11:35 — Jelena sips the beer slowly down until only a thimble remains, letting the sliver of beer remain in the glass.
11:36 <Dagda> - "Like we have a choice."
11:36 <Ch_Buryatov> - Well, you can always, I dunno, go teaching kids in school?
11:40 — Ch_Buryatov as you all remember drives nice and roomy Toyota Coaster SUV prepared for offroad and urban operations.
11:42 <Kit_Remoni> * To do all the necessary formalities^W matrix-search cameras near the target briefing location and check the CCTV logs
11:42 <Dagda> ((I have to desert fror ten minutes or so, urgent stuff)
11:43 <Kit_Remoni> Yeah, kids in school. That's hardcore running
11:43 <Ch_Buryatov> ((hm, looks like there were different Toyota Coasters in the past as earlya as 1969. But they were minibuses))
11:44 <@Fats> Vladivostok autumn greets you with its characteristic hospitality: the drizzling rain turns to pouring, flying almost horizontally under the wind gusts from the ocean, so you're glad to finally reach the SUV. As Che drives, Kit checks up on their destination, easily hacking the municipal cams around the house.
11:45 <Kit_Remoni> - Oh, the Russian weather. It's like you're swimming, but easier to breath
11:46 <Kit_Remoni> * If Johnson or his guys or his tech are already inside, it will show on cameras. Or at least blank spots will show.
11:46 — Ch_Buryatov enables spoof chip and parks a few blocks away from target.
11:47 <Ch_Buryatov> - Let's put an eye in the sky.
11:47 — Kit_Remoni reclines in his robo-chair
11:48 <@Fats> The streets are almost deserted after the working day, so the van flies fast, splashes of water flying high from the puddles as it goes. Meanwhile, Kit sees the usual Tavrichanka district landscapes: a half-abandoned street with commieblocks crumbling from disrepair on one side and meager huts (that perhaps used to be dachas) on the other. Their target is one such house, standing out only in its size: it's both larger and taller than its neighbors
11:48 <@Fats> , but equally run-down.
11:48 — Ch_Buryatov prepares bird-like Lockheed Optic-X drone to launch.
11:48 <@Fats> Kit_Remoni, Electronic Warfare+Scanner, please
11:50 <Ch_Buryatov> * ...and launches it.
11:50 <Kit_Remoni> * Software + Resonance to thread scanner
11:50 <Kit_Remoni> sd#11
11:51 <Kit_Remoni> 11#sd
11:51 <ur_dnd_bot> Kit_Remoni: (pool 11) 2 hits
11:51 <Kit_Remoni> * ok, not as good as I'd hope, but at least not much to resist
11:52 <Kit_Remoni> 12#sd fade
11:52 <ur_dnd_bot> Kit_Remoni: (pool 12) 4 hits
11:52 <Kit_Remoni> * resisted.
11:52 <@Fats> The drone shows the same picture, except with better definition and without noise. The runners can spot windows lit up with warm yellow light in the non-abandoned commieblocks, and in a few abandoned ones flickers of flame or the cold flickering of commlink screens. The audio track coming is mostly the rain pouring upon the drone's mics.
11:52 <Kit_Remoni> * EW4 + Scanner 2 + Technomancer hotvr mod 2 = 8
11:52 <Kit_Remoni> 8#sd
11:52 <ur_dnd_bot> Kit_Remoni: (pool 8) 3 hits
11:53 <Ch_Buryatov> - Looks like there is still life.
11:53 <Kit_Remoni> * edgereroll 5
11:53 <Kit_Remoni> 5#sd
11:53 <ur_dnd_bot> Kit_Remoni: (pool 5) 0 hits
11:53 <Kit_Remoni> *well, there's that.
11:54 <@Fats> The dwarf spots more than a few hidden nodes around the house, in the trees and streetlights, on the walls of the houses opposite it and near it - those look like cameras. There is also a hidden node in the basement that looks like a house central node.
11:54 — Ch_Buryatov looks for any signs of troubles.
11:55 — Kit_Remoni looks into the resonance-lookingGlass to find hidden entities
11:56 <Kit_Remoni> * What does node look like, corporate? Local or foreign style?
11:56 <@Fats> Che, the street is remarkably clear of those - the rain keeps even the normally ever-present teenage neighborhood gangs at bay. Graffiti-covered walls are slick with rain, and piles of waste on the street soak it up.
11:58 — Ch_Buryatov checks data from drone radio signal scanner.
11:58 <@Fats> Its sculpting in the matrix looks like a bog-standard Evo house node, a drop of glistering glass under a tile roof with a chimney. But as you probe it, the firewall appears to be entirely non-standard.
11:58 <@Fats> * Ch_Buryatov, EW+radio scanner rating, please.
12:00 <Ch_Buryatov> (not drone clear sight?)
12:01 <Kit_Remoni> * clearsight is for visible targets, no?
12:01 <Ch_Buryatov> ((I was under impression it's for all types of sensors))
12:02 <Kit_Remoni> * it's like perception for dogbrain, so it can identify stuff, AFAIR
12:02 <Ch_Buryatov> ((as there are no clearhearings and cleartastes and...))
12:02 <Ch_Buryatov> 2#sd
12:02 <ur_dnd_bot> Ch_Buryatov: (pool 2) 1 hit
12:03 <Ch_Buryatov> (heh)
12:03 <@Fats> * Clearsight is the autosoft drones roll for Perception. Electronic Warfare is its own autosoft.
12:03 <Kit_Remoni> - Found our mr.J matrix setup. Seems like he may indeed go in virtual
12:04 <Ch_Buryatov> (ah, ok. Rolled 1, yes)
12:04 <Jelena> 8#sd
12:04 <ur_dnd_bot> Jelena: (pool 8) 2 hits
12:04 <@Fats> The drone can't find any hidden nodes in sight.
12:04 <Ch_Buryatov> - Don't tell me he is an AI.
12:05 <Jelena> - Huhuhuh, I bet you it is now. Shall I walk in, or are you seeing something wrong with this place?
12:05 <Ch_Buryatov> - It's hard to tell, but looks like there is no active chatting ambushers. Maybe they're in a silence mode...
12:05 <Kit_Remoni> * meanwhile cameras are easily hacked, you say. I want to scan footage for the last 7x24h and see if anyone goes in or out
12:06 <Dagda> - An AI? Could be just a paranoid J, for all we know.
12:06 <@Fats> Jelena, it's pretty obvious from your knowledge of CCTV that the cams are positioned to cover the lower floor of the building, with but a couple to see what's on the top floor; one must be covering the stairs into the basement. You can guess there are cams down there inside, and by the fact they don't show up on the radiofrequency scan can conclude they're connected by wire.
12:07 <@Fats> * the journey took you an hour and a half; the hacking of the cams takes up another half an hour
12:08 <Ch_Buryatov> ((so we have around hour to meeting?))
12:10 <Ch_Buryatov> - So, are there any ideas?
12:10 <@Fats> The dwarf hacks into the newly found set of cameras with ease, despite them having much better firewalls than the municipal trash. The cams came online all at once 27.10.2073 9:00 at a predefined wireless signal. Do you want to spend an hour looking through their records since then?
12:10 <Jelena> - Seems they are very concerned with their home ground. I'm a bit more concerned that the teenagers aren't nearby at all.
12:10 <@Fats> * about two, by my estimation, Ch_Buryatov.
12:11 <Ch_Buryatov> ((we're met at ~1500, no?
12:11 <Ch_Buryatov> *))
12:12 <Dagda> ((Fats: Can I look around in astral shit for weird shit?))
12:12 <Kit_Remoni> * So basically cams are their own, and other ones do not overlook the place?
12:12 <Ch_Buryatov> ((just don't shit in my car))
12:13 <@Fats> * you met up at three, spent two hours to arrive and hack the cams. The meeting is scheduled at 8. So yeah, about two, if the dwarf spends an hour looking through the records?
12:14 <@Fats> * Dagda, sure, you can declare using any of your character's abilities at will
12:14 — Ch_Buryatov prepares and checks his Morrissey Elan.
12:15 <Ch_Buryatov> - Let's hope we'll be in no need of that...
12:15 <Kit_Remoni> * dwarf thinks whether it will be better to just try and crack the main node like a big boy..
12:16 — Dagda slipts into the astral world and assess the location
12:16 <Dagda> 11#sd
12:16 <ur_dnd_bot> Dagda: (pool 11) 3 hits
12:16 <Kit_Remoni> * What's the firewall rating at a glance?
12:16 <Ch_Buryatov> - Remember kids, we're here to meet Johnson, not to kill him or grab his stuff.
12:17 <Ch_Buryatov> - At least, while he behaves himself.
12:17 <@Fats> * 6
12:17 <Kit_Remoni> - Wasn't it your country's doctrine that most peaceful nation is the nation with the biggest guns?
12:17 <Jelena> - Yes. If there is nothing especially fishy, I will just walk in. Maybe even knock! Huhuhuh...
12:19 <@Fats> Dagda, as you slip out of your body, you see the area is as you would've expected from the barrens. The local murky astral has a steady afterglow of despair and tiredness to it; the auras of the residents glow dimly in the commieblocks along the street. Some are just tired, others excited, perhaps watching something on trideo. Many are also very obviously drunk. On the third floor of the commieblock just across from your target a couple is quarrel
12:19 <@Fats> ing, judging by the bright red of their pointy auras.
12:20 <Dagda> -Bloody hate slums.
12:20 <Kit_Remoni> * OK. drop scanner. compile crackmonkey level 7
12:20 <Dagda> ((Any obvious magica security on J building?))
12:21 <Kit_Remoni> 12#sd
12:21 <ur_dnd_bot> Kit_Remoni: (pool 12) 3 hits
12:21 <Kit_Remoni> 7#sd
12:21 <ur_dnd_bot> Kit_Remoni: (pool 7) 2 hits
12:21 <@Fats> Nothing that you'd be able to spot, Dagda.
12:22 <Kit_Remoni> 12#sd vs 4 fading
12:22 <ur_dnd_bot> Kit_Remoni: (pool 12) 4 hits
12:22 <Ch_Buryatov> - Hm, we can, probably ask heighbourhood people around.
12:23 — Kit_Remoni uses red marker to draw monkey face on a LookingGlass of resonance and points an arrow to the main node.
12:23 <@Fats> The enchanted senses of Che's Optic-X pick up the scarlet flashes of a helicopter flying up high in the rain clouds. It passes from North-East and heads for the Evo Islands.
12:23 — Ch_Buryatov checks drone feed for some hobos, street urchins and small time gangers.
12:23 <Dagda> ((And extended detect life focusing on that crib, force 5, 250 diameter.))
12:24 <Dagda> 11#sd
12:24 <ur_dnd_bot> Dagda: (pool 11) 3 hits
12:24 <Dagda> 10#sd 5 drain
12:24 <ur_dnd_bot> Dagda: (pool 10) 2 hits
12:25 <@Fats> Ch_Buryatov, your search reveals all of these aplenty, as well as the local residents going about their daily business. None of them pay any special attention to your target building.
12:25 <@Fats> * is Detect Life a mana spell? Can you cast it still on Astral?
12:26 <Ch_Buryatov> - Hey, Jelena, do you want to make impressions on the local crowd?
12:26 <Dagda> *Yeah
12:26 <Jelena> - That sounds good. I'll ask someone nearby. I wonder if Dagda can find someone nice for me?
12:26 <@Fats> * Kit_Remoni, are you expecting your crack sprite to hack the node on the fly?
12:26 <Jelena> * Fast typer or good at guessing? You be the judge!
12:27 — Ch_Buryatov checks time.
12:27 <Kit_Remoni> * I need admin account in the node, hack on the fly by the monkey with pool 14 and stealth 7.
12:27 <@Fats> Dagda, you extend your senses, and check out your target. For all you can tell, nothing but small vermin and wood-eating insects resides there.
12:28 — Dagda slips out back into physical Bah, there's noone inside. What is this?
12:28 <Jelena> - Didn't you hear? It's a super spooky AI out to kill metahumanity! huhuhuh....
12:29 <Ch_Buryatov> - Can you find someone nice and talkative for Jelena to interrogate?
12:29 <Jelena> - Talk to, ask about this place, not really interrogate.
12:30 <Ch_Buryatov> - Just kidding.
12:30 <Dagda> - Few drunks that way
12:31 <Jelena> - That'll do, I guess. Point me to a lonely one, groups are always more suspicious.
12:31 — Ch_Buryatov check them and area around them with a drone.
12:31 <Ch_Buryatov> *s
12:31 <@Fats> Kit, the monkey you compiled slips into the node, and in but two dozen seconds a glowing outline of a hatch appears on its side. The monkey sticks out, waving to you - however, you can see alarm lights flashing inside as it reaches out to give you access.
12:32 <Kit_Remoni> * lonely bum and a nice-ass elf lady. good thing I'm busy in the matrix.
12:33 <Dagda> -A bit further out's one. Shit aura, but you can get him to talk
12:33 <@Fats> It takes but a second's effort for Dagda to single out a not-too-drunk local resident with his windows just across the target house on the first floor.
12:33 <Ch_Buryatov> ((how much time do we have?))
12:34 — Jelena wanders over to the singled out casual drinker that overlooks the target house, and knocks lightly, beginning to quietly whistle to herself outside.
12:35 <@Fats> * about two hours by now I believe.
12:35 <@Fats> The guy's speech is muffled for being drunk, but still yet comprehensible: "Yeah? Who's there?"
12:36 — Ch_Buryatov looks over her with a drone, ready to exfiltrate with a car.
12:37 <Jelena> - "Hello there, I just had a silly question to ask. I'm not from this area and I'm meeting a friend..." She waits for the door to open, gently whistling.
12:37 <Kit_Remoni> = Be careful, Rickie, behind you! - dwarf whispers, waving pack of carefully-drawn bananas, and already feeling that maybe hacking everything you see was not so good an idea.
12:37 <Kit_Remoni> * relogin, check node status from outside.
12:38 <@Fats> The door doesn't move, and the reply sounds grouchy: "Sure. What does that have to do with me?"
12:39 <@Fats> * Kit_Remoni, the node is on passive alert, by the looks of it.
12:39 <@Fats> * also, you got one service from the sprite, right?
12:39 <Kit_Remoni> * yep, this was the one.
12:40 <Kit_Remoni> * each net hit and so on, 4vs3 = 1 net hit.
12:40 <Jelena> - Weeelllll, you live nearby, and all those cameras were scaring me. I didn't want to enter a house, and I'll be honest, my friend isn't really that smart. It isn't some kind of gang den or BTL studio is it? It's scary looking...
12:42 <Jelena> * can roll if you want
12:42 <@Fats> The monkey takes the bananas from the dwarf's hand before disappearing into the background noise of the Matrix.
12:43 <@Fats> - Ten nuyen for info, - the man answers, now with a hint of interest in his voice. Through the door and out into the stairway an AR with his account number floats.
12:44 <Ch_Buryatov> (why not roubles?)
12:44 <@Fats> * nuyen are the currency of choice worldwide for being hard to track
12:45 <Ch_Buryatov> (oooh, he is some type of a shady person, who do shady deals with an untrackable monies!)
12:45 <Jelena> - "Six nuyen, and you get the satisfaction of helping a young lady. Everybody wins!" She waits to transfer the nuyen. "So there is something about that place. Might have to reschedule, oh my..."
12:46 <@Fats> * he's just a life-hardened barrens denizen
12:46 <@Fats> - Okay, six nuyen forward, then.
12:46 <Kit_Remoni> 11#sd thread stealth to try it out
12:46 <ur_dnd_bot> Kit_Remoni: (pool 11) 4 hits
12:46 <Ch_Buryatov> (isn't it easier to buy things with roubles in Russia?)
12:47 <Ch_Buryatov> (your usual day to day things)
12:47 — Jelena transfers the 6 nuyen, watching her slim account balance fall a tiny bit.
12:47 <Kit_Remoni> * this is cyberpunk, you use nyen paypal requests to donate to amputees and shit
12:48 <Ch_Buryatov> (also, yes, I'm just curious)
12:48 <@Fats> * You think in modern-day Russian terms, but just some 15 years ago it was easier to buy stuff with dollars in Russia, duh. In the barrens, nuyen are accepted just as readily as roubles, and you can always convert.
12:49 <Ch_Buryatov> (and maybe 25 years, not 15?)
12:49 — Kit_Remoni changes his icon to elephant head mask and a t-shirt with a writing 'definitely not a monkey', then uses the hatch
12:50 <Kit_Remoni> * 20-17 would be my best guess, with 17 being the main point when rouble did a first major nosedive
12:51 <Kit_Remoni> * stealth 9
12:51 <@Fats> The man groans approvingly, but still doesn't open the door a bit (you suspect it must be armoured from the inside). Finally, he answers: "That house is some poor jerk's dacha. His elders must've been big in the beginning of the century to build it, but they must've fallen out of favour not to keep it in better condition, or move from here now that Tavrichanka is nothing but slums. He still shows up for summer weekends from time to time, but the h
12:51 <@Fats> ouse is never used otherwise".
12:52 <Kit_Remoni> * and it is oktober now, to remind
12:53 <@Fats> "But apparently at least he got the sense to install surveillance at last" - the man hums, - "Did it about a week ago, and fast, too, the cams appeared overnight with no one the wiser"
12:54 <Jelena> - "Okay, thanks for the info. Maybe my friend didn't know about all the cameras, huhuhuh~" Jelena returns to the car and informs everyone about what she's learned.
12:55 <Ch_Buryatov> - Well, looks legit.
12:55 <@Fats> Kit enters the node, and it's patently obvious it's on alert: the floating glass shapes of the standard sculpting are lit with flashing alert lights. Across each one runs a brightly glowing sign: "I appreciate your professionalism and business sense, runner, but leave now if you want this deal to work".
12:56 <Jelena> - We might be dealing with a paranoid rich boy, or a kidnapping. Are we ready to head in? Find anything new?
12:56 — Kit_Remoni shrugs and gives one look-over to the node before logging out * Knowledge: Corporate OS - who did this thing?
12:56 <@Fats> Kit can detect at least two patrolling IC, tangled pulsating messes of transparent tubes.
12:57 <Kit_Remoni> 9#sd
12:57 <ur_dnd_bot> Kit_Remoni: (pool 9) 3 hits
12:57 <Ch_Buryatov> - It's not like there are things to stop us from heading out, if we won't like things inside, right?
12:57 <@Fats> The sculpting of the node is Evo standard; the IC are custom, designed to fit with the theme, which implies at least some technical expertise.
12:58 — Kit_Remoni logs out to the real world
12:59 <Ch_Buryatov> - Any news, Kit?
12:59 <Kit_Remoni> - Depends. Does this car have armored front or will we have to break the wall more traditional way?
13:00 <Ch_Buryatov> - Well, it's armored, but I'd prefer more traditional ways. Like doors.
13:00 <Kit_Remoni> - Not much news at the moment, cameras are obviously new, and added here like 3 days ago by our guy, which implies they won't show anything he does not want to be seen - in fact I'm sure all the stuff here was added like 3 days ago as well
13:01 <Ch_Buryatov> - Yeah, that checks with HumInt.
13:01 <Kit_Remoni> - Main node is reasonably well defended, it'll take more time than we have right now to break it. Does not seem to be mil-spec or foreign, just a competent local
13:02 <Kit_Remoni> - I also like doors, walking in and out, preferrably with half pay beforehand, but it's never hurts to know how to hastily jackout
13:03 <Ch_Buryatov> - Oh those ye olde times, when you can come to a meeting without military grade ordnance and close air support...
13:05 <Ch_Buryatov> - Okay, are we out of precautions, or anyone got new ideas?
13:05 <Kit_Remoni> - Yeah. When people had rules and codes, and who am I kidding I just like overpreparing *goes for a emergency can of beer, which turns out to be can of kvas
13:06 <Dagda> - Have you exhausted your precautions yet? I'm going to take a nap. Wake me up when anything happens.
13:06 <Kit_Remoni> * somewhat ready to skip and do the deal
13:07 <Jelena> - Definitely watching his back then. No obvious traps. I say we just go in as we are. Michalych's friend vouched them.
13:07 <Jelena> * same
13:07 <@Fats> * Do you wait until 8 pm or so before heading done? Or do you go right away? All of you?
13:07 <@Fats> *before heading there
13:08 <Ch_Buryatov> (10 minutes before)
13:08 <Dagda> * Wait and go on schedule, yeah
13:08 <Kit_Remoni> * I think we can safely wait with flydrone observing the surroundings before the time (or 10min-to-time)
13:08 <Ch_Buryatov> (so we're here like 5 minutes before)
13:09 <Ch_Buryatov> (I leave drone stealthy patrolling overhead)
13:10 <Ch_Buryatov> (and send flyeye before us in a few meters)
13:10 <Ch_Buryatov> (*Fly-Spy)
13:11 <@Fats> The runners pile out of the van, walk across the street to the gate in the fence around the house and find it unlocked, just like the entrance door of the house itself. The house strongly smells of mice and spoiled food as you enter; but the stairway to the basement is right next to the entrance.
13:12 <Jelena> * since I'm still rusty, gonna roll Etiquette~
13:12 <Ch_Buryatov> - Dun-dun-duuun...
13:12 <Jelena> 8#sd
13:12 <ur_dnd_bot> Jelena: (pool 8) 3 hits
13:12 <Kit_Remoni> * oh, so we DO have a face
13:13 <Dagda> *We have a mug
13:13 <Kit_Remoni> * thank the holy dragon-president
13:13 — Jelena makes an attempt to be respectful, especially since this person is serious about their surveliance all of a sudden.
13:13 <Jelena> * What Dagda said :P
13:13 <@Fats> A maglocked door sits at the end of the stairway, but the indicating diode glows green, so it opens to the touch, revealing a bare concrete room with a leather sofa sitting at its middle. The leather is worn and torn in a few sides. Across the sofa, on the wall, a large screen is seen hanging, a camera and a sensor package are below it. Several more cameras line the walls near the ceiling, wires run to them from behind the screen.
13:14 <@Fats> * Jelena, you don't have anyone to blast with your etiquette just yet
13:14 <Dagda> - Cool. Might as well get comfortable, I guess, as it will be a very one-sided meeting, I imagine
13:14 — Ch_Buryatov casually places empty can between door and frame, as he passes.
13:14 — Dagda drops onto the sofa and waits for further developments
13:15 — Ch_Buryatov checks time.
13:16 — Jelena stands around, casually glancing at the large screen, waiting for it to burst into life.
13:16 <@Fats> As Dagda touches the sofa, the screen lights up. The door indeed is pulled closed, but the can left by Che creaks, but holds it open. Che's commlink shows 20:00.
13:16 <Ch_Buryatov> ((or fire))
13:16 <Kit_Remoni> - I believe I rather stand
13:16 <Kit_Remoni> *I'd
13:17 — Ch_Buryatov stands behind sofa.
13:17 <@Fats> A figure appears on the screen: a man in a Renraku brand suit, bare black ball instead of his face. When he speaks up, his voice is deep, booming, and obviously synthesized: "Welcome, runners, and let's begin these negotiations".
13:18 <Ch_Buryatov> - Good evening.
13:18 <@Fats> The background for the man is a plain sheet of white.
13:19 <Jelena> - Hello Sir.
13:20 <Kit_Remoni> - You have a nice dacha, it's a shame you didn't come here in person.
13:20 <Dagda> - Good day. And how may we call you...?
13:20 <@Fats> The Johnson booms on: "You can call me Johnson, runners. Good job on your precautions, I appreciate professionals looking out for any eventuality. Now, let's cut straight to the case: we have a pesky old lady that crossed our Syndicate's road, and we want her gone. In the most brutal way possible".
13:21 <@Fats> * anyone with underworld knowledge?
13:21 <Ch_Buryatov> - Is it some kind of a test?
13:21 <Ch_Buryatov> (I have some)
13:21 <@Fats> * roll it, then.
13:21 <Ch_Buryatov> (vladivostok or global?)
13:22 <@Fats> * hm. whichever one is higher.
13:22 <Ch_Buryatov> 10#sd
13:22 <ur_dnd_bot> Ch_Buryatov: (pool 10) 5 hits
13:22 <Kit_Remoni> * Does russian IT undergrount count?
13:24 <@Fats> "You all surely know her, that'll be Liza Obolenskaya" - the man continues, ignoring Che's question. You indeed know her, the retired Roscosmos CEO is a renown philanthropist, her latest project being an orphanage for the victims of the ongoing Syndicate war, - "We're willing to pay 40 grand to each of you for her head".
13:24 <@Fats> * Kit_Remoni, nope.
13:24 <@Fats> Che knows that the usual people to wear Japanese-brand suits are the Yakuza.
13:25 <@Fats> *in the underworld, that is.
13:25 <Ch_Buryatov> (/me is smart!)
13:25 — Ch_Buryatov sighs.
13:26 — Dagda shakes his head
13:26 <Ch_Buryatov> - That's interesting offer, but I think you got the wrong team.
13:26 — Kit_Remoni has enough experience to not immediately facepalm. /me also has living persona to send facepalm pics to the team
13:26 — Dagda casually gets up, strolls to the door and puts an additional foot into it, leaning against the wall
13:26 <Ch_Buryatov> - If there is nothing more to discuss we'd better go.
13:27 <@Fats> -Is this your final answer? Does everyone in this team share this sentiment? Can we not use any of you?
13:27 <Kit_Remoni> - Yep. I remember some beer bottles asking me to come over and drink them
13:27 — Ch_Buryatov shrugs and looks around.
13:27 <Jelena> - We don't kill old ladies, unless they feel the need to kill us first. Unless you are capable of changing your opinion on the end result for this woman, I'm afraid we cannot help you.
13:28 — Dagda nods
13:29 <Kit_Remoni> * inb4 she's bug queen in disguise
13:29 <@Fats> The man hesitates for a second, then his avatar changes: gone is the suit and the black ball for the head, replaced instead for an urban combat attire, a respirator on his lower face and combat goggles on his upper face. A simrig glisters dimly on his temple.
13:30 <Jelena> - We will forget the name you gave us, and our meeting here today if it pleases you. We apologise for wasting your time. Is there anything else we can help you with?
13:30 <Jelena> * can I etti or negotiate him/it? :O
13:31 <@Fats> - Good guess, runners, yes, it was a test. I don't need old ladies slaughtered, I need this gang war stopped. And to stop it, I'm planning to put pressure on the heads of the Syndicate local chapters. And we'll start with Oksana Kovalenko, kidnapping her son (which she denies having) from the Suvorov military academy.
13:32 <Dagda> - Fail to see how that'd stop a turf war
13:32 <@Fats> He paces excitedly back and forth: "But don't worry, we won't hurt the guy. Then we'll steal something from the Yakuza and the Ring, most likely their leaders' children, too. And then force them to sign a peace treaty".
13:33 <Ch_Buryatov> - And then they'll think their opponent stole their childs and start full scale warfare.
13:34 <Ch_Buryatov> - Or, they'll join their forces to kill us before starting full scale warfare.
13:34 <@Fats> He giggles with a high-note giggle of a madman: "No, no, they'll know me when I send them simrecords of me with their lil'ones, if the records of their lieutenants dismembered don't help".
13:35 <Ch_Buryatov> - Sorry, but that's not the best plans.
13:35 <Kit_Remoni> = *on teamspeak channel* - I feel like dismemberment of the children will soon follow
13:36 <Jelena> - Would the actual kidnapping help matters, or would the simple message of 'We can, if we wanted, steal your prized possessions. Cease your hostilities' help instead? It causes no hard feelings, but still sends a clear message of possibility if they fail to change their ways.
13:37 <@Fats> - They're already in a full-scale war, my man! - he notes with a bit of hysteria in his voice, - I just want it to stop! They don't understand words, of course, they don't understand violence against their people, what else can they possibly understand? Messages? Don't make me laugh!
13:37 <Ch_Buryatov> - Also, even if kidnappings help and war stop, they'll still spare no resources to kill us.
13:38 <Ch_Buryatov> - So, will you initiate next level of your test, or shall we leave?
13:39 <@Fats> - And you'd prefer them still kill dozens, weekly? Look, - he almost whines, - I have money. I have loads and loads and loads of money. It can all be yours if you help me. You can go to other side of the globe. You can go to space, or to Mars for all I care.
13:39 <Dagda> - It's a wrong approach, pal. Good cause, sure, but doing it this way will only make it worse.
13:40 <Kit_Remoni> * does anyone has drugs knowledges? I feel he's sky high
13:40 <Dagda> * I do. Might, I, Fats?
13:40 <@Fats> Now the guy sounds offended; even furious: "As if you have anything better to suggest! Come on, I dare you, I double-dare you!"
13:40 <@Fats> * sure, go ahead
13:40 <Dagda> 7#SD DRUG LORE
13:41 <Dagda> 7#sd DRUG LORE
13:41 <ur_dnd_bot> Dagda: (pool 7) 4 hits
13:41 <@Fats> He looks more hysterical than anything, Dagda, you doubt he's riding on drugs.
13:43 <Dagda> - Let's begin with not involving innocent kids, how about that
13:44 <Jelena> - If I may ask, why did the war start? Typical territory dispute? Nuyen? If there was a catalyst that stood out, perhaps we could take said catalyst or use it to end this war.
13:45 <Ch_Buryatov> (take catalyst for ourselves, organize our own gang and join the war!)
13:46 <Kit_Remoni> - Or just make said catalyst not obtainable ever
13:46 <Ch_Buryatov> (nuke the territory!)
13:47 <Kit_Remoni> - They obviously expect to gain something to offset all those dead bodies of theirs.
13:47 <@Fats> - It started with a fight over some oil rig data haven, but that was just a trigger, it has long been forgotten. What they're actually fighting for now are the smuggling routes: Russian sluts and BTLs, Yakutian telesma and awakened drugs go out; Asian drugs and refugees go in.
13:48 <Kit_Remoni> - Is there any one person who can get on top and say 'stop the fighting, it hurts our interests'?
13:48 <@Fats> -Have you been living under a rock? Didn't you know any of the runners and innocents it took? - the guy again almost shouts the last bit.
13:51 <Dagda> - And it took someone from you, didnt it?
13:51 <@Fats> - Hahaha, - the guy laughs his unpleasant whiny laugh before answering Kit's question, - Kamendin, perhaps.
13:52 <@Fats> - That's none of your business! None! - he replies to Dagda
13:52 <Ch_Buryatov> - Look, why you not just use your resources to tip the scales in favor of one of the sides and let them win this struggle?
13:52 <Kit_Remoni> * now I see another niche for a face character - rogue psychologist!
13:52 — Jelena makes an effort to visibly tap Dagda in the shoulder, as if the say 'Hey cut that out, its obvious'
13:52 — Dagda shrugs and goes back to being silent
13:52 <Jelena> * Und how dus zis make you feel, bug spirit?
13:53 <Kit_Remoni> * Let's return to your childhood. What was the most uncomfortable truth you had to live with as a kid bug-spirit?
13:53 <@Fats> -Because that'll mean they'll slaughter the innocents by hundreds clearing house! Those are the scum of the earth, even without collaterals they'll go for each other's families and contacts!
13:54 — Ch_Buryatov sighs again.
13:54 <Dagda> *Tell me, have you ever dreamed to be a diffrent kind, maybe a mantis spirit, or were you content with your place in the world as a fly spirit?
13:55 <Jelena> - Please understand, we want to help in this matter. Blood has a nasty habit of tainting everything and everyone. We are unsure how we can help without killing half of the towns equivilant in gangers.
13:56 <Ch_Buryatov> - And you don't want to gather some evidence and call police, do you?
13:57 <@Fats> - Pffffft, - you're sure the man's respirator filled with spit from the inside, - The police! They were all bought dozens of years ago! Try the UGB - those we bought but a couple of years since, - He adds bitterly.
13:57 <Kit_Remoni> - We could try to oust current leaders of the gangs as incompetent to their bosses. Or find some secrets to blackmail them with...
13:58 <@Fats> - We can't killing half a town of gangers, I tried, I tried, I tried, it doesn't work! They pay no heed!
13:58 <Jelena> - Or create some secrets...
13:58 <@Fats> *-ing
13:58 — Ch_Buryatov checks his memory for recent ganger deaths.
13:59 <Jelena> - Criminals have a tough time when it comes to trust. If people high in the organizations think their lieutenants are corrupt or in cahoots with the other side, they may clean up their own shop for months, years, before venturing onto the warzone again.
14:00 <Ch_Buryatov> - Okay, that was nice to meet you, but looks like we still can't help you.
14:00 <@Fats> Che easily remembers gang deaths of any stripe and colour: news is filled with them daily thanks to the ongoing war. There was a Matrix hit of guro simrecords uploaded with someone slaughtering syndicate lieutenants with extreme prejudice. The guy got nicknamed Faceless Avenger, and even had a small cult following on the local net.
14:01 <Kit_Remoni> * Che still thinks Vladivostok is a nice city to stay in?
14:02 <Jelena> * Until those damn immigrants! Comin' over here, takin' our abandoned housing :P
14:03 <@Fats> - Think of all the money I can give you, man! What do you mean "can't help", runners shoot people in the face for money! You could buy yourself a house! In Manhattan!
14:04 <Ch_Buryatov> - Oh kid, if we start shooting peoples in the faces, someone like you will start posting bounties for our heads, and thats not a safe working environment.
14:05 <Ch_Buryatov> = Are we done here?
Kit_Remoni> = Are we posting this thing on the matrix for lulz?
14:06 <@Fats> - Running is never a safe working environment, unless you earn enough to retire, and here's your chance!
14:06 <Ch_Buryatov> = That's probably not a wise thing to do, if you don't want some unwanted attention from local gangs.
14:07 <Ch_Buryatov> - Why don't you just hire some upstart gang to do your dirty work?
14:08 <Kit_Remoni> - I guess we're his version of 'upstart gang'
14:09 <Ch_Buryatov> - The problem with that method is, that he'll need many upstart gangs.
14:09 <Ch_Buryatov> - And I don't like idea of being throwaway tool.
14:09 <@Fats> - Because upstart gangs are incompetent, idiot! - the man squeals, - I want to do it clean, and the best they can do is break someone's kneecaps with a bat!
14:10 <@Fats> - Goddamit fuck, a runner doesn't want to be a throwaway tool, man, are you sure you're in the right business?!
14:11 <Jelena> - And will eventually drag others into the gunfire, if only by proximity. Mr Johnson, will our solutions thus far not help, in even the slightest? We are not keen on killing and adding to the death toll.
14:11 <Ch_Buryatov> - See, now you starting to understand that we are not good enough for you!
14:11 <Kit_Remoni> = It would be curious to talk to this Obolenskaya lady about the issue. She may be interested in the same, she has money, and she is hopefully little more sane
14:12 <Ch_Buryatov> - So before we accumulate enough hard feelings and lose enough time, maybe it's better to cut loses and part our ways?
14:13 <Ch_Buryatov> = Or are some of you ready to work for him?
14:13 <@Fats> - Others are already in the fire, daily and hourly! The only other solutions are waiting this thing out, while innocents are slaughtered by hundreds, or killing the Syndicate goons, but that's impossible there's just too many of them!
14:14 <Kit_Remoni> = I mean I do feel inclined to help this situation, just this guy does not seem like a good employment opportunity.
14:14 <Dagda> = Screw that crazy asshole
14:15 <Ch_Buryatov> = Yeah, I think we can look into it, but not with him.
14:15 <Ch_Buryatov> = Len?
14:15 <Jelena> = I'm inclined to agree. If he can't offer anything other than a hit contract, we should walk.
14:16 <@Fats> * he's actually offering literal kidnapping contracts :3
14:16 <Ch_Buryatov> (but with guro)
14:17 <Ch_Buryatov> - Sorry mr.Johnson, but we're not cut for this work, sorry again for your time.
14:17 <@Fats> * guro is what he does on the side, what he offered you is as clean as it gets in a gang war
14:19 <Kit_Remoni> * we may be somewhat hard to convince based on his manner of speaking. As in 'frothing with rage'. Even if kidnapping is the only way, I'm not going to leave kids in one room with him
14:19 <Ch_Buryatov> (well, he is a little unstable, and planning is not his strong side, so all this can end badly)
14:19 <@Fats> - Fuck you!! - the man screams as he slams his fist on the cam, making the picture on your screen disappear, - FUCK YOU!!! - he wails again and again and again as the screen and the other electronics in the room deep-fry from the inside at his command.
14:19 <Dagda> - Well, I totally do not regret coming here
14:19 <Kit_Remoni> - Guys, I for one would like to leave in a hurry. I can only guess how long it takes for him to point a missile on this house just for kiks
14:20 <Jelena> - We're sorry for having pacifist tendancies.
14:20 — Ch_Buryatov nods and goes outside.
14:20 — Jelena agrees, and quickly gets outside and to the waiting car.
14:20 — Dagda follows the crew
14:20 <Kit_Remoni> * walks out in a rather hurried manner.
14:21 <@Fats> In moments, all falls silent. The basement stinks of burned optic chips and epoxy.
14:21 — Ch_Buryatov drives for some blocks before picking up Optic-X.
14:21 <@Fats> As you rush away, you notice the cams the man mounted (or had mounted) around the house are all spewing black trails of smoke as well.
14:22 — Ch_Buryatov check for unsmoking cameras.
14:22 <Ch_Buryatov> *not smoking?
14:22 <Kit_Remoni> *still working
14:22 <@Fats> The only surviving cameras in the vicinity are the municipal ones.
14:23 <@Fats> * I suggest we wrap up here for today.
14:23 <@Fats> ==== SESSION 1 END ====